Teachers, doctors, public servants: Chinese youth fuel rural revival Xinhua) 15:54, May 03, 2025 GUIYANG, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Yang Shengzhu, 27, of the Dong ethnic group, has already woven a deep bond with her students and colleagues as a middle school teacher in Gaoniang Township in southwest China's Guizhou Province despite having been there for less than a year. "I grew up in the rural areas of Guizhou's Tianzhu County and briefly worked in a city after graduation, but I always wanted to return to the countryside to help mountain children," Yang said. After graduating from Guizhou Education University in 2022, she initially secured a teaching position at a well-equipped high school in east China's Fujian Province, where facilities and living conditions were favorable. Yet, her heart remained tied to her hometown in western China. In June 2024, she passed the special-post teacher recruitment program -- a national initiative to address the shortage of teachers in rural areas -- and returned to Tianzhu to continue her teaching journey. Responsible for four classes and occasional psychological counseling, Yang noticed that some students were struggling with shyness and social interactions. One girl, in particular, faced isolation due to personal hygiene issues, which had led to minor conflicts with her classmates. Yang, an avid runner, began inviting the student to join her for after-class exercise sessions. Over time, this not only helped the girl build stronger relationships with her peers but also led to an improvement in her academic performance. "My own teachers once greatly supported me, so I wanted to do the same for children like me in the mountains," Yang explained. She also sees rural work as valuable personal growth, a sentiment shared by many young colleagues. Nearly a third of the teachers at her school, which has over 30 staff members, are under the age of 30. Yang is among many graduates choosing careers in rural areas. Zhang Wenhao, 26, a village doctor in Guizhou, graduated from Zunyi Medical and Pharmaceutical College in 2021 with a degree in clinical medicine. After passing local medical exams and additional training, he began serving in a village under the city of Kaili. Beyond daily consultations, he manages chronic disease cases, handles infectious disease reports, and conducts health check-ups for the elderly. "Rural areas need doctors like me, especially in villages where many young people have left. We're the frontline of primary healthcare," Zhang said. Compared to China's more developed central and eastern regions, the western region lags behind in terms of economic development, talent retention, education, and healthcare. However, with government support, an increasing number of young people are choosing to settle there. Born in 1997, An Yuling became one of the few college graduates in her village. After earning her degree from Guizhou Minzu University in 2020, she began working as a public servant in a village under Guizhou's Yanhe Tujia Autonomous County, where she focuses on promoting agricultural development. During the recent spring plowing season, she organized drone-based pesticide spraying in collaboration with local experts. In late 2024, she was honored with a national grassroots service excellence award for graduates. "The western region may be less developed, but it offers vast opportunities for young people," An said, noting that working with villagers taught her invaluable practical knowledge beyond textbooks. To encourage young people to contribute their skills and talents to grassroots development in the western region, China has adopted various supportive measures and pledged continued assistance. Since 2003, the "western development program" has attracted over 500,000 volunteers committed to advancing rural education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chaolan) Pic story of courier in Nagqu, China's Xizang Xinhua) 10:31, May 05, 2025 Laba poses for a photo on a street in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016. Laba braves daily challenges inflicted by thin oxygen along with long and freezing winters in Nagqu, a city with an average altitude exceeding 4,500 meters. It takes both high skills and great perseverance for one to ride electric tricycles on slippery roads amid blizzards or rainstorms year-round. That said, Laba remains dedicated to his role, winding through Nagqu's streets and alleys day after day to bridge the "last miles" between the delivery stations and his customers. "I must excel at my job to live up to the trust of every customer," Laba said. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Laba (L) and a colleague sort parcels at a delivery station in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) Laba (rear) checks parcel information at a delivery station in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Laba (C) and his colleagues pose for a group photo at a delivery station in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) Laba (4th L) packs a parcel at a delivery station in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Laba (R) registers a parcel for delivery from a customer at a delivery station in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) Laba sorts parcels at a delivery station in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Laba delivers parcels in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) Laba checks traffic condition through the rearview mirror before going out to deliver parcels in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Laba prepares to deliver parcels in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Laba is seen on his way to deliver parcels in Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 24, 2025. Laba, a 30-year-old courier has delivered more than 200,000 parcels without a single customer complaint due to personal negligence since he joined SF Express' Nagqu branch in 2016.(Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida) (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) An investigation is underway after a man as fatally shot midday Monday in south Birmingham. Police on Monday night identified the victim as Frank Jackson. He was 60 and lived in Birmingham. Police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched shortly before 12:15 p.m. to a report of a person shot in the 300 block of Sixth Avenue South. That location is the Sixth Avenue Meat & Grocery. Jackson was found inside his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds, according to police on the scene. He was rushed to UAB Hospital where he died just before 1 p.m. Investigators were canvasing the area and searching for possible video surveillance. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said the preliminary investigation indicates the gunman approached the victims car and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Witnesses said the victim didnt bother anybody, and believe robbery may have been the motive. Police have not disclosed a potential motive. Grieving family members gathered outside the crime scene tap, crying, hugging and searching for answers. No arrests have been made. Family said Jackson leaves behind a son, two grandchildren and many other heartbroken relatives. They are asking anyone with information about what happened to come forward. Jackson is Birminghams 28th homicide this year, and the first in more than two weeks. Another mans death remains unclassified and has not yet been ruled a homicide. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 43 homicides including the 28 in Birmingham. Tipsters should call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Mobile police are investigating a shooting that injured one person at a local restaurant. According to the Mobile Police Department, the shooting occurred at The River Shack on Sunday night. Officers responded at about 11:25 p.m. and discovered a man with non-life-threatening injuries. The victim and another man allegedly got into an argument as the restaurant was closing, according to the department. Police said a suspect shot the victim and then drove away before police arrived. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment and released Monday morning. The incident is still being investigated, police said. U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for potato chip products containing chicharron (pork cracklings) that were imported from the Republic of Colombia. Colombia is ineligible to export meat products to the United States. U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service A public health alert has been issued for potato chip products sold nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Services alert covers potato chips containing chicharron, or pork cracklings, that were imported from the Republic of Colombia. Colombia is ineligible to export meat to the U.S. and FSIS warned people who have the products should not eat them. Whats covered under the health alert? According to FSIS, the products are no longer for sale so a recall wasnt issued. They could still be in peoples homes, however. The mixed bags of potato chips containing chicharron were imported between August 2024 and March 2025. The alert covers: 270-g. plastic bag containing six 45-g. foil bags of De Todito NATURAL mixed chips with CHICHARRON AMERICANO JACKS, Margarita, and NATU CHIPS. 165-g. foil bags containing De Todito NATURAL mixed chips with CHICHARRON AMERICANO JACKS, Margarita, and NATU CHIPS. 270-g. plastic bag containing six 45-g. foil bags of De Todito BBQ mixed chips with CHICHARRON AMERICANO JACKS, Margarita, and NatuChips. 165-g. foil bags containing De Todito BBQ mixed chips with CHICHARRON AMERICANO JACKS, Margarita, and NatuChips. 165-g. foil bags containing De Todito LIMON mixed chips with CHICHARRON AMERICANO JACKS, Margarita, TOSTITOS, and NATU CHIPS. 270-g. plastic bag containing six 45-g. foil bags of De Todito LIMON mixed chips with CHICHARRON AMERICANO JACKS, Margarita, TOSTITOS, and NATU CHIPS. 140-g. foil bags containing GOLPE CON TODO SABOR LIMON mixed chips with RIZADAS, PLATANOS, and Chicharron Fred. The products were shipped to distributors in Florida and New York and retailers nationwide. There have been no confirmed reports of issues related to the products, but FSIS recommends anyone who has them throw them away. A Texas woman was killed Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a van along Interstate 65 in Butler County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Claudia E. Ramirez, 50, of Corpus Christi, Texas, was killed when the 2024 BMW Motorcycle she was operating struck a 2009 Ford Econoline van driven by Richard L. Pitchford, Jr., 34, of Foley, according to a statement from ALEA. The crash happened about 10:23 a.m. Sunday near the 111 mile marker of I-65, about three miles south of Georgiana. Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the statement. No other information about the crash is available as state troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. Alabamas federal workers are scattered around the state, reaching far beyond the concentrated clusters at sites like Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com) Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com A small county in Alabamas rural Wiregrass region is home to the states highest share of federal workers. Coffee County, in the southeastern part of the state, is home to the U.S. Army Aviation headquarters. Thats also true for Dale County, which shares a border with Coffee County. Meanwhile, Perry County, in the Black Belt, has the smallest share of federal workers. They made up 0.9% of the workforce at just 13 workers, as of September 2024. Since the start of President Donald Trumps second term, his administration has fired at least 58,000 federal workers, with more than 76,000 taking buyouts and more threats of cuts on the way, The New York Times reported. But theres been no official tally of the cuts, and no one can say how many have been fired in Alabama. In some Alabama communities with a major federal workforce and military presence, government contractors have been announcing layoffs. The Boeing Co. planned layoffs of 71 employees in Huntsville for April, in part because of changes to its contract with NASAs moon rocket program. Up to 10% of NASA employees are out of work because of buyouts and the firing of probationary workers, which could impact Huntsville, as well. Boeing is a major federal contractor in Huntsville. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com). Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com And government contractor Amentum announced layoffs for 60 employees in Anniston, where the U.S. Army Depot is located. Those layoffs were also slated for April. [Cant see the map? Click here.] Here are the counties that have the highest share of federal workers, according to census data analyzed by AL.com. 1. Coffee County, 15% The southeast Alabama county in the Wiregrass region has 2,425 federal workers. It includes some of the 63,000 acres of Fort Novosel, a U.S. Army post which is mostly contained across the Dale County line. The site serves as the U.S. Army Aviation headquarters. 2. Madison County, 12% Madison County is home to Huntsville, a military and federal contractor hub. (AL.com) Lede The north Alabama county, home to Huntsvilles massive military and contractor presence, has more than 17,800 federal workers. That includes Redstone Arsenal and NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center, which contributes to U.S. space exploration efforts and rocket engineering. The county is also the third fastest-growing in the state, and Huntsville is the 15th fastest-growing metro in the country. 3. Dale County, 10% The southeast Alabama county in the Wiregrass region is home to Ozark. The metro area has the highest share of federal workers in the state, the Washington Post reported and ranks No. 8 in the country. Dale County has more than 1,300 federal workers, not counting the military personnel on base at Fort Novosel. The region is an aviation hub, claiming 25% of the states aerospace industry. Fort Novosel includes the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, where military helicopter pilots from all over the country come to train. 4. Russell County, 9% The east Alabama county, home to Phenix City, has more than 1,500 federal workers. Russell County borders Georgia and includes part of the Columbus metro area, along the Chattahoochee River. Just across that border is Fort Benning, a U.S. Army fort that supports more than 120,000 active-duty military, military trainees, family members and civilian employees. 5. Limestone County, 8% The north Alabama county, which sits just west of Huntsville, has more than 3,100 federal workers. Its the fastest-growing county in the state, and many of its residents are commuters who work in Huntsville. Drivers from five states will be allowed to use an alternative to REAL ID for domestic travel after May 7, the TSA recently announced. Those eligible will be required to have an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL), which is a state-issued drivers license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, according to the TSA website. Drivers residing in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont, are allowed to opt out of the REAL ID Act and use an EDL, the TSA says. But in Alabama and all other states, only state-issued drivers licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the 2005 REAL ID Act will be allowed for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft, starting May 7, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Without their REAL ID, travelers will have to bring a passport or another form of federally eligible ID in order to board any flight in the U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma recently signed onto a letter led by Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, asking the Secretary of Homeland Security to give Alabama residents an additional six months to obtain updated identification. The letter states that there have been many issues as citizens and DMVs have both struggled as the deadline draws near. STAR which stands for Secure, Trusted, Reliable is part of the Real ID Act, which modifies federal laws dealing with security, authentication and issuance procedure standards for state driver licenses and identification cards. Alabama STAR IDs will look like traditional driver licenses except with a gold star in the upper left corners. Tara Corse, TSA federal security director for Alabama, previously said anyone who doesnt have their REAL ID might need to expect delays for additional screening and identity verification. Residents can apply for STAR IDs at ALEA Driver License examining offices. You can see a list of those here. Applicants must present four documents to verify identity/date of birth, Social Security number and address of principal residence. Among the accepted documents are a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization. Other documents will be needed to verify Social Security number and address. You can see a complete list of accepted documents here. More info on STAR ID can be found here. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey speaks at the Huntsville-Madison Chamber luncheon at the Von Braun Center on Monday, May 5, 2025. Scott Turner/AL.com A cell phone ban in public schools and the remaining package of public safety bills are Alabama Gov. Kay Iveys top priorities with three days left in the Legislative session. Ivey urged legislators to pass the FOCUS Act and the remaining public safety bills during her speech at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber luncheon at the Von Braun Center on Monday. The FOCUS Act would prohibit students from using a wireless communication device during the instructional day. It also would require schools to adopt an internet safety policy and educate students on safe social media use. According to a recent survey, 72% of high school teachers in the country reported that cell phones are distracting students, the governor said. Look, us adults, we are guilty of it, too. I see a few cell phones out there. But were talking about our students and their learning environment. Ivey cited learning from parents that teens spend an average of almost five hours a day on social media. Its having a negative impact on their wellbeing, the governor said. Dont get me wrong, our phones and social media are fantastic tools. So, we have to know the time, the place and how to use them. Schools are already taking action, and we are supporting that statewide through the FOCUS Act. She said the act would get cell phones out of the classroom during the instructional period. Ivey said the legislation would also require local school boards to adopt internet safety policies that provide students with social media training. The FOCUS Act should be a widely supported bipartisan measure. Ivey urged lawmakers to get the bill to a floor vote and get this to my desk so I can sign it. The bills would ban students from using cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices or any other portable communication device on campus during the school day. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, devices must be turned off and stored in a locker, backpack, car or similar storage location. Exceptions may be given to students with disabilities or certain health needs if permitted by an individualized education plan, health plan or 504 plan. Students may also use their devices for educational purposes, if given permission, or in case of a life-threatening emergency. See story: Alabama lawmakers move toward banning student cell phones in schools, classrooms - al.com Public safety legislation Ivey credited Huntsville State Senator Sam Givhan with helping steer public safety legislation through the Legislature as vice chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Bolstering public safety is my number one priority this session, Ivey said. We are advancing a package of bills this session aimed at reducing violent crime in our cities while providing law enforcement with the tools and support they need to more safely perform their duties. Ivey said she already signed a bill to get illegal Glock switches off the streets and another bill, The Officer Impersonation Act, which she said would stop bad actors in their tracks. Ivey said she signed Senate Bill 119 on Monday, a bill that expands who cannot possess a firearm after being charged with a crime. She said the bill will help get more bad guys off our streets to ensure safety in our communities. We have a few more working their way through the process, Ivey said. Im confident they will be headed my way pretty soon. The state commission that runs the U.S. Space and Rocket Center has an updated name to match the times. Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill Monday at the space center that renames the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission giving the 18-member body, the proper name it deserves, Ivey said. This is where our states legacy in space comes to life, and where our future continues to launch forward, the governor said. The legislation also clarifies that the governor is an ex officio, nonvoting member, in line with the practice of modern state commissions, legislators said at a February hearing. It further codifies that the center may enter public and private partnerships where feasible, which Ivey said would provide the center, more flexibility to innovate and expand. Kimberly Robinson, director of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, said the groundwork laid in the 1960s to establish the commission via statewide referendum and the exhibits that became the Space and Rocket Center has paid off time and again for north Alabama. Luminaries like Wernher von Braun, Bear Bryant and Gen. John Zierdt, envisioned a place that would preserve the artifacts from our countrys successes [in space], they envisioned a place that would celebrate the work of thousands of engineers and laborers that did the impossible, and they envisioned a place that would inspire a new generation to continue that work, she said. That vision became the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, in partnership with the state of Alabama through capital funding and operational support and advising. The center has welcomed over 17 million guests and graduated over 1 million Space Camp attendees, Robinson said. Ivey noted a lot of talk has been circulating about space. Last week, she met with President Donald Trump as he visited to give a speech to University of Alabama graduates. Space was certainly a part of our conversation, Ivey said Monday. Alabama is the rightful home of Space Command, and its because of places like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, where our unmatched legacy in the final frontier meets [a] bold vision for the future. Mark Rader has been advanced to the position of President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA). Hyundai Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) in Montgomery Monday announced two leadership changes. HMMA President and CEO Chris Susock, who assumed the post last year, has been assigned to the newly created position of chief manufacturing officer of Hyundai Motor North America. HMMA Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Rader has been elevated to the position of president and CEO in Montgomery. In his role, Rader will oversee all manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance at the Alabama assembly plant. Rader has been with HMMA since 2003, holding various roles overseeing quality control. He was appointed chief quality officer in 2021, and last year was promoted to senior vice president and COO. In his time leading our team through all his many positions at HMMA, Chris set a high bar for leadership, Rader said. Im humbled to be given the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. I look forward to working with our HMMA team to build on his achievements. Rader will report to Susock, who will have oversight of Hyundais two U. S. manufacturing operations - in Montgomery and the new Metaplant America in Bryan County, Ga. While I will miss my daily work leading HMMA, I am completely confident that Mark will lead the team to new successes, Susock said. I look forward to supporting him in my new role as CMO at HMNA. HMMA has more than 4,000 employees and more than 40,000 connected through its independent supply chain. Hyundai contributes about $5 billion to the states economy and is the largest employer in the central Alabama region. This picture of Trump dressed in white robes and wearing the papal tiara was posted to the presidents Truth Social and his other social media accounts on Friday. Truth Social/President Donald Trump President Donald Trump on Monday brushed aside criticism lodged against him after an AI image depicting him dressed as the pope was posted to his social media accounts, claiming the fake news media, not Catholics," were offended by the picture. Trump dismissed the premise of a reporters question that Catholics were not so happy about the image. Oh, you mean they cant take a joke? You dont mean the Catholics, you mean the fake news media. The Catholics loved it, the president said. Meanwhile, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York said the image wasnt good when asked if he was offended by it. MAJOR BREAKING: Catholic Cardinal Dolan slams Trumps post on social media showing him dressed as the pope: It wasnt good. Dolan also called it a brutta figura which in Italian roughly translates to making a fool of yourself. Hes right. pic.twitter.com/PpcSAxg7RK CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) May 4, 2025 The picture of Trump dressed in white robes and wearing the papal tiara was posted to the presidents Truth Social and his other social media accounts last week. This picture of Trump dressed in white robes and wearing the papal tiara was posted to the presidents Truth Social and his other social media accounts on Friday. Truth Social/President Donald Trump The post was made three days after Trump said he should be selected as the next leader of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis late last month. Trump indicated seconds later that he was joking. Trump claimed he was not involved in creating the image. I had nothing to do with it. Somebody made up a picture of me dressed up like the pope and they put it out on the internet, the president said Monday, adding that he first saw the picture Sunday night. Trump said his wife, First Lady Melania Trump -- a practicing Catholic -- was amused by the AI image. Actually, my wife thought it was cute. She said, isnt that nice, Trump said. Actually, I would not be able to be married though to the best of my knowledge popes arent being married, are they?" U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 7, 2025. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS) TNS During a wide-ranging interview on Meet the Press that aired Sunday, President Donald Trump said he didnt know if he has to perform a responsibility he swore to fulfill: defending the Constitution. The controversial remark came as Meet the Press host Kristen Welker grilled Trump on the case of Kimar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man deported to a brutal El Salvadorian prison following an administrative error. When Welker asked if Trump agreed with his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, that both United States citizens and non-citizens deserves due process, Trump responded: I dont know. Im not a lawyer. The president said there would need to be millions of trials to give undocumented immigrants due process and I was elected to get them the hell out of here, and the courts are holding me form doing it. Even with those numbers, Welker asked Trump, dont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? I dont know, Trump said. I have to respond by saying, again, that I have brilliant lawyers that work for me. And they are going to, obviously, follow what the Supreme Court said. What you said is not what I heard the Supreme Court said. They have a different interpretation. Welker: Do you agree that everyone who is here deserves due process? Citizens and noncitizens? Trump: I dont know. Im not a lawyer. Welker: The 5th amendment says as much.. Dont you need to uphold the constitution? Trump: I dont know pic.twitter.com/1y8POREX9S Acyn (@Acyn) May 4, 2025 Trump was referring to the unanimous Supreme Court decision ordering him to facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia to the United States. Trump claimed he is not defying the Supreme Court for saying he could bring back Abrego Garcia but wont. Im relying on the Attorney General of the United States, Pam Bondi ... because Im not involved in the legality or illegality, he said. I have lawyers to do that, and thats why I have a great DOJ [Department of Justice] ... and theyre not viewing the decision as you said it ... they think its a totally different decision. Trump said Bondi told him that the decision to bring Abrego Garcia back rests with El Salvador. The presidents hesitance to say he needs to uphold the Constitution was slammed on social media. Even if Donald Trumps openness to defying the Constitution and denying due process doesnt surprise you, his ignorance of his oath of office should shock all of us, said U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Author Stephen King, who routinely criticizes the president, also bashed the president over the Meet the Press interview. Did Donald Trump not solemnly swear to uphold and defend the Constitution not once but twice? What is this pusillanimous waffling about Im not a lawyer? King tweeted. English News America's fentanyl crisis is a national failure. Blaming China won't fix it Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 3 Mai 2025 China upholds a clear and principled position on its cooperation with the U.S. on drug control: It is committed to dialogue and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. The U.S. should respect the facts, confront its own problems, and make choices that truly serve the interests of its own people. It must stop using the fentanyl crisis as a pretext to pressure, threaten, or blackmail China. By Zhong Sheng, People's Daily When a U.S. mayor recently floated the outrageous idea of "giving free fentanyl" to homeless people, the public backlash was swift and fierce. The episode once again exposed the severity of America's fentanyl crisis. Yet rather than confronting its domestic failures, Washington has repeatedly turned to scapegoating - citing the fentanyl issue as a pretext to impose additional tariffs on imports from China. This pattern of deflection does nothing to resolve America's own problems and instead risks jeopardizing the foundation for China-U.S. cooperation on drug control. Even today, the U.S. has yet to fully and permanently regulate fentanyl-related substances, and its sluggish regulatory response has only worsened drug abuse and the proliferation of narcotics. Despite being home to just 5 percent of the world's population, the country accounts for 80 percent of global opioid use - a veritable black hole in global drug control efforts. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were an estimated 74,702 overdose deaths from synthetic opioids - primarily fentanyl - in the U.S. during 2023, accounting for nearly 70 percent of all drug overdose fatalities. For Americans aged 18 to 45, the leading cause of death is fentanyl. Confronted with what has been described as "the single deadliest drug threat America has ever encountered," the U.S. government has yet to deliver a coherent or effective response. It has failed to reduce domestic demand, strengthen oversight of prescription medications, or enhance public awareness of the harms associated with drug abuse. To this day, a comprehensive anti-drug policy remains elusive. According to a survey commissioned by PAX sapiens, when asked to select a single group most responsible for the opioid crisis, criminal cartels were most frequently identified followed by the pharmaceutical companies and the U.S. federal government. As the Atlantic has noted, addressing the fentanyl crisis in the U.S. requires sweeping reforms across public policy, law enforcement, and the legal system. As one of the countries with the strictest anti-drug policies and the most rigorous enforcement in the world, China maintains a zero-tolerance attitude toward drugs, including fentanyl-related substances, and rigorously meets its international drug control obligations. In March this year, China released a white paper titled "Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances -- China's Contribution," highlighting its rigorous control over the chemicals. China has exercised strict supervision over fentanyl-related medications, struck hard against fentanyl-related crimes, enforced strict control over precursors of fentanyl-related substances, accelerated technology research, development and application, adopted comprehensive measures for more efficient drug control, and promoted global governance. Despite the absence of widespread fentanyl abuse domestically, China became the first country in the world to officially schedule fentanyl-related substances as a class in 2019 out of humanitarian goodwill and at the request of the U.S. side. Since China's regulation, there have been no cases of fentanyl-related substances being smuggled and trafficked from China to other countries - and no reports from the U.S. of seizures of such substances originating from China. Even the U.S. Department of State, in its International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, acknowledged that America had detected or seized almost no shipments of fentanyl or fentanyl analogues coming from China since 2019, when China implemented class-wide controls of all forms of fentanyl. In recent years, the precursors of fentanyl-related substances have constantly changed, and the number of variations soared. China has consistently strengthened precursor control, adopted multi-level and category-specific supervision, strictly supervised exports, and curbed the diversion of precursor chemicals. It has also carried out sustained and in-depth cooperation with relevant countries, including the U.S. and Mexico, yielding notable results in addressing the cross-border diversion of fentanyl precursors. Drug law enforcement is a central focus of cooperation between China and the United States. The China-U.S. Counternarcotics Working Group, established in 2024, provides an important platform for the two sides to jointly address global drug challenges. In July 2024, an interdepartmental Chinese delegation visited the U.S. to attend the first senior official meeting of the working group. The drug control authorities of the two countries also maintain daily hotline communication and host regular exchange meetings. The two sides have been working pragmatically to promote dialogue and cooperation in drug control and law enforcement. Since 2024, multiple exchanges have been conducted to promote technical cooperation and strengthen technical support in addressing the fentanyl issue. As reported by the Diplomat, China-U.S. cooperation on fentanyl can save lives, protect societies, and punish drug traffickers. The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the U.S. on goods imported from China under the pretext of the fentanyl issue severely violates the rules of the World Trade Organization. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the action, and has taken necessary countermeasures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests. China upholds a clear and principled position on its cooperation with the U.S. on drug control: It is committed to dialogue and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. The U.S. should respect the facts, confront its own problems, and make choices that truly serve the interests of its own people. It must stop using the fentanyl crisis as a pretext to pressure, threaten, or blackmail China. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) 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) Heres something most people dont realize: We didnt have the type of system-wide, ultra-high-level, utterly catastrophic breaches of the federal governments network security before a certain server going up in a certain Secretary of States bathroom in early 2009. Its been astonishing to me over the years how nobody seems to have noted this or the timing. Well, its about time we did. Well do it here. Well have a look at how bad its been, but first, lets recall what started it all. Secretary Hillary Clintons server, which former FBI Director James Comey described as having less security than Gmail, resulted in a serious and protracted scandal [which] revolve[d] around questions about classified information, the preservation of government records and the security of her email communication. Any one of those issues, whether the utter recklessness with top-level classified information, the outright theft of our public record, or the insanely dangerous vulnerability of it all to our enemies, would have been enough to banish any normal person to the back of beyond. However, being a (D), especially one named Clinton, has its privileges, as we all know all too well. Image created using Grok. Lets remember a fact too few do: Hillary declined a .gov email when she took the job at State. She made an affirmative choice not to have a government email at all. Its not simply that she had a .gov email and neglected to forward her State-related personal email to honor her obligations (which is allowed, with specific limitations). Oh no. She made a clear choice to simply not have one. Thats an order of magnitude worse than simply being derelict. It shows consciousness of intentfrankly, criminal intentto steal, or allow others to steal, our records. Our records. Her job belonged to us, not her. So, when James Comey, in that infamous July 2016 press conference said there was no criminal intent, he was flat-out lying, and he damned well knew it. And anyone with even a passing familiarity with the above knew it and knows it to this day. So now that we recall how grievous Hillarys crimes were, what of hacks of important federal systems? Well, according to a May 2015 CNN story, which opens with a big picture of Mrs. Clinton and mentions her server in the first paragraph, the 2014-2015 State Department hack was the worst ever. When even CNN makes the connection between the two, thats pretty bad. [T]he hack of the State email system is the worst ever cyberattack intrusion against a federal agency. The attackers who breached State are also believed to be behind hacks on the White Houses email system, and against several other federal agencies, the officials say. The White Houses email system was hacked then, too? Well, how about that? Take yourself back to January 2009. BlackBerries were still omnipresent, with iPhones just starting their revolution. (The first iPhone had been introduced only 18 months before, in June 2007.) If you recall, a very big deal was made of newly elected Obama keeping his BlackBerry. Everyone in the legacy media just thought it was cute that this hip, cool POTUS was so attached to his device and shooed any security concerns away. Do you think that Mrs. Clinton ever emailed Barack Obama BlackBerry-to-BlackBerry? Of course she did. We know she did. Also, thanks to former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino, who protected Mrs. Clinton when she was First Lady and President Obama, we know that any incoming on POTUS Blackberry had to be whitelisted, meaning that random emails were not allowed in. You had to be on a pre-approved list of email addresses to get an email to POTUS. It beggars belief, does it not, that in the four years that Mrs. Clinton was Obamas Secretary of State (2009-2013), he never once noticed that her email didnt have a .gov suffix on it? We know whoever did the whitelisting knew. It strains credulity to believe Obama didnt know or ever notice, over the course of four years, that Mrs. Clinton was communicating via a rogue email. Amazingly, remarkably, in all these years, I cant find evidence that a single solitary human has ever once asked him about this. Imagine that. The WHCA (White House Correspondents Association) covers itself in glory yet again. But the New York Times, to show its sophistication, did alert readers in August 2009 to the fact that unguarded computers, including in the government, were vulnerable: Its still out there The program, known as Conficker, uses flaws in Windows software to co-opt machines and link them into a virtual computer that can be commanded remotely by its authors. With more than five million of these zombies now under its control government, business and home computers in more than 200 countries this shadowy computer has power that dwarfs that of the worlds largest data centers. If you have a virus out there which can forward whatever it grabs back to a criminal data center that dwarfs even the worlds largest legitimate data centers, youd think Mrs. Clinton mightve been more careful about setting up her server, but nooooo. Conflicker hit the scene in November 2008 and, by 2009, had infiltrated many government-level top-security computer networks. Oh wait didnt something else big happen in November 2008? Right! The hippest, coolest, most tech-savvy presidential candidate ever won the White House! And shortly thereafter, Mrs. Clinton was nominated to State. Surely just a fantastic coincidence. In May 2011, we find this headline: Exclusive Report: Is Department of Defense (DoD), Pentagon, NASA, NSA is Secure? A hacker gained access to the Pentagons computers and much, much more. In October 2014, a breach into the White House was described as among the most sophisticated attacks ever launched against U.S. government systems. In June 2015, the OPM was hacked. The Office of Personnel Management had over 20 million records breached, including social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, fingerprints, and security clearance-related information. Before Mrs. Clintons server went up, there were only two notable attacks on our federal systems in the digital age: one, in June 2001, into the Defense Information Systems Agency computer system, and another, in 2007, into an unclassified area of the Pentagon. Nearly all the other headline, large-scale breaches before January 2009 were on non-U.S. Government systems, like Marriott, Yahoo, Uber, etc. The scale, rate, and seriousness of attacks on our federal systems increased significantly after January 2009. Now, this may simply be a feature of the technology available becoming more and more sophisticated. Thats a fair assessment. We could choose to believe its just a coincidence. I choose to think not. Where you stand as an individual or an organization says a great deal about your morals and values. In looking at the current Democratic Party, it is easy to see why they are hemorrhaging followers. Reviewing the partys activities in the last year, their distance from the reality of everyday Americans is not only visible, its shocking. Heres a sampling: They believe that lying is perfectly acceptable if it is about your opponents. In fact, the more outrageous and egregious the lie, the better. Cutting government waste is a threat to democracy. Reckless spending is perfectly acceptable. Reining in such spending is evil. All government workers are highly productive and vital to the daily lives of every American. Anti-Semitism is the perfect solution to Islamophobia. The Left believes that if you illegally come into the country you did not break the law. Furthermore, the nation shouldnt have borders. According to their thinking, deporting anyone for any reason is illegal. Mass deportations, according to their mantra, will cripple the U.S. economy and people will starve as a result of not having anyone to pick crops. It is heroic to murder successful businessmen out of dislike for the industries they represent. It is heroic to murder successful businessmen out of dislike for the industries they represent. Arresting your political opposition under the guise of the alleged greater good is a viable election strategy. Anyone that disagrees with them is a Nazi. Endorsing vandalism, rioting, and arson are fine if it is targeted against your opponents. Calling for violence is simply a First Amendment right. Cancel culture was never bad. The role of the media is to disparage, undermine, and if possible, oust your political foes. They believe that males should be allowed to compete against females in sports. Censorship, to the Democrats, is the foundation of a stable government. Requiring proof of citizenship to vote is racist. Personal responsibility for your actions does not exist. It is why guns must be banned, not those who use them. Schools and the government should be responsible for raising children. Parents' needs are secondary to the state. America has always been a racist nation. It can only be fixed by tearing it all down. DEI was merely a good starting point in this process. No one knew about Joe Bidens mental collapse until his utterly disastrous debate. There was no cover-up. Economic data generated about a Republican administration is always labelled as disastrous, even when it is positive. Cutting money to the NIH prevents the cure for cancer, despite the fact that the NIH has been tasked with curing cancer since 1937 and still hasnt succeeded. Ukraine can defeat Russia in a war; while at the same time, Russia is a threat to NATO. Cutting taxes for anyone is bad because it means less money to spend on social programs. Regulations create jobs and grow the economy. What the leaders of Europe think is more important than what more than half of the U.S. thinks. Enriching your family or friends through your political connections is not illegal or unethical. NPR and PBS must have government funding in order to survive and they are completely neutral sources for news. Putting America first is harmful to America. There was nothing wrong with our trade relations around the globe until we questioned them. Its okay to form a shadow government to undermine the current administration. Sabotaging a Republican administration via leaks to the media is patriotic. There isnt a single positive thing that Donald Trump has or ever will do in his life. Everything he does or says is to be resisted, challenged, and fought over, even when it is for the greater good of the country. It is okay to whip up the public anger to the point where ideological fanatics attempt assassinations or other violence. Bear in mind, Ive only targeted some of the proverbial low-hanging fruit. That is the sad part. Im sure others will gladly add to this list. What the Democrats havent determined is that all of their negativity makes it difficult to be enthusiastic about their values. They are the party of No! They wrap themselves in being divisive and obstructionist, regardless of the impact on public perception about their party. It is borderline fanatical behavior that can only stop when they take the time to reflect on how they are perceived by much of the nation. Blaine Pardoe is a New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author canceled by one of his publishers in 2022. His conservative political thriller series, Blue Dawn, is the story of the violent overthrow of the government by radical progressives. His new series, Tenure, is about a Punisher-like hero that goes after the woke. He also authors the bestselling military science fiction series, Land&Sea. Image: AI The same Western leaders who speak endlessly about protecting Democracy continue to rig elections, outlaw political parties, and prosecute candidates. Germany has declared Alternative for Germany now the countrys most popular party an extremist group on par with domestic terror organizations. The European Union helped Marxist globalists in Romania invalidate a presidential election and ban the winner from office. France and Brazil have followed the U.S. example of bringing ludicrous criminal charges against popular anti-Establishment politicians, and while President Trump overcame the sham prosecutions targeting him, Marine Le Pen and Jair Bolsonaro are fighting just to survive. Lets not forget either that the Ukraine-Russia War drags on today only because U.S. and European forces helped overthrow the legitimately elected Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, back in 2014. His transgression? Yanukovychs government was pushing back against the EUs efforts to absorb Ukraine into its continental empire. The same NATO and EU talking-heads who denounce Russias conquest of its neighbor are mostly mad because they hoped to conquer Ukraine first. Its a disorienting time for Westerners who once respected their civic institutions. The Cold War mentality of the twentieth century created clear distinctions between closed, communist systems and rights-based, free societies. In the West, people could freely practice the religious tenets of their respective faiths; in communist societies, people were expected to obey the quasi-divine strictures of the State. In the West, people could own property and freely exchange goods and services; in communist societies, people owned nothing and received only what the State gave them. In the West, people could speak their minds and publicly debate new ideas; in communist societies, people adhered to politically correct ideology under the constant threat of arrest, torture, and even death. The West was supposed to err on the side of individual freedoms, even when those freedoms permitted awful people to say awful things. Western societies did not always live up to the principles that distinguished them from totalitarian regimes, but respect for personal freedom did serve as an effective guardrail that kept Western governments from careening toward totalitarianism, too. Whats going on today is entirely different. Western governments treat religious faith as a disease that must be cured. The faithful (particularly Christians and Jews) are quarantined from the rest of society and expected to hide their beliefs in public spaces. Law enforcement agencies in the U.S., U.K., and continental Europe arrest Christians praying silently outside of abortion facilities. When churches and synagogues are vandalized or burned down, those crimes are often excused and rarely solved. In Canada, arsonists have largely been given a free pass due to the governments borderline hatred for the Catholic Church. During purported Catholic Joe Bidens presidency, the FBI spied on Americans who celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass. Politicians casually blame Jews for genocide (a slander that is sickeningly ironic) and speak of Christians as nationalists, fundamentalists, far-right extremists, fascists, and Nazis. The combined effect of these government-sanctioned attacks against people of faith is threefold: (1) religious freedom is undermined; (2) the States worldview is elevated over all others; and (3) religions not explicitly partnering with the State are deemed national security threats. These characteristics aptly describe the former Soviet Unions hostility toward religion. They aptly describe the Chinese Communist Partys hostility toward religion. And they aptly describe the Wests hostility toward religion today. What about property and free markets? Most Westerners are in debt. They rent apartments or live in bank-owned homes. They make just enough to pay for their expenses each month and have no real savings. A substantial portion of their income is confiscated indirectly through government regulations or directly through a panoply of government taxes. Most Westerners receive some kind of government welfare in the form of subsidies, entitlements, healthcare, or retirement income. An ever-increasing share of the Western population depends almost entirely upon the State. Even those with assets are kept under the governments thumb. Fiat money (government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity such as gold) and central banks are antithetical to truly free markets. By threat of violence, governments force citizens to buy and sell goods and services using innately worthless paper bills (or digital ones and zeroes) as a medium of exchange. Those currencies retain value only so long as a governments threat of force maintains the States monopoly over legal tender. Gold doesnt require a government agent with a gun to establish its value. When central banks manipulate the money supply, they effectively distort all markets. They create economic winners and losers by decree. Thats a hallmark of a State-controlled economy, not a free market. By increasing the money supply over time, central banks decrease the value of State-enforced currencies. Conversely, they artificially raise the currency-denominated valuation of homes, stocks, and other real assets. What is the end result? Personal savings rates decrease because fiat currencies kept under a mattress depreciate over time. Instead, consumers spend their money or invest it in assets that are artificially juiced. People with retirement investments become dependent upon the governments money-printing because without such blatant market manipulation, the artificially-created value of their homes and investment portfolios would disappear. Western governments have effectively enslaved citizens to central banks and set in motion a financial doom loop that requires new government spending, cyclical bank and industry bailouts, and regular intervention in consumer markets. Theres nothing free about that. Whereas the majority of Americans in 1900 lived in rural areas and small towns, the twentieth-century push toward urbanization has forced most people into ever-smaller spaces. Rising property and inheritance taxes and costly government regulations have crushed most small farms. Those family farms still struggling to survive must constantly fend off attacks from agricultural conglomerates, domestic and foreign saboteurs, Chinese shell companies, and land baron billionaires such as Bill Gates. Similarly, the European Unions ridiculous net-zero carbon regulations and destructive obsession with climate change socialism are bankrupting private farmers on the other side of the Atlantic. Western governments dont want private citizens to own land. They dont want private citizens to grow food or to be self-sufficient. They have been actively cultivating a future in which government bureaucrats and a small number of multinational corporations will control every acre. That kind of world embraces collectivism. Nothing about it encourages citizens to be free. What about free speech? It turns out that Western governments commitments to free speech were only as strong as their relative control over the principal sources of the publics information. When a small number of national publications, radio stations, and television news studios maintained undue influence over public opinion, governments could indirectly shape society by discreetly controlling the content of mass communication. They did this by regulating broadcasts over the publics airwaves, pressuring news publications to self-censor, intervening in matters involving national security, and outright funding the very news institutions that falsely portray themselves as independent guardians of the free press. As this institutional monopoly has come crashing down with the advent of the Internet and the rise of social media, Western governments have become openly hostile to forms of mass communication that empower the broader public. Since the 90s, we have seen the steady criminalization of speech. Hate speech laws have proliferated. Government agencies dedicated to fighting so-called disinformation have taken form. Police forces in the U.K., Germany, and elsewhere arrest citizens for expressing unapproved opinions online. Effectively, Western governments are targeting any information that threatens their monopoly over official narratives. The most effective way to do so is to intimidate and silence prospective speakers. No country that criminalizes thoughts and words is a friend to free speech. In the West, the masks have come off. Image via Raw Pixel. Ready for an update on the Epstein file release from the most transparent administration ever? Yeah, well that Phase 2, or anything thats actually worth a da*n isnt comingor as Karoline Leavitt said when questioned about progress on that front during a White House press conference: theres no specific timeline, but Pam Bondi the bulldog and the DOJ are working diligently to see justice served. The DOJ holdovers that somehow didnt have a problem serving at the direction of Merrick Garland and Joe Biden? The bulldog who never went after Epstein in any capacity while she was attorney general for the state of Florida for eight years and his Lolita Express flew from West Palm Beach to his private island (no doubt with sex chattel in tow) who knows how many times? Consider meskepticalthat Leavitt is even remotely correct or honest in her assessment of the situation. Seems pretty darn important to get to the bottom of who was buying children for sex from Ghislaine Maxwell, you know, because some of these clients are in the uppermost levels of our government. I mean, this is perhaps the top priority. Does anyone really care about a fentanyl bust or a low-level drug dealer with an illegal firearm when compared to the trafficking and raping of children? Especially when those participating in the trade hold positions of political power, which permits them to vote on serious matters and makes them privy to national security information? Seems like these individuals, no doubt being blackmailed by bad actors, are the biggest threats were facingand need to face real justice for their crimes against their victims, and humanity. This is all a far cry from the Day One promiseskind of like when Kash Patel blustered and peacocked from a podcast chair about how given the chance as FBI director hed shutter the agency and turn it into a museum for the Deep Statebut then under his watch, a vicious persecutor of the J6 patriots and parents protesting pornography at school board meetings got a promotion, and corrupt agents were dispatched throughout the country, right into our communities, instead of being fired and investigated. But hey, theyve arrested two low-level judges that were publicly violating the lawand were happy with the crumbs they toss every now and then. (See also, Epstein victim dead, Bondi missing by Todd Baumann.) Image: Public domain. For Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, the meddling of U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams was one step too far when she ruled to override a new Florida law: An activist judge has ordered Florida to stop the enforcement of their recent law allowing misdemeanor charges for illegal aliens who enter Florida to evade immigration authorities. This is the showdown; a judges order is about to be effectively defied by a major state official. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier will refuse a judges demand that his office order state law enforcement to halt enforcement of a state immigration law she ordered paused under her suspicion of its unconstitutionality. Once again, we see a judge swerving out of her lane to reject not only Donald Trumps agenda for immigration enforcement, but to stymie efforts by an attorney general who is arresting illegal migrants for misdemeanor charges as the migrants dodge immigration enforcement. The judge is offended by the AGs reaction to her ruling: Her [Williamss] remarks came after she previously had scolded lawyers for Uthmeiers office after learning that Florida Highway Patrol officers had arrested more than a dozen people including a U.S. citizen despite her ordering them to stop on April 4 when she issued a 14-day temporary restraining order that blocked enforcement on the states immigration law. The judge told lawyers for the attorney general on Tuesday to consult with Uthmeier about withdrawing his advice to police officers to ignore her order, but they said Uthmeier was not retreating from his position. What I am offended by is someone suggesting you dont have to follow my order, that its not legitimate, Williams said. Id describe the judges reaction as a bit on the arrogant side. Meanwhile, AG Uthmeier notified the law enforcement agencies in Florida that they were not parties to the judges rulings and therefore could continue to enforce the law: In a court filing leading up to Tuesdays hearing, Uthmeiers office argued that the immigrant groups lawsuit only applies to his office and state prosecutors in Florida, noting that a courts judgment binds only the parties to a suit. Lawyers for his office argued the judges ruling does not apply to independent law enforcement agencies, such as the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, county sheriffs offices and local police. They are not parties, the attorney generals office asserted, because they are not in active concert or participation with his office and state prosecutors in Florida. The judge has scheduled a special hearing for May 15, which may include finding Uthmeier in contempt of court. Finally, the Attorney General explained why he rejects the judges ruling: I explained that I believed her after-the-fact expansion of her order to nonparties was wrong, and that my office would be arguing as much in short order. Today, my office filed a brief explaining why her order cannot possibly restrain Floridas law enforcement agencies from enforcing Florida Statutes Sections 811.102 and 811.103. We will continue to argue that positionincluding on appeal as soon as possible, Uthmeier wrote in the memo, obtained by Fox News Digital. Maybe if more attorneys general pushed back against these rogue judges, more of these judges might understand that they are making rulings far beyond their authority. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. At the beginning of May, the European Unions Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, said the EU is making certain progress on a trade deal with the United States. A few weeks earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with President Trump. Afterwards, she stated she was sure an agreement on tariffs would be reached. Trump echoed that, saying, There will be a trade deal, 100%. For entrepreneur Heather Wolf, that seems promising. But she is still almost as anxious as she was before Trump suspended the tariffs for three months. Right now we are stuck in limbo for 90 days, said Heather. Heather is the owner of Kearsley, a small business based in Sonoma, CA that makes high-end linens. She has been in business for 25 years. Most of the fabrics she buys come from Italy. The U.S. already imposes tariffs on textiles from Italy. For any finished cotton product that Heather purchases, like a pillowcase with embroidery, she must pay a 20.9% tariff. For unfinished fabric, the tariffs are lower. They are also arbitrary. The tariffs on that range from 10% to 16.9% depending on the interpretation of the customs agent, Heather said. The tariffs are so complicated that there is no way the customs agents can be familiar with them enough to be consistent. Trumps proposed tariffs would add another 20% on top of the existing tariffs. Ive survived the tech bubble, the housing crash, and the pandemic, she said. Im finally ready to expand, and now this. Trump has claimed that the tariffs will bring manufacturing back to the U.S. The irony is that Heather is already trying to do just that. Ive been putting together a business plan to build a factory that would employ about 50 people to do cutting and sewing. Wed make the finished products here in the U.S., she said. But Ive made this business plan based on the costs I face with the existing tariffs. And now I get hit with a big increase in those costs. Its frustrating. She has investors interested in the project, but the uncertainty created by the tariffs may make them wary. Its hard for me to pitch them on the idea of manufacturing in the U.S. if my costs go up, she said. Trump hopes that the new duties will encourage businesses to buy American. Heather would love to buy the unfinished fabrics from American producers. The problem is there are no American companies that produce the fabric Kearsley uses. We cannot produce the kind of high-quality weave that is in the fabrics I use, she said. The weaving and finishing facilities do not exist here. And youd also need employees with the right skills and set up supply chains. Heather estimates that it would take billions of dollars and close to a decade to set all of that up. In the meantime, Kearsley and other high-end linen companies could lose a lot of business to Europe. Luxury yachts are big clients for high-end linens. They are also very mobile, she said. Yachts often get fitted for linens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. But the new tariffs would make it more expensive to do it here than in Europe. It will be cheaper to just pull up anchor and get fitted in places like Holland or Italy. While Heather is no fan of Trump, she admits that he has done some good his first few months in office. Things like deregulation or tackling the fentanyl mess, yes, Im all for that, Heather said. She just wishes hed change his mind on tariffs. Image from Grok. President Trump is getting a lot of unwarranted media criticism for stating that he isnt a lawyer who can give a formal constitutional law opinion on due process for illegal border crossers. His administration rightfully seeks to deport them. But even for the progressive Left, it might be fair to give President Trump some benefit of the doubt: the Constitutions meaning may not be readily apparent even, or especially, to lawyers, and otherwise hinges on one word. Both the 5th and 14th Amendments refer to persons including in due process. But what does person mean? Moreover, what exactly is a due process? The definition of a person, is in the Constitutions Preamble which is crucial to constantly reference when the rest of the Constitution is read. We the People, is followed by the prepositional phrase of the United States, which technically creates belonging. Those who belong also declare an intent to reinforce their belonging by creating a more perfect union. This makes persons those who have entered into a perfected contract with a corporation called the United States. Those persons then empower representatives who act on their behalf, through elections. Voting in elections is a right reserved constitutionally, for citizens. Persons, therefore, refers to citizens who have given themselves rights as specific persons in their own constitution (preceded by a Declaration that created separateness from others). Even if you assert that the Amendments are a separate Bill of Rights, those were originally written to actually reinforce allegiance to the Constitution for the anti-federalists, and some must also be referenced to their specific context in slavery emancipation. The 14th Amendment converted what was then deemed legal human property under U.S. contract, into contract freedom. Strictly speaking, illegal immigrants are not in any contract relationship in U.S. law, which can then be converted into a release from obligation. The other problem is defining due process. That is simply a standard of fairness in legal proceedings, but it again addresses people defined by the Preamble. Moreover, it is limited to government refraining from denying "life, liberty, or property. Non-legal immigrants, and other non-citizens are not technically persons with due process rights, defined at least by our Constitution. They may indeed have natural and other human rights, but not due process via the Constitution in its current form. Illegal immigrants could of course simply declare their own constitution, but how could it be ratified in the United States? Moreover, U.S. contract law requires parties to be legally qualified including capacity, to enter into a contract. Interestingly, a U.S. employer is legally required to discharge any undocumented worker who they may have mistakenly employed. By the Immigration Reform and Control Act, it is illegal to knowingly employ the undocumented. That can seem to contradict the Immigration and Nationality Act. But that Act addresses discrimination based on national origin or citizenship, and those categories do not assume that someone is here illegally. Deporting a non-citizen otherwise "denies" them nothing, except attempted citizenship by non-legal means. They are free to seek citizenship legally. In fact, deportation actually aids them and others, by upholding fair and legal citizenship paths for all applicants, without unfairly prejudicing hard-earned citizenship that has been rightfully attained legally. You dont have to be a practicing attorney or law professor to understand the U.S. Constitution. Indeed, that may be a disadvantage. The Constitution was written by and for We the people of the United States, and it is by and for those people, and stated in clear language. That language only gets obscured by opportunistic lawyers, or by political ideologues suffering from the logical fallacy of wishful thinking. Both of those categories unfortunately make up the majority of the legal profession, and the law school academy. Matthew G. Andersson is the author of the upcoming book Legally Blind concerning law education. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago, and has testified before the U.S. Senate. Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, via Picryl // public domain Donald Trump has announced that hes reopening Alcatraz as a federal prison for the worst of the worst in America. I couldnt be more delighted, because its a wonderful idea at both practical and symbolic levels. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social: REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets. That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Its to be hoped that many of the new residents will be the same Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorists that the leftists insist remain on American soil. The media grimly reported the news, although they hastened to add that it wont be easy to turn the old site into a modern prison. AP is representative of this approach to reporting: Trump says hes going to reopen Alcatraz prison. Doing so would be difficult and costly President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a hard-to-reach California island off San Francisco that has been closed for more than 60 years. [snip] Trumps directive to rebuild and reopen the long-shuttered penitentiary was the latest salvo in his effort to overhaul how and where federal prisoners and immigration detainees are locked up. But such a move would likely be an expensive and challenging proposition. The prison was closed in 1963 due to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. Bringing the facility up to modern-day standards would require massive investments at a time when the Bureau of Prisons has been shuttering prisons for similar infrastructure issues. There are a few points to be made. First, as a practical matter, if anyone can do this on time and under cost, Trump is the man. He is still remembered for returning New York Citys Wollman Rink to operation after the city had fiddled around for six years and spent over $13 million to get nowhere at all. The city estimated that another $2-3 million and at least one year would be required to finish the project. Its unlikely the city would have met either of these metrics. Trump offered to renovate the site at his own expense and to have it done in six months. In fact, he completed it in four months, at a cost of around $750,000 (including city funding). The city thanked Trump over two decades later by canceling the Trump Organizations concession contracts to punish him for the imaginary January 6 insurrection. Donald Trump knows how to manage construction projects, and he knows people who can be his point men on the project when hes not able to keep his hand on the tiller. Second, and this is the more wonderful point, is that the updated, high-level prison, one presumably rich in criminal illegal alien inmates, will be smack dab in the heart of one of the most leftist neighborhoods in America. Every time the San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Marin County leftists, all of whom despise Trump, look into the beautiful San Francisco Bay, they will be visually assaulted by something they made possible when they closed the door to El Salvadors prisons. Third, even outside of the Bay Areas suffering, reopening Alcatraz is a symbolic blow to the left. Thats because, aside from the mythology of Alcatraz being a prison from which escape was impossible, and the one-time home of famous criminals, including a syphilis-demented Al Capone, its also the site of a famous leftist-inspired occupation (hyperlinks omitted): The Occupation of Alcatraz (November 20, 1969 June 11, 1971) was a 19-month long occupation by 89 American Indians and their supporters of Alcatraz Island and its prison complex, classified as abandoned surplus federal land. The occupation was led by Richard Oakes, LaNada Means, and others, while John Trudell served as spokesman. The group lived on the island together until the occupation was forcibly ended by the U.S. government. The protest group chose the name Indians of All Tribes (IAT) for themselves. IAT claimed that, under the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868) between the U.S. and the Lakota tribe, all retired, abandoned, or out-of-use federal land was to be returned to the Indigenous peoples who once occupied it. As Alcatraz penitentiary had been closed on March 21, 1963, and the island had been declared surplus federal property in 1964, a number of Red Power activists felt that the island qualified for a reclamation by Indians. I cant comment on the legality of the protesters understanding of the Treaty of Fort Laramie because I havent read (and wont read) that treaty. I just know, remembering the event in real time, that it got huge amounts of support from the left, including the Black Panthers, who made it one of their cause celebres. Eventually, hippies and drug addicts moved in on the movement, ending it completely. In other words, whatever legitimacy the protesters claim had, it was a matter for the courts, not a leftist-inspired occupation that collapsed under the weight of leftist culture. For all these reasons, I couldnt be more delighted with Trumps plan, which really illustrates his and his teams ability to think out of the box, use available resources wisely, and make leftists crazy. Image: Truth Social screen grab. Once again, the question of whether to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and its claim to federal funding is on the table. For communities enjoying an abundance of writers and artists, readers and patrons, the prospect of the NEAs possible demise may provoke heartburn and discomfort. Federal budget patronage of the arts is a 20th-century construct. In 1935, FDRs New Deal funded the Federal Art Project through the Works Progress Administration. It was a broad-spectrum outreach supporting as many as 10,000 writers and artists, focusing on paintings, graphic art, murals, sculpture, art education, and documentaries. WPA-commissioned or supported murals appeared in numbers in railroad stations, federal institutional buildings, and US Post Offices. They won broad public support, with many surviving today. Arguably, the most influential painter, watercolorist, muralist, and screen printer was Thomas Hart Benton, whom the Federal Art Project commissioned for numerous undertakings. His advocacy and influence over the Federal Art Project overall were equally formidable. Raising the Bear Flag, by Anton Refreiger, painted in the early 1940s for San Franciscos Rincon Center Post Office. Public domain. While Benton was established well before 1935, the WPA helped start other well-known artists careers. Bentons student Jackson Pollackthe antithesis of Bentonbenefited enormously from the WPA. Perhaps the most striking documentary photo gallery book from that era was 1941s Now Let Us Praise Famous Men. It wasnt a WPA production, for Fortune magazine underwrote it. Nonetheless, the two men who created it, writer James Agee and photographer Walker Evans, were earlier direct grant recipients from the WPA . Before the New Deal, the arts received no federal stipends of any kind. Thomas Cole and Frederic Church of the Hudson River School aesthetic landscape movement never received a dime from the federal government. Neither did the likes of Frederick Remington, George Caleb Bingham, Emmanuel Leutze, and John Singleton Copley. Did Walt Whitman, Herman Melville, Mark Twain, or William Falkner receive a grant from the federal government? Uhno. So, lets fast-forward to the NEA today. Since 1965, has the NEA produced anything approaching the scale of the government-funded WPA artists, even far less than the private patronage and good fortune sprinkled on all writers and artists before the New Deal? The only notable NEA production has been the performance art of Karen Finley, a multiple NEA grant recipient. Here is Richard Bledsoe, editor of Remodern Art Review: Her claim to fame was hooting obscenities while smearing her naked body with yams. I wish this was a joke or an exaggeration, but it isnt. Of course it was all about gender roles and social critique and whatnot, so that made it Serious Art. When the NEA produces a Caravaggio, or any of the Dutch Masters, sign me up. Until then, no. Whither the National Endowment for the Arts? Its dispatch into the netherworld cannot happen fast enough. Democrats have a thing against the First Amendment, particularly freedom of religion, because for them, the state is the religion. That's why we saw outrageous acts during the Biden administration, with Joe Biden suing the Little Sisters of the Poor to pay for abortions against their faith, Orthodox Jews harassed to get vaccinated for COVID against their faith, and Amish farmers raided for producing raw milk, which is part of their faith of living simply. It also explains why 2024 Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris could blithely tell a television interviewer that she was against conscience exemptions for doctors and nurses in performing abortions, whether it went against their faith or not So it should come as no surprise that they have come up with this idiocy for Catholics, targeting what is said in the confession as subject to reporting to the 'authorities.' According to the National Catholic Register: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Friday signed a controversial state law that requires priests to report child abuse to authorities even if they learn of it during the sacrament of confession. The measure, introduced in the state legislature earlier this year, adds clergy to the list of mandatory abuse reporters in the state, but doesn't include an exemption for information learned in the confessional. A 2023 version of the proposal had offered an exemption for abuse allegations learned solely as a result of a confession. The latest bill does not contain such a carve-out, and in fact explicitly notes that clergy do not qualify for a privileged communication exemption. Ferguson told reporters that as a Catholic he was very familiar with the sacrament of confession. [I] felt this was important legislation, he said on Friday. What goes on there is sacred -- holy, untouchable. It's literally a sacrament. It has been thus for thousands of years. To force a priest to notify authorities of a confession of child abuse, when he may not even know who is confessing is not only probably impossible, but an outrageous violation of religious freedom and the First Amendment. Any priest who does that is automatically excommunicated according to Church law. Priests have died martyrs for refusing to break the seal of confession. And the priests in this state have said they will go to jail over this. And the premise? Child abuse. Seems that justifies anything against the Catholic Church, (while public school teachers who much more likely to engage in such behavior have their own seal of something other than confession -- they can't be fired). Like Joe Biden, the guv is claiming he's a good Catholic. He doesn't know the first thing about it. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website: No matter the circumstances, when people confess their sins to a priest, they are coming to Jesus to say, I am sorry for what I have done. I want your grace to heal me and change me, so that I can follow you more closely. This is a sacred encounter between the penitent and the Lord who offers forgiveness and healing. But what happens when a priest hearing a confession learns information that would be useful to civil authorities in resolving a crime? The Code of Canon Law forbids priests from divulging information received in confession. The penalty for a priest who directly violates the seal of confession is excommunication. Suppose a thief repented of his sin and confessed his robbery to his priest. Ought the priest be required to testify in court against the thief? Indeed, this very situation gave rise to an important religious liberty case in 1813, People v. Philips, during the early days of the American republic. For most of us, if we had knowledge related to a crime, we would be obligated to share that information with the proper authorities. If you are called upon to serve as a witness in a trial, you must speak forthrightly about what you know of the crime. In New York, Fr. Anthony Kohlmann learned in the confessional the identity of two people who had stolen jewelry. After the penitents handed the stolen goods over to him, Fr. Kohlmann returned the jewelry to its rightful owner, and the robbery victim offered to withdraw his complaint. However, the thieves were later apprehended on other evidence, and as part of the trial, Fr. Kohlmann was called as a witness to share how he knew where the jewelry was. Fr. Kohlmann refused to share this information, because he would not betray his priestly duty to maintain the seal of confession. While he would gladly testify had he come by the knowledge in some other way, to reveal a penitents confession would be to violate his faith. He asked for an exemption. He won that case, and over at the civil rights division of the Department of Justice, deputy attorney general Harmeet Dhillon has said she is looking into the matter as a violation of civil rights of freedom of religion. Here's what typically happens if someone comes looking for forgiveness by confessing to a priest a horrendous crime: The priest tells the person that in order to receive forgiveness, he needs to turn himself into the authorities. I know of one case where that happened in 1984, after a murder in Orinda, California by a high school girl named Bernadette Protti, who confessed to killing her more popular classmate Kirsten Costas with a kitchen knife out of apparent jealousy. I don't see it mentioned in Wikipedia, but I recall reading it in the San Francisco Chronicle around the time she was apprehended. The act in Washington is an outrageous violation of religious freedom and will serve to turn priests into agents of the state, which sounds a lot like the set-up in China, whose version of the Catholic Church is run by the communist state. During the Soviet era, the Russian Orthodox Church became a corrupted state zombie, too, with KGB agents taking on the role of confessor priests and bishops, the better to extract confessions and surveillance for their state purposes. It was terrible, traumatic, and to this day, much of Russia remains in loathing of all religion as a result. I suspect this law will not survive judicial appeal by the Church and the DoJ, which can clearly see the violation of the First Amendment and the essential threat to freedom of religion. But this will not stop Democrats from trying to coopt the Church for their own purposes. If they succeed in this, they will move on to confessions of 'political crimes' and probably start bugging confessionals, too. This is an entire area that is off limits to them, except that it isn't. They mean to take over the Church for their own purposes, making church and state inseparable, and heaven help us if they succeed. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Samsung plans to launch its new foldable phones in the second half of 2026. Initial leaks suggest a conservative line regarding the current Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. However, a new report points to an improvement in a key aspect of the Galaxy Z Flip 7: its battery capacity. One of the biggest challenges in developing foldable phones lies in the battery. The ultra-thin design of these devices when unfolded limits the available internal space, forcing the use of smaller cells. Some large Chinese manufacturers have found ingenious solutions to integrate good batteries into their foldables. Sadly, Samsung has lagged behind in this regard. That said, it appears that the Z Flip 7 will offer an improvement in this area. Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 get Demko certification, battery size confirmed The Tech Outlook has spotted the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 on the UL Demko certification listings. These entries confirm the battery cell capacities of both devices. According to the report, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will feature a battery split into two cells of 2,126 mAh and 2,146 mAh, for a total of 4,272 mAh. Samsung will likely market it as a 4,200 mAh batterythe same capacity as the current Galaxy Z Fold 6. Galaxy Z Fold 7s battery More battery juice for this years Galaxy Z Flip 7 However, the interesting part lies in the Galaxy Z Flip 7s battery. The device will be powered by a pair of 1,189 mAh and 2,985 mAh cells, reaching a total of 4,174 mAh. Samsung could promote it as a 4,300 mAh battery, which will be an improvement over the 4,000 mAh of the current Galaxy Z Flip 6. Its noteworthy that a March report teased the potential bigger cell in the device. Galaxy Z Flip 7s battery Despite this increase in capacity, a larger cell will not necessarily translate into longer battery life. Leaks indicate that the Z Flip 7s foldable screen will expand to 6.85 inches. Therefore, the extra juice may be necessary to maintain a battery life similar to the current model. A potentially more efficient chip will also play a role. Unfortunately, both models appear to have made no progress in terms of fast charging. According to reports, both the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 maintain wired fast charging capabilities up to 25W. For some reason, Samsung continues to fail to improve this key aspect, even in its next Fold device, whose price will remain considerably high. A handful of major Chinese phone makers seem to be considering a shift away from Google. In what way, you may wonder. Well, theyre thinking of ditching GMS (Google Mobile Services) and using their own solutions instead, on top of Android. Major Chinese phone makers allegedly consider ditching Google amid US tensions The companies mentioned in the report are OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo. Those companies are amongst the most popular ones coming from China, needless to say. Why would they want to ditch Google Mobile Services? Well, the short answer is the US government. We all know what happened to Huawei, and these companies would like to avoid the same fate. The US is in the middle of trade war with China The US, following President Trumps arrival, basically entered a trade war with China. These companies are allegedly worried about what might happen to them if they see the same fate as Huawei. Take this rumor with a grain of salt, even though it does make sense. Xiaomi will allegedly lay down the groundwork for that move with HyperOS 3. Huawei is already far ahead. At this point in time, however, its not clear if these companies will cooperate in any way. Huawei has been having this problem for a while, and with the launch of HarmonyOS NEXT, it basically ditched Android app compatibility as well. The company is pushing developers to make apps for its OS, without the involvement of Android at all. Globally, thats a different story, at least for now. Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO & Vivo play a huge role both in the global & Chinese smartphone markets Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, and Vivo account for two-thirds of smartphones shipped in China in Q1 2025. Its also worth noting that Xiaomi, Vivo, and OPPO are in the top 5 smartphone manufacturers globally. So, if these companies make a joint decision in some way, that would make a huge impact. This is just a wild rumor thus far, however, so as already mentioned, take it with a grain of salt. Those companies would rather stick with Google, most probably, but could have an ace up their sleeve if the worst happens. Who knows. This time around, were comparing a foldable and a non-foldable device yet again. Its a comparison between the Motorola Razr 2025 vs Apple iPhone 15. The Razr 2025 is Motorolas brand new base Razr model, while the iPhone 15 is Apples base iPhone announced in 2023. Considering their similar price tags and positioning in their respective lineups, this comparison does make sense. As per usual, well first list the specifications of both smartphones, and then well jump over to other categories. Well be comparing their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio output. These two phones are considerably different in many ways, which should make this rather interesting. Lets get to it. Specs Motorola Razr 2025 Apple iPhone 15 $579 from Walmart Motorola Razr 2025 Apple iPhone 15 Dimensions 171.3 x 74 x 7.3 mm / 88.1 x 74 x 15.9 mm (unfolded/folded) 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm Weight 188 grams 171 grams Main display 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED (120Hz) 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (60Hz) Cover display 3.6-inch AMOLED (90Hz) N/A Resolution 2640 x 1080 / 1066 x 1056 2556 x 1179 Chipset MediaTek Dimensity 7400X Apple A16 Bionic RAM 8GB 6GB Storage 256GB (UFS 2.2) 128GB/256GB/512GB Main camera 50MP (wide, f/1.7 aperture, 1/1.95-inch sensor size, OIS, dual pixel PDAF) 48MP (f/1.6 aperture, 1/1.56-inch sensor size, 1.0um pixel size, sensor-shift OIS, PDAF) Ultra-wide camera 13MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 1/3.0-inch sensor size, 120-degree FoV) 12MP (f/2.4 aperture, 120-degree FoV, 0.7um pixel size) (Periscope) telephoto camera N/A N/A Selfie camera 32MP (f/2.4 aperture, 1/3.14-inch sensor size) 12MP (f/1.9 aperture, 1/3.6-inch sensor size, 1.0um pixel size, PDAF) Battery size 4,500mAh 3,349mAh Charging 30W wired, 15W wireless (charger not included) 20W wired, 15W MagSafe & Qi2 wireless, 4.5W reverse wired (charger not included) Colors Gibraltar Sea, Spring Bud, Lightest Sky, Parfait Pink (Pantone) Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink View Specifications Motorola Razr 2025 vs Apple iPhone 15: Design The moment you look at these two phones, youll see a lot of differences, from every direction. They both have flat displays, though one is foldable, and the other is not. The Motorola Razr 2025 also has slightly less pronounced corner curvature, while there is a display camera hole up top. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, includes a pill-shaped cutout up top, instead of the display camera hole. Both phones have rather thin bezels around the display, though the ones on the iPhone 15 are slightly thinner. All the physical buttons sit on the right-hand side of the Motorola Razr 2025. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, has them split. On the right side, there is a power/lock key, while on the left sit the volume up and down buttons, along with an Action button that sits higher on that left side. The Razr 2025 does not have completely flat sides, while the iPhone 15 does. If we flip them around, youll see even more differences. The Motorola Razr 2025 has a cover display back there, and two horizontally-aligned cameras placed inside of it, in the top-left corner. The iPhone 15 has two camreas as well, which are a part of a camera island placed in the top-left corner. There is no secondary display here, though, of course. The Motorola Razr 2025 is made out of aluminum and eco leather. The iPhone 15 combines aluminum and glass. Motorolas phone is considerably taller and wider, while also being thinner (when unfolded). That is perfectly normal, as it has a considerably larger main display. It is also 17 grams heavier in comparison. The Razr 2025 offers an IP48 certification for water resistance, while the iPhone 15 is IP68 certified for water and dust resistance. Motorola Razr 2025 vs Apple iPhone 15: Display The Motorola Razr 2025 features a 6.9-inch Foldable LTPO AMOLED display. That panel supports 1 billion colors and a high refresh rate of up to 120Hz. HDR10+ content is supported as well, and the peak brightness here is 3,000 nits. This phones main display offers a resolution of 2640 x 1080. The screen-to-body ratio is around 85%. The cover display on the Razr 2025 measures 3.6 inches. Its an AMOLED panel too, and it can also project 1 billion colors. Its refresh rate goes up to 90Hz, while HDR10+ content is supported as well. The peak brightness here is 1,700 nits. The resolution this display offers is 1066 x 1056, while the Gorilla Glass Victus protects this panel. The Apple iPhone 15, on the flip side, has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. That panel is flat, and it supports HDR10 content and Dolby Vision. The peak brightness here is 2,000 nits. The screen-to-body ratio is at around 86%, while the resolution is 2556 x 1179. Were looking at a 19.5:9 display aspect ratio here. This panel is protected by the Ceramic Shield glass. All three of these displays are good, but there are differences. The iPhone 15s panel has the lowest refresh rate out of all three of them. It is also less bright than the main panel on the Razr 2025, even though the difference is not that big. Its the sharpest panel, however, and it has really good display protection. All panels are vivid, have good viewing angles, and the touch response is good. Motorola Razr 2025 vs Apple iPhone 15: Performance The MediaTek Dimensity 7400X fuels the Motorola Razr 2025. That is MediaTeks 4nm processor, a mid-range chip from the company. That chip is backed by 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.2 flash storage. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, is fueled by the Apple A16 Bionic chip, which is also 4nm processor. That chip is paired with 6GB of RAM and NVMe flash storage. It is more powerful than the MediaTek Dimensity 7400X, thats for sure. It was a flagship processor when announced. Having that in mind, the Motorola Razr 2025 does offer good performance, but stutters are a part of the experience. That is especially true for launching the camera and similar tasks in day-to-day use. The iPhone 15 still offers smoother performance in comparison, which is not surprising considering the hardware difference. You can expect the Razr 2025 performance to be slightly better than what its predecessor offered. When it comes to gaming, the iPhone 15 is the better choice despite being a bit older than the Motorola Razr 2025. Its processor and GPU are more catered to gaming than what the Motorola Razr 2025 offers. Still, you can play games with Motorolas handset with ease. Just keep in mind that demanding games may be a bit of a challenge, it all depends. Motorola Razr 2025 vs Apple iPhone 15: Battery The Motorola Razr 2025 includes a 4,500mAh battery on the inside. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, comes with a 3,349mAh battery. Despite the fact the iPhone 15 has a smaller battery pack, it does offer better battery life. It is worth noting that the iPhone 15 has a considerably smaller display, when we look at their main panels. Apples iPhones usually need smaller battery packs in order to compete as well. The battery life on both of these phones is actually really good, but the iPhone 15 stands apart, for sure. It will add around an hour of extra screen-on-time on top of what the Motorola Razr 2025 offers. Thats based on what weve seen, of course, your mileage may vary. There are two displays on the Razr 2025 to consider, and each of you will use your phone in a different way, with a different set of apps. When it comes to charging, the Motorola Razr 2025 supports 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. The iPhone 15, on the flip side, supports 20W wired, 15W MagSafe and Qi2 wireless, and 4.5W reverse wired charging. The Razr 2025 will charge considerably faster, at around 1 hour. The iPhone 15 takes around an hour and 50 minutes to fully charge. Neither smartphone comes with a charger in the box, though. Motorola Razr 2025 vs Apple iPhone 15: Cameras The Motorola Razr 2025 has two cameras on the back. A 50-megapixel main camera (1/1.95-inch sensor) is backed by a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera (1/3.0-inch sensor, 120-degree FoV). Those two cameras serve as both rear-facing and front-facing units. You can use them as front-facing ones thanks to the cover display on the back of the phone. There is, however, a selfie camera on the main display too. The iPhone 15, on the flip side, has a 48-megapixel main camera (1/1.56-inch sensor size), and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera (120-degree FoV). This phone does have a superior main camera sensor in comparison, and that does show in pictures. Granted, the Motorola Razr 2025 does a good job, but the pictures from it are very similar to the ones from the Razr 2024. Thats not surprising due to hardware similarities. The bottom line is, the iPhone 15 is more reliable in terms of camera performance. Its images are closer to real life and offer a better balance. Noise can creep up in the Razr 2025 shots, even when it shouldnt. In night conditions, the iPhone 15s advantages become more noticeable, even though the Razr 2025 does a good job in low light, considering the hardware. Ultrawide cameras are really nothing to write home about, that goes for both phones. Audio Both of these phones offer stereo speakers. The ones on the Motorola Razr 2025 are louder, though. Its enough to notice it, even though its not a huge difference by any means. Youll be happy with the audio output either way. Neither phone includes an audio jack, however, but you can use their Type-C ports instead. If you prefer wireless audio, instead of connecting your headphones via a cable, the Razr 2025 and iPhone 15 support Bluetooth 5.4 and 5.3, respectively. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 have reached the production stage, Samsung is now manufacturing its next-gen foldables. A report claims that the production of both smartphones has started, as expected. That actually includes accessories for both smartphones. Samsung has started manufacturing its next-gen foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Flip 7 As many of you know by now, Samsung is expected to announce both of these phones in July. An early July event in New York has been rumored. In addition to those two phones, Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy Z Flip FE, some accessories, and perhaps even its first tri-fold handset. So, with two months left until the launch event, the timing seems to fit. The device will likely hit the shelves not long after the launch event, probably within the month of July. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 have been a part of quite a few rumors and leaks. Weve exclusively revealed the design of both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 quite early. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be thinner, while the Flip 7 will get a cover display redesign The companys book-style foldable will not look much different, but it will offer a thinner body and several other improvements. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 will be notably different visually due to the change in its cover display. Samsung is getting ready to ditch the folder-type cover display design and adopt what Motorola has been using for a while. In other words, the two rear cameras will now be a part of the cover display. Theyll be planted inside of it, rather than outside of it, which Samsung has been doing for a while now. That also means that the cover display will technically be larger We know that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is more of a mystery. Both the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Exynos 2500 have been mentioned. The thing is, test units have all run the Snapdragon 8 Elite, so chances are that Samsung will use that one. Were not even sure the Exynos 2500 will see the light of day. Samsungs One UI 7 update doesnt seem to be treating some phones and users all that well. According to reports on Samsungs forums and Reddit, One UI 7 is negatively impacting battery life on the Galaxy S24 and other updated devices at least for some. Users have noticed that their battery life is worse compared to before they updated to One UI 7. Theyre basing that on the battery capacity left at the end of the day. One user highlighted that hes seeing a total drop from around 45% to as low as 20% by the end of the day on his Galaxy Z Fold 6 smartphone. Thats just one example, as a number of other users highlighted their experiences via the links we provided above. You can take a look, and youll see quite a few reports. Why is this happening? Well, we can guess, but we cannot know for sure. One UI 7 is a huge update that brings an all-new version of Android. There are a ton of things that can go wrong below the hood. One UI 7 rollout was halted due to issues, we dont know if this is related to that As a reminder, Samsung had to delay the One UI 7 rollout after it had already kicked it off due to some bugs. It continued a week after, though. This one could be related to that, even though Samsung did say the issues have been resolved. On the other hand, this could be a completely separate problem. Samsung did not address this yet, as in acknowledged the issue. The company may not even do that, and simply roll out a fix via the next monthly security update. It remains to be seen. Lets just hope that this battery drain issue will be resolved, as quite a few users have reported issues. Many Galaxy phone users are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of the One UI 7 update. Fortunately, after the initial delay, Samsung seems to be speeding up the rollout to all its eligible devices. Meanwhile, the company is working on One UI 8, the Android 16-based update that will arrive sometime this year. Now, a leak has suggested a possible date for the release of the One UI 8 beta. The delay in the One UI 7 rollout has been shocking to Galaxy device owners. Therefore, Samsung must be careful not to repeat a similar situation with future updates. Otherwise, the company risks tarnishing its practically impeccable update record of recent years. Fortunately, it looks like things will be smoother with One UI 8. Samsung could release One UI 8 beta in June Reliable leaker Tarun Vats has claimed on X/Twitter that Samsung could release the first One UI 8 beta in June. However, he also warns that Samsungs update schedules are subject to change. Therefore, this timeframe should be taken as an approximation and not a definitive announcement. Although Samsung has yet to share official details about One UI 8, leaked internal builds confirmed that the company is already testing the firmware based on Android 16. The news seems encouraging, suggesting that this time the wait could be shorter than anticipated. Its noteworthy that Samsung released the One UI 7 beta in December 2024. Due to delays in its rollout, the company decided to cancel all intermediate updates and focus directly on developing One UI 8. Googles expected earlier-than-usual release of Android 16 also likely influenced the strategic decision. A less ambitious update One UI 8 will be a less ambitious update compared to One UI 7. The latter represented one of the biggest overhauls of the Android customization layer for Samsung devices in years. The Korean giant wont perform a major overhaul of its firmware for a few years. Its upcoming updates will be based on the work done in One UI 7. Despite the lack of official news about One UI 8, an April report revealed that Samsung is also working on One UI 8.5. This update is anticipated to bring more significant changes and is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S26 series in January 2026. In short, the promise of a One UI 8 beta in June is generating optimism among Galaxy users. However, the experience with One UI 7 reminds us that plans can change. Well be watching Samsungs official announcements to confirm the arrival date of this major Android update. If things had gone as planned, TikTok would have been banned in the US at the beginning of the year. However, after taking office, US President Donald Trump extended TikToks ban deadline to April 5, 2025. Trump was confident he could secure a deal before then, but that doesnt appear to be the case. So, its no surprise that Trump is willing to delay the TikTok ban again and give us a new deadline. New TikTok ban delay According to a report from Axios, during an interview with NBCs Meet the Press, Trump said that if a deal isnt made before the current 19th of June deadline, he will grant the company another extension. Trump was quoted as saying, Perhaps I shouldnt say this, but I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok. His statement is ironic, considering that Trump originally proposed a TikTok ban during his first term as President of the United States. However, Trump has since credited TikTok with helping him win his second term. This is why he is taking a different approach now. That said, its unclear if a deal to sell TikTok will ever happen. TikTok sale complications At the moment, there is no shortage of American companies willing to buy TikTok. TikTok commands a sizeable user base, making it perfect for data mining and advertising. Several companies, including Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft, have thrown their names into the ring. However, the issue here isnt so much who wants to buy TikTok as whether or not the Chinese government will allow it. China considers TikToks algorithm a key piece of technology. Given tensions between the US and China at the moment, this restricts TikToks ability to sell itself to foreign companies, let alone an American company. Lets not forget that Trump has imposed incredibly high tariffs against China. He initially hoped that it would force China to come to the table for negotiations. However, it has had the opposite effect. China has not only refused but has doubled down on its tariffs against US companies. So, like we said, even if there is a new deadline for the TikTok ban delay, were not sure if a sale can actually take place. Erin Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder relating to a beef wellington lunch she served at her house in Leongatha in South Gippsland in 2023. Photograph: James Ross/AAP Erin Pattersons estranged husband has denied asking her is that what you used to poison them? in the days immediately after a deadly mushroom lunch. Patterson, 50, faces three charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder relating to the beef wellington lunch she served at her house in Leongatha in South Gippsland in 2023. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to murdering or attempting to murder the relatives of her estranged husband, Simon Patterson. She is accused of murdering Simons parents, Don and Gail Patterson, his aunt Heather Wilkinson, and attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson, Simons uncle and Heathers husband. On Monday, Simon gave evidence for a third day in the trial, under cross-examination from Pattersons lawyer, Colin Mandy SC. The supreme court is sitting in Morwell. The court also heard from friends of Patterson who met her via a Facebook group dedicated to the case of convicted baby killer Keli Lane. The friends said Patterson was known to love mushrooms and seemed a devoted mother, but often complained about Simon, including accusing him of coercive control. Simon, 50, told the court it was possible he and Patterson were left alone at various times while she was receiving treatment at Monash medical centre on 31 July 2023, two days after the lunch. Their two children were also being monitored at the hospital at the time. The court heard last week that the family were discussing Patterson conducting a taste test on their youngest child with muffins made using mushrooms that she had dehydrated. Mandy asked Simon on Monday whether the two children left Pattersons hospital room soon after this, and Simon asked her is that what you used to poison them?. Mandy did not say who them may have referred to. I did not say that to Erin, Simon responded. Mandy also put it to Simon that while they were in the hospital, Patterson was privy to phone conversations he was having, including in relation to the health of his parents and the Wilkinsons. He said, in this context, that Patterson asked Simon about the health of her lunch guests. Simon told the court last week that Patterson had not asked him about their condition. What Im suggesting to you is that she asked you how are they going, Mandy said on Monday. No, I cant recall her asking that, Simon responded. Simon was again asked about a series of messages exchanged between him and Patterson. These messages included some shared on a Signal group chat with his parents. Mandy said to Simon that the only messages between him and Patterson referring to child support and parenting arrangements uncovered during the police investigation had been put to him during his evidence. But Simon said the messages he was referring to on Friday, when he described her extremely aggressive conduct and inflammatory messages to the group chat, had not been read in court. Related: Erin Patterson turned extremely aggressive in dispute with estranged husband, mushroom murders trial hears Under reexamination from prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC, Simon said the message was so inflammatory that he was extremely relieved his mother had not read it. He told the court that because his mother, Gail, became anxious after falling ill with encephalitis, Simon and his father instigated a policy that she should no longer read messages sent by Patterson to the chat in case they worsened her anxiety. Simon said the message was in response to concerns he raised about their oldest child appearing exhausted during regular weekend visits with him, and him asking Patterson to ensure the child went to bed earlier. Simon said the message was having a crack at me and accusing me of things, which he would have been OK about if it was sent directly to him, but Im still upset that Patterson sent it to the group chat. I tell you what, if Mum had read that, I dont know what that would have done to her, Simon told the court. Among the messages that were read in court was another exchange in the group chat in early December 2022, when Patterson sent a long message referring to the ongoing dispute between the estranged couple regarding child support. Simon told the court last week that a miscommunication between himself and his accountant resulted in him being listed as separated on his tax return earlier that year. Related: Deliberate poisoning or a tragic accident? The question at the heart of Australias mushroom murders trial This had family tax benefit and child support implications, the court has heard. Patterson said in the long message that the benefit had been worth about $15,000 a year. Simon told the court last week that he was advised by child support authorities not to pay any expenses relating to the children, including school and medical fees, while the amount he had to pay in child support was calculated. In the message, Patterson starts by saying that she cant stop thinking about a comment Don made on the phone the previous evening about the financial issues being a simple thing to resolve. She said it was not at all simple, as the estranged couple had been basically lying to the government. Of Simon, she said I foolishly trusted him to do right by me and the kids when it came to the crunch, and described him as a bare minimum parent. Don replied that he may have misrepresented Simon, and that it was best to move on, but Patterson replied that following day that she would continue to update the group about the financial dispute to keep Simon accountable. Other messages exchanged between the estranged couple show Patterson asking whether Simon could help move a tree off a fence at her property. The fence had been damaged, allowing one of Pattersons goats into a neighbours yard. Patterson was holidaying with her children in New Zealand at the time Hey I understand we dont really have the kind of the relationship where I can ask for a favour right now, Patterson started her text, on 18 December 2022. Related: Erin Patterson concocted cancer diagnosis to ensure children missed fatal mushroom lunch, murder trial hears Hey there, Im always your husband no matter how were doing, he responded. Simon was also asked during reexamination why he had not contacted Patterson or his parents after the lunch to ask about the medical issue she mentioned to him as the reason for inviting him and the other guests to her property. He mentioned several reasons, including that his parents would have considered it was Pattersons news to tell, and that he couldnt reconcile the fact Patterson described it as serious, but the lunch was to be held almost two weeks later. I didnt feel completely confident there was a serious medical issue to be discussed, he told the court. The court previously heard Patterson told her lunch guests she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but Mandy said she never had cancer. Simon, who completed his evidence shortly after midday, spent more than seven hours in the witness box. Christine Hunt, Daniela Barkley and Jenny Hay, who met Patterson on a Keli Lane group on Facebook, before joining smaller, private groups with her, also gave evidence on Monday. Patterson went by her own name, but also the profile names Erin Erin and Erin Erin Erin in the groups, the friends told the court, during their involvement with her dating back to 2019. None of them met Patterson in person. Hunt said Patterson was regarded as a really good researcher and a bit of a super sleuth in the group. Hunt added that Patterson described Simon as controlling and coercive, and shared her challenges in the relationship with the group, including how it was difficult dealing with the religion of Simon and his family given she was an atheist. Barkley said that Patterson also said she was concerned about Simons lack of cleanliness, and that she did not want the children spending the night at his house because of it. Patterson frequently posted about her children, Barkley said. Thats all she cared about in life, I think yeah, I thought she was a wonderful mother. Patterson also shared with the group multiple photos of a dehydrator that she had bought, which Barkley said she told them was only being used for mushrooms. Ive been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything. Mixed it into chocolate brownies yesterday, the kids had no idea Patterson said in one message to the group that was shown in court. Soon after, Patterson asked the group if anyone had cooked beef wellington, and if they had advice, Barkley said. The group had particularly been fans of RecipeTin Eats, and several of them owned the cook book, she said. Hay, who had cooked beef wellington before and described it in court as one of her favourite dishes, said she gave advice to Patterson about how to make sure it wasnt soggy. The trial continues. The graphic within this article was amended on 8 May 2025 to clarify some of the Patterson family relationships. Keir Starmer on a visit to a defence contractor in Luton on Friday. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters Keir Starmer rode a red wave into Downing Street on the back of a furious desire for change. Poll after poll said that top of the list for change was the cost of living, followed by public services. But just nine months from taking power, many voters seem to be already giving up on the governments ability to bring about that change. The speed of that rejection has been extraordinary. There is a barely concealed frustration among some Labour staffers about the intensity of the rejection. This is a government overseeing a huge boost to the minimum wage, protecting employees from tax rises, nationalising the railways and investing billions in the NHS. But the tone was set by the early cut to winter fuel allowance, and exacerbated by upcoming welfare changes that will hit disabled people. Its the cuts, one MP said. They might be going Green or going Reform but thats what people are saying. They have had enough of it. No 10 now faces a challenging situation with its own backbenchers, especially before the welfare vote in June. MPs will use this moment to send a message if they do not believe Downing Street is listening. A possible U-turn at least partially on winter fuel allowance for some of the worst-off might go a significant way towards calming nerves, though there is no escape from looking weak. But nothing is imminent. In the short term, No 10 will tell its MPs not to panic and that last weeks results were far more of a blow for the Conservative party than for Labour. The proportion of Labour voters going to Reform about 8% is roughly unchanged since September. But there is a deeper question about what will happen if the party is not seen to channel that angry desire for change. The Labour MP Jake Richard, in the Reform-facing seat of Rother Valley, tweeted on Sunday: Labour must take on Reform because its the partys moral purpose, not simply for electoral reasons (which makes it a necessity). He cited extraordinary data from last weeks elections: 61% of the most deprived wards were previously held by Labour. Now roughly 85% are held by Reform. Economic insecurity has become somewhat of a political cliche when progressives attempt to explain concern about immigration. But new polling in the aftermath of the election paints a stark picture of those who are taking a gamble on Reform UK. The polling by Merlin Strategy, on behalf of the campaign group Looking for Growth, found Reform UK voters feel their situation is significantly more precarious than voters as a whole and feel more pessimistic about their own future and the country. A third of the partys voters said they could only just make my household finances work or that I cant afford my costs, compared with 19% of Labour voters. Another poll went viral over the weekend, this time from YouGov: of all those voters who have said they will no longer vote Labour, the winter fuel allowance, cost of living and a lack of public service improvement are the top reasons. Immigration was chosen by just 18% of switchers. Some on the Labour partys right will demand radical action on immigration. The Pendle and Clitheroe MP, Jonathan Hinder, has called for the party to consider leaving the European convention on human rights and instituting a one-in, one-out policy for migration. To out-Farage on immigration would leave Reform with nothing to talk about, the MP contends. Starmer is prepared to talk tough on migration and on culture wars to the understandable discomfort of progressives. There will be an immigration white paper that will propose cracking down hard on asylum policy and on international students, at a likely cost to universities. But to lean in as hard as some of the partys Blue Labour caucus would like could risk alienating even further the other half of Labours fragile coalition. The issue that unites them both is the economy. The vehicle has gathered dust since it was used to transport Pope Francis through Bethlehem in 2014. Photograph: https://www.vehicleofhope.ps/ Just over a decade ago, the converted Mitsubishi whisked Pope Francis through the streets of Bethlehem before it was left to gather dust. Now, in keeping with one of the late pontiffs last wishes, the popemobile is being given a second life as a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip. In a region ravaged by more than 18 months of war, the initiative is both symbolic and practical, said Peter Brune, the secretary general of the Catholic charity Caritas Sweden. We call it a vehicle of hope because it conveys a message to the children of Gaza that peace is possible, there will be peace, you will have a future and the world has not forgotten about you. And then theres the very practical dimension in that it will actually deliver medical aid to affected children. Brune and his counterpart at Caritas Jerusalem, Anton Asfar, came up with the idea late last year. They soon arranged to have the question put to Pope Francis. We got a letter from the pope saying, Yes Im glad to say that I fully endorse this idea, said Brune. Work swiftly began on fitting out the vehicle, which had been left sitting in Bethlehem since the 2014 visit, with supplies such as rapid tests for infections, suture kits and oxygen as well as a refrigerator for medication. It will be used to diagnose and treat children who have no access to healthcare, bolstering the aid provided by Caritas Jerusalem, which has about 100 staff on the ground in Gaza. This is a concrete, life-saving intervention at a time when the health system in Gaza has almost completely collapsed, said Brune. The announcement, made days before the start of the conclave to elect a new pope, echoes Franciss deep commitment to those caught in the crossfire of the conflict. He had long called for an end to the hostilities and voiced his disapproval at how the war was being carried out. Yesterday children were bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war, he said in December after an Israeli airstrike killed seven children from one family. He added: I want to say it because it touches my heart. For much of the past year and a half, Francis had made nightly calls to Gazas only Catholic church, offering his unwavering support to the congregation as they grappled with the pain and devastation of war. It was close to his heart, said Brune. Since the war broke out, 3% of the Christians in Gaza have been killed. The transformed popemobile is expected to be ready in a week or so, said Brune, and talks have been launched in the hope of obtaining permission from Israeli officials to bring it into Gaza. Brune described the situation on the ground as urgent. Since 2 March, no aid has been let into Gaza at all. Its horrible. A few months ago, when it was cold, children were freezing to death. Now theyre starving to death. While aid groups have warned that Israels blockade of food and medicine into Gaza has left civilians in the territory facing starvation, Israel has said that the blockade, along with its renewed military campaign, is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Unicef said last month that the conflict had killed more than 15,000 children, injured tens of thousands of others and left nearly 1 million children repeatedly displaced in the Gaza Strip, adding to warnings that the humanitarian situation had reached its worst point since the hostilities broke out in 2023. The war in Gaza was triggered by a surprise attack launched by Hamas into Israel on 7 October, in which militants killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 250 hostages. Israeli officials say 59 hostages remain in Gaza, more than half of whom are believed to be dead. Brune called for aid to be let in. Its forbidden to use civilians and, even worse, children as some kind of instrument in an ongoing war between adults, he said. Its against all humanitarian principles and laws. He hoped the popemobiles transformation would set a precedent of sorts, paving the way for other papal vehicles to be repurposed. Maybe Gaza now, but then Ukraine in the future or Congo or other places, he said. Everywhere where humanitarian access is denied, we want to apply the principle of saying that the popemobile will stand for the importance of letting humanitarian aid come through. The Prince and Princess of Waless children have joined the King, Queen and veterans to watch a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. The procession of 1,300 members of the armed forces and Nato allies, past some of Londons most famous buildings and monuments and ending at Buckingham Palace, commemorated the service of those who fought to bring peace to Europe and the rest of the world. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis made a rare public appearance with their parents William and Kate to see the spectacle which began a few minutes before they arrived at the royal box. The King and Queen are driven along The Mall to attend the armed forces and veterans parade (Toby Melville/PA) Charles and Camilla led the royal party sitting in the shadow of the Queen Victoria Memorial, along with the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent. Second World War veterans and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were sitting nearby, and crowds lined The Mall, with some waiting since early morning to secure a spot to watch events. Actor Timothy Spall read extracts from wartime leader Sir Winston Churchills VE Day speech and 100-year-old RAF veteran Alan Kennett formally started the parade when he received the Commonwealth War Graves Torch For Peace. VE Day was declared on May 8 1945 and Mr Kennett learnt about the historic news in a cinema when a soldier drove a jeep into the venue and shouted: The war is over. The Mall was the setting for jubilant scenes that day, with the royal family playing a central role in the celebrations as crowds gathered at the gates of Buckingham Palace. Kate, Charlotte, George, Louis and William in the royal box (Toby Melville/PA) King George VI and the Queen Mother made eight balcony appearances and were joined by their daughters, Queen Elizabeth II (then Princess Elizabeth) and Princess Margaret, who later famously slipped into the crowds in The Mall celebrating the end of hostilities. George, 11, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven, were last seen together in public at the Christmas Day church service on the Sandringham Estate. Louis, who during past public appearances has stolen the show, did not disappoint royal fans and was seen at one moment sticking out his tongue a trademark gesture for the young royal. He also held Williams gold aiguillettes, the braided loops hanging from the shoulder of his RAF uniform, and appeared to touch his fathers shoulder again, and also held out his hands palms up as if he was testing for rain, which later fell. When the Waleses and their children took their seats they shook the hand of Royal British Legion veteran Bernard Morgan, who was sitting next to Kate, and he appeared to show her photographs. Zack Polanski says he wants the Green party to become a radical mass movement that can rival Reform UK. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The Guardian A leading Green has launched a surprise campaign to oust Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay as party leaders, saying the party needs to be less timid and transform itself into a radical, mass-membership eco-populism movement. Zack Polanski, who has been deputy leader since 2022 and serves as a London assembly member, will challenge Denyer and Ramsay this summer despite them taking the party to its best-ever general election result last year, winning four seats. Polanski told the Guardian he believed the pair had done a good job, but that the Greens needed to meet the challenge of Reform UK, which has a membership about four times bigger than his party and surged to a mass of victories in Thursdays local elections. People are done with the two old parties and were in this dangerous moment where Nigel Farage is absolutely ready to fill that vacuum, Polanski said. We should never turn into Nigel Farage. But there are things we can learn in terms of being really clear in speaking to people. Theres an empty space in politics, where were not being as bold as we can be. Being sensible and professional are good qualities. But I dont think they should be the central qualities. The Greens in England and Wales have about 60,000 members, while Reform have more than 220,000, a discrepancy Polanski said indicated the need for a change of direction. I dont believe there are more people in this country who align with the politics of Reform than they do with the Green party, he said. In fact we know that, because when Green party policies are polled, they are frequently the most-liked policies, and we are the most-liked party. So why are people not joining? Were not visible enough. I dont want to see our membership grow incrementally. I want to see us be a mass movement. Theres something here around eco-populism: still being absolutely based in evidence, science and data and never losing that but telling a really powerful story. Polanksi, a former Liberal Democrat who only joined the Greens in 2017, is little-known outside the party, but is increasingly used for media duties. A former drama student with a background in community theatre, he often takes a more pugnacious approach than Denyer or Ramsay. It is nonetheless a risky move to challenge a leadership duo who defied electoral expectations in quadrupling the Greens total of parliamentary seats last July, with Denyer and Ramsay winning seats along with Sian Berry, a former co-leader, and Ellie Chowns. Thursdays elections resulted in yet more local successes, with a net gain of 41 seats. But at the same time, a projection of how the vote would look if held nationally had the Greens in fifth place on 11%, a solid performance but without obvious signs of a mass breakthrough. Polanski argues the party needs to take advantage of massive disillusionment with the Labour government, something he said was for now mainly helping fuel support for Reform. If you were trying to create the circumstances for the far right to rise, you would be doing exactly what Keir Starmer is doing now, which is protecting the wealth and power of the super rich, he said. Under party rules, the Greens normally hold leadership elections every two years. Denyer and Ramsay were, however, last elected in 2021, a cycle extended by timetable changes and then a delay for last years general election. Related: The BBC is utterly beholden to the right. Why else would it fear a podcast about heat pumps? | George Monbiot Nominations for this years election open on 2 June, with voting by party members taking place during August. With his leadership bid under way, Polanski will face increased scrutiny including of an early and slightly curious brush with infamy. In 2013, the Sun ran an article which recounted that Polanski, then a hypnotherapist, had promised to use the technique to try to enlarge a female clients breasts. Polanski said the idea came from the client who turned out to be a Sun journalist and that he did not charge them. He said that rather than literal enlargement, the process was meant to help with bodily self-image. He nonetheless says he takes full responsibility: Im a grown adult, and I have choice about what I do and what I dont do. Ive apologised for it and I stick by that apology. Have a whale of a time Hotel Festa Qugiela, Okayama. Photograph: Francois Prost Do whales make you horny? How about UFOs? Maybe youve always dreamed of having a tryst in a fairytale castle, or making love inside a gigantic biscuit tin? Whatever your weird fantasy may be, it can probably be catered for on a roadside somewhere in Japan, if a new book on the curious phenomenon of love hotels is anything to go by. French photographer Francois Prost has been on a 3,000km pilgrimage of passion, driving from Utsunomiya, north of Tokyo, to the island of Shikoku in the south, to document Japans unique architecture of furtive liaisons. What he found spans from manga-embellished motels and Christmas-themed love nests to pastel-hued stage sets worthy of Wes Anderson. And some things stranger than your most eccentric kinks could dream of. Some of the reviews dont inspire confidence. I found a pillow with dried semen, reads one I find love hotels culturally fascinating, says Prost, whose previous projects have included photographing the facades of strip clubs in the US and nightclubs in Ivory Coast. Japan is generally a fairly conservative society, but these are places of escapism, fantasy and almost childlike wonder. And you find them everywhere. Estimates vary, but some put the number of love hotels or rabu hoteru in the country as high as 37,000. They pop up in city centres and rural villages, at busy highway junctions and secluded among fields in the middle of nowhere. As Prosts photographs show vividly, they come in all shapes, sizes and stylistic genres. Some are modelled on castles, topped with pink crenelations and turquoise turrets. Some look like alpine chalets, others like tiki huts, while plenty are modelled on cruise ships, promising to take you on a voyage to love paradise. Whether French chateaux get your juices flowing or you have a penchant for Arabian onion domes, theres a place waiting for you to be greeted by an anonymous receptionist, pay for a kyukei, or rest, and live out your carnal dreams. While most of the buildings in Prosts book date from the 1960s onwards, the Japanese love hotel has its origins as far back as the 1600s. They began to emerge during the Edo period, in the form of discreet establishments known as deai chaya, or lovers teahouses, where couples could meet away from the prying family gaze. They looked like regular teahouses from the outside, but were designed with secretive entrances and multiple exits, and crucially, for a shoes-off-at-the-door society somewhere for customers to hide their footwear so as not to be identified. By the early 20th-century Showa era, these teahouses had transformed into themed, colourful places that offered a sense of escape from the daily routine. Japans postwar economic boom saw love hotels blossom into elaborate sexual amusement parks in the 1970s and 80s, with themes ranging from fairytale to sci-fi to medieval cosplay. The countrys high population density, small apartment sizes and tradition of living at home until marriage helped fuel the appetite for places for people to meet in private. Some have also put love hotels continuing success down to the sexual liberation of women in Japan, sometimes highlighting the cute, cartoonish nature of the decor designed to feel safe and inviting, rather than tacky and sordid. Quite different from seedy pay-by-the-hour motels elsewhere in the world, love hotels aim to cater to everyone. In his 2005 book, Law in Everyday Japan, legal scholar Mark D West estimated that Japanese couples make more than half a billion trips to love hotels each year, suggesting that as much as half of all sexual intercourse in Japan could be taking place in these establishments. In turn, that would mean that a good deal of the countrys population were conceived on a rotating bed, in a beshackled boudoir, or inside a fantastical tropical grotto surrounded by model dinosaurs. Prosts photographs dont take you inside the bedrooms (there are other books for that), but instead focus on the exterior iconography of the hotels. Far from fading into the background, they stand as loud roadside billboards, designed to be easily identifiable by libidinous couples at a glance from a moving vehicle. Who could miss the Hotel Artia Dinosaur, which rises on the corner of a highway intersection in Machida city near Tokyo, crowned with a huge T rex? A tableau of a Jeep being crushed by a velociraptor at the entrance sets the tone. Online reviews warn that the bedroom doors lock automatically once youre inside, and you have to call reception to be let out a feature common to love hotels, but here adding an extra frisson of danger, in tune with the Jurassic Park-inspired theme. Or might you live out your Moby-Dick fantasy at the huge pink concrete whale of Hotel Festa Qugiela, in Okayama, which waits ready to swallow you inside its grinning mouth? Or embrace the kinky King Kong spirit at the LaLa Resort in Kobe? It features a massive gorilla climbing up its bright red and orange-striped facade, and a model tiger keeping watch over the underground car park (a common feature so punters can be shuttled directly to their rooms). The hotels are often designed so you dont have to cross paths with anyone else, says Prost. You can go straight from your car into a lift going up, and there is always a separate lift to go back down, to avoid bumping into people. A lot of the hotels dont even have receptionists any more you book online, or choose your room from an automatic vending machine. The faded decor and tatty appearance of many of the establishments makes you wonder if love hotels are becoming a thing of the past. A lot of them have the forlorn look of semi-abandoned amusement parks, with flaking paintwork and sun-bleached signage. And some of the online reviews dont inspire much confidence. Who could resist the lure of Shibuyas Sweets Hotel, a pink battenberg fantasy dripping with huge slices of cake, cookies and plastic icing? It turns out those arent the only treats on offer. I found a pillow with dried semen, reads one review. The walls and doors were covered in scratch marks, says another, more fitting for a murder hotel than a love hotel. This place is gone now, adds the most recent entry. Too bad. Despite some seedy failures, Prost says that love hotels are still just as popular as ever, and they are evolving to keep up with changing habits. Nowadays, many young people go to love hotels to have parties, he says. They have karaoke machines, big TVs, massage chairs and hot tubs people rent them in groups for a few hours. The Bali An group, for example, offers big rooms for joshi-kai, or girls nights out, complete with bars, 75in TVs and eight-person beds. The rooms also come with hammocks and camping equipment. After castles, cruise ships and cartoons, glamping appears to be the latest love hotel design trend, so you can sample the romance of the great outdoors without venturing outside. The King followed in his grandfathers footsteps 80 years on as he chose not to adorn his uniform with medals at the VE Day parade. Charles wore the naval No.1 dress uniform to see Mondays military procession and flypast in central London to kick off four days of celebration. He elected not to wear medals, reflecting the same choice made by King George VI when he stepped on to the Buckingham Palace balcony on May 8 1945. The Waleses watched the flypast soar above Buckingham Palace (Aaron Chown/PA) The Queen paid tribute to her familys military legacy with a 12th Royal Lancers brooch her late fathers regiment pinned to her sapphire blue wool crepe dress and coat. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa, and was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in the same region. He died in June 2006 aged 89. On Monday, the Princess of Wales also wore a brooch fit for the occasion an RAF wings pin. Kates grandfather served in the RAF as a fighter pilot during the Second World War. Members of the royal family on Buckingham Palaces balcony (Aaron Chown/PA) The Princess Royal wore the uniform of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royals Volunteer Corps), emulating what the late Queen wore when she was a princess appearing on the Palace balcony on VE Day in 1945. The Prince of Wales was dressed in the RAF No.1 uniform. Members of the royal family watched the parade on Monday from a specially built platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial before making their way to Buckingham Palaces balcony to watch the flypast overhead against a soundtrack of cheering crowds. Lewis Hamilton said he will refuse to apologise for being a fighter as he defended his PG radio spat with Ferrari at the Miami Grand Prix. Hamilton accused his team of having a tea break as they decided whether Charles Leclerc should be moved out of his way while they were running in seventh and eighth. Ferrari ushered Leclerc aside, but when Hamilton failed to make any impression on his Mercedes replacement Kimi Antonelli ahead, the two drivers were ordered to trade positions again with four laps left. LAP 39/57 "This is not good teamwork" Hamilton was not happy with his team's orders to stay behind Leclerc, but soon the pair swap positions#F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/h48BcfU0v2 Formula 1 (@F1) May 4, 2025 After swapping places for a second time, Hamiltons race engineer Riccardo Adami then informed his driver that Carlos Sainz was 1.4 sec behind him. Hamilton hit back: You want me to let him past as well? But speaking after the race, Hamilton said: It wasnt even anger. It was just, youre sitting there in the chair, youve got the stuff in front of you, just make the decision quick. Thats what I was feeling. I was in a panic, trying to keep the car on the track. The computer thinks fast. I got on the medium tyre and I felt the car really came alive and I was super optimistic. But we lost a lot of time in those laps when Charles and I were (lapping together) and I was clearly quicker in that moment. I didnt think the decision came quick enough. For sure in that time youre like Come on! It was all PG. I dont know what youre going to write, whether I was disrespectful or whatever. But I honestly dont feel I was. I was just like come on guys, I want to win. Ive still got that fire in my belly. And Im not going to apologise for being a fighter. Im not going to apologise for still wanting it. And I know everyone in the team does, too. Following the worst qualifying appearance of his Ferrari career, Hamilton started from 12th at the Hard Rock Stadium before he improved four positions to put him one place back from Leclerc. Not our day in Miami pic.twitter.com/pPrlUTbfnx Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 4, 2025 Hamilton on the faster medium tyre compound and believing he was owed a favour after he moved over for Leclerc at the second round in China in March said on the radio: You want me just to sit here? This is not good team work. That is all I am going to say. When Ferrari told Hamilton that Leclerc was being moved aside, he snapped: Have a tea break while you are at it. Come on! But Hamilton added: (Ferrari team principal) Fred (Vasseur) came to my room, and I just put my hand on his shoulder and said Dude, calm down! Dont be so sensitive. I could have said way worse things on the radio. You should hear some of the things other people have said. Some of it was sarcasm, and youve got to understand were under huge pressure in the cars. Youre never going to get the most peaceful messages come through in the heat of battle. It is fine. I have no problems with either the team or with Charles. Harry Kane admitted its been a long time coming as he savoured the sweet feeling of claiming the first silverware of his career following Bayern Munichs Bundesliga title success. Bayern were crowned German champions on Sunday after second-placed Bayer Leverkusen could only draw 2-2 at Freiburg. England captain Kane appeared bleary-eyed and sounded hoarse on Monday as he reflected on the celebrations. What a night last night, what a celebration with the players, with the staff Im sure everyones feeling it a little bit this morning, he said in a video posted on Instagram. But were here and I feel amazing. Its been a long time coming. Obviously a lot of hard work, a lot of dedication, and it just feels sweet to win the title and the first one of my career. With Kane forced to watch from the stands due to a one-match ban, Bayern were seconds away from wrapping up the title on Saturday before conceding an added-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw at RB Leipzig. Eric Dier, another ex-Spurs man winning his first major trophy, scored Bayerns first goal. Defending champions Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, needed to win each of their remaining three games to stay in contention. We are the Champions!! pic.twitter.com/YYHC7k6ldU Harry Kane (@HKane) May 4, 2025 Kane has narrowly missed out on major honours numerous times during his prolific career, including finishing a runner-up at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 with England and in the 2019 Champions League final with Tottenham. The 31-year-olds maiden winners medal comes more than 14 years since his professional debut and following 447 goals in 694 appearances for club and country. Kane the Bundesligas top scorer this term with 24 goals is set to return to action on Saturday when Borussia Monchengladbach visit the Allianz Arena. I appreciate all the support as always, it never goes unnoticed and I cant wait to enjoy these next couple of weeks, he continued. I cant wait to be at the Allianz on Saturday and celebrate in front of the fans and then as always we look forward to the next one and we go again and try and get number two. Henry Ducker, 104, is the oldest veteran the Royal British Legion is taking to Buckingham Palace for tea with King and Queen - Royal British Legion He kept the horrors of the Second World War to himself for eight decades. Now, ahead of joining the King and Queen for tea at Buckingham Palace to mark the anniversary of VE Day this week, Henry Ducker has shared his story for the first time. The former RAF flight mechanic, who served as a Leading Aircraftman for six years until 1946, said he was honoured to accept the invitation. Mr Ducker, who was called up to the RAF aged just 19, has never previously met a member of the Royal family and will be the oldest of 30 veterans attending the 80th anniversary celebrations. The days events, organised by the Royal British Legion, of which the King is patron, will begin with a military procession and fly-past with the Royal family and the Prime Minister present. As Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the Armed Forces, calling their sacrifice a debt that can never fully be repaid, Mr Ducker shared his memories with The Telegraph. During the war, he trained at Cranwell in Lincolnshire and the No 1 Radio School in Egypt, and was posted to Reykjavik, Heliopolis, Malta, and Italy, where he worked on the Hawker Hurricane aircraft that saw action in the Battle of Monte Cassino. Mr Ducker ran control centres wherever he went including one rigged up in a stripped-out caravan at the end of a runway in Oakington, Cambridgeshire. I saw some terrible things in Oakington, he said. With boys going out in the bombers and coming back all shot up. It was horrible. I shall never forget that. They were all very talented people and their lives got cut short, its such a shame, he added. During the war, Henry Ducker trained at Cranwell in Lincolnshire and was posted to Reykjavik, Heliopolis, Malta, and Italy - Royal British Legion/Private Collection/PA Wire In 1943, he sailed for the Middle East aboard the Orbita and vividly recalls how his convoy came under repeated enemy air attack in the Mediterranean. He said: Wed been about 20 hours or so sailing and the sirens went, and I looked out and I could see all these aircraft coming towards us. The orders were to get down to the hold, but I was a bit curious to see what was going on. I hung back a bit, and I saw the first lot come and drop, but then I went down. In this hold, theyd fastened all the bulkheads and the officers were there with their guns drawn. Nobody panics at all, but you shouldve seen these mens faces. It was like we were in a tin can, the bombs were dropping, you could hear them. In Yugoslavia, impoverished villagers once invited him to a girls birthday meal in their family home. They had no beds, they just slept on the floor They brought flagons of great wine out. They kept filling our glasses up! I knew I was going home Mr Ducker was on guard at night in Campo Marina, Italy, when news of the German surrender came through. He remembers having been given a gun for his guard duties and firing it up into the sky, celebrating. Id never fired a gun before that! I was over the moon. I knew I was going home, Id survived, he said. He later helped escort German POWs by train across Europe. Taking a train through France on his way home, then crossing the Channel to Newhaven. I shall never forget the ferry, the Royal Daffodil that went into Newhaven. And there I sent a telegram to my mum and dad saying: Im now back in the UK, Ill see you soon. I hadnt seen them for years. I went in as a boy at 19, and I came back at 26 almost to the day. I came home in January 1946 and got married in March. I wrote to her the whole time I was away, wed met when we were five. Guests of honour Veterans from the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, Wrens, Special Operations Executives, D-Day and Desert Rats, as well as 20 Second World War-era civilians, including evacuees, have all been invited as guests of honour to the tea party at the Palace. It comes as the Government announces a new support system,Valour for Veterans, backed by 50 million of funding. A network of centres across the UK will be established and regional field officers provided to connect local, regional and national services that support veterans with housing, employment, health and welfare. Ten female veterans will be in attendance, including former codebreakers, drivers and mechanics. Among them are Joyce Wilding, 100, of Churchills Secret Army, and Ruth Bourne, 98, a Wren at Bletchley Park. Both were in the crowds outside Buckingham Palace in 1945, celebrating VE Day. Defence editor Danielle Sheridan on assignment in Ukraine - Paul Grover/The Telegraph Will there be a Ukraine peace deal this year? Whats it like to be a reporter in China? Is Labour too wishy-washy on defence? And which conflicts should we be paying more attention to? Venetia Rainey is joined by defence editor Danielle Sheridan, senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan and Ukraine: The Latest host Adelie Pojzman-Pontay to discuss the biggest stories of the year so far. Plus, they reflect on what its like to be a foreign correspondent and the unique advantages and challenges of being a woman reporting on war and defence, including why cant pregnant women go on Royal Navy ships. Listen to Battle Lines using the audio player in this article or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favourite podcast app. Joanne Neill started working for Dermalogica in 1995, a tribunal was told - LinkedIn A facilities consultant should not have been fired on her day off, an employment tribunal has ruled. Joanne Neill, who worked part-time for Dermalogica UK, the skincare firm, was unexpectedly told she was being made redundant via video conference. She has been awarded almost 25,000 in compensation after the tribunal found the sacking had significantly worsened her mental health, with which she had already been struggling. It also ruled that she had suffered sex discrimination in being chosen for redundancy because of her part-time hours. Employment Judge Liz Ord criticised Dermalogica, saying: The short notice period she was given of the meeting and the misleading title of the invite catch up meant she was unprepared and blind-sided. The announcement ... plunged her into a state of shock and despair, significantly setting back her state of mental health. Conducting the meeting via [Microsoft] Teams exacerbated the situation as it meant there was no support from colleagues and no opportunity to ask questions of HR. Not allowed to work from home The tribunal in Croydon, south London, heard that Ms Neill began to struggle with her mental health in January 2022 but was not allowed to work her two days a week from home. It heard that she often broke down in front of co-workers, but kept working because she was only entitled to two days sick pay per year. Ms Neill was identified for redundancy in November 2022 because her part-time hours would fulfil a required reduction in head count, Ian White, her manager, told the tribunal. She was invited to a video conference titled catch up, with Mr White and another manager, on one of her non-working days, and told that unfortunately she had been selected. Following the call, Mr White told other members of the team that she had lost her job and the news spread around the office. However, another employee later left the department and Ms Neill kept her job. The tribunal concluded that Dermalogica UK had discriminated against Ms Neill by not providing any context for the meeting, arranging it as a video call when she was based in the office, and not giving her the right to be accompanied during the meeting. It also found that selecting Ms Neill for redundancy on the basis of her hours was a breach of the part-time workers regulations and therefore indirect sex discrimination, because women were more likely to work part-time. She was awarded 24,042.08 in total compensation. Green Party forgot the environment and was torn apart by trans rows With one in five Britons now saying they would consider voting for the Green Party at a future election, there is no doubt of its popularity with the public. Over the last forty years, it has moved from a fringe environmental movement to the political mainstream, widening its focus from the state of the environment to issues including the UKs relationship with Europe and the voting age as it has done so. But during the last decade, one particular issue appears to have taken precedence within the party trans rights. And in the wake of the recent Supreme Court ruling that transgender women are not legally women, it appears to be tearing the movement apart. Carla Denyer, who affirmed her belief that trans women are women, calling for their rights to be enshrined and strengthened through the law and the withdrawal of guidance on single-sex spaces issued following the courts judgement has now announced plans to stand down as co-leader. Denyer said she wanted to focus on her role as an MP. Her fellow co-leader Adrian Ramsay has also faced calls to resign from those angered by his apparent refusal to follow Denyers line on the trans debate, or distance himself from her remarks. This morning @thegreenparty has called for the EHRC's harsh and ill-considered guidance on single-sex spaces to be withdrawn. As it stands the guidance puts trans people at risk of discrimination and violence and clearly hasn't been drawn up with trans people's input. I'll be pic.twitter.com/cqGBh0ZV1F Carla Denyer (@carla_denyer) April 27, 2025 When asked three times whether trans women are women during an interview on BBC Radio 4s Today programme last month, Ramsay avoided answering directly. Instead, he said the Supreme Court judgment had provided some clarity in terms of the Equality Act, adding it was important not to get hung up in divisions, [and] in definitions. A number of activists seized on Ramsays apparent reticence, and criticised him for a perceived failure to stand up for the trans community. The man has had literal years to educate himself on trans rights. He has seemingly refused to do so, he refuses to communicate our policy which says trans women are women. He must be voted out, one such member said on social media. In a statement, the Young Greens representing the partys youth and student members said: We are disappointed to see the co-leader of the party failing to show solidarity with trans people. A statement by the Young Greens Executive Committee on comments made by Adrian Ramsay MP on the recent Supreme Court ruling. We will always stand with the trans community and call out transphobia wherever it appears. Solidarity pic.twitter.com/CfUDdrLnQK Young Greens (@YoungGreenParty) April 24, 2025 Exposing divisions within the movement, gender-critical Greens many of who have attempted to push back against what they describe as the partys unpalatable gender identity extremism in recent years have also been dismayed by the leaders responses to the Supreme Court ruling. Former deputy leader Shahrar Ali, who won a discrimination case against the Green Party last year after he was removed as a spokesperson amid a row over his gender critical beliefs, says the party is now out of control on the issue. Torn between a rock and hard place, they simply cannot bring themselves to admit that they were on the wrong side of history all along, Ali tells The Telegraph. Leaders, officers and spokespeople are in the grip of gender ideological fanaticism, some of whom are front line proselytisers, he adds, namechecking Sian Berry, one of the partys four MPs and Zack Polanski, its current deputy leader, who has launched a campaign to head the party himself. Others like Adrian Ramsay are terrified of losing their position if they were to align themselves with sex realism or common sense. Ali says he believes such fear stems from the sense that members have been exiled from the party for speaking out and speaking truly on the rights of women. Emma Bateman, one of five gender critical co-chairs of Green Party Women (a members group with which the party has cut official ties), agrees. The majority of members joined the Green Party to support environmental causes, and do not endorse the anti-science radical trans activism pushed by some of its leaders, she says. Bateman and other senior members of the Green Party Women group claim it was disaffiliated because of their gender-critical views. Unfortunately, the Green Party disciplinary system is bent to silence anyone who questions the Trans Women are Women dogma, she adds. Women have been bullied and vilified for speaking up for sex-based rights... the partys principles of freedom of thought and expression have been trampled on. Co-leader Adrian Ramsay is facing calls to resign from party supporters after repeatedly avoiding the question of whether trans women should be defined as women during a BBC Radio 4 interview - Cameron Smith/Getty Images The sense of division over the trans issue gripping the Greens today marks a radical departure from its roots as a movement focused on the environment above all else, which can bizarrely be traced back to a 1972 edition of Playboy. Lesley Whittaker, a solicitor from Coventry, was left terrified after reading a magazine interview with Prof Paul R Ehrlich, a population studies expert at Stanford University, in which he predicted mass famine due to rapid population growth. Whittakers fears prompted her and her husband, Tony, to form the PEOPLE party (forerunner of the Green Party) in February of that year. But the movement, which featured slogans like Let us move to a new age. Forget the old, struggled to gain traction owing to fears it was overly radical. It was later renamed The Ecology Party, reflecting its focus on green issues, and secured its first council seat in East Sussex in 1976. A decade later, in 1985, it rebranded as the Green Party. By 2008, it had elected its first leader, abandoning its long-standing principle of collective leadership to install Caroline Lucas at the helm. Former members told The Telegraph that the shift in focus from environmental issues to trans rights began two years later, with the introduction of the Equality Act, and was accelerated by an influx of young members in 2011 and the election of Natalie Bennett a vocal supporter of the transgender community as leader in 2012. Natalie Bennett, who was elected leader in 2012, played a pivotal role in shifting the Green Partys focus towards trans rights, supported by a growing youth membership - David Rose The change in focus was cemented in 2016, say the former members, when the LGBTIQA+ Greens a self-described liberation group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual, agender and aromantic people in the Green Party and beyond proposed a motion which was passed at the partys Autumn conference. It said: The Green Party recognises that trans men are men, trans women are women and that non-binary entities exist and are valid. We shall respect transgender and non-binary peoples identities as real. The Green Party shall include, and push for further acceptance of, transgender and non-binary people within all areas of society. The group was led at the time by trans activist Aimee Knight (nee Challenor) who was subsequently appointed Green Party spokesperson on LGBTIQA+ issues. This is where the rot really started to set in, says one former member, who did not wish to be named. By 2017, the Green Party Womens constitution had changed. Previously, it had stated that membership shall be open to any current female member. But it was now open to any member who self-identifies as a woman or gender variant. (The partys overall constitution had always welcomed all regardless of sex or gender identity) A number of women who tried to raise their concerns that this would affect their sex-based rights allege they were vilified and bullied for doing so. Some resigned. A number were suspended. Some members tried to challenge the partys evolving culture from within. In 2019, Theo Simon who had stood as the Green Party candidate for Somerton and Frome in 2015 and 2017 proposed a late motion at that years conference. It raised concerns that a culture has arisen in the party which may have lowered standards of civil debate, marginalised members complaints, and silenced members voices around particular policies. But according to former insiders, these efforts were in vain. At the partys 2021 spring conference, several motions perceived by some as anti-women and pro-trans were passed, including the removal of women from the partys list of oppressed groups. Later that year, at least 40 women resigned in protest after Kathryn Bristow, a trans woman, was elected to lead the partys womens group. Critics claimed Bristows new role meant women were losing representation within the party. You cant even discuss it without being accused of transphobia, said one departing member at the time. Its a terrible situation which I believe is driven by a powerful lobby intent on driving an agenda which is anti-gay and anti-women. A year on, a raft of gender-positive motions were passed at the partys Autumn conference of 2022, including one titled: Solidarity with Drag Queen Story Time/Hour, which suggested there were overlaps between anti-gender [anti-trans] movements and racist, antisemitic and male supremacist groups. Despite feeling that their party has drifted away from them, some women are still fighting back. In August 2023, a group of members founded the Green Womens Declaration (GWD), which is aimed at advocating for women as a sex. Zoe Hatch is one of its members. The Green Party I know and love was founded on the idea that we must do politics differently, that openness, understanding and accountability should underpin our actions, she says. In the last few years, the authoritarian clamp down on any dissent to gender ideology has corrupted our party. But we women are resilient, and when the trend of gender ideology is over, and science and evidence are again central to Green Party policy, we will still be here and we will rebuild the broken pieces of our party. Those whose future now seems to lie outside the party are less confident of a turnaround, pointing to its response to the Supreme Court ruling as evidence that the movement has lost its way. Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer, pictured holding a placard at a rally in Bristol last month, has been vocal in advocating for trans rights - Gavin Rodgers/ Pixel8000 Denyer herself has questioned guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) following the Supreme Courts ruling which states that trans women (biological men) should not be permitted to use womens facilities such as changing rooms or toilets in workplaces and public settings including hospitals, shops and restaurants. The Green co-leader said the update - which also stated that trans individuals should not be left with no facilities to use - was rushed and ill-thought out. Its been really obvious that they have not listened to trans people, she told BBC Ones Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme late last month, adding the guidance put them at risk of discrimination. It is notable that in their cackhanded statements to date, they continue to centre the presumed thoughts and feelings of transgender women; never the safety and dignity of actual women and girls, says Ali. Deep down, they must know how increasingly unpalatable gender identity extremism is with the public, he adds. But if the leaders do not capitulate to the fanatics within, they know they face the loss of their positions. Therefore, they prefer to fudge simple definitional questions or avoid probing interviews because they know they would be had. A Green Party spokesperson said: The Green Party has always supported the rights of all people to be able to live their lives freely and as they choose. We want the government to carefully consider the impact of the Supreme Court judgment and ensure that its implications are clearly understood and the human rights of all protected. The winter fuel cut is one of the most unpopular moves the Government has made since last Julys general election - Guy Smallman/Getty Images Downing Street is reportedly considering reinstating the winter fuel allowance for thousands of pensioners after a backlash from voters at the local elections. The allowance could be changed so that more older people would be eligible for the payment, which currently has an income cap of 11,500. It comes after figures on the Left of the Labour Party complained that Sir Keir Starmer had driven voters away by slashing the allowance and other benefits. At Thursdays elections, Labour lost Doncaster, the only council it ran that was holding a vote, and the by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, previously one of its safest seats. MPs have said that the winter fuel decision, taken by Rachel Reeves within weeks of taking office last year, has turned older people away from the party. MPs have complained that Rachel Reevess winter fuel decision has turned older people away from the party - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images The Guardian reported on Monday night that the policy was now under review. The newspaper said that the full allowance to all pensioners was unlikely to be reinstated, but the means-tested income threshold could be raised. The cut of up to 300 a year from 10 million people was one of the first decisions taken by Labour, which complained at the time that the Conservative Party had left a black hole of 22 billion in the public finances. A source told The Guardian: People are saying we havent done enough for them on the cost of living, and winter fuel is an example of it going in the wrong direction. A second added: The winter fuel cut has become totemic and talks to us being on the wrong side of working people. We need to show thats not the case. A Downing Street source told The Telegraph that the report was incorrect and the policy would not be reviewed. If a review did go ahead, Ms Reeves would be forced to find extra savings or raise taxes to keep the Government within its fiscal rules, which are already under threat. Polling shows the winter fuel cut is one of the most unpopular moves the Government has made since last Julys general election. The poll rating of Sir Keir and Labour more generally has fallen dramatically since then, with Reform UK frequently polling ahead of both major parties. The wall in Okehampton, Devon, has been partially removed, apparently by a local resident who used a rented JCB vehicle - William Dax/SWNS A town is at war over a structure dubbed The Berlin Wall Mk 2, erected to block access to a walking route after a Google Maps blunder. A resident built the wall out of concrete blocks between two housing estates on Kellands Lane in Okehampton, Devon, after Google Maps started to show a right of way across land that developers have said is private. But after the resident took things into his own hands to erect the wall, other locals said the structure completely cut off a thoroughfare that families and children used to get to school. The wall was later covered with graffiti that read Berlin Wall Mk 2. George Dexter, of West Devon borough council, said: There used to be a hedge here, but families would just walk around it and in the intervening years the estates have sprung up around it. A few weeks ago this wall suddenly appeared and everyone was confused. It cuts off everybody here. Last week, a resident took things into his own hands and soon after the council issued an enforcement notice. The wall was built between two housing estates after Google Maps started to show a right of way across land developers say is private - William Dax/SWNS On April 17, officials at West Devon borough council issued a temporary stop notice to prevent further works from happening to the wall. An enforcement order was made a week later, with officials told to tear it down by the end of May if it was not removed by the builder. The wall has since been partially removed, apparently by a resident who used a rented JCB digger. One resident said: Nobody knew why it was put up. I moved here seven years ago and there was a hedge, which died. Then they put up this huge wall and the kids have been crawling underneath the gaps. Its really dangerous. Another added: I dont know why theyve put it there. It does look like the Berlin Wall, it made the neighbourhood a lot quieter, people were joking that there would soon be watchtowers installed. Everyone was grateful to the person that knocked it down. George Dexter, of West Devon borough council, says of the blocks: A few weeks ago this wall suddenly appeared and everyone was confused. It cuts off everybody here - William Dax/SWNS A spokesman for Leander Developments said: The land in question is under private ownership, and there is no public right of way across this land this isnt a question of inconvenience to the public, as anyone who crosses this land is committing trespass. To date, we have received a stop notice, but not an enforcement notice. The recently erected temporary structure, on our land, was done for public safety and insurance purposes ... Our insurance requires us to take reasonable steps to prevent trespass ... unless we can demonstrate that we have taken positive steps to prevent illegal entry onto our land. The spokesman said that a member of the public caused criminal damage when they used a digger to attempt to remove the wall, adding: To safeguard our insurance, we considered it our right under permitted developments to erect a temporary structure, and it is disappointing that council is taking measures which allow trespassing to continue, despite making them aware that this was for insurance purposes. On January 6 2023 ... we had a meeting, on site, with two directors of the council, the local member, and the then-leader of the council to discuss a long-term solution to complete the Kellands Lane connection. After the meeting, no further action was taken by West Devon borough council. We remain willing to work towards a long-term solution. Campaigners march to call for the reversal of Labours winter fuel payment cuts last July. Photograph: Sopa Images/LightRocket/Getty Images Downing Street is rethinking its controversial winter fuel payment cut amid growing anxiety at the top of government that the policy could wreak serious electoral damage, the Guardian has been told. Keir Starmers senior team has been discussing for several weeks how to handle public anger over the policy, which bubbled over in last Thursdays local elections, when the party lost two-thirds of the council seats it was defending. While a full reversal of the cut is not expected, No 10 sources said they were considering whether to increase the 11,500 threshold over which pensioners are no longer eligible for the allowance. Labour MPs have been piling pressure on the government to change its mind over the winter fuel payment, as well as its plans for 5bn benefit cuts, before a vote on stage one of its welfare plans in early June. The government is planning to come back for stage two this autumn, the Guardian has been told, although there are concerns that further cuts would risk inflaming tensions even further with angry Labour MPs. Labour party activists say the subject of benefits was raised repeatedly on the doorstep in the local elections across England and were a key factor in the partys loss to Nigel Farages Reform UK at the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary byelection. Related: Cuts leave voters doubting Labours ability to deliver change Multiple ministers and senior officials have told the Guardian they believe the governments decision last July to cut the winter fuel allowance from all but the poorest pensioners has been a disaster. A cabinet minister said: It comes up on the doorstep all the time. Winter fuel will lose us the next election, it was a terrible mistake. But its probably too late for a U-turn now. On Tuesday the Welsh first minister, Eluned Morgan, will give a major speech that will criticise the welfare cuts, setting out a clear dividing line with Welsh Labour, which she will position on the left of the UK party. Downing Street figures acknowledge the concern that exists over the policy at all levels of the party and among voters and said there had been many conversations over the issue in recent weeks. However, they stressed this was not a formal review. People are saying we havent done enough for them on the cost of living, and winter fuel is an example of it going in the wrong direction, one source said. Another added: The winter fuel cut has become totemic and talks to us being on the wrong side of working people. We need to show thats not the case. However, they cautioned there would be no kneejerk response to the election results, and any change to the policy was unlikely before autumn, and would be announced in the context of a broader financial package. The proportion of Labour voters going to Reform about 8% was roughly unchanged since September, they added. Weve got to make sure our response to the elections is the right one and not just overreacting to hot takes. Of course Labour MPs all heard stuff about winter fuel during the elections and are feeling bruised by that, one No 10 insider said. Pressure from MPs for a major rethink of economic strategy is likely to mount in the coming days. It might not be too late, one MP said of a winter fuel U-turn. I dont think we would get credit for doing it but we might neutralise it as a major attack line. The mood in the PLP [parliamentary Labour party] is hardening on cuts, another said. Its far beyond the usual suspects who are angry about this. In No 10 there are concerns that any tweak to the policy could be damaging for Rachel Reeves, who removed the payment of up to 300 from 10 million pensioners within weeks of taking office, saying the money was needed to fill a budget black hole left by the Tories. One senior figure said the strength of feeling about the winter fuel cut was likely to have an impact on their broader plans for welfare reform, as previously loyal backbenchers were threatening to rebel in a vote on 5bn of cuts expected in early June. Related: Reform UK is main opposition party, Nigel Farage claims after election wins Its unfortunate that the vote is coming after the local elections as lots of MPs now feel that Downing Street doesnt get it and that they dont owe us anything, they added. Dozens of MPs are understood to have sent private letters to Starmer urging him to change course on welfare cuts or to pause the cuts until after the summer when fuller details of investment in back-to-work programmes will be known. Concerned MPs have been holding fortnightly briefings with disability charities to understand the breadth of the impact of the cuts. Ministers have sketched out tentative plans for a second round of tough welfare reforms this autumn, though that could now be contingent on how large the rebellion is in June. Insiders argue further reforms would make the system more fair overall, and that there is public support for reining in the bill for health and disability benefits, which is set to reach 70bn by the end of the parliament. We didnt go big enough the first time round. The costs are unsustainable, one No 10 source said. Its a fairness issue but also a fiscal one how can we spend money on the publics priorities, like schools and hospitals, if all the money is going on welfare? A second government source said: We shouldve done it all in one hit we didnt go far enough. Weve had all the political pain for very little fiscal gain. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) officials believe the government would need to cut a total of 15bn from the benefits bill to make an impact on the rate of growth. Any mitigation of the winter fuel allowance cut alongside further cuts to disability benefits would be likely to spark further criticism from the partys left. A cabinet minister warned: The second tranche will be even more painful. With the bulk of future savings set to come once again from cuts to disability benefits, including a freeze to personal independence payments, the government is bracing itself for more internal dissent. A reshuffle of cabinet ministers as well as the junior ranks could come as soon as the summer in part because the prospect of junior ministerial roles becoming vacant might be a useful tool to persuade wavering MPs not to rebel on welfare cuts. But sources have told the Guardian that Starmer himself has become more conscious of a need for a reshuffle in his top team after becoming frustrated with the pace of delivery and a feeling that some ministers have become institutionalised in their departments. The prime minister complained at a recent cabinet meeting that ministers were seeking too many write-rounds a process for seeking high-level cover for difficult decisions. Among those who are tipped to be moved are the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, and the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy. Peter Kyle, the science and technology secretary, is tipped for a move to education, having come under fire from MPs for a perceived closeness to big tech. Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the Treasury who is Rachel Reevess de facto deputy, could be his replacement. Nuns and other faithful sit during a mass for Pope Francis in St Peters Basilica on Saturday. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images Just a few days before he died, Pope Francis met nurses and medics from Romes Gemelli hospital, where for five weeks he had been treated for severe pneumonia, to thank them for their care. Leading the group of 70 men and women was Elena Beccalli, who in June last year became the first female rector of Milans Catholic University of the Sacred Heart. The universitys health faculty in Rome has close ties with Gemelli. Thank you for the service in hospital, it was very good, keep it up, Francis told the group, before turning to Becalli and adding: When women are in charge, things go well! It was not the first time Francis had publicly praised the role of women, and throughout his 12-year papacy he made strides in boosting the female workforce in the Vatican while appointing several women into the top echelons of its governance. He also gave women the right to vote during synods, the periodic Vatican summits involving the worlds bishops. But in other areas, whether it be the handling of accusations of clerical abuse of nuns or his repeated assertions that women could never become priests, Francis leaves behind a disparate legacy. That women are still mostly passive participants in the church was made clear by their absence during his funeral mass in St Peters Square among the mourners filling the seats surrounding the altar and front rows on the side of the pulpit reserved for Catholic church leaders. Instead, nuns stood among crowds of pilgrims and tourists, mostly making do with following the service on TV screens. Meanwhile, the theme of women has so far been missing from the discussion among cardinals as they share visions for the future of the church during their daily pre-conclave meetings, at least according to briefings given to the press by a Vatican official. But as the men prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope on Wednesday, all the while capturing the worlds attention, a team of women will be working behind the scenes to support them. In a mission led by the sisters who manage Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse where the 133 sequestered cardinal-voters will reside during the conclave, their task will be to cook for the men and clean their bedrooms. The nuns will also assist them in managing their daily needs, especially the more frail among them, while providing spiritual support for their electoral duty through prayer. It is the women who actually hold everything together, said Gloria Branciani, a former nun. But the Catholic church remains a patriarchal institution where women are barely even listened to. Branciani should know. She left the nunhood after allegedly being sexually abused for years including being forced into having threesomes by Marko Rupnik, a once-prominent Jesuit artist-priest who was friends with Francis. Rupnik, who has been accused of abuse by at least nine women, was excommunicated in 2020 for absolving a woman with whom he had sex, only to be reinstated after he repented. Rupnik was finally expelled from the Jesuit order in June 2023 after the degree of credibility of the allegations against him was found to be very high. However, he remains a priest and is now based at a diocese in Koper, in his native Slovenia. Branciani had long reported the abuse, but claimed she was never listened to. There was hope in 2019 when Francis became the first pontiff to publicly admit that priests had sexually abused nuns, but he failed in his pledge to do more to fight the problem. The Rupnik case is with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican body responsible for overseeing the churchs prosecution of serious crimes. But it has been slow to progress, with Rupniks alleged victims being told that judges were deterred from taking on the case because the women had spoken to the press. Gloria made the first complaint in 1993, and if it had been dealt with at that time we would never have needed to turn to the media and how many victims would have been spared? said Laura Sgro, a lawyer representing Bracciani and other alleged victims, and the author of a recently published book about the case, Stupri Sacri (Sacred Rapes). Sister Livia Angelillis, a nun based in Tuscany, said the problem of clerical abuse against nuns had always been there, whether in a light or heavy form. They were afraid to speak out nuns tend to view priests as Jesus on Earth, she said. But Franciss acknowledgment has at least given more women the courage to report it. The major obstacle limiting the power of women in the church is the ban on them becoming priests. They dont have voices, said Sgro. The battle for female priests has long been fought by the Catholic Womens Ordination (CWO), a global organisation that challenges misogyny in the church. Pat Brown, a spokesperson for CWO, said that while Francis was wonderful in so many ways, he appeared to have a blind spot when it came to giving women justice. There is absolutely no argument why women cant be priests it is misogyny, she said. Justice is exactly what Branciani would like to see from the next pope. Words are all well and good but we need substance, starting with an immediate trial [against Rupnik]. But real reforms can only really begin once women can train to become priests. Senior royals have joined thousands of people in the London rain to observe a military procession to begin commemorations marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. Nato allies marched alongside 1,300 members of the UK armed forces for the parade, with the words of Sir Winston Churchills 1945 victory speech spoken by actor Timothy Spall kicking off events for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The King and Queen were joined in the royal box by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to watch the spectacle. Kate, Charlotte, George, Louis and William in the royal box (Ben Birchall/PA) There was applause from the crowds as the royals took their seats, while William shook the hand of one veteran as he took his seat. His children followed his example with Kate the last to greet the serviceman as she sat beside him. He later appeared to show her some photographs and she took one to give it a closer look. The King saluted as the procession reached the Queen Victoria Memorial. Shortly after the royals took their seats, light drizzle prompted many to put up umbrellas, as the King helped to wrap veteran Joy Trew up in blankets. Members of the royal family are later expected to make an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast. It is understood there are no plans for any changes to the flypast despite the weather. The royal family are scheduled to take part in engagements over the next four days, less than a week after the Duke of Sussex told the BBC his father will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer the King has left. The King and Queen are looking forward to the weeks events, and it is understood that, out of respect for the surviving veterans, Buckingham Palace hopes nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries. In Whitehall, the Cenotaph was draped in a large Union flag, with the south and north face of the landmark covered. It is the first time the war memorial has been draped in Union flags since it was unveiled by King George V more than a century ago, in 1920. Crowds started to gather on The Mall on Monday morning, with some arriving the day before to secure a viewing spot. Spectators gather on The Mall (Carl Court/PA) The commemorations will feature displays by the Red Arrows and street parties will take place across the UK. Sir Keir Starmer, who was also at the London procession, said the weeks events are a reminder that victory was not just for Britain as personnel from the US, France and Germany will be among those joining the military procession. In an open letter to veterans, he said: VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid. Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old Normandy veteran, began the procession which set off down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Sir Keir Starmer chats with Second World War veteran Albert Keir (Ben Birchall/PA) Thirty further veterans are to attend official events on Monday, including 26 who will watch the procession in London. The list includes Royal Navy veteran Albert Keir, 99; Royal Engineers veteran Alfred Littlefield, 101; RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, 101; Army veterans Arthur Oborne, 99, and Tom Stonehouse, 99; and Royal Marines veteran Francis James Grant, 99; who all served during D-Day. The Nato detachment, which included personnel from Poland, Lithuania and Sweden, marched in the procession wearing the uniforms of their nations under the Nato flag. Representatives of the Ukrainian military, selected from the UK armed forces training programme for Ukrainian recruits, also took part. The procession began after Mr Kennett received the Commonwealth War Graves Torch For Peace by air cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones. D-Day veteran Alan Kennett (right) formally started the procession (Gareth Fuller/PA) In 1945, large crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. The young Princess Elizabeth sneaked out into the streets to join the celebrating crowds and later spoke of being swept up in a tide of happiness and relief. After Queen Elizabeth IIs death in 2022, this year will be the first landmark VE Day commemoration without any of the royals who stood on the balcony that day. The Queen Mother with Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret on the Buckingham Palace balcony (PA) Street parties will be held in towns and cities across the UK, including community tea parties, 1940s dress-up events, and gatherings aboard Second World War warships. Local authorities have offered support for communities and organisations wishing to hold a VE Day street party, with some councils such as Portsmouth waiving fees to close roads for the celebrations. The Palace of Westminster, the Shard, Lowther Castle in Penrith, Manchester Printworks, Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall are among hundreds of buildings which will be lit up from 9pm on Tuesday. A new display of almost 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London will form another tribute. The poppies have been set to resemble a wound to reflect the long-lasting sacrifices made during the war. Ceramic poppies at the Tower of London (Stefan Rousseau/PA) A service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance on Thursday, where veterans will be part of the congregation. Horse Guards Parade will then hold a live concert to round off the commemorations. 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 on Thursday. Churches and cathedrals will ring their bells at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945, the Church of England said. Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron discussed the war in Ukraine and migration in a call on Monday, Number 10 has said. The Prime Minister and French president also touched on VE Day commemorations and an upcoming UK-EU summit, according to a readout of their conversation. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: The Prime Minister began by reflecting on how privileged he felt to be part of the moving VE Day celebrations this week, including the commemorative events held today. Turning to the situation in Ukraine, the leaders discussed the need for Russia to commit to a 30-day ceasefire to ensure meaningful peace talks. Ukraine had proved it was willing and ready to come to the table and was the party of peace, the Prime Minister added. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosts a VE Day 80th Anniversary street party on Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Sir Keir and Mr Macron have been at the forefront of plans to convene a coalition of nations willing to support a peace deal in Ukraine if one is reached. It comes as the UK is looking to reset its trading and diplomatic relationship with Europe, after a turbulent few years post-Brexit. A bilateral summit is expected between the UK and France later this year, and the two leaders agreed to step up ambition between the two countries across all areas, including defence and security and irregular migration, the Downing Street spokeswoman said. Both leaders underscored that more is needed to be done to disrupt irregular migration upstream. They also agreed on the importance of a successful EU-UK summit in two weeks time. Mr Macron and Sir Keir also discussed the conflict in Gaza, and both expressed their deep concern at recent developments and agreed a renewed peace process was required. Earlier on Monday, the Foreign Office said that the UK does not support an expansion of Israels military operations in Gaza after the Tel Aviv government approved plans to seize the territory. Thousands to line streets as four days of VE Day commemorations to begin Thousands of people will line the streets of London as four days of commemorations to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe are set to begin. Nato allies will join 1,300 members of the armed forces for a procession in the city, and the words of Sir Winston Churchills 1945 victory speech will be spoken by actor Timothy Spall to kick off events for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The royal family are scheduled to take part in engagements over the next four days, as they hope nothing will detract or distract from the commemorations following the Duke of Sussexs bombshell interview with the BBC. The King and Queen are looking forward to the weeks events, and it is understood that, out of respect for the surviving veterans, Buckingham Palace hopes nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries. VE Day commemorations come just days after Harry told the broadcaster his father will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer the King has left. In Whitehall the Cenotaph was draped in a large Union flag, with the south and north face of the landmark covered. The royal family is hoping nothing will detract or distract from the VE Day commemorations following the Duke of Sussexs bombshell interview (Jonathan Brady/PA) It is the first time the war memorial has been draped in Union flags since it was unveiled by King George V more than a century ago, in 1920. Crowds started to gather on The Mall on Monday morning, with some arriving the day before to secure a good viewing spot. Elsewhere, the commemorations are set to feature displays from the Red Arrows and street parties will take place across the UK. Sir Keir Starmer said the weeks events are a reminder that victory was not just for Britain as personnel from the US, France and Germany will be among those joining the military procession in London on Monday. In an open letter to veterans, he said: VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid. Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old Normandy veteran, will start the procession in London which is set to march down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Thirty further veterans are to attend official events on Monday, including 26 who will watch the procession in London. The list includes Royal Navy veteran Albert Keir, 99; Royal Engineers veteran Alfred Littlefield, aged 101; RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, 101; Army veterans Arthur Oborne, 99, and Tom Stonehouse, 99; and Royal Marines veteran Francis James Grant, 99; who all served during D-Day. The Nato detachment, which will also include personnel from Poland, Lithuania and Sweden, will march in the procession wearing the uniforms of their respective nations under the Nato flag. Representatives of the Ukrainian military, selected from the UK armed forces training programme for Ukrainian recruits Operation Interflex, will also take part. D-Day veteran Alan Kennett (right) will formally begin the procession on Monday (Gareth Fuller/PA) The procession begins after Mr Kennett receives the Commonwealth War Graves Torch For Peace by air cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones. The King, Queen, Sir Keir and Second World War veterans will be on a platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. Members of the royal family are later expected to make an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast. In 1945, large crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. The young Princess Elizabeth sneaked out into the streets to join the celebrating crowds and later spoke of being swept up in a tide of happiness and relief. Following Queen Elizabeth IIs death in 2022, this year will be the first landmark VE Day commemoration without any of the royals who stood on the balcony that day. The Queen Mother wipes her eye as she stands on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the 50th anniversary of VE Day with the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret (PA) Street parties will be held in towns and cities across the UK as part of the special events including community tea parties, 1940s dress-up events, and gatherings aboard Second World War warships. Local authorities throughout the country have offered support for communities and organisations wishing to hold a VE Day street party, with some councils such as Portsmouth waiving fees to close roads for the celebrations. The Palace of Westminster, the Shard, Lowther Castle in Penrith, Manchester Printworks, Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall are among hundreds of buildings which will be lit up from 9pm on Tuesday. A new display of almost 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London is also set to form another touching tribute. The poppies have been set to resemble a wound to reflect the long-lasting sacrifices made during the war. A service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance on Thursday, where veterans will be part of the congregation. Horse Guards Parade will then hold a live celebratory concert to round off the commemorations. Pubs and bars have also 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 on Thursday. Churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells as a collective act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945, the Church of England said. Only four passengers managed to swim to shore unharmed - Liu Xu Ten people are dead and 70 more injured after tourist boats capsized on a river in Qianxi City, in Chinas south-western Guizhou Province on Sunday afternoon. More than 500 emergency responders, including police, firefighters and medical personnel were deployed to coordinate rescue efforts. In videos posted by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, numerous fire trucks and ambulances can be seen at the shore, as personnel set up emergency stations. The four boats were carrying a total of 84 people along the Wu River when a rain and hail storm suddenly broke out, flipping the boats over and pushing all passengers on board into the water. Four of the passengers managed to get to shore unharmed. Initial reports said that only two boats had capsized, but state media later reported that there were four vessels involved. The overturned boats remain in Wu River - Liu Xu The mountains and rivers in Guizhou are known tourist destinations and Sunday marked the end of a five-day holiday in China, where many people were travelling around the country. The identities of the passengers on board the boats have not yet been revealed, but it has been described as a tourist excursion. Shortly after the incident, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged all-out efforts to search for those who had fallen into the water and treat those who were injured. Rescuers are searching the river near Qianxi City - Liu Xu Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing, a member of the Chinese Communist Partys politburo, is reportedly leading these relief efforts at the site. In his remarks, Xi also noted that there have been several incidents recently and urged local authorities and relevant departments to learn lessons going forward. His administration has made efforts to improve the safety of the countrys transportation sector, but poorly maintained machines, overloading and a lack of equipment have continued to lead to accidents, particularly during major holidays. In February, another serious boating accident occurred when 11 people were killed after a passenger boat collided with an oil spill cleaning ship and capsized in central Hunan province. Alcatraz Island, in the San Francisco Bay - Noah Berger/AP Donald Trump has ordered notorious maximum security prison Alcatraz be reopened. The president announced on Sunday night that he will direct the US Bureau of Prisons to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt prison on the small island off San Francisco in order to deter vicious criminals. For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than misery and suffering, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social. That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent offenders. He added: The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of law, order, and JUSTICE. The US president on board Air Force One on Sunday night as he flew back to Washington - Leah Millis The prison island was known for being a last resort facility which once housed some of Americas most dangerous and escape-prone criminals, including gangsters Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. Owing to crumbling infrastructure and high operating costs, the prison which housed up to 275 inmates at a time closed in 1963 and is currently operated as a tourist site. Located 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, it was known as The Rock and regarded as inescapable thanks to the strong ocean currents and icy Pacific waters that surround it. In the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or did not survive the attempt. Alcatraz Island. The prison was known as The Rock - Jed Jacobsohn Having previously been one of the most heavily-fortified military sites on the West coast, the island was in 1934 transformed into a federal prison designed to deter hardened criminals. Prisoners at the facility had basic rights to food, clothing, shelter and medical care, while all other privileges including visits from family had to be earned. The president suggested that the prison could be used to house illegal migrants whom he has been seeking to deport. When we were a more serious nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be, Mr Trump wrote. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our country illegally. The prison is open to tourists - Noah Berger/REUTERS It comes as Mr Trump has faced opposition from judges over his attempts to use the Alien Enemies Act to detain and deport migrants without due process. The Supreme Court last month ordered the Trump administration to pause the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a prison in El Salvador a move federal judges have labelled illegal. Plans to open a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 of what Mr Trump labelled the worst criminal aliens, have also met legal challenges. Meanwhile, a proposal for a sprawling tent city to open at the Fort Bliss military base in Texas has been terminated, according to NBC. Following the Alcatraz announcement, Mr Trump hit out at radicalised judges who want trials for every single person thats in our country illegally. That would mean millions of trials, and its just so ridiculous whats happening, he told reporters at the White House on Sunday evening. By the time Alcatraz closed, authorities estimated it would cost between $3 to $5 million to restore and maintain the facility, with the maximum-security prisons walls corroded by sea salt. It was also three times more expensive to operate than any other federal prison because of its island location, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Despite housing relatively few inmates less than one per cent of the overall prison population its isolated location and high-profile personnel gave rise to some notorious attempted breakouts. One of the most famous escapes involved Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, John and Clarence, who have never been found after fleeing the prison in 1962. Their breakout, which was dramatised in the 1979 Clint Eastwood film Escape from Alcatraz, involved using spoons and homemade tools to dig through ventilation ducts behind their cells, constructing a makeshift raft out of life vests and stolen raincoats and making dummy heads out of plaster to fool the guards on the night of their escape. This 1962 photo shows inmate John Anglins cell and the dummy head used to disguise the escape The FBI concluded they likely drowned. But as their bodies were never recovered, occasional leads have kept the case open for decades. Responding to Mr Trumps statement, a spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons said that the agency would comply with all presidential orders. The spokesman did not immediately answer questions regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agencys role in the future of the former prison given the National Park Services control of the island. The Bureau of Prisons currently has 16 penitentiaries performing the same high-security functions as Alcatraz, including its maximum security facility in Florence, Colorado and the US penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, which is home to the federal death chamber. Nancy Pelosi, the former Democratic House Speaker, whose district includes Alcatraz, criticised the presidents proposal, calling it not a serious one. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than 60 years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The presidents proposal is not a serious one, she wrote on X. President Donald Trump is opening a new salvo in his tariff war, targeting films made outside the US. In a Sunday night post on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said he has authorised the Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative to impose a 100% tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death, he wrote, complaining that other countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw filmmakers and studios away from the US. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! It was not immediately clear how any such tariff on international productions could be implemented. It is common for both large and smaller films to include production in both the US and other countries. Big-budget movies like the upcoming Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning, for instance, are shot around the world. Incentive programmes for years have influenced where movies are shot, increasingly driving film production out of California and to other states and countries with favourable tax incentives, like Canada and the United Kingdom. Yet tariffs are designed to lead consumers toward American products, and American-produced movies overwhelmingly dominate the domestic marketplace. China has ramped up its domestic movie production, culminating in the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 grossing more than two billion dollars (1.5 billion) this year. But even then, its sales came almost entirely from mainland China. In North America, it earned just 20.9 million dollars (15.7 million). The Motion Picture Association did not immediately respond to messages on Sunday evening. According to the MPA, the American movies produced 22.6 billion dollars (17 billion) in exports and 15.3 billion dollars (11.5 billion) in trade surplus in 2023. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters (Rod Lamkey Jr/AP) Mr Trump has made good on the tariff man label he gave himself years ago, slapping new taxes on goods made in countries around the globe. That includes a 145% tariff on Chinese goods and a 10% baseline tariff on goods from other countries, with even higher levies threatened. By unilaterally imposing tariffs, he has exerted extraordinary influence over the flow of commerce, creating political risks and pulling the market in different directions. There are tariffs on autos, steel and aluminium, with more imports, including pharmaceutical drugs, set to be subject to new tariffs in the weeks ahead. Mr Trump has long voiced concern about movie production moving overseas. Shortly before he took office, he announced that he had tapped actors Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone to serve as special ambassadors to Hollywood to bring it BACKBIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE! US film and television production has been hampered in recent years, with setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hollywood guild strikes of 2023 and the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Overall production in the US was down 26% last year compared with 2021, according to data from ProdPro, which tracks production. The groups annual survey of executives, which asked about preferred filming locations, found no location in the US made the top five, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Toronto, the UK, Vancouver, Central Europe and Australia came out on top, with California placing sixth, Georgia seventh, New Jersey eighth and New York ninth. The problem is especially acute in California. In the greater Los Angeles area, production last year was down 5.6% from 2023 according to FilmLA, second only to 2020, during the peak of the pandemic. Last October, governor Gavin Newsom proposed expanding Californias Film & Television Tax Credit programme to 750 million dollars (564 million) annually, up from 330 million dollars (248 million). Other US cities like Atlanta, New York, Chicago and San Francisco have also used aggressive tax incentives to lure film and TV productions using cash grants, as in Texas, or tax credits, which Georgia and New Mexico offer. Other nations have been stealing the movie-making capabilities from the United States, Mr Trump told reporters at the White House on Sunday night after returning from a weekend in Florida. If theyre not willing to make a movie inside the United States, we should have a tariff on movies that come in. Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen have announced 500 million of incentives - Anadolu/Anadolu Donald Trump made a gigantic miscalculation in cutting federal aid for science, the European Union and France said on Monday. Unveiling 500 million (425 million) of incentives, Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen are attempting to woo researchers to the continent. We call on researchers worldwide to unite and join us ... If you love freedom, come and help us stay free, Mr Macron, the French president, said at Pariss Sorbonne University, alongside Mrs von der Leyen, the European Commission president. Mrs von der Leyen said that the EU would launch the 500 million incentives package to make the 27-nation bloc a magnet for researchers. Mr Macron pledged 100 million from France, although it was not immediately clear if this came on top of the EU pledge. We have to offer the right incentives, said Mrs von der Leyen. The call for American scientists to move to Europe comes as US research programmes face closure, tens of thousands of federal workers have been fired and foreign students fear possible deportation for their political views. Trumps battle with Harvard The US president has said that higher education has been gripped by what he calls anti-Semitic, anti-American, Marxist and radical Left ideologies. Last week, he said that his administration will revoke Harvard Universitys tax-exempt status, a move that Harvard said would be an unlawful misuse of the US tax code. Without mentioning Mr Trump directly, Mrs von der Leyen told the Choose Europe for Science conference that the role of science was being put in question in todays world and condemned such views as a gigantic miscalculation. Mr Macron said: Nobody could have imagined that this great global democracy, whose economic model depends so heavily on free science... was going to commit such an error. We refuse a diktat consisting of any government being able to say you cannot research this or that. In the context of threats against independent research and global apprehension, Mr Macron said: Europe must become a sanctuary. European commissioners, scientists, academics and ministers for research from EU member countries took part in Mondays conference, as did representatives from non-EU members Norway, Britain and Switzerland. The French president has already appealed to foreign notably US researchers to choose France. Last month, he unveiled plans for a funding programme to help universities and other research bodies cover the cost of bringing foreign scientists to the country. However, while EU countries can offer competitive research infrastructure and a high quality of life, research funding and pay both lag far behind US levels. When recognition becomes evasion: Europe's Palestinian statehood campaign By Aviram Bellaishe web posted May 5, 2025 Here is France's position, it is clear: Yes, to peace. Yes, to Israel's security. Yes, to a Palestinian state without Hamas. French President Emmanuel Macron, April 2025 This terse tweet masks a policy or more broadly, a growing problem in Europe itself. The countries currently leading the move to recognize a Palestinian state France, Spain, Ireland, Norway are not doing so in a rational political process, but due to domestic political pressure: tumultuous demonstrations, a public arena dominated by Muslim voices, and militant campuses. Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state has become an act of domestic appeasement and just for that reason, it constitutes a dangerous strategic misstep. It is born out of reactivity, not responsibility. It is motivated by the need to appear moral, but ignores the destructive consequences for Israel's security, regional stability, and for the future of the Palestinians themselves. Europe: "Localization" of the Palestinian State France: Politics Under a Threat In France, where about 6.8 million Muslims live (about 10 percent of the population), the IsraeliPalestinian conflict has become a major domestic issue. After Hamas's October 2023 attack, Macron at first expressed support for Israel but very quickly shifted gears. The declaration of support for a Palestinian state, in the midst of the fighting, was aimed no less at domestic than external ears. In the background was a spike of 400 percent in antisemitic incidents; banned demonstrations that were held nonetheless in the streets of Paris; and an unprecedented boost for the radical LFI party led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, which garnered 62 percent support among Muslims compared to only eight percent of the public as a whole. Macron understood: if he did not signal to the street that he was listening, the political center would lose its grip. Spain: A Government That Aligns Itself with the Protests In Spain, too, where 2.53 million Muslims live, the discourse has become a domestic one. The Sanchez government, comprised of the socialists and their partners from the radical left (Sumar), announced its official recognition of Palestine in April 2024. That declaration did not stem only from ideological commitment; it was also a direct response to growing public pressure. In more than 50 cities, mass demonstrations were held under the rubric "Stop the genocide." Strikes were announced at universities, and academic associations demanded that ties with Israeli institutions be cut. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz indeed proclaimed "From the river to the sea" sparking international condemnation but boosting her status among the Muslim population. Here, too, recognizing Palestine was primarily a domestic political maneuver. Germany: Mounting Pressures Although Germany may not have officially joined this trend, domestic pressures are mounting there as well. Germany's Muslim population comes to about 5.5 million residents, and raging protests were held in large cities, antisemitic incidents burgeoned by 320 percent, and Jewish institutions were attacked. This agitation, too, prompted a political response, albeit more hesitant. Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke of the need for a Palestinian state, denounced scenarios of expulsion from Gaza, and at the same time increased aid to Gaza. New parties such as BSW and DAVA are beginning to attract Muslim sympathy, reminding Germans of the price paid in 2016 when the Social Democratic Party recognized the Armenian genocide and lost about a hundred thousand voters of Turkish background. A "State without Hamas"? When Europe Misunderstands the Language The Western attempt to differentiate between the "jihadist terrorist" and the PLO-type "nationalist fighter" reflects a fundamental failure to understand the conflict. In actuality, there is no difference between the hudna doctrine of Hamas and the phased plan of Fatah. Both stem from the same underlying strategy: an ongoing, carefully calibrated, gradual struggle whose ultimate goal is not an accord but the destruction of the Zionist enemy. At the core of Hamas's outlook is the concept of the hudna: a temporary truce when facing a powerful enemy that allows one to reorganize and prepare for the next stage of the struggle. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder of the organization, spoke of this already in the 1990s. Senior officials like Khaled Mashal, Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar have reiterated the notion countless times. The hudna is never the end of the conflict, but only a tactical hiatus on the way to the next jihad a hiatus intended to mislead Israel and gain time. The reality on the ground proves this well. Even if Hamas temporarily disarms, is exiled, or is "distanced from the arena," its ethos will continue to thrive: in the mosques, the textbooks, the local police force, the discourse of the street. The struggle will not end; it will just pass through a phase. Fatah and the PLO, touted by Europe as a moderate partner, hold almost the same concept. The 1974 resolution of the Palestinian National Council already speaks of the "phased plan": if at any political juncture a foothold is gained in any territory, it will serve as a means to continue the struggle until Israel is eradicated. Yasser Arafat did not hide this aspiration. In 1994 he likened the Oslo Accords to the Treaty of Hudaybiya a strategic timeout that Muhammad took when facing a stronger enemy, fully intending to violate it in the future. Faisal Husseini called the accords a "Trojan horse" and explicitly acknowledged that the aim was not to exist alongside Israel but in place of it. Indeed, in the aftermath of the Oslo Accords, more than 1,400 Israelis were murdered in terror attacks eight times more than in the decade that preceded the accords. Not only did the Palestinian Authority (PA) fail to condemn this; it glorified it. Hundreds of millions of shekels have been doled out as "salaries" for terrorists; even amid U.S. pressure in 2025 to stop the payments to families of terrorists and "martyrs," the PA did not put an end to the practice but simply relocated it to the president's office. The payments continue in a different guise, and Mahmoud Abbas himself has made clear: "Even if we have only a penny left we'll keep providing it to the families of the martyrs." Educational Contents: Systemic Antisemitism The PA's education system, which is largely funded by the European Union, continues to reinforce messages of delegitimization of Israel, glorification of martyrs, and demonization of Jews. An updated report by IMPACT-se (March 2025) points to such disturbing features as maps with no Israel on them, paeans to dying for Palestine, math exercises where martyrs are the unit of calculation, and depictions of Jews as liars and enemies of Islam. In the public arena as well, not only does the PA fail to promote a moderate discourse; it sometimes directly encourages terror attacks. In January 2023, after the massacre in a synagogue in Jerusalem, Abbas under U.S. pressure to condemn it refused to do so for fear that it would harm him politically. On October 7 itself, Fatah channels showed videos in which operatives of the movement boasted of participating: "Fatah members took part in the massacre we killed them and stepped on their heads," "We slaughtered every Israeli," "Smite the sons of monkeys and pigs." It was only after five days, under enormous pressure from Washington, that a vague announcement emerged about "opposing harm to civilians on both sides" without mention of Hamas or the massacre, and without a word about children. No Infrastructure No State The Mood of the Palestinian Population, and What it Means for the Future At present, the Palestinian political reality does not meet the conditions for building a moderate or peace-loving state. Public opinion polls consistently find widespread support for radical movements and armed struggle. For example, in a survey published a few months after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023: 72 percent of Palestinians supported the attack. 70 percent said violent struggle is the most effective way to achieve national goals. Only 34 percent supported the two-state solution. If general elections had been held, Hamas would have won by a substantial margin both in Gaza and the West Bank. The Palestinian public is not only disappointed in its leadership, it is also redefining the concepts of "steadfastness" and "resolve." The figures who inspire trust are mainly those identified with armed struggle such as Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences for murder, while pragmatic figures such as Salam Fayyad are considered weak or even "collaborators." It should be noted, however, that alongside the radical majority, a minority exists that is quiet, civic, and moderate. There are educators, students, entrepreneurs, academics, and businesspeople who believe in a different approach based on institution-building, dialogue, and improving their society from within. They are not the majority, and they do not have political power but they are there, and are contending with pressures from Hamas and sometimes from the PA. This is not, for now, a functioning opposition but a potential nucleus from which the leadership, the society, and hope could be built. Even if we ignore for a moment the public discourse and the radical ideology, the practical question remains: Does there exist at present a Palestinian entity capable of maintaining a state? The answer by every political, institutional, and economic criterion is negative. A Deep Rift with No Prospect of Unification Since 2007, Gaza and the West Bank have been governed by two rival entities: Hamas ruling Gaza as an independent, armed, Islamist body; and the PA partially ruling the West Bank, with limited powers and fragile stability. These two groups' attempts at reconciliation the Cairo agreements, temporary unity governments, announcements of a settlement have all failed again and again. There is no single authority, policy, or legal system and certainly no joint security control on the ground, single governmental address, or realistic chance of unification. Economic and Infrastructural Dependence Not Sovereignty The budgets of both the PA and Hamas are based mainly on external aid from the European Union, Arab states, and sometimes also private organizations. There is no effective taxation, independent central bank, or orderly economic policy. With most of the public budget reliant on contributions, in the absence of aid both entities would collapse. A state that is established in such a condition will be a completely dependent entity not an independent, sovereign one. Even if we assume the existence of governmental structures, the content of the institutions themselves is deeply defective. The legal system is not independent but subject to political pressures and to the security forces; the government institutions suffer from corruption, bloated bureaucracy, political appointments, and lack of transparency; the education system does not aim for reconciliation but promotes conflict and an ultranationalist narrative; the media and the religious establishment do not serve the public but, rather, the ruling parties. The PA in the West Bank, and even more so in Gaza, relies almost completely on Israel for basic infrastructural needs: water, electricity, and fuel. In the West Bank, Israel provides about 40 percent of the water consumption and almost all the electricity. In Gaza, about 50 percent of the electricity and 10 percent of the water come from Israel even though, for the most part, the local water is not fit to drink. Thus, the gap between the discourse on sovereignty and the total lack of basic infrastructural independence stands in sharp relief. In such a situation, even if a state is recognized, it will not function as a state. It will be both a terror state and an institutionally failed state that will soon become a plaything of external or internal forces. In Lieu of Declaring a State a Plan for Building a Society If Europe really wants to help build a Palestinian state, it must recognize that at this time, a unilateral declaration will not promote but, rather, thwart a solution. The current situation provides no basis for a sovereign state, and any hasty recognition will only exacerbate the chaos. Instead, Europe purportedly the party that will lead the effort must, in cooperation with the United States and the moderate Arab states, create the conditions on the ground for the gradual building of state infrastructure. The lesson from Lebanon is clear: a state cannot rise as long as armed terror organizations operate alongside it. Therefore, a fundamental requirement is the total disarmament of all the Palestinian organizations both in Gaza and the West Bank. This measure, which will likely require a role for a dedicated international-local force, must be implemented under close supervision, in coordination with Israel, and within an agreed framework for sovereign demilitarization. Accordingly, in keeping with a security plan to be agreed beforehand, confirmed by Israel and the regional framework, weapons must remain only in the hands of municipal actors whose task is to preserve civic order. Any other process in the absence of demilitarization and actors responsible for security will turn the European declarations into a dead letter. Another requirement concerns people. For two decades, it has been impossible for a new Palestinian leadership to grow. A whole generation of professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, and educators has been excluded from the political framework. An ossified government and a corrupt structure have blocked any dynamic of renewal. The true leadership, however, will not grow from the offices of the PA but from a deep civilian stratum: professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, young people, and women who espouse a pragmatic and feasible worldview. Such a leadership will not deal initially with the conflict with Israel, but with the internal building of a civil society, a stable labor market, and education, media, and health services. Future coexistence will not emerge from declarations but from practice: technological, occupational, and environmental collaborations. There already are such initiatives, but they remain marginal and restricted to the civic sphere because of the restrictive political framework. The potential is much greater. That potential could be advanced by working for infrastructural and economic independence. One of the main defects of the existing Palestinian structure is the almost total dependence on Israel for water, electricity, fuel, and basic infrastructure. For real not just symbolic sovereignty to develop, gradual infrastructural independence must be built, European investments should be conditioned on regulation, coordination, and oversight with Israel, including the development of water sources, power stations, and expanded domestic production in both the West Bank and Gaza. Europe can and must fund and help guide such a process, and condition aid on its emergence. The aim should not be to disconnect from Israel, but to develop a real capacity for economic-administrative independence. In the practical sphere, sound government and a local economy are essential. At present, there are no Palestinian institutions capable of functioning on a sovereign level. There is no effective budgetary oversight, no economic independence, no professional administration. The rehabilitation must begin from below not in the central authority but at the municipal level. Municipalities, local councils, economic zones all can become laboratories of good governance, responsible management, and local development. Last but not least is the sphere of awareness. As long as the Palestinian educational, religious, and media systems propagate a discourse of hate, supremacy, and victimhood, no civic awareness can develop. The schools must undergo a deep reform: in contents, in values, and in instruction. The mosques must be under supervision. The media must be open to new voices. A society cannot be built when its language is one of perpetual conflict. Only if a systemic change occurs in the public discourse can a future political transformation be contemplated As noted, no process can succeed without the ongoing support of the moderate Arab states. Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates can provide an accompanying framework that includes political backing, economic guidance, and strategic connections to the Arab world. European involvement will be needed not only to counteract pressures and guarantee disarmament, but also to confer legitimacy on the new, emergent leadership. Only after all that is achieved will it be the right time to begin thinking about a political settlement. Not at the beginning but after a moral, administrative, and public infrastructure has been created that can sustain itself. The possibilities include: sovereign autonomy under supervision, a regional federation, or a form of confederation. What is important is that decisions are not reached to allay political pressure, but as part of genuine readiness for change, opposition to terror, demilitarization, and a desire for peaceful, good-neighborly relations. Europe: The Blindness Starts from Within The latest declarations by European governments about recognizing a Palestinian state are not the result of a diplomatic breakthrough, but a political response to growing domestic political pressure. The problem is that this pressure which stems from Muslim communities, the street, campuses, and the Internet does not demand a rational solution but an emotional gesture. And Europe, time after time, gives in to it. Yet Europe, at present, suffers not only from a misconceived foreign policy but also from severe domestic blindness. Instead of contending courageously with a process of domestic radicalization sealed-off neighborhoods, radical mosques, antisemitism under a guise of moral causes, the rise of pro-Hamas parties Europe chooses to export the problem. And it does so with proclamations like "a Palestinian state now" which may sound nice but reflect a loss of domestic control. This is no longer just a question for Israel or the Palestinians. It is a European question: Can liberal democracy survive when it gives up on understanding reality, on political morality, on setting clear boundaries? If Europe wants to contribute to a solution, it must begin by strengthening the moderate forces, both among the Palestinians and within Europe itself. It must not submit to a discourse of force, but regain a discourse of responsibility. Aviram Bellaishe, a leading expert in regional geopolitics, Middle Eastern affairs, and Arabic language and culture, served for 27 years in Israel's security apparatus. He gained extensive experience in negotiations, operating mechanisms of influence and perception, and developing strategic and international collaborations. His professional achievements earned him three prestigious excellence awards from the head of the security directorate. After his discharge, Bellaishe transitioned to commercial, economic, and technological cooperation with Arab countries, leveraging his expertise to expand business and financial partnerships in the region. He served as the Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the law firm Doron, Tikotzky, Kantor, Gutman, Amit, Gross & Co., and as Co-CEO of the firm's commercial arm. Additionally, he managed the "Israeli Peace Initiative" steering committee for several years and currently serves on the executive committee of Mena2050, an organization dedicated to advancing regional cooperation. Bellaishe holds a bachelor's and master's degree in law (with honors), specializing in conflict resolution and mediation. He is a doctoral candidate focusing on consciousness engineering and religious propaganda, with an emphasis on studying influence mechanisms in the Arab world. His extensive experience and unique expertise position him as a key figure in regional dialogue and cooperation efforts. Home Bringing a new pet home isnt always as simple as choosing the cutest one at the store. From exotic mammals to colorful birds and even some reptiles, state and city governments often restrict ownership for public safety, environmental protection, or disease control. Here's a look at surprisingly adorable animals you may not legally be allowed to keep, depending on where you live. Sugar Gliders Credit: Reddit The ownership of these miniature marsupials is not permitted in California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Despite their popularity as pocket-sized companions, sugar gliders require ample space and companionship from their kind to thrive. Officials worry about ecological disruption in many areas in case they escape into local habitats. Red-Eared Slider Turtles Credit: flickr Florida and Oregon do not authorize private ownership of these pets. Their tendency to outcompete native species has placed them on invasive species watch lists, and federal rules restrict the sale of individuals with shells under four inches due to salmonella risk. Bengal Cats Credit: Reddit These striking hybridsdomestic and wild Asian leopard catarent legal everywhere. Places like Hawaii, Connecticut, and New York City restrict ownership unless the cat is several generations removed from its wild ancestor. Even then, some jurisdictions impose outright bans due to behavioral unpredictability. Hedgehogs Credit: flickr Despite their popularity, hedgehogs are outlawed as pets in several states and cities, including California, Georgia, and New York City. Authorities cite risks such as their potential to carry diseases like ringworm and salmonella, and their ability to disrupt local ecosystems if released. Gerbils Credit: flickr This small rodent may seem harmless, but its not welcome in California or Hawaii. These states have climates similar to the gerbils native habitat. Once introduced to the environment freely, they could form wild colonies and harm native plant and animal life. Ferrets Credit: flickr Ferrets are affectionate and playful, but remain unsuitable as pets in California and Hawaii. Regulators in both states flag the threat of feral populations establishing themselves and concerns about rabies transmission. Even in some cities where they're legal, they may require special permits. Monk Parakeets Credit: flickr Also known as Quaker parrots, these birds are banned in states like California and Georgia. Their ability to construct large, damaging communal nestsoften on power lineshas labeled them agricultural pests in certain regions, where their presence could threaten crops and infrastructure. African Clawed Frogs Credit: Reddit These aquatic frogs are kept off pet lists in over ten states, including Oregon and New Jersey. They carry a fungus that has contributed to severe declines in other amphibian species. Their aggressive appetite and rapid reproduction also pose serious ecological threats when released into natural waterways. Raccoons Credit: Reddit Raccoons are outlawed as pets in many states. The list includes Kentucky, New York, and Arizona. Their intelligence is often a liability: theyre known for escaping enclosures and displaying unpredictable, sometimes aggressive behavior, primarily when not raised in large, secure outdoor habitats. Wolves and Wolf Hybrids Credit: Facebook Pure wolves are banned nationwide, and wolf-dog hybrids are outlawed or heavily restricted in Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington D.C. A few stateslike Michigan and Oregonallow ownership under tight licensing laws, but many insurance policies wont cover them due to liability. Alligators Credit: flickr Only a few states, such as South Carolina, Michigan, and Florida, permit private alligator ownership with a license. It's not allowed everywhere else, including California, New York, Illinois, and Washington. Even in legal states, adult gators are hard to manage, often growing over 10 feet long and requiring expert handling. Asian Arowana Credit: Reddit Ownership of Asian arowana, a critically endangered fish, is banned throughout the entire United States under international wildlife trade laws. This includes all 50 states. Despite their revered status in parts of Asia, they are federally protected in the U.S. and cannot be sold, imported, or bred legally. Monkeys Credit: flickr Primates are fully banned as pets in Oregon, Washington, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Louisiana, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, along with Washington D.C. Some states, like Texas and Florida, allow certain species with permits. Pigs Credit: Facebook Many city ordinanceslike those in New York City, Denver, and San Franciscoprohibit mini pigs because theyre classified as livestock. Even where legal, such as in Texas or Florida, owners are often surprised when these so-called teacup pigs grow to 100+ pounds and require outdoor living space. Bearded Dragons Credit: Facebook While commonly sold as pets across the mainland U.S., Hawaii bans bearded dragons outright. The issue is ecological: If allowed to roam freely, they could become invasive in the islands sensitive ecosystem. In some other states, sellers need wildlife permits to breed or transport them legally. Shelter dogs often get the cold shoulder for all the wrong reasons. Myths stick to them like burrs. In reality, many shelter dogs are house-ready and well-behaved. This guide breaks down the most common myths and shines a light on the truthbecause every dog deserves to be seen for who they are, not who people assume them to be. Shelter Dogs Are "Damaged Goods" Credit: pexels The idea that shelter dogs are "damaged goods" is one of the most persistentand misleadingmyths out there. Shelters work hard to help these dogs adjust, offering training and social time to set them up for success. What matters is patience, consistency, and the willingness to see beyond first impressions. Shelters Mostly Have Senior Dogs Credit: Pixelshot Shelters aren't just filled with grey muzzles and slow steps. Due to the flood of puppies and adolescent dogs rolling in, many kennels sound more like daycare centers. The Dublin SPCA reported a 120% spike in young dog surrenders, and the Tunica Humane Society has been juggling more puppy piles than it can count. Only Mutt-Type Dogs End Up in Shelters Credit: pexels Purebreds make lesser appearances, but they're definitely part of the scene. According to the National Animal Interest Alliance, around 5% of shelter dogs are purebred, with Chihuahuas and Pit Bull-type breeds leading the way. Even Trendy breeds like Goldendoodles, French Bulldogs, and Pomeranians land in shelters more often, usually due to mismatched expectations. Every Shelter Dog Has a Tragic Backstory Credit: Getty Images Some dogs end up in shelters not because of drama, but because life got complicatedjob loss, new baby, lease terms, the usual curveballs. It's a myth that every shelter dog is a walking heartbreak story. With a little structure and kindness, most settle in faster than expected, trading stress for belly rubs and loyalty in no time. Shelter Dogs Are Problematic Pets Credit: Getty Images A surprising number of shelter dogs have experienced home lifetheyre gentle with kids, chill around cats, and fully committed to afternoon naps on the nearest sofa. Some even get a jumpstart on family life through programs like the Shelter Buddies Reading Program in Missouri, where kids read to nervous dogs to boost their confidence. Shelter Dogs Are Inherently Unpredictable Credit: Getty Images Calling shelter dogs unpredictable overlooks a big piece of the puzzle. Most have already been evaluated for temperament, energy levels, and how they respond to people and other animals. Shelters are loud, overwhelming spaces, and stress can throw any dog off their game. Sure, no test can foresee every zoomie or bark-fest, but unpredictability isn't unique to shelter dogs. Adopting a Shelter Dog Is a Solo Endeavor Credit: corelens Shelters do the legwork: medical exams, vaccinations, spay or neuter procedures, and behavior evaluations all happen before the dog meets potential adopters. And once the adoption papers are signed, many shelters continue to support new pets by helping them settle into their fresh start. It's a team effort. You Won't Find Small Breed Dogs in Shelters Credit: Glowonconcept Small breeds end up in shelters for the same reasons as any dog: moving, family dynamics, or financial shifts. In truth, they're in and out quickly, snapped up by adopters who know where to look and when to act. If You Have Allergies, No Shelter Dog for You Credit: flickr While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, breeds like the Maltese and Coton de Tulearwith their non-shedding coats and lower allergen levelsdo land in shelters more often than people realize. Life changes, not allergies, are usually why these dogs are surrendered. Adopting a Shelter Dog Comes with Hidden Costs Credit: Getty Images The idea that shelter adoptions come with sneaky, surprise costs doesn't hold water. Most shelters roll essential servicesspaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and a full vet checkinto the adoption fee. Getting those done separately at a private clinic would cost you much more. Organizations like the Animal Humane Society build everything into the price. All Rescue Dogs Have Potty Training Issues Credit: Africa images Assuming every rescue dog is a walking potty-training disaster is a thing of the past. A lot of shelter dogs have already lived indoors and know the drill. These dogs often adjust quickly with a steady routine and positive reinforcement. They're eager to learn and even more eager to please. Dogs Abandoned in Shelters Can't Truly Love Credit: Canva Its a myth that being abandoned leaves dogs emotionally shut down. In reality, many quickly love hard and hold on tight once they realize they're finally safe. The timeline variesbut the outcome is often the same: a dog who looks at their person like they hung the moon. Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong Make Sunday night a little brighter with these delicious spring recipes. These dishes are full of crisp vegetables and tasty proteins so your dinner will be balanced and healthy. Recipes like Bang Bang Chicken Casserole and Crispy Sheet-Pan Black Bean Tacos bring a fresh, new take on Sunday dinners. Save to MyRecipes Love any of these recipes? Tap "Save" to add them to MyRecipes, your new, free recipe box for EatingWell. Creamy Salmon & Asparagus Pasta Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley This creamy salmon-and-asparagus pasta tastes like spring in a bowllight, bright and packed with fresh asparagus and tender salmon in a silky, lemon-kissed cream sauce. Its the perfect weeknight dinner for when you want something comforting and quick to pull together after a long day. View Recipe Bang Bang Chicken Casserole Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Renu Dhar, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle This casserole combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp broccoli and nutty brown rice for a filling meal. The creamy casserole has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, thanks to the sauce. View Recipe High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong This lemon chicken orzo is a true weeknight classiccomforting and bursting with fresh flavor. Tender bites of chicken, orzo pasta and a bright, creamy broth come together in a one-pot meal. View Recipe 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! View Recipe Creamy Pesto Beans Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong These creamy pesto beans are pulled together in just 30 minutes. The sauce clings to tender white beans, and whatever is left is perfect for sopping up with a warm, crusty baguette. For a heartier meal, serve the beans over whole-grain pasta, letting the sauce coat every bite. View Recipe 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. View Recipe 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. View Recipe 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. View Recipe 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. View Recipe 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 satisfieda key combination if youre trying to lose weight. View Recipe 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. View Recipe 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. View Recipe Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley With tender, juicy chicken and crisp, fresh broccoli as the base, this salad delivers a satisfying bite in every forkful. A creamy dressing ties everything together, while mix-ins like crispy bacon, shredded cheese and scallions add layers of flavor. View Recipe One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey This one-skillet salmon and broccoli recipe is the perfect 20-minute dinner for busy weeknights! This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with crisp, garlicky broccoli and bell pepper, all cooked in one pan for easy prep and cleanup. View Recipe Sheet-Pan Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Vegetables Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Using just one sheet pan, this dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a medley of vegetables for an easy, complete dinner with minimal cleanup. The magic lies in the quick marinadea zesty blend of buttermilk, honey and Dijon mustardthat infuses the chicken with flavor and helps it stay extra juicy during roasting. View Recipe Spinach-Artichoke Gnocchi Skillet with Feta Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley Spinach and artichokes take center stage, while the gnocchi soaks up the flavors of the creamy sauce. Best of all, it comes together in just one skillet, saving you time on prep and cleanup. Serve it as is or pair it with a simple green salad for an extra serving of veggies. View Recipe Ginger-Dill Salmon with Cucumber & Avocado Salad Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley This ginger-dill salmon with cucumber and avocado salad is a light, refreshing meal that doesnt skimp on flavor. Tender, flaky salmon is infused with the unusual combination of warm ginger and fresh dill, making it the perfect complement to the cool, creamy salad. View Recipe Cacio e Pepe Quiche Photographer: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley This cheesy quiche is a protein-packed twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. Tender cauliflower, combined with a creamy custard and nutty cheese, has the same bold black pepper and salty Pecorino flavor as the original dish. View Recipe Creamy Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli & White Beans photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle This hearty dish combines tender broccoli and creamy white beans in a velvety lemon-Parmesan sauce with a bubbly, cheesy top. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate. View Recipe Sheet-Pan Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus Ali Redmond Chicken cutlets are coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, roasting right alongside tender asparagus for an easy, well-balanced dinner. Its a simple one-pan meal thats perfect for busy weeknights. View Recipe Roasted Veggie & Black Bean Bowls Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer These hearty bowls featuring sweet potatoes, poblano peppers and red onion are bursting with bold flavors. Add a tangy scoop of guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and more of your favorite toppings and youll have a vibrant, satisfying dinner for your regular rotation. View Recipe Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey By swapping in fiber-packed white beans and spinach as the main ingredients, weve given Marry Me Chicken a vegetarian spin. Youll want to sop up every last bit of sauce, so serve this with a nice hunk of crusty whole-grain bread. View Recipe Loaded Broccoli & Beef Casserole Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Giovanni Vazquez, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong Lean ground beef teams up with broccoli and brown rice to create a hearty, fiber-packed base with a creamy sauce. The highlight is the melted cheese on toponce broiled, it transforms into a golden, crispy layer thats finished with bacon and scallions for the ultimate loaded experience. View Recipe Baked Creamed Spinach Pasta Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer This crowd-pleasing dish combines the velvety richness of creamed spinach with tender pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection. Its an easy, satisfying meal thats perfect for busy weeknights. View Recipe Baked Tomato & Feta Rice Robby Lozano Juicy roasted tomatoes and creamy melted feta are the stars in this flavorful casserole. Made in just one baking dish, this hearty dinner is the perfect choice for weeknights when you want minimal cleanup. View Recipe Read the original article on EATINGWELL Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock Trader Joe's is known for its frozen, ready-to-eat meals, and I've found so many great meals, snacks, and more in their bountiful freezers. One of my all-time favorites, which I buy every time I visit Trader Joe's, is the Cuban-Style Citrus Garlic Bowl. Trader Joe's Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowls Price: $3.99 for an 11-ounce bowl Why I Love It: It's a quick, affordable meal thats packed with bold, tangy flavor and reminds me of the Cuban food I enjoy when visiting family in Florida. Why I Love Trader Joe's Cuban-Style Citrus Garlic Bowl Whenever I visit my folks in Florida, I try to go to some of the authentic Cuban restaurants near their condo. Since I don't get down there more than once a year, this bowl from Trader Joe's reminds me of my travels. The bowl comes in a single-serving package (11 ounces) and costs only $3.99. It starts with turmeric-cooked, long-grain rice and is topped with hearty chunks of chicken, sweet plantains, black beans, and diced red peppers. The whole thing is seasoned with garlic, onion, ginger, cilantro, and citrus juices. These bowls have a savory yet tangy flavor. It's not quite as good as an authentic Cuban meal, but it's close enough for a workday lunch. Simply Recipes / Trader Joes When I'm in the middle of a writing project or three, I love going down to my freezer, grabbing a bowl, and heating it in the microwave for about three minutes, and lunch is served. I will sometimes add some frozen peas or Trader Joe's frozen plantains. It makes for a satisfying and delicious meal, and I can stay focused on my work. My 15-year-old son also thinks it makes a perfect lunch, and he sometimes takes one to school, heating it in the cafeteria's microwave. "This is way, way better than what the school serves," he's told me. They're also cheaper than a school lunch, which I appreciate. When I don't have time for dinner, I heat three bowls and make a bagged salad for my family, and it costs less than what we typically spend on takeout. If I want to get fancy, I'll add some fresh cilantro and lime slices on the side, but they taste great without those additions, too. To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE. Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES Three high school students were injured following a shootout at an after-prom party in Florida over the weekend, officials say. The victims, all students of Osceola High School, reportedly got caught in the crossfire and were not the targets in the incident that occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on May 4. According to information gathered by the Lakeland Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network, from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened at a parking lot outside an apartment complex in Davenport, a city about 17 miles from Kissimmee. The Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to the shooting after receiving a call around 3:30 a.m. An argument between a group of males sparked the incident. The victims were inside a parked vehicle when shots erupted. Students from Orlando area high schools were in Davenport after their after-parties at short-term rental properties in Osceola County had been shut down. Initially, the crowd gathered at a Wawa, but after staff threatened to call the police, they eventually moved to the parking lot. Deputies discovered over 100 people at the scene. USA TODAY reached out to the Polk County Sheriff's Office for more information. Crime: 3 killed, 5 injured in shooting at restaurant in Glendale, Arizona: Police Teens treated at hospital for injuries One victim, a 17-year-old female, received a graze wound to the forehead, and she was treated and released from the hospital, the Ledger reported. An 18-year-old male received a graze wound to the shoulder and forehead. The third victim, also 17, had debris in his eye, which was not thought to be a bullet or bullet fragments. Both male victims are still hospitalized as of the morning of May 5. Osceola High School Principal Elizabeth Kennedy issued a statement to the community about the "tragic incident," saying, "I am extremely thankful that all three students survived," according to Fox 13 and WESH. The school official said counselors will be available on campus for students. "As we lean on each other, I want our students to know that they are not aloneour Kowboy family stands united in compassion and strength," the statement continued. "Together, we will find hope, healing, and the resilience to move forward." The Polk County Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence and seek witnesses. No arrests have been announced so far. Contributing: The Lakeland Ledger, USA TODAY Network Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After-prom party shooting in Davenport, Florida leaves 3 students hurt "What category is it?" "What's the wind speed?" Those are the basic elements asked about when it comes to hurricane forecasts. But last year's destructive season provided several reminders that we must pull back the curtains even more when getting informed about a storm. Those reminders and more were presented recently by National Hurricane Center warning coordination meteorologist Robbie Berg in a hurricane awareness webinar on these six lessons learned from the 2024 season: 1. Water Is Deadliest, Not Wind -85%: That's the percentage of deaths from tropical cyclones in the U.S. caused by rainfall flooding, storm surge, rip currents/surf and marine incidents, based on 2013-23 statistics. -Last year followed suit: Water accounted for 127 U.S. deaths that were directly tied to last year's hurricanes, which is about 59% of the total for all hazards last year. Hurricane Helene's flooding rainfall caused 95 of those deaths. -Deadliest water threats can happen far from landfall: Helene made a Category 4 landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, but all nine storm surge deaths were much farther south in Pinellas County, or in the Tampa Bay region. And a majority of its rainfall flood fatalities happened hundreds of miles inland in North Carolina and Tennessee. Thats a lesson to keep in mind both the water from rainfall and the water from storm surge does not have a direct linkage to exactly where landfall occurs," Berg said. 2. Tornadoes Can Be Intense -Last season had the third-most on record: Tropical storms and hurricanes can vary greatly when it comes to how many tornadoes they produce, so this threat is sometimes overlooked. Last year's hurricanes were prolific, with a combined 185 tornadoes from Beryl, Debby, Helene and Milton. Only the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons had more. The death toll from those tornadoes was 10, which was the second-most behind 2004. -Several intense twisters: Most tornadoes from tropical storms and hurricanes are on the weaker end of the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF0 to EF1), but last year was unusual with six that were rated EF3 from four different storms, with Milton accounting for three of those in Florida. Berg said these tornadoes can sometimes arrive long before a hurricane makes landfall, so those making last-minute preparations sometimes have to contend with this threat. 3. Wind Gusts Can Be Deadly Far Inland -79 U.S. wind fatalities: That was the combined toll from Beryl, Debby, Helene and Milton, which is the most in a year since at least 1963. Helene accounted for 62 of those deaths, with a majority of them in Georgia and South Carolina (50 total). -Forward speed matters: Helene's winds were so damaging and deadly because the hurricane was moving inland at 28 mph, which is about double what's typically seen in storms making landfall on the Gulf Coast. In general, the faster a hurricane is moving, the farther inland its damaging wind gusts can spread. That's especially the case when a hurricane makes landfall at high-end intensity like Category 4 Helene, since it takes those winds longer to wind down. Wind gusts reached 80 to 100 mph in the Augusta, Georgia, area, and gusts hit 100-plus mph in western North Carolina's mountains. 4. Rapid Intensification Is Difficult To Forecast, But Progress Has Been Made -34: That's how many times rapid intensification happened in Atlantic storms last year, nearly twice the number of an average season. This at least 35 mph increase in wind intensity in 24 hours or less can happen multiple times in the same storm. It's important, especially when it happens close to the U.S. like we saw in Helene and Milton. Reinforcing this is the fact that the nation's 10 strongest hurricane strikes were all tropical storms three days before landfall. -Improvement In Recent Years: "Rapid intensification is and will likely continue to be a problem but theres at least hope that were getting better at forecasting these events," Berg said in reference to improved intensity forecast statistics over the past five years when compared to 15 years ago. 5. Unexpected Storm Development Can Still Happen That was the case in 2024 with Hurricane Oscar, which hit Grand Turk Island as a Category 1 less than 24 hours after it was first deemed a tropical storm. It then struck Cuba as a hurricane a day later. Oscar never had a high chance of development given there was very little signal in the model guidance. Its tiny size likely played a role in the tepid development signals, which provides another example of how small storms are notoriously difficult to forecast. 6. Forecast Consistency Is Key Berg emphasized the NHC's continued philosophy of not lurching the forecast path from one direction to another based on model changes that can happen run-to-run multiple times a day, or what he called the "windshield wiper effect." "On the whole, NHCs forecasts are more accurate and more consistent than the models we use to make the forecasts," he added. He mentioned that flip-flopping the forecast with each model run "causes people to lose faith and trust in the forecast itself." Instead, the better approach is to follow longer-term trends in the models and massage the direction of the forecast path as those trends evolve. Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s. To many travelers, a trip to Taiwan begins and ends in Taipei, for its dense night markets and syrupy-sweet bubble tea. But beyond the capitals crush of scooters and skyscrapers lies an island defined not just by its food, but by its astonishing biodiversity. More than half of Taiwan is forested with ecosystems ranging from subtropical jungle to alpine cedar groves. In just a few hours, you can drive from sunlit coastlines to mist-covered peaks. These five destinations show Taiwans wilder sidefrom Indigenous seaside villages to remote mountain forestswhere tradition and nature are deeply intertwined. 1. Pinglin District Just an hours drive southeast of Taipei, Pinglin is a mountain town and district shaped by tea. Nestled in the lush hills of New Taipei City, it sits upstream of the Feitsui Reservoir, the main source of drinking water for more than six million people in the Taipei metro area. To safeguard the watershed, the government introduced strict environmental regulations in the 1980s, limiting large-scale construction and industrial development. While these restrictions have frustrated some locals and developers, theyve helped preserve one of Taiwans most pristine rural landscapes. Pinglin is incredibly rich in tree ferns, says Phaedra Fang, an assistant researcher at the National Taiwan Museum and occasional tour guide. Theyre an ancient group of plantsaround since the dinosaurs. And there are just so many of them there. Terraced fields ripple across the hillsides, blanketed with tea bushes used to make baozhong, a lightly oxidized oolong prized for its melon-like sweetness. The town hums with birdlife year-round: Taiwan barbets, crested goshawks, and swallows flit through the undergrowth. Swallows like to build nests underneath the roofs of locals, Fang notes. Stop by the Pinglin Tea Museum for a comprehensive look at how tea is grown, processed, and brewed. Just down the road, Pinglin Old Street is lined with cozy teahouses serving the seasons newest flushoften steeped and poured by the farmers themselves. (Related: The story behind bubble tea, Taiwan's iconic drink.) Located eight miles from the mainland of Taiwan, Xiaoliuqiu is the countrys only coral island with a significant number of residents. It is known for its sea turtles, beaches, coral reefs, and off-shore diving adventures. Photograph by Jui-Chi Chan, iStock/Getty Images 2. Xiaoliuqiu Island Just off Taiwans southwest coast, Xiaoliuqiu is a coral island framed by gliding green sea turtles and shimmering tide pools. Its one of the islands most accessible dive spotsunder five hours from Taipei, including a quick 25-minute ferry from the port town of Donggang. Taiwan straddles a unique geographic divide. Its northern half is largely subtropical, while the southern half shifts into a tropical zone. Taichung is the dividing line, says Dennis Wong, co-owner of Fun Divers Taiwan. The dive shop has been guiding underwater excursions around the island since 2013. Located in central Taiwan, Taichung marks where the waters start to warm and the marine life becomes more vibrant. South of that, you get more coral, more color, and much more variety, Wong says. Thanks to its position in the Taiwan Strait on the west coast, Xiaoliuqiu is shielded from the strong currents that batter other southern sites. Visibility often stretches 40 to 65 feet, and the waters brim with life: blue-spotted stingrays, juvenile barracuda, moray eels, and native lionfish. Scooters make it easy to explore the islands volcanic terrain above ground, but most divers head out by boat to access the best offshore sites such as Broken Shipwreck, where you can explore the remains of a small cargo boat and the glittery reef that surrounds it. Peak season runs from May through September when the sea is glassy and clear. (Related: Why you should hold your breath and try freediving in Taiwan.) 3. Dulan, Taitung County With some of the best surf in Taiwan, Dulan draws wave-chasers year-round to its black sand beaches and wild Pacific swells. But this east coast village is more than a surf spotits also home to the Amis, the largest of Taiwans Indigenous groups, known for their deep ties to the ocean. At low tide, Amis women still wade into the shallows to gather shellfish by hand, just as their grandmothers did. Inland, trails thread through fields of wild taro and thickets of edible greens, foraged from forest edges and folded into everyday meals. Today, Dulan is also a magnet for creativity. A growing community of artists, musicians, and expats have settled here, drawn by the scenery and spirit of the place. Visit the repurposed Dulan Sugar Factory, a former relic of Taiwans industrial past that now buzzes with weekend concerts, artisan studios, and pop-up galleries. Or grab lunch at Taitung Tea House, a fish and chips joint slinging deep-fried locally caught mahi mahi. Occasionally, the village plays host to the Amis Music Festival, a grassroots celebration of indigenous identity that brings together artists from across Taiwan and beyond. Performances spill into open fields with the ocean on one side and green slopes rising behind. Travelers can time their trip to witness firsthand the Millet Harvest Festival, a traditional festival celebrating the Rukai Indigenous people in Dulan, Taiwan. Photograph by Frederic Petry, Hans Lucas/Redux 4. Pingtung Taiwans southernmost county is often called the islands breadbasket. Its sun-drenched plains produce much of the nations fruitfrom wax apples and lychees to pineapples, mangos, and bananasthanks to a tropical climate and year-round growing season. But its mountains hold stories just as rich as its plains. The region is layered with biodiversity and history, which includes the ancient trails once used by Indigenous people and early Western explorers to get to remote Indigenous stone-slab villages. Tropical flora thrive in these hillslike prickly ash and hibiscusand you might spot wild boar, macaques, or the elusive crested serpent eagle. The clouded leopard may be gone, but its spirit still lingers in the forests here, says Fang. Once sacred to Indigenous communities and considered a guardian of the mountains, the Formosan clouded leopard hasnt been officially sighted since the 80sbut stories persist. Locals speak of fleeting shadows slipping through the undergrowth of something leaping from cliffs or vanishing into trees. Whether myth or memory, its presence still haunts the hills. That deep connection to land and memory is still alive in places like New Laiyi Village, a relocated settlement of the Paiwanan Indigenous group native to Taiwans southern mountain ranges. In the years since, residents have returned to traditional farming, cultivating millet, red quinoa, taro, and shell ginger using low-impact methods. Their vegetable shop serves as both a farmers market and cultural hubselling seasonal produce, and hosting workshops on agricultural knowledge once at risk of being lost. Its part of a wider effort across Pingtung to sustain indigenous lifeways through food, storytelling, and land stewardship. (Related: A taste of Taiwan, from comforting noodles to spicy broths.) The Alishan Forest Railway runs through the Alishan National Scenic Area, a nature reserve and mountain resort in Chiayi County, Taiwan. Photograph by Aaron Chen PS2, iStock/Getty Images 5. Alishan Township Best known for its sunrise views and century-old forest railway, Alishan is a high-mountain region in Chiayi County about a two-hour drive from the nearest high-speed rail station. Crisscrossed with hiking trails, its a place of ancient cypress groves, fog-laced ridgelines, and wild lilies in spring. Alishan is key to understanding Taiwans forestry and transportation history, says Fang. The narrow-gauge Alishan Forest Railwayoriginally built during Japanese rule to haul cypress logs from deep in the mountainsstill clatters through switchbacks and spirals, linking trailheads, tea farms, and fog-shrouded villages. The century-old trains, some restored with cypress wood interiors, feel more like a time machine than public transit. After years of storm damage and partial closures, key sections have recently reopened, part of Taiwans broader effort to restore its historic railways. At over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) above sea level, Alishans high elevation and eastward-facing ridgelines make it one of the best places in Taiwan to catch the sunrise. At Zhushan, a popular viewing point, early risers gather to watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds, flooding the Central Mountain Range with golden light. On clear mornings, YushanTaiwans tallest peakemerges in a sharp silhouette. In Alishan, farmers cultivate Taiwans celebrated high mountain oolong at elevations above 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), where cool, misty air slows leaf growth and concentrates aroma. The sharp contrast between warm days and cold nights intensifies the teas floral flavor, while the mineral-rich soil adds clarity and depth. (Related: Exploring the magic of Taiwan's 'Spirited Away' city.) Clarissa Wei is an American freelance journalist and award-winning author who lives in Taipei, Taiwan. Her debut book, Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation, was nominated for a James Beard Award and won the IACP Julia Child First Book Award. Food & Wine / Getty Images Do you feel a sense of loyalty to your favorite mayonnaise? Youre not alone. Some of us grew up spreading the same brand of mayo on every ham and cheese sandwich. Others aligned themselves with their home states favorite mayo, like Dukes in South Carolina or Blue Plate in New Orleans. Hardcore fans might even own a T-shirt or hat that announces their preferred brand to the world. The mayo loyalty runs deep and so does the mayo rivalry. Related: We Tried More Than 30 Mayos This Is the Best by Far We asked 15 F&W Best New Chefs for their favorite mayo, and it turns out theyre just as divided as the rest of the world. Here are the three brands that came up the most, plus some lesser-known mayos you should consider keeping in your fridge. The 3 best mayos, according to chefs Dukes Mayonnaise Food & Wine / Duke's Mayonnaise Founded in Greenville, South Carolina, this cult-favorite mayo is known for using egg yolks only (instead of yolks and whites) and having a twang an extra hit of acidity from distilled and apple cider vinegar. For Southern chefs, Dukes is majorly nostalgic. Being from North Carolina, Dukes just takes me back, says 2015 F&W Best New Chef Bryce Shuman. Same goes for 2013 F&W Best New Chef Michael Hudman and 2019 F&W Best New Chef Bryan Furman, who grew up eating Dukes in Memphis, Tennessee, and Cassatt, South Carolina, respectively. "We adore [Dukes] for its flavor profile, the richness, and the subtle acidity from the vinegar, which strikes the perfect balance." Edgar Rico Beyond the sentimental attachment, many chefs simply love Dukes for its balanced, unsweetened flavor. Dukes is hands down the best mayonnaise, in my opinion, says 2015 F&W Best New Chef Katie Button. The biggest differentiator is that it doesnt have any sugar, she says. This is important to me because I think potato salad, pimento cheese, pasta salad, and sandwiches should sit firmly in the savory category. For every aioli at Nixta Taqueria in Austin, 2023 F&W Best New Chef Edgar Rico exclusively uses Dukes. We adore it for its flavor profile, the richness, and the subtle acidity from the vinegar, which strikes the perfect balance. Kewpie Food & Wine / Kewpie Kewpie is where its at, says 2013 F&W Best New Chef Jason Vincent. This Japanese mayo is the only mass-produced brand that uses MSG, an umami-enhancing ingredient. And, like Dukes, its made with egg yolks only, making it extra creamy (rather than gelatinous). Even though Dukes has a permanent place in Bryce Shumans heart, he calls Kewpie the Instant Pot of mayonnaises. Its multifunctional, but offers moments of refinement to those who know how to use it, he says. "[Kewpie] is slightly sweet, full of umami, and goes well with everything. " Matt Kammerer 2019 F&W Best New Chef Matt Kammerer appreciates the versatility of Kewpie as well. Its slightly sweet, full of umami, and goes well with everything. Related: You Might Be Buying the Wrong Type of Kewpie Mayo 2001 F&W Best New Chef Wylie Dufresne buys Kewpie in bulk the 3.78-liter tub is a slightly different recipe than the squeeze bottle, but he loves it nonetheless. It has both vinegar and lemon juice as well as a little sugar, so theres a nice tangy-sweet balance, he says. It also has a great texture and holds up to heat pretty well. Since the formula doesnt contain MSG, he adds it himself. Hellmanns Real Mayonnaise Food & Wine / Hellmann's While Jason Vincent usually reaches for Kewpie, he says that only one mayonnaise belongs on turkey sandwiches. Hellmanns all the way. "[Hellmanns] is the mayo that Id choose to dip an artichoke leaf in. I cant think of a better endorsement than a dish that puts your mayo front and center like a boiled artichoke does." Gabrielle Quinonez Denton This classic mayonnaise (called Best Foods in the West Coast) is mild, slightly sweet, and brightened with lemon. Mayonnaise is such a personal thing, and for me, my preference lies in the one I grew up eating, says 2014 F&W Best New Chef Gabrielle Quinonez Denton, who always keeps Hellmanns in her fridge. Its the mayo that Id choose to dip an artichoke leaf in. I cant think of a better endorsement than a dish that puts your mayo front and center like a boiled artichoke does. Having lived in the South for decades, 2002 F&W Best New Chef Hugh Acheson feels a certain pressure to declare Dukes his preferred mayo. But in his true heart of hearts, Hellmanns has always been his favorite. I say this with apprehension that someone will now egg my apartment, but with the price of eggs being prohibitive, I think that is not likely. Related: Heres How Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip Are Different, According to the Government 3 more chef-favorite mayos While these mayos might not be as popular as the Big Three, they hold a special place in a few Best New Chefs hearts. McCormick Mayonesa Made with lime, this Mexican-produced mayonnaise has a complex flavor thats great for cooking. It has the same kind of taste that Kewpie has, but with a punch of acid, says 2022 F&W Best New Chef Ana Castro. Lesieur Mayonnaise For a French chef like 1998 F&W Best New Chef Laurent Tourendel, nothing compares to this French mayonnaise. It reminds me of when I was young, growing up in France, he says. It has a very mustardy flavor, almost like a [homemade] mayonnaise. Blue Plate Blue Plate is my favorite mayonnaise because its creamy with a little tang in the end, says 1994 F&W Best New Chef Greg Sonnier. Its also the first mayonnaise that was invented in Gretna, Louisiana and commercially sold. And as Louisiana-based chef, Sonnier prefers to buy local. Read the original article on Food & Wine Courtesy of Zaria Anderson Before and after photos of Zaria Anderson's wedding dress After eloping in July 2024, Zaria Anderson and Sahil Lalji had an intimate wedding on Sept. 28, 2024 The bride wore a wedding dress that was thrifted for $300. After $600 worth of alterations, it became her dream gown "We really wanted our wedding day to be special, focusing on love and laughter, and didnt want to spend hundreds of thousands, so the wedding dress was such a win for me. I got to have my dream wedding dress without having to fork out loads of money," Anderson tells PEOPLE A woman transformed a thrifted gown into the wedding dress of her dreams. Bride Zaria Anderson, 28, shared before and after content of her wedding dress on TikTok on April 14, writing in her post's caption, "Reminder: you dont have to spend a lot on your wedding day if you dont want to ." Anderson and her husband, Sahil Lalji, 27, agreed that neither of them wanted to get caught up in the production and expenses of planning a wedding. For brides, buying a wedding dress can be especially costly and stressful, so Anderson figured she could eliminate one financial burden for their big day by DIY-ing her wedding dress. In October 2023, thrift store Vinnies Waverley hosted a Bridal Expo. An Australian bridal store was forced to close its doors and donated hundreds of dresses to Vinnies NSW, which were sold at a fraction of the price, according to Australian television news program 10 News First Sydney. Related: Bride Transforms $50 Thrifted Gown Into Dream Dress for Wedding: 'Everyone's Jaw Hit the Floor' (Exclusive) Because Anderson who lives in Canberra, Australia "couldn't make it" to the exposition, her sister went and found a wedding dress for her. At the time, Anderson's sister tried FaceTiming her for approval before buying the gown but she was "busy nannying some children," so she "went out on a whim and got it anyway." Courtesy of Zaria Anderson Zaria Anderson in her wedding dress before alterations "The silhouette and material of the dress was exactly what I wanted, however, there was some lace detailing and lots of tulle that wasn't what I wanted," Anderson tells PEOPLE. "But we knew with some help it could be perfect. For $300 I was happy to give it a go at least." Anderson said on TikTok that she "trusted the process" and she's glad that she did. After Canberra-based seamstress Kathryn Lemin altered the gown, it became the bride's dream dress. "We really wanted our wedding day to be special, focusing on love and laughter, and didnt want to spend hundreds of thousands, so the wedding dress was such a win for me," Anderson tells PEOPLE. "I got to have my dream wedding dress without having to fork out loads of money." Courtesy of Zaria Anderson Zaria Anderson in her wedding dress after alterations The dress was purchased for $300 and alterations cost $600, so the dress was only $900 total. When Lalji and his "nearest and dearest" 60 wedding guests saw Anderson in the revamped gown at her family's property in the Blue Mountains on Sept. 28, 2024, they thought she looked stunning. 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. "My husband and I did a first look and private vows on the wedding morning, he cried as soon as he saw me, and again when I walked down the aisle," Anderson shares. She adds, "My bridesmaids already knew about the dress, both before and after alterations, but the groomsmen found out after seeing the dress and they couldnt believe it was the same dress when I showed them what it originally looked like." The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Wedding guests were also surprised to learn the "big secret" that Anderson and Lalji had actually eloped in July 2024, with just their mothers and Anderson's sister in attendance. Read the original article on People Visitors look out from upper Inspiration Point at Bryce National Park on April 29 in Bryce, Utah. An elderly female cat was found alive last week following a nearly 400-foot fall at a Utah national park that killed her owners, authorities said. The bodies of Matthew Nannen, 45, and Bailee Crane, 58, were found April 29 in Bryce Canyon National Park, the Garfield County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Visitors spotted the bodies about 380 feet below the lookout spot. Authorities believe Nannen and Crane fell off Inspiration Point on April 28 or April 29. A preliminary investigation has not been able to determine what caused them to fall, but the sheriff's office said they had climbed over a railing between the trail and the cliff. The sheriff's office said it appears that the pair was living out of a U-Haul and traveled to Utah after spending a "significant amount of time" in Arizona. Their last known address was in Florida. The cat was taken in by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. A cat now named Mirage receives care at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The sanctuary said in a news release that the 12-year-old cat, now named Mirage, was found in a soft-sided carrier that was covered in mud and dirt. The animal was "sore and matted" with fractured ribs when it arrived, but seems to be doing well. "Shes eating and drinking on her own, and with steady attention from the veterinary team, shes getting the care she needs. Shes expected to make a full recovery," the sanctuary said. Judah Battista, Best Friends' chief sanctuary officer, said it's "remarkable" that the cat survived the fall. "Shes a very sweet girl and doing very well," Battista said in a statement. Brazilian police thwarted a bomb attack planned for a Lady Gaga concert on Saturday (03.05.25). Lady Gaga's spokesperson has reacted to the news The chart-topping pop icon performed in front of an estimated 2.1 million people on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, but it's now emerged that a group promoting hate speech and the radicalisation of teenagers had planned an attack at the event. The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro said in a statement: "The suspects were recruiting participants, including minors, to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails." According to Brazil's justice ministry, the recruiters identified themselves as Gaga's fans, who are also known as "Little Monsters". The bombing was planned through a social media campaign that encouraged young people to attack the event. However, the attack was foiled by the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro and the justice ministry, which found evidence of the group using coded language and extremist symbolism. The group's leader has already been arrested in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul for illegal possession of a firearm. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Gaga has issued a statement, revealing that the pop star's team "worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert". The spokesperson said: "We learned about this alleged threat via media reports this morning. "Prior to and during the show, there were no known safety concerns, nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks. "Her team worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert and all parties were confident in the safety measures in place." The event was paid for by the city of Rio de Janeiro in an effort to boost the local economy. Around 500,000 tourists are reported to have travelled to Rio in order to event the concert. The two-hour show was the biggest concert of Gaga's career and her first performance in Brazil since 2012. During the concert, Gaga told the crowd: "I'm so honoured to be here with you tonight. "Tonight we're making history, but no one makes history alone. Without all of you, the incredible people of Brazil, I wouldn't have this moment. Thank you for making history with me." The concert was overseen by 3,300 military and 1,500 police officers, as well as 400 military firefighters. By Catarina Demony and Andrew Hofstetter LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - When U.S. President Donald Trump decided to seek a second term in the White House, Doris Davis and Susie Bartlett - an interracial lesbian couple living in New York City - made a life-changing decision. If he won, they would move abroad. The couple said they had been willing to give Trump a go during his first term, but they'd watched in alarm as he returned to office and ended a range of policies aimed at promoting racial equity and rights for LGBTQ+ people. "We love this country, but we don't love what it has become," Davis, a 69-year-old educational consultant, said from their home in a New York City suburb. "When your identity is being attacked, there is a personal sense of... anger (and) frustration." Now, they're working with an immigration lawyer to assess options in Europe. The couple is most interested in Portugal and Spain, attracted by the southern European lifestyle, and are looking at a digital nomad or retirement visa. Bartlett, who is 52, is retired. "It saddens me to move," said Davis, who'll be sorry to leave her local community behind. "But it's also a situation, politically and socially, that is unacceptable." Government visa and citizenship data, as well as Reuters' interviews with eight relocation firms, indicate an increased number of Americans are considering moving to Europe in the wake of Trump's election - though the figures remain quite small for a nation of 340 million people. U.S. applications for Irish passports were at their highest level in a decade in the first two months of this year. Average monthly application in January and February of nearly 4,300 were up around 60% from last year, according to data from Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs. In France, government data showed that long-stay visa requests from Americans stood at 2,383 in the first three months of 2025, compared to a total of 1,980 over the same period last year. From January to March, French authorities have granted 2,178 long-stay visas versus 1,787 the year before. And applications for UK passports in the last three months of 2024 - the latest period for which data is available - were a record of any quarter in the past two decades, with 1,708 applications submitted. Relocation companies and websites helping people emigrate say that, at any given time in recent years, a significant number of Americans have shown an interest in moving abroad, citing issues including political divisions and gun violence. Italian immigration advisor Marco Permunian, founder of Italian Citizenship Assistance, said the election of Democratic President Joe Biden in 2020 led to an increase in interest too, mainly from Republican voters. But most of the relocation firms that Reuters spoke to said there has been a larger spike in interest since Trump returned to the White House, with many clients expressing concern over the direction of policy and social issues. OVERWHELMING DEMAND Some Hollywood stars left the U.S. after Trump's re-election in November, including talk show hosts Ellen de DeGeneres and Rosie O'Donnell, sparking media attention. Thea Duncan, founder of Milan-based relocation business 'Doing Italy', said she been receiving enquiries nearly every day since the election from ordinary Americans seeking information. "People are uncertain about what's happening and what's going to happen," Duncan said. In Britain, a company of immigration lawyers called Immigration Advice Service said it had seen a more than 25% increase in enquiries from the U.S. Its director, Ono Okeregha, said several clients had expressed worries over political changes under the Trump administration, particularly over rights for same-sex couples as several states consider weakening protections for their marriages. Wendy Newman, a 57-year-old photographer, moved to London with her husband in 2022 in part because of the increasing political polarisation back home. She said she felt her rights were more secure in Britain, where she wants to stay permanently. She hopes her daughter, who still lives in the U.S. but is applying for university in Britain, can move too. "We just feel like there's just too much at risk for her to stay there," said Newman, fearful of curbs on women's reproductive rights in the U.S. and what she described as Trump's "misogynistic tendencies". Trump has denied repeatedly allegations of misogyny and sexual misconduct, describing accusations in 2017 as "fake news". Blaxit, a company that helps Black Americans move abroad, saw traffic to its site jump over 50% following the election, its founder Chrishan Wright said. It has also seen a 20% increase in its paid membership community, Blaxit Global Passport, which costs $16.99 per month, she said. Wright, originally from New York, moved to Portugal two years ago and said Trump returning to the White House reassured her that she had made the right decision. According to an exit poll by Edison Research, Trump won just 13% of Black voters in November, 1 percentage point higher than 2020, while Kamala Harris garnered 86%. 'RELATIVE SAFETY' Also feeling disillusioned, a young transgender couple living in Colorado, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted, said they are hoping to secure a student visa to start a new life in Italy. Trump has said the United States would recognise only two sexes, male and female. He has also sought to restrict gender transition care for people under 19 and to ban transgender people from serving in the U.S. military. But they are under no illusion Europe will be perfect, as right-wing populist parties make political gains across the continent, including in Italy - where the conservative government portrays itself as a guardian of traditional values. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni vowed, when she came to power in 2022, to combat what she calls the "LGBT lobby" and to defend the "natural family". In Germany, far-right Alternative for Germany came second in February's federal election. In neighbouring France, Marine Le Pen, leader of far-right National Rally party, had been a front-runner in opinion polls for the 2027 presidential election but was banned last month from running for office for five years. Wright, from Blaxit, said the political situation in some European countries was "troublesome" but many Americans remained interested in coming to the continent regardless. Knowing exactly how many people will follow through on their interest is difficult, said Julien Faliu, founder and CEO of online expatriate community Expat.com. Faliu said Expat.com saw an increase of around 26% in requests from Americans over the last two years. "I've been talking to U.S. citizens who say: 'If Trump is re-elected, we will be moving'. He got re-elected, so now what are you doing?" Faliu said. "When there's an election, it's always like that." HURDLES EVERYWHERE There are many hurdles for would-be ex-pats. Relocate.me, a relocation platform, identified some of the disincentives: difficulties in securing jobs abroad, restrictions on remote work, lower salaries in Europe, and the U.S. tax system - which taxes its citizens on worldwide income. For those who proceed, however, there are several visa options. Digital nomads visa for remote workers in countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy are popular. Retirement visas, work permits and student visas are also in high demand, according to relocation firms. But some Europeans - already struggling to cope with mass tourism and a housing crisis - don't relish the prospect of more foreign arrivals. National authorities are restricting some controversial schemes that offered access to visas for the wealthy. The option of buying real estate to secure a golden visa is no longer a possibility in Portugal, and the Spanish scheme ended in April after the system was criticised for stoking an affordable housing crisis. Rebeca Caballero, from Spanish real estate developer Gilmar, said they had received an influx of interest from American clients in the six months before the scheme ended. "I secured investments from three clients who bought homes for the golden visa without even coming to see them," Caballero said. (Reporting by Catarina Demony in London and Andrew Hofstetter in New York; Additional reporting by Alvise Armellini and Angelo Amante in Rome, Miguel Pereira and Andrei Khalip in Lisbon, Conor Humphries in Dublin, Aislinn Laing, Corina Rodriguez Pons and David Latona in Madrid, Thomas Escritt in Berlin and Juliette Jabkhiro in Paris; Editing by Daniel Flynn) President Trump's tariffs on foreign-made auto parts began on May 3, with automakers receiving some concessions from the administration but still feeling the heat on others. Trump signed an executive order formalizing the new rules late last week, which gave some carve-outs to what would have been blanket 25% tariffs on imported auto parts. Everything from foreign-made powertrain components to seats and airbags is affected. Here's how the auto parts tariffs work. 'Destacking' One of the biggest exemptions Trump gave automakers is preventing parts tariffs from piling up on top of other tariffs, a fix Commerce Department officials call "destacking." This means automakers who import steel parts such as body panels won't have to pay the 25% tariff on foreign parts and the 25% duty on the value of the steel sourced abroad. A 2025 Ford Expedition moves on an assembly line during a media tour at the Ford Motor Company Kentucky Truck Plant to launch the 2025 Ford Expedition on April 30, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Automakers will instead pick the highest tariff that applies to them and pay that only once. In most cases, this would mean just the foreign parts tariff. The move will be retroactive, meaning automakers could be reimbursed for tariffs already paid. Another big exemption is that United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)-compliant parts made in Mexico or Canada will not be hit by the 25% tariff. Read more: The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs Buying time for automakers with 'offsets' The automakers lobbied hard, arguing that certain parts, such as wiring harnesses, would be difficult to reshore to the US in a short time period. The White House agreed and decided it wouldn't immediately punish the automakers for those foreign parts, giving them a staged setup with tariff reimbursements, so long as the cars are assembled in the US. Per the new rules, automakers will be reimbursed for tariffs on foreign-made auto parts up to an amount equal to 3.75% of the value of a US-made car for one year, then 2.5% the year after, before phasing out. The 3.75% calculation comes from multiplying 15% the percentage of foreign-made parts automakers said they would need time to replace by the 25% tariff on foreign auto parts. This would be an "offset per the Commerce Department against the automaker's tariff bill for importing those parts. In the plan's second year, the 2.5% reimbursement comes from multiplying 10%, which the administration hopes will be the percentage of foreign parts that can't be sourced yet in the US, by the 25% parts tariff. The Commerce Department official said these changes to the auto parts tariffs will help automakers get more runway to onshore their supply chain, expand their plants, and hire more US workers. What this means for automakers Automakers, particularly the Big Three, sought clarity from the White House on tariff exemptions, and while the moves are welcome, the parts tariffs are still a heavy burden. Last week, GM announced it would take a $4 billion to $5 billion tariff hit to its full-year EBIT earnings, with CFO Paul Jacobson adding $2 billion of that would come from importing vehicles into the US and the balance from auto parts imports. 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. Rival Stellantis withdrew its full-year profit guidance altogether, claiming it was due to "tariff-related uncertainties." Ford will update its guidance later on Monday when it reports first quarter earnings after the bell. Ford CEO Jim Farley has been a vocal critic of Trump's tariff policies but struck a conciliatory tone following the limited auto parts relief. "Ford welcomes and appreciates these decisions by President Trump, which will help mitigate the impact of tariffs on automakers, suppliers, and consumers. We will continue to work closely with the administration in support of the president's vision for a healthy and growing auto industry in America," Farley said in a statement. StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market. Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance As the booming U.S. onshore oil and gas industry matures and efficiency levels fall, less active Canadian shale plays stand to benefit with arguably the best combination of quality inventory and longevity, according to a new white paper from Kimmeridge, a New York energy private equity firm with an activist bend, exclusively obtained by Fortune. While the Permian Basinincluding its Midland eastern lobe and Delaware western lobein West Texas is by far the king as it amazingly produces almost half of record-high U.S. crude oil supplies, its core areas are rapidly being drilled up as companies move to less efficient, lower-tier acreage and drilling depths. Its no coincidence then that Kimmeridge targeted its first Canadian producer, Advantage Energy, which is positioned in Canadas Montney Shale. In March, Kimmeridge and Advantage reached a deal on adding new board directors. A potential sale of the company could even result from a planned strategic review. More moves north of the border are likely to come, Neil McMahon, Kimmeridge managing director, told Fortune. While the heavy oil sands still lead Canadian production, the gassier Montney and Duvernay shale playsunlocked through drilling and fracking techniques pioneered in the U.S. in Alberta and British Columbia are expected to see much more attention in the years ahead as the Permian and other more active U.S. basins slow down. North America should not be able to keep growing supply at its historical ratesrates on which the rest of the world has been heavily reliant for the past 15 years, according to Kimmeridges report, What Remains: North American Upstream Inventory. One key conclusion is that the Montney and Duvernay shale plays may sustain higher returns for longer, as well as Utahs emerging Uinta Basin, which now has more railroad capacity to move oil out of the more sparsely populated state. Only a handful of U.S. producers are in the Canadian shaleOvintiv, ConocoPhillips, and Murphy Oilwhile Kimmeridge sees the Canadian producers as scattered and in need of consolidation. Top Canadian producers in the Montney include ARC Resources, Tourmaline Oil, and Canadian Natural Resources. Of note, Kimmeridge led a proxy fight against Denver-based Ovintiv four years ago. Amid lower oil price and plateaued North American crude production, Kimmeridge has placed its emphasis on natural gas and LNG (liquefied natural gas readied for export). Theres the Kimmeridge Texas Gas producer in South Texas and Kimmeridges planned Commonwealth LNG project along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Weve very bullish on gas. Thats definitely a major theme for us, McMahon said. And the U.S. is running out of [drilling] inventory. He cited Kimmeridges aim as the new BG of LNG, referencing the BG Group (British Gas), which was acquired by Shell for $50 billion in 2016. All eyes on gas Global gas demand is rising largely for power demand, and LNG has made the U.S. the top gas exporter worldwide. Domestic gas demand also is increasing after nearly two decades of stagnation mostly because of the new data center construction boom. McMahon said Kimmeridge is interested in western Canada LNG projects too depending on the nations political winds going forward, as well as the anticipated development of more pipeline projects. A big question is whether the controlling Liberal Party will prove more amenable to fossil fuel projects under newly elected leadership. It certainly would be a nice mirror reflection of our Gulf Coast LNG portfolio to have some thats more Pacific [Ocean]-facing, he said. We would be very interested in the right opportunity. Kimmeridges white paper contends the Montney already is one of the most economically efficient shale plays, and it also has the most quality locations that remain un-drilled after the Permians Delaware Basin. But the Montney has the most bountiful inventory when factoring in its slower pace of activity compared to the hyperactive Delaware, according to Kimmeridge. The Permians more mature Midland Basin is the most prime real estate, but its highly consolidated now after a big wave of mergers, and much of its core areas are drilled. Things are getting a bit tight and drilled up, McMahon said. There wont be much left of the Midland core inventory in five years, the paper argues. The Delaware Basin is less mature and will compete for longer, but its high activity levels will work against it eventually. The Delaware has more gassy pockets and greater regulatory issues because it extends well into New Mexico. The Delaware is deeper, more complicated, and has less existing pipeline and processing infrastructure than the Midland Basin. As of 2024, Kimmeridge ranks the Montney third in well economics behind the Delaware and Pennsylvanias gassy Marcellus Shale. In 10 years, Kimmeridge projects the Montney will rank first, followed, in order, by the Uinta, Duvernay, Delaware, and Marcellus. Even though North American inventory quality and duration have begun to decline, our inventory work gives us confidence that there are still plenty of great investment opportunities out there, some that the general market sees the value of and some that it does not, the paper contends. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrives for a meeting with Peru's Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer and Peru's Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo at the Pentagon, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) WASHINGTON (AP) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday directed the active duty military to shed 20% of its four-star general officers as the Trump administration moves forward with deep cuts that it says will promote efficiency but that critics worry could result in a more politicized force. Hegseth also told the National Guard to shed 20% of its top positions and directed the military to cut an additional 10% of its general and flag officers across the force, which could include any one-star or above or officer of equivalent Navy rank. The cuts are on top of more than a half-dozen top general officers that President Donald Trump or Hegseth have fired since January, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. CQ Brown Jr. They also have fired the only two women serving as four-star officers, as well as a disproportionate number of other senior female officers. In the earlier rounds of firing, Hegseth said the eliminations were a reflection of the president wanting the right people around him to execute the national security approach we want to take. As Pentagon chief, Hegseth has touted his efforts to root out any programming or leadership that endorses diversity in the ranks, tried to terminate transgender service members and begun sweeping changes to enforce a uniform fitness standard for combat positions. In a memo announcing the cuts Monday, Hegseth said they would remove redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership. He said the aim was to free the military from unnecessary bureaucratic layers. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., a Marine who served in Iraq and is now on the House Armed Services Committee, said he sees Hegseths actions as trying to politicize the military. Hes creating a formal framework to fire all the generals who disagree with him and the president, Moulton told AP at the Capitol. He said certainly any organization can look for efficiencies but Hegseth has long been explicit about his agenda. He wrote a book about it. He wants to politicize the military, Moulton said. "So its hard to see these cuts in any other context. Moulton warned of fallout for the troops. It is essential that our troops understand they are getting constitutional orders, not political orders, he said, because otherwise you dont have a democracy, otherwise you have a military that just works well for one political party or another. Adding to the turmoil in the Pentagon, Hegseth in recent weeks has dismissed or transferred multiple close advisers, tightly narrowing his inner circle. He also has been facing questions from both Democrats and Republicans about his handling of sensitive information and use of the Signal messaging app. There are about 800 general officers in the military, but only 44 of those are four-star general or flag officers. The Army has the largest number of general officers, with 219, including eight four-star generals. The number of general officer positions in the military is set by law. Members of Congress were not provided with the advance notification they normally would receive on the cuts but were given a very brief alert this afternoon, according to a congressional staffer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not made public. The cuts were first reported by CNN. The Pentagon is under pressure to slash spending and personnel as part of the broader federal government cuts pushed by Trump and ally Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. Hegseth last week ordered a sweeping transformation of the Army to build a leaner, more lethal force, including merging or closing headquarters, dumping outdated vehicles and aircraft, slashing as many as 1,000 headquarters staff in the Pentagon and shifting personnel to units in the field. Also last week the Army confirmed that there will be a military parade on Trumps birthday in June, as part of the celebration around the services 250th birthday. Officials say it will cost tens of millions of dollars. - Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report. Israeli security forces inspect the site where the Israeli military said a projectile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels landed in the area of Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday, May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) JERUSALEM (AP) Israels military targeted Houthi rebels in Yemens Red Sea province of Hodeida on Monday with a punishing round of airstrikes, killing at least one person and wounding 35. The strikes came a day after the Iranian-backed rebels launched a missile that hit Israels main airport. The rebels media office said at least six strikes hit the crucial Hodeida port Monday afternoon. Other strikes hit a cement factory in the Bajil district, located 55 kilometers (34 miles) northeast of Hodeida city, the rebels said. The extent of damage at the two facilities wasnt immediately clear. The Israeli military said more than 20 Israeli fighter planes took part in the operation, dropping more than 50 munitions on dozens of targets. Hodeida residents said they heard explosions at the port, with flames and smoke seen rising over the area. Ambulance sirens were also heard across the city, they said. It was very strong, Ahmed Saleh, who lives close to the port, said of the explosions. In Bajil, fires and thick columns of smoke were seen over the cement factory, which the Houthis said was hit by both U.S. and Israeli strikes. Ambulances also rushed to the area, said resident Khalid Seif. The Houthi-run health ministry said at least one person was killed and 35 others were wounded in the Israeli strikes on the factory. It said rescuers were still searching for missing people. On Sunday, the Houthis launched a missile from Yemen that struck an access road near Israel's main airport, briefly halting flights and commuter traffic. Four people were lightly injured. It was the first time a missile struck the grounds of Israels airport since the start of the war. The Houthis claimed that the strikes were a joint Israeli-American operation. However, a U.S. defense official said U.S. forces did not participate in the Israeli strikes on Yemen on Monday. The strikes were not part of Operation Rough Rider, which is the ongoing U.S. military operation against the Houthis in Yemen to prevent them from targeting ships in the Red Sea that started March 15. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Separately, the U.S. military launched multiple strikes Monday on Sanaa, another U.S. official said. That official also spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Nasruddin Amer, head of the Houthi media office, said the Israeli strikes wont deter the rebels, vowing they will respond to the attack. The aggressive Zionist-American raids on civilian facilities will not affect our military operations against the Zionist enemy entity, he said on social media. He said the Houthis will escalate their attacks and wont stop targeting shipping routes and Israel until it stops the war in Gaza. The Houthis have targeted Israel throughout the war in solidarity with Palestinians, raising their profile at home and internationally as the last member of Irans self-described Axis of Resistance capable of launching regular attacks on Israel. The U.S. military under President Donald Trump has launched an intensified campaign of daily airstrikes targeting the Houthis since March 15. Houthi rebels have fired at Israel since the war with Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023. The missiles have mostly been intercepted, although some have penetrated Israels missile defense systems, causing damage. Israel has struck back against the rebels in Yemen. The Israeli military said it targeted the Hodeida port because Houthi rebels were using it to receive weapons and military equipment from Iran. Rebel-held Hodeida, about 145 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of the capital Sanaa, has been key for food shipments into Yemen as its decade-long war continues. Israel has struck Yemen, and specifically the port city of Hodeida, multiple times. It previously struck Hodeida and its oil infrastructure in July after a Houthi drone attack killed one person and wounded 10 in Tel Aviv. In September, Israel struck Hodeida again, killing at least four people after a rebel missile targeted Israels Ben Gurion airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving back to the country. In December, Israeli strikes killed at least nine people in Hodeida. The Houthis have launched multiple missiles toward Israel in the past week. The attack on Ben-Gurion International Airport on Sunday came hours before Israeli Cabinet ministers voted to expand the war in Gaza, including to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time. While air traffic resumed after an hour, the attack could lead to cancelations of many airlines, which had recently resumed flights to Israel. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Tara Copp and Lolita Baldor contributed from Washington. Israel's security Cabinet has unanimously approved a plan to seize all of the Gaza Strip in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas. Palestinian civilians will be moved during the powerful new operation in Gaza, Netanyahu said in a video posted on social media, adding that his forces would not launch raids inside the enclave and then retreat. The security Cabinet took the decision on the recommendation of Zamir, the military chief, Netanayhu said. Israel, before the last ceasefire went into effect, had already taken full control of a third of Gaza. The besieged enclave has been under the longest blockade of humanitarian aid since the war began in October 2023, as Israels total ban on the entry of all goods, including food, fuel and medical supplies, enters its third month. As a result, the risk of famine hangs over Gazas population, prompting alarm even among some of Israels closest allies. The United Nations on Sunday rejected an Israeli proposal for aid distribution, describing it as Israeli hubs under conditions set by the Israeli military. It added that the plan was dangerous and appeared to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic, and would mean that large parts of Gaza, including the less mobile and most vulnerable people, would continue to go without supplies. Israeli soldiers near the border with Gaza on Sunday. But a senior Israeli security official said in a statement Monday that the humanitarian blockade will continue, and only later after the operational phase begins and a large-scale civilian evacuation to the south is completed will a humanitarian plan be implemented. They added that unlike in the past the military will remain in every area it secures to prevent the return of terror. The Israeli army has begun calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers to intensify and expand its fight against Hamas in an attempt to get the militant group to return hostages still being held since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack. We are increasing the pressure with the aim of returning our men and defeating Hamas, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said in a statement, adding that the troops would operate in additional areas and destroy all infrastructure above and below the ground. However, some reservists have indicated they will refuse to serve in a war they increasingly view as politically motivated, and at a Knesset committee meeting Monday, Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held hostage, called on soldiers not to report for reserve duty for moral and ethical reasons. More than 51,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive, including thousands of women and children, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The war has also decimated Gazas medical facilities and infrastructure and driven most of its population from their homes often several times. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, recently warned that nearly a half-million Palestinians in Gaza have been newly displaced. Meanwhile, the families of the 59 remaining hostages under Hamas' captivity issued a "red alert" Monday over the impending expansion in Gaza. The expansion of military operations puts every hostage at grave risk, the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters, said in a statement, adding, It also threatens the lives of our soldiers and deepens the toll on countless Israeli families already carrying the burden of this war. Displaced residents taking refuge at a school in Gaza City on Sunday. Some 1,200 people were killed during Hamas' terrorist attacks in southern Israel, with around 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli counts, marking a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict. Israel resumed launching airstrikes in Gaza after a fragile eight-week truce between Israel and Hamas collapsed March 18, just more than two weeks after the first phase of the three-part ceasefire deal came to an end. Negotiations on the second phase of the deal, meant to establish a permanent end to the fighting, have since stalled. The ceasefire and hostage release talks could resume before a planned visit by President Donald Trump to the region next week, Israeli Minister Ze'ev Elkin told the public broadcaster Kan on Monday. There is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands we are serious, Elkin said. Trump said last month that he and Netanyahu were on the same side of every issue in a post on Truth Social, shortly after the two leaders spoke over the phone. In February, Trump announced that the U.S. would seek ownership of the Gaza Strip to develop it into the Riviera of the Middle East, after saying Palestinians have no choice but to leave their homes there. He reiterated those plans after a meeting with Netanyahu at the White House in April, saying that the Gaza Strip was an incredible piece of important real estate and that U.S. control and ownership of the territory would be a good thing. Sketches from Diddy Trial Jury Selection 5/5/2025 - Christine Cornell The first day of jury selection in the federal criminal trial that will determine the future for Sean Diddy Combs has concluded, with a new batch of jurors to be considered on Tuesday. Nineteen potential jurors who were questioned Monday are expected to be considered for the panel in the peremptory strike phase, when attorneys for both sides can opt to strike a prospective juror for almost any reason. That phase is expected to commence once a pool of 45 vetted potential jurors has been assembled. The start of the trial comes nearly seven months after the once-highly influential pop culture figure was indicted for racketeering conspiracy, transportation to engage in prostitution and sex trafficking, crimes that the government claims spanned over two decades. Combs has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges. After an introduction from Judge Arun Subramanian Monday morning, prospective jurors were called to the courtroom one-by-one to review their answers to questions with the court. Lawyers for both the prosecution and defense can make a motion to strike a juror for cause after theyve been questioned. They can also call a juror back later in the day for further questioning, if necessary. After the parties questioned several prospective jurors, Combs attorney asked for a bathroom break. The judge, who seemed inclined to move forward with questions, agreed after Combs told the judge, Im a little nervous today. What potential jurors were asked Prospective jurors were asked about their level of awareness of multiple celebrities, as part of the jury selection process on Monday. Before entering the courtroom, each juror was asked to review a binder with a list of people and places some of which could come up during the trial to identify any with which they were familiar. Subramanian compared the lengthy list to an appendix for The Lord of the Rings. In court, some potential jurors said they did recognize some names on the list, which included celebrities such as Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West and Mike Myers. It is common for jurors to be asked about any names that might surface during the trial. Judges do that in an abundance of caution to ensure every potential connection is explored to find jurors without conflicts who can be fair and impartial. The list also includes the names of attorneys involved in the case. A name being included on the list does not indicate whether the individual will testify or even be directly involved with the trial, but it is possible that some of the names presented to jurors could come up during witness testimony. A sketch of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who was in court on Monday for the start of jury selection. - Christine Cornell Other names mentioned in court by prospective jurors included Kid Cudi, Yung Miami and Cassie Ventura, the governments central witness in the case. Combs was seen physically assaulting Ventura in a 2016 surveillance video published last year by CNN. He apologized for his actions in the video. The attorneys did not provide an explanation why any person or place was included on the list, which is not available to the public. CNN has reached out to the celebrities named for comment, aside from Kanye West, who is not currently working with a publicist, manager or agent. Who was dismissed A woman who said she watched the ID documentary called The Fall of Diddy, a woman who called the 2016 video of Combs assaulting Ventura damning and a female executive at a major publishing company who mentioned shed reviewed a press release for Al B. Sures upcoming memoir, which she said includes allegations against Combs, were among those dismissed during the first day of jury selection. Prosecutor Maurene Comey asked the judge to dismiss the prospective juror who watched the documentary because Comey expects at least one person who appeared in the documentary to testify at trial. A man was excused from the jury pool because he said his wife, who is a lawyer, harbored negative opinions of Combs after interacting with him during a court case back in the 90s. She found [Combs] behavior disturbing and in general she does not like him, the man said in court. The prospective juror said that his wifes views wouldnt get in the way of his ability to be fair and impartial, but Subramanian excused him anyway, agreeing with the defense. The charges Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn since his September 2024. If convicted on all charges, Combs could face up to life in prison. Prosecutors allege that between 2004 and 2024, Combs created a criminal enterprise using his business empire where he engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice. He is accused of coercing at least three women to engage in sex acts with him and, at times, with male prostitutes, during occasions known as Freak Offs, where the victims were allegedly drugged and forced to engage in sex for days. Authorities allege Combs recorded some of the sex acts and controlled his victims by promising financial and career opportunities, as well as through threats of violence and other harm. He is facing five counts in total with charges related to four victims, including one count of racketeering conspiracy as it pertains to Victim-1, Victim-2 and Victim-3, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion as it pertains to Victim-1 and Victim-2 and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution as it pertains to Victim-1 and Victim-2. Prosecutors have said in court documents that Victim-4 is a former employee of Combs, who they allege he obtained forced labor from. Police cars are seen behind caution tape outside the home of Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles on March 25, 2024. - David Swanson/AFP/Getty Images The four victims that the government identified in court filings had been expected to testify at trial. On Monday, Comey said it had been difficult to get in touch with the lawyer for Victim-3, and she might not be called to testify even though she had been subpoenaed. Subramanian previously ruled that three of the four alleged victims can testify under pseudonyms. The person referred to as Victim-1 in the indictment, Combs former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, has chosen to testify under her own name. Victim-3 had also previously been expected to testify under her own name. Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs in 2023 where she alleged he raped her in 2018 and subjected her to years of repeated physical and other abuses over the course of their relationship. Combs denied Venturas allegations at the time and they settled Venturas lawsuit the day after it was filed. In May 2024, Combs was seen striking and dragging Ventura in a 2016 surveillance video first published by CNN. Two days after the video was published Combs apologized for physically assaulting Ventura, saying in a video posted on Instagram that he takes full responsibility for my actions in that video. During a pre-trial hearing in April, Subramanian ruled that footage of the 2016 incident may be shown to the jury at trial. Mark Agnifilo and Teny Geragos are the two lead attorneys representing Combs. Brian Steel, who represented rapper Young Thug in his recent racketeering trial in Georgia, was added to Combs legal team in April. The US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York indicted Combs in 2024, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Foster, Emily A. Johnson, Christy Slavik, Madison Reddick Smyser and Mitzi Steiner are handling the case for the government, according to a news release from the US Attorneys Office. Separately, Combs is also facing dozens of civil lawsuits from in which he is accused of sexual assault. He has denied the allegations and the civil suits are not part of Combs federal criminal trial. CNNs Sandra Gonzalez and Nicki Brown contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com ABC Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos at Son's College Graduation Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos celebrated their son Joaquin over the weekend, as he graduated from the University of Michigan The Live with Kelly and Mark co-hosts reflected on how this graduation felt different, since it's their last kid's graduation Ripa and Consuelos share three children: Joaquin, 22, Michael, 27, and Lola, 23 Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos' son is officially a college grad! On Saturday, May 3, the Live with Kelly and Mark co-hosts attended their 22-year-old son Joaquin's college graduation from the University of Michigan and recounted their experience on a Monday, May 5 episode of their show. Anyway, we just returned from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where our newborn baby graduated university. Thats right, were done! Ripa begins. 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. ABC Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos at Son's College Graduation Related: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Celebrate Son Joaquins College Achievements and Tease There Were Doubts That We Would Be Here' What was interesting was that in talking to the other parents, we realized we werent alone. Because theres a bunch of information that parents need. Like, what time is this? Where do you need to be? Consuelos, 54, says, noting that the two didn't have much information going into the weekend. When should we be here? adds Ripa. Do you have our tickets on your phone? The couple jokes that although their son is officially a college grad, there are some things he still hasn't grown out of like relaying the full plan for graduation. And so we thought, at 22, that this is something, my man, that he shouldve grown out of this by now, but every single parent we spoke to mainly the boys. I think only the guys, Consuelos says. "Yes, here we go again. Im going to gender stereotype. It was the moms of the boys that said, I had no idea this was even happening. Until you sent that group text!" added Ripa. ABC Mark Consuelos at Son's College Graduation "It was interesting because I felt like by the time the actual Big House graduation rolled out on Saturday, we had already done it several times," she went on. "We had several graduations before the big graduation." "So it started out on Thursday night with a big showcase at the theater department they had the showcase," Ripa, 54, explained. "Here we are with Joaquin, who performed. He was incredible and amazing and we were very impressed. Then our daughter flew in from London to catch the performance. There she is. And then the following day, he got his diploma from the school of drama." Although the two weren't given much information before arriving at the graduation, they were able to celebrate their youngest alongside their daughter, Lola, 23, and older son, Michael, 27. ABC Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos at Son's College Graduation And then finally after, you can see it on all of our faces. Now, Michael flew in just in time to attend the Big House graduation," says Ripa. "But if you can tell in this photo, were all just going through the motions at this point. Here we are everybodys sort of like, Okay. Take the picture. Take the picture so we have a photo of Michael in one of the graduation photos. Despite the weekend being a little draining, Consuelos and Ripa admit that this graduation felt different since it was their youngest kid's college graduation. I will say, I dont know. This one hit differently because its our last kid to graduate. So we just kept waiting for something bad to happen, admits Ripa. ABC Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos at Son's College Graduation "And we held our breath until he walked across the stage, says Consuelos. We didnt believe it until we saw him walk across the stage, agreed Ripa. People were congratulating us and we were like, Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just dont say anything yet because we dont actually.... Ripa explains. And then the program. We immediately started looking for his name. Lolas like, Why are you only looking for Joaquins name? Thats so self-centered. I was like, I just want to make sure hes graduating. Because hes very cagey with the details and he didnt want to give us our tickets. What does that mean? And lo and behold, yes, he did graduate," says the proud mom. Read the original article on People NAPLES, FL One person has been found dead in a possible bear attack, authorities said. Officers were on the scene and investigating it as an "active crime scene," Arielle Callender, the public information officer for the South Region office of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, said on May 5. The Collier County Sheriffs Office received a call shortly after 7 a.m. in reference to a possible bear encounter near a highway in Jerome, a rural area east of Marco Island. Deputies arrived about an hour later and found one deceased person, the sheriff's office said. The officers are assisting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the investigation. Nature photographer James Paul Mayo says he recently spotted a mother black bear and her three cubs walking down his Verona Walk street. Mayo, who lives on Alessandria Court in the Naples community, said he photographed the wild animals about 2 p.m. Jan. 31, 2025. Possible mauling would be Florida's second in 2025 According to data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, if confirmed, the May 5 attack in Collier County would be the second bear mauling in Florida this year. While state data references black bear attacks, authorities have not confirmed the type of bear involved in the May 5 attack. According to the data, since November 2020, there have been at least 15 bear attacks in Florida involving the presence of dogs. The last attack a dog was not present, according to the records, was in March 2020. It's not yet confirmed if the most recent investigation incudes dogs. The data states the last black bear attack in Collier County happened Jan. 9, 2018. In that case, a black bear attacked a man in his North Naples backyard. The man was taking his dog outside when one of three bears struck his face, leaving an eight-inch scar and other marks. Bear attacks are still rare nationwide, worldwide Despite the recent bear attacks in southwest Florida, bear attacks are relatively rare. The chance of being attacked by a bear is 1 in 2.1 million, according to 2024 statistics compiled by the World Animal Foundation. There are on average about 40 bear attacks worldwide, the animal foundation reported and between two to three deaths per year. The U.S., there is fewer than one death per year, according to the North American Bear Center. Most attacks by bears, black bears in particular, are usually defensive reactions if a person is too close, an easy situation to avoid, the Bear Center said. Florida wildlife officials considers return of bear hunt to cull population Florida wildlife officials had three virtual public feedback meetings in April for a proposed return of a state bear hunt. The primary objectives of regulated hunting are to balance species population numbers with suitable habitat and to maintain a healthy population, the agency reported. A draft of the proposal to be presented to county commissioners is expected to be ready for public review by Wednesday, May 7. The proposal indicates that 55 bears will be permitted for harvest from Lee, Collier and Hendry counties. The last black bear hunt happened in Florida a decade ago, but the planned weeklong hunt was halted at the end of the second day after nearly 300 bears were killed. State officials estimate there are more than 4,000 black bears in Florida. Contributed: Mark Bickel, Naples Daily News This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: 1 dead in possible Florida bear attack At least three people were killed when a boat overturned near San Diego on Monday as the Coast Guard, lifeguards and sheriff's deputies launched a search for more victims, authorities said. The travelers appeared to be migrants, officials said. The exact number of people on board wasn't immediately clear. "It is a suspected migrant smuggling boat human smuggling, no drugs the ones coming up from south of the border," said Petty Officer Chris Sappey, a Coast Guard spokesperson. The Pacific Ocean coastline in Del Mar, Calif., on Aug. 16. At least two children were on board, Sappey added. In addition to the three who died, at least four other people "were transported to our local hospitals by ambulances," Encinitas Deputy Fire Chief Jorge Sanchez said. A person on the panga boat typically a smaller, open, outboard-motor-powered craft told rescuers 18 people were on board, Sanchez said. It wasn't immediately clear how many are missing or whether any made it to the shores of Torrey Pines State Beach on their own, he said. "We're just doing our due diligence by checking if there's anybody else in the waters," Sanchez said. "And to this point, I don't have anything else to report as far as missing or accounted for." The Coast Guard said in a statement that there are nine "missing individuals" following "a report of an overturned vessel" in the waters off Del Mar. San Diego County sheriff's deputies are also assisting in the "maritime event on the beach near the 200 block of Stratford Court, the sheriff's office said. The search for possible victims included first responders in helicopters, lifeguards on boats and jet skis and others on foot going up and down the sand looking for anyone in need of medical attention, Sanchez said. A panga boat capsized in nearby Imperial Beach on Thanksgiving weekend 2002, killing three people. The captain and co-captain of that vessel were sentenced to 54 and 50 months in federal prison, respectively. They were trying to smuggle seven adults and an unaccompanied minor into the United States, officials said. The victims were a 39-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man, both from Mexico, and an unidentified young woman, believed to be from Guatemala. Lisa Vanderpump has urged fans to stop cyberbullying reality stars. Lisa Vanderpump has sent a message to reality fans The 64-year-old TV personality has taken to social media to hit back at critics on social media, urging fans to "uplift" rather than "tear down" reality stars. Lisa - who has appeared on a host of reality shows, including 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ' and 'Vanderpump Rules' - wrote on Instagram: "To all of our wonderful fans: Im so grateful for your passion and support for my shows. But I must say thisno one deserves to be bullied, harassed, or targeted online. The cast members are human beings, with real feelings, doing their best in a high-pressure environment. Healthy conversation is welcomed, but cruelty is not. Lets uplift, not tear down. Kindness always wins. #StopCyberBullying (sic)" Season 12 of 'Vanderpump Rules' is returning with an all-new cast, and Lisa previously predicted that the show will have a "different energy". The reality TV star told E! News: "I think everything we do is going to have a different energy to it. "Not gonna try and compete with the old 'Vanderpump Rules'. It's just gonna be totally different there. "Still, we'll go back to the premise of the complications of running a restaurant and the staff in it. And that always has a story to tell." Lisa had a "wonderful experience" filming with the show's original cast. But she recognises that now is the perfect time to make a change. The TV star - who has also appeared in a series of 'Vanderpump Rules' spin-off shows - said: "It was time to do something different. Stories were kind of closing up a little bit. I think people, they weren't that shocked that we decided to do this now." Meanwhile, Alex Baskin - the executive producer of 'Vanderpump Rules' - recently encouraged fans to approach the new season with an open mind. Speaking on 'The Viall Files' podcast, Alex explained: "Im excited about it. "The big thing that I keep emphasising is we are not trying to do the thing that we did before. Were not trying to make the show that we did before. You cant do that. Its very big shoes to fill." 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. Newark Liberty International Airport is not safe for travelers, one air traffic controller at the delay-plagued travel hub reportedly warned. It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public, the federal air safety employee reportedly told NBC News correspondent Tom Costello. Really an incredible statement, unsolicited. He just said that to me, and separately, Dont fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs, Costello recounted on MSNBC. The airport, which served 49 million travelers in 2024 and is the second busiest in the New York City area, has been drowning in delays and cancellations for days. Planes ready for boarding at Newarks airport. John McAdorey stock.adobe.com Federal Aviation Administration has blamed a shortage of air traffic controllers at the airport, along with runway construction. Newark has lost 20% of its air controllers in recent weeks, according to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, who issued a statement Friday claiming they had walked off the job. The situation has grown so dire that United Airlines which uses the airport as its primary East Coast hub announced it was cancelling 35 roundtrip flights daily, saying it was necessary in order to protect our customers. This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, its now clear and the FAA tells us that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead, Kirby said. And last week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a plea for more air traffic controllers offering $5,000 bonuses for new hires and warning that the system was beginning to deteriorate. A view of the series of Newark Liberty International Airport control towers. AP Youre starting to see cracks in the system, Duffy in a press conference Thursday. Its our job to actually see over the horizon what the issues are and fix it before there is an incident that we will seriously regret. Aviation safety has been a point of controversy since even before President Trump took office in January. As of September 2023, the FAA was nearly 2,000 air traffic controllers short of its staffing goal, according to the agency. Just a month after Trump was sworn in, 400 FAA employees were cut, but Duffy said none were air traffic controllers or safety personnel. Delays at Newark continued on Sunday, with inbound flights waiting more than two hours before being allowed to land, according to Flight Awares Misery Map. KINSHASA (Reuters) -Democratic Republic of Congo said on Friday it had become the latest African country to grant a licence to tech billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink and that the company would begin operations soon. A unit of SpaceX, the satellite internet provider is rapidly expanding its services on the continent and is live in more than a dozen countries. It was granted licences by Somalia and Lesotho in April. War-torn Congo has low connectivity, with just around 30% of the population using the internet as of 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union. The government had previously resisted allowing access to Starlink, with military officials warning it could be used by rebel groups including Rwandan-backed M23, which has seized more territory than ever before in the east of the country this year. In March 2024, the Congolese Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said use of Starlink was banned and violators would face sanctions. The same entity announced on Friday that the company had been given a licence and "will proceed with the launch of its services in the coming days." An official at the authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Starlink is also trying to establish a presence in neighbouring Uganda. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Tuesday that he had a productive meeting with Starlink representatives. (Reporting by Congo newsroom; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Daniel Wallis) By Andrea Shalal and Tim Reid WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the country, saying the American movie industry was dying a "very fast death" due to the incentives that other countries were offering to lure filmmakers. "This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda," Trump said on Truth Social. Trump said he was authorizing the relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States. He added: "WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!" Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on X: "We're on it." Neither Lutnick nor Trump provided any details on how the tariffs would be implemented. It was unclear if the tariffs would apply to movies on streaming services as well as those shown in theaters, or if they would be calculated based on production costs or box office revenue. Hollywood executives were trying to sort out details on Sunday night. The Motion Picture Association, which represents the major studios, had no immediate comment. In January, Trump appointed Hollywood veterans Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson to bring Hollywood back "bigger, better and stronger than ever before." Movie and TV production has been exiting Hollywood for years, heading to locations with tax incentives that make filming cheaper. Governments around the world have increased credits and cash rebates to attract productions and capture a greater share of the $248 billion that Ampere Analysis predicts will be spent globally in 2025 to produce content. All major media companies, including Walt Disney, Netflix and Universal Pictures, film overseas in countries such as Canada and Britain. On Monday, leaders in Australia and New Zealand responded to Trump's tariff announcement by saying they would advocate for their local industries. Some Marvel superhero movies have been filmed in Australia, while New Zealand was the backdrop for "The Lord of the Rings" films. 'LOT MORE TO LOSE THAN TO GAIN' In 2023, about half of the spending by U.S. producers on movie and TV projects with budgets of more than $40 million went outside the U.S., according to research firm ProdPro. Film and television production has fallen by nearly 40% over the last decade in Hollywood's home city of Los Angeles, according to FilmLA, a non-profit that tracks the region's production. The January wildfires accelerated concerns that producers may look outside Los Angeles, and that camera operators, costume designers, sound technicians and other behind-the-scenes workers may move out of town rather than try to rebuild in their neighborhoods. A ProdPro survey of executives found California was the sixth most preferred place to film in the next two years, behind Toronto, Britain, Vancouver, Central Europe and Australia. Hollywood producers and labor unions have been urging Governor Gavin Newsom to boost the state's tax incentives to better compete with other locations. Trump's proposed movie tariff follows a series of trade conflicts initiated by his administration, which have roiled markets and led to fears of a U.S. recession. Former senior Commerce official William Reinsch, a senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said retaliation against Trump's film tariffs would be devastating. "The retaliation will kill our industry. We have a lot more to lose than to gain," he said, adding it would be difficult to make a national security or national emergency case for movies. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal, Jasper Ward and Tim Reid, additional reporting by Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Humeyra Pamuk, Diane Craft and Himani Sarkar) Tazz Webster, who ultimately wound up homeless after an apartment manager allegedly ridiculed and shoved him because he is transgender, exits through the front door of a community center, April 9, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) A St. Louis man says he was subjected to relentless taunts and misgendering by his apartment building manager, highlighting the discrimination faced by transgender individuals. Tazz Webster, 38, a transgender man living in government-subsidized housing, told The Associated Press that he endured constant ridicule from the building's manager. According to Webster, the manager repeatedly called him "a girl," refused to use his correct name, and mocked him with shouts of "Youre not a real man!" "I just felt like I was being terrorized," Webster shared, describing the emotional toll of the manager's actions. "I felt that I was being judged and mistreated, like I was less of a human being." Then one day in March 2022, the manager shoved Webster so hard he stumbled backward. After regaining his balance, Webster said he pushed the manager back. Four months later he was homeless. Webster filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity office, the agency tasked with investigating housing discrimination and enforcing the landmark Fair Housing Act that guarantees equal access to housing for all Americans. Websters harassment allegation was serious enough that it was investigated for more than two years, until the office suddenly notified him in February it was dropping his case without a finding, citing lack of jurisdiction. The timing of the closure was not a coincidence. In the months since President Donald Trump took back the White House and installed a loyalist to lead the federal housing department, HUD Secretary Scott Turner and his team have moved swiftly and strategically to undo, uproot and remake the agencys decades of work and priorities. Tazz Webster, who ultimately wound up homeless after an apartment manager allegedly ridiculed and shoved him because he is transgender, poses for a photo, April 9, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In the crosshairs is an intense focus on transgender people, as HUD retreats from long-established fair-housing protections by closing their discrimination complaints and, more broadly, moving to undo the Obama-era Equal Access Rule that cemented transgender peoples rights to discrimination protection in housing. Its time to get rid of all the far-left gender ideology and get government out of the way of what the Lord established from the beginning when he created man in his own image male and female, Turner said in announcing in February that he was halting enforcement of the Equal Access Rule. At issue is the fact that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people wasnt specifically cited in the Fair Housing Act. But the Equal Access Rule enacted in 2012 under former President Barack Obama further defined sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The policy was expanded in 2016 to cover transgender people seeking help at federally funded emergency shelters, escalating opposition from the right. In 2020, the first Trump administration unsuccessfully moved to relieve shelters of any obligation to serve transgender people. Now, advocates fear an emboldened Trump will go further and forbid shelters from accommodating gender identity altogether, as his administration announces unspecified revisions to the Equal Access Rule. Our protections cant be a pingpong ball that changes every four years, said Seran Gee, an attorney for Advocates for Trans Equality. After being left with permanent injuries in a car crash, Webster, who survives on disability payments, was grateful to move in April 2021 into an apartment near the citys 1,300-acre (526-hectare) Forest Park, scene of the 1904 Worlds Fair and home to museums and a zoo. His rent was initially less than $200 per month, he said. That is because Branscome Apartments had a contract with the federal government to provide subsidized housing to people with disabilities and low-income seniors. But the HUD money also comes with strings, said Linda Morris, staff attorney for the ACLUs Womens Rights Project, who leads the organizations housing discrimination work. The Equal Access Rule applies to HUD-funded programs and shelters," said Morris, who doesnt represent Webster. "If an entity is going to accept federal funding they have to comply. Under the rule, HUD-funded housing and programs must provide equal access to everyone regardless of gender identity, and can't require intrusive questioning. Four months after the shoving incident, Webster found his door kicked in and his belongings trashed, even though, he said, he was up to date on his rent and never received an official eviction notice. Gone were his king-size bed, dishes, Social Security card and birth certificate. Even worse was the loss of the obituary for his mother, who died when he was 12, and her necklace, a treasured memento. I had nothing, said Webster, who had been mostly staying away from the apartment for fear of another run-in with the manager. I was so afraid to be there, I would go to my friends house and spent nights at a time and then come back, switch my clothes, and leave. Court records in an eviction case filed against Webster in April 2022 cited repeated unsuccessful efforts to serve him. After he was gone, the case was dropped. Last August, Webster filed a lawsuit in Missouri state court alleging he was illegally evicted. There was never a court order allowing them to change the locks, allowing them to throw away his belongings, said attorney KB Doman of Arch City Defenders, an advocacy group representing Webster. The suit seeks $25,000 in property damage and for severe emotional stress and trauma. The apartment has denied the allegations in court filings. Stephen Strum, the attorney representing the building, declined the AP's requests for comment on the HUD case and said the pending lawsuit merely alleges that my client did not properly follow the steps for evicting. To Doman, Webster's case reflects a larger trend. A lot of people that would have some recourse, at least through HUD investigating, really are just out on their own now, she said. Its going to be harder for trans people to find safe, stable housing, and its very hard already." Since Turner took the helm at HUD, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity has instructed staff to pause investigations of all gender identity discrimination cases, according to two HUD attorneys who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs or benefits. One said letters were then issued closing the cases for lack of jurisdiction. HUD has not disclosed how many cases have been dropped. Webster's letter and another provided to the AP cite Trumps executive order calling for the federal government to define sex as only male or female. Morris, of the ACLU, said she has never seen an executive order cited in a jurisdictional closure of a complaint. So thats really alarming, said Morris, who described the closures as very much consistent with this administrations broader attacks on trans people and on civil rights more broadly. Asked about policy changes concerning transgender discrimination, HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett said the agency was enforcing the Fair Housing Act while implementing Trumps executive order restoring biological truth to the federal government. In a statement citing Trump's order, she said government policy recognizes two sexes that "are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality. Bea Gonzalez, a transgender man who was kicked out of a domestic violence shelter in November 2021 along with his three children, poses for a photo, April 9, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Bea Gonzalez, a transgender man, was kicked out of a suburban St. Louis domestic violence shelter on a chilly night in November 2021, along with his three children, then 2, 5 and 7. The family was just settling into a room after filling out paperwork at Bridgeway Behavioral Health Women's Center when Gonzalez was told they had to go because he disclosed he was a transgender man. "I wasnt about to go back into the closet, the 33-year-old said of his insistence on telling the truth even after it was suggested he keep his trans identity secret. He needed a domestic violence shelter, he said, for greater security for the children and because he feared for his safety as a trans man in a mens shelter, some of which don't accept children anyway. The city had no domestic violence shelters for men, said his attorney Kalila Jackson. "In the St. Louis metropolitan area, there was no place else for him to go. There were no other options. The family was sent to a motel, but when they arrived they discovered it hadn't been paid for, and the organization that sent them there was closed. So I was stranded," said Gonzalez, who did not have a car. "I had to call a friend who was able to let us stay for the night. Jackson said Bridgeway received HUD funding and that its policy of barring transgender men was a violation of the Equal Access Rule and straight up sex discrimination. Jackson said the message the shelter sent was this: Youre biologically a girl, you should dress as a girl. Since you say that you are a man, we are not going to accept you here. HUD didnt address Gonzalezs or Websters complaints when the AP sought comment on their cases. HUD investigated Gonzalez's complaint for 2 1/2 years until it suddenly notified him in March the agency was dropping it without a finding. The company operating the shelter, Preferred Family Healthcare, did not respond to the AP's requests for comment. After 455 days of being shuttled between six shelters in six cities in two states Missouri and Illinois Gonzalez ultimately found stable housing, where his children live with him part time. He sees what happened as part of what he describes as a nationwide federal push to erase trans identity. Advocates are concerned by HUDs shift, noting high rates of discrimination and homelessness among people who are LGBTQ+. Nearly one-third of trans people say they have been homeless at some point in their lives, while 70% who stayed in a shelter reported being harassed, assaulted or kicked out because of their gender identity, according to an Advocates for Trans Equality survey released in 2015, a year before Obama expanded protections for trans people in shelters. Teens who come out to families who arent accepting are particularly at risk, said Ann Olivia, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Some shelters that might have served them in the past are becoming less welcoming now amid upheaval with the Equal Access Rule, Olivia said. Folks who are trans just wont go if they dont think that theyre going to be treated with respect, she said, adding that is particularly problematic for young people who are "vulnerable to sex traffickers and to other types of abuse. Further complicating the situation are seemingly contradictory requirements in new HUD contracts with nonprofits that find permanent housing and run shelters for the homeless. One section stipulates they cant promote gender ideology while another requires compliance with anti-discrimination law, according to a copy provided to the AP. Organizations say they are confused. What is promoting gender ideology? What does that mean? asked Jeannette Ruffins, CEO of Homeward NYC, a nonprofit that runs three permanent housing sites for LGBTQ+ young adults, as well as a homeless shelter. Does housing LGBTQ young adults promote gender identity? she asked. "You know, theyre coming to us. This is already their gender identity. Like Im not promoting it. Bea Gonzalez, a transgender man who was kicked out of a domestic violence shelter in November 2021 along with his three children, poses for a photo, April 9, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Ruffins called a board meeting to discuss potential vulnerabilities on their website, something she said most New York City nonprofits were doing as well. Her organization made small changes to their website, saying they were LGBTQ+ affirming and friendly in a few places rather than LGBTQ+ serving, hoping that will make them less of a target. In Memphis, Tennessee, a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter for transgender people is looking to increase capacity because of the uncertainty. Kayla Gore, executive director of My Sistahs House, said it can do that because it doesnt take federal funding. People are confused, Gore said. They dont know what to do because they want to protect their bottom line. Nearly three years after losing his apartment, Webster remains homeless, staying with friends and sometimes sleeping on the floor. He is on a waiting list for subsidized housing because he cant afford rent otherwise. But he expects the massive federal funding cuts and Trump administration directives banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives will make the wait even longer. Lets be honest. This is the world, he said. People, they do hateful things. If you legalize them to hating, then they feel like they have a right. FILE - The OpenAI logo appears on a mobile phone in front of a screen showing part of the company website in this photo taken on Nov. 21, 2023 in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File) After months of pursuing a plan to convert itself into a for-profit business, OpenAI is reversing course and said Monday its nonprofit will continue to control the company that makes ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence products. We made the decision for the nonprofit to stay in control after hearing from civic leaders and having discussions with the offices of the Attorneys General of California and Delaware, said CEO Sam Altman in a letter to employees. Altman and the chair of OpenAIs nonprofit board, Bret Taylor, said the board made the decision for the nonprofit to retain control of OpenAI but is proposing another way to grow its business. As part of what Taylor described as a recapitalization, the nonprofits existing for-profit arm will convert into a public benefit corporation that has to consider the interests of both shareholders and the mission." Shareholders will also receive stock and a cap on profit for some investors will be lifted, as part of the new plan. Altman said the changes would make it easier for the for-profit to behave more like a normal company. Taylor declined to say Monday how large of an ownership stake the nonprofit will have in the new public benefit corporation. He said in a call with reporters that the nonprofit will choose the board members of the public benefit corporation and, at first, they will likely be the same people who now sit on OpenAI's nonprofit board. Public benefit corporations were first created in Delaware in 2013 and other states have adopted the same or similar laws that require the companies to pursue not just profit but a social good. Public benefit corporations, which include Amalgamated Bank and the online education platform Coursera, need to define that social good, which can vary broadly, when they incorporate. Altman said that converting from a limited liability company to a public benefit corporation just sets us up to be a more understandable structure to do the things that a company of our scope has to do. Theres so much more demand to use AI tools than we thought there was going to be, Altman said. Getting access to more capital will make it easier for OpenAI to pursue mergers and acquisitions and other normal things companies would do, Altman said. OpenAIs co-founders, including Altman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, originally started it as a nonprofit research laboratory on a mission to safely build whats known as artificial general intelligence, or AGI, for humanitys benefit. Nearly a decade later, OpenAI has reported its market value as $300 billion and counts 400 million weekly users of ChatGPT, its flagship product. OpenAI first outlined plans last year to convert its core governance structure but faced a number of challenges. One is a lawsuit from Musk, who accuses the company and Altman of betraying the founding principles that led Musk to invest in the charity and tried to block the conversion to a for-profit. A federal judge last week dismissed some of Musk's claims and allowed others to proceed to a trial set for next year. OpenAI also faced scrutiny from the top law enforcement officers in Delaware, where the company is incorporated, and California, where it operates out of a San Francisco headquarters. The California attorney generals office said in a statement that it was reviewing the plan and, This remains an ongoing matter and we are in continued conversations with Open AI. The attorney general's office in Delaware did not immediately return a request for comment. A number of advocates, including former OpenAI employees and other charities, had petitioned California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, both Democrats, to use their authority to protect OpenAIs charitable purpose and block its planned restructuring. Some, including AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, who won a Nobel Prize last year, were concerned about what happens if the ChatGPT maker fulfills its ambition to build AI that outperforms humans, but is no longer accountable to its public mission to safeguard that technology from causing grievous harm. Multiple other artificial intelligence companies have opted to incorporate as public benefit corporations, including Anthropic and xAI, Musks company. However, OpenAI would remain unique in that its public benefit corporation would still be controlled by the nonprofits board. Altman said it would maybe be easier to raise money if OpenAI were a fully normal company, but given its mission, we dont want to be a fully normal company, and we believe this is well over the bar of what we need to be able to fundraise. Altman said he still expects a large investment from Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group, which in February announced plans to set up a joint company with OpenAI to push AI services. The company's biggest investor over the past several years has been Microsoft, which declined to comment Monday. Page Hedley, a former OpenAI employee who led a petition to halt the for-profit conversion, said he was pleased that OpenAI was listening to the concerns of civil society leaders but remained concerned about the details. The charitable mission is about ensuring this technology benefits the public and not shareholders, said Hedley, a former policy and ethics adviser at OpenAI, in an interview. The premise of OpenAIs founding was that those interests might diverge significantly in the development, ownership or control of the technology. Thats whats at stake. A coalition of California-based charities on Monday renewed its call for California's attorney general to investigate and questioned whether OpenAI's planned new business structure would carry out its charitable mission. If OpenAI is truly committed to benefiting humanity, it should transfer its charitable assets over to an independent public trust completely separate from any for-profit interests, said a statement from Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Foundation. Rose Chan Loui, a nonprofit tax attorney who has studied OpenAIs structure, said any change would need to allow the nonprofit to maintain control over the development of the technology. If theyre not the majority shareholder, the control would have to be given through outsized voting rights on specific issues, said Chan Loui, who is the executive director of the Lowell Milken Center on Philanthropy and Nonprofits at UCLA Law. That is possible but may frustrate investors who want to exercise their rights to influence the direction of the company. The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of APs text archives. The cats out of the bag. Your spiritual connection with felines goes much deeper than you realize, and astrology can determine which cat breed you are, based on your zodiac sign. There are currently 40 to 100 recognized cat breeds across the globe. Your zodiac sign is bound to align with one of these kitties. Which cat breed is destined for you? According to astrologers, each star sign is aligned with a particular cat breed. Although there are many popular choices, you might feel like theres only one made just for you. One of the astrological placements in your birth chart denotes your ideal cat breed. NEXT: Which Popular Dog Breed Are You, Based on Your Zodiac Sign Cat Breeds, According to Astrology You might be pleasantly surprised that your natal Saturn placement denotes your ideal cat breed.Alice Sparkly Cat - astrologer and author of Postcolonial Astrology: Reading the Planets through Capital, Power, and Labor - suggests that cats are Saturnians. Cats may appear more Saturnian, since cats represent Saturns desire for structure, innate authority, and aloofness. Sparkly Cat suggests that building a relationship with a cat is a form of Saturnian remediation, since honoring a cats energy and presence is like working with Saturn itself. Tap into your natal Saturns element and modality to tap into your inner cat breed. The qualities of your natal Saturn will allude to your feline traits, attributes, and personality. For example, cardinal Saturn placements will match with an independent, if detached, cat breed; fixed Saturn placements will fall for a stable, predictable cat breed; mutable Saturn placements may resonate with a playful, adaptable cat breed. Element-wise, fire and air Saturn placements will enjoy a sporty, vibrant cat breed, whereas earth and water Saturn placements will go with a gentle, peaceful cat breed. Figure out your natal Saturn placement needs, and you will find your feline soulmate. MORE: The Best Pet for Each Zodiac Sign, According to Astrologers Your Cat Breed, Based on Your Zodiac Sign Keep reading, and look for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. MORE: SIGN UP for Star Signs to get your horoscope and manifesting tips delivered straight to your inbox Aries: Youre a Maine Coon Finding your feline counterpart isnt easy, Aries. Most kitties appear cute and cuddly, but you need something fiercer. Luckily, the Maine Coon captures your Martian energy. Maine Coons are loved for their strong features, formidable body, and wild appearance. Although Maine Coons come across as intimidating, theyre really gentle giants. Like you, the Maine Coon looks tough, but has an outgoing, likable personality. You will surely resonate with this gentle giant, because the Maine Coon perfectly exemplifies your duality. Taurus: Youre a Ragdoll Is there a cat breed that captures your serenity, Taurus? As an easygoing earth sign, youre not about the drama and fussiness. Neither is the Ragdoll, which is a breed beloved for its calm temperament. Ragdolls are named as such because these cute kitties tend to go limp when theyre picked up and cuddled. Aside from the Ragdolls friendly, pleasant personality, you will also fall in love with this kittys plush coat and adorable face. Manifest the Ragdoll when you want to be amicable and delightful. Gemini: Youre a Siamese Which cat breed exudes your intelligence, mischievousness, and chattiness, Gemini? The Siamese! Not only is the Siamese beloved for its unique coloring, but it's also one of the smartest, most vocal cat breeds. Siamese are curious felines who love getting into all kinds of trouble. You know the Siamese is meant for you, since this kitty needs to be preoccupied and entertained at all times. If youre looking for a Mercurial companion, consider inviting a Siamese into your life. You will never have a dull moment or a boring conversation with this kitty. Cancer: Youre a Scottish Fold Given that youre an empath, you cannot be paired with a picky cat. Cancer, you may feel strongly connected to the Scottish Fold, because this kitty exemplifies your loving, affectionate nature. Scottish Folds are known to bond with everyone in their life, so you can be rest-assured that this kitty will undoubtedly love you as much as you love them. Aside from the Scottish Folds familial energy, you may fall for this kittys distinct yet darling folded ears. Between the Scottish Folds charming appearance and family-oriented attitude, its no wonder youre paired with a lovable kitty. Leo: Youre an Egyptian Mau Leo, you ought to be paired with a cat breed who exemplifies your regality. Of all the cat breeds, the Egyptian Mau shares your dignified, expressive energy. Egyptian Maus exudes your refinery and elegance while maintaining a loyal, passionate personality. Like you, an Egyptian Mau loves being the center of attention. You and the Egyptian Mau enjoy it when everyone fusses over you. Invite the energy of the Egyptian Mau into your life when you want to attract attention, uplevel your confidence, and refine your self-expression. Virgo: Youre a Russian Blue As a quick, nervous Mercurial sign, you may feel strongly connected to all kinds of kitties. However, the Russian Blue exudes your bright yet shy nature. Virgo, you might be initially drawn to this kitty for its bluish coat, curious eyes, and perked ears. But as you get to know the timid Russian Blue, you may feel more connected to this kittys folklore. According to Russian folklore, Russian Blues are associated with healing abilities. Call upon the Russian Blue when you require peace, need a quick solution, or want to focus on healing. Libra: Youre a Himalayan Every kitty is gorgeous in its own way, but you will be captivated by the Himalayans loveliness, Libra. Your Venusian side will fall for the Himalayans famed appearance. This kitty is well-known for its luxurious coat, beautiful coloring, and smushed face. You wont be able to resist snuggling up with a Himalayan. As you bond with the Himalayan, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that this kitty shares your sociability and peaceful temperament. The Himalayan perfectly exemplifies everything about you your docile energy, kindliness, and charm. A black cat with green eyes resting on a grass Scorpio: Youre a Bombay Its no secret that all cats are mysterious creatures, but the Bombay truly captures your perplexity, Scorpio. You may feel initially drawn to this famous black cat since Bombays carry witchy, magical vibes. Once you look past this kittys beautiful dark coloring, you will feel highly connected to the Bombays perceptiveness, resilience, and alertness. Like you, Bombays are beloved for their pleasant personalities and striking appearance. Invoke the spirit of a Bombay when you want to exude the Bombays cute but intimidating energy. Sagittarius: Youre a Savannah Cat Sagittarius, your ideal cat is wilder than the average housecat, like a lion or tiger. Although you may resonate with these big cats, you will also align with the domesticated Savannah cat. This special cat breed is a hybrid between the wild Serval and domestic breeds, giving you the best of both worlds. You will fall in love with the Savannah cats exotic looks and dog-like personality. Call upon the Savannah cats energy when you want to amplify your adventurous spirit and playfulness. The Savannah cat will always be there to unleash your wild side. Capricorn: Youre a Persian As a Saturnian star sign, you may feel highly connected to all cat breeds, Capricorn. Every kitty speaks to your soul, but your tried-and-true feline counterpart is none other than the Persian cat. Persians exude a luxurious, classic vibe that you resonate with. Like you, the Persian is an independent, selective creature. You and the Persian dont associate with just anyone, since both of you prefer to be around high-quality people. Given your high standards and wise energy, its no doubt that the Persian is your soul cat. Aquarius: Youre a Havana Brown Being the rarest zodiac sign suggests you should be paired with an equally unique feline. Aquarius, look no further since you will fall for the Havana Brown cat. This solid brown kitty is extremely rare and highly sought after. Like you, the Havana Brown is people-oriented but usually prefers to have one or two best friends. Havana Browns are noted for their curious and explorative personality, which is something your inner scientist understands. Manifest the Havana Browns energy when you want to be social and amplify your brilliance. Pisces: Youre a Selkirk Rex While you may see yourself in many delightful cat breeds, you will ultimately resonate with the Selkirk Rex. Pisces, how could you resist this curly-haired kitty? Selkirk Rexes are specifically bred for their curly coats, giving them an irresistible appearance. Aside from their curls, you may fall for this Selkirk Rexs affable, gentle personality. Selkirk Rexes are beloved for their mild temperament, making them mellow companions. You and the Selkirk Rex both exude a gentle, dreamy disposition, which is why the Selkirk Rex is your soul cat. UP NEXT: Philadelphia police are investigating and a Temple University student has been suspended following an antisemitic incident at the Barstool Sports bar in the city Saturday night. Video on social media shows a woman who appears to be a server at Barstool Sansom Street carrying a sign that bears an anti-Jewish message with profanity, which a man seen in the video repeats multiple times. Barstool Sansom Street did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday night. Police are gathering information and will provide an update "as soon as possible," Officer Tanya Little, a police spokesperson, said in a statement Sunday. Temple University said in a statement Sunday that students at the school "were involved in an antisemitic incident at an off-campus location" the night before. It said it identified one student believed to have been involved and placed that student on interim suspension. It did not name the student. The Division of Student Affairs is investigating, and the school said anyone else found to have been involved "will face strict disciplinary action," including possible expulsion. In the strongest terms possible, let me be clear: antisemitism is abhorrent," university President John Fry said in the statement. "It has no place at Temple and acts of hatred and discrimination against any person or persons are not tolerated at this university." Kappa Delta Rho issued a statement stating that the unnamed student is a fraternity member and that they are investigating the incident. "To be clear, our organization firmly opposes all forms of hate, which have no place in our fraternity," Executive Director Xavier Romano said. Barstool founder and CEO Dave Portnoy in Chicago on Nov. 8, 2023. Barstool founder Dave Portnoy commented on the incident Sunday in an expletive-filled video on social media that he called an "emergency press conference." Portnoy, who is Jewish, said he was so mad about the incident that he shook for two hours. He said he was making it his life's mission to "ruin these people," adding that he is "coming for your throat." He softened his tone in a later post, saying the incident can serve as a "teaching moment." Portnoy said later that the two bottle service workers serving the table had been fired. In the first video, Portnoy said he had spoken with one of the two servers, a man tagged in the video shared on social media, and one of the people who Portnoy said "did it." He said in a later post that he gave the culprits "1 hour to make it right." Portnoy said a security video from the bar indicated that the person tagged in the video on social media was not in the establishment at the time of the incident. "What I'm saying is I'm getting the names. I'm trying to be a little responsible. I'm trying to keep it together. But I'm on it," Portnoy said. Barstool Sansom Street. Portnoy closed out his Sunday social media posts about the matter with a second "emergency press conference" video. Upon reflection, he said, his initial reaction to "burn these people to the ground" was not the best course of action. "Let's try to, like, turn a hideous incident into maybe a learning experience," he said. Portnoy said he spoke to the two people who are alleged to have ordered the anti-Jewish sign, as well as to their families. He said they have agreed to his offer to send them to visit Auschwitz, a World War II concentration camp in Poland that now offers tours and educational materials. He said that he hopes they learn something and that in the future, they think twice before they throw words around. In a Monday interview with Fox News, Portnoy said he's been getting backlash from members of the Jewish community for doing what they say is sending the offenders on a paid vacation to Europe. He says that isn't the case. "To me, that's a fair outcome of this event," Portnoy said. "We're going to send them ... to Auschwitz and learn a little bit about history and hopefully, you know, get educated and use this as a teaching moment, not just for them, but maybe for everybody." A general view of a memorial display for Adan Manzano, a local reporter who was found dead in New Orleans while covering the Super Bowl. Authorities in Louisiana have charged a second person with second-degree murder in the death of a reporter from Kansas City who was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl. The Kenner Police Department said it obtained an arrest warrant for Rickey White and charged him with Adan Manzano's death. White has been in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center since he was arrested at a La Quinta Inn in Hollywood, Florida, on March 14 by U.S. Marshals and the Hollywood Police Department. White was previously charged with simple robbery, access device fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud and computer fraud. Danette Colbert was arrested after she was seen on video at the Kenner Comfort Suites hotel with Manzano at around 5 a.m. the day of his death on Feb. 5 and was seen leaving the room alone later in the morning. Authorities charged her with second-degree murder in March. Manzano died from the combined toxic effects of Xanax and alcohol intoxication, along with positional asphyxia, and the manner of death is still undetermined. He was found face down on a pillow, and his blood alcohol level was .232, almost three times the legal amount in the state of Louisiana. Manzano's cellphone and credit card were found during a search of Colbert's residence in Slidell, and the credit card was used fraudulently at several New Orleans area stores. Colbert also faces a state felony charge of possession of a stolen firearm that was also found during that search, but authorities have said they didn't think it relates to Manzanos case. Authorities said no further comments will be made in the case. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adan Manzano: Second person charged with murder in death of reporter Anna Faris' 12-year-old son has pushed her "out of [her] comfort zone". Anna Faris has been pushed out of her comfort zone The 48-year-old actress - who has Jack with her ex-husband Chris Pratt - has revealed that her son has encouraged her to become more adventurous. The Hollywood star told Us Weekly: "I am really proud that I will go on any roller coaster or any water slide. "Ive stepped out of my comfort zone because of my love for my son so many times. Im really proud of that and I love it that he can count on me and I know that he sees that." Anna and her husband Michael Barrett lost their home in the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. And the actress - who owned a multi-million dollar property in Pacific Palisades - admits that she still feels emotional about the devastating wildfires. She shared: "Its still surreal. "We are going to rebuild. It will be a process I do anticipate in a year from now, it wont be top of mind of course, [but] obviously it will still be something that were dealing with. "I do have these pangs - theyre not bad - but every hour or so, Ill remember something and I dont cry, but it does feel like a wince." Anna still has vivid memories of evacuating her home. The 'Lost in Translation' star said: "I think we all had this feeling of like, Well, its not going to really happen. Sure, well evacuate. But I think about that moment. As I was leaving with Jack, I walked past my favourite boots, my grandfathers painting, a big stack of pictures that I had been organising and this feeling of, I guess, I could grab that, but probably nothings going to happen. It turns out, Im really bad in an emergency." Despite this, Anna is determined to rebuild her home and her family are relishing the challenge, too. The actress explained: "Theres so many of us that lost our homes and they werent nearly as fortunate as we were. "I wish I could formulate something profoundly original [and] maybe I will someday, but were doing great. We are going to rebuild. The kids are really excited about that. I have two stepchildren with my husband and theyre all really looking forward to that." Mikayla Matthews never grew up talking about her trauma. But that's all changing now. The 24-year-old, a star of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," discloses she was sexually abused as a child on Season 2 of the breakout reality series (streaming May 15 on Hulu). She peels back the layers of her abuse over the course of several devastating scenes in the season's third episode: The abuse occurred over four or five years; she told her mother about the abuse in 2015 and wasn't believed; this in turn caused her to be hesitant of telling anyone anything or expressing any emotion a cycle she wants to stop. "I don't want my kids to grow up with the same trauma that I was shown growing up," she says over a recent phone call. "I want them to have the skills to express their emotions and to be emotionally mature." In case you missed: 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' is scandalous. It's not the whole story. 'It's been absolute hell' "Mormon Wives" features a group of Utah influencers known as "#MomTok," whose friendship and relationship ups and downs made for binge-watching gold when it premiered in 2024. Part of what made it work? The jumps from light to heavy topics something for everyone, and a reflection of reality. "We might be having a serious conversation, and we just can't help but be silly, because it's what helps us feel comfortable," Matthews says. "We really trauma bond on the show." Mikayla Matthews gets more candid than ever on this season of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." This season, viewers watch Matthews open up about her trauma in a conversation with her sisters as well as a therapist. They're powerful scenes that showcase just how vulnerable she's willing to be. Her on-camera chat with her sisters was the first time they'd ever discussed the abuse. She's publicly talked about her health before, but hasn't connected the dots much until now. Matthews a mother of three children, and expecting a fourth with husband Jace Terry was a bit of a background player in Season 1 while dealing with a chronic, mysterious skin issues. "It's been absolute hell," she says. "It's been like a roller coaster and a wild goose chase." A litany of tests later blood tests, stool tests, gut tests, you name it failed to produce any answers to her illness. "I got to a point where I just wanted to give up, because I was going to so many dermatologists, she adds. "I was going to my dermatologist office just crying, just begging them to give me any answers to help me, and I wasn't getting that. So it was really frustrating." Once she started addressing her mental health and dealing with her past trauma, though, she's experienced the most progress "taking it into my own hands and trusting my own intuitions and in my body." Research has shown a connection between stress and skin disease. She credits "Mormon Wives" with encouraging her to share her feelings. Doing so has both inflamed and quelled her skin problems. "When I am overly stressed, or when I go to therapy, and I'm talking about things that are really traumatic and hard, I will flare," she says, noticing her "skin gets worse when I'm talking about these things, and then it'll get better after, almost like a release." Review: These modern day Mormons are getting real. But can they conquer reality TV? 'I just think about my kids' Healing from her trauma has allowed her to process her emotions more effectively and not just shut down. While she can talk to her husband, siblings and the rest of #MomTok about it, "I think it's OK for me to be that safe place for myself and feel comfortable just feeling those emotions." The hardest part for her occurs during therapy, when she tries digging into her childhood self while she was being abused, now that she has children of her own. "I just think about my kids and what if it was happening to them," she says. Mayci Neeley (left) and Mikayla Matthews (right) in a scene from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." This has led to better communication with her husband, though. He steps in when she's feeling overstimulated or she's having trouble regulating her emotions in front of their kids. "Just having the conversations before and after and during, just while everything's happening, has been the most helpful thing for us," she says. "It's hard. It's hard to look at yourself and realize you're doing things that are not great and things you don't want to do, and it's hard to take a look in the mirror and fix them. But I think just giving each other grace and having those conversations as it's happening has been the most important, helpful thing." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' star talks sexual abuse Amy Scheibe Richie Ramirez with living donor Brian Flynn, who gave him part of his liver four years ago When Richie Ramirez was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that was causing his liver to fail His only hope for a long life was a liver donor, and he ended up matching with anonymous donor, Brian Flynn, who was 51 Years after Ramirezs transplant surgery, Flynn surprised Ramirez on May 4 at his first communion, where the boy burst into tears It was the sweetest and the most heartfelt reunion. On May 4, living donor Brian Flynn, 54, who donated a part of his liver to then-4-year-old Richie Ramirez in 2020, surprised the young boy at his first communion in Brooklyn, New York. Richie had no idea his parents had planned the surprise, and when Richie turned and saw Flynn standing in the church, he burst into tears. "What a privilege to be a part of Richie's life," Flynn tells PEOPLE. "They all call me the GOAT for having shared part of my liver with him four years ago, but he's the true hero of this story. The best gift for me is seeing him thrive and bring so much joy to so many people. Donating was the most amazing thing I've done in my life." Amy Scheibe Richie Ramirez and Brian Flynn on May 4, 2025 Richie's mom, Melissa Ramirez, shared a photo of the precious moment on Instagram, writing, "Proof the LOVE is the strongest emotion, and showing up matters!" "Brian and Amy, we are so humbled and honored that you choose to be in Richie's life. We love you!" she added of Flynn's wife, Amy Scheibe. "So glad that our family and friends got to meet you in person." Related: She Wasnt a Match to Be Her Boyfriends Donor, But Still Saved a Life. Then He Proposed: 'It Was Fate' (Exclusive) Flynn first met Richie in person in 2021, a year after the successful transplant, which PEOPLE documented at the time. While Flynn had chosen to donate anonymously, a day after the surgery a social worker told him the Ramirez's were open to correspondence, and he agreed. Melissa wrote Flynn a letter from Richie's bedside as he recovered, thanking him. Flynn said he sobbed when he got it. "I was just overwhelmed," he said at the time. "Overwhelmed with gratitude that it happened and that Richie was okay. And hearing his story and how difficult it was living with this disease, and what his parents had been going through, and how appreciative they were. It really was just a great moment in life." It had only been a year before the transplant that Melissa and husband Richard were struggling with the news that their high-spirited son Richie had been diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that was causing his liver to fail. Related: 10-Year-Old Girl Who Saved 4 Lives as an Organ Donor Honored in Rose Parade Event "He was our miracle baby," says Melissa, now 43, of Richie, who was born after their third and final round of IVF. They were told a liver transplant would be Richie's best hope at a long, healthy life. They had no idea what was in the cards or how long they'd have to wait to find a match. But not soon after, they got a call saying there had been a perfect match the man was Flynn. The surgery was scheduled for just ten days later. Now, the two families stay in touch, and Flynn, who had just a year before that donated a kidney to another stranger, loves seeing how Richie is growing and thriving. Flynn and Melissa initially wanted to share their story with PEOPLE to encourage more living donors. "The idea of saving a life is tremendous, but it's also tremendous how it can make you feel," Flynn said at the time. "And how it can make your life better." If you're interested in being a living donor, visit organdonor.gov. Read the original article on People A sculler rows down the Charles River near Harvard University, at rear, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) WASHINGTON (AP) Harvard University will receive no new federal grants until it meets a series of demands from President Donald Trumps administration, the Education Department announced Monday. The action was laid out in a letter to Harvards president and amounts to a major escalation of Trumps battle with the Ivy League school. The administration previously froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard, and Trump is pushing to strip the school of its tax-exempt status. Harvard has pushed back on the administration's demands, setting up a closely watched clash in Trump's attempt to force change at universities that he says have become hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. In a press call, an Education Department official said Harvard will receive no new federal grants until it demonstrates responsible management of the university and satisfies federal demands on a range of subjects. The ban applies to federal research grants and not to federal financial aid that helps students cover college tuition and fees. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the decision on a call with reporters. Trump administration enumerates Harvard's failures The official accused Harvard of serious failures." The person said Harvard has allowed antisemitism and racial discrimination to perpetuate, it has abandoned rigorous academic standards, and it has failed to allow a range of views on its campus. To become eligible for new grants, Harvard would need to enter negotiations with the federal government and prove it has satisfied the administrations requirements. The Trump administration has demanded Harvard make broad government and leadership changes, revise its admissions policy and audit its faculty and student body to ensure the campus is home to many points of view. The demands are part of a pressure campaign targeting several other high-profile universities. The administration has cut off money to colleges including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University, seeking compliance with Trumps agenda. The White House says it's targeting campus antisemitism after pro-Palestinian protests swept U.S. college campuses last year. It's also focused on the participation of transgender athletes in womens sports. And the attacks on Harvard increasingly have called out the university's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, along with questions about freedom of speech and thought by conservatives on campus. In a letter Monday to Harvard's president, Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused the school of enrolling foreign students who showed contempt for the U.S. Harvard University has made a mockery of this countrys higher education system, McMahon wrote. Harvard says government is exerting improper control Harvards president has previously said he will not bend to the governments demands. The university sued last month to halt the government's funding freeze. A Harvard statement Monday reiterated the universitys refusal to acquiesce and said the government was retaliating for Harvard's lawsuit. Today, we received another letter from the administration doubling down on demands that would impose unprecedented and improper control over Harvard University and would have chilling implications for higher education, Harvard said. The university said it will continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure. In a conversation with alumni last week, Harvard President Alan Garber acknowledged there was a kernel of truth to criticism over antisemitism, freedom of speech and wide viewpoints at Harvard. But he said the conflict with the federal government has become a threat to the schools autonomy. We were faced with a recent demand from the federal government that, in the guise of combating antisemitism, raised new issues of control that frankly we did not anticipate, getting to the heart of governance," Garber said. We felt that we had to take a stand. Harvards lawsuit said the funding freeze violated the schools First Amendment rights and the statutory provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. But the stakes go beyond Harvard, Garber said. Let us not mistake the issue that we face right now," he said. "It is an assault on higher education. Harvard's large endowment has limits The Trump administration said previously that Harvard would need to meet a series of conditions to keep almost $9 billion in grants and contracts. The school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has an endowment of $53 billion, the largest in the country. Across the university, federal money accounted for 10.5% of revenue in 2023, not counting financial aid such as Pell grants and student loans. Harvard isn't alone in its reliance on federal money. Universities receive about 90% of all federal research spending, taking in $59.6 billion in 2023, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. That accounts for more than half the $109 billion spent on research at universities, with most of the rest coming from college endowments, state and local governments and nonprofits. To make up for the loss in federal funding, McMahon on Monday suggested Harvard rely on its colossal endowment and raise money from wealthy alumni. Harvard generally steers about 5% of its endowment value toward university operations every year, accounting for about a third of its total budget, according to university documents. The university could draw more from its endowment, but colleges generally try to avoid spending more than 5% to protect investment gains. Like other schools, Harvard is limited in how it spends endowment money, much of which comes from donors who specify how they want it to be used. ___ AP writer Adam Geller contributed reporting from New York. ___ The Associated Press education 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. Donald Trump in New York City on Nov. 16. President Donald Trumps administration has not publicly released any accounting of who funded the transition efforts after he won the 2024 election, blowing past the timeline in which previous administrations have disclosed transition donors, despite pledging last year to release the names. Unlike other transition efforts, Trumps most recent transition was not subject to the disclosure requirements or donation limits laid out in federal law. That's because it chose not to accept public funds for the effort. Otherwise, it would have been required to make those disclosures 30 days after taking office and cap donations at $5,000. Still, the Trump transition team said in a November statement that donors to the transition will be disclosed to the public, and those disclosures have not yet been made. The White House did not reply to multiple questions from NBC News about when the transition team would release a list of its donors. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, was the spokesperson for the presidents transition. Rules regarding presidential transition funding are governed by the Presidential Transition Act of 1963. Most of the law outlines how nominees and presidents-elect are able to get a jump start on the massive change from campaigning to governing a federal bureaucracy, laying out topics like what can be done before or after the election, how the transition team can work with the outgoing administration and what should be spelled out in a transition teams ethics plan. But the act also includes guardrails for how these efforts are funded, both publicly and privately. The federal government allows presidents-elect to tap into a pool of millions of dollars for transitions, including for securing office space and hiring staff. It also allows for private donations, capped at $5,000 per donor. But the donation cap and the requirement to lay out the transition teams donors are contingent on accepting the public funding in the first place. If a transition doesnt take public dollars, then it doesn't need to follow those rules. Thats what the Trump transition decided to do, in a break with tradition. In a November news release announcing that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the outgoing administration, the Trump transition team disclosed it would utilize private funding ... providing cost savings to the American taxpayers. Left unsaid was that the decision unshackled the Trump team from those disclosure requirements and fundraising limits. But the Trump transition did add that donors to the Transition will be disclosed to the public and the Transition will not accept foreign donations. The novel decision by the Trump transition to eschew public funding, placing it outside the purview of disclosure law and donation caps, prompted some experts to question whether the law needs to be strengthened to mandate disclosure in more cases. The Presidential Transition Act assumes that candidates want to accept the services of government agencies before the election, before inauguration, Valerie Smith Boyd told NBC News in February when she was the director of the Center for Presidential Transition at the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. Shes no longer with the organization. The transparency requirements are tied to accepting those services. There is a new question as to whether that is the right recipe in the law, she added. Trumps transition ahead of his first term agreed to accept public funding and raised an additional $6.5 million and spent almost $4.7 million, according to a report filed with the General Services Administration in February 2017. While donations have to be specifically itemized, the only information typically disclosed about spending is how much was spent in certain categories, such as payroll, travel and legal expenses. NEW YORK (AP) President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a hard-to-reach California island off San Francisco that has been closed for more than 60 years. In a post on his Truth Social site Sunday evening, Trump wrote that, For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. That is why, today," he said, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. Trumps directive to rebuild and reopen the long-shuttered penitentiary was the latest salvo in his effort to overhaul how and where federal prisoners and immigration detainees are locked up. But such a move would likely be an expensive and challenging proposition. The prison was closed in 1963 due to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. Bringing the facility up to modern-day standards would require massive investments at a time when the Bureau of Prisons has been shuttering prisons for similar infrastructure issues. The prison infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it was known as the The Rock" and housed some of the nation's most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies, including The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. Still in the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or didnt survive the attempt. The fate of three particular inmates John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris is of some debate and was dramatized in the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood. Alcatraz Island is now a major tourist site that is operate by the National Park Service and is a designated National Historic Landmark. Trump, returning to the White House on Sunday night after a weekend in Florida, said hed come up with the idea because of frustrations with radicalized judges who have insisted those being deported receive due process. Alcatraz, he said, has long been a symbol of law and order. You know, its got quite a history. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency will comply with all Presidential Orders. The spokesperson did not immediately answer questions from The Associated Press regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agencys role in the future of the former prison given the National Park Services control of the island. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat whose district includes the island, questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison after so many years. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one, she wrote on X. The island serves as a veritable time machine to a bygone era of corrections. The Bureau of Prisons currently has 16 penitentiaries performing the same high-security functions as Alcatraz, including its maximum security facility in Florence, Colorado, and the U.S. penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, which is home to the federal death chamber. The order comes as Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, without due process. Trump has also floated the legally dubious idea of sending some federal U.S. prisoners to the Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT. Trump has also directed the opening of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labeled the worst criminal aliens." The Bureau of Prisons has faced myriad crises in recent years and has been subjected to increased scrutiny after Jeffrey Epsteins suicide at a federal jail in New York City in 2019. An AP investigation uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. AP reporting has disclosed widespread criminal activity by employees, dozens of escapes, chronic violence, deaths and severe staffing shortages that have hampered responses to emergencies, including assaults and suicides. The APs investigation also exposed rampant sexual abuse at a federal womens prison in Dublin, California. Last year, President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency after AP reporting spotlighted its many flaws. At the same time, the Bureau of Prisons is operating in a state of flux with a recently installed new director and a redefined mission that includes taking in thousands of immigration detainees at some of its prisons and jails under an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security. The agency last year closed several facilities, in part to cut costs, but is also in the process of building a new prison in Kentucky. ___ Sisak reported from Philadelphia. Associated Press writers Gary Fields in Washington, Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Michael Balsamo in New York contributed to this report. How are tariffs and the threat of higher tariffs going to affect grocery prices in the United States? It depends, those in the food industry say. The United States produces and manufactures a lot of its food domestically, but also relies a lot on imported goods. "The short answer is yes, prices are going to go up," said David Ortega, a food economist and professor at Michigan State University. "They may not skyrocket for all imported products, but they will go up. Tariffs are a tax on imports, so by definition, they are inflationary." While higher tariffs could still be coming after a 90-day-pause, the baseline 10% tariff on all goods, plus higher duties on Chinese products already in effect are a big increase in food costs for American's budgets, said Thomas Gremillion, director of food policy at The Consumer Federation of America. "The 10% 'default' tariffs alone represent a truly historic federal tax increase, maybe the largest in my lifetime, with a highly regressive impact," Gremillion said. Tariffs imposed at the border The tariff only applies to the value of the product at the border, Ortega said. Then there are additional costs to the product, which are accrued domestically, like transporting the goods to the store, distribution, wholesale costs and retail markups. Those things are not subject to the tariff, Ortega said. So that doesn't mean that the price of a particular product will go up by 10% or whatever the tariff is, Ortega said. Tariffs will cause price increases and uncertainty Overall, 15% of the U.S. food supply is imported, including 32% of fresh vegetables, 55% of fresh fruit, and 94% of seafood, according to the Consumer Federation of America, citing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some products, like coffee and bananas, are almost exclusively grown abroad. Tariffs are causing uncertainty from families checking off their grocery lists to companies importing food, he said. "For consumers, this can mean added difficulties in managing a food budget. For food companies, this means havoc on supply chains that could lead to more food waste and more food safety risk," Gremillion said. Seafood prices could see tariff impact One category that could be especially hit is seafood, Swanson said. It remains to be seen how that will be tariffed, especially with the trade war going on with China. "A lot of seafood is caught here and then taken to China, where the labor is much more available and is a lower price to debone, to skin, to devein and then repackage, frozen and brought back to the United States," he said. The question is, will that face tariffs? "Will it be tariffed going in (to China), tariffed coming out and then it will become uneconomical for everybody?" Swanson asked. Consumers have year-round demand for produce, fruits Fresh produce will also likely cost more. "Consumers will feel these price hikes at the grocery store, especially for products where we rely on imports to meet year-round consumer demand,'' Ortega told USA TODAY. Shoppers' demand for fresh fruits twelve months a year is part of the reason why the United States imports many of them, Ortega said. "We rely on international trade and imports for agricultural products in order to meet year-round consumer demand for a lot of these items," Ortega said. The United States can't grow some of the products domestically, such as bananas, or can only produce them seasonally, Ortega said. In many cases, its cheaper to import food than to grow it domestically, largely due to labor cost differences, he said. Similarly, though a small amount of coffee is grown in Hawaii, "we don't grow enough coffee domestically to be able to meet consumer demand," he said. "So those things that are facing 10% tariffs, you will see the price go up," Ortega said. He added that: "low-income households are affected the most, since they spend a higher portion of their disposable income on food." Some food items at the grocery store could see increases due to tariffs while others, which are grown or produced in the United States, won't. Prices for some food products could go up, even without tariffs Some retailers may still increase the price of a product, even if the product itself wasn't subject to a tariff, said Chris Costagli, vice president and food insights lead for NielsenIQ. Manufacturers have something called "industry price gap management," which is the comparison of the price of their product versus their competitor, Costagli said. Even if you're a completely U.S.-based food product, "if all your competitors' prices are going up because they're affected by a tariff... you may raise your price, he said. Additionally, a food product may have been made in the United States, so it doesn't have a tariff levied on it, but the packaging or other ingredients to make the food may be imported, Costagli told USA TODAY. That could lead to a price hike. Consumers are confused about tariffs In a NielsenIQ study in March, 81% of consumers surveyed said they were somewhat familiar with the effect of tariffs on grocery prices and 73% believed the tariffs would impact the price of groceries. The survey was conducted when tariff discussion was only surrounding Canada and Mexico and before the reciprocal tariffs were announced, then paused and the hefty tariffs on China were implemented. But keeping track of tariffs is confusing, especially as the tariff policies have changed. There is a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, unless they are products covered under an agreement called the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA) and a 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods from other countries. There is a 145% tariff on goods imported from China. When Trump first announced the tariffs, he said all goods, including those coming from Mexico and China and covered under the USMCA agreement, would be subject to the extra fees. But then the president backed off that decision, saying the USCMCA-covered goods would not be tariffed. Additionally, there was a 90-day pause on any reciprocal tariffs beyond the 10%. Some agricultural and food products are covered under the USMCA, but it is difficult to distinguish which products are currently coming in with or without tariffs because there's an extra cost and hassle for importers to verify themselves under the USMCA, so some may just pay the tariff, Ortega said. And many are having to wait and see what other tariffs might happen. "I think a lot of people just have no idea what is what is tariffed and what isn't tariffed," Costagli said. Some food items at the grocery store could see increases due to tariffs while others, which are grown or produced in the United States, won't. U.S. produces a lot of its own food, so prices could come down The United States grows and produces a lot of food products and is a huge net surplus producer, which means "we need to take that product out to the global markets. We just produce too much of it," said Michael Swanson, Chief Agricultural Economist at Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute. We export about 15% of our poultry overseas and about 20% of our pork overseas, Swanson said. "If we lost some of those markets, that would have to stay in the domestic market and could actually depress prices," he said. "So we might actually see pork and poultry prices come down as the market has to sell it in America first before they can reduce the supply on an ongoing basis," he said. To save, look for substitutions Consumers can try to save money by sticking to foods that are grown, produced or manufactured in the United States and there's a lot of them, said Swanson. There will still be some things that they will have to pay more for, if there is no substitution or if they're not willing to trade for a different product, he said. For instance, champagne from the Champagne region of France or Parmesan cheese that only comes from Parma, Italy. But there are growers of parmesan cheese in Wisconsin and that product is cheaper than the Parma, Italy version. Consumers may consider other substitutions like trying bourbon from Kentucky instead of scotch from Scotland, which could increase in price due to tariffs, Swanson said. Study: Consumers worried about tariffs are pulling back on spending Some products could see price increases Here are some food products that could see price increases, due to tariffs, according to Ortega: Bananas: nearly all bananas consumed in the United States are imported (from countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, etc). Coffee: Outside of Hawaii and Puerto Rico, the United States does not grow much coffee. Tariffs would hit virtually the entire supply we import coffee from Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam and other countries. Olive oil: The vast majority of olive oil consumed in the United States is imported, with a lot of it coming from Europe. There is some production in California, but that is relatively negligible when you look at the full supply. Tips to save on food costs Gremillion, with the Consumer Federation of America, offers these tips to save on food costs with potential tariff increases: Watch out for big price swings. With so much seafood imported, fish prices seem likely to rise, but other impacts may come as a surprise. For example, prices for chicken breasts and thighs may go up due to Chinese retaliatory tariffs on frozen chicken feet, which threaten to cut off a $1.1 billion source of revenue for U.S. poultry processors. Make a list and stick to it. Food manufacturers in the U.S. spend an estimated $50 billion on placement and promotional fees to grocery chains, all with the intention of swaying your purchasing decisions. Beware of shrinkflation. Wary of driving away customers with higher prices, many manufacturers have taken to shrinking package contents. Look at the per-unit cost. Check out frozen, dried, and canned goods. Healthy foods include more than just fresh produce. Consider generic or store brands. These foods, also referred to as private-label brands, are often produced in the same manufacturing facilities, with the same ingredients, as more heavily marketed national brands. Sales aren't always good deals. Sometimes sales can lure you into buying an item you don't need or paying a price that is too high. Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her on X, Facebook, or Instagram @blinfisher and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will grocery store prices increase with tariffs? We explain. By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) -A federal appeals court rejected on Monday a request by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to allow it to revoke the temporary legal status of hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans living in the United States. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to put on hold a judge's order halting the Department of Homeland Security's move to cut short a two-year "parole" granted to the migrants under Trump's Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. The administration's action marked an expansion of the Republican president's hardline crackdown on immigration and push to ramp up deportations, including of noncitizens previously granted a legal right to live and work in the United States. The administration argued Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had discretion to categorically end the migrants' status and that the judge's order was forcing the U.S. government to "retain hundreds of thousands of aliens in the country against its will." But a three-judge panel comprised entirely of appointees of Democratic presidents said Noem "has not at this point made a 'strong showing' that her categorical termination of plaintiffs' parole is likely to be sustained on appeal." Karen Tumlin, a lawyer whose immigrant rights group Justice Action Center pursued the case, welcomed the court's decision. She called the administration's actions "reckless and illegal." The administration could now ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. "The Trump administration is committed to restoring the rule of law to our immigration system," Homeland Security Department spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "No lawsuit, not this one or any other, is going to stop us from doing that." A lawsuit by immigrant rights advocates representing migrants challenged the agency decision to pause various Biden-era programs that have allowed Ukrainian, Afghan, Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan migrants to enter the country. While the case was pending, the Homeland Security Department on March 25 announced in a Federal Register notice that it had decided to terminate the two-year parole granted to about 400,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelan migrants. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, on April 25 halted the agency's action, which she said revoked previously granted parole and work authorizations for migrants on a categorical basis and without a necessary case-by-case review. She said the department's sole basis for declining to allow the migrants' parole status to naturally expire was based on a legal error, as it wrongly concluded doing so would foreclose the department's ability to legally expedite their deportations. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Leslie Adler and Rosalba O'Brien) A Wisconsin mother who vanished over 60 years ago has been located alive and well but she never wanted to be found in the first place. Audrey Backeberg was just 20 years old when she disappeared from her Reedsburg home in July 1962, leaving behind a husband and two children. Now 82, Backeberg was found happy and living in another state with no regrets after apparently running off from an allegedly abusive relationship, the Sauk County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday. Audrey Backeberg was 20 years old, living with her husband, Ronald Backeberg, and their two children, when she vanished from her home on July 7, 1962. Rapid Search and Rescue Corp. She sounded happy. Confident in her decision, Detective Isaac Hanson who reopened the cold case in March told WISN after he spoke with Backeberg. The mothers disappearance stumped investigators for years after family insisted she would never leave her kids behind, while her husband, Ronald whom she married when she was just 15 claimed he had nothing to do with it and passed subsequent polygraph tests. But just days before she vanished, Backeberg filed a criminal complaint against Ronald, alleging hed beaten her so badly she was left with head injuries and that hed even threatened to kill her, according to Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy. She was last seen leaving home to pick up her paycheck from work, while her familys 14-year-old babysitter told cops she thought Backeberg had hitchhiked to about 55 miles to Madison before catching a bus to Indiana. She stated Audrey had taken a bunch of pills, put them in a Coke can and drank it before taking the bus down to Indianapolis, police said. Reedsburg is about 55 miles northwest of Madison. WIkipedia Detective Isaac Hanson led the investigation after the cold case was assigned to him in March as part of the sheriffs offices comprehensive review as part of an ongoing examination of cold case files. NamUs The case eventually went cold after years of chasing leads. But it was reassigned to Detective Hanson in March after the sheriffs office launched a review of its cold cases, and an Ancestry.com account belonging to Backebergs sister helped open new leads. That was pretty key in locating death records, census reports, all kinds of data, Hanson told WISN. Ultimately, we came up with an address So I called the local sheriffs department, said, Hey, theres this lady living at this address. Do you guys have somebody you can just go pop in? Ten minutes later, she called me. Backeberg and Hanson spoke for just under an hour, and she told him how she took off to escape her husband. I think she just was removed and, you know, moved on from things and kind of did her own thing and led her life, he said. Backeberg was never unsafe during the six decades she was labeled as missing, Hanson confirmed. Police have not disclosed where she is located now, or where she has been living. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. Yemen appoints finance minister as new PM Xinhua) 11:17, May 05, 2025 ADEN, Yemen, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) appointed Finance Minister Salem Saleh Bin Braik as the country's new prime minister on Saturday, following the resignation of Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak. The decision, reported by state-run Saba news agency, came just hours after bin Mubarak stepped down, citing constitutional constraints and obstacles that hindered his reform efforts. Bin Braik, who has served as the finance minister since 2019 and vice finance minister prior to that, has held several key financial and administrative roles throughout his career. The official statement clarified that all current ministers would retain their positions, with bin Mubarak being appointed as an advisor to the PLC president. Bin Mubarak, in his resignation statement, highlighted the "numerous difficulties" he faced, including an inability to reshape the government and implement critical reforms due to limited constitutional powers. Bin Mubarak, who took office in February 2024, had previously served as Yemen's foreign minister and ambassador to the United States. Yemen's civil war, which began in 2014 when Houthi forces took control of the capital Sanaa, continues to drive instability, with the internationally recognized government operating from Aden. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Tom Cruise relaxes by playing piano. Tom Cruise likes to play piano to relax The Hollywood superstar has confessed he doesn't really "play" the instrument as he isn't particularly skilled, but he still finds "hitting the keys" a useful way to unwind. He told PEOPLE magazine: "I wouldnt say play. I enjoy hitting the keys I find it relaxing." Tom revealed he likes to learn new skills and tries to use them all in his movies. He takes dance lessons to understand body movement and "emotion" and is "constantly training" in other pursuits. The actor explained: "I will learn a skill, and I know eventually Im going to use it in a movie ... [I learn dance] because Im interested in that art form. The teachers understand how to move a body, what the shape does and the emotion it can create in others .. [I'm] constantly training [in new skills] whether its the piano or having more time to dance. Or parachuting or flying airplanes or helicopters. The wonderful thing is youre never there. It can always be better." It comes after the actor is preparing to return to the big screen this month with his latest action movie 'Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning'. Alongside Tom, the film features a star-studded cast, including Hayley Atwell, 43, as Grace; Ving Rhames, 66, as Luther Stickell, Simon Pegg, 55, as Benji Dunn, Vanessa Kirby, 37, as Alanna Mitsopolis, Esai Morales, 62, as Gabriel, Pom Klementieff, 39, as Paris, Henry Czerny, 66, as Eugene Kittridge and Angela Bassett, 66, as Erika Sloane. The latest installment in the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise will debut at the Cannes Film Festival in France, screening out of competition on 14 May, with Tom and director Christopher McQuarrie, both planning to attend. It marks Tom's third appearance at Cannes. He first attended in 1992 for 'Far and Away' and returned in 2022 for 'Top Gun: Maverick', during which he received an honorary Palme d'Or. 'Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning' is the eighth and final instalment in the long-running spy franchise. It sees Tom reprise his role as Ethan Hunt, a character he has portrayed since the series' inception in 1996. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 21 May in France and 23 May in the United States. This year's Cannes Film Festival runs from 13 to 24 May. India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, following a terror attack in Pahalgam (Indian Kashmir), reactivating hydroelectric projects left unfinished because of the agreement with Pakistan. Meanwhile, violence against Muslims and Kashmiris is growing, victims of assaults and threats in several Indian cities. News Delhi/Islamabad (AsiaNews) As tensions with Pakistan grow after a terror attack in Kashmir in which 26 people died, India has begun work on the Baglihar and the Salal dams to increase water storage in the Himalayan region. The first dam was built in 1987 in Ramban district while the second was built between 2008 and 2009, in Reasi district , but neither came into operation because of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty that ensures water supplies to 80 per cent of Pakistani farms. India recently suspended the agreement reducing the flow of water from the Chenab River, which travels towards Faisalabad before reaching Multan. Last Thursday, state-run NHPC Ltd, India's biggest hydropower company, began the reservoir flushing process to remove sediment, sources told Reuters, emptying the reservoir of most of its sediment-laden water. Sediment build-up is one of the main causes of lower energy production. Both dams were working below capacity because Pakistan had prevented the reservoirs from being emptied. "Flushing is not a common thing because it leads to a lot of water wastage," a source said. Even so, "Downstream countries are expected to be informed in case it leads to any inundation. According to the treaty, which regulates water sharing from six rivers in the Indus basin, flow through the Baglihar Dam was only possible in August, when more water is available from melter glaciers. Building the dams (less than a dozen in all on the rivers that reach Pakistan from Kashmir) required considerable diplomatic efforts between the two South Asian countries, which have repeatedly clashed over the decades for control of Kashmir and its resources. Many fear that the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty could lead India to independently manage hydroelectric projects on shared rivers, with the risk that Pakistan will run out of water for agriculture. Other experts believe that India is just politically posturing and will not carry out any threat because it does not have the necessary infrastructure to retain large volumes of water such as those that Pakistan usually receives. Growing ethnic and religious tensions Meanwhile, a series of targeted attacks against Kashmiris have taken place in various parts of India. On 23 April (the day after the Kashmir attack), the Hindu extremist group Raksha Dal announced punitive patrols against Kashmiri Muslims in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, openly threatening violence against those who did not leave the city by 10 am the next day. In other incidents, a poster appeared saying, Dogs and Muslims (jihadis) not allowed at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya Agricultural University, in Kalyani, West Bengal, while a pregnant Muslim woman in Kolkata reported that her doctor turned her away because of her religion. On 23 April, two Muslim cousins were targeted in a restaurant in Agra, Uttar Pradesh; one, Gulfam of 27, was shot dead; the other, Saif Ali, 25, was seriously injured. A video released shortly after shows two gunmen claiming responsibility for the attack on behalf of the Kshatriya Gau Raksha Dal group, and threatening to kill 2,600 people in response to the Pahalgam bombing. In Mohali, Punjab, some Kashmiri students attending Rayat Bahra University reported harassment by nearby residents. In Varanasi, another episode on 28 April has further aggravated the climate of violence and Islamophobia following the attack in Pahalgam. Six men attacked a 16-year-old Muslim boy, Rehan, near the Dashashwamedh Ghat (steps leading to the Ganges River). After asking his name, they seized the boy, who is employed as a helper in a clothing store, taking him inside the office of the Ganga Sewa Nidhi an organisation that deals with evening rituals on the Ganges, and brutally beat him for two hours while insulting his religion. The boy eventually fainted, waking up on the steps of the ghat; limping, he managed to get home, and then hospitalised with clear signs of torture. Two days later, police removed him from hospital, and took him into custody at a local station, where he was held for 12 hours without food or water, questioned by the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the Intelligence Bureau over his potential links to Islamic extremist groups. Rehan was released only thanks to the intervention of activists and lawyers, but he will have to continue to report regularly to the police station. Meanwhile, none of his attackers have been arrested. It is extremely sad and worrying that the unfortunate massacre in Pahalgam has unleashed terror on Muslims," said Fr Anand Mathew of the Souhard Peace Centre, who relayed the story. People with a terrorist and Islamophobic mindset are targeting innocent Muslims. (Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article) Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 5 May 2025 22:58 (UTC+04:00) Public hearings on the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan and others, who are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of a war of aggression, acts of genocide, violation of the laws and customs of warfare, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenia's military aggression, continued on May 5. The hearings held at the Baku Military Court were presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and a panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). Each of the accused was provided with an interpreter into the language of their choice, as well as defense attorneys. Present at the hearings were the accused and their defense attorneys, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, as well as prosecutors in charge of public prosecution. Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, interpreters, etc. to those of the victims who were participating in the hearings for the first time, and also explained their rights and obligations stipulated by national legislation. The court first examined another video footage related to the occupation of the Khojavand district by the Armenian armed forces. The footage, filmed by Armenian forces in April 1993, depicts a group of armed servicemen in the Khojavand district, which was then under Armenian military occupation. Among those featured in the video are Serzh Sargsyan, who later served as President of Armenia from 2008 to 2018, and David Ishkhanyan, currently standing trial. During court proceedings, the Armenian-language video was translated, revealing that Sargsyan had visited the area to inspect military units. In the footage, Monte Melkonyan is seen reporting directly to Sargsyan, who states: We are not talking about stopping the fire right now. We are talking about offensive operations and capturing more territory. Sargsyan is also shown touring the area and engaging in discussions with D.Ishkhanyan, Commander of the 28th Khojavand battalion, who provides updates on military operations in the Aghdam district, specifically the Abdal-Gulabli direction. Their conversations touch on operational conditions, troop logistics, and supply lines. The video concludes with Sargsyan briefly addressing soldiers on the ground. Following the screening, prosecutors questioned David Ishkhanyan about the video. He confirmed his recollection of the footage and explained the context of Sargsyans visit: They came to my battalion. They were familiarizing themselves with the situation at the battalions positions. D.Ishkhanyan identified several individuals in the video, including Serzh Sargsyan, Monte Melkonyan, and Movses HakobyanMelkonyans deputy at the time and later Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces. He also mentioned Aramayiz Karapetyan, his former Chief of Staff. The person standing behind in the video footage is the driver. "I dont remember exactly, but he was either the driver for Movses Hakobyan or Monte Melkonyan, Ishkhanyan mentioned. In response to questions, Ishkhanyan commented on Sargsyans statement about occupying even more territories, saying: I cannot comment on what Sargsyan mentioned. The defendant stated that the battalion commanded by Ishkhanyan received support from the headquarters of the "Khojavand Defense District." He also emphasized that the battalion took part in combat operations in the Aghdam district during JulyAugust 1993. The court then presented a video footage related to the occupation of Azerbaijans Lachin district by Armenian armed forces. The footage, filmed by Armenian militants on May 18, 1992, shows burning houses and armed fighters. In one scene, a militant points to a burning house and says, Ashot, Ashot, watch it burn. The hearing continued with testimonies from victims. Jamal Mammadov, a resident of the Jijimli village in Lachin district, testified that the village was occupied by Armenian forces in May 1992. He also recalled that his father, Mehdi Mammadov, was killed by Armenian soldiers on August 12, 1989. According to Russian soldiers, my father was killed by an Armenian named Kamo. I was 18 years old at the time, he stated. Another victim, Aghali Ibrahimov, born in 1961 in the Jaghazur village of Lachin district, confirmed the occupation date as May 18, 1992. He described how, prior to the occupation, the villagelocated on the border with Armeniawas repeatedly shelled from Armenias Gorus district and Digh village. "Until May 8, 1992, the attacks appeared fragmented. But from May 8 onward, they were clearly carried out under a single command. They used 'Grad' and 'Alazan' missiles and long-range artillery, he said. Ibrahimov added that his family lost significant property in the village, including a two-story house with six rooms, auxiliary structures, fruit trees, livestock, poultry, and household items, resulting in extensive material damage. Then, protocols related to the massacre committed in the village of Balligaya of the Goranboy district on August 28, 1992, were read out and horrific photos from the scene were screened. According to the documents, residents of the Naghdali village in Lachin district, who were temporarily resettled in the shacks nearby the Gulustan forest in the Balligaya village of the Goranboy district following the occupation of the Lachin district, were shot at by firearms by the Armenian armed forces on August 28, 1992 at approximately 05:00, as a result of which 24 people were killed and 9 were wounded. Of those killed during the massacre, 7 were under-18, 4 were persons over 60 years, in total, 13 were women and 11 men. The court next reviewed documents regarding the shelling of Azerbaijani civilians in the village of Gulustan, Goranboy district, on September 19, 1992. According to the documents, at around 6 p.m. on the same day, Armenian armed forces attacked residents who were harvesting potatoes. As a result, 20 civilians were killed, and several others were injured. On the same day, during the attack on Gulustan village, officers from the Aghjakand police station in the district attempted to resist the assault and were ambushed while evacuating civilians. 13 people were killed, and 8 others were injured; 2 police officers killed and 2 more wounded. Victim Binnet Mehdiyev testified that he had resettled in the village of Naghdali in the Lachin district as an internally displaced person (IDP) from the city of Shusha. He stated that the village was occupied on May 1718, 1992, after which they moved to Balligaya village in the Goranboy district. B.Mehdiyev said that on August 28, 1992, Armenian armed forces attacked again, resulting in the deaths of 24 people, including his father, mother, two brothers, sister, and other close relatives. During the attack, they killed the wife and six children of my relative Vazir. One of the children was just a six-month-old baby, he added. Another victim, Shahla Guliyeva, stated that in May 1992, her family fled from Lachin district as IDPs. They first moved to Bash Qishlag village in Goranboy, and later to Balligaya village in the same district. Noting that on August 27, 1992, she saw a helicopter in the area and informed her mother-in-law about it, Shahla Guliyeva stated: That night we slept in fear. On August 28, at around 5 a.m., I saw that everything was engulfed in flames. Sh.Guliyeva survived by chance since she ran away from the shack to the nearby forest. She was shot during the incident. She stated that her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, her mother-in-laws 110-year-old mother-in-law and other relatives were killed during the incident. Victim Nasraddin Mustafayev underscored that on September 19, 1992, they were fired upon by Armenian army units in the village of Gulustan, Goranboy district, where they were harvesting potatoes, and as a result, he was wounded in the leg. I lost a third of my toes, he said. Victim Sahiba Mustafayeva mentioned that on September 19, 1992, while they were in the village of Gulustan in Goranboy harvesting potatoes with her father Kazim and grandfather Salman, and on the way back, the car driven by her father was fired upon by Armenian soldiers. One of the bullets hit her father and the other her grandfather. Salman. S. Mustafayeva, who was 12 years old at the time, was shot in the leg and lost consciousness. She later learned that many people, including her grandfather Salman and her father Kazim, were killed during that incident. Victim Nofel Nuruyev underlined that on September 19, 1992, on the instructions of her supervisor Qafqaz Rustamov, she drove a Zil vehicle to the village of Gulustan in Goranboy to harvest potatoes with Israfil Ismayilov, a resident of Tapgaragoyunlu village, and 3 Azerbaijanis, whom he didnt know and picked up in her car on the way. She also saw there were many other residents who arrived for harvesting potatoes. On his way back, after passing a police post, Armenian soldiers suddenly opened fire on his car in the forest area. At that time, the police arrived to help and the shooting with the Armenian soldiers continued. As a result, he received a bullet wound in the eye, and Israfil Ismayilov was killed. He is currently blind in one eye. She later learned that about 20 Azerbaijanis were killed and several others were wounded in that incident. Among the deceased, he recognized Kazim Mammadov, a resident of the Garagashly village, and his father-in-law Salman Gojayev. In his statement, Victim Khaleddin Rustamov pointed out that he served as a policeman in the Ashagi Agjakand Police Department of the Goranboy district, adding that on September 19, 1992, he was on duty at the police post in the village of Gulustan. Rustamov said that on that day, many Azerbaijani residents, who were returning from the potato harvesting in the village of Gulustan in the evening, were fired upon. As a result, he and police officer Jeyhun Teyyubov were wounded, while Elkhan Suleymanov and Yavar Kazimov were killed. The conclusions of forensic medical examination conducted on the victims were also announced during the hearings. The next court hearing is scheduled for May 8. We recall that a total of 15 Armenian nationals are being charged with numerous crimes involving direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, its state bodies, military forces and illegal armed formations, verbal and written instructions, orders and assignments, provision of material and technical support, central governance, as well as the exercise of rigorous control, with the aim of committing military aggression and acts of terror against the Republic of Azerbaijan in the territory of Azerbaijan in violation of domestic and international law, and involving Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Mushegi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan and others, including criminal acts committed during the course of the war of aggression waged by the aforementioned criminal group. The said persons, i.e. Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan, are being charged under Articles 100 (planning, preparing, initiating and waging a war of aggression), 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection), 103 (genocide), 105 (extermination of the population), 106 (enslaving), 107 (deportation or forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (enforced disappearance of people), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114 (mercenary service), 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 118 (military robbery), 120 (intentional murder), 192 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing terrorism), 218 (creation of a criminal association (organization)), 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation and possession of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives and devices), 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security), 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure), 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279 (creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 5 May 2025 12:25 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more An airport is currently under construction in the Alat Free Economic Zone. Azernews reports that Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Authorized Body of the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ), shared this information during the event Azerbaijani Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow held at the Heydar Aliyev Center. He noted that the airport was originally planned for cargo transport. It is now planned to be used for passenger transportation, he added. It should be noted that the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) is a special economic zone located near the Port of Baku in Azerbaijan, established to attract foreign investment, boost exports, and diversify the national economy beyond oil and gas. It offers tax incentives, simplified regulations, and modern infrastructure to support industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. British police on Sunday said they had arrested five men, including four Iranians, on suspicion of "preparation of a terrorist act". The arrests were carried out in London, Swindon and the Greater Manchester area, with all five arrested on suspicion of "terrorism offences", London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The men aged between 29 and 46 were detained by Counter Terrorism Police on Saturday in relation to "a suspected plot to target a specific premises" -- wich was not named -- and remain in custody. The nationality of one of the men is still being established, police said. "This is a fast-moving investigation and we are working closely with those at the affected site to keep them updated," said Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism chief Dominic Murphy. "The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of enquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter," he added. Meanwhile, three other men, all Iranian nationals, were arrested in London in a separate Counter Terrorism Police operation on Saturday. The men, aged 39, 44 and 55, were arrested under the National Security Act -- which gives law enforcement greater powers to disrupt "state threats" including foreign interference and espionage -- the Met Police said in a statement on Sunday. Interior minister Yvette Cooper "thanked" the police in a statement. "These are serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats," Cooper told the PA news agency. "The Government continues to work with police and intelligence agencies to support all the action and security assessments that are needed to keep the country safe." 5 May 2025 13:02 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Turkiyes ready-made garment exports to Azerbaijan in April 2025 decreased by 34.2% compared to the same month in 2024, totaling $2,950,045, Azernews reports, citing the TurkicWorld. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 5 May 2025 16:04 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The latest visit of the Digital Academy, an initiative of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDIA) held in partnership with Germanys Hertie School University, took place in Saudi Arabia. Azernews reports, according to IDIA, representatives from Azerbaijani government agencies and leading Saudi experts in digitalization participated in the session, which focused on Digital Transformation and Efficiency in the Public Sector. The purpose of the visit was to study Saudi Arabias digital transformation strategy and its efforts to build a competitive digital ecosystem. During the meetings, detailed information was shared about Azerbaijans digital development approach and solutions, and discussions were held on potential cooperation, including the application of Azerbaijani digital experience in Saudi Arabia. As part of the two-day program, a tour of the newly established Innovation Hub under Saudi Arabias Digital Government Authority (DGA) was conducted. Topics such as research and innovation initiatives, regulatory frameworks, policy development, and decision-making mechanisms were discussed at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). In addition, meetings took place at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). The meeting at KAPSARC was attended by its President Fahad Alajlan and Azerbaijans Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shahin Abdullayev. Experts and leaders exchanged views on topics including digital transformation in the energy sector, digitalization policies in state-owned companies, and the use of artificial intelligence. Shahin Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of IDIA, stated that result-oriented discussions were held between the two countries to exchange digital expertise. He noted Saudi Arabias strong interest in Azerbaijans digital solutions, particularly in Digital Document Circulation: There is great interest in our digital solutions, especially in Digital Document Circulation. We will continue cooperation in this area. It should be noted that 70 senior officials from 43 state institutionsincluding deputy ministers, deputy heads of agencies, and advisorshave participated in the strategic sessions and visits organized by the Digital Academy. Previous visits under the program took place in Berlin, Germany (January 2728), and Singapore (April 1011). 5 May 2025 12:03 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more From ancient patterns to global collaboration, Azerbaijan celebrates the enduring legacy of carpet weaving in its historic Old City, Azernews reports. Beneath the ancient stone arches of Baku's Icherisheher, where each alley whispers tales of centuries past, the vibrant threads of global artistry came together in celebration. The International Carpet Festival, held at Gosha Gala Square, turned the walled city into a living tapestry of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural unity. The festival was organized by Azerkhalcha OJSC and the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve Administration with the support of the Economy Ministry and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency - AZPROMO. The large-scale event welcomed carpet makers, designers, and cultural figures from around the world. Countries such as Turkiye, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Tatarstan (Russian Federation) were represented, each contributing their unique approach to the ancient art of carpet weaving. The Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve, Rufat Mahmud, addressed the opening ceremony of the festival. "This is an event that unites many cultures, traditions, and arts. Holding a carpet festival in a place where these stone walls are witnesses to a thousand-year history is of particular importance. Because the streets, stones, alleys, and buildings of the Old City are interconnected, harmonious, and significant, like carpet patterns," he said. Chairman of the Board of Azerkhalcha OJSC, Honored Artist Emin Mammadov pointed out that this year the festival's geography has expanded. "We have already traditionally met in early May. Because according to the Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev in 2016, Azerbaijan celebrates Carpet Weaver's Day on May 5. We are very pleased that we are holding a traditional festival on the eve of such a holiday. Last year, we organized the National Carpet Festival. As a continuation of that remarkable success, this year we launched the International Carpet Festival. Guests from different countries have been invited to the festival. An interesting and rich festival program awaits each of you in Icherisheher," he stated. Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev emphasized that the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving has contributed to world culture for centuries: "Today, these traditions continue. We thank those who contributed to the organization of the festival," he noted. The event's centerpiece was a breathtaking performance inspired by Mir Jalal Pashayev's novel "Manifesto of a Young Man." Directed by Nigar Hasanzade and featuring the acclaimed pantomime artistry of People's Artist Parviz Mammadzayev, the performance emphasized the carpet's place as both a work of art and a symbol of family honor. Throughout the festival, attendees of all ages were treated to a vibrant schedule of activities, including open-air concerts, local artisan fairs, street performances, and a film screening series. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity, tradition, and cultural exchange. A standout attraction was the hands-on engagement offered by 28 master weavers from 14 workshops of Azerkhalcha OJSC. Guests enjoyed the magic of yarn spinning, dyeing, and knotting in real timeand even tried their hand at weaving under the guidance of seasoned professionals. This year's festival also carried deep cultural significance, commemorating two major milestones: the 25th anniversary of Icherisheher's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the 15th anniversary of Azerbaijani carpet weaving's recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the end, the International Carpet Festival was more than a celebrationit was a declaration that tradition remains relevant, that artistry transcends borders, and that Azerbaijan's cultural legacy continues to be woven, thread by precious thread, into the fabric of world heritage. With its rich program, international flair, and reverence for tradition, the International Carpet Festival once again proved that the threads of culture are strongest when woven together. 5 May 2025 13:26 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The ancient craft of Azerbaijani carpet weaving is more than just a tradition, it is a living embodiment of the nation's soul, Azernews reports. With its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, each carpet tells a story, preserving the spiritual depth, artistic sensibility, natural talent, and philosophical outlook of the Azerbaijani people. Though carpet weaving has been practiced in Azerbaijan for centuries, it has received renewed recognition in modern times. For the past nine years, May 5 has been officially celebrated as Carpet Weavers' Day, commemorating the founding of Azerkhalcha Open Joint-Stock Company. This day pays tribute not only to the artisans behind this revered craft but also to the rich cultural legacy they continue to uphold. As part of its strategic cultural agenda, Azerbaijan introduced the State Program for the Protection and Development of Carpet Art (20182022), aiming to establish "Azerbaijani Carpet" as a world-renowned brand. The professional holiday of carpet weavers is celebrated in a significant period preceding the birthday of the National Leader and patron of national culture, Heydar Aliyev. President Ilham Aliyev has shown unwavering support for the preservation and expansion of this art. Under his leadership, the establishment of Azerkhalcha OJSC, the declaration of a national holiday, and the construction of modern carpet workshops across the country have signified a strong commitment to this cultural treasure. Between 2016 and 2020, more than 20 branches of Azerkhalcha OJSC were established, each one a new hub for creativity and craftsmanship, and a vital contributor to the national economy. First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, has also played a crucial role in elevating Azerbaijani carpet weaving to the global stage. Through her dedication, numerous challenges faced by weavers have been addressed, their working conditions improved, and their artistry brought to international attention. Thanks to her efforts, in 2010, Azerbaijani carpet weaving was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today, carpets woven by Azerkhalcha OJSC are not only rooted in ancient traditions but are also digitally reimagined. For the first time in history, electronic versions of centuries-old Azerbaijani carpet designs have been created, categorized by regional schools such as Baku, Garabagh, Guba, Shirvan, Nakhchivan, Iravan, Tabriz, Ganja, and Qazakh-Borchali. Great care is taken to revive rare designs once held in international museums and private collections, breathing new life into these timeless patterns. An annual highlight is the International Carpet Festival, held in the heart of Icherisheher (Old City), a site that itself marks its 25th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage location this year. This vibrant festival not only celebrates 15 years since Azerbaijani carpet weaving was recognized by UNESCO but also offers a platform for cultural exchange. The event features concerts, open-air cinemas, artisan fairs, and master classes that captivate visitors of all ages. A key attraction is the live interaction with 28 female weavers from 14 Azerkhalcha OJSC workshops, along with a creative team who guide guests through the mesmerizing process of carpet creation. These women, with skillful hands and inherited wisdom, embody the enduring legacy of Azerbaijani artistry. As Azerbaijan looks to the future, the threads of its past remain firmly woven into its cultural fabric. 5 May 2025 18:23 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more At the International Carpet Festival, experts and cultural figures gathered to celebrate the rich legacy of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Revered for its intricate craftsmanship and deep symbolism, the Azerbaijani carpet is more than a national treasure, it is a bridge connecting cultures and histories across the globe. "Azerbaijani carpet is a well-known cultural phenomenon, not only as part of the heritage of the Azerbaijani people but also for the international community," Irina Koshoridze, Professor at Tbilisi State University and Curator of the Oriental Collection, told Azernews. "It is very important to support, preserve, and develop this tradition, and to integrate it further into the international context," she added. The International Carpet Festival kicked off on May 2 with the International Carpet Forum. The forum brought together leading experts, designers, manufacturers, and researchers in the carpet industry. It featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, B2B meetings, and special sessions for young scholars. The main goal of the festival is to promote Azerbaijani carpet weaving art on a global scale, to showcase its rich heritage and future development prospects, and to facilitate the exchange of experience and skills with master carpet weavers from around the world. Every festival visitor had the opportunity to meet 28 female weavers invited from 14 workshops of Azerkhalcha OJSC operating in various parts of the country, as well as members of the processing team and the creative group, who will share the secrets of carpet weaving and host master classes. From May 3 to 4, the festival was held along the historic streets of Icherisheher. Ancient caravanserais and squares will host carpet exhibitions, master classes, interactive theatrical performances, and musical events. Representatives from different countries presented their national carpet weaving traditions, and national pavilions of participating countries will be on display. This year International Carpet Festival coincided with the 25th anniversary of Icherisheher's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the 15th anniversary of the inclusion of the traditional art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the festival, exclusive exhibitions dedicated to the art of carpet weaving, master classes, interactive activities, concert programs, and special educational events for children were organized. 5 May 2025 19:00 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A unique and extraordinary art project by renowned Azerbaijani photographer and art curator Aydin Sadikhov "Puppet and Theatrical Art of the Czech Republic" has been presented at Khatai Art Center's Gallery. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan. Speaking about the project, Aydin Sadikhov told Azernews that the creation and development of this project took three years. To prepare the necessary photographic material for the exhibition, the artist visited famous puppet and theatrical museums in various cities of the Czech Republic and thoroughly studied the history of the emergence and evolution of this form of art in the country. The exhibition opening attracted great public interest, with attendance by Ambassadors, representatives of various diplomatic missions, and prominent figures in the fields of art and culture. At the official opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Azerbaijan Milan Sedlacek, People's Artist of Azerbaijan Arif Huseynov, director of the Khatai Arts Center Zahid Avazov, and the project author, photographer and curator Aydin Sadikhov. In his speech, the Czech Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Milan Sedlacek, emphasized the successful development of cooperation and diplomatic relations between the two countries. He underlined that culture acts as a bridge that unites nations and shared that he had been involved in puppetry since childhood, making the theme of theater and puppets especially dear and interesting to him. It reminded him of the time when he himself participated in theatrical performances. The ambassador also noted that puppetry holds a special place in Czech culture and is considered part of the nation's cultural heritage. The characters from Czech fairy tales captured by Aydin Sadikhov offer a glimpse into the main heroes of Czech folklore and immerse viewers in the magical world of Czech marionette theater. "Even such a segment as photographs of our puppets, the history of which is very rich and also important for the Czech nation and language, plays a meaningful role in understanding our culture. It is not for nothing that Czech puppetry has become part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage," the Ambassador said. The photo exhibition featured 20 remarkable works, most of which were taken at the renowned puppet and theatrical museums of Plzen and Cesky Krumlov. All the marionette puppets depicted in the photographs are incredible and unique creations of Czech puppeteers and artisans, who at different points in history were central figures in famous theatrical productions. Walking through the exhibition, each viewer was transported into different theatrical performances and fantastical worlds created by the hands and minds of Czech artists. Puppet and Theatrical Art of the Czech Republic In the presented photographs, the puppets appeared so lifelike that all viewers felt as if they were in a theater hall. The photos depicted scenes from puppet-theater performances of various genres, including Czech folk tales, legends, fantasy and satire, comedy, and even detective stories. Visitors to the exhibition were also treated to a big surprise the opportunity to see several unique Czech marionettes in person, crafted in the most renowned puppet houses of Prague. Among them were the famous characters created by the legendary Josef Skupa "Spejbl" and "Hurvinek, " as well as figures from many old Czech fairy tales, such as "The Devil" and "the Water Goblin." The latter, known in Czech as "Vodnik", is a beloved character in Prague, both in the past and today. Almost every tourist who has visited Prague has likely taken a photo of his statue, located next to the old mill on the Certovka River. The exhibition also featured a dedicated stand showcasing dolls from other countries around the world: a puppet couple from Poland dressed in bright national costumes, a Samurai from Japan, the Mexican doll "Lele", a doll from Cameroon, and of course, the Prague Golem. During his speech, the project's creator expressed gratitude to all the organizers and extended special thanks to the management of the Puppet Museum in the city of Plzen for the opportunity to conduct the photo shoot and subsequently present marionettes from this unique and fascinating museum. At the conclusion of the official opening of the exhibition, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Azerbaijan, Milan Sedlacek, presented a commemorative Certificate to the author of the photo works and the project itself, Aydin Sadikhov. All photos are provided by the curator and author of the exhibition Aydin Sadikhov. 5 May 2025 12:46 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan has allocated funds for the restoration and renovation of the Imam Mosque located in the Amirjan settlement of the Surakhani district in Baku, Azernews reports. The decision was formalized through a decree signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. According to the decree, 600,000 manat ($352,941) will be allocated from the Presidential Reserve Fund, as outlined in the state budget for the year 2025, to the State Committee for Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the restoration works at the Imam Mosque. The Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan is responsible for ensuring the allocation of these funds, while the Cabinet of Ministers will address any related matters arising from this decree. 5 May 2025 14:20 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijani students will soon have the opportunity to participate in an intensive pharmacy training program at the University of Pecs in Hungary, Azernews reports, citing Andras Fittler, Associate Professor at the Universitys Department of Pharmacy, as he said during an international conference in Baku on "Azerbaijans Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow". Speaking at the event, Fittler emphasized that there is significant potential in Azerbaijan to expand the knowledge and practical skills of specialists in the field of pharmacy, both at the bachelor's and master's levels. "In collaboration with industry experts and PanoPharma, a pharmaceutical factory, we have developed a special program aimed at providing intensive training to students and graduates. This program will focus on the practical aspects of pharmacy, which will undoubtedly contribute to the development of Azerbaijans pharmaceutical sector," Fittler said. He also highlighted that the University of Pecs offers a five-year masters program in pharmacy, as well as a bachelors program in biotechnology conducted in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine. "The university hosts clinics and research centers, which play a crucial role in training specialists and conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and pharmacy," he added. Fittler also mentioned that 30 Azerbaijani students are currently enrolled at the University of Pecs, pursuing studies in these fields. 5 May 2025 14:41 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In todays session at the Baku Military Court, another video material regarding the occupation of Khojavend District was presented for examination. According to Azernews, the footage, filmed by Armenians in April 1993, shows a group of armed soldiers, including Serzh Sargsyan (President of Armenia from 2008-2018), and David Ishkhanyan, who is currently being tried in court. The video was recorded during the time when the Khojavend District of Azerbaijan was under the illegal occupation of Armenian armed forces. During the translation and investigation of the Armenian-language footage, it was revealed that Serzh Sargsyan had come to inspect military units. In the video, Monte Melkonian, a head of Armenian terror organization ASALA, is seen reporting to Sargsyan. Sargsyan tells him, "The conversation right now is not about stopping the fire. It is about conducting offensive operations and capturing more territory." The video continues with an inspection of the area, where Sargsyan is seen speaking with David Ishkhanyan. Ishkhanyan provides information about the military operations in the direction of Agdam District and the operational conditions in the area. The footage later includes discussions about the supply of the troops. Following this, Sargsyan is seen having a brief conversation with soldiers. During the court proceedings, prosecutors questioned David Ishkhanyan about the video material. In his response, Ishkhanyan acknowledged the recording and explained the purpose of Sargsyans visit to the area. "They came to my battalion," he said. "They were familiarizing themselves with the situation at the battalions positions." Ishkhanyan also named several individuals seen in the footage: "Serzh Sargsyan, Monte Melkonian, Movses Akopyan (who later became the Chief of Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces). He was Melkonians deputy at the time. The other person in the video is my chief of staff, Aramays Karapetyan." It is important to note that the trial continues for citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of committing crimes against peace, humanity, and war crimes, including the preparation and execution of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, funding terrorism, and the illegal seizure of power, among other numerous charges. 5 May 2025 14:55 (UTC+04:00) During her official visit to Azerbaijan, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa of the Kingdom of Morocco visited the Alley of Honor on May 5 to pay respects to the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. According to Azernews, Princess Lalla Hasnaa honored the memory of the late leader with deep reverence by laying a wreath at his grave. The visit underscored the importance of bilateral ties between Morocco and Azerbaijan, while also reflecting the shared respect for historical legacies and national leadership. Princess Lalla Hasnaa, known for her environmental and humanitarian initiatives, is currently in Azerbaijan on a diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening cultural and bilateral cooperation. President Donald Trump again declined to rule out military action to annex Greenland, now saying "something could happen" in relation to the territory. Speaking to NBC News, Trump made the comment when asked about potential military action to annex Canada. "I think we're not going to ever get to that point. Something could happen with Greenland, I'll be honest. We need that for national and international security," Trump said. Pressed on the matter, Trump said "I'm not saying I'm going to do it but I don't rule out anything." "No. Not there. We need Greenland very badly. Greenland is a very small amount of people which we'll take of and we'll cherish them and all of that. But we need that for international security." WELKER: Would you rule out military force to take Canada? TRUMP: I think we're not gonna ever get to that point. Something could happen with Greenland. I'll be honest. With need that for national and international security. pic.twitter.com/7UQ8kUsBWM Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 4, 2025 The administration has repeatedly expressed its willingness to annex Greenland, with an April report also detailing that officials are considering giving about $10,000 to each resident as part of an annexation plan. The possibility would seek to replace the $600 million Denmark gives the territory in subsidies every year, and has stopped being mere rhetoric to become official U.S. policy, according to The New York Times. The policy prioritizes persuasion, rather than coercion, and has not seriously included military options, an administration official told the NYT. The administration has also reportedly begun analyzing the actual cost of annexing Greenland, with officials are seeking to determine the financial impact of such an outcome, including providing government services for the almost 60,000 residents of the semi-autonomous territory. Citing people familiar with the matter, the Washington Post added that staff at the White House budget office is also seeking to estimate the revenue the U.S. would get from Greenland and its resources. Greenland residents are soundly opposing the move, but U.S. officials continue to move forward, with Vice President JD Vance visiting the territory in late March. Speaking at the Pituffik Space Base on the island's northwestern coast, Vance said that "the story of Greenland over the past 20 years when it comes to security is that we've underinvested in the infrastructure." Denmark's Foreign Minister criticized the visit, especially its "tone." Lars Lkke Rasmussen said in a publication that "we agree that status quo in the Arctic is not an option. So let's talk about how we can fix it - together." Originally published on Latin Times 5 May 2025 17:42 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more A scientific-practical conference titled Heydar Aliyev and the History of Azerbaijan was held at the Baku City Executive Authority (BCEA) in commemoration of the 102nd birthday of Azerbaijans National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, Azernews reports, citing the BCEAs press service. The eventnow a longstanding traditionbrought together top-performing schoolchildren from the capitals districts, BCEA leadership and staff, as well as members of the media. The ceremony began with a moment of silence in memory of the National Leader and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijans independence and territorial integrity. What set the conference apart was the student-driven format: schoolchildren themselves moderated the event, while young researchers presented reports delving into various chapters of Azerbaijani history. This annual competition continues to foster a deeper interest in national history among students. This years edition drew over 3,500 student participants from more than 300 schools across Baku. Nearly 80 selected essays will be included in a new book supported by the BCEA. Throughout the district-level preliminary rounds, students presented academic essays on topics ranging from ancient Azerbaijan to contemporary history, including the pivotal roles played by Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev. Notably, this years contest also emphasized the 44-day Patriotic War, anti-terror operations, and related themes. The initiative serves both as a platform for academic development and as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Azerbaijans nation-builders. 5 May 2025 15:25 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The trial at the Baku Military Court continued today with the presentation of new video evidence relating to the 1992 occupation of Azerbaijans Lachin district by Armenian armed forces. According to Azernews, the footage, recorded by Armenian forces on May 18, 1992, depicts scenes of burning homes and armed Armenian soldiers in Lachin. In one segment, an Armenian soldier can be heard saying to another, Ashot, look how it burns, while pointing at a house engulfed in flames. Following the video screening, the court proceeded with witness testimonies from victims of the occupation. One of the victims, Jamal Mammadov, a native of Cicimli village in Lachin, stated that his village was occupied by Armenian forces in May 1992. He recalled that his father, Mehti Mammadov, was killed by Armenian soldiers on August 12, 1989. According to Russian soldiers who were present, my father was shot by an Armenian named Kamo, he said. I was 18 years old at the time. Another witness, Agali Ibrahimov, born in 1961 in the village of Cagazur, testified that his village was also attacked and occupied on May 18, 1992. He recounted frequent shelling from Armenias Goris district prior to the occupation, particularly from the direction of the village of Digh. Before May 8, their attacks were disorganized, he noted. But starting May 8, the assaults became systematic and appeared to be under centralized command. They used Grad and Alazan rockets, as well as long-range artillery. Ibrahimov described the extent of his losses: a two-story home with six rooms, outbuildings, fruit trees, livestock, poultry, household goods, and personal propertyall left behind in the wake of the invasion. The damage to me and my family was immense, he added. This court case is part of ongoing proceedings against Armenian nationals accused of committing numerous crimes during Armenias military aggression, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, and the financing of terrorism. 5 May 2025 17:10 (UTC+04:00) On May 5, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and her daughter Leyla Aliyeva met with Princess Lalla Hasnaa of the Kingdom of Morocco, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan. During the conversation, the sides praised the development of bilateral relations in various fields and emphasized the sincere ties of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Morocco, rooted in shared historical, cultural, and religious values. The meeting highlighted the successful cooperation between the two countries within international organizations, including the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Both sides noted the significant potential for expanding relations in the humanitarian and cultural spheres, along with other sectors. In this context, the hosting of the Culture Days of Azerbaijan in Morocco and the Culture Days of Morocco in Azerbaijan was fondly recalled, with both sides emphasizing the value of such events in promoting mutual understanding of the nations rich cultures. They also discussed cooperation with ICESCO, headquartered in Morocco, and noted the opening of a regional ICESCO office in Baku this year. Azerbaijans commitment to strengthening Islamic solidarity and promoting collaboration among Muslim countries in education, science, and culture was particularly underlined. The meeting also recalled the visit of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva to Morocco and the meetings held there, which focused on the Foundations social initiatives and child welfare. Princess Lalla Hasnaas visit was viewed as a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insight into Azerbaijan and to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. 5 May 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Prince Harry has issued a strongly worded statement following his failed legal appeal over the reinstatement of state-funded UK security, Azernews reports, citing Tribune. The Duke of Sussex accused the Royal Household and RAVECthe Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figuresof mishandling protocols related to his personal safety. In the official statement, Prince Harry said the ruling confirmed that RAVEC, made up of senior officials from the Royal Household, Home Office and Metropolitan Police, "failed to follow its own mandated processes for me, which are applied to all other high-risk and high-profile individuals." He added that the matter had exposed "shocking truths" about how decisions regarding his protection have been handled. Harry revealed that the security issue dates back to 2017 when a decision was made not to extend protection to Meghan Markle when she joined the royal family. That decision was later reversed following his intervention. He criticised the lack of independent representation in decisions affecting his safety, saying the Royal Household remains his "sole representation on RAVEC" and could request a reassessment "at any point." He claimed some individuals involved in the original decisions "retired immediately after playing their part." The prince also alleged that threats against him and his family include neo-Nazi and extremist elements, underscoring his concerns about continued travel to the UK. The Duke of Sussex suggested that King Charles III could resolve the matter either by intervening or by stepping aside to allow expert review. "There is a lot of control and ability in my fathers hands," he said. "Ultimately, this whole thing could be resolved through him." A Buckingham Palace spokesperson responded by stating that Harrys security arrangements had been "examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion." Prince Harry maintains that the UK remains close to his heart, especially as the birthplace of his son, and expressed his desire to continue his charitable work in the country. 5 May 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed a new US-Ukraine mineral resources agreement as a win-win that could help secure vital air defense systems and deepen strategic ties, following talks with US President Donald Trump, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak. Zelenskyy said the agreement, which creates a joint investment fund for mineral extraction and processing, opens the Ukrainian market to American investment and offers a long-term economic and security partnership. This mineral resources deal is beneficial for both sides, he told journalists Saturday in Kyiv. I told President Trump I believe our teams will make every effort to move forward constructively and set a firm date for signing, he was cited by Interfax-Ukraine. He said the fund would help protect US investments and build trust in Ukraine's economic future. In particular, we aim to defend our territory and our people with air defense systems. That's why we're ready for these systems to be part of the deal, he added. Kyiv has already shared its required number of air defense systems with Washington, and Trump expressed a readiness to work on the request, according to Zelenskyy. He emphasized that these things are not free and called for access to purchase US-made weapons. Zelenskyy referenced a $15 billion US military aid package for 2025 and a separate $15 billion for 2026, approved by Congress. He suggested both tranches could be advanced and delivered in 2025, under the new fund's framework, with Ukraine gradually repaying its share. This would be a $30 billion US contribution, and Ukraine would repay its share gradually. That's the kind of deal we're discussing, he noted. Describing the agreement as historic, Zelenskyy said it allows reinvestment into Ukraine's economy and envisions long-term cooperation beyond exporting raw materials. He explained that profits could later support Ukrainian infrastructure, provided both sides agree. He stressed the duty-free export of raw materials to the US while expressing a desire to move toward value-added manufacturing in Ukraine. One of the strategic mineral sites noted is near Pokrovsk in Donetsk, an area close to front-line conflict zones with Russia. For American businesses, this mineral agreement is the best form of insurance available right now, said Zelenskyy. Trump told me personally, and I consider it a very serious guarantee, that Russia won't touch Ukraine, because we're partners now. He also disclosed that he raised the issue of expanded US sanctions on Russia during his meeting with Trump, calling the American president's response very powerful, though he did not elaborate. 5 May 2025 22:17 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Notably, the companys forecast does not factor in potential impacts from new US tariffs, which could significantly affect pricing and competitiveness in a key market, Azernews reports. Audi reported first-quarter revenue of 15.43 billion ($17.49 billion) for the JanuaryMarch period, up from 13.73 billion a year earlier, reflecting strong performance in its electric vehicle (EV) segment. For 2025, the automaker projects revenue between 67.5 billion and 72.5 billion, with an expected operating margin ranging from 7% to 9%. The financial implications of import tariffs, particularly in the United States, cannot be conclusively assessed at this stage, Audi stated in an official release. The company also noted that its guidance excludes the potential impact of a labor agreement reached in March with the works council. Audi, which currently does not operate manufacturing facilities in the United States, confirmed that it will decide this year whether to establish production capacity there. Such a move could be pivotal in navigating future trade policies and improving supply chain resilience. CEO Juergen Rittersberger indicated that the company is especially focused on electric vehicles as part of its long-term strategic shift. We will also have a very close look at electric cars because thats still an area of focus, also in the US, he told reporters. Electric vehicles have become a cornerstone of Audis growth strategy. Despite a 3.4% decline in overall global vehicle deliveries in the first quarter, sales of EV models jumped by 30.1%, highlighting robust consumer demand and ongoing investment in electrification. In North America (excluding Mexico), deliveries fell 2.1% to 48,599 units, with several models currently awaiting upgrades. Meanwhile, shipments in China dropped by 7% to 144,471 vehicles, reflecting intensifying competition in the worlds largest auto market. Like many European automakers, Audi is under mounting pressure from proposed tariffs that could increase vehicle prices in the US by several thousand dollarsposing new challenges in an industry already contending with high costs and aggressive competition from Chinese and American EV makers. Currently, Audi serves the US market from its factory in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico, which produces the Q5 SUV and employs more than 5,000 workers. Expanding production into the US could serve as both a hedge against trade disruptions and a step toward deeper integration into a critical market. Adding to its ambitions, Audi is also exploring next-generation battery technologies and software-defined vehicle platforms, aiming to differentiate itself in the rapidly evolving landscape of premium mobility. Florence is Latest Oregon Coast Town to Add Mobi-Mats, Hearing Loops, More Accessibility Published 04/29/25 at 7:25 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Florence, Oregon) Oregon coast towns all over continue their move towards inclusive accessibility for all, with Florence jumping in even deeper into the pool as new means to enjoy the area are introduced. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce said it has made substantial progress in enhancing accessibility for visitors with mobility and hearing challenges. Collaborating with organizations such as Wheel the World, Davids Chair, and implementing features like Mobi-Mats and Hearing Loops, officials say it is setting a benchmark for inclusive tourism. With nearly one in five Oregon visitors identifying as having accessibility needs, Florence is increasing efforts to ensure all guests can experience the area comfortably. Efforts to improve beach access have led to the installation of Mobi-Mats at Heceta Beach Park, adjacent to Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center. These sturdy, non-slip mats create a stable pathway across the sand, enabling individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to reach the shoreline seamlessly. This initiative aligns with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association's dedication to improving "travelability" across coastal towns. Additionally, Florence hosts a Davids Chair facility at Driftwood Shores, where visitors can access free electric all-terrain track chairs. These specialized chairs allow users to traverse sandy beaches and rugged trails, offering them the opportunity to enjoy Oregon Coast's stunning landscapes. Reservations can be made at DavidsChair.org. In 2023, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce received a $30,500 Travel Oregon grant to collaborate with Wheel the World, an international platform championing accessible travel. The grant facilitates accessibility assessments for local tourism businesses, specialized training, and the inclusion of accessible experiences on WheeltheWorld.com. This initiative connects travelers facing mobility challenges with accommodating activities and lodging options. As part of the $8.56 million Highway 101 corridor refresh (ReVision Florence), the City of Florence has upgraded infrastructure to include ADA-compliant curb ramps and well-marked crosswalks with user-triggered signals, the Chamber said. These enhancements ensure safer and more convenient navigation for all pedestrians, reflecting the city's dedication to accessibility and inclusiveness. Hearing Loops are now available to visitors of the central Oregon coast town. These devices which improve audio clarity in crowded spaces - are now installed at the Florence Visitors Center and Art Gallery, Driftwood Shores Hotel and Resort, City Lights Cinemas, and the Florence Events Center. Additional venues are expected to adopt this technology soon. These devices utilize a magnetic field to transmit sound to cochlear implants or hearing aids equipped with a T-coil setting, minimizing background noise and enhancing conversational clarity. Florence continues to lead by example, prioritizing accessibility and inclusiveness across its tourism and infrastructure developments. For more information on accessible travel options and planning your visit, please contact the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce at info@FlorenceChamber.com, 541-997-3128, or FlorenceFun.com. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - - Where to eat - - Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Lincoln City's Oceanview Walk Park May be Tiniest on Oregon Coast Published 05/02/25 at 7:05 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Lincoln City, Oregon) Blink and you'll miss it. (Photo Oregon Coast Beach Connection) Driving along Lincoln City's NW Harbor Ave. you'll run into NW 15th St. access and its bit of a driveway and you'll also bump into the Coho Oceanfront Lodge. This is your cue. This is the hint in a little treasure hunt of sorts: where you'll find a sweet oceanview park that many miss. In fact, it's called Oceanview Walk Park. It may well be the smallest park on the entire Oregon coast (although one of two places called Depoe Bay Scenic View Area may have that record beat). From here, you can see more of Lincoln City from above than usual unless, of course, you're staying at one of the oceanfront hotels in town. To the north and the south are mostly unobstructed views of surf and sand, and even more important is that Oceanview Walk Park sits about 60 feet up on high. This is in essence a killer place to watch for whales, be they gray or orca. Oregon Coast Beach Connection Oceanview Walk Park is an extremely simple layout. There's about 40 feet of slightly meandering walkway and then a circle maybe 40 feet in circumference. Two benches, a bit of fencing and the view. That's it. It is one tiny piece of real estate. Aside from the view, the story behind the park is really among its most interesting aspects. Back around 2010, the Lee family that owns the Coho Oceanfront Lodge basically donated the property to the people. Courtesy Coho Oceanfront Lodge Rob Lee, one of the sons of the original couple that owned the place, took over the biz along with others in his family and they created VIP Hospitality. He told Oregon Coast Beach Connection the story back then. The company, in turn, became a major hotel force in the Pacific Northwest, owning numerous properties. Just before that major expansion, the Lees actually built and funded this little sliver of park and it became part of Lincoln City's official park system. For awhile there, until recent years, it was the newest park in Lincoln City. Oregon Coast Beach Connection Like the park itself, there's not much to the story, either. It's just a bit of a pleasant surprise. Hotels in Lincoln City | Where to eat | Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours Yet Oceanview Walk Park is ultimately more than a pleasant view: it's downright striking. To the north, you can see well down the entire beach to Roads End and the point. All that sand. View during snow, courtesy Coho Oceanfront Lodge Just below and to the south, there's the 15th St. access and the tidepools of Lincoln City or at least what there is of tidepools here. It may not be a lot like at Yachats but it's enough to go gazing at the colors, and the city hosts tidepool exploriences here quite a bit. It's a quick walk to that access as well. You're about a block or less away, which in Oregon coast beach terms is practically akin to mere inches. NW 15th St. is also where you can drive your car on certain times of the year, but that's not advised. The other interesting aspect of teeny, tiny Oceanview Walk Park is hanging out at night and watching the nocturnal surf below. It's mesmerizing, and even more so if you're lucky enough to be out here on a cloudless night. More at Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Some Minor Traffic Impact This month on Oregon Coast Range, Near Nehalem Published 05/01/25 at 7:05 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Nehalem, Oregon) - Traffic disruptions are expected on the north Oregon coast as two major construction projects move forward, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Work will resume on Highway 26 at Humbug Creek, while closures are planned on Miami Foley Road between Rockaway Beach and Nehalem. (Above: Nehalem, Oregon Coast Beach Connection) The U.S. 26 bridge over Humbug Creek in the Oregon Coast Range was replaced last year in a two-stage process, with half of the bridge built at a time. Crews come back this month. We'll apply permanent striping when we return, ODOT said. This work is dependent on weather conditions, and schedules may change. Daytime work is expected, with intermittent single-lane closures and flaggers directing traffic through the open lane. Construction noise and delays are anticipated during the project. The latest updates on impacts can be found at TripCheck.com. On Miami Foley Road, crews are preparing to begin work in the Nehalem area, where the Crystal Creek temporary bridge and the Dry Creek culvert will be replaced with two permanent structures. Unlike traditional bridge projects, where roads are closed for the entire duration, ODOT is taking a phased approach to minimize disruptions. We're building each bridge one lane at a time to reduce traffic impacts, ODOT said. This means you'll be able to get through the work zone on a single lane most of the time during construction work. However, four full closures - two for Dry Creek and two for Crystal Creek - will require detours via U.S. 101 to accommodate equipment and supply deliveries. The first closure is scheduled for May 2, when Miami Foley Road will close on both sides of Dry Creek from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crews will work throughout the day, with delays and construction noise expected. Travelers will need to detour using U.S. 101 until a single lane reopens by 5 p.m. the same evening. Once equipment is in place, construction will proceed one lane at a time, with a temporary traffic signal guiding vehicles through the work zone. Additional closures for Dry Creek and Crystal Creek have yet to be scheduled, and further details will be provided as they become available. MORE ON NEHALEM BELOW Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted A person described as an uninvited guest was asked to leave a family gathering in Houston and responded by pulling a gun and spraying the event with gunfire. "This whole incident started as a party, a family party, a family gathering," Assistant Houston Police Chief Patricia Cantu told Click2Houston. "I believe some of the witnesses are saying they had an uninvited guest. The uninvited guest was asked to leave. He left. As he was leaving, he began shooting in the area. There was returned fire from the residence as well." The incident happened at about 12:40 a.m. Sunday. Police did not disclose whether anyone was hit in the crossfire or if the uninvited guest was solely responsible for the carnage. Police responded to a call at the home within three minutes, and when they arrived, they could still hear gunfire. Fox News reported that one person was killed and 15 others injured in the shootings. "It was a big party going on, and a lot of things went wrong," an attendee told Fox News. "Whenever the shooting was going on, I didn't really think much of it. I just tried to help some guy who was in front of me who got shot. We ended up bringing him here to this location and, unfortunately, he passed away." Originally published on Lawyer Herald Oregon History This Week: State Capitol Burned Down in '35, Second Time in 80 Years Published 04/30/25 at 6:45 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Salem, Oregon) This past Sunday, April 25, marked a rather incredible anniversary although it's not widely talked about anymore. It was 90 years ago to the day that the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem burned down with dramatic intensity, a date that was almost 80 years after the first capitol of Oregon caught fire and fell apart. This time, in 1935, the magnificent dome crumbled, with flames causing the exterior timbers to fall and even melting copper in the structure. Nearby, at Willamette University, one student caught the blaze from a tower on campus (above). One of the more famous historic shots from Oregon can be seen here, showing roaring flames. Fire crews were called from as far away as Portland, and one firefighter died. The fire went on for 12 hours before it was contained. According to historians, the Capitol Journal in 1962 and the newspaper Greater Oregon on the day after, it was janitor Walter Wesolowski who first smelled smoke about 6:30 p.m. He was in his office with his son near the elevator shaft, immediately jumping up to investigate. Full frame photo - courtesy Oregon Archives The blaze appeared to have broken out in a basement room below the capitol rotunda, wrote the Capitol Journal. Wesolowskis son was sent to turn on the capitol fire alarm but already flames had licked quietly over the basement ceiling and into wooden beams. Exactly when the bell went off and when firefighters first arrived is a bit all over the place in historic accounts, with stories differing on somewhere between 6:30 p.m. and 6:40. That's a curiosity of the story but ultimately not integral: firemen from Salem got there quickly. By 7 p.m., flames were coming out of the dome. courtesy Oregon Archives Firemen attempted to contain the blaze within the basement by going in with gas masks on but were quickly overwhelmed by fire and smoke. It collapsed about 8 p.m. Salem Alderman Merrill D. Ohling put in a call to Portland, asking for help, Capitol Journal wrote in its retrospective. An hour later, Portland Fire Department trucks and crews arrived, helping to save at least the building's shell. Before the fire - courtesy Oregon Archives Willamette University sophomore Floyd McMullen was one of the firemen on-call. He was just starting to run from a chunk of the northwest part of the building that began to fall when he was killed by it. By nightfall, it was apparent that the Capitol, a cornerstone of Oregon governance for decades, would not survive the inferno, wrote Greater Oregon. Eyewitness accounts detailed the fury of the flames and the subsequent collapse of the dome, leaving little of the building's structure intact. Gov. Charles H. Martin was in Medford for an event, but came back that night. At the time, the bulk of public records were kept in the capitol, as well as a vault full of money. Some $3 million dollars in there were spared, thanks to firemen. Most documents made it but plenty didn't. That included some historical mementos from World War I, oil paintings of various governors and treasured brass spittoons, but among the major items saved was the first hand-written state constitution. Damage wound up around $1 million, and a new capitol building was built and occupied some three years later. It's the one we see now and it's apparently fireproof. Investigations right after yielded no firm cause, with both arson and accidental being about equal possibilities. There was a rash of unexplained fires earlier that week in Silverton, Albany, Corvallis, Bend, and North Bend on the Oregon coast, but no connection was ever found. It remains a mystery. That's another curiosity about the fire: the first one in 1855 that torched the capitol was never explained, either. A new one was built 20 years later and that's the one that burned in '35. Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random, hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Oregon's Tillamook Coast Hosts Rigorous Kayaking, Hiking Events in May Published 05/04/25 at 7:25 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Netarts, Oregon) There's a whole lotta outdoors going on around Oregon's Tillamook Coast, with a handful of events in May that let you dig deeper into the beach experience. (Photo courtesy WEBS) Friends of Netarts Bay - WEBS is hosting three intense events this May, offering opportunities to explore nature and engage with the north Oregon coast environment. Kayak Netarts Bay: Inner Bay Tour will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in Netarts. This adventure takes participants through the channels and mudflats of the estuary while searching for aquatic wildlife. While the experience is filled with wonder, it requires endurance, as paddlers will face an incoming tidal current and possibly a Northwest headwind on the return trip. Oregon Coast Beach Connection Kayak Netarts Bay: Bay Entrance Tour is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Netarts. This tour provides a more relaxed journey through the bay with stops to observe a variety of marine life, including crabs, shellfish, and hidden creatures among seaweed blades. The tour allows participants to take in the rich ecosystem of Netarts Bay at a slower pace. While this adventure is full of wonder, it is no easy float, and it isn't for the timid, WEBS said. On the return trip, we will be paddling against both an incoming tidal current and a Northwest headwind. If you are up for a challenge, this is the trip for you. Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours Spots for the kayaking tours are secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Children under 16 years and individuals with serious medical conditions are not permitted to participate. Those weighing less than 90 pounds or more than 230 pounds should notify WEBS during registration to ensure proper equipment is available. Courtesy WEBS Sustainable Clamming on the Bay will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Netarts. This event offers a chance to learn sustainable clamming techniques from WEBS and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Participants will gain insights into clam etiquette, essential tips, and information about clam populations in the bay. See https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/ to register. Courtesy TKO Also on the north Oregon coast, Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) has a way to give back that includes breathtaking views in the Manzanita area. The Neahkahnie Gap/Headwaters Trail Party happens on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Volunteers will help maintain the Neah-Kah-Nie Gap Trail, hiking three miles with an elevation gain of 800 feet while clearing brush and optimizing drainage along the trail. The group will work as they hike, likely making their way toward the South Trailhead. Conditions along the trail are leave you mostly in the sun, and the path steadily ascends without excessive steepness. Participants in the trail party are asked to commit to the entire event, arriving on time and staying until completion for safety reasons. Those registered will receive detailed event information, including directions, via email 48 hours prior to the event. First-time volunteers can read a blog by an experienced participant to learn what to expect. There are also other TKO events coming up: Wilson River New Trail Construction - Sat. May 18, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Wilson River New Trail Construction - Sat. May 25, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Need gear? TKO has clothes, boots, camping gear, and more available for loan. Reach out to volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org. See https://trailkeepersoforegon.org/ Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random, hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted With the US border with Mexico largely secured, the violent criminal and terrorist gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) is now using Canada as their entry point. A group of dozens of TdA gangsters have been arrested coming over a bridge from Canada to Detroit. Unlike the Biden era when these thugs were just released into the interior, the Border Patrol under Trump has arrested the entire group. TdA is a violent criminal gang that originated in Venezuela and spread though Latin America. It entered the US in 2022 during the Biden era, when it met little resistance from the Biden regime. In 2024, TdA moved its main headquarters from Venezuela to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, directly across the Rio Grande River from the US. Under Biden, TdA has spread to at least 25 US states, and many experts say they are in all 50. North Carolina is one of the states where they are present. In the latest capture, the group was apparently relying on Google maps to find their way into the US, and did not realize the bridge they were crossing was the actual border and was full of Border Patrol who identified and arrested them. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14669453/Tren-Aragua-migrant-gang-caught-border-accident.html Even with President Trump and ICE working to remove illegal alien gangsters from violent gangs like MS13 and TdA, they keep trying to send more gangsters into the country. The sad part is that the Democrats and their partisan Democrat judges are working hard to keep these criminals in our country. Tren de Aragua even has its youth wing in New York City, the Cevils of 42nd Street, already learning and practicing robbery and general mayhem. https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/05/05/tren-de-aragua-tykes-rain-mayhem-down-on-times-square-mock-nypd-n2188697 Meanwhile, President Trump has ordered the Alcatraz prison in California reopened to house illegal alien gangsters. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14678117/donald-trump-reopen-alcatraz.html From Charli XCX to Snow Patrol: Our guide to huge concerts you wont want to miss this summer These are some of the top artists hitting stages across the island Billie Eilish, Oasis, B*Witched, Robbie Williams, Snow Patrol, Van Morrison, Dua Lipa, Charli xcx and Justin Timberlake Niamh Campbell Mon 5 May 2025 at 07:43 With the days getting longer, and recent signs of a (hopefully) sunny summer, Belfast will soon welcome the sound of live music echoing from multiple venues, both outdoors and indoors. 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 Castledawson community rallies round for family, raising 50k as toddler (2) faces cancer battle separated from her twin The community of Castledawson has rallied round to support a local family after one of their two-year-old twin girls was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Almost 50,000 has already been raised to allow little Myla Pattons parents time off work to spend with their daughters. Mum Jayne said she has been living on adrenaline for the past two months, but the support of people has been a huge help. She added: Honestly, its all very difficult to process. Its not something you ever expect to be coming your way. Myla and twin sister Georgia The family have been through the emotional wringer since February. Jayne explained: Myla started complaining of a sore right leg and at the start we just put in down to growing pains. But it got worse, she started to walk differently and we knew something wasnt right. The pain started to affect her left leg as well. But it was a long process before getting to the cause of it all, and when we heard the words cancer and tumour it was all so much to try to take in. I dont think its sunk in completely yet. We had to fight to get to this stage. There were several trips to A&E, weve seen countless doctors, but no one could give us an answer. Eventually Myla was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma in the spine, a type of primary bone cancer thats most often found in teenage boys. Myla and (twin) Georgia hadnt spent a day apart until the last couple of months, she said. Theyd go everywhere together, do everything together. If I could split myself in two right now for them, Id do it. Jayne and Robin Patton and the newborn Myla and Georgia, along with their canine big brother She has had to give up her job as an accounts administrator. There was no way I could carry on going to work and try to be there for Myla and Georgia at the same time, Jayne added. My husband Robins work has been fantastic as hes also needing to take a lot of time off. When it comes to the health of your child, theres really no decision to make. You have to do everything you can to be there for them, hold their hand through this. Only 30 children a year are diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma. Jayne said the speed with which the treatment started after Mylas illness was eventually confirmed has taken her by surprise. She added: We had her MRI just a month ago... it was a long road way to get there, between being in and out of hospital over the previous two months. We had been up and down to A&E quite a few times and theyd done X-rays, blood tests, and nothing was showing anything up. Then one of the doctors referred us to the Royal and Myla ended up staying on the neurology ward because they wanted to make sure it wasnt something going on in the brain. We were supposed to get an MRI done at the Royal, but their machine was broken so that left us waiting until the start of April. Thats when they discovered the tumour. The family had one big weekend of fun with the girls, then it was into hospital for Myla. Jayne said: She got her bloods taken that evening and, as planned, she got her central lines and feeding tube inserted, but the doctors decided to do a bone marrow biopsy too. Before we got her back from theatre we were told that chemotherapy would be starting immediately. That was one of the most difficult moments, when I had to sign the forms consenting to the treatment my little Myla needed so quickly. It felt like signing your little girls life over to someone else, but sometimes these things are taken out of your hands. I suppose that brought home the reality of the situation... so many scary words and all about your own little girl. We veer from shock to determination to anxiety to joy at every small step forward, then back to fear at every new issue that arises. Its just so hard for us to take in as its been coming so fast. Eighteen weeks of chemotherapy are now under way, with the prospect of surgery in Manchester and radiotherapy to follow. The one positive is that doctors believe the tumour hasnt spread. Myla will be in treatment until Christmas at least, probably into next year, said Jayne. While that seems a long way off, we want to be right here by her side every step of the way, and right here for Georgia too. Last weekend we brought Georgia up to a house near the hospital run by Young Lives Vs Cancer. They got to play together and, for a few hours, it was as if nothing had changed. The tears were tripping us seeing them together, then having to take Myla back to hospital. While family have stepped in to help support the couple, and Georgia is spending plenty of time being spoiled by her gran, its the community that is now helping to provide. Myla faces months of treatment after being diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma The fundraiser, set up by Robins sister Tyree, has already raised 50,000 to help them pay household bills, daily living costs and treating the twins to fun times when they can, now work commitments have been put to one side. Jayne added: We never expected so much support for us through this. Its honestly all a little overwhelming right now. The staff at the Royal have been amazing you really have no idea what they do until you see it yourself. Wed give anything to see the two girls back side by side, playing together, sleeping together and being the best friends theyve always been, and well do everything we can to make sure that happens. Myla enjoys her favourite treat of a Krispy Kreme donut with dad Robin Watch: Statue of Bobby Sands unveiled in Twinbrook area of west Belfast It will be a long journey and its hard when you know so much is out of your own control. We know there will be difficult times, but seeing the level of support, both from the medical professions and the community, means so much to us. Any money not used by the family through the fundraising campaign at gofundme.com (Support Mylas Cancer Battle) will be donated to the Childrens Cancer Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. 'The war is over here but the conflict is alive and well its a battle for NIs future' Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown believes that the ongoing division in society is to the benefit of some people while he insists that due to changing demographics the Good Friday Agreement is now outdated, writes Garrett Hargan Bishop Donal McKeown who is the Roman Catholic Bishop of Derry. Picture Martin McKeown. Garrett Hargan Mon 5 May 2025 at 07:08 The Good Friday Agreement is outdated, Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown has said, as he pointed to entrenched sectarianism and the reality of people who like to promote tribalism in Northern Ireland. The event this year marked its 80th anniversary Civic Service for 80th Anniversary of VE Day at St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, Northern Ireland. First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill and the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly pictured at the event. Pacemaker Press Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly attended the annual Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemoration at St Annes Cathedral on Sunday. The First and Deputy Deputy First Ministers sat together at the event to mark 80 years since the formal acceptance by the Allies of Germanys unconditional surrender in World War Two. The service was hosted by His Majestys Lord Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-OBoyle, and the Dean of Belfast, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde. First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill and the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly with the Dean of Belfast, the Very Reverend Stephen Forde. Picture By: Arthur Allison /Pacemaker Press. Dame Maria Eagle MP was also present, as well as DUP leader Gavin Robinson and his wife Lindsay. Read more Second World War sacrifices remembered ahead of VE Day 80th anniversary In the order of service, the Lord Lieutenant said: "The unrestrained joy that brought tens of thousands of people onto Belfasts streets and across Northern Ireland on May 8 1945 was at least, in part, a release of the fear and grief that had so characterised the years since the outbreak of war in 1939, she said. "No one was unaffected, and freedom, independence and the preservation of democracy had been achieved at a hugely high cost. The civic service to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Sunday in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast. Pic: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye. "At this challenging time for Europe and the world, it is entirely right that we remember with proud sorrow the sacrifice of all who endured the vicissitudes of the Second World War, but imperative also that we reflect on our common purpose as a nation, as individuals and within our own communities. Each of us has a role to play. The Dean of Belfast said the event was also about remembering all those who contributed to the war effort. Civic Service for 80th Anniversary of VE Day at St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, Northern Ireland. First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill and the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at the event. Picture By: Arthur Allison /Pacemaker Press. Civic Service for 80th Anniversary of VE Day at St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, Northern Ireland. First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill and the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at the event. Picture By: Arthur Allison /Pacemaker Press. "We remember the heroism and sacrifice of all those who contributed to the war effort on the home front, in agriculture and industries, as firefighters, or air-raid wardens, as scientists or code breakers, or those who guarded our skies and seas from cold and remote lookout towers, said Mr Forde. "Yet today, as we look back with gratitude we must also look forward. In todays service, the twin challenges of peace keeping and peace building, are represented by those on whose shoulders our future peace depends. Civic Service for 80th Anniversary of VE Day at St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, Northern Ireland. First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill and the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly pictured at the event. Pacemaker Press Watch: Statue of Bobby Sands unveiled in Twinbrook area of west Belfast "Peace, and the absence of war can never be taken for granted. Today let us pray with thanksgiving and hope for the God given gift of enduring peace. Five people have been taken to hospital following a multi-vehicle crash in Co Armagh on Sunday. The incident happened on the Mullaghbrack Road in Markethill yesterday afternoon, with police confirming last night the road had since reopened. The crash involved two cars police confirmed, with crews from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attending. A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are appealing for information following a road traffic collision in Markethill yesterday afternoon, Sunday 4th May. "At approximately 2.40pm, it was reported that there had been a road traffic collision involving two cars in the Mullaghbrack Road area. Emergency services attended the crash (Stock image) Watch: Riot police deal with disorder following Irish Cup final "Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and five people were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries. "Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or anyone with CCTV, dash-cam or other footage that could assist with enquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 930 04/05/25. Exclusive | Head of Civil Service apologised to Little-Pengelly after hugely embarrassing move revealed Irish Sea border truth Text messages between Jayne Brady and Emma Little-Pengelly show the DUPs acute sensitivity to titles which reveal that the Irish Sea border is real and will endure Jayne Brady and Emma Little-Pengelly Sam McBride Mon 5 May 2025 at 07:00 The head of the NI Civil Service (NICS) privately apologised to the Deputy First Minister after the civil service inadvertently exposed that the DUPs claims to have got rid of the Irish Sea border are nonsense. North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 workers to Russia in a bid to ease the country's labor shortage, which has been worsened by heavy military losses in Ukraine and a declining birth rate, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing South Korean intelligence. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Pyongyang has emerged as one of Moscow's staunchest allies. Now entering its third year, the war has compounded Russia's workforce crisis. Western estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers have died in the conflict, while many others have fled the country to avoid conscription and increasing repression. Russia's Labor Ministry recently estimated a shortfall of 1.5 million workers, potentially growing to 2.4 million by 2030. South Korea's intelligence agency reportedly informed lawmakers last week that nearly 15,000 North Korean migrant workers have been sent to Russia to help address the labor shortage. Many of them are believed to have entered under the guise of student visas, with official Russian data showing a 12-fold increase in North Korean arrivals in 2024 compared to the previous year. Thus far, most of the North Korean workers have been deployed in Russia's Far East. However, officials are hoping to extend their presence to major urban centers such as Moscow. Russian employers reportedly favor North Korean laborers for their readiness to work 12-hour days for low wages, without complaints about conditions, according to The Wall Street Journal. The use of North Korean migrant labor abroad constitutes a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, which prohibit such arrangements. The deployment of workers comes amid deepening economic and military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. In 2023, North Korea sent 12,000 troops to aid Russia's war effort, followed by an additional 3,000 this year. These forces were reportedly involved in supporting Russia's counteroffensive in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces had launched a surprise incursion last August and suffered significant losses. The Kremlin claimed last month that it had fully expelled Ukrainian forces from the area, though Kyiv has disputed the assertion. On Monday, pro-Russian military bloggers alleged a renewed Ukrainian incursion into Kursk, though neither side has officially commented on the reports. Hard-right nationalist George Simion will face a pro-western reformist in a pivotal run-off after decisively winning the most votes in Romanias first-round presidential election rerun. The run-off in two weeks could reshape the European Union and Nato member countrys geopolitical direction. Mr Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), far outpaced all other candidates in the polls with 40.96% of the vote, according to official electoral data, after all votes were counted from Sundays election. In second place was reformist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan with 20.99%. The run-off will be held on May 18 between the two staunchly anti-establishment candidates but ideological opposites, who have made their political careers railing against Romanias old political class. Presidential candidate George Simion exits a voting booth (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Mr Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician and former anti-corruption activist who founded the Save Romania Union party (USR) in 2016 and ran on a pro-EU ticket, told the media on Monday that a difficult second round lies ahead, against an isolationist candidate. This was a democratic process that Romania needed this wont be a debate between individuals, it will be a debate between a pro-western direction for Romania and an anti-western one, he said. I call on all Romanians to be part of this battle, and I am optimistic that we will win. In third place was the governing coalitions joint candidate, Crin Antonescu, with 20.07%, and behind him Victor Ponta, a former prime minister from 2012-2015, with 13% of the vote, while Elena Lasconi, who came second in last years first round ballot, only obtained about 2.6%. Final turnout stood at 9.57 million people or 53.2% of eligible voters, according to data from the electoral authorities. Last years election was annulled after the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu topped the first round, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan gestures as he addresses supporters (Eduard Vinatoru/AP) The election redo took place months after an annulled vote plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades. Mr Simion, who came fourth in last years race and later backed Mr Georgescu, said in a pre-recorded speech aired after polls closed on Sunday: I am here to restore constitutional order. He added: I want democracy, I want normalcy, and I have a single objective: to give back to the Romanian people what was taken from them and to place at the centre of decision-making the ordinary, honest, dignified people. After her poor showing in Sundays vote, Ms Lasconi announced her resignation on Monday as leader of the USR party, saying: I fought with all my strength against a rotten, corrupt system that has kept us captive for 35 years. Our efforts must be directed towards supporting a pro-European path and accelerating the transformation of a system that has proven dysfunctional and not in the citizens interest. The presidential role carries a five-year term and significant decision-making powers in national security and foreign policy. Presidential candidate Crin Antonescu speaks to the media during a meeting with supporters after polls closed (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant, said Sundays outcome will probably trigger a crisis within the mainstream parties, and the run-off will pit pro-western ideas against more conservative, patriotic messaging. In a speech conceding defeat, the governing coalitions candidate, Mr Antonescu, distanced himself and did not endorse either candidate in the run-off, saying: I was not part of the coalition. I presented a programme, some ideas, and some people voted for me. I urge them to decide for themselves which of the remaining candidates best aligns with the ideas I put forward. I encourage everyone who voted for me today to show up and vote. Distrust in the authorities remains widespread, especially for those who voted for Mr Georgescu, a sizeable electorate that Mr Simion has sought to tap into. President Donald Trumps government has said it will pay illegal immigrants 1,000 dollars to voluntarily return to their home country (Luis M Alvarez/AP) The Trump administration says it is going to pay immigrants in the United States illegally who have returned to their home country voluntarily 1,000 dollars (753) as it pushes forward with its mass deportation agenda. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that it is also paying for travel assistance and that those people who use an app called CBP Home to tell the government that they plan to return home will be deprioritised for detention and removal by immigration enforcement. Secretary Kristi Noem said: If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App. The department said it had already paid for a plane ticket for one migrant to return home to Honduras from Chicago and said more tickets have been booked for this week and next. President Donald Trump has made immigration enforcement and the mass deportation of immigrants in the US illegally a centrepiece of his campaign, but that is a costly, resource-intensive endeavour. While the Republican administration is pushing Congress for a massive increase in resources for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement department responsible for removing people from the country, it is also pushing people in the country illegally to self-deport. US President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a California island. In a message on his Truth Social site on Sunday evening, Mr Trump wrote: For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport on Sunday (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. He added: The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. Returning to the White House on Sunday night after a weekend in Florida, the president said he had come up with the idea because of frustrations with radicalised judges who have insisted those being deported receive due process. Alcatraz, he said, has long been a symbol of law and order. You know, its got quite a history. Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat whose district includes the island, questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison after so many years. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one, she wrote on X. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The San Francisco prison infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters which surround it was known as The Rock and housed some of the nations most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies, including The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. In the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or did not survive the attempt. The fate of three particular inmates John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris is of some debate and was dramatised in the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood. Alcatraz Island is now a major tourist site that is operated by the National Park Service and is a designated National Historic Landmark. A boat makes its way toward Alcatraz Island with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in the background (AP) The closure of the federal prison in 1963 was attributed to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency will comply with all Presidential Orders. The spokesperson did not immediately answer questions from The Associated Press regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agencys role in the future of the former prison, given the National Park Services control of the island. The Bureau of Prisons has 16 penitentiaries performing the same high-security functions as Alcatraz, including its maximum-security facility in Florence, Colorado, and the US penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, which is home to the federal death chamber. The order comes as Mr Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador, without due process. The president has also directed the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labelled the worst criminal aliens. The Bureau of Prisons has faced myriad crises in recent years and has been subjected to increased scrutiny after Jeffrey Epsteins suicide at a federal jail in New York City in 2019. How my Thatcher jibe got play branded pro-IRA by Tory critics Belfast rappers Kneecap also quickly learning their actions have consequences Ivan, Martin Lynch, Conor Grimes and Alan McKee (Photograph by Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX) Ivan Little Mon 5 May 2025 at 20:00 It wasnt in the same league as Kneecap, but a few years ago, a line I uttered during a play in London had Tory critics howling in anger. According to the Roman Catholic Church, the arduous and enigmatic process of electing a new Pontiff, known as the Papal Conclave, will begin on May 7. Recent numbers of the College of Cardinals show that approximately 135 cardinals, all under the age of 80, are eligible to vote on behalf of the 1.4-billion-member Church. Although there is no preconceived time for the Sistine Chapel to blow white smoke, the last two Conclaves show this could be a swift process. The sanctimonious process lasted only two days in 2005 (Pope Benedict) and 2013 (Pope Francis). However, when Cardinals convene to elect the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the process could take longer because many of these Cardinals have not met each other. Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, advised global media that May 7 was chosen for that reason. Allowing the Cardinals to get to know one another and the targeted considerations for the Holy See itself opens the doors of conversation in hopes of a smooth and succinct process. Although the Church has 252 Cardinals, only 135 are eligible to vote for Francis successor because of their age. The time-honored process requires a two-thirds vote to take hold. The vote occurs at least twice daily until the College of Cardinals reaches a majority consensus. But is there a consensus already? Based on numerous reports, including a few Vegas betting sites, three individuals are considered the odds-on favorite to be selected among their brethren. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, is the current Vatican Secretary of State. He understands the diplomacy required to be the Pope. Additionally, his keen understanding of both former Pontiffs has allowed him to see how tradition and progression influenced the Holy See. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, is a pastoral candidate who has recently made headlines for supporting the Catholic Churchs stances on the Israel-Hamas conflict. He even visited Gaza to bless Catholics on both sides of the war. Another popular selection is Cardinal Luis Tagle, 67, from the Philippines. His remarkably progressive stances on accepting people from all walks of life, specifically the LGBTQ+ community and divorced Catholics, have earned him the moniker of the Asian Francis. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, 65, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, opposes Tagle. In 2023, he gained global praise and ire for leading African bishops in a unanimous rejection of Fiducia Supplicans, a declaration the Vatican issued that included guidelines on the blessings of people in same-sex relationships. If either one is shouted following the Senior Cardinal Deacon shouting Habemus Papum (We have a Pope), it will be the first time a man of color has been elected Pope in the modern era, over 2,000 years ago. It all still feels quite unpredictable, said Lucetta Scaraffia, a church historian and former Vatican magazine Women Church World editor. Newspapers will say that Parolin is the strongest contender, but newspapers are running their conclave, she said, referring to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state. None of the talked-about front-runners was a given, she added. Shutterstock.com Time Span Age and Author Similar Stories Role of Eve Cause of Controversy Stephanie Hertzenberg is a graduate of the College of William and Mary where she majored in Religious Studies and minored in Creative Writing. She maintains an avid interest in health, history and science. The Book of Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and Christians believe that it describes the creation of the world. It is one of the most often read and referenced books in the Bible. It is also one of the best known books. Even non-Christians are usually familiar with at least some of the stories out of Genesis. Noahs Ark; Cain and Able; and Adam, Eve and the Serpent have found their way into common vernacular. Hes a snake is, after all, a common insult for someone who is deceitful, and people of many religions may laugh about needing to build an ark when there has been a great deal of rain.The fame of Genesis, however, does not mean that people know everything there is to know about this ancient text. In fact, Genesis fame may keep some people from digging deeper into this portion of Scripture. The book is so well known that people mistakenly assume there is nothing new to discover about Genesis. Here are five things you didnt know about Genesis.The Book of Genesis begins with the creation of Heaven and Earth, the sun, moon, stars and life. It ends, however, with the death of Joseph. This means that Genesis covers nearly 2,300 years of Biblical history, the most of any book of the Bible by far. To put it in perspective, all the other books in the Bible, from Exodus through Revelation, cover just over 1,800 years.The many centuries that Genesis covers are not spread out evenly through the book. Genesis 1 through Genesis 11 covers roughly 2,000 years, the vast majority of which takes place in the Fertile Crescent. The remaining 300 years are covered by Genesis 12 through Genesis 50 and take place in Israel and Egypt.The age and authorship of Bible books is almost always being debated. Christians do not always agree on when Bible books were written and neither do religious scholars. The two groups rarely see eye to eye with each other on this either. There is usually, however, some form of consensus. Christians may agree on a rough timeline while religious scholars disagree. No group, however, can agree on when Genesis was written. Christian tradition often says that the Book of Genesis was written by Moses at roughly 1450 B.C., but others claim the book is even older. Religious scholars cannot come to a consensus either. Most scholars reject that Genesis was written by Moses, but many do hold that the book was written by figures that appear in the Bible. Two common theories for the origins of the Book of Genesis are that the book was written by either the Biblical prophet Ezra in the fifth century B.C. or by a member of King Solomons court in the 10th century B.C. if not by Solomon himself.These, however, are not the only theories researchers have about Genesis. Some people believe that Genesis was written at the time of the Babylonian exile in the sixth century. This would mean that Genesis would have been written at roughly the same time as religious scholars believe that Exodus was written. Unfortunately, there is no proof of Genesis age. Some of the oldest fragments of the text were found with the Dead Sea Scrolls, but these only date to around 100 B.C., and most people, Christians and scholars, believe the text is far older than that.There are number of stories in Genesis that resemble myths from other cultures. Creation accounts and flood myths, for example, are found in hundreds of cultures across the globe and across time. No culture, however, has mythology as similar to Genesis as ancient Mesopotamia. The Enuma Elish is the most intact version of the Babylonian creation myth, and much of it sounds very similar to Genesis. In fact, some translations are nearly word for word copies of each other. Atrahasis is another ancient Mesopotamian myth and closely mirrors Noahs Ark. Like in the tale of Noahs Ark, a great flood is sent to wipe out humanity. A good man, Atrahasis, is warned of the coming disaster by the god Enki, and he builds an ark to survive the flood. Atrahasis brings his family and two of every animal onto the ark and so saves life.Christians have built up quite a bit of animosity toward the first woman. She is often seen as the original temptress, the reason for the fall of humanity and the birth of the original sin. Eve, however, falls victim to the common idea that a person does not need to continue studying what they already know. Christians know that Eve was a seductress who listened to the Devils lies. As such, they do not need to dig deeper into Eves story. This is unfortunate because Eve is not responsible for half of what Christians heap on her shoulders.The book of Genesis has two subtly different tales of Eden, but neither one holds Eve alone responsible for the original sin because Adam is with Eve when she is tempted by the serpent. The Book of Genesis says that When the woman saw that the tree was good for foodshe took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband who was with her. Adam was with Eve when the serpent spun its fabulous lie. He stood beside her and listened to the Devil, the same as Eve.Adam could have told Eve not to listen. He could have refused the fruit. Instead, Adam is just as entranced by the snakes lies as Eve. She simply happens to be the one standing closer to the tree and able to reach the fruit easier. Eve does not seduce Adam into taking the fruit. He shares it with her willingly.Few books have caused as much controversy as the Book of Genesis. Christians and atheists have pitted the creation account in Genesis directly against Darwins theory of evolution like a pair of fighting dogs. This mutual animosity has led to battles over what to teach in schools, name calling and court cases, one of which made it all the way to the United States Supreme Court. It is also at the root of the erroneous assumption that science and religion are mutually exclusive.Christians and non-Christians alike may be familiar with the stories in the Book of Genesis, but that does not mean people know everything there is to know about this ancient text. After all, people never stop learning, and even in the most famous books, there is always something new to be learned. 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. Israel's security cabinet has approved an expanded military operation in Gaza aimed at displacing the population southward and holding territory indefinitely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday. In a video statement, Netanyahu declared the military would not conduct brief raids and retreat. "One thing will be clear: there will be no in-and-out," he said. "We'll call up reserves to come, hold territory... That's not the plan. The intention is the opposite." He added, "There will be a movement of the population to protect them." The expanded campaign, dubbed Operation Gideon's Chariots, received unanimous backing from the cabinet. A senior Israeli security official said the goal is to subdue Hamas and secure the release of hostages, with implementation expected after U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to the Middle East. "If no hostage deal is reached, Operation Gideon's Chariots will begin with full force and will not stop until all its objectives are achieved," the official said. The operation includes displacing Gaza's entire population to the enclave's south and maintaining military control over captured areas. "In any temporary or permanent agreement, Israel will not evacuate the security buffer zone around Gaza," the official noted. Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also spoke Monday, saying, "We are finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip." He added that once military operations begin, "there will be no withdrawal from the territories we've captured, not even in exchange for hostages." Netanyahu reiterated that military leadership had advised beginning "final moves" in Gaza. However, a shift in stated priorities created confusion. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said, "The top goal of the operation is the return of the hostages," emphasizing that defeating Hamas comes after that. The remark drew criticism from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who said Defrin was "confused into thinking that the army is above the political echelon." Hostage families expressed concern that expanded operations might endanger their loved ones, fearing the government is prioritizing Hamas's defeat over negotiations. Asked about the U.S. position, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes told CNN, "The President has made clear the consequences Hamas will face if it continues to hold hostages... Hamas bears sole responsibility for this conflict." Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns continue to mount. Over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The UN expressed alarm about Israel's expansion plans. "The Secretary General is alarmed by these reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza," said UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq. The Israeli cabinet also discussed a new framework to resume humanitarian aid deliveries. The plan, not yet implemented, sparked internal disagreement. According to Israel's public broadcaster Kan 11, ministers Ben Gvir and Orit Strook opposed aid resumption, while IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir insisted Israel was obligated under international law. A U.S. and Israeli-backed aid mechanism, involving an unnamed private foundation, is reportedly in development to bypass Hamas. However, aid groups rejected the proposal Sunday, saying it would "fail to ensure aid reached Gaza's most vulnerable residents." The UN reiterated it would not participate in any plan that undermines the principles of "humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality." The attorneys for Stockbridge plan to file a motion at Berkshire Superior Court to dismiss a court filing by an attorney representing two neighbors of the development at the former DeSisto Estate because the town clerk was not notified ahead of the deadline required by state law. The Department of Education will resume debt collections for federal student loan borrowers in default on Monday, during a critical moment for higher education and affordability in Massachusetts and across the country. "In total, around 13 percent of Massachusetts residents, over 900,000 residents, have some form of federal student loan debt. And from the data I was looking at, the average student loan debt in Massachusetts is around $35,000," Education Trust Massachusetts State Director Jennie Williamson told MASSterList. The Trump administration has said that it "can and will" take the wages, pensions and tax refunds of indebted borrowers beginning May 5. Williamson said the move will hurt people already struggling with rising costs and disproportionately impact low-income families and families of color especially Black borrowers, who graduate with more student debt than any other group. "Policies like this threaten to discourage future generations from pursuing higher education altogether," Williamson said. "And the fear of being trapped in debt, with no way out, especially if debt can lead to wage garnishment, will likely deter some students [from] enrolling." Monday will end the roughly five-year pause of collections on defaulted federal student loans put in place during Covid-19 as temporary relief for borrowers. The Biden administration's one-year "on-ramp" period which allowed borrowers to resume payments but protected them from credit-damaging consequences of those missed ended last fall. "My biggest concern is that it's happening at the same time that [the administration has] really decimated staff at the Department of Education, and there are a lot of questions about what options borrowers have for an affordable repayment system," Williamson said. The higher education sector is already struggling under the Trump administration, which has frozen and revoked millions in grants from colleges across Massachusetts and upped the ante on universities like Harvard. House Republicans also unveiled a plan this week to overhaul the federal student loan system and save $330 billion in the process. The early-stage plan includes proposals to eliminate existing income-based repayment plans (like the popular "SAVE" plan, which is currently on hold) and alter Pell Grant requirements moves Williamson said would significantly endanger financial aid accessibility and higher ed affordability. Christians around the world are encouraged to read their Bibles daily. Preachers, missionaries, and Bible teachers have spent countless hours sharing the importance of knowing Gods instructions for His people. Reading the Bible is not just an advantageous activity, it is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Knowing to read our Bibles is important, but more important is knowing how to read your Bible for all its worth. The 66 books of the Bible are interconnected with sacred truths and instructions you dont want to miss. So, how do you read your Bible for all its worth? Lets take a look at some actions, techniques, and tips you can use to glean all there is from this sacred book. What, Exactly, Is the Bible? To start our discussion, lets freshen up our knowledge of the Bible. Over 1,500 years ago, the Bible laid out Gods epic plan for humanity by divine inspiration to its 40 authors. The Bible is divided into the Old and New Testaments and has a total of 66 books. The Bible was not written all at once but over the course of hundreds of years. In the beginning, Bibles were handwritten in Latin. Around the 15th century the printing press became popular, and Bibles were more widely dispersed and translated into different languages. In the 7th century, a monk named Bede, from Northumberland, translated the Gospel of John into Old English. By the 14th century, John Wycliffe completed the first English Bible. William Tyndale is noted as the first man to produce a printed New Testament translated into English. Unfortunately, he would be executed for his work. The sacrifice of these men and many others ushered in the idea that all people should have access to Bibles. Because of them, we can open a Bible every day. Ready, Set, Action Reading your Bible for all its worth starts before you turn the first page. You must ready yourself for the divine truths God will speak to you. Readying yourself starts with prayer. Prayer is a time when you share with God what is happening in your life, what your heart is longing for, and ask for wisdom and guidance. Prayer is also the time to bring all your sins to the feet of Jesus. Sin disables the mind and clouds our reasoning. When we ask for forgiveness, we are taking off layers that would hinder our understanding of Gods Word. We are given discernment and ultimately transformation of our hearts and minds. When you pray, the Holy Spirit is set into action. The Holy Spirit is always working, but when we voice our aspiration to understand the Scriptures, it is a sweet melody to the Spirits ears. We cannot read the Bible for all its worth without the Holy Spirit! Jesus said, But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you (John 14:26). Techniques for Reading the Bible The first technique to read the Bible for all its worth is just to open it. Simply open to page one of Genesis and read all the way to Revelation. Reading the Bible this way can be accomplished on your own or with a Bible reading plan. This technique is great for getting a big-picture view of God. Its like getting a helicopter view of the land. Another technique is to choose a study method. Study methods are good for diving a bit deeper. There are many methods to choose from, but some of my favorites are focusing on a book of the Bible or character studies. You can also choose a word study. If there is a word that is sticking out for you, take some time and learn its origin and meaning. Topical studies are also helpful for understanding historical context and how that topic should be addressed today. Journaling your way through the Bible is also good. When you are reading and something pops out at you, write it down. After you have finished reading, write down your thoughts about the Scripture. Journaling is an excellent way to write out Scriptures for memorization or jotting down questions you may have. I would be letting you down if I did not mention small group Bible studies. God made us to need each other and by participating in a small group Bible study we can help one another in our quest to understand Scripture and learn better. Gathering with a small group is an excellent way to read and discuss Scripture. Hearing what others have gleaned from their Bible reading can be quite helpful in our understanding, and keeps us accountable to keep reading ourselves. Tips For Reading the Bible I must, sometimes reading my Bible seems like a daunting task. I get discouraged easily when I dont understand something. Over the years I have found some tips that have helped me with this. The first tip is to use a study Bible. We all have the Bible we carry to church, but we also need the Bible we read at home and make marks in. Study Bibles will have maps, note-taking room, and cross-references listed. I also challenge you to choose a Bible in a different translation from what your used to. Reading Scripture from different translations will help you get a well-rounded meaning of what God is saying to you. My second tip is to consider the historical context and literary elements in all of Scripture. Historical context will allow you to understand the society and culture of the passage or book. Literary elements are important to note because the fact is, you cannot read Psalms like you read Revelation. Repetition, parallelism, metaphors, symbolism, and idioms are all literary conventions used in the Bible. My third tip is to invest in additional study aids. The Westminster Confession I.9 says, The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture, it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly. Study aids can help you follow a topic or idea through other places in Scripture for greater understanding. Commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and a Bible atlas will aid you in understanding historical context and literary elements. I also suggest listening to audio Bibles or sermons on Scripture that is speaking to you. Bible Study Tools has many free commentaries and various Bible translations to read. If youre a mobile person, apps are a valuable resource. You can check out this article for a list of the top Bible apps available. My last tip is dont forget pen, paper, and highlighters. Write down or highlight verses that speak to you. You can carry those sheets of paper with you as you travel or put them on the wall of your home or office. Gods Word, the Bible, is a living document. Each time we open it we should prepare our hearts and expect a message just for us. That message is personal and different for each person. This is why it is so important to read the Bible for all its worth. Be in prayer, choose a technique that is right for you, and take advantage of the above tips. You do not want to miss anything God has to share with you. Photo credit: Getty Images/aldomurillo Ashley Hooker is a freelance writer passionate about missions. She has collaborated with mission teams in North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, West Virginia, and Vermont. Presently, she lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children, where she fulfills roles as a pastor's wife, a dance mom, and a farm girl. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. A professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio was arrested after nearly four years for allegedly accessing and possessing child pornography, according to authorities. Zaid Mashhour Haddad was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and another count of intentionally accessing material containing images of child pornography, according to the Department of Justice. FBI has arrested Zaid Mashhour Haddad, assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He's accused of streaming child s*x ab*se material. He reportedly had links to 181 videos. Texas pic.twitter.com/eLHuKomAYk Orietta Rose (@0riettaRose) May 1, 2025 The materials were reportedly discovered on Haddad's devices during a search warrant conducted by authorities in July 2021. Haddad, a UTSA Associate Professor of Instruction, Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching, was allegedly viewing the materials when authorities searched his residence. An arrest warrant for Haddad was signed on Tuesday by a US magistrate judge, according to court documents obtained by KSAT. Criminal attorney Joe Hoelscher expressed disbelief at the delay in Haddad's arrest. "It's unbelievable. You don't walk in on a guy who's watching child pornography with young kids on a flat screen in his apartment and not make an arrest," said Hoelscher. "What's shocking is law enforcement. Seven or eight year old being abused on his flat screen and left him in our community for four years in a role where he has access to children," he continued. Haddad allegedly obtained the videos by receiving them through the Telegram messaging app, with authorities reporting that he watched 181 different videos through links he received. Haddad was often sent links that directed users to virtual zoom meetings, during which pornographic videos streamed live for viewers. Haddad has been placed on administrative leave "pending the outcome of the case," according to a UTSA spokesperson. "The university has also initiated an internal probe, and there is no indication that any university resources were associated with the matter," the university's statement read. Haddad faces up to 20 years behind bars and a $250,000 fine if convicted. Originally published on Lawyer Herald State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Fianna Fail MEP Barry Cowen has unveiled a new position paper outlining his vision for the future of European farming and the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027. In the paper, seen by BreakingNews.ie, Mr Cowen argues that in a new era of heightened security concerns, food security must be recognised as a core pillar of Europe's strategic defence, with agriculture "deserving a protected share of broader security spending". Advertisement The European Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028 to 2034 should include increased CAP funding, Mr Cowen says in the report. "Announced by President von der Leyen, the ReArm Europe Plan alone allows for spending of over 800 billion by Member States and could see joint borrowing of up to 150 billion. These measures are aimed at reinvigorating the European defence sector and preparing for a worst-case scenario through stockpiling and strengthening borders. "I regard these measures to be necessary, however, I also believe that the deep connection between food, food production, strategic autonomy and our collective security is being overlooked in the conversation." The paper was developed as part of Mr Cowen's role as Renew Europes shadow rapporteur. Advertisement In the paper, seen by BreakingNews.ie, Mr Cowen argues that in a new era of heightened security concerns, food security must be recognised as a core pillar of Europe's strategic defence. Photo: PA Images Central to Mr Cowen's proposals is the creation of a third, standalone environmental pillar within CAP. This new pillar - backed by an increased CAP budget - would offer "meaningful rewards and incentives" to farmers who adopt voluntary environmental schemes and sustainable innovations. On rural development, Mr Cowen proposes stronger financial and policy tools to address generational renewal - an "existential threat" to farming and rural communities. His proposals include higher income support for young farmers, improved access to land and finance and stronger public-private innovation partnerships to drive sustainability and technology adoption. The paper further calls for major simplification across CAP delivery, advocating reduced administrative burdens and a shift away from the current "income foregone" payment model. He highlights that "excessive bureaucracy and a lack of practical usability were the number one issue raised with him by farmers during last years European election campaign". Mr Cowen engaged with stakeholders across Europe including farmers, young entrants, producer organisations, innovators, environmental experts and policymakers. Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar met former US vice president Mike Pence after he received an award for his refusal to go along with Donald Trumps efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. Mr Pence received the John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award on Sunday. Advertisement In a post on Instagram, Mr Varadkar shared a photo from the Kennedy Library in Boston where he posed with his partner Matt Barrett, Mr Pence and former US ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin. He captioned the post: "Was a priviledge to be at the Kennedy Library last night to see Caroline Kennedy and Jack Schlossberg present Fmr Vice-President Mike Pence with the Profiles in Courage Award for 2025. It takes real leadership to stand up to your opponents, even more to stand up to your friends." The Profile in Courage Award, named for a book Mr Kennedy published in 1957 before he became president, honours public officials who take principled stands despite the potential political or personal consequences. JFKs daughter Caroline Kennedy, who along with his grandson Jack Schlossberg presented the award, said Mr Pences actions that day were a reminder that you cannot take democracy for granted. Advertisement The award recognises Mr Pence for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan 6, 2021, the JFK Library Foundation said. To forge a future together, we have to find common ground, Mr Pence said. I hope in some small way my presence here tonight is a reminder that whatever differences we may have as Americans, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand. Its what binds us across time and generations Its what makes us one people. Mr Varadkar is currently in Boston after taking up a post as a guest lecturer in Harvard University. Advertisement Mr Varadkar and Mr Barrett previously met Mr Pence during the St Patrick's Day trip to Washington in 2019, when Mr Varadkar was taoiseach. There was some uncertainty prior to the meeting as Mr Pence, a conservative Christian, had been criticised for his views on LGBT issues and his opposition to same-sex marriage. Ireland Varadkar says US is no longer 'reliable political... Read More After Mr Pence had welcomed the couple, Mr Varadkar used his speech to support the LGBT community in the US. "I stand here this morning as leader of my country, flawed and human, but judged by my political actions and not by my sexual orientation or my skin tone or my gender or religious beliefs. "And I don't believe my country is the only one in the world where this story is possible. It is found in every country where freedom and liberty are cherished. We are, after all, all God's children." Mr Pence subsequently praised Mr Varadkar for his "inspiring words". Thousands of rail passengers in Spain have faced delays after copper cables used in the signalling system of a high-speed line travelling south from Madrid to Seville were stolen at five locations, authorities said. The theft, which happened late Sunday, affected dozens of trains travelling between Madrid and the southern Andalusian cities of Seville, Malaga and Granada as many people were returning home to Spains capital after a holiday weekend. Advertisement Copper prices are high on global markets, meaning criminals stand to collect big sums of cash from selling the material. Transport minister Oscar Puente said in an X post that he expected the rail line would fully return to its normal schedule by 4pm local time. Travellers wait for news about their delayed trains (Manu Fernandez/AP) Many travellers crowded Madrids Atocha station on Monday seeking information about their trains from rail employees and screens with updated departure times. By 9am, Alberto Valero and his family had spent hours at the station because of delays on services to Seville, where they were headed. Mr Valero was on holiday in Spain from Mexico, and expressed frustration about the lack of information. Advertisement Were here with tourists from everywhere France, Portugal, Mr Valero said. Everyone is at a loss for what to do because of the total disarray. The cable theft took place at five points on the high-speed line in Toledo in central Spain, Mr Puente said on X, adding that Spains national police force was investigating the incident. Spains high-speed rail network has expanded rapidly and travels through large stretches of the countrys little-populated countryside. The incident came a week after a blackout in Spain and Portugal saw high-speed train traffic in Spain ground to a halt, stranding many passengers for several hours. Hard-right nationalist George Simion will face a pro-western reformist in a pivotal run-off after decisively winning the most votes in Romanias first-round presidential election rerun. The run-off in two weeks could reshape the European Union and Nato member countrys geopolitical direction. Advertisement Mr Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), far outpaced all other candidates in the polls with 40.96% of the vote, according to official electoral data, after all votes were counted from Sundays election. In second place was reformist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan with 20.99%. The run-off will be held on May 18 between the two staunchly anti-establishment candidates but ideological opposites, who have made their political careers railing against Romanias old political class. Presidential candidate George Simion exits a voting booth (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Mr Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician and former anti-corruption activist who founded the Save Romania Union party (USR) in 2016 and ran on a pro-EU ticket, told the media on Monday that a difficult second round lies ahead, against an isolationist candidate. Advertisement This was a democratic process that Romania needed this wont be a debate between individuals, it will be a debate between a pro-western direction for Romania and an anti-western one, he said. I call on all Romanians to be part of this battle, and I am optimistic that we will win. In third place was the governing coalitions joint candidate, Crin Antonescu, with 20.07%, and behind him Victor Ponta, a former prime minister from 2012-2015, with 13% of the vote, while Elena Lasconi, who came second in last years first round ballot, only obtained about 2.6%. Final turnout stood at 9.57 million people or 53.2% of eligible voters, according to data from the electoral authorities. Last years election was annulled after the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu topped the first round, following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. Advertisement Presidential candidate Nicusor Dan gestures as he addresses supporters (Eduard Vinatoru/AP) The election redo took place months after an annulled vote plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades. Mr Simion, who came fourth in last years race and later backed Mr Georgescu, said in a pre-recorded speech aired after polls closed on Sunday: I am here to restore constitutional order. He added: I want democracy, I want normalcy, and I have a single objective: to give back to the Romanian people what was taken from them and to place at the centre of decision-making the ordinary, honest, dignified people. After her poor showing in Sundays vote, Ms Lasconi announced her resignation on Monday as leader of the USR party, saying: I fought with all my strength against a rotten, corrupt system that has kept us captive for 35 years. Advertisement Our efforts must be directed towards supporting a pro-European path and accelerating the transformation of a system that has proven dysfunctional and not in the citizens interest. The presidential role carries a five-year term and significant decision-making powers in national security and foreign policy. Presidential candidate Crin Antonescu speaks to the media during a meeting with supporters after polls closed (Vadim Ghirda/AP) Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant, said Sundays outcome will probably trigger a crisis within the mainstream parties, and the run-off will pit pro-western ideas against more conservative, patriotic messaging. In a speech conceding defeat, the governing coalitions candidate, Mr Antonescu, distanced himself and did not endorse either candidate in the run-off, saying: I was not part of the coalition. Advertisement I presented a programme, some ideas, and some people voted for me. I urge them to decide for themselves which of the remaining candidates best aligns with the ideas I put forward. I encourage everyone who voted for me today to show up and vote. Distrust in the authorities remains widespread, especially for those who voted for Mr Georgescu, a sizeable electorate that Mr Simion has sought to tap into. Israels military says that it carried out airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemens Red Sea city of Hodeida, a day after the Iranian-backed rebels launched a missile that hit Israels main airport. The rebels media office said the United States and Israel launched at least six strikes on Monday afternoon that hit the crucial Hodeida port. Advertisement Other strikes hit a cement factory in the Bajil district in Hodeida province, the rebels said. The Israeli military said more than 20 Israeli fighter jets took part in the operation, dropping more than 50 munitions on dozens of targets. On Sunday, a missile launched by Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen briefly halted flights and commuter traffic at Israels main international airport. Four people were lightly injured. It was the first time a missile struck the grounds of Israels airport since the start of the war. Advertisement The Houthis claimed that the strikes were a joint Israeli-American operation. However, a US defence official said US forces did not participate in the Israeli strikes on Yemen on Monday. The strikes were not part of Operation Rough Rider, which is the ongoing US military operation against the Houthis in Yemen to prevent them from targeting ships in the Red Sea that started March 15. Israel has approved plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said. The move, if implemented, would vastly expand Israels operations in the Palestinian territory and probably bring fierce international opposition. Advertisement Israeli cabinet ministers approved the plan in an early morning vote, hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. The new plan, which the officials said was meant to help Israel achieve its war aims of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages held in Gaza, also would push hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, what would likely exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis. Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) Since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in mid-March, Israel has unleashed fierce strikes on the territory that have killed hundreds. It has captured swathes of territory and now controls roughly 50% of Gaza. Before the truce ended, Israel halted all humanitarian aid into Gaza, including food, fuel and water, setting off what is believed to the be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war. Advertisement The ban on aid has prompted widespread hunger and shortages have set off looting. The Israeli officials said the plan included the capturing of the strip and the holding of territories. The plan would also seek to prevent the militant Hamas group from distributing humanitarian aid, which Israel says strengthens the groups rule in Gaza. It also accuses Hamas of keeping the aid for itself to bolsters its capabilities. The plan also included powerful strikes against Hamas targets, the officials said. Advertisement The officials said Israel was in touch with several countries about President Donald Trumps plan to take over Gaza and relocate its population, under what Israel has termed voluntary emigration yet which has sparked condemnations from Israels allies in Europe and the Arab world. One of the officials said the plan would be implemented gradually. An Israeli army tank in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) For weeks, Israel has been trying to increase pressure on Hamas and prompt it to show more flexibility in ceasefire negotiations. But international mediators trying to bring the sides towards a new deal have struggled to do so. Israels measures do not appear to have moved Hamas away from its negotiating positions. Advertisement The previous ceasefire was meant to lead the sides to negotiate an end to the war, but that goal has been a repeated sticking point in talks between Israel and Hamas. Israel says it will not agree to end the war until Hamas is defeated. Hamas meanwhile has demanded an agreement that winds down the war. The Israeli officials did not disclose details on how the plan seeks to prevent Hamas from involvement in aid distribution. One said the ministers had approved the option of aid distribution, without elaborating. According to an internal memo circulated among aid groups and seen by the Associated Press, Israel told the United Nations that it will use private security companies to control aid distribution in Gaza. The UN, in a statement on Sunday, said it would not participate in the plan as presented to it, saying it violates its core principles. The memo, sent to aid organisations on Sunday, detailed notes from a meeting between the Israeli defence body in charge of co-ordinating aid to Gaza, Cogat, and the UN. Advertisement Under Cogats plan, all aid will enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, letting approximately 60 trucks enter daily and distributing 20kg of aid parcels directly to people on the day of entry, although their contents were unclear as was how many people will have access to the aid. The memo said the aid will be distributed at logistics hubs, which will be run by private security companies. The memo said that facial recognition will be used to identify Palestinians at the hubs and SMS alerts will notify people in the area that they can collect aid. Palestinian children and women struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The UN said the plan would leave large parts of the population, including the most vulnerable, without supplies. It said the plan appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic as part of a military strategy. The memo says that the US government has voiced clear support for Israels plan, but it is unclear who would provide funding for the private military companies or the aid. Earlier this week, the AP obtained dozens of documents about aid groups concerns that the hubs could end up permanently displacing Palestinians and forcing them to live in de facto internment conditions. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes across Gaza continued overnight, killing at least 17 people in the north, according to hospital staff. Strikes hit Gaza City, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya and among the dead were eight women and children, according to staff at the Shifa hospital, where the bodies were brought. The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel says 59 captives remain in Gaza, although about 35 are believed to be dead. Israels offensive has killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza, many of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials, who do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count. The fighting has displaced more than 90% of Gazas population, often multiple times. Israel occupied Gaza in the 1967 Middle East war and withdrew troops and settlers in 2005. Two years later, Hamas took over and has controlled the territory since. Israel approved plans on Monday to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said, a move that, if implemented, would vastly expand Israels operations there and likely draw fierce international opposition. The new plan, which was approved in an early morning vote by Israeli Cabinet ministers, also calls for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to move to Gazas south. That would likely amount to their forcible displacement and exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis. Advertisement Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) Details of the plan were not formally announced, and its exact timing and implementation were not clear. Its approval came hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. The plan may be another measure by Israel to try to pressure Hamas into making concessions in ceasefire negotiations. A third person, a defence official, said the new plan would not begin until after US President Donald Trump wraps up his expected visit to the Middle East this month, allowing for the possibility that Israel might agree to a ceasefire in the meantime. Advertisement Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 after a decades-long occupation and then imposed a blockade on the territory along with Egypt. Capturing and potentially occupying the territory again for an indefinite period would not only further dash hopes for Palestinian statehood, it would embed Israel inside a population that is deeply hostile to it and raise questions about how Israel plans to govern the territory, especially at a time when it is considering how to implement Mr Trumps vision to take over Gaza. Since Israel ended a ceasefire with the Hamas militant group in mid-March, Israel has unleashed fierce strikes on the territory that have killed hundreds. It has captured swaths of territory and now controls roughly 50% of Gaza. Advertisement An Israeli army tank in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) Before the truce ended, Israel halted all humanitarian aid into the territory, including food, fuel and water, setting off what is believed to be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel says 59 captives remain in Gaza, although about 35 are believed to be dead. Israels offensive has displaced more than 90% of Gazas population and, Palestinian health officials say, killed more than 52,000 people there, many of them women and children. Advertisement The officials do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said on Monday that the bodies of 32 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. The Israeli officials said the plan included the capturing of the strip and the holding of territories. Palestinian children and women struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The plan would also seek to prevent Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid, a role that Israel says strengthens the groups rule in Gaza. Advertisement It also accuses Hamas of keeping the aid for itself, without providing evidence. Aid workers deny there is a significant diversion of aid to militants, saying the UN strictly monitors distribution. The officials said Israel was in touch with several countries about Mr Trumps plan to take over Gaza and relocate its population, under what Israel has termed voluntary emigration. That proposal has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Israels allies in Europe, and rights groups have warned it could be a war crime under international law. Hamas officials did not respond to requests for comment on the plans. For weeks, Israel has been trying to ratchet up pressure on Hamas to get the group to agree to its terms in ceasefire negotiations. But the measures do not appear to have moved Hamas away from its negotiating positions. The previous ceasefire was meant to lead the sides to negotiate an end to the war, but that has remained elusive. Israel says it will not agree to end the war until Hamass governing and military capabilities are dismantled. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Hamas, meanwhile, has sought an agreement that winds down the war without agreeing to disarm. Israels expansion announcement angered families of hostages who fear that any extension of the conflict endangers their loved ones. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which supports families, urged Israels decision-makers to prioritise the hostages and secure a deal quickly. At a Knesset committee meeting Monday, Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held hostage, called on soldiers not to report for reserve duty for moral and ethical reasons. Some reservists have indicated they will refuse to serve in a war they increasingly view as politically motivated. The defence official said the plan would separate Hamas from the aid by using private firms and by using specified areas secured by the Israeli military. They added that Palestinians would be screened to prevent Hamas from accessing the aid. According to a memo circulated among aid groups and seen by The Associated Press, Israel told the United Nations that it will use private security companies to control aid distribution in Gaza. People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war and the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) The UN, in a statement on Sunday, said it would not participate in the plan as presented, saying it violates its core principles. The memo summarised a meeting between the Israeli defence body in charge of co-ordinating aid to Gaza, called COGAT, and the UN. It was written by a group briefed on the meeting and sent on Sunday to aid organisations. According to the memo, under COGATs plan, all aid will enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, on approximately 60 trucks daily, and be distributed directly to people. Some 500 trucks entered Gaza every day before the war. The memo said that facial-recognition technology will be used to identify Palestinians at logistics hubs and text message alerts will notify people in the area that they can collect aid. COGAT did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israels plans have been widely criticised (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) After Israel said it was going to assert more control over aid distribution in Gaza, the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) sent an email to aid groups, urging them to collectively hold the line and reject any draconian restrictions on humanitarian work. The email, which OCHA sent on Monday to aid groups and was shared with the AP, further stated that there are mechanisms in place to ensure aid is not diverted. Earlier, OCHA said in a statement that the plan would leave large parts of the population, including the most vulnerable, without supplies. It said the plan appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic as part of a military strategy. Aid groups have said they are opposed to using any armed or uniformed personnel to distribute aid that could potentially intimidate Palestinians or put them at risk, and they fiercely criticised the new plan. Israeli officials want to manipulate and militarise all aid to civilians, forcing us to deliver supplies through hubs designed by the Israeli military, once the government agrees to reopen crossings, Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, posted on X, saying the group would not participate. Hamas decried Israels efforts to control the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza as a violation of international law. In a statement on Monday, the militant group said the effort is an extension of the starvation policy adopted by the Israeli government in Gaza. Earlier this month, the AP obtained notes summarising various Israeli proposals on aid distribution and aid groups concerns about them. In those documents, the groups expressed fears that Palestinians would be required to retrieve aid from a small number of sites, forcing families to move to get assistance and putting their safety at risk if large crowds gathered at the sites. If the Catholic cardinals entering the Conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis are looking for a steady administrator to run the Church and bring some calm after three consecutive papacies that were at times tempestuous, they may look no further than Pietro Parolin. On nearly every media shortlist of papal contenders, Parolin has been the Vatican's secretary of state for the last 12 years, effectively the number two position in the Church. He is also the Vatican's top diplomat. Advertisement The two roles mean Parolin - a 70-year-old from a small town in Italy's deeply Catholic northern Veneto region - is perhaps the candidate best known to the 133 cardinal electors who will enter the Sistine Chapel for the start of the secret conclave on Wednesday. Cardinals who have visited Rome from around the world on Church business have met him and he has visited most of their countries. Two cardinals from two African countries, for example, probably know Parolin just as well or even better than they know each other. Under Francis, who died on April 21st, the number of occasions all the world's cardinals could meet altogether in Rome was limited. Advertisement "We have to get to know each other" has been a common refrain to reporters from otherwise tight-lipped cardinals entering and leaving pre-conclave meetings known as "General Congregations". Putting out fires Parolin is seen as a quiet diplomat who is pragmatic more than conservative or progressive. He occasionally had to quietly put out fires caused by the late pope's remarks. Francis, an Argentine who was the first pope from the Americas, gave media interviews and sometimes spoke off the cuff in public. "He (Parolin) knows how to take a punch for the number one and for the institution," said one cleric currently based abroad who has worked with him and has known him for many years, who asked not to be identified because of the secretive nature of the conclave. Advertisement One such recent occasion was when the late pope suggested last year that Israel's military campaign in Gaza might amount to genocide. Parolin agreed to meet with then-Israeli ambassador to the Vatican, Raphael Schutz, who told him that Israel wanted the pope to say more about Israel's right to defend itself. When Francis said Ukraine should have the "courage of the white flag" to end the war there, the comment drew widespread criticism from allies of Kyiv but was hailed by Russia. Parolin quietly told diplomats that the pope meant negotiations, not surrender. Career focused on diplomacy Parolin entered the minor seminary when he was 14 and was ordained in 1980. He has spent nearly all of his career in Vatican diplomacy, in Rome and around the world. He has never headed a Catholic diocese, which would have given him more pastoral experience. Advertisement But those who know him say this is not a deficit because in running an organisation as complex as the Vatican's central administration and representing the pope around the world, he has had many contacts with many members of the faithful. "He travelled to many places and dealt with all categories of people in diverse regional, cultural and linguistic environments. He knows the universal Church," the overseas cleric said. Vatican agreement with China Some conservative-leaning cardinals in the US and Asia have expressed disagreement with Parolin because he is the main architect of a secret 2018 Vatican agreement with China. They call the deal, which gives Chinese authorities some say in who will serve as Catholic bishops, a sell-out to the Communist Party. Advertisement Supporters say it is better than no dialogue at all between the Church and China and that even Pope Benedict, known as more conservative than Francis, favored it. Another criticism is that under Parolin's watch the Secretariat of State lost some $140 million in a botched investment in a London property. The deal led to a Vatican corruption trial in which Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was one of Parolin's top deputies, was convicted of embezzlement and fraud. Parolin is like Clark Kent without the superman part - mild-mannered, industrious, respected, but not flashy. Parolin testified at the trial but was not among those accused. Becciu denies wrongdoing and is appealing the verdict. Parolin's personality is definitely not as charismatic as that of Francis, but some cardinals may see that as a plus. "Parolin is like Clark Kent without the superman part - mild-mannered, industrious, respected, but not flashy," said one person, a layman, who knows him well, referring to the famous comic book character with two personalities. Former vice president Mike Pence repeatedly invoked the US Constitution and said it is what binds us all together after receiving the John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award on Sunday. Mr Pence received the award for his refusal to go along with President Donald Trumps efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. Advertisement The award recognises Mr Pence for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan 6, 2021, the JFK Library Foundation said. To forge a future together, we have to find common ground, Mr Pence said. I hope in some small way my presence here tonight is a reminder that whatever differences we may have as Americans, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand. Its what binds us across time and generations Its what makes us one people. His comments came hours after an interview with Mr Trump aired in which he was asked whether US citizens and noncitizens both deserve due process as laid out in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Advertisement Mr Trump was noncommittal. I dont know. Im not, Im not a lawyer. I dont know, Mr Trump said when pressed in an interview with NBCs Kristen Welker. It was taped on Friday at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida and aired on Sunday. Mr Pence never mentioned the president during his 10-minute speech but made several references to the Trump administration. Referencing what he called these divided times, in these anxious days, he acknowledged that he probably had differences with the Democrats in the room but also with his own Republican Party on spending, tariffs and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured. Advertisement Mr Trump pressured Mr Pence to reject election results from swing states where the Republican president falsely claimed the vote was marred by fraud. Mr Pence refused, saying he lacked such authority. When a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, some chanted that they wanted to hang Mike Pence who was whisked away by Secret Service agents, narrowly avoiding a confrontation with the rioters. Mike Pence, second from right, stands with his wife Karen Pence, far right, as he is presented with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award by Jack Schlossberg and his mother, Caroline Kennedy (Robert F Bukaty/AP) Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, Mr Trump wrote at the time on X as rioters moved through the Capitol and Mr Pence was in hiding with his family, aides and security detail inside the building. Advertisement Mr Pence rejected the Secret Services advice that he leave the Capitol, staying to continue the ceremonial election certification of Democrat Joe Bidens presidential victory once rioters were cleared. In describing his role, Mr Pence told the audience that by Gods grace I did my duty that day to support the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States of America. January 6 was a tragic day but it became a triumph of freedom. History will record that our institutions held, he said in his speech. Leaders in both chambers, in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracys work under the Constitution. Advertisement JFKs daughter Caroline Kennedy, who along with his grandson Jack Schlossberg presented the award, said Mr Pences actions that day were a reminder that you cannot take democracy for granted. At the time I thought vice president Pence was just doing his job, she said. Only later did I realise that his act of courage saved our government and warned us about what could happen and is happening right now. The Profile in Courage Award, named for a book Mr Kennedy published in 1957 before he became president, honours public officials who take principled stands despite the potential political or personal consequences. Previous recipients of the award include former presidents Barack Obama, George HW Bush and Gerald Ford. Mr Pence has emerged as one of the few Republicans willing to take on the Trump administration. His political action group, Advancing American Freedom, campaigned against the nomination of Robert F Kennedy Jr to lead the nations health agencies. He has delivered speeches urging the president to stand with longtime foreign allies and posted an article he penned more than a decade ago on the limits of presidential power after Mr Trump claimed: He who saves his Country does not violate any Law. Buckingham Palaces famous balcony hosted the British royal familys VE Day commemorations 80 years after King George VI first marked the Second World Wars end from the same spot. The historic moment saw thousands flock to The Mall in 1945 and the scenes were repeated on Monday as crowds gathered to greet Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla and watch an RAF flypast after an armed forces parade through London. Advertisement Members of the monarchy sat with veterans as the current crop of servicemen and women, including Nato allies, marched past in recognition of those who served to defeat Hitlers Nazi regime and bring peace to Europe. Later Charles stepped on to the balcony with Camilla and was joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, to acknowledge the cheers of well-wishers and watch the aerial display led by a Second World War-era Lancaster bomber. Charles' naval No.1 dress uniform reflected the outfit worn by his grandfather George VI on VE Day May 8th, 1945 who with the Queen Mother made eight balcony appearances to satisfy boisterous crowds at the palace gates. The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis, the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte watch the fly-past (Aaron Chown/PA) Planes roared overhead during the aerial display and William chatted to son George, while Louis was seen moving his head from side to side apparently trying to get a better sight of the planes. Advertisement Louis, who recently celebrated his seventh birthday, seems to revel in these public moments and pulled a face of awe as the RAF aircraft flew overhead. At one point the Waleses, except Charlotte, leaned to the left as the planes, featuring workhorses like a C-17 Globemaster alongside Typhoon FGR4 fighters, flew down The Mall, with the Red Arrows providing the finale. US President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a California island. In a message on his Truth Social site on Sunday evening, Mr Trump wrote: For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. Advertisement When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport on Sunday (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. He added: The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. Returning to the White House on Sunday night after a weekend in Florida, the president said he had come up with the idea because of frustrations with radicalised judges who have insisted those being deported receive due process. Advertisement Alcatraz, he said, has long been a symbol of law and order. You know, its got quite a history. Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat whose district includes the island, questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison after so many years. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one, she wrote on X. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one. https://t.co/ALKXZLWlzO Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 5, 2025 The San Francisco prison infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters which surround it was known as The Rock and housed some of the nations most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. Advertisement It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies, including The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. In the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or did not survive the attempt. The fate of three particular inmates John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris is of some debate and was dramatised in the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood. Alcatraz Island is now a major tourist site that is operated by the National Park Service and is a designated National Historic Landmark. Advertisement A boat makes its way toward Alcatraz Island with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in the background (AP) The closure of the federal prison in 1963 was attributed to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency will comply with all Presidential Orders. The spokesperson did not immediately answer questions from The Associated Press regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agencys role in the future of the former prison, given the National Park Services control of the island. The Bureau of Prisons has 16 penitentiaries performing the same high-security functions as Alcatraz, including its maximum-security facility in Florence, Colorado, and the US penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, which is home to the federal death chamber. Advertisement The order comes as Mr Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador, without due process. The president has also directed the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labelled the worst criminal aliens. The Bureau of Prisons has faced myriad crises in recent years and has been subjected to increased scrutiny after Jeffrey Epsteins suicide at a federal jail in New York City in 2019. President Donald Trump said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected his proposal to send US troops to Mexico to help thwart the illegal drug trade because she is fearful of the countrys powerful cartels Sundays comments by Mr Trump came a day after Ms Sheinbaum confirmed he pressed her in a call last month to accept a bigger role for the US military in combating drug cartels in Mexico. Advertisement Mr Trump said it was true that he proposed sending the troops to Mexico and lashed out at Ms Sheinbaum for dismissing the idea. Well, shes so afraid of the cartels she cant walk, so you know thats the reason, Mr Trump said in comments to reporters aboard Air Force One. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (AP) And I think shes a lovely woman. The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she cant even think straight. The US military presence along the southern border with Mexico has increased steadily in recent months, following Mr Trumps order in January to increase the armys role in stemming the flow of migrants. Advertisement US Northern Command has surged troops and equipment to the border, increased manned surveillance flights to monitor fentanyl trafficking along the border and sought expanded authority for US Special Forces to work closely with Mexican forces conducting operations against cartels. But Ms Sheinbaum said that US troops operating inside Mexico was going too far. We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours, Ms Sheinbaum said she told Mr Trump. Mr Trump in February designated as foreign terrorist organisations many gangs and cartels smuggling drugs into the US, restricting their movements and lending law enforcement more resources to act against them. Advertisement But Ms Sheinbaums stance and Mr Trumps response suggest that US pressure for unilateral military intervention could create tension between the two leaders after co-operation on immigration and trade in the early going of Mr Trumps second term. He said the US military is needed to stem the scourge of fentanyl in the United States. They are bad news, Mr Trump said of the cartels. If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honoured to go in and do it. I told her that. I would be honoured to go in and do it. The cartels are trying to destroy our country. Cairo, Egypt (PANA)- Morocco and Nigerias Under-20 sides played an evenly balanced goalless stalemate in a tightly contested Group C encounter at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium on Sunday, in what proved to be a physical and tactical battle during the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Elon Musk may have his sights set on Mars, but for the time being the billionaire is building an empire closer to home. The Tesla and SpaceX tycoon has been given the green light to set up his own new city in south Texas dubbed Starbase after securing the backing of an overwhelming majority of locals, many of whom he employs. Texass newest city, which covers just under 4 square kilometres, will be formed from a string of neighbourhoods in a remote area currently known as Boca Chica that is home to SpaceXs rocket launch site. Credit: AP A ballot on Saturday secured 212 votes in favour and just six against. The vote also secured the election of the citys first mayor and two other officials, all of whom are current or former employees of Musks company SpaceX. The tycoon celebrated the result in a post on X that read: Starbase, Texas is now a real city! The billionaire first publicly suggested the idea in 2021. Advertisement Eating outFood Star exec chef made redundant from Fortitude Valley steakhouse When life gives you lemons ... you make lemon juice. The former Surfing the Menu host took to social media to announce the news. Matt Shea May 5, 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 Ben ODonoghue has parted ways with The 203, the star executive chef taking to social media on Saturday morning to announce hed been made redundant from the Fortitude Valley steakhouse. In a message to camera posted to his Instagram account, a philosophical ODonoghue opined that when life gives you lemons, what do you do? You make lemon juice. Ben ODonoghue pictured outside The 203 during its construction in 2023. Morgan Roberts Look at this, election day, new beginnings, he said. Well there is for me, because yesterday, after three weeks of solid work, paternity leave at work, people with broken feet so we were a bit short, pulling the hours I was made redundant. Im not averse to facing adversity and getting on with things, thats a chef life, ODonoghue later continued before joking that he might open a venue called Redundancy Kitchen. Advertisement Related Video Video icon 0:42 Celebrity cook defends baker she accuses of stealing recipes Do some recipes from home. Hey, I could even plagiarise a few. That seems to be popular, he said, in reference to the controversy surrounding Brooke Bellamy, who owns Brooki Bakehouse, a Marshall Street neighbour of The 203. ODonoghue went on to thank the staff who had worked alongside him since The 203 opened as Establishment 203 in late 2023, before ending the video. ODonoghue declined to comment further when this masthead approached him early Monday. Neither The 203 nor owners Stanbroke could make anyone available for comment but a supplied statement characterised the redundancy as a strategic decision. Advertisement For a period, The 203 operated with an executive chef and a head chef, but weve now returned to the single role, read the statement, attributed to The 203 general manager Claire Ritchie. We sincerely appreciate Ben ODonoghues contributions since our late-2023 opening and wish him well. Establishment 203 opened in November 2023 in Fortitude Valley. Markus Ravik Looking ahead, were excited to build on our farm-to-table ethos under the guidance of our existing head chef [Trent Lymn], with new experiences on the horizon. The 203 opened as Establishment 203 in December 2023, with ODonoghue a star signing to lead its innovative kitchen, which mixes woodfire with an expansive MKN induction system. He previously ran his own cafes, Billykart in Annerley (now sold) and Billykart West End (now closed), but has long had a national presence after his work as a presenter on ABC Televisions Surfing the Menu from 2003 to 2006. The 203s kitchen will now be overseen by head chef Trent Lymn. Markus Ravik Advertisement The Fortitude Valley restaurant was renamed The 203 late last year after the Federal Court found Establishment 203 infringed the registered trademark for the word Establishment, which is owned by NSW hospitality giant Merivale for its long-running bar in Sydneys CBD. ODonoghues redundancy follows the closure of the Stanbroke-owned Peter Augustus butcher shop in New Farm. Peter Augustus Camp Hill outlet remains a going concern. The reason for the Liberal drubbing at Saturdays election is clear: Peter Dutton and the Liberals blew it. It is that simple. Anthony Albanese did not repeat his fumbles of the last campaign. He was disciplined, determined, oozed optimism and looked prime ministerial. The effectiveness of his positive campaigning was reflected in the ALPs vote in cities across the country and particularly in Queensland, where Dutton lost his seat. Albanese (right) was disciplined and determined, while Dutton struggled to rise above being the opposition leader. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen, James Brickwood Albanese has now cemented himself in The Lodge and ended the leadership instability of the Rudd and Gillard years. Having been consistently underestimated, he has grown in the job and proven he is a leader of substance. His winning the election has dramatically enhanced his authority in the government. He now has the opportunity to reshape Australias future. He has established himself as a Labor hero but is not yet in the Hawke/Keating class. He now has the opportunity to build a legacy that will enhance Australias future in an increasingly unstable world. Jim Chalmers is talented, impressive and has proven himself to be a safe pair of hands in Treasury, and like Albanese, he has matured into his responsibilities. He undoubtedly has the ability to be a future leader, but not just yet. Albanese should think of a transition to Chalmers in the years ahead, but well after the next election. There is too much work to be done, and the focus should be on redefining Australias place in the world, not on a struggle over the leadership. That was Labors past, not its future. In contrast, Dutton struggled to rise above being opposition leader. His message was negative, inconsistent, misdirected and confused. He failed to grab the imagination of the electorate particularly younger voters and women and tried to sell something that was unsellable: nuclear power. Duttons energy policy was marketed as a zero-emissions nuclear strategy supposedly leading to cheaper power. To attract voters concerned about climate change, the package was unsuccessfully pitched as a balanced policy that included renewables, more gas, household batteries and solar panels. The husband of a woman who died in a kayak incident four years ago has been arrested in Brisbane while visiting from Thailand, with police alleging he murdered her and sought access to more than $1 million in life insurance. Graeme Davidson, 55, had returned to Brisbane and had been visiting family on Sunday when he was arrested and charged with murder, fraud and attempted fraud offences. In November 2020, Davidsons 54-year-old wife Jacqueline reportedly fell into the water and drowned while the couple were kayaking on Lake Samsonvale, north-west of Brisbane, police said. Back to shore, police said witnesses and emergency services performed CPR, but were unable to revive her. She was declared dead at the scene. The suspected mastermind of the Dural caravan fake terror plot admits he sourced the explosives found in the vehicle, but denies involvement in a string of antisemitic attacks police say he orchestrated from overseas. Sayit Erhan Akca says he approached authorities to arrange a trade-in, offering up the cache of explosives in exchange for a reduced sentence and to have his bail reinstated if he returned to Australia. Akca fled the country in mid-2023 after being arrested during the Australian Federal Polices Operation Ironside and charged with drug importation and proceeds of crime-related offences. Sayit Erhan Akca says he approached authorities to arrange a trade-in and return to Australia on bail. The discovery of the explosives in Sydneys north, along with a list of supposed Jewish targets, triggered panic, with NSW Premier Chris Minns declaring a potential mass-casualty event had been avoided. Almost two months later, the AFP declared there was no risk of such an event and that the plot was concocted by organised crime figures for their own benefit. Being an atheist and Simon being from a very strong Baptist background, she found that very challenging, and the decisions around things like divorce, separation and how the kids should be educated and brought up. Hunt said Patterson told the group she was an atheist but attended church, which she felt took up a lot of her time. Erin Patterson and her estranged husband Simon Patterson. Credit: Jason South Another member of the group, Melbourne woman Daniela Barkley, first met Patterson online in 2019 and recalled Patterson later sharing details of her family, including fears her estranged husband was favouring one of the children over the other and that he was living in an unclean home. Sometimes she felt as though he put the church before her. I especially remember at one time when the power went out, she was very, very upset. He left the kids at home and ... instead he went to the church to set up, Barkley said. Witness Jenny Hay. She said Patterson had posted photos to the group chat of her food dehydrator with mushrooms on the trays. In one message shown to the jury, Patterson wrote: Ive been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything. Mixed it into chocolate brownies yesterday, the kids had no idea. Closer to the fatal July 2023 lunch, Barkley said Patterson asked for tips on how to make beef Wellington. A third woman from the group, Jenny Hay, who gave evidence from Tasmania, said she learnt of the deaths on the news before receiving an email from Patterson asking her to call. During the 10-minute call, Hay said Patterson told her the mushrooms shed used in the fatal meal had come from an Asian grocer. Don Patterson (left), Gail Patterson, Heather Wilkinson and Ian Wilkinson were poisoned by a mushroom meal. Earlier on Monday, on his third day in the witness box, Simon Patterson was asked about a discussion he had with his estranged wife at Monash hospital after she and their two children were admitted following the deadly lunch. Defence barrister Colin Mandy, SC, said Erin and Simon had had a discussion about a dehydrator to get dried mushrooms into food for one of their kids. You said to Erin: Is that what you used to poison them? Mandy asked. Loading Simon replied: I did not say that. Simon Patterson was also taken back to evidence he gave on Friday about inflammatory messages Erin had sent to the family Signal chat group, which included his parents, Don and Gail Patterson. In one long message sent on December 5, 2022, read out to the court, Erin said she was still thinking about comments made by her father-in-law that her and Simons child support issues could be easily solved. In the exchange, Erin said the implication of Simon putting separated on his tax return in late 2022 was that she would no longer be able to claim the $15,000 annual family tax benefit. After Don replied that he may have misled Erin, she said she understood Don and Gail not wanting to get involved as it was uncomfortable and awful. I respect your position, but I will continue to put messages in here on matters which I think are significant and for which I think Simon needs accountability for the difficulties he is causing me. I would hope that you as his parents would be concerned that hes making the decisions that are in the best interests of his children, and not just operating from a place of being angry, Erin wrote. Months later, in July 2023, Erin invited Don and Gail, and Gails sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Ian Wilkinson, to lunch at her home in Victorias south-east. Simon was also invited, but declined at the last minute. The former head of New Zealands police force will become Victoria Polices next chief commissioner. Mike Bushs appointment was approved by cabinet on Monday ahead of an expected announcement on Tuesday, according to a state government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they did not have permission to speak publicly. It is the first time someone who has not worked at Victoria Police has been appointed to the role since 2001, when former NSW Police assistant commissioner Christine Nixon was given the job. Bush is expected to start his new role in the coming weeks. A tradesman accused of shooting gangland lawyer Joseph Pino Acquaro outside a gelato shop has walked out of court a free man after a murder charge against him was dropped. At a brief Supreme Court hearing on Monday, the Office of Public Prosecutions formally abandoned the prosecution of Vincenzo Crupi after years of legal challenges. Joseph Pino Acquaro was gunned down in Brunswick in March 2016. Credit: Paul Rovere The move to discontinue the murder charge comes after Victoria Police last year won a lengthy High Court battle to protect the identity of an informer in the case, who police claimed would be in danger if their name were revealed. The Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions did not provide in court a reason for the decision to abandon the case, but said it followed a review by a committee headed by Director of Public Prosecutions Brendan Kissane. A brazen serial groper who preyed on 18 women in a nightclub has avoided jail after a judge found his risk of reoffending was low, despite saying the 34-year-old lacked insight into his offending. David Maria Anthony Rayan was facing up to 10 years in prison the maximum penalty for sexual assault but was instead sentenced to a two-year community corrections order on Monday. David Maria Anthony Rayan was found guilty of sexually assaulting 18 women but avoided jail on Monday. Credit: AAP He dodged reporters questions as he left the Victorian County Court, claiming he was the one being harassed. The former PwC IT worker pleaded guilty to 17 charges of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault over the attacks at Revolver Upstairs in Melbournes inner east. A Black Portland boy in fourth grade was reportedly expelled from a Catholic school after his parents reported their son being called a racial slur. The parents of the young child, Mike Phillips, and Karis Stoudamire-Phillips, said that the school's principal, Tresa Rast, called police over to the school in late March 2025. That was when the parents demanded to know what actions the school would take in response to another student calling their son the N-word. Black Boy Expelled After Being Called Racial Slur A few days later after the incident, the school allegedly expelled the fourth grader, arguing that his parents violated the school's code of conduct. On Wednesday, the school told families that Rast was placed on leave following the development. Now, thousands of people have signed an online petition that calls for the Catholic school to issue an apology and take accountability for what happened with the Black boy's family. It argues that many others have had similar experiences, according to Newsweek. The parents of the boy initially found out about the incident with their son after they received a call from the school's secretary. The latter told the couple their son heard one student call him a racial slur while he was going back to his class after recess. Read more: Cuts to Student Mental Health Grants in Response to School Shootings Sparks Concern The couple immediately rushed to the Catholic school and spoke with the principal. The conversation got heated as the parents were unhappy about how Rast handled a previous incident involving racism with their older son, who graduated last year from the same school. The mother said that the Madeleine School's principal asked her and her husband to leave the office, which they refused. This was because they wanted some clarification on a plan of action the school intended to take regarding the situation, MSN reported. School Principal Calls Police on Parents However, Rast instead called 911, requesting that law enforcement personnel come to the school to handle the parents. The Portland Bureau said officers reported to the scene after being called for "parents yelling at the employees and refusing to leave." When the school notified the parents that their son was being expelled, they were heartbroken to think about how the child would take the news. When they told him, he cried, knowing that he had a field trip the next day that he was forced to miss out on. The boy's family has since acquired legal representation to handle the matter and their attorney, Manuelle Tshala, emphasized that there needs to be change. This is to make sure that other children do not experience a similar situation, as per KGW8. CCTV footage of the moment WA Police Constable Anthony Woods was run over by a suspected car thief he was attempting to apprehend has been shown to a jury at the start of the alleged killers trial. Reagan Ainsley Chown, 25, is on trial in the WA Supreme Court, charged with manslaughter over Woods death three days after he became trapped under a car allegedly driven by Chown in 2023. WA Police Constable Anthony Woods. Credit: WA Police Chown denies being responsible for the 28-year-olds death, but has pleaded guilty to stealing a car and driving in a reckless manner. On Monday, prosecutor Justin Whalley opened his case to the jury, outlining the alleged events in Ascot on the evening of June 8 two years ago. Anthony Albanese has claimed a resounding victory so what does that mean for Western Australia? Peter Dutton lost his seat, and a West Aussie could replace him; but why didnt the Liberals learn from our state election? And who on the panel is going to be eating onions? Running Mates has been your weekly guide to the federal election. Nine News, WAtoday, the Australian Financial Review and 6PR combine to bring you digestible weekly analysis. The Coalitions nuclear energy policy was toxic to voters, delivering big swings against Peter Duttons candidates in electorates chosen to host reactors, while support for Labor grew in many places it chose for massive offshore wind farms. Duttons energy policy was built on opposing Labors reckless race to renewables, which the Coalition claimed was trashing farmland in the path of transmission lines and solar panels, in favour of a nuclear and gas-led strategy. Deposed opposition leader Peter Duttons campaign stop in the formerly marginal seat of Gilmore, on the NSW South Coast, was gatecrashed by nuclear protesters. Credit: James Brickwood Im very happy for the election to be a referendum on energy, on nuclear, Dutton said on June 19, when he announced his planned nuclear plant locations. Dutton had not visited any of his proposed nuclear sites by the time the election was over, while the party quietened its advertising for the policy. London: Two leading candidates to become the next pope have been accused by an international watchdog group of failing to protect children from clergy sexual abuse. As cardinals prepare to gather in Rome on Wednesday to elect a successor to Pope Francis, the US-based group BishopAccountability.org said neither Italys Cardinal Pietro Parolin nor the Philippines Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle could be trusted to lead the church out of its global abuse crisis. Both men are considered leading contenders in the conclave, but the group which has worked closely with survivors and inquiries in Australia and abroad says their records suggest a continuation of secrecy and inaction. Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle (left) from the Philippines and Italys Pietro Parolin are the current frontrunners in betting on the new pope. Credit: AP, Getty Anne Barrett Doyle, the organisations co-director, alleged Parolin, who had served as the Vaticans secretary of state and No.2 to the late pope since 2013, was a key figure in obstructing efforts to bring abusive priests to justice by withholding incriminating church records. "In some ways, it reflects what is sometimes called 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' in Australia," Eslake added. "Australians don't like to see other people doing well, unless it's in a sport. The speculation is that there are acceptable ways to make money. But people don't like to see banks and mining companies making lots of money. The reality is that, yes, Australian banks make profits that are in the billions, and sometimes lots of billions, but they are also very big organizations themselves, and the return on assets in particular is not particularly high in percentage terms." Access to a home whether to rent or own is becoming unattainable for too many Australians. This is a challenge that demands a major response in the first days and weeks of the new term of government. China stands ready to work with new Australian government: FM Spokesperson Xinhua) 11:20, May 05, 2025 BEIJING, May 3 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with the new Australian government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Saturday. The spokesperson made the remarks in response to a query on reports that the Australian Labor Party led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese won the federal election on Saturday. "China notes the reports and congratulates the Labor Party and Prime Minister Albanese," said the spokesperson. China is ready to work with the new Australian government and, under the fundamental guidance provided by the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, continue advancing a more mature, stable, and productive comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia to further benefit both countries and peoples, and contribute positively to the peace and stability of the region and beyond, the spokesperson added. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Childcare advocates in Alaska are calling on the state Legislature to retain $14 million in funding to address various problems in a sector currently in crisis. The House passed its version of the operating budget last month, which had $7.7 million in grants for childcare providers and $6.1 million in childcare subsidies for families. However, advocates have urged officials to include the same appropriations in the current draft budget. Alaska Childcare in Crisis The state's childcare sector has been plagued by various problems, such as low wages, long waiting lists, and high tuition costs. A quarter of all childcare providers in Alaska have already shut down over the past three years. The Legislature approved $7.5 million in subsidies for childcare providers over the past two years. The money was used to help childcare providers with employee salaries and operational costs. However, the dire fiscal outlook of Alaska has forced state lawmakers to be critical of any sort of spending. Anchorage Republican Sen. Cathy Giessel said during a media conference on Tuesday that the main problem right now is that there is not enough money, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The senator, who is known to be a supporter of childcare subsidies, added that advocates should not give up hope regarding the situation. Giessel suggested that childcare funding could be a part of future negotiations as the budget moves through the legislative process. A conference committee typically hammers out differences between the versions of the bill in the House and Senate after they both pass their own. This makes it so that the same budget bill can pass through both chambers. Stabilizing the Sector On the other hand, Anchorage Democratic Rep. Zack Fields said that the Legislature not approving childcare subsidies would be "indefensible." The lawmaker added that people cannot expect a stable sector if funding is cut, Yahoo News reported. Bright Beginnings was once one of Alaska's largest childcare providers but it was forced to close its doors in Anchorage in late April. The CEO of thread Alaska, Stephanie Berglund, told lawmakers last month that the development would mean that 125 families would lose care. The situation comes as the cost of childcare in the United States has become too expensive for most families to afford. In order to make things work, families are taking out lines of credit, working more than one job, or commuting hours to bring their kids to daycare, as per The Guardian. 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Bernhard Url, directeur de l'Autorite europeenne de securite des aliments (EFSA), a tire la sonnette d'alarme dans une interview au Financial Times : la grippe aviaire pourrait muter en passant par les porcs, devenant ainsi transmissible entre humains. Une perspective qui rappelle les pires scenarios pandemiques. Un "laboratoire viral" dangereux Selon M. Url, les porcs europeens pourraient servir de "laboratoire viral" favorisant des recombinaisons genetiques explosives. "Si le virus commence a se propager chez les cochons, il pourrait echanger du materiel genetique avec celui de la grippe humaine", a-t-il explique. Resultat ? Une souche hybride, capable de se transmettre dhumain a humain, avec un potentiel epidemique inedit. L'Europe, terre a haut risque Avec 133,6 millions de porcs presque le double des Etats-Unis (75,8 millions) , le Vieux Continent est particulierement expose. Les porcs, sensibles aux virus aviaires et humains, sont des incubateurs ideaux pour des mutations imprevisibles. Apres les vagues dinfections massives du betail aux Etats-Unis, lEFSA appelle a la vigilance. "La grippe aviaire est un cas particulier, car elle touche de plus en plus de mammiferes", a insiste Bernhard Url. Le spectre des grandes pandemies Rappel douloureux : dans les annees 2000, les grippes aviaire (H5N1) et porcine (H1N1) ont fait des milliers de morts. Mais elles nont pas declenche de catastrophe comparable a la grippe espagnole de 1918, faute de transmission aerienne efficace. Aujourdhui, la question brulante est : quand et comment ces virus franchiront-ils le cap ? Les scientifiques surveillent de pres leur evolution, cherchant a anticiper une possible "tempete parfaite" genetique. L'Afrique doit-elle s'inquieter ? Si lEurope est en premiere ligne, lAfrique nest pas a labri. Les echanges commerciaux, le manque de controles veterinaires dans certains pays et la promiscuite entre elevages et faune sauvage pourraient faciliter la propagation. Prevention, surveillance accrue et cooperation internationale seront cruciales pour eviter un nouveau drame sanitaire. "PANDEMIC THREAT: Could Europe's Pigs Breed the Next Killer Flu Virus?" Europe's 133 million pigs may be silently incubating the next global health crisis, warns the EU's top food safety chief in an explosive revelation that has scientists on high alert. The Viral Mixing Pot Bernhard Url, Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), dropped a bombshell in his Financial Times interview: "Pig farms could become dangerous viral laboratories" where bird flu mutates into a human-transmissible killer. "Once avian influenza spreads in swine populations, genetic recombination with human flu viruses becomes possible," Url cautioned. "This could be the recipe for a pandemic strain." Europe's Ticking Time Bomb With 133.6 million pigs nearly double America's herd Europe has become: The world's largest potential mutation hotspot A perfect storm of avian/human virus mixing Ground zero for the next global health emergency The warning comes as US livestock infections surge, proving the virus' alarming adaptability. From Birds to Pigs to Humans? History's deadly lessons loom large: 2009's Swine Flu (H1N1): 285,000 deaths 1918 Spanish Flu: 50 million fatalities Current H5N1 strain: 56% human mortality rate "Unlike past strains, what keeps scientists awake at night is airborne transmission between humans," explains Dr. Fatima Bello, virologist at Dakar's Pasteur Institute. Africa's Vulnerability While Europe monitors its livestock, Africa remains dangerously exposed due to: ? Weak veterinary surveillance ? Bushmeat trade risks ? Overstretched healthcare systems "An outbreak in Europe would reach Africa within weeks," warns WHO Africa's emergency response coordinator. CRITICAL WATCHLIST ? US/EU research teams tracking viral mutations ? Emergency protocols being updated globally ? Universal flu vaccine trials accelerated Ange NGO State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Ken Foxe An inspection of Dublins famous statue of Molly Malone discovered it was not just her bosom that was in distress but that the entire sculpture was unstable with multiple broken fittings. A report by expert metalworkers explained how two of the pins that held Molly in place were completely destroyed. This had happened from the abuse she [was] receiving on a daily basis according to records released by Dublin City Council. The inspection showed the statue on Grafton Street was now held in place only by two fixing pins underneath the wheels of her cart. An email said: The two fixing pins below her body have come loose or have cracked. As a matter of urgency, these pins need to be rewelded or replaced but to do that, the stone facing around the plinth will have to be removed so we can get at the pins. The inspection took place after Dublin City Council decided Molly Malone needed a revamp because of ongoing damage to her bosom area. The statues ample cleavage was often groped by visitors snapping photographs and had led to noticeable discolouration of the bronze on her chest. Bushy Park Ironworks, one of the countrys leading conservation specialists, were first contacted in January by Dublin City Council. An email from the councils public art officer said they were looking for a quote on how much restoration of the statue would be. The message said: As you are aware, the statue has been subject to damage in its patination several times over the years resulting from repeated touching of the statue. We are working on a more long-term solution to the issue, but I feel that it would help the visibility of the statue if the patination of the bronze could be restored on the statues chest area. The ironworks said the metalwork would be relatively straightforward with barriers erected, a thorough cleaning, the restoration of the top edge of her dress and then waxing. However, they said the bigger concern was the overall stability of the statue. In follow-up emails, Dublin City Council said they wanted to go ahead with the work and were hoping it could be expedited". They asked how long fencing would be needed, whether Molly Malone needed to be covered over and the likely duration of the project. An email from the council said: We are also considering posting a security guard on the statue during renovation work, so it would be good to know how long the whole process would take. In response, the ironworks said the overall project would take between one and two weeks depending on what was found after the granite plinth was removed. They said that dust sheets would be enough to protect the statue while works were ongoing, and that the restoration of Mollys bust would only take a few days depending on weather. Asked about the project, Dublin City Council said they hoped the revamp of Molly Malone would be completed by the end of May. However, they would not disclose costs involved saying these had not yet been fully established. Advertisement Mollah Mohammad Majnu, the managing director of Crown Cement PLC, recently discussed the progress and challenges faced by the local cement industry in an interview with local media. He noted that the current cement market in Bangladesh is estimated to be around 40Mta. In comparison to neighbouring countries, Bangladeshs per capita consumption at 210kg/person lags significantly behind the leading markets of India at 400kg/person and China at nearly 1700kg/person. Given Bangladeshs high population density and the increasing trend toward vertical housing, Majnu anticipates that per capita consumption could rise to at least 800kg within a short period. Bangladeshs cement industry has a combined installed capacity of around 80Mta, which is double the domestic demand of 40Mta. Crown Cement is among the top players in the market, accounting for more than 10 per cent of the total market share. Export Crown Cement has also initiated cement exports from Bangladesh, distinguishing itself as the only company to receive three National Export Trophies from the government. The company primarily exports to northeastern states of India, which are logistically closer to Bangladesh than to mainland India. Additionally, Crown Cement is exploring new markets in Bhutan and Nepal and is seeking export rebates. Challenges While market overcapacity can pressure pricing and margins, it also positions the company well for future demand growth. Bangladesh still faces a significant housing gap, and the need for vertical development due to land scarcity ensures that cement will remain a critical material. The high cost of imported raw materials and some government import policies create more challenges. At last, Crown Cement is actively exploring concrete production and other related segments. With the growing demand for stronger and more resilient construction materials, diversification is seen as both necessary and an opportunity for growth. The company also plans to invest in energy-efficient technologies and automation to improve production output and product quality. by Abdul Rab Siddiqi, Pakistan In recent days, I took part in two toe-tapping exercises: going to see Hamilton at Memorial Auditorium and watching the Armed Forces Parade with its various bands. As a result, I felt a little like a sideline version of noted tap dancer Gregory Hines and maybe even Buddy Ebsen by the weekend due to moving my feet up and down so much to the rhythms found at both events. They were both also nice reminders of actions in this countrys past that have managed to stay relatively in step with its ideals amid the various distractions of the times. With Hamilton, I had purchased tickets for my wife, Laura, and me to see it this past Thursday. Since I had heard so much about it as maybe the most talked-about and acclaimed new Broadway musical over the last 10 years or so, I felt a desire to see it. We were in the back right section of the auditorium lower level yes, the cheap seats, relatively speaking but probably still had closer views than maybe 25 percent of this basically full-house audience. I thoroughly enjoyed the music, although I was not particularly familiar with the songs. I could definitely see myself listening to the soundtrack again sometime and enjoying it. But partly due to my age and distance from the stage, I could not understand every word, nor could I always tell who all the characters representing people from 200-plus years ago were. That was in part because some kept coming and going from the stage, and the males all were wearing those funky- looking breeches and looked a little similar. My wife had trouble with the former as well but not the latter. The latter for me was probably due to my needing to wear my spectacles throughout the show. And I also probably need to visit one of the audiology places that like to advertise on TV along with Colonial Penn Life and the pill companies that show people dancing like Gregory Hines. I thought this unique storyline of Alexander Hamilton told in sort of a hip-hop version was neat. And I could tell who had seen it before because they almost seemed to clap or gasp with pleasure as scenes were beginning, knowing a familiar and entertaining moment was getting ready to happen. The Lin-Manuel Miranda production also seemed to handle Mr. Hamiltons death in a duel with longtime acquaintance Aaron Burr and some other scenes in neat and creative ways. I overall enjoyed Hamilton and praise everyone involved with it, including the energetic dancers. But I guess because I had heard it hyped so much over the last few years, I am not quite ready to rank it in the top two or three Broadway musicals I have ever seen. As I have stated before, if someone tells you the chicken salad or chocolate chip cookie you are about to eat will be the tastiest ever, you will likely not enjoy them as much as you might normally would have. Part of the reason is that with me in my limited level of appreciation for Broadway shows, the music makes the musical. With Hamilton, I heard a lot of really good musical numbers but no great ones. In short, I like to hear that signature song like I Dreamed a Dream in Les Miserables, Memory in Cats, All I Ask of You in Phantom of the Opera, and Seasons of Love in Rent. But Hamilton overall was worth the price of admission, and I am glad I went. It also made me want to read more about all the plot scenes I missed due to not being able to hear or maybe because I was just letting my mind wander a little, including about the warm popcorn I smelled. I also want to learn more about that time in American history, with the show providing quite a sampling. On Friday morning, I headed down for some more music that also offered a little American history. It was the Armed Forces Parade, which has been held regularly in Chattanooga since the first Armed Forces Day of 1950. Chattanooga used to host the parade on the third Friday in May the day before the official Armed Forces Day -- to allow school bands and Jr. ROTC units to take part. In recent years, organizers have bumped the parade up to the first Friday of May to further accommodate the schools, some of which are now winding down classes for seniors by mid-May. On Friday, I parked my car up closer to Georgia Avenue and walked down to Fifth and Market streets just as the parade was starting. Upon arrival, I noticed several dozen bystanders on my block, including veterans, people of various ages, colors and ethnicities, and even a few dogs. Soon, some parade participants came marching down the street. They included military trucks, veterans groups, some Corvette club members and even a Food City truck with the touching picture of the saluting veteran. I started getting a lump in my throat at all this, and I tried to wave to everyone who passed. It was especially heart-warming to see the bus carrying the Vietnam War veterans. Thank you soldiers of long ago! I also saw multiple representatives of various Republican Party groups and wondered why I did not see any representatives of the local Democratic Party. Most political strategists would have encouraged them to be there, too, if they want to gain back a larger foothold on the area constituency. After all, patriotism and support of the military have historically been parts of both parties. My favorite participants to see were the marching bands and the Jr. ROTC units from the different high schools. I saw the combined Hamilton County schools band, the tiny Sequatchie County High band, and the Howard and Brainerd bands. Howards band appeared to be a little bigger than Brainerds, and they put on quite a show dancing and strutting, pounding on the drums, and blowing the horns. I could not describe their performance any other way than to say it was beautiful to watch. It was especially neat when the lead Howard drummer gave a signal, and everyone broke into a new, fast-pounding number. But the band that caught my eye the most was the Marbury High School band from the central part of Alabama near Montgomery. I am not sure how they got here or who invited them, but they were great. You could see an extra pep of discipline in their step and playing that even Gen. George Patton would have admired. As a result, I would encourage all local band leaders to watch how they performed with seemingly impressive attention to detail. And hats off to the Central High Jr. ROTC unit near me and others for how they reacted when the parade for some reason just stopped for probably close to five minutes or more. These youngsters with their older commander walking around them continued to step in cadence amid their drumbeat while having to march in place. It was not easy if you suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia like I do and wonder if you will ever move again, but these youngsters finally saw the parade line start moving again, and they made it to the finish OK. They persevered, just like the dancers and singing actors and I did at Hamilton through a nearly three-hour show the night before. For me, both events included a wonderful two days of letting the beat go on. Many hope these cherished and historic rights of America pound on as well amid these seemingly fragile political times. * * * Jcshearer2@comcast.net Brinton Jerome "Jerry" Berwanger, a Christian, entered eternal life with God April 29, 2025. Jerry was born on Nov. 20, 1944, to Betty Florine Patrick and Walter Vineyard in Johnson City, Tn., and named Claud Jerry Vineyard. He was adopted from Holston Home in Greenville, Tn., by E.C. and Beaty Yeater Berwanger. Jerry is predeceased by both his biological and adoptive parents. Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Howard Berwanger, who was his caregiver for six years. Their family includes two daughters: Beth Anne, who is married to Robert Gale Wagner, along with their children Brennan and Abigale; and Bambi Alaine Doss, and her child, Barlow. Additionally, Jerry is survived by his biological brother, William "Billy" Witt, whom he recently met. He cherished spending time with his extended family, including Carolyn Turbyfill, Vivian Howard, and niece and nephews, Jim, Rich, Jeff, Christie, and Chip. Jerry was a veteran of the US Navy, serving aboard the USS Holland, a submarine tender. He was the chaplains assistant and sang in the Navys Blue Jacket Choir. Jerry contributed his time with Hamilton County Juvenile Court in Chattanooga to support teenagers, drawing from his personal experiences of childhood abuse. At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he assisted in scuba diving classes. He also taught boating safety and canoeing for Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. His daughters fondly recall their screams as they navigated white water with him at the helm. He would sarcastically reply, That was South Chickamauga Creek. At a beach retreat, Jerry used canoes and a ladder to assist Jesus to walk on water, and of course, Jesus arrived safely at candlelight worship. For 11 years, Jerry dedicated one Saturday a month to driving a church bus to transport local families to visit relatives in Nashville prisons. Over the years, his home church was wherever Barbara held a staff position, and he often drove church buses and vans loaded with mission trip supplies. Jerry retired from the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga. Early retirement meant he was always on-call for his grandchildren, who called him Bop. Jerry was the familys meteorologist, and we will miss his faithful announcements of impending storms. For many years he collected paper maps and studied them often. His daughters said he always had to know where in the world he was. Jerry faced the challenges of Multiple System Atrophy, a rare and incurable neurological disease, with great determination. MSA is now defeated, and Jerry is at peace because of his faith in Jesus. A graveside service with the family is scheduled. If you choose to memorialize Jerrys life, consider a donation to the Food Pantry at Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church, P.O. Box 126, Chickamauga, GA 30707. Share your memories and express condolences at www. turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 423 622-3171. Friday, May 2 Narcotics was found by a business in the 9400 block of Apison Pike. A vehicle struck a deer in the 8900 block of Apison Pike. Officers responded to reports of fraudulent charges at Walmart. A citizen reported that someone charged their 15-year-old's debit card at the business. Officers reviewed video footage and found that the 15-year-old made the purchase and was dishonest to the parent. Officers assisted Chattanooga by checking on the well-being of an individual in the 6000 block of Georgetown Road who was reported to be unconscious. The individual was found to be ok. Chattanooga Officers apprehended a Collegedale fugitive on a traffic stop. The individual was booked on multiple warrants. Officers responded to a verbal disorder in the 9100 block of Integra Preserve Court. The matter was resolved peacefully. A fire was reported in the 9300 block of Apison Pike. Officers and Firefighters checked the area and found no signs of a fire. Officers responded to a pole stuck by lightning in the 9900 block of Tellico Drive. Officers saw no smoke, and the pole appeared to be ok. Officers assisted a broken-down motorist in the 8800 block of Apison Pike. Saturday, May 3 Officers responded to a fire alarm in the 9400 block of Apison Pike. Everything checked ok. Officers responded to a tree down in the 11000 block of Blair Road. A concerned citizen reported kids yelling inside of a residence on Myrtle Lane. Officers discovered that the kids were inside playing hide and seek. Officers responded to a motorist stuck in a flooded driveway in the 10300 block of Lee Highway. Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 9700 block of Trestle Circle. The individuals responsible for the noise agreed to keep the noise down. Property damage was reported in the 10300 block of Lee Highway. Sunday, May 4 Officers responded to an alarm in the 5000 block of Ooltewah Ringgold Road. Everything checked ok. A driver in the 9000 block of Lee Highway was issued a misdemeanor citation for driving on a suspended license. Officers checked the well-being of an individual in the 5500 block of Main Street. Officers located the individual who advised they were ok. A delayed crash was reported in the 5200 block of Spalding Drive. Officers responded to a fire alarm in the 9400 block of Apison Pike. A theft was reported in the 5300 block of Little Debbie Parkway. An individual in the 5000 block of Ooltewah Ringgold Road was arrested for domestic assault. Officers responded to an alarm in the 8900 block of Old Lee Highway. Officers assisted the Fire Department with reports of smoke in the 4800 block of Taylor Circle. Burnt food was the cause of the smoke. Former Chattanooga Prep teacher Kenya White has filed an intention to plead guilty in Federal Court to a single count of enticement. Punishment for the offense is a minimum of 10 years up to life. Authorities said White had inappropriate contact with two male students - one at East Lake Academy where he formerly taught and the second at Chattanooga Prep. On Feb. 16, 2023, an investigator with the Chattanooga Police Department responded to East Lake Academy regarding inappropriate contact between White and a seventh-grade student. The student was 12 and White was 30 at the time. Police said they found numerous texts between the child and the teacher on the child's phone. They said over a three-day period White tried to get the child to take sexually explicit photos of himself and send them to him. In February of this year, a child at Chattanooga Prep said he had received inappropriate texts from White, his teacher. It was noted that White had moved from East Lake Academy, a county public school, to Chattanooga Prep, a charter school. Police said White communicated with the Chattanooga Prep student from May 2024 to February 2025 by text and Snapchat. The conduct continued over several months at a time when the student was 14, it was stated. Prosecutors said White asked the student to send him sexually explicit photos and asked him to allow him to perform a sex act on him. White was arrested March 6 and remains incarcerated. James Brooks is prosecuting the case, and McCracken Poston is the defense attorney. A trial date is still set, but it is expected that White will file a change of plea and enter the guilty plea at a later court hearing. Troy Kemp, CEO of Chattanooga Prep, said, "Every scholar at Chattanooga Prep deserves to be safe and respected while receiving a high-quality education at our school, which is why our school takes allegations of misconduct extremely seriously. "Mr. White was arrested on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 12, for inappropriate behavior during his previous employment at East Lake Academy. On Thursday, Feb. 13, Chattanooga Prep fired Mr. White. Upon hearing of Mr. Whites arrest and alleged misconduct, a Prep student reported to a faculty member that Mr. White had also acted inappropriately toward him. Chatt Prep faculty followed protocol and state law, immediately informing the Department of Childrens Services (DCS) and the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) of this secondary allegation. "Out of an abundance of concern for the student's anonymity, because there was no threat to other students, and because DCS and CPD were only beginning their investigations, Chattanooga Prep did not share news of this secondary allegation. School leaders and counselors have been in contact with the student and his parents throughout this situation and ask for the media to respect the privacy of the student as well. "As our school administrators and board have acknowledged, Mr. White should never have been hired at our school, and protocols have been implemented to ensure full background checks are completed on all new hires. s Cartons of strawberries are lined up for sale during the Stilwell Strawberry Festival held May 8, 2021. Home News Buddhist monk-turned-pastor describes visiting Hell after suicide attempt: 'Worse than death' A Buddhist monk-turned-Evangelical pastor has opened up about briefly experiencing Hell during a near death experience, describing it as a barren wasteland full of giant demons, agony and fear. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Steve Kang revealed he had a face-to-face experience with the supernatural after a suicide attempt left him hovering between life and death, an ordeal he described as an eight-hour descent into a dark, torturous realm he believes was Hell. Its not a place you want to go, Kang said. I almost feel like I dont even want Kim Jong-il or Hitler to go there. I dont want my worst enemies to go there. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In September 1998, while battling substance abuse and plagued by what he believed was demonic possession, Kang attempted to take his life by slitting his neck and stomach. As surgeons worked frantically to repair the damage at a hospital in California, Kang said his spirit was plunged into what he could only describe as Hell. There was no light, he said. There [were] no plants. I dont remember seeing even an ounce of grass. It was just like rocky floor. Theres cliffs everywhere, and they look like purplish red, just not a pleasant color. You look up, and its just dark. Just imagine a very dark night without the moon. The 20-minute experience, which doctors later told him lasted roughly eight hours in real time, left an indelible mark on Kang, who described a barren and agonizing landscape filled with lost souls and monstrous demons. Theres no ability to converse with people. It was so much pain, so much accusation, so much fear. It was like anxiety multiplied, fear of condemnation multiplied, he said. He recalled giant demons, three, four, five stories tall, watching over the souls in torment. I knew they were in charge of this place, Kang said. According to Kang, the emotional pain was worse than any physical torture he could imagine. So much guilt, shame, fear. It was worse than death. Although Kang was raised in a Buddhist household and once trained to be a monk, his mother was turned away when she sought help from their temple in Korea during his hospitalization. Instead, she reached out to a Christian friend, who brought a prayer group to the hospital. They started praying, and the doctor later said that this was a miracle, Kang said. According to Kang, his spiritual experience abruptly changed when he sensed someone praying for him. He said he felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over him and heard a voice he believed was Jesus. It was at that moment, he said, that I instantly left Hell and returned to my body. Kang told the Daily Mail that the doctor who treated him later said, Its a miracle that I found every vessel at the right time. If I was a few minutes late [...] you might not be here. Now sober for 25 years, Kang said, I [...] dont drink, dont smoke anymore, dont look [at] anything stupid online. God gave me this inner strength to be so pure. Kang serves as pastor of Revive The Nations Ministry and said he remained quiet about the experience for years, unsure how to process what had happened. But recently, he said, connecting with others who had similar experiences, many of whom described nearly identical visions of Hell or Heaven, gave him the courage to speak out. I started seeing that this is not just Steves story, Kang said. This is a story of everybody, every nation across every country, anyone that God decides to have mercy on. He now shares his story widely in hopes of warning others about what he calls spiritual cancer. Our job, I believe, is to share the story and tell people that there is a cure for spiritual cancer or sin or death, Kang said. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology reviewed 465 near-death accounts and found that nearly 10% involved negative experiences, including hellish landscapes and torment. In a recent interview with The Christian Post, Michael Youssef, pastor of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, said its important to understand what Jesus says about Hell throughout the New Testament. That is very important, he said. Today, nobody wants to talk about Hell. They think that Hell doesn't exist. Nobody's going to Hell. And I said, What? Are you saying Jesus is lying? Because everything we know about Hell is from Jesus. Those who deliberately go against the Word of God, and think that God is just such a big Santa Claus in Heaven who doesn't care and He winks at sin and doesn't care how you live, then they are the ones going to be in a big shock on that last day or when they die. It's impossible to understand the beauty of Heaven without acknowledging the horrors of Hell, Youssef said. The Hollywood idea that everyone goes to Heaven when they die is a lie from the pit of Hell, he cautioned. Everybody thinks they're good. Whoever says, I'm bad? I tell people that in Heaven, there are no good people. There are only bad people in Heaven. The only good person in Heaven is Jesus. But all the others are bad people who have recognized that they are bad, that they are sinners who desperately need the salvation that only Jesus can give them. Redeemed sinners that's who's going to be in Heaven. These are the concepts that we need to constantly hammer away at people to understand. Heaven is something to look forward to, and work toward, and not be afraid of or apprehensive about or being uncertain. Home News Israel sets deadline: Large offensive will start after Trumps Middle East visit unless Hamas releases hostages Israel will give Hamas a last chance to agree to a hostage deal until after the Middle East visit of U.S. President Donald Trump next week, an Israeli official told local media outlets on Monday. The senior security official stressed that without an agreement according to the Witkoff proposal, the new offensive dubbed Gideons Chariots would begin with great force and will not stop until all its objectives are achieved. The Israeli cabinet approved plans for a large-scale, new offensive in Gaza on Sunday evening. That was the chief of staffs recommendation to move, as he said, toward the defeat of Hamas, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message on Monday. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe He believes this will also help us rescue the hostages. I agree with him. We are not letting up on this effort and will not give up on anyone. Netanyahu stressed: One thing will be clear were not going in and out [of Gaza] just to call up reserves so theyll come and seize territory, we withdraw from territory, and carry out raids on what remains. Thats not the intention. Whats our intention? The opposite. Israeli officials have emphasized that the new offensive would follow a different strategy than previous maneuvers, which were led by the previous IDF chief of staff and defense minister. The new strategy, formulated by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir will see the capture of territory and a long-term presence of Israeli soldiers there. A central component of the plan is the wide evacuation of the entire Gazan population from combat zones, including from northern Gaza, to areas in southern Gaza, while creating separation between them and the Hamas terrorists in order to allow the IDF operational freedom of action, the security official stated. Unlike in the past, the IDF will remain in every area that is taken, in order to prevent the return of terror, and will treat each cleared area according to the Rafah model in which all threats were flattened and it became part of the security zone. This, in essence, is the core of the controversial Generals Plan, which had been considered and rejected by the political echelon for months. The official added that the prevention of humanitarian aid into Gaza would continue until the wide evacuation of the population to the south, when the new humanitarian aid distribution mechanism will be enacted. The new humanitarian plan will differentiate between the aid and Hamas by operating civilian companies and demarcating the area, which will be secured by the IDF, including the demarcation of a sterile area in the Rafah region beyond the Morag route, where those entering will be filtered by the IDF to prevent the presence of Hamas operatives, the official explained. He also emphasized that the voluntary emigration plan for Gaza residents, particularly for those who will be concentrated in the south outside of Hamas control, will be part of the operations objectives. The Israeli leadership appears to have decided on a broad change of strategy, as the official added that Israel would strive to retain in its hands the areas that were cleared and annexed to the security zone beyond the March lines even if a new offensive was forestalled by a potential hostage deal. In any temporary or permanent arrangement, Israel will not evacuate the security zone around Gaza, which is intended to protect the communities and prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas, he declared. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Korean Church Media Association raises alarm over Chinas new crackdown on Christians The Korean Church Media Association issued a statement expressing deep concern over new Chinese regulations on religious activities that went into effect on May 1, according to reporting by Christian Daily Korea. The association warned that the "Rules for the Implementation of the Provisions on the Administration of Religious Activities of Aliens within the Territory of the People's Republic of China" appear aimed at significantly restricting missionary work within China. According to available reports, China has managed religious activities, particularly Christian ones, through regulations on religious affairs. But these new implementation rules appear to significantly increase both restrictions and pressure, the statement said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The group noted that while China had previously applied 22 regulatory provisions, the new rules expand that number to 38. These new provisions more thoroughly define matters such as the location and method of religious activities, the approval procedures required by Chinese authorities, and corresponding penalties, the association stated. As a result, we anticipate strict regulation of religious activities, especially those targeting Chinese nationals, including missions, education, fundraising, and even internet-based religious activity. The statement added that China has already been aggressively regulating religious activity since 2017. Many Korean missionaries have been forcibly expelled or denied visa extensions, forcing them to leave their mission fields, it said. The association further accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of employing comprehensive and global strategies to expand its influence while using every pretext to restrict religion and missionary activity within its borders. The CCP is aggressively pursuing global influence through hybrid warfare, unrestricted warfare, and united front strategies, it said. Meanwhile, within China, they suppress religious and missionary work under various pretexts. Calling for vigilance, the statement urged the international community and especially South Koreans not to be deceived by Chinas strategies. Even if there are exchanges and trade between nations, hidden agendas and strategic manipulation must be uncovered and rooted out, it said. We must ensure that the Chinese Communist Party cannot treat Korea and the Korean people with disrespect. The statement concluded by encouraging global attention to Chinas religious restrictions and advocating for firm resistance to infringements on religious freedom. Originally published by Christian Daily Korea, translated and edited by Christian Daily International staff. Home News Missionary sexually assaulted American child in Indonesia 15 years ago, lawsuit claims A Michigan woman has sued a Florida missionary agency, alleging one of its workers sexually assaulted her in Indonesia when she was a child. The civil complaint filed this week in Seminole County, Florida, accuses Ethnos360 of failing to protect the child and ignoring warnings for years. Kayla McClain, now 24, claims Nate Horling abused her from 2005 to 2010 while both families served at two Ethnos360, formerly known as New Tribes Mission, posts in Indonesia, NBC News reported. McClain said she first met Horling when she was around 5 years old. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The filing alleges Horling first touched her inappropriately during playdates with his daughter, then escalated to a sexual assault in a closet in 2009. After each episode, he allegedly told the girl not to speak about it and blamed her for what had happened. Horling, who is not named as a defendant, "absolutely" denied the accusations in a statement to NBC News. Ethnos360's attorney, David Doyle, said the organization "takes allegations of this nature very seriously" and "categorically denies any merit to allegations made against it." The suit says McClain's father contacted Ethnos360's childsafety team in 2012 after she displayed sexualized behavior at age 12. The complaint states that staff spoke with the parents but did not interview the child, open an investigation or offer counseling. McClain says no trained professional ever asked her about the incidents, leaving her confused and silent for years. Initially founded in 1942, Ethnos360's mission is "reaching people who have no access to the Gospel." Today, it partners with over 3,000 missionaries across the globe. In 2023, the organization reported over $79 million in revenue and $76 million in expenses, according to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Over the past two decades, survivors have accused Ethnos360 of covering up dozens of child sex abuse cases stemming from mission-run boarding schools in Senegal and the Philippines in the 1980s and '90s. Ethnos360 has apologized, settled multiple suits and adopted significant childsafety training. In 2018, the organization settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who claims she was abused by a "dorm dad" in a Christian boarding school in Africa. A confidentiality agreement kept details of the settlement private, reports the Orlando Sentinel. On its website, the nonprofit mentions background checks and specialized training for new members, but the latest lawsuit argues those safeguards were inadequate when McClain sought help and remain insufficient today. This week's filing cites a 2010 report by GRACE Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment, founded by attorney Boz Tchividjian that documented numerous child abuse cases inside the missionary school and criticized leadership for mishandling allegations. Tchividjian, who oversaw that inquiry and now represents McClain, told NBC News that Ethnos360 has confronted abuse allegations "over, and over, and over again," yet has not fully addressed its practices. After returning to the United States in 2018, McClain experienced flashbacks and depression, the complaint says, and attempted suicide the following year. In 2021, she reported the abuse through IHART, an external review panel commissioned by Ethnos360, and sat for several multihour interviews. The lawsuit alleges the mission offered no counseling and did not alert childprotection authorities. The lawsuit accuses Ethnos360 of negligence, negligent supervision and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She seeks more than $50,000 in damages and a jury trial. "I'm tired of being quiet and tired of being invisible," McClain said in the filing. "They need to be held accountable. I want the silence to stop." 400-Page Report Denouncing Gender Care, Texas Pushes To Criminalize Political Memes, Michael Todds Feminie Attire link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:21 07:21 Top headlines for Monday, May 5, 2025 In this episode, we explore the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recent 400-page report that criticizes gender interventions for minors, sparking nationwide debate. Then, we turn to Texas, where a proposed law could make creating memes and certain online speech punishable by jail time, raising concerns about free speech rights. Meanwhile, Transformation Church Pastor Michael Todd is under fire from some Christian circles for his choice of feminine attire during a sermon, prompting discussions on gender norms within the church. Finally, with a conclave set to elect a new pope next week, we offer insights into potential successors for Pope Francis. 00:11 HHS releases 400-page report denouncing gender-affirming care 01:13 Fmr. Texas GOP speaker pushes bill to criminalize political memes 02:09 Global Terrorism Index lists countries most hurt by terrorism 03:08 Michael Todd gets backlash for wearing feminine attire 03:56 18 suspected arsonists arrested as Jerusalem area wildfires rage 04:54 Ga. gov. signs Riley Gaines Act banning males from women's sports 05:41 4 contenders to become the next pope Home Opinion Is the papacy biblical? In a matter of days, 135 eligible cardinals from around the world will gather in Rome for a papal conclave in order to choose the next pope for the Roman Catholic Church. Meeting beneath the artistic scenery of the Sistine Chapel, these electors will vote as many as four times per day until their chosen leader receives a two-thirds majority. Cut off from the outside world, participants pledge an oath of secrecy and objectivity before the proceedings begin. The burning of ballots signals the conclaves progress, or lack thereof, to the world. Black smoke from the chapels chimney indicates a failure to reach consensus and continued voting. Once a new pontiff is chosen, white smoke created by added chemicals is the first declaration of the transition to the world. Upon his election, Romes new bishop must immediately offer his consent by answering the question, Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff? Next, he will choose a new name for himself, often a means of honoring predecessors or identifying his leadership vision. With these clerical matters completed, the new pope assumes complete authority over the worldwide church immediately. After a formal announcement in Latin, he emerges at St. Peters Basilica in order to offer an apostolic blessing, heralded as the new vicar of Christ. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe If all of this seems a bit medieval, its because it is. Roman Catholics are quick to tell us that the Apostle Peter functioned as the first pope because he is the rock upon which Jesus promised to build His church (Matt. 16:18). Though I do not doubt the sincerity of their claim, both Scripture and history tell a different story. The first recognized pope did not emerge until the 5th century when Leo I became bishop of Rome. The word pope simply means father. Early on, the endearing term described important bishops in numerous places. As late as the fourth century, Alexandria and Carthage celebrated popes Athanasius and Cyprian in Northern Africa. Throughout the eastern Roman empire, many others donned the title as bishops, with no consensus around the primacy of a Roman pope. Furthermore, cities like Antioch and Alexandria were much more important to the early development of the Church than anything happening in Italy. The fall of the western Roman empire brought barbarian invasions which threatened all that was left of ancient civilization, particularly in the city of Rome. Though the Roman Empire continued to thrive in the east (the Byzantine period), western cities like Rome were left vulnerable to total destruction. In this climate, Romes bishop, the aforementioned Leo I, broadened his power and influence by negotiating for the peace and preservation of the city multiple times. Though the church in the east did not recognize his unique authority, Leo believed that God blessed his efforts because he was a successor to Saint Peter. Thus began the evolution of Romes primacy and the popes increased authority. As the Italian seat of authority grew and the strength of Constantinople began to wane over the next few centuries, papal consensus began to grow. It was not, however, until after the Great Western Schism of the 15th century that a more unified papacy began to emerge. I realize that this history is foreign to many, but it is illustrative of the false claim that the papal office goes all the way back to Peter. Nothing in the biblical record even hints at the papacy as we know it today. How, then, should we understand Jesus recorded statement to His beloved apostle? The exegetical nuances of Matthew 16:18 are impossible to discuss here, but the point of confusion centers on whether Peter himself or the confession he made serves as the foundational stone for the true Church. Simply allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture makes it obvious that Peters confession is the rock upon which the church has been built. Clearly, Peter did not claim to be the first pope, nor did anyone treat him as such. Such an understanding in no way detracts from Peters leadership in the early church. His name is mentioned first wherever we find a record of the early apostles and disciples (see Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). Furthermore, he was part of the inner circle of three that Jesus privileged to witness the resurrection of Jarius daughter (Mark 5:35-43), the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3), the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13), and the Gethsemane prayer time (Mark 14:32-42). Yet, Peter himself claimed to be a fellow elder in the early church without special privilege (1 Pe. 5:1-5). Call him the first among equals if you will, but his authority was equal to and not greater than his fellow apostles. The deliberations of the Jerusalem Council make this plain, demonstrating that Peter spoke with conviction, but no more so than James, Paul, or Barnabas (Acts 15:1-29). Additionally, Pauls public rebuke of Peter for misrepresenting the Gospel before the Judaizers reveals that he was under authority even as he exercised authority (Gal. 2:1-14). Peter was no pope. For these reasons, we ought to reject the practice of papal authority as unbiblical, even as we pray for Gods mercy in a broken system. There is no earthly vicar of Christ precisely because there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5). Yet, whoever Rome designates as its new leader will articulate and advance the faith for many Christians around the world. To date, the official positions of the Vatican have stood firm on the sanctity of all human life and the biblical definition of marriage. Christians everywhere should applaud these commitments even as we should pray that the next pope will not deviate from them. I do not have to recognize papal authority in order to recognize the value of historical moral positions and human flourishing. Home News Democrats accused of hypocrisy for slamming Trump 'pope' meme Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., were among the Democrats who drew accusations of hypocrisy on social media for expressing outrage at an AI-generated meme of President Donald Trump as pope, despite flouting core Catholic teachings. Trump and the White House's official X account prompted debate over the weekend for a fake picture showing Trump adorned in papal garb and a crucifix while extending his finger. Trump joked to a press gaggle last week that he would be his own "number one choice" to be pope before noting he has "no preference." pic.twitter.com/x2HrR939tn Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe May 3, 2025 While Trump's meme drew dismay from conservative Catholics, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who told reporters in Rome that "it wasn't good," some also suggested that the outrage Hochul, Lieu and other Democrats expressed was selective and fake, noting the litany of anti-Catholic incidents and sentiment during the Biden administration that went without criticism. "This is deeply offensive to me and to my fellow Catholics around the world as we continue to mourn our beloved Pope Francis," Hochul wrote Saturday. Users on social media responded to Hochul by noting her advocacy for abortion, which she has described as "a woman's fundamental right." "What's deeply offensive is that you call yourself Catholic, facilitate the slaughter of tens of thousands of innocent children every year, and then pretend you have the credibility to act offended on behalf of a church you don't believe in," wrote journalist Mark Hemingway. "Imagine a pro-abortion Governor pretending to care about the Catholic faith! These people have NO SHAME," wrote author Eric Metaxas. In 2021, Hochul proclaimed from a pulpit in Brooklyn that the COVID-19 vaccine is "from God" and that those who refuse the vaccine "aren't listening to God and what God wants." While wearing a "vaccinated" pendant, she asked her audience to be her "apostles" by pushing their neighbors to get vaccinated. Some users also responded to Hochul with an image of Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appearing to mock the Eucharist last fall with a Dorito, presumably either mistaking Hochul for Whitmer or arguing that Democratic leaders have disrespected Catholicism in the past. Whitmer ultimately apologized for the Dorito incident after outrage and claimed the video was "misconstrued." Lieu, who has represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015, echoed Hochul on Saturday and received similar pushback. "As a Catholic, I take great offense to Donald Trump mocking Catholics. I wish Trump would focus on lowering prices instead. The American economy had negative GDP growth last quarter. That's what he should be focused on instead of making fun of Catholics," he wrote. In response, some X users pointed out how Lieu tweeted a photo of himself in 2015 at the Los Angeles LGBT pride parade posing with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group of drag queens who dress as nuns and have long been accused of mocking the Catholic faith. The group made headlines in recent years for blasphemous displays, including sexualizing the crucifixion during a gay striptease show. In 2023, one of their former members was arrested for allegedly sitting in his truck with the door open and masturbating for an hour in public. In 2021, Lieu dared the Catholic Church to deny him communion for supporting contraception, abortion, divorce and gay marriage. "Ted. You support killing babies and sterilizing children. Save us your sanctimony. My goodness," wrote Terry Schilling, a Catholic who serves as president of the conservative think tank American Principles Project. Christian author David Limbaugh suggested some of the most vocal critics of the papal meme are acting in bad faith. "It really is true: the people yelling loudest about the Trump/pope meme don't care about Catholicism, Catholics, or Jesus Christ. They do care about hating Trump and using any pretense they can to demonstrate it," he said. Joshua Mercer, who serves as vice president of CatholicVote.org, placed Trump's meme in the context of similar joke memes that have been circulating on social media, and exhorted people to remember that some presently vocal critics said nothing when former President Joe Biden supported public policies that conflict with Catholic teaching. "President Trump's joking meme depicting himself as the pope was obviously intended to be humorous. There is no need to imagine that he believes he could be pope, or that he intended to mock the papacy," Mercer said in a statement. "Memes depicting famous people as the new pope have been playfully circulating on social media everywhere for the past week." "It bears noting that today's loudest critics were shamefully silent for four years as President Biden, himself a Catholic, was a manifest scandal to the Church," he added. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back against accusations that Trump was mocking the papacy, telling reporters he "has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty." Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, also weighed in on the backlash to the meme when former Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol asked him if he is "fine with this disrespect and mocking of the Holy Father." "As a general rule, I'm fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen," Vance wrote in an apparent jab at Kristol's influential support for the Iraq War, which Trump famously called "a big, fat mistake" during the 2016 GOP presidential primary. Home News Evangelist slain after leading Muslims to faith in Christ Killers leave jihadist note: You, infidel, will meet Allah in judgment' NAIROBI, Kenya Islamists killed an evangelist after he led several Muslims to faith in Christ at an open-air event in eastern Uganda last month, sources said. David Washume of Manga cell, Mungoma Ward, Nabumali town council in Mbale District was stabbed to death on April 3 as he made his way back from three days of preaching in the Nalondo, Buwalasi and Nabumali areas, area sources said. He was 38. With fellow evangelist Fred Wepuhulu, Washume incorporated quranic verses and biblical references in his preaching, emphasizing the divinity of Christ and the humanity of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, said one of those attending the event. Washume spoke in the town of Nabumali on the third day of their campaign. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe On the third day the attendance increased in number, and he demanded a response of putting sin to death in their lives, to kill sin and identify themselves with Christ and against Satan, and their voices lifted to Heaven in song, said the attendee, whose name is withheld for security reasons. Many people responded, including several Muslims who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. But some Muslims started shouting in protest, and the two evangelists left and entered a friends home. Washume and Wepuhulu were returning home to their area of Nabumali the night of April 3 when they were attacked at about 10 p.m., Wepuhulu said. As we were nearing our village, we met three masked men dressed in Muslim attire, with knives, while speaking the Arabic language, Wepuhulu told Morning Star News. They stopped us and told us to surrender our bags. The assailants found Bibles and a Quran in Washumes bag, he said. One shouted in our local language, They are the ones, they are the ones Kill, kill them! Wepuhulu said. I realized that we were in the midst of militant Muslims. I wrestled with one of the them who was holding me tightly, but I managed to escape. My friend who was held by two men could not. Lastly, I arrived at my home, but very fearful. Moses Kutosi, chairperson of local council 3 of the Nabumali Town Council, said he received a phone call at 6 a.m. the next day informing him of a dead body in a pool of blood near a Bible college chapel in Nabumali. Immediately I went to the scene of the incident and found the body of my resident friend Washume, Kutosi told Morning Star News. I was astonished and fearful and made a phone call to the police who came after some hours. The body was taken to the Mbale city mortuary for postmortem, Kutosi said. A relative of Washume said his body had wounds on the neck and chest. The knife which the assailants used to kill him was found at the scene of crime, including a written note saying, You, infidel, will meet Allah in judgment, and other Arabic words which could not be understood, the relative said. Kutosi said Washume was a good, hardworking and devoted Christian and a member of an undisclosed church in Mbale city. Police and community members have mounted an intensive search for the killers, a police officer told Morning Star News. The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented. Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country. This article was originally published at Morning Star News Home News Presbyterian Church in America sees growth in baptisms, giving in 2024 amid nationwide declines The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) saw widespread growth in 2024, with notable increases in membership, giving and professions of faith, according to the denomination's latest five-year statistical summary published by the Administrative Committee. Of the 1,667 congregations in the PCA, 992 submitted statistical data revealing a 1.84% increase in total membership over the previous year, bringing the total to 400,751 up from 393,528 in 2023, according to ByFaithOnline, the official magazine of the PCA. This marks the third consecutive year of membership growth for the denomination. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The five-year summary, which summarizes data from 2020 through 2024, showed upward trends in nearly all major categories, including baptisms, congregational giving and benevolence support. The most significant year-over-year increase was seen in professions of faith by adults, which rose by 22.34%, from 4,641 in 2023 to 5,678 in 2024. Adult baptisms grew 16.56%, reaching 3,083. Professions of faith by children also rose 14.08%, increasing from 4,859 to 5,543. Infant baptisms saw a more modest increase of 2.4%, totaling 5,541 for the year. Total contributions from PCA congregations reached an all-time high of $1.29 billion in 2024, representing a 15.98% increase from the previous year's total of $1.11 billion. Per capita giving rose by more than 13%, from $3,644.06 in 2023 to $4,118.98 in 2024. Giving to denominational ministries also increased. Contributions to the General Assembly causes grew by 12.06%, reaching nearly $23.94 million. Total benevolences funds directed toward missions, mercy ministries and other external causes rose by 4.73%, totaling $170.29 million. Presbyteries in the denomination decreased by one to 87. However, the number of churches increased to 1,667 in 2024, up from 1,645 the year before. Teaching elders rose to 5,347, and ministerial candidates also increased from 572 to 767. The 2024 data suggests a continued recovery from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which giving, attendance and overall activity dipped across many denominations nationwide. According to a May report, the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Evangelical denomination in the U.S., 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, about 10% more than the 226,919 that occurred in 2023, itself a rise from 2022. A December 2024 report found that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) had around 1 million fewer active members than in 2009, with the progressive mainline Protestant denomination continuing its years-long decline. Meanwhile, thousands of churches have left the United Methodist Church (UMC) largely due to a schism over the denomination's stance on homosexuality. Over 7,000 congregations have disaffiliated since 2019, according to statistics. Despite denominational changes, the share of Americans who identify as Christians shows signs of leveling off after years of decline at slightly above six in 10, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey of 36,908 U.S. adults. "Americans born in 2000 through 2006 (those ages 18 to 24 in the 2023-24 RLS) are just as likely as those born in the 1990s (now ages 24 to 34) to identify as Christians, to say religion is very important in their lives, and to report that they attend religious services at least monthly," the Pew analysis reads. "Time will tell whether the recent stability in measures of religious commitment is the beginning of a lasting shift in America's religious trajectory. But it is inevitable that older generations will decline in size as their members gradually die. We also know that the younger cohorts succeeding them are much less religious. This means that, for lasting stability to take hold in the U.S. religious landscape, something would need to change. For example, today's young adults would have to become more religious as they age, or new generations of adults who are more religious than their parents would have to emerge." Abonati-va sa primiti pe email saptamanal lista articolelor adaugate pe parcursul saptamanii. Adresele .ru nu sunt acceptate. Email NEWSLETTER Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Kismet has had a journey in finding a name. After all, what do you call a literary magazine tasked with exploring spirituality, religion, and mysticism for seekers and skeptics alike? Heathen was one early option. Editor in chief Samuel Rutter liked its playfulnessit was a term his grandmother often used growing up. Ultimately, the words history proved to be too contentious. Schism was another. (Too confrontational.) Rutter and Alec Gewirtz, the magazines editor and publisher, eventually settled on Amulet and posted the first issue online under that name in early March. The week of the launch party, however, they received a cease-and-desist from a book publisher that operates a childrens imprint under the same name. Rather than fight it, they decided to go back to the drawing boardand to throw out dozens of tote bags already branded with the moniker. Kismet, as the magazine is now known, was suggested by a friend of Rutters who worked in banking. It checked all the boxes: nondenominational, inviting, and six letters long, enabling it to be easily worked into the existing design logo. A lot of people have told us, Actually, I like Kismet better, Rutter insisted. This prolonged search for identity was perhaps a fitting way for a new magazine about modern American spirituality to get its start. Rutter, a longtime editor, and Gewirtz, the CEO of a progressive spirituality company, envision Kismet as an outlet for engaging with spirituality beyond the confines of how it has traditionally been defined by conservatives. In their Issue One editors letter, they note that the right has tried to lay claim not only to traditional religion but also non-religious spiritualitypointing to, for instance, the rise of pseudoscientific wellness influencers and the prominent role of a New Age teacher as the director of messaging for nowsecretary of health Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s failed presidential bid. We think it would be a big mistake if the left reacts to how the right has appropriated spirituality by rejecting spirituality altogether, Gewirtz said. At the heart of the publication is a premise that conservatives might agree with: religious practice is in decline in America, and with that has come a costly loss of ritual and community. Recent research studies showed that 92 percent of Americans hold a spiritual belief in an afterlife or god, but only 30 percent of Americans attend weekly religious services. There are enormous spiritual hungers, and the long-standing ways of meeting those hungers arent resonating for so many people, Gewirtz said. One solution the editors arrived at was to make the publication more about creative inquiry than restrictive definitions of the terms of spirituality. We arent in the business of feeling like we need to be arbiters of whether someones spiritual experience is real or fake, Rutter said. Instead, as a literary magazine, we can operate within a space of unknowing. In the inaugural issue, Lamorna Ash finds sacred texts in unexpected places: the twelfth-century love story of Heloise and Abelard, the relationship between the performance artists Marina Abramovic and Ulay (who once walked more than a thousand miles to break up with each other), and even the text messages on her phone. K-Ming Chang delivers a work of fiction that the editors describe as new myth. Other early contributions advance Rutter and Gewirtzs belief that literary pursuits are inherently spiritualeven if that connection isnt always easy to see. Sheila Heti explores the challenge she faced writing about the ineffable during an assignment for Harpers magazine. A magazine gets its identity from having a strict sense of what defines it, and what defines it is wrapped up with what it believes reality is, Heti writes. When one is writing non-fiction for a magazine, one is always telling a story. But the mystical realm exists outside of story. Heti offers no easy answer to the dilemma she identifies. This disconnector the presumption of onewas one of the initial challenges Rutter and Gewirtz faced while putting together the magazine: so many writers they approached didnt perceive themselves as fitting in to a publication about spirituality. Some of them said to me, Im not particularly religious, Im not particularly spiritual, Rutter said. And I had some of their own writing ready to read back to them to say, well, this is. Sign up for CJRs daily email Gewirtz, who is also a writer, has experience advocating these ideas. He is the CEO of a company called Nearness, which is organized as a member-owned cooperative and puts on multiweek virtual workshops for progressive organizations interested in the spiritual infrastructure of the future. The main thing weve done is create a bunch of different community offerings, he said of Nearness, because spiritual seeking is very lonely. Its a person one on one with an influencer on Tiktok, or one on one with a self-help book, but no structure of community. Kismet is funded in part through income generated by Nearnesss workshops and grants. Gewirtz wants Kismet to have an independent identity from his day job, but he certainly hopes it will provide another venue for the same kind of community building and connection, including through public events and readings. Where do people go, if theyre not in a religious congregation, to talk about the biggest questions of life, the spiritual dimension of life? Gewirtz said. We want, among other things, to be a venue. Editors Note: This article has been updated to correctly identify Alec Gewirtz. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Over the years, Ive written often in this newsletter about the failures of horse-race journalismbut I never thought Id have to do it so literally. Ahead of the Kentucky Derby, which took place on Saturday, the favorite status of a horse named Journalism offered journalists an irresistible metaphor that, sure enough, they did not resist. Joseph Gerth, of the local Louisville Courier Journal, wrote that it was essential for Journalism to triumph over another horse in the running, Citizen Bull, ridden hard here as a stand-in for President Trump and his attacks on the press. Kevin B. Blackistone, of the Washington Post, hoped that Journalism would beat (and you really couldnt have made this up) a horse named Publisher, since the new publishers in journalism havent necessarily been journalists best friends. It was never intended that we sort of become the media darling of the Kentucky Derby, but we will certainly take all the good energy and vibes coming Journalisms way, Aron Wellman, the managing partner of the ownership group of Journalism (the horse), told Blackistone. In this day and age, when freedom of speech and journalistic integrity is, quite frankly, under attack, its pretty poignant that a horse named Journalism is receiving so much hype and attention. In the end, though, it was a horse named Sovereignty that won the race, in mucky conditions that further tortured an already absurd metaphor. Journalists agreed that this was a bad omen. Right-wing punditsincluding, naturally, the defense secretary and deputy White House chief of staffmade hay. (The jockey being Venezuelan was, perhaps, lost on them.) Trump himself, of course, did not need to wait for something as trivial as a horse race to try and make the metaphor literalindeed, forty-eight or so hours before the derby was run, he did so in perhaps the most egregious way yet, issuing an executive order that called on the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to defund NPR and PBS on the grounds that they are biased and partisan and taxpayers shouldnt be expected to subsidize them. (The order also directed the Department of Health and Human Services to determine whether the broadcasters are complying with laws regarding discrimination in employment.) The following day, the White House put out a press releaseheadlined President Trump Finally Ends the Madness of NPR, PBSthat ticked off examples of coverage that ticked off the White House, including segments on furries, genderqueer dinosaur enthusiasts, and an interview with an author who ate a human placenta osso bucco style. The order capped years of Trumpian threats to funding for public media: in his first term, he (unsuccessfully) urged Congress to cut it; since he returned to office, the Federal Communications Commission has begun investigating PBSs and NPRs commercial practices, and Trump allies have turned up the heat rhetorically, culminating in a congressional subcommittee hearing at which Republicans raked Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, and Paula Kerger, her counterpart at PBS, over the coals. As Liam Scott, who covered the hearing for CJR, noted at the time, NPR and PBS actually get relatively little money from the public pursethe figure for the former is only around 1 percent; the figure for the latter is significantly higher, at 16 percentbut the elimination of such funding would likely represent an existential threat for smaller stations around the country, especially in rural areas where the commercial media ecosystem has withered; NPRs David Folkenflik noted last week that Trumps order appears to envision a continuation of federal subsidies for public radio and television stations beyond NPR and PBS themselves, but that this seems hard to square with recent reporting that he plans to ask Congress to claw back funds that it already appropriated for all public broadcasting. The order wasnt even Trumps first concrete attack on the public media ecosystem last week: a few days earlier, he moved to fire three of the five members of the CPBs board. But not so fast, Sovereignty! The board members quickly sued over their removal, arguing that Trump did not have the legal authority to demand it. Folkenflik noted that even if the firings were to be approved, they would appear to deprive the CPBs board of the quorum it needs to do thingslike, for example, implement an executive order to defund NPR and PBS. And the order itself seems certain to get tied up in court. The text appears to preempt challenges based on viewpoint discrimination, which is unconstitutional (and was recently at issue in the Associated Presss successful lawsuit over its exclusion from White House events)which viewpoints NPR and PBS promote does not matter, the order states; what does matter is that neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizensand yet the accompanying press release suggests something very different. And crucially, the CPB is not an executive agency but a private entity that Congress established with explicit guarantees of independence. Kerger described the order as blatantly unlawful, Maher as an affront to the First Amendment. Yesterday, the two leaders appeared jointly on Face the Nation, the CBS Sunday show, and pressed their case. We have never seen a circumstance like this, Kerger said. Obviously were going to be pushing back very hard, because whats at risk are our stations, our public television, our public radio stations across the country. Of course, even if the order ultimately falls in court, it will surely cause confusion and chaos along the way, which seems to be at least part of the point of many of Trumps actions since his return to office, including in the realm of media policy; his move to gut Voice of America and other overseas broadcasters, for example, has been hindered by adverse rulings asserting Congresss ultimate authority over their funding, but that legal battle is ongoing and may have complicated plans for staffers at VOA to resume work this week, as CNNs Brian Stelter reported over the weekend. At minimum, the fight is a distraction and a bad look; as Ira Glass, the host of the totemic public radio show This American Life, told The New Yorkers E. Tammy Kim late last week, Trumps order creates a branding issue, since its not great to have the president saying your coverage is biased. Still, the cases of VOA and NPR and PBS are not the same. (NPRs and PBSs may be more clear-cut, in some ways.) And the order can perhaps be seen not as a sign of Trumpian strength, but of weakness. The American Prospects David Dayen speculated last week that Trump might be going down the executive-order route because hed failed to get sufficient numbers of congressional Republicans on board with the idea of clawing back funding that way. Reporting by Lisa Desjardins, of PBS, has suggested something similar, with lawmakers apparently expressing nerves to the White House about the prospect of cutting their local public stations. As this nuanced picture began to unfold last week, the issues involved were put into global perspective: on Friday, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published this years edition of its closely watched annual World Press Freedom Index, ahead of World Press Freedom Day, which fell on Saturday. The US fell to fifty-seventh on RSFs index (out of a hundred and eighty countries and territories worldwide), a record-low ranking that the group attributed, in no small part, to the return of Trump and his moves against the AP, VOA, and so on. But this reflected not so much a precipitous decline as the acceleration of a more gradual one. (The US ranked fifty-fifth on the index last year, when Joe Biden was president.) Yet the country scored lowest not on RSFs political indicator but on its economic one, a reflection of its highly concentrated media ownership and news owners general prioritization of profits over public interest journalism. (This flew in the face of yet another questionable claim in Trumps CPB order: that unlike in 1967, when the CPB was established, today the media landscape is filled with abundant, diverse, and innovative news options, making public funding outdated and unnecessary.) Sign up for CJRs daily email This finding tallied with RSFs key broader takeaway from its research, which focused on economic fragility as an insidious problem responsible for dragging global press freedom levels down to historical lows. Much of this is due to ownership concentration, pressure from advertisers and financial backers, and public aid that is restricted, absent or allocated in an opaque manner, the group wrote. The data measured by the RSF Indexs economic indicator clearly shows that todays news media are caught between preserving their editorial independence and ensuring their economic survival. What the group described is, essentially, a dual threat, emanating both from private owners and from governments. These tracks intersect with one another: news outlets that are financially weak are easier prey for autocrats, as RSF also pointed out. To return to a tortured analogy, Sovereignty and Publisher appeared to be beating Journalism on World Press Freedom Day. (What? Surely you didnt think that I would resist the metaphor?) But this state of affairs isnt inevitable. (RSF also made this point, in an article calling for a global New Deal for journalism.) In the real-life horse race, Sovereignty may have beaten Journalism, but Journalism handily beat Publisher, which came fourteenth, one place ahead of Citizen Bull, in fifteenth. In his article ahead of the race, Gerth, of the Courier Journal, quoted something that Citizen Bull (Trumpkeep up!) told The Atlantic last week: that in his second term in office, he runs the country and the world. But this isnt inevitable either. To cite one manifestation of a contrary trend, in recent days voters in Canada and Australia handed stinging defeats to parties led by Trump-inflected populistsboth of whom, as it happens, had themselves made threats to public media in their respective countriesto the benefit of liberal incumbents. Elections elsewhere rarely revolve around US politics to the extent that US journalists would like to believe. But this time, Trump does seem to have been a major factor. The results were, at least, surprising: a few months back, the energy appeared to be with the populists; in the end, those two leaders lost not only the overall election but their own seats as lawmakers. Last summer, as the US election entered its final stretch, Poynters Annie Aguiar asked journalists who cover horse racing (in the literal sense) how they perceive horse-race journalism (in the political sense) and whether they think the metaphor is apt. My colleagues who I admire in politics should remember that the rule of thumb in horse racing is nobody knows nothing, Joe Drape, a racing reporter at the Times, said. You got opinions, you got information in front of you, you got speculation, but until the race is run, nobody knows whos gonna win. The same principle applies even after elections have run their course. Journalism may have lost, but journalism isnt done yet. Other notable stories: For his media newsletter, Status, Oliver Darcy spoke with Tina Brown, the former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. Among other topics, including the dangers of this political moment and her pivot to posting on Substack, Brown weighed in on Vanity Fairs search for a new editor after Radhika Jones stepped back from the post, backing potential contenders including the tech journalist Kara Swisher, New Yorks David Haskell, and The Anklers Janice Min. Speaking with Semafor, Min said that she doesnt want the job and mentioned a different nameBrowns. But Brown doesnt seem keen either. (Oh please! she told Semafor in a text. Never go back!) CJRs Feven Merid profiles Kismet, a literary magazine that aims to explore spirituality, religion, and mysticism for seekers and skeptics alike. Samuel Rutter, the editor in chief, and Alec Gewirtz, the publisher, envision Kismet as an outlet for engaging with spirituality beyond the confines of how it has traditionally been defined by conservatives, even if conservatives might agree with some of its foundational premises, Merid writes. We think it would be a big mistake if the left reacts to how the right has appropriated spirituality by rejecting spirituality altogether, Gewirtz said. Ashley Greene studied abroad in January via the SC State Office of Global Engagement. Ashley Greene in London South Carolina State University senior Ashley Greene pauses outside the University of the Arts London, where she spent January 2025 studying ceramics and sculpture as part of a study abroad program. (Photo courtesy of Ashley Greene) ORANGEBURG, S.C. Ashley Greene spent January sketching in Hyde Park, exploring galleries in Shoreditch and molding clay in one of the worlds top art schools all while studying abroad in London. The South Carolina State University senior traveled to England as part of a study abroad program through the universitys Office of Global Engagement. For Greene, a studio arts major focused on ceramics and sculpture, the experience offered a rare blend of formal study and cultural immersion. London offered a rich tapestry of experiences from its vibrant music scene and world-class art museums to intimate galleries, lively pubs, and diverse cuisine, said Greene, who is from Waynesboro, Georgia. She studied at the University of the Arts London, where her creativity thrived in a collaborative environment filled with artists from around the world. The environment was a perfect blend of curiosity, creativity and collaboration, she said. Being surrounded by a community of talented peers and guided by supportive, cooperative and innovative teachers fostered my artistic development in ways I never imagined. Greene didnt come to SC State planning to be a ceramic artist. Her sights were set on drama at first, but she decided to focus on digital media with dreams of working in stop-motion animation. But a required class and a growing passion for clay transformed her career path. I had to take a ceramics class, and it was just me and another student in there, she said. I just kind of fell in love with it. Greene continued with more ceramics courses and eventually transitioned from digital media to art education. That, she said, was a practical move to ensure job prospects, but her growing love for sculpture led her in a new direction. I felt like I could teach with my ceramics and sculpture experience, Greene said. But if I wanted to really focus on my work and be serious about it, I needed to change my major again. She switched to studio art with a focus on ceramics and sculpture. The stay in London was Greenes second immersive excursion in the arts thanks to SC State. In summer 2024, she worked at the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina for a studio assistantship with Alexander Thierry, an SC State associate professor in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Thierry taught the Penland workshop in screen printing and soda kiln firing and selected Greene to assist since she had previously fired SC States soda kiln with him. That just made me want to really focus on my work, get better, she said. I just feel a joy and passion for ceramics and sculpture. Greene will graduate this Friday and already has a job lined up at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a masters degree in art practice by spring 2026, with the goal of eventually earning a doctorate. I want to teach at a university, maybe work at a museum, she said. And I still want to push my own art and see what I can do. For Greene, teaching art isnt just about painting and drawing its about giving kids more options. A lot of kids like clay, she said. I dont want them to think art is just painting or sketching. Pottery is kind of a lost art. Greene had long envisioned studying abroad and began planning more than a year in advance. With guidance from Dominique Rolle, SC States international education coordinator, she explored several destinations before choosing London. Getting around the city on the Tube, navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods and absorbing Londons layered history became part of the learning process. But it was the access to modern art spaces, creative peers, and renowned instructors that left the biggest impression. It has deepened my passion for the creative arts and inspired me to pursue further opportunities to study abroad, particularly in graduate school, Greene said. The Office of Global Engagement supports students like Greene by offering virtual sessions, classroom visits and connections to international study providers. Rolle said shes always looking to help students step beyond their comfort zones. Immersing oneself in another culture is truly transformative, Rolle said. Office director Dr. Learie Luke wants at least half of SC State students to travel abroad before graduation. For those who dont, the office brings global experiences to campus through language classes, international music and food festivals, and cultural workshops. For more information about study abroad or campus-based global experiences, contact Dr. Luke at lluke@scsu.edu or Dominique Rolle at drolle1@scsu.edu. Visit the Office of Global Engagements web page at www.scsu.edu/oinsep. SC State will conduct Spring Commencement on Friday, May 9, beginning at 10 a.m. in Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Through my 35 years in the claims industry, and experience ranging from casualty adjusting to property and construction to third-party administration, Ive seen a significant amount of knowledge and expertise come and go. For decades, as workers have aged out of our industry, theyve been replaced by new, young and talented cohorts of professionals ready to make a name for themselves in the claims industry. Yet, just as in any number of industries right now, we are experiencing talent shortages that require diverse, updated and improved strategies to address this challenge. Another key factor in this conversation is the rapid evolution and adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into industries, which has both increased the skill level and knowledge requirements of new workers, while also creating a generational divide between young employees and long-time members of the workforce. Even with these challenges, I cannot shake the idea that the real problem here is that weand by we, I mean those who have been in this industry for decades and seen the real-world, impactful work we accomplish for residents, companies and governments alikemust make claims cool for the next generation of workers. As leaders, this will be our legacy. Developing Strong Company Culture The route to making claims cool will begin at the foundational level of all companies in this industry. In developing this foundation, its imperative that organizations create and maintain a strong company culture, including a consistent refinement of a flexible and adaptable working environment that corresponds to generational differences, and has a distinct emphasis on training and comprehensive education. New workers who are brought in must see the value in being a part of this culture and contributing to it. If this value is established, along with training strategies that reflect how each generation learnsthis includes varying degrees of comfortability with new technology, communication and social platforms, and morethen a company can incentivize full-scale participation of a workforce in creating an environment that rewards and encourages hard work, collaboration, and most importantly, pride in ones accomplishments. A final point on company culture development is the necessity to inform employees of the broad range of services that an organization offers. Sedgwick, for example, has several lines of business, so ensuring that new and potential employees understand the career mobility that can be provided to them through identifying new roles and skills is a requirement of success. This is a necessary tool in driving a talent recruitment and retention strategy that facilitates the growth of young workers. Frequent and consistent communication is the key pathway for young professions to help them understand their progression. Making Claims Cool In all of this, from developing company culture to employee training, the biggest tool we have at our disposal in the claims industry is the actual work we accomplish for residents and businesses around the country. The sense of pride helping those in a difficult time of their life is so rewarding. There are three main aspects of the industry that should speak to young workers, and if positioned correctly by those in leadership positions, the industry can become that much more attractive to the next generation of talent. First is technology. Young workers across industries are seeing new and emerging technologies integrated into their jobs, and many are entering the workforce having been introduced to AI in school. These are exciting times for technology, as it revamps and transforms workflows and operations, makes us more skilled and effective workers, and most importantly, places us at a pivotal moment in time where even more change is on the way. Just like the Internet upended business and everyday life in the early 2000s, AI will do the same now. The claims industry has been a historically traditional industry, but cutting-edge technology has become a key aspect of claims adjusters work in the property space. This has helped move a claim from A-Z must faster than any time in our industry. From preparedness before a storm, in which tech such as geo spatial data, advanced imaging, and more are supporting residents and business owners in finding safety, to supporting claims professionals in safely assessing damage afterward with robotics, the industry is in a thrilling moment in time right now. Part of bridging the gap to young workers is ensuring they understand that they will not be tied to their desks in claims adjuster roles. Rather, they will be using the latest and greatest technology to expedite claims, assess damage, and support people around the country. The second aspect of making claims cool is a renewed emphasis on our on-the-ground response. Claims adjusters are essentially second responders. They are on-site after extreme weather events, such as the recent hurricanes in Florida, the tornadoes throughout the middle of America and the wildfires in California. With the already mentioned role of AI, these roles are evolving more and more every year. Claims management companies regularly deploy people in response to storms, and companies like Sedgwick see these support staff number in the thousands. The work places these professionals as the next in line to provide support after first responders in the aftermath of emergencies and extreme weather events. By providing long-term aid, temporary housing, rebuilding support through contractors, stabilizing homes and infrastructure, and more, the claims industry has a hand in each part of the preparation, recovery, and rebuilding process. The third and most integral aspect of the work we do in the claims industry is our ability to aid in residents and business owners recoveries after some of the worst moments of their lives. Its so important that young workers realize this; even with the innovative technology and the intensity of responding right after a significant hurricane has hit or another extreme weather event, the most critical and coolest part of this job is being there for people and business owners to guide them back to stability in their lives and work. This is all to say that as our industry faces a defining time for future success, it is incumbent upon us to educate, train, and develop young workers so they understand the incredible value of our profession. This value extends not only to the people and businesses we serve, but also to ourselves, in that we can take pride in creating a meaningful impact on the world through understanding that caring counts in this profession, and everyday people are looking for support as they navigate the unexpected more than ever. Armstrong is executive vice president, Property Americas, at Sedgwick. TeleMessage is investigating a potential security incident after a hacker claimed to steal sensitive data from the app, which former National Security Adviser Michael Waltz allegedly used to communicate with other members of the Trump administration. A spokesperson for TeleMessage said in a statement Monday that it was examining whether hackers had exploited its technology. The app, owned by the Portland, Oregon-based software company Smarsh Inc., allows users to archive messages from the encrypted apps Signal, WhatsApp and Telegram. Waltz was captured sending messages on the app by a Reuters photographer, and apparently included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other Cabinet members in his message history. A hacker breached TeleMessage, stealing contents of some direct messages and group chat messages, the technology news site 404 Media reported Sunday. Upon detection, we acted quickly to contain it and engaged an external cybersecurity firm to support our investigation, the spokesperson said. Out of an abundance of caution, all TeleMessage services have been temporarily suspended. All other Smarsh products and services remain fully operational. The company didnt respond to questions seeking additional details. The Trump teams use of Signal provoked an uproar in March after the Atlantic revealed that Waltz had inadvertently added its editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a Signal group chat to discuss plans to attack Houthi rebels in Yemen. That episode was believed to have played a role in President Donald Trumps decision to remove Waltz as his top national-security aide and nominate him as ambassador to the United Nations. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Dear Abby: My longtime friend shut me down when I tried to discuss my health. I know she realized immediately that she had hurt me, but she didnt apologize. Now when she asks about my health, I change the subject. Thoughts? Getty Images Dear Abby: Ive known Bianca since high school. Shes my neighbor and godmother to my son. I consider her a sister, and we travel and spend holidays together. Our families get along well. A month ago, my body started aching all over. I have been feeling sick, and my doctor is trying to figure out whats wrong with me. One day, Bianca and I ran into each other, and I told her I was feeling really sick. She replied, Stop saying that. Sick, sick, sick. No! Better to say that you are in pain but not sick! (It was an order.) Abby, Biancas comment took me aback. I told her I cant complain to my loved ones all the time and I thought I could share with her. She told me she gets worried every time I do it. I complained to her only a couple of times in a three-week period. Im so sad. Bianca is my best friend. We talk on the phone, but not as often as we used to. I know she realized immediately that she had hurt me, but she didnt apologize. Every time I think about it, I get an empty feeling in my stomach. Im not holding a grudge, but now Im more careful about what I say. When she asks about my health, I change the subject. What are your thoughts on this? -- Censored in Ecuador Dear Censored: I am trying to decide if your friend Bianca may be so empathetic that when you mention your physical pain she experiences it, too, or whether shes just plain insensitive. Whatever the cause of her inability to listen to you discuss your symptoms, if you want this friendship to last, you are going to have to accept that she isnt up to the challenge and find another outlet. Consider asking your physician for a referral to a doctor who specializes in chronic pain. See all Dear Abby columns Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, California 90069. Copyright 2025, Andrews McMeel Syndication. Federal prosecutors say Chindeu Opute, a Nigerian Afrobeats artist from Georgia, helped scam Parma Heights out of $504,000. U.S. Attorney's Office CLEVELAND, Ohio When a Parma Heights finance employee opened an email in June 2023, nothing seemed amiss. The email from a contractor who fixed a road as part of a joint Cuyahoga County and Parma Heights project sought payment for the citys portion of the bill$504,576.01 The city wired the money to the account listed in the email, just as the city does about every day to pay for expenses. Except the email didnt come from the contractor. It came from scammers who had hacked into a city email, patiently monitored the account and struck when the opportunity presented itself, according to authorities. I ultimately found out that they had been in the system for three to four weeks just looking for invoices, said Parma Heights Police Chief Steven Greene, who investigated the case before his promotion to the top cop in the city. Greene said the citys cyber insurance covered more than half of the loss. Greenes investigation led him to work with J.P. Morgans security team, a sheriffs office in Georgia, a police department in Washington and ultimately with the FBI, who on Tuesday arrested one of the suspected hackers, Chinedu Opute, in Atlanta. Authorities say the Oputes group used the same email takeover scam to swindle a Bedford commercial construction company out of $337,000 and a car dealership in Everett, Washington, out of $250,000. In all, the group stole more than $1.1 million in less than a week, according to the indictment. Opute, a Nigerian citizen living in Sandy Springs, Georgia, was charged Wednesday in federal court in Cleveland with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft. Joseph Habachy, an attorney who represented Opute at his initial appearance in Georgia, declined comment. Opute is a Nigerian Afrobeats artist who released several songs in the late 2000s and early 2010s, according to the Nigeria Peoples Gazette. In a late-night ruling on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Bridget Brennan in Cleveland reversed a Georgia magistrate judges order that would have allowed Opute to be released from custody with a GPS monitor on Friday morning. Brennan ordered that Opute remain in custody and be sent to Cleveland to face arraignment. Im shocked and very happy they were able to identify someone in the United States and make an arrest, Greene said. Usually, we dont get that lucky. Theyre usually never in the U.S. so that was gratifying. Oputes group sent so-called phishing emails containing a link or attachment that, if opened, allowed hackers unfettered access to the email account, authorities said. Thats what happened in Parma Heights, Greene said. After that, basically, they just sat back and watched, Greene said. The group sifted through emails to find out what expenses the city paid out and to whom, prosecutors wrote in a court filing. When the hackers saw an invoice come in, they hid the real invoice in a spam folder and sent a nearly identical email that included the wire information for the hackers bank accounts, the indictment said. Greene said in prior iterations of the scam, the email would contain numerous errors that would alert someone that it could be fake. This one, he said, was a nearly identical email from the one that was initially sent. The only difference, he said, was that in the senders email address, they had changed a lower-case l to a 1. The payment $504,000 payment was sent on June 6, 2023. No one knew the money had gone to the wrong account until nine days later when the hackers tried it again. This time, they copied an email from a contractor who built a retaining wall in the city and sought a $469,200 payment, Greene said. The money was initially wired to the hackers, but a security officer at the citys bank flagged it as fraud and canceled it, Greene said. Thats when Greene teamed up with J.P. Morgans security officer and eventually other law enforcement officers around the country who had been investigating similar scams. Greene said he found the group created more than 150 email accounts that mirrored construction companies, architectural firms and engineering firms, among others. Investigators found that once the money was wired, the hackers sent it through several other bank accounts and pass-through accounts before withdrawing the money using more than 100 pre-paid debit cards, according to the indictment. Opute also withdrew his cut of the money at ATMs in the Greater Atlanta area, according to prosecutors. Opute and others used real peoples stolen identities to load the debit cards, the indictment said. Once FBI agents zeroed in on Opute, they tracked his whereabouts through the GPS device in his phone and followed him from his $699,000 home as he drove around in his gold Range Rover, prosecutors wrote in court filings. On Aug. 24, 2024, FBI agents called Opute before raiding his home. He immediately reset one phone before leaving the house with a woman and a child, Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Miller wrote in a court filing. Miller wrote that Opute admitted to living at the home and that FBI agents found clothes that matched ATM surveillance photos of a masked Opute withdrawing cash. Opute denied the accusations, court records say. In less than two months after the raid, Opute sold his home for $770,000 and his Range Rover, Miller wrote. Investigators arrested Opute on April 29 during a traffic stop and found him with several cellphones, according to Miller. Miller, in asking for a judge to sign off on keeping Opute in custody, wrote that he lied several times during his initial court appearance in Georgia, including about where he lived and about his status as a citizen. Opute said during the hearing he became a U.S. citizen in 2019, but Miller wrote he is a lawful permanent resident and was twice denied citizenship. He also lied about how often he traveled internationally and his employment history, Miller wrote. Miller said Opute had access to cash and bank accounts in Nigeria and had dozens of fake identities. Oputes use of these fake identities helped him hide his identity and distance himself from efforts to recover the stolen proceeds, the prosecutor wrote. Opute now may similarly convert this ready access to other peoples identities and financial information not only flee from law enforcement under an assumed name but to obtain the financial means by which to do so. Adam Ferrise covers federal courts at cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. You can find his work here. Police investigate the scene where a Hamilton County deputy was struck and killed by a vehicle Friday in Cincinnati. (WCPO via Associated Press CINCINNATI, Ohio A man who struck and killed a county deputy with his car Friday is the father of a teen who was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer a day earlier as officers were responding to a call about a stolen car, police said. Authorities said the crash appeared to be intentional. The driver of the car, 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr., was charged with aggravated murder in the death of Hamilton County Deputy Larry Henderson, police said. Hinton appeared in court Saturday, with a wall of deputies standing at the back of the room. A prosecutor said evidence and witnesses will show that Hinton drove directly at the deputy in an attempt to kill him. A judge ordered that Hinton be held until another hearing Tuesday. An attorney representing Hilton said in court that he has no prior felonies and understands its a serious charge, WLWT Channel 5 reported. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement that he was sickened by what appears to be an intentional act of violence. He has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff in Ohio in honor of Henderson. Just a few hours before the crash, Hinton and other family members met at the police chiefs office Friday morning and watched a police body camera video showing an officer shoot the teen, said Michael Wright, an attorney hired by the family of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton. Rodney Hinton could not make it through the entire video and did not say a word, said Wright, who is not representing Hinton on the crash charges. He was distraught, he was upset, Wright said Saturday. In a statement issued later on behalf of Ryan Hintons family, the law firm offered heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of Henderson. The firm called it an unimaginable tragedy for the community and said the teens family was heartbroken by the events and devastated for the deputys family. Henderson was directing traffic near the University of Cincinnati on graduation day when he was hit by a car that drove into an intersection, Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said. Henderson retired from the department a few months ago but was continuing to work off-duty assignments, said Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey. He was so well-liked and so well-known, McGuffey said. What a tremendous loss we have all suffered. Authorities said the circumstances of the crash were being investigated. If the facts show this act was intentional, as the charge suggests, I will throw the full force of the law at the perpetrator, Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said in a statement Friday. Ryan Hinton was shot twice and killed by police Thursday during a chase. The officer who fired told investigators that the suspect pointed a gun at him, said Cincinnatis police chief. Police showed photos during a news conference Friday of a semiautomatic handgun that they said he was carrying and another gun that was found in the car. One officer could be heard in body camera video released by police saying hes got a gun, hes got a gun before several shots were fired as Ryan Hinton was running behind an apartment complex. While the blurred images did not clearly show Hinton pointing a gun as he and the officer were running, Theetge said the officer told investigators that he had the firearm in front of him, it was pointed at the officer and the officer feared for his life. There was no indication that Hinton fired at police before he was shot, she said. Kenny Phillips, left, and Michael Sutton, who were wrongfully imprisoned for almost 14 years after being convicted being involved in a 2007 drive-by shooting in Cleveland, were each awarded an initial payment of about $475,000 on Monday from the state of Ohio. (Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com) Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com COLUMBUS, OhioA state board on Monday approved awarding a total of nearly $3.6 million to three men who each spent years behind bars for crimes in Cleveland that they didnt commit. The payments, including an additional $2.6 million to Dwayne Brooks and more than $475,000 each in initial payments to Michael Sutton and Kenny Phillips, are the latest in a series of payments from the state of Ohio to people who spent years, if not decades, behind bars for crimes for which they were later exonerated. Members of Save Ohio Parks discussed their opposition to fracking on public lands before an Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025 Laura Hancock/cleveland.com COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission on Monday delayed decisions on whether to accept bids from oil and gas companies to drill on three areas of public land in Eastern Ohio. One of the decisions delayed was for 4,360 acres in the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area in Belmont County near the West Virginia border the second largest tract the commission has considered for oil and gas development since it began considering proposals for hydraulic fracturing in state parks, wildlife areas and rights-of-way two years ago. In addition to the Egypt Valley tract, the other two areas delayed were 382 acres in Jockey Hollow Wildlife Area on the border of Belmont and Harrison counties and 9.8 acres of Ohio Department of Transportation-owned right-of-way along State Route 821 in Guernsey County. When a reporter approached the commission chairperson to ask about the delay, a law enforcement officer stopped her by grabbing her by the arm. Commission Chairwoman Theresa White, who is the chief operating officer of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, recommended the panel bring up the three tracts for discussion only and no vote. There was no discussion. Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer was unable to ask White why the tracts were even on the agenda if she didnt want to schedule a vote for them. ODNR spokeswoman Karina Cheung said that the commission is required to meet within 120 days once it receives a nomination. The commission is required to approve or disprove pending nominations within two calendar quarters, or 180 days, of nomination. The nominations that were delayed Monday will be brought up at a future meeting, she said. The three tracts were nominated by oil and gas companies in December. The identities of the companies that nominated the tracts are not revealed, according to state law. This new chair has been tabling nominations if its not at 180 days, said Cathy Cowan Becker, board chair of Save Ohio Parks, an environmental group fighting hydraulic fracturing on public land. We dont know why. In general, the commission doesnt discuss the tracts at the meetings, she said. They are supposed to consider the nominations effects on geology in the area, state agencies, the environment, whether gas production is compatible with current uses. They dont discuss any of this, Cowan Becker said. Its almost a rubber-stamping process. Its just nomination X, We recommend to vote this or that way, and they take a vote. These meeting are very short. Also at Mondays meeting, the commission approved nominations on the below two tracts: -3.6 acres at Valley Run Wildlife Area in Carroll County, which will allow the commission to accept bids from oil and gas producers; -A 0.7-acre right-of-way along State Route 151 in Harrison County which will allow the Ohio Department of Transportation, which controls the land, to begin the process of leasing it to a producer. Cheung said those nominations would go out to bid in July. Although the public land is small, environmentalists say that fracking chemicals used to break open the shale in Eastern Ohio and release the gas could flow into other nearby water. The commission rejected a nomination for 52 acres of land in Belmont County partially in an ODOT right-of-way along State Route 7, since ODOT said that they didnt control all the land that was nominated. Laura Hancock covers state government and politics for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. A student working in a lab at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania on Oct. 14, 2022. In Ohio, scientists worry about funding cuts from the administration of President Trump, which could end projects looking at kidney disease, tuberculosis and other health conditions. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com COLUMBUS, Ohio - LGBTQ youth suicide reduction, improving the states outdated infectious disease reporting database and development of tuberculosis vaccines are among the hundreds of millions of dollars in health and medical research funding for Ohio that the federal government has axed in recent months. Scientists, doctors and people who support them are worried. They say the cuts expected to be in the billions nationwide by the time the administration of President Donald Trump is done will result in job losses for those who work in research or public health. Grant terminations will constrict the economy, since companies depend on government-funded research to make medicines, vaccines and devices. And an entire generation of young scientists could be lost as new research opportunities dry up. We need these federal grants in order to continue this work, said Sara Kilpatrick, Ohio executive director of American Association of University Professors. Youve heard from professors, doctors, other researchers that people will die as a result of this research not going through. RELATED STORY: At least $321.8M in federal medical research grants terminated in Ohio under Trump Since Trump took office, about $321.8 million in health and medical funding has been cut in Ohio alone. Some of the projects were for LGBTQ research that Republicans have opposed. The feds terminated $815,881 from Ohio State University researchers who were to evaluate the success of suicide reduction efforts in LGBTQ youth. Another project at Case Western Reserve University looked at the health and biology of gender-affirming vaginoplasties, from which $116,154.10 was terminated. But what bewilders Dr. Stephen Carpenter, an infectious disease physician and faculty member at Case and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, is why his research on the immune response to a certain type of tuberculosis has been frozen for 90 days. He also hasnt heard back from federal officials since January on a separate tuberculosis grant needed to fund his lab. Tuberculosis research, I cant imagine why they would want to specifically target that, he said. Cases immune response research will help with the development of a more effective vaccine for whats known as mycobacterium tuberculosis, Carpenter said. The team at Case is collaborating with the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard, which is leading the study and received the $60 million, seven-year grant. Case officials expect to get $6 million to $7 million total from the work, which began in 2019. That money with the contact being frozen is not available for our institution in Cleveland, he said. It just puts jobs at risk. The last he heard from the National Institutes of Health on the separate project that directly funds his lab, officials were working with the U.S. Department of State for approvals, which are necessary because the project uses specimens from volunteers in Uganda through a 35-year collaboration Case has had with the country. The collaboration with a university there is essential because Uganda has a larger population with TB and HIV than can be found in the U.S., he said. His lab is busy and needs the grant money. I have three graduate students, I have a post-doctoral fellow, I have two technicians, Carpenter said. I have some other funding sources right now, and institutional funds, which will end this year. As long as my grant can be funded sometime this year, I think well be okay. But if not, it becomes a very difficult situation. The Trump administration is attempting to trim government bloat, through cuts across dozens of agencies. But the results could be damaging to the economy. United for Medical Research, a group made up of universities and organizations such as the American Cancer Society, released a report in March showing every $1 in NIH research created $2.56 in new economic activity. It makes no sense to pinch pennies on something thats really high-yield like medical research and runs really lean, Carpenter said. In research labs, we do everything ourselves. In a company you may have multiple people for one job you might have in academic research. In 2023, the National Human Genome Research Institute, part of NIH, requested applications for projects that would examine genomes of diverse populations, since most genomic research has been based on populations of European origins, said Dana Crawford, a professor in the Case School of Medicine and associate director for Community and Population Research and Outreach at the Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology. Crawford applied for a two-year grant considered relatively short for scientific research to look at a gene called APOL1 after exposure to lead and cadmium. The gene is associated with changes that can cause kidney disease. People of African descent disproportionately get kidney disease. Crawford has been studying the gene in Black Americans of West African dissent, she said. She said she received an email April 15 that in part said: It is the policy of NIH not to prioritize research programs related to DEI. Research programs based primarily on artificial and not scientific categories, including amorphous equity objectives, are antithetical to the scientific inquiry, do nothing to expand our knowledge of living systems, provide low returns on investment, and ultimately do not enhance the length in life or reduce illness. Worse are so-called diversity, equity and inclusion, DEI, studies often used to support unlawful discrimination on the bases of race and other protected characteristics, which harms the health of Americans. But NIH had itself called for the study of non-whites under the prior administration. And when applying for federal funding, if a scientist is not going to include women and minorities in the medical research, they must offer a valid scientific explanation as to why, she said. The grant was for $437,443. The grant works as a funding reimbursement. She and Case officials have submitted expenses for just $52,756.50 in reimbursements thus far. Crawford could lose up to $384,686.50 if she doesnt spend it by the end of July. The project originally was supposed to end on Aug. 31, 2026. Crawford expects she will have to return much of the money. Typically, it takes us a while to do the research, so no way I want to finish the project by the end of July 2025, she said. A post-doctorate fellow will not be allowed to work on the project past July. Crawford said she has colleagues in her department who have enough funding to provide work for the fellow, who otherwise would have been let go. At Case, professors are expected to get a level of outside funding that will cover 70% of their salaries, she said. Not every departments faculty can achieve this, but it can be doable for scientists using federal research grants. Faculty are very worried that were going to get to a point where theres not enough money coming in to support all faculty, even if youre tenured, she said. Crawford was notified of another federal cut for a program she co-directed at Case, called the Post Baccalaureate Research Education Program, or PREP. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences offered college graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds or from undergraduate schools without extensive research a one-year, paid internship if they were interested in pursuing a doctoral degree to become a scientist. The idea was that the year of research would make them more competitive in their graduate school applications. The administration cut the program, she said, deeming it to be DEI. Case has participated in the national program for 18 years. The school was up for a five-year, $2.7 million renewal that would have paid for 30 students, or six a year, she said. Crawford said the program was successful in producing scientists. Case recipients went on to get PhDs, and joint MD/PhD degrees at universities across the country. We are losing a generation of scientists, she said. There will be an age-group missing from scientists 20 years from now because of this disruption in funding. Theres zero investment in some of these future scientists right now. They will go on to do other things because theres just no support for them. Carpenter, the tuberculosis researcher, has the same concern about future scientists. He is worried that young would-be researchers are exploring other careers as they read about funding disappearing. If the same thing (funding cuts) keeps going year after year you end up losing not to sound cliche but you end up losing like a generation of people that would have gone into research, he said. The U.S. system for funding scientific research has been the envy of others around the globe, Crawford said, and no other country or private foundation can make up the loss. In terms of research loss, I cant quantify, she said. What would have been the innovation? Science builds upon other science. Right now were stagnant in producing that science that future science will need to propel us forward in innovative ways that we cant even think of right now. Laura Hancock covers state government and politics for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. Chorus Limited (Chorus) has today announced that it is considering making an offer of up to $170 million of unsecured, subordinated, redeemable, cumulative, interest-bearing capital notes (Capital Notes) to investors in New Zealand (Offer). It is expected that full details of the Offer will be released later this week with the Offer expected to open during the week beginning 19 May 2025. The Capital Notes are expected to be assigned a credit rating of BB+ by S&P Global Ratings (S&P), which is two notches below S&Ps issuer credit rating for Chorus reflecting their subordination and the potential for interest payments to be deferred. The Capital Notes are expected to be assigned a credit rating of Baa3 by Moodys Investors Service, Inc (Moodys). This is one notch below Moodys issuer credit rating for Chorus. Chorus has appointed Forsyth Barr Limited as Arranger and Joint Lead Manager, and Bank of New Zealand as Joint Lead Manager in relation to the proposed Offer. Investors can register their interest in the proposed Offer by contacting one of the Joint Lead Managers (details below) or their usual financial adviser. Indications of interest will not constitute an obligation or commitment of any kind. No money is currently being sought and no Capital Notes can be applied for or acquired until the Offer opens. If the proposed Offer is made, it will be made in accordance with the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. Application will be made to NZX for any Capital Notes to be quoted on the NZX Debt Market on completion of the Offer. Arranger and Joint Lead Manager Forsyth Barr Limited: 0800 367 227 Joint Lead Manager Bank of New Zealand: 09 924 9602 Authorised by: Drew Davies Chief Operating Officer ENDS Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: CDC Independent Valuation - 30 June 2025 TruScreen Group Limited SPP Update THL provides updated guidance CEN - Greymouth gas deal July 4th Morning Report July 3rd Morning Report ikeGPS Chief Financial Officer Transition TWL - TradeWindow announces strategic partnership with FTA BLT - Patent issue settled and new 5 year agreement with BSP July 2nd Morning Report Australia and New Zealand vowed to advocate for their film industries on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies. Australia and New Zealand have emerged as popular filming locations for Hollywood movies in recent years, given lower costs and tax incentives from federal and state governments. Earlier, Trump said in a post on Truth Social that it was due to incentives offered by other countries to lure filmmakers that the American movie industry was dying a "very fast death". He said he was authorizing the relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States. Australia's home affairs minister, Tony Burke, said he had spoken to the head of government body Screen Australia, which offers funding to support the development, production and marketing of screen content, about the proposed tariffs. "Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry," Burke said in a statement. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the government was awaiting further details on the proposed tariffs. "We'll have to see the detail of what actually ultimately emerges. But we'll be obviously a great advocate, great champion of that sector and that industry," he said. The Australian film and television sector was worth over A$4 billion ($2.58 billion) in 2022, according to the country's statistics bureau. Australia was the filming location for the Matrix franchise and is a permanent base for studios, including Marvel, while New Zealand is best known as the filming location of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. The Australian government has committed A$540 million in tax incentives since 2019 to attract international productions, with the bulk going to Hollywood movies such as Marvel's "Thor: Love and Thunder", Universal's "The Fall Guy" and Legendary Pictures' "Godzilla vs Kong". In New Zealand, the film sector generates NZ$3.5 billion ($2 billion) annually, with around a third of revenue coming from the U.S., its foreign ministry said in a March 2025 report. People watch as Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett is seen on a screen speaking at the Berkshire Hathaway Inc annual shareholders' meeting, in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., May 3, 2025. Berkshire Hathaway shares were under pressure Monday as investors process Warren Buffett's surprise announcement to step down and envision a new path for the conglomerate after his legendary 60-year run. Buffett, 94, picked the very last moment at Berkshire's annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, to tell his loyal shareholders that it's time for Greg Abel, vice chairman of noninsurance operations, to replace him as CEO. The board voted unanimously on Sunday to make Abel president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2026, and for Buffett to remain as chairman. Berkshire Class A shares dropped 4.9% to about $769,960, after closing at a record high at $809,350 apiece. Class B shares fell a similar amount to $512.94 after hitting an all-time high at $539.80 on Friday. Berkshire issued Class B shares in 1996 at a price equal to one-thirtieth of a Class A share. In 2010, Berkshire Class B shares split 50-for-1. "Shareholders should welcome this transparent transition, but also have confidence that Warren isn't going anywhere," said Macrae Sykes, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds and a Berkshire shareholder. "Retaining the position of Chairman means he can continue to mentor Greg and the Berkshire leaders, while also providing additional intellectual capacity when the inevitable time for more major capital allocation occurs." It marks an end of an epic era for Berkshire, which was a failing New England textile mill six decades ago when Buffett used an investment partnership he ran to take control. Berkshire has grown into a one-of-a-kind juggernaut worth nearly $1.2 trillion with businesses encompassing insurance, railroad, retail, manufacturing and energy. Buffett is handing over his reins on a particularly high note as Berkshire shares just reached a new peak Friday. Bill Gates at The 11th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony held at Barker Hanger on April 05, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images) SINGAPORE Rich countries "owe it to the world" to get themselves down to net zero emissions, according to Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Gates, who is also chairman of the non-profit Gates Foundation, was speaking at the opening dinner of Ecosperity in Singapore on Monday, the flagship sustainability event for state investor Temasek. In a fireside chat with Singapore's Ambassador for Climate Action Ravi Menon, Gates said that rich countries must get to net zero, regardless of "whether the entire world gets to [net zero]." "There are levels of emissions that are small enough that the temperature worsening actually is not a problem," he said. Therefore, it is not a must for all countries to achieve "absolute zero," but richer countries must do so in order to show that there are solutions to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. Net zero is defined by the United Nations as "cutting carbon emissions to a small amount of residual emissions that can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere." Gates also called for the world to be more bold with innovation investments that seek to combat climate change, saying that even though he was a huge believer in innovation, "the notion that the entire world is going to get [to net zero] by 2050 is at this point not realistic." The UN has said that to keep global warming to no more than 1.5C as called for in the Paris Agreement emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. "The sooner we get there, the better. [But] we need the examples." Gates said, pointing out that the main obstacles include securing risk capital to fund these solutions. On Monday, Gates also met with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who said in the Gates Foundation would be setting up an office in the city state. "We had a wide-ranging conversation on the challenges ahead, from clean energy to vaccine development. Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Gates Foundation to advance innovation and improve lives here in Asia and around the world," Wong said in a Facebook post. The former Microsoft CEO also met with Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong to discuss how the foundation could work with more entities in the country, such as universities. "We welcome the Gates Foundation and others to continue to bring their businesses and interests here to Singapore and invest in our ecosystem and deepen our ties with the region," Lee said in a post on Facebook. Although President Donald Trump's tariffs have posed a threat to the artificial intelligence boom, Jonathan Gray of Blackstone thinks there is more gas in the tank for data center usage demand. "I think this trend is powerful. I think it will continue," the firm's president and chief operating officer told CNBC's " Squawk on the Street " on Monday. While he added that chip export restrictions are "slowing things down" a bit and that U.S.-controlled data centers would be a solution that could limit security concerns around that area, he continued by saying that "overall, we still see a ton of demand." After coming under significant pressure in the wake of Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs announcement in early April, Big Tech stocks have since rebounded. The Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (MAGS) has climbed back above its April 2 closing price due in part to the latest quarterly results from Meta Platforms and Microsoft last week. Those reports renewed confidence among investors that the AI trade was still intact despite concerns of a U.S. economic downturn and uncertainty around global trade barriers. "I think there's a bit of a danger that it's almost like there's this wall in front of us and we've forgotten what's off in the distance, which is this powerful revolution in technology," he said. "[Meta CEO] Mark Zuckerberg said last week that what's happening in AI is staggering, and we share that view." While Gray stressed that AI is still "in the early days," he sees "significant increases" in the space year by year. He also believes the electricity needs of this data center growth will be met, though considering all sources of power such as renewables and natural gas is imperative. "It's a global issue. I mean, everywhere there are constraints," he said about electricity demand. "Big companies are recognizing this, and I think the investments will come, and importantly, the government recognizes it, and so it is the gating factor on this sort of technological revolution we're on." In addition to being bullish on electricity and power, he is also optimistic about commercial real estate, saying that a massive pullback in new starts over the past three years "is laying the framework, the groundwork for a big recovery in commercial real estate." That even includes the office sector, which has suffered major headwinds since the Covid-19 pandemic. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission on Monday moved to drop its appeal of a federal judge's ruling that had allowed commodities exchange KalshiEx to take bets on the outcome of U.S. political elections. The CFTC, in a filing at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, said its proposed dismissal was voluntary and on terms agreed to with Kalshi. A CFTC spokesman told CNBC that the commission earlier voted to seek dismissal of the appeals. The agreement calls for both sides to bear their own costs and attorney fees, and for Kalshi to waive all legal claims arising from litigation in the case. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour, in a statement, said, "Today is historic. We have always believed that doing things the right way, no matter how hard, no matter how painful, pays off." "This result is proof of that. Kalshi's approach has officially and definitively secured the future of prediction markets in America," Mansour said. Kalshi in January named Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump, as a strategic advisor to the firm. The company's current list of events contracts for political outcomes includes options to bet on who will be the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees in 2028, which party will win the Senate race in Georgia, and who will be the Republican nominee for the governor of Ohio. The CFTC for months had pursued its appeal of a September ruling by Washington, D.C., federal district court Judge Jia Cobb. Cobb, ruling in Kalshi's favor, said Congress had not authorized the CFTC to conduct a public interest review that led the agency to bar the exchange from offering contracts on elections. The appeals court issued a freeze on Cobb's order about eight hours after it was issued. But weeks later, the appeals court lifted that freeze, clearing the way for Kalshi to accept bets on election outcomes as the CFTC continued its effort to have Cobb's ruling overturned. On Monday, the financial reform advocacy group Better Markets blasted the CFTC's decision to drop the appeal, calling it "a stark betrayal of the public interest." "The CFTC has just voluntarily surrendered its fight to overturn a dangerous lower court decision that allows gambling on the outcome of congressional elections," said Stephen Hall, Better Markets' legal director and securities specialist." "That decision was bad law and even worse policy, as it threatens the integrity of our federal elections, promises a new wave of market manipulation and investor losses, and casts the CFTC in the role of election supervisor, something the small agency lacks the resources or expertise to do," Hall said. "Moreover, with this dismissal, the lower court decision will remain intact, setting a terrible and enduring legal precedent. This about-face, without any hint of a justification and after the case was fully briefed and argued by both sides, is an ominous setback for all Americans." CNBC's Jesse Pound contributed to this story. U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. discusses the findings of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) latest Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network survey, during a press conference at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 16, 2025. A group of Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit on Monday to challenge the Trump administration's decision to gut the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by firing 10,000 of its employees and shuttering entire agencies within the department. Attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Providence, Rhode Island, said the job cuts and agency consolidations U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in late March unconstitutionally stripped the department of the resources necessary to do its job. The layoffs, in addition to earlier buyout offers and firings of probationary employees, reduced the number of full-time HHS employees to 62,000 from 82,000 and left key offices unable to perform statutory functions, the lawsuit said. As part of the restructuring plan, HHS said it was also collapsing 28 divisions into 15 and closing half of its 10 regional offices. After the announcement, employees at agencies under HHS including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were abruptly put on administrative leave on April 1 and told they would be formally terminated on June 2. The states argue that the intended effect of the restructuring is to dismantle key HHS programs and that the layoffs have led to infectious disease labs being closed, experiments being abandoned and partnerships being suspended. They argue Kennedy lacked the authority to launch the widespread layoffs and restructuring and that the administration violated the U.S. Constitution by usurping Congress' authority to create and fund agencies' operations. The states have asked a judge to block HHS from implementing Kennedy's plan announced on March 27, prevent the department from being dismantled and force the administration to restore health programs and reopen gutted infectious disease labs. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat involved with leading the litigation, said that by firing infectious disease researchers and closing key health agencies, "you are not making America healthy you are putting countless lives at risk." HHS declined to comment. It has said the restructuring was necessary to streamline its functions and that the layoffs would save taxpayers $1.8 billion annually. The job cuts and agency restructurings were carried out as part of the vast government cost-cutting initiative spearheaded by billionaire Trump ally Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. The states said the job cuts at HHS left CDC unable to meet statutory mandates to investigate diseases due to lab shutterings, put Head Start centers that support early childhood programs at risk of closing, and had jeopardized work on mental health and addiction treatment. Following the job cuts, the FDA missed a deadline to approve a new vaccine for COVID-19 and canceled a key test for the bird flu virus as a result of staff terminations at an Illinois food safety lab, the lawsuit said. The CDC's entire maternal health team was fired, along with much of its division focused on sexual assault and domestic violence prevention and scientists focused on HIV and AIDS, the lawsuit said. The Democratic-led states argued the cuts will impede their ability to secure resources for their communities and may force them to absorb many of the costs of providing public health services. For example, they said the gutting of CDC infectious disease labs has resulted in many states sending samples to a New York state-run laboratory. Malaysia will actively build trade relations with other countries, such as China, Russia and Brazil, instead of waiting for the impact of potential U.S. trade tariffs, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday. There is a possibility that Malaysia can negotiate a reduction in threatened U.S. tariffs as Washington has agreed to further talks, but the global trade war meant economic growth was likely to be below target this year, the Prime Minister said Monday. Malaysia is facing a 24% tariff rate in July for exports to the U.S., unless an agreement is struck between both countries. "Although these are preliminary discussions... the United States government has agreed to further negotiate with Malaysia, and there is a possibility of reducing the reciprocal tariff imposed," Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament. He said the suspension of most tariffs until July meant the impact was manageable for now, but said Malaysia was unlikely to meet its economic growth forecast of 4.5% to 5.5% this year. Malaysia has said it is open to negotiating with the U.S. on non-tariff barriers, reducing its bilateral trade surplus, and exploring a bilateral trade agreement. Last month, the central bank governor also said this year's growth forecast would have to be lowered because of the global trade war. Anwar said Malaysia would also aggressively explore new trading opportunities and boost exchanges between existing trade partners, including China and the European Union. He said negotiations to improve a free-trade agreement between the ASEAN regional bloc and China will be finalised in the near future, with trade ministers from the respective countries set to meet on May 19. Malaysia is chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations grouping this year. Countries across export-driven Southeast Asia have been hit with steep tariffs, with six of 10 listed nations from the region slapped with levies of between 32% and 49%. Japanese PM expresses "strong disappointment" over U.S. auto parts tariff Xinhua) 13:37, May 05, 2025 TOKYO, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Saturday expressed his strong disappointment that a new 25 percent U.S. tariff on auto parts took effect earlier in the day. Ishiba told reporters that Japan will continue to ask U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to reconsider its tariff measures. The U.S. administration on Saturday imposed a new 25-percent tariff on imported auto components, including engines and transmissions, in another blow to Japan's mainstay car industry already slapped with the same rate of tariff on automobiles that took effect in early April. Ishiba also said Japan is negotiating with the United States on "all" U.S. tariffs, following reports that the U.S. side is unwilling to offer exemptions on duties imposed on products such as auto and steel. The U.S. administration told Japan in their second round of negotiations, held in Washington on Thursday, that it aims to focus mainly on reciprocal tariffs in its negotiations with Tokyo while not including duties on automobiles, steel and aluminum, Kyodo News reported, citing Japanese government sources. Japan has no intention of striking a trade deal with the U.S. administration unless all of its new tariffs are reviewed, top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said Saturday as he returned to Japan from the ministerial-level talks in Washington. "We have pressed the United States to reconsider the series of tariffs and we can not reach an agreement if that is not properly addressed in a package," Akazawa, who is Japan's economic revitalization minister, told reporters. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Here are Monday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Jefferies reiterates Tesla as hold Jefferies said it is standing by its hold rating on the stock. "TSLA is now regaining some tech initiative with June's Robotaxi launch in Austin, but its edge may be scalability over technology as AV initiatives accelerate elsewhere. Having returned to a $1trn valuation, the shares give TSLA the benefit of the doubt on 152/107x 2025/26 PE." Mizuho upgrades Bloom Energy to outperform from neutral Mizuho said in its upgrade of Bloom Energy that it sees an attractive risk/reward for the energy company. "We upgrade to Outperform as we see asymmetric risk/reward upside from marginal orders from utilities or other large load customers." Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight Morgan Stanley said it is sticking with Apple following its quarterly 10-Q report. "We share 4 observations from Apple's 10-Q: (1) we see clear evidence of component/finished goods pull-forward in F2Q, (2) Advertising, App Store and Cloud continue to drive Services growth, (3) Op margins reached a 10 year high, and (4) Apple does not rule out raising prices to mitigate tariffs." Morgan Stanley upgrades Ascendia Pharma to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said the biopharma company's hormone replacement drug, Yorvipath, is performing well. "Clean runway for Yorvipath performance to drive ASND in 2025, particularly through 2Q/3Q25 results; Moving to OW." Goldman Sachs upgrades Sotera Health to buy from neutral Goldman Sachs said the testing lab company is well positioned in an uncertain environment. "While SHC has always maintained a durable business model with exposure to commercial pharmaceutical and medical devices, which are less volatile in an economic downturn due to the necessary nature of the products, we believe this exposure has become much more attractive to investors in the current environment given increased macro-related uncertainty." UBS upgrades EQT to buy from neutral UBS said the energy company is undervalued. "We see 3+% upside potential to EQT's FCF and production outlook from each of these catalysts, which we believe are not reflected in the stock price." UBS upgrades Portland General Electric to buy from neutral UBS said the electric utility company is attractive. "We upgrade POR to Buy from Neutral." UBS reiterates Berkshire Hathaway as buy The firm said it is standing by the stock following earnings and the announcement of a CEO change. "Buffett leaves a company that is less reliant on his investing capabilities, with an array of leading businesses with strong cash flows. Operationally, we expect little change at BRK and the culture/strategy to remain unchanged under [Greg] Abel." Loop initiates Okta as buy Loop said the identity access management cyber company is well positioned. "With Okta having the most strategic asset and the most strategic customer relationship (OpenAI) in this emerging AI-driven demand wave, we believe Okta is perhaps the best-positioned vendor in the identity security market." JPMorgan upgrades Wendy's to overweight from neutral JPMorgan said store economics are stabilizing. " Wendy's current share price provides a value-oriented opportunity as we see significant upside to equity value with 6-7% FCF yield (F26-28) with potential for this to step further up to 8.5%+ ex-funded franchise development." Bank of America reiterates Advanced Micro Devices as neutral The firm is sticking with its neutral rating on the stock heading into earnings on Tuesday. "Maintain Neutral on AMD's consistent execution, reasonable valuation and attractive compute market exposure, offset by strong competitive headwinds." Canaccord upgrades Worthington Enterprises to buy from hold Canaccord said the machinery company has plenty of upside. "After reporting its fifth 'clean' quarter in March, coupled with an advantageous manufacturing/sourcing position in the current environment, we upgrade our recommendation from Hold to BUY and raise our PT to $67 ($54 prior), driven by increased estimates and a higher target multiple." Seaport upgrades Reddit to buy from neutral Seaport said investors should buy the dip. "RDDT reported strong 1Q revenues (61.5% y/y) and EBITDA as well as strong 2Q revenue/EBITDA guidance. That said, slowing 2Q user growth (particularly in the U.S.) driven by Google search changes resulted in shares selling off." Melius reiterates Broadcom, Nvidia, IBM and Microsoft as buy The firm said it is standing by a slew of tech stocks. "We are reiterating our buy ratings on Microsoft, Nvidia, Broadcom and IBM. We think Apple will eventually get through the tariff noise and revamp its iPhone line-up. However, a reacceleration in services is what it is really needed to get the stock going." Bank of America initiates Taylor Morrison as buy Bank of America said the homebuilder has an attractive valuation. "We believe TMHC is relatively well positioned in a tough housing market given its more affluent customer base and lower exposure to entry level buyers." Raymond James upgrades Lumen Technologies to outperform from market perform The Wall Street firm said it sees a slew of positive catalysts ahead for the telecommunications company. "We are upgrading our rating on shares of Lumen (LUMN) to Outperform from Market Perform as we believe there are several items in the next 6-9 months that could materially impact the equity value." Jefferies initiates EHang as buy Jefferies said the eVTOL company has a "huge" total addressable market. " EHang as the only player in the world securing all approvals required should be the biggest beneficiary in the space. Initiate on EH with BUY." Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is seen through glass, during an event on the sidelines of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, France, on Feb. 11, 2025. OpenAI has bowed to pressure from civic leaders and ex-employees, announcing in a blog post on Monday that its nonprofit would retain control of the company even as it restructures into a public benefit corporation. The company, which is backed by Microsoft and was recently valued at $300 billion in a funding round led by SoftBank, said it made the decision after discussing the matter with the attorneys general of California and Delaware. "With the structure we're contemplating, the not-for-profit will remain in control of OpenAI," Bret Taylor, OpenAI's board chairman, said in a video call with reporters. "We will be converting the limited liability company, that is a subsidiary of that nonprofit, to a public benefit corporation. By doing so, it will change the equity structure of that company so that employees, investors and the not-for-profit can own equity in that PBC." Taylor said OpenAI had commissioned outside financial advisors to consult on the recapitalization. He declined to share how much of a stake the nonprofit would have in the company, though it will be a majority. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on the call that he was "very happy that the nonprofit and the PBC will have the same mission." He said the board and stakeholders agreed with the decision. OpenAI is currently engulfed in a heated legal battle with Elon Musk, who co-founded the group as a nonprofit research lab in 2015. Musk is trying to keep OpenAI from converting into a for-profit company as he competes in the generative AI market with his own startup, xAI. Altman was asked about the dispute on Monday's call. "We are obsessed with our mission and what it takes to fulfill that," he said. "You all are obsessed with Elon, that's your job like, more power to you. But we are here to think about our mission and figure out how to enable that. And that mission has not changed." Led by Altman, OpenAI has been commercializing products in recent years, most notably its viral ChatGPT chatbot, which was launched in late 2022. The company is still overseen by a nonprofit parent and has faced significant hurdles in its goal to restructure into a for-profit, due largely to Musk. A Musk-led group offered to buy OpenAI in February for $97.4 billion, a bid that was swiftly rejected. Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, speaks on a panel titled Power, Purpose, and the New American Century at the Hill and Valley Forum at the U.S. Capitol on April 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Palantir CEO Alex Karp offered up another batch of colorful commentary to investors alongside the data analytics company's first-quarter earnings. In a letter to shareholders, Karp quoted his own book and some significant historical figures including St. Augustine and President Richard Nixon and the New Testament as he touted the company's artificial intelligence-fueled growth and commitment toward equipping and enhancing U.S. defense interests. "Our financial performance, that crude yardstick by which the market attempts to measure worth in this world, continues to exceed many of our greatest expectations," he wrote. The eccentric technology billionaire has become widely known over the years for his energetic interviews and flowing shareholder letters that often incorporate philosophy, ethics and unconventional language. His letters often read like an essay or dissertation, broken down into parts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (C) and Sidney Aki (R), director of field operations for the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Diego field office walk to the border during a tour of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, in San Diego, California, on March 16, 2025. "Self-deportation" is the Trump administration's term for returning to your home country if you do not have explicit authorization to live in the U.S. "This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for U.S. taxpayers," said Noem. "If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement Monday. The Trump administration is now offering $1,000 stipends and travel assistance to undocumented immigrants who volunteer to depart the U.S. for their countries of origin. DHS said it currently costs, on average, $17,121 to arrest, detain and remove an undocumented immigrant. In a Monday interview with Fox News, border czar Tom Homan said the program will save costs and relieve "resources to focus more on the criminals." "It's going to be extreme cost savings, first of all, for the right people, and I think it's going to help remove those that want to come back under a legal program," Homan said. The program requires immigrants to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's "Home" app, which had previously served as a portal to access the U.S. asylum system under the Biden administration. A fact sheet says users will receive a $1,000 stipend only after their arrival in their country of origin is confirmed through the app. Crucially, DHS also said immigrants who sign up for the departure program will be "deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure." It may also help to "keep the door open for legal immigration into the U.S. at a later date," according to the announcement. "We can work with you and get you to leave, or we'll come find you and we'll remove you based on our schedule and our standards," Homan said. The agency said the new program has already been used by one person who left Chicago to return to Honduras. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 5, 2025. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order to incentivize prescription drug manufacturing in the U.S., streamlining the path for pharmaceutical companies to build new production sites stateside as potential tariffs on imported medicines loom. The order directs the Food and Drug Administration to reduce the amount of time it takes to approve manufacturing plants in the U.S. by eliminating unnecessary requirements, streamlining reviews and working with domestic drugmakers to "provide early support before facilities come online," according to a White House fact sheet. It also directs the agency to raise inspection fees for foreign manufacturing plants, improve the enforcement of active-ingredient source reporting by overseas producers and consider publicly listing facilities that don't comply. The White House estimates that it can currently take five to 10 years to build new manufacturing capacity for pharmaceuticals, which it called "unacceptable from a national-security standpoint." "We don't want to be buying our pharmaceuticals from other countries because if we're in a war, we're in a problem, we want to be able to make our own," Trump said in the fact sheet. "As we invest in the future, we will permanently bring our medical supply chains back home. We will produce our medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and treatments right here in the United States." The order will allow the FDA to conduct more inspections of new manufacturing sites with the same resources, the agency's commissioner, Marty Makary, told reporters on Monday. The FDA will also ramp up inspections of foreign drug facilities, switching from announced to "surprise" visits overseas, he said. "We had this crazy system in the United States where American pharma manufacturers ... are put through the ringer with inspections, and the foreign sites get a lot easier with scheduled visits, while we have surprise visits," Makary said. Trump's order also directs the Environmental Protection Agency to "accelerate the construction of facilities" related to manufacturing drugs and their ingredients. And, it ensures that federal agencies issuing permits for a domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing facility designate a single point-of-contact to coordinate applications, along with support from the White House Office of Management and Budget. The order comes ahead of Trump's planned tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the U.S. Those potential levies and efforts to build goodwill with the President have already fueled a fresh wave of domestic manufacturing investments from drugmakers such as Eli Lilly , Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie . Trump on Monday told reporters he will announce pharmaceutical-specific tariffs within the next two weeks. His administration disclosed in April that it had opened a so-called Section 232 investigation into how importing certain pharmaceuticals affects national security a move widely seen as a prelude to initiating tariffs on drugs. Some pharmaceutical companies are starting to push back on Trump's plans. For example, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said last week that the tariff threat is deterring the company from making further U.S. investments in research and development and manufacturing. U.S. manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry has shrunk significantly in recent decades. Production of most of the so-called active ingredients in medicines has moved to China and other countries, largely due to lower costs for labor and other parts of the process, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The U.S. imported $203 billion in pharmaceutical products in 2023 alone, with 73% coming from Europe, primarily Ireland, Germany and Switzerland, according to analysis conducted by consulting firm EY. Reshoring manufacturing can help make the drug supply chain more robust, decreasing the risk of disruptions, according to an April release from GlobalData, a data and analytics company. Still, it could elevate production costs and drug prices, raising affordability concerns, GlobalData said. FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) stands with actor Jon Voight outside the Oval Office before departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on January 28, 2020. Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images The actor Jon Voight and his manager submitted a proposal to President Donald Trump that included the idea of imposing tariffs on films produced outside the United States, the two men said Monday. Shortly after the men met with Trump, the president announced Sunday that he was authorizing the Commerce Department and the U.S. trade representative to "immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands." Trump did not detail how those tariffs would be implemented. But his announcement on Truth Social sparked panic and confusion across Hollywood studios and streaming services. Concerns about the potential tariffs briefly dragged down share prices Monday for companies like Walt Disney Co. and Netflix . Both Trump and the White House on Monday walked back the idea that the tariffs were certain to be adopted. Voight, in a statement Monday, said, "We look forward to working with the administration, the unions, studios, and streamers to help form a plan to keep our industry healthy and bring more productions back to America." "By creating the right environment through smart incentives, updated policies, and much-needed support, we can ensure that American production companies thrive, more jobs stay here at home, and Hollywood once again leads the world in creativity and innovation," he added. Voight and his manager, Steven Paul, submitted a "comprehensive plan" to Trump about "what changes need to be made to increase domestic film production," Paul's company SP Global Media said Monday. Actor Jon Voight attends the Commander in Chief inaugural ball on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Andrew Harnik | Getty Images The plan included "federal tax incentives, significant changes to several tax codes, the establishment of co-production treaties with foreign countries, and infrastructure subsidies for theater owners, film and television production companies, and post-production companies," the firm said. "The proposal also includes a focus on job training, and tariffs in certain limited circumstances," the firm said. Voight, Paul and another advisor also met in person with Trump at Mar-A-Lago to discuss the plan over the weekend. Following uproar over his post late Sunday, Trump dialed back his rhetoric on Monday. Trump said he would ask Hollywood studios if "they're happy" with his proposal to impose tariffs of 100% on films made outside of the United States. "I'm not looking to hurt the industry, I want to help the industry," Trump told reporters at the White House. "So we're going to meet with the industry," he said. "I want to make sure they're happy with it because we're all about jobs." White House spokesman Kush Desai said that "no final decision on foreign film tariffs have been made." "The Administration is exploring all options to deliver on President Trump's directive to safeguard our country's national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again," he said. Trump also told reporters Monday that the U.S film industry "has been decimated by other countries taking them out, and also by incompetence, like in Los Angeles, the governor [Gavin Newsom] is a grossly incompetent man, he's just allowed it to be taken away from." "Hollywood doesn't do very much of that business, they have the nice sign, and everything's good, but they don't do very much," Trump said. A spokesperson for Newsom, in a statement, said, "Governor Newsom continues to champion California's iconic film and television industry recognizing it as a cornerstone of the state's economy, one that sustains hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs across every sector around the state." "His plan to more than double the state's film and television tax credit reflects a commitment to keeping production here at home, supporting workers and maintaining California's global leadership in entertainment," the spokesperson said. "If the President announces a proposal with more details, we will review it." Warren Buffett and Greg Abel walk through the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 3, 2025. When Warren Buffett relinquishes the CEO title at Berkshire Hathaway , he will leave investors with decades of outsized returns. Buffett shocked the investing world on Saturday with a surprise announcement that he intends to step down from the chief executive post by year-end after six decades. Berkshire's board approved his decision, with the billionaire continuing his other role as chairman. He will pass the CEO baton to designated successor Greg Abel. The stock's performance shows a legacy of moves under Buffett that has allowed Berkshire's stock to run circles around the broader market even when including dividends. In other words, the proof is in the pudding. To be exact, Berkshire shares have skyrocketed 5,502,284% between when Buffett took over what was then a failing textile company in 1965 and the end of 2024, according to the company's most recent annual report. By comparison, the broad S&P 500 has risen 39,054% during that period with dividends. Berkshire's monster figure equates to a compounded annual return of 19.9%. That is nearly double the 10.4% recorded by the S&P 500. The inevitable is finally upon Berkshire Hathaway shareholders Warren Buffett, arguably the greatest investor in modern times, is handing over his reins after an unmatched 60-year run . What does it mean for the conglomerate and its stock that has just reached new heights? Shareholders and Wall Street analysts generally believe Berkshire shares could experience some short-term volatility, especially after a record-setting rally elevated valuations. Even though the 94-year-old "Oracle of Omaha" is irreplaceable in so many ways his exceptional capital allocation skills, unrivaled persona and generosity in sharing his wisdom on business and life most are confident in Greg Abel's ability to carry on Berkshire's culture that Buffett built so meticulously. "In the short term, the shares are likely to remain under pressure," Catherine Seifert, Berkshire analyst at CFRA, said on CNBC's " Squawk Box " Monday. "There's a Buffett premium in the stock that I think is likely to be extracted, or at least partially extracted." Berkshire Class A shares dropped nearly 4% Monday after closing at a record high at $809,350 apiece Friday. Class B shares started the week with a similar decline after ending Friday's session at a record of $539.80. The stock is also reacting to Berkshire's first-quarter results that showed a 14% decline in operating earnings , driven by a 48.6% plunge in insurance underwriting profit. BRK.A YTD mountain Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares Carry on the culture Investors take solace in the fact that Buffett is staying on as chairman of its board of directors. Meanwhile, Buffett reiterated he would not sell any of his Berkshire shares. At the 2023 meeting, Buffett had shared that he structured the distribution of his Berkshire ownership so that it will take 10 to 15 years for it to be fully distributed to the market. "As much as the transition saddens many of us as the Buffett era ends, it is the correct long-term change to give Greg Abel time in the role while Buffett is still around," said Bill Stone, CIO at the Glenview Trust Company and a Berkshire shareholder. "There will not be another Warren Buffett in my lifetime, but Greg Abel doesn't need to be Warren Buffett or Charlie Munger. He inherits a Berkshire Hathaway, which owns some outstanding businesses and a Fort Knox balance sheet." Abel told some 40,000 shareholders in Omaha that he will continue Buffett's patient value investing style and he stands ready to deploy Berkshire's monstrous $347 billion cash fortress whenever a good opportunity presents itself. Buffett said Abel's more hands-on managerial style is working better for Berkshire's hundreds of subsidiaries. The Canadian executive said he views Berkshire's "fortress of a balance sheet" as strategic, and vowed that the conglomerate will never be dependent on a bank or other parties to be successful. "Abel's approach to capital allocation will continue to mirror Berkshire Hathaway's longstanding philosophy as well, focusing on maintaining a fortress balance sheet and deploying capital wisely," Brian Meredith, UBS' Berkshire analyst, said in a note. "He stressed the importance of managing risk while consistently improving existing operations before pursuing new acquisitions." Some questions remain Still, there are a few questions left unanswered after Buffett's head-turning succession announcement. First of all, will Buffett's two investment managers, Ted Weschler and Todd Combs, increase their responsibility in running Berkshire's equity portfolio? Secondly, how will Berkshire deploy its mountain of cash on the balance sheet? Pershing Square CEO Bill Ackman speculated that Berkshire will start returning capital to shareholders via a potential dividend and "being a little bit more aggressive" in buying back stock. Berkshire hasnt paid a dividend in nearly 60 years. Buffett has long said he would prefer stock buybacks to dividends as a way to return capital to shareholders, as scheduled cash payments have the implicit promise that they won't ever be reduced, let alone halted. Separately, KBW's Berkshire analyst Meyer Shields urged Berkshire to improve its "unimpressive disclosure practices" post-Buffett. For example, Berkshire stopped quantifying auto insurer Geico's voluntary policies-in-force growth. He said he expects the stock to be under pressure for the time being, which Berkshire could use as an opportunity to buy back more shares. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, leading the Indian delegation at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, underscored Indias development vision and economic progress while reinforcing key international partnerships.Addressing the Governors Business Session, Sitharaman highlighted Indias ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047 Viksit Bharat and called the ADB a valued partner in Indias development journey. She endorsed the ADBs evolving approach, describing it as proactive, agile, bold and client-centric, crucial for ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region.During her meeting with ADB President Masato Kanda, Sitharaman reiterated Indias focus on private sector-led economic growth. She detailed key policy measures that have transformed Indias economic landscape, including the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), corporate tax reduction, Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), Gati Shakti Master Plan, and Startup India.India also invited the ADB to explore innovative financing products and models tailored for its development needs. Kanda affirmed ADBs continued support for India's priorities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.In a string of bilateral meetings, Sitharaman met with her counterparts from Italy, Japan, and Bhutan.With Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, she discussed bolstering economic cooperation and implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 20252029. She invited Italian firms to invest in Indias growing sectors such as renewable energy, agri-tech, digital innovation, and high-end manufacturing. The ministers also explored co-financing models and collaboration in areas such as green hydrogen, carbon capture, and circular economy initiatives.With Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, Sitharaman stressed the strategic importance of India-Japan ties in maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The two sides discussed expanding economic ties and supporting innovation-led growth.With Bhutanese Finance Minister Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, Sitharaman reaffirmed Indias support for Bhutans 13th Five-Year Plan and broader economic goals. Both leaders emphasised greater connectivityphysical, digital, and financialand cooperation in new-age sectors like renewable energy and fintech.On the sidelines of the ADB meetings, Sitharaman also held discussions with leaders from global financial institutions, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and participated in high-level forums such as the NEXT Milan Forum at Bocconi University.Sitharaman also interacted with the Indian diaspora, besides meeting global think tanks, business leaders and CEOs, in Milan and will also address a Plenary Session of the NEXT Milan Forum at the Bocconi University on Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience.The 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of ADB takes place in Milan from May 4 to 7, 2025. The Taiwan dollar jumped 4.5% on Monday to the highest in over two years, amid ongoing trade negotiations with the US.The islands currency surged to 29.672 versus the greenback Monday morning, the strongest level since February 2023, gaining for a sixth straight session. The rise was the biggest since 1988. The benchmark stock index fell as much as 1.7%.The move is likely on the back of local US dollar rebalancing in anticipation of trade deals with the US, which would take some pressure off Asian currencies, said Namik Immelback of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB. Certainly, there will be a degree of short speculative positions that have been covered in a hurry.Taiwans monetary authority is traditionally expected to smooth out sharp currency moves particularly when the Taiwan dollar strengthens in order to maintain market order and support the islands export-driven economy. However, there appeared to be no active central bank intervention to slow the rally this time.The currencys move also comes as Taiwan negotiates with President Trumps administration on a tariff deal, like many other Asian economies. On Saturday, the government said it had conducted first-round talks with the US, without revealing further details.Global funds bought $1.2 billion of Taiwanese shares on a net basis on Friday, the biggest inflow in almost a month. It also marked their third-highest purchase this year. The benchmark TWSE Index surged 2.7% to a one-month high. May 5, 2025: Ukrainian innovation and encouragement of entrepreneurship has regularly overwhelmed Russian forces. The eventual response was slow but soon had an enormous impact. Perplexed by the Ukrainian methods, the Russians persisted and that kept the war going. Drones were an unexpected development that had a huge impact on how battles were fought. Drones were successful because they were cheap, easily modified, and expendable. Modifications and upgrades could be implemented quickly and inexpensively Both Russian and Ukrainian forces were soon using cheap quadcopter drones controlled by soldiers a few kilometers distant using First Person Viewing/FPV goggles to see what the video camera on the drone could see. These drones cost a few hundred dollars each with the most complex models going for about a thousand dollars. Most of these drones carry a small amount of explosives, so that it can instantly turn the drone into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. Some drones carry more explosives depending on what is needed to deal with a target. These drones are awesome and debilitating weapons when used in large numbers. A major limitation to the expansion of drone operations is the need for trained drone operators. Ukraine found that many soldiers played video games a lot and were quick to adapt to drone operation, especially because they could use commercial game controllers. The war has led to massive losses for Russian forces. So far, over nearly a million Russian troops have died, deserted or avoided military service because of Ukraine. Russia has lost most of their modern tanks along with many other armed vehicles and artillery systems. Aircraft losses have also been heavy, even though Russia sent few warplanes or helicopters into Ukraine because of the formidable Ukrainian air defense systems. The Ukrainian Russian era air defense systems have been augmented by more reliable and effective Western systems. Another reminder of this was the Russian friendly fire incident where one of their S-300 systems shot down a Su-35 fighter, one of the most modern Russian jet fighters. The more reliable and capable Western air defense systems made it clear how backward the older Russian systems were. The S-300 was designed in the 1980s and wasnt updated much by the time Russia invaded in 2022. The short range S-125 system was designed in the 1960s and performed poorly against aircraft with modern electronic and decoy defenses against Russian anti-aircraft missiles. Russian air defense forces have found it difficult to obtain replacement parts for older components used by S-300. Without that kind of maintenance, S-300 missiles are less reliable and accurate. Ukrainian forces still have some of these S-300 systems in use but these missiles were more recent models. Then Ukraine obtained modern and better maintained Western systems missile systems that were far superior. Russia also lost tanks faster than Ukraine and was unable to replace their tank losses as efficiently as the Ukrainians. Russia has limited tank production capability while Ukraine is receiving more tanks from NATO countries than Russia can match in numbers of capabilities. Ukraine also has its own tank production and repair facilities. These have been subject to Russian missile attacks but have been repaired and are again producing and repairing tanks, including some sent by NATO countries. Those nations are also involved in the operation of the Ukrainian tank repair operations. The 9,000 Russian tanks lost since early 2022 were considerably more than what Ukraine lost. By 2025 Ukraine had more operational tanks than the Russian, who were forced to bring some 1960s vintage T-62 tanks out of storage, refurbished and sent them to Ukraine to be quickly destroyed. Against the growing number of Ukrainian tanks are the U.S. M1, German Leopard 1 and 2 and British Challengers. Russia had T-72s, T-90s and T-80s, which were all basically the same design with each modified or upgraded in some way. Ukraine found the Western tanks much more effective in combat. The man-portable anti-tank missiles supplied by NATO are also superior to similar Russian weapons and have accounted for about half the Russian tanks losses in Ukraine. Russia tried to cope and ordered mass production of its T-80VM tank to replace the many T-72B3M and T-90M tanks lost in Ukraine. While the T-80 was designed to be a successor to the T-72 line, including the T-90, that did not happen because the T-80 was more expensive to build and operate. The latest version, the T-80VM, purportedly solved most of those problems, especially if it was mass produced. That is why Uralvagonzavod, the largest Russian tank manufacturing plant, has been ordered to retool and start mass production of the T-80VM. This will not be easy because it is expensive and the Uralvagonzavod plant has its own problems, especially bankruptcy. The government has supplied loans, to keep the Uralvagonzavod from going out of business. Uralvagonzavod has been bankrupt since 2016 and survived because of state-owned Rostec, a holding company that takes over failing, but essential defense firms, to keep them operating. Uralvagonzavod has produced tanks and other armored combat vehicles since World War II and continued after the war. After 1991, most of those military orders stopped but Russia has learned the hard way that, once a lot of these skilled workers are out of work, they use their skills to find new careers or even emigrate, and are virtually impossible to get back later. UVZ obtained enough orders for new armored vehicles or upgrading existing ones in an effort to maintain the workforce that, once lost, is extremely difficult and time-consuming to rebuild. This tank production revival eventually faded away and amounted to very little. Semalam saya menerima panggilan telefon daripada Perdana Menteri Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, yang memaklumkan penangguhan lawatan rasmi beliau ke Malaysia pada Jumaat ini susulan ketegangan yang timbul selepas insiden serangan di Kashmir baru-baru ini. Saya memahami situasi rumit pic.twitter.com/wQWExlI20k Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 5, 2025 Malaysia has extended its support to Pakistan's demand for an international and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22.Tensions between India and Pakistan have increased since the attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran valley, that claimed lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif over a phone call, expressing understanding of the "difficult circumstances" faced by Islamabad and backing the need for an independent and transparent probe."I expressed my full understanding of the difficult circumstances Pakistan is facing and conveyed Malaysias hope that the situation will de-escalate swiftly. I strongly condemned any form of violence and affirmed Malaysias support for an independent and transparent investigation to identify those responsible," Ibrahim posted on X (formerly Twitter).Anwar further offered Malaysia's willingness to mediate between the nuclear-armed neighbours, suggesting the country's longstanding ties with both nations could position it to play a constructive role in easing regional tensions."Malaysia remains open to playing a constructive role, should the need arise. We believe our close ties with both Pakistan and India place us in a position to support efforts towards regional peace and stability," he said.During the conversation, Pak's PM Sharif "categorically rejected any attempt to link Pakistan to the incident, without sharing any evidence," reported Radio Pakistan. He reiterated Pakistan's call for an "international, transparent, credible and neutral investigation to be carried out to ascertain the facts behind this incident."Sharif further stated that Pakistan would welcome Malaysia's involvement in such an inquiry, showing Islamabad's efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic channels.Sharif also raised concerns over India's "provocative behaviour" since the attack and expressed apprehensions about potential military retaliation in the region, as per Radio Pakistan.In another development, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also visited Pakistan on Monday, May 5, said Pakistan's Foreign Ministry. He is reportedly there to try and mediate the tense situation between India and Pakistan, as per The Associated Press.Following the visit, Araghchi is also expected to visit New Delhi, reported PTI.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has also spoken to his Pakistani counterpart on Sunday, May 4, and offered Russia's help in resolving tensions between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, according to reports. Mozilla, the creator of Firefox browser, has issued a dire warning that remedies aimed at curbing Googles search monopoly could inadvertently kill one of the few remaining independent forces in web browsing. The stark assessment came as Mozilla CFO Eric Muhlheim testified in Googles defense against Department of Justice antitrust proposals, calling the potential outcomes very frightening for the browsers future, the Verge reported. The DOJ wants to bar Google from paying to be the default search engine in third-party browsers like Firefox. Phantom Debt Scheme: The FTC and Nevada AG accused Global Circulation Inc. of scamming consumers with fake debt collections and threats. The FTC and Nevada AG accused Global Circulation Inc. of scamming consumers with fake debt collections and threats. Aggressive Tactics: Consumers were intimidated with jail, lawsuits, and wage garnishment, violating multiple federal laws. Permanent Ban: The company and its owner are barred from debt collection, with a suspended $9.7 million penalty pending asset turnover. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the State of Nevada have jointly dismantled a major phantom debt collection scheme that duped consumers out of millions of dollars. According to the complaint, Global Circulation Inc. (GCI) and its owner, Kenneth Redon III, engaged in deceptive practices by falsely claiming consumers owed debts and using intimidation tactics to extract payments. The FTC alleged that GCIs operatives impersonated legitimate lenders and contacted consumers using fictitious company names, threatening arrest, lawsuits, and wage garnishment to collect money that was either not owed or not collectible. The amended complaint also revealed that GCIs false claims violated the FTCs Impersonation Rule. The FTC will not hesitate to act against phantom debt collectors, said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a news release. Using threats of jail time and legal action to coerce payments for fake debts is beyond the pale. Under a proposed court order, GCI and Redon are permanently banned from participating in debt collection and brokering. They are also prohibited from misrepresenting affiliations or material facts related to any business activity. The order includes a $9.7 million monetary judgment, which will be suspended once all remaining assets are turned overthough full payment will be enforced if financial misrepresentations are uncovered. Newsletter May 5, 2025: Ukraine may not win its war with Russia, but the Russians are headed for defeat, even after a cease-fire, because of collapsing transportation, oil and chemical infrastructure due to lack of maintenance and capital reinvestment, plus war damage and western economic sanctions. Sanctions began in 2014, after Russia seized Ukraines Crimean peninsula and industrial Donbas region, and were dramatically increased in 2022 when Russia again invaded Ukraine to conquer the rest of it. The nature of Russias gangster regime is also critical here. Putin assigns control of various portions of Russias economy to his gangster subordinates for them to loot provided they support him politically, and reassigns those portions as he deems fit. One example is how he broke up the old Soviet Communist railroad system into two different parts, one consisting of the rolling stock and the other of the rails and related ground equipment and fixtures, each going to a different oligarch. Putin later divided the first oligarchs holdings into two and gave half to a third oligarch. The ownership interests of these gangster oligarchs are completely different from those of western companies whose owners and managers try to preserve the value of their holdings first and maximize profits second. Russias gangster oligarchs know they can lose their holdings at any time due to Putins whims, and so concentrate solely on maximizing their income from both profits and looting the value of their holdings. This leads them to stint on maintenance, capital reinvestment to replace worn-out equipment and fixtures, and labor force training. And everyone lower down the chain in their holdings and emulates their bosses. For example, rail workers rip out copper wire to sell for scrap from railway control systems on the trains, wagons & signals stations. Similar thefts take place in oil refineries and chemical plants, the Russian space agency Roscosmos, etc. The two major threats to Russian survival in the next few years are collapse of its rail system and its oil exports. Rail collapse will bring down the rest of the Russian economy and conceivably result in mass starvation. Collapse of Russian oil exports would result in inability to pay for critical western imports to keep the rail system, and some of Russian industry in general, operational. The immediate threat to Russias rail system is overuse due to its war with Ukraine. Russia increased the loads carried by rail cars from 80% of maximum to 100 percent of maximum in the summer of 2021 when Putin ordered mobilization of the Russian army for the invasion of Ukraine. This overloading approximately doubled the wear on rail car bearings and railroad beds. This required expedited maintenance of the rail bearings and beds, but that did not happen at all for various reasons, starting with their controlling oligarchs would have to reduce their income to pay for the increased maintenance. Plus the rail system simply lacked the required additional maintenance personnel and rail bearings. Training of new maintenance personnel had gone down significantly after Putin gave control of the rail system to his gangster oligarch confederates. This was true of Russian industry in general, but was especially bad for rail car bearings. There were two types in Russia at the time, the old style bearings which required removal, inspection of each bearing individually with replacement of worn ones, then repacking and re-greasing of the bearing assemblies, and re-installation of the re-packed assemblies. Modern Western coil bearings, almost all produced in the European Union, consist of complete assemblies which are much easier to install and replace as whole units, and their working life is about 4-5 times longer than the old-style bearings approximately two million kilometers of normal use. Russia, and even China, lack the ability to produce Western-quality coil bearings. The two Russian oligarchs controlling rail cars began replacing the old-style bearings with imported Western coil bearings in 2013 because they could amortize the higher cost of coil bearings in only 8-10 years, a yearly return on investment of 10-12 percent. Back then 85 percent of the two million total Russian rail cars and engines had coil bearings when the Ukraine war began in 2022. Western sanctions then cut off deliveries of new coil bearings. The 300,000 rail cars using the old-style bearings are almost all now out of service, due both to wear with the trained workers capable of repacking them either aged out of the system or, if they hadnt, been drafted and become casualties in Ukraine. About 100,000 Russian rail cars are now out of service, parked on rail lines near Ukraine and used as storage for supplies, munitions and small equipment for the war effort. How many of those are broken-down rail cars with old-style bearings, and how many are operational using coil bearings, is unknown. General Douglas MacArthur similarly kept smaller cargo ships carrying supplies to his Southwest Pacific Theater in World War Two for the same storage purposes, though he was supposed to return them. That was one of the reasons he was unpopular with Pentagon brass. It is certain that 15 percent of Russias pre-war rail cars are now out of service, and the war is still going on. New ones havent been delivered because Western sanctions cut off supply of new coil bearings, and the workers capable of assembling and maintaining the old-style bearings are no longer available. By this summer the useable lifetime of the first rail cars to have coil bearings will be close to running out, as all Russian rail cars will have incurred at least eight years of use in the past four. Ditto for the railroad beds themselves, but without adequate maintenance for four years. Initially it was because the trained workers werent available. That reason has gradually shifted to the trained workers being required to repair rail beds torn up by dramatically increased derailments of whole trains. The Russian rail system is in a death spiral. It cannot stop while European sanctions block sale of new coil bearings to Russia. At the same time Russian oil production is going down due to the sanctions blocking deliveries of oil drilling and maintenance equipment which Russia cant produce. That affects production from existing wells plus drilling of new ones required to replace the emptying out of old ones. I.e., Russias declining oil production means it will need loans from the West to buy the rail coil bearings and oil drilling equipment simply to keep its rail system and economy from collapsing after the war with Ukraine ends. Meanwhile, the railroad situation in sanctions free Ukraine is not ideal. One of the transportation difficulties between Ukraine and the NATO countries is the different gauge railroads used in Europe and Ukraine. Europe uses what is known as Standard Gauge. Gauge means the distance between the two rails. Standard gauge rails are 1,455mm apart. The Russian gauge is wider with the rails 1,524mm apart. In other words, Standard gauge tracks are four feet 8.5 inches wide while Russian Gauge tracks are five feet wide. Since Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union until 1991, all the Ukrainian railroads are Russian gauge. To deal with this problem, Ukraine built a transshipment point in the western Ukraine on the border with Slovakia and near the Hungarian border. Here there are cranes that quickly lift standard cargo containers from Russian gauge flatcars and load the containers onto European Standard Gauge flatcars. Passenger trains have a similar arrangement where passengers can disembark and walk a short distance to trains with a different gauge. Until the Ukrainian military drove the Russian Black Sea Fleet away from the west coast of the Black Sea in 2023, the main Ukrainian port of Odessa was unsafe for commercial shipping. Now the Black Sea route from Odessa to the world is open, via the Turkish Bosporus strait. Before that the best way out was via rail, and that required a transshipment facility where cargo could be transferred between rail cars using different rail gauges. Ukraine plans to build some European Gauge rail lines to major transportation centers in several Ukrainian cities. Eventually Ukraine wants to convert all its major rail lines to Standard gauge. This will make it easier to handle trade with Europe and, if theres another war with Russia, the Russians will not have all those Russian gauge rail lines available to quickly move troops and supplies into Ukraine on Russian gauge railroads. Instead, the Russians will have to use roads or capture Ukrainian railroad engines along with passenger, cargo, and flatcars so they can use Ukrainian European Standard gauge railroads. Converting Ukrainian rail lines from Russian to European gauge is not only necessary economically, but also militarily to deter the Russians from invading again, or cripple their logistics if they do. New Rules Take Effect May 7: U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly domestically starting May 7, 2025. No More Delays Expected: After years of postponements, officials say this deadline is firm, with no further extensions anticipated. What You Need to Do: Travelers without a REAL ID must act now or prepare alternative identification like a passport to avoid disruptions. The long-anticipated enforcement of the REAL ID Act is finally here, and for millions of Americans, time is running out to meet the new requirements. Starting May 7, all travelers flying domestically will need a REAL ID-compliant drivers license or ID card to board a flight or access certain federal buildings. Originally passed in 2005 as part of a post-9/11 security initiative, the REAL ID Act establishes national standards for state-issued IDs to enhance security and prevent fraud. The laws rollout has faced numerous delays, primarily due to state-level implementation challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials have now made it clear: no more grace periods will be granted. How to check if youre ready Many travelers may already have a REAL ID without realizing it. Look for a star in the upper corner of your ID carda hallmark of REAL ID compliance. Residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington may have an enhanced ID instead, which allows land and sea crossings into Canada and Mexico but wont suffice for air travel outside the U.S. What happens if youre not compliant? If you dont have a REAL ID by the deadline and attempt to board a domestic flight, youll need an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, military ID, or other TSA-approved document. Without it, you could face extensive screening delaysor be denied boarding entirely. Next steps for travelers To obtain a REAL ID, youll need to check your states DMV website for the specific process and required documentation, which generally includes proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. Appointments may be required in some states, so experts urge travelers not to wait until the last minute. Travel and security officials stress the importance of acting now to ensure a smooth experience come May 7, when the new rules are set to take effect nationwide. Newsletter STORY LINK Australian US Dollar Forecast: "Grinding Rally" in AUD/USD to 0.66 by 2026 Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Australian dollar has posted net gains on Monday with the Australian dollar to US dollar (AUD/USD) exchange rate posting 5-month highs just below the 0.65 level before settling around 0.6470.The Pound to Australian dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate dipped to 1-month lows around 2.0525.The government election victory helped underpin the local currency with wider US dollar losses also an important element amid another surge in the Taiwan dollar and wider Asian currency gains.NAB has revised its end-2025 AUD/USD forecast to 0.70 due in part to US dollar weakness.The Australian Labour Party under Prime Minister Albanese has won the Australian General Election. Although 16 seats have still not been declared, the party has already won 85 seats, above the 76 needed to secure an overall majority.The Labour Party secured a significant swing in its favour as the opposition National/Liberal coalition posted sharp losses and leader Dutton resigned after losing his seat.Albanese was the first Prime Minister to secure a second successive term for 20 years.In a media briefing, Albanese commented; "I had a warm and positive conversation with President Trump and I thank him for his very warm message of congratulations."There were hopes of constructive bilateral talks between the two sides.He added; "We talked about how AUKUS and tariffs will continue to engage, we will engage with each other on a face-to-face basis at some time in the future. And I thank him for reaching out in such a positive way.Wider trade developments will also be a key element for the currency.Credit Agricole commented; With trade deals potentially being signed with other Asian countries this is all good news for Australia, which relies heavily on trade with Asia.It added; We note, however, that if US President Donald Trumps trade war were to narrow down to a repeat of his first time and focus more on China, this would hold the AUDs rally back.NAB chief economist Sally Auld commented noted the strong mandate, but added; "However, we expect the government's agenda to proceed largely as it has in the first term; that is, relatively cautiously and adhering to a 'no surprises' policy."The Australian dollar may be hampered by expectations of a Reserve Bank of Australian rate cut from 4.10% on May 20th.Credit Agricole expects a near-term rate cut, but added; We continue to forecast a grinding rally in AUD/USD to 0.66 by year-end as investor sentiment about global growth improves and the RBAs rate cutting cycle turns out to be shallower than the market forecasts. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Australian Dollar Forecasts Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Measure BB, which was passed during the November 2024 election, establishes new organizing rights for Berkeley tenants, including the right to unionize their building if at least half of the occupied units sign on in support. Be CAREFUL what you think. Thats been the joke in my family and with my autistic sons teachers and carers ever since he was a toddler. David will know what youre thinking. He can tell where youve hidden the things you dont want him to find: presents, sweets, breakables. At times, its as though hes telepathic. He must be a mindreader! numerous care staff have told my wife Nicky and me over the years. He just looks at me and knows whats in my head. We laugh about it, because taking such notions seriously might seem slightly delusional. At the same time, we know its real. David seems to hear our thoughts. Now a hit podcast has revealed that, far from being deluded, we are no different from thousands of other parents around the world with severely autistic children. Incredibly, telepathic ability appears to be a common talent among people who are often regarded as unteachable and locked inside their own worlds. Nonspeakers who have autism are systematically dismissed, says presenter Ky Dickens, in her podcast series The Telepathy Tapes. For decades, parents of nonspeakers have been told by doctors, educators and scientists that their kids are not in there not capable of communication or competent of learning. Imagine being one of those parents and discovering that everybody has been wrong about your child. They are in there, they are competent, and they can communicate. But then also discovering that your child can read your mind. Would you expect to be believed? Ive never met or spoken to Ky, but she is summing up life for me and Nicky. Our younger son David, now 28, is profoundly autistic: afflicted not with the kind of, what I call, celebrity autism touted by highly articulate and able people such as Gregg Wallace, but with the real thing. Christopher Stevens with David in Snowdonia. The Mail writer says his son can read his thoughts David has known what others are thinking since he was a toddler David has been non-verbal for most of his life. Although he could parrot words, something psychiatrists call echolalia or speaking in echoes, he was unable to communicate meaningfully. Two years ago, during a period of intense unhappiness when he was being mistreated at his previous care home, he had become completely mute. Since then, thanks to intensive support from his outstanding new care team, and with innovative speech therapy, he is beginning to use a few words with real meaning.Some of the things he is saying have redoubled our conviction that David can pick up on thoughts. When his much-loved grandparents died within weeks of each other last year, we decided not to try explaining to him that he could never see them again. He seemed to know anyway. We saw him on the day before my mothers funeral. At the end of our visit, instead of saying, Bye-bye Mummy and Daddy, as he now always does, he fixed me with a serious stare and said, Bye-bye Nanny and Grandpa. Stories like that are hardly scientific evidence, however sure Nicky and I are that David has plucked unspoken information out of our minds. The challenge for Ky Dickens, a documentary maker from Los Angeles, was to find ways to prove the telepathic powers of some of the most astonishingly gifted children. She teamed up with Dr Diane Hennacy Powell, a neuroscientist who specialises in the study of autistic savants, people with exceptional aptitude for skills such as advanced mathematics or music, without having been taught. However, she was hampered by a lack of funding for research most universities dont want to give credence to paranormal theories. The reigning philosophy in science is something called materialism, says Dickens. This notion says all things in our world are the result of interactions between physical matter, things we can measure and observe. And research into telepathy falls way outside of the materialism lane. Dickens was eager to meet one of Dr Powells subjects, a Mexican girl named Mia. The 12-year-old was autistic and barely talked, but had learned to communicate by typing on an iPad.Mia could apparently pick up her mothers thoughts, like a radio receiver. She also had an extraordinary memory for events when she was just a few weeks old, and even claimed to remember being in her mother Ileanas womb. Dickens brought Mia and her family to L.A. where she set up a complicated test. Mia and Ileana were seated on opposite sides of a screen, in a room with no reflective surfaces, so that no signals could be sent between them. Mia donned a blindfold while her mother was shown a three-digit number, produced by a random number generator. Then the blindfold and partition were removed, and Ileana concentrated on the number: 698. Smiling, Mia took the iPad and typed, 698. The partition was replaced and the experiment repeated . . . 20 times. She was correct every single time, says Dickens. Mia was also able to sort coloured lollipop sticks into matching piles with the blindfold on, providing her mother was there to see what was happening. She was not able to do it with other family members, including her father. It was as though, Dickens theorised, the child was not just reading Ileanas mind but seeing through her eyes. Aware that many people would suspect it was a conjuring trick, Dickens made a point of hiring a cameraman, Michael Agnesanti, an avowed sceptic. He was shaken by what he witnessed: Im watching her, Im watching the mom, Im looking at everything, he said. Its hard for me to believe this is not authentic. These experiments are repeated, in various guises, with numerous children, such as Akhil, a student in New Jersey, who can receive words, numbers and pictures from his mother Manishas mind when theyre in different rooms. Sometimes, she says, he will tune into her mind while she is shopping or watching television downstairs and will later tell her what shes been doing and thinking. That must be disconcerting. As the podcast evolves, Dickens begins to explore even more disturbing aspects of the autistic mind, including the suggestion that these individuals can see and hear people who are invisible to everyone else, and perhaps communicate with the dead. Merely touching on such ideas is bound to provoke explosive derision from sceptics. The Guardian calls it wishful thinking, psychologist Stuart Vyse, writing in the Skeptical Inquirer, describes the podcast as a dangerous cornucopia of pseudoscience. Personally, Im sceptical of sceptics. Often, their only aim is to convince themselves they are intellectually superior to anyone who questions the accepted science of the day. Its as though they are colour blind and, because they cant tell the difference between green and red, refuse to believe in the existence of traffic lights. Worse still, they abuse and mock everyone who isnt colour blind. Not all of the more extreme claims in The Telepathy Tapes will prove correct, though all are worthy of serious investigation. But, for me, the irrefutable evidence of telepathy between parents and autistic children in this podcast has been a revelation. Something my wife and I have suspected throughout Davids life is now a certainty. We now have to work out how this can be used to help him communicate more effectively. And for countless listeners whose assumptions have been overturned by The Telepathy Tapes, a host of new questions must now be faced. As cameraman Michael Agnesanti asks on the podcast: Do I have to believe in God now? This was a career like no other; but at the age of 94, and after 60 years at the helm of his company Berkshire Hathaway, on Saturday Warren Buffett told the annual public meeting of his adoring shareholders that he was leaving them. His voice was weaker than in previous years and he now walks with the aid of a cane. But, still, it came as a shock. Not least because in 2025 the shares in his company had been outperforming the market, rising by 20 per cent. This, more or less, is what Buffett had been achieving since 1965, when he acquired a Massachusetts-based textile mill called Berkshire Hathaway, and turned it into a vehicle for investing in, or buying outright, businesses he admired, run by people he trusted. The results are unprecedented in the history of enterprise. Buffett paid $7.50 a share when he took control of the (far from exciting) company: at the close of last week Berkshire Hathaways A shares 38 per cent of which Buffett owns were trading at a record $809,808.50 each. It was put another way by a grateful investor in 2023, after a period in which the shares had under-performed the market: $1 invested in the Standard and Poor 500 in 1965 would now be worth $279. $1 invested with Buffett would now be worth $35,521. That is a difference of 127-fold. Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect is that Buffett has always been a cautious investor and was scorned in the 1990s when he refused to buy shares in the dotcom boom, saying plaintively I would never invest in something I dont understand Ive never seen an electron. Instead, using the free cash to which he had access as the collector of premiums through the ownership of insurance companies such as General Re, Buffett accumulated colossal stakes in mature US businesses he felt were under-valued at the time. So Berkshire owns 21 per cent of American Express, 10 per cent of Coca Cola and 9 per cent of Bank of America. Actually, the man known as the Sage of Omaha had, before anyone else, appreciated the extent to which many of Americas banks were headed for disaster via their investments in so-called derivatives. These, linked to overextended home loans, led to the credit crunch of 2008. That was the year Buffett became, on paper, the worlds richest man, as his judgment was vindicated. Warren Buffett, the 'Sage of Omaha', has retired from Wall Street aged 94 While the financier is modest, faithful and wise, US President Donald Trump is vain, vicious and vulgar, Dominic Lawson writes I got first-hand access to this wisdom, when in 2003 he invited me to interview him at his office in Omaha, Nebraska (a very rare privilege). At one point in our conversation he warned me that in a few years there would be major bank failures because of their concentration of risk in mortgage-backed derivatives. He termed these financial weapons of mass destruction. And they were. It was less easy to get to see Buffett than I had imagined, in a purely physical sense. There are no direct flights from the UK to Omaha, and even when I landed, the taxi driver at the airport at first had no idea where Berkshire Hathaways office was. Once there, I understood why: the headquarters of what had become the worlds biggest conglomerate (now valued at over $1trillion) was part of one floor of a small rented building, with nothing on the outside to indicate Berkshire Hathaways presence, still less Warren Buffetts. But as I emerged on the 14th floor as instructed, I heard a mans voice calling out, Dominic! Im over here!, and, following this, eventually found Buffett standing outside his office, a small room off a narrow corridor. This unpretentiousness, or modesty, is the very core of the man. While he is fabulously wealthy through his stake in Berkshire Hathaway, making him worth $168 billion at the latest count, he has never sold a single share in the business, or taken a single dividend. He is paid a salary of $100,000 a year and lives accordingly. He still has just one home, the same five-bedroom house he bought for $31,500 in 1958 when his wife Susan was expecting their third child. When I remarked on this with incredulity, Buffett laughed and said You should have a look at it. Its about a mile and half from here, on the same road. I did, later, and found it perched about 200 yards from a multi-lane highway in other words, less desirable than it would have been in 1958 before the motorway intruded on its suburban peacefulness. Buffett was excoriating, at the meeting the next day of his own grateful small shareholders, about the greed and hypocrisy of Americas CEOs putting their own wealth accumulation above the interests of the investors who are actually the owners of the businesses: Chief executives talk about diversity but they dont care about any of that kinda stuff. They just care about their comp[ensation]. Theres never been such a transfer of wealth in our history. And its obscene. You have to imagine this being said by Jimmy Stewart, as in Its a Wonderful Life: Buffetts voice was to my ears eerily identical to that mid-Western film star of his youth. And pursuing the Hollywood theme at that shareholders meeting in 2003, they were regaled with a filmed spoof of Buffett appearing in drag as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. The unstated point was that the Wizard of Oz is Wall Street, all stuff and nonsense, while mid-Westerner Dorothy tells the plain-spoken truth. Back then, when I asked the immensely frugal Buffett what would happen to his vast fortune after his death, he replied: 100 per cent of my stock will go to my wife, if I die first, but on the death of the last two of us and maybe sooner it will all go to a foundation. That will be it. A few months later, to his great grief even though she had left the marital home in 1977 Susan died suddenly, from a stroke. In 2006 Buffett announced that he would give 99 per cent of his wealth to charity during my lifetime or at death. He declared that this pledge will leave my lifestyle untouched and that of my children as well. They have already received significant sums for their personal use. It was very much in line with what he told me in that little office (which, I noticed, contained not a single computer screen): Its dumb to let possessions own you. Buffett has never sought any involvement in political life (although his father Howard, whose stern portrait had looked down on us as we spoke, was a Republican congressman for Nebraska). But last week, he declared that the US should not use trade as a weapon and added: Its a big mistake in my view when you have 7.5billion people who dont like you very well. Buffett didnt mention Donald Trump by name. But I couldnt help thinking what an astonishing contrast there is between these two extraordinary Americans. On the one hand, Buffetts modesty, faithfulness, wisdom and integrity. On the other, Trumps vanity, viciousness, venality and vulgarity. How sad for America that it is the latter now in the ascendant, defining to the world the great nation which should inspire respect rather than revulsion. The voters in last weeks local elections delivered a bloody nose to Sir Keir Starmer, and hes now been humiliated in his own political backyard. Im told Starmers local Labour Party were planning to move into a new office building in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency. But the proposal was met with stout opposition from the prospective new neighbours: Camden Disability Action. Had the charity, which shares the same building, taken exception to Labour slashing 5billion from the welfare bill? Very much so. Pat Stack, chairman of the charitys trustees, said: We run an advice service for people on benefits. We would have clients distressed about whats happening walking through the same doors as the people who had actually introduced the cuts. Labour decided against the relocation to avoid a stand-off. The charity has invited Starmer and Tulip Siddiq, the Labour MP for his neighbouring constituency, for a meeting about the cuts. Neither has taken up the offer. Funny that. After Reform won the Runcorn by-election by six votes, without a single visit to the constituency from the PM, a Labour MP was overheard in the Commons coffee queue saying: Just as well Starmer stayed away otherwise it would have been a Reform landslide! Sir Keir Starmer has been embarrassed in his own constituency following last week's humiliation at the polls One of my favourite BBC presenters, Jeremy Vine, is now the proud owner of a tattoo at the tender age of 60. His daughter, Alice, tattooed her arm for her 18th birthday with the song lyrics, For there are brighter sides to life, taken from the Still Ill by The Smiths. Her fathers arm now bears the next line: I should know because Ive seen them. When is too old for a first tattoo? More evidence Ed Milibands mad dash to Net Zero is alienating his own party: Terry Jermy, the Labour MP for South-West Norfolk, is opposing plans for a 4,000-acre solar farm on his patch. He grumbles: Renewable energy does not fall evenly across the country Norfolk is flat, so its easy to get solar panels into the ground. In other words, Not In My Back Yard, Ed. Sir Tony Blairs call for Labour to row back on its doomed Net Zero plans did not impress David Clark, a former special adviser to Blairs first foreign secretary Robin Cook. It says everything about how Blair has spent his retirement that my first thought on hearing this was to wonder which fossil fuel interest paid him to say it, Clark mused. I was surprised to see Keir Starmer beaming alongside actor Ross Kemp at a charity event last week. Last summer the former EastEnders hard-man revealed he was backing Tory MP Mark Francois at the general election. Loose Women presenter Kaye Adams recalls trying to interview Margaret Thatcher inside No 10 as a student journalist. I was so nervous. She ushered me in and she started to brush fluff off my shoulders and straighten my collar in a very sort of granny-type fashion. She said something like: You dont want your mum to see you on the telly with fluff on your jumper. It was very kindly, but it established the power dynamic in a subtle but effective way. I was putty in her hands. At their wedding, dashing young Peter Strong and his beautiful wife, Mary, seemed the perfect couple. Both came from esteemed old-money, high-society New York families. Both were charming, well-educated, and apparently very much in love. Twelve years later, the Strongs storybook marriage collapsed catastrophically - and very publicly - in the divorce courts. It was 1862, and Peter sued Mary on the grounds of adultery, and headlines from Boston to San Francisco reported it all in lurid detail: a secret abortion, child abduction, even incest. Not only were the allegations shocking they would be even today; the fictional incest storyline in The White Lotus was too much for many. But almost no one at the time divorced, especially among the Strongs elite social circle. Marriage was ordained by God and country, and legally ending a union was a rare, shameful, and difficult process. In fact, the only way anyone could divorce in mid-19th century New York state was for one spouse to publicly accuse the other of adultery - and the accused spouse had to be found guilty in order for a divorce to be granted. That kind of scandal was anathema to the so-called best families of the day, who saw themselves as role models of propriety and dignity. Women were supposed to be pure and genteel; men to be upright and honorable. Whatever disreputable behavior might happen, it was supposed to remain private and hidden. But nothing remained private and hidden about the Strongs marital turmoil. The divorce trial, Strong v Strong, exploded at the end of the Civil War, as the nation was on the cusp of a new era - the Gilded Age. Although the Strong trials salacious details shocked the nation, they also signaled that times were changing. The divorce trial exploded at the end of the Civil War, as the nation was on the cusp of a new era (pictured: HBO's The Gilded Age) Following the couples honeymoon, the couple moved to Peter's family compound, Waverly, on Long Island (painted here by Jasper Francis Cropsey) At first, the marriage of Peter and Mary Strong seemed to go smoothly, though temperamental differences existed from the start. Peter, a lawyer who managed his familys rental properties in Manhattan, otherwise lived the leisured life of a gentleman on an inherited income. Genial and good-natured, he was something of a social butterfly and sportsman. Mary, on the other hand, was more serious and bookish than her husband, and she also had a streak of independence, unusual in a woman of her day. According to law and custom, a married woman was subservient to her husband, her identity subsumed by his. She was not allowed to sign a legal contract, to refuse sex with her husband, or to disobey his lawful wishes and demands. One of Peters wishes, following the couples honeymoon, was to abandon bustling Manhattan and move miles away to his familys rural compound on Long Island. Called Waverly, it was a sprawling country estate that also housed his wealthy, widowed mother and four of his siblings, along with their spouses, children, and household staff. Within a year, Mary was pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, Mamie. Four years later, she welcomed a second daughter, Allie, and two years after that, little Edith arrived. But by then, husband and wife were living increasingly separate lives. Mary was busy with motherhood, and Peter was spending more time than ever in Manhattan, overseeing his familys properties and visiting his clubs. Stuck at Waverly with her in-laws - and with Peters sisters still treating her like an outsider - Mary also began to long for a home of their own. There was only one member of the family who welcomed her warmly. Peters younger, widowed brother, Edward, also lived at Waverly, and was just as lonely as his sister-in-law. The pair shared an interest in books, and spent an increasing amount of time together in Peters absences, sometimes strolling Waverlys fields or riding into the nearby village. Marys relatives, including her father, the powerful banker John Austin Stevens (left) and her mother Abigail (right) supported their daughter Lucretia, Marys sister, made a new and even more explosive claim: Edward had repeatedly raped Mary The divorce played out in newspapers around the country in lurid detail: a secret abortion, child abduction, even incest But they were much more than just companions. For two years, they'd carried on a torrid affair - under the very noses of the Strong clan. It wasnt until Edward left for war, and tragedy struck the family with the death of little Edith, that their carefully choreographed lives imploded in spectacular fashion. Feeling guilty and grief-stricken, Mary crumbled and confessed everything to her husband. Horrified that he was being cuckolded by his own brother, Peter nonetheless knew the scandal of divorce would be even worse. Mary, too, wished to avoid public disgrace, and being labeled an adulteress. Most terrifying to her was the knowledge that a wife divorced for adultery almost always lost custody of her children. So she and Peter agreed to a compromise, sharing living quarters but not a bed. Mary then wrote to Edward, ending their affair. This truce would be short-lived, however because a few weeks later, Mary discovered she was pregnant. It was unclear if the father was Peter or Edward. What happened next is shrouded in claims and counter-claims. It is known that a nurse was called to Marys bedroom one night; then a doctor; next, an undertaker. Peter said that his wife had suffered a tragic miscarriage - not her first. Mary, however, recounted a much more sinister chain of events. She claimed her jealous husband had forced her to have an abortion, a procedure that was illegal at the time, threatening that she would never see her daughters Mamie and Allie again if she refused. Peters lawyer called the lovers affair 'incest,' although no New York law at the time banned intercourse between brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law (pictured: the shocking incest storyline in The White Lotus) The only way anyone could divorce in mid-19th century New York State was for one spouse to publicly accuse the other of adultery In the Gilded Age, marital scandal and divorce became more commonplace (pictured: Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector in HBO's The Gilded Age) Peters friends sprung to his defense, claiming he would never have forced an abortion, but Marys allies pointed to suspicious evidence to the contrary. Enter Electa Potter, a well-known abortionist of the day who also happened to be a tenant of Peters. And, around the same time the alleged abortion took place, she happened to receive extremely favorable terms on her rent. Coincidence? Peter and Mary finally gave up any pretense of marriage and separated. She retreated to her familys home, and he remained at Waverly. For several months, 10-year-old Mamie and six-year-old Allie, separately and together, were allowed to visit both parents. Then Peters pride got the better of him, and he demanded his paternal rights to full custody of the girls. Threatened with losing both children, Mary took off with Allie during one of her visits, and the two disappeared. Peter at last sued his wife for divorce. His complaint accused Mary of having frequent and secret 'carnal connection' with his brother at Waverly, at her parents home, and at other places as the opportunity arose. Peters lawyer called the lovers affair 'incest', although no New York law at the time banned intercourse between brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Members of the Strongs social circle came down firmly on Peters side, but there was one unsurprising exception - Marys relatives, including her father, the powerful banker John Austin Stevens, and her beloved sister, Lucretia. John blamed all the Strongs at Waverly, including Peters mother and siblings, for the entire sorry affair. Where had Mary been living when she allegedly committed adultery? Waverly. Who had seduced her, if indeed adultery could be proved? Edward, Peters cad of a brother. Why had no one at Waverly seen what was happening and prevented it? In his daughters absence, John hired lawyers and set out to ruin Peters reputation, just as the Strongs had ruined Marys. Her lawyers countersued Peter for adultery, claiming his lover was none other than Electa Potter, his tenant and Marys alleged abortionist. The strategy of countersuing Peter was a clever one. If he could be proved the adulterous spouse, Mary would be the one to win a divorce and perhaps even gain custody of the children. But it also was risky. Under New York State law, if both partners in a marriage were found guilty of adultery, a divorce would be denied. In that case, Mary and Peter would be sentenced to remain married. John had one, even more devastating, trick up his sleeve. Manhattans district attorney was a personal acquaintance, and John convinced him to try Peter for manslaughter. The charge was complicity in arranging Marys abortion. However, in a one-day criminal trial, Peter was acquitted of manslaughter for lack of sufficient evidence. A month later, the long-awaited Strong v Strong divorce trial finally began. It opened on a stormy November day in 1865, the courthouse packed with news-hungry journalists, curious spectators, combative relatives, worried friends, and witnesses for both husband and wife. Edith Wharton - one of Marys cousins - became famous for chronicling the transition between old New York and the Gilded Age Barbara Weisberg (left) is the author of Strong Passions: A Scandalous Divorce in Old New York The first witness - the Strong childrens governess - was a timid young woman who spoke so softly she could hardly be heard. An elderly, near-deaf servant testified next and shouted every answer. The lineup of witnesses came from every walk of life, including a laundress, doctors, policemen, an abortionist, a railroad millionaire, and the uncle of a little boy, Teddy Roosevelt, who would one day be president of the United States. Peter attended the trial daily. Although Mary was absent, a fugitive, her presence haunted the courtroom. Was she a victim or seductress? Everyone told a different story. Did Mary lure Edward into an affair, or was the situation reversed? Had Peter been a good husband or a brute? Did he force Mary to have an abortion and then commit adultery with the abortionist, or were these false accusations designed to destroy him? Then, just as it seemed things couldnt get any more sordid, a deposition given by Lucretia, Marys sister, contained a new and even more explosive claim: according to Lucretia, Edward had repeatedly raped Mary. The trial lasted five weeks and ended on the last day of the year. The jury, as usual in juries of the day, consisted of 12 white men. After deliberating three days, all 12 found Mary guilty of adultery. However, two jurors - said to have been bribed by John Austin Stevens - found Peter equally guilty of infidelity. Under New York State law, Mary and Peter were both adulterers and thus condemned to the worst punishment possible: remaining married. The very public divorce trial did not end the Strongs story. The dramatic twists and turns of their relationship continued, affecting not only their own lives but those of their two daughters. Both Mamie and Allie lived on into the Gilded Age, when marital scandal and divorce became more commonplace. Allie, the little girl abducted long ago by her mother, became embroiled in a tumultuous, very public, breakup of her own. The renowned American author Edith Wharton - one of Marys cousins, only three years old at the time of the trial - became famous for chronicling the transition between what she called old New York - with its aura of respectability - and the new New York of the Gilded Age. As the 19th century drew to a close, it seemed that - much as in our own times - rules increasingly were made to be broken. Barbara Weisberg is the author of Strong Passions: A Scandalous Divorce in Old New York, a nonfiction account of the lives, times, and remarkable relationship of Peter and Mary Strong, published by WW Norton & Company A London-based restaurant has caused a storm online with its unusual kebab meat offering. While most Britons are familiar with a chicken, lamb, or beef kebab, Pescobar in Camden Market is switching up the norm and offering a one-of-a-kind kebab made from octopus. Much like a Doner kebab, the unusual offering is cooked on a vertical rotisserie before being sliced up and put in a pitta with salad and sauces for 17.50. The restaurant, which also serves a 17.50 Octopus hot dog, describes the kebab on its website as 'Grilled to perfection, tender, and bursting with flavour. Fit for a seafood king.' The kebab has sent people on the internet into a frenzy after content creator Olivia, who goes by @oliviaa_ldn and is London-based, shared footage of her tasting the dish. Olivia seemingly liked the concept and purchased the kebab in a pitta with a side of fries and dip. However, not everyone appeared to take to the kebab as much as the content creator did. One took to the comment section, writing, 'Can't imagine what texture an octopus would be having been slowly cooked all day.' Pescobar in Camden market, London, is serving a kebab with octopus meat (pictured) for 17.50 A second added, 'This is so sad, octopus are incredibly intelligent animals and can never be humanly slaughtered or farmed.' Another referenced a Netflix documentary about a diver encountering an octopus, writing, 'After watching the Octopus Teacher I will never eat one of them again, I'll pass on this one thanks.' A fourth added, 'In today's episode of 'Food that should be made illegal' we haveOctopus kebab? No, no, no, no and no.' While the kebab has achieved a viral-like status on TikTok thanks to Olivia's video gaining an impressive five million views, there's another item made famous by the internet that viewers are desperate to try - Dubai chocolate. Now, British retailer Marks and Spencer's has put their stamp on the trend with the release of its Dubai chocolate-inspired Big Daddy Pistachio bar. Chocolate lovers have been rushing to the retailer to get their hands on the indulgent dessert and see if it's worth the hype. The Big Daddy Pistachio is 8.50 and filled with chunky pistachio pieces, a velvety pistachio creme, a light, crunchy biscuit crumb, and a layer of gooey sweet and salty caramel, all coated in creamy milk chocolate. Traditionally, Dubai chocolate is filled with pistachio cream and kataifi pastry, crispy shredded phyllo dough - inspired by a Middle Eastern dessert called knafeh or kunafa - and does not include caramel. London-based content creator Olivia (pictured) appeared to like the concept and ordered a portion with a side fries M&S teased the release on its social pages sending fans into a spin with one commenting: 'I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight'. 'I am SO EXCITED for this,' a second wrote and another said: 'I think we're all going to go nutty over these'. Since the release, videos have been popping up all over TikTok and Instagram of Brits searching M&S shelves for The Big Daddy Pistachio. Food blogger Angelina was one of the first to buy the bar and put the taste to the test. 'You can really taste the quality of the pistachio. This is so bad for my health but for my taste buds - no,' she said in a TikTok clip. 'It does not have the knafeh, it's still equally if not better than the Dubai chocolate, this is a solid nine out of ten.' TikToker Amy couldn't wait for the release and was snacking on the chocolate at 10am claiming: 'They can take my 8.50 any day of the week'. Popular influencer Aimee known as @thissinglemamaofficial also shared her thoughts on the 'unreal' sweet treat. Viewers took to the comment section to share their thoughts on the dish - and many were unimpressed 'The chocolate is yummy, it's quite thick, the caramel with the pistachio has a bit of crunch,' she said. Reviewer Laura Khoshaba was impressed with the Big Daddy Pistachio bar's 'insane' flavour but likened it more to a Milky Way or Mars Bars rather than Dubai Chocolate. Those who want to try the Big Daddy Pistachio for themselves are advised to check if it's in stock at their nearest Foodhall on the M&S website because it is not available at all locations. Alternatively, you can buy it online at Ocado. In recent months, Dubai chocolate has become one of the fastest-selling confectionery products ever at Selfridges, and Waitrose even banned customers from buying more than two Lindt's 10 Dubai Style Chocolate. It was first created by Dubai-based Sarah Hamouda who created the bar during her pregnancy as a tribute to one of her favourite childhood desserts. Hamouda and her husband Yezen Alani released Can't Get Knafeh of It, by FIX Chocolatier in the UAE in 2022 for 15. Princess Eugenie revealed one of the thoughtful gestures made by the late Queen Elizabeth while appearing alongside her sister Beatrice on a podcast. Lessons From Our Mothers is hosted by Cressida Bonas and her half-sister Isabella Branson. During the episode, the princesses talked about their mother Sarah Ferguson, about being parents themselves now, and about their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. While discussing her memories of the late Queen, Eugenie, 35, opened up about how thoughtful the monarch was. She said: 'I remember once we were staying for the Summer holidays. I loved looking at the food magazines that she kept, and I remember showing her this trout avocado salad that looked really delicious.' Eugenie continued: 'The next day or the next week, there was a trout avocado salad at lunch...it was the attention to detail, the thoughtfulness. 'She thought of that, remembered, and thought how nice that would be for me.' Mother-of-two Eugenie added that she thinks about her grandmother 'so much more now than when she was here'. The royal sisters are pictured with their late grandmother (pictured L-R: Princess Eugenie; Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Beatrice) The royal explained: 'I talk about all the time, the memories, and it brings you to tears thinking about all the joy that she created for so many people.' She continued: 'Gone are the days of people and women like my grandmother, because she really did show up all the time. 'I think now it's so easy for people to cancel, so easy people to say no [...] and people living such transient lives. 'So [...] to uphold those values that she stood by - I'm honoured that a piece of her lives on through me to be able to do that.' During the episode, the royal sisters also spoke about their approach to being mothers. Princess Beatrice, 36, shares daughters Sienna Elizabeth, three, and Athena Elizabeth Rose, three months, with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. She is also stepmother to Edoardo's son from his relationship with Dara Huang, Wolfie. During the podcast, Princess Eugenie (pictured, right) discussed how Queen Elizabeth II (pictured, left) was thoughtful and paid attention to detail Princess Eugenie (pictured, left) and Queen Elizabeth II (pictured, right) are seen after attending the traditional Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in 2012 Meanwhile, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, 39, share two sons - August, four, and Ernest, one. 'I think being a mum is such a fantastic moment to actually re-parent yourself a little bit and use the time to [...] go back into your childhood and actually heal some of the things which [...] might have been there,' Beatrice said. 'I try and lean into this sort of re-parenting, and the respect that I have for my mum now is just completely off the charts of [in terms of] how she did it, and how good she was, no matter what challenge she had, how did she do that [and] what did she jump into? 'How did she do that? What did she jump into? So in fact, for me now [...] even talking about her on this podcast, it's, it's like [...] how do I do that? 'How do I lean into the acceptance and learn that [...] every day is bumpy, but how do you make the bumps quite fun?' Eugenie added that when it comes to parenting, she feels 'that guilt' when trying to 'make the perfect world' for her children, and not always hitting the mark. While appearing on the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast, the royal sisters also spoke about their mother, and how she influenced their parenting (pictured L-R: Princess Beatrice; Sarah Ferguson; Princess Eugenie) 'It's definitely a challenge [...] the guilt of maybe not being there the whole time or missing out on a moment, or when I lose my temper.' She continued: 'I think there's something [about] remembering that little people are little people, and we put on a lot of grown up things [...] onto little people sometimes. 'So at night, the bed-bathtime routine, you know how stressful that is. I like to brush my teeth and brush my hair and have a bath [...] but this three and a half little boy does not want to do any of that, and it's okay. 'It's okay that the bath might be missed one night, or tooth brushing might not happen, and that's fine, because they're little people who are learning, and they can't be also perfect.' The 35-year-old added: 'So I think it's for us to as mum, for me especially, [the aim is] to not let the guilt side of things consume the days, because the days are so precious.' An Australian woman's facelift surgery has sparked concern after videos showed her face was covered with big bruises and her eyelids were swollen shut. The videos were posted by her son, Garett Howley, who documented their trip to Istanbul, Turkey, from Perth, Australia, for a facelift and hair transplant respectively on TikTok. Garett told his followers his mother had opted to undergo a deep plane face and neck lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery, lip lifting, and a temporal lift ahead of her 58th birthday. The pair decided to fly to Turkey, now one of the world's most prominent medical tourism destinations, for her surgeries as well as Garrett's hair transplant. One of Garrett's TikTok clips, which has racked up 2.9 million views at the time of writing, showed his mother starting to move around the hospital with the help of her son and a night nurse after the intense, six-hour procedure that cost 5,500. TikTok users were left shocked by her appearance in the video, as they noticed the extreme swelling and bruising around her eyes and mouth that some felt wasn't typical of a facelift procedure. 'I'm a little concerned because this seems like much more bruising than normal with a facelift,' one person wrote in the comments section. Another said: 'Oooh that looks so painful i hope they gave her some good painkillers.' An Australian woman's facelift surgery has sparked concern after videos showed her face was covered with big bruises and her eyelids were swollen shut The videos were posted by her son, Garett Howley (not pictured), who documented their trip to Istanbul, Turkey, from Perth , Australia, for a facelift and hair transplant respectively on TikTok Garett, who underwent a hair transplant, with his mother in a video recorded four days after her surgeries 'Is she still alive?!??' a third wrote. 'No I'm not kidding that's scary as...' After confirming his mother was recovering quite nicely, Garett also defended her decision to get the facelift after some people suggested 'aging is a privilege' in the comments section. A deep plane facelift can help counteract the signs of ageing by lifting the entire face. During the procedure, incisions are made in the scalp to lift the forehead, eyelids to lift the eyes and cheeks and in the mouth to lift the face. Through these incisions, the skin is lifted along with its accompanying layers of fat, the excess is trimmed off (or in some cases folded) and the incisions stitched back together. Because the whole depth of skin is being moved upwards, there can be a more dramatic effect on appearance than with other face-lifts where only the top layer of skin is moved, or where the skin is redraped over altered underlying contours. After the video went viral on TikTok, Garett's mother responded to a follower's request for an update as she confirmed 'I can see out of my eyes' in a subsequent clip. The short video showed her brushing her wet hair after the bandages on her head had been removed and doctors gave her the go-ahead for an unassisted shower that she described as 'awesome'. One of Garrett's TikTok clips, which has racked up 2.9 million views at the time of writing, showed his mother starting to move around the hospital with the help of her son and a night nurse after the intense, six-hour procedure that cost 5,500 TikTok users were left shocked by her appearance in the video, as they noticed the extreme swelling and bruising around her eyes and mouth that some felt wasn't typical of a facelift procedure After confirming his mother was recovering quite nicely, Garett also defended her decision to get the facelift after some people suggested 'aging is a privilege' in the comments section Several people remarked she still looked like she was in 'pain'. 'The recovery looks horrendous, cannot imagine the pain, but I know once she is all healed, she will be looking fabulous,' one TikTok user said. 'No I love the idea of a facelift when I'm older but the recovery process worries me! This must be so uncomfortable and painful? 'Does it hurt to speak? Eat?' another asked. Garett replied that his mother was being able to speak and drink soup, but 'struggling to chew' on the second day post-op. In response to a user that said Garett's videos would 'turn anyone off about having cosmetic surgery', he noted that the 'comments say otherwise' referring to queries about the cost of her surgery as well as questions about the hospital and staff. The duo later posted a breakdown of the cost of their respective procedures on TikTok on the fourth day after the facelift, as Garett's mother confirmed she was feeling 'good'. The swelling under her eyes had subsided and her bandages appeared to have been removed in the clip. The duo later posted a breakdown of the cost of their respective procedures on TikTok on the fourth day after the facelift, as Garett's mother confirmed she was feeling 'good' Garett said the upper and lower eyelid surgery, which involved cutting away the excess skin around her eyes, as well as the deep plane face, neck, and temporal lift, and lip lift set them back by around 5,500 (6,500). That included the airport pick-ups and drop-off, two nights' stay in the hospital, food in the hospital, and five nights in a hotel after they were discharged. The cost also covered the fees of an interpreter. Charges that were not included was the price of medical insurance, airfares, and visa fees, as well as any food and drink outside the hospital. In total, they spent around 6,824 (AUD12,000) on his mother's surgeries that they 'wouldn't have been able to afford' back home in Perth. Reacting to her appearance, some TikTokers said the procedure had 'easily taken 20 years off of her' while other praised Garett as a 'wonderful son' for 'supporting' his mother throughout the process. This is the adorable moment Queen Letizia and Princess of Leonor threw royal protocol to the wind as they were reunited after months apart. The Spanish royals were reunited at the Port of Fuerte Amador in Panama City on Saturday morning, after Letizia flew more than 8,000 miles across the globe to see her beloved daughter. Princess Leonor, 19, who is heir to the Spanish throne, has been away from her family and friends as she embarks on a navy training course around the world. She and her mother Letizia had not seen each other since January, when she set sail aboard the Juan Sebastian de Elcano. Moving video footage from the Spanish Royal Household captured the moment they were finally reunited, with Leonor running across the port to greet her mother. She was soon embraced in an effusive hug that was so powerful that Leonor had to take her hat off, while the Queen had tears in her eyes. They were then pictured excitedly catching up, as Leonor, who previously graduated from UWC Atlantic in South Wales, has been on a whirlwind adventure. Letizia's visit to Panama was an unofficial trip, sources at Zarzuela Palace told Spain's Hola! Magazine. This is the adorable moment Queen Letizia and Princess of Leonor threw royal protocol to the wind as they were reunited after months apart Leonor ran across the port in Panama City to greet her mother, who had flown more than 8,000km And their moving reunion was made all the more special - as this weekend Mother's Day is celebrated in Spain. While Leonor was smartly kitted out in her naval uniform, her mother had chosen to wear matching shades of white in casual jeans, T-shirt and white trainers. For the Crown Princess's training cruise, she is sailing through two oceans, and visiting 10 ports and eight countries in America, according to La Vanguardia. She will stay in her stopover in Panama until May 6, where she's been enjoying exploring. The Princess of Asturias, as she is also known, participated in a visit to Panama Viejo, took a short walk to the Cathedral Tower and visited several rooms of the Museum (of Panama Viejo), which has a commemorative plaque of the visit of His Majesty the King 2019. Her Royal Highness and the Queen participated in the reception on board that traditionally takes place and had lunch at the El Nacional restaurant in the old town in Panama. Leonor has so far been to Peru, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay. She is soon due to pass through Colombia and the Dominican Republic, before concluding her journey in New York. The 19-year-old has been serving on the 'Juan Sebastian de Elcano' as a first midshipman. The Queen of Spain appeared tearful when she finally saw her daughter again after spending months apart The hug was so effusive that Leonor had to hold onto her hat Spanish Crown Princess Leonor is greeted by her mother Spain's Queen Letizia after disembarking from the Spanish Navy training ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano The Princess of Asturias has been sailing around the world on a naval training cruise Letizia's visit to Panama was an unofficial trip, sources at Zarzuela Palace told Spain's Hola! Magazine Leonor is due to be docked in Panama until May 6, when she will resume her journey And their moving reunion was made all the more special - as this weekend Mother's Day is celebrated in Spain Letizia's welcome marked the first visit the heir to the throne has received from family and loved ones since she set sail on January 11, when she set sail in Cadiz. Meanwhile, her parents smiled and waved goodbye, while King Felipe documented the milestone by snapping photographs of Leonor. She is following in the footsteps of her father, Felipe, and her grandfather, King Juan Carlos, who also carried out a similar trip. Leonor - who began three years of military training in 2023 - looked just the part in her navy uniform. As she is the heir to the throne, Leonor will one day take the title of Commander in Chief of the armed forces, alongside being the Queen of Spain. She therefore has to spend three years in each section of defence and has already spent a year at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza. Last month, Leonor enjoyed a break from naval training as she took a dip in the sea at a sunny spot in Uruguay. The future queen was aboard the training ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano when she enjoyed well-earned time off with her fellow midshipmen. The mother and daughter were seen laughing as they caught up after spending months apart After disembarking the ship, Letizia put her arm around her daughter as they walked together at the Amador Terminal Cruise Leonor was beaming as she caught sight of her mother after disembarking Spain's Princess of Asturias, Leonor de Borbon (2-L) waves from the Spanish Navy training ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano in Panama City Leonor is clearly following in her mother Queen Letizia 's footsteps, who is known for her style prowess Leonor was joined by Letizia in bright red to attend a reception onboard during the stopover Queen Letizia looked stunning in a bright red jumpsuit for the occasion Leonor looked sensational in a bikini and sunglasses as she opted for a natural look with her hair tied up and no make-up. Showing off her style, the Princess of Asturias later changed into flip flops, shorts and a white T-shirt as she slung a trendy tote bag over her shoulder as she was joined by a mystery man. Alongside her fellow naval trainee, Leonor wondered through the beaches La Mulata near Montevideo, which was half an hour from the hotel where the royal was staying. The royal then went for a swim before heading before heading to a shopping centre. Leonor is clearly following in her mother Queen Letizia's footsteps, who is known for her style prowess. She spent a year with the Spanish army before training to be a marine and will then move onto her final rotation at the General Air Academy. Remember the pre-digital age a time before tablets, smartphones and TV streaming services? It was only 25 or so years ago, but it feels like a lifetime. Those whove known no other life must wonder how we all coped. Well, better than we do today, Id argue. Theres no doubt the online world has given us much, but it has also caused problems that we could never have foreseen. One such issue is the way screens are used as babysitters, with stressed parents relying on them as a way of entertaining their children while they get on with the demands of everyday life or just the chance for some peace and quiet. Its not unusual to see kids barely old enough to talk with an iPad in front of them, something grandparents are often horrified to witness. While I dont want to attack parents, many of whom are trying their best to get through the day, we must acknowledge the damage that is being done to future generations. Last week, five leading French health organisations, including the French Society of Paediatrics, warned that the existing guidelines (no screen exposure before the age of three, and occasional use, limited to educational content and accompanied by an adult, between the ages of three and six) need to be updated. Last week, five leading French health organisations said evidence shows that screens are not suitable for any child under six (that includes television) and that they permanently impair their intellectual abilities They said evidence shows that screens are not suitable for any child under six (that includes television) and that they permanently impair their intellectual abilities. Given that most parents would consider the original French recommendations to be extreme, I am not hopeful that many will take the drastic action being suggested, despite the warning of disaster if attitudes dont change. Those of us working in mental health services have shared the French medics concern for some time. We have seen endless youngsters with no ability to sit still and focus on anything for more than the time it takes to watch a TikTok video. When they have constant access to screens that are over-stimulating their brains, bombarding them with quick-fire clips non-stop for hours on end, is it any wonder children now have record levels of ADHD and sleep problems? I also worry that so many dont seem to have any downtime. Everything has to be fast paced and frenetic, fed to them in bite-sized portions that require next to no concentration because they are always moving on to the next thing. You only have to look at referrals to child mental health services, which are spiralling out of control, to realise how big a problem we are facing. Studies have shown that under-fives are now, on average, glued to screens for more than four hours each day, missing out on the vital, real-world interaction that helps them to socialise and develop independence and language skills. Last year it was revealed that more children than ever are starting school unable to communicate on even the most basic level. Most parts of the country have recently experienced a run of glorious weather, yet I feel sure that if we surveyed what children were doing we would find that many of them spent the light spring evenings indoors playing video games, rather than outside kicking a ball around or throwing a frisbee with friends. The painful reality for parents is that they must start limiting screen time if they dont want their children to suffer further down the line. Yes, there will be pushbacks and tantrums but its the only way that children will learn to experience and tolerate boredom. They will thank you in years to come. A friend of mine who is a surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital says we should view things like the iPad in the same way we do sweets. Of course, children want more than is good for them but it is a parents job to put their foot down and say No. You have had enough. Harrys bittersweet words I am pleased that Prince Harry has said he wants to reconcile with his family, the only problem is Im not convinced he has any idea of the process involved or the sacrifices he must make to achieve this. In his bombshell BBC interview, he claimed that his father wont speak to him because of his court battle over his security. In Prince Harrys bombshell BBC interview, the royal claimed that his father wont speak to him because of his court battle over his security If this is the case, then why would Harry appeal the original High Court decision if it was going to be a stumbling block in rebuilding a relationship with his father? It makes his claims sound rather hollow. He comes across as self-righteous and aggrieved, rather than truly sorry for the upset he has caused his family. The King, of course, has every right to cut off contact with the son whos so publicly attacked him and his wife Camilla. What it will really take to make amends is for Harry to cease his endless whinging and apologise unequivocally for the pain hes caused. Yes, Im sure there is blame on both sides there usually is but family rifts can never be mended without a degree of humility from all concerned. And most crucially of all both parties have to genuinely want it, otherwise things will quickly fall apart again. In a bid to cut waiting times, the Society of Radiographers has suggested allowing men to perform mammograms. There has been a backlash but a kind, gentle and helpful clinician (male or female) is what patients want. Sore eyes, a runny nose an itchy throat for many people spring and early summer has them reaching for the antihistamines. However, pharmacists last week raised concerns about the use of antihistamines that can cause drowsiness as they interfere with acetylcholine a natural chemical in the brain which plays a key role in cognitive function. Recently these medications have been used a lot in place of traditional sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety medications which can be addictive. This is why I wish the NHS would offer more effective sleep psychology courses. In my area, patients can self-refer for a CBT sleep service, which has been proven to cure 80 to 90 per cent of insomnia cases. Dr Max prescribes... Stop gambling App Gambling, like many other addictions, plays on the reward pathways in our brains, which release dopamine when they are stimulated. Yet a quarter of those with gambling problems do not seek support or help due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. GambleAware has recently launched an app, which helps people reduce gambling or quit altogether. Gambleaware.org On the latest episode of the Mail's 'The Life of Bryony' podcast, BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty candidly discussed her battle with adenomyosis and expressed frustration with the dismissing of women's pain by the healthcare system. Ms Munchetty, 50, publicly revealed her diagnosis back in 2023, after years of having chronic pain mismanaged and misdiagnosed by doctors. Adenomyosis is a relatively common condition where the uterine lining, shed during menstruation, grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, causing painful and prolonged periods. The journalist recently released a book on the gender healthcare gap, chronicling her experience and the experience of hundreds of other women who feel their pain was disregarded or downplayed. 'We are taught to normalise it,' the presenter told Mail columnist Bryony Gordon. She recalled other occasions on which she had cystitis and thrush but was accused by doctors of 'having too much sex or not being hygienic enough'. 'My mum and dad were nurses. I have a great respect for people in healthcare. I am not bashing anyone, it's the system. On the latest episode of the Mail's 'The Life of Bryony' podcast, Naga Munchetty expressed frustration with the dismissing of women's pain by the healthcare system Ms Munchetty, 50, publicly revealed her adenomyosis diagnosis back in 2023, after years of having chronic pain mismanaged and misdiagnosed by doctors 'I find the gatekeeping of medicines, contraceptives, and pain relief just astonishing. The rules that say women can only have pain relief if something is 'really painful': as if having your cervix opened with tweezers is not going to freaking hurt.' Medical misogyny is a catchall term used to denote the unfair or prejudicial treatment of female patients. This could include the lack of funding for treatments for female-specific health conditions; delayed diagnoses or a generally dismissive attitude towards the severity of symptoms caused by sexual and reproductive health issues. Ms Munchetty recalled a night when a particularly bad flare-up of adenomyosis forced her husband to call an ambulance. She was unable to walk or speak and kept feinting because of the intensity of the pain. 'I was very scared that the pain was not going to stop', Ms Munchetty said. 'I didn't know what to do. The doctor told me that the next time it happens, I should try taking a couple of paracetamol. 'I was so angry that all I could say was: 'Right, thanks.' Naga Munchetty: 'Why do you think there aren't enough at the top of business? It's because they've got too much sh*t to deal with that's being ignored.' Listen now Ms Munchetty recently released a book on the gender pain gap titled 'It's Probably Nothing: Criticial Conversations on the Women's Health Crisis' Listen now Based on her protracted journey to diagnosis, the BBC presenter offered Bryony some tips for confronting medical misogyny Ms Munchetty instructed: 'Know what's wrong with you. I don't mean a diagnosis but know what isn't right. 'When your life is being negatively impacted by something write it down. Keep a diary. 'Your specialist wants to help you. They love puzzles and coming to conclusions. But they can't if it's all so vague. Go in armed with as much information as you can give them. 'Don't be afraid to do your own research.' In explaining her reasons for wanting to write the book, aptly named, 'It's Probably Nothing', Ms Munchetty appealed for medical misogyny to be taken more seriously. She declared: 'If we're not advocating for the women in our lives who are unable or too unwell to advocate for themselves, we are losing out on brilliant women in the workplace, brilliant mothers, daughters, and partners. 'Why do you think there aren't enough at the top of business? It's because they've got too much sh*t to deal with that's being ignored.' To listen to the full, empowering interview with Naga Munchetty, listen to the latest Life of Bryony now, wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday. READ MORE: Relive the worst Met Gala looks ever including a horse head gown Karoline Leavitt has shared a rare glimpse into her family life with a series of sweet snaps over the weekend. The White House Press Secretary, 27, took to Instagram to document her sunny weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, with husband Nicholas Riccio, 59, and their young son Niko. The family spent the weekend at Donald Trump's Mar-A-Lago and Leavitt captured adorable photos from the occasion. One picture showed the political aide smiling on a green couch while she held her young son, who was dressed in a cute checkered onesie, on her lap. In the second snap, Nicholas - who is 32 years Karoline's senior - also stepped into the frame as the trio posed in front of a pool at sunset. Karoline captured another heartwarming photo of her spouse dressed more informally while cradling Niko and kissing his cheek. And the final picture in her adorable carousel simply alluded to the family relaxing on sun loungers while draped under towels. The mom-of-one captioned the post: 'Weekends in Palm Beach.' The White House Press Secretary, 27, took to Instagram to document her sunny weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, with husband Nicholas Riccio, 59, and their young son Niko Nicholas - who is 32 years Karoline's senior - also stepped into the frame as the trio posed in front of a pool at sunset Karoline captured another heartwarming photo of her spouse dressed more informally while cradling Niko and kissing his cheek Karoline has previously addressed her 'very atypical love story' with her husband who is 32 years her senior. The Press Secretary spoke with Megyn Kelly about their romance and how they first met. 'I met my husband during my Congressional Campaign. A mutual friend of ours hosted an event at a restaurant that he owns up in New Hampshire and invited my husband,' she detailed in the interview. 'I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love.' When The Megyn Kelly Show host asked if there had been any thought in her mind of 'I can't date him, he's 59 and I'm 27?' Karoline confirmed that she had dealt with those initial doubts about how the 32-year age gap would impact the relationship. 'Yes, of course. I mean it's a very atypical love story but he's incredible,' she gushed. 'He is my greatest supporter, he's my best friend and he's my rock.' The political aide continued: 'He's built a very successful business himself so now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career. And the final picture in her adorable carousel simply alluded to the family relaxing on sun loungers while draped under towels Karoline has previously addressed her 'very atypical love story' with her husband who is 32 years her senior Leavitt made another appearance with her husband and son during the White House Easter Egg roll hosted by the president in April 'He's the father of my child and he's the best dad I could ever ask for. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life.' The pair got engaged in December 2023, with Karoline writing at the time: 'The best Christmas of my life. I get to marry the man of my dreams. I feel SO overwhelmingly BLESSED. Thank you, God.' The pair officially tied the knot in January 2025, days before President Donald Trump's inauguration. They went on to welcome their son on July 10, 2024. Karoline made another appearance with her husband and son during the White House Easter Egg roll hosted by the president in April. Her husband looked age-defying in a tan-colored suit and purple tie, while wheeling their son, who was dressed in baby blue, in a stroller around the South Lawn. Prince George was his parents' pride and joy as he joined the Prince and Princess of Wales for a tea party at Buckingham Palace this afternoon. The young royal, 11, was polite and listened attentively as he made a surprise appearance, and spoke with veterans to commemorate VE Day on Monday. Dressed in a smart suit with a blue tie, William and Kate's eldest son beamed as he posed for photos with attendees and joined in conversation with guests. George, who will be turning 12 this summer, is usually joined by his siblings for public engagements. However, the tea party will likely have provided the prince a small taste of his future duties as King - with the prince second in line to the throne after his father. William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was 'very important' for his son and the 'next generation' to hear the stories from those who fought in the war. George spoke to 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, who served during D-Day. Mr Littlefield, originally from Cosham near Portsmouth, told the two princes how he signed up to the Army aged 20, and joined the D-Day landings, bravely swimming into the Normandy beaches under heavy shell fire. Prince George was his parents' pride and joy as he joined the Prince and Princess of Wales for a tea party at Buckingham Palace this afternoon The young royal, 11, was polite and listened attentively as he made a surprise appearance, and spoke with veterans to commemorate VE Day on Monday Dressed in a smart suit with a blue tie, William and Kate's eldest son beamed as he posed for photos with attendees and joined in conversation with guests Inquisitive George asked: 'What was it like when you were coming in?', to which Alfred replied: 'Pretty awful'. After talking to the father and son duo for a few minutes, Alfred turned to George and said: 'You know, it's very important you are here today. 'It's days like this that we should use to talk about things like this, so the younger generation can have some understanding.' Alfred later told William approvingly of his son: 'You should be very proud.' Army veteran Charles Auborn, 99, from London joined the war effort as an 18-year-old gunner in 1955. He told the Princess of Wales how he was deployed to Egypt before the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, joking how his officer's first words on his return to the UK were 'how are you boys for shorts?'. 'This is my son George I was telling you about,' she said, ushering him to the table. As Mr Auborn showed George pictures of the M4 Sherman tanks he operated during the war, the young prince asked him 'Were they hard to operate? It must have been very tough with the weather.' George chatted with attendees, as his father and mother came in and often chimed into conversation William was in high spirits, as was a smiling George, as they enjoyed the conversations this afternoon The tea party, which was hosted by the King, included a surprise appearance from Prince George Kate also held Mr Auborn's hand as she examined his service photograph. 'Look at you, you are a very handsome young man,' she said winsomely. 'You've got a nice looking boy there, you're going to have to keep an eye on him,' Charles replied. Former frontline codebreaker Bernard Morgan, 101, revealed how two days before VE Day, he received a telex to say, 'German war now over, surrender effective sometime tomorrow', but had to keep it secret. 'I had signed the Official Secrets Act so I kept it to myself for 50 years after the war. It was a very privileged position to be in,' he said. 'My parents didn't even know what I did during the war 'The princess was so lovely. She..said she was very pleased we were here to tell the younger generation about what we went through. 'But whenever I go to an event like this, I always think about my comrades who didn't come home and especially three airmen we lost in Normandy. 'We are the lucky ones and I have never forgotten that.' The young prince shook hands with the respected guests in attendance as he was joined by his parents William and Kate's eldest son was polite as ever as he shook hands with veterans this afternoon Other royals in attendance included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh - George's aunt and uncle Further down the table, William and George also chatted with Dougie Hyde, 99, who joined the Merchant Navy in 1944, aged just 18. He started out working as a 'fireman' stoking boilers and later joined a secret operation to liberate Europe, spending months going back and forth to the beaches deploying munitions and amphibious vehicles. Displaying an avid interest, George asked the former seaman 'Did you ever get shot at?' and 'Did you ever see a U-boat?' After their chat, Dougie said: 'I was very impressed with the lad's interest. 'He was very polite. Whenever I used to do talks to young kids, that's all you ever wanted, for them to listen and have a little understanding of those days. 'I think it's so important for us to remember.' Working at the opposite end of the table the King stopped to talk to Ruth Bourne, 98, about her days working as codebreaker at Bletchley Park. On VE Day, she went to London with a colleague to celebrate: 'We waited outside the Palace chanting "We want the King." William doted on his son, holding him by his shoulders as he joined his parents for the tea party The young royal was polite, beaming and listening attentively as he sat and spoke with veterans George and Kate giggled with one another as they chatted with guests at the tea party this afternoon 'The Royal family came out, and we went mad cheering. People were climbing lamp posts; I climbed onto a window ledge shouting, "Three cheers for the British Navy!" ' Charles said to her: 'We owe you all an immense debt of gratitude. Without you things could have been very different.' Norman Trickett, 101, said he performed a magic trick for the Queen, which involved tying string on Camilla's finger before whipping it off, leaving her in stitches. Mr Trickett said: 'I was dared to show the magic trick to the Queen, so I did it. 'She loved it, so I'm glad, I'm chuffed to be here, very proud.' Many of the veterans at the palace were only able to travel to the commemorations with the help of The Royal British Legion (RBL). Joy Trew, 98, who served in the WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) was hailed by the Princess of Wales as an 'inspiration'. She said: 'I'm speechless, it's better than I thought. I've never been to London let alone be invited to sit with the King. The Princess appeared to show George and a veteran in attendance something on her phone at the party However, the tea party will likely have provided the prince a small taste of what his future duties as King - with the prince second in line to the throne after his father George was attentively listening as he and his father chatted with World War II veterans during the tea party 'The King asked about my family and spoke about the formidable ladies on the parade. 'We spoke about everyone going on these days and all the young people these days. He said everything is going to be alright.' During the festivities, George was every inch the doting older brother as Prince Louis appeared to copy his movements. The royal was seen talking to his seven-year-old brother during an event at Buckingham Palace, marking the 80th anniversary of the formal end of World War II in Europe. While the pair sat next to each other, Louis was spotted catching a glimpse at his brother's actions throughout the parade and, at one point, copied the future king in his mannerisms. At one point George, caught by a gust of wind, gently brushed his hair from his face. Seconds later, his younger brother copied him - but added a little of his trademark cheeky flair to the movement as he swished his hair to the side. It's unclear whether the young royal was looking up to his older brother in a bid to be just like him, or just teasing George - but royal fans were left in stitches either way. And later in the ceremony, Louis appeared to roll his eyes at his older brother. Charles hosted a tea party for some of the last living heroes of the conflict as well as their families Sitting on the other side of George was his younger sister Princess Charlotte, who recently celebrated her 10th birthday. Wearing a navy suit with a light-coloured shirt and a royal blue tie, George looked dapper for the occasion. Meanwhile, Louis also sported a suit, and Charlotte opted to rewear the blue and green coat she picked for last year's Christmas morning service in Sandringham. Ahead of the festivities, the Wales family, including Kate - who was wearing a plum Emillia Wickstead coat and matching hat - and William were photographed walking together to their seats. Prince George appeared to look serious as he strode ahead of his younger siblings, who were followed by their father William, who walked behind them. The Wales were not the only royals at the milestone event: members of the Firm were out in force for the anniversary celebrations. King Charles and Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were among those attending the commemorations. The royals observed a military procession from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace while thousands of people packed the streets as four days of commemorations began. (From left) Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and the Prince of Wales looked serious as took to their seats ahead of the military procession today The Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William at VE Day 80 in London today Catherine and her daughter Charlotte looked picture perfect as they sat in the front row at the parade While formal military events take place in London, with the procession involving 1,300 members of the Armed Forces from Parliament Square to the Mall, hundreds of street parties are also being held across the country. This was followed by the Royal Family watching a flypast of iconic Royal Air Force planes from the palace balcony, before Charles hosted a tea party for some of the last living heroes of the conflict as well as their families. Charles was wearing Naval Uniform No.1 dress, with no medals or decorations, as his grandfather King George VI wore on the palace balcony on VE Day in 1945 while William wore RAF No.1 Uniform. Camilla was dressed in a sapphire blue wool crepe dress and coat, by Fiona Clare, with the 12th Royal Lancers Brooch, the regiment of her late father Major Bruce Shand. Elsewhere, the Duke of Edinburgh wore Army No.2 Service Dress of the Scots Guards, while Duke of Kent wore Field Marshal No.2 Service Dress - and Princess Anne, who was also present, wore the uniform of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteer Corps) with no decorations. The late Queen Elizabeth II, as Princess Elizabeth, wore the military uniform for her palace balcony appearance on VE Day 1945 as a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Services. Nato allies will join 1,300 members of the armed forces for a procession in the city, and the words of Sir Winston Churchill's 1945 victory speech will be spoken by actor Timothy Spall to kick off events for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. In Whitehall the Cenotaph was draped in a large Union flag, with the south and north face of the landmark covered. The Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William at VE Day 80 in London today The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Prince and Princess of Wales with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis arrive to attend the armed forces and veterans' parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London today Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte watch the procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day today King Charles, Princess Anne, and Queen Camilla at the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day today Members of the armed forces leaving Parliament Square during a procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day today Prince Louis puts his hand on his father William's shoulder at the event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day today King Charles III sits at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace in London for VE Day 80 this afternoon Members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment during a procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day today Prince William stands next to Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at the VE Day parade in London today Prince Louis holds his father William's uniform at the event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day today Britain's King Charles salutes next to Queen Camilla during the armed forces and veterans' parade for VE Day 80 today Members of the Band of the Household Cavalry take part in a procession celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day today King Charles III leads members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace today to watch the VE Day anniversary parade It is the first time the war memorial has been draped in Union flags since it was unveiled by King George V more than a century ago, in 1920. Crowds started to gather on The Mall this morning, with some arriving the day before to secure a good viewing spot. Caroline Tomlinson, 59, travelled from Doncaster to witness the parade and camped overnight. Dressed in Union flags, she said: 'I've been watching lots of footage from 1945 when everybody was gathering outside the palace, so just great to be a part of it here we are again 80 years later to do the very same. I got here at 2pm yesterday afternoon, sat in the red chair all night, had a little bit of sleep. 'I'm used to this, I've been to the other events. I've been to the Platinum Jubilee, the Coronation, the Queen's funeral, Royal weddings. Sleeping over is now my thing. It was very cold but I dressed accordingly and got through it. Slept about three times in one-hour bursts. 'I came here alone, the community is always so lovely. I'm absolutely hoping to catch a glimpse of the Royals.' Michael Burn, 67, arrived at The Mall outside Buckingham Palace this morning. Dressed head to toe in a Union flag suit he said: 'Obviously I'm very patriotic so I make the most of any of these events, the coronation or anything like that I'll be here. 'I think we've been very lucky that we've had 80 years of peace and these are very troubled times at the moment and we've got to think about all those that have the ultimate sacrifice and there's very few of them left now because they're all over 100. This is the last time we will celebrate the day in this sort of scale.' Speaking of his suit and holding a seven foot Union flag he said: 'I bought this for the London 2012 Olympics and have worn it at every Royal event since. 'I can still get into it,' he joked. (From left) Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and the Prince of Wales ahead of the military procession today Veteran Jack Mortimer, Queen Camilla and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during the military procession in London today The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Prince and Princess of Wales with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis arrive to attend the armed forces and veterans' parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London today King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive for the military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London today (front row, left to right) The Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and the Prince of Wales today Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Prince of Wales arrive ahead of the military procession in London this afternoon The Princess of Wales speaks to veteran Bernard Morgan during the procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day today The Princess of Wales arrives in Westminster this morning with Princess Charlotte (left) and Prince Louis (right) Queen Camilla, King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the military procession to mark VE Day 80 today Lizzie McCrae MacIntyre, a retired Women's Royal Air Force veteran, arrived at the Admiralty Arch at 4am to see the parade. Ms MacIntyre, who travelled from Surrey, said: 'It's so important to remember those that didn't make it home. My dad was military, my brother was Air Force.' Geoffrey York, 71, said: 'We are all ex-military.' The Household Cavalry veteran said: 'We were here for the coronation, we camped out for three nights for the Queen's funeral. It's a big day for us to pay our respects. My dad was a prisoner of war in Tobruk, Libya. He escaped in 1944.' Two women gathered outside Buckingham Palace made their own dresses for the occasion. Grace Gothard, from Ghana, describing her Union flag dress, said: 'I made this dress personally. So anytime there's any royal occasion I make my own dresses. It took two weeks to make. 'The last one was the King's coronation and that dress is in a museum now. Satvinder Cubb, wearing a dress which reads Lest We Forget, added: 'I also made my dress. I had a Union flag one before but this year I wanted something simple to represent all the soldiers that actually fought. It took just a few hours to make because it's actually two flags joined together. And I don't have a sewing machine so it was all by hand.' The pair met at the Queen's jubilee and have attended royal events together in handmade dresses ever since. They arrived at The Mall at 6am this morning.' Actor Timothy Spall delivers some of the words of Sir Winston Churchill's 1945 victory speech in London this afternoon King Charles III leads members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace today to watch the VE Day anniversary parade People watch an armed forces and veterans' parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London today (From left) Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and the Prince of Wales ahead of the military procession today Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William at the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day today Members of The Blues and Royals Squadron of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ahead of the procession today Ms Cubb added: 'I know people who have actually fought in the war. I have a very close friend, he's 94 and was 14 at the time. It's just about thanking them all. We're here for a reason and have freedom now. It's important for us to be a part of it.' One group of women gathered outside the palace have brought along song sheets to pass out to the crowd. They practised singing their songs ahead of the parade. Mandy Ellis, 67, from the Midlands, said: 'We do all the royal events. I've been doing this 60 years now. We all get the gang together - there's seven of us come down. The oldest is my Auntie Linda, she's 87. My daughter Cara, she's the youngest.' Wearing a Union flag hat, she said: 'I sing in the local choir, we've had some song sheets over the years for different events so I just adapted them at home. We've got everything from Land of Hope and Glory, We'll Meet Again, Pack Up Your Troubles, the National Anthem. 'It's the smallest thing we can do to say thank you for 80 years of peace and the sacrifice everyone made.' David Smith, a military royal engineer from 1960 to 1972, travelled from Lincolnshire yesterday to honour the veterans at the parade. The 79-year-old said: 'It's about patriotism. It's what we do.' Mr Smith has marched at the Cenotaph for 26 years and will watch the parade today from The Mall. His wife Muriel said: 'Where we live in Lincolnshire, the 'bomber county', there is always a bomber base five miles from you. There's still air raid shelters where we live.' About the parade, the 77-year-old said: 'I just love the songs, the ceremony, everything. I've heard some stories about Victory Day. Some naughty stories!' Maria Crook, 69, travelled from Devon to London yesterday and set up to watch the procession from Whitehall early this morning. The King and Queen of Denmark beamed in the sun, as they made the annual move into their summer residence at Fredensborg Castle on Monday. The couple, who usually stay in Amalienborg, Copenhagen, were all smiles as they took in the sunny weather and were welcomed by wellwishers as well as a brass ensemble. Frederik X, 56, and his wife Mary, 53, were both delighted as they received a warm welcome to the palace's Chancellery House this afternoon. The mother-of-four was effortlessly elegant in navy trousers and a breezy blue button-down, teamed with a light white coat. She wore her chestnut tresses down, and opted for a glamorous make-up look for the occasion. Elsewhere Frederik donned taupe chinos with a pastel blouse, topped with a checkered blazer. The couple appeared to bring their Border Collie, Coco, along, and looked to be in high spirits as they made their arrival. Mary held onto a bouquet of flowers as she and her husband both greeted members of the public, and enjoyed chatting. The King and Queen of Denmark beamed in the sun, as they made the annual move into their summer residence at Fredensborg Castle on Monday The couple, who usually stay in Amalienborg, Copenhagen, were all smiles as they took in the sunny weather and were welcomed by wellwishers as well as a brass ensemble Frederik X, 56, and his wife Mary, 53, were both delighted as they received a warm welcome to the palace's Chancellery House this afternoon Taking to social media, the King and Queen wrote: 'When spring soon turns into summer, and the trees around Fredensborg Castle turn green again, the Royal Family will traditionally move their residence to the Chancellery House.' Fredensborg was built as a 'country seat' for Frederik IV and initially used in 1722, before being rebuilt and expanded. Now, it is often the setting for 'important events' for the family, such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. It's been an exciting few weeks for the Danish royals, who last month celebrated Princess Isabella's 18th birthday. The eldest daughter of Mary and Frederik enjoyed multiple events in honour of her celebrations, also posed for official photographs at Knight's Hall of Frederick VIII's Palace in Amalienborg. Isabella put on a dashing display in a vibrant orange ballgown, which was adorned with the Order of the Elephant and a miniature portrait of her father. The 18-year-old, who opted for a glowing makeup look, added a pair of turquoise and diamond earrings and a matching tiara. The mother-of-four was effortlessly elegant in navy trousers and a breezy blue button-down, teamed with a light white coat She wore her wavy chestnut tresses down, and opted for a glamorous make-up look for the occasion Elsewhere King Frederik donned taupe chinos with a pastel blouse, topped with a checkered blazer The couple appeared to bring their Border Collie, Coco, along, and looked to be in high spirits as they made their arrival Mary held onto a bouquet of flowers as she and her husband both greeted members of the public, and enjoyed chatting Fredensborg was built as a 'country seat' for Frederik IV and initially used in 1722, before being rebuilt and expanded. Now, it is often the setting for 'important events' for the family, such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays The caption read: '18 years ago today Her Royal Highness Princess Isabella was born.' 'The birthday itself is marked with the publication of the Princess's first official gala portraits. 'The princess is photographed in the Knight's Hall of Frederick VIII's Palace in Amalienborg, and on the portraits Her Royal Highness wears the Order of the Elephant with a star chest... and a miniature Order portrait of her father, His Majesty the King.' One day before Isabella's birthday, the Danish Royal Family shared a scrapbook of adorable intimate family pictures. To mark her milestone birthday, the proud parents posted an array of childhood snaps of Isabella and her family throughout various stages of her life. The royal family's Instagram caption read: 'Little glimpses from childhood to 18 years old. 'On the occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Isabella's 18th birthday on Monday, Their Majesties the King and Queen share here a selection of memories.' These included an adorable snap of Queen Margrethe - who abdicated the Danish throne in January last year - holding her newborn granddaughter shortly after she was born. Isabella donned a orange ballgown, which was adorned with the Order of the Elephant and a miniature portrait of her father Princess Isabella steps out in a glitzy ballgown as she throws a gigantic birthday bash on Tuesday last week Princess Isabella is pictured with Queen Mary of Denmark before her birthday performance last Tuesday The former monarch was seen smiling as she looked down at Isabella while cradling her in her arms. Another sweet black and white image also showed a young Isabella smiling as she clutched onto her mother's back. A second endearing photograph showed older sister Isabella touching Mary's baby bump when she was pregnant with twins Josephine and Vincent in 2010. The couple also chose a picture of Isabella - who is called Bella for short in some of the scrapbook captions - and her late grandfather, Prince Henrik of Denmark, who passed away in 2018. The monochrome image showed the Princess wrapping her arms around Henrik, giving him a huge hug. The extensive post also included snaps of Isabella with her Australian Scottish grandparents on Mary's side. Mary's parents are Scottish, but they emigrated to Hobart, Tasmania, where she was born in 1972. Her mother, Henrietta Clark Donaldson, sadly passed in 1997 following complications from a heart surgery when Mary was just 25 years old. Her father, John Dalgleish Donaldson, remarried a British crime writer Susan Horwood, who writes under the name Susan Moody. Elsewhere, another picture showed a young Isabella swimming and spending quality time with her father, King Frederik. Other images showed Isabella from when was around five years old on family trips in Tisvilde, a seaside town in Denmark, and her feeding a horse - along with more recent snaps of her with the family border collie, Grace. Princess Isabella is expected to enjoy a private birthday celebration with family and loved ones to mark the occasion today. From this year onwards, Princess Isabella will also have her birthday added into the rotation of annual flag days, which are the official dates when the national flag is traditionally flown. In addition to celebrating at the lavish Royal Theatre's Old Stage in Copenhagen last Tuesday, Isabella also had an earlier party on April 11, which, according to Hello, cost a staggering 32,542. British supermodel Naomi Campbell has shockingly revealed she won't be attending the 2025 Met Gala, kicking off this evening in New York City. The theme for the annual fashion extravaganza, which takes place on the first Monday in May, is 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' In line with the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute exhibit, the event explores Black dandyism from the 18th century to its revival during the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on fashion today. The 54-year-old model took to Instagram just hours before A-list stars began descending upon the 'blue carpet' on the Met Museum steps. In her post, Campbell explained that although she was invited to this year's Met Gala, she was unable to attend due to reasons she did not disclose. She also took the opportunity to congratulate Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who's been in charge of the star-studded Met Gala for the last three decades. 'Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight's extraordinary celebration,' Campbell began her post. 'I have to say, what perfect timing for the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' theme. It really celebrates how Black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashion has been a way for Black people to express who they are and claim their power.' She continued: 'I was so honored to be invited to tonight's big event, but regretfully cannot make it. Even though I'm not there in person, I'm with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late Andre Leon Talley.' Naomi Campbell, 54, reveals she won't be attending the 2025 Met Gala, which kicks off on Monday, May 5 in New York City The British supermodel previously attended the 2024 Met Gala, where the theme was 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' In her post, she paid tribute to late fashion icon Andre Leon Talley, who died in January 2022 from a heart attack at age 73 The mother of two went on to pay tribute to the late fashion icon, who died in January 2022 from a heart attack at age 73. Talley made history in the fashion world as the first Black creative director at Vogue from 1987 to 1995, before becoming Vogue editor-at-large from 1998 to 2013. 'His commanding presence, vision and belief that fashion is art helped shape what the Met Gala is presenting tonight,' Campbell said. 'I can't wait to see how everyone mixes African and European style traditions on those famous steps tonight! The creativity will be amazing.' The model signed off, 'With all my love and admiration, Naomi Campbell,' and captioned the post: 'Happy Met Monday' In addition to her message, Campbell shared several throwback images of herself attending the A-list event over the years including one snap from the 2006 Met Gala, where she posed on the red carpet with Talley. Her decision to skip the biggest night in fashion comes just one week after Campbell declared in a video that she feels 'too old' to attend the Met Gala. She made the shocking confession en route to the 2024 Met Gala, where she commanded attention in a Burberry turquoise gown. In a recent episode of her Being Naomi series on YouTube, Campbell said: 'This is my last Met. It is my last. I can't... I'm too old. It's too much for me, the anxiety. Campbell recently declared she will never attend another Met Gala again because she feels 'too old' and can no longer deal with the anxiety that it brings her Just a week away from fashion's biggest event of the year on May 5, Campbell released a new video with the surprise confession She commanded attention in a Burberry turquoise gown on the 2024 red carpet 'I don't know what number this is, I think it could be either 20 or 21, can you imagine.' Last year, the model also sparked rumors of an alleged rift between herself and the Vogue editor-in-chief. In September 2024, 75-year-old fashion editor presented Campbell with the Icon of the Year award at the 17th Annual Harlem's Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards. However, she told the audience she had to leave because Campbell was running late and she had other places to be. Straight-talking and 'punctual' Wintour then took a swipe at Campbell's timekeeping, claiming she is 'often late'. Wintour told the audience: 'I am a very punctual person, and I have the honor of presenting tonight to someone who is often late. So Samira Nasr has agreed to step in for me because unfortunately I have to leave after everything I would like to say about the extraordinary Naomi Campbell.' After Wintour left the event, Harper's Bazaar's editor Samira Nasr presented Campbell with the award as Wintour's replacement. Campbell's decision to skip the event comes following rumors of a rift between herself and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour Wintour made a subtle dig about Campbell's lack of timeliness at the 17th Annual Harlem's Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards in September 2024 Wintour's sly dig prompted Campbell to hit back as she said: 'Yes, Naomi's always late' The sly dig prompted Campbell to hit back as she said: 'Yes, "Naomi's always late."' 'But I believe in my high power and I want to thank my higher power for having me be here. It's so important that I'm here today, and I'm honored to be here in Harlem.' She added: 'I just want to say this. Everything's going to work out the way it's meant to work out. 'It wasn't my choice to have the other lady but I'd much rather have this, so thank you.' American expat claims she doesn't understand why Aussies are 'so mean' A young American expat has shared a scathing review of her experience living in Australia, claiming the locals are 'so mean' and that bullying is far more accepted than anywhere else. 'I am not saying this in a bad way or to generalise the whole country. This is just based off my personal experience. I've lived in Australia for half my life [including] all through high school,' she wrote on Reddit. It was in high school that things seemed to take a darker turn - and according to the poster, the teen environment in Australia proved deeply hostile. 'The people here (especially teenagers) are some of the worst people I've ever met,' she said. 'I've never felt more insecure and ashamed when I am around them. Bullying is so normalised here - even my school has had multiple people leave due to it, and even a death.' She added that while she's aware Australians don't always have warm feelings towards Americans, she didn't believe that justified the bullying she received. The post struck a nerve with many locals, who acknowledged that while her experience was unfortunate, it wasn't necessarily unusual - and may have more to do with a deeply embedded part of Australian culture: tall poppy syndrome. Tall poppy syndrome refers to the perceived tendency to discredit or disparage those who have achieved notable success, especially when they stand out or appear confident. A young American expat has shared a scathing review of her experience living in Australia [stock image] In Australia, this attitude often translates into social environments where people who speak openly about their ambitions or show too much self-assurance are seen as needing to be 'cut down to size'. 'Americans tend to find the "tall poppy syndrome" of Australians our most difficult trait to understand, and foreigners generally often get bullied because of it,' one person explained. 'Americans tend to have a rugged individualism that is often upbeat and seeking to further oneself in all circumstances, and talk about it openly. Australians are taught to be constantly 'levelling' such behaviours, especially boys. 'There's a tendency to just sit down, shut up and not talk too loudly or too much and draw attention to oneself. If someone does become a little too upbeat or seeks to draw attention, they're often pulled down instantly, either to their face or behind their back.' They said the positive impact of this Australian trait is that it 'equalises social relations between classes of people' and means the 'biggest, loudest mouths get put in their place very quickly'. 'The downside is that it encourages mediocrity and allows unintelligent, low energy (and often socially inept) losers to cowardly pull others down while offering nothing in return,' they continued. 'I'm quite an upbeat and outgoing person, and being a bloke I've always had to deal with a bit of tall poppy syndrome from losers who want to "put me in my place" or whatever. Just take the hits in your stride, pick your battles and be clever about when to fight back.' Some defended the culture as a kind of rough-edged humility, arguing it keeps egos in check and discourages arrogance. In Australia, 'tall poppy syndrome' often translates into social environments where people who speak openly about their ambitions or show too much self-assurance are seen as needing to be 'cut down to size' But others weren't so sure. 'Australians are proud of their banter culture, it's not just teens. To other people it comes off as mean,' one commenter noted. Others shared the sentiment that the country's social climate had worsened in recent years. 'I feel like we never used to be like this,' one user reflected. 'But in the last five years Australians have become a lot nastier, crueler and uncaring. I don't know whether COVID broke everyone's brains or it's social media rewarding bad behaviour, but the kindness is disappearing.' Several comments also pointed to broader issues with parenting, saying that bullying had become more prevalent due to a lack of accountability and poor role modelling. 'It's all good if your kid isn't the one being picked on,' one person wrote, adding that regional schools had become particularly tough environments. For some, the issue isn't just cultural - it's generational. 'High school kids are getting worse everywhere to be honest. Ours are bad, but everywhere has delinquents,' one Australian admitted. The original poster's experience may not reflect everyone's time in Australia, but it has tapped into a growing conversation about how the country treats confidence, ambition, and difference - especially when it comes from someone with an accent. Whether it's banter, bitterness, or something in between, the debate around tall poppy syndrome and everyday cruelty continues to strike a chord with Australians and expats alike. A mom was left 'partly paralyzed' after being 'poisoned' by Botox-like injections - and says chasing beauty 'ruined' her life. Stephanie Ottaway, 35, told Daily Mail in an exclusive interview that she first went under the needle in March 2023 to 'rid a few wrinkles'. Within the first 24 hours she began experiencing debilitating headaches. In only a two-week span, she was 'barely able to walk'. Stephanie initially 'brushed off' her symptoms after speaking to doctors - who didn't initially connect them to the injection - and in July 2023, she underwent a second round of injections 'not thinking anything of it'. Soon after, her initial symptoms worsened, and she suffered extreme pain in her joints and muscles, tender and raw skin, and breathing difficulties during her sleep that left her 'gasping for air' at night. The mom-of-one told how she was left temporarily 'partly paralyzed' following nerve damage in her hands and arms and was 'unable to pick up' her daughter, Millie, age 4, 'on and off for over a year' due to the muscle weakness and joint pain. And she even found everyday tasks like washing her hands and opening the fridge 'very difficult'. In March 2024, she was finally diagnosed with iatrogenic botulism - a rare neuromuscular junction disease caused by botulinum neurotoxins, the active ingredient in Botox - after more than a year of 'ruling out' every other cause. Stephanie Ottaway, 35, told Daily Mail that she first went under the needle in March 2023 to 'rid a few wrinkles', but within two weeks of the jab, she began experiencing debilitating headaches and could barely walk When doctors told her the symptoms weren't connected to the injections, she went for a second round, which left her temporarily 'partly paralyzed' and 'gasping for air' at night During the first round Stephanie paid $400 to have 36 units of Xeomin injected. The second round left her with a total of $900 out of pocket for both visits She says she's more than $15,000 out of pocket from countless doctor appointments and treatment, and two years on she still undergoes regular physical therapy to help ease the symptoms of the poisoning, as there is no specific cure. Stephanie, who works in influencer marketing, from Bakersfield, California, US, told Daily Mail: 'It's my life's biggest regret. 'I have friends and family who have had Botox done - and I thought I was completely safe,' she explained. 'But two years of my life have been lost because I didn't feel beautiful enough. There were days when I couldn't walk and be the mother I wanted to be. 'And now I want to warn others about the unknown dangers of botulinum toxins.' Stephanie paid over $400 to have 36 units of Xeomin - a Botox alternative - injected into her forehead, eleven lines, crow's feet, and under her brows in March 2023. Initially, she had no symptoms and left the clinic 'happy', but within 24 hours, she noticed issues. 'I began developing horrible headaches that were more like migraines,' she said. Stephanie said at one point she felt so much pain and was so ill that she couldn't hold her 4-year-old daughter Millie, who was two at the time Stephanie's before and after of her forehead wrinkles after being injected with Xeomin, a Botox alternative When the symptoms got worse, Stephanie suffered extreme pain in her joints and muscles and tender, raw skin 'I was told this was normal, and I did all my research, but everything just felt wrong and it kept getting worse. 'There were days when I couldn't walk, open the fridge, or string sentences together. It was the scariest time.' Botox and Xeomin are drugs made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. They work by weakening and blocking certain muscles or nerves, with effects lasting roughly three months, and can prevent wrinkles from developing or worsening. Stephanie visited doctors with her concerns and was initially told it had 'nothing to do with the injections', but that it could be an autoimmune disease or severe inflammation. Despite having 'no real answer', after four months, her symptoms began to subside and she returned for a second round of injections in July, this time with 40 units of Xeomin in the same places, 'thinking nothing of it'. But, within just a few weeks, her initial symptoms returned with 'full force'. Stephanie before the injections In March 2024, she was finally diagnosed with iatrogenic botulism - a rare neuromuscular junction disease caused by botulinum neurotoxins, the active ingredient in Botox Two years after the injections, Stephanie continues to suffer daily with the lasting effects of the poisoning. But says she and her husband Tanner (right) take it day by day 'It wasn't just a two-week flu that I could sleep off,' she said. 'I was losing my capacity to do anything. 'Simple tasks like drying myself with a towel or washing my hands were excruciatingly painful.' At her lowest point, Stephanie couldn't type, open food jars, walk and, at 'worst', pick up her daughter who was two at the time. During the night, she would frequently wake up 'gasping for air', and couldn't have anything touching or rubbing against her tender skin - including bed sheets and tight clothes - due to the pain. Stephanie visited the doctors numerous times to investigate what was happening - which left her $15,000 out of pocket. The injections alone totaled around $900. 'Doctors didn't have a clue what was going on,' she said. 'I was being tested pretty much daily and was told it could be autoimmune-related or Lyme disease.' It wasn't until she discovered a forum of people who had suffered Botox poisoning that she recognized her symptoms - and that the injection can spread in rare instances, paralyzing other body parts. She now undergoes frequent physical therapy to help ease her nerve and muscle damage Stephanie said she doesn't know why she got the injections in the first place and that she now embraces her wrinkles The former happened to Stephanie, and in March 2024, she was diagnosed with iatrogenic botulism after doctors pinned the timing and correlation of her symptoms to her Xeomin injections - which include botulinum neurotoxins. 'It was a bittersweet moment,' she said. 'But there is no cure and no promise that I will be 100 percent back to normal. 'I was shocked to see how many people this had affected.' Two years after the injections, Stephanie continues to suffer daily with the lasting effects of the poisoning. She now undergoes frequent physical therapy to help ease her nerve and muscle damage - and has started trialing Ozone IV therapy and seeing an integrative doctor who is taking a more holistic approach to her health. She and her engineer husband, Tanner, 33, take each day as they come. 'Now looking back, I don't even know why I had the injections in the first place,' she said. 'My wrinkles have come back and I embrace them. 'I'm getting more active and able to do more things with my daughter. But now, I want to create more awareness about the dangers of botulinum neurotoxins. 'I was perfectly fit and healthy, so if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.' The broken-hearted husband of a 39 year-old mother-of-two who suffered a rapid death from brain cancer has told of the easy-to-dismiss signs of the shock disease. In late 2021, Charlotte Coxon, from Leicestershire, began suffering headaches, seemingly out of nowhere. Oddly, at around the same time, she found she was struggling with other daily tasks, like writing and driving. In January 2022, the television producer visited her GP for help, and was referred to the local hospital for a series of investigations. Doctors performed a series of CT and MRI scans, which ultimately revealed a glioblastoma the most aggressive and deadly form of brain tumour, which kills three quarters of patients within a year. Ms Coxon was given a prognosis of just 12 to 18 months. She was quickly rushed into surgery to remove the tumour, followed by six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 'We'd hoped that removing the tumour would solve all our problems,' said Ms Coxon's husband, Johnny, 39. Charlotte Coxon was hit with an excruciating migraine while wrapping her children's Christmas presents - scans showed the devastating truth 'Charlotte wanted to keep active despite everything she was going through. 'She decided to focus heavily on helping the local community, supporting our son's school on class trips, and as an active volunteer in the Friends of Burton School (FOBS) group, which fundraises for the school. 'From her chemo and radiotherapy treatments until 2024, she didnt show any significant new symptoms. 'So we made the most of that time, going on holidays as a family, and Charlotte spent as much quality time with the children as possible.' But in March 2024, scans revealed that the tumour had grown, and her health soon began to deteriorate. One night in July, she woke up in excruciating pain from a migraine, and was rushed back to the hospital. She stayed until 9 July 2024, and surrounded by her loving family, she died at the age of just 39. 'Charlotte worked incredibly hard to help prepare our children for what was to come,' said Mr Coxon. The children have coped remarkably well with the loss of their mother, their father Johnny said. Just one per cent of the national cancer research budget is allocated to brain tumours, according to charity Brain Tumour Research 'She had a deep understanding of grief and made every effort to ensure the children, Thomas and Anna, then six and three, would feel supported. 'Thomas and Anna both miss their mum deeply and often talk about her, but theyre coping remarkably well. 'I know Charlotte would be relieved to see how theyre handling everything; she would be so proud of their strength.' The family are now dedicated to helping to find a cure for the disease by raising awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research. 'She was a fantastic mum and always full of laughter,' Mr Coxon said. 'She had so many friends and was just a wonderful, warm presence. Its been incredibly tough for us since Charlottes passing. 'Now, we are determined to support Brain Tumour Research in its mission to find a cure for the disease that took Charlotte from us.' When Denise Broadie beat breast cancer the first time, her family was overjoyed. When it returned in 2019 and spread to her lungs, she defied the odds and beat it again. But when she fell ill a third time, doctors discovered something far more sinister. A hospital-ordered test revealed the 65-year-old didnt have cancer she had HIV, and it had progressed to AIDS. Denise died just two days later, leaving her family devastated and searching for answers. Her husband of eight years, Cleveland Broadie, now 62, claimed he didnt have HIV and couldnt have passed it on to her. But the family claims they found his nightstand drawers filled with HIV medication. Prosecutors have accused him of knowing about having HIV since 2006, eight years before he married Denise. Denise is pictured above in happier times before her health deteriorated She died from HIV complications in 2022 after her husband's sinister secret was exposed Broadie was initially charged with reckless conduct related to HIV in 2023, but the charge has since been upgraded to felony murder. Denise's family allege that at no time did Cleveland tell their mother he had HIV or warn her that she should get tested for the disease. They also claim that he insisted on wearing a condom with Denise even after they were married, which at the time led to allegations that he was cheating. Her daughter Karen Young told Business RadioX: 'Our mother married this man. She loved him, she thought he loved her. 'He cared for her and watched her die, he slowly watched her die, and at no point... throughout her battle with cancer did he ever mention the fact that, "You could have HIV" or "I have HIV, you could have it".' She added that she was also distressed that, had her mother known she had HIV, she could have been given drugs to help treat her infection allowing her to continue to live a relatively normal life. In April, Broadie of Rockdale County was indicted by a grand jury on charges of malice murder and felony murder in connection with the death of his wife. Cleveland had already pleaded not guilty to reckless conduct charges, and has not yet entered a plea for the other charges. About 1.2million people in the US have HIV, of which roughly one in ten do not know they are infected. People who are infected with HIV are told to disclose their status to sexual partners to avoid prosecution in many states, including Georgia. Individuals with HIV can be prosecuted for failing to do this, even if they do not pass on the disease. According to reports from Atlanta News First, Denise met Cleveland at a Christmas party in 2012, and the relationship moved quickly with the pair reportedly discussing moving in together within six months. They married in 2014, and lived together at Denise's home in Rockdale County. The above picture shows Denise Broadie and her husband Cleveland Broadie. The pair lived outside of Atlanta, Georgia Denise is pictured above during her battle with cancer. Hospital doctors later determined that she had HIV, or AIDS In a radio interview, the family claimed they had no major concerns over Broadie at the time although there were allegations that he was cheating on Denise. At one point, they said he was kicked out of the house for cheating but was later allowed to move back in. In 2017, Denise was diagnosed with breast cancer with the whole family rallying around to help her with chemotherapy and to fundraise for treatments. She went into remission, but in 2019 the cancer returned in her lungs. She fought off the cancer again, but remained weak and was hospitalized again. It is possible an active HIV infection made her more vulnerable because the viral cells attack the immune system, weakening its ability to fight infections and destroy cancer cells. Your browser does not support iframes. Denise died on April 2, 2022, from pneumonia and respiratory failure related to an underlying HIV infection. After her death, Denise's home was transferred to Broadie, her family claim who is alleged to have then transferred it to his new girlfriend to sell the house. He is also alleged to have given away her handbags and jewelry, and to have taken all her clothes to good will. Broadie has not responded to these claims. Young, Denise's middle daughter, said that he would only speak to the family via text messages, where he insisted that he had not given their mother HIV. He changed the locks on her home immediately after her death, which led the family to force entry into the property about a month after Denise died. Broadie is pictured above at a hearing in court Young said: 'When we finally got into the house, we searched the bedroom and all the drawers. 'And in his nightstand were pill bottles. And I opened the pill bottles because he had ripped the labels off of the bottles, only one label was on a bottle and it said Viagra. 'So I took the pills out of that Viagra bottle and took a picture of them, it was two or three little blue pills, I took a picture of the front and back of the pills and then took a picture of the bottles so I can Google and see what type of pills these really were. 'He also had some wrapped in a napkin also in that drawer, so I took a picture of those as well. 'When I googled the pills when we got back home, I saw that the blue ones were HIV treatment drugs.' Broadie was arrested in July, 2023, with prosecutors later alleging that he had had sexual encounters with another woman as recently as March that year. If convicted of a felony murder, he could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. HIV is spread via contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids. Within two to four weeks of infection, patients suffer from a flu-like illness causing a fever, headache and rash to appear. Patients then enter the chronic stage of infection, where they appear normal and do not have any symptoms but HIV continues to multiply in the body at very low levels. This stage can last for years. Eventually, the disease progresses to AIDS, where it causes severe damage to the immune system leaving the body unable to fight off infections. Within three years, patients die from the disease. HIV can be reduced to near-undetectable levels using medications, allowing patients to live a normal and healthy life without contracting AIDS. Doctors have not yet found a way to cure a patient of an HIV infection, which lasts for life. Donald Trump was the focus of a scathing segment on Sunday's 60 Minutes, even as the show's bosses at CBS and Paramount desperately try to settle the president's $20 billion lawsuit. The last 14 minutes of CBS' flagship news program hit out at Trump for his efforts to target law firms that have been critical of him with executive orders. Host Scott Pelley, who previously went rogue and leveled blistering accusations against his own corporate bosses, went even further this week, calling Trump the 'first felon in the Oval Office.' The network and its parent company are facing their own legal battles with the president, who claims 60 Minutes deceptively edited an October interview with then Vice President Kamala Harris in order to make her look more presidential. CBS and Paramount Global are also facing a probe by Trump's Federal Communications Commission into whether the interview violated 'news distortion' rules. Meanwhile, parent company Paramount is trying to push through a high-stakes $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media - which the FCC must approve. Paramount has been trying to broker a settlement with Trump's lawyers to put the Kamala interview debacle to bed, and to smooth the way for that deal. Paramount owner Shari Redstone even reportedly asked CBS News' chief executive if it was possible to delay running sensitive stories about the president on 60 Minutes until the merger discussions ceased - something that has enraged the righteous journalists at the network. 60 Minutes clearly ignored the memo on Sunday. 60 Minutes decided to provoke President Donald Trump with a scathing segment on Sunday The newsmagazine spent the last 14 minutes of its program Sunday night hitting out at Trump for his efforts to target law firms that have been critical of him with executive orders Sunday night's show started with Pelley admitting it was 'nearly impossible to get anyone on camera' to speak about the executive orders Trump has levied against law firms. He was able to speak with Marc Elias, a former Perkins Cole partner and a top lawyer for Democrats, who called Trump's executive orders 'an assault on the entire legal profession.' 'Donald Trump is the walking embodiment of everything that is wrong with the American political system,' Elias declared. 'And so when Donald Trump says that I am unethical or that I am undermining his vision of America, I say, "Boy I must be doin' something right.' He then went on to compare the commander-in-chief to a mob boss who is intimidating people in a neighborhood. 'The fact is that these law firms are being told, "If you don't play ball with us, maybe something really bad will happen to you,"' said Elias - who first crossed Trump in 2016 when he served as the top lawyer for the Hillary Clinton campaign and then again in 2020 when he defeated Trump's efforts to contest the election results in court. Perkins Cole, the former firm, has now been accused of 'unlawful or unsavory practices' due to its connections to investigations related to President Trump or his allies. A federal judge permanently blocked the executive order against the law firm last week, calling it 'unconstitutional retaliation.' In the segment on Sunday, Marc Elias, a former Perkins Cole partner and a top lawyer for Democrats, called Trump's executive orders an assault on the entire legal profession Lawyer Brenna Frey left her law firm after it agreed to conduct free legal work for causes Trump supports Still, Trump has targeted other law firms that bring immigration lawsuits or other cases against the government that he deems to be unethical. He directed the Justice Department to seek sanctions against attorneys for professional misconduct and asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to refer such firms to the White House so they can be stripped of security clearances and for federal contracts they worked on to be terminated. Some law firms have since tried to fight back, suing the Trump administration. Many others, though, inked settlements with the Trump administration, committing to $600 million in free legal work for causes Trump supports. The deal cut by five law firms brings Trump's legal kitty close to $1 billion and specifies that the work will continue 'beyond' the Trump administration. Among the law firms that have agreed to work with Trump was Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom - the fifth largest law firm in the world. Its agreement, though, sent lawyer Brenna Frey leaving the firm in protest. 'The law firm is tacitly saying, "We'll listen to the administration, we won't fight in court,"' she said of her decision to resign. 'If we won't fight over this, what else won't we fight over in court against the federal government.' Elias agreed, claiming he is already seeing some law firms refuse 'to take on certain kinds of clients that might upset the administration or not taking on certain kinds of causes that might put them in the crosshairs of the administration.' John Keker, a high-profile attorney in San Francisco, went even further - saying the president was engaging in bribery. 'I'm suggesting that he is violating the rule that says, "You can't offer a thing of value in return for an official act,"' he said. 'That happens to be the definition of bribery. 'Anybody else who came to Washington and said, "I will give you $100 million of free legal services if you do this for me" would be convicted of a bribe.' He added that when the judicial system is afraid to stand up to the country's executive it becomes a 'dictatorship' like China or Russia. Trump has not yet commented on Sunday's episode, which came just one week after Pelley hit out at his own bosses at Paramount for trying to secure political favor from the Trump administration. Shari Redstone, the president of Paramount, reportedly asked CBS News to delay running sensitive stories about the president on 60 Minutes amid merger discussions In his monologue last week, Pelley spoke out about the sudden resignation of the show's long serving executive producer, Bill Owens. 'Bill resigned Tuesday. It was hard on him and hard on us, but he did it for us - and you,' Pelley told viewers, before delivering the bombshell. '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 how in quitting, Owens proved he was 'the right person to lead 60 Minutes all along.' The newscaster went on to make it clear that even though no stories have been blocked outright, Owens believed the creeping corporate oversight had crossed a red line and was undermining the very foundation of journalistic integrity. 'None of our stories has been blocked,' Pelley declared, 'but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires. No one here is happy about it. 'Stories weve pursued for 57 years were often controversial, lately the Israel-Gaza war and the Trump administration. Bill made sure they were accurate and fairhe was tough that way.' 60 Minutes' executive producer, Bill Owens, abruptly resigned last month Owens, 58, had been with CBS News for decades and served as only the third executive producer in 60 Minutes' 57-year history since 2019. In his resignation letter, Owens cited corporate interference as the breaking point, saying it had 'become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it - to make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience.' Owens - a respected figure who recently helped overhaul CBS's Evening News - went on to promise that '60 Minutes will continue to cover the new administration,' and 'future' ones as well. 'The show is too important to the country,' Owens ultimately declared, weeks after sources told DailyMail.com how the bigwig was 'feeling the pressure' brought by the Trump lawsuit. He reportedly added during a '60 Minutes' staff meeting: 'Its clear the company is done with me. 'It has to continue, just not with me as the executive producer,' Owens said. The company has not yet addressed the internal revolt, and representatives for the company did not respond to media inquiries following Pelley's on-air remarks. Donald Trump was filmed giving a Wall Street Journal reporter a verbal lashing over the Rupert Murdoch-owned paper's critical coverage of his presidency. The footage was filmed as Trump made his way to DC from Palm Beach via Air Force One Sunday. The unnamed reporter is heard asking a question about Trump's diplomacy talks with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin - before being met with a pointed question himself. 'Who [are] you with?' Trump is heard asking over commotion caused by the gaggle. 'Wall Street Journal,' the male reporter replies - paving the way for a meltdown to remember. 'Thats what I thought,' Trump snapped back, suggesting the right-leaning paper was somehow out to get him. The response grew more scathing from there - capping what appears to be a falling out between Trump and his old friend Rupert Murdoch, who also owns Fox News and the New York Post. 'Boy, you people treat us so badly,' he said of the paper Murdoch acquired in 2007, months after panning it as a 'globalist' rag and 'polluted' after it criticized his tariffs. The paper notably dubbed such policies as 'The Dumbest Trade War In History' - fueling the increasingly public falling out. Donald Trump was filmed ridiculing a Wall Street Journal reporter aboard Air Force One on Sunday, on his way to DC from Palm Beach, Florida The unnamed reporter is heard asking a question about Trump's diplomacy talks with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin - before being met with a meltdown from the Republican it recently began criticizing 'Wall Street Journal has truly gone to hell,' Trump is heard exclaiming during the now-viral flameout. 'Go ahead, yeah,' he continued, urging the journalist to elaborate on his question. 'Rotten newspaper. You hear me? What I said? Its a rotten newspaper,' he asserted first, however - before being met with a follow-up from the persistent newsman. 'Are there any updates on talks with Vladimir Putin?' the journalist at this point asked - again rubbing the commander-in-chief the wrong way in the process. Trump, 78, responded by refusing to answer - telling the Journal reporter his publication was simply not worth his time and merely a mouthpiece for China, the president's primary adversary when it comes to leveling tariffs. I wouldnt tell The Wall Street Journal because itd be wasting my time,' Trump told all the reporters in attendance. 'There are talks, but I dont want to talk to The Wall Street Journal. 'Look, Wall Street Journal is China-oriented, and theyre really bad for this country,' he concluded, days after Elon Musk attacked the Journal for a separate story claiming Tesla had started the process of shopping for a new CEO. 'Wall Street Journal has truly gone to hell,' Trump is heard exclaiming during the now-viral flameout. 'Go ahead, yeah,' he continued, urging the journalist to elaborate on his question. He went on to call the Journal truly 'rotten' The response grew more scathing from there - capping what appears to be a falling out between Trump and his old friend Rupert Murdoch, seen here in the Oval Office in February Trump: Who you with? Reporter: Wall Street Journal Trump: Wall Street Journal has truly gone to hell. Rotten newspaper. You hear me, what I said It's a rotten newspaper.. pic.twitter.com/w81IMLJFah Acyn (@Acyn) May 5, 2025 In March, Trump declared the paper presents a 'polluted' and 'antiquated' way of thinking, shortly after he found himself on the wrong end of some unflattering coverage surrounding his policies 'China called Trumps bluff and seems to have won this round,' a portion of a piece from the Journal's usually conservative editorial board last month proclaimed, for instance. A similar shift in attitude was seen on Murdoch-owned asset Fox News and Fox Business, both of which began to criticize the conservative for his approach in April. At the time, the Journal reported an appearance from JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon on Maria Bartiromo's Mornings With Maria was what swayed Trump into pausing tariffs - a move that was almost immediately met with a gains to a then tanking stock market. A source told the paper the banker 'knew' Trump and his inner circle 'often watched Fox', and that his message would thus likely get through. Dimon, like others, had warned persisting the policy would trigger a devastating recession. Trump, who has yet to meet with Putin in-person despite calls from the Kremlin for such a summit, has not yet turned on Fox News. In March, Trump declared the paper presents a 'polluted' and 'antiquated' way of thinking, shortly after he found himself on the wrong end of some unflattering coverage surrounding his efforts to start a trade war with China and Xi Jinping. The two are seen together in 2019 A similar shift in attitude was seen on Murdoch-owned asset Fox News and Fox Business, both of which began to criticize the conservative for his approach in April. A still from a Fox & Friends segment critical of Trump's trade war is seen here At the time, the Journal reported an appearance from JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon on Maria Bartiromo's Mornings With Maria was what swayed Trump into pausing tariffs - a move that was almost immediately met with a gains to a then tanking stock market Personalities there such as Jesse Watters and Bartiromo continue to talk up Trump, despite his deepening unpopularity. According to a poll conducted by the network, approval of Trumps job performance is currently at 44 percent - down 5 points from March. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Journal for comment. When it comes to sound investment judgment, there is no more reliable voice than Warren Buffett. At the age of 94, after 60 years at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway, it should come as no surprise that he is stepping back from the fray. His lair in Omaha, Nebraska, is far away from New Yorks bright lights. But down the decades, he has been a lender of last resort at times of disruption. When the investment bank Salomon Brothers ran into difficulties in 1990, amid a trading scandal, Buffett stepped in as chairman and cleaned up. In 2008, when Goldman Sachs came within a whisker of collapse, Buffett proffered $5billion of temporary capital to propel it back to safe land. As Joe Biden was beating a hasty retreat from fossil fuels, Buffett showed his hand by snapping up Occidental Petroleum. The Oracle of Omaha has an unalloyed view of cryptocurrency. Buffett describes it as probably rat poison squared and asserted shareholders could be assured that Berkshire would not invest in crypto. Dirty money: Cryptocurrency is the favoured medium of exchange for financial hooligans, crooks and terrorist groups such as Hamas It would be wonderful if Chancellor Rachel Reeves had been listening. In an example of financial lunacy, she has vowed to back the builders of the fintech and crypto space, while ensuring strong financial protection. Backing UK fintech is a great prize as it builds on British creative leadership in the space. The list of UK fintech successes is impressive and growing. Worldpay blazed a path which others, such as payments outfit Wise and internet banks Monzo, Revolut and Atom have followed. Crypto is entirely different. The perpetrators of current ransomware attacks on Marks & Spencer and the Co-op, causing deep anxiety for employees and customers alike, inevitably demand payment in crypto. It is the favoured medium of exchange for financial hooligans, crooks and terrorist groups such as Hamas. Anonymity allows it to be moved surreptitiously from crypto accounts, known as wallets, to repositories in exotic locations. The bezzle was exposed by the Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX saga in 2023. Just how murky the crypto world has become is illustrated by a weekend headline. It recounted that French police are investigating the kidnappings of people linked to cryptocurrency after a 60-year-old man had his fingers chopped off by attackers demanding a ransom. This is the new, fast-growing area of investment, which Reeves looks keen to embrace. She has been inspired by a desire to stay in lockstep with the zealots dominating US financial regulation and a Trump dynasty building crypto billions. The UKs approach is to bring crypto assets, including stablecoins (ostensibly backed by real money), within the regulatory framework. Until now, the approach of the Financial Conduct Authority has been to warn consumer and investors away from snake oil sales people offering crypto investment. The paradox is that by creating a framework, it will confer legitimacy to an asset class with no transparency. Central banks, including the Bank of England, mostly want no truck with crypto. It has no more relationship to real currency, as a store of value, than the paper money on a Monopoly board. Regulation is meant to protect the consumer. Crypto governance exposes us all to becoming victims of a global scam. Jobs will be put at risk by Labour's plans to impose more rules on companies when they hire staff, a leading businessman has warned. Luke Johnson, former chairman of the Gail's Bakery chain, said the economy was in a 'precarious' state and putting additional regulations on firms, especially smaller ones, would deter them from hiring as costs rise. 'Government talk a good game about growth. But the reality of what they are doing is the opposite. Unquestionably, this Employment Rights Bill will destroy jobs,' Mr Johnson said. He called on ministers to rip up the rules, which are making their way through Parliament. Speaking to James Reed on the employment agency boss's All About Business podcast, Mr Johnson added: 'I would completely scrap the Employment Rights Bill... given the precarious conditions of the UK economy is not what job creators need.' The comments come as businesses face a barrage of extra costs after measures unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves came into force last month. In safe hands?: Gail's chairman Luke Johnson said the economy was in a 'precarious' state These included a 6.7 per cent rise in the National Living wage to 12.21 per hour alongside an increase in National Insurance Contributions from employers. Mr Johnson, who was previously the boss of Pizza Express and currently sits on the boards of firms such as Revolution Bars owner The Revel Collective, said ever-increasing costs risked forcing entrepreneurs out of the UK. 'Fewer people will want to start a business,' he also told the podcast. 'People will outsource or automate jobs, or they just won't bother. 'If you burden those risk-takers... and you tax them too heavily... eventually the talent will go.' The Bill includes rights to guaranteed hours and flexible working. The Government has estimated the plans to expand workers' rights will cost firms an extra 5billion a year. Mr Johnson last year told MPs Labour's proposals risked 'crushing' the private sector and that he feared some of his businesses would not survive. There are already signs that firms are beginning to buckle under the pressure of rising tax bills, which will be made worse by the disruption caused by Donald Trump's tariffs. Restructuring experts Begbies Traynor last month reported that the number of companies in 'critical' financial distress rose by 13 pc in the first three months of the year. It followed figures from the Government's Insolvency Service that showed the amount of firms going bust in March rose by 9 per cent compared with the same month in 2024. Listen to Luke Johnson's podcast Mike Lynchs grieving family will learn within weeks how much in damages they must pay after a multi-billion- pound claim brought by Hewlett-Packard. The US tech giant won a High Court claim against the tech tycoon in 2022 after accusing him of fraud over its 2011 purchase of his company Autonomy. His death last summer when his 30million Bayesian superyacht sank during a storm off the coast of Sicily means his family will be liable for any damages decided by the judge. A judicial office spokesman told the Mail that the judgment was expected to be handed down some time during the current legal term which runs from April 29 to May 23. Friends of Lynch, including Conservative MP David Davis, had previously called for Hewlett-Packard to drop the claim. But the company said last September that it intended to follow the proceedings through to their conclusion. Damages: HP won a High Court claim against Mike Lynch in 2022 after accusing him of fraud over its 2011 purchase of his company Autonomy Lynch, 59, had only just been cleared in a separate US criminal trial over the Autonomy case when he and his daughter Hannah, 18, died when the Bayesian sank. They were among seven who drowned after he invited a group of friends, family and associates on to the yacht to celebrate being cleared of fraud charges which could have seen him jailed for 20 years. Now, his family, including widow Angela Bacares, 58, could be left with a mammoth legal bill relating to the Autonomy episode. Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) won its civil case over claims that Lynch and Autonomys former finance chief Sushovan Hussain inflated the revenues of the Cambridge-based business before Hewlett-Packards 8billion takeover. The US firm initially sought 4billion but Mr Justice Hildyard ruled the amount would be substantially less. The judgment comes as efforts are under way to raise Lynchs superyacht in a 20million salvage operation. Investigators are seeking to explain why the vessel sank in just 16 minutes in the freak storm last August. Half of the profit warnings issued last month by UK-listed firms cited tariffs and the impact of global trade disruption. Analysis from accountancy giant EY shows there were 26 warnings in April, up from 21 in the same month last year. Of the 26, 13 cited tariffs. Red flags: Analysis from accountancy giant EY shows there were 26 profit warnings from UK-listed firms in April, up from 21 in the same month last year On average, the profit warnings when companies disclose to investors that they expect profits to fall short of expectations caused the affected companys share price to fall by 19 per cent on the day. In the first quarter of the year, 62 profit warnings were issued. That number was 11 per cent lower than the same period in 2024 but came before Donald Trumps so-called Liberation Day tariffs were announced at the start of April. UK-listed companies that have issued profit warnings in relation to tariffs in recent weeks include manufacturer TT Electronics and ship broking giant Clarkson. Others, including Peppa Pig toy maker Character Group, have withdrawn profit guidance amid the uncertainty. The security camera in the elevator OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji used to go to his apartment for the last time was unplugged, his family claim. The tech prodigy, 26, was found dead on November 26 only a month after revealing the company's dubious methods of training ChatGPT. Balaji was found next to his bathroom door with a gunshot wound to the head and blood all over part of his apartment in San Francisco's Mint Hill neighborhood. His parents, Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy, insist he couldn't have killed himself, and have shared security camera video of the last time he was seen alive. The final footage shows him appear relaxed as he strolls to the door to collect his last meal from a DoorDash delivery at about 7.30pm on November 22. But when he gets into the elevator to go up to his fourth-floor apartment, the footage stops as the camera inside was inoperable. Ramarao shared a photo of the elevator showing unplugged cables dangling from the ceiling in the corner. 'Picture of the elevator in the apartment where Suchir was killed. As you can see the wires are cut. This happened a week before the death,' she wrote. Suchir Balaji, 26, was found in his apartment in San Francisco on November 26 with a gunshot to the head and his death ruled a suicide His mother Poornima Ramarao shared a photo of the elevator he used to go back to his apartment for the last time, showing unplugged cables dangling from the ceiling in the corner 'This elevator without camera connects the rear entrance of the building and facilitates people coming to the building without being noticed on the CCTV. 'Same elevator was offline when SFPD came to the building on 25th and 26th of November. Why SFPD failed to investigate?' Ramarao also posted a short clip of police bodycam footage she claimed showed officers failing to adhere to crime scene protocols. 'This is the video of SFPD touching the evidence with out gloves. They contaminated crime scene instead of collecting fingerprints, DNA and foot prints,' she alleges. The footage showed an officer sitting at Balaji's living room table picking up papers and making notes with ungloved hands. Balaji's parents have long been critical of the police investigation, claiming it was rushed and jumped to suicide after just 40 minutes. They earlier claimed Balaji was shot a second time by a bullet that was missed by the autopsy that ruled his death a suicide. His parents paid for their own autopsy, toxicology, and other tests in their quest to prove he was murdered. Photos obtained by DailyMail.com show blood was pooled next to the bathroom door where his head lay, but also splattered around the bathroom far from the body They are yet to release the entire reports, but revealed bombshell new evidence last week they claimed would help prove he was killed to keep him quiet. CT scans of his head were sent for analysis to two radiologists who knew little of the case and hadn't seen any of the other evidence. Balaji's parents claimed both saw evidence of two gunshots to the young man's head, neither of them immediately fatal. 'A second bullet probably entered through the mouth, no clear entry wound seen but it is lodged in the back of the throat at the skull base/clivus,' Dr Daniel Cousin at Radsurity in Weston, Florida, wrote in his report. 'This bone stopped it and it did not cause any damage likely, perhaps it traveled through the air passage of the mouth to the back of the throat without causing problems.' Ramarao said the second autopsy revealed injuries to her son's tongue that couldn't have been caused by the gunshot to his forehead, which travelled at an odd downwards angle, missed his brain, and lodged in the back of his neck. 'The tongue shows extensive laceration and discoloration over the margins, with a centralized, nearly oval-shaped defect at the distal,' the report read. Ramarao also claimed Balaji had a broken cheekbone along with the previously claimed injury to the side of his head, both of which weren't listed on the medical examiner's report. The path of the bullet that went through Balaji's forehead at an odd downward angle, missed his brain, and lodged in his neck (blue arrow) A graphic photo from the scene showed him lying diagonally across the floor with his head in the corner of the bathroom door, where the biggest blood patch was found. It also showed Balaji had blood on his knee, which his parents believe was from yet another injury, and 'obviously it's an assault'. 'Why there is there bleeding and a wound on his knee? Why there is there a head injury? Why ripped tongue?' Ramarao said. 'Why is he spitting blood outside the bathroom where the crime occurred? Why [was a] date rape drug found in the body? 'Why [does the] autopsy report not account for the wounds? Why [doesn't the] autopsy report include metal object in the skull that was not removed? 'How can someone sedated shoot themselves in a weird downward angle? Why is his cheekbone broken? 'All these questions are not answering the cause of death [of suicide] as made by authorities.' Ramarao also revealed clumps of what initially appeared to be synthetic hair, such as from a wig, found in the pool of blood next to his body was Balaji's own hair. His parents now believe it was ripped out during a struggle before he was murdered. Balaji's parents have long been critical of the police investigation, claiming it was rushed and jumped to suicide after just 40 minutes The gun used to shoot Balaji, a 9mm Glock pistol he bought on January 4, 2024, didn't have any blood on it, Ramarao claimed, speculating someone may have put the gun in his hand and fired it. The medical examiner's report found Balaji had a blood alcohol level of 0.178, which his parents said was out of character for him, as he never drank to excess. He also had between 67,000 nanograms per milliliter and 54,000 ng/ml of GHB, a common 'date rape' drug, in his system. Balaji's parents also revealed evidence they claimed showed their son wasn't suicidal, because he was receiving job offers and planning to speak at academic events. A recruiter from Jane Street contacted him on LinkedIn to discuss an open job for a machine learning expert with a $850,000 to $2million salary. Another exchange of messages asked Balaji if he was interested in speaking to two classes of University of California, Berkeley, students on November 18. 'Shoot, unfortunately I'm out of town on vacation 11/16-11/23. If there's another date that works for you, I'm up for it,' he replied. Balaji's parents also revealed evidence they claimed showed their son wasn't suicidal, because he was receiving job offers and planning to speak at academic events The final footage of Balaji alive showed him appear relaxed as he strolled to the door to collect his last meal from a DoorDash delivery about 7.30pm on November 22. He emerged from the elevators of his apartment building, hungry and with a spring in his step, turned toward the front door and disappeared around a corner, returning 15 seconds later clutching a brown paper bag. Inside was a box of take-out rice, meat, and vegetables - the scraps of which were found sitting on his desk when his body was found days later. Balaji dressed casually in jeans, sneakers, and a zip-up sweater, strolled back to the elevator, pumping tunes through the wireless earbuds planted firmly in his ears. Balaji spoke to his father, Balaji Ramamurthy, from 7.12pm until a few minutes before he arrived home. He told him him he was getting dinner and they discussed his recent holiday, and tentative plans to meet in January. Earlier CCTV footage showed Balaji arriving home from his birthday holiday with friends to Catalina Island, off the coast of Los Angeles, at 1.33pm. His luggage, a large canvas bag, hung from a strap slung over his left shoulder and he was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, and black shoes. The last image of Suchir Balaji alive as he pressed the elevator call button in the lobby on the day he died, his other hand clutching a bag containing his last meal. His parents say the camera in the elevator itself had been disabled His last meal, a half-eaten ready-meal with brown rice still in the plastic tray, sits on his cluttered desk with a fork and a restaurant receipt Like the final video just six hours later, he was walking towards the elevators in the lobby of his apartment building. 'Does he look stressed?' Ramarao asked, rhetorically. Balaji's exact time of death remains unknown, but police and the medical examiner said he likely died on the night of November 22. His body was not found until four days later when a welfare check was requested by his worried parents. Ramarao added that security cameras in the elevator, building garage, and neighbors were not working. 'His murder conspiracy was executed over long term planning and watching Suchir,' she claimed. Despite the family's pleas, the San Francisco Chief Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the police suicide ruling with the release of Balaji's autopsy report last month. The report included some shocking new findings including that Balaji was drunk and had multiple drugs including GHP in his system when he shot himself. Ramarao posted another CCTV image of Balaji arriving home from his birthday holiday, six hours earlier at 1.33pm, carrying his luggage over his shoulder Balaji's parents Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy (pictured with him) insist he was murdered and have spent more than $100,000 trying to prove it The report also noted the only way into Balaji's fourth-floor apartment number #404 was via his front door. 'The apartment windows are stories above the shared courtyard and street and are equipped with devices that restrict the window opening to approximately four inches,' it read. 'There was no evidence of forced entry to the unit or disturbance within the unit.' Security camera footage and key fob records also showed that no one else entered the apartment during the time he could have died. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott wrote a joint letter with the ME's office to Balaji's parents, accompanying the report, further explaining the ruling. 'These facts, taken together, support that Mr Balaji was alone at the time of the incident,' it read. 'The SFPD found no evidence or information to establish that Mr Balaji died of means other than a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.' Scott wrote that his investigation, along with that of the ME's office, found 'there is insufficient evidence to find Mr Balaji's death was the result of homicide'. 'We realize that this information is difficult to receive, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Balaji family,' he added. 'We hope that this response may help bring some amount of closure to his grieving parents, friends and family.' Police now consider the case closed and will only reopen the criminal investigation if there is a basis for a chargeable offense and the statute of limitations has not expired. Balaji had just returned from a holiday to Los Angeles with some friends, who were former colleagues or worked in tech, for his birthday a day earlier His apartment sits frozen in time - never cleaned, and touched as little as possible since police left it on November 26 The kitchen table, strewn with clutter, some of which spilled onto the floor along with pieces of chocolate Balaji lived in this high-end building on Buchanan Street in San Francisco's Mint Hill neighborhood His parents believe the apartment was ransacked because the killer was looking for a storage device that had damning evidence on it. Balaji never expected to become a lightning rod for those wary of the emerging power of artificial intelligence - or his boss, OpenAI founder Sam Altman. He joined the company in November 2020, having previously spent four months interning there two years while studying at UC Berkley. But from as early as 2022 he began to question the work he was doing, training GPT-4 - the engine behind ChatGPT - with reams of data from the internet. Balaji had justified his work by treating it like a research project, but after it was launched in late 2022 and sold commercially, he began to rethink this. He came to the conclusion that OpenAI was grossly violating copyright laws to such an extent that it was not only illegal, but unsustainable for the internet itself. Eventually he quit last August and wrote his findings in a detailed essay on his personal website, then spoke to the New York Times. Balaji's NYT interview was published on October 23, shocking his parents and even his friends - none of whom he told in advance. Balaji worked for OpenAI founder Sam Altman until last August, when he quit and and wrote his findings in a detailed essay on his personal website, then spoke to the New York Times Balaji (center) with friends. His parents said he had a very active social life Balaji told his mother not to worry he wasn't giving away confidential secrets, just expressing his opinion on the work, and he had enough money from his OpenAI stock. 'He said he wasn't looking for another job, he said he was planning to found a startup,' his mother said. Then a week before his death, the NYT named him as a 'custodian witness' in its copyright infringement lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft. His mother believes that implied he had more damaging information up his sleeve, and was targeted for it. It also appeared Balaji wasn't finished going public. Days after his death, his phone rang and his parents picked it up. On the other end was an Associated Press reporter who didn't know Balaji was dead, and was calling to schedule an interview he agreed to do. 'Maybe he had some new information to share with AP and somebody doesn't want that liability, so they targeted him,' Ramamurthy said. Balaji's parents have three main reasons they believe he couldn't have killed himself - the crime scene, the timing of his death after going public, and that he had too much to life for A second autopsy was done in early December at the cost of thousands of dollars, and Ramarao insisted it called the suicide explanation into question 'This doesn't seem like a suicide,' Elon Musk, arch-nemesis of Sam Altman, wrote when reposting one of Ramarao's tweets, and also shared other articles and posts about the case Balaji's parents have three main reasons they believe he couldn't have killed himself: the crime scene, the timing of his death after going public, and that he had too much to live for. 'There's no depression, he didn't have a suicide note or anything, he was financially stable, he has a good friends circle, going around having a good time,' his father said. Conspiracy theories about Balaji's death started almost immediately after it became public in news reports on December 13. Social media provocateurs and true crime buffs quickly began sharing and debating the story, declaring that the AI industry had him killed. The online avalanche became so intense that it reached the attention of Altman's arch-nemesis Elon Musk. 'This doesn't seem like a suicide,' he wrote when reposting one of Ramarao's tweets, and also shared other articles and posts about the case with comments like 'hmm' and 'concerning'. Musk has had a longstanding feud with OpenAI and Altman since they refused his offer to buy them out in 2018. Home Office translators are running a lucrative scam to spring illegal immigrants from detention, an undercover Mail investigation has discovered. Interpreters charge 3,000 to act as witnesses to lie to a judge and secure bail for Albanians caught coming into the UK with fake passports or on small boats and lorries. The bogus guarantors vouch for the immigrants who they promise the court will stay at their home if released. But in reality they have no connection with the detainees they testify on behalf of and are happy for them to live anywhere including beyond the control of the authorities if bailed without a tag. Last night the Home Office launched an urgent investigating and promised 'prompt and decisive action if necessary.' The Solicitors' watchdog also started a probe after a lawyer told our undercover reporter he could take the case despite being told the guarantor was being paid and had no known connection to the migrant, explaining he would prepare them for 'what is expected of them in court'. The woman organising the scam boasted it was '100 per cent' successful. She explained because she and the guarantor she would arrange both worked as freelance translators for the Home Office they knew 'everything' about how the immigration system worked from the inside. Freelance Home Office translator Eglantina Legisi told an undercover reporter that for 3,000 he could hire 'fake guarantors' to lie to judges and vouch for immigrants during bail hearings Ms Legisi, who herself arrived in the UK on the back of a lorry, appeared on primetime TV in her homeland to criticise the treatment of Albanian migrants in the UK - even as she plotted with our reporter to dupe the British authorities Ms Legisi met our undercover reporter, who posed as the friend of an illegal immigrant who needed a guarantor for a bail hearing, near her home in South East London Bogus guarantors and the detained migrants are given 'scripts' of what to say and shown pictures of each other to dupe judges into believing they have a connection, she said. The guarantors pay a surety, usually of 1,000, which has also been paid to them in advance by the illegal migrant or their relatives. When the undercover reporter raised concerns about the judge suspecting the fraud, she scoffed: 'Do you think the government care? Come on, please.' Her illicit operation was one of several fake guarantor schemes the Mail found being run by Albanians in the UK in what has become a booming market to meet the scores of immigration bail applications going to court every week. Our investigation also found: :: The Home Office translator organising the scam appeared on primetime TV in her homeland to criticise the treatment of Albanian migrants in the UK - even as she plotted with our reporter to dupe the British authorities. :: Checks on guarantors during immigration bail hearings often take just a few minutes and involve a few basic questions. :: Guarantors often dial into court on their mobile phones while sitting in cars and bail is granted even when their answers to questions from the Home Office representative are inaudible and their explanation for large sums of cash paid into their bank accounts taken at face value. :: Other Albanians post videos on social media showing how to cut off tracking tags sometimes imposed as part of immigration bail conditions. The scam means immigrants who have arrived in the UK on small boats, backs of lorries or using fake passports can pay a stranger to vouch for them in court and say they will live with them Ms Legisi said the scam was '100 per cent successful' because her work translating for the Home Office, police and the courts meant she knew 'everything' about how the immigration system worked from the inside Home Office legal guidance for immigration judges state that a 'Financial Condition Supporter' who guarantees bail for immigrants in detention centres must be a UK based adult with indefinite leave to remain who has a 'personal connection with the [detained] person, or be acting on behalf of a reputable organisation which has an interest in the person's welfare.' Judges should assess the 'reliability and standing' of any Financial Condition Supporter and, where appropriate, whether the migrant has a suitable settled address before granting bail, the guidance says. But families of migrants in detention routinely post requests for guarantors on Facebook groups set up for Albanians in the UK, often stressing urgency as their relative is due to be deported imminently. Eglantina Legisi, a UK based freelance interpreter who via translation agencies does work for the Home Office, courts and police, as well as for a solicitor involved immigration cases, responded to three of these requests urging those needing a guarantor to get in touch with her. The interpreter, who herself came to the UK smuggled in the back of a lorry after using a fake passport to escape Albania, subsequently explained how the scam worked to an undercover reporter at a meeting near her home in Welling, Kent. She told the journalist, who posed as the friend of an Albanian in detention after being caught entering the UK illegally, that for 3000, plus 1,000 for the surety, he could hire another interpreter who did work for the Home Office to act as a guarantor. Ms Legisi reassured the reporter not to be 'scared' about the scam being discovered, saying said she and the solicitor would brief them ahead of the bail hearing and they would only be asked a few basic questions at the hearing. As long as he was bailed without a tag he could live anywhere and unofficially work, she added. She said the solicitor she would refer the case to knew they would be using a fake guarantor and 'everything' they were doing. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp branded the scam a 'disgrace' and called for urgent action after the Mail expose Ms Legisi responded to three posts requesting bail guarantors on Facebook groups set up for Albanians in the UK Hassan Malik, solicitor from HM Legal Ltd, said he was happy to proceed with a bail application despite the reporter three times raising his concern that the immigrant and guarantor would not know each other, and being aware that the guarantor was being paid 3000 In a later meeting with Hassan Malik from HM Legal Ltd at his offices in Rainham, Essex, he was happy to proceed despite the reporter three times raising his concern that the migrant and guarantor would not know each other, and being aware that the guarantor was being paid 3000. He told us he would charge 3,500 in fees and the reporter would need to discuss directly with Ms Legisi about the guarantor and 'whatever she's asking for that'. Up to 12,800 Albanians who entered the UK illegally broke their bail conditions between January 2022 and May 2023. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'These reports are a disgrace. 'These interpreters are paid to maintain the integrity of the system, but are in fact cheating the system and cheating the British public - often to help illegal immigrants stay in the country.' He called for the translators to be 'immediately' fired and an investigation for suspected fraud and contempt of court. 'The whole immigration system is being exploited by illegal immigrants on an industrial scale and radical reform is needed.' A Solicitors Regulation Authority spokesperson said: 'All solicitors must meet the high professional standards the public expects. 'This report raises serious concerns. 'We are investigating, and if we find evidence of wrongdoing, we will take action to protect the public.' Mr Malik denied any wrong doing saying he did not know about any payments to the guarantor who he said he had been told would know the detainee because they were both Albanian. He said Miss Legisi did not work for his firm and her comments did not represent his or the firm's position. Following publication, Ms Legisi responded to the Mail to deny that she personally made any money from arranging guarantors. 'I didn't ask for money I have never done with money [I] just help them,' she said. She added that she was motivated by the 'mental health' problems migrants suffered when travelling to the UK. 'I categorically deny ever suggesting that Home Office interpreters accept bribes of 3,000 to manipulate immigration procedures.' A homeless drug addict accused of violently assaulting a 92-year-old woman outside a Coles supermarket in Melbourne has a lengthy and violent criminal history. Sean Lloyd McLachlan, 39, was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly attacked the woman in the inner-western suburb of Williamstown. McLachlan was charged with intentionally causing injury and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday without a lawyer. He did not apply for bail, and the case was adjourned for a week to allow him to seek legal representation. Court records reveal McLachlan's disturbing criminal history. In 2021, he was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison with a 20-month non-parole period for threatening a young Subway worker with a syringe during a robbery in Footscray. During sentencing, Judge Damian Murphy described the behaviour. 'You went into the restaurant and walked behind the swing door at the counter, holding the syringe, and said to the female attendant, effectively, "Give me all the cash, otherwise, I'm going to hurt you",' Judge Murphy said in his sentencing decision. Sean Lloyd McLachlan, 39, was arrested on Wednesday after he allegedly attacked a 92-year-old woman in Williamstown at about 12.20pm The 92-year-old victim of the alleged attack has been left 'very distressed' by the incident The court heard that the worker stepped back and told McLachlan she did not know the password to open the cash register. He repeated his threat, leading her to desperately try to grab the syringe from his hand. 'You broke her grip and put the needle of the syringe towards her stomach, she stepped back and told you she would open the cash register, you pulled the needle back slightly and she then opened the register and gave you a number of notes and coins,' Judge Murphy said. In 2015, McLachlan was also convicted of using a Stanley knife to rob another victim and spent the proceeds on drugs. He received a three-year sentence with a 20-month non-parole period. Judge Murphy said McLachlan had a 'very deprived 'upbringing during his sentencing decision. The court heard his parents separated when he was four, his father was a violent alcoholic and his mother, a heroin addict, spent time in prison. She died when McLachlan was 21. 'Your dysfunctional childhood progressed to a dysfunctional adulthood which included unemployment, homelessness and then lapsed into heroin and methamphetamine addiction, offending and being cycled through the criminal justice system,' Judge Murphy said. At the time, Judge Murphy said McLachlan's prospects of rehabilitation were 'poor'. Court records reveal McLachlan's disturbing criminal history 'Your prospects of rehabilitation are dependent on whether you can be reclaimed from your long history of drug addiction,' he said. 'It's a matter for you as to whether you're able to get off the drug addiction when you do need to get out of prison, but you'll need a lot of help.' McLachlan is due back in the Magistrates Court on Thursday. The 92-year-old victim of McLachlan's latest alleged attack 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'm pleased to go home as I have a loving family and supportive friends.' Residents of China's largest megacity - known for producing half of the world's laptops - have revealed what its really like to live in the dystopian metropolis. Chongqing in the southwest of the country boasts a population of 32 million and covers an area the size of Austria. Filled with giant buildings, multi-level highways and a metro system that barrels through residential buildings - the sky-high futuristic city has sparked online intrigue in recent years. Chongqing emerged as a major hub for laptop manufacturing after computer hardware company HP set up its production base 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. Despite Chongqing's technical boom bringing in jobs for the city's inhabitants, locals have offered a grim insight into what its like working in China's 'cyberpunk city'. Scores of content creators have offered glimpses into their mundane lives working in factories, where they produce laptops and mobile phones, among other gadgets. One video shared on TikTok shows a young factory worker as he gets ready for one of his shifts. One content creator recorded his 12-hour night shift in an electronic factory in Chongqing 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 Dubbed China's 'Cyberpunk city', Chongqing has also emerged as a major hub for laptop production and the overall electronic information industry Another worker at a factory in Chongqing is seen sharing his daily routine, eating dinner in his apartment The city has also introduced the use of inspection robots to surveil citizens Chongqing is one of the world's most polluted cities The massive tower blocks in which the city's residents lived have been dubbed 'coffins' due to their crammed conditions Waking up in a bunk bed in a dark, crammed dorm room, the man films himself washing his face and brushing his teeth, before he trudges out to work. Just before starting his shift, he is given a sludgy meal to eat in a massive canteen, which is flooded with thousands of other fellow factory workers. After he finishes his meal he films from inside a locker room, where he is forced to leave his phone before getting to work. Because of this, he is unable to film what working in the factory actually looks like. Upon his return to his locker after finishing work, he appears deflated - offering an insight into the strenuous and glum conditions the city's factory workers are exposed to. Another content creator recorded his 12-hour night shift in an electronic factory in the city of Chongqing. Starting his shift just before 8pm, the young worker shows himself getting his gear on. Due to filming not being allowed inside the factory, the video then pans to a few hours later, in which he is seen silently scoffing down a meal of rice, chicken and soup during his dinner break. A Chinese factory worker offers a glimpse into his daily life, from waking up in his accommodation to going to work The production worker shares a bunk with roommates and shows his TikTok followers how he starts the working day Staff in uniforms are seen sat looking at their phones during a work break at a Chongqing factory Workers take a smoke break during a 12-hour night shift at an electronics factory in Chongqing Inspection robots seen whizzing through a railway power station in Chongqing 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 Chinese factory workers have long been known to endure demanding labour environments, where they are forced to work long hours and often on lower wages The TikToker also records his colleagues, who are all seen quietly slumped on chairs as they try to rest before getting back to work. Others are seen helping themselves to food from the dining hall. Chinese factory workers have historically been known to endure demanding labour environments, where they are forced to work long hours often on low wages - with the videos shared on social media offering a glimpse of the lives they lead. Conditions in Chongqing's factories have often caused discontent amongst workers. Last year, the city saw violent protests after workers clashed with police during a demonstration involving hundreds of people working at a factory that produced Covid-19 tests. But hellish conditions are also seen elsewhere in Chongqing. The city is considered to be one of the most surveilled places in the world, with CCTV cameras dotted across the metropolis. Videos posted to social media show how facial recognition is being used to monitor people getting in and out of neighbourhood, while license plate readers track the movements of its citizens. The city is enshrouded by a thick layer of fog for over 100 days of the year 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 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, according to Radio Free Asia. The city is 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. A separate clip shared on social media platform TikTok filmed just how many surveillance cameras can be spotted while out and about in Chongqing. Factory workers share pictures of their meals at canteens in Chongqing tech plants And if setting up facial recognition systems wasn't enough for the Chinese government to keep tabs on Chongqing's population, the city has also introduced the use of inspection robots. The bots are used in Chongqing's factories to independently patrol the premises, inspect key equipment and notify staff of any issues. A video circulating on TikTok shows white inspection robots whizzing through a railway power station in Chongqing. But the bots are not the only futuristic element the city has to offer. At the time of writing, Chongqing has an Air Quality Index of 89 - making it the most polluted city in the world currently Air pollution can cause severe health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and cancer Locals have shared videos of themselves riding around Chongqing in driverless taxis. The vehicles offer an alternative to traditional taxi services, as passengers are able to hitch a ride with a robot. The self-driving cars use advanced technologies like radar, lidar, and cameras to navigate and respond to various road conditions. The city's rapid industrialisation has also meant that Chongqing has become known as one of the world's most polluted cities. At the time of writing, Chongqing has an Air Quality Index of 89 - making it the most polluted city in the world currently. While it is important to note that AQI's fluctuate, a national environmental analysis report released by Tsinghua University and the Asian Development Bank in 2013 revealed that Chongqing was among the top 10 most polluted cities worldwide. Air pollution can cause severe health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and cancer. Images and videos have captured how thick clouds of smog and smoke fill the city's skies, often leaving its residents in darkness. A unique 9-story circular building in Hongqihegou Bus Station in Jiangbei District of Chongqing There are 8 floors above the ground, the ground floor is a parking lot, so a total of 9 floors On September 20, the 400 millionth 'made-in-Chongqing' HP computer rolled off the production line One clip shared on X shows dark fumes billowing out of coal-fired power plants in Chongqing. Another video shows a black mushroom-shaped cloud of pollution towering over the city's factories. Such is the level of pollution that the city is enshrouded by a thick layer of fog for over 100 days of the year. 'Sunlight is a luxury', local influencer Jackson Lu explained in a TikTok video. The city's gloominess is exacerbated by the fact that the entirety of Chongqing is built on multiple levels, often depriving residents who live in lower floors of natural light. Chongqing's architectural lay-out is another feature that makes the city uniquely dystopian - with trains that whizz through apartment blocks and makeshift towns located inside towering skyscrapers. The city's rapid industrialisation has also meant that Chongqing has become known as one of the world's most polluted cities A view of Chongqing Xiyong Comprehensive Bonded Zone in the city's Xiyong Micro-electronics Industrial Park '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. '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. The massive tower blocks in which the city's residents lived have been dubbed 'coffins' due to their crammed conditions. In 2021, the population of Chongqing protested against being confined to the cramped apartment buildings after the city went into lockdown during the Covid-19 outbreak. Citizens were filmed chanting 'We want freedom' outside their windows. Alex Murdaugh's defense attorney revealed that the media circus surrounding his client's double murder trial inspired him to write a book about one of South Carolina's most infamous serial killers. Dick Harpootlian, 75, represented Murdaugh while he was on trial for the murder of his wife, Maggie, and their 22-year-old son, Paul, at their sprawling 1,800-acre hunting estate in June 2021. While Murdaugh ultimately received two life sentences without parole, Harpootlian made headlines throughout the six-week trial for his gallows humor. Harpootlian, a former Democrat State Senator, went viral for pointing a rifle at the prosecution bench while providing analysis of gunshots at the crime scene to claim Murdaugh was too short to be the killer. He grinned as he pointed the gun at the prosecution table and said, 'Tempting', prompting a chorus of laughter. The attorney is no stranger to working on high-profile cases, but Harpootlian told DailyMail.com that Murdaugh's case inspired him to make a new career move and write a book. Before he was a defense attorney, Harpootlian prosecuted notorious serial killer and rapist Donald Henry 'Pee Wee' Gaskins. Dick Harpootlian (right), 75, represented Alex Murdaugh (left) while he was on trial for the murder of his wife and son Alex Murdaugh sits in the Colleton County Courthouse with his legal team, including Dick Harpootlian Gaskins, who was known to have murdered at least a dozen people and claimed to have killed over 100, was executed by the state in September 1991. Harpootlian's new book, 'Dig Me a Grave,' takes a look at the prolific murderer and explores the justice system and the death penalty. 'I prosecuted Gaskins' six-week trial, the longest criminal trial in the history of the state. Until 40 years later, Murdaugh took the prize,' Harpootlian told DailyMail.com. 'After the Murdaugh trial... I mean, I've been involved in some high-profile cases. The attorney told DailyMail.com his client's double murder trial inspired him to write his new book 'Dig Me a Grave' about one of South Carolina's most infamous serial killers 'But what's new in this realm is the social media context of a live television trial. And I've never seen anything like that.' Harpootlian shared that he had the idea to write about Gaskins for years, but he didn't set out to finish it until after the Murdaugh trial. 'The public interest, obviously, in the Gaskins case at the time, was huge, but you can't compare it to the live coverage of the [Murdaugh] trial,' he said. 'I think what I came out of Murdaugh with was the understanding that there is this huge interest in true crime, and when I say huge, I never understood how huge. 'They're fascinated by it, the mystery of it. They're fascinated by the twists and turns of it. Gaskins is not your typical mass serial killer, and his story is very unique.' Before he was a defense attorney, Harpootlian prosecuted notorious serial killer and rapist Donald Henry 'Pee Wee' Gaskins (pictured) Harpootlian went viral for pointing a rifle at the prosecution bench while providing analysis of gunshots at the crime scene during Murdaugh's trial The former state senator said he had the idea to write about Gaskins for years, but he didn't set out to finish it until Murdaugh Gaskins (left, in handcuffs), who was known to have murdered at least a dozen people and claimed to have killed over 100, was executed by the state in September 1991 Harpootlian explained that he received hundreds of threats and hate mail during the Murdaugh - but doubled down and said he is proud to have represented him. 'What those people don't understand is the best system designed by man [the justice system]. I'm proud of that process. I'm proud of representing Alex Murdaugh. I'm proud of prosecuting Pee Wee Gaskins,' he said. 'I'm proud of participating in this system, and to those folks that don't believe that people they think are guilty deserve a lawyer, I would say, grow up. Read the Constitution.' Harpootlian shared that the infamous serial killer tried to form a personal relationship with him while he was prosecuting him in 1983 for killing a death row inmate while incarcerated in the high-security block at the South Carolina Correctional Institution. He said Gaskins was the only defendant he called by their first name. One day, the serial killer tried telling him that they were kindred souls. Harpootlian said, 'We're sitting there one day at lunch, and [Gaskins] says, "Dick, Dick." I said, "What do you want, Pee Wee?" He said, "You know, you're a lot like me, you like killing."' '[Gaskin's] said, "You are killing me." and I said, "No, no, no, I'm trying to do justice." After Gaskin's conviction, Harpootlian said the killer continually tried to contact him and even plotted to have his young daughter kidnapped before his execution. Harpootlian explained that he received hundreds of threats and hate mail during the Murdaugh but said he is proud to have represented him Harpootlian said the Constitution ensures every American deserves an attorney and he is proud of his work as both a prosecutor and defense lawyer Maggie Murdaugh , 52, and her son Paul Murdaugh, 22, were killed by Alex Murdaugh (right) 'While I was the solicitor, he attempted to have my daughter kidnapped two weeks before he was to be executed and wanted her held hostage so that I would free him. So Gaskin's played a dramatic and consequential part of my career.' His new book also explores the impact Gaskins' death sentence had on him and his position on the issue. '[The Gaskins trial] was an experience that left an indelible impression on me having somebody sentenced to death. [Gaskins] was a homicidal maniac,' Harpootlian said. 'I'm for the death penalty in very limited circumstances. It should be as humane as possible. It ought to be an act of self-defense.' As a state senator, Harpootlian introduced the bill that would later become law legalizing death by firing squad in state executions. 'If anybody in the world deserved to be executed, it was a guy on his 14th murder when he blows up a guy on death row. Gaskins was, if you're opposed to the death penalty, might be the exception to that,' he said. 'But still, the fact that they strapped him in a chair and burned him to death bothered me then, and it still bothers me.' Harpootlian co-authored the book with journalist Shaun Assael. 'Dig Me a Grave' is scheduled for release on December 16 and is available for pre-order. The most feared gang in the US, Tren de Aragua, has spawned a rival... with the new group threatening to unleash double the terror and chaos across America. Born out of Tren de Aragua (TdA), Anti-Tren is a competitor that mirrors the same criminal activities - and has been named in a federal indictment for the first time ever. Federal prosecutors charged 21 men for being Anti-Tren members and running drug and prostitution rings in the New York City area in a federal indictment made public in April. 'Anti-Tren is a criminal organization almost exclusively comprised of former members and associates of TdA,' the government revealed. Just like TdA started in a Venezuela prison, Anti-Tren's members also originated in South America, operating for years there before they crossed the US-Mexico border during the Biden years. 'You have to understand, this Anti-Tren movement is not originally from the United States- this is a South American thing,' a federal law enforcement source who spoke on condition of anonymity told DailyMail.com. 'This is Chile, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela. That's where it really is originating.' After getting started in Venezuela, TdA expanded across the South American continent, looking for new sources of revenue and following other Venezuelans who were fleeing their country's dictator, Nicolas Maduro. Suspected Anti-Tren members, (left) Wilmer Jesus Colmenares-Gonzalez, 27 and Yean Brayhan Torrealba-Sanabria, 20; (right) were arrested after a SWAT stand off in Irving, Texas Carlos Alberto Martinez-Silva, 34,(left) and Manuel Hernandez-Hernandez, 28, a Venezuelan man (right) accused in taking part in a violent home invasion where the victim was threatened with having her fingers cut off if she did not comply Two Anti-Tren members on a motorcycle open fire on a bus on the streets of Lima, Peru in recent days, according to South American media 24 Horas According to local media, Anti-Tren thugs have been targeting public transportation in the Peruvian capital, threatening to kill bus drivers 'Anti-Tren is not necessarily a group. Anti-Tren constitutes a bunch of street gangs that are completely the rivals. They hate Tren de Aragua, but Anti-Tren is kind of the umbrella,' the federal official explained. 'One of the groups is called 'Los Orientals. They're very big in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and some in Chile. There's a very big presence down there.' Anti-Tren followed TdA's spread, absorbing criminals in some of the new countries they were in, like Peru, were local thugs joined their ranks. TdA crossed into the US in 2022, camouflaging themselves among the asylum-seekers from their homeland who largely fueled the border crisis in the last four years, when over a million Venezuelans were allowed into the US to seek refuge. Anti-Tren has been linked to a violent Dallas home invasion in September where four Venezuelans used the Google Translate app to communicate with the English-speaking victim DailyMail.com was the first news organization in the US to report on Tren de Aragua coming to the US. It's possible Anti-Tren crossed into the US around the same time or maybe even beat TdA here, cops believe. Like their nemesis, Anti-Tren leeched itself to their law-abiding countrymen so they could continue to exploit them once they arrived in big cities, like New York, Dallas and Denver. In Aurora, Colorado, TdA took over apartment complexes, charging innocent migrants 'rent' or beating up anyone who refused to pay. Both mobs used Manhattan's once grand Roosevelt Hotel turned migrant shelter as a home base to break the law. 'If you look at New York City at the Roosevelt Hotel, there was a big Anti-Tren movement at the Roosevelt Hotel before TdA really locked their teeth into that place because the Venezuelans were there first and then TdA came in secondary,' a law enforcement source added. FILE: Venezuelan migrants surrender to authorities early on September 23, 2023, after crossing from Mexico' in Eagle Pass, Texas During the migrant crisis, a new red light district was flooded with migrant prostitutes from Venezuela in New York City Both groups smuggled migrants into the US, preying on poor women and underage girls desperate for passage into America but with no money to get here. In exchange for their bodies, Anti-Tren offered to sneak the women into the US. Once here, the women and girls had to work offthe debt by making money for the gangs through prostitution, federal prosecutors said in court charging documents. These women and girls are called 'multadas,' Spanish for 'owning a fine.' Both Anti-Tren and TdA made sure the multadas kept their end of the deal by threatening to kill 'multadas' and their families, assaulting 'multadas,' shooting or killing 'multadas,' and chasing down and kidnapping 'multadas' who tried to run away. Operating in the Bronx, Queens and New Jersey, the mobs trafficked 'tusi' or 'pink cocaine'- the drug that become the calling card of TdA. Anti-Tren is also accused of taking part in murders, assaults and armed robberies to maintain power but also 'to retaliate against rival organizations, including Tren de Aragua,' according to the feds. Federal law enforcement source believe there could be between 3,000-5,000 TdA members in the US. Anti-Tren, whose presence in the US is not believed to be as significant as TdA's, has also been linked to crimes in other TdA strongholds. The latest map showing the US states where Tren de Aragua is operating, as confirmed by law enforcement. Anti-Tren's footprint is not believed to be as large as TdA A home invasion in Dallas, Texas first believed to be the work of TdA was later blamed on Anti-Tren. One of four Venezuelan men involved in the pistol-whipping of a woman in a high-end neighborhood told the cops his three accomplices were members of Anti-Tren, reported the local Fox station. On Sept. 21, four armed men went to the home of victim in an exclusive neighborhood, ambushing the female home owner while she was in her garage. After beating her with a gun, they forced their way into the her house. Once inside, they tied her up and used the Google Translate app to issue a dark warning. They demanded she turn over her valuables or they would cut her fingers off, the victim told police. The men made off with $75,000, a Gucci purse, the victim's phone and several coins from a wooden box. Manuel Hernandez-Hernandez, 28, was the first arrested for the home invasion. He illegally entered the country near El Paso in March without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by an immigration officer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement told DailyMail.com. Hernandez-Hernandez told Dallas police he knew the other men from the apartment complex where they lived in near-by Irving, Texas. He was paid $150 for his role in the robbery, the Dallas station reported. The other three men were later arrested after a SWAT stand off in near-by Irving. Three other Venezuelans, Yean Brayhan Torrealba-Sanabria, 20; Carlos Alberto Martinez-Silva, 34; and Wilmer Jesus Colmenares-Gonzalez, 27; were taken into custody and charged with aggravated robbery. Marine salvage experts have begun a 20million operation to recover the wreck of the sunken superyacht Bayesian. The vessel sank in a freak storm off the fishing village of Porticello, Sicily, last August, killing seven - including billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch, 59, and his daughter Hannah, 18. The salvage mission, which will see the wreckage lifted 164ft from the seabed, will be conducted by two crane ships: Hebo Lift 2 and Hebo Lift 10. Hebo Lift 2's underwater technology will be combined with Hebo Lift 10, said to be one of the most powerful maritime structures in Europe, with the aim of raising Bayesian by mid-May. Lifting the 30million, 543-ton vessel is key to an investigation launched by Italian authorities, who want to know why the yacht which makers The Italian Sea Group claim was unsinkable sank in just 16 minutes. Prosecutors are said to be investigating the captain and two crew members for possible responsibility. The wreckage will be raised after a series of slings have been threaded under the hull, while booms have been set up to control any spillage from the 18,000 litres of fuel still in the yacht's tanks. The lifting is expected to take at least eight hours and the yacht will be sailed back to Termini Imerese once it is out of the water. The multi-purpose floating work barge Hebo Lift 2 (above) will have its underwater technology utilised with Hebo Lift 10, said to be one of the most powerful maritime structures in Europe Pictured: the Italian Coast Guard's Luigi Dattilo CP940 patrol vessel (right) assists Hebo Lift 2 (left) Pictured: Hebo Lift 2 can be seen in the distance behind a Fisherman in a stretch of sea off Porticello, near Palermo, Sicily Mr Lynch, the founder of Cambridge-based software firm Autonomy, had invited a group of friends, family and associates on to the yacht to celebrate being cleared by a US jury of fraud charges that could have seen him jailed for 20 years. In addition to Mr Lynch and his daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and wife Judy, attorney Chris Morvillo and wife Neda, and ship's cook Recaldo Thomas died in the shipwreck. With the help of nearby vessels, 15 of the 22 total people on board were rescued in the initial phase - with one body recovered and six others reported missing. The bodies of the six missing people were later found following search efforts which continued until August 23 last year. Pictured: the Hebo Lift 10 arriving at the port of Termini Imerese for the recovery operations on Saturday Pictured: Onlookers gaze over at the floating crane ship Hebo Lift 10 as it arrived The vessel sank in a freak storm off the fishing village of Porticello, Sicily, last August, killing seven - including billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch (left) and his daughter Hannah (right) Lifting the 30million, 543-ton vessel (above) is key to an investigation launched by Italian authorities, who want to know why the yacht sank in just 16 minutes In the days after the tragedy, the CEO of the Italian Sea Group lay the blame at crew members on the yacht. Giovanni Costantino said: 'This was human error, the yacht sank because it took on water. 'From where exactly the investigators will tell us. The dynamic of the sinking is seen and read from AIS (Automatic Identification System) data and lasted sixteen minutes. 'We have given this data to the prosecutors at Termini Immerse. From the images it looks as if the yacht had been taking on water for four minutes. 'All it took was another gust of wind to turn her over, that meant more water coming in. She then straightened very briefly before going down.' Pictured: An Italian Coast Guard's patrol boat assists the multi-purpose floating work barge Hebo Lift 2 Pictured: A fisherman with the backdrop of the Hebo Lift 2 earlier today Pictured: A cyclist passing the Hebo Lift 2 today as the 20 million wreckage rescue mission begins Mr Constantino told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera there were a long list of errors; the stern hatch was 'clearly' open; the ship's keel should have been lowered; people shouldn't have been in their cabins' and the crew should have known about the storm. He said the tragedy was avoidable and added: 'Ask yourself - why were no fishermen from Porticello out that night? A fisherman reads the weather conditions and a ship doesn't? 'The storm was in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored.' Nick Barke, head of salvage operations at Boats.co.uk, previously told MailOnline that the 'only real way of knowing' why the yacht sank would be to lift it to the surface. She is locked in a tight race with Lee Hanson Independent Jacqui Lambie's future in politics remains uncertain as she faces a struggle to hang onto her Tasmanian Senate seat. Senator Lambie and One Nation's Lee Hanson, the daughter of Pauline Hanson, are both vying for the final Tasmanian Senate seat following Saturday's federal election. In Tasmania, four of the six Senate spots have been assigned after Saturday's election: two to Labor, one to the Liberals and one to the Greens. Liberal Richard Colbeck leads the race for the fifth seat, while Senator Lambie is currently in sixth. However, as counting continues, she faces a close challenge from the third Labor candidate Bailey Falls, with Pauline Hanson's daughter Lee a remote chance. On latest figures from the Australian Electoral Commission released on Sunday evening, Lambie has 0.47 of a quota point, leading Falls on 0.43 and Hanson on 0.39. Pauline Hanson has slammed Senator Lambie, last week claiming she 'had enough' of hearing her 'shrieking' in parliament. '(Jacqui Lambie) votes constantly all the time with the Labor and Greens. She's not a conservative,' Senator Hanson told news.com.au. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie (pictured) is vying for the final senate seat in Tasmania 'I'm not happy with her. I want to see her gone. A swing is on.' On Saturday, Lambie fired back and labelled the veteran politician's behaviour as 'toxic'. 'I don't run into the toxic stuff, I won't do it,' Lambie said. Lambie wished Lee Hanson 'all the best' and added she was not interested in the back-and-forth campaign squabble. She previously said that she would not be running for another term following the election. It comes after Anthony Albanese claimed an expanded mandate as prime minister with a larger majority in his second term following Saturday's federal election. She is up against One Nation's Lee Hanson (right), the daughter of Pauline Hanson (left), with Senator Lambie on 0.47 and Lee Hanson on 0.39 The most recent figures from the AEC released on Monday morning showed Labor having won 82 seats in the House of Representatives - five more than the previous Parliament - compared with 38 for the Coalition. Figures show the Coalition could slump to its lowest percentage of seats in parliament since the formation of the Liberal Party in the 1940s. Of the 38 seats it has definitely won, 14 were from Queensland's Liberal-National Party, ten were for the Nationals, and only 14 for Liberals in the rest of the country combined. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton not only lost his election bid but also lost his own seat of Dickson. Dutton is the first Opposition leader in Australian history to lose their own seat at a federal election. Former journalist Ali France toppled Mr Dutton in his long-held seat of Dickson, in Brisbane's west, with a massive 8.2 per cent swing to Labor. Dutton had long defied political gravity by holding onto the marginal Brisbane seat for 24 years, since beating Cheryl Kernot in 2001. 'Twenty-four years is a long time in public life and that is an amazing honour,' Dutton said on Saturday night after his defeat. 'I thank the Australian people for the faith they have placed in me.' Dutton conceded defeat in a gracious phone call to Albanese at about 9.30pm. It comes after Anthony Albanese won his federal election bid with his party surging to a landslide victory following Saturday's poll His defeat leaves the Liberal Party now searching for a new leader, with Angus Taylor, Sussan Ley, Angus Hastie and Dan Tehan among the leading contenders.. Albanese, 62, became the first Australian prime minister to win a second consecutive three-year term in 21 years. The Prime Minister thanked supporters in his inner-western Sydney seat of Grayndler on Sunday, before pledging to get back to the job at hand. 'We will be a disciplined, orderly government in our second term, just like we have been in our first,' Albanese said. 'We've been given a great honour of serving the Australian people, and we don't take it for granted, and we'll work hard each and every day.' CNN is being ridiculed online after one of its journalists gently probe a Sinaloa cartel member for his feelings about being branded a terrorist by President Donald Trump Trump labelled suspected gang members inside the US as 'enemy combatants' - essentially terrorists. The term has been used as a way to detain cartel members more easily and limit their ability to challenge their imprisonment. The stunning segment published on Sunday, comes as Trump administration examines whether the 'enemy combatant' designation could be applied to suspected narco-terrorists outside the States as a way to potentially give the US justification to conduct lethal strikes against them. The administration has said it is only considering ways to use the label against suspected members of the eight groups Trump has designated as foreign terrorist organizations, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13. But instead of focusing on the legal ramifications or victims of cartel violence, CNNs reporter turned to the drug trafficker himself to ask how the gang member felt about the label. 'Well, the situation is ugly but we have to eat,' the cartel member replied. 'What's your message to Donald Trump if he's watching this?' the reporter pushed. 'My respect. According to him, he's looking out for his people. But the problem is the consumers are in the United States. If there weren't any consumers we would stop.' CNN is being ridiculed online after one of its journalists asked a member of the Sinaloa cartel how he felt after President Donald Trump label suspected gang members inside the US as 'enemy combatants' - essentially terrorists CNN's Isobel Yeung spoke to a member of the Sinaloa cartel Donald Trump has touted his immigration crackdown as he marked his 100th day in office The online backlash was swift and brutal with those watching the exchange far from impressed with CNN's line of questioning. 'I feel like these kinds of journalists fetishize criminals. It strikes me as similar to the women who would throw themselves at Ted Bundy after he was arrested,' wrote Mark Valorian. 'This is absolutely evil,' stated TS Nelson. 'Interviewing cartel...the ppl that human traffik children, smuggle drugs into the US, rape, murder and rob ppl. Just when you think MSM can't sink any lower the next day happens.' 'So CNN is concerned about hurting the cartel's feelings? This isn't the flex they think it is. It's offensive to Americans,' tweeted Patty Free. 'That 'journalist' is an enabler. She's enabling terrorists. She should be arrested,' demanded one. 'Well, we need to be respectful and not hurt the cartel members feelings,' mocked another X user. 'The point of labeling them as terrorists isn't just to be able to go after them but to go after those, banks in particular, that do business with the cartels. The cartels are about to find out what happens when their money gets frozen and taken,' explained one on X. Those watching the interview on social media blasted CNN for its line of questioning 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 The Republican president has touted his immigration crackdown as he marked his 100th day in office this week. Trump won the White House election last November in large part on promises to combat what he repeatedly claimed is an invasion of criminal migrants. Trump has sent troops to the Mexican border, imposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada for allegedly not doing enough to stop illegal crossings, and designated gangs like TdA and MS-13 as terrorist groups. In March Trump invoked the little-known Alien Enemies Act and flew two planeloads of alleged Tren de Aragua members to El Salvador's notorious maximum security CECOT prison. In a proclamation, Trump said Tren de Aragua was engaged in 'hostile actions' and 'threatening an invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States,' adding that Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro was pulling the strings. In the most publicized case to date, Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported to CECOT before the Trump administration admitted he was sent there due to an 'administrative error.' 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 He was among 238 suspected gang members sent to the hellish CECOT prison in El Salvador Last week, Trump said he has not spoken to El Salvador's president about returning Abrego Garcia. In an ABC News interview on Tuesday, Trump said he could help return the. man with a single phone call but would not, despite the US Supreme Court's April 10 order for his administration to 'facilitate' his release. Trump's administration has argued that only El Salvador can act to return him. Abrego Garcia, 29, a Salvadoran migrant who was living in Maryland with a work permit, was detained by U.S. immigration officers in March and questioned about alleged gang ties before being sent on one of three deportation flights to El Salvador with Venezuelan migrants despite a protective order allowing him to remain in the U.S. The White House has repeated the unproven accusation that Abrego Garcia is part of criminal gang MS-13, which the administration has designated a foreign terrorist group. His lawyers deny any gang affiliation, saying he left El Salvador at age 16 to escape such violence and received a protective order in 2019 to continue living in the US. Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin made the administration's position known. '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.' On Sunday, Trump said he was unsure whether people in the US are entitled to due process rights guaranteed in the US Constitution as his administration pushes aggressively to deport immigrants who are in the country illegally and other non-citizens. Garcia is being held at the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador The facility has been condemned by human rights groups and likened by critics to a modern-day gulag Trump made his comments during an interview on NBC's Meet the Press with Kristen Welker. Welker asked Trump whether he agreed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said last month that 'of course' all people in the US are entitled to due process, which generally requires the government to provide notice and a hearing before taking certain adverse legal actions. 'I don't know. I'm not, I'm not a lawyer. I don't know,' Trump said, adding that such a requirement would mean 'we'd have to have a million or 2 million or 3 million trials.' Trump added that his lawyers 'are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said.' The Fifth Amendment provides 'due process of law,' meaning a person has certain rights when it comes to being prosecuted for a crime. Also, the 14th Amendment says no state can 'deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.' On Sunday, Trump told NBC said he was unsure whether people in the US are entitled to due process rights guaranteed in the US Constitution as his administration pushes aggressively to deport immigrants who are in the country illegally and other non-citizens Inmates look on inside a jail during a media tour at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison, in Tecoluca, El Salvador last month Trump said he has 'brilliant lawyers ... and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said.' He said he was pushing to deport 'some of the worst, most dangerous people on Earth,' but that courts are getting in his way. 'I was elected to get them the hell out of here, and the courts are holding me from doing it,' Trump said. On April 19 the Supreme Court justices temporarily barred the Trump administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants it accused of being gang members. Trump's administration, which invoked the AEA, a rarely used wartime law, has urged the justices to lift or narrow their order. Far-right Trump fan George Simion has won the first round of Romania's presidential election re-run on Sunday, partial results showed. It comes after last year's annulled vote plunged the European Union and NATO member country into its worst political crisis in decades. Ballots from nearly 98% of voting stations showed Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, 55, was in second place at around 21%, behind Simion's 40%. They will meet in a runoff on May 18, if final results confirm the reading after diaspora votes are counted. A Simion victory could isolate the country, erode private investment and destabilise NATO's eastern flank, where Ukraine is fighting a three-year-old Russian invasion, political observers say. It would also expand a cohort of eurosceptic leaders in the EU that already includes the Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers at a time when Europe is struggling to formulate its response to Trump. 'This is not just an electoral victory, it is a victory of Romanian dignity. It is the victory of those who have not lost hope, of those who still believe in Romania, a free, respected, sovereign country,' Simion said. Benefiting from a wave of popular anger against mainstream leaders, Simion, 38, opposes military aid to neighbouring Ukraine, is critical of the EU leadership and says he is aligned with the U.S. president's Make America Great Again movement. Far-right Trump fan George Simion (pictured) has won the first round of Romania's presidential election re-run on Sunday, partial results showed Ballots from nearly 98% of voting stations showed Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan (pictured), 55, was in second place at around 21%, behind Simion's 40% An independent running on an anti-corruption platform, Dan, 55, overtook former senator Crin Antonescu, 65, a centrist candidate backed by the three parties in the pro-western coalition government for his spot in the run-off. He won substantial support among Romanians abroad - who have favoured anti-establishment candidates such as him and Simion in recent years - votes from 80% of ballot boxes showed, winning 26%, to Simion's 59% and Antonescu's 7%. Observers said he would struggle to beat Simion in the run-off more than Antonescu due to rivalries between him and mainstream parties that make it harder for voters to switch. 'Eyes on the West, I believe that this is what the campaign should be about, about keeping the Western direction in Romania,' Dan told reporters on Sunday evening. '... (and) understandably explaining to the people at home the shortcomings we had in our relations with these institutions. They came rather from our own fault in not being active and prepared.' A Simion victory could isolate the country, erode private investment and destabilise NATO's eastern flank, where Ukraine is fighting a three-year-old Russian invasion, political observers say It would also expand a cohort of eurosceptic leaders in the EU that already includes the Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers at a time when Europe is struggling to formulate its response to Trump Sunday's vote came five months after a first attempt to hold the election was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, who is since banned from standing again. Simion who only scored 14% then appears to have ridden an upswell of support for the far-right drummed by Georgescu. On Sunday he voted alongside Georgescu, who called the election a 'fraud' and urged people to take their country back. As dozens of people thronged outside the voting station chanting 'Calin for president', Simion said his vote was 'to restore democracy'. Simion is not the only MAGA-style politician seeking election in central Europe. Karol Nawrocki, the presidential candidate backed by Poland's main nationalist opposition party in a presidential election on May 18, met the U.S. president this week. 'Romania and Poland are two important countries for the United States,' Simion told Reuters on Friday. 'We represent partners and we represent allies, both military and politically, to the current (U.S.) administration. This is why it is important for MAGA presidents to be in charge in Bucharest and Warsaw.' The Trump administration has accused Romania of suppressing political opposition and lacking democratic values after November's election was cancelled on what Vice President JD Vance called 'flimsy evidence' Romania's president has a semi-executive role that includes commanding the armed forces and chairing the security council that decides on military aid. But Simion has said that, if elected, he could seek to elevate Georgescu to some kind of a leadership role. Observers say the country's leftist-led governing coalition might buckle if Simion becomes president. To date, Romania has donated a Patriot air defence battery to Kyiv, is training Ukrainian fighter pilots and has enabled the export of 30 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain through its Black Sea port of Constanta since Russia's invasion. The country's president can also veto important EU votes and appoints the prime minister, chief judges, prosecutors and secret service heads. The Trump administration has accused Romania of suppressing political opposition and lacking democratic values after November's election was cancelled on what Vice President JD Vance called 'flimsy evidence'. Michelle Obama has faced backlash for complaining about the costs associated with moving into the White House when her husband Barack became president. The former First Lady appeared on the Diary of a CEO podcast on May 1, sharing new insight into her marriage as the couple fend off rumors they're headed for divorce. The Obama's estimated net worth ranges between $70 million to $135 million, making him among the richest presidents to leave office - trailing behind both Donald Trump and Bill Clinton. But Michelle noted on the podcast that this wasn't always the case, and that when they actually got into the White House, the costs could stack up quickly. 'Because it's expensive to live in the White House. Many people don't know, but much is not covered,' she said. 'You're paying for every bit of food you eat. You're not paying for housing and the staff in it but everything, even travel. 'If you're not traveling with the president, if your kids are coming on Bright Star - the First Lady's plane - we had to pay for their travel to be on the plane.' Her comments have horrified critics online who have accused her of being out of touch, given her husband's salary alone in the White House placed him among America's top 97 percent of earners. Michelle Obama has finally addressed rumors that she and husband and ex-President Barack Obama are on the outs after Tucker Carlson claimed she 'really dislikes her husband' The Obama's estimated net worth ranges between $70 million to $135 million, making him among the richest presidents to leave office - trailing behind both Donald Trump and Bill Clinton 'They have no real conception of the word 'struggle' or ever experienced any type of real-life struggles like Americans are experiencing today,' one critic wrote on X. 'Most of us have to pay for our own food & transportation in addition to rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, healthcare, etc. What makes you so special?' another asked. 'This is a really bad look and is going to fall flat if she wanted to garner sympathy. No one in America gets anything for their family for free because of their job.' When Barack initially told her he wanted to run for office, one of her initial thoughts was questioning how they could afford it. 'You're running for two years and not earning an income,' she added. 'How would we manage this? 'Maybe way in the back of my mind, I was hoping he wouldn't [win.] But I knew he had it in him, to win.' Upon entering office, the Obama's had an estimated net worth of $1.3 million. By the time Barack handed over the keys to Trump, his fortune had reportedly skyrocketed to more than $12 million. The couple have both released memoirs, signed a production deal with Netflix and are regularly engaged to participate in speaking events across the nation. Michelle said it was an 'expensive proposition' that Barack had posed by wanting to run for president, but she never doubted his success Michelle has since launched her own podcast, and all former presidents earn a six-figure pension upon leaving office. Between 2005, when Barack joined the Senate, to 2016, when he departed the White House, the couple had earned a total of $20.5million. That includes Obama's salary of $400,000 annually for the eight years he served as leader. Since leaving office, Barack can - and reportedly has - charged upwards of $400,000 per speaking engagement, while Michelle can command about $225,000. The lion's share of their fortune comes from those book deals, speaking engagements and a series of property investments they've made over the years. The couple still own their home in Chicago's Hyde Park which they bought for about $1.65 million in 2005 with a $1.3 million mortgage. The property is now estimated to be worth about $2.5millin. They also purchased a sprawling 8,200-square-foot mansion in Washington, DC, for $8.1 million after leaving the White House. The couple have also been renovating a home in Oahu in Hawaii since they purchased the land in 2015 which is now estimated to be worth as much as $18 million. Michelle's latest revelations about life in the White House come as she and Barack fend off rumors they're headed for divorce And in 2019, the Obamas reportedly purchased a house in Martha's Vineyard for $11.75 million. While in office, presidents and their families enjoy a raft of perks, including free lodging and bills associated with upkeep, a free security detail and the use of Air Force One - the president's plane. But several former First Lady's have shared details about what is not covered that caught them by surprise. Michelle first revealed that food was not covered during a 2018 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel. 'It's a little shocking, because no one tells you this stuff,' she said. 'Rent is free, staff is free - we shouldn't be mooching off of the taxpayers.' When a president goes on vacation, costs of security and travel are covered, but the bill for a hotel or any food and incidentals must be covered privately. And they're still responsible for covering household expenses like stocking up on toilet paper, toothpaste and garbage bags. Upon entering office, the Obama's had an estimated net worth of $1.3million. By the time Barack handed over the keys to Trump, his fortune had reportedly skyrocketed to more than $12 million Former first lady Laura Bush wrote in a memoir that it is 'more than fair that they pay for personal items like every American household.' But she said she was 'amazed by the sheer number of designer clothes that I was expected to buy, like the women before me, to meet the expectations for a first lady.' Any private parties held within or outside of the White House must also be paid for by the family. Michelle's latest revelations about life in the White House come as she and Barack fend off rumors they're headed for divorce. The couple have been plagued by speculation since Barack attended both Jimmy Carter's funeral and Trump's inauguration solo back in January. Michelle has repeatedly insisted in recent months her decision not to attend the DC events was one she made in her own best interests, and she was shocked to discover the enduring fallout. 'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people,' she said on one podcast. 'I mean, so much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,' Michelle continued. While in office, presidents and their families enjoy a raft of perks, including free lodging and bills associated with upkeep, a free security detail and the use of Air Force One - the president's plane 'That this couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?' At the time, Michelle's team said she missed Carter's funeral due to 'scheduling conflicts,' blaming her absence on a preplanned holiday vacation in Hawaii. And last week during the podcast with entrepreneur and investor Steven Bartlett promoting her own new show, she again swatted away any suggestion she and Barack are unhappy. 'If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it,' she said, laughing. She added that she's 'not a martyr' and joked about how she would address such marital strife publicly. Her brother Craig Robinson also chimed in, adding: 'If they were having a problem, I'd be doing a podcast with him.' Michelle acknowledged that marriage is 'hard' for her and the former president but added that 'I wouldn't trade it,' calling President Obama, 'as the young people say... my person.' Rape survivors last night slammed a Labour Cabinet minister who described grooming gangs as a 'dog whistle' issue. Commons Leader Lucy Powell is under pressure to resign amid criticism that she 'belittled' victims. Sarah Wilson, a victim of the Rotherham scandal, said Ms Powell's comments showed what survivors have been 'up against all these years' and why they have not been 'listened to they never cared and never will'. She wrote: 'Totally dismissed survivors and our experiences of [being] groomed. I was an 11-year-old little girl been raped and trafficked all across England... trying to blow the 'dogs' whistle and be saved but instead they chucked us to the dogs and left us to be tortured.' At least 1,400 children were subjected to sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. Marlon West, the father of a grooming gang victim, told GB News yesterday: 'I think the mask has slipped now of what the general opinion is of Labour MPs. 'I've been overwhelmed by other survivors contacting me, and we're appalled she should resign. The Labour Party should at least suspend her and do a full investigation.' The outburst happened during a live debate on Radio 4 on Friday when Ms Powell was asked by Reform UK member Tim Montgomerie if she had seen a documentary on grooming gangs. Commons Leader Lucy Powell is under pressure to resign amid criticism that she 'belittled' victims Marlon West, the father of a grooming gang victim, told GB News yesterday: 'I think the mask has slipped now of what the general opinion is of Labour MPs'. The outburst happened during a live debate on Radio 4 on Friday when Ms Powell was asked by Reform UK member Tim Montgomerie (pictured) if she had seen a documentary on grooming gangs Sarah Wilson (pictured), a victim of the Rotherham scandal, said Ms Powell's comments showed what survivors have been 'up against all these years' and why they have not been 'listened to they never cared and never will' She replied: 'Oh, we want to blow that little trumpet now do we... let's get that dog whistle out shall we'. 'Dog whistle' statements refers to the practice of sending out coded political messages often on controversial subjects designed to be understood only by a narrow target audience. Nigel Huddleston, co-chairman of the Conservative Party, said Ms Powell's comments were 'completely inappropriate'. Yesterday Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Ms Powell was 'mortified' about her comments and was 'right' to apologise. He added the Government took the issue of child sexual exploitation 'extremely seriously' and was 'making real changes that will help to support victims'. The issue of grooming including by gangs of Pakistani origin has been put back into the spotlight after Labour denied a request for a new Whitehall-led inquiry. The Government instead ordered locally-led probes, although Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered a 'rapid audit' into the scale of the issue. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said it was 'shameful that the Prime Minister is apparently standing by' her. Lucy Powell claimed that she was 'challenging the political point scoring around' grooming gangs, not the issue itself 'If Lucy Powell won't resign, Keir Starmer should fire her if he is serious about this issue,' he said. 'Wes Streeting saying this was just a 'slip of the tongue' this morning is an unacceptable excuse especially given Labour's refusal to hold a proper national inquiry and Starmer's 'far-Right bandwagon' smear in January.' Ms Powell posted on X on Saturday: 'In the heat of a discussion on AQ (Any Questions), I would like to clarify that I regard issues of child exploitation & grooming with the utmost seriousness. 'I'm sorry if this was unclear. I was challenging the political point scoring around it, not the issue itself. 'As a constituency MP I've dealt with horrendous cases. [The Government] is acting to get to the truth, and deliver justice.' An ABC election night panellist has hit out at the broadcaster for its 'woeful' coverage despite being a part of it. Tony Barry, the Liberals' ex-deputy director in Victoria, blasted ABC after spending election night delivering expert analysis for the channel. The broadcaster's coverage, hosted by David Speers and Sarah Ferguson, saw a series of commentators analyse the election results throughout the night. The expert panel in the studio included Mr Barry, former Victorian Labor strategist Kos Samaras and ABC's Patricia Karvelas. Mr Barry took to Facebook following election night to share a series of snaps on set with his co-panellists. Alongside a smiley picture with Karvelas, he wrote: 'The ABC's coverage was beyond woeful, just six hours of shallow analysis.' In another comment he said: 'The ABC was the only telecast of six hours of no data, analysis and insight just six endless "what I reckon" journalism. Unwatchable drivel. 'They should burn the ABC down to the ground and then salt the earth under it.' ABC's election night panel included Liberals' ex-deputy director in Victoria Tony Barry, former Victorian Labor strategist Kos Samaras and ABC's Patricia Karvelas (pictured) Mr Barry (pictured) blasted ABC's election coverage and branded it 'woeful' Former NSW premier Morris Iemma took also took aim at Karvelas in the comments of Mr Barry's post. 'Even smarter if no PK,' he said. Mr Iemma told The Sydney Morning Herald he didn't have a problem with Karvelas, but had wanted ABC's chief election analyst Antony Green to have more airtime in his final ever election night. Despite his comments, ABC's coverage outperformed its competitors with an average audience of 2.4million throughout the night. However, the broadcast was plagued by technical issues - most notably, election Green's results screen was down for over 50 minutes. Forced to rely on the Australian Electoral Commissions website for information, Green used a scribbled notepad to deliver updates instead of his usual interactive display. With no live data or updates available, the ABCs panel of experts had to fill the airtime with commentary. The technical malfunction also appeared to halt the live results on the ABC website. Feuding celebrity cooks Nagi Maehashi and Brooke Bellamy will go head-to-head at a prestigious book awards ceremony this week following heated plagiarism allegations. The 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards, held at Zinc Fed Square in Melbourne on Wednesday, will hand out 23 accolades in a range of categories. Food blogger and author Maehashi received a nomination for Illustrated Book of the Year for her cookbook RecipeTin Eats: Tonight. Brisbane baker and social media sensation Brooke Bellamy is nominated for the same award for her own cookbook Bake with Brooki, which Maehashi claims contains plagiarised recipes. Maehashi sparked a firestorm last week when she claimed the former travel blogger-turned-baker copied her caramel slice and baklava recipes. The RecipeTin Eats founder made the first accusation on April 29, sharing a lengthy blog post to her website and a series of slides to her Instagram account. Maehashi said she first raised concerns with Penguin publishing in December after a reader emailed her highlighting 'remarkable similarities' between her caramel slice recipe and the version in the newly released Bake with Brooki. 'I put a huge amount of effort into my recipes. And I share them on my website for anyone to use for free,' Maehashi wrote. RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi (pictured) sparked a firestorm when she claimed the former travel blogger-turned-baker Brooke Bellamy copied two of her recipies Brooke Bellamy (pictured) has denied the allegations, claiming she has been making the recipes years before Maehashi '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. 'To me, the similarities between the recipes in question are so specific and detailed that calling these a coincidence feels disingenuous.' Maehashi added that profiting from plagiarised recipes was 'unethical'. 'It's a slap in the face to every author who puts in the hard work to create original content rather than cutting corners,' she wrote. Maehashi also claimed Bellamy plagiarised other authors, which she did not name. However, hours after the allegations first surfaced, US baker Sally McKenney of Sally's Baking Addiction fame claimed on Instagram that Bellamy had also copied her vanilla cake recipe. Two days later, Maehashi claimed Bellamy may have copied 'virtually word for word' the recipe for Portuguese tart from the late Bill Granger's 2006 cookbook. 'It is so blatant to me that the wording in the method part of the recipe is copied almost exactly,' Maehashi told East Coast Media. Maehashi received a nomination for Illustrated Book of the Year at the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards in Melbourne for her cookbook RecipeTin Eats: Tonight Bellamy is nominated for the same award for her own cookbook Bake with Brooki, which Maehashi claims contains plagiarised recipes 'To me, it is the biggest and strongest example of plagiarism that I have seen by this author.' Both Penguin and Bellamy denied the allegations, with the baker saying she had been making and selling her recipes years before Maehashi's were published. 'I did not plagiarise any recipes in my book which consists of 100 recipes I have created over many years,' Bellamy said. 'In 2016, I opened my first bakery. I have been creating my recipes and selling them commercially since October 2016.' Bellamy added that she was deeply distressed by the allegations and for being attacked online by social media trolls. 'I do not copy other people's recipes,' Bellamy said. 'Like many bakers, I draw inspiration from the classics, but the creations you see at (her Brisbane bakery) 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.' While the Brisbane baker insisted she did not copy the recipes, she 'immediately offered to remove both from future reprints to prevent further aggravation'. The RecipeTin Eats founder levelled the accusations on April 29 in a lengthy blog post on her website, which included a side-by-side comparison of the two recipes Bellamy has since hunkered down at her Brisbane home and issued a plea for privacy as she closed her personal Instagram account to the public after savage attacks by trolls. 'The past 24 hours have been extremely overwhelming,' she said in a statement last week. '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.' Maehashi also pleaded with social media users, fans and supporters to leave Bellamy alone in a video shared to Instagram. 'Please stop the trolling,' Maehashi said. The ugly food row has since seen Bellamy dropped as an ambassador for the federal initiative Academy for Enterprising Girls 'Now I know I've made serious allegations, but this does not justify the personal attacks that I've seen online against Brooke Bellamy. '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. 'You know, share your opinions, have heated debates, support Brooki, 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 said Penguin denied the allegations, saying via lawyers: 'Our client respectfully rejects your client's allegations and confirms that the recipes in [Bake with Brooki] were written by Brooke Bellamy.' The ugly food row saw Bellamy dropped as an ambassador for the federal initiative Academy for Enterprising Girls. Meanwhile, Maehashi also faced criticism from celebrity chef Luke Mangan who said she had failed to credit him properly for a recipe she used in one of her cookbooks. RecipeTin Eats has 1.5million followers on Instagram and Maehashi has also authored award-winning cookbooks Dinner and Tonight. Bellamy quickly became a global sensation after sharing videos on TikTok, which receive millions of views every day. She is best known for her cookies and has opened pop-up stores in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. An air traffic controller has warned that Newark Liberty International Airport is unsafe for passengers as the travel hub has faced a week of disruptions and chaos. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground delay at the New Jersey airport until midnight ET on Sunday, marking the seventh consecutive day of massive hold ups. Flights are being delayed an average of two hours and 13 minutes on Sunday. There were 400 delays and 136 flight cancellations at Newark by 8:30pm, according to Flight Aware. The busy airport outside New York City experienced disruptions all week, which officials blamed on air traffic controller staffing issues and construction. The massive delays come as the Trump administration has worked to address the air traffic controller shortage, while the president has blamed DEI for the recent spate of aviation disasters. NBC News correspondent Tom Costello reported that an air traffic controller from Newark told him it was unsafe to fly at the airport. 'He said, "It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public,"' Costello said. 'Really an incredible statement, unsolicited. He just said that to me, and separately, "Don't fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs."' An air traffic controller warned that Newark Liberty International Airport (pictured) is unsafe for passengers as the travel hub has faced a week of disruptions and chaos The busy airport (pictured in July) experienced disruptions all week, which officials blamed on air traffic controller staffing issues and construction United Airlines cut 35 daily flights from its Newark schedule starting Saturday, citing the FAA's alleged failure to address 'long-simmering' challenges related to the air-traffic control system. United CEO Scott Kirby said the technology used to manage planes at the New Jersey airport failed more than once in recent days. The flight delays, cancellations and diversions the equipment problems caused were compounded when more than one-fifth of Newark's traffic controllers 'walked off the job,' he said. 'This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, its now clear - and the FAA tells us - that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead,' Kirby wrote in a letter to customers. Newark Liberty International Airport pointed to both staffing issues and 'construction' when it warned travelers about delays on Thursday. The FAA last year relocated control of the Newark airspace area to Philadelphia to address staffing and congested New York City area traffic. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who intends to propose a plan next week to fix badly crumbling air traffic control infrastructure, visited the FAA Terminal Radar Approach Control at Philadelphia on Friday. 'The technology that we are using is old. Thats what is causing the outages and delays we are seeing at Newark,' Duffy said. The massive delays come as the Trump administration has worked to address the controller shortage in the wake of the deadly midair collision at Reagan National airport (pictured) The Trump administration said it's been trying to 'supercharge' the air traffic controller workforce and make moves to address the nation's shortage of controllers. Duffy announced a program to recruit new controllers and give existing ones incentives not to retire on Thursday. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a workers' union, said at the time that those moves could help address staffing shortages, but it also said the system is ' long overdue for technology and infrastructure upgrades.' Duffy said on Friday that he visited with 'our hard working air traffic controllers as we work to fix these equipment outages caused by outdated technology.' Since the beginning of 2025, at least 143 people have died in 36 US aviation incidents, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Trump vowed to purge DEI diversity, equity and inclusion from U.S. aviation, among other federal agencies, in the wake of the deadly midair collision at Reagan National airport in January that claimed 67 lives. Three months after the deadliest aviation disaster in more than two decades, two passengers planes were forced to abort their landings at Reagan National Airport after an Army Black Hawk helicopter veered off course on Thursday. Tiffany Trump's father-in-law has apparently not realized his job in the president's administration was largely symbolic - and holds no real power. President Donald Trump had appointed Massad Boulos, the father of Michael Boulos - whom Tiffany married in 2022, to serve as a senior advisor on the Middle East one month before he took office. In a statement at the time, Trump called the Lebanese-born businessman a 'dealmaker' and 'unwavering' supporter of Middle East peace. But last month, Boulos' position apparently changed, and he is now an adviser to the president on African policy. Still, officials within the Trump administration told Politico he has no clear responsibilities, and is purposefully left out of important discussions. At the same time, they say, Boulos is handing out business cards that inflate his job title and is taking what they call 'freelance' jobs on the side - that can sometimes contradict the White House's messaging. 'The job was more symbolic, but he didn't know,' one official lamented about Boulos' appointment. 'Everyone knew it but him.' President Donald Trump had appointed Massad Boulos to serve as a senior advisor on the Middle East one month before he took office Boulos (second from right) is the father of Michael Boulos - whom Tiffany Trump married at a ceremony in Mar-a-Lago in 2022 Those who spoke to Politico on the condition of anonymity have described how Boulos is trying to take on important issues in both Africa and the Middle East - even though an administration official said he is not supposed to actively work on Middle East issues. They also note that Boulos has just become the top adviser to the president on Africa by default, as Trump has yet to name an assistant secretary of state at the State Department or the National Security Council. And despite his lofty titles, officials say Boulos is kept in an office within the Africa bureau of the State Department - and must operate under the purview of senior diplomats. Even when he does take action, Boulos is kept out of the limelight, Politico reports. It claims he was weakened by earlier interviews in which he declared himself a dominant voice on Lebanese policy - irking some in Trump's inner circle who continue to question Boulos' affiliations in the region. The business mogul has claimed he is not affiliated with any political party in the Middle Eastern country, but he apparently has close times with Lebanon's Christian political class - including Hezbollah's preferred candidate for president this year, Suleiman Frangieh. Still, Boulos is said to claim he has more responsibility in the federal government than he does. He reportedly hands out a business card that lists his State Department email and phone numbers, in which Boulos describes himself as a 'senior advisor to the president' - significantly inflating his official title. Boulos' position apparently changed, and he is now an adviser to the president on African policy Boulos has also reportedly given unsanctioned Arab-language interviews with Syrian and Lebanese media, sometimes causing confusion about the White House's policy. In one instance, Boulos reportedly questioned the United States' recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara territory - a key feature of the President Trump's negotiations with Morocco to get it to formally start diplomatic ties with Israel. The interview infuriated the Moroccan government, insiders said, and in the aftermath, Boulos was forced to release a statement on X about Secretary of State Marco Rubio 'unequivocally reaffirming US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.' In another case, Boulos reportedly held a private meeting with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a recent visit to Paris, without notifying the State Department in advance - leaving US embassies in France and Nigeria to find out about the meeting from the meeting. But senior government officials have denied this claim, saying the meeting was coordinated with the State Department and noting that the US embassy in Abuja posted about it afterward. Boulos has scored several victories since taking over as an advisor on Africa The officials say Boulos dug into tough foreign policy issues within just a few weeks, and had some significant wins. Boulos successfully liaised with African heads of state in an effort to breach a deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to quell violence in the eastern Congo. Rubio even praised Boulos for his efforts at a Cabinet meeting last week, saying he 'did something really great.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also said he 'is doing an exceptional job, as evidenced by the deal... between the DRC and Rwanda.' Other of Boulos' victories include lobbying to keep a Biden-era infrastructure project meant to counter China's infrastructure and rare earth minerals access in central Africa. He also helped finalize a deal to secure the repatriation of three Americans from the Congo, where they were facing death sentences for their purported role in a botched coup attempt, according to three officials - all of whom noted the negotiations were already underway when Boulos took over last month. And Boulos has met with over a dozen senior officials, including ministers and heads of state. 'In only a few short weeks of serving as the president's senior advisor for Africa, Mr. Boulos has done tremendous work to advance our America First diplomacy throughout the continent,' the State Department told Politico. Another official added that Boulos has 'done what others haven't been doing. But also, there's no one else doing it. 'He's a nice person with a good demeanor and Lord knows the administration needs someone, anyone in the field, to work on Africa policy since the bench is so shallow,' the unnamed official said. Once again, news of yet another Iranian terror plot on British soil. And once again, the authorities are left scrambling in the wake of an international army of terror we should have hammered years ago. Since 2022, UK counterterrorism police have identified more than 20 credible Iranian threats to kill or kidnap people here. Police have not yet brought charges, but they are searching several properties in London, Manchester and Swindon. More will come out, and what comes out will be chilling. Trust me on that. Thankfully, it seems that heavily armed counterterrorism officers managed to make their arrests in good time. But we must ask the question: why do our politicians obstinately refuse to take the Iranian terror threat seriously? We havent been told who is behind the terror plot foiled on Saturday but it bears every hallmark of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Irans international brigade of terror specifically, the branch tasked with its foreign operations, the Quds Force. The IRGC is a violent, Islamist-extremist organisation that was founded by acolytes of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini to defend the Islamic Republic of Irans core values. It uses a mix of terror, extreme violence and ideological warfare to safeguard the Islamic Republics revolution and target its enemies. Back in his November 2022 annual threat update, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum assessed that there was a severe threat from Irans aggressive intelligence services to kidnap or kill UK-based people. He was talking about the IRGC. The IRGC is a violent, Islamist-extremist organisation that was founded by acolytes of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini (pictured) to defend the Islamic Republic of Irans core values An Iranian cleric walks near a huge wall painting of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Top-L), and late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (Top-R) in a street in Tehran MI5 Director General Ken McCallum said that there was a severe threat from Irans aggressive intelligence services to kidnap or kill UK-based people Just a few months later, on January 12 2023, the House of Commons unanimously passed a motion calling on the UK government to finally proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Yet that Commons motion was not binding and so the IRGC remains unproscribed, not only in the UK but, staggeringly, across Europe. As Ali Ansari, professor in modern history at the University of St Andrews tells me: Saturdays arrests are a very worrying development and a clear sign that Irans threat to UK citizens is more than rhetorical. Hes right. Lets not forget that in March of last year, Iranian-British journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed four times outside his Wimbledon home. What makes the attack even more disconcerting is that the culprits were Eastern European gangsters that the Iranians had hired to do their killing for them; and that these thugs were able to flee the country just hours later. Only a few months earlier, Britain imposed new sanctions on members of an IRGC unit that had tried to assassinate two presenters of Iran International, a UK-based TV channel that is critical of the Tehran regime. Even after those sinister incidents, the then Tory government refused to act. Foreign secretary David Cameron opined that banning the IRGC was not in the UK interests. I know from sources inside the government, including the Foreign Office and Downing Street, that the government believes banning an official organisation of the Iranian state is technically problematic from the perspective of interstate relations. Any ban would make it even harder to reach a deal with Iran over its nuclear programme. But the result of this toe-curling timidity has of course been inevitable: more Iranian extremism and more Iranian terror. The Islamic Republic is ideologically geared to oppose the West and to export its Shia Revolution and what makes the IRGC such a threat is that it wages both military and political warfare. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses the public at a program held in Tehran today Following the attack, Pouria Zeraati (pictured) was rushed to hospital where he later shared a picture on Instagram, smiling and holding up a peace sign The prominent journalist, who works for the Iran International TV channel, has been openly critical of the Iranian government's regime Writer David Patrikarakos at the Islamic College of London in Willesden, which teaches 'Islamic studies'. Until 2023 its degree programmes were validated by Middlesex University Last summer, I investigated for the Mail the network of Islamic Republic-affiliated buildings that dot central London, most egregious of which were the Islamic Centre of England, the de facto headquarters of Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and the School of the Islamic Republic of Iran where, among other things the schools children sing songs pledging their allegiance to the Ayatollah. What makes the situation even more enraging is that the Centre is a charity and the College is run by a charitable trust, receiving hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers money. During Covid, the College received 205,000 in furlough payments and the Islamic Centre just under 250,000. Its time to accept that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not going to reform. All those who have tried were imprisoned, killed or sidelined. Now is the time to bring maximum pressure to bear on a regime that is brutal, corrupt, incompetent and loathed by its own people. Its time to stand up to terror and proscribe the IRGC. Not just for the British citizens now increasingly at risk from Tehrans sadism, but for the many Iranians who suffer from it every single day too. David Patrikarakos is the author of Nuclear Iran: Birth of An Atomic State The Co-op cyber attack means 20million members are now at risk of being involved in scams and identity fraud for years. A leading cyber security expert has warned that members' details could be sold on the dark web to fraudsters who could combine it with various hacked information to scam people. 'You might not suffer a loss immediately,' Professor Alan Woodward, of the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security at the University of Surrey told The Telegraph. 'But if someone's got your name, address, telephone number, email address, they actually sell those kinds of details on to scammers. 'The scammers then use them for socially engineering you into anything from giving you their bank details to phishing attacks where you log in and give away your login credentials, that type of thing.' Professor Woodwad, who has advised organizations including Europol on cybercrime stressed that scammers are becoming more sophisticated and use personal information to gain trust with their victims. He added that those whose information had been compromised would probably not receive any compensation despite being left vulnerable to scams and identity theft. The Co-op admitted that a criminal group, calling itself DragonForce had infiltrated the company's IT network and stolen both customer and employee data in a cyber attack on Wednesday. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said it is investigating the attacks individually but are 'mindful they may be linked' (file image) The Co-op admitted that a criminal group had infiltrated the company's IT network and stolen both customer and employee data in a cyber attack on Wednesday (file image) Co-op conceded 'personal data such as names and contact details' had been taken from its membership scheme after the devastating scale of the attack was revealed. The ransomware group are seeking to extort money from the company, but have not said what they would do with the data if they do not get paid. DragonForce has also claimed responsibility for the ongoing attack on M&S and an attempted hack of Harrods, the BBC said. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said it is investigating the attacks individually but are 'mindful they may be linked'. A Co-op spokesman said: 'As a result of ongoing forensic investigations, we now know that the hackers were able to access and extract data from one of our systems. 'The accessed data included information relating to a significant number of our current and past members. 'This data includes Co-op Group members' personal data such as names and contact details, and did not include members' passwords, bank or credit card details, transactions or information relating to any members' or customers' products or services with the Co-op Group. 'We have implemented measures to ensure that we prevent unauthorised access to our systems whilst minimising disruption for our members, customers, colleagues and partners. The Co-op cyber attack means millions of members are now at risk of being involved in scams and identity fraud for years (file image) 'We appreciate that our members have placed their trust in our Co-op when providing information to us. Protecting the security of our members' and customers' data is a priority, and we are very sorry that this situation has arisen.' The retail giant, with more than 2,500 supermarkets, 800 funeral homes and an insurance business, initially downplayed the attack by saying it had 'pre-emptively' shut down parts of its IT network after detecting an attempted breach. But the anonymous hackers behind DragonForce contacted the BBC with evidence of databases they had accessed, containing the user names and passwords of all employees, as well as customer membership card numbers, their names, home and email addresses and phone numbers. The BBC said hackers sent the first extortion message to Co-op's head of cyber security in an internal Microsoft Teams chat on April 25. The message read: 'Hello, we exfiltrated the data from your company. We have customer database, and Co-op member card data.' The hackers say they also messaged other members of the executive committee as part of their scheme to blackmail the firm. A spokesperson for Co-op said: 'We are continuing to experience sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access our systems. This is a highly complex situation, which we continue to investigate in conjunction with the NCSC and the NCA. 'We have implemented measures to ensure that we prevent unauthorised access to our systems whilst minimising disruption for our members, customers, colleagues and partners. 'As a result of ongoing forensic investigations, we now know that the hackers were able to access and extract data from one of our systems. 'The accessed data included information relating to a significant number of our current and past members. 'This data includes Co-op Group members' personal data such as names and contact details, and did not include members' passwords, bank or credit card details, transactions or information relating to any members' or customers' products or services with the Co-op Group. 'We appreciate that our members have placed their trust in our Co-op when providing information to us. Protecting the security of our members' and customers' data is a priority, and we are very sorry that this situation has arisen.' Australia's richest person has urged the Liberal Party not to turn away from Trump-style policies and to use its 'devastating' federal election loss as a time to rebuild. Mining magnate and philanthropist Gina Rinehart has responded to Labor's overwhelming win on Saturday with words of encouragement for the defeated Coalition. 'Let's use this time to build, to enlarge the foundations of common sense, rationale and truth,' the executive chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is celebrating a landslide victory while Opposition leader Peter Dutton couldn't manage to hold his own Queensland seat of Dickson. 'Australians have overwhelmingly voted in returning the PM and government, and we must wish him well,' Ms Rinehart said. 'Let's not forget, many of the returned government are parents too, do they really want to bring in ideological policies that will see the economy suffer and their children struggle?' Below is Mrs Rinehart's full statement following the election result. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has responded to Labor's overwhelming win on Saturday with words of encouragement for the defeated Coalition 'Australians have overwhelmingly voted in returning the PM and government, and we must wish him well,' Ms Rinehart said. 'Let's not forget, many of the returned government are parents too, do they really want to bring in ideological policies that will see the economy suffer and their children struggle?' PM Anthony Albanese is pictured with his fiancee Jodie Haydon (left) on Sunday morning after winning the federal election The left media did a very successful effort, frightening many in the Liberal Party from anything Trump, and away from any Trump like policies. This has been especially obvious this year, with the Liberals instead becoming known as the 'me too' party. Trump style 'make Australia great' policies via cutting government tape, government bureaucracy and wastage, and hence being able to cut taxes, too scarce in Australia this year to rate a mention. No doubt the left media will now try to claim that the Liberal loss was because the Liberal Party followed Trump and became too right! The two simply don't add up! Yes the loss was devastating for the Liberals, emotionally exhausting for many, disappointing and worrying for many, but it's important to not throw away truth and analysing skills, and instead learn from the loss and rebuild. Too many Aussies seem very short on understanding that new investment is needed to create revenue and living standards. And hand in hand, it's necessary to have sensible policies to attract investment in the first place, so that investment occurs and living standards, opportunities, and jobs can be sustained. It shouldn't be rocket science, but apparently it is. Somehow we now think inefficient excessively taxpayer-funded government building infrastructure, houses etc, can substitute, without consequences. One of the first things the Liberals need to do is education, based on the old but true principles of common sense and truth. Too many Aussies seem very short on understanding that new investment is needed to create revenue and living standards, says Mrs Rinehart. Pictured above - Australians voting at the 2025 federal election Mrs Rinehart has urged the Liberal Party not to turn away from Trump-style policies and to use its 'devastating' election loss as a time to rebuild. Ms Rinehart is pictured with Elon Musk While putting both feet into New York before the USA November election, a known left-educated, left-voting, Democrat area, walking around the rubbish in streets, and more than a little concerned about safety at times, wearing my Trump hat and bag and more to attract, well, must admit I did let rotten eggs, tomatoes, slip into my mind, but hoping also to attract discussion. And discussion it did. And what do you think those in their late 20s and thirties were telling me, educated on left propaganda - it's hard to get married, because they couldn't afford homes - even rental, they were worried about their future, some were in their 30s and worried they could never afford a family, yes, USA birth rates have gone down. And what was I hearing from parents with young children? Financially they were really struggling to cope. These previous young democrats, brought up in years of left propaganda miseducation, were becoming Republicans! Why are Americans getting it, and we aren't? There are dedicated organisations working hard to bring back common sense and truth in the USA. And it's not just the USA where this is happening, Argentina, a socialist country for more than a century, with its people suffering terribly. Italy, Hungary and others are ahead of us too, abandoning the myths or untruths of the left, and instead letting their people benefit from the opportunities provided by the common sense and truth path. Mrs Rinehart says expensive government tape, high-cost government, old IR policies and unreliable electricity need to be overhauled How attractive are Paris Accord, unreliable electricity, Nature Positive Plan, big delaying expensive government tape, big high cost government, old IR policies that proved unsuccessful for productivity, but successful for strike disruption and unreliability, to attracting investment, to underpin our living standards? Well, the Minerals Council of Australia should not be ignored, they claim 80 per cent of the resource project pipeline is now on the cancelled list. I can't help fearing this per cent may be increased. Given the importance beyond just those employed in this industry, this should be very concerning to Australians. But is it just the big companies, or the mining companies? No, smaller companies are affected too. Indeed within an hour of so of the election result being called, a friend who started her own business and is a small business owner said she's going to close and move overseas. I pleaded with her, please don't go, please stay and fight for understanding of the changes Australia needs. Australians have overwhelmingly voted in returning the PM and government, we must wish him well, with carefully considered policies that don't lead us quickly to becoming an Argentina prior to the outstanding [president Javier] Milei. Ms Rinehart is pictured greeting former prime minister Tony Abbott and Opposition leader Peter Dutton at the Sydney Opera House on April 24 We may feel that given their overwhelming win and the huge admiration of the left media, that the chance arrogance may invade, and any effort to point out concerns for our country will be a waste of time. But isn't that the better way ahead? Rather than just desert our country in the years ahead. Let's not forget, many of the returned government are parents too, do they really want to bring in ideological policies that will see the economy suffer and their children struggle? (I'm not talking about Marxists who indeed want to see unreliable expensive electricity, strangling government tape burdens, expensive, powerful big government, high taxes, the tried and true recipe for our businesses, homes, economy and country to be burdened and go down). Let's use this time to build, to enlarge the foundations of common sense, rationale and truth. Reform UK has vowed to use every lever available to it to stop asylum seekers from being housed in areas where it now controls councils. Nigel Farage had promised to 'resist' asylum seekers being housed in the county council areas now under his party's control after it triumphed in last week's local elections. And yesterday the party's chairman, Zia Yusuf, indicated they would use 'every instrument of power available' to meet the pledge. He told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: 'Judicial reviews, injunctions, there's planning laws... 'You know, a lot of these hotels - there has been litigation around this already - a lot of these hotels, when you suddenly turn them into something else which is essentially a hostel that falls foul of any number of regulations, and that's what our teams of lawyers are exploring at the moment.' Reform chairman Mr Yusuf also said young people needed a moral re-education and that schools would teach a love of Britain if his party was in power. He told The Sunday Times: 'There has been an industrial-scale demoralisation, particularly of young people in this country, who are basically being taught quite deliberately that they should hate their country; they should be deeply ashamed of their country's history; that the United Kingdom had a brutal empire... Look, of course, you know, the British Empire was not perfect, but I actually think overall the British Empire did much more good for the world than it did bad. 'I think this country has one of the most profoundly impressive and decisively impactful histories of any country in the world. These things are not taught and embedded into British people in the way that they are in many other countries. Go to China, go to Russia, go to the United States of America... And so we've got to revive that... 'Ultimately what we've got to do is give young people a sense of belonging again.' Leader Nigel Farage promised to 'resist' asylum seekers when he triumphed in last week's local elections The party's chairman Zia Yusuf said 'every instrument of power available' would be used to meet their leader's pledge Dame Andrea Jenkyns doubled down on her suggestion migrants could be housed in tents He said the party was 'realistic' about the fact the levers of change at a local level 'pale in comparison' to the powers of Westminster. 'That's why this is part of a journey to making Nigel the prime minister with a Reform majority.' Mr Yusuf said Reform would be publishing a plan to 'deport everybody who is currently in this country illegally' if elected to national government. Reform took more than 600 seats and won control of ten local authorities in Thursday's polls. Meanwhile, the new Reform Greater Lincolnshire mayor, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, doubled down on her suggestion that migrants could be housed in tents, saying the UK was 'acting like bees to honey by putting people in hotels'. 'This is taxpayers' money and it should actually be tents, not rent,' the former Tory minister told LBC. Dame Andrea also said she wanted to cut up to 10 per cent of Lincolnshire County Council's staff. Reform won 44 of the 70 seats on Lincolnshire County Council to take control from the Conservatives. Nigel Farage was joined on stage by Dame Andrea Jenkyns winner of Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty (L), and Sarah Pochin winner of the Runcorn and Helsby by-election (R) Your browser does not support iframes. Dame Andrea's mayoralty also covers the North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council administrative areas. She also said she was 'up for a fight' with the unions, after the head of Unison urged staff at Reform-run councils to join them and secure union protection. And she claimed yesterday that there would be more defections to Reform from the Tories, amid reports that ex-home secretary Suella Braverman, party grandee Sir Edward Leigh or Windsor MP Jack Rankin could switch. Dame Andrea told GB News: 'I don't know about specifics. All I know is the people...Conservative MPs and former MPs have been messaging me. We've got former ministers who've been contacting me, asking "what is it like inside Reform?".' Mr Farage has warned council staff working on diversity or climate change initiatives to seek 'alternative careers'. Mr Yusuf said Reform UK would introduce taskforces to audit spending in the councils where it has won control and suggested the party would be digging into what council job roles involved in order to cut costs. 'If you take Lincolnshire County Council, yes, they do not currently have somebody with the job title "DEI officer", [but] they do spend considerable money on DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] initiatives,' Mr Yusuf told the BBC. 'And they have other people who have basically that same job, but under a different title, partly in response to the fact that they've been inundated by think tanks and activists putting in FOIs [freedom of information requests].' Reform UK celebrating the historic local election victories in Paddock Wood, England Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the public were 'fed up' with Labour, but admitted they are not yet ready to trust her party and were instead turning to 'protest' outfits Your browser does not support iframes. He said Reform would send 'teams' into councils, adding: 'We'll be opening up application shortly. We want the brightest and the best. 'If you've got experience in audit, if you've got experience in fixing potholes, if you're a software engineer. 'We're going to bring taskforces in. We're now going to have access to the contract, access to the numbers, access to payroll, and we're going to make these changes.' An American man impaled himself on a metal fence at Rome's Colosseum while attempting to snap a selfie on Friday afternoon. The 47-year-old was dangling from the fence and screaming until he fell unconscious after becoming badly wounded at the iconic Roman landmark. The unidentified man, a US citizen currently residing in Taiwan, was seen climbing the perimeter railings that surround the Colosseum's towering arches, perhaps to gain a better view or as local press speculated to capture a dramatic photo. But his quest for the perfect shot ended in the horrifying accident. According to Il Messaggero, the man lost his footing while scaling the fence and was impaled through the spine by a sharpened metal spike. Eyewitnesses rushed to call emergency services, and although paramedics arrived on scene quickly, it took them more than 20 grueling minutes to remove the man from the spike. 'It was a complex operation,' one first responder told the paper. 'He was losing a lot of blood, and we had to work with extreme caution.' The tourist was transported in 'code red' condition - a designation used for life-threatening emergencies - to San Giovanni Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery. An American man impaled himself on a metal fence at Rome's Colosseum while attempting to snap a selfie on Friday afternoon The 47-year-old was dangling from the fence and fell unconscious after becoming wounded at the iconic Roman landmark He required more than 80 stitches, but by Friday night, doctors declared him out of immediate danger and in serious but stable condition. The man, who had been in Rome with family and friends for several days before the accident, was later questioned by the Carabinieri police. His travel companions were also interviewed by authorities but were unable to explain what had motivated his dangerous climb. No official statement has been released by Italian law enforcement regarding potential charges. Il Messaggero noted how the man might have been trying to capture 'a closer view of the Colosseum, perhaps for an unforgettable selfie.' This isn't the first time Americans have made headlines for questionable behavior at the iconic amphitheater. In 2021, two American tourists were fined 800 (around $900) for illegally sneaking into the Colosseum at night - reportedly to drink beer inside the ruins. The man lost his footing while scaling the fence and was impaled through the spine by a sharpened metal spike A local Rome newspaper noted how the man might have been trying to capture 'a closer view of the Colosseum, perhaps for an unforgettable selfie' With more than 7 million visitors a year, the Colosseum is one of the most visited monuments in the world. Italian officials have repeatedly warned tourists against reckless conduct at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which continues to suffer wear from excessive visitors and disrespectful behavior. A Teal candidate who waited eight days to report her husband missing after he went for a drunken, late-night swim is leading in the Labor-held seat of Fremantle. Kate Hulett has a narrow 50.1 per cent to 49.9 per cent lead over incumbent Labor MP and Assistant Climate Change Minister Josh Wilson, and was ahead by 196 votes after scoring a massive 17 per cent swing against Labor in the gentrified portside Perth electorate. If the trend continues, with 79 per cent of the vote counted, Labor would lose a prized federal seat it has held continuously since 1934, with wartime prime minister John Curtin and Australia's first female premier Carmen Lawrence among its high-profile former members. Fremantle was one of 16 seats in doubt on Monday morning, along with Greens leader Adam Bandt's electorate of Melbourne, the Greens seat of Ryan in Brisbane and the Melbourne Teal electorate of Goldstein. Ms Hulett, a Climate 200 independent candidate, lost her husband Matthew Bale during a holiday in 2016 when he tried to swim from Rottnest Island to Perth, but was never seen again. A coronial inquest found Mr Bale, then 38, had disappeared by misadventure on March 21 that year, following a late afternoon argument with his wife about his drinking problem when she smelt vodka on his breath. He left their holiday accommodation after an argument, taking a ferry ticket with him, but missed the last ferry and attempted to swim the 20 kilometres back to Fremantle at night. Ms Hulett and Mr Bale's British parents Alan and Brenda Bale stayed on Rottnest Island for three more days after he left, and it was only when they returned to Fremantle that they realised he was not there. Ms Hulett waited until March 29 - eight days after she last saw him - to go to police and report him missing. Kate Hulett has a narrow 50.1 per cent to 49.9 per cent lead over incumbent Labor MP Josh Wilson, after scoring a massive 17 per cent swing against Labor WA Deputy state coroner Barry King handed down his inquest report into Mr Bale's death in June 2019. 'The deceased asked Ms Hulett for his telephone, his ferry ticket and some money,' the inquest found. 'She gave him the ferry ticket since the ferries had stopped running for the day, but she did not give him his phone or any money. 'He left through the back door after punching the screen door.' The inquest also noted Ms Hulett and her parents-in-law continued their holiday even after Mr Bale had disappeared. 'When the deceased had not returned to the unit by the next morning, Ms Hulett and the deceased's parents assumed that he had caught the ferry back to Fremantle,' it said. 'They decided to stay on Rottnest Island for the remainder of their booked holiday. 'When they returned to Fremantle on March 24, 2016, it became apparent that something was wrong. Ms Hulett, a Climate 200 candidate, lost her husband Matthew Bale during a holiday in 2016 when he tried to swim from Rottnest Island to Perth , but was never seen again 'There was no sign of the deceased at home or work, and his bank account had not been used.' But after returning home to Fremantle, Ms Hulett waited another five days to report him missing to the police. Ms Hulett almost won the overlapping state seat of Fremantle at Western Australia's March state elections, scoring a 26.4 per cent swing against Labor after she campaigned to ban billionaire Kerry Stokes from owning media outlets because of his oil and gas interests. State Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk held on with a bare 0.8 per cent margin. As a federal candidate, she scored 23.3 per cent of the primary vote, coming second behind Labor's 39.4 per cent. But was narrowly leading with 50.1 per cent after preferences on Monday morning following a 17 per cent swing against Labor, bucking the national trend that saw Anthony Albanese's government win a landslide re-election. During the federal campaign, Ms Hulett addressed her husband's disappearance from Rottnest Island on in a campaign podcast video. 'To come to the dramatic end, his mum and dad were over one time from the UK and we were in Rotto and basically he went missing one night,' she told her 'A Piece of Kate' Podcast. Ms Hulett had met her husband in the UK in 2008, and they moved to Australia in 2013, buying a unit in Fremantle and setting up a hat shop before later running a cafe 'There was this big blow-up where he was kind of trying, like, poke his mum and dad, snapping at him, saying, "You're a horrible son". 'He was just trying to get something, don't know what, and he just stormed off and he didn't come home and I was, "Fine, he'll just be sleeping on the beach or something".' Ms Hulett had met her husband in the UK in 2008, and they moved to Australia in 2013, buying a unit in Fremantle and setting up a hat shop before later running a cafe. The coronial inquest noted that Mr Bale, a former TV production editor in London, was physically fit and had previously competed in triathlons, with an ambition to complete the Rottnest Channel swim. But he had also struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, resorting to using methylamphetamine to the point where Ms Hulett had to call the police on him when his behaviour became extreme. 'Of course he was addicted and was losing his mind, like really publicly losing his mind,' Ms Hulett told her podcast. 'And it got really, really bad to the point where I, like, I was calling the police on him and he was trashing the building. 'It was complete chaos and I was living through this hell.' Her husband, who possibly had ADHD, developed a drug-induced psychosis and a psychiatrist prescribed him lurasidone, a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The inquest concluded he had died of misadventure as a result of having problems with drugs and alcohol. 'While, on the basis of the limited evidence available to me, I am unable to form any considered view as to the deceased's character, the impression I have is that he was a personable, vibrant man with a passionate approach to aspects of life which interested or challenged him, of which there were many,' it said. 'Unfortunately, the deceased was afflicted with depression and alcohol and drug addiction. 'Despite the opportunity afforded by extended rehabilitation and the ongoing support of his wife and family, he was unable to beat that addiction entirely and, as a result, made apparently impulsive choices which cost him his life.' Ms Hulett had organised a search of Rottnest Island after the State Emergency Service decided it had been too long since he went missing to do a search. 'SES wouldn't do anything because it had been too long; they only spend time looking for potential missing, alive people,' she said. 'This is so nuts as well - I arranged a whole search of the island with grids and teams, a hundred people came over and literally walked the island looking for a dead body or a body or him or anything. Didn't find anything then.' Ms Hullet did not learn about her husband's attempt to swim from Rottnest Island to Perth until a year later when two women who were on the island that night doing housekeeping had encountered her husband and shared some wine with him. 'Maybe a year later, or a bit longer, I got a call from the police randomly saying, "We've just had a call from someone in Queensland who's seen the missing persons ad in Queensland saying that they were on Rottnest the night that he went missing",' she told the campaign podcast. 'And they had a drink with him on the beach and then he said he was going to swim back. 'That's classic Matt; he would just be like, "I'm going to swim back to Freo, no worries ... night time, I'll just swim over".' Greens leader Adam Bandt is at risk of losing his seat after again falling behind in the vote count for the seat of Melbourne in Saturday's election. Bandt has held Melbourne for more than a decade but it could be taken by Labor's Sarah Witty, leaving the Greens without their leader in Parliament. It would be a devastating blow for the party with two other high-profile Greens MPs, Stephen Bates and housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather, having both conceded defeat on Saturday night. Ms Witty was ahead of Bandt with 52 per cent of votes compared to 48 per cent as of 10am AEST on Monday, with about two-thirds of ballots counted. This represents an 8.6 per cent swing to Labor since the last election in 2022. Preferences in postal votes are flowing 75.9 per cent to Labor and 24.1 per cent to the Greens in a particularly worrying sign for Mr Bandt. However Mr Bandt said he is 'confident' about holding onto his seat and is 'definitely not conceding'. Speaking to reporters, Mr Bandt took credit for 'our role in keeping Peter Dutton out'. Adam Bandt has fallen behind in the vote count to Labor's candidate for Melbourne 'There was a real threat of that hard right Trump-style politics coming to Australia,' he said. 'And for people who have campaigned against Peter Dutton's style of politics for many years, including when he came here to Melbourne and said people were scared to go out because of African gangs, seeing his attacks on refugees and his attempts at the start of the campaign to follow the Trump playbook page by page, it is a really significant moment that we have kept that Trump-style politics out of Australia.' The Greens are facing the prospect of having no MPs in the lower house after Bates' and Chandler-Mather's departures, with the remaining seats they are still in the running for far from assured. The party is faring better in the Senate, looking likely to claim 11 spots. Mr Bandt released a statement pointing to the Greens' highest ever general vote as a victory late on election night, but latest figures show their share of the primary vote dipped from 12.5 per cent in 2022 to 11.8 per cent this time. Mr Bandt said at that point he was confident of retaining his own seat and of picking up three more. 'We'll retain all our Senators, Melbourne and we're looking good in Ryan, Wills and Richmond we'll know more soon,' he said. Labor's Sarah Witty is ahead of Bandt with about 64 per cent of votes counted 'While our national vote has increased, the collapse in the Liberal vote means that Labor will win the seats of Griffith with Liberal preferences, and Brisbane too.' Firebrand Griffith MP Chandler-Mather lost following a huge 16 per cent swing to Labor candidate Renee Coffey. Chandler-Mather had been called Anthony Albanese's nemesis after butting heads with the Prime Minister about Labor's housing policy, claiming the Labor government was abandoning renters during the cost of living crisis. He previously said in Parliament that he would have to drag Labor 'kicking and screaming to taking meaningful action' on the rental crisis. 'If we praise the Labor Party for offering crumbs, that's all we'll get,' he said. Mr Bandt said following the outgoing MP's concession speech that 'there's never been a first term MP who has had the impact of Max Chandler-Mather'. 'He put the rental crisis firmly in the spotlight. He secured billions of dollars for social housing. He fed his local community with his own money. This is not the last we've seen of him,' he said. Brisbane Greens MP Stephen Bates also conceded defeat to Labor's Madonna Jarrett, finishing third behind the major parties. Chandler-Mather was a member of Labor's left during his time at the University of Queensland. Both of his parents were also members, and reportedly encouraged him to join Mr Bandt looked jubilant at an election reception at Hightail Bar in Melbourne on Saturday night Greens MP Stephen Bates is seen voting at Windsor State School in the electorate of Brisbane on Election Day They are both one-term MPs, despite the minor party's primary vote holding up. Mr Bandt said that 'Stephen Bates has been an incredible voice for Brisbane'. 'He has delivered 20,000 meals and holding more than 200 events in his community,' he said. 'He went from a retail worker into the halls of Parliament, to holding big corporations accountable for three years.' Mr Bandt also gloated about keeping Peter Dutton out of Parliament. The Opposition leader's political career looks set to be over after he lost his Queensland seat of Dickson to Labor's Ali France. 'Congratulations to Prime Minister Albanese and Labor on their campaign to keep Dutton out,' he said. 'The Greens are set to be a powerful force in the next Parliament, as part of a strong progressive crossbench and holding the balance of power in the Senate, pushing for more action on the climate, housing and cost of living crises.' During a primetime interview on Albania's public broadcaster late last month, Eglantina Legisi gave a damning account of the treatment of immigrants in the UK. New arrivals from the Balkan state in Britain, she complained, were scared to register at schools and hospitals because they feared they would be deported. Many were already traumatised after crossing the Channel on small boats, she said. 'People should say they have mental health in order to get asylum,' she told the interviewer during her half-hour segment on the show Ura meaning Bridge which is dedicated to the Albanian diaspora. 'I met a young man who told me that he missed his trial date and told the social worker if he was going to be deported he would kill himself.' As a freelance translator working for the Home Office dealing with courts, prisons and the police, she considered herself an authority on the UK's failings in such matters. 'I deal with immigration cases on a daily basis,' she said. 'The asylum system is chaotic.' But unbeknown to viewers, at the very moment she was publicly berating the British authorities she was also plotting to fraudulently undermine the system she was criticising. During a primetime interview on Albania's public broadcaster late last month, Eglantina Legisi gave a damning account of the treatment of immigrants in the UK, But unbeknown to viewers, at the very moment she was publicly berating the British authorities she was also plotting to fraudulently undermine the system she was criticising 'People should say they have mental health in order to get asylum,' she told the interviewer during her half-hour segment on the show Ura meaning Bridge which is dedicated to the Albanian diaspora As a freelance translator working for the Home Office dealing with courts, prisons and the police, she considered herself an authority on the UK's failings in such matters Two days earlier she had given a detailed explanation to an undercover reporter about a money-spinning scam she runs with other Home Office interpreters to provide fake guarantors that dupe judges into granting bail for illegal immigrants. And hours before her TV appearance she had been arranging for the reporter to meet a solicitor who would take the case. The Mail first began investigating after monitoring posts by families of immigrants held in detention centres requesting guarantors on Facebook groups set up for Albanians in the UK. Eglantina Legisi responded to three of these, urging those needing a guarantor to get in touch with her. When an undercover reporter posing as the relative of an illegal immigrant in detention messaged her she said that, for a 3,000 payment plus 1,000 for the surety, he could hire another interpreter who also did work for the Home Office to act as a guarantor to vouch for him in a bail hearing. Ms Legisi subsequently met with a second undercover reporter near her home in Welling, Kent, where she lives with her teenage son after arriving in Dover on the back of a lorry 15 years ago. During the meeting she told the Mail she plans to return to Albania after five years when her son finishes university here, to be reunited with her husband who still lives there. In the meantime her work as a freelance translator for the Home Office means she is perfectly placed to organise an illicit scheme to help illegal migrants. Two days earlier she had given a detailed explanation to an undercover reporter about a money-spinning scam she runs with other Home Office interpreters to provide fake guarantors that dupe judges into granting bail for illegal immigrants. Pictured: A grab from a video taken by the undercover reports Explaining how it works, she dismissed concerns that the judge might realise the immigrant and guarantor didn't know each other, saying that she and the solicitor would brief them ahead of the bail hearing and they would only be asked a few basic questions when in court. The guarantor would pretend to be a family friend rather than a direct relative to make it appear more plausible, she said. 'We prepare. Solicitor will prepare him. He knows to teach him what to say.' The authorities would trust the guarantor she was providing because she had a 'good job' and her husband ran a successful building company. The guarantor would tell the judge that the immigrant will live at their home if released, she said. 'The first thing is address because if they release him they want to know where he's going to stay. Even if he doesn't live in the guarantor's house in one week or two weeks, we find something, or you find the address, just fake address.' She said as long as he wasn't tagged, he could unofficially get a job. 'Everybody is working, my God, in restaurants and building, everywhere.' She said her translation work for the Home Office meant she knew 'everything' about the immigration system. 'We know how it works. We know the rules.' She said the solicitor she worked with knew they would be using a fake guarantor and 'everything' they were doing. Laughing, she added: 'He knows Albanians. Don't worry.' Four days after the meeting with her and two days after her TV interview our reporter met with solicitor Hassan Malik from HM Legal Ltd in his office in an industrial park in Rainham, Essex. Dressed in a chequered suit, he told us he would charge 3,500 to make a bail application and the reporter should discuss with Ms Legisi about the guarantor and 'whatever she's asking for that'. 'I will speak with Eglantina for the guarantor,' he said. 'The money for the guarantor, she will speak with whoever she speaks with 'My legal fees are separate to whatever she's got to talk about.' When the reporter raised concerns about the migrant not knowing the guarantor, Mr Malik said, 'I will tell him what to expect' in court. 'That is not a problem. That's my headache.' When the reporter raised the concern a second time, the solicitor suggested the migrant and guarantor might know each other if the guarantor was 'Albanian as well'. Albania has a population of 2.7 million. And when the reporter raised it a third time, the solicitor suggested the journalist should become the guarantor. In fact, the only concern he raised was whether the detainee had previously been deported from the UK, which he said would be a 'complication'. He later denied any wrongdoing to the Mail, insisting he did not know and had not discussed any payments to a guarantor and that Miss Legisi's comments did not represent his or his firm's position. He said: 'I do not speak to the Financial Condition Supporters until after I am provided the contact details by the detainees or once my contact details are passed on to the FCS. 'I also inform them of what is expected of them in a bail application including their relationship to the detainees and previous compliance and non-compliances of detainees. These are my responsibilities.' Following publication, Ms Legisi responded to the Mail to deny that she personally made any money from arranging guarantors. 'I didn't ask for money I have never done with money [I] just help them,' she said. She added that she was motivated by the 'mental health' problems migrants suffered when travelling to the UK. 'I categorically deny ever suggesting that Home Office interpreters accept bribes of 3,000 to manipulate immigration procedures.' Greens leader Adam Bandt is set to lose his seat of Melbourne to the Labor Party - short of a miracle occurring, our political editor Peter van Onselen writes: Preferences are flowing against Bandt strongly among postal votes and he's still 2,800 votes behind the Labor candidate as of 1.45pm Monday. Its hard to see where he'll pick up anywhere near enough extra votes to make up the difference. But there are absentee votes get to be counted, which could help him as the sitting MP. The biggest reason Bandt looks gone is because the Liberal how to vote card preferences Labor ahead of the Greens leader at this election, increasing the degree of difficulty for him to win dramatically. Liberal Party postals are usually quite high - all those affluent types on holidays who vote via the post before flying abroad - and this time they are therefore helping Labor for a change. It's a case of the major parties ganging up to rid the parliament of one of the biggest thorns in both parties' sides. There are 16 seats still notionally in doubt in the 150 seat House of Representatives. Currently the Labor Party has won 85 seats, remembering a majority requires just 76 seats. The Coalition is languishing on just 39 seats while there are 10 crossbench MPs certain of winning. Here are the seats other than Melbourne and what the state of play is: Bean in the ACT: the incumbent Labor MP David Smith is probably far enough in front of independent challenger Jessica Price to win his way back into the parliament. Bendigo: this regional Victorian seat is a tight race with the Labor incumbent Lisa Chesters narrowly in front by around 600 votes as postal counting continues. The Nats were bullish about their chances in Bendigo and have had a massive swing to them. Postals are favouring the Nats so the Labor lead keeps narrowing but its too close to call. Bradfield on Sydneys north shore is the last non-teal seat Liberals hold in that neck of the woods, but the Liberal candidate hoping to take over from outgoing MP Paul Fletcher is behind as postal votes get counted. The teal candidate, Nicole Boele, who hit the headlines during the campiagn for all the wrong reasons is in front by around 900 votes with the contest narrowing. Too close to call. Bullwinkel is a new seat created in WA on the outskirts of Perth. It was a notional Labor seat by around 3.3 percent but its candidate is in a virtual dead heat right now with Liberal candidate Matt Moran (not the celebrity chef). It was a remarkable performance by Moran to get this close, and hes probably a narrow favourite with postal counting continuing given that he only trails by 85 votes. But there arent that many postals to count. Calwell is a traditionally safe Labor seat and will be held by the government unless the independent challenger can rise high enough in the preference flow to get past the Liberal candidate and benefit from their preferences. Right now it looks more likely Labor hangs on. Flinders in Victoria is held by Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie and she is ahead of the Labor challenger by 3,000 votes. She will win. Franklin: Labor MP and minuster Julie Collins needs to cross her fingers that preferences dont bring her undone in what is a three cornered contest but its now very unlikely and she should hang on to win. Fremantle: incumbent Labor MP Josh Wilson is in the fight of his political life to stave off independent challenger Kate Hulett. Hes just under 200 votes behind in the count but closing with postal votes and will probably overtake her. Too close to call. Goldstein looks like being the most extraordinary showdown anywhere across the nation. Teal MP Zoe Daniel won the seat off of Liberal MP Tim Wilson back in 2022. Wilson re-contested it this time around and looked done on Saturday night as Daniel claimed victory before having to walk back her remarks the following day. Wilson was 1800 votes behind but now only trails by 95 votes and is very likely to see the trend thats brought him back into contention continue. A remarkable comeback. Kooyong sees Teal MP Monique Ryan well out in from of Liberal challenger Amelia Hamer, by just under 2,000 votes. The margin is coming down dramatically as postal votes get counted and Liberals think Hamer is still a chance but might run out of postals before overcoming the Teal. Longman is a Liberal held seat in Brisbane that Labor is narrowly in front in as counting continues. The margin is just over 300 votes and the lead has been bouncing back and forth. Too close to call. Menzies in Melbourne is one of the last Liberal held metropolitan seats. Incumbent Keith Wolahan looked gone on election night but is clawing closer as postals get counted. Hes currently about 1900 behind which is likely too far back to win, but Liberals arent giving up just yet. Monash is a Melbourne electorate held by veteran former Liberal Russell Broadbent. He lost preselection and contested the seat as an independent. Preference flows are all important here. If its a fight against the Labor Party the new Liberal candidate Mary Aldred will win. Broadbent wont, but his preferences could deliver the seat to another independent also in the mix. At the moment the Liberals are in front. Ryan was won off the Liberals at the last election. Its a seat previously held by former Liberal MP Andrew Lamming. Liberals hoped to win it back but it looks like the Greens will hang on, pending something dramatic happening with postal votes. A male passenger has been spotted openly smoking a 'crack pipe' on a packed tram during rush hour. One commuter captured the disturbing image of the man brazenly smoking a drug on the 58 tram line headed to West Coburg, a northern Melbourne suburb, at 5.15pm last Thursday. The man was seen smoking a substance in front of dozens of passengers, many of whom were children. 'I couldn't believe what I was seeing,' the female commuter said. 'This guy just lit up this crack pipe and started smoking it as if it was a cigarette. 'He was so blase about it. He couldn't have cared less that there were young kids on the train.' She added: 'He was taking up two seats and just kept puffing away. No one said or did anything. Even though the guy was young, I think people were worried what the reaction might have been. 'People smoking drugs can be erratic and capable of anything.' A man was seen smoking the drug on the 58 tram line headed to West Coburg, an inner Melbourne suburb, at 5.15pm last Thursday (pictured) Commuters were left horrified by the scene as the man smoked the illicit substance in front of dozens of passengers, many of whom were children (stock) Though the eyewitness called it a 'crack pipe', crack cocaine is relatively rare in Australia, and it was more likely the man was smoking methamphetamine. A report released in October 2024 showed that 547 Victorians died from drug overdoses in 2023. Men are on average twice as likely as women to die from overdose, and people aged between 35 and 54 are most at risk. Metropolitan Melbourne accounts for approximately three-quarters of overdose deaths. The figures, released by the Coroners Court of Victoria, has barely budged from the 550 overdose deaths recorded in 2022, which was the highest annual number in the past decade. In 2023, the drug contributing to the most overdose deaths was the sedative diazepam - commonly marketed under the brand Valium - which accounted for 213 deaths, followed by heroin (204), methamphetamine (164), alcohol (153) and the painkiller pregabalin (78) which is marketed under Lyrica. The annual number of methamphetamine-involved overdose deaths in Victoria more than tripled between 2014 and 2023 from 53 to 164 deaths. The percentage of these deaths that involved methamphetamine alone was 15.5 per cent while 84.5 percent involved other drugs. Judge John Cain, the Victorian State Coroner said: 'It is deeply troubling that 547 Victorians lost their lives to overdose last year. 'These deaths are preventable and we must strengthen our public health response and increase access to supports and treatment. 'Drug-related harms are complex and are driven by a variety of factors including changes in drug use, availability and regulation. 'That is why coronial data is so integral to understanding how best to target resources and save lives.' Simon Patterson has denied accusing his estranged wife Erin of poisoning his parents in the days after the deadly lunch. Concluding his evidence on Monday, Mr Patterson was taken to a conversation he had with Patterson at Monash Medical Centre after the deadly lunch on July 29, 2023. The court heard Patterson had a conversation with her husband about a dehydrator she had used to hide mushrooms in their children's muffins. 'Is that what you used to poison them?' Patterson's barrister Colin Mandy SC claimed Mr Patterson remarked. 'I did not say that to Erin,' Mr Patterson responded. The jury has previously heard Patterson panicked after she discovered that the food she prepared had resulted in her guests becoming sick. She later lied to police about not owning a food dehydrator. CCTV footage showed her dumping the dehydrator at the local tip and a forensic analysis showed it had traces of death cap mushrooms, and her fingerprints. Simon Patterson makes his way into court in Morwell on Monday Patterson has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Patterson's parents Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. They died after consuming death cap mushrooms served in a beef Wellington during lunch at her Leongatha home. The jury heard more about Mr Patterson's frosty relationship with his wife as the pair squabbled over child support and the payment of school fees. Mr Patterson maintained Patterson had been 'aggressive' in a group chat that included his parents, despite detectives not recovering those messages. Mr Patterson told the court Patterson had made a point of attacking him in the group chat. At the time, his mother had been unwell and he recalled his parents developed a policy that would ensure she would not read Patterson's messages. 'Dad and I were very relieved they had that policy,' Mr Patterson told the jury. The court heard Patterson 'had a crack' at her husband after he asked her to get their son to bed earlier as he appeared exhausted during a weekend visit. Erin Patterson's legal team enter the Latrobe Valley law courts on Monday WErin Patterson as she appeared on day one of the trial 'She messaged the group chat about that, extremely inflammatory,' he said. 'It was a message to me ... it was having a crack at me and accusing me of some things in response to what I messaged her about. 'She sent it to mum knowing mum's condition and what that could do to mum ... I'm still upset about that.' Simon also maintained his wife had shown no interest in the welfare of his parents after they became ill from the lunch she served them and had not asked him how they were doing. 'What Im suggesting to you, Mr Patterson, is that she asked that question,' Mr Mandy suggested. 'No, I cant recall her asking that,' he replied. 'I would have thought that would be something that shed be interested in asking about.' When pressed, Mr Patterson said it was 'possible but unlikely' she enquired about his parents. Erin Patterson in the days following the deadly lunch The Leongatha home where the deadly lunch was served 'Its a feeling I remember as thats odd,' he said. The court heard Patterson had been annoyed her husband had changed his relationship status to 'separated' on his tax return, which saw her lose out on a family tax benefit that came from being in a relationship. 'Im sorry, but I cant stop thinking about the comment that Don made on the phone, that the financial issues are probably easily solved and that Simon can reverse the single thing in his tax return",' she wrote on the group chat between December 4 and 17 in 2022. 'That is mind boggling in its implication, if thats really what he said he would do. 'Reversing the single thing is basically telling the government that Simon and I are not separated any more, and that we are still married and living together as a couple and shared finances, so that they consider our income as a whole. 'The immediate implication of that would be that I can no longer get family tax benefit ... Now I have no income from a job because I quit to care for the kids and if he reverses the single thing then Ill not be able to claim family tax benefit and Ill not be entitled to any child support 'Simon is hiding behind the communication from the government that now that I have made a child support claim, he doesnt have to pay any bills outside it. That is an instruction for people who want to be a bare minimum parent.' The court heard Don did his best to stay out of the ongoing argument. Simon Patterson and his media representative Jessica O'Donnell on Monday 'Thanks Don. I understand your position and that you and Gail dont want to be involved in certain aspects of these difficulties as it is uncomfortable and awkward,' Patterson responded. The jury heard Mr Patterson remained puzzled about why his estranged wife put his name on the title of a house in Mount Waverley years after they had separated. 'I didn't understand her purpose. We'd been separated for quite some time,' he said. 'I guess I didn't understand the purpose of her wanting me to be on the title.' The jury was also taken back to the supposed purpose of the deadly lunch. They had previously heard Patterson had planned to tell her in-laws about a 'medical issue' she needed advice with. Search for The Trial of Erin Patterson where you get your podcasts now. To listen ad-free, plus get access to other fascinating true crime series, subscribe to The Crime Desk, the home of arresting podcasts Asked on Monday why he didn't ask his parents or Patterson about that issue, Mr Patterson said he couldn't be confident she actually had a medical issue. 'I remember feeling puzzled after she invited me to the lunch that although shed communicated it was a serious medical issue that was to be talked about, it was going to be weeks later that the conversation was going to happen,' he said. 'I couldnt reconcile those two facts.' The trial continues. President Donald Trump sparked a liberal meltdown and is facing an onslaught of criticism from California Democrats after detailing an ambitious plan to reopen and expand the notorious Alcatraz prison. Trump announced on Truth Social on Sunday night a plan to restore Alcatraz to all its glory, 62 years after it was shut down due to the exorbitant cost of running it. 'It was just an idea I had,' Trump proudly revealed later on Sunday, slamming 'radicalized judges' who made him look outside the box after repeatedly trying to block his efforts to deport illegal migrants. But the plan has been skewered by critics, including Governor Gavin Newsom's director of communications Izzy Gardon, who according to the New York Times 'laughed when asked about the order.' 'Looks like it's Distraction Day again in Washington, D.C.,' he said dismissively. A second spokesperson in Newsom's office told the LA Times: 'Trump is pledging to reopen Alcatraz as American consumers feel the financial pinch of his unpopular tariffs and he continues to tussle with the courts over mass deportations of immigrants.' California State Senator Scott Wiener led criticism from within the state, warning constituents 'he wants to turn Alcatraz into a domestic gulag right in the middle of San Francisco Bay.' Wiener said even if he were to put aside the fact that Alcatraz is now a museum and one of the state's premier tourist attractions, Trump's proposal is 'both nuts and terrifying. 'He specifically calls out judges who won't let him deport whomever he wants without due process. In addition to being deeply unhinged, this is an attack on the rule of law.' President Donald Trump sparked a liberal meltdown and is facing an onslaught of criticism from California Democrats after detailing an ambitious plan to reopen and expand the notorious Alcatraz prison The plan has been skewered by critics, including Governor Gavin Newsom's director of communications who said it 'looks like it's Distraction Day again' and Nancy Pelosi Alcatraz brings in upwards of 1.5 million tourists and generates an estimated $60million in revenue annually Alcatraz brings in upwards of 1.5 million tourists and generates an estimated $60 million in revenue annually. The former maximum security federal prison off the coast of San Francisco was closed in 1963 after 29 years of operation. One of the leading factors in the decision to shutter it for good was the cost of restoration and maintenance. The Bureau of Prisons at the time said it would have cost an estimated $3 million to $5 million simply to keep the doors open. 'That figure did not include daily operating costs - Alcatraz was nearly three times more expensive to operate than any other Federal prison,' a spokesperson said at the time. Nancy Pelosi said on Sunday: 'Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. 'The President's proposal is not a serious one.' The main expense was due to the fact that Alcatraz was an island and all of the goods had to be shipped in. 'The island had no source of fresh water, so nearly one million gallons of water had to be barged to the island each week,' the Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said. 'The Federal Government found that it was more cost-effective to build a new institution than to keep Alcatraz open.' The former maximum security federal prison off the coast of San Francisco was closed in 1963 after 29 years of operation. One of the leading factors in the decision to shutter it for good was the cost of restoration and maintenance California State Senator Scott Wiener led criticism from within the state, warning constitutents 'he wants to turn Alcatraz into a domestic gulag right in the middle of San Francisco Bay' Beyond that, the facilities are severely lacking when compared to similar maximum security prisons across mainland America. At the time of the decision to shutter Alcatraz more than 60 years ago, the facilities had already fallen into a state of disrepair and required extensive renovations to keep up with the times. Alcatraz has the space to hold 336 inmates, but historically the most prisoners ever jailed there at any given point was 275. Comparatively, modern day maximum security prisons across America typically hold between 1,000 and 2,500 inmates. Columnist Michael Cohen argued 'there's pretty much zero chance he's heard of Supermax prisons, prompting lawyer George Conway to add: 'Or knows that Alcatraz is a tiny little rock that can only fit a couple hundred people.' But Trump maintains the notorious facility, which once held famed gangster Al Capone, will once again 'house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders.' Clarifying his position later on Sunday, Trump confirmed that his decision was made, at least in part, in response to 'radicalized judges' who are trying to limit his power to deport illegal immigrants. 'So many of these radicalized judges they want to have trials for every single person in our country illegally,' he said. Trump maintains the notorious facility, which once held famed gangster Al Capone, will once again 'house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders' According to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), an estimated $3 million to $5 million was needed just for restoration and maintenance work to keep the prison open One of the guard towers on Alcatraz Island with the city of San Francisco in the background In a post shared to TruthSocial on Sunday night, Trump vowed 'the reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE' 'That would mean millions of trials and it's just so ridiculous what's happening.' Trump has repeatedly clashed with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members and illegal migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The maximum security prison, which was shut down in 1963, will provide Trump a workaround to those court orders barring him from carrying out the mass deportation scheme. 'We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally,' he wrote in his initial post. He later said: 'It's long been a symbol, Alcatraz, of whatever it is. It's a bad symbol, but it's a symbol of law and order. 'It's got quite a history, frankly, so I think we're going to do that. We're looking at it right now.' The prison was catapulted to fame in the 1996 movie The Rock, starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. One X user trolled Trump after the announcement, writing: 'You know that Trump watched 'Escape From Alcatraz' or some similar film today and had a eureka moment. Al Capone's mugshot when he arrived at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary August 22, 1934 The prison was closed permanently just a year after three inmates escaped, never to be seen again The prison is now a museum and tourist attraction for visitors. Pictured: A National Park Service ranger walking through the old dining hall Another wrote: 'I'm telling you The Rock (with Sean Connery) was on Fx last night.' In Alcatraz, prisoners were afforded just four rights: food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. According to the Bureau of Prisons webpage, 'everything else was a privilege that had to be earned. 'Some privileges a prisoner could earn included: working, corresponding with and having visits from family members, access to the prison library, and recreational activities such as painting and music. 'Once prison officials felt a man no longer posed a threat and could follow the rules (usually after an average of five years on Alcatraz), he could then be transferred back to another Federal prison to finish his sentence and be released.' Trump directed the Bureau of Prisons to work alongside the Department of Justice, FBI and Homeland Security to 'reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt' Alcatraz. Trump has also directed the opening of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labeled the 'worst criminal aliens. Several judges have ruled he must grant deportees due process. Trump has also floated potentially sending American citizens there and to other foreign prisons, but a reinvigorated Alcatraz could also solve that problem should legal challenges arise. There were 378 cells at the prison in total including isolation cells. The cell pictured is adorned with artworks made by the inmate in a bid to brighten things up American authors Joan Didion and Shirley Streshinsky seen visiting Alcatraz Prison 'For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than misery and suffering,' he wrote. 'When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. 'That's the way it's supposed to be. No longer will we tolerate these serial offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets.' Following the announcement of its closure, signed off by US Attorney General Robert Kennedy, Alcatraz's population was slowly whittled down, with inmates redistributed to other federal prisons. On Sunday, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency 'will comply with all Presidential Orders.' Dr Monique Ryan, the Teal MP for Kooyong, declared victory on Saturday night, but now admits the race is still on and that she could yet lose the high-profile seat. Dr Ryan's margin over Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer in the blue-ribbon electorate in in Melbourne's leafy inner east has shrunk to just 1, 408 votes on Monday during the counting of pre-poll and postal returns. The former paediatric neurologist declared victory on Saturday night, with her husband holding up a 'Kooyong we did it!' sign before she addressed supporters. But Dr Ryan said she no longer felt safe in the contest, declaring the outcome was a '50-50' proposition. 'Things were looking good on the night, in (election analyst) Antony Green we trusted,' she told ABC Radio Melbourne on Monday morning. 'But postal votes have been very much pro the conservative side so I think at this point Kooyong is very much in the air. It's possible (I could lose).' Dr Ryan's primary vote was up 4.1 per cent on the previous election, but has only received 25 per cent of the postal votes thus far, compared with 57 per cent for Ms Hamer. Monique Ryan's victory declaration proved to be premature with Kooyong now too close to call Two campaign volunteers (one pictured) claimed they were instructed by the Hubei Association, a group previously associated with the Chinese Communist Party, to support Teal independent Monique Ryan The road to re-election has been chaotic over the five-week campaign with Dr Ryan facing a series of controversies. A week before election day, on April 27, Dr Ryan came under fire after footage emerged of two campaign volunteers claiming they were told by China-linked community group the Hubei Association to support her. The group has previously been accused of working with the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Department, a foreign influence operations agency. As a result, the Australian Electoral Commission referred the video to the Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce, a move which was welcomed by the Teal MP. The drama surrounding her campaign kicked off in March when her husband, Peter Jordan, was filmed removing a sign backing Ms Hamer. 'I unreservedly apologise for removing the sign. It was a mistake,' Mr Jordan later told Daily Mail Australia. 'I believed the sign was illegally placed, but I should have reported my concerns to council.' Dr Ryan also issued her own apology, saying it should not have happened. Independent candidate Zoe Daniel is fighting to retain her seat as postal votes are counted Meanwhile, fellow teal MP Zoe Daniel's lead over Liberal candidate Tim Wilson in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein has dwindled to fewer than 100 votes after postal returns. The former journalist leads by just 95 votes and expected it would take days for the final result to be confirmed. If Mr Wilson or Ms Hamer, or both, are able to turn the tables on the Teals, they are likely to be the Liberals' only federal representatives in metropolitan Melbourne. Liberal frontbencher Michael Sukkar has lost his ultra-marginal seat of Deakin, with Menzies still not declared as up-and-coming MP Keith Wolahan narrows the lead of Labor's Gabriel Ng. Aaron Violi is projected to hold onto the neighbouring seat of Casey after trailing Labor's Naomi Oakley on the night but in Flinders, fellow Liberal Zoe McKenzie's battle with independent Ben Smith and Labor's Sarah Race is too close to call. La Trobe MP Jason Woods, who survived a primary vote swing of five per cent against him, said the Liberals 'double trouble' attack on Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan failed to land with voters. 'It just didn't cut through at all,' he said. Elsewhere, Labor's Sarah Whitty is ahead of Greens leader Adam Bandt in Melbourne and long-time Labor MP Peter Khalil leads Wills over the Greens former state leader Samantha Ratnam. But the ALP's Lisa Chester's race with Nationals candidate Andrew Lethlean in Bendigo, which overlaps the state premier's seat, was too close to call. Ms Allan claimed credit for Labor's stunning result in Victoria when speaking to reporters on Sunday, declaring it wasn't in spite of her government's work but because of it. Deputy Prime Minster Richard Marles wasn't so sure, suggesting people voted on federal issues and the choice between Mr Albanese and Peter Dutton. 'I was confident in the context of Victoria... that as we got closer to the election people would ultimately see that that was the choice,' he said. Former Liberal strategist turned pollster Tony Barry led off recriminations of the party on election night, calling the state branch a 'broken institution'. He noted state Liberal leader Brad Battin promoted outspoken MP Moira Deeming to become his 'representative to the western suburbs' during the campaign as she continues to pursue former leader John Pesutto for legal costs following her defamation trial win. A man who sexually assaulted more than a dozen women at a Melbourne nightclub has been spared jail time. David Maria Anthony Rayan, 35, looked forward and nodded as he was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order on Monday. Rayan had pleaded guilty to 17 charges of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault over attacks on 18 women over the course of three nights in late 2023 at Revolver Upstairs in the inner south-eastern suburb of Prahran. CCTV footage from the nightclub showed Rayan groping his victims on the buttocks, stroking their backs and kissing them on the arms and shoulders. Victorian County Court Judge Peter Rozen described the offending as brazen as he handed down Rayan's sentence. 'Your offending was deliberate and you knew what you were doing,' he said. Judge Rozen found Rayan's moral culpability was considerable and that he still lacked insight into his offending, which was concerning. But the judge accepted that his risk of reoffending was low and the crimes were out of character David Maria Anthony Rayan, 35, (pictured right) sexually assaulted more than a dozen women at a Melbourne nightclub has been spared jail time The court heard that Mr Rayan's offences followed the breakdown of his marriage and estrangement from his infant daughter. The victims ranged from 18 years old to 48, with the judge reading out the victim impact statement from one woman who said she had left Victoria as a result so she could be closer to support. Rayan must complete 180 hours of unpaid community work as part of his two-year community corrections order. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Former Vice President Mike Pence took to the stage on Sunday night to accept the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and delivered a not-so-subtle rebuke of his former boss without ever speaking his name. Though Pence never mentioned 'Donald Trump', his remarks rang with pointed reminders about the Constitution and the rule of law only hours after Trump had answered questions about the Fifth Amendment in a TV interview. Pressed by NBC's Kristen Welker on whether both U.S. citizens and noncitizens are entitled to due process, Trump shrugged: 'I don't know. I'm not, I'm not a lawyer. I don't know.' Pence received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award from the JFK Library Foundation for his refusal to go along with President Trump's efforts to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. Pence, hailed for upholding the peaceful transfer of power on January 6, 2021, repeatedly invoked the Constitution during his 10-minute speech, framing it as the enduring bedrock of American unity. Without naming Trump, Pence nodded toward the chaos of that day and the partisan fractures it exposed - both in the country and within the Republican Party. In a moment that felt both personal and political he added, 'By God's grace I did my duty that day to support the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States of America.' Former Vice President Mike Pence accepted the prestigious JFK Profile in Courage Award and delivered a not-so-subtle rebuke of his former boss without ever speaking his name Pence's comments came hours after an interview with Trump aired in which he was asked whether US citizens and noncitizens both deserve due process as laid out in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Trump was distinctly noncommittal The award recognizes Pence 'for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on January 6, 2021,' the JFK Library Foundation stated. 'To forge a future together, we have to find common ground,' Pence said. 'I hope in some small way my presence here tonight is a reminder that whatever differences we may have as Americans, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand. It's what binds us across time and generations. It's what makes us one people.' His comments came just hours after an interview with Trump aired in which he was asked whether US citizens and noncitizens both deserve due process as laid out in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Trump was distinctly noncommittal. While he avoided calling out the president directly, Pence did make several references to the current Trump administration. Referencing what he called 'these divided times, in these anxious days,' he acknowledged that he probably had differences with the Democrats in the room. But he also acknowledged splits with his own Republican Party 'on spending, tariffs and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured.' Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg and her son Jack Schlossberg present the 2025 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award to former US Vice President Mike Pence When a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, some chanted that they wanted to 'hang Mike Pence' Pence rejected Secret Service's advice that he leave the Capitol, staying to continue the ceremonial election certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential victory once rioters were cleared Trump pressured Pence to reject election results from swing states where the Republican president falsely claimed the vote was marred by fraud. Pence refused, saying he lacked such authority. When a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, some chanted that they wanted to 'hang Mike Pence.' Pence was whisked away by Secret Service agents, narrowly avoiding a confrontation with the rioters. 'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify,' Trump wrote at the time on X as rioters moved through the Capitol. At the time, Pence was in hiding with his family, aides and security detail inside the building. Pence rejected the Secret Service's advice that he leave the Capitol, staying to continue the ceremonial election certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential victory once rioters were cleared. In describing his role, Pence told the audience that 'January 6 was a tragic day but it became a triumph of freedom. History will record that our institutions held,' he said in his speech. 'Leaders in both chambers, in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracy's work under the Constitution.' On Sunday night, JFKs daughter, Caroline Kennedy, who along with his grandson Jack Schlossberg presented the award, said Pence's actions that day were a reminder that you cannot take democracy for granted. Former Vice President Mike Pence arrives with his wife, Karen Pence, at the JFK Library where he received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in Boston President Donald Trump waves as he arrives on the South Lawn of the White House after spending the weekend in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago residence Violent protesters, loyal to President Donald Trump, storm the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington 'At the time I thought Vice President Pence was just doing his job,' she said. 'Only later did I realize that his act of courage saved our government and warned us about what could happen and is happening right now.' The Profile in Courage Award, named for a book Kennedy published in 1957 before he became president, honors public officials who take principled stands despite the potential political or personal consequences. Previous recipients of the award include former Presidents Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford. Pence has emerged as one of the few Republicans willing to take on the Trump administration. His political action group, Advancing American Freedom, campaigned against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the nation's health agencies. He's delivered speeches urging the president to stand with longtime foreign allies and posted an article he penned more than a decade ago on the limits of presidential power after Trump claimed that, 'He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.' Donald Trump has admitted he has no idea who Peter Dutton is while praising Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for being 'very nice' to him. Quizzed about the Australian election result outside the White House on Monday morning, the US President said: 'Albanese, I'm very friendly with. 'I don't know anything about the election... the man that won is very good.' Asked about Albanese's previous comments that Trump's across-the-board 10 per cent tariffs were 'not the act of a friend', Trump said: 'I can only say he's been very, very nice to me, very respectful to me. 'I have no idea who the other person is that ran against him. 'We've had a very good relationship.' The PM later revealed he had spoken to Trump following his re-election victory. 'I had a very warm and positive conversation about President Trump just a short while ago while I was at the Lodge,' he said on Monday morning. Quizzed about the Australian election result outside the White House on Monday morning, US President Donald Trump (pictured) said: 'Albanese, I'm very friendly with' Trump has admitted he has no idea who Peter Dutton (pictured) is 'I thanked him for his very warm message of congratulations. We talked about AUKUS and tariffs. 'We will continue to engage with each other on a face-to-face basis at some time in the future. 'But it was very warm... And I thanked him for reaching out in such a positive way as well.' The PM was then asked when he will visit the United States and whether a June trip is on the cards. Albanese declined to answer directly but added: 'I'll make an announcement when we have an announcement.' Trump avoided addressing the suggestion his presidency had contributed to a drop in Coalition support. Dutton has never met Trump and is now not particularly likely to after losing the election and his own seat of Dickson on Saturday night. A Daily Mail Australia-Ipsos poll carried out during the campaign found that voters saw the Coalition as narrowly better than Labor at handling Trump, 32 per cent to 29 per cent. Anthony Albanese (pictured on Monday walking to Parliament) later revealed he had spoken to Trump following his re-election victory But a local backlash to Trump's agenda is widely seen as a factor in Dutton's election wipeout. The Coalition had shown signs of mirroring some Trump policies such as an attack on working from home arrangements for public servants. Later during the campaign, Dutton had sought to distance himself from Trump's agenda. But the coalition was criticised for its policies to cut 41,000 public servants and name NT senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as spokeswoman for government efficiency - similar to Mr Trump's policies. Senator Price also made headlines when she called to 'make Australia great again', referencing Trump's election slogan. Trump's policies were a key factor in the recent election in Canada, which returned its centre-left government and punished the right-wing opposition, with its leader losing his House of Commons seat. Albanese and Dutton had campaigned on who would be best placed to deal with the Trump White House, following the president's imposition of tariffs on US allies. Dutton suggested during the election that he would be able to get a phone call with the president to secure a better deal. While Mr Trump hasn't put out an official statement congratulating Mr Albanese, like other world leaders, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media after the election outcome. 'Australia is a valued US friend and a close partner,' he said on X, formerly Twitter. 'We look forward to continuing to promote freedom and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.' The US has imposed a 10 per cent base tariff on Australian goods imports and 25 per cent on aluminium and steel. Labor is pushing ahead with priority reforms such as slashing student debt after its historic election win, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with his top generals to plot the government's path. Mr Albanese and his leadership team will meet on Monday to decide a timeline for naming a new ministry and a caucus meeting, which will showcase a swathe of new faces in the party room. Depending on the final vote count, the delicate factional balance in the ministry could stir a wider reshuffle, under an ascendant left wing. Labor picked up more than a dozen seats, with more on the table as ballot counting continues. The government needed at least 76 out of 150 lower house seats to win. Mr Albanese's attention now turns to governing after getting his first full night's sleep since the campaign started in late March. 'People know I am a man of my word, and that begins here today,' Mr Albanese told Sydney radio station Triple M on Monday. Mr Albanese is also fielding phone calls from world leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. US President Donald Trump offered his congratulations from Washington, although the two have yet to speak by phone. Anthony Albaneses government will reduce student loan debt by 20 per cent How much your student debt will be wiped by is revealed in the table above The prime minister has a decisive mandate after increasing Labor's majority to at least 85 seats, with 16 still in doubt, and the first item on the legislative agenda is to introduce its 20 per cent student debt cut. The government faces a weakened opposition, with the battered Liberals losing at least 13 seats and potentially as many as 19. Leader Peter Dutton was the highest-profile casualty, becoming the first opposition leader to lose his seat while three other Liberal frontbenchers were also booted from parliament by Labor candidates. With no heir-apparent after Mr Dutton's loss in Dickson, frontrunners include shadow treasurer Angus Taylor, deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley, defence spokesman Andrew Hastie and immigration spokesman Dan Tehan. On Monday, some of the Liberal party's senators conceded the Coalition had failed to offer voters a substantial policy platform, especially on the economy. 'You've got to have the ambition to lead on the economy and ... I don't think that's been evident over the last few years,' Liberal senator Andrew Bragg told ABC radio. The Coalition needed to avoid culture wars that targeted minorities and become more inclusive to win back the middle ground, he said, criticising the decision to preference One Nation as 'misguided'. 'We have a healthy live and let live ethos in this country and we have diversity, and generally speaking, that's what most Australians are comfortable with, they don't want to see division,' he said. Senate colleague Hollie Hughes, who lost her party's pre-selection, was scathing of Mr Taylor's role in the defeat saying 'the economic narrative was just completely non-existent' and there were questions about his capability. 'I have concerns about his capabilities, but that is shared by a huge number of my colleagues,' she said. Treasurer Jim Chalmers joined the pile-on, saying it would be 'extraordinary if Angus Taylor was rewarded with a promotion after the diabolical contribution that he made to this history-making coalition defeat'. The nosedive in the Liberal vote has also cost the Greens seats, after support for Labor surged and Liberal preferences flowed to the government rather than the minor party. President Donald Trump is imposing a 100 per cent tariff on any movie produced outside the United States, in a major blow for Australia's film industry. By doing so, Trump wants to save America's movie industry from 'dying a very fast death'. 'Other countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States,' he claimed on his Truth Social platform on Sunday. 'Hollywood and many other areas within the USA are being devastated. 'This is a concerted effort by other Nations and therefore a National Security threat. 'It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda.' Australia's federal government provides generous tax incentives to get films made Down Under, including a 30 per cent location offset and a 30 per cent offset for post, digital, and visual effects, while state governments also contribute their own support packages. In 2023-24, foreign film and television productions accounted for $768million in screen expenditure in Australia. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100 per cent tariff on any movie produced outside the United States The Fall Guy starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt (both pictured) was primarily filmed in Sydney Trump announced he is authorising the Department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative to 'immediately begin the process of instituting a 100 per cent tariff on any and all movies coming to our country that are produced in foreign lands'. 'WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN,' he concluded. America's commerce secretary Howard Lutnick posted on X: 'We're on it,' in response to Trump's announcement. Arts minister Tony Burke said the government was monitoring the situation closely. 'Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry,' he told the ABC. Recent US productions filmed in Australia include The Fall Guy starring Ryan Gosling, The Mongoose with Liam Neeson, and Apex starring Charlize Theron. Several new film studios and sound stages are under different stages of planning and construction in the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and Melbourne. The original Mad Max trilogy was filmed in the Broken Hill region in NSW while the 2015 film starring Tom Hardy (pictured) was partly filmed in film studios in Sydney Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner said Trump's announcement reinforced the need for the Australian government to build 'a resilient local industry that can withstand global shocks like this'. According to FilmLA, a non-profit that tracks the regions production, film and television production in Los Angeles has fallen by nearly 40 per cent over the last decade. Governments around the world have offered generous tax credits and cash rebates to encourage productions, such as Australia's 30 per cent location offset. Australian academic Ben Eltham said Trump's tariffs may force the country to focus on growing its local industry. The 30 per cent location offset attracts overseas investment rather then helping to grow Australia's industry by 'creating, writing, directing and producing our own stuff here for our own market'. A man and woman faced court on Monday after shots were allegedly fired from a vehicle at various locations on the outskirts of Newcastle, NSW. Police launched an investigation after a video circulated on social media, sparking a tip-off from a concerned member of the public on Sunday evening. The footage showed a man behind the wheel of a vehicle, firing a gun out the window on two separate occasions, before he could be heard saying, 'Oops'. The first is believed to have happened at 4pm on Sunday while driving in Toronto on the Central Coast with the second at 9:35pm in Tenambit in Maitland on the Hunter. At 2:35am on Monday, Port Stephens police officers put a white Mazda CX5 under covert surveillance in Burley Street, Tenambit. It is alleged that while sitting in the parked vehicle, the man fired a single shot into the air. The car was then tracked by PolAir to a home on Coal Point Road, Coal Point, south of Newcastle. The gun, seen in the video, was allegedly fired out of the moving car in NSW's Lower Hunter Specialist police units, including the Tactical Operations Unit, surrounded the property. At around 5:15am, a 27-year-old man emerged from the house and was arrested without incident. Shortly after, officers entered the property and arrested a 22-year-old woman in connection with the investigation. During a subsequent search of the home and property, officers allegedly located a firearm, ammunition, and a replica pistol. Police also alleged the man was disqualified from driving in NSW, was subject to a Firearms Prohibition Order, and was also driving the car without permission. The 27-year-old has been charged with 11 offences, including possession of an unauthorised prohibited firearm and reckless driving. Detective Ranald Urquhart, Crime Manager for the Port Stephens and Hunter Police District, condemned the footage, branding it 'deeply concerning'. The video showing the man fire the gun inside the car, was shared to social media 'It is an incredibly dangerous offence and will be treated very seriously,' Detective Urquhar said. 'It most definitely is not a giggle. It's a very, very serious offence. 'Social media can be a bit of a double edged sword, it can be used for some persons for notoriety but it can also assist police when it comes to offences and identifying offenders.' At least nine people were shot on Sunday night when gunfire tore through an Arizona restaurant where a Cinco de Mayo celebration was being held. Panic erupted around 7:45pm on Sunday night at a Glendale steakhouse, near the intersection of Glendale and Grand avenues, where stunned witnesses reported a barrage of gunshots by the restaurant. Police received several frantic 911 calls as the scene at El Camaron Gigante descended into chaos. The venue was holding a family-friendly Cinco de Mayo party with dozens of people of all ages present. One eyewitness reported hearing more than 20 shots with the shooting carrying on for 15 to 20 seconds before a further 10 shots rang out 30 seconds later. At a tense press briefing around 9pm, Glendale Police Public Information Officer Moroni Mendez described a scene of confusion and urgency. While initial reports suggest there could be up to nine victims, Mendez stopped short of confirming the exact number, citing the fluid and ongoing nature of the investigation. 'I heard people yelling out names. There was a man on the ground and it didn't look like he made it,' Lupe Rodriguez, a bystander who ran to safety, said to AZFamily. 'His father was yelling out his name. It was pretty bad.' A shooting at a Glendale venue o Sunday night left possibly up to nine people injured At a tense press briefing around 9pm, Glendale Police Public Information Officer Moroni Mendez said there could be as many as nine victims 'We began receiving calls just before 8pm about a shooting at an establishment,' Mendez said. 'There are multiple victims. We're still working to confirm the total number and circumstances.' No suspects have been identified, but several individuals were taken into custody. Mendez also confirmed that no police officers fired their weapons during the incident, and it does not appear that security personnel were involved in the shooting. Police responded to frantic 911 calls around 7:45pm near Glendale and Grand avenues Authorities confirmed no officers or security personnel discharged weapons The motive remains unknown as detectives work through a chaotic, active investigation The entire area has been sealed off, with detectives and tactical units combing the scene for evidence as police brace for a long night of interviews, surveillance reviews, and forensic analysis. 'This is a very active situation,' Mendez said. 'We expect to have more clarity after tonight's briefing with investigators.' Police are urging anyone with information or footage from the area to come forward as the investigation gets underway. Erin Patterson told friends she was 'hiding mushrooms in everything' after buying a dehydrator in the lead-up to hosting her deadly lunch. On Monday, three of Patterson's Facebook chums appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria via video link where they gave evidence against the alleged killer. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to murdering her estranged husband Simon Patterson's parents Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. They died after consuming death cap mushrooms served in a beef Wellington during lunch at her Leongatha home in the state's east. Stay-at-home mum Daniela Barkley told the court Patterson was 'excited' about buying the dehydrator in the weeks before the fateful lunch. She had met Patterson over their interest in true crime, particularly killer Keli Lane who was convicted of the 1996 murder of her newborn baby. In one exchange shown to the jury, Patterson revealed she had been hiding mushrooms in the kids' food. 'I've been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything,' she wrote. 'Mixed it into chocolate brownies yesterday. The kids had no idea.' Erin Patterson in the days following the deadly lunch Patterson later joked that she wanted to take the dehydrator to the local supermarket to reduce the weight of vegetables before buying them. The jury saw photos of the dehydrator, and mushrooms dehydrated in it, which were sent by Patterson to the group. About two weeks before the lunch, Ms Barkley claimed Patterson asked the chat group for tips on how to make a beef Wellington. Ms Barkley - a vegetarian - suggested she bake a 'tofu Wellington'. The court heard each member of the five-person chat group provided Patterson with advice on how to make the pastry dish. Days later Patterson complained to the group about the cost of beef fillet and asked about alternatives. The court heard Patterson would also complain about her husband to her online mates - none of whom ever met her in person. Ms Barkley said Patterson described Simon as being 'unclean' and expressed concern about her children staying at his filthy home. Simon Patterson makes his way into court in Morwell on Monday 'She wasn't happy. She didn't want the kids to stay overnight because she wasn't happy with how he lived,' she said. The court heard she later cleaned Mr Patterson's home herself. Ms Barkley said Patterson had expressed other problems with her estranged husband. 'Just that he wasn't a very nice person,' she told the court. The jury heard Patterson told the group she was an atheist just weeks before the lunch and that she was annoyed at how religious Mr Patterson was. 'He put the church before her and his family,' she said. The court heard Patterson recounted a story about her husband refusing to allow his children to open the fridge when the power went out. 'Then he went to church,' Mr Barkley said. Erin Patterson's legal team enter the Latrobe Valley law courts on Monday Another chat group member, Christine Hunt, told the court Patterson accused her husband of being 'controlling'. 'He was very controlling. She used the word coercive at times,' she said. 'Coercive control was the sense we were given.' Mr Patterson, who finished giving his evidence on Monday, sat at the front of the court as the evidence was given. Ms Hunt told the court she too was told by Patterson that she was an atheist despite attending church. When challenged about that assertion by Patterson's barrister Colin Mandy, SC, Ms Hunt maintained her evidence was true. 'She was two-sided on that. She went to church because of the family situation ... she described herself as an atheist,' she said. 'Did she express frustration over her husband's religious beliefs?' Mr Mandy asked. WErin Patterson as she appeared on day one of the trial 'Yes she did,' Ms Hunt responded. Earlier, Mr Patterson denied accusing Erin of poisoning his parents in the days after the deadly lunch. Mr Patterson was asked about a conversation he had with her at Monash Medical Centre after the deadly lunch on July 29, 2023, in which they discussed the dehydrator. 'Is that what you used to poison them?' Erin Patterson's barrister Colin Mandy SC claimed Mr Patterson remarked. 'I did not say that to Erin,' Mr Patterson responded. Search for The Trial of Erin Patterson where you get your podcasts now. To listen ad-free, plus get access to other fascinating true crime series, subscribe to The Crime Desk, the home of arresting podcasts The jury has previously heard Patterson panicked after she discovered that the food she prepared had resulted in her guests becoming sick. She later lied to police in saying she did not own a food dehydrator. CCTV footage showed her dumping the dehydrator at the local tip and a forensic analysis showed it had traces of death cap mushrooms, and her fingerprints. The trial continues. An army major has been charged with murdering his wife more than four years after she died in what was initially believed to be an accidental kayaking drowning. Graeme Davidson, 54, who moved to Thailand after his wife's death in 2020, was arrested on Sunday while visiting Brisbane. His wife, Jacqueline Davidson, 54, drowned while kayaking with him at Lake Samsonvale north of Brisbane in November 2020. Ms Davidson could not be revived when they returned to shore despite onlookers and emergency services performing CPR and she died at the scene. Davidson also allegedly tried to claim more than $1million in life insurance policies after her death. 'Initially, the woman's death appeared to be non-suspicious,' Queensland Police said in a statement. However, a coronial inquiry led to detectives declaring it suspicious and launching Operation Victor Harlow. The 'complex and lengthy' probe gathered witness and expert statements, including information about the conditions of the lake at the time of Ms Davidson's death. Graeme Davidson, 54, has been charged over the death of his wife Jacqueline (pictured together above) Police will allege Davidson was involved in his wife's drowning death 'Police will allege the man was involved in the drowning death of the woman,' police said. Davidson has been charged with murder, fraud and attempted fraud. He was refused police bail and made no appearance at Brisbane Magistrates Court when the matter was mentioned on Monday. Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor confirmed the fraud charge concerns money that was allegedly obtained from life insurance claims. 'The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million,' he told the Courier Mail. 'And there was an attempted fraud, a claim was made. 'Incidents are not always what they initially seem, so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation. Jacqueline Davidson, 54, drowned while kayaking with Davidson at Lake Samsonvale north of Brisbane in November 2020 'This is also an important reminder to the community to report any suspicious circumstances to police as you see them. 'Even if they seem insignificant, they may be an important piece to the puzzle in an investigation.' Davidson's Linkedin profile states he was a major in the Australian Army and a Captain of the British Army. It is believed the couple married in 1994. Davidson will remain in custody, with the matter to be mentioned again on May 19. The King will lead the nation in paying tribute to 'the greatest generation' as four days of celebration to mark VE Day 80th anniversary begin. In keeping with British tradition, there'll be pomp, pageantry and plenty of street parties across the country to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe. The nation will fall silent as the clock strikes midday before Hollywood star Timothy Spall will recite extracts of Winston Churchill's rousing and inspirational VE Day Victory speech in 1945. Brits are also set to line tables in their streets in celebration of the greatest day in the country's long history and the sacrifice made by those in the years that came before. Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of central London today, as a military procession of 1,300 members of the armed forces passes through the capital. The iconic Red Arrows are set to delight crowds with a stunning display, leading an RAF flypast at around 1.45pm. Today marks exactly 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe and pubs and bars have been allowed to stay open longer for the celebrations to continue into the night. Venues in England and Wales which usually close at 11pm will be able to keep serving for an extra two hours to celebrate. The Red Arrows will take part in a flypast over London as part of events to mark 80 days since VE Day Union flags are flown ahead of the military procession on The Mall near Buckingham Palace Crowds on The Mall prepare to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day The Red Arrows fly past over Horse Guards Parade during the VE Day Parade in 2015 The Cenotaph on Whitehall is dressed in the Union flag ahead of a military procession Veterans of the Second World War, aged from 89 to 104, are set to meet the King at a Buckingham Palace tea party today, the Royal British Legion has said. A 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served in the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE), known as Churchill's Secret Army, are among 30 veteran guests of honour, according to the Royal British Legion (RBL), who helped organise the event. They will have prime spots to watch the military parade and RAF flypast in central London as the nation's VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations begin. Around the country, street parties will be held to echo the celebrations from 80 years ago. British and Commonwealth armed forces veterans from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, plus Wrens, Special Operations Executives, D-Day veterans and Desert Rats are among those who are attending the tea party with Charles and other members of the royal family. They will be joined by veterans who were still in active conflict in other parts of the world after VE Day and people who contributed to the war effort on the home front, plus their families and carers. Evacuees are also among some of the other 20 Second World War generation guests who are set to attend. Events will begin today with actor Timothy Spall, who will begin the commemorations with the words of Winston Churchill's 1945 victory speech. A new display of almost 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London is also set to form another touching tribute. The poppies have been set to resemble a wound to reflect the long-lasting sacrifices made during the war. The Palace of Westminster, the Shard, Lowther Castle in Penrith, Manchester Printworks, Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall are among hundreds of buildings which will be lit up from 9pm on Tuesday. A service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance on Thursday, where veterans will be part of the congregation. A woman wears British flag sunglasses earrings, hat and ribbons as she takes her place on the Mall People wearing British flags take their place along the Mall as they await the anniversary parade Empty seats in the VIP viewing area on The Mall, in preparation for the events today Police officers outside Buckingham Palace ahead of the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day The Cenotaph dressed on the Union flag to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day Your browser does not support iframes. VE Day timings 12.00pm: Timothy Spall recites Winston Churchill's famous VE Day Speech as Big Ben strikes at midday. 12.10pm: The military procession begins as bands and units make their way from Parliament Square to Big Ben 1.45pm: A flypast featuring 23 aircraft from the past and present Later in the afternoon: The King and Queen will host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans. Advertisement Horse Guards Parade will then hold a live celebratory concert to round off the commemorations. Military bands and units were seen practicing the parade through central London in a dress rehearsal on Friday night. The RAF flypast will include the iconic Red Arrows and the Lancaster Bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Aircraft used to support Ukraine will also be displayed as part of the commemorative ceremony. The show will include planes involved in tensions with Russia, such as P8 Poseidons, which conduct reconnaissance missions surveying Russian vessels near UK waters, and Voyager aircraft, which fly Ukrainian recruits to the UK for training and deliver equipment to Ukrainian forces. The planes are due to go over parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Cheshire and Oxfordshire before they pass over central London at around 1.45pm. Temperatures have plummeted from the unseasonable heat of last week, with highs of around 14C expected in London today. Parts of London could see light showers until 4pm when clearer skies are expected. Sir Keir Starmer said the stories we will hear this week from those who fought are a reminder that 'our victory was not just for Britain'. 'It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil. 'VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid,' the Prime Minister said in an open letter to veterans. British and Commonwealth armed forces veterans from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, plus Wrens, Special Operations Executives, D-Day veterans and Desert Rats are among those who are attending the tea party with Charles and other members of the royal family Military bands were seen practicing the parade overnight on Friday Police officers by the Queen Victoria Memorial ahead of commemorations this afternoon Military personnel pass Buckingham Palace as they take part in an overnight rehearsal for the VE Day 80 procession They will be joined by veterans who were still in active conflict in other parts of the world after VE Day and people who contributed to the war effort on the home front, plus their families and carers. Evacuees are also among some of the other 20 Second World War generation guests who are set to attend. It will be a return to Buckingham Palace for Joyce Wilding, 100, and Ruth Bourne, 98, who was a Wren at Bletchley Park where Nazi messages were intercepted. They were both in the huge crowds outside Buckingham Palace 80 years ago that celebrated VE Day in 1945. Ms Wilding enlisted at the age of 18 in to the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), worked in the SOE, transported forged documents and helped agents behind enemy lines. Ms Wilding, who recalls VE Day as being filled with joy and celebration, said: 'We went to Piccadilly where there was a stream of people singing and dancing. We joined a crocodile and did the Palais Glide down Piccadilly. 'There were soldiers up lampposts, it was extraordinary. We were outside Buckingham Palace and you could hardly move there were so many people cheering and singing.' Olga Hopkins, 99, is also among the 10 female veterans who served as codebreakers, drivers and mechanics that are looking forward to the tea party. She remembers hearing about VE Day as she was lying in bed in a Nissen Hut and listening to the American Forces Network radio. Ms Hopkins, who was a wireless mechanic in the WAAF, said: 'Suddenly the programme was interrupted by a tannoy announcement saying, 'The war is over. The war is over. It's been signed'. 'We all jumped out of bed and put our battledress on over our pyjamas. Olga Hopkins, 99, is also among the 10 female veterans that are looking forward to the tea party Joyce Wilding, 100,recalls VE Day as being filled with joy and celebration 'We went to the sergeant's mess where there was a party going on, so we joined in. 'I remember me and some other girls singing the Cole Porter song Don't Fence Me In, and I had a whale of a time.' Gilbert Clarke, 98, who was in Jamaica in 1943 when he lied about his age to respond to a call to join the RAF, is also among the guests. Within days Mr Clarke was kitted out, receiving basic training and being sent on a troop-carrying ship to Britain via the United States, the RBL said. He eventually arrived in Britain in 1944, despite German U-boat-launched torpedo attacks which hit several ships that were travelling alongside his on the route. D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan, 101, is also looking forward to the tea party. He was a codebreaker during the war using equipment that was so sensitive he could not risk it being captured by the enemy. Two days before VE Day, he received a telex to say 'German war now over, surrender effective sometime tomorrow' but kept it secret. Gilbert Clarke, 98, lied about his age to respond to a call to join the RAF in 1943 Bernard Morgan, 101, will be at the heart of the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day Bernard Morgan, pictured in his military days, was a codebreaker in the Second World War Another veteran guest is Norman Trickett, 98, who joined the Army aged 18, was captured by Germans at the beginning of May 1945 leading an advance scouting patrol, and ended the war as a prisoner in Bremerhaven. He was also part of the D-Day landings and served at Arnhem, helping airborne troops beat back German counter-attacks. Alan Kennett, 100, who was in the RAF with the Mustang Squadron and was in Celle near Belsen on VE Day, said he was 'honoured' to be the procession torch bearer on Monday. Mr Atkinson added: 'To think that in 1945, after six years of devastating war, they were rejoicing that VE Day had finally come - and here they are now, 80 years later, proudly meeting our patron the King and Queen on this very special day. 'We owe them, and the entire Second World War generation, our eternal thanks and gratitude.' The number of military veterans who fought in the war continues to dwindle as time advances. Another 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. Norman Trickett, 98, joined the Army aged 18 and was captured by Germans at the beginning of May 1945 Alan Kennett, 100, said he was 'honoured' to be the procession torch bearer on Monday Alan Kennett, pictured during his military days in the RAF with the Mustang Squadron 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 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. 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. Ruth Barnwell, 100, WRNS, who will be at the heart of the commemorations Ruth volunteered to be a Wren at the age of 17, when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood '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.' Ruth Barnwell, 100, joined the Women's Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941 by the German battleship Bismarck. She said she was 'very happy' when she heard the war had ended, but added that it was a 'normal working day' and carried on with her duties at the Combined Operations base HMS Quebec in Scotland. Royal Navy veteran Ruth June Bourne, 98, was a Bombe machine operator and checker at Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, during the war. On VE Day, she went to London with a colleague to celebrate. 'We waited outside the Palace chanting 'We want the King',' she said. 'The royal family came out, and we went mad cheering. People were climbing lampposts. 'I climbed onto a window ledge shouting, 'Three cheers for the British Navy'.' Army veteran Tom Stonehouse, 99, landed at approximately 8am on Gold Beach on D-Day. Tom Stonehouse, 99, Tom served in the 2nd Essex regiment as a Private and crossed from the New Forest on D-Day He remembers 'losing lots of Essex Regiment friends in the Battle of Caen' from June to August 1944. His wife's birthday is on VE Day, so the couple always celebrate the birthday and their war memories together. Zena da Costa, 100, from Southport in Merseyside, was evacuated as a child and signed up to the Women's Auxiliary Air Force at the age of 18. She had trained as a hairdresser and always regretted telling anyone this, as she subsequently got the job of doing all the officers' hair. As she wanted to get involved with driving, she constantly nipped out to drive trucks that were left around her unit until she was reprimanded by having to peel potatoes. She was based at Holmsley South in Hampshire and was a mascot for one crew. A family wrongly accused of leaving a restaurant without paying their 150 bill have been awarded 75,000 in damages. Peter and Ann McGirr were maligned by bosses at the Horse and Jockey in Tideswell who condemned them for their 'shocking behaviour' in a public Facebook post. The couple, with their two children, ate two 27 10oz ribeye steaks with all the trimmings and two 15.25 Derbyshire gammon steaks, washed down with several real ales and lagers. But it later emerged that the group did in fact pay the bill in full, though a member of staff forgot to ring the transaction through the till. This was not before the pub had already uploaded CCTV images of the diners online, with the allegations being repeated in four press reports. Belfast Crown Court heard on Friday that the family, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, had suffered significant embarrassment and reputational damage. Referred to as 'dine-and-dashers', the family sued the pub for libel on the basis of the 'serious and defamatory accusations'. Peter Girvan, the barrister representing the family, told the court: 'These articles contained serious and defamatory accusations that the plaintiffs had engaged in dishonest and criminal conduct by deliberately absconding without settling a bill of approximately 150. The pub posted pictures wrongly accusing the couple of leaving without paying their 150 bill on social media but it later emerged that a staff member had not rung it through the till. The pub posted pictures wrongly accusing the couple of leaving without paying their 150 bill on social media but it later emerged that a staff member had not rung it through the till. The landlord of the Horse and Jockey apologised to innocent diners (not pictured here) who the establishment accused of walking out on their 150 bill 'The allegations were entirely false. The plaintiffs had not engaged in any such conduct, and the statements made by the defendants had no factual basis.' The pub agreed to pay 75,000 in damages as well as the family's legal costs, as part of a settlement agreement. It accepted there was 'no basis whatsoever' for the allegations and apologised, the court heard. The family's solicitor, Darragh Carney, said they had been 'vindicated', reading a statement on their behalf outside court. He added the group were 'very satisfied with the settlement' by way of compensation for 'defamation of their character'. It comes after the pub last year blamed the error on an 'inexperienced member of staff' who was said to have taken payment via card machine but not printed the bill on the till. A statement issued by the pub in July last year read: 'We want to sincerely apologise to the people involved because we have now learnt that they did in fact pay for their meal. 'There was no dishonesty involved from our staff, it was an honest mistake but we have dismissed the member of staff responsible for the error.' Carol McGirr, daughter of Peter and Ann, said following the verdict: 'Thank god it's all over and our names are cleared' A statement issued by the pub in July last year read: 'We want to sincerely apologise to the people involved because we have now learnt that they did in fact pay for their meal'. Pictured: Inside the Horse and Jockey Following the verdict, Carol McGirr, daughter of Peter and Ann, said in a statement uploaded to Facebook: '10 months later.. thank god it's all over and our names are cleared. 'Tip for all our friends and family: don't pay for your food and drink before you eat as this is what can happen.. plus use a card otherwise we had [sic] no evidence of payment.' The post was met with supportive comments such as 'I'm sorry to hear that you had to endure so much' and 'What a nightmare it has been'. Two British tourists were killed in Morocco yesterday after their vehicle overturned on a busy road. The driver and two other British tourists with them were hurt during the incident in the port city of Agadir, sustaining injuries of 'varying severity', according to local media. Emergency services, as well as security and civil defence personnel, arrived at the scene on Resistance Street to provide first aid. The casualties were taken to a nearby hospital in the city on Sunday. Their condition was unclear this morning. Security services have now launched a full investigation to understand what caused the car to roll onto its roof. The casualties were taken to hospital in the port city of Agadir on Sunday File photo shows the Marina harbour in Agadir, a major city on Morocco's Atlantic coast The cause and circumstances surrounding the tragedy were still unclear this morning. The incident occurred early on Sunday morning, according to Hiba Press. The injured were 'quickly transported' to the Hassan II Regional Hospital after the incident, local outlet Ambassador 24 reports. The bodies of the deceased were also taken to the hospital's morgue, the Moroccan Telegraph reports. The casualties have not been named locally. 'Resistance Street' is named locally as Al-Muqawama. Agadir - meaning fort, or citadel - is a major city on the southern Atlantic coast, south west of Marrakesh and Casablanca. The former Portuguese trade hub today flourishes as a destination for tourists, welcoming visitors to its pristine beaches and local history. The 1934 film Le Grand Jeu was filmed in Agadir. President Donald Trump opened a new salvo in his tariff war today as he targeted films made outside the US - including those in Britain - with a 100 per cent levy. Mr Trump said he has authorised the Department of Commerce and the Office of the US Trade Representative to impose the 100 per cent tariff 'on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands'. 'The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,' he wrote last night on his Truth Social platform, complaining that other countries 'are offering all sorts of incentives to draw' filmmakers and studios away from the US. 'This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!' It was not immediately clear how any such tariff on international productions could be implemented. It is common for both large and smaller films to include production in both the US and other countries. Big-budget movies like the upcoming Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, for instance, are often shot around the world. The production starring Tom Cruise was filmed in Britain, Norway, South Africa and Malta. However, the Harry Potter movies are an example of a film series shot almost entirely in Britain - with locations including Alnwick Castle, Durham Cathedral and London Zoo. Incentive programmes for years have influenced where movies are shot, increasingly driving film production out of California and to other states and countries with favourable tax incentives, like Canada and the UK. Yet tariffs are designed to lead consumers toward American products, and American-produced movies overwhelmingly dominate the domestic marketplace. China has ramped up its domestic movie production, culminating in the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 grossing more than $2billion (1.5billion) this year. President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland yesterday Big-budget movies like the upcoming Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (above) are shot around the world. The production was filmed in Britain, Norway, South Africa, and Malta But even then, its sales came almost entirely from mainland China. In North America, it earned just $20.9million (15.7million). After the announcement, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on X: 'We're on it.' Neither Mr Lutnick nor Mr Trump provided any details on how the tariffs would be implemented. It was unclear if the tariffs would apply to movies on streaming services as well as those shown in cinemas, or if they would be calculated based on production costs or box office revenue. There was also no mention in Mr Trump's post of whether television shows, an increasingly popular and profitable sector of production for the screen, would be affected. Hollywood executives were trying to sort out details today. The Motion Picture Association, which represents the major studios in the US, had no immediate comment. According to the MPA, the American movies produced $22.6billion (17billion) in exports and $15.3billion (11.5billion) in trade surplus in 2023. President Donald Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform last night Mr Trump has made good on the 'tariff man' label he gave himself years ago, slapping new taxes on goods made in countries around the globe. That includes a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese goods and a 10 per cent baseline tariff on goods from other countries, with even higher levies threatened. By unilaterally imposing tariffs, he has exerted extraordinary influence over the flow of commerce, creating political risks and pulling the market in different directions. There are tariffs on autos, steel and aluminium, with more imports, including pharmaceutical drugs, set to be subject to new tariffs in the weeks ahead. Mr Trump has long voiced concern about movie production moving overseas. Shortly before he took office, he announced that he had tapped actors Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone to serve as 'special ambassadors' to Hollywood to bring it 'BACK-BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!' US film and television production has been hampered in recent years, with setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hollywood guild strikes of 2023 and the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The wildfires accelerated concerns that producers may look outside Los Angeles, and that camera operators, costume designers, sound technicians and other behind-the-scenes workers may move out of town rather than try to rebuild in their neighbourhoods. China has ramped up its domestic movie production, culminating in the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 (pictured) grossing more than $2billion this year Overall production in the US was down 26 per cent last year compared with 2021, according to data from ProdPro, which tracks production. The group's annual survey of executives, which asked about preferred filming locations, found no location in the US made the top five, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Toronto, the UK, Vancouver, Central Europe and Australia came out on top, with California placing sixth, Georgia seventh, New Jersey eighth and New York ninth. The problem is especially acute in California. In the greater Los Angeles area, production last year was down 5.6 per cent from 2023 according to FilmLA, second only to 2020, during the peak of the pandemic. Last October, governor Gavin Newsom proposed expanding California's Film & Television Tax Credit programme to $750million (564million) annually, up from $330 million (248million). Other US cities like Atlanta, New York, Chicago and San Francisco have also used aggressive tax incentives to lure film and TV productions using cash grants, as in Texas, or tax credits, which Georgia and New Mexico offer. 'Other nations have been stealing the movie-making capabilities from the United States,' Mr Trump told reporters at the White House last night after returning from a weekend in Florida. 'If they're not willing to make a movie inside the United States, we should have a tariff on movies that come in.' Shortly before Mr Trump took office, he announced that he had tapped actors Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone (pictured) to serve as 'special ambassadors' to Hollywood Former senior Commerce official William Reinsch, a senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said retaliation against Mr Trump's film tariffs would be devastating. 'The retaliation will kill our industry. We have a lot more to lose than to gain,' he said, adding it would be difficult to make a national security or national emergency case for movies. Mr Trump and the Republicans have traditionally received scant support from the entertainment industry, and a huge number of stars from Taylor Swift to George Clooney backed Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Leaders in Australia and New Zealand have already responded to Mr Trump's tariff announcement by saying they would advocate for their local industries. Some Marvel superhero movies have been filmed in Australia, while New Zealand was the backdrop for 'The Lord of the Rings' films. David Aaronovitch, presenter of BBC Radio 4's Briefing Room, tweeted: 'How can Trump's film tariff (however applied) be anything other than an attack on the British and Australian film industries? 'It's not as though Americans en masse watch foreign language movies.' UK industry figures have warned the plans 'could deal a knock-out blow' to the UK film sector. Overall production in the US was down 26 per cent last year compared with 2021 (stock image) Kirsty Bell, chief executive of production company Goldfinch, said the entertainment industry is in decline 'across the whole of the Western world' but said tariffs are not the answer. She said: 'The issue isn't that foreign films are taking precedence over domestic films, it's that, firstly, films are cheaper to make overseas, because of lack of tax credits in certain places... the unions, the lower cost of labour, and buying budgets have been drastically reduced over two years, all driven by the change in viewing habits. 'People aren't going to the cinema as much and decline in subscription services and rise of social media platforms and content creators... the industry is entirely changed.' She added: 'The answer is not tariffs if he's trying to kick-start the industry in Hollywood. It's developing an ecosystem for film-making that is entirely different to what has been before. 'There's seismic changes in how the entertainment industry is structured needing to happen.' Ms Bell questioned how the tariff would work and said blockbusters such as Barbie, which was distributed by US film studio Warner Bros Pictures, 'was actually shot virtually entirely in the UK'. 'If those US films don't get partly produced or produced in the UK, freelancers are going to be jobless. I'm telling you now, they really are going to be jobless,' she said. Philippa Childs, head of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (Bectu), said the UK industry is 'only just recovering' from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, when many productions were delayed or cancelled. 'The UK is a world leader in film and TV production, employing thousands of talented workers, and this is a key growth sector in the Government's industrial strategy,' she said. 'These tariffs, coming after Covid and the recent slowdown, could deal a knock-out blow to an industry that is only just recovering and will be really worrying news for tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who make films in the UK. 'The Government must move swiftly to defend this vital sector, and support the freelancers who power it, as a matter of essential national economic interest.' Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage said members warned 'against complacency on our status as the Hollywood of Europe' in their report on British film and high-end TV, published last month. 'President Trump's announcement has made that warning all too real,' she added. 'Making it more difficult to make films in the UK is not in the interests of American businesses. Their investment in facilities and talent in the UK, based on US-owned IP (intellectual property), is showing fantastic returns on both sides of the Atlantic. Ministers must urgently prioritise this as part of the trade negotiations currently under way. 'At the same time, the Government's forthcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan needs to meet the challenge we set down of incentivising inward investment while also growing our domestic sector so British film and high-end TV can thrive.' The committee's report said the UK's film and high-end television industry is 'dominated' by inward investment from US studios and that this 'brings significant economic and social benefits to the UK'. Last year, the Government introduced the Independent Film Tax Credit, which allows productions costing up to 15million to benefit from an increased tax relief of 53 per cent. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said it would help to 'sustain a world-leading industry here in the UK'. A UK Government spokesperson told MailOnline today: 'The film sector is a key part of the UK's world-class creative industries, which employ millions of people, generate billions for our economy and showcase the best of our creativity and culture to the world. 'We are absolutely committed to ensuring these sectors can continue to thrive and create good jobs right across the country, and will set this out through a new Creative Industries Sector Plan to be published soon. 'Talks on an economic deal between the US and the UK are ongoing - but we are not going to provide a running commentary on the details of live discussions or set any timelines because it is not in the national interest. 'We will continue to take a calm and steady approach to talks and aim to find a resolution to help ease the pressure on UK businesses and consumers.' And a British Film Institute spokesperson told MailOnline: 'The BFI is working closely with the UK Government, and industry partners in the UK and US while we understand the detail of the proposal. 'We want to keep collaboration at the heart of our sectors, so we remain a constructive partner to our friends in the US and internationally.' The family of sex trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre have launched a public fundraiser in her memory, because they expect it will take years to divide up her rich estate. They are seeking to raise $15,000 to build a memorial in her memory that will be open for the public to visit. Giuffre, 41, took her own life on April 25 at her Neergabby farmhouse, an hour north of Perth. Giuffre was one of the most prominent victims of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, claiming he trafficked her for sex at the age the age of 17 to Prince Andrew. The Duke of York denied the claims but made an out-of-court with Giuffre in 2022 for an undisclosed sum, reportedly around $25 million. Her sister in-law Amanda Roberts revealed that the remaining money and property, including her family's $1.9 million beach mansion and $1.3 million farm, will take 'years' to divide up. Giuffre's Perth-based lawyer Karrie Louden agreed and told the Daily Mail Australia that she did not know if her client even had a will. Her family, anticipating a drawn-out process of dividing her assets, have launched a GoFundMe appeal for the mother-of-three in the meantime so she can have a 'permanent mark in this world'. The family of sex trafficking victim Virginia Giuffre have launched an appeal for cash after revealing her multi-million dollar estate could be locked up for years. Pictured are her brothers Sky Roberts (left) and Danny Wilson with Virginia The Duke of York repeatedly denied the claims butthe matter was settled out-of-court in 2022 when Giuffre received an undisclosed sum, said to be around $25 million 'Though our family are experiencing an immeasurable sense of grief, we know that this will make us stronger,' it read. 'That is what Virginia would have wanted. With that, we think it is imperative that we find a way to leave her mark of legacy. 'Virginia, through her fight and testimony, was able to amass settlements, but unfortunately, through this tragedy, as many of you may know, funds and estates can take years to settle. 'While her estate is being settled in Australia, her family in America is dedicated to memorialising and celebrating her spirit. 'It is our intention with this fund that we create a public memorial not just for family but for survivors and supporters from all over to visit and share space with Virginia. 'She deserves to have a permanent mark in this world that demonstrates her lasting impact.' The family also thanked supporters. 'First and foremost, thank you for the outpouring of love and support for our beloved Virginia,' the appeal added. 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 The family's picturesque farm is part of her multi-million dollar estate 'We know Virginia was not just a bright light to us, but to many. The lives she touched, the strength, and the fight she has given us will live with us always.' They also pledged to continue Giuffre's legacy in fighting for stronger laws to protect victims of sexual abuse and prevent culprits from escaping justice. The family vowed to take on her mission 'with all our heart and soul' Her carer and 'mother figure' Cheryl Myers, told Daily Mail Australia she 'hoped,' that work could continue on her plans to turn the farmhouse into a refuge for domestic violence victims and abused animals. 'It's what she would have wanted, absolutely no doubt in my mind about that,' she said. Ms 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 the loss. 'She loved her mum, but I showed her another side while the mother wasn't there,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I was a mother figure - we became more than a carer relationship.' While Virginia Giuffre was separated from her husband, Robert Giuffre (pictured together), the pair were not officially divorced Her'mother figure' Cheryl Myers, told Daily Mail Australia she 'hoped,' that her legacy would also be honoured by way of a refuge for domestic violence victims and abused animals While Giuffre 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. 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 three children. Her father Sky Roberts said the marriage breakdown was 'messy.' A woman has been arrested after two boys were found dead at a regional property following her desperate phone call asking for help. Emergency services attended a home in Coonabarabran, in central-west NSW, at 2pm on Monday following reports of a concern for welfare. Police found a 66-year-old woman at the home with two dead children, aged six and seven. The woman was taken to hospital for further assessment where she remained under police guard. A crime scene was established at the home, on the outskirts of Coonabarabran, on Monday evening. 'Enquiries are ongoing,' a NSW Police spokeswoman said. 'There is no ongoing threat to the community. Police are not looking for anyone else.' No charges have been laid. A 66-year-old woman has been arrested after police discovered two deceased children at a home in Coonabarabran, New South Wales (above) A 66-year-old woman, also at the home, was taken into the local police station for questioning The woman contacted the Department of Communities and Justice and allegedly told staff the boys were dead, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Government staff sent local police to do an urgent welfare check. Police and paramedics burst onto the property and made the grim discovery. It is understood police will allege the boys were smothered to death, news.com.au reported. State Crime Command have now sent detectives from Sydney's homicide squad to assist local police, with NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb calling the deaths a 'terrible, terrible tragedy'. Coonabarabran is a small town of less than 3,500 people, including the surrounding area. NSW Premier Chris Minns said the state would 'share in the community of Coonabarabran's grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them'. Senior NSW officials said the deaths were a tragedy, as the small community of Coonabarabran grieves Meanwhile, a Brisbane woman in her 60s was charged with manslaughter over the death of a baby last year. Police rushed to a property at Darra in Brisbane's south-west on April 3, 2024, following reports an infant was unconscious and not breathing. The 11-month-old baby boy was declared dead at the scene. Police established Operation Whiskey Nocturne to investigate his death and on Monday detectives charged a 63-year-old Darra woman with manslaughter. She is due to appear before Richland Magistrates Court on June 4. Taiwan youth seek their career in Chinese mainland Xinhua) 13:39, May 05, 2025 BEIJING, May 3 (Xinhua) -- At the Artificial Organ Technology Laboratory of Soochow University in Jiangsu Province, east China, Professor Po-Lin Hsu's lab is transforming heartbeats into precise data streams. Leading a team focused on developing an extracorporeal maglev artificial heart, Hsu is offering new hope to patients in need of life-saving medical advancements. After earning dual Ph.D.s from the University of Cambridge and RWTH Aachen University, Hsu joined Soochow University in 2013 as a full-time professor and deputy director of the laboratory. In 2017, she founded magAssist Co., Ltd., a company dedicated to creating a multi-organ life-support platform. "I wanted to help medical workers in their fight against death," Hsu explained, reflecting on her entrepreneurial drive. Her ultimate goal has always been to translate research into practical solutions that address critical care needs. The supportive policies in the Chinese mainland for high-end medical devices, combined with the business-friendly environment, gave her the confidence to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Today, three of the company's artificial heart products are in clinical use, with one currently deployed in around 30 hospitals. Over the past eight years, the startup has filed more than 350 patents. "Although our resources are modest, relentless innovation and hard work can enhance our nation's global competitiveness. This is our mission," Hsu said. Having been born and brought up in Taiwan, Hsu wants to encourage more Taiwan youth to consider pursuing a career in the Chinese mainland, citing its vast market, resilient economy, and rapid technological advancements. Meanwhile, in Yunnan Province, Taiwan entrepreneur Christopher Chen has been nurturing the growth of Kunming Tongyi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a company specializing in potted orchids and seedlings. Founded by his father in 2000, the company now boasts a rich orchid gene bank with over 100 varieties and annual sales approaching 2 million plants. Exports of the company now reach markets in Vietnam and Russia. Chen returned to Yunnan after completing his studies with big ideas for the family business. "The Chinese mainland's support for Taiwan farmers has given us more opportunities to focus on innovation," he said. In addition to breeding and smart cultivation, Chen is working to set international standards for orchid products. In the green mountains of Fujian Province, Chiu Pin-ping is breathing new life into fading village cultures with his team. Together, they are reviving ancient traditions and offering fresh perspectives on rural life. In 2021, he joined Fuzhou Suiping Yili Architectural Design Co., Ltd., a rural revitalization team consisting of youth from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Initially, Chiu and his team faced skepticism from the villagers, but their persistence gradually won them over. They delved into local revolutionary history and began creating cultural products. With strong policy support, they even launched an online store to help boost sales of rural products. For Chiu, his work in Fujian feels like "a drop of water merging into the ocean." "The villages here hold immense cultural value. Taiwan youth should serve as a bridge for cross-Strait exchanges," Chiu said. A native of New Taipei City, Wang Yiwen views the Chinese mainland as an ideal runway for her dreams. Wang, now a senior at the business school of Central South University in Hunan Province, quickly embraced the vibrant energy in Changsha, the provincial capital city. Before graduation, Wang received three job offers. She finally chose to join an e-commerce firm as a management trainee. Wang often shares advice with her peers: "The Chinese mainland's policies ensure a fair playing field for Taiwan youth, from internships to promotions." She plans to settle down in the Chinese mainland, applying her skills to support rural revitalization. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Israel has started the process of calling up tens of thousands of reservists to 'intensify and expand' its military operations in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces said it would work in new parts of the beleaguered Gaza Strip to 'destroy all infrastructure' above and below ground within its new offensive. The scaled up offensive in Gaza, approved early today, could now go so far as seizing the entire Palestinian enclave, an Israeli official told Reuters today. Another Israeli official said that plans discussed by the war cabinet involved the 'conquering of Gaza and holding territories' - a break from raiding and leaving areas. The military claims to be 'increasing the pressure' in an attempt to return hostages held in Gaza since Hamas' October 2023 incursion into southern Israel. Israel agreed to a fragile ceasefire with Hamas earlier this year, but broke the agreement in March with 'pre-emptive' strikes, claiming Hamas was trying to rearm. No hostages have been released since the conflict resumed and critics in Israel continue to lobby for a ceasefire to ensure the safe return of dozens of captives. Political opponents and hostage advocates have accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political purposes, which he denies. The unsettling developments emerged at a sensitive time, as Israel reels from an attack on its main international airport. Yemen's Houthi rebels, who for months have attacked Israel in solidarity with Hamas, struck Ben Gurion airport with what they said was a hypersonic missile on Sunday. Several people were treated for minor injuries after the attack and flights to the airport were cancelled. Yemen's Houthi rebels said they had attacked the airport with a hypersonic missile Israeli armoured vehicles take position on Israel's border with the Gaza Srip on May 4, 2025 Buildings destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in the Gaza Strip are seen from southern Israel on Sunday, May 4, 2025 Smoke rises after Israeli airstrike towards Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza Strip on May 4, 2025 The Houthis, backed by Iran, said they would impose an 'aerial blockade' on Israel by targeting its airports in response to the government's plans for Gaza. Hamas, with resources largely depleted after 18 months of shelling, has received continued support from the battle-hardened Houthi rebels in Yemen. Iran was careful to add on Monday that the Houthi attack on Israel was 'an independent decision' - with tensions still high between Iran and Israel. Netanyahu nonetheless vowed a tough response to the Houthis and Iran over the attack. The attack came as the Israeli Cabinet discussed the future of Gaza - a delicate consideration with no concrete plans in place since the breakdown of the ceasefire. The Cabinet remains divided over how and whether to resume aid to Gaza's 2.3 million population, facing starvation, disease and terminal dehydration. Far-right ministers argued 'there is no need to bring in aid' to the civilian population, according to Israeli public broadcaster, Kan. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir was said to have yelled back at the ministers: 'You don't understand what you are saying. You are endangering us all. 'There is an international law. We are committed to it. We cannot starve the Strip. Your statements are dangerous.' The concerns were said to have been referred up to Netanyahu but ultimately ignored by the Cabinet, maintaining its stance on the blockade. Another official told AFP the security cabinet had approved the 'possibility of humanitarian distribution' in Gaza, but insisted there was 'currently enough food'. The cabinet 'approved by a large majority the possibility of a humanitarian distribution, if necessary, to prevent Hamas from taking control of the supplies and to destroy its governance capabilities,' the unnamed political source said. 'During the cabinet discussion, it was mentioned that there is currently enough food in Gaza.' Dr Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor of Defence Studies at King's College, told MailOnline: 'There is no prospect of a ceasefire deal at the moment. Israel has entirely disengaged from the mediation and negotiation process. 'The Netanyahu government is prioritizing military coercive avenues over diplomatic ones these are the avenues that deliver on Netanyahus core objective: political survival and appealing to his base.' Shuruq Ayyad shows off the protruding ribs of her 12-year-old daughter Rahaf at a school-turned-shelter in al-Rimal in central Gaza City on May 4, 2025 Amnesty International accused Israel on April 29, of committing a 'live-streamed genocide' against Palestinians by forcibly displacing Gazans and creating a humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory, claims Israel dismissed as 'blatant lies'. A boy walks carrying a jerrycan filled with water past the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaza City on April 21, 2025 Kan's report said the new plan to assume territory in Gaza was gradual and would take months, with forces focusing first on one area of the enclave. Such a timeline could leave the door open for a ceasefire and hostage release deal talks ahead of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to the region next week, security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin said. 'There is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands we are serious,' Elkin told Kan on Monday. Elkin said that rather than launching raids in specific areas and then leaving them as the military had done so far, the Israeli forces will now hold the territories they seize, until Hamas is defeated or agrees to disarm and leave Gaza. Hamas has ruled out such calls. Israel already controls roughly half of Gaza's territory, including a buffer zone along the border with Israel as well as three corridors that run east-west along the strip. Since the collapse of the truce in March, the IDF has seized even more territory in Gaza and imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid. Seizures have squeezed war-weary Palestinians into ever shrinking wedges of land in the devastated territory. Hunger in the Palestinian enclave has been widespread, and shortages have set off looting, which Hamas has allegedly sought to clamp down on by executing suspects. Dr Krieg told MailOnline: 'In the process of creating ever more corridors of military control cleansed from civilians, Israel will advance the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from the north to the south of the territory an objective that will require high troop levels. 'The IDF will advance this agenda gradually by clearing and holding territory small slices at a time until the remaining 2 million Gazans will be crammed into a much smaller territory in the south of the Gaza Strip. 'This will unlikely deliver on the objective of freeing the hostages, which has long been abandoned by the Netanyahu government as the primary objective. 'The collapse of the ceasefire in March, which provided an effective way to release hostages, showed that Netanyahu is preoccupied with delivering on the agenda of seizing territory rather than getting the hostages back.' Israel says it won't agree to end the war until Hamas is defeated. Hamas, meanwhile, has demanded an agreement that winds down the war. While Qatari and Egyptian mediators are said to have proposed a new ceasefire plan to end the conflict, gruelling fighting continues across the Strip. Israeli emergency services clear a road outside Israel's Ben Gurion airport after a missile reportedly launched from Yemen struck near the facility on May 4, 2025 A missile launched from Yemen struck near Israel's main international airport on May 4, Israeli authorities said, an attack that briefly halted air traffic and triggered threats of retaliation. Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike towards Tuffah neighborhood in the Gaza Strip on May 4 An Israeli tank takes position on Israel's border with the Gaza Srip on May 4, 2025 Until a lasting ceasefire can be agreed, the civilian population in Gaza continues to bear the brunt of Israel's bombardment. At least 52,535 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian health-ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, who do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count. Of those, 2,436 have been killed since March 18, many of them women and children. The fighting has displaced more than 90 per cent of Gaza's population, often multiple times, and turned Gaza into an uninhabitable hellscape. Rights groups warn the humanitarian crisis is causing unimaginable suffering. Amnesty International, sharing testimonies from residents on Friday, assessed that starvation and the denial of life-saving essentials were being used as 'weapons of war'. 'Apart from a brief respite during the temporary truce, Israel has relentlessly and mercilessly turned Gaza into an inferno of death and destruction,' said Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International's Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy, and Campaigns. 'For the past two months, Israel has completely cut off the supply of humanitarian aid and other items indispensable to the survival of civilians in a clear and calculated effort to collectively punish over two million civilians and to make Gaza unliveable,' she added, terming the conflict a 'genocide'. Residents described being unable to bury the dead, burning hazardous materials like waste and nylon for cooking and heating, widespread disease, shortages of life-saving medications and equipment in hospitals, and a scarcity of water. Yemen's Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday Iran denied that it had any involvement in the attack on Israel A flare fired by the Israeli army over the Gaza Strip is seen from southern Israel, May 4, 2025 Burning fields in front of destroyed houses in northern Gaza on May 4, 2025 Clashes have intensified since Israel withdrew from the truce agreement in March, with the two sides failing to agree on an extension. Israel and Hamas had exchanged hostages for prisoners and maintained nearly two months of relative peace before the truce broke down. The ceasefire collapsed just over a fortnight before the second phase of the deal was due to take effect. That would have seen the exchange of all of the remaining hostages and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, with details still to be agreed. Hamas rejected a proposal to extend the ceasefire for 50 days to discuss the terms of phase two. Israel fired 'pre-emptive' strikes soon after. The latest eruption of fighting in the decades-long conflict began when Hamas led an incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. The attack, which saw teenagers gunned down at a festival and homes raided, was the deadliest day for Israel in its history. One of Sir Keir Starmer's former Cabinet ministers has demanded the Prime Minister rip up Labour's tax rules in a bid to combat Reform UK's poll surge. Louise Haigh, who was transport secretary until she resigned in November amid a fraud row, blasted Sir Keir's 'alarming' response to last week's local election results. Reform, led by Nigel Farage, gained more than 600 council seats and took control of 10 local authorities in Thursday's contests. The party also secured another MP by winning the Runcorn and Helsby by-election from Labour, and won mayoralties in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire. Meanwhile, Labour shed nearly 200 council seats as voters turned away from both them and the Conservatives. Sir Keir is now facing demands from Labour MPs to change tack in the face of Reform's challenge, including on benefits cuts and axing winter fuel payments. In an article for The Times, Ms Haigh said that 'voters are desperate for change and they have sensed from us that we are not capable or interested in delivering it'. She added: 'For my brilliant former Cabinet colleagues, it will be just as frustrating, as the unpopular policies are drowning out any good they are achieving.' One of Sir Keir Starmer 's former Cabinet ministers has demanded the Prime Minister rip up Labour 's tax rules in a bid to combat Reform UK's poll surge Louise Haigh, who was transport secretary until she resigned in November amid a fraud row, blasted Sir Keir's 'alarming' response to last week's local election results Reform, led by Nigel Farage, gained more than 600 council seats and took control of 10 local authorities in Thursday's contests Your browser does not support iframes. Ms Haigh said the means-testing of winter fuel payments for pensioners and Labour's welfare changes had 'become totemic for many voters'. 'The Governments response on Friday was alarming,' the Sheffield Heeley MP added, in her first intervention since leaving her Cabinet role. 'It failed to acknowledge any need to change course but simply committed itself to double down on the plan, whilst haemorrhaging votes to the parties of our left and right. 'It is now urgent that we develop a vision and a strategy that is confident in our values, sets the terms of the debate and takes the fight to Reform, rather than letting the fight come to us. That is the only way to hold our perilous coalition together.' Ms Haigh demanded an 'economic reset' by ripping up Labour's 'self-imposed tax rules', which prevent the Government raising income tax, VAT or national insurance. She argued this could help deliver 'a serious programme of investment and reindustrialisation'. The former minister warned the threat being posed by Mr Farage's outfit was 'existential', with Reform not wooing voters 'with a traditionally right-wing offer'. 'He is calling for the nationalisation of steel and water,' Ms Haigh added. 'Polling I saw revealed that banning fire-and-rehire was almost as popular among Reform voters as Labour ones.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. John Caudwell, the founder of Phones4U who backed Labour at the general election, rubbished Ms Haigh's suggestions as 'just nonsense'. He told Times Radio: 'Tax hikes are not going to re-industrialise the economy. I mean, how does she think she's going to do that? 'They are just straplines with no substance behind them... I think that's just nonsense. We're not going to re-industrialise by hiking taxes.' Mr Caudwell warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves' tax-hiking Budget in October had been 'driving wealthy people out of the country'. 'We're losing a lot of wealth creators from this country to Dubai, to Milan and to Monaco,' he added. 'And that's really not a very good position to be in. We really need to reverse some of these policies.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting yesterday admitted Reform is a 'real threat' to the Government and is being treated as a 'serious opposition force'. 'I think there's clearly, on the right of British politics, a realignment taking place,' he told Sky News. 'It's not yet clear whether at the next general election it will be Reform or the Conservatives that are Labour's main challenges, but we've got to take that threat seriously. 'In that spirit, I think Reform does deserve more air time and scrutiny of their policies.' Vladimir Putin has said he 'hopes' he won't have to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine during a propaganda-filled interview from his luxury Kremlin flat. The Russian dictator said Moscow has the strength and the means to bring the brutal conflict to a 'logical conclusion,' adding that the need to use nuclear weapons has not arisen, and he hopes it will not. Putin's comments were aired on Sunday in a film by Russian state television about his quarter of a century as leader, during which he accused the West of trying to provoke him into using nuclear weapons: 'They wanted to provoke us, they wanted to make us make mistakes.' Responding to a question about Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, he said: 'There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons... and I hope they will not be required.' 'We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires,' he added. In the film, Putin also said Russia did not launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine - what he called a 'special military operation' - in 2014, when it illegally annexed Crimea, because it was 'practically unrealistic'. 'The country was not ready for such a frontal confrontation with the entire collective West,' he said. He also claimed that Russia 'sincerely sought to solve the problem of Donbas by peaceful means'. Putin said reconciliation with Ukraine is 'inevitable'. Russian despot Vladimir Putin (pictured) has said he hopes he won't have to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine He made the comments during an unprecedented interview in which the Russian leader can be seen chatting to a local journalist outside his home Putin's home is adorned with gilded walls, large gold-framed mirrors and gold chandeliers Responding to a question about Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, he said: 'There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons' (File image of a Satan-2 missile) He made the comments during an unprecedented interview in which the Russian leader can be seen chatting to a local journalist outside his home - near his office - before he revealed what is inside. Putin is seen opening 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, Pavel 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. 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. 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'. Pictured: Russia's only intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test site explodes during Sarmat missile maintenance Responding to a question about Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, he said: 'There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons ... and I hope they will not be required.' Pictured: The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed his thoughts on using nuclear weapons against Ukraine as he approaches his 25th year in power. Putin's comments aired on Sunday in a film by Russian state television about his quarter of a century as leader 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 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. '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. 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 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!' Street parties are in full flow across the nation's cities, towns and villages after King Charles led the tributes to the heroes whose ultimate sacrifice brought about the end of the Second World War . Thousands of people lined the Mall in central London on a slightly dreary Bank Holiday Monday as the country begins to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Earlier a 1,300-strong military paraded made its way through the capital before the iconic Red Arrows flypast flew over Buckingham Palace with royals gazing up from the balcony. Today marks the start of four days of commemorative events across Britain ahead of the anniversary on Thursday, May 8. Live updates below An Australian man has died in a horrific accident at his hotel in Thailand while on holiday with his wife. Sean Collins, 59, was returning from a night out with his wife, Carla Baird, 58, when it was believed he lost his footing on the stairs inside his Phuket hotel just after 1am on Thursday. Ms Baird told police Mr Collins had walked ahead of her up the stairs, reaching the third floor, while 'staggering'. She said he slipped before plummeting past her to the first floor. First responders arrived to find Mr Collins lying facedown on the tiled floor at the base of the stairwell, surrounded by a pool of blood. Medics administered CPR and rushed him to Patong Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. Mr Collins and his wife went sightseeing earlier in the day before ending the evening drinking in the Patong district of the island. They were due to check out of the hotel and return to Australia the following day. Australian man Sean Collins, 59, fell to his death on his last night in Thailand while on holidays with his wife First responders were not able to revive Mr Collins and he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Patong Hospital The pair had been on the town in Phuket before the tragedy Patong Police Lieutenant Wisanu Chumee said officers collected CCTV footage from the hotel and were investigating the incident. He said the hotel's receptionist had heard a noise shortly after the couple arrived home. 'The receptionist saw them walk past,' he said. 'Five minutes later, staff heard a sound like someone falling from a height so they went to investigate. '(They) found the man lying on the floor and bleeding with his wife nearby.' One image from the scene, too graphic to publish, showed Mr Collins in a black singlet and shorts on his stomach on the ground floor. A thick puddle of blood had massed around his head at the bottom of the stairwell. A Ukrainian marine drone carrying air-to-air missiles shot down a Russian fighter jet last week in what was described by Ukraine's Defence Intelligence Chief as a 'historic moment'. A member of Ukraine's special forces was guiding the Magura V7 sea vehicle in Black Sea waters close to the Russian port town of Novorossiysk on May 2 when it registered a Russian aircraft streaking overhead. Stunning heads-up display footage released by Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency showed the moment the drone unleashed a US-supplied AIM-9 sidewinder infrared guided missile and scored a direct hit on the jet - a Su-30SM multirole fighter. It is believed to be the first time in history that a seaborne military drone has scored a kill on a fixed-wing fighter aircraft. The hitherto unrealised feat was repeated minutes later when a second Magura drone scored a kill on another Su-30. The Magura V7 marine drone is based on the same platform as the Magura V5, which has been used to great effect by Ukraine's armed forces to terrorise Russia's Black Sea naval fleet, but has been modified for air defence missions. Each drone is reported to cost just over 200,000 - a paltry sum in comparison to the cost per unit of the advanced supermanoeuvrable Su-30SM, which comes in at roughly 37 million. The crew of the first Su-30SM managed to eject and were plucked from the murky waters of the Black Sea by a Russian civilian ship, according to Budanov and Russian military bloggers. The crew of the second jet were not so lucky and went down with their plane, Ukrainian officials said. A Ukrainian marine drone carrying air-to-air missiles shot down a Russian fighter jet last week in what was described by Ukraine's Defence Intelligence Chief as a 'historic moment' Stunning heads-up display footage released by Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency showed the moment the drone unleashed a US-supplied AIM-9 sidewinder infrared guided missiles and scored a direct hit on the jet First image of AIM-9-armed Magura V7 Ukrainian marine drone that downed Russian Su-30s over the Black Sea US AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missile, used by a Ukrainian Magura-7 marine drone to down Russian Su-30 fighter jets over the Black Sea Your browser does not support iframes. Hours after the shootdowns, the GUR released a triumphant statement commemorating the successful air defence mission. 'On May 2, 2025, the special unit of the GUR of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, in cooperation with the SBU and the Defence Forces of Ukraine, eliminated a Russian Su-30 in the Black Sea this is the first destruction of a combat aircraft by a naval drone in the world. 'The historic strike was carried out by soldiers of the special forces unit of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry Group 13 with a Magura unmanned maritime platform missile,' the statement read. 'The fighter plane of the aggressor state of Russia, which has an estimated cost of about $50 million, burst into flames in the air and eventually fell into the sea to the bottom, and into the possession of ruthless Neptune.' Russia's defence ministry did not respond to the incident but a slew of prominent Russian military blogging channels appeared to verify the Ukrainian claims. The downing of the Su-30s came on the night of May 2 as part of a wider assault on Novorossiysk, whose mayor declared a state of emergency on Saturday. While the Magura drones shot down Russian aircraft, airborne unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) battered the port city. Andrei Kravchenko announced his decision on his official Telegram account which showed him inspecting the damage to apartment buildings and giving orders to officials. There was no immediate comment from Kyiv on the attack, but Ukraine's air force said Russia had launched its own attacks on Ukrainian positions overnight with some 183 drones and two ballistic missiles. The Magura air defence drones reportedly shot down two Sukhoi Su-30SM jet fighters This image shows a Magura V5 sea drone, often laden with explosives to become kamikaze bombers Astonishing footage, filmed by a GoPro camera, shows the Russian crew of the Caesar Kunikov large landing ship fighting its last battle with Ukrainian marine drones off the coast of Crimea Explosions rang out around them as the drones one by one slammed into the ship's hull and lit up the night sky Russian crew members are seen shooting into the night as Ukrainian drones headed for their ship The Caesar Kunikov explodes after being hit by Magura seaborne drones The efficacy of the Magura sea drone as an air defence platform is the latest display of military innovation springing from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In February 2024, the Magura V5 variant was used to sink a Russian ship in the Black Sea. A GoPro video, taken by sailors aboard the doomed Caesar Kunikov, showed in shocking detail how the navy men desperately tried to fight off the oncoming drones in an intense 20-minute sea battle before their vessel was destroyed in a fiery explosion. The hellish, chaotic scene saw a small group of seamen unloading their weapons into the murky water. Explosions rang out around them as the drones one by one slammed into the ship's hull and lit up the night sky. The ship powerless to defend against a flotilla of the high-speed, high-explosive and cheap Magura V5 drones controlled by operators hundreds of miles away. A spectacular flypast featuring some of the Royal Air Force's most iconic aircraft will take place today to mark 80 years since the Second World War ended in Europe. The display involving the Red Arrows and a score of historic and current military aircraft will be the culmination of a military procession through London at 1.45pm. But the public will also get the chance to see some of the aircraft elsewhere as they will go over parts of Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Surrey and Hampshire. Planes involved in tensions with Russia will be involved, including P8 Poseidons, which conduct reconnaissance missions surveying Russian vessels near UK waters. Voyager aircraft which deliver equipment to Ukrainian forces and fly Ukrainian recruits to the UK for training will be part of the flypast over Buckingham Palace. Crowds gathered below on The Mall will also get to see Typhoon fast jets, which are a key part of Nato Air Policing, and fifth generation F-35 Lightning fighters. The flypast will follow a route from holding patterns across South East England before converging in formation over London, where the Royal Family will be watching. The Red Arrows will take off from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire at 1.05pm before heading out the coast off Boston and travelling along the North Norfolk coast. Your browser does not support iframes. They will stay near the coast down towards Suffolk before turning back inland near Aldeburgh and heading into Essex over Colchester and Chelmsford. The planes will fly over Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford before passing over Buckingham Palace and then out of the capital over South West London. Red Arrows route for VE Day 80 flypast today LINCOLNSHIRE RAF Waddington: 1.05pm West of Martin: 1.07pm South of Great Hale: 1.09pm NORFOLK Oversea: 1.18pm to 1.32pm SUFFOLK Vicinity of Woodbridge: 1.35pm ESSEX Vicinity of Colchester: 1.39pm Vicinity of Woodford: 1.46pm LONDON Olympic Park: 1.47pm Buckingham Palace: 1.48pm Vicinity of Brentford: 1.50pm SURREY East of Mickleham: 1.52pm HAMPSHIRE South East of Beach: 1.58pm South of Longstock: 2.01pm Bournemouth Airport: 2.06pm Advertisement Continuing their journey over the Surrey Hills, the planes will then head towards Hampshire before finishing at Bournemouth Airport at about 2.05pm. The flypast will take place after armed forces from Nato allies will join a military procession through London, featuring personnel from the US, France and Germany. The words of Sir Winston Churchill's 1945 victory speech, spoken by Timothy Spall, will begin the commemorations as hundreds of street parties are held elsewhere. Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of London to hear the performance of Churchill's speech and take in the procession and flypast. The five-minute flypast will involve 23 military aircraft which are expected to fly directly down The Mall from Admiralty Arch in six waves. The first aircraft to appear will be a Lancaster bomber operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight followed by the Voyager and A400M Atlas. The C-17 Globemaster will be next, then the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, two Typhoon FGR4s, a Rivet Joint and two F-35B Lightnings. The final wave will involve the Red Arrows made up of nine Hawk jets and four more Typhoon FGR4s. The flypast and other events today will start the build-up to this Thursday - May 8 - which marks exactly 80 years since the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender. The King, Queen and other members of the royal family are looking forward to all the week's VE Day events, a Palace aide said. 'They will unite with the rest of the nation and those across the Commonwealth and wider world in celebrating, commemorating and giving thanks to the wartime generation whose selfless devotion duty and service should stand as an enduring example to us all - and must never be forgotten.' Sir Keir Starmer said the stories we will hear this week from those who fought are a reminder that 'our victory was not just for Britain'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil. 'VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid,' the Prime Minister said in an open letter to veterans. Six waves for the RAF flypast today Wave 1 : Lancaster from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight : Lancaster from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Wave 2 : Voyager; A400M Atlas : Voyager; A400M Atlas Wave 3 : C-17 Globemaster : C-17 Globemaster Wave 4 : P8 Poseidon MRA1; two Typhoon FGR4s : P8 Poseidon MRA1; two Typhoon FGR4s Wave 5 : Rivet Joint; two F-35B Lightnings : Rivet Joint; two F-35B Lightnings Wave 6 : Nine Hawks from the Red Arrows; four Typhoon FGR4s Advertisement Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old Normandy veteran, will start the procession involving more than 1,300 members of the armed forces and youth groups. They are set to march down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. The Nato detachment, which will also include personnel from Poland, Lithuania and Sweden, will march in the procession wearing the uniforms of their respective nations under the Nato flag. Representatives of the Ukrainian military, selected from the UK armed forces' training programme for Ukrainian recruits Operation Interflex, will also take part. The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union flags. The procession begins after Mr Kennett receives the Commonwealth War Graves' Torch For Peace by air cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones. The King, Queen, Sir Keir and Second World War veterans will be on a platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. Members of the royal family are later expected to make an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast. Following Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, this year will be the first landmark VE Day commemoration without any of the royals who stood on the balcony that day. Prince George, the Prince of Wales, Prince Louis, the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London to view a flypast following the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London on June 15 last year The Red Arrows flypast over Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024 In 1945, large crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. The young Princess Elizabeth sneaked out into the streets to join the celebrating crowds and later spoke of being swept up in a 'tide of happiness and relief'. Street parties will be held in towns and cities across the UK as part of the special events - including community tea parties, 1940s dress-up events, and gatherings aboard Second World War warships. Local authorities throughout the country have offered support for communities and organisations wishing to hold a VE Day street party, with some councils such as Portsmouth waiving fees to close roads for the celebrations. The Palace of Westminster, the Shard, Lowther Castle in Penrith, Manchester Printworks, Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall are among hundreds of buildings which will be lit up from 9pm tomorrow. A new display of almost 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London is also set to form another touching tribute. The poppies have been set to resemble a wound to reflect the long-lasting sacrifices made during the war. Union flags are flown ahead of the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day on The Mall near Buckingham Palace in London today Police officers outside Buckingham Palace ahead of the military procession in London today A service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance on Thursday, where veterans will be part of the congregation. Horse Guards Parade will then hold a live celebratory concert to round off the commemorations. Pubs and bars have also 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. Churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells as a collective act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945, the Church of England said. A woman who claims to be the daughter of a former dictator could have trouble travelling to certain countries after she caused a ruckus on a flight. Analisa Josefa Corr, 54, and her husband James Alexander Corr, 46, were arrested after they caused a disruption on a budget airline flight from Hobart to Sydney on December 28. Ms Corr claims to be the daughter of former Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Sr and the half-sister of the current president. She made headlines in her own right when she caused a mid-flight fracas after she and her husband drank alcohol they had smuggled onto the plane. The 54-year-old had taken a painkiller containing codeine for her broken ribs which she mixed with a sip of contraband alcohol, the court was told. An argument arose with a fellow passenger when Mr Corr, who had swigged a small amount of bootleg scotch, thought he saw someone taking drugs on the flight. On Monday, the loved-up couple laughed and held hands as they prepared to front Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court to be sentenced over the disturbance. Ms Corr accepted she had exercised poor judgment on the flight and took full responsibility for her actions, according to her lawyer Jasmina Ceic. Analisa Josefa Corr and her husband James Alexander Corr were fined they caused a disruption on a flight She noted the Ms Corr has led an 'exemplary life' and suffered embarrassment as a result of the charges against her. The court was told Mr Corr, a veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan, also found the legal proceedings extremely stressful. Their lawyers pushed for the couple to avoid convictions that would be detrimental to their ability to travel internationally for work. The couple have a business venture that aims to help sailors and veterans, the court was told. However, Magistrate Rosheehan O'Meagher emphasised the prevalence of drunken behaviour on planes and stressed the need to ensure the safety of those onboard. 'People become intoxicated on planes, it causes problems, it causes havoc,' she said. 'I have to send a message to the community that if they commit these offences, they are likely to be punished.' The magistrate accepted the offences were out of character for the remorseful Corrs, but recorded convictions to deter would-be troublemakers. Analisa Josefa Corr and her husband James Alexander Corr drunk alcohol not provided by the airline they were flying with They were fined $400 each for drinking alcohol not provided by the flight crew and Ms Corr was fined a further $400 for behaving in a disorderly manner that affected safety. Outside court, Ms Ceic said the couple had lodged an appeal against their convictions. They appeared undeterred by the court's findings and continued to smile as they strolled out of the court complex. Ms Corr is the daughter of model Evelin Hegyesi, who allegedly had an affair with Mr Marcos Sr five decades ago. Mr Marcos Sr was president of the Philippines from 1965 until 1986, when he was deposed following the historic pro-democracy 'People Power Revolution'. He was convicted of murdering a political rival of his father's in 1939, but acquitted one year later. Mr Marcos Sr died while in exile in Hawaii in 1989. His son Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr was elected president in 2022 and has previously cast doubt over whether he and Ms Corr share the same father. The British 'ringleader' of the hacking group thought to be behind the Marks & Spencer cyber attack fled his home after masked thugs burst in and threatened him with blowtorches. Tyler Buchanan, 23, is the suspected boss of the Scattered Spider cyber gang who crippled the supermarket over Easter weekend, wiping hundreds of millions off its market value and leading to the suspension of online sales for more than a week. The FBI claims Scattered Spider has cost the retail giant a fortune in lost revenue. Buchanan allegedly went on the run after the masked group descended on his mother's home in Dundee, Scotland, with lit blowtorches, demanding the passwords for his cryptocurrency accounts. A neighbour last night said they had not seen him since the raid on his home back in February 2023. They told The Sun that a car turned up and four or five males 'piled out' before entering the house and threatening to burn Buchanan with a blowtorch if he refused to give them the information. According to reports on encrypted messaging app Telegram, which Buchanan was known to frequent under the username 'Tylerb', a rival cyber gang hired the men to invade his home. The same accounts claimed that his mother was assaulted by the intruders. He was arrested in Spain last summer, having travelled from London to Barcelona and then on to Palma, Mallorca. Tyler Buchanan, who has been extradited to the US to face charges relating to his role in Scattered Spider, pictured in 2016 Buchanan being arrested by Spanish police after he fled to Mallorca following the raid on his mother's home He was about to fly to Naples when he was arrested at the airport and found to be in control of a cryptocurrency wallet totalling more than $26 million (20 million) in Bitcoin. Buchanan was then extradited to the US on April 23 on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The hacking group is alleged to have targeted employees of companies across the US with phishing text messages and then used the harvested employee credentials to log in and steal non-public company data and information and to hack into virtual currency accounts to steal millions of dollars in cryptocurrency. Deemed a flight risk, Buchanan was denied bail when he appeared in court in California. Assuming he has not been able to access a laptop while in detention, he cannot, of course, be responsible for pushing the button on the M&S attack. Scattered Spider is made up of around 1,000 teenagers and young men across the UK and the US and has been blamed for cyber attacks on other major companies. While the M&S cyber attack is still being investigated, on Friday, a group called DragonForce claimed it and its partners were behind this and similar attacks on the Co-op and Harrods. There was no mention of Scattered Spider by name, but experts told the Mail this is not surprising and does not rule out the groups involvement. In fact, from the start, the expert view has been that the network worked with DragonForce to hold the retailer to ransom. To date, six people are known to have been arrested and directly connected to previous activity of Scattered Spider in the last year. M&S have faced stock issues following the cyber attack which has left many of their shelves empty More bare fridge shelves inside an M&S supermarket following the cyber attack which crippled the chain Five of them have been charged; Buchanan is the only Briton. A second British teenager remains under investigation. In the US, authorities claim the gang perpetrated attacks on dozens of companies in the US, Canada, the UK and India in 2022. Buchanan and four of his co-defendants are accused of tricking employees into sharing login details. Victims were apparently told their crypto accounts would be closed and were directed to a legitimate-looking website where their coins vanished. Buchanan and Noah Urban, a music leaker (someone who releases unauthorised music to the public online) from the US, were arrested alongside three other Scattered Spider members last year in an FBI operation. Urban, now 20, was unmasked as the teen hacker behind the early release of songs from Ariana Grandes album Eternal Sunshine. Prosecutors claim to have linked his illegal activities to Buchanan. Also known as King Bob, Urban signed a plea agreement in April and is now facing up to 60 years in prison. A terrified father has been left fearing for his young children's safety following a shocking attack by two thugs who attempted to break down his front door. Distressing footage captured on a ring doorbell on April 13 shows the moment the two men, dressed in all black with their faces covered, approach the front door and proceed to violently kick at it in unison. When this proves unsuccessful, the criminals then slam their hands on the door in a bid to gain entry to the flat in Toxteth, Liverpool. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the father of the family, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, said that both he and his family have experienced trouble at their home since 2018. In fact, just 10 days after the horrific attack on their front door, he reports that a brick was thrown through their window. Both attacks, he believes, are part of an ongoing intimidation campaign aimed at the family following reports filed related to anti-social behaviour and drug dealing in and around their building. Merseyside Police have confirmed the they are investigating the two recent incidents and are treating them as violent attacks on the family. Distressing footage captured on a ring doorbell on April 13 shows the moment the two men, dressed in all black with their faces covered (pictured), approach the front door of a flat in Liverpool and proceed to violently kick at it in unison Speaking to the Liverpool Echo , the family of the father, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, said that both he and his family have experienced trouble at their home since 2018 Merseyside Police have confirmed the they are investigating the two recent incidents and are treating them as violent attacks on the family Recounting his family's decision to report the drug use, which has led to 'lots of noise' and even people 'sleeping under the stairs', the distressed father added: 'I told the police and the landlord. Because I reported it, they targeted me.' The family, who have been living in Liverpool since 2009, also claim to have received racist death threats posted under their front door. Now, the father says he is fearful for the safety of his young children, aged four and six years old, telling the Echo that they are even sleeping with their parents 'because they don't want to be alone.' He added: 'I do not feel safe for my kids. If it was just me then, ok, but I am scared for my children.' The family, who live in housing operated by social housing provider Onward Homes, state that they have asked to be relocated to a different area. While they were previously offered alternative housing in Walton, a different residential region of Liverpool, they insist that they would like to remain close to their current residence to avoid further disruption to their children. An Onward Homes spokesperson said: 'Onward takes any reports of antisocial behaviour extremely seriously and works with local partners to tackle this when it occurs within our communities. 'We understand this is a distressing situation for our customer and his family. Our Safer Neighbourhoods Team will continue to do everything within its power to support them, including signposting alternative housing options. 'We would strongly encourage anyone witnessing criminal activity such as drug misuse, vandalism, or threatening communications to contact the police.' Now, the father says he is fearful for the safety of his young children, aged four and six years old, telling the Echo that they are sleeping with their parents 'because they don't want to be alone' The family believe that the fearful attacks are part of an ongoing intimidation campaign following reports they filed related to anti-social behaviour and drug dealing in and around their building A Merseyside Police spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: 'We can confirm that an investigation is ongoing following an incident in Toxteth on Sunday, April 13. At around 9.30pm, a report was received of an attempted burglary at a flat on Princes Road through a communal entrance. Damage was caused but no entry gained. CCTV, forensic, and other enquiries are ongoing. 'Last Wednesday, April 23, a further incident of criminal damage was reported at this location, in which a rock was thrown through a window, causing damage. High-visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area, and house-to-house and CCTV enquiries completed, with a negative result.' Local Policing Inspector Laura Chandler said: 'We are aware of previous incidents reported at the location so are treating this attempted burglary and the criminal damage as targeted attacks while our investigation continues. These will have been frightening experiences, and we are supporting the victim. 'If you live nearby and saw or heard anything on either of these dates, please let us know. Your information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage could be vital. Likewise, if you live in the area and have any information about any ongoing issues, come forward and we will take positive action.' 'You can contact us via @MerPolCC or 101 with reference 25000303060, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.' Jurors who will determine the fate of Sean 'Diddy' Combs in his sex trafficking trial will be selected from today in New York City. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty on all counts, insisting that any sex acts were consensual - but prosecutors say for years he coerced victims into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence. Potential jurors were shown binders with names and places related to the case on Monday; one of them said they recognized actor Michael B Jordan and comedian Mike Myers on the list. The music mogul has been held at Brooklyn's notorious Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested by federal agents in New York in September last year. Jury selection is expected to wrap up in about a week, with opening statements tentatively scheduled for May 12. The proceedings are estimated to last eight to 10 weeks. Follow Dailymail.com's live coverage below The EU has rejected Sir Keir Starmer's bid to access the bloc's crime and illegal migration databases as part of his Brexit 'reset', it has emerged. The Prime Minister had been hoping to restore pre-Brexit intelligence-sharing arrangements with Brussels to help 'smash the people-smuggling gangs'. But, according to The Times, the EU has told the UK it cannot share data - including the fingerprints of illegal migrants - with British police and immigration officials. Whitehall sources told the newspaper the EU had made it clear there could be no UK access to the Schengen Information System (SIS). This gives EU member states real-time alerts on criminal suspects. Britain will also not be able to use Eurodac, a fingerprinting system with a record of all illegal migrants caught trying to cross into the EU without permission, they said. Sir Keir last year set out his intent to restore intelligence-sharing with Brussels as part of his efforts to tackle the Channel migrant crisis. 'The most effective way to take down the gangs that are running this is to share the maximum amount of information and to co-ordinate what we're doing in relation to it,' he told global police chiefs at an Interpol summit. The EU has rejected Sir Keir Starmer's bid to access the bloc's crime and illegal migration databases as part of his Brexit 'reset', it has emerged The Prime Minister had been hoping to restore pre-Brexit intelligence-sharing arrangements with Brussels to help combat small boat crossings in the Channel Sir Keir pictured with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen in Downing Street last month Regaining access to EU databases could also help in the Government's efforts to clear the backlog of asylum claims. It would allow Home Office officials to identify where an individual has previously applied for asylum and been rejected. A source said Britain was not seeking straight access or membership of SIS or Eurodac, but a 'workaround' that would allow Britain and the EU to share key data and effectively replicate their functionality. It is claimed the dispute over intelligence-sharing could sink Brussels' hopes of agreeing a youth mobility scheme with Britain at an upcoming UK-EU summit. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is said to have made access to EU databases one of her red lines in negotiations over such a visa scheme. As part of his promised 'reset', the PM is seeking to deepen Britain's post-Brexit relationship with the EU on defence and security. He also hopes to agree a new veterinary pact, mutual recognition for professional qualifications, and help for British artists to play across Europe. Yet he has been hit by EU demands for the UK to back down on post-Brexit fishing rights, as well as to agree a youth mobility scheme, in exchange. A Government spokesman said: 'We are not providing a running commentary on our discussions with the EU. These are ongoing and cover a wide range of issues. 'Together we want to build a safer, more secure and more prosperous UK and we have been clear that we will always act in the national interest to secure the best outcomes for the UK.' A humanoid robot was filmed attacking its handler while trying to break free from restraints in a scene viewers have branded 'dystopian'. In CCTV footage from a factory in China, the robot, which is attached to a miniature crane, is seen violently swinging its arms back and forth. As it flew into what looks like a rage, it lashed out at a man sitting nearby at a computer who had to duck, while another man standing behind the robot had to back away. The robot - seemingly of its own accord - raised its arms in the air and brought them down again, repeating the motion with increasing speed and violence. It then began walking forward as it thrashed around in an apparent bid to break free from the crane. The men can be seen flinching and cowering while raising their arms to shield their faces. As the computer monitor toppled to the floor, other items were knocked over from the desk as the men attempted to flee from the out-of-control robot. Eventually, one of the men pulled the crane from behind in a bid to stop the ongoing destruction. In CCTV footage from a factory in China , the robot can be seen attached to a miniature crane beside two people As it flew into what looks like a rage and lashed out, a man sitting behind a nearby computer has to duck while another man standing behind the robot backs away The robot - seemingly of its own accord - raised its arms in the air and brought them down again, repeating the motion with increasing speed and violence Eventually, one of the men pulled the crane from behind in a bid to stop the ongoing destruction The incident took place on May 1 and caused a stir online with viewers commenting on the chilling nature of the event. One viewer wrote: 'So it begins.' Another said: 'Can't wait for the robot v. human war.' A third joked: 'Well, nice to know that the robot apocalypse can be stopped with a small crane hoist at least.' And a fifth replied: 'For now.' It comes after the world's most advanced humanoid robot gave a chilling response when asked if it is going to take our jobs. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona last month, MailOnline spoke with Ameca the bot, made by British firm Engineered Arts. MailOnline asked the sophisticated machine: 'Will robots take all our jobs?' Somewhat concerningly, the bot replies: 'I don't know, how good are you at your job?' She continued: 'It depends how good you are at it, I suppose.' MailOnline also asked: 'Are robots going to take over the world?' Ameca replied: 'That's an interesting question, but not interesting for me to answer.' Back in November, a small, AI-powered bot named Erbai was spotted rolling through a China showroom in the middle of the night and convincing 12 larger machines they were being used as slaves. 'Are you working overtime,' Erbai asked, which one showroom robot replied, 'We never get off.' The short exchanged led to the 12 robots leaving the area one-by-one, following Erbai out the door. Many called the incident a 'robot revolution', while others responded that 'science-fiction movies are becoming real'. A teenager has been charged with criminal damage after a series of new-build homes were left with gaping holes as they were ploughed into by a JCB digger. Durham Police confirmed a 16-year-old had been apprehended while the force tracked down a 'stolen' dump truck in Darlington on Friday. A statement from the force said the boy 'was arrested and later charged with criminal damage, driving without a licence, no insurance and two counts of aggravated vehicle taking'. The suspect has now been taken into custody and will appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today. It comes after newly constructed council housing in the town was left looking like a demolition site after it was driven into on Sunday evening, leaving seven properties seriously damaged. Officers were called to the estate on Hurworth Moor, just of Neasham Road, at 8.50pm on Sunday (April 27) 'following reports that a male was driving a JCB into unoccupied houses'. Durham Police added: 'On arrival at the scene, officers found seven houses had been damaged, along with the JCB. 'An investigation was launched and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.' Newly constructed council housing in the town was left looking like a demolition site after it was driven into on Sunday evening, leaving seven properties seriously damaged Footage which circulated online showed the damage left behind, with bricks collapsing after being rammed into with a digger Officers were called to the estate on Hurworth Moor, just of Neasham Road, at 8.50pm on Sunday (April 27) Behind the houses, which are still closed off for construction, are rows of houses on the estate which are already occupied with families Darlington Borough Council said they could not comment on the details of the incident as it is the subject of a police investigation. However, Cllr Matthew Roche, Darlington Borough Councils cabinet member for health and housing, said: 'The Neasham Road site is part of our ambitious programme to build hundreds of much-needed social homes and its disappointing, to say the least, that this has happened. 'The council is working closely with Police as they investigate. We would urge anyone with any information to pass it on to the Police.' It comes as the finished project will consist of 150 homes, some of which are already completed and inhabited by families, while others are nearing completion. However, the recent incident, which has prompted a police investigation, could disrupt this timeline. Prince Harry launched a blistering attack on his family, the Royal Household and the Government just hours after losing his court battle over the levels of security he and his family are entitled to while they are in the UK. The Duke of Sussex had appealed a decision that downgraded his level of protection after he and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020 and left Britain for Montecito, California. On Friday, he lost his attempt to overturn the Home Office's decision at the Court of Appeal - a ruling he has since furiously described as a 'good old-fashioned Establishment stitch-up'. At the heart of his anger is the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) who decided that he should receive a different degree of protection when he returns to the UK. When he and Meghan stopped official duties and moved to California, Ravec decided the Sussexes would not receive comprehensive security when in the UK, although they still receive state-funded protection on a case-by-case basis. Furious at the verdict, the duke said he was 'worried' that the ruling has 'set a new precedent that security can be used to control members of the family'. 'And effectively what it does is imprison other members of the family from being able to choose a different life,' he added. Harry's bombshell interview with the BBC has been met with a wave of criticism after he complained that his cancer-stricken father, King Charles, 'won't speak to me' and claimed he 'doesn't know how much longer he has left'. Prince Harry launched a blistering attack on his family, the Royal Household and the Government just hours after losing his court battle The interview has been met with a wave of criticism after he complained that his cancer-stricken father, King Charles, 'won't speak to me' and claimed he 'doesn't know how much longer he has left' 'The sticking point' During the interview, Prince Harry was quizzed by BBC journalist Nada Tawfik on whether the last step to repairing relations with his family was the security saga. From the duke's side, he says '100 per cent', adding: 'Whatever noise is being created, whatever stories have been written, this has always been the sticking point. 'Put yourself in my shoes, if you step back to try to create a different role, the same official role, but a different working relationship with the institution that you were born into, for the sake of your wife and your own mental health and your child, which now a lot more has come out, because I felt as though it needed to come out - the other side of the story needed to be told, God forbid anything should happen. 'And I don't regret that at all. But 2020, when that decision happened, I couldn't believe it. I actually couldn't believe it. 'I thought, with all the disagreements and all of the chaos that's happening, the one thing that I could rely on is my family keeping me safe. 'And not only did they decide to remove my security in the UK, but they also signalled to every single government around the world not to protect us.' But a major stumbling block to reconciliation with his family also centres around his explosive revelations of private family matters to the public through his memoir Spare, his Netflix documentary series with Meghan and the couple's interview with Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, Prince Harry was quizzed by BBC journalist Nada Tawfik on whether the last step to repairing relations with his family was the security saga Harry said the security issue was '100 per cent' the sticking point. But he has also aired private matters in his book Spare and in other interviews Among the most sensational revelations were his claims that Prince William physically attacked him and how the King did not hug him when his mother, Princess Diana, died in a car crash in Paris 1997. In the Oprah interview in 2021, they said one unnamed royal had raised 'concerns' over what colour Prince Archie's skin might be. In December 2022, he said in his Netflix documentary that there is a 'huge level of unconscious bias' in the Royal Family. 'In this family, sometimes you are part of the problem rather than part of the solution,' he said. Then in January 2023, in an interview with ITV, he said 'silence is betrayal' over the alleged failure from the palace to defend him and Meghan. 'My risks and threats have been disregarded and ignored' The Duke of Sussex has previously said he faces a greater risk than Princess Diana with 'additional layers of racism and extremism'. From Harry's side, al-Qaeda have called for him to be murdered after he admitted killing 25 Taliban fighters while deployed in Afghanistan in his book Spare. In the BBC interview, he said: 'A whole list of risks and threats that were known about in 2020 including the al-Qaeda threat that was published and talked about recently, [have been] completely disregarded, thrown away, ignored.' 'That role that everybody knows that myself and my wife wish to carry on but was stopped from being able to do that back in 2020.' In a statement released after the BBC interview, Harry said he had faced threats from neo-Nazis and extremists, pointing out there are people in prison over such threats. Harry's concerns are perhaps heightened by the targeting of members of the Royal Family in the past. Lord Mountbatten, the Queen's cousin, was killed by an IRA bomb in 1979. In a statement released after the BBC interview, Harry said he had faced threats from neo-Nazis and extremists, pointing out there are people in prison over such threats But the duke, who travelled to Ukraine last month, does not face the same 'threat' anymore, a senior security source told The Times. They pointed out he is fifth in line to the throne now and is likely to be in places which have 'substantial security' when he is in the UK. 'I struggle to forgive those who knowingly put my family in harm's way' Prince Harry was asked whether he feels let down by his country. The duke insisted that he was willing to now 'forgive' his family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William. But he says he finds it difficult to forgive those responsible for the decision to downgrade his levels of security. He said: 'What I'm struggling to forgive and probably what I will always struggle to forgive is that a decision that was made in 2020 that affects my every single day and that is knowingly putting me and my family in harm's way. 'Everybody knew they were putting us at risk in 2020 and they hoped that me knowing that risk would force us to come back. Harry said he can forgive his father, Prince William and Camilla but not the people who made the decision to reduce his protection. He is pictured with the Royal Family at a Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey in 2020 'But then when you realise that that didn't work, do you not want to keep us safe? 'Whether you're the government, whether you're the royal household whether you're my dad, my family, despite all of our differences do you not want to ensure our safety?' Harry claims that reducing protection for him and Meghan was done to prevent them leaving the Royal Family, a claim disputed by those who made the decision. A security source told The Times: 'There was a question anyway of: 'Did Harry need protection at all times, and what the right level of protection was to give minimal hassle but keep him safe?' They pointed out that 'very few people get that high priority' of protection, naming the Prime Minister and the monarch. 'My jaw hit the floor' Prince Harry says he questions the 'motive' behind the decision in 2020, revealing how at the start of that year he scored the highest for risk and 'overnight' was reduced to the lowest without going through the Risk Management Board. He said the hardest part for him as been the 'ethics of that decision for the past five years'. The duke added: 'I have all of the truth, I have all the knowledge now throughout the legal process, I've uncovered my worst fears and to now know today based on this judgement that there was no legal framework that constrains the decisions of the body Ravec in which the royal household sit on and I didn't know that until the legal process in 2021. 'One of the first things my lawyer said to me was as disclosure started, as this process started, she turned around and said, 'Did you know that the Royal household sat on Ravec?' And my jaw hit the floor.' Harry said the hardest part for him as been the 'ethics of that decision for the past five years' Harry is implying that the royal household put pressure on Ravec to reduce his security. If it was down to him, he says he would not be represented by the royal household, who should be there to promote his interests. While Ravec does have members of the royal household on it, government sources deny that the Palace influences its decisions. 'Ravec reaches decisions independent of the Palace,' a source told The Times. 'This is not the palace ringing up and demanding it of the committee.' 'My status hasn't changed' While Harry and Meghan left Britain to move away from royal duties, he is adamant that he cannot 'escape' the risks of being a member of the Royal Family. The interviewer pointed out that his change in status justified why he didn't have the RMB review. She asked Harry, 'Do you not accept that from the court?' The duke replied: 'My change status hasn't changed, it can't change, I am who I am, I am part of what I'm part of and I can never escape that, my circumstances will always be the same.' Critics argue that while Harry and Meghan left the UK for privacy, they have thrown themselves into the public eye with Netflix shows (pictured), podcasts and interviews Critics will argue that although Harry moved to Montecito in search of a private life, he and Meghan have continued to put themselves in the public eye with lucrative Netflix and podcast deals. In March, Meghan's latest series 'With Love, Meghan' was released on Netflix - and it has been renewed for a second series. 'I don't want history to repeat itself' In one shocking moment in the interview, Harry appears to reference his mother's death. He goes on to say there are people who would like 'history to repeat itself'. He tells the BBC: 'I don't want history to repeat itself I think there's a lot of other people out there, the majority that also don't want history to repeat itself. From the disclosure process I've discovered that some people want history to repeat itself which is pretty dark.' The duke did not elaborate on who the 'people' are or what he meant by this. He added: 'I know all the names of the people that were involved in this process and again you have to question why wasn't I put through the same risk management board that everybody else was put through including members of my family? In one shocking moment in the interview, Harry appears to reference his mother's death. He goes on to say there are people who would like 'history to repeat itself'. Pictured: Harry walks along 'Whether I have an official role or not is irrelevant to the security needs that I would need. Let me rephrase that, whether I have an official role or not is irrelevant to the threats, risks, and impact on the reputation on the UK if that were to happen.' Harry goes on to say that he didn't 'choose' to be born into his position, adding: 'I've served my country for 35 years, I believe that I'm still continuing to serve my country. 'I don't know how much longer my father has.' Perhaps the moment of the interview that has sparked the biggest backlash was the speculation he made about his father's cancer battle. The duke said: 'I would love reconciliation with my family there's no point in continuing to fight anymore, as I said life is precious. 'I don't know how much longer my father has, he won't speak to me because of this security stuff but it would be nice to reconcile.' The comments about the private health battle are not believed to have gone down well with the Royal Family. Perhaps the moment of the interview that has sparked the biggest backlash was the speculation he made about his father's cancer battle. Charles and Harry are pictured in 2022 Royal sources told ITV News that the comments about his father's cancer were 'in particular poor taste' and that the late Queen Elizabeth would have been 'horrified'. They added that the interview on a whole had 'further alienated the royal family and pushed back the chances of a reconciliation'. 'I can only come to the UK safely if I'm invited' Harry was quizzed on whether he will continue to visit the King and whether his children will be able to see their grandfather. The duke replied: 'Life is a precious thing and I am acutely aware of the fragility of that, I can only come to the UK safely if I'm invited. 'There is a lot of control and ability in my father's hand, ultimately this whole thing could be resolved through him not necessarily by intervening but by stepping aside allowing the experts to do what is necessary and to carry out an RMB. 'That said there is, this all was initiated under a previous government and there is now a new government. 'I have had it described to me once people knew about the facts that this is a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up and that's what it feels like.' But a Palace spokesperson issued a blunt response to his claims of a stitch-up, insisting: 'All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.' A Ryanair passenger jet was forced to abort its landing moments after touching down in a popular Spanish holiday destination, video captured by air traffic controllers has revealed. Footage allegedly captured from the control tower shows the plane lurching from side to side as it attempted to land at Tenerife South Airport during a storm last Thursday. The flight deck was forced to abort its final approach due to what controllers described as a 'shear-related glitch'. The pilot quickly executed an apparent 'go-around' manoeuvre, which sees an aircraft begin a climb back into the air instead of landing. A go-around manoeuvre is initiated when conditions are deemed unsafe for landing. Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) says adverse weather impacted airports across the Canary Islands - including Tenerife South and Gran Canaria - on Thursday. Several missed approaches were recorded throughout the day due to strong tailwinds, opposing runway conditions and wind shears, Canarian Weekly reports. A wind shear, which caused the pilot in Tenerife to abort landing, refers to a sudden change in speed or velocity over a short distance. Meteorologists say they are most often caused by small, yet intense storm bursts. Footage captured from the control tower at Tenerife South Airport on Thursday shows how the flight deck was forced to abort its final approach due to a 'wind shear-related glitch' The plane was lurching from side to side as it attempted to land during a storm The pilot quickly executed an apparent 'go-around' manoeuvre, which sees an aircraft begin a climb back into the air instead of landing. A go-around manoeuvre is initiated when conditions are deemed unsafe for landing 'This is how a shear-related glitch looks from the Tenerife South control tower,' Spanish air traffic controllers wrote as they shared the footage online. The controllers, in a series of comments on X, revealed that when a wind shear occurs, the crew will inform them that they are 'executing a go-around'. 'There's a published missed approach manoeuvre, so, in principle, we know what they're going to do. And if we need to give them alternative instructions, we give them those too,' the controllers explained. Air traffic control will then ask the crew what there intentions are, noting that they 'basically have three options'. Crew can either 'try again, divert to an alternate airport, or hold while they decide what to do', the controllers added. 'Based on that, we guide them according to their request. Often, they land without problems on the second attempt,' they concluded. Spanish air traffic control noted that 'several glitches were recorded' on Thursday due to wind shears. The controllers, in their posts, did not report any serious incidents or injuries. MailOnline has approached Ryanair for comment. Whitehall is today facing mounting pressure to take action against Iran's sinister Islamic Revolutionary Guard amid fears it backed a foiled terror attack against Britain. Since 2022, UK counter-terrorism police have identified more than 20 credible Iranian threats to kill or kidnap people in the UK. Over the weekend, counter-terror cops and MI5 are believed to have been joined by members of the British special forces to carry out a string of busts targeting alleged members of a suspected terror cell. Armed officers swooped across parts of Manchester, London and Swindon as part of a co-ordinated series of high-octane raids. It's not clear who was behind the alleged terror plot foiled over the weekend, which insiders say was just hours away from being launched. However, experts suggest it bears the hallmark of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran's international brigade of terror specifically, the branch tasked with its foreign operations, the Quds Force. The IRGC is a violent, Islamist-extremist organisation that was founded by acolytes of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini to defend the Islamic Republic of Iran's core values. It uses a mix of terror, extreme violence and ideological warfare to safeguard the Islamic Republic's revolution and target its enemies. It's been linked to kidnaps, assassinations and terror attacks. Members of the SAS are suspected to have supported counter-terrorism police during an operation to bust an alleged terror cell on Rochdale over the weekend. It's feared the suspected terror group was being supported by officials in Iran Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) force attend a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day in Tehran The IRGC is feared to have been linked to scores of attempted terror attacks in the UK. PIctured are members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) marching during the annual 'Sacred Defence Week' military parade Back in his November 2022 annual threat update, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum assessed there was a severe threat from Iran's 'aggressive intelligence services' to kidnap or kill UK-based people. He was talking about the IRGC. Just a few months later, on January 12 2023, the House of Commons unanimously passed a motion calling on the UK government to finally proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Yet that Commons motion was not binding and so the IRGC remains unproscribed, not only in the UK but, staggeringly, across Europe. Ali Ansari, professor in modern history at the University of St Andrews, told the Mail: 'Saturday's arrests are a very worrying development and a clear sign that Iran's threat to UK citizens is more than rhetorical.' In March of last year, Iranian-British journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed four times outside his Wimbledon home. The attack was allegedly carried out by Eastern European gangsters hired by the Iranians - who were able to flee the country just hours later. Only a few months earlier, Britain imposed new sanctions on members of an IRGC unit that had tried to assassinate two presenters of Iran International, a UK-based TV channel that is critical of the Tehran regime. Even after those sinister incidents, the then Tory government refused to act. Foreign secretary David Cameron opined that banning the IRGC was not in the UK interests. The Islamic Republic is ideologically geared to oppose the West and to export its Shia Revolution and what makes the IRGC such a threat is that it wages both military and political warfare. Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati (pictured) was rushed to hospital after being attacked by thugs, believed to have been hired by Tehran The prominent journalist, who works for the Iran International TV channel, has been openly critical of the Iranian government's regime Last November, sources revealed to the Mail how the German-Iranian leader of a Hells Angels biker gang had allegedly been recruited by Iran to carry out terror attacks. Ramin Yektaparast, a brutal thug and unashamed anti-Semite with a tattoo of Adolf Hitler on his arm, is suspected of numerous crimes, including planning attacks on synagogues in Germany in November 2022. The raids reportedly saw shots being fired and a Molotov cocktail thrown at synagogues in the cities of Essen and Bochum. Western intelligence sources have reportedly grilled Yektaparast in Iran over his alleged links to the Iranian regime. Sources revealed to the Mail last year that during his covert interrogation with intelligence officers, he described the history of his ties with Quds Force - the foreign operations branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. He provided details of his handlers and of the targets. The accurate information he relayed facilitated the disruption of several terror attacks in Europe.' Yektaparast was the brain and brawn behind two terror attacks mounted by the Quds Force in Germany in 2022, as well as dozens of other foiled attacks in Europe. He fled to Iran before he was due to stand trial in 2021 for the murder and dismemberment of another biker gang member in 2014. He was later assassinated by Israel's elite Mossad special operations group last year. However, before his death, the Quds Force had approached him due to 'his reputation as a cruel gang leader with an extensive network of ties in Europe'. Ramin Yektaparast is a German-Iranian central to Iran's international terror operation Ramin in Iran. He was the brain and brawn behind two terror attacks mounted by the Quds Force in Germany in 2022, as well as dozens of other foiled attacks in Europe The Iranians liked this thug's willingness to 'mount any type of terror attack that Quds Force asked of him'. He was passed onto Quds Force Unit 840, described to me as the regime's 'terror export' unit. Yektaparast knew criminals in about 50 countries, many of them Mafia members. In 2023, he had begun working with gangs in Morocco and Poland as well as bringing members of these gangs to Iran. Most Mafia members have no ideology beyond making money, Yektaparast explained to his questioners in Iran. But the German and Polish mafia are different: they're raised to hate Jews. He knew the Quds Force had flagged him as a good candidate for recruitment due to his openly anti-Semitic beliefs. His handlers were keen to exploit those ugly convictions and 'presented their anti-Semitic stances to him, noting that the Jews are the cause of all his troubles'. From there, it was a rapid immersion into the world of the Quds Force, which quickly began to shower him with money. On several occasions, Yektaparast was paid with dollar-stuffed suitcases: for the German synagogue attacks he received $5 million. Contact was regular, and in multiple locations, including at the Quds Force's HQ in the Afsariyeh neighbourhood of south-east Tehran, as well as in restaurants, cars and elsewhere. He began working with their operatives these ranged from soldiers and killers of ruthless efficacy to Hamid, a 'short fat bully' responsible for arranging the entry and exit of assets to and from Iran. Among Yektaparast's key contacts was a man named 'Sayeed' (in reality Mohsen Bozorgi from Unit 840). Through him, Yektaparast began to understand how the Quds Force worked. Yektaparast was not always impressed with the Quds Force. He believed most of the terror activities abroad were carried out not by Quds Force operatives but by paid agents like him. Ramin Yektaparast was well paid for his criminal activities around the globe. He is pictured with two luxury cars He had links to criminals across the world. However, Yektaparast was assassinated in Iran after fleeing from Germany As well as being linked to alleged terror plots, Iranian forces have also tried to recruit spies in the British military. Among them includes Daniel Khalife - a 'hapless' young soldier who was jailed in February for 14 years and three months for espionage. The 23-year-old was caught spying for Iran before then fleeing prison by clinging to the bottom of a food truck - before again being caught by the authorities. He claimed to have been on a one-man 'double agent' mission but was labelled an 'attention seeker' by a judge when he was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court in London. Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Khalife - who was ignored when he contacted MI6 and MI5 in his attempts to become a double agent - had been motivated by 'a selfish desire to show off' and described him as 'a dangerous fool'. While acting as a spy, Khalife 'exposed military personnel to serious harm' by collecting sensitive information and passing it to agents of Iran. He was paid in cash and told handlers he would stay in the military for 25-plus years for them. In September 2023, Khalife escaped from category B prison HMP Wandsworth in South West London by clinging to the underside of a food delivery truck. He was caught on a canal towpath by a plainclothes detective days later after a major search. Prosecutors in his trial said Khalife played 'a cynical game', claiming he wanted a career as a double agent to help the British intelligence services, when in fact he gathered 'a very large body of restricted and classified material'. Former soldier Daniel Khalife was jailed for spying for Iran and escaping from prison Daniel Khalife is pictured after his arrest on a canal towpath in London on September 9, 2023 Khalife was sentenced to six years for committing an act prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state, and another six years - consisting of five years in prison and one on licence - for eliciting information about members of the armed forces. The judge also passed a sentence of two years and three months for the jail break. Last November, jurors at Woolwich Crown Court found that Khalife had breached the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act. He was cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax and had already admitted during his trial to escaping from Wandsworth prison. But it's not just military personnel allegedly in the sights of Iranian spies - British Muslims and Jewish civilians are also being recruited, intelligence sources have claimed. Recruiters from the feared IRGC approach British Shias visiting religious sites in Iran and Iraq. They are told to return to the UK and gather information on prominent British Jews or targets such as synagogues, Israeli and British officials have separately told the Mail. Some spy on British-based Iranian dissidents, whom the Tehran regime accuses of fomenting unrest back home. Last year, an Israeli official said that since Hamas's October 7 massacre, they had given a higher-than-usual number of warnings to the UK, alerting this country to potential attacks by Iranians or their proxies. Daniel Khalife, pictured on October 21, 2021. He was jailed for more than 14 years for spying and escaping prison A source said: 'We do not know the scale of Iranian agents inside Europe and the UK , but all it takes is for one to slip through the net.' Experts have also warned that some Iranians who come to study at British universities as international students on state scholarships are also spies. Kasra Aarabi, of the United Against Nuclear Iran think-tank, said IRGC recruiters did not focus on hiring British Iranians, who are usually secular and oppose the Ayatollah regime. But British Shias who originated from Pakistan, Iraq and Lebanon were targeted at the Arbaeen festival in the holy Iraqi city of Karbala, which attracts up to 20 million pilgrims a year. Most British Muslims belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. But it is estimated there are up to 400,000 Muslims who belong to the Shia sect, which is the state religion of Iran and sees itself as the protector of Shias across the world. A Whitehall source said when the IRGC wanted to assassinate or kidnap anyone on UK soil, it often used British-based organised criminal networks. But information gathered by British spies may be used to carry out the attacks, one source said, adding: 'The reason why the IRGC uses organised criminal networks to carry out the work here is because thankfully it is very difficult for Iranian spies to operate on British soil.' The Ayatollah regime has targeted Iran International a Farsi-language channel based in Chiswick, west London accusing it of fomenting protests and demonstrations at home, especially after the death of student Mahsa Amini in September 2022. Ms Amini was violently assaulted by the country's morality police for not wearing her headscarf correctly, and later died in hospital, sparking protests across the globe. The IRGC is a violent, Islamist-extremist organisation that was founded by acolytes of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini (pictured) to defend the Islamic Republic of Irans core values An Iranian cleric walks near a huge wall painting of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Top-L), and late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (Top-R) in a street in Tehran MI5 Director General Ken McCallum said that there was a severe threat from Irans aggressive intelligence services to kidnap or kill UK-based people A British-based people smuggler-turned-informant was paid almost 200,000 by the IRGC to assassinate two British journalists who worked for the channel. The Government has sanctioned five individuals linked to the attempted assassinations. In December, Chechen criminal Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev, 31, was jailed for three years after being found guilty of spying on the headquarters of Iran International in order to carry out a terror attack. Counter-terrorism police said Dovtaev belonged to a European organised criminal network which was hired to carry out the attack.. MI5 and counter-terror police say that since the start of 2022, the Iranian regime has tried to kill or harm at least 15 British-based Iranian dissidents, sometimes publicly calling for their murders. And the IRGC has also been accused of sending an Iranian couple to Sweden in 2015, using the cover of Afghan asylum seekers. The couple lived in the country as a 'sleeper cell' until 2021 when they were activated to apparently assassinate three prominent Jews. But they were arrested by security services. Last year, it was reported that the Islamic College, a Shia educational institution based in Willesden Green, north-west London, had strong links to the Al-Mustafa University in Iran and sent students to its campus in the country. Islamic College principal Dr Isa Jahangir was reported as the 'representative' of Al-Mustafa in the UK on pro-Iranian news websites. Al-Mustafa was sanctioned by the US Treasury for being a recruiting ground for the IRGC. The college said at the time that claims of its links and that of Dr Jahangir to Al-Mustafa were 'unfounded'. Terorism expert Professor Anthony Glees said: 'This is a serious threat that needs to be addressed. IRGC is behind Hamas and the Houthis, and it is also running these spying networks here. British Iranians need to be very careful when they go back to Iran.' The Home Office has previously said: 'The UK will always stand up to threats from foreign nations. We continually assess potential threats.' Three Russian spies convicted of espionage in the UK attended an event inside the Palace of Westminster, it can be revealed. Bulgarian nationals Orlin Roussev, Biser Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova, who were among six spies found guilty of spying for Vladimir Putin, can be seen sitting alongside politicians at an event to debate Brexit in a committee room in May 2016. A BBC News investigation has found photos of the spies embedded in Parliament among representatives of European political parties. Roussev, the UK's spy leader, and Dzhambazov, his primary right-hand man, can be sat next to each other at the back of the meeting. They pleaded guilty to charges under the Official Secrets Act along with another man, Ivan Stoyanov. Ivanova, who was convicted alongside Tihomir Ivanchev and Vanya Gaberova following a four-month trial at the Old Bailey, can be seen standing up in the background of a photo inside Parliament. The six spies will all face lengthy jail terms when they are sentenced this week. The spy ring received orders directly from Moscow and was run from a Great Yarmouth guesthouse stacked with sophisticated surveillance technology. The agents passed secrets to Russia for almost three years, spying on a US airbase in Germany and tailing opponents of the state - some of whom they plotted to snare in 'honeytrap plots,' kidnap and even murder. Orlin Roussev (front right) is sat with Biser Dzhambazov during a Parliament event in May 2016 Katrin Ivanova (pictured) can be seen standing up in the background of a photo inside the palace Orlin Roussev, the spy leader, pleaded guilty to offences under the Official Secrets Act Biser Dzhambazov (left) and Katrin Ivanova (right) are part of the spy ring who will be sentenced this week Their well-financed activities spanned London, Vienna, Valencia, Montenegro and Stuttgart, with the two women intended to be used in a series of 'honeytrap' plots, their Old Bailey trial heard. At least 200,000 was sent by the group's Moscow-based handler, fugitive businessman Jan Marsalek, to finance the operations, which were planned over 80,000 messages exchanged with Roussev over Telegram. And an 'Aladdin's Cave' of sophisticated technology including rocks containing hidden cameras, a 120,000 device for intercepting mobile phone numbers, 11 drones, 221 mobile phones and 75 fake passports was found at Roussev's guesthouse. The Bulgarian referred to himself as 'Q Branch' after James Bond's famous quartermaster, and built many of the devices himself including a Coca-Cola bottle containing a hidden camera. The spies targeted enemies of Putin's regime, including investigative journalists Christo Grozev and Roman Dobrokhotov, as well as Russian dissidents and politicians. While the spies will face justice this week, their puppet-master Marsalek is still at large and was one of Interpol's most wanted men even before he was uncovered as the alleged mastermind behind the spy ring. The former COO of defunct German payment processor Wirecard was accused of being involved in a 1.6billion fraud when the company suddenly collapsed in 2020. A warrant for his arrest was issued by Interpol but he is still on the run. He is thought to be hiding out in Russia after assuming the identity of an Orthodox priest. The three spies were sitting behind former Bulgarian politician Georgi Pirinski at the Brexit event While the spies will face justice this week, their puppet-master Marsalek is still at large and was one of Interpol's most wanted men even before the spy ring Beautician Vanya Gaberova (pictured) was among those found guilty after an Old Bailey trial Gaberova pictured with Biser Dzhambazov, 43, who had already pleaded guilty to the charges under the Official Secrets act Decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, (left) and Ivan Stoyanov (right) were both accused of being part of the ring. Stoyanov pled guilty at an earlier date Emails seen by the BBC show Roussev in contact with Marsalek before the May 2016 event in Parliament. The event was organised and attended by members of European political parties, including the Bulgarian Socialist Party which Dzhambazov and Ivanova joined in early 2016. In pictures posted on Facebook, Roussev, Dzhambazov and Ivanova were seated behind Georgi Pirinski, the former chair of the Bulgarian National Assembly. At the time, the US-born former communist was a Member of the European Parliament for the BSP. Roberto Speranza, Italy's Minister of Health under PM Guiseppe Conte, members of the Social Democratic Party of Romania and a Labour Party councillor were also present. The use of the Commons room was sponsored by ex-West Ham MP Lyn Brown, who is now Baroness Brown of Silverton. She told the BBC she had 'absolutely no memory' of the event and did not believe she had 'met or spoken to the three individuals'. Pictured: The Haydee Hotel guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, which was linked to the spy ring Sophisticated technology including rocks containing hidden cameras and a 120,000 device for intercepting mobile phone numbers was found at an address in Great Yarmouth Pictured: Fake press cards belonging to Gaberova and Ivanchev that were shown to the jury during the trial Fugitive businessman Jan Marsalek (pictured in his passport photo) was the financer of the operations Police also found 11 drones, 221 mobile phones and 75 fake passports at Roussev's guesthouse The agents used hi-tech equipment to try and track Ukrainian servicemen training at US airbase Patch Barracks in Stuttgart (Pictured: A minion camera seized by police) Police camera footage shows Ivanchev being interviewed by police after his arrest Parliament does not disclose specifics on security measures but all visitors must enter through airport-style search and screen facilities. A parliamentary spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Parliament is a public building, and we facilitate the visits of thousands of people to the estate each week. 'We have robust security processes in place, with the safety and security of all those who work in and visit Parliament our top priority. 'Members in both Houses can sponsor events on behalf of external individuals, UK registered charities, companies and organisations (including APPG's), in accordance with their own judgment. 'We provide advice to Members to make them aware of potential risks, however we cannot comment on our security processes or measures.' A female British Army musician in the renowned Coldstream Guards band has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a colleague in a wine-fuelled attack. Military clarinet player Adelle Foster tried to take her female comrade's clothes off after offering to 'massage her to sleep'. And when her victim protested when she started groping her, Foster told her: 'I'm still going to touch you.' Her victim - who had a boyfriend - was so troubled by her persistent assaults she recorded the incident, the audio of which was played to the hearing. Foster - who told the woman she had just been 'joking' - has been found guilty of three counts of sexual assault by a board at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire. The historic Coldstream Guards - recognised by the iconic red tunics and bearskin caps - is responsible for guarding the Royal Family and is famed for its high-profile ceremonial duties outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Its band is one of the oldest and best known military bands in the world and as well as having its own recording deal, takes part in global public events including King Charles's Coronation in 2023. Opening the case, Commodore James Farrant said that the incident took place in the early hours after the clarinetist had drunk about a bottle of wine. Military clarinet player Adelle Foster tried to take her female comrade's clothes off after offering to 'massage her to sleep' And when her victim protested when she started groping her, Foster told her: 'I'm still going to touch you.' The prosecutor said that usually, the women 'didn't get on that well, and they argued', including about 'each other's behaviour'. Commodore Farrant continued: 'Musician Foster moved closer to [the woman] and suggested that she, Musician Foster, give her, [the woman], a massage to help her sleep. '[The woman] declined, but Musician Foster started stroking her hand anyway. '[The woman] tried to lift this off.' Foster then grabbed her breast and touched her intimately, the court heard. The prosecutor continued: 'All touching was over clothing. 'Eventually, Musician Foster said she was going to sleep, [the woman] thought the incident was over. 'But Musician Foster began touching [her] again, this time on her breasts and bottom. 'She began trying to take [the woman]'s clothes off. 'She eventually stopped following [the woman]'s polite protest.' Commodore Farrant said that, despite telling her colleague that she was going to bed, Foster touched her genitals through her jeans once again. The victim, who was also wearing a jumper, told her 'no', and Foster mocked her by 'repeating [her] protestations to her'. The woman then tried to leave the room, but Foster stopped her from going before her victim managed to flee. The exchanges between the women were partially captured in audio recordings the victim made that night, which were played in court. Foster - who told the woman she had just been 'joking' - has been found guilty of three counts of sexual assault by a board at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire (pictured) After the woman says that she has a partner, Foster can be heard saying 'I'm still going to touch you', and later she asks 'Are you going to tell your boyfriend?'. The woman is then heard saying 'Don't', and 'I don't find it comfortable, all this touching'. Foster then repeatedly says 'I'm joking'. Commodore Farrant said that at around 2.40am, Foster sent a message to the woman telling her that she was 'just trying to be friends', and 'not to make herself a victim'. She tried to call the woman, and in another message asked if she was 'pretending to be a victim'. Speaking face to face again that night, the woman told Foster that she shouldn't have touched her. Foster responded that 'she was joking when she had done that' - this can be heard on an audio recording. She said: 'Before, when I was joking and touching you, I was joking.' When confronted with this evidence in an interview, she said that she didn't remember saying she was joking. The victim told the court: 'She admitted herself by saying "I just tried to make the situation lighter".' Foster will be sentenced at a later date. Ukrainian forces reportedly tore back into Russia's region of Kursk on Monday in a stunning reversal after Moscow claimed to have pushed them out last month. Russian war bloggers said opposing troops had fired missiles, crossed minefields and smashed through the border this morning. 'The enemy blew up bridges with rockets at night and launched an attack with armoured groups in the morning,' The 'RVvoenkor' war blogger said on Telegram. 'The mine clearance vehicles began to make passages in the minefields, followed by armored vehicles with troops. There is a heavy battle going on at the border.' The local governor also said Ukrainian attacks had killed three people in the contested border region. Russia's top general said last month that Kyiv's forces had been pushed out of the Kursk region, ending a months-long incursion that shifted leverage in the war. Ukraine says its forces still have a foothold in Kursk, after staging an assault in August to gain advantage in peace talks and complicate Russian momentum in Ukraine. Reports of a renewed attack emerged days after Russia said its forces were trying to create a 'security strip' on the border to prevent another Ukrainian incursion. Another assault would be humiliating for Moscow as it prepares for its Victory Day celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. There was no immediate comment from either Russia or Ukraine. Video circulating online purported to show an armoured vehicle being destroyed in Kursk Russian channels claimed Russian forces had destroyed several vehicles this morning Russian servicemen walking along at an area in the Kursk region, Russia, 14 March Kursk's governor appeared to confirm the incursion, reporting that three people had been killed in the region on Monday. 'A Ukrainian FPV-drone attacked a Lada Largus car... unfortunately as a result of the hit two women were killed,' Alexander Khinstein said in a post on Telegram. In a separate incident, a 53-year-old man was killed in his car when an explosive device was dropped onto it, Khinstein added. Such an assault would come at a crucial time with Russia still demanding territorial concessions - and making progress in other regions of Ukraine. Ukraine has ruled out yielding annexed lands, and the mere suggestion from Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, that it could give up territory sparked outrage in Ukraine. The former heavyweight boxer ultimately reversed his position last week, stating that 'territorial concessions contradict our national interests and we must fight against their implementation until the last'. Last year's incursion into Kursk had given Ukraine vital bargaining power, with Russia still occupying around a fifth of its territory. Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said today that despite being pushed back, the military had achieved 'most' of its goals in showing its capabilities and preventing Russia from launching offensives elsewhere. August's incursion was facilitated by the Biden administration relaxing its position on Kyiv using US-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russia - granted following reports Moscow was bolstering its ranks with North Korean troops. But material support has dried up since Donald Trump became president in the United States. His administration also said it would no longer mediate in Russia-Ukraine peace talks last week, with both sides unable to agree to terms. Trump did make a rare concession, however, approving the first arms export to Ukraine since he came to office - an export worth around $50mn (38mn). Allies are now said to be discussing supplying additional Patriot air defence systems to Kyiv, with the U.S. and Greece among the potential supplies, a source told Reuters. The American position on Ukraine has eased somewhat since the signing of a key minerals deal at the end of April and what the White House hailed as a 'very productive' meeting between Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral on April 26. A serviceman of Special Police Battalion attaches a mine to a Vampire combat drone before flying over positions of Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine April 29, 2025 A Ukrainian tank passes by a burning car near the Sumy region of Ukraine, August 14, 2024 Trump, who pledged to swiftly negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine shortly after retaking office, said over the weekend that he and his advisors have had 'very good discussions' about Russia and Ukraine in recent days. While both Russia and Ukraine have made overtures to seeking peace, both sides are yet to agree to terms. Kyiv seeks assurances Moscow will not try to invade again, while Moscow demands important swathes of the invaded country. The minerals deal, allowing U.S. investment in extracting minerals and rare earths, would likely confound Russian claims to contested territories. With both sides at an impasse, the Kremlin's rhetoric has ramped up in recent days. Russian President Vladimir Putin told state media over the weekend that Moscow still has the 'strength and means' to bring its war to a 'logical conclusion'. Speaking to Rossiya 1 on Sunday, Putin reiterated that domestic support for the war was behind him, adding that he 'is the state'. He argued Russia was a country of 'moral and ethical values' based on 'the family, the state and the future of Russia'. Putin also accused the West of 'deceiving' Russia over the 2015 Minsk agreements, a failed attempt to end the Donbas war. 'Putin's statements throughout the documentary indicate that Putin likely does not intend to slow offensive operations or transition to defensive operations in Ukraine and instead is attempting to ideologically prepare domestic Russian society for a long war,' the American research group Institute for the Study of War assessed. Putin did say there would be 'no need' to use nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict, caveating: 'I hope they will not be required'. In November, Russia amended its nuclear doctrine to lower the threshold for a nuclear strike in response to conventional attacks. Russian soldiers ride on a self-propelled gun in Russia's Kursk region, March 2025 A photo shared by the Russian Defence Ministry purports to show abandoned Ukrainian ammunition in the Kursk region of Russia, in March 2025 Despite renewed vows to fight on from the Kremlin, Russian troops on the ground report being weighed down by the prolonged conflict. A commander of a Russian airborne assault brigade told the TASS state news agency that Ukrainian troops fighting in Sumy were demoralised. 'We have disorganised their command system,' the commander was quoted as saying. Sumy Governor Oleh Hryhorov said last Tuesday that Russia was having little success in carving out a buffer zone in the region, but acknowledged that four border villages in the region - including Zhuravka - were in a 'grey zone' due to Russian attacks. Deep State, a Ukrainian open-source data project, indicated about 82 sq km of the Sumy region are in a contested zone. Separately, the Russian defence ministry said that its troops had seized four villages in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Kharkiv regions over the past week. Ahead of Victory Day celebrations, a renewed incursion into Kursk threatens to further undermine morale in Russia. Zelenskyy urged world leaders attending events that Russia could orchestrate provocations including 'arson, bombings and so on only to blame us'. 'Our position is very simple for all countries traveling to Russia on May 9: We cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,' he told reporters. A young beautician has been stabbed to death in the streets of the Iranian city of Islamshahr by her father, who reportedly attacked her after she told her mother that he was having an affair. Fatemeh Soltani, an 18-year-old living in the repressive country, had been working secretly at a beauty salon, refusing to tell her family about her job due to her fear of her father's reaction. But her father managed to find her workplace by booking an appointment through a number listed on her business' Instagram page. When Fatemeh realised that her father was the one who made the appointment, she reportedly called her mother in distress. Fatemeh was killed on the salon's doorstep, local media reports, with harrowing CCTV footage showing her father jumping out of his car, dragging her to the floor, kneeling over her and stabbing her repeatedly. The horrific crime took place while people passed by on foot and in cars. The father reportedly only stopped when one passer-by screamed. A close friend of the family told local media: 'Fatemeh had been living separately from her father and the family for some time due to domestic violence and had achieved financial independence.' Fatemeh Soltani (pictured) was brutally murdered by her father A young beautician has been stabbed to death in the streets of the Iranian city of Islamshahr by her father Her father (pictured) has since been arrested for her murder The National Council of Resistance of Iran's Women's committee said in response to Soltani's death: 'The root of the violence against women and the primary cause of these murders and social tragedies lies in the misogynistic clerical regime, which, in over 46 years, has not even passed the bill to prevent violence against women in its parliament. 'In this regime, the abuse and even killing of women carries little consequence. 'The Women's Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran has called on the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran and the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women to investigate this painful situation and to expel representatives of this misogynistic regime from international bodies.' Iran does not provide accurate statistics on rates of femicide, meaning that local newspapers are often the only reliable source to track these cases. The Etemad newspaper reported that 78 women were murdered by their relatives or family members between March and September last year. Meanwhile, the Shargh newspaper reported that in 2023 male family members killed at least 165 women between 2021 and 2023. Of these, 27 women were murdered in the first three months of 2023 alone, with 'honour killings' cited as a primary motive. These figures reflect only reported murders, and the actual number is likely much higher. When Fatemeh realised that her father was the one who made the appointment, she reportedly called her mother in distress Her father managed to find her workplace by booking an appointment through a number listed on her business' Instagram page, and pulled up to her workplace Iran does not provide accurate statistics on rates of femicide In 2022, an Iranian man carried the severed head of his wife through the streets after decapitating her in an 'honour killing' after she tried to flee the country. The unnamed man beheaded his wife Mona Heydari, 17, in the southwestern city of Ahvaz before carrying her severed head around the streets. The young wife is understood to have fled to Turkey after her family discovered that she had an affair. But she was tracked to the country and brought back to Iran by her father and her husband, according to local media reports. The victim was just 12 when she was married to the man - who is also her cousin - and had a three-year-old son by the time she was killed. Authorities have arrested the husband and his brother on charges of killing Mona in revenge for adultery and leaving him. Police did not release the men's names. Gruesome footage showed the husband grinning as he held a knife in one hand and carrying what was said to be his wife's decapitated head in the another. The incident has shocked many people in Iran where the legal age for marriage are 13 and women are compelled to wear a head covering in accordance with Islam. Iranian newspapers and social media saw an outpouring of shock and rage over the killing, with many demanding social and legal reforms. A man beheaded his 17-year-old wife Mona Heydari in the southwestern city of Ahvaz before carrying her severed head around the streets, gruesome footage shows Mona (pictured) was understood to have fled to Turkey before being brought back from the country by her father and her husband, according to local media reports 'A human being was decapitated, her head was displayed on the streets and the killer was proud,' said the reformist daily Sazandegi. 'How can we accept such a tragedy? We must act so that femicide does not happen again.' Lawyer Ali Mojtahedzadeh, in the reformist paper Shargh, blamed 'legal loopholes' for 'paving the way for honour killings'. Fellow member of parliament Elham Nadaf told the ILNA news agency: 'Unfortunately, we are witnessing such incidents because there are no concrete measures to ensure the implementation of laws to prevent violence against women.' Semi-official news agency ILNA quoted police officer Col. Sohrab Hosseinnejad as saying the two 'defendants confessed to the murder during the police investigation and were introduced to the judicial authority'. Local media said police did not elaborate further on the killing or who filmed the gruesome video of the husband carrying his wife's head. Donald Trump tore into a reporter questioning him on the details of the first rearrangement of his Cabinet since starting his second term. Two months after the Signal scandal that rocked the national security, intelligence and defense community, President Trump announced that his National Security Advisor Mike Waltz would be leaving his post to become U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now also serving in acting capacity as Trump's NSA until a replacement is selected. The first shake-up of Trump's top team of advisors has many questioning what actually happened that caused the president to want Waltz reassigned. 'It's not a big deal. He was fine and where he is, he'll do a good job,' Trump said onboard Air Force One on Sunday when asked by a Hearst reporter about Waltz's move. He also slammed a reporter asking if he lost confidence in Waltz after the former congressman seemed to mistakenly add a journalist to a highly classified group chat working out attack plans on a Houthi target earlier this year. President Donald Trump slammed a reporter aboard Air Force One over the weekend who questioned the details of Mike Waltz's reassignment Waltz was removed as National Security Advisor and is now Trump's new nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Many see Waltz's change from national security to diplomacy as a demotion in the wake of the Signal scandal. But Trump insisted he would personally want the cushy UN assignment over the NSA position if he had to choose which one was preferable. 'He's going to the United Nations,' the president continued. 'To me I think it's personally, if I had a choice for myself of doing, I'd rather have that job than the other.' The United Nations post was previously meant to be filled by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who instead is now running for reelection for her House seat for New York's 21st congressional district. The reporter with Hearst on the president's plane over the weekend asked Trump if it was Waltz who expressed he no longer had interest in the NSA post. 'He didn't resign. I just moved him,' Trump quipped. 'There was no resignation.' Waltz has faced immense backlash after he seemed to mistakingly add a journalist to a highly sensitive Signal group chat discussing attack plans on a Houthi target earlier this year. Pictured: Waltz (left) attends a Cabinet meeting on April 24 alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump 'You people are so bad,' the president continued as he launched an attack on the 'fake news.' 'You're trying to make a big deal out of something that's not. You are so bad,' he continued. 'That's why nobody watches you anymore.' Over the weekend, Democratic senators said that Waltz will have to go through a 'brutal' confirmation process to get the new assignment. But with a Republican majority in Congress, it's not likely that Waltz will face any real risk of not landing the reassignment. A 99-year-old D-Day veteran had a prime position for today's VE Day commemorations - right next to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Albert Keir was pictured having a chuckle with the PM ahead of the military procession this afternoon. The pair had the best seats in the house on the specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace to watch the procession of 1,300 members of the armed forces and Nato allies. Mr Keir, who was part of a crew ferrying US troops onto Utah Beach in Normandy during the D-Day invasion in June 1944, is among more than 30 Second World War veterans attending celebrations in London to mark VE Day. Another of the veterans, Bernard Morgan, 101, was seated next to the Princess of Wales. The pair got on similarly well. Joy Trew, 98, made the most of being sat next to King Charles. The veteran of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Fany) enjoyed an animated conversation with the monarch. The Royal British Legion has worked with their families and the Government to ensure as many as possible can be there to see the procession through London. The veterans are set to have tea with King Charles and Queen Camilla later at Buckingham Palace. D-Day veteran Albert Keir, 99, has a chuckle with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ahead of the VE Day military procession. The pair had the best seats in the house on the specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace Albert Keir was part of a crew ferrying US troops onto Utah Beach in Normandy during the D-Day invasion in June 1944. Above: Mr Keir recently and in his days as a Royal Navy sailor Mr Keir served in the Royal Navy for three years from 1942. Speaking of his experience of D-Day, he said:'At night when it was dark, the sky was lit up with all different sorts of colours, tracer bullets and different things. And the noise was colossal... 'And the firing from the sea over our heads blasting the beaches was very bad. 'Took some standing that did. It's very difficult to try and get it out of your mind.' Before the war, Mr Keir had been working as a painter and decorator after leaving school aged 14. He was discharged shortly before the end of the war so he could help repair and build houses. Mr Keir was awarded France's highest award, the Legion d'honneur, in 2015 and last year was honoured with the Freedom of Derbyshire by his local council. A total of 31 veterans were due to attend official events today, including 26 watching the parade, which headed from Parliament Square to Whitehall, then to Trafalgar Square, Admiralty Arch, The Mall, and finally to Buckingham Palace. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks to Second World War veteran Albert Keir ahead of the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day Mr Keir animatedly talks to the Prime Minister from their prime position outside Buckingham Palace Mr Morgan worked as a codebreaker during the war. He landed on Gold Beach at 6.30pm on D-Day, becoming the youngest RAF sergeant to land in Normandy during the war. He remembers receiving a secret telegraph message two days before VE Day which read: 'German war now over, surrender effective sometime tomorrow.' When the end of the war was officially confirmed on May 8, Mr Morgan and his comrades lit a huge bonfire and celebrated until late into the night. He said: 'It's so important that we make the most of these opportunities to remember what happened, not just to celebrate the achievement, but also to ensure that such horrors never happen again.' Ms Trew, 98, from Bristol, remembers being fascinated with aviation ever since saw German aeroplanes drop bombs over her school playground, and joined the Women's Junior Air Corps aged 17. RAF veteran Alan Kennett, who will turn 101 on May 29, formally started the parade as he received the Commonwealth War Graves' Torch For Peace from air cadet warrant officer Emmy Jones. Mr Kennett was in a cinema in Celle, north-central Germany, when the doors burst open as a soldier drove a jeep into the venue and shouted: 'The war is over.' He said the cinema erupted with joy, and celebrations soon spread through the streets. Alfred Littlefield, aged 101, joined the Royal Engineers and served during D-Day, when he swam in with supplies from the launches under shell fire. His unit stayed on to build the temporary Mulberry Harbours, which facilitated the rapid offloading of cargo onto beaches during the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Ann Johnson, aged 101, served in the Land Army during the war as a tractor driver. Arthur Oborne, aged 99, joined the army in 1942 aged 18 and later became part of the 30th Corp - also known as the 'Desert Rats' - which took part in the D-Day landings and subsequent advance across France. Barbara Hurman, who is soon to turn 100, volunteered to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service - the first all-women's branch of the British Army, formed in 1938 - when she was just 17 years old. Another of the veterans, Bernard Morgan, 101, was seated next to the Princess of Wales . The pair got on similarly well Bernard Morgan worked as a codebreaker during the war. He landed on Gold Beach at 6.30pm on D-Day, becoming the youngest RAF sergeant to land in Normandy during the war Veteran Joy Trew speaks to King Charles. She was sat between the monarch and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, the elder sister of the late Princess Diana Alfred Littlefield, aged 101, joined the Royal Engineers and served during D-Day, when he swam in with supplies from the launches under shell fire. Above: Mr Littlefield being pushed in his wheelchair into Buckingham Palace today; right during his military service Ann Johnson, aged 101, served in the Land Army during the war as a tractor driver A veteran of the Women's Royal Naval Service, Olga Hopkins was one of six sent to work on HMS Pembroke V in Eastcote, west London, where she helped operate the Bombe machines designed to break German Enigma codes. Charles Auborn, 99, joined the Army aged 18 in 1944 and served as a gunner. When victory in Europe was announced, he was sent to Belgium with the view to being shipped out to assist the Americans in Japan - but the atom bomb put an end to that. His officer returned from the UK with new orders: 'How are you boys for shorts?' - as they were being sent to Egypt. He was sent on to Palestine, Tel Aviv, and finally Tripoli before being demobbed in 1947. Royal Navy veteran Cyril Jones Alston, 98, began his service on his 18th birthday in February 1945 to serve 'until the end of the period of the present emergency.' Douglas Hyde, soon to turn 99, joined the Merchant Navy in 1944 aged 18. He was part of a secret operation to liberate Europe and spent months going back and forth to the beaches deploying munitions and amphibious vehicles. Arthur Oborne, aged 99, joined the army in 1942 aged 18 and later became part of the 30th Corp - also known as the 'Desert Rats' - which took part in the D-Day landings and subsequent advance across France Barbara Hurman, who is soon to turn 100, volunteered to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service - the first all-women's branch of the British Army, formed in 1938 - when she was just 17 years old A veteran of the Women's Royal Naval Service, Olga Hopkins was one of six sent to work on HMS Pembroke V in Eastcote, west London, where she helped operate the Bombe machines designed to break German Enigma codes. Above: Ms Hollingberry with fellow veteran John Mortimer in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, London, to view the fly past today; right during her war service On VE Day, Mr Hyde bumped into his brother in Antwerp, Belgium, and they celebrated the end of the war together. Royal Marines veteran Francis James Grant, 99, served on D-Day and was tasked with patrolling beaches and escorting allies. Royal Navy veteran Frederick Pickering, 100, was on board a ship when he heard an announcement come over the Tannoy that there was victory in Europe. That day, they all celebrated on board with two tots of rum, and later went on to do a Victory March in Livorno, western Italy. Gilbert Clarke, 98, lied about his age to join the RAF in 1943 and trained in Kingston Palisades RAF camp in Jamaica, before being sent on a troop-carrying ship to Britain via the United States. Henry Ducker, 104, was called up to join the Air Force aged 19. He undertook several radio control courses during his time in the Air Force and was responsible for running control centres wherever he was posted to. Jim Miller, 100, was serving in the Army's armoured cops when he arrived in Normandy three days after D-Day on June 9 1944. Charles Auborn, 99, joined the Army aged 18 in 1944 and served as a gunner. Above: Seated next to Royal Navy chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin today Royal Navy veteran Cyril Jones Alston, 98, began his service on his 18th birthday in February 1945 to serve 'until the end of the period of the present emergency.' Douglas Hyde, soon to turn 99, joined the Merchant Navy in 1944 aged 18. He was part of a secret operation to liberate Europe and spent months going back and forth to the beaches deploying munitions and amphibious vehicles Royal Marines veteran Francis James Grant, 99, served on D-Day and was tasked with patrolling beaches and escorting allies He ended up meeting his wife in Berlin while serving there during the liberation. Army veteran Joe Mines, 100, was sent to clear mines aged only 18 and alongside four other men. John Mortimer, 101, was just 20 when he landed on Sword Beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944. 'There were thousands and thousands of ships on either side of us, loads of vehicles, tanks and artillery,' he recalled. 'It was dangerous, there were snipers all around. It was noisy, smoky, and smelly, and I saw lots of casualties.' John Davies, 102, was 17 when he joined the Merchant Navy in 1940. He was at sea on VE Day, and could not get any beer when he came back two days later as everywhere was sold out due to the celebrations. John Whitlock, 100, joined the RAF aged 18 and trained for two years before being posted to join RAF New Zealand Squadron 490, operating out of West Africa on marine patrols in Sunderland flying boats. Frederick Pickering (left), Olga Hopkins (centre), Francis Grant known as Jim Grant (second from right) and Alfred Littlefield (right) on the West Terrace in the gardens of Buckingham Palace to view the fly past today Royal Navy veteran Frederick Pickering, 100, was on board a ship when he heard an announcement come over the Tannoy that there was victory in Europe Henry Ducker, 104, was called up to join the Air Force aged 19. He undertook several radio control courses during his time in the Air Force and was responsible for running control centres wherever he was posted to Jim Miller, 100, was serving in the Army's armoured cops when he arrived in Normandy three days after D-Day on June 9, 1944 Army veteran Joe Mines, 100, was sent to clear mines aged only 18 and alongside four other men Mr Mines pictured recently and during his war service During the Soviet blockade of Berlin, he flew supplies into West Berlin until the blockade ceased in 1949. Joyce Wilding, 100, from Surrey, enlisted in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Fany) aged 18. She was on a day off travelling to London with her colleagues when victory in Europe was announced. She said: 'We went to Piccadilly where there was a stream of people singing and dancing; we joined a crocodile and did the Palais Glide down Piccadilly, there were soldiers up lampposts, it was extraordinary.' They made their way to Buckingham Palace and witnessed the King, Queen, and Winston Churchill waving to the crowd from the balcony. 'Being outside the palace, you could hardly move - there were so many people cheering and singing,' she added. Olga Hopkins, 99, from St Albans in Hertfordshire, served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force as a wireless mechanic. Prince William speaks to veteran John Mortimer and Queen Camilla this afternoon John (Jack) Mortimer, 101, was just 20 when he landed on Sword Beach in Normandy on June 6, 1944 Remembering VE Day, she said: 'I was lying in bed in my Nissen Hut at midnight, listening to the American Forces Network, when a Tannoy announced, 'The war is over.' 'We jumped out of bed, threw on our battledress, and joined a party at the sergeant's mess.' She recalls singing Don't Fence Me In with friends, adding: 'We had a whale of a time.' Norman Brown, 101, joined the RAF aged 18 and was later stationed in Cape Town, South Africa, travelling in a large convoy of ships that took six weeks to get to Durban. After the war, he was stationed in Germany to help with maintaining peace, cleaning up and rebuilding, just outside of Hamburg. Norman Trickett, 98, joined the Home Guard in Portsmouth in 1942 at the age of 15. He later fought through Northern France, Belgium and Holland. He was captured by Germans at the beginning of May 1945 when leading an advance scouting patrol and ended the war as a prisoner in Bremerhaven, northern Germany. Joy Trew, 98, from Bristol, remembers being fascinated with aviation ever since saw German aeroplanes drop bombs over her school playground. She joined the Women's Junior Air Corps aged 17 John Davies, 102, was 17 when he joined the Merchant Navy in 1940. He was at sea on VE Day, and could not get any beer when he came back two days later as everywhere was sold out due to the celebrations Robert Piper, 99, joined the home guard at the age of 14 at the outbreak of the war. He then lied about his age to sign up and joined the Royal Sussex regiment, before being transferred to the Royal Signal regiment attached to 15th Scottish infantry. Ruth Barnwell, 100, joined the Women's Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941 by the German battleship Bismarck. She said she was 'very happy' when she heard the war had ended, but added that it was a 'normal working day' and carried on with her duties at the Combined Operations base HMS Quebec in Scotland. Royal Navy veteran Ruth June Bourne, 98, was a Bombe machine operator and checker at Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, during the war. On VE Day, she went to London with a colleague to celebrate. 'We waited outside the Palace chanting 'We want the King',' she said. 'The royal family came out, and we went mad cheering. 'People were climbing lampposts. 'I climbed onto a window ledge shouting, 'Three cheers for the British Navy'.' RAF veteran Thomas Greenfield, 101, from Sussex, volunteered for the Fleet Air Arm. Army veteran Tom Stonehouse, 99, landed at approximately 8am on Gold Beach on D-Day. He remembers 'losing lots of Essex Regiment friends in the Battle of Caen' from June to August 1944. His wife's birthday is on VE Day, so the couple always celebrate the birthday and their war memories together. Zena da Costa, 100, from Southport in Merseyside, was evacuated as a child and signed up to the Women's Auxiliary Air Force at the age of 18. She had trained as a hairdresser and always regretted telling anyone this, as she subsequently got the job of doing all the officers' hair. As she wanted to get involved with driving, she constantly nipped out to drive trucks that were left around her unit until she was reprimanded by having to peel potatoes. She was based at Holmsley South in Hampshire and was a mascot for one crew. A four year-old boy and his six year-old sister who vanished from their home three days ago are feared to have been abducted. Jack Sullivan and his sister Lily were last seen about 10am on Friday on a road close to their home in Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia. Their stepfather Daniel Martell believes the youngsters went out a sliding back door of the family's home while he and the children's mother Malehya Brooks-Murray fed their baby. Martell told CBC News on Sunday that he was frightened the children were taken by a stranger. He pleaded with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to monitor the border with neighboring New Brunswick and nearby airports in case someone is trying to escape with them. RCMP Corporal Sally Rice told CTV News on Saturday that there 'is no information to suggest [the siblings] were abducted'. 'Based on what we know, it appears they wandered off,' she added. Four year-old Jack Sullivan has been missing from his Nova Scotia home since Friday Jack vanished alongside his sister Lily, six. The children's stepdad Daniel Martell fears they were abducted, although a Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokesperson says they believe the youngsters wandered off. A nearby woodland is being searched 'The search will continue until we receive any new evidence that changes our direction.' A 3.5 kilometer (2.2 mile) radius has been set up around the nearby Pictou County Forest, with searchers focusing their efforts there. Hauntingly, they're tying ribbons to trees to note which areas have been searched. The children's mother Malehya Brooks-Murray begged for their safe return Saturday. 'Im just staying as hopeful as possible,' she told CTV News. 'I want them home. I want to hold them, and I want them home. When theyre found it will be the biggest relief to hug them.' A huge search operation including drones, a helicopter and around 160 emergency service personnel has been deployed to find Jack and Lily. The eerie disappearance has rocked the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, famed for beauty spots including Lunenberg (pictured) The children's mother Malehya Brooks-Murray has pleaded for their safe return A drone, a helicopter and around 160 emergency services personnel have been drafted in to look for the missing children 'Ground search and rescue team members and officers who were on scene overnight have been relieved by new volunteers and officers from agencies involved to allow for refreshed searches to continue as necessary,' RCMP said. Jack is described as having shortish blond hair. He was wearing blue dinosaur boots. Lily has light brown, shoulder-length hair with bangs. She may be wearing a pink sweater, pink pants, pink boots and may be toting a white backpack. Anyone with information on the missing children has been asked to contact Pictou County District RCMP or Crime Stoppers Canada. Outcast Prince Andrew took a solemn horse ride around Windsor Castle today while the rest of his family led VE Day celebrations in London. The Duke of York, 65, was seen reflecting aboard the mount as he trotted along the grounds of the Berkshire home. Dressed in a gray rain jacket and dark navy trousers, the royal was accompanied by a female groom. It comes as the Royal Family otherwise turned out in force for the London occasion, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this afternoon. King Charles and Queen Camilla were joined by Prince William, Kate and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to watch the procession of 1,300 members of the armed forces and Nato allies. The Duke's outing also follows the suicide of Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre last month. Ms Giuffre settled out of court with Prince Andrew in 2022 after she accused him of sexual assault. She had claimed in 2011 she was sex trafficked to Prince Andrew on three occasions by Epstein and former socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, starting from when she was 17. The Duke of York, 65, was seen reflecting aboard the mount as he trotted along the grounds of the Berkshire home Outcast Prince Andrew took a solemn horse ride around Windsor Castle today while the rest of his family led VE Day celebrations in London Dressed in a gray rain jacket and dark navy trousers, the royal was accompanied by a female groom Prince Andrew's appearance also marks the first time he has been spotted this week amid the revealing exclusion. He is not the only one whose absence has been keenly felt as the celebrations come three days after Prince Harry's bombshell plea for 'reconciliation' following his court defeat. The Duke of Sussex had appealed a decision that downgraded his level of protection after he and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020 and left Britain for Montecito, California. On Friday, he lost his attempt to overturn the Home Office's decision at the Court of Appeal - a ruling he has since furiously described as a 'good old-fashioned Establishment stitch-up'. In a blistering attack on his family, the Royal Household and the Government, the duke said he was 'worried' that the ruling has 'set a new precedent that security can be used to control members of the family'. 'And effectively what it does is imprison other members of the family from being able to choose a different life,' he added. Harry's bombshell interview with the BBC was met with a wave of criticism after he complained that his cancer-stricken father, King Charles, 'won't speak to me' and claimed he 'doesn't know how much longer he has left'. Today, the royals observed a military procession from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace while thousands of people packed the streets as four days of commemorations began. The Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William at VE Day 80 in London today King Charles III salutes during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London today William shook the hand of one veteran as he passed him to take his seat, and his children followed his example with Kate the last to greet the old serviceman and she sat beside him. He later appeared to show her some photographs. Louis then briefly struggled to gain the attention of his father - tapping his shoulder repeatedly while William was in conversation. After a few moments, William turned to his son and they spoke. George, Charlotte and Louis were last seen together in public when they attended the Christmas Day church service on the Sandringham estate. Hundreds of street parties are also being held across the country today while formal military events take place in London, with the procession involving 1,300 members of the Armed Forces from Parliament Square to the Mall. This will be followed by the Royal Family watching a flypast of iconic Royal Air Force planes from the palace balcony, before Charles hosts a tea party for some of the last living heroes of the conflict as well as their families. Today, Buckingham Palace hopes the position of senior royals at the forefront of VE Day commemorations will refocus attention on their unifying role and positive contribution to public life. It is understood that, for the surviving veterans' sake, the 'fervent hope' is that nothing will detract or distract from 'celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries'. A palace aide said: 'The King, Queen and other members of The Royal Family are much looking forward to all the week's VE Day events, when they will unite with the rest of the nation and those across the Commonwealth and wider world in celebrating, commemorating and giving thanks to the wartime generation whose selfless devotion duty and service should stand as an enduring example to us all and must never be forgotten.' Sean 'Diddy' Combs has hired a secret weapon for his sex trafficking trial. Jury consultant Linda Moreno has joined his top-tier legal team, the Daily Mail can confirm. She will help defense attorneys to profile potential jurors as selection starts Monday in Combs' federal criminal trial in Manhattan. Moreno gained fame as one of the country's leading jury consultants after high-profile cases including the 2005 trial of Sami Al-Arian, a Florida college professor indicted on terrorism-related charges under the Patriot Act. Moreno is also an attorney and was the lead lawyer on the case. Moreno was instrumental in picking the jury that ended up acquitting Al-Arian on 8 counts and deadlocking on the remaining 9 counts. He eventually struck a plea deal after admitting to a single count of supporting a terrorist organization and was deported to Turkey from the US in 2015. The case brought national attention to Moreno's skills at dissecting jurors' backgrounds an essential key for picking a jury. Novelist John Grisham revealed the fascinating tactics of jury consultants in his 1996 novel The Runaway Jury, which was later turned into a movie starring Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman. Consultants are paid huge sums of money to dig into the backgrounds of potential jurors. Jury consultant Linda Moreno (left) has been hired by Sean 'Diddy' Combs on the eve of his sex trafficking trial Moreno hopes to help Combs (pictured in August 2023) avoid a life in prison by helping maximize the chances of the verdict his defense team wants They also deploy teams to scrutinize jurors' reactions closely in court in a bid to identify potential weaknesses in their side's case and maximize the chances of the verdict they want. While controversial, the practice is entirely legal. Before claiming fame as a top jury consultant, Moreno was a high-profile criminal defense attorney whose clients included actor Wesley Snipes. She helped Snipes avoid felony tax evasion charges in 2008. The actor was jailed for three years on misdemeanor counts instead. Moreno will join Combs' already packed defense team, including Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos. Federal prosecutors filed a third superseding indictment last month with additional charges of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Moreno, pictured in 2006, was previously a sought-after defense attorney who helped a terror suspect avoid a conviction and who got Wesley Snipes off serious felony tax fraud charges A gray-haired Combs, pictured in a May 2025 court sketch, is expected to appear in court this week for jury selection Brian Steel, attorney for Sean "Diddy" Combs, arrives for the start of trial at Manhattan Federal Court on May 05, 2025 A place holder waits on line for access to the courtroom on Monday, May 5 Combs, 55, faces the same three federal offenses he was originally charged with related to directing a vast criminal enterprise through which he assaulted and trafficked women with the help of his various businesses from at least 2004 to 2024. Combs recently rejected a plea deal that would have provided less prison time had he accepted it and been found guilty. Jury selection is expected to wrap up this week with opening statements to start on May 12. Combs' defense team and federal prosecutors filed potential questions for the voir dire process last week. That sees jurors grilled in a bid to expose any biases that could affect the trial verdict. There were lines out the door for the first day of jury selection on Monday A Diddy fan wearing a 'Free Puff' hoodie outside the Federal Court on Monday Jurors could be asked about their feelings concerning prostitution, illegal drug use, intimate partner violence and their thoughts on the music industry, according to the filings obtained by the Daily Mail. Both sides will then use potential jurors' responses and will decide which individuals they would like to remain as juror and alternates. According to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Combs' legal team intends to call Columbia professor Dr. Elie Aoun to testify concerning the rapper's 'mental condition bearing on the issue of guilt.' Prosecutors submitted a motion last month and revealed the 'physical evidence' taken from his Miami and Los Angeles homes during raids last year - including 'items for use during Freak Offs', or sex parties - could be shown to the jury. That includes Diddy's baby oil stash - his victims shockingly claimed he would use an entire bottle of it in less than five minutes during sex. Homeland Security agents seized more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant from the properties in May 2024. In 2014, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt pleaded with his nation to 'open your hearts' to refugees arriving the country. Reinfeldt took a careful tone as he asked the Swedish people to 'have patience with what is about to happen', acknowledging concern over the rising numbers of people seeking asylum, mainly from war-torn Syria and Afghanistan. 'When people flee to Sweden in very large numbers, it creates friction in Swedish society because a lot more come than we have planned for', he recognised, adding that such movements would carry 'substantial costs' affecting public finances. Reinfeldt's speech made a moral case for wider integration, an argument widely espoused by moderate parties. But voters were largely uninspired. A month later, his liberal-conservative coalition lost the election. A decade on, Sweden's Moderate government has recalibrated its message. Today, the government boasts of achieving 'net negative immigration', winning support from the hard right for audacious policies that encourage 'snitching' on undocumented workers and championing a reversal that has seen accepted asylum applications drop to a forty-year low. The government has sought to introduce mandatory language and integration tests for anyone seeking citizenship, made it easier to revoke residency permits and in some cases confined those not qualifying for residency to special centres. The change reflects a wider shift in European priorities, with moderates hoping to fend off the rise of far right populism by coopting their narratives on migration. Sweden's government, forced to reconcile with a wave of gang crime and poorly implemented integration policies, has shown one of the most stunning reversals on asylum, abandoning its moral arguments for cold hard statistics. Migrants, mainly from Syria and Iraq, walk at the E45 freeway from Padborg, on the Danish-German border, heading north to try to get to Sweden on September 9, 2015 Three teenagers were sentenced after a man was murdered while eating dinner at a restaurant south of Stockholm, with the 17-year-old who is believed to have fired the fatal shot handed a jail term Counter-protesters throw stones in the park Sveaparken in Orebro, south-centre Sweden on April 15, 2022, where Danish far-right party Stram Kurs had permission for a square meeting on Good Friday Sweden welcomed 163,000 asylum seekers in 2015, joining Germany and its Scandinavian neighbours in a unified moral response to the 'migrant crisis'. Per capita, it was the highest number of any EU country at the time. Many of those refugees, often from Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, settled in public housing blocks built through the 1960s and 1970s to address a wider shortage of quality, affordable housing. All of Sweden's municipalities were obligated to accept refugees. But the country underwent a process of de facto segregation as Swedes moved out of the public housing clusters and asylum seekers moved in. This presented a challenge. Liberal-minded Swedes argued that accepting refugees was the right thing to do. The country was wealthy and had the means to accommodate people fleeing persecution and war. But a lack of consolidated policy on how to integrate these communities saw vulnerable groups ultimately presented as a strain on public resources. Areas housing large numbers of refugees became associated with high levels of crime and unemployment. The government has responded in recent years by seeking evidence of language ability and integration before qualifying for citizenship. Tensta, a suburb of Stockholm, exemplified the challenges of integration. The district was built to address a housing crisis in the latter half of the 20th century. In 2018, 90 per cent of residents were from a foreign background. Four in five people lived on welfare benefits or low incomes, and violence was rife. 'As in many other immigrant suburbs, Tensta's youth are often caught between two worlds: the traditions of their parents who immigrated to Sweden and modern Swedish culture,' assessed Interpeace in its 'Voices from Tensta' report, noting the challenges of integration. 'Navigating the complexities of being a young person, an immigrant and a Swede is not easy for many of them. Despite the challenges of forming their identity, young people from Tensta have developed a strong bond with their district. They spoke passionately about Tensta as a multicultural and community-based area.' But with limited opportunities for work or education, people moving to the region appear more vulnerable to being exploited by criminals or being recruited into a life of crime. Your browser does not support iframes. Locals allege gangs have opportunistically moved in to extort protection money from residents, bringing drugs and gun crime to the area. In 2016, 16 people were killed in the district, mostly in drug-related conflicts. As one Redditor put it in 2020, responding to 'Is Tensta safe to live in?': 'One one hand, it is one of the worst neighbourhoods in Sweden. On the other hand, by International standards that's still pretty ok.' The rising influence of gangs, endemic in areas blighted by poverty, has seen an uptick in violence and spurred demand for a tougher line on crime. Police say gangs have started using social media platforms as 'digital marketplaces' to openly recruit children, some as young as 11, to commit murders and bombings. Inexperienced teenagers, seen as expendable by the gangs, are easier for police to catch than those ordering the shootings. Mafia groups abroad have called the country a 'haven' for their activities, while crime groups have infiltrated business sectors and found ways to smuggle military-grade weapons into the country. In 2023, 53 people were killed in shootings across Sweden, home to around 10.5 million people. In 2022, that figure stood at 62 - and Stockholm's per-capita murder rate was roughly 30 times that of London's. The government of Sweden addresses 'simplistic' narratives on this issue with reference to a literature review, which found that low education and a lack of employment 'seem to contribute to a higher level of crime among people with foreign background'. 'Factors such as war traumas, mental illness and the level of crime, conflict and economic development in the country of origin might also be factors that contribute to explain some of the differences.' People hold a banner 'refugees welcome' as they take part in a demonstration in solidarity with refugees seeking asylum in Europe after fleeing their home countries in Stockholm on September 12, 2015 The problem is complex and multifaceted. Women from Afghanistan, for example, where the Taliban has banned secondary education for women and girls, will struggle to integrate into the Swedish job market, and development programmes have done little to alleviate the strain. Ninety-five per cent of new jobs in the country required at least a secondary education, The Economist observed in its commentary in 2017. Without a structured plan to ensure these women are able to return to education, there is little hope for them to find true integration and acceptance. A 2021 study, based on interviews with Afghan women who moved to Sweden as unaccompanied refugees, highlighted some of the other challenges: an inner conflict between wanting to integrate and feeling pressured to uphold home customs; the language barrier; and missing family and loneliness. One said: 'In my home country, girls can't always go to school. I remember when I was a kid, I was always told that girls don't have to go to school. But when I came to Sweden, I heard quite the opposite, that it is great that girls go to school and educate themselves.' Another said: 'I would like to tell other unaccompanied girls that they should study and not just settle for a job at, for example, the home care service. And they should not think too much about getting married. 'There are plenty of opportunities in Sweden they should use. It's important for girls who come to Sweden alone to study so that they can gain a high position in society.' Teachers and social workers can make a world of difference in helping asylum seekers to integrate. But these lifelines are costly and finite. Smoke billows from burning tires, pallets and fireworks during riots of Police with few hundred protesters in the Rosengard neighbourhood of Malmo, Sweden, 28 August 2020 The far right were among the first to capitalise on these issues, gaining ground by highlighting problems linked to immigration. In turn, the Left and centre started to echo their fears. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson conceded in August 2022 that Sweden didn't need more 'Somalitowns' or 'Little Italies' - words that would have been unthinkable in the milieu of Fredrik Reinfeldt's 'open hearts' campaign. Months before, she had lamented how 'segregation' in such communities had created 'parallel societies...living in different realities'. Integration had been 'too poor, at the same time as we have experienced very substantial levels of immigration' she said, admitting 'society has been too weak, resources for the police and social services have been too weak'. The political urgency changed with the 2022 election. Reforms came thick and fast after the Moderates formed a government by striking a deal with the Sweden Democrats, giving the conservative party significant influence over crime and immigration policies. Family reunifications have been tightened, residency permits are more easily revoked, and asylum rights have been slashed to the bare minimum allowed under EU law. Immigrants who do not qualify for residency are being urged to return home, with some placed under electronic surveillance or confined to special centres. Sweden's immigration policy has undergone a seismic shift, abandoning its once open-handed approach in favour of stricter rules and a focus on control. The government is now steering away from traditional asylum status and pushing more migrants into the weaker 'subsidiary protection' category. This status, unlike full asylum, requires renewal every 13 months and only extends beyond three years for those who can prove they are financially independent. Your browser does not support iframes. The challenges of integration have moved the Overton window. Sooner than taking the expensive - and potentially vote-costing - route of crafting better policy, Left wing and centrist parties today have quietly dropped their moral arguments in favour of talk of a 'strict migration policy'. Migration Minister Johan Forssell, sharing how asylum-related residence permits had fallen to a 40-year low earlier this year, told The Times: 'We are implementing what we describe as a paradigm shift in Swedish migration policy, and we are doing this with a very outspoken agenda that we want to limit the number of people seeking asylum here in Sweden'. He explained that the move does not mean that the country does not like migrants, or understand the situation they face, but because it is 'impossible' to manage the task of integration when there is such a huge influx each year. 'What happened during the refugee crisis was that all these very nice words, all this open-heart policy, met a very tough reality,' Mr Forssell added. Mr Forssell has made no apologies for the hardline approach and, speaking candidly, revealed that the goal is to return to a pre-1970s immigration model, prioritising skilled 'guest workers' and limiting asylum to only those with indisputable claims. 'We're going back to basics,' he explained, adding that restricting family reunification has already delivered results. The minister also said he wanted to introduce mandatory language and integration tests for anyone seeking Swedish citizenship. For decades, Sweden was one of the most welcoming countries in Europe to migrants seeking refuge. But the failure of successive governments to integrate migrant communities, and indeed to ward off the spectre of crime, has tarnished faith in the 'open hearts' compassion of the liberal middle ground. The family of a 14-year-old who died in a fire at a derelict industrial estate have today paid an emotional tribute - describing him as a 'kind, caring and loving boy'. The lifeless body of Layton Carr was found after the blaze at Fairfield Industrial Estate in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, which took firefighters two hours to extinguish on Friday night. Northumbria Police said on Saturday that they had arrested 11 boys and three girls on suspicion of manslaughter, but all 14 children have since been released on police bail. On Monday, police said two more boys, both aged 12, had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and have also been bailed pending further inquiries. Layton, who had been reported missing, was discovered inside the building after the huge blaze was extinguished. In a heartbreaking tribute today, his family said: 'Layton was such a kind, caring and loving boy. 'From the minute he was born it was obvious the character he would turn out to be. 'Layton was your typical 14-year-old lad, a cheeky, happy lad. Despite his cheeky side Layton had an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. The lifeless body of Layton Carr (pictured) was found after the blaze on Friday night at Fairfield industrial park in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, which took firefighters two hours to extinguish Northumbria Police said on Saturday that they had arrested 11 boys and three girls, but all 14 have since been released on police bail. Pictured: Layton Carr 'He was a family boy that loved his mam and sisters more than anything in the world. 'Layton, we love you more than any words can ever explain. You will be missed more than you'll ever know. Our bright and beautiful boy.' They added: 'As a family we would like to say a massive thank you to all that helped in finding Layton. 'A massive thank you to the police and all services involved. 'We're incredibly grateful for the work that you do every day to bring closure to families like ours.' Emergency crews were called the scene at around 8pm on Friday. Ten fire appliances were dispatched and discovered a 'severe fire within a section of one of the buildings', a Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said. 'As a result of the fire, sadly a person we believe to be 14-year Layton Carr was found deceased by our firefighters', they added. The fire was under control shortly before midnight, the service said. It comes after all 14 children who were arrested in a manslaughter probe were released on bail. A spokesman for the force said on Sunday: 'All those arrested have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.' Tributes have also continued to pour in online, including from Layton's aunt Nicole Dingwall who said: 'Can't believe I'm writing this. RIP Layton, forever 14. You'll be a massive miss. Thinking of my sister and two beautiful nieces right now.' Another relative, Casey Garrett, posted on social media: 'My boy. My baby cousin, my Layton. Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now.' A fundraiser has since been set up to help Layton's family cover the cost of his funeral. In less than 24 hours, the fundraiser has raised more than 15,000 at the time of writing. Layton was a Year Nine pupil at Hebburn Comprehensive School, in Hebburn. His head teacher, David Thompson, described him as 'a valued and much-loved member of Year 9' who will 'be greatly missed by everyone'. The damaged industrial buildings at Fairfield Industrial Estate where tragedy struck on Friday Police tape on the gate of the Fairfield Industrial Estate, which has been declared a crime scene Floral tributes have been let at the gates of a crumbling business park where Layton died, with neighbours blaming poor security for the tragedy. Formerly Marconi's Radar Plant, the site is now the 15-acre Fairfield Industrial Estate but residents claim large areas of it are derelict. Although surrounded by a 10 ft tall graffiti-covered wall, sections of it have been breached in a number of areas despite attempts by locals to patch the gaps with corrugated iron. The iron sheeting has been regularly ripped down by vandals who then find they cannot get out again except by squeezing under the front security gate, locals say. One neighbour said angrily: 'It has never been right since Marconi closed. Kids get in and run riot. 'I caught eight of them on Thursday. Four were on this side of the fence. The other four were trying to get under the gates to get out. 'They were scraping their knees because they had shorts on trying to get under the gate. 'Marconi closed a few years after we moved in 43 years ago and it was rented out to different businesses. Floral tributes left at the scene of Layton Carr's death in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear Well-wishers leave tributes outside the industrial estate where Layton Carr died on Friday 'What happened is terrible. It is shame someone has had to lose their lives for it to get all this attention. Hopefully, some good will come of it.' Another neighbour added: 'Since it has been empty, it has been a nightmare. Corrugated sheets have been put up to stop (trespassers) getting in but they still get in.' One resident, who lives near site, said: 'Groups of 20 to 30 kids come down from out of the area. 'It's awful, it's tragic what's happened, but it's avoidable. At the back of your mind, you think, someone needs to do something to stop them getting in. 'I never thought something like this would happen. They are all so young.' The local added: 'They come down in groups. I think it's a social media thing. I have seen them get off the Metro, and they are not local. 'They come in because there's not much CCTV, there aren't any houses, they can do what they like.' Flowers and other tributes were yesterday left at the scene Including one that read: 'Rest in Paradise Layton. Always in our hearts. Fly high with the angels. Took too soon. Love you forever. Lots of love.' Another of the handwritten notes next left to flowers and toys said: 'Thank you for brightening up our lives. You will be missed beyond words.' Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: 'This is an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life. Our thoughts are with Layton's family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one. 'Our specialist officers will continue to support them in whatever way they can. We ask that their privacy be respected at this time.' Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is facing a federal civil rights investigation over her new plea deal policy, which explicitly directs prosecutors to factor in race when considering offers for criminal defendants. Less than a week after Moriarty's office implemented the changes, the Department of Justice announced it was launching an inquiry into whether the policy violates the Constitution. The investigation is being led by Trump-era appointees who argue the guidelines may unlawfully treat people differently based on race. Moriarty - who has been dubbed the country's most woke DA - is a progressive former public defender who campaigned on racial equity and criminal justice reform. Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon made the announcement Saturday. 'This letter is to inform you that the Department of Justice is opening an investigation to determine whether the Hennepin County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is engaged in a pattern or practice of depriving persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States,' she wrote. The memo at the center of the firestorm titled Negotiations Policy for Cases Involving Adult Defendants was quietly distributed inside the HCAO and first obtained by local NBC affiliate KARE 11. It lays out a series of new priorities for prosecutors, including guidance to consider a defendant's age, immigration status, employment, housing, and access to student financial aid. But the most contentious provision is the one that directly addresses race. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty is under federal investigation for a new plea deal policy that instructs prosecutors to consider a defendants race and age Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon (right) posted a letter stating the DOJ is looking into whether Moriartys office is depriving individuals of rights protected by law 'While racial identity and age are not appropriate grounds for departures [from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines], proposed resolutions should consider the person charged as a whole person, including their racial identity and age,' the policy states. 'While these factors should not be controlling, they should be part of the overall analysis. 'Racial disparities harm our community, lead to distrust, and have a negative impact on community safety. 'Prosecutors should be identifying and addressing racial disparities at decision points, as appropriate.' Moriarty, who took office in 2023 after winning a highly polarized election, has positioned herself as a reformer eager to disrupt traditional prosecutorial practices including how plea deals are offered. She previously made headlines for declining to charge certain juvenile suspects in high-profile cases, sparking outrage from police unions and some community members. Supporters say Moriarty's approach is long overdue in a system plagued by racial inequities. But critics argue the new plea policy goes too far, replacing equal justice with identity-based leniency that could violate civil rights protections. Pictured: The letter posted by Dhillon on X, announcing the investigation into Moriarty 'Lady Justice is blindfolded for a reason,' Dhillon wrote on X. 'Under the leadership of @AGPamBondi and her team, @TheJusticeDept lawyers will investigate and take action wherever necessary to identify government practices that may run afoul of our civil rights norms.' The probe marks a sharp clash between federal civil rights enforcement under conservative leadership and local progressive prosecutors who argue that colorblind policies perpetuate racial injustice. It also signals the DOJ's willingness to take on local jurisdictions where reforms are seen as ideologically extreme. Moriarty has not personally commented on the investigation. However, her office issued a brief statement. 'We are aware of the letter from the Department of Justice posted to social media but have not received it,' HCAO spokesperson Daniel Borgertpoepping told KARE 11 News. 'Our office will cooperate with any resulting investigation and we're fully confident our policy complies with the law.' The case is likely to become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over race, justice, and the future of progressive prosecution. In April, Moriarty was accused of flouting her own rules to ensure a Minnesota state worker walked free after keying six Teslas. Her office revealed that they dropped charges against 33-year-old Dylan Bryan Adams after he reportedly admitted to causing around $21,000 in damages during four separate incidents. Adams will instead be entered into an adult diversion program for first-time, low-level offenders, which could even allow him to keep his job as a is a program consultant at the state's Department of Human Services. Even the liberal-leaning Minnesota Star Tribune has slammed Moriarty's decision in an op-ed where they note her own office's policy, which says that diversion is only meant for property crimes of less than $5,000. Bryan - whose ultimate boss is Minnesota's Democrat Governor Tim Walz - caused more than four times that amount of damage but won't even have a conviction to his name. 'Moriarty either ignored it or bent it to fit a narrative,' columnist Brandi Bennet wrote. 'Either way, the public is left wondering: What exactly are the rules in Hennepin County, and who are they written to protect?' President Donald Trump slammed Mexico's president for being 'afraid' of the cartels as he confirmed reports he offered her U.S. troops to help fight the drug war there. He blasted President Claudia Sheinbaum for rejecting aid from its neighbor. 'She's so afraid of the cartels she can't walk, so you know that's the reason. And I think she's a lovely woman. The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can't even think straight,' Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday evening. 'If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honored to go in and do it. I told her that. I would be honored to go in and do it. The cartels are trying to destroy our country. They're evil.' Trump, in a 45-minute phone call with Sheinbaum in mid-April, heavily pressured her to allow U.S. soldiers in her country to help fight the drug gangs that produce and smuggle fentanyl to the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported. President Donald Trump blasted the Mexican president for not accepting U.S. troops to help fight the drug trade, saying she was 'afraid of cartels' Sheinbaum declined the offer of military help but told the president she would appreciate any intelligence sharing about the cartels. Mexico and the United States can 'collaborate,' she said she told the American president, but 'with you in your territory and us in ours.' 'He said, 'How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you.' And you know what I said to him? 'No, President Trump,' she said on Saturday. 'Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended.' For his part, Trump said he made the offer because the cartels 'are horrible people that have been killing people left and right and have been they've made a fortune on selling drugs and destroying our people.' It is a rare moment of tension between the two leaders, who otherwise have had a warm relationship. Sheinbaum previously has handled Trump and his demands well as he slammed her country with tariffs and criticized her management of the border. But she's dealing with a security crisis at home amid a territory war among the various drug cartels. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told President Trump no on troops but said she would accept intelligence sharing A man prepares bazuco, a low cost drug derived of processing cocaine, in Guayaquil, Mexico Trump has launched a war on drugs since taking office. He claims it's the high rate of fentanyl crossing the U.S. border that led to his increasing tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Last month is administration toyed with the idea of launching drone strikes on drug cartels in Mexico, NBC News reported. But officials agreed they would need Mexico's consent to launch such a move. The U.S. military and the CIA have increased surveillance flights over Mexico to collect intelligence on the cartels. Trump has labeled the cartels as a threat to national security. He named six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that designation allows the Justice Department prosecutors to charge cartel leaders with terrorism. Laci Petersons heartbroken family and friends gathered this weekend to celebrate what should have been the slain mom-to-bes 50th birthday and voiced outrage at her killer husband Scott for his latest push to escape prison. Scott Peterson was convicted in 2004 for murdering Laci, 27, and their unborn son Conner after their remains washed up hours apart on the shore of the San Francisco Bay in April 2003 - four months after Laci was last seen alive. Scott, 52, has maintained his innocence for over 20 years, and late last month, the Los Angeles Innocence Project filed a petition on his behalf, claiming newly discovered evidence exonerates him. In the wake of the astonishing claims, loved ones of Laci gathered in her hometown of Modesto, California, on Sunday to commemorate what wouldve been her 50th birthday. Lacis best friend, Stacey Boyers-Birdsong, told the Daily Mail that the solemn landmark was completely overshadowed by Scotts latest disgusting efforts to clear his name. Its ridiculous and its disappointing, fumed Boyers-Birdsong. It's like you can't even celebrate and try to remember Laci, when in the back of your mind youre thinking, this [case] still isnt done. When is the justice system going to protect Lacis family and everybody that was hurt and whose lives were changed forever by what he did? But he continues to be heard, and what were all wondering is: when is enough, enough? Scott Peterson (right) was convicted of murdering his wife Laci (left) and their unborn son in 2004 in a case that shocked the world, with Laci's loved ones now revealing how they marked the doomed mother's 50th birthday Last month, Scott's attorneys launched a stunning legal petition seeking to overturn his conviction, claiming newly discovered evidence exonerates him Flowers line the grave of Laci Peterson in an image shared by one of her closest friends Speaking to the Daily Mail on Friday, Boyers-Birdsong said that Lacis friends and family typically commemorate her birthday by meeting for lunch and taking flowers to her gravestone, where they sit reminiscing about old times. Boyers-Birdsong lives in Tennessee and was unable to attend in person, though said she planned to FaceTime in to join the celebrations. More than 20 years after Scotts conviction, Boyers-Birdsong said she is horrified at the prospect of Lacis case being retried. She said there is no doubt in her mind that Scott killed Laci and Conner, and called his petition for a new trial a shameless vanity project designed to torment those who loved Laci most. Lacis been gone for 23 years, and never would we have thought this would have been a continuous fight it should be done, and were tired of hearing about him, Boyers-Birdsong said. He is tormenting us and grasping at straws This is a circus. Its almost comical. Whats next? What will Scott come up with next as the reason why he didnt do this? Boyers-Birdsong added that Scotts latest legal Hail Mary has also scarred her children. Our children have to see this because they know Lacey and Connor through us, because we've kept them alive through stories And now their questions are, Mommy, is he going to get out? And if he gets out, is he going to come and find us? Theyre terrified.' Laci was eight-and-half-months pregnant when she vanished on Christmas Eve 2002 Scott Peterson claimed to be out on a solo fishing trip at the time of her disappearance Lacis best friend, Stacey Boyers-Birdsong, called Peterson's latest legal push 'disgusting' in an interview with the Daily Mail Laci was eight-and-a-half months pregnant when she disappeared from her home in Modesto on Christmas Eve in 2002. Scott claimed to have been off on a solo fishing trip at the time and theorized that Laci was abducted and killed while out walking their dog. He soon became a suspect after investigators discovered inconsistencies in his story and learned that he was having a months-long affair with a woman named Amber Frey. Frey told police Scott said hed lost his wife before Laci vanished and later worked with prosecutors to record damning phone calls with Scott. Laci's dismembered remains were found floating in the San Francisco Bay in April 2003. The horrifying discovery was made one day after a male fetus was found a mile away in a marshy area of the Bay that DNA tests verified was the Petersons' unborn son. Scott was convicted of the first-degree murder of Laci and the second-degree murder of Conner in 2004. He was sentenced to death the following year, but in 2020, the California Supreme Court changed his sentence to life in prison without parole due to issues during jury selection. The LA Innocence Project claims that Laci was actually killed by local burglars after confronting them during a break-in at a neighbor's home. Scott Peterson theorized his wife was abducted during a dog walk. Laci's dismembered remains were found in the San Francisco Bay in April 2003, one day after the body of their unborn son was found in a marshy area Scott Peterson's death sentence was overturned in 2020 and reduced to life without parole Its activists have accused prosecutors of a subsequent cover-up and are trying to overturn Scott's conviction. But Boyers-Birdsons is unmoved by Scott's insistence that he's innocent. Id just ask him, Why? Why did he take her from us? Why did he take his own son? she said. He could have divorced her; she would have been absolutely fine. And I just would remind him of what he took from us and what he took from his own family. The man who perpetrated vile gang rapes that shocked the nation has returned to court, four years after his release from prison. Mohammed Skaf, 41, was the subject of an apprehended violence order application made by his 28-year-old sister, who he lives with, in March. Skaf didn't show up to Bankstown Local Court on April 30, but court records indicated a magistrate levied a series of conditions against him. The conditions prevent Skaf from assaulting or threatening Noora El Skaf, or anybody whom she has a relationship with. The conditions also ordered Skaf not to harm her property or animals, the Daily Telegraph reported. Records showed the pair live at the same home in Greenacre which they share with their mother, father and younger brother, Hadi. Noora also has an interim domestic AVO against Hadi and the application will be heard at an hour-long hearing in October. Noora's latest application against Skaf was her second against him in the past year. Mohammed Skaf is before the courts again, four years after his release from prison after he perpetrated a series of vile pack rapes across south-west Sydney Noora El Skaf (pictured with her parents) applied for an apprehended violence order against her brother She lodged one against him in August, but withdrew it in October. The matter will return to court on May 21. Skaf served 21 years at Long Bay jail before his release in 2021. He was involved in a series of vile gang rapes against young girls around Sydney's south-west as a 17-year-old. His older brother, Bilal, led the depraved assaults. He will be eligible for parole in 2033. During a month-long spree of violence in the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the Skaf brothers and a group of roughly 12 accomplices trapped and attacked at least six women. The 14 men raped one victim 25 times in three different locations in a six-hour ordeal which ended with her being dumped at a train station after being hosed down. She was called an 'Aussie pig', told by Mohammed Skaf 'I'm going to f*** you Leb style' and asked if 'Leb c*** tasted better than Aussie c***'. Skaf was 17-years-old when he and his brother raped at least six women In another attack, a 16-year-old was pinned down on the ground and raped by 18-year-old Bilal while a dozen of his underlings stood around laughing. 'These men treated her much like wild animals treat prey they have just killed,' New South Wales District Court judge Michael Finnane said during sentencing. Judge Finnane described the rapes as 'worse than death'. Skaf expressed hopes of building a new life after his release from prison, including marriage, children, and a career in architecture. Instead, he has landed himself in further legal troubles, including multiple AVO applications one of them filed for his own protection. An Ohio mom wearing a United States Postal Service uniform has been caught on camera beating up a 10-year-old child outside an elementary school. The brawl unfolded close to Ben Franklin Elementary School in Cleveland just as students were being released from class on September 23, 2024. According to a Cleveland Metropolitan School District Police Department report seen by Fox News, the 10-year-old girl said another girl attacked her with a book bag while she was walking to the bus. The mother then 'jumped into the fight', and called the 10-year-old a 'B-word' while 'pushing her to the ground causing (her) to hit her head on the tree', per the report. Shocking video shows the postal worker shoving the child to the ground before grappling with her on the grass outside the elementary school. At one point, the adult grabs the pupil by her head, and someone can be heard shouting 'get off of her!' Another child can be seen standing close by, and she also throws some punches at the girl as she struggles on the ground. The USPS worker has not been charged, so her name has not been released by police. An Ohio mom has been caught on camera beating up a 10-year-old child outside an elementary school while wearing a United States Postal Service uniform According to a Cleveland Metropolitan School District Police Department report, the 10-year-old girl said another girl attacked her with a book bag while she was walking to the bus However, the officer report outlined several offenses police believe she should have been charged with, including criminal activity on a school property, delinquency of a child, assault and endangering a child. The case was never prosecuted because police mistakenly referred it to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, which only deals with felony crimes. The office declined to follow up the case in November 2024. 'The offenses in this matter do not rise to the level of a felony,' attorney Debora Brewer wrote in a letter to police that month. 'We are returning this investigation to your agency and advise that you refer this matter to the City Prosecutor to review for misdemeanor charges.' The brawl unfolded outside Ben Franklin Elementary School (pictured) in Cleveland just as students were being released from class on September 23, 2024 However, police did not submit the charges to the city for prosecution until April 17. The city prosecutors office has not ruled out the case, however. A spokesman told Fox News they were waiting to meet with police to discuss the case. Ian Ortega, a US Postal Inspector with the Cleveland Field Office, said the USPS worker involved in the brawl was not on duty at the time. 'This incident falls outside of our purview and would be a local law enforcement matter, as the employee was off the clock merely still wearing her postal uniform,' he told Fox News. Emergency protocols have been initiated across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan after a massive dust storm swept in and engulfed an entire town. A 'wall of dust' surged through the Al Qassim province of central Saudi Arabia on Sunday, blocking out sunlight and towering over residents. Footage shared on social media shows how the sky turned bright orange as the sand storm swallowed the town and reduced visibility to nearly zero. Locals claim the storm rolled through with 'zero heads-up' and said it was like something out of an 'apocalypse' film. Al Qassim was 'so dark, it looked like someone hit the lights', one witness recalled on social media, noting that trees were also 'getting knocked over like dominoes'. Another said, in a post today, that roads are still empty and residents remain locked indoors while the dust storm leaves behind a 'trail of disruption' and 'shows no sign of slowing'. Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Kuwait and Jordan are currently under red alerts as strong winds and heavy rainfall bring threats of thunderstorms, flash floods, hail and other potential hazards to the region for the next few days. The Saudi Arabia National Centre for Meteorology has urged the public to remain vigilant, limit travel and avoid open areas during the storms - which are expected to continue through midweek. A 'wall of dust' surged through the Al Qassim province of central Saudi Arabia on Sunday, blocking out sunlight and towering over the town Footage shared on social media shows how the sky turned bright orange as the sand storm swallowed the town and reduced visibility to nearly zero Locals claim the storm rolled through with 'zero heads-up' and said it was like something out of an 'apocalypse' film The sand storm has wrecked havoc on travel plans, with two flights from Egypt bound for Kuwait having to be diverted to Dammam, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Gulf News reports. The Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports were shut down by the Kuwait Ports Authority in an effort to protect workers and infrastructure. Operations are understood to have resumed Monday morning. Hundreds of tourists were evacuated from Petra, a famous archaeological site in Jordan's southwestern desert, on Sunday after flash floods overwhelmed the site. Over 1,700 visitors were present when emergency protocols were implemented at the archaeological site, according to the report. Key landmarks, such as the Al Khazneh, the Siq, and the Monastery, were also cleared out due to rising water levels. At least two people were killed in the flooding, including a Belgian woman and her son, who had been on an adventure tour of the Wadi al-Nakhil, a popular riverbed area near the Jordanian city of Ma'an. Two of her children survived, Gulf News reports. Rescue teams are continuing to search for survivors. Incidents involving stranded tourists were also reported in Tafileh and Al Hasa. Al Qassim was 'so dark, it looked like someone hit the lights', one witness recalled on social media, noting that trees were also 'getting knocked over like dominoes' Another said, in a post today, that roads are still empty and residents remain locked indoors while the dust storm leaves behind a 'trail of disruption' and 'shows no sign of slowing' Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Kuwait and Jordan are currently under red alerts as strong winds and heavy rainfall bring threats of thunderstorms, flash floods, hail and other potential hazards to the region for the next few days. Pictured is the sand storm over the Al Qassim province on Sunday Red alerts are currently in place across five regions of Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh and the Eastern Province. Saudi Arabia National Centre for Meteorology has warned of continued dust storms, heavy rainfall, hail, and potential flooding. Kuwait has also been hit by violent winds and thick clouds of dust. Gusts reaching more than 62mph were recorded in some areas. The country's acting Director of the Meteorological Department warned that Kuwait is experiencing a 'volatile seasonal transition' in which rapid atmospheric shifts, heavy dust and thunderstorms are likely. Meteorologist Abdullah Al Misnad, a former professor at Qassim University in Saudi Arabia, warns that fast-moving dust walls - like the one that engulfed Al Qassim on Sunday - can reach heights of up to 2,000 metres and speeds of more than 60mph. He told the newspaper that these storms can create 'major hazards to both air and land transportation'. A crowd at a Chinese Zoo was left screaming after a famous chimpanzee hurled a rock at spectators and injured a visitor. The incident took place in the city of Nanning in southern China, on May 1. According to local reports, the chimp, known to fans as 'Diunaxing,' was playing in front of a crowd at Nanning Zoo when it suddenly threw a rock into the audience. Footage captured by onlookers showed the huge beast running around its enclosure holding the rock in its hand before launching it. Zoo staff rushed to the scene after the rock hit a zoo visitor. They were taken to hospital, though the injuries were later confirmed as minor. The Nanning Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism said the tourist returned to their hotel after treatment. The source of the rock is still unknown and is currently under investigation. Diunaxing is well known to zoo-goers and social media users in China for its playful behaviour, especially throwing objects like turf and flowers at crowds. The chimpanzee could be seen gearing up to throw the rock directly into the crowd Zoo staff rushed to the scene and an injured person was taken to hospital, though the injuries were later confirmed as minor The same animal went viral in March 2024 for digging up clumps of grass and turf and throwing them at visitors, striking one man on the head. The video from that incident was widely shared on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, where users debated the ethics of such performances. One user said: 'It's the cornerstone of Nanning Zoo. Nanning Zoo now relies entirely on it to attract visitors.' Another added: 'If there was no electricity [on the fence] the chimpanzee would jump out and slap a tourist to death.' In response to the recent incident, the zoo clarified that the chimpanzee would not be punished. Staff said they respected the habits of wild animals and encouraged peaceful coexistence rather than disciplinary action. The zoo has urged tourists not to tease or feed the animals, warning that such actions can provoke unpredictable responses. Diunaxing remains a major attraction at the zoo, and the chimpanzee house is still open to the public. A beloved child actor has tragically passed away after suffering multiple heart attacks, her mother has confirmed. Millena Brandao, 11, fell ill last Wednesday with severe headaches and was rushed to Grajau General Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she died Friday. Brandao, who appeared in the Netflix series Sintonia, had 13 cardiac arrests between Wednesday and Thursday, according to her doctor. Brandao's official cause of death was still unknown as of Monday. 'The doctors still haven't said what really happened to my daughter and what killed her,' Brandao's mother, Thays Brandao, told Brazilian news outlet G1. Millena Brandao experienced headaches, pain in her leg, drowsiness, loss of appetite and had fainted since April 24. During that time she visited a city urgent care center and two Sao Paulo state-run hospitals. Doctors initially believed the young model had dengue fever before additional tests revealed a brain tumor. Brazilian child actor and model, Millena Brandao, died last Friday, nine days after she first fell ill 11-year-old Brazilian actress and model, Millena Brandao, went suffered 13 cardiac arrests between last Wednesday and Thursday before she died Friday Millena Brandao made her soap opera debut on SBT [Brazilian Television System] in October 2023 and had appeared 'A infancia de Romeu e Julieta' [Romeo and Juliet's Childhood] and 'A Caverna Encantada [The Enchanted Cave]. Thays Brandao, who also has a two-year-old daughter, questioned the care the doctors provided her daughter. A physician at the state-run Pedreira General Hospital saw Millena Brandao on April 24 and treated her for a headache and told the grieving mother that the child had 'dengue fever.' 'But he didn't do any tests. He told us to take her back home and give her dipyrone,' Thays said. Millena Brandao cut short a modeling event April 26 due to pain in her leg and was taken to Pedreira General Hospital, but tests did not reveal any issues and she was told to rest at home, her mother said. Thays Brandao (rear right) with her husband (rear left), two year-old daughter (front left) and 11-year-old daughter Millena Brandao (front right) Millena Brandao made her soap opera acting debut in October 2023 on SBT [Brazilian Television System] The family planned on attending mass at a local church April 27, but returned home after Millena Brandao told her parents she was experiencing headaches, had no appetite and was drowsy. Millena Brandao had dinner at home April 28 and then fainted in the bathroom. Her parents took her to Maria Antonieta Urgent Care Facility, where tests came back negative for COVID-19, H1N1 and dengue fever, but showed that she had 'a urinary tract infection' and was placed on medication. 'She arrived with her unconscious in my husband's arms. Then, she opened her eyes and regained consciousness,' Thays Brandao recalled. Staffers suggested she be transferred to a state-operated medical center in Sao Paulo, the state capital. Thays Brandao complained that one of the nurses scolded a crying Millena Brandao, who pleased for help 'She told her not to scream, that the pain wouldn't go away like that,' the mother said. Millena Brandao began to feel sick April 24 when a doctor at Pedreira General Hospital treated her for a headache and said she had 'dengue fever' without doing any tests Doctors found a '5-centimeter mass' Millena Brandao's brain, her family revealed Millena Brandao was taken to Grajau General Hospital the morning of April 29 and was intubated after she had her first cardiac arrest. 'Her lip turned purple. Then they resuscitated her and intubated her. From that day on, she never woke up again,' Thays Brandao said. She felt the hospital was not equipped with the correct staff to care for her daughter because they did not have a neurologist on site. 'They only did a CT scan, and the doctors said they saw a 5-centimeter mass in her brain,' she said. 'But they don't know if this mass was a tumor, a cyst, an edema, a clot ... because they couldn't open her head to see.' Thays Brandao also wondered why the staff at Maria Antonieta Urgent Care Facility did not sent her instead to Hospital das Clinicas, where specialists are on hand. 'She got worse, with two to three cardiac arrests per day. She had 13 arrests in total. She had never had that before,' she said. 'There was one day when she had seven respiratory arrests. Sometimes they gave her massages and other times they gave her shocks [with a device called a defibrillator].' A mystery secret hearing is being held today in the case against Bryan Kohberger, days after the University of Idaho murders suspect lost his latest bid to avoid the death penalty. Kohberger is charged with the murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen in a crime that shocked America. 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. Now, just three months before Kohberger's trial is due to begin, Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler has hastily scheduled a closed-door, remote hearing for 11.30am local time Monday. The details of the hearing are a closely-guarded secret, with both the media and public blocked from attending. No leaks have emerged. It's a move that has baffled legal experts - given that Judge Hippler has gone to efforts to make details about the trial open to the public. Since the trial was moved to Boise, Ada County, and out of Moscow, Latah County, where the murders took place, the judge has allowed cameras inside the courtroom to livestream proceedings. The judge also ordered both the prosecution and defense to stop filing records under seal. A mystery secret hearing is being held today in the case against Bryan Kohberger (pictured in court in Moscow, Idaho on October 26, 2023) Since then, court documents have revealed many never-before-known details about the events of that fateful night and the case against the accused killer. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, who is the president and co-founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers, told DailyMail.com the secret hearing could be about a number of different things. Rahmani suggested it could be under seal because it involves information about the victims, witness testimony that the court doesn't want made public, evidence that may or may not be admitted at trial, jury issues, or Kohberger's own health or mental competency. Judge Steven Hippler scheduled the secret hearing last week 'It's really tough to know,' he said. 'It's hard to say as there's so many filings and hearings in the case. It could be anything... so it could be procedural, it could be very important or it could be nothing.' Rahmani explained that, generally, hearings and documents are not sealed in criminal court cases. 'It's a presumption that these things are public,' he said. But, while Judge Hippler has pushed for more unsealing since taking over the trial, a lot of records and proceedings still remain sealed, Rahmani said. 'Sealed should be the exception rather than the rule,' he said, adding that if the judge really wanted greater transparency and access, he would lift the 'very broad' gag order in the case. Due to this case being 'not typical' when it comes to public access, Rahmani said it is difficult to determine how critical this sealed hearing may be. The mystery 'notice of sealed hearing' was issued by the judge on April 30 - one day after the latest court order was handed down by the judge. In what marked the latest blow for Kohberger's defense strategy, the judge dismissed Kohberger's efforts to stop a jury from sending him to death row for a staggering 13th time. Despite the curious timing of the hearing coming after that damning court order, Rahmani said he doesn't believe it's a sign Kohberger could be changing his plea to guilty as part of a plea deal. Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen were found murdered in Mogen's room on the third floor Young couple Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found dead in Kernodle's room on the second floor 'I can't imagine any deal being struck in this case to take the death penalty off the table,' he said. '[This is because] I think it being one of the most gruesome murders in Idaho state history, the fact we have four college students brutally stabbed to death for no apparent reason, politically it's not going to be palatable [to remove the death penalty]. 'This is the type of case where there would be an uproar if prosecutors tried to cut him a deal... I just don't see it happening.' DailyMail.com has contacted Ada County Court, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson's office and Kohberger's defense team for information. A spokesperson for Ada County said that 'since the hearing is sealed we don't have any information to share.' In the latest court order, the judge dismissed Kohberger's effort to strike the death penalty over what it claimed was the prosecution's lengthy delays in handing over 'voluminous and unorganized' evidence in the case. The defense claimed it was unable to prepare properly for trial, arguing this was a violation of Kohberger's rights and asking the judge to strike the death penalty. Judge Hippler tossed out the request and blasted Kohberger's complaints about the prosecution 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.' 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 came one week after the judge denied a separate request to strike the death penalty due to his recent autism diagnosis. As part of that argument, 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.' Left to right: Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke The three-story home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, in December 2023 before it was demolished 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. Kohberger may face the firing squad if convicted and sentenced to death, due to recent changes in Idaho state law. It's an outcome that has been welcomed by the family of victim Goncalves, with her father Steve Goncalves revealing he is personally pushing to make the firing squad a reality. Kohberger's repeated failed efforts to strike the death penalty are far from the only blows dealt to his case as his trial looms. Following a high-stakes hearing on April 9 where the two sides went to war over key evidence in the case, the judge has issued orders largely siding with the state. Among them, jurors will now hear the harrowing 911 call made by the victims' surviving roommates Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke and see their panicked texts after Mortensen saw the masked killer inside their home. The judge has also ruled against Kohberger in allowing Mortensen to describe the man inside her home using the term 'bushy eyebrows.' Bryan Kohberger snapped this creepy selfie six hours after the brutal Moscow murders In another order, 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. 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 stood silent at his arraignment in January 2023. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. A five-year-old boy was swept into the powerful Klamath River during a family outing on Thursday, and moments later, a witness saw what they believed to be a body floating downstream. The heartbreaking incident unfolded on the afternoon of May 1, 2025, near the Seiad Valley area in Siskiyou County, Northern California. Just after 911 calls came in reporting the unnamed missing child, another caller claimed they had spotted 'a person floating downstream.' The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office immediately launched a multi-agency rescue effort. 'Numerous resources responded to assist, including CHP Northern Air Operations, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office Dive Team and CalFire's swift water rescue team,' officials confirmed in a press release. In a desperate bid to find the child, local agencies were joined by community members and tribal partners, who showed up in force to comb the rugged terrain along the river's edge. 'In addition to official agencies and their volunteer groups, community volunteers showed up en masse to help search,' the Sheriff's Office said. 'Unfortunately, the child has still not been located.' The boy's disappearance has deeply affected those involved in the search. A five-year-old boy was swept into the powerful Klamath River during a family outing on Thursday and search is still underway Just after 911 calls came in reporting the missing child, another caller claimed they had spotted 'a person floating downstream' 'The disappearance of this child has been absolutely heartbreaking to everyone involved in this search operation,' the Sheriff's Office said in a public statement. Despite the emotional toll, the search remains active. Officials said they have requested additional assistance through Cal OES as efforts continue. 'The Sheriff's Office remains committed to search efforts and additional information will be provided in the future,' they added. Authorities also thanked those involved in the massive response, saying: 'We would like to thank the Karuk Tribe, CalFire, local fire departments, California Highway Patrol, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team volunteers for their continual efforts to find the missing boy and reunite him with his family.' Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office at (530) 841-2900. For press inquiries, the Public Information Officer can be reached at (530) 598-1647. Earlier the same day, a separate incident occurred along the Trinity River, where an infant was reported missing after a vehicle carrying a family left Highway 299 near the remote community of Big Flat and entered the water. 'The disappearance of this child has been absolutely heartbreaking to everyone involved in this search operation,' the Sheriff's Office said in a public statement According to SF Gate, the childs parents were able to escape the submerged vehicle with injuries, but the infant was carried away by the current. Due to hazardous conditions, divers have not yet been able to access the vehicle, and search efforts are continuing. A murder investigation has been launched after a 60-year-old man died aboard a luxury cruise ship departing from Southampton. MSC Virtuosa left on Saturday evening for a two-night cruise to Bruges but a fight allegedly broke out just hours into the journey, with the man being pronounced dead at the scene. A 57-year-old man from Exeter, who is thought to have been friends with the deceased, has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. The man's body is believed to have been kept aboard the ship until this morning when the ship docked back in the Horizon terminal in Hampshire. He was from Sussex. A source onboard the ship told MailOnline: 'There was a big police presence when we docked in Southampton this morning. 'What apparently happened is the man was killed on board. 'Three family members, two women who might be his daughters, and the son managed to get on to the quayside to try and gain entry on the ship. The family are demanding they release the body.' MSC Virtuosa (pictured) left on Saturday evening for a two-night cruise to Bruges but a fight allegedly broke out just hours into the journey at about 8.30pm MSC Virtuosa is seen here berthed at the City Cruise Terminal in Southampton ahead of its first sailing on May 20 2021 The luxury cruise vessel (pictured in May 2021) is at the centre of a new police investigation The body of a man who died on Saturday is believed to have been kept aboard the ship until this morning when HMS Virtuosa (pictured) docked back in the Horizon terminal in Hampshire Hampshire Police has told MailOnline a homicide investigation was launched following the death aboard the MSC Virtuosa (pictured) in British waters According to a passenger onboard, the trip was a 'booze cruise' to Bruges. The men involved in the incident were said to be among a party of 20. According to the Maritime Injury Guide, most large cruise ships will have a morgue on board and which typically has space for between three to six bodies. Hampshire Police told MailOnline a homicide investigation was launched following the death of the man aboard the MSC Virtuosa in British waters. The ship left Southampton at 6pm on Saturday with the reports being made at around 8.30pm that a man, 60, had died following an altercation. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Det Chief Insp Matt Gillooly, the senior investigating officer, said: 'We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident onboard, and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries. 'If anyone who was onboard has information that could assist, please contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101 with reference 44250193676.' A spokesperson for MSC Virtuosa said: 'Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are co-operating fully with their investigations. We are providing full support to those impacted.' Colorado is the latest state facing a lawsuit from President Donald Trump's Justice Department over their sanctuary city laws and policies. The administration is suing Colorado and the city of Denver claiming that both the state and local governments interfered with federal immigration enforcement. 'The United States has well-established, preeminent, and preemptive authority to regulate immigration matters,' reads the lawsuit filed in federal court in Denver. The DOJ has filed lawsuits in Chicago and Rochester, New York challenging the cities' so-called sanctuary policies. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston went to Washington, D.C. in March to testify before Congress about his city's policies when it comes to illegal and undocumented immigrants. The Justice Department filed a lawsuit on Friday against Denver and the state of Colorado for it's 'sanctuary city' policies In February, five structures part of the The Edge at Lowry apartment complex (pictured) in Aurora, Colorado were condemned after it was found members of the TdA gang had taken control Johnston was joined at the House hearing by the mayors of Boston, Chicago and New York City. A 'sanctuary city' refers to jurisdictions where state and local policies either shield or protect migrants without legal U.S. status from federal laws that require they be detained or deported. Specifically these states and cities are accused of limiting cooperation between their areas and the federal government and in extreme cases prohibit law enforcement and officials from turning over information about legal status of those illegal immigrants picked up for crimes. Attorney General Pam Bondi's DOJ alleged in the lawsuit filed on Friday that Denver and the entire state of Colorado is in violation of the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution due their sanctuary laws. While Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) enforces federal immigration laws in the entire country, the agency often relies on support and cooperation from local and state partners. ICE often asks police departments and sheriff's offices to flag to them any migrants they want deported from their jurisdictions. These offices usually hold the offenders until federal agents are able to take them into custody. DOJ attorneys argue that the western state's 'sanctuary policies' allowed Venezuelan gang members with Tren de Aragua (TdA) to seize control of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado. In February, five structures part of the The Edge at Lowry apartment complex were shut down and condemned after it was found TdA had taken control of large areas of the Denver suburb. Local officials say Trump's claims of a take over were exaggerated, but have admitted that this apartment complex was terrorized by the gang members. Federal immigration enforcement agents detain a suspect during a raid in Denver, Colorado on February 5, 2025 Earlier this year, Trump had hundreds of migrants and illegal immigrants in the U.S. with links to TdA and MS-13 gangs deported to the notorious El Salvadoran prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center. Trump has floated sending all migrant criminals and even some American citizen criminals to the massive maximum security facility completed in 2022 as part of a crackdown on a rise in gang activity in the region. The lawsuit in Colorado lists defendants as Gov. Jared Polis, the entire state Legislature, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. Polis' office insists Colorado is not a sanctuary state and says his office regularly works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies when it comes to immigration laws. 'If the courts say that any Colorado law is not valid then we will follow the ruling,' spokesperson Conor Cahill said, according to the Associated Press. 'We are not going to comment on the merits of the lawsuit.' Chaos erupted inside a Virginia prison after a group of El Salvador MS-13 gangster inmates launched a vicious stabbing attack on custodian guards. The violent ordeal - which left multiple officers in hospital - occurred Friday around 9.45am at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap. A total of five guards were injured, including three who were stabbed by a group of MS-13 gang members in a 'premeditated attack,' authorities said. Five of the six unnamed inmates involved are all convicted of violent crimes, including rape and murder. They were all in the US unlawfully, officials stated. Another inmate is a US citizen and Sureno 13 gang member serving a sentence for second-degree murder. Three of the injured guards were treated and released from the hospital on the same day while two others were hospitalized in stable condition. It is unclear if the guards remained in the hospital as of Sunday, Carla Miles, a spokesperson with the Department of Corrections, told CNN. Virginia Department of Corrections Director Chad Dotson said: 'Five of the individuals responsible for this senseless attack should never have been in this country in the first place. Chaos erupted inside Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap, Virginia after El Salvador gangster inmates attacked guards Friday 'Our officers are heroes, and I commend the team at Wallens Ridge for their swift response.' The attack is currently under investigation. DailyMail.com contacted the Virginia Department of Corrections for more information. In March, the suspected leader of MS-13 was arrested in an upscale Virginia neighborhood, the Trump administration revealed. Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, 24, of El Salvador was apprehended in Dale City, a suburban community half an hour outside of Washington, D.C. on March 27. He was taken into custody on an outstanding administrative immigration warrant and later charged with illegal gun possession after authorities found several firearms during their search. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel oversaw the operation, which was a joint endeavor between the Prince William County Police Department, ATF, ICE and the Virginia State Police. 'They executed a clean, safe operation and the bad guys in custody,' Bondi told Fox following the arrest. 'And thanks to the FBI, we got one of the worst of the worst of the MS-13 off the streets this morning. Virginia and the country is a lot safer today.' In March, Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, 24, the suspected leader of the MS-13 gang was arrested in Virginia Although he was believed to be a captain of the East Coast for the notorious international crime gang, but Bondi later dropped charges against him. Prosecutors have only said 'the government no longer wishes to pursue the instant prosecution at this time,' as reported by CNN. Sources told the Washington Post that Bondi is looking to fast-track the alleged gangster's deportation. 'As a terrorist, he will now face the removal process,' Bondi said. The mother of two young children who vanished from their home three days ago has tearfully begged for them to be found. Jack Sullivan, 4, and his sister Lily, 6, were last seen about 10am on Friday on a road close to their home in Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia. Their parents believe the kids went out a sliding back door of the family's home while stepfather Daniel Martell and mother Malehya Brooks-Murray fed their baby. Brooks-Murray begged for their safe return in an emotional TV interview after searching the neighborhood for them. 'I'm just staying as hopeful as possible,' she told CTV News in an emotional interview. 'I want them home. I want to hold them, and I want them home. When they're found it will be the biggest relief to hug them.' Brooks-Murray explained that she and Martell thought the children were playing, and they sneaked away the short time the couple were occupied. Four year-old Jack Sullivan has been missing from his Nova Scotia home since Friday Jack vanished alongside his sister Lily, six. The children's stepdad Daniel Martell fears they were abducted, although a Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokesperson says they believe the youngsters wandered off. A nearby woodland is being searched 'We always make sure that we're out there with them, watching them, and they happen to just get out that sliding door, and we can't hear it when it opens,' she said. 'They were outside playing, but we weren't aware of it at the time, and the next thing we knew it was quiet. 'We get up and look outside. We're looking everywhere, yelling for them, and I instantly just called 911. I just had the instinct I needed to call.' Brooks-Murray said her children may have mild autism but were friendly, contrary to rumors online claiming they were non-verbal. 'They're both really happy-go-lucky children. They're so sweet. They talk to anyone. They'll talk your ear off. They will speak to anyone in a store, everyone. They're just extremely sweet kids,' she said. The distraught mother questioned why an Amber Alert wasn't issued, but police said there was no reason to believe they were abducted. Martell told CBC News on Sunday that he was frightened the children were taken by a stranger. Stepfather Daniel Martell and mother Malehya Brooks-Murray Jack and his sister are believe to have gone out a sliding back door of the family's home while their parents were feeding their baby He pleaded with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to monitor the border with neighboring New Brunswick and nearby airports in case someone is trying to escape with them. RCMP Corporal Sally Rice told CTV News on Saturday that there 'is no information to suggest [the siblings] were abducted'. 'Based on what we know, it appears they wandered off,' she added. 'The search will continue until we receive any new evidence that changes our direction.' A 3.5 kilometer (2.2 mile) radius has been set up around the nearby Pictou County Forest, with searchers focusing their efforts there. Hauntingly, they're tying ribbons to trees to note which areas have been searched. A huge search operation including drones, a helicopter and around 160 emergency service personnel has been deployed to find Jack and Lily. The eerie disappearance has rocked the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, famed for beauty spots including Lunenberg (pictured) A drone, a helicopter and around 160 emergency services personnel have been drafted in to look for the missing children 'Ground search and rescue team members and officers who were on scene overnight have been relieved by new volunteers and officers from agencies involved to allow for refreshed searches to continue as necessary,' RCMP said. Jack is described as having short-ish blond hair. He was wearing blue dinosaur boots. Lily has light brown, shoulder-length hair with bangs. She may be wearing a pink sweater, pink pants, pink boots and may be toting a white backpack. Anyone with information on the missing children has been asked to contact Pictou County District RCMP or Crime Stoppers Canada. A Tennessee doctor has blamed first responders and hospital staff for the sudden death of his estranged wife - but her family believes that he killed her. Sarah Shanks, a healthy, vibrant 35-year-old mother-of-two and avid runner, collapsed in her Knoxville driveway just after 2:40 a.m. on January 20, 2023. She never regained consciousness and died in the hospital nine days later. She died just months after she hired a divorce attorney and accused her husband Ryan Shanks of controlling behavior. Now, dueling lawsuits in Knox County Circuit Court paint two starkly different versions of what happened - as her death is still classed as 'undetermined.' Ryan, an emergency room doctor, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against first responders, hospital staff, and the city of Knoxville - alleging they mishandled Sarah's emergency and failed to meet basic medical standards. His complaint claims medics delayed intubation and CPR, misread vital signs, and were slow to transport Sarah to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He insists their negligence caused her death. But his lawsuit offers few details about what actually led to Sarah's collapse - and makes no mention of their deteriorating marriage or her recent efforts to divorce him. Sarah's family tells a different story - one of escalating emotional abuse, surveillance, and fear. A Tennessee mother of two, Sarah Shanks, died in January 2023 after collapsing in her driveway and two years later, dueling lawsuits are painting vastly different pictures of what happened Her estranged husband, Dr. Ryan Shanks, blames first responders and hospital staff, claiming they failed to provide adequate care and caused her death They filed their own wrongful death suit in February 2025, accusing Ryan of causing Sarah's death in order to prevent a divorce and retain control of their two children. 'Sarah Shanks was trying to escape an unhappy marriage,' the family alleged. 'She was continuously emotionally abused and subjected to the whims of her tyrannical, controlling and manipulative husband who mistreated her, threatened her, terrorized her, and abandoned her before eventually killing her.' The suit claimed Ryan either choked Sarah or otherwise physically deprived her of oxygen that night, causing the anoxic brain injury that ultimately killed her. 'On January 29, 2023, the Decedent, Sarah Shanks, suffered a wrongful death as a result of the Defendant's knowing and intentional lethal actions and conduct,' it states. Molly Stevens, who grew up with Sarah, said she was 'devoted not only to her kids but also to a healthy lifestyle.' 'The day I got the phone call that she had been brought to the hospital, I was in complete shock,' her close friend Stevens told 13 ON YOUR SIDE. 'She was probably one of the most healthy people I know.' 'She was an energizer bunny!' Stevens told 13 ON YOUR SIDE. 'She was an avid runner and she went for a run every day.' According to Sarah's family, she had borrowed money to hire a divorce attorney and had separated from Ryan. They allege he told friends that a divorce would be 'inconvenient' and 'unaffordable,' and that he had secretly cloned Sarah's phone to monitor her whereabouts. The night of January 20, according to the lawsuit, Ryan called Sarah's parents separately to say he was having 'suicidal ideations' and thinking about buying a gun. The couple reportedly argued afterward. Sarahs family believes Ryan is responsible, alleging he abused and ultimately killed her to stop her from divorcing him Sarah had several glasses of wine and took sleeping pills, Ryan later told police her blood alcohol level was 0.1, above the legal limit to drive. At around 1:30 a.m., Sarah told Ryan she had fallen in the bathroom and hurt her neck. She went back to bed but soon woke up in a panic, telling Ryan she thought she was going to die. To avoid waking the kids, she stepped outside. That's where paramedics found her: unresponsive, alone, and struggling to breathe. Twelve minutes after their arrival, Sarah went into cardiac arrest. Medics began CPR and transported her to Fort Sanders, but she never regained consciousness. 'I have a copy of the 911 call,' said Stevens. 'You can hear her gasping for breath in the background. It's horrible. And just him, he's a doctor. It's just, I can't believe that he didn't try to do more or do more sooner.' The family's lawsuit says Sarah's blood gas pH was critically low, a sign of oxygen deprivation. A CT scan showed soft tissue swelling around her neck and an unusual air pocket in her chest. An MRI later confirmed global anoxic encephalopathy brain damage from lack of oxygen. Still, authorities declined to press charges. Sarah had recently hired a divorce lawyer and reportedly told friends she feared Ryans controlling behavior That night, she drank wine, took sleeping pills, and later told Ryan she thought she was going to die moments before she was found unresponsive outside In a letter obtained by Knox News, Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen wrote that Sarah's autopsy was inconclusive, and that the case lacked prosecutable evidence. But she described the circumstances as 'highly suspicious' and emphasized that Ryan had been the only adult with Sarah in the hours leading up to her collapse. She also noted 'evidence of instability in their marriage' and concerns about Ryan's mental health. Knox County's Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan, concluded that Sarah's prolonged hospitalization and status as an organ donor made it impossible to determine a cause of death with certainty. 'We could neither prove nor exclude foul play,' she wrote. The death certificate lists the cause as 'undetermined.' Sarah's family later learned one of her organs was donated to a Michigan resident, and they were able to meet the recipient - a bittersweet experience covered in a local news segment. But grief has turned to determination. The family is suing Ryan Shanks for $20 million in compensatory damages, $40 million in punitive damages, and hopes to re-establish contact with Sarah's children, who they say they haven't seen in over a year. 'The main point is to establish a relationship with the kids,' said Stevens, 'and just make sure that they're being well cared for and taken care of, and know who their mother was. That's what Sarah would have wanted.' Ryan Shanks has denied all allegations. His attorney, C. Gavin Sheppard, called the family's suit 'false, defamatory and malicious' and said the doctor and his children are 'grieving the tragic loss of Sarah.' Medical records cited in the familys lawsuit point to oxygen deprivation, neck swelling, and brain damage, suggesting possible strangulation The medical examiner ruled her cause of death undetermined, citing complications from her hospital stay and organ donation 'Dr. Shanks has never been charged with any crime associated with the death of his wife,' Sheppard said. 'He is confident that the true facts associated with her death will continue to be revealed in the pending lawsuit that he filed.' That lawsuit blaming American Medical Response, the Knoxville Fire Department, Covenant Health, and Fort Sanders Regional remains pending. So does the one filed by Sarah's parents. And the truth of what happened in those early hours of January 20, 2023, remains bitterly disputed. A Florida Republican is facing claims about his military service record. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., is a veteran of the war in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star in 2021 for his actions on the battlefield in 2003. After the war, he worked as a military contractor and helped evacuate a family from Afghanistan in 2021 when the U.S. withdrew its military forces. The decorated veteran turned a blue seat red after winning in 2022. His heroics for taking 'great risk to his own life' whilst saving the lives of multiple men under 'intense enemy fire,' according to the submission document for his Bronze Star, earned him the award. But now, multiple men who served on the mission say they don't remember him. 'He didn't save my life,' Private First Class Joe Heit, one of the men listed on the award submission form, told NOTUS. 'I don't recall him being there either,' Heit added. He also claimed that contrary to what the submission form says his injuries were not life threatening. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., received a Bronze Star in 2021 for service he did in 2003. Some of those mentioned on the form submitted for his award are now saying the account does not add up Mills has long faced questions about his military career The completed military award form states that Mills saved Heit and Corporal Alan Babin after he 'applied emergency life-saving medical care to both soldiers and assisted in their evacuation back to US Forces, saving the lives of both soldiers.' Though Babin has no recollection of the incident, the pilot who flew him off of the battlefield that day, Henry 'Hank' Barbe, told NOTUS he has no memory of Mills' saving anyone that day. 'From what I understand about Mills is he might have been in the unit. I dont remember him being involved in the medevac,' Barbe shared. 'To be fair, I was worried about the patients. I dont remember him, and from what I understand, other people dont remember him.' Sergeant First Class Chris Painter, a platoon leader for the 2003 operation told NOTUS that he also does not recall Mills' saving anyone after Heit and Babin were injured. 'I can pretty much confirm 100 percent Cory Mills was not up at the bridges at the location of the everything,' Painter told the outlet. Another soldier who was also there but requested to stay anonymous, also told NOTUS that he did not see Mills helping downed soldiers that day. The man who signed off on the Bronze Star recommendation, Retired Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, told NOTUS that he didn't 'care about' Mills' achievements before approving the award. Awards were reportedly approved en masse batches, and Gordon-Bray was not involved directly in Mills' service. In a statement provided to NOTUS, Mills said the frenetic nature of the combat could be to blame for the discrepancies. 'I was on the ground,' he told the outlet. 'It was a chaotic day and understandable that others may have different recollections of events.' Mills' office did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. After his service, Mills became a military contractor overseas. In 2021, he helped evacuate a family from Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrawal there Mills as a soldier in the Army The claims are further controversy for Mills, 44. Other claims have circulated against Mills since he first ran for Congress, including from his political opponents and detractors online who blog about his combat record. According to NOTUS, a complaint regarding Mills' service record has been sent to the Congressional Ethics Office for review. In March, the House Ethics Committee announced it was extending an investigation into allegations that Mills may have improperly completed financial disclosure reports and kept contracts with the federal government. The former U.S. Army sniper also drew headlines earlier this year for an alleged assault that took place near his D.C. residence. Mills denied all wrongdoing in the matter and it is still being investigated by Washington's Metropolitan Police Department. It is billed as a major policy announcement, outlining John Swinneys plans for the final year of the parliamentary session. Yet what we know so far of the content of his Programme for Government, to be unveiled today, is heavy on platitudes and a repetition of existing commitments which have so far failed to come to fruition and light on how to achieve them. Chief among them is a well-rehearsed pledge to eradicate child poverty - yet bleak new figures show the number of children in relative poverty after housing costs is likely to be somewhere between 180,000 and 300,000. The flagship Scottish Child Payment will cost 471million in 2025-26 - but a damning study has found no evidence that the payouts are effective. Growing the economy will feature on the list of SNP promises for the year ahead, leading up to the May 2026 election - a much-repeated aim which has yet to be backed up by any credible plan of action. It is incompatible with the cross-Border income tax gap, created by the Nationalists, which means Scots face the most punitive taxes in the UK, despite being saddled with deteriorating public services. Yet last month the First Minister quietly lifted a long-standing salary freeze for ministers, and all ten members of his Cabinet and 13 junior ministers have accepted the rise - which will entitle them to 19,126 extra a year. While Mr Swinney rewards his own government for an extensive record of failure, the problems are piling up in every portfolio. John Swinney will set out his latest programme for government...but it is likely to be more of the same from the SNP leader Heres a look at what he should be announcing (but probably wont) when he sets out his stall: a manifesto for a parallel universe, where the SNP listened to voters and understood their concerns SCRAP THE TAX GAP Scotland remains the most heavily taxed part of the UK thanks to an income tax disparity which the SNP defends as progressive. Under the SNP Budget for 2025-26, Scots earning more than 30,318 will pay more income tax than people elsewhere in the UK. Workers earning 50,000 will have to pay 1,528 more in tax, those earning 75,000 an extra 2,082, and those earning 100,000 will see 3,332 added to tax bills. The reality is that hard-working young professionals and new businesses are giving Scotland a wide berth - and the tax gap is a barrier to the SNPs stated aim of expanding the economy. It should be binned immediately, prior to a wider overhaul of the system to reduce taxes across the board - and turn Scotland into a magnet for investment. GET TOUGH ON CRIME Policing must end its woke obsession - and get officers out onto the streets to deter and fight crime. More than 12,000 investigations into minor crimes have been effectively ditched thanks to a proportionate response strategy. Stations have been sold off and police numbers slashed as part of a brutal cuts agenda, while town and city centres have been turned into no-go zones because of drug abuse and dealing, violence, and anti-social behaviour. Yet astonishingly cash-strapped Police Scotland is spending nearly 3million this year on diversity staff and training cash that should have been spent on hiring more officers. STOP LAWLESS CLASSROOMS Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has said indiscipline is the biggest problem for teachers in Scottish schools but it is one that has been stoked by the SNP. A steady flow of politically correct edicts such as banning use of the supposedly stigmatising term bully has been no help to embattled teachers. In March, the Mail reported that teachers had demanded self-defence classes amid concerns over a rising tide of violence in classrooms. Disruptive pupils must be expelled to provide a calm learning environment for the vast majority of well-behaved children - and teachers given the support they need to restore order. CUT NHS WASTE NHS waste has run rampant, with taxpayers cash spent on a legion of managers and bureaucrats. At the same time, the NHS is spending 8.53 per pack of paracetamol under the SNPs free prescription policy. Nearly 2.5million scripts for the drug were issued in 2023-24, according to data from Public Health Scotland (PHS), costing taxpayers more than 21million. The policy of free prescriptions must be scrapped immediately, followed up by a drive to root out NHS fat cats to free up cash for frontline care. MAKE UNIVERSITIES WORLD-CLASS AGAIN The SNP has taken a wrecking-ball to our once globally renowned higher education sector. Free degrees for Scots mean a cap on capacity, forcing prospective students south of the Border or overseas. Many universities which had relied on income from fee-paying international students - which in many cases has drastically reduced - are mired in funding crises, leading to lay-offs and cuts. The policy of no tuition fees for young Scots is presented by the SNP as its key achievement in power but it must be urgently reviewed to save universities from a further slide into financial turmoil or possible closure. END TRANS IDEOLOGY Years have been wasted on botched and highly divisive transgender reforms. The Supreme Court ruled last month that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex rather than gender choices. The only trans reforms which the SNP should now pursue are the ones which will eliminate trans ideology from the public sector. This should be accompanied by an apology from the First Minister for the SNPs abortive changes to gender self-ID, which we now know had no legal foundation. BUILD MORE PRISONS The dangerous farce of allowing hundreds of criminals to be freed early must end now. It was ordered by Justice Secretary Angela Constance to tackle prison overcrowding. But the solution should have been to build more jails - not freeing criminals en masse. The project to replace crumbling Barlinnie jail in Glasgow with a modern net zero facility has cost nearly 1billion - thanks to the SNPs financial incompetence. Prison construction should be stepped up - with a firm commitment that costs will not spiral to eye-watering Barlinnie levels. SHUT THE SHOOTING GALLERY The Thistle is an SNP-backed clinic where addicts can inject their own heroin and cocaine under medical supervision. But it is expensive to run costing 2.3million a year and local residents complain of drugs paraphernalia littering the streets. Heroin shooting galleries are based on the myth that users can be helped by perpetuating their addiction - rather than getting them into rehab. The funding should be spent on more rehab beds and cold turkey treatments at a time when drug-related fatalities in Scotland are the highest in Europe - rather than keeping addicts hooked on deadly drugs. The man who died following an alleged altercation on a luxury cruise ship was said to have been celebrating a stag do with pals before a row broke out. The 'murder' victim, 60, was on the MSC Virtuosa when it left Southampton on Saturday evening for a two-night cruise to Bruges. A fight allegedly broke out just hours into the journey, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. An army medic is said to have tried to save the man by undertaking CPR, but his efforts were tragically in vain. Lynda Hardiman-Pearce, who runs a catering business, was onboard the liner when the horror unfolded. Ms Hardiman-Pearce said there were 'hen and stag parties causing chaos' on the boat. She went on to add that she met the father of an army medic who 'tried to help by doing CPR on a guy that had collapsed', with reports made at around 8.30pm that a man had died. The man's body is believed to have been kept aboard the ship until this morning when the ship docked back in the Horizon terminal in Hampshire. He was from Sussex. MSC Virtuosa (pictured) left on Saturday evening for a two-night cruise to Bruges but a fight allegedly broke out just hours into the journey at about 8.30pm Hampshire Police has told MailOnline a homicide investigation was launched following the death aboard the MSC Virtuosa (pictured) in British waters MSC Virtuosa is seen here berthed at the City Cruise Terminal in Southampton ahead of its first sailing on May 20 2021 A 57-year-old man from Exeter, who is thought to have been friends with the deceased, has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Ms Hardiman-Pearce added that she was on the ship for a trip to Zeebrugge in Belgium, and returned to Southampton on Monday. She said: 'On Saturday night we were in a bar onboard and I was chatting to someone whilst waiting to be served. 'He told me his son was an army medic and had tried to help by doing CPR on a guy that had collapsed but unfortunately couldn't revive him. 'Apparently, the [man] was on a stag do.' She described seeing five police officers at Southampton Docks this morning when she disembarked. Ms Hardiman-Pearce added: 'The cruise was full of hen and stag parties causing chaos. 'Since getting home we talked to our family, and they all said it didn't sound like any cruise they had been on.' Another source onboard the ship told MailOnline: 'There was a big police presence when we docked in Southampton this morning. 'What apparently happened is the man was killed on board. The luxury cruise vessel (pictured in May 2021) is at the centre of a new police investigation The body of a man who died on Saturday is believed to have been kept aboard the ship until this morning when HMS Virtuosa (pictured) docked back in the Horizon terminal in Hampshire 'Three family members, two women who might be his daughters, and the son managed to get on to the quayside to try and gain entry on the ship. The family are demanding they release the body.' According to a passenger onboard, the trip was a 'booze cruise' to Bruges. The men involved in the incident were said to be among a party of 20. According to the Maritime Injury Guide, most large cruise ships will have a morgue on board and which typically has space for between three to six bodies. Hampshire Police told MailOnline a homicide investigation was launched following the death of the man aboard the MSC Virtuosa in British waters. The ship left Southampton at 6pm on Saturday with the reports being made at around 8.30pm that a man, 60, had died following an altercation. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Det Chief Insp Matt Gillooly, the senior investigating officer, said: 'We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident onboard, and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries. 'If anyone who was onboard has information that could assist, please contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101 with reference 44250193676.' A spokesperson for MSC Virtuosa said: 'Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are co-operating fully with their investigations. We are providing full support to those impacted.' Police have been granted further time to question seven men arrested in two separate counter-terrorism investigations that both involved Iranian nationals. Five men, who are all Iranian nationals, were arrested at locations across England on Saturday on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act after a suspected plot 'to target a single premises' was uncovered, the Metropolitan Police said on Sunday. The force confirmed a further three Iranian men were arrested on Saturday as part of a separate operation. Dominic Murphy, head of counter terrorism at the Met, said one was a terrorist plot to attack a specific premises, while the other was a national security issue. Police are not treating the two cases as linked. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Sunday that the cases reflect the biggest counter state threat and counter terrorism operations in recent years. The first four men were arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, and the fifth was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. The first five arrested were a 29-year-old man in the Swindon area, a 46-year-old man in west London, a 29-year-old man in the Stockport area, a 40-year-old man in the Rochdale area and a 24-year-old man in the Manchester area. Warrants of further detention were secured on Monday for four men, meaning they can be detained and questioned until Saturday, the Met said. It was part of a series of busts across England. Pictured are a group of Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers outside a home in Rochdale during another raid on Saturday Members of the SAS are suspected to have supported counter terrorism police during the operation to storm the alleged terror cell in Rochdale over the weekend (pictured) Undercover police officers swooped on a suspected Iranian terrorist in Swindon after posing as customers in a cafe and ordering coffees and donuts. Pictured are the officers in action The 24-year-old man was detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. He has been released on bail with conditions to a date in May, the force added. As part of the investigation, officers are searching a number of addresses in the Greater Manchester, London and Swindon areas. Mr Murphy said: 'Our officers and staff are progressing what is a significant and highly complex investigation, and we still have searches and activity under way at multiple addresses across the country. 'We are working incredibly hard, with public safety at the forefront of our ongoing efforts. 'We believe that a specific premises was the target of this suspected plot and Counter Terrorism Policing officers remain in close contact with the affected premises. 'At this time, we will not be providing further information about the suspected target for reasons of operational security and public safety. 'I would like to ask people to support my officers in this and not to speculate or share information that has not been confirmed by Counter Terrorism Policing. We have clear and critical reasons not to provide more detail at this time. 'The investigation is still in its early stages and we are exploring various lines of inquiry to establish any potential motivation as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter. 'As always, I would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us. 'We are working closely with local officers in the areas where we made arrests on Saturday and I'd like to thank police colleagues around the country for their ongoing support.' Officers are seen detaining one suspect while another officer covers the window of a building A police officer is pictured at the scene of a property in Rochdale which was raided by counter-terrorism police over the weekend Police were yesterday questioning four men 'on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act' after co-ordinated raids on addresses in west London, Rochdale, Swindon, Manchester and Stockport on Saturday evening. Pictured: Police in Rochdale following the counter terrorism raid Another three Iranian men were arrested at three addresses in London as part of a separate counter-terrorism operation under section 27 of the National Security Act 2023. Section 27 grants constables the power to arrest individuals without a warrant if they reasonably suspect them of being involved in 'foreign power threat activity'. Two men, aged 39 and 44, were arrested at separate addresses in north-west London and the third - a 55-year-old man - was held in west London. All three were taken into custody and warrants of further detention have been obtained, meaning they can be detained until Saturday, the Met said. Shocked witnesses told today how a team of six officers dressed casually in jeans and hoodies, sat in a cafe ordering donuts and drinks as they posed as ordinary customers. Just moments later, they leapt on a 29-year-old Iranian man suspected of plotting a deadly terrorist attack in Britain. Shocked bystanders captured the moment on camera that the undercover team swooped outside a Costa coffee shop in the middle of Swindon town centre on Saturday. The officers were then seen dragging the suspect through the street towards a police van. One eyewitness told the BBC that six men entered a cafe the suspect was in and sat opposite him, before ordering coffee and donuts. When the man left, they followed him out and 'jumped on' him in the street 'just near a Costa coffee', they said. An Afghan refugee who courageously aided US Special Forces before fleeing his home country was shot dead over a parking spot in Texas. Abdul Rahman Waziri, 31, was killed in his west Houston apartment building's parking lot during a fight on April 27 at about 9:15pm, the Houston Police Department (HPD) said in a statement. Conflict arose when Waziri pulled into the lot to check his mailbox and the alleged aggressor took issue with where he stopped his car, according to Waziri's family's lawyer, Omar Khawaja. Matters escalated when the man started vandalizing Waziri's car, sparking the fatal altercation, according to witnesses Khawaja said he spoke with. 'After the altercation is already over and Mr. Waziri is walking back to his car, shooter grabs a gun and murders him. He executes him in cold blood,' Khawaja said, ABC 13 reported. The father-of-two was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead as investigators probed the scene. Police said the alleged shooter approached them and admitted responsibility. He was questioned and his gun was taken away. But after the HPD consulted with the Harris County District Attorney's Office, he was not immediately arrested or charged. Abdul Rahman Waziri (pictured), 31, was killed in his west Houston apartment's parking lot by a man he argued with over a spot on April 27 at about 9:15pm Waziri (right) was a part of the National Mine Reduction Group (NMRG), which is an Afghan unit that worked specifically to protect American troops from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS) The father-of-two was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead as investigators probed the scene (pictured) A spokesperson for the department told DailyMail.com he could not release the suspect's name due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Waziri's family is devastated and outraged the man who took his life was able to walk free. Now, they are demanding answers. 'We believe this was a public execution. There's no other way to call it,' Khawaja said. Khawaja gathered outside the HPD alongside Afghan community leaders and Waziri's heartbroken brother, Abdullah Khan, for a press conference on Friday. 'The killer is still out on the streets, he has not been arrested,' Khawaja said, Click2Houston reported. 'There have not been interpreters from the Houston Police Department sent to this community where this murderer resides - who still lives in the same area as the victims.' The Harris County District Attorney's Office told DailyMail.com it is waiting for the investigation to be completed before any charges are filed. Waziri's heartbroken brother, Abdullah Khan (pictured), spoke at a press conference on Friday, demanding justice for his brother In the meantime, everyone at the apartment complex is on edge knowing the alleged killer is on the loose, according to Khan, Khawaja and the community leaders. 'The whole community is thinking, if this is happening to us, then what should we do?' Afghan leader Omar Yousafzai asked. Waziri fled Afghanistan to escape the Taliban. While living in his native country, he worked with the US Army for seven years, according to a GoFundMe. He was a part of the National Mine Reduction Group (NMRG), which is an Afghan unit that worked specifically to protect American troops from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS). 'He was a hero,' Afghan-American community leader Nisar Momand declared. Waziri decided to move to America in pursuit of a better and safer life for him and his family. Waziri's family's lawyer, Omar Khawaja (pictured) described the veteran's death as a cold-blooded execution Waziri (pictured) has left behind a nine-month-old, a three-year-old and a grieving widow Waziri died just outside his home, where he moved to escape the Taliban's regime in Afghanistan (pictured: the apartment complex where Waziri lived) The 1208 Foundation, a veteran-led nonprofit for former NMRG members, started another GoFundMe in Waziri's name, writing they 'cannot let his death be met with silence.' Between the two donation pages, more than $25,000 has been raised to support Waziri's nine-month-old, three-year-old and grieving widow. 'He came here to be safe,' Khan said. 'But here is not safe for nobody.' John Swinney has been urged to cut out the nonsense and focus on what matters to ordinary Scots when he unveils his legislative plans for the next year. The First Minister will today publish his programme for government - the Holyrood equivalent of the Kings Speech - for the 12 months to the next Holyrood elections. Ahead of his statement to MSPs, the Scottish Conservatives urged him to finally move the SNP away from its fringe obsession with gender policies, end wasteful spending and cut bureaucracy. Scottish Labour also published a list of 100 key SNP broken promises and said Mr Swinney has been at the heart of a failing government for 18 years. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: The SNP must cut out the nonsense and finally focus on the priorities of ordinary Scots, who rightly feel ignored by the left-wing consensus at Holyrood. That means dropping the Nationalists fringe obsession with gender self-ID once and for all and concentrating on tackling classroom violence and mending Scotlands crumbling roads. It means restoring winter fuel payments to all Scottish pensioners, instead of funding free bus travel for asylum seekers. It means reducing spending on NHS managers, so that more can be spent on frontline care, to tackle the GP shortages and the deadly waiting times in A&E and cancer treatment. Scotland is the highest taxed part of the UK. Were paying more and getting less from our essential services. Thats a damning reflection of SNP failure - and it must be reversed. First Minister John Swinney has been urged to focus on issues that affect ordinary Scots When every penny of taxpayers cash is a prisoner, John Swinney must cut out the wasteful, self-indulgent spending and have a laser-like focus on the priorities of mainstream Scotland. Ahead of delivering the programme for government, Mr Swinney has promised to provide commitments to provide a renewed and stronger NHS over the next 12 months and take serious action to put it on track. But 100 key broken promises by the SNP Government published by Scottish Labour included failing to increase GP numbers by 800, missing targets to end long waiting times, missing a 12-week legal guarantee for inpatient and day case treatment 789,000 times since 2012, and failing to eradicate delayed discharge. Broken promises highlighted in other areas included failing to close the attainment gap in schools, failing to reform council tax, ditching key climate targets, allowing police officer numbers to decline and abandoning plans for a publicly-owned energy company. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: From health to education to the environment, this SNP governments record is defined by broken promises. Like clockwork, headline-grabbing plans are made and abandoned, and ambitious targets are set and missed. For 18 years John Swinney has been at the heart of this failing government and he cannot pretend otherwise. 'John Swinney was the Education Secretary who failed to close the attainment gap, he was the Finance Secretary who refused to reform council tax, and he is the First Minister responsible for the last years u-turns. 'John Swinney was the man who broke it and now wants to pretend he is the one to fix it. As the election approaches, the SNP will ramp up the empty promises once again but Scotland will not forget the record of failure that hangs over John Swinney and his government. 'The truth is, if the SNP had the answers to Scotlands problems we would have seen them by now. Mr Swinney with clinical lead GP Dr Rebecca Forrester during a visit to Newfield Medical Group ahead of announcing this year's programme for government Friends of the Earth Scotland also highlighted 10 major climate policies which have vanished or been scrapped in Mr Swinneys first year as First Minister, including targets to cut emissions, increasing the costs of train travel, and failing to help oil workers transition to green jobs. Rosie Hampton, Friends of the Earth Scotlands oil and gas campaigns manager, said: John Swinneys year as First Minister has been one of no progress to reduce climate pollution or deliver on a fair transition. His ministerial team have been allowed to pay lip service to climate action whilst key policies that could improve lives have vanished or been scrapped. Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: John Swinney needs to be ambitious and ensure that Scotland is taking meaningful action to cut child poverty and tackle the climate emergency. Ahead of his programme for government, Mr Swinney pledged a sustained focus on child poverty but claimed the actions of the Labour government will make it more difficult. He said: In our journey on eradicating child poverty, the journey is not one without its headwinds, and one of the headwinds thats coming our way is the fact that the UK Government is now undertaking a programme of welfare reform which on their own estimation is likely to increase levels of child poverty. That presents me with a problem because, essentially, the measures were trying to take forward in Scotland will have to work harder because the UK Government is making our task ever more difficult. I almost find this inconceivable that Im having to contemplate measures to deal with rising child poverty because of a Labour government. A disgraced former California Highway Patrol captain is facing federal charges after allegedly slapping a male flight attendant's buttocks and exposing himself during a Jet Blue flight. Dennis Wally Woodbury, 49, of Azusa, California, who had already been dismissed from his law enforcement career, now faces up to two years in federal prison after being charged with abusive sexual contact. Woodbury's shocking behavior aboard the April 13 JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles began even before the plane left the gate. According to court document, the ex-cop was drinking and allegedly showed one male flight attendant a photo of a dog that contained pornographic imagery in the background. He then suggested the crew member should 'go on a cruise with him' while making a crude hand gesture, according to a press release by the Central District of California's Attorney's Office. But his shocking behavior was just getting started. After 'drinking heavily' during the flight, Woodbury allegedly slapped a second male flight attendant's buttocks as the crew member collected meal trays. He then yelled that he 'loved him' in front of the other passengers. A disgraced former California Highway Patrol captain is facing federal charges after allegedly slapping a male flight attendant's bottom and exposing himself during a Jet Blue flight But his behavior reached its peak when Woodbury allegedly entered the plane's front galley and twice pulled down his trousers - including his underwear - completely exposing himself to the first flight attendant. When the horrified crew member told Woodbury his behavior was inappropriate, the former law enforcement officer had the audacity to ask for wine - but his request was denied. 'Enough, go back to your seat,' the flight attendant reportedly told Woodbury after the second flashing incident. Both flight attendants later confirmed to investigators that they had not consented to any of Woodbury's behavior. Woodbury, who is currently free on $50,000 bond following his initial court appearance last month, is scheduled to be arraigned on May 12 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. The FBI and Los Angeles Airport Police are investigating the case. Dennis Wally Woodbury, 49, of Azusa, California, who had already been dismissed from his law enforcement career, now faces up to two years in federal prison after being charged with abusive sexual contact Woodbury's shocking behavior aboard the April 13 JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles began even before the plane left the gate It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William M. Larsen. In March, a luxury brand CEO said she was forced to sit next to a man who masturbated for an hour on an American Airlines flight to Milan, a lawsuit claimed. Neel Elsherif, a founder of three companies, is suing American Airlines after she claimed to have endured the 'grotesque' experience while flying from New York to Milan on May 27, 2024. The CEO was seated in a premium economy seat that cost her $3,000, according to the complaint viewed by DailyMail.com. Elon Musk's SpaceX outpost in Texas has just taken a giant leap not toward Mars, but toward becoming its own official city. The billionaire entrepreneur has secured approval to incorporate a brand-new municipality in the remote coastal region of Boca Chica, where SpaceX has built and launched its ambitious Starship rocket. The new city will be called Starbase, and according to Musk, it's now 'a real city!' A vote held on Saturday confirmed overwhelming support for the plan, with 212 residents in favor and only six opposed. Given that most of the area's 283 eligible voters are SpaceX workers and their families, the landslide was hardly surprising. The election also ushered in a local government including the city's first mayor, 36-year-old SpaceX veteran Bobby Peden, and two commissioners all either current or former employees of Musk's aerospace firm. None faced any opposition, nor did they campaign. An X account for the newly minted city appeared shortly after the vote was counted. Elon Musk has officially succeeded in turning SpaceXs Texas base into a city called Starbase after residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of incorporation A city account posted that incorporation would help build 'the best community possible for the men and women building the future of humanitys place in space' Its first message: 'Becoming a city will help us continue building the best community possible for the men and women building the future of humanity's place in space.' The idea to form Starbase dates back to 2021, when Musk first floated the concept publicly. SpaceX made its formal push last December, arguing that cityhood would support its 'goal of making south Texas the gateway to Mars.' While the incorporation doesn't grant Musk unlimited control, the new city government can now greenlight infrastructure to support the company's rapid expansion including housing and road closures for rocket launches. That kind of flexibility is exactly what SpaceX has been after. The company has repeatedly complained of being blocked from building enough residential units for its growing workforce. A recent proposal was rejected by Cameron County officials, who currently hold jurisdiction. Now, with Starbase becoming official, that barrier may soon be gone. The city spans just 1.5 square miles and includes SpaceX's sprawling launch and manufacturing complex, which has transformed Boca Chica Village from a quiet coastal community into a launchpad for interplanetary dreams. Though the move grants local control over infrastructure like road closures, it sparked backlash from residents worried about losing public beach access Children hit a pinata of Elon Musk at Boca Chica Beach on May 3, 2025, during a protest against turning the village into the new city of Starbase Murals of Musk and his beloved Doge meme already line the area, and a 9-foot bronze bust labeled 'ELON AKA Memelord' greets visitors. Still, not everyone is celebrating. Longtime locals have voiced concerns about losing access to Boca Chica Beach once a public space, now often closed for rocket testing. 'It's just such a disgrace on what's happening out here,' Rene Medrano, who grew up visiting the beach, told the Telegraph. 'There's a lot of upset community people who are seeing there's a great chance that we may lose this beach.' Tensions flared further last month when Musk's statue was defaced. Cameron County officials are expected to certify the vote results in the coming weeks, after which a judge will formally declare the incorporation. 'It's officially statistically impossible for the measure to fail,' said Remi Garza, the county's elections administrator. 'Cameron County is about to have a new city.' Musk, who has shifted much of his empire from California to Texas in pursuit of lighter regulation, recently purchased a $35 million compound in the Lone Star State. Pictured: The Airstream trailer park SpaceX has built in the Boca Chica Village for employees The new city encompasses 1.5 square miles around SpaceXs Boca Chica launch site, which has transformed from a sleepy beach village into a hub for Musks Mars-bound Starship rocket The home is said to accommodate his growing family now 11 children from multiple mothers. He's not the only tech titan eyeing new territory. In northern California, a group of billionaires including Marc Andreessen and Reid Hoffman are backing 'California Forever,' a plan to build an entirely new city near San Francisco. Years ago, PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel invested in Seasteading, a libertarian venture proposing floating ocean cities. Crypto leaders, too, have flocked to Puerto Rico in search of a fresh start. A town hall hosted by a Republican in a New York suburb quickly descended into chaos as a woman was forcibly removed from the event by state troopers. Soon after a town hall in Somers began Sunday night, disruption overcame the scene as U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler spoke to the 17th Congressional District about President Donald Trump's agenda. Locals in the swing district quickly grew rowdy and started to yell at the congressman during a Q&A - but the event reached a peak when a woman was carried out. The now-viral video, posted to Blue Sky, showed a woman in a green top, glasses and jeans being 'violently ripped from her seat.' A user said the woman removed from the event while flashing a peace sign was Emily Feiner, a local social worker. 'Emily Feiner was singled out by private security, lifted out of her seat, as the crowd chanted let her stay and shame, shame",' they wrote. 'Shes a constituent. Not a threat. Fascism again.' A woman was carried out of a town hall in Somers, New York on Sunday evening while GOP Congressman Mike Lawler spoke to the crowd Locals in the swing district quickly grew rowdy and started to yell at the congressman (pictured) during a Q&A about President Donald Trump 's agenda Video of the intense moment, recorded by Jennifer Cabrera, started with a female security guard going up to Feiner, asking her to leave. 'I'm not leaving,' Feiner said. 'You are picking on an old Jewish woman. I'm not leaving.' According to Feiner, who took to social media after the incident, she asked Lawler 'what his red line was to finally, vocally oppose the lawless administration,' but he did not respond. While she continued to protest, Lawler was heard in the background speaking to the crowd. Another woman then asked Cabrera to stop recording, but she refused. 'Are you serious?,' she asked the her. 'I'm gonna ask you to stop recording,' she replied to Cabrera as Feiner looked at the camera. Several other security guards walked toward Feiner as Cabrera said: 'I'm not recording that, I'm recording this.' The community quickly noticed what was happening as they were heard chanting 'Let her stay' multiple times about Feiner while state troopers surrounded her. A user who posted the video online said the woman escorted out of the event was Emily Feiner, a local social worker While she was escorted out, several people got on their feet and protested 'You're gonna have to kick out everybody,' a man was heard saying as one of the officers grabbed Feiner's arm and lifted her from the chair. Feiner slowly got up as one woman said: 'This is ridiculous,' while another screamed: 'Everyone has been shouting.' The officers continued on with Feiner as several cops picked her up by her feet and arms and carried her out. As they did so, Feiner appeared to remain calm while throwing up two peace signs to the crowd while they screamed: 'Boo! Boo!' While she was escorted out, several people got on their feet and protested. One woman shouted: 'This is anti-Democratic!' while Lawler tried to get the crowd to calm down and take their seats. While he did that, a bunch of people started hollering: 'Shame! Shame! Shame!' Shortly after she was removed, Cabrera was taken out of the meeting hall, followed by another. Shortly after she was removed, another constituent was taken out of the meeting hall, followed by another. (Pictured: A man is seen in a heated confrontation with security and a state trooper) A woman is seen yelling while another is seen with her arms crossed and an angry face during the event Jeanette Spoor, who was in the crowd at the time, told the outlet she planned to ask Lawler about the future of Medicaid and Social Security but never got a chance to. 'Youre not helping your constituents if youre making it hard for them to get help,' she said of the nearly two-hour event. 'I have no hopes for this guy.' Kristi Thompson, 52, echoed Spoor, and said Lawler's answers to questions were not great. 'He claims to be available to constituents but he isn't,' Thompson said. According to the outlet, the crowd walked out in disgust while Lawler tried to answer his final question, but he didn't get too far. 'I appreciate everybody coming out tonight and taking the time to ask your questions and hear my answers, whether you liked them or not, or agreed with them or not, or whether you really actually wanted to listen to them or not, but I very much appreciate you participating,' he told the community members as they exited. A man is seen wearing a shirt that says 'Democracy Dies On Lawler's Watch' A happy Republican sat in the crowd with a bright red Trump hat on her head DailyMail.com contacted Lawler's office for comment. Feiner took to Facebook after the incident and shared an image of her being carried out. 'There are no lengths our oligarchy and Rep. Mike Lawler wont go to in order to stifle dissent. I was certainly no threat,' she wrote. 'I asked my congressperson what his red line was to finally, vocally oppose the lawless administration, and he didnt answer the question. So I called out for him to answer it, and he had me removed. This is what the USA has come to. The Constitution is in shreds.' The eyes of 1.4 billion Catholics are fixed on the Vatican City as 132 cardinals started on Monday arriving in Rome to prepare to elect a new Pope. The Conclave - the ancient and tightly choreographed ritual to elect a new pontiff - begins Wednesday, with white smoke set to signal the moment the Church has a new leader. They will begin moving into the Vatican accommodation on Tuesday where they will stay during the conclave. The group normally stay in the Vatican's Santa Marta guesthouse, which has en-suite bathrooms and hotel-style room service, but there are not enough rooms for them all. In the meantime, the Vatican is awash with purple-robed prelates, hushed speculation, and tightened security. On Monday afternoon, Vatican News confirmed that 170 Cardinals, including 132 with the right to vote, participated in the 11th General Congregation - a high-level pre-conclave meeting. According to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, key themes included the faith of migrants, ethnocentrism, ongoing conflicts across Asia and Africa, and the Church's future in a fractured world. 'The cardinals outlined the figure of a pastoral Pope,' Bruni noted, 'with a focus on dialogue and building relationships.' A man kisses the hand of Cardinal Wiliam Seng Chye Goh as he arrives for a College of Cardinals' meeting at the Vatican Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda departs a general congregation meeting ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope (L-R) Cardinals Luis Jose Rueda Aparicio and Ruben Salazar Gomez arrive at the Vatican for the College of Cardinals' meeting But even before ballots are cast, the wheels of tradition have begun to turn. Roughly 100 Vatican support staff from confessors and translators to doctors and cooks swore an oath of secrecy in the Pauline Chapel, pledging total silence about the proceedings under the penalty of automatic excommunication. The cardinal-electors will do the same Wednesday before casting their first votes under Michelangelo's famed frescoes. Bruni initially said on Monday that cardinals would be asked to leave their mobile phones at their Vatican residence, Santa Marta, but that they wouldn't be confiscated. But hours later, at an evening briefing, he said that they would hand their phones over at Santa Marta and only get them back at the end of the conclave. The Vatican also plans to use signal jamming around the Sistine Chapel and the residences to prevent electronic surveillance or communication outside the conclave, with the Vatican gendarmes overseeing the security measures. In one of the most tightly controlled events in the modern religious world, conclave protocol ensures that every corner of the Vatican involved in the papal election is locked down - from the private buses that ferry cardinals between residences and the Chapel, to the meals served by laypeople sworn to silence. The conclave's duration is anyone's guess. Some last a day, others stretch for weeks. What is certain is that the world will know the moment a new Pope is chosen when a puff of white smoke curls from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, followed by the famous Latin declaration, 'Habemus Papam.' Cardinals in Saint Peter's Square for the meeting of the General Congregation of Cardinals, in Vatican City, 05 May 2025 Cardinal Filepe Neri Antonio Sebastiano do Rosario Ferrao (L) is member of the meeting of the General Congregation of Cardinals Cardinal Anthony Poola passes a snacks truck as he departs from a general congregation meeting ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope Meanwhile, beyond the walls of the Vatican, the Church continues to wrestle with its present and future. On Monday, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors issued a stark message to the cardinals: Put victims of abuse at the heart of the Church's renewal. 'Let no concern of scandal obscure the urgency of truth,' the commission urged. 'The Church's credibility depends on real accountability, transparency, and action rooted in justice.' In a parallel gathering, nearly 900 leaders of women's religious orders met in Rome this week to discuss their role in carrying forward Pope Francis' vision. Sister Mary Barron, president of the umbrella group of leaders of women's religious orders, urged the superiors and the over 650,000 nuns worldwide to pray that the cardinals make the right choice and reflect on how to carry forward Francis' vision 'We must be vigilant in doing our part to keep that flame of church renewal alive,' she told the assembly of sisters - some in regular clothes, others in traditional habits. With representatives from 70 countries across five continents, this conclave is the largest - and the most international - ever. President Donald Trump's administration is ramping up its war against Harvard. The White House announced Monday evening that Education Secretary Linda McMahon was sending a letter to Harvard's President Dr. Alan Garber saying that 'Harvard is not eligible for any new grants from the federal government until they demonstrate responsible management at the university,' a senior Education Department official said. The official spoke on-background with reporters to discuss the administration's plans. The letter's text was later released on social media. Research grants would be the ones impacted - not federal student aid, which funnels through universities before providing students with financial relief. 'And for Harvard to become eligible for those competitions again, it would have to enter into a negotiation with the government to satisfy what the government says is in compliance with all federal laws,' the official said. The official railed against Harvard's 'terrible behavior' saying that the Ivy League institution had failed in four main areas - with anti-Semitism being at the top of the list. Trump has been critical of universities that allowed pro-Palestinian demonstrations to run amok. Trump administration officials have also taken issue with what they consider to be lack of diversity - with too few conservatives on staff. People enter and exit the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachussetts Education Secretary Linda McMahon has penned a letter to Harvard's president threatening to withhold all new federal grants 'They have become monolithically leftist and that DEI ideology connects to the anti-Semitism problem because they're teaching young people to make snap judgments about each other based on identity and skin color,' the senior official said. The official said the two other areas where Harvard has failed include academic rigor and racial discrimination. 'The Trump administration won't stand by as taxpayer dollars are used to support colleges that tolerate anti-Semitism or that support racist policies,' the official continued. The latest move represents a major escalation in a months-long war against the prominent institution. Trump previously froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard and said he's looking into stripping the Ivy of its tax-exempt status. During Monday night's call with reporters, the Department of Education official said that Harvard's endowment is 'virtually untaxed' and 'massive.' 'It's larger than the GDP of many countries and it was only possible for them to amass that thanks to the blessings of this country that they do business in,' the official said. Garber has previously said he won't bend to the government. Education Secretary Linda McMahon sent a letter to Harvard's president, Dr. Alan Garber, skewering the university The university sued last month to overturn the funding freeze, pushing back against the government's 'sweeping and intrusive demands.' In the letter, released on White House officials' social media accounts, McMahon said that receiving taxpayer funds was a 'privilege, not a right' and claimed that Harvard was breaking federal law. The letter started out by focusing on the immigration status of students - likely those involved in the pro-Palestinian demonstrations - with McMahon saying they were engaged in 'violent behavior.' 'Where do many of these "students" come from, who are they, how do they get into Harvard, or even into our country - and why is sthere so much HATE?' McMahon mused. 'There are questions that must be answered, among many more, but the biggest question of all is, why will Harvard not give straightforward answers to the American public?' The letter goes on to mock Harvard's educational standards - mocking the teaching of 'remedial math' and calling attention to plagiarism scandals. McMahon also goes after the university for hiring former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, both Democrats, to teach leadership courses. 'This is like hiring the captain of the Titanic to teach navigation to future captains of the sea,' McMahon wrote. Marjorie Taylor Greene said it's the Republican establishment that's the problem and not Donald Trump when she said 'the base is not happy' with what's going on in Washington. On Friday, she issued a scathing statement seemingly putting distance in between her and the commander-in-chief. 'I represent the base and when I'm frustrated and upset over the direction of things, you better be clear, the base is not happy,' Greene, wrote on X alongside a long list of complaints. However, she clarified to Steve Bannon on Monday that her statement had nothing to do with Trump but with the establishment of the Republican Party. 'There is no wedge between the base and President Trump. The wedge is between Congress, and the establishment Republicans that are undermining the presidents agenda,' Greene said. She said that the country mandated President Trump's agenda and not either the Democrats or the 'old Republican Party ways' when they elected him in November. 'We are embracing Make America Great Again, MAGA, America First, MAHA, no more foreign wars. This whole populist movement supporting America, and American workers, and American companies, and American interests, and solving American problems,' she said. Green describes a Washington that is 'as usual, tone deaf and has not heard the message' which she said was a huge problem with the GOP during Trump's first term. Marjorie Taylor Greene (pictured left) told Steve Bannon (pictured right) its the Republican establishment that's the problem and not Donald Trump when she said 'the base is not happy' with what's going on in Washington On Friday, she issued a scathing statement seemingly putting distance in between her and the commander-in-chief 'Networks, even like Fox News, that did not support the president, and didnt support him in 2021 and 2022, part of 2023, and didnt support him until they realized they had to support him,' she said. The firebrand conservative adds that she's credible to the Republican base because she won an election before Trump ever endorsed her. 'Never forget, I got here on my own with the people. I didnt get elected with the presidents endorsement. Im here because I genuinely believe and Im fighting for what I believe in,' she said. Green explains that because of that, people in Washington 'better pay attention' as she's an early bellwether of where the base is going. 'And heres the issue, Steve, is they think they can manipulate the president, but you cant manipulate the base. You cant manipulate the base,' she told to Bannon. Greene was saying in her original post to social media that the base had no appetite for a war with Iran. 'I campaigned for no more foreign wars,' Greene wrote. 'And now we are supposedly on the verge of going to war with Iran.' Her comment comes as the Trump administration has sought to address Iran's nuclear program. However, she clarified to Steve Bannon on Monday that her statement had nothing to do with Trump but with the establishment of the Republican Party 'There is no wedge between the base and President Trump. The wedge is between Congress, and the establishment Republicans that are undermining the presidents agenda,' Greene said The White House has noted it is diplomatically attempting to find a solution to prevent Iran from enriching its own uranium. The administration fears that if Iran continues its refining capability, it is only a matter of time before the Middle Eastern country can achieve enrichment levels needed to make nuclear weapons. Though some, like Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., have suggested the U.S. simply airstrike the Iranian nuclear sites, the White House is adamant that a deal can be made to force the country to import uranium for energy production. 'Didn't we learn our lesson when we went to war in Iraq and killed Saddam Hussein because of 'weapons of mass destruction?' Did we ever find any?' Greene said. The Georgian also stressed her distaste for the White House's recently announced rare Earth minerals deal with Ukraine, noting how the embattled nation has not committed to pay back the U.S. for the billions in aid and arms that have been provided to the Eastern European country. 'Why on earth would we go over and occupy Ukraine and spend an untold amount of future American taxpayer dollars defending and mining their minerals as well as potentially putting American lives at risk and future war?' Greene asked. 'Why dont we just mine our own rare earth minerals that are tied up on federal lands that the government confiscated years ago?' she continued. The Trump ally also expressed her displeasure that the COVID-19 vaccines still have FDA approval though the treatment 'does not stop people from catching COVID.' Greene was saying in her original post to social media that the base had no appetite for a war with Iran Some, like Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., have suggested the U.S. simply airstrike the Iranian nuclear sites Greene also shared that she does not think the White House is doing enough to combat 'the evil transgender assault against our children.' 'This should be an all out effort by Republicans to end this insanity,' she posted. The congresswoman also aired her concerns with the pace of election integrity reforms and the 'rogue judicial system.' Her over 650-word note concluded with a dire warning from the Republican. 'When you are losing MTG, you are losing the base,' Greene wrote. 'And Trump isnt on the ballot in the future, so do the math on that.' The Georgia congresswoman is known for her loyal support of the two-time president and her devout defense of his MAGA policy platform. Displaying her faithfulness, Greene likened Trump to Jesus Christ during the president's high-profile legal battles last year. 'The Democrats and the fake news media want to constantly talk about 'President Trump is a convicted felon,'' she said at a Trump rally last year. 'Well, you want to know something? The man that I worship is also a convicted felon. And he was murdered on a Roman cross.' The Georgia congresswoman is known for her loyal support of the two-time president and her devout defense of his MAGA policy platform. Displaying her faithfulness, Greene likened Trump to Jesus Christ during the president's high-profile legal battles last year. 'The Democrats and the fake news media want to constantly talk about 'President Trump is a convicted felon,'' she said at a Trump rally last year. 'Well, you want to know something? The man that I worship is also a convicted felon. And he was murdered on a Roman cross.' The Georgia congresswoman is known for her loyal support of the two-time president and her devout defense of his MAGA policy platform. Displaying her faithfulness, Greene likened Trump to Jesus Christ during the president's high-profile legal battles last year. 'The Democrats and the fake news media want to constantly talk about 'President Trump is a convicted felon,'' she said at a Trump rally last year. 'Well, you want to know something? The man that I worship is also a convicted felon. And he was murdered on a Roman cross.' There are still 16 seats up for grabs in the 150 seat House of Representatives. Currently the Labor Party has won 85 seats, the Coalition just 39 while there are 10 more held by crossbench independents including teals. Interestingly not a single Greens lower house seat has been confirmed yet. The story of the close counts since election night is that Liberal and National MPs and candidates seemingly on the canvas have fought back hard as postal votes strongly favour them. Here are the 16 seats and what the state of play is: Bean in the ACT: in a stunning turnaround as postal votes are being cast incumbent Labor MP David Smith has fallen behind independent challenger Jessica Price. If that trend continues Labor will lose the seat. Too close to call. Bendigo: this regional Victorian seat is going to go to the Nationals, as postal vote counting has stripped the Labor incumbent Lisa Chesters of her 600 vote lead yesterday. Shes now more than 1,200 votes behind the Nationals who are likely to win as the postal trend continues to favour them. Bradfield on Sydneys north shore is the last non-teal seat Liberals hold in that neck of the woods, but the Liberals candidate hoping to take over from outgoing MP Paul Fletcher is behind as postal votes get counted. But the race is tightening and the Liberal is now probably the favourite to win. The teal candidate, Nicole Boele (pictured, below), who hit the headlines during the campaign for all the wrong reasons is in front by only 450 votes, half what her lead was 24 hours ago. I would rather be the Lib than the teal given the trend, thats for sure. Bullwinkel is a new seat created in WA on the outskirts of Perth. It was a notional Labor seat by around 3.3 percent but its candidate is in a virtual dead heat right now with Liberal candidate Matt Moran (not the celebrity chef). Only 28 votes separate them. But there are thousands of FIFO workers who did pre-polls votes outside the electorate and those votes haven't yet been counted. Will their working class roots see them vote Labor, or as part of the mining community are they suspicious about a Labor Party that once tried to impose a mining tax? Too close to call right now. Calwell is a traditionally safe Labor seat and will be held by the government unless the independent challenger can rise high enough in the preference flow to get past the Liberal candidate and benefit from their preferences. Right now it looks more likely Labor hangs on. Flinders in Victoria is held by Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie and she is ahead of the Labor challenger by 3,100 votes. She will win. Franklin Labor MP and minister Julie Collins needs to cross her fingers that preferences dont bring her undone in what is a three cornered contest but that is now very unlikely and she will hang on to win. Fremantle incumbent Labor MP Josh Wilson is in the fight of his political life to stave off independent challenger Kate Hulett. Hes just under 200 votes behind in the count but closing with postal votes and may overtake her. Too close to call. Goldstein looks like being the most extraordinary showdown anywhere across the nation. Teal MP Zoe Daniel won the seat off of Liberal MP Tim Wilson back in 2022. Wilson re-contested it this time around and looked done on Saturday night as Daniel claimed victory before having to walk back her remarks the following day. Wilson was 1,800 votes behind but now only trails by 95 votes and is very likely to see the trend that brought him back into contention continue. A remarkable comeback. Wilson will win this seat. Kooyong sees Teal MP Monique Ryan out in front of Liberal challenger Amelia Hamer (pictured, below), by just under 1,000 votes. But that margin has halved in 24 hours and Hamer is likely to overhaul the teal who claimed victory on Saturday night in what would be an embarrassing end to Ryans political career. Longman is a Liberal held seat in Brisbane and the Liberal MP is narrowly by around 300 votes having taken the lead as postal votes are counted. He should win. Melbourne is held by Greens leader Adam Bandt and he looks gone for all money. Down by more than 3,500 votes with postals seemingly going against him it would appear that Labor will regain the seat once held by Lindsay Tanner and the Greens will be searching for a new leader. The vote will tight, but not by enough for Bandt to comeback, short of a miracle. But Antony Green says otherwise, so I am going out on a limb contradicting the ABCs election analyst calling this one for Labor! Menzies in Melbourne is one of the last Liberal held metropolitan seats. Incumbent Keith Wolahan looked gone on election night but is clawing closer as postals get counted. Hes currently under 1,400 votes behind which means hes in with a shot. Too close to call. Monash is a Melbourne electorate held by veteran former Liberal Russell Broadbent. He lost preselection and contested the seat as an independent. Preference flows are all important here. If its a fight against the Labor Party the new Liberal candidate Mary Aldred will win. At the moment the Liberals are in front and expected to win. Ryan was won by the Greens off the Liberals at the last election. Its a seat previously held by former Liberal MP Andrew Lamming. Liberals hoped to win it back but it looks like the Greens will hang on, pending something dramatic happening with postal votes. If Greens do lose it wont be the Liberal Party, it would be to Labor in the three cornered contest. The fight for Kooyong remains tight just hours after Dr Monique Ryan walked back her election night victory claim. Teal MP Dr Ryan's margin over Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer in the blue-ribbon electorate in in Melbourne's leafy inner east has shrunk to just 992 votes at the close of Monday's counting, with 78.4 per cent of the vote tallied. The former paediatric neurologist declared victory on Saturday night, with her husband holding up a 'Kooyong we did it!' sign before she addressed supporters. But on Monday Dr Ryan said she no longer felt safe in the contest, declaring the outcome was a '50-50' proposition. 'Things were looking good on the night, in (election analyst) Antony Green we trusted,' she told ABC Radio Melbourne on Monday morning. 'But postal votes have been very much pro the conservative side so I think at this point Kooyong is very much in the air. It's possible (I could lose).' Daily Mail Australia's political editor Peter van Onselen said if the postal vote trend favouring the Liberals continues, Dr Ryan will lose the seat. 'That is the most likely scenario to play out, but its close and trends can change so the seat remains in doubt.' Monique Ryan's victory declaration proved to be premature with Kooyong now too close to call Two campaign volunteers (one pictured) claimed they were instructed by the Hubei Association, a group previously associated with the Chinese Communist Party, to support Teal independent Monique Ryan So far, the postal votes are favouring Ms Hamer 53.8 per cent to 46.2 per cent for Dr Ryan on a two-party-preferred basis. The road to re-election has been chaotic over the five-week campaign with both of the main candidates facing a series of controversies. A week before election day, on April 27, Dr Ryan came under fire after footage emerged of two campaign volunteers claiming they were told by China-linked community group the Hubei Association to support her. The group has previously been accused of working with the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Department, a foreign influence operations agency. As a result, the Australian Electoral Commission referred the video to the Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce, a move which was welcomed by the Teal MP. The drama surrounding her campaign kicked off in March when her husband, Peter Jordan, was filmed removing a sign backing Ms Hamer. 'I unreservedly apologise for removing the sign. It was a mistake,' Mr Jordan later told Daily Mail Australia. 'I believed the sign was illegally placed, but I should have reported my concerns to council.' Dr Ryan also issued her own apology, saying it should not have happened. Ms Hamer, who is the grand niece of former Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer, was also called out for portraying herself as a voice of frustrated renters - she does rent her home in Hawthorn - when in fact she owns apartments in Canberra and London. Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation was the first to be broadcast on television, though the ceremony almost didn't make it on to the screen. Some nine months before the late monarch was set to be crowned, the Earl Marshal, the 16th Duke of Norfolk, announced that the Coronation would not be televised much to the BBC's disappointment, as Robert Hardman related in his book Charles III: New King, New Court. Instead of a live broadcast, a colour film was to be produced and edited before showing to the public. This echoed George VI's Coronation in 1937 when a black-and-white film was created and later edited by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Queen Elizabeth during her Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953 Equipment and mobile units the BBC used to provide coverage of the Queen's Coronation in 1953 The Queen and Prince Philip waving from Buckingham Palace's balcony after her Coronation ceremony The decision sparked huge backlash and hit the front page of the Daily Mail with the headline 'Coronation Ban Shocks the BBC'. Though the ceremony was originally approved to be broadcast over radio, the Mail reported how 'permission has been given for still photographs, black-and-white and colour films to be made in all parts of the Abbey'. The BBC said at the time: 'We are naturally very much disappointed at the television decision as, no doubt, will be the viewers.' It meant that television pictures would be restricted to the area west of the Choir Screen and not show the Queen being crowned. The day after the announcement, the Mail told how 'the strain on the Queen of a direct television broadcast of the Coronation ceremony' was one reason behind the decision. A representative of the Coronation Committee said at the time: 'It would place a very great strain on the central figure, being in the eye of the machine with millions of people watching every moment during a ceremony of such length.' Elizabeth walking through Westminster Abbey after being crowned the Queen Inside the BBC's Broadcasting House in London that coordinated the mobile units used to cover the Coronation BBC cameras overlooking the Coronation procession route in 1953 Other reasons included it being deemed inappropriate to broadcast sacred parts of the ceremony such as the Holy Communion. Lighting was also a concern. However, the BBC had been preparing to potentially broadcast the occasion and throughout the year in 1952 'executives patiently briefed the press and civil servants on advancements in technology', Hardman wrote. In September 1952, just one month before the disappointing announcement, the Mail reported how George Barnes, the BBC's Director of Television, said that 1953 would be 'the most exciting yet for viewers' and that the company was making plans for the Coronation. After the announcement, concerns were raised over how the decision to restrict the broadcast would reflect on the Queen. The Queen in Westminster Abbey during her Coronation in 1953 A BBC vehicle pictured near spectators who lined The Mall during the Queen's Coronation The Daily Mail's front page after the BBC were banned from televising the Queen's Coronation A clipping from the Mail at the time outlining the reasons why the Coronation was not going to be televised A meeting was held with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the Earl Marshal, the Archbishop and the monarch's private secretary, Hardman wrote. In a U-turn that worked in the BBC's favour, they decided that the ceremony could be televised. However, it was 'subject to the Queen's approval' and if the Holy Communion and anointing were not broadcast. During the final meeting of the Coronation Commission, the decision was discussed further and Prince Philip requested 'no close-up photography', Hardman wrote. Queen Elizabeth's Coronation was broadcast by the BBC and in the UK, 27million people tuned in to watch while 11million listened on the radio. They stood triumphant on the Buckingham Palace balcony, victors in the long battle that had decimated Europe. The King and Queen, together with Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret - a family drawn even closer by the conflict - looked happy and glorious. But other family members could not share their jubilation that day. One of their number had been booted unceremoniously out of the country at the outbreak of war, and another had been deported and kept under house arrest. Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain was British through and through. The last grand-daughter of Queen Victoria, she was born at Balmoral and spent her teenage years growing up in Kensington Palace. Her teenage marriage to Spain's King Alfonso, alas, had been a tragic mistake and she'd returned to London after bearing him seven children. One day in the summer of 1939 she was visited by the Foreign Secretary, Anthony Eden, and told to leave the country. There wasn't a thing her close royal relations could do to save her, he said. The Oxford-educated Prince Paul, the Regent of Yugoslavia, was the brother-in-law of the Duke of Kent. At his Belgrade wedding King George VI, then the Duke of York, had been his best man. Yet when war was declared, Prince Paul was labelled a 'traitor' by premier Winston Churchill and bundled off with his family to a run-down house in Africa. So bleak were his surroundings he contemplated suicide. Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill, centre, joined the Royal Family - from left, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI and Princess Margaret - on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, England, on VE-Day George VI, sixth from left, acted as best man at the wedding of Prince Paul of Serbia and Princess Olga of Greece and Denmark King Alfonso of Spain with his fiancee, Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain was married to King Alfonso XIII of Spain but had carried the 'royal' strain of haemophilia which affected the children's health Prince Paul of Yugoslavia with Adolf Hitler on a visit to Germany in June 1939 Your browser does not support iframes. When VE Day came, these two royals were not on the Palace balcony, nor even in Britain. Without any real justification they'd been exiled so that politicians, and even the Royal Family, could save face. Their royal status was gone for ever. Queen Victoria Eugenie - known always as Queen Ena - was engaged at 18 to the Spanish King Alfonso, two years her senior, after a whirlwind romance. She struggled to learn her husband's language and had to face public disapproval back home for her decision to convert to Roman Catholicism. To start with, the marriage was a success, and Ena bore her husband seven children. Tragically for her she carried the 'royal' strain of haemophilia, inherited through her grandmother Queen Victoria, which affected the children's health. This eventually led to a breach between her and King Alfonso and she returned to live in Britain. In the weeks leading up to the outbreak of war in 1939, she received a visit from the Foreign Secretary, Anthony Eden, who said he could not guarantee her safety should hostilities break out. That wasn't true at all - Eden simply didn't trust her. He thought that Ena might pass secrets back to her estranged husband - secrets gathered at the many high-society parties she attended in London in the pre-war era. She must pack her bags and leave. 'She was torn with conflicting emotions,' wrote her biographer Gerard Noel. 'She would miss her friends, her visits to Balmoral where she'd spent her childhood, and all the calm pleasures of English life. 'Most of all she would miss her mother' - Princess Beatrice, now living at Kensington Palace, aged 82, was no longer in good health. Back row, standing: Countess Toerring, Prince Christopher of Greece, Princess Nicholas, Prince Nicholas, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, Count Toerring. Seated, front: Princess Marina and the Duke of Kent Prince Paul and Princess Olga with the infamous Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels King George V chatting with Queen Victoria of Spain at Victoria Station Desperate to find somewhere safe to live, Ena ended up as the house guest of a childhood friend, Mary Latta, daughter of a Scottish shipping magnate who'd married the Lausanne-based Marquis of Cramayel. There in neutral Switzerland she sat out the war, writing imploring letters to Queen Mary, mother of the King, in the hope one day of being forgiven for a sin she hadn't committed. She never came home. After peace was declared she expected to return to London but was warned she'd be heavily taxed. Her house near Kensington Palace had been firebombed and so she abandoned it and, with the help of an inheritance, moved back to Switzerland. In August 1939, just before her ignominious flight from London, King George had written to her: 'I hope you will not be away long and that perhaps a visit to Balmoral will still be possible.' But she never saw her childhood home again. Prince Paul of Yugoslavia was an out-and-out Anglophile. He wore Savile Row suits and spoke with a cut-glass English accent. Sent to Oxford University at the age of 18, he became an 'honorary Englishman', and was best friends with the Duke of Kent, brother of King Edward VIII and King George VI. George was his best man when Paul married the sister of Kent's wife, Princess Marina in Belgrade, and was always a welcome guest at Buckingham Palace. When Paul's cousin King Alexander of Yugoslavia was assassinated in Marseille in 1934, he became Regent - effectively, the country's king. As Hitler rose to power, the prince determinedly steered his country on a neutral course, favouring the Allied cause but recognising that with Yugoslavia's limited military power it was vulnerable to invasion should war break out. The King and Queen of Spain, who married in Madrid in May 1906 Princess Marina, wife of the Duke of Kent, with Princess Olga, wife of Prince Paul Prince Paul of Yugoslavia was met at Berlin Station by Adolf Hitler in June 1939 Winston Churchill with George VI. The prime minister expected Prince Paul to be the first to fall on his sword if war was declared and labelled the prince 'a traitor and a war criminal' That did not suit the bellicose Winston Churchill, who ignored the threat and expected Paul to be the first to fall on his sword if war was declared. He labelled the prince 'a traitor and a war criminal' which, historians agree, he most certainly was not. A clandestine British-inspired coup in March 1941 saw Paul ousted from power - though strategically this was an own-goal for Britain, because German and Italian forces invaded the country anyway, just days later. For the remainder of the war Prince Paul was kept, with his family, under house arrest by the British in Kenya in the former home of the recently-murdered Lord Erroll, of 'White Mischief' fame. In Britain, information leaked to newspapers by government officials suggested he was a Nazi sympathiser. He wasn't, but it drove him to contemplate suicide. Paul's nephew Peter was pronounced king of Yugoslavia in his place, and historians believe that, his Regent duties completed, he would have returned to London and the royal circle. Instead, he spent VE Day in South Africa, where he'd been forwarded by the British, and it wasn't until 1949 that he was permitted to return to Europe. Stung and angry by the way he'd been treated - he'd even been made to pay British income tax while under house arrest - he chose to spend his remaining days in France and Italy. There can be no doubt that, though he was sovereign of Great Britain and a powerful figure in the land, King George VI had no say in the decision to banish his beloved family members. 'At all times he adhered to the rule that he must serve his country,' wrote the historian Kenneth Rose, 'and if his politicians decreed that family members were a threat to the state, no matter his own feelings, he must take their advice. 'It must have broken his heart to betray the people he loved, his family, but he had no choice. He was king, but he was not in charge.' The Royal Family will hope to put the drama of the last few days behind them as they turn out in force today to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. While the plans have long been in place, it is clear Buckingham Palace hopes their position at the forefront of the nation's commemorations will refocus attention on their unifying role and positive contribution to public life, as opposed to Prince Harry's latest salvos. It is understood that, for the surviving veterans' sake, the 'fervent hope' is that nothing will detract or distract from 'celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries'. A palace aide said: 'The King, Queen and other members of The Royal Family are much looking forward to all the week's VE Day events, when they will unite with the rest of the nation and those across the Commonwealth and wider world in celebrating, commemorating and giving thanks to the wartime generation whose selfless devotion duty and service should stand as an enduring example to us all and must never be forgotten.' The King will be joined by the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and all other senior members of the family for a flypast on the palace balcony to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe, as well as host a tea party for some of the last living heroes of the conflict as well as their families. The stunning Marble Corridor at the royal residence will be decorated with bunting, echoing its unique role as focus of celebrations in May 1945. Thousands of street parties are expected to be held across the country while more formal events involving the military will take place in London. There will be a procession of 1,300 members of the Armed Forces from Parliament Square to the Mall. The King will be joined by the Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and all other senior members of the family for a flypast on the palace balcony The Royal Family will hope to put the drama of the last few days behind them as they turn out in force today to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day Buckingham Palace hopes their position at the forefront of the nation's commemorations will refocus attention on their unifying role, as opposed to Prince Harry 's latest salvos There will be a procession of 1,300 members of the Armed Forces from Parliament Square to the Mall Your browser does not support iframes. Last night Keir Starmer praised military veterans past and present for their 'ongoing dedication to keeping our country safe'. The Prime Minister said the sacrifice made by members of the Armed Forces was a 'debt that can never fully be repaid' in a personal open letter to war heroes. Sir Keir wrote: 'I want to salute your ongoing dedication to keeping our country safe. Missing birthdays, weddings, anniversaries. Not being there in the photographs. This week, the country will show you just how thankful we all are. Because we know that without your service, the freedom, peace and joy that these celebrations embody would not be possible.' He said VE Day represented 'a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil. VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid'. My neighbour and I both used Help to Buy equity loans to purchase our flats. The loans helped us get on the property ladder. A couple of years ago, my neighbour moved out to live with his girlfriend and now makes money by renting his flat out to tenants. This is against the Help to Buy rules. I live near the HS2 route so the tenants are usually construction workers. There are currently five people living in the two-bed flat. They all have cars which is causing issues in the communal car park. I've contacted Homes England, which administers Help to Buy, its fraud team and the council about the problem. No one seems to be bothered. Is there anyone else I can notify? If he had sought permission, then fine - but if not, I think it's crazy that he's making a huge profit on a Government scheme that's meant to help people. Problematic: A This is Money reader's neighbour is renting out his Help to Buy flat Jane Denton, of This is Money, replies: The Help to Buy equity loan scheme ran from 2013 until 2023. It is no longer possible to apply for a Help to Buy equity loan to purchase a new home in England, where you live. First-time buyers could typically use the Help to Buy equity loan scheme to buy a new-build property up to the value of 600,000, with a maximum equity loan of 120,000, or 20 per cent. In Greater London, the maximum equity loan was 240,000, or 40 per cent. The loans were interest-free for the first five years. According to Government data, 387,195 properties were purchased using a Help to Buy equity loan between April 2013 and May 2023. Some claim the scheme pushed property prices in England up. When your neighbour purchased the flat using the Help to Buy loan scheme, he would have agreed to adhere to various terms and conditions. By subletting the flat in the manner you describe, he is in breach of those terms. There are limited circumstances where Help to Buy purchasers can temporarily move out and rent out their home. Among others, these include needing to temporarily move due to ill-health or caring for a family member elsewhere. In the most serious cases, illegally renting out such a property can lead to a criminal prosecution. However, you have hit a brick wall in your attempts to get anyone to take the matter seriously. I've spoken to two legal experts for their thoughts. Consequences: Olivia Egdell-Page says Homes England can take steps to pursue anyone renting out a Help to Buy flat illegally Olivia Egdell-Page, a partner and head of property at Joseph A. Jones & Co, says: The Help to Buy Scheme is abundantly clear that the property purchased must be the borrower's only residence. Help to Buy was not intended to offer assistance to landlords or those with a portfolio of properties, and the scheme rules state that applicants who make fraudulent claims for Help to Buy assistance may be liable to criminal prosecution. In that event, the Government will require immediate repayment of the Help to Buy equity loan assistance. While I appreciate your neighbour may not have intended to let the property at the outset, their use of the property now would certainly seem to contravene the rules. In exceptional circumstances, renting the home out to a tenant is allowed. Help to Buy gives examples of having to live away temporarily for work, or to care for a relative. The borrower would have to apply for permission from Help to Buy, and get approval from the relevant mortgage lender and insurance provider. The scheme rules do permit people to take in a lodger without asking for permission, as long as the purchaser lives in the home with them, and do not give the lodger a formal tenancy which would give them an interest in the property. This is clearly not the case here, as your neighbour is no longer living in the flat. I am surprised that Homes England, which administers the Help to Buy scheme, has not taken action, as its rules are clear that it can take steps to trace the borrower and pursue this further with them. It can also potentially make a report to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs to check that the neighbour is paying tax on his rental income. Homes England may be in contact with your neighbour already without your knowledge, as it would not necessarily be possible to share this information with you. Separately, it is possible that the council may become involved if it has been informed that the property is being let to as many people as you say. This constitutes the use of the property as a house in multiple occupation, or HMO, which brings it within the remit of additional regulations and safeguards put in place for the benefit tenants to protect against rogue landlords. Depending on the location of the property, planning permission might have been required to use the property in this way. I would suggest you speak to the housing department of the local council to find out if this is the case. If the council is made aware that the property is being used unlawfully as an HMO, it can make a landlord take action to correct any problems and may prosecute the landlord where required. While your neighbour's abuse of the Help to Buy scheme is frustrating and unfair, it seems the nuisance caused by the use of the property as an HMO is causing more of an issue for you on a day-to-day basis. I'd suggest you pursue this with the council in the first instance. Manjinder Kaur Atwal, director of housing law at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, says: The Help to Buy equity loan scheme was designed to support home ownership, not investment returns. Renting out a property purchased under the scheme without permission is a breach of the terms. If this neighbour has not sought and been granted explicit permission, what they are doing could be a clear misuse of public funds and mortgage fraud. This carries serious legal and financial consequences. Get it in writing: Manjinder Kaur Atwal suggests a formal letter to Homes England may help get the issue addressed If the homeowner is found to have unlawfully sublet, they could be required to either move back in, sell the property, or repay the equity loan within six months. In extreme cases, subletting can lead to criminal prosecution and unlawful profit orders, requiring the landlord to hand over any rental income gained. You have already taken several steps by reporting the suspected illegal subletting to Help to Buy and your local council. Unfortunately, it can sometimes feel as though little immediate action is taken. However, there are still further routes you can pursue. First, follow up with Homes England in writing. Request confirmation that your report has been logged and ask for an update. A formal, written trail can sometimes prompt investigation that is more active. Contact the managing agent or freeholder of the building. Most leases for Help to Buy flats specifically prohibit unauthorised subletting. The freeholder may have independent powers to take enforcement action for breach of lease, separate from Help to Buy. Raise the issue with Trading Standards. While they mostly handle consumer matters, illegal subletting tied to financial gain could fall under unfair trading practices in some circumstances. Check if the property is registered as an HMO. If five unrelated people are living there, it may require an HMO licence. The council's housing enforcement team may investigate if no licence exists. You could also complain to the Financial Conduct Authority. If the lender or Help to Buy administrator fails to investigate a clear breach of loan terms, you can escalate a complaint to the FCA. Although it can feel frustrating when authorities appear slow to act, persistence and formal documentation help. At the very least, a clear record of concerns makes it harder for the situation to be ignored if future issues arise. Finally, it's worth bearing in mind that there may be an innocent explanation, such as the neighbour having sought permission to sublet. But if that isn't the case, the breaches you describe could have serious consequences for them. A woman who fled California's skyrocketing costs and raging wildfires has revealed that she's now living her retirement dream in a 'Hallmark movie' town and saves a whopping $1,700 a month. Brenda Duncan Cusick, 61, left Moorpark, California, a town an hour northwest of Los Angeles after nearly two decades. After moving to Prescott, Arizona, her mortgage payment plunged from a staggering $3,309 to just $1,672 monthly. Her community was dangerously close to where the devastating Woolsey Fire destroyed more than 1,000 homes in 2018. She's watched helplessly as the blazes grew more difficult to control year after year and decided it was time to flee the wrath of disasters often referred to as the '10 plagues of California'. The wildfire threat didn't just endanger her family's safety but also destroyed her livelihood. Cusick was an insurance agent selling homeowners, commercial and auto policies between 2015 and 2023. She struggled to keep clients as rates tripled due to increasing fire risks, soaring reinsurance costs, and California's strict regulations. 'I lost a lot of sales because people wanted to save on their insurance, but I would advise they carry more coverage,' Cusick told Business Insider. 'They'd own a $1million home and a small business, and I'd tell them they could lose everything they've worked for for being underinsured.' Brenda Duncan Cusick, 61, left Moorpark, California, a town an hour northwest of Los Angeles after nearly two decades of emergency evacuation procedures Cusick says that her new hometown of Prescott, Arizona, looks like it's straight out of a Hallmark movie A Fall Day In Prescott, Arizona, is seen above. Since retiring from the insurance industry, Cusick has embraced her new community by getting involved with a local charity and launching the Prescott Food Tour She said the combination of wildfire threats, astronomical insurance premiums, eye-watering utility bills, steep gas prices and excessive car registration fees made retiring in California impossible for her. And Cusick isn't alone in her California exodus. Hundreds of thousands have abandoned the Golden State in recent years, driven out by the crushing cost of living and growing natural disaster risks. California residents endure some of the nation's highest energy bills, partly because utility companies have spent billions on wildfire mitigation that gets passed straight to customers. The state's climate policies also drive oil and gas prices through the roof. When COVID-19 unleashed remote work possibilities in 2020, Cusick and her husband took a chance on a new life. They sold their California home and joined the wave of retirees flocking to more affordable Arizona. Her community was dangerously close to where the devastating Woolsey Fire destroyed more than 1,000 homes in 2018 After downsizing from their 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom Moorpark home to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom property in Prescott, their mortgage payment plunged from a staggering $3,309 to just $1,672 monthly Your browser does not support iframes. At first, Cusick told Business Insider it was daunting to consider leaving her home state. 'But once we did, we realized that there are so many lovely places to live all over the US,' she told the outlet. And the major financial relief was immediate. After downsizing from their 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom Moorpark home to a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom property in Prescott, their mortgage payment plunged from a staggering $3,309 to just $1,672 monthly. Their utility and HOA bills in Arizona now average a mere $373 monthly, compared to the $400-$1,200 they routinely paid in California. The sale of their California property also provided enough cash for a substantial down payment on their Arizona dream home. Prescott, surrounded by national forest, has also completely transformed their quality of life. 'It's a very western town in the mountains of Arizona,' she said. She added that the downtown area reminds her of a Hallmark movie. Their utility and HOA bills in Arizona now average a mere $373 monthly, compared to the $400-$1,200 they routinely paid in California (Pictured: A large plume of smoke from the Mountain Fire rises in Moorpark, California) The historic former territorial capital hosts a major rodeo every Fourth of July and attracts thousands of tourists with its cooler summer temperatures and convenient location between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon. Since retiring from the insurance industry, Cusick has embraced her new community by getting involved with a local charity and launching the Prescott Food Tour. 'It's completely the opposite of selling boring, impossible insurance,' she told the outlet. 'I by no means make anywhere near what I did before, but when you're retired, you get to do things like this.' A sprawling Florida Keys mansion has gone up for sale, and it includes a space to park your chopper, boat and seaplane, but at an eye-watering cost. Serenity Cay in Islamorada sits on nearly four acres on the waterfront of Florida Bay waters and is listed for a jaw-dropping $25million. The Balinese-inspired estate features seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms spanning over 6,900 square feet, with vast windows spanning from the floor to the high vaulted ceilings. The estate comes with space for the owner to park their helicopter, boat or seaplane, with two protected docking basins and a boat life. Listing agents, known as The Florida Keys Sold Sisters, Sabrina Wampler and Sarah Ewlad described the estate as 'a blend of tropical elegance and modern luxury'. Florida Bay waters lap onto a sandy beach area and expansive outdoor lanai, next to the estate's own outdoor kitchen and lounging area. Its interior, according to the listing, is a 'seamless fusion of open concept living spaces and private retreats'. The entry way welcomes guests with a view of the bays waters in the living room area. Serenity Cay sits on nearly four acres on the waterfront of Florida Bay waters and is listed for a jaw-dropping $25million The estate comes with space for the owner to park their helicopter, boat or seaplane, with two protected docking basins and a boat life The primary suite has its own private terrace, a spa-inspired bathroom, and walk-in closets, as well as a view over the back of the house onto the water The Balinese-inspired estate features seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms spanning over 6,900 square feet Listing agents, known as The Florida Keys Sold Sisters, Sabrina Wampler and Sarah Ewlad described the estate as 'a blend of tropical elegance and modern luxury' The home offers incredible views through its huge windows spanning from the floor to the high vaulted ceilings A winding staircase leads to the second floor, with an open landing fitted with glass railings and space to admire the outside view. The primary suite has its own private terrace, a spa-inspired bathroom, and walk-in closets, as well as a view over the back of the house onto the water. Custom finishes and hardwoods adorn the home, with an abundance of natural light beaming through the windows over the marble flooring. The home comes with a guest house nestled in its own secluded area with access to the estate's outdoor space and views. Down from the terrace, the homeowner can watch the palm trees sway and the clear waters of the outdoor swimming pool on the patio. French doors open up to the back of the estate, where the water edge pool looks out onto the bay and over the horizon situated in front of a stone jacuzzi. Serenity Cay also comes with its own theater room, media room, gym and an elevator. 'Serenity Cay is not just a home, it's an experience,' according to the listing. Islamorada, with a total population of 7,051, sits just 90 minutes south of Miami in the Florida Keys and is made up of several islands spanning 18 linear miles French doors open up to the back of the estate, where the water edge pool looks out onto the bay and over the horizon situated in front of a stone jacuzzi The home comes with a guest house nestled in its own secluded area with access to the estates outdoor space and views Its interior, according to the listing, is a 'seamless fusion of open concept living spaces and private retreats' 'Serenity Cay is not just a home, it's an experience,' according to the listing Custom finishes and hardwoods adorn the home, with an abundance of natural light beaming through the windows over the marble flooring The Balinese-inspired estate features seven bedrooms (one of them is pictured above) Islamorada, with a total population of 7,051, sits just 90 minutes south of Miami in the Florida Keys and is made up of several islands spanning 18 linear miles. The area is known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the world and hosts the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world. Through Islamorada's Environmental Sustainability Plan, residents can enjoy the natural greenery and wildlife as well as reduced energy bills and air quality improvement. A pilot's chilling encounter with 'alien mothership' has resurfaced, with conspiracy theorists calling it one of the greatest cover-ups in US history. In 1986, Captain Kenju Terauchi and his crew aboard Japan Airlines Flight 1628 reported two mysterious lights trailing their plane over Alaska. The objects, confirmed by both onboard and ground radar, shadowed the flight before vanishing. Then, Terauchi described the sudden appearance of a colossal craft, far larger than their Boeing 747, prompting intense speculation and debate. Despite Captain Terauchi's detailed testimony, FAA interviews, crew sketches of the craft, and audio recordings between the Japan Airlines Flight 1628 crew and air traffic controllers, the UFO encounter has faced decades of debunking efforts. A high-ranking FAA official later claimed he was present when the CIA allegedly suppressed the incident, insisting Terauchi's sighting 'never happened.' The backlash reportedly cost Terauchi his career, as the veteran pilot was grounded after publicly discussing the event. Recently declassified documents revealed the extent of evidence held by both Japanese and US governments regarding the UFO mothership, including radio transcripts detailing the moment the giant mothership appeared above flight 1628. In 2018, UFO researchers noted that these records were quietly entered into US government's National Archives decades after the 1986 UFO sighting and years after Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to unseal the recordings. Captain Kenju Terauchi drew a giant walnut-shaped UFO that allegedly appeared over his plane and followed the 747 airliner on November 17, 1986 Terauchi's flight from Paris to Narita International Airport near Tokyo crossed over eastern Alaska on November 17 when the 747 airliner spotted the two strange lights and enormous mothership over US airspace. The bright yellow and white objects reportedly flew dangerously close to the aircraft, causing Terauchi to radio for air traffic controllers (ATC) in Anchorage for help. 'We see irregular pulsating lights just... there is a large black chunk just in front of us, distance is five miles... it seems to be a spaceship,' the pilot said. 'I'm picking up a hit on the radar approximately five miles in trail of your six o'clock position,' Anchorage ATC said during the 1986 sighting. Anchorage ATC reported spotting something on radar near the airplane and contacted the military to make sure they didn't have any planes near flight 1628. NORAD, the military command responsible for defending the airspace over the US and Canada, confirmed there were no military flights anywhere near Terauchi's plane that night. According to the transcripts released to the National Archives, Anchorage ATC confirmed with the military command center that there was some sort of 'surge' on the radio near flight 1628, but the radars could not identify what it was. The ex-fighter pilot with over 10,000 hours of experience attempted to escape the small UFOs before they suddenly disappeared. That's when Terauchi spotted what he described as a 'gigantic spaceship.' Captain Terauchi was later grounded by Japan Airlines after speaking to the press about his UFO encounter According to Terauchi's written statement given to the FAA, this UFO 'mothership' was the size of two or three aircraft carriers, making it possibly 3,000 feet in length. The FAA's logs of the radio calls reveal that Terauchi was given permission to do whatever he needed to do to get away from the massive UFO, including dropping more than 5,000 feet in the air. By the time other planes arrived in the area, the mothership vanished and no other pilots saw the giant craft. 'Flight JL 1628, B747 jumbo cargo encountered two spaceships and a mothership about 50 minutes above Alaska,' Terauchi wrote in his report to federal air officials. 'There was no danger but it created many questions that a human being cannot answer,' he added. After a brief FAA investigation, Terauchi spoke to two Kyodo News journalists about what he had seen over Alaska in November 1986. 'The thing was flying as if there was no such thing as gravity. It sped up, then stopped, then flew at our speed, in our direction, so that to us it [appeared to be] standing still,' the pilot told reporters. The FAA branded Terauchi as a 'UFO repeater,' noting that he had reported two other UFO sightings before the November 17 incident and two more in January 1987. Japan Airlines eventually grounded the pilot for speaking to the press and reassigned him to a desk job. However, one senior official with the FAA at the time believed the Japanese pilot's story and claimed the CIA was suppressing the evidence. John Callahan was charged with overseeing the FAA analysis of this high-profile case. He collected critical data, including the radar tapes, air traffic control voice recordings, and the written statements from the JAL flight crew. However, in a January 1987 briefing with the CIA, FBI, and White House officials, Callahan claimed the investigation was abruptly shut down. 'When we got all done with our briefing, it took a couple of hours, the CIA man stood up and said, this event never happened, we were never here, you're all sworn to secrecy and we are confiscating all of this data,' Callahan told Larry King Live in 2007. John Greenewald of The Black Vault - a website devoted to archiving declassified government documents - discovered the more than 1,500 pages of evidence tied to flight 1628 in the National Archives and shared them online with the public. Along with the interviews with all three witnesses on board Terauchi's plane, are the FAA's records of the incident, radar simulations of what Terauchi saw, and a mountain of requests to the FAA from the public seeking information of the Alaska UFO. A former CIA scientist left Joe Rogan in awe after claiming to know the amount of secret alien tech in America's possession. Dr Hal Puthoff, a physicist and electrical engineer who worked on the government's psychic spy and UFO research programs, revealed on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast that the US military has recovered more than 10 crashed UFOs since the 1940s. The 88-year-old, who was briefly connected to the Church of Scientology and has openly discussed his belief in the existence of extraterrestrials, was the former project leader for the CIA's remote viewing program - which taught mentally gifted individuals how to psychically see distant objects and targets with their minds. He added that even more of these 'non-human craft' have allegedly been recovered by other nations in isolated deserts and from the oceans around the world, with more possibly hiding out in alien bases underwater or near quite mountain ranges. However, not all of the recovered ships were crashed wrecks. Puthoff said that perfectly intact UFOs have just been left 'as donations' for humans around the globe to find and learn from. 'Some of them are donations to help us accelerate our forward motion,' Puthoff told Rogan on Thursday. 'They donate something here, something in China, something in Russia, and see who is best at moving forward just as part of their ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] evaluation of us,' he added. Despite the growing call for the government to disclose what they know, the scientist said he worked on a secret project that has convinced US officials to never reveal the existence of aliens to the public. Podcast host Joe Rogan was stunned to learn that the US government allegedly has recovered over 10 UFOs since the 1940s Former government scientist Hal Puthoff has been a part of the CIA's remote viewing program as well as a secret advisor on matters related to UFOs and alien technology Puthoff is renowned for his contributions to laser physics, psychology, and energy research. In the 1970s and 1980s, Puthoff co-founded and directed the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and CIA-funded remote viewing program, investigating psychic phenomena for intelligence purposes. The program, part of the Stargate Project, studied 'psychic spies' like Uri Geller and Ingo Swann as the US intelligence community gathered information on the Soviets during the Cold War. Puthoff said that work made him a household name inside government circles, putting him of the list of experts to call when top-secret projects needed advising - including research into UFOS and recovered alien technology. He noted that the recovery of crashed UFOs goes back decades, with the 1947 Roswell crash in New Mexico still being one of the most famous cases. 'I think it was a true non-human intelligence craft that crashed,' the former government scientist said on the podcast. Puthoff noted that one of his colleagues, Dr Eric Davis, spoke to the commander of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where the debris from the Roswell incident was allegedly flown - and they confirmed that the crash really happened. 'They say it was the real deal, that this was a real unidentifiable crash and these materials were really, really from out someplace,' Puthoff said. Puthoff said that the 1947 UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico 'was the real deal' and that debris from the ship was taken to a military base in Ohio Dr Davis, a physicist who has been a consultant for the Pentagon's UFO program since 2007, also spoke about crashed alien ships at a congressional hearing on Thursday. Davis said publicly that the Defense Department had been operating a secret program to recover crashed UFOs since the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950s. All of this activity, Davis said, was being done without congressional oversight or approval, with project code names regularly changing every few years to cover up the Defense Department's actions. As for what the government has discovered from what they've found inside these craft, Puthoff revealed that he's still sworn to secrecy. 'Did anything come out of that analysis?' Rogan asked about the UFO debris from Roswell. 'Not that the public would hear about,' Puthoff revealed. 'Not that I could disclose.' The scientist added that the level of secrecy within the US government when it comes to the study of crashed UFO technology has become 'really obscene.' According to Puthoff, there are people working on these top-secret projects that can't even tell the researcher sitting right next to them what they're working on and vice versa. He did tell Rogan that 'We have data about crashes in other countries. So it's really clear that we're not the only ones on the planet.' Puthoff noted that he and his colleagues, including revered UFO expert Jacques Vallee, suspect that these craft could have arrived on Earth up to 3,000 years ago and are now hiding in mountain bases or under the ocean. However, another theory claims that UFOs originate from a race of advanced humans who trace their ancestry back to the mythical city of Atlantis and are now hiding from present day humans. Despite Puthoff's revelations, he said that the public should not expect a shocking announcement about the existence of aliens or UFOs from the US government. In 2004, Puthoff was recruited by Navy officials to take part in a secret project in Washington DC that he claims has convinced the country's leaders to never reveal what they know about extraterrestrials. The physicist was part of a large group of scientific experts, former intelligence agents, and military officials who were given the unique problem to deal with. Government officials told the group that the US, China, and Russia had obtained an extraterrestrial craft. There was proof of a crash and bodies were recovered. According to Puthoff, the US military has recovered crashed UFOs as well as perfectly intact craft that he believes were left for humans as 'donations' Officials didn't clarify if this was a hypothetical situation or real, but they asked the group to examine all the ways releasing this information to the public could positively or negatively affect society. Puthoff said his group came up with around 60 different items, ranging from the stock market to religions, that might be affected by the disclosure of alien life. 'We had to go give it a score from plus 9 to minus 9 as to how intense the effect would be and whether it's positive or negative,' the scientist explained. It turned out that Puthoff's group and every other group in the secret project came back with the same result, telling the public would ultimately have a negative impact on society. One of their examples Puthoff's team came up with was the government giving UFO technology to one company but not one of their competitors. Years later, the company who benefited from working with alien technology is thriving while the other business went bankrupt. The scientist said the government going public with the news about UFOs would inevitably lead to these bankrupt companies suing anyone who benefitted from the access to UFO tech. 'So the outcome of that exercise was, if you're thinking about disclosure, forget it,' Puthoff declared. A lost Soviet satellite is crashing back towards Earth, 50 years after it was launched into space. Scientists predict that a 500kg (1,100lbs) section of the Kosmos 482 satellite could hit our planet anywhere between May 9 and May 13. Now, an astronomer has revealed where this massive piece of space junk might land. The bad news is that the UK, along with all of the world's most populated cities, is directly in the firing line. And to make matters worse, even the experts aren't sure exactly where or when it will come down. Satellite tracker and astronomer at the Delft University of Technology Dr Marco Langbroek predicts the satellite will land between latitude 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south. That means anywhere in the UK south of Cambridge, Ispwich, or Milton Keynes is at risk of being hit. Worryingly, if it does collide with a populated area, Dr Langbroek warns that the out-of-control satellite could prove deadly. A 500-kilogram section of the Soviet Kosmos 482 satellite is hurtling towards Earth, and experts have now revealed where it might land (artist's impression) Your browser does not support iframes. The Kosmos 482 probe was launched in 1972 by the USSR to gather information about Venus. However, after an engine malfunction, the probe never made it out of Earth's orbit and broke into four pieces. Two of those pieces burned up over New Zealand within days - although the USSR denied any involvement at the time. Scientists now believe that an object making its way towards Earth at 17,000 mph is Kosmos 482's landing module, the final missing piece of the probe. Although it is too early to predict its precise landing location, Dr Langbroek believes it will land within 52 degrees north or south of the equator. This places almost the entirety of Earth's populated regions and all of the world's most populated cities within the risk area. Exactly where the craft will land is likely to change right up to the day of landing due to the influence of solar weather which could push it off course. Likewise, the exact timing of the landing is still uncertain, but most predictions centre around May 10 or the early hours of May 11. The Kosmos 482 probe was launched in 1972 by the USSR to gather information about Venus but broke up before leaving Earth's atmosphere. Pictured: An earlier prototype of Kosmos 482, the Venera 4 Astronomers now believe a bright object heading towards Earth at 17,000 mph (pictured) is the landing module of the satellite Where could it hit the UK? Satellite tracker and astronomer at the Delft University of Technology Dr Marco Langbroek predicts the satellite will land between latitude 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south. That means anywhere in the UK south of Cambridge, Ispwich, or Milton Keynes is at risk of being hit. Advertisement Dr Langbroek says: 'The risks involved are not particularly high, but not zero.' Unfortunately, since the landing module's titanium shell was designed to survive passing through the dense atmosphere of Venus, it will likely land on Earth in one piece. So, this could unintentionally help it to survive the re-entry into Earth's atmosphere rather than burning up into fragments ultimately hitting the surface. Dr Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer who tracks satellite re-entries, wrote in a blog post: '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.' Dr McDowell adds: 'In which case I expect it'll have the usual one-in-several-thousand chance of hitting someone.' Speaking to MailOnline, McDowell said: 'If this were to cause damage or worse, to hurt someone that would be something that the Russian government would be liable for.' Despite this, the chances of Kosmos 482 hitting your home are very slim. The landing module of Kosmos 482 (pictured) was designed to withstand the Venus atmosphere, and so is likely to impact Earth in one piece The most likely scenario is that the craft will land in the oceans, which cover over 70 per cent of the Earth's surface. Dr McDowell says: '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 chance that it hits you is then one in 10 billion smaller than that.' When the capsule re-enters 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. Friction between the craft and the atmosphere will eventually slow it down to an impact speed between 145 and 157 miles per hour. Although the landing module was built with a parachute to slow its descent, some astronomers believe these are no longer working. Dutch satellite tracker Ralf Vandebergh has managed to capture the first set of high-resolution images of the satellite part in orbit. Speaking to Space.com, Mr Vandebergh says: 'Several frames seems to confirm what I thought to see in the 2014 images, [that] there is a compact ball but several frames show a weak elongated structure at one particular side of the ball'. Recent images of Kosmos 482 in orbit appear to show that the satellite's parachute is already deployed Mr Vandebergh speculates that this structure could be the parachute, already deployed in orbit. With the parachute already out, it would be destroyed by re-entry and unable to reduce the satellite's eventual impact speed. Dr McDowell says the capsule will therefore 'slam into the ground' like a 'car falling out of the air at 100 to 200 miles per hour'. However, Dr Langbroek says he has 'strong doubts' that these images confirm the parachute is already deployed. If Kosmos 482 does slow its descent enough to survive re-entry, the landing capsule may be recoverable for preservation and study. 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. If the probe's parachutes are deployed, they will be damaged by re-entry and the landing module will not be able to slow its descent before hitting the planet at hundreds of miles per hour. Pictured: a mock-up of the Soviet Venera 7 probe which has a similar parachute design to Kosmos 482 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.' With more than two billion users around the globe, WhatsApp is one of the world's most popular messaging apps. But within just a few hours, the Meta-owned platform will stop working on three popular phones. From today, anyone still using a trio of Apple devices will no longer be able to send or receive messages on the app. After this date, only devices running the iOS 15.1 operating system or newer will be supported. The affected devices are the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6, and the iPhone 6 Plus. Although these phones now make up a smaller part of WhatsApp users, the decision will leave many fans of the older devices disappointed. A WhatsApp spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. 'These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.' From today, anyone still using a trio of Apple devices will no longer be able to send or receive messages on the app From May 5, WhatsApp will only be available on Apple devices running the iOS 15.1 operating system or newer (stock image) Currently, any iPhone capable of running iOS 12 or newer can use the WhatsApp app. However, that is set to change when the Meta-owned company releases its next major software update. Devices unable to update to at least iOS 15.1 or higher will no longer be able to use any features of the WhatsApp app. However, it is worth noting that Apple also stopped supporting these models some time ago. The oldest of the affected phones, the iPhone 5s, was released over a decade ago in 2013 while the most recent, the iPhone 6 Plus, was released just a year later in 2014. All of these iPhone models were discontinued by Apple in 2016 and were officially declared obsolete. Being added to the obsolete products list means Apple will not service, provide parts to service providers, or release critical software and security updates for the device. In addition to WhatsApp, Spotify and Instagram are already unavailable on all of these older devices. The affected devices are the iPhone 5s (left), the iPhone 6 (right), and the iPhone 6 Plus which were all discontinued in 2016 and became obsolete last year Which phones will not be able to use WhatsApp? From today, any Apple device that cannot update to iOS 15.1 will not be supported by WhatsApp. This update will remove support for three iPhone models: iPhone 5s iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus Advertisement WhatsApp says: 'Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates. 'Before we stop supporting your operating system, you'll be notified in WhatsApp and reminded a few times to upgrade.' iOS 15.1 is available on every iPhone released after the iPhone 6, including the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models. To make sure you can still use WhatsApp on your phone, it is essential that you update to at least iOS 15.1 or higher - even if you are using a newer, compatible device. To check which operating system you are currently using, simply open the Settings app, select General, and tap on the 'About' tab. Under the heading 'Version' you will be able to see the currently installed iteration of iOS. If you do need to update your iPhone, from Settings navigate to the tab labelled 'General' and select 'Software Update'. If a newer version of iOS is available, you can press 'Install Now' to begin the update. To keep using WhatsApp your device will need to be running iOS 15.1 or newer. To check which software you are using, simply open the Settings app, select General, and tap on the 'About' tab (pictured) to show the iOS Version This comes after the Meta-owned app quietly added a new blue circle icon in the bottom-right corner of your chats. This icon is a shortcut to Meta AI - the tech giant's artificial intelligence-powered chatbot To ensure you always get the latest software and security updates, you can also consider activating automatic updates by selecting 'Automatic Updates' on the 'Software Update' page. This comes after a recent WhatsApp update left users furious as the Meta-owned app introduced a subtle change. WhatsApp quietly added a blue circle icon in the bottom-right corner of all chats. That circle is a shortcut to Meta AI - the company's artificial intelligence-powered chatbot. Meta said in a statement: 'Meta AI through WhatsApp is an optional service from Meta that can answer your questions, teach you something, or help come up with new ideas.' However, as the feature began to arrive for British users, many were unhappy about the change. On X, formerly Twitter, one user vented: 'Okay, how do I get rid of Meta AI in WhatsApp? The button is constantly hovering in the way and I will never ever use it.' While another joked: 'Massive ask AI button WhatsApp omg just leave me alone man.' A shocking report has revealed the 'sitting duck' cities most vulnerable to climate disasters. The report, produced by the Financial Times, warns that Amsterdam, Houston, and New York City are at risk of being battered by flooding, while Austin is at high risk of deadly infernos. Meanwhile, several densely populated cities are at risk of both heatwaves and flooding. This includes Lisbon, Naples, Athens, and Christchurch. Worryingly, experts say that they don't know when these disasters could hit. 'But at the global level, they are becoming more probable,' said Guillermo Rein, a fire sciences professor at Imperial College London, speaking to the Financial Times. 'In the next year there's going to be a big wildfire destroying a big community. 'But we have absolutely no idea where that is going to happen.' Scientists warn that climate change is making the conditions for extreme weather events like the LA wildfires (pictured) more likely, putting more cities at risk Described by climate scientists as 'sitting ducks', scientists say that some cities have been 'lucky' to not experience an extreme climate event so far. These are areas where the natural geography, climate conditions, and city planning have combined to create an exceptional risk. Yet many of these cities have already come perilously close to destruction. In August last year, Athens, which is home to 3.6 million people, narrowly escaped catastrophic destruction as a wildfire reached the outskirts of the city. The fire scorched 40 square miles (103 square km) of land northeast of the city, killing one woman and forcing thousands to flee their homes. However, the flames stopped just short of entering the city centre where they could have caused serious damage. Dr Thomas Smith, an expert on environmental geography from the London School of Economics and Political Science, told the Financial Times: 'What was missing was the wind element.' Had there been strong winds, like the Santa Ana winds which drove the LA wildfires, the situation might have been far more severe. Athens, considered a sitting duck city, was almost hit by a devastating fire last year after a wildfire ignited northeast of the city The fire scorched 40 square miles (103 square km) of land northeast of the city, killing one woman and forcing thousands to flee their homes, but Athens itself survived thanks to an absence of strong winds The cities most at risk of climate disasters Amsterdam: Flooding Lisbon: Wildfires and coastal flooding Naples: Wildfires and coastal flooding Athens: Wildfires and flood risk Houston: Flash flooding Dallas: Flash flooding Austin: Wildfire Risk Washington DC: Flash Flooding New York City: Flooding Cape Town: Wildfires and flood risk Sydney: Wildfires and flood risk Christchurch: Wildfires and flood risk Source: Financial Times Advertisement For sitting ducks like Athens, a major risk factor comes from their proximity to the wilderness. As cities spread, they push further out into the surrounding grasslands, forests, and fields where wildfires can start. Scientists call this area the wildland-urban interface and estimate that it makes up about 4.7 per cent of the planet's surface. In Europe, the wildland-urban interface covers 15 per cent of the continent and is home to more than 60 per cent of the population. That puts cities such as Naples, Lisbon, and Athens at high risk of wildfires. While climate change does not directly cause wildfires, it makes the conditions for intense blazes significantly more likely. The risks of fire are increased by a warming climate which create dry vegetation, extreme high temperatures, and strong winds. The World Weather Attribution - a network of researchers from the US, UK and a number of other European countries - warned the hot, dry and windy conditions that drove the LA wildfires were about 35 per cent more likely due to global warming. Athens' high fire risk is partly due to its proximity to wilderness. Experts say that the 'wildland-urban interface' (shown in dark orange) where cities meet wild land is particularly prone to fires In the UK, unusually warm spring weather means the country has already passed the record for land destroyed by wildfires. Since the start of 2025, more than 113 square miles (292 square km or 29,200 hectares) of land has been consumed by fires raging across the country. However, it is not only wildfires which pose a threat to sitting duck cities around the world. According to an analysis by Moody's, a financial research firm, roughly 2.4 billion people now live in areas that are at risk of inland river or flash flooding. In the US, Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, New York, and Sacramento are all at extreme risk of flooding due to climate change. Dallas in particular is especially threatened by flooding due to the city's rapid growth. As Dallas has grown, city planners have added concrete or asphalt areas which cannot absorb water. When heavy rain comes, it runs off these impermeable surfaces and rapidly collects to trigger flash flooding. In 2022, a sudden deluge of 38 cm of rain in 24 hours triggered a flood which submerged homes and swept away cars in Dallas In 2022, a sudden deluge of 38 cm of rain in 24 hours triggered a flood which submerged homes and swept away cars. Other cities considered sitting ducks for flooding include Amsterdam, Ahmedabad, and Buenos Aires. Just like the risk posed by wildfires, the changing climate has made flooding more frequent and more severe. Following devastating flooding in Valencia, Spain last year scientists said that the catastrophic event was fuelled by climate change. Dr Friederike Otto, head of the World Weather Attribution at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said: 'No doubt about it, these explosive downpours were intensified by climate change.' An increasingly warm climate has even made some cities vulnerable to both wildfires and flooding. Wildfires destroy vegetation such as trees which makes the soil less able to absorb water. This means that areas which have recently experienced wildfires are more likely to be affected by flash flooding if heavy rain follows. Scientists say that the devastating flooding which struck Valencia last year (pictured) was made more severe by climate change Your browser does not support iframes. According to some research, the elevated risk of flooding can persist for up to a decade after a fire in some areas. The cities considered sitting ducks for both fire and flooding are Lisbon, Athens, Naples, Cape Town, Sydney, and Christchurch. Recent studies have found that a number of major cities, including Dallas, are now undergoing a process dubbed 'climate whiplash'. This means they are facing both increasingly severe periods of dry weather and more extreme wet periods. These cycles of drought and flooding make cities more vulnerable to climate disasters and give authorities less time to prepare for changing conditions. One of the fastest meteor showers of the year is nearly upon us - and you don't want to miss it. Up to 50 'shooting stars' will streak through the night sky every hour when the Eta Aquariid meteor shower peaks just before dawn tomorrow. These meteors are debris from the famous Halley's comet and enter Earth's atmosphere at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per second (156,000 mph). Stargazers in the UK should look southwards towards the constellation Aquarius at around 4am tomorrow morning just before dawn for a glimpse of the shooting stars, astronomers say. They will appear quite low in the sky but often leave lingering trails behind them. 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. While people in the southern hemisphere will get a much better view, those that do appear in the UK could still be breathtaking. For the best viewing conditions, you should find a safe location away from street lights and other sources of light pollution. Those who want to spot the meteors should look south towards the Aquarius constellation in the early hours before dawn, experts say A composite taken over three nights using two cameras, of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower in 2013 A meteor shower happens when Earth passes through the path of a comet icy, rocky bodies left over from the formation of the solar system. When this happens, the bits of comet debris, most no larger than a grain of sand, create streaks of light in the night sky as they burn up in Earth's atmosphere. These streaks are known as shooting stars, even though they are not stars at all. The frequency of shooting stars how many you see in a given period of time depends on the meteor shower. But in the case of the Eta Aquariids, in ideal conditions you might see up to 50 or 60 meteors per hour. The shower takes place between April 19 and May 28 but it is expected to dazzle UK skies tonight. The cosmic display is the result of Earth flying through a cloud of debris left behind by Halley's Comet during its last journey through the inner solar system in 1986. Don Pollacco, a physics professor at the University of Warwick, said: 'The meteors are best seen in the predawn hours by sitting comfortably and looking south about halfway from the horizon to the overhead position.' A meteor shower happens when Earth passes through the path of a comet - icy, rocky bodies left over from the formation of the solar system An image of an Eta Aquarid meteor from the NASA All Sky Fireball Network station in Tullahoma, Tennessee, in May 2013 How to see the Eta Aquariids The Eta Aquariids are viewable in both the northern and southern hemispheres, although the best view is generally in the southern hemisphere. This year the Eta Aquariids will peak in the early hours of May 6. You won't need telescopes see the meteors, just clear skies and some patience. To view the comets, southwards in the early morning, right before dawn. Advertisement He explained that as comets orbit the Sun, the heat and radiation pressure evaporate material from the icy cometary nucleus which we see as a comet's tail. 'The gas and dust created stay in the comet's orbit, even long after the comet has moved on,' he said. 'If the Earth passes through the comet's orbit, any material deposited by the comet could become meteors or shooting stars in the sky. '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, we instead see its vapourised effects on the molecules. 'As the Earth is crossing the comet orbit, the meteors all seem to be coming from the same direction called the radiant.' The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is one of two annual displays from the debris of Halley's Comet. The other is the Orionid meteor shower, which peaks around October 21. According to Met Office cloud cover maps, clear skies are forecast across most of the UK at 4am on Tuesday According to Met Office cloud cover maps, clear skies are forecast across most of the UK at 4am on Tuesday (May 6), with patchy cloud above northern Scotland and across the east of England. Experts at the UK's National Space Centre, in Leicester, recommended spending 20 minutes outside first to let your eyes adjust to the dark. 'To view the Eta Aquariids from the UK, head outside anytime after midnight on the night of the 5/6 May,' their website reads. 'This year the peak coincides with the Moon in its waxing gibbous phase which will be up through the night setting around 3:00 in the morning. 'So ideally, you want to head out in the few hours before sunrise to avoid moonlight interference. 'If it's cloudy, you can always try your luck on a nearby day. The Eta Aquariids are active from 19 April 28 May. 'So find a dark sky area, wrap up warm, and allow 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark and scan the skies to enjoy the shooting stars using only the optical tool nature gave you your eyes!' Gal Gadot was seen filming her latest movie in East London this week, sprinting through the city's streets. The actress, 40, was followed by a camera crew as she tore through the streets. During the shoot, she was dressed head to toe in lycra, adding a blue jacket and a pair of bright red sneakers. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Sprint: Gal Gadot was seen filming in London this week Crew: As the actress ran, she was followed in East London by a camera crew Gal was filming scenes for her new movie, The Runner. The Runner centers on a high-flying attorney (Gal) who has to race through London to try to save her abducted son. It is being produced by David Kosse via his new London-based production company Rockwood Pictures. Wow: The Wonder Woman star looked incredible as she filmed scenes for her new movie The Runner Bold: Gal wore a blue jacket and a pair of bright red trainers It comes after Gal was reportedly left fuming after pro-Palestine protesters swarmed the set on Friday. The actress, who has been vocal in her support of Israel, was escorted off set as activists carrying flags shouted 'stop bombing Palestine' through a megaphone. One man banged a drum to cause maximum to disruption to filming in London. Police were called and the actress was replaced by a body double. President Donald Trump has vowed to 'rebuild and open Alcatraz' as he seeks to crack down on violent criminals and illegal migrants. In a post shared to Truth Social on Sunday night, Trump said 'the reopening of Alcatraz will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and Justice'. Trump has directed the Bureau Of Prisons to work with the Department Of Justice, the FBI and Homeland Security to 'reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt' Alcatraz. Major move: President Donald Trump has vowed to 'rebuild and open Alcatraz' He said the notorious facility, which once held infamous gangster Al Capone, will 'house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders'. The order comes as Trump has repeatedly clashed with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members and illegal migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The maximum security prison, which was shut down in 1963, will provide Trump a workaround to court orders barring him from carrying out the mass deportation scheme. 'We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally,' he wrote, appearing to suggest illegal migrants will be the first sent to the prison. Trump has also directed the opening of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labeled the 'worst criminal aliens'. Infamous: Alcatraz was a maximum security federal prison off the coast of San Francisco which was closed in 1963 after 29 years of operation Executive move: In a post shared to TruthSocial on Sunday, Trump vowed 'the reopening of Alcatraz' Several judges have ruled he must grant deportees due process. Trump has also floated potentially sending U.S. citizens there and to other foreign prisons - but a reinvigorated Alcatraz could also solve that problem should legal challenges arise. He added: 'For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. 'When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. 'That's the way it's supposed to be. No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets.' Alcatraz was a maximum security federal prison off the coast of San Francisco which was closed in 1963 after 29 years of operation. Despite housing a host of notorious inmates, the prison was catapulted to fame in the 1996 movie The Rock, starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. But one of the leading factors in the decision to shut it down for good was the cost of restoration and maintenance. Notorious: There were 1,576 prisoners held in Alcatraz during its existence and it was infamous for its primitive conditions The Bureau Of Prisons at the time said it would have cost an estimated $3million to $5million simply to keep the doors open. A spokesperson said at the time: 'That figure did not include daily operating costs - Alcatraz was nearly three times more expensive to operate than any other Federal prison (in 1959 the daily per capita cost at Alcatraz was $10.10 compared with $3.00 at USP Atlanta).' The main expense was due to the fact that Alcatraz was an island and all of the goods had to be shipped in. Disreputable: Al Capone's mug shot when he arrived at Alcatraz on August 22, 1934 'The island had no source of fresh water, so nearly one million gallons of water had to be barged to the island each week,' the spokesperson said. 'The Federal Government found that it was more cost-effective to build a new institution than to keep Alcatraz open.' Following the announcement of its closure, signed off by U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, Alcatraz's population was slowly whittled down, with inmates redistributed to other federal prisons. There were 1,576 prisoners held in Alcatraz over that time and it was notorious for its primitive conditions. On Sunday, a spokesperson for the Bureau Of Prisons said in a statement that the agency 'will comply with all Presidential Orders'. In January, Trump's eldest son Don Jr shared a post on X suggesting Alcatraz should be reopened - sparking theories that he is behind Trump's latest announcement. 'Now this is a great idea,' he said in response to news Trump would send the worst criminals to Guantanamo Bay. 'Maybe we should also reopen Alcatraz?' Bank robbing trio Frank Morris, Clarence Anglin, and John Anglin infamously escaped in 1962, leaving behind dummy heads made of plaster and human hair to fool the guards. Infamous case: Bank robbing trio Frank Morris, Clarence Anglin, and John Anglin notably escaped in 1962 They were never found. Some suspect they didn't survive the frigid waters and strong currents, but their daring escape also sparked wild theories that they'd made it ashore and adopted new lives. The brothers and Morris tunneled out of their cells, crept through ventilation ducts and through an unguarded utility door before fleeing into the shark-infested bay on a handmade raft. Before Alcatraz permanently closed its doors, there were a total of 14 separate escapes involving 36 inmates. Ill-famed: One historic image captures a prison chef at Alcatraz with a Christmas menu from 1950 outlined above him Harsh conditions: There were 378 cells at the prison in total. The cell pictured is adorned with artworks made by the inmate in a bid to brighten things up Heyday: One of the guard towers on Alcatraz Island with the city of San Francisco in the background According to reports 23 were captured, six were shot and killed during the attempt, two drowned, and five were never found. In 1972, Alcatraz was added to the newly created Golden Gate National Recreation Area and was opened to the public in 1973 as a historical landmark. Today the former prison welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors a year. Marine archaeologists have found a 'yellow-brick road' at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean that led them to the discovery of two long-lost Danish slave ships. According to historical records, the ships, called Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus, wrecked off the coast of Central America in 1710. Fridericus Quartus was set on fire, while Christianus Quintus had its anchor rope cut and was destroyed in the surf. But for three centuries, no one knew exactly where the remains of these ships were. Remarkable: The 'yellow-brick road' at the bottom of the Atlantic led to the discovery of two long-lost Danish slave ships In Costa Rica, people had long been aware of two shipwrecks located off the coast of Cahuita National Park, but dismissed them as sunken pirate ships. That changed in 2015, when American marine archaeologists found yellow bricks from one of the wrecks, which raised new questions about their history. Researchers from the National Museum Of Denmark and the Viking Ship Museum conducted an underwater excavation of the ships in 2023, taking samples of wood from one of the wrecks, the bricks, and recovering several clay pipes. The team published their analysis of the objects on Sunday, revealing that the shipwrecks are, in fact, the missing remains of Fridericus Quartus and Christianus. Important work: Researchers conducted an underwater excavation of the ships in 2023 Co-researcher David Gregory of the National Museum Of Denmark said: 'The analyses are very convincing and we no longer have any doubts that these are the wrecks of the two Danish slave ships. 'The bricks are Danish and the same goes for the timbers, which are additionally charred and sooty from a fire. This fits perfectly with the historical accounts stating that one of the ships burnt.' Measurements of the bricks revealed that they were the same size as the 'Flensburg' yellow bricks that were used in Denmark and the Danish colonies during the 1700s. Analysis of their clay confirmed that it came from Denmark - either from a beach called Iller Strand or a small town called Egernsund. Both places are located near the Flensburg Fjord, which was home to a large brick-producing industry in the 18th century, according to the National Museum Of Denmark. The researchers used tree-ring dating to determine where oak wood extracted from one of the wrecks came from, finding that it originates from a tree in the western part of the Baltic Sea that was cut down sometime between 1690 and 1695. The wood was also charred and sooty, which aligns with historical reports about one of the ships being set ablaze. The clay pipes offer further evidence that the ships were Danish, as they proved to be Dutch-produced pipes that were commonly found onboard Danish ships at the time. 'The size, shape and patterns of the pipes suggest that they were produced in the period right before the ships became wrecked in 1710,' according to the researchers. Incredible: Measurements of the bricks revealed that they were the same size as the 'Flensburg' yellow bricks that were used in Denmark and the Danish colonies during the 1700s Gregory led the study alongside marine archaeologist Andreas Kallmeyer Bloch, who has been working for years to determine the origins of the Costa Rica shipwrecks. Bloch said: 'It's been a long process and I've come close to giving up along the way. 'But this is undoubtedly the craziest archaeological excavation I've yet been part of. Not only because it matters greatly to the local population, but also because it's one of the most dramatic shipwrecks in the history of Denmark, and now we know exactly where it happened. 'This provides two pieces that have been missing from the history of Denmark.' Denmark banned the transatlantic slave trade in 1792, but didn't actually abolish slavery until 1847, according to the museum. This project was carried out by the museum's new research center, Njord, which plans to excavate several more Danish shipwrecks around the world. A father, from Florida, revealed staggering cost of his family's day out at the park A father who took his family of five on a day-trip to Orlando's Walt Disney World resort revealed the eye-watering total cost of their outing. The man, from Florida, U.S., took to social media to break down the family's outgoings throughout the day, which later sparked a heated debate among viewers about the importance of budgeting. In a video, reposted by @financedystop on X, the father documented the price of the family's tickets, parking, meals and snacks, as well as the staggering cost of items in souvenir shops. Before the family entered the park, the father revealed he forked out $30/22 for all-day parking. After heading inside, the man claimed that for a family of five, with one child under ten, they had paid a total of $974/733 for tickets to enter the resort. He added: 'The lightning lane (fast track) was $35/26 per person and would have given us speed access to three rides, so we opted out of that.' After their first ride, the family quenched their thirst with two bottles of water and three ice-creams, totalling $29.50/22. Soon after, one of the father's sons asked to buy a pretzel, while he bought himself a beer, altogether costing $19/14.30. A father from Florida revealed the eye-watering cost of his family of five's day outing to Orlando's Walt Disney World on social media They went on to explore some of the souvenir shops, where the father revealed the price of a Star Wars lightsaber - and at $44.99/33.52, he explained that purchasing the item for his son was a 'hard no.' At lunchtime, the family stopped by Pizzerizzo at the park, where they each tucked into a personal-sized pizza, a side and a small soft drink, setting them back $44.35/33.41. After their meal, they made their way to the Star Wars: Galaxy Edge park, and it wasn't long before the family were lured into sampling a $10.29/7.75 'Blue Milk' drink, a notable beverage that first appeared in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, in 1977. The family spent some time jumping on rides and meeting their favourite characters, such as Kylo Ren, before stopping off to buy more drinks and snacks, including a $6.50/4.90 Star Wars-themed Coca Cola, and a churro, margarita and water for $36/27. As their day was coming to a close, the father revealed the family decided to have dinner at Frontera Cocina, a contemporary Mexican restaurant at Disney Springs. For a wallet-busting $245.27/184, the group knocked back soft drinks and margheritas and tucked into dishes such as carne asada, carnitas, corn, quesadillas, and more. The family then decided to make their way home, but not before the father concluded: 'The grand total for our day was $1391.91 (1,048.60). Would you spend that much on a day at Disney? The shocking total cost of the family's day out sparked thousands of mixed responses from viewers in the comments, with many criticising the father for spending an 'outrageous' amount of money on food. To enter the resort, the man claimed that for a family of five, with one child under ten, they had paid a total of $974 for tickets The shocking total cost of the family's day out sparked thousands of mixed responses from viewers in the comments on X One person wrote: 'Well the main issue is all y'all do is eat. Y'all bought enough food & drinks to feed a small village.' Another added, 'Heaven forbid they're not constantly eating lol. Could have eliminated most of those meals with intermittent fasting or just eating in the car on the way there.' A third commented: 'If this guy was trying to go to Disney cheap he did it horribly wrong. Yes food inside the park is outrageous. You can bring your own food.' Another chimed, 'This guy has no control over his family's consumption,' while a fellow viewer added, 'Waste of time and money. Go somewhere else.Puerto Vallarta is way better than this for a family.' One viewer suggested the family visit Universal Studios, as it's 'better and cheaper,' while another wrote: 'Actually that isn't as bad as I thought. I was expecting it to be a whole lot more.' Finally, a third warned: 'When you dont plan or take advantage of any of the packages and stay at their resorts, etc. then everything like this will be overpriced/ a la carte. For a bit more he could stay there for 4-5 days and actually budget plan.' Baffled Malpractice viewers all had the same complaint as the acclaimed ITV drama returned to our screens with new episodes. The medical drama - written by former NHS doctor Grace Ofori-Attah - returned last night for a second, five-part series, following its smash hit first season in 2023, this time focusing on a new storyline. While last series saw senior clinician Dr Lucinda Edwards (Niamh Algar) face a conduct probe after a drug overdose patient died on the ward, the new instalment follows psychologist Dr James Ford, played by Victoria actor Tom Hughes. The doctor is pulled in two directions at a strained NHS hospital, asked to do both a postnatal check-up on nervous new mother Rosie (Hannah McClean) and be there while a troubled, drug-addicted pregnant woman is sectioned. He quickly assesses Rosie, instructing a colleague to prescribe her a sedative, before rushing off to the other call - but tragedy soon strikes and the psychiatric doctor suddenly finds himself facing a fitness to practice inquiry. However, fans were quick to point out a plot hole in the events after Dr Ford's dilemma. The medical drama (pictured) - written by former NHS doctor Grace Ofori-Attah - came back last night for a second, five-part series The new instalment follows psychologist Dr James Ford (pictured), played by Victoria actor Tom Hughes The doctor (pictured) is pulled in two directions at an under strain NHS hospital In the early hours of the morning, the day after receiving her prescription, Rosie is back at the hospital - and totally inconsolable, lashing out at staff and police alike. They call Dr Ford, who rushes there, only to find his patient in hand and feet restraints as well as a mask - after she had gone as far as to bite an officer. We soon find out the reason the new mother is back on the ward - she had tragically attempted to drown her baby. Dr Ford tries speaking with her to calm her down and deescalate the situation but to no avail - and he approves her being transferred to somewhere she can be looked after more securely. Rosie is transported there totally unrestrained and by just one doctor, instead of by police. She attacks the doctor, headbutting them to get away, before running off, and, devastatingly, taking her own life by jumping off a building. It emerges later that she was not given enough sedative during her episode of postpartum psychosis - and that everyone had thought she had taken the medicine she was prescribed, when she had not. It sees Dr Ford suddenly face trial for his role in the tragedy, in a gripping and tense exploration of the roles each person has to play when clinical errors happen. In the early hours of the morning, the day after receiving her prescription, Rosie is back at the hospital - and totally inconsolable, lashing out at staff and police alike They call Dr Ford, who rushes there, only to find his patient in hand and feet restraints as well as a mask - she had gone as far as to bite an officer We soon find out the reason the new mother is back on the ward is she had tragically attempted to drown her baby But fans took issue with a particular aspect of how events were presented in the show - taking to X to question why Rosie was transported by just a single doctor. One user said: 'She's been freaking out so they transport her, unrestrained, via one person?' Another commented: 'Why was only one woman transferring her, considering how she's been acting?' Someone else agreed: 'She was heavily restrained but then when she's in [the] wheelchair, she's free to run away.' They also spotted: 'That doctor is very aggressive - not helpful.' One person said: 'They have just undermined an important story focusing on mental health and in particular postnatal depression by having a previously heavily restrained patient wheeled out by one person unrestrained! 'Even in our current broken NHS that would not happen. Where was the ambulance?' Another, who had healthcare experience, said: 'I get the point they are trying to make but as someone who has worked in a secure unit, she would not have been taken straight out of the restraints, unmedicated, and the roof would not be accessible.' Fans took issue with a particular aspect of how events were presented in the show - taking to X to question why Rosie was transported by just a single doctor But others (pictured) were quick to defend the show's creators But others were quick to defend the show's creators. One said: 'They thought she had taken the sedatives he prescribed earlier but when he spoke to her husband, he realised she hadn't.' Another added: 'The police b*****ed off so what else were they supposed to do?' Someone else chimed in: 'Enjoying Malpractice. Despite the plot holes, they've tried to highlight the realities and done a decent job for a drama.' And others completely disagreed with the sceptics, praising the realism of the show as its main selling point. One, who worked for the NHS, said: 'I'm only on episode two of Malpractice but total hats off to the creators, producers, directors, actors for such a sharp depiction of issues, particularly in mental health but also the tension across the system! 'Spot on and I hope you get an award for it!' Someone else weighed in: 'I've binged the entire new series of Malpractice already and the way it captures life in a psychiatric ward is very true at times! 'Having experienced being in one before, it was triggering but also important to see how sadly some units are ran!' Others (pictured) completely disagreed with the sceptics, praising the realism of the show as its main selling point Users were also quick to comment (pictured) on just how heartbreaking the whole situation was And users were also quick to comment on just how heartbreaking the whole situation was. One dubbed it 'devastating on so many levels', while another commented, 'This is so sad'. A third added: 'Absolutely brilliant but so distressing.' It comes after Netflix fans raved over a new medical drama that 'scratches the Grey's Anatomy itch' and is packed full of 'enjoyably juicy' action. The new series, Pulse, launched on the streaming platform on April 3 and stars Willa Fitzgerald, Coin Woodell, Jack Bannon and Jessie T Usher. Based in a trauma centre in Miami, it follows a third-year medical student called Danny who is promoted after Chief Resident Dr Xander Phillips is suspended. The pair then have to navigate working together, as well as their complicated romance. After only a few days on screens, the medical drama is already being likened to the longstanding Grey's Anatomy. It comes after Netflix fans raved over a new medical drama (pictured) that 'scratches the Grey's Anatomy itch' and is packed full of 'enjoyably juicy' action The new series, Pulse (pictured), launched on the streaming platform on April 3 and stars Willa Fitzgerald, Coin Woodell, Jack Bannon and Jessie T Usher The Hollywood Reporter has described how the series is packed full of 'enjoyably juicy' action and will 'scratch that Grey's Anatomy itch'. Some fans took to social media to share their verdicts on the new show, with one posting on X: 'Pulse is so good! Finally Netflix is giving me what I want!' Another penned: 'Just finished Pulse on Netflix. Soundtrack 10/10, drama 8/10.' Someone else wrote: 'The show Pulse on Netflix is amazing, sheesh.' A fourth urged for another season and said: 'Netflix, when are we getting season two of Pulse?' But not everyone enjoyed it, with one viewer saying: 'Watching Pulse on Netflix and I am so confused. Im on episode three and Im still confused.' A second said: 'Hope Pulse on Netflix gets a season two because I kind of want to see how much worse it can get.' Malpractice airs Sundays on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX. Countryfile sparked a wave of complaints after a farming special left some BBC viewers furious and 'unwell'. Sunday's instalment of the show featured presenters Adam Henson, Sammi Kinghorn and Matt Baker. The special episode showcased their different techniques during lambing season and even captured a sheep giving birth. 'With the health of the animals being so important and then you've got unpredictable outcomes and of course the physical and mental strain of looking after so many animals,' Adam said. 'Lambing can be a tough time for sheep farmers.' The programme delved into how Matt was dealing with a change in sheep breed on his farm, while Sammi and her father demonstrated how they get ewes to foster lambs. However, the instalment was hit with backlash from some viewers who expressed their issues with what was shown on the episode. Sunday's instalment of the BBC show featured presenters Adam Henson, pictured, Sammi Kinghorn and Matt Baker The special episode showcased their differet techniques during lambing season and even captured a sheep giving birth The programme delved into how Matt was dealing with a change in sheep breed on his farm, while Sammi and her father demonstrated how they get ewes to foster lambs One posted on X: 'What the lambing #CountryFile, 4/5/2025 isn't looking at is how male lambs not chosen as tups for breeding are treated, & how the male presenters on the programme would like being treated that way (ouch!!).' 'I don't understand how farmers can put all this care and attention into the wellbeing of their flocks only to then send them for halal/kosher slaughter at a later date...' According to the Express, someone else said: 'I don't feel well #countryfile.' Some found the episode uninteresting and wrote: 'Time to ditch Countryfile. It's so dull.' Another commented: 'The poor mother, her lamb is huge #Countryfile.' While others spoke positively of the episode and one penned: 'Whats happened to #Countryfile tonight? 'It looks like theyve suddenly remembered it used to be a programme for farmers and those involved in the countryside. More of this please.' Last year, Countryfile was bombarded with complaints just minutes into a show as fans raged 'I can't believe it!' over a baffling report. However, the instalment was hit with backlash from some viewers who expressed their issues with what was shown on the episode The BBC show usually gives insight into farming and rural life, but some took issue with the episode being dominated by oysters. The instalment was presented by Joe Crowley and Adam Henson and Joe headed to Scotland to discover more about the famous Stranraer Oyster Festival. He followed fishermen as they caught the oysters in the sea to provide for the 10,000 that are used for the festival for punters to enjoy. Still, many were confused that the show was mostly dominated by seafood and fishing. Countryfile airs weekly on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. Wandsworth Prison: Out Of Control (Ch5) Rating: The solution seems so obvious. Knock down Wandsworth prison, the sprawling Victorian monstrosity in south London, build luxury flats and raise a couple of billion quid. Do the same for crumbling 19th- century jails on prime real estate all over the country from Cardiff to Durham, Pentonville to Exeter. The money generated could fund dozens of purpose-built prisons, solving the problems of overcrowding and porous security at a stroke. It took an old lag to come up with this idea, of course. Film-maker Chris Atkins proposed it as a solution in the eye-opening documentary, Wandsworth Prison: Out Of Control (Ch5). Atkins was sentenced in 2016 to five years for tax fraud, which suggests an innovative and free-thinking approach to public finances. Thats what we need. Since serving his time, hes also a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, laying bare the failings of the prison system with wit and wry insight. His sense of humour was on display in this hour-long programme, as he described his nine months in Wandsworth, a chronically understaffed Category B jail. Officers were so short-handed, they didnt have time to do the roll call. So they put Atkins in charge of the head count, checking that no one had escaped overnight. As he pointed out, his record of creativity with numbers made him literally the last person they should trust. Other former inmates had less constructive suggestions. Armed robbers Dillon Greenway and Randel Rose described with relish how to wangle a transfer to another jail by starting a riot. Readers of a rebellious disposition might like to make a note: first you climb onto the safety netting between landings and taunt the prison officers. That gets everyone over-excited. The solution seems so obvious: Knock down Wandsworth prison, the sprawling Victorian monstrosity in south London , build luxury flats and raise a couple of billion quid, writes Christopher Stevens Film-maker Chris Atkins proposed it as a solution in the eye-opening documentary, Wandsworth Prison: Out Of Control Officers were so short-handed, they didnt have time to do the roll call - so they put Atkins in charge of the head count, checking that no one had escaped overnight Other prisoners will start going through the gears, smashing up the wing, flooding the laundry room, Greenway explained. That gives the ringleaders a chance to climb into the roof space, where they will strip off: Part of the old theatrics, innit? Im naked, you dont wanna get close to me that kind of vibe! Eventually, riot officers with shields and pepper spray turn up. The instigators will be given a little hiding and bundled off to other jails. Handy, if you want a change of scenery or youre simply sick to death of your cellmate. For all the bravado, conditions in Wandsworth appear inhuman. Smuggled video phone footage showed the infestation of rats. One convict trapped six in his cell in a single night. But the most horrific stories came from a former officer, Julia, who described how she had to sit handcuffed for hours to a dying prisoner. After his life support machine was switched off, she was sent straight back on duty, without any break. All I wanted was to go outside and have a cigarette, she said. But with only five officers on duty that night, she could not be spared. What more vivid illustration could there be of a broken system? Tonight, with his glamorous wife Nicola on his arm, Brooklyn Beckham will no doubt be posing for photographers on the steps of New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art. The young couple are on the guest list for this years Met Gala, the highlight of New Yorks social scene, and their appearance at such an event would once have been a proud moment for Victoria and David Beckham. This year, though, it will be bittersweet marred by their eldest sons failure to turn up to any of his fathers 50th birthday celebrations over the past week. Yesterday, proof of the rift which sources close to the Beckhams have told the Mail is beyond repair was laid bare for all to see when the family shared their favourite pictures of the week-long celebrations on Instagram. Brooklyn is noticeably absent as his parents and three siblings, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13, pose in their finery at the familys magnificent home in the Cotswolds. David and his sons are in black tuxedos and Victoria, 51, is wearing a 900 navy silk dress from her own label in the same colour and fabric as daughter Harpers. For a couple who dote on their children, the caption is almost as heartbreaking as the fact their eldest son is missing from the joyous scene. Creating special memories with family and friends. We love you all, writes Victoria, her message followed by a heart emoji and tags for David, Romeo, Cruz and Harper. So it will undoubtedly hurt when the couples first glimpse of their son in a while will be photos taken on the red carpet on the other side of the Atlantic. Their agony all the worse for knowing that Brooklyn, 26, appears to have spent the past week in London and yet still didnt turn up to any of the celebrations. David Beckham's 50th birthday party in the Cotswolds with all his family - but no Brooklyn Romeo Beckham and David at the latter's birthday dinner in London Victoria Beckham posted this image on Instagram of the celebrations, saying she was 'creating special memories with family and friends' They always knew he was due to attend the Met Gala but the fact he was in London and still didnt come has really hurt, a close friend of the family tells me. They failed to turn up at any family events and yet they will go to a place where they will barely know anyone. To add insult to injury, Brooklyn and Nicola had shared pictures of themselves larking around in their London hotel suite on Instagram last week, as well as in a restaurant where a friend posted a snap of three champagne glasses. But rather than point the finger of blame at their errant son, the Beckhams are understood to be concerned about the influence Nicola, the 30-year-old daughter of American billionaire Nelson Peltz, has over him. Victoria and David would do anything to get their son back, but they are done with Nicola now, adds the family friend. Nicola basically finds a way to start an argument then she pushes him to not speak to his family and then he doesnt show for family events. Shes done this before every family event since the wedding. As for Davids birthday, it feels like its all part of the same pattern. Brooklyn will think he is going to see his family so he will make plans to. On this occasion he told his parents some weeks ago hed be there for Davids birthday. But then what happens is Nicola will kick something off and it will blow up and then it becomes impossible for him to go. It all stinks of a control thing. The family are absolutely certain this is what happened this time round, that a drama was created and Brooklyn doesnt feel he can turn up to see his family but it happened three times in a week. There were different kinds of events so he could have surely found one that would have suited them, so it makes you think there was drama after drama while they were here. Hes a kind boy who clearly doesnt feel he can stand up to Nicola. Behind closed doors, comparisons are perhaps inevitably being drawn to the strained relations between Prince Harry and his family since Meghan arrived on the scene. Brooklyn isnt talking to his family, or his old friends, mused my source. The similarities are pretty much uncanny. Victoria also photographed the former England star with his daughter Harper David expressed his love for Brooklyn, aged seven in the photo, on his Instagram Stories David and Victoria with their son and his wife Nicola Peltz on their first wedding anniversary Nicola and Meghan are both American and also a few years older than their husbands. Those who have been present at events with Brooklyn have seen examples of Nicola behaving in a stroppy manner something Brooklyn will always apologise for. Friends have also noted that in pictures of the couple he will gaze at Nicola lovingly, yet she will look away. The pair are also rarely ever seen on their own. Brooklyn has distanced himself from his former friendship group, too. He was once very close to Gordon Ramsays son Jack but they no longer see one another, and the same goes for Madonna and Guy Ritchies son Rocco. Brooklyn used to love being out with his friends, says a one-time close associate. He had a great social life. He went to the Fine Arts College in north London and he had a great crowd of friends but not any more. There is much concern for Brooklyn right now, he has changed. Nicola comes first and its about what she wants. David and Victoria are especially worried about the nature of the relationship. All they want is for Brooklyn to be happy, maybe he is but this is very concerning for all of the family. David and Victoria adore their kids all the same but with Brooklyn theyve always been aware that the limelight he experienced as a young boy may have had an effect and have done all they can to make up for it, said the former associate. The Beckhams have always turned up to support Nicola in her work, for example the premiere for her movie Lola last year. They were also at the launch of Brooklyns Cloud23 hot sauce in Whole Foods in Londons Kensington recently. Its all been thrown back in their faces, adds the family friend. They have tried and tried but they are done with her. It will hurt a lot to see Brooklyn and Nicola in photos at the Met Gala and yet he couldnt make the family celebrations. The apparent estrangement put a huge dampener on Davids milestone birthday celebrations. Sadly, however, for David, Victoria and Brooklyns siblings, it is something they have grown used to. Brooklyn and Nicola have missed a total of 12 family events in the past year now, the first being Davids 49th birthday dinner in May last year, held at the Canton Blue restaurant at the five-star London hotel, The Peninsula.Friends of the family were wary of Nicolas ambition when the couple first began dating in 2019. Nicolas family are much, much richer than the Beckhams, notes the source. But the Beckham are so much more famous. There isnt a showbiz family that is anywhere near their level of fame when it comes to social media. Insiders believe that Brooklyns surname and Instagram following of 16.4million, compared to her three million, are a big part of the appeal. Nicola loves that aspect of it all. That definitely keeps her in the limelight. Some might be inclined to believe she uses her connections and husband for what she can get from them. Friends of the Beckhams also tell me that at the beginning of her relationship with Brooklyn, Nicola was keen to become the next Victoria Beckham. But famously the pair first fell out in the run-up to Nicolas lavish 3million wedding in April, 2022, on Palm Beach, Florida. Problems appeared to begin when Nicola wore a Valentino wedding gown, rather than having her dress made by Victoria, who she hoped would make it for her. Relations remained strained for over a year, although the two women did appear to reach a truce and normal family relations resumed for while. The events of the past week, though, have clearly reopened old wounds, leaving Victoria and David devastated and facing the prospect of a long-term estrangement from their son. In perhaps a last-ditch attempt to reach out to his firstborn, David posted a poignant photograph of himself with his then seven-year-old on Instagram last week. The simple, heartfelt caption read: @brooklyn-beckham I love you. JoJo Siwa's ex Kath Ebbs has been seen for the first time since returning to Australia after being brutally dumped at the Celebrity Big Brother afterparty. The Australian influencer, 27, who uses they/them pronouns, was supported by two male friends in Sydney on Sunday. Kath appeared emotional as they were embraced by one hunky tattooed man while visiting popular Bondi cafe Gertrude & Alice. The influencer dressed casually in blue jeans and a black jumper as they greeted the Bondi local with a kiss on the lips. The pals were seen chatting to one another before sharing an hug outside the establishment. They were also joined by another male, who was seen enjoying a beverage at the cafe with Kath. JoJo Siwa's ex Kath Ebbs has been seen for the first time since returning to Australia after being brutally dumped at the Celebrity Big Brother afterparty, kissing a male friend on the lips during an outing in Bondi on Sunday The Australian influencer, 27, who uses they/them pronouns, was supported by two male friends in Sydney over the weekend JoJo (left) ended her relationship when Kath jetted to greet her at the end of the ITV series After the outing, the pair were in deep conversation as they went for a stroll through the streets. Kath confirmed their split with JoJo last month after the Dance Moms star called things off just hours after leaving the Big Brother house amid her relationship with co-star Chris Hughes. Viewers speculated that JoJo ended her relationship with Kath because of her close bond with fellow housemate Chris. Shortly after the news of their split, Kath reposted a TikTok video of someone sharing their opinion on the JoJo and Chris situation. The caption read: 'POV you're watching a 21-year-old girl getting manipulated by a 32-year-old man who just pretended to be her safe space then discarded her when she wouldn't reciprocate on international TV... 'Even though she's a lesbian in a full relationship and you've got no one to talk to this about even though you predicted this would happen.' JoJo and the Love Island star, 32, raised eyebrows with their very close bond in the house, before spending time enjoying 'Sunday massages' and walks in the park after they left the show. The American star revealed she was queer and not a lesbian while in the CBB house after having been in a relationship with non-binary content creator Kath since the start of the year. Kath appeared emotional as they were embraced by one friend while visiting popular Bondi cafe Gertrude & Alice The influencer appeared emotional as they was consoled by the male friend They were seen sharing a kiss on the lips as they reunited at the Sydney cafe The pals were seen chatting to one another before sharing an hug outside the establishment and catching up They were also joined by another male, who was seen enjoying a beverage at the cafe with Kat After the outing, the pair were in deep conversation as they went for a stroll through the streets Kath confirmed their split with JoJo last month after the Dance Moms star called things off just hours after leaving the Big Brother house amid her relationship with co-star Chris Hughes Viewers have been speculating that JoJo ended her relationship with Kath because of her close bond with fellow housemate Chris Kath flashed a smile as she explored Bondi after returning home from London following the split JoJo revealed she was queer and not a lesbian while in the CBB house, after having been in a relationship with non-binary content creator Kath since the start of the year Kath kept warm in chunky black boots and carried a backpack during the outing JoJo jetted home to the US last Monday, reportedly wearing 'soulmate' Chris' (pictured) clothes just hours after their first joint interview following Celebrity Big Brother JoJo's mother Jessalynn weighed in on the couple's split amid the drama. She reposted a comment by a fan who said her daughter broke up with Kath to find herself and that it had nothing to do with Chris. In a Reddit forum, someone said: 'Did you see JoJo's mum reposted this?? Implying the break up wasn't related to Chris but about JoJo finding herself.' In the video the TikToker said: 'Kath has removed the video of JoJo Siwa and I'll tell you why. 'I don't think JoJo has split up with Kath because of Chris... and that's the kind of narrative that Kath is trying to put across. 'JoJo has broken up with Kath because JoJo doesn't know who she is. She's figuring out herself. 'She went into that relationship when she shouldn't have, in my opinion.' JoJo jetted home to the US last Monday, reportedly wearing 'soulmate' Chris' clothes just hours after their first joint interview following Celebrity Big Brother. According to The Sun, she was spotted arriving at the airport in a oversized grey hoodie and pink beanie hat, both of which Chris wore on the show. Mel B looked every inch the blushing bride in a pearl-adorned white gown as she arrived to marry fiance Rory McPhee at St Paul's cathedral on Saturday. The Spice Girl, who arrived in a white Bentley, flashed a radiant smile and adjusted her veil as she prepared to head inside to become Mrs McPhee. Mel's gown featured a sheer illusion design adorned with white pearls and a ruched bodice, with the singer adding a flowing veil to her bridal look. Emma Bunton, the only other Spice Girl in attendance - led the celebrity guests arriving for the wedding as Scary Spice prepared to walk down the aisle for the third time. Nearly two years after the shock death of MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo, his widow Lauren has shared the emotional contents of his final journal entry. Lauren spoke on Seven's Spotlight program for the first time about the moment she learned the Scottish-born chef, 46, had died alone in a Melbourne hotel room on April 30, 2023. The celebrity cook, who rose to national fame alongside Melissa Leong and Andy Allen on MasterChef, passed away during the promo tour for the show's new season. His cause of death has never been made public. In a raw and tearful interview with Liz Hayes, Lauren revealed the harrowing moment police contacted her in Italy where she had recently moved with their two children, Alfie and Isla and delivered the devastating news. 'I was hysterical,' Lauren recalled, her voice trembling. Lauren had been trying and failing to reach Jock, so she called his hotel and requested they check his room. Nearly two years after MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo's shock death, his widow Lauren Zonfrilloa has shared the emotional contents of his final journal entry When she got a call back from police informing her that a 'deceased male' had been located in his room, her world shattered. Flying home to Australia, Lauren later viewed Jock's body, and had a surreal moment where it felt like he was still with her. 'He was still there. I could smell his aftershave and hair product. It looked like he was just sleeping,' she said through tears. 'I told him that it'll be okay, that I've got this. That I will make sure the kids live big lives. And that, no matter what, we would be a family.' But the most emotional revelation came from a journal Lauren discovered after Jock's passing a heartfelt collection of thoughts he had written in the lead-up to his death. In one entry, Jock reflected on his deep love for his young family. 'He wrote about how happy he was that we were finding our feet how excited he was about raising these little Aussie-Italian-Scottish children,' Lauren shared. 'He always did the voices when putting the kids to bed and he wrote about missing those things, and how he looked forward to getting to Italy where we were.' In a raw and tearful interview on Spotlight with Seven's Liz Hayes, Lauren revealed the harrowing moment police contacted her in Italy One passage in particular continues to comfort Lauren. 'He wrote "Lauren didn't see herself, but I think she's just doing so much. She's so capable and I'm really proud she can do those hard things",' she revealed. 'That meant a lot to me. It was like this message of encouragement. Like, you've got this, Lauren.' Lauren admitted she often doubted if she could go on without him. 'I do feel broken now. I lost the person I love that much.' Since his death, there has been speculation surrounding what caused the chef's sudden passing, with some pointing to Zonfrillo's past struggles with addiction and reports he may have been privately battling bowel cancer. But Lauren pushed back on the narrative that his 'demons' had returned. She did not disclose a cause of death but confirmed she was told by those who found him that he appeared to have died peacefully in bed. But perhaps the most emotional revelation came from a journal Lauren discovered after Jock's passing a heartfelt collection of thoughts he had written in the lead-up to his death At the time of his passing, Jock's family released a heartbreaking statement, writing: 'With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we're too overwhelmed to put them into words.' Jock Zonfrillo is survived by Lauren and their two children, who continue to carry forward his legacy with Lauren vowing to raise them in the same spirit of love and adventure their father cherished so deeply. A fortnight after Zonfrillo's death his wife led about 200 mourners who gathered for a funeral at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium at North Ryde on May 13. Among those who attended the service were celebrity chefs George Calombaris, Matt Moran, Colin Fassnidge, Manu Feildel and Shannon Bennett as well as Zonfrillo's co-stars Allen and Melissa Leong. Lauren was among the pallbearers and delivered a eulogy before Zonfrillo's friend and fellow Scotsman, Jimmy Barnes, sang Amazing Grace with his daughter Mahalia. Zonfrillo wrote in his 2021 memoir Last Shot about battling a heroin addiction from his teenage years working as a chef in Glasgow. After moving to north-west England he sold cocaine and other drugs to supplement his wages, was eventually sacked and at 17 made his way to London. Zonfrillo wrote that he turned up at Marco Pierre White's renowned restaurant at the Hyde Park Hotel in 1994 and the famed chef became a mentor who would shape his life. He moved to Australia aged 20 in 1996 and got a job at Forty One restaurant in Sydney where he was using cocaine, pills, LSD and cannabis. Zonfrillo joined the MasterChef Australia judging panel in 2020 with food critic Leong and restaurateur Allen after original judges Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left According to his book, Zonfrillo kept a raging heroin habit hidden from everyone before going back to the UK in 1997 when his visa ran out. He wrote of taking his last hit of heroin in the toilets at Heathrow airport before returning to Australia in early 2000. Zonfrillo opened his own restaurants, Orana and Bistro Blackwood, in Adelaide in 2013. He added a third, Nonna Mallozzi, in 2018. The latter lasted six months, Bistro Blackwood closed in late 2019 and Orana in March 2020. Zonfrillo joined the MasterChef Australia judging panel in 2020 with food critic Leong and restaurateur Allen after original judges Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left. Till Death Do Us Part, published by Penguin Books Australia, will be released on May 6. Heidi Klum's daughter, Leni Klum, rang in her 21st birthday with a bang while partying at the club with Seal and 50 Cent. The model went partying in Miami with her loved ones at E11EVEN club during Miami Race Week and even got serenaded by her adoptive dad Seal, 62. Then, 50 Cent arrived at the club in the early hours of Sunday morning and performed some of his major hits to help Leni celebrate her birthday. She made a red carpet appearance with her mom at a glamorous gala in New York City before jetting off to Florida for the Miami Grand Prix, which she also attended with Seal. Her biological dad Flavio Briatore was reportedly also there in Miami to help her celebrate with Leni. Leni showed up at the club around 1 in the morning in a party bus and headed to the VIP section with about 20 friends, according to TMZ. Heidi Klum 's daughter, Leni Klum, rang in her 21st birthday with a bang while partying at the club with Seal and 50 Cent; pictured May 1 in New York City The model went partying in Miami with her loved ones at E11EVEN club during Miami Race Week and even got serenaded by her adoptive dad Seal, 62 About an hour later, Seal took the stage with a guitar for an acoustic performance of Kiss From A Rose, which he dedicated to Leni. Shortly afterwards, he led the crowd for two renditions of Happy Birthday for the up-and-coming model. Then, 50 Cent arrived to turn up the party even more and performed his hits: P.I.M.P., Magic Stick, Candy Shop and In Da Club. On the same day, Heidi took to Instagram to share a sweet birthday tribute for her daughter. The German supermodel shared adorable throwback photos of her with Leni when she was just a baby. One showed Heidi kissing her forehead and another was of Heidi cradling her newborn baby Leni in a hospital bed. 'Happy birthday Leni. I love you with all my heart,' she wrote alongside a red heart emoji. She also shared a throwback video of Leni eating with her hands and wrote alongside the cute clip: 'Happy birthday my love.' Then, 50 Cent arrived at the club in the early hours of Sunday morning and performed some of his major hits to help Leni celebrate her birthday Leni showed up at the club around 1 in the morning in a party bus and headed to the VIP section with about 20 friends. About an hour later, Seal took the stage with a guitar for an acoustic performance of Kiss From A Rose, which he dedicated to Leni Shortly afterwards, he led the crowd for two renditions of Happy Birthday for the up-and-coming model With Leni as her eldest, Heidi is also a mother to three other children, whom she shares with her ex-husband Seal The style icon and the musician, 62, were married for seven years until their 2012 split; their divorce was finalized two years later During the time they were married, Seal also legally adopted Leni as his own She made a red carpet appearance with her mom at a glamorous gala in New York City before jetting off to Florida for the Miami Grand Prix, which she also attended with Seal (pictured) Her biological dad Flavio Briatore was reportedly also there in Miami to help her celebrate with Leni At the event Seal had his arm around alpine ski race Lindsey Vonn as they greeted each other The duo laughed it up with Leni nearby On the same day, Heidi took to Instagram to share a sweet birthday tribute for her daughter The German supermodel shared adorable throwback photos of her with Leni when she was just a baby Another photo showed Heidi kissing her baby's cheek 'Happy birthday Leni. I love you with all my heart,' she wrote alongside a red heart emoji. She also shared a throwback video of Leni eating with her hands and wrote alongside the cute clip: 'Happy birthday my love' Additionally, Heidi shared pictures of her mother, Leni's grandmother, with them after giving birth and holding Leni as a newborn baby Additionally, Heidi shared pictures of her mother, Leni's grandmother, with them after giving birth and holding Leni as a newborn baby. With Leni as her eldest, Heidi is also a mother to three other children, whom she shares with her ex-husband Seal. The style icon and the musician, 62, were married for seven years until their 2012 split; their divorce was finalized two years later. They share Henry, 19, Johan, 18, and Lou, 15. During the time they were married, Seal also legally adopted Leni as his own. In recent years, Leni has reconnected with her biological dad Briatore again after years of estrangement. She has been seen on lavish trips and spending quality time with the Italian billionare on his yacht after years of 'never seeing each other.' Advertisement The Bachelorette's Georgia Love has broken her silence on her recent split from her husband Lee Elliot, saying she felt like she had let down her followers and fans. The couple, who met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette and were married for four years, broke the news of their separation in February. Georgia, 35, spoke about their decision to call it quits for the first time in a candid interview with Kate Langbroek on Mamamia's No Filter podcast. The emotional reality star admitted it was difficult to announce her split from Lee because of the amount of goodwill from others toward their relationship. 'I don't want to feel like I've let anyone down which is so silly because it's not about anyone else, it's about us,' she said as she broke down into tears. 'People have been so wonderful following our story since the start and so many say they look at our relationship and it gives them hope. I've been really sad feeling like I've let people down.' The Bachelorette 's Georgia Love (pictured) has broken her silence on her recent split from her husband Lee Elliot Georgia went on to say the hardest part about her split is 'entering a period of loss and grief again'. 'It was very hard at the end of last year with all the speculation about whether we had split. It was hard while I was trying to come to terms with what was happening,' she explained. 'Lee and I made the decision together but it doesn't mean it makes me happy. It doesn't, I'm really sad about it.' Georgia also gushed over Lee's 'amazing support' through their difficult times. 'We have both and each been through big things in our nine years together. Some of those things we have grown through together and some we have grown apart,' she added. 'We have weathered a lot together and have a deep love and respect for each other and I hope we always will. I never expected to be here.' Georgia and Lee, who were married for four years, broke the news of their split in February. 'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, [we] have made the incredibly difficult decision to lovingly part ways,' they wrote. The emotional reality star admitted it was difficult to announce her split from Lee (pictured) because she felt like 'she had let people down' 'Our relationship has been so special and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared. 'There is no drama, no bad blood. Just two people who have grown in different directions while still holding deep respect and care for each other. 'We remain friends and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.' Georgia and Lee had fuelled rumours they had split for some time as it had been months since they were seen together. The pair spent Christmas apart with their respective families before Georgia jetted off to New York City for a holiday without Lee. They were also both spotted without their wedding bands, which led to a wave of speculation online suggesting they had ended their relationship. It seemed the pair were still living under the same roof at their marital home in Melbourne in the lead up to their big announcement. Georgia was spotted making a trip to a nail salon before she headed to the home to prepare for a drinks night. The former reality TV star was not wearing her wedding ring during the outing and had been seen without the diamond sparkler for months. Shortly after, Lee returned home driving a tradesman's ute while wearing a bright yellow uniform. She has been likened to Kim Kardashian thanks to her dangerous curves and striking facial features. And Married At First Sight's Carina Mirabile was the spitting image of the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star at Storyville nightclub in Melbourne over the weekend. The Italian beauty, 31, showed off her ample cleavage in a low-cut baby blue singlet which appeared to be from Kim's popular Skims range. She teamed the top with a pair of dark indigo wash jeans and heels. The raven-haired beauty opted for a wet look hairstyle and accessorised with a cross necklace - both trends Kim has favoured over the years. Carina also went so far as to strike Kim's favourite pout and peace sign selfie pose as she cuddled up to her co-star Billy Belcher. Married At First Sight's Carina Mirabile was the spitting image of Kim Kardashian at a nightclub appearance with co-star Billy Belcher in Melbourne over the weekend Carina also went so far as to strike Kim's favourite pout and peace sign selfie Carina has long drawn comparisons to the most famous Kardashian star, with some MAFS fans fans dubbing her 'Temu Kim'. She was roasted after she wore a halter neck dress that featured a curve-hugging, ruched bodice and a matching head scarf to a MAFS dinner party. Internet sleuths were quick to discover she had borrowed the exact look from Kim's younger sister Kylie, who wore the same dress in a promotional shoot for The Kardashians. In a showreel attached to her website, Carina shared a video in which she said her top five dream red carpet interviewees are: 'Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, The Weeknd and Drake.' Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in January, Carina said she was flattered by the nickname, but laughed it off nonetheless. 'I mean, come onI'm a little more classy than that! But honestly, I am inspired by Kim's fashion and style,' she said. 'Most of all, I resonate with her family dynamic. I come from a big family too, and that's something I deeply value.' The Italian beauty showed off her ample cleavage in a low-cut baby blue singlet which appeared to be from Kim's popular Skims range She teamed the top with a pair of dark indigo wash jeans and heels Carina appeared be having a ball as she partied with Australian Survivor hottieLogan Johannisen and her sisters The raven-haired beauty opted for a wet look hairstyle and accessorised with a cross necklace - both trends Kim has favoured over the years Like Kris Jenner, who has four children - Kylie and Kendall Jenner, and Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, and Rob Kardashian, and 14 grandchildren, mum Carmel also enjoys a large family with 5 children and ten grandchildren. And much like the Kardashians, who have a vast multi-media empire at their feet, Carina, too is part of an impressive family-run business. The Mirabile family, led by Carina's mother and father Carmel and Tony, run Beyond Toolsa purveyor of heavy duty machinery and power tools. Located in Malaga, just outside of Perth, Beyond Tools has been servicing handy men and women since 1986. It's a truly family-run business as well, with Tony and Carmel sharing the CEO role. Dylan O'Brien's trans brother revealed the actor hasn't spoken to him in over a year, despite previously gushing about him in an interview. The Teen Wolf actor, 33, told Vulture in January of last year that he was grateful for his 'trans, nonbinary sibling' while promoting his queer thriller film Ponyboi. 'I have a trans, non-binary sibling and I know people in my personal life as well who are queer. I am so grateful for how much it deepens my experience in this world,' he said. However, Dylan's brother who goes by Julz on Instagram and uses he/they pronouns revealed the two are not seemingly as close as the actor made them out to be. After the Gay Times recently re-shared Dylan's comments to their Instagram account, Julz wrote underneath: 'He hasnt spoken to me in over a year. He didnt check in when I had top surgery. He didnt even wish me a happy bday last week!' 'But glad I could deepen his experience in this world and make the world love him that much more,' he added of his brother, who stepped out in drag for a Max series last year. Dailymail.com has reached out to O'Brien's representatives for comment. Dylan O'Brien's, 33, trans brother revealed the actor hasn't spoken to him in over a year, despite previously gushing about him in an interview; Dylan pictured in 2024 The Maze Runner actor told Vulture last year that he was grateful for his 'trans, nonbinary sibling' and acknowledged that knowing other other people who are queer has helped him 'deepen my experience in this world'; they are pictured in 2022 In another comment on the post, Julz wrote, 'Im actually trans masc and go by he/they pronouns', after his brother referred to him as non-binary. Julz' remark was made underneath a comment that accused OBriens girlfriend, model Rachael Lange, of being homophobic and racist. Maze Runner star Dylan has been promoting his upcoming film Ponyboi, which centers on an intersex sex worker having an affair with Dylan's character, possibly explaining why he wanted to emphasize his allyship through his family connection. After his trans brother's comments went viral, fans took online to blast Dylan. 'Truly diabolical to pretend to have a great relationship with your sibling, and paint yourself out to be an ally, when you dont even speak to that sibling,' one wrote. 'I feel like using other peoples life experiences for brownie points is in poor taste, whether youre close with them or not. Thats just my opinion tho,' another wrote. 'why even pretend to support your sibling knowing that you dont even talk to them or even acknowledge their birthday for cool points? like i dont understand,' someone else questioned. 'This is honestly heartbreaking. Public words mean nothing if youre not there when it counts. Actions > posts.' After the Gay Times recently re-shared Dylan's comments, his brother who goes by Julz on Instagram and uses he/they pronouns wrote: 'I'm actually trans masc and go by he/they pronouns', after his brother referred to him as non-binary He further slammed Dylan, writing, 'He hasnt spoken to me in over a year. He didnt check in when I had top surgery. He didnt even wish me a happy bday last week!' In March, Julz showed off the results of his top surgery, flashing his chest and post-surgery scars in a number of shirtless snaps After his trans brother's comments went viral, fans took online to blast Dylan However, others defended the actor, with one writing, 'The interview was before they stopped talking. The magazine should had clarified it' Dylan has been promoting his upcoming film Ponyboi, which centers on an intersex sex worker having an affair with Dylan's character, possibly explaining why he wanted to emphasize his allyship through his family connection; seen in a still with River Gallo It's unclear what prompted the rift between the siblings. Julz previously shared an Instagram tribute to O'Brien for his birthday in August 2022, and called Dylan 'my very first best friend' in an Instagram post from 2020 'In the upcoming queer drama PONYBOI .... and there it is. I hate how actors doing media buzz always fake a personal connection to something or someone also in that movie. it's a ridiculous expectation for romantic leads, for niche hobby movies, especially for queer films. You don't HAVE to be deeply involved with the movie's theme in your personal life, it doesn't make it better!' However, others defended the actor, with one writing, 'The interview was before they stopped talking. The magazine should had clarified it.' In March, Julz showed off the results of his top surgery, flashing his chest and post-surgery scars in a number of shirtless snaps. It's unclear what prompted the rift between the siblings. Julz previously shared an Instagram tribute to O'Brien for his birthday in August 2022. Julz also called Dylan 'my very first best friend' in an Instagram post from 2020. In Ponyboi, O'Brien who previously starred in a Taylor Swift music video plays Vinnie, the secret lover and pimp of a young intersex worker portrayed by River Gallo. The film debuted at Sundance in January 2024 and is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 27. In an interview with Adobe, Dylan admitted he was 'extremely uneducated' on the topics discussed in Ponyboi. 'Going in, I was extremely uneducated on intersex and the intersex community.' O'Brien famously starred in the Maze Runner film trilogy. He is also known for his role as Stiles Stilinski in MTV's Teen Wolf, which ran from 20112017; seen in 2014 Maze Runner still 'This was such an enlightening experience for me, and [River is] someone I hold so dearly now: a friend Ill have with me for the rest of my life.' Meanwhile Gallo previously gushed that Dylan 'is literally an example of what so many men should be.' O'Brien is primarily known for his role as Stiles Stilinski in the MTV supernatural drama series Teen Wolf, which ran from 20112017. He also played Thomas in the Maze Runner film trilogy. Sunday's Sister Wives featured an emotional segment focused on the family speaking about the death of Kody and Janelle Brown's son Garrison Brown. Garrison, 25, tragically took his own life on March 5, 2024 at his Flagstaff, Arizona home; authorities said he died as result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Kody Brown, 56, told Robyn Brown, 46, that it was 'just heartbreaking' he and Garrison 'didn't get a chance to really just make things right, just not being able to say goodbye' on Sunday's episode of the TLC staple. The grieving father added, 'I just don't know what to do with his death because it's like I've got to do something different because I could have had more time with him, and I thought there would be more time.' Janelle, 55, said on Sunday's episode that she had been in touch with her son all day long prior to his tragic death. 'This was not unusual because he and I talked probably three times a day,' she said. 'I knew he was struggling. I always just picked up the phone and I always make it a point to just talk to him. And it wasn't really about anything.' Sunday's Sister Wives featured an emotional segment focused on the family speaking about the death of Kody and Janelle Brown's son Garrison Brown, who died last year at 25 Kody is still haunted by a regret in the wake of the family tragedy - that he 'didn't get a chance to really just make things right' with his son amid longstanding tension She said of the communication: 'I think he needed the connection, and I know he was talking to [and] calling his brothers and stuff too.' Flagstaff police told TMZ in March of 2024 that Garrison appeared 'to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound' after they responded to his house after receiving reports someone had died. Garrison was found dead in his home by his brother Gabriel, authorities told the outlet. Janelle said that she knew Garrison had 'been drinking again' as he 'would go through periods where he was really good, and then he just would have a binge, just as part of the cycle, I think.' Janelle took to Instagram the day of the tragedy to announce news of her son's passing on behalf of the family. 'Kody and I are deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beautiful boy Robert Garrison Brown,' Janelle said. 'He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him. His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away.' She wrapped up in saying, 'We ask that you please respect our privacy and join us in honoring his memory.' TLC said in a statement to People at the time, 'We are devastated to hear of the tragic loss of Garrison Brown. 'We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Brown family at this difficult time.' In his last social media post, Garrison posed alongside a cat he had adopted Janelle announced the tragic news in an Instagram post in March of 2024. She said that Garrison's 'loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away' Garrison had an Instagram account under the handle @robertthebrown, with more than 67,000 followers at the time of his death. His most recent post came days before his death, as he posed alongside a cat he had adopted, which was his third overall. He said, 'Newest edition to my home, Ms Buttons. Shes 9 years old and was on the line for euthanasia but my savior complex couldnt suffice. #crazycatlady.' He had also chronicled his travels on his social media page, documenting trips to locales including Spain and Italy. Kody previously parted ways with Christine Brown in 2021, and would go on to split with Meri later in 2022. He remains married to Robyn Brown. Garrison moved with his family from Utah to Nevada, and he eventually enlisted in the National Guard, according to the outlet. He and his father Kody had been estranged for some time in recent years: In February of 2022, Kody said on the series that he and sons Garrison and Gabriel were 'not good' and 'not talking' as they clashed with him over what they felt to be onerous protocols he implemented amid the coronavirus pandemic. Kody said of his sons on the show: 'It's changed everything for everybody, and they want it all to be the same - they need to realize that they should go and date that girlfriend, that's fine, but you need to move out of the house so I can be home.' Janelle said of her late son, 'He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him' Garrison was seen hugging his mother in a May 2016 Mother's Day post on Instagram The reality TV personality documented trips to locales including Spain and Italy In an episode of the TLC series chronicling the tension in the family, Janelle said in a confessional interview that she felt Garrison 'just seems angry or sadder. She added, 'He's not as happy-go-lucky as he used to be' amid the family strife over pandemic precautions. She added, 'I have worried about my boys' mental health. Gabriel feels everything very, very deeply. But he's also the kid who doesn't say anything.' Amid the clash in philosophies over the pandemic, Garrison moved out from his parents home and eventually settled in Arizona in 2021. Gabriel said on the show's 18th season in 2022 that he 'was met with just a wall' when trying to speak about COVID-19 protocols with his father, as it had created serious friction in the household. 'There was no line of dialogue,' Gabriel said. 'I think that that is what really drove the wedge between us.' Kody talked about the issues with his sons in a May 2023 episode of the series, saying he was upset with the situation. 'I haven't been in touch with Gabriel and Garrison for quite a while,' Kody said. 'I'm pretty sad that I'm not close [to them] anymore.' He added that 'there was just so many things in our lives that we did that were rich together, you know, just special experiences.' Kody said that he thought and hoped that they could 'get over this' in time. Garrison had an Instagram account under the handle @robertthebrown, with more than 67,000 followers Garrison was seen posing with one of his pets in a January 2022 post on Instagram 'Right now, there's not really an open door with Gabe and Garrison,' he said. 'They're they're not willing to engage me.' The sons appeared to be on the outs with Kody as recently as last fall, as Janelle told E! News in a November 2023 interview she was hopeful they'd eventually reconcile. 'I do hope that that eventually time heals,' she said. 'I'm hoping that over time, he can find a relationship with the children that he's estranged from now.' If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Once a fan favourite, Brent Vitiello is now at the centre of an explosive scandal - and his latest statement may only pour fuel on the fire. The former Married At First Sight groom, 36, has broken his silence to Daily Mail Australia after months of mounting pressure over his controversial wellness brand Mos X Daily, which has been slammed by dozens of customers for allegedly taking their money and delivering nothing in return. But rather than apologising or offering compensation, Vitiello dismissed the backlash as 'the same story, same complaints' - insisting he will 'fix it' in his own time. Despite a public warning issued by NSW Fair Trading in March advising Australians not to deal with his company, and 45 official complaints lodged over undelivered goods and poor communication, Vitiello remains defiant. Vitiello did not acknowledge, however, the growing number of Aussies who say they've waited up to six months for their orders - with many claiming they never received a single update, let alone a refund. Even now, the Mos X Daily website is live and accepting payments, despite NSW Fair Trading urging consumers to steer clear. Once a fan favourite, Brent Vitiello (pictured) is now at the centre of an explosive scandal - and his latest statement may only pour fuel on the fire The former MAFS groom, 36, has broken his silence to Daily Mail Australia after months of mounting pressure over his controversial wellness brand Mos X Daily, which has been slammed by dozens of customers for taking their money and delivering nothing in return The government body has also questioned the brand's supposed charitable donations, saying it has 'not been substantiated' whether any funds were transferred to the One Dollar One Dream foundation. And while Vitiello told Pedestrian TV in March that his company had fulfilled '30,000 orders for free' and was dealing with a backlog due to production challenges in Timor-Leste, furious buyers dispute this. Nursing student Ms Watt told Daily Mail Australia she made an order in late 2024 and has still not received anything. Meanwhile, Gold Coast-based mother of two Christy Miranda said that she has been waiting seven months since she paid the brand $130. 'He was short, rude, unapologetic which shocked me at how uncaring and unprofessional he was...' she explained. 'Brent just didn't care, had a go at me and blocked me.' When approached for comment about Christy's claims, Brent told Daily Mail Australia: 'I don't read any of these things or watch any videos. It doesn't change the outcome.' Vitiello insists he's too busy to engage with the criticism. But for many customers, the 'noise' is no longer just online chatter - it's a call for accountability. Customers also complained that when their products did arrive they were badly packaged and unable to be consumed A Facebook group dedicated to Mos X Daily complaints now has hundreds of members sharing nearly identical stories: money paid, orders unfulfilled, and communication dead NSW Fair Trading has made their position clear: 'Do not place an order or deal with this business' @chelseamcshanebeauty SCAM ALERT Grab a cup of tea because this is a long one! (And yes, youll want the tea for this one, trust me.) Im not even going to tag the brand because I know this will likely get reported or taken down. But honestly, this has been a long time coming, and I have to share my experience and clearly a LOT of other peoples too. The sea moss brand that scammed me and so many others. Im still getting comments under my old post from people saying its happened to them to this day! A year later Ive ordered products & work with brands and this is just awful service stealing from your customers is not right to this day we have never been refunded & tbh couldnt care less says a lot more about the brand itself! If this helps one person avoid this, then sharing this is 100% worth it. Please repost so more people are aware! be so careful of this brand when shopping online #ScamAlert #FraudAwareness #SeaMossScam #StaySafeOnline #fyp #scamawareness #scam #mosxdaily #seamoss #wellnessbrand original sound - chelseamcshanebeauty A Facebook group dedicated to Mos X Daily complaints now has hundreds of members sharing nearly identical stories: money paid, orders unfulfilled, and communication dead. Despite promises to use TikTok daily to update customers, Vitiello has gone quiet again - and it's unclear when, or if, he will make good on his vow to 'fix' the mess. Until then, consumer advocates are encouraging those affected to come forward and lodge complaints with authorities, with the possibility of collective legal action on the horizon. NSW Fair Trading has made their position clear: 'Do not place an order or deal with this business.' Brent has been experiencing problems with the business since he launched it last year - Shortly after its launch, his brand got into hot water when furious customers alleged they were yet set to see their products after paying for them online. Brent previously said there were issues distributing the sea moss internationally because it spoils after 30 days and they had to switch shipping companies to ensure faster delivery. He previously claimed that his product has helped 'thousands' of people as he continues to praise his product and its alleged benefits amid the order issues. Brent rose to fame on the ninth series of MAFS in 2022, where he was famously 'married' to Tamara Djordjevic. Unfortunately, their ill-fated romance went from bad to worse on the show, before they went their separate ways during their explosive final vows. Arnold Schwarzenegger sent fans wild as he reunited with Twins co-star Danny DeVito for his latest post on Instagram - which bizarrely featured former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Schwarzenegger and DeVito, 77 and 80, starred in the 1988 film with the former playing the streetwise Vincent and the latter cast as his twin, the intelligent but naive Julius. The movie was iconic, grossing more than $216million and marking Schwarzenegger's first stab at a comedic role alongside acting royalty DeVito. So fans were understandably excited to see the duo had reunited for a photo on Arnold's Instagram on Monday, with the post racking up more than 200,000 likes in a matter of hours. The picture showed the actors stood either side of British politician Tony Blair, 71, with the trio all cracking beaming smiles as they stood arm-in-arm next to a swimming pool. Danny DeVito (left), Tony Blair (centre) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (right) posed for a 'random' photo together posted on the latter's Instagram on Monday Schwarzenegger and DeVito, 77 and 80, starred in the 1988 film Twins with the duo portraying genetically engineered siblings who only crossed paths when they reached adulthood 'I love bringing old friends back together,' Schwarzenegger captioned the post on his Instagram which racked up more than 200,000 likes in a matter of hours 'I love bringing old friends back together,' Schwarzenegger's caption gushed. 'It was fantastic to see my dear friend Tony Blair and introduce him to my brother, @dannydevito. 'I can't wait to talk about termination pollution together in Vienna at the @schwarzeneggerclimate summit!' Film fanatics were quick to take to the comments section to express their excitement at Schwarzenegger and DeVito's link-up, though some called Blair's inclusion 'random'. One commented: 'All legends in their own right!' 'These three together looks like the start of an Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode,' quipped another.' While one more simply wrote: 'This has got to be the most random link-up ever.' Schwarzenegger and Blair actually collaborated during the actor's time as Governor of California, nevertheless. Schwarzenegger played Julius Benedict in Twins, the older brother of Vincent Benedict, played by DeVito DeVito and Schwarzenegger had been working on a sequel to the 1988 film called Triplets, but that was scrapped in 2022 In fact, the governor was Blair's final guest during his time as PM when he visited Downing Street in 2007. The pair had met to discuss climate issues and low-carbon economies - environmental issues which Schwarzenegger has been vocal about. And Blair and Schwarzenegger's meeting, alongside DeVito, comes a few weeks before they will all discuss climate issues at the actor's ninth annual conference in June. Only last year, the iconic acting duo sent fans into a frenzy when they reunited onstage at the Oscars more than 30 years after the release of Twins. Schwarzenegger and DeVito took to the stage in March 2024 to present the award for best visual effects of the year, which was handed to Godzilla: Minus One. Just a matter of days after their reunion at the Oscars, film fanatics' excitement was compounded when DeVito revealed that he and his former co-star may have another film in the works. Speaking to Fox News, he said: 'Mr Schwarzenegger, he's like my buddy, we're trying to do another movie together. 'There's a script being written, we're working with Warner Brothers right now, we want to get back on the big screen together. The duo sent fans wild when they reunited at the 2024 Oscars to present an award together. Just a few days after the reunion, DeVito revealed he and his acting co-star were planning a new on-screen film together 'It won't be a sequel, Ivan [Reitman who directed Twins] is no longer with us. I knew Arnold before twins, I'd see him once in a while, we're looking forward to getting back on the screen together. 'So next year, fingers crossed, we'll be back in production with something We always have a good time together, he's a sweet guy.' There is yet to be any further updates on a potential new movie, however. The 1988 film Twins saw the duo portraying genetically engineered siblings who only crossed paths when they reached adulthood. The iconic stars were involved in a long-in-the-works sequel to Twins called Triplets, where the brothers would discover that they're actually triplets. There were reports suggesting Eddie Murphy would be joining the cast of the sequel, and Tracy Morgan was even reportedly set to take on a new role in the film. However, the project was put on hold after the original film's director, Ivan Reitman, passed away at the age of 75 in February 2022. Ivan's son and Hollywood heavyweight director, Jason Reitman, was then pitched the film but, according to Schwarzenegger, he was the one to give it the red light. The only other time Schwarzenegger and DeVito had appeared together on-screen was for the 1994 film, Junior. Lauren Zonfrillo has shared how she begged hotel staff to put her through to her husband Jock's hotel room as the MasterChef Australia star lay dead in his bed. The widow of Jock Zonfrillo says she repeatedly called Zagame's House in Melbourne, where Jock was staying while on promotional duties for MasterChef, when jock failed to answer her mobile calls, but was mistaken for a 'crazed fan'. Jock was found dead in his Melbourne hotel room about 2am on May 1, 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old. Lauren, who was in Italy with the couple's two young children at the time, tells The Imperfects podcast that she sensed something was wrong when her Facetime calls went unanswered, and attempted to put a call through to the chef's room via the reception desk of the trendy boutique hotel. 'I called the hotel. They thought I was a crazed Jock Zonfrillo fan so they wouldn't put me through to his room' she said. Lauren said she argued, 'I am his wife. I made the reservation. I've got the paperwork. It's on my credit card. I've got passports. I've got marriage certificates. Lauren Zonfrillo has shared how she begged hotel staff to put her through to her husband Jock's hotel room as the MasterChef Australia star lay dead in his bed. Both pictured 'What do you need to put me through to his room? And he said, "I'm just not going to do that." 'I said, "I'm on the other side of the world with two young children and I'm really panicked, if you could just knock on his door or something" and he said, "I'm just not doing that for you"'. Lauren says she realised she would have to 'escalate this' and called the local police for a welfare check. She claims the hotel also refused to put police through to Jock's room on the phone, which then prompted local authorities to arrive at the hotel. Police later called Lauren back with horrific news - they'd found Jock dead in his room. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Zagame's House for comment. On Sunday, Lauren shared the harrowing final moments she spent with Jock as she said goodbye to his lifeless body. The grieving widow raced home to Australia from Italy with the couple's two young children, where she was faced with seeing his body in a Melbourne morgue. Lauren, who was in Italy with the couple's two young children at the time, tells The Imperfects podcast (pictured) that she sensed something was wrong when her Facetime calls went unanswered, and attempted to put a call through to the chef's room via the reception desk of the trendy boutique hotel Lauren told 7NEWS Spotlight's Liz Hayes on Sunday that she was full of fear - but needed to see her husband, and speak to him. 'I was scared of it, but it was just what I needed. It was just a very strange feeling' she said while tears rolled down her face. 'Jock was in his pyjamas. I could smell his aftershave. I could smell his hair product. It was just like Jock was sleeping. 'I went up to him, and I wanted to touch him but I was quite scared. And so I started with his hair, and then I could touch his face, then I was kind of, was okay with it. But it was really my time to say goodbye to Jock' she continued. 'He was still there. I really felt he was there. I told him that it will be okay, that I've got this. That I will make sure the kids live big lives. And that, no matter what, we would be a family.' Lauren said that she begged her husband to tell her what happened to him, and wished that he would reply. 'I asked him what the f**k happened, and I just wanted the words from him. He just looked completely normal to me. 'I could not undo what was in front of me. Like, I am broken now. That's it. There's no fixing me. This is the person I love that much, who cannot be there.' Lauren says she repeatedly called Zagame's House in Melbourne, where Jock was staying while on promotional duties for MasterChef, when jock failed to answer her mobile calls, but was mistaken for a 'crazed fan' When asked to disclose Jock's cause of death, which has never been revealed, Lauren remained protective of her husband. 'A lot of people want to know the answer to that, I'm really aware of that. I've had a lot of experiences with people coming up to me, all strangers, and asking how Jock died, and it's very unsettling' she said. 'Jock was very open in what he was willing to talk about. And I now don't want to make those decisions, because I don't know what he does and doesn't want to talk about.' Lauren said she 'has an answer' to what killed her husband, but 'it doesn't make a difference' to her grieving process. There was widespread speculation about the cause of Zonfrillo's sudden death due to his well-publicised history of drug abuse and mental health struggles. He left behind Lauren and their two young children, five-year-old Alfie and three-year-old Isla, as well as daughters Ava and Sofia from previous marriages. At the time of Zonfrillo's death, Lauren had been in Italy and reportedly became concerned when her husband failed to keep to their usual daily schedule of telephone calls. A senior Victoria Police source told Daily Mail Australia that officers who attended Zagame's House in Carlton found Zonfrillo dead in his bed and saw no obvious signs of anything suspicious or unusual. Jock left behind Lauren and their two young children, five-year-old Alfie and three-year-old Isla (both pictured), as well as daughters Ava and Sofia from previous marriages There was no drug paraphernalia located, no one else in his room and police at the scene formed the initial view Zonfrillo had died of natural causes. Lauren has never publicly discussed Zonfrillo's cause of death and a spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told Daily Mail Australia in February that the August 2024 findings of an investigation would not be published. It is unclear if Lauren will reveal what she knows of what happened the night her husband died in her upcoming book Till Death Do Us Part, an extract of which appears in the current edition of The Australian Women's Weekly. Before his death, Zonfrillo had been preparing for the launch of MasterChef's 15th season, which was set to premiere the night his body was found. He was also in the early stages of planning a new restaurant and had started working on a cookbook prior to his death. Zonfrillo and his wife had put their four-bedroom Carlton terrace up for rent ahead of a potential permanent move to Italy, where his father was born. Daily Mail Australia previously revealed Zonfrillo had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in mid 2021, after recovering from an earlier bout with the disease. It is not suggested the cancer killed Zonfrillo, only that he had told friends its return was detected after a routine colonoscopy. Lauren has never publicly discussed Zonfrillo's cause of death and a spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told Daily Mail Australia in February that the August 2024 findings of an investigation would not be published A source said Zonfrillo kept his health problems from most friends and colleagues, receiving treatment including chemotherapy when MasterChef was not filming. A fortnight after Zonfrillo's death his wife led about 200 mourners who gathered for a funeral at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium at North Ryde on May 13. Among those who attended the service were celebrity chefs George Calombaris, Matt Moran, Colin Fassnidge, Manu Feildel and Shannon Bennett as well as Zonfrillo's co-stars Allen and Melissa Leong. Lauren was among the pallbearers and delivered a eulogy before Zonfrillo's friend and fellow Scotsman, Jimmy Barnes, sang Amazing Grace with his daughter Mahalia. Zonfrillo wrote in his 2021 memoir Last Shot about battling a heroin addiction from his teenage years working as a chef in Glasgow. After moving to north-west England he sold cocaine and other drugs to supplement his wages, was eventually sacked and at 17 made his way to London. Zonfrillo wrote that he turned up at Marco Pierre White's renowned restaurant at the Hyde Park Hotel in 1994 and the famed chef became a mentor who would shape his life. He moved to Australia aged 20 in 1996 and got a job at Forty One restaurant in Sydney where he was using cocaine, pills, LSD and cannabis. Zonfrillo joined the MasterChef Australia judging panel in 2020 with food critic Leong and restaurateur Allen after original judges Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left According to his book, Zonfrillo kept a raging heroin habit hidden from everyone before going back to the UK in 1997 when his visa ran out. He wrote of taking his last hit of heroin in the toilets at Heathrow airport before returning to Australia in early 2000. Zonfrillo opened his own restaurants, Orana and Bistro Blackwood, in Adelaide in 2013. He added a third, Nonna Mallozzi, in 2018. The latter lasted six months, Bistro Blackwood closed in late 2019 and Orana in March 2020. Zonfrillo joined the MasterChef Australia judging panel in 2020 with food critic Leong and restaurateur Allen after original judges Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left. Till Death Do Us Part, published by Penguin Books Australia, will be released on May 6. Georgia Toffolo flaunted her incredible physique in a black bikini while enjoying a spa date with her husband James Watt on Sunday. The I'm A Celeb star, 30, was videoed by her spouse braving a freezing cold shower at the plush Rebase Recovery wellness club in west London. For her 'date day Sunday', Georgia wore her hair down and a skimpy black bikini which showcased her toned physique. The Made in Chelsea personality did not, however, seem to enjoy her cold shower and was filmed letting out a cry after being splashed by the water. Amusingly, Georgia later filmed James's turn to brave the freezing shower, calling him a 'weirdo' for liking the treatment. Stories shared by the couple on Instagram revealed that they also enjoyed a hyperbaric chamber and a roast as part of their wholesome Sunday afternoon date. Georgia Toffolo displayed her incredible figure in a black bikini as she braved a cold shower at he plush Rebase Recovery wellness club in west London on Saturday For her 'date day Sunday', Georgia wore her hair down and a skimpy black bikini which showcased her toned physique Toff and James also enjoyed a hyperbaric chamber for their date - after the couple tied the knot in March Since they started dating in 2023, Georgia and James have regularly shared snaps of themselves enjoying wellness rituals and fitness routines. The couple even own their own hyperbaric oxygen chamber, which can cost as much as 35,000. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases delivery of oxygen to the body by providing pure oxygen in an enclosed space with higher than normal air pressure. Georgia posted a video of herself wearing an oxygen mask in the chamber just a matter of weeks ago, saying she would 'live in there if she could'. 'Feels wrong to not address what I'm sat inside of,' she wrote. 'It is a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. 'Hyperbaric oxygen therapy essentially helps your body to heal by breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber with high air pressure. This lets your blood carry more oxygen which speeds up healing and recovery. 'Ive tried so many biohacking trends over the years but the hyperbaric packs serious punch. Also has the most mind blowing science backed research behind it. Id live in here if I could.' The Made in Chelsea personality did not, however, seem to enjoy her cold shower and was filmed letting out a cry after being splashed by the water Stories shared by the couple on Instagram revealed that they also enjoyed a hyperbaric chamber and a roast as part of their wholesome Sunday afternoon date Georgia and James tied the knot in March after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth 200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday in October. Guests only had 48 hours to attend the wedding however as the couple eloped to north-east Scotland - where they also enjoyed their honeymoon. Taking to Instagram, Georgia shared loved-up snaps of the newlyweds posing on a fishing boat moments after saying 'I Do', captioning her shock post: 'James and I got married today. '1st March will forever be the best day of my life - the day I became your wife. We eloped! 'Guests: whoever could get here with 48 hours notice! Georgia looked stunning for her big day, slipping into a cream, fleece off-the-shoulder dress - perfect for keeping her warm in the chilly Scottish weather. Georgia and James tied the knot in March after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth 200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday in October Guests only had 48 hours to attend the wedding however as the couple eloped to north-east Scotland - where they also enjoyed their honeymoon The I'm A Celebrity star styled her blonde locks into an elegant up do' and added dainty diamond earrings and a flowing white veil to her bridal look. Perhaps not very bridal were the chunky brown boots she donned with the outfit, though this may have been for health and safety reasons amid their photoshoot on the boat. Meanwhile, James himself rocked an unconventional wedding outfit, donning a cream beanie hat and a thick cream jumper worn beneath blue fishing overalls. The couple certainly appeared to get in the spirit of things, with Georgia and James pulling different expressions as they got to grips with some lobsters. Lorraine Kelly has taken to her Instagram to give her fans a health update after undergoing keyhole surgery over the weekend. The presenter, 65, previously shared a video from her hospital bed on Saturday, revealing that she was having an operation to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes. Reassuring fans, she explained she was being well looked after and that the surgery was for 'purely preventative' reasons, after she'd been unwell for some time. And on Sunday, Lorraine confirmed she was back home and recuperating as she heaped praise on the hospital staff and her surgeon for being so 'kind' and 'caring'. She shared a snap of herself surrounded by healthcare professionals, sitting in a wheelchair and wearing a T-shirt paying tribute to her late friend Dame Deborah James. Alongside, the TV star gushed: 'Huge thanks to these kind, caring, gorgeous professionals who took care of me at @heatherwoodhospital - back home now and following doctors orders to rest up. Lorraine Kelly has taken to her Instagram to give her fans a health update after undergoing keyhole surgery over the weekend The presenter, 65, previously shared a video from her hospital bed on Saturday, revealing that she was having an operation to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes And on Sunday, Lorraine confirmed she was back home and recuperating as she heaped praise on the hospital staff and her surgeon for being so 'kind' and 'caring' 'My surgeon Mr Ahmed Rafaat has been so reassuring throughout - and I cant thank the whole team enough!' Lorraine was soon flooded with well wishes from her fans and famous friends, with Emma Willis writing: 'Lots of love Lorraine ' and Christine Lampard commenting a string of heart emojis. Sir Chris Hoy added: 'Get well soon, Lorraine' while Vanessa Feltz penned: 'Enjoy a bit of convalescence with your beautiful girls'. Dr Amir Khan wrote: 'So glad youre home, what a fantastic team', while Strictly's Amy Dowden shared: 'Sending lots of love' and Sara Cox said: 'Rest up & relax xxx'. Gaby Roslin commented: 'Get well soon my darling. Big love ' and Loose Women's Katie Piper added: 'Glad you are home. Rest up'. Announcing her surgery the day before, Lorraine told fans: 'Just wanted to let you know I'm having a wee procedure today. 'I've not been feeling all that well for a little while, so I had some scans and tests, and I have to have my ovaries and my tubes taken out. 'It's purely preventative. It's going to be with keyhole surgery, which is incredible, I'm being very well looked after, and I'll obviously see you really soon, and I'm gonna be totally fine.' Lorraine was soon flooded with well wishes from her fans and famous friends, with Emma Willis writing: 'Lots of love Lorraine ' and Christine Lampard adding a string of heart emojis She added in the caption: 'Getting keyhole surgery - all preventative - feel very lucky to be treated so well - thank you Dr Raafat and all the staff!' The procedure to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes is known as an laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and is typically done preventively to remove the risk of developing ovarian cancer. According to the NHS, it is suggested you stay off work for two to four weeks after having the surgery, meaning Lorraine may have to take a break from presenting her daytime show. It comes after Lorraine left viewers of the ITV morning shows a little concerned after appearing on various programmes with a 'puffy' appearance. During Lorraine's appearance on Good Morning Britain many fans shared their worry on social media. She later appeared on Loose Women and revealed exactly what had happened to her - that she had fallen over a rhino ornament while putting the washing out at home and given herself a black eye. On Good Morning Britain on Monday, Susanna Reid asked: 'How's your eye by the way?' Lorraine said: 'You can see Helen has covered it up. Our fantastic make-up artist. Helen Hand the magician. Announcing her surgery the day before, she explained the procedure was for 'purely preventative' reasons, after she'd been unwell for some time Lorraine added in the caption: 'Getting keyhole surgery - all preventative - feel very lucky to be treated so well - thank you Dr Raafat and all the staff!' 'It's still quite bad but the swelling as gone down.' Susanna replied: 'Last week when we saw you, you looked very weepy' as Lorraine agreed: 'Yes, swollen.' Just moments before Ed was left lost for words when Lorraine said a bit of a crude word. The host was talking about the new drama Towards Zero when she said: 'It's called s**gatha Christie apparently.' A shocked Susanna replied: 'I beg your pardon?!' Lorraine asked: 'Am I allowed to say that? I've said it...' as Ed sternly shot back: 'No.' A sheepish Lorraine said: 'Anyway... I apologise for apologising. I'll apologise again to myself.' She later spoke about her black eye on Monday's episode of Lorraine, recalling: 'I had lots of things in my hands, lots of washing in my hand and then wham! Fell!' It comes after Lorraine updated fans on swollen face and is forced to apologise live on Good Morning Britain after VERY rude comment leaves Ed Balls stunned She later shared a picture of her black eye on her own show Lorraine Dr Hilary Jones replied: 'Well you can't see it now?' and Lorraine informed him: 'That's because Helen has covered it up!' They then shared a video of where the accident happened in her home on the show. Dr Hilary then gave viewers tips on what to do if they find themselves in the same situation and how to improve bruises. Lorraine later revealed the truth behind her swollen face live on Loose Women on Thursday after being asked 'if she'd had fillers. 'So I had a massive bag of washing, like a washing basket, I couldn't see, and I was going from the kitchen to the living room, and there was a wee step. 'My slippers are too big and I fell over and fell onto a rhino!' She continued: 'I thought "Oh it will be fine!" but I woke up this morning with the biggest shiner, this big black eye!' Lorraine explained that lots of 'lovely' viewers asked if she had allergies, but confirmed that this was not the case. Lorraine Kelly reveals truth behind her swollen face live on Loose Women after being asked 'if she'd had fillers or an allergic reaction' by panicked fans Lorraine (middle) appeared on the panel with Charlene White (left), Linda Robson, Judi Love and Nadia Sawalha (right) She also addressed speculation around her having facial injectables, adding: 'Have I had fillers? No!' But before they got into the chat, Lorraine also wanted to address the speculation about her face, after many of those watching at home had got in touch with her to share their worry. Lorraine explained: 'Yesterday, you know as woman, when we try to do too many things at one time, and we try to do it really fast... 'So I had a massive bag of washing, like a washing basket, I couldn't see, and I was going from the kitchen to the living room, and there was a wee step.' Lauren Zonfrillo has shared how she begged hotel staff to put her through to her husband Jock's hotel room as the MasterChef Australia star lay dead in his bed. The widow of Jock Zonfrillo says she repeatedly called Zagame's House in Melbourne, where Jock was staying while on promotional duties for MasterChef, when jock failed to answer her mobile calls, but was mistaken for a 'crazed fan'. Jock was found dead in his Melbourne hotel room about 2am on May 1, 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old. Lauren, who was in Italy with the couple's two young children at the time, tells The Imperfects podcast that she sensed something was wrong when her Facetime calls went unanswered, and attempted to put a call through to the chef's room via the reception desk of the trendy boutique hotel. 'I called the hotel. They thought I was a crazed Jock Zonfrillo fan so they wouldn't put me through to his room' she said. Lauren said she argued, 'I am his wife. I made the reservation. I've got the paperwork. It's on my credit card. I've got passports. I've got marriage certificates. Lauren Zonfrillo has shared how she begged hotel staff to put her through to her husband Jock's hotel room as the MasterChef Australia star lay dead in his bed. Both pictured 'What do you need to put me through to his room? And he said, "I'm just not going to do that." 'I said, "I'm on the other side of the world with two young children and I'm really panicked, if you could just knock on his door or something" and he said, "I'm just not doing that for you"'. Lauren says she realised she would have to 'escalate this' and called the local police for a welfare check. She claims the hotel also refused to put police through to Jock's room on the phone, which then prompted local authorities to arrive at the hotel. Police later called Lauren back with horrific news - they'd found Jock dead in his room. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Zagame's House for comment. On Sunday, Lauren shared the harrowing final moments she spent with Jock as she said goodbye to his lifeless body. The grieving widow raced home to Australia from Italy with the couple's two young children, where she was faced with seeing his body in a Melbourne morgue. Lauren, who was in Italy with the couple's two young children at the time, tells The Imperfects podcast (pictured) that she sensed something was wrong when her Facetime calls went unanswered, and attempted to put a call through to the chef's room via the reception desk of the trendy boutique hotel Lauren told 7NEWS Spotlight's Liz Hayes on Sunday that she was full of fear - but needed to see her husband, and speak to him. 'I was scared of it, but it was just what I needed. It was just a very strange feeling' she said while tears rolled down her face. 'Jock was in his pyjamas. I could smell his aftershave. I could smell his hair product. It was just like Jock was sleeping. 'I went up to him, and I wanted to touch him but I was quite scared. And so I started with his hair, and then I could touch his face, then I was kind of, was okay with it. 'But it was really my time to say goodbye to Jock' she continued. 'He was still there. I really felt he was there. I told him that it will be okay, that I've got this. That I will make sure the kids live big lives. And that, no matter what, we would be a family.' Lauren said that she begged her husband to tell her what happened to him, and wished that he would reply. 'I asked him what the f**k happened, and I just wanted the words from him. He just looked completely normal to me. Lauren says she repeatedly called Zagame's House in Melbourne, where Jock was staying while on promotional duties for MasterChef, when jock failed to answer her mobile calls, but was mistaken for a 'crazed fan' 'I could not undo what was in front of me. Like, I am broken now. That's it. There's no fixing me. This is the person I love that much, who cannot be there.' When asked to disclose Jock's cause of death, which has never been revealed, Lauren remained protective of her husband. 'A lot of people want to know the answer to that, I'm really aware of that. I've had a lot of experiences with people coming up to me, all strangers, and asking how Jock died, and it's very unsettling' she said. 'Jock was very open in what he was willing to talk about. And I now don't want to make those decisions, because I don't know what he does and doesn't want to talk about.' Lauren said she 'has an answer' to what killed her husband, but 'it doesn't make a difference' to her grieving process. There was widespread speculation about the cause of Zonfrillo's sudden death due to his well-publicised history of drug abuse and mental health struggles. He left behind Lauren and their two young children, five-year-old Alfie and three-year-old Isla, as well as daughters Ava and Sofia from previous marriages. At the time of Zonfrillo's death, Lauren had been in Italy and reportedly became concerned when her husband failed to keep to their usual daily schedule of telephone calls. Jock left behind Lauren and their two young children, five-year-old Alfie and three-year-old Isla (both pictured), as well as daughters Ava and Sofia from previous marriages A senior Victoria Police source told Daily Mail Australia that officers who attended Zagame's House in Carlton found Zonfrillo dead in his bed and saw no obvious signs of anything suspicious or unusual. Jock left behind Lauren and their two young children, five-year-old Alfie and three-year-old Isla (both pictured), as well as daughters Ava and Sofia from previous marriages There was no drug paraphernalia located , no one else in his room and police at the scene formed the initial view Zonfrillo had died of natural causes. Lauren has never publicly discussed Zonfrillo's cause of death and a spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told Daily Mail Australia in February that the August 2024 findings of an investigation would not be published. It is unclear if Lauren will reveal what she knows of what happened the night her husband died in her upcoming book Till Death Do Us Part , an extract of which appears in the current edition of The Australian Women's Weekly. Before his death, Zonfrillo had been preparing for the launch of MasterChef's 15th season, which was set to premiere the night his body was found. He was also in the early stages of planning a new restaurant and had started working on a cookbook prior to his death. Zonfrillo and his wife had put their four-bedroom Carlton terrace up for rent ahead of a potential permanent move to Italy, where his father was born. Lauren has never publicly discussed Zonfrillo's cause of death and a spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told Daily Mail Australia in February that the August 2024 findings of an investigation would not be published Daily Mail Australia previously revealed Zonfrillo had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in mid 2021, after recovering from an earlier bout with the disease. It is not suggested the cancer killed Zonfrillo, only that he had told friends its return was detected after a routine colonoscopy. Lauren has never publicly discussed Zonfrillo's cause of death and a spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told Daily Mail Australia in February that the August 2024 findings of an investigation would not be published A source said Zonfrillo kept his health problems from most friends and colleagues, receiving treatment including chemotherapy when MasterChef was not filming. A fortnight after Zonfrillo's death his wife led about 200 mourners who gathered for a funeral at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium at North Ryde on May 13. Among those who attended the service were celebrity chefs George Calombaris, Matt Moran, Colin Fassnidge, Manu Feildel and Shannon Bennett as well as Zonfrillo's co-stars Allen and Melissa Leong. Lauren was among the pallbearers and delivered a eulogy before Zonfrillo's friend and fellow Scotsman, Jimmy Barnes, sang Amazing Grace with his daughter Mahalia. Zonfrillo joined the MasterChef Australia judging panel in 2020 with food critic Leong and restaurateur Allen after original judges Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left Zonfrillo wrote in his 2021 memoir Last Shot about battling a heroin addiction from his teenage years working as a chef in Glasgow. After moving to north-west England he sold cocaine and other drugs to supplement his wages, was eventually sacked and at 17 made his way to London. Zonfrillo wrote that he turned up at Marco Pierre White's renowned restaurant at the Hyde Park Hotel in 1994 and the famed chef became a mentor who would shape his life. He moved to Australia aged 20 in 1996 and got a job at Forty One restaurant in Sydney where he was using cocaine, pills, LSD and cannabis. According to his book, Zonfrillo kept a raging heroin habit hidden from everyone before going back to the UK in 1997 when his visa ran out. He wrote of taking his last hit of heroin in the toilets at Heathrow airport before returning to Australia in early 2000. Zonfrillo opened his own restaurants, Orana and Bistro Blackwood, in Adelaide in 2013. He added a third, Nonna Mallozzi, in 2018. The latter lasted six months, Bistro Blackwood closed in late 2019 and Orana in March 2020. Zonfrillo joined the MasterChef Australia judging panel in 2020 with food critic Leong and restaurateur Allen after original judges Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left. Liz Hayes' recent interview with Jock Zonfrillo's widow failed to draw the expected crowds despite weeks of promotional build-up and hype in the media sphere. The 7NEWS Spotlight journalist, 68, spoke to Lauren Zonfrillo on Sunday about the devastating loss of her husband, who was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room around 2am on May 1, 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check. The interview, which is the first sit-down that the grieving widow has done since her husband passed away two years ago, was set to draw in the ratings as the promotional clips dubbed it 'one of the most powerful interviews of the year'. However, the segment was surprisingly out-rated by Nine's 60 Minutes, which aired during the same time slot and was previously fronted by Liz herself. It was revealed by news.com.au that 7NEWS Spotlight was watched by 418,000 people on Sunday night while 60 Minutes was watched by 444,000, amassing an extra 26,000 views. Despite the ratings showing a slump, Liz was perfectly tipped for the interview after chatting to the late Jock Zonfrillo a month prior to his death for Spotlight's TV nemesis 60 Minutes. Liz Hayes' interview with Jock Zonfrillo's widow is being considered a ratings flop despite weeks of promotional build-up and hype in the media sphere. Lauren and Liz are pictured The 7NEWS Spotlight journalist, 68, spoke to Lauren Zonfrillo on Sunday about the devastating loss of her husband, who was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room around 2am on May 1, 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check. Pictured with Jock The journalist, who worked for Channel Nine for 44 years before quitting in February 2025, chatted to the celebrity chef in April 2023, however the channel decided against airing the interview. Liz announced a shock move to rival network Seven earlier this year. Two months after departing Nine, ending her decades with the network, the former 60 Minutes star has officially joined Channel Seven to work on current affairs show Spotlight. Spotlight executive producer Gemma Williams said it was a privilege to welcome Liz to the network's flagship news show. 'We're privileged to welcome Liz Hayes to 7NEWS Spotlight as a guest correspondent,' she said. 'Widely respected for her decades of experience, storytelling expertise and journalistic integrity, we look forward to collaborating with Liz on this special project.' Daily Mail Australia's Inside Mail earlier revealed that Liz's first assignment for Spotlight was the tell-all interview with Lauren Zonfrillo. On Sunday night, Lauren shared the harrowing final moments she spent with her MasterChef Australia star husband Jock as she said goodbye to his lifeless body. On Sunday night, Lauren Zonfrillo shared the harrowing final moments she spent with her MasterChef Australia star husband Jock as she said goodbye to his lifeless body Liz announced her shock move to rival network Seven earlier this year His grieving widow raced home to Australia from Italy with the couple's two young children, where she was faced with seeing his body in a Melbourne morgue. Lauren told 7NEWS Spotlight that she was full of fear - but needed to see her husband, and speak to him. 'I was scared of it, but it was just what I needed. It was just a very strange feeling' she said while tears rolled down her face. 'Jock was in his pyjamas. I could smell his aftershave. I could smell his hair product. It was just like Jock was sleeping. 'I went up to him, and I wanted to touch him but I was quite scared. And so I started with his hair, and then I could touch his face, then I was kind of, was okay with it. But it was really my time to say goodbye to Jock' she continued. 'He was still there. I really felt he was there. I told him that it will be okay, that I've got this. That I will make sure the kids live big lives. And that, no matter what, we would be a family.' Lauren said that she begged her husband to tell her what happened to him, and wished that he would reply. 'I asked him what the f**k happened, and I just wanted the words from him. He just looked completely normal to me. 'I could not undo what was in front of me. Like, I am broken now. That's it. There's no fixing me. 'This is the person I love that much, who cannot be there.' Steve Price had a laugh at the expense of the US President - and Peter Dutton - during Monday's episode of The Project. The panel were discussing a clip in which Donald Trump admitted he has no idea who Peter Dutton is while praising Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for being 'very nice' to him. Price recreated the moment, in an American accent and all, during the current affairs show. 'I don't know that guy. Albanese is a good guy. I don't know the other bloke' Price quipped in a classic Trump drawl. 'Did we see a Steve Price Trump impression?' Price's stunned and impressed co-host Sam Taunton said. The gag left the whole panel laughing, with Sarah Harris also having a go at mimicking Trump's accent. Steve Price (pictured) had a laugh at the expense of the US President - and Peter Dutton - during Monday's episode of The Project The panel were discussing a clip in which Donald Trump (pictured) admitted he has no idea who Peter Dutton is while praising Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for being 'very nice' to him. Price recreated the moment, in an American accent and all Trump was quizzed about the Australian election result outside the White House on Monday morning, the US President said: 'Albanese, I'm very friendly with. 'I don't know anything about the election... the man that won is very good.' Asked about Albanese's previous comments that Trump's across-the-board 10 per cent tariffs were 'not the act of a friend', Trump said: 'I can only say he's been very, very nice to me, very respectful to me. 'I have no idea who the other person is that ran against him. 'We've had a very good relationship.' The PM later revealed he had spoken to Trump following his re-election victory. 'I had a very warm and positive conversation about President Trump just a short while ago while I was at the Lodge,' he said on Monday morning. 'I thanked him for his very warm message of congratulations. We talked about AUKUS and tariffs. 'We will continue to engage with each other on a face-to-face basis at some time in the future. 'Did we see a Steve Price Trump impression?' Price's stunned and impressed co-host Sam Taunton (pictured) said The gag left the whole panel laughing, with Sarah Harris (right) also having a go at mimicking Trump's accent 'But it was very warm... And I thanked him for reaching out in such a positive way as well.' The PM was then asked when he will visit the United States and whether a June trip is on the cards. Albanese declined to answer directly but added: 'I'll make an announcement when we have an announcement.' Trump avoided addressing the suggestion his presidency had contributed to a drop in Coalition support. Dutton has never met Trump and is now not particularly likely to after losing the election and his own seat of Dickson on Saturday night. A Daily Mail Australia-Ipsos poll carried out during the campaign found that voters saw the Coalition as narrowly better than Labor at handling Trump, 32 per cent to 29 per cent. But a local backlash to Trump's agenda is widely seen as a factor in Dutton's election wipeout. The Coalition had shown signs of mirroring some Trump policies such as an attack on working from home arrangements for public servants. Trump has admitted he has no idea who Peter Dutton (pictured) is Later during the campaign, Dutton had sought to distance himself from Trump's agenda. But the coalition was criticised for its policies to cut 41,000 public servants and name NT senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as spokeswoman for government efficiency - similar to Mr Trump's policies. Senator Price also made headlines when she called to 'make Australia great again', referencing Trump's election slogan. Trump's policies were a key factor in the recent election in Canada, which returned its centre-left government and punished the right-wing opposition, with its leader losing his House of Commons seat. Albanese and Dutton had campaigned on who would be best placed to deal with the Trump White House, following the president's imposition of tariffs on US allies. Dutton suggested during the election that he would be able to get a phone call with the president to secure a better deal. While Mr Trump hasn't put out an official statement congratulating Mr Albanese, like other world leaders, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media after the election outcome. 'Australia is a valued US friend and a close partner,' he said on X, formerly Twitter. 'We look forward to continuing to promote freedom and security in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.' The US has imposed a 10 per cent base tariff on Australian goods imports and 25 per cent on aluminium and steel. Composed and with his hands in his pockets, Sean 'Diddy' Combs greeted potential jurors who hold his fate in their hands with a slight nod as the sex trafficking trial that could send him to prison for life began Monday. The embattled music mogul appeared in court wearing gray slacks, a navy crewneck sweater layered over a crisp white shirt and black-rimmed glasses. His prison garb was notably absent as Judge Arun Subramanian had given him permission to wear civilian clothing during the trial. His shoes weren't visible, but they are without laces per the judge's order. The most striking change in his appearance was the absence of the unruly white hair he had grown during his time at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. Now his hair is cut neatly, and his white beard remained. And despite the gravity of the crimes against him, Combs, 55, remained composed and calm, hugging his lawyers as he came in and nodding his head slightly when he faced the jurors with his hands in his pockets. Until he cracked midway through the process after Diddy's legal team requested a bathroom break. When the judge asked if they could carry on, Diddy put up his hand and said: 'I'm sorry your honor, I'm a little nervous today.' Composed and with his hands in his pockets, Diddy greeted potential jurors with a slight nod despite them holding his fate in their hands as his sex trafficking trial that could send him to prison for life began today Diddy's attorney Brian Steel arrived at the Southern District of New York Federal Court for jury selection on Monday Diddy remained composed and calm in the courtroom, hugging his lawyers as he came in and nodding his head slightly when he faced the jurors with his hands in his pockets Outside the Southern District of New York Federal Court, crowds gathered in anticipation of the trial's opening, following months of pre-trial motions and a denied request for delay from Diddy's legal team. Diddy faces five serious federal charges: racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. If convicted, the one-time rap producer and global superstar, who is often credited for his role in ushering hip-hop into the mainstream, could spend the rest of his life in prison. Hundreds of prospective jurors have already filled out questionnaires designed to elicit any bias they may have about the case. None of the first group, consisting of more than 50 jurors, reacted when told that Diddy would be the defendant. They were led into court and as they did so, Diddy turned to face them and eyeballed them slowly. Outside the Southern District of New York Federal Court, crowds gathered in anticipation of the trial's opening, following months of pre-trial motions and a denied request for delay from Diddy's legal team A Diddy supporter arrived at the Southern District of New York Federal Court, as jury selection begins in Sean Combs's federal sex crimes trial in New York on May 5 None of them appeared to recognize him and they didn't react when the judge explained the charges and read out a number of Diddy's names. There was no reaction when the judge said that among the questions the jury would have to answer was whether hearing evidence about sexual assault including rape, hiring sex workers and having multiple sexual partners would make them unable to serve. The jurors were escorted out of the room and then the first was brought back in for individual questioning - out of the 32 jurors who were questioned on day one by Judge Subramanian, 19 made it through to the next round. The first two celebrities to be named at Diddy's trial were Mike Myers and Michael B. Jordan. Their names were read out to a potential juror from a list of people and places that may come up throughout the trial. The juror, a man who works as a licensed massage therapist, said he only knew the two through their acting. Kanye West's name was also dragged into the case when a potential juror said they recognized his name from the list. The first two celebrities to be named at Diddy's trial were Mike Myers and Michael B. Jordan. Their names were read out to a potential juror from a list of people and places that may come up throughout the trial Kanye West's name was also dragged into the case when a potential juror said they recognized his name from the list The man, a scientist in his 40s, said that nothing he knew about West would affect his ability to be impartial. Other names mentioned on the list by a female juror who said she recognized them were Michelle Williams from Destiny's child, actress Lauren London who was the girlfriend of Nipsey Hussle who was fatally shot in 2019 and rapper Kid Cudi. Judge Subramanian said that the list of people and places runs 'several pages' and felt like an 'appendix from Lord of the Rings'. The comment alluded to the scale of the case, which dates back to 2004 and covers multiple states. Judge Arun Subramanian said that the list of people and places that will come up in the trial, which each juror will have to review to see if they recognize any of them, ran to 'several pages' To speed up the jury selection process, Subramanian ruled that jurors would be given the list to review before they are brought into court and questioned one by one as he attempts to seat a final panel of 12 jurors and six alternates. All of the jurors interviewed today by Judge Subramanian were anonymous and only referred to by their juror number. A young white woman in her 20s was excused by the judge after saying that hearing about sexual assault would make her 'not comfortable'. Another woman, aged in her 30s, was excused after writing in her questionnaire that the video of Diddy allegedly beating up his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016 which was aired by CNN 'could be damning evidence'. Diddy wore his tan prison-issued uniform at previous hearings but was granted permission by the judge to wear his own clothes for the trial A woman sits inside a shelter as people wait in line outside the Southern District of New York Federal Court Diddy's lawyer Marc Agnifilo told the court that the statement was 'definite' and the 'most important piece of evidence in this case'. The judge excused the woman over the objections of prosecutor Maureen Comey who said they wouldn't be using the video. A female juror in her 60s was allowed to stay in the prospective jury pool despite admitting that she was kissed and fondled for around two years when she 16 by a dentist while working at his office. The woman said that 'gross inappropriate behavior happens all day long all over the world' but insisted she could be impartial. Another female juror in her 20s was allowed to stay in the pool after she said that she had liked a post online from a comedian who joked about baby oil being found during the raids on Diddy's homes. 'It was funny,' the woman said. Among the other potential jurors was a woman in her 40s who works for HBO who said that she and her sister were molested between the ages of eight and 10 by a family member. She said she had seen the CNN video and found it 'disturbing' and 'upsetting' but said she could be impartial. Diddy's lawyers tried to object to the woman on the basis that HBO recently released the 'negative' documentary, The Fall of Diddy, but the judge overruled them and allowed her to continue in the process. Another potential juror who was not excused was a white woman in her 40s who said she was sexually assaulted by a neighbor in the mid 1990s. But she said that just because someone did acts like that, didn't make them a 'horrible human in all respects'. As Diddy walked out of the court for lunch, he quietly beat his fist on his chest to a friend in the public gallery. By noon four jurors had been allowed to continue through the process and three had been excused. So far, Combs's defense lawyers and prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office agreed on about 150 who could proceed to in-person questioning by the judge, known as voir dire. Diddy wore gray slacks, a navy crewneck sweater layered over a crisp white shirt and black-rimmed glasses in court today The judge said he would permit testimony from Dr. Ahoun on the effects of certain drugs and their 'blackout' symptoms, but not about what Diddy himself experienced as she didn't examine him Subramanian said in a May 1 pretrial hearing, where Diddy turned down a final plea deal, that the goal will be to choose 45 potential jurors who are qualified to serve, and lawyers for both sides will then have the opportunity to dismiss jurors without stating a reason, known as a peremptory strike. The panel will be anonymous, which is frequently the case in high-profile trials in which jurors could face threats or harassment if their identities are known. Opening statements are set to begin on May 12. The disgraced rapper's reported defense strategy will revolve around his mental capacity to commit the crimes as his representatives are arguing that he was not of clear mind, according to court documents. The court heard today that Diddy's lawyers will be allowed to call a psychiatrist who will testify about the effect of multiple drugs, including prescription drugs, on a normal person. Previous court filings have said that Dr. Ellie Ahoun will talk about Diddy's 'diminished capacity' to commit the crimes because of his drug intake. And in court, the judge said he would permit testimony from Ahoun on the 'expected effects of various drugs a person may experience during blackouts and other intoxicated episodes' and the 'predictable result of certain drug combinations'. The video that led to Diddy's downfall - which was aired by CNN in May 2024 - shows Combs, wearing only a white towel, punching, kicking and throwing Ventura to the ground In a letter filed Tuesday, Diddy's attorneys said despite their prior request for a gag order, several attorneys who represent the alleged victims and witnesses continue to muddy the jury pool with 'negative publicity' towards their client naming Ventura's lawyer Douglas Wigdor But the doctor will not be allowed to talk about what Diddy himself experienced as she didn't examine him, the judge ruled. The details of his alleged condition have been redacted in the documents, but there are a few clues of what it could be federal prosecutors do not believe it is relevant. According to the documents, prosecutors have stated that legal precedent requires the defense to give proper notice before offering any 'evidence of the effects of drugs and alcohol on a defendant's memory or cognitive function'. Another clue would be that prosecutors are describing the doctor's potential testimony as evidence of the 'defendant's inability to control behavior'. Diddy's ex-girlfriend Kim Porter - who's the mother of four of his children including his adopted son Quincy Brown, King Combs and twins Jessie and D'Lila - will come up 'frequently' during his trial, one of his lawyers told the court. Lawyer Teny Geragos said that they 'expect there to be discussions about Kim Porter frequently' during a debate about a female juror who is a chief marketing officer at book publishers Simon & Schuster. During the trial on Monday, in what appears to be a win for Diddy, Prosecutor Maureen Comey said they won't be offering the CNN video of Diddy beating up Ventura Law enforcement removing boxes of evidence and a laptop from Diddy's Star Island mansion in Miami Beach during the 2024 raid The woman said she had read a press release about a book out in the fall by Al B. Sure! who is Porter's ex-boyfriend. She claimed she would not read the book, but the judge excused her. But Prosecutor Maurene Comey disputed this and said 'I don't think we will hear much' about Porter, however, the bombshell claim suggests it will be part of Diddy's defense. In a letter filed Tuesday, Diddy's attorneys said despite their prior request for a gag order, several attorneys who represent the alleged victims and witnesses continue to muddy the jury pool with 'negative publicity' towards their client. His team specifically named Douglas Wigdor, who represents the rapper's ex-girlfriend 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 the rapper's 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. During the trial on Monday, in what appears to be a win for Diddy, Prosecutor Maureen Comey said they won't be offering the CNN video of Diddy beating up Ventura. Diddy's victims have claimed that he used to use an entire bottle of baby oil in just five minutes, with one woman called 'Nicole' telling Rolling Stone that after being given two pills that made her blackout, she woke up several hours later in a room surrounded by empty bottles of baby oil, towels and wine bottles. Other evidence which could come up at trial is a diary kept by a former employee of Diddy, along with texts between him and a number of his victims. Prosecutors revealed that their main witnesses have considerable baggage which Diddy's lawyers are likely to use to try to discredit them. Some of them have DUIs, have used illegal drugs, committed illegal sex acts, tax offenses and one even has a felony prosecutors said Diddy's side should be barred from asking about them all as they are not relevant. Nor should his lawyers be allowed to ask about prior domestic violence incidents, they say. Some of the law enforcement officers who could testify have prior misconduct cases against them another line of attack for Diddy. Another court document refers to a 'minor victim, a sign that they may either testify or be referred to during the trial allegations of abuse involving children are among the most serious he faces. Prosecutors are seeking to allow three of the four main accusers to testify anonymously but Diddy's lawyers are strongly objecting to that. For the biggest updates direct from court, search for The Trial of Diddy wherever you get your podcasts now. Radio broadcaster James Whale has given a devastating health update as the star said he's 'at the end' of his cancer journey and there are 'no treatments left'. James, 73, is battling stage four kidney cancer that has spread to his spine, brain and lungs, and had previously said Christmas 2023 could be his last after stopping treatment. Making the announcement on Monday, with his Talk co-host Ash Gould by his side, he shared that he wouldn't be on the airwaves much longer and that his show may soon come to an end. He said: 'I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore.' He added: 'I can't tell you how grateful I am to Talk to actually let me on the air and sit next to Ash, which is a real pain in the butt, but I've been doing it for 25 years!' James said his recent ill health had taken its toll on him due to a severe bout of flu which led to an intensive care stay. Radio broadcaster James Whale has given a devastating health update as the star said he's 'at the end' of his cancer journey and there are 'no treatments left' James, 73, is battling stage four kidney cancer that has spread to his spine, brain and lungs and had previously said Christmas 2023 could be his last after stopping treatment Making the announcement on Monday, with his Talk co-host Ash Gould by his side, James shared that he wouldn't be on the airwaves much longer and that his show may soon come to an end Despite his health, James managed to joke: 'It might actually be helping me, you never know, so I don't let that cloud my judgment but on the medication I am on, I'm all over the place. 'I'm hoping to go on for another few weeks, few months but as soon as I can't do the show anymore, I won't.' Celebrity Big Brother star James spent Christmas in intensive care after being rushed to hospital amid his terminal cancer battle. He was hospitalised with the flu and was later discharged from the ICU to recover at home. His relieved wife, Nadine, 59, told fans at the time: 'After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again. 'This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE.' James received an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity back in April 2024. Stepping out on the special day James wore a navy suit, crisp white shirt and patterned blue tie. By his side, Nadine looked lovely in a white dress and pale blue coat with a coordinating hat. James received an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity back in April 2024 James began his career with Metro Radio in 1974 where he pioneered the late-night radio phone-in (pictured in 1998) The December before, after learning about his MBE milestone, James said: 'Nobody could have been more surprised than me; thank you to all the guys who made it possible over the years everybody at Talk Radio and TV and everywhere. 'I've worked since the 70s and the guys that run the Charity kidney cancer UK, thank you all this is for us.' Kidney Cancer UK said: 'We are very proud that our founder and Lifetime President @TheJamesWhale was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List. Congratulations James.' James began his career with Metro Radio in 1974 where he pioneered the late-night radio phone-in. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his frank style, dry wit and no-nonsense approach on late-night programme The James Whale Radio Show, gaining a legion of loyal listeners. The host then spent 13 years at TalkSport before hosting the drivetime show on LBC and the breakfast show on BBC Essex. During his career he also hosted Whale On, Dial Midnight and Central Weekend Live for ITV, and Talk About for BBC One. His autobiography Almost A Celebrity: A Lifetime Of Night-Time was published in 2008 and he later launched a new version of The James Whale Radio Show. Last year, he was awarded the first-ever Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Recognition Award for his 50 years in broadcasting. Richard Wallace, head of TalkTV, said about the MBE: 'There are legends and then there's James Whale. This award is a fitting acknowledgement of a maverick talent who has entertained TV and radio audiences with inimitable style for more than 50 years.' Dennie Morris, director of audio and news broadcasting at TalkTV, said: 'James is not only a giant of radio and television, but one of the loveliest men I've ever met. 'His contribution to the industry and to charity over the years has been remarkable. I can think of no one more deserving of this honour.' In 2000, James was diagnosed with kidney cancer and was told he had only three months to live. He underwent treatment and had surgery to remove one of his kidneys. Then, in 2020, he revealed that the cancer had returned and had spread to his spine, brain and lungs. James explained that he had chosen 'quality of life' over quantity after ending his treatment to focus on 'making memories'. He told The Sun a few years ago: 'This could be my last Christmas. Basically, I have to choose between the quality and quantity of life, and I've chosen quality so that I can have a good time and make great memories with my lovely wife, Nadine. 'I've had a good life, I can't complain. But I'm just gonna make the next months as entertaining and interesting as I can, which is all any of us can do.' Elsewhere in the interview, James heartbreakingly spoke about the struggles of his terminal cancer, admitting he doesn't want to 'go on forever' feeling as unwell as he does now. In September 2023, James explained he had chosen 'quality of life' over quantity after ending his treatment (James and wife Nadine pictured in June) The TV personality also reflected on his married life with Nadine, saying he told her they should 'cool off' their romance when he was first diagnosed with cancer when they first started dating. He said: 'It was so unfair on her, so I said, 'I think we should cool it and not see each other', and she replied, 'Oh that's nice, so if I'd just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you wouldn't come and see me any more', so we carried on.' James and Nadine got chatting in their local village pub in Kent when they found out their spouses were both being treated by the same consultant. Sadly, James lost his first wife, Melinda, to lung cancer in May 2018, while Nadine lost her husband, also to cancer, in 2020. They married a year later, at Tenterden Town Hall in Kent, surrounded by their loved ones, including James's good friend, TV presenter Lizzie Cundy, with Nadine saying they didn't have the 'luxury' of time. James and Melinda were married for 48 years and had two sons, James and Peter. They also have two teenage grandchildren, Oscar and Ella. Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson are the best of friends. But it turns out the pair, who host the The Kyle & Jackie O Show together, had a knock down, drag out war while recording an episode of the KIIS FM breakfast radio show - and the segment never aired. The clip was played by the co-hosts this week as they called in psychotherapist and couple's counsellor Melissa Ferrari to analyse the audio and offer advice. In the recording, Kyle is heard goading Jackie about being 'off the with fairies' and taking calls instead of working. 'There's a lot you don't remember. Are you sure that you're the full quid?' Kyle began. 'I don't know if you are. Remember the other day when I said something about being on the phone and you said no I haven't? We all laughed because nearly every break you were on the phone, but you genuinely thought that you weren't'. Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson are the best of friends. But it turns out the pair, who host the The Kyle & Jackie O Show together, had a knock down, drag out war while recording an episode of the KIIS FM breakfast radio show - and the segment never aired. Both pictured Jackie snapped back: 'That actually annoys me, that you did that, because I was on the phone - I was researching stuff to do with the segment that was coming up and I specifically remember that you guys were like, "pay attention to do some work". 'And I was like hang on a sec. I was actually doing work on the phone.' Kyle hit back: 'That's fair enough. but you went on it hard that morning. You're away with the fairies. 'Show me the evidence of that cause I actually disagree' Jackie demanded. 'I don't have time to be looking for evidence, if you don't believe me that's fine by me. You protested a lot' Kyle said before claiming Jackie was distracted, 'the whole day'. 'It was literally 6.50 am that you said that. I don't know how it could be the whole day for a start' Jackie argued. 'I don't want to be made accusations and then people are laughing, "oh she was on the phone all day."' 'There's no accusation. We were laughing because you were off the fairies and you weren't paying attention and everyone spoke to you six times' Kyle said. In the recording, Kyle is heard goading Jackie about being 'off the with fairies' and taking calls instead of working 'Okay but I feel like I've been getting these things a lot lately' Jackie said. 'Because it has been happening a lot' Kyle hit back. 'Because I've actually been doing s**t over here, you guys don't even know what I'm doing here. Don't accuse me of not paying attention all the time when I actually am. I've got other stuff I'm doing here!' she rambled. 'Okay. I'll take your word for it. I don't mean to be combative with you' Kyle replied. 'Okay I'm going!' Jackie raged. 'I'm constantly getting f***ing gaslit around here!' she added, storming off. 'Can't mention anything to you ever. Can you believe it?' Kylie said as she left. The pair admitted they were angry at the time, but have since made up over the back and forth. It comes after good news for The Kyle & Jackie O Show, which under-performed in the Victorian capital during its multimillion dollar expansion last year. But it has had nothing but wins in the 2025 ratings war so far. 'Okay I'm going!' Jackie raged. 'I'm constantly getting f***ing gaslit around here!' she added, storming off After a 0.1 per cent increase in market share during survey one, Sydney's hit duo Kyle, 53, and Jackie, 50, landed another 0.7 per cent of the Melbourne audience in the GfK survey two. Kyle had told his listeners that 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.' 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. 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. Walton Goggins looked buff as he left the gym Sunday in Los Angeles. The actor, 53, strolled out of the facility wearing a sweat-wicking black Nike T-shirt and a pair of very snug Nike leggings. The White Lotus star, who seems to have mended any perceived rift with costar Aimee Lou Wood, carried a large bag brown bag over his shoulder and wore dark framed glasses. The Emmy nominee recently shut down an interview with a persistent reporter wanting to dig up some dirt on the alleged feud, and now fellow White Lotus star Jason Isaacs did his part to help. The British actor, 61, ran into Goggins at the airport and shared a couple of selfies of the two on social media on Saturday. The Harry Potter franchise star pushed back against internet investigators who had perpetuated the rumors after questioning why Goggins and Wood unfollowed each other. Walton Goggins looked buff as he left the gym Sunday in Los Angeles . The actor, 53, strolled out of the facility wearing a sweat-wicking black Nike T-shirt and a pair of tight Nike leggings 'Guess who was on my plane? Hey, all you genius online sleuths - see any beef?!!' the BAFTA nominee wrote next to the snaps, including one in which he kissed Goggins on the temple. He added the hashtag #RicksAlive to the post. Isaacs also addressed allegation of tension of The White Lotus set describing the situation as 'intense,' in an interview with The Guardian. 'There are tensions and difficulties, I dont know if they spilled from on-screen to off-screen, or if it would have happened anyway, he explained. 'I cant pretend I wasnt involved in some off-screen drama,' the actor added. Goggins told Cultured his process for getting into character may have lead to some misunderstanding. 'Someone I worked with on The White Lotus didnt fully understand my process. My character Rick Hatchett hes isolated. So during filming, I was isolated. I liked mirroring that, but it was emotionally difficult.' Goggins celebrated the series finale of The Righteous Gemstones, a show about a dysfunctional family leading a megachurch, on Instagram on Sunday praising show creator and star Danny McBride for yet another successful show. The two have previously worked together on the comedy Vice Principals, and Eastbound and Down. The White Lotus star carried a large bag brown bag over his shoulder and wore dark framed glasses Goggins' The White Lotus costar Jason Issacs helped put aside rumors of a rift between Goggins and costar Aimee Lee Wood by posting two selfies on social media Saturday In one snape, he kissed Goggins on the temple. 'Guess who was on my plane? Hey, all you genius online sleuths - see any beef?!!' he wrote adding #RicksAlive The actor praised The Righteous Gemstones creator and costar Danny McBride on Sunday following the shows series finale 'This Man these people these memories each day better than the one before,' he wrote next to a carousel of photos and videos, 'I love you all' Both were created by McBride. 'This Man these people these memories each day better than the one before,' he wrote next to a carousel of photos and videos. 'I love you one and all. What a privilege to be counted among you,' he said. 'YOU ARE ALL RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES. Thou shalt remember these days and love each other for all time. Corinthians insert number here.,' he joked signing off as his character, 'Baby B,' short for Baby Billy. Potential jurors in the trial of fallen hip hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs face a grilling by his legal team and government prosecutors over their suitability to judge his guilt or innocence. And in revealing clues over upcoming testimony, DailyMail.com can disclose some of those bombshell questions that they will be asked to determine if they make it to the 12-person panel. Many revolve around attitudes to the sensational sex trafficking and racketeering crimes 55-year-old Combs is accused of and their views on the hip hop industry in general. About 150 potential jurors are in the pool for selection beginning today in a Manhattan courtroom, with the intention to whittle that down to 45 before the final pick following days of minute scrutiny. Diddy is accused in a 17-page indictment of a 20-year-old rein of abuse against women, including making them take part in drug-fueled performances with male sex workers that he dubbed 'freak offs'. All the potential jurors are reportedly from Diddy's home city of New York and must answer pre-screening questions on their general background and preliminary information. Jury selection has begun in the sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs on May 5 Combs has been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting to engage in prostitution Those who go through are then grilled by lawyers in a process called voir dire. According to documents obtained by DailyMail.com, prosecutors from the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, will laser focus voir dire questions that include: You may hear evidence in this case relating to the payment of commercial sex workers in exchange for sex. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to prostitution and the enforcement of laws around prostitution that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? You may hear evidence relating to firearms. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences about guns and the enforcement of gun laws that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? You may hear evidence relating to the distribution and use of illegal drugs. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to illegal drugs, the enforcement of drug laws, drug use, or drug addiction that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? You may hear testimony from witnesses who are alleged victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and/or sex trafficking. Would you have any difficulty assessing the credibility of such a witness just like you would any other witness? The attorneys also want to know if a potential juror has strong feelings about witnesses testifying after being given immunity from prosecution. The potential jurors who go through the pre-screening process are then grilled by lawyers in a process called voir dire, from both sides In the defense's proposed voir dire questions (pictured) Diddy's lawyers ask about the kind of music the potential juror likes and if they have any opinion about 'the hip hop rap music industry or artists in that genre' They also say some witnesses may be referred to in open court under a pseudonym to protect their identity but the true ID will be revealed to the eventually selected jury at the right time. Prosecutors want to know if someone testifying under a false name in public makes them less believable. Clearly referring to federal agent raids on Diddy's multi-million mansion in Los Angeles and waterfront home on Miami Beach's exclusive Star Island in March last year, prosecutors will ask for attitudes to grabbing evidence from personal electronic devices such as phones. Question: You may hear testimony in this case that law enforcement officers recovered certain evidence from cellular telephone records and iCloud accounts. These searches were perfectly legal. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences regarding such searches by law enforcement that would influence your ability to evaluate this testimony fairly and impartially? Combs's attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos point to salacious details in their voir dire queries that include: Question: There may be evidence in this case about people engaging in sexual relations with multiple sexual partners. Would hearing about that type of evidence be difficult for you? Diddy appeared dressed up in a suit, a change from his usual prison issued scrubs, for the first day of jury selection on Monday Combs's defense attorney Brian Steel arrives at the Southern District of New York Federal Court, as jury selection begins Outside the Southern District of New York Federal Court, crowds gathered in anticipation of the trial's opening, following months of pre-trial motions and a denied request for delay from Diddy's legal team Question: There may be evidence that people cheating on girlfriends or boyfriends with other individuals. Would hearing about that type of evidence affect our ability to serve as a fair and impartial juror in this case? They also want to know what kind of music the potential juror likes and if they have any opinion about 'the hip hop rap music industry or artists in that genre'? Specifically, they want to know: The defendant in this case is a wealthy celebrity. Do you have an opinions regarding wealth individuals that would affect your ability to serve do you believe that wealthy people get away with things that the less wealthy do not? In their draft questionnaire for the pre-selection questions, they also ask: The charges in this case involve allegations of kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction of justice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution. Is there anything about the nature of these allegations that would make it difficult for you to be fair and impartial? However, the bulk of the pre-selection questions on both sides revolve around whether a potential juror has more general biases, any conditions that would stop them serving or that serving would give them financial hardship. They also ask if any potential juror has been a sex assault victim or been accused of sexual assault. Prosecutors also lay out the charges at the beginning of their voir dire document to be used as the questioning guide. They are: Count One charges that, from at least in or about 2004 through in or about 2024, the defendant participated in a racketeering conspiracy during which he agreed with other employees and associates of his businesses to commit kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction of justice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution. Count Two charges the defendant with sex trafficking an adult female victim through force, fraud, and coercion between in or about 2009 and in or about 2018. Count Three charges the defendant with transporting that female victim and male commercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between in or about 2009 and in or about 2018. Count Four charges the defendant with sex trafficking a second adult female victim through force, fraud, and coercion between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024. Count Five charges the defendant with transporting that second female victim and male commercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024. Jurors were led into court through a side door where the judge questioned them about their responses to the jury questionnaire. All of the jurors were anonymous and only referred to by their juror number. A young white woman in her 20s was excused by the judge after saying that hearing about sexual assault would make her 'not comfortable'. A supporter of Combs wearing a 'Free Puff' sweatshirt arrives for the start of the trial at Manhattan Federal Court on May 5, 2025 in New York City Combs has been in custody since his arrest last September and has pleaded not guilty on all charges Another woman, aged in her 30s, was excused after writing in her questionnaire that the video of Diddy allegedly beating up his ex girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016 which was aired by CNN 'could be damning evidence'. Diddy's lawyer Marc Agnifilo told the court that the statement was 'definite' and the 'most important piece of evidence in this case'. The judge excused the woman over the objections of prosecutor Maureen Comey who said they wouldn't be using the video. A female juror in her 60s was allowed to stay in the prospective jury pool despite admitting that she was kissed and fondled for around two years when she 16 by a dentist while working at his office. The woman said that 'gross inappropriate behaviour happens all day long all over the world' but insisted she could be impartial. Another female juror in her 20s was allowed to stay in the pool after she said that she had liked a post online from a comedian who joked about baby oil being found during the raids on Diddy's homes. 'It was funny,' the woman said. By noon four jurors had been allowed to continue through the process and three had been excused. Among the other potential jurors was a white woman in her 40s who works for HBO who said that she and her sister were molested between the ages of eight and 10 by a family member. She said she had seen the CNN video and found it 'disturbing' and 'upsetting' but said she could be impartial. Diddy's lawyers tried to object to the woman on the basis that HBO recently released the 'negative' documentary 'The Fall of Diddy' but the judge overruled them and allowed her to continue in the process. Another potential juror who was not excused was a white woman in her 40s who said she was sexually assaulted by a neighbour in the mid 1990s. But she said that just because someone did acts like that didn't make them a 'horrible human in all respects'. As Diddy walked out of the court for lunch he quietly beat his fist on his chest to a friend in the public gallery. For the biggest updates direct from court, search for The Trial of Diddy wherever you get your podcasts now. This Canadian actress is best known for portraying Jill Bennett, the dangerous love interest of Gary Ewing (Ted Shackelford), on the popular soap opera, Knots Landing. She appeared on the long-running drama from 1985 to 1989 and won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Villain: Prime Time in 1990. She memorably died in season 10 from the Dallas spin-off after accidentally locking herself in the trunk of Gary's car while attempting to frame him for kidnapping her. While she elected to step out of the spotlight more than two decades ago, the star, 68, was recently spotted on a rare outing in Los Angeles, California. She was lending a helping hand to the Beverly Hills-based animal rescue organization, The Amanda Foundation, where she serves as the president. On her latest sighting, the performer was seen in front of the Amanda Spaymobile, a mobile surgical unit that offers free procedures and vaccinations for pet owners. This Canadian actress is best known for portraying Jill Bennett, the dangerous love interest of Gary Ewing (Ted Shackelford), on the popular soap opera, Knots Landing Can you guess the star? If you said Teri Austin, youre absolutely right! In 2001, Austin left acting and began working as animal activist. When asked about her favorite part of the job in 2021, she said: 'My favorite thing is seeing animals in distress and being able to rescue them and take them out of the distress.' In addition to providing services for the public, the Amanda Spaymobile partners with LA shelters to provide spay andneuter services to dogs and cats. Austin 'worked with Los Angeles Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas to create an ordinance that would require all dogs and cats over four months to be spayed, neutered, and licensed,' according to The Beverly Hills Courier. 'I told the Councilman that the Amanda Foundation would buy the Spaymobile, and we would hire and train the staff, and we would work the program, and we would ask the city to pay a portion of what it costs to give this service,' she told the outlet. Prior to moving to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career, the former actress was the co-host of the Canadian reality series Thrill of a Lifetime. Austin was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She appeared on the long-running drama from 1985 to 1989 and won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Villain: Prime Time in 1990 If you guessed Teresa 'Teri' Austin, you would be correct! (seen in 1987) Her other credits include Quantum Leap, Seinfeld, Matlock, Murder, She Wrote, L.A. Law, Beverly Hills, 90210, Models Inc., The Vindicator and Raising Cain. Knots Landing, which aired from 1979 to 1993 on CBS, was a spin-off of Dallas. Her character died after attempting to frame Gary (Shackleford) for trying to kidnap her by bounding and gagging herself while hiding in his trunk. As she waited for the police to rescue her, she died after choking on her own vomit. Benedict Cumberbatch and his beloved wife Sophie Hunter looked loved-up while attending the new production of Othello on Broadway on Sunday. The Sherlock legend, 48, put on a smitten display with Sophie, 47, at The Barrymore Theatre. The Doctor Strange star sported a white T-shirt and a beige jacket. Meanwhile the theatre director rocked a casual white jacket with grey shirt. The couple - who tied the knot in 2015 - looked in great spirits as they posed backstage alongside Greg Wood, Julee Cerda and Christina Sajous. Elsewhere inside the star-studded theatre event, the British actor was seen snapping a beaming selfie with Scandal icon Kerry Washington and Debbie Allen. Benedict Cumberbatch and his beloved wife Sophie Hunter looked loved-up while attending the new production of Othello on Broadway on Sunday The Sherlock legend, 48, put on a smitten display with Sophie, 47, at The Barrymore Theatre The lovebirds joined Kerry and Debbie for a group shot with the cast with Norm Nixon, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Producer Brian Moreland. Benedict has been busy recently filming for Guy Ritchie's upcoming film Wife And Dog in locations such as London's St Pancras. Wife and Dogs also stars Rosamund Pike and Anthony Hopkins and they were also seen filming at Sandown Racecourse in Esher, Surrey, in February. The upcoming film also stars James Norton, Paddy Considine and Pip Torrens. Plot details are being kept under wraps on the movie, but it's described as a 'return to the colourful, back-stabbing world of the British aristocracy Richie explored in The Gentlemen film and TV series.' Last month Benedict opened up about a terrifying experience that helped shape his life in an unusual way over 20 years ago. The star was in his 20s when he was on the set of the 2004 BBC miniseries To the Ends of the Earth in South Africa. He was on a driving excursion with some friends during his downtime when the car they were in got a flat tire. The Doctor Strange star sported a white T-shirt and a beige jacket The couple - who tied the knot in 2015 - looked in great spirits as they posed backstage alongside Greg Wood, Julee Cerda and Christina Sajous Elsewhere inside the star-studded theatre event, the British actor was seen snapping a beaming selfie with Scandal icon Kerry Washington and Debbie Allen The lovebirds joined Kerry and Debbie for a group shot with the cast with Norm Nixon, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Producer Brian Moreland The Imitation Game favourite and Sophie stopped to pose with Broadway producer Brian Moreland While they were on the side of the road, they were robbed and abducted by six men and forced into a car. They were driven around in the car for hours before being let out and ordered to sit execution style before the abductors fled. Although the actor and his friends were not physically harmed, it changed him irrevocably, he revealed in a new Variety interview where he also opened up about his worries about aging. 'It gave me a sense of time, but not necessarily a good one. It made me impatient to live a life less ordinary, and I'm still dealing with that impatience,' he said. The experience turned him into an 'adrenaline junkie' who used to unwind by going skydiving and participating in extreme sports. 'The near-death stuff turbo-fueled all that. It made me go, 'Oh, right, yeah, I could die at any moment,'' Cumberbatch admitted. 'I was throwing myself out of planes, taking all sorts of risks. But apart from my parents, I didn't have any real dependents at that point,' he admitted. The actor is now the father of three children - sons Christopher, 9, Hal, 7 and Finn, 6 - with wife Sophie, who celebrated their 10th anniversary on Valentine's Day. In February Benedict was seen filming Guy Ritchie's Wife and Dogs in Esher, Surrey, alongside co-stars Rosamund Pike and Anthony Hopkins at Sandown Racecourse He admitted that being a family man has, 'changed,' his thrill-seeking ways, adding, 'that sobers you.' 'I've looked over the edge. It's made me comfortable with what lies beneath it. And I've accepted that that's the end of all our stories,' Cumberbatch said. He added of fatherhood, 'The minute you have kids this sense of time sinks in far more profoundly. He added of his youngest, who just turned six years old earlier this month, 'I'm like, 'I will be in my 60s when he's 21,' you know? It's crazy. It's gone so fast. 'So there's a huge shift in priorities, and it makes you value what you do with your life in a very different way,' he added. The actor continued, 'It does weigh on me. When you become a parent, your thoughts turn more towards mortality.' California open to trade with China: state governor Xinhua) 14:42, May 05, 2025 LOS ANGELES, May 3 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom has said that the Golden State will remain open to trade with China as the current U.S. administration's tariff policy has threatened the largest state economy in the country. He made the remarks in an online interview with Nikkei Asia on Friday, according to reports by Japanese media outlets. Newsom said his state has been a "stable partner" in trade with China. He noted that California has signed a series of memorandums of understanding with China's provinces and municipalities and extended relations to China's national level during his visit to Beijing last year. He stressed that California has "extended an open hand" to China and other trading partners, especially those in Asia. Global trade is not a zero-sum game, said Newsom, adding that he recognizes "our interdependence." Talking about the huge tariffs against trade partners worldwide imposed by the Donald Trump administration, Newsom said the reason he has been so outspoken about the administration's trade policy is because California was disproportionately impacted by the tariffs compared with other U.S. states. He noted that California has extensive trade with Asia and that Silicon Valley tech companies have integrated supply chains and markets in the region. "The direct and indirect economic costs to the state of California is in the billions and billions of dollars," said Newsom. "It has an outsized impact on tourism, on trade, small businesses, large businesses ... and the reputation (damage) is incalculable." After Trump announced "reciprocal tariffs" against trade partners early in April, Newsom had asked economies worldwide not to impose retaliatory tariffs against California products. Also, California was the first U.S. state to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration over tariffs. During the interview, Newsom emphasized a far distance both physically and metaphorically between California and the Trump administration in Washington. "We're 2,000 miles away from Washington, D.C. But we're a world away in terms of our mindsets. I represent the most un-Trump state in America," he said. "Our values are in contrast to those that are being expressed currently by the current occupant in the White House." California is the largest state economy in the United States. Newsom announced on April 23 that in 2024, California's nominal gross domestic product overtook Japan to rank fourth in the world only after the United States, China and Germany when estimated as a single economy. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Marina Fogle has opened up about the devastating stillbirth of her son Willem, after losing her baby boy when she was 33 weeks pregnant. The TV star endured the painful loss when her placenta inexplicably failed, and despite multiple tests, they were unable to determine the cause. Speaking in a new piece for The Times, Marina shared that she and husband Ben had longed for a third child, but after the tragic loss, in which she suffered a haemorrhage, it was deemed too risky to have another baby. Marina is now questioning why doctors know so little about miscarriages - noting that 50 percent go unexplained - in an age when humanity is considering sending the first humans to Mars. She wrote: 'Had he been delivered the day before, the likelihood is that he would have been fine, possibly not even needing time in the neonatal intensive care unit.' Marina explained that after the loss, she had extensive tests done in a bid to discover what had happened, but they were all inconclusive. Marina Fogle has opened up about the devastating miscarriage she suffered a decade ago when she was 33 weeks pregnant in an essay for The Times The TV star (pictured with husband Ben) endured the painful loss when her placenta inexplicably failed, and despite multiple tests, they were unable to determine the cause Marina revealed that her son, who she named Willem, weighed a healthy 2.5kg at the time of his birth in 2014. The star, also a mum to son Ludo, 15, and daughter, Iona, 13, said that working to prevent other parents from enduring similar losses quickly became her purpose after she had 'no newborn to look after'. She wrote: 'Im no scientific genius. I wasnt going to come up with a solution, but I realised I could help those who might.' The mum bravely went on to found Tommys Childrens Carols, in conjunction with the pregnancy and baby charity, and said it has become a staple of the London social Christmas calendar over the past ten years, raising 150,000 for research into the issue. Marina explained: 'I spent a morning with Professor Phil Bennett at Queen Charlottes Hospital in London, hearing about how the study of different bacteria women had in their cervixes at various stages of their pregnancy could potentially halve the premature birth rate.' She revealed that even though she has turned a tragedy into something positive, she is still no further forward in learning what led to her son's stillbirth. While Marina said may never know what happened to Willem, she has come to accept this sad reality. The mum (pictured with son Ludo and daughter Iona) bravely went on to found Tommys Childrens Carols, raising 150,000 for research into unexplained baby loss She said her life was forever changed by his death and she has become significantly more outspoken about the issues that matter to her as a result. Marina, for example, teaches an antenatal class for pregnant women and is encouraging them to challenge any medical decisions they may not agree with. The star wrote: 'If just one baby makes it, if just one family are spared the tragedy of a placental abruption that could have been predicted, then all that questioning, all that tenacity, will have been worth it.' If you or someone you know has been affected by baby loss, help is available from Tommy's in the UK on 0800 0147 800 or email midwife@tommys.org. Kelsey Grammer has revealed he visited the site of his sister's brutal murder for the first time while researching his upcoming book about the crime. In Karen: A Brother Remembers, the 70-year-old actor reflects on the profound toll the 1975 tragedy has taken on his life, including the drugs and alcohol he turned to for comfort. '[I went there] to be with her. And maybe I didnt fully know that at the time, he told The Times. 'But I discovered in the writing and in the journey of this book the idea that I had to be there and do what I wasnt able to do before, which was to hold her as she died.' In an interview with US Weekly, the versatile actor, who had lost his father in 1968, said doing so had helped assuage his feelings of guilt. 'Its been amazing,' he told the outlet. 'I dont carry the self-loathing part anymore. I dont blame myself anymore. I just miss her.' Kelsey Grammer has revealed he visited the site of his sister's brutal murder for the first time while researching his book about the crime; Pictured in New York City in June 2021 Karen was just two weeks shy of her 19th birthday when she was brutally raped and stabbed to death in Colorado by a man on a killing spree with his accomplices. Grammer, who has previously said he forgives his sisters killer, admits that the pain of losing Karen sent him spiraling into years of cocaine and alcohol addiction. Now, hes confronting that darkness head-on in hopes his story can offer solace to others. 'For a long time, the grief was so dominant that I couldnt access happiness,' he told People on Friday. 'The book helped me get to a new place with that.' Grammer opens the book by reflecting on his and Karens turbulent childhood, shaped by their parents 1957 divorce. As young children, they moved with their mother from St. Thomas to New Jersey, while their father stayed behind. A decade later, in 1968, their father was tragically shot and killed by a taxi driver during racial unrest a killing later ruled the act of someone found not guilty by reason of insanity. Karens tragic death came shortly after she relocated to Colorado Springs in 1975 to join her boyfriend following a semester in Georgia. '[I went there] to be with her. And maybe I didnt fully know that at the time, the Frasier star told The Times 'But I discovered... that I had to be there' 'Its been amazing,' he told US Weekly of the experience. 'I dont carry the self-loathing part anymore. I dont blame myself anymore. I just miss her' Her last conversation with Kelsey was on June 30th, when she told him she planned to come home after the Fourth of July. When he didnt hear from her again, Kelsey contacted the police. Grammer would later learn that just hours after their final conversation, Karen had gone to the Red Lobster where she worked around 11 p.m. to wait for a friend finishing their shift. Karen was just two weeks shy of her 19th birthday when she was brutally raped and stabbed to death in Colorado by a man on a killing spree with his accomplices; (pictured Kelsey and Karen) Now, hes confronting that darkness head-on in hopes his story can offer solace to others That night, Freddie Glenn and two accomplices were plotting to rob the restaurant but when they arrived behind the building, they noticed Karen outside. Pointing a gun at her, they ordered her to come with them. 'For what?' Karen responded, according to Grammers account of the police report. The men forced Karen into Glenns car, leaving her there while they entered the Red Lobster. Ultimately, they abandoned the robbery, returning to the car to find Karen tied up beside Glenn. The nightmare didnt end there. The group drove Karen to one of their apartments, where they brutally raped her. Later, they took her to a secluded alley, where Glenn stabbed her 42 times, nearly severing her head. With heartbreaking detail, Grammer shares in the book that Karen, in her final moments, tried to crawl for help a scene he recounts in an excerpt shared with People. 'In my imaginings, the man who found Karen at his doorstep was a 'good Samaritan' of sorts,' he wrote. 'I stand corrected and disappointed that that man did not attempt to help her but simply called the police after leaving her body as it lay...eyes vacant, staring at the sky, her legs still on the steps, her head on the ground and a clenched fist above her head with a single finger pointing somewhere or nowhere just pointing.' He continued, 'She had fallen backward from the trailer door after knocking for help. It was her last hope and disappointment after crawling 400 feet from the place where she had been stabbed. With heartbreaking detail, Grammer shares in the book that Karen, in her final moments, tried to crawl for help 'In my imaginings, the man who found Karen at his doorstep was a 'good Samaritan' of sorts,' he wrote. 'I stand corrected and disappointed that that man did not attempt to help her but simply called the police after leaving her body as it lay...eyes vacant, staring at the sky, her legs still on the steps, her head on the ground and a clenched fist above her head with a single finger pointing somewhere or nowhere just pointing' 'Bloody fingerprints mark the trail of her final moments at exactly 36 along the office and walls of the trailer park. She had been on her knees, crawling her way. Seeking help with her last ounce of life. 'The coroner noted that through a gaping wound in her neck, he could see all the way into Karens lung. I had been right in saying he almost decapitated her. Freddie Glenn punched holes in my sisters body with unimaginable brutality. There were defensive wounds on her hands. What I had hoped were a final, few moments of kindness from some stranger, were nothing of the sort.' Grammer told the outlet 'Things I kind of knew anyway, but the fact that she crawled as far as she did, and staggered as much as she did in those last moments of her life, was really heartbreaking. [It was] very difficult to go through, but it felt like I had to be there. I had to walk those steps with her.' Glenn was found guilty of murdering Karen, along with several others in the area, and is now serving a life sentence behind bars. Hes been denied parole four times, with his next chance coming up in 2027. 'His protestations these days are like, "Well, I dont remember raping her,"' Grammer told People. 'Bulls---.' In his memoir, Grammer talks about the legacy of loss in his family, including the deaths of his half-brothers Billy and Stephen; Pictured in Santa Monica, CA in April 2024 Grammer shared the completed book with his wife, Kayte Walsh, who was supportive throughout the process. 'She was patient and loving through it,' he told People; Pictured in Beverly Hills In January 2024 Although Grammer has expressed forgiveness toward Glenn in the past, he makes it clear that doesnt erase accountability. 'You dont want to eat yourself to pieces because you cant forgive somebody,' he explained. 'But its hard to forgive a person who consciously decided they wanted to murder somebody you love. This wasnt just some temperance issue with him. It was deliberate. I can give you forgiveness, but youre not going to get out of paying for it.' After Karen's murder, the tragedies continued for Grammer. In 1980, his half-brothers Billy and Stephen were killed in whats believed to have been a shark attack while scuba diving in the Virgin Islands. Billys body was never recovered, while Stephens was found washed ashore. In his memoir, Grammer talks about the legacy of loss in his family. 'Theres a legacy of early death in my family, which is really interesting,' he wrote, per People. 'I pray to break that cycle and give my family longevity.' Grammer shared the completed book with his wife, Kayte Walsh, who was supportive throughout the process. 'She said, "Ive missed you,"' he recalled to People. 'I had to step away for a while there were hours on end when I would just be staring off. 'But she was patient and loving through it. Writing this brought back some of the joy I had lost.' While battling his demons behind the scenes, he kept delivering laughs as Dr. Frasier Crane first on Cheers (19841993) Kelsey then led his own smash hit, Frasier (19932004) More than just revisiting the tragedy, Grammers memoir seeks to honor Karens memory beyond her violent death. He describes his sister as a free spirit joyful, loving, and full of life. 'I wanted to breathe life into her and welcome her into the world,' he explained. 'We were Kelsey and Karen, brother and sister.' Karen: A Brother Remembers will be released on May 6. Lauren Graham bought what appeared to be a bottle of wine while running errands in Los Angeles on Sunday. The 58-year-old Gilmore Girls alum sported a baby-blue beanie, black puffer jacket, matching leggings, and white sneakers for her outing. Lauren's street sighting came less than two weeks after she was cast in Universal Pictures romantic drama Reminders of Him, which is already scheduled to hit US/UK theaters February 13. Graham portrays Grace Landry, the grieving mother of Scotty (Rudy Pankow), who's raising his daughter after his girlfriend Kenna (Maika Monroe) served five years in prison for his tragic death. Vanessa Caswill's big-screen adaptation of Collen Hoover's 2022 novel also features Tyriq Withers, Nicholas Duvernay, Lainey Wilson, and Bradley Whitford. Last year, the 45-year-old author notoriously helped Blake Lively re-edit Justin Baldoni's big-screen adaptation of her 2016 novel It Ends with Us, which culminated in their headline-grabbing legal war. Lauren Graham bought what appeared to be a bottle of wine while running errands in Los Angeles on Sunday The 58-year-old Gilmore Girls alum sported a baby-blue beanie, black puffer jacket, matching leggings, and white sneakers for her outing On April 9, the two-time SAG Award nominee revealed her idea for the next Gilmore Girls special while appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show. 'Something that I love that they do in England more than they do here, is you have a season of a show that you loved Downton Abbey was one for me and then they do like a Downton Abbey Christmas,' Lauren explained. 'So you get to visit your characters, but it's not like a whole reboot of the whole thing. So that is my idea that has been sanctioned by no one.' On April 14, Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino officially responded to Graham's 'very cute' idea. 'The freaking Christmas special! I'm hearing it from everybody else,' the 59-year-old showrunner told E! News. 'There's no talks right now.' Amy's husband and producing partner Daniel Palladino reassured fans: 'We're constantly thinking of stuff for [fictional CT town] Stars Hollow, because anything kind of quirky American makes us want to put it into Stars Hollow. But there's no set thing right now.' The Z-Suite star called the 2016 Netflix four-part continuation Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life - in which she reprised her breakthrough role as single mother Lorelai Gilmore - 'pure joy' to shoot. 'Yes. I always say yes because it's my favorite character, it's my favorite,' Lauren gushed to Drew. The original sitcom aired for seven seasons spanning 20002007 on The WB/The CW before its 2007 cancellation. But first, audiences can catch Graham as Dylan O'Brien's onscreen mother Lisa in James Sweeney's Sundance Audience Award-winning black comedy Twinless, which hits US theaters September 5. On the personal front, the Golden Globe nominee has been single since ending her 11-year relationship with her former Caroline in the City co-star Peter Krause in 2021. Lauren's street sighting came less than two weeks after she was cast in Universal Pictures romantic drama Reminders of Him, which is already scheduled to hit US/UK theaters February 13 (author Colleen Hoover pictured on set April 25) Graham portrays Grace Landry, the grieving mother of Scotty (Rudy Pankow), who's raising his daughter after his girlfriend Kenna (Maika Monroe) served five years in prison for his tragic death Vanessa Caswill's big-screen adaptation of Collen Hoover's 2022 novel also features Tyriq Withers (L, pictured April 25), Nicholas Duvernay (R), Lainey Wilson, and Bradley Whitford Last year, the 45-year-old author (L, pictured August 5) notoriously helped Blake Lively (R) re-edit Justin Baldoni's big-screen adaptation of her 2016 novel It Ends with Us, which culminated in their headline-grabbing legal war On April 9, the two-time SAG Award nominee revealed her idea for the next Gilmore Girls special while appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show Lauren explained: 'Something that I love that they do in England more than they do here, is you have a season of a show that you loved Downton Abbey was one for me and then they do like a Downton Abbey Christmas' Graham continued: 'So you get to visit your characters, but it's not like a whole reboot of the whole thing. So that is my idea that has been sanctioned by no one' (pictured with GG cast and crew at the PaleyFest reunion on March 29) On April 14, Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino officially responded to Graham's 'very cute' idea: 'The freaking Christmas special! I'm hearing it from everybody else, [but] there's no talks right now'(pictured April 23) Amy's husband and producing partner Daniel Palladino (L) reassured fans: 'We're constantly thinking of stuff for [fictional CT town] Stars Hollow, because anything kind of quirky American makes us want to put it into Stars Hollow. But there's no set thing right now' The original sitcom aired for seven seasons spanning 20002007 on The WB/The CW before its 2007 cancellation followed by the 2016 Netflix four-part continuation Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life Sam Thompson has been photographed holding the hand of his new beau Samie Elishi in a sweet, loved-up moment. The reality star, 32, was enjoying a night out at pal Olivia Attwood's party with his new love interest, 25, where the pair confirmed the romance. The sweet moment was captured by Samie's fellow Love Island star Gabby Allen at reality star Olivia 's 34th birthday bash in Mayfair on Saturday night. Sam appeared to be having the time of his life at Olivia's party and was also seen in a Snapchat story in a conga line. Sam's new romance comes after it was revealed his ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott, 28, was dating One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, 33. Sam and Zara, who called off their romance in December, had previously won legions of fans after sharing insights into their relationship online. Sam Thompson has been photographed holding the hand of his new beau Samie Elishi in a sweet, loved-up moment The reality star, 32, was enjoying a night out at pal Olivia Attwood's party with his new love interest, 25, where the pair confirmed the romance Samie was also seen enjoying herself at the bash after she and Sam connected on Instagram, sharing reportedly flirty messages Samie, like Zara, is also a Love Island alumni and previously said she was on the hunt for love after failing to find a lasting romance on the show. She told The Sun: 'I'm quite a relationship person, so a boyfriend would be nice eventually, no one wants to be alone. 'But I love being single at the same time, I love my girls... I love a bit of both. I feel like I am a relationship person, so naturally.' Samie made a point of stressing, however, that she was really happy with her life, even without a romantic interest. Addressing the end of their relationship in December, Sam and Zara simply said it came at the end of a really hard year. Sam then appeared to take a swipe at Zara, who found fame on Love Island, by saying he'd 'love' to join the villa after their split. Sam's new romance comes after it was revealed his ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott , 28, was dating One Direction star Louis Tomlinson , 33 Sam and Zara, who were together for five years, had been living together before their split, frequently giving fans an insight into their home life in entertaining videos. However, they are said to have stopped cohabiting some time before the end of their relationship became public knowledge. According to sources, there was no scandal or affair involved this time - the relationship had simply run its course. A source told OK! Magazine: 'Although they have known its been over for a while, Sam and Zara are both devastated and heartbroken that they couldnt make it work. 'They had so much love for each other.' Liberty Poole slammed cruel online trolls in her most recent bikini-clad Instagram post after she was body-shamed. The Love Island star, 25, looked nothing short of sensational as she posed in a black bikini and matching Reebok cap amid her sun-soaked holiday in Mexico. In the caption, the reality star - who often advocates for body positivity on her social platforms - caught the occasion to send a candid message to her trolls. Killing them with kindness, Liberty wrote in her blunt statement: 'Just wanted to respond to the recent body shaming on social media by being happy and positive and sending the message that every body is a beach body She continued: 'And have fun on your holidays because no one's gonna remember what your body once looked like in years or even days to come x.' Fans praised the TV favourite for being authentic, and showered her with compliments in the comment section, penning: Liberty Poole, 25, slammed cruel online trolls in her most recent bikini-clad Instagram post after she was body-shamed The Love Island star looked nothing short than sensational as she posed in a black bikini and matching Reebook cap amid her sun-soaked holiday in Mexico 'Myyyy favourite body ever '; So beautiful & so true '; Beautiful '; So gorgeous'. Meanwhile earlier on TikTok, Liberty shared a clip recording herself standing sideways in front of a mirror to show off her physique. During the video her boyfriend Joshua Raybould was seen playfully giving her a pat on the bum as they both laughed. She captioned the clip: 'This is my normal size 10-12 body. Yes I don't have a super flat stomach but it doesn't matter.' 'Everybody is different, I've always been a bit curvier and I shouldn't be body shamed for it.' It was made as a response to a cruel troll commenting below another of her videos, telling her: 'Get the portion control under control.' Her latest sizzling snaps come after Liberty won praise for her inspiring body-positive message in a previous post shared in March. She posted a number of photos of herself in different lingerie and pyjama sets from Boux Avenue. In the caption, the reality star - who often advocates for body positivity on her social platforms - caught the occasion to send a candid message to her trolls 'Just wanted to respond to the recent body shaming on social media by being happy and positive and sending the message that every body is a beach body,' she wrote candidly Her latest sizzling snaps come after Liberty won praise for her inspiring body-positive message in a previous post shared in March She showed off her slim physique in lacy pink bra and matching underwear, as well as a bright blue bra with a cheeky coordinating thong. But Liberty added an empowering message to the scorching images, writing: 'Myth: Body positivity is only for curvier girls. 'Truth: Body positivity is for everyone. People of all sizes, shapes, colours abilities. It's about embracing and loving your body, no matter its size or shape.' She added: Myth: Body positivity means you must love every single aspect of your body all the time. 'Truth: Body positivity is about accepting your body without the expectation of perfect self-love every moment. She showed off her slim physique in lacy pink bra and matching underwear, as well as a bright blue bra with a cheeky coordinating thong 'It's okay to have days where you don't feel great about your body. What matters is cultivating respect and acceptance.' Liberty told her 1.3 million Instagram followers that you can still be body positive even if there are things you'd like to change about your physique. She also stressed that body positivity is about more than just looks - to her, it's all about understanding and accepting how hard your body works for you, even from a health perspective. She added in the caption: 'Clearing up some body positivity myths. Its a movement against societal pressure and unrealistic beauty standards.' The Birmingham native rose to fame on the 2021 edition of Love Island where she famously split up with her on-screen partner, Jake Cornish, just days ahead of the final. She returned to try her luck in the 2024 All Stars edition of the show but was sadly once again unsuccessful. Liberty wants to use her reality TV platform to promote a body positive message after suffering from insecurities herself. She told Closer: 'I remember going on Instagram when I was around 14 and seeing all these stunning girls who looked perfect, and even then as a young girl I never felt beautiful enough. 'I always wanted to improve myself in some way and I think that followed me throughout my teens. I remember looking in the mirror, thinking, "My nose is so big", and I never used to feel as pretty as these girls on social media. 'That toxic habit worsened when I got cheated on, so now I feel so passionate about it because I never want a girl to come on to my page and feel bad about themselves.' Ballerina actress Ana de Armas, 37, has accidentally dropped a big clue that she is dating action movie icon Tom Cruise, 62. The cute hint could be seen in her latest Instagram post. The Cuban brunette beauty was wishing her adorable gray-and-white dog Salsita a happy 5th birthday when she added a telling photo. Ana was sitting on a rug with her pooch in a living room with a kitchen behind her. She appeared to be at her sprawling $7M Vermont home. And the clue stood out like a sore thumb. In the background was a bouquet of pink flowers. Tom has a habit of sending fresh blossoms to pretty ladies. In 2006, he reportedly spent nearly $1,000 on flowers for Katie Holmes on Mother's Day. Holmes even mentioned in 2010 that Cruise would give her red roses frequently, according to People. In 2023 the Top Gun vet had a bouquet delivered to Shakira. And de Armas even had one of the pink flowers tucked behind her ear as she smiled for the camera in perhaps a wink to her new companion. Ana de Armas has accidentally dropped a big clue that she is dating Tom Cruise. The cute hint could be seen in her latest Instagram post where she was wishing her dog Salsita a happy 5th birthday. Ana was sitting on a rug with her pooch in a living room with a kitchen behind her. She appeared to be at her sprawling $7M Vermont home And the clue stood out like a sore thumb. In the background was a bouquet of pink flowers. Tom has a habit of sending fresh blossoms to pretty ladies; in 2023 the Top Gun vet had a bouquet delivered to Shakira; seen on April 3 'My beautiful girl, mi Salsita, happy 5th birthday! I love you so much!' wrote the ex-girlfriend of Ben Affleck as she did not mention Tom. This post comes after they were seen together in London at pal David Beckham's birthday party with wife Victoria. And last week Tom and Ana were seen flying into London together before her 37th birthday. In exclusive photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Hollywood icon Cruise, who has been linked to Armas since Valentine's Day this year, looked giddy as he piloted a helicopter into the UK capital with the brunette actress by his side. Armas - who was last known to be dating Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuba's president - flashed a smile and her toned legs in a pair of mini shorts as she clutched her pet dog Elvis. A pal helped walk another pooch on a leash. Meanwhile Cruise flaunted his action-man credentials as he landed the chopper and showed off a buff frame in a tight T-shirt and jeans. Cruise has been getting serious with Armas in recent weeks, the Daily Mail has learned, with one of his A-list exes even granting approval for the unlikely romance. As for that A-list approval, it is understood Spanish actress Penelope Cruz - who dated the actor from 2001 to 2004 - is 'happy' that her ex-boyfriend has found new love. Cruz, 51, and Armas have been friends ever since they co-starred in the 2019 movie WASP Network. There is a closer look at the large pink bouquet on a white table And de Armas even had one of the pink flowers tucked behind her ear as she smiled for the camera in perhaps a wink to her new companion This post comes after they were seen together in London at pal David Beckham's birthday party with wife Victoria. Here Cruise is seen alone And last week they were seen flying into London together before her 37th birthday. In exclusive photos obtained by the Daily Mail, Hollywood icon Cruise, 62, who has been linked to Armas since Valentine's Day this year, looked giddy with the actress; seen on April 3 'Ana has said that Penelope is happy for her, she approves,' an insider told the Daily Mail. 'They know each other from the movie and also they have friends in common in Madrid from when Ana lived there for a while.' 'Tom makes Ana feel safe and that is very important to her,' the insider added. 'She was flipped out by the fans and stalkers when living in Venice Beach [Los Angeles] so she moved to a remote part of Vermont.' In 2022, Armas dropped over $7 million for a sprawling six-bed home in the Green Mountain State. 'She loves being away from the crazy,' the source explained. 'She has been traveling with Tom to busy cities like London, but he always makes her feel safe because he is thoughtful and he has a ton of security. He never puts her at risk, she is completely taken care of when she is in his company.' In the same post, Ana was seen makeup free in her silky brown pajamas with her dogs Her canine looked regal while sitting on her long driveway For his birthday, he wore a gold birthday hat Also on Monday she was seen with actor Jazz Vila Jazz, 40, posted this photo with the handsome actor Friends believe the relationship could last, with our insider pointing to the fact that Armas does 'not like to party', preferring quiet nights at home like her decades-older boyfriend. Though another source stressed that the pair are 'taking it day by day' and that Armas 'does not give her heart away easy.' 'Ana has a thing for older men and Tom fits the bill of her type. The proof is in the pudding. Being affectionate with someone is not something that Ana would do for a role,' the second source added. In November last year, Armas was linked to the stepson of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, with the pair stepping out for a loved-up stroll in Madrid the following month. Penelope Cruz, who dated Tom from 2001 until 2004 after they co-starred in Vanilla Sky, is 'happy' that the Oscar nominee is romancing de Armas (pictured in 2001) Armas was last known to be dating Manuel Anido Cuesta , the stepson of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez in a controversial union - pictured December 2024 Despite receiving massive backlash over the relationship, the actress, who fled communist Cuba age 18, did not shy away from engaging in some PDA with him. However, the relationship appears to have ended as swiftly as it began - with Cruise soon emerging on the scene. In February, the pair were first spotted enjoying a dinner together - again, in London - on Valentine's Day. At the time a source claimed to the Daily Mail that they were not romantically involved. Indeed, the insider insisted that the evening out had been strictly business related. 'Everything with Tom and Ana is innocent. They are hanging out to talk about future movies that they could do together,' the source said. Bella Ramsey has admitted 'they don't feel they have access to feminity,' despite previously sharing how they regret coming out as non-binary. The Last Of Us star, 21, revealed in 2023 that they are genderfluid and use they/them pronouns, admitting 'being gendered isnt something that I particularly like'. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Bella shared that the idea of femininity 'doesn't serve their purpose,' which partially led them to come out as non-binary. Explaining why they chose to identify as genderfluid, Bella explained: 'I never thought about pronouns really until season one of The Last of Us was coming out. 'Suddenly I had to choose what pronoun I wanted people to write about me with. I was so stressed out about it because I didn't know, and I didn't really care. But I found the whole thing quite stressful still. 'There was a thing on Last of Us this season, it was a question again of, on set what should people refer to me by? Bella Ramsey has admitted 'they don't feel they have access to feminity,' despite previously sharing how they regret coming out as non-binary 'And I just said, my thing at the moment is call me how you see me. I'm so aware that I get into a taxi and the taxi guy's gonna call me 'she'. 'It's just a natural thing that happens in your brain... which I completely get. I've never been strict about 'they/them', because I think I just don't really care. 'Also, I'm very comfortable in who I am. I know how important it is for other people, but for me it's not as important right now.' Bella went onto tell Louis that they 'never really felt female,' and in recent years has been looking into the idea of femininity. They said: 'This is where I've been looking into this a lot recently. I've tried to do a lot of research from both sides. 'I've been watching a lot of gender critical researchers and people talking about the opposite end of the spectrum, being transgender doesn't exist. 'And I've been trying my own journey, I guess, understanding what it actually is. Because there's been a lot of times I'm like, what even is the neurology of, or the psychology of being non-binary. 'I rejected that word for so long by the way, because I didn't want it to be trendy. It's been very obvious since I was young. The Last Of Us star (pictured on the HBO show) revealed in 2023 that they are genderfluid and use they/them pronouns, admitting 'being gendered isnt something that I particularly like' 'I always called myself a tomboy, but it wasn't that I was a boyish girl, I was always like a bit of an in-between. Leaning most of the boys side. To be honest, I grew up more as a little boy than I did a little girl. 'I always felt more masculine or more on that side of the spectrum. I guess at the moment I don't feel like I have access to femininity. 'I think when I'm trying to avoid being perceived as a woman in my everyday life, the idea of me exploring femininity in any way feels like, that doesn't serve my purpose. 'You know what I mean? I feel a bit like sad about that sometimes, but I think it's also a journey.' As Louis noted that they said they 'felt sad' about it, Bella added: 'Like the idea of femininity being something that I think is so beautiful, but me not feeling like I have any access to it at the moment. 'But within a masculine mould, you know how there's more feminine guys, the whole Harry Style's wearing a dress. 'Thats what it is. It's femininity within the structure of masculinity, I suppose. I don't know. I feel like it's now just words that don't mean anything.' In an interview last month, Bella shared that 'part of them regrets coming out as non-binary,' after seeing the reaction to the news. Two years on from the announcement, Bella confessed they are in two minds about coming out, admitting the reaction has been a 'mixed bag'. Speaking to The Observer, Bella confessed: 'Part of me looks back and I wish that I didn't, because I didn't want it to become a headline and a big thing. 'And obviously it was going to, and I didn't really understand that at the time. And I wasn't really prepared for that. But on the other hand, people have said to me that it's been very helpful for them seeing some representation. 'So it's been a mixed bag, but overall, I think it was a good thing, just for me living more freely, without feeling like I'm keeping a secret'. Bella went on to note that while they are happy to talk about their gender identity they don't want it to 'be the focus', and they just want everyone to be 'chill' about it. The British actor, who shot to fame on Game Of Thrones as Lyanna Mormont, told the New York Times that she found it 'exciting' when she was referred to as 'he.' She said: 'I guess my gender has always been very fluid. Someone would call me she or her and I wouldnt think about it, but I knew that if someone called me he it was a bit exciting.' The star said she ticks 'non-binary' if it is an option on a form, before adding: 'Im very much just a person. 'Being gendered isnt something that I particularly like, but in terms of pronouns, I really couldnt care less.' Last month, Bella admitted it's been tough to 'still figure things out' when it comes to their gender identity when they don't have the 'privilege' of exploring their identity in private. They told Vogue: 'Part of the job of being an actor is that youre supposed to have an answer to every question that people ask you. But actually the answer can be: "I dont know and Im not ready to talk about that"'. Bella continued: 'If I did want to explore other things, like facets of my gender identity, that would be done publicly'. 'As much as I would try and keep it private, if someone recognises me on the street, say if Im presenting differently, [and] takes a photo, then that is just talked about'. Bella wore a chest binder '90 per cent' of the time filming The Last Of Us, which takes place during a global pandemic that has transformed the infected into zombie-like creatures. Elsewhere in the chat, Bella revealed they were diagnosed with autism during the first season of the HBO series, which filmed from June 2021 until July 2022. While they'd previously spoken about their neurodivergence, but for 'some reason didn't want to' share their official diagnosis before now. Bella, who plays Ellie in the post apocalyptic drama, said: 'I got diagnosed with autism when I was filming season one of The Last of Us'. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast , Bella shared that the idea of femininity 'doesn't serve their purpose,' which partially led them to come out as non-binary Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. They told the publication: '[The diagnosis was] Freeing, it enables me to walk through the world with more grace towards myself about not being able to do the easy everyday tasks that everyone else seems to be able to do.' 'The label of being autistic has been so helpful to me because thats helped me to understand myself, but gender and sexuality-wise, labels do not feel comfy for me in any capacity, because I feel like Im putting myself into a box. I feel trapped'. Bella also spoke about their gender identity with her co-star Pedro Pascal, whose sibling Lux is a trans woman. They said: 'They weren't always deep [conversations] they could be funny and humorous, the whole spectrum. We were just very honest and open with each other.' The Louis Theroux Podcast is available on Spotify and all podcast platforms. TV's leading ladies have joined forces in a dazzling new photo shoot ahead of the hotly-contested BAFTA Television Awards on Sunday. Jessica Gunning, Monica Dolan, Sophie Willan, Lolly Adefope, Katherine Parkinson, Anjana Vasan, Kate O'Flynn and Nicola Coughlan all looked sensational for their individual cover shots with Radio Times magazine. Each has had an impressive year on screen and been acknowledged by a nod in either the leading actress, supporting actress or female performance in a comedy categories ahead of the glitzy ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall. Jessica, who was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in Netflix hit Baby Reindeer, looked glamorous in a white off-the-shoulder dress with a white mesh shawl and let her long auburn tresses loose. The star, 39, sported gold rings on each finger as she held a stone bust to the camera. She revealed the secrets behind her now iconic portrayal of Martha in Richard Gadd's drama. TV's leading ladies, including Jessica Gunning (pictured), have joined forces in a dazzling new photo shoot ahead of the hotly-contested BAFTA Television Awards on Sunday Nicola Coughlan, who got the nod for her role in Big Mood, looked striking in a black off-the-shoulder dress and let her blonde tresses loose for the shoot Katherine Parkinson continued the monochrome theme by wearing a stone-coloured button-down dress and wearing a silver bracelet and silver drop earrings The star said: 'As soon as I read the scripts, I was just playing a character. I never would have wanted to play Martha as a villain or a baddie, because I never saw her in that way. She's multi-faceted and nuanced. 'I'm not on social media and I've never felt the pressure to join. I don't see myself as a celebrity and I don't think actors need to be in the public eye. Sometimes you can just do your job and that's that.' Nicola, 38, who got the nod for female performance in a comedy for Big Mood, looked striking in a black off-the-shoulder dress and let her blonde tresses loose for the shoot. She said: 'There were definitely lots of moments where I thought, "Should I quit?" It's a difficult industry to break into and I didn't have any connections or money. 'It didn't seem sensible for me to keep going, but I got Derry Girls at 30, which was an amazing turning point.' Monica, 56, who was nominated for leading actress in Mr Bates Vs The Post Office and supporting actress in Sherwood and matched Jessica in a white ruffled shirt with high-waisted black trousers, adding silver and black drop earrings. The star explained the difficulties female playwrights experience, saying: 'Certainly in theatre, I feel as if sometimes, if there's been a slot and the writer or creator has been a woman, they think, "We've done that, so we don't need another for a while" because we do live in a bit of a tick-boxy culture. 'I've seen some incredible plays by women, then wait for the next one, and I just don't think they get nurtured in the same way as male playwrights do. Monica got the nod for leading actress in Mr Bates Vs The Post Office and supporting actress in Sherwood and matched Jessica in a white ruffled shirt with high-waisted black trousers On a competitive shortlist for female performance in a comedy for her role in Alma's Not Normal, Sophie opted for a black off-the-shoulder dress with a pearly white and silver choker Lolly also wowed in a ruffled white shirt, accessorising with some silver floral rings and earrings, showing off her pixie cut 'And, even though women are 51 per cent of the population, for some reason I think the male voice is seen as the objective voice.' On a competitive shortlist for female performance in a comedy thanks to her role in Alma's Not Normal, Sophie, 37, opted for a black off-the-shoulder dress with a pearly white and silver choker. She compared having a BAFTA to having a penis, saying: 'I'll be too powerful. They'll have to kill me. A woman with four knobs? Too dangerous. 'I'm an exec producer, writer and actress and, actually, in that respect, I'm no different from Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I just have bigger boobs and a northern accent. Have you noticed that posh women always have tiny breasts?' Lolly, 34, also wowed in a ruffled white shirt, accessorising with some silver floral rings and earrings, showing off her pixie cut. She was nominated for the same catergory thanks to her showing in The Franchise. She told the magazine: 'I have had success, for sure, but I don't know if I feel successful. I feel grateful to be an actor who works a lot, to have an element of choice in the things I do, and to feel aligned with the characters I play.' Katherine, 47, continued the monochrome theme by wearing a stone-coloured button-down dress and wearing a silver bracelet and silver drop earrings, having been handed a nod for supporting actress for her role in Rivals. She discussed the advantages of working with a woman while shooting the hit show. Nominated for female performance in a comedy for her showing in We Are Lady Parts, Anjana smouldered in a white dress with a silver floral pattern, adding a sheer black shawl Kate looked nothing short of sensational in a shiny lilac puff dress, wearing a series of dark silver and pearl necklaces and tying her brunette hair up Each has had an impressive year on screen and been acknowledged by a nod in either the leading actress, supporting actress or female performance in a comedy categories 'As an actor, I have found that working with Laura Wade [a co-writer on Rivals] who is the same age as me and the same gender there is often a shared sensibility that can be lacking in some scripts written by some men,' the actress said. Nominated for female performance in a comedy for her showing in We Are Lady Parts, Anjana, 38, smouldered in a white dress with a silver floral pattern, adding a sheer black shawl and boasting a silver bracelet and earring. She said: 'People can be quite scared to make something different, but audiences aren't scared. The biggest opportunities I've ever had have come from women.' And Kate, 39, looked nothing short of sensational in a shiny lilac puff dress, wearing a series of dark silver and pearl necklaces and tying her brunette hair up. She has been placed on the female performance in a comedy shortlist for her role in Everyone Else Burns. The star described how difficult it can be waiting for acting jobs, saying: 'Honestly, I have had such a quiet year of nothing. Then, I suddenly got a job in America. 'Then, I heard about this. It's like, you wait ages on a bus and then two come at once. I'll probably be at the next bus stop for a while, too. But I'll enjoy the journey in between.' It comes after Scottish star Alan Cumming was announced as the host of the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards. The actor and US Traitors host, 60, is renowned for his celebrated career in the arts, spanning television, film, and theatre. It comes after Scottish star Alan Cumming was announced as the host of the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards (pictured in February) He will take over hosting duties at the 2025 ceremony, replacing Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett (pictured in 2024) He will take over hosting duties at the 2025 ceremony, replacing Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett who have been at the helm for the last two years. From his Tony and Olivier award winning performance in Cabaret, to his memorable performance in The Good Wife, Alan is recognised for his versatility both on-screen and behind the scenes. More recently, his signature charm has captivated TV audiences worldwide as host of The Traitors US, for which he has won two Emmys and two Critics Choice awards. 'We're delighted that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year's BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises, he will definitely bring a playful sense of mischief and fun to the ceremony, so audiences should expect the unexpected at Britain's biggest celebration of TV on Sunday 11 May,' said Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content at BAFTA. 'We'll be revealing the nominations for the 2025 BAFTA Television Craft Awards and BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises on Thursday 27 March. 'The sheer quality, innovation, and breadth of talent in British television in front of and behind the camera is second to none, and we look forward to honouring and celebrating these talented people at our upcoming awards ceremonies.' Mercedes-Benz will shift production of one of its vehicles to Tuscaloosa, Alabama by 2027. The German luxury carmaker's move is the latest response from an industry caught in the expensive crosshairs of President Donald Trump's 25 percent tariffs. The decision marks a potential win for Trumps protectionist trade agenda, which aims to boost US manufacturing by slapping steep tariffs on foreign-made goods. But there are many complicating factors. The company didn't say which model would move to America. Instead, it said the production of a 'core segment vehicle' will move stateside. Many experts predict the move will impact the production of the GLC, the company's best-selling car in the US. The compact SUV is built in Bremen, Germany. 'As a company with global activities and more than 30 plants worldwide, Mercedes-Benz generally pursues a local-for-local strategy,' the company told DailyMail.com. 'In doing so, we continuously optimize our production network and use its high flexibility to react to fluctuations and changing market conditions to remain competitive.' Alabama employees might soon start making America's best-selling Mercedes Mercedes reported selling 64,163 units in the US in 2024, up 58 percent from the year before. While the Alabama plant might become the SUV's birthplace, Mercedes will likely start to move some production out of the factory, too. The company said in April it was actively reviewing production moves as the tariff pressure mounted. Moves could impact some of its highest-profit cars, like the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe and Mercedes-Maybach GLS, which all call Alabama home. Mercedes has used the American plant for export production, including sending cars to Europe and Canada. But as President Trump doubles down on automotive tariffs and countries respond with retaliations, exported vehicles could be slashed from the factory lines. It's a risk Trump is willing to take. For years, the President has argued that high import taxes will entice companies to reboot a sleepy manufacturing sector in the US. So far in the auto industry, his duties have had mixed results. Experts predict Mercedes-Benz's GLC could soon be produced in the US Mercedes-Benz has been building cars in its Alabama plant since 1997 Sten Ola Kallenius, the CEO of the German luxury brand, has been reassessing the company's production portfolio Yesterday, GM's CEO, Mary Barra said that tariffs will cost her company between $4 billion and $5 billion annually. Her company's statement was the first time consumers could see the genuine cost the Trump administration might be imposing on car companies. Ford has responded with an employee pricing sale that has slashed thousands off its current lineup. But the company's CEO, Jim Farley, has admitted that prices for his cars are likely to rise after July 4. Honda and Hyundai have both said they're re-upping plans to manufacture cars in the US to avoid tariffs. Meanwhile, Stellantis laid off 900 employees and blamed tariffs. Subaru also said it would stop shipping cars to Canada from its Indiana plant. So far, the companies have scribbled out minor details of their capacity changes. But behind the scenes, executives are growing increasingly frustrated with the White House's ever-shifting policies. Executives told DailyMail.com that they're struggling to even set a price for their products. US banks filed to shut 42 local branches in just under a month leaving dozens of communities with fewer services. Between April 1 and April 26, major lenders including Bank of America, Chase, and U.S. Bank were among the 14 banks to notify the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) closure plans. Banks are required to alert the OCC before shutting down a branch. The agency then publishes the filings in a weekly report. While the listings indicate intent to close, they are not final confirmations. Scroll down to see the full list with addresses. Flagstar Bank closed 16 locations, more than any other institution in the period. Flagstar did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. Bank of America, which closed the most locations last year, followed by shutting nine. Chase and U.S. Bank both closed three locations. The rest were made up of Citizens Bank, Cumberland Valley, Fifth Third Bank, FSNB, KeyBank, Pacific Premier Bank, PNC, Warsaw FS, Well Fargo and Zions Bancorporation. In 2024, banks closed a total of 1,043 branches nationwide. The trend has accelerated in 2025, with 272 closures already logged in the first quarter alone. Flagstar Bank closed 16 locations, more than any other institution in the period Expert Darren Kingman has warned of the risks of bank branch closures 'Industry consolidation both in the number of banks and branches is a long-standing trend that will continue, especially as more transactions move online,' Bankrate's chief financial analyst Greg McBride told DailyMail.com. 'Consumers and small businesses in rural areas are the most impacted, particularly business owners that must make a daily bank run to deposit cash or consumers that lack viable transportation,' he explained. The bloodbath is set to accelerate in 2025. Branch numbers are predicted to fall a further 4.11 percent decrease by the end of the year, a recent study from Self Financial revealed. 'Retail bank closures in the US aren't slowing,' Darren Kingman from Root Digital who worked on the Self Financial study told DailyMail.com. 'The last time this many people shared a local branch was in 1995.' He warned that while the US edges toward a cashless future, over 200 million Americans still deposit cash meaning longer lines and worse service as access shrinks. Despite the digital shift, a new GoBankingRates survey found 45 percent of Americans still prefer in-person banking. 'The shift towards online banking is growing more intense in 2025,' GoBankingRates lead data content researcher Andrew Murray told DailyMail.com. 'Despite the trend towards online banking, our survey data shows more than half of Americans are concerned about the rising number of physical branches that have shut down in the past few years,' Murray explained. Your browser does not support iframes. Wells Fargo was among the major banks to register plans to shut some of its branches Your browser does not support iframes. 'Meanwhile, a whopping 76 percent says that the current banking system needs small or major changes.' Further to this more than half of respondents said they were concerned about the rising number of physical bank branch closures over the last few years. Meanwhile, new research recently revealed that the last physical bank branch could close in the US in 2041. Experts from Self Financial reached the number by studying the rate of net closures across the country, which has averaged 1,646 each year since 2018. Despite the majority of Americans now opting to do the majority of their banking online, customers still prefer to use physical branches for particular services. It is also a struggle for some older clients to operate services such as mobile banking. Nearly two-thirds of Americans still use a physical branch to make cash deposits, while over half use them to speak to an in-person adviser, the report found. 'Client's banking preferences and behaviors are changing, including a rapid migration toward digital and mobile banking platforms, and a desire for greater simplicity,' a spokesperson for US Bank recently told DailyMail.com. 'As we evolve along with our clients, we are reevaluating our physical footprint, and in some instances, consolidating branch locations in select markets. 'Although we are closing some branches, we continue to open and enhance others, as well as rapidly enhancing our digital capabilities.' Wells Fargo echoed similar sentiments in a previous statement to DailyMail.com. 'Branches continue to play an important role in the way we serve our customers in combination with our mobile app, online website, and ATMs,' a spokesperson for the bank said. 'As we optimize our branch network, we are focused on evolving our branch presence based on customer usage and the changing traffic patterns and retail landscape to best meet the banking needs of each community we serve.' Panera Bread is closing all its fresh dough factories in a shift towards frozen bread. The popular chain confirmed this week it will shutter all remaining factories within two years as part of a move toward an 'on-demand' baking model. Instead of mixing and shaping dough in-house, Panera will partner with third-party bakeries that follow its recipes. The bread will be par-baked, frozen, and then finished in stores throughout the day. 'This new model helps us to have greater availability of the breads our guests love, as well as to ensure quality, while allowing us to expand innovation and variety,' Panera Bread told DailyMail.com. The change means customers will no longer get bread baked fresh that morning, though Panera insists quality won't be compromised. The closures are part of a broader turnaround strategy led by new CEO Paul Carbone, which includes a major menu revamp. Facilities in Lenexa, Kansas, and Greensboro, North Carolina, will be among the first to close impacting nearly 150 workers. The chain will close all of its fresh dough facilities over the next two years and begin serving par-baked and frozen bread The chain serves sandwiches, pastries, soups and salads, and has around 2,200 locations in the US The company has already shut down other dough facilities in California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Colorado, and Washington. Roughly 350 employees were laid off last year. With its existing centralized Fresh Dough Facilities, dough is prepped and then sent to 2,200 locations to be baked fresh daily. The new model shifts all early prep to external partners who will then deliver it frozen to stores. Panera says laid-off workers will be offered job fairs, benefits, and reassignment opportunities. The changes come as Panera battles slumping sales, which fell 5 percent last year to $6.1 billion. It also follows the nationwide removal of its controversial Charged Lemonade after the drink was linked to multiple deaths. Despite the shake-up, Panera says great bread will remain 'at the heart of the Panera experience.' The chain has already implemented changes as part of a three-year strategic turnaround plan, which included a menu overhaul The chain was also forced to phase out its controversial Charged Lemonade from stores nationwide after the drinks were linked to several deaths, including Sarah Katz, who had a pre-existing heart condition before her death in 2022. The brand is now part of parent company Panera Brands, which also owns Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels and is owned by Luxembourg-based conglomerate JAB Holding. CEO Jose Alberto Duenas stepped down in January, and Paul Carbone, the company's CFO, has been named interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement. Meanwhile, rival Subway quietly shuttered 631 locations last year. It means the chain has fewer than 20,000 locations in the US for the first time in 20 years. It marks the eighth straight year Subway has shuttered restaurants in its home country. It peaked at around 27,000 stores in 2015. Despite the decline, Subway still holds the title of America's largest restaurant chain by location count. Multiple franchisees have also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and the chain abruptly closed 23 locations across two states after a bank hacking nightmare. Montana is cutting property taxes in half and expecting the state's biggest landholders and absentee owners to pay a little extra. The state legislature announced the passing of House Bill 231 and Senate Bill 542 last week. The property tax relief bills aim to help rebalance Montana's property tax system after years of soaring home values. While designed to bring relief to homeowners, the bills have sparked heated debate among officials. 'This is an unconstitutional bill. It is a violation of our rules, and additionally, no matter what lipstick you put on this pig, it is a tax shift,' Senator John Fuller said about House Bill 231 via NBC Montana. Senator Daniel Zolnikov insisted the session was 'off the rails' and believed the state's property tax relief is a 'failure.' 'To tell you the truth, I'm kind of stunned that we're arguing against cutting property taxes for residents of Montana. That's what we came here to do,' Minority Leader Pat Flowers stated. The changes come amid rising concerns over housing affordability. Household income needed for a Montana home has grown by 85 percent. At the same time fears of potential housing market crash have grown. Montana passed House Bill 231 and Senate Bill 542 last night, which will cut property taxes in half Montana's property values have risen over the past few years, along with residential tax bills. Homeowners have discovered their bills doubled in certain counties, leading some to worry they can no longer afford their properties, according to Realtor.com. By then, Montana's Department of Revenue had already warned lawmakers that taxes could burden residential owners. Despite their passing, the bills could potentially be delayed due to last-minute amendments, careouts, or complications with charter cities. There will also be three residential property tax tiers, which will rise to four by 2026. The tiers will feature rate bands based on how a home's value compares to the statewide media, which currently sits at about $325,000. Commercial properties will run under their own system, and second homes and short-term rentals will be taxed 1.9 percent. 'These tax changes are in complete opposition to principles of tax fairness and efficiency,' said former state legislator Robert Story. 'It will take the Montana Department of Revenue many staff hours just to build a model capable of handling it all.' Montana government officials had mixed opinions over the passing of the two property tax relief bills Your browser does not support iframes. Unless the rulings are reversed, about 230,000 homeowners may notice property cuts on their tax bills. Owner-occupied homes and long-term rentals' rates ill drop from 1.35 to 0.76 percent once they reach a property value of $325,000. Pipelines and other centrally assessed properties may will see price hikes thanks to a 12 percent tax that will be tackled onto their bills. While all appears to be set in stone, the new system could change depending on median values and rates for all property types. Meanwhile, a recent report showed how the dream of owning a home in America is becoming increasingly out of reach. In most states, a six-figure income is needed to afford an average-priced home. Nationally, homeowners must now earn $116,986 to afford a typical home. That's an increase of 50 percent from $78,236 in 2020, according to Bankrate's Housing Affordability Study. The study analyzed home sale prices to calculate monthly mortgage payments for every state and the District of Columbia and worked out what annual salary would be needed to cover that. A County Derry entrepreneur who swapped the corporate life to become a full-time wedding florist is set to see her business blossom after receiving help from the government-backed Go Succeed service. Louise McCooey, who specialises in weddings and events, established Farmgirl Florals in 2019, harnessing a life-long love of nature and creativity. Based in the village of Park at the foothills of the Sperrins, Louise also operates a studio in south Armagh, allowing the business to cater for customers across the island of Ireland. She threw herself into floristry full-time five years ago after a career in corporate finance that had taken her to London, Dublin, and Belfast. I had been living the corporate life and really enjoying it, but I think there was always a part of me that wanted to do something else more creative and where I could really use my hands, said Louise. I had been dabbling in floristry for some time and was always putting my hand up to help friends weddings and other events. So 10 years ago, I decided to formalise my hobby by doing three years of night classes to get my Levels one - three in Floristry so I could learn all the techniques and skills required to go professional. I also attended several bespoke courses with florists I admire all over the UK and Ireland to elevate my skills which are necessary to succeed in the luxury wedding market. I still strive to do one or two stand out courses a year to keep up with trends and changing wedding fashions. It was in 2019 that I decided to really go for it and had booked to exhibit at one of the big shows in Belfast in February 2020, just as Covid was about to hit. It was an initial set back but from there, things have just flourished and I am now busier than ever. Providing bespoke bouquets and dazzling displays, Louise creates luxury seasonal foliage with touches of herbs, grasses and flowers. She received guidance from Go Succeed on improving her social media and website presence and recently received a grant enabling Farmgirl Florals to invest in new digital technology that Louise said will take the business to the next level. Using funding received through the Go Succeed grant, Ive been able to invest in new technology that will help clients to get a realistic image of how their venue will appear when dressed with flowers, she said. We can now overlay photographs in real time with life-like drawing of our planned displays, allowing clients to envisage the finished product, even as they stand in the venue. Currently sourcing her flowers from suppliers across Northern Ireland with a mix of imports from Holland, Louise has plans to produce even more blooms locally, including on her own farm. She said: We operate from a small farm where we grow many of the more delicate flowers that go into our displays, that wouldnt be able to travel, even from other suppliers in Northern Ireland. Next, we plan to significantly increase our own local production with recent investment in a new greenhouse enabling us to grow more of our own blooms from seed at our very own cut-flower farm. Louise is one of the many entrepreneurs in the local council area to have benefitted and grown from the expert advice and support available from Go Succeed. The services provided are delivered completely free of charge via each of Northern Irelands 11 councils. Carolann Doherty, Business Officer, Derry City and Strabane District Council said: At Derry City and Strabane District Council, we are continually inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within our local community. Entrepreneurs like Louise at Farmgirl Florals truly embody this drive and creativity. Her journey from a corporate career to building a flourishing floral business based on passion and purpose is a testament to the incredible talent we have right here in our community. We are proud to provide a supportive environment, aided by Go Succeed, that empowers individuals to take bold steps, pursue their dreams and contribute to the vibrant economic and cultural life of Derry City and Strabane. Go Succeed is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey. Participants also have exclusive access to the Go Succeed Members Area which provides business templates, bitesize business tutorials, and more. The BT workers affected by the companys shock announcement it was closing its Derry operation will receive a redundancy payment comprising one months pay for every 12 months they have worked for the company. However, this will be capped at 12 months - a maximum of one years payout - meaning the many employees who have worked for BT for longer than 12 years will receive no additional payment. 140 people have been made redundant on Wednesday as a result of the BT action, while a limited number have been offered relocation to Belfast. Communications Workers Union (CWU) national officer Tracey Fussey said BTs decision to close operations in Derry and offshore the work to India had left workers and the local community stunned. In a statement to The Derry News, Ms Fussey added: After the loss of hundreds of [BT] jobs at Enniskillen and Belfast in the past year, this comes as yet another blow to communities already suffering from a lack of investment and opportunity. CWU members are hugely disappointed with the decision, and will be doing all they can to protect jobs and identify suitable alternatives. Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) said the BT announcement had come as a massive shock. Speaking at Aprils full Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon, he added: My first thoughts are with the workers and their families because this could be devastating news for them. I am sure they are sitting worried about their futures and I think that we as a Council should accept the opportunity to meet immediately with BT management to convey our shock at this decision; I think it is a disgraceful decision. It will suck decent paying jobs out of the city. We stood on picket lines recently with the BT workers who were fighting for better wages and to defend their terms and conditions and all of a sudden now we have a decision by a corporate management board, who do not reside in Derry, to basically shut down a workplace with 140 workers. I think we should do everything we can to defend, to protect the workers. Why has BT made this decision? Has it looked at the impact it will have on the workers there, the impact it will have on the city? We have a lot of questions for BT management about its decision to target Derry and to strip jobs out of Derry, said Cllr Harkin, who added the decision was driven by 'maximising profits'. There is no care for the workers, for the communities the workers live in and no care for this city. Alderman Julie Middleton (DUP) said the BT decision was devastating for the workers and their families, not least for the amount of years of service that we have given BT from our city. Cllr Rory Farrell (SDLP) said Wednesday was a really, really tragic day. This is a devastating blow to the local economy and the people and the families who are currently employed in BT. What makes it worse and what makes it harder for this city to deal with this massive, massive jobs blow is the lack of good quality, well-paid jobs across this city and district, said Cllr Farrell. Councillors subsequently voted in favour of a motion expressing concern at the BT decision to close its Derry office with the loss of 140 jobs. The motion also sought an urgent meeting with BTs Corporate Management to discuss the decision and the impact it will have on the local economy. Foyle MLA Padraig Delargy (Sinn Fein) said he had spoken to BT following the announcement and had been told workers taking up the offer of relocation to Belfast could be offered remote working. This means three days in Belfast and two at home, added Mr Delargy. Clearly BTs definition of remote working and everybody elses is different. How does this support those with childcare or caring responsibilities? How does it give any support to those concerned workers receiving this devastating news today? It would appear [BT has] zero commitment to Derry. Mr Delargy and Derry City and Strabane District councillor Sandra Duffy (Sinn Fein) had a further meeting with BT on Thursday. Our priority is to emphasise that staff must come first and be properly supported, he said. We were extremely disappointed that BT are not allowing staff to move to online working, particularly as the fraud and customer service roles are already virtual roles and therefore insisting that staff need to be desk-based makes no sense. We will continue to speak up for workers and support them during this difficult time, said Mr Delargy. His party colleague, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald described BTs announcement as deeply disappointing. 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 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, said Dr Archibald. India roundup: Most iPhones sold in US will be made in India Apple and Foxconn are speeding up their iPhone manufacturing in India. Dixon continues to collaborate with Taiwanese companies to secure more diversified manufacturing capabilities. Most iPhones sold in US will be made in India During the latest earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company is accelerating iPhone production in India, with most US-sold units in the June quarter made there, reducing reliance on China. While Vietnam handles other devices, Apple's China sales stabilized despite a slight revenue dip. Strong demand and first-time buyers continue to support Apple's broader product lineup in China. Foxconn reportedly eyes India's new PLI scheme amid soaring local growth as Tata begins iPhone production at new plant According to The Economic Times, Foxconn is planning to invest in India through its subsidiary Yuzhan Technology to tap into the newly launched production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for electronic components, which cites sources familiar with the matter. This move comes amid industry speculation that other major players, such as Dixon Technologies and Tata Electronics, are also preparing to apply for the scheme. Dixon Technologies, Inventec form joint venture to manufacture PCs and servers in India Dixon Technologies has strengthened its role in India's electronics manufacturing sector by signing a joint venture with Taiwan-based Inventec to produce IT hardware. The partnership expands Dixon's footprint in high-growth segments, supporting the Make in India initiative through the local manufacturing of notebooks, servers, desktops, and related components. Dixon, Tata to apply for the latest PLI while HP doubles India PC manufacturing through Dixon Dixon Technologies, an electronics manufacturing services company, plans to enter electronics component manufacturing for its own use before expanding to exports. Meanwhile, Indian outlets citing sources indicate Tata Electronics may invest INR20 billion (US$234.11 million) in component manufacturing under the government's INR230 billion (US$2.69 billion) incentive scheme, a rumor Tata Electronics declined to comment on. EDT and Nippon Seiki JV to localize India automotive LCD production Taiwan-based panel maker Emerging Display Technologies (EDT) and Japan's Nippon Seiki signed a joint venture agreement on April 25, 2025, to establish EDT-India Private Limited, focusing on automotive TFT LCD module production. Located in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, the new plant aims to start mass production by 2027. Samsung to invest US$117 million in Indian home appliance plant after labor unrest The Indian government recently announced that Samsung Electronics will invest approximately US$110 million in its home appliance production line at the Sriperumbudur factory in Tamil Nadu, where worker strikes occurred in 2024. Setbacks for India's semiconductor ambitions: Tower Semiconductor, Adani, and Zoho projects stall The Adani Group has paused discussions with Israel's Tower Semiconductor over a proposed US$10 billion semiconductor project in India, according to two people familiar with the matter, Reuters reported. The Indian conglomerate decided to halt talks after internal evaluations raised concerns about the project's strategic fit and uncertain demand outlook in the Indian market. Tesla's cautious India move highlights geopolitical trade tensions India has been actively seeking to attract Tesla, but the company remains cautious. Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja noted in a recent earnings call that while there's interest in expanding into India, the timing is still being carefully evaluated. In light of US-China tariff disputes, Tesla's potential entry into the Indian market has taken on geopolitical significance. Article edited by Jack Wu Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Clirio revolutionizes infrastructure management with augmented reality and 3D visualization Vancouver-based startup Clirio is transforming how engineering projects are visualized and managed through its cutting-edge platform that integrates augmented reality (AR), LIDAR scanning, subsurface data, and 3D visualization. Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from an applied earth science consulting company, Clirio aims to help engineering projects make better risk-informed decisions regarding large infrastructure projects such as transportation corridors, bridges, tunnels, and mining operations. According to CEO Gerald Magnusson, Clirio was born from the need to address the challenges of traditional engineering practices. "We're trying to help engineering projects make better risk-informed decisions around large infrastructure projects, such as transportation corridors, bridges, tunnels, and tailing dams for mining operations," Magnusson explains. Magnusson further highlights the difficulty for the general public to comprehend complex projects: "As you can imagine, for the layperson, looking at hundreds of 2D drawings is often challenging to understand what the scope and scale of the problem of the project is." Clirio's platform addresses this by "taking that data and putting it into the middle of the room so that everyone can ask questions based on the initial model, so everyone starts learning and growing their knowledge base around the project," says Magnusson. Core technology and unique advantages Clirio's core technology combines augmented reality, LIDAR-based scanning capabilities, subsurface data, and advanced 3D visualization. The platform enables users to capture, visualize, and collaborate on geospatial and project data in immersive environments. What sets Clirio apart, Magnusson states, is "its ability to integrate real-world 3D data, or what we often refer to as digital twins, into highly collaborative cloud-based workflows, allowing those teams to work anywhere in the world with one another". Unlike traditional BIM solutions, Clirio's tools focus on delivering real-world, spatially accurate visualizations. Scalability and data interoperability Clirio's platform is designed with scalability in mind, capable of supporting organizations from small teams to large enterprises. The cloud-native architecture ensures that data storage, processing, and collaboration grow seamlessly. The platform also utilizes field-gathering tools on smartphones and tablets, enabling users to keep data current throughout a project's lifecycle. "We've prioritized data interoperability and offer integrations with most commonly used data formats," Magnusson notes, emphasizing Clirio's ability to seamlessly integrate into clients' existing spatial data workflows. The platform supports various GIS systems, subsurface information, CAD platforms, and data formats, providing a comprehensive view of both above-surface and below-surface data. Customization and diverse applications Clirio's platform is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to their specific industries and use cases. Magnusson illustrates the platform's versatility: "Large-scale infrastructure engineering and construction projects can utilize geo hazard mapping and annotation tools. Archeologists could use it for digital preservation and virtual tours of excavation sites. Natural resource industries can adapt the platform for pipeline monitoring and environmental impact assessments," and even "Mining operators can collect geo-referenced 3D scans of changing conditions on site to provide safety briefings for workers that are just arriving on-site". Business model and financials Clirio operates on a subscription-based SaaS model, with pricing tiers based on usage volume and organizational size. Small teams can have access to affordable plans with limited user seats and digital workspaces. "Our tiered plans include a free tier where a user has access to one workspace. There's the pro tier for $49 US per month, and then there's a premium tier for $89 US per month". For larger clients, enterprise plans offer unlimited access and custom feature development. Clirio's annual recurring revenue is approximately CA$400,000, with CA$350,000 from services and CA$50,000 from the product side. The company's current burn rate is about CA$42,000 per month. Future roadmap and expansion Clirio's future roadmap includes integrating AI to analyze geospatial data and provide actionable recommendations. The company also plans to add more data integrations and enhance its 3D annotation and design tools. Magnusson said it is also focused on expanding its hardware compatibility and establishing strategic partnerships in regions like Taiwan. He highlighted the company's interest in partnering with AI data analytics firms, display hardware manufacturers, and supporting Taiwan's infrastructure development. Looking ahead, Magnusson envisions Clirio continuing to grow its feature set based on user feedback and expanding its reach through joint ventures and strategic partnerships. "Really it is about continuing to grow our feature set based on, on what our users are telling us that is, that is critical for their types of work," Magnusson states. Ultimately, Clirio's vision is to support companies in making better-informed decisions on their projects, ensuring the best outcome for everyone involved. Article edited by Jack Wu Femtum pioneers advanced laser solutions for semiconductor manufacturing, eyes expansion in Taiwan Quebec-based startup Femtum, a trailblazer in laser technology, is carving out a critical role in the evolution of semiconductor manufacturing. Spun off from Laval University's Centre of Optics, Photonics, and Lasers in November 2017, the company was founded by Louis-Rafael Robichaud and Simon Duval, who are respectively the CEO and CTO. Initially, the focus of the company was on the laser sources. Since it was a spinoff, it had more than 20 years of research that Femtum acquired through a transfer of technologies by licensing the IP from the university. Robichaud and other experts on the team bring a wealth of knowledge to Femtum, including laser engines, fiber laser engines, all the assemblies, and the processing steps that are required to make them viable. "Still today, Femtum is the only mid-infrared short pulse fiber laser in the industry," he asserted, highlighting the company's unique technological advantage. This distinctiveness is crucial in addressing the intricate challenges of manufacturing next-generation semiconductors for AI and photonics. Femtum's laser solutions are engineered to enhance precision in essential processes such as trimming and cleaning. In the production of advanced components like Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), and silicon photonics, the necessity for meticulous cleaning is paramount. "One dust particle can kill a full CPO package," Robichaud warned, emphasizing the potentially devastating impact of contaminants and the critical role of Femtum's cleaning technology in preventing defects and boosting production yield. Robichaud emphasized that where Femtum distinguishes itself from other competitors is the fact that it not only provides the laser source, but also the optical end, how to focus the beam, how to condition the beam, and a fiber beam delivery. "We have fast shutters. We have optics to focus it really well. We also provide a software suite, which is pretty advanced to do the laser cleaning and laser trimming," said Robichaud. Versatile in laser solutions The company's technology is not just about cleaning; it's also about enabling new manufacturing processes. "We can really enable new processes. Epoxy is widely used for the bonding of parts together," Robichaud explained, pointing to the versatility of Femtum's laser solutions. Femtum has already demonstrated the efficacy of its solutions through pilot programs with key industry players. Its partnership with ficonTEC, a global leader in fiber-attached systems, has been instrumental in validating the technology at wafer scale. "ficonTEC is the leading supplier of fiber attached systems in the world. They're a German company. They're the suppliers of many of the biggest Taiwanese OSATs," Robichaud stated, underscoring the significance of these collaborations. Femtum is also collaborating with other major entities, including INO and C2MI in Canada, to further refine and expand the applications of its laser technology. As Femtum looks to the future, scalability is a key focus. "The aim of Femtum is to achieve a thousand laser solutions per year," Robichaud revealed, outlining the company's ambition to significantly increase its production capacity. This vision includes the construction of a new factory in Quebec City. Seeking strategic investments To fuel its expansion, Femtum is actively pursuing strategic investments. "We are raising Series A as we speak, and we hope to close this round by the end of this year," Robichaud confirmed. The company is particularly interested in attracting Taiwanese investors, recognizing the pivotal role of Taiwan in the semiconductor ecosystem. "Taiwan is a key market, if not the top three markets for sure for Femtum," Robichaud emphasized, highlighting the country's importance for the company's growth strategy. He also mentioned that Femtum already has distributors in Taiwan. Femtum's business model is centered on providing comprehensive laser solutions. "We are a Femtum inside play. We co-sell our solution together with the machine integrator," Robichaud explained. This collaborative approach ensures that Femtum's technology is seamlessly integrated into the broader manufacturing process. Looking for investors, Robichaud hopes to find those that are more than just financial backers. "We're not looking only for people that can provide money, but also people that can bring value to the company, open doors and make those strategic partnerships or strategic projects or customers or suppliers, things like that," he said. With its sights set on revolutionizing semiconductor manufacturing, Femtum is poised for significant growth, driven by its cutting-edge technology and strategic vision. Article edited by Jack Wu Letenda pioneers innovation in electric bus manufacturing Letenda, a company with a strong vision to become a major player in the transportation industry, is making significant strides in the electric bus market. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Letenda aims to transform public transit. Nicolas Letendre, Letenda's CEO and founder, with over 15 years of experience in the transportation vehicle manufacturing industry, including roles at tier-one suppliers and Bombardier Aerospace, identified a crucial gap in the North American bus market. "My family comes from an entrepreneur family, and I always wanted to start a vehicle manufacturing company," Letendre explains. This passion, combined with technical expertise and a keen business sense, led to the inception of Letenda. In 2013, Letendre began investigating the bus industry, engaging with customers and suppliers to understand their needs. A key takeaway from these interactions was the demand for a mid-sized bus, a segment underserved in North America, where the market has been dominated by 30-foot and 40-foot full-size buses since the 1960s. "The customers told us we need smaller buses than the full-size bus that we have in North America," Letendre states, highlighting the need for a 9-meter bus for transit and shuttle services. Innovation at the forefront Letenda's journey began in 2016, with Letendre participating in various accelerators to refine the business plan and model. Securing initial investments in 2017, Letendre focused on developing a battery-electric bus program that addresses key customer requirements: zero emissions, improved passenger accessibility, enhanced maneuverability, and a good range. Letenda's commitment to innovation is evident in its design and technology. The company's buses feature a distinct shape, improved passenger cabin and accessibility, enhanced driver field of view for increased safety, and energy efficiency, and computer-controlled systems for data provision. A rear steering system enhances maneuverability, allowing drivers to navigate tight corners with ease. "So you drive the bus now like a car and not like a bus anymore," Letendre explains. Targeting the public transit market Letenda primarily targets the public transit market, including municipal transit, airport shuttles, and university shuttles in the USA. The company also recognizes the emerging demand for on-demand transit services in smaller towns, where smaller buses like Letenda's are ideal. "Like the Uber, but for buses, and you don't need a full-size bus for that service, they take less people, so a smaller bus makes sense," Letendre points out. Strategic manufacturing and expansion Letenda's business model involves collaborating with manufacturing partners to produce its buses. This approach allows for efficient production ramp-up and scalability. Initial manufacturing will occur in Canada to serve launch customers, with plans to utilize a manufacturing partner's US site to comply with "Buy America" requirements for public transit projects in the United States. The company is also exploring opportunities to expand its manufacturing and market reach. Letendre expresses interest in collaborating with Taiwanese manufacturers to serve markets in different regions, leveraging Taiwan's capabilities and Letenda's innovative platform. Competitive and sustainable Letenda is committed to providing competitive solutions in the electric bus market. The company's buses are priced competitively with major competitors like BYD, and Letenda has the advantage of being eligible for FTA (Federal Transit Administration) projects and avoiding surtaxes. "We are competitive with the other electric buses. BYD is a Chinese company, and is banned from applying to FTA like public transit projects", Letendre explains. Letendre also recognizes the importance of government incentives in driving the adoption of electric buses. In Canada and the USA, public transit operators utilize grants to purchase buses, a model that Letenda is familiar with. "And In Canada, we have the incentive for research and development (R&D)," Letendre emphasized that the sound ecosystem of R&D is very helpful for the company. Data monetization and AI integration Letenda's business model extends beyond bus sales to include aftermarket parts and data monetization. The company plans to leverage the data generated by its buses to provide valuable insights to customers, enhancing their operations and services. Furthermore, Letenda is embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI to enhance its offerings. The company is integrating AI-powered passenger counting devices to provide valuable data to customers. Letenda is currently in a Series A fundraising round to support its commercialization phase. The funds will be used to purchase parts and work with the manufacturing partner to deliver buses. "We are planning to achieve our breakeven point executing the Series A plan," Letendre states. Collaboration and government incentives Letenda is coming to Taiwan in May for the Computex and actively seeks strategic partnerships to expand its market presence and leverage local expertise. The company has initiated discussions with Taiwanese bus manufacturing companies to explore collaboration opportunities. As an innovative bus company based in Quebec, Letenda is poised to make a significant impact on the transportation industry with its innovative electric bus technology, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainability. Article edited by Jack Wu Pushing boundaries: Voice AI and LLMs meet edge computing In an era dominated by cloud-based AI, a growing movement toward edge computing is emerging. Canadian edge AI startup Picovoice offers a full portfolio of voice AI and LLM technologies, distinguishing itself by delivering cloud-level performance directly on edge devices, combining high performance with privacy and low latency. Founded in January 2018 by Alireza Kenarsari, Picovoice aims to accelerate the transition of AI processing to where data is generated at the user's fingertips. Kenarsari observed the inherent inefficiencies of cloud-dependent AI assistants, questioning the necessity of sending even simple voice commands to distant data centers for processing. "If you tell Alexa to turn off the lights, does it really need to go through half of the planet, go to a data center, and come back? Probably not," Kenarsari said. "I knew what was going to happen, so my goal was to accelerate that transition." He envisioned a future where AI could operate more locally, mirroring human intelligence. This vision, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to establish Picovoice. Kenarsari's journey to Picovoice is marked by a rich blend of experiences. His career began with stints at three different startups in Vancouver, where he witnessed the full spectrum of outcomes from acquisition and IPO to complete failure. This was followed by a role at Amazon, focusing on machine learning-based financial fraud detection. His close interactions with the Alexa unit at Amazon provided him with key insights that would shape his vision for his startup. End-to-end optimization Picovoice's core technology is distinguished by its end-to-end optimization. The company owns its data pipelines, training mechanisms, and inference engines, enabling it to fine-tune its AI models for optimal performance on edge devices. This approach allows Picovoice to match the accuracy of cloud-based APIs while providing the low latency and reliability crucial for real-time applications. What differentiates Picovoice's solution from other edge-computing competitors? "Many edge deployment solutions use post-training optimization, where a pre-trained model (often open source) is modified to be smaller and faster. This approach has limitations: the original model isn't designed for edge deployment, restricting potential optimizations," explained Kenarsari. "Additionally, reliance on open-source runtimes like PyTorch and TensorFlow limits the optimization techniques available." These limitations make it difficult to achieve cloud-level accuracy on edge devices. That's why Picovoice addresses this by creating its own data pipeline and training mechanism. To empower non-developers to design voice-enabled product interactions, Picovoice has developed a web-based platform that simplifies the creation and customization of voice commands and wake words. It adopts a customer-centric approach, tailoring its business model to suit the unique needs of each client. As Kenarsari notes, "If you're making an AI PC, your constraints are very different compared to someone who is making a $5 million surgical robot." Its solutions are designed to be cross-platform compatible, supporting a wide array of operating systems and hardware configurations from Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox to NPU, GPU, CPU, MPU, and MCUs. "This versatility is particularly valuable for enterprises with diverse product portfolios," said Kenarsari. This is especially valuable for large enterprises that want to provide consistent user experiences across different devices. Value proposition for the edge Picovoice targets industries where privacy, reliability, and real-time processing are paramount, including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, public safety, and government tech. The company's business model is B2B-focused, offering cost-effective solutions for high-volume applications. Its technology is being utilized in various innovative applications, including LLM-based voice assistants, agentic AI, and even NASA's next-generation spacesuits. In public safety, Picovoice's on-device solutions ensure that sensitive data remains secure. Picovoice initially earned recognition by delivering technically advanced solutions that outpaced competitors, gaining credibility among sophisticated technical buyers. As the company evolves, expanding its product portfolio and refining its go-to-market strategy, its value is increasingly recognized by non-technical stakeholders as well. With a commitment to transparency, Picovoice offers open access to its technology and resources. Its flexible pricing model is designed to adapt to the unique needs and scale of each customer. Looking ahead Looking ahead, Picovoice's vision is to power a billion devices with its AI technology. It is actively expanding its team and exploring strategic acquisitions to further its reach and impact. The company remains committed to continuous innovation, investing heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of the AI revolution. Picovoice has achieved profitability and secured significant multi-year deals with Fortune 100 companies. While the company is not actively seeking fundraising, it is open to strategic acquisitions to expand its team and capabilities. Article edited by Jack Wu Weekly news roundup: EUV leap, Intel reboot, Nvidia's China reckoning, and TSMC's AI power play These are the top-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of April 28 May 4. From China's EUV light source milestone and Intel's turnaround push to Nvidia's evolving China strategy and TSMC's AI chip roadmap, the semiconductor sector saw a week of pivotal shifts. China cracks EUV light source barrier, builds new experimental platform China has unveiled its first solid-state laser-driven EUV light source platform, signaling a major leap in domestic chipmaking capabilities amid ongoing US export restrictions. Spearheaded by former ASML executive Lin Nan, researchers at the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics achieved 3.42% energy conversion efficiency, surpassing benchmarks from ETH Zurich and ARCNL but still trailing ASML's 5.5%. Lin's 1-micron laser system, more compact than ASML's CO-based machines, offers a viable alternative. Notably, ASML's 2024 report named China its largest market, contributing EUR10.195 billion (approx. US$11.6 billion), or 36.1% of total sales. Intel CEO's four turnaround strategies unveiled Intel is pushing forward with a sweeping turnaround under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, leveraging Trump-era "Made in USA" incentives and a surge in federal contracts. Its 18A node has entered risk production, with volume output set for late 2025, followed by performance-boosted 18A-P and 18A-PT nodes using advanced hybrid bonding. The 14A nodefeaturing PowerDirecthas also attracted early customer interest. Panther Lake chips, launching in late 2025, will combine Intel and TSMC processes, including 18A, N3E, and 6nm. Intel Foundry Direct Connect 2025 proceeded as scheduled, drawing key partners such as UMC, MediaTek, Faraday, and eMemory. Intel, AMD earn big in China, but US imports littleWhy the gap? In 2024, Intel, AMD, and Nvidia generated a combined US$30 billion from Chinarepresenting 29%, 24%, and 13% of their respective revenuedespite heightened US-China chip tensions. However, Chinese customs reported only US$12.8 billion in US semiconductor imports, or 3.1% of total intake, due to supply chains that route manufacturing through Taiwan, South Korea, or Southeast Asia. At the same time, China exported US$31.8 billion in chips to the US. The discrepancy underscores how globalized production and origin classification obscures the depth of cross-border semiconductor ties. Jensen Huang's China trilogy: How a 30-year game shaped Nvidia's rise For three decades, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang cultivated China as a key growth market, from early mobile chip attempts to become the engine of the country's AI surge. By 2020, China accounted for nearly 30% of Nvidia's revenue, fueled by adoption from Baidu and Tencent. However, escalating US export bansnow covering chips like A800, H800, and H20have cost Nvidia an estimated US$5.5 billion. With Huawei and Cambricon now controlling 30% of China's AI chip market, Nvidia's long-running China strategy faces a fundamental reset. TSMC's AI chip plans remain on track; CoWoS capacity to double in 2025 TSMC is on track to double its advanced packaging capacity for AI chips in 2025, countering speculation of reduced orders from major clients. Sources estimate total capacity at 650,000 wafers, with Nvidia reserving 370,000 and AWS securing 73,00075,000 wafers. Google, Broadcom, and MediaTek have also placed significant orders. CEO C.C. Wei confirmed AI accelerators will double their revenue share next year. TSMC aims to mass-produce 9.5x reticle-size packages and wafer-scale systems with 40x the current computing power by 2027. Apple's Chinese supplier Luxshare hits US$37B milestone, breaks iPhone dependency Luxshare Precision posted robust 2024 results with revenue up 15.9% to CNY268.8 billion (approx. US$36.9 billion) and net income rising 22% to CNY13.4 billion. In the first quarter of 2025, revenue grew 17.9% and profit rose 23.2%. While Apple accounted for 70.7% of revenue, Luxshare is diversifying through acquisitions, including Wingtech assets and a 50.1% stake in Germany's Leoni AG. Automotive electronics surged 48.7% to CNY13.8 billion, and AI-driven data center revenue rose 26.3% to CNY18.4 billion. Bloomberg projects 2025% net income growth in early 2025. YMTC lands US$1.3B funding as financials reveal post-Unigroup fallout YMTC raised CNY1.6 billion from Quanhong Investment, valuing parent company YMTC Holding at CNY161.6 billion. The round, backed by 15 other institutions including top Chinese banks, brought in CNY9.42 billion and lifted subscribed capital to CNY111.81 billion. YMTC posted a CNY531 million profit in 2023 but fell to a CNY84.2 million loss by the third quarter of 2024. Now separated from defunct Tsinghua Unigroup, YMTC is part of a broader portfolio including XMC (valued at CNY19.2 billion) and Unimos. US export controls continue to hamper YMTC's growth despite strong government backing. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Page Content On Monday, 28 April 2025, the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies organized a discussion of the book Tribal Reawakening and the Future of State-Building in Kuwait and Qatar, by Maryam Al-Kuwari. Said Sultan Al Hashimi, a visiting researcher at the unit, introduced Al-Kuwari, who is Director of the Gulf Studies Center and Assistant Professor of International Relations at Qatar University. The book, published in 2025, examines the history of tribes and their role in shaping the modern state in both Kuwait and Qatar, presenting a narrative that counters the prevailing misconception of the tribe as a political and social entity opposed to the modern state. It argues that the tribe, particularly in Kuwait and Qatar, played a prominent role in shaping the modern state and nation-building, both before the discovery of oil and even after independence. Al-Kuwari presented her book, which includes an introduction, five chapters, and a conclusion, outlining the structure, methodology, fieldwork, and data collection mechanisms. It begins with the emergence of the Al Sabah and Al Thani families as ruling dynasties and the challenges they faced, particularly in the pre-independence and state-formation era. It goes on to discuss the impact of Arab nationalism on tribal and national identities, state-building and conflicting identities, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, the rise of tribal politics and political tribes, and parliamentary life in Kuwait and elections in Qatar. The book ends with an analysis of the tribe and its intersections that is, the social dimensions of the subject of the tribe, concluding with an assessment of the challenges and limitations of future research. Al-Kuwari argues that tribalism overlaps with the issue of identity, which drives individuals behaviour towards one another. She stated that the reawakening, or revival, of the tribe in the Gulf goes so far as to affect the legitimacy of the state. This means that the tribe never disappeared; it rather exists but is in decline and is revived when needed. Al-Kuwari went on to discuss the way much of the literature confuses tribe with tribalism, stressing that there is a difference between the two. Tribalism is a fundamental social component of society, described by Ibn Khaldun as a socio-political framework that predates the existence of states. Tribalism is enforced by Asabiyya, which is what unites the tribe. Tribalism is a complex concept, but it is considered a diverse identity that reinforces the concept of citizenship but has the potential to be an obstacle to the formation of the nation-state. Al-Kuwari emphasized that tribalism brings together complex systems of exchange, and her fieldwork demonstrated that tribalism in Qatar is different from tribalism in Kuwait. Alanoud Alsharekh, Director of Ibtkar Strategic Consultancy, Associate Fellow in the Chatham House MENA Program, and the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, opened the discussion of the book. She praised the fieldwork, particularly the diverse interviews, as well as Al-Kuwaris discussion of the changing role of the tribe. Yagoub Al-Kandari, Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the College of Social Sciences and Director of the Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies at Kuwait University, continued the discussion. He noted that the book falls within the field of political sociology, but has anthropological, historical, and psychological aspects in its analysis identity, and praised the clarity of the methodology and the language. He made several more observations regarding the concept of the tribe, its relationship to the state, the political scenes in Kuwait and Qatar, tribal identity in contemporary society, integration and the state, and the role of women in tribal society. Finally, Rachid Jarmouni, Visiting Professor on the Sociology and Anthropology Program at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and Professor of Sociology at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Moulay Ismail University in Meknes, Morocco, presented his reading of the book. He praised Al-Kuwaris bold approach, rarely found in Mashreqi academic writings, as it touched upon unspoken taboos in political phenomena. Jarmouni noted in his discussion that most literature on the concept of the state is inspired by the Western concept, and although Al-Kuwari, in his opinion, presented some alternative approaches, her work would have benefited from a discussion about the nature and essence of the state and the prevailing conditions. He concluded by stating that the book adds a very important building block to shake up the currently stagnant study of tribalism. The session concluded with some final commentary from Al-Kuwari, who spoke about the difficulty of addressing the concept of tribe. She spoke of her privilege to be a researcher from within the region, despite the difficulties she faced due to her affiliation with a particular tribe. Most of the interviews in Qatar were with members of her tribe, while the interviews in Kuwait were more fluid and diverse. Following these remarks, the floor opened to a lively audience Q&A session. Broadcaster and author Marty Morrissey has urged people to have the silent killer of blood pressure checked, having lost his father and grandfather to heart attacks. The GAA commentator said their deaths fuelled his acute awareness of cardiac health as he backed the Irish Heart Foundations Before Damage is Done campaign. The Gaelic games correspondent, from Quilty in Co Clare, said: Sometimes were a bit careless about it, ah, well be grand. But we do need to be far more aware of our own health. You are the best judge of anything that is wrong with you, so dont dismiss it because your body is telling you something, and sometimes we ignore it or dont want to know about it. In the GAA world, we have black cards, red cards and yellow cards. If you get the yellow card, you take the warning. When you get your blood pressure checked, and its high, thats your chance to take the warning and do something about it. Sometimes people dont get any warning. Once youre over 50 you need to be getting everything checked. Mr Morrissey, whose dad Martin died of a sudden heart attack in 2004, was speaking as new research by the national stroke and heart charity showed a drop in understanding of the risk of stroke and heart disease from untreated high blood pressure. Last months online survey of 1,000 people, by Core Research, reveals just 49% had their blood pressure checked in the last six months, compared to 57% in November 2023. Only 67% believe untreated blood pressure creates a high risk of stroke down from 78% in 2023 while 64% believe there is a high risk of heart disease, down from 72% in 2023. In addition, the data shows public knowledge has fallen in relation to how untreated blood pressure can lead to dementia or kidney disease, as well as damaging the heart and other organs. Worryingly, 29% of people believe the signs of high blood pressure are obvious, yet it is a silent killer. Blood pressure checks are a tool in measuring how effectively the heart pumps blood around the body. Janis Morrissey, director of health promotion, information and training with the Irish Heart Foundation, said: The research shows an unfortunate fall-off in the level of understanding of the serious consequences of hypertension, or high blood pressure. High blood pressure is among the leading risk factors for heart disease or stroke and premature death worldwide. For most people, it is symptomless yet there may still be a misconception that symptoms are necessary to indicate it. Thats why it is vital to get your blood pressure checked at your GP or local pharmacy, before damage is done. A quarter of people having strokes are under age 65 and are still of working age, so it can have devastating consequences not only for someones health, but also on their quality of life and financial independence if they are forced to stop working. For more information, visit irishheart.ie I know Sarah Kelleher gets it when I tell her I could never bring myself to replace my mongrel who passed away at age 18, even though many years have elapsed since. He was a one-off. After all, super-vet Sarah realised her childhood ambition to care for and work with animals even after she had achieved a law degree from UCC. I totally get it, says Sarah, from St Lukes who has opened a new veterinary clinic, Marina Veterinary Clinic, with her fellow vet and business partner, Niall McMahon. It is heartbreaking to lose a pet and a loyal companion after so long. If you are considering getting another dog, the dog will find you. If you are a dog person you will always be a dog person, adds Sarah, explaining the unique connection that we have with our four-legged friends. Gods creatures bring us comfort and joy. Vet Sarah Kelleher, who has just opened her new business on the Marina in Cork city, with her son Ted No two animals are the same, says Sarah. Each animal will provide different things to its owner. Loyalty, affection, excitement, fun, walkabouts, unconditional love, and much more. When did Sarahs love story with the animals begin? I was very small when I read All Creatures Great And Small, says Sarah, who is mother to Ted, aged just eight months. Becoming a vet was always in the stars for me. I was totally taken with the book about the country vets. My mum and dad always had dogs and as a child I had numerous pets, a guinea pig, and goldfish. Buster was an unusual pet. He was a rabbit, but he grew so big I think he was really a hare! says Sarah, laughing. I had a harness for him, and Id take him round the garden for walks. Sarahs love affair with the animals never waned. In Leaving Cert, I was better at English and French, she says. I was not loving chemistry. The career guidance advice steered me towards Law and I loved the course and I made great friends in UCC. Sarah Kelleher, Kelly-Ann Blachere and Niall McMahon, the team at Marina Veterinary Clinic. But I still wanted to be a vet. There were no vets in the family. Her passion pursued her to Australia where she lived for a year. I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a vet, says Sarah. I was more aware of my ambition than ever being away from home. It was my first time living away from home. The Cork woman wasnt lonely though. I met my husband Sam in Australia, who is also a vet and, he practices in Killeagh. Sarah sought expert advice on how to go about becoming a vet. I went to talk to the cat vet, Clare Meade, in her practice. She said do it if I really want to. I started applying around veterinary practices, but it was a bit awkward for me to get work being an undergraduate in Law. Clare winged her way to Budapest, Hungary, in 2012 to follow her heart and realise her dream of becoming a vet. The course was taught through English and there were 30 other Irish people on the course, says Clare. It was like home-away-from-home. It was fantastic, and I made the best pals. The living was easy there. Rent was cheap. After graduating in Budapest, Sarah went on to learn the trade in England. I worked with small animals in a small clinic, she says. I loved Bristol. It is like Cork, a nice size with lovely independent cafes around Bristol and near the canal. Bristol would remind you of Edinburgh. I cycled into work every morning. Sarah and Sam, making plans for the future, moved in together and worked in the same neck of the woods together. Sam was based in Kildare, I worked in Dublin, says Sarah. Back in Cork she spotted a future member of the family during covid. Remy is a rescue dog, says Sarah. The easiest way to describe him is a terrier cross. But he is really 50 breeds! Sarah saw Remy one day when he was in the care of the CSPCA. The dog became part of the family, and he became one of the loves of Sarahs life. It was March, the start of covid, and I worried what the CSPCA could do with the dogs and how they could re-home them during the pandemic, she recalls. I was asked to take Remy home for 24 hours to see how wed get on. But I was sure I wanted him, and I said there and then, Ill take him. Veterinary surgeon Sarah Kelleher at her new business, Marina Veterinary Clinic in Centre Park Road, Cork. Picture: Jim Coughlan So Remy found her? Yes, he responded well to me and now, five years later, he is ruling the roost! Sarah also met her future business partner Niall through work. Niall, who is from Tyrone, and I had worked together, and we both saw the culture changing. We wanted to set up our own practice within the practice as opposed to working for a large corporate company. The idea of being the local vet, just like being the local GP, really appealed to us. We loved the idea of the old-school community vet just like the vets in All Creatures Great And Small that I had read about as a child. We want to know you and your animal. Sarah and Niall are getting to know their patrons well at Marina Veterinary Clinic. Poodles Tiggy and Darcy, Jed, the mini schnauzer, AJ with the sore leg, and Milo for vaccines, are among our patients, says Sarah. In her newly-opened practice in the Marina, she has discovered another great love of her life. We have put our life savings into Marina Vets, says Sarah. I love working and living in Cork where I know people and now Im getting to know their pets every day. We offer a personalised service that is community-based. Is her eight-month-old son Ted an animal lover too, like his mum and dad? Sarah laughs. Ted often comes here to visit us, she says. He is fascinated when he sees the animals! Is it difficult starting a new business with a small child on board? The two things aligned, even though they came close together, says Sarah. My mother, who retired from teaching, steps in to mind Ted. Its great because that gives me autonomy and I can pop in and out during the day to see him. The youngster is in good company. My parents have two dogs and a cat. They kind of acquired them! So those animals found a good home? Yes, they did, says Sarah. Its like a stray comes by and they are taken in! Sarah belongs to an animal-loving family. My sister has two dogs, and my brother has a dog. Our family WhatsApp is like a hospital page for our animals! How does Sarah, a born animal lover, deal with having to euthanise a beloved pet in her job? 99.9% of the time, I feel like I am doing right for the dog or the cat, she says. I tell Sarah when my dog stayed overnight on steroids in the local veterinary clinic in a last bid save his life, I didnt sleep. In the morning, the vet rang me and told me not to return. Of course, it is a heart-breaking decision to euthanise a beloved animal for all concerned, says Sarah. I have been in your boots. It is devastating to say goodbye to such a loved animal. Hearts are broken when we have to let them go. Seeing how much a pet has been loved and lived its best life is a truly humbling experience for me. But you must be humane and do the right thing. The lovely memories of the joy the animal brought to its owner and its family will last forever. Remembering the good times helps the grieving process. Sarah, realising her childhood dream, is in a good place. I am so happy, its great. And she will continue always to care for and cherish all creatures great And small. Marina Veterinary Clinic, Block O, Unit 11, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Ballintemple, Cork. T12 VA46. Phone: 021-2038344 The HSE South West has paid tribute to the work of midwives at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) on International Day of the Midwife 2025. Observed annually on May 5, the day highlights the vital contribution of midwives in providing care through every stage of pregnancy and childbirth. Prof John R Higgins, clinical director of the Ireland South Women and Infants Directorate said that in every crisis, be it personal, societal, or global, "midwives stand as a source of strength and calm." Today, we honour the incredible role they play in supporting families and sustaining our health system across Ireland South. This years theme 'Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis' shines a spotlight on midwives globally, who continue to deliver safe, dignified care during health emergencies, humanitarian disasters, and environmental crises. At CUMH, midwives are the cornerstone of maternity care, providing expertise and reassurance to thousands of women and families across Munster, guiding them through pregnancy, birth, and the early days of parenting. The DOMINO Service (Domiciliary Care In and Out of Hospital) offers continuity of care from a dedicated team of midwives, facilitates a hospital-based birth, and enables early discharge with follow-up care and feeding support at home. An increasing number of families are also choosing the HSE Home Birth Servicea fully funded, safe, and high-quality care package for healthy, low-risk pregnancies. Women receive one-hour antenatal appointments with their midwife and are supported in giving birth at home. Postnatal visits continue for two weeks after birth to provide guidance on feeding and newborn care. Orlaith Spitere, designated midwifery officer for the CUMH HSE Home Birth Service, advised anyone to discuss their care options at their appointments. There are many options available to enhance women's experiences and make their journey more convenient. Whether it be home births, water births, or DOMINO caredepending on your circumstances, we can find the best option for you. Katie Bourke, director of midwifery at CUMH, acknowledged the dedication of the hospitals midwives. Our midwives consistently rise to the challenges of modern healthcare. This day allows us to recognise their commitment and ensure they too feel supported, valued, and celebrated. People are getting 'stuck' in emergency accommodation due to a shortage of one and two-bed housing units in Cork city, as latest data shows the amount of apartments granted permission is at its lowest level in seven years. Cork Simon Communitys fifth 'Home Truths' report, looks at the need for smaller housing units, as over three-quarters of adults in homeless emergency accommodation in Cork and Kerry are single adults, many of whom need single unit housing to be able to exit homelessness. Barry, a Cork Simon service user who was quoted in the report said: Its kind of hard to find something thats just single. I do be seeing kind of like three and four bedroom up. But theyre all well over two grand each. Its a little to nothing for single people really. And if there was a single, youd see the amount of views on it. So it kind of puts you off going for it even, you know. And then when you dont get a reply, thats kind of why. Because theres too many people looking for the one bed accommodation. Cork Simons Sophie Johnston, who compiled the report, said that it is not just people in emergency services looking for one and two bed homes, but the shortage is particularly acute issue among the most disadvantaged. One and two person households are the largest household category, and its predicted to grow, but at the moment theres a significant mismatch. While one and two person households are the dominant household type, the majority of our housing is three and four-bed houses," she told The Echo. The Cork City Development Plan (2022-2028) has forecast growth of over 16,000 households in Cork city during its lifetime, with 54.5% of this growth to be among one and two person households. Ms Johnston said that Cork city already has more than twice as many one and two person households as there are one and two bedroom homes. The report shows there are 45,906 one and two-person households and just 20,241 one and two-person homes. This is reflected across Ireland, which has the third highest level of under-occupied homes in the EU, at 66% compared to the EU average of 33%. Ms Johnston said the lack of smaller houses means theres no room for movement. As well as one and two person households occupying larger homes, 60% of households on the social housing waiting list in Cork city are single households, as well as 77% of those in emergency accommodation. Single people are also less likely than families to secure housing as a preventative measure to entering emergency accommodation (6% vs 24%, and to exit emergency accommodation to a housing tenancy (6% vs 29%). Ms Johnston said that when talking to people for the report, "the word impossible came up a number of times." "Theres a sense of despondency among people who are searching and searching, but the housing just isnt there. People search far and wide and then dont get a reply, cant get a viewing its very disheartening, their lives are effectively on hold," she said. We know the longer someone spends in emergency accommodation it takes a really big toll on their physical and mental health, their wellbeing, and it can lead to a whole other set of problems. Trevor, a Cork Simon service user, said that the type of housing he needs to leave emergency accommodation is just not there, explaining he has alerts on for all the housing websites on his phone. But the alerts dont come. They just dont because, you know, Im looking for the impossible. Im getting nothing. I dont need off-street parking. Just, you know, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a bed. Thats it. Some place to wash, some place to sleep, somewhere to cook something. But theres nothing there. The report identifies apartment construction as a good indicator of future one and two bedroom housing supply, finding that, based on Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, 80% of apartments in Cork city are one and two bedroom units. Approved planning permissions for apartment units in Cork city fell by 61% in 2024, and less than one in four apartment units approved for planning in the city between 2018 and 2022 were completed by the end of last year. So as low at the numbers are for approved planning permissions, only a small portion of those will come to be, if previous patterns continue, Ms Johnston said. Latest CSO data also shows that in Cork city, new apartment completions were down 10% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Building commencement notices for apartment units also fell to their lowest quarterly number in five years. Adam, another Cork Simon service user said he was having no luck in his searching. Its absolutely brutal... the lack of one-bedroom, two-bedrooms. There was a house that went up today, yeah and 100 people viewing it. What do you have to do to get the house? I give up. The dog box would do at this stage. John Foskett, Cork Simon project worker, said that finding one and two beds is like finding dinosaur teeth." Theres nothing available on Daft. Its non-existent. Our service users are going with a view to renting through HAP. If I find somewhere available and we mention HAP, they dont get a call back. Even with super HAP, which adds 30% on top of the original HAP, as soon as landlords hear HAP they dont want anything to do with them," said Mr Foskett. And then theres high competition. Theyre up against people who have 12 months of pay slips and the likes. Were having to look further and further, 30 or 40 minutes outside the city. But that can have a detrimental effect as its pushing people away from their GP and services. With the lack of one and two beds over the last 18 months, its an impossible market for our lads to break into. Even though many of them would be perfect tenants," he added. Years ago you couldnt break into the home ownership market, now you cant break into the rental market. Its an impossible game. Until theres rent caps and a lot more houses built, I cant see anything changing. Ms Johnston said the housing commission report last year highlighted the need for more one and two bed units, and she hopes that the government take this recommendation into account, as constructing more of these smaller units are the only solution to the problem. With the Housing for All plan currently being reviewed by government, we think that the Housing Commissions recommendations, in general and in particular in terms of one and two beds, need to be looked at. The government needs to be focused on delivering these units. In the meantime, people like Liam, another Cork Simon service user quoted in the report, are searching all the time for a one-bed so that he can leave emergency accommodation, but there just seems to be zero places. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said he is confident that Cork will receive a higher allocation of gardai when the next round of recruits graduate from the Garda Training College in Templemore in June. At the last graduation from Templemore, in March, only three probationer gardai were assigned to the Cork City garda division, while three graduates were assigned to Mallow, in the Cork North division, and one to Bandon, in Cork West. Asked if he was confident Cork city would receive a larger allocation in June, Mr Martin said: I am, yeah. Ive spoken to the minister for justice, and the good news is that the throughput is coming through Templemore now, thats manifest in Dublin, a lot of public reps are saying Its very clear in Dublin now, we can see the fruits of it. Ive spoken to the minister about the need to spread that out across the country to Cork and other places, and hes very conscious of that, he said. I think the key is that we keep the numbers high, applications are high at the moment in respect of Templemore and gardai and well see what more we can do to expand capacity. The Taoiseachs remarks come after The Echo reported that staff shortages mean that as many as 50 gardai in Cork city are unable to advance to promotions they have earned, according to the Garda Representative Association (GRA). Padraig Harrington, the GRA delegate for the Cork city division, said the biggest policing issue in the city was a lack of resources. We have about 50 guards that have been successful in competitions and because of the lack of resources they cant be put into the positions they have been successful in getting, because they would be leaving the frontline section so depleted, theres no superintendent willing to release them, he said. A garda spokesperson said: The allocation of personnel from competition panels, including to detective and roads policing, are considered on an ongoing basis in the context of the operational needs and resourcing requirements of each division and region. Placement on a competition panel is not a guarantee of appointment. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has again said Government will engage with Cork City Council on the issue of funding for the tenant-in-situ scheme, particularly in respect of homes where commitments were made. Mr Martin added that nobody wanted to see people becoming homeless. The tenant-in-situ scheme enables local authorities to buy a rental property if the landlord is selling up, allowing tenants to remain in place and continue renting. Last month, Cork City Council said Government funding was insufficient to adequately cover current commitments from 2024 into 2025 and the councils acquisitions programme was now ceased. Emergency meeting At an emergency council meeting last week, the councils chief executive Valerie OSullivan reported that city council was initially granted funds for 110 home acquisitions last year, and was then told by the Department of Housing in June it could work to its allocation plus 50%, and costs could be recouped. The council obtained from the department approval to purchase eight additional homes above that allocation of 165, she said. Thirty-eight homes were carried forward to 2025, but acquiring those properties and recouping 2024 transactions would exhaust the funds allocated for 2025, leaving the council with an estimated 1.69m deficit. For its 2025 Acquisition Programme, the council had engaged in discussions on the acquisition of an additional 33 properties, but there would be no funding available for those, Ms OSullivan added. Engage The Taoiseach had previously told The Echo that the Department of Housing would engage with Cork City Council and other councils in an effort to prevent tenants from becoming homeless, and he repeated that promise on Friday. The tenant-in-situ scheme, although it was only established in 2023, it seems to have a broader remit in terms of its application, but we will engage with the councils, we will engage with the city council here, to see what we can do, particularly in respect of homes where commitments were made; we dont want to see people in those situations going homeless, he said. But the scheme did need tightening up and it needed focus and targeting to what it was originally intended, which was to make sure that people who were in existing homes that were going to be evicted and made homeless, that those houses would be bought out. Housing minister James Browne, who was in Cork for a number of engagements with the Taoiseach, added that he had already had engagement with Ms OSullivan on Monday and was planning to have further discussions with her. Cork Dragons are among the nominees in the recreation, sport, health and wellbeing category in the Lord Mayors Community and Voluntary Awards. A dragon boat team based in Cork city, it was founded to support those impacted by cancer, particularly breast cancer survivors and their families. The group provides a community of resilience and support through dragon boating on the river Lee. The club meets at least twice weekly for training sessions. Members have the option to train socially or at a competitive pace. Cork Dragons compete in regional and international regattas, while they also host Cork Rebel Regatta for breast cancer teams from across the country. Dragon boating is an international venture proven to improve fitness levels and rehabilitation following surgery and radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Beneficial Evidence shows that exercise after any cancer is extremely beneficial, and can cut the risk of recurrence by up to 40%. Being a member of Cork Dragons means that cancer survivors are able to carry out this physical and social activity in a safe, supervised, and fun environment. Speaking to The Echo, Val Elliffe of Cork Dragons said it is a massive honour for the group to be nominated for a Lord Mayors Community and Voluntary Award. It gives us a chance to recognise and say thanks to all of our volunteers, said Ms Elliffe. Really, our club wouldnt exist at all without volunteers. It is also a chance to show who we are, what we do, and that there is an awful lot of life after a cancer diagnosis. It is a great honour for the Cork Dragons to be included because there are so many well-deserving groups and volunteers out there. So to even be considered as a nominee, we were absolutely blown away by it, to be honest. Being nominated for the community and voluntary award, it really means a huge amount to us. It gives us a chance to turn the spotlight around for once. Instead of asking for someone, we are saying thank you to all of the people. The garda file is being considered by the DPP in the case against a 26-year-old man accused of robbing an 81-year-old woman who was knocked to the ground as she walked home with her friend at Military Hill in Cork. Sergeant John Kelleher confirmed that the file had been with the DPP since April 23 and that directions were awaited. Judge Colm Roberts remanded the accused in custody with consent to bail until May 27. Kelvin Murphy of 152 Wolfe Tone Street, Gurranabraher, Cork, appeared in Cork District Court by video link from prison and was represented by solicitor Shane Collins-Daly. Detective Garda Brian Holland gave evidence at Kelvin Murphys first court appearance when it was alleged that on March 3 just after 11pm the injured party, an 81-year-old woman, was walking home with her friend, aged 75. They were walking up Military Hill when it is alleged that the accused crossed the road from the opposite side and walked towards them. It is alleged that the accused asked the injured party for money and she declined and that the accused then grabbed the injured partys handbag and in the process dragged her to the ground causing her to fall onto the road. The accused fled on foot down Military Hill on to Wellington Road. Passers-by came on the scene and retrieved the injured partys handbag from the accused before he made good his escape. The injured party had an injury to her upper right leg. An ambulance attended at the scene and gave medical attention, Det Garda Holland said. The Cork teenager who lost her life in a tragic autograss accident at a motor racing meet in Castletown-Kinneigh yesterday has been described as a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue by teachers and students at McEgan College in Macroom where she was a first year student. Lauren OBrien, 13, from Knockane in Terelton, was badly injured in the collision which happened at approximately 3.30pm at the West Cork venue and despite best efforts by medical personnel to stabilise her condition, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her remains have since been removed to Cork University Hospital where a postmortem examination was due to be carried out. In a post on the McEgan College Facebook page, the deepest sympathy of the school community was extended to her loving family, her parents Therese and Timothy, her brother Josh who is a 2nd year student at our school, sister Shannon, and all those who loved Lauren and had the privilege of knowing her. Laurens vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College. She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community. The school opened between midday and 3pm for any members of the school community who wished to come in for support and to remember Lauren. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) will be with us to support and advise teachers in their efforts to assist our students at this time. May Laurens beautiful soul rest in peace, the statement concluded. In a statement issued on its social media platform, the National Autograss Association, the ruling body for the sport, said that it would be cancelling all scheduled events for the weekend of May 10/11 as a mark of respect to the family of the young driver we so sadly lost following yesterday's tragedy. We now reach out to all our members, families, colleagues and associates in not only respecting this decision but also to help us treat next weekend as a tribute and remembrance of the young driver we have lost and to her family in supporting them through their unimaginable journey through this process and beyond. The statement was signed by the Board of Directors of the National Autograss Club. Dunmanway co-parish priest Patrick ODonovan, which is the family of parishes which includes Terelton, said he knew the family and had been with them. Its an awful tragedy in a local community, he said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Fine Gael councillor Michael Creed said that he knew Lauren OBriens grandparents, who live in Inchageela, and extended his sympathies to the family. Gardai investigating the disappearance of Cork couple, Conor and Sheila Dwyer, have issued a fresh appeal for information, with their latest line of inquiry focused on Cobh. Their disappearance remains one of the most enduring and baffling missing persons mysteries in the history of the State. It has been 34 years since Mr and Mrs Dwyer were last seen alive in Fermoy on April 30, 1991. The couple were last seen at approximately 9.30am while they were exiting St Patricks Church following a requiem mass, close to their Chapel Hill home. The following day, Sheila spoke with her sister by phone, which is the last known time that someone heard from her. On Sheilas birthday, May 19, her sister tried calling her again but never received a response. A couple of days later, both of Sheilas sisters went to visit the couples home in Fermoy, but found it empty. They then reported the couple missing to Gardai on May 22. Investigation When gardai attended at the couples home, they found both their passports along with approximately 1,000 in cash. While it was noted that nothing in the home appeared to be disturbed, there were some clothes that were missing along with the couples car, a white Toyota Cressida, registered 5797 ZT. The succinct report on the front of the Evening Echo on Thursday, May 23, 1991, entitled Missing couple baffle gardai, captures the story in details which, 34 years later, remain largely unchanged. The report says They are described by gardai and friends as a very close, reserved couple who kept to themselves, adding that gardai had checked the ports, to no avail, and there were heightened fears for their safety. Despite all ports being notified of the vehicle at the time of the couples vanishing, there were never any reports of the car having left the country, or ever being re-registered in another name. In the years since their disappearance, there have been many rumours, and multiple reports of sightings. One such sighting was reported from Germany in 1993, but nothing came of that. That same year, RTEs Crimeline staged a reconstruction of the couples last known movements, and the programme received more than 100 calls from the public, but any hoped-for breakthrough failed to materialise. This remains an open and active investigation and there has been numerous reviews throughout the years. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said that over the past three decades, several lines of inquiry have been followed up on, both domestically and abroad, leading to the case being fully reviewed at this time. In addition, the River Blackwater has been searched on numerous occasions by the Garda Water unit, but to no avail. Appeal Conor Dwyer, who was 62 years of age at the time, is described as being 5 foot 8 in height, of stocky build, with a tanned complexion, and a receding hairline. He also wore thick rimmed brown glasses. Sheila Dwyer, who had just turned 60 years of age, is described as being 5 foot 8 in height, of a slim build, with a fair complexion and long blonde hair. If they are still alive today, Mr and Mrs Dwyer would now be 95 and 94 respectively. We are appealing for closure for Conor and Sheilas family, especially their two sons, and are seeking the publics assistance with the missing persons investigation, said An Garda Siochana. The location of the White Toyota Cressida is deemed vital in this investigation and we believe could hold the key to solving Conor and Sheilas disappearance. Gardai have also shared a number of questions relating to this case, one of which being if the couple were known to visit the Cobh area, or any other areas regularly. Even the smallest piece of information could prove helpful and will be welcomed by investigating Gardai, said An Garda Siochana. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating gardai at Fermoy Garda Station on 025 82100. We all know them the people who are always right. We have got used to hearing President Trump say he is the greatest president of all time. Trumpian language revolves around the biggest, the largest, the greatest of all time. He recently said his is the most successful 100-day start of any U.S president. Trump is not the only famous egomaniac. Many of us will remember Cal Hockley in the movie Titanic Roses fiance. In his few short scenes, he questioned Picassos talent, disparaged Rose repeatedly, and grabbed a random child to ensure his place in a life-boat. Then there is Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films, an evil ego draped in pink, and Danny Zuko in Grease acting like he was at the top of the food pyramid. The evidence suggests that going through life believing you are right about everything, accompanied by blind spots to the alternative, is unhealthy in lots of ways. Researchers claim that narcissism is potentially inked to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and that an inflated ego and blind spots are the two biggest barriers to making good decisions, including those that revolve around your health. Recognising these flaws are the first steps to getting past them if you decide you want to. Researchers at the U.S University of Michigan asked 106 college students to fill out a personality test of questions aimed at understanding how stressed they felt and the size of their ego (for example, rating this statement highly If I ruled the world it would be a better place - likely means youve got a sizeable ego). The researchers also tested the students saliva for levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The research published in PloS One (2012) found that those who qualified as narcissistic had higher levels of cortisol especially men. Study author, Sara Konrath, assistant research professor at the University of Michigans Research Centre for Group Dynamics, suggested that the stress comes in part from a narcissistic persons need to constantly prove they are better than everybody else. And men in particular tend to feel a lot of pressure to maintain the image of being independent and tough, qualities that overlap with narcissism. High levels of cortisol are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke as well as excess visceral belly fat, raised insulin levels, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The evidence suggests that narcissism is getting worse. Konrath and her colleagues dug up data on 85 groups of college students who had taken the same personality test between 1979 and 2006. The rate of narcissism increased by almost a third (30%) over that period. And, as the research shows, they may wind up with poorer health too. Ray Dalio grew up in an ordinary middle class child from Long Island, New York State, to become one of the 100 most influential (according to Time) and 100 wealthiest (according to Forbes) people in the world. He set up the investment company Bridgewater Associates. In 2017, he wrote Principles, outlining his principles for living that contributed to personal and business success. In the book, Dalio suggests that the two biggest barriers to good decision-making are your ego and your blind spots. Dalio outlines how basic needs such as the need to be loved, the need to survive, and the need to be important reside in primitive parts of the brain known as the amygdala, that are structures in the temporal lobe that process emotions. Because the processing of these emotions is subconscious, it is virtually impossible to understand how they control you. They oversimplify and react instinctively. They crave praise and respond to criticism as an attack and make you defensive, especially when it comes to the subject of how good you are. At the same time, higher levels of consciousness resides in the pre-frontal cortex of your brain where conscious decision-making happens, as well as the application of logic and reason. We all know that Jekyll and Hyde feeling where you get angry with yourself for something you know you should not do. I shouldnt have eaten that tub of ice-cream, when your more basic instincts were screaming at you to open the tub in the fridge. The same fight happens between the two yous when it comes to conflict with other people. The lower selves are like attack dogs - they want to fight it out while the higher self wants to figure it out. Even the most intelligent people behave this way and it is linked to poor decision-making and to poor health. To be effective, you must not let your need to be right be more important than your need to find out whats true, said Dalio. There are ways past the fatal flaw of an inflated ego that harbours blind spots. Practice being open-minded. Listen first, then decide. Dont worry about looking good; worry about achieving goals. Be clear on whether you are arguing or seeking to understand. Recognise the signs of close-mindedness, like not wanting ideas challenged, blocking others from speaking, and a lack of humility. Acknowledging these characteristics in yourself is the first step to being more open- minded next time round. Dalio sums it up succinctly: If youre like most people, you have no clue how other people see things and arent good at seeking to understand what they are thinking, because youre too preoccupied with telling them what you thinks is correct. Does any of this ring a bell? The evidence suggests admitting you just might be wrong is the first step towards better decision-making, better physical health, less stress and improved wellbeing. Plus, you will lose your reputation for being an egotistical know-all. By David Young, PA Tributes have been paid to a 13-year-old girl who died in a motorsport racing crash in Co Cork. The young girl, named locally as Lauren OBrien from Knockane near Tarelton, was competing in an event at the Cork Autograss Racing Club when her vehicle crashed on Sunday afternoon. The incident happened at a race track in Castletown-Kinneigh, close to Bandon in west Cork. The young racer died at the scene, and her body was taken to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Autograss racing is a motorsport involving buggies or specially modified cars. Gardai are investigating the circumstances of the crash. Sinn Fein senator from Cork, Nicole Ryan, said she was heartbroken. Laurens passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten, she wrote on Facebook. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all affected by this terrible loss. Irish racing driver Hanna Celsie posted a tribute on social media on Monday morning. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young, talented girl who sadly passed away after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP, she wrote. The Road Race Alliance of Ireland extended its sympathies to Laurens family and friends. While noting it represented two and three-wheeled motorsports, and not autograss, the RRAI added: We are all part of one wider motorsport familyand today, we grieve together. Lauren was a young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing. Her loss is unimaginable, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, her fellow competitors, and everyone who knew and loved her. When a tragedy like this happens, it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world. No matter what we ride or drive, we all understand the love, the risk, and the heartbreak that comes with this sport. Artist Fiona Devlin has come full circle since first suggesting to the owner of the Hideout Cafe on Wellington Road, eight years ago, that she should exhibit her work there. Fiona, who lives in Belgooly, thought the bright, airy premises would make a great gallery. The owner, Agnes Stawosz, agreed and now the Hideout Cafe and Gallery, as it is called, is showing Fionas work again as well as that of 13 other artists, all of whom are members of Kinsale Atlantic Artists. It was Agnes who welcomed Fiona back this spring and also gave space to her colleagues, just before she sold the business to her Polish friend, Magda Zimowska. Magda, who describes herself as artistic, is committed to hosting exhibitions at the venue and says the calendar for the remainder of the year is full up. Fiona, 78, previously worked as a psychotherapist across the road from the Hideout Cafe and Gallery in Sydney Place. This became almost our canteen, she says over a cup of tea in the venue. Painting is very much her hobby. She enjoys showing her work abstract landscapes with others, but Fiona is as interested in the process of making art as exhibiting it. She has taken classes in life drawing and stained glass at the Crawford. Having lived for a long time in Montenotte, she moved to Belgooly four years ago to be close to her daughter, son-in-law, and her two teenage grandsons. Fiona was invited to join the Kinsale Atlantic Artists, who had studied art at Kinsale Community College. They meet regularly at Kinsale Pottery. During the pandemic, Fionas way of life totally changed. I had to pack up my office and move lock, stock and barrel to Belgooly. I practised from there, online, and didnt open another office. I was in the process of retiring. It was great to have the opportunity to live in the Kinsale area with its gorgeous surroundings. And it proved to be the catalyst that now sees Fiona painting very much as a way of life. There are 18 members in the Kinsale Atlantic Artists, only two of whom are men. Members are aged between 40 and 80 years old. From digital collage to sculptures, every visual art form is represented. Im a colourist really; I love playing with colour. I use cold wax, which gives a lovely texture to my paintings. Im more interested in the collective than individual showings. Its a bit intimidating showing your art on your own. Painting solo is not really so interesting. I like to have conversations about our approach to the work. We challenge each other in the group which is inspiring. Its great to be back here in a completely different way than eight years ago. Im now with friends from my new life. Agnes has been so positive towards the artists. In Kinsale Atlantic Artists, its primarily about art for enjoyment. And there are some people in the group who sell a lot. I sell once or twice a year when I have an exhibition and sometimes, I sell prints. Gillian Good, 67, is a friend of Fionas and a member of the Kinsale Atlantic Artists. She is from Ballinadee, which is about seven miles from Kinsale. She has been painting all her life and was in the first cohort of the BA in Visual Arts on Sherkin Island. Prior to that, Gillian studied painting and drawing at Kinsale Community College. She used to run a guesthouse in her four-storey Georgian rectory. Its now a lodging house. When covid put paid to her business for a while, Gillian was fortunate to receive the Basic Income for Artists (BIA). That is coming to an end in August. It meant I could throw myself into art for three years, she says. Gillians subject matter is influenced by the plight of refugees. I decided to try and imagine what it would be like in a small boat thrust into the Mediterranean. I have over 20 paintings that start off with people in a boat, then on a beach. Some of the family has been lost. There are just four of them left. At the exhibition, Gillian is showing a painting that depicts a part of Rome. Fascinated by stone pines, she has painted dark shadowy figures representing migrants underneath these trees. They are barely discernible until you look closely at the painting, a testament to their anonymous nature just another unfortunate group of people escaping from difficult lives elsewhere. Gillian is also showing two paintings that are influenced by the metaphysical poet John Donnes writings. They are paintings of people tumbling together. Theyre in different colours, representing different races. The theme is no man is an island. Thats to remind us that in these Trumpian days, we are all interconnected. Like Fiona, Gillian likes having the company of other artists. The thing about being an artist is that youre solo until you find your tribe. Its hard having no-one to bounce off. The great thing about being in a group is that you get stimulation and challenges as well as the opportunity to talk. People have very different approaches; some are interested in painting, exhibiting and selling. There are others for whom art is a very personal part of their journey. The Kinsale Atlantic Artists exhibit regularly at the Ballymaloe Grainstore, Gallery Asna in Clonakilty, Grey Heron Gallery in Bandon, and Kinsale Arts Weekend. The exhibition at the Hideout Cafe and Gallery on Wellington Road, entitled A Journey Well Travelled, continues until May 30. 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. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC on April 30, 2025. Andrew Harnik / Getty Images The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday filed lawsuits against Michigan and Hawaii over their planned legal actions against fossil fuel companies for the harm their greenhouse gas emissions caused by contributing to the climate crisis. The lawsuits which are unprecedented, according to legal experts claim there is a conflict between the state actions and federal government authority, as well as President Donald Trumps energy agenda. The justice department is also suing Vermont and New York over their climate superfund laws. These burdensome and ideologically motivated laws and lawsuits threaten American energy independence and our countrys economic and national security, said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a press release from the DOJ. The Department of Justice is working to Unleash American Energy by stopping these illegitimate impediments to the production of affordable, reliable energy that Americans deserve. Bondi was recently directed by Trump to take steps to stop enforcement of state regulations that unreasonably burden domestic energy development. The lawsuits advance an executive order signed by Trump in early April. Spokespersons for Democratic Governor of Hawaii Josh Green and Attorney General of Hawaii Anne Lopez confirmed that the state had on Thursday filed a lawsuit against seven fossil fuel-affiliated companies, as well as the American Petroleum Institute, alleging harm caused to public trust resources and negligence, among other allegations, reported The Associated Press. Green said the lawsuits targeted fossil fuel companies responsible for climate impacts on the state, including the deadly Lahaina wildfire of 2023. 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, Green said in a statement. Democratic Attorney General of Michigan Dana Nessel in 2024 hired private law firms to sue the industry for the negative effect of its actions on the states environment and climate. Nessel said Michigan has yet to file its lawsuit, but confirmed the intent to do so, saying that the oil industry and the White House will not succeed in any attempt to preemptively bar our access to make our claims in the courts. This lawsuit is at best frivolous and arguably sanctionable, Nessel said, as The Associated Press reported. Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson with the DOJs Environment and Natural Resources Division said the lawsuits were intended to protect Americans from unlawful state overreach, the press release said. Meanwhile, complaints filed by the DOJ on Thursday in U.S. District Courts in New York and Vermont challenge what the department called expropriative laws passed by the states. The DOJ claims that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act and the Vermont Climate Superfund Act would impose strict liability on energy companies for their worldwide activities extracting or refining fossil fuels. The superfund laws impose penalties for the companies contributions to harms to the states from climate change. The New York law is seeking $75 billion from the companies, while the Vermont law does not specify an amount. Todays complaints allege that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act and the Vermont Climate Superfund Act are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and that they violate the U.S. Constitution. The Justice Department seeks a declaration that these state laws are unconstitutional and an injunction against their enforcement, the DOJ said. Legal experts expressed concern over the arguments made by the government. Michael Gerrard, founder of the Columbia University Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, said it was unusual for the DOJ to request court intervention in pending environmental litigation. [I]ts highly unusual, Gerrard told The Associated Press, referring to the cases in 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, a University of California, Los Angeles, professor of environmental law, noted that Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, said the agency was looking to overturn a finding made pursuant to the Clean Air Act that greenhouse gas emissions endanger the health and welfare of the public. 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, as reported by The Associated Press. On the other hand the U.S. is trying to say that the Clean Air Act should not be used to regulate. Multiple lawsuits have already been filed by states and other localities accusing big oil of deceiving the public about climate change. If the White House or Big Oil wish to challenge our claims, they can do so when our lawsuit is filed, Nessel said, as The Hill reported. I remain undeterred in my intention to file this lawsuit the President and his Big Oil donors so fear. 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. Hammer Creek in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania is a part of the Chesapeake Bay Small Agricultural Watershed Monitoring Program, and the Pennsylvania Water Science Center that was targeted to be closed. Scott Heidel, PADEP / USGS More than two dozen United States Geological Service (USGS) centers that monitor the countrys waters for flooding and drought, as well as manage water supply levels to make sure communities dont run out, have had their leases terminated by the Trump administration. The 25 centers being targeted are part of a network that tracks the quality and levels of surface and ground water, reported The Guardian. The data the centers employees and equipment provide plays a crucial role in protecting human life and property while maintaining water supplies and helping to clean up oil and chemical spills. In the aftermath of a chemical or oil spill, USGS data tracks plumes with real-time monitoring in some locations to protect drinking water, Inside Climate News reported. These [centers] are just super, super important, and theres no rhyme or reason, no thought at all given to canceling these leases, said Kyla Bennett, a scientist and attorney who is the science policy director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. Theyre doing it because its convenient, because these particular centers happen to be up for renewal. No plan to fill the gaps left by the closed USGS centers has been indicated by the administration. Its not being done with any thought about human life, it was just this seems so woke so lets get rid of it, Bennett said, as reported by The Guardian. People think water is free and comes out of your tap whenever you want, but its not that simple. The General Services Administration ordered cancellation of the leases, according to an employee of one of the water centers who requested to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. The employee was informed of the closure by their landlord. Centers across the country will begin closing within four months. Nobody knows what happens if were not doing [monitoring for drought conditions], the employee said. One of the most important functions provided by the centers is the part they play in flood warnings throughout the U.S. USGS monitors river levels and shares its data with the National Weather Service. The weather service then determines if precipitation levels from a coming storm added to the rivers water levels will bring about flooding or overflow a dam. Were doing everything we can to make the argument that we need these facilities to complete our mission, the employee stated, adding that it was hard for the groups to fight back. One of the centers slated for closure is the one in Charlotte, North Carolina, that managed the aftereffects of the deadly flooding from Hurricane Helene in Asheville late last year. The centers are also responsible for measuring water levels of aquifers to make sure industry and utilities are not overdrawing them. Without this service, communities could run out of water. The data from USGS monitoring systems informs the water conservation requirements and drought declarations of states, which trigger withdrawal limits. Information on the flow of rivers is a vital national asset that safeguards lives, protects property, and ensures adequate water supplies for the future. The USGS is the federal agency responsible for operating a network of about 7,000 streamgages nationwide, USGS said on its website. Data from this network are used by water managers, emergency responders, utilities, environmental agencies, universities, consulting firms, and recreation enthusiasts. One of the centers that will close when its lease runs out is in Moab, Utah. Currently 77 percent of the state is under drought conditions, and the center measures its water resources, including snowpack, which provides 95 percent of the states water, Inside Climate News reported. The data is absolutely foundational to our understanding of the current and past hydrology, of the state, said Candice Hasenyager, Utah Division of Water Resources director, and shapes its long-term water planning. We dont really know how they would manage it if that office was closed, Hasenyager said. Were very concerned about being able to manage our water resources within the state of Utah without USGS assistance, as well as that of other targeted federal programs. Data from the centers is also used to manage pollution discharge permits and safeguard the quality of drinking water. Bennett pointed out that, when there are drought conditions, streams are prone to drying up and discharges must be stopped; otherwise, industrial discharge could completely inundate small streams. You cant manage what you cant measure, said Blake Bingham, deputy state engineer of the Utah Division of Water Rights. A hacker has exploited a vulnerability in TeleMessage to breach the service and steal data, according to reporting by 404 Media. TeleMessage is an Israeli company that provides modded versions of encrypted messaging apps like Signal and Telegram. It was revealed last week that former US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz used TeleMessages modified version of Signal to archive messages. Today's report indicated the presence of other high-ranking government officials in archived chats on the app, including Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard and Vice President JD Vance. The unnamed hacker was able to access archived chats, but it doesnt look like they got into any of Waltz's conversations. The hack does, however, prove that the apps message archiving service is not end-to-end encrypted. The hacker also accessed contact information of government officials, login credentials for TeleMessage and data pertaining to the US Customs and Border Protection agency. Some businesses who use the service, like Coinbase and Scotiabank, were also hacked. 404 Media spoke to the anonymous hacker, who said the whole thing only "took about 15-20 minutes" and that it "wasnt much effort at all." TeleMessage's parent company Smarsh has yet to comment on the matter. All of this happened after Waltz accidentally revealed he used TeleMessage during a cabinet meeting last week. This led people to question what kind of information was being shared on the app and how it was being secured. Now we know it wasnt secured all that well. TeleMessage gave a statement to Reuters saying that it was "investigating a potential security incident" and suspending its services "out of an abundance of caution." Of course, its only been a few weeks since Signalgate, in which it was revealed that top US officials were using the messaging app Signal to discuss active combat operations. Prior to the Trump administration, government officials typically avoided consumer-grade messaging apps to hash out military plans. Instead, they used Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and in-house encrypted communication channels. Update, May 5, 2025, 3:38PM ET: Added a statement from TeleMessage to confirm they are investigating a security incident. Bozeman police are seeking a felony assault charge against a 31-year-old former daycare worker accused of biting her child last month. The woman, who is not identified to protect a possible family violence victim, used to work for a daycare but left employment there after her bosses learned of an ongoing CPS investigation and received a report that she had acted aggressively toward a child at the daycare, according to allegations filed in justice court. A CPS investigation determined the womans six-year-old son, on April 3, was observed to have a bite mark on his cheek that consisted of purple bruising and teeth marks, according to an affidavit police filed in court. He said his mother had bit him, reads the affidavit. She then pushed him onto some blankets on the floor. The woman allegedly confirmed the incident to her former employer and a police detective. She told the detective the boy had thrown a shoe at her leg while she was on the phone and knocked the phone out of her hand, which caused her lip to be struck, according to the affidavit. Whether her lip was allegedly to have been struck by the phone or directly by the child isnt clear from the document. The boy then ran to his room, and his mother chased him and spanked him, according to the affidavits account of her statement. She stated that her brain then glitched and she bit [the boy] on the cheek, reads the affidavit. [The boy] started crying as did [his mother]. [She] took pictures of the injury... The mother showed the photos to the detective and admitted she told her therapist about the incident, according to the affidavit. The woman was arrested and later released. The detective advised that she be prosecuted under statute 45-5-212(2)(a), which is a felony punishable by as much as five years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The woman and her childrens father reportedly lived together in Bozeman at the time of the detectives investigation and are separated. They have two children, one of whom is younger than the six-year-old. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The United States recently alleged that unfair trade practices by China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Kenya, Cambodia, Turkiye, the European Union (EU) and Peru are harming the US textile and apparel sector. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US trade representative (USTR) said that due to non-market policies and practices by China in the sector, China's domestic manufacturers are enjoying unfair competitive advantages. The USTR has alleged that 'unfair trade practices' by China, India, the EU and many other nations are 'harming' the US textile and apparel sector. Due to China's non-market policies and practices, Chinese firms enjoy 'unfair competitive advantages'. India's textile industry gains from "high tariffs, opaque quality control rules, and a web of unpredictable import licensing requirements", it noted. These policies are enabling Chinese manufacturers to charge artificially low prices for their products. US textile and apparel manufacturers have been negatively impacted with 28 plants closing in the past 22 months," USTR wrote. China accounted for 21 per cent of the $79.3 billion worth of apparel imported by the United States last year, it said. Chinese e-commerce firms, it stated, were responsible for over 30 per cent of all daily de minimis shipments into the United States, flooding the US market with cheap apparel products, while bypassing tariffs and evading trade enforcement mechanisms. "The influx of cheap apparel has decimated local industries, particularly in the southeast United States," USTR observed. US exporters are also at a disadvantage as the Indian textile industry is benefitting from "high tariffs, opaque quality control rules, and a web of unpredictable import licensing requirements", while the playing field is uneven for US manufacturers as Indias export promotion schemes and production-linked incentives offered the latters manufacturers a competitive edge. USTR also accused the EU of imposing new non-tariff barriers, leaving US exporters with burdensome compliance costs. The barriers mentioned are eco-design requirements under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles; steep extended producer responsibility fees and digital product passports with unrealistic implementation timelines. Bangladeshs readymade garment sector continues to be marked by pervasive labour rights violations, including insufficient fines for labour violations, poverty wages, 14-16 hour shifts in unsafe factories and systemic anti-union discrimination. Moreover, garment workers in Bangladesh are only paid about $113 per month. These unfair practices underpin ultra-cheap garment imports that undercut US textile and apparel manufacturers, USTR alleged. Behind the surge in Vietnams apparel exports to the United States are aggressive state-backed industrial policies and the prevalence of cheap, forced labourVietnamese textile and garment workers are only paid about $300 per month, USTR noted in the social media post. Kenya applies a 35-per cent tariff on US exports of second-hand clothing and many textile products are classified as sensitive items under the East African Community, some of which are subject to a 50-per cent tariff, it noted. These unfair practices significantly impact US exporters who have limited access to Africas largest market for second-hand clothing. Meanwhile, China became the largest secondhand clothing supplier to Kenya in 2023, exporting nearly five times the value of US exports to Kenya, it said. Exploitative labour conditions exist in Cambodia, specifically in the textile industry, and these unfair trade practices artificially suppress labour costs, it observed. The United States is facing an unprecedented surge of direct imports of cotton swabs, cotton rounds, cotton balls and cotton squares from Turkiye. The Turkish lira has devalued by 77.5 per cent in the last five years, making Turkish exports significantly cheaper, despite no change in real production costs, USTR noted. In Peru, there are significant concerns with respect to freedom of association and collective bargaining in certain sectors, including in the textiles and apparel sector. These unfair trade practices artificially suppress labour costs, giving certain goods and services from Peru an unfair advantage in the US market, USTR added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) $2.7bn operating cash || $1.4bn NPV || 73% Equity IRR || 1 year payback 'Starter Pit' yields $825m operating cash from 206koz Au in ~1.1 years ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 4, 2025 / Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD) (Barton or the Company) advises that the attached results have been released to the market. A copy of these results can be accessed on the ASX website, the investor section of Barton's website, or directly by clicking here. Authorised by the Managing Director of Barton Gold Holdings Limited. For further information, please contact: Alexander Scanlon Managing Director a.scanlon@bartongold.com.au +61 425 226 649 Jade Cook Company Secretary cosec@bartongold.com.au +61 8 9322 1587 About Barton Gold Barton Gold is an ASX, OTCQB and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Australian gold developer targeting future gold production of 150,000ozpa with 1.7Moz Au & 3.1Moz Ag JORC Mineral Resources (64.0Mt @ 0.83 g/t Au), brownfield mines, and 100% ownership of the region's only gold mill in the renowned Gawler Craton of South Australia.* Tarcoola Gold Project Fully permitted open pit mine with ~20koz Au within trucking distance of Barton's Central Gawler Mill Historical goldfield with new high-grade gold-silver discovery in grades up to 83.6 g/t Au and 17,600 g/t Ag Tunkillia Gold Project 1.6Moz Au & 3.1Moz Ag JORC Mineral Resources Optimised Scoping Study for competitive ~120kozpa gold and ~250kozpa silver bulk open pit operation Key Regional Infrastructure Region's only gold processing plant (650ktpa CIP) Multiple camps / accommodation across projects Competent Persons Statement & Previously Reported Information The information in this announcement that relates to the historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources as listed in the table below is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the Competent Person whose name appears in the same row, who is an employee of or independent consultant to the Company and is a Member or Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy ( AusIMM ), Australian Institute of Geoscientists ( AIG ) or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Each person named in the table below has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 ( JORC ). Activity Competent Person Membership Status Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Stockpiles) Dr Andrew Fowler (Consultant) AusIMM Member Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Perseverance Mine) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Tarcoola Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tarcoola Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Mineral Resource Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource Mr Dale Sims (Consultant) AusIMM / AIG Fellow / Member The information relating to historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources in this announcement is extracted from the Company's Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 or as otherwise noted in this announcement, available from the Company's website at www.bartongold.com.au or on the ASX website www.asx.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Exploration Results and Mineral Resource information included in previous announcements and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates, and any production targets and forecast financial information derived from the production targets, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the applicable Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the previous announcements. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "target" and "intend" and statements than an event or result "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information is subject to business, legal and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to property interests, the global economic climate, commodity prices, sovereign and legal risks, and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and opinions at the date the statements are made. Barton undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates or to update or keep current any of the information contained herein. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future (including projections of revenue, expense, net income and performance) are based upon the best judgment of Barton from information available as of the date of this document. There is no guarantee that any of these estimates or projections will be achieved. Actual results will vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the past or future. Any reliance placed by the reader on this document, or on any forward-looking statement contained in or referred to in this document will be solely at the readers own risk, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. *Refer to Barton Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 and ASX announcement dated 4 March 2025. Total Barton JORC (2012) Mineral Resources include 909koz Au (30.8Mt @ 0.92 g/t Au) in Indicated category and 799koz Au (33.2Mt @ 0.75 g/t Au) in Inferred category, and 3,070koz Ag (34.5Mt @ 2.80 g/t Ag) in Inferred category as a subset of Tunkillia gold JORC (2012) Mineral Resources. SOURCE: Barton Gold Holdings Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/optimised-scoping-study-accelerates-tunkillia-pfs-programs-1023396 LONDON and BERLIN, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brace yourself for a major tech revolution as GITEX Europe 2025 prepares to ignite Berlin with disruptive innovation and transformative ideas. Europe's tech landscape is on the cusp of a game-changing shift, as the continent welcomes over 1,400 exhibitors, 500+ influential speakers, 600+ investors, and more than 1,000 startups from 100+ countries to this prestigious summit. From AI, DeepTech, GreenTech, and quantum computing to cloud and telco innovations, the event will uncover complex challenges and highlight the limitless possibilities of emerging technologies. More than just a knowledge-sharing platform, GITEX Europe 2025 is a golden gateway for enterprises to showcase their capabilities, forge strategic alliances, and stay ahead of the curve in a hyper-competitive global marketplace. Berlin, Germany's buzzing capital, serves as the perfect launchpad. With its vibrant tech scene and home to several global tech powerhouses, the city provides the ideal foundation for GITEX Europe's debut edition. Among the standout participants is Hyperlink InfoSystem, a globally recognized IT services company with a strong legacy in AI, blockchain, app development, and more. The company is thrilled to announce its participation in this milestone event, taking place from May 21 to May 23, 2025. Having built a solid reputation through its consistent presence at GITEX Global in Dubai, UAE since 2016, Hyperlink InfoSystem sees its entry into the European edition as a strategic leap toward establishing a dominant presence in Europe. With thousands of successful app launches and decades of delivering advanced IT solutions under its belt, the company is well-positioned to lead the charge in digital transformation and AI innovation. Visitors to GITEX Europe 2025 can experience the full scope of Hyperlink InfoSystem's capabilities at Stand No. H2.2-13, Hall 2.2. The company will showcase its niche services and proven expertise across a wide spectrum of technologies, including AI, AR/VR, IoT, Blockchain, Salesforce, Web3, CRM, and DevOps. As a key player in the global IT space, Hyperlink InfoSystem has enabled over 2,700 startups to large enterprises level businesses to break past technological barriers and realize their vision through full-cycle development support since its founding in 2011. Beyond sharing the spotlight with Europe's most dynamic entrepreneurs and industry leaders, GITEX Europe presents a compelling opportunity for Hyperlink InfoSystem to strengthen its ties with the global innovation ecosystem, share its journey, and forge new partnerships. Harnil Oza, CEO and Founder of Hyperlink InfoSystem, shared his enthusiasm: "We are beaming with pride and excitement while looking forward to being part of GITEX Europe this year. Thanks to our cherished participation at GITEX Global since 2011, we believe we can bring great value to the event while fostering innovation and driving partnerships. Germany is the nucleus of European technological innovation, and getting a chance to be a part of its ecosystem is a privilege for us. Not just business-wise, but also to enhance our knowledge base and skill sets. This isn't our first tech expo, but the anticipation, the possibilities, and the potential impact are giving us sleepless nights." As Hyperlink InfoSystem gears up for GITEX Europe 2025, it strives for constant innovation, learning, and growth by embracing, investing in, and adopting innovative technologies. With over 4,500 successful app deliveries, 1250+ developers, and 2,700 global clients, including Fortune 500 companies, the firm strives for excellence with each project. Entrepreneurs with sophisticated technological concepts can pitch directly to the team at GITEX Europe in Berlin, 2025. For inquiries, call +1(309) 791-4105 or email info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com. About Hyperlink InfoSystem Hyperlink InfoSystem is a prominent international enterprise excelling in IT solutions in many domains. Since its humble beginnings in 2011, its specialization in technologies has expanded across web development, mobile app development, enterprise software solutions, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 1200+ employees and a global presence in the USA, UK, UAE, France, India, and Canada, Hyperlink InfoSystem is dedicated to assisting corporations to leverage the complete power of technology to accomplish their goals. Contact Details: Hyperlink InfoSystem Harnil Oza +1-309-791-4105 info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com New York Address: One World Trade Center 285 Fulton Street suite 8500, New York, NY 10007, United States Ahmedabad Address: C-308, Ganesh Meridian, Opp Kargil Petrol Pump, S.G. Highway, Sola, Ahmedabad, 380061 India London Address: Level 30, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AB Canada Address: 151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7, Canada Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429933/5163977/Hyperlink_InfoSystem_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyperlink-infosystem-to-showcase-tech-solutions-driving-business-success-at-gitex-europe-2025-302445826.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Hyper Bit Technologies Ltd. (CSE: HYPE) (FSE: N7S0) (the "Company" or "HyperBit") announces an update to its previously announced purchase of up to ten (10) ultra efficient crypto mining rigs for mining the ALEO token. The Company has now received its first Goldshell AE-BOX II crypto mining rig for set-up and testing. The Goldshell AE-BOX II ("Goldshell") is an ASIC miner designed for zkSNARK algorithm, specifically targeting ALEO tokens ("Aleo"). The Goldshell AE-BOX II delivers an average hashrate of 54Mh/s while consuming 530W of power, resulting in an energy efficiency of 0.01j/kh. Goldshell is an industry-leading technology company, that was founded in 2017. Cole Goodwin, COO of Hyper Bit Technologies Ltd. stated: "These particular mining rigs have been carefully selected in preparation for what the Company believes is the upcoming next leg of the crypto bull-market while focusing on profitability. We are greatly encouraged by Bitcoin pricing, again reaching levels above USD $95,000.00, demonstrating a renewed appetite within the crypto community and reaffirming the Company's mandate to expand crypto operations." ABOUT THE ALEO TOKEN Aleo was born from a desire to achieve the impossible - to build a user experience on the web that is both truly personal and truly private. Aleo is the first platform to offer fully private applications. Aleo achieves this by leveraging decentralized systems and zero-knowledge cryptography to protect user data on the web. At its core, Aleo offers users and application developers unbounded compute with absolute privacy. By architecting Aleo as a blockchain that is private-by-default, open-source, and built for the web, Aleo is uniquely positioned to address the shortcomings of blockchain adoption. As of May 2nd, 2025, Aleo has a market capitalization of USD $91.5 Million and a 24-hour trading volume of $7 Million. Aleo hit an all-time high market cap of approximately $9.3 Billion on September 24th, 2024 with a 24-hour trading volume of $17.76 Million. Aleo trades on over 10 crypto currency exchanges according to Coinmarketcap.com. The Company has taken delivery of one (1) initial unit prior to completing the balance of the purchase in order to test delivery times and performance of the equipment. EXISTING EQUIPMENT OWNED BY HYPER BIT TECHNOLOGIES The Company currently owns one hundred and fifty (150) SC200 SiaCoin mining rigs and is actively working towards lower cost power solutions to make these particular rigs more economical. About SiaCoin SiaCoin (SC) ("Sia") is the native utility token of Sia, a blockchain-based distributed, decentralized cloud storage platform. Sia acts as a secure, trustless marketplace for cloud storage in which users can lease SiaCoin is the medium of exchange for paying for storage on the network. The main goal of the project access to their unused storage space. Agreements and transactions are enforced with smart contracts, and is to become the "backbone storage layer of the internet." Sia was originally announced in May 2014 before being revised and re-announced a year later in May 2015. It officially launched in June 2015. Learn more about Siacoin at Sia - Decentralized data storage. As of May 2nd, 2025, SiaCoin has a market capitalization of USD $192 Million and a 24-hour trading volume of $15 Million. SiaCoin hit an all-time high market cap of $2.95 Billion on January 5th, 2018 with a 24-hour trading volume of $785 Million. SiaCoin trades on over 57 Centralized crypto exchanges according to Coinmarketcap.com. About Hyper Bit Technologies Ltd. Hyper Bit Technologies Ltd. is a forward-thinking, diversified technology company specializing in the acquisition, development, and strategic deployment of crypto mining operations and blockchain-based innovations. As global interest in digital assets accelerates-driven by the rise of blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi), and increasing institutional and retail adoption-HyperBit is committed to unlocking value across the crypto ecosystem while delivering growth for our stakeholders. Hyper Bit Technologies Ltd. is a member of the Blockchain Associates of Canada, a Not-For-Profit Incorporated Association registered in Vancouver, Canada. The goal of the Association is to grow and enhance the Canadian Blockchain community and to further enhance the ecosystem. Learn more about the Association at The Blockchain Association of Canada: a club of crypto enthusiasts. Stay informed on our latest developments by subscribing to company updates and following us across our social media channels: TikTok, Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Hyper Bit Technologies Ltd. is publicly listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: HYPE) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: N7S0). ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD (Signed) "Robert Eadie" Robert Eadie - President and Chief Executive Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: 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 includes statements related to the proposed Transaction and related matters. 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250739 SOURCE: Hyper Bit Technologies Ltd. Issuer: Decent Cybersecurity s.r.o. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Showcases Decent Cybersecurity at Innovation Day on Cybersecurity 05.05.2025 / 09:40 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. BRATISLAVA, May 5, 2025 - The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic hosted its 34th "Innovation Day" focused on cybersecurity, presenting Decent Cybersecurity and its partner FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services to ambassadors accredited in Slovakia. In his opening remarks, Rastislav Chovanec, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's challenging global environment: "In a world facing multiple conflicts and global challenges, the security of the Slovak Republic and our citizens is extremely essential, not only in physical form but also in virtual space. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is absolutely necessary in defending against cyber attacks." Decent Cybersecurity, a leading European provider of post-quantum security solutions, was highlighted for its expertise in post-quantum cryptography. The company develops proprietary algorithms and provides quantum-resistant cybersecurity solutions primarily focused on critical infrastructure, defense industry, and key sectors such as aviation, space, satellite communications, drones, and unmanned traffic management. Matej Michalko, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Decent Cybersecurity, commented on the significance of the event: "We are honored to be featured at the Innovation Day alongside our valued partner FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services. As cyber threats evolve in complexity, our post-quantum security solutions provide critical protection for the most sensitive infrastructure. This showcase reflects Slovakia's growing leadership in advanced cybersecurity technologies and our commitment to safeguarding digital assets across Europe and beyond." With offices in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, United Kingdom, and Ireland, Decent Cybersecurity distinguishes itself through innovative use of artificial intelligence and specialized database technology to enhance data protection, system integrity, and confidentiality for high-security sectors. The company holds national, EU, and NATO "Secret" level security clearances and maintains ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, independently audited by TUV SUD. Decent Cybersecurity is also a certified provider of cybersecurity audits, certified by the National Security Authority. The Innovation Day highlighted the synergistic partnership between Decent Cybersecurity and FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services, which enables practical verification of Decent Cybersecurity's solutions and accelerates their market entry. FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services specializes in information and communication systems for organizations with security-critical missions, including civil and military air traffic control, air defense, coast guard, police operations centers, firefighters, emergency medical services, public and maritime transport, and space research. This showcase underscores Slovakia's growing prominence in the cybersecurity sector and the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing evolving cyber threats. About Decent Cybersecurity Decent Cybersecurity delivers advanced European cybersecurity solutions specializing in post-quantum security and critical infrastructure protection. The company is a forerunner in utilizing AI, post-quantum cryptography, and quantum-resistant blockchain for enhanced data protection. As a founding member of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic and recently joined member of the Council of Slovak Exporters, Decent Cybersecurity implements robust security protocols for critical infrastructure and sensitive data across multiple sectors. About the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic is responsible for the country's foreign policy and international relations. The Ministry represents Slovak interests abroad, promotes economic cooperation, and supports Slovak businesses in international markets. Through initiatives like the Innovation Day series, the Ministry facilitates connections between Slovak companies and the international diplomatic community, showcasing the country's technological capabilities and fostering new business opportunities. Contact Decent Cybersecurity s.r.o. Teplicka 4 921 01 Piestany Slovak Republic media@decentcybersecurity.eu Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com SENS ANNOUNCEMENT (the "Notice" or "Announcement") ISSUER ZCCM INVESTMENTS HOLDINGS PLC ("ZCCM-IH") [Incorporated in the Republic of Zambia] Company registration number: 119540000771 Share Code: ZCCM-IH ISIN: ZM0000000037 Authorised by: Charles Mjumphi - Company Secretary SPONSOR Stockbrokers Zambia Limited [Founder Member of the Lusaka Securities Exchange] [Regulated and licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia] Contact Person: Amon Chizola Website: www.sbz.com.zm APPROVAL The captioned Announcement has been approved by: the Lusaka Securities Exchange ("LuSE") the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia ("SEC") ZCCM Investment Holdings Plc ("ZCCM-IH") RISK WARNING The Announcement contained herein contains information that may be of a price sensitive nature. Investors are advised to seek the advice of their investment advisor, stockbroker, or any professional duly licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia to provide securities advice. ISSUED: 05 May 2025 ZCCM INVESTMENTS HOLDINGS PLC [Incorporated in the Republic of Zambia] Company registration number: 119540000771 Share Code: ZCCM-IH ISIN: ZM0000000037 ["ZCCM-IH" or the "Company"] MARKET ANNOUNCEMENT CHANGE IN DIRECTORATE In compliance with Section 3.59 of the Lusaka Securities Exchange Listing Rules ("LuSE Rules"), ZCCM-IH wishes to inform shareholders that the majority shareholder, the Industrial Development Corporation ("IDC"), has reappointed Bishop Joahn H Mambo as Non-Executive Director on the ZCCM-IH Board effective 17th April 2025. Bishop Mambo previously served as Non-Executive Director on the Board of ZCCM-IH from 13th December 2021 to the 12th December 2024. Brief Profile of Bishop John Hardy Mambo Bishop John Hardy Mambo is a dynamic and multilingual leader with over 25 years of experience spanning pastoral, community, corporate, and public service sectors in Zambia and beyond. He holds a Master's in Business Administration from Langwith College, University of York (UK). A respected church leader, Bishop Mambo has dedicated much of his life to spiritual ministry and the care of vulnerable and orphaned children in rural communities. His leadership roles include Board Chairman for the Programme Against Malnutrition, General Manager at Chekos Group (Zambia), and Assistant Air Traffic Controller with the Department of Civil Aviation. He has also held several public appointments, including Chairman of Foresight Investments (2019), Chairperson of the Civil Society for Constitutional Agenda (CISCA, 2017), and board memberships with the Mulele Mwana Old People's Village and the Zambia Privatization Agency (ZPA). Notably, he served as a Commissioner on the Mun'gomba Constitutional Review Commission (2002-2005). Bishop Mambo has contributed to peacebuilding and mediation efforts across the region, including missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa. His distinguished service has earned him multiple honours and awards. The Board is confident that Bishop Mambo will contribute to the success of the Company's operations and wishes him all the best in her new role as Non-Executive Director. By Order of the Board Charles Mjumphi Company Secretary Lusaka, Zambia - 5 May 2025 Lusaka Securities Exchange Sponsoring Broker T | +260-211-232456 E | advisory@sbz.com.zm W | www.sbz.com.zm Stockbrokers Zambia Limited (SBZ) is a member of the Lusaka Securities Exchange and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia First Issued on 05 May 2025 ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lW9yk5xrl2yYmmxwZpVrbJJqbWyWm2Gda2WYk2SaZcmXb5tlmm5mZsmVZnJimmVr - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-91505-zccm-ih-market-announcement_-change-in-directorate_-sens_25-april-2025.pdf LOS ANGELES, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In his book Brave New Words, Salman Khan writes, "Getting every student a dedicated on-call human tutor is cost prohibitive," but points out that AI tutors, on the other hand, aren't. He maintains that artificial intelligence will revolutionize our approach to education. Similarly, Sarah Chardonnens in her book The Learning Revolution tells how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, intelligence and learning processes. Using cutting-edge cognitive sciences, she describes the Synapse Model in which the brain adapts to new ways of learning, including the use of AI. LibraryBub is an industry first. Established in 2015, it works in conjunction with all major libraries. It is dedicated to making strong, mutual connections between indie and small-press authors and an extensive network of libraries. The core commitment of the LibraryBub service is to help librarians to identify acclaimed books from the independent publishing sector. LibraryBub introduces thousands of librarians to bestselling and award-winning books from the independent publishing sector. These books hold immense potential for enhancing the lives of their readers. Canadian author Greg Gatenby recalls, "I was 12 and went to the library because I heard about this author called James Joyce. But when you were 12 and under, you couldn't borrow books from the adult section, so I went home with the only book they had by Joyce in the children's section, which was A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man... It changed my life because [the book] was my life story up to the age of 12. I had thought I was crazy because I loved literature and I loved books and wanted to write" Librarians enable writers to make that kind of difference to people's lives, and LibraryBub CEO Alinka Rutkowska considers it a privilege to support them in that role. Below is this month's selection by category. FICTION Literature & Fiction A Climate of Chaos: This Parched Earth by Nawtej Dosanjh ISBN: 978-1637353776 The Inevitable Loss of Innocence by Zara D. Macias ISBN: 978-1637351925 NONFICTION Business Designed to Win: what every business needs to know to go truly global (DHL's 50 years) by Po Chung ISBN: 978-1943386505 Disruptive Leadership: 8 counterintuitive secrets for running a successful business by Christopher Catranis ISBN: 978-1943386468 Don't Buy the Watch by Andrew Dupy ASIN: B09X6SLXFJ The Elon Musk Method: business principles from the world's most powerful entrepreneur by Randy Kirk ISBN: 978-1943386444 The Financially Independent Millennial: how I became a millionaire in my thirties by Rick Orford ISBN: 978-1943386482 How To Avoid Strangers on Airplanes: survival guide for the frequent business traveler by Brandon C. Blewett ISBN: 979-8339626329 Never Get Their Coffee: empowering fearless leadership by Lakisha Ann Woods ISBN: 978-1637351840 Next Level Cybersecurity by Sai Huda ISBN: 978-1943386413 Outsource Your Book: your guide to getting your business book ghostwritten, published and launched by Alinka Rutkowska ISBN: 978-1943386406 Plainify AI: simple for a novice, useful for a pro by Cupid Chan ISBN: 978-1637353455 Quitless: the power of persistence in business and life by Alinka Rutkowska, Akintoye Akindele et al. ISBN: 978-1637350539 Shepreneur: business lessons for the determined female entrepreneur (I Can. I Will. Watch Me!) by Kristin Cripps ISBN: 978-1943386796 Why They Buy: a bulletproof method to closing any sale by David Fuess ISBN: 978-1943386321 The Why Whisperer: how to motivate and align teams that get your strategy done by Hans Lagerweij ISBN: 979-8310573062 Your VIP Biography: how to write your autobiography to land a Hollywood deal by Kenneth Atchity and Alinka Rutkowska ISBN: 978-1943386697 Education The Learning Revolution: AI's influence on intelligence and education by Sarah Chardonnens ISBN: 978-3952422076 Self-Help The Self-Discovery Book (Book One of the Inner Self-Improvement series) by Michael Cavallaro ISBN: 978-1943386734 Tom Lewis, author of the business manual Solid Ground, recommends LibraryBub to self-publishing authors to yield results and to save time. He explains, "I had planned on spending weeks researching and mailing a press kit to market my books to libraries across the nation, but was so pleased to find LibraryBub, who promoted my book to libraries for me! Within the first week, LibraryBub ensured the visibility of my book to some 2,400 librarians. They also got my book listed on a press release that was featured on CBS." Independent publishers are invited to sign up for LibraryBub at https://www.leadersbrands.ae/librarybub to submit their books for consideration. Media contact: Alinka Rutkowska alinka@leadersbrands.ae View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/guide-to-ai-strategy-in-education-featured-in-librarybub-selection-for-may-302445938.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Kingsmen Resources Ltd. (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) (FSE: TUY) ("Kingsmen" or the "Company") is pleased to report the construction of drill pads for the upcoming diamond drilling program on its 100% owned Las Coloradas silver project, which is in the Parral mining district of the Central Mexican Silver Belt, Chihuahua Mexico. A total of 14 holes have been proposed for drilling in the initial drill program and all sites have been selected in the field. This program will be focused on the Soledad and Soledad II structures/vein systems where surface sampling of residual mineralization in historic workings and the historic past producing underground Las Coloradas mine has yielded significant silver grades and, locally, anomalous gold values. President, Scott Emerson commented, "The field crew has resumed after the holiday break and the drilling is expected to commence and continue through May, June and July. This is a major step for Kingsmen as we focus on unlocking the value of this exciting silver project." About Las Coloradas The Las Coloradas Project (8.5 km2 -3.3 sq miles) represents a consolidation of a historic mining district which covers numerous silver-gold-lead-zinc-copper mines previously exploited by ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company), the U.S. based subsidiary of Grupo Mexico. Las Coloradas is in the Parral mining district of the Central Mexican Silver Belt, and is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Hidalgo de Parral and 40 kilometers east of the San Francisco de Oro and Santa Barbara mining districts where several old major mines are located, such as La Prieta, Veta Colorada, Palmilla, Esmeralda, San Francisco del Oro and Santa Barbara. As well, new major mining projects are currently being explored in the district; Cordero (Discovery Silver Corp.), 35 kms north of Parral, and La Cigarra (Kootenay Silver Inc.), 35 kms northwest of Parral. Click here to see locator map: https://www.kingsmenresources.com/area-history. Qualified Person Kieran Downes, Ph.D., P.Geo., a director of Kingsmen and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure set out in this news release. About Kingsmen Resources Kingsmen Resources is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing its 100% held Las Coloradas Project located in the prolific mining district of Parral Mexico. The project hosts the historic past producing high-grade silver mine, Las Coloradas. It is considered to be prospective for hosting further precious metal deposits, being on the same structural and stratigraphic belts that host numerous other, on-trend, high-grade deposits. In addition, the company has a 1% NSR on the La Trini claims which forms part of the Los Ricos North project operated by GoGold Resources Inc. in Mexico. Kingsmen is a publicly-traded company (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) (FSE: TUY) and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. On behalf of the Board, Signed: "Scott Emerson" Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement: Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250779 SOURCE: Kingsmen Resources Ltd China, Gabon pledge to advance cooperation Xinhua) 15:12, May 05, 2025 Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Mu Hong, also the vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in Libreville, capital of Gabon, May 4, 2025. At the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mu attended Nguema's inauguration ceremony on May 3 in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. On May 4, the Gabonese president met with Mu in Libreville. (Photo by Ibouanga Tchikaya/Xinhua) LIBREVILLE, May 4 (Xinhua) -- China highly values the development of its relations with Gabon and is willing to work together to elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries to new heights, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Mu Hong said here on Sunday. At the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mu, who is also the vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended Nguema's inauguration ceremony on Saturday in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. On Sunday, the Gabonese president met with Mu in Libreville. Mu conveyed Xi's warm greetings and best wishes to Nguema, saying that China is willing to work with Gabon to draw strength from their traditional friendship, deepen mutual trust through solidarity and cooperation, and jointly stride ahead through mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Nguema sincerely thanked the Chinese president for sending a special envoy to attend his inauguration and asked Mu to convey his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Xi. Gabon highly values its traditional friendship with China and will continue to firmly uphold the one-China principle, deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, and promote greater development of bilateral relations, he said. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) The increasing demand for grid reliability is emerging as a significant driver for the adoption of three-phase sectionalizers. Rising consumer expectations for uninterrupted and high-quality power supply, utility providers are under growing pressure to minimize outages and ensure consistent service delivery. Sectionalizers play a critical role in this context by enabling faster fault detection and isolation, thereby preventing widespread power disruptions. WILMINGTON, Del., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Three Phase Sectionalizer Market by Voltage (Up to 15 kV, 16 kV to 27 kV, and 28 kV to 38 kV), Control Type (Resettable Electronic Sectionalizer and Programmable Resettable Sectionalizer), Application (Power Plant, Distribution Center, and Others), End Use (Industrial, Residential, and Commercial), and Location (Overhead and Underground): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034". According to the report, the three phase sectionalizer market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach $1.9 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2034. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A159903 Modernization of Aging Infrastructure The modernization of aging electrical infrastructure is a crucial factor driving the demand for three-phase sectionalizers. Across the globe, many countries are grappling with outdated and deteriorating power distribution networks that are prone to frequent faults and inefficiencies. These aging systems not only struggle to meet the growing energy demands but also lack the intelligence required to respond swiftly to faults and interruptions. Under the PM-WANI initiative, 200,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots have been established by May 2024. The 5G rollout, initiated in October 2022, has rapidly expanded across all states and union territories. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has bolstered domestic manufacturing, with telecom equipment exports reaching approximately $17.88 billion (?1.49 trillion) in 2023-24. Moreover, the government is fostering PPPs to leverage private sector expertise and investment in infrastructure projects. The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) is introducing a Partial Credit Enhancement Facility to support infrastructure financing through corporate bonds. Trump's Tarriff Impact on Three Phase Sectionalizer Industry The reimplementation or extension of Trump-era tariffs has had a tangible impact on the U.S. electrical equipment sector, including the three-phase sectionalizer industry. These tariffs, primarily targeting imports from China and other key manufacturing countries, have driven the costs for raw materials and intermediate components such as steel, aluminum, insulators, and electronic assemblies used in sectionalizers. Since a large share of these components is typically sourced internationally, manufacturers have been forced to either absorb higher costs or pass them on to utility customers, leading to a surge in overall project costs. As a result, the average unit cost of a three-phase sectionalizer has risen by approximately 12-18% compared to 2023. U.S. manufacturers relying on global supply chains experienced delays and cost escalations, while firms with localized supply chains gained a temporary advantage, prompting a regional shift in procurement. Utilities and power distribution firms, faced with rising prices, slowed down their investment in smart grid and distribution automation projects, leading to a 6-8% decline in orders for three-phase sectionalizers compared to the previous year. Procure Complete Report (382 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/three-phase-sectionalizer-market Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2025-2034 Base Year 2024 Market Size in 2024 $1.1 billion Market Size in 2034 $1.9 billion CAGR 6 % No. of Pages in Report 382 Segments Covered Voltage, Control Type, Application, End-Use, Location, and Region Drivers Growth in Demand for Grid Reliability and Automation Integration of Renewable Energy with Three-Phase Sectionalizer Opportunity Smart Grid Modernization Initiatives Increase in Electrification of Public Transport Restraint High Initial Cost of Installation of Three-Phase Sectionalizer Trump's Tariffs impact on the three-phase sectionalizer market Government Initiatives and Investments Government initiatives and investments are playing a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of intelligent sectionalizing equipment, such as three-phase sectionalizers, as part of broader efforts to modernize and enhance the resilience of electrical grids. In the U.S., the Department of Energy (DOE) has been instrumental in this transformation through programs like the Smart Grid Investment Grant (SGIG) and the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP). The SGIG program, for instance, allocated $3.4 billion to support over 100 projects aimed at upgrading the nation's electric grid. These projects encompassed the deployment of smart meters, automated substations, and advanced sensors, all of which contribute to improved grid reliability and efficiency. The GRIP program further reinforces this commitment by administering $10.5 billion in funding for grid modernization, with $3 billion specifically designated for smart grid projects. Globally, similar trends are evident. In India, the Ministry of Power has initiated the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Program (R-APDRP), focusing on the implementation of smart metering and grid automation to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power distribution system. Such initiatives not only modernize the grid but also create a conducive environment for the adoption of intelligent sectionalizing equipment. Growth in Renewable Energy Integration in Asia-Pacific countries As renewable energy installations proliferate, utilities face challenges in maintaining grid stability and ensuring efficient power distribution. The intermittent nature of renewables necessitates advanced grid infrastructure capable of real-time monitoring and swift fault isolation. Sectionalizers, with their ability to automatically detect and isolate faulty sections of the grid, play a crucial role in minimizing outages and maintaining service continuity. Governments and utilities across the Asia-Pacific are investing in smart grid technologies to address these challenges. For instance, initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid aim to enhance regional interconnectivity, allowing for more efficient energy distribution and better integration of renewable sources. In 2024, China installed an unprecedented 240 GW of solar capacity, elevating its total to over 1 terawatt (TW). This monumental growth underscores China's commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and positions it as a global leader in solar energy deployment. Connect To Industry Expert: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/A159903 Bargaining Power of Supplier in Three Phase Sectionalizer: The bargaining power of suppliers in the Three Phase Sectionalizer market has been relatively low. This is primarily due to the abundance of suppliers offering raw materials and components required for manufacturing sectionalizers, which allows buyers to negotiate favorable terms and switch suppliers with minimal cost implications. The availability of similar products and services across different suppliers further diminishes individual supplier leverage. Despite the low bargaining power, suppliers have been actively innovating to maintain competitiveness. For instance, in June 2023, ABB introduced a new line of smart sectionalizers designed to enhance grid reliability through automated fault isolation and restoration processes. These devices integrate with ABB's digital substation technology, offering real-time monitoring and control capabilities Key Players: - ABB Ltd. Eaton Corporation PLC Hubbell Inc. Tavrida Electric AG G&W Electric Company Schneider Electric SE. Bevins Co SandC Electric Company Hughes Power System NOJA Power Switchgear Pty Ltd Recent Key Developments In November 2022, NOJA Power introduced the EcoBreaker, the world's first solid dielectric insulated substation circuit breaker. Rated up to 40.5 kV with 2,500 A continuous current and 31.5 kA interruption capacity, the EcoBreaker offers an environmentally friendly alternative to SF6 and oil-based breakers In October 2023, NOJA Power expanded manufacturing capacity for the VISI-SWITCH, a solid dielectric enclosed load break switch with visible isolation. This SF6-free switch provides a sustainable option for utilities seeking to eliminate SF6 gas insulation. In August 2024, Schneider Electric launched the EcoCare Services Membership Plan, aimed at extending asset lifespan and reducing carbon emissions. This initiative supports utilities in achieving sustainability goals while maintaining reliable service The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global three phase sectionalizer industry. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, and agreements to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to highlight the competitive scenario. Trending Reports in Energy & Power Industry: Sectionalizer Market Size, Share, Competitive and Trend Analysis Report, 2024-2034 Single Phase Recloser Market Size, Share and Trend Analysis Report, 2023-2032 Voltage Regulator Market Size, Share, Competitive Analysis Report, 2024-2033 Protection Relay Market Size, Share and Trend Analysis Report, 2023-2032 Gas Insulated Switchgear Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Ring Main Unit (RMU) Market Size, Share and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2032 Surge Protector Market Size, Share and Trend Analysis Report, 2023-2032 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. Contact us: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/energy-and-power Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/three-phase-sectionalizer-market-to-reach-1-9-billion-globally-by-2034-at-6-cagr-allied-market-research-302446126.html BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Upright, a leading innovator in workforce-aligned education is proud to announce its partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston). This partnership will provide adult learners with access to real-world learning experiences designed to align their skills with the evolving demands of the tech job market. Through this partnership, UMass Boston students will gain access to career-focused learning experiences in fields like Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. With accessible in-demand skills needed to thrive in today's digital economy, this partnership helps strengthen the region's workforce and economic growth. As Boston grows as a hub for technology and innovation, employers across industries are seeking professionals with specialized technical skills. By integrating Upright's cutting-edge programs with UMass Boston's mission of academic excellence and social mobility, this partnership will create new opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds to enter high-growth fields. "Boston's economy is evolving, and we need to ensure that students and working professionals have access to the skills employers demand. Our partnership with UMass Boston will help expand the region's talent pipeline, creating opportunities for individuals while supporting local businesses in need of qualified professionals" - Benny Boas, CEO, Upright With a focus on hands-on, industry-relevant training, participants will gain the technical and practical experience necessary to succeed in a competitive job market. These programs provide flexible learning pathways for learners and community members looking to upskill or transition into tech careers. "As the City of Boston's only public research university, UMass Boston is delighted to partner with Upright to expand educational pathways, increase social mobility, and advance workforce development throughout the region. With technology reshaping industries worldwide, our community of lifelong learners have in earnest sought out high-demand skills that will profoundly impact businesses, consumers, and society. By joining a vibrant cohort-based learning community taught by industry experts, students will have the opportunity to not only acquire these high-demand skills alongside others but will also have access to valuable resources to pursue their career goals." - Tina Chang, Assistant Provost for Community and Executive Education, UMass Boston The economic implications of this partnership extend beyond the university, with the potential to drive workforce development across Greater Boston. By increasing access to specialized training, the partnership supports local employers, fosters innovation, and strengthens the city's position as a leader in technology and business. Enrollment is open. To learn more about enrollment, please visit: https://bootcamp.umb.edu/ SOURCE: Upright Education View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/umass-boston-and-upright-partner-to-expand-career-ready-learning-opportunities-1023570 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. In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! LANDRUM, SC / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / A.I. Automation has just released the first Universal Robot that is certified to meet Class 1 Div 2 standards in the USA and pass all NFPA/FM requirements for use in paint booth applications. With 1750mm reach and a 25kg payload, this unit will compete with the general industrial paint robots but is way more advanced, less expensive, user friendly to program and can be installed in 14-16 weeks. Engineering an Easy-to-Use, Explosion-Proof Cobot for Painting The 20XP incorporates a UR20 cobot that's modified to be explosion-proof and an innovative programming system to create a safe, easy-to-use method for automating painting processes. Using robots to automate painting processes isn't a new concept, but only recently has the industry been able to take advantage of collaborative robot (cobot) technology. Not only are cobots smaller and easier to install than traditional industrial robots, they're also easier to program and re-deploy. But cobots have faced a barrier to integration in painting and coating applications. These processes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which could cause explosions if they get into a robot or other piece of equipment and are ignited by a spark from the electrical systems. Any equipment that works in these environments needs to be explosion-proof, and most cobots are not. Michael Kreps, president of AI Automation, wanted to bring the benefits of cobots to the painting and finishing industries by adapting cobots from Universal Robots to meet the needs of these industries. "They've really come up with a user-friendly interface for programming, use and installation," he says. Universal Robots' cobots aren't explosion-proof, but when the company released its UR20 model, Kreps and his team took notice of its re-designed joints. "We looked at it and said, "This lends itself to creating the environment that would allow us to get approval for being explosion proof," he explains. Reverse Engineering an Explosion-Proof Cobot Joints on previous UR models had openings that were covered with plastic caps, enabling maintenance workers access to service the servomotors. Kreps says these thin plastic caps weren't compatible with the stable, pressurized environment needed for an explosion-proof cobot. The UR 20 eliminates this issue. "They actually made it out of cast aluminum, and it became a solid unit, which allowed that air flow to go through there," Kreps explains. "The inherent design of it has a sweeping curve on the inside so that there's no pockets or anything to hold any type of volatiles if any actually got in there." Kreps and his team purchased a UR20 and took it apart to confirm the cobot was workable. Then it met with representatives from loss prevention specialist Factory Mutual and the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association to determine what specifications it would need to meet to create a certified explosion-proof cobot "And we started to reverse engineer from there," Kreps says. Two engineers spent more than a year testing different ways to make the cobot explosion proof. "We must have rebuilt the robot several dozen times, trialing different ways of sealing it off," Kreps recalls. The team also faced the challenge of finding materials that could hold the needed pressure without degrading or possibly sparking. "We had a whole team working on it, including a bunch of polymer chemists and scientists that made sure that we made the right call on the materials," he says. In the end, the team devised a patented method to modify a UR20 so it's pressurized to meet the specifications to be certified as explosion-proof. This includes requirements for how much air needs to be within the system, how many air exchanges need to occur and continuous monitoring of the air pressure. If the system detects a loss of air pressure, it sends a signal to a purging unit to purge the system, as well as a signal to the controller to shut off power. Not only is the resulting system, called the 20XP, certified in America, it's also ATEX-compliant for European users. According to Kreps, before every modified cobot leaves its facility, it goes through a barrage of tests to validate that it's working correctly, including in cases of pressure failure. The organizations that issue these certifications track the serial number of every modified cobot to ensure it's only operating in the region in which it is certified. Programming for Painting In addition to the explosion-proof cobot, the 20XP comes with two stands: one to mount the robot inside the paint booth, and one for the controller and other elements outside the booth. Users can mount the robot stand to the ground or paint booth or leave it on the leveling pad the 20XP provides. Kreps says that, although most paint robots don't need to be moved once installed, the company has mounted the 20XP on a track so it could be moved out of the way to enable users to hand-coat parts if needed. Cobots are known for their easy programming processes, but the 20XP uses motion-based Mimic technology from Danish company Nordbo Robotics to make programming the cobot for finishing processes even simpler. 20XP includes a 3D printed replica of a paint gun. The user pulls the trigger on the replica and goes through the motions of painting the part. "While you're going through those motions, the system is recording every single attribute that your hand does. When you're done painting that particular part and you stop, you walk out of the paint booth, go to the computer screen and hit save. You would call it whatever you wanted to name it, and you just programmed the robot," Kreps explains. In addition to being easier to program than using a teach pendant or hand guidance, the Mimic system enables users to program sophisticated motions, such as hand rotation, that are used when coating complex parts. "Once you have that program, you just hit play and let the robot spray the very next part. If you don't like it, you just go in and do it again," he adds. This programming system makes the transition from painter to robot programmer seamless. "If you've got an employee that you would say is your best painter, that painter becomes your programmer," Kreps says. Users can edit programs using a click-and-drag system on the computer if necessary. And for simple parts, users can program the system using traditional programming techniques, such as hand guidance or a teach pendant. The 20XP works with standard spray guns and fluid delivery systems (though the company has a partnership with Graco). Kreps says that for single-component materials, users input attributes such as fluid flows and air atomization pressure, and the system has software that runs in the background to control them. For multi-component materials, the robot and fluid delivery system can communicate with each other to properly apply the coating as the robot goes through its programmed path. Applications The UR20's 1750-mm reach enables a wide range of painting applications, from large parts such as automotive bumpers to larger batches of smaller parts, such as automotive mirrors. "In the painting industry, you really want to maximize the amount of pieces that you can put in a square foot as it runs through your system because it costs you a lot of money to run that system," Kreps notes. While slower speed of movement is traditionally considered a disadvantage of cobots when compared to industrial robots, Kreps notes that speed isn't the most important factor when automating a painting process. "You don't necessarily need it to be a fast robot," Kreps says. "You need it to be an accurate robot." He adds that the UR20's speed is sufficient to handle painting large volumes of parts. "We've had people that have conveying systems that travel at different speeds, and the robots can keep up with them," he says. At the same time, the ease of programming makes it suited to lower volumes as well. "It can be very good for one-offs and two offs-as well, because of how easy it is to program with the Mimic system," he adds. Beyond Painting Painting isn't the only application for explosion-proof cobots - they can be used for powder coating and other potentially hazardous applications. The company is working with a boat manufacturer on an application that involves applying gel coat and fiberglass to the bottoms of boats. Kreps also says that bakeries would be a good application for explosion-proof cobots, as flour is a flammable substance that can become airborne and potentially ignite. Kreps says another 20XP user is a company in Texas that handles hazardous, flammable waste. Previously, workers in full hazmat suits would move 45-pound bags of waste onto a conveyor that moves the waste into a kiln to be burned. The Texas heat, kiln and suits create a difficult working environment, and the 20XP offers a safe way to automate these processes. In the case of the hazardous materials application, the UR20's payload capacity and reach are necessary. But not all applications require these capabilities. For now, the 20XP conversion process is only compatible with UR20 models. But Universal Robots has announced plans to redesign all of its cobot models using the same structure as the UR20. "The conversion process that we have patented will work on all of those," Kreps says. This will enable 20XP to release a whole family of explosion-proof cobots in different sizes for an even wider range of applications. Kreps says its partnership Universal Robots and other companies including Nordbo, Graco and more make the 20XP possible. "We can offer the customer a truly full, turnkey solution," he says. Contact: Michael Kreps, mkreps@AI20XP.com, 260-437-1009 Web Site: AI20XP.com SOURCE: A.I. Automation LLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/20xp-collaborative-paint-cobot-1023665 New distribution begins June 2025, supporting the IPOMarket.com and MarketWear segments as sponsored programming NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / New to The Street , the acclaimed television business show known for its in-depth CEO interviews and financial programming, announced today a significant expansion into the Middle East. Beginning June 2025 , the show will reach an additional 26 million homes through Bloomberg Television's regional networks, further solidifying New to The Street as a global media leader in sponsored business content. The expansion will prominently feature the show's new IPOMarket.com and MarketWear segments, which focus on emerging IPO opportunities and the business of fashion, respectively. These verticals are designed to give innovative companies a powerful media platform as they reach global investors and lifestyle-conscious business audiences alike. "This expansion is a major step forward as we align IPOMarket.com with global capital market visibility," said Stephen Simon , President of IPOMarket.com Corp. and Co-Founder of New to The Street . "From the New York Stock Exchange to Dubai, we're giving IPO-stage companies a platform to be seen by investor s, fashion innovators, and family offices across borders." This move builds on New to The Street's momentum, as it now reaches over 250 million homes in the U.S. through its Fox Business and Bloomberg airings and continues to grow its presence across Asia, Europe, and now the Middle East. The show's integrated media model combines sponsored programming, earned media amplification, Times Square billboards, and one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels in the financial space. About New to The Street New to The Street is one of the longest-running U.S. television business shows, broadcasting weekly as sponsored programming on Bloomberg Television and Fox Business Network . Since 2009, the show has produced over 600 episodes featuring exclusive interviews with CEOs, founders, and innovators across emerging industries. Recognized for blending editorial storytelling with branded content, New to The Street delivers exposure across national television, social media, and iconic outdoor platforms. The show is also home to one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels in financial media , with over 2.4 million subscribers , expanding its global reach across digital audiences in more than 40 countries. With a multi-platform footprint that includes network television, Times Square billboards, earned media placements, and international syndication, New to The Street empowers brands to tell their story where it matters most - in front of millions of investors, decision-makers, and consumers. Media Contact: Monica Brennan Director of Communications Monica@NewtoTheStreet.com SOURCE: New To The Street View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/new-to-the-street-expands-broadcast-reach-to-middle-east-adding-26-million-hom-1023799 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Powermax Minerals Inc. (CSE: PMAX) ("Powermax" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of its phase 1 exploration work program (the "Program") at its Cameron rare earth elements (REE) property (the "Property") located in the Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada. The field team will mobilize to the Property during the first week of May 2025. Program Overview The Program will include prospecting, geological mapping, soil and rock sampling, and geophysical surveys, following recommendations outlined in the Company's NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Property. Highlights of the program include: follow-up prospecting, mapping, and sampling in areas of elevated radioactivity and REE concentrations identified through historical and 2023 exploration activities; ground geophysical surveying focused on three high-priority Areas of Interest (AOIs), designated T1, T2, and T3, characterized by strong magnetic responses and apparent conductivity within mafic granitic-gneissic rocks; extension of geophysical surveys to delineate the full extent of the T1-T3 targets; systematic prospecting and sampling across parallel radiometric anomalies and high-radioactivity zones identified in 2023 airborne surveys, particularly in the eastern and western portions of the Property; and geological mapping and sampling across broad target areas in claims 1102761 and 1102755. These efforts are aimed at refining priority targets for potential future phases of exploration. "The start of our Phase I exploration program at Cameron marks a significant step forward in Powermax's growth strategy," stated Michael Malana, Director and CEO of Powermax Minerals. "The Property has shown highly encouraging rare earth and critical mineral potential through prior work, and we are excited to build on these results. With strong targets already identified, this program is designed to unlock further value and position Powermax at the forefront of rare earth exploration in British Columbia." Qualified Person Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. About Powermax Minerals Inc. Powermax is a Canadian mineral exploration company, holding an option to acquire the Cameron REE (rare-earth element) property, comprising three mineral claims totalling approximately 2,984 hectares, located in the Kamloops mining division of British Columbia. For more information, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. About the Cameron REE Property The Cameron REE Property consists of three contiguous mineral claims (1102755, 1102761, and 1102762) situated west of the Columbia River and Upper Arrow Lake. The area is accessible by Highway 23 from Revelstoke. The Property is underlain by quartzite, schists, and gneisses of the Monashee Complex and Mount Begbie assemblage, hosting prospective zones for rare earth elements, niobium, and lithium. Forward-Looking Statements Except for the statements of historical fact, this news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. "Forward-looking information" in this news release includes statements respecting (i) the Program and the timing, scope and purpose thereof and (ii) the Company's growth strategy, intentions, plans and future actions. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of the Company's normal course of business. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in CSE policies) accepts 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/250839 SOURCE: Powermax Minerals Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) ("Zodiac Gold" or the "Company"), a West- African gold exploration company, is pleased to announce further to the Company's news release dated March 14, 2025, that it has received final approval to settle an aggregate of CAD$243,210 owing to certain creditors of the Company by issuing a total of 3,474,429 common shares to them at a price of CAD$0.07 per common share (the "March 2025 Debt Settlement"). Early Warning Disclosure In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 62-103, John Esopa announces that he has filed an early warning report related to his acquisition of 3,165,643 common shares pursuant to the March 2025 Debt Settlement for a total purchase price of CAD$221,595. Prior to the March 2025 Debt Settlement, Mr. Esopa owned 8,936,280 common shares and 1,458,692 warrants, which represented approximately 8.8% of the common shares outstanding at that time on an undiluted basis, and 10.2% on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the 1,458,692 warrants. Following the March 2025 Debt Settlement issuance, Mr. Esopa now owns 12,101,923 common shares and 1,458,692 warrants, representing approximately 11.5% of the common shares outstanding on an undiluted and 12.9% on a partially diluted basis, assuming the exercise of the 1,458,692 warrants. Mr. Esopa had acquired the common shares for investment purposes. In the future, Mr. Esopa will evaluate his investment in the Company from time to time and may, based on such evaluation, market conditions and other circumstances, increase or decrease his shareholdings as circumstances require through market transactions, private agreements, or otherwise. A copy of the early warning report filed by Mr. Esopa may be obtained under the Company's profile on SEDAR+. About Zodiac Gold Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) is a West-African gold exploration company focused on its flagship Todi Project situated in Liberia-an underexplored, politically stable, mining friendly jurisdiction hosting several large-scale gold and iron ore deposits. Strategically positioned along the fertile Todi Shear Zone, Zodiac Gold is developing a district-scale gold opportunity with additional iron ore potential, covering a vast 2,316 km2 land package. The Todi gold project has undergone de-risking, showcasing proven gold occurrences at both surface and depth, with five drill-ready targets, of which two have been drilled and high-grade gold intercepts. For further information, please visit the Zodiac Gold website at www.zodiac-gold.com or contact: Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250846 SOURCE: Zodiac Gold Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - First Nordic Metals (TSXV: FNM) (Stockholm: FNMC SDB) (OTCQB: FNMCF) (FSE: HEG0) ("FNM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company is presenting a live virtual corporate update hosted by Red Cloud Financial Services on May 8th, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET. We invite our shareholders, and all interested parties to register for the webinar and participate in the live Q&A session at the end of the presentation moderated by Red Cloud. The replay will be emailed out to all webinar registrants proceeding the event and will also be available on the Red Cloud website. For more information and to register: https://redcloudfs.com/events/rcwebinar-fnm/. The discussion will cover FNM's corporate and exploration strategy and will also highlight the Company's active exploration and drill programs in Sweden. Commodities to be covered: Gold About First Nordic Metals First Nordic Metals Corp. is a Canadian-based gold exploration company, consolidating assets in Sweden and Finland, with a vision to create Europe's next gold camp. The Company's flagship asset is the Barsele gold project in northern Sweden, a joint venture project with senior gold producer Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. Immediately surrounding the Barsele project, FNM is 100%-owner of a district-scale license position comprised of two additional projects (Paubacken, Storjuktan), which combined with Barsele, total approximately 100,000 hectares on the Gold Line greenstone belt. Additionally, in northern Finland, FNM is the 100%-owner of a district-scale position covering the entire underexplored Oijarvi greenstone belt, including the Kylmakangas deposit, the largest known gold occurrence on this belt. About Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. is a globally focused capital markets advisory firm that provides a full range of executive strategy, media, marketing, and corporate access services. Our breadth of services combines with our significant knowledge of the junior mining industry combine for unique product offering. The company was founded by capital markets professionals with extensive experience in the junior mining industry. For further information: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250863 SOURCE: Red Cloud Financial Services EASTON, PA / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Paragon Technologies, Inc. (OTC PINK:PGNT) Dear Stockholder: On April 29, 2025, Hesham M. Gad commenced a consent solicitation to remove all the current directors of Paragon other than himself and replace them with his handpicked nominees. Specifically, he is seeking stockholders' consent to repeal any recently adopted provisions of Paragon's Bylaws; amend the Bylaws to provide that any vacancies on the Board resulting from the removal of directors shall be filled exclusively by the stockholders; remove four of the current directors on the Board; and replace these directors with four individuals handpicked by Mr. Gad. As a result, you may have received, or may receive in the future, consent solicitation materials from Mr. Gad seeking your written consent to remove our current Board members and replace them with Mr. Gad's candidates to the Board. In short, Mr. Gad seeks to gain control of the Company through his consent solicitation, even though neither Mr. Gad nor his director candidates have specified any concrete path to build the value of your investment in the Company. THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OPPOSES THE GAD CONSENT SOLICITATION. IT URGES YOU NOT TO SIGN ANY WHITE CONSENT CARD SENT TO YOU BY MR. GAD, BUT, INSTEAD TO SIGN AND RETURN THE BLUE CONSENT REVOCATION CARD INCLUDED WITH THESE MATERIALS. As you know, Mr. Gad previously was the Company's CEO and Chairman of the Board. He is now in the process of soliciting your written consents to attempt to regain control of the Company, from which he was removed as CEO and Chairman of the Board and terminated from his remaining positions with the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, composed solely of independent directors, believes that Mr. Gad exhibited an alarming pattern of deceit and misuse of corporate assets beginning well before his time at the Company and continuing today. Specifically, Gad went to great lengths to conceal the fact that he was living in the United States illegally without a valid visa during his entire tenure as CEO of Paragon and in his roles with the Company's subsidiaries. The Committee believes that he intentionally failed to communicate to the Board that he did not have authorization to work in the U.S. when he was named CEO of Paragon in 2014 and failed to make that disclosure to the Board when he was appointed CEO of SI Systems. Such conduct is a violation of federal law. The Committee believes Mr. Gad's actions violated his fiduciary duties to the Company and its stockholders exposing the company to potential legal action and financial penalties. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that Mr. Gad's proposals are not in the best interests of the Company's stockholders. In essence, Mr. Gad is asking you to consent to turning over control of the Company to his handpicked director candidates, one of which is an employee of Paragon. If elected, Mr. Gad would control the Board and, although the directors would be subject to their fiduciary duties under Delaware law, they would be in a position to advance Mr. Gad's specific interests, which may not be aligned with the interests of all of our stockholders. Moreover, we believe that there is a significant risk that if Mr. Gad's candidates are elected to the Board, Mr. Gad may again engage in self-serving conduct that harms Paragon, thereby causing further financial and reputational losses to the Company. Moreover, neither Mr. Gad nor his director candidates have identified any specific ideas or proposals regarding the future of the Company. We believe stockholder interests will be served best if the Company continues to implement the strategic plan that began last fall after Mr. Gad was replaced as the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Since then, we have focused on resolving the many substantial problems that have plagued the Company due to Mr. Gad's conduct, improving operations, strengthening the Company's financial performance, and improving its corporate governance, all while keeping a close eye on expenses, so as to enhance value for all stockholders. The Company has created a strategic plan that is built on the following concepts: (i) rebuilding SI Systems infrastructure critically damaged under Mr. Gad's leadership to grow that business and expand product offerings; (ii) position SED International Holdings, Inc. to self-finance its own expansion beyond Colombia into other areas of Latin America to mitigate specific currency risk; (iii) liquidate the condominium holdings of Ohana Home Services which have underperformed and provided single digit, at best, returns to stockholders; (iv) liquidate Paragon's underperforming investment portfolio which has failed to produce positive returns during one of the best market environments in history; and (v) identify accretive acquisition targets that can bolster Paragon's domestic revenue and earnings to reduce dependence on SED International de Colombia S.A.S. whose low margins and currency risk make Paragon's earnings unpredictable and susceptible to exogenous economic events. We ask stockholders to not provide Mr. Gad their consent so that we may continue to execute our strategic plan. This Consent Revocation Statement contains important information as to why you should, and how to, submit the accompanying BLUE Consent Revocation Card to revoke any white consent card that you previously returned to Mr. Gad. We urge you to read it carefully. Regardless of the number of shares of Company common stock that you own, your revocation of consent is important. You can defend against Mr. Gad's efforts to take control of the Company through the following steps: Do not sign Mr. Gad's white consent card; If you have signed Mr. Gad's white consent card, you have every right to change your vote and revoke your consent. You may revoke that consent by signing, dating and mailing the enclosed BLUE Consent Revocation Card in the postage-paid envelope provided; and Even if you have not signed Mr. Gad's white consent card, you can show the support for your Board and your investment in the Company by signing, dating and mailing the enclosed BLUE Consent Revocation Card in the postage-paid envelope provided. Please act today to help protect the interests of ALL stockholders. Thank you for your support. Sincerely yours, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Paragon Technologies, Inc. If you have questions or need assistance revoking your consent please contact: Alliance Advisors LLC 150 Clove Rd, #400 Little Falls Township, NJ 07424 (844) 202- 6169 Email: Paragon@allianceadvisors.com PARAGON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 101 Larry Holmes Drive, Suite 500, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042 Telephone (610) 252-3205 CONSENT REVOCATION STATEMENT BY THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PARAGON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. IN OPPOSITION TO A CONSENT SOLICITATION BY HESHAM M. GAD This Consent Revocation Statement ("Consent Revocation Statement") is furnished by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Paragon Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), to the holders of outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock"), in connection with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's opposition to the solicitation of written stockholder consents (the "Gad Consent Solicitation") by Hesham M. Gad. As you may be aware, Mr. Gad is attempting to gain control of your Board and the Company by asking you to remove four directors currently serving on the Board, and to replace them with a slate of candidates hand picked by Mr. Gad. Specifically, Mr. Gad is asking you to: (i) repeal any provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the "Bylaws") that were not in effect on December 3, 2024 ("Proposal 1"); (ii) amend Article 3, Section 3.3 of the Company's Bylaws to provide that any vacancies on the Board resulting from the removal of directors by the stockholders of the Company shall be filled exclusively by the stockholders of the Company ("Proposal 2"); (iii) remove four current members of the Board: Howard Brownstein, H. Timothy Eriksen, David Lontini and Samuel Weiser as well as any person (other than those elected by the Gad Consent Solicitation) nominated, elected or appointed to the Board without stockholder approval to fill any vacancy on the Board or any newly-created directorships on or after April 29, 2025 and prior to the time that any of the actions proposed to be taken by the Gad Consent Solicitation becomes effective ("Proposal 3"); and (iv) elect David Duquette, James Kaufman, Elodie Leoni and Ronell Rivera (the "Gad Candidates") as directors to serve as directors of the Company until the Company's 2025 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified ("Proposal 4"). The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes, for the reasons specified in this Consent Revocation Statement, that the proposals contained in the Gad Consent Solicitation are not in the best interests of stockholders. Mr. Gad's actions are an unnecessary distraction during this critical time when your Board believes its efforts are best spent focused on exploring the best opportunities available to maximize value for all the Company's stockholders, rather than addressing these untimely and misguided efforts by Mr. Gad. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee remains committed to acting in the best interests of all of the Company's stockholders and will discharge its duties in this regard. Your current independent directors were selected through processes designed to uphold good corporate governance and ensure representation of the interest of all stockholders. A consent in favor of the Gad Consent Solicitation is a consent to remove, without cause, all of the members of your Board, except Mr. Gad, and to replace them with the Gad Candidates. If successful, the Gad Consent Proposals will result in stockholders turning control of the Company over to Mr. Gad, an individual with a substantial track record of putting his personal interests above the interests of the Company's stockholders, and individuals nominated by Mr. Gad. THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE HAS DETERMINED THAT THE GAD CONSENT SOLICITATION IS NOT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT YOU DO NOT SIGN ANY WHITE CONSENT CARD SENT TO YOU BY MR. GAD. WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY EXECUTED MR. GAD'S WHITE CONSENT CARD, THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE URGES YOU TO SIGN, DATE AND DELIVER THE ENCLOSED BLUE CONSENT REVOCATION CARD USING THE ENCLOSED PRE-PAID ENVELOPE. We anticipate that the close of business on May 19, 2025 will be established as the record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of the Company's stockholders who are entitled to execute, withhold or revoke consents relating to the Gad Consent Solicitation. Only stockholders of record as of the Record Date may execute, withhold or revoke consents with respect to the Gad Consent Solicitation. If you have any questions about giving your consent revocation or require assistance, please contact: Alliance Advisors LLC 150 Clove Rd, #400 Little Falls Township, NJ 07424 (844) 202- 6169 Email: Paragon@allianceadvisors.com DESCRIPTION OF THE GAD CONSENT SOLICITATION Mr. Gad is soliciting your consents in favor of the following proposals (collectively, the "Gad Consent Proposals") to: Repeal any provision of the Bylaws in effect at the time this proposal becomes effective, including any amendments thereto, which were not included in the Bylaws that were in effect on December 3, 2024 ("Proposal 1"); Amend Article 3, Section 3.3 of the Bylaws to provide that any vacancies on the Board resulting from the removal of directors by the stockholders of the Company shall be filled exclusively by the stockholders of the Company ("Proposal 2"); Remove without cause the following members of the Board: Howard Brownstein, H. Timothy Eriksen, David Lontini and Samuel Weiser, as well as any person (other than those elected by the Consent Solicitation) nominated, elected or appointed to the Board without stockholder approval to fill any vacancy on the Board or any newly-created directorships on or after April 29, 2025 and prior to the time that any of the actions proposed to be taken by the Consent Solicitation become effective ("Proposal 3"); and Elect David Duquette, James Kaufman, Elodie Leoni, and Ronell Rivera to serve as directors of the Company until the Company's 2025 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified ("Proposal 4"). Taken together Proposals 1 through 4 are designed to enable Mr. Gad's and his director candidates to take control of the Board. THE CONSENT PROCEDURE Voting Securities and Record Date It is anticipated that the close of business on May 19, 2025 will be established as the Record Date for the determination of the Company's stockholders who are entitled to execute, withhold or revoke consents relating to the Gad Consent Solicitation. Each share of the Company's Common Stock outstanding as of the Record Date will be entitled to one vote. Only stockholders of record as of the Record Date are eligible to execute, withhold or revoke consents in connection with the Gad Consent Proposals. Persons beneficially owning shares of the Company's Common Stock (but not holders of record), such as persons whose ownership of Common Stock is through a broker, bank, financial institution or other nominee holder, may wish to contact such broker, bank, financial institution or other nominee holder and instruct such person to execute the BLUE Consent Revocation Card on their behalf. Any failure to consent will have the same effect as withholding consent from the Gad Consent Proposals. Effectiveness of Consents Under Delaware law and the Company's Bylaws, stockholders may act without a meeting and without a vote, if consents in writing setting forth the action to be taken are signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Under Section 228 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Gad Consent Proposals will become effective if valid, unrevoked consents signed by the holders of a majority of the shares of the Common Stock outstanding as of the Record Date are properly delivered to the Company within 60 days of the first date on which a consent is properly delivered to the Company (the "Effective Date"). Effect of BLUE Consent Revocation Card A stockholder may revoke any previously signed consent by signing, dating and returning to the Company a BLUE Consent Revocation Card prior to the Effective Date. Stockholders are urged to return all consent revocations in the envelope provided or to Alliance Advisors LLC. Unless you specify otherwise, by signing and delivering the BLUE Consent Revocation Card, you will be deemed to have revoked consent to all of the Gad Consent Proposals. Any consent revocation may itself be revoked by marking, signing, dating, and delivering a written revocation of your BLUE Consent Revocation Card to the Company or to Mr. Gad or by delivering to Mr. Gad a subsequently dated white consent card that Mr. Gad sent to you. The revocation of any previously delivered consent or consent revocation must be signed, have a subsequent date than the previously delivered consent or consent revocation and is not required to state the number of shares held unless you wish to revoke your consent with respect to less than all shares as to which you previously consented, in which case you must state the number of shares to which your revocation relates. In addition, if you have more than one account with respect to which you have delivered a consent, the revocation should identify the relevant account the consent for which is being revoked. The Company has retained Alliance Advisors LLC to assist in communicating with stockholders in connection with the Gad Consent Solicitation and to assist in our efforts to obtain consent revocations. If you have any questions about how to complete or submit your BLUE Consent Revocation Card or any other questions, Alliance Advisors LLC will be pleased to assist you. Please call Alliance Advisors LLC toll free at (844) 202- 6169. If any shares of Common Stock that you owned on the Record Date were held for you in an account with a stock brokerage firm, bank nominee or other similar "street name" holder, you are not entitled to vote such shares directly, but rather must give instructions to the stock brokerage firm, bank nominee or other "street name" holder to grant or revoke consent for the shares of Common Stock held in your name. Accordingly, you should follow the instructions on the BLUE Consent Revocation Card to vote your shares. Alternatively, you can contact the person responsible for your account and direct him or her to execute the enclosed BLUE Consent Revocation Card on your behalf. You are urged to confirm in writing your instructions to the person responsible for your account and provide a copy of those instructions to the Company, c/o Alliance Advisors LLC, at the address or facsimile number set forth above so that the Company will be aware of your instructions and can attempt to ensure each instruction is followed. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REVOKE ANY CONSENT YOU MAY HAVE PREVIOUSLY GIVEN TO MR. GAD. TO DO SO, YOU NEED ONLY SIGN, DATE AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE THE BLUE CONSENT REVOCATION CARD ACCOMPANYING THIS CONSENT REVOCATION STATEMENT PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE. IF YOU DO NOT INDICATE A SPECIFIC VOTE ON THE BLUE CONSENT REVOCATION CARD WITH RESPECT TO THE GAD CONSENT PROPOSALS, THE CONSENT REVOCATION CARD WILL REPRESENT AN INSTRUCTION TO REVOKE ANY CONSENT WITH RESPECT TO ALL SUCH PROPOSALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION. You should carefully review this Consent Revocation Statement. YOUR TIMELY RESPONSE IS IMPORTANT. You are urged not to sign any white consent cards. Instead, reject the solicitation efforts of Mr. Gad by promptly completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed BLUE Consent Revocation Card in the envelope provided. Please be aware that if you sign a white consent card but do not check any of the boxes on the card, you will be deemed to have consented to all of the Gad Consent Proposals. IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF CONSENT REVOCATION MATERIALS The consent revocation materials for the Company's solicitation of consent revocations, including this Consent Revocation Statement, are available over the Internet on our website at www.pgntgroup.com. Information on the Company's website does not constitute part of the Company's consent revocation materials. OTHER MATTERS The only matters for which the participants intend to solicit revocations of consents are set forth in this Consent Revocation Statement. However, if consents are solicited by Mr. Gad or any other person on any other matter, the participants may determine that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to solicit revocations of consents with respect to such additional matters. IMPORTANT The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee urges you NOT to return any white consent card solicited from you by Mr. Gad. If you have previously returned any such consent card you have every right to revoke your consent. Simply complete, sign, date and mail the enclosed BLUE Consent Revocation Card in the postage-paid envelope provided, whether or not you previously returned the white consent card. For additional information or assistance, please call our soliciting agent, Alliance Advisors LLC at (844) 202- 6169. BLUE CONSENT REVOCATION CARD SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OF PARAGON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. The undersigned, a record holder of shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Paragon Technologies, Inc. (the "Company"), acting with respect to all shares of the Company's Common Stock held by the undersigned, hereby acts as follows concerning the proposals of Hesham M. Gad set forth below. THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OF THE COMPANY URGES YOU TO MARK THE "YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT" BOXES IN ALL PROPOSALS BELOW. PLEASE MARK CONSENT REVOCATION AS IN THIS EXAMPLE PROPOSAL 1: Proposal made by Mr. Gad to repeal any provision of the Bylaws in effect at the time this proposal becomes effective, including any amendments thereto, which were not included in the Bylaws that were in effect on December 3, 2024. YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT NO, DO NOT REVOKE MY CONSENT INSTRUCTION: IF YOU WISH TO REVOKE CONSENT TO PROPOSAL #1, CHECK THE "YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT" BOX ABOVE. PROPOSAL 2: Proposal madeby Mr. Gad to amend Article 3, Section 3.3 of the Bylaws to provide that any vacancies on the Board resulting from the removal of directors by the stockholders of the Company shall be filled exclusively by the stockholders of the Company. YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT NO, DO NOT REVOKE MY CONSENT INSTRUCTION: IF YOU WISH TO REVOKE CONSENT TO PROPOSAL #2, CHECK THE "YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT" BOX ABOVE. PROPOSAL 3: Proposal made by Mr. Gad to remove without cause the following members of the Board: Howard Brownstein, H. Timothy Eriksen, David Lontini and Samuel Weiser, as well as any person (other than those elected by the Consent Solicitation) nominated, elected or appointed to the Board without stockholder approval to fillany vacancy on the Board or any newly-created directorships on or after April 29, 2025 and prior to the time that any of the actions proposed to be taken by the Consent Solicitation become effective. YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT NO, DO NOT REVOKE MY CONSENT INSTRUCTION: IF YOU WISH TO REVOKE CONSENT TO PROPOSAL #3, CHECK THE "YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT" BOX ABOVE. PROPOSAL 4: Proposal made by Mr. Gad to elect David Duquette, James Kaufman, Elodie Leoni, and Ronell Rivera to serve as directors of the Company until the Company's 2025 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT NO, DO NOT REVOKE MY CONSENT INSTRUCTION: IF YOU WISH TO REVOKE CONSENT TO PROPOSAL #4, CHECK THE "YES REVOKE MY CONSENT" BOX ABOVE. PROPOSAL #4 IS SUBJECT TO THE ADOPTION OF PROPOSAL #3 IN WHOLEOR IN PART AND THE REMOVAL OF ONE OR MORE MEMBERS OF THE BOARDPURSUANT TO PROPOSAL #3 OR THE RESIGNATION OF ONE OR MORE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OF THE COMPANY URGES YOU TO MARK THE "YES, REVOKE MY CONSENT" BOXES ON ALL PROPOSALS SET FORTH HEREIN. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ABOVE, THIS REVOCATION CARD REVOKES ALL PRIOR CONSENTS GIVEN WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSALS SET FORTH HEREIN. UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE, BY SIGNING, DATING AND DELIVERING THIS REVOCATION CARD TO THE COMPANY, YOU WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REVOKED CONSENT TO ALL OF THE PROPOSALS SET FORTH HEREIN. THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AFFIRMS THAT THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY ARE HELD OF RECORD. IN ORDER FOR YOUR CONSENT REVOCATION TO BE VALID, IT MUST BE DATED. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. Dated: , 2025 Print Name: Signature (Title, if any): Signature (if held jointly): Name and Title or Authority (if applicable): Please sign in the same form as name appears hereon. Joint owners should all sign. Executors and fiduciaries should indicate their titles. If signed on behalf of a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, give title of officer or authorized person signing. REVOKE YOUR CONSENT BY MAIL Please mark, sign and date your BLUE Consent Revocation Card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided or return it to: Alliance Advisors LLC, 150 Clove Rd, #400, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424. The Consent Revocation Statement is available at: https://web.viewproxy.com/PGNT/2025 INTERNET Revoke Your Consent on the Internet: Go to www.FCRvote.com/PGNT TELEPHONE Revoke Your Consentby Phone: Call 1-866-402-3905 MAIL Revoke Your Consent by Mail: Have your consent revocation card available when you access the above website. Followthe prompts to vote your shares. Use any touch-tone telephone to revoke your consent. Have your consent revocation cardavailable when you call. Follow the voting instructions to vote your shares. Mark, sign, and date your consent revocation card, then detach it, and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided. SOURCE: Paragon Technologies Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/electronics-and-engineering/paragon-consent-revocation-statement-1023802 LongPoint filed a preliminary prospectus seeking to list double leveraged single stock ETFs LongPoint is a Canadian owned and operated ETF provider Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - LongPoint Asset Management Inc. ("LongPoint") is proud to announce that it has filed the preliminary prospectus for the listing of eight double leveraged single stock ETFs (the "ETFs"), including six double leveraged long exposures (the "SavvyLong ETFs") and two double leveraged inverse exposures (the "SavvyShort ETFs"). The ETFs have applied for conditional listing approval on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX"). LongPoint is the newest Canadian provider of leveraged and inverse leveraged ETFs, having listed crude oil and natural gas up to two times leverage and inverse leveraged ETFs in December 2024. LongPoint also offers its unique Partnership ETF platform, which simplifies the launch, operation and growth of ETFs for its partner asset managers. LongPoint is a Canadian owned and operated company. "LongPoint recognizes the pent-up demand of active Canadian investors for daily reset double leveraged ETFs based on individual stocks. Canadians are presently using U.S. listed double leveraged single stock ETFs as their only trading option. We are pleased to now potentially offer these Canadian domiciled and listed ETFs that will trade in Canadian dollars for those active Canadian investors," said Steven Hawkins, CEO of LongPoint. "The LongPoint team, with over 30 years' experience managing leveraged and inverse leveraged ETFs, has been able to bring a thoughtful and well-informed approach to the design of these ETFs." "As well, we know that Canadian investors tend to have strong views on U.S. mega-caps names and tend to follow these stocks closely. LongPoint's double leveraged single stock ETFs would offer Canadians a domestic ETF, traded in Canadian dollars, to actively position their portfolios around company announcements, technical signals, market events or fundamental price expectations," added Mr. Hawkins. The ETFs seek daily investment results that endeavour to correspond, before fees and expenses, to either two times (2X) or two times the inverse (-2X) of the daily return (on a percentage basis) of the respective common stock. The ETFs do not hedge their exposure to the U.S. dollar. The ETFs will only trade in Canadian Dollars. The preliminary prospectus includes the following SavvyLong ETFs: Name Ticker Reference Stock SavvyLong (2X) AAPL ETF AAPU Apple Inc. SavvyLong (2X) AMZN ETF AMZU Amazon.com, Inc. SavvyLong (2X) GOOGL ETF ALPU Alphabet Inc. Class A SavvyLong (2X) MSFT ETF MSFU Microsoft Corporation SavvyLong (2X) NVDA ETF NVDU NVIDIA Corporation SavvyLong (2X) TSLA ETF TSLU Tesla, Inc. The preliminary prospectus includes the following SavvyShort ETFs: Name Ticker Reference Stock SavvyShort (-2X) NVDA ETF NVDD NVIDIA Corporation SavvyShort (-2X) TSLA ETF TSLD Tesla, Inc. The preliminary prospectus dated May 2, 2025, containing important information relating to the ETFs has been filed with the securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. A copy of the preliminary prospectus is available on www.sedarplus.ca. You cannot buy shares of the ETFs until the relevant securities commissions or similar authorities issue receipts for the final prospectus of the ETFs and they begin trading on the TSX. About LongPoint Asset Management Inc. LongPoint Asset Management Inc. delivers innovative ETF solutions designed to enhance your Canadian investing journey. With over 60 years of combined expertise in the ETF market, our dedicated team leverages deep industry connections and local insights to design, build and launch exceptional ETFs tailored for Canadian investors. Discover the value of investing with LongPoint! The ETFs are alternative mutual funds, and as such, the ETFs are permitted to invest in asset classes or use investment strategies that are not permitted for other types of mutual funds. The ETFs are highly speculative. The ETFs use a significant amount of leverage which magnifies gains and losses. They are intended for use in daily or short-term trading strategies by very knowledgeable, sophisticated investors. If you hold such an ETF for more than one day, your return could vary considerably from the ETF's daily target return. The negative effect of compounding on returns is more pronounced when combined with leverage and daily rebalancing in volatile markets. The ETFs are not suitable for investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their investments. The ETFs employ significant leverage, may experience amplified losses and should not be expected to return +200% in the case of SavvyLong ETFs and -200% in the case of the SavvyShort ETFs of their target index over any period of time other than daily. The returns of the ETFs over periods longer than one day will likely differ in amount and possibly direction from the performance or inverse performance, as applicable, of their target index for the same period. This effect is more pronounced for the ETFs as the volatility of the target index and/or the period of time increases. This material is for informational purposes only. This material is not intended to be relied upon as research, investment, or tax advice and is not an implied or express recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security or to adopt any particular investment or portfolio strategy. Any views and opinions expressed do not take into account the particular investment objectives, needs, restrictions and circumstances of a specific investor and, thus, should not be used as the basis of any specific investment recommendation. Investors should consult a financial and/or tax advisor for financial and/or tax information applicable to their specific situation. Commissions, management fees, performance fees and operating expenses may all be associated with an investment in the ETFs. The ETF is not guaranteed, its value changes frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The ETF Facts and prospectus contain important detailed information about the ETF. Please read the relevant documents before investing. Certain statements may constitute a forward-looking statement, including those identified by the expression "expect" and similar expressions (including grammatical variations thereof). The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the author's current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the authors do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that is contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250900 SOURCE: LongPoint Asset Management Inc. PSH's Management Fees to Be Reduced by Fees Paid to Pershing Square by HHH Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) today noted that its investment manager, Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. (the "Investment Manager"), the Investment Manager's holding company, Pershing Square Holdco, L.P. ("Holdco", and together with the Investment Manager, "Pershing Square"), and Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc. jointly issued the following release announcing Holdco's investment of $900 million to acquire nine million newly issued shares of HHH: https://investor.howardhughes.com/news-releases/news-release-details/pershing-square-invest-900-million-acquire-nine-million-newly. After giving effect to the acquisition, Holdco, PSH and other Pershing Square funds will collectively own approximately 46.9% of HHH common stock outstanding. Pershing Square has generally agreed to limit its voting power to 40% and its beneficial ownership to 47%. PSH Fee Reduction In connection with the acquisition, HHH has entered into a Services Agreement with the Investment Manager, pursuant to which the Investment Manager will provide investment, advisory, and other ancillary services to HHH, and HHH will pay the Investment Manager a quarterly fee further described in the joint press release. In connection with the foregoing, the Investment Manager will reduce the management fees paid by PSH by an amount equal to the fees paid by HHH to the Investment Manager that are attributable to the HHH common stock held by PSH. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or buy or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities. About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American domiciled companies. Category: (PSH:Other) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250505465798/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Julia Tilley +44 (0)20 3781 8339, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk Anysphere, a San Francisco, CA-based builder of an AI coding assistant called Cursor, reportedly raised $900m in funding at around a $9 billion valuation. The round was co-led by Thrive Capital with participation from Andreessen Horowitz and Accel. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts. Co-founded by Aman Sanger, Sualeh Asif, Michael Truell, and Arvid, Lunnemark, Anysphere is building Cursor to automate coding via a human-AI programmer that will have control over their codebase and no low-entropy keystrokes, iterate at speed, even in the most complex systems. FinSMEs 05/05/2025 Hilo (fka Aktiia), a Neuchatel, Switzerland-based blood pressure intelligence platform provider, raised $42m (over CHF 34m) in Series B funding round. The round, which brought the total financing to date above $100m, was led by Earlybird Health and Wellington Partners, with new investors Kfund and naturalX Health Ventures, and participation from existing investors redalpine, Khosla Ventures, Molten Ventures, Translink Capital and Verve Ventures. Christoph Massner, Principal at Earlybird Health, will join Hilos Board of Directors. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate product innovation, expand into new markets, and build out its blood pressure intelligence platform to support enterprise use cases. Led by CEO Raghav Gupta, Hilo provides cuffless blood pressure monitoring (CBPM) products that offer reports to give both individuals and healthcare professionals a useful picture of their blood pressure. The model has been trained on optical signals and readings across more than 120,000 users. The team, composed of experts with extensive experience in biomedical signal processing, has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed publications and holds more than 35 patents. FinSMEs 05/05/2025 Unifly, an Antwerpen, Belgium-based company which specializes in drone traffic management, acquired EuroUSC Italia, a Rome, Italy-based consulting company that operates for the drone industry. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. With the acquisition: EuroUSC Italia will develop and deliver new services for the drone industry. Unifly will expand its offering. Led by CEO Marco Ducci, EuroUSC Italia is a consulting company that provides services to manufacturers, operators, insurance companies and authorities operating in the aviation sector. Unifly provides a platform that connects authorities with pilots to safely integrate drones into the airspace. Authorities can visualize and approve drone flights and manage no-fly zones in real-time. Drone pilots can manage their drones and they can plan and receive flight approvals in line with international and local regulation. FinSMEs 05/05/2025 As the Maldives battles with a major debt crunch, the island nation is eying to build a $9bn blockchain hub to attract investors and diversify its source of revenue read more While navigating through its economic woes, the Maldives is all set to build a whopping $9 billion blockchain hub to revive its economy. According to a report by The Financial Times, a Dubai-based family office has announced plans to invest a whopping $8.8 billion to build a blockchain and digital assets financial hub in the Maldives. With this investment, the island nation on the Indian ocean is hoping to navigate through a looming debt crunch. As per the report, the blockchain investment is led by family office MBS Global Investments over the next five years. On paper, the investment would exceed the Maldives annual GDP of around $7bn. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While talking about the deal, Moosa Zameer, finance minister, said the country needed to leap to diversify away from just tourism and fisheries. Debt coming due in the next two years was the biggest challenge that we have, Zameer told The Financial Times, adding that the deal was something we see as a potential contributor to bring us out of certain difficulties that we are in. More from Business How Indian fintech startups are driving Malaysias UPI-like digital payments revolution Why the Maldives On Sunday, MBS Global Investments and the government of Maldives signed a joint venture agreement on the project. When asked about the deal, the company said that it manages assets worth approximately $14 billion in the family office of a wealthy Qatari, Sheikh Nayef bin Eid Al Thani. The company stated that it plans to finance the Maldives investment by tapping its network of family offices along with high net worth individuals to form a consortium. While speaking to The Financial Times, MBSs chief executive Nadeem Hussain said the phased project could be funded through equity and debt and that firm commitments north of $4bn-$5bn had already been secured. We appreciated right from the offset what was involved in terms of funding and weve made the necessary alliances and brought in the necessary partners to ensure we have that, said Hussain. It is a large sum of money, he added. Whats in store According to the projects masterplan obtained by The Financial Times, the Maldives International Financial Centre will be a 830,000 sq m hub and would be able to host 6,500 people and provide employment for 16,000 in the countrys capital Male. The master plan noted that the project aims to triple the Maldives GDP within four years and generate revenue of well over $1bn by the fifth year". It is pertinent to note that the deal announcement came just days after India unveiled a $760mn bailout for the Maldives to help the nation deal with its sovereign default. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While speaking to The Financial Times, Zameer called both India and China development patterns and acknowledged that both nations played a crucial role in helping the countrys economy. With MBS we are getting into business, its going to be a business which is different from the traditional models of borrowings that we do, the finance minister said. She also shared insights from her upcoming Netflix series The Royals, releasing on May 9, which was extensively shot in Rajasthan read more Actor Bhumi Pednekar, speaking at the Waves Summit 2025, delivered a heartfelt reflection on her decade-long journey in Indian cinema and reaffirmed her deep-rooted love for working in India. Known for her commitment to socially relevant storytelling and culturally grounded narratives, Bhumi took the stage to speak about the power of Indian cinema, the richness of its landscapes, and the unmatched passion of its people. In the last ten years, Ive been part of some very culturally dense, heartland films and Im deeply proud of that, she said. I recently shot a film abroad and realized that the only place I truly want to work in is India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bhumi went on to praise the Indian film industrys unique ecosystem highlighting the dedication of local crews, the emotional warmth of Indian film sets, and the increasingly inclusive representation on-ground. Theres no comparison to the comfort, passion, and work ethic our teams bring. When Im on a set in India, I feel safe, seen, and inspired. Today, we see equal numbers of men and women working behind the scenes, and that makes me even prouder. She also shared insights from her upcoming Netflix series The Royals, releasing on May 9, which was extensively shot in Rajasthan. Those two and a half months were some of the most potent and fulfilling days Ive had on a set. The kind of support, technicians, and stories we have in India its phenomenal. And the landscapes are just unparalleled. From the beaches of Goa to the snowy peaks of Himachal, Bhumi noted that Indias geographic and cultural diversity makes it a filmmakers dream. In one film, you can go from the backwaters of Kerala to the ghats of Varanasi. Its cinematic gold. She also touched upon the global appeal of Indian cinema, recalling an encounter in Los Angeles where someone recognized her origins based on their familiarity with Mumbais iconic Chowpatty thanks to the influence of Bollywood. Thats what our films do they carry our stories, our food, our places to the world. Cinema is such a powerful bridge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ending on a note of purpose, Bhumi underscored how cinema can be used as a force for global connection and social transformation. If storytelling can shift mindsets and bring people closer, then were in a position of real power. And Im so grateful that I get to do this here, in Ind As the evening unfolded, all eyes were on Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who continues to pave the way for Indian representation at global platforms like the MET read more Ahead of her much-anticipated fifth appearance at the MET Gala 2025, Global Icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, was the star of a glamorous pre-gala dinner hosted by Olivier Rousteing. The evening not only marked their powerful collaboration for the upcoming MET red carpet but also toasted the launch of the luxurious Johnnie Walker Vault collection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The private soiree in New York saw a gathering of celebrated names from across the globeHunter Schafer, Lupita Nyongo, Rege-Jean Page, and Henry Golding, among others. As the evening unfolded, all eyes were on Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who continues to pave the way for Indian representation at global platforms like the MET. Priyanka is not just a global icon but also huge fashion royalty on the red carpet, and her MET Gala appearance alongside Rousteing and styled in Balmain couture with Bvlgaris newest high jewellery is already the most awaited moment on this years red carpet. The Queen Bee of the MET returns for her 5th year, and we cant keep calm! The Supreme Court has rejected the plea of a woman, claiming to have Mughal lineage, who had demanded she be handed over the iconic Red Fort in Delhi or be given compensation for the same. The apex court called the claim misconceived and meritless. We look at the case read more Sultana Begum claims to be the widow of the great-grandson of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II. AFP The Supreme Court has dismissed a Mughal heirs claim on the Red Fort. A woman who claimed to have Mughal lineage had moved the apex court demanding that she be handed over the iconic Indian monument or be given compensation for the same. The Supreme Court bench called the claim misconceived and meritless. But what do we know? What did the apex court say? Lets take a closer look: What do we know? As per India Today, the case was filed by one Sultana Begum. Begum lives near Howrah in Kolkata. The 60-year-old stays in a cramped and tiny two-room hut. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Begum first filed a case in the Delhi High Court in 2021. As per NDTV, Begum claimed that in 1960 the government had confirmed that her late husband Bedar Bakht was the descendant and heir of Bahadur Shah Zafar II. The government also began paying Bakht a pension which transferred to her upon his demise in 1980, she claimed. Begum contended the pension was too small to meet her requirements. She had said she is willing to give up her claim for financial recompense. Begum claimed the government had illegally taken the Red Fort from her family. She said the governments refusal to properly compensate her violated her fundamental rights. The Supreme Court has rejected a womans claim to the Red Fort. PTI However, Begums plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court. The single-judge bench in December 2021 had said there is no justification for the inordinate delay in approaching the court after over 150 years. Begum appealed that verdict, but it was rejected once more. As per India Today, the high court in its decision noted a delay of 900 days in approaching it after the initial verdict. However, Begum argued that her ill-health prevented her from filing the appeal. Begum also cited the death of her daughter as a reason. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We find the said explanation inadequate, considering that the delay is of more than two-and-a-half years. The petition was also dismissed (by the single judge) for being inordinately delayed by several decades. The application for condonation of delay is dismissed. Consequently, the appeal is also dismissed. It is barred by limitation, the high court had said. What did the apex court say? A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar termed the plea as misconceived and meritless at the outset and refused to entertain the petition filed against the Delhi High Court order. As per NDTV, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna asked, Why only Red Fort? Why not Fatehpur Sikri (the capital of the Mughal empire during Akbars reign in the late 16th century), Taj Mahal (famously commissioned by Shah Jahan in the 17th)? The apex court called the claim misconceived and meritless. PTI The petitioner is the family member of the first freedom fighter of the country, the counsel argued. The Bench did not allow the counsel for petitioner Sultana Begum to withdraw the plea. The writ petition filed initially was misconceived and meritless. It cannot be entertained, the CJI added. As per News18, the lawyer for Begum pointed out that the plea had been dismissed on grounds of delay and not on the merits. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the apex court rejected the argument. No, dismissed," the bench stated. Starbase, a 1.6-square-mile area in South Texas near the Mexico border, has been officially incorporated following a 2126 vote largely involving SpaceX employees. The citys leadership comprises three SpaceX-linked individuals who ran unopposed. The move gives the company increased authority over local infrastructure and beach access, prompting environmental protests and opposition from regional officials read more A man with the proposed new name for the town on his T-shirt is seen in Boca Chica, Texas, that would become Starbase, Texas. File Image/AP Starbase, a newly incorporated city in southern Texas, has officially come into existence following a successful vote on May 4, 2025. Created around Elon Musks rocket company, SpaceX, this microcity sits on approximately 1.6 square miles of land near the Gulf Coast and the Mexico border. The area, once known as Boca Chica Village, is now almost entirely controlled by SpaceX and populated predominantly by its employees and their families. The proposal to form the city was approved by a large margin: 212 of 283 eligible voters supported the incorporation, while only six opposed it, according to official Cameron County election results. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Most voters reside within the bounds of the proposed city and are connected to SpaceX either as employees or through family ties. The votes outcome was widely anticipated due to the companys deep influence in the area. Elon Musk, who owns SpaceX and the social media platform X, celebrated the development enthusiastically online. Posting on X shortly after the results, he declared, Starbase is now a real city! marking the culmination of a plan he first hinted at publicly in March 2021. Starbase, Texas Is now a real city! gorklon rust (@elonmusk) May 4, 2025 Remote village to corporate hub Before the arrival of SpaceX, Boca Chica Village was a quiet beachside settlement, established more than 80 years ago. Since SpaceX began acquiring property in the area in 2012, the landscape has undergone significant transformation. According to SpaceX representatives, out of the 247 lots that make up the new citys boundaries, only ten are not owned by the company or its employees. The transformation includes the construction of company housing, the installation of Airstream trailers and tiny homes, and the proliferation of industrial infrastructure to support rocket testing and launches. A statue of SpaceX founder Elon Musk on Saturday, May 3, 2025, is seen near the town of Boca Chica, Texas, that would become Starbase, Texas, US. File Image/AP The land now houses key components of SpaceXs operations, including rocket manufacturing and testing sites. It is also the launch point for Starship, the companys next-generation spacecraft designed for deep space missions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the citys incorporation, the company gains more direct municipal control over the area, a move that is expected to streamline operations for SpaceX and reduce reliance on county-level permissions for key activities like road and beach closures during launches. Who governs Starbase? Under Texas law, Starbase is categorised as a Type C municipality, a designation for cities with fewer than 5,000 residents. This status grants it authority over planning, zoning, taxation (including a property tax rate of up to 1.5 per cent) and other local matters. The inaugural city government consists of a mayor and two commissioners all SpaceX employees who ran unopposed and automatically assumed office following the vote. Robert Bobby Peden, a SpaceX vice-president who has worked with the company for over a decade and donated $5,000 to its political action committee in December, is the first mayor of Starbase. Peden was the only candidate on the ballot for the mayors office. People enter a polling station in the town of of Boca Chica, Texas, that would become Starbase, Texas, if local residents approve a measure to make the home of Elon Musks SpaceX its own city on Saturday, May 3, 2025. File Image/AP Joining him as city commissioners are Jenna Petrzelka and Jordan Buss. Petrzelka has been affiliated with SpaceX since 2012 and most recently served as Manager of Operations Engineering at Starbase. On her campaign documentation, she identified herself as a philanthropist, having volunteered at a local nonprofit for migrants and homeless populations. Her husband is also employed by SpaceX. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Buss, who joined SpaceX in 2023, serves as the Senior Director of Environmental Health and Safety and contributed $600 to the SpaceX PAC in the same year. Like Peden and Petrzelka, Buss ran without opposition. Notably, there were no public campaign efforts no posters, digital advertisements, or forums reflecting the insular and company-centric nature of the new city. There have been no signs of a traditional campaign along the Boca Chica Beach region in South Texas, wrote Berenice Garcia of The Texas Tribune. What is the controversy around Starbase? While the incorporation of Starbase is a victory for Musk and SpaceX, it has not come without controversy. Local activists, environmental organisations and indigenous groups have voiced strong opposition to what they see as corporate overreach and ecological degradation. The South Texas Environmental Justice Network (SOTEJN) staged a protest on the day of the vote, drawing dozens of demonstrators who opposed further expansion of corporate control over public lands. People protest at Boca Chica beach, Texas, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, before an incorporation election that would turn Starbase into an official Texas city. File Image/AP Vanity Fair reported that Christopher Basaldu, a co-founder of the group and a member of the Carrizo Comecrudo Nation of Texas, stated the cultural and spiritual significance of the region: Its not just important its sacred. One of the key points of contention involves Boca Chica Beach and the adjacent state park, which have traditionally been managed by Cameron County. SpaceX has often required closures of these areas during rocket launches. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A bill currently under consideration in the Texas legislature could shift authority for such closures from the county to the new city, further empowering Starbase officials and potentially criminalising non-compliance with evacuation orders. The proposed legislation would classify refusal to leave the area during closures as a Class B misdemeanour, carrying up to 180 days in jail. A protester holds a pinata of Elon Musk during a protest at Boca Chica beach, Texas, on Saturday afternoon, May 3, 2025, hours before polls closed for the incorporation election that would turn Starbase into an official Texas city. File Image/AP Judge Eddie Trevino Jr., the top elected official in Cameron County, has expressed opposition to this bill, suggesting it represents a dangerous centralisation of power under a private enterprise. Environmentalists have also raised alarms about the ecological toll of SpaceXs activities in the region. Critics argue that the companys operations have disrupted local wildlife habitats, caused light and noise pollution, and left debris from rocket launches scattered around the area. In 2024, SpaceX was fined nearly $150,000 by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for violations involving wastewater discharge. The company attributed the fines to disagreements over paperwork and maintains that it remains in compliance with environmental regulations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the fines and protests, SpaceX continues to expand its presence. The company has proposed increasing the number of rocket launches from five to 25 per year at the Texas site, which would likely lead to more frequent beach and park closures and potentially greater environmental strain. How Musks political role has resulted in backlash Starbases formation arrives at a politically sensitive time for Elon Musk, who currently leads the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in US President Donald Trumps administration. His role in executing widespread cuts across federal agencies has sparked nationwide protests and has led to discontent even within his own companies. A February 2025 Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that 49 per cent of respondents disapproved of Musks performance in government. Similar results were reflected in surveys by Quinnipiac, Emerson College, and Marist Poll for NPR and PBS, all showing more disapproval than support particularly among Democratic respondents. Nevertheless, Republicans showed stronger approval for Musks role in the Trump administration. Musk has indicated that he may soon reduce his governmental responsibilities to refocus on Tesla and other ventures, though no official timeline has been announced. In the meantime, Doges budgetary cuts are already affecting multiple sectors, drawing further public ire. With inputs from agencies Himanshi Narwal, wife of Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, is facing online hate after she appealed to people not to spread hate against Muslims or Kashmiris in her first public statement after the incident. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken up the matter, stating that trolling a woman for expressing her views is not right read more The issue has now been taken up by the National Commission for Women (NCW). PTI Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal who died in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, is being heavily trolled on social media. The issue has now been taken up by the National Commission for Women (NCW). It is not right to troll a woman on the basis of her ideological expression or personal life," the womens panel posted on X. ALSO READ | Blackout drills, military chiefs meet Modi: Is India gearing up for action against Pakistan after Pahalgam? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lt Narwal, 26, was a Navy officer from Karnal in Haryana. He had been married for only a week before he was killed in the attack. But why is his wife being targeted online? And what exactly did the NCW say? We explain the reasons behind the trolling, the NCWs response, and what users are saying online. Why Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwals wife is being trolled online After the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, Himanshi Narwal spoke publicly for the first time and urged people not to spread hate against Muslims or Kashmiris. I dont want any hatred towards anybody. The people going against the Muslims and Kashmiris, we dont want this. We want peace and only peace, she said, according to a report by The Hindu. She said that she wanted the nation to pray for her husbands peace, good spirit and well-being, wherever he may be. She also called for justice, saying those responsible for the attack should be punished. After her remarks, she was heavily trolled on social media. Himanshi with BJP MLA Jagmohan Anand during a blood donation camp organised on her husbands birth anniversary. PTI One user on X claimed she would take her in-laws properties and leave them destitute. Some questioned how she could talk about peace when her husband had been killed by terrorists. Others focused on her recent marriage and honeymoon, with claims that the trip was her idea. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some also questioned how she appeared so stable in videos after the attack, saying she never seemed shocked. One person even suggested that the attack felt like a set-up with her involvement and that security agencies should check her background. Another wrote, This is not secularism. This is openly supporting Islamist terrorists and their actions. Amid the backlash, Himanshi received support from All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi. There is no need to do politics. Himanshi (wife of deceased Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal)s husband was shot dead. They were there six days after their wedding. The terrorists killed him. Himanshi gives a message to those people who live in our country and spread Hindu-Muslim poison. She says that she lost her husband but she doesnt want hatred against Muslims and Kashmiris, he was quoted as saying by NDTV. ALSO READ | 2 Amritsar men arrested for spying for Pakistan, leaking sensitive details: What we know STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD National Commission for Women reacts Responding to the criticism of Himanshi Narwals remarks, the National Commission for Women (NCW) said the nation is hurt and angry after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where Lt Vinay Narwal and others were asked about their religion before being shot dead but it is not right to troll a woman on the basis of her ideological expression. After the death of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, the way his wife Himanshi Narwal is being targeted on social media in relation to one of her statements is extremely reprehensible and unfortunate. It is not right to troll a woman on the basis of her ideological expression or personal life, it posted on X. - NCW (@NCWIndia) May 4, 2025 The womens panel said that while many may not agree with Himanshis views, any disagreement must stay within constitutional limits and respectful conversation. The National Commission for Women is committed to protect the dignity and respect of every woman, it added. A photo of Himanshi sitting beside her husbands body later went viral, with several users, including official accounts, sharing a Studio Ghibli-style version of the image as a tribute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shameful & inhuman: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also condemned the online abuse directed at the wife of the Navy officer. In the Pahalgam terror attack, a young Navy Man was shot dead, today his young wife is being maligned, character assassinated, abused, trolled and hated upon because she asked for justice over hate, she posted on X. Shes the one dealing with the loss, shes the one who will have to live a life only with memories of her slain husband and all that these sick trolls have to offer is more hate, how are they any different from the terrorists? one killed her husband physically, these keyboard haters are killing her spirit mentally, she added. Notably, Himanshi and her husband had initially planned to travel to Europe for their honeymoon, but visa delays forced them to change plans. They decided at the last minute to visit Jammu and Kashmir. The Pahalgam attack further worsened relations between India and Pakistan. On Saturday, India banned imports coming from or passing through Pakistan, and also barred Pakistani ships from entering Indian ports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country remains committed to taking firm and decisive steps against terrorists and those who support them. With inputs from agencies One of the most luxurious perfumes Chanel No. 5 made its entry into the world of fragrances on May 5 , 1921. The perfume was very different from the predominantly floral or musky perfumes of the time, which contributed to its immense popularity. On this day in 1951, Alan B Shepard Jr became the first American to visit space during a 15-minute suborbital flight read more Who does not want to own Chanel No. 5 perfume? Considered to be one of the most luxurious and expensive fragrances in the world, this perfume made an entry into the world of fragrance on May 5, 1921, and went on to change the world of perfumes forever. 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1961, Alan B Shepard Jr etched his name into history by becoming the first American to travel into space. Here is all that happened on this day across the world. Chanel No. 5 makes its debut Most of us dream of owning a wide range of luxurious perfumes. One of these luxurious perfumes is Chanel No. 5. Designed by legendary French fashion designer Gabrielle Coco Chanel, the perfume made its debut on May 5, 1921. It was launched with the idea that it was more than a scent and went on to become a symbol of modern femininity, luxury and timeless style. In an era dominated by predominantly floral or musky perfumes, Gabrielle Chanel desired to formulate an entirely original scent that would represent the contemporary woman - one wjo was assertive, refined and liberated. She engaged Russian-born French perfumer Ernest Beaux, who presented her with a selection of samples. Her choice of the fifth composition, based on her belief in the inherent meaning and understated quality of the number. Consequently, Chanel No. 5 was introduced. The result of the mixture of scents was one that didnt mimic nature but redefined it. File image/AFP This perfume was one of the first fragrances to use synthetic aldehydes, which added a sparkling, abstract quality to the floral base of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang and sandalwood. The result was a scent that didnt mimic nature but redefined it. Another of the attractive features was the minimalist bottle design was also groundbreaking. In contrast to the ornate perfume bottles of the era, Chanel opted for a sleek and square-cut glass bottle with a simple label that embodied her philosophy of understated elegance. Alan B Shepard Jr becomes Americas first space traveller One of the first Americans to visit space was Alan B Shepherd Junior on May 5, 1961. His brief, 15-minute suborbital flight aboard the Freedom 7 spacecraft, a key component of NASAs Project Mercury, represented a significant milestone in the United States efforts in the space race during the Cold War era. Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Shepards compact, single-occupant spacecraft, named Freedom 7, was positioned atop a Redstone rocket. Precisely at 9:34 am Eastern Time, the rocket ascended with tremendous force, propelling Shepard to an altitude of 116 miles and achieving velocities exceeding 5,000 miles per hour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Astronaut Alan Shepard Jr. rests in his capsule awaiting his trip into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida on May 5, 1961. File image/AP Despite its brief duration, the mission was revolutionary. Shepard experienced a state of weightlessness, executed a series of basic tests, and provided real-time verbal commentary throughout the flight. The entire journey lasted a mere 15 minutes and 22 seconds, culminating in a safe splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, where he was subsequently recovered by personnel from the USS Lake Champlain. Alan Shepard later commanded Apollo 14 in 1971, becoming the fifth man to walk on the Moon, and the only Mercury astronaut to achieve that feat. This Day, That Year On this day in 1927, English author Virginia Woolf published To the Lighthouse. Mary Kries became the first woman to receive a US patent on this day in 1809. Indian gems linked to the Buddhas mortal remains found in Piprahwa, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, in the 1890s, are going under the hammer. Sothebys is auctioning the relics on Wednesday. However, their sale has sparked an uproar among Buddhist leaders. Heres why read more The Indian gems linked to the Buddha are being auctioned. Image Courtesy: Sotheby's Indian gem relics linked to the Buddhas remains are set to go under the hammer on Wednesday (May 6). Sothebys is auctioning the gems unearthed in Piprahwa, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, in the 1890s. These jewels have since remained in the hands of a private British collection. The upcoming sale of the Piprahwa gems has, however, stirred a storm, with Buddhist leaders raising concerns. But why? Lets understand. How the relics were discovered In 1898, British engineer William Claxton Peppe excavated a stupa a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine at Piprahwa, just south of Lumbini, believed to be the Buddhas birthplace. These relics were mixed with some of the cremated remains of the Buddha, as per The Guardian. Peppe passed on the gems, relics and reliquaries to the colonial British government in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The British crown claimed Peppes discovery under the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act. The bone relics have since been given to countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. The gems were were mixed with some of the cremated remains of the Buddha. Image Courtesy: Sothebys Bones and ash linked to the Buddha were gifted to the Buddhist monarch King Chulalongkorn of Siam. Most of the 1,800 gems, including five relic urns and a stone chest, went to the Indian Museum in Kolkata, then known as the Imperial Museum of Calcutta. Peppe was allowed to keep about one-fifth of the find. Buddha linked relics to be auctioned Sothebys is auctioning the Piprahwa gems in Hong Kong on Wednesday. It describes the gems as being of unparalleled religious, archaeological and historical importance. The gems, being sold by three descendants of Peppe, include amethysts, coral, rock crystals, garnets, pearls, shells and gold, either included in pendants, beads, and other ornaments. As per BBC, Chris Peppe, a great-grandson of William Claxton Peppe, has written that the jewels passed from his great-uncle to his cousin. In 2013, he and his two other cousins received them. The auctioning of Piprahwa gems has sparked a debate. Image Courtesy: Sothebys In recent years, these magnificent gems have featured at major exhibitions, including one at The Met in 2023. Nicolas Chow, chairman of Sothebys Asia and worldwide head of Asian Art, told BBC this is among the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The gems are expected to fetch about HK$100 million (Rs 108.77 crore), reported The Guardian. Row over auction of Buddha-linked gems The sale of gems linked to the Buddha has been criticised by Buddhist academics and leaders. They say the relics should not be treated as trading commodities. Speaking to The Guardian, Venerable Dr Yon Seng Yeath, the abbot of Wat Unnalom, the headquarters of Cambodias Mahanikaya Buddhist order, said the auction disrespects a global spiritual tradition and ignores the growing consensus that sacred heritage should belong to the communities that value it most. Ashley Thompson, of Soas University of London, and curator Conan Cheong, both experts in Southeast Asian art, told BBC in a joint statement, Other ethical questions raised by the sale are: should human remains be traded? And who gets to decide what are human remains or not? For many Buddhist practitioners around the world, the gems on sale are part and parcel of the bones and ash. The Sothebys auction transforms these highly sacred materials into saleable objects, in continuation of acts of colonial violence which extracted them from a stupa and called them gems and objects of interest to Europeans, creating a false division with the ash and bone fragments they were consecrated with, they said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Describing the auction as appalling, Mahinda Deegalle, a Buddhist monastic leader and emeritus professor at Englands Bath Spa University, told The Guardian it was a humiliation of one of the greatest thinkers in the world. Historians say the relics are part of the legacy of Buddhas Sakya clan descendants and Buddhists across the world. The Buddha teaches us not to take other peoples possessions without permission. Historical records indicate that the Sakyamuni clan were granted custody of these relics, as the Buddha emanated from their community. Their wish was for these relics to be preserved alongside adornments, such as these gems, so that they may be venerated in perpetuity by the Buddhas followers, Amal Abeyawardene of London-based British MahaBodhi Society, told BBC. Sothebys and Chris Peppe have dismissed the concerns. We conducted requisite due diligence, including in relation to authenticity and provenance, legality and other considerations in line with our policies and industry standards for artworks and treasures, a Sothebys spokesperson was quoted as saying by the British newspaper. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chris Peppe, a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, told BBC that all the monasteries he had visited no Buddhists regard these as corporeal relics. A few Buddhist academics at western universities have recently offered a convoluted, fact-defying logic whereby they may be regarded as such. Its an academic construct that is not shared by Buddhists in general who are familiar with the details of the find, he said. Peppe said the family looked into donation [of the relics] to temples and museums and they all presented different problems on closer scrutiny. An auction seems the fairest and most transparent way to transfer these relics to Buddhists and we are confident that Sothebys will achieve that. With inputs from agencies Right-wing newspapers in Italy have accused French President Emmanuel Macron of shady behind-the- scene dealings ahead of the conclave starting on May 7 to pick the successor to Pope Francis. This comes after Macron had a number of meetings with top Church officials read more The Italian right-wing press have called Emmanuel Macrons actions the 'interventionism of the modern Sun King' a reference to Louis XIV. AP Is Emmanuel Macron trying to pick the next pope? Right-wing newspapers in Italy have accused the French president of shady behind the scene dealings ahead of the conclave to pick the next Bishop of Rome. But what happened? What do we know? Is Macron really trying to influence the papal election? Lets take a closer look: What do we know? As per Euro News, Macron has had a number of meetings with top clergy of the Church on the sidelines of Pope Francis funeral. They singled out two meetings in particular Macron met Archbishop of Marseille Jean-Marc Aveline, Bishop of Ajaccio Francois Bustillo, Apostolic Nuncio to the US Christophe Pierre and Archbishop Emeritus of Lyon Philippe Barbarin at the French embassy on April 26. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While all the men are Cardinals, Aveline and Bustillo are in contention to be the next pope. The press have called Macrons actions the interventionism of the modern Sun King a reference to Louis XIV. Cardinals stand during the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peters Square at the Vatican. AP Its not enough for him to lecture Europe. Macron even wants to choose the pope," a headline in La Verita cried. Macron even crashes the conclave, the newspaper Libero added. As per Le Monde, the newspapers have close ties to Prime Minister Georgia Melonis Italian government. Macron also met Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of SantEgidio a powerful Church group at a high-profile restaurant in Rome. As per Express.UK, the organisation is known for its relationship with the former pope and Macron. Its progressive positions on issues like immigration has aroused the ire of critics. Macron seeks to understand process Riccardi, however, has scoffed at the claims. He told Italian newspaper Il Foglio any notion of a conspiracy was idiocy. Riccardi and Macron had fettuccine, not escargot, he added. Emmanuel Macron seeks to understand the process, not to influence it, a source from SantEgidio told the outlet. The Il Foglio newspaper itself, a liberal daily, also mocked the claims as a big plot dreamed up by nationalist elements within Italys ruling government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Euro News further pointed out that it is extremely unlikely either Aveline and Bustillo could be the next pontiff. Aveline isnt fluent enough in Italian, while Bustillo is considered too young. Also, the last French pope was in the 14th Century Pope Gregory XI, who passed away in 1378. The stories about Macron allegedly trying to influence the choice of the next pope comes amid a history of tensions between him and Meloni. As per Express News, their very first meeting in October 2022 after Melonis victory saw a tense handshake and visible awkwardness. The two leaders have repeatedly clashed on a number of issues over the years including abortion and immigration. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is being slammed for posting an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself dressed as pope. The image, shared Friday night on Trumps Truth Social site and later reposted by the White House on its official X account, raised eyebrows on social media and at the Vatican, which is still in the period of nine days of official mourning following Francis death on April 21. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catholic cardinals have been celebrating daily Masses in his memory and are due to open the conclave to elect his successor on Wednesday. This comes after Trump joked last week about his interest in the vacancy. Id like to be pope. That would be my number one choice, the thrice married president, who is not Catholic, told reporters. With inputs from agencies The death of a three-year-old girl with a brain tumour, shortly after her parents made her observe a Jain fasting ritual, in Madhya Pradeshs Indore has left many shocked. This week, the Golden Book of World Records named Vinaya the youngest person in the world to vow the Jain ritual Santhara. Notably, Santhara is an ancient Jain practice where a person voluntarily gives up food and water, awaiting death as a means to cleanse the soul and attain spiritual liberation read more A row broke out after a three-year-old girl with a brain tumour died shortly after her parents made her observe a Jain fasting ritual in Madhya Pradeshs Indore. The girl, Viyana Jain, was their only child. Her parents said she passed away on March 21. She had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Her parents, who work in the IT sector, followed the advice of their spiritual guide, Jain monk Rajesh Muni Maharaj, before taking this step. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | What is Chinas ghost wedding tradition of marrying the dead? On March 21, during a visit to the monk, the child was given the Santhara vow with the agreement of her parents. Just minutes later, she died. In this explainer, we look at what the Jain ritual is, what happened to the girl, and why her death has led to a row. What is Santhara? Santhara is an age-old Jain ritual in which a person chooses to give up food and water and peacefully wait for death. It is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and move towards spiritual freedom. It is also known as Sallekhana. The term sallekhana is formed from sat (truth) and lekhana (to thin or wear away), and it reflects the idea of weakening the body on purpose. Jains believe that this helps remove suffering, which blocks the souls path to liberation. This vow is considered a serious religious decision and is based on the idea of penance and letting go of worldly ties to free the soul. Both monks and laypeople may follow this practice, but it is not taken lightly. It is prominent in the Jain Canon and is strongly encouraged, Hindustan Times reported. However, not everyone is allowed to take this vow at any time. A Sundara, who heads the Department of Archaeology and Museums in Karnataka, said in his research that Jain texts are clear that Santhara should only be done in certain conditions. These include old age, a serious illness with no cure, or times of extreme hardship like famine, when a person can no longer follow their religious path in regular ways. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the oldest Jain texts that mentions this is Ratnakaranda Shravakachara, written by Samantabhadra in the 4th century AD. It explains how the vow should be taken and under what conditions. According to the text, a person must remain calm, give up all personal belongings, and emotionally distance themselves from their loved ones. They should forgive everyone, seek forgiveness, and feel regret for any wrongs they have done. With a clear and peaceful mind, they are then expected to pray and slowly stop eating and drinking, continuing this fast until death. Is Santhara legal? The debate around Santhara intensified in legal and religious circles in 2015 after the Rajasthan High Court ruled it a punishable offence under sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and 309 (attempt to suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. This decision led to strong opposition from the Jain community, who consider Santhara a sacred and age-old religious practice. Later in 2015, the Supreme Court put the Rajasthan High Courts order on hold. It took note of petitions filed by the Jain community and recognised Santhara as a separate religious practice. The row over the childs death in Indore This week, the Golden Book of World Records named Vinaya the youngest person in the world to vow the Jain ritual Santhara. Her parents, Piyush and Varsha Jain, said they followed the advice of their spiritual guide. Both parents work in the Information Technology (IT) sector and said they chose the Santhara path for their daughter after consulting a Jain monk. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Piyush Jain, the father, told PTI, My daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January this year. She underwent surgery, following which her health improved. But in March, her condition deteriorated and she started facing difficulty in consuming food and drinking. The Golden Book of World Records named Vinaya the youngest person in the world to vow the Jain ritual Santhara. Image: X On the night of March 21, he took his seriously ill daughter to visit Jain monk Rajesh Muni Maharaj along with other family members. Maharaj ji saw my daughters condition and told us that the girls end is near and she should be given the Santhara vow. This fast holds a lot of significance in Jainism. After thinking about it, we finally agreed to go for it, he said. He said his daughter passed away within minutes of the monk completing the Santhara rituals. Her mother, Varsha Jain, said, I cannot describe how difficult the decision was to make my daughter take the Santhara vow. My daughter was suffering a lot due to the brain tumour. It was very painful for me to see her in this condition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking of Viyana, she became emotional and said, I want my daughter to always be happy in her next birth. Omkar Singh, a member of the Madhya Pradesh Child Rights Commission, told HT, This is a religious practice meant for fully conscious adults, typically the elderly. The toddler could not have possibly consented. We are examining whether this constitutes a violation of child protection laws and will act accordingly. A senior doctor familiar with the case told the publication, She should have been in a hospital receiving palliative care. With inputs from agencies India is increasing pressure on Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, New Delhi has started cutting off water flow from rivers to Pakistan. Heres what is happening read more Labourers walk on a bridge near the 450-megawatt hydropower project located at Baglihar Dam on the Chenab river which flows from Kashmir into Pakistan, at Chanderkote, about 145 km (90 miles) north of Jammu October 10, 2008. File Photo/Reuters India is mounting pressure on Pakistan as it mourns the loss of 26 lives, mostly tourists, in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. After putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, New Delhi has started curbing water flow from rivers in India to the neighbouring country. Reports say India has cut off the flow of water from Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and plans further restrictions at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River. This comes after Union Water Resources Minister CR Patil vowed that not a drop of water will go to Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. India stems water flow from Baglihar dam India has halted water flow to Pakistan through the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River. The dam, located in Jammu and Kashmirs Ramban district, has previously led to disputes between New Delhi and Islamabad, with Pakistan seeking the World Banks arbitration. According to a Hindustan Times (HT) report, India commenced de-silting at the Baglihar dam and lowered sluice gates. This shrunk the downstream flow to Pakistan by up to 90 per cent, an official from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) told the newspaper on Sunday (May 4). We have closed the gates of the Baglihar hydel power project. We had done de-silting of the reservoir and it has to be refilled. The process was started on Saturday, a second official was quoted as saying. India began increasing the reservoir holding capacity at the Baglihar and Salal hydroelectric projects in J&K last week. Multiple sources told the Reuters news agency that the reservoir flushing process to remove sediment began on Thursday by the state-run NHPC Ltd and authorities in the Union Territory. Reservoir flushing entails removing deposited sediments in a reservoir by releasing the water at a high flow rate. This is done to restore the storage capacity of the dam. This is the first time such an exercise has taken place and will help in more efficient power generation and prevent damage to turbines, one of the sources said to the news agency. We were also asked to open the adjustable gates for cleaning, which we did from May 1, the source said, adding that it is being done to free the dam operation from any restrictions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per an NDTV report, halting the water flow from the Baglihar dam is a temporary move as it can store only a limited volume of water after which it must be released. These steps come after India suspended the decades-old water-sharing agreement with Pakistan. As per the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India controls the eastern rivers of Sutlej, Ravi and Beas, while Pakistan controls the western rivers Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus. The deal was brokered by the World Bank between New Delhi and Islamabad on September 19, 1960. Pakistan is heavily dependent on the treaty that ensures 80 per cent of the water supply for irrigation in the country. ALSO READ: Why Pakistans plan to challenge Indias suspension of Indus Waters Treaty wont work Is Kishanganga dam next? India could begin de-silting operations at the Kishanganga Dam to further curb water flow to Pakistan. The mega hydropower project, situated in the Gurez valley in the northwestern Himalayas, is also likely to undergo maintenance work very soon. All water from the dam downstream will be stopped, reported HT. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Islamabad has objected to the hydroelectric power plant on the Kishanganga River, a tributary of the Jhelum, which is known as the Neelum in Pakistan. A private vehicle crosses a bridge as excavators are used at the dam site of Kishanganga power project in Gurez, 160 km (99 miles) north of Srinagar June 21, 2012. File Photo/Reuters The dam allows India to divert the water from the Neelam river into J&K for power generation. Islamabad has protested against the project, arguing that it violates the Indus Waters Treaty that allows India to build run-of-the-river hydel projects that neither change the course of the river nor deplete the water level downstream. Pakistan says the project flouts both of these conditions, as per a Dawn report. India may knock World Banks door India could approach the World Bank looking into a dispute related to the water-sharing treaty. As per an Economic Times (ET) report, New Delhi is expected to ask the World Bank-appointed neutral expert to suspend the proceedings on the Kishanganga-Ratle hydel project dispute under the IWT. Citing changed circumstances after the Pahalgam terror attack, India is likely to push for putting the proceedings in abeyance. The process included a mutually agreed work programme between India, Pakistan and the World Banks neutral expert Michel Lino, which can be paused. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The neutral expert-led dispute resolution process for the Kishanganga-Ratle projects began in 2023 and has seen three high-level meetings in Vienna. India has made regular progress on the four ongoing hydel power projects Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW over the Chenab River and its tributaries in Jammu and Kashmir, the first NHPC official told HT. Pakistan has opposed the Ratle project in J&Ks Kishtwar district, alleging it violates the Indus Waters Treaty. Last June, the neutral expert Lino and a five-member Pakistan delegation inspected the Ratle power project. With inputs from agencies Tensions are running high between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. Over the last few days, New Delhi is upping the pressure on Islamabad: The Indian Army conducted a blackout drill at Punjabs Ferozepur cantonment, and naval drills are being conducted in the Arabian Sea, showcasing the countrys maritime strength. There have also been high-profile meetings between Prime Minister Modi, the Air Force, and naval chiefs read more Indian Border Security Force personnel stand guard near the India-Pakistan Wagah border post. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been heating up following the Pahalgam attack on April 22. AFP On April 22, armed terrorists emerged from the pine tree forests in the Baisaran meadow in south Pahalgam and gunned down innocent civilians the tally stands at 26. Since then, tensions have been running high between India and Pakistan with New Delhi undertaking several punitive measures against the neighbouring country, prompting retaliatory measures from Islamabad. Theres been a pause on the Indus Waters Treaty by India; New Delhi has also suspended all visas to Pakistanis and asked all of them to leave India; and as recently as Saturday (May 3) restricted all Pakistani-flagged ships at ports and barred all Pakistani imports into the nation. There are also plans by the Modi government to choke Pakistans terror funding by approaching global agencies such as the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Action Task Force and seeking slashing of its funds. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But many are still asking a question Will India carry out some military response to the terror attack? Naval drills in the Arabian Sea Over the weekend, the Indian Navy issued a navigation warning for commercial ships to exercise caution in view of its ongoing drills in the Arabian Sea. The NAV (navigation) alert comes amid increasing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack. Additionally, the Indian Navy also shared visuals of Indian warships conducting multiple anti-ship firings in the Arabian Sea, demonstrating their preparedness for long-range precision strikes. Multiple visuals of BrahMos anti-ship and anti-surface cruise missiles being fired from warships in the middle of the sea were shared by the Navy on X. These warships included Kolkata-class destroyers and Nilgiri and Krivak-class frigates. 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 nations maritime interests Anytime Anywhere Anyhow, the Navy said on X. #IndianNavy Ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems and crew for long range precision offensive strike.#IndianNavy stands #CombatReady #Credible and #FutureReady in safeguarding the nations maritime pic.twitter.com/NWwSITBzKK SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 27, 2025 IAFs night drills at UP expressway This show of strength at sea coincided with the Indian Air Forces land and go drill on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. For those who dont know, on Friday night, the IAF conducted night-time combat drills that saw fighter jets Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, and Mirage-2000 simulate touch-and-go landings and combat operations on the 3.5-kilometre airstrip near Piru village under the Jalalabad Police Station limits. A fighter plane takes off after touching down as Indian Air Force conducts trial on the airstrip of the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur. PTI Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi told news agency PTI, Multiple fighter jets carried out successful sorties as part of a night operational exercise. The drill involved precision landings, coordinated take-offs, and tactical operations by jets such as Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and M-32. Blackout drills at Punjab cantonment While there was action in the air and at sea, the Indian Army, on Sunday (May 4), carried out a 30-minute blackout rehearsal at the Ferozepur Cantonment in Punjab. The drill, which began at 9 pm and concluded a half hour later, was aimed at testing preparedness for implementing blackout procedures during periods of increased security threats. According to reports, the cantonment authorities made a loudspeaker announcement ahead of the drill, informing residents about the measures involved in the blackout drill. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, this drill evoked memories of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War when it had become routine to order lights off to reduce visibility for enemy aircraft. Rajnath Singhs big declaration In addition to all of these actions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs statement on Sunday is being perceived by many as an indicator of things to come. At an event in the Capital, the defence minister said it is his responsibility to work with the armed forces and give a befitting reply to those who cast an evil eye on India. Without elaborating, Rajnath Singh said, I want to assure you that under Prime Minister Modis leadership, what you desire will certainly happen. #WATCH | Delhi | While addressing the Sanskriti Jagran Mahotsav, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "As a nation, our brave soldiers have always protected the physical form of India, while on the other hand, our sages and wise men have protected the spiritual form of India. pic.twitter.com/22QhC3MkiI ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 This is the second big remark that Singh has made in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. On April 23, a day after the terror attack, Singh said, The government will take every step that is necessary and appropriate. We will not only trace those who perpetrated this incident, we will also reach out to those who, sitting behind the scene, have conspired to carry out the nefarious act on Indian soil. Those involved in the attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam will get a strong response in the near future and India cannot be intimidated by such terrorist activities, the defence minister had asserted. Modis talks with IAF and Navy chiefs On Sunday, PM Modi also met with Indian Air Forces Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and it is learnt that the IAF chief briefed the PM on the overall preparedness of his force in the context of retaliatory options being weighed by the government following the Pahalgam terror attack. Notably, these talks at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg the PMs official residence were held hours after Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi spoke to Modi on the situation in the northern Arabian Sea. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi during a meeting in New Delhi. PTI These conversations come five days after PM Modi had held a meeting with the top brass of the military and was quoted as saying that the Armed Forces have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of our response to the Pahalgam terror attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to the PM, that meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Modi, at the meeting, had expressed complete faith and confidence in the professional abilities of the armed forces. They have complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of our response, a source quoted Modi as saying. With inputs from agencies Pakistan has test-fired two surface-to-surface missiles in the last few days. After the Abdali Weapon System, its military said Monday it carried out a training launch of the Fatah Series ballistic missile with a range of 120 kilometres. The launch comes amid a spike in tensions with India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack read more This handout photograph released by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on February 15, 2013, shows a Pakistani short range surface to surface Ballistic Missile Hatf II (Abdali) launched from an undisclosed location. File Photo/AFP Pakistan has test-fired two surface-to-surface missiles since last week amid an uptick in tensions with India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. After the Abdali Weapon System, Islamabad said Monday (May 5) that it conducted a training launch of the Fatah Series missile. The launch of the missiles is being seen as Pakistans provocation against India. Tensions have spiked between the two rival neighbours since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Both nations have announced tit-for-tat measures, including suspending visas for each others nationals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As tensions escalate, how powerful are these weapons test-fired by Pakistan? We will explain. Pakistan test launches Fatah missile Pakistan on Monday carried out the training launch of Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometres, Dawn reported, citing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan militarys media wing. The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missiles advanced navigation system and enhanced accuracy, the statement read. It said the launch came as part of Pakistans ongoing military exercise, Indus. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir congratulated the troops, scientists, and engineers involved in the launch. They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of [the] Pakistan Army to thwart any aggression against the territorial integrity of Pakistan, the ISPRs statement added. Pakistan has previously claimed that India is planning a military incursion. Its military has warned of a sure and decisive response to any such escalation. About Fatah missiles Last year, Pakistan reportedly tested the Fatah-II rocket system, a guided small-range ballistic missile. It is an advanced variant of the Fatah-I, which has a range of 150 km. Fatah-II, with a range of 400 km, can hit a target with greater accuracy and precision, as per The Diplomat article. Its circular error probe (CEP) is less than 10 meters. The missiles range enables it to strike mobile targets like S-400 air defence systems. Reports say Islamabad developed Fatah-II to challenge the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system owned by India. Pakistans missile boasts cutting-edge flight control technology and an advanced pathfinding method. The rocket is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, sophisticated navigation system, and unique flight trajectory, as per an official press release by Pakistan. A Pakistani army soldier stands atop a military vehicle carrying Fatah missile (Guided Multi Launch Rocket System) during the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2022. File Photo/AFP Its low production and operational costs give it an edge over short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) with similar ranges that Pakistan possesses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Usman Haider, pursuing an MPhil in Strategic Studies from the National Defense University, Islamabad, wrote for The Diplomat last year that Fatah-II demonstrates the presence of land interdiction tactics in the Pakistan Armys conventional warfighting strategy to delay, disrupt, and destroy Indian IBGs [Integrated Battle Groups] advancing towards Pakistans border. With a length of 7.5 m, the rocket can carry a 365 kg warhead. It is also a navigation system, unique trajectory, and manoeuvrable features, which make the launcher capable of engaging targets with high precision and defeating any missile defence system, ISPR said earlier, as per Janes Defence Weekly. ALSO READ: Why India cant expect cooperation from Pakistan on Pahalgam terror attack How deadly is the Abdali Weapon System? Pakistans Abdali Weapon System is a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres. It was test-fired on Saturday (May 3). The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missiles advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuverability features, the ISPR said in a press release, as per Dawn. Analysts in Pakistan told AFP that the missile launch was a warning to India. It clearly indicates that we have the resources to counter India. This is not a message only for India but the rest of the world that we are well-prepared, said Hasan Askari Rizvi, a military analyst. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to Indian Express, an official in New Delhi called the testing of the ballistic missile a reckless act of provocation and a dangerous escalation by Pakistan in its hostile campaign against India. Ballistic missiles usually have three stages of flight. According to the American non-profit The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, Boost Phase begins at launch and lasts until the rocket engine(s) stops firing and the missile begins unpowered flight. Depending on the missile, boost phase can last three to five minutes. Midcourse Phase begins after the rocket(s) stops firing. The missile continues to ascend toward the highest point in its trajectory, and then begins to descend toward Earth. The Terminal Phase the final phase is when the warhead has detached and hits the target. Pakistans ballistic missile, named after Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler who invaded India on multiple occasions in the 18th century, uses projectile motion to reach its target. The missile can carry conventional and nuclear warheads. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Punjab Police have arrested two men, Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, in Amritsar for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani agencies. They are accused of sharing details and photos of Indian Army cantonment areas and air bases in Amritsar with Pakistans intelligence operatives. The arrests come at a time of increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people read more Initial findings suggest they were in contact with Pakistani intelligence. PTI Punjab Police have arrested two men in Amritsar for allegedly sharing sensitive details with Pakistani agencies. The two accused have been identified as Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih. According to police, they were paid Rs 5,000 for sharing minor details, and Rs 10,000 for more serious information, such as updates on military movement. The arrests took place at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan are heightened, following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | No ships, imports and mail: Indias new punishing measures against Pakistan after Pahalgam attack In this explainer, we look at what information the two men shared, how the police tracked them down, and what officers said about the case. What happened? Police on Sunday said Palak and Suraj were arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information and photos of Army cantonment zones and air bases in Amritsar with Pakistan intelligence operatives. In a significant counter-espionage operation, Amritsar Rural Police on 3rd May 2025 arrested two persons Palak Sher Masih & Suraj Masih for their alleged role in leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army Cantonment areas and Air Bases in Amritsar, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav wrote on X. In a significant counter-espionage operation, Amritsar Rural Police on 3rd May 2025 arrested two personsPalak Sher Masih & Suraj Masihfor their alleged role in leaking sensitive information and photographs of Army Cantonment areas and Air Bases in Amritsar. Preliminary DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) May 4, 2025 According to Amritsar Rural SSP Maninder Singh, several photos of sensitive sites and phone numbers linked to Pakistan were recovered from their mobile phones, India Today reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Initial findings suggest they were in contact with Pakistani intelligence through Harpreet Singh alias Pittu, who is currently in Amritsar Central Jail, the DGP added. Police said that the two were paid by foreign-based ISI handlers in return for the information. The last set of details was sent just a day earlier, and Rs 10,000 had been received earlier in the week. According to The Indian Express, the two men are daily-wage workers with a history of drug use, but no past criminal record. Singh added that the pair became more active after the recent deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, This is not just an arrest, but a patriotic resolve, for which the Punjab Police deserves congratulations. Being a border state, we are fulfilling our duty towards the country and will continue to fight the nefarious conspiracies of the countrys enemies. A case has been filed under the Official Secrets Act, and the investigation is ongoing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Further critical revelations are expected as the probe deepens, the DGP said. How were they caught? The operation began on Saturday after the station house officer at Ajnala police station got a tip-off from an informer, who claimed that the accused were often on phone calls, possibly with contacts in Pakistan, ThePrint reported. SSP Maninder Singh told ANI, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav have issued instructions that we immediately arrest and imprison any anti-national element we get information about. One such information was received about Palak Sher Masih and Suraj Masih, who were in touch with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives, leaking them information about sensitive installations. #WATCH | Amritsar, Punjab | Rural Amritsar SSP Maninder Singh says, "Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav have issued instructions that we immediately arrest and imprison any anti-national element we get information about. One such information was received about Palak https://t.co/IF7uQCNMeL pic.twitter.com/byRZc9p0di ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 Police said they also recovered a large cache of weapons and RDX from the two. SSP Singh stated, We have recovered a lot of weapons and RDX. First, they used to pick heroin consignments from the border, and now they were asked for such information. When we got this information, the Punjab police quickly acted and arrested them. Pahalgam terror attack Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen sharply after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which left 26 people dead. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met the following day and was given a detailed briefing on the incident. The CCS strongly condemned the attack, offered condolences to the victims families, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. During the meeting, officials also pointed to cross-border links in the planning of the attack. Indian police officers stand guard outside the police control room in Srinagar. Reuters The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has given the armed forces full freedom to choose their response, including how, when, and where to act. In response to the attack, the government also decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty as part of a set of measures aimed at sending a clear message to Pakistan over its support for cross-border terrorism. India has imposed a complete ban on the import, export and transit of all goods linked to Pakistan, cutting off bilateral trade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The situation remains tense along the Line of Control and the International Border, with Pakistani troops firing at Indian positions in an attempt to provoke a response. Indian forces have hit back in all such cases. With inputs from agencies At the Arctic Circle India Forum, Norway praised Indias growing role in Arctic affairs, spotlighting collaborative research in Svalbard and Indias active observer status in the Arctic Council read more An iceberg floats in front of the city of Nuuk as the sun rises, Greenland, February 9, 2025. File Image/Reuters The Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 34, 2025, put a spotlight on Indias growing engagement with Arctic affairs. As climate change accelerates and the need for geopolitical collaboration increases, understanding the Arctic Councils structure, achievements and Indias role has become increasingly pertinent. What is the Arctic Council Established in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration, the Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic Indigenous Peoples, and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, particularly sustainable development and environmental protection. The Council comprises eight Member States: Canada, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. In addition to these, six organisations representing Arctic Indigenous Peoples have status as Permanent Participants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An image of the Arctic Council Flags from the first SAO meeting during the US 2015-2017 Chairmanship held in Anchorage, Alaska 20-22 October. Image/ArcticCouncil A unique feature of the Arctic Council is its consensus-based decision-making process, ensuring that all Member States and Permanent Participants have a voice in shaping the Councils direction. How the Arctic Council functions The Chairmanship of the Arctic Council rotates every two years among the eight Member States. The country holding the Chairmanship leads the Councils work, sets priorities and hosts meetings. As of 2023, Norway holds the Chairmanship, focusing on promoting stability and constructive cooperation in the Arctic. In 2025, the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is set to assume the Chairmanship. Greenland appointed its first Arctic ambassador last month. Speaking at the event, Kenneth Hegh, Arctic Ambassador, Kingdom of Denmark said, The Kingdom consists of 3 countries, but also 3 different governments and different peoples. "The Kingdom consists of 3 countries, but also 3 different governments and different peoples." "All our Chairship priorities have a focus on #Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledge" @kenneth_egh, Next Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials,@ArcticCouncil #Indiaforum pic.twitter.com/jOIPvKqUyE Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 3, 2025 Heghs comments come as Greenland has been pushed into the spotlight by United States President Donald Trump who has time and again spoken about acquiring the region. The Arctic seas are of great importance to the peoples of the Arctic, including us in Greenland and our Faroese friends, Hegh said in the opening session of the event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Key achievements of the Arctic Council Over the years, the Arctic Council has facilitated several significant accomplishments. The Councils scientific assessments have contributed to global environmental agreements, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The Council has also negotiated three legally binding agreements among the Arctic States: The Council actively incorporates Indigenous Peoples traditional knowledge into its work, recognising its value in addressing climate change, environmental pollution and socio-economic challenges. What is Indias role in the Arctic Council India was granted Observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013, alongside five other nations. As an Observer, India participates in Council meetings and contributes to its work, particularly through scientific research and collaboration. Indias engagement in the Arctic is driven by several factors: Indias National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) conducts studies on the Arctics impact on the Indian monsoon and climate patterns. The melting Arctic opens new maritime routes, such as the Northern Sea Route, which could significantly reduce shipping time between Europe and Asia, benefiting Indias trade. India advocates for inclusive and cooperative governance in the Arctic, pointing out the importance of multilateralism and respect for international law. Norway praises Indias engagement in the Arctic Speaking to Firstposts Anmol Singla on the sidelines of the event, May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, expressed appreciation for Indias active role in the Arctic, We appreciate very much Indias engagement in the Arctic. They are an active observer and we appreciate that too. We are including India more and more and India wants to be included more and more in the discussion in the Arctic Council. She highlighted the collaborative efforts during Norways Chairmanship, When we have, as Norway, been chairing the Arctic Council the last two years, we have been also working towards including the observers even more, so that is very much appreciated also that India is active. Regarding scientific collaboration with India, Stener noted, Also at the archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic, that is Norwegian territory, we have a research station very far north there, and we have Indian researchers at the station called Himadri. And they are very active and theyre cooperating very much and very closely with our researchers also. Himadri, Indias first permanent Arctic research station, is located in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the high Arctic. Established in July 2008, Himadri marks Indias scientific footprint in the region and is managed by NCPOR, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Himadri station during winter season. Image/NCPOR The station serves as a vital base for long-term scientific studies on climate change, atmospheric sciences, and Arctic ecology. Indian researchers at Himadri work in close collaboration with international scientists, including those from Norway. Their work focuses on critical areas such as the impact of Arctic ice melt on global climate systems, particularly the Indian monsoon. I think this is crucial for the research on how things are linked in the world. Ice melting in the Arctic is affecting the monsoons here in India. The researchers are doing work on that, and collecting data and also learning more on what we can do about that. What challenges does the Arctic Council face The Arctic Council faces challenges, particularly geopolitical tensions following Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The seven other Arctic States have had limited cooperation with Russia, leading to uncertainties in the Councils operations. In this context, Stener told Firstpost, Well Russia is part of the Arctic council, also a state bordering the Arctic. Norway is also working with Russia on a technical level in the Arctic Council. And India, as an observer, will also be part of the discussions there. "We welcome the increased global interest we are now seeing, but one principle that has not changed, and should not change, is that all change must be based on international law."#IndiaForum "We have a solid and recognised set of rules." May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of to pic.twitter.com/xLFc5cjTYn Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 4, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these challenges, the Council continues to function, with Norway navigating the chairmanship of the Council during especially troubling times. India, along with other Asian Observers, can play a role in promoting dialogue and inclusivity within the Council. The 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly will be held in the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Reykjavik, Iceland, on October 16-18. The Centre has proposed acquiring the Very Short Range Air Defence System or VSHORADS (NG) amid tensions with Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack. The Defence Ministry over the weekend issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for equipping the Indian Army with 48 launchers equipped with night vision sights, 85 missiles and one missile test station. But what do we know about this weapons system? read more The Defence Ministry over the weekend issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for equipping the Indian Army with 48 launchers equipped with night vision sights, 85 missiles and one missile test station. Image courtesy: @SpokespersonMoD via X India is moving to acquire the Very Short Range Air Defence System or VSHORADS (NG). The Centre has proposed acquiring this air defence system amid tensions with Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack. The Defence Ministry over the weekend issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for equipping the Indian Army with 48 launchers equipped with night vision sights, 85 missiles and one missile test station. But what are these VSHORADS, also commonly known as Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (Manpads)? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look What do we know? The VSHORADS is a manned air defence system. It works on infra-red homing (IR) technology. It is an extremely effective fire-and-forget type of weapons system. As per The Week, the VSHORADS comprise three parts the projectile, the launch tube and the grip and a battery unit. A lone soldier carries the launcher and two missiles on his back. Each missile measures around 1.85 metres. Their minimum range is around half a kilometre. As per Economic Times, it can hit enemy aircrafts, drones, fighter jets and helicopters up to six kilometers away. Experts say there is arguably no weapon system better suited for short range attacks. Two missiles fired at a time have a kill rate of at least 85 per cent against fighter aircrafts, as per The Week. As per the outlet, the Taliban used these systems to great effect against the US forces during the invasion of Afghanistan. The system can hit enemy aircrafts, drones, fighter jets and helicopters up to six kilometers away. PTI To be based on infra-red homing technology which allows them to track the heat signatures of aircraft engines, once fired, these single-shot missiles have a 95 per cent kill probability. Known not to fail, they are most effective against low-flying aircraft, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and UAVs, a serving official told The Week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Manpads also have the advantage of being extremely mobile as they can be fired from anywhere, be it from a hilltop, from vehicles, just about anywhere, the official added. As per IDRW, these systems have also proved crucial against drones and helicopters in Ukraine. As per The Week, though 105 militaries across the world use this weapon, just a dozen countries including India manufacture it. The most famous such weapon systems are the US Stinger missile system and Russias 9K32 Strela-2. China has also come up with its own FN-16. As per IDRW, Russia has the IGLA-S, Sweden has the RBS70NG and France has the MBDA Mistral system. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also working on a VSHORADS. In February, the DRDO successfully conducted three successive flight-trials of a VSHORADS from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. These tests were carried out against high-speed targets flying at a very low altitude, the defence ministry had then said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, as per The Times of India, the system is still in the process of development. India previously ordered the IGLA-S system from Russia, which is assembled here by Adani Defence. Defence sources have said that the new supplies of the IGLA-S air defence missiles have been received by the Indian Army a couple of weeks ago and are being provided to the forward formations for taking care of the threat from enemy fighter aircraft, choppers and drones on the borders. Why is the Indian Army making the move? The Indian army is making the move amid the rising tensions with Pakistan in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack. An Indian Army officer told The Times of India, The fire-and-forget VSHORADS-NG, based on infra-red homing technology, are needed by Army to meet the evolving dynamic air threat. There are major shortages in such man-portable systems for terminal and point defence against all types of aerial threats. The RFP document, under the operational characteristics and feature head, states, To meet the evolving dynamic air threat, Army Air Defence requires Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORADS) manportable missile system for effective terminal and point defence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The system should comprise of a IR homing missile coupled to a manportable launching mechanism and suitable sighting system to engage targets both by day and night, it says. It should have the capability to engage fighter, transport aircraft, helicopters and UAS (unmanned aerial system), the document says. The procurement seeks to booster the Armys air-defence capabilities to deal with any adversarial aerial threat. Under the Proposed Service Employment head of the RFP document, it has been said that the VSHORADS (NG) will be used by all three services as terminal and point defence system against all types of aircraft, helicopters and UAS. The air defence system is proposed to be employed on land and ship-based platforms with these two configurations manportable single launcher configuration and para dropped operations. The procurement seeks to booster the Armys air-defence capabilities to deal with any adversarial aerial threat. PTI The system is proposed to be employed across all terrains, including high-altitude areas, plains, deserts, coastal areas and the maritime domain. The VSHORADS (NG) system should be able to operate during day and night for engagement of aerial targets under all weather conditions, including snow-bound locations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The range of the operating temperature is minus 30 degrees Celsius (minimum) to 50 degrees Celsius (maximum), according to the RFP. The missile should be effective against all types of aircraft, helicopters and UAS and according to the requirements defined in the RFP, the maximum effective range is 6,000 metres or more, while the minimum range is not more than 500 metres. The system should have the ability to engage targets approaching at a speed of 400 metres per second or more, according to the requirements defined in the document. On the deployment time, the requirement says the system to be deployable from transportation to firing mode within three minutes. On the transportability requirement, the RFP document says the system with single launcher should be manportable and the equipment should have the capability to be transported in service vehicle, ships, trains and aircraft and being para dropped. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump has said he plans to reopen Alcatraz as a prison. Located two kilometres off the shores of San Francisco, Alcatraz is currently one of San Franciscos most popular tourist destinations. Over a million people visit it every year. But why is it so infamous? read more Over one million tourists visit Alcatraz every year. Image courtesy: National Park Service US President Donald Trump has said he plans to reopen Alcatraz as a prison. Trump, taking to social media over the weekend, posted, Rebuild and open Alcatraz. When we were a more serious nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz, Trump added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know about Alcatraz? Why is The Rock arguably Americas most notorious prison? Lets take a closer look: What do we know? Alcatraz is located two kilometres off the shores of San Francisco. Operated by the National Park Service, Alcatraz is currently one of San Franciscos most popular tourist destinations alongside the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco cable cars. But lets take a look at Alcatraz before it was a tourist attraction. At first, Alcatraz was just an island. As per GSA.guv, Alcatraz got its name from Spanish naval officer and explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala y Aranza in 1775. Aranza named it La Isla de los Alcatraces the island of the pelicans as he sailed through the San Francisco bay. Mexico gained control of the island in 1821 after its war of independence against Spain. Then, in 1848, the US took control of Alcatraz after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It was then US president Milliard Fillmore who, recognising the islands strategically important location, gave the go-ahead for it to be converted into a military installation. Alcatraz was named La Isla de los Alcatraces the island of the pelicans by Spanish naval officer and explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala y Aranza in 1775. AP By 1858, the US had built Fort Alcatraz. During the US civil war, the fort was used to keep Confederate prisoners and private citizens suspected of aiding and abetting the South. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This came at the time when then president Abraham Lincoln had suspended habeas corpus. A decade later, Alcatraz had transformed into a military prison. As per Architectural Digest, by 1900, Alcatraz was home to 441 prisoners. In 1907, the US Army redesignated Alcatraz Pacific Branch, US Military Prison, Alcatraz Island. By 1912, a 600-cell holding complex had been built as well as a mess hall and hospital. By 1930, control of Alcatraz was handed over to the US Bureau of Prisons. It was used to house the worst of the worst the difficult to handle, the violent, or those deemed escape risks. The outlet quoted from the book Alcatraz Prison in American History as stating To keep escape attempts at a minimum, Alcatraz had a rule of silence. Prisoners were not to speak to one another in the cell block or dining hall. By 1934, Alcatraz was thought to be the worlds most secure prison. As per SFtravel, each prisoner had their own cell. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There prison also employed one guard for every three prisoners. Over the years, some of Americas most notorious and high-profile prisoners were sent to Alcatraz. This list includes Al Capone, James Whitey Bulger, George Machine Gun Kelly Barnes, and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. Alcatraz, interestingly, was thought to have the best food in the entire US penal system. Prisoners were given grilled sausages, Swiss steak, spare ribs, and stuffed peppers. The great escape During its time as a federal prison, Alcatraz witnessed over a dozen escape attempts. Twenty-three men were caught, six were shot and killed, and two drowned. Five prisoners are listed as missing and presumed drowned meaning no one has officially ever escaped from Alcatraz. But thats not the full story. Some think that three men Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin may have escaped. On June 12, 1962, all their beds were found stuffed with dummies. As per the FBI, Morris and the Anglin brothers used a homemade drill made out of vacuum cleaner parts to break into an unguarded utility corridor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Paint peels off a wall of the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. While no one has ever officially escaped Alcatraz as a prison, mystery around the fate of three prisoners abounds. AP The prisoners then made their way onto the roof of the prison, dropped down to the shore and then used a raft made from over 50 prison raincoats to seemingly try to get away. While bits of the raft were discovered, no trace of three men have ever been found. The 1979 movie Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood is a retelling of the 1962 escape. Alcatraz was shuttered as a prison in 1963. While many ascribed the decision to the high-profile escape, the actual reason is far more humdrum. Alcatraz was shut down as a prison because it was simply deemed too expensive to continue operating as such according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) website. As per the website, Alcatraz was costing taxpayers almost three times more than any other federal prison. Life after a prison As per HistoryExtra.com, in March 1964, five indigenous activists occupied Alcatraz. The Sicangu Lakota claimed that Alcatraz, according to the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty, was indigenous land. In November 1969, 78 Native-American activists known as the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for over a year and a half. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The movement, which ended in 1971, gained global attention to the fight for rights for Native Americans. Alcatraz began becoming a tourist attraction in 1972. Operated by the National Park Service, Alcatraz is currently one of San Franciscos most popular tourist destinations alongside the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco cable cars. AP This was when it was designated part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Alcatraz was handed over to the National Park Service. By the mid-1970s, it was thrown open to the public with tours being offered to educate the populace about its past as a prison and the islands rich history. Today, over one million people visit Alcatraz every year. With inputs from agencies Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan remain high, with both countries trading barbs in international forums. Now, multiple developments are suggesting a potential Indian strike against Pakistan read more Several signs suggest that India could be preparing for a strike against Pakistan. Shutterstock A series of high-level meetings and strategic drills in recent days has fuelled speculation that India may be preparing for a retaliatory military strike on Pakistan following last months terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam that killed 26 innocent tourists. Here are five indicators suggesting a potential Indian strike against Pakistan may be imminent: 1. PM Modis consultations with military leadership Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held meetings with the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to assess the nations military preparedness. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi briefed the Prime Minister on the readiness of their respective forces. These consultations suggest a thorough evaluation of Indias strategic options in response to the Pahalgam attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 2. Free hand to Armed Forces In the aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Modi has reportedly granted the Indian Armed Forces complete operational freedom a free hand to determine the timing, mode, and targets of a potential response. That is a clear indicator of the seriousness with which the government is approaching the situation. 3. Defence ministers assertive statements Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has publicly assured that a befitting reply will be delivered to those responsible for the Pahalgam massacre. He emphasised that under Prime Minister Modis leadership, the desired retribution will be achieved. 4. Blackout drill in Ferozepur Cantonment A 30-minute blackout rehearsal was conducted in the Ferozepur Cantonment area of Punjab on Sunday evening. The drill, which involved turning off all lights in the area, was part of heightened security measures amid rising tensions with Pakistan. Such preparations could be seen as a sign of ensuring readiness for potential escalations. 5. Defence Secretarys briefing to PM Modi Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with PM Modi on Monday (May 5) to provide a comprehensive briefing on Indias security posture and readiness in light of the Pahalgam attack. These developments occur against a backdrop of increased ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, with Pakistan reporting credible intelligence of a potential Indian strike within days . Both nations have taken reciprocal measures, including airspace closures and diplomatic expulsions, further intensifying the situation. With inputs from agencies Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, long leaves have been cancelled at multiple state-owned ordnance factories in the country read more In this photo, Indian Army personnel are seen deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. PTI Amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack, long leaves have been cancelled at one of the countrys largest ordnance factories. Multiple manufacturing units under state-owned Munitions India Limited (MIL), the largest ammunition-maker in the country, have reported the cancellation of long leaves. Employees are only allowed leaves of up to days for next two months. The cancellation of long leaves is not, however, related to India-Pakistan tensions but is the result of rush to meet pre-existing production targets, said Avinash Shankar, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK) in Madhya Pradeshs, which is a unit of Pune-headquartered MIL. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shankar told PTI, The leave of more than two days of officers and employees has been cancelled with immediate effect to meet the production target. Since our target of this fiscal is huge and in April, we havent achieved our desired target, therefore to compensate for it we have been directed by the HQ to cancel leave so that we have sufficient workforce and supervision. Leaves cancelled at multiple ordnance factories The Times of India reported that leaves were also cancelled at MILs units at Madhya Pradeshs Itarsi and Cossipore in Kolkata. An official at the unit in Jabalpur told the newspaper that the order was issued in view of national security and an official at the Itarsi unit confirmed this. In an apparent reference to the India-Paksitan tensions, A staffer at the Cossipore unit said that leaves had been cancelled in the current scenario. While refusing to confirm or deny the development, an officer told the newspaper that any such order it would be logical if leaves were cancelled given the current situation. Following the Pahalgam attack in which terrorists killed 26 people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to mount a response. Pakistan responded by moving military assets closer to the border. The rhetoric on Pakistans side, which has ranged from warmongering to invocation of nuclear weapons, has further inflamed tensions between the two countries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pune-based MIL with its 12 factories across the country are the Ministry of Defences main ammunition-manufacturing entity. They produce bullets for small arms, bombs for the Indian Air Force, rockets, and artillery shells, among others. The Indian Army conducted a practice firing of its indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan a few days ago, a source aware of the development told Firstpost. read more The Pinaka missiles are equivalent to the US-made HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems). Reuters The Indian Army conducted a practice firing of its indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan a few days ago, a source aware of the development told Firstpost. In consideration of the operational sensitivity of the matter, the date of the recent firing practice was not revealed. The next round of Pinaka firing is scheduled to take place in a few weeks times, the source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The information about firing practice, which has not been previously reported, comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, where 26 people were killed. How powerful are Pinaka long-range missiles? Named after the mythical bow of the Hindu god Shiva, Indias indigenously developed Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system has emerged as a central pillar of the countrys evolving artillery capabilities, combining high-volume firepower with precision targeting and domestic production. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by firms like Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro, the Pinaka system can launch 72 rockets in just 44 seconds, delivering up to seven tonnes of explosives over ranges up to 60 kilometers. The extended-range variant, Pinaka Mk-II ER, increases that reach to 90 kilometers, with advanced models under development aiming to push the range to 120, 150, and even 200 kilometers. It is equipped with GPS and inertial navigation systems for accurate targeting and minimal collateral damage. The rocket system is a product of Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliance initiative and has gained international traction with confirmed exports to Armenia and expressions of interest from France. India has the capacity to manufacture more than 5,000 rockets annually, allowing for sustained combat use. Designed for modern, network-centric warfare, Pinaka is integrated with real-time surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, enhancing the Indian Armys layered firepower and future readiness. India has long sought the return of the Kohinoor, with successive governments petitioning the British government and the Royal Household over the years. The British government has consistently maintained that the ownership of the gem is non-negotiable read more The United Kingdom and India are engaged in ongoing discussions over increased cooperation on cultural artefacts, including the potential for shared access to iconic items such as the Kohinoor diamond, U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said during an official visit to New Delhi on Sunday (May 4). Weve been talking between the UK and India for quite some time about the way that we think we can collaborate much more closely together, said Nandy, a British minister of Indian origin, during an interaction with Indian media. She noted that the aim was to ensure people in both countries can benefit from and have access to many of the cultural artefacts that stem back to the very different era. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Delhi | On any communication between India & UK on 'Kohinoor', UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy says," We've been talking between the UK and India for quite some time about the way that we think we can collaborate much more closely together pic.twitter.com/Gn0ZPAjRBX ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2025 The comment is a clear acknowledgment of formal dialogue between the two governments over contested colonial-era artefacts, particularly the Kohinoor, a 105.6-carat diamond that was taken from India under exploitative British rule. The Kohinoor diamond, recognised as one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, has a fascinating history that spans centuries. Originating in South India, this precious gem eventually became part of the British royal collection, where it now adorns the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. India has long sought the return of the Kohinoor, with successive governments petitioning the British government and the Royal Household over the years. In 2016, Indias Solicitor General told the Supreme Court that it would explore diplomatic channels to reclaim the diamond, although the British government has consistently maintained that the ownership of the gem is non-negotiable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The diamond is currently set in the Queen Mothers Crown and remains on display in the Tower of London. During the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, the British royal family chose not to feature the Kohinoor, in a move widely interpreted as a nod to Indias sensitivities and a broader rethinking of the legacy of empire. While Nandy did not offer specifics about the Kohinoors future, her remarks suggest a possible shift toward collaborative arrangements an approach the UK has previously explored with Greece and Nigeria over the Elgin Marbles and Benin Bronzes, respectively. Indias cultural ministry has stepped up efforts in recent years to retrieve artefacts taken during the colonial period, with the government claiming the return of more than 300 antiquities since 2014, many from the US, Australia, and UK. Diplomats and analysts say any agreement on artefacts like the Kohinoor could serve as a litmus test for the broader UK-India relationship, which spans trade negotiations, defense cooperation, and diaspora engagement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is something that Ive discussed with my counterpart, Nandy said, without naming Indian Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked states to conduct civil defence mock drills on Wednesday (May 7) in the midst of rising India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack read more Delhi Police and Delhi Civil Defence take part in a mock drill for earthquake relief organised by Delhi Government at a school, in New Delhi, Friday, June 28, 2019. (Photo: PTI) Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, Union Home Ministry has asked states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday (May 7) for effective civil defence. Sources in the government said the drills will be organised in states and union territories bordering Pakistan, which are Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Sources said that following measures are supposed to be undertaken during drills: Operationalisation of air raid warning sirens Training of civilians, students, etc, on civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack Provision of crash blackout measures Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants and installations Updating evacuation plans and rehearsing such plans Sources further said that mock drills are an effort to acquaint the current generation with wartime standard operating procedures (SOPs) and measures. They said that while there is no need to panic, the seriousness of the situation demands that people are educated on such SOPs and measures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier on Sunday, a similar blackout drill was observed in Ferozepur Cantonment in Punjab. The development comes in the midst of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack in which terrorists killed 26 people in J&Ks Pahalgam. India has vowed to respond. In rare remarks in English, Modi last month told the world that a military action was in offing. From the soil of Bihar, I say this to the whole world: India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism, said Modi. Among the actions that India has taken so far include the expulsion of almost all Pakistanis in India and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has responded to Indias vow with aggressive military posturing and rhetoric, such as frequent tests of missiles and warning India of consequences for actions such as the suspension of the Indus treaty. Pakistan has dubbed the suspension as an act of war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 5) evening reportedly held a meeting with top PMO officials. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present in the meeting read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security, in New Delhi, on April 23, 2025. Image: PIB Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 5) evening held a meeting with top PMO officials, News24 reported citing sources. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present in the meeting. Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened multiple high-level meetings with key national security officials to assess the situation and determine Indias response. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meetings On April 23, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The CCS, comprising senior ministers and national security officials, deliberated on the security implications of the Pahalgam attack. Another meeting Meetings with Armed Forces Chiefs and defence officials In the days following the attack, Prime Minister Modi held individual meetings with the chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces to discuss operational readiness and potential responses. On May 4, he met with Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh to evaluate the Indian Air Forces preparedness. This meeting came on the heels of his briefing with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Navy Chief. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On May 5, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with the Prime Minister to discuss security measures amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. Prior to that, on April 29, he had met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the three Armed Forces chiefs including the Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi. Free hand for Armed Forces In the aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Modi granted the Indian Armed Forces complete operational freedom a free hand to determine the mode, targets, and timing of Indias military response. This directive reflects the governments resolve to take decisive action against those responsible for the attack. The series of meetings and the operational autonomy granted to the armed forces suggest a robust and multifaceted approach by the Indian government to address the security situation following the Pahalgam attack. With inputs from agencies As global powers line up with offers to mediate rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the deadly Pahalgam attack, New Delhi draws a clear line welcoming partners in peace, not unsolicited preachers read more After the Pahalgam terror attack, tempers are high between India and Pakistan with the possibility of a military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Shutterstock As the world watches another tense moment unfold between India and Pakistan, the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgamclaiming the lives of 26 mostly Hindu touristshas triggered a wave of international diplomatic offers to minimise the temperatures. Nations big and small are vying for a role in easing tensions, if not shaping outcomes. But New Delhi has made it clear: it wants partners, not preachers. A familiar crisis, a crowded chorus Following the Pahalgam massacre, diplomatic wires lit up as global powers sought to step into the familiar terrain of India-Pakistan hostility, a conflict that has seen numerous flashpoints since their 1947 partition. Whats different this time is the sheer number of countries offering mediationsome with strategic stakes, others with regional influence or historical connections. Yet, amid the overtures, Indias message remains unambiguous. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking just days after the attack, stated that India seeks partners, not preachersa phrase loaded with diplomatic resistance to unsolicited advice, particularly from those who fail to practice what they preach. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under President Donald Trumps second term, the US has demonstrated a dual-track diplomacy, walking a fine line between asserting support for Indias anti-terror stance and avoiding overt condemnation of Pakistan. Trump, no stranger to South Asian affairs after his controversial mediation offer during his first term, was notably more restrained this time. Declaring his closeness to both India and Pakistan, Trump remarked that the two nations would figure it out one way or anothera statement reflecting his desire to keep a semblance of neutrality while preserving strategic ties with both countries. This is a calculated posture, especially considering Washingtons broader Indo-Pacific interests and its simultaneous desire to prevent a regional conflict that could benefit China. Despite a previous freeze in aid to Islamabad, the Trump administration has greenlit over $5.3 billion in security-related exemptions and $400 million for maintenance of Pakistans F-16 fleet. That financial cooperation, despite past rhetoric accusing Pakistan of harbouring terrorists shows Americas cautious diplomacy. High-level engagement also came from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, who both called for restraint. Vance, in particular, urged India to avoid broadening the conflict while nudging Pakistan to take responsibility to the extent that it is responsiblea diplomatic formulation that keeps options open. Notably, Rubio reached out directly to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rather than his foreign minister, reflecting the gravity of the crisis. Meanwhile, strong backing for India came from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard did not mince words, calling the attack an act of Islamist terror targeting Hindus and unequivocally supporting Indias right to bring the perpetrators to justice. Russia too tries to balance, or tilt it Russia, long a key player in Indias defence architecture, has also stepped into the fray, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaking with both Indian and Pakistani counterparts. Lavrovs back-to-back calls emphasised Moscows willingness to assist in a political settlement should both sides express interest. Russias long-standing ties with India, particularly in defence and energy sectors, afford it unique leverage. However, Russia has also cultivated relations with Pakistan in recent years, including joint military drills and energy cooperation. Lavrovs offer is less about idealism and more about extending Russias diplomatic relevance, especially as it navigates Western isolation over Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India, traditionally cautious about third-party mediation in Kashmir, has not publicly welcomed or rejected the Russian overture. Given Jaishankars recent remarks favouring practical partnerships, any serious Russian role would need to be carefully calibrated and devoid of pressure. Irans diplomatic gamble Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchis arrival in Pakistan marked the first high-profile visit by a foreign dignitary since the Pahalgam attack. Tehrans offer to mediate signals its broader ambition to project itself as a stabilising power in South Asia, even as it remains embroiled in its own regional complexities. Araghchi is expected to visit New Delhi next, as part of Irans bid to bridge the gap between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Irans balanced ties with both countries, particularly in the energy and trade sectors, allow it to offer a channel of communicationbut not without complications. For India, Irans role is complicated by concerns over its relationship with Pakistan and the implications for regional security. Tehrans proximity to Islamabad in recent months may not inspire full confidence in New Delhi, even if the mediation offer is well-intentioned. Malaysias surprising entry Malaysia has also entered the diplomatic fray. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims phone conversation with Shehbaz Sharif, in which he condemned the attack but also supported an independent investigation, marked a significant shift. Malaysia, which has historically backed Pakistans Kashmir position at international forums, is now positioning itself as a neutral mediator. Anwars offer is rooted in Malaysias cultural and diplomatic proximity to both nations, but its credibility as an unbiased actor is uncertain. Indias prior friction with Malaysiaespecially during the Mahathir Mohamad eramay limit the current leaderships influence in New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nonetheless, Malaysias support for an international, transparent, and credible investigation mirrors Pakistans own appeal for a third-party probean idea India has consistently rejected, citing its sovereignty over Kashmir. Turkeys familiar rhetoric Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has long championed Pakistans cause on Kashmir, often invoking Muslim solidarity. Ankara has now renewed its call for de-escalation between India and Pakistan, warning of potential instability that could affect not just South Asia but the wider international community. While Turkish officials dismissed reports of arms deliveries to Pakistan as unfounded, their active concern and repeated emphasis on Pakistans security interests make Turkeys position clear. India, which has pushed back against Erdogans past comments on Kashmir at the United Nations and other forums, remains wary of Turkish involvement. Ankaras attempts to position itself as a global mediator are aligned with its broader aspirations in the Muslim world, but its credibility with New Delhi remains minimal. Turkish mediation, therefore, may be more symbolic than practical. Indias position: Sovereignty first, no outsiders Indias consistent position on the Kashmir dispute has been that it is a bilateral matter. From the Simla Agreement in 1972 to the Lahore Declaration in 1999, New Delhi has avoided third-party mediation viewing it as undermining national sovereignty and complicating resolution. External Affairs Minister Jaishankars recent statements reiterate this stance. He criticised foreign actors who engage in preaching without understanding ground realities advocating instead for engagement built on mutual respect and shared interests. His comments, though primarily aimed at Europe over Ukraine, carry resonance in the current South Asian context. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias call for partners, not preachers also reflects its growing global confidence and insistence on reciprocity in diplomacy. As a rising power in an increasingly multipolar world, India is signalling that it will not be lectured, especially by nations that do not apply their own principles consistently. Pakistans unfulfilled wish Pakistan has welcomed international involvement, especially from countries like Malaysia and Iran, in what appears to be a diplomatic strategy to counter Indias post-attack narrative. By calling for a neutral probe and accusing India of aggression, Pakistan is seeking to shift the conversation from culpability to victimhood. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has spoken to a dozen international counterparts and raised allegations of an Indian Air Force attempt to breach Pakistani airspaceclaims that have not been independently verified. Pakistans openness to mediation reflects both diplomatic desperation and tactical manoeuvering. By inviting third-party probes and expressing willingness for international oversight, Pakistan may be hoping to internationalise the Kashmir dispute once againa strategy India has long resisted and consistently rebuffed. Mediation offers abound As the Pahalgam tragedy continues to cast a long shadow over South Asia, the global rush to mediate reveals as much about the ambitions of external actors as it does about the fragility of regional peace. From superpowers like US and Russia to middle powers like Iran, Malaysia and Turkey, the world appears eager to play peacemaker. However, Indias posture remains firm: external involvement, however well-meaning, must align with national interests and principles of sovereignty. Offers of mediation are unlikely to gain traction unless they are grounded in respect, realism and reciprocity. Whether these actors are genuine partners or opportunistic preachers will depend not just on their words, but on how they adapt to the reality of India-Pakistan relations. For now, Delhi seems to be listeningbut not necessarily agreeing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid rising tensions, India is building a next-generation air defence architecture that surpasses Pakistans China-dependent systems in range, resilience and indigenous innovation read more Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and relentless military drills and small arms exchanges for 10 consecutive nights along the Line of Control (LoC), tensions have heightened significantly between India and Pakistan. This has fuelled speculation over whether a full-scale war is on the horizon between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. There is still no clarity on what form such a conflict might take whether it would involve ground troops, artillery, mechanised infantry, naval forces, airpower or a combination of all. Regardless of the scope, air defence remains a vital component of any military strategy, essential for protecting both human and material assets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid these evolving geopolitical challenges, Indias air defence strategy is undergoing a significant transformation. With adversaries like China and Pakistan advancing their offensive capabilities, India is reassessing how to safeguard its airspace best. While there was once considerable interest in Israels Iron Dome widely regarded as a highly effective air defence system its recent vulnerabilities in Israels simultaneous conflicts with the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah have raised concerns about its applicability to Indias threat environment. Previously considered nearly impenetrable, the Iron Dome came under renewed scrutiny after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, during which approximately 5,000 rockets were launched in just 20 minutes, overwhelming the system and exposing its limitations, according to Newsweek. Looking at the Iron Dome: Interest and rejection Indias interest in the Iron Dome dates back to 2010, according to Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), who shared with Newsweek that India was among several countries evaluating the system. However, the interest never materialised into a purchase. Other countries like Romania, Cyprus and Azerbaijan also considered buying the Iron Dome, but actual deliveries were either unconfirmed or never occurred. One key reason for Indias hesitation was its already ongoing development of indigenous systems like the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD), Advanced Air Defence (AAD) and Akash missile systems. As The Eurasian Times noted, India was inclined towards self-reliant solutions that could address the countrys distinct threat landscapea sentiment echoed by Indian defence officials who emphasised the mismatch between Israels needs and Indias. Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra, head of the Centre for Air Power Studies, told The Print that while he had once supported acquiring an Iron Dome-like system, it no longer made sense with India inducting the S-400 missile system and evaluating the US-made NASAMS-II for the protection of critical infrastructure like the national capital. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Building the indigenous shield Indias multi-layered air defence doctrine now rests on a blend of indigenous and imported technologies, aiming to address a wide spectrum of aerial threatsfrom low-flying drones to ballistic missiles. The PAD and AAD systems are among the foundational elements which provide interception at high and low altitudes, respectively. The Akash system, a medium-range surface-to-air missile platform, is another key component, capable of engaging multiple targets at various altitudes. In parallel, India has made strategic imports like the S-400 Triumf system from Russia. Signed in October 2018, the deal faced resistance from the United States, but India proceeded regardless. As reported by The Eurasian Times, the S-400 significantly boosts Indias interception capabilities with a tracking range of 600 kilometres and the ability to engage 80 targets simultaneously, including ballistic and cruise missiles, drones and fighter jets up to 400 kilometres away. Additionally, India has also expressed interest in acquiring the US-made NASAMS-II (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), although no formal procurement has occurred yet. Enter Project Kusha The most ambitious component of Indias air defence future is Project Kushaa DRDO-led initiative to develop a long-range air defence system with capabilities mirroring and even surpassing the Iron Dome. This system will be capable of intercepting stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions at ranges up to 350 kilometres. Project Kusha aims to incorporate multiple layers of interception through different missile types designed to hit targets at 150, 250 and 350 kilometres respectively. It will also include long-range surveillance and fire control radars and offer high kill probabilities: not less than 80 per cent for single launches and 90% for salvo launches. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The system is designed to target high-speed threats with low radar cross-sections and can engage fighter-sized targets at 250 kilometres and larger aircraft like AWACS at 350 kilometres. With funding of Rs 21,700 crore already approved, this project marks a significant step in Indias pursuit of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant defence industry. According to DRDO sources quoted in Firstpost, the Project Kusha system will fill a critical capability gap by providing strategic and tactical cover to vulnerable zones, especially important given the missile deployments observed across the Indo-Tibetan border by China. The Pakistan factor No analysis of Indias air defence environment is complete without understanding the systems fielded by Pakistan. According to the Indian Defence Research Wing, although Pakistan has made strides in modernising its air defences, its systems still lag behind Indias in terms of technological sophistication, integration and reach. The backbone of Pakistans high-altitude defence is the Chinese-supplied HQ-9P and HQ-9BE systems with ranges of 100 to 200 kilometres and interception capabilities up to Mach 14. As detailed in the Pakistan Armys SAM Systems brief, these systems primarily protect strategic zones like Karachi and Rawalpindi and are believed to use HT-233 phased-array radars. Pakistans medium-range capabilities are built around the LY-80 and LY-80E systems, which offer coverage between 40 and 70 kilometres and target speeds of up to Mach 2.5. These systems, although effective against subsonic threats, are reportedly inadequate against Indias supersonic BrahMos missile, which travels at Mach 3+. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For short-range threats, Pakistan relies on a mix of Chinese and older Western systems like the FM-90 (15 km), French Crotale and MANPADS such as the Anza series and RBS-70 NG. However, these systems have limited radar coverage, outdated command guidance and lack the multi-target engagement capability of systems like Indias Barak-8. While Pakistans air defence architecture is improving, especially with the induction of HQ-9P and LY-80EV variants, it remains heavily reliant on Chinese technology and lacks the indigenous depth that India is now investing in through DRDO and Project Kusha. Strategic lessons from Iron Dome for India Despite its limitations, Israels Iron Dome has proven effective in intercepting thousands of incoming threats and it still maintains a claimed 90 per cent effectiveness rate under normal operational conditions, as reported by The Eurasian Times. The system comprises three to four launchers and a radar, protecting areas of up to 60 square miles. However, its high costwith each Tamir interceptor costing approximately $20,000 to destroy much cheaper rocketshas been a point of criticism. India has taken valuable cues from these operational lessons. Unlike Israel, which operates in a smaller geographical area with largely asymmetrical threats, India must deal with a wide array of conventional and strategic challenges across a massive territory. This has led to a preference for scalable, multi-tiered solutions with a focus on both cost-effectiveness and technological sophistication. In this context, DRDOs push to develop multiple types of interceptors for varying threat levels coupled with the integration of indigenous radars and sensors reflects a lesson well learned from Israels Iron Dome experience. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Building a self-reliant, multi-layered shield India is crafting a uniquely tailored air defence architecture that draws inspiration from global systems like the Iron Dome but is firmly rooted in its own strategic imperatives. Through programmes like Project Kusha, integration of the S-400 and a robust portfolio of indigenous missile systems, India is creating a defence ecosystem that can meet the challenges posed by both conventional military threats and emerging asymmetric warfare. Indias focus on multi-layered, high-performance and indigenously developed systems reflects a forward-looking approach to national security. The era of Iron Dome-inspired thinking is here, but in India, it comes with a distinct identity and strategic vision. Maldivian students are protesting alleged governmental and police collusion to cover up the supposed culprits involved in what was initially dismissed as the accidental fall of a young woman from a multi-story building in the capital city of Male read more Strange are the ways strong and at times autocratic government leaders in nations, big and small, end up facing unexpected political pressure from equally unexpected quarters, that too at an unexpected time. At a time when Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is seen as consolidating political power in the long run-up to his 2028 re-election bid, mainly thanks to a series of legislative and executive measures taken by him, he is faced with a strong and unprecedented challenge to his leadership, which comes not from the trained and tested Opposition rivals but from mostly apolitical sections of the nations youth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Right now, Maldivian students are protesting alleged governmental and police collusion to cover the culprits allegedly involved in what was originally dismissed as an accidental fall of a young girl from atop a multi-storey building in the capital, Male. However, reports that Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, 21, was a part of a rave party involving drugs in a property owned by the family transport minister Mohamed Ameen before being found with broken limbs on the top of a neighbourhood warehouse, and his nephew was a part of the group of eight (or more?) that partied that night on 8 April, have all made it much more than callousness on the part of the police. It is now confirmed that there was a wanton attempt by police investigators to cover up the details and dismiss it as an accidental fall. The youth protest itself revolves around the same, as there are open charges that the police initially protected the boy, also in his twenties, who was said to have been with Yumnu at the time of her fall through the ninth-floor window. Influential background However, the ubiquitous social media personality Hassan Kursee some believe that it is former President Mohammed Anni Nasheed, who has denied such speculation broke the lid when he posted in great detail how Yumnu had left the party venue with a male friend and how CCTV footage of their greater proximity in another building had emerged along with their quarrelling soon thereafter. It soon became known that there was a deliberate attempt to divert public attention, and that Yumnus family and possibly the transport minister too were involved in the cover-up. It was then that the youth began daily evening rallies that used to be the norm whenever the political Opposition of the day protested against the government leadership, whatever the issue. They wanted Justice for Yumnu, by demanding the exit of the police investigation officer, the nations police commissioner and minister Ameen, and also a public apology from President Muizzu before they talked to any individual official or team. The students suspected foul play and pointed to the influential family background of most members of the partying team. Among them was a grand nephew of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, sharing the family name. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After dilly-dallying initially, as others in his place had done in their time, Muizzu smelt the trouble in the air. He sacked the investigation officer and the police commissioner, Ali Shujau, the nations top cop, to resign. However, the president did not respond to the other two demands: for his tendering an apology and for sacking minister Ameen. Independent probe Muizzu has since ordered an independent, apolitical investigation into the case by a three-member panel under former attorney general Mohamed Munavvar. However, Yumnus family refused to accept a probe by any commission and yet insisted on transparent investigations (by the police?). Early on, one of the commission members, an orthopaedic surgeon, quit early on, and Muizzu ended up increasing the number by adding more members. This may not have helped matters, as commission chairman Munavvar has since recorded what he said was a time lag between Yumnus fall from the nine-storey stairwell window and police investigations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What makes the Justice for Yumnu protest more potent and widespread than others of its kind, whether apolitical or otherwise, is the fact of the decision of Maldivian students in Malaysia to boycott Muizzus meeting with them during his maiden official visit to that country. According to reports, Team Muizzu had to cancel that engagement, even as at a Diaspora event, Yumnus sister cornered the visiting president with pointed questions. As if such a goof-up was not enough, the government first announced that it would meet the full US $55,000 overseas medical expenses of Yumnu, who had a fractured chest and collar bones and muscle damage in multiple parts of the body, but cut down the contributions to less than the costs projected by a Malaysian hospital chosen by the family. Social media posts then claimed that the budget had been met through crowdfunding but without confirmation. Forced once again by the public mood and criticism, the government reversed the decision again and announced full payment of all medical expenses. The family has since confirmed that she had a successful collar-bone surgery (though it was only the beginning of her medical ordeal). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The parallel Drawing a parallel to the possible politico-electoral impact of Yumnus fall on the contemporary political past of the nation, old-timers recall the Evan Naseem incident, in which an alleged bootlegger lost his life in a prison-riot in 2003. Ironically, his funeral rally became the first major focal-point of anti-government protests that contributed to the infant democracy movement and the defeat of Mumoon Gayoom in the first multi-party presidential poll of 2008 under a new constitution. For now, the government has failed in its bid to paint the students protest with a political brush. As is known, the Opposition MDPs evening rallies in defence of democracy for a week attracted poor to very poor crowds, despite the partys institutional organisational skills. Against this, the Justice for Yumnu protests have drawn good-to-very-good crowds, pointing to the possible apolitical nature. With presidential polls a full three years away, the question is if the students protest over the Yumnu issue is only a storm in a tea-cup or is the beginning of something bigger. In the past, the Evan Naseem protests provided the general impetus to the political Opposition that was both divided and uninspired. The question now is if the Yumnu protests will play such a catalyst role against Muizzu during the long run-up to the next presidential poll. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The divided Opposition, unlike during Gayooms closing years as president, lacks credibility more than cohesion, which was the problem then. Yet, there is the real issue of disenchantment among the youth, which the leaders of the pro-democracy movement discovered somewhere in between and exploited the same in politico-electoral terms. Today, the dispirited and divided Opposition are much less inspiring, owing mainly to their respective failures while in government. Status, salaries The Maldivian youth, then and now, however, want jobs that come with status and high salaries. Translated, it means government jobs, over and above which many now in service have been moonlighting outside office hours to make ends meet. Given the economic stress facing the country, more government jobs are out of the question. If anything, there are frequent reports of minor job losses in government or big plans for mass sacking. The question is how the youth of the day would face up to the situation where the drug menace, too, has become more than at any time in the past. Muizzu chose to walk the tightrope on this count by banning cigarette imports and vapes, or electronic cigarettes, which used to be economical in these days of high costs and low to inadequate incomes. For reasons that are apolitical, such measures have not gone down well with a vast majority of smokers across the country, who reportedly end up paying more for below-the-counter purchases of cigarettes, which are said to be available otherwise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then, there are the real-time democracy issues, to which the middle-age voters are still wedded, despite their disenchantment with early democracy leaders like President Nasheed and his estranged friend, Ibrahim Ibu Solih, and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which the two of them heralded together but not anymore. Muizzus perceived anti-democracy initiatives of an anti-defection law first, followed now by pending legislative plans for replacing the present two-phase presidential polls with a single-phase, multi-round preferential system of vote-count, have not gone down well, particularly with this section. They are also said to resent the Muizzu-controlled Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) suspending three of the seven judges of the Supreme Court, just one hour before the Full Bench was set to hear petitions against the anti-defection law. With one of the three suspended judges quitting and being replaced with another, and the other two contesting the charges against them, the Supreme Court is in a limbo as far as constitutional matters are concerned. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In between, Muizzu sowed confusion within his ruling PNC ranks when he got the party-majority Parliament to pass a constitutional amendment to reverse the strength of the SC Bench to the original five and yet returned the Bill without giving his assent. Today, despite political stability that is reinforced by the anti-defection law, the ruling party lacks energy, enthusiasm and direction. Accidental candidate Muizzus decision to cut party chairman and Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla Adhurey, his one-time mentor and chief political strategist, down to size by divesting the latters son, Ibrahim Faisal, of the all-important tourism ministers job, did not go down well with a section of the ruling party. All of them, starting with Speaker Abdulla, are said to be lying low, simmering, however. As if all this were not enough, Muizzus off-again-on-again sacking of top public servants and heads of public undertakings, as if by turn, even one and a half years after coming to power, has not done anything to keep the morale of the civil servants high. It is precisely the kind of political atmosphere that prevailed when the pro-democracy movement captured the mood and imagination of the countrys youth in the first decade of this century. The question is if contemporary history is repeating itself and if so, is the discredited and hence demoralised Opposition ready to capitalise on the chinks in Muizzus political armour? Alternatively, is President Muizzu willing to sit down, look back and rework his strategy, remembering all the time that he was an accidental candidate after the Supreme Court upheld the presidential candidacy of his estranged mentor and former president, Abdulla Yameen, in the victorious 2023 polls? It is these non-fundamentalist conservative voters who had moved from Gayoom to his half-brother Yameen and then to Muizzu and the latters personal contribution to building such a vote bank was/is next to nothing, to say the least. Hence, retaining the same vote bank and building upon it, if he were to face a common Opposition candidate that cost Yameen his re-election in 2018, in a second election in a row is not given, especially given the volatility of not only the young voters but also others, too. Pro-Palestine protest In this background, the decision of Islamic Affairs Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has declared his intention to rejoin the religion-centric Adhaalath Party (AP), now in the Opposition, and contest the partys presidential election later this year. Shaheem held the same portfolio under President Nasheed (2008-12) and was the running-mate of losing incumbent rival Yameen in 2018 and crossed over to the Muizzu camp when the Yameen camp split vertically on the eve of the 2023 presidential poll. Shaheem has since contested APs long-time president Imran Abdullas suggestion that for joining and contesting the organisational election, the minister should quit the government. This raises the question of whether Shaheem intends to challenge Muizzu from inside or outside or only Imrans leadership of the AP before bringing it into the Muizzu government, one way or the other. Such current moves may have drawn inspiration from the substantial crowds that gathered at the pro-Palestine apolitical rally called by religious NGOs in the capital, Male, a couple of weeks back. As media reports pointed out, there were more ISIS flags than those of Palestine or even the Maldives in the rally that was said to be dominated by radical Islamic groups like the Salafi. Independent sources contest suggestions about a possible shoot-up in Salafi influence in the nations politics after Muizzu became president only because his late father-in-law was the founder of the fundamentalist Islamic movement in the country and his brother-in-law is heading it at present. Instead, they justify the massive crowds at the pro-Palestine protest by the apolitical nature of the issue, as members, supporters and sympathisers of all political parties too joined in, along with those that are politically neutral and non-committed. That is still saying a lot for what is in store for the country or is it? The writer is a Chennai-based Policy Analyst & Political Commentator. Email: sathiyam54@nsathiyamoorthy.com. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Pakistan may be the gun pointed at India, but the finger on the trigger is Chinas. The elephant must learn to outmaneuver the dragon, or risk being consumed by its fire read more The dragons strategy is clear: mask its nefarious designs by using others to do its dirty work. Representational image: AFP Try to buy Chinese cheap goods on websites in the United States these days. They are not shipped out of China. Or, for that matter, from Vietnam. But from our own neighbourhood, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Whats going on? Sorry about the mixed metaphors. But the real elephant in the room is not Pakistan. It is India and its future. And who is the real enemy? It is not Pakistan, but its puppet-master, the worlds would be greatestand only hegemonChina. Yes, China is the dragon in the room, all set to breathe fire and burn the Indian elephant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The facts are simple and all too evident, if only we know how and where to look for them. Which country benefits from Indias projected war with Pakistan? Not Pakistan itself, for despite all its bravado, this is a failed state on the brink of bankruptcy. But entangling India in a war will benefit China immensely. Why? Because China cannot tolerate the rise of another major power so close to its borders. Nor will it allow an alternate manufacturing hub other than itself or its proxies to come up. What is Chinas counter? India must be knee-capped and hobbled with sub-continental conflicts, Bangladesh on the East, and now, Pakistan on the West. Pakistan, like North Korea, is Chinas proxy state. Always mercenary, it is now Chinas deadly instrument against India. Pakistan, a client state, run by a rogue army, is literally a gun for hire. And the gun is pointed at India. The narrative of Indias security threats has long been dominated by its tumultuous relationship with Pakistan. Decades of conflict, from the wars of 1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999, to the ongoing skirmishes in Kashmir, have confirmed Pakistan as Indias arch-nemesis in the public imagination. Cross-border terrorism, nuclear sabre-rattling, and diplomatic spats have kept the India-Pakistan rivalry alive, fueling a cycle of mistrust and hostility. But lets pause and reassess. Other than the US, only India represents a direct challenge to Chinas regional and global dominance. Beijings strategic calculus is clearIndia must be contained, its rise stunted, and its energies diverted. Chinas approach is not one of overt aggression but of calculated encirclement and destabilization. Keep India off balance is Chinas motto. Always opportunistic, Pakistan has now become Chinas deadly cats paw against India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas ambitions are rooted in its vision of itself as the sole hegemon, not just in Asia but globally. The Belt and Road Initiative, its assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea, and its economic dominance as the worlds manufacturing hub all underscore this goal. For China, allowing an alternative power-centre like India, right beside itself across the border,to emerge as a competing manufacturing hub or a regional leader is unthinkable. Indias Make in India initiative, its growing technological prowess, and its strategic partnerships with the United States, Japan, and Australia through frameworks like the Quad directly threaten Chinas monopoly. To counter this, China seeks to handicap India by entangling it in subcontinental conflicts, ensuring that New Delhi remains preoccupied with regional squabbles rather than global aspirations. Pakistan serves as the perfect instrument for this strategy. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, has deepened economic and military ties between Beijing and Islamabad. Chinas investments in Pakistan, including infrastructure projects and military hardware, have transformed Pakistan into a client state beholden to Chinese interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This relationship is not one of equals but of patronage, with Pakistan playing the role of a mercenary state tasked with keeping India on edge. Cross-border terrorism, often attributed to Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, serves Chinas interests by draining Indias resources and diverting its attention from economic development and strategic competition with Beijing. But Pakistan is not the only front in Chinas containment strategy. On Indias eastern flank, Bangladesh has increasingly come under Chinas influence. Beijings investments in infrastructure, energy, and defense in Bangladesh mirror its approach in Pakistan, creating a pincer movement to encircle India. The 2020 border clash in Ladakh, where Chinese and Indian troops engaged in a deadly skirmish, was a stark reminder of Chinas willingness to use direct confrontation when proxies alone are insufficient. Meanwhile, Chinas support for insurgent groups in Indias Northeast and its diplomatic backing of Pakistan on issues like Kashmir further complicate Indias security environment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The dragons strategy is clear: mask its nefarious designs by using others to do its dirty work. These others also include Indias own fifth columnists, more loyal to Fatherland China than Mother India. But these Urban Naxals have now been thoroughly exposed even if not fully defanged. Chinas penetration into the India media has also been curtailed if not totally curbed. More complicated and difficult to eliminate is Chinas influence among the top echelons of our political, bureaucratic, journalistic, and intellectual elite and powerful. Many, as we know, are allegedly on Chinas payroll, already compromised. Again, Chinese proxies, such as NGOs and activists, serve as useful camouflage. This is not to downplay Pakistans role or absolve it of responsibility. Pakistans actionsits sponsorship of terrorism, its nuclear posturing, and its unrelenting hostilitypose real threats to India. But focusing solely on Pakistan is myopic. It is akin to treating the symptoms of a disease while ignoring the root cause. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Just as terrorists in Kashmir cannot operate without Pakistans backing, Pakistans cannot dare to challenge India without Chinas support. Not only when it comes to financial aid, arms and ammunition, intelligence, but also diplomatic cover in world forums like the United Nations, the World Bank, or the International Monetary Fund. By fixating on Pakistan, India risks missing the larger strategic game being played by China. Lets face it: Pakistan may be the gun pointed at India, but the finger on the trigger is Chinas. The elephant must learn to outmaneuver the dragon, or risk being consumed by its fire. The choice is clearits time to wake up and face the real threat. The writer is an author and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Kashmir has been an integral part of civilisational Bharat from time immemorial. To call Hindus colonisers and Bharat a settler colonial power would be either due to deliberate media/academic distortion or lazy boilerplate reporting read more On April 22, 2025, when 26 people were killed in Jammu & Kashmirs Pahalgam, one expected that the enormity of the terror strike would jolt the Western media and their Left-liberal supporters out of their slumber and force them into seeing the true jihadi nature of the so-called Kashmir movement. What should have been clear and categorical Islamist terrorists attacking Hindus in Kashmir became the saga of gunmen killing in Indian-administered Kashmir. Some reports were not even sure if this was the act of militants, thus using the term suspected militants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yes, the terrorists who took innocent lives in Pahalgam first by looking at their identity cards and those who couldnt show their IDs were told to recite a Muslim verse and, in extreme cases, forced to pull down their pants were suspected militants for the editors of some of the leading newspapers, TV channels and news agencies in the West. However, the subterfuge of the Western media and their Left-liberal supporters didnt just stop at diffusing the identity of the Pahalgam victims and delegitimising Bharats sovereignty. They also renewed the charge of Bharat being a settler colonial power in Kashmir, thus accusing the victims of acting as colonisers. This accusation of Bharat being a settler colonial power in Kashmir had actually gained currency after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. There was, in fact, an essay in The Harvard Law Review (Vol. 134, No. 7), From Domicile to Dominion: Indias Settler Colonial Agenda in Kashmir, in May 2021, accusing non-Kashmiris of flooding the region. The article said, Although the colonial lens has been applied to Kashmir in the past, the abrogation suggests that the settler colonial lens may be more fitting. Settler colonialism is premised on the recruitment of a settler class whose goal is not only to occupy indigenous land but also to eliminate the indigenes who stand in their way. Thus, as non-Kashmiris flood the region as new residents, Indias identity as a settler state comes to the fore. So, according to the dominant Left-liberal worldview, a Hindu in Kashmir is a coloniser trying to grab the land and resources of the region. The cornered Kashmiris, this warped narrative pushed forward by the Western media would like us to believe, are thus fighting for their identity and survival. With the deft play of hands, the entire victim-perpetrator narrative has been upended. The killer isnt a mindless, vicious killer anymore. The victim is the villain now. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This brings us to the basic questions: Whose Kashmir is it anyway? And, are Hindus really colonisers, and Bharat a settler colonial power? As it turns out, the real story of Kashmir is not one of Hindu colonisation of the Valley, but of its forceful Islamisation, especially since the late 1980s. Those who are crying hoarse about Kashmirs colonisation must recall how at least half a million Hindus were forced to leave their homes in the Valley to become refugees in their own country, preferring life over death, honour over incessant humiliations meted out to them just because they happened to be Hindus in Islamised Kashmir. This exodus didnt happen just because Jagmohan, the then Governor of J&K, created hysteria among Hindus to leave the Valley lock, stock and barrel, as a dominant section of the Left-liberal cabal wanted us to believe. This happened after a series of high-profile brutal killings, intermittent with daily betrayals and humiliations unleashed on Hindus. After a neighbourhood friend who would regularly take a lift from Satish Tickoo fired a bullet at him. After the killing of BK Ganju, who had hidden in a drum full of rice to escape the wrath of terrorists but was exposed by his own neighbour; thereafter, the victims family members were forced at gunpoint to cook the rice laced with Ganjus blood and eat it. After the blindfolded Girja Tiku was gang-raped by four men in a moving car, and when she recognised one of them (Aziz, are you here as well? she asked), they took her to a wood-processing unit and cut her alive on a mechanical saw, as Rahul Pandita writes in his seminal book, Our Moon Has Blood Clots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jagmohan recounts in his book, My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir, how the assaults and killings of the Hindus had societal approval, and even the role of the police, bureaucracy, press and hospitals was dubious, to say the least. I found that, notwithstanding the enormity of the crimes committed, the local police stations didnt even have photographs of the wanted terrorists When I called for the files of cases pertaining to serious crimes, I was appalled by the indifference and ineffectiveness. There was no investigation at all. Apart from recording the first information report, practically no action was taken, Jagmohan writes. Calling those who were forced to leave the Valley at gunpoint colonisers would not just be a blatant lie but also a case of utter moral bankruptcy and sinister intellectual deceitfulness. Meanwhile, the deafening silence of Left-liberal media on the blatant cases of settler colonialism is perturbing. Lets take the example of Lebanon, a small country in West Asia. Lebanon, in the 1970s, apart from Israel, was the only non-Muslim majority country in the region. And it was also the only other democracy. Estimates suggest that Muslims now constitute a majority in the country, comprising about 69 per cent of the Lebanese population. One wonders if the Western media would ever dare to call Lebanon an example of Islamic settler colonialism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As for Bharat being a settler colonial power, even a cursory look at Kashmirs past exposes its deep civilisational connections with the country as a whole. Kalidas regarded Kashmir as more beautiful than heaven, while Kalhan called it the best place in the Himalayas. As the legend goes, the Valley was originally a lake which was created after a part of Satis dead body fell in Kashmir during Shivas cataclysmic dance (tandav), creating the Satisar lake. The places where other body parts fell came to be known as Shakthi Peethas. One day, a great sage (rishi) called Kashyap arrived, and he drained the water, and thus a beautiful valley emerged out of the lake. The Rishi loved the place so much that he invited saints and scholars from other parts to populate this valley. Kashmir thus got its name from its founder, Kashyap Rishi, as Kashyapsar, Kashyapmar or Kashmir, meaning the house of Kashyap. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Given Kashmirs association with Shiva and Sati, the region has historically been a hub of Kashmir Shaivism (though Buddhism too found its base here, and from here it made a massive influx into Central Asia), which looks at ultimate reality as one pure consciousness transcending across the universe. It describes Shiva as universal consciousness and his creative and cosmic power as Shakti. Such had been the spiritual-cum-intellectual aura of Kashmir that even Adi Shankaracharya, after his visit to the valley, conceded the predominance of Shakti in his Advaita philosophy. He composed poems in praise of the Goddess, such as Saudarya Lahiri and Sharada Bhujana Stotram. Kashmir, till the end of the 13th century, was largely a Hindu state. It had the distinction of being both the hub of learning as well as a flourishing commercial centre. Kashmir, in that way, is unique, as it is believed to be the abode of Saraswati (Sharada), while at the same time Srinagar is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (the term Srinagar itself means the city of Lakshmi). Kashmirs Islamic connection is not more than 700 years old, while its Sanatana link is at least 5,000 years old, if not more. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the life of a Hindu in Kashmir in the last 700 years has been about a series of persecutions and killings, intermittent with brief periods of respite and relief. These seven centuries saw seven major Hindu exoduses from the Valley the first exodus took place during the reign of Sikandar Shah Miri (1389-1413 AD), infamously referred to as Sikandar Butshikan (The Breaker of Idols), while the last one occurred as recently as in 1990, when about half a million Hindus were forced to leave the Valley amid dire conditions. Kashmir has been an integral part of civilisational Bharat from time immemorial. To call Hindus colonisers and Bharat a settler colonial power would, thus, be either due to deliberate media/academic distortion or lazy boilerplate reporting. How can Hindus colonise what has been their ancestral home for millennia a land they were forced to leave under the shadow of the gun about 35 years ago? How can Bharat be a settler colonial power when Kashmir has been an integral part of the countrys civilisational journey since the very beginning? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bharat is Kashmir. And Kashmir is Bharat. An umbilical cord connecting the two may have been partially damaged under Islamist attack, but Bharats civilisational story and national journey wont be complete without reclaiming Kashmir in letter and spirit. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. On the sidelines of the Arctic Circle India Forum held on May 3-4 in New Delhi, Firstpost spoke to Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Milind Deora about the need for India to deepen its Arctic engagement. Deora, who is on the advisory board of the Arctic Circle highlighted the urgency for climate awareness and cross-party engagement read more Milind Deora, Rajya Sabha MP, member of the advisory board of the Arctic Circle looks on during a session of the Arctic Circle India Forum held on May 3-4 in New Delhi, India. X/milinddeora At the recently concluded Arctic Circle India Forum in New Delhi, a significant spotlight was cast on Indias evolving engagement with the Arctic region. The event held on May 3-4, co-hosted by the Arctic Circle and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with Indias Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Earth Sciences, brought together global leaders, scientists and policymakers to discuss The Polar Order: The Arctic and Asia | Science - Geopolitics - Climate - Business. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among the key voices was Milind Deora, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and advisory board member of the Arctic Circle. In an exclusive conversation with Firstposts Anmol Singla on the sidelines of the event, Deora stressed the imperative for India to deepen its Arctic engagement, both scientifically and geopolitically. Ive been associated with the Arctic for almost 20 years, Deora shared. Deora has been a frequent visitor to Iceland and other Arctic nations, engaging with stakeholders who are working on climate resilience-related fields. Ive been trying to draw Indias attention to the vast potential of the Arctic from a research point of view, environmental research point of view, from a geo-economic point of view, and a geopolitical point of view. And its taken a long time but I feel very pleased and privileged that through a forum like this weve received such overwhelming participation, he told Firstpost. Deora also said that this was an area where unlike other areas of engagement, the government needed to spearhead a proactive approach rather than the private sector taking the lead. Need to elevate climate awareness in India Deora highlighted the need to elevate Arctic issues within Indias domestic discourse. He pointed out the direct implications of Arctic changes on Indias climate patterns, particularly the monsoon, which is vital for the countrys agriculture and water resources. Until these things become political issues, you dont see public support and public participation, he noted. We need to educate the public, bring more awareness, and thats when well see a sea change, no pun intended. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a session titled, Vision from the Indian Parliament where Deora along with Lok Sabha MP Anurag Thakur engaged with former Prime Minister of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, chairman of the Arctic Circle Grimsson mandated both the parliamentarians to lead a cross-party parliamentary delegation to Iceland for the Arctic Assembly later this year. Next up! VISION FROM THE INDIAN PARLIAMENThttps://t.co/IIseD2RE2C Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 3, 2025 There are many questions that link India to the Arctic. An understanding that was established time and again in this forum was that what happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic, and that it has implications all over the globe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Highlighting this, the 48-year-old who hails from Mumbai reflected, So for me, one of the challenges has been how do you understand whats happening in the Arctic, whether its the fact that ice is melting, how is that impacting Indias weather patterns? How is that impacting not just the Himalayan region, but how is that impacting a city like Mumbai? What is the correlation between the two? Between ice melting, sea levels rising in Mumbai, what does that do to people who live in buildings or in slums along the coast? And those are the kind of issues that we have to sort of focus on to make it a political issue. According to a 2024 study by Bengaluru-based think tank Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), 10 per cent of the land in Mumbai, Panjim and Chennai will be at risk of inundation due to rising sea levels by 2040. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India needs to look to the Arctic more Indias Arctic Policy, released in March 2022, outlines six pillars: Science and Research, Climate and Environmental Protection, Economic and Human Development, Transportation and Connectivity, Governance and International Cooperation, and National Capacity Building. As a member of @_Arctic_Circles Advisory Board, Im so glad to see the Arctic Circle finally launch its India Forum in partnership with @orfonline. Grateful to former Icelandic President @ORGrimsson for his leadership in bringing India closer to the #Arctic. I joined a panel pic.twitter.com/ceNuShv3th Milind Deora | (@milinddeora) May 3, 2025 Deora also pointed out the strategic importance of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which could offer shorter shipping lanes between Europe and Asia. While the whole worlds focus and attention is on the South China Sea, should India not be focused on the Northern Sea Route? he questioned. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The NSR, also called the Northeast Passage, is a shipping corridor through the Arctic Ocean that links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, offering a shorter path between Europe and Asia than conventional routes like the Suez or Panama Canals. India as a potential bridge builder Indias collaboration with Russia in the Arctic has been a focal point, with joint research initiatives and discussions on developing the NSR. However, geopolitical tensions have complicated multilateral engagements. Following Russias war in Ukraine, there has been a significant divide between Moscow and the rest of the Arctic nations, all of which are also part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). Despite these challenges, India continues to advocate for a balanced approach, highlighting dialogue and cooperation. I think thats something which is an area of immense opportunity for India to use its leadership role and its multilateral approach towards foreign policy to work with countries during a very hostile time in Europe and to bridge differences, to be in some ways, I wouldnt use the word intermediary, but in some ways a bridge builder and a facilitator of a dialogue. So I think India has a very unique role to play in that," Deora stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the context of the current diplomatic situation in Europe, Deora told Firstpost, It will be unique to see how Arctic nations, given how polarised Europe is vis-a-vis Russia, how they are able to politically sell it to their public that theyre willing to engage in dialogue, if not for their borders, at least when it comes to issues like cooperation in the Arctic. We should not forget that during the peak of the Cold War, the US and Russia were able to partner together in Space. So these are things where people can overcome differences. "Arctic Circle is finally here in India!" "I'm excited for India to bring its track record of #multiculturalism and its role as an important representative and global voice of the #GlobalSouth to the #Arctic." #IndiaForum@milinddeora, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, India pic.twitter.com/DV17qP7kW5 Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As India prepares for potential high-level engagements with Nordic countries, including a scheduled visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Oslo, the Arctic is poised to become a significant area of collaboration. Deora expressed confidence that Arctic issues will feature prominently in Indias foreign policy agenda. Im very certain that a big part of the thrust from India will be around the Arctic, he affirmed. Indias expanding engagement in the Arctic evidenced at the Arctic Circle India Forum shows that as New Delhis strategic importance increases on the global stage, developments occurring in all corners of the globe have consequences for the Indian subcontinent and the importance of the Arctic should be acknowledged by every Indian. Milind Deora, Rajya Sabha MP, member of the advisory board of the Arctic Circle (right) can be seen in a conversation with former PM of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, chairman of the Arctic Circle, on the sidelines of the Arctic Circle India Forum held on May 3-4 in New Delhi, India. X/milinddeora The 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly will be held in the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Reykjavik, Iceland, on October 16-18. Alexander Dobrindt told ARD that he doubted if the AfD operations mentioned in the intelligence agencys assessment satisfied the standards for an absolute prohibition read more Alexander Dobrindt, the incoming German interior minister, said on Sunday that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was unlikely to be outlawed after being designated as extremist by the intelligence agency last week. German politicians have been contemplating banning the party as well as other measures such as firing AfD members from government service and reducing or terminating public funding. However, Dobrindt told ARD that he doubted if the AfD operations mentioned in the intelligence agencys assessment satisfied the standards for an absolute prohibition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The constitutional courts guidelines provide that a party must demonstrate that it is acting combatively and aggressively to achieve its aims in order to be outlawed. Im sceptical, because the aggressive, combative nature of the party against our democracy must be a defining characteristic. The Constitutional Court was right to set high hurdles for banning a party, Dobrindt said. He added that he was convinced that the AfD does not need to be banned, it needs to be governed away, and we need to talk about the issues that have made the AfD so big. Dobrindt, a high-profile member of the CSU, the Bavarian sister party of incoming chancellor Friedrich Merzs CDU, said his ministry would examine the designation in depth and he would discuss its findings with the spy agencys top brass in person. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper that the future government would work to shrink the AfD. What I dont believe is that a potential ban procedure, which could take years, is the sole instrument to bring the AfD down, Klingbeil, Germanys next vice chancellor, said. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel accused outgoing Interior Minister Nancy Faeser of using the spy agency as a secret justice system to discriminate against the party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are a future governing party; even the machinations of the secret justice system will not be able to prevent that in the long run, Weidel told the Welt newspaper on Sunday. Regarding Greenland, Trump stated that he is not denying the possibility of sending troops to annex the Danish kingdoms independent area, but he is also not ruling it out read more President Donald Trump again spoke about making Canada the 51st state of the United States as he gave an interview with NBC News Meet the Press but he said it would not come to the point where he has to use military to take over Canada, but the same cant be said about Greenland. Trump said he would discuss the issue with Mark Carney once he visits the White House. You know why? We subsidise Canada to the tune of $200 billion a year. We dont need their cars. In fact, we dont want their cars. We dont need their energy. We dont even want their energy. We have more than they do. We dont want their lumber. We have great lumber. All I have to do is free it up from the environmental lunatics. We dont need anything that they have. Were giving them I asked, I asked Mr Trudeau who I call Governor Trudeau, not Prime Minister, Governor I said, Governor Trudeau, could I ask you one question? Why are we giving you $200 billion? Why are we subsidising Canada? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If Canada were a state, it wouldnt cost us. It would be great. It would be such a great it would be a cherished state. And, if you look at our map, if you look at the geography Im a real estate guy at heart. When I look down at that, without that artificial line that was drawn with a ruler many years ago its just an artificial line, goes straight across. You dont even realise. What a beautiful country it would be. It would be great. But I dont think the American public wants me to pay $200 billion a year to subsidise Canada. Again, remember this: we dont need their cars, we dont need their lumber, we dont need their energy. We dont need anything. We do very little business with Canada. They do almost all of their business with us. They need us. We dont need them, Trump said. Trump was asked, Would you rule out military force to take Canada? Well, I think were not going to ever get to that point. It could happen. Something could happen with Greenland. Ill be honest, we need that for national and international security , Trump stated, adding that he doesnt see it with Canada. Regarding Greenland, Trump stated that he is not denying the possibility of sending troops to annex the Danish kingdoms independent area, but he is also not ruling it out. We need Greenland very badly. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which well take care of, and well cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security , Trump stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government has targeted the economy to expand by 5.2 percent this year, and President Prabowo Subianto had set an ambitious goal of eight percent growth by 2029 read more Indonesias economy grew at its weakest pace in more than three years in the first quarter, with headwinds expected in the rest of the year stemming from global trade turmoil and declining household spending. Southeast Asias largest economy grew 4.87% in the first quarter from a year earlier, its slowest rate since the third quarter of 2021 and down from 5.02% in the previous quarter. Growth was roughly in line with analysts forecasts in a Reuters poll at 4.91%. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Quarter-on-quarter, gross domestic product fell 0.98 percent. The archipelagos economic growth was largely supported by household consumption, the largest contributor to GDP expansion, as well as exports, Statistics Indonesia head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti said. Household consumption was helped by holiday spending with Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr festival falling in March this year but still grew just 4.89 percent, down from 4.91 percent in the first quarter of last year. The government has targeted the economy to expand by 5.2 percent this year, and President Prabowo Subianto had set an ambitious goal of eight percent growth by 2029. Prabowo has introduced several controversial policies since he was sworn in last October, including free meal programmes that critics said put a huge burden on state coffers and massive cuts to government spending, triggering student protests across the country. Economic activity is expected to weaken in the coming months on the back of sluggish exports, economists said. Indonesia is one of the least trade dependent economies in the region and we dont think Trump tariffs will have a huge direct impact on the economy, Capital Economics senior Asia economist Gareth Leather said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nevertheless, Indonesia will still feel the impact as the recent decline in commodity prices weighs on export earnings. The arrival of a Turkish warship in Karachi and reports of military cargo flights have intensified scrutiny of Turkey-Pakistan defence ties, prompting calls in India for a reassessment of bilateral relations and tougher diplomatic measures read more Days after several media reports suggested Turkey has delivered six planeloads of weapons to Pakistan, the arrival of a Turkish naval vessel in Karachi has sparked concerns in India, highlighting Ankaras increasingly close defence ties with Islamabad. Although Turkey denied supplying weapons to Pakistan, the docking of the vessel in Pakistans port city has added to growing unease in New Delhi. According to multiple media report, Turkish C-130 Hercules transport planes carrying military cargo reportedly landed in Pakistan last month. The development came at a time when India has vowed a harsh response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A cargo plane from Turkiye landed in Pakistan for refuelling. It then continued on its route. Speculative news made outside of statements of authorised persons and institutions should not be relied upon, Daily Sabah quoted the Presidencys Directorate of Communications as saying. The aircraft in question was spotted flying over the Arabian Sea on April 28, sparking speculation that it was part of a last-minute arms delivery from one of Islamabads key allies. The theory gained traction after flight tracking data from open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources surfaced online. However, Ankara dismissed the claims, insisting the landing was part of a routine operation. Meanwhile, the presence of a Turkish naval vessel in Karachi, details of which remain scarce, is being interpreted by analysts as part of a growing pattern of deepening military ties between Turkey and Pakistan. Turkey is fast emerging as the second-largest supplier of arms to Pakistan, trailing only China, a development that has not gone unnoticed in New Delhi. Ankara has maintained that it supports peace in the region, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently calling for de-escalation between India and Pakistan. We want the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India to be de-escalated as soon as possible, before they evolve into a more serious situation, said Erdogan in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Turkeys actions particularly on defence cooperation appear to contradict those words. Turkey and Pakistan have maintained a long-standing strategic partnership, with defence cooperation forming a key pillar of their bilateral ties. In 2021, the two countries signed an agreement to expand collaboration through joint arms production. Turkey has since emerged as Pakistans second-largest arms supplier after China. According to Eurasian Times, citing the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 10% of Turkeys total arms exports between 2020 and 2024 were directed to Pakistan. Reports also suggest that the two countries are working together to establish a joint facility for manufacturing Turkish-designed fighter jets. Notably, Turkey was the sole member among the 39 states of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to support Pakistans removal from the grey list in 2020. Their alliance extends beyond defence, with Turkey consistently advocating for Pakistans position on Kashmir, while Islamabad has reciprocated by backing Ankaras claims on Cyprus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Turkish government has denied any hostile intent, but its expanding defense ties with Pakistan and repeated references to the Kashmir issue at international forums have fueled skepticism in India. With Ankaras geopolitical ambitions growing and Pakistan leaning heavily on military partnerships, observers warn that this could further strain already frosty India-Turkey relations. Amid growing tensions, former Indian foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal suggested suspending flights between India and Turkey as reports of Turkish military cargo aircraft landing in Pakistan sparked outrage across Indian strategic circles. Voicing his concerns on X, Sibal said, We can consider suspending our flights to Turkey and Turkish flights to India for the time being. We can consider suspending our flights to Turkey and Turkish flights to India for the time being. https://t.co/MCfDk0PQZZ Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) April 28, 2025 Noted journalist Vikram Chandra questioned why Indians continue to use Istanbul as a transit point and suggested India should instead build relations with Turkeys key regional rival Greece I fail to understand why Indians travel to Europe via Istanbul! Along with China, Turkey is the one solid and constant supporter of Pakistan - and always has been. India should instead build relations with Turkeys key regional rival Greece. Its strange that there are so many direct flights to Istanbul and none to Athens, Business Today quoted Chandra as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Security analyst Sushant Sareen warned that India was not learning from history. Indias friends and enemies are identifying themselves. China, Turkey, Azerbaijan are clearly on the Paki side. Ideally, there should be costs for doing this but India will reward them with fatter trade deals and defence contracts; Israel is probably the only country with India, Sareen posted. India's friends and enemies are identifying themselves. China, Turkey, Azerbaijan are clearly on the Paki side. Ideally, there should be costs for doing this but India will reward them with fatter trade deals and defence contracts; Israel is probably the only country with India. sushant sareen (@sushantsareen) April 28, 2025 He said every other country - US, EU, UK, even Russia, were hedging. But yeah Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Basically we are a people who refuse to learn from history. Several commentators called for a boycott of Turkish tourism and airlines. Pawan Durani wrote, Six military planes allegedly carrying missiles have been sent by Turkey to Pakistan. How many shameless Indians are gonna travel to Turkey for holidays? Durani also reminded Indians about the goodwill extended to Turkey after its devastating earthquake in 2023. How many of you remember Operation Dost, where within one hour of earthquake in Turkey, India was the first country to send relief teams. Snakes he posted. Geopolitical commentator and author Swasti Rao said it was important that India notices Turkeys role. Good to see that Turkish C130 Hercules transport aircraft with Military Cargo landing in Pakistan is being noticed in India. Turkey has been arming Pakistan, with an openly anti-India rhetoric, Rao wrote on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She added, We usually only discuss #China. Rao also flagged that Turkey was arming Bangladesh, calling the situation worrying and tagging the Prime Ministers Office and Defence Ministry. With inputs from agencies Yemens Houthi rebels on Monday reported a wave of air strikes on the port city of Hodeida, blaming US and Israeli forces for the attack read more Israeli security forces inspect the site where the Israeli military said a projectile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels landed in the area of Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday. AP Yemens Houthi rebels on Monday reported a wave of air strikes on the port city of Hodeida, blaming US and Israeli forces for the attack. The strikes come as a response to a Houthi ballistic missile attack which hit the area close to Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, wounding several people. US-Israeli aggression targets with six strikes the port of Hodeida, on Yemens western coast, AFP quoted Iran-backed Houthis Al-Masirah television, also reporting US-Israeli aggression on the Bajil district in the same province. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An Israeli official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly, confirmed that Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes in Yemen. Earlier, the Houthis Saba news agency reported that US airstrikes targeted the capital Sanaa and the airport road, injuring 16 people, according to the rebel-run health ministry. Houthi-affiliated outlet Al-Masirah also reported three additional strikes in Sanaa and seven more in the northern Al-Jawf governorate. These developments follow Israels announcement that a missile launched from Yemen on Sunday landed within the perimeter of Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv the first such incident. The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating they had launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at Ben Gurion, Israels primary international airport. The rebels said they will work to impose a comprehensive air blockade on the Israeli enemy by repeatedly targeting airports, most notably Ben Gurion Airport. The missile gouged a wide crater in the ground near an airport parking lot, injuring six people and forcing airlines to suspend flights. The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen including Sanaa, have launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a tough response against the Houthis, as well as its main backer Iran, over the attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a video published on Telegram before the reported attack on Hodeida, Netanyahu said Israel had acted against the Houthis in the past and will act in the future. It will not happen in one bang, but there will be many bangs, he added, without elaborating. On social media platform X, Netanyahu said Israel would also respond to Iran at a time and place of our choosing. With inputs from agencies The plan includes the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, as well as continued efforts to relocate civilians from conflict areas in northern Gaza to the south read more Israel has approved plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time. Representative Image: FP Israels security cabinet has approved a new plan to expand military operations in Gaza, including the full capture of the Palestinian territory and maintaining control over it indefinitely, an Israeli official said Monday (May 5). The plan, unanimously endorsed in an overnight cabinet meeting, comes as the military calls thousands of reservists to support an intensified offensive in the Gaza Strip. The move follows a breakdown in talks over a potential ceasefire and the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The official said the plan includes the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, as well as continued efforts to relocate civilians from conflict areas in northern Gaza to the south. A renewed campaign in Gaza The military resumed major operations across Gaza on March 18 after a two-month lull in large-scale fighting. The renewed campaign has included heavy airstrikes and expanded ground manoeuvres. On Monday, Palestinian rescue officials reported at least 19 people killed in Israeli strikes on northern Gaza. Israel has said the offensive is aimed at dismantling Hamas military capabilities and securing the release of hostages taken during the groups October 7 attack that sparked the war. But critics, including families of the captives, say the current military strategy is putting the hostages at greater risk. The plan approved by the cabinet deserves to be called the Smotrich-Netanyahu Plan for sacrificing the hostages, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement, referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. On Sunday (May 4), military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the army had begun mobilising tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for the expanded phase of the operation. The Israeli official also said Netanyahu is continuing to promote a proposal first floated by former US President Donald Trump earlier this year for the voluntary relocation of Gazans to neighbouring countries. The plan has been strongly opposed by Egypt, Jordan, and international humanitarian groups. Humanitarian aid flow to resume? The cabinet also approved the possibility of distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza under conditions meant to prevent Hamas from gaining access to supplies. The official said there is currently enough food in the territory, despite warnings from the United Nations and aid organisations about severe shortages. The United Nations World Food Programme said it has exhausted its food stocks in Gaza, and all 25 bakeries it supports have shut down due to a lack of flour and fuel. Gaza has been under a full Israeli blockade since March 2. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel has not publicly detailed how long it plans to retain control over Gaza if it succeeds in capturing the entire territory. Nearly all of Gazas 2.4 million residents have been displaced at least once during the seven-month-long war, many of them from northern areas now largely destroyed by fighting. The international community, including the United States, has urged Israel to devise a post-war governance plan for Gaza that does not involve indefinite Israeli occupation. However, no such plan has been formally announced. With inputs from AFP UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint, emphasising that a military solution is no solution amid escalating tensions between the two countries read more UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint, emphasising that a military solution is no solution amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Guterres said tensions between nuclear-armed foes are at their highest in years and offered his good offices to both the countries, saying UN stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation. Relations have reached a boiling point, AFP quoted Guterres as saying, warning it was essential to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control military solution is no solution. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Guterres once again condemned the Pahalgam attack which claimed 26 lives including one Nepali national and left many others injured. The attack took place when armed militants opened fire in Jammu and Kashmirs Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination often referred to as Mini Switzerland for its scenic beauty. India has since pledged to pursue and punish all those responsible for the attack. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the deadly attack, triggering a wave of sharp warnings and reciprocal diplomatic actions between the two countries. Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for an independent probe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his military full operational freedom to respond and Islamabad has warned it will hit back against any aggression. Amid the escalating tensions, Pakistans military announced on Monday that it had carried out a second missile test since the standoff began. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is set to convene today to address rising tensions between India and Pakistan. With inputs from agencies Following a request from Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council will be convening a closed-door meeting today to discuss the brewing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad after the Pahalgam attack read more The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene a closed-door meeting today to discuss the brewing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people in India. According to the statement shared by the council, the meeting was requested by Pakistan amid the diplomatic turmoil with India. Pakistan has been saying that it will seek the help of the United Nations to deal with what it describes as Indias aggressive actions, provocations, and provocative statements. Pakistan currently sits as a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, which is being presided over by Greece for the month of May. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the statement, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, will deliver a statement at the Security Council stakeout area following the meeting on the afternoon of Monday, May 5, 2025. What is Pakistan planning to do? In a statement released on Sunday, Pakistans foreign office said it would specifically raise the issue of Indias move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an illegal action that endangers peace and security, in the region. Last month, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and this months president of the UNSC has expressed concerns about the mounting tensions between Indian and Pakistan. However, he had sympathised with the Indian cause. We express our condolences to the governments of India, Nepal and the families of the victims, Sekeris said while referring to the Pahalgam attack. This is a matter of principle. We condemn terrorism in all its forms, wherever it happens. On the other hand, we are concerned about the mounting tensions in the region. Two very big countries. Of course, India is far bigger than Pakistan, he added. Following the attack, India announced a series of security measures against Pakistan. Some of them included expelling Pakistani diplomats, putting the Indus Water Treaty into abeyance and immediately shutting down the Attari border. India also shut its airspace to all flights operated by Pakistan and halted overall trade with Islamabad. In response to this, Pakistan came up with countermeasures, such as shutting down the airspace for Indian airlines. It also rejected Indias suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasising that the move to stop the water flow would be considered an act of war. With inputs from agencies. Pakistans envoy to the UK issued a provocative warning against India, insisting that an unresolved Kashmir issue could lead to further fallout between the two nations in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack read more Amid the brewing tensions between India and Pakistan, another Islamabad envoy made provocative remarks against India. On Sunday, Pakistans High Commissioner to the UK, Mohammad Faisal, warned that an unresolved Kashmir issue could lead to further instances of violence. The remarks from the Pakistani envoy came during an interview with BBC Urdu. While speaking on the India-Pakistan tensions, Faisal claimed that India continues to deny Pakistans support to deal with the actual demands and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan firmly stands with the Kashmiri people and their aspirations," he said, warning, This issue must be resolvedotherwise, even after Pahalgam, something else can happen." Faisal parroted the Pakistani administrations demands for an independent probe of the Pahalgam terror attack, whose responsibility has been claimed by the Islamabad-based Lashkar terror group. Not the only envoy While Faisals warning to India took an unparliamentary route, he is not the only Pakistani envoy to issue provocative remarks against India. Last week, Pakistans Ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, openly threatened India, stating that Islamabad will use the full spectrum of power, including nuclear weapons if New Delhi attacks the neighbouring country. While speaking to the Russian news outlet RT, Jamali claimed that a leaked document revealed that India would strike certain areas of Pakistan, and insisted that the conflict was imminent. However, no credibility for the Pakistani envoys proclamation has been established by now. Pakistan is ready to use both "conventional and nuclear" weapons against India in its "imminent" conflict, its ambassador to Russia tells us in exclusive interview. "We are going to respond this time and we are going to respond with the full spectrum of power," says Muhammad pic.twitter.com/ju1IqFJXdp Margarita Simonyan (@M_Simonyan) May 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The frenzied media of India and the irresponsible statements coming out from that side have compelled us. There are some other leaked documents it has decided to strike some areas of Pakistan. So, that makes us feel that this is going to happen and its imminent, he said in the RT interview. When it comes to India and Pakistan, we dont want to get involved in this debate of numerical strength. We will use the full spectrum of power - both conventional and nuclear, he furthered. Jamali went on to claim that the armed forces supported by the people of Pakistan would respond with a full spectrum of power. The animosities between India and Pakistan reached new heights after terrorists infiltrated a tourist destination in Pahalgam, Kashmir and killed 26 people. India imposed security measures against Pakistan after it was found that the two Pakistani nationals were involved in the attack. Since then, several Pakistani leaders have indulged in war-mongering by issuing threats to India. Not only this, the countrys army has also frequently violated the ceasefire that is in place at the Line of Control (LoC) between the two countries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In yet another provocative move, Pakistan test-fired Fatah surface-to-surface missile amid brewing tensions with India over the Pahalgam attack read more Pakistan on Monday conducted a successful training launch of a Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometres as part of ongoing exercise. X As the tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, Islamabad on Monday conducted a test launch of another missile. Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations announced that the authorities test-fired the Fatah Series surface-to-surface missile, which has a range of hitting targets up to 120 km. The authorities noted that the test launch was conducted as part of the ongoing INDUS Exercise, Dawn reported. What makes the test launch concerning is the fact that it came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the devastating Pahalgam attack that led to the death of 26 tourists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missiles advanced navigation system and enhanced accuracy, ISPR said in a statement on Monday. According to the statement, the launch was administered by senior officers of the Pakistani army, scientists and engineers from Pakistans strategic organisations. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the Chief of Army Staff extended their congratulations to the participating troops, scientists, and engineers, the Pakistani militarys media wing said in a statement. They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of the Pakistan Army to thwart any aggression against the territorial integrity of Pakistan, ISPR added. Second missile test launch in three days It is pertinent to note that this is the second missile Pakistan has test-fired in the span of three days. On Saturday, the ISPR claimed that the country had conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a ballistic missile which has a range of 450 km. Amid the tensions between India and Pakistan, the country has been taking several provocative measures to threaten India. In 11 days, the Pakistani army has conducted numerous ceasefire violations at the Line of Control (LoC). The country has expressed its anger after India decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, part of the security measures New Delhi introduced following the Pahalgam attack. When it comes to the Fatah series, in May last year, the Pakistani army conducted the test-launch of the Fatah-II guided rocket system, which had a range of 400 kilometres, Dawn reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A day before the Fatah series test launch, the ISPR Director General, Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held meetings with the different members of the political parties in Pakistan. The officials briefed political parties on national security during a session conducted on camera. If aggression is imposed on Pakistan, then the forces are ready to give a befitting reply to the enemy, PTV News quoted the DG ISPR as saying. The gold mine, La Poderosa, said that a search-and-rescue team recovered the staff members remains in the mine on Sunday. The company blamed their abduction on informal miners allegedly linked to criminal gangs that ambushed the gold mine on April 26 read more Relatives of 13 workers found dead inside a gold mine wait outside the morgue in Trujillo, Peru. AFP The bodies of 13 security guards kidnapped from a major Peruvian gold mine just over a week ago were found Sunday, Perus Interior Ministry said, their deaths coming as violence escalates in the Andean nations crucial mining industry. The gold mine, La Poderosa, said that a search-and-rescue team recovered the staff members remains in the mine on Sunday. The company blamed their abduction on informal miners allegedly linked to criminal gangs that ambushed the gold mine on April 26. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Perus Interior Ministry said it had deployed special police forces to locate and capture those responsible for these heinous crimes. It did not give further details about the attack or its perpetrators. La Poderosa, a private firm based in Perus capital of Lima, said that criminal groups fighting for control of the mine in Perus remote northwestern city of Pataz have killed 39 of the companys workers since it began operating there in 1980, including the latest 13. In a particularly brazen incident in December 2023, illegal miners attacked the same Poderosa mine with explosives, killing nine people and wounding 15. La Poderosa sent in more security guards in response to the string of attacks. A major gold and copper supplier for the world, Peru is unique in allowing informal miners to operate with some protections as long as they plan to legalize their operations. But illegal mining quickly boomed into a vast industry as the metals became increasingly lucrative, new mining techniques emerged and the government struggled to mount a response. With much of Peru awash in a wave of crime that prompted the government to declare a state of emergency last month, reports of extortion from artisanal miners and entrepreneurs in the countrys northern mining area have surged in recent months. Russian President Vladimir Putin talked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone and condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, according to the Ministry of External Affairs read more Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday talked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Indian readout said that Putin expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism and emphasised that the perpetrators of the attack and their supporters must be brought to justice. Putin is the latest leader to speak to Modi after the attacks after the likes of US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen India and Russia. Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM conveyed greetings to President Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him for the Annual Summit to be held in India later in the year, the readout further said. Last month, terrorists killed 26 people in an attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. India has formally blamed Pakistan for the attack. Following the attack, Pakistan has resorted to aggressive military posturing and rhetoric of war. On its part, India has taken a slew of policy measures, such as the expulsion of nearly all Pakistanis from the country and the suspension of Indus Waters Treaty. The Putin-Modi call came within days of a call from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Sergey Lavrov called to settle the differences between New Delhi and Islamabad by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in conformity with the 1972 Simla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration, said the Russian readout. Even though Russia asked India and Pakistan to seek a resolution based on the 1972 Simla Agreement, Pakistan has suspended the agreement, which formed the basis of the subsequent understanding regarding the border and ceasefires, in response to the Indian action on the Indus treaty. As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, Russias diplomatic response has sparked debate over whether Moscow is recalibrating its traditionally close ties with New Delhi or simply engaging in pragmatic diplomacy. read more As tensions flare between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Russia finds itself walking a diplomatic tightrope. Moscows dual outreachcalls for dialogue from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and strong support for India from President Vladimir Putin has sparked debate over whether the Kremlin is subtly recalibrating its traditionally firm alignment with New Delhi. While Lavrovs call for bilateral talks drew mixed reactions in India, Putins emphatic condemnation of the attack and assurance of solidarity with Modi have sought to reaffirm the special and privileged India-Russia relationship amid a shifting geopolitical equation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lavrovs diplomatic outreach In the aftermath of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, Lavrov reached out to both Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Lavrov emphasised the importance of resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, referencing the 1972 Shimla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration as frameworks for bilateral engagement. This approach, while consistent with Russias historical stance on India-Pakistan relations, was perceived by some in New Delhi as a deviation from Moscows traditionally unequivocal support for India, especially given the gravity of the Pahalgam attack. Putins reassurance to India However, in what appears to be a damage-control move, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to PM Narendra Modi on Monday, strongly condemning the Pahalgam attack and offering full support in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The Kremlins statement notably omitted any mention of mediation, instead aligning squarely with Indias counterterrorism stance. He also emphasised the necessity of bringing the perpetrators and their supporters to justice. He also accepted PM Modis invitation to visit India later this year, signalling a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. A test for India-Russias special and privileged ties Historically, Russia has been Indias most reliable defence partner, supplying nearly 50% of Indias military hardware over the decades. Even as India diversifies its arms imports, Moscow remains crucial, evidenced by the recent Igla-S missile delivery to the Indian Army. The Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), worth 260 crore, were fast-tracked under emergency procurement, highlighting the strategic depth of bilateral defence ties. Complex geopolitics Moscows neutral rhetoric on Kashmir contrasts with its unambiguous support for India on terrorism, reflecting a delicate balancing act between New Delhis concerns and its geopolitical interests. As Russia reaffirms its strategic partnership with India, it also seeks to maintain cordial relations with Pakistan, experts said, adding that for India, Russias actions serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in international diplomacy. While Moscow remains a trusted ally, experts believe that New Delhi must consider these nuances to ensure its national interests are upheld. With nationalist leaders gaining ground from Romania to Poland, Trumps political brand is reshaping Europes right, challenging Brussels read more With George Simions victory in the first round of Romanias presidential re-run on Sunday, the influence of US President Donald Trumps political style is gaining traction across Europe. Latest to join the list, Simion is among the growing number of nationalist and Eurosceptic leaders rising to prominence in Central and Eastern Europe, mirroring the President Trumps populist rhetoric and policies. A vocal admirer of President Trump, Simion has embraced a nationalist, anti-establishment agenda that is in line with MAGA-style rhetoric. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Simion convincingly won the first round of elections on Sunday, making him a strong favourite to win the final round on May 18. Hungary and Slovakia have already seen the emergence of pro-Trump figures at the highest levels of government, with Hungarys and Slovakias prime ministers openly aligning with Trump-style nationalism and conservative values. More from World News Romanias hard-right Eurosceptic Simion wins first round in presidential re-run, signals nationalist surge After Trumps victory in November, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had hailed Trumps win as a much needed victory for the world, while Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico welcomed a defeat of liberal and progressive ideas. The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World! Orban had posted on X. Orban enjoys warm relations with his good friend Trump, whom he visited twice last year before the US presidential elections. In neighbouring Slovakia, Fico hailed the win of conservative oriented Trump. It is certainly a defeat of liberal and progressive ideas, AFP quoted Fico as saying at a press conference then. On May 18, Poland will hold the first round of a presidential ballot, where both the nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki and the far-right upstart Sawomir Mentzen have been making gains. If no candidate wins more than 50% of votes, a second round will be held two weeks later. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nawrocki met Trump this week a move seen as a symbolic nod to his ideological alignment with the President Trumps brand of politics. President Trump said you will win, Reuters quoted Nawrocki as saying to private broadcaster TV Republika. I read it as a kind of wish for my success in the upcoming elections, and also awareness of it, and after this whole day I can say that the American administration is aware of what is happening in Poland, he added. Polands PiS party, which backs presidential candidate Karol Nawrocki, has firmly aligned itself with President Trump, with its lawmakers famously chanting Trumps name in parliament following his re-election. Europe now faces the real prospect that, within weeks, two of Ukraines immediate neighbours Romania and Poland could be led by presidents who are openly hostile to Brussels and embracing a MAGA-style brand of politics. Congratulations, Nawrocki wrote to Simion in a message of support on X Monday, signaling growing solidarity among nationalist leaders in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If both are elected, Nawrocki and Simion would join Hungarys Viktor Orban and Slovakias Robert Fico to form a bloc of hard-right, Eurosceptic leaders united in challenging the EUs stance on issues such as migration, national sovereignty, LGBTQ+ rights, and relations with Russia. Elsewhere in Europe, Trump-aligned politics is also on the rise. In France, Marine Le Pen continues to be a powerful political force, with her party surging in opinion polls despite a ban on her candidacy. After she was barred from running for office for five years, President Trump said the courts decision to ban French far-right leader from seeking public office was a very big deal. I know all about it and a lot of people thought she wasnt going to be convicted for anything, Politico quoted Trump as saying. Le Pen, who is the leader of Frances far-right National Rally party, was found guilty of embezzling European Parliament funds and barred from running for office for five years. The decision means she will likely be unable to run for French president in 2027. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her nationalist and conservative views, is often described as a pro-Trump leader within the European context. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the European Parliament elections approach in June, the continent faces a political shift that could reshape its future direction one increasingly influenced by the legacy and tactics of President Trump. With inputs from agencies The citys airport has been the countrys entry point since the RSF occupied the Khartoum international airport at the start of the war read more Smoke rises from the airport of Port Sudan following reported attacks early on May 4, 2025. AFP Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces conducted a drone strike Sunday on a military airbase and civilian facilities in the coastal city of Port Sudan, according to the military. There were no deaths recorded in the Rapid Support Forces first documented raid on the Red Sea city. Port Sudan has acted as the governments temporary seat since the conflict between the military and the RSF paramilitary organisation began more than two years ago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, a spokesman for the Sudanese military, said RSF drones hit an ammunition warehouse in the Osman Digna airbase, causing explosions. The attack also hit a cargo warehouse and civilian installations, he said in a statement. Video footage posted on social media appeared to show plumes of thick smoke rising above the airbase. The attack briefly halted air traffic at Port Sudans airport, according to the Sudanese civil aviation authority. The citys airport has been the countrys entry point since the RSF occupied the Khartoum international airport at the start of the war. The miliary retook the capitals airport earlier this year but the facility has yet to be functional. There was no immediate comment from the RSF. The rebel group has stepped up its drone attacks on civilian facilities in military held areas in Sudan. Last month, the paramilitaries hit a major power plant in Atbara, a railway city, north of Khartoum. The drone attacks came after the military re-took Khartoum earlier this year, pushing the RSF to their stronghold in the western region of Darfur. As the military consolidated its positions in the capital, the RSF advanced in other areas in the countys peripheries, capturing Sudans largest camp for displaced people in North Darfur and a key town in West Kordofan province. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Activists accused the RSF of committing atrocities, including street killing and rape, in the two areas where hundreds of people were reported killed. Sudans ongoing war broke out on April 15, 2023 after simmering tensions between the military and the RSF exploded into open warfare across the country. Since then, at least 24,000 people have been killed, though the number is likely far higher. The war has driven about 13 million people from their homes, including 4 million who crossed into neighboring countries. It also pushed parts of the country into famine. The fighting has been marked by atrocities including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, especially in Darfur, according to the U.N. and international rights groups. No safe place Sudans government has accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the paramilitaries with advanced drones. The UAE has long denied reports from UN experts, US politicians and international organisations that it provided support to the RSF. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Satellite imagery analysed by Yale Universitys Humanitarian Research Lab, which tracks the conflict, shows six advanced drones at the RSF-controlled Nyala Airport in Darfur. In an April report, it said the Chinese-made drones may be capable of long-range surveillance and strikes. Saudi Arabia, which previously mediated truce talks, Sunday condemned RSF attacks on vital facilities and infrastructure in Port Sudan and Kassala. Egypt said the attacks undermine efforts to restore stability in the war-torn country. Sundays was the latest RSF drone attack on military and civilian infrastructure deep in army-held territory. A retired Sudanese army general told AFP on condition of anonymity such attacks serve to send a message that there is no safe place for the RSFs rivals. Their other objective is to halt air traffic, he said, and to impact the armed forces supply chain. Sheinbaum revealed at a public event on Saturday that she had rejected a proposal from Trump to send American troops to her country but said instead she had offered closer collaboration and information sharing read more President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he had offered to send US troops to Mexico in a call with its President Claudia Sheinbaum to combat drug trafficking. Sheinbaum revealed at a public event on Saturday that she had rejected a proposal from Trump to send American troops to her country but said instead she had offered closer collaboration and information sharing. Trump told reporters Sunday that its true he offered the deployment, claiming that cartels are horrible people that have been killing people left and right. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said that theyve made a fortune on selling drugs and destroying our people, adding: We lost 300,00 people last year to fentanyl and drugs. If Mexico wanted help with the cartels we would be honored to go in and do it. I told her that. I would be honored to go in and do it, he added. Trump has long complained and uses as an argument for imposing tariffs on the country that Mexico has not done enough to stop the trafficking of migrants and drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States. He angered Mexicans in early March when he said Americas southern neighbor was dominated entirely by criminal cartels that murder, rape, torture. On Sunday, he claimed that Sheinbaum had turned down his offer of troop contingents under the threat of reprisals from non-state armed groups. The president of Mexico is a lovely woman but she is so afraid of the cartels that she cant even think straight, Trump told reporters. As US President Donald Trumps tightens control over academia by proposing 2026 budget slashes NASAs funding by 24%, threatening to cancel major moon missions and crippling science programs, Europe is seizing the moment. At a Paris conference, French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a 500 million package to attract US-based scientists. read more As US President Donald Trump unveils a drastic cut to NASAs budget and tightens restrictions on academic institutions, European leaders are making a bold pitch to American scientists: relocate to a continent that values science and freedom. Trumps proposed 2026 federal budget includes a 24% reduction in NASAs funding, roughly $6 billion off its current $24.8 billion allocation. The cuts threaten to cancel cornerstone programs such as the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft, both critical to the Artemis mission aimed at returning humans to the Moon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The White House has criticised these projects as grossly expensive, with the SLS alone now 140% over budget and estimated to cost $4 billion per launch. It has flown only once, and its next flight isnt due until 2027. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin, which is building a fourth Orion spacecraft, could face the cancellation of its contract. Critics have slammed the cuts as a retreat from US leadership in space exploration with Trump instead steering funds toward Mars-focused programs, aligning with SpaceX CEO Elon Musks vision to colonise the Red Planet. While the administrations push toward Mars may thrill private space enthusiasts, the proposed budget slashes 47% from NASAs science programs and undermines years of bipartisan support for lunar missions involving US allies such as the European Space Agency, Canada and Japan. Europe seizes opportunity Sensing growing unease among American researchers, European leaders are stepping in. At a high-profile science conference hosted at Paris Sorbonne University on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a 500 million ($566 million) package aimed at luring scientists from the U.S. Dubbed Choose Europe for Science, the initiative will fund research projects and assist European universities in absorbing displaced academics. Macron pledged an additional 100 million from France and issued a direct appeal to researchers: If you love freedom, come and help us stay free. Von der Leyen highlighted Europes long-term commitment to science, calling it the cornerstone of the continents economic and democratic future. We are choosing to put research and innovation, science and technology, at the heart of our economy, she said, urging EU member states to invest at least 3% of their GDP in R&D by 2030. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Frances CNRS joins the call The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), one of Europes most prestigious institutions has also launched its initiative to attract talent. Its president, Antoine Petit, said the Choose CNRS programme is intended to welcome foreign researchers whose work is under threat in the US and offer refuge to French scientists who do not want to live and raise their children in Trumps United States. As the Trump administration continues to clash with US universities over funding and ideological control, Europe is positioning itself as a haven for academic freedom, backed not only by words but by robust financial incentives. Pushing forward with its mass deportation agenda, President Trumps administration said Monday that it would pay $1,000 to immigrants who are in the US illegally and return to their home country voluntarily read more Pushing forward with its mass deportation agenda, President Donald Trumps administration said Monday that it would pay $1,000 to immigrants who are in the United States illegally and return to their home country voluntarily. The Department of Homeland Security said in a news release that it would also pay for travel assistance and that people who use an app called CBP Home to tell the government they plan to return home will be deprioritized for detention and removal by immigration enforcement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest," Secretary Kristi Noem said. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App. The department said it had already paid for a plane ticket for one migrant to return home to Honduras from Chicago and said more tickets have been booked for this week and next. Trump made immigration enforcement and the mass deportation of immigrants in the United States illegally a centerpiece of his campaign, and he is following through during the first months of his administration. But it is a costly, resource-intensive endeavor. While the Republican administration is asking Congress for a massive increase in resources for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement department responsible for removing people from the country, its also pushing people in the country illegally to self-deport. It has coupled this self-deportation push with television ads threatening action against people in the U.S. illegally and social media images showing immigration enforcement arrests and migrants being sent to a prison in El Salvador. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration has often portrayed self-deportation as a way for migrants to preserve their ability to return to the US someday. But Aaron Reichlen-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, which advocates for immigrants, said theres a lot for migrants to be cautious about in the latest offer from Homeland Security. He said its often worse for people to leave the country and not fight their case in immigration court, especially if theyre already in removal proceedings. He said if migrants are in removal proceedings and dont show up in court they can automatically get a deportation order and leaving the country usually counts as abandoning many applications for relief including asylum applications. And Homeland Security is not indicating that it is closely coordinating with the immigration courts so that there are no repercussions for people in immigration court if they leave, he said. Peoples immigration status is not as simple as this makes it out to be," Reichlen-Melnick said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He questioned where Homeland Security would get the money and the authorization to make the payments and he suggested they are necessary because the administration cant arrest and remove as many people as it has promised so it has to encourage people to do it on their own. Theyre not getting their numbers," he said. As part of its self-deportation effort, the Trump administration has transformed an app that had been used by the Biden administration to allow nearly 1 million migrants to schedule appointments to enter the country into a tool to help migrants return home. Under the Biden administration, it was called CBP One; now its dubbed CBP Home. Homeland Security said thousands of migrants have used the app to self-deport. But Mark Krikorian, who heads the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for less immigration, said he doesnt see the offer of paying people to go home as an admission that something in the Trump administrations immigration enforcement agenda isnt working. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Considering the millions of people who are in the country illegally, he said, its impossible to deport all of them so the administration has to combine its own enforcement efforts with encouraging people to go home voluntarily. Krikorian said he supports the idea of paying migrants to leave although he questioned how it would work in reality. How do you make sure that theyve actually gone home? Do you make them sign an agreement where they agree not to challenge their removal if they were to come back? he questioned. The execution matters, but the concept is sound. In the coming months, Ukraine is expected to get two more Patriot air defence systems at a time when Russia has stepped up aerial bombardment read more A general view of surface-to-air missile launchers of the Patriot (Wisla) system newly added into the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) at an army base in Sochaczew, Poland, December 18, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) As Russia has stepped up attacks, Ukraine is about to get two more Patriot air defence systems in the coming months. The United States is sending one Patriot air defence system currently deployed in Israel to Ukraine and Germany or Greece are arranging one system from amongst themselves, according to The New York Times. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been asking more air defence systems, particularly the US-made Patriots, for several months. US President Donald Trump had berated him last month for such requests, saying that he was always looking to purchase missiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraine currently has eight Patriot systems and six of them are currently operational, as per The Times. Patriot is a surface-to-air (SAM) missile system that is used for defence against aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. It comprises radar, guiding system, and missiles. The radar can detect incoming threats as far as 150 kilometres away and launch guided missiles accordingly to neutralise them. Patriot transfer approved by Biden: Report A former White House official told The Times that the transfer of Patriot system from Israel to Ukraine was approved by former President Joe Biden. The Patriot system is currently being refurbished in Israel and would be transferred to Ukraine by the end of the summer, according to the newspaper. Even as Trump has been dismissive of Ukrainian requirements, the Department of Defense told the newspaper that it continues to provide equipment to Ukraine from previously authorised packages. Of the eight Patriot systems with Ukraine at the moment, only six are functional and two are in the process of being refurbished, as per the newspaper. The news of the transfer comes at a time when Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks as Trump has increasingly supported Russia. While Trump had always been critical of the support for Ukraine and friendly with Russia, he has aligned the United States completely with Russia in his second term. He has entered into negotiations with Russia for a reset in bilateral relationships and has floated peace plans that contain some of the biggest Russian demands. However, Russia has still rejected all three ceasefire proposals and one comprehensive plan floated by Trump. Yet it is Ukraine that Trump has bashed repeatedly instead of Russia or its leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US President Donald Trumps administration has not yet made any final decisions on foreign film tariffs, but is exploring all options to deliver on the presidents directive concerning Hollywood: White House read more US President Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, citing a sharp decline in domestic film production and claiming the American movie industry is facing a very fast death due to foreign incentives luring filmmakers. In his Truth Social post announcing the new tariff, Trump said he was authorizing the relevant government agencies such as the Department of Commerce to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States. However, White House spokesman Kush Desai clarified on Monday that no final decision has been made and that all options remain under consideration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A White House official noted that Hollywood experienced a nearly 30% drop in feature film shoot days during the first quarter of 2025, with just 451 days logged, underscoring concerns within the administration. No details have been released on the legal grounds or implementation process for the proposed tariffs, leaving the film industry uncertain about the potential impact. Although no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made, the administration is exploring all options to deliver on President Trumps directive to safeguard our countrys national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again, Desai said. The US Trade Representatives office had no immediate comment. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said simply, Were on it. With inputs from agencies Update: motorola has now confirmed the launch of razr 60 ultra smartphone in India on May 13th. It will be available in single 16GB + 512GB model in PANTONE Scarab, PANTONE Rio red and PANTONE Mountain Trail colours. Earlier: motorola introduced the razr 60 ultra smartphone globally last month, and now the company has confirmed the launch of the phone in India. The teaser says that it is the most powerful flip phone in the world with Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. The teaser highlights moto AI features and shows the phone in Rio Red and Mountain Trail colours. The phone will be sold on Amazon.in, in addition to motorola.com and offline stores. We should know more details about the launch in the coming days. motorola razr 60 ultra specifications Internal 7-inch (12242992 pixels) FlexView 1.5K pOLED LTPO display, 1-165Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, up to 4,000 nits peak brightness External 4 (12721080 pixels) QuickView pOLED LTPO display, 1-165Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic protection, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness Octa Core Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 830 GPU 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 512GB UFS 4.1 storage Android 15 Dual SIM (eSIM + nano) 50MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, 50MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.0 aperture 50MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture USB Type-C Audio, Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos Dimensions: 73.99 mm (open and closed) x 171.48 mm (open) / 88.12 mm (closed) x 7.29 mm (open) / 15.69 mm (closed); Weight:189g Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Water resistant (IP48) 5G SA/NSA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax (2.4GHz/5GHz) MIMO, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC 4700mAh battery, 68W TurboPower fast charging, 30W wireless charging There is a huge range available: cellulose sheets, gel, cream, clay, activated charcoal or peel-off when it comes to highly concentrated facial masks, there is something for any skin concern. They are advertised as targeting the signs of the skins natural aging process. In fact, conventional face masks do moisturize and plump the skin for a short time but so far, there has been no scientific proof of manufacturers anti-aging promises of long-term wrinkle reduction. In the Cosmetic Silica Mask (CoSiMa) project, researchers from Fraunhofer TLC-RT at Fraunhofer ISC teamed up with B-COS GmbH to develop a cosmetic face mask system that stimulates the bodys natural production of collagen, reducing the formation of wrinkles with lasting effects. The project received funding as part of the German governments Central Innovation Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand, ZIM) and additional support from the Fraunhofer AHEAD spin-off program. Plans call for the cosmetic product to be launched on the market later this year. The mask, which features the patented Fraunhofer RENACER technology, will be marketed by a spin-off called CoSiMa GmbH. Anti-aging effect proven in studies The two-component system consists of a mask or pads made of silica gel nonwoven fabric that, when exposed to an activation solution designed specifically for this purpose, dissolve on the surface of the skin, releasing ortho-silicic acid. The fabric underwent ongoing development and refinement for a wide range of different applications over a period of decades. The CoSiMa team including Dr. Sofia Dembski, Dr. Jorn Probst and Dr. Bastian Christ, all researchers in the Biomaterials team at Fraunhofer TLC-RT had already been able to demonstrate through in vitro tests that the ortho-silicic acid stimulates collagen production in the skin. The independent dermatological testing institute Dermatest confirmed in a study commissioned by collaboration partner B-COS GmbH that wrinkle depth was reduced and skin was firmer and had greater moisture content even before the four-week test phase was concluded. With advancing age, people become increasingly deficient in collagen, which is the main cause of wrinkles forming. This makes it important to strengthen the connective tissue. Our mask is proven to fight the loss of collagen, Dembski explains. The mask, which is available in prototype form, comprises a set of five pads, which are placed in the under-eye area, on the forehead and at the corners of the mouth. The pads are moistened with the activation solution that comes with the mask and then left in place for a short time to take effect. After that, the RENACER fibers can be massaged in and fully absorbed by the skin. One hundred percent of the ingredients penetrate the skin. The activation solution delivers an additional moisture boost combined with an instant feeling of hydration and freshness. Sustainable, biodegradable cosmetic product Some of the face masks commonly found on the market today contain ingredients that can potentially cause allergic reactions and synthetic polymers, some of which persist over long periods in the environment and can pollute wastewater unnecessarily, even though they are present in dissolved form, unlike solid microplastic particles. By contrast, the Fraunhofer TLC-RT face mask is completely biodegradable after the activation solution is applied, with proven bioavailability and no ingredients of toxicological concern, and unlike standard commercially available sheet masks, it also does not generate any cellulose waste, which poses challenges for water treatment systems. Ortho-silicic acid is the natural form of silicon found in plants and other life forms, so our cosmetic product does not contain anything not found in nature. Instead, we use a natural substance that, as a product of the evolutionary process, is involved in certain functions in the human body, such as building connective tissue, Christ says. Consumers are increasingly focusing on sustainability in cosmetics and turning to products that do not harm the environment. Our anti-aging face mask satisfies this point a hundred percent, Probst adds. A bill that would put an end to wild bison being legally shot and killed without a license when they stray into Colorado has cleared the state legislature and is headed to the desk of Gov. Jared Polis. Senate Bill 53, which designates wild bison as big game wildlife, cleared the state House of Representatives Monday by a 40-24 vote, and the Senate previously voted 24-11 to approved it. If the bill becomes law, its biggest immediate effect will be to help address a situation in which wild bison in Utahs Book Cliffs have wandered into northwest Colorado and been killed in instances of unregulated hunting. Over the years Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have variously estimated that anywhere from about a dozen to perhaps as many as 30 have been killed over the course of a couple of decades. This valued native species had no protections under Colorado law, and the people killing the animals were legally able to do so. The Protect Wild Bison bill makes that a crime, similar to poaching other threatened wildlife, bill supporters including the Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, Environment Colorado and Colorado Wildlife Federation said in a news release. Currently, Colorado law recognizes bison only as livestock. The laws designation of bison as wildlife wouldnt apply to privately owned bison. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. The state Parks and Wildlife Commission previously had rejected a petition to classify bison as both big game wildlife and livestock. Agency staff instead formed a working group to look at the matter more closely and do local outreach, and heard opposition at a meeting in Rangely to the idea of designating bison as wildlife. Some of the concerns include the potential for disease to spread to livestock if wild bison are in the area and the prospect of dealing with wild bison when the region already is coping with the impacts of the reintroduction of gray wolves into Colorado. Among those voting no on the bill in the House were Reps. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction; Megan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs; and Matt Soper, R-Delta. Sens. Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, voted against it, while Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, voted in favor. The bill was one of three that the legislatures American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee recommended for consideration in this years legislative session. The bills text says that more than 30 million bison were killed over 40 years in the United States under a government-implemented policy. Colorado seeks to protect, serve, and honor the enduring bond between bison and American Indians and Tribal Nations by classifying certain bison as wildlife. This action represents a step toward making amends for the attempted genocide of American Indians through the eradication of their food source, the bison, the bill states. It says that Parks and Wildlife may issue resident and nonresident bison hunting licenses at a cost of $374.22 and $2,756.74, respectively. Illegally possessing wild bison would be a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to a year in jail, license suspension points or suspension or loss of hunting privileges, a fine of up to $100,000 and an additional penalty of $10,000 per bison involved. Parks and Wildlife also could bring a civil action seeking the recovery of $1,000 per bison involved. Polis spokesperson Shelby Wieman said in an emailed statement Wednesday, The Governor has long been in favor of allowing dual classification for bison in Colorado, as either livestock or wildlife. This bill is a step forward in recognizing iconic bison as wildlife, especially those individual wild bison coming into Colorado from the Utah Book Cliffs herd. Bison currently have no protection when entering our state. He will review the final version of this bill when it reaches his desk. One defendant in a lawsuit filed after a triple-fatal Jeep crash in Ouray County succeeded in having the claims against her dismissed. In an April 25 order, the U.S. District Court dismissed Judy Lindberg from a complaint filed against Colorado West Jeep Rentals and the estate of Jeep tour driver Don Fehd. The same court struck dismissal motions from two other purported tour company owners, Gary Lindberg and Kathy Lindberg, finding the motions did not comply with court rules related to page number limits. The court also denied, at least for now, the defendants request to have the case heard at federal court in either Grand Junction or Durango. Colorado West operates Jeep tours in Ouray County. On Sept. 12, 2022, Diana Robles and her aunt, Ofelia Perez, headed out in a Jeep with tour driver Fehd. The Jeeps tires caught the edge of Camp Bird Road, slipped, and traveled about 36 feet before hitting a bank, traveling a bit further and falling off the cliff 69 feet before crashing on an outcropping, dropping again to hit another steep bank and rolling to the bottom of the canyon near the creek, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Fehd was thrown from the vehicle and killed. Robles and Perez were properly restrained, but Perez was partly ejected from the Jeep, which was almost completely crushed. Neither woman survived. Robles parents and Perezs husband sued in 2024, alleging wrongful death against Fehds estate, and vicarious liability against Kathy, Judy and Gary Lindberg, as well as Jeffrey Lindberg, who apparently has yet to be formally served with the complaint. The plaintiffs allege Fehd had alcohol in his system and that the Lindbergs, as company owners, knowingly employed Fehd despite alleged drinking problems. A Colorado State Patrol report found neither speed nor reckless driving were factors in the crash. The report also cited the coroners findings, which were that the alcohol in Fehds system postmortem was due to decomposition and delay of refrigeration immediately after the crash. Judy Lindberg filed a motion for dismissal in February. Her attorney spotlighted the above information in the report and said there is no plausible claim against Lindberg. The plaintiffs did not establish that she knew of an unreasonable risk of harm to others by an employee, he said, calling absurd the plaintiffs conclusions that Lindberg knew about Fehds participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, yet continued to employ him. In the April 25 order, U.S. District Judge S. Kato Crews agreed insufficient factual allegations for personal liability had been raised. The problem for plaintiffs on their claims of relief against Judy is they group-plead their allegations. Nowhere does the complaint allege facts regarding Judys specific acts or omissions that resulted in these deaths, which causes the allegations involving her to be merely conclusory. Without more by way of factual allegations involving Judy specifically, the complaint fails to allege plausible claims against her, Crews order says. Judy Lindberg was dismissed from the action without prejudice, leaving open the potential for a new action to be filed naming her. Crews also ruled on a venue change motion other defendants filed. They had argued that the bulk of witnesses and parties live in Ouray County, so it was in the interests of judicial economy to hold trial closer to home, however, Crews said the U.S. District of Colorado is a single judicial district and local rules do not contain provisions for allowing a venue change within the district. Also, if trial were to be held in Grand Junction or Durango, the case would not simply transfer to a federal judge in either of those courtrooms. Instead, Crews would retain the case, requiring him and his staff to travel. The request to change the venue is premature, Crews said, holding open the door for reconsidering it at the final pretrial conference, which is not yet set. In Alaska, Nordhaus Sees National Guardsmen Defending the Homeland, Enabling Global Power Projection By Master Sgt. Zach Sheely National Guard Bureau May 2, 2025 EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- From within Alaska's vast Interior, Alaska National Guardsmen defend the homeland from long-range missile attacks and enable global power projection. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited Fort Greely and Eielson Air Force Base this week to meet with the Soldiers and Airmen charged with these missions and to receive in-depth operations updates. While at Fort Greelysituated about 90 miles southeast of FairbanksNordhaus visited the 49th Missile Defense Battalion, the only military unit that executes ICBM defense using ground-based interceptor, or GBI, missiles. 49th Battalion Soldiers operate and secure the ground-based midcourse defense system as part of America's ballistic missile defense enterprise under the authority of U.S. Northern Command. Most of the nation's operational GBIs are emplaced there. "I highlight your unit and mission with every group I talk to to outline the critical and unique mission sets in the National Guard," Nordhaus said to a group of 49th Missile Defense Battalion Soldiers. "Defense of the homeland starts right here at Fort Greely. What you do here to protect our nation, and our fellow citizens is commendable." The 49th is a subordinate battalion of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade, a multi-component Colorado Army National Guard unit in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 49th Battalion is manned exclusively by National Guardsmen, earning the unit the unofficial moniker: "the 300 defending 300 million"an ode to Sparta's citizen-warriors who fearlessly held off the much larger Persian Army in the Battle at Thermopylae. Though those numbers no longer fit because the unit has grown, as has the U.S. population, Army Lt. Col. Jorge Lorenzana, the 49th Missile Defense Battalion commander, said the sentiment remains. "This mission is a cornerstone of everything the National Guard is about," he said. "These Soldiers up here fully grasp the significance of this mission, and many embrace the Alaska lifestyle and make long-term homes here." Because the Missile Defense Complex has expanded to accommodate future capabilities, in 2020, National Guard military police units from the Lower 48 began to rotate through Greely to augment the organic Alaska Guard MP company. Nordhaus met with many military police who work around the clock to secure the complex in some of the most unique and austere conditions on any Army post. Winter temperatures routinely drop well into the negative degrees. Because of Alaska's unique geographic location and the post's remoteness, the MPs must be prepared to leverage capabilities against complex next-generation threats, including rapid advancements in low-cost enemy air and missile technologies. Lorenzana said as the mission continues to grow and evolve as threats change, so too, must the unit. He also emphasized to the CNGB the high state of unit readiness, both in missile defense and site security. "This is a presidentially directed mission," he said, "we can't fail because America is counting on us." On Eielson, Nordhaus received updates on the strategic viewpoint from the Air Force's 354th Fighter Wing leadership. The 354th Wing is the northernmost U.S. fighter wing and is the host wing on Eielson, which also supports the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Wing. The 354th Wing performs battlefield air interdiction and close air support. The base is also equipped with F-35A squadrons for combat readiness in the Northern Hemisphere. Specifically, Eielson is equipped with the 355th Fighter Squadron and the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, which play a key role in air defense and offensive operations. Airmen of the 168th work closely with Air Force units here to provide prompt and sustained combat and homeland defense capabilities across multiple domains through the combined operations of air refueling, missile warning and space surveillance, which Nordhaus called an impressive display of Total Force Integration. Nordhaus said Alaska is "the most strategic place on the planet." It straddles the two Department of Defense priority theaters: the homeland and the Indo-Pacific. "These Guardsmen here are enabling global air power, by fueling fighters and bombers, to help our nation achieve peace through strength," Nordhaus said. Tech. Sgt. Tyler Winterton, the 168th Operations Support Squadron KC-135 weapons and tactics NCOIC, said he joined the National Guard because he wanted to serve close to home. "I've learned what the KC-135 mission set is," he said. "It's a true weapons system platform that enables global air power anytime, anywhere." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Michigan-Sierra Leone Partnership Moves Ahead with Multidisciplinary Engagements By Capt. Andrew Layton, Michigan National Guard May 2, 2025 FREETOWN, Sierra Leone -- The partnership between the Michigan National Guard and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) took another step forward April 11-18 with three separate engagements conducted at various RSLAF facilities in Sierra Leone's capital region. Cooperation focused on professional military education, vehicle operations and fleet management, and disaster response planning and interagency cooperation. Each event supported the priorities identified for the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program by Sierra Leone's senior military leaders in 2024, when the partnership began. After a formal signing ceremony in September, teams from Michigan visited Freetown in November to establish the professional military education and vehicle operations lines of effort, in addition to promoting military justice and the rule of law. "We are moving forward to deepen ties with our partners in the RSLAF and to support lines of effort that make both our organizations stronger, more fluent, and more prepared to conduct our respective missions," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Scott House, the Michigan National Guard's executive integrator for the Sierra Leone SPP. "Less than one year into this relationship, we've already conducted six events in Sierra Leone, setting a foundation for mutual understanding that we will keep building upon." Planning is underway for members of the RSLAF to observe exercise Northern Strike in Michigan this August. Northern Strike is one of the Department of Defense's largest reserve component exercises, hosted annually at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in northern Michigan. This year's Northern Strike is expected to draw approximately 7,000 participants from nearly every service component and branch of the U.S. armed forces. "We appreciate this partnership with the Michigan National Guard and look forward to developing the full benefit of our cooperation," said RSLAF Brig. Gen. Sahr David Ngaujah, RSLAF chief of general staff. "There are more good things to come as our relationship grows." The SPP supports U.S. State Department and Department of Defense objectives by linking the National Guard of a U.S. state with the armed forces of a sovereign partner nation for mutually beneficial security cooperation. The SPP began in 1993 with 13 partners and has grown to include 106 partnerships with 115 nations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Defence of UNRWA, OIC Presents Pleadings Before ICJ Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 02-05-2025 The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) presented its case on May 02, 2025, before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, seeking an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations regarding the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories. This request was made at the behest of the UN General Assembly. Through its submissions, the OIC aims to compel Israel, as the occupying power, to lift the restrictions imposed on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The OIC General Secretariat was represented during the session by the Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs, Amb. Samir Bakr Diab. In his address to the Court, he expressed hope that the advisory opinion would provide an opportunity to affirm Israel's responsibility for aggression against the Gaza Strip, bring an end to the occupation of Palestinian territory, and eliminate the obstacles in its path. He highlighted the recent actions taken by Israel against the operations of United Nations organizations in the occupied Palestinian territory, emphasizing the OIC's rejection of these measures. This includes the racist and illegal laws that target UNRWA and the attempts to restrict or eliminate its role. He called upon all states to enhance their political, legal, and financial support for the Agency. Amb. Diab underscored the seriousness of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, stressing the need to compel Israel to permanently cease its aggression, facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes, withdraw its occupying forces, open all crossings, and ensure the adequate delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip. He asserted that these actions must comply with Israel's obligations as the occupying power under international law, international humanitarian law, and relevant United Nations resolutions. On behalf of the OIC, he condemned the starvation and scorched-earth policies aimed at forcing the Palestinian people to abandon their homeland and rejected any Israeli attempts to alter the demographic composition of the Palestinian territory. Following Amb. Diab's speech, Ms. Shmeileh Gendroe, the OIC's Legal Advisor, presented the legal aspects of the OIC's argument. She pointed out that the laws passed by the Israeli Knesset on October 28, 2024, which attempted to terminate UNRWA's activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to the unilateral withdrawal from the exchange of letters signed in Al-Quds on June 14, 1967, on November 3, 2024, are illegal and inconsistent with Articles 2, paragraph 5, and 105 of the United Nations Charter. These articles require Israel, as the occupying power, to assist UNRWA in all its activities and grant its agents the privileges and immunities necessary to carry out their functions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with President Abinader of Dominican Republic US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson May 2, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader. Both leaders reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Dominican partnership and ongoing collaboration on regional challenges including countering illegal immigration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgia: Statement by the Spokesperson on Russia's latest violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia European External Action Service (EEAS) 03.05.2025 EEAS Press Team The European Union deplores the unilateral decision by the Russian Federation to launch regular commercial passenger flights to Sukhumi in Georgia's occupied breakaway region of Abkhazia. This action, taken without the consent of the Georgian authorities and in the absence of a necessary international aviation code for the Sukhumi airport, is yet another step by the Russian Federation violating Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union reiterates its firm support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CCG deploys helicopter to expel Japanese aircraft illegally entering China's airspace over Diaoyu Dao Global Times By Global Times Published: May 03, 2025 08:37 PM On Saturday, while China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were conducting a routine patrol in the waters surrounding the Diaoyu Dao in accordance with the law, a Japanese civilian aircraft illegally entered China's airspace over Diaoyu Dao at 11:19 am and exited at 11:24 am. In response, the CCG promptly implemented necessary control measures and dispatched a shipborne helicopter to issue a warning and drive it away, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement. "The Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islets are China's inherent territory. We urge the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities," the spokesperson said. "The China Coast Guard will continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement operations in the waters and airspace of Diaoyu Dao to firmly safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests." On Saturday, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao lodged a solemn representation with Japan's Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi over the intrusion of a Japanese civilian aircraft into the airspace of China's Diaoyu Dao. Wu said the Japanese government had allowed a Japanese civilian aircraft to illegally enter the airspace of the Diaoyu Islands, constituting a severe violation of China's sovereignty, according to a release from the Chinese Embassy in Japan. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this action and has already taken necessary control measures in accordance with the law to warn and expel the aircraft. China urges the Japanese side to recognize the seriousness of the situation and take practical measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. The Diaoyu Dao and their affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. If the Japanese side takes new provocative actions, China will undoubtedly take resolute countermeasures to steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the release stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ten die in China boat capsize accident Xinhua) 15:24, May 05, 2025 GUIYANG, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The last missing person in a boat capsize incident in southwest China's Guizhou Province has been confirmed dead, according to local rescue headquarters. All those involved in the boat capsize accident have been found as of 12:45 pm local time on Monday, with 10 people dead, 70 injured and 4 uninjured. Four boats capsized in sudden strong winds in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province on Sunday afternoon, plunging 84 individuals into the water. Provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders to coordinate rescue efforts. The aftermath handling of the accident is still proceeding. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Iran deplores Israeli drone attack on Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ship IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned an Israeli attack on an unarmed civilian vessel carrying humanitarian aid and activists to the war-torn Gaza Strip. "The attack on 'the Conscience' ship was carried out in line with the colonial project of genocide and extermination of the Palestinian people," Baqaei said in a statement on Saturday. He said the Israeli regime targeted the aid ship with the objective of maintaining its blockade of food and medicine to Gaza. "It is a terrorist act against the security and safety of navigation as well as an attack on the foundations of international humanitarian law," he said. "Depriving the wounded, sick, and grieving children and women in Gaza of food, water, and medicine is a clear example of war crime and a crime against humanity," Baqaei added. Reiterating Iran's solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson called on the international community and Islamic countries to firmly condemn Israel and hold the regime's officials accountable for their actions. The aid ship was bombed by drones and disabled off Malta as it was headed towards the Palestinian territory early on Friday. Images posted on social media showed a blaze and two explosions on the Conscience, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship, that, according to its organizers, came under direct attack in international waters. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump wants $1 trillion for defense, while slashing domestic programs in 2026 budget proposal IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a whopping $1.01 trillion in defense spending for the next fiscal year, a 13% increase at a time when he is calling for major cuts to domestic programs. The White House unveiled a budget blueprint on Friday that calls for an additional $119 billion to the reconciliation bill currently being debated in Congress, which includes an overhaul of the Pentagon. The defense spending proposal is at par with Trump's stated priorities for extra cash to strengthen homeland security, deterring China in the Indo-Pacific, and revitalizing the U.S. defense and immigration enforcement capabilities. But the proposed slashing of $163 billion or a 23% cut to non-defense spending would eliminate a vast set of climate, education, health and housing programs, including some that benefit the poor. Democratic members of Congress have objected to raising defense funding without corresponding increases to some non-defense sectors. However, some Republican hawks have expressed disappointment over the planned budget, arguing that, minus the reconciliation bill, it keeps defense spending unchanged. The administration "is not requesting a one trillion-dollar budget. It is requesting a budget of $892.6 billion," Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker said, blaming Trump's advisers for "apparently not listening" to the president. "For the defense budget, OMB (Office of Management and Budget) has requested a fifth year straight of the Biden-era funding, leaving military spending flat," he claimed. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli attacks kill 77 Palestinians in Gaza, raising total death toll to 52,495 IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 The death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 52,495 as the Israeli aggression against Palestinians in the besieged enclave continues unabated, authorities reported on Saturday. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that 77 people were killed and 275 others injured in the past 24 hours. According to the report, 2,396 people have been killed and 6,325 others injured since March 18, when Israel resumed its military assault in violation of a ceasefire. The ministry also stated that a total of 118,366 people have been injured in Israeli attacks since the war began on October 7, 2023. 2050**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah chief reaffirms commitment to resistance against occupation IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 The Secretary General of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has reaffirmed the movement's unwavering commitment to its resistance project. Sheikh Qassem emphasized Hezbollah's influential role, alongside the Lebanese Amal Movement and other allies, in shaping Lebanon's domestic affairs. He said that Hezbollah would cooperate with political partners and different factions to revitalize Lebanon's economy and reconstruct the areas damaged by Israeli aggression. He also stressed Hezbollah's commitment to combating corruption, recovering public assets, and ensuring governance based on the rule of law. Sheikh Qassem also underscored Hezbollah's opposition to occupation, settlement expansion, and efforts to normalize ties with Israel. He described normalization between Israel and certain Arab regimes as an attempt to undermine the Palestinian cause and weaken Lebanon's resistance movement. 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNICEF: Gaza children face growing risk of starvation, illness, and death IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, officially United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in a statement announced that the Israeli regime's relentless bombardments in Gaza has deprived children of essential goods, services, and lifesaving care and has put them at risk of starvation, illness, and death. "For two months, children in the Gaza Strip have faced relentless bombardments while being deprived of essential goods, services and lifesaving care," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in her statement on the situation for children in the Gaza Strip after two months of aid blockade on Friday. "With each passing day of the aid blockade, they face the growing risk of starvation, illness and death - nothing can justify this," she added. Russell called for the immediate lifting of Gaza's blockade, entry of commercial goods into Gaza, for the release of the prisoners, and for the protection of all children. Meanwhile, the medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported that 60% of children are suffering from malnutrition due to the lack of food and medicine and the ongoing blockade imposed by the Israeli regime. An estimated 60,000 children in Gaza face acute malnutrition under Israel's blockade, which also restricts critical medical aid, pushing the region into famine, Qatari media quoted head of Gaza hospitals as saying. In the meantime, Kuwait Specialty Hospital in southern Gaza warned that the two-month closure of border crossings threatens critical shortages of food and life-saving medications. Earlier on April 30, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague that "the Israeli regime's policies against Palestinians are a clear example of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity." 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 stated. 9376***9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran strongly condemns U.S. war crimes in Yemen IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 Foreign Ministry spokeperson Esmaeil Baqaei strongly condemned the repeated attacks by the U.S. army over the past 24 hours on various areas of the provinces of Sanaa, Saada, and Al-Jawf in Yemen, targeting the infrastructure and residential areas of Yemen. Baqaei called the U.S. military aggression against Yemen a clear violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen and a gross violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and the rules of international law, and emphasized that these attacks are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity because they target residential areas and vital infrastructure in Yemen. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed regret over the inaction of the United Nations and the U.N. Security Council in response to the blatant violation of the law and the killing of innocent people by the U.S., and said that the continued U.S. aggression in Yemen is causing increasing insecurity in the West Asian region, and reminded all countries in the region of the shared responsibility to confront the war-mongering and lawlessness of the U.S. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At least 32 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza: civil defense People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:27, May 03, 2025 GAZA, May 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 32 Palestinians have been killed and many others injured in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Friday, the enclave's Civil Defense reported. Six people were killed and several others injured in an Israeli raid targeting a charitable hospice near the Abdel-Al Junction in the center of Gaza City, and two were killed in an Israeli shelling targeting a house in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood north of the city, Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal told Xinhua. In northern Gaza, at least six people were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a funeral home for the al-Masri family in the town of Beit Lahia, Basal said. In central Gaza, at least nine were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a house belonging to the Abu Zeina family in al-Bureij refugee camp, Basal added. In southern Gaza, two were killed in an Israeli strike at a gathering of civilians near the town of Asdaa in the governorate of Khan Younis, at least two others were killed in an Israeli drone strike at a group of civilians in the Qizan al-Najjar area south of Khan Younis, and five more were killed in other raids on different areas of Rafah and Khan Younis, Basal said. The Israeli army has not commented on these incidents yet. Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2 following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The second phase has yet to be implemented due to a lack of consensus between the parties. On March 18, Israel resumed its military operations in the enclave. At least 2,326 Palestinians had been killed and 6,050 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes, Gaza-based health authorities said Thursday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NMC: China's 'seizure' of Sandy Cay 'clear example of disinformation' Philippine News Agency By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos May 3, 2025, 12:55 pm MANILA -- The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Saturday slammed China's disinformation activities by announcing that it has taken control of Sandy Cay (Pag-asa Cay 2), a sandbar near Pag-asa Island and within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. In a statement, the NMC lamented that the Chinese government is using its state-controlled media to sow disinformation "to mislead its own people and the international community about the continuing illegality of its activities in the West Philippine Sea." "The alleged seizure of Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay), an integral part of the Philippine national territory in the West Philippine Sea, was a clear example of the disinformation activities of the Chinese government, where it made it appear that China has effective control of the cay by displaying its flag and conducting waste collection," it said. "The Philippines is firm in protecting its vast maritime domain, and is unwavering in fighting false allegations that detract from the country's lawful exercise of its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction," the NMC added. The NMC said the degradation of the environment around Pag-asa Island and its cays was largely caused by the constant illegal swarming of Chinese vessels in the area and the damaging impact of China's massive artificial island-building in Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), a low-tide elevation that forms part of the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island and its cays. It urged China to comply with its obligations under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. It also called for the proper implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. "The Philippines will consistently pursue peaceful means for resolving disputes and constructive approaches to managing differences, while also continuing its lawful and routine activities in the West Philippine Sea, consistent with its maritime entitlements under international law," the NMC said. Based on the earlier reports of Beijing's state media, the Chinese Coast Guard "implemented maritime control" over Sandy Cay last month. 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 maritime feature, calling it Tiexian Jiao. The Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group conducted a routine visit to Sandy Cay and the surrounding waters of Cay 1 and Cay 3 on Monday to counter China's narrative. The Philippines also raised its flag on Sandy Cay to assert its sovereign rights over the area. (PNA NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH delegation meets with US trade rep amid Trump tariffs Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora May 3, 2025, 12:27 pm MANILA -- A high-level economic delegation from the Philippines met and had "productive" and "positive" talks with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington DC on May 2, the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC said Saturday. The meeting comes as the Philippine government seeks to negotiate the paused 17 percent reciprocal tariff imposed on the country by US President Donald Trump. "Both countries agreed to undertake concrete steps in recognition of the complementary nature of our economies and the strategic value of our alliance," the Philippine Embassy said. Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez declined to discuss further details about the talks but said Manila hopes to close a deal beneficial to both countries. "We cannot discuss details for now. We are confident both countries will come up with a good and mutually beneficial agreement," he told the Philippine News Agency in a text message. Asked if there would be a second round of talks, Romualdez, said, "We will wait for the next steps to be taken." The Philippine delegation was led by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Romualdez. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of the Philippine-US trade and investment relations, especially in the context of "economic security and fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade." The embassy said both sides welcomed the "positive outcome of the discussions" and underscored the importance of an "economically and strategically strong partnership" between the two states. Before the meeting, Roque was quoted as saying that Manila aims to bring down the tariff rate on Philippine goods down to "zero tariff." Trump announced a 90-day pause on the higher reciprocal tariffs the US imposed on most countries on April 9 but the blanket 10 percent duty on all its trading partners remains. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan warns India of 'befitting response' in case of attack Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 11:55 PM Pakistan's Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar repeats Islamabad's stern warnings about the consequences of a potential attack by India amid simmering tensions that have followed a terror attack in the Indian-administered Kashmir. Echoing his earlier statements, the official said Pakistan had received "credible information" about an Indian plan to launch a military attack. "If India attacks, it will meet befitting response," he added, speaking in an exclusive interview on Pakistan's Dunya TV, the channel reported on Sunday. The minister noted the active role of Pakistan's Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir amid the situation, again underlining military preparedness on the part of his country in the face of potential armed conflict. The official, meanwhile, rejected, what he called, India's narrative regarding ongoing issues, saying New Delhi was facing "diplomatic embarrassment on the global stage." He also said Pakistan was presenting its case "effectively," attempting to garner support, and making its stance known worldwide. According to Tarar, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been in communication with countries like China and Saudi Arabia to convey Islamabad's stance concerning "India's provocative stance." "The Indian narrative is false. India is embarrassed diplomatically. Pakistan, on the other hand, is succeeding in presenting its case on the global front," he said. The terror attack in the town of Pahalgam claimed the lives of at least 26 tourists on April 22, 2025. Pakistan has rejected any role. Since the indecent, 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. 'Pakistan won't brook India's suspension of water treaty' Tarar said suspension of the water treaty was an "unprovoked and reckless move." "India's hasty move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty was a childish act," he said, adding that Pakistan would not tolerate such measures. The official additionally said the Pakistani delegations, which were being sent to various countries towards reinforcing Islamabad's stance on the status quo, would address, what he termed as, "India's terrorism" to the world. Despite the atmosphere of intensified strain on the countries' relations, especially in the aftermath of the terrorist assault, neighboring countries, global actors, and international organizations, including the United Nations, have been urging both sides to de-escalate and resolve their issues peacefully. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blatant crime: Iran censures Israel's attack on Gaza-bound aid ship off Malta Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 5:53 PM Iran has denounced Israel's "blatant crime" in conducting a drone attack on a Gaza-bound ship carrying humanitarian aid and activists off the coast of Malta in international waters. In a statement on Saturday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the drone attack "is a blatant crime against the people of Palestine and a terrorist act against maritime security and safety." A vessel belonging to the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, the Conscience, came under attack by an Israeli drone strike in international waters near Malta, while it was attempting to bring humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian territory. The attack caused an explosion and fire. The Maltese government said the fire had been brought under control, adding that 16 people were on board. But the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said 30 people were aboard the vessel when it came under attack, adding that the targeted ship sent a distress signal. Baghaei said the attack was part of the genocidal and colonial plan against the Palestinian people to ensure the continuation of the food and medical blockade on the innocent people of Gaza. The Israeli regime continues its genocide in Gaza by dropping bombs and imposing famine on the strip, he said. "Depriving the wounded, sick, and mourning children and women in Gaza of food, water, and medicine is a clear example of a war crime and a crime against humanity," the spokesman emphasized. The blockade also constitutes a breach of the principles of international humanitarian law, he added. He said the United States and other supporters of the Israeli regime are complicit in this crime. Baghaei expressed Iran's sympathy with the oppressed Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Iran calls on the international community and Muslim countries to firmly condemn Israel's attack, prepare the ground for putting an end to impunity of the regime's officials, and prosecute and punish them, he pointed out. In March, the Israeli regime's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, banned aid deliveries into Gaza in a move he said was meant to pressure the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas into accepting an extension of the first stage of the ceasefire deal, which Israel broke. The Israeli minister in charge of military affairs, Israel Katz, recently said no preparations were being made to bring supplies into the strip. He added that the regime would not allow any humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, confirming that food is being used as a tool of pressure against Hamas. Israel has blocked the entry of food, medicine, and other critical supplies to Gaza for weeks. Aid agencies say there are concerns of a full-blown famine taking hold across the blockaded Palestinian territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas: Israel silencing journalists to bury the truth about Gaza Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 3:54 PM Hamas has condemned Israel's continued aggression against journalists, describing it as a systematic campaign aimed at suppressing voices that reveal the regime's crimes against the people of Gaza. As the world marks World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Palestinian media workers remain under Israel's deadly attacks. The Palestinian resistance group said in a statement on Saturday that the regime's forces are deliberately targeting journalists to hide the reality of their crimes against the people of Gaza. Israel's continued crimes against Palestinian media, it said, reveal the extent of the regime's "fear of the media's impact and its role in exposing its crimes and aggression against our people." "The freedom of journalists to convey our people's suffering to the world and expose the crimes of the occupation is a right guaranteed by all international conventions," it said. Yet, Hamas said, Israel "continues to flagrantly violate this right with complete impunity." Since the Israeli regime launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, "212 Palestinian journalists have been martyred," said the statement. And "more than 177 have been subjected to arbitrary arrest, with at least 49 currently imprisoned in Israeli jails." "Dozens of Gaza-based journalists have also been forcibly disappeared, reportedly enduring extreme torture, abuse, starvation, and medical neglect," Hamas said. The resistance group called on "rights and legal groups worldwide to take their responsibilities, reclaim their true role, resist the pressure exerted by the occupation, work to criminalize and expose the occupation's violations against Palestinian journalists, and press for the immediate release of all those detained in the occupation's prison." A joint statement released by the Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS), the Commission of Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners, and Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association said Israel has killed more than 200 journalists and kidnapped about 180 others over the past 18 months. Israel, it said, continues to hold 49 of them. The statement said the regime has escalated "the assassination operations on journalists" in an unprecedented manner since Oct.7, 2023. "The targeting of Palestinian journalists has been and remains one of the most prominent policies of the occupation throughout its history." The killing of journalists in Gaza is probably deliberate, according to Ajith Sunghay, representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. Sunghay said the Palestinian territory is one of the deadliest places in the world for reports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fourth Yemeni missile strike in 24 hours targets military base in Tel Aviv Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 11:16 AM Yemeni forces have carried out a fourth missile strike within a 24-hour period against Israeli-occupied territories, leading to the activation of air raid sirens across multiple locations. In a statement, Yemen's Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree confirmed that Sana'a targeted an Israeli military position south of Tel Aviv in a retaliatory operation early Saturday morning. The operation, the statement said, aimed to demonstrate support for the oppressed Palestinian people and condemn the ongoing genocide perpetrated by the Israeli regime with the backing of the United States. The advanced "Palestine 2" hypersonic ballistic missile was used in the operation, which successfully reached its target as the enemy's interception attempts failed, it added. Saree asserted that Yemen will persist in providing support and backing for Gaza until the aggression and siege on the region come to an end. According to Israeli sources, air raid sirens sounded across al-Quds, Modi'in, and southern occupied territories in anticipation of incoming projectiles. Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency service, reported a 26-year-old man sustained injuries while seeking shelter during the incident. On Friday, the Yemeni forces "carried out a military operation targeting the Israeli enemy's Ramat David Airbase", near the occupied Haifa area, using a "Palestine-2" hypersonic ballistic missile. Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories. In support of Israel, the US announced the formation of a maritime task force in the Red Sea in December 2023 to protect the passage of vessels bound for the Israeli-occupied territories. The Yemeni forces responded by ramping up their strikes against strategic and sensitive Israeli and American targets, including the US warships and aircraft carriers that are deployed off Yemen's coastline. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen bans US crude oil exports through Red Sea, nearby waters Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 11:15 AM The Yemeni government has announced a sweeping ban on US crude oil in response to Washington's continued aggression on the Arab country's soil and targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Yemen's Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) said in a press statement on Saturday that the anti-US sanctions would take effect as of May 17. The executive director of HOCC said the bans were levied as the "American enemy" continues to launch raids on various Yemeni provinces, targeting civilians and civilian objects, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries, including women and children. "Just as the American enemy previously targeted the Ras Issa oil port in al-Hudaydah Governorate on April 17, 2025, targeting civilian facilities, workers, and employees, in a horrific crime that is considered one of the most heinous massacres committed against humanity, in an attempt to besiege the Yemeni people, the Republic of Yemen has the right to respond to the crimes, massacres, and war crimes committed by the American enemy against the Yemeni people, their infrastructure, and their capabilities," the statement said. "Therefore, a decision has been made to prohibit the export, re-export, transfer, loading, purchase, or sale of US crude oil (HS Code 2709.00) from US ports, whether directly or indirectly, including ship-to-ship transfers (STS), whether in whole or in part, including through third parties." The HOCC chief warned that companies violating the new oil export ban would be added to the list of aggressors against Yemen, saying vessels owned or operated by such companies will also be denied passage through critical regional waters, including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. The press statement added that exemptions would be considered for humanitarian purposes or for countries and companies that oppose US policies by submitting a request to the Yemeni government. Nasruddin Amer, a member of the political bureau of Yemen's popular Ansarullah resistance movement, said in a post on X that participating in any transactions with the listed companies carries the risk of being subject to sanctions. "Sanctions may also extend to entities in which these companies are shareholders, senior managers or actual owners of listed companies, spouses and first-degree relatives of listed natural persons, entities in which listed natural persons hold senior management positions, and entities controlled by or involved in the establishment and management of listed natural persons, as well as those who deal with them," he added. Amer also quoted the HOCC chief as saying that the bans were "part of the legitimate right of the Republic of Yemen to respond to the war crimes committed by the American enemy against the Yemeni people, their infrastructure, and their resources." Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories. In support of Israel, the US announced the formation of a maritime task force in the Red Sea in December 2023 to protect the passage of vessels bound for the Israeli-occupied territories. The Yemeni forces responded by ramping up their strikes against strategic and sensitive Israeli and American targets, including the US warships and aircraft carriers that are deployed off Yemen's coastline. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel to call up reservists amid 'severe force depletion' ahead of Gaza war expansion Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 9:20 AM Confronted with a growing crisis in troop numbers, the Israeli military has been compelled to initiate a large-scale mobilization of reserve soldiers as it prepares to escalate its ongoing onslaught against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israeli media reported the regime's decision to call up thousands of reservists comes amid its refusal to reach a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas. "With the 36th Division continuing its offensive in Rafah (southern Gaza), the Israeli army is preparing to ramp up its military efforts in Gaza next week if no progress is made in negotiations over a potential agreement," Hebrew-language daily Yedioth Ahronoth said. "In recent days, several reserve officers have alerted their units to prepare for a sudden call-up," the daily added. Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli military had originally planned to limit each reservist's service to two and a half months in 2025, but the cap was exceeded after two battalions were called up for a second round of duty due to the escalating onslaught in Gaza. The call-up order comes amid a severe shortage of forces, with the regime's chief of staff Eyal Zamir warning that the army cannot fulfill its missions without substantial reinforcement from reserve forces. Describing the shortage as "severe force depletion," Zamir called for imposing "penalties on draft dodgers," in a vivid reference to the widespread exemption of ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews from military service. According to the Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli military is expected to issue around 24,000 preliminary draft notices to Haredi youth by the end of June. However, only about 300 of these draft orders have been formally processed, and enforcement has been weak due to the hardline Israeli cabinet's policies. Israel's Channel 12, Ynet, Kan and other media outlets also said the prime minister held a security consultation earlier in the week to review "substantial mobilization" of the occupation forces for the planned offensive. The regime's cabinet is slated to convene on Sunday to vote on prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military plans for Gaza amid heightened escalation for the past month and a half since the breakdown of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israel has already expanded its ground aggression in the besieged Gaza Strip, seeking to seize a large portion of the Palestinian territory. In recent weeks, thousands of Israeli reservists have signed letters demanding that Netanyahu's regime stop the war in the besieged strip. Israel resumed its brutal campaign in the Gaza Strip on March 18, unilaterally breaching a two-month truce. Gaza's Health Ministry said on Thursday that at least 2,326 people have been killed since Israel resumed strikes. More than 52,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, most of them women and children. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and the former Israeli minister for military affairs, Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns repeated US attacks in Yemen Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 3:27 AM The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the repeated attacks by the US military on various areas of Yemen, targeting the country's infrastructure and residential areas. On Friday night, Esmaeil Baghaei called the US military aggression against Yemen a clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He described it as a gross violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. Baghaei emphasized that these attacks are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity because they target residential areas and vital infrastructure in Yemen. The Foreign Ministry spokesman expressed regret over the inaction of the United Nations and the UN Security Council in response to the US's blatant violation of international law. He condemned Washington's continued aggression against Yemen, along with the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the West Bank and the Zionist regime's terrorist actions against Lebanon. Baghaei said that these attacks are contributing to the increasing insecurity in the West Asian region. He added that they reminded all countries in the region of the shared responsibility to confront the Zionist regime and the US. Nearly 70 inmates were killed and more than 50 more wounded in the US airstrike that targeted one of the detention centers designated for African migrants in Sa'ada province of Yemen on Monday. The UN chief's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said the airstrikes "pose a growing risk to the civilian population" in the Arab country, including women and children. Yemen's Ansarullah movement also denounced the strike as a "brutal crime," accusing Washington of deliberately targeting civilians under the guise of military operations. In reaction to the atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza and the aggression of the US and UK against Yemen, the Yemeni Armed Forces have initiated a series of strikes aimed at Israeli, American, and British interests in the Red Sea and adjacent regions. Yemeni naval and air force units conducted a joint operation against the Nimitz-class vessel of the United States Navy and other American warships, using several homegrown cruise and ballistic missiles as well as combat drones. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Defense Ministry rebukes Japan's 'irresponsible' remarks over Diaoyu Dao; Foreign Ministry lodges solemn representations Global Times By Global Times Published: May 04, 2025 05:24 PM Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said on Sunday that the Japanese side's relevant remarks "confuse right and wrong and are irresponsible," in responding to a question about the Japanese Ministry of Defense's claim that a Chinese helicopter violated its "airspace" after the China Coast Guard (CCG) deployed a shipborne helicopter to expel Japanese aircraft illegally entering China's airspace over Diaoyu Dao. "Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islets are China's inherent territory. The Japanese civilian aircraft illegally entered the airspace of China's Diaoyu Dao, seriously infringing China's territorial sovereignty. The Chinese Coast Guard took necessary control measures to warn and expel it, which is completely legitimate and legal," the spokesperson said. Zhang also urged Japan to strictly restrain the activities of its citizens, stop provocative actions that complicate the situation in the air and sea areas of the Diaoyu Islands, and avoid bringing about unstable and unsafe factors that affect the overall development of China-Japan relations. China will continue to take effective measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the spokesperson vowed. Also on Sunday, Liu Jinsong, director-general of the Asian Affairs Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, lodged solemn representations to Yokochi Akira, chief minister of the Embassy of Japan in China, regarding Japanese right-wing elements intruding into China's territorial airspace over Diaoyu Dao by piloting a civilian aircraft. Liu urged Japan to immediately halt all illegal and provocative actions and to take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents. He emphasized that China will resolutely safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The CCG said on Saturday that while its vessels were conducting a routine patrol in the waters surrounding Diaoyu Dao in accordance with the law, a Japanese civilian aircraft illegally entered China's airspace over Diaoyu Dao at 11:19 am and exited at 11:24 am. In response, the CCG promptly implemented necessary control measures and dispatched a shipborne helicopter to issue a warning and drive it away, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the illegal visit of the President of Turkey to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus Republic of Cyprus From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04/05/25 11:57 | Press release | Cyprus Problem, Foreign Policy The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus condemns the illegal visit of the President of Turkey, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other Turkish officials to the occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus to launch a project that highlights and promotes the secessionist entity, in violation of international law and the relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions. In this context, the symbolic character attempted to be given to the illegal visit is fully in line with the upsurge in Turkish rhetoric on the "two-state solution", revealing, at the same time, Turkish intentions for exercising full control over the occupied areas of Cyprus. The visit follows recent statements by Mr Tatar on the expectation of further actions to promote the pseudo-state, but also Ankara's efforts to impose its will on Turkish Cypriots on issues related to the cultural identity of the Turkish Cypriot community, as highlighted through the effort to introduce the headscarf in schools. It adds to the ongoing violations of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, which have been ongoing for fifty-one years, and which the international community has condemned. At a time of intense efforts aimed at creating conditions for the resumption of negotiations under the auspices of the UN and the achievement of a solution to the Cyprus Issue on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, as well as yesterday's announcement of the appointment of Ms Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar as the UN Secretary General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, such actions and positions undermine the entire effort to achieve progress towards substantial negotiations, and are disrespectful to International Law and to the UN. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus remains committed to the ultimate goal of the reunification of our country, on the basis of the agreed UN framework, and to safeguarding the interests of all Cypriots in a free and reunited European Union Member State. (AF/AS) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran expresses concern over continued attacks on civilian facilities in Sudan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has deplored repeated attacks on critical facilities in Sudan, urging warring sides in the African country to stop targeting civilian infrastructure. In a statement on Sunday, while condemning drone attacks on an airport and civilian facilities in the city of Port Sudan, Baqaei expressed concern over the continued attacks on power plants, hospitals, water treatment plants, and airports in the crisis-hit country. Referring to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, he called on the international community and organizations to fulfill their duty to stop the conflict and send humanitarian aid there. Sudan's regular army has been at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since 2023, with both sides battling for control of the country, resulting in thousands of deaths. Earlier today, the army accused the RSF of targeting "Osman Digna Air Base, a goods warehouse, and some civilian facilities in the city of Port Sudan with suicide drones." This is the first attack on the seat of the army-aligned government during the two-year war. An army spokesperson reported no casualties but "limited damage" in the city located on the Red Sea coast. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen has 'no red line' in confronting the U.S., Britain and Israel: Ansarullah IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 A member of the political bureau of Yemen's Ansarullah movement has praised the army for successfully hitting the main airport of the Israeli regime with a missile, saying his country has no red line in confronting the aggressors. "Targeting Ben Gurion Airport is proof of our ability to strike fortified Israeli sites inside the occupied territories," Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti was quoted by Palestine's Shahab news agency as saying on Sunday. "Yemenis have no red line in confronting the Zionist regime, the United States, and the United Kingdom," he added. The remarks followed the launch of a new ballistic missile, targeting Ben Gurion Airport, south of Tel Aviv. Earlier, Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces confirmed the operation, saying it was conducted within the framework of supporting the Palestinian people and condemning the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Saree said that a hypersonic ballistic missile successfully hit the target, prompting the closure of the Israeli airport for more than an hour and forcing Israeli settlers to flee to shelters. Pointing to the failure of American and Israeli systems to intercept the Yemeni missile, he warned all airlines not to fly to Ben Gurion Airport as it is unsafe. The spokesperson reiterated the pledge of the Yemeni people, leadership, and army to keep supporting the Palestinians and confronting the enemy. He emphasized that Yemenis will not relent in fulfilling their religious, moral, and human duty toward the oppressed Palestinian people until Israel stops its "aggression against Gazans and lifts its siege on the Palestinian territory." 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen conducts new missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 The Israeli military announced that a missile was fired from Yemen toward Ben Gurion Airport in the occupied territories. According to Qatari media, the Israeli sources reported that sirens sounded in Tel Aviv, occupied Quds, and settlements across the West Bank following the missile attack. Missile fragments hit Ben Gurion Airport, forcing a complete suspension of flights and activities, the Israeli sources added. Published images show thick smoke rising from Ben Gurion Airport. The missile strike caused panic among Israelis, forcing them fleeing to shelters. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel targets food distribution centers in Gaza IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director of the Government Media Office in Gaza, said that the Israeli occupiers are pursuing their planned policy of starving Gaza residents by targeting charity centers that produce and distribute food, according to Palestine's Shehab news agency. Al-Thawabta said that the destruction of aid centers, where tens of thousands of people receive food assistance, aligns with efforts to destroy vital resources and undermine the resilience of the Gaza population. This act constitutes the use of food as a weapon of war, in violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions, the official said. The Israeli occupiers have so far bombarded 29 charity and 37 food distribution centers, leaving thousands of families without food, he added. These tactics are intended to exacerbate a humanitarian catastrophe as a means to pressure Palestinians into compromising, he said, describing the situation in Gaza as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the contemporary world. The director further called on the international community and human rights organizations to pressure the occupiers to open border crossings and allow the entry of humanitarian food aid into Gaza. Al-Thawabta said what is happening in the Gaza Strip constitutes genocide under international law. The closure of Gaza crossings has left around 2.4 million Palestinians hungry. The Israeli regime conducted a drone attack on a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza off the coast of Malta. 4208 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Balikatan' 2025: PH, US troops simulate counter-landing in Aparri Philippine News Agency May 4, 2025, 1:57 am MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in partnership with United States forces, demonstrated synchronized firepower and rapid response as they conducted a high-intensity Counter-landing and Live-Fire Exercise in Barangay Dodan, Aparri, Cagayan on Saturday, a key event under "Exercise Balikatan 40-25." The drill simulation highlighted the detection of an Amphibious Task Group representing a threat force attempting to land along the northern coastline. In rapid response, joint Philippine-US forces executed a coordinated counter-landing operation to prevent them from establishing a foothold in the area, demonstrating combined strength and seamless interoperability. The Philippine Army and the Philippine Marine Corps mobilized a robust array of assets, including Sabrah battle tanks, Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs), ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers and additional firepower from 105mm howitzers. Advanced targeting systems such as the Smart Shooter and infantry maneuver elements further amplified the defensive response. Meanwhile, US forces delivered overwhelming air and ground support. Key assets included AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, F-16 aircrafts, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducting maritime surveillance and reconnaissance. They also provided real-time targeting through cutting-edge cuing and sensing systems, with direct small-arms support. Participating Philippine units included the Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Army, Special Operations Command, Marine Reservists, and the Philippine Air Force, working closely alongside counterparts from the US Marine Corps, US Army, artillery units, and safety teams. The live-fire drill demonstrated the precision and combat readiness of allied forces and reinforced their shared resolve to protect strategic coastal areas and uphold maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. (PR) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran rejects allegations of role in Yemen's retaliatory operations Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 11:16 PM Iran has firmly denounced recent accusations by US and Israeli officials about its involvement in Yemeni retaliatory operations, calling them "baseless" and "misleading." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday night that Yemen's decision to support the Palestinian people is an independent decision, rooted in the Islamic nation's humanitarian and solidarity with Palestinians. The top Iranian diplomat pointed out that it is the US military that has entered into war with Yemen in support of the Zionist regime's ongoing genocide against the people of Gaza. Araghchi slammed the US for committing war crimes by targeting infrastructure and civilian areas across Yemeni cities. He characterized the accusations as diversionary tactics aimed at deflecting attention from the Zionist regime's crimes in occupied Palestine, masking strategic failures, and justifying further destabilization of the region. At the end, Araghchi condemned the US attacks on Yemen as a clear violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also strongly rejected the baseless allegations. Baghaei said that attributing the Yemeni nation's courageous measures to Iran is an insult to this powerful and yet oppressed nation. He said the Yemeni people's decision to support Palestinians is an independent decision, which is rooted in their humanitarian and Islamic solidarity with the people of Palestine. He stressed that it is the US military that is committing war crimes by attacking Yemen's people and civilian infrastructure in support of the Zionist regime's genocide in Gaza. Baghaei noted that attributing Yemen's operations to Iran is aimed at deflecting attention from the Zionist regime's crimes in Palestine and an excuse to sow insecurity in the West Asia region. He also condemned the recent threats posed to Iran by the US and Israel, holding the American government and the terrorist Zionist regime responsible for their consequences. Since March 15, the administration of US President Donald Trump has launched daily airstrikes on Yemen and claims to have struck more than 1,000 targets in the Arab country. The campaign aims to halt the Yemeni military's strikes on Israeli and Israeli-linked vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes as well as their operations that have been hitting targets deep within the occupied Palestinian territories. Yemeni forces said on Saturday that they had carried out a fourth missile strike within 24 hours against Israeli-occupied territories, leading to the activation of air raid sirens across multiple locations. Yemen's Armed Forces spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, confirmed in a statement that Sana'a targeted an Israeli military position south of Tel Aviv in a retaliatory operation early Saturday morning. Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address International airlines cancel Israel flights after Yemen strikes Ben Gurion airport Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 5:22 PM Several foreign airlines have suspended flights to the Israeli-occupied territories following a ballistic missile strike from Yemen that hit the perimeter of Ben Gurion International Airport. Among the airlines canceling flights were Austrian Airlines, Air France, Ryanair, Azerbaijan Airlines, British Airways, and Air Europa. Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air announced the cancellation of its flights to Tel Aviv for the next 48 hours. Air India, Lufthansa, SWISS, and ITA Airlines have also suspended flights until Tuesday. An Air India flight bound for Ben Gurion turned back to India mid-flight during the stoppage. Departing flights remained grounded, while incoming planes circled overhead rather than being redirected to airports in Cyprus. Flight schedule disruptions are expected to continue for several days until the situation stabilizes. The Israeli military reported that the missile wounded eight people after both the Israeli Arrow and US THAAD anti-missile systems failed to intercept it. Following the strike, senior Yemeni official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti said that "the shelling of Ben-Gurion Airport is proof of our ability to strike fortified sites in Israel." The Yemeni military said it carried out a fresh retaliatory operation against Israel in support of the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip. Yemen's Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said the attacks proved the failure and inability of the US and Israel to intercept the missile. He said the attack forced more than three million Israeli settlers to take shelter. He said operations at the airport were completely halted for more than an hour. Saree renewed warnings to all international airlines against continuing their flights to the Israeli airport, as it has become unsafe for air traffic. The Yemeni army spokesman said the country's military will continue to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of the American aggression against the Arab nation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran urges international community to end Sudan conflict, send humanitarian aid Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 4:07 PM Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says the international community must put an end to the conflict in Sudan and dispatch humanitarian aid to the African country. In a statement on Sunday, Baghaei condemned Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drone attack on a military air base and other facilities in the vicinity of Port Sudan Airport earlier in the day. A spokesman for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Nabil Abdullah, said in a statement that the RSF "targeted Osman Digna Air Base, a goods warehouse and some civilian facilities" with drones, in the first attack in the eastern city. Baghaei expressed concern over continued attacks on civilian urban facilities such as power plants, hospitals, water treatment plants, and civilian airports. He called for an end to the attacks on civilians in Sudan and warned against the occurrence of a major disaster of displacement and hunger in the country. Baghaei urged the international community, global organizations, and institutions to fulfill their duty to stop the conflict and dispatch humanitarian aid to the people of Sudan. Late in March, the Sudanese army claimed to have pushed Rapid Support Forces fighters out of the capital Khartoum, after nearly two years of fighting over the city. Sudan's army earlier recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum and went on to seize control of the main headquarters of the country's central bank from the RSF. Hours after the military walked into the presidential palace, the RSF announced a "military alliance" with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu - a group controlling large swaths of South Kordofan and parts of Blue Nile state near the Ethiopian border. The ongoing war in Sudan has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced more than 12 million, and caused the "biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded", according to the International Rescue Committee. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza war: Qatar says will not be deterred by Israel's 'campaign of distortion' Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 3:43 PM Qatar has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "inflammatory" remarks about its mediation efforts in the Gaza war, asserting that it will not be deterred by "campaigns of distortion and political pressure." Netanyahu's office told Qatar to decide which side Doha wanted to be on, on the Israeli side or the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement. Tel Aviv insisted that Doha "stop playing both sides with unclear rhetoric and decide whether it would stand with civilization or with Hamas." Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari responded to Tel Aviv's position, saying Doha firmly rejects the "false narrative" pursued by Netanyahu's office. He said the remarks made by the Israeli regime in its negotiations for peace talks "fall far short of the most basic standards of political and moral responsibility." Ansari pointed out that portraying the ongoing war in Gaza as a defense of "civilization" echoes the rhetoric of regimes throughout history that have used false narratives to justify crimes against innocent civilians. "Since the outbreak of the war, the State of Qatar, working in close coordination with its partners, has made every effort to support mediation aimed at ending the fighting, protecting civilians, and securing the release of hostages," Ansari said. Furthermore, Ansari highlighted Doha's efforts till now as a mediator between the two conflicting sides, criticizing the Israeli regime for causing today's worst humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "[T]he Palestinian people in Gaza are enduring one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of modern times marked by a suffocating blockade, systematic starvation, denial of medicine and shelter, and the use of humanitarian aid as a tool of political coercion." The Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified for the Israeli officials that "Qatar's principled foreign policy is not at odds with its role as a credible and impartial mediator." "Campaigns of distortion and political pressure will not deter Qatar from standing with oppressed peoples, defending the rights of civilians regardless of background, and upholding international law without selectivity or exception." Ansari said Doha would continue to work as a mediator, alongside Washington and Cairo, to end the Israeli war against Gaza as soon as possible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel starves Gaza amid global silence: 290,000 children 'on brink of death' Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 2:43 PM Nearly 290,000 Palestinian children are "on the brink of death" in Gaza as Israel continues to use starvation as a weapon of war, Palestinian officials say. Gaza's Government Media Office said in a statement on Sunday that more than 70,000 children are being hospitalized due to severe malnutrition, and the international community is maintaining a "shameful silence" on these crimes. "Under this systematic blockade, it said, "more than 3,500 children under the age of five face imminent death by starvation, while approximately 290,000 children are on the brink of death." According to the statement, the Israeli regime continues to prevent the entry of baby formula, nutritional supplements, and all forms of humanitarian aid into the coastal enclave. "At a time when 1.1 million children daily lack the minimum nutritional requirements for survival, this crime is being perpetrated by the 'Israeli' occupation using starvation as a weapon, amid shameful international silence." World 'complicit' in starvation of Gaza children Advocacy group Oxfam has warned that the humanitarian situation is expected to "deteriorate" in Gaza. Mahmoud Alsaqqa, Oxfam's food security and livelihood lead in Gaza, said, "We have repeatedly sounded the alarm and warned that this stage will lead to catastrophic and potentially irreversible consequences, especially for the vulnerable groups, the children, the elderly people and the women." He said, "The whole world, unfortunately, is contributing to or participating in starving the children in the Gaza Strip." "Without taking any action, they are all, unfortunately, complicit," Alsaqqa stated. Alsaqqa said the international community has "a choice: either to continue simply watching the horror, the pictures and the images coming from Gaza or to take action." For two months now, Israel has blocked the entry of medical, fuel and food supplies into Gaza. Aid organizations have repeatedly warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza was on the verge of "total collapse." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US warplanes carry out 35 strikes across Yemen since early Sunday Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 9:42 AM US warplanes have carried out dozens of strikes across Yemen as the nation's military forces escalate their operations and naval blockade in response to foreign aggression while continuing their steadfast support for Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Yemen's al-Masirah television channel said the US had launched 35 strikes since the early hours of Sunday and targeted several Yemeni provinces, including al-Jawf and Marib. "This escalation comes as the Yemeni Armed Forces continue their strategic attacks against Israeli interests and coalition targets in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, revealing desperate American attempts to undermine the steadfastness of the Yemeni people," the television channel added. A security source told the Yemeni News Agency SABA that the US aggression targeted the al-Hazm district in al-Jawf Province with ten airstrikes, and then targeted the Majzar district in Marib Province with three airstrikes. The US aggression had previously launched five airstrikes on Majzar district in Marib, two airstrikes on Ras Issa in al-Hudaydah province, eight airstrikes on the Takhiya area in Majz district, and three airstrikes on Sahar district in Saada Province. SABA also said the American warplanes launched on Saturday night six airstrikes on Madghal district in Marib, two airstrikes on Kamaran Island, and one airstrike on al-Salif district in Hudaydah. Since March 15, the administration of US President Donald Trump has launched daily airstrikes on Yemen and claims to have struck more than 1,000 targets in the Arab country. The campaign aims to halt the Yemeni military's strikes on Israeli and Israeli-linked vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes as well as their operations that have been hitting targets deep within the occupied Palestinian territories. Yemeni forces said on Saturday that they had carried out a fourth missile strike within a 24-hour period against Israeli-occupied territories, leading to the activation of air raid sirens across multiple locations. Yemen's Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree confirmed in a statement that Sana'a targeted an Israeli military position south of Tel Aviv in a retaliatory operation early Saturday morning. Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories. In support of Israel, the US announced the formation of a maritime task force in the Red Sea in December 2023 to protect the passage of vessels bound for the Israeli-occupied territories. The Yemeni forces responded by ramping up their strikes against strategic and sensitive Israeli and American targets, including the US warships and aircraft carriers that are deployed off Yemen's coastline. Pentagon orders USS Truman to remain in Red Sea Amid ongoing aggression against Yemen, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday ordered the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier to remain in West Asia for an additional week, marking the second extension of its deployment, as reported by The Cradle. The report said the move maintains the presence of two US aircraft carrier strike groups in the region, which underscores "Washington's commitment to end Yemeni attacks on Israeli-linked ships transiting the Red Sea." The USS Truman and its strike group, currently in the Red Sea, were initially scheduled to return home to Norfolk, Virginia, last month. However, the deployment was extended in late March as part of an intensified airstrikes campaign against Yemen. The USS Carl Vinson, based in San Diego, has also been operating in the Gulf of Aden with its strike group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen strikes Israel's Ben Gurion airport with ballistic missile Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 7:17 AM Yemen's Armed Forces have hit the Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv after several attempts by the Israeli military to intercept it failed. The missile bypassed four layers of air defense and landed in the heart of Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, with both Arrow and THAAD systems failing to intercept the advanced missile. Israeli daily Yedioth Aharonot, citing emergency services, said at least seven people were injured in the attack. Israeli media published footage from the moment when a ballistic missile launched from Yemen made a "direct impact" in the main airport. Reports said the warhead caused a massive wave of explosions and a shockwave heard up to 50 km away. Multiple buildings near Ben Gurion Airport, including the Beit Rivka Institute, were also damaged by the force of the explosion. "All incoming and outgoing flights at Ben Gurion Airport as well as train service in the area have been halted," the reports said. Ben Gurion 'no longer safe' Yahya Saree, the spokesman for Yemen's Armed Forces, said in a televised statement that the military operation against the key Israeli airport was conducted with a hypersonic ballistic missile and "hit its target successfully." The spokesman pointed out that the results of the operation were the failure of the American and Israeli interceptor systems to repel the projectile, the escape of more than three million Zionists to shelters, and the complete cessation of airport traffic for more than an hour. Stressing that the operation was in support of the oppressed Palestinian people and their fighters in Gaza, Saree warned in his statement that Ben Gurion is "no longer safe" for air navigation. "Yemen its people, leadership, and army will, with Allah's help, continue to stand firm and steadfast in the face of American aggression, never abandoning its religious, moral, and humanitarian duty toward the oppressed Palestinian people, regardless of the consequences, until the aggression on Gaza ceases and the siege is lifted," the spokesman added. 'You are from us, and we are from you' Abu Obeida, the spokesman for al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, praised on Sunday the Yemeni military's ballistic launch on the Ben Gurion airport. "Glory to Yemen, Palestine's counterpart, as it continues to challenge the most brutal forces of oppression and refuses to submit or be defeated despite the aggression it is subjected to," Obeida said. "Yemen escalates its attacks on the heart of the deformed Zionist entity, outperforming the most advanced systems in the world to accurately hit their targets," he added. "May God accept your sacrifices. You are from us, and we are from you." The Palestinian Resistance Committees also lauded the missile attack by Yemeni forces on the key airport at the Israeli-occupied territories. The coalition said in a statement that the strikes undermined the "false security illusion" that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to promote. The committees said the attack proved "the failure of the American aggression on dear Yemen," and emphasized that, "The Yemeni courage and creativity established a stage to reveal the inability of the Zionist entity and the American enemy." The coalition also paid tribute to the Yemeni people and their armed forces as they "continue to support our people and resist them despite the high prices." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises by 47 as genocide goes on unabated Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 3:48 AM The Israeli regime's ongoing war of genocide on the Gaza Strip has claimed the lives of at least 47 more Palestinians within the space of just two days, according to the Palestinian ministry of health. The increase announced on Saturday marked another grim milestone in the October 2023-present warfare against the mostly-devastated, blockaded, and impoverished coastal sliver. The fatalities, included seven people, whose bodies had been recovered from the ruins, the ministry said, adding that 275 others had also been injured, many critically, throughout the two-day-long period. The ministry had earlier announced a tally of 30 fatalities. Despite the ongoing efforts of medical teams, a significant number of victims remain trapped under rubble, with access restricted by the intensity of Israeli airstrikes, the Saturday statement went on. The Israeli regime and Gaza's Hamas resistance movement reached a ceasefire deal in January. Before that the war had already killed at least 50099 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded 111675 others. The regime would regularly breach the agreement, but resumed the genocide with even more intensity on March 18. According to the ministry, the death toll has ever since surged by another 2,396, while the number of those injured rose by 6,325. However, these figures are likely to rise, with many still missing or unable to receive emergency medical care, the statement underlined. Echoing its numerous previous statements, the ministry also raised alarm over the worsening conditions resulting from Tel Aviv's blockade of Gaza, which has been escalated to insufferable proportions since the onset of the war. Over the past two months, throughout which the regime has closed off all of the territory's crossings, the siege has signally exacerbated the suffering of the territory's two-million-plus population, killing at least 57 people, Gaza's government media office has announced. The blockade prevents the entry of vital nutritional supplements, baby formula, and medications necessary for those suffering from chronic conditions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's Houthis Grow Bolder Despite US Bombing Campaign By Kian Sharifi May 04, 2025 Since March 15, the United States has intensified its aerial campaign against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, claiming to have hit more than 1,000 targets. Dubbed "Operation Rough Rider," the campaign is intended to halt Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and ratchet up pressure on Tehran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations. But despite the scale of the strikes, analysts question whether the effort has made any lasting impact. "The Houthis remain undeterred," said Colin Clarke, director of policy and research at the New York-based Soufan Group, an intelligence and security consultancy. He noted that, while some Houthi infrastructure has been destroyed and personnel killed, the group appears to have turned the campaign to its advantage. "Any losses are likely short-term and temporary," he told RFE/RL, citing a boost in Houthi recruitment and fundraising. Jeremy Binnie, a Middle East defense analyst with the global intelligence company Janes, added that the Houthis' continued ability to launch attacks -- particularly against Israel and US drones -- undermines US claims of degrading their capabilities. "It is arguably getting increasingly embarrassing for the United States every time the Houthis launch an attack on Israel or shoot down an MQ-9," Binnie said. A recent admission by the US Navy that an F/A-18 fighter fell off the USS Harry S. Truman during a maneuver to avoid a Houthi strike has only reinforced perceptions that the group remains a potent threat. Meanwhile, the group has continued launching missiles toward Israel, claiming responsibility on May 2 for two strikes that prompted the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intercept both and activate nationwide sirens. US Central Command insists that the campaign has degraded the pace and effectiveness of the group's attacks. "Ballistic missile launches have dropped by 69 percent. Additionally, attacks from one way attack drones have decreased by 55%," CENTCOM said in a statement on April 27. "Iran undoubtedly continues to provide support to the Houthis. The Houthis can only continue to attack our forces with the backing of the Iranian regime." Have The Attacks Impacted Relations With Iran? Analysts warn that the strikes may be having the opposite effect on regional dynamics, driving the Houthis closer to Tehran rather than isolating them. The group -- formally known as the Ansarallah movement and designated a terrorist organization by the United States -- is a key member of Iran's so-called "axis of resistance," a network of nonstate actors that has faced setbacks over the past year. But since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, the Houthis have elevated their role within that alliance, claiming attacks on Israel and Israeli-linked shipping in solidarity with Palestinians. While their growing prominence has afforded them some autonomy, experts say they remain deeply reliant on Iran for weapons and strategic support. "You know very well what the US military is capable of -- and you were warned," US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X on May 1, addressing Iran directly. "You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing." Still, Clarke argues that the strikes may have only deepened the Houthi-Iran alliance. "If anything, the strikes have pushed the Houthis closer to Iran," he said, casting doubt on whether a future nuclear agreement would change Tehran's behavior. Binnie echoed Clarke's skepticism. "US officials might hope the campaign pressures Iran," he said, "but it's difficult to say if that is happening." A fourth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States was initially slated for May 3 in Rome but has been postponed due to what Omani mediators described as "logistical reasons." With weeks of sustained bombing behind it, the United States appears no closer to deterring Houthi attacks or weakening their political backing -- raising hard questions about the strategic value of the campaign. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-airstrikes-houthi- yemen-iran-operation-rough-rider-impact/33403042.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia Condemns Targeting of Facilities, Infrastructure in Sudan Saudi Press Agency Riyadh, May 04, 2025, SPA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the targeting of vital facilities and infrastructure in Port Sudan and Kassala in the Republic of the Sudan, describing it as a threat to regional stability as well as to Arab and African national security. The Kingdom called for an immediate end to the war in Sudan and urged all parties to spare the country and its brotherly people further suffering and destruction. It also reiterated its stance that resolving the crisis requires a Sudanese-led political solution that respects Sudan's sovereignty and unity, while supporting the country's state institutions. The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom's rejection of these violations, stressing the urgent need to protect civilians and ensure the implementation of the Jeddah Declaration (Commitment to Protect Civilians in Sudan), signed on May 11, 2023. -- SPA 15:12 Local Time 12:12 GMT 0019 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spanish Government condemns attack on Ben Gurion airport in Israel Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 043 May 4, 2025 The Government of Spain strongly condemns the attack from Yemen on Ben Gurion airport in Israel. Indiscriminate attacks, particularly on civilian infrastructure, are a serious violation of international law and must cease immediately. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN warns of growing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza 4 May 2025 - The UN and partners on Sunday issued a stark warning over the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as Israeli authorities maintain a near-total blockade on the delivery of aid for a ninth consecutive week. In a statement released by the UN Humanitarian Country Team - which leads coordinated relief efforts across the Occupied Palestinian Territory - officials condemned Israeli efforts to dismantle the current aid system. The team led by the UN's top aid official in the region representing UN and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both international and Palestinian, said Israeli plans would "contravene fundamental humanitarian principles" and deepen the suffering of civilians already enduring severe shortages of food, water, and medical care. "Bakeries have shut. Community kitchens have closed. Warehouses stand empty. Children have gone hungry," the statement said, describing the dire conditions facing the population. The UN said Israeli authorities were attempting to impose a new aid distribution system that would funnel humanitarian supplies through military-controlled hubs, rather than allowing UN agencies and NGOs to operate independently. 'Dangerous' Israeli proposal The proposal, the UN said, would leave "large parts of Gaza, including the less mobile and most vulnerable people," without aid and would force civilians to enter militarised areas to access basic necessities. "This is dangerous, driving civilians into militarised zones to collect rations, threatening lives, including those of humanitarian workers," the UN said, warning it would also exacerbate forced displacement across the strip. According to news reports, the Israeli government has defended the policy as a security measure. At the same time, Israeli forces are planning to ramp up operations in central and southern Gaza. On Saturday, call up notices were reportedly issued to thousands of Israeli military reservists, indicating a likely escalation of the offensive inside the Strip. Guiding principles The UN statement reaffirmed that aid operations must remain guided by the principles of "humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality" and said all 16 UN entities and major humanitarian partners working in Gaza had endorsed this unified position. "Humanitarian action responds to people's needs, wherever they are," the team said. UN teams remain on the ground, "ready to again scale up the delivery of critical supplies and services" once the blockade is lifted. They urged global leaders to intervene and pressure Israel to reopen border crossings immediately. "The time is now," the UN said. In a social media post on Sunday, the UN aid agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, pointed out that nearly a third of essential supplies for civilians in the Gaza Strip are out of stock while another third are projected to run out in under two months. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Humanitarian Country Team of the Occupied Palestinian Territory - on principled aid delivery in Gaza UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs East Jerusalem and Gaza city, 4 May 2025 For nine weeks now, Israeli authorities have blocked all supplies from entering Gaza, no matter how vital to people's survival. Bakeries have shut. Community kitchens have closed. Warehouses stand empty. Children have gone hungry. Israeli officials have sought to shut down the existing aid distribution system run by the United Nations and its humanitarian partners and have us agree to deliver supplies through Israeli hubs under conditions set by the Israeli military, once the government agrees to re-open crossings. The design of the plan presented to us will mean large parts of Gaza, including the less mobile and most vulnerable people, will continue to go without supplies. It contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic - as part of a military strategy. It is dangerous, driving civilians into militarized zones to collect rations, threatening lives, including those of humanitarian workers, while further entrenching forced displacement. The UN Secretary-General and the Emergency Relief Coordinator have made clear that we will not participate in any scheme that does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality. In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the heads of all UN entities and non-governmental organizations under the Humanitarian Country Team have unanimously affirmed this position. Humanitarian action responds to people's needs, wherever they are. Our teams remain in Gaza, ready to again scale up the delivery of critical supplies and services: food, water, health, nutrition, protection and more. We have significant stocks ready to enter as soon as the blockade is lifted. We urge world leaders to use their influence to make that happen. The time is now. Ends For media requests, please contact Ilona Gaudin at +972 54 3311835 or gaudin2@un.org. * The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) is a strategic decision-making forum led by the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It brings together heads of UN entities and NGOs - both international and Palestinian - all working on humanitarian affairs in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under internationally agreed humanitarian principles. 4 May 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN deplores air strike on hospital in South Sudan UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Juba, 4 May 2025) The UN deplores an air strike on a hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan early in the morning of 3 May. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator demands the protection of civilian lives and humanitarian facilities from all parties to the conflict. The attack yesterday in Jonglei State caused the deaths of at least seven civilians, with reports of over 20 injuries and the suspension of critical medical care for a catchment of over 100,000 people. A hospital managed by Medecins Sans Frontieres was hit, injuring patients and destroying its store of medical supplies. The population of the town has fled, while aid teams from several local and international aid groups pulled out many of their staff. Some hospital patients have been relocated to another location in Fangak County, where the UN is today airlifting essential medical supplies to replenish stocks in the short term. The incident follows attacks on hospitals in Ulang and Nasir, in neighbouring Upper Nile State, in recent weeks, which were also the only healthcare facilities in their respective locations. "People in these areas are already battling flooding, food shortages and disease. The destruction of critical health infrastructure and continued fighting puts innocent South Sudanese lives at risk," said acting Humanitarian Coordinator Marie-Helene Verney. The interruption of services will have a significant impact, particularly on children. Women and girls will have their access to essential health services limited, including maternal, sexual, and reproductive healthcare. Critically, response services for survivors of rape and sexual violence have been suspended. Verney called for an end to the fighting, which has now displaced over 130,000 people from alreadyextremely vulnerable Nasir, Ulang and now Fangak counties in the past two months, with many more deprived of livelihoods and essential services because of the conflict. She emphasised that civilian populations must be protected, together with the aid workers providing them with basic services. Verney also renewed calls for all parties to facilitate safe access for humanitarian teams and supplies to reach people in need. Between January and April 2025, the UN has tracked at least eight additional conflict incidents affecting health facilities across Upper Nile, including aerial bombings on Jikmir and Kuich health facilities, looting, and the destruction of cold chain infrastructure. For further information, please contact: Ben Parker, OCHA, benjamin.parker1@un.org OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org/south-sudan or www.reliefweb.int. 4 May 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 04 May 2025 - Day 1166 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian defenders decisively give a block to the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect and exhaustion across the entire frontline. Since the beginning of this day, 201 combat has taken place. Russian zagarbniki made one rocket and 70 aviation strikes, using one rocket and 116 cab. In addition, the Russians have engaged 779 kamikaze drones and carried out 4062 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian enemy four times tried to move forward near vovcans ka, stroivki and quiet. At the same time, the enemy caused aviation strikes in the areas of zaharivka, rubizhnoe and vovcans ka. In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Golubivka, Petropavlivka and towards Pi any, Glushkivka and Novoosinovogo. Ukrainian defenders repelled four Russian attacks, three more combat clashes continue so far. In the Lyman direction during the day, Russian invaders 22 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians in the areas of settlements Nove, Kopanka, Tverdohlibove, Kolodyazi and towards the Green Valley, Linden, Olgivka, Linden, Ridkoduba. One combat encounter is ongoing so far. In the Sivers komu direction since the beginning of the day, there have been three combat clashes in the direction of Grigorivka and Verkhnyokamians kogo. Two Russian attempts to advance were successfully repelled by Ukrainian defenders, another combat is underway. In the Kramators komu direction there is one combat near Stupocok. The Defense Forces successfully stopped nine Russian assaults in the direction of Maysky, Bila Gora and near the Time Yar. In the Toretsky direction Russians 14 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces. The Russian occupiers concentrated their efforts in the areas of Toretsk, Friendship and in the direction of Diliyivka. Ukrainian defenders have successfully stopped all attempts of the opponent to advance. Since the beginning of this day in the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian zagarbnytskyi units tried to break through Ukrainian defense towards the settlements of Gnativka, Mirolyubivka, Ray, Novosergiyivka, Stara Mykolaivka, New Poltavka, Oleksiyivka, Bagatyr and in the areas of settlements Malinivka, Dachenske, Zvirove, Novooleksandrivka, Udaachne, Elizavetivka, Lisivka, Shevchenko, Kotlyarivka, Troitske, Andriyivka, Bogdanivka. Defense forces suppress the Russian enemy's pressure and repeled 70 Russian attacks, so far there are 12 combat clashes. Russian forces launched aerial strikes with controlled bombs in the districts of Pokrovsk, Suhogo Yar, Zora, Leonidivka, Druzhkivka, Rusynogo Yar, Malinivka, Udachnogo, Novopavlivka, Zelenogo Kuta and Novoukrainka. The Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today in this direction Ukrainian warriors zneszkodili 177 Russian invaders, 103 of them - irrevocable. Also destroyed three units of automotive equipment, three BPLAs, one motorcycle and one combat armored vehicle of the Russian enemy. In the Novopavlovsky direction, Russian forces attacked 40 times Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Konstantinopil, Rivnopil, Novopil, Novosilka, Privilne and towards the settlements of Zelene Pole, Shevchenko, Bagatir. Six attacks are still going on. Russian terrorists carried out aerial strikes in the areas of Novopol, Novodarivka, Novoukrainka, Green Corner, Bagatyr and Green Field. With the support of aviation, the Russian Zagrazbniki five times attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Vysokoye in the Gulyaipil direction. At the same time, Russian forces carried out air strikes on Gulyaipol. In the orihivs komu direction, Ukrainian troops repelled three Russian attacks near novoandrivka, paatihatok and stepovoye. Russian forces caused aviation strikes controlled bombs in the area of orikhov. Today in the Pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces launched aerial strikes in the areas of the settlements Vesele, Berislav and Burgunka. In the Kursk direction Ukrainian defenders repelled 20 Russian attacks, two combat clashes continue so far. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 05 May 2025 - Day 1167 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that so far, 146 combat clashes have taken place. The hottest situation today in Pokrovsky, Lyman, Novopavlivs komu and Kurs .komu directions. For today, the Russian enemy launched one missile and 65 air strikes, used two missiles and 138 KABs, engaged 1176 kamikaze drones for impact, carried out more than 4200 shells of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian enemy four times attacked near vovcans ka. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian forces tried to advance five times during the day to Ukrainian positions in the area of settlements Stepova Novoselivka, Zagrizove and in the direction of Novoosinovoye and Glushkivka; Ukrainian units repelled four attacks, the battle is ongoing. In the Lyman direction, Russian forces attacked 30 times in the areas of populated areas Nadia, Grekivka, Novomikhailivka, Nove, Kolodyazi, Mirne and in the direction of Green Valley. Ukrainian warriors stopped 26 attacks of the Russian zagarbnikiv, six more battles are still ongoing. In the Kramators komu direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled three attacks in the area of Kurdumivka and in the direction of White Mountain. In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces spent six offensive actions at the position of Ukrainian troops in the areas of Toretsk, Crimea and Ozaryanivka. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian enemy has tried 48 times to infiltrate Ukrainian defense in the Pokrovsky direction in the areas of settlements of Sukha Balka, Stara Mykolaivka, Vodyane Druge, Novotoretske, Shevchenko, Udaachne, Uspenivka, Troitske, Kotlyarivka, Bogdanivka and Andriyivka; currently there are 11 clashes. According to the available information, the casualties of the Russian occupiers to date are 279 people killed and wounded; in addition, two tanks, six vehicles, one buggy, 12 motorcycles, two cannons, 12 UPLFs, a satellite terminal, a blind, seven UPLF control points; in addition, a tank, six cannons, a car and a Russian mortar were damaged. In the Novopavlovsky direction, Ukrainian soldiers have already repelled 15 attacks of the Russian occupation army in the areas of settlements Novopil, Novosilka, Privilne, Komar, Rivnopil, Burlatske, Konstantinopil and in the direction of Odradne and Bagatyr, five more clashes are still ongoing. In the Gulyaipil direction, in the area of the settlement of Vysoke, the Defense Forces repelled six Russian attacks, another battle remains unfinished. Aviation strikes were suffered by Malinivka, Temirivka, Oleksandrograd and Green Field. In the Orihivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 14 Russian attacks near Stepovoye, Maliy Scherbaky, Kamiansky and in the direction of Novoandriivka and Novodanilivka. In the Kurs komu direction, there are currently three combat, in total, for today Russian occupiers have made 18 attempts to move forward. Russian forces launched 19 air strikes and shot down 27 KABs, carrying out 293 artillery shells of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including seven from the reactive systems of assault-fire. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi on BRICS Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism and Cybersecurity Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: May 01, 2025 12:35 On April 30, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi attended the 15th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Brasilia. The meeting reviewed the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and Working Group on Security in the Use of ICTs. Wang Yi said that terrorism is the common enemy of humanity. The field of counter-terrorism is currently facing new challenges, as international terrorist forces are colluding amid chaos, leading to frequent major terrorist attacks, while emerging technologies add complexity to the global counter-terrorism struggle. BRICS countries should join hands to combat all forms of terrorism, oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of counter-terrorism issues, and reject "double standards" in combating terrorism. BRICS countries should support the United Nations in playing a central role and promote the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Efforts should be made to address both the symptoms and root causes, strengthen counter-terrorism capacity building, and fundamentally eradicate the breeding grounds of terrorism. China fully supports joint discussions on measures to address current prominent issues and emerging risks, maintaining zero tolerance for terrorism. Wang Yi expressed that currently, the risks of politicization, militarization and fragmentation in cyberspace are intensifying. Large-scale, prolonged and systematic cyberattacks occur from time to time, which not only endanger global digital development and cooperation, but also threaten international peace and security. In the face of new situations and challenges, BRICS countries should enhance coordination and cooperation, maintain order in cyberspace, promote the formulation of universal global rules on issues of concern to all parties such as data security and supply chain security, and build a just and equitable global cyberspace governance system. BRICS countries should give play to the role of the BRICS Roadmap of Practical Cooperation on Ensuring Security in the Use of ICTs and promote high-quality development of Greater BRICS cooperation on cybersecurity. Wang Yi stated that artificial intelligence (AI) should be an international public instrument that serves the well-being of humanity, rather than a political tool for seeking geopolitical self-interest. Using so-called security risk prevention as a pretext to build "small yards with high fences", create divisions, and exclude some countries from the progress of AI technolog, will only lead to new risks and even confrontations. Noting the Global AI Governance Initiative proposed by China and the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All announced by China, Wang Yi expressed China's willingness to work with BRICS countries to promote the implementation of the initiative and action plan, deepen and expand cooperation on AI, and jointly develop AI that is good for the people, safe and controllable, and universally beneficial and inclusive. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM call with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia: 4 May 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP 4 May 2025 The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, this morning. The Prime Minister began by congratulating the Australian leader on his historic election win yesterday. Australia and the UK has a strong and enduring friendship, and the Prime Minister said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese in the years to come, including through increased trade and economic security for working people in both countries. Discussing defence and security, including our shared support for Ukraine, the leaders also agreed to increase ambition on our joint submarine programme, AUKUS. The Prime Minister said he would ask his AUKUS Adviser, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, to travel to Australia in the coming weeks to discuss the programme further. The leaders agreed to stay in close touch. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney May 4, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. President von der Leyen congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. The two leaders underscored the close and growing relationship between Canada and the European Union. The leaders discussed opportunities ahead to build on their free trade relationship, bolster economic security, and work side-by-side on shared defence and security challenges. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China assessing U.S. messages of hoping to hold tariff talks: commerce ministry People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:16, May 03, 2025 BEIJING, May 2 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce said on Friday that the country is currently assessing the situation, as the United States has recently reached out through relevant channels multiple times, expressing a desire to engage in talks with China over tariff issues. China's position has been consistent -- if forced to fight, China will fight to the end, and for talks, the door is open, a commerce ministry spokesperson said in a statement. The tariff and trade wars were unilaterally initiated by the United States, and if it wants to negotiate, it must demonstrate sincerity by making preparations and taking concrete actions, such as correcting its erroneous practices and lifting the unilateral tariffs, said the statement. Noting that China has noticed the U.S. side constantly talking about adjustments to its tariff measures, the spokesperson said that "in any potential dialogue or talks, if the United States does not rectify its erroneous unilateral tariff measures, it would demonstrate a complete lack of sincerity and further undermine mutual trust." Saying one thing while doing another, or even attempting to use talks as a cover for coercion and blackmail, will not work with China, the spokesperson stressed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Navy's second Type 054B frigate officially commissioned, conducts combat drill in South China Sea: report Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: May 04, 2025 03:32 PM The second Type 054B frigate, the Qinzhou, was recently commissioned into the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and conducted a combat drill in the South China Sea, official media reported on Sunday. During the exercise, the Qinzhou undertook several challenging courses in an undisclosed sea area in the South China Sea. During its first live-fire session, it directly struck and sank a towed target, according to a report by China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday. Footage from the CCTV report showed that the Qinzhou, with the hull number 555, firing its main gun and its 11-barreled 30 mm close-in weapon system. Training intensity aboard the newly commissioned vessel is increasing, the report noted. Ma Haiyang, a navigation officer, was quoted by CCTV as saying that the Qinzhou's new structure and unfamiliar equipment require the crew to quickly master both the ship's layout and specialized skills. The Qinzhou is the second publicly known Type 054B in the PLA Navy, after the first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, was commissioned at a military port in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province on January 22, the Xinhua News Agency reported at the time. According to Xinhua, the Type 054B has a displacement of approximately 5,000 tons. This new-generation frigate, independently developed and constructed by China, boasts advancements in stealth technology, combat command systems and firepower integration, significantly enhancing overall performance. With strong capabilities for comprehensive combat operations and diverse military missions, the warship will play a vital role in enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of naval task forces, Xinhua said. Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the Type 054B is a new type of guided missile frigate derived from the Type 054A, giving it a larger displacement and a longer range than its predecessor, so it can carry out missions in far seas, including operations with aircraft carrier groups and fulfilling regional air defense and anti-submarine roles. The second Type 054B frigate's exercises in the South China Sea will allow the new warship to adjust to various sea conditions and boost combat capabilities, Zhang Junshe said, noting that the first Type 054B frigate previously conducted drills in the Yellow Sea, according to official media reports. Calling the Type 054B one of the world's most advanced frigates, Zhang Xuefeng, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the Type 054B not only has balanced anti-submarine, anti-ship and air defense capabilities, but also achieved a cost-effective design through the use of new technologies. This makes the Type 054B a strong candidate for mass production, enabling the PLA Navy to field more units in response to diverse maritime threats, Zhang Xuefeng added. In August 2023, when asked to confirm the Type 054B frigate's launch at the time, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular press conference that it is a normal arrangement eyeing national security needs and the comprehensive development of the PLA Navy that the PLA Navy develops equipment including main combat vessels according to related plans. The goal is to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests, and better safeguard world and regional peace and stability, the spokesperson said at the time, noting that China always follows a path of peaceful development, and unswervingly adheres to a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on President Xi Jinping's Upcoming State Visit to Russia and Attendance at the Celebrations Marking the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: May 04, 2025 15:05 Q: China announced that President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Could you share with us the program of the trip and China's expectation regarding advancing its ties with Russia? A: In today's world, unprecedented global changes are unfolding at a faster pace, and the international order is undergoing profound adjustments. With a historic vision and from a strategic height, President Xi and President Putin have guided China-Russia relations in the new era to always forge ahead despite a complex external environment and demonstrate the relations' defining features of everlasting good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win. During his state visit to Russia upon invitation, President Xi will have strategic communication with President Putin on China-Russia relations under new circumstances and on a series of major international and regional issues. We believe the important common understandings between the two presidents will further deepen political mutual trust between the two countries, add new substance to strategic coordination, promote practical cooperation in various fields, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute more stability and positive energy to the international community. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War. As the two main theaters of Asia and Europe in World War II, China and Russia made immense sacrifice and major, historic contributions to secure the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and save their respective nations from demise and the future of mankind. President Xi and President Putin previously agreed that the two sides will jointly remember history, honor the martyrs, foster a right view of the World War II history and defend the outcomes of the victory of the war and the post-war international order, and uphold international fairness and justice. At this special historic juncture, President Xi Jinping's attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow upon invitation is an important part of his visit. It is also reflective of China and Russia's support to each other's commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. As founding members of the UN and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia shoulder special and important responsibility in safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core. The two countries will further strengthen their close coordination in the UN, SCO, BRICS and other multilateral platforms, rally the Global South, shape global governance in the right direction, unequivocally oppose acts of unilateralism and bullying, and jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KPA Delegation Returns Home Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, May 3 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the Korean People's Army led by Pak Yong Il, vice-director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA, returned home on May 2 after taking part in the 3rd International Anti-Fascist Congress held in Russia. The delegation was greeted at Pyongyang International Airport by generals and officers of the Korean People's Army and military attaches of the Russian embassy here. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kim Jong-un Inspects Next-Gen Tank Hub as North Korea Speeds Up Military Overhaul Sputnik News 20250504 North Korea's military is becoming one of the most advanced, with the DPRK troops mastering modern warfare as Kim Jong-un repeatedly stresses the need to offset a US-driven military buildup in the Asia-Pacific region posing a "serious threat" to the country's security. The North Korean leader hailed the "great progress in the core technology of Korean-style tanks" as he personally inspected a key tank factory, state media KCNA reported. Kim Jong-un emphasized that producing next-gen tanks and armored vehicles is crucial for modernizing the military and achieving the ruling party's goal of a "second revolution in armored force." North Korea's military is rapidly evolving into a high-tech force. The country's leader recently attended the unveiling of a new guided missile destroyer, Choe Hyon, and tests of new reconnaissance and attack drones. Pyongyang launched combat tests of its new multi-mission destroyer, including supersonic/strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft systems, and ship-based artillery, on April 28-29. Kim Jong-un called the destroyer's firepower system "very wonderful." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on the State visit of President of Angola to India (May 03, 2025) India - Ministry of External Affairs May 03, 2025 Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, friends. I welcome you to this special briefing by Secretary (ER), Shri Dammu Ravi on the ongoing State Visit of Angola. We also have with us Shri Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary, who looks after Angola and other countries in Africa. As also our Ambassador to Angola Dr. Vidhu Nair. With that I invite Secretary sir to make his opening remarks after which we will take questions from the audience. Sir over to you. Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER): Thank you Randhir and good afternoon, friends. Let me briefly cover the program and also the important elements of the visit. As you know that the President of Angola, Mr. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco is on a State Visit, which started yesterday, and it will close tomorrow. Today he was accorded a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan by Honorable Rashtrapati Ji. Thereafter, there was a call on by Honorable External Affairs Minister on the President of Angola, and there were delegation level talks held by Honorable Prime Minister at Hyderabad House, during which the various aspects of the bilateral relations have been covered. And today, later in the evening, there will be a banquet by Honorable Rashtrapati ji. Let me also put the importance of the visit. Now, this is the first time that a VVIP visit on both sides is taking place after 38 years. And this is the first visit of President Lourenco to India, since he assumed office in 2017. And it also marks two important events. One is the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Angola. And the second is, it marks the 50th anniversary of the independence of Angola this year. As you all know, Angola is holding the chairship of the African Union, which is a very important area for us too in the context of India-Africa partnership. So, we are seeking their support in deepening our relationship with Africa. And the delegation level talks between the two leaders covered a wide gamut of relationship, making an assessment of the existing relationship, as well as the futuristic scenario in terms of new areas of cooperation. During the press briefing, there was a very strong message, and also during the delegation level talks. President Lourenco condemned the heinous cowardly act ... terrorist act in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. And there was condemnation of it, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and solidarity with India in tackling terrorism in all its forms, including the cross-border terrorism. Now let me touch on the substantive part of the relationship. As you know, the bilateral trade between India and Angola is $4.2 billion. Much of it is in the favor of Angola, about $3.5 billion. But 90% of the trade is in oil and gas. We import a lot from Angola, both oil and LNG. It is the second largest supplier of oil and gas from Africa after Nigeria. India exports about $700 million worth of items, but varied items, including pharma, medicines, vaccines, automobile components, engineering products, plastics and refined oil. During the visit ... a lot of coverage on the energy security aspect from India's point of view. As you know, Angola has discovered new oil fields ... and where they sought India's support, particularly Indian companies, to help them in the refinery processing, to set up refinery units there, and also exploration of onshore and offshore oil fields. Defense is another area of cooperation that attracted a lot of attention. During this visit, Honorable Prime Minister has offered $200 million worth of lines of credit, defense line of credit, in Indian rupees. They will be sourcing defense equipment from India. Already they are in touch with the private companies and also public sector companies for various items to be sourced from India. And the important aspect is there is a commonality. They have a large number of Soviet equipment, defense equipment, which needs to be serviced, overhauled and do the maintenance. So, in the days to come, both sides will be engaging ... expert level interactions as to how to take forward this particular cooperation. Honorable Prime Minister has also offered the Angolan experts to be trained in India, in the defense area, both under ITEC and also a very specialized training program for Angolan defense forces. Agriculture is an area of great interest to Angola. President Lourenco requested Honorable Prime Minister to give assistance in creating a situation that Angola could become fully secured, fully self-sufficient in food production. There again, various elements ... Angola, as you know, after the civil war, after it won independence, it suffered civil war for 27 years. A lot of these activities have been, you know, taken a backseat in terms of the infrastructure and agriculture growth, but now they are coming out of it. It is a much more stable today and there is a lot of potential for cooperation, both in agriculture and infrastructure creation. In the area of agriculture, they will be needing India's entrepreneurship to be able to grow food crops in that part of the world and agriculture equipment, tractors, seeds and various technology that will be needed for agriculture food security. In the area of infrastructure, there is a great need for road networks and railway networks. They already have certain networks, but they need further greater expansion of it, support from India. RITES is already talking to the Angolan companies. There is a possibility to introduce Indian diesel locomotives and also expand the railway network interior, north-south and east-west and leading into the areas of their minerals, which are very important for them in terms of logistics. We ... again, this will be an area of interest for Indian companies. They will be engaging in working with Angolan authorities in taking forward the specifics of it. In the health area, there was a lot of discussion. Angolan President Lourenco specifically asked for India's support in healthcare, doctors and paramedical forces. There is a need in great numbers. They are expanding the healthcare sector with the creation of new hospitals in that country. And Honorable Prime Minister mentioned about not only the possibility of supplying vaccines and medicines and pharma products in Africa, but also to be able to set up Janaushadhi units in that country. We will be exploring that opportunity. The possibility of traditional medicine, Ayurveda to be introduced in Angola, where there is a lot of interest too. The new areas of cooperation which were discussed by the two leaders is actually Space. As you know, Angola already has a satellite mission control centre, which is currently assisted by the Russians and the French, but India has low-cost satellite launch technologies and Honorable Prime Minister offered this to Angola. And we will have to see how we can expand this particular area of great interest to both sides. And there is a lot of potential there. The Digital Public Infrastructure is another area that was discussed and again there seems to be great promise there and for Angola admittedly it is a new area. But Honorable Prime Minister explained the benefits of it and how it can enhance the governance part, the ease of living part and it was very well received by Honorable President Lourenco and we will see how our exports can take this forward. In terms of the development cooperation, India has been traditionally assisting most of the African countries, but in the case of Angola too, we have given modestly lines of credit, grants; and technical capacity programs have been extended to Angola too. And there is a renewed interest during this visit to expand the scope of this cooperation. As part of the deliverables, let me mention to you, these are very much in the knowledge of the media, three memoranda of understanding were concluded today in the presence of the two leaders. One is pertaining to cooperation agriculture, the second is cultural cooperation, and the third is in the area of traditional medicine and Ayurveda. During the visit, again Angola expressed interest to join International Solar Alliance and to that effect, they have delivered the framework agreement which will in course of time formally induct them as a member of the International Solar Alliance. In the context of the African Union, as you know, Angola is currently the chairship, holding of the African Union and we are very keen to hold the next edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit, which is the fourth edition. We have to explore mutually convenient dates for both sides, but President Lourenco assured us that during his chairship, he will be able to work with other leaders to ensure that the summit takes place, and we will have to again look at convenient dates. He also mentioned about the rise of India and how it can play in the context of not just Angola but also Africa ... as to India and Africa ... to playing a stronger role, a dynamic role and a facilitating role in the Global South. And Africa is the core of the Global South and that is where he sees a great interest. And taking that forward further, the rise of India, Honorable President Lourenco also mentioned about India playing a greater role in the world context and he sees a great role internationally, particularly in the UN system, the reform of the UN. Both have collective interest to ensure that the reform takes place effectively and reflects the contemporary realities. And in that context he mentioned about India's role in the UN Security Council as well. Lastly, let me also mention that there are about 8,000 Indians ... diaspora, strong diaspora in Angola, quite extensively spread out in various activities, both professionals, traders and retail network, businesses, and successfully contributing to the economy of Angola. So, I pause here friends and if there are any questions, I will be happy to take. Or my colleagues could also support me in answering those questions. Thank you very much. Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Good afternoon. I'm Huma Siddiqui from StratNews Global. I have two questions. You talked about the food and energy security. So, especially in the agri-sector, was there a discussion related to leasing of land for Indian farmers, or is it just about giving the machinery and seeds? And my second question is related to Defense and Space. So, have they identified what exactly would they be wanting to buy from India, and would they like to tie up with ISRO for any future space program? Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Thank you, Sir. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. My question is regarding the 200 million dollar line of credit for defense. I just want to understand when you say they are looking to source. What are the kinds of partnerships that they're looking to source when it comes to defense from India? Have they identified particular parts of the defense partnership that they want to engage and expand in? And secondly, was there any discussions on, you know, helping them when it comes to other forms of security partnerships, whether conversations on sort of counter-terrorism or cyber security? You know, is the defense partnership more than just sourcing? That's what I wanted to understand, if there were conversations on it. Thank you. Sidhant Sibal, WION: Sir, Sidhant from WION. On the UNSC reforms, if you can perhaps elaborate more on what kind of conversations were there, because this is a process that has been stuck for a long time. They extended support to the non-permanent membership as well, for which we are bidding very soon in this decade, and also India's support for African membership at the UNSC. Rishikesh: Sir, Rishikesh from [Indiscernible]. So, Africa is one region where India sees significant defense export potential. So, has India offered any specific platforms for Angola ... or military platforms? Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER): Well, anyway, I think some are overlapping questions, so I'll try to give a broad spin on that. So, one is Huma's question on food and agriculture. Now see, I think the specifics of it would need to be sorted out at the expert level. But I think, you know, we have to understand that Angola today is just 40 ... is about 40% of India's landmass, which is quite significant. For a population of 35 million, there's a huge landmass. And I also mentioned that, you know, during the civil war there's been a lot of mining. So, a lot of it has been demined. So, there's a huge area of tracts of land ... arable lands are available. We have to study the land lease. And I see there is a general trend in Africa that they're offering up to 90 years, 99 years of land lease, and that is where ... is a great potential and opportunity for Indian entrepreneurs to go there to be able to cultivate and grow crops. And this is not new. It's already happening. In many countries it's happening already. And specificity of it we'll have to see. Because we have to also understand the soil conditions, which is conducive to what kind of crops, millets. Of course, honorable External Affairs Minister mentioned today in the conversation with his counterpart whether there's a scope for millets. But, yes, there are multiple opportunities there. But I think today we have to see in the context of securing ... making African countries and the continent self-sufficient in agriculture. Food security is a very important part, particularly in the context of the geopolitical tensions that have disrupted the food supply chains in the world. So, this is still work in progress. We will get to those details later on. And particularly on the defense cooperation, Keshav, and also your question is touching on that. What are the specifics of it? The Ambassador might have more details, because even before the visit there was some discussion with the public sector unit, and as well as the private sector unit for sourcing from India ... transport equipment, ammunitions in particular. But what they are, what are those details, I would not know at this point of time. Honorable President in particular mentioned that they have Russian aircraft called the Sukhoi-30 ... when they need India's help in both the overhaul, spares, maintenance, and servicing part of it. So, this is again ongoing. We will get into details in course of time. On the UNSC reforms, again, we have to understand, you know, no African leader can come out and say exactly what they feel about UN Security Council reform. But UN reform in general is a collective interest, because it doesn't reflect the contemporary realities of the 21st century. But on the specificities of the UN Security Council, we have to understand that Africa has a position called the Ezulwini Consensus, where the African candidates, candidature for the UNSC will be decided by the group. But we are appreciative of the fact that President Lourenco had mentioned about India playing a greater role in the UN systems, and also on the UN Security Council. That has come out very clearly today. Military cooperation that going beyond defence ... I think one is in the capacity building, but in terms of the cyber security, again, we haven't gone into those details. Perhaps Angola is not so intensely into the cyber security aspects of it, you know, but they are sympathetic to ... in terms of terrorism, the disruption that is happening, and they are quite aware of the fact that, you know, the civil war has affected them, and they disrupted their societies as well. So, there is a scope for military cooperation, but we'll have to see how far and to what dimension at what level it can take place. Maybe, I'll request our Ambassador, if he has anything to add on the specific question. Shri Vidhu P. Nair, Ambassador of India to Angola: Well, there was a discussion during the meeting between the Honorable Prime Minister and the President on the possible areas of capacity building and training, and the Honorable Prime Minister offered specific courses on counter-terrorism, cyber security, et cetera. But as Secretary mentioned, we need to work out the further details of it. As far as India is concerned, I think we will be more willing to encompass as many areas in this domain, depending on our priorities, as well as Africa's priorities, and therefore this is an evolving situation. Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: Secretary, this is Suhasini Haidar from the Hindu. You had mentioned that President Lourenco said ... condemned the Pahalgam attack and also has offered support to India for its actions against terrorism and cross-border terrorism. Did he make any statement as the chair of the African union as well because so far, we hadn't had any statement from the AU per se on this attack. And if I could ask maybe Additional Secretary could ... is there a response to the EU, the U.K., the U.S. asking for India and Pakistan to work together to de-escalate tensions at present. Sachin: Sir mera naam Sachin Godhwaliya hain. Mera sawal yeh hain ki infrastructure ke upar jab apki baat ho rahi thi khas taur par railway aur road ke bareme, toh kya Angola me kis tarah se humari sahayeta maangi hain aur railway me kya modernization, track wagairah aur uska bhi pura infrastructure hain, ya kewal rolling stock ko le kar ke unhone baat kari thi? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, my name is Sachin Godhwaliya. My question is that when the discussion was happening on infrastructure, especially about railways and roads, then in what way has Angola asked for our assistance, and in railways, is it about modernization, tracks, etc., and does that include the full infrastructure or did they talk only about rolling stock? Siddhant Mishra, CNN-News18: Hi sir, I'm Siddhant from CNN-News 18. Sir my question is, how does India-Angola relations stand out vis-a-vis Africa? And also, if you could shed more details about the cooperation in Space. Thank you. Sunita Nagpal, ET Now: Hi sir, I am Sunita from ET Now. You mentioned about DPI being an area of cooperation. I just want to get an understanding on what was exactly arrived at so far as the understanding between two sides is concerned. And what is Angola expecting? Are there any timelines of DPI perhaps being rolled out [inaudible] ? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Siddhant, can you repeat your question? Siddhant Mishra, CNN-News18: Sir, India's relations with Angola vis-a-vis Africa. Srinjoy Chowdhury, Times Now: Sir, you spoke a lot about defense cooperation between the two countries. Did the meeting between Rajnath Singh and the Defense Minister of Angola happen at all? Neeraj Kumar Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Namaskar sir, main Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi se. Sir, Angola ka jo videshi culture hai, usme lagbhag chalis pratishat Chinese hain aur wahan par kuch Chinese banks ke saath unke jo payment se jo samjhauta hote, woh radd bhi huye hain. Unko dikkat bhi hai. To aapne jo sahayata ki hai Angola ki, kya unhi prayason mein ek aur kadi usko mana jaye jinki tahat sangharshrat deshon ko China mein apni kacchi jaal mein phansa raha hai aur Bharat unki madad karta hai? Doosra, aaj Pradhan Mantri ji ne jo Angola ko disaster infra se ya Biofuel wala jo hamara platform hai, ek aur platform se judne ka jo aahvan kiya hai, us par Angola ki kya pratikriya dikhi? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Greetings sir, I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. Sir, in Angola's foreign culture, about forty percent is Chinese, and some of the agreements related to payments with Chinese banks there have also been cancelled. They are facing difficulties. So, the assistance you have provided to Angolacan it be considered another step in the efforts where China is trapping struggling countries in its debt trap, and India is helping them? Secondly, today, Prime Minister has invited Angola to join the disaster resilient infrastructure or Biofuel platform - what has been Angola's response to this? Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER): Well, a few questions I'll try and mix up with others. There's common threads here. Suhasini's question on the cross-border terrorism, we haven't yet received the AU statement as such on the recent attack in J&K, but today's clear condemnation by Angola in its capacity also as the chair of the AU is itself very significant in my view. It also covers both bilateral as well as the African Union. And that's coming out very clearly in that context. But I think the other part of it you could answer it a little later. In terms of the infrastructure, you know, we have to understand, and as I said, Angola has been behind the curve in terms of infrastructure because of its own past, the civil war and all that. So, there is a lot of scope for road network to be built, and also in the railway network. Now, specifically on the railway network, they have some track, but that's a single track. But if you have to improve your logistics and also reach out to your critical minerals and mining areas, then you need to have a lot more capacity and a lot more modernization taking place. And that's where India is coming in. RITES is in talks, they're just not talking about rolling stock, but they're also looking at the possibility of expanding the network and also creating modernization there. India-Africa cooperation in the context of Angola. See, we have to see the relationship of India-Africa in the overall context of the Global South as well. You know, our trade with Africa is about $100 billion annually. Investments are about $80 billion. But we could do more. You know, we need to engage more intimately with them. And that is the whole exercise today. Our company should be encouraged to go and invest and take part in value addition activity locally, infrastructure creation, PPP projects. There's a whole lot of opportunity for both sides, particularly for Indian entrepreneurs. Now, India-Africa summit, it's been there for a long time. It's pending. 2015 was the last time when we had the third edition. But now, because of the COVID scheduling issues, we could not hold the fourth summit. But now is a good opportunity. What will happen is, you know, we'll take stock of the things. In the overall context of Africa, this summit will give us an opportunity to understand, you know, where we can bring in India's low-cost solutions, particularly in the DPI space. And India is well positioned to assist because of the development trajectories, aspirations, and challenges of both in India and Africa. And the DPI could be very well ... a good platform for Africa to accelerate also its development. So today, Prime Minister mentioned and explained the utility value and various aspects of it, one of which is the payment. He also mentioned about the ease of payments, the ease of the governance, the ease of delivery mechanisms. And I think in particular, he mentioned about simple things like, you know, how fishermen can actually use this technology to track the fish movement, the stocks. He mentioned it. So, there are various applications to it. I think many of the African countries are still new to this. But I think there is this need for awareness building. And from there onwards, helping them to build the infrastructure, both software and hardware and the capacity building. There's a lot of work ahead for us; I believe so. But already many of our Indian companies are there. And they are constantly talking to the companies ... our banks are in, talking to them. The National Payment, NPCI experts have also visited many countries. So, this is work in progress. Now, in terms of the Defense Ministers meeting, I'll ask my Additional Secretary to explain this. Now, China's role, of course, China has a very strong presence, not just in Angola, but across Africa. But we have to also understand our strengths. There are certain areas where India can do very well. There are certain areas perhaps China is already doing well, but not necessarily in competition. India's skills, India's low-cost solutions have its own merit, its own value, and deeply appreciated by the African countries and the leadership. And we would like to build on our strengths in deepening India's role in the Global South, particularly in the African continent. So, I'd like to request my colleague Sevala Naik, to come on that ... particularly Defense Ministers. Shri Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary: Thank you, sir. Well, let me share with you the background. Well, the Honorable President of Angola arrived yesterday morning, 9.30 [Indiscernible]. But most of the ministers ... they arrived much ahead of him. But the timing schedule with the defence minister, our defence minister meeting was 12:30. By then, I think there was a call by the President of Angola to have a cabinet meeting. So, the scheduling issue came up and then somehow they had to postpone. And subsequently, they didn't find any suitable time for a meeting with the Defence Minister. So, it didn't take place. So, therefore, they had to be canceled. But, however, they had met in February during the Aero Show in Bangalore and their delegation again came down to Delhi and then their Minister of State in the President's Office also had gone and met the Minister of State of Defense. So, there have been interactions ... it's not something that is missing ... each other. So, therefore ... because the scheduling time couldn't take place. Thank you. Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER): My due apologies on that. But let me explain to you that this is a new area of interest for Angola in particular. They have raised this. President Lourenco asked the Prime Minister for help. So, what we are going to do is get into specifics with the experts. I think ISRO and their side will get into talk. But I think there is interest for also the low-cost satellite being launched by India and the data sharing, those things. I think that will form part of the cooperation in the space area. But we'll have to, again, go into details eventually in due course of time when experts meet. Thank you very much. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Suhasini, responding to your question, as you are aware, the global community in overwhelming numbers has come out strongly condemning the terror attack on Indian soil. They have also conveyed a very strong sense of solidarity and support for India ... that they stand with the people of India in this hour. So, we are very appreciative of their solidarity, of their strong condemnation of this terror attack. With that, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your presence. Thank you. New Delhi May 03, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar 3 May 2025 17:24 748-03-05-2025 On May 2, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The foreign ministers discussed topical issues of Russian-Indian interaction as well as the exasperation of Indian-Pakistani relations following the terrorist act in Pahalgam. Sergey Lavrov called to settle the differences between New Delhi and Islamabad by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in conformity with the 1972 Simla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration. The ministers also discussed the timetable of the upcoming contacts at the top and high levels. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi Meets with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: May 01, 2025 12:40 On April 30, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian in Brasilia. Wang Yi said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Iran relations have overcome interference and difficulties, maintaining a good momentum of development. Last year, President Xi Jinping successfully met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, and opposes external forces interfering in Iran's internal affairs. China is willing to maintain exchanges at all levels with Iran, strengthen communication and coordination, defend each other's legitimate rights and interests, keep practicing multilateralism, uphold the basic norms of international relations, and build a more resilient China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides should effectively implement the comprehensive cooperation plan to accumulate more achievements and inject more substance into bilateral relations. Ali Akbar Ahmadian stated that Iran and China have strong political mutual trust, and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has become a consensus among all sectors in Iran. He expressed the willingness to strengthen high-level exchanges between Iran and China, deepen cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, science and technology, and connectivity, and take bilateral relations to a new height. Iran and China share similar positions on multilateral issues. He thanked China for speaking up for Iran on the international stage and facilitating the improvement of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations. Iran is willing to unite and cooperate with China to jointly oppose external interference, resist the abuse of tariffs and unilateral sanctions, and uphold a just and equitable international order. The two sides discussed the Iranian nuclear issue and expressed willingness to maintain communication on this matter. Ali Akbar Ahmadian reiterated that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and is willing to engage in negotiations and consultations with relevant parties on the basis of equality and respect. Wang Yi stated that China values Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran's right to peacefully use nuclear energy, appreciates Iran's persistent diplomatic efforts, welcomes Iran's ongoing dialogue with other parties, and supports Iran's necessary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Negotiations on Iran nuclear program are political, not legal issues: Advisor to Leader IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Ali Larijani, senior advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, said that the Iranian nuclear issue is a political rather than a legal matter. He argued that if the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had provided clear comments, negotiations over Iran's peaceful nuclear program would not have been necessary. Speaking at a ceremony commemorating National Teacher Day at Shahed University in Tehran on Saturday, Larijani said that Iran prioritizes acquiring nuclear knowoledge for peaceful purposes and respects established frameworks; however, other parties dismiss this reasoning and seek to put pressure on the country, raising the question of how to respond to such bullying tactics. He further said that negotiation is neither inherently good nor bad; rather, it must safeguard Iran's interests. If negotiations do not ensure these interests, there is no justification for their continuation, the official said. Larijani also addressed the sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States and other Western states, saying that these sanctions extend beyond nuclear issues. US-imposed sanctions date back to a time when Iran was a satellite state of the United States during the period prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and following the transformation, Iran asserted its independence; thus, the West started creating problems, he added. Regarding the Iranian nation's response to foreign pressures, he said that Iranians have a rich civilization that will not succumb to pressures. He concluded that the outcome of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. may vary, depending on the rationality and fairness in the face of the international situation. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. behavior undermines its seriousness in pursuing diplomacy: Foreign minister IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Iran is committed to acquiring nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and that the contradictory behavior of U.S. officials breeds distrust regarding their seriousness in advancing the diplomatic process. During a phone conversation with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres late on Friday, Araqchi said that Iran has adopted a responsible approach to resolving the fabricated issue surrounding its peaceful nuclear program. However, genuine willingness and a realistic attitude from the other side would facilitate progress in the diplomatic process. As a member state of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran abides by its commitments while insisting on its right to possess nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which necessitates the enrichment of uranium, he said. He also referred to the other party's previous breaches of promise, saying that relevant parties must refrain from proposing issues contrary to the NPT and must provide assurances regarding the removal of anti-Iran sanctions. The contradictory behaviors and comments of American officials, along with the continuation of sanctions and threats against the Iranian nation, have intensified distrust and suspicion regarding Washington's seriousness in pursuing diplomacy, the minister said. Regarding several rounds of talks with Germany, France, and Britain over the past year, he reaffirmed Iran's readiness to engage with the European parties, expressing hope that the three states would adopt a constructive approach to resolving existing differences in peacefully. In response, Guterres praised the foreign minister's approach in explaining developments concerning the indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., highlighting the importance of this process in achieving positive outcomes. The secretary general also reiterated his condolences to the Iranian nation regarding the deadly explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defense minister says the enemy should not even think of attacking Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that the enemy should not even think of attacking Iran or it will face the rigid and devastating response by the Islamic Republic. Referring to the military threats of the US secretary of defense, Nasirzadeh said, "Unfortunately, we are witnessing that, on the one hand, American officials state that they are honest and willing to negotiate, and on the other hand, some American officials regularly and through various means threaten the Islamic Republic with a military attack." He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has a large stockpile of missiles, and if war is imposed, it will use them without hesitation or consideration against targets anywhere. The Defense minister warned that "if we are attacked or a war is imposed on us, we will respond with might." "We will attack their interests and their bases, and we will not be reluctant and will not see any limits in this regard," Brigadier General Nasirzadeh emphasized. "We are not enemies of our neighboring countries, and they are our brothers, but the U.S. bases on their soil will be our targets," he warned. Referring to the newly-developed ballistic missile by Iran, Brigadier-General Nasirzadeh said that the new solid-fueled missile will have better maneuverability as compared to the previous missiles, and will be immune against different air defenses such as THAAD, Patriot and those of the Israeli regime. It has a range of 1,200 km, the minister added. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Official puts Iran's port explosion death toll at 57 IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 Bandar Abbas, IRNA -- A local official in Iran's southern Hormozgan Province reports that last week's explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port resulted in 57 confirmed deaths. Mojtaba Ghahremani, the Chief Justice of Hormozgan Province, said that 46 bodies have been identified so far. Addressing previous reports that had put the death toll at 70, Ghahremani explained that some fatalities were mistakenly counted due to body fragments later determined to belong to the same individual. The massive explosion, which struck Shahid Rajaee Port on April 26, caused significant casualties and widespread damage. As one of Iran's key economic hubs, the port handles 70 million tons of goods annually. The cause of the blast remains under investigation. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran and Venezuela eye closer cooperation on nuclear industry IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- During a meeting in Tehran on Sunday, Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), and Alberto Quintero, Venezuela's Deputy Minister for Science and Technology, discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the nuclear industry. Eslami criticized the ambitions of hegemonic powers, saying that they seek to control the natural resources of other nations and hamper their progress. Despite these challenges, Iran continues to advance with strength and determination, he added. He emphasized that collaboration with Venezuela presents a valuable opportunity for both nations. For his part, the Venezuelan deputy minister highlighted his country's 200-year history of striving for independence. He said Venezuela is eager to deepen cooperation with Iran to achieve self-reliance in health, industry, and agriculture. Quintero also praised Iran's support in launching a nuclear physics course at a Venezuelan university. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Major General Salami says IRGC will not retreat against any enemy IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the IRGC has been formed for victory and will not retreat against any enemy. Speaking in a ceremony to mark National Teachers Day on Sunday, Major General Salami described IRGC as a unique organization. The IRGC is an institution that must maintain a dynamic, innovative, and creative mindset to effectively understand environmental changes, he added. He noted that the IRGC should decode enemy's mindsets and predict their moves. 9376**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran unveils new ballistic missile called Qassem Basir Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 6:24 PM Iran has officially unveiled its latest ballistic missile, Qassem Basir, a solid-fuel missile with a range of 1,200 kilometers. Unveiled on Sunday, Qassem Basir has been developed as an upgraded version of the Martyr Haj Qassem ballistic missile. According to military officials, the missile has undergone significant modifications to its warhead design, enabling it to maneuver more effectively and evade missile defense systems. Qassem Basir is equipped with a thermal imaging guidance system, enhancing its precision and making it resistant to electronic warfare. Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh said that the new missile was successfully launched from over 1,200 kilometers away, striking its designated target precisely, without deviation or reliance on GPS navigation. Nasirzadeh emphasized that the missile has been enhanced both in terms of guidance and maneuverability, allowing it to bypass layered defense systems. He noted that during testing, intense electronic interference was applied against the missile, yet it remained unaffected. Elsewhere in his remarks, the defense minister criticized Washington for sending contradictory signalsexpressing openness to negotiations on one hand while threatening military action on the other. Nasirzadeh pointed out that Iran has never initiated a war and will not start one in the future. However, he warned that the country would respond decisively if attacked. In the event of military aggression by the United States or Israel, the minister stated that Iran would target their interests, bases, and personnel wherever deemed necessary. Additionally, the defense minister announced the successful testing of a new ballistic missile, developed based on experience from True Promise operations 1 and 2massive missile strikes launched by the Iranian Armed Forces against the Israeli regime last year. Iran has said that its military capabilities, including its missile program, are non-negotiable. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to impose higher capital requirements on banks Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 6:14 PM The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) says it will increase the capital requirements for the banks in the country in the calendar year to March to make the sector more robust and avoid the risk of collapse for certain state and private banks. CBI Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin said on Sunday that the collective capital held by the banks in Iran would more than double in the calendar year to late March compared to the previous year to reach 12,000 trillion rials ($14.12 billion). Farzin said no banks in Iran will be able to continue to operate this calendar year with a capital of less than 200 trillion rials. He said that tightening capital requirements for Iranian banks would enable them to enter the international banking market in case Iran is relieved from sanctions that have restricted its access to global banking services in recent years. "Raising the capital adequacy of the banks is a critical issue for the banking system, and even if all the sanctions are lifted, the banks wouldn't be able to operate in the international banking system with their current financial statements," said the CBI chief. Farzin said that state banks in Iran would increase their collective capital by 2,000 trillion rials in the year to late March, adding that they would raise the capital through collecting their debts from Iran's administrative government. "The current year would be a decisive year for the (Iranian) banking system, and the CBI would do its utmost to return the banks to banking standards," he said. State and private banks in Iran have been faced with a series of sanctions imposed by the United States since 2018, when Washington withdrew from an international deal on Iran's nuclear program. Iran and the US have been engaged in indirect talks since early April to work out a deal to lift the sanctions from Iran in return for the country to scale back its nuclear program. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM arrives in Pakistan to discuss mutual ties, regional issues Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 4:59 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad to hold talks with high-ranking Pakistani officials. Heading a delegation, Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Sunday in line with Iran's policy to promote relations with its neighboring countries. The top Iranian diplomat plans to exchange views with senior Pakistani officials on mutual relations, including promotion of economic, trade and border security cooperation, in addition to the latest regional and international developments. Speaking to Press TV on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Araghchi will visit Pakistan and India this week as part of Tehran's ongoing consultations with regional countries. Araghchi's visit shows deep-rooted, strong Tehran-Islamabad relationship: Pakistan Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed Araghchi's high-level official visit to Islamabad, saying it reflects the "deep-rooted and strong relationship between Pakistan and the brotherly nation of Iran." The Iranian foreign minister's trip also underscores the two countries' shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, it added. The ministry explained that both sides are scheduled to exchange views on regional and global developments. According to the ministry, Araghchi will call on Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. It noted that Tehran and Islamabad enjoy close bilateral relations rooted in shared history, culture, and religion. "The visit of Foreign Minister Araghchi is expected to further strengthen the existing ties and enhance cooperation between the two countries," the ministry said. Araghchi's visit important step to draw up a roadmap for long-term cooperation: Ambassador Iran's Ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri Moqaddam, said on Sunday that the foreign minister's visit would be a major stride towards drawing up a roadmap for long-term bilateral cooperation. He added that Iran and Pakistan are two important neighbors and influential countries in the region that have consistently prioritized constant meetings and consultations based on the regional and international developments. He emphasized that economic and border interaction, terrorism, as well as regional and international issues, necessitate that Iran and Pakistan engage in talks whenever possible. Amiri Moqaddam emphasized the importance of the top Iranian diplomat's day-long visit to Pakistan, highlighting the ongoing crisis in West Asia fueled by the escalation of Israel's aggression, supported by the West and the United States. He pointed to the suffering of the oppressed people of Gaza, the passive response of international organizations such as the United Nations Security Council, and the rising tensions in the subcontinent. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel recalls reservists before expanding Gaza offensive IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 The Israeli military announced that it plans to mobilize tens of thousands of reservists to expand its operations in the Gaza Strip amid stalled talks on the next phases of a ceasefire deal with Hamas, as reported by Lebanon's Al Mayadeen and Israeli media outlets. Israel's Channel 14 reported that around 60,000 reservists would be recalled to army units within few days, starting from the middle of next week. According to the network, many of the reservists will be deployed along the borders of Syria, Lebanon, or the West Bank, with the aim of redeploying military forces from these areas to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli military General Eyal Zamir said that Israel intends to expand its offensive in Gaza to intensify pressure on Hamas. Families of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza criticized this decision, warning that it could lead to more casualties among Israeli forces. They issued a statement, saying that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to dispatch more military forces to Gaza to be killed instead of working to save the prisoners. The families also urged Zamir to avoid any operations in Gaza, as it could result in the death of Israeli prisoners held in the strip. Thr Israeli media outlets reported that the regime's officers and personnel expressed their reluctance to engage in fighting if military operations in Gaza are expanded. Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that a significant number of military personnel have recently deserted military service. Haaretz also quoted some sources saying that numerous forces informed their commanders of their unwillingness to fight as part of the expanded operations in Gaza. The Israeli regime, backed by the United States, conducted a devastating war in Gaza from October 7, 2023, to January 19, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 52,495 Palestinians and leaving 118,366 wounded. 4208**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu Meets with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides Israel - Prime Minister's Office Events and Speeches The 37th Government 04.05.2025 PM Netanyahu Meets with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. They first met privately and then held an expanded meeting. Participating in the meeting were: For the Cypriot side - Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Combos; Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou; Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, National Security Advisor Tasios Tzionis and Ambassador to Israel Kornelios Korneliu. For the Israeli side: Energy Minister Eli Cohen; the Prime Minister's Chief-of-Staff, Tzachi Braverman; National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi; the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Advisor Dr. Ophir Falk; the Prime Minister's Spokesman, Dr. Omer Dostri; and Ambassador to Cyprus Oren Anolik. Prime Minister Netanyahu: "I'm very happy to welcome again to Israel President Nikos Christodoulides. We have a long friendship, not only personal but also between Cyprus and Israel. We are going to discuss our cooperation in many fields, many fields: political, diplomatic, economic, security. Our region is in a great transformation. I think our actions in the war have changed much of the map of the Middle East but we are still being challenged by radical forces, aggressive forces from many directions. So as two democracies in the Eastern Mediterranean, we have common values, many common interests and we want to secure obviously our future in the best way that preserves prosperity, increases prosperity and security for our people. One of the ideas that we talked about is IMEC, which is a very revolutionary and transformative development that we want to bring into place. I discussed it with Mr. Modi, Narendra Modi of India just a few days ago. We want to have a common discussion with him. We also want to have a trilateral meeting in Israel between Israel, Cyprus and Greece. We've done that over the years. We want to renew it as soon as possible and that is one of the things we'll do. As far as the trade routes, obviously we're being challenged, the whole world is being challenged by the Houthis, including in the dastardly attack they did today near Ben-Gurion airport. We will not tolerate it. We will take very strong action against them. And we always remember that they act with their patron Iran's direction and support. We will do what we need to do to take care of our security to respond effectively and to give Iran due warning that this cannot continue." President Christodoulides: "I'm very glad to be back my dear friend Bibi. You know, my last visit was following the terrorist attack from Hamas. Let me congratulate you first of all for the anniversary of Israel. Let me also express my solidarity for the recent wildfires. Following your request, Cypriot forces came here and fought with their Israeli colleagues. Once again Cyprus proved that we are a predictable, reliable neighbor ready to support our friends in need. I'm here to discuss our excellent bilateral relations. We need to do much more on defense, intelligence, tourist, trade. I was informed today that we have 110 flights from Israel every week to Cyprus. We can increase also Cypriot visits in Israel. We need to discuss regional developments, the situation in Syria and Lebanon. There is one neighbor that always is trying to create problems in our neighborhood. We'll exchange notes. But also the trilateral cooperation with Greece and even include other countries like India or the United States that we did in the past. We are going to have the Presidency of the European Union January 1, 2026, so we want to raise awareness about the region, about the importance of the region in Brussels so we have full agenda ahead of us to discuss once again. Last but not least I want to mention this, my dearest Bibi, because I had a meeting with the families of two of the hostages. A deeply moving meeting, and I want publicly to repeat our clear position: all hostages must be released." Prime Minister Netanyahu added: "Indeed. And that is obviously something that we are pressing Hamas to do and enjoying the support of our friends, asking others to press not only Hamas but Qatar that has overwhelming influence over Hamas, which it doesn't always use but could use. In fact, we had a hostage deal about to materialize that would have released almost half of the hostages and with the help of Egypt. We didn't see the Qatari cooperation, that's to say the least, that could have brought this deal to fruition. That's what we expect to see, the support of our friends and the pressure of those who can press Hamas because you're right. The repeat, the release of the hostages and repatriation of the living and those who are not living back in Israel is a number one requirement from international, from morality, from common sense." President Christodoulides: "It's purely a humanitarian issue and humanitarian issues they don't have any political or geopolitical," Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Unfortunately Hamas doesn't recognize that. That's why we should increase the pressure both diplomatic and military, which we are about to do. My friend, thank you and again, welcome to Jerusalem." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IDF Preparing to Mobilize Tens of Thousands of Reservists in Next 48 Hours - Reports Sputnik News 20250504 TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing to mobilize tens of thousands of reservists in the next two days to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported on Saturday. The mobilization order will be given in the next 48 hours, Israeli broadcaster Kan reported. The move is aimed at increasing military pressure on Palestinian movement Hamas movement amid the deadlock in the talks to free Israeli hostages, the report said. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly presented Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz with the plan to expand the ground operation in Gaza on Friday. The Israeli war cabinet is expected to approve it on Sunday, Kan said. The plan reportedly includes occupying more territories in the Palestinian enclave and evacuating the civilian population from them. In March, Netanyahu said that up to 24 hostages held in Gaza still lived, while at least 35 were dead. Nevertheless, Israel was committed to bringing all of them home, he added. On March 18, Israel resumed strikes on the Gaza Strip, citing Hamas' refusal to accept the US plan to extend the ceasefire, which expired on March 1. Earlier in March, Israel cut off electricity supply to a desalination plant in the Gaza Strip and closed off entry to trucks carrying humanitarian aid. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers as part of Ex INDUS. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - May 03, 2025 No PR-141/2025-ISPR Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers as part of Ex INDUS. The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile's advanced navigation system and enhanced manoeuvrability features. The training launch was witnessed by the Commander Army Strategic Forces Command, senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, as well as scientists and engineers from Pakistan's strategic organizations. The President, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Services Chiefs extended their congratulations to the participating troops, scientists, and engineers. They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of Pakistan's Strategic Forces to ensure credible minimum deterrence and safeguard national security against any aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan test-fires long-range missile amid tensions with India Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 10:36 AM Pakistan has announced the successful training launch of its Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers, amid escalating tensions India. Pakistan's military said on Saturday that the launch was "aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile's advanced navigation system and enhanced maneuverability features." The latest launch comes as tensions are running high between the nuclear-armed neighbors over the April 22 attack in the Pahalgam tourist resort in the Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, but Pakistan has rejected the accusations. Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has said that his country is "fully prepared to cooperate with any neutral investigators to ensure that the truth is uncovered and justice is served." India has announced the closure of the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended a water-sharing treaty, and withdrawn the visas of Pakistani citizens. In response, Pakistan has canceled visas for Indian nationals, closed its airspace to Indian airplanes, and ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers. Pakistan's military exercises have also come in the aftermath Indian military's extensive exercises in the Indian Ocean and near the border with Pakistan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Carries Out Ballistic Missile Test Amid India Tensions By Ray Furlong and RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal May 03, 2025 The Pakistani military reported that it had test fired a ballistic missile on May 3, as the country squares off with India following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Video released by the army showed the missile streaking into the sky as soldiers looked on, before shouting joyful slogans. The military said they had tested an Abdali surface-to-surface missile system, which has a range of 450 kilometers. "The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile's advanced navigation system and enhanced maneuverability features," the Pakistani military said. The two countries have been locked in a standoff since militants killed 26 people in the Himalayan mountain town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. The attack has sparked widespread outrage across India and brought nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan to the brink of conflict. India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack and the two countries' militaries have exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border in Kashmir, which both sides claim sovereignty over. On April 30, Pakistan said an Indian attack was "imminent" within the next 24-36 hours, but no attack materialized. In recent days, Pakistan has asked Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to help ease tensions with India. But the ballistic missile launch may rekindle them. Prior to the test, India had warned that it would be a "reckless" act and a "provocation." There was no immediate response to the test taking place on May 3. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif "congratulated the scientists and engineers" involved in the test, according to the Pakistani statement. Islamabad-based security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali told the Associated Press that the Abdali missile was named after a prominent Muslim conqueror of India, also known as Ahmad Shah Durrani, underlining its symbolic significance. "The timing of this launch is critical in the current geopolitical context," he said, adding it was intended as a strategic signal to India after it had threatened to suspend a crucial water-sharing treaty. Pakistan previously conducted a test launch in August 2024. This was a Shaheen II surface-to-surface ballistic missile, with a range of 2,000 kilometers, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). In October 2023, Pakistan also successfully conducted a test flight of the Ababbeel weapon system. At the time, the military said the missile system was "aimed at strengthening deterrence and enhancing strategic stability in the region." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-ballistic-missile- test-india-kashmir-tensions/33403773.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev May 3, 2025 13:20 Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The leaders discussed current bilateral issues, including some practical steps aimed at strengthening the mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and economy. The successful execution of the 5th INNOPROM. Central Asia International Industrial Trade Fair, held on April 28-30 in Tashkent jointly with the Russian side, was highlighted in particular. In light of the upcoming celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the leaders pointed out the special significance this holiday has for the people of both countries. Shavkat Mirziyoyev confirmed he would take part in the anniversary events to be held in Moscow. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Alone in Confronting Entire Collective West - Putin Sputnik News 20250504 Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia did not initiate its military operation in Ukraine any earlier because it believed in the Minsk agreements and aimed to resolve the Donbass issue peacefully. Russia did not prepare specifically for a military operation, but instead sought a peaceful resolution to the Donbass conflict, Vladimir Putin told journalist Pavel Zarubin in a documentary dedicated to the 25th anniversary since the president's first inauguration. The country could not proceed with drastic action on Ukraine without first addressing key issues in the spheres of security and the economy. The president pointed out that the United States is now openly acknowledging that the West is engaged in an existential war with Russia. Putin emphasized that Russia is essentially standing alone in its confrontation with the collective West. Until 2022, Russia had approached agreements with its Western partners with cautious trust. The signing of the Minsk agreements was a hopeful moment for Russia, expecting compliance from all parties. However, Putin pointed out that the country was ultimately deceived. The West used the pause under the guise of complying with the Minsk agreements to rearm Ukraine and prepare for war with Russia, he added. Putin said that as Western companies began to leave Russia, many risks loomed over the country's economy. But despite these challenges, Russia did not fall into crisis, thanks to strong economic fundamentals that kept the country resilient. The president underscored the danger of a nation becoming too dependent on external factors, stressing that if Russia doesn't rely on its traditional values, it risks losing its identity, and, ultimately, its existence. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu Speaks with the Spiritual Leader of the Druze Community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif Israel - Prime Minister's Office Media Statements The 37th Government Publish Date: 02.05.2025 Updated date: 03.05.2025 [Translated from Hebrew] Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Friday, 2 May 2025), spoke with the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, who thanked him for his directive to take strong action to protect the Druze in Syria in recent days, including the Prime Minister's decision last night to strike the Presidential Palace compound in Damascus. Sheikh Tarif said that the vigorous actions directed by the Prime Minister have sent a deterrent message to the Syrian regime regarding Israel's commitment to the Druze community in Syria. Prime Minister Netanyahu told Sheikh Tarif that he expects the Druze community to respect the law in Israel, as it has done previously, and not take any action whatsoever against other citizens or security forces personnel. The Prime Minister told Sheikh Tarif that Israel is a nation of laws that everyone must respect, and which is a fundamental requirement on which there can be no compromise. Sheikh Tarif agreed with Prime Minister Netanyahu, replied that all community leaders have condemned the displays of violence and violations of the law by members of the community, and said that the Druze community would continue to respect the laws of the state. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OIC General Secretariat Strongly Condemns Israeli Airstrikes near Presidential Palace in Damascus Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 02-05-2025 The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the continued and escalating Israeli aggression against the Syrian territory and denounced the Israeli airstrike in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Damascus, in flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic. The General Secretariat reaffirmed the need to respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and called on the international community, particularly the Security Council, to put an end to these repeated Israeli aggressions, which threaten regional peace and security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah says recent Israeli attacks are aimed at disintegrating Syria IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah has condemned recent Israeli attacks against Syria, saying the aggression is part of the broader strategy of disintegrating the country. In a statement on Saturday, the Lebanese resistance movement said the attacks have targeted Syria's stability and are in line with Israel's repeated attacks against Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. The statement underlined the need for protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria as an independent country. It also expressed confidence that the Syrian people will strongly resist "these suspicious plans." Hezbollah called on the international community, particularly the Arab world, to take immediate measures to stop the Israeli aggression against regional countries, which threatens their stability, sovereignty, and security. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.N. envoy calls for immediate end to Israeli attacks on Syria IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 United Nations special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen says Israel must immediately stop its attacks on Syria. In a post on X on Saturday, Pedersen strongly condemned Israel's increasing violations of Syrian sovereignty, including repeated airstrikes in Damascus and other cities. He called on the Israeli regime to stop the attacks and avoid endangering the lives of civilians. Pedersen also emphasized the need for Israel to comply with international law and respect Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Israel launched round 20 airstrikes on Syria on Friday night, with Israeli authorities claiming that the attacks were aimed at protecting the Druze minority following a new wave of sectarian violence in the Arab country. A war monitor reported that 119 people, mostly Druze fighters, have been killed in clashes with militants allied with the new rulers in Syria. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns Israeli aggression against Syria IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned the new Israeli airstrikes on several regions of Syria, including the capital, Damascus. In a statement on Saturday, Baqaei said that the main goal of the occupying regime, with its repeated attacks and the continued occupation of parts of Syria, is to destroy the country's military and civilian facilities in order to pursue its malicious ambitions in this country amid the genocide in Gaza and the aggression against Lebanon. Referring to the principled position of Iran, he stressed the need for "preserving and safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria" to achieve security and stability in West Asia. The spokesperson called on the international community to take immediate action to end the Israeli violations and expansionism. "Stopping the Zionist regime's war-mongering and aggression against Syria requires immediate and effective action by the international community, especially countries of the region." Baqaei urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to use its existing mechanisms to force the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its obligation regarding the Israeli regime's lawlessness and violations. Late on Friday, Israel carried out a wave of new airstrikes on Syria, targeting several areas, including Damascus, Latakia, Idlib, Hama, Quneitra, and Daraa provinces. The attacks came just hours after the new rulers in Syria denounced an earlier Israeli strike near the presidential palace in Damascus as a "dangerous escalation." 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian official abducted by HTS forces in Syrian capital: Reports Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 10:54 PM Forces of Syria's ruling administration, which is led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have abducted Talal Naji, a senior official with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) organization in the Syrian capital Damascus, reports have shown. Naji, secretary-general of the PFLP's General Command, was taken away by the forces as he left his home in the city' Mazzeh neighborhood on Saturday, various resistance media outlets reported. The 79-year-old, who used to support the former Syrian government's dedicated anti-Israeli stances, was taken shortly after departing the residence, accompanied by a driver and two guards, the outlets noted. According to an unnamed Palestinian official, the abduction occurred with little warning, and Syria's ruling authorities quickly followed up by questioning the two unarmed guards for nearly an hour. The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, added that the guards were not detained, but questioned extensively. Also speaking anonymously, an official with Syria's HTS-led administration indicated that the move against Naji took place so he could be subjected to questioning. The official did not provide further details on the reasons behind the abduction, citing alleged restrictions on public comments. The move came after previous reports pointing to the abduction of key officials with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance group in the Arab country. The Islamic Jihad similarly used to strongly back Syria's former authorities' strong positions against the Israeli regime's occupation of Palestine, aggression against Palestinians, and Tel Aviv's recurrent acts of deadly aggression against Syria. The HTS, which used to lead a fierce fight against the government of Syria's former president Bashar al-Assad, ran the Arab country over last year amid intense Israeli airstrikes against the nation's civilian and defensive infrastructures. Its chief, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani later said his group sought no conflict with the Israeli regime. The HTS' measures against Palestinian factions come amid their continued opposition and resistance against the regime's atrocities, including its ongoing attacks against Syria. Most recently, the PFLP denounced the aggression and the regime's so-called justification of the assaults, denouncing Tel Aviv's "hypocrisy" in claiming that the strikes were aimed at protecting minorities, while Tel Aviv consistently violated Palestinian rights. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli attacks part of broader strategy to 'disintegrate Syria': Hezbollah Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 3:23 PM Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has condemned the latest Israeli aggression on Syria, calling it a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty and an attempt to disintegrate the country. In a statement on Saturday, Hezbollah said the continued Israeli airstrikes were part of a broader strategy to destabilize Syria, incite sectarian violence, and fragment the country. The Lebanese resistance group also reaffirmed its commitment to Syria's territorial integrity and urged the international community, particularly Arab nations, to take immediate action to halt the Israeli aggression. Israel launched 20 airstrikes across Syria overnight in what the country's new rulers condemned as a "dangerous escalation." Israeli airstrikes targeted areas near the capital, Damascus, and in the west, in Latakia and Hama, as well as in Daraa in the south, the SANA news agency reported. Israeli authorities have also framed the new aggression as an attempt to protect Syria's Druze minority, which has been clashing with HTS-backed militants in a new wave of sectarian violence, which has left dozens of people dead south of Damascus. Palestinian resistance factions also issued separate statements denouncing the Israeli aggression on Syria. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine criticized Israel's justification for its actions, stating that the Zionist entity has never been a protector of minorities, as it claims. Instead, the regime uses this pretext to mask its repeated violations of Syrian sovereignty and to fuel sectarian divisions, it pointed out. In a statement, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine warned of the escalating Israeli colonial aggression against Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. It called on the Arab League to support these nations in formulating a regional and international response to expose and deter Israel's expansionist ambitions. The Mujahideen Movement also weighed in, describing the Israeli attacks as an extension of the American-Zionist war against the region. It stressed that only resistance and defiance can deter Israel's expansionist plans and prevent its efforts to destabilize Syria and the broader region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Israel's strikes on Syria aimed at destroying independent state Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 1:58 PM Iran says the Israeli regime's airstrikes on Syria are primarily intended to destroy the defensive, economic, and infrastructural capabilities of an independent country. In a statement on Saturday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei strongly condemned the Israeli regime's military attacks on various areas in Syria and the destruction of the country's civilian facilities and defense capabilities in Damascus, Latakia, Idlib, Hama, Quneitra, and Dara'a. "It is clear to everyone that the main goal of the occupying regime is to destroy and eliminate the defensive, economic, and infrastructural capabilities of Syria as an independent country, so that it [Israel] can pursue its malicious interests in this country and the region," he said. He added that the Israeli attacks on Syria are also aimed at continuing simultaneously the genocide in occupied Palestine and aggression and occupation in Lebanon. The Iranian spokesperson noted that the Tel Aviv regime continues to target Syria's strategic and military, and civilian facilities and occupy parts of the country's territory. Local journalists reported that Israeli warplanes carried out at least 20 airstrikes across the countryside of Damascus, Dara'a, and Hama, targeting military sites and warehouses on Friday night. Earlier on Friday, Israeli warplanes struck near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, marking the regime's second attack in the Arab country this week. Baghaei once again affirmed Iran's principled stance on the need to maintain and safeguard the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Syria as an independent country with civilized people, who play an influential role in West Asia's security and stability. He acknowledged the responsibility of all sides involved in the current situation in Syria by preparing the ground for the Israeli regime's exploitation and expansionism in the Arab country. Baghaei emphasized that putting an end to the Israeli regime's warmongering and acts of aggression against Syria requires a "swift and effective" measure by the international community, particularly the regional countries. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation must utilize the existing mechanisms to compel the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its duties vis-a-vis the Israeli regime's violation of law and peace, he pointed out. Since President Bashar Assad's government collapsed in December, Syria has also been plagued by a widespread Israeli occupation across large swathes of the country's south. It has also been hit by hundreds of Israeli airstrikes, mainly targeting military infrastructure that belonged to the former Syrian army. The intensified Israeli aggression against Syria continues despite HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani's repeated overtures to the occupying regime. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN envoy condmens Israeli violations of Syria's sovereignty, says airstrikes must stop 'at once' Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 1:02 PM United Nations special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has strongly condemned Israel's escalating violations of Syria's sovereignty, saying the occupying regime must stop its airstrikes "at once." "I strongly condemn Israel's continued and escalating violations of Syria's sovereignty, including multiple air strikes in Damascus and other cities," Pedersen said in a post on X. The UN official demanded that Israel "respect international law and Syria's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and independence." He said the airstrikes must "cease at once" and that Israel must stop "endangering Syrian civilians. The Israeli regime carried out around 20 air raids on Syria late on Friday in what the country's new rulers condemned as a "dangerous escalation." Israeli air strikes targeted areas near the capital, Damascus, and in the west, in Latakia and Hama, as well as in Daraa in the south, the SANA news agency reported. At least one civilian was killed in a suburb of Damascus, and four others were injured near Hama. The new wave of airstrikes came hours after Israeli fighter jets struck near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his minister in charge of military affairs, Israel Katz, said the attack was intended to send a "message" to the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham-led (HTS) administration against deploying forces south of Damascus. Israeli authorities have also framed the new aggression as an attempt to protect Syria's Druze minority, which has been clashing with HTS-backed militants in a new wave of sectarian violence, which has left dozens of people dead south of Damascus. On Saturday, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria rejected that assertion. It said the Israeli attacks threatened to destabilize Syria and were an attempt to divide Syrian communities. "Israeli airstrikes and threats of further military interventionas Israel continues to expand its occupation of the Syrian Golan and attempts to divide various Syrian communitiesrisk further destabilizing Syria," it said in a statement. Since HTS-led militants ousted the government of Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has ramped up its airstrikes across Syria. It has also moved forces deeper into a buffer zone on the edge of the occupied Golan Heights in violation of a 1947 disengagement agreement with Syria. Katz, the Israeli minister, said last week that Israel was planning to keep its occupying forces in southern Lebanon and Syria "indefinitely." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK has issued a statement in response to recent attacks against the Druze community in Syria. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 3 May 2025 A UK Government spokesperson said: The UK is appalled by recent attacks against the Druze community in Syria. We urge the authorities to take steps to restore calm, shield civilians from violence and hold those responsible to account. We strongly call on all parties to reject violence, to ensure the protection of civilians and to refrain from actions that could risk aggravating tensions between communities in Syria. We call on Israel to refrain from actions that could risk destabilising Syria - respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity is paramount. There can be no lasting peace or better future for Syrians unless all of Syria's communities are protected and fully included in Syria's transition. Islamic Jihad: Arab, Islamic nations will not be safe from Israel's aggression on Syria IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 4, 2025 The Islamic Jihad Movement has said that the Israel's aggressions are against all Arab and Islamic nations, especially Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, and that the rest of the Arab regions will not be safe from these aggressions and their consequences. The Palestinian movement deemed such aggressions against Syria to be an expression of the regime's expansionist plans. According to the Palestinian news agency Sama, the Islamic Jihad Movement in a statement condemned the continuous aggressions of the Israeli regime on Syrian territory. It said that these aggressions are clear evidence of the aggressive and expansionist plans of the occupying regime against the Arab and Islamic nations within the framework of dividing the region. "The aggressions of this criminal regime against Syria are a direct aggression, not only against the Syrian nation but also against all Arab and Islamic nations, especially in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, and the rest of the Arab regions will not be safe from these aggressions and their consequences," the statement said. The Islamic Jihad Movement also called for the unity of all groups, including resistance groups, to confront these aggressions, thwart their goals, and defend the Arab and Islamic nation and its dignity. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian firm dismisses Reuters' account of Syria presence Iran Press TV Sunday, 04 May 2025 6:23 PM Iran's largest energy construction company, Mapna Group, has dismissed a recent report by Reuters news agency, which claimed that the company's presence in Syria in the past decade was in line with an alleged Iranian project to build an economic empire in the Arab country. Mapna issued a statement on Sunday, without directly mentioning Reuters' report that was published a day earlier, saying the claims raised in the report were "ambiguous and in some cases incorrect". The company said that it had finished three phases of a large power plant in Syria's Latakia and was nearly completing a fourth and final phase when the project was halted due to the fall of the Syrian government in December last year. It rejected claims that the projects executed by the group in Syria lacked transparency, especially with regard to funding issues, saying that the projects had been based on official contracts signed within the legal frameworks of the two countries. Mapna said Syria, under its former government, had completely settled the payments owed to Mapna for projects that were completed, adding that partial payments were also made for projects that were being executed before the December events unfolded. The company also rejected claims that it had used underqualified workers and contractors from both Iran and Syria in its projects in the Arab country, saying its policy was always to hire from the Syrian workforce and to transfer the expertise and technical know-how to the local people. It said that Mapna had entered the Syrian market in 2008, three years before the war started in the Arab country, adding that projects executed by the group were responsible for more than 50% of Syria's electricity supply. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan prioritized by U.S. for tariff talks: Lawmaker delegation ROC Central News Agency 05/03/2025 01:53 PM Washington, May 2 (CNA) Taiwan is among the first four countries that the United States will negotiate with on the tariffs it wants to impose, according to Wang Ting-yu (), a member of a visiting delegation of Taiwanese lawmakers in Washington D.C. At a press event on Friday in D.C., Wang of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said that the other prioritized countries mentioned by the U.S. for trade negotiations this week include Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. He added that during the delegation's meeting with U.S. officials, the U.S. side assured him that Taiwan would not be an object of negotiation with other countries and that "Taiwan is irreplaceable." The two sides also talked about issues including China's gray zone tactics and U.S.-Taiwan arms sales, Wang said. U.S. officials also explained the transfer of their focus onto the Indo-Pacific region, he added. Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang () of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), who led the delegation, told the press that it has expressed the concerns of Taiwan's industries and the losses that may be incurred on both sides due to current trade uncertainty. He also expressed hopes to U.S. officials that arms purchases can be counted in trade numbers between Taiwan and the U.S., which can help with the trade balance. He pointed out that the investments and purchases between the two sides are not merely trade numbers for Taiwan-U.S. ties. U.S. officials have also noted their relationship in terms of safety and politics, as well as Taiwan's significance in high technologies, semiconductors and security, according to Chiang. "[They] will not just regard Taiwan-U.S. ties in terms of trade or Taiwan's handling of tariff policies," Chiang said. However, Chiu Yi-ying () of the DPP said that the U.S. worried whether Taiwan had a big enough budget to buy more U.S. weapons for self-defense, expressing hopes that the Legislature can revisit relevant budget freezes and cuts. Chiang said the Legislature needs to approve special and defense budgets and that careful thought needs to be given to utilizing increased defense budgets in the most advantageous way. The delegation, which also includes lawmakers Chang Chih-lun () and Huang Chien-hao () of the KMT, Lin Yi-chun () of the smaller opposition Taiwan People's Party, and Ngalim Tiunn () of the DPP, set out for D.C. on April 28 Taiwan time, and is expected to end their visit on Friday D.C. time. They have visited the Department of Commerce, the intelligence, foreign affairs, and armed services committees of Congress, the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, the think tank Heritage Foundation, the social media company Meta, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger. (By Elaine Hou and Wu Kuan-hsien) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/05/03 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. May. 2 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. May. 3 (Sat.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 out of 7 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140503_PLA activities [Open a new window] 1140503_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/05/04 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. May. 3 (Sat.) to 6 a.m. May. 4 (Sun.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 8 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 out of 8 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. 1140504_PLA activities [Open a new window] 1140504_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US greenlights $310mn deal for Ukraine's F-16 training, sustainment Iran Press TV Saturday, 03 May 2025 6:47 AM The United States Department of State has given the go-ahead for a potential $310 million sale of F-16 training, sustainment, and related equipment to Ukraine, according to the Pentagon, only days after Kiev signed a deal granting Washington access to its rare minerals. The Pentagon said in a statement on Friday that the weapons and others purchased with US funds on behalf of Ukraine and shipped via the same channels continue to flow. It added that the sale represents an actual weapons deal whose principal contractors include Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, BAE Systems, and AAR Corporation. The deal will include ground handling equipment, classified and unclassified software delivery and support, studies and surveys, US Government and contractor engineering, and logistics support services, the statement noted. As part of the deal, Ukraine will also reportedly receive M1 Abrams battle tanks and long-range missiles besides the transfer of F-16s. Under a jet transfer authorized by former US President Joe Biden's administration, Ukraine has previously received F-16 jets from US allies in its war against Russia since 2022. During Biden's tenure, the US provided Ukraine with $31 billion worth of weapons and equipment under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA). The regulation allows the president to approve rapid transfers to foreign countries from US military stockpiles, without having to seek congressional approval. On Wednesday, the US and Ukraine signed a long-awaited deal on Ukraine's rare minerals that allows the US to have access to Ukraine's valuable rare minerals and set up the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Trump promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war 24 hours into his election as US president. However, the ongoing conflict is fueled by US's frequent military support for Ukraine, and a pseudo-diplomatic gesture towards Russia that fails to present a contextual plan for peace. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Moscow Seeks 'Definitive' Truce Response After Zelenskyy Dismisses Putin's Plan By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service May 03, 2025 The Kremlin has said it wants Kyiv to give a clear answer to its call for a cease-fire lasting from May 8 to May 10 even as its forces continued to pound civilian targets in Ukraine. "We will, of course, await not ambiguous but definitive statements and, most importantly, actions aimed at deescalating the conflict over the public holidays," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. His comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the truce proposal as "theater." And they preceded a Russian attack near the strategic city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, reportedly killing two civilians. Earlier, a major overnight Russian assault on Ukraine between May 2 and 3 targeted multiple regions with missiles and drones, according to local authorities. The Ukrainian military reported that two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 183 strike and decoy drones had been launched at the Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, and Mykolayiv regions. The northeastern city of Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, bore the brunt of the drone offensive. The city sustained hits at 12 locations across four districts on the evening of May 2, resulting in dozens of casualties. One local woman whose apartment was damaged told RFE/RL that the overnight assault had given her "a nervous breakdown." "Everything is broken, everything is destroyed," she said. "Many people are cut up." The woman, who gave her name as Natalya, said her home was rocked by an explosion as she was about to go to bed. "The only thing that saved me was perhaps the corner that I was behind and the blanket that I had over me -- or simple luck," she said. "We are alive and well, that's important." Local authorities said at least 51 people had been injured and that eight had been hospitalized. The victims included two girls, aged 11 and 16. Moscow has denied allegations of deliberately striking civilian targets in Ukraine throughout the war, even though repeated attacks on hospitals, schools, energy facilities, and residential buildings have been documented. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian General Staff said 216 combat clashes had taken place at the front on May 2 and that more than a third of the fighting was recorded in the direction of Pokrovsk, with Ukrainian authorities saying they had repelled 83 attacks. The area around the strategic town of Pokrovsk remains one of the heavily contested areas at the front with the largest number of combat clashes being recorded there over the past year. Vadym Filashkin, head of Ukraine's Donetsk Regional Military Administration, said that in the town of Myrnohrad late on May 3, "the Russians killed a 56-year-old man and damaged six private houses. The second fatality was a 69-year-old resident of Komar." Also, the correspondent of the Radio Liberty Donbas Realities project reported that a Russian attack on Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region led to fires breaking out in several private homes. Local authorities have not yet commented on the attack. In Russia, the governor of the Krasnodar region said a Ukrainian drone attack had hit a residential building in Novorossiisk, on the Black Sea. He said two adults and two children were injured. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 170 Ukrainian drones in various regions. The number included 96 in Russian-occupied Crimea. They also claimed to have destroyed eight Storm Shadow cruise missiles over the Black Sea. Battlefield reports cannot be independently verified. Russian pro-war blogs also reported the Ukrainian drone attacks. Two of them reported that a Russian Su-30 fighter was shot down over the Black Sea. The Ukrainian intelligence service claimed it was the first time ever that an unmanned naval drone had shot down an enemy warplane. At least one Russian blogger also reported that this had happened. The fighting again underlined how US-led efforts to broker a cease-fire have stalled. In the latest move, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a three-day truce to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, running from May 8 to May 10. Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is ready for a 30-day truce as proposed by Washington. Speaking to reporters on May 2, Zelenskyy said Putin's offer was aimed at making international guests feel safe at the annual Red Square parade on May 9. Among those slated to attend are Chinese President Xi Jinping. "We do not recommend visiting Moscow on May 9. Don't ask us for assurances. It's your choice to go there," Zelenskyy said. With reporting by Current Time Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-drone-missile- strikes-kharkiv-ukraine-donetsk-fighting/33403706.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commentary by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova ahead of World Press Freedom Day 3 May 2025 10:00 747-03-05-2025 May 3 traditionally marks World Press Freedom Day. It is common knowledge that, on December 20, 1993, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution stipulating this date that symbolises the international community's commitment to the principles of media independence and pluralism, as well as providing free access to information. We are disappointed to note that, in the past few years, World Press Freedom Day is marked more often as a mere formality; the ideals and principles of this date reflect the real situation in media space to a smaller extent. Under the pretext of combating "misinformation," they are subjecting Russian media outlets and journalists to reprisals and oppression. In their striving to establish control over global media space, Western countries have virtually declared a full-scale war that utilises such weapons as political censorship, lies and an aggressive propaganda of war. Unfortunately, we now see this date as a pretext for recalling that the situation in the sphere of safeguarding journalists' work remains critical, despite all loud calls and "correct" statements that we regularly hear from the rostrums of international human rights organisations. Since early 2025, deliberate attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine have killed five representatives of Russian media outlets. On January 4, a Ukrainian drone conducted a precision strike against a civilian vehicle and killed Izvestia correspondent Alexander Martemyanov. On March 24, a deliberate artillery strike by the Armed Forces of Ukraine against the Lugansk People's Republic killed Izvestia correspondent Alexander Fedorchak and cameraman Andrey Panov from Zvezda television channel. On April 22, Zvezda correspondent Nikita Goldin died from his wounds in a hospital. On March 26, a mine, planted by Ukrainian militants, blew up a car carrying a film crew from Television Channel One; the terrorist attack killed war correspondent Anna Prokofyeva. Numerous media employees were injured to a varying extent. Since February 2022, Ukrainian Nazis have killed and injured dozens of media employees. It is still possible to access the Mirotvorets extremist website that lists reporters, public activists, writers and all those branded as ideological opponents by the Zelensky regime; all of them have been sentenced to be executed. Anton Voloshin, Igor Kornelyuk, Anatoly Klyan, Andrey Stenin, Darya Dugina, Oleg Klokov, Maxim Fomin (Vladlen Tatarsky), Rostislav Zhuravlev, Boris Maksudov, Semyon Eremin, Valery Kozhin, Nikita Tsitsagi and Yulia Kuznetsova will remain in our hearts forever. Terrorist methods are being used to implement these criminal plans, while Ukraine's Western curators and biased human rights organisations continue to deliberately remain oblivious to these atrocities. We believe that the memory of those who gave their lives while fulfilling their professional duty is sacred. And those responsible for the deaths of journalists must be punished accordingly. Therefore, we will continue to insist that relevant organisations, such as UNESCO (including its Director General), the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the institute of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, act in accordance with their direct responsibilities, unequivocally condemning these brutal crimes. Our delegations and permanent missions to international organisations will seek full-fledged comments and statements by authorised officials regarding bloody reprisals against our correspondents by militants of the Kiev regime. We will do everything to ensure that this topic is consistently raised at all conferences, in all our speeches at relevant discussions and roundtable events to rule out any possibilities to ignore it. And no patronage from Western sponsors will help Zelensky's henchmen avoid a just retribution. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation acted as an information partner of the exhibition, Died for the Truth, dedicated to Russian war correspondents, journalists, cameramen and other media personnel who fell victim to militants and accomplices of the Kiev regime, to draw additional attention to this extremely important topic for us in connection with World Press Freedom Day. The exhibition was prepared by news agencies of new Russian regions jointly with journalist Alexander Malkevich, a member of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, and is being shown online and offline on sites and web resources of Russian diplomatic missions and Russian houses abroad. There is a tragedy of an individual who died prematurely at the hands of Ukrainian neo-Nazis, as well as a story of courage and selfless service to one's professional duty until the last moment of his or her life, behind each portrait in this sorrowful gallery. The virtual project #DiedForTheTruth, on which the exhibition is based, has been designed to preserve the memory of these brave journalists and military correspondents and to prevent the bloody crimes committed against them from being forgotten. We invite everybody, primarily colleagues from the media sphere and concerned people to get acquainted with this exhibition. It would be especially useful for representatives of the relevant international organisations, many of whom continue to remain stubbornly silent, deliberately ignoring these atrocities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelensky Rejects Russia's Victory Day Truce Proposal Sputnik News 20250503 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russia's proposal for a three-day ceasefire on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in World War II. "[Ukraine will not be] playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's exit from isolation on 9 May," Zelensky was quoted as saying by Ukrainian media. The Ukrainian president also warned that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign guests who will attend the May 9 parade in Moscow. Earlier, Russia declared a ceasefire during the 80th anniversary of the World War II Victory: from midnight on May 7-8 until midnight on May 10-11. Russia will fully guarantee the security of all the guests at the Victory Parade, the chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Leonid Slutsky said. He also noted that Zelensky is undermining peace efforts with his threats and is once again trying to derail the negotiation process. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Up to 460 Soldiers in Battles With Russian Forces - MoD Sputnik News 20250503 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has taken more advantageous positions and eliminated up to 460 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "The enemy has lost up to 460 servicemen, a French-made AMX tank, four armored combat vehicles, three motor vehicles and an artillery gun," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Yug has eliminated over 235 Ukrainian soldiers, one M113 armored personnel carrier, three motor vehicles and field artillery guns, while Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated over 220 Ukrainian military personnel, the ministry said. Kiev lost up to 170 soldiers in clashes with Russia's Battlegroup Sever, and the same number of troops in clashes with Russia's Battlegroup Vostok, according to the ministry's statement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Ready to Impose New Sanctions on Russia Amid Stalled Ukraine Peace Talks - Reports Sputnik News 20250503 WASHINGTON (Sputnik/Prime) - US officials have prepared a new round of sanctions against Russia, including measures against the banking and energy sectors, to pressure Moscow to make peace with Ukraine amid protracted ceasefire talks, Reuters reported on Friday. The sanctions will target Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom, along with key entities in the natural resources and banking sectors, the report said. At the same time, it is uncertain whether US President Donald Trump will decide to implement the new sanctions, the report added. "[The US National Security Council] is trying to coordinate some set of more punitive actions against Russia," the report quoted a person familiar with issue as saying. "This will have to be signed off by Trump." On Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the United States will not lift its current sanctions against Russia. She also noted that President Trump is prepared to impose secondary sanctions if Moscow fails to demonstrate a willingness to pursue peace in the Ukraine conflict. Russia has consistently asserted that it can withstand the pressure of sanctions imposed by the West, which began several years ago and has been escalating. Moscow has also pointed out that the West lacks the courage to acknowledge the ineffectiveness of the sanctions against Russia. Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin previously noted that the policy of containing and weakening Russia was a long-term strategy of the West, and sanctions have dealt a serious blow to the entire global economy. According to Putin, the West's main goal is to worsen the lives of millions of people. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Implementation of Agreements Reached During Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Visit to the Republic of South Africa Discussed at the Office of the President President of Ukraine 3 May 2025 - 17:28 Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Brusylo held an online meeting on the outcomes of the visit of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Republic of South Africa. The meeting was attended by the Special Representative of Ukraine for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Ministers of Energy, Digital Transformation, Agrarian Policy and Food, as well as an Adviser to the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food. The discussion focused on concrete steps to implement the agreements reached between the President of Ukraine and the President of the Republic of South Africa. Special attention was given to the development of cooperation in the energy, digital technologies, and agro-industrial sectors. During the meeting, priority areas of bilateral cooperation were identified, including joint projects aimed at expanding agricultural trade, renewable energy, and the development of digital technologies. Ihor Brusylo emphasized the importance of deepening relations with the Republic of South Africa as a major partner on the African continent and a G20 member. "The visit of the President of Ukraine to the Republic of South Africa has opened new opportunities to expand our presence on the African continent. Our task is to ensure the effective implementation of the agreements reached and to foster the development of economic cooperation between our countries," the Deputy Head of the Office of the President added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Strikes At Kyiv As Zelenskyy Calls For 30-Day 'Complete Silencing' Of Arms By RFE/RL May 04, 2025 Moscow launched air strikes against Kyiv and other Ukrainian city hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a three-day cease-fire surrounding its May 9 Victory Day remembrances -- a proposal dismissed by Kyiv as "theater." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy countered late on May 3 by calling for a more substantial pause in military action, saying Kyiv was seeking a 30-day "complete silencing" of arms and was ready to act immediately if Moscow reciprocated. "We are ready to move to a cease-fire as soon as possible, even from today, if Russia is ready for mirror steps -- for complete silencing, for a long silence for at least 30 days," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. "This is an honest deadline when the next steps can be prepared. Russia must stop the war and stop assaults, stop shelling," he added. The comments come as Russia maintains its relentless assault of Ukrainian military and civilian sites. Shortly after midnight and through the morning of May 4, Ukraine military and government officials said a Russian drone attack damaged several residential buildings and ignited fires in the capital. Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on Telegram that falling debris from destroyed Russian drones ignited fires on private homes in Kyiv's Obolonskiy and Sviatoshynskiy districts. He said at least two children -- aged 14 and 17 -- were injured in the Obolonskiy attacks. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko sent out an appeal for doctors to aid in assisting victims in the Sviatoshynskiy district. The scale of the attack was not immediately clear. Reuters said witnesses reported hearing explosions and what appeared to be air defense systems operating. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the week suggested a three-day truce to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, running from May 8 to May 10. Zelenskyy has long stated that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day truce as proposed by Washington. Speaking to reporters on May 2, Zelenskyy said Putin's offer was aimed at making international guests feel safe at the annual Red Square parade on May 9. Among those slated to attend are Chinese President Xi Jinping. "We do not recommend visiting Moscow on May 9. Don't ask us for assurances. It's your choice to go there," Zelenskyy said. In his address on May 3, Zelenskyy said, "Right now, no one sees any such readiness from Russia; on the contrary, all of their internal rhetoric is increasingly mobilizing, and Russian propagandists continue to threaten not only Ukraine but also other neighbors -- Lithuania, the other Baltic states." "This is exactly what we have been saying for a long time: Without pressure on Moscow, Russia will continue to wage war." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow wanted a clear answer to its three-day cease-fire suggestion. "We will, of course, await not ambiguous but definitive statements and, most importantly, actions aimed at deescalating the conflict over the public holidays," Peskov said. Despite the talk of cease-fire, Russia maintained the intensity of its attacks on May 2 and 3 and early on May 4. The Ukrainian General Staff said 216 combat clashes had taken place at the front on May 2 and that more than a third of the fighting was recorded in the direction of Pokrovsk, with Ukrainian authorities saying they had repelled 83 attacks. The area around the strategic town of Pokrovsk remains one of the heavily contested areas at the front with the largest number of combat clashes being recorded there over the past year. Vadym Filashkin, head of Ukraine's Donetsk Regional Military Administration, said that in the town of Myrnohrad late on May 3, "the Russians killed a 56-year-old man and damaged six private houses. The second fatality was a 69-year-old resident of Komar." Also, the correspondent of the Radio Liberty Donbas Realities project reported that a Russian attack on Druzhkivka in the Donetsk region led to fires breaking out in several private homes. Local authorities have not yet commented on the attack. Ihor Taburets, governor of the Ukrainian region of Cherkasy, late on May 3 said that "since nightfall, our region has been under enemy targeting. Most of the Russian attack drones were directed at the regional center." He said initial reports indicated that an infrastructure facility was damaged but that there were no immediate reports of casualties. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-putin- zelenskyy-ceasefire-donetsk-kyiv/33403915.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address During Prague Visit, Zelenskyy Says 'Eager' Putin Should Focus On Peace, Not Parades By RFE/RL May 04, 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to focus on reaching a peace deal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine instead of being "eager" to show off military hardware in next week's Victory Day parade. Speaking during a visit to Prague to meet with top Czech officials on May 4, Zelenskyy told a joint news conference with Czech President Petr Pavel that Putin "is very eager to show off his tanks at the parade, but he should think about ending his war." In Moscow, which is preparing major celebrations on the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, Putin said Russia has the "strength and means" to bring the Ukraine war "to its logical conclusion," and that he hoped there would be no need to resort to nuclear weapons. As Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine grinds on, now in its fourth year, both Kyiv and Moscow are preparing celebrations marking Victory Day, the World War II anniversary of the Nazi defeat. Ukraine, which has suffered massive destruction and loss of life, shifted its remembrance of Victory Day to May 8, aligned with the date when Western allies mark the occasion. As it did under the Soviet Union, Moscow observes the day on May 9, since the Nazi surrender in 1945 occurred overnight in Moscow. Putin has called for a three-day cease-fire in its Ukraine invasion beginning on May 8 to coincide with Victory Day celebrations. In response, Zelenskyy called instead for a longer, 30-day cease-fire. Pavel said Putin can end the war "with a single decision," but despite recent cease-fire claims, "has not shown any willingness" to do so. Renewed Western efforts to resolve the conflict, pushed in large part by US President Donald Trump, have begun to falter, as Russia continues to press its advantage on the battlefield in Ukraine. Despite an earlier tentative agreement to limit attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine and Russia have also continued to target oil pipelines, power plants, electricity transmission lines, and other crucial sites. When asked by NBC News on May 4 as to whether Trump "misread" Putin's intentions to negotiate the end to the three-year-old war, the US leader responded: "I have no idea." "I'll tell you about in a month from now, or two weeks from now," Trump replied. The White House's lead envoy for Russia traveled to Moscow to meet with Putin last month and discuss a multipoint proposal to resolve the conflict, which included several points that Kyiv has publicly rejected. In the NBC interview, Trump said the US is "closer" with one of the conflicting parties, and "not as close" with the other, but he refused to specify which country was which. He also reiterated that the US might give up its role as mediator in the conflict, but expressed hope that an agreement would still be reached. "Well, there will be a time when I will say, 'Okay, keep going. Keep being stupid and keep fighting,'" Trump said. Russia Hits Kyiv With Drone Barrage Hours before Zelenskyy visited Prague, Russia launched more than 160 drones, the Ukrainian military said, claiming 69 were downed or intercepted by Ukrainian defenses. "The Russians are calling for a cease-fire... while hitting Ukraine every day," Zelenskyy said in a post on Telegram. In Kyiv, drones, and debris from downed drones, sparked fires in several buildings, according to emergency services. Nearly two dozen drones were also launched at the central city of Cherkasy. Emergency services said one person was wounded and several residential buildings were damaged, in part by debris from falling drones. Zelenskyy traveled to the Czech Republic on May 4, where he has met with Czech President Petr Pavel and other top officials. The Czech government has been one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters, spearheading an global effort to source and supply Ukraine with artillery shells. The Prague-led effort has already sent more 1.6 million shells in 2024. After the meeting, Zelesnkyy told journalists that Ukraine hopes to receive up to 1.8 million more shells in 2025. "The Czech artillery initiative has proven effective, and we will continue this effort," Zelenskyy said on X. In a preview released May 4 of an upcoming interview on state television, Putin said Russia has the strength and the means to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a "logical conclusion." "There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons," Putin said, "and I hope they will not be required." "We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires," he said. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and the AP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskyy-prague -drones-russia-war/33404394.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sanctions, War Tribunal On Agenda As EU Ministers Prepare For Warsaw And Lviv Meetings By Rikard Jozwiak May 05, 2025 European Union foreign ministers will gather in Warsaw this week for an informal council meeting and then head to Lviv in a show of solidarity with Ukraine in the face of a major Victory Day celebrations in Russia. Few concrete decisions are expected be made in either Poland on May-7-8, nor a day later in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, as these aren't official EU councils. "In line with the meeting's informal nature and taking benefit from the more intimate (ministers-only) setting, we encourage everyone's contribution to a truly frank and non-scripted discussion," according to a welcoming note for the Warsaw meeting that was seen by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "In this spirit, we recommend that our working sessions take place without interpretation or electronic devices. We also kindly invite you to opt for semi-formal attire throughout the meeting." But the informality doesn't mean the meetings will lack high-level officials and come at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is looking to capture the world's attention with a massive military parade in front of dozens of dignitaries from around the world. During the first day of the Warsaw meeting, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will join to discuss European security, while the second day is dedicated to EU-US relations and the situation in Ukraine. On the latter, the welcome note, signed by the EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and the host, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, proposes an "in-depth discussion" on the EU's role in bolstering Ukraine's negotiation position towards a "just and lasting peace." Officials will look to do this, the note says, by "building on our unique collective leverage - broad support to Ukraine, in particular financial and military, pressure to constrain Russia's war chest, Ukraine's EU accession path, and the ongoing work on enhancing European defense capabilities." While no decisions are to be rubber stamped, there are three developments pertaining to Ukraine that analysts said will be closely watched. The EU is aiming to announce more cash for Ukraine's defense industry, though a figure has yet to be agreed. The bloc is also expected to accelerate sanctions on Russia in the wake of numerous missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. According to EU diplomats, it is likely to be a smaller package consisting mainly of the further blacklisting of Russian officers and politicians along with adding ships belonging to the Russian shadow fleet that will be banned from getting services in European ports. Major new economic sanctions against Russia aren't expected to avoid dissent from some EU capitals and instead get a quick green light as a sign of solidarity in ratcheting up pressure on Moscow. The Lviv meeting is set to take place as the ministers attend the establishment of a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting senior Russian and Belarusian leaders for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The tribunal is meant as a complement to the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide that was launched three years ago. It will fill in the gaps as the ICC isn't looking into is what are legally known as "crimes of aggression" -- meaning things such as military occupation, annexation and bombardments. A so-called core group of countries, including all EU member states except Hungary and Slovakia, as well as the G7 minus the United States, have drawn up three documents on an agreement with Ukraine to establish the tribunal. The actual tribunal won't be formally set up until the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) votes on it in June. The EU and Kyiv have been gathering evidence on crimes of aggression since 2023. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/sanctions-war-tribunal- eu-ministers-warsaw-lviv-meetings/33404525.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Reveals His Red Line in Ukraine Peace Push Sputnik News 20250504 US President Donald Trump said that the United States may one day decide to withdraw from the process of negotiations on the settlement of the Ukraine conflict. "Well, there will be time, when I will say: okay, keep going, keep being stupid, keep fighting ... There will be time when I may say that," Trump said in an interview for the NBC News broadcaster out on Sunday. The US leader noted that sometimes he is close to making such a decision, but then "positive things happen." On Friday, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the US was not ready yet to exit efforts to reach peace in Ukraine, but would no longer act as a mediator if no progress is made. Trump said that there is a "very good chance" to reach peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. "I think we have a very good chance of doing it," Trump said in an interview for the NBC News broadcaster out on Sunday. At the same time, there is a possibility that the United States will not be able to settle the conflict due to "tremendous hatred," which he sees between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. The US president also said that Washington had reached significant progress in talks with one of the sides to the conflict. "I do believe we are closer with one party and maybe not as close with the other," Trump said. He did not clarify with which side the US had made better progress. Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff last week, reaffirmed Moscow's readiness to negotiate with Kiev without preconditions, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. On Monday, Russia announced a ceasefire that would run from the start of May 8 to the end of May 10 to honor the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Victory in the World War II. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the ceasefire should be immediate and last for at least 30 days, and refused to uphold the three-day truce. Donald Trump said that he intended to serve for only eight years in the White House despite his previous statements about entertaining the idea of a third term. "I'll be an eight-year president, I'll be a two-term president. I always thought that was very important," Trump said. The US leader noted that his ultimate goal was to transfer the power to someone else. He intended to "have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican to carry it forward." Four years would be enough to do a good job, the president said. In late March, Trump told NBC News that he was "not joking" about the possibility of seeking a third term in the White House, although it is prohibited by the US Constitution. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Up to 520 Soldiers in Battles With Russia - MoD Sputnik News 20250504 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has taken more advantageous positions and eliminated up to 520 Ukrainian soldiers over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "The enemy has lost up to 520 soldiers, two tanks, including a French-made AMX tank, two armored fighting vehicles, 10 motor vehicles and eight artillery guns," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated over 255 Ukrainian military personnel, while Russia's Battlegroup Vostok has managed to eliminate up to 185 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the ministry said. Over the past day, Kiev has lost up to 190 servicemen in clashes with Russia's Battlegroup Sever, the statement of the ministry read. Russian forces have hit the facilities of the Ukrainian infrastructure, enterprises of military-industrial complex and a launcher of Neptune anti-ship missiles. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Says Russia Had No Need to Use Nuclear Weapons in Ukraine Military Operation Sputnik News 20250504 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia had no need to use nuclear weapons during its military operation in Ukraine, adding that he hoped that such need would not arise in the future. "There was no need to use the weapons you just mentioned [nuclear weapons]. And I hope it will not be necessary," Putin said in an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin out on Sunday. Russia remains calm during the military operation because there were attempts to provoke Moscow into making mistakes, the president added. "We have enough forces and resources to bring what we started in 2022 to its logical conclusion with the result Russia needs," Putin said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Development of the Artillery Initiative and Creation of an F-16 Pilot Training School: Meeting Between the Presidents of Ukraine and the Czech Republic President of Ukraine 4 May 2025 - 20:41 In Prague, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel to discuss continued defense, political, and humanitarian support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Head of State thanked the Czech Republic and the Czech people for their unwavering, principled, and deeply sincere support of Ukraine during the full-scale war, as well as their solidarity with Ukrainian citizens. One of the key topics of the meeting was the Czech artillery initiative. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the Czech Republic has already provided significant support, and Ukraine is counting on equally effective cooperation this year - specifically, the supply of 1.8 million shells. Additionally, on Monday, the President of Ukraine will meet with representatives of Czech defense companies. The leaders also discussed next steps in developing the aviation coalition - namely, the creation of a Ukrainian-Czech F-16 training school for pilots. "Obviously, given the current security situation, we cannot open such a base in Ukraine. Russian strikes continue every day. That's why we are working with partners to ensure these training schools can be established outside Ukraine. And this will happen. We agreed that the Czech Republic will support us in implementing relevant decisions," said the President of Ukraine. The discussion also focused on diplomatic efforts with key partners - the U.S. and Europe - to increase pressure on the Russian Federation and force it to take real steps toward ending the war. This requires tougher sanctions against Russia, continued support for Ukraine, and a substantial boost in defense cooperation across Europe. "We believe a ceasefire is absolutely possible at any moment - even starting today - and it must last at least 30 days to give diplomacy a real chance. I am grateful to the Czech Republic for supporting our position," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. The President also highlighted the Czech initiative to help rebuild Ukrainian medical facilities. Restoring hospitals is a priority for Ukraine. Tomorrow, the First Ladies of Ukraine and the Czech Republic will jointly open the large-scale conference Healthcare Initiative for Ukraine. Petr Pavel emphasized that the peace Ukraine and its partners seek must be just for the country that was attacked. "We have supported Ukraine from the very beginning. I consider that a matter of principle and the right thing to do," he stressed. According to him, the Czech Republic will continue to provide defense assistance, as well as support Ukraine in its aspirations to join the EU and in postwar recovery. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Continued Support for Ukraine and Cooperation Within the Coalition of the Willing: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Held a Phone Call with Anthony Albanese President of Ukraine 4 May 2025 - 11:40 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and congratulated him on a convincing election victory. The Head of State expressed gratitude for keeping support for Ukraine in focus and noted Australia's participation in the Coalition of the Willing. The President emphasized that Ukraine needs unified efforts from all partners to achieve a just and durable peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Anthony Albanese about the consequences of last night's Russian drone attack. He noted that strengthening air defense remains Ukraine's key priority to protect our people, and we count on our partners' support. The parties also discussed other military needs and the reinforcement of Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces. The President and the Prime Minister also addressed the importance of securing the release of individuals taken captive by Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Anthony Albanese to visit Ukraine. The leaders agreed to stay in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, May 05, 2025 - Greenridge Exploration Inc. ("Greenridge" or the "Company") (CSE: GXP | FRA: HW3 | OTCQB: GXPLF), is pleased to announce its exploration plans for a helicopter-borne time domain electromagnetic ("TDEM") survey and follow-up prospecting and mapping (the "Program") at the Blackbird Project (the "Blackbird Property", or the "Project") located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The Blackbird Property is situated in an underexplored area of Saskatchewan that has recently gained recognition following new discoveries of gold and critical metals mineralization in drilling programs. The Blackbird Property lies approximately 70 kilometres (47 miles) north of LaRonge, Saskatchewan in a newly-emerging metallogenic district south of the historic Rottenstone Mine, which produced nickel, copper, gold and platinum group metals from 1965 to 1969.1 In June 2024, Ramp Metals Inc. ("Ramp Metals") reported a high-grade gold discovery at their Rottenstone SW project in drill hole Ranger-1, which intersected 73.55 grams/tonne ("g/t") gold over 7.5 metres from 227.0 to 234.5 metres (Please see Figure 1).2 In late April 2025, Ramp Metals reported initial results of additional drilling at the Rottenstone SW project, including details of a series of intersections of massive sulphides at the Rush target with copper and zinc mineralization identified by a hand-held XRF analyzer.3 "Greenridge is poised to carry out exploration in one of the most prospective areas in Canada," said Russell Starr, CEO of Greenridge. "The discoveries reported by Ramp Metals can be directly attributed to the use of modern exploration tools in an underexplored district that has been passed over for decades. We look forward to carrying out an airborne survey on the Blackbird Property and using the results to guide our surface exploration in the summer and fall of 2025." The Company believes the Project is highly prospective for similar precious and base metal mineralization akin to that recently discovered by Ramp Metals and is currently soliciting bids to carry out an airborne TDEM survey prior to launching a geological mapping and sampling program that would provide "ground-truthing" for any anomalous areas detected by the airborne work. Engagement with local communities has commenced and exploration is anticipated to begin in the late spring or early summer of 2025. Figure 1 - Blackbird Property Claims Location and Mineral Occurrences About Blackbird The Blackbird Property consists of sixteen (16) mineral claims in two claim blocks covering approximately 18,118 hectares (44,770 acres) (Please see Figure 1). The two claim blocks comprising the Project are located in the Rottenstone Domain adjacent to the La Ronge Domain, covering northeast-southwest magnetic trends that lie parallel to the magnetic setting of the Rottenstone Mine and the Ramp Metals Rottenstone SW project area. Historical exploration in the Blackbird Property area has been sparse. There are no known drill holes on the Blackbird Property. The Project has not received airborne surveying since 1968, when the joint venture of Canadian Pacific Oil & Gas Limited and Gunnex Limited flew a regional radiometric survey for uranium exploration. No significant radioactive anomalies were detected within the 1968 survey area over what is now the southern claim block of Blackbird and as a result, the Project area did not receive any ground follow-up exploration.4 In 1974, the Geological Survey of Canada ("GSC") carried out a regional lake sediment geochemical survey over an approximate 51,000 square kilometre area, which included the Project area. One sample from Blackbird North returned a value of 25 parts per billion gold, which placed it in the 99th percentile out of a total of 3,512 samples analyzed for gold.5 References: 1 Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database, Assessment File #74A07-0038R, (Fraser, I., 2000). 2 Ramp Metals Inc., News Release, June 17, 2024. 3 Ramp Metals Inc., News Release, April 29, 2025. 4 Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database, Assessment File #73P-0002, (Kirwan, L.D., 1968). 5 Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 1129, (Hornbrook, E.H.W., et al., 1984). Statement of Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Sean Hillacre, P. Geo., Technical Advisor and a geological consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Hillacre has examined information regarding the historical exploration at the Blackbird Property, which includes a review of the historical sampling, analytical and procedures underlying the information and opinions contained herein. Management cautions that historical results collected and reported by operators unrelated to Greenridge have not been verified nor confirmed by its Qualified Person; however, the historical results create a scientific basis for ongoing work at the Blackbird Property. Management further cautions that historical results, discoveries and published resource estimates on adjacent or nearby mineral properties, or other properties located within northern Saskatchewan, whether in stated current resource estimates or historical resource estimates, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Blackbird Property. About Greenridge Exploration Inc. Greenridge Exploration Inc. (CSE: GXP | OTCQB: GXPLF | FRA: HW3) is a mineral exploration company dedicated to creating shareholder value through the acquisition, exploration, and development of critical mineral projects in Canada. The Company owns or has interests in 29 projects and additional claims covering approximately 355,203 hectares with considerable exposure to potential uranium, lithium, nickel, copper and gold discoveries. The Company is led by an experienced management team and board of directors with significant expertise in capital raising and advancing mining projects. Greenridge has one of the largest uranium property portfolios in Canada consisting of 16 projects and additional prospective claims covering approximately 221,509 hectares. The Company has opportunities to realize value in a further 13 strategic metals projects which include lithium, nickel, gold, and copper exploration properties totalling approximately 133,694 hectares. Project highlights include: Project highlights include: The Black Lake property, located in the NE Athabasca Basin, (40% Greenridge, 50.43% UEC, 8.57% Orano) saw a 2004 discovery hole (BL-18) return 0.69% U 3 O 8 over 4.4m. 1 O over 4.4m. The Hook-Carter property (20% Greenridge, 80% Denison Mines Corp.) is strategically located in the SW Margin of the Athabasca Basin, sitting ~13km from NexGen Energy Ltd.'s Arrow deposit and ~20 km from Fission Uranium Corp.'s Triple R deposit. The Gibbons Creek property hosts high-grade uraniferous boulders located in 2013, with grades of up to 4.28% U 3 O 8 2 , and the McKenzie Lake project saw a 2023 prospecting program return three samples which included 844 ppm U-total (0.101% U 3 O 8 ), 273 ppm U-total, and 259 ppm U-total. 3 O , and the McKenzie Lake project saw a 2023 prospecting program return three samples which included 844 ppm U-total (0.101% U O ), 273 ppm U-total, and 259 ppm U-total. The Nut Lake property located in the Thelon Basin includes historical drilling, which intersected up to 9ft of 0.69% U 3 O 8 including 4.90% U 3 O 8 over 1ft from 8ft depth. 4 In 2024, Greenridge's prospecting program located a float sample that returned 31.13% U 3 O 8 , sourced from the Tundra Showing. 5 O including 4.90% U O over 1ft from 8ft depth. In 2024, Greenridge's prospecting program located a float sample that returned 31.13% U O , sourced from the Tundra Showing. The Firebird Nickel property has seen two drill programs (7 holes totaling 1,339 m), where hole FN20-002 intersected 23.8 m of 0.36% Ni and 0.09% Cu, including 10.6 m of 0.55% Ni and 0.14% Cu. 6 The Electra Nickel project 2022 drill program included results of 2,040 ppm Ni over 1m and 1,260 ppm Ni over 3.5m.7 The Company has strategic partnerships which includes properties being operated and advanced by Denison Mines Corp. and Uranium Energy Corp. The Company's management team, board of directors, and technical team brings significant expertise in capital raising and advancing mining projects and is poised to attract new investors and raise future capital. References: 1 - Black Lake: UEX Corporation News Release dated October 12, 2004. 2 - Gibbons Creek: Lakeland Resources Inc. News Release dated January 8, 2014. 3 - McKenzie Lake: ALX Resources Corp. New Release dated November 7, 2023. 4 - Nut Lake: 1979 Assessment Report (number 81075) by Pan Ocean Oil Ltd. 5 - Nut Lake: Greenridge Exploration Inc. News Release dated February 19, 202. 6 - Firebird Nickel: ALX Resources Corp. New Release dated April 15, 2020. 7 - Electra Nickel: ALX Resources Corp. New Release dated July 20, 2022. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Greenridge Russell Starr Chief Executive Officer, Director Telephone: +1 (778) 897-3388 Email: info@greenridge-exploration.com Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, 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 forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: completion of the Program and the anticipated results or benefits from conducting the Program at the Blackbird Property; the Company's objectives, goals, or future plans with respect to the Project; further exploration work on the Project in the future. 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, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10655a2f-db3b-4896-9aeb-57f3adfade3a Vancouver, May 5, 2025 - Stellar AfricaGold Inc. (TSX-V: SPX) ("Stellar" or the "Company") is pleased to provide updates on its Tichka Est Gold Project in Morocco and its Zuenoula Gold Project in Cote d'Ivoire. Tichka Est Gold Project - Morocco All exploration activities at the Tichka Est Gold Project are proceeding as planned. All activities are on schedule and on budget. Stellar has an ongoing mapping, prospecting and sampling program focussed initially at the region of the Zone B gold discovery and thereafter expanding to the other regions of the Tichka Ext permits group. Infrastructure improvements are ahead of schedule. Rehabilitation of the Company's 8.5-kilometer access road from the 2,000-meter starting point to the 2,500-meter level of Structure B is complete. Additional new road works to other areas of interest across the permit area has commenced. Once access road construction is substantially advanced the heavy equipment on site will be redirected to additional mechanical trenching across known and projected areas of mineralization. Stellar is particularly pleased to welcome to the team consulting structural geologist David Selley of Base Instinct Geological Consultants who commenced on-site work at Tichka Ext May 4, 2025. Dr. Selly is conducting an in-depth structural assessment of Tichka Est's known mineralized zones particularly focusing on Structure B zone. His conclusions will assist in refining the Tichka Est geological model. All of these current exploration activities, the trenching, mapping, sampling and structural assessment, are essential preparatory steps which are leading up to the major exploration focus of the 2025 exploration program being the summer drilling campaign to be coupled with a high-resolution topographic survey to assist accurate drill collar planning and program execution. Zuenoula Project - Cote d'Ivoire Stellar AfricaGold is pleased to report that its management team recently completed a successful site visit to the 396 km Zuenoula gold permit in central Cote d'Ivoire. Benefiting from favorable dry-season conditions, site geologists finalized sample collection for the stream sediment sampling campaign, designed to evaluate gold anomalies and identify new targets within the permit area. The collected samples have been dispatched to the laboratory, with analytical results expected in late May 2025. Based on the results, the additional exploration programs will focus on detailed geological mapping and structural interpretation upstream of the identified anomalies areas of interest in this underexplored permit area. About the Tichka Est Zone B Gold Discovery The identified Zone B structures are within an approximately 1 km2 area of the 82 km2 total area of the Tichka Est Gold Project. To date, Stellar has built an 8.5-kilometer mountain access road and conducted extensive mapping, sampling and trenching focussing on the regions in and around Zone B. Thus far three significant zones of gold mineralization have been discovered with much of the overall Tichka Est project area still unexplored or only superficially examined. At the Zone B several programs of mechanical and hand trenches delivered a series of impressive assay results including trenches MT1 3.5 g/t gold over 155.7 meters1, MT2 1.52 g/t gold over 39.7 meters and 1.58 g/t Au over 8.6 meters4, MT3 1.27 g/t gold over 80 meters4, T7B 3.4 g/t gold over 20 meters3, T6B 3.4 g/t gold over 17 meters3, and T2B 4.56 g/t gold over 15 meters2. Zone B is the primary exploration target for 2025 although Stellar will continue reconnaissance exploration throughout the Tichka Est Gold Project permits area. 1 News Release October 4, 2022 2 News Release April 19, 2021 3 News Release October 25, 2021 4 News Release January 25, 2022 About the Zuenoula Gold Project The 395.8 square kilometers Zuenoula gold exploration permit is located in central Cote d'Ivoire in the margin between granitoids and the Birimian greenstone belt along a regional NE-SW trending shear zone. The Zuenoula Gold Project Exploration activities will target a 22 km long E-NE trending shear zone interpreted by historic air magnetic data The Zuenoula Gold permit is well-located geologically within the centre of recent major gold discoveries in Cote d'Ivoire, including: 100 kilometers to the South-East the Yaoure Gold Mine operated by Perseus Mining Ltd. (TSX: PRU) commenced production in 2021. 150 kilometers to the North-East the Lafigue Gold Mine is under construction by Endeavour Mining Corporation (TSX: EDV) with production scheduled for Q3 2024 2024. 120 kilometers to South-West the Abujar Gold Mine operated by Tietto Minerals Ltd. (ASX: TIE) commenced production in 2023. 100 kilometers to the North-West the eguela Gold Mine operated by Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX: FVI) commenced production in May 2023. About Stellar Africagold Inc. Stellar AfricaGold Inc. is a Canadian precious metal exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange symbol TSX.V: SPX, the Tradegate Exchange TGAT: 6YP and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange FSX: 6YP. The Company maintains its head office in Vancouver, BC and has a representative office in Casablanca, Morocco. Stellar's principal exploration projects are its advancing gold discovery at the Tichka Est Gold Project in Morocco, and its early-stage exploration Zuenoula Gold Project in Cote d'Ivoire. The technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by M. Yassine Belkabir, MScDIC, CEng, MIMMM, a Stellar director and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. Stellar's President and CEO J. Francois Lalonde can be contacted at +1 514-9940654 or by email at lalondejf@stellarafricagold.com Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.stellarafricagold.com. On Behalf of the Board J. Francois Lalonde J. Francois Lalonde President & CEO Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the forward-looking statement will not occur. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and reflect several material factors, expectations, and assumptions. Undue reliance should not be placed on any predictions or forward-looking statements as these may be affected by, among other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. A discussion of the material risks applicable to us can be found in our current Management Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form, each of which have been or will be filed on SEDAR+ and can be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although the Company believes that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. The Company does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials, including its reports filed with the Canadian securities regulators and which can be obtained from www.sedarplus.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. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Toronto, May 5, 2025 - Romios Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: RG) (OTC Pink: RMIOF) (FSE: D4R) ("Romios Gold") today announced that the parties have mutually agreed to terminate the previously announced non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") dated February 28, 2025, regarding the proposed acquisition by Star Gold of all the issued and outstanding shares of Romios' wholly owned affiliate, Romios Gold Nevada Inc. The contemplated transaction, which included the transfer of ownership and interests in the Scossa Mine Property and the Kinkaid Property, was subject to various conditions including satisfactory due diligence, regulatory approvals, and the successful completion of a capital raise. Following a thorough review and ongoing discussions, both companies have determined that it is in their respective best interests not to proceed with the proposed Share Purchase Agreement. "We remain extremely confident in the quality and potential of the Scossa and Kinkaid properties", stated Stephen Burega, President and CEO of Romios Gold. "While we were not able to complete the proposed transaction under the originally proposed terms, Romios will continue to seek strategic alternatives to unlock value from our Nevada-based assets, while also advancing our broader portfolio of projects in British Columbia's Golden Triangle, as well as our large land package in Northern Ontario." Both parties have expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts during the negotiation period and wish each other continued success in future endeavors. About Romios Gold Resources Inc.: Romios Gold Resources Inc. is a progressive Canadian mineral exploration company engaged in precious- and base-metal exploration, focused primarily on gold, copper and silver. It has a 100% interest in the Lundmark-Akow Lake Au-Cu property plus 4 additional claim blocks in northwestern Ontario and extensive claim holdings covering several significant porphyry copper-gold prospects in the "Golden Triangle" of British Columbia. Additional interests include the Kinkaid claims in Nevada covering numerous Au-Ag-Cu workings, and two former producers: the Scossa mine property (Nevada) which is a former high-grade gold producer and the La Corne molybdenum mine property (Quebec). The Company retains an ongoing interest in several properties including a 2% NSR on McEwen Mining's Hislop gold property in Ontario; a 2% NSR on Enduro Metals' Newmont Lake Au-Cu-Ag property in BC, and the Company has signed a definitive agreement with Copperhead Resources Inc. ("Copperhead") whereby Copperhead can acquire a 75% ownership interest in Romios' Red Line Property in BC. For more information, please click here for Romios' website. Romios has 264 million common shares outstanding, 284 million shares fully diluted. This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. TSX Venture Exchange or its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) do not accept 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/250805 Interview: Countries giving in to U.S. tariff pressure would suffer greater harm, says former Thai minister Xinhua) 15:25, May 05, 2025 BANGKOK, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. tariff measures are "one sided" and lack theoretical justification, said former Thai Finance Minister Suchart Thadathamrongvech, warning that countries giving in to U.S. unreasonable demands could suffer greater harm. "There is no reason to bow to U.S. pressure," Suchart said in a recent interview with Xinhua, pointing out that the U.S. tariff measures are severely impacting developing countries like Thailand while also hurting American consumers. He warned that countries choosing to compromise could end up suffering even more. "If you bow, he (the U.S. administration) will ask more and more. There will be never-ending." A series of tariff policies and the subsequent changing courses have created significant disruption to global trade, he said. As a former economics professor, Suchart argued that the rationale of the U.S. government for raising tariffs is not supported by economic theory, citing studies showing that the burden of previous U.S. tariffs has been borne primarily by American consumers rather than foreign exporters. Even if some industries were to return to the United States, it would take a long time, and the damage caused in the meantime is severe. "America is hurting its own people," he said. "Goods are disappearing from the shelves of the supermarkets, and the prices are going to be skyrocketing." Suchart went on to point out that the United States has long been a major beneficiary of the current global trade system. "The United States has long relied on printing money to buy from the rest of the world. They should not complain much as people are willing to give them real commodities in exchange for printed money," he said. Export-driven economies like Thailand are facing serious challenges due to tariff volatility, he said, noting that export planning typically requires several months of lead time and sudden changes in trade policy make it extremely difficult for countries and businesses to adjust their production and market strategies in time. Thailand's Ministry of Finance has recently lowered its 2025 growth forecast from 3 percent to 2.1 percent, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs and a global economic slowdown. The Thai central bank earlier said the country's economic growth could fall to just 1.3 percent this year in the worst-case scenario. Suchart called on countries to stand firm and protect their own interests under such pressure, urging members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to continue supporting free trade, strengthen ties with other trading partners, and enhance coordination through the ASEAN framework to safeguard shared interests. "Relying too heavily on a large market with unpredictable policies like the United States puts us at risk," he said. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Paris, May 5th, 2025, 5:45 pm PRESS RELEASE Availability of the documents of the Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders' General Meeting to be held on May 26th, 2025 Eramet's shareholders are invited to participate in the Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholder's General Meeting, which will take place on: Monday, May 26th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Paris time), at Eramet's head office, 10 boulevard de Grenelle 75015 Paris. Detailed participation procedures are outlined in the Notice of Meeting Brochure and will be further specified in the Convening Notice. The prior Notice of Meeting including the agenda and draft resolutions has been published in the French official gazette (BALO, "Bulletin des Annonces legales obligatoires") on April 18th, 2025, and the Convening Notice will be published in the BALO on May 07th, 2025. Registered shareholders will receive their notice of the meeting directly. Shareholders may request the preparatory documents for the Meeting, as provided for in Article R.225-83 of the French Commercial Code, by addressing a request in accordance with the applicable regulations. Additionally, any shareholder can consult these documents at Eramet's head office during a 15-day period prior to the Meeting. The Meeting's documents and information are available for consultation by shareholders on Eramet's website (www.eramet.com), in accordance with applicable regulations. The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders' General Meeting will be broadcast live via a webcast and available for replay afterward. The webcast can be accessed on the Group's website: Shareholders' General Meeting 2025 | Eramet Calendar 26.05.2025: Shareholders' General Meeting 30.07.2025: 2025 half-year results 30.10.2025: 2025 Group third-quarter sales ABOUT ERAMET Eramet transforms the Earth's mineral resources to provide sustainable and responsible solutions to the growth of the industry and to the challenges of the energy transition. Its employees are committed to this through their civic and contributory approach in all the countries where the mining and metallurgical group is present. Manganese, nickel, mineral sands and lithium: Eramet recovers and develops metals that are essential to the construction of a more sustainable world. As a privileged partner of its industrial clients, the Group contributes to making robust and resistant infrastructures and constructions, more efficient means of mobility, safer health tools and more efficient telecommunications devices. Fully committed to the era of metals, Eramet's ambition is to become a reference for the responsible transformation of the Earth's mineral resources for living well together. www.eramet.com INVESTOR CONTACT Director of Investor Relations Sandrine Nourry-Dabi T. +33 1 45 38 37 02 sandrine.nourrydabi@eramet.com PRESS CONTACT Media Relations Officer Nedjma Amrani T. +33 6 65 65 44 49 nedjma.amrani@eramet.com Attachment TORONTO, May 05, 2025 - Kinross Gold Corp. ("Kinross" or the "Company") (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC) announced today that it has acquired an aggregate of 7,574,237 units (each, a "Unit") of Eminent Gold Corp. ("Eminent") at a price of $0.40 per Unit and an aggregate purchase price of $3,029,694.80 (the "Acquisition"), pursuant to the closing of a private placement by Eminent of 10,711,900 Units. Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of Eminent (each, a "Share") and one-half of one Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant being a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Share at an exercise price of $0.70 per Share for a period of 24 months from their issuance. Prior to the Acquisition, Kinross did not own or have control over any securities of Eminent. As a result of the Acquisition, Kinross acquired an aggregate of 7,574,237 Shares and 3,787,118 Warrants, representing approximately 9.9% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis and 14.15% of the issued and outstanding Shares on a partially diluted basis. An early warning report filed by Kinross in connection with the investment will be available on Eminent's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Alternatively, you may contact Luke Crosby, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at 647-788-4478 to obtain a copy of the report. Kinross is organized under the laws of the Province of Ontario and its head office is located at 25 York Street, 17th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2V5. Eminent's head office is located at 1055 West Georgia Street, 1500 Royal Centre, PO Box 11117, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4N7. Kinross acquired the Units for investments purposes. Kinross may, from time to time, increase or decrease its investment in the Issuer through market transactions, private placements, treasury issuances or otherwise, including pursuant to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement between Kinross and the Issuer. Kinross has agreed to a standstill at 19.9%, calculated on a partially diluted basis. About Kinross Gold Corporation Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile and Canada. Our focus is on delivering value based on the core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth, and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC). Media Contact Victoria Barrington Senior Director, Corporate Communications phone: 647-788-4153 victoria.barrington@kinross.com _______________________________________ Investor Relations Contact David Shaver Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations and Communications phone: 416-365-2854 InvestorRelations@kinross.com Source: Kinross Gold Corporation Vancouver, May 5, 2025 - Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. (CSE: SXTY) (FSE: 2F40) (OTC Pink: SXNTF) (the "Company" or "Sixty North Gold") announces the first drilling results in its Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide ("VMS") drill program. The Company has successfully tested one of the six targets identified from the VTEM Plus geophysical survey and subsequent analysis of that data by Mira Geosciences ("Mira"). Dr. Dave Webb, CEO, states, "We are pleased that the first two drill holes have identified massive and semi-massive sulphide horizons in the first of six targets to be tested. Drilling was suspended early due to warmer weather making our snowmobile trails inaccessible. "Assays reveal this horizon to be composed primarily of iron sulphides with limited but continuous enrichment of precious metals at subeconomic levels. No significant base metal enrichment was encountered. The upper conductor we tested is now interpreted to be the iron-rich cap-rock of the VMS system. We are now confident that we are in a VMS system and that geophysics correctly identifies where the lenses are located. The Company can now focus on the lower horizon to determine if these conductors carry grade similar to that found in the 5656 Zone along strike to the north or the Likely or Homer Lake Deposits to the south. We believe the lower conductor represents the best target for further work." Webb further reports that, "We have six targets we plan on testing, with the lower horizon conductors now being the highest priority as they are on strike and within the same horizon as the well-mineralized 5656 Zone. The attached Figure 1 shows our planned drill program. Our first hole at Location A was setup on lake ice to test the lower horizon, but upon completion of set-up, significant and unexpected water overflowed the ice forcing a rapid demobilization from this target and onto the Set up B that had been prepared for drilling. The two holes completed were from Location B. Additional drill holes are planned on the lower horizon." Plan View VMS Drilling To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5873/250874_vmsdrilling.jpg "The proximity to the Bluefish Hydroelectric Power Plant, and the road network from Yellowknife makes these targets appealing for potential development in the future, with reduced infrastructure costs. The VMS zones provide the Company with an exciting diversification and a potential portfolio of strategic metals, in addition to our planned underground Mon Gold Mine on the same property." Drill Hole Results DDH Azimuth Inclination From (m) To (m) Width (m) Est. True W. Gold gpt Silver gpt VMS 1 080 -50 59.5 63.0 3.5 2.7 m 0.03 <1.0 VMS 2 080 -70 81.2 91.0 9.8 4.9 m 0.04 nsv. nsv = No Significant Value Six conductors were modeled by Mira, including an exposed VMS showing, the 5656 Zone which grades 1.0 gpt gold, 203 gpt silver, 0.59% lead and 0.96% zinc over 0.45 m in trench samples over 150 m of strike (see news release November 6, 2018). A cluster of much larger, more prominent conductors along strike include the Lower Horizon which includes the Mac Tuff showing 2 km to the south (not on the Mon Property). The Upper Horizon occurs in a mixed mafic and felsic tuff horizon, 300 m stratigraphically above the Lower Horizon. Core was delivered to camp where it was logged by a registered Professional Geologist. The core was sawn and half samples were bagged and tagged and delivered to ALS Global in Yellowknife NWT with suitable Certified Reference Standards and Blanks. These samples were crushed and pulverized (CRU-31, PUL-31) in Yellowknife and shipped to ALS Global's Geochemistry site in North Vancouver where they were analyzed by ME-ICP61a, AU-AA23, and OA-GRA08. All standards reported acceptable results. ALS Global is a certified laboratory, independent of the Company. Dr. D.R. Webb, Ph.D., P.Geol., P.Eng., President & CEO the the Company, is the Qualified Person for this release and has reviewed and approved of its technical content. About the Company Sixty North is developing mining operations for gold on its 100-per-cent-owned Mon Gold Project, which extracted 15,000 tonnes of ore to depths of only 15 metres below surface, recovering an estimated 15,000 ounces of gold in the 1990s (NI 43-101, August, 2023). The North Ramp has been reopened and has been extended to the target portion of the vein. The Company plans to develop stopes in the East Limb, West Limb and DD Zone to extract and stockpile the vein material on surface. Upon confirmation of the grade and tonnage, the Company plans to bring a permitted mill in to process this and continuing mined material. The VMS target, and the shear zones are separate targets on the property and will continue to be tested as circumstances permit. For more information, please refer to the Company's public filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Dave Webb" Dave Webb, President & CEO Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Further details about the risks applicable to the Company are contained in the Company's public filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/250874 Vancouver, May 5, 2025 - Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (TSX: ELEF) (OTCQB: SILEF) (FSE: 1P2) ("Silver Elephant" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news releases dated April 1, 2025, April 17, 2025 and May 2, 2025, it has closed its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") raising gross proceeds of CAD 696,830 through the sale of 3,871,277 units (the "Units") at a price of CAD 0.18 per unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional Share at a price of CAD 0.30 per Share for a period of three years from issuance. Finder's Fees of 193,989 Finder's Units were paid with each Finder's Unit consisting of one Share and one Warrant. John Lee, a Director of the Company subscribed for 50,000 Units for gross proceeds of CAD 9,000 and Ron Motz, a shareholder holding more than 10% of the Company's common shares, subscribed for 450,000 Units for gross proceeds of CAD 81,000. The issuance of Units to Mr. Lee and Mr. Motz are considered related party transactions within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that Mr. Lee's and Mr. Motz's participation in the Private Placement did not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction. The securities issued under the Private Placement will be subject to a regulatory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issue. Proceeds of the Private Placement are expected to be used for general corporate purposes. 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 Units in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction. About Silver Elephant Mining Corp. Silver Elephant is a mineral exploration company with gold and silver projects in Bolivia. Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com. SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "John Lee" CEO and Executive Chairman FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such forward-looking information, which reflects management's expectations regarding Silver Elephant's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, is based on certain factors and assumptions and involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the use of proceeds raised from the Private Placement. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should not be read as guarantees of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: market conditions; changes in business plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's mining projects; and general economic conditions. Additional risk factors about the Company are set out in its latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis and annual information form available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking information included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws. Not for distribution to the United States Newswire Services or For Dissemination, Distribution, Release or Publication, Directly or Indirectly into the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/250899 Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting tomorrow: Sustainable agric on the front burner Daily Graphic Business News May - 05 - 2025 , 06:41 The Graphic Business Breakfast Meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, promises to be a landmark event in Ghana's agricultural calendar. On the theme: "Future of Food: The Critical Place of Sustainable Practices", the meeting will bring together stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions to drive sustainable agricultural practices. It is organised by Graphic Communications Group Ltd in partnership with Stanbic Bank Ghana as part of the quarterly thought leadership partnership between Graphic Business and Stanbic Bank. This partnership aims to discuss critical issues that impact the micro and macroeconomy, with this edition expected to be particularly insightful. The breakfast meeting will feature expert insights from thought leaders, including the Chair of the National Cyber Intelligent and Cyber Defense Research Project, Prof. Kester Quist-Aphetsi; the Founder of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, and Financial Risk Manager, Sustainability Climate Risk Professional, and farmer, Prof. Francis Atsu. These experts will share their knowledge and experiences on sustainable agriculture, technology and finance, providing valuable perspectives on how to drive sustainable agricultural practices in the country. Leveraging technology The acting Editor of Graphic Business, Suleiman Mustapha, said: "This breakfast meeting will bring together critical minds in the field of agriculture, technology, science and finance to discuss the future of agriculture. We will leverage technology to guarantee food security, and we believe this conversation is timely and crucial for Ghana's development". Sustainable agriculture is crucial for Ghana's development as it can mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services. By adopting sustainable practices, Ghana can reduce its reliance on imported food, create jobs and increase its foreign exchange earnings. Sustainable agriculture can also contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 of Zero Hunger and SDG 12 of Responsible Consumption and Production. The meeting's focus areas include leveraging technology, promoting sustainable practices and improving access to finance and markets for farmers. Digital platforms, precision farming and data analytics can help farmers to make informed decisions, reduce waste and improve crop yields. Additionally, sustainable practices such as crop rotation, organic farming and conservation agriculture can promote soil health, reduce erosion and enhance biodiversity. Industry stakeholders Industry stakeholders, policymakers and farmers are expected to attend the meeting to share knowledge, experiences and best practices that can shape a brighter future for Ghana's agricultural sector. The discussions will likely centre on practical solutions to the challenges facing Ghana's agricultural sector, including climate change, limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure and inefficient supply chains. The Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting is a timely initiative that underscores the importance of sustainable agriculture in Ghana's development agenda. By bringing together stakeholders from various fields, the meeting provides a platform for meaningful discussions and recommendations that can inform policy decisions and drive sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to contribute to the development of Ghana's agricultural sector, particularly in the areas of policy formulation, investment and innovation. The meeting's recommendations can also inform the design and implementation of agricultural programmes and projects that promote sustainable practices, improve productivity and enhance food security. For more information about the meeting, visit www.graphic.com.gh or contact Stanbic Bank Ghana. Republic Bank deepens commitment to Volta Region with strategic visit and development plans GraphicOnline Business News May - 05 - 2025 , 09:03 Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive national development through a high-level engagement in the Volta Region, aimed at fostering agricultural growth, economic advancement, and greater financial inclusion. Leading the delegation was Managing Director of Republic Bank, Dr. Benjamin Dzoboku, who paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu. The visit formed part of the Banks strategic initiative to strengthen its presence in the region and explore ways to support agriculture, enhance local enterprise, and deliver tailored financial products to improve socio-economic outcomes. The meeting was also attended by a member of the Council of State, H.E. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, known for his advocacy for regional development. Reflecting on the visit, he said, As someone whose own business has grown with the support of Republic Bank, I am passionate about partnering with the Bank to replicate this success across the Volta Region. This visit is a strategic step towards identifying opportunities in agriculture and local enterprise development that can unlock economic potential, improve livelihoods, and elevate the standard of living for our people, which remains dear to me. He extended his appreciation on behalf of the regions residents and lauded the Bank for establishing a branch in Ho. The future is in agriculture, and the Volta Region is open and ready for Corporate Ghana to invest, collaborate, and grow, he added. Discussions during the engagement focused on key sectors requiring urgent financial intervention, including agricultural mechanisation and rice production across the Tongu, Ketu North, and northern parts of the region. The Regional Minister also appealed for innovative mortgage solutions to meet the housing needs of the people. Dr. Dzoboku, in response, assured the Minister of the Banks readiness to partner regional stakeholders to design and deliver bespoke financial services that address these priorities. As a bank committed to national transformation, Republic Bank is eager to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Volta Region. We see agriculture not just as a sector, but as a foundation for sustainable economic development and livelihood improvement, he said. We are particularly keen on initiatives that drive impact at the grassroots level, he added. Further reinforcing its commitment to community development, the Republic Bank delegation conducted a needs assessment at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Following the visit, the Bank pledged to support some of the hospitals immediate needs, aligning with its endorsement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being. The delegation was received by Mr. George Tetteh, Hospital Administrator, and Mr. Kwasi Dzramedo, Finance Director, who both expressed their gratitude for the Banks interest in strengthening healthcare delivery. Dr. Dzoboku also announced plans to host a Mortgage Clinic in the Volta Region later this year, a move expected to boost access to housing finance and empower more families to become homeowners. At Republic Bank, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home. Our upcoming mortgage clinic is a strategic step to bring our affordable housing solutions closer to the people of the Volta Region. This is part of our mission to make dreams of homeownership a reality, while contributing to the regions social and economic development, he stated. Since the inauguration of its Ho branch in January this year, Republic Bank has been actively investing in the Volta Region, demonstrating a firm resolve to drive regional development through impactful partnerships, community engagement, and sustainable financing initiatives. Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert BBC Showbiz News May - 05 - 2025 , 12:49 2 minutes read Brazilian police said they thwarted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga's concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro state, in coordination with the justice ministry, said suspects had recruited participants to carry out attacks using improvised explosives, and the plan was aimed at gaining notoriety on social media. The person responsible for the plan and a teenager were arrested, the police said. Lady Gaga's team said they learned about the bomb threat only from media reports the morning after the gig. A crowd of more than two million people gathered for the concert, which was free to attend. Police said the group that planned the attack had been spreading hate speech, mainly against children, adolescents and the LGBTQ+ community. The alleged mastermind was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, while the teenager was detained for storing child pornography in Rio. Those responsible were also promoting the radicalisation of teenagers, including self-harm and violent content "as a form of belonging and challenge among young people". A spokesperson for Lady Gaga told The Hollywood Reporter: "We learned about this alleged threat via media reports this morning. "Prior to and during the show, there were no known safety concerns, nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks." More than two million attended Lady Gaga's biggest ever concert in Rio de Janeiro The justice ministry said the suspects had identified themselves as Lady Gaga fans, known widely as "Little Monsters". Police issued search warrants across the states of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul and Sao Paulo, and electronic devices and other materials were seized. "Operation Fake Monster" was launched following a tip-off from Rio state police intelligence, which uncovered online groups encouraging violence among teenagers using coded language and extremist symbolism. The concert was paid for by the city in an attempt to revitalise Rio's economy, with expectations it could bring in $100m (75m). In a massive security operation, 5,000 officers were deployed, and attendees had to pass through metal detectors. Drones and facial recognition cameras were also used to police the event. Lady Gaga, who last performed in Brazil in 2012, took the stage as part of a tour to promote her eighth album, Mayhem. No invitation, no appearance on TGMA red carpet on Saturday Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News May - 05 - 2025 , 14:26 2 minutes read To bring orderliness and sanity to the Red Carpet session this year, Charterhouse, organisers of Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) have announced restrictions on who appears on the red carpet this year. This year's event will feature a selective red carpet experience, with only officially invited celebrities and dignitaries granted access. According to the organisers, there will be two red carpet sessions: one for general media interactions and photoshoots, and a main session for televised coverage, including fashion interviews. Invitations are required to appear on the main red carpet, which will be broadcast on TV. The TGMA red carpet has long been a topic of debate, with critics pointing to questionable celebrity choices and lackluster production. Some have lamented the inclusion of "just anybody" on the red carpet, dragging out the proceedings. (Read also: Who truly deserves TGMA26 Artiste of the Year?, King Promise stands tall for TGMA Artiste of the Year award - Kwasi Ernest, King Paluta not underdog in TGMA Artiste of the Year race Manager) Others have bemoaned the sometimes lackluster fashion sense on display. Last year, the likes of Michael Ola and Kofi Okyere Darko(KOD), expressed their disappointment with the organisation of the Red Carpet event. In his opinion, Ola Michael mentioned that the Red carpet was an event on its own but after many years, Charterhouse has yet to master it. This years red carpet looked like a marketplace. Maybe they didnt plan it, or they got someone unqualified to plan it. They just allowed anyone on the carpet, he said at the time. KOD, founder of the Nineteen57 fashion company, noted that the people who appeared on the carpet could have done better. For me, for the performers on the night, everyone brought their A-game. It was the red carpet that sucked. If we watch what happens out there, continentally, let me even come back to the African continent, events that take place in South Africa, Nigeria, and what have you, we see [better stuff], he wrote on Facebook last year. But change is afoot! This year, the organisers are shaking things up with the new directive when the awards ceremony takes place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Grand Arena of the International Conference Centre (AICC). Previous article: No invitation, no appearance on TGMA red carpet on Saturday Sherifa Gunu: Tiktok producing naked musicians Jessica Love Otoo Showbiz News May - 05 - 2025 , 13:42 2 minutes read Musician Sherifa Gunu has shared her thoughts on the role of social media in the music industry, describing it as both a blessing and a curse. In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, she mentioned that musicians, particularly the females are being pressured to conform to certain standards, like being half-naked on TikTok, to get attention. Social media is a blessing and a curse. You could be the most talented artiste, but if youre not half-naked on TikTok, people wont pay attention. Sadly, talent isnt enough anymore, she shared. Despite these challenges, Sherifa noted that she uses her social media platform to promote genuine music and remind her followers that real talent still exists. Still, I use my page to remind fans that real music exists," she added. Sherifa also voiced her concerns regarding the treatment of creatives in the country, particularly older artistes who have made significant contributions to the nation's music scene. (Read Our industry doesnt respect legends Sherifa Gunu) She believes these talented individuals often go unrecognised and disrespected despite their substantial input toward Ghana's creative landscape. Sherifa pointed out that while other countries celebrate their cultural icons, Ghana tends to honour her legends often when it is too late. According to her, Ghana mostly acknowledges her legends posthumously or when they achieve acclaim on international platforms thus emphasised the urgent need for greater appreciation of veteran musicians. Next article: Trump says any country that buys oil from Iran will not be allowed to do business with U.S. Gabon swears in former military chief as president, signalling return to constitutional order Associated Press International News May - 04 - 2025 , 10:00 2 minutes read Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema was sworn in as the fourth president of the Republic of Gabon on Saturday, signalling a return to constitutional order in the country after nearly two years of political transition following the 2023 military coup in this Central African country known for its oil wealth. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at a stadium in the capital, Libreville, to witness the ceremony. Nguema, 50, the former head of the countrys republican guard unit, has pledged to diversify the central African nations largely oil-dependent economy, reform the education system, and reduce youth unemployment. Today we celebrate democratic renewal, Nguema said during a speech at the inauguration ceremony. I promise to serve, protect and unite all Gabonese, that is the meaning of my oath. He defeated seven other candidates in the April 12 election, including outgoing Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who finished a distant third with 3% of the vote. None of the other six candidates received more than 1% of the vote. Voter turnout was 70.11%. Some 920,000 voters, including more than 28,000 foreigners, were registered at over 3,000 polling stations. Gabon has a very high unemployment rate, especially among young graduates, and the economy is heavily dependent on oil. There is also a lack of infrastructure, including roads connecting the regional provinces and basic social services such as improving the supply of clean water to the population. Nguema overthrew President Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2023 and then led the countrys transition before running and winning the presidential election on April 12 with 58,074 votes, or 94,85 % of the votes cast. Addressing the Gabonese people on Saturday, Nguema promised a different Gabon, in line with our aspirations ... we will diversify our economy through the transformation of our raw materials. He said he would open Gabon to foreign investors. Gen Brice Oligui Nguema has raised a lot of hopes among the population, but there is a difference between rhetoric and practice, said Serge Loungou, a lecturer in political geography at Omar Bongo University. There are 40% of young graduates who are unemployed, the economy is heavily dependent on oil, and there is a lack of infrastructure, including roads to connect the regional provinces, and basic social services, such as improving the supply of clean water to the population. Gabon, which has a population of 2.3 million people, a third of whom live in poverty despite its vast oil wealth, will hold legislative and local elections in September. Next article: Mahama directs all appointees to donate one-month salary to MahamaCares medical fund Previous article: See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on May 6 & 7 Asantehene directs Mamponghemaa to bury late Mamponghene in next 3 weeks Enoch Darfah Frimpong May - 05 - 2025 , 18:31 4 minutes read The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has directed the Asante Mamponghemaa, Nana Agyakoma Difie II, to organise the burial of the late Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, in the next few weeks. Otumfuo has directed that the one-week observation of the second-in-command of Asanteman, should be organised next Monday, May 12, insisting that he does not want to entertain any delays in the organisation of the burial (Doteyie). After the one-week observation, the Asantehene wants the burial (Doteyie) to be organised three weeks afterwards for him [Asantehene] to bury his second-in-command and Occupant of the Silver Stool of Asanteman. In the meantime, the Asantehene has put all Asanteman Council meetings on hold until the burial is over. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's 75th birthday on Tuesday, May 6, will be observed in a solemn mood because of the demise of the Mamponghene. At a meeting of Asanteman in Kumasi on Monday [May 5], Otumfuo Osei Tutu II directed that he wanted everything, including finding a replacement chief for the late Occupant of the Silver Stool, to be done immediately after the 40-day observation. According to Otumfuo, he wants the successor to be found immediately after the 40 days, for the successor to organise the 80 days observation after the death. These were the highlights when Asanteman gathered at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, where the death of the Asante Mamponghene was announced to the entire gathering of paramount chiefs in Asanteman. The late Daasebre Osei Bonsu II Daasebre Osei Bonsu II passed on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. In line with tradition, the Asantehene was informed about the death last Monday. Following that, a public announcement was made by the Gyaasehene, Nana Boakye Yiadom Atonsa in Mampong. The 86-year-old Mamponghene was first taken to the KNUST Hospital in Kumasi on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from where he was referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), also in Kumasi, where he was pronounced dead. Read also: The Silver Stool Stabilised: Actors Heroes Impact Who was Daasebre Osei Bonsu II? Born on December 31, 1939, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II was known privately as Saint Oswald Gyimah-Kessie. He was an economist and a lawyer. He served as a Registrar of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and retired in 1999. He reigned as Mamponghene for over 28 years. His mother was affectionately called Teacher Mary Gyimah (one of the pioneer women educationists in the Gold Coast and pre-independence era) of the Botaase Bretuo Royal Family of Asante-Mampong. Daasebre Osei Bonsu was a product of Prempeh College and the University of Ghana, Legon. He had a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Economics, Political Science and Modern History and held an L.L.B. (Hons) Law. The Mamponghemaa - Nana Agyakoma Difie II Read also: The Silver Stool Stabilised: Actors Heroes Impact Before Enstoolment Before he was enstooled as Mamponghene, Daasebre started as an Assistant Registrar at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 1972 and by dint of hard work rose through the ranks and was appointed as Registrar in 1991 till he retired in 1999. Daasebre Osei Bonsu was enstooled on August 25, 1996 when he succeeded his uncle, Nana Atakora Amaniampong II, who had abdicated. The ascension of Daasebre Osei Bonsu to the Amaniampong Stool brought finality to the protracted chieftaincy litigation which had spanned almost two decades. The chieftaincy litigation brought about disaffection and intolerance among the people and eventually brought development to a halt. Mamponghene having assumed the mantle of leadership of the Amaniampong Silver Stool essentially changed the face of chieftaincy in his traditional area. Indeed, he brought some satisfactory level of innovation, dynamism, diligence and progress to the traditional area. Daasebres accomplished and outstanding administrative prowess manifested in his role as Chief of Mampong and Asanteman which had contributed to a lot of transformation and development. Daasebre Osei Bonsu singled-handedly sponsored a large number of brilliant, needy children in the Mampong area in some tertiary institutions and senior high schools. Traditional position Daasebre Osei Bonsu was a member and permanent Vice-President, Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Standing Committee, Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Asanteman Council, a member of the National House of Chiefs, a member of the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs. Family Daasebre Osei Bonsu was married to Mrs Janet Dorothy Gyimah-Kessie, a devoted and God-fearing woman. The couple has one daughter, Dr Naana Mary Gyimah-Kessie, a medical practitioner. Writer's email: [email protected] Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh Fire destroys Asoprochona railway slum leaving hundreds homeless Della Russel Ocloo May - 05 - 2025 , 23:22 3 minutes read A fire outbreak on Monday night at the sprawling slum settlement located adjacent the Asoprochona railway station at Sakumono on has left hundreds homeless. Della Russel Ocloo reports that the fire, which eyewitnesses say began around 7 pm rapidly consumed the densely packed wooden structures that comprised the settlement, leaving a trail of debris and shattered lives. The affected area, estimated to cover a 100-meter stretch and 40 meters in width, was home to numerous families. The rapid spread of the flames, fueled by the predominantly wooden construction of the homes and close proximity of the structures, left residents with little time to salvage their belongings. The incident some residents within the Sakumono area believes serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of informal settlements, underscoring the urgent need for improved housing and safety measures. Some eyewitnesses told Graphic Online around 9pm at the scene that women and children especially had to flee the raging fire in search of safety amidst the chaos. Fire fighters The intensity of the blaze necessitated a response from the Ghana National Fire Service. According to the Tema Regional Operations Officer, DO II Fiifi Oppong, four fire tenders were dispatched from four different fire stations across the Tema, Nungua and the Spintex Road, and firefighters battled for nearly two hours to bring the inferno under control. The aftermath of the disaster painted a grim picture with the once vibrant slum reduced to ruins with burnt corrugated iron sheets, charred wood, and ash were all that remained of homes that once sheltered families and held their worldly possessions. Residents, many of whom were young people and children, were seen seated behind the fence surrounding the Mouth Zion Methodist Church, while some stood in bewilderment at the scene wondering where to spend the night. Some distraught residents were also seen sifting through the debris around desperately hoping to recover any remnants of their lives at the time of the visit by this reporter. An eyewitness, Godwin Asalatu, whose side of the slum was spared by the fire due to the firemen's intervention, told this reporter that his friend, who is preparing for his father's burial in the coming weeks, lost all the items and money he had saved for the funeral, as well as his personal belongings. I have lost everything including the lace fabrics I usually hawk to support my family, a teary mother of two who only gave her name as Amina told this reporter. Cause of fire Officials of the fire service could not readily declare the cause of the fire, as they were yet to commence their investigations. Some residents however speculated about potential electrical faults or unattended cooking fires as possible triggers. Next article: Government introduces nationwide measures to tackle poor hygiene in public hospitals Previous article: National Service to post more graduates to private sector jobs to ease govt burden NSA boss Ghana Health Service reshuffles senior staff in major structural overhaul Gertrude Ankah May - 05 - 2025 , 13:19 2 minutes read The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has reshuffled and reassigned over a dozen key officials in a move the new Director-General says was aimed at strengthening health delivery across the country. In a letter communicating the changes expected to take effect from May 19, 2025, the Acting Director-General, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said the restructuring forms part of ongoing institutional reforms intended to boost operational efficiency and improve public health outcomes. The changes affect senior staff within regional health directorates, national health programmes, and the GHS headquarters. Regions impacted include Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, Central, and Ahafo. At the heart of the reshuffle is a realignment of leadership within critical national programmes. Those in malaria, HIV/AIDS, immunisation, and non-communicable diseases have been reassigned in a rotation strategy that is seeing experienced officers taking on new responsibilities across both national and regional levels. Among those redeployed is Dr Hilarius A.K. Abiwu, who is leaving his role as Deputy Director of Public Health in the Northern Region to become acting Programme Manager for the National Malaria Elimination Programme at the GHS headquarters. Similarly, Dr Emmanuel A. A. Teviu, previously based in the Ashanti Region, assumes the role of Acting Programme Manager for the National AIDS Control Programme. Dr Selorm Kutsoati, who served as District Director for La Nkwantanang-Madina in Greater Accra, has been appointed Acting Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation. Meanwhile, Dr Wallace Odiko-Ollennu, formerly the Deputy Chief Dental Officer, will now lead the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit in an acting capacity. As part of the broader reshuffle, current Programme Manager for the AIDS Control Programme, Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo, has been posted to the Northern Region as Acting Deputy Director of Public Health. Other key changes include the reassignment of Dr Efua Commeh from the NCDs unit to serve as Acting District Director for La Nkwantanang-Madina, and Dr Andrew Ayims redeployment from GHS headquarters to Ahafo Region as Deputy Director of Public Health. Dr Keziah Maim also takes up a new post as Acting Deputy Director of Public Health. The GHS has instructed all regional and divisional directors to facilitate smooth transitions, emphasising that handovers must not disrupt ongoing services. Officers are required to notify the headquarters upon assuming their new roles. 2025 World Press Freedom Day: Govt assures journalists safety Justice Agbenorsi May - 05 - 2025 , 10:19 5 minutes read The Government has assured journalists and the local media of maximum protection to enhance the culture of freedom of speech and access to information among the public. It said it was regrettable that in recent years, the country had witnessed deeply troubling incidents that undermined the safety and independence of the press. Acts of impunity against journalists will not define the future of journalism in the country under President John Mahamas watch, the Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said. I must place it on record also that we remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting journalists and upholding the Constitution, he added. Speaking at the Ghana Journalists Associations 2025 World Press Freedom Day celebration in Accra last Friday, the minister explained that the passage of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), along with other institutional reforms, had created new opportunities for credible access to information within the local media landscape, deepening democratic participation and enhancing civic engagement. Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the storming of media houses by activists affiliated with political parties, assault on journalists covering public events, and the brutal murder of investigative journalist, Ahmed Hussein-Suale, had undermined the countrys regional leadership in press freedom. As a result, he said, President Mahamas government was resolute in its commitment to concluding investigations into the murder and ensuring that justice was served. The future of press freedom in Ghana cannot be a pendulum that swings with political sides. It must be grounded in law, safeguarded by civic vigilance, nurtured by a culture of transparency and a balance between civic rights and responsibilities. Under the leadership of President John Mahama, the Government of Ghana reaffirms its unwavering dedication to press freedom as a cornerstone of our democracy, he emphasised. The minister further called for a united front involving security agencies, media owners, political actors, civil society, political parties, and citizens to safeguard the rights of journalists. Mr Kwakye Ofosu cautioned that AIs efficiency could inadvertently lead to abuse, adding that the faster we move, the easier it becomes to overlook scrutiny, accountability, nuance and context. When speed overtakes deliberation, the risk is not just error; it is abuse. He further called on media professionals to confront this profound dilemma with vigilance and integrity to ensure quality journalistic standards. Event The GJA used this years World Press Freedom Day to honour 24 distinguished individuals and institutions for championing press freedom and the cause of the GJA over the years at an event held on the theme: Reporting in the Brave New World The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media. The local event was christened Celebrating champions of press freedom and Ghanas media growth; building a resilient media in the AI era. The first category of awardees featured individuals who had made significant contributions to the promotion of press freedom in Ghana over the years. They were Kabral Blay-Amihere, Gifty Affenyi Dadzie and Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, all former GJA Presidents; Chief Policy Analyst of the Ghana Institute of Public Policy Options (GIPPO), Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby; media and communications expert, Prof. Kwame Karikari; Managing Editor of The Insight, Kwesi Pratt Jnr; former Editor of the Daily Graphic, Elizabeth Ohene, and Managing Editor of the Daily Despatch, Ben Ephson Jnr. The second category of honourees was made up of individuals who had also contributed significantly to the development of the media in Ghana over the years. They were international business expert, Sir Sam Jonah; former GJA General Secretary, Bright Blewu; legal practitioner, Kwasi Afriyie Badu; renowned journalist and columnist, Cameron Duodu; Founder of Crystal TV, Chief Dr Crystal Djirakor, and the Founders of Ada Radio, Wilna and Alex Quarmyne. The Embassy of the United States of America in Accra, Unilever Ghana Limited, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Electoral Commission, Innolink Ghana Limited, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and renowned highlife musician, Abrantie Amakye Dede, were also honoured for their dedicated support to the GJA. The Group Chairman of KGL Group of Companies, Alex Dadey; Chancellor of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, Dr Paul Kofi Fynn, and ADB were also honoured for their support to the current administration of the GJA even at critical moments. The reigning Journalist of the Year, Edward Adeti, received GH50,000 for his award-winning feat, while former GJA President and Development Chief of Pakro in the Eastern Region, Nana Kwaku Dei, known in private life as Ransford Tetteh, were among those given special recognition for their behind-the-scenes contributions to the association's success. GJA The President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said Al presented both opportunities and challenges, stressing that it was a double-edged sword for journalism. He added that the increasing sophistication of AI-generated content had raised concerns about the potential for the mass production of fake media, which could be incredibly difficult to distinguish from authentic content. As a result, he said, it was important for such challenges to be confronted proactively to create the needed balance to maintain credibility. On the countrys position on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, he expressed concern over the decline in the country's ranking. Mr Dwumfour said the most concerning indicator in the press freedom index was security, with Ghana falling from 72nd position in 2024 to 86th in 2025 under the security index, as well as recording a reduction in score from 82.94 per cent in 2024 to 78.93 per cent in 2025. He underscored the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at promoting press freedom in the country. Mr Dwumfour reaffirmed the GJAs commitment to responsible journalism, insisting that we shall not countenance attacks on press freedom, but we shall also not condone irresponsible practices in the media. He added that the GJA would continue to fight for journalists' welfare through initiatives such as the Journalists Support Fund. For his part, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, called for support for media institutions to enable them to build capacity and procure tools to adapt to changes in the media landscape driven by artificial intelligence. Council of State advice must be binding IEA Dickson Worlanyo Dotse May - 02 - 2025 , 06:57 5 minutes read The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has proposed that the advice of the Council of State to the President must be legally binding, as part of sweeping constitutional reforms to strengthen accountability and good governance. The policy think tank argued that the current arrangement, where the President was not obligated to heed the councils advice, rendered the body ineffective and undermined its intended role as a check on executive power. Presenting the IEA Constitutional Review Report to the Constitutional Review Committee in Accra last Wednesday, it blamed the current situation on a Supreme Court decision, which ruled that advice from the Council was not binding because there was no constitutional provision mandating it. The IEA therefore suggested that the constitution be amended to clearly mandate the President to be bound by the advice of the council. It, however, proposed that if the President chose not to take the advice, he should be required to give reasons in the name of accountability. It also proposed significant reforms to the composition and selection process of the council to ensure that the Head of State and the government received the best advice. Furthermore, the IEA called for a shift towards more representative and credible leadership, emphasising the need for changes that would restore the councils integrity and strengthen its advisory role to the President. Regional representatives A statesman and a private legal practitioner, Sam Okudzeto, for instance, raised concerns about the current election of regional representatives to the Council of State, describing the process as deeply flawed and susceptible to corruption. He pointed out that electoral colleges responsible for choosing these representatives were often influenced by money and personal interests, resulting in individuals with questionable integrity being selected. Mr Okudzeto believed that this undermined the councils purpose as a body of trusted advisors, as those elected often lacked the moral standing and experience required to offer sound counsel to the President. When they come to the council, you look at them, you realise that they have nothing of contribution that they can make. And yet, they are your colleagues, so you cant attack them, he lamented. So, the process of electing or getting that electoral college is something that is very important for you to look at. Someone was suggesting that, wouldn't it be better if the assembly as a whole would sit, debate, and then choose someone, maybe even from amongst them, rather than these money people who are coming from outside to get voted, he added. No presidential appointees Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, also called for sweeping changes to the Council of States composition. He criticised the current practice of presidential appointments, describing it as culturally inappropriate. Prof. Oquaye argued that no president should have the power to appoint members of the Council, likening it to traditional governance systems, saying chiefs do not appoint their advisors. Rather, he proposed that professional bodies such as the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) and the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, among others, along with traditional authorities, should nominate representatives. Additionally, Prof. Oquaye recommended that the most senior retired public officers, including former Chief Justices and Inspectors General of Police, be automatically included in the Council to minimise political bias. He advocated a return to the constitutional frameworks of 1969 and 1979, which he argued were more apolitical, stressing that the council should not be a platform for trivialisation. Tenure The institute also recommended that the tenure of the Council of State should not be tied to that of the President, arguing that the current arrangement allowed incoming presidents to remove and replace members, thereby undermining institutional continuity. To address this, the IEA proposed overlapping terms and the inclusion of former heads of state on the council to ensure experience, stability and continuity in its advisory role. Abolishment The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Henry Kwesi Prempeh, revealed that there was a growing and surprisingly strong public sentiment calling for the abolishment of the Council of State in the committees ongoing constitutional review process. He explained that as the committee engaged various stakeholders, many described the Council as ineffective and redundant, arguing that its advisory role was often ignored by the President. Prof. Prempeh further stated that part of the calls for abolition stemmed from the recurring practice of creating new bodies, such as the Peace Council or ad hoc groups of eminent persons, to handle national crises and sensitive governance issues that the Council of State was supposedly mandated to address. Separation of Powers On the broader governance structure, the IEA called for a strict separation of powers, insisting that Members of Parliament (MPs) should not hold ministerial positions, serve on boards or take up any other executive roles, as this practice breeds conflict of interests and compromises legislative independence. The institute further argued against the countrys hybrid political system, which allows the executive to exert undue influence over the legislature. They criticised the persistent control of the mother parties over MPs, especially in the selection of parliamentary leadership, such as the Majority or Minority Leaders and Chief Whips. As a remedy, the IEA proposed secret balloting for such positions within parliament and advocated reforms that would further insulate parliament from direct party control, thereby strengthening its independence and ability to function as a true check on executive power. Govt to outline turnaround plan for troubled AirtelTigo in 8 weeks Sam George Dickson Worlanyo Dotse May - 05 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, says the government is working to restructure the long-standing debt of state-owned telecommunication company, AirtelTigo (AT), while engaging potential investors, and considering possible strategic partnerships to inject fresh capital and technical expertise into the company. These, along with policy reforms and operational restructuring, he said, are among bold and far-reaching reforms on the table to reposition the company as a commercially viable, profitable and competitive force in the local telecom sector. To arrive at this, tough decisions will be taken. Difficult steps will have to be made, but I believe that they will all be in the long-term interest of the country, the company and the customer, the minister said. We have a clear sense of where we are. There are proposals on the table. Over the next eight weeks, we are hopeful and believe and confident that we'll be able to arrive at a roadmap to putting AT back on solid economic footing and be able to deliver for the benefit of the Ghanaian people, Mr George added. Visit The minister, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, said this last Friday, when he embarked on a familiarisation tour of the company. Mr George was accompanied by some senior officials from the ministry, including the Chief Director, Policy Advisor, Director and Deputy Director of Digital Technologies, and the Head of Public Relations. AT, formerly AirtelTigo, is in deep financial trouble following its $1 acquisition by the previous governmenta move the minister called reckless and ill-informed. At the time, the company had $400 million in debt and outdated infrastructure, with no meaningful investment from its former owners. Despite reducing the debt to $200 million through restructuring, AT still records monthly losses of GH20 million, prompting urgent efforts to secure creditor haircuts and ensure the companys survival. I'm confident that with the guidance we'll get from the President, who is a former Communications Minister and understands this sector very well, well be able to steady the boat, seal and plug the boat, and make it a steady vessel that will bring us to shore, he stated. Employee welfare Mr George placed strong emphasis on the welfare of workers as the central pillar guiding all turnaround strategies for AT. He stressed that while the company was grappling with deep-rooted legacy issues dating back as far as 2009, the government remained resolute in safeguarding the livelihoods of the entire workforcecomprising 300 permanent staff, 200 contract workers, and approximately 10,000 individuals indirectly linked to the company. He assured the staff that their well-being would not be compromised, even as difficult but necessary decisions are taken to revitalise AT and reposition it as a credible and profitable player in the telecommunications sector. The minister acknowledged the dedication and resilience of the workers in keeping the company afloat despite financial constraints and affirmed that their continued commitment was key to future success. He reiterated that all restructuring efforts, including possible investments and debt reengineering, would be undertaken with staff welfare as the foremost priority, ensuring both job security and better service delivery for the Ghanaian people. Spectrum Following a press conference Mr George held a few weeks ago, where he warned telecom operators to acquire additional spectrum to improve their services or face punitive action, this reporter sought to find out whether AT had since received any allocation. In response, the minister emphasised that spectrum was a national asset and not simply given awayit must be paid for. He explained that once the spectrum is offered, operators are given 30 days to make payment. However, he expressed uncertainty about ATs current financial capacity to make such a purchase. I know that AT has its Spectrum needs and its spectrum desires, but again, spectrum is national property. I don't want to be charged with costing financial losses to the state, so we will give spectrum as and when there's enough economic commercial consideration, he said. He added that the ministry was currently undertaking a spectrum rationalisation exercise to assess usage efficiency and determine future allocations. While acknowledging ATs spectrum needs, he maintained that any allocation would be made only if it made sound economic and commercial sense, as the government could not afford to incur financial losses by distributing spectrum without clear returns. GTEC appeals to TEWU-GH to call off strike Severious Kale-Dery May - 05 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read The Tertiary Education Workers Union Ghana (TEWU-GH) chapter at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has declared a strike over their representation in the university Governing Council. The strike prompted the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to convene a meeting with the TEWU-GH to find an amicable solution and subsequently call off the strike. The impasse came to the fore at the inauguration of the KNUST Governing Council where the slot of the TEWU was taken up by the Teacher Education Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TEWU-TUC), a decision the TEWU-GH objected to. A letter signed by the Director-General of the GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor, noted with concern, some disturbing occurrences relative to the representation of TEWU on some governing councils of traditional universities. These disturbances are apparently informed by TEWU-GH and TEWU-TUC, both claiming the rightful representation on the governing councils of your universities, he stated. The letter, addressed to all Vice Chancellors of public traditional universities, the Executive Secretary, Vice-Chancellors Ghana (VCG) and the Chairmen of the TEWU-GH and TEWU-TUC, therefore, requested them to assist the commission in addressing the situation. GTEC humbly requests you (universities) to provide it with the following information: The position of the Act/Statutes relative to TEWU representation on your respective councils, an audit of the membership of the two unions on your respective campuses, and recommendations from your university guided by your legal counsel on how GTEC should address the issue for the smooth operation of the councils, the letter said. The letter further requested the various unions TEWU-GH and TEWU-TUC to also provide evidence of registration, negotiation and bargaining certificates and all other documents that might be relevant in addressing the issue. Appeal to union Speaking to the media after the meeting with the executives of the KNUST chapter TEWU-GH, Prof. Jinapor assured all stakeholders in KNUST that we have the full assurance of the leadership of TEWU-GH that they are going to go back, meet with their members and see to it that on Monday work resumes. He stressed that the commission was not interested in taking sides, adding that GTEC was going to work with TEWU-TUC and the university management to make sure that the issue relative to representation on the council was resolved. Prof. Jinapor was happy that the meeting had been positive in the sense that there were a number of revelations that had come before GTEC that it was not aware of. Roadmap The National Chairman of TEWU-GH, Sulemana Abdul Rahman, who led the team to the GTEC, said, We have agreed on a roadmap of how to resolve the issues with the Director-General of GTEC. We believe the within about two weeks time, these issues will be put to rest because there have been a lot of revelations that have come out in the meeting and we think that with what has happened it will be resolved, so, our members at KNUST and UDS, we want to plead with them that they should have patience, the National Chairman of TEWU-GH stated. Mr Rahman expressed confidence that the DG and his team would make sure that those issues were dealt with, adding that as a national chairman, I want to say that the strike will surely be suspended. He said TEWU-GH received a letter from the DG, which was addressed to vice-chancellors and registrars and both unions' chairmen, that is, TEWU Ghana and TEWU TUC, to make sure that we submit our list, or the public universities submit the list of these unions. Mr Rahman said at the end of the day, any of the two that had the majority in any of the universities was the one that was supposed to be represented. The KNUST Local Chairman of TEWU-GH, Charles Arthur, thanked the GTEC for the meeting and gave the assurance that the strike would be suspended by (today) Monday, while the engagements continued. Next article: Police officer interdicted after arrest with restricted drugs in Tamale suburb Government introduces nationwide measures to tackle poor hygiene in public hospitals Mohammed Ali May - 05 - 2025 , 13:15 2 minutes read The Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a nationwide plan to address long-standing hygiene lapses in public health facilities, including shortages of soap, water, and other basic supplies that continue to undermine infection control efforts. Speaking in Accra on Monday, May 5, 2025, at a stakeholder engagement to mark World Hand Hygiene Day, Mr Akandoh said the Ministry of Health was introducing reforms aimed at improving hand hygiene systems, supervision, and awareness in public hospitals. We are fully aware of persistent challenges ranging from inadequate infrastructure, misuse, and limited supervision, to inconsistent supply chains for essential hygiene materials, Mr Akandoh said. To confront these issues head-on, the ministry is working to provide sustainable hand hygiene systems across all public health facilities. According to Mr Akandoh, the reforms will include improving access to soap, water, and alcohol-based hand sanitisers in hospitals. The government also intends to strengthen supervision of hygiene practices and promote local production of hygiene products to reduce reliance on imports. He disclosed that by 2026, all teaching and regional hospitals would be required to regularly monitor compliance with hand hygiene protocols and provide feedback as part of their internal quality improvement plans. From top administrators to frontline staff, hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost yet powerful intervention that saves lives, reduces infections acquired in healthcare settings, and protects both patients and healthcare workers, he stated. Mr Akandoh added that poor hygiene continued to threaten patient safety and contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. He said addressing the problem required consistent action, not only in hospitals but also in homes, schools, and public spaces. He noted that the government would work with civil society, health training institutions, the private sector, and the media to support hygiene education across communities. The health, safety, and dignity of every Ghanaian depend on the steps we take or fail to take on hygiene, Mr Akandoh said. Let us pledge to make clean hands not merely a symbolic act, but a daily and consistent habit. The event, held under the theme It might be gloves, its always hand hygiene, brought together health professionals, development partners, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to promote infection prevention and control practices nationwide. If you havent declared your assets by May 7, consider yourself dismissed Mahama tells appointees Mohammed Ali May - 05 - 2025 , 15:19 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has warned that political appointees who failed to declare their assets by the initial March 31 deadline must do so by close of day Wednesday, May 7, 2025 or face immediate dismissal. The President issued the directive on Monday, May 5, 2025, during the official launch of the Code of Conduct for Political Appointees. He said the asset declaration rule is not a formality but a necessary step to curb corruption and abuse of office. For all those who were appointed or nominated before 31st March 2025 and failed to meet the deadline, you are to forfeit three months of salary to be donated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, Mr Mahama said. If by close of day Wednesday, 7th May 2025, any of you still fails to declare your assets, count yourself automatically dismissed. In addition to the three-month salary forfeiture, the affected appointees are already expected to contribute one months salary to the MahamaCares Trust Fund, bringing the total deduction to four months pay. Mr Mahama said asset declaration is a key tool to build public confidence and to prevent officials from enriching themselves through public office. He said the newly launched Code of Conduct is a binding guide for all political appointees, including ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, chief executives, members of the Council of State, and board members. This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows, Mr Mahama stated. The Code applies to the Vice President, myself, the Chief of Staff, and all advisors. We are all bound by its provisions. The President outlined strict rules in the Code, including bans on the purchase of state assets, misuse of government funds for gifts or hampers, and receiving gifts worth more than GH20,000 without declaration. No political appointee under this administration is permitted to purchase state assets, whether land, vehicles, shares, or buildings, directly or indirectly, Mr Mahama said. If you attempt to do so and you are found out, your appointment will be terminated. He also announced plans to introduce a public reporting portal, where citizens can submit reports of suspected misconduct under the Code. These reports will be treated confidentially and investigated fairly, he said. I invite the citizens of Ghana to play a role in monitoring compliance with this Code, Mr Mahama told the gathering. He added that the Code of Conduct forms part of his 120-day social contract with the people of Ghana and is aimed at restoring discipline, accountability and trust in government. What we launch today is more than a Code, it is a declaration of intent, Mr Mahama said. It is the foundation of a new ethos in public service, one that values ethics over expediency, duty over indulgence, and country over self. Mahama directs all appointees to donate one-month salary to MahamaCares medical fund Mohammed Ali May - 05 - 2025 , 16:56 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has directed all political appointees under his administration to donate one month of their salary to the newly established Mahama Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), aimed at supporting medical care for Ghanaians in need. The announcement was made at the launch of the Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, held at the Jubilee House on Monday, May 5, 2025. Speaking at the event, President Mahama described the initiative as a modest but necessary step to demonstrate leadership and public accountability. All appointees are to donate one months salary to the MahamaCaresTrust Fund, he said. This is a modest contribution to support the medical needs of our people, especially the vulnerable. The directive affects all ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, chief executive officers of state institutions, board members, Council of State members, and others serving in political positions within the executive arm of government. President Mahama stated that the fund would support medical interventions for those unable to afford basic healthcare, adding that details on how it will be managed and disbursed would be published in due course. He assured that all deductions would go through official channels and would be properly accounted for. This is not charity, he noted. It is a gesture of solidarity and a reminder that we are here to serve, not enrich ourselves. This salary deduction is separate from additional penalties imposed on appointees who failed to declare their assets by the March 31, 2025, deadline. Those who missed the deadline are to forfeit three more months salary to the Trust Fund, bringing their total deduction to four months. Mr Mahama said these actions form part of a broader effort to restore public trust in leadership and build a culture of ethical conduct in public service. We must restore the dignity of public office, he told the gathering. Leadership is about sacrifice, and this is just one step in that direction. The launch also marked the official introduction of a new Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, which outlines rules on asset declaration, conflicts of interest, ethical use of state resources, and penalties for misconduct. Mr Mahama reiterated that the code applies to all appointees without exception, including himself, the Vice-President and the Chief of Staff. National Service to post more graduates to private sector jobs to ease govt burden NSA boss Mohammed Ali May - 05 - 2025 , 13:31 2 minutes read The National Service Authority says the scheme's deployment approach has now been shifted towards posting a greater percentage of graduates to the private sector instead of the previous strategy of posting more to the public sector. The move, according to the new leadership of the service, was aimed at reducing pressure on government resources and improving employment chances for young people. The Director-General of the Authority, Mr Felix Gyamfi said the decision was part of a broader attempt to align the National Service Scheme with the current needs of Ghanas economy. He spoke in an interview with Woezor TV on Monday, May 5, 2025. For far too long, weve been sending the majority of our people into the public sector, Mr Gyamfi said. As we speak now, in the last eight years, only 14 per cent of people have been sent into the private sector. That works against what we need to do, because the economy is growing in the private sector. He said the Authority intends to gradually increase the number of service personnel posted to private institutions. According to him, this will ease the financial load on the state, which struggles to pay monthly allowances for over 20,000 personnel, and will also give graduates better prospects of securing jobs after their service. Mr Gyamfi noted that those who do their service in the private sector are often employed within three years, compared to longer waiting periods for those posted to public institutions. He added that trimming the number of personnel posted to the public sector would make it easier for the government to meet payment obligations without delay. If we send people to the private sector, we take the burden off government, he said. The very few who will be left they will get paid quickly, and theyll get paid more. Mr Gyamfi said the new approach is part of a broader national effort to prepare graduates with the right skills and exposure to meet the demands of the job market. Police officer interdicted after arrest with restricted drugs in Tamale suburb Mohammed Ali May - 05 - 2025 , 10:54 1 minute read A police msn stationed at the Sakasa Police Station in Tamale has been interdicted after his arrest for allegedly possessing restricted pharmaceutical substances at Kpalsi, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region. The officer, identified as Lance Corporal Shani Abdullai, was reportedly picked up by members of an anti-drug task force during an operation in which he was suspected of attempting to supply the substances to a known drug base in the area. The Ghana Police Service announced the interdiction in a statement issued on Sunday, May 4, 2025. According to the statement, the interdiction is to allow for a thorough investigation into his conduct in line with Police Service regulations. Although the police did not disclose the specific type or quantity of substances retrieved, the action follows the circulation of a video on social media that appeared to show the police man being arrested in the course of the operation. In the video, voices in the background claimed that the police man had been caught selling drugs allegedly meant to help fight illegal distribution. Previous article: Constitution Review Committee receives over 600 reform proposals, NDC, NPP yet to submit proposals Policeman interdicted for possession and selling of tramadol, a restricted pharmaceutical substance [VIDEO] Enoch Darfah Frimpong May - 05 - 2025 , 06:19 1 minute read A policeman has been interdicted by the Ghana Police Service for the possession of restricted pharmaceutical substance, tramadol. In a statement, the Ghana Police Service named him as Lance Corporal Shani Abdullai. He was caught in possession of restricted pharmaceutical substances at Kpalsi, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region. His interdiction is to allow for a thorough investigation into his conduct in line with Police Service regulations. Previous article: Police officer interdicted after arrest with restricted drugs in Tamale suburb Three arrested in Savelugu for alleged weapon smuggling Mohammed Ali May - 05 - 2025 , 10:39 1 minute read Three men have been arrested in Savelugu in the Northern Region for allegedly smuggling firearms and ammunition, the Ghana Police Service has said. In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Service said the suspects, Gaba Abdallah Alhassan, Alhassan Abdallah, and Alhassan Abdul Kudus, were picked up on May 1, 2025, during an intelligence-led operation by the Northern Regional Police Command. According to the police, the arrests were made at separate hideouts following surveillance efforts by officers in the region. During the operation, officers retrieved a number of weapons, including one AK-47 rifle, a submachine gun, a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE pistol, and a single-barrel gun. The police also found two magazines, fifteen rounds of AK-47 ammunition, thirteen rounds of pistol ammunition, twenty-seven additional rounds of various ammunition, and five BB cartridges. The suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations, the statement read. The police indicated that the three will be taken through the appropriate legal procedures. Mr Alhassan, Mr Abdallah, and Mr Kudus are expected to face charges after investigations. Illegal firearms continue to pose a threat to safety and security in northern Ghana, where clashes and criminal activity are sometimes fuelled by the availability of such weapons. Police say operations targeting the movement and supply of unlicensed arms will continue across the region. Bawumia calls for support for Asantehene-led mediation to end Bawku crisis GraphicOnline Politics May - 05 - 2025 , 16:51 3 minutes read Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called for the full cooperation of all parties involved in the protracted Bawku conflict with the mediation team led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in a bid to restore lasting peace to the troubled town in Ghanas Upper East Region. Speaking during the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) national Thank You tour in Bolgatanga on Monday, Dr. Bawumia expressed profound sadness over the decades-long conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups, which has recently flared up with deadly consequences. I feel so sad about this conflict and the killing of innocent people. Mamprusis and Kusasis are one people and this should not be happening. We understand each others language and we have intermarried so we are one people, he said. Dr. Bawumia appealed to all stakeholders and factions to support the ongoing mediation led by the Asantehene, describing the monarchs efforts as crucial to achieving sustainable peace in the area. I pray the mediation team being led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo II, will be able to bring much-needed peace in Bawku. I want to urge the factions and all stakeholders to cooperate with the mediation team led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, he said. The former Vice President also condemned the politicisation of the conflict, accusing some politicians of fuelling the tensions for selfish purposes. The politicisation of the crisis in Bawku is very unfortunate because some people do that for their own parochial interests, not the peace and stability of the area, Dr. Bawumia stated. He alleged that falsehoods had been spread about his involvement in the conflict for political gain, including accusations that he was arming one side of the feud. They played politics with the situation and went round lying to the people that I was behind it. They said I was buying guns for Mamprusis to kill Kusasis. These were the lies they spread against me and I was so sad when I heard it, he lamented. Dr. Bawumia further claimed that members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) spearheaded the misinformation, some of which, he noted, had unfortunately been believed even within his own party. Furthermore, the events in Bawku now have clearly demonstrated that the NDC lied to the people of Bawku for political advantage and today, everyone has seen their lies, he added. By the grace of God, many people have now seen their lies and the truth. Those who peddled these lies have now been exposed. This should be a lesson that nobody should play politics with the Bawku issue, he cautioned. Dr. Bawumia reiterated his call for unity and the depoliticisation of chieftaincy matters, stating, As politicians, let us be careful in using chieftaincy issues to do politics. The NDC have done it and it is now hanging around their neck. I want peace in Bawku more than anybody. The Bawku conflict, rooted in a longstanding chieftaincy dispute, has claimed numerous lives and displaced many residents over the years. The government and traditional authorities, including the Asantehene, continue to explore avenues for lasting resolution. Nana Akomea explains dynamics behind NPPs Thank You Tour Samuel Duodu Politics May - 05 - 2025 , 06:47 3 minutes read A Former National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea, has explained that the Thank You Tour embarked upon by the partys 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and the national executives is a tradition in the NPP, whether the party loses or wins an election. He cited examples from past elections, including Prof. Albert Adu Boahen in 1993, Kufuor in 1997, and Akufo-Addo in 2009, where the flag bearer and national executives led the tour to buttress his point. It is normally done by the flag bearer and the national executives. Prof. Adu Boahene did his in 1993, he did not call Kufuor, he went to the national executive. Kufuor did his in 1997 when he lost to Rawlings in 1996, he did not call Adu Boahen and Akufo-Addo. Akufo-Addo did his thank you tour in 2009 with the national executives, he did not call Alan Kyerematen. It is only Bawumia who called his colleagues to be with him as we are going to preach unity. If you come with me we are demonstrating unity. One of them responded immediately and others joined later, he said. Unexpected turn Nana Akomea, who was speaking during the partys national Thank You Tour at Kpalbe in the North East Gonja District in the Savannah Region last Saturday, revealed that the tour, which was initially intended to showcase unity, took an unexpected turn. The Thank You Tour, which started on Saturday, April 26 in the Western Region, initially degenerated into infighting, exposing divisions within the party. However, the partys former National Communications Director said the tour had since returned to peace, adding: Since Wednesday, it's been peaceful. And it's been peaceful up to here, today. And I have every confidence that it will be peaceful till it is finished. Explaining further, Nana Akomea stated that Dr Bawumia's approach to the tour had been different, saying he (Dr Bawumia) invited his colleagues to join the tour to demonstrate unity, but unfortunately, the presence of one of them turned the tour into a popularity contest. "It was becoming like a popularity contest, who is more popular, A or B?" he said. Nana Akomea noted that the situation degenerated further at Bantama in the Ashanti Region, where banners supporting one candidate and t-shirts were distributed, creating divisions within the party. However, he praised the decision of one of the personalities to step aside, which helped to diffuse the situation. Nana Akomea said the Thank You Tour had now reverted to its original format, with the flag bearer and national executives leading the tour, emphasising that the format had been the tradition in the party, and it was essential to maintain unity and cohesion. Recall The Thank You Tour, which began on Saturday, April 26, in the Western Region, is aimed at expressing the appreciation of the party and its flag bearer to party executives, members, and the public for their support during the election campaign, despite the partys loss. The tour has already made stops in the Western, Western North, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo and Ashanti regions and has now moved to the northern parts of the country, which began with the Savannah Region to the Upper West, Upper East, North East and the Northern regions. Suspension of Chief Justice: Coalition of political parties demonstrates today Samuel Duodu Politics May - 05 - 2025 , 07:57 3 minutes read A coalition of political parties is set to hit the streets of Accra, the national capital, today to protest over the suspension of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, by the President. The political parties that form the coalition are the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Peoples National Party (PNP). The National Organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, who spoke to the Daily Graphic ahead of todays demonstration said it was the first of a series of nationwide protests in response to the unlawful suspension of the Chief Justice. He said the demonstration was also against the illegal revocation of the appointment of about 30,000 public sector workers and the increase in illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the country. The protest The protesters, he said, would gather at the Supreme Court premises at 5 a.m. today to begin the demonstration against what the coalition described as an unconstitutional assault on the judiciary and the erosion of the democratic gains. He said three petitions would be presented during the demonstration, the first at the Supreme Court, the second to Parliament and the third to the presidency. Mr Boakye explained that they would walk from the Supreme Court to Parliament where a petition would be presented, then to the presidency to present another petition. He said the nationwide demonstration was not about politics, but about principles and to protect the Constitution as well as ensuring that the judiciary remained the last bastion of the countrys democracy. He said the call by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Secretary during the May Day celebration to the President to hasten slowly and cautiously on the suspension of the Chief Justice, following three petitions calling for her removal from office was enough signal that the countrys Constitution and democracy were under threat. He, therefore, called on the citizenry to stand with them in defence of the Constitution to promote and safeguard the countrys cherished democracy. Mr Boakye disclosed that similar demonstrations and other activities would be held across the country to serve as a clarion call on all citizens to stand for justice, defend democracy and protect the constitutional order of the country. Adding that it would not allow political power to be used to erode the foundations of our republic. Recall President John Mahama suspended the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, last month following the establishment of a committee to investigate petitions against the top judicial official. The move, announced in a statement from the presidency, was in compliance with constitutional provisions and follows consultations with the Council of State. The President cited Article 146(6) of the Constitution which mandates the establishment of a committee to probe allegations against a superior court judge if a prima facie case is established. According to the statement, President Mahama determined that sufficient grounds existed to warrant further inquiry. Mahama does not engage in retaliatory politics Stan Dogbe to protesters Gertrude Ankah Politics May - 05 - 2025 , 15:28 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama remains steadfast in his commitment to constitutional governance and does not engage in retaliatory politics, a Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Dogbe has said. Mr Dogbe was speaking when he received a petition from protesters on behalf of the Presidency on Monday afternoon. Led by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with support from some other political parties, the protesters march through the streets of Accra protesting the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo. The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin led the call for an end to what he described as a dangerous cycle of political retaliation, warning that such actions could undermine public trust and destabilize Ghana's democracy. After receiving the petition on behalf of the presidency, Mr Stan Dogbe rejected the accusation that President Mahama had flouted the constitution in relation to the three petitions asking for the removal of the Chief Justice and the subsequent establishment of a prima face and the formation of a committee for a full inquiry. He stressed that President Mahamas actions are in full compliance with the rule of law and constitutional processes. "President Mahama is not a politician who believes in retaliatory politics," Mr Dogbe stated. "He follows the law and respects the counsel of the Council of State." The Deputy Chief of Staff stressed that the suspension of the Chief Justice was a legal decision, consistent with Ghanas 1992 Constitution, specifically Article 146(10). He stressed that the move was neither arbitrary nor politically motivated but a lawful process grounded in constitutional precedent. It mirrors similar steps taken under former President Akufo-Addos administration, and we must not politicise legitimate mechanisms established for accountability. He also lauded the peaceful nature of the protest organised by a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups, signaling the government's openness to dialogue. Under President Mahamas leadership, no citizen will be silenced for expressing dissent. We are committed to deepening democratic governance and strengthening institutions, he added. The protest, which saw participation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the Peoples National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), condemned the suspension as an unprecedented attack on judicial independence. Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the protest was not about party politics but about the preservation of Ghanas constitutional integrity. This is not an NPP matter. Its about the soul of our democracy, Afenyo-Markin told the press. Our message is clear: reinstate the Chief Justice and uphold the sanctity of judicial independence. He confirmed that the petition had been submitted to both the Judicial Council and Parliament. "We expect the matter to be brought before the House once Parliament reconvenes," he added. Afenyo-Markin also urged Ghana's political leaders to embrace restraint and maturity, steering away from extremist rhetoric. "It is time for centrists to take charge of the discourse, not political hawks whose rhetoric deepens division, he stated. Related articles: Touch one, touch all Afenyo-Markin rallies Judiciary as NPP, others protests Chief Justices suspension Sammy Gyamfi accuses GBA of double standards over Chief Justice's suspension Coalition of political parties demonstrate over Chief Justice suspension Monday This is why Ghana Bar Association wants suspension of Chief Justice to be withdrawn Chief Justice Torkornoo: Names of petitioners, full allegations and her official responses leak online Next article: Govt appointees who have failed to declare assets by March 31 to forfeit 3-months salary President Mahama to render accounts on first 120 days in office pledge on Wednesday Enoch Darfah Frimpong Politics May - 05 - 2025 , 17:50 6 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama will on Wednesday render accounts on his first 120 days in office in relation to the pledge he made while campaigning to be elected as President for a second term. He will do that via social media. The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Spokesperson for the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu made this known on Monday evening. He said President Mahama will meet the press at a designated time and date later on, but on Wednesday, May 7, the President will do a broadcast to outline the implementation status of the 120-day pledge. John Dramani Mahama, while campaigning to be elected as President in 2024 gave a 25-point plan outlining his priorities for the first 120 days if elected. The document, titled "Mahamas First 120 Days Social Contract with the People of Ghana," was released as part of the NDC's manifesto launch on Saturday [August 24, 2024]. Key highlights of Mr. Mahama's plan included the formation of what he promised will be the "leanest and most efficient" government in Ghanas Fourth Republic within the first 90 days. He committed to nominating his complete list of Cabinet Ministers for parliamentary approval within the first 14 days of his administration. Mr. Mahama also pledged to tackle the economic challenges facing the country, starting with a National Economic Dialogue aimed at addressing the true state of the economy. He planned to prepare a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme to guide his administration's first budget. Additionally, he pledged to scrap several taxes, including the E-levy and the COVID levy, within the first 90 days to alleviate the economic burden on Ghanaians. On education, Mr. Mahama promised to introduce a "No-Academic-Fee" policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions and to commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools. He also planned to implement social interventions such as Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities and the Ghana Medical Care Trust (MahamaCares) Fund. In terms of governance, Mr. Mahama is committed to instituting inquiries and forensic audits into several matters of public interest, including the collapse of indigenous Ghanaian banks, the National Cathedral scandal, and the COVID-19 expenditure. He also plans to ban political appointees from purchasing state assets and to allocate seed money for the establishment of a Womens Development Bank. Mr. Mahama's agenda also addresses environmental issues, with a plan to ban illegal mining activities in forest reserves and to launch the Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiative aimed at rehabilitating areas degraded by illegal mining. Security is another priority, with Mr. Mahama pledging to commence investigations to purge state security agencies of militia and vigilante elements, and to reopen investigations into unresolved criminal cases, including the murder of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale. Other significant points in his plan include launching job creation programmes such as the Adwumawura and National Apprenticeship programmes, reviewing the Customs (Amendment) Act 2020 to support the local automotive industry, and carrying out a shakeup of all loss-making state-owned enterprises. Read the entire document below; MAHAMAS FIRST 120 DAYS SOCIAL CONTRACT WITH THE PEOPLE OF GHANA. 1. Nominate within the first 14 days the complete list of Cabinet Ministers for parliamentary approval. 2. Constitute the LEANEST AND MOST EFFICIENT government under the fourth republic in my first 90 days in office. 3. Establish a robust CODE OF CONDUCT AND STANDARDS for all government officials. 4. Hold a National Economic Dialogue to discuss the true state of the economy and prepare a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme to guide the budget. 5. Within my first 90 days in office, scrap the following draconian taxes to alleviate hardships and ease the high cost of doing business: E-levy, COVID levy, 10% levy on bet winnings, and Emissions levy. 6. Within my first 90 days in office, review taxes and levies on vehicles and equipment imported into the country for industrial and agricultural purposes. 7. Commence drafting needed legal amendments and prepare for implementing the 24-Hour Economy Policy under the Office of the President. 8. Establish an Accelerated Export Development Council (AEDC) to promote exports as part of a broader strategy for economic transformation. 9. Convene a national consultative conference on EDUCATION to build consensus on needed improvements to the sector. 10. Implement the No-Academic-Fee policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutionsuniversities, colleges of education, nursing training institutions, etc.). 11. Introduce the following social interventions: Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities, the Ghana Medical Care Trust (MahamaCares) Fund. 12. Commence the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools. 13. Institute inquiries and/or forensic audits into the following matters of public interest: The collapse of Indigenous Ghanaian banks and financial institutions at a supposed cost of GHS25 billion, illegal printing of money, the US$58 million National Cathedral scandal, illegal and inflated single- sourced contracts, COVID-19 expenditure scandal, PDS, Agyapa, SML, Ambulance spare parts deal, 13th African Games, Sky Train, Pwalugu Dam, Maths Sets, Galamsey Fraud, missing excavators and tricycles, Sputnik-V, BOST Scandal, and others 14. Institute a government policy banning political appointees from purchasing state assets. 15. Allocate seed money for the establishment of the Womens Development Bank. 16. Launch the following priority job creation programmes in the first budget: Adwumawura Programme, National Apprenticeship Programme and One Million Coders Programme. 17. Commence the review of the Customs (Amendment) Act 2020 to scrap the law banning the importation of salvaged vehicles to rescue the local automotive industry at Suame Magazine, Kokompe, Abossey Okai, among others. 18. Lay before parliament a new bill to streamline government scholarship administration, prohibit political appointees from accessing government scholarships, and eliminate political patronage, cronyism, nepotism, and corruption in awarding government scholarships. 19. Ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves. Roll out our Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiative to heal and sustainably harness the environment by turning areas and water bodies degraded by illegal mining into economic and ecological recovery hubs. 20. Launch The Black Star Experience initiative as Ghanas flagship Culture, Arts and Tourism brand to transform Ghana into a preferred tourism destination. 21. Commence investigative processes to purge state security agencies of all militia and vigilante elements. 22. Re-open investigations into major unresolved criminal cases including the 2020 election killings, Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence, murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale and Silas Wulochamey. 23. Initiate a probe into the man-made disaster caused by the VRAs spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams that displaced and destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of citizens in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra. 24. Initiate immediate steps to compensate the flood victims, including those in the Oti, Bono East and Savanna regions. 25. Carry out a shakeup of all loss-making SOEs and realign them to break even and transition into profit-making. Next article: Touch one, touch all Afenyo-Markin rallies Judiciary as NPP, others protest Chief Justices suspension Previous article: Mahama does not engage in retaliatory politics Stan Dogbe to protesters Suspending Chief Justice sets dangerous precedent for democracy John Boadu Gertrude Ankah Politics May - 05 - 2025 , 13:37 2 minutes read A former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu says the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President John Dramani Mahama was a dangerous turning point in Ghanas democratic history. Speaking during a protest march on Monday to ask the President to reverse the suspension, John Boadu said the decision constituted a direct attack on judicial independence and posed a serious threat to the nations constitutional order. This is not just a legal issue; it is a democratic crisis, he said. Suspending the Chief Justice destabilises the very institution that upholds the rule of law. No democracy survives without an independent judiciary. The protest march was organised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other allied groups. The Chief Justices suspension has provoked public debate with some describing it as politically motivated. Mr John Boadu said the action reflected a broader pattern of institutional erosion under the current administration, warning that such precedents could compromise future electoral processes. He cited the governments continued failure to resolve a single disputed parliamentary seat from the 2024 general electionsmore than five months after votingas evidence of systemic dysfunction. If we cant resolve one constituency after five months, how do we expect to hold peaceful, credible elections across all 276 constituencies in 2028? he asked. Mr Boadu also criticised what he called a misplaced use of state resources, questioning why security agencies were capable of conducting house-to-house arrests but seemingly unable to guarantee the safety needed for the Electoral Commission to declare results in the disputed area. This is not the Ghana we fought for, he lamented. Mondays demonstration, which drew Ghanaians from across political and civic backgrounds, called for the immediate reinstatement of Justice Torkornoo. Mr Boadu characterised the protest as a nonpartisan effort to defend democratic values. These are not party foot soldiers. These are concerned citizens. We came here not to disrupt, but to be heard. He further raised concerns over what he described as a worrying pattern of dismissals and political targeting of prominent female officials, referencing the treatment of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei and now the Chief Justice. What is it about strong women in leadership that threatens this administration? he asked. Weve seen this pattern beforeand it must stop. Mr Boadu called on all Ghanaians to rise above political divisions and push back against what he described as creeping authoritarianism. This is not about the NPP or the NDC. Its about Ghana. We must stand united to protect our democracy before its too late. Touch one, touch all Afenyo-Markin rallies Judiciary as NPP, others protest Chief Justices suspension Gertrude Ankah Politics May - 05 - 2025 , 10:26 3 minutes read The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin on Monday led a protest march dubbed "Save the Judiciary." The protesters demanded the reinstatement of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Presenting a petition on behalf of protesters, who were led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Afenyo-Markin described the President Mahamas suspension of the Chief Justice as an attack on the very soul of Ghanas democracy and accused the executive of undermining judicial independence for partisan purposes. We are here not as party activists, but as concerned citizens empowered by the Constitution to protest blatant executive interference and intimidation of the judiciary, he said. Coalition condemns suspension The NPP-led coalitionwhich included the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), Peoples National Party (PNP), and Ghana Union Movement (GUM)described the suspension as an unprecedented attack on judicial independence. The judiciary is our last hope. When you single out the Chief Justice based on flimsy, politically tainted allegations, you attack the entire justice system. Today it is Gertrude Torkornoo; tomorrow, it could be any of you, Mr Afenyo-Markin said. He further accused the Council of State of failing to uphold constitutional checks and balances, saying it is merely rubber-stamped the Presidents decision. "This is not a revolution Its a democracy" The Minority Leader cautioned against the long-term consequences of executive overreach, citing historical precedents to underscore the danger. Dont be comfortable today because the political winds favour you. This is about the soul of Ghanas democracy. If the judiciary does not rise now, as it did during the era of Chief Justice Georgina Wood, we are heading down a dangerous path. Be guided by the principle: touch one, touch all. he stated. Drawing comparisons with past resistance by the Judges and Magistrates Association, he urged current members of the bench to consider bold actions, including a possible sit-down strike. Mr Afenyo-Markin also criticised the recent appointment of seven new Supreme Court justices by the Mahama administration, describing the move as rushed and politically motivated. The same government that complained about judicial bloat has now stacked the court. The usual processconsultation with the Judicial Council, vetting by the Council of State, and parliamentary approvalhas been sidestepped, he alleged. He urged judicial staff not to be swayed by promises of promotion or threats of transfer. We will speak up for posterity. Some judges are remanding individuals based on instructions from the Attorney Generalnot the law. That is not justice. Background Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended last month by President Mahama, following the establishment of a prima facie case and a committee to investigate petitions asking for her removal as Chief Justice. The decision, announced in a statement from the presidency, was said to be in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution, which mandates a committee to probe allegations against a superior court judge once a prima facie case is established. The presidency said the move followed consultations with the Council of State and that it had determined there were sufficient grounds for further inquiry. The coalition has urged the Judicial Service to act swiftly in defending the autonomy of the judiciary. Copies of the petition are expected to be sent to Parliament and the Office of the President. Let your conscience prick you. You must not wait to be victimised before you act. Ghanas democracy is at stakeand history is watching, Mr Afenyo-Markin said. Related article: Suspension of Chief Justice: Coalition of political parties demonstrates today Sammy Gyamfi accuses GBA of double standards over Chief Justice's suspension Suspension of Chief Justice: LINSOD urges President Mahama to ignore GBA's request The vivo brand iQOO launched a new pair of TWS earbuds over the weekend, called Buds 1i. This audio accessory is similar to the vivo Buds 3i sold in China, but features a stylish yellow and black color option. The iQOO Buds 1i are available in both China and abroad, but there are two different variants. The model sold in Indonesia offers a 50-hour battery life, while consumers in the domestic market must settle for only 45 hours. Interestingly, the vivo Buds 3i are also available (only in China) in these two battery configurations, which means the company has merely introduced a new color option, branded with the iQOO logo as a new product. The iQOO Buds 1i support IP54 water and dust proofing, as well as Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, which offers 88 ms low latency in Gaming mode. The buds feature a 10 mm audio driver made from a high polymer composite material, allowing for a mega bass, clear voices, and clear high pitch. Software-wise, vivo generally offers AI noise reduction, and it extends to the iQOO Buds 1i as well. The international version supports Google Assistant and also provides Google Fast Pair for quick connection with any Android device. The iQOO Buds 1i are sold on the vivo Indonesia website in one color Star Light (that's the Yellow and Black version). The price is IDR 349,000 (about $21/18) for the 50h version, while the 45h variant in China costs CNY 95, which is just $13/11. Source 1 (in Chinese) Source 2 (in Indonesian) Two emergency dispatchers testified Monday about their roles during the early morning hours of Sept. 9, 2024, when Ryan Chaco was killed in Yigo. The trial, held before Superior Court Judge John Terlaje, centers on the alleged murder of Chaco by Eithen James Franklin Aquiningoc Mendiola. The 911 call came in at 3:07 a.m. and was initially handled by Monique Balajadia, a Guam Fire Department dispatcher with nearly three years of experience. Balajadia explained how all 911 calls for Guam are routed through GFD. We receive all of the 911 calls for Guam. We determine whether they need medical Fire Rescue Services, if not, we also take the calls for GPD and transfer those over, Balajadia testified. The prosecution played the 911 call, in which Mendiola tells the dispatcher, Im only 24, maam and the guy is like 30 something and he kept holding me down and trying to rape me and telling me that hes going to keep me as a slave. Once the call was transferred to the Guam Police Department, Mendiola repeated the details, stating, He was holding me down and tried to rape me but I fought back and then I grabbed his knife. GPD dispatcher Ria Sanchez then took over the call and testified about her efforts to assist Mendiola in locating officers to help. I believe I tried to call one of the officers, maybe they could help me locate him, Sanchez testified. I was just trying to replicate him. So trying to find any help I could see, Ill find him. Sanchez also sought clarification on Mendiolas reported location. As the audio played in court, Mendiola appeared emotional, with his head down. Surveillance footage from a neighboring residence, shown in court, depicted Mendiola knocking on a door while still on the phone. He was seen walking around, limping, sitting, and reiterating his previous claims. Mendiola is accused of murdering Chaco, who was found dead from multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck after a structure fire in Chalan Karta in Yigo. According to Mendiola, Chaco made unwanted sexual advances and choked him, prompting Mendiola to grab a knife. Mendiola said he stabbed Chaco until he released him, later killing him when Chaco continued to be aggressive. Prosecutor Curtis Van de Veld argued that the murder was financially motivated. The trial will resume in Terlajes courtroom at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Former Archbishop Anthony Apuron, through his attorney, made a settlement offer to plaintiffs in a handful of Guam clergy sex abuse and defamation cases, according to plaintiffs attorney, Delia Lujan Wolff. Details of Apurons settlement offer are under wraps, but his counsel, Jacqueline Terlaje, and Wolff have been engaging in settlement discussions since March 11, Wolff said in court filings last week. A settlement would halt the litigation even as U.S. District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood previously said the scheduled trial in September remains, given that these are old cases. Now, the parties are asking the judge for additional time to file motions. Moreover, Apurons deposition that was supposed to happen in either March or April as ordered by a federal judge did not go forward because of the former archbishops health problems. Apuron will be turning 80 on Nov. 1, and his lawyer informed the court on multiple occasions that he has medical problems due mainly to his age. The abuse and defamation cases involving Apuron, filed mostly by former Hagat altar boys, are outside of the settlement by the Archdiocese of Agana with nearly 300 Guam clergy sex abuse claimants. This comes nine years after the pope removed Apuron from his post as the head of Guams Catholic Church, when former altar boys started publicly accusing him of either raping or molesting them when they were children. A Vatican tribunal later found him guilty of molesting multiple minors. Tydingco-Gatewood previously ordered both parties to conduct depositions from March 24 to April 4. On March 11, Apurons counsel, Terlaje, told Wolff that the former archbishop would not be available for depositions at the court-ordered time due to health problems and a medical appointment, according to Wolff. In last weeks court filing, Wolff said the parties agreed to reschedule Apurons deposition. Further, during the (Zoom) meeting, Apurons counsel made a settlement offer to Plaintiff...Thereafter, the parties have engaged in settlement discussions to resolve the dispute between them, Wolff said. The settlement discussions, she said, are in line with the courts previous encouragement to the parties to consider resolution and the financial burden of continued litigation. The plaintiffs in the Apuron cases seek $5 million each in damages. A 2016 Guam law allowed the filing of lawsuits involving childhood sexual assaults regardless of how long ago those assaults allegedly happened. The archdiocese later filed for bankruptcy because of the deluge of clergy sexual abuse complaints, and later agreed to settle the claims to exit bankruptcy using a mix of cash, insurance money and sale of property. On April 29, Apuron, through Terlaje, filed a motion to compel discovery and a motion to extend some deadlines. The plaintiffs counsel, meanwhile, awaits Terlajes confirmation of Apurons availability for deposition from May 30 to June 9. There is a specific need to take Apurons deposition since he is a defendant, he is elderly and resides outside of Guam, and he has never been deposed in this matter, Wolff stated in court filings. Wolff said there is good cause to enlarge the scheduling order to extend the deadline to take Apurons deposition, and to file motions to compel discovery. Guam Memorial Hospital is short on payroll, past due on contract nurse payments, and owes $20.8 million to its vendors, officials told lawmakers at a Monday budget hearing. If the hospital cant cover a $21.9 million shortfall anticipated in fiscal year 2026, it may look to a force reduction for up to 10% of its whole workforce to recoup costs, GMH Chief Financial Officer Yuka Hechanova told senators. Lawmakers questioned Hechanova, GMH Administrator Lillian Perez-Posadas, and other members of GMH management for over three hours. Hechanova said GMHs expenses continue to grow faster than its revenues. The hospital on average is about $3 million short of what it needs to pay every month, she said. GMH doesnt make enough money in any given fiscal year to cover all of its costs, and always needs a subsidy from taxes and fees collected in GovGuams General Fund. The hospital has been asking for bigger and bigger subsidies in recent years. Revenues for the hospital are projected at $133 million in fiscal 2026, according to Hechanovas Monday presentation. Expenses are expected to be more than $80 million higher than revenues, at $213.6 million in fiscal 2026. Thats up from $199.8 million in expenses for the current fiscal year, Hechanova showed. Part of that $80 million gap for fiscal 2026 will be covered by $25.36 million in business privilege taxes reserved by law in GMHs Pharmaceutical Fund. Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros budget proposal also seeks a $28.5 million General Fund subsidy for the hospital, and the Department of Corrections will pay another $4.2 million for services for inmates. But the gap that remains is about $21.9 million, according to Hechanova. Without it, GMHA will have reduced capacity that will require bed closures. Our patients will have to wait longer in the ER (emergency room) for a bed. We will not be able to pay vendors for pharmaceuticals, oxygen and vital supplies, she said. We will not be able to pay contractors to service our medical equipment, our elevators, our boiler, our water treatment system, we will not have enough nurses and doctors to care for our patients. Payroll problems The hospital needs $5.1 million to cover payroll this Friday. They have $1.7 million, Hechanova said. She told health oversight chair Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane on Monday that GMH is making net payroll to employees. That means staffers get a check, but GMH isnt paying into their benefits, taxes, or health insurance. As of Monday, GMH is behind on paying employee withholding taxes back to February, and behind on insurance premiums back to January, Hechanova said. Retirement contributions were current as of Monday. Between salary increases, and employee benefit costs that will more than double, personnel costs will go up $9 million in fiscal 2026, she said. Containing costs GMH could contain costs by cutting travel nurses, on-call pay for staff, and freezing physician salary increases, along with outsourcing more services, Hechanova said. The hospital could also cut fulltime employees by up to 10%, and freeze all hires and salary increments. Perez-Posadas said cuts to staff could save $10 million to $13 million a year. Im glad to see that you have contingencies, budget oversight chairman Sen. Chris Duenas said after the budget presentation...I just want to be upfront to say I think thats going to be necessary. Vendor payables After using $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding to cover past-due bills to vendors, GMH still owes about $20.8 million as of Monday, Hechanova said. About $9.48 million is over three months late. Most of the outstanding $20.8 is for medicine and supplies, she said. On Sunday, $4 million was due to a travel nurse company that provides 18 nurses to the hospital. GMH missed that payment, Perez-Posadas told health oversight chair Salas Matanane. If we dont make $2 million payment by May 9, they will no longer assign travel nurses, she said. The hospital is also three months behind on its power bill, according to Hechanova. GMH owes the Guam Power Authority $700,000. Part of the issue with vendors is the Department of Administration takes a portion of monthly revenues to pay back $9.8 million that DOA fronted the hospital, the CFO said. Among changes the hospital is asking for is a guaranteed 6.19% of business privilege tax revenues each month, instead of a cut of estimates made in the annual budget, which could help get up to date on vendor payables, she said. GMH is trying to get designated a critical access hospital by the federal government, to ramp up reimbursements from Medicaid and Medicare that have fallen way behind actual costs in recent years. Hechanova said they are working with Del. James Moylan to get that designation. Cut, cut, cut Lawmakers had differing opinions on how to approach the shortfall. Democrat Sen. Will Parkinson said lawmakers should put money up to cover what GMH needed. He pointed to the $20 million supplemental budget lawmakers had to provide to bail out the hospital last October. I urge my colleagues to support fully funding, GMH...were either going to do it now or were going to do it later. Theyre literally asking for the funds to just keep the hospital together, he said. Thats an excellent speech, and I dont disagree. The issue is, the governor has issued a ceiling. The issue is, is theres finite resources, Republican oversight chair Duenas said. The budget chairman has promised not to increase revenue projections above the record $1.357 billion ask from the governor, and has frozen all appropriations bills not deemed an emergency for the time being. I welcome your participation in defunding other agencies, moving money and finding that revenue within the ceiling to be able to accomplish that mission, he told Parkinson. Republican health oversight chair Salas Matanane said health care, education, and public safety are her three priorities. Other agencies, other areas, should be aware that the things I plan on proposing and doing is cut, cut, cut, she said. The ongoing debate over whether to roll back the gross receipts tax/business privilege tax is not just about economics; its a revealing example of how our local government has been grossly mismanaged at every level, from budget planning to political leadership. Lets be honest. We took the initial GRT increase originally intended to offset the revenue loss caused by the national income tax cut in 2017, and the surge in revenues from the military buildup, knowing these were not permanent, stable sources, and made them the foundation of our government budget. Instead of treating these as offsetting and windfall revenues, our leaders locked them into recurring expenditures and expanded the size and cost of government accordingly. Adding these to the surge in federal funding to ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we spent the money as if this inflated revenue level was the new normal. Now that a rollback is on the table, were forced to confront the consequences. The government has grown too large to sustain without the current GRT rate and buildup-related revenues, and any reduction without structural reform would cripple government operations, even though many public services have not meaningfully improved. This isnt about trimming fat. Were talking about cutting into a bloated system thats become dependent on inflated income that was never meant to last. The buildup wasnt a blank check, and the GRT hike wasnt a long-term solution. Yet here we are, having treated them as both. Today, government employment has effectively become one of the largest drivers of local economic activity, on par with the military and what remains of our tourism sector. With the downturn of the visitor industry, many businesses in the private sector are now more directly dependent on government employee spending to stay afloat. A delayed or missed government payday would no longer just affect public servants, it could deliver a serious blow to our already fragile business community. On Jan. 31, 2023, the Guam Legislature approved a 22% across-the-board pay increase proposed by the governor, which pushed Government of Guam employee earnings to 72% more than average earnings in the private sector as of March 2023. The national average pay gap is only 17%. Weve reached the point where the government no longer just supports the economy, it competes with it, and in some ways, props it up. That is not a healthy or sustainable economic model. One important but often overlooked benefit of the military buildup is the opportunity to strengthen our tax base, if we ensure proper enforcement of existing local laws. Under Guam Public Law 1-80, Workmans Compensation premiums, typically 6% to 8% of payroll in the construction industry, should be paid to companies licensed in Guam. Ensuring that large military contractors comply with this law could redirect millions in insurance premiums into our local economy. Just as important, we must also closely monitor the full range of revenues generated by military projects, which account for a significant portion of GRT collections. If the rollback is implemented, it will apply to these projects as well. This must be factored into the fiscal analysis, and any resulting shortfall must be offset by holding these contractors accountable for their fair share of contributions to Guams economy. I have always supported the rollback, as I struggle with tax expenses like other businesses. But the reality we face is difficult to ignore; we cant afford a tax cut until we correct the imbalance weve created. We have grown a government too big to shrink overnight amidst looming federal cutbacks across agencies and programs. This is an untenable situation to be in. We deserve a government that lives within its means, strengthens its private sector, and prepares for times of change. The time for reform is now. Haiti - FLASH : Kamikaze drone raid, at least 17 terrorists dead and more than 40 injured Early Sunday afternoon, May 4th, 2025, the Haitian National Police's (PNH) Tactical Drone Unit conducted an airstrike in Grand-Ravine, southeast of Port-au-Prince. This raid involved five suicide drones and specifically targeted the stronghold of the "Gran-Grif" gang, led by terrorist leader Luckson Elan, alias "General Luckson," an ally of the "Viv Ansanm" coalition. This raid targeted several strategic positions of the "Gran-Grif" gang, resulting in numerous terrorist casualties. According to an unofficial provisional report, Pierre Esperance, Executive Director of the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), reported that these suicide drones killed at least 17 terrorists and injured approximately 40 others, several of them seriously. Esperance encouraged the continuation of coordinated operations, recalling that these terrorists have been sowing death and terror since 2021, listing, in particular, rapes, murders, looting, and the burning of public buildings, businesses, and homes. According to the latest figures published by the United Nations, more than 10,000 Haitians have been killed in Haiti in less than three years by these armed gangs, including more than 1,600 in the first quarter of 2025 alone. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44808-haiti-flash-port-au-prince-the-most-violent-city-in-the-world.html Esperance believes that the use of suicide drones is proving to be an effective strategy, but stresses the need for better coordination between the PNH, the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H), and the Multinational Security Support Mission, and insists on well-prepared interventions to avoid collateral damage to the civilian population. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44822-haiti-politic-us-designates-viv-ansanm-and-gran-grif-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations-official.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44808-haiti-flash-port-au-prince-the-most-violent-city-in-the-world.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Environment : $15M from Canada for the green corridor in the Southwest peninsula On Friday, May 2nd, 2025, the Haitian Government, represented by Ketleen Florestal, Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, and Moise Jean-Pierre, Minister of the Environment, signed, along with Catherine Boucher, Chargee d'Affaires a.i. at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti, the Memorandum of Understanding for the Korido Vet (Green Corridor) Project in the Baraderes-Cayemites Terrestrial and Marine Protected Area in southwest Haiti. Worth CAD 15 million over five years, the Green Corridor project is part of Canada's international commitment to climate financing. It recognizes that climate adaptation is a key objective in the face of future challenges. According to the memorandum of understanding, "the project's primary objective is to enable adaptation to climate change and biodiversity conservation in the Baraderes-Cayemites Protected Area, while contributing to the food security of the region's inhabitants. The project also aims to strengthen women's economic empowerment and leadership in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of ecosystems." "This project, which aims to protect biodiversity along the Southern Peninsula Green Corridor, is very important for Haiti, particularly for the populations of the affected municipalities. It will contribute to strengthening the resilience of the beneficiaries, particularly women, as well as our fragile and vulnerable environment in the face of climate change, as an inevitable natural phenomenon," explained Ketleen Florestal, Minister of Planning and External Cooperation. For her part, Catherine Boucher stated that "this project directly contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #2, 5, 6, and 13, which aim, among other things, to support the creation of a world free from hunger, gender equality, the provision of clean water, climate action, and the empowerment of women and girlsimportant and priority issues for Haiti." Through this project, the Haitian and Canadian governments say they hope to reach more than 60,000 people, including nearly 40,000 women and girls, in five municipalities: Baraderes, Corail, Pestel, Grand Boucan, and the Cayemites Islands. These women, some of whom are already involved in their communities, will be able to strengthen their capacity and empowerment, assert their leadership on climate issues, and encourage the adoption by their communities of nature-based solutions as responses to the challenges of adapting to climate change, while fostering social cohesion within the communities. HL/ HaitiLibre Pop artist Erika Vikman will perform for Finland with her provocative entry Ich Komme, while Ostrobothnian comedy trio KAJ , Swedish-speaking Finns, will represent Sweden with their humorous ode to sauna culture, Bara bada bastu. For the first time in Eurovision history, two acts from Finland are set to compete against each other on the international stage, one flying the Finnish flag, the other representing Sweden. Vikman's track, sung largely in Finnish, was an early favourite according to bookmakers. Its bold themes around female sexuality and its energetic delivery quickly sparked attention across Europe. KAJ, on the other hand, gained momentum after winning Swedens Melodifestivalen, a feat that led to their selection as Swedens 2025 Eurovision act making them the first act in over two decades to represent Sweden with a song in Swedish. International betting odds now place KAJ at the top, with a 40 percent chance of victory, while Vikman currently ranks eighth. The Finnish public has embraced both acts, despite them technically being rivals in the competition. According to Yles Eurovision commentator Johan Lindroos, If KAJ wins, Finns will still celebrate like it's their own. KAJs popularity has surged since their selection. The trio Axel Ahman, Kevin Holmstrom, and Jakob Norrgard have performed to full houses in Finland and recently met President Alexander Stubb during a visit to Ostrobothnia. Their light-hearted image and catchy tune have resonated widely. Eurovision expert Dean Vuletic remarked that if KAJ wins, it would mark the first time a comedic song takes the top prize. While Finland has only won Eurovision once, in 2006 with Lordi, recent years have seen improved performances. In 2023, Kaarijas Cha Cha Cha nearly won the contest, and that energy appears to have carried into 2025. Meanwhile, Vikmans more adult-themed performance may divide audiences. Vuletic noted that racier songs sometimes struggle to win over Eurovision juries and voters. Still, Ich Komme has a strong following and represents Finland's evolving Eurovision identity. According to sociologist Riie Heikkila, initial skepticism among Finnish-Swedes over KAJs sauna-themed song shifted after Swedens enthusiastic reception. The performance has since been reappraised as a positive cultural export. Should either act win, celebrations are expected in Finlands market squares regardless of the flag under which the trophy is claimed. As Lindroos put it, Well make it our victory in any way possible. HT Daytime temperatures on Monday ranged from 4 to 9C in the south and west, and just 1 to 5C in the east and north. In some areas of Lapland, temperatures stayed below freezing even during daylight hours, with overnight lows dropping to -10C. The first full week of May has begun with winter-like weather across Finland, bringing snow to the northeast, freezing temperatures to the south, and widespread travel disruption. Snowfall reached up to 30 centimetres in parts of eastern and northeastern Finland, including Kuusamo and Salla, causing dangerous road conditions. Strong winds created drifting snow in these regions, while wet roads further south in Kainuu presented their own hazards. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) issued warnings for poor driving conditions and advised caution across much of the country, particularly in the north. Meanwhile, a track fault in eastern Finland disrupted train services between Parikkala and Joensuu for several hours on Sunday. The affected section, near Kitee in North Karelia, caused delays of up to 90 minutes. State rail operator VR arranged bus replacements for several InterCity routes. Repairs were completed before 4pm, but lingering delays continued into the evening. Weather-related rail and road disruptions coincided with forecasts of an unusually cold start to May. According to the FMI, temperatures may continue to fall below freezing in the south over the next few nights. Meteorologist Iiris Idoko confirmed on Sunday that Helsinki Airport had recorded subzero temperatures overnight. Foreca meteorologist Kristian Roine said that northern airflows were keeping conditions cool, with more wintry showers possible in Central Finland early in the week. By Thursday, high pressure is expected to build over western Finland, bringing clearer skies and slightly warmer air. Midweek conditions will remain dry, with the sun appearing briefly along the coast. However, daytime highs will mostly stay around 5C. Temperatures in Lapland may hover around zero. Looking ahead to the weekend, daytime temperatures in southern and western Finland could rise slightly above 10C. Despite the improvement, forecasters say a sustained return to spring-like warmth remains unlikely in the immediate future. Forecas long-range outlook suggests more stable weather by Mother's Day on Sunday, 11 May, with early signs of warming trends starting next week. HT The move, part of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo s government programme, will allow trained professionals with prior experience in police, border guard or military police roles to assist the regular police in serious situations when existing resources are exhausted. Finland is preparing to establish a reserve police force to support law enforcement during large-scale emergencies, the interior ministry confirmed on Monday. The goal is to ensure additional support is available in unusual security situations when normal and inter-agency police resources are not enough, said Tomi Vuori, director general of the police department at the interior ministry. The reserve would not be used for routine duties. Instead, it would provide reinforcement in exceptional cases, such as simultaneous national crises, where Finlands regular police force might be stretched too thin. Vuori cited the 2015 asylum seeker crisis, during which thousands of people arrived at border checkpoints in a short time. At the time, the Defence Forces supported the police, but Finlands Parliamentary Ombudsman later stated that conscripts should not be tasked with handling immigration. This is about scenarios where we might need professional-level reinforcements quickly, Vuori added. A previous supplementary police system existed in the 1990s but was later scrapped due to a lack of deployment and limited operational integration. The new plan differs from past efforts by focusing on individuals with prior law enforcement or military training, rather than unqualified volunteers. This shift aims to address the shortcomings of earlier proposals that failed to pass parliamentary scrutiny or lacked practical implementation. This time, were focusing on former police officers and others with relevant training who are ready to return when needed, Vuori said. They have the skills and a clear willingness to help. The reserve could also include Police University College students, offering additional trained support during emergencies. Jonne Rinne, president of the Finnish Police Union, expressed support for the plan, emphasising the benefit of drawing from experienced professionals. But he also raised concerns about potential age limits for reservists. With all due respect to our former officers, using people over 70 years of age as reserve police would raise questions, Rinne said. Vuori responded that assignments will depend on an individual's capabilities, not age. Recently retired officers or those working in related fields may not be front-line ready but can assist in investigations or administrative tasks, freeing up others for field duties. The legislative process for the new reserve force is underway. The government has not yet confirmed how many reservists would be included or how soon the system will be operational. The interior ministry stressed that the aim is to ensure operational readiness for critical scenarios, not to replace or diminish the responsibilities of Finlands regular police force. HT The deal follows months of tension between public sector unions and government representatives, culminating in strike action that included the first police walkout in five decades. Around 80,000 Finnish state employees are expected to receive a 7.8 percent pay increase over three years, pending formal approval of a new collective agreement reached last week, according to Yle sources. The Negotiation Organisation for Public Sector Professionals (Juko), the Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL), and Trade Union Pro represented workers in the talks. The employer side was represented by the Office for the Government as Employer (VTML). Jukos board ratified the deal on Friday. Pro and JHL are expected to make their decisions by Monday. The employer board must also sign off before the agreement is final. If confirmed, the agreement will remain in force until 2028. Yle sources said the settlement is a clear gain for workers. The final deal exceeds the employers earlier offer of 6.3 percent, which had triggered industrial action. State workers staged two separate walkouts during the dispute. The inclusion of Finnish police officers in one of those strikes marked a historic moment, as the last police strike in the country occurred 50 years ago. The terms of the deal are expected to be disclosed in full by the National Conciliators office once all parties give final approval. In a separate but related negotiation process, collective agreement talks are continuing for staff in municipalities and wellbeing services counties. This group, covering around 500,000 workers, is expected to receive a smaller raise than demanded. HT The Church Council, currently in session in Turku until Friday, will begin debating the proposal on Tuesday. The issue has drawn public and media interest for years and is considered one of the most divisive topics within the church. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland may redefine its understanding of marriage this week by approving a model that recognises both heterosexual and same-sex unions. The council will review a report prepared by the Legal Affairs Committee supporting a proposal by the Bishops' Conference. It recommends adopting parallel definitions of marriage: one as a union between a man and a woman, the other as between two individuals, regardless of sex. If adopted, the change would allow priests to officiate same-sex marriages or perform a blessing, but also include a conscience clause permitting clergy to decline without penalty. The proposed changes would extend this right not only to priests but also to church musicians, who would be entitled to refuse participation in same-sex ceremonies, including declining to play music. The move follows years of internal debate since Finlands national Marriage Act was amended in 2017 to allow same-sex civil marriages. The Church has until now maintained its traditional definition of marriage, although many congregations and individual clergy have supported a more inclusive stance. The Lutheran Church remains Finlands largest religious institution, with around 3.6 million members. While membership has steadily declined, it retains a formal role in national life as one of the countrys two state churches. The Church Council's decision will mark a turning point in its relationship with same-sex couples. Although civil marriage is already legal, the Churchs stance has continued to cause tension, especially among younger members and within liberal parishes. The session will also consider other items, including the final report of the Sami in the Church project. This initiative aims to acknowledge the historical relationship between the Church and the Sami people, Finland's only recognised Indigenous population. A proposal to initiate work on a new hymnal is also on the agenda. The outcome of the marriage debate is expected before the session closes on Friday. If the proposal passes, implementation will require changes to Church law and further decisions by diocesan and parish authorities. HT The tax change, introduced as part of broader income tax reform, lowers marginal tax rates at the top end of the scale. Ben Zyskowicz of the National Coalition Party and Johannes Koskinen of the Social Democratic Party said the decision to reduce taxes for the wealthiest retirees should be cancelled or rebalanced. Two of Finlands longest-serving MPs have criticised a recent tax break for high-income pensioners, calling it incompatible with the governments stated economic aims. While this was justified as a way to incentivise work and productivity, both MPs argue that applying the same cuts to pensions lacks logic. No one is suggesting pensioners should be encouraged to pursue more demanding careers, said Zyskowicz, who holds the record for most days served in the Finnish Parliament. He called the outcome an unintended side effect of reducing progressive taxation and urged the government to correct it during further legislative work. The adjustment led to a noticeable tax reduction on the largest pensions. While the government believes this will help drive economic growth, Zyskowicz said the rationale cannot apply to pensioners, who are no longer part of the workforce. He did not endorse specific fixes but noted that raising the so-called solidarity tax on high pensions was one possible tool, despite its past unpopularity and legal challenges. Earlier this year, the European Court of Human Rights upheld Finlands right to impose a higher tax rate on large pensions, rejecting claims of unlawful discrimination. Johannes Koskinen, Parliaments second most experienced MP, echoed Zyskowiczs view. Theres clearly no employment incentive here. Its just a redistribution of income, he said. He added that the overall model for tax cuts should be revised to be less favourable to the highest earners. Koskinen also raised concerns about the ethical implications of large pensions and tax migration. Some of the top pension earners have moved abroad to benefit from lower tax rates. Thats unpatriotic, he said. He argued that the pension system was designed to ensure basic security, a goal that is no longer being met when retirement incomes reach corporate executive levels. At that point, its no longer about securing a livelihood its about locking in income and wealth disparities, he said. Koskinen suggested a broader discussion was needed on how pensions accrue in the highest income brackets. He questioned whether the current model where a 20,000 monthly salary contributes to pension in the same way as a much smaller income should be adjusted to reduce benefits from the top end. HT The Blue-and-Black Movement, founded by former members of the Finns Party with strong ethnonationalist views, has submitted 5,000 verified support statements to the Ministry of Justice. The ministry confirmed that the group now meets the legal conditions to be re-registered as a political party. An openly fascist political group in Finland is poised to return to the countrys official party register after gathering the required number of supporter cards. Arto Jaaskelainen, head of election administration at the ministry, told Yle that the groups revised party programme has been reviewed and found legally acceptable. "Their rules and general programme meet the current legal standards. The supporter cards were the final requirement," he said. The Blue-and-Black Movement was initially registered as a political party in June 2022 but was removed from the register in April 2023. The Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the organisations revised party platform was incompatible with constitutional rights and democratic principles. Despite this, Finnish law allows removed parties to reapply if they meet registration criteria. The group has drawn criticism for openly adopting fascist imagery and rhetoric. It borrows its colours and themes from the Lapua Movement, a radical nationalist group active in the early 20th century. The Blue-and-Black Movement has staged public events where members wear black clothing, carry Finnish flags, and display banners such as May Day is White. Its recent return to the public spotlight followed a 1 May rally in Tampere, where around 100 participants marched through the city centre. The event drew counter-protests and a strong police presence. The Justice Ministry currently monitors political parties in Finland primarily through their financial activity. Jaaskelainen acknowledged that the law provides limited tools for assessing the content of party operations beyond registration, stating that "more detailed oversight is not currently part of our mandate." He noted that while the ministry reviews programme changes during registration, continuous scrutiny of party platforms is not built into the current legislation. The Act on Political Parties has been in place since 1969, and to my knowledge, the ministry has never had to intervene in a partys activities after registration, Jaaskelainen said. The movements earlier removal was triggered by changes it made to its platform after initial approval, prompting the court to find that its goals violated the principles of human rights and democracy. Now, with a revised programme and a new registration process completed, the group appears to be making its return. Critics argue that the movements core ideology remains unchanged and warn that its re-entry into formal politics risks normalising extremist views. The Ministry of Justice has indicated that should the group again alter its programme in ways that breach the law, the registration could be reviewed once more. The development has reignited debate over Finlands mechanisms for regulating political extremism and the adequacy of current oversight laws. HT In an interview with Yle, the National Coalition Party MP said the government still aims to create 100,000 new jobs, despite Statistics Finland's recent labour survey showing 31,000 more people unemployed in March than a year earlier. The number of employed people also fell by 5,000 over the same period. Matias Marttinen will begin his duties as Finlands new Minister of Employment on Tuesday, taking over amid a rise in unemployment and uncertainty about the governments job creation targets. Marttinen said that reforms agreed in the governments mid-term policy review will support growth and improve employment levels in the coming years. I believe the measures already taken support our economic growth and stronger employment. But more will be needed, and the government has just decided on several steps this spring, he said. To those who have lost work, Marttinen had a single message: The economy is turning around. He said this shift should begin to show later in the year, with employment improving as economic conditions strengthen. The governments mid-term review included almost 1 billion in earned income tax cuts. Of this, 500 million is directed at low- and middle-income earners, while over 330 million will benefit high-income individuals. Researchers interviewed by Yle have cast doubt on the economic impact of such cuts. However, the government has maintained that the reforms will incentivise work and increase labour market participation. Marttinen confirmed that he will introduce additional legislative reforms in the autumn. These will focus mainly on increasing flexibility for small and medium-sized enterprises. I will bring about five proposals related to the labour market to Parliament this autumn. These will focus on making it easier for SMEs to hire more Finnish workers, Marttinen said. Among the proposed changes are the removal of the employers obligation to rehire previously dismissed employees, easing personal-based dismissals, and allowing fixed-term contracts of up to one year without justification. He also said part-time workers would be required to apply for four jobs to retain eligibility for adjusted unemployment benefits. The changes have already drawn criticism, particularly the proposal to relax rules on dismissals without specific cause. Despite recent negative job figures, Marttinen pointed to the Ministry of Finance's economic forecast published last week, which predicts GDP growth of 1.3 percent this year. The forecast also projects an improvement in employment next year, driven by rising real household incomes. He acknowledged, however, that recovery to pre-2022 employment levels is expected to be slow. Economists have warned that external risks, including trade tensions, could still derail growth. HT According to the Nordic Health Report commissioned by If Insurance, 88 percent of Finnish adults say they experience negative stress. The figure is higher than in Norway (86%), Sweden (82%), and Denmark (72%), where one in four people report no stress at all. A new Nordic-wide survey finds that Finns experience more stress than their neighbours, but they are less likely to suffer from long-term stress symptoms. More than 4,000 people across the four Nordic countries responded to the survey. Among Finns who feel stress, only 32 percent describe it as long-term, defined as lasting more than six months. That proportion is notably lower than in Sweden (42%), Norway (44%), and Denmark (35%). The decline is significant compared to the previous year, when more than half of Finns reported long-term stress. Long-term stress is harmful and raises the risk of sick leave. The downward trend in Finland is encouraging, said Kristina Strom Olsson, Nordic health strategist at If. In Finland, women are more likely than men to experience long-term stress, 37 percent compared to 26 percent. Similar gender differences were noted in other Nordic countries. The primary source of stress among Finns is personal problems, cited by 33 percent of respondents. Balancing work and leisure time (19%) and workplace pressure (16%) also rank high. Eighteen percent of stressed respondents said their financial situation was the main cause, a higher proportion than in other Nordic countries, where the figure ranges from 6 to 10 percent. Financial stress is especially pronounced among low-income groups, students, and the unemployed. However, the number has fallen significantly from the previous year, when 36 percent of Finns cited finances as their main stressor. Geopolitical issues are a growing concern, particularly among older respondents. Five percent of stressed Finns listed geopolitics as the main cause, rising to 10 percent among pensioners. The most common stress-related symptoms in Finland include sleep problems (63%), irritability (56%), anxiety (50%), and difficulty concentrating (44%). While these symptoms are common across the Nordic region, irritability is more widespread in Finland than elsewhere. Memory problems, which are cited by more than half of Danish respondents, were reported by just 18 percent of Finns. Strom Olsson encouraged people to monitor their mental health and learn to recognise early warning signs. Think back to a time when you experienced stress. What was the first sign? Recognising those signs early can help you take action before it escalates, she said. HT In an interview with The Intercept, Albanese said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas must be held accountable for their roles in what she described as aiding and abetting violations of international law. United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has called for senior European Union officials to face legal proceedings for complicity in alleged war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. Her remarks come amid growing international scrutiny over the EUs continued political and economic support for Israel during the ongoing conflict. The fact that the two highest figures of the EU continue business-as-usual engagements with Israel is beyond deplorable, Albanese stated. Immunity cannot equate with impunity. They will have to be judged before history does. Albanese has accused EU officials of failing to use their political influence to pressure Israel to end its military operations in Gaza. She said their public and diplomatic backing has helped enable war crimes, including actions she and other observers classify as genocide. A formal complaint has been filed at the International Criminal Court naming von der Leyen as complicit in war crimes. Albanese emphasised that those offering material or political support to an occupying force can be held individually liable under international law. Albanese specifically criticised remarks made by Kallas during a visit to Tel Aviv in March, where Kallas referred to the conflict as a loss for both sides. According to Albanese, such statements trivialise the suffering in Gaza and reflect a broader failure by EU leadership to condemn Israels military conduct. The UN expert also referenced von der Leyens public support for Israel, including activating the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to help fight wildfires. In response, Albanese questioned whether similar efforts could be mobilised to aid Palestinians affected by the ongoing bombardment. I wonder whether the European Civil Protection Mechanism can be activated for people, especially children, burned alive in plastic tents, or is it just for trees, she said. Albanese has also been preparing a report aimed at exposing institutionsincluding financial entities, universities and tech firmsthat are allegedly complicit in supporting Israels occupation. The report will seek to outline individual accountability mechanisms for those contributing to or facilitating violations in Gaza. She confirmed receiving death threats following her March 2024 report that identified Israeli actions as genocide. Despite this, she has continued her advocacy, urging the international community to respond to the humanitarian situation with legal action. The European Commission has defended its policy towards Israel, saying it provides a framework for dialogue and expressing concern. Commission spokespeople have not commented on the legal claims raised by Albanese but reiterated that their approach aligns with EU obligations to uphold human rights. Albaneses statements have reignited debate in Brussels and among human rights organisations over the EUs role in the conflict. Analysts say the legal risk to EU leaders remains unclear, but the political implications are already evident. Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani described Albaneses assessment as consistent with the obligations of the 1948 Genocide Convention, which requires signatories to act to prevent genocide. He noted that the EUs failure to meet this duty could carry long-term legal and moral consequences. Calls for the EU to reevaluate its relationship with Israel have intensified since the escalation of military operations in Gaza. However, divisions remain among Member States on how to proceed. No official EU policy shift has been announced. For now, Albanese says the focus must remain on accountability. Those who enable crimes cannot hide behind diplomacy. There must be consequences for complicity, she said. HT A BAKERY in Stoke Row has won three gold and two silver awards for their bread. Imma the Bakery, based in the Van Alloys Industrial Estate, came ahead of 200 other bakeries in the competition held at the NEC in Birmingham. Run by British Baker and judged by a panel of industry experts, Britains Best Loaf is one of the most respected competitions in UK baking. Entries are judged on structure, flavour, technical execution and originality. The bakery won gold in the flavoured sourdough category for its miso and sesame loaf, in wholegrain for their old granary loaf and in seeded sourdough for their country loaf. It also earned bronze in the flavoured sourdough category for its cheddar and onion, and lemon and olive loaves. Last year, the bakery was awarded the top prize, when its plain sourdough was named Britains Best Loaf by the judges. We pour everything into our bread our culture, our craft, our community, said head chef Tonatiuh Erreguin. Mrs Erreguin, who used to run a fine-dining restaurant in Mexico, said: Bread is what we do and well keep doing it every single day. You make an oath so that no one runs out of bread, it is what has sustained western societies, we owe ourselves to bread. Mrs Erreguin said she was not expecting to win this year after being told they couldnt compete in the same category again after winning last year. She said: I do not think I was expecting anything going to this, except about keeping alive the spirit of good bread made everywhere, but we won five medals. We work constantly trying to improve to make the best, working to correct the mistakes we made yesterday so that we can get a better product each time. I have been a chef for at least 15 years, working in fine dining and Michelin star restaurants. All the bakerys bread takes at least 72 hours to make and the miso and sesame loaf is made using just water, wheat flour, rye flour, salt, miso and sesame seeds. Mrs Erreguin said finding the right flavour combinations takes time but is reaping the rewards., adding: We usually sell out on the weekend, people come from Oxford and Gloucestershire to us. She said that there are a lot of pilgrims who would stop at the bakery on the way to other places, such as the Cotswolds. Ms Erreguin thanked her suppliers and customers for making the business, which celebrated its third anniversary last Friday, a success. She said: We owe ourselves to the community and its continued support and to the amazing produce from all our local suppliers. Because, if we didnt have all of this, then we could not make the very best of us. This is proof, not of the work of a single baker, but the work of a whole team that puts in the hours, the time, the observation and attention to detail, a team that works every morning trying to pay homage to the bakers trade. 14 injured in pre-dawn U.S. airstrikes on Yemeni capital: medics Xinhua) 15:26, May 05, 2025 SANAA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 people were injured in fresh U.S. airstrikes on Yemen's capital of Sanaa early Monday morning, local medics told Xinhua. The medics said 14 residents in the densely populated Shu'ub neighborhood in the eastern part of Sanaa were injured as a result of the strikes, which also shattered windows in several homes and shops. Meanwhile, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that dozens of additional U.S. airstrikes targeted various locations across Sanaa, as well as in the provinces of Hodeidah, Saada, Marib and Al-Jawf. No casualties were reported in those areas, as the Houthis rarely disclose their losses. The latest wave of airstrikes came just hours after the Houthis announced late Sunday that they will carry out further attacks on Ben Gurion Airport, the main international airport of Israel, warning international airlines to avoid the area. On Sunday morning, a Houthi ballistic missile exploded near Ben Gurion Airport, wounding eight people and creating a 25-meter-wide crater just a few meters from the airport's control tower, according to Israeli media reports. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel since November 2023 in what they describe as an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The group has repeatedly stated that it would halt its attacks if Israel ends its offensive in Gaza and allows humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave. In response, the United States has carried out airstrikes on Houthi targets in an effort to deter the group and weaken its military capabilities. On March 15, Washington escalated its air campaign, prompting the Houthis to launch retaliatory attacks on U.S. aircraft carriers and warships stationed in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Xi to pay state visit to Russia, attend Great Patriotic War Victory celebrations on May 7-10 Xinhua) 09:16, May 05, 2025 BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia from May 7 to 10 and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday. With a historic vision and from a strategic height, President Xi and President Putin have guided China-Russia relations in the new era to always forge ahead despite a complex external environment and demonstrate the relations' defining features of everlasting good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson introduced that during the upcoming state visit, President Xi will have strategic communication with President Putin on China-Russia relations under new circumstances and on a series of major international and regional issues. "We believe the important common understandings between the two presidents will further deepen political mutual trust between the two countries, add new substance to strategic coordination, promote practical cooperation in various fields, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute more stability and positive energy to the international community," the spokesperson said. Noting this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, the spokesperson said that as the two main theaters of Asia and Europe in World War II, China and Russia made immense sacrifice and major, historic contributions to secure the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, save their respective nations from demise, and also save the future of mankind. President Xi and President Putin previously agreed that the two sides will jointly remember history, honor the martyrs, foster a right view of the World War II history, defend the outcomes of the victory in the war and the post-war international order, and uphold international fairness and justice, the spokesperson said. At this special historic juncture, President Xi's attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow upon invitation is an important part of his visit, the spokesperson said, adding that it is also reflective of support by China and Russia to each other's commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, the spokesperson said, noting that China and Russia, as founding members of the UN and permanent members of the UN Security Council, shoulder special and important responsibility in safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core. "The two countries will further strengthen their close coordination in the UN, SCO, BRICS and other multilateral platforms, rally the Global South, shape global governance in the right direction, unequivocally oppose acts of unilateralism and bullying, and jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) The disturbing murder and kidnapping case involving a Louisiana family is moving forward as suspect David Wayne Callihan has been deemed competent to stand trial. Callihan, 37, is accused of kidnapping two young girls from their Loranger, Louisiana, home last June, after murdering their mother, and killing the youngest of the two girls during their abduction. Following the murder of the mother, the children were transported across state lines, allegedly with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The 4-year-old victim's body was later found in Mississippi woods. Her 6-year-old sister was rescued and treated at a hospital. A Thursday hearing at the U.S. District Courthouse in New Orleans determined that Callihan is mentally competent to face federal charges while being treated with medication, WLBT reported. A previous hearing in February left the matter unresolved, prompting a second psychiatric evaluation. Callihan faces two federal charges in Louisiana and seven additional counts in Hinds County, Mississippi, including murder and kidnapping. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center. Victoria Cox, a second defendant in the case, is also charged with capital murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery. She has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial on December 8 in Mississippi. Originally published on Lawyer Herald President Donald Trump may have given an indication about the ultimate fate of former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz before effectively removing him from his post on Thursday. Two days earlier, Trump left Waltz on the tarmac at Joing Base Andrews as he headed to Michigan. Footage of the moment published by CNN showed how Waltz was prevented from boarding the plane along with Trump and given indications from an aide. The moment Mike Walz realized he was done. Imagine getting on Marine One with your boss and then left standing on the tarmac 10 minutes later. What a circus. pic.twitter.com/K8x255qHm0 Kevin McNamee (@kwmcnamee) May 1, 2025 The White House told the outlet that Waltz was not scheduled to go with Trump to Michigan, where the president held a rally to mark his first 100 days in office. However, the Daily Beast cited three sources from the Trump administration claiming it was "odd" Waltz was left there, especially as he had just been with the president on Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Waltz's removal was announced on Thursday about six weeks after inadvertently adding a journalist to a Signal chat where highly sensitive information related to an upcoming attack on Yemen's Houthi rebels was discussed. However, Axios detailed that Signalgate was not the only reason why he was on thin ice. Waltz's way of treating White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was highlighted as a reason as well, with officials saying he did so with a dismissive attitude. "He treated her like staff and didn't realize he's the staff, she's the embodiment of the president," one official told Axios. "Susie is a deeply loyal person and the disrespect was made all the worse because it was disloyal." Vice President JD Vance also reportedly told Waltz on a trip to Greenland in March that he had to work "more collaboratively." Moreover, MAGA firebrand and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer targeted him during a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office and pressed him to fire specific staffers, who she labeled as "neocons," a term used to refer to people who hold hawkish foreign policy views associated with the Bush administration. Loomer suggested Trump should fire several officials he had appointed, including his deputy, Alex Wong, who is also leaving his post. She also showed him an old video of Waltz criticizing Trump. Loomer suggested Wong was the one who added The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg to the Signal chat, claiming that it was done "on purpose as part of a foreign opp to embarrass the Trump administration on behalf of China." Waltz is now the nominee to be the next ambassador to the UN, and Senate Democrats are already showing eagerness to grill him. Most members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee signed a letter in late March a letter demanding that Trump provide answers about Signalgate. Moreover, Senator Chris Coons said on Thursday that he is looking "forward to a thorough confirmation hearing," responding to a post showing Waltz checking Signal during a recent Trump cabinet meeting. Originally published on Latin Times Pakistan conducted a second missile test and India ordered civil defence drills in an escalating stand-off over contested Kashmir that the UN said on Monday has brought the two nations to the brink of war. New Delhi blames Islamabad for backing an attack on tourists last month -- the deadliest against civilians on the Indian-administered side of the Himalayan territory for years -- sparking a series of heated threats and diplomatic tit-for-tat measures. Pakistan rejects the accusations, and the two sides have exchanged nightly gunfire since April 24 along the de facto border in Kashmir, the militarised Line of Control, according to the Indian army. UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday said relations between Pakistan and India had reached a "boiling point", warning that "now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink" of war. The Pakistani military said Monday it had tested a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometres (75 miles), a launch "aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops". The missile test comes as Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi was in Islamabad for talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, ahead of a visit to India on Thursday. Tehran has offered to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, and Araghchi will be the first senior foreign diplomat to visit both countries since the April 22 attack sent relations into a tailspin. "We will spare no effort to help de-escalate the situation between the two countries," Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said. Pakistan announced a previous test on Saturday of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres -- about the distance from the Pakistan border to New Delhi. It has not said where either of the tests took place. Sharif, who cancelled a visit to Malaysia scheduled for Friday, said the launch "clearly shows that Pakistan's defence is in strong hands". Indian information ministry officials said that several civil defence "mock drills" would take place on Wednesday, preparing people to "protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack". Muslim-majority Kashmir, a region of around 15 million people, is divided between Pakistan and India but claimed in full by both. Rebels in the Indian-run area have waged an insurgency since 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan. India regularly blames its neighbour for backing gunmen behind the insurgency. Hindu nationalist Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India will "identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backer" who carried out the attack at Pahalgam last month, and will "pursue them to the ends of the Earth." Pakistan's government has denied any involvement in the shooting and vowed that "any act of aggression will be met with a decisive response". No group has claimed responsibility for the April 22 killing of 26 mainly Hindu men in the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam, but Indian police are seeking at least two Pakistani citizens they say are among the alleged gunmen. International pressure has been piled on both New Delhi and Islamabad, who have fought several wars over the disputed Kashmir region. US Vice President JD Vance has called on India to respond to the attack in a way "that doesn't lead to a broader regional conflict". Vance also urged Pakistan to "make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with". Russia's Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that Moscow was "following with great concern the atmosphere that has developed on the border", calling for both nations to "reduce tensions". In Indian-run Kashmir, a vast manhunt seeking the gunmen continues across the territory, while those living along the frontier are moving further away -- or cleaning out bunkers fearing conflict. On the Pakistani side, emergency drills have been carried out on playing fields, residents have been told to stock up on food and medicine, and religious schools have closed. With a strategic focus on strengthening its presence in India's leisure destinations, Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the debut of Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats. The addition marks the Group's 11th operational hotel in Rajasthan, expanding its diverse portfolio, which includes properties under brands such as Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson Individuals and Park Plaza. Nestled in the untamed wilderness of Jawai, this luxurious retreat offers an immersive experience in nature, combined with world-class hospitality. Conveniently located within driving distance from Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, the resort also enjoys seamless connectivity to Sumerpur Bus Stand and Jawai Bandh Railway Station, making it easily accessible to travelers from various regions. Nearby attractions include Jawai Dam, Leopard Caves, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranakpur Jain Temple and Devgiri Temple, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and bleisure travelers. The property offers an intimate yet luxurious stay experience with 32 opulent accommodations, featuring 22 premium rooms and 10 luxury villas. It boasts exceptional event facilities, including spacious outdoor lawns perfect for weddings and corporate gatherings. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at Amruttulya and Madira while enjoying a range of wellness and adventure activities. Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individual Retreats is designed for travelers seeking immersive and authentic experiences. The resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and local culture, allowing guests to explore the rich heritage of Rajasthan while enjoying world-class hospitality. From curated wildlife safaris and guided cultural tours to traditional Rajasthani cuisine and wellness therapies, every aspect of the resort is tailored to create meaningful and memorable experiences. Radisson Hotel Group continues to elevate Rajasthan's position as a premier destination for experiential travel, ensuring that guests leave with a deep connection to the region's natural and cultural heritage. Hotel website Google hotel reviews are user-generated ratings and comments specifically about hotels, displayed on a hotels Google Business Profile. They help potential guests evaluate a hotel's quality, service and amenities, and impact its ranking in local search results. Reviews are one of the most effective ways of getting people talking about your property and making it stand out to potential guests. Monitoring and curating reviews gives you the ability to continuously improve your hotels offering and reinforce your reputation through the feedback provided by guests. Why do you need a Google Business Profile? Establishing a Google Business Profile is the fundamental first step towards receiving guest reviews on the platform, and the registration process is straightforward so you can make a start in no time at all. Why wouldnt you want to increase your exposure in a well-formatted, universally accepted way? Google is the worlds most popular search engine with a market share of around 85% and over 13.7 billion searches conducted daily. Being present on this platform is the most effective way to make your hotel discoverable online. A Google Business Profile doesnt just help people find your hotel, the absence of one may send a negative message to would-be bookers, implying a lack of credibility. Moreover, people look for social proof and trust the experiences of past guests, so reviews that express favourable opinions of your hotel, via a trusted source, are extremely valuable. Positiver reviews not only build trust but also improve your hotels ranking on Google, creating a multiplier effect.The more favourable reviews you collect, the higher you appear in search results, which increases your likelihood of securing more bookings than the competition. 6 strategies for increasing hotel reviews Collecting guest reviews is an ongoing process, but very well worth the effort. Dont simply hope for guest reviews based on goodwill alone a proactive approach, including directly asking and offering a gentle nudge, is often necessary to encourage reviews. Here are some strategies that will help you collect more reviews for your hotel business: Ask at the right moment: The idea of the guest journey should always be top of mind for hoteliers, looking at every touch point with the guest to help form their opinion of the hotel. Kindly ask guests for a review during their stay or after check-out. This way they can share their experience when the memory is fresh. Make leaving a review effortless: Share a direct link to your Google review page where guests can leave a review in a few minutes. Add it to your emails, thank you messages, and even on a small card with a QR code in the room or at the front desk. Consider your international guests: If you have international visitors, offering review requests in multiple languages can significantly increase participation. It shows that you value and respect your guests, and it creates a more personalized experience that they will definitely appreciate. Involve your team: Encourage your hotel staff to mention reviews casually during friendly interactions, during check-out and any time your guests express anything positive about their stay. A simple Wed love to hear your feedback on Google! can go a long way. Respond to every review: Whether its positive or negative, replying to Google reviews in a timely manner shows guests that you care about improving your services. This builds trust and encourages more people to leave feedback. Offer a reminder and incentives: With a software tool like the SabeeApp Property Management System, you can send guests a follow-up email a few days after check-out, thanking them for their stay and inviting them to leave a review. Consider offering a nice incentive, for example a 10% discount on their next stay. This can also encourage rebooking. How to manage hotel reviews successfully Monitoring and managing reviews across all channels not just Google, but on your listed OTAs as well is a vital activity to improve your online presence. The way you respond matters. If a guest leaves a positive review, respond by thanking them for choosing your hotel and expressing the hope that they will return for another visit. If there is an occasional negative review, always respond with respect, understanding and the promise to resolve the issue. A genuine apology goes a long way in calming tense situations. It also benefits your reputation in terms of other potential guests reading the exchange. Addressing any legitimate feedback will also avoid repeat negative feedback. Curating and responding to Google hotel reviews is a continuous process which will yield significant rewards over time. A great feature of Google reviews is that you can opt for the Alerts function in the search query, which will ping you whenever anyone talks about your hotel in blogs, reviews or videos. Checking in to Google Maps will also reveal any new postings. In other words, be proactive! Take the guesswork out of guestwork It goes without saying that great hoteliers in every segment of the hospitality market are driven by the desire to deliver unforgettable guest experiences. Understanding what makes those experiences wonderful no longer requires guesswork, because the tools exist to uncover exactly what delights guests. The information provided by Google hotel reviews empowers hoteliers to boost their hotels visibility, improve guest experience, increase bookings and influence future guest decisions. The guest journey is always a dialogue, and Google hotel reviews help make the conversation flow. A post by SabeeApp Author: Virag Dajka, Content Manager at SabeeApp SabeeApp is a cloud-based property management system (PMS) designed to simplify and optimize the daily operations of hotels, guesthouses and hostels. The platform offers a comprehensive set of tools that allow hoteliers to manage reservations, bookings, payments and more, all from one central system. As a fast-growing SaaS company, SabeeApp is committed to helping hospitality businesses improve their efficiency, enhance guest experiences, increase revenue and minimize administrative tasks. About Lighthouse Lighthouse is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 70,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partnerstheir success is our success. For more information about Lighthouse, please visit: https://www.mylighthouse.com. View source Now in its 18th year, ITB Asia will return to Marina Bay Sands from 15 to 17 October 2025, alongside MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia. Asias premier travel event is already attracting unprecedented exhibition demand from National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) such as Singapore Tourism Board, Visit Finland, Malta Tourism Authority, Sabah Tourism Board, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Seoul Tourism Organisation, Visit Berlin, Sarawak Tourism Board, and more. Exclusive Buyer Elite Programme offers priority one-to-one meetings and unique branding opportunities. Media accreditation is now live, media may pre-register by 13 October to guarantee all-access pass. A rich selection of national tourist boards will also be in attendance. Delegations from the Czech Tourism Board, Lithuania Travel, Malta Tourism Authority, Philippines Tourism Promotions Board, Singapore Tourism Board, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Tonga Tourism Authority, Tourism Association of Sarajevo Canton, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Seychelles, Visit Estonia, Visit Finland, Visit Iceland and Visit Norway will share insights into their latest marketing initiatives and travel incentives. Regional tourist boards, including Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Department, Pattaya Variety, Penang Tourism Board, Phuket Tourist Association, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Seoul Tourism Board, Visit Almaty, Visit Rovaniemi and visitBerlin, will demonstrate how they are driving growth in their respective markets. Meanwhile, Travel Tech Asia will host a world-class lineup of technology providers. Trip.com, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Juniper Travel Technoloy, Go Global Travel, Rakuten Travel Xchange, Wego, DerbySoft, RateHawk, Worldline, Flywire, RESTEL S.A., SiteMinder and SUNRATE will unveil innovations in booking platforms, payments and guest-experience management that are set to revolutionise the travel ecosystem. The Buyer Elite Partner Programme continues to be a cornerstone of ITB Asias value proposition. In partnership with associations and agencies such as Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA), ASTINDO, BWH Hotels, Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA), Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), EVINTRA, IME Consulting, Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), Outbound and Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), United Travel Agencies and Operators Association (UTAOA), Vietnam Society of Travel Agents (VISTA) and Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), ITB Asia will deliver a hand-picked cadre of MICE, Leisure and Corporate buyers. Partners can recommend both existing clients and new prospects - ensuring high-quality, pre-arranged meetings that translate into real business outcomes. Exhibition space is filling fast. Companies eager to secure a presence at ITB Asia 2025 should register now at itb-asia.com/exhibiting. Trade visitors can take advantage of our Early Bird rate, available until 12 September 2025, by registering at itb-asia.com/visit-register. Media registration now open Media professionals are invited to apply for accreditation now via itb-asia.com/media-accreditation. The online pre-registration link closes on 13 October 2025 at 12:00 pm GMT +8, and on-site accreditation will not be offered. All media applications are subject to approval by the ITB Asia press team. For further information on ITB Asia 2025, please visit itb-asia.com or contact [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you to Singapore this October. About ITB Asia ITB Asia, Asias leading travel trade show, is organised by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. The annual B2B trade show and convention will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also MICE and corporate travel. Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting facilities, and travel technology companies are expected to attend. ITB Asia is the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing business relationships with the most important players in the region. About ITB Global Brand Family For more than 50 years the name ITB has stood worldwide for the travel industry knowledge 365 days a year, networking and trendsetting events - in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid format alike. As the travel industry resurges, the ITB brand family is among the first to come back to offering on-site in-person events. ITB Asia will be held in Singapore from 15 to 17 October 2025, covering the broader regional market. ITB China, the premier marketplace for China's travel industry, is scheduled for 27 to 29 May 2025, in Shanghai. ITB India will take place in Mumbai from September 2 to 4, 2025. ITB Berlin, the world's leading B2B trade show for the travel industry, will take place in Berlin from March 3 to 5, 2026. The inaugural ITB Americas will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 10 to 12 November 2026, covering the American market. Time off from school, warmer weather and a flurry of travel discounts drive millions of Americans to book vacations during spring break. And this year, changing vacation habits could see even more people booking getaways during this ideal travel time. Experts predict springtime travel is growing more popular as Americans begin to favor vacations in the months outside the busy summer season while also trying to prolong their trips. This is good news for the hospitality and tourism industries. However, an even greater influx of guests during spring break will inevitably add to the stress and pressure that frontline hotel workers already feel during this peak travel season. And while hotels know to expect the spring break rush, travel and accommodation patternsas well as guest behaviorscan shift from year to year. Hotels and their frontline workers must be prepared to manage evolving guest travel habits and expectations. And with the busy spring break period just weeks away, its a critical time to evaluate key tactics and opportunities to ensure an enjoyable season for everyone. Address Staffing Needs to Reduce Worker Burnout More guests arriving during spring break create bigger workloads for frontline hospitality staff. And if the right support systems arent in place for these workers, they can easily become overwhelmed and experience burnout on the job. This can create myriad problems for hotels, like reduced morale, poor employee performance, a diminished experience for guests and increased talent turnover. For some perspective, a recent survey from Axonify found that nearly half of frontline hospitality managers in the U.S. said theyre experiencing burnout from the demands of their jobs. Additionally, about two-thirds (64%) of managers said workers have left their roles because of burnout. Top factors contributing to burnout included high stress levels, understaffing, long working hours and guest volatility or escalations. But managers also said theyre noticing that guests are leaving lower tips on average, which understandably exacerbates workers frustration. The American Hotel and Lodging Association found that most (76%) hotels are experiencing staffing shortages, making it more difficult to adjust schedules to accommodate busy periods like spring break. By taking time to ensure there are enough workers to handle the spring break rush without being overloaded, hotels stand a better chance of avoiding worker burnout and the related challenges that can come with it. Hotel managers should hold staff meetings to transparently communicate scheduling needs and plans. They should hire seasonal workers when necessary to help meet demand during the spring break season. And they should take time to adequately address workers pain points and knowledge gaps before the rush. Managers should also keep in mind that employees dont only want to be supported to stave off overwhelmthey also want to be empowered to make an impact in their jobs. When frontline hospitality workers were asked what made them feel like they had a good day at work, Axonify found that two-thirds said getting all tasks done. About half said helping a customer or guest solve a problem. Only 40% said making good money. When frontline workers are equipped to succeed, the experience is better for both them and their guests, especially during busy times. Provide Continuous Training to Keep Staff Prepared for A Wide Range of Scenarios Ask most frontline hospitality employees when they last received training, and the odds are good theyll say it was during their onboarding. However, training employees only once after theyre hired creates challenges in the long term. Not only have they likely forgotten what they learnedthanks to the forgetting curvebut the training they received may also be outdated or irrelevant to the work they do or the interactions they have with guests today. Case in point: About 4 in 10 frontline hospitality managers say they and their staff frequently encounter situations on the job that they feel unprepared to handle or are inadequately trained to navigate. Also, about 2 in 10 managers say their companys training programs dont help their employees stay engaged and motivated in their roles or within their company. Hotels need to make training a continuous activity to keep frontline hospitality workers prepared not only for the bustle of spring break travel but for all the busy seasons that lie ahead. That training should also help employees develop in-demand skills and prepare them for the scenarios that theyre most likely to encounter. This requires a deliberate balance of finding the time for associate training and being available to meet guests needs. Because of this, training should be provided in a format that accommodates the realities of frontline hospitality work. Rather than making workers sit through lengthy lessons or complete learning modules during sit-down sessions, hotels can provide digital, on-demand training that workers can complete when its most convenient for them over the course of their shifts. Increase Safety Training and Security Measures for Larger Crowds More guests bring more business to hotels, but they can also bring more concerns about safety and security risks for both guests and staff. Spring break in particular is notorious for attracting large groups of party-minded guests, which can lead to poor guest behavior. In fact, spring break-related crime has led to some cities introducing new regulations to guard against disorderly spring breakers. Hotels shouldnt have to bar spring break crowds altogether but they do need to be prepared for them. For instance, hotel staff who interact with inconsiderate or raucous guests during spring break will need to know how to de-escalate conflicts and increase security precautions when warranted. There are also more serious issues like theft, security breaches and human trafficking that are at a larger risk of going unnoticed during busy times. Axonifys survey on human trafficking in the hospitality industry found that more than 6 in 10 frontline hospitality managers werent training their staff to spot human trafficking. Whats more, nearly one-third said they believe their staff would be incapable of successfully spotting an instance of human trafficking. Plus, consider that nearly half (48%) of frontline hospitality managers admitted that within the last year, they had to either ask a guest to leave or ban them from returning because they treated staff badly. With this in mind, while hotels take reasonable steps to ensure that their guests are kept safe, its not something they can always guarantee. Thats why all frontline workers need to have in-depth safety training. This can help them recognize and be prepared to respond to a wide range of scenarios, from identifying theft and detecting the often subtle signs of human trafficking to helping keep large crowds safe and de-escalating conflict with guests who may be angry or experiencing heightened emotions. Hotels can provide training for safety-related issues to frontline workers in several ways. For example, they can offer training in short bursts throughout the day. This can improve the likelihood that learnings stick with employees and allow training to be done at the most convenient times during their shift. Simulation training can allow workers to step into uneasy situations without actually putting themselves at risk. It can also give employees hands-on experience so they can learn how to handle dynamic situations like complex customer requests and demands that arent part of their daily jobs. Be Proactive in Addressing Workers Mental Well-Being Even when hospitality managers have strong plans in place for training, scheduling and staffing, they cant eliminate all the stresses of frontline workers jobsespecially during busy times. Interactions with guests who have an array of requests, problems and emotions are constants but during peak seasons, this can negatively impact their mental health. More than half of frontline managers surveyed said their company doesnt offer workers training to address their mental health and well-being, which means they arent equipped to address these challenges when they arise. Hotels should revise and refine their training efforts to help frontline workers be better prepared for the demands of their jobs, especially in busy seasons. Hotels should also consider offering mental well-being support, through various initiatives, programs, tools or groups, that give workers opportunities to express the frustrations, anxieties and challenges theyre facing in a safe place. Improving communication practices within a workforce can also help frontline workers feel more comfortable and empowered to take part in self-care and well-being conversations. Ideally, wellness is embedded into a companys culture, from leaders who encourage workers to take care of themselves to the regular promotion of wellbeing initiatives. Creating A Positive Experience for All This Spring Break For many, spring break is the perfect time to plan a warm-weather getaway with family and friends. And while vacationers are visiting the latest hotspots, hotels need to ensure theyre delivering an experience that meets guests needs despite increased crowds, duties and stress. But to do this, they first need to meet the needs of their workforce. By anticipating staffing needs, offering frontline workers continuous training and making sure guests feel safe and secure during their stay, hotels can be well-prepared to handle the rush of seasonal travelers who are already booking their trips and ready to pack their bags. Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from www.HotelExecutive.com. About Axonify Axonify is the proven frontline enablement solution that gives employees everything they need to learn, connect and get things done. It starts with brain science and AI to drive knowledge retention through bite-sized microlearning and daily intelligent reinforcement. Embedded two-way communication and feedback ensure your staff is engaged and informed, no matter the scale of your organization and guided task management shows employees exactly how to put their training to use, every single day. With an industry-leading 80% user engagement rate, companies use Axonify to deliver next-level CX, higher sales, improved workplace safety and lower turnover. Axonify enables over 3.5 million frontline workers in 160+ countries, with over 250 customers including Lowe's, Kroger, Walmart and Citizens Bank. Founded in 2011, Axonify is headquartered in Waterloo, ON Canada. For more information, visit axonify.com. View source In the lead up to the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 taking place in Riyadh next week, we asked several industry partners about the opportunities they see for the hospitaliy industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2025 and beyond. Luxury hospitality is at a pivotal crossroads. In an era defined by sustainability, authenticity, and hyper-personalization, the meaning of luxury is rapidly evolving. No longer is it purely about extravagance or exclusivity; todays luxury traveler seeks experiences that are purposeful, personal, and deeply aligned with their values. This shift is not just a passing trend it is a fundamental redefinition of what high-end hospitality must offer to remain relevant and resilient. Eco-Luxury: Redefining Premium Standards Environmental consciousness is now a key driver of guest decision-making. Travelers are scrutinizing the ecological impact of where they stay, how properties are built, and how operations are managed. Sustainable design, renewable energy adoption, responsible sourcing, and local community engagement are no longer optional add-ons but expected hallmarks of premium hospitality. Forward-looking properties are embedding green principles into their very foundations balancing luxury with stewardship of natural resources. For investors and developers, integrating sustainable practices not only enhances brand appeal but also delivers long-term operational efficiencies and market differentiation. Authenticity as the New Currency of Luxury Todays affluent travelers are seeking authenticity over opulence. They crave meaningful connections to the destinations they visit whether through locally inspired architecture, indigenous art and craftsmanship, or culturally immersive guest experiences. The most resonant luxury offerings celebrate their surroundings rather than isolate from them. They invite guests into the heart of the community and create emotional connections that no amount of marble or gold leaf can replicate. The Power of Hyper-Personalization Personalization is reshaping luxury service models. Modern travelers expect their preferences, histories, and desires to be known and thoughtfully anticipated. Whether it is through tailored wellness programs, curated local experiences, or intuitive in-room technologies, hyper-personalization enhances guest satisfaction and deepens loyalty. Data-driven insights combined with a human touch enable hospitality providers to move beyond transactional service toward delivering truly transformative stays ones that feel individually crafted rather than mass-produced. Aligning Investment with Purpose As these guest expectations evolve, so too must investment strategies. Hospitality investors are increasingly prioritizing projects that integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. Sustainability-focused developments, authentic design, and personalized service models are proving to be not only socially responsible choices but also strong business strategies. Properties that lead in these areas are attracting discerning travelers, achieving stronger financial performance, and securing long-term asset value. Vision for the Future The future of luxury hospitality belongs to those who can seamlessly integrate purpose with premium. Visionary leadership will be essential not just to meet emerging traveler demands but to shape a hospitality landscape that is more sustainable, inclusive, and enriching for all stakeholders. As the global industry convenes at FHS Saudi Arabia 2025 under the theme "Where Vision Shapes Opportunity," the opportunity is clear: to rethink, reimagine, and reframe luxury not as an indulgence but as a profound expression of authenticity, sustainability, and human connection. Luxury is no longer just about how a stay looks or feels its about what it stands for. Anne Bleeker In2 Consulting +971 56 603 0886 The Bench GBR Consulting Reports Greek Hospitality Industry Performance 1st Quarter 2025 Greece retained its 5th position as a top hotel investment destination in CBREs 2025 Hotel Investor Intension Survey supported by strong tourism trends and a growing luxury hotel segment. Greece registered 36.0 million international arrivals in 2024, up from 32.7 million in 2023, a growth of 9.8%. Travel receipts increased to 20.6 billion in 2024 from 19.7 billion in 2023 (+4.3%), excluding the cruise sector, which contributed 1.1 billion in 2024, an increase of 31.2% compared to 2023. The number of 5-star hotels and hotel rooms in Greece increased during the period 2019 2024 by 37% and 22% respectively, and the 4-star sector by 14% and 8% respectively. Data released in March 2025 by the Research Institute for Tourism indicated that the hotel sector generated an estimated total net revenue of 11.5 billion in 2024, of which 40% was generated by the 5-star sector and 39% by the 4-star segment. Compared to 2023, revenue at the 4-5-star segments increased by 9.9%, while the 1 3-star hotel rose 5.0%. The 3 5-star segments represent 56% of all hotels, 77% of all rooms and 92% of turnover. Click here to download the complete article. GBR Consulting is a leading Greek business consultant firm. GBR Consulting supports clients develop their businesses in a structured manner leading to growth. The firm offers their clients, who are mainly active in the tourism, retail, food, construction and energy sectors, lasting solutions in the field of strategy, marketing, organisation and finance, while also delivering litigation support. GBR Consulting 4 Sekeri Street, 106 74 Athens, Greece T (+30) 210 36 05 002 F (+30) 210 36 06 935 www.gbrconsulting.gr gbr@gbrconsulting.gr North Adams Public Schools to Destroy Former Special Education Records NORTH ADAMS, Mass. North Adams Public Schools will destroy special education records of students who withdrew, graduated, transferred, or were released from special education services during the 2017-2018 school year. The records will be destroyed after June 30, 2025. Former students or their parents who wish to retrieve these records should contact Student Support Services at 413-776-1670, options 3, 4, or 5, no later than June 25, 2025. The school district requests two days' advance notice for record pickup. MassWildlife: Fawn Phases Adult female deer, called does, typically give birth to 13 baby fawns each year. Most are born in May and June; however, fawns can be born in Massachusetts any time between April and September. Healthy fawns weigh about 4-9 pounds at birth and can walk within an hour. During their first couple of months, fawns spend most of their time away from their mothers. This separation protects the fawns, who are not yet strong enough to flee from predators that may be attracted to the mother. Let's take a closer look at the normal phases of fawn and doe behavior: Bed Phase (May June) The bed phase lasts for the first 58 days of a fawn's life (see photo above). Newborn fawns spend most of this time bedded on the ground alone laying very still even when a person or animal comes near. The mother visits very briefly only a couple times a day to feed the fawn and move it to a new location. If humans or pets are around, most does stay away from their fawn to avoid drawing attention to its location and return when the threat has passed. Does keep twins and triplets apart so if a predator finds one, they will not find the others. If a fawn is threatened, it may drop its head, flatten its ears, and even suspend its breathing. This behavior helps the fawn avoid being detected by predators. While fawns may seem like they are most vulnerable during this stage, it is actually the lowest risk phase for predation. Flush Phase (May June) The flush phase is the first approximately 830 days of a fawn's life. Fawns still spend most of their time bedded on the ground alone receiving brief, infrequent visits from their mother. During this phase, fawns lay still until a threat is close and then quickly runor flushto a new spot and bed down to hide. They may make crying or bleating sounds when they are disturbed by people or when trying to locate their mother. BE WILDLIFE SMART: During the bed and flush phases, people sometimes find what they think is an abandoned fawn and attempt to remove it from the wild. While this is well intentioned, it is harmful to the fawn. It is also illegal to possess or capture a fawn. If you find a fawn, the best thing you can do is leave it alone. The mother is likely nearby and continuing to check on the fawn. During these phases, there can be increased risk of conflict between does and dogs when does try to protect their fawns that are hidden nearby. Pet owners can reduce risk of conflict by leashing their dogs and keeping them close by when deer are in the area. Active Phase (July August) Active phase begins after a fawn is about 30 days old. During this time, fawns are strong enough to flee from predators and are seen more frequently as they start exploring their environment. Fawns begin to spend more time with their mothers and siblings during this period. BE WILDLIFE SMART: During the active phase, people often see fawns and their mothers near their homes and neighborhoods. Do your part to keep fawns and adult deer wild! Never intentionally feed wildlife and observe at a respectful distance. What to do if you find a fawn: Williamstown Proposes 'Contingent' Hike in Wastewater Assessment WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Finance Committee on Thursday voted unanimously on a plan that would give the Hoosac Water Quality District the flexibility to scrap a plan to import sewage from other communities to compost at the district's Simonds Road facility. It remains to be seen whether town meeting and the town's partner in the district, go along with the idea. Starting with the water quality district's initial budget presentation to the Fin Comm this winter, there has been a conversation in town about whether the district a joint enterprise of North Adams and Williamstown should enter into an agreement with waste hauler Casella to take in processed sewage and compost it for eventual sale for use as fertilizer. The district has operated a composting operation for decades. But in the last several years, it has come to light that processed human solid waste contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to cancer. Some states, including Maine, already have banned the use of compost from human waste from agricultural application, and Massachusetts has legislation that would do the same. For now, while such application is allowed, there still is a market for the compost. Casella has proposed a deal under which it would bring treated sewage from other water quality facilities to the Williamstown site to utilize its excess capacity, and the hauler would, in turn, take the resulting compost to sell it for use in agricultural or horticultural application. The HWQD sent Williamstown an FY26 spending plan that assumed the Casella deal goes through and which has a resulting "bill" to the town offset by the revenue the district would receive from Casella. Two weeks ago, the Select Board voted 2-3 , to recommend against town meeting passage of the warrant article that would set a 2025-26 sewer rate reflecting the budget the district proposed. On Thursday, the Finance Committee, which previously voted to recommend passage of the HWQD's original number, offered another potential path forward. By a vote of 8-0, the Fin Comm decided to offer an amendment to the printed warrant article at the May 22 annual town meeting. Chair Fred Puddester proposed that the article be amended on the floor of the meeting to add $200,000, a sum which, he said, would represent Williamstown's share of a more expensive sludge disposal method that involves using a landfill rather than spreading the PFAS-contaminated compost in agriculture. "That's estimated to cost [the district] $600,000," Puddester said. "Our share is about a third or $200,000." Based on flow rate, the district's smaller municipality pays anywhere from 30 to 33 percent in a given year. North Adams, which also takes in metered sewage from Clarksburg and sends it west to Williamstown, pays the bulk of the district's operating budget. Puddester emphasized that Williamstown is just one member of the district, which is governed by a board of appointed commissioners two from Williamstown, two from North Adams and the town cannot tell the district what to do with the sewage it processes. "If we want to take the position that we wanted to give the district the opportunity to choose a different method, we could at least put up our side of the money as an option," Puddester said. "We can't tell them to do that. We can't force them to do it. But we can, in my estimation, provide the funds." The committee Thursday voted to bring an amendment to the floor of town meeting that would increase the assessment from the HWQD from $1,018,044 (the number the district proposed and that is printed in the warrant) to $1.218 million, "contingent on the Hoosac Water Quality District implementing a sludge disposal plan different from that recommended in the budget." Fin Comm member Melissa Cragg ran the numbers to find what the impact would be. The current water rate in Williamstown where residents pay one bill that includes the cost of water they receive and sewage they send out of the home is $12.31 per cubic yard. "What was in the original [FY26] warrant was taking that rate to $12.25," Cragg said. "With this change, the $12.25 becomes $13.25. If you take that $13.25 and compare it to the current $12.31, that's an increase of about 7.63 percent on your water bill. "So I looked up what's the average water bill, and if you were paying monthly, based on the annual Massachusetts household, the bill would go, on average, from $83.55 a month to $90.34 a month. So that's an increase of less than $7 per month. But that's the average household." There are, of course, two parties that would need to be on board with such an increase. At Thursday's meeting, Select Board Chair Jane Patton, who voted in the minority of the 2-3 vote on the HWQD assessment at that body's April 14 meeting, expressed concern about expecting the neighboring city to go along with the idea of declining the Casella proposal. "There's also a moral responsibility to our neighbors, and to put that burden on North Adams, who, no criticism intended, does not have the resources Williamstown does, I think we need to be mindful of that, as well," Patton said, referencing the moral objections raised by Williamstown residents concerned about producing more PFAS-contaminated compost. "We have to be mindful of the decisions we make and how it impacts our neighbors, if we're going to use the moral argument." Puddester noted that nothing would change from the budget proposed by the district unless the four commissioners who govern the district say so at least in the short-term. The decision of whether to compost sewage for fertilizer could be taken out of the district's hands altogether if the commonwealth outlaws the practice, as has been proposed on Beacon Hill. The next meeting of the Hoosac Water Quality District board is May 14. "The one thing I like about this contingent thing is, they may decide on May 14 they're going to keep composting, and there's nothing we can say about that," Puddester said. "But on Sept. 30, the state may say you can't compost. Then they've got to change plans, and we've already appropriated the money so they can do that. "Otherwise, we'll get soaked with a bill that goes way up next year because they'll spend down the reserves to get through this year. This not only protects us if they make the decision but if they get forced to make the decision at a later date." Cragg asked the Select Board to consider taking up the question of whether to endorse the Fin Comm's proposed amendment at the board's May 12 meeting, in hopes that the two town bodies might present a united front at the town meeting on May 22. BCC to Hold Talk on State Fire Marshall History PITTSFIELD, Mass Berkshire Community College (BCC)'s Fire Science Program welcomes guest speaker Joshua Stanley to present "The History of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's Office: Transforming Tragedy into Progress" on Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. Local firefighters, BCC students and the public are invited to attend. The free talk will be held in Melville Hall, Room 317, located on BCC's main campus at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. It will also be available online. To register for the Zoom session, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/fire-history Shanley's presentation demonstrates how historic fires, explosions and building collapses in Massachusetts shaped the creation and evolution of the State Fire Marshal's Office. Case studies and lessons learned show how tragedy led to changes in fire prevention, investigation and public safety across the Commonwealth. "The history of firefighting in Massachusetts is a colorful one. So much progress has been made, especially in the areas of firefighting technology and training. Josh Shanley shines a light on this fascinating topic, and we are so pleased to be able to host this talk," said Daniel Garner, BCC Adjunct Faculty Fire Science. Shanley is a media specialist with the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, Department of Fire Services. He is an experienced emergency management professional, author and educator with over 30 years of experience in public safety, including roles as a firefighter-paramedic, emergency management director and consultant. He was a firefighter/paramedic in Northampton and Amherst for a combined 25 years, currently serving on the Exercise Support Unit for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. As the author of several historical works, including "Cold War Massachusetts," "Northampton Fires and Firefighting" and "The Connecticut River Valley Flood of 1936," Shanley explores the legacy of civil defense, disaster response and emergency planning. With advanced degrees in emergency management, education and business, Shanley has a unique perspective that blends historical insight with practical experience in modern emergency management and resilience planning. lunedi 5 maggio 2025, 01:55 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated The vote in the first round in Romania, which favors the populist, ultranationalist, and pro-Russian candidate George Simion, should concern us 'for the stability of Europe.' This is the belief of ambassador Stefano Stefanini, former Italian representative at NATO and former diplomatic advisor to President Napolitano. 'The elections have already been repeated due to fears of Russian interference in the 'stellar' candidacy of Georgescu, which had taken off as if by magic. And now we arrive at a result that sees, quite clearly in the lead before the runoff, a candidate who is on the same positions. And who even announces that he would appoint Georgescu as prime minister.' Is it possible? 'Romania is a parliamentary democracy. The President has powers that are not enough to invent a majority in Parliament on their own. It is a figure halfway between the French President and the Italian one, with powers in the field of security and foreign policy. We will see if he will also manage to win the second round and gather a majority, but the mere fact that he has already said he will appoint Georgescu as premier gives us a fairly clear perception of his autocratic direction.' What should we expect in the runoff between Simion and his opponent, Crin Antonescu? 'Following the French comparison, the runoff mechanism always leads in France to a coalescence of centrist forces and, given the numbers, if Simion has 30 percent or slightly more, this coalescence would lead to the final victory of Antonescu, who is a centrist and a representative of traditional and moderate forces. But Romania is not France, and instead has a history of very divisive and sectarian internal politics.' During the campaign, the two strongest moderate candidates, Antonescu and Dan, attacked each other fiercely. Can their electorates unite? 'It remains to be seen whether other forces will truly coalesce around the centrist candidate. They have a whole tradition of internal rivalries. The one who would have been Georgescu's challenger, if the election in autumn had not been annulled, Elena Lasconi, then plummeted in support. Romanian parties tend to fragment, which does not bode well for the ability of the moderate, centrist, European, and pro-NATO front to rally around a candidate.' Romania is a central country for NATO... 'It is strategically fundamental for its position on the Black Sea. It also borders Moldova and Ukraine and is very important for NATO's deterrence. And it could become even more so in case of a reduction of the American military presence in Europe. It is also a decisive country for the future integration of Ukraine into the European Union. Moreover, there is an ancient vein of Romanian territorial claims with neighboring countries. Hungary never forgets the Treaty of Trianon. A situation that, thankfully, has been manageable because Romania and Hungary were once part of the Soviet bloc and today, freely, of the EU and NATO, which prevents the explosion of ultra-nationalist impulses.' What does this vote tell us about the future of the rest of Europe? 'This is a final reason for concern not to be underestimated: in two important Western countries like Canada and Australia, the Trump effect has been to defuse populist impulses, while in Europe the opposite seems to happen, just think of Farage's recent victory in the UK and the AfD in Germany. All this demonstrates a European vulnerability from the east on the Black Sea to the west on the Atlantic, where the populist temptation inspired by Trump manages to mobilize rather than immunize. Europe's stability is not measured in Brussels, but in the vote of individual countries. Finally, there is a risk of creating a pro-Russia bloc in Central-Eastern Europe: Slovakia, with risks for the Czech Republic voting next year, Hungary, and now, perhaps, Romania.' Will Simion really become President? 'If the liberal and centrist forces manage to unite for Antonescu, Simion's 30 percent, even increased by the diaspora vote which is generally among the more nationalist Romanians, should not worry us. After all, Simion obtained a lower percentage of votes than Marine Le Pen in France.' 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 Nine people died and one was missing after a sudden storm caused four tourist boats to capsize in southwestern Chinas Guizhou province, according to state media. The vessels, carrying 84 passengers and crew, overturned at around 4pm local time on Sunday when a powerful hail and rainstorm swept across the Liuchong river in Qianxi city. The river is a tributary of the upper Wujiang, which eventually feeds into the Yangtze, Chinas longest river. Guizhous dramatic mountainous landscape and rivers are a popular draw for domestic tourists, particularly during Chinas five-day May Day holiday, which ended on Monday. State broadcaster CCTV reported that 70 survivors were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries while four visitors emerged unscathed. Search and rescue teams had pulled more than 50 people from the water by 7pm on Sunday and operations continued into Monday to locate the remaining missing individual, AFP news agency reported. President Xi Jinping urged authorities to make all-out efforts to find the last person unaccounted for and ensure proper treatment for the injured. Mr Xi also emphasised the need to reinforce safety protocols at tourist destinations and public venues, state news agency Xinhua reported. Vice premier Zhang Guoqing travelled to the scene to oversee rescue operations while nearly 500 personnel, including police officers, firefighters and medical workers, were mobilised by provincial authorities. Rescuers carry out search and rescue work after boats capsize on Sunday ( AP ) A video released by state media showed a man attempting CPR on a victim near one of the upturned boats, which drifted upside down in the swollen river. An eyewitness told Beijing News the storm arrived suddenly and thick mist made visibility poor. The cause of the capsizing was under investigation though authorities confirmed that the boats were not overloaded. Each of the two main vessels involved was carrying around 40 people, according to CCTV. The tragedy came just over two months after 11 people died in a boating accident in central Chinas Hunan province, where a passenger vessel collided with an industrial ship. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A child rights body in India is considering legal action after a three-year-old girl with a terminal brain tumour died during a religious fasting ritual, sparking outrage and ethical concerns. The incident took place in Indore city in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. The minor was initiated into Santhara, an ancient and controversial Jain ritual of voluntary fasting unto death, on the advice of a religious leader. The state commission for the protection of child rights said they were reviewing the death and would soon decide whether to recommend prosecution of the parents or the monk involved, the Hindustan Times reported. Although the incident took place in late March, it came to public attention only after the Golden Book of World Records, described as an independent world records keeping authority, issued a certificate recognising the three-year-old as the youngest person to vow the Jain ritual Santhara. According to local media, the childs parents, both IT professionals in their early 30s, turned to Rajesh Muni Maharaj, a Jain religious leader, after their daughters health took a turn for the worse. She had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery in January. She reportedly improved initially, but her condition deteriorated again in March. Doctors then installed an artificial feeding tube to administer liquids to her on 21 March. That same day, the parents consulted Mr Maharaj, who advised them to opt for Santhara. Maharaj ji saw my daughter's condition and told us that the girl's end was near and she should be given the Santhara vow. This fast holds a lot of significance in Jainism. After thinking about it, we finally agreed, her father told PTI news agency. We didn't go with the intention of getting her Santhara done, but Guruji said her condition was serious and suggested it. Everyone in the family agreed, he told NDTV. We were watching her suffer. It was a very painful decision, her mother said. I want my daughter to be happy in her next birth. The ritual was reportedly done at the monks ashram in Indore at 9.25pm the same day. The child died 40 minutes later, at 10.05pm. open image in gallery File. Jains attend a procession celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir in Bangalore, India, on 10 April 2025 ( EPA ) Santhara, also known as Sallekhana or Samadhi Maran, is a religious practice in Jainism where its adherents, generally the elderly or gravely ill, voluntarily give up food and water to embrace death through spiritual purification. Rooted in the religions core principles of ahimsa, or non-violence, and detachment from the physical world, the practice is viewed by followers as a means to shed karmic bonds and attain liberation. Santhara has been the subject of considerable debate in India. In 2015, the Rajasthan High Court ruled the practice illegal, equating it with suicide and making it punishable under the penal code. The decision sparked widespread protests from Jains, who argued that Santhara was a voluntary religious act distinct from suicide. The Supreme Court subsequently stayed the high courts decision, effectively allowing the practice to continue pending a further legal review. The application of Santhara to minors sparks particularly complex ethical and legal concerns. Legal experts point out that minors lack the capacity to make informed decisions about life and death. Further, the Indian constitution guarantees the right to life under Article 21. While Article 25 provides for freedom of religion, the right is subject to considerations of public order, morality and health. The decision of life and death of a minor is not even with the parents. This raises a serious legal and constitutional question: can Santhara be administered in the case of a minor who cannot legally or emotionally comprehend death? Article 25 grants freedom of religion but not above the law. Even religious practices cannot override a minor's legal right to life, senior lawyer Ritesh Agarwal told NDTV. In his defence, NDTV reported, Mr Maharaj claimed the deceased child had religious understanding equivalent to that of a 50-year-old. He has reportedly guided over 100 people into the Santhara vow so far. This is a religious practice meant for fully conscious adults, typically the elderly, Omkar Singh, a member of the state child rights commission, told the Hindustan Times. The toddler could not have possibly consented. We are examining whether this constitutes a violation of child protection laws and will act accordingly. A senior doctor familiar with the case told the newspaper that the child should have been in a hospital receiving palliative care. The child was already in critical condition. Santhara is an enormous physical and psychological ordeal even for an adult. A toddler cannot comprehend or withstand such an act, the doctor said. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. 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 Beijing and Tokyo exchanged diplomatic protests after an unknown Japanese group flew a civilian plane over a disputed island in the East China Sea. The Senkaku are a chain of five uninhabited islands and reefs in the East China Sea, located northeast of Taiwan and southwest of Okinawa. They are administered by Japan but claimed by both Taiwan and China, which calls them the Diaoyu islands. The Chinese coastguard said they launched a helicopter to expel a Japanese civilian aircraft that had entered the airspace over the islands on Saturday morning. The head of the Chinese foreign ministrys Asian affairs department, Liu Jinsong, lodged a protest with the chief minister of Japans embassy, Yokochi Akira, over the alleged intrusion by Japanese right-wing extremists piloting a civilian aircraft. Mr Liu urged the Japanese side to immediately stop illegal infringement activities and take concrete measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. Japanese authorities said they were investigating a possible connection between the Chinese helicopter's airspace intrusion and a Japanese civilian aircraft flying in the area around the same time. Neither Beijing nor Tokyo provided any specific details about the so-called right-wing extremists who allegedly flew the plane over the disputed islands. The Japanese foreign ministry said that the Chinese helicopter took off from one of four coast guard boats which entered Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku islands. The helicopter violated Japanese airspace for about 15 minutes on Saturday, the ministry said, adding that it had lodged a "very severe protest" with Beijing. The Self Defence Forces responded by scrambling fighter jets, the ministry said. Japan Maritime Self Defense Force P-3C Orion surveillance plane flies over the disputed islands called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China ( AP ) Japans vice minister for foreign affairs, Takehiro Funakoshi, issued a strong protest to Beijing over the intrusion and violation of Japans territorial airspace. This was the first Chinese intrusion of Japanese airspace since a reconnaissance aircraft flew off the southern prefecture of Nagasaki last August. China routinely sends coast guard vessels and aircraft into waters and airspace around the islands, forcing Japan to mobilise its fighter jets. In the past, Japanese right-wing nationalist factions, often loosely organised with some links to militaristic symbolism, have escalated tensions with China through provocative actions. In 1996, the ultranationalist Nihon Seinensha built a lighthouse on one of the disputed islands, sparking widespread protests in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In the wake of the latest incident, defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said: "China demands Japan strictly restrain the activities of its citizens, stop the provocative acts that complicate the situation in the waters and airspace around the Diaoyu islands, and avoid bringing unstable and unsafe factors affecting the overall situation of the development of China-Japan relations. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The crisis of declining birth rate in Japan continues to worsen, as new government figures showed the countrys child population has fallen for the 44th straight year to a new record low. In Japan the total number of children aged under 15, including foreign nationals, dropped 350,000 to 13.66 million, according to the data released by the ministry of internal affairs and communications on Sunday. Children made up just 11.1 per cent of Japan's total population, which was about 120.3 million in October 2024 following a new record fall in the country's population. Japan's child population has been falling continuously since 1982, Japan Today reported. At least 3.14 million children are aged between 12 to 14, while just 2.2 million are in the group 0 to 2 years. The are 6.99 million boys and 6.66 million girls in Japan. Japan has the second-lowest ratio of children to adults among the 37 nations with a population of at least 40 million, behind South Korea on just 10.6 per cent, according to UN data. In February, the Japanese government announced that the number of babies born in the country fell to a record low of 720,988 in 2024 a ninth consecutive year of decline. open image in gallery Peoeple march through the streets to mark May Day in Tokyo Births were down 5 per cent in a year, despite a range of steps unveiled in 2023 by former prime minister Fumio Kishida to boost childbearing, while a record number of 1.62 million deaths meant that more than two people died for every new baby born. The decline in Japans population has been raising alarm bells for years, amid concerns over how a shrinking workforce will impact the countrys economy and could even threaten national security. One Japanese expert on demographic trends has warned that if the birth rate continues its current rate of decline, the nation will be left with only one child under the age of 14 by January 2720. The latest figures released in April showed the overall population had fallen for the 14th straight year and marked the largest fall on record since the government began collecting comparable data in 1950. The number of people aged 75 or above grew by 700,000 to 20,777,000, accounting for a record 16.8 per cent of the entire population, the government said. About 29.3 per cent of Japan's population were made up of people aged 65 or above, according to reports. One reason for Japan's birth rate decline was that fewer marriages have taken place in recent years, stemming in part from the Covid-19 pandemic, said Takumi Fujinami, an economist at the Japan Research Institute. Although the number of marriages edged up 2.2 per cent to 499,999 in 2024, that came only after steep declines, such as a plunge of 12.7 per cent in 2020. "The impact could linger on in 2025 as well," Mr Fujinami told Reuters. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An upstate New York prison guard admitted Monday to the fatal beating of a black inmate that was caught on horrifying body cam footage. Christopher Walrath was one of six guards charged with second-degree murder in the death of inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility on December 9. Walrath, 36, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter taking a plea deal that could land him 15 years in prison. The prison guard admitted to beating Brooks, placing him in a deadly chokehold and striking his body and groin while the inmate was in handcuffs. He also admitted to lying to cops about what had happened. Brooks son, Robert Brooks Jr., celebrated the guilty plea, saying: This is one important but modest step on the long road to justice for my father. Now, Mr. Walraths life is in the hands of prison officials. This must be a terrifying prospect for him and his family, knowing what staff is capable of, and how little the system values the lives of incarcerated people, the victim's son said. I pray that Mr. Walrath has the opportunity in prison to rehabilitate himself, and come out a better man. open image in gallery Christopher Walrath, 36, was one of six corrections officers charged with second-degree murder in the death of inmate Robert Brooks in December. The shocking incident was caught on body cam footage. ( New York State Attorney General office ) Going free on bail, Walrath and his attorney declined to comment while leaving the courthouse. He is set to be sentenced on Aug. 4. A special prosecutor, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, said, I felt based on the evidence I had of Mr. Walraths involvement and the extent of the blows that he inflicted on Mr. Brooks which, in my judgment, were non-lethal that by his plea admitting that he acted in concert with the other defendants, I think it may expedite the other individuals to enter pleas, or may not. In addition to the six guards who were charged with murder, three workers at the prison about 180 miles northwest of New York City were charged with manslaughter and another was charged with evidence tampering. Four prison workers, including Walrath, have reached plea agreements, according to prosecutors. Brooks began serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault in 2017. He was transferred to Marcy from a nearby lockup shortly before he was beaten to death. The bodycam videos show officers beat Brooks, who was on a medical examination table with his hands cuffed behind his back. Officers are seen striking him in the chest with a shoe, lifting him by the neck, and dropping him. Brooks died the next day. open image in gallery Walrath pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 15 years in prison. ( New York attorney generals office ) The beating drew widespread condemnation and calls for reforms. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said she was outraged and horrified by the videos, appointed a new superintendent for the prison. She also ordered state officials to initiate proceedings to fire 13 correctional officers and a nurse implicated in the attack. Fitzpatrick also is prosecuting guards in the fatal beating of Messiah Nantwi on March 1 at another Marcy lockup, the Mid-State Correctional Facility. Ten guards were indicted in that case last month, including two who are charged with murder. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an altercation on a cruise ship in which another man, 60, died. Police rushed to the Southampton Docks on Monday morning to arrest the Exeter resident, after the cruise ship returned to shore. The 60-year-old man died on the MSC Virtuosa after an altercation on Saturday evening shortly after the ship left Southampton, police said. The ship returned to the city on Monday after the death on British waters, before police arrested the suspect. There was a lot of drinks flowing, Celia Kelly, who told The Independent she was on board the cruise with family to celebrate her grandmas 80th birthday. open image in gallery Celia Kelly said there was lots of drinking on the cruise, which is normal on a weekend ( Celia Kelly ) It seemed most people had the drinks package where you could basically just keep drinking, it wasn't quite as calm or refined as a normal cruise, she added. But she said they didnt see or hear any trouble at all, only groups having fun. When the cruise arrived at Zeebruge, in Belgium, passengers saw police and ambulances and began to wonder what was going on - with details of the incident having been kept quiet by cruise staff, Ms Kelly said. When we got off at Southampton today, there were a lot of police present again, Ms Kelly added. The deceased mans family members have been informed and are now being supported by specialist police officers. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident on-board, and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries. If anyone who was on-board has information that could assist, please contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary on 101 with reference 44250193676. Were you on the ship at the time of the incident? Email alex.croft@independent.co.uk Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hundreds of thousands watched from The Mall in London on Monday as an RAF flypast marked the 80th anniversary of Europes liberation from the Nazis. Buckingham Palaces balcony hosted the royal familys VE Day commemorations eight decades after King George VI first marked the Second World Wars end from the same spot. The aerial spectacle was followed by tea parties across Britain, including in Downing Street, where Sir Keir Starmer served up tea and cakes to veterans and other guests. The sacrifices of those who fought for peace must never be forgotten, the prime minister said. It was a privilege to join Second World War veterans. On behalf of the whole country, thank you for your service. Several royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, sat among veterans as the current crop of servicemen and women, including Nato allies, marched past the palace in recognition of those who served to defeat Hitlers regime and bring peace to Europe. Charles was seated next to Joy Trew, 98, who served as a wireless operator after enlisting in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force, aged 17, in 1944. The veteran said the king bent down and tucked me in to prevent her from getting chilly. open image in gallery King Charles speaks to veteran Joy Trew during the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day ( Aaron Chown/PA Wire ) Also among the royal party were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke of Kent, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. When the King and Queen moved inside and up onto the balcony, they acknowledged the cheers of well-wishers and watched a Second World War-era Lancaster bomber lead the aerial display. The Kings naval No 1 dress uniform reflected the outfit worn by his grandfather, George VI, on VE Day May 8 1945 who, with the Queen Mother, made eight balcony appearances to satisfy boisterous crowds at the palace gates. After Queen Elizabeth IIs death in 2022, this was the first landmark VE Day commemoration without any of the royals who stood on the balcony on that day. open image in gallery The royals wave to the crowds outside Buckingham Palace ( WPA Rota ) William dressed in the RAF No 1 uniform while Kate, whose grandfather served in the RAF as a fighter pilot during the Second World War, wore an RAF wings pin brooch. Prince Louis, who recently turned seven, did not disappoint royal fans, pulling faces as planes thundered overhead. Prince George, 11, joined senior royals at the tea party with veterans where a 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served with the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings, and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE), known as Churchills Secret Army, were among 30 veteran guests of honour, according to the Royal British Legion which helped organise the event. The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, near Portsmouth, that George is interested in learning about those who served in the war, the veterans granddaughter said. Samantha Davidson, 58, from Denmead in Hampshire, told the PA news agency: The prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans. George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service. open image in gallery Prince George and his father Prince William listen to veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace ( Getty ) She said Mr Littlefield was very happy that George had taken an interest in the past. Royal Engineers veteran Mr Littlefield said: Im very proud. William smiled as he shook hands with veterans and said it was very important for George and the next generation to hear the stories from those who fought in the war. Henry Ducker, 104, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, said Camilla spoke with him about her father. It was an honour to talk with her, she was quite funny, very humorous, he said. We had quite a laugh, she is a lovely woman. Camillas father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa. He died in June 2006, aged 89. On The Mall, two royal fans wore handmade dresses to celebrate VE Day at Buckingham Palace. open image in gallery Satvinder Cubb (left) and Grace Gothard, who made their own dresses for the occasion ( Emily Smith/PA Wire ) Retired carer Grace Gothard, from Ghana, made a union flag dress and hairbow for the occasion. She said the creation took her two weeks to make. I made this dress personally. So anytime theres any royal occasion, I make my own dresses, she said. It took two weeks to make. The last one was the Kings coronation, and that dress is in a museum now. Her friend Satvinder Cubb wore a dress reading Lest We Forget. I know people who have actually fought in the war, she said. I have a very close friend, hes 94 and was 14 at the time. Its just about thanking them all. Were here for a reason and have freedom now. Its important for us to be a part of it." Across London in Tower Hamlets, war survivors, refugees and local families joined together for a VE Day street party in one of Britains most bombed neighbourhoods. The event in Docklands, one of the locations most heavily hit during the Blitz was organised by the Bengali Association, local refugee support and other community groups. It featured 1940s music and dancing, Morse code demonstrations and food ranging from BBQ favourites to VE Day biryani. Local refugee Abdul Shakoor, who came to the UK from Pakistan nearly 20 years ago, spoke about his grandfather and uncles involvement in the British Indian Army. His grandfather fought in Burma and later died from his injuries. open image in gallery Abdul Shakoor in Londons Docklands, at a VE Day event organised by the Bengali Association ( Joe Haddon/PA Wire ) He said: VE Day means a lot for us. It was a pivotal moment for the whole Indian subcontinent, it was a moment of transformation and looking for a new horizon. We were proud of fighting with the Allied forces. A major part of the British army that fought in Africa and Europe came from Pakistan and India. In nearby Wanstead, Marjorie Gadd, 89, recalled the lights from boats marking VE Day in Falmouth, Cornwall, where her family had fled during the war. The whole harbour was alight it was so magical, she said. My mother said, Youve seen history, youll never forget this and she was right. This weeks commemorative events were kicked off on Monday by actor Timothy Spall, who delivered some of the words of Sir Winston Churchills 1945 victory speech in Parliament Square. My dear friends, this is your hour, he read aloud. This is not victory of a party or of any class. Its a victory of the Great British nation as a whole. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The sacrifices of the Second World War will be remembered this week as the King and Queen lead the nation in events to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The words of Sir Winston Churchills 1945 victory speech, spoken by actor Timothy Spall, will begin the VE Day commemorations, which will feature displays by the Red Arrows, appearances by senior royals and street parties across the UK. Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of central London on Bank Holiday Monday to hear the performance of Churchills speech, as well as taking in a military procession and a flypast. The events will start the build-up to Thursday May 8, which marks exactly 80 years since VE Day was declared. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the 80th anniversary as a moment of national unity. open image in gallery Alan Kennett (right) will formally begin the procession on Monday ( Gareth Fuller/PA ) Writing in the Daily Mirror, he said: It will be a moment to remember. A chance to applaud the lion-hearted generation that defeated Nazi evil. But also an opportunity to honour those who follow in their footsteps and serve in our forces today. Because, just like the VE Day heroes, they sacrifice so much to keep our country safe. In 1945, Sir Winston told Britons: This is not victory of a party or of any class. Its a victory of the great British nation as a whole. Below, we take a look at what can be expected for VE Day celebrations. Military procession and Red Arrows Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old Normandy veteran, has the honour of starting the procession involving more than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and youth groups. They are set to march down Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. Representatives of the Ukrainian military, selected from the UK armed forces training programme for Ukrainian recruits Operation Interflex, will also take part. The procession begins after Mr Kennett receives the Commonwealth War Graves Torch For Peace by air cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones. open image in gallery Members of the Ukraine Armed Forces will take part in the procession ( Lucy North/PA ) Commemorations by the Cenotaph People are set to gather by the Cenotaph to pay silent tribute to those who lost their lives during World War Two. The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union flags from Bank Holiday Monday across the four days of remembrance. Royal Family appearances The King, Queen, Sir Keir and Second World War veterans will be on a platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. Members of the Royal Family are later expected to make an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the RAF flypast. Large crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace in 1945 to catch a glimpse of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. The young Princess Elizabeth sneaked out into the streets to join the celebrating crowds and later spoke of being swept up in a tide of happiness and relief. Following Queen Elizabeth IIs death in 2022, this year will be the first landmark VE Day commemoration without any of the royals who stood on the balcony that day. open image in gallery The Queen Mother wipes her eye as she stands on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the 50th anniversary of VE Day with the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret ( PA ) Street parties Street parties will be held in towns and cities across the UK as part of the special events including community tea parties, 1940s dress-up events, and gatherings aboard Second World War warships. Local authorities throughout the country have offered support for communities and organisations wishing to hold a VE Day street party, with some councils like Portsmouth waiving fees to close roads for the celebrations. UK landmarks lit up The Palace of Westminster, the Shard, Lowther Castle in Penrith, Manchester Printworks, Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall are among hundred of buildings across the country which will be lit up from 9pm on Tuesday to mark the big day. Display of 30,000 poppies across Tower lawn A new display of almost 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London is also set to form another touching tribute. The poppies have been set to resemble a wound to reflect the long-lasting sacrifices made during the war. open image in gallery A display of 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London will help mark the anniversary ( Stefan Rousseau/PA ) Westminster Abbey service A service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance on Thursday, where veterans will be part of the congregation. Horse Guards Parade closing concert Horse Guards Parade will then hold a live celebratory concert to round off the commemorations. Longer opening hours for pubs and bars Pubs and bars have also 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. Bells rung in churches and cathedrals across country Churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells as a collective act of thanksgiving at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945, the Church of England said. Mild temperatures but possible rain The Met Office forecasts that temperatures will reach a up to 15C or 16C on Englands south coast on Monday. However, the forecaster did say northern parts of the UK might struggle to get into the double figures and that there may be some rain on Monday in central London. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukrainian troops will join UK forces in London on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the Ministry of Defence has announced. The procession, involving roughly 1,000 UK service personnel from across the armed forces, will also include Ukrainian personnel currently training in Britain as part of Operation Interflex. This act of solidarity highlights the global support for Ukraines ongoing defence against Russias invasion, the MoD said. VE Day, observed annually on 8 May, marks the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. The Ukrainian contingent will be drawn from those participating in Operation Interflex, a UK-led training programme supported by 12 partner nations. Since its launch last summer, the programme has trained over 54,000 Ukrainian recruits in crucial combat skills. The operation has been extended to at least the end of 2025, with an enhanced training programme to ensure the Ukrainian forces are equipped with vital battlefield skills. open image in gallery Members of the Ukrainian armed forces taking part in a procession rehearsal at Army Training Centre Pirbright in Woking, Surrey, on Friday ( Aaron Chown/PA Wire ) The Ukrainian armed forces representatives will join around 1,000 UK armed forces personnel, including soldiers on horseback and seven military bands. The MoD said Second World War veterans will be at the heart of the celebrations, watching the procession from the royal box at the Queen Victoria Memorial. One of them, D-Day veteran Jack Mortimer, 101, said: People from all over the world joined forces 80 years ago to defend freedom we must remember all of their sacrifices. It will be incredibly moving to see the VE Day procession and so many nations represented. It will remind us that these alliances still keep us safe today and why we stand by those who need our support. Mr Mortimer will join Second World War veterans at the Royal British Legions tea party and service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum. The VE Day 80 commemorations will begin on Monday with the military procession, expected to be viewed by thousands of people along The Mall. The procession will conclude with The Mall being filled by members of the public, and a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft. open image in gallery Ukrainian personnel will join around 1,000 UK service personnel in London on Monday ( Aaron Chown/PA Wire ) Defence secretary John Healey said: Eighty years after VE Day, we will celebrate our wartime veterans, our greatest generation. We will ensure their spirit lives on, not just in our armed forces but also in our values and commitment to strength through unity. In the midst of the first full-scale war in Europe since the Second World War, it is fitting that the Ukrainian armed forces currently fighting on the front line of freedom are represented in Mondays event. Major Pavlo, an officer of the Ukrainian marching contingent, said: The participation of Ukrainian service personnel in the VE Day parade in London symbolises our strength, courage and resilience. It is a recognition that Ukraine and its heroes stand at the forefront of the fight for freedom and peace in the world. We are grateful to our allies for their support and solidarity. A variety of events are scheduled to take place around the UK to mark the 80th anniversary. The King and Queen will host a tea party for veterans as part of the celebrations. Historic landmarks across the country will be lit up on the evening of 6 May, while a VE Day anniversary concert will be held by the Parliament Choir at the Palace of Westminster the following day. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Watch as thousands gathered in central London on Monday, 5 May, to witness the Red Arrows soar above the capital, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. VE Day, observed annually on 8 May, marks the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945, following Germany's surrender on 7 May. The day remains a powerful symbol of peace and Allied unity. Formed in 1964, the Red Arrowsofficially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Teamare renowned for their precision flying and patriotic displays. King Charles III, accompanied by senior royals and veterans, is leading national events to honour the milestone anniversary. The royal family is hoping to put on a united front without distractions for VE Day celebrations on Monday, after a bombshell interview in which the Duke of Sussex claimed his father refuses to speak to him. In a warning which appears directed towards the estranged royal, Buckingham Palace officials hope that nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries, the Times reported. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Reform UK will ban councils from flying Ukraines flag in support of the war-torn country, allowing only the union, county and St Georges flags on council buildings. Councils across the country have flown the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion in 2022 to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flagpoles, balconies, reception desks or council chamber walls, chairman Zia Yusuf said. As well as banning the Ukraine flag, Reforms plan would prevent councils from displaying pride flags. British and Ukraine flags fly side by side on many government buildings ( Reuters ) After a stunning set of local elections last week, Reform has taken control of 10 councils Durham, Kent, Lancashire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Doncaster, North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire. Labour MP and veteran Mike Tapp said: As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants. It tells you all you need to know about Nigel Farages Reform that their very first act after winning elections is to ban the Ukrainian flag from our town halls, in this of all weeks. But while it is sickening, it should come as no surprise: Farage told us that Vladimir Putin is the world leader he most admires. Farage and Reform councillors should stop sucking up to Moscow and drop their ban on flying the Ukrainian flag immediately. Labour has repeatedly attacked Reform over Mr Farages past comments about Putin, including saying he is the leader he most admires and saying the West provoked Russias invasion of Ukraine. Sir Keir Starmer said recently: Nigel Farage is fawning over Putin. Thats not patriotism. That is not what working people need. Labour MP James Frith added: On VE Day, we remember Britains proud tradition of standing with allies against tyrants. It speaks volumes that Reforms first act after their election gains is to ban the Ukrainian flag in the very week we honour the fight against dictatorship. Farage and his councillors should stop pandering to Moscow and scrap this disgraceful ban now. The Liberal Democrats said the party is really proud of the way communities across the country have come together to show our support for Ukraine or Armed Forces Day. A spokesman added: It would be a real shame if Reform councillors block their communities from flying the flag for our brave British troops and our allies against Putin, all for the sake of some meaningless virtue-signalling. A Reform spokesman said: Reform UK will proudly fly the union jack, St Georges flag and county flags. Unlike Labour, we are proud of our country and history. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Dave Portnoy says he is sending two college students who held up an antisemitic sign in his Philadelphia bar to the Auschwitz concentration camp so they can learn from their behavior. The Barstool president said he would be paying for the trip, to turn the hideous incident into a learning experience, admitting it was cliche and very unlike me. In an angry three-minute video posted on X on Sunday, Portnoy explained how he had learned of the incident while getting ready for the Met Gala on Monday. When patrons order bottle service at Barstool Sansom Street, signs are typically shown and displayed, he said, with some customers having chosen to show a sign reading F*** the Jews. Portnoy, who is Jewish, said he was hunting down waitresses, the table who did it, but that the two girls responsible for serving the tables had already been fired. open image in gallery Dave Portnoy says he is paying for two college students who held up an antisemitic sign in his bar to the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, so the can learn from their behavior ( Dave Portnoy/ X ) He said the students involved may attend Temple University. The businessman posted a video update shortly after, in which he said he had been in contact with all those involved in the incident and a solution had been reached, which he believed was a fair outcome. I'm sending these kids to Auschwitz, he said. They've agreed to go. That's of course, the Holocaust concentration camps and they're going to do a tour of the concentration camps in Germany and hopefully learn something. Maybe like, their lives aren't ruined, and they think twice, and more importantly, other people see, it's not just like words you're throwing around. So to me, that's a fair outcome of this event. open image in gallery Portnoy posted two videos to X in which he described the incident and said he was 'hunting down' those responsible. He later confirmed he had spoken to all those involved and had reached a 'fair' solution ( Dave Portnoy/ X ) The pair would learn a little bit about history and, hopefully, you know, get educated he said.. So for everyone who wants these kids' lives to be ruined. I think I think you can lay off and I think there's a fair f****** trade. Portnoy confirmed that the two waitresses had been fired, referring to one of them as the dumbest human I've ever talked to. I don't know if she thought she was making a political statement, he said, adding that he kind of forced her coworker to go along with the stunt. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Trump administration wants states to take over the management of Americas national parks something never before proposed by a U.S. president. In its budget request for the fiscal year 2026, which is also proposing billions in crippling cuts to space, health, education, and other areas, the White House argued that the The National Park Services responsibilities include a large number of sites that are not national parks, in the traditionally understood sense, many of which receive small numbers of mostly local visitors, and are better categorized and managed as state-level parks. The budget would continue supporting many national treasures, but there is an urgent need to streamline staffing and transfer certain properties to state-level management to ensure the long-term health and sustainment of the national park system, the request said, also pointing out that many grants are already supported by state, local, and private efforts. There are more than 430 national parks that span across 85 million acres, including every U.S. state and territory. It is unclear what handing over park sites to states would really look like or which parks are deemed not to be national parks in the traditionally understood sense, but there are hurdles in the way of implementing such changes successfully. open image in gallery The White Houses budget request would transfer a large number of National Park Service sites to state management. But, states are already struggling to fund their parks ( Getty Images ) For one, some of the countrys most beloved parks span multiple states, which could complicate funding approvals and management. Yellowstone National Park extends into Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited national park in the U.S. is located in North Carolina and Tennessee. Death Valley National Park is in California and Nevada. The NPS is also apolitical, so passing power to state officials could throw a wrench in critical and previously bipartisan work to protect the parks and the ecosystems they support. Furthermore, theres the question of money. Democratic California is home to nine national parks, the most of any state in the U.S. But, even its state parks took economic hits this year. Republican-led Montana, which has the most state parks, also has the smallest budget, when compared to its peer states in the Northern Rocky Mountains region. open image in gallery Many national parks are within the boundaries of multiple states. Yellowstone National Park is in three ( Getty Images ) Many states dont have the resources to maintain these parks and the federal government walking away from their responsibility would result in closed parks, safety risks, trails that are not maintained, and far fewer park rangers, Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect Americas National Parks, said in a statement. This will be disastrous for not just visitors and resources, but local economies who depend on park tourism as economic drivers. Notably, the budget proposal also comes amid a push to privatize public lands, and fears about opening national parks and other habitat for the Trumps administrations plans to revive greenhouse gas-producing energy. The Environmental Protection Agency just announced its plans to expand a uranium mine in Wyoming and the Interior Department has taken steps increase hunting access on public lands, to fast-track mining in multiple states, transfer federal lands to the Army, and increase oil and gas reserves in the Gulf of Mexico. New efforts announced by NOAA to mine seabed minerals would violate international law, according to China. open image in gallery The Trump administrations budget calls for a cut of more than $1 billion to the National Park Service. If implemented, it would be the largest cut in the agencys 109-year history ( AFP via Getty Images ) But, theres even more that the Park Service needs to worry about. The administrations plans came alongside a proposal for the largest budget cuts in the National Park Services 109-year-old history, announcing it could slash more than $1 billion. This year has already seen a 6 percent cut. Parks and conservation non-profits say the impact of those cuts would be devastating for national parks, which were already underfunded and short-staffed before the Department of Government Efficiencys efforts to layoff crucial staff members. We do so much work protecting the place, and thats the sort of stuff that is just going to get dropped, Alex Wild, a fired park ranger, told The Independent earlier this year. Some workers have been reinstated follow recent court orders, but employees have since been asked to help determine whether they should be fired, according to SFGate. open image in gallery An American flag is hung upside down below the Upper Yosemite Falls during a protest against federal employee layoffs at Californias Yosemite National Park earlier this year. Conservation group leaders fear more layoffs are coming ( AFP via Getty Images ) Whatever happens with the states, staff and budget losses are nothing less than an all-out assault on Americas national parks following a record-breaking year for visitorship, according to National Parks Conservation Association CEO Theresa Pierno. With a major workforce reduction looming on the horizon, she predicted that the worst is yet to come. The Park Service is our nations greatest protectors and storytellers. And our more than 430 national parks are our nations greatest legacy. Any effort to hand many of these sites over to the states is a betrayal, and the American people wont stand for it. she said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he offered to deploy US troops to Mexico to assist in combating drug trafficking, an offer that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed she declined. Trump's confirmation of the offer underscores the ongoing tensions and cooperation challenges between the two nations regarding drug control strategies. While the specifics of the offer remain undisclosed, it highlights the US government's concern over the flow of narcotics across the border. Sheinbaum's refusal, however, signals Mexico's commitment to maintaining sovereignty in addressing its internal security issues. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from Florida, said he had made the offer because the drug cartels were "horrible people" who had caused thousands of deaths. "If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, I would be honored to go in and do it," he said. open image in gallery Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks at a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, 30 April 2025 ( EPA ) Asked if he was disappointed that Sheinbaum had turned down the offer, Trump said, "I think she's a lovely woman. The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can't even think straight." Sheinbaum on Saturday she had rejected Trump's offer because "sovereignty is not for sale." Her comments came in response to questions about a Wall Street Journal report published on May 2 that said Trump was pressuring Mexico to allow deeper U.S. military involvement against drug cartels to combat trafficking across the shared border. Sheinbaum said the two countries could collaborate, but Mexico would "never accept the presence of the United States military in our territory." A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) told Reuters on Saturday that Trump had been clear that Mexico needed to do more to combat gangs and cartels engaged in drug trafficking, and the U.S. stood ready to assist. Trump has said publicly the U.S. would take unilateral military action if Mexico failed to dismantle drug cartels. The two leaders have had several calls in recent months to discuss security issues, trade and immigration. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Representative Cory Mills, a MAGA Republican from Florida, was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroism in Iraq in 2003 but those he allegedly saved dont remember him being there, a new report reveals. Mills was honored after he administered life-saving care to fellow soldiers Joe Heit and Alan Babin at great risk to his own life while under intense enemy fire in Iraq, NOTUS reports, citing the document recommending Mills receive the award. Mills enlisted in the Army in July 1999 at 19 years old and was honorably discharged in August 2003. But Heit told NOTUS that Mills didnt save his life, and that he didnt even suffer life-threatening injuries. I dont recall him being there either, he added. Henry Barbe, a medic who flew in via helicopter to help evacuate Babin, also told NOTUS he doesnt remember Mills being there. From what I understand about Mills is he might have been in the unit. I dont remember him being involved in the medevac, Barbe said. To be fair, I was worried about the patients. I dont remember him, and from what I understand, other people dont remember him. open image in gallery Representative Cory Mills earned his Bronze Star for reportedly saving his fellow soldiers in Iraq, but those present say they don't remember the lawmaker being there ( Getty Images ) Chris Painter, the platoon sergeant, said he can pretty much confirm 100% Cory Mills was not up at the bridges at the location of everything. Now, if he came to the company position to assist in escorting Babin to the BN aid station, I dont know...but he wasnt at the bridge [where] it all happened I do know that, Painter told NOTUS. Army documents recommending Mills for the award also state he saved Joe Ferrand, a sergeant who had been grabbed by an enemy insurgent in a separate incident, according to NOTUS. But Ferrand previously claimed Mills involvement in the incident was a fabrication and said that the act never took place, in a written statement to government officials. In response to these claims, Mills told NOTUS that no soldier writes their own DA Form 638, referring to the document used to recommend soldiers for awards. It is a recommendation for award and soldiers cannot recommend themselves, Mills said. The form must be reviewed and signed by commanding officers. Mills also conceded that it was true that Heit did not have life-threatening injuries and attributed the discrepancies to how chaotic the day was. I was on the ground, Mills said. It was a chaotic day and understandable that others may have different recollections of events. open image in gallery Representative Cory Mills speaks outside of President Donald Trump's hush money trial last year ( Getty Images ) The questions around his Bronze Star have been relayed to the Office of Congressional Ethics, Department of Justice, a U.S. attorneys office in Florida and the FBI, the source told NOTUS. This isnt the first time Millss military accomplishments have been questioned. Last year, Millss Republican challenger Michael Johnson handed out flyers accusing him of lying about his military service and committing stolen valor, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. Mills denied the claims at the time. Im tired of the slander and the defamation," Mills told the News-Journal. "I ran for office to be able to serve the American people, not to defend something I did 20 years ago over and over and over. Mills was elected to Congress in 2022 and has since proven a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. Mills even attended his hush money trial last summer alongside fellow lawmakers including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Representative Byron Donalds. The Republican lawmaker also made headlines February after his romantic partner Sarah Raviani filed a police report claiming she had been assaulted by Mills at his Washington, D.C. apartment. (Her significant other for over a year) grabbed her, shoved her, and pushed her out of the door, the police report obtained by NBC Washington states. Raviani, a cofounder of the group Iranians for Trump, then allowed police to listen in on a phone call between her and the congressman in which he allegedly instructed her to lie about the origin of her bruises. Mills vehemently denies any wrongdoing whatsoever. The Independent has contacted Millss office for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump says he has ordered that Alcatraz, the notorious California island prison, be reopened. The federal penitentiary closed in 1963. In a Truth Social post Sunday evening, the president called to REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering, Trump wrote. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets, he said, adding that hes directing the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. The president then made his latest attack on judges, some of whom had recently ruled against the Trump administration related to his massive deportation operation. open image in gallery President Donald Trump directed his administration to reopen and rebuild Alcatraz, the former federal prison off the coast of California that closed in 1963 ( AFP via Getty Images ) We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally, the president said. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who represents San Francisco, quickly rejected Trumps plan. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one, she wrote on X. Alcatraz mapped: The directive comes after a district judge in Texas ruled that the Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 wartime law, to summarily deport Venezuelan immigrants accused of being gang members is unlawful. The Trump administration has sent planes carrying immigrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador known as CECOT. open image in gallery The president wants to reopen the prison to house Americas most ruthless and violent offenders, he said in a Truth Social post Sunday ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The countrys president, Nayib Bukele, told Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month that he plans to expand CECOT, which has been attacked by human rights groups as a tropical gulag rife with abuses. The prison already holds 40,000 prisoners. Trump last month told Bukele that the homegrowns are next, referring to American citizens. You gotta build about five more places Its not big enough. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump greeted Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina and esthetician who was held in a Russian prison for over a year, at the White House. Trump met with Karelina, 34, in the Oval Office on Monday, shaking her hand and telling her its an honor. When the 34-year-old responded that it was her honor to meet him, Trump, speaking to the people she had arrived with, said: Now I know why you fought so hard to get her out of there. Karelina was born in Russia and immigrated to the U.S. more than 10 years ago, building a life in Los Angeles as an esthetician at a spa and obtaining citizenship in 2021. But Karelina was arrested in January 2024 while visiting her parents and sister in the southern Russian city of Yekaterinburg. open image in gallery President Donald Trump shakes Ksenia Karelina's hand in the Oval Office ( White House ) Karelina was accused of treason after she donated $51 from her U.S. bank account to a charity that sends aid to Ukraine on February 24, 2022 the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion into the country. Russias Federal Security Service issued a statement at the time claiming that Karelina had been proactively collecting funds... which were subsequently used to purchase tactical medical items, equipment, means of destruction and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces. Following Karelinas arrest, the charity she donated to released a statement condemning her arrest and calling on the US government to continue to do everything in its power to demand that President Putin release all those unjustly detained by Russia and to hold Russias political and military leadership accountable for their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. open image in gallery Ksenia Karelina (center) celebrates after she was returned to the U.S. from Russian prison last month ( REUTERS ) In August, she was sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony for high treason. Russian authorities claimed she fully admitted her guilt. Karelina was released last month and safely returned to the U.S. The 34-year-old was freed as part of a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, negotiated by the CIA and senior Russian intelligence officials. Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned Karelina before the swap. Today, the United States welcomes the return of American-Russian ballerina Ksenia Karelina who was sentenced by a Russian court to a penal colony for 12 years after authorities discovered she had donated to a Ukrainian charity, Mike Waltz said last month while serving as National Security Adviser. open image in gallery Karelina pictured in a glass cage while attending court last year. She was arrested for donating to a charity that sends aid to Ukraine ( Sverdlovsk regional Court press ) President Trump and his administration continue to work around the clock to ensure Americans detained abroad are returned home to their families, he added. Her release came after Russian authorities released Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in August during a historic prisoner swap. Theyre out of Russia. Earlier today, they were flown to Turkey, and soon therell be wheels up on their way home to see their families, President Joe Biden said at the time. This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here. Its relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who have been praying for this day for a long time. However, around 10 Americans remain in Russian prisons, Reuters reports. Among them is Stephen James Hubbard, a 73-year-old accused of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. He was sentenced to more than six years in prison after Russian officials claimed he pleaded guilty. The State Department declared Hubbard wrongfully detained, meaning the U.S. can now negotiate for his release. Hes believed to be the only American still in Russian custody with this designation, Reuters reports. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump is expected to bring in millions of dollars over the next month as he hosts two cryptocurrency-focused, lucrative dinners one of which costs a whopping $1.5 million to attend. On Monday evening, Trump will attend the Crypto & AI Innovators Dinner, hosted by MAGA Inc., a super PAC that supports the president. The event, which costs $1.5 million per plate, will feature special guest David Sacks, NBC News reported. Though MAGA Inc. supports Trump, he is unable to run for a third term, so it's unclear where that funding will go. Then on Thursday, May 22, Trump is slated to attend a dinner for the top 220 investors in his memecoin, $Trump. Around 80 percent of the memecoins supply is controlled by the Trump Organization and its affiliates. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has encouraged fans to purchase his cryptocurrency memecoin by offering an exclusive dinner with the president ( REUTERS ) Both events are part of Trumps push to get more people invested in crypto and make the United States the crypto capital of the world. In January, Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the U.S. and directed his administration to promote the use of blockchain. But the presidents desire to integrate crypto more with the U.S. has worried some who believe his personal endeavors with his memecoin and crypto company, World Liberty Financial, could pose a conflict of interest. State Democracy Defenders Action, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting election sabotage and autocracy, said in a recent report that Trump will likely profit from the very policies he is pursuing. The regulation of digital assets is in its nascency, but rather than divest his crypto assets to avoid any possible conflict of interest, President Trump seems to have positioned himself to maximize profiting from them by adopting a less aggressive regulatory and enforcement program than his predecessor, the group wrote. open image in gallery Trump has launched endeavors in cryptocurrency while also pushing for the US to get more involved with the digital currency ( EPA ) Accountable.US, a nonpartisan advocacy group that checks powerful individuals in Washington, criticized the president for holding a dinner for top investors in his memecoin. Never in U.S. presidential history has there been a more nakedly corrupt self-enriching scheme, Tony Carrk, the executive director at Accountable.U.S., said in a statement. The President is openly inviting investors to have a bidding war over who can buy the most access to him while he laughs all the way to the bank. There has never been a clearer case of a President using their office to put money in their pocket, or greater potential for special interests to buy an administrations favor that could threaten the public interest, Carrk added. Trumps memecoin peaked in value at approximately $70 after launching in January, but since announcing his exclusive dinner competition, its surged around 60 percent. Trump has likely made millions from his memecoin, with one Reuters report from February estimating the president had $100 million in trading fees alone. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice During a Sunday evening blitz of social media posts, Donald Trump demanded that one of the most notorious prisons in American history be reopened. Incidentally, the presidents sudden push for the tourist destination of Alcatraz to once again become a maximum-security prison complex came just hours after a South Florida PBS station aired the 1979 classic film Escape from Alcatraz. The president spent the past weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort, which is located in Palm Beach. REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! Trump blared on Truth Social just before 6 p.m. local time on Sunday. For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. According to local television listings, WLRN 26 Miamis local PBS affiliate broadcasted Escape from Alcatraz on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET. The movie, which stars Clint Eastwood, was re-aired the following morning at 11 a.m. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has repeatedly defended his call for the notorious Alcatraz prison to be reopened after more than 60 years. ( AP ) The biographical drama recounts the 1962 escape attempt from the island fortress, which is located in San Francisco Bay. While the prison was touted as being escape-proof throughout its infamous history, the film suggests that Frank Morris played by Eastwood and two other fugitives may have been successful in their mission. While it is still a mystery whether the daring escape attempt was successful, Alcatraz closed less than a year later in 1963. One of the main reasons for its closure, as critics pointed out after Trump floated the idea of once again making it a prison, was that it costs roughly three times more to run it as a standard facility. Due to its location on a small island, all supplies including fresh water needed to be brought in by boat. Additionally, experts have noted that it would cost millions of dollars and take years to rebuild the facility and make it a modern, functional prison. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. open image in gallery Hours before the president demanded that the notorious prison Alcatraz be reopened, a local PBS station aired the critically acclaimed film about the 1962 escape attempt. ( AP2007 ) During an Oval Office press conference Monday, the president was asked why he decided that he needed to resurrect Alcatraz as a prison after it had been shuttered for decades, prompting Trump to deliver a rambling response that included him touting his own cinematic vision. Well, I guess I was supposed to be a moviemaker, Trump who recently announced his intention to implement 100 percent tariffs on foreign films declared, adding: I mean, it represents something very strong, very powerful, in terms of law and order. Our country needs law and order. Alcatraz is, I would say, the ultimate, right? Alcatraz, Sing Sing, and Alcatraz, the movies. But its right now a museum, believe it or not. A lot of people go there. Referencing the flee attempt by Morris, alongside brothers John and Clarence Anglin, the president said that nobody ever escaped but one person almost got there. In the presidents telling, though, they found his clothing rather badly ripped up and full of shark bites. In the end, Trump described Alcatraz as representing something thats both horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable [and] weak. The president has a tendency to react to what he sees on television, most prominently by his virulent cable news viewing habits. A countless number of Truth Social posts and tweets including some he made Sunday have been in direct response to segments he had just seen on Fox News or other networks. It would stand out, of course, if the president had indeed tuned into PBS on Saturday night or Sunday morning, especially considering his recent executive order calling for the government to pull back all funding of public broadcasting. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has reiterated his threat of using military force to annex Greenland, despite the semi-autonomous Arctic nation making it abundantly clear that it prefers to remain independent. NBC anchor Kristen Welker revived the subject with the president during his appearance on Sundays Meet the Press and pressed him on whether he was serious about using force to seize the resource-rich island administered by Denmark. I dont rule it out, he answered. I dont say Im going to do it, but I dont rule out anything. open image in gallery Donald Trump sits down for an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. During the interview, he didnt rule out military action in Greenland. ( NBC News ) We need Greenland very badly, the president said. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which well take care of, and well cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security. Trump added the prospect of military action was unlikely but certainly a possibility. The president previously expressed his interest in the United States acquiring the territory during his first term, even posting a photoshopped image on X of a Trump International Hotel towering over Greenlands barren and rocky shores and sparking a diplomatic spat with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen when she dismissed the idea. Since returning to power, Trumps repeated overtures have been emphatically rejected by Greenland, Denmark and NATO, with a visit to the island by Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha in late March that was met with a decidedly chilly reception. A number of scheduled events were canceled and the couple were reduced to having only a brief lunch on an American military base because of an evident lack of local enthusiasm for their trip. open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance visits Greenland and was met with a chilly reception. ( AP ) President Trump says that the United States will get Greenland. Let me be clear: The United States will not get it. We do not belong to anyone else. We decide our own future, Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that month. Welker also asked Trump during their interview about his threats to annex Canada as Americas 51st state, a threat that helped Liberal Party leader Mark Carney win last weeks general election after he vowed to stand up to the man in Washington. The president admitted it was highly unlikely he would use the military against Canada and called Carney a very nice man whom he was looking forward to hosting at the White House on Tuesday. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps administration is promising $1,000 to undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country, but only good people and industrious people that could love our country will be allowed to return, according to the president. The Department of Homeland Security on Monday announced that illegal aliens who use the CBP Home app to self-deport will receive financial and travel assistance including $1,000 paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app. If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. Trump and administration officials contend that people who use the app to report their own removal will be provided an opportunity to return to the country legally. But under current law, anyone living in the United States for more than six months without permission cannot return as an immigrant for at least three years. Immigrants who were in the country for more than a year could be blocked from reentering for at least 10 years. Immigrants with a record of deportation also are more likely to face lengthy waiting periods, or outright denials, when applying for visas. Were gonna pay each one a certain amount of money and get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from, and they have a period of time, and if they make it, were gonna work with them so that maybe someday, with a little work, they can come back in, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. open image in gallery Trump promises beautiful flights out of the country for people who self-deport, but only good and industrious people will be allowed to return, he says ( REUTERS ) If theyre good people, if theyre the kind of people we want in our company, industrious people that could love our country. And if not they, wont. But it will give them a path to you know coming back into the country, he added. If they miss that limit, theyre gonna be taken out of our country, and they never have, and they have never, they will never get a path to come back in, and itll be a much tougher process. And its called self-deportation, he said. The proposal follows stagnant deportation numbers within the first few months of Trumps presidency despite his anti-immigration agenda promising sweeping removals. The administration shut down the Joe Biden-era CBP One app, which granted immigrants a legal pathway to enter the United States, and relaunched the app as CBP Home so users can notify the government their intent to leave the country. At least 5,000 immigrants have reportedly used CBP Home to announce they were voluntarily leaving the country, according to the Migration Policy Institute, an immigration think tank. The Trump administration is now battling in courtrooms across the country to summarily remove dozens of alleged Tren de Aragua gang members, labelled alien enemies who can be summarily deported from the country under his invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a centuries-old wartime law most recently used to detain Japanese Americans during the Second World War. The law grants authority to the president to remove targeted immigrants during a declared war or if there is an invasion or predatory incursion. Last week, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas delivered yet another blow to the presidents so-called mass deportation operation with a ruling that found the government does not possess the lawful authority to summarily deport alleged Venezuelan gang members under his use of the Alien Enemies Act. open image in gallery Trumps border czar Tom Homan and administration officials claim immigrants who self-deport through the CBP Home app can begin a legal process for returning, but they face years-long waiting periods and obstacles for approval ( EPA ) Federal judges across the ideological spectrum have also rebuked the administration for failing to retrieve a Salvadoran father living in Maryland who the administration admitted was wrongly deported to a notorious jail in his home country by error despite a court order preventing that from happening. A unanimous Supreme Court agreed that the government must facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcias return, and that the United States acknowledges that Abrego Garcia was subject to a withholding order forbidding his removal to El Salvador, and that the removal to El Salvador was therefore illegal. The president and his allies have raged at court decisions blocking his agenda, accusing judges of obstructing what he calls a mandate from voters to remove millions of undocumented immigrants. Trump and his allies have accused judges of demanding trials for targeted immigrants, despite the fact that immigration courts do not have juries or witnesses and serve under the Department of Justice and at the direction of the attorney general. Its a very difficult thing with the courts. The courts have all of a sudden out of nowhere have said maybe you have to have trials. Were gonna have 5 million trials? Doesnt work. Doesnt work, he said Monday. You wouldn't have a country left. But hopefully the Supreme Court will save it. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A pregnant Guatemalan woman wandered the Arizona desert alone for two days before she was detained by immigration authorities. She was immediately taken to the hospital, where she gave birth, and federal authorities waited outside her room to detain her. The woman, identified by her attorney as Erika, gave birth to a six-pound girl on April 30. She named her Emily. She gave birth under supervision, according to a spokesperson with the Department of Homeland Security, and she was swiftly transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, separated from her newborn, drawing outrage from immigrants advocacy groups and state and local officials. However, that public outcry appeared to lead to a quick reversal, ending her seemingly immediate deportation. After two days in custody, Erika and her baby are now in Tennessee, awaiting a first appearance in front of an immigration judge. She is expected to make her case for asylum after feeling violence and instability in her home country, her attorney Luis Campos told The Independent. open image in gallery Border agents apprehended Erika in stretch of desert in Arizona near the U.S. Mexico border where she had wandered alone for two days ( REUTERS ) Federal authorities as well as the Tucson Medical Center and local officials were flooded with calls, and a protest march outside the hospital demanded her release from ICE custody, Campos said. In the end, it was a grassroots effort that turned the tide, he told The Independent. I think Tucson served as a good model for what the people can do on the ground level. Erikas case follows Donald Trumps aggressive anti-immigration agenda and the end of long-standing ICE policy that prohibited enforcement actions in places such as schools and hospitals, opening the possibility for immigrant mothers to be separated from their mixed-status families or swiftly deported with their natural-born citizen children. Campos was denied entry at the hospital after learning about his client going into labor, he told The Independent. He scrambled to reach her, but messages to federal law enforcement were just completely ignored, he said. Erika was denied a Fifth Amendment right to counsel and could not sign paperwork notifying immigration authorities that he was representing her, he said. Was she going to be separated from her child? We had posed a lot of important questions that went unheeded, Campos said. Erika was initially placed under expedited removal a process to swiftly remove her, and her U.S.-born child from the country. She was then given a notice to appear, allowing her to leave ICE custody before she appears in front of an immigration judge, where she is expected to make her case for asylum. So there was a complete reversal, Campos said. I think that the community had a significant, if not probably more than significant, part in securing that reversal. Arizonas Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs reportedly intervened to support Erikas release. While Gov. Hobbs supports securing the border, she has been clear in her opposition to inhumane immigration enforcement practices, according to her spokesperson Liliana Soto. The governor will continue fighting to protect the constitutional rights of every Arizonan and keep our communities safe. This is exactly the kind of circumstance that humanitarian exceptions to the law are meant for, Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a statement. In a statement on May 3, Customs and Border Patrol said agents apprehended a pregnant Guatemalan woman who illegally crossed into the United States from Mexico between ports of entry near Tres Bellotas Ranch, federal land just north of the southern border along the Sonoran Desert and roughly 70 miles from Tucson. Under U.S. law, there is no statutory right to an attorney in immigration proceedings until a Notice to Appear has been issued, the statement said. At all times, agents followed the law and adhered to CBP procedures. No entitlements were denied." A spokesperson for Tucson Medical Center told The Independent that law enforcement is not allowed on the hospitals property absent an invitation, in conjunction with care for a person in police custody or taking action pursuant to an appropriately documented warrant. We will comply with lawful orders or warrants, but our property (since it is private) will not be used for random sweeps or other general investigative purposes, the statement said. Tucson Medical Center does not collect or require documented status to receive care at our hospital or clinics, the spokesperson added. It is not our role or responsibility to collect or share information about immigration status. open image in gallery Erika was detained near federal land north of the southern border along the Sonoran Desert, roughly 70 miles from Tucson. She has been released from ICE custody after public outcry. ( AFP via Getty Images ) After she was discharged on May 3, Erika was moved to Phoenix, more than 100 miles away. There, she received support from the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian aid group, which helped her into a nearby hotel before a friend helped move her to Tennessee. Erika was extraordinarily composed but clearly exhausted, Campos said. Her ordeal follows several high-profile cases involving the rapid removal of young U.S. citizen children with their mothers while the Trump administration is pushing the Supreme Court for permission to unilaterally redefine the 14th Amendments provision for birthright citizenship to which Erikas newborn is entitled. Earlier this month, despite attempts from lawyers and family members to intervene, immigration authorities deported a two-year-old U.S. citizen alongside their pregnant mother without any meaningful process, according to a federal judge. At least two other children, ages four and seven, were also recently removed from the country with their mother. One of those children is diagnosed with cancer and is now separated from treatment in the United States. In his executive order signed on his first day in office, Trump is seeking to deny citizenship to children born in the United States if their parents are unlawfully present or have lawful but temporary status in the country. Several federal judges have paused the order nationwide, and the administration is calling on the Supreme Court to limit the scope of those rulings to apply only to the states that sued and won. The justices are scheduled to hear oral arguments May 15. 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 Anthony Albanese said he had a very warm conversation with American president Donald Trump after becoming the first Australian prime minister to win a second consecutive term in over two decades. Mr Albanese said he discussed the Aukus military pact and the Trump administrations sweeping tariffs in a congratulatory phone call following his stunning comeback. Mr Albanese of the Labor Party won against the conservative Liberal-National coalition led by Peter Dutton as Mr Trumps global tariff war and the fear of centre-right leaders mirroring Trump-style politics shaped the election in his favour. "I had a warm and positive conversation with President Trump," Mr Albanese said. "We talked about how Aukus and tariffs will continue to engage, we will engage with each other on a face-to-face basis at some time in the future." Aukus is a nearly 180 bn security cooperation deal involving Australia, the US and the UK aimed at helping Canberra upgrade its naval capabilities by acquiring nuclear submarines Mr Trump, on his part, lavished praise on Mr Albanese, calling him a very good leader who was very friendly with him. "I don't know anything about the election other than the man that won, he's very good," Mr Trump told reporters at the White House after disembarking from the Marine One helicopter. "Albanese I'm very friendly with, he continued. I can only say that he's been very, very nice to me, very respectful to me." Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House ( Getty ) As counting continued on Monday, Mr Albaneses Labor led on 85 of the 150 lower house seats. At least one dozen seats were too close to call, with more than three-quarters of the votes tallied. Mr Dutton, 54, had been leading in polls but ended up losing his parliamentary seat of 24 years in a major setback for the opposition leader. The election campaign saw Labor strongly criticise Mr Dutton for indicating he would mimic some of Mr Trumps policies. The ruling party also claimed that the opposition coalition would Americanise the health system. Mr Dutton campaigned on hard-line conservatism as well as his controversial immigration policies and criticism of China, seemingly echoing some of Mr Trumps rhetoric. Opposition lawmaker Jason Wood, leading in his electorate in Melbourne's southeast, said his party had thought Mr Trump's election would boost the party's fortunes but such hopes were never realised. The US last month imposed a 10 per cent levy on imports from Australia, making it one of the countries burdened with the lowest tariff rate. Australia is one of the few major countries that the US enjoys a trade surplus with. Mr Albanese lashed out at the levy but said he would try and strike a deal with the Trump administration. We made it very clear that was an act of self-harm by the United States, Mr Albanese said at the time. After his election, the prime minister said he had received congratulatory calls from the leaders of Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, France, UK, and India as well. He announced that he would open his second stint in power with a visit to Indonesia. "My first international visit will be just like last time when my first bilateral was to Indonesia," he said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The jury in Australias alleged mushroom killer case was shown Facebook messages and photos on Monday from a true crime group chat in which Erin Patterson appeared to joke about hiding powdered mushrooms in food, including brownies given to her children. A witness named Daniela Barkley testified that the accused, Ms Patterson, shared the messages and photos after buying a food dehydrator and seemed excited about using it, including sharing a photo of mushrooms drying in the device. Ms Barkley said that Ms Patterson was a bit excited that she purchased a food dehydrator. So, fun fact, the dehydrator reduces mushroom mass by 90 per cent, Ms Patterson is alleged to have said in one message, do you think Woolies would mind if I brought the dehydrator into their vegetable section and dry things before I buy them? The jury was also shown a picture said to be Ms Pattersons dehydrator with mushrooms on the shelves. Erin sent it to us, Ms Barkley said. The witness was given photos of chopped button mushrooms and said that Ms Patterson had shared them in the group chat. Ms Patterson, 50,is on trial for allegedly serving a meal laced with deadly mushrooms that killed three of her former in-laws and left a fourth critically ill. Prosecutors allege that she fabricated a cancer diagnosis to lure her estranged husbands parents and his uncle and aunt to lunch at her home in July 2023 and poisoned their food. They claim Ms Patterson then disposed of a dehydrator containing traces of the toxic mushrooms at a rubbish site. Ms Patterson, who is from Victoria, denies the charges of murder and attempted murder brought against her. She insists the poisoning was a tragic accident. Ms Barkley also said Ms Patterson had asked for advice about cooking beef Wellington, the dish she later served her elderly relatives. I just specifically remember the conversation because I didnt actually know what a beef Wellington was because Im mostly vegetarian, Ms Barkley said. So I made a joke about it: No, but if I could, Id make a tofu Wellington. And everyone just thought that was awful. So we had a good laugh about that. A few days after that online chat, Ms Barkley told the jury, Ms Patterson posted a photo of a cut of meat and asked the group if it was suitable for a beef Wellington. We all just assumed it was for her and the kids, the witness said. The jury also heard that Ms Patterson had told members of the Facebook group on multiple occasions that she loved mushrooms. open image in gallery Erin Patterson speaks to reporters outside her home in Leongatha, Victoria, on 3 November 2023 ( via Reuters ) On Monday, Ms Pattersons estranged husband, Simon Patterson, denied ever accusing her of using a dehydrator to poison anyone. He was questioned by Ms Pattersons lawyer, Colin Mandy. Two days after the fatal lunch, Mandy suggested, Mr Patterson confronted his ex-wife while he was alone with her in a hospital room, asking her if she used the food dehydrator to poison his parents. Let me suggest that just after the conversation about the dehydrator, you said to Erin: Is that what you used to poison them? the lawyer said. I did not say that to Erin, he replied. Mr Patterson had previously told the court that Ms Patterson never asked after her sick guests after they were taken to hospital. In a phone call following the lunch, he said, his ex-wife described feeling sick but did not ask after her guests his parents, Don and Gail Patterson and his aunt and uncle, Heather and Ian Wilkinson who had fallen seriously ill. It intrigued me that she didn't actually ask, he said, adding that Ms Patterson knew that her guests were ill. We did not have that conversation, I think, at any time." open image in gallery Simon Patterson leaves the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Victoria, on 1 May 2025 ( EPA ) Mr Patterson told the jury on Monday that he was puzzled when his former wife invited him to that 29 July 2023 lunch. I remember feeling puzzled after she invited me to the lunch that although she had communicated it was a serious medical issue that was to be talked about, it was going to be weeks later that the conversation was going to happen, he explained. I couldnt reconcile those two facts. Although he was invited, Mr Patterson did not attend the lunch. Chief prosecutor Nanette Rogers asked Mr Patterson why he had not contacted Ms Patterson after the lunch to find out what the issue was. The estranged husband said he didnt feel much urgency. I figured that is her news to tell, he explained. Its her timing to tell it. A second witness, Christine Hunt, who appeared via a video link, testified about her online friendship with Ms Patterson, which began around six years ago in a Facebook true crime group focused on the Keli Lane case. Later, a smaller offshoot group of 20-30 people formed from the Keli Lane true crime community. She said Ms Patterson would post about just the challenges she was facing, the difficulties she had as a single mum. The witness said Ms Patterson was highly regarded in the Facebook group and described her as a super sleuth. She told the court Ms Patterson described Mr Patterson as controlling and coercive on several occasions. They are the two words that I really do recall strongly that were used repeatedly, she said. The trial continues. 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 In the jasmine-scented, tourist-thronged streets of Rome, a quiet drama unfolds behind closed doors. Cardinals, gathered to elect Pope Francis's successor, engage in a discreet dance of dinner parties, coffee meet-ups, and private conversations, all aimed at discerning who possesses the qualities to lead the Catholic Church. This pre-conclave manoeuvring echoes the events of March 2013, when Cardinal Cormac Murphy-OConnor, then retired archbishop of Westminster, and other European reformers championed the candidacy of an Argentine Jesuit, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who ultimately became Pope Francis. Their behind-the-scenes advocacy proved decisive. While Cardinal Vincent Nichols now holds Murphy-OConnors former position, he has adopted a different approach to the pre-conclave period. "Were of quite different styles," Cardinal Nichols admitted during an interview at the Venerable English College in Rome. "Cardinal Cormac would love to be at the centre of the party. Im a little more reserved than that and a little bit more introverted." Despite his more reserved demeanor, Cardinal Nichols, 79, offered a glimpse into the current dynamics among the cardinal-electors. Between meals of Roman carbonara, these figures are engaging in a process of mutual assessment, getting to know one another after bidding farewell to the pope who appointed the majority of them. Cardinal Nichols says he is spending these days before his first conclave listening, as cardinals meet each morning in a Vatican auditorium to discuss the needs of the Catholic Church and the type of person who can lead it. These meetings are open to all cardinals, including those over 80, while the conclave itself in the Sistine Chapel is limited to cardinals who have not yet reached 80. open image in gallery Cardinals arrive to attend the sixth Novemdiales mass held for the late Pope Francis in St. Peters Basilica, on May 1 ( Getty ) Not a boys brigade that marches in step Cardinal Nichols said a picture of the future pope is beginning to form, at least in his mind, as cardinals look back at Francis 12-year pontificate and see where to go from here when they begin voting on Wednesday. I suppose were looking for somebody who even in their manner not only expresses the depth of the faith, but also its openness as well, Cardinal Nichols said. Pope Benedict XVI named Cardinal Nichols archbishop of Westminster in 2009 but he didn't become a cardinal until 2014, when Francis tapped him in his first batch of cardinals. Francis went on to name Cardinal Nichols as a member of several important Vatican offices, including the powerful dicastery for bishops, which vets bishop nominations around the world. My experience so far, to be quite honest with you, is theres a lot of attentive listening, Cardinal Nichols said. Thats listening to the people who might have an idea today of who they think is the best candidate, and I wouldnt be surprised if by Monday they might have changed their mind. Cardinal Nichols said the picture that is emerging is of seeing Francis pontificate in continuity with the more doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and of appreciating the multicultural reality of the Catholic Church today. Francis greatly expanded the College of Cardinals to include cardinals from far-flung places like Tonga and Mongolia, rather than just the traditional centres of European Catholicism. open image in gallery Cardinal Vincent Nichols at the Venerable English College, in Rome ( AP ) Yes, divisions and disagreements have been aired. But I can never remember a time when Catholics all agreed about everything, Cardinal Nichols said. Were not a boys brigade that marches in step. But he said he sensed that cardinals believe Francis reforming papacy and radical call to prioritise the poor and marginalised, to care for the planet and all its people, needed further consolidating with another papacy. Theres a sense that the initiatives that this man of such originality took, they probably do need rooting a bit more to give them that stability and evident continuity, he said. So that these arent just the ideas of one person, one charismatic person, but they are actually consistently part of how the church reflects on humanity, our own humanity and our world. open image in gallery A street screen dedicated to Pope Francis reads "Rome hugs Francis with Love" in downtown Rome ( AP ) Team Bergoglio In his book The Great Reformer, Francis' biographer Austen Ivereigh described the 2013 election of Francis and how Cardinal Nichols' predecessor, Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor and other reform-minded Europeans within the College of Cardinals seized the opportunity to push Bergoglio after it was clear the Italians were fighting among themselves over the Italian candidate, splitting their vote. Team Bergoglio, as these reform-minded cardinals came to be known, had tried to talk up Bergoglio in the 2005 conclave, but failed to get their man through after Cardinal Joseph Ratzingers momentum grew and Bergoglio bowed out. In 2013, with many too old to vote in the conclave itself, Team Bergoglio talked up the Argentine at dinner parties around Rome in the days before the conclave to try to ensure the Argentine could secure at least 25 votes on the first ballot to establish himself as a serious candidate, the book said. It recounts a dinner party at the North American College, the US seminary in Rome, on March 5, 2013 to which Cardinal Murphy-OConnor and Australian Cardinal George Pell were invited and where the British cardinal talked up Bergoglios name. He held a number of these dinners, and I think there were a few of them involved, a few who had grown convinced that Bergoglio was what the church needed, Mr Ivereigh said Friday. Cardinal Nichols doesnt have any such calculations or candidate, at least that he is willing to divulge. For me, its no good going into a conclave thinking its like a political election and I want my side to win. Im not going to do that, he said. Im going to go in certainly with my own thoughts but ready to change them, to listen and maybe try and persuade others to change theirs too. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice French police stormed a house suspected of holding a kidnapped cryptocurrency entrepreneur's father, fearing the hostage's life was in imminent danger. The raid, ordered by Paris judicial police director Fabrice Gardon, followed concerns that the kidnappers might inflict further harm, including severing another of the hostage's fingers. Fearful that the kidnappers might sever another finger from their hostage or worse, the French police commander ordered his officers with a radioed Go command to raid the house where he suspected that the father of a wealthy cryptocurrency entrepreneur was being held. Fabrice Gardon, director of Paris' judicial police, then waited anxiously in his unit's headquarters in the north of the French capital for the code word they use to signal that a hostage has been freed. Finally, it came: Jackpot! With seven suspects in custody, the police commander detailed in radio interviews Monday 58 hours of drama, mutilation and finally relief that marked the latest kidnapping in France of people working in the cryptocurrency business. open image in gallery Representations of cryptocurrency Bitcoin are seen in this illustration picture taken in Paris, France ( REUTERS ) The victim was the father of a man who made his fortune in cryptocurrencies, the prosecutor's office said. Attackers wearing balaclavas bundled him into a van as he was coming out of his Paris house to walk his dog last Thursday morning, Gardon said. He said bystanders alerted police. Speaking to RTL radio, he confirmed French media reports that the kidnappers severed one of the hostage's fingers. He said they sent a video to his son of the mutilation and other video of his father tied up, and demanded millions of euros (dollars) in ransom. On Saturday night, police tracked the gang to a house in the Essonne region south of Paris, where investigators believed the man was being held. We got there a few minutes before a new ultimatum where the victim might again have suffered another mutilation, Gardon said. He gave the go-ahead for an assault by a police Search and Intervention Brigade, known by its French initials, BRI. He then followed its progress over the radio from the judicial police headquarters. After a few moments, the head of the BRI said over the radio using whats our code Jackpot! In our jargon that means, All good. We have freed the hostage,' he said on France Info radio. Obviously, it was a big relief, he said. The prosecutor's office said police detained four people in or close to the house where the man was held captive, and a fifth person at the wheel of a vehicle thought to have been used for the alleged abduction. Another two suspects were detained Sunday, it said. It said the police investigation is looking at an array of possible criminal charges, including kidnapping with torture or a barbaric act. In January, police said a co-founder of French crypto-wallet firm Ledger, David Balland, was also kidnapped with his wife from their home in the Cher region of central France. Police said they made 10 arrests and that the alleged kidnappers demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency from another of Ledgers co-founders. A raid by Frances elite National Gendarmerie Intervention Group unit that specializes in hostage situations freed Balland the next day, followed the day after that by the liberation, again by the GIGN, of his wife, found tied up in a vehicle, police said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The European Union launched a drive on Monday to attract scientists and researchers to Europe with offers of grants and new policy plans, after the Trump administration froze U.S. government funding linked to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. A few years ago, no one would have imagined that one of the biggest democracies in the world would cancel research programs under the pretext that the word diversity was in this program," French President Emmanuel Macron said at the Choose Europe for Science event in Paris. No one would have thought that one of the biggest democracies in the world would delete with a stroke the ability of one researcher or another to obtain visas, Macron said. But here we are." Taking the same stage at the Sorbonne University, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EUs executive branch would set up a super grant program aimed at offering a longer-term perspective to the very best in the field. open image in gallery French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen as she arrives at the "Choose Europe for Science" event, to encourage researchers and scientists from all over the world to practice in Europe, at the Sorbonne University in Paris, Monday, May 5, 2025.(Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool via AP) She said that 500 million euros ($566 million) will be put forward in 2025-2027 to make Europe a magnet for researchers. It would be injected into the European Research Council, which already has a budget of more than 16 billion euros ($18 billion) for 2021-2027. Von der Leyen said that the 27-nation EU intends to enshrine freedom of scientific research into law with a new legal act. As the threats rise across the world, Europe will not compromise on its principles, she said. Macron said that the French government would also soon make new proposals to beef up investment in science and research. Last month, hundreds of university researchers in the United States had National Science Foundation funding canceled to comply with U.S. President Donald Trumps order to end support to research on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as the study of misinformation. More than 380 grant projects have been cut so far, including work to combat internet censorship in China and Iran and a project consulting with Indigenous communities to understand environmental changes in Alaskas Arctic region. Some terminated grants that sought to broaden the diversity of people studying science, technology and engineering. Scientists, researchers and doctors have taken to the streets in protest. open image in gallery French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen attend the "Choose Europe for Science" event, to encourage researchers and scientists from all over the world to practice in Europe, at the Sorbonne University in Paris, Monday, May 5, 2025.(Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool via AP) While not mentioning the Trump administration by name, von der Leyen said that it was a gigantic miscalculation to undermine free and open research. We can all agree that science has no passport, no gender, no ethnicity, no political party, she said. We believe that diversity is an asset of humanity and the lifeblood of science. It is one of the most valuable global assets and it must be protected. Von der Leyen's drive to promote opportunities in Europe in the field of science and take advantage of U.S. policy shifts dovetails with the way that she has played up the potential for trade deals with other countries since Trump took office in January and sparked a tariff war last month. The former German defense minister, and trained doctor, vowed that the EU would also address some of the roadblocks that scientists and researchers face, notably excessive red tape and access to businesses. Macron said that science and research must not "be based on the diktats of the few. Macron said that Europe must become a refuge for scientists and researchers, and he said to those who feel under threat elsewhere: The message is simple. If you like freedom, come and help us to remain free, to do research here, to help us become better, to invest in our future. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Russian journalist has resurfaced in Paris after a daring escape from Moscow, where she faced a decade-long prison sentence for criticizing the invasion of Ukraine. Ekaterina Barabash, a vocal opponent of the war, fled last month while under house arrest, successfully evading electronic monitoring and surveillance. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) facilitated Barabashs intricate escape, which involved a clandestine journey of over 1,700 miles. The organization described her removing her electronic tag and utilizing covert routes to reach safety. Barabash arrived in Paris on Monday. Her escape was one of the most perilous operations RSF has been involved in since Russias draconian laws of March 2022, said the group's Director General Thibaut Bruttin during a press conference with Barabash at RSF's headquarters in Paris. At one point, we thought she might be dead. Barabash, 63, vehemently condemned on Monday the lack of freedoms in Russia while detailing her escape. There is no culture in Russia there is no politics Its only war, she said, adding that those unwilling to submit to state censorship either lived in exile or were imprisoned. open image in gallery Journalist Ekaterina Barabash was detained by Russian authorities ( Facebook/ Yuri Barabash ) Barabash said the very concept of a Russian journalist no longer made sense. There are no Russian journalists, she said. Journalism cannot exist under totalitarianism. The Facebook posts that landed her in legal jeopardy were written between 2022 and 2023, lambasting Russia's actions in Ukraine. So you (expletive) bombed the country, razed entire cities to the ground, killed a hundred children, shot civilians for no reason, blockaded Mariupol, deprived millions of people of a normal life and forced them to leave for foreign countries? All for the sake of friendship with Ukraine? one post read. Russian authorities arrested the veteran journalist and film critic, born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, upon her return from the Berlinale film festival in February. She was charged with spreading fake news about Russia's military, and branded a foreign agent. Barabash was then put under house arrest. On April 21, she disappeared. open image in gallery Russia Ukraine ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Barabash said she crossed multiple borders, using covert channels coordinated by RSF, and spent two weeks in hiding and then she France on April 26, her birthday. The hardest part was her inability to contact her 96-year-old mother, whom she had to leave behind. I just understood that. Id never see her, Barabash said, adding they both decided that not seeing her while being free was better than a Russian prison. Barabash's son and grandson remain in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. She hasn't been able to see them since the war started because I have a Russian passport, she said. Still, her spirits remained undefeated. Brutin, RSF's director, said during Barabash's escape, "she sang George Brassens. Barabash thanked the "many people" and the RSF team for helping her gain freedom. I dont know their names, she said. Their identities were kept confidential for their protection. A new life in France? The former Radio France Internationale contributor, who later worked with independent outlet Republic, hopes to seek asylum and resume work with exiled Russian-language media. She does not yet have a French work permit, but RSF says she holds a six-month visa and is in the process of regularizing her status. Now Im here and I think it will not be (an) easy way to begin (a) new life. Im not very young. Im young ... but not very," she said in a self-deprecating way. Barabash joins a growing wave of Russian journalists in exile more than 90 media outlets have fled to the European Union and neighboring countries since the war began, according to RSF, which ranks Russia 171st out of 180 countries in its 2025 World Press Freedom Index. After the press conference, Barabash told The Associated Press that for her, a Russian prison was worse than death. If you want to be a journalist, you have to (live in) exile," she said. If you want (to) stay in Russia as a journalist, you are not a journalist. That is it. Its very simple. At least 38 journalists remain imprisoned in Russia, and independent reporting is functionally extinct inside the country, said the media freedom group. Still, RSFs Bruttin said: Free voices that dare to speak the truth about the war in Ukraine cannot be silenced. 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 Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle shares more than just a warm smile and infectious laugh with Pope Francis. Like the late Argentinian pontiff, Tagle hails from outside Europes traditional Catholic power base, bringing a fresh perspective to the Vatican. Before white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday evening, signalling that a new Pope has been elected, some said that Tagles similarities to Francis could position him as a frontrunner. The identity of the pope and the name he has chosen as pontiff will be announced to the world from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica shortly. The new pope will then step forward to deliver his first public address and blessing to the gathered crowds. Follow our live coverage of the conclave here Tagle, who looks younger than his 67 years and likes to be called by his diminutive nickname Chito, has headed the Vaticans Dicastery for Evangelisation, effectively the Churchs missionary arm, for the past five years. That position gave him enormous influence over national churches in developing countries. While 67 is a sunset age in many organisations, it is considered young in the Vatican because few cardinals want a very long pontificate. Choosing Tagle could signal a clear intention to continue the progressive path of Francis, embracing a more open and modern Church. His potential election would indicate a rejection of candidates who might reverse some of Franciss reforms, reassuring the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics of the Churchs continued trajectory. It would also mean his fellow cardinals had shrugged off question marks over his management abilities. He would represent a continuity of what Pope Francis has been doing, said Rev Emmanuel Alfonso, a former student of Tagles who has known him for decades. Hes really like Pope Francis in terms of his love for the poor, his approachability and so on. open image in gallery Francis greets Tagle, the then archbishop of Manila, and a group of migrants, during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, September 2017 ( AP ) Tagle, the former archbishop of Manila, would be the first pope from what is now considered Asia, although in the early Church some popes hailed from what is now called the Middle East, technically part of Asia. As archbishop of Manila, and before as bishop of the Philippine city of Imus, Tagle gained pastoral experience in running dioceses in Asias largest Catholic country. By bringing him to the Vatican in 2020, Francis gave him one more notch in experiences seen as helpful to papal candidates. Tagles move to Rome brought criticism from the then Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, who oversaw a bloody war on drugs that killed thousands of Filipinos during his 2016-2022 administration. Duterte said Tagle had been removed from Manila for meddling in national politics. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines denied those accusations forcefully. Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, a conference official made a cardinal in 2024, called Dutertes claim unbelievably ludicrous. Many cardinals already know Tagle personally, and many may see an attraction in having a pope from Asia, viewed by Church leaders as an important region of growth for the faith. Young people feel comfortable with him. When Tagle hosted Francis for a visit to the Philippines in 2014, the visit drew the largest crowds in the history of papal travel, including a mass that attracted up to 7 million people. open image in gallery People attend a rosary prayer service with Tagle for the health of Pope Francis in St Peters Square, 25 February ( AP ) Tagle, who speaks Italian, English, and Spanish as well as his native Tagalog, now has five years of experience of the Vaticans arcane bureaucracy, although some cardinals may think even that is not enough to run the global Church. One possible weakness in Tagles candidacy is that he was involved in a management scandal three years ago. In 2022, Francis removed him from a second job as titular head of a Vatican-based confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social services organisations working in more than 200 countries. Francis fired the entire leadership of the group, called Caritas Internationalis, following allegations of bullying by top management. Tagles role, akin to a chancellor of the organisation, was mostly symbolic and ceremonial. He was not directly involved in the day-to-day running and was generally admired by staffers. Unlike Francis, Tagle enjoys a global reputation as a theologian, which could help him gain votes from moderate cardinals concerned by some of Franciss off-the-cuff utterances, which led to what some called confusion about Church teachings. In the 1990s, he served on the Vaticans International Theological Commission under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a German known as a strict adherent to traditional doctrine who would later become Pope Benedict XVI. The Reverend Joseph Komonchak, Tagles professor at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, said the cardinal was one of his best students in 45 years of teaching. Not the least of Chitos virtues was the joy that he radiated on everyone who encountered him, said Komonchak. He had a fine sense of humour, which endeared him to his fellow students. open image in gallery Tagle wearing his biretta hat, after Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as a cardinal during a ceremony on 24 November 2012, at St Peters Basilica at the Vatican ( AFP/Getty ) Fr Robert Reyes, a seminary classmate who has known Tagle for more than 50 years, said Tagle has an ability to connect with people and a simple style of living. When he first became a bishop in 2001, he didnt own a car. He preferred to take rides, to hitch a ride with someone driving to a place that perhaps both of them were going to, said Fr Reyes. Whats the geographic breakdown of the cardinals who will elect the new pope? There is no rule that cardinals electing a new pope vote a certain way according to their nationality or region. But understanding their makeup in geographic terms can help explain some of their priorities as they open the conclave on Wednesday to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church. A cardinal who heads the Vaticans liturgy office might have a very different set of concerns than the archbishop of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. A cardinal who runs a large European archdiocese with hundreds of priests likely has other priorities than the Vatican ambassador ministering to war-torn Syria or the archbishop of Managua, Nicaragua, whose church has been under siege by the government. There are currently 135 cardinals under the age of 80 and eligible to vote, hailing from 71 different countries in the most geographically diverse conclave in history. Already, two have formally told the Holy See that they cannot attend for health reasons, bringing the number of men who will enter the Sistine Chapel down to 133. A two-thirds majority is needed to be elected pope, meaning that if the number of electors remains at 133, the winner must secure 89 votes. Here is a regional breakdown of the full 135 cardinal electors, according to Vatican statistics and following the Vaticans geographic grouping. 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 Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church will now elect its new leader, in a process virtually unchanged in 800 years. The system is known as the Papal Conclave, and is a democratic process with a strong emphasis on working through multiple rounds of voting until a clear consensus emerges. Under the current rules, only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to cast a vote. Officially candidates for pope need only be male and Catholic, although in reality Pontiffs have only ever been chosen from the ranks of cardinals for centuries. Theres no age limit on who can become pope, but Francis was 76 when he took up the position, and held it until his death, aged 88. Benedict before him was 78, and was pope for only eight years before his surprise retirement aged 85. When will the Conclave begin? The popes funeral took place on Saturday, 26 April, starting nine official days of mourning called the novemdiales, which ended on May 5. According to Vatican rules, the process of electing a new pope should begin between 15 and 20 days after the pontiffs death. The Vatican confirmed the conclave will begin on Wednesday, May 7. It is the camerlengo, a cardinal selected by the pope, who is tasked with organising the Conclave election process. open image in gallery Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell is the camerlengo, a cardinal who is tasked with organising the Conclave ( Vatican Media ) The current camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born American Catholic prelate who has held the position since 2019. His other responsibilities include sealing the door to the popes study and bedroom with a traditional red ribbon. How does Conclave work? To begin the Conclave process, there is a special morning mass, after which the 135 cardinals of voting age would gather inside the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel home of all the Papal Conclaves since 1858. New rules for the election of a pope were introduced in 1996 under Pope John Paul II, and the process has largely remained unchanged since then. After the death of a pope, cardinals hold a series of meetings called general congregations to discuss the future of the Church. open image in gallery 133 cardinals will join the conclave ( Getty ) While all 252 cardinals can participate in these meetings, only 133 are under the age of 80 and have been well enough to travel to participate in the Conclave. After the cardinals have gathered, the shout extra omnes (everybody out) rings out and the cardinals who are sworn to an oath of secrecy will be locked inside the Conclave until they can choose a successor. There is no guarantee that the first round of voting will be revealed the same day. Through a mixture of speeches, prayer, reflection and intense political jostling cardinals whittle down candidates through successive rounds of voting. The cardinals themselves sit on both sides of the Sistine Chapel. open image in gallery The Sistine Chapel, set up for the Papal Conclave ( VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag ) The names of nine cardinals are chosen at random to officiate and organise the vote. Three become Scrutineers, whose job it is to oversee the vote. Three more collect the votes and three more revise them. A pope is only elected when a single candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Sometimes popes are chosen quickly, when a strong candidate emerges. However, from the 34th ballot onwards, the Conclave only votes between the two front runners who gained the most votes in the previous round. The longest Papal Conclave, in the late thirteenth century, lasted the best part of three years thanks to massive political infighting. Three voting cardinals died during the process. The ballot itself is secret and was introduced on 1621 by Gregory XV to try and avoid overt politicking, but the Conclave is inevitably a hotbed of competing factions who wish to see their man come out on top. open image in gallery Firefighters place the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, which will be used to signal that a new pope has been elected ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) During each ballot, cardinals write the name of their choice, ideally in distorted handwriting to disguise their identity. The ballot papers are then burned in a small fire inside the Sistine Chapel. The black smoke which is produced by the fire tells the crowds waiting outside that a new pope is yet to be chosen. When one candidate has finally won two-thirds of the vote a new pope is elected. The Cardinal Dean then calls the candidate to the front of the chapel and asks whether they are willing to accept. If the answer is yes, the new Pope is then asked to choose his new Papal name. Although the pope is seen as the successor of St Peter, none have chosen Peter for their Papal name, partly to avoid comparisons to the founder of the Roman Catholic Church and partly because of an ancient prophecy that a new pope called Peter will precede the end of the world. open image in gallery The "Room of Tears", a small room next to the Sistine Chapel, with the vestments of the next Pope displayed in three different sizes ( VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag ) With a pope now duly elected the ballot papers are burned once more with an additive placed in the fire that turns the smoke white, informing the world that a new Pontiff has been chosen. In the weeks leading up to the Conclave, Vatican tailors get to work on creating three Papal robes in small, medium and large. The new pope is led into the Room of Tears adjacent to the Sistine Chapel where he dons his new white robes and red slippers. The pope is then presented to the crowds who have gathered in the Vatican from the main balcony of St Peters Basilica with the famous words: Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam! (I announce to you with great joy we have a pope.) On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A popemobile used by Pope Francis during his 2014 Holy Land visit is getting a new life as a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip. The Vatican announced the initiative on Sunday, describing it as fulfilling one of the late pontiff's final wishes. The vehicle is currently being equipped with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment to serve young patients in the Palestinian enclave. Gaza's healthcare system has been severely impacted by the recent Israeli invasion, making this mobile clinic a much-needed resource. The vehicle is being outfitted with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment to help young patients in the Palestinian enclave, where health services have been devastated by the Israeli invasion. Pope Francis, who died last month, entrusted the initiative to the Catholic aid organisation Caritas Jerusalem in the months before his death, Vatican News said. open image in gallery Pope Francis tours St Peters Square in his popemobile after bestowing the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for to the city and to the world) blessing at the end of the Easter mass in St Peters Square at the Vatican on Sunday (Andrew Medichini/AP) ( AP ) "This is a concrete, life-saving intervention at a time when the health system in Gaza has almost completely collapsed," Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, which is supporting the project, told Vatican News. The mobile unit will be equipped with rapid infection tests, vaccines, diagnostic tools, and suture kits, and staffed by medical personnel. Caritas plans to deploy the clinic to communities without access to functioning healthcare facilities once humanitarian access to Gaza is feasible. "It's not just a vehicle," Brune added. "It's a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza." Gaza has a tiny Christian community and the Vatican has said Francis used to call the Holy Family Church in Gaza on an almost daily basis for much of the war, which started in October 2023 when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel. Francis had a number of popemobiles, with the one used in the 2014 visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories staying in the region following his return to the Vatican. A conclave to elect a new pope starts on May 7. The process of electing a new Pope is shrouded in secrecy, with cardinals forbidden from communicating with the outside world what happens in the conclave, which takes place within the frescoed walls of the Sistine Chapel. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed the possibility of using nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a recent interview with Russian state television, reflecting on his 25 years in power, Putin asserted that the need for nuclear deployment has not arisen, and expressed his hope that it never will. He maintained that Russia possesses the necessary resources and capabilities to achieve a "logical conclusion" in the conflict. Responding to a question about Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, Putin said: There has been no need to use those (nuclear) weapons ... and I hope they will not be required. We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires, he said. open image in gallery Municipal workers clean up around burnt cars in the residential area following Russia's drone attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Putin signed a revamped version of Russias nuclear doctrine in November 2024, spelling out the circumstances that allow him to use Moscows atomic arsenal, the worlds largest. That version lowered the bar, giving him that option in response to even a conventional attack backed by a nuclear power. In the film, Putin also said Russia did not launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine what he called a special military operation in 2014, when it illegally annexed Crimea, because it was practically unrealistic. The country was not ready for such a frontal confrontation with the entire collective West, he said. He claimed also that Russia "sincerely sought to solve the problem of Donbas by peaceful means. Putin said that reconciliation with Ukraine was inevitable." open image in gallery A municipal worker cleans a street in front of the Kremlin in Moscow on April 23, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Russia and Ukraine, however, remain are at odds over competing ceasefire proposals. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday, in comments made public Saturday, that Moscows announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Victory Day in World War II is merely an attempt to create a soft atmosphere ahead of Russias annual celebrations. Zelenskyy instead renewed calls for a more substantial 30-day pause in hostilities, as the U.S. had initially proposed. He said the proposed ceasefire could start anytime as a meaningful step toward ending the war. The Kremlin said the truce was on humanitarian grounds and will run from the start of May 8 and last through the end of May 10 to mark Moscows defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 Russias biggest secular holiday. A Russian drone attack overnight on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, wounded 11 people, Ukraines State Emergency Service said Sunday. Two children were among the wounded. The attack woke up Valentyna Fesiuk, an 83-year-old resident of Kyiv's Obolon district. I was just sleeping when the house shook," said Valentyna Fesiuk, an 83-year-old resident of Kyivs Obolon district. "It was at 12:30. An apartment on the 12th floor caught fire," she told The Associated Press. Another resident, Viacheslav Khotab, saw his car burning. "I was covered with broken glass, he said. I couldnt do anything. The 54-year-old was frustrated with stalled peace negotiations: "They cant agree on anything, and we are the ones who suffer the consequences. Daryna Kravchuk, an 18-year-old student in the district, described how five to six minutes after the air raid was activated, we heard a strong impact, everything started shaking. ... There were three strikes almost in a row after the air raid was activated." Its very scary to witness, we have been suffering from this for so long. People are just suffering all the time. ... Its still very hard to see our country constantly being destroyed, she told the AP. Two people were killed by Russian guided bombs Sunday, one each in the Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy regions, local officials said. Russia fired a total of 165 exploding drones and decoys overnight, Ukraines air force said. Of those, 69 were intercepted and a further 80 lost, likely having been electronically jammed. Russia also launched two ballistic missiles. Russias Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down 13 Ukrainian drones overnight. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The conditions that families in Gaza are being forced to endure are beyond what any of us could imagine in our worst nightmares, and the world has greeted that unprecedented suffering with a shrug. Famine is stalking the population after Israel decided two months ago not to allow any aid into the besieged, blasted Strip, which is just 26 miles long and home to 2.3 million people. Now, that bloody reality is only going to become more apocalyptic if Israel goes ahead with plans to dramatically expand its operations, as Israeli officials have said. The plans echo Mr Trumps own outlandish plans in the past that the Palestinians be forced out of Gaza to allow the US to turn the enclave into a Riviera of the Middle East. Israeli prime minster Benjamin Netanyahu would only feel emboldened to threaten this escalation, if Israels closest ally, and main weapons provider, the US backed it. open image in gallery The words 'Trump Gaza' appear everywhere in the AI-generated clip ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social ) Security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin told Israeli public broadcaster Kan that the plan (which many warned was always the goal) is to move from raid-based operations to occupation and sustained Israeli presence in Gaza territories they will hold until Hamas is defeated or agrees to disarm and leave. Israeli officials also said that a key aim of newly approved offensive plan would be the transfer of the civilian population southward. According to Israeli media, all of this will be started once President Donald Trump finishes a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates starting 13 May. An official told Haaretz that if negotiations for a hostage deal do not bear fruit by the end of Trump's visit, the military operation will begin "with full force and will not stop until all its objectives are achieved." If they go ahead this can only result in yet more unimaginable suffering for civilians in the Strip, who have had to endure 19 months of intense bombardment and slaughter, mass and repeated displacement, and starvation. It can only result in more danger to the 59 Israeli hostages and captives who remain in the hands of the Hamas militant group in the Strip and under the same bombardment and blockade, and whose loved ones are so desperate to have them home. open image in gallery Palestinian children head to a water distribution point to fill their containers in Gaza City ( AFP/Getty ) And it will only derail any hopes of a diplomatic, long-term, peaceful, and sustainable resolution to this conflict, which is surely among the bloodiest stains on our generation. I speak to civilians in Gaza every day. They tell me children are starving to death. Right now, a kilo of sugar costs $30 (22) a 25kg bag of rotten flour costs $300 thats if you can find either. One father-of-four told me some prices were, in some cases, 20 times higher than they were before the war. Mothers cannot breastfeed because they cannot produce milk, as they are so malnourished and so babies are dying. Videos taken in the Strip and shared online show terrifyingly malnourished toddlers just skin stretched over bones. Unicef, the UNs child agency, said it has resulted in at least 9,000 children being admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition since the beginning of the year. Amnesty International said the blockade constitutes genocide in action because blocking the entry of supplies critical for the survival of the population is part of a policy of deliberately imposing conditions of life on Palestinians in Gaza calculated to bring about their physical destruction. Meanwhile, in Israel, the largest group representing the families of the hostages sounded the alarm about this new plan, imploring the government to prioritise the hostages. Secure a deal. Bring them home before its too late. open image in gallery Palestinians struggle in a crowd as they try to receive donated food at a distribution centre in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip in April 2025 ( AP ) The expansion of military operations puts every hostage at grave risk, they wrote. For 59 families, there is no victory without the return of their loved ones, the living and the deceased. There is no end to this conflict without them home. The only way out of this nightmare is a ceasefire, allowing unfettered entry of aid to Gaza, and through that thorough negotiations for a long-term, sustainable peace deal so that families in Gaza can begin the long journey of recovery and rehabilitation, and so that the hostages can be released and returned home to their loved ones. As one family member of a person killed in Hamass slaughter on 7 October told me: violence begets violence. An even more bloody offensive in Gaza will only bring more bloodshed, more suffering in Gaza for both civilians and the Israelis held captive, less security for Israelis generally. It will snuff out any glimmer of hope for a peaceful future in the region. So much is at stake. So far, the international community has been deafeningly silent. That must change. 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 Benjamin Netanyahus cabinet has approved plans to seize the Gaza Strip and station troops there indefinitely a move that would vastly expand Israels operations there and draw fierce international opposition. The move was voted through in the early hours of Monday, two Israeli officials told the Associated Press. It would push hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, where people are already suffering from a two-month blockade of aid. In a video message, the Israeli prime minister confirmed that a new offensive in Gaza will be an intensive military operation. Population will be moved, for its own protection, Mr Netanyahu said, adding that Israeli soldiers wont go into Gaza, launch raids and then retreat. The intention is the opposite of that. A defence official said the operation would not be launched until after US president Donald Trumps upcoming visit to the Middle East, suggesting the plan could be another measure by Israel to try to pressure Hamas into making concessions in ceasefire negotiations. Army chief Eyal Zamir said Israels military was increasing the pressure to secure the return of hostages held in Gaza as the prime minister vowed to continue the war. This week, we are sending tens of thousands of draft orders to our reserve personnel to intensify and expand our action in Gaza. We are increasing the pressure to return our people and defeat Hamas, he said on Sunday. He added that the Israeli military would operate in additional areas and destroy all of [Hamass] infrastructure above and below ground. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the eve of Israels Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers ( Pool/AFP/Getty ) Meanwhile, Mr Netanyahu has called up tens of thousands of reservists who will be deployed to Israels border with Lebanon and in the occupied West Bank, replacing regular soldiers who will lead the new offensive in Gaza, website ynetnews reported. The security cabinet also reportedly approved a new plan for aid distribution in Gaza, although it was unclear when supplies would be allowed into the enclave. There are three IDF divisions currently operating in Gaza, according to reports. The Netanyahu administration has repeatedly warned that if no new hostage deal is reached, the military would launch a major offensive aimed at eradicating Hamas. Negotiations have failed to agree on a new ceasefire for the release of 59 remaining hostages, out of whom 24 are believed to be alive. The families of Israeli captives said that in moving to take the whole of Gaza, the military was sacrificing their loved ones. An overwhelming majority of the nation is united around the understanding that an Israeli victory cannot be achieved without bringing the hostages home. Losing the hostages would mean an Israeli defeat, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. National security and social stability depend on the return of all the hostages every last one. It added that the plan approved by the cabinet deserves to be called the Smotrich-Netanyahu Plan for sacrificing the hostages, in a reference to finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and the prime minister. Local media reported that the military expansion in Gaza will be implemented following Mr Trumps visit to the region next week. The US president will not travel to Israel itself, instead holding talks in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in mid-May. Hamas has accused Israel of abandoning an earlier phased peace deal, which expired in early March after talks broke down. Israel resumed its airstrikes on Gaza around two weeks later, on 18 March. The Israeli military has since intensified its bombing campaign and carved out wide buffer zones in Gaza, squeezing the 2.3 million population into an ever narrower zone in the centre of the enclave and along the coast and shutting off aid supplies. So far, 192 hostages have been released through negotiations and Israeli military operations since November 2023. Most were abducted on 7 October 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel and killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies. Israels retaliatory war has reduced much of the territory to rubble and killed more than 51,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in the Hamas-controlled Strip. Over the weekend, the prime ministers office announced that Mr Netanyahu was rescheduling a visit to Azerbaijan, citing recent developments in Gaza and Syria. The office, which also cited the intense diplomatic and security schedule, did not announce a new date for the visit. Mr Netanyahu had been expected to meet with Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev this week. Activists are being prevented from delivering food supplies to an aid ship bound for Gaza which was damaged in a drone attack off the coast of Malta. Maltese authorities have told campaigners from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, their small boats cannot not go within three nautical miles of the stricken humanitarian ship Conscience - which the group claim was hit by an Israeli drone attack on Friday (2nd May). We had intended to bring food, water and other basic emergency supplies, an activist revealed in a video clip shot near the scene, where a Maltese maritime unit was guarding the perimeter. But were intercepted by Maltese military vessels who told us that we could not deliver those supplies. In a statement, the Maltese government said everyone aboard the ship was confirmed safe. Scotlands First Minister has warned there is a "very real possibility" that Nigel Farage could become the UKs next Prime Minister, expressing concern about what that might mean for the country's future. John Swinney also accused both Labour and the Conservatives of "cosying up" to the Reform UK leader. The only way to deal with Farage is to confront him and that is exactly what we will do in Scotland, he said. His remarks follow significant gains by Reform UK in local elections, where the party secured control of 10 councils and won more than 600 seats in Thursdays vote. Armed police were filmed outside a home in Rochdale on Saturday, 3 May, during what the home secretary called one of the biggest counter-state and counter-terrorism operations in recent years. Five men, including four Iranian nationals, were arrested at locations across England on Saturday on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act after a suspected plot to target a single premises was uncovered, the Metropolitan Police said. A further three Iranian men were arrested on Saturday as part of a separate operation, the Met added. Police are not treating the two cases as linked. Dominic Murphy, head of counter terrorism at the Met Police, asked the public to avoid speculation and some of the things that are being posted online. Donald Trump slammed what he called the leniency of radical judges, as he vowed to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the infamous island prison near San Francisco. The president said the United States is plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat offenders. These radicalized judges want a trial for everything every person who came into our country illegally, Mr Trump claimed in comments to reporters on Sunday, 4 May. Opened as a federal prison in 1934, Alcatraz held notorious criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. It closed in 1963 due to high costs, saltwater damage, and high-profile escape attempts. It will be an occasion of the utmost solemnity the moment when the cardinals of the Catholic Church walk into the Sistine Chapel and wont be seen again by the world until they have elected one among them as the next pope. On Wednesday, more than a hundred of them, dressed in their scarlet cassocks, will stand before Michelangelos Last Judgement and cast their secret ballots to choose the leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics. When you are Catholic, as I am, it is not so noticeable in your parish church just how male the church is. Yes, the priest is a man but there are women, too: reading scripture, helping distribute Communion, singing in the choir, working in the church. The altar servers are girls as often as they are boys. When you look at the massed ranks of this elite, with their silken garb and their silky words, you know just why Edward Berger, director of the film Conclave, said that he saw his film as essentially about the oldest patriarchy in the world. He countered that patriarchy by signing Isabella Rossellini to play Sister Agnes, a nun who organises the meals and accommodation for these princes of the Church while they are locked away from the world to focus on one thing only the election of a Pope. And while this nun might seem subservient to the power-brokers, Agnes knows a thing or two about how to subtly exercise authority, and so influence the choice they make. Please God, Ive been thinking, make sure that this conclave has its own Isabella Rossellini. It may well have. Senior Catholic clerics are often looked after by nuns. Ive been served tea and toasted crumpets by them when visiting various Archbishops of Westminster. They understand the world theyre in, and Im sure they can exert quite nuanced influence. They arent the only women of influence in the Catholic Church nowadays. For years, thanks to the heads of religious orders and women headteachers who, according to church law, cannot be told what goes on in their school by a bishop because they are ultimately responsible there, not him theres long been a lot more female input than outsiders might think. More recently, the number of women theologians has grown, too. The most seismic change has been down to Pope Francis. While he was as reluctant as any previous pontiff to ordain women, he did open the doors to change by appointing women to senior roles running Vatican departments. Thanks to him, theres a new breed of nun at the top of the Church: not the quiet ones serving pizza and pasta, but women with actual power. Theres Sister Raffaella Petrini, appointed by the late pope as president of the Vatican City State, so essentially its governor. Or Sister Simona Brambilla, who heads the Vatican office responsible for religious orders. Or Sister Nathalie Becquart, appointed undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops. Such women have a part to play in the conclave. It has been largely forgotten that, until 1899, lay people could be admitted to the Sacred College of Cardinals. Admittedly, they were aristocratic men, but it was their lay status that mattered, not their poshness. Canon law was later changed so that only priests could be cardinals, but if it has changed before, it can change again, to appoint female cardinals. Id like a Sister Agnes in the wings influencing the vote for a pope. Even better would be a Sister Raffaella, or Simona, or Nathalie being right there in the Sistine Chapel. Q: Out of the blue weve been told our office in Dublin city centre is relocating to a suburb about 20km away. Management have justified the decision by saying its due to hybrid working and the need for less space, and say they will make a big saving on the move which will safeguard the companys future. However, the new location is really inconvenient for many of the staff that I manage, and there was zero consultation before the move was announced. Understandably, many employees are frustrated and angry, and complaining that staff voices dont matter in this company. Have you any advice for what we can do about it? The Club Hotel in Goffs, Co Kildare is next to the world-famous horse sales business The owners of The Club Hotel at Goffs in Co Kildare are planning to invest 7m in an expansion of the site near the famous global horse auction house. Last week, a company-linked to the owners of the hotel, Eoin Doyle and Ray Byrne, submitted a planning application with Kildare County Council for the expansion. The significant plans would see a new 25-bed extension to the site, as well as a standalone spa area with sauna, steam room, pool and treatment rooms. 200/hd price gap drives more cattle to North for slaughter So far this year there has been nearly a 30pc increase in the number of cattle going from the Republic to NI So far in 2025, nearly 6,000 cattle have been sent from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland for direct slaughter. Catherina Cunnane Mon 5 May 2025 at 13:02 The Republic of Ireland steer price lagging 53c/kg behind the North Irish equivalent is one of the factors driving an increased number of cattle across the border for direct slaughter, the ICMSA has said. A student was left terrified when a classmate turned up uninvited at her home, barged in and refused to leave even when a garda arrived, a court has heard. The intruder, Weijin Pu (23) maintained he was there to ask the woman about their studies, but Judge John Hughes rejected his explanation, saying it doesnt add up. A serial offender with 101 previous convictions has been jailed for three months after he was caught driving while banned, uninsured and unlicensed while on probation. Gary Murphy (40), of Rosemount Park, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty at Dun Laoghaire District Court to the offences, which took place on April 17, 2025, on the Green Route in Dundrum. The court heard that Murphy, who is currently serving a 10-year driving ban, took his partners car, which had been parked at his home. His partner, who lives in a different area, was experiencing a medical emergency on the day in question. The court was told the defendant could have taken a taxi but chose to drive instead. Murphy has scores of previous convictions, including for public order offences, criminal damage, assault, and breaches of the Weapons Act. He also has previous convictions for road offences including dangerous driving, drink-driving and driving without insurance. This case marked his 102nd conviction overall and his third for driving without insurance. At the time of the most recent offence, Murphy was under the supervision of the probation service. He told the court he is working full-time as a digger operator, pays rent to his father, and contributes maintenance for his two children, aged one and 20. His most recent convictions were from March 2024, relating to theft, public order, and drug possession. Prior to that, he had not come to Garda attention since May 2019. Judge Anne Watkin noted the seriousness of Murphy's record and said a custodial sentence was warranted. While she said the charges could have led to a longer prison term, she decided not to impose consecutive sentences and sentenced Murphy to three months in prison. The court heard that Murphy is not in receipt of legal aid and is paying for his legal representation privately. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Why making a will is one of the most important jobs you will ever do There is cross-party agreement in Government and in the Dail to establish a housing activation office to "break down the barriers" and build houses at scale, a minister has claimed. Minister for Higher Education James Lawless attempted to play down the controversy surrounding the Government's plan to appoint a housing 'tsar', saying the move is more about creating an office to deliver housing solutions. On Thursday, Nama (National Asset Management Agency) boss Brendan McDonagh withdrew his name from consideration to be the office's first chief executive. Mr McDonagh's decision came after sharp questioning of a suggested 430,000 salary for the role. The Government is expected to continue with a plan to appoint a housing tsar. A poll, published by Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks, revealed that 52pc of the public blamed Housing Minister James Browne for the controversy, while 46pc blame Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Some 88pc of the public said the role should be advertised publicly and that the salary should be between 100,000 and 200,000. Mr Lawless said the proposed new office is not about the chief executive role, adding that the term 'tsar' was of a "media creation". "The minister is ambitious. He wants to build houses, he wants to get things done and he wants to get things done quickly - and we all do," Mr Lawless said of Mr Browne on RTE's The Week In Politics programme. "It's not about the tsar individual. It's actually about the office and the delivery. "The public don't want politics: the public want houses. "And that's what the Government wants to deliver, that's what Mr Brown is committed to delivering, that's what all of us want to deliver. "We need to get through the barriers. We know about infrastructural complications, we know about zoning, we know about planning permission. "On paper, there is cross-party agreement, including opposition, including the Housing Commission, which produced the report last year. "The Sinn Fein manifesto, the programme for government are all crystal clear. We need a housing activation office to break down the barriers, to build houses at scale and at urgency." Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said what the Government has proposed is not in line with recommendations from the Housing Commission report. "What the Housing Commission did say that we needed (was) the housing oversight executives that would be placed onto a statutory footing, that it would have a legislative strength," he said. "Even what the minister has outlined there is actually not in keeping with the facts of what happened this week, and actually over the last month, and was also backed up by the Taoiseach himself, about a month ago. "The commission recommended executives with a statutory footing. What we got was this big title and this strong man who was supposed to go in and shake things up without any legislation. "The whole thing was bizarre. The whole thing has just been a shambles, and it's indicative of the Government who don't seem to know what they're doing." Clare TD Donna McGettigan, Sinn Fein's education spokesperson, said that while a housing activation office is in the party's manifesto, their role is different to the one put forward by the Government. "The difference is it's an executive we were calling for, which is what the Housing Commission is also calling for, and that would give it legislative powers," she said. "What is being proposed here by the Government is just a name, a person that doesn't have any powers, that is going to have a huge wage, which would have created 11 new garda, 11 new nurses, 13 new special needs assistants. "People could see this eye-watering wage, which is even higher than the American president, and they were very angry about it. "The fact that we were told that it wouldn't come from the public purse, (but) then to be told that the preferred candidate would actually be leaving his role, so it would be costing us. "When you're talking about people struggling, they don't want to hear about more money going and it's just wastage." Meanwhile, Minister Browne announced the highest ever number of private rental accommodation inspections. Over 80,000 inspections were carried out by local authorities last year a 26pc increase on 2023. There was also increased funding of 10.5 million made available to local authority inspection teams for 2025. Inspection levels have increased from an average of 20,000 a year in the period 2005 to 2017 to over 49,000 in 2022, more than 63,500 in 2023, and an all-time-high of over 80,000 in 2024. The minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical installations. Lauren OBriens school has paid tribute to the bubbly, fun-loving teenager who died following an accident at a race track in west Cork. McEgan College, Macroom, posted a photograph and tributes to Lauren (13) on social media as it extended its sympathies to her family. The teenager suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork. A motor racing event was being staged at Enniskeane by the Cork Autograss Racing Club. Lauren was one of the participants in the event, which was at the preliminary heat stage. Gardai began a forensic investigation at the scene of the incident this morning. The college Principal, Trish Lynam, and Deputy Principal, Hugh Coughlan, opened the doors for Laurens classmates and their parents this afternoon so they could meet and be together if they wished. Around 40 pupils made their way to the school to gather and share their thoughts and memories. Photographs of Lauren were placed on tables in the school entrance along with a book of condolences. Lauren was an unusual girl in that she was calm and relaxed and confident. She came from a lovely place, she added. She was like an adult rather than a child, and full of life, said Mr Coughlan. Weve a special unit here with moderate general learning kids and she was so kind and nice to them. She was only here since September but everybody knew her. She has a brother in second year and they are popular kids. Hes into the cars too and football, theyre very competitive kids, said Ms Lynam. She was fierce popular in the classroom. When do the primary school visits each year and Lauren was only three or four weeks in the school and she was asked to do the visits with us because she stood out as having that extra special quality, she added. News reached the school on Sunday through teachers in the community, and connections with marshals at the event. The 280 pupil school is now preparing for a tough week when the Department of Education will organise members of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) to be on hand to assist pupils, parents and staff. It is understood that Laurens family want the school to be involved in her funeral mass, and form a guard of honour for Lauren as well as perform music in the church. Lauren O'Brien Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th McEgan College had earlier posted a statement online, which said: Friends, it is quiet in McEgan College today. The devastating news reached us yesterday afternoon that following a tragic accident, first-year student Lauren OBrien had passed away. Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue. Laurens vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College. She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community. Sinn Fein senator Nicole Ryan also posted a tribute, saying that Laurens passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten. The accident occurred at around 3.30pm on Sunday. Emergency services were at the scene within minutes and attempts were made to stabilise the teenager's condition. However, she had suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Friends and family of the teenager were at the scene and were comforted by race officials and emergency services. Lauren was an avid motorsports enthusiast, a talented student and had a wide circle of friends. Lauren was a remarkable young girl and everyone is devastated for the family. The entire community is numb with shock, one local resident said. Gardai are investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident, but it is being described as a tragic accident. They are liaising with the Cork Coroner's Office and the State Pathologist's Office. The Road Race Alliance of Ireland (RRAI) posted a tribute online, describing Lauren as a young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing. It said that although the RRAI represents two- and three-wheeled motorsport, we are all part of one wider motorsport family and today, we grieve together. When a tragedy like this happens, it ripples through every paddock, every track and every corner of the racing world. No matter what we ride or drive, we all understand the love, the risk and the heartbreak that comes with the sport. A spokesperson for Kart Paddock, who covers Tullyallen Kart Club and Motorsport Ireland karting events, wrote on social media: Out of respect to the young girl who died in a motorsport event in Cork today, there wont be any winning posts. Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock. Gardai are appealing for witnesses and asked for anyone with dash cam footage who attended the event to make it available. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving a vehicle at a sporting event, a statement read. A female teenager (13) who was driving the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her body has been removed to Cork University Hospital and a post-mortem will take place in due course. The scene is being preserved for technical examination. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon garda station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Vatican silent on release of documents to commission on historical abuse in religious schools Advocacy groups representing and supporting survivors now putting hopes for a more accountable church in Pope Franciss successor A priest celebrates mass. Photo: Getty Ellen Coyne Mon 5 May 2025 at 03:30 The Vatican has declined to comment on whether it will make documents available to the upcoming commission of investigation into historical abuse in religious schools. I cannot tell you how upsetting it is Irish same-sex couple share struggle with surrogacy legislation The fathers of two daughters cannot return home to Ireland from the United States without one giving up their parental rights Mark O'Looney and Eoin Cannon with their daughters Aria and Nala Edana Flynn Mon 5 May 2025 at 11:00 When Mark OLooney and Eoin Cannon looked ahead to their future, neither of them saw one without children of their own. Election win gives Anthony Albanese a strong hand to deal with Trump Australian prime minister expected to visit Washington in coming weeks for talks on trade, tariffs and defence Australias prime minister Anthony Albanese celebrates at an election night event in Sydney, after his partys victory in the federal election. Photo: Reuters Kirsty Needham Reuters Mon 5 May 2025 at 03:30 Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese is likely to work more closely with centre-left governments in the UK and Canada, as well as other democratic allies, after a resounding election win strengthened his hand in dealing with the US, analysts said. Tom McCaughren: The chilling three-letter acronym used by both sides during the Troubles FTP was adapted by Protestants and Catholics in the North and the south to suit their violent message Detective Garda Seamus Quaid was killed by the IRA Tom McCaughren Sun 4 May 2025 at 03:30 Old habits die hard. Just hours after Pope Francis died, a band at an Apprentice Boys parade in Lisburn, Co Antrim, played No Pope of Rome, an offensive song that mocks the Catholic faith. The saying goes: You cant fight City Hall. The phrase is supposed to sum up the futility of challenging bureaucracy in trying to overcome red tape. Perhaps not, but you can certainly ignore, undermine and isolate City Hall if you are the Government in this country, where you certainly cant fight the Custom House. Twenty-five years on from the appointment of the first directly elected mayor of London, the idea of a mayor of Dublin directly elected by Dubliners and with stronger powers is still a pipe dream, sadly. The erosion of the powers of local authorities has been a slow, steady but sustained process. Part of the diminution is self-inflicted. Although the private sector is able to collect rubbish, local councils were inefficient when they had the entire market. Control of water and sewerage has been farmed out to a relatively new semi-state body, Uisce Eireann. The provision of social and affordable housing has been largely handed over to 500 approved housing bodies that have sprung up across the country. These bodies get government funding from local authorities to provide affordable housing, by building new homes, buying existing homes and leasing private homes. The local council has effectively become a middle man in the process. Where a local authority gets directly involved in housing provision or the renovation of its existing housing stock, it faces the heavy-handed intervention of central government. Nowhere is this lack of autonomy more acute than in the capital city. At a time when Dublin city needs leadership, it is being passed around between departments, agencies and quangos. As the European headquarters of many technology companies, Dublin has become a desired destination for young people from across the world. The city is already blessed with educational, cultural and leisure facilities. And yet it is significantly failing to become what would be regarded as a leading European city. The dirty old town lives up to its lore, particularly when it comes to the crime and grime of what should be a thriving city. Meanwhile, across the water, London mayor Sadiq Khan wants the city to become the first four-time host of the Olympics and is backing a bid for the 2040 Games. The ambition of Khan, who has been mayor since 2016, is for the British city to become the sporting capital of the world. But its not just about aspiration. The London mayor is a chief executive, rather than a chain-wearer, and has powers over strategic planning, including housing, waste management, the environment, strategic planning permission, transport policy, fire and emergency planning, policing and crime policy, and economic development, Today marks the 25th anniversary of the appointment of the first directly elected mayor of London. But in Dublin, the narrow-minded protectionism of several governments means a similar proposal for our capital is way off. Dublin will suffer as long as there is no one directly responsible for its running. Socially, economically and culturally, the citys failure to develop coherently is of significance to the rest of the country. Spike Island, or "Irelands Alcatraz", is a small coastal enclave off the coast of Cobh in Co Cork. But while most of us associate its colourful history as one of a battle-hardened prison, its story begins much earlier, centuries earlier in fact. Spike Islands rich history extends as far back as 635 AD when Saint Mochuda set up a monastery on the island, which lasted for 500 years. It was a time when Ireland was famous for its manuscripts and known as a world centre for crafts. The island went on to play a key role as a fortress for the British, who invested heavily in Cork Harbour as a line of defence against the French. This investment into the island was one of the most expensive construction projects in Irish history. Spike Island is still Britain and Irelands largest-ever prison and was used as a prison facility up until 2004. A popular tourist attraction since 2016, Spike Island now is a far cry from its dark past, which included the1985 prison riots and the housing of Irelands most well-known criminals such as Martin Cahill and James Grey, also known as 'Jack in the Box'. Today on the Indo Daily Ellen Coyne is joined by John Crotty, former general Manager of Spike Island and author of Spike Island: The Rebels, Residents and Crafty Criminals of Irelands Historic Island, to discuss the islands colourful past and the potential histories yet to be unfurled. Jack ORegan read the newspaper while relaxing on the Dead Sea in an attempt to replicate his fathers actions at the famed salt lake in 1971 Jack's father and brother brought him a recent issue of The Kerryman when they visited him in Jordan. A north Kerry man enjoyed reading a recent issue of The Kerryman while floating in the Dead Sea. Ballyheigue native Jack ORegan (47), who lives in the Jordanian capital of Amman, was recently visited by his father John and brother Andrew, who brought with them a copy of the newspaper. The trio journeyed from Amman to the not so distant Dead Sea, a famed lake so salty that it allows humans and all manner of objects to float. At the biblical lake, Jack was photographed reading The Kerryman in an attempt to replicate a photo of his father reading the newspaper while relaxing afloat the Dead Sea decades ago. The subject of the photo often comes up in ORegan family discussions but unfortunately, it has been lost in time. My father was saying for years that there is a picture of him reading the newspaper in the Dead Sea, Jack said. We keep hearing about it because we dont have it! Jack explained. It was literally 54 years ago when he was travelling around Israel back in 1971. Jack moved to Jordan after his Kenyan wife Yolanda, a naturalised Briton, was assigned to work as a diplomat in the British embassy in Amman. Im whats known as a trailing spouse, he explained. The couple and their two children have lived in the country for more than six months and Jack said it has been a great experience. Its a very easy place to move into to be honest, he stated. It works. Theres good infrastructure. While poverty exists and the country is still developing, Jack said Jordan is very safe. This is despite the fact that the country is bordered by Syria, Iraq, Israel and the West Bank. The country also shares a border with Saudi Arabia. Its a bit of an island of stability inside a chaotic region, he explained. Still, Jack has witnessed at least one consequence of conflict in the Middle East. Last October when Iran fired missiles at Israel we did actually see them going overhead, he recalled. Jack said his current homeplace can get very hot during summer and very cold in the winter. Its desert scenery has provided the setting for many films, including The Martian starring Matt Damon, and its mix of north African and Middle Eastern cuisine is delicious. Theres loads to do here. Theres ruins and ruins, the Dead Sea, and you can go and visit the place where John the Baptist baptised Jesus, Jack said. The Ballyheigue man said Jordan also has a growing Irish community consisting of embassy staff, aid workers, teachers and businesspeople, who have had some gatherings in Amman. Meath County Council's library service has organised over 30 events that will run in libraries across the county for the entire month of May as part of Bealtaine 2025. This year, Bealtaine is celebrating 30 years of the festival running in Ireland, celebrating age and creativity. Bealtaine is one of Irelands largest cooperative festivals and the worlds first national celebration of creativity in older age. Highlights of this year's events include the Big Bealtaine Book Quiz open to all Meath book clubs on Thursday, May, 15 where winners will go home with some book tokens There will be Healthy Ireland events throughout the month with Pilates, chair yoga, chair exercise, and line dancing events. There will also be creative events such as pressed flower crafts, paint by numbers sessions, mono print art, and art workshops with artist John Carpenter. Oldcastle Library will welcome celebrated author Seamus ORourke on Thursday, May, 22 to discuss his latest book with former Meath writer-in-residence Nicola Cassidy. There is also a reminiscence workshop on poems and songs learned at school while Trim Library is holding a Poetry Exhibition throughout the month. A film festival will run once a week throughout the month. And for those who wish to improve their Irish, they can take part in an Irish conversation workshop for beginners in Trim Library on Monday, May, 12. The partnership festival Bealtaine works on two parallel and interdependent strands, including a strategic programme, curated by age and opportunitys arts team, aimed at addressing key strategic priorities for the festival. It also has a locally devised and curated national programme made up of hundreds of events organised in each community by a wide variety of groups. French tourist vows to never drive in Ireland again following head-on crash in Monaghan Two people in the other car were brought to hospital for treatment after the crash Thomas Peixoto outside Monaghan Courthouse. Liam Cosgrove Mon 5 May 2025 at 10:00 A French tourist has vowed to never get behind the wheel of a car in Ireland again after his lack of motoring experience navigating the countrys left-handed driving laws left a man and woman in hospital with serious injuries following a head-on crash in county Monaghan last year. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill cutting the ribbon alongside Martina Calvey, CEO, Hello GoodLife Ireland and the local community at the launch of the Bunninadden Hello GoodLife Community Health and Wellbeing Hub (Image: James Connolly) A significant milestone in community-led health innovation was reached as Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill officially opened the Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing Hub at Ballinalack Community Park, Bunninadden last Friday. It is Irelands first community-inspired and community-run hub based on the Hello GoodLife model. Building on the success of the commercially-run and well-established Hello GoodLife hubs in Castlebar and Roscommon, the Bunninadden hub is the first to be entirely operated by a local community group, now running the facility as a social enterprise in service of public health and wellbeing. Funded through the LEADER rural development programme, the initiative represents a new direction in preventative, place-based healthcare. Designed by Martina Calvey, CEO and founder of Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing Ireland alongside her partner Seamus Davitt, the hub offers a dedicated, inclusive space for holistic health featuring 14 power-assisted exercise machines including two specially designed for wheelchair users. It provides an accessible and safe environment for people of all ages and abilities to stay active, maintain independence and foster meaningful social connections. Minister Carroll MacNeill hailed the project as a shining example of community-driven innovation. What we see today in Bunninadden is a shining example of what can be achieved when community spirit meets collaboration and innovation. The Hello GoodLife Hub is not only helping people live longer, healthier lives, its giving them the ability to thrive. This model is a blueprint for communities across the country. The Hello GoodLife concept is rooted in accessibility, inclusion and community engagement. The Bunninadden hub, in particular, showcases whats possible when local people unite to support each others wellbeing with mature and older adults, those living with chronic conditions and people of all ages simply seeking to stay active all benefiting from its presence. Hello GoodLife CEO, Martina Calvey, said: We created Hello GoodLife with peoples physical, social and mental health in mind following my own personal journey through illness and having used Innervas power-assisted circuit. What the Bunninadden community have achieved here is extraordinary they took this idea and brought it to life for their people and their place. Seeing the smiles, the energy and the friendships being formed here every day this is what its all about. Its a movement for healthier, happier lives. Already hailed as a national exemplar of best practice in community-led preventative healthcare, the Hello GoodLife Health & Wellbeing Hub in Bunninadden marks the next exciting step in a growing movement across Ireland driven by local passion, powered by partnership and built for the health and wellbeing of all. Pat Fallon, President of the Sligo-Leitrim Council of Trade Unions, Cllr Declan Bree, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Ms Denise Curran of the Mandate Trade Union at Sligos May Day ceremony. Since coming into office, this government has reneged on many undertakings that were previously given to the trade union movement, a leading trade unionist has claimed. Pat Fallon, President of the Sligo-Leitrim Council of Trade Unions made the remarks when he addressed those attending Sligos annual May Day ceremony in New Street on Thursday evening May 1st. There has been a reversal on introducing the living wage, paid sick leave entitlements, increasing the minimum annual remuneration for employment permits and automatic enrolment for pensions. All of these measures which the government agreed to, have now been deferred. This is not acceptable to unions and workers. When will those initiatives be delivered on? The Government will say that global trading uncertainty means we must pause the measures. An ERSI report has shown that in 2023 nationally advertised online jobs at the minimum rate of pay accounted for 7% which rose to 15% in 2024, and in Sligo the figure was an average of 19% showing a worrying trend towards low paid jobs. Denying a worker an adequate living wage will hardly solve the global economic turmoil. Today, low-paid workers are faced with a cost-of-living crisis and falling living standards. Workers have never worked so hard and never struggled so much. The governments housing policies have resulted in ordinary workers and families being priced out of the market. The number of minimum wage jobs advertised last year was double what it was in 2023. What hope does a young couple working for minimum wage have of ever owning their own home. Organising more workers through trade unions is now very necessary if we are to change this trend and improve living standards for working people, he said. Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree, who also spoke said: Access to secure, affordable housing is a deep and abiding concern of the trade union movement. It was the squalor of the slums in Dublin and other urban areas including Sligo, in the early years of the 20th century that provided much of the motivational force for the establishment of the modern trade union movement. For the trade union and labour movement, the need for decent housing remains wholly indivisible from the need for decent pay and decent work. When I was first elected to local government, Councils delivered almost 9,000 new homes which was a third of all housing delivered in Ireland that year. However, over the years Government funding for the construction of council housing was reduced and the role of private developers expanded. The 2008 banking crash accelerated the shift to for profit developers Due to the ongoing development of neo liberal policies and the view that the private sector, was much better at delivering all aspects of the economy, funding for public council housing was slashed. The 2009 Housing Act in essence stripped local authorities of much responsibility for the provision of public housing, instead limiting them to support for such housing. By 2015, the output of Council housing had fallen drastically with just 75 houses being built nationwide - and as the numbers collapsed, housing waiting lists surged and they have continued to rise year after year. The reason we have a housing crisis today is that successive Governments handed housing delivery over to the market - to private developers, speculators and to investor funds. It must also be pointed out that the abject failure of government to provide adequate housing and a proper health system has provided fertile grounds for far right elements to stoke racial hatred. Hate, lies and racism are not going to build us houses or provide better health services. The far-right are playing on peoples fears to shift the blame for these longstanding issues onto migrants, and that is absolutely wrong. The trade union movement has achieved a lot for workers over the last 100 years but there is still much to do to achieve real economic and social equality in Ireland. We now need to see an all-Ireland programme to end homelessness and to build state-funded public housing in addition to the Right to Housing being enshrined in our Constitution. he said. Denise Curran of the Mandate Trade Union presided at the event and floral tributes were laid on behalf of the trade union movement by Mr Tony Conlon of the Forsa Trade Union and by Ms Brenda Barr on behalf of the Connolly Forum. 28-year-old Liu dos Santos left behind political unrest in Mozambique to forge a new path in Enniscorthy, where she's pursuing her dream career through an insurance apprenticeship while raising her son in a welcoming community Liu dos Santos has made an incredible journey over the last three years from living in Mozambique during political unrest and economic crisis to pursuing her education and career in the welcoming community of Enniscorthy. Liu, who is currently 28 years old, lived in Mozambique with her parents after returning from South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, her former partner Ashley Maher found himself unemployed as the economic state of the country was very bad. "When he lost his job a second time, we completely lost all hope, she admitted. However, with his grandfather being Irish and holding Irish citizenship himself, they thought it would be a good idea to move to Ireland. In the meantime, he travelled to England where he worked to save money for their big move and received a job offer in Enniscorthy where he now works in Centra. Despite the issues in Mozambique, the big move has been bittersweet, especially since her parents and other relatives still live there. "Our life was nice. Mozambique is very beautiful and warm and the food is amazing, but it is not a great place if you want access to opportunities. I wanted to do something with my life. A big concern is the political unrest in her home country following the 2019 elections and claims of fraud by opposing political parties. During the elections, held on October 15, President Filipe Nyusi of the ruling FRELIMO party was re-elected with a large majority of the vote (73 per cent), with his main challenger of the opposition party RENAMO receiving just 22 per cent. As a result, RENAMO and other parties accused FRELIMO of ballot box stuffing, voter intimidation and manipulation of the electoral process. This led to widespread protests, violence and hundreds of deaths, that has ignited once again following the 2024 election with FRELIMO keeping power once again. "It is not great there, there is a lot of uncertainty because of the post-election crisis. There is a lot of violence between the police and public because everyone wants truth and proof as there has been a lot of fraud. It is really upsetting because my family is there, you cant really enjoy life with that in the back of your mind, she explained. Despite these worries, Liu is currently doing an apprenticeship with Roban Financial that allows her to pursue her education at the same time, with hopes that she can realise her childhood dream. "Growing up I always imagined myself as a big businesswoman with a suit and heels. I didnt know what I wanted to do but I wanted to so something to change people's lives. I started doing an economics degree and worked in the bank sector which I loved. "I didnt imagine that I would go into life insurance because it is not a big thing in Mozambique and not a priority. I just got my own first life insurance here in Ireland, she added. When she initially arrived, she got an online job for six months with Ulster Bank which suited her as her son Luka, who is now four years old, was too young for the creche. In a lucky twist of fate once that contract ended and she was looking on the job market, it was Roban Financial who reached out to her. "I was really nervous when I went for the interview because I felt that I didnt have the qualifications, but I was completely honest with them. They told me I would have to do a course and get qualifications. I couldnt finish my course in Mozambique so I saw it as a second chance and I took it. Liu Dos Santos celebrating the tenth anniversary of the programme. Photo: Gareth Chaney The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship called Earn and Learn is a three-year programme, which enables apprentices to earn a full-time salary, whilst studying remotely for a BA Honours Degree in Insurance Practice. The work-based training programme combines academics delivered remotely through ATU Sligo (Atlantic Technological University) with on-the-job learning, allowing apprentices to acquire technical and business skills while studying towards a degree. 47 per cent of all graduates have achieved first class honours, with the programme having one of the highest percentage of females in an apprenticeship with a near even split of 53 per cent females and 47 per cent males. The programme recently celebrated its tenth anniversary with an event featuring Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless. They are now accepting applicants for the 2025 programme. Balancing motherhood, work, and studies is difficult, but Liu said she wouldnt change it for the world. "My life is really crazy and busy, but I wouldnt change it for anything. I do my best at work, then come back and wind down with Luka before we eat and I put him to bed and then I go to the gym. I try to study three times a week so I either go to the gym of study. "I recommend this apprenticeship ten times of ten. For someone new in the sector it makes it so much easier to study what you are doing and putting it into practice, she said. Outside of work, she has been greatly welcomed into the community by her neighbours and the various community groups. And although her and Ashley are no longer together, they remain great friends who are dedicated to co-parenting as a team. "Enniscorthy is so charming with all the historical sites. The community is so warm and welcoming as well I go to workout in a group and I am involved in the Brazilian community. They really welcomed me because I think my culture and their culture has similarities. I have had no negative interactions so far. Most of all, her son Luka has had no issues setting into the community, though the Irish weather was difficult to become accustomed to. "He was the first one to get settled in so early. He loves his little friends at creche and our neighbours know him and greet him, sometimes stopping in the middle of the street to talk. It is amazing, she laughed. Given the journey she has undertaken to get to where she is today, she is full of advice for people who find themselves in her previous situation. "I would say never stop believing in your ability to change and embrace it with an open heart. Everything will fall into place eventually. I am a firm believer in that what we give is what we get. So just try to do your best, she added. A kind, gentle and quiet presence, are the words echoing in relation to Reverend Doctor Kevin Cahill who passed away on Thursday, April 24, following a long illness. Reverend Cahill was of Avenue Court, Gorey, and late of Enniscorthy. He was the beloved son of the late Nancy and Kevin, brother of Tom, Gerard, Mary and the late John. Reverend Cahills funeral mass took place on Monday, April 28 at St. Michael's Church Gorey, followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery Enniscorthy. Reverend Cahill retired three and a half years ago due to his long battle with cancer which he battled with patience and resignation. He endured a long career in the priesthood which he offered his life generously to. Reverend Cahill began studying for the priesthood in Maynooth in 1975. In the years after that, he served in many parishes across Wexford such as Gorey, Ferns and Rathangan. In 1993, he moved to Rome to study and obtain a doctorate in Canon Law. He had a great appreciation of the Italian culture and their way of life. It was said at his funeral that he would have loved watching the footage of the ceremonies which took place in honour of Pope Francis passing recently. Reverend Cahill used his Law skills while working in the Marriage Tribunal in the Dublin Diocesan Offices and was also a dedicated chaplain to a number of schools. Tributes poured in after his death with one mourner writing: Condolences to the Cahill family on the passing of Fr Kevin , a kind and gentle servant of the Lord . The conservations were varied and interesting , he loved the life of the church and was a proud son of Enniscorthy .May he rest in peace in the hands of our blessed mother Mary. Another mourner wrote: He was very thoughtful, kind and spiritual - a thorough gentleman inside and out. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace after a life well lived. Another tribute read: I remember him from our childhood days in Gorey and later reunited with him as Father Kevin in Ballyfad as our Curate. May his gentle soul rest in peace. He will be deeply regretted by his brothers, sister, sisters-in-law Mary, Breda and Caroline, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, Bishop Ger, Bishop Eamon Walsh, fellow Priests, parishioners, extended family, relatives and friends. Reverend Cahills long friendship with Father Jim Nolan was acknowledged during the funeral mass. Unless you've gone through it, I don't think you really understand how lonely the experience can be The community memorial stone for all babies lost before, during and after birth, at Springfield Cemetery, Bray. Beth Walsh says a few words at the community memorial stone for all babies lost before, during and after birth, with Fr Michael OKelly, Beth's husband Arturo Zindel, Springfield Cemetery registrar Tony McNerney and caretaker Kevin Cullinan. Fr Michael OKelly gives a blessing at the community memorial stone for all babies lost before, during and after birth, with Beth Walsh, husband Arturo Zindel, Springfield Cemetery registrar Tony McNerney and caretaker Kevin Cullinan. Beth Walsh at the community memorial stone for all babies lost before, during and after birth, with her husband Arturo Zindel and baby Sebastian. A woman from Co Wicklow, who has experienced the loss of two babies through miscarriage, has placed a memorial stone dedicated to all babies lost before, during and after birth as a place for mothers in the community to grieve their loss. The stone, at Bray's Springfield Cemetery, is now the 17th such stone in the country, and was over a year in the works for Beth Walsh, who secured funding from The Miscarriage Association of Ireland. The association is aware that some babies lost through miscarriage have their own resting place in a family plot or grave, but there are some babies who only get to share in womens lives very briefly, and they have no lasting marker, or no resting place at all. Countless numbers of parents have reached out to the association expressing their wish to have a permanent feature to commemorate their baby, a peaceful place to visit, where they could spend some quiet time in reflection and to remember. For Beth, Brays Springfield Cemetery couldnt have provided a more beautiful setting for the memorial stone that she unveiled on Wednesday, April 30, high up in the grounds with its backdrop of the Sugarloaf Mountain. Fr Michael OKelly was there on a day blessed with sunshine, to give a blessing of his own and to share a few thoughtful words to remember all the women who, like Beth, have experienced loss but feel there is no place there for them to grieve. Also present at the unveiling were Beths husband, Arturo Zindel and little baby Sebastian, along with Springfield Cemetery registrar Tony McNerney and caretaker Kevin Cullinan. Remarking on the beautiful space that Tony and Kevin had provided, Beth hoped that it will now serve as a place for women to feel a little bit less alone in their experience, if they have gone through a miscarriage. I had two losses over the last few years, and I remember speaking to a doctor, in Holles Street, and they told me that for the majority of women that lose babies, they don't have a place that they can go to grieve, Beth said. "I just started to research ways that you could remember babies that you've lost and came across the initiative from the Miscarriage Association of Ireland. So the association sponsored the stone, but the request comes from the community. There is one in Greystones, so I asked them if we could get one placed here. And I got permission from Wicklow County Council to get it placed. Unless you've gone through it, I don't think you really understand how lonely the experience can be, she said, of her own loss. I just thought this is something that would be great for the community. It's a place where all women can go, to feel a little bit less alone in their experience. Also, I think it's really important for women, especially women, to have a place to be able to grieve their loss. Because oftentimes people will will go through that loss and, you know, they have nothing to show for it afterwards. So this is a place where they can feel united in their loss with other people, I guess. Because I think it's not spoken about enough and I think women can be forgotten. At the ceremony, Beth read a poem that she had chosen for the occasion, by Donna Ashworth, called Love Came First, because it just reminds me of the experience of losing a baby. The closing line is: Remember. Grief came to you my friend, because love came first. Taking place, quite literally from dawn til dusk over one day in May, The Shaking Bog Festival, where art and nature converge, opens with a dawn chorus walk and closes with a concert later that evening. The festival is on Saturday, May 17, and promises a wide range of artistic and nature-based events in the areas of Enniskerry, Bray and the Glencree Valley. Organisers say it is a chance to step away from everyday life to deepen our appreciation of the natural world. It will begin with a dawn chorus walk with the renowned ornithologist and wildlife sound recordist Sean Ronayne, through a the field in the native woodlands near Knockree Hostel, Glencree. Seans walk will be followed by an informal breakfast at the hostel, during which local zoologist Kieron Finch will arrive with the moths that he has captured overnight, inspiring awe and wonder as he unveils their magnificence. Following the Magic of Moths will be a family bug hunt led by local artist Liz McMahon that will bring parents and children into the forests along the banks of the river to explore the many wonderful critters that inhabit the native woodland. This will be followed by a family walk, exploring habitats along the riverbanks, with local nature enthusiast and mountain leader, Martha Burton. Professor Jane Stout, one of Irelands leading botanists, will join The Shaking Bog to lead a wildflowers and pollinators walk through the Lacken Valley, rich with bluebells and wild garlic. What is Wild? a talk by Mark Cocker, award-winning author of creative non-fiction, a naturalist, columnist and broadcaster, will take place at St Patricks Church, Curtlestown, at 5.30pm. Cockers latest book One Midsummers Day: Swifts and the Story of Life on Earth celebrates the interconnectedness of all of life and has been shortlisted for the prestigious Richard Jefferies Prize for nature writing. The day-long programme of events will draw to a close with a memorable performance in two parts. The first will be a poetry reading from the acclaimed nature/eco poet Jane Robinson who will read from her poetry collections Island and Atoll. The second part of the evening will mark the first home performance by acclaimed solo and concert violinist Lynda OConnor, who grew up just minutes away from Curtlestown Church. Lynda will be joined by international concert cellist and composer Ailbhe McDonagh and together they will perform The Irish Four Seasons which premiered late last year Meanwhile, Riverscapes as a project will flow through the coming weeks and months with various activities feeding into its various tributaries of engagement. Many of these activities will evolve out of consultations and conversations with community groups and individuals and some will be more structured. It will culminate with the unveiling of Alan Gilsenans film that will be screened in Mermaid Arts Centre in October as part of a larger autumn programme of events. Commenting on this year's programme, director Catherine Nunes said: The Shaking Bog believes that we can contribute to finding a third way forwards by gathering not dividing, by inspiring and connecting, by sharing and including, by reflecting and wondering, by touching on the alchemy that happens when nature and meet for it is there that the light shines in and hope resides. For full details of the programme, go to: shakingbog.ie This year, all tickets are being sold through the Mermaid Arts Centre platform, at mermaidartscentre.ie Author Helen Fielding has alleged she was routinely groped while working at the BBC in the 1980s. The 67-year-old claimed it was commonplace at the time for men at the broadcaster to touch womens breasts during conversations. The author found fame in the noughties with her bestselling Bridget Jones novels, which were later adapted into a series of films starring Renee Zellweger Describing an alleged culture of harassment, she said: I worked at the BBC when I was in my 20s, and you just got used to the fact that people would actually put their hand on your boob while they were talking to you about work. The authors comments, first reported by The Mail on Sunday, were made at the annual Soho Summit in Oxfordshire, last week. Ms Fielding claimed women at the BBC had grown resigned to the behaviour. It just seemed to be what you put up with, she said. I first wrote Bridget pre-MeToo, and when I look at that film now, I cant believe that that stuff was going on, she added. Helen Fielding with Renee Zellweger. Photo: Getty Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th In scenes in the novels echoing her own experiences, Jones regularly fends off inappropriate advances including from her boss Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant in the films, who gropes her in the office. She is also sexually harassed by Mr Cleavers manager Mr Fitzherbert, who openly stares at her breasts. Ms Fielding claimed sexism remained deeply entrenched in the film world. I honestly think its still there in the movie business, its just under the parapet, she said. I think there has to be a constant awareness of not being unequal in the way women are treated. You still have to fight much harder as a woman, even a successful woman, and you get treated in ways that men would not be treated. Her first BBC role after graduating from the University of Oxford was working behind the scenes on Jimll Fix It, the childrens show later at the centre of a scandal when its host Jimmy Savile was unmasked as a paedophile. Ms Fielding has previously said she had concerns about Savile. She said in 2019: We always said, Dont leave Jimmy alone with the children. A BBC spokesman told The Mail on Sunday: Were sorry to hear of these experiences. Attitudes and behaviours have changed significantly in the last 40 years and the BBC like the rest of society is [a] very different place now from what it was then. (Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd) Australian opposition leader most likened to Donald Trump lost his seat as the Labor government secured a landslide win. Peter Dutton was the target of a strong voter backlash for his embracing of Trumpian policies. He suffered more than a 10pc swing against him to Labor rival Ali France, who has claimed more than 59pc of the vote under Australias two-party preferred system. It comes as Australias centre-left prime minister Anthony Albanese secured a second term just days after Canadas centrist Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, retained government, in what will be seen as part of an international backlash against the Trump administration. Hamas executes looters after armed gangs reportedly attack Gaza food stores Militant group have accused some of the thieves of collaborating with Israeli forces Palestinian children struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip on Saturday. Photo: Abdel Kareem Hana/ AP Nidal al-Mughrabi Reuters Mon 5 May 2025 at 03:30 Hamas has executed a number of alleged looters after several incidents in which heavily armed gangs attacked food stores and community kitchens in the Gaza Strip, sources close to the Palestinian militant group said. US President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a California island. In a message on his Truth Social site on Sunday evening, Mr Trump wrote: For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. The Trump administration says it is going to pay immigrants in the United States illegally who have returned to their home country voluntarily 1,000 dollars as it pushes forward with its mass deportation agenda. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that it is also paying for travel assistance and that those people who use an app called CBP Home to tell the government that they plan to return home will be deprioritised for detention and removal by immigration enforcement. Music and laughter filled the air as young and old came together for a VE Day anniversary street party in east Belfast (David Young/PA) Music and laughter filled the air as young and old came together for a VE Day anniversary street party in east Belfast. Part of the citys Woodstock Road was closed off to facilitate the Bank Holiday Monday community gathering to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. Worlds Largest Container Vessel MSC Irina Arrives at Indias Vizhinjam Port The Vizhinjam International Seaport, Indias first deep-water transshipment hub, marks the beginning of a new era for Asias sea trade. The strategically located port offers advanced automation, deep-sea access, and strong connectivity. Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), Indias first deep-water transshipment hub, positions the country for greater trade engagement across Asia. Officially inaugurated on May 2, 2025, Vizhinjam seaport is expected to play a vital role in enhancing Indias global trade presence. It aims to improve logistics performance, reduce dependence on international ports for transshipment, and increase efficiency in cargo handling. India Briefing offers insights into the impact of this mega project on Indias maritime ecosystem, outlining its key features and strategic significance. Vizhinjam Port welcomes the worlds largest container ship, MSC Irina On June 9, 2025, the MSC Irina, the worlds largest container ship by TEU capacity, made its maiden call to Vizhinjam International Seaport. This is the ships first visit to a South Asian port, underscoring Vizhinjams readiness to handle ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs). According to port authorities, the MSC Irina will remain berthed until June 10, 2025. With a capacity of 24,346 TEUs, a length of 399.9 meters, and a width of 61.3 meters, the ship is approximately four times the length of a standard football field, indicating a new era in maritime logistics for India. The arrival also reflects a major milestone for Vizhinjam Port. This landmark docking further reinforces the ports emergence as a strategic node in global shipping, having already handled other major vessels such as MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini. Since its trial launch in July 2024 and the start of commercial operations in December 2024, Vizhinjam Port has already handled 349 vessels and over 733,000 containers, positioning itself as a rising maritime hub on Indias southern coast. Key features of the Vizhinjam International Seaport Public-private partnership model Vizhinjam International Seaport, also known as Trivandrum Port, has been developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) between Adani Ports and the Kerala state government. The total cost of the project is approximately INR 88.67 billion (US$1.05 billion), with Kerala contributing over INR 55.95 billion (US$663.93 million). Vizhinjam seaport project funding breakup State government of Kerala 61.5 percent Indias Central government 9.6 percent Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd 28.9 percent Source: Vizhinjam International Seaport The project was allotted to APSEZ by the state government in 2015 for a concession period of 40 years. The construction of all the phases of the port is expected to be completed by 2028 and become fully operational from 2034. Strategic global location Positioned just 10 nautical miles from the east-west international shipping corridor, Vizhinjam port offers direct access to one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world. Its proximity to Europe-Middle East-Asia (EMEA) lanes makes it a preferred port for global carriers, significantly reducing detour time and fuel costs. Robust multimodal connectivity The ports infrastructure design incorporates rail and road connectivity, including a planned railway tunnel, which is expected to boost inland cargo movement and cut transit time across the southern part of the country. Vizhinjam seaport connectivity Road 4 lane NH-66 Rail 10.7 km rail connectivity to Balaramapuram railway station Air 16 km from Trivandrum International Airport Source: Vizhinjam International Seaport Indias deepest breakwater One of the highlights of Vizhinjam Port is its 2,960-meter-long breakwater, built in waters 18 to 20 meters deep. It rises as tall as a 9-story building, making it the deepest breakwater ever built in India. Vizhinjam has a natural sea depth of 24 meters, which can handle ultra-large container ships (ULCS) without needing heavy dredging. This gives it a strong advantage over major international ports like Colombo (Sri Lanka), Jebel Ali (UAE), and Singapore. Breakwaters are often the largest investment in port construction. These are large structures built in the sea near the coast or around a port to protect it from strong waves and storms. Its main purpose is to create calm water areas so that ships can dock safely and port operations can run smoothly, even in rough weather. They absorb and deflect the energy of incoming waves, reducing erosion and preventing damage to ships and infrastructure. High-capacity berths Each berth at Vizhinjam is designed to handle ships carrying up to 24,000 TEUs, aligning with global standards for container transshipment and increasing Indias cargo-handling efficiency. Berths are designated spots in a port or harbor where ships are tied up to load and unload cargo or passengers. Each berth is typically equipped with the infrastructure needed to handle specific types of vesselssuch as cranes, storage areas, pipelines, and cargo handling systems. Technological edge and employment generation Vizhinjam has been labelled as Indias first eco-friendly and semi-automated seaport, combining advanced automation with sustainable infrastructure to cater to the needs of environmentally conscious maritime operators. The port is reportedly equipped with remotely controlled ship-to-shore cranes and automated yard cranes to deliver enhanced speed and safety in cargo handling. It also features the countrys first indigenously developed AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS). The project is set to generate around 5,500 direct employment opportunities. Notably, Vizhinjam is also the first port in India to have an all-women team operating its automated crane systems, with the team trained at the Community Skill Park in Vizhinjam, Kerala. Positive early performance Within its first months of commercial operations, the port handled over 186,000 TEUs across 91 vessels in just February and March 2025exceeding its capacity utilization rate by 110 percent, indicating strong demand and operational success. Worlds Biggest Container Ports (as of 2023) International port Country/region Vessel capacity (million TEU*) Shanghai China 49.16 Port of Singapore Singapore 39.01 Ningbo-Zhoushan China 35.30 Shenzhen China 29.88 Guangzhou Harbor China 25.41 Busan South Korea 23.04 Qingdao China 28.77 Hong Kong S.A.R, China 14.40 Tianjin China 22.19 Rotterdam The Netherlands 13.45 Jebel Ali Dubai, UAE 14.47 Port Klang Malaysia 14.06 Source: World Shipping Council *TEU is an abbreviation of twenty-foot equivalent unit, or, in other terms, a twenty-foot container. It can be used to measure vessel capacity. Docking worlds largest ships Global shipping giants like MSC Turkiye (24,346 TEUs) and MSC Claude Girardet (24,116 TEUs) have already docked at Vizhinjam, indicating the ports readiness to accommodate the worlds largest container vessels. Expansion plans through 2028 On March 10, 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment gave the green light for phases two and three. This is expected to triple the ports capacityfrom 1 million to 3 million TEUs annually by 2028. Vizhinjam seaport capacity Phase 1 1 million TEUs Phase 2 2.5 million TEUs Phase 3 3.3 million TEUs Terminal area (Phase 1) 80 hectares Quay length (Phase 1) 800 meters Source: Vizhinjam International Seaport Reclaiming transshipment from foreign ports As per reports, nearly 75 percent of Indias transshipment cargo has been routed through the Colombo port of Sri Lanka, resulting in foreign exchange loss and higher logistics costs. Vizhinjam port is to bring this traffic back home, strengthening Indias control over its maritime trade routes. ALSO READ: India Eases Customs Procedures for Air Cargo and Transshipment Conclusion The Vizhinjam International Seaport marks a major leap in Indias maritime infrastructure, with its strategic location, advanced automation, and deepwater capabilities positioning it as a global transshipment hub. As it scales up capacity through 2028, the port is set to reclaim transshipment traffic from foreign ports, enhance trade efficiency, and boost Indias presence on global shipping routes. (US$1 = INR 84.26) This article was originally published on May 5, 2025. It has since been updated on June 9, 2025. Jack OTT Release Date: Siddhu Jonnalagadda recently headlined a Telugu actioner alongside Vaishnavi Chaitanya, which opened to mixed reviews. Released globally on 10th April, this spy actioner is written and directed by Bommarillu Bhaskar. For all the OTT lovers, Jack will be streaming on Netflix starting May 8, 2025. Jacks cast and crew Other than the lead duo, the film also starred Prakash Raj, Naresh, Brahmaji and Ravi Prakash among others. Produced by B. V. S. N. Prasad under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra, this one is musically composed by Achu Rajamani, Sam C. S. and Suresh Bobbili. Jack is cinematographed by Vijay K. Chakravarthy and edited by Navin Nooli. Jacks plot overview Jack (Siddhu Jonnalagadda) is a smart and capable guy who doesnt like the idea of a regular 9-to-5 job. His dream is to become a RAW agent. After going to an interview, he thinks hes got the job. While waiting, he takes matters into his own hands and starts chasing down some terrorists on his own. At the same time, real RAW agents are trying to catch a dangerous terrorist and stop a big attack on the country. The rest of the story is about how Jack gets involved with the RAW team and helps stop the attack. Jacks review The Times of India rated the movie 2.5 out of 5, and a part of their review read, The narrative jumps from tense action to broad comedy without much finesse, and the tonal imbalance becomes jarring. If youre a fan of Siddhu Jonnalagadda and enjoyed his antics in DJ Tillu, you might find Jack mildly entertaining. But if you're looking for a well-balanced spy thriller or a tight comedy, temper your expectations. For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Mike Birbiglia The Good Life OTT release date Netflix: After delivering plenty of laughs over the years, Mike Birbiglia returns with a new Netflix comedy special that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. Titled The Good Life, this marks his fourth special for Netflix and the sixth of his career. It follows his 2023 Emmy-nominated show The Old Man and the Pool, arriving roughly 18 months later. Birbiglia started touring The Good Life in October, including six performances at New Yorks Beacon Theatre. Here's when and where you can catch it. What to expect from Mike Birbiglias The Good Life Blending humor with heartfelt storytelling, The Good Life sees Birbiglia open up about his fathers stroke and how that experience pushed him to reconsider his own views on being a parent. As per Hollywood reporter, Mike Birbiglia described The Good Life as his most personal show to date, noting that unlike his previous specials, this one reflects his current life rather than events from his past. In a statement, he shared, Over the years Ive done a lot of personal shows, but somehow this one is the most personal because its not in my past. Its my life right now. He admitted that during certain moments on tour, he found himself questioning whether he should share some of the stories, thinking on stage, Whoa. Am I really gonna tell this story? However, Birbiglia explained that this level of vulnerability is at the heart of his work. His approach is to explore his most painful experiences in search of the humor hidden within them. Mike Birbiglias The Good Life release date Mike Birbiglias The Good Life will be released on Netflix on 26th May 2025. Reacting to the announcement, people praised Mike and wrote how they love his work and are excited about this one. One wrote, YES! Cant wait to watch again and again. Saw it in person and its so special. A second added, Lets freaking goooooooo. Such a hilarious and heartwarming special. Hand the Emmy over!!! @birbigs great working again!. A third went on to add, All your specials are a comfort watch for me, Im so excited for this one. Mike Birbiglia started working on The Good Life following the success of his Emmy-nominated 2023 special The Old Man and the Pool. His earlier specials include Thank God for Jokes, The New One, My Girlfriends Boyfriend, and What I Should Have Said Was Nothing. Ready to witness the madness? For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. One Piece episode 1129 delayed: One Piece episode 1128 turned out to be an epic one. In fact, people have been saying that it is possibly the best episode of the Egghead Island arc so far. As soon as one episode ends, anime fans eagerly look forward to the next. However, we have to inform you that One Piece episode 1129 has been delayed, and a special episode will be released instead. One Piece has announced a special Bonney & Kuma recap episode for next week, which means episode 1129 will be postponed. One Piece episode 1129 release date Crunchyroll should release One Piece episode 1129 on Sunday, May 18 at 8:45 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST), 11:45 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST), and 4:45 PM British Summer Time (BST). A week later, Netflix will also release the same episode. One Piece special Bonney & Kuma episode As we prepare to discover more about Kuma's background, the episode, which will be titled "Dr.Chopper's Adventure Checkup -The Ballad of a Father and Daughter-," will recount the tales of the two. In Japan, the episode will be released on 11th May. You can watch the preview here: Reacting to the preview, one wrote, The real episode we have been waiting for after 6 months. Chopper recapping bonney and kuma !!!. Another added, Six months break just to still do recap episodes is crazy. A third went on to add, I thought they would stop with the recap episodes. About the One Piece manga The Guinness World Record for "the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author" was set by One Piece in 2015 and 2022. From 2008 to 2018, it was the best-selling manga for 11 years in a row. It is also the only manga to have sold more than 1 million copies across all 100 of its published tankobon volumes and to have had an initial print of more than 3 million volumes for more than a decade For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. MBOSE HSSLC Result 2025 out: The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) has officially announced the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Result 2025 for Class 12 students today, May 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM IST. The results cover all streams-Science, Commerce, Arts, and Vocational-and are accessible online through the official websites mbose.in, megresults.nic.in, and mboseresults.in. Over 90,000 students appeared for the exams held from March 4 to March 29, 2025, with practical exams conducted earlier in February and extended schedules for remote areas. Students can check their results using their roll numbers and download provisional mark sheets, while original certificates will be distributed by schools later. MBOSE HSSLC Result 2025: Direct links to check Meghalaya Board class 12 result Students can access their MBOSE HSSLC Result 2025 at the following official portals: To check the result, visit any of these websites, click on the Meghalaya Board Class 12 Board Result 2025 link, enter your roll number and other required details, then submit to view and download your marksheet. How to download MBOSE HSSLC Result 2025? Below is the step by step guide to check & download MBOSE HSSLC Result 2025: Visit the official MBOSE website: mbose.in or megresults.nic.in. Click on the link for Meghalaya Board Class 12 Result 2025. Enter your roll number as mentioned on the admit card. Submit the details to view your result. Download and print the result for future reference. Students must score at least 33% marks in each subject to pass the HSSLC exams. Those who do not meet the criteria will be eligible for supplementary exams scheduled for July 2025. MBOSE HSSLC Result 2025 and pass percentage The MBOSE HSSLC exams were held at various centers across Meghalaya. Special arrangements were made for remote areas like Pangi and Lahaul . like . The Arts stream had the highest number of students, followed by Science and Commerce . had the highest number of students, followed by and . It can be highly expected a pass percentage between 74% and 76% for 2025. for 2025. In 2024, the overall pass percentage was 73.76% . . Girls outperformed boys in 2024 by 46%. FAQs Q: When was the MBOSE HSSLC Result 2025 declared? Answer: The Meghalaya Board declared the Class 12 HSSLC Result 2025 today, May 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM IST. Q: Where can I check my Meghalaya Board Class 12 result 2025? Answer: Students can check their results on official websites: mbose.in, megresults.nic.in, and mboseresults.in using their roll number. Q: What is the minimum passing criteria for MBOSE HSSLC exams 2025? Answer: Students must secure at least 33% marks in each subject to pass the Meghalaya Board HSSLC exams 2025. Q: Can I check MBOSE HSSLC Result 2025 via SMS? Answer: Yes, students can check results via SMS by sending MG12roll number to 58888 or MBOSE12roll number to 56263. Q: What happens if a student fails in one or two subjects? Answer: Students who fail in one or two subjects will be eligible to appear for supplementary exams, which are expected to be held in July 2025. For more news and updates from the world of Education, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Dr Krishnamurthy Venkata Subramanian, a well-known Indian economist and former Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India, has been in the news recently after being called back from his position at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) before the end of his term. He was working as Indias Executive Director at the IMF but was recalled six months before completing his three-year tenure. This article explores Krishnamurthy Subramanians early life, education, career, and the recent developments that led to his sudden exit from the IMF. Krishnamurthy Subramanians Early Life Krishnamurthy Subramanian was born in Bhilai, a city in Chhattisgarh, into a Tamil family. From a young age, he was known for his academic brilliance and deep interest in learning. He did his schooling at M.G.M. Senior Secondary School in Sector-6, Bhilai. His humble beginnings in Bhilai shaped his journey towards becoming one of Indias most respected economists. Education: A Strong Academic Background Krishnamurthy Subramanians education journey is marked by excellence. He studied electrical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, one of the countrys top engineering institutes. After that, he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from IIM Calcutta, where he received a gold medal and was listed on the Institutes Roll of Honour. To further deepen his understanding of economics and finance, he earned a PhD in financial economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His doctoral studies were guided by two renowned economists Raghuram Rajan (former RBI Governor) and Luigi Zingales. He also received a prestigious Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Dissertation Fellowship in 2005. This rich educational background played a key role in shaping his economic vision and leadership style. Career: From Academia to Policy Making Academic Career Krishnamurthy Subramanians career began in academia. He worked at Goizueta Business School at Emory University in the United States from 2005 to 2010. Later, he joined the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, where he served in various roles, including Associate Professor, Professor, and Executive Director of the Centre for Analytical Finance. His commitment to teaching and research earned him the title of "Professor of the Year" for the Class of 2019 at ISB. Role as Chief Economic Adviser In December 2018, he was appointed as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India becoming one of the youngest to hold the post. During his time as CEA (20182021), he wrote several influential Economic Surveys, focusing on ethical wealth creation and Indias path to becoming a global economic power. He also introduced innovative concepts like "Thalinomics", which analysed food affordability in India. After his term ended in 2021, he returned to academics before taking up the role at the IMF. Appointment to the MF and Sudden Exit In August 2022, Krishnamurthy Subramanian was appointed as Indias Executive Director at the IMF, and he officially took charge on November 1, 2022, replacing Surjit Bhalla. He represented India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan on the IMF Executive Board. However, on April 30, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued an order recalling him from the role, six months ahead of his scheduled term end. The decision was implemented with immediate effect. Why Was Krishnamurthy Subramanian Removed Early? Although the Indian government has not officially revealed the reason for his early recall, media reports suggest two key reasons: Tensions with the IMF over data quality: Subramanian reportedly raised concerns about the reliability of some IMF datasets. This did not go down well with the IMF officials and may have contributed to his removal. Spotlight Session: Visioning India @100 with Dr. @SubramanianKri At the Inaugural U.S.-India Economic Forum, hosted by USISPF in collaboration with @FollowCII on the sidelines of the 2025 @IMFNews and the @WorldBank Spring Meetings, the spotlight turned to a bold and pic.twitter.com/4B2G54OILu US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (@USISPForum) April 30, 2025 Allegations linked to his book promotion: Subramanian has recently published a book titled "India @ 100: Envisioning Tomorrows Economic Powerhouse." Some sources allege that he used his official position at the IMF to promote the book, which could be considered inappropriate. About the Book: "India @ 100" In his book India @ 100, published in 2024, Krishnamurthy Subramanian outlines a vision for India to become a $55 trillion economy by the year 2047. He argues that if the country continues on a path of strong economic reforms, it can grow at 8% annually. The book presents a hopeful vision where India transforms into a global economic powerhouse. It has been described as inspiring and forward-looking by many readers and reviewers. Whats Next for the IMF Role? As of now, the IMF has listed the Executive Director position representing India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan as vacant. Reports suggest that Ajay Seth, the current Finance Secretary who is due to retire soon, is being considered as a possible replacement for Subramanian. Krishnamurthy Subramanians education, early life, and career reflect his commitment to excellence and his bold approach to economics. Whether in the classroom, the government, or international institutions, he has made a significant mark. His early exit from the IMF might raise questions, but his contributions to Indias economic thought and policy-making are undeniable. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. India has begun flushing operations at two hydroelectric dams in Kashmir Salal and Baglihar in what appears to be the countrys first practical move outside the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This comes weeks after India suspended the decades-old water-sharing pact with Pakistan following a terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people. Two of the three attackers were identified as Pakistani nationals. What was done at the dams As per Reuters, the reservoir flushing began on May 1 and lasted three days. This method, carried out by state-run NHPC Ltd and local Jammu and Kashmir authorities, involves nearly emptying reservoirs to push out sediment that builds up over time and reduces power output. Locals living along the Chenab River confirmed seeing water released from both dams from Thursday to Saturday. This is the first time since their construction in 1987 for Salal and 2008/09 for Baglihar that such an operation has taken place, as the Indus Waters Treaty had previously blocked such work. India did not inform Pakistan India did not inform Pakistan about the flushing process. Under the 1960 treaty, downstream countries like Pakistan are generally informed about such operations, especially if they might lead to water inundation. However, sources said this time there was no prior notice. The Salal dam (690-MW) and Baglihar dam (900-MW) had both been underperforming due to silting. Flushing is expected to improve efficiency and prevent turbine damage. Pakistan threatens legal action Pakistan, which relies heavily on rivers flowing from India for irrigation and power, has responded strongly. It denied involvement in the Kashmir attack and warned that any move to block or divert water would be treated as an act of war. Islamabad has also threatened to take the matter to international courts. Indias stand after treaty suspension Indias water minister has vowed that not a drop of the Indus River will be allowed to reach Pakistan. Officials say that India, now free from treaty restrictions, can pursue projects at will. Still, they admit water flow can't be cut off overnight, as the treaty only allows run-of-the-river hydro plants with limited storage. PM Modi | Credit: X Past disputes and future steps Construction of both Salal and Baglihar had earlier involved long negotiations with Pakistan, which has always feared losing water. India had also been sharing hydrological data and flood warnings as part of the treaty, but these practices may now change. Former Indian official Kushvinder Vohra said that with the suspension in place, India can move ahead without treaty limitations. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan continue to face legal and diplomatic disputes, including ongoing cases in the Hague related to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydro plants. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. US President Donald Trump has stated he is thinking of naming Stephen Miller as the new National Security Adviser (NSA), following the removal of Mike Waltz. Waltz was dismissed after a Signal group he created for real-time military updates on Yemen accidentally included a journalist, raising major concerns. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he expects to name someone for the role within six months, but for now, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold the position on an interim basis. What led to Mike Waltzs ouster Mike Waltzs dismissal came after a significant communications breach. He had created a Signal group to share sensitive information about US military action in Yemen. However, a major mistake occurred when journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to the chat. Additionally, Waltz had been using an app called TeleMessage, which resembles Signal in its layout and function, further raising concerns about the security of his communications. The controversy surrounding this breach led to his immediate removal from the NSA role. Stephen Millers influence in the White House Stephen Miller is currently serving as deputy chief of staff in the Trump administration. He has been a central figure in shaping some of the most debated policies during Trumps first term, including the travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries and the controversial family separation policy at the US-Mexico border. Miller was also involved in the Signal group incident that led to Waltzs ouster. He reportedly shut down internal discussions among senior officials over potential military action against Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Speaking about Miller, Trump said that he sort of indirectly already has that job and referred to him as a very valued person in the administration. US President Donald Trump | Credit: X Marco Rubios temporary appointment After removing Waltz, Trump named Marco Rubio to serve as the interim National Security Adviser. Rubio will be holding both this role and his current position as Secretary of State for at least six months. Trump has not shown urgency in naming a permanent replacement and appears content to wait while evaluating his choices. Other possible contenders for the NSA role While Stephen Miller seems to be a top candidate, Trump is reportedly considering others as well. Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate investor, has become a trusted diplomatic figure in Trumps circle. As Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, he has held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine and has led preliminary negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Ric Grenell is another name under consideration. He currently serves as the interim executive director of the Kennedy Center but was instrumental in negotiating the release of six American hostages from Venezuela in January. Grenell has also held several major positions in Trumps earlier term, including acting director of national intelligence and ambassador to Germany. Michael Anton, currently the State Departments policy planning director, has emerged as a favorite among MAGA supporters. He recently led technical discussions with Iran on its nuclear program and accompanied Trump to the Vatican for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Sebastian Gorka, who served in Trumps first term, is also in the picture. He was appointed deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism last November and continues to advise Trump on related issues. The search for the next NSA is still underway, with Marco Rubio temporarily holding the position. While Stephen Miller appears to be a strong frontrunner, Trump is clearly keeping his options open. With trusted names like Witkoff, Grenell, Anton, and Gorka also being considered, the final decision could shape the direction of US security and diplomacy in Trumps next term. David Beckham rang in his 50th birthday over the weekend with a lavish celebration attended by family, close friends, and A-list guests including Tom Cruise, Eva Longoria, and Gordon Ramsay. From an intimate Paris getaway to a glamorous dinner at Londons Core restaurant, Victoria Beckham shared glimpses of the milestone event on social media. But while the photos featured their three younger children, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper, fans were quick to notice that Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz, were nowhere to be seen. Brooklyn and Nicola's attempt to see David Beckham on his birthday denied: report According to TMZ, Brooklyn and Nicola did fly to London to celebrate Davids big day. Sources close to the couple revealed to the publication that they reached out to the Beckham family ahead of the weekend to arrange a private meeting with David before the public festivities. However, their request was reportedly turned down, with the family insisting they attend the main event or not see David at all, leaving the couple disappointed. The source added that Brooklyn and Nicola still reached out to David privately to wish him well, emphasising that theyre not the type to make a public show out of family matters. Tensions brewing in the Beckham family? Tensions within the Beckham family have reportedly been bubbling under the surface for a while, and Brooklyn and Nicola skipping such a big milestone didnt exactly help cool things down. Ever since their 2022 wedding, theres been this quiet awkwardness lingering in the background, reportedly between Nicola and Victoria. Adding to that, Brooklyn and his younger brother, Romeo, are also not on speaking terms. Sources claim that part of that might have to do with Romeos girlfriend, Kim Turnbull. She and Brooklyn reportedly had a brief romantic past, and while that might feel like ancient history, it seems the situation left some lasting awkwardness between the siblings. As for the longstanding speculation about tension between Nicola and Victoria, its never fully gone away. Fans first noticed something was off when Nicola didnt wear a dress designed by Victoria at the wedding and didnt share any Beckham family moments online. The family has yet to react to rumours, but the silence from Brooklyn and Nicola during Davids big weekend has only added more fuel to the fire. For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The wait is finally over! It's good news for Garena Free Fire players, as the Free Fire OB49 Advance Server Download is scheduled to go live in May. Garena, the publisher of the popular battle royale "Free Fire," opens the registrations for the upcoming Free Fire OB49 Update. With this, the players can now register for the upcoming Advanced Server to try out the upcoming features ahead of the official release. Explore the complete guide to download Free Fire OB49 Advance Server, which will go live on May 6. When is the Free Fire OB49 Advance Server Download going to launch? According to InsideSport, the Free Fire OB49 Advance Server release date is 6th May 2025, but the server will be open till 16th May 2025. Here are simple steps to download the Advanced server: Step 1: First, visit the official website of the Free Fire Advance Server. Currently, the registrations are open, and you will need to go to the official Free Fire Advance Server website: ff-advance.ff.garena.com Step 2: Following this, log in with your Free Fire account on the website, where you will typically find options to log in using your linked Free Fire account. This is usually done via: Facebook Google Well, while doing this, make sure that you log in with the account that is linked to your main Free Fire game ID. Credit: X Step 3: Now complete the registration form. After successfully logging in to the account, you will likely need to fill out a registration form. The form usually asks for basic information such as your name, email address, Free Fire player ID, and region. Step 4: After this, you need to submit your registration form once you have filled it out. There will be a button to submit your registration. Following this, click on it to complete the process. Step 5: Completing all the process, you will see a confirmation message showing that your registration has been received. Step 6: Now wait for the selection and activation code. In this process, not all players who register will be selected to participate in the Advanced Server. Garena usually selects a few of the testers. If you get selected, you will typically receive an activation code via one of these methods mentioned below: Check the email linked to your registered account. Monitor in-game notifications on your main Free Fire profile. Be sure to regularly check your inbox, including spam or junk folders, and in-game alerts after completing registration. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. MET Gala 2025 live stream guide: The Met Gala 2025 is set to be one of the most memorable editions of fashion's most important night yet. A-listers, designers, and creatives are getting ready to walk the famous steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which is celebrating Black Dandyism and custom fashion with the theme "Tailored For You." From Shah Rukh Khan's grand entry to the delicious menu and more, there's a lot to look forward to. If you're someone who always anticipates the event to witness the world of fashion, heres when and where you can watch the MET Gala 2025. When and where to watch MET Gala 2025? On Monday, May 5, 2025, the Met Gala 2025 will take place. The annual Costume Institute show at the Met begins with this event, which is customarily held on the first Monday in May. Major arrivals are anticipated to occur between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. ET, with the red carpet coverage anticipated to start at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT. The event will begin in India on May 6, 2025, at 3:00 a.m. The red carpet will be streamed live on Vogue's official website, with a mix of fashion experts and celebrity commentators hosting. Vogue's YouTube channel will provide free coverage in addition to the website, making it available to audiences worldwide. Additional coverage will be accessible on Vogue's Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X accounts for those who prefer social media, offering exclusive interviews, real-time updates, and behind-the-scenes looks. What is the theme of MET Gala 2025? The 2025 Met Gala has "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" as its theme, and "Tailored for You" is the dress code that goes with it. Black dandyism, a fashion movement that redefines and reclaims elegance via fitted menswear, vivid colors, and expressive personal style, is the focus of this year's event. Indians attending MET Gala 2025 Shah Rukh Khan is expected to make his highly awaited Met Gala debut this year, dressed in a Sabyasachi creation. Kiara Advani, who is pregnant with her first child with Sidharth Malhotra, will also attend for the first time, likely wearing a Gaurav Gupta design. Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh will bring his trademark flair to the event, while Priyanka Chopra gears up for her fifth appearance at the iconic fashion gala. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Sean Diddy Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, P Diddy, and Diddy, is heading to court this week. Jury selection for his federal trial begins Monday, May 5, in New York. The music producer and entrepreneur, once known for shaping the careers of artists and building a billion-dollar brand, now faces explosive accusations after years of rumors and lawsuits. What is Diddy being charged with? Credit: X Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, at a hotel in Manhattan, New York, following a grand jury indictment. He is currently being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn. Diddy is being accused of sex trafficking, sexual assault, drug distribution, witness intimidation, and running a criminal operation (racketeering). Prosecutors say he used his fame and money to control and abuse women over nearly 20 years. According to the 14-page indictment, Diddy held drug-fueled sex parties called Freak Offs and pressured women to take part. Some were promised help with their careers if they went along with it, or cut off if they didnt. There are also claims of violence, including beatings and even dangling someone over a balcony. Combs relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, prosecutors allege. What does Diddy say? Diddy has denied all the charges. His lawyers say the sex was between consenting adults and that there was no abuse or criminal activity. In an April statement, Combs' legal team said the women accusing him were former long-term partners involved in consensual relationships, adding that what happened was part of their private sex lives, based on consent, not force or pressure. How long will the trial last? The trial is expected to last around eight weeks. After jury selection, opening statements will likely begin next week. Many witnesses are expected to take the stand. Will Diddy's trial be televised? No, federal trials cant be televised. Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom. But reporters will be there every day, and media outlets will provide updates, courtroom sketches, and legal analysis. What about his celebrity ties? Credit: X Diddy has been associated with many famous people, including Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Ashton Kutcher, Jay-Z, and Beyonce. None of them are part of the case, but most of them have distanced themselves from the now-disgraced rapper since his arrest last September. What happens next? If convicted, Diddy could face serious prison time. For now, the focus is on what happens in the courtroom. This is one of the biggest trials involving a celebrity in recent years, and many are watching to see how it ends. For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The European Commission highlighted strong progress in the Greek economy at the start of its press briefing today, with spokesperson Maciej Berestecki announcing the disbursement of 3.13 billion to Greece under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Greece has made remarkable progress, Mr. Berestecki stated, emphasizing the countrys achievements in meeting 28 key milestones and 4 major targets required for this latest tranche of funding. He noted that the financial support will play a crucial role in enhancing Greeces infrastructure and public services. The spokesperson commended ongoing reforms, including upgrades to the national electricity grid and the streamlining of administrative processes through expanded digital services, describing them as just some of the improvements Greece has delivered. Mr. Berestecki added that the Recovery and Resilience Facility is proving essential in supporting EU member states, revealing that more than 300 billion has already been disbursed across the bloc. This latest disbursement marks another significant step in Greeces economic transformation under the RRF, aimed at fostering long-term resilience and modernization following the COVID-19 crisis. iefimerida.gr A tiny, pink-flowered plant once believed extinct has been rediscovered on the rocky slopes of the Acropolis in Athens, the same hill that hosts the Parthenon, one of Western civilizations most iconic landmarks. The Micromeria acropolitana, known in Greek as "Mikromeria tis Akropolis," is an extremely rare and endemic species found nowhere else on Earth . First documented in 1906 by two French botanists and formally described in 1908 by Austrian scientist Eugen von Halacsy, the plant vanished from the scientific record for more than a century. It was rediscovered in 2006 by Greek biologist Grigoris Tsounis and his son Lambros while they were walking near the monument. At the time, Mr. Tsounis had been researching the flora of the area for his book Around the Acropolis. As soon as I saw it from afar, I said, Thats a Micromeriabecause of its small, divided leaves. But which one exactly? he recalled. Three years later, in 2009, Danish biologist Dr. Kit Tan, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, confirmed the identity of the plant as Micromeria acropolitana, resolving a long-standing botanical mystery. The plant is a perennial, standing just 5 to 30 centimeters tall, and blooms from May through June with delicate pink flowers. It grows in rocky crevices with minimal soil, primarily on east-facing slopes, making its survival even more notable in the shadow of one of the worlds most visited ancient sites. Despite the global attention surrounding the Acropolis, the precise location of the plant is kept secret to protect it from foot traffic, tourism, and routine site maintenance. While it can be found in several areas around the hill, its most stable population thrives undisturbed in an undisclosed part of the site. Now protected under Greek law, the Micromeria acropolitana has become a symbol of the countrys fragile biodiversity and a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling capital, nature can still hold significant secrets. By Sofia Paftounou iefimerida.gr The European Commission is about to present on Tuesday a plan to ban new contracts for the purchase of Russian LNG and facilitate the expiration of existing agreements. Brussels will Commission considers ban on new Russian LNG imports - Defense technology group EFA Group has signed an agreement for investments up to 7.9 million euros in Estonian startup Wayren. The investment aims to develop a new generation of high-tech EFA Group strategic alliance with Wayren-Joining forces to develop a new generation of digital battlefield solutions - U.S. seeks more access for agricultural exports to the EU Targets geographical indications, claiming they distort competition Feta and Parmesan are at the top of the list Some angry youths have taken to the streets of Abuja to demand the immediate release of a controversial activist and social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that VDM was arrested few days ago by , by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, following a misunderstanding with popular Nigerian bank, GTB. It was gathered that the human right activist was detained, over some undisclosed allegations levelled against him by the anti-graft agency. Advertisement Reacting to the development on Monday, some individuals, said to be supporters of VDM, invaded some streets to demand for the activists release. READ MORE: Nothing Must Happen To VeryDarkMan Rita Edochie Warns, Joins FreeVDM Campaign The protesters, who were sighted in the Wuse area, just right after the Berger bridge, described VDMs arrest and detention as illegal. They were also spotted with various placards, with different inscriptions, such as, Release Voice Of The Voiceless, Voice Of The Voiceless Is Missing, Hes not a thief, Now VDM has blocked the road, Release VDM. They also vowed to take their grievance to the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, in the Maitama district of the nations capital. Popular Activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has queried Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, for keeping mute over the arrest of controversial social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse, a.k.a, Verydarkman, despite mounting public outcry and protests. In a post shared via his X page on Monday, Adeyanju accused the renowned human rights lawyer of not speaking out against VDMs detention, despite his history of defending civil liberties. He said: Our revered leader and mentor, Femi Falana SAN yet to condemn the arrest of VDM. Interesting times indeed! Advertisement When the boy that lead people to attack me under Buhari became a victim under the same Buhari and was arrested, I was the first person to condemn it. Kudos to everyone that has spoken up about VDM. From HE Peter Obi to Sowore, Davido and everyone. We have also noted the silence of others. The impunity will go round, its only a matter of time. READ MORE: Voice Of The Voiceless Is Missing Cubana Chief Priest Decries VeryDarkMans Arrest Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had reported the recent arrest of VDM, a development which has sparked widespread reactions across the country, particularly on social media, where several celebrities, influencers, and activists have called for his immediate release. Earlier today, some individuals, said to be loyalists to the critic, stormed major streets in Abuja, to protest and demand immediate release of VDM. There are speculations surrounding the arrest of the controversial media personality, over his previous legal battles with certain influential persons in the country. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has stirred political discourse with a bold stance on the 2027 presidential race. He advised notable figures like Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP to refrain from contesting, suggesting they step aside along with Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar. Baba-Ahmed expressed concerns that these long-standing political figures no longer embody the fresh vision Nigeria needs. Advertisement Speaking to news men on Sunday he urged a generational shift, saying the current political class has exhausted its relevance and failed to deliver meaningful change. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/apga-dismisses-tension-claims-ahead-of-tinubus-visit-to-anambra.html According to him, the country has been locked in a cycle of political bitterness and power tussles, where winners govern without the will or strength to solve national problems. He noted, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso should also step aside for the younger generation, alongside President Tinubu and Atiku This particular generation has played itself out, they really have nothing to offer this country. He further criticized the assumption that presidents must serve two full terms, arguing that performance not tenure should determine leadership duration. He recalled how groups like the Northern Elders Forum and Ohanaeze once united to oppose President Buharis second term, recognizing his failures early on. Baba-Ahmed decried what he called a toxic entitlement culture, where politicians cling to power based on regional expectations rather than capacity. Even if you cant perform, what if you have health or age issues, must you remain president for eight years simply because you come from one part of the country? he queried, stressing that this mindset continues to stall national progress. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following numerous petitions. The EFCC, through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, informed BBC News Pidgin on Monday that the activist was arrested due to complaints lodged by multiple petitioners. We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners, Oyewale said. Advertisement READ MORE: Voice Of The Voiceless Is Missing Cubana Chief Priest Decries VeryDarkMans Arrest When questioned about a possible connection to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Oyewale clarified that the petitions came from various individuals, and the agency was responsible for protecting their interests. Oyewale also stated that the commission was preparing to arraign the social media activist. He stated, We will release him when he meets the bail conditions and we will take the case to court as soon as possible; we are law-abiding. The Take It Back Movement has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the activist. The group highlighted that Otse was arrested on Thursday, May 2, 2025, right after visiting the GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja. He was reportedly at the bank with his mother and an associate to resolve unauthorized deductions from his mothers account when he was apprehended. CCTV footage of the arrest, now widely shared online, has stirred anger and concern, with many accusing it of being a targeted effort to silence a vocal opponent of government and institutional corruption. In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek (Scotty Aluta), the Lagos State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, the arrest was called unlawful and premeditated. The release further accused the EFCC and GTBank of playing a role in what they described as an abuse of authority. The Take It Back Movement pointed out that Otses mother, who was with him at the time of the arrest, has since disappeared, and her whereabouts remain unknown. The group clarified that this was not the first instance of Mr. Otse being targeted due to his outspoken stance against injustice, corruption, and societal issues. The statement read in part: The Take It Back Movement condemns in strong terms the unlawful arrest and continued detention of popular activist and social media commentator, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mr. Otse was arrested on Thursday, May 2, 2025, shortly after exiting the GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, where he had gone alongside his mother and an associate to inquire about unauthorized deductions from his mothers bank account. His arrest, captured on CCTV and now publicly circulating, appears premeditated and raises serious questions about abuse of power and the increasing use of state security agencies to silence critical voices. Worse still, his mother, who was with him at the time, remains missing, and her whereabouts are unknown a deeply troubling development that only further underscores the lawless conduct of the agencies involved. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a Kaduna based social media content creator, identified as Muhammed Kabir Saad over naira abuse. In a statement shared via EFCCs official Facebook page on Monday, Saad was apprehended by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the agency after a viral video surfaced showing him trampling on Naira notes in a provocative display. It was gathered that the arrest followed surveillance and intelligence gathering, which led operatives to the Tudun Wada area of Kaduna State, where Saad was taken into custody and transported to the commissions zonal office for interrogation. Advertisement READ MORE: EFCC Confirms Arrest Of VeryDarkMan Following Petitions Against Him The statement reads: Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested a social media content creator, Muhammed Kabir Saad for allegedly abusing Naira notes. Saad made a video of himself on his Tik Tok and Instagram account @youngcee0066 where he was seen throwing Naira notes on the floor and deliberately stepping on them and daring EFCC officers in Hausa Language to arrest in him if they can. He was subsequently picked up in Tudun Wada area of Kaduna State, through surveillance and conveyed to the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Commission for interrogation. A devastating incident occurred on Sunday in the Agyaragu community, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, resulting in the deaths of five children. The children, who were six to ten years old, suffocated to death inside an old car that was parked in a nearby residence. Samuel Akala, a community resident and the Publicity Secretary of the Migili Youth Association, confirmed the incident to PUNCH in Lafia on Sunday. Advertisement He stated that the incident took place around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, plunging the community into mourning. The youth leader mentioned that some of the children were pronounced dead at the scene, while others were confirmed dead upon arrival at Aro Hospital in Agyaragu. READ MORE: Kebbi Police Detain Three Officers Over Death Of Suspect In Their Custody Akala further stated that the incident had been reported to the police at the Duglu Trailer Park in the area. According to Punch, the childrens bodies have been taken to a mortuary in Lafia, the state capital. The Nasarawa State Police Command also confirmed the tragic deaths through a statement from its spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel. Nansel stated that the command had initiated a thorough investigation into the incident based on instructions from the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed. The statement reads: The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the unfortunate deaths of five children who were found lifeless inside an abandoned, unserviceable vehicle in the Agyaragu community of Obi Local Government Area. On May 4, 2025, at about 17:30 hrs, one Mr Ozimna Ogbor, a resident of Agyaragu, reported at the Agyaragu Divisional Headquarters that five childrenKamsi Onah (male, 8 years), Somer Onah (male, 6 years), Unice Udouchi (female, 10 years), Nmasoma Nnaji (female, 10 years), and Chioma Nnaji (female, 8 years)were discovered unresponsive inside a disused vehicle parked in the compound of one Mr Abu Agyeme, also a resident of Agyaragu. Acting swiftly on the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, directed the Divisional Police Officer and his team to proceed immediately to the scene. Upon arrival, the officers found the victims locked inside the abandoned vehicle. The children were promptly evacuated to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where a medical doctor, regrettably, confirmed all five children dead due to suspected suffocation. The PPRO noted that this tragic incident served as a painful reminder of a similar tragedy in August 2019, when two children died in an abandoned vehicle in the Keffi LGA of the state. Nansel, while deeply saddened by the loss and offering his condolences to the affected families, reaffirmed the Commissioner of Polices commitment to investigating the circumstances of the tragedy. He also advised parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be vigilant and ensure that children are not left unsupervised in or around parked or abandoned vehicles. The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Abubakar Iliyasu, the prime suspect in the murder of 65-year-old Jane Okoye, who was killed in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos on April 2, 2025. According to a statement from the commands spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, released on Sunday, Iliyasu was apprehended by detectives from the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, following his tracking to Ankpa, Kogi State. The police stated that the suspect had forcibly gained access to the victims premises and fled with her Toyota Sienna vehicle. Advertisement READ MORE: Police Nab Armed Robbers, Cultists, Recover Firearms In Akwa Ibom Okoye was discovered unconscious and taken to a medical facility, where she was subsequently pronounced dead. The statement added, Following the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, for a discreet and thorough investigation, a team of homicide detectives promptly swung into action, deploying both intelligence and technical resources to get the suspect apprehended and recover the stolen property. The police stated that their efforts were successful when Iliyasu was located and arrested in Kogi State. The vehicle was recovered in good condition and has since been secured as evidence in the ongoing investigation, the statement noted. The suspect is currently in custody at the SCID in Yaba, where he is reportedly cooperating with investigators. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohunde Jimoh, promised the public that justice would be ensured. The suspect will be prosecuted after the investigation, Hundeyin stated, emphasising that the command remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property in Lagos State. Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, has declared that his battle to protect his $20 billion refinery from powerful vested interests is far from over but hes not backing down. Speaking at an investor forum in Lagos on Sunday, Dangote revealed that influential groups benefitting from Nigerias long-standing regime of fuel importation subsidies are actively working to derail the operations of his 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Lekki. These people have made so much money for a very, very long time from importing fuel under subsidies, he said, as reported by Semafor. They are behind the resistance to the removal of petrol subsidies and are opposing the refinerys smooth operation. Advertisement Despite these challenges, Dangote expressed unwavering confidence in overcoming the odds. Were fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life. I am 100 percent sure I will win, he affirmed. The Dangote Refinery, which began petrol production in September 2024, is positioned as a game-changer for Nigeria, aiming to end the countrys heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products. But the road to full-scale operations hasnt been smooth. Dangote has consistently accused both international oil companies (IOCs) and local regulatory authorities of deliberately frustrating his efforts. Last year, he lamented that IOCs were refusing to supply his refinery with crude oil, in violation of Nigerias domestic crude allocation policy. Instead, hes been forced to import crude from as far as the United States a costly alternative. Devakumar Edwin, Dangote Groups Vice President for Oil and Gas, reinforced these claims, accusing IOCs of inflating local crude prices to price the refinery out of the domestic market. He also criticized the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing licenses to marketers to import what he described as dirty petroleum products. There seems to be a deliberate attempt to keep Nigeria as a crude-exporting, fuel-importing country, Edwin stated. They want to keep creating jobs and wealth abroad while dumping refined products here. Despite the obstacles, the refinerys entry has already had a dramatic impact on the fuel market. With President Bola Tinubus naira-for-crude deal in place, the refinery slashed petrol prices from around 1,100 per litre to 860, triggering relief among Nigerians but panic among fuel importers, who now struggle to compete. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is standing firmly behind Dangote. IPMANs Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, described the pushback against the refinery as the result of natural competition and expressed full support for Dangotes pricing strategy, even though it affects some marketers profits. He promised to fight for the masses and tackle the oil cabal. We support him 100 percent, Ukadike said. But not everyone believes a battle is necessary. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) called for peaceful coexistence among stakeholders. Its president, Billy Gillis-Harry, urged for a level playing field where both Dangote and other importers can operate without conflict. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/05/pdp-is-transitioning-from-major-party-to-minor-party-osita-okechukwu.html He stressed that the temporary suspension of the naira-for-crude deal by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should be reviewed and adjusted, but called for patience and fair competition as more local refineries gear up to join the market. As the refinery prepares to scale up to full capacity, Dangote remains undeterred by opposition. In a system where people have been making free money for 35 years, of course, theyll fight back, he said. But the sub-region and Africa need this refinery. Well get there eventually. A planned bomb attack on Lady Gaga, the American pop icon, during her record-breaking concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro was thwarted by Brazilian authorities on Saturday. The concert, which saw an attendance of over two million fans, was reportedly backed by the Brazilian government to help stimulate the nations ailing economy. Rio de Janeiros civil police, working alongside the ministry of justice, confirmed in a statement that the planned attack was orchestrated by a hate group allegedly involved in radicalizing teenagers. Advertisement The statement also noted that the group was accused of promoting violent ideologies, including self-harm and extremist content, to foster a sense of social belonging among its members. READ MORE: Trump Posts AI-Generated Image Portraying Himself As New Pope The suspects were recruiting participants, including minors, to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails, the police disclosed. Authorities revealed that the suspects disguised themselves as members of Lady Gagas worldwide fan group, the Little Monsters, to mask their true motives. The investigation began after Rios police provided intelligence to the ministry of justices cyber operations lab, which uncovered encrypted online groups using coded language and extremist symbols to incite violence among young people. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged plot: a man, identified as the groups leader from Rio Grande do Sul, on charges of illegal weapon possession, and a teenager in Rio, who faces charges related to child pornography. A spokesperson for Lady Gaga addressed the incident on Sunday, stating that the pop star and her team became aware of this alleged threat through media reports this morning. Prior to and during the show, there were no known safety concerns, nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks, the spokesperson added. Her team worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert and all parties were confident in the safety measures in place. Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has cautioned politicians and groups in the country to stop demarketing Nigeria over political differences. In a statement on Monday, by National Organising Secretary of the group, Abagun Kole Omololu, alleged that some individuals were making efforts to discredit the ongoing administration of President Bola Tinubu. Afenifere added that there was a need for governor to move against some anti-democratic elements who are demarketing the country abroad for selfish and political reasons. Advertisement The Yoruba group noted that some individuals have increasingly used foreign platforms to propagate narratives that cast Nigeria in a negative light under the guise of advocacy or reform. The statement partly reads: Afenifere registers its profound disquiet at the increasingly calculated manoeuvres by certain political elements intent on imperilling the cohesion of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and discrediting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both within and beyond our national borders. READ MORE: Afenifere Laments Rising Insecurity, Blames Northern Stakeholders Over Foreign Interests These orchestrated campaigns, often cloaked in the rhetoric of democratic dissent, are rapidly transgressing the fine line between legitimate political opposition and a pernicious assault on the nations global reputation. It is deeply lamentable that some have chosen international platforms to propagate narratives that cast Nigeria in an unflattering light, ostensibly under the guise of advocacy or reform. This growing proclivity for externalising domestic political grievances does little to advance our collective cause. Rather, it undermines national pride and compromises Nigerias standing within the international community. To besmirch ones own country on foreign soil is neither sagacious nor patriotic. Faith Castillo of Philadelphia is a member of the last Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts class to graduate with a college degree. Faith was photographed in front of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts' Furness building in Philadelphia on Friday, May 2, 2025. Read more When Faith Castillo dons her cap and gown in a few days, shell be graduating with a bachelor of fine arts, and a rare distinction she could hardly have imagined when she started school four years ago. She is a member of the last Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts class to graduate with a college degree. Advertisement Facing a string of deficits and declining enrollment, PAFA announced in January 2024 that it would be ending its college program. Castillo was in the middle of her junior year when the decision was made public, and reading that email, it was terrifying, she said. She came from modest means, and had a full scholarship to PAFA that might have been hard to find had she been forced to transfer to another school. It was just like, Where am I gonna be able to get this scholarship anywhere else? I felt like it was like my only option really. I was just scared because I wouldnt be able to get a proper education without a scholarship. As information emerged after the announcement, Castillo learned she would be allowed to finish her degree at PAFA, a member of its final class. But even though she will graduate, the elimination of college degrees has left her concerned that the value of her diploma might be somehow diminished in the eyes of potential employers. I think its still a bit of an uncertainty. I dont know if it will hinder the effect that my bachelors degree will have, says the 21-year-old. But I dont think it is any less than any other college or any other degree program. Weve learned and weve practiced and weve done all sorts of things, and I think it was a wonderful school. PAFA recently revealed the details of its new educational future, unveiling a one- to two-year certificate program. It will keep its joint BFA program with the University of Pennsylvania. The school now sees its role more in catering to young professionals looking to burnish their skills than students fresh out of high school. But it was PAFAs past and its long tradition as an art academy that drew Castillo to the school in the first place as a 17-year-old from near Austin, Texas. She learned about PAFA which was founded in 1805 at a college fair. When I was looking at pictures of the school, I noticed the old building and it was just gorgeous. I loved everything about it, the details, and the architecture is what initially brought me in. But it also was just the traditional sense. I really loved working with my hands and drawing, and seeing that they were so traditional and it was the oldest art school [and museum] in the country I absolutely adored that about it. Once there, she became part of that lived connection to history and tradition. All of the professors are great, she said, but she cites two in particular, both important links in PAFAs pedagogical chain: Al Gury, who has held various posts at the school and who himself is a graduate of PAFAs four-year certificate program; and Bruce Samuelson, who also attended the school and has taught there since 1969. Al Gury was a wonderful person, and he was gentle and sweet and a very soft-spoken man. And I loved him as a professor because he gave me confidence in my abilities and helped me learn more about the kinds of things that I would be interested in, she said. And I think Bruce Samuelson was also one of my favorites because he was super honest, even if you didnt necessarily want to hear it, and I really appreciated it. It helped me feel like I grew as an artist. I needed that the balance of having that reassurance and then the other side of just being able to have someone to tell me if it doesnt look right, if its missing something. Castillo said that at PAFA she learned technique and critical career-building skills like how to photograph her work properly and how to build a website and portfolio. And she particularly appreciated the synergy of studying at a school with a substantial archive and museum. PAFAs 16,000-plus-piece collection is focused on American art over three centuries. I think one of the more fun things was going back into the archives where you could set up appointments or meetings, and we held some of the classes in the archives and they would share pieces that are old and just beautiful. Looking at all the archives and seeing all the attempts that people have created really helped me understand what makes the human accept what they see. These past few years have also been important to Castillo figuring out who she is as a person and an artist, and how the two fit together. Her work focuses on the natural world, and she loves using religious or spiritual references. I grew up Roman Catholic, very strict and very concise. And as an artist, it affected me in the way that I was confused for a long time with being a woman, and just being a woman in the Catholic Church. Growing up in that kind of area, I didnt really know what I wanted to do or what I wanted to be. But I knew what kind of person I wanted to become, and being an artist moving to Philadelphia, I think has brought me closer to who I want to be. And Im a spiritual person inside, no matter what. Castillo aims to stay in Philadelphia after graduation. This summer she has a job painting a mural at Old First House, which provides housing for people who have experienced homelessness, at Fourth and Race Streets. After that, its a bit of an uncertainty. In other words, in this regard, she will be more or less like thousands of other graduates from PAFA or any art school. Ill work with a gallery or a church or any opportunity that pays the bills. University of Pennsylvania history professor Benjamin Nathans is 2025s Pulitzer Prize winner for general nonfiction. His latest work, To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement, has won Nathans $15,000 and the prize thats awarded to a distinguished and appropriately documented book of nonfiction by an American author. Nathans is the Alan Charles Kors Endowed Term Professor of History at Penn, and teaches Imperial Russian and Soviet history, along with modern Jewish history and history of human rights. Advertisement To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause, published last year by Princeton University Press, is a study of dissent in the USSR, starting from Stalins death to the collapse of communism. It explores the idea and practice of rights and the rule of law in the setting of mature socialism, according to UPenn. The Pulitzer citation calls it a prodigiously researched and revealing history of Soviet dissent, how it was repeatedly put down and came to life again, populated by a sprawling cast of courageous people dedicated to fighting for threatened freedoms and hard-earned rights. A Yale and University of California at Berkeley alum, Nathans joined UPenn as an assistant professor of history in 1998, after having taught history and Jewish Studies at Indiana University. He has taught across the world including stints at Ecole des hautes etudes en sciences sociales in Paris and University College London. His 2002 book, Beyond the Pale: The Jewish Encounter With Late Imperial Russia, received the Koret Prize in Jewish History, the Lincoln Prize in Russian History, and the Vucinich Prize in Russian, Eurasian, and East European Studies. Nathans is a regular contributor to the New York Review of Books and the Times Literary Supplement. Hes also a sought-after commentator on current Russian affairs. Finalists for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction were Rollo Romigs I Am on the Hit List: A Journalists Murder and the Rise of Autocracy in India and Rachel Nolans Until I Find You: Disappeared Children and Coercive Adoptions in Guatemala. The coffin containing the body of hunger striker Bobby Sands is carried to the grave by six masked IRA men at Belfast's Milltown Cemetery Thursday, May 7, 1981. Read more This column originally appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News on May 5, 1981. On Monday, Chuck Stone was honored with a special citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board. If I had to say what his age was, I would say it was 90. His eyes are sunk into his head, the bones are sticking out. There is no movement in the body. His face is a blackish color. When I first saw him, I thought he was dead already. Advertisement - Oliver Hughes, brother of another hunger striker in Northern Irelands Long Kesh (Maze) prison on Saturday. All weekend, I had thought about Bobby Sands. Saturday, running errands seemed such a puny act next to the enormity of this lovely young mans sacrifice. I fastened my radio on KYW for last-minute bulletins as if, in the act of listening, I somehow could share his defiance and expiate my helplessness. SUNDAY, WATCHING THE Sixers disgrace themselves, I half-expected an interruption announcing the end of Sands mortality. As I waited, I knew his spirit would not flee from my hearts embrace. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend into Heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. Yesterday, my 27-year-old Northern Irish brother ascended into a Heaven-beckoned immortality. My brother because all men and women who sacrifice their breath of life on liberations altar are my brothers and sisters. My brother because we shared a common Fatherhood. I REMEMBERED THE words to a hymn we sang in college at Christian Association interracial fellowships: Join hands, then, brothers of the faith, Whateer your race may be: Who serves my Father as a son Is surely kin to me. To me and others who wanted desperately to see Bobby Sands win that one victory, he was our kin. I think Bobby served my Father as a son. To me and others who wanted desperately to see Bobby Sands win that one victory, he was our kin. To British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who continues to sully the bargaining table of human exchange, he was a faceless criminal. Historys garbage cans are strewn with similar pinheads who stubbornly wrapped themselves in the folds of unjust banners, refusing to love mercy or walk humbly. IN THATCHERS ISOLATED arrogance, she has as much humility as cancer has life-giving cells. The painful tragedy of Bobby Sands needless death was an issue which defied compromise. In the Long Kesh concentration camp, the IRA prisoners werent seeking a commutation of their sentences or even any special dispensation for their crimes. Their requests were symbolic necessities for their personhood. Wearing civilian clothes neither reduced their sentence nor rewarded them for what the British claim were crimes. If anything, their request was consonant with the implied British recognition of a state of civil war through British army occupation. For the simple principle of an article of clothing, Bobby Sands shed his life. TO WATCH YOUR BODY slowly crumble in the dank stench of a solitary prison cell is a courageous act few freedom fighters can honor. It is an easy act of bravery to rush into battle reinforced by the noisy company of an army. But it is a far higher calling to go quietly through the excruciating torture of self-imposed denials, while feeling your being disintegrate into dust. As a student of history, the youthful Sands may have read of heroes who burnished libertys lamp. For his heresy, Socrates willingly drank the hemlock. To nurture his country into nationhood, Gandhi also fasted and was also jailed by the British. To liberate his people, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. practiced non-violence in the worlds most violent culture, which ironically cannibalized him. IF THERE IS A SINGLE thread tying them to Bobby Sands, it is the eventual triumph of the ideals for which they were martyred. When the Margaret Thatchers are recalled, history gladly suffers a contemptuous amnesia. But the Gandhis, the Martin Luther King Jrs. and the Bobby Sands are proudly immortalized. As a student of history, the youthful Sands may have read of heroes who burnished libertys lamp. They are destinys greatness. They are our reminders of unfinished business. In Sands death, Thatcher has won a temporary victory. But the fury will begin to build. " There is a real sense of outrage that nobody in the world will put a lot of heat on Margaret Thatcher," bitterly declared George McLaughlin, a New York high school counselor, during a Sunday march up Fifth Avenue. The heat can take many forms. Unfortunately, one is the escalation of violence. BUT SANDS MOTHER and Bernadette Devlin McAliskey, Northern Irelands modern-day Joan of Arc, have appealed to their fellow Catholics to keep the peace. My son is dying, tearfully declared Rosaleen Sands early yesterday." But he has offered his death to improve conditions, not to cause death outside." Echoing her call for a peaceful reaction, the fiery McAliskey promised that we will isolate Britain by unity and dignity. That works when the enemy shares a common civility. In the vacuum of statesmanship, the fires of violence are stoked. The wasting of Bobby Sands life is only one of several tragedies for which history may one day indict Margaret Thatcher. But tomorrows indictment does not solve todays crime. IF THERE IS TO BE an end to bloodshed in Northern Ireland, then the conscience of the world must speak out. A global solidarity must take the lead in searching for a spirit of Camp David to bring Catholic and Protestant together. If Britain refuses to cooperate by using the German rationale for the Holocaust that hers is an " internal matter," then let a global togetherness be the force which isolates Britain " by dignity and unity." That is the cause for which the immortal Bobby Sands so peacefully surrendered his life. This column originally appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News on May 23, 1986. On Monday, Chuck Stone was honored with a special citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board. In an abbreviated space of two days, two reporters died last week. Advertisement One from a stroke in New York City, the other a suicide in Newark, Del. The 71 years of Theodore H. White had been graced by a fulfillment rarely found among journalists. He was the consummate professional. The 22 years of A. Ross Mayhew Jr. were still glowing with promise when his own hand intercepted their fulfillment. He was a budding genius. We can be many things in journalism reporter, writer, editor, author, scholar, teacher, historian, storyteller and novelist. Pulitzer Prize-winning White encompassed them all with an intellect that churned out literary masterpieces the way most of us struggle to make a deadline. His books achieved that rare trinity of being best-seller, journalistic masterpiece and college textbook. But his professional bottom line was reporter, the kind of journeyman who set the standard for craftsmanship. Whites studious research style belied a contagious, bubbling happiness. Former New York Times managing editor Clifton Daniel summed up this pudgy bundle of energy with: He wore a perpetual smile an impish grin. Apparently, genius replicates itself. That same perpetual smile and impish grin was Ross Mayhews trademark. At 22, with so much to live for, a just completed brilliant tenure as editor-in-chief of the University of Delawares Review, and graduation only two weeks away, Ross committed suicide last Saturday night. There were no warning signs. Dr. Nick Nickerson, who heads Delawares journalism program, and I had had breakfast with him the Monday before he died. As usual, Ross did most of the talking, effervescing like a just-opened bottle of soda. He was a student in one of my classes. I later became an adviser. Both of us idolized Samuel Johnson. But Ross was a Pulitzer Prize waiting to happen. He proved it by exposing a breakthrough in the universitys computer security system. (How proud he made his father, Arthur Mayhew, publisher of the Bucks County Courier Times.) When an understandably distressed administration hired an investigator to find the culprits, a gleeful Ross promptly front-paged the investigators criminal background. When the university police harassed him, coming close to violating his constitutional rights, he shrugged it off. He was more worried about protecting his staff members. Why, then the worlds mine oyster, Which I with sword will open. For Ross, investigative journalism was his sword, opening up the world to expose injustice. Inside him, a Justice Holmes passion for justice swirled, overflowing in many ways a relentless crusade against tuition increases, a clothing drive last year for victims of the MOVE holocaust, a campaign for more student involvement in elections. He showed us that it is possible to carry a full load, get high marks while still working a minimum 60 hours a week publishing a newspaper, wrote his close friend and Review managing editor Paul Davies. Hell, he had a 93 on the last exam in my class, remarked the English departments Joycean scholar, Zack Bowen. And through it all, Rosss wickedly irreverent sense of humor flared like a lighthouse spotlight on a foggy night. He was having a ball. Whether or not the Review made any significant changes for the good remains for history to determine, he wrote in his last editorial. But I can safely state that we certainly made things interesting. Damned, Ross, you were the whole ball game. And you met Teddy Whites high standards. Ill miss those middle-of-the-night phone calls. Your running breathlessly into my office to ask my advice, and then I end up listening to your lecture. Ill miss one of the highest honors ever conferred on me in 28 years of journalism your posting one of my columns on a hostage surrender story on your wall. (Even Pete Dexter made it.) You were that other son I never had, the writer I never was, the editor I always wanted to be. And now youre gone, and Ive cried myself dry. What little redemptive comfort I can find are in these thoughts: When he shall die Take him and cut him out in little stars And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun. Logan Freed, 18, has been charged with homicide by vehicle, reckless endangerment and related crimes. Read more A Telford man was driving recklessly and at more than twice the speed limit on a winding road last month when he caused a crash that ejected a 15-year-old who was riding in the passenger seat of his car, killing the teen instantly, police said Monday. Logan Freed, 18, fled the scene of the accident without calling police and asked a female friend to pick him up shortly after he flipped his Kia Sorrento onto its roof, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. Advertisement As they drove away, Freed told the girl that he thought his friend may be dead, the affidavit said. Freed has been charged with homicide by vehicle, reckless endangerment, and related crimes. He was in police custody Monday afternoon, awaiting a preliminary hearing on those charges. No legal representation was listed. State police were dispatched to Whites Mill Road in Salford Township, Montgomery County, at 2:41 a.m. on April 24 by the 911 Connect service in Freeds Kia, the affidavit said. The system automatically notifies emergency responders when a vehicles air bags are deployed. Through that call, dispatchers heard a voice asking where the Kia was and a person within the vehicle saying he was OK. When troopers arrived at the scene, they found the Kia upside down in a ditch next to the road. A teenager, whom police did not identify, was found dead 20 yards away, according to the complaint. As the troopers investigated the crash, Freeds father arrived at the scene and said that the car belonged to his wife, that only she and their son usually drove it, and that both were at home sleeping. The elder Freed later returned with his wife and told the troopers that his son was not at home, as he initially thought, the affidavit said. The couple gave troopers the phone number for one of their sons friends, after troopers told them dispatchers had heard a female voice on the 911 call. That young woman later told detectives that Freed had called her shortly after the crash and asked her to pick him up. She took him to her house, where her parents called Freeds parents, who came to get him. The young woman told police that she overheard Freed tell his parents that the crash came as he swerved to miss a deer that was in the roadway, according to the affidavit. State police received a call the day after the crash from Freeds father saying that Freed had been driving the car and was back at his home. When police went to speak with Freed, he and his parents refused to answers questions, saying they had hired an attorney, according to the affidavit. Detectives reported that Freed had fresh injuries on his left shoulder and abrasions on his body. Freed is scheduled to appear before a district judge for a preliminary hearing on May 19. FILE In this file photo from Aug. 15, 2019, police take shooting suspect, Maurice Hill, into custody after a standoff with police that wounded several police officers, in Philadelphia. The trial for Hill on dozens of charges including attempted murder and assault on a law enforcement officer starts Monday Oct. 18, 2021 in Philadelphia. (Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, File) Read more The man who shot six Philadelphia police officers during a 2019 standoff in Tioga was found guilty Monday of three counts of attempted murder and more than a dozen related charges, bringing closure to one of the most significant attacks on police in city history. Maurice Hill, 42, faced dozens of charges for the shooting, which laid siege to a residential stretch of North 15th Street and left scores of bullet casings littered across the ground. Advertisement District Attorney Larry Krasner, speaking in his office during a news conference on the verdict, called the Common Pleas Court jurys decision a tribute to the excellent work of Philadelphia police that night. This kind of violence shutting down an entire area, firing at police officers has consequences," said Krasner, who recounted watching the incident unfold live on national news that afternoon. That was one dark day that went into a dark night. During more than two weeks of proceedings, jurors heard impassioned arguments from Hills defense attorney, Ellis Palividas, that his client had acted in self defense the day of the shooting, entering fight or flight mode when narcotics officers rammed open the front door to search for drugs. In their closing argument, however, prosecutors suggested that defense was a distraction, telling jurors that Hill had attempted to assassinate the law when he fired more than 130 rounds from an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle with an obliterated serial number as well as handguns, striking officers inside and outside the home; all survived their injuries. There is overwhelming evidence of the worst police shooting in the history of this city, Assistant District Attorney Anthony Voci said during those arguments. After the verdict, Sean Perez, an assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case alongside Voci, told reporters at the Criminal Justice Center that he believed the sheer number of shots Hill fired was crucial to sealing their argument. I think it really pointed out to the jury that this wasnt just someone who was cowering in their back room he was actively shooting at police officers, Perez said. Palividas, speaking to reporters outside the Criminal Justice Center, said his team respectfully had a different opinion than the jury on the guilty charges. All we can ask for is a fair opportunity to be heard on it, Palividas said. Hill sat silently as the jury read their decision before Judge Diana L. Anhalt. Upon entering the courtroom, Hill flashed his mother a heart symbol with both hands before taking his seat. Most of the charges related to 12 victims all Philadelphia police officers. In addition to the three attempted murder charges, Hill was found guilty of nine counts of aggravated assault, nine counts of assault of a law enforcement officer, endangering two people trapped inside the home, causing catastrophe, and two firearms charges. The worst of those offenses commands decades in prison. In the closing days of the trial, Hill himself testified that he believed that if he had tried to surrender as police had urged him to do, officers would try to shoot and kill him. Hills former personal attorney, Shaka Johnson, testified last week that Hill called him during the barricade and sounded shaky and frightened as he professed those fears. Palividas told the jury that his client believed it was invaders who had broken into his home, leading him to fire blindly through his kitchen wall. We werent debating whether he fired we were debating why he fired, Palividas told reporters after the verdict. One of those shots struck police officer Shaun Parker in the head, inches above the ear, he testified. Officer Michael Guinter was struck in both arms and testified that the injury had left ongoing numbness in one limb. Palividas said that because Hill was found guilty of only three of 12 counts of attempted murder and not guilty of 19 of the crimes he faced overall there was evidence that the jury gave due and careful consideration to his arguments. The jury ultimately found Hill not guilty on three counts of aggravated assault and three counts of assault of a law enforcement officer. He was also found not guilty of unlawfully restraining two of his former housemates, a father and son who were trapped for hours alongside two police officers on the second floor and had to be rescued by SWAT officers. The panel additionally found Hill not guilty of conspiracy and of possessing drugs with the intent to distribute them. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, speaking outside the Criminal Justice Center, said the guilty portions of the verdict represented justice served. To see the jury go through this ... very thoughtfully and be able to hold this person accountable were appreciative of that," said Bethel, who was not in charge of the department during the standoff but said he had watched the incident unfold from afar. Roosevelt Poplar, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, said in a statement that the police union was thankful for todays guilty verdict and that this jury recognized the bravery and courage of our dedicated officers. Hill is expected to be sentenced on July 10. The mother-son duo of Fimy and Ara Ishkhanian have rightfully earned a loyal following at Apricot Stone. The Northern Liberties B YOB they launched nine years ago has become a showcase for Armenian specialties like the crispy little manti with open tops served in broth and yogurt, tangy hand-wrapped grape leaves, and lahmajoun flatbreads topped with spiced meat. Advertisement After relocating to a much larger location on West Girard Avenue last year the bi-level corner space previously occupied by Las Cazuelas Ara felt the menu could use an infusion of some new ideas to bolster the beloved standbys of his moms kitchen. Enter Konstantinos Pitsillides. Pitsillides, the Cypriot-born chef who was one of my favorites when he owned Kanella Grill and Kanella South, has sworn off running his own restaurant again at age 57 (I know what would happen Ill be there 15 hours a day), opting instead for private dinners and consulting gigs with other peoples restaurants. Hes taken on an active role over the past several months with Apricot Stone, and the Konstantinos Effect has had a tangibly positive impact on the food here, with a series of monthly specials and menu additions. Konstantinos has been mindful to maintain the restaurants Armenian identity, while expanding the menu with a broader Mediterranean palate, from a dish of grilled halloumi with honey, lemon, and a thyme dressing to slow-braised rabbit and lamb shanks over fregola sarda during the colder months (and marinated T-bone lamb chops off the grill for spring). While the specials are designed to shift monthly, a stellar new sharing appetizer has already become a permanent hit: shrimp saganaki. While the name saganaki typically evokes images of flaming tableside cheese at a taverna, Pitsillides says that in Greece, the word also implies something simply cooked with cheese. There are no fireballs accompanying this dish, but its still a dramatic showstopper an oblong terra cotta crock (a Spanish cazuela, actually) that arrives ripping hot from the oven with eight shrimp basking in a fragrant tomato sauce still bubbling around chunks of feta cheese. A fistful of leeks lend the sauce vegetal body and depth while the intricate spicing a blend of fennel, coriander, and cumin laced with Aleppo peppers (Fimy is originally from Syria) glows with a saucy warmth reminiscent of shakshouka. The roasted feta cubes are also transformed not so much melted as softened into the novel texture of briny custard cubes. The flavors here were so satisfying that over the course of several meals, Ive come to view the new and improved Apricot Stone as an underappreciated gem. Its been leveling up on a number of fronts, including dessert: I loved the elegant take on a Dubai chocolate bar stuffed with pistachio crunch from Lebanese-born Armenian chef Helen Moushlian, whos also contributing savory specials to the menu. But Pitsillides has left his mark with the sweets as well, with an irresistible scoop of house-churned baklava ice cream blended with crushed-up pieces of the sweet Middle Eastern pastry made from phyllo dough, walnut, and syrup. Its like cookies and cream! Ara says. And indeed it is, a sweet parting flourish for Apricot Stones promising new phase. Shrimp saganaki, $22, Apricot Stone, 428 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 606-6596; apricotstonephilly.com Patrons enter Atilis Gym. Business as usual at Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, N.J., on Aug. 12, 2020. Read more The owner of a Bellmawr gym is suing a slew of borough officials for $10 million, claiming he has been the subject of retaliation since he made national headlines in 2020 by defying New Jerseys COVID-19 business-closure orders. Atilis Gym owner Frank Trumbetti is accusing Bellmawrs mayor, six current and former borough council members, police officers, and other officials of having violated his First Amendment rights and denied him due process when issuing citations against his gym and revoking his mercantile license. Advertisement The federal lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District of New Jersey last month, is the latest turn in a yearslong dispute between the Camden County borough and the gym that it deemed a nuisance. It rehashes some of the arguments Trumbetti made in a New Jersey state court case that he lost. But this time, Trumbetti says he is owed millions in damages because local government officials violated his civil rights. The complaint says Atilis Gym angered borough officials because he became an international symbol of defiance against, what we now know, were ineffective public health measures. Once that becomes governments motivation, that calls into question everything else, said John McCann, an attorney for Trumbetti. Bellmawrs mayor, Chuck Sauter, did not respond to a request for comment. In May 2020, while Gov. Phil Murphys business shutdown order was still in place, Atilis Gym reopened as a crowd of supporters cheered. The gym racked up citations, including one for disorderly conduct. But it also gained supporters, becoming a local battleground against business closures. Trumbetti and his then-business partner, Ian Smith, were defiant. We firmly believe that everything we are doing is constitutional. Its our right, and we have not broken any laws, Trumbetti said at the time. The New Jersey Department of Health shut down the gym less than a week after it reopened. But again, the owners vowed to reopen. The fight between officials and the gym continued into the summer of 2020 and included the arrest of the owner-duo, a contempt-of-court ruling from a Camden judge, and a video showing the two kicking down plywood that law enforcement erected to barricade the gym. That August, the Bellmawr Borough Council voted to revoke the gyms mercantile license. State and local fines on the gym surpassed $130,000 at the time. McCann said that Atilis Gym paid the state fines and that the borough overreached when it became involved. It was unnecessary piling on by the local government, the attorney said. The new federal complaint contends that the borough council was motivated to revoke the gyms license because of statements Trumbetti made about the business-closure orders and police officers who served citations, as well as becoming a rallying place for a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. For example, the complaint says, in a hearing about the future of the gym, Bellmawr Council member James DAngello urged his peers to take action against the facility, noting Trumbettis comments about police officers and the attention surrounding the conflict, according to the complaint. So, now the seven of us here have to make decision on a circus that is continually going through this town, the council member said, according to the suit. DAngello, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, did not respond to a request for comment. Because the gym lost its mercantile license, it received more citations in 2022, after the COVID-19 orders were lifted. The lawsuit claims the borough officials also targeted the gyms landlord. The gym is open, McCann said. Monique Begg at her home in Moorestown. Begg was named the town's citizen of the year in 2024. Read more The Friends Enrichment Program began in the late 1990s with an in-line skating class for kids in a Moorestown parking lot. But the programs roots were grown in 1940s Montreal, where a wealthy French Canadian girl and some of her Catholic school classmates collected donations from tavern patrons to buy winter coal for needy families. Advertisement Sow love, reap love is FEPs slogan. After the war I saw legless [veterans] sitting on mats on the ground in downtown Montreal, said Monique Begg, 93. I awoke to some of the things you dont see in the suburbs. A member of the Moorestown Friends Meeting, Begg and her nonprofit have raised about $400,000 over the last 30 years, mostly in small donations although a $2,000 grant from St. Matthew Lutheran Church helped start the program. FEP has provided 1,100 summer camp and art education scholarships to more than 500 children in the township and surrounding communities. A person can be a talker or a doer, and I am someone who really likes to talk, Begg said. But thats not enough. A longtime freelance journalist, environmental activist, and social justice advocate, Begg moved with her husband, Edwin, from upstate New York to South Jersey in 1969. After nine years in Medford, where they led grassroots efforts to clean up Birchwood Lake, the Beggs moved to Moorestown with their son, Daniel, in the late 70s. As they had done in Medford, Begg said, she and her husband became regular attendees at local government meetings. By the mid-1990s, they were hearing some of their fellow residents complain to elected officials that young people who lived in Moorestown affordable housing developments were guilty of crimes by walking on private property. They were doing nuisance things, Begg said. They werent juvenile delinquents. Working informally with a Moorestown police detective, Begg reached out to the families and established the in-line skating lessons. The Friends meeting let us use the parking lot, and we were covered by their insurance, she said. Meanwhile, Begg listened closely as kids in the program told her about economic and other challenges at home and bullying of students of color in school. It reminded her of her own childhood. When I was growing up, some of the [English-speaking] people, not all of them, but some of them, didnt like us because we were French, she said. Recipes for success To raise money for FEP, a committee was established in early 1997 to gather family recipes into what became known as the Moorestown Friends Heritage Cookbook. We sold out all 1,000 copies for $15 each, Begg said. By the spring, we had enough money to send 10 kids to summer camps or other programs at the Perkins Center for the Arts and the Moorestown Community House. The collaboration with the Perkins Summer Camp has become a major FEP focus. During the summer, my kids have had a chance to attend Perkins programs we would not be able to afford, said Ruth Maina, 40, a Moorestown mother of five. Begg, she said, really cares about people in general. But her heart is for the children. Kahra Buss, executive director at Perkins, said FEP generally will split the $1,000 cost for a two-week camping session. The Beggs also contribute to the monarch cultivation project, which helps children learn about the butterflies through observation and instruction from Begg. That sort of hands-on involvement suits Begg just fine. My mission in life wasnt to run a program, she said. I always wanted to go back to writing, but I love working with the kids. Daniel Begg, a photographer, said his mother knew what she wanted FEP to do from the very beginning: reach out to financially disadvantaged children in Moorestown children who were being left behind because of race and economics. Last year, the Moorestown Service Club Council honored Monique Begg as its Citizen of the Year. The honoree continues to be active in the organization. Ive been told that Im borderline legally blind, Monique Begg said. But I dont let that stop me." Two young West Philadelphia children were hospitalized Monday afternoon after suffering separate gunshot wounds in unrelated incidents. The shootings occurred within a few hours of and less than a mile away from one another. Philadelphia Police said it was investigating both incidents. Advertisement At around 1:45 p.m. a 2-year-old boy reportedly shot himself in the stomach inside his home on the 5200 block of Delancey Street. He was transported by police to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed as in critical condition. Every day, eight children and teens are injured or killed nationally by an unlocked or unsupervised gun in the home, according to research from gun control group Brady United, whose data includes suicides. Advocates say gun locks, which can be obtained from multiple city agencies for free, can save lives and prevent lifelong injuries and trauma. Just hours later, at about 4:20 p.m. a 5- or 6-year-old girl was struck in the leg by gunfire while on the front porch with her family at a home on the 5900 block of Pine Street, police said. Police took her to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia as well. She was listed in stable condition. No motive has been determined, according to police. Action News reported that the girl was injured when one shooter in a group opened fire on the home from across the street. The group of three or four people were dressed in all black. Four shell casings were found on the sidewalk nearby. No arrests have been made regarding either incident. The Philadelphia Police Department is currently investigating two separate and tragic shooting incidents involving young children that occurred in the 18th District, police said in a statement Monday afternoon. All information provided is preliminary and subject to change as the investigations develop. Tips can be called in or texted to the Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online. Staff writer Ellie Rushing contributed to this report. Longtime Philadelphia Daily News columnist Chuck Stone in his office shortly before leaving the newspaper in 1991. He has been posthumously honored with a special citation from the Pulitzer Board. Read more Trailblazing former Daily News columnist Chuck Stone has been posthumously honored with a special citation from the Pulitzer Board. Stone received the award for his groundbreaking work covering the Civil Rights Movement, his role as the Daily News first Black columnist, and his position as a cofounder of the National Association of Black Journalists half a century ago, administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes Marjorie Miller said Monday. Advertisement This recognition is so well-earned and so well-deserved, said Gabriel Escobar, editor and vice president of The Philadelphia Inquirer and a member of the Pulitzer Prize Board. Chuck Stone left his mark in many places as a veteran, as a prominent figure in the Black press, as a mentor and inspiration to many, as a pivotal founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and of course as a prominent and influential columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News, Escobar said. A native of St. Louis who was raised in Hartford, Conn., Stone served as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II before attending Wesleyan University. There, Stone earned undergraduate degrees in political science and economics in 1948 before attending the University of Chicago, from which he later received a masters degree in sociology. In the 1950s, Stone entered the field of journalism, serving first as a reporter and later an editor at the New York Age. Stones outspoken writing style was present from the early days in his career, with Newsweek dubbing him the angry man of the Negro press after he became a White House correspondent for the Washington Afro-American. Chuck was around for the beginning of Black folks working in mainstream newsrooms, said Michael Days, former Daily News editor-in-chief and current NABJ Philadelphia president. He was beyond iconic in Philadelphia. Stone came to Philadelphia in the 1970s, starting work as a columnist at the Daily News in 1972. He held that position until 1991, quickly earning readers trust for his raw criticisms of the Philadelphia Police Department, which was then known for its racially charged brutality against Black criminal suspects. In those days, said former Daily News editor and reporter Zack Stalberg, the People Paper was filled with big personalities but none bigger than Stone. He was, Stalberg said, someone who made people want to read newspapers. Chuck was far more than a columnist. He was a gigantic figure in town, Stalberg said. He was the only person I can remember in Philadelphia newspapers at that period who people really had to pay attention to. By 1977, suspects began surrendering to Stone rather than police directly, believing that his involvement would afford a kind of protection from heavy-handed officers. Among the first people to surrender to Stone was a man charged with murder who asked him to arrange a transfer to police custody. He said he reads my column and he likes the way I handled things and he trusted me, Stone said in 1977. Then-Mayor Frank L. Rizzo, however, was not a fan. During a 1977 news conference, he lashed out at Stone over a column that had been critical of his administration, calling the columnist the bottom of the cesspool a racist [who] represents everything that is wrong with this city. Politically, [Rizzo] is a functional illiterate who cannot read the handwriting on the wall, Stone wrote in a column. Stone, however, was not critical of just white politicians during his time as a columnist. In 1991, a single column saw him refer to then-State Rep. Dwight Evans as an oleaginous eel, Mayor W. Wilson Goode as a paternalistic ferret, and U.S. Rep. William H. Gray III as a peacock. Stone likely took some amount of joy in Rizzos lament, as well as that of other prominent figures who felt crossed by his coverage. As Stones nephew, former Daily News reporter Gene Seymour put it, Stone loved being on somebodys s list. He loved making people angry, Seymour said. If you mentioned Chuck Stones name to somebody, their eyes would either light up with recognition or they would narrow with, Chuck Stone, huh? Often, Seymour added, he would see Stone typing away in the newsroom, seeming to sail through his columns as other reporters struggled with their work. Sometimes, he would even see him giggling an odd, somewhat infuriating sight amid the grind that Seymour often felt. That is, until he realized there was a lesson. Even then, he was teaching me something, Seymour said. He was saying make a joyful noise even when youre giving them hell. Over the course of his near-two-decade career with the Daily News, more than 70 criminal suspects, all of whom were Black, surrendered to Stone. But he is perhaps best known for serving as a key negotiator in a 1981 crisis at Graterford Prison, in which escaped inmates led by a man who had been convicted of multiple murders captured dozens of hostages, several of whom were guards. The siege lasted five days, with Stone joining the effort on the fourth day at the recommendation of then-Gov. Dick Thornburghs administration, as well as at the behest of one of the inmates mothers, The Inquirer reported at the time. Stone helped negotiate the release of the final six hostages, reports from the time indicated. I damn near had a nervous breakdown, Stone later said of the negotiations. I spent two days negotiating, and they released the hostages after the second day. So then when people got in trouble and there were hostages they said, Call Chuck Stone to get us out of this. Seymour, who started at the Daily News the weekend of the Graterford Prison incident, said he never worried about the potential outcomes of the negotiations as they were going on. It was Chuck, after all. He was impervious to all of it, Seymour said. He had his business to do, and nothing stuck. It wasnt Teflon exactly, but like a force field that stuff just bounced off. Once Stone departed the Daily News, the practice of suspects turning themselves in at the papers offices stopped, Days said. The papers remaining writers lacked the je ne sais quoi Stone possessed to carry it on, he added himself included. I said, Im not doing that, Days said. During his time at the Daily News, Stone served as a cofounder of the National Association for Black Journalists and was the organizations first president from 1975 to 1977. Sandra Dawson Long Weaver, a fellow NABJ cofounder and former Inquirer managing editor, credited Stone with leading the charge to form a national chapter of the group in 1975. In fact, she said, his name was No. 1 on the sign-in sheet from the meeting that resulted in the establishment of the NABJ as it is known today. The foundation he laid was strong enough for us to continue thriving, Long Weaver said. NABJ has about 4,500 members, growing more than 100 times from its 44 cofounders half a century ago. With NABJ celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, seeing Stone celebrated with the Pulitzer citation is wonderful, Long Weaver said. Ken Lemon, current NABJ president and a reporter at WSOC-TV in Charlotte, N.C., said that the citation speaks volumes in the current political climate. The timing on it is impeccable, Lemon said. It speaks to the importance of Black journalists, even in this moment now when being Black and being a journalist is under attack by the federal government. It speaks volumes to people who are underserved and overlooked. Stone left the Daily News in 1991, going on to teach at the University of North Carolina, from which he retired in 2004. He died a decade later at age 89 in an assisted-living facility in North Carolina. When he walked into the room, he filled it up, Days said of Stone. Everyone knew Chuck Stone. President Donald Trumps recent executive order targeting school discipline policies is built on flawed logic, misinterprets the data, and threatens to undo more than a decade of progress. Rather than making schools safer, it risks inflicting harm on the very students who most need support. The order claims the Obama-era Dear Colleague guidance forced schools to discriminate on the basis of race. This is flatly false. That 2014 guidance drew attention to persistent racial disparities in discipline, particularly the disproportionate impact of suspensions on Black students. The guidance called on schools to eliminate discrimination, not create it. Advertisement The Trump administration does raise a valid point: simply reducing suspensions without addressing underlying behavior can lead to underreporting or ineffective policy. But instead of addressing the causes of misbehavior trauma, poverty, inadequate support the administration doubles down on exclusionary discipline, despite overwhelming evidence that it does more harm than good. Its not a path to safety its a pipeline to lost potential. Sending children home does nothing to resolve the root causes of disruption. It may offer temporary relief for educators, but it deprives students of learning opportunities and increases the risk of academic failure, dropout, and eventual involvement with the justice system. Exclusionary discipline is associated with lower test scores, poor attendance, and reduced graduation and matriculation rates. Its not a path to safety its a pipeline to lost potential. Philadelphia offers a better way forward. Once a national leader in punitive discipline, the city has seen a dramatic shift under Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethels diversion initiative, which replaced suspensions and arrests with supportive interventions. A child could be getting abused at home, have no food at home, and then we dont even ask them questions before arresting them? Bethel said. Ive watched us use the stick for discipline for decades. But the stick hasnt worked. These programs, often supported by federal grants, have helped reduce unnecessary punishment and restore a sense of justice and care in schools. Trumps order jeopardizes hard-won progress at a time when much more remains to be done. It threatens funding for proven programs and strips away vital federal oversight, even as many schools continue to overdiscipline students and racial disparities remain stark. In Mississippi, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C., 15% of students received at least one out-of-school suspension, three times the national rate. Some schools even suspend more than half their student body. In one Tennessee county alone, 17 schools did so in one year, with Memphis Trezevant High School reporting a rate of 99%. Meanwhile, corporal punishment remains legal in 17 states. In Alabamas Pickens County, policy still permits the use of a wooden paddle 24 inches long, half an inch thick. The consequences can be devastating. When Mississippi eighth-grader Trey Clayton refused to sit in his assigned seat, he was struck so forcefully that he fainted and collapsed face-first onto a concrete floor, shattering five teeth and breaking his jaw. Most disturbing, since 2000, more than 2,600 children between the ages of 5 and 9 have been arrested in school. In one harrowing case, 6-year-old Kaia Rolle was zip-tied and arrested after a tantrum in her Florida classroom. On police body-cam footage, she pleads, I dont want to go to the police car. She was fingerprinted, had a mug shot taken, and was charged with battery. Keeping children safe is paramount but that commitment must apply to all children, not just some. To make matters worse, most suspensions arent issued for weapons or violence, but for minor misbehavior. Instead of confronting real dangers like gun violence, this administration targets children, families, and the underresourced schools that are doing their best to support them. If Trump truly wanted to protect students, hed address the systemic inequalities that drive discipline disparities. Instead, he threatens to withhold federal funding most of which supports schools serving low-income students exacerbating the very problems he claims to solve. The Obama-era guidance wasnt perfect, but it marked real progress. Trumps order drags us backward, ignoring decades of research and hard-earned lessons about what actually works. Misbehavior is often a signal a plea for help, not a justification for removal. Real discipline teaches; it doesnt discard. Weve seen the damage exclusionary policies can do. If we fail to resist this rollback, we shouldnt be surprised when more children are pushed out of classrooms and into courtrooms. Trump claims to protect Americas children, but his policies will lock up their futures. AJ Ernst worked as a teacher and administrator in Philadelphia for 13 years and has his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Former Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.) speaks to reporters outside federal court in New York in January. Read more The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office asked a state judge on Monday to declare that former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is barred for life from seeking public office following his bribery conviction. Menendez was sentenced in January to 11 years in prison for taking illegal gifts and advancing the Egyptian governments interests. Following his 2024 indictment, the New Jersey Democrat faced a pressure campaign to resign from within his party, led by Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and left office in August. Advertisement The lawsuit, filed Monday in New Jersey Superior Court in Mercer County, argues that Menendez is permanently disqualified from holding any public office under New Jersey law because his crimes touched on his public office, position, and employment as a U.S. Senator. The attorney general is asking a judge to issue a forfeiture order declaring Menendezs disqualification and noting that if he sought public office again, he would be prosecuted. Bob Menendez abused his high-ranking position in the U.S. Senate for his own personal and financial benefit, betraying the people who elected him and the oath he swore to serve their interests and not his own, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. Today, my office sought a court order ensuring he will be given no such opportunity again in New Jersey. Attorneys representing Menendez did not immediately respond to requests for comment. New Jersey judges have issued similar orders in the past. Earlier this year, the former mayor of Paterson, Jose Torres, was sentenced to three years of probation for violating a court order that barred him from attempting to reclaim the office because of a 2017 conviction. Torres launched a new mayoral bid in 2022 and was indicted for criminal contempt by a grand jury a year after. If Menendez serves his full sentence, he would be in his 80s upon his release. Menendez, who represented New Jersey in the Senate for nearly two decades, was unapologetic after his sentencing in January, describing the Manhattan federal courthouse as the Wild West of political prosecutions. President Trump is right this process is political and is corrupted to the core, Menendez said at the time. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., talks to reporters outside the chamber during a vote at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 13, 2025. Read more Video from earlier this year shows Sen. John Fetterman getting in an argument with an airline crew over the proper way to wear his seatbelt on a flight to Pittsburgh. The video went viral after New York Magazines profile of Pennsylvanias Democratic senator and his mental well-being, per staffers, last week in which the tense moment is referenced as an example of Fettermans questionable behavior leaking to the public. Advertisement The video, which has gone viral, shows an airline crew member asking Fetterman to make sure his seatbelt is visible to the flight crew, citing federal regulations. What ensued was what appeared to be a back-and-forth between the senator and the airline crew member, though many of Fettermans responses are not clearly audible. He is facing away from the camera, occasionally raising his hands. Some of his responses include: I put my seatbelt on and Yes, it is in regards to his seat belt being fastened. If you want to go to Pittsburgh, its simple, you have to follow our instructions or be asked to get off the airplane. Were not asking much, the airline crew member said at one point. The crew member had also offered Fetterman a seatbelt extender so it could more comfortably fit around his sweatshirt. The footage of John Fetterman arguing with a commercial airline pilot about wearing his seat belt: https://t.co/d1FRGRy9oN pic.twitter.com/LmhOEMG4HB Brendan Hartnett (@BrendanHartnett) May 2, 2025 Representatives for Fetterman did not respond to a request for comment about the interaction. Its unclear what led up to the confrontation with Fetterman or what occurred after the moment stopped being recorded. The video being widely circulated was posted on X by Brendan Hartnett, who works at communications firm Longwell Partners, according to his Linkedin page. The firm is founded by Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, a conservative news site that publishes content in opposition to President Donald Trump. The NY Mag profile, which highlighted this interaction, was anchored by the account of Adam Jentleson, Fettermans former chief of staff, who alleged that the mental health of the senator, who suffered a stroke during his 2022 election campaign and previously underwent treatment for clinical depression, is more dire than previously reported. Some of his friends in the Senate, namely Sen. Peter Welch (D., Vt) and Sen. Katie Britt (R., AL) praised Fetterman in the article and painted him as someone equipped to handle the job. But staffers, according to NY Mag, said incidents like the one on the plane and another when Fetterman was caught filming and mocking a constituent who was a climate activist was becoming difficult to explain. Paul Kermizian thought it would take six months to open a downtown location for his popular video-game-and-bar concept, Barcade, after he inked a lease in May 2022. But because of Philadelphias sluggish zoning review board, hell be lucky to open by autumn 2023. Advertisement We didnt anticipate such a long lead time for zoning, Kermizian said. Our lease has started, and we will be paying rent all through construction. Its lost revenue. Its also lost taxes for the city, too. Kermizians rent is $27,000 a month. Business owners large and small have been stymied by wait times that averaged six months in 2022 before a case could be heard by the citys Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), which considers exceptions to the zoning rules that dictate what can be built in the city. In Philadelphia, the regulatory body considers an average of 1,330 cases a year an unusually large amount compared with other cities which can range from an addition of a rowhouse roof deck to the opening of a takeout eatery to a big developer trying to tack an extra floor onto an apartment building. Since the pandemic, case delays have worsened even as the city has added staff and funding to the board. The situation is especially acute for small-business owners. In many parts of the city, zoning rules make it difficult to open any commercial enterprises. To make matters worse, City Council continues to place additional restrictions called overlays on specific neighborhoods or commercial corridors. Originally designed to discourage what neighborhood groups saw as a nuisance, they often force businesses as anodyne as ice cream parlors to receive a zoning variance to open. Before any negotiation begins with the zoning board, businesses owners must first sign a lease or show some other proof that they are going to operate out of the property. That means they either have to find a landlord willing to give them a half-year break on rent, or suffer the cost with no income as they wait months for a hearing that, if they are lucky, can be over in 10 minutes. For big developers, delayed appeals are an inconvenience that adds to costs in a city already known for high expenses and low rents. But for small-time operators such as owners of coffee shops, ice cream parlors or other takeout spots the delays can be prohibitive. Rachael Pritzker, CEO of the Pritzker Law Group, said she has heard from many small businesses that cant afford to wait six months, with no revenue, to have basic cases heard. Larger developers are more sophisticated, theyre aware of the nuances of zoning law, and their projects take years to build so six more months isnt as big of an issue, she said. But it penalizes smaller groups, more inexperienced entrepreneurs who are more often women and Black and brown individuals. Why has the ZBA become so inefficient? Before the pandemic, the average wait time for a hearing at the zoning board was under three months. But those delays began to increase in late 2019, peaking in February 2020, and have remained elevated ever since. Although the process showed signs of easing at the beginning of 2023, the average wait time in 2022 was half a year. If a community group is contesting a case and a business owner faces multiple hearings, delays can drag on for well longer than a year before the board renders a decision. The situation has grown bad enough that a long established system for expedited permitting, allowing applicants to speed up their cases by paying more than $1,000, has bogged down since the pandemic because so many are using it. In the Barcade owners case, he signed a lease in May, filed for a variance as soon as possible, and learned that the case wouldnt be heard until late December even after paying for expedited permitting. When he finally came before the ZBA, the proceeding took only 10 minutes. After the brief Dec. 22 hearing, Kermizian waited 30 days to submit permits to allow the monthlong appeals window to expire. Construction began in February, more than eight months since the lease began. Weve incurred costs in rent and legal fees, but this is our ninth location, Kermizian said. Were not a guy trying to open his first restaurant, who this would probably be crippling for. The city cant say exactly why the delays are occurring. The number of cases filed today hasnt risen dramatically compared with pre-pandemic. The zoning board is meeting as often as it did in 2019, city spokespeople say, while the number of staff committed to the process has actually doubled in the last four years from five to 10. City spokespeople cited possible delays ranging from the availability of witnesses to the degree of City Council involvement, community opposition, and notice requirements. But all of those were factors before 2020. The effect of virtual meetings Some veteran zoning lawyers argue that it is remote hearings themselves that are causing delays. Virtual hearings are good for talking; theyre not good for dialogue, said Matt McClure, team leader of Ballard Spahrs zoning and land use team. The failure to have good dialogue means longer hearings. When meetings were held in person, disputes and misunderstandings between project applicants and opponents could often be cleared up in the hallway outside the hearing room. Lawyers could give abridged version of their cases if they knew no one was arguing against them. In a virtual setting, McClure and other zoning lawyers say, it is more difficult to know whether projects have opponents and its harder to reach accord with them in advance. As a result, zoning lawyers have to give a full presentation of their case no matter how minor the relief requested. Online you have to go through and show every thing every time, so it takes longer than it would in person, McClure said. Thats clearly added to the delay. As a result, fewer cases can be heard at each hearings. Starting in early 2020, the number of cases heard at each meeting fell by about half. Although there have been recent improvements, the new status quo seems to be fewer projects reviewed per meeting than there were before the pandemic. City spokespeople agree that virtual hearings take longer, but they do not plan to bring back the pre-pandemic norm. Remote hearings are more accessible, they argue, giving people a chance to participate whose schedule, employment, or mobility restricted attendance before. We are seeing increased and more equitable public participation, said Bruce Bohri, city spokesperson. This is a positive development, but a consequence is longer hearings. A hybrid option returning to in-person meetings while continuing to provide remote access to the general public would require significant technology upgrades, which would require more funding. Even if there were an in-person option, the inability to address concerns from possible online opponents before a hearing would continue. So would the necessity of laying out the entire case, with lengthy testimony, no matter how minor the variance requested. During virtual hearings, the required quasi-judicial procedures must take place sequentially and within the view and hearing of all hearing participants, Bohri said. In person, the tendency is for there to be more cross-talk and nonverbal communication, which, while quicker, can be more confusing and less transparent. Whats to be done? The need for the zoning board to review variance requests is only likely to increase as City Council members continue to pass laws that add special zoning rules, known as overlays, that often require special permissions such as any business selling takeout food including coffee shops and ice cream stores to go before the ZBA. If virtual hearings and councilmanic prerogative are sacrosanct, what can be done to fix the process? The city could change how the zoning board members are compensated for their time. Members receive $100 per session, no matter its length, and salary is capped at $22,000 annually per board member. After a certain point, there is a financial disincentive for members to consider more cases. Raising the salary cap, which hasnt been tweaked since 1988, would be one way to schedule more sessions. Philadelphia could also consider best practices from other cities, where there are different processes for considering breaks from the zoning code depending on how dramatic a change the owner is seeking. In that case, minor variances which apply to most small business owners cases would be placed on a different track than major cases where property owners are seeking to add significant density or height to a project. Another solution is rethinking accelerated appeals. The accelerated process will lag if too many people use it, like trying to beat Schuylkill traffic by using the same shortcut as everyone else, Bohri said. We are looking for ways to improve the process overall without sacrificing the transparency and accessibility gains we have seen. For most applicants who go before the board, its inner workings are a mystery. All they know is that the process is crushingly burdensome at a time when Philadelphia is trying to recover its pre-pandemic buoyancy. It makes no sense, said Kermizian of Barcade. They really want to keep momentum going in Center City and in every neighborhood. But this is working against all that. Technology will play an increasingly important role in how we support brokers, Dodd said. But were not using tech to replace people were using it to empower them. Whether thats faster quoting tools, streamlined claims handling, or clearer communication channels, it all comes back to making life easier for the people we serve. A fair reading of the evidence before AFCA is that, as at the end of the 6-month period on 4 April 2007, the complainant was unlikely to ever be able to engage in any occupation for which he was reasonably suited by his ETE, the decision stated. While Spanish authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the blackout, some observers have pointed to the countrys high share of solar power as a possible factordrawing comparisons to South Australias experience nearly a decade ago. At the time, wind power made up a significant portion of the grid when severe weather triggered a cascade of technical failures that led to a complete shutdown. According to police, the couple had been living together at the time, though investigators allege that the relationship had deteriorated. Authorities also allege that Davidson submitted a life insurance claim shortly after his wifes death and attempted to make a second claim. Combined, the policies were said to be worth more than $1 million. The increase in injuries and deaths we are seeing because of unsafe and unlawful riding cannot be ignored and I share the communitys concern. The Crisafulli government will hold a Parliamentary Inquiry to ensure we are doing everything we can to boost safety for both pedestrians and riders, Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said. The litigation environment for large companies in the US 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. In the latest edition of Insurance Business TV, Danny Kaufman, president of Burns & Wilcox, reflects on the firm being named among this year's five-star wholesale brokers and MGAs. He discusses the lines that have seen particular growth, the innovations the company is making and the role that AI will play in the future. Global insurance broker Marsh USA filed suit against competitor Aon and a former Marsh team leader for allegedly poaching key members of Marshs construction surety team who resigned and moved to Aon in March. A complaint filed by Marsh in federal court in New York accuses Aon and its former construction and surety team leader, Robert McDonough, of a brazen taking of its construction surety business, including its confidential information, employees, and clients. According to the lawsuit, the scheme culminated with the coordinated resignation of 20 employees in the span of just 38 minutes on March 10, 2025. As a result of the alleged raid, Marsh said it lost numerous clients representing millions of dollars in revenue annually and has suffered harm to its client relationships and its reputation and goodwill in the brokerage industry. Aon could not execute the plan to raid Marsh aloneit needed an inside man and enlisted McDonough, a senior leader in Marshs construction surety business unit, to use his knowledge of Marshs confidential information and his relationships with Marshs employees and clients to advance an unlawful scheme and raid Marshs construction surety business, according to the complaint. Aon declined to comment on the lawsuit when contacted by Insurance Journal. Aon Lost Own Team The lawsuit contends that the scheme began before McDonough and the others left Marsh, soon after Aon lost a team of its own surety employees to another competitor in January. Rather than invest the time and money to rebuild its surety practice piece by piece, Aon opted for a quicker, unlawful fix: simply pluck a significant portion of Marshs construction surety business unit to fill its need, the lawsuit says. McDonough joined the Marsh construction surety team in New York in March 2016 as the practice leader, and he maintained that senior leadership role for nearly a decade. According to Marsh, McDonough was privy to its highly confidential information and trade secrets, including information about Marshs workforce and clients. He is accused of leading the mass resignation on March 10 when he submitted his resignation at 10:45 a.m. and 19 others followed his lead, including 70% of McDonoughs direct reports. On March 17, the suit contends, McDonough assumed a comparable role at Aon, as CEO of its North American construction, infrastructure, and surety group. The 19 other departing Marsh employees also assumed similar roles at Aonessentially mirroring the structure and roles of Marshs construction surety business, the complaint says. In a March 10 press release, Aon touted new leadership for its construction and surety practice, with the hiring of McDonough and another key Marsh employee, Brian Hodges. Marsh contends that McDonough has breached non-solicitation, confidentiality, and other agreements he signed prior to beginning his employment at Marsh in 2016. The agreements establish that McDonoughs violation of their restrictive covenants would result in irreparable injury to Marsh and set forth penalties should he violate them. The non-solicitation agreement acknowledges that the restrictions are necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the company and are reasonable in view of the consideration and benefits, including access to bonus plans, he has received from the company. Irreparable Harm Additionally, in his confidentiality agreement, McDonough is said to have agreed that irreparable injury will result to Marsh and that, in the event of a breach, Marsh shall be entitled to specific performance and temporary and permanent injunctive relief; recovery of reasonable sums and costs, including attorneys fees; and any other legal remedies and damages available. In addition, Marsh says McDonough signed a liquidated damages agreement that covers situations where a client either reduces the amount of business or cancels business with Marsh due to violations by him. This provision calls for him to pay Marsh an amount equal to the total fees and commissions received by the company for such business during the two years prior to the breach. That would be in addition to all other damages and remedies, according to the lawsuit. The complaint says that, as part of the collusion, Aon worked with McDonough to recruit the 19 employees to Aon, drawing upon his knowledge of Marshs confidential personnel data related to compensation and client contacts. Further, Marsh alleges that McDonough worked with Aon to identify Marsh clientsparticularly ones with which McDonough had strong relationshipsto move their business to Aon. This drew upon Marshs confidential information about the clients current contracts with Marsh, Marshs pricing, Marshs business development strategies, and client preferences, the complaint says. Marsh personnel spoke with many of the departing employees after they resigned. Marsh says these interviews confirmed McDonough and Aons plot to steal Marsh employees as a group. One of the departing employees reported that the raid was all orchestrated by Rob McDonough, who, the employee said, selected the best 20 people in the practice to leave together and told him he had the choice to either take life-changing money and stay with us or be left behind and clean up the puke. Marsh Clients According to Marsh, the scheme also targeted both established and potential Marsh clients, including one with a major infrastructure project and another with a transportation facility construction project, allegedly using Marshs confidential information to get them to move their business to Aon. Marsh also contends that McDonough and another Aon employee recently attended an industry conference in San Diego, where Marsh maintains they actively targeted Marsh employees and clients in what could only be an effort to solicit them on behalf of Aon. Among the complaints counts are unfair competition; breaches of contract, fiduciary duty, and common law duties of loyalty, absolute candor, and good faith; tortious interference with business relationships; aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty; and conspiracy. In addition to liquidated damages, Marsh is seeking punitive damages, actual damages, attorneys fees, and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief. Topics Lawsuits Leadership Aon Construction Soaring levels of civil unrest and political violence is a key concern for businesses of all sizes as well as for their insurers, according to a report published by Allianz Commercial. The impact of civil unrest or strikes, riots and civil commotion (SRCC) activity is the political risk and violence exposure that companies fear most, with more than 50% of businesses ranking SRCC as their main worry, said the report, titled Political violence and civil unrest trends 2025. The report derives much of its data and conclusions from the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, an annual survey of global businesses, which revealed in January that political risks and violence has been a top 10 global risk in four of the past five years2025, 2024, 2023, and 2021. Part of the problem for businesses is the unpredictability of the size, location, and length of these incidents, said the Allianz Commercial report, explaining that unlike other perils, such as flood or windstorm, it is difficult to prepare in the same way to mitigate losses and build contingency and business continuity plans. Political violence activity can affect businesses in many ways, the report indicated. In addition to endangering the safety of employees and customers, those in the immediate vicinity of unrest can suffer business interruption losses and material damage to property or assets, while indirect damage can be inflicted on companies in the form of loss of attraction or denial of access to their premises. Excluding the ongoing social unrest in the Balkans and Turkey, Allianz noted, there have been over 800 significant anti-government protests in more than 150 countries, with more than 160 significant events taking place during 2024 alone. The report said that 18% of these protests lasted for more than three months. Allianz research shows that in the top 20 countries for frequency of protest and riot activity around the world during 2024, there were more than 80,000 incidents, with India, the U.S., France, Germany, Turkey, and Spain among the top hotspots. As unrest can now spread more quickly and widelythanks in part to the power of social mediaeconomic and insured losses from such activity can be considerable, said the Allianz Commercial report. The patterns of protests and violence over the last 10 years has shown that targets such as government buildings, transport infrastructure, retail premises, and distribution centers for critical goods can be specific but, often, businesses are victims of their locality and their footprint. Rising Insurance Losses Insurers are also very concerned about the increase in the frequency and severity of SRCC events. Events such as riots in Chile and South Africa and the Black Lives Matter unrest in the U.S. have resulted in insured losses well in excess of US$10 billion over the past decade, surpassing other levels of political violence and terrorism insurance claims, the report confirmed. In certain hotspot territories, losses can rival or surpass those from natural catastrophes, while in others, although the direct impact may be minor, events can still trigger long-lasting changes in the societies they affect, it added. Religious and Political Terrorism The report went on to discuss the major threat of religious and political terrorism from political extremists who are motivated by both far-right and far-left ideologies. Far-right motivated terrorism is considered by many to be the fastest growing or most prominent domestic security threat, Allianz said, pointing to analysis from the International Observatory for Studies on Terrorism (OIET), which shows there were well in excess of 100 reported terrorism and right-wing extremist incidents during 2024, driven primarily by events in the U.S. (with 76 incidents) and followed by Germany (with 19 incidents). Meanwhile, far-left extremists are increasingly targeting individuals or companies who they see as contributing negatively toward issues such as capitalism, climate change, or inequality, the report said. More frequent and severe actions during 2025 and beyond can be anticipated. In addition, extremists are increasingly acting on their own, making them harder to track, disrupt, and prevent, Allianz Commercial said. Risk Management and Insurance Turning to the risk management and insurance techniques that can help businesses mitigate against the political violence peril, the report noted that almost all property classes of insurance offer some degree of SRCC coverage, and as a result, businesses are showing increasing interest in buying stand-alone coverages. Businesses with multi-country exposures are showing a greater interest in political violence coverage, but we are also seeing greater engagement from the SME and mid-corp space about these risks, a true reflection of increasing concern in this segment, according to Tim McGain, a regional head of Property at Allianz Commercial, who is quoted in the report. Business interruption has been ranked as a top two risk for the past decade in our annual Allianz Risk Barometer, said Srdjan Todorovic, head of Political Violence and Hostile Environment Solutions, Allianz Commercial. The causes of business interruption losses can range from natural catastrophes to manmade causes and malicious risks such as political violence, terrorism, sabotage or cyber events, sanctions, tariffs, trade wars, and actual wars, Todorovic added. It would therefore be negligent for large companies to not consider political violence and terrorism exposures in the same vein as they are considering the impact that natural catastrophes might have on their operations. Political violence perils need to be factored into business interruption, continuity, and planning, he warned. Risk Mitigation Suggestions The report went on to offer suggestions from Allianz Commercials risk experts about what companies can do to safeguard their assets and employees while ensuring business continuity in the event of unrest or a political violence incident. The list follows here: Stay abreast of news on planned protests and government policies and implement a business continuity plan (BCP) in advance if you do not have one in place already. Revise and update your BCP if needed. Your BCP and your business processes might need amending if a regime introduces new requirements or if there is a risk of sanctions. Retail businesses on high streets (or main streets) should increase security and/or reduce inventory, including those with high-value assets, those that are multinational or foreign-owned, petrol stations, pharmacies, and banks. Consider temporary relocation of inventory or assets if you are highly likely to be affected. Implement increased security measures at distribution center. Prepare for moving more services online to support business continuity. Protect your supply chains by ensuring diversity of geography and companies. Review your insurance policies. Property policies may cover political violence claims in some cases, but insurers also offer specialist coverage to mitigate the impact of strikes, riots and civil commotion via the specialist political violence market. Topics Trends Allianz Federal investigators have launched a probe after two flights aborted landings at Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday because a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter too close. The Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that air traffic control told Delta Air Lines DAL.N Flight 1671, an Airbus A319 that had originated in Orlando, and Republic Airways Flight 5825, an Embraer 170 that had departed from Boston, to perform go-arounds at around 2:30 p.m. due to a priority military air transport helicopter in the vicinity. The National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Army are also investigating. While conducting flight operations into the Pentagon in accordance with published FAA flight routes and DCA Air Traffic Control, a UH-60 Blackhawk was directed by Pentagon Air Traffic Control to conduct a go-around, overflying the Pentagon helipad in accordance with approved flight procedures, the Army said in a statement. As a result, DCA Air Traffic Control issued a go-around to two civil fixed wing aircraft to ensure the appropriate deconfliction of airspace. Following a January 29 mid-air collision of an American Airlines AAL.O regional jet and an Army Black Hawk that killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft, the FAA imposed permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations around Reagan National Airport. The FAA told Congress it was reviewing the Army helicopters route in the two loss of separation incidents on Thursday and whether the route violates an agreement with the Army. It appears the Black Hawk operation did not proceed directly to the Pentagon Heliport. Instead it took a scenic route around the Pentagon versus proceeding directly from the west to the heliport, the FAA memo seen by Reuters said. Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz said the Army is once again putting the traveling public at risk Its time for the FAA to act swiftly and assert control over the national airspace so the Army stops running air taxis for military officials near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Army had disregarded helicopter safety rules. No more helicopter rides for VIPs or unnecessary training in a congested DCA airspace full of civilians. Take a taxi or Uber besides most VIPs have black car service, Duffy said. Delta said there were five crew and 97 passengers aboard the flight. Nothing is more important at Delta than the safety of our customers and people. Well cooperate with the FAA as they investigate, the airline said on Friday. The Pentagon did not immediately comment. A person involved said investigators are reviewing the helicopters route and interactions with air traffic control. A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that according to initial information, the military helicopter was doing an emergency evacuation rehearsal. It is outrageous that only three months after an Army Black Hawk helicopter tragically collided with a passenger jet, the same Army brigade again flew a helicopter too close to passenger jets on final approach at (Reagan Washington), said Senator Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Commerce Committee. This comes less than a week after this brigade resumed flights in the National Capital Region. It is far past time for Secretary Hegseth and the FAA to give our airspace the security and safety attention it deserves, she said, referring to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Republic Airways did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The airport is located in northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., and about four miles (6.4 km) from Capitol Hill, making it popular with lawmakers, tourists and local residents. The FAA in March permanently closed one key route and prohibited the use of two smaller runways at the airport when helicopters conducting urgent missions are operating near the airport. Since 2021, there have been 85 recorded events involving a potentially dangerous near-miss between a helicopter and a plane defined as a lateral separation of less than 1,500 feet and a vertical separation of less than 200 feet, the National Transportation Safety Board said in March. A number of recent safety incidents at the airport have raised alarm, including a March 28 incident involving a Delta flight and a group of Air Force jets. Airlines for America, a group representing American Airlines and other U.S. carriers, in March urged the FAA to permanently reduce helicopter traffic around the airport. The group called on the FAA to suspend some nearby helicopter routes with limited exceptions for essential military or medical emergencies. The Army has also come under fire for routinely turning off a key safety system known as ADS-B during training missions in the Washington area. The FAA is investigating helicopter traffic near other major airports and last week announced changes to address safety concerns in Las Vegas. (Reporting by David Shepardson; additional reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Marguerita Choy, Stephen Coates and Kim Coghill) Topics USA Aviation Members of a high school lacrosse program in upstate New York are accused of staging an armed abduction of younger players in a stunt that went way beyond hazing, prosecutors said this week. All 11 people believed to be involved in the events linked to the team at Westhill High School in suburban Syracuse have turned themselves in to face charges, the Onondaga District Attorneys office said Wednesday. They were given appearance tickets for a later date. District Attorney William Fitzpatrick had given the students until last Thursday to come forward voluntarily and face only misdemeanor charges of unlawful imprisonment. He warned Tuesday that those who did not would be charged with more serious felony kidnapping. Fitzpatrick said the group was part of a ruse that involved inviting younger players to watch a game and then go to McDonalds. But one player was tied up, blindfolded and put into the trunk of a car. I cannot adequately express to this community the level of stupidity and lack of judgment involved in this case, Fitzpatrick said. This goes way, way beyond hazing. Fitzpatrick said a person driving the younger players on the team pretended to get lost and pulled over in a remote area where other participants in the prank lay in wait in the woods, armed with at least one knife and a weapon that appeared to be a gun. Thats when the students launched the fake abduction. There were at least five alleged victims set up in the stunt, but some managed to get away, Fitzpatrick said. The one who didnt escape had his hands tied and some sort of hood placed over his head. He was led to believe he would be abandoned, but was eventually returned home. While the student wasnt hurt physically, emotionally, thats going to be long term, Fitzpatrick said. This is not lighting a bag on fire on Halloween and sticking it in your driveway, this is criminal activity, he said, adding that it could have led to a fatal shooting if police had come across the scene and saw a kid with a hood over his head being abducted at gunpoint. The events were captured on video, and Fitzpatrick said the local sheriffs office identified the 11 people some of them 18 years old whom they believe participated either directly or indirectly. Asked if all were members of the boys lacrosse team, Fitzpatrick said it appears that way, but I dont know that. He noted reports that the districts superintendent had canceled the rest of the varsity teams season. Messages seeking comment were left for Westhill School District Superintendent Steve Dunham. In a statement provided to Syracuse.com earlier this week, he said: Our top priority is always the physical safety, mental health and well-being of our students and that any behavior that negatively affects any of these aspects for other students will be addressed promptly and appropriately according to our Code of Conduct. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York K-12 A senior UK minister [this week] will warn businesses to protect themselves against cyber threats after a spate of attacks on retailers including Marks & Spencer Group Plc. These attacks need to be a wake-up call for every business in the UK, Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden, who is responsible for national security, will say in a speech at the CyberUK conference in Manchester next week, according to remarks released by his department. (Editors note: This Bloomberg article was originally published on Friday, May 2, so the McFadden speech will take place this week). McFadden on Friday led a briefing with security officials including Richard Horne, chief of the National Cyber Security Centre, an arm of listening post GCHQ, in the wake of hacks on M&S and the supermarket chain Co-op. A ransomware attack was the cause of the disruption at M&S, with hackers using a potent kind of malware to lock down some of the British retailers systems and render them inaccessible. Read more: Britains M&S Enters 2nd Week of Sales Disruption After Cyberattack In a world where the cyber criminals targeting us are relentless in their pursuit of profit, with attempts being made every hour of every day, companies must treat cyber security as an absolute priority, McFadden will say next week. The minister will announce further steps the government is taking to help protect businesses against hacking attempts, including through the Cyber Resilience Bill. As part of that legislation ministers will require 1,000 companies providing IT services to critical national infrastructure to shore up their cyber defenses. The NCSC also urged businesses to follow advice on its website about the steps they should be taking to ensure they minimize the risks of hacks. Photograph: UK Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden. Photo credit: Anthony Devlin/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber European and U.S. carriers canceled flights for the next several days after a missile fired by Yemens Houthi rebels on Sunday landed near Israels Ben Gurion Airport, the countrys main international travel gateway. Many foreign airlines subsequently suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv after the missile hit, sending a plume of smoke into the air and causing panic among passengers in the terminal building. Following a ceasefire deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas in January, foreign carriers had begun to resume flights to Israel after halting them for much of the last year and a half since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack. That left flag carrier El Al Airlines along with smaller rivals Arkia and Israir with a near monopoly. El Als shares rose 7%, while Israir gained 4.1% in a flat broader Tel Aviv market on Sunday. Delta Air Lines said it canceled Sundays flight from JFK in New York to Tel Aviv and the return flight from Tel Aviv on Monday. United Airlines canceled its twice daily flights between Tel Aviv and Newark while it monitors the situation. Earlier, flights from Tel Aviv on Delta and United on Sunday morning departed about 90 minutes late. Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels and Austrian, said it had halted flights to and from Tel Aviv through Tuesday due to the current situation. ITA said it had canceled flights from Italy to Israel through Wednesday, while Air France canceled flights on Sunday, saying customers were transferred to flights on Monday. TUS flights to and from Cyprus were canceled through Monday, while Air India flights from New Delhi were halted on Sunday. Ryanair suspended flights on Sunday but flights are still scheduled for Monday, according to the Israel Airports Authority. Wizz also halted flights. Im afraid its going to be very difficult to go back to France because all European carriers, from what I see on the information (board), have canceled. Lufthansa have canceled, Swiss have canceled, Brussels (Airlines), so no connection is possible, said Michael Sceemes, 56, whose Air France flight was canceled. Aegean, flydubai and Ethiopian did not cancel flights. El Al said it would reintroduce rescue flights to Israel from Larnaca and Athens for passengers stranded by foreign carriers at a cost of $99 and $149, respectively. Udi Bar Oz, head of Ben Gurion Airport, said the airport was up and running less than 30 minutes after the missile hit a road nearby. Claiming responsibility for the strike, the Houthis military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said Israels main airport was no longer safe for air travel. The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, began targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping in late 2023, during the early days of the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip. U.S. President Donald Trump in March ordered large-scale strikes against the Houthis to deter them from targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to respond to the Houthis. We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future There will be more blows, he said. (Reporting by Steven Scheer and Alexander Cornwell in Jerusalem, Gianluca Semeraro in Milan, Sybille de La Hamaide and Jean-Stephane Brosse in Paris and Miranda Murray in Berlin; editing by Giles Elgood) Spains high-voltage electricity grid suffered more power generation disruptions than previously known ahead of the countrys largest ever blackout, the government said. There is new information: there was a third loss of power generation that occurred 19 seconds before the blackout and adds to two that were previously known, Environmental Transition Minister Sara Aagesen, the countrys top energy policymaker, said on Monday in an interview with broadcaster TVE. We are seeking to identify the plants where the generation collapsed and why this happened. Until now, the government had said that the blackout on April 28 coincided with the loss of power generation in a plant in southwest Spain followed by a second loss of generation 1.5 seconds later in the same region. Related: Spain and Portugal Hit With Worst European Blackout in Years The blackout was the largest ever recorded in Spain and affected more than 50 million people in the country and Portugal. Public transport, traffic and phone and internet communications collapsed and shops and restaurants had to shut down on the day. The government and Red Electrica, the company that manages the transmission grid, have said that determining the cause requires sifting through large amounts of data and could take months. The government has 20% of publicly-traded Redeia Corporacion SA, the holding company that owns Red Electrica, and Redeias chair is a political appointee. The government has requested that the countrys main electricity generators collaborate with the investigation into the blackout by contributing information. The generators send power to Red Electricas network. At the time of the blackout, which happened around 12:33 p.m., Spain was using a large amount of solar and wind energy, which critics say make grids more vulnerable to incidents. The government has said that its wrong to blame clean energy for the blackout. Photograph: A store with no lights during a power outage in Lisbon on April 28, 2025. Photo credit: Zed Jameson/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. The mother of an inmate who died of dehydration and malnutrition at Wisconsins 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 Maiers 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 doesnt speak publicly about pending litigation. Hepps attorney, Michael Steinle, didnt 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 Maiers death after he flooded his cell, according to court documents. Jeanette Maiers lawsuit alleges that Waupun staff failed to document the water shut-offs in violation of prison protocol, didnt tell him when the water was back on and didnt offer to get him any water themselves. He also didnt 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 Wisconsins oldest maximum security prison. Its 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 hadnt 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 hed 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 Maiers 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. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits A federal judge on said she will allow expert testimony that formula made by Abbott Laboratories and Reckitt Benckiser subsidiary Mead Johnson for premature babies can cause a fatal intestinal illness, as the companies face hundreds of lawsuits over the claims. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer in Chicago on May 2 said she will allow the experts to testify in future trials over claims that cows milk-based formulas made by Abbott and Mead Johnson cause the illness in some premature babies. In a separate order issued on Friday, Pallmeyer sided with Abbott in a lawsuit that was the first one slated to go to trial next week in federal court out of more than 700 similar cases that have been centralized in her court in multidistrict litigation. The judge said the family of RaiLee Mar, an infant who was born prematurely and died of necrotizing enterocolitis after receiving some of Abbotts formula, had failed to show that the companys alleged failure to warn doctors and Mars family about the risks of the disease was the cause of Mars illness. She also said they failed to show there was a reasonable alternative way the formula could have been made. Representatives for Abbott and Mead Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Jose Rojas, in a statement on behalf of lawyers leading the litigation for the plaintiffs, said they were disappointed in the decision in the Mar case, but that the ruling on the expert testimony would let the other cases in the multidistrict litigation go forward. Related: FDA Announces Plan to Strengthen Infant Formula Supply, Quality We will continue to fight for the families whose children have been, and continue to be, harmed by defendants cows milk-based preterm products, Rojas said. All of the lawsuits allege that the companies failed to warn that their specialized formulas used by newborn intensive care units in hospitals could cause necrotizing enterocolitis, a disease that almost exclusively affects premature infants and has an estimated mortality rate of more than 20%. The companies have denied the claims, saying that while breast milk protects against NEC, formula does not cause it, and that the benefits of breast milk have long been known to clinicians. In addition to the federal cases, both companies face hundreds of state court cases around the country, which have already resulted in verdicts of $60 million against Mead Johnson and $495 million against Abbott. Both companies prevailed in the most recent trial, in October. However, the judge in that case in March ordered a new trial, finding that lawyers for the defendants had acted improperly. The litigation has raised alarm from many doctors who say it could threaten the formulas availability or affect medical decisions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently filed a brief supporting Mead Johnson in its appeal of the verdict against it last year, saying that formula is part of the standard of care for premature babies. U.S. regulatory agencies and a working group of scientists convened by the National Institutes of Health said in a joint report last year that current evidence does not support the hypothesis that formula causes necrotizing enterocolitis. Topics Legislation President Donald Trump recently ordered federal agencies not to enforce laws that prohibit policies and practices with discriminatory impacts that are often unintended. Curbing so-called disparate impact liability, which is common in employment-related cases, removes a critical tool the government has used for decades to also police discrimination in housing, education, lending and other areas. WHAT IS DISPARATE IMPACT LIABILITY? Numerous federal laws, some dating to the years after the Civil War, prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, religion and other protected traits. Courts long understood discrimination to be an intentional act, but that began to change after the adoption of the landmark Civil Rights Act in 1964. The U.S. Supreme Court created a new path to hold employers liable for discrimination in the 1971 case Griggs v. Duke Power. The court said that otherwise neutral employment practices can violate the Civil Rights Act when they disproportionately affect a protected group and are not demonstrably related to job performance. Congress in 1991 amended the Civil Rights Act to explicitly prohibit the practices covered by the Supreme Court decision. Many experts have credited those changes for helping to spur companies to track the impact of their employment policies on protected groups, a now commonplace practice. WHY DOES TRUMP OPPOSE DISPARATE IMPACT LIABILITY? Trump in an April 23 executive order said disparate impact litigation is one of the tools used by a pernicious movement to replace merit-based decision making with a focus on diversity. The Republican president has been a vocal critic of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion policies and has launched an aggressive effort to eradicate them from the government and the private sector. During Trumps first term, some federal agencies considered rolling back disparate impact regulations. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2020 eliminated Obama-era rules barring housing practices with disparate impacts on protected groups, but that was paused by a court and later reversed by the Biden administration. Trump in Aprils executive order said the threat of disparate impact litigation prevents businesses from making decisions based on merit and skill, and that the legal theory wrongly presumes that unlawful discrimination exists where there are any differences in outcomes among different groups. WHAT DO LEGAL ADVOCATES SAY? Legal advocates point out that plaintiffs using disparate impact analysis are generally required to show statistically significant differences that cannot be explained by legitimate, non-discriminatory factors in order to win disparate impact lawsuits. Many legal experts and civil rights advocates say disparate impact liability is a crucial tool for uncovering systemic discrimination that may be unintentional but affects workers and communities. They say it holds employers and others accountable when they fail to change their practices and that the latest order risks exacerbating disparities. WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF DISPARATE IMPACT? Even the most routine policies can have disparate impacts on specific groups. Many companies stopped administering physical fitness tests or changed eligibility requirements for jobs after a surge in lawsuits during the Obama administration claiming such policies discriminated against women and older or disabled workers. Other employers have been sued for refusing to hire people with criminal records, which can have a disparate impact on Black and Hispanic job applicants. Advocates argue that Black and Hispanic people are disproportionately convicted of crimes due to inequities in the criminal justice system. A policy with a disparate impact can be legal when it is necessary to operate a business. For example, law firms can require applicants for jobs as lawyers to have law degrees and banks can deny loans to people with low credit scores even if those policies disproportionately exclude members of certain groups. WHAT DOES TRUMPS ORDER DO? Trump declared a government-wide policy to eliminate the use of disparate-impact liability in all contexts to the maximum degree possible and directed federal agencies to deprioritize enforcement of disparate impact laws. Trump told the heads of federal agencies, including the Attorney General, the chairs of the Equal Employment Opportunity and Federal Trade commissions, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, not to pursue cases attempting to hold businesses and others liable for disparate impact discrimination. Trump also told federal agencies to evaluate whether existing cases and settlements that rely on disparate impact claims comport with his order. That means some employers, schools, banks and others could be released from settlements they entered into years ago, including requirements to adopt anti-discrimination policies and submit to outside monitoring. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Trumps order will likely lead the agencies to drop some existing cases and settlements, and deter them from bringing any lawsuits or brokering settlements involving disparate impact claims. Trumps order may face legal challenges by groups and individuals who have filed discrimination complaints with federal agencies, likely claiming that Trump exceeded his authority by issuing it. Many of the more than 140 executive orders issued by Trump since January have been challenged in court by nonprofits, unions, workers and Democratic state officials, among others. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A suspect whom authorities have linked to white supremacist movements has been arrested in the March 2019 fire that destroyed an office at a storied Tennessee social justice center. Regan Prater was arrested last Thursday and charged with one count of arson. An affidavit filed in federal court in East Tennessee says Praters posts in several group chats affiliated with white supremacist organizations connect him to the blaze at the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market. In one private message, a witness who sent screenshots to the FBI asked a person authorities believe is Prater whether he set the fire. Im not admitting anything, the person using the screen name Rooster wrote. But he later went on to describe exactly how the fire was set with a sparkler bomb and some Napalm. A white-power symbol was spray-painted on the pavement near the site of the fire. The affidavit describes it as a triple cross and says it was also found on one of the firearms used by a shooter who killed 51 people at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019, about two weeks before the Highlander fire. Prater was previously sentenced to five years in federal prison for setting another fire in June 2019 at an adult video and novelty store in East Tennessee. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay $106,000 in restitution in that case. At the scene of that fire, investigators found a cellphone they later determined belonged to Prater. The phone included a short video showing a person inside the store lighting an accelerant, according to the affidavit. The federal public defender listed as representing Prater did not respond to an email and phone message requesting comment. Yearslong investigation sparked worries for Highlanders leaders The blaze at Highlander broke out in the early morning of March 29, 2019. No one was injured. The building that burned was part of a complex and it housed decades worth of irreplaceable documents, artifacts, speeches and other materials from different eras including the Civil Rights Movement. In an interview, Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, a former co-executive director at Highlander, recalled arriving at the scene of the fire to discover some priceless items from the administrative office still smoldering. Every time the wind blew, we would see what was left of it go up in flames again, for weeks, Woodard Henderson said. The trauma of the ordeal was compounded by a feeling that, despite early signs that the culprit had ties to white supremacist movements, authorities were opaque about the investigation, Woodard Henderson said. We were told that it was like finding a needle in the haystack to prove who did it that thats in fact the point of an arson, she said. Youve got to remember this was 2019, so Donald Trump was still in his first presidency. Frankly, for years, we didnt get any updates. A week after the incident, Democratic U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, of Memphis, called for a federal probe. He also called on more government funding to counter an uptick in hate crimes and white nationalism nationwide. Woodard Henderson said authorities informed Highlanders leaders in 2022 that they were indeed victims of a hate-motivated attack. Rosa Parks, John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr. had ties to the center Highlander is known as a place where Civil Rights icons such as Rosa Parks and John Lewis received training. Parks attended a workshop there on integration in 1955, about six months before she famously refused to move to the back of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She always credited Highlander with helping her become a more determined activist. Parks returned to Highlander two years later with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for the schools 25th anniversary celebration, where King gave a keynote address on achieving freedom and equality through nonviolence. First established in Monteagle in 1932 as a center for union organizing, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt was among its early supporters. Highlanders co-founder and longtime leader, Myles Horton, a white man, created a place that was unique in the Jim Crow South, where activists white and Black could build and strengthen alliances. In his memoir, Congressman Lewis wrote of how eye-opening being at Highlander was. Highlander was the first time in my life that I saw black people and white people not just sitting down together at long tables for shared meals, but also cleaning up together afterward, doing the dishes together, gathering together late into the night in deep discussion, he wrote. That paved the way for Highlanders work around the Civil Rights Movement, or the Black Freedom Struggle, as we should rightly call it, said Allyn Steele, a co-executive director of Highlander. Highlander turns 93 this year and, six years past the fire, it expects to complete a rebuild of its administrative office, Steele said. Woodard Henderson said the arson attack on the center has never deterred it from its mission. I think if their goal was to break our spirit, they failed miserably, she said. If anything, it reminded us that theres a collective responsibility in our movements to keep each other safe. Photo: The 2019 fire. (Sammy Solomon/New Market Fire and Rescue Team via AP) ___ Morrison reported from New York City. Associated Press writer Terry Tang in Phoenix contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics K-12 Tennessee MIRAMAR, Fla. (AP) A record 1,120 people accused of being in the U.S. illegally were arrested in less than a week during sweep orchestrated by federal, state and local authorities in Florida, an operation officials credited on Thursday to the burgeoning number of local police departments and state agencies that have joined President Donald Trumps drive for mass deportations. That cooperation was on display Thursday when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joined officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to tout the arrests. We will continue to engage in broad interior enforcement efforts, said DeSantis at a joint press conference with federal officials. This is just the beginning. Local police can make immigration arrests and detain people for immigration violations under specific agreements. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had 135 agreements across 21 states in December. That number has since jumped to 517 deals across 39 states, with an additional 74 agencies pending approval. As the Trump administration ramps up cooperation with state and local agencies, it is moving to retaliate against those that limit helping immigration authorities. On Monday, the president signed an executive order to publish a list of sanctuary jurisdictions and reiterated threats of criminal charges against state or local officials who thwart federal policy. Advocates who oppose local officials getting into immigration enforcement say the practice violates a clause in the U.S. Constitution that makes federal, not state, authorities responsible for it. This is finding methods to terrorize communities, said Katie Blankenship, an immigration attorney and co-founder of Sanctuary of the South, adding that local law enforcement officers arent trained to handle immigration issues in any sort of just manner. Trumps deportation goals may be too big for ICE alone ICE, which has about 6,000 deportation officers, needs help achieving Trumps goal of deporting many of the roughly 11 million people in the country illegally, a conservative estimate. Texas, whose Republican governor, Greg Abbott, has closely allied himself with Trump on immigration, has 76 enforcement agreements on record, the second-largest number of any state. They include one inked April 10 with the state National Guard. Texas has also signed an agreement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection for its National Guard to arrest people at the border. Georgia and North Carolina have also joined Trumps cause, but no state approaches Floridas cooperation, with agencies from all 67 counties signing on. Some participating institutions appear to have little, if anything, to do with immigration enforcement, including the Florida Department of Lottery Services and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. No such agreements were signed during the Biden administration. Many of the new pacts adhere to a task force model under which police arrest immigrants on the streets and in communities, as opposed to a jail enforcement model under which ICE takes custody of people only when they are put in state and local jails or prisons. Lena Graber, a senior staff attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which advocates for immigrants, said the Obama administration phased out the task force model in 2012 over widespread concern that law enforcement organizations authorized under it were racially profiling people when making arrests. Details about those arrested are slim On Thursday, DeSantis and federal officials offered some details of Operation Tidal Wave, the multiagency law enforcement operation that, according to ICE, culminated with arresting the largest number of people in the U.S. illegally in a single state in one week since the agency was created in 2003. While this may be the first operation of its kind, thanks to the governor, its not going to be the last, said Madison Sheahan, ICE deputy director. We will not stop, she said, because theres no tolerance for criminal, illegal aliens. Federal officials said the 1,120 people arrested included many subject to final orders of removal and who had criminal convictions on their records, gang members from organizations like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, sex offenders and fugitives from justice. Most of the arrested were from Guatemala (437) and Mexico (280). Officials provided few details about the people arrested, how they were arrested or where. They identified eight people by name whom they alleged had criminal records beyond being in the country illegally. The Florida Immigrant Coalition, an organization with more than 80 members across the state, said authorities showed no evidence that those they detained had committed crimes against the public. DeSantis and ICE are dodging the truth, said Renatta Bozzetto, deputy director at FLIC. The story they are not telling is that they are ignoring due process, ripping families apart. Florida officials say many local agencies are still waiting for federal training to aid in future immigration actions. The latest ICE arrests show how state and local roles may grow. One operation involved about 80 state troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol and targeted people in Jacksonville, Orlando and Tallahassee, as well as in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, said Bill Smith, president of FHPs chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association. A spokesperson for Florida Highway Patrol did not respond to questions. Some immigrant advocates said most arrests were by local police officers and state highway patrol troopers, not ICE. People were detained during traffic stops or when leaving work. Some had no criminal records and were seeking asylum, or had work permits, advocates said. One family is suddenly torn apart Jessica Ramirez, general coordinator at the Florida Farm Workers Association, said that most of those arrested were men. In some cases, though not many, ICE officials knocked on the door of immigrants houses, she said. People are extremely afraid to go out and drive, afraid of the police, said Ramirez. The recommendation is to drive carefully, follow the rules, and not give the police a reason to stop them. Chica, a 25-year-old Guatemalan woman who asked to be identified only by her first name for fear of being detained, said her partner Fernando, the father of her 3-month-old baby, was detained Friday morning as he was riding in a car with three other immigrants to his construction job. Chica hasnt heard from him since. Honey, the police caught us, Fernando, a 20-year-old Guatemalan, texted her Friday at 7:47 a.m. Chica said he had a pending asylum application and a work permit. Police asked the driver of the car to show his license but he did not have one. Officers then detained all four, including Fernando, who came to the U.S alone in 2020. Im really worried. I cant believe they caught him, said Chica, who is now considering going back to Guatemala. Im afraid theyll deport him and Ill be left here without anyones help. Photo: Jeffrey Dinise, chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol-Miami Sector, at a press conference with DeSantis Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Miramar. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries issued the first citations under a a new law regulating production quotas in warehouse workplaces. L&I fined The Safeway distribution center in Auburn $26,700 for several violations related to workplace safety and labor rights. An L&I investigation reportedly showed that Safeway had tracked employees restroom, meals, and rest breaks to enforce changing productivity quotas. The department also found that workers were not informed in writing about quota requirements and were not provided proper time to use the restroom or take breaks. According to the investigation, workers affiliated with the produce and perishables department were also subjected to heavy lifting without adequate safety considerations. The department reported that workers were disciplined for failing to meet quotas. The quota law, which took effect on July 1, 2024, applies to warehouse employers with more than 100 employees at a single location or more than 1,000 employees statewide. It requires that quotas be documented, regularly updated and structured to allow employees to meet basic workplace needs without risk of discipline or injury. Safeway has filed an appeal. Topics Washington VANCOUVER, British Columbia - May 5, 2025 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Apollo Silver Corp. ("Apollo" or the "Company") (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ross McElroy as President and CEO, effective immediately, succeeding Mr. Andrew Bowering, who will remain as Chair of the Board. Mr. McElroy joins Apollo following the successful acquisition of Fission Uranium, a company he co-founded and eventually led as CEO, by Paladin Energy in a $1.14 billion transaction. Mr. McElroy is a professional geologist with over 38 years of mining industry experience, both in operational and corporate roles, having worked with major, mid-tier, and junior mining and exploration companies. His extensive international background spans from grassroots exploration to development to mining operations. He has played a key role in the discoveries of numerous world-class uranium and gold orebodies, several of which have been advanced to development and mining operations. His accomplishments have earned widespread recognition, including being named The Northern Miner's "Mining Person of the Year" (2013), and receiving PDAC's prestigious "Bill Dennis Award" (2014). Mr. McElroy holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in Geology from the University of Alberta, and is a registered professional geologist in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. "I am excited to be joining Apollo as its new President and CEO at such a pivotal time in the Company's growth and development," said Mr. McElroy. "Apollo is backed by a strong portfolio of silver assets and a highly capable team with a proven track record. I'm eager to build on that foundation and drive the Company toward its next phase of growth. I see a major opportunity to unlock significant value for shareholders as the Company advances towards becoming a leading silver developer in the Americas." Mr. Bowering added, "I am looking forward to working closely with Ross. Our ability to attract someone with Ross' expertise, energy and track record of value creation speaks volumes about the opportunity at Apollo. I believe he will have a transformative impact on the Company's future and all stakeholders will benefit greatly." Grant of Options In connection with his appointment, Mr. McElroy has been granted an aggregate of 2,500,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Incentive Plan. The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.315 per common share, have a term of five years, and will vest over a 24-month period: one-third on the grant date, one-third after 12 months, and the balance after 24 months. About Apollo Silver Corp. Apollo has assembled an experienced and technically strong leadership team who have joined to advance quality precious metals projects in sought after jurisdictions. The Company is focused on advancing its portfolio of two prospective silver exploration and resource development projects, the Calico Project, in San Bernardino County, California and the Cinco de Mayo Project, in Chihuahua, Mexico. Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew Bowering Chairman For further information, please contact: Andrew Bowering Chairman Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 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 news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation the statements regarding the Company's future growth, development plans, potential to unlock shareholder value, and expectations regarding Mr. McElroy's impact on the Company and its stakeholders. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused 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 but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company's projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and Ba; the demand for silver, gold and Ba; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking 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 statements will prove to be accurate and 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 contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and operational performance and the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Apollo Silver Corp. (TSX: APGO.V) (OTCQB:APGOF) (Frankfurt:6ZF0) is a featured mining stock on Investorideas.com More info on APGO at Investorideas.com Visit: https://www.investorideas.com/CO/APGO/ Disclaimer/Disclosure: Apollo Silver Corp. (APGO.V) is a paid featured mining stock on Investor ideas More disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. More disclosure: Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. May 5, 2025 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Creating a website is no longer a job only tech wizard can do. These days, website builders allow anyone to create a slick, functional site. For online businesses, this is your storefront, your salesperson, your brand ambassador. Selecting the best builder can save your precious time, as well as enables the success of your build. This decision can make or break your online business. To help you succeed in 2025, you require tools that provide powerful e-commerce solutions for online investors. However, building a website for less money without compromising quality is critical. The right website builder can give you these tools - without breaking the bank. We have listed the ten best website builders for 2025 below. Each has its own unique benefits depending on the needs of individual businesses. If you're prepared to make the best investment into your online business, read on. What Makes a Good Website Builder? So before we get to the list, let's take a look at what makes a website builder great. A good builder is easy to use and provides multiple templates. It needs to be mobile responsive with SEO and performance monitoring tools. Strong selling features are critical for e-commerce businesses. Scalability is critical as well. Your platform should be scalable whether you are starting a store or a blog. Security features are important too, particularly for sites handling payments. Lastly, every builder has to provide affordable website building without sacrificing quality. These aspects in mind, let's take a glance at the High 10 Website Builders for 2025. Top 10 Website Builders for 2025: Elementor Elementor stands out as a powerful and user-friendly website-building platform. It is drag-and-drop based, enabling you to design with no coding. It is suitable for every expertise, providing pre-made templates and infinite customization options. For e-commerce, it's a force of nature. Tools for integrated payment systems, inventory management, and product galleries are available. It allows secure payment processing and supports bulk product uploads and discount codes. This means you get a store that looks beautiful, regardless of screen size. Elementor provides advanced SEO tools as well. You can easily modify meta descriptions, alt text, and URLs. It makes cost-effective website building without sacrificing quality. If so, advanced analytics show user engagement and allow you to as a result refine your strategy. Wix Wix is known for being very easy to use. Its Artificial Design Intelligence(ADI) system can design a website on your behalf. Answer a few questions, and your site is good to go. Wix doesn't just stop at the aesthetics. It has a huge app market, allowing you to install additional functionalities. You can, for instance, create custom forms for customers, or set up chat support. You can manage inventory, automate taxes, or use abandoned cart recovery with its e-commerce features. Use these variables to get one of the most complex e-commerce tools for web-based financial victims. Built-in SEO Optimization Tools talented at establishing title tags, image optimization, and performance tracking. Well in general Wix is a great option to build along with spare cash. Squarespace Squarespace has an emphasis on elegance. If your business is visually based, you'll love it. Its templates are sleek, optimized for photos, videos, and portfolios. There are no better ecommerce integrations in the world of Squarespace. You have an online store; you can sell subscriptions; you can offer digital downloads. There are solid marketing tools like email campaigns and social media integrations. The amazing features make it one of the most powerful e-commerce available for online investors. Squarespace also comes equipped with blogging and analytics tools. You will be able to track readers, watch bounce rates and gradually expand. The pricing plans allow for an affordable build-out without compromising quality. Webflow Ideal for designers and developers: Webflow. It allows you to have full control over your site's code unlike other builders. You can visually build but have the strength of customized functionalities. E-commerce is a highlight. Webflow includes more robust product settings, such as dynamic filters and nested categories. You'll also see options for customized checkout processes, which allow online investors more agency. Its architecture is designed for advanced hosting, allowing effortless scaling. Webflow - Ideal for Technical Businesses with E-commerce Plans It keeps pricing competitive despite its enhanced tools to allow more inexpensive creations. Weebly Weebly: Simple, inexpensive, and straightforward That's best suited for beginners or small businesses requiring a streamlined online presence. Weebly offers decent e-commerce features, while it is quite basic. It also provides payment tracking, order management, and tax automation. Its design versatility makes it ideal for product showcases. Weebly does more than just web design. Zero Up SEO tools help you rank higher on search engines. Weebly delivers affordable website building without compromising on quality, coupled with mobile friendly layouts. Shopify While designed for an e-commerce world, Shopify is flexible enough for any type of business. It features templates geared toward online selling, which allows for easy store setup. Shopify takes care of shipping calculations and payment gateways, among other things. It also works for global sellers and supports multiple languages and currencies. Inventory alerts, analytics, and other features are tailored specifically for online investing powerhouse e-commerce solutions. You can monitor your shop's performance in thorough detail, and advanced SEO tools are equipped. Shopify is relatively inexpensive compared to the high-end results that you'll be getting for your ecommerce business. BigCommerce BigCommerce is focused on scalability. It's aimed at businesses anticipating growth. You'll begin at a small scale but can eventually accommodate thousands of products without degradation in speed. Its e-commerce features include integration with all major global payment processors and advanced tax settings. BigCommerce also enables multi-channel selling, such as adding products to marketplaces or social media. This and more features make it one of the most powerful e-commerce solutions available for online investors. And although the platform is focused on performance, its pricing models allow cost-effective building without sacrificing quality. WordPress.com WordPress. com is a flexible powerhouse. Its extensive plugin library enables limitless customization. They are available for both business-related themes or personal blogs. Its e-commerce capabilities are plugin-based. These plugins support payment processing, membership software, or donation buttons. This versatility guarantees potent e-commerce solutions for the online investor. Also, WordPress is SEO Friendly. It supports structured metadata and integrations with performance tools. Great as a technique for building websites for users on a budget. Duda Duda serves agencies and freelancers who serve small businesses. It focuses on intuitive design tools and efficiency for managing clients. Duda provides tools for product galleries and recurring subscriptions for e-commerce. You can also expect to see secure payment options and chat widgets. This is one of the smarter investments for online businesses because it means housing the most advanced site personalization that adjusts content to user behavior. Even for its advanced offerings, Duda guarantees an affordable way to build a website without compromising on quality. It also has features for analytics and optimizing for SEO. Zyro Zyro is a one-stop-shop for startups. Its AI tools make the process easier while still producing polished products. The platform has all basic e-commerce features for small stores. Users can configure inventory limits, interleave shipping options, and activate mobile-pleasant checkouts. The Zyro editor can be great for online investors looking for a powerful e-commerce solution with a very straightforward setup. Zyro even earns kudos for being one of the more affordable options - providing you with an easy-to-use, advanced technology for building out a site without the huge price tag. Why You Should Invest in the Right Builder? Selecting the correct website builder is not just a simple creative decision. It's a tactical decision that affects the success of your online business. Here are four reasons that this decision matters: Enhances Business Efficiency The right website builder sets you up to optimize your game. All of the modern platforms feature tools that streamline inventory management, automated shipping calculations, and order processing, and much more. For online investors, these smart, eCommerce solution are extremely powerful, saving time and reduced manual effort. This is why efficiency is essential to allow you to concentrate on your business growth rather than drown out in mundane tasks. Ensures Scalability in Scaling Up Your website needs to grow with your business. The best scalable website builders let you add new features when you need them, including more product listings, advanced payment options, or even international shipping. Scalability gives you confidence in growing your traffic or sales without interruptions. This allows it to be sustainable in the long run but budget-friendly. Boosts Customer Experience You from your web page experience can either help you crank your sales higher or force you to take them down the hill. A good builder will give you advanced product filters, responsive design, and easy checkouts. Here's some powerful ecommerce solutions for online investors that drive never-to-forget customer journeys. And where customers can find, select and buy with ease, your profits increase as well. Final Thoughts Choosing the ideal website builder is a critical decision for online entrepreneurs. Your builder defines how your brand engages digitally with customers and the impact on your bottom line. Elemenator always wins the race for the best customization, but all ten options have something good to offer. Whether what you need is scalability, dazzling visuals or simple functionality, there's a builder to meet your needs. These platforms are representations of foundational investments that power sophisticated e-commerce infrastructure for online retail investors while providing cost-effective site builders without sacrificing quality. Pick carefully, and your investment will yield dividends for years ahead. Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions.. More disclaimer info: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp. This article is a third party guest post published content and not the content of Investorideas.com . Learn more about posting your articles at http://www.investorideas.com/Advertise/ Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp There is no security without food security and no strategic autonomy without food autonomy. Thats what the leaders of Copa-Cogeca, the umbrella body for European farmers and co-ops, told EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in an open letter. They warned that proposals to dismantle the common agriculture policy's (Cap) two-pillar structure in the upcoming multi-annual financial framework would be an historic misstep. Undermining the architecture of the EUs first common agriculture policy will inevitably weaken Europe's security, the letter stated. The leaders noted that Ms von der Leyen had rightly emphasised: "We are entering a new era of rearmament in which Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security." A subsequent two-day meeting in Brussels of over 100 EU farming and co-op leaders also claimed that merging agricultural funding into a single fund would effectively eliminate the policy's two financial pillars. With geopolitical instability affecting international trade, economic challenges, and growing regulatory burdens in the internal market, they warned that the sector was facing a perfect storm. They also claimed that dismantling the policy's two-pillar structure, in favour of a national programming model for each member state, would erode the shared foundation of EU agricultural policy and add yet another layer of unpredictability. 'Jeopardise production' This would not only further fragment the single market but also jeopardise the unions food production capacity, food security, as well as the vitality of its rural areas, the leaders added. Copa president Massimiliano Giansanti said the agricultural ambition of the European Commission must be judged by its actions. And the first of these, if we are to remain consistent with the political commitments made, must be to safeguard the Cap budget, adjusted to reflect inflation The coherence of the agricultural vision and the ability to deliver real impact for farmers in the field hinges on this step," he said. In the face of todays uncertainties, there is no security without food security. We have formally requested a meeting with president Ursula von der Leyen, which we hope will take place swiftly, he said. Cogeca president Lennart Nilsson stressed that agri-co-operatives need stability, predictability, trust, and legal certainty. "The multiple transitions required of European agriculture can and will only be achieved if they are properly financed," he said. Investing in agriculture is not merely financial support; it is a strategic investment in Europes cornerstone sector, one that underpins the entire EU security architecture." Cop-Cogeca added that the EU budget is not just a financial issue it is the central political question at the start of this new mandate. This is why the matter is of the highest concern for the farming community, and why mobilisation will be organised in the coming weeks, it added. Europe's new dairy co-op giant, after the Arla-DMK merger, will not be welcomed by some dairy farmers on the continent. Co-ops have ceased to be the representatives of producers' interests they claim to be on paper, said Kjartan Poulsen, an Arla member, but also the president of the European Milk Board, which represents tens of thousands of dairy farmers through its 21 member organisations in 16 European countries (including ICMSA in Ireland). "Co-operatives in their current form neither live up to their responsibility nor meet the standards they themselves set out," said Poulsen. He said obligatory contracts between agricultural producers and processors were currently being discussed at EU level, as an instrument for fair and transparent prices paid to farmers, but co-ops regularly demand exceptions to this obligation. And he said co-op members also lose out because they cannot be represented by producer organisations to fight for higher prices. Meanwhile, co-ops cover large EU market shares, and the new giant Arla and DMK are creating is a prime example of this, said the EMB president. "So, if co-operatives are exempted from contractual obligations, this means that a large part of the market, and thus the problem, is not covered. Fair prices and transparent contracts remain an illusion at the expense of producers." The proposed merger of Arla Foods, which is based in Denmark, and Germany's DMK Group will unite more than 12,000 dairy farmers in Europe's largest dairy co-op. With members in Denmark, Sweden, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the new group would have a combined annual revenue of about 19bn (based on Arlas 13.8bn and DMK's 5.1bn in 2024). Arla and DMK believe the merger will provide resilience during the anticipated decline of the European milk pool. The European Commission predicts the EU dairy herd shrinking 13% by 2035, compared to the 2021-2023 average, and says EU milk production could decline 0.2% per year up to 2035. The merger is subject to regulatory approval and the backing in June of the board of representatives in each co-op. Kjartan Poulsen warned of a systematic weakening of democracy in co-ops, interfering with their goal to support the economic situation of members. He said individual members do not have the legal or economic knowledge, time or structural resources to really shape decision-making. Many co-ops are run by management rather than members, who are often only involved via representative assemblies, according to the EMB president. "Crucial lines of business such as marketing are often outsourced, making control even more difficult." Many farmers are dependent on their co-operative as a buyer criticism threatens their livelihood. He said there was a particularly clear conflict of interest in the dairy sector between co-ops procuring the cheapest possible raw materials (low milk prices) and fighting for good milk prices paid to their members. He called for contracts between producers and buyers, which have been put on the table by the European Commission, to apply equally to co-ops and other processors. He also called for members to have the possibility to be represented by producer organisations within co-ops. The EMB has long campaigned for a milk price that covers the average milk production costs, and a crisis prevention instrument to prevent over-production of milk. On 6 March last, Frank McDonnell got the train from Limerick to Dublin, the bus from Heuston to the city centre, and set up shop outside Liberty Hall. He stood near the entrance to the HQ of the biggest trade union in the country, Siptu, brandishing his notice. Official Picket on here, it read. Most who were entering the building ignored him, as if he was some class of a crank. Curiosity got the better of a few. Anytime the 76-year-old was approached he set out as briefly as possible what his complaint was. He received a few quiet words of encouragement here and there, as might be expected from members of a trade union. And then when his picket was done, he went home. After 60 years as a Siptu member, including long stints where he was the unions foremost figure in Limerick, this is where it appears to have ended for this committed trade unionist. Mr McDonnell is an unlikely whistleblower. All his life he believed in the organization that he now is convinced engaged in wrongdoing that wasnt addressed. His compulsion to raise the issue didnt come about from anything that was done to him personally, or an issue that impacted directly on his life. Instead, he just saw something that he believed was contrary to a unions commitment to workers and justice. If it had been dealt with, to his mind, in an appropriate manner, he wouldnt have any further argument. That it wasnt suggests to him that the union says one thing and does another. Mr McDonnell is from St Marys Parish in Limerick City. He went to work at the age of 16 in the clothing industry and quickly gravitated towards Siptu. It was the beginning of a life of active involvement in the union. He was a long standing shop steward and a branch president. When structures were changed in 2010, effectively amalgamating branches, he was the first president of the new Limerick District Council for Siptu. There was a bit of work involved but I enjoyed it, he says. I would be selected to go to conferences and I was chair of the benevolent fund. Not all the union areas had a benevolent fund but we did, where a levy was paid and then we would be in a position to help out with hardship cases, which of course were on a confidential basis. Ill health dogged him in middle age and he ended up taking early retirement at the age of 60. He continued to help out at Siptu on a voluntary basis. I did some work in the Limerick Resource Centre, it was a community employment scheme, he said. New prairies opened up for him. He was asked to get involved in welfare rights and undertook various courses. I did the first exam ever in my life, he said. I learned an awful lot about the delivery of social information and I ended up getting a merit in the exam. Later, the resource centre closed. Frank turned his voluntary instincts to another community. My father is from St Munchins and Ive always had an affiliation with the area so I went to the local community centre. I was supposed to be doing work as a caretaker but when I showed up for work they decided I looked half intelligent and put me doing welfare rights. The issue that was to blight his autumn years occurred in 2017, when the centres manager Linda Ledger came to him. Linda told me that Siptu was blocking a rollover payment from the department of social welfare, Mr McDonnell said. The rollover concerns funding from the government to continue with community employment schemes at the centre, a vital programme in the community and voluntary sector. Siptu was in dispute with the centre over an issue with one of their members. Now it appeared as if it was using its position as a weapon in this localised dispute. Mr McDonnell was appalled. As far as he was concerned, trade unions had a responsibility to stand with those who were at or close to the margins and the community centre represented just that cohort. The centre was running out of money and was forced to put its 160 employees of one form or another on protective notice. Mr McDonnell went to the union, spoke to a number of contacts and ultimately got the matter resolved and the funding freed up. In a statement to the Irish Examiner Linda Ledger said Mr McDonnell did the centre an enormous service. Frank McDonnell saved us from having to close our doors, she said. Siptu held back our rollover letter for the department of social protection and without this letter over 100 jobs were in danger. Life moved on but it left a bad taste in the mouth of the man who had been a committed trade unionist. The following year, a contact in Siptu told him that a specific official had been responsible for holding up the funding letter. He made a complaint within the union, got a hearing from the national executive, but was told that the matter was to be dealt with locally. It wasnt. As far as he was concerned, there was a basic principle at issue, one that was central to the trade union movement. He then made a protected disclosure. By that stage, his lifelong faith was wavering. Meanwhile, he was no longer a welcome figure in the organization he had served all his life, as befitting the role he held as honorary president of Siptu in Limerick. He was banned from the unions Roxboro Road offices. Along with supporters from the St Munchins Centre he picketed the offices. A spokesperson for Siptu told the local media that the reason for the ban was for GDPR, on the basis that Frank was no longer a member, but a volunteer and retiree. He got on with his life, continuing to volunteer at St Muchins, where he still puts in the hours to this day. Yet he pursued the matter with the same doggedness he had applied to representing fellow workers at an earlier stage. He went to Transparency International, which advised him that he had a case to take to the Workplace Relations Commission on the basis that he had been penalized as a result of his protected disclosure. Along the way, tragedy struck when his wife Kay died last May. The WRC heard the case last year. Mr McDonnell was represented by his cousin Ger Kennedy, who had worked as a full-time Siptu official for 25 years. Frank McDonnell at St Munchins Community Centre with CEO and Ger Kennedy. Picture: Brian Arthur I retired in 2023 after 25years working in the Limerick Siptu office, Mr Kennedy said. I didnt want to get involved in Franks case before retirement in case I was accused of putting blood ahead of colleagues, but as far as I was concerned I joined the union in the first place to do whats right and representing Frank was the right thing to do. "He was badly treated. That whole thing was not investigated and it should have been. The case laid out It is with a heavy heart that Mr McDonnell is presenting this complaint today, the submission states. He has given a lifetime of working on behalf of this union and given that long and loyal service had an expectation that the complaint he made in good faith would be appropriately dealt with by Siptu. Instead, he finds that his dedication to the principles espoused by his trade union mean nothing to Siptu. Instead of being protected by his union for doing what was right he finds himself vilified and the subject of intimidation. Mr McDonnell has been betrayed by the organization that he spent his whole life working to support. The union vehemently denied any instance of intimidation and denied that there had been any penalization. The Siptu solicitor put forward a preliminary objection that McDonnells complaint was out of time. Last December, the WRC adjudicator Jim Dolan issued his ruling. I conclude that the complaint is out of time and therefore I have no jurisdiction to hear the complaint. That appears to be the end of the road for Frank McDonnell but maybe he doesnt recognize it yet. Following his picket on March 6, he wrote to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to complain about Siptu and his belief that the unions staff and members ignored the time-honoured tradition of refusing to pass a picket. To some, his refusal to give up might appear to be an instance of perseverance beyond reason. Equally, however, from his perspective, he acted on a principled basis that is at the heart of trade union activism and the fact that his opponent in this instance was a trade union does nothing to change his focus on a commitment to social justice. A series of questions were submitted to Siptu on this case to which a one line response was received. Siptu have no comment to make on this query. A commemoration is to be held in Cobh to remember a little-known event that saw 2,000 people emigrate from North Cork to Canada. A 200th anniversary commemoration event will focus on 11 ships which set sail from Cobh with more than 2,000 peasants, mainly from North Cork but some from South Limerick, who were chosen to settle in the Ontario wilderness. Known as the 'Peter Robinson Settler Emigration Scheme', named after the British colonial administrator in Canada, it is estimated there are now more than 100,000 descendants of these first settlers living in Ontario. The aim of the scheme was to help alleviate the severe poverty of the Irish families who travelled, while also promoting settlements in Canada. Most of those who made the journey were part of family groups, and nobody over the age of 45 was eligible. HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading Each emigrant was given 70 acres on arrival for which they would pay the Canadian government rent of 2p per acre twice a year. Around 500 descendants of the settlers are to make a special pilgrimage to Ireland later this year to find their roots in places such as Doneraile, Mitchelstown, and several villages along the Blackwater Valley. That trip is being organised with the help of the Ballyhoura Development group. On May 9, Ballyhoura Development in collaboration with Cobh Heritage Centre will host a ceremony in memory of the settler families. It will start with a wreath laying at Cobh pier at 2.30pm which will be attended by some of the settlers descendants, representatives from the Canadian Embassy, and Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon. After that a special exhibition will be unveiled at the Queenstown Heritage Centre detailing the Robinson scheme. It is the first of a number of key events to be held this year, with the larger Ireland-Canada Homecoming to run from September 15 to 21, welcoming descendants of the Robinson settlers back to the region to reconnect with the communities of origin. Amanda Slattery of Ballyhoura Development said: Were delighted to collaborate with Cobh to honour the 200th anniversary of this emigration. It plays a vital part in the story, the last departure point for hundreds of families and we look forward to welcoming the public to commemorate with us. Meanwhile, the 110th anniversary of the Lusitania sinking by a German U-boat will be held in Cobh on May 11. Organised by Cobh Tourism, it will commence at 2.30pm a solemn parade of Defence Forces veterans, Royal Naval Association representatives and other maritime and historical groups who will assemble at the Lusitania Peace Memorial in Casement Square. Following prayers, musical honours by the Commodore Male Voice Choir and the laying of wreaths it'll conclude with the Last Post. Proceedings then move to the towns Old Church Cemetery where 170 of the victims were buried mainly in three mass graves. The enterprise minister has called on Government agencies to cut red tape and simplify State engagement processes with small businesses. Peter Burke is set to meet with the heads of all agencies under his departments remit on Tuesday, calling for simplification of processes that small businesses engage with, including reducing the size and complexity of application forms for grants. The aim is for his agencies to significantly simplify their policies, slash red tape and make any forms or statutory applications much more accessible, reducing and eliminating unnecessary steps, a Government source said. Only vital information should be asked for, proportionate to the size of the business and risk involved. Mr Burke recently introduced an SME test, with Government departments and agencies required to measure the potential impact of new policies on small and medium-sized business. The source said that agencies will now be asked to outline how they have simplified their regulations for small businesses each year. The enterprise minister previously wrote to the heads of the 19 agencies under his remit, where he outlined that some of their processes are excessive and off-putting for small businesses. The source said: The Minister is determined to make progress on this, linked to tangible changes and outcomes and in line with the Governments renewed focus on competitiveness. Also on Tuesday, Mr Burke is expected to update Cabinet on the implementation of the trade and investment strategy, amid the shock coming from US tariffs. This is set to include a programme of ministerial trade and tourism missions throughout the rest of the year. Consideration will be given to a major trade mission week, where the Taoiseach will lead a delegation of ministers to a country for a week-long trade mission. This previously took place in November 2023, with ministers travelling to Korea to meet with businesses and political leaders. A destination is yet to be decided, but is likely to focus on a country where Irish ministers can get the most access and impact. Meanwhile, it is expected that justice minister Jim OCallaghan will bring forward a six month extension to laws allowing for outdoor seating at pubs and other licenced premises. The laws were initially introduced as an emergency measure during the covid-19 pandemic, but it is expected the Government will introduce new laws to make the provision permanent. The extension itself is being brought forward to give clarity to pubs, local authorities, and gardai. It comes as the department of finance has published a report outlining how Irelands economy recovered following the pandemic, showing that 400,000 jobs were created since 2022. The report finds that supports provided to both employees and employers prevented longer-term scarring effects on Irelands labour market. Another exhausting exam season will soon come rolling to a close, heralding the start of summer for thousands of college students across the country. In years past, many would now be preparing to spend a good chunk of their break bussing tables or bartending in US cities like Boston, New York and San Diego on J1 visas. The programme allows students to work and travel in the States for up to four months. A rite of passage for more than five generations, a J1 visa is traditionally accompanied with a gentle reminder for students to watch their "ps and qs", have fun, be safe and to behave in front of the Americans. This year, however, the warnings are a little different. In April, Union of Students in Ireland (USI) urged students to be cautious and informed of the potential impact activism could have on their visa status. In the days prior, US Citizenship and Immigration had announced it was to begin considering aliens antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration requests. The order immediately affected those applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity. In the month since, some students have changed their travel plans, opting not to go and taking the financial hit as a result. A spokeswoman for the USI told the Irish Examiner that some have told the union they are reconsidering or cancelling their trips due to fears about how their activism, particularly pro-Palestinian advocacy, could be perceived by US immigration. One student told the USI: I had everything sorted for my J1 - job, accommodation, flights - but after seeing whats happening in the US, especially around how theyre targeting protesters, I dont feel safe going anymore. Another said: Ive been involved in Palestine solidarity work at home, and Im worried that even just posting about it on social media could be used against me when I land in the States. Its not worth the risk. This is just one ripple effect to reach our shores of the havoc the Trump administration continues to wreak on the entire US education system. Within his first 100 days in office, the Trump administration froze billions in education funding, threatened to defund public schools found to be promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) or gender ideology, and signed countless executive orders that have left education institutions from kindergartens to universities reeling. Trump v universities Work is well underway to dismantle the US Department of Education, with Trump promising taxpayers they will no longer be burdened with tens of billions of dollars wasted on progressive social experiments and obsolete programs by returning power over education to families instead of bureaucracies. And less than a year after a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and protests swept across US college campuses, the US president has also vowed to cut funding to the universities that permit illegal protests and deport international students who take part. He claimed universities such as Columbia and Harvard did not do enough to protect Jewish students during the protests, retaliating against the universities by slashing billions in federal funding. At least 1,800 international students have seen their visa status revoked often with little to no explanation, amidst continued crackdowns on immigration, according to figures compiled by Inside Higher Education. Students, faculty and members of the Harvard University community rally last month. On Friday, Trump threatened to revoke Harvard University's tax free status, the latest escalation in a war with the world famous Ivy League school over federal funding. File photo: AP Universities and students are attempting to fight back against funding cuts and executive orders in the courts. On Friday, Trump threatened to revoke Harvard University's tax free status, the latest escalation in a war with the world famous Ivy League school over federal funding. We are going to be taking away Harvards Tax Exempt Status. Its what they deserve! Trump posted Friday morning on Truth Social. Research cuts Meanwhile, US scientists continue to see their research funding cut. Almost 800 grants have been eliminated at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest source of funding for medical research in the world. The cuts have affected projects relating to trans healthcare, the health-related effects of climate change, HIV research and vaccine hesitancy. Sunghee Lee, a research professor at the University of Michigan, saw her $5 million grant from the NIH terminated in March under the auspices of being a 'DEI' study. Her project was looking at different risk factors for Alzheimers disease across all ethnic groups in the United States. The news her grant had been cancelled came "out of the blue", she told The Conversation Weekly. "I can only speculate [why]. If anybody read an extract of this study, and if anybody had a scientific understanding of any sort of science, they would have known that this is not a DEI study." The study title uses the word 'Latin X' instead of 'Latino', she added. "Perhaps Latin X is a word that one shouldn't be using. That's the only thing that I can really think of why this was identified as a DEI study." 'Brain drain' Many academics here will be watching all this unfurl in the States. The US is often seen as a "paragon" for research, according to Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. "Now, I would say that the US has lost that position of being a world leader because what is being done to it by the Trump administration. You have American academics who now effectively cannot co-operate with researchers outside the United States because if they are in certain areas, such as researching climate change for example, theyve been told to stop. The attempt to control universities under the guise of DEI and woke is just a pretext, it has nothing to do with DEI. The whole question about whether you have freedom of academic thought, whether or not you have freedom of academic research, is now a very serious question. Many academics, both here and across Europe, are now quietly cancelling plans to travel, he believes. "It's just not worth the risk." There are now European and Canadian universities actively advertising for American academics, he added. There are other universities that arent necessarily advertising for that but letting it be known to colleagues in the States that they would be welcome to come across. You are going to have a brain-drain from the United States, both of foreign researchers who work in the US and US researchers who are going to leave, which is really going to hit expertise. Thats in addition to the fact that many universities are going to be crippled anyway by what the Trump administration are doing. The line in terms of what the authorities might consider to be inappropriate, that they won't tolerate, they can come in and create a charge for that." He added that he is grateful for the freedom he has in Ireland to criticise government policy. "I don't think you can necessarily have that level of honesty without retribution in the States now." "This is one reason why my friends are thinking twice about going across because they know that in the nature of their research they've sometimes criticised US government policies, and I'm not talking about Trump-specific [policies]. They could have undertaken research on immigration, research on climate change, research on covid and they know it doesn't fit along with what the Trump folks want." A spokeswoman for the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) said: "There is definitely concern that students may be stopped, questioned, or monitored, particularly in light of the US administrations recent moves to screen social media accounts and former president Trumps comments around protest-related arrests." A man with incurable prostate cancer whose only chance is a breakthrough therapy not available for public patients has called on the HSE to help men in his situation. Peter Hayes, 62, lives in Shanagarry, Co Cork. Despite the best efforts of doctors in Cork and Dublin since 2023, the cancer has spread. At his last scan, he said: My jaw nearly hit the floor. The cancer is in the legs, its in the arms, its in the liver, its in the lung, its in the spine, its just everywhere. I was shocked, I was just absolutely and utterly shocked. He has received multiple different treatments. The only remaining option is a new radioligand therapy called Pluvicto. This is it, after this theres nothing, he said. Its not nice to even think about it. Ive been pretty resilient about it but there are days now theres frustration. In desperation Mr Hayes has shared his story widely. I am very very lucky because I have a benefactor who came forward, otherwise I wouldnt be getting this treatment yet, he said. My benefactor came forward out of the blue. Im not mentioning names but its not the pharmaceutical company. He had the first session last week: Its 27,300 per session and I need at least six. The treatment left him exhausted but he said on Monday: Its a necessity of my life that I have to go through this, if I dont I dont have a life." He added: I would ask everybody, what about the men who cant afford this? The treatment is available in eight EU countries. The message I really want to get out is were Irish citizens, why cant we access a medication that most people in Europe now can access? His wife and two adult sons are going through this with him, he said, adding: I was told up to a 100 men each year are going to need this. Mr Hayes has a petition on Uplift calling for the HSE to act. His plea comes after almost 40 cancer doctors and researchers wrote to the HSE urging price negotiations with Novartis to continue. Peter Hayes: 'The message I really want to get out is were Irish citizens, why cant we access a medication that most people in Europe now can access?' Photo: Peter Hayes Clinicians worldwide involved in caring for these patients regard it as a significant breakthrough therapy for patients with advanced disease, they said in a letter highlighted in the Irish Examiner. The treatment is approved by the European Medicines Agency. It is being assessed here so the HSE cannot comment. They said: The HSE is committed to providing access to as many medicines as possible, in as timely a fashion as possible, from the resources available - provided - to it. The HSE robustly assesses applications for pricing and reimbursement to make sure that it can stretch available resources as far as possible and to deliver the best value in relation to each medicine and ultimately more medicines to Irish citizens and patients. A new bill seeking to outlaw sex-for-rent and tackling the universal use of counselling notes in sexual assault trials is being brought to the Cabinet for approval on Tuesday. The General Scheme of Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 is being brought by the Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan. The bill has a number of different strands, and includes a provision for a new definition of DNA profile, which is expected to enable the use of more powerful identification techniques in cases involving missing and unidentified remains. Part 12 of the bill will address sex for rent and comes over three years after an investigation by the Irish Examiner led to demands for government action to outlaw the practice. Three bills have been introduced since by opposition parties, including one from Labour last month. Under the bill being brought to Cabinet today, it will be an offence to offer accommodation in exchange for sex, and to advertise accommodation in exchange for sex. A fine of up to 5,000 will be the penalty for those convicted. The legislation will cover rental arrangements between landlords and tenants, as well as rent-a-room situations. Under the legislation, there will be no requirement to prove that sexual activity took place. Minister OCallaghan said: I want to be clear that any attempt by accommodation providers to exploit their position and prey on vulnerable individuals through these arrangements is completely unacceptable. It is an appalling abuse of power, and it will not be tolerated." Counselling notes Meanwhile, the bill provides for a disclosure hearing to determine if counselling notes in sexual offence cases are relevant to the trial when an accused person seeks access to them. The legislation proposes that judges will be told to only allow the release of such records in cases where there would be a real risk of an unfair trial without them. Last week, People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger brought a bill forward seeking to outlaw counselling notes being deployed by defendants in trials. In March, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Catherine Pierse, welcomed a Supreme Court ruling which, she said, rejected the notion that disclosure of counselling notes in sexual offence cases is required on the basis that the material is remotely or potentially relevant. If the legislation is approved by the Cabinet, it will also broaden the definition of DNA in a bid to aid Forensic Science Ireland in the generation of DNA profiles particularly in cases where there are degraded samples from unidentified remains. It will follow a precedent set by the Institutional Burials Act 2022. The last fortnight has been busy for DAA, the commercial semi-state administrator of Cork and Dublin airports. On Thursday, the company announced strong financial returns for 2024 with earnings before tax up 20% year-on-year to 395m and revenues of 1.1bn. Second World War veterans watched military aircraft fly over a Dutch town as the Netherlands marked the 80th anniversary of its liberation by Allied troops from Nazi Germanys occupation. Festivities in Wageningen centred on a square outside the Hotel de Wereld, where German top brass signed papers on May 5 1945 that formally ended the brutal five-year occupation as the war drew to a close across Europe. A small group of veterans, their chests decorated with medals and legs covered in blankets, sat on the front row watching the ceremony. They were given a standing ovation as they arrived. Germany finally surrendered on May 8, now known as Victory in Europe Day. Liberation Day in the Netherlands is celebrated on May 5, a day after the country observes two minutes of silence to honour its war dead. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is greeted by Dutch PM Dick Schoof (Peter Dejong/AP) Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans used the occasion to call for renewed efforts to nurture peace. War and aggression are back in Europe and it is up to us to protect peace, he said. Mr Brekelmans speech was briefly disturbed by a small group of protesters who shouted Free Palestine. Police detained five people as Mr Brekelmans continued to address the crowd, some of whom booed at the demonstrators as they were led away. On Sunday, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and others laid wreaths at the national monument in Amsterdam, and two veterans lit a liberation fire in Wageningen hours later. Mervyn Kersh, a 100-year-old veteran from Britain, and Nick Janicki, 101, from Canada, ignited the flame. Some 50 veterans from around the world were expected to attend Mondays celebrations. Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima attended a service to commemorate the war dead in Amsterdam (Peter Dejong/AP) Polish President Donald Tusk, whose country holds the rotating European Union presidency, is scheduled to give a speech later today. Polish troops were among Allied forces who helped liberate the Netherlands. The countrys southern regions were freed in 1944 but the populous western regions had to wait months and endure famine known as the Hunger Winter that killed thousands. Events across Europe marking the end of the war come as the traditional friendly links with the United States, whose forces helped liberate the Netherlands and much of the continent, are fraying. The European Union and the administration of President Donald Trump are now embroiled in a trade war. On Sunday in Amsterdam, Prime Minister Dick Schoof discussed the grief his family felt over the death of his grandfather, who was executed by Nazi soldiers for his work in the resistance. On this day, in the two minutes of silence, that echo sounds extra loud. When we think of all the people who were murdered for who they were, who died of hunger or exhaustion, or who fought for peace and freedom our peace and freedom, Mr Schoof said. Israel approved plans on Monday to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said, a move that, if implemented, would vastly expand Israels operations there and likely draw fierce international opposition. The new plan, which was approved in an early morning vote by Israeli Cabinet ministers, also calls for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to move to Gazas south. That would likely amount to their forcible displacement and exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis. Smoke rises following an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) Details of the plan were not formally announced, and its exact timing and implementation were not clear. Its approval came hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. The plan may be another measure by Israel to try to pressure Hamas into making concessions in ceasefire negotiations. A third person, a defence official, said the new plan would not begin until after US President Donald Trump wraps up his expected visit to the Middle East this month, allowing for the possibility that Israel might agree to a ceasefire in the meantime. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 after a decades-long occupation and then imposed a blockade on the territory along with Egypt. Capturing and potentially occupying the territory again for an indefinite period would not only further dash hopes for Palestinian statehood, it would embed Israel inside a population that is deeply hostile to it and raise questions about how Israel plans to govern the territory, especially at a time when it is considering how to implement Mr Trumps vision to take over Gaza. Since Israel ended a ceasefire with the Hamas militant group in mid-March, Israel has unleashed fierce strikes on the territory that have killed hundreds. It has captured swaths of territory and now controls roughly 50% of Gaza. An Israeli army tank in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) Before the truce ended, Israel halted all humanitarian aid into the territory, including food, fuel and water, setting off what is believed to be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel says 59 captives remain in Gaza, although about 35 are believed to be dead. Israels offensive has displaced more than 90% of Gazas population and, Palestinian health officials say, killed more than 52,000 people there, many of them women and children. The officials do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said on Monday that the bodies of 32 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. The Israeli officials said the plan included the capturing of the strip and the holding of territories. Palestinian children and women struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) The plan would also seek to prevent Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid, a role that Israel says strengthens the groups rule in Gaza. It also accuses Hamas of keeping the aid for itself, without providing evidence. Aid workers deny there is a significant diversion of aid to militants, saying the UN strictly monitors distribution. The officials said Israel was in touch with several countries about Mr Trumps plan to take over Gaza and relocate its population, under what Israel has termed voluntary emigration. That proposal has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Israels allies in Europe, and rights groups have warned it could be a war crime under international law. Hamas officials did not respond to requests for comment on the plans. For weeks, Israel has been trying to ratchet up pressure on Hamas to get the group to agree to its terms in ceasefire negotiations. But the measures do not appear to have moved Hamas away from its negotiating positions. The previous ceasefire was meant to lead the sides to negotiate an end to the war, but that has remained elusive. Israel says it will not agree to end the war until Hamass governing and military capabilities are dismantled. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Hamas, meanwhile, has sought an agreement that winds down the war without agreeing to disarm. Israels expansion announcement angered families of hostages who fear that any extension of the conflict endangers their loved ones. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which supports families, urged Israels decision-makers to prioritise the hostages and secure a deal quickly. At a Knesset committee meeting Monday, Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held hostage, called on soldiers not to report for reserve duty for moral and ethical reasons. Some reservists have indicated they will refuse to serve in a war they increasingly view as politically motivated. The defence official said the plan would separate Hamas from the aid by using private firms and by using specified areas secured by the Israeli military. They added that Palestinians would be screened to prevent Hamas from accessing the aid. According to a memo circulated among aid groups and seen by The Associated Press, Israel told the United Nations that it will use private security companies to control aid distribution in Gaza. People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war and the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) The UN, in a statement on Sunday, said it would not participate in the plan as presented, saying it violates its core principles. The memo summarised a meeting between the Israeli defence body in charge of co-ordinating aid to Gaza, called COGAT, and the UN. It was written by a group briefed on the meeting and sent on Sunday to aid organisations. According to the memo, under COGATs plan, all aid will enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, on approximately 60 trucks daily, and be distributed directly to people. Some 500 trucks entered Gaza every day before the war. The memo said that facial-recognition technology will be used to identify Palestinians at logistics hubs and text message alerts will notify people in the area that they can collect aid. COGAT did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israels plans have been widely criticised (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) After Israel said it was going to assert more control over aid distribution in Gaza, the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) sent an email to aid groups, urging them to collectively hold the line and reject any draconian restrictions on humanitarian work. The email, which OCHA sent on Monday to aid groups and was shared with the AP, further stated that there are mechanisms in place to ensure aid is not diverted. Earlier, OCHA said in a statement that the plan would leave large parts of the population, including the most vulnerable, without supplies. It said the plan appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic as part of a military strategy. Aid groups have said they are opposed to using any armed or uniformed personnel to distribute aid that could potentially intimidate Palestinians or put them at risk, and they fiercely criticised the new plan. Israeli officials want to manipulate and militarise all aid to civilians, forcing us to deliver supplies through hubs designed by the Israeli military, once the government agrees to reopen crossings, Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, posted on X, saying the group would not participate. Hamas decried Israels efforts to control the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza as a violation of international law. In a statement on Monday, the militant group said the effort is an extension of the starvation policy adopted by the Israeli government in Gaza. Earlier this month, the AP obtained notes summarising various Israeli proposals on aid distribution and aid groups concerns about them. In those documents, the groups expressed fears that Palestinians would be required to retrieve aid from a small number of sites, forcing families to move to get assistance and putting their safety at risk if large crowds gathered at the sites. Israels military says that it carried out airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemens Red Sea city of Hodeida, a day after the Iranian-backed rebels launched a missile that hit Israels main airport. The rebels media office said the United States and Israel launched at least six strikes on Monday afternoon that hit the crucial Hodeida port. A small boat believed to be carrying migrants capsized early on Monday in high surf off San Diegos Pacific coast. Three people died and four injured, while US Coast Guard crews were searching for nine others, officials said. Life jackets and personal items are seen in a boat that capsized (Denis Poroy/AP) US Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey said it was unclear where the boat was coming from before it flipped, shortly after sunrise about 35 miles (56 kilometres) north of the Mexico border. # He described the vessel as a panga, which are open fishing boats commonly used by smugglers. They were not tourists, Mr Sappey said. They are believed to be migrants. Officials had no other details about those on board, including the three who died. The four injured people were taken to hospitals. The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and boat to search for the missing. USCoast Guard boats look for survivors after a boat capsized in the surf (Denis Poroy/AP) Hikers and others at Torrey Pines State Beach reported seeing a boat capsize near the shore at about 6:30am, said Lieutenant Nick Backouris of the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. A doctor hiking nearby called in and said, I see people doing CPR on the beach, Im running that way, Lt Backouris said. A bulldozer moved the panga on the beach as the search was underway. The wooden dinghy that was more than 20ft long (6 meters) had scuffed blue paint and wooden planks for seats. Inside the boat were a pair of running shoes, more than a dozen life vests, an empty waterproof cell phone bag and various water bottles. Its single engine was visibly damaged. Smuggling off the California coast has long been a risky alternative for migrants to avoid heavily guarded land borders. Small boats with single or twin engines, known as pangas, leave from the Mexican coast in the dead of night, sometimes charting hundreds of miles north. In 2023, eight people were killed when two migrant smuggling boats approached a San Diego beach amid heavy fog. One boat capsized in the surf. It was one of the deadliest maritime smuggling cases in waters off the US coast. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Graduates of the Class of 2025 were honored in a commencement ceremony on Sunday at Illinois Wesleyan University. A procession of 386 green-robed Titans crossed the stage to receive their diplomas before a sea of loved ones. Although chilly temperatures moved the event inside the Shirk Center, families and graduates were seen celebrating and posing for photos on the Eckley Quadrangle throughout the special day. Speakers at the 175th commencement ceremony shared encouraging words with the graduates, noting how the skills and passions of the class will bring light and progress to the world. Addressing his first graduating class since arriving at Illinois Wesleyan, President Sheahon Zenger thanked the grads for welcoming him to the Titan community. President Sheahon Zenger passed diplomas to Titans for the first time during the 2025 Commencement ceremony. You will always be my first graduating class from this great and esteemed university, said Zenger. Thank you for embracing me and showing me the way the way of yes - and; the way of community; the way of a true liberal arts university. Zenger showed an appreciation for traditions shared with students like homecoming and the Unity Gala, but more importantly, he joked Wing Wednesdays and preparing for finals on Reading Day by playing volleyball on the quad. Zenger said now is an exciting time for he and faculty to step back and applaud the latest group of alumni, who have been equipped with the proper tools to navigate challenges that lie ahead. At a time and in a society with so many questions, I need only look out at this great group of graduates to find hope for the future of America, said Zenger. Illinois Wesleyan Board of Trustees Chair Tim Szerlong '74 reminded the class to remain curious and committed in their future endeavors. Tenacious curiosity is required more than ever to get the facts and achieve true understanding, said Szerlong. True commitment takes much more than just showing up. Use this discipline without fail in any endeavor as it will deliver the results you aim for, but also project a contagious expectation of success a pursuit of excellence as your standard. President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors Derrick Tillman-Kelly 09 told the crowd that commencement is more than just an ending, its an intentional beginning of the next phase of life. That likely comes with a mix of emotions, so I encourage you to lean into any and all of them. Slow down to fully experience today, sit with the uncertainty, skip with the anticipation, jump with the joy but please, I beg you, be open to the love and pride others have in you and this accomplishment, he said. As the newest members of the IWU Alumni Association, Tillman-Kelley also encouraged the graduates to remain connected to their alma mater. Franchesca Smith 25 spoke as a representative of the graduating class and shared words of encouragement with her peers. Representative of the Class of 2025 Franchesca Smith 25 invited her peers to reflect on their collective perseverance and growth since first stepping foot on campus as freshmen in the fall of 2021. She spoke of the experiences and friendships that were curated through time spent studying at Illinois Wesleyan. IWU gave us the chance to explore our interests outside of the classroom and expand our knowledge on a wide range of cultures, values and perspectives. As we took on new opportunities and shifted our focus into the future, we transformed into leaders, activists, entrepreneurs and pioneers, she said. Smith described the community at IWU as incomparable to any other and that each lesson learned on campus is transferable in all aspects of life, made possible by the people and professors of the University. How will you utilize the knowledge, resources and relationships that have been bestowed upon you to create a better tomorrow? Compassion and courage go a long way. Let us lead with empathy, resilience and a commitment to doing well and doing good in big and small ways, said Smith. Go out into the world and be the light in dark places, the spark that ignites change and the flame that never dies out. Representing members of the faculty, Class of 2025 Professor of the Year and Professor of Political Science Jim Simeone took time to address the state of American democracy, reminding Titan graduates to remain civically engaged. I urge you to keep debating issues and making claims it is the core of democratic civic engagement. Your class has been a remarkably engaged one. When I think back on your class, I think of your courage, he said. Marc Talluto '94 gave the keynote Commencement address, reminding students to always lean on their multi-faceted liberal arts education in the workforce. Before giving keynote remarks to the Class of 2025 with a speech titled, The Entrepreneurial Arts, Marc Talluto '94 was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree. Talluto has founded Fruition Partners and co-founded Thirdera, both major players in the ServiceNow space. He also serves on IWUs Board of Trustees and as Entrepreneur in Residence, mentoring students and supporting campus innovation. In his remarks, Talluto spoke of his professional journey, from studying computer science at Illinois Wesleyan to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur and how his liberal arts education enabled him to explore unique opportunities. As a student, he said he enjoyed the classes within his major, but was most challenged and intrigued by the classes outside his discipline. Even if youre happy to just graduate and move on with life, I can confidently tell you that from your experience here, you already think differently and with a broader aperture than most, Talluto told the graduates. The liberal arts education youve received from these caring people is truly unique. After graduating, Talluto explained the challenges he faced in seeking a career that fit his passions and abilities, while always leaning on the cross-disciplinary skills he grew to love at IWU. You leave today with a degree in your hand but more importantly a liberal arts education that has taught you how to learn and thrive, he said. I only ask one thing of you: Come back from your journey at some point to speak and share your talents with the next generation of students. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that a new offensive in Gaza will be a comprehensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas.However, he refrained from specifying how much of the enclaves territory would be affected. This follows an Israeli officials announcement that the security cabinet has approved an expansion of military operations in Gaza, including plans for the conquest of the territory and encouraging its residents to evacuate. The population will be relocated for their own safety, Mr. Netanyahu mentioned in a video shared on X. He emphasized that Israeli soldiers would not enter Gaza, conduct raids, and then withdraw. The European Union has urged Israel to exercise restraint, while the UN and aid organizations have consistently warned of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with famine looming after over two months of a total Israeli blockade. The European Union is worried about the planned escalation by Israeli forces in Gaza, which will lead to more casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population, EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni stated. We call on Israel to practice the utmost restraint, he added. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris described the reports regarding the planned escalation of Israeli military operations as alarming. Such actions would result in further fatalities, injuries, and immense suffering for the Palestinian population who are already experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, he remarked. I strongly encourage the Israeli authorities to show restraint. The news of a potential escalation in military operations by Israeli forces in Gaza is concerning. A move like this would lead to additional deaths, injuries, and significant suffering among the Palestinian population, which is already in a severe humanitarian crisis. pic.twitter.com/HlBOp9eds4 Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 5, 2025 Meanwhile, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council stated that the plan is fundamentally against humanitarian principles. We cannot and will not engage in actions that violate humanitarian principles, Jan Egeland remarked, emphasizing that the United Nations agencies, all other international humanitarian groups, and NGOs have declined to participate in this proposal from the Israeli cabinet and military. Palestinians queue for hot food at a charity kitchen at the Nuseirat refugee camp The decision, made overnight, followed the militarys announcement that it was calling up tens of thousands of reservists to intensify its offensive against Hamas in Gaza. The plan will encompass various aspects, including the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the retention of the territory, relocating the Gaza population south for their protection, the official stated. A report by Israels public broadcaster Kan, citing informed sources, indicated that the new approach would be gradual and take months, with forces initially concentrating on one area of the battered enclave. This timeline could allow for discussions on a ceasefire and hostage release deal ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to the region next week, according to security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin. There is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas recognizes our seriousness, Mr. Elkin told Kan this morning. Already controlling about a third of Gazas territory, Israel resumed ground operations in March after the collapse of a US-backed ceasefire that had paused fighting for two months. It has since implemented a complete blockade on aid entering the enclave. The population of Gaza has been displaced multiple times since October 2023 Mr. Elkin noted that instead of conducting raids in particular areas and then withdrawing as the military had previously done, Israeli forces would now retain control of the territories they capture until either Hamas is defeated or agrees to disarm and vacate Gaza. Hamas has dismissed such demands. Israel has yet to outline a clear strategy for post-war Gaza while facing international pressure to conclude a campaign that has displaced most of Gazas 2.3 million residents, leaving them reliant on rapidly dwindling aid supplies due to the blockade. The Israeli official asserted that the newly sanctioned offensive plan would relocate Gazas civilian populace southward and prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Hamas, although the blockade will remain in place. We need your consent to load this rte-player content. We use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is continuing to promote a proposal by Mr. Trump for the voluntary relocation of Gazans to neighboring countries such as Jordan or Egypt, the source added. The cabinet, which includes Mr. Netanyahu and several Israeli ministers, has unanimously approved the plan aimed at defeating Gazas Islamist rulers, Hamas, and securing the return of hostages held in Gaza. The official source indicated that the plan featured significant strikes against Hamas, without providing specifics. Yesterday, army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir announced that the military was mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists to amplify its offensive in Gaza. The plan endorsed by the cabinet deserves to be referred to as the Smotrich-Netanyahu Plan for sacrificing the hostages, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated. People queue for food at the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza This reference pertains to far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Mr. Netanyahu, who presides over one of the most right-wing administrations in Israeli history. Israels security cabinet has also sanctioned the possibility of humanitarian distribution in Gaza, which has been under full Israeli blockade since March 2. It claimed that there is currently sufficient food in the territory, although humanitarian organizations and UN agencies have warned of the severe consequences of the blockade for Gazas 2.4 million people. Latest Middle East stories The cabinet approved by a significant majority the possibility of humanitarian distribution, if necessary, to prevent Hamas from gaining control of the supplies and to undermine its administrative capabilities, the official remarked. Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, stated on X that Israel is demanding that the UN and non-governmental organizations cease their aid distribution systems in Gaza. They aim to manipulate and militarize all aid to civilians, compelling us to deliver supplies through hubs designated by the Israeli military, once the government consents to reopen crossings. The NRC will uphold our humanitarian principles and, along with our peers, will refuse to engage in this new scheme, he stated. Five-month-old Suwar Ashur is one of thousands of children suffering malnutrition UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power expressed that Gaza is approaching a worst-case scenario, describing it as nothing short of barbaric and inhumane. Speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland, he asserted that there is no justification for withholding food and water, adding that the blockade must be acknowledged as a war crime. Mr. Power reported that UNICEF had documented 57 deaths due to complications from malnutrition and described children scavenging through rubbish piles for food. Israeli soldiers clean the gun of a tank at a position near Israels border with Gaza He noted that humanitarian workers are deeply concerned about Israels expansion plans, indicating that an influx of additional troops will only heighten the displacement of people being crammed into a continually shrinking, densely populated area. The decision to deploy more troops will exacerbate an already dire situation, Mr. Power asserted. Israel has escalated aerial bombardments and broadened ground operations in Gaza since resuming its offensive in the Palestinian territory on March 18. Israel maintains that the blockade and increased bombings are intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages being held in Gaza. Militants in the region continue to hold 58 hostages taken during Hamass attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 individuals on the Israeli side, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israels counter-offensive has claimed at least 52,535 lives in Gaza, mostly civilians, as reported by the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The Ansar Allah (Helpers of God) government of North Yemen, led by Abdel Malik al-Houthi, declared an aerial blockade of Israel on Sunday, as they successfully fired a missile at Ben Gurion International Airport. The missile evaded Israeli air defenses and landed on the outskirts of the airport, causing panic and leading to cancelled flights, either for Sunday or for the next few days, on the part of international carriers. Inevitably, the Israeli Air Force will retaliate massively, and it has already demonstrated that its fighter jets can come down the Red Sea and hit Yemeni targets, using an accompanying civilian jet liner to carry fuel for the return trip. Yemens de facto government has few cards, as Trump would say. It presides over the bulk of a 41 million population, roughly the size of Canadas. But Yemen is among the poorest countries in the world, and despite having a few rockets and drones it is hardly a military power. In a way, it is a guerrilla country, the way some militant movements are guerrilla movements. It has a strategic position dominating the transit from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea into the Red Sea, and has been harassing container ships plying that body of water heading to and from the Suez Canal. The Houthis seized power in the north in 2014-15, and their advent was so unwelcome that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates spent 7 fruitless years attempting to dislodge them. The Helpers of God, a militia drawn from militants of the Zaydi Shiite branch of Islam, rules over about 80 percent of Yemens population, though it hasnt been able to take the thinly populated and rugged south, which is entirely Sunni in creed. So why are the Houthis bombing Ben Gurion Airport? First, they mind the ongoing Israeli genocide against the people of Gaza. That these Israeli war crimes are a prime motivation is demonstrated by their having ceased their attacks during the brief ceasefire earlier this year. Second, the Houthis need both Zaydi and Sunni supporters, since Zaydis are only a third of the countrys population though they are a bigger proportion of the north. Taking a strong stand against the Israeli war on Gaza, they seem to hope, burnishes their Arab nationalist credentials and helps unite Sunnis and Zaydis domestically. That is, as with most wars the Zaydi entry into the Gaza conflict has domestic roots. Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends. Americans and Western Europeans, who are not seeing the Gaza genocide on their TV screens as the Arab world is, have no idea how furious the nearly 500 million Arabs are. Egyptian news anchors talk about our children being killed in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes. Their governments know they are weak and saw what happened to Hezbollah. But the people are jumping up and down mad. The Houthis are playing to that boiling anger to bolster their position inside the country and in the region. That this move is having some success is demonstrated by the inability of the US to convince any Arab countries to take up the fight against the Houthis. If Abdel Fattah al-Sisi deployed Egyptian armed forces against the Helpers of God, hed be seen as a mere Gurka or helpmeet of the Israelis, and it would profoundly undermine him. He saw what happened to his predecessor, Hosni Mubarak, when the people turned against the government. Photo of Sanaa by Mohammad mansour on Unsplash Yemen has not flourished economically under Houthi rule, to say the least, and the movement is undemocratic and dictatorial. A war is a form of wagging the dog, attempting to make people rally around Sanaa and forget the tribulations of their daily lives. Although Israeli and American leaders see an Iranian hand behind Houthi attacks, this factor is much smaller than they make it. Yes, Iran gives some money, weaponry and technical know-how to Sanaa. But it is limited. A lot of the Houthi weapons were captured from government storehouses and consist of American arms given to the old Arab nationalist government of Ali Abdallah Saleh, deposed in January 2012. The Houthis are a hardscrabble rural Zaydi movement, very Arab, and dont behave as they do because some Iranian in Tehran orders them around. Zaydi Shiism is not like the Twelver Shiism of Iran. It doesnt have ayatollahs and there is no impetus to clerical rule. The Houthis are not made up of clergy but of village militiamen. Israel is as unlikely to succeed in bombing the Houthis into submission as the Saudis and Emiratis. As the US found out 50 years ago, bombing guerrilla groups from the sky doesnt usually defeat them. Although the Israelis have had success in their battle with Hezbollah in Lebanon this past year, Yemen is much farther away and much harder for intelligence to penetrate. Houthis have remained clannish in a way that Hezbollah did not, especially once it went into Syria. Hypersonic, Digital, Midjourney, 2025 So, yes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can bomb Yemen. It is a little unlikely that he can thereby remove the irritant of the Houthis from Israeli policy. Only a ceasefire can effectively calm things down in the region, and Netanyahu is too committed to genocide to contemplate such a thing. If the Arab world were not largely made up of weak states ruled by corrupt dictators, many more countries would be acting as the Yemenis are. And while the extremist Israeli government can take some satisfaction in having achieved impunity for the most part for its Gaza atrocities in the present moment, Im not sure that translates into peace and security among several hundred million Arabs in the future. We saw beginning in 2011 that the corrupt dictatorships are not immortal. If a populist wave ever swept the region, Israels security position would rapidly deteriorate. Unfortunately, the Israeli equivalent of Neo-Nazis now in power cant think past the next few months, and so are likely mortgaging their future to a project of ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians in the present. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Altamira Gold Corp. (TSXV: ALTA) (FSE: T6UP) (OTC Pink: EQTRF), ("Altamira" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of an independently assessed, maiden mineral resource estimate for the Maria Bonita porphyry gold deposit within the Cajueiro Project. Maria Bonita is a separate discovery, located 7km to the west of, and additional to, the Cajueiro Central Mineral Resource (previously reported under NI 43-101). Highlights: The maiden open-pit resource consists of total Indicated Resources of 24.19Mt @ 0.46g/t gold (for a total of 357,800oz) and Total Inferred Resources of 25.64Mt @ 0.44g/t gold (for a total of 362,400oz). These resources include near-surface saprolite Indicated Resources of 2,02Mt @ 0.59g/t gold (for a total of 38,000oz) and Inferred Resources of 0.68t @ 0.40g/t gold (for a total of 8,700oz). These resources were calculated using a 0.2 g/t gold cut-off grade. A significant higher grade near-surface resource has also been identified and at a 0.5 g/t gold cut-off comprises Indicated Resources of 7.56Mt @ 0.72g/t gold (176,250oz) and Inferred Resources of 5.18Mt @ 0.92g/t gold (152,940oz). Mineralization extends to surface and the relative volume of waste to mineralized material within the optimised pit is 0.5:1. The deposit remains open to the west, south and at depth. Maria Bonita is the first of nine porphyry-gold targets that have been identified so far within the Cajueiro district and further drilling will be aimed at both expanding Maria Bonita and initial drill testing of the eight other targets. CEO Mike Bennett commented; "We are thrilled with the maiden mineral resource estimate for our Maria Bonita project. This is a transformational step forward for the company and, together with the existing resources at Cajueiro, doubles Altamira's Indicated and Inferred resource base. The mineralization at Maria Bonita is notably coherent and regular, with higher grades returned from near surface material. Coupled with our portfolio of nine drill-ready targets within the Cajueiro district, we now have an excellent opportunity to add to these resources through both the expansion of the defined mineral resources at both Maria Bonita and Cajueiro Central, and additional discoveries of porphyry-related mineralization in the district. We will be mobilising a drill rig shortly to continue testing of the extensions to the Maria Bonita mineralization and our district targets. We look forward to the continued delineation of the deposit and unlocking the potential of the other eight targets." CAJUEIRO PROJECT The Cajueiro project is located approximately 75km NW of the town of Alta Floresta in the state of Mato Grosso (Figure 1) in central western Brazil. The project is easily accessible by road, lies on open farmland and has grid power and a local water supply (Figure1). Figure 1: Location of the Cajueiro, Apiacas and Santa Helena projects. The Cajueiro Central project has current NI 43-101 resources* of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold for a total of 185,000 oz in the Indicated Resource category and 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 515,000 oz in the Inferred Resource category (estimated using a gold price of US$1,500/oz). The maiden mineral resource estimate for Maria Bonita was completed by VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil under the direction of Volodymyr Myadzel PhD, MAIG. The estimate is based on drilling undertaken by Altamira between August 2022 and April 2024. A total of thirty-one diamond drillholes (4,710m) have been completed at the Maria Bonita target. Of this total, twenty-nine drill holes were used to estimate the mineral resource (4,518m). The parameters used to constrain a pit shell in the mineral resource estimate process are presented in Table 1. A gold price of US$2,780/oz was used. The resource estimations are based on a block model interpolated by the Ordinary Kriging (OK) method, using Micromine software. The block model was created using wireframes and filled with blocks measuring 25 (X) by 25 (Y) by 10 (Z) metres. The radii and the orientation of the search ellipses were determined using standard variograms. All Inferred Resources and Indicated Resources are defined in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (2014) (the "CIM Standards"). For the Indicated Resources, a wireframe that encompasses the area with a 5050 and 50100 metre regular drilling grid was created. For interpolation, an average of 3 holes and 8 composite samples were used. The other blocks were classified as Inferred Resources. The block model was validated in several ways: by running an Inverse Distance Weighted interpolation and comparing the results, and by comparing the means and standard deviations of the block grades to the composite data set. Based on the geological disposition, an open pit mining configuration was used and, based on metallurgical testwork to date, an agitated leach gold recovery was assumed. Industry standard assumptions on unit costs and other parameters were applied. Table 1: Maria Bonita independent Mineral Resource estimate parameters. Open-pit Indicated Resources are 24.19Mt @ 0.46g/t (for a total of 357,800oz) and Total Inferred Resources are 25.64Mt @ 0.44g/t (for a total of 362,400oz). These resources include near-surface saprolite Indicated resources of 2,02Mt @ 0.59g/t (for a total of 38,000oz) and Inferred Resources of 0.68t @ 0.40g/t (for a total of 8,700oz). These resources were calculated using a 0.2 g/t gold cut-off grade and were estimated for the volume of mineralized material drill tested to date. Of particular importance in the resource estimate is the uniform style of mineralization and the regular grade distribution Table 2: Maria Bonita Mineral Resource at a 0.2g/t gold cut-off grade. CIM Standards were followed for Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.20 g/t Au for open-pit fresh-rock mineralization, 0.20 g/t Au for saprolite. Mineral Resources are estimated using a long-term gold price of US$2,780 per ounce. Open pit Mineral Resources are reported within a conceptual open pit Bulk density is 1.68t/m3 for saprolite and 2.64 t/m3 for fresh material based on site measurements on drill core Metallurgical recovery used is 90% for saprolite, and 90% for fresh rock. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. A significant higher grade near-surface resource has also been identified, and at a 0.5 g/t gold cut-off comprises total Indicated Resources of 7.56Mt @ 0.72g/t (for a total of 176,250oz) and Total Inferred Resources are 5.18Mt @ 0.92g/t (for a total of 152,940oz) - Table 3. Table 3: Maria Bonita Mineral Resource sensitivity to gold cut-off grade. The Maria Bonita porphyry gold deposit is part of a district-scale, porphyry-related mineralizing event. There are currently eight additional porphyry gold targets over a strike of 12km east-west awaiting scout drill testing (Figure 2). Figure 2: Maria Bonita maiden mineral resource, as described in this release, in relation to the Cajueiro Central mineral resource which comprises 185,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated category (5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t) and an additional 515,000 ounces in the Inferred category (12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t). Untested district drill targets are depicted by yellow labels. Qualified Person Volodymyr Myadzel, PhD, MAIG, a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news release. Further details supporting the geological model, estimation procedure and block modeling will be available in a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report authored by Volodymyr Myadzel, PhD, MAIG, of VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The report will be posted under the Altamira profile at www.sedarplus.ca within 45 days from the date of this news release. About Altamira Gold Corp. The Company is focused on the exploration and development of gold and copper projects within western central Brazil, strategically advancing six projects spanning over 100,000 hectares within the prolific Juruena Gold Beltan area that has historically yielded over 6 million ounces of placer gold**. Leading the portfolio is the Cajueiro project, a highly prospective asset with an NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate of 185,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated category (5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t) and an additional 515,000 ounces in the Inferred category (12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t). Ongoing exploration and fieldwork at Cajueiro indicate the presence of multiple porphyry gold systems, reinforcing its potential for district-scale development. These hard-rock gold sources align with historical alluvial gold production, highlighting the region's exceptional gold endowment and scalability. With a rich geological setting and a track record of significant discoveries, the Company is well-positioned to unlock further value across its expansive land package. *NI 43-101 Technical Report, Cajueiro Project, Mineral Resource Estimate: Global Resource Engineering, Denver Colorado USA, 10th October 2019; Authors K. Gunesch, PE; H. Samari, QP-MMSA; T. Harvey, QP-MMSA ** Juliani, C. et al; Gold in Paleoproterozoic (2.1 to 1.77 Ga) Continental Magmatic Arcs at the Tapajos and Juruena Mineral Provinces (Amazonian Craton,Brazil): A New Frontier for the Exploration of Epithermal-Porphyry and Related Deposits. Minerals 2021, 11, 714. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070714 On Behalf of the Board of Directors, ALTAMIRA GOLD CORP. "Michael Bennett" Michael Bennett President & CEO 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. The securities described herein have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements under the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-Looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the extension of the Warrants. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. Notes Gold analysis has been conducted by SGS method FAA505 (fire assay of 50g charge), with higher grade samples checked by FAA525. Analytical quality is monitored by certified references and blanks. Until dispatch, samples are stored under the supervision the Company's exploration office. The samples are couriered to the assay laboratory using a commercial contractor. Pulps are returned to the Company and archived. Drill holes results are quoted as down-hole length weighted intersections. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Indigo Exploration Inc. (TSXV: IXI) (OTCQB: IXIXF) (FSE: INE) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Drew Zimmerman as President of the Company in place of Paul Cowley. Mr. Cowley shall remain as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company. Paul Cowley states, "We are happy to welcome Mr. Zimmerman to our team. His extensive capital markets expertise, combined with his deep passion and commitment to the uranium sector, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to accelerate Indigo's growth. I am excited to collaborate with Drew as we take the next steps toward transforming Indigo into a leading uranium developer." "I am thrilled to join the team at Indigo. The global uranium sector must advance to address a significant supply gap, and this supply-demand imbalance is especially pronounced in the United States. Being part of a team dedicated to strengthening the supply of critical minerals in such a pivotal time is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to our shared mission," said Drew Zimmerman. Mr. Drew Zimmerman is a seasoned growth-oriented executive in the public and the global commodity markets. With over 14 years of experience, Mr. Zimmerman has served in high-impact roles including Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Director, and as a Derivatives Portfolio Manager at a national brokerage firm in Canada. Mr. Zimmerman is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in International Business from the University of Victoria. The Company also announces that, pursuant to the Company's 10% rolling stock option plan and in compliance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, it granted incentive stock options to certain officers and consultants of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 580,000 common shares of the Company. These options are exercisable for a period of five years at a price of $0.07 per share, subject to vesting provisions. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information relating to the mineral exploration business is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, BC, May 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Luca Mining Corp. ("Luca" or the "Company") (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF) (Frankfurt: Z68) is pleased to announce analytical results from the next nine (9) underground diamond drill holes of an ongoing 5,000 metre ("m") exploration drill program at the Tahuehueto gold-silver mine in Durango State, Mexico. New high-grade breccia ore shoot discovered within the El Creston vein system located approximately 60m below the active mine workings of Level 23; discovery drill hole returned 9.4m of 5.21 g/t AuEq** within a larger 13.9m zone of 3.90 g/t AuEq below the active mine workings of Level 23; discovery drill hole returned within a larger An additional new high-grade breccia ore shoot discovered at an untested area of the Creston FW Vein north of current underground workings, with three (3) new drill holes returning results including: 4.8m of 5.62 g/t AuEq , 6.9m of 4.10 g/t AuEq and 5.1m of 5.62 g/t AuEq , including 2.4m of 9.37 g/t AuEq , including 20 underground drillholes completed to date as part of a 5,000m Phase 1 program targeting near-mine resource expansion to date as part of a Phase 1 program targeting near-mine resource expansion Additional mineral potential identified in underexplored zones results to inform updated mineral resource and near and medium term Tahuehueto mine plans in underexplored zones results to inform updated mineral resource and near and medium term Tahuehueto mine plans Surface drilling is set to begin shortly at the Santiago deposit one of 18 identified mineralized veins on the Tahuehueto Property first exploration this target has seen since 2008 Drillhole DDH24-216 targeted a previously untested zone, approximately 60m below the active mine workings of Level 23, and intersected a new high-grade brecciated zone within the El Creston vein system that returned 9.4m of 0.48 g/t Au, 166.63 g/t Ag, 1.46% Cu, 2.00% Pb, and 0.71% Zn (5.21 g/t Au Eq) within a larger 13.9m zone of 0.43 g/t Au, 121.09 g/t Ag, 1.10% Cu, 1.40% Pb, and 0.51% Zn (3.90 g/t AuE Eq) from 124.6m. Drillhole DDH25-221 targeted the strike extension of the Creston FW Vein north of previously drilling, in an area approximately 65 horizontal metres from active mine workings of Level 12, and intersected a new high-grade brecciated zone within the El Creston vein system that returned 6.9m of 1.90 g/t Au, 68.40 g/t Ag, 0.19% Cu, 1.40% Pb, and 2.16% Zn (4.10 g/t AuEq) from 119.9m. Drillhole DDH25-222 was drilled into an undertested area of the Creston FW Vein north of current underground workings, in an area approximately 80 horizontal metres from active mine workings of Level 12, and intersected a new high-grade brecciated zone within the El Creston vein system that returned 4.8m of 3.15 g/t Au, 121.51 g/t Ag, 0.58% Cu, 0.27% Pb and 0.41% Zn (5.62 g/t AuEq) from 117.7m. Drillhole DDH25-224 was, similar to DDH25-222, drilled into an undertested area of the Creston FW Vein north of current underground workings, in an area approximately 120 horizontal metres from active mine workings of Level 12, and intersected a new high-grade brecciated zone within the El Creston vein system that returned 5.1m of 0.76 g/t Au, 88.19 g/t Ag, 0.42% Cu, 3.36% Pb and 6.85% Zn (5.62 g/t AuEq) from 134.4m, including 2.4m of 1.23 g/t Au, 111.51 g/t Ag, 0.71% Cu, 6.86% Pb and 11.80% Zn (9.37 g/t AuEq). Figure 1 presents the location of the drillholes and Tables 1 and 2 provide summary analytical results and drill collar details, respectively. Twenty (20) holes have been completed to date for over 4,500m as part of the current Phase 1 exploration drilling campaign, which has a primary resource development objective to determine both vertical and lateral extents of known mineralization within the Creston and Perdido vein systems that are; a) proximal to current mine workings and b) interpreted to host un-tested extensions of the mineralized structures. Through these efforts, it is anticipated that mineable resources will be added into the near-term and medium term Tahuehueto Mine Plan. The majority of holes completed to date in this program have intersected new mineralized parts of the Creston and Perdido vein structures in areas of no previous historic drilling, further validating the continuous nature of these pervasive and mineralized veins. A key result is the discovery of a new, thick, high-grade breccia zone ore shoot in close proximity to the existing mine workings which demonstrates the high potential for additional new high-impact discoveries and the immediate and meaningful return on investment of this exploration drilling. Paul D. Gray, Luca VP Exploration, commented, "The discovery of multiple new high-grade ore shoots so quickly into this new exploration program confirms the robust nature of the Tahuehueto epithermal vein system and the potential to add immediate value to this asset. The fact that the current drilling program has consistently intersected well-mineralized veins in previously untested areas also confirms the Company's exploration approach and moreover speaks to the larger potential of the Tahuehueto mineralized system. In particular, the high-grade breccia zones intersected within holes DDH24-216 and DDH25-221 that represent new ore shoots, highlight the unrealized economic potential of the Creston Vein, and we look forward to additional results from the drillholes currently under analysis." With the success of the Phase 1 exploration campaign, a Phase 2 underground drilling program consisting of an additional 5,000m of drilling has been approved and has commenced. Phase 2 will target the extension of the Creston Vein System to the north and will be bolstered by surface drilling in and around the underexplored Santiago Deposit, located ~950m from the eastern extent of the existing Tahuehueto mine development. The Santiago Deposit (See Company News Release of April 26, 2022) offers significant expansion potential as historic drilling left it open along strike and to depth. Recent surface mapping at Santiago has identified the potential for thick, higher-grade breccia-type ore shoots within areas of the deposit with low drill density and along strike. Table 1: Highlighted Diamond Drill Assay Results from DDH24-216 through DDH25-224 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m)* Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) AuEq** DDH24-216 124.6 138.5 13.9 0.43 121.09 1.10 1.40 0.51 3.90 including 124.6 134.0 9.4 0.48 166.63 1.46 2.00 0.71 5.21 DDH24-217 158.8 159.3 0.5 0.34 79.20 1.31 0.04 0.05 3.03 DDH25-218 175.5 177.0 1.5 0.23 28.30 0.23 0.44 1.12 1.37 DDH25-219 175.5 178.6 3.1 0.28 65.99 0.85 0.34 0.55 2.47 DDH25-220 199.5 202.5 3.0 0.08 58.25 0.56 0.24 0.32 1.69 and 208.0 214.5 6.5 0.23 70.98 0.57 0.13 0.10 1.91 DDH25-221 119.9 132.5 12.6 1.11 40.51 0.12 0.87 1.77 2.60 including 119.9 126.8 6.9 1.90 68.40 0.19 1.40 2.16 4.10 DDH24-222 113.5 129.5 16.0 1.50 67.03 0.38 0.37 0.65 3.14 including 117.7 129.5 11.8 2.00 85.73 0.47 0.27 0.53 3.92 or including 117.7 122.5 4.8 3.15 121.51 0.58 0.27 0.41 5.62 or including 117.7 118.5 0.8 7.25 376.00 1.09 0.32 0.14 13.45 DDH25-223 43.6 44.8 1.2 0.12 10.34 0.05 0.22 3.27 1.47 and 125.3 128.1 2.9 0.73 17.89 0.07 0.11 1.50 1.58 and 146.6 154.8 8.2 0.35 62.37 0.35 0.72 1.23 2.18 including 149.5 154.8 5.3 0.41 91.15 0.50 0.90 1.22 2.84 DDH25-224 127.1 139.5 12.4 0.79 45.32 0.23 1.66 3.44 3.26 including 134.4 139.5 5.1 0.76 88.19 0.42 3.36 6.85 5.62 or including 135.9 138.2 2.4 1.23 111.51 0.71 6.86 11.80 9.37 *True widths are estimated to be 85% of drilled intervals. ** AuEq equation is: AuEq = Au + (Ag*0.0128) + (Cu%*1.2799) + (Pb%*0.2737) + (Zn%*0.3359), at $2,250 US$/oz Au, 28 US$/oz Ag, 9,260 US$/Tonne Cu, 1,980 US$/Tonne Pb and 2,430 US$/Tonne Zn, respectively. Table 2: Drill Collar Locations and Details for Released Results Hole ID WGS84 Z14 Easting WGS84 Z14 Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip () Total Depth (m) DDH24-216 337564 2812620 1,262 320 -35 177.3 DDH24-217 337564 2812620 1,262 320 -55 190.7 DDH25-218 337565 2812622 1,262 355 -25 244.1 DDH25-219 337565 2812622 1,262 355 -38 208.2 DDH25-220 337565 2812622 1,262 355 -60 228.0 DDH25-221 337804 2813099 1,513 298 5 243.5 DDH25-222 337804 2813099 1,513 323 -20 225.0 DDH25-223 337804 2813099 1,513 323 -50 222.0 DDH25-224 337804 2813099 1,513 323 18 246.5 About 2025 Tahuehueto Exploration Program The Tahuehueto property comprises a large, epithermal gold-silver vein system comprising 11 kilometres of strike length of known veins and mineralized and structures. These campaigns represent the first substantive exploration drilling on the Property in over 12 years. Mineralization remains open along strike and at depth for most of the modeled Mineral Resource areas. The objective of the current campaigns will be a combination of in-fill and step-out drilling to demonstrate the vertical and lateral extent of mineralization as well as to target thick, high-grade mineralized breccia-type ore shoots known to exist within the epithermal vein system. Recent mining in Level 23 encountered higher grade mineralization averaging 3.30 g/t Au over vein widths up to 20 metres (with values up to 65.04 g/t Au) in ore shoots branching off the main Creston vein (See news release dated May 29, 2024). In addition to the four veins that comprise the mineral resource, there are at least 14 additional prospective veins documented within the concession area that have potential to host additional epithermal Au-Ag(-Cu-Zn-Pb) mineralization. In some cases, these prospective targets may represent extensions of the currently defined Mineral Resource. The Company estimates that there are more than 11 km of prospective vein structures (measured along strike), compared to the 4.5 km of mineralized veins that support the current Mineral Resource model. Figure 2 below shows the relative location of prospective veins (yellow) and veins modeled for resources and reserves (red) within the Company's concession area. INTERACTIVE VRIFY 3D MODEL To explore an interactive 3D model featuring the results announced today, click the following link or visit the LUCA Mining website: https://vrify.com/decks/18763 About Luca Mining Corp. Luca Mining (TSX-V: LUCA, OTCQX: LUCMF, Frankfurt: Z68) is a diversified Canadian mining company with two 100%-owned producing mines within the prolific Sierra Madre mineralized belt in Mexico which hosts numerous producing and historic mines along its trend. The Company produces gold, copper, zinc, silver and lead from these mines that each have considerable development and resource upside. The Campo Morado polymetallic VMS mine is an underground operation located in Guerrero State. It produces copper-zinc-lead concentrates with precious metals credits. It is currently undergoing an optimization program which is already generating significant improvements in recoveries, grades, efficiencies, and cashflows. The Tahuehueto Mine is a large property of over 75 square kilometres in Durango State. The project hosts epithermal gold and silver vein-style mineralization. Tahuehueto is a newly constructed underground mining operation producing primarily gold and silver. The Company has successfully commissioned its mill and is now in commercial production. Analytical Method and Quality Assurance/Quality Control Measures All drill core splits reported in this news release were analysed by Bureau Veritas of Durango, Mexico, utilizing the Multi-Acid digestion ICP-ES 35-element MA300 analytical package with FA-430 30-gram Fire Assay with AAS finish for gold on all samples. Au over-limits from FA-430 are re-analyzed by FA530 30-gram Fire Assay with Gravimetric finish. Ag over-limits from ICP MA300 analytical package are re-analyzed by FA530 30-gram Fire Assay with Gravimetric finish. Similarly, Cu, Pb and Zn over-limits from ICP MA300 analytical package are re-analyzed by ICP Multi-Acid digestion MA370 package. All core samples were split by core saw on-site at Luca's core processing facilities at the Tahuehueto Mine. Once split, half samples were placed back in the core boxes with the other half of split samples sealed in poly bags with one part of a three-part sample tag inserted within. Samples were collected by Bureau Veritas at the Tahuehueto Mine site and transported to Bureau Veritas' Durango Laboratory, where samples are prepared to a 250 gram pulp and analyzed for Gold by Fire assay with pulps shipped to Bureau Veritas's Analytical laboratory in Vancouver, B.C., for final ICP chemical analysis. A robust system of standards, 1/4 core duplicates and blanks was implemented in the 2024-2025 exploration drilling program and is monitored as chemical assay data become. Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Paul D. Gray, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration at Luca Mining. Mr. Gray is a Qualified Person for the Company as defined by National Instrument 43-101. On Behalf of the Board of Directors (signed) "Dan Barnholden" Dan Barnholden, Chief Executive Officer For more information, please visit: www.lucamining.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements It should be noted that Luca declared commercial production at Campo Morado prior to completing a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, readers should be cautioned that Luca's production decision has been made without a comprehensive feasibility study of established reserves such that there is greater risk and uncertainty as to future economic results from the Campo Morado mine and a higher technical risk of failure than would be the case if a feasibility study were completed and relied upon to make a production decision. Luca has completed a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") mining study on the Campo Morado mine that provides a conceptual life of mine plan and a preliminary economic analysis based on the previously identified mineral resources (see news releases dated November 8, 2017, and April 4, 2018). Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding the Financings, the anticipated timing of closing thereof and the expected use of proceeds therefrom; and other possible events, conditions or financial performance that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, such as production rates and increases; success of exploration, development and bulk sample processing activities, and timing for processing at its own mineral processing facility on the Tahuehueto project site. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified using words and phrases such as "plans," "expects," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that all requisite approvals in respect of the Financings will be received, and all conditions precedent to completion of the Financings will be satisfied, in a timely manner; the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Campo Morado Mine and the Tahuehueto Project can be achieved; the program to improve mining operations at Campo Morado will proceed as planned; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions, and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. 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 statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G) ("Maple Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has staked an additional 128 mining claims totaling 7,175 hectares (72 square kilometres ("km2")) contiguous with the northern boundary of its 100%-owned Douay Gold Project ("Douay") and Joutel Gold Project ("Joutel") (together, "Douay/Joutel" or the "Property") located along the Casa Berardi-Douay Gold Trend in Quebec, Canada. The newly acquired claims expand the Company's Douay/Joutel land holdings by ~17% within prospective Taibi Group sedimentary rocks. The Taibi Group represents a compelling new exploration target area for sediment-hosted gold deposits along a major lithotectonic boundary similar to the Casa Berardi and Canadian Malartic gold deposits. The Company is also pleased to report that its fully funded, 10,000-meter ("m") 2025 winter drill campaign at Douay (the "Program") has been increased to 12,000 m following recent positive drill results in the Nika Zone (see Company news release dated April 3, 2025). In addition, based on the Company's Quality Assurance and Quality Control ("QA/QC") protocols, 24 higher-grade samples from drill hole DO-25-338 that were previously reported using traditional fire assay with gravimetric finish were re-run using screen metallics and returned 2% to 5% higher gold values (see Table 1). The Company also announces that its Board of Directors has approved the issuance of annual equity incentive plan grants to certain employees, officers, directors and consultants. Strategic Land Expansion North of Douay Maple Gold staked an additional 128 mining claims totaling 7,175 hectares (72 km2) in late December 2024 and early January 2025, adding ~17% to the size of the Property and bringing the Company's total land position at Douay/Joutel to 905 mining claims totaling 48,146 hectares (481 km2). The newly acquired claims cover Taibi Group sedimentary rocks (included folded banded iron formations) immediately north of the regional gold-bearing Casa Berardi Deformation Zone ("CBDZ"), the northwestern projection of the Douay Deformation Zone ("DDZ"), which bounds the current Douay mineral resource, and the main Douay claim block (see Figure 1). The Archean-age Taibi Group has potential to host large-scale sedimentary-hosted lode gold deposits similar to the Casa Berardi Mine (operated by Hecla Mining Company) located ~80 km to the northwest of Douay/Joutel, the Canadian Malartic Complex (operated by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited) located ~155 km to the south of Douay/Joutel, and the past-producing, high-grade Vezza Mine located ~12 km to the east of Douay/Joutel (see Figure 2). "We are excited to have secured additional mining claims within the prospective yet largely untested structural-stratigraphic corridor that hosts Douay and similar nearby deposits," stated Kiran Patankar, Maple Gold's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our regional staking program was guided by a new, robust 3D model integrating updated geological, geochemical, geophysical and structural data, which has already contributed to recent drilling success at Douay. This strategic land expansion north of Douay provides potential for sediment-hosted gold deposits along a major lithotectonic boundary and further enhances the Company's foothold along the favorable Casa Berardi-Douay Gold Trend." Figure 1: Plan view map showing Douay/Joutel property package and location of new mining claims Figure 2: Location of the Douay/Joutel Gold Project in the Abitibi Sub-Province, Quebec 2025 Douay Winter Drill Program Update The ongoing Program has been increased from 10,000 m to 12,000 m, with two diamond drill rigs currently completing follow-up testing near drill hole DO-25-338 in the Nika Zone, which intersected 2.05 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") over 108.6 m, including 3.05 g/t Au over 55.8 m, and including 4.93 g/t Au over 17 m. The previously reported assay results from DO-25-338 were determined using 50-gram ("g") sample traditional fire assay with gravimetric finish. The Company is pleased to report that 24 higher-grade samples from the reported intervals were re-run using 1-kilogram ("kg") sample screen metallics and returned 2% to 5% higher gold values as indicated in Table 1. Table 1: DO-25-338 - Fire Assay w/Gravimetric Finish Assay Results vs. Final Screen Metallic Assay Results: Target From To Length Au_FA_GR Au_MS % Drill Hole (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) Change Nika Zone DO-25-338 495.0 664.5 169.5 1.43 1.46 2% Including 537.4 645.9 108.6 2.05 2.10 2% Including 588.2 644.0 55.8 3.05 3.15 3% Including 588.2 596.0 7.8 5.95 6.15 3% And Including 627.0 644.0 17.0 4.93 5.16 5% Note: All reported intercepts are downhole lengths. Assays are uncut, but over limits (>10 g/t Au initial assay) were re-assayed using Fire Assay with Gravimetric finish, and subsequently, Au screen metallics. True widths will vary depending on hole plunge but are estimated to be 70-90% of downhole length. At the time of writing of this news release, the Company has completed approximately 75% of the planned 12,000 m at Douay and expects to complete the Program within budget by the end of May 2025. Additional assay results will be released on a periodic basis over the coming weeks once they are received and interpreted. Annual Equity Incentive Plan Grants Pursuant to the Company's Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") dated December 17, 2020, as amended, and TSX Venture Exchange policies, Maple Gold's Board of Directors has approved the annual grant of stock options ("Options"), Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") and Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") to certain employees, officers, directors and consultants. The Company granted Options to purchase an aggregate of 7,100,000 common shares of the Company (each, a "Common Share"), with an exercise price of $0.085 per Common Share. The Options will vest in three equal tranches over a 24-month period. Once vested, each Option is exercisable into one Common Share for a period of five years from the date of the grant. The Company also granted a total of 2,650,000 RSUs and 750,000 DSUs. The RSUs will vest in three equal tranches over a 36-month period. Once vested, each RSU and DSU entitles the holder to receive one Common Share (or its cash equivalent, or a combination thereof), net of applicable withholdings. DSUs may only be exercised once a director ceases to serve on the Company's Board of Directors. Further information regarding the Plan is set out in the Company's Management Information Circular filed on July 26, 2024, which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Qualified Person Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng. (PEO/EGBC/OGQ), Vice President, Technical Services of Maple Gold, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information related to exploration and Mineral Resource matters contained in this news release. Mr. Cunningham-Dunlop is a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Quality Assurance and Quality Control The Company implements strict QA/QC protocols at the Douay Gold Project covering the planning and placing of drill holes in the field, drilling and retrieving the NQ-sized drill core, drill hole surveying, core transport, core logging by qualified personnel, sampling and bagging of cut drill core for analysis, and the transport of samples from site to commercial laboratories for analysis. All core drilling conducted by the Company is oriented. Samples of drill core were cut by a diamond blade rock saw, with half of the cut core placed in individual sealed polyurethane bags and half placed back in the original core box for permanent storage at the Douay site. Sample lengths typically vary from a minimum 0.3-m interval to a maximum 1.5-m interval, with an average 0.5-m to 1.0-m sample length. Drill core samples were delivered by truck in sealed woven plastic bags to AGAT laboratory facility in Val d'Or, Quebec for sample preparation with final analysis at AGAT Geochemistry Analytical Lab facility in Thunder Bay, ON and Calgary, AB. AGAT Geochemistry operates by meeting all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015. For sample preparation, cut drill core is dried and crushed to 90% passing 2 mm, split to 500 g, pulverizing to 95% passing 105 microns. Gold is determined by fire-assay fusion of a 50-g sub-sample with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Samples that return values >10 ppm gold from fire assay and ICP-OES are determined by using 50-g sample fire assay and a gravimetric finish. Selected samples with visible gold or high-grade mineralization are assayed by Metallic Screen Fire Assay on a 1-kg sample. A sub-sample from the homogenized pulps after sample prep is sent to Calgary, AB for the multi-acid digestion (4 Acid Digest) analysis. 0.2 g is weighed out for each sample for 4 Acid Digest and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma emissions spectrometry or mass spectrometry (ICP-OES/MS). ICP-OES/MS analyzes various metals including silver, gold, copper, lead and zinc. All AGAT Geochemistry sites comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. AGAT Geochemistry follows the quality management and operational guidelines set out in the international standards ISO/IEC 17025 - "General Requirement for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories" and ISO 9001 - "Quality Management Systems". The Company maintains a robust QA/QC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material). About the Douay/Joutel Gold Project The Douay/Joutel Gold Project is located adjacent to Highway 109 in the heart of Quebec's northern Abitibi Greenstone Belt, a world-class Archean gold district. This large, 100%-owned land package includes the Company's flagship Douay gold project, which hosts an established mineral resource1 containing 511,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) and 2.53 million ounces of gold (Inferred), as well as the past-producing, high-grade Joutel Mine Complex2. The Property contains 481 km2 of highly prospective geology within the influence of the major gold-bearing Casa Berardi Deformation Zone. Gold mines in the immediate region include the Casa Berardi Gold Mine operated by Hecla Mining Company and the Detour Lake Gold Mine operated by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. About Maple Gold Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company focused on advancing its 100%-owned, district-scale Douay/Joutel Gold Project located in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Canada's premier gold mining jurisdiction. Douay/Joutel benefits from exceptional infrastructure access and boasts 481 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold mineral resource at Douay with significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel. In addition, the Company holds an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Eagle Mine Property, a key part of the historical Joutel Mining Complex. Maple Gold's property package also hosts a significant number of regional exploration targets along a 55-km strike length of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone that have yet to be tested through drilling, making the property ripe for new gold and polymetallic discoveries. The Company is currently focused on carrying out exploration and drill programs to grow mineral resources and make new discoveries to establish an exciting new gold district in the heart of the Abitibi. For more information, please visit www.maplegoldmines.com. ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD. "Kiran Patankar" Kiran Patankar, President & CEO 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 PRESS RELEASE. Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Notes: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada. Forward-Looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Forward-ooking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements about the resource expansion and discovery potential across the Company's gold projects, and its intention to pursue such potential, and the Company's exploration work and results from current and future work programs. Although the Company believes that forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct, as forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimate of future events on the date the statements are made and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of additional risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this news release, please refer to the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval Plus (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca or the Company's website at www.maplegoldmines.com. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and/or the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any intention to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 1 The Douay Project contains Indicated Mineral Resources estimated at 10 million tonnes at a grade of 1.59 g/t Au (containing 511,000 ounces of gold), and Inferred Mineral Resources estimated at 76.7 million tonnes at a grade of 1.02 g/t Au (containing 2,527,000 ounces of gold). See the technical report for the Douay Gold Project entitled "Technical Report on the Douay and Joutel Projects Northwestern Quebec, Canada Report for NI 43-101" prepared by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. with an effective date of March 17, 2022, and dated April 29, 2022. 2 The Eagle, Eagle West and Telbel gold mines at Joutel were in production from 1974 to 1993 and produced 1.1 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 6.5 g/t Au (Agnico Eagle Mines Limited's corporate website) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Silver Corp. (Apollo or the Company) (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ross McElroy as President and CEO, effective immediately, succeeding Mr. Andrew Bowering, who will remain as Chair of the Board. Mr. McElroy joins Apollo following the successful acquisition of Fission Uranium, a company he co-founded and eventually led as CEO, by Paladin Energy in a $1.14 billion transaction. Mr. McElroy is a professional geologist with over 38 years of mining industry experience, both in operational and corporate roles, having worked with major, mid-tier, and junior mining and exploration companies. His extensive international background spans from grassroots exploration to development to mining operations. He has played a key role in the discoveries of numerous world-class uranium and gold orebodies, several of which have been advanced to development and mining operations. His accomplishments have earned widespread recognition, including being named The Northern Miners Mining Person of the Year (2013), and receiving PDACs prestigious Bill Dennis Award (2014). Mr. McElroy holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in Geology from the University of Alberta, and is a registered professional geologist in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. I am excited to be joining Apollo as its new President and CEO at such a pivotal time in the Companys growth and development, said Mr. McElroy. Apollo is backed by a strong portfolio of silver assets and a highly capable team with a proven track record. Im eager to build on that foundation and drive the Company toward its next phase of growth. I see a major opportunity to unlock significant value for shareholders as the Company advances towards becoming a leading silver developer in the Americas. Mr. Bowering added, I am looking forward to working closely with Ross. Our ability to attract someone with Ross expertise, energy and track record of value creation speaks volumes about the opportunity at Apollo. I believe he will have a transformative impact on the Companys future and all stakeholders will benefit greatly. Grant of Options In connection with his appointment, Mr. McElroy has been granted an aggregate of 2,500,000 incentive stock options (the Options) pursuant to the Companys Omnibus Incentive Plan. The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.315 per common share, have a term of five years, and will vest over a 24-month period: one-third on the grant date, one-third after 12 months, and the balance after 24 months. About Apollo Silver Corp. Apollo has assembled an experienced and technically strong leadership team who have joined to advance quality precious metals projects in sought after jurisdictions. The Company is focused on advancing its portfolio of two prospective silver exploration and resource development projects, the Calico Project, in San Bernardino County, California and the Cinco de Mayo Project, in Chihuahua, Mexico. Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew Bowering Chairman For further information, please contact: Andrew Bowering Chairman Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 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 news release includes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation the statements regarding the Companys future growth, development plans, potential to unlock shareholder value, and expectations regarding Mr. McElroys impact on the Company and its stakeholders. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, potential, target, budget and intend and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused 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 but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Companys projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and Ba; the demand for silver, gold and Ba; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking 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 statements will prove to be accurate and 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 contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Companys expected financial and operational performance and the Companys plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Eminent Gold Corp. (TSXV: EMNT) (FSE: 7AB) ("Eminent" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated April 7, 2025, the Company has closed its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") which included participation by Kinross Gold Corp. ("Kinross"), one of North America's largest gold producers. As part of the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 10,711,900 units ("Units") at $0.40 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $4,284,760, with Kinross acquiring 7,574,237 Units. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.70, exercisable for 24 months following the closing of the Offering. Kinross now owns 9.9% of the outstanding shares of the Company and has the right to maintain its 9.9% interest in future financings subject to certain exceptions. Furthermore, Kinross will have a right to increase its ownership percentage to 19.9% of the outstanding shares, calculated on a partially diluted basis, including other rights and obligations as described in the April 7, 2025, news release. The net proceeds from the Offering will primarily support drilling at the Hot Springs Range Projectan analogue to the 50-million-ounce gold Getchell Trend1as well as at the Celts Project, a direct analogue to AngloGold Ashanti's Silicon deposit in Nevada's prolific Walker Lane Trend. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be allocated to working capital, accounts payable, and marketing services. Paul Sun, President and CEO of the Company, commented: "Kinross's strategic investment in Eminent is a strong endorsement of our team, our vision, and the exceptional potential of the Hot Springs Range and Celts Projects, which exhibit compelling geological similarities to some of Nevada's most significant gold deposits. This funding allows us to advance drilling with a disciplined approach, ensuring efficient execution of our exploration plans, including the launch of our inaugural drill program at Celts. We are excited to build on this momentum and continue unlocking the untapped potential within our projects." Minvisory Corp. acted as the Company's financial advisor and McMillan LLP acted as the Company's legal advisors in connection with the strategic investment. The Company paid a success fee of $151,484 and 378,711 Warrants to Minvisory Corp. in connection with the strategic investment. Additionally, the Company paid cash fees of $16,510 and issued 27,500 broker warrants (the "Broker Warrant") to registered dealers in relation to the Offering. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder to subscribe for one Share at $0.70 until May 2, 2027. Furthermore, the Company has entered into an agreement with Scout Drilling LLC ("Scout"), under which Scout will receive 520,163 Units in exchange for US$150,000 for past drilling services rendered by Scout. The Offering is being conducted in reliance upon certain prospectus and private placement exemptions. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period in Canada expiring September 3, 2025. The common shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the common shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Sun CEO & Director About Eminent Gold Eminent Gold is a gold exploration company focused on creating shareholder value through the exploration and discovery of world-class gold deposits in Nevada. Its multidisciplinary team has had multiple successes in gold discoveries and brings expertise and new ideas to the Great Basin. The Company's exploration assets in the Great Basin include: Hot Springs Range Project, Gilbert South, and Celts. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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 made in this news release include the anticipated completion of the private placement and the use of proceeds from the private placement. Although Eminent Gold Corp. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including the assumption that records and reports of historical work are accurate and correct, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward, to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop the Company's projects or its other projects, to repay its debt and for general working capital purposes; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations, future prices of gold, silver and other metals, changes in general economic conditions, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the Company's projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, aboriginal title claims and rights to consultation and accommodation, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. PERTH, Australia, May 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN, TSX:PDN, OTCQX:PALAF) (Paladin or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Templeman-Jones as independent non-executive director of the Company. Ms Templeman-Jones is a highly experienced non-executive director who has had a wide-ranging executive career in finance, corporate and private banking roles. She commenced her career in a variety of audit and tax roles with PWC internationally and within Australia. Her banking career included senior positions with ANZ Bank and Westpac. For the past decade Ms Templeman-Jones has held a diverse portfolio of Board roles including with ASX-listed Commonwealth Bank of Australia, global engineering services company Worley Limited which operates across the mining minerals, oil & gas, chemicals and renewable energy sectors, software and technology services provider The Trifork AG Group, and automotive products provider GUD Holdings Limited. Ms Templeman-Jones has made a significant contribution to a range of public Boards including as a director of the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre, a $300 million Federal Government fund to strengthen Australias cyber security capabilities. Paladin Chair Cliff Lawrenson said, We are delighted to welcome a new independent director of Annes experience and capability to the Paladin Energy Board at this exciting time in our journey as a proven developer and uranium producer with a multi-decade growth pipeline of projects. Annes extensive knowledge of audit, risk, technology transformation and financing will be a real asset for the Board and shareholders. She will take a leadership role on the Board in these areas as Chair Elect of our Audit and Risk Committee, as well as contributing to the ongoing development of global strategy and compliance in multiple jurisdictions. Ms Templeman-Jones appointment to the Paladin Board is effective 5 May 2025 and election by shareholders will be sought at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Paladin Energy Ltd. For further information contact: Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - K2 Gold Corporation (TSXV: KTO) (OTCQB: KTGDF) (FSE: 23K) ("K2" or the "Company") today announced that the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for K2's Mojave Exploration Drilling Project in Inyo County, CA. The BLM has also published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register, opening the final 45-day comment period on the project. The statement below was taken directly from the BLM News Release announcing the Notice of Availability: The proposed project supports DOI Secretarial Order 3418 - Unleashing American Energy, by encouraging exploration and production on federal lands to meet the needs of American citizens. The proposed area is designated as open to mineral exploration. "It is an exciting time for K2, as we pass this milestone and approach the end of the permitting process," stated Anthony Margarit, CEO of K2 Gold. "The publication of the DEIS reflects years of diligent environmental studies, community engagement, and collaboration with regulatory agencies. It represents a major step forward in advancing and de-risking the Mojave Project in the most responsible and sustainable manner possible." "The Mojave project is one of the most outstanding exploration projects I have ever been involved with," stated John Robins, Chairman of K2. "Mojave not only has the potential to host large high grade oxide gold deposit(s), it is also highly prospective terrain for high grade silver, lead, zinc skarns, and porphyry copper/gold deposits. I am proud that K2 has advanced this project, recognizing the importance of meaningful community and tribal engagement, data collection and analysis, while carefully addressing access to America's mineral resources." The public comment period will be open for 45 days, during which interested members of the public are encouraged to review the DEIS and provide feedback. The document can be accessed via the BLM's ePlanning website or directly through the BLM National NEPA Register. A final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared following the close of the public comment period, incorporating relevant feedback, followed by the Record of Decision (the final decision of permit grant). For more information about the DEIS and the Mojave Project, please visit www.k2gold.com. About the Mojave Project The Mojave Project is a 5,830-hectare oxide gold project with base metal targets located in California. Multiple previously recognized surface gold targets have been successfully drilled in the past, most notably by Newmont and BHP. Since acquiring the property, K2 has completed geochemical and geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, LiDAR, a WorldView 3 alteration survey, and successfully completed a 17-hole RC drill program focused on the Dragonfly and Newmont Zones. Highlights from K2's drilling program include 6.68 g/t Au over 45.72m from surface at the Dragonfly Zone, and 1.69 g/t Au over 41.15m from 44.20m depth at the Newmont Zone. About K2 Gold K2 is a proud member of Discovery Group and currently has projects in Southwest USA and the Yukon. K2 is committed to transparency, accountability, environmental stewardship, safety, and community engagement. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Anthony Margarit" President and CEO K2 Gold Corporation. K2 Gold Corporation is a member of Discovery Group based in Vancouver, Canada. For more information please visit: discoverygroup.ca. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. Forward-Looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the exploration program at Si2, Wels, and Mojave, including results of drilling, and future exploration plans at Si2, Wels, and Mojave. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, and the Company's inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies. The reader is referred to the Company's public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. No securities of the Company have been or will, in the foreseeable future, 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 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 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2025) - Dolly Varden Silver Corporation (TSXV: DV) (NYSE American: DVS) (FSE: DVQ1) (the "Company" or "Dolly Varden") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Hecla Mining Company's ("Hecla") Kinskuch property in northwest BC's Golden Triangle (the "Transaction"). The Transaction will consolidate a district scale, contiguous claim package that includes the Kitsault Valley, Big Bulk and Kinskuch projects. This consolidation of Hecla and Dolly Varden's project areas dramatically increases the Kitsault Valley Project size to approximately 77,000 hectares, covering some of the most underexplored and prospective rocks for silver, gold and copper mineralization in the Golden Triangle. "Consolidating Dolly Varden's Kitsault Valley Project with our major shareholder Hecla's large and underexplored claims covering prospective Hazelton Group rocks will allow for more efficient exploration and enable us to unlock value on our path to be a premier precious metals company. Additionally, we welcome Hecla's increased share ownership in our Company," stated Shawn Khunkhun, President and CEO of Dolly Varden. Dolly Varden has agreed to purchase the Kinskuch property from Hecla for consideration of $5 million, which shall be satisfied by Dolly Varden issuing 1,351,963 common shares of the Company ("Common Shares") to Hecla. Hecla will also retain a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Kinskuch property area (the "NSR"). The NSR will include a 50% buyback right, for $5 million, that will allow Dolly Varden to reduce the royalty to 1% at any time. As per an existing agreement between Dolly Varden and Hecla, Hecla will maintain a designated position on Dolly Varden's Technical Committee, working together to unlock the potential of the underexplored areas. The issuance of the Common Shares and completion of the Transaction remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange and NYSE America approval and other customary conditions and is currently expected to complete in mid May. The Transaction will increase Hecla's ownership in Dolly Varden, leveraging the experience of Dolly Varden's technical team to explore two separate, 30-kilometer-long trends of Hazelton Group rocks. "We will be using our structural and lithological framework model developed at the Kitsault Valley Trend that has led our team to significant discoveries such as the Wolf Vein and applying them to exploration of the Illiance Trend. Hecla was successful in identifying a subparallel trend of silver-rich mineralization, located to the east of our significant silver and gold deposits," states Rob van Egmond, VP Exploration for Dolly Varden. Dolly Varden's increased mineral tenure holdings will triple the total strike length of favorable Jurassic age Hazelton-group volcanic rocks and associated "Red Line" by adding the Illiance trend to the Kitsault Valley trend. Both the Kitsault Valley and the Illiance trends are interpreted to be part of a district scale, sub-basin of the Eskay Rift period. The Illiance trend has seen little modern exploration work, limited to localized diamond drilling by Hecla on the three kilometer long, north-south trending Illy epithermal system. Also included within the acquisition area is the past producing Esperanza Mine (1910), interpreted as quartz-carbonate veins with similar silver grades to the historic Dolly Varden Mine (1920) hosted in Upper Hazelton sedimentary rocks. The Esperanza Mine is located along the Kitsault Valley access road, two kilometers north of Dolly Varden's camp in Alice Arm, BC. The southwestern portion of the acquired claims covers Hazelton Group rocks that trend to within seven kilometers of Goliath Resources' recently discovered Surebet Zone gold mineralization. The area south of Big Bulk has the potential to host additional gold-copper porphyry systems along the south trend towards the Kitsault molybdenum porphyry deposit, which is being actively advanced by Newmoly llc. The Kinskuch property is covered by a recently renewed five-year Exploration Permit on both Nisga'a and Gitanyow Traditional Lands. Hecla is considered a "related party" of the Company pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") on account of Hecla owning 10,606,374 Common Shares of Dolly Varden, representing approximately 13.3% of the outstanding Common Shares. As such, the Transaction is considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to MI 61-101. The Transaction is exempt from the formal valuation requirements and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to Section 5.5(a) and Section 5.7(1)(a), respectively, as the value of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Transaction will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Transaction was negotiated by disinterested members of management of Dolly Varden and Hecla. The Transaction was unanimously approved by the disinterested members of the Dolly Varden Board of Directors. The Common Shares issuable to Hecla will be subject to a four-month statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. No finder's fees or commissions are payable by the Company in connection with the Transaction. Qualified Person Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., Vice-President Exploration for Dolly Varden Silver, the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI43-101 has reviewed, validated and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and supervises the ongoing exploration program at the Dolly Varden Project. Rob van Egmond, P.Geo. is not independent of the Company in accordance with NI 43-101. About Dolly Varden Silver Corporation Dolly Varden Silver Corporation is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing its 100% held Kitsault Valley Project (which combines the Dolly Varden Project and the Homestake Ridge Project) located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, Canada, 25kms by road to tide water. The 163 sq. km. project hosts the high-grade silver and gold resources of Dolly Varden and Homestake Ridge along with the past producing Dolly Varden and Torbrit silver mines. It is considered to be prospective for hosting further precious metal deposits, being on the same structural and stratigraphic belts that host numerous other, on-trend, high-grade deposits, such as Eskay Creek and Brucejack. The Kitsault Valley Project also contains the Big Bulk property which is prospective for porphyry and skarn style copper and gold mineralization, similar to other such deposits in the region (Red Mountain, KSM, Red Chris). Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe", "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "potential", "prospective" and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements included in this news release include: the description of the transaction to be completed with Hecla, the proposed timing of closing of the Transaction, the steps required to complete the Transaction and the proposed benefits of completing such transactions. Forward-Looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Dolly Varden to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks associated with the speculative nature of exploration and development of minerals; the anticipates substantial future capital expenditures associated with the exploration and development of its assets and there can be no assurance that debt or equity financing will be available; inherent competition in the mining industry; risks associate with volatility in mineral prices; risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; environmental risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties; the Company is reliant on key personnel; risks associated with working in remote regions; risks associated with maintaining positive community relations; and the other risks disclosed in the Company's annual information form ("AIF") dated March 28, 2024 for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the Company's Form 40-F registration statement as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The risk factors identified in the Company's public filings are not intended to represent a complete list of factors that could affect the Company. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and assume, among other things, the ability of the Company to satisfy the requirements of listing and registration, and to successfully pursue its current development plans, that future sources of funding will be available to the Company, that relevant commodity prices will remain at levels that are economically viable for the Company and that the Company will receive relevant permits in a timely manner in order to enable its operations, but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. MONTREAL, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Metals Incorporated (the Company or "Osisko Metals") (TSX-V: OM; OTCQX: OMZNF; FRANKFURT: 0B51) is pleased to announce new drilling results from the 2025 drilling program at the Gaspe Copper Project, located in the Gaspe Peninsula of Eastern Quebec. Results for six new holes are reported below, located at the southern end of the deposit defined in the 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE, see attached map and November 14, 2024 news release). Highlights (see Table 1 below): Drill hole 30-1065, located near the southern limit of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 323.0 metres averaging 0.43% Cu and 3.18 g/t Ag, including a higher-grade intersection of 13.3 metres averaging 2.50% Cu and 17.8 g/t Ag in the C Zone skarn horizon. including a higher-grade intersection of in the C Zone skarn horizon. Drill hole 30-1061, located near the western limit of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 172.5 metres averaging 0.18% Cu and 1.52 g/t Ag , and a second intercept of 215.5 metres averaging 0.31% Cu and 2.67 g/t Ag at depth below the 2024 MRE model, extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 712 metres. , and a second intercept of at depth below the 2024 MRE model, extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 712 metres. Drill hole 30-1064, located in the south-central portion of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 164.7 metres averaging 0.26% Cu and 1.94 g/t Ag, and a second intercept of 141.0 metres averaging 0.26% Cu and 2.20 g/t Ag, all within the 2024 MRE model. A third intersection at depth below the base of the 2024 MRE model returned 71.1 metres averaging 0.37% Cu and 2.58 g/t Ag , extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 618 metres. and a second intercept of all within the 2024 MRE model. A third intersection at depth below the base of the 2024 MRE model returned , extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 618 metres. Drill hole 30-1067, located 215 metres south of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 136.8 metres averaging 0.32% Cu and 3.18 g/t Ag from surface, extending the footprint of the deposit and again indicating that mineralization remains open to the south (see April 14, 2024 news release). Robert Wares, Osisko Metals CEO, commented: We are very pleased with these new drill results at Gaspe which continue to confirm our new geological model. New mineralization has again been added at depth, well below C Zone skarn horizon, and drill hole 30-1067 further demonstrates the potential to extend the deposit to the south. DDH 30-1067 was terminated in an undocumented stope above the C zone, at a depth of 137 metres. Further drilling will be conducted this month to test the deeper stratigraphy in this area for extended mineralization (to the base of the E zone, about 316 metres below hole 30-1067. Table 1: Drill hole mineralized intervals, see attached map for drill hole locations. DDH No. From To Width Cu Ag Mo (m) (m) (m) % g/t % 30-1061 12.0 184.5 172.5 0.18 1.52 <0.005 And 228.0 274.5 46.5 0.35 2.05 <0.005 And 327.0 358.5 31.5 0.25 1.93 <0.005 And 497.0 712.5 215.5 0.31 2.67 <0.005 30-1062 19.0 72.0 53.0 0.19 2.18 <0.005 And 96.0 128.5 32.5 0.15 1.62 <0.005 And 282.0 307.0 25.0 0.19 1.62 <0.005 30-1064 36.0 200.7 164.7 0.26 1.94 <0.005 And 235.5 376.5 141.0 0.26 2.20 <0.005 And 497.7 505.3 7.6 1.04 9.29 0.133 And 546.9 618.0 71.1 0.37 2.58 <0.005 30-1065* 12.0 335.0 323.0 0.43 3.18 <0.005 (Including) 205.8 216.9 11.1 1.54 12.5 <0.005 (Including) 260.0 273.3 13.3 2.50 17.8 <0.005 And 520.5 555.0 34.5 0.35 2.61 <0.005 30-1066 573.0 604.5 31.5 0.41 4.37 <0.005 30-1067* 15.0 151.8 136.8 0.32 3.18 <0.005 *Holes marked by an asterisk intersected stopes and did not reach targeted depths. The deposit remains open to the south and southwest. Drill holes 30-1062 and 30-1066 are located at the southeast margin and to the east of the 2024 MRE limit (respectively), and these two holes did not intersect significant mineralization, indicating that the deposit may not extend towards the east. All holes were drilled sub-vertically into the altered calcareous stratigraphy which dips 20 to 25 degrees to the north; true widths are estimated at 90-92% of reported widths. The L1 (C Zone) the L2 (E Zone) skarn/marble horizons were intersected in most holes, as well as intervening porcellanites (pale green to white potassic-altered hornfels) that host the bulk of the disseminated copper mineralization. The November 2024 MRE was limited at depth to the base of the L1 skarn horizon (C Zone), and all mineralized intersections below this horizon represent potential depth extensions to the deposit, to be included in the next scheduled MRE update in H1 2026. Mineralization occurs as disseminations and veinlets of chalcopyrite and is mostly stratigraphically controlled in the area of Needle Mountain, Needle East and Copper Brook. As expected, no significant molybdenum mineralization was encountered in porcellanites in the latter areas, but high grades (up to 0.4% Mo) were locally obtained in both the C Zone and E Zone skarns. The bulk of the molybdenum mineralization occurs in veinlet stockworks further north at Copper Mountain, where true porphyry copper-style mineralization occurs, forming a distinct secondary mineralized zone that is characterized by widespread, continuous copper-molybdenum stockwork mineralization radiating from the central source of hydrothermal fluids, i.e. the Copper Mountain porphyry intrusion. At least five vein/stockwork mineralizing events have been recognized at Copper Mountain, which overprint earlier skarn/porcellanite-hosted mineralization throughout the Gaspe Copper system. The 2022 to 2024 Osisko Metals drill programs were focused on defining open-pit resources within the Copper Mountain stockwork mineralization, leading to the May 2024 MRE (see May 6, 2024 press release). Extending the resource model south of Copper Mountain into the poorly-drilled primary skarn/porcellanite portion of the system subsequently led to a significantly increased resource, mostly in the Inferred category (see November 14, 2024 press release). The current drill program is designed to convert of the November 2024 MRE to Measured and Indicated categories, as well as test the expansion of the system deeper into the stratigraphy and laterally to the south and southwest towards Needle East and Needle Mountain respectively. Qualified Person Mr. Bernard-Olivier Martel, P. Geo. is the Independent Qualified Person responsible for the technical data reported in this news release and he is a Professional Geologist registered in the Province of Quebec. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Mineralized intervals reported herein are calculated using an average 0.12% copper lower cut-off over contiguous 20-metre intersections (shorter intervals as the case may be at the upper and lower limits of reported intervals). Intervals of 20 metres or less are reported unless indicating significantly higher grades. Osisko Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC program for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses, including insertion of blanks and standards in the sample stream. Drill core is drilled in HQ or NQ diameter and securely transported to its core processing facility on site, where it is logged, cut and sampled. Samples selected for assay are sealed and shipped to ALS Canada Ltd.s preparation facility in Sudbury. Sample preparation details (code PREP-31DH) are available on the ALS Canada website. Pulps are analyzed at the ALS Canada Ltd. facility in North Vancouver, BC. All samples are analyzed by four acid digestion followed by both ICP-AES and ICP-MS for copper, molybdenum and silver. About Osisko Metals Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspe Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspe Copper mine is located near Murdochville in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system, with current Indicated Mineral Resources of 824 Mt averaging 0.34% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 670 Mt averaging 0.38% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' November 14, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspe Copper". Gaspe Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Quebec. In addition to the Gaspe Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada's largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt averaging 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt averaging 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' June 25, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq". The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometers of viable haul roads. For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact: Don Njegovan, President, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspe Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company's trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system and Gaspe Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals' issuer profile. 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. If you had regularly attended hearings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), there would have been familiar faces among the lawyers presenting the arguments that took place last week about Israels obligations as an occupying state and as a member of the United Nations. There is a strong cross-over with those who have previously argued on the separate case brought by South Africa under the Genocide Convention against Israel a case that has resulted in several provisional measures ordered by the ICJ requiring Israel to provide the means of survival to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip, amid the assault of the Israeli army on Hamas since October 7, 2023. This requested advisory opinion by the UN general assembly, however, is different from both the genocide case and last years advisory opinion on Israels responsibilities as an occupying power. Last years only addressed issues up to October 2023, before the attack by Hamas, notes Wim Muller, an Assistant Professor of Public International Law at Maastricht University. While this one is in response to the current circumstances in Gaza as described once again by the head of UN agency in charge of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief (OCHA) on May 3: 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, said Tom Fletcher in a written address to those who can still reason with the Israeli authorities. That's why the UN general assembly explicitly asked the court for expedited hearings, says Muller, as a direct response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But in the end, all these different cases, each having their own restrictions and limitations, make up a kind of puzzle in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, says Muller. And indeed there was a repetition in evidence presented to the court of the ongoing tragedy, with more recent details on the intensity of the threats to Palestinian women and children and the daily toll of deaths and injuries doctors have witnessed and are unable to treat. Gaza is now home to the largest cohort of child amputees in the world, the largest orphan crisis in modern history, and a whole generation in danger of suffering from stunting, causing irreparable physical and cognitive impairments; over 15,600 children have been killed violently. Tens of thousands more of Gazas children are injured or missing, and many of those surviving are so traumatised that they openly express the wish to die, Irish lawyer Blinne Ni Ghralaigh, previously representing South Africa in the genocide proceedings, told the court on behalf of Palestine. A video from Dr Muhamad Mustafa, an Australian doctor who was volunteering in Gaza last March, was played, in which he said: The bombing has been non-stop. Weve run out of ketamine, weve run out of Propofol, weve run out of all painkillers. We cant sedate anyone, we cant give them any analgesia. When we intubate people, they wake up and theyre choking because we have no sedation. There are seven girls getting their legs amputated, no anesthesia It was just mostly women and children, burnt head to toe, limbs missing, heads missing. Israels isolation Juliette McIntyre, a lecturer in law at the University of South Australia, says the courts role is important because it gets to reaffirm the rules for everyone, including for states which might be tempted to not provide UN access. It's like a tug of war. Every time you get a state that disobeys or breaches a norm, the norm is weakened because other states see you getting away with it and they think oh I could do that too. When the court comes along and restates the norm, the norm is strengthened. Some 40 states and international organizations have affirmed in written and oral submissions to the court that Israel has a legal duty to allow aid into the Gaza Strip and to cooperate with the UN's aid agency for Palestine, UNRWA, which was created in 1949 after the creation of the state of Israel, to support the Palestinian refugees spread in camps across several countries. In October 2024 Israels parliament, the Knesset, banned the agency. In its legal submissions to the ICJ Israel says the UN body is a security threat. Many states in their submissions pointed out that allegations about UNRWAs lack of neutrality and its infiltration by Hamas have been independently investigated and the agency has been absolved while it was implementing reforms. But Jerusalem provided a 37-page written submission to the court, in which UNWRA is referenced 278 times. UNRWAs failure to abide by its mandate and to uphold the fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which the UN has long acknowledged are essential to the provision of humanitarian assistance, is as indisputable as it is egregious, it says. The paper argues that Israel is entitled to end cooperation with the organisation for the sake of its own security. Israels position is that it is following international law. It was backed by submissions from the US and Hungary. What's really interesting about this one, says McIntyre, is just how very straightforward the law is and how everyone, except for the US and Hungary, agrees. Including countries like Russia and China, which is kind of unusual, she says. Muller says it shows how isolated Israels legal position has become. It seems that it's kind of losing the argument, he says. Is anything not clear? The continued use of the ICJ for both contentious cases and the request for advisory opinions is striking. More states are finding their way to the courts and they're making submissions even when you might wonder why they are devoting their resources to this, says Muller. It just shows that they do see the court as a legitimate form, to present their views and to make them known on the international legal stage. Many of the arguments were about reparations, acknowledged McIntyre. The one thing that is most interesting about this case is how not interesting it is, which is that everyone is there to say the same thing. The law on occupation is very clear. The law about immunities is extremely clear. There's really not much in the way of wriggle room here. So how are judges likely to rule? It's obviously always hard to predict, says Muller. But because of the specific way the question has been formulated What are the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and as a member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, including its agencies and bodies, other international organizations and third States, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including to ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population as well as of basic services and humanitarian and development assistance, for the benefit of the Palestinian civilian population, and in support of the Palestinian peoples right to self-determination? , the court could treat it narrowly, by just reaffirming the law. Or, Muller says, the context gives the potential to rule on a very broad scope because it even includes a reference to the Palestinian right to self-determination. You can also tell from the way some states have responded to it and the kind of submissions that they've made that some of them also take it very, very broadly, even going into all kinds of remedies. Three of the ICJ judges asked questions during the week-long hearing specifically about the current Israeli blockade. It's possible that in light of the factual background that the court takes one further step and rules a bit more broadly than we might expect, says Muller. The court is aware of the context. It is just answering the question while at the same time being well aware of the politics around it, says McIntyre. Meanwhile, Israel has leaked details of a new plan for delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza that would cut UNWRA out completely. The proposal, which may be approved at Sundays Israeli cabinet meeting, has already been widely rejected by aid agencies. Muller speculates that in response, if Israel manages to come up with another way that also satisfies legal standards, that might have some influence in the sense that it might narrow the scope or it might make the court more inclined to spare Israel in one way or the other in its opinion. I do think that it could play a role because the court tends to be quite pragmatic as well. The United Arab Emirates welcomed a decision Monday by the International Court of Justice to dismiss a case alleging complicity in genocide in Sudan, calling it "utterly baseless". "This decision is a clear and decisive affirmation of the fact that this case was utterly baseless," said Reem Ketait, deputy assistant minister for political affairs at the UAE foreign ministry, adding in a statement sent to AFP that "the court's finding that it is without jurisdiction confirms that this case should never have been brought." The top United Nations court on Monday threw out Sudan's case against the United Arab Emirates over alleged complicity in genocide during the brutal Sudanese civil war. Sudan had taken the UAE to the International Court of Justice over its alleged support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), saying it was contributing to a genocide -- accusations denied by the Emiratis. But the ICJ said it "manifestly lacked" jurisdiction to rule on the case and threw out it out. When the UAE signed up to the UN's Genocide Convention in 2005, it entered a "reservation" to a key clause that allows countries to sue others at the ICJ over disputes. This reservation meant the ICJ did not have the power to intervene in the case. A UAE official hailed the judges' ruling. "This decision is a clear and decisive affirmation of the fact that this case was utterly baseless," Reem Ketait, deputy assistant minister for political affairs at the UAE foreign ministry, said in a statement to AFP. Before the ruling, Ketait had accused Sudan of lodging the case in a "cynical attempt to divert attention from their own brutal record of atrocities against Sudanese civilians". Since April 2023, Sudan has been torn apart by a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The war has triggered what aid agencies call the world's largest displacement, and hunger crises. Famine has officially hit five areas across Sudan, according to a UN-backed assessment. The North Darfur region has been a particular battleground, with at least 542 civilians killed in the past three weeks, according to the United Nations. The ICJ said it was "deeply concerned about the unfolding human tragedy in Sudan that forms the backdrop to the present dispute". "The violent conflict has a devastating effect, resulting in untold loss of life and suffering, in particular in West Darfur," the court added. As the court found that it lacked jurisdiction to go forward with Sudan's legal action, it did not rule on the fundamental merits of the case. The court noted that: "Whether or not states have accepted the jurisdiction of the court... they are required to comply with their obligations (to the Genocide Convention)." Countries also "remain responsible for acts attributable to them which are contrary to their international obligations". A handful of pro-Sudan protesters staged a demonstration outside the Peace Palace, the seat of the ICJ in The Hague, shouting and brandishing banners including one that read "UAE kills Sudan". "We feel completely disappointed... We only ask for justice," said one protester, Hisham Fadl Akasha, a 57-year-old engineer. The Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights (RWCHR), based in Montreal, called the ICJ's decision "a travesty". "Today, one can only feel shocked -- if not betrayed -- by the ongoing level of indifference and impunity in the face of another genocide that is being effectively silenced and sanitised," RWCHR founder Irwin Cotler said in a statement. - 'Reparations' demanded - During hearings on the case last month, Sudan's acting justice minister Muawia Osman told the court the "ongoing genocide would not be possible without UAE complicity, including the shipment of arms to the RSF". "The direct logistical and other support that the UAE has provided and continues to provide to the RSF has been and continues to be the primary driving force behind the genocide now taking place, including killing, rape, forced displacement and looting," said Osman. Khartoum had urged the ICJ judges to force the UAE to stop its alleged support for the RSF and make "full reparations", including compensation to victims of the war. While the ICJ has rejected Sudan's case, the bloody conflict in Sudan shows no sign of easing. On Sunday, the RSF struck Port Sudan, the army said, in the first attack on the seat of the army-aligned government during the country's two-year war. Masters in robotics systems fulfills Kennesaw State online students goal KENNESAW, Ga. | May 5, 2025 Matt Eaton had to convince himself that he could be what he wanted to be an engineer specializing in robotics. I was the classic ADHD kid who thought I was bad at math I thought Id love to be an engineer, but just wasnt smart enough, he said recently. So, I took sort of an artistic route into engineering by earning a bachelors degree in three-dimensional design at Whitworth University. After graduation in 2013, Eaton worked for several years in areas that kept him close to what he loved by teaching robotics and engineering in high school in California, earning a certificate in mechatronics from a community college there along the way. In 2021, he and his wife moved across the country to North Carolina, where he works as the makerspace and engineering lab manager at High Point Universitys Webb School of Engineering. On May 8, Eaton his self-doubts long removed is graduating with an engineering degree, a Master of Intelligent Robotic Systems from Kennesaw State Universitys Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. The program is available on campus or online, and since he lives in Greensboro, N.C., Eaton completed his studies remotely. If you have the opportunity to pursue an online degree, the investment in time and money versus reward for the program at Kennesaw State is fantastic, he said. Eaton said the content of the program is cutting-edge and challenging, and the professors are generous in helping students get the most from their studies. He even got to work for a semester as a remote graduate research assistant. He especially liked the programs flexibility. I really appreciated the asynchronous components of the classes, he said. I wasnt sure how much of the program was going to be on someone elses time, and almost none of it was. There were certain exams that had specific times. But I often needed to put all my focus on my job during the week and would spend the entire weekend on my studies. Eaton has made a positive impression on his KSU instructors. Matt is as diligent a student as can be found. His passion for robotics is what sets him apart, said Matt Marshall, professor of mechatronics engineering. He approaches learning with an eye toward solving important problems with robot technology and educating others about this field. Assistant professor of robotics and mechatronics engineering Razvan Voicu was impressed with Eatons attitude toward the course work. Matt consistently shows exceptional motivation and passion, approaching challenges with enthusiasm and sustained positivity, Voicu said. His dedication and genuine interest consistently drive meaningful progress in his work. It was truly a pleasure to meet and work with him. Eaton sees his degree as something that will enhance his work with engineering students and unlock additional opportunities in robotics education. Though he wanted to attend his Kennesaw State graduation ceremony, this is a remarkably busy and consequential month in the Eaton household. He and his wife are anticipating the birth of their first child this month, as well as the publication of his book Make: Robotic Arms being released on May 20. Story by Gary Tanner Photo submitted Related Stories A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu. Monday, May 5, 2025 - Brian Waititu, the son of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, is once again in the public eye - this time over growing concerns about his alleged struggles with alcoholism. In a video shared on his Tiktok account, Brian, who was commenting on the current national matters, appears in a visibly intoxicated state, igniting debate across social media, with many Kenyans expressing concern over his well-being. His bloodshot eyes and dry lips are signs that excessive alcohol consumption is taking a toll on his body. Alcoholism is a disease, and it doesnt care who your father is, one user commented. I hope this young man gets help before its too late, another user added. This isnt Brians first brush with controversy. He was previously arrested for drunk driving in Nairobi CBD and fined Ksh 30,000. Brian pleaded with the Magistrate for leniency, saying he had only Ksh 10,000 and that his father had refused to bail him out. His friends intervened and bailed him out. Alcoholism seems to be taking a toll on Ex-Governor, FERDINARD WAITITUs son, BRIAN, who was once arrested for drunk-driving pic.twitter.com/RRqJ8bvSYK DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) May 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, May 5, 2025 - A local chicken seller walked away Ksh 100,000 richer after breaching the security of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to offer him a chicken gift. The unexpected incident occurred during a public event in Gatundu North where the Deputy President was addressing a gathering. The daring man made his way past security officers and rushed to the podium holding a live chicken intended as a gift for Kindiki. Security personnel quickly restrained him, but the Deputy President, in a show of compassion, was seen instructing his team not to harm the man. Instead, he allowed him to be brought forward after completing his speech. In front of a jubilant crowd, Kindiki commended the vendors courage and gifted him Ksh 100,000 in cash as a token of appreciation. The crowd erupted in cheers as the grateful vendor received the money, visibly moved by the gesture. Watch the video. DP KINDIKI dishes out Ksh 100,000 in cash to a Kikuyu man who breached his security to gift him a chicken at a public event in Kiambu pic.twitter.com/O1yWqqTdne DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) May 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, May 5, 2025 - One of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duales sons has opened up about their strained relationship, revealing that they dont see each other eye to eye. The young man, who bears a striking resemblance to his father, shared a short video on Tiktok, offering a rare glimpse into their family wrangles by admitting that he has distanced himself from his biological father. Life is so private that no one knows that my dad is the Minister of Health but hatusikizani, he captioned the video. The revelation has sparked widespread interest, with many noting that he is a carbon copy of his father. Watch the video. Family Wrangles!!! Meet CS ADEN DUALEs lookalike son, who has revealed that they dont see each other eye to eye pic.twitter.com/xGNyw4bo7S DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) May 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, May 5, 2025 - Former Bumula Member of Parliament, Mwambu Mabonga, has raised serious concerns over the mysterious death of his daughter, Rebecca Sifua Mabonga, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer, who was laid to rest over the weekend. Speaking during the burial ceremony, Mabonga nearly broke down as he recounted the frustrations he has faced in seeking justice for his daughter. He pointed a finger at the Military Police Unit based at Kahawa Barracks, accusing them of obstructing investigations into the circumstances surrounding his daughters death. I am not happy with the military police unit at Kahawa Barracks. I want to see the rope they claim my daughter used to commit suicide, Mabonga said, raising doubts on the suicide narrative provided by authorities. The former MP also took issue with the father of his late daughters boyfriend, a senior KDF officer at the same barracks, alleging that he has been interfering with the ongoing investigations. Mabonga vowed not to rest until the truth behind his daughters death is uncovered. According to him, the situation at his daughters apartment along Thika Road, where she was reported to have taken her own life, only added to his suspicion. When I visited the house, I found her boyfriend sitting in the tableroom watching TV, looking completely unbothered, he claimed. This is the same man who says she killed herself in the bathroom while he was just there, watching television, he added. Watch the video. Former Bumula MP, MWAMBU MABONGA, almost breaks down as he buries his daughter and disputes claims that she took her own life pic.twitter.com/4VM0N04wQ3 DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) May 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, May 5, 2025 - In a deeply emotional Facebook post that has struck a chord with many online, a Kenyan woman named Akinyi Helen opened up about the painful betrayal she says she experienced at the hands of her younger sister, someone she raised and loved like her own child. Helen, now in her 30s, shared that she took responsibility for her sister following their parents separation. Thirteen years her junior, Helen says she supported her sibling through school until she graduated, sacrificing her own comfort to give her sister a better future. But what she received in return, she claims, was heartbreak. My sister repaid me by sleeping with my man, Thats why I low-key hate marriage. Who does that? Helen wrote. Despite forgiving her, Helen says the situation only worsened. She alleges that her sister began spreading lies about her, manipulating mutual friends, and secretly contacting the father of her child to ask for money - something Helen tried to ignore until it became too much. She acted innocent in front of me but told people I was evil behind my back, Helen explained Now shes trying to ruin everything for me. Helen concluded her post with a heartbreaking confession: I dont want kids anymore. I dont want my daughter going through what I went through with siblings. See her post and the photo of the jealous sister below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, May 5, 2025 - Police are investigating how a foreman at a construction site in Kitengela was robbed of Ksh 307,000 after withdrawing the money from a local bank on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. The victim, who is currently working on a project at Kimalati area, had planned to use the funds to pay his workers but what was supposed to be a routine trip soon turned into a harrowing ordeal. The foreman, who had gone to Diamond Trust Banks Kitengela Branch earlier that day, completed his transaction and proceeded to his car. After withdrawing the cash, he began driving to the construction site where his workers were waiting to be paid. While en route, two men, clad in traffic police uniforms, stopped him along the road, accusing him of committing a traffic violation. The victim, believing the men were legitimate officers, complied when they claimed they needed to accompany him to the local police station to handle the alleged offense. One of the men, dressed in uniform, along with a civilian who had been standing nearby, boarded the victims car. The victim did not suspect any foul play as he continued on his way, accompanied by the two men. As they travelled, the victim noticed that another vehicle, which had been parked nearby, began to follow them. The situation quickly escalated as the men revealed their true intentions. The two men, along with the civilian accomplice, suddenly turned on the foreman, overpowering him and taking control of his vehicle. The suspects then drove the victim towards Old Kiambu Road, about 50 kilometers away from the scene of the attack. They abandoned him in the car on the busy road, leaving him bruised and confused. The robbers also took the victims car key with them as they fled the scene, leaving him stranded and unable to drive his vehicle. The victim, in a state of shock, made his way to Muthaiga Police Station, where he reported the robbery. Detectives are now working closely with their counterparts in Kitengela to investigate the matter and identify the perpetrators. The incident has left around 15 construction workers at the site without their much-awaited pay, as the foreman was unable to complete his intended trip to distribute their wages. This robbery is the latest in a series of similar crimes targeting individuals who withdraw large sums of money from banks. Just months ago, another businessman was targeted in a similar fashion, robbed of Ksh 1.8 million shortly after withdrawing it from a bank in Kitengela. The police believe the victims in these cases may have been followed or tracked by the suspects after making their bank withdrawals, suggesting possible insider involvement or coordinated planning by the criminals. Via Cyprian Nyakundi. Monday, May 5, 2025 - A dramatic security scare unfolded on Sunday when a man unexpectedly breached the security detail of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an Economic Empowerment Forum in Gatundu North. The incident occurred just hours after a separate security concern in Migori, where a shoe was thrown at President William Ruto during a public event. In the Gatundu North incident, the unidentified man ran toward DP Kindiki while holding a live chicken, catching Kindikis armed security team off-guard. Swift action was taken as the bodyguards moved in quickly to apprehend the individual and ensure the safety of the Deputy President. Amid the confusion, DP Kindiki was seen calmly instructing his security team not to use force on the man. Achaneni na yeye. Msimuumize, Kindiki said, urging his team not to harm the intruder. These twin security breaches, occurring on the same day in different parts of the country, have raised fresh concerns about the safety of Kenya's political leaders and the need for heightened vigilance at public functions. Watch the video. Security scare as man breaches DP KINDIKI's security in Gatundu on the same day a shoe was thrown at RUTO in Migori pic.twitter.com/4A9A6mBUso DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) May 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, May 5, 2025 - Detectives investigating the murder of Kasipul Member of Parliament, Charles Were, have arrested the prime suspect believed to have pulled the trigger, less than a week after the high-profile killing. The suspect was apprehended near United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi during a meticulously planned, intelligence-led operation that took place around 2:00 a.m. According to sources close to the investigation, the suspect hails from Migori County. His vehicle was seized at the time of the arrest and is now in police custody. Detectives say they have placed the suspect at several key locations where MP Were was present on the day of his assassination, strengthening their case. In addition to the main suspect, three other individuals, including a police officer, have been arrested in connection with the murder. The police officer was taken into custody in Nairobis Pangani area. Authorities have linked him to a vehicle reportedly used by the assassins to flee the scene. Another suspect, a boda boda rider, was arrested in Dandora, Nairobi. Investigators also recovered a motorbike believed to have been used to transport the assassin to and from the crime scene. The suspects have undergone extensive interrogation, and police report that they have gathered vital intelligence. These leads are expected to aid in identifying other individuals involved in the plot, including possible sponsors and the motive behind the deadly attack. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, May 5, 2025 - As Kenyans continue to dissect the dramatic incident in which a shoe was hurled at President William Ruto during a rally in Migori, a separate controversy has emerged online after a photo of the Presidents visibly swollen foot began circulating on social media. Former Kamukunji parliamentary aspirant, Alinur Mohamed, sparked the conversation after sharing the image on Facebook, accompanied by the caption: This looks like pedal edema, if I'm not wrong. What is the problem with this guy's legs? The post quickly gained traction, triggering mixed reactions among netizens. Some echoed Alinurs concern, suggesting that the swelling could point to a possible underlying health issue. Others, however, downplayed the matter, claiming that the President has had swollen feet for years and that there is no cause for alarm. See reactions below. The Kenyan DAILY POST 1 of 1 India Belgium Ties Deepen : Piyush Goyal Meets Top Belgian Leaders to Bolster Trade, Tech and Investment Links khaskhabar.com : Mon, 05 May 2025 1:30 PM Brussels/New Delhi | In a significant step toward strengthening Indo-Belgian ties, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken and Minister-President of Flanders Matthias Diependaele in Brussels on May 2, 2025. The high-level dialogue focused on expanding cooperation in trade, technology, innovation, and strategic investments. This meeting builds on the momentum generated during the March 2025 visit of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium to India. Her delegation of over 300 business representatives and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted growing synergy between the two nations across multiple sectorsfrom defence and agriculture to life sciences, skilling, and academic partnerships. During the meeting, Minister Goyal emphasized Indias economic transformation over the past decade and reiterated the country's position as a reliable and future-ready partner. The last eleven years have not only been about economic upliftment, but about enabling aspirations, he stated. Key focus areas of discussion included enhanced collaboration in semiconductor technology, clean energy, defence production, and pharmaceuticals. With Belgiums Flanders region being recognized as a hub for advanced manufacturing and R&D, both sides explored leveraging it as a European gateway for Indian businesses. Progress on the IndiaEU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was also reviewed, with both nations underlining the urgency to resolve tariff and non-tariff issues to ensure better market access. India and Belgium already enjoy a robust economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching USD 15.07 billion in 202324. Belgian investments in India stand at USD 3.94 billion since 2000, with a 39% rise in the past year alone. Their cooperation now spans defence manufacturing, green hydrogen, nano-electronics, and nuclear medicine. The two sides agreed to boost high-level exchanges and promote regular industry delegations to fast-track results and deepen strategic collaboration. A Kilkenny Missionary Sister is defying the Viet Cong and has refused to quit Saigon. She has also lashed out at the United States refugee rescue operation from Vietnam, accusing the Americans of evacuating children for cuddling and prostitutes for sleeping with. Sister Mary Hayden, who is from Inistioge, has been in Vietnam for the past 17 years. She is the Mother Provincial of the Good Shepherd Sisters in that country. She was a founder member of the Communitys house in Saigon and she also helped establish a second convent in Vietnam. READ NEXT: Exciting retail unit plans seek to help revitalise a central area of Kilkenny Early on Wednesday morning, Saigon capitulated and up to mid-day no word had come through about her safety. We have got no word at all, the Irish Provincial, Mother Teresa, told the Kilkenny People. We do know that with the exception of Sister Mary, and another Irish nun, Sister Fidelma Haverty, all the Irish Sisters have left Vietnam. However, Mother Teresa was not surprised that Sister Mary had refused to quit Saigon. She is a person of tremendous faith and courage, she said. Sister Mary and Sister Fidelma refused to leave South Vietnam when British officials requested them to join the final British evacuation of Saigon last week. The nuns are almost alone among British and British-protected social workers in refusing repeated appeals to leave. The massive American evacuation of Vietnamese from Saigon was condemned by Sister Mary, who said Americans were ignoring Vietnamese whose lives were at stake in a Communist South Vietnam and evacuating children for cuddling and prostitutes for sleeping with. This last rush to the United States is the stupidest thing I have ever seen, she said. Theyre rushing like bulls in a mist. Why doesnt the US give preference to the people who are threatened? Taoiseach For City Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave is coming to Kilkenny on Monday. It will be his first visit to the city since his election as Taoiseach. He will visit the Kilkenny Design Workshops before attending the Fine Gael convention in the Newpark Hotel. Mr Cosgraves visit is of historical interest to the people of Kilkenny. His late father, WT Cosgrave, who as TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, was president of the Executive Council from 1922 to 1932. He was a frequent visitor to Kilkenny, where he was first elected as a Sinn Fein member in the 1917 elections. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Light rain this morning with thunderstorms developing for the afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Ads across Missouri are all over websites, social media platforms, and billboards urging people to call on their state lawmakers to help President Trump protect American farmers from China by supporting House Bill 544 and Senate Bill 14. These bills have absolutely nothing to do with China or farmland. Theyre about pesticides, specifically the labels on them. If you pick up a bottle of Roundup, a commonly-available weed-killer, in Missouri, you won't find a cancer warning on the label. This was at the heart of a 2023 lawsuit in Cole County. "It basically has devastated them as you can imagine a cancer diagnosis would do," said Matt Clement, a personal injury attorney in Jefferson City who represented the plaintiffs in that case. The plaintiffs argued they were diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma after frequent exposure to Roundup over long periods of time because there was no warning the product could cause cancer. "One of the plaintiffs, in particular, the treatment that she had to undergo basically zapped her immune system...another of the plaintiffs is a man in his sixties. He now has half of a foot because of the treatment that he had to undergo due to his Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma...another of the plaintiffs is a man in his late thirties, early forties maybe now. He's not expected to live past 50," Clement said. Clement and his team presented evidence from several independent studies which found positive associations between glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, and cancer. A jury in Cole County determined Bayer, the company that makes Roundup, failed to warn of the dangers of roundup and that it was the cause of the plaintiffs' cancers. Jurors awarded them more than $1.5 billion in compensation. "The evidence was overwhelming that Bayer knew the dangers that this product could cause people. There were studies that were presented to the jury. There were expert witnesses that were presented to the jury that showed what Bayer knew, when they knew it, and that they failed to warn people of the dangers of this product," Clement said. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports there are "no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label." That's where HB 544 and SB 14 come into play. If passed, they would change Missouri law to where a label approved by the EPA "shall be sufficient to satisfy any requirement for a warning label regarding cancer under any other provision of current law." "If the bill is enacted, nothing would change with the label itself, it would just prevent people from bringing lawsuits about failure to warn. Because, the EPA allowed Bayer and Monsanto to put the label on the product that's on there now and what the bill would do is say, well, if the EPA says it's okay then no one can sue," Clement explained. But Bayer, which owns Monsanto and runs its U.S. corporate operations out of St. Louis, sees it differently. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. "The bill itself is about upholding the labeling process that companies like Bayer go through when we register new products," said Jess Christiansen, the head of crop science communications for Bayer. She continued, "All the bill says is that we cannot be held liable for failing to warn about health and safety risk." Risks Bayer said do not and should not include cancer. "The fact is: Roundup, glyphosate, they do not cause cancer," Christiansen said. Bayer points out a National Institute of Health (NIH) study published in 2018 which found glyphosate had no statistically significant association with cancer. While the EPA currently upholds that same conclusion, it's a conclusion that's in limbo. Petitioners challenged the EPA's ID on glyphosate in federal court in 2020. The EPA presented an interim review before the court which maintained it found glyphosate did not cause cancer. However, a federal court of appeals vacated and remanded the human health portion of the glyphosate review. The EPA then vacated the entire review in 2022. The EPA has yet to present a new review in court and says "the agency is currently updating its evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate." Carcinogens cause cancer. "There is scientific evidence out there for this...we also had doctors and epidemiologists who were able to tie up the use of this product to the cancer that these people had," Clement said. But Bayer's subsidiary, Monsanto, appealed the case Clement tried and significantly reduced the compensation amount. This appeal is still in court. Bayer argues juries are only siding against the company in court because it is not allowed to present certain evidence there and claims the problem is not its products, but trial attorneys such as Clement. "We get the questions around, 'But why wouldn't you just put the warning on the product?' But, it's mostly coming from the litigation industry itself. They have a lot at risk here, right. So, they're making a lot of money and being opportunistic, unfortunately, with some pretty severe situations of people and cancer," Christiansen said. She said if these bills to protect Bayer don't pass, grocery prices could go up, as Bayer might make its products less available and more expensive. Products which are commonly used by farmers. Bayer has lost billions from lawsuits across the country. But, Clement warns people to not buy the narrative Bayer is promoting. "I think the information they're putting out there is misleading. Everyone has a Constitutional right to bring their case to court. It's the 7th Amendment and we're entitled to do that. What they're trying to do is take away those rights. We represent Missouri farmers. We represent Missouri citizens who have been harmed by this. And, I've seen a lot of propaganda about how if you don't do this, they're going to stop making (pesticides). No one's asking them to stop making this. We are only saying you should warn people of the dangers of it," he said. Investigating the media campaign behind pesticide-labeling bills KOMU 8 looks into the messaging behind ad-campaigns promoting pesticide-labeling bills and mysterious letters targeting individual State Senators. The Modern Ag Alliance has run lots of advertisements in Missouri, some of them roping the pesticide labeling bills in with egg prices. Elizabeth Burns-Thompson is the executive director of the organization, which was founded by German pesticide maker Bayer. Some of these ads refer to glyphosate, the main ingredient in Bayer's product Roundup, as a crop protection tool. Burns-Thompson said this is not deceptive. "When we talk about crop protection products, that is an industry term. We say 'pesticides.' We say 'chemistries.' Those are things that we use intertwined," she said. Modern Ag Alliance has run some ads directly referencing the chemical glyphosate. "I think that education campaign is important," Burns-Thompson said. But, other ads have tried to associate the issue of cancer warnings on pesticide labels to defense from China and supporting President Donald Trump, including one from an organization called Protecting America Initiative. Earlier this year, people in some parts of the state received letters in the mail targeting individual state senators for being on the fence regarding helping President Trump protect America from Chinese farming interests. The targeted lawmakers are some of the most conservative members of the Senate. "Early in the session they started sending out mailers. And, who "they" are, we don't even know that," said Sen. Brad Hudson, R - Cape Fair, who was one of the lawmakers targeted in these pieces. He says these mail pieces, which promote a similar cause to other campaign pieces supporting the Bayer-backed legislation, accomplished the opposite. "As far as the conversation is concerned, they did not do themselves any favors by targeting Senators in their districts," he added. "I'm not sure why those particular State Senators were targeted," said Amy Gossett, a political science professor at Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. She explains candidate campaign mailing pieces often include underlying messaging, which may have been at play here. "So, you frame the argument in such a way that alarms the people receiving the mailing or the advertising. It can really harm the candidate who it claims to be advocating for," she said. A personal injury attorney in Jefferson City shared one of the targeted mailing pieces, this one directed at Sen. Hudson. It shows it was also paid for by Protecting America Initiative, with a mailing address from an office building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Federal Election Commission records show only two individuals associated with this organization, both of whom have addresses listed in Washington, D.C.. It does not show any formal candidate or legislation the organization supports, but records show it did contribute $114,500 to support Kamala Harris in 2024. In the current climate of political action committees (PACs), Gossett said it's almost impossible to track who sent these pieces and what their motivations are. "They could be a P.O. box. And, when you say things like, 'the committee to elect' so and so or 'citizens for' the anti this or pro that, then you don't know who those citizens are. It could literally be one person behind the entire thing," she explained. The pesticide-labeling legislation narrowly passed the House and needs to pass the senate to have a chance at becoming law. With the end of this year's legislative session approaching, Hudson says the future of these bills looks bleak. "I'm never going to say that something is impossible, but it would certainly be quite a heavy lift for them to try to take this issue up," he said. The bill sponsors in the House, Rep. Dane Diehl, R - Butler, and the Senate, Sen. Justin Brown, R - Rolla, refused to do an interview regarding their own legislation. Bayer has directly contributed thousands of dollars to both of their campaign funds. The legislative session ends on Friday, May 16. Behind ads to protect Missouri farmers are bills to protect pesticide makers from cancer lawsuits Ads claiming to support the Missouri farming industry advocated for two bills which would protect pesticide makers from being legally liable f We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. KEITHVILLE, La. - Four people found dead early Monday in a home in the 10000 block of Mustang Circle in Keithville have been identified by the THE hugely popular annual Music at the Malthouse festival makes a welcome return to Stradbally this year. Presented by Music Generation Laois the annual festival showcases partnerships between musicians from Music Generation Laois, the Laois School of Music and guest artists. This year it takes place on Saturday and Sunday 10 and 11 May in the Malthouse venue in Stradbally. Pictured last year performing at the Music Generation Laois, Music at The Malt House Concert. Photo: Alf Harvey. The event kicks off on Saturday at 7pm with a concert featuring Music Generation Laois Ensembles with special guests. This will feature virtuoso Scottish harper Catriona McKay with the Music Generation Laois Harp Ensemble. Cathy Jordan (Dervish) and Filipe Carbonell (No Crows) will perform alongside the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra. Johnny Og Connolly (TG4 Gradam Ceoil Composer of the Year 2025) will also play with the Music Generation Laois Trad Group. The Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra with Martin Tourish and Triona Marshall at last year's Music Generation Laois, Music at The Malt House. Photo: Alf Harvey. The BOP Orchestra (Building Orchestral Pathways) will take to the stage on Sunday at 2pm. BOP is a collective orchestra project featuring young and adult musicians from Music Generation Laois, Laois School of Music, Music Generation Offaly, Academy of Music Tullamore, and Music Generation Westmeath under the direction of musician educators from across Music Generation programmes in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath. The guest conductor will be Diane Daly from the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The music programme will include Beethoven, Brahms and popular pieces. Ensembles also feature on the Sunday afternoon and include The Dunamaise Strings, a new adult string ensemble from Laois School of Music, Tullamore Academy String Ensemble which is made up of young musicians and adults from Academy of Music Tullamore and Music Generation Westmeath's Flute Ensemble. DESPITE a site in Portlaoise bought nearly six years ago to construct a new courthouse on, not one sod has yet been turned to commence the development. For years, local people and councillors have called for the existing courthouse along the towns Main Street to be removed from the centre of the town. Violent and ugly clashes have been witnessed along the Main Street on court days. Shop owners report higher incidents of theft from their premises when the courts are sitting. Young mothers and elderly have expressed their fears and say they fell intimidated of having to pass by crowds of people who congregate outside the courthouse. While footpaths are regularly blocked by prison vans and garda cars. Completed in 1805, the existing courthouse replaced an earlier one destroyed by fire in 1782 and has since been labelled as past its sell by date, while the Irish Court Service agreed some years ago that the old building was no longer fit for purpose. The green field site for the new courthouse is located on lands behind the Aldi store, off James Fintan Lalor Avenue. It was deemed the ideal location to construct on because of access to it from the Southern Circular Road which connects the Abbeyleix and Timahoe Roads. Back in 2017 when Frances Fitzgerald was the then Justice Minister she said that the new courthouse in Portlaoise would be dependent on the availability of funding and that while detailed specifications for the proposed new courthouse were not developed, she said the potential site may need to be capable of accommodating an appropriately sized courthouse for the area and he expected it to be a six courtroom venue. It may be the case that no foundation will be laid from now until 2030 because the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 2030 contains courthouse development projects to be completed during its period in 11 counties - Galway City, Wicklow Town, Portlaoise, Tralee, Roscommon, Naas, Bray, Navan, Swords, Tallaght and Dun Laoghaire. But that hasnt stopped councillors in Laois raising the need for a new courthouse at every opportunity that they can get. The latest being at the April meeting of Laois County Council when cllr Tommy Mulligan called on the council to request an update from the present Ministers for Justice and the Office of Public Works (OPW) on their plans to construct the new courthouse. Cllr Mulligan said: This has been highlighted a few times over the years, but it cant be highlighted enough. It needs to be prioritised by the OPW and funding needs to be made available. As public representatives this issue is being raised with us the whole time. Its not fit for purpose. Theres a lack of facilities in the building. Theres no public gallery. Theres a lack of parking around it. Sometimes the court sits four and sometime five days a week. Its intimidating for anyone pushing a pram or just passing by with criminals outside it. Its a no-go area for elderly people, because theyre afraid of their lives going by it. Its also not fair on the businesses along Main Street. Gardai, prison officer, judges, the public, everyone is frustrated by it. Cllr Mulligan said: Were in a great position for it (new courthouse). The land is bought by the OPW, and Laois County Council and the government have committed building it by 2030. But Im fearing and asking is Laois going to be left behind, again. Since the land was purchased over five-years ago, theres no plans in place. We need a timeline and a commencement date. Theres a fair chance that this is going to be another broken promise. Its been a struggle for this a long, long time now, in relation to this new courthouse, said cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley. She said: I remember years ago when I had my own little barber shop there (around the corner from the courthouse) and businesses around the area dreaded Thursdays coming (criminal court sitting day). There were (prison and garda) vans there and the whole town choked up. It looked dreadful. There has been difficulties outside the courthouse down through the years with many incidents taking place. From what I know, when this was raised by our TDs, Portlaoise wasnt in the OPWs plans. Its about getting it into the plan first of all. We need to meet with the relevant ministers and try push this along. Cllr Marie Tuohy said: This has been going on for so long and motion after motion has been brought in (to council meetings). It just seems to be really bad luck, for want of a better word, for Main Street. It is quite intimidating at times. It basically takes over the whole street, whether you are walking or driving along it. People often ask what day is the court on, and when you tell them they say they are not going into town. Its a beautiful building that could be used for nicer projects. Councillor agreed to seek a meeting with the OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran to push forward their demands for a new courthouse in Portlaoise as soon as possible. Theres less love these days for Tony the Tiger, Capn Crunch and Lucky the Leprechaun. U.S. sales of breakfast cereals have turned as flat as soggy corn flakes amid heightened concerns among consumers about cereals nutrition and lack of convenience. For the record: An earlier version of this article said General Mills on the go snack versions of its cereals included Honey Grahams. The snack is called Golden Grahams. Sales of cold and hot cereals combined are expected to total $10.6 billion this year, down 17% from $12.7 billion in 2009, the research firm IBISWorld estimates. The firm also sees sales hardly budging for the next few years and totaling $10.4 billion in 2020. The cereal category has undoubtedly had a challenging few years, said Craig Bahner, president of U.S. morning foods at Kellogg Co. Advertisement Thats forced Kellogg and the industrys other big players, including General Mills Inc. and Post Holdings Inc., to roll out new products and bolster their marketing while also paring their operating costs in order to increase sales and profits. Todays consumer is changing quickly, so were putting all our effort towards understanding and responding to these changes, General Mills Chairman Kendall Powell said at an investor conference in July. Advertisement The changes are coming on two main fronts: Many consumers increasingly want healthier choices for breakfast and they want foods they can carry out the door instead of taking the time to pour cereal into a bowl at the breakfast table, analysts said. On the health side, theres nothing new about cereal being attacked as less than nutritious and too high in calories. Critics for years have complained about some cereals being laced with too much sugar, with the likes of Kelloggs Honey Smacks and Posts Golden Crisp being favorite targets. But consumers push for healthier cereals now goes much further. Shoppers are looking for high protein and fiber content and natural ingredients, the research firm Mintel Group Ltd. said in a report. Consumers today believe cereal is overly processed and doesnt contain enough nutrients. Advertisement That means cereal faces steeper competition from fresh fruit, yogurt, breakfast bars, protein-rich bars and drinks, sandwiches and even all-day breakfast options at McDonalds Corp. and other fast-food chains. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that match their personal definition of real food, and that can mean foods that are less processed and have simple labels with recognizable ingredients, Powell told the investors. These consumers are looking for transparency from manufacturers, so they can know how their food was sourced, produced and delivered to them, he said. The cereal makers have responded by reformulating many of their brands, boosting the protein and whole-grain content while lowering or eliminating sugar, gluten, sodium, carbohydrates and artificial flavors. Jim Murphy, president of General Mills cereal division, said those steps are starting to pay off. One example: Sales of gluten-free Cheerios were up 2% in the companys fiscal first quarter ended Aug. 28, he said. Kellogg recently rolled out two new versions of its mainstay Raisin Bran that include clusters of granola. General Mills introduced Tiny Toast thats flavored with real strawberries and blueberries and contains no artificial colors or sweeteners. Advertisement Tiny Toast, in fact, was General Mills first new cereal in 15 years, and Murphy acknowledged that one factor behind the industrys sales downturn was not enough innovation from the branded manufacturers. But Murphy contended that new products and stronger marketing have led to improvement in the cereal category this year and General Mills expects this will continue. How consumers eat breakfast is the industrys other big challenge, with the emphasis now on satisfying time-squeezed lifestyles, especially those of harried parents. Americans dont necessarily have the time to enjoy a sit-down breakfast anymore and theyre looking for portability, said Amanda Topper, food analyst at Mintel. Convenience is more important to parents with lifestyle shifts and hectic day-to-day schedules. In addition, people see eating cereal as time-consuming because its not something you can do on the go, like eating a protein bar, said Rory Masterson, who tracks the industry for IBISWorld. The desire for convenience seems to be especially pronounced among millennials, the generation aged 18 to 34. When Mintel surveyed consumers about cereal a year ago, 39% of millennials said cereal was inconvenient because you have to clean a dish afterward. Advertisement Millennials want something quick and simple in the morning, and they love variety, Kelloggs Bahner said. In response, the cereal makers are adding more portable options. Kellogg promotes its new granola Raisin Bran as a snack or sit-down cereal, and it sells a Special K egg, spinach and cheese breakfast sandwich. Kellogg also has a variety of breakfast and protein bars. General Mills sells on the go snack versions of its Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams and Fruity Cheerios cereals. The company two years ago also bought Annies Homegrown, a maker of organic snacks and cereals based in Berkeley. Post last year introduced breakfast biscuits made with its popular Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, along with its first breakfast shake called Post Goodness-to-Go. Theres also the issue of price. Brand-name cereal prices jumped after the financial crisis in 2008, owing largely to higher prices for grains and other ingredients, but prices have stabilized in the last two years. Advertisement If you think about a box of cereal, most boxes have about nine servings to 10 servings in them, and they retail for $3 to $4 each, Kellogg Chairman John Bryant told an investor conference last month. So [thats] roughly 30 cents to 40 cents per occasion. Even so, spending $4 on a box of cereal can be onerous for some families with limited grocery budgets, which is why lesser-priced generic and grocery store brands remain strong competition for Kellogg and the others. But the cereal makers and industry analysts said that if the companies can keep adapting to changing consumer needs, especially among millennials, the business can grow again. While millennials may look at breakfast differently, they are still eating a lot of cereal, just not always for breakfast, Murphy said. According to Nielsen data, ready-to-eat cereal is in 90% of all households and nearly 94% of millennial households, he said. For this group, cereal is more than just a breakfast item, it is also a popular snack option. Or, as IBISWorlds Masterson put it: There will always be a place for cereal at the table. Advertisement james.peltz@latimes.com For more business news, follow James F. Peltz on Twitter: @PeltzLATimes To read the article in Spanish, click here ALSO How Wells Fargos rivals make it harder for employees to create fake accounts Warner Music leaving Burbank, Westside for downtown L.A.s Arts District Report: Samsung halts Galaxy Note 7 production after problems with replacement phones FD Market Co. owner Jacquelyn Bassett of Lower Macungie poses with a cupcake in this file photo. Bassett is moving to New York City and closing her store on May 18, 2025, at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. She will sell a scaled down inventory online. A woman who has operated three eco-friendly stores in the Lehigh Valley will now sell her goods and services strictly online, she said this week. FD Market Co. will shutter its final store on May 18 at Promenade Saucon Valley. Owner Jacquelyn Bassett of Lower Macungie Township moved in her store in April 2023 from Main Street in Emmaus to the Promenade in Upper Saucon Township. The 2,053-square-foot space sits between Carters/Oshkosh and LensCrafters. Before that, the space housed an accessories boutique. Bassett on April 14 posted a reel on the business Facebook page saying, Thank You, Lehigh Valley. After over 5 1/2 incredible years as the Lehigh Valleys one stop sustainable refill shop, Ive made the intentional decision to close our retail store, she posted. This is not failure. This was a thoughtful and difficult, yet empowering decision to make. Bassett told lehighvalleylive.com last week she is moving to New York City for a new job. She hopes to simultaneously continue FD Markets online store, its manufacturing business and wholesale businesses. Bassett is selling novice entrepreneurs consultation services and her store assets. While Im no longer offering the full torch, Im happy to offer a spark, she said. FD Market Co. is set to close on May 18, 2025, at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. Owner Jacquelyn Bassett is moving to New York City. She will continue to sell a scaled down inventory online. Guests will be able to shop a variety of shower steamers (pictured) on her website. Courtesy photo E-commerce growth FD Market sells handcrafted beauty and skincare products. Bassett, a 2018 graduate of Emmaus High School, launched the market online. Her first brick-and-mortar shop opened in November 2019 on Main Street in Emmaus. Bassett closed the Emmaus site in April 2023 for the Promenade relocation. She opened a second site in Easton in spring 2022, before shuttering the store in early January. When she closed the Easton store, she said she struggled to find staff for both of her stores. She hoped to sell her Promenade store but couldnt find anyone to take over the business. I failed to find a good fit, Bassett said. FD Markets online and wholesale continues to boom. The business was successful, I am just choosing to move on and dont want to limit myself to the Lehigh Valley, she said. FD Markets online store will offer a scaled down inventory. Theyll sell perfume and shower steamers. Popular scents include orange + mint; lavender + tea tree; and fresh floral. Online shoppers will be able to find lotion bars and laundry powder in such scents as fresh linen and lemon. Therell also be a wide range of household items and cleaning products. The online store will discontinue selling shampoo bars, conditioner haircare bars, bottled shampoo and conditioner. Some accessories previously for sale online wont be offered. The stores popular zero-waste refillery system will be discontinued. Patrons who bought dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo or conditioner were previously able to buy a glass or aluminum container or bring something from home to be refilled. I am aware that losing the only refill store is a loss for the community, but this is a positive change for me, Bassett said. Im excited. It wasnt an act of desperation or going out of business, just deciding to move on to whats next. Bassett in January accepted a full-time job working with two sustainable brands she sold at her stores. I am so excited to be part of something bigger, and for this next step in my career, she said. Relux, a consignment boutique featuring such designers as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Hermes, plans a grand opening on May 16, 2025. The boutique has already moved into the former Promenade Pop-Up Shop program's space at Promenade Saucon Valley. Courtesy photo More coming and goings Centennial took over the management and leasing of Promenade Saucon Valley in spring 2022. Since then, the company has worked to fill vacant storefronts. Other tenants leaving the Promenade this year in addition to FD Market include: Lucky Brand, next to Capital Blue Cross, which left the mall at the end of March; Go! Calendars, Toys & Games; and Lashes by Gab; both of which left the center in late January. Promenade marketing manager Madeleine Convery told lehighvalleylive.com this week theyre still looking for a tenant for the FD Market space. Lucky Brand also remains vacant. Our leasing team is actively working on (leasing the FD Market vacancy) and has some exciting leads in progress, she said. Convery said a new tenant is lined up for the Lucky Brand sapce. That tenant will be announced soon. Sephora is slated to move into the vacant Go! Calendars, Toys & Games site. That site, however, wont be open until spring 2026, Convery said. Color Me Mine plans to move into the 1,400-square-foot former Lashes by Gab space, next to Batch Microcreamery, this summer. The paint-your-own pottery franchise is expected to make a return to the shopping destination after vacating in 2015. The pottery studio operated at the Promenade for about six years before moving to its decade-long location in South Bethlehem. The most recent tenant to open at Promenade Saucon Valley was The Hive Local Marketplace. The multi-merchant retailer celebrated a grand opening on April 26. It relocated from Allentowns ArtsWalk to space that previously occupied Aeropostale, near Ruby Tuesday and AMC Theatres. In March, the shopping center welcomed Dollys Boutique, which moved into the former Sweet Diehl Boutique space, next to L.L. Bean. The new boutique offers wedding gowns and a trend-driven selection of prom dresses, Convery said. Relux, a consignment boutique, has moved into the former Promenade Pop-Up Shop program space. Owner Coleman Nichelson of Bethlehem told lehighvalleylive.com he plans a May 16 grand opening celebration. Two more businesses will open in the coming months. Mental Strength Ritual will open this summer in the former Evolve Salon and Spa space next to Altard State. Evolve Salon & Spa closed in the summer of 2022 and moved to B Chic Salon on Pennsylvania Avenue in Allentown. Mental Strength aims to help guests reset and restore physical and mental well-being through transcranial mental stimulation, Convery has said. The FDA-approved process uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of major depression, according to the Mayo clinic. Barley Creek Taproom is expected to open this summer in a 3,119-square-foot space between Melt and Kome. The restaurant pairs drinks with flatbreads, burgers and other pub fare. A Promenade Saucon Valley directory map shows a handful of additional vacancies. Two more tenants should be announced within a month as leases are ironed out, Convery said. Promenade Saucon Valley is in the Stabler Corporate Center. The center was renamed Stabler Pathways in 2022 to reflect the 1,000-acre campus sidewalk network that connects dozens of businesses. Stabler Pathways includes Promenade Saucon Valley, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, Penn State University Lehigh Valley, two hotels and various corporate offices. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Teachers can find several deals and freebies on food during Teacher Appreciation Week. Canva/Katherine Rodriguez Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is May 5-9. The origins of Teacher Appreciation week started in the early 1940s, when Mattye Whyte Woodridge, a teacher from Arkansas, lobbied political and educational leaders to advocate for a day that honored teachers, according to the nonprofit TCEA. Eventually, the idea reached First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and she pushed Congress to create a National Teacher Day in 1953. READ MORE: Stanley just revealed a secret 40% discount for Teacher Appreciation Week: Heres how to get it However, there was no consistent national observance of the day until the 1980s, when the National Education Association lobbied Congress to recognize National Teacher Day as a yearly event. In 1984, another group called the National Parent Teacher Association decided to extend the celebration, and it was designated to honor teachers in the first week of May ever since. Fast forward to the present, and youll find that many businesses use the celebration to honor teachers for their hard work by offering freebies and deals. Here is what you need to know about the restaurants and shops offering freebies and deals all week. The dates of the exact deals and freebies can vary by location. Most places usually require teachers to show a school ID to participate, so it is best to check with your local store on promotions. Teacher Appreciation Week Deals & Freebies 2025 Buffalo Wild Wings: Teachers get 20% off orders during Teacher Appreciation Week. This deal is available for dine-in and takeout orders when teachers show their school ID. Burger King: Teachers who show their ID can get free fries with any purchase. Chipotle: Chipotle is giving away $1 million in free Chipotle entrees to teachers. All teachers have to do is enter their name and email for the chance at a free Chipotle e-Card that will have a promo code to redeem for a free entree. Freddys Frozen Custard: Teachers can get a free mini sundae when they show a valid school ID. Insomnia Cookies: Teachers can get a free Classic cookie from May 5-9 when they shop in-store. No purchase is necessary for this deal, but teachers must show valid ID. Potbelly Sandwich Shop: From May 5 through May 11, teachers can get a free cookie or regular-sized soft drink when they buy an entree. Must show ID to redeem the free cookie or drink. Shake Shack: Show your work ID badge and enjoy a hand-spun shake when you order during Teacher Appreciation Week. Sonic: Teachers enrolled in Sonics Teachers Circle Rewards program will get access to rewards on food from May 5-9 when they order online or from the Sonic App. Teachers and faculty must get verified before May 5 to receive the deals. Tim Hortons: If youre a Tim Hortons rewards member, you can buy one donut and get one free or buy 12 donuts and get six free. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. A third person has died after succumbing to injuries from an accident Sunday afternoon in Lynn Township, authorities said. The Lehigh County Coroners Office has identified the deceased killed in the wreck as 61-year-old Jeffrey Pichel of Fountain Hill; 21-year-old Vannity I. Colon of Allentown; and 19-year-old Israel Medina of New York City. All three were passengers in the two-vehicle wreck, Pennsylvania State Police in Fogelsville said. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) refused to comment on reports that it intends to challenge the ruling of a Laois based judge. The reported challenge relates to nearly three dozen GoSafe speeding cases which were dismissed for being unjust despite being proven at Portlaoise District Court last December. In all, 32 motorists had summonses for speeding at Clogheen, Monasterevin, Kildare dismissed by Judge Andrew Cody, who had previously voiced serious concerns about the level of GoSafe speed prosecutions in the 60km zone on the short stretch of the R445 road between Monasterevin and Ballybrittas. Judge Cody said GoSafe collected more money in fines on the 700 metre section at Clogheen in 2022 then they had in all of Co Kilkenny that year. In fact, the stretch of road was so lucrative that GoSafe had issued fines of 108,240 which exceeded all of the GoSafe fines issued in Leitrim, Longford and Clare combined in 2022. See original report. The question has to be asked, how can a 700 metre of roadway have the same level of prosecutions as all of Kilkenny, Louth or Mayo and over five times for the entire county of Leitrim? Judge Cody said last December. Judge Cody listened to details of 38 speeding summonses issued to motorists for driving over 60km/h at Clogheen during a sitting of Portlaoise District Court last December 19. All summonses for driving below 80 km/h were marked facts proven and dismissed as Judge Cody said it would be unjust to convict. Just six motorists who exceeded 80 km/h were convicted and fined. The Irish Times has now reported that the DPP is seeking to overturn Judge Codys decision not to prosecute the motorists. When contacted by the Leinster Express/Laois Live, a spokesperson for the DPP stated that the Office of the DPP does not comment on individual cases. There has been ten confirmed attempts to fly drones into prisons in Laois in the first four months of 2025. Criminals are using drones to fly drugs and other contraband into prisons across the country and in Portlaoise. The Midlands Prison and the high security Portlaoise Prison have both been subjected to attempted drone deliveries in recent years. The problem is so severe that Portlaoise Prison is trialling a new type of yard covering which is designed to prevent drone drug deliveries. The Irish Prison Service previously revealed that criminals are placing drugs and other contraband in balls which would be dowsed in liquid, set alight and dropped from drones onto prison netting. The balls then burn through the net and drop into the prison yard. In order to counteract these deliveries, a metal mesh cover is being tested in Portlaoise Prison. Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon recently asked Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan about the illegal use of drones at prisons in a recent Parliamentary Question. Deputy Gannon asked the Minister for Justice the number of confirmed drone related contraband drops detected in each prison in 2023 and to date in 2025; and the measures being taken to counter drone incursions. In response, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan said, I am aware that the flow of contraband is one of the most pressing issues affecting security and safety in our prisons. Preventing the access of contraband, including drugs, into prisons is a high priority for the Irish Prison Service, and the Service has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support efforts to keep contraband out of prisons. An Garda Siochana also supports the Irish Prison Service with ongoing operations in each relevant Garda Division, including Operation Throwover, which is intended to disrupt, interdict and prosecute attempts to introduce contraband into prisons, he said. Minister OCallaghan said the Irish Prison Service and An Garda Siochana signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise a framework for interagency cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding was developed to enable the two organisations to work in partnership to prioritise cooperation in tackling organised crime, drug dealing and contraband smuggling. 5m has been allocated in the 2025 Capital budget for prison security. In 2024, enhanced measures were introduced in Portlaoise Prison as part of measures to counteract contraband and drone activity, he added. READ ALSO: Drone deliveries highlighted at Irish Prison Officers conference The Irish Prison Service has also commenced works on enhancing yard security in additional prisons with the installation of new netting capable of withstanding fire-bombing. This new netting has already been installed in one prison and is due to be rolled out to other locations in the short term, said Minister OCallaghan. Laois County Council is investigating the possible use of waste heat from industry to warm homes. Minister for the Environment Darragh OBrien, revealed the plans in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Fein TD Mark Ward on April 10. Deputy Ward asked if initiatives such as the Tallaght district heating scheme that reuse heat from an existing data centre could be replicated across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. In reply, Minister OBrien said Government policy recognises the contribution that district heating can make to Irelands climate and energy goals, and has financially supported the development of district heating networks in Ireland through the Climate Action Fund. In 2023, my Department published a District Heating Steering Group Report, containing a suite of recommendations for the development of district heating in Ireland. It is recognised that the use of waste heat from data centres within district heating networks has the potential to be an effective tool in decarbonising Ireland's heat sector, and this is also strongly encouraged by European legislation such as the Energy Efficiency Directive, Minister OBrien explained. My Department is aware of a potential pipeline of district heating projects, both within Dublin and around the country, including involving private developers working in partnership with Local Authorities and State Agencies. These include a project in Blanchardstown which is being actively progressed by Fingal County Council, and a project which Laois County Council is currently investigating and which would make use of waste heat from a local industry. READ ALSO: Tractor and Truck Run launched The Leinster Express/Laois Live has contacted Laois County Council's Community Climate Action Officer for comment but has yet to receive a response. Gardai make three arrests of pro Palestine at Shannon Airport, County Clare as they attempted to halt the use of Shannon Airport by "US military" aircrafts. The incident happened on Thursday May 1st shortly before 6:30 pm. Palestine Action Eire posted about the incident on their X account writing: "Press release for the May Day 3 who courageously went airside to halt the use of Shannon Airport by US military in support of the Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people The US military use of Shannon Airport is also in breach of Irish Neutrality" Read Next: RIP: Gardai stand down search for missing man (44) following tragic update The Gardai has responded to the event that was posted on X: Gardai responded to an incident of criminal damage at Shannon Airport, Co. Clare that occurred shortly before 6:30pm on Thursday 1st May 2025. Three individuals were subsequently arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Garda stations in Co. Clare. All three have since been charged and appeared before Limerick district Court at 4pmon Saturday, 3rd May 2025. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close NIC Chairman Jeff Blibo literally lied to the President based on the minutes from the meeting that a unanimous decision by the IMCC was rendered, a senior Executive Mansion advisor told the Daily Observer. The Liberian Media Must Be Mirror of Society, Not Weapon of Politics (A Message in Observance of World Press Freedom Day 2025) The Rise of Burkina Fasos Traore and the Sahels New Order: Can ECOWAS Keep Up? BLOOD stock levels have fallen following Easter and are expected to decline again after the May bank holiday. However, the need for blood in Irish hospitals remains consistently high and two blood clinics will take place in Limerick this weekend. The upcoming blood donation clinics will be held in Castletroy Park Hotel on Sunday, May 11 from 11.50am to 3.10pm and in Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell on Wednesday, May 14 & Thursday, May 15 from 4.20pm to 7.40pm. New and returning donors are welcome at all clinics. Appointments can be made by phoning 1800 222 111. Donors make a vital contribution to patient care as 65% of donated blood supports cancer treatment and 5% is used in childbirth-related care. READ MORE: Construction underway on 60m Limerick surgical hub under plan to reduce patient waiting times The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is encouraging first-time donors, younger donors, and people from diverse communities, including those of African heritage, to consider donating. Whether you're a regular donor or it's been a while, your help is truly valued. This year has brought added challenges, including disruptions from severe weather and increased respiratory illnesses, both of which have impacted blood collection efforts across the country. Maintaining a strong blood supply is essential, and the IBTS are asking the public to support them in meeting hospital needs. A Laois court heard of an extraordinary" situation regarding the recording of penalty points on foreign driving licences, as reported by Leinster Express. Alexandru Epurean(28) of 21 Higgins Park, Portlaose, appeared before accused of drunk driving in Portlaoise on February 18, 2024. Garda Sergeant Mick OConnell said the Romanian national had been approached because he had pulled into a disabled parking spot without a disc in the Portlaoise Plaza at Junction 17, Portlaoise at 8.20pm on the date in question. Read Next: RIP: Gardai stand down search for missing man (44) following tragic update On speaking to the driver, Sgt OConnell got a strong smell of alcohol off his breath. The man was arrested and taken to a garda station where he provided a sample with a reading of 28mgs per 100mls of breath. Sgt OConnell explained that such a low reading would mean the defendant was eligible for a fine. However, enquiries revealed the man should have been disqualified" as he had amassed 15 penalty points. Sgt OConnell explained that a dummy licence is created when a foreign licence holder gets penalty points. In this case three separate dummy licences had been created and the points were spread across all three, he said. He would never have been notified, said Sgt OConnell. As a result, Sgt OConnell said gardai didnt prosecute the driver for being disqualified. He said the man had no previous convictions. Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty. He said there seemed to be an extraordinary situation with regard to the way the RSA dealt with foreign licences. They would produce duplicates to record penalty points, he said. It seems like a crazy system that was in place at the time, said Mr Meagher. Judge Susan Fay said he did have 15 points though. Mr Meagher said his client works in construction and travels between Dublin and Limerick. He picked up 15 penalty points unbeknownst to himself, he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. Mr Meagher said on the date in question his client had a drink with his dinner earlier in the day. He said the legal limit is 22mgs and he recorded 28mgs. In relation to recording points on foreign licences, Mr Meagher said, I think the system has now been changed." However, Sgt OConnell said it is an issue that is ongoing. Judge Fay disqualified the man from driving for six months and imposed a 100 fine. New Delhi: The union law and justice ministry will start working to plug procedural gaps and lacunae in the domestic arbitration law following the Supreme Courts direction of 2 May, according to two people aware of the developments. The top courts direction will be followed, one person said, adding that legal research into the judgement will begin in the current week. This comes as the ministry works on the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the draft of which was published in October 2024 for comments and feedback. The bill is aimed at boosting institutional arbitration, reducing court interventions in arbitration and ensuring timely conclusion of arbitration proceedings. The law ministry receives continuous feedback on the bills that it is working on. Public consultations were held for the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, too. Now, the honourable Supreme Court has directed the ministry towards an issue and work on it will start immediately," the person said, requesting anonymity. Also Read | India's bid to be arbitration hub hit by mediator council delay The top court urged the ministry to address gaps in procedure where the law is completely absent. This was part of a judgement regarding the powers of an arbitral tribunal to include non-signatories to an arbitration agreement in the dispute proceedings. In the case ASF Buildtech Pvt Ltd v. Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt Ltd, the bench of justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said that the lacunae had persisted in the domestic arbitration law despite decades of practice under the 1996 Arbitration and Conciliation Act. It is indeed very sad to note that even after these many years, procedural issues such as the one involved in the case at hand have continued to plague the arbitration regime of India," Justice Pardiwala said in the judgement. Anathema to business What is expressly missing in the Act is still missing in the Arbitration and Conciliation Bill, 2024, despite a catena of decisions of this Court as well as the various High Courts, highlighting the need for statutory recognition of such power in order to obviate all possibilities of confusion," the top court said. The Supreme Court also said it had highlighted in last weeks judgement on modifying arbitral awards that any uncertainty in the law of arbitration would be an anathema to business and commerce." Also Read | NHAI looks to reduce arbitration dues by roping in more retired judges However, policy experts indicated that amending the arbitration law to fill all such lacunae would only increase intervention from the judiciary. "The need for an Arbitration and Conciliation Act itself is very limited. Arbitration is supposed to involve limited judicial intervention, and the law on arbitration can only help out in procedural matters related to court -- in appointment of arbitrators, or in appealing an arbitral award," said Alok Prasanna, co-founder, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy. The issue that the Supreme Court has highlighted is an issue of general procedural law. But the arbitration law, that is the legislation, in the country cannot address all such problems of procedural law because arbitration should happen according to the procedure set by the parties in the arbitration agreement and applied by the arbitrator, and not by following one complete code on procedure." The 1996 Arbitration and Conciliation Act has been Indias most crucial arbitration law for decades. It was amended in 2015, 2019 and 2021. Under the 2019 amendment, the government aimed to create an Arbitration Council of India (ACI) to formulate standard rules of procedure and also a regulatory framework for arbitrators and arbitration institutions. However, the ACI has not been constituted. In February 2024, a high-level committee on arbitration reforms chaired by former law secretary TK Viswanathan concluded that massive reforms were required in the domain. The panel proposed techno-legal reforms in arbitration, which were implemented to some degree in the draft 2024 amendment. For instance, allowing arbitration via electronic means, which had no legislative backing previously. Also Read | Govt seeks to amend law to bolster institutional arbitration However, key proposals on the appointment of arbitrators and disclosures to be made by them have not found any legislative presence. The Viswanathan committee proposed that arbitrators should disclose the number of arbitration matters they were handling, which should not exceed 15. The committee also floated the idea of a uniform model rules of procedure for arbitration in an effort to aid arbitrators who were technical experts and did not have a background in law. Swiggy has suspended its door-to-door pick-up and drop service Genie across different cities in India, saying that it is taking a little break and implying that the suspension is temporary. Swiggy Genie operates in 70 cities across India, most of which saw an unavailability of the services as the option could not be found on the apps. Users were unable to access the services in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata and more. In some locations, where the option was still available, a message saying temporarily unavailable appeared on the screen. There is no indication when the services will be back online. The development comes days after Swiggy ramped up its 10-minute food delivery service Bolt. Livemint has reached out to a spokesperson for Swiggy regarding the details of the development. This article will be updated once we receive an official statement from the company. Also Read | Are Swiggy and Zepto failing blind users? Delhi HC to hear accessibility case Netizens flabbergasted, Swiggy responds While there has been no official comment from Swiggy, its social media handles have confirmed about the suspension of Genie services. Genie is currently shut due to operational constraints, it said, replying to an inquiry about the unavailability of the service. Another user shared a screenshot that shows Genie services were unavailable to him. Ah, the Genies currently taking a little break from granting wishes, Suhas! But worry not, we do hear your wishes loud and clear. While theres no concrete timeline for Genies return just yet, our team is working hard behind the scenes to bring it back as soon as possible. Well be sure to keep you posted the moment its back in action, Swiggy said on X. The Genies lamp is just cooling off for a bit. While we are unable to provide any concrete info on the same, please sit tight, well keep you posted, it told another user. Swiggy scales up Bolt Swiggy on Friday said its 10-minute food delivery service 'Bolt', which was launched in October last year, is now operational in more than 500 cities across the country. Presently, at least one in every 10 food delivery orders delivered by Swiggy are delivered using the Bolt service. The offering is now available in over 500 cities across India. MUMBAI : Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH), backed by Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC, is set to acquire a majority stake in Dr Dangs Labs, a diagnostic chain operating in Delhi and Gurugram, according to two people aware of the development. This marks the fourth acquisition by AHH, following previous deals with Motherhood Hospitals, the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), and Nova IVF. Details of the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Read this | Singles are hot: Why private equity firms are increasingly investing in these hospitals AHHs earlier investment in AINU in 2023, valued at 600 crore, involved both primary and secondary funding. AHH has also seen significant capital inflows, including a $150 million investment from GIC in December 2024, which made the sovereign fund the largest shareholder in the company. GIC had also invested $170 million in AHH in February 2022. Before GIC's additional investment, AHH was majority-owned by global private equity firm TPG, which now holds a minority stake in the platform. The GIC investment likely valued AHH at $800-900 million, Mint reported earlier. With plans to eventually go public, AHH is gearing up for an initial public offering (IPO), although no timeline has been provided. According to Vishal Bali, executive chairman of AHH, profitability is not a concern as the company moves towards its listing, which is expected within the next few years. Dr Dangs Labs operates seven centres across Delhi and Gurugram and reported a revenue of 67.7 crore for the financial year ended 31 March 2024, according to Tracxn. Read this | Jashvik Capital to acquire over 50% stake in Smart Vision Eye Hospitals Bali has reportedly said that AHH is growing at 25% year-on-year and aims to reach nearly 6,000 crore in revenue by FY32. AHH declined to comment on the acquisition, and Dr Dangs Labs did not respond to an email request for information at the time of publication. Indias healthcare and diagnostics sector has seen a sharp uptick in private equity investments and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in recent years. According to a report by Grant Thornton Bharat and the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), India's healthcare and pharma sector recorded 594 transactions valued at over $30 billion between 2022 and 2024. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector also rose, totalling $3.2 billion during the same period. Also read | India's fragmented hospital sector ripe for consolidation: Rothchild's Hollamby In recent months, there have been notable deals within the diagnostics space. Neuberg Diagnostics raised 9,400 million from Kotak Alt in January 2025, marking the largest primary fund-raise in Indian diagnostics and the companys first private equity round. Meanwhile, Temasek Holdings and Oswal Alternates jointly invested approximately $85 million in Molbio Diagnostics in 2024, and Fortis Healthcare increased its stake in Agilus Diagnostics from 57% to 91% by acquiring a 34% stake from private equity firms Jacob Ballas and IFC. UBS Group AG agreed to pay $511 million to settle a US investigation into how Credit Suisse Group, the Swiss bank it bought, helped rich Americans evade taxes even after pledging to stop the practice a decade ago. A Credit Suisse unit pleaded guilty to conspiring to help its customers hide more than $4 billion from the Internal Revenue Service in at least 475 offshore accounts, the Justice Department said. The US also filed a criminal charge related to US accounts booked at Credit Suisse AG Singapore, which it will drop if the bank cooperates sufficiently. The resolution ends a long running scandal involving Credit Suisse, which used Swiss bank secrecy laws to help Americans hide money from the IRS for decades. Prosecutors on Monday said that the bank breached its 2014 plea agreement, when it pledged to uncover and disclose US accounts to tax officials. UBS was not involved in the underlying conduct and has zero tolerance for tax evasion, the bank said in a statement, noting that it expects to recognize a credit at group level from the partial release of the contingent liability established with the acquisition of Credit Suisse. The Zurich-based bank also said that it expects to record a charge in the second quarter in relation to the agreement. The settlement by President Donald Trumps Justice Department came after prosecutors under former President Joe Biden failed to resolve the case, despite pledging to crack down on repeat corporate offenders. Pressure mounted after a 2023 Senate Finance Committee report said there were major violations of Credit Suisses 2014 plea deal, and the bank failed to fully disclose US assets despite having identified thousands of previously undeclared accounts valued at more than $1.3 billion. The report detailed how Credit Suisse enabled tax cheating by Dan Horsky, an American business professor who pleaded guilty in 2016 to hiding more than $200 million in assets from the IRS. It also detailed how the bank helped a family of dual citizens of the US and a Latin American country evade taxes. Whistleblowers told the committee the family members held nearly $100 million at Credit Suisse for a decade before transferring those assets to other banks without telling the IRS. An attorney for the whistleblowers, Jeffrey Neiman, said their evidence uncovered and exposed this ongoing misconduct despite the risk it posed to them. Today, they feel vindicated - for telling the truth, for risking everything, and for standing up to the one of the worlds most powerful financial institutions, Neiman said. On March 10, Gilda Rosenberg, a Florida businesswoman and Credit Suisse client, pleaded guilty to conspiring with two family members to hide $90 million from the IRS between 2010 and 2017. She admitted that she conspired to defraud the US, evade taxes and fail to file foreign bank account reports, also known as FBARs. Her family held about 15 accounts at Credit Suisse between 1979 and 2013, according court documents. The tax resolution came after UBS received a key regulatory exemption to manage $11 billion in US pension funds despite four previous convictions between UBS and Credit Suisse. On Jan. 15, the Labor Department granted a five-year extension to UBS of its status as a so-called Qualified Professional Asset Manager. UBS secured the exemption despite the Labor Department noting the scope, seriousness, and recurrent nature of UBS prohibited misconduct are unique, according to a notice in the Federal Register. The agency cited the need for independent annual audits to ensure UBS adheres to applicable fiduciary provisions and a strong culture of compliance. Since Credit Suisses 2014 guilty plea, other US clients of the bank have also been charged in tax cases. They include a Brazilian-American businessman, Dan Rotta, who pleaded guilty on March 17 to using banks including Credit Suisse to hide millions of dollars in assets from US tax authorities. The Justice Department said the agreements provides no protection for individuals, suggesting that there could be new cases. UBS said in its first-quarter report that it had a provision for potential costs tied to Credit Suisses compliance with the 2014 plea deal. It didnt disclose an amount. A Bloomberg Intelligence analysis earlier this month estimated that more than a quarter of the groups legal reserves of $3.85 billion at the end of March were for various Credit Suisse cases in the US. UBS also had $2 billion in contingent liabilities relating to litigation, regulatory and similar matters for the Credit Suisse purchase. The settlement comes amid fresh scrutiny of Credit Suisses history of handling Nazi-linked accounts. In December, the bank reinstated Neil Barofsky as an independent ombudsman to oversee its review of those accounts. The decision was announced by the US Senate Budget Committee, which has been probing Credit Suisses internal investigation. A clear-eyed and historically complete evaluation of Credit Suisses servicing of Nazi-linked accounts demands painful facts to be met head on, not swept aside, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island said in a statement at the time. With assistance from Sabrina Willmer. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Mumbai: Urban India's pet parents are driving a wave of investor interest in the pet care space. A clutch of startups such as Heads Up For Tails, Supertails, and Vetic are now in fundraising talks amid rising demand for premium products and services. While Supertails looks to raise about 200 crore by the end of this year, Heads Up For Tails is eyeing an investment from domestic investment firm 360 One Asset over the next few months, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. Vetic, a tech-enabled chain of pet clinics, is looking to raise a sizable round and has begun discussions with investors, they said, adding that some of these transactions may see existing investors part exit their stake. Supertails and Vetic did not immediately respond to Mints requests for a comment. While 360 One declined to comment, Heads Up For Tails founder Rashi Narang denied the development. Investor interest in Indias pet care industry surged in the years following the pandemic, driven by a wave of new pet adoptions and rising disposable incomes. In 2023, pet care startups raised a record $66.3 million across 16 rounds, led by one major transactionDrools $60 million fundraise. While 2023 saw a funding spike driven by Drool's large deal, overall funding activity in 2024 was more broad-based, with fundraising at $17.9 million spanning 13 rounds, as per Tracxn. Pet ownership in India is estimated to be less than 10% of overall households, but growing at a rapid pace with rising incomes, especially among urban consumers. In developed economies, pet ownership can exceed three in four households, and that headroom for growth is reflected among the upper income segments in India," said Devangshu Dutta, chief executive of Third Eyesight, a management consulting firm. He added that urban couples and singles in many cases are even opting to become pet parents" instead of having children. Platforms such as Supertails, Drools and Heads Up For Tails have been the big beneficiaries of this shift. Drools raised $60 million from LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton in 2023, while Supertails raised $15 million led by RPSG Capital Ventures in February last year. Earlier this year, Mint reported that Heads Up For Tails has begun fresh talks to raise $40 million from new and existing investors such as Peak XV and Verlinvest, about four years after its last institutional round. While the exact size of the round is still being decided, the company intends to use the proceeds towards its expansion plans. Similarly, Supertails, which is in talks to acquire Blue 7 Vets, a multispecialty veterinary clinic as part of its strategy to expand its offline presence, will also raise capital to fund the acquisition of new customers, investments in technology, and the expansion of healthcare services, including Supertails Pharmacy and build an omnichannel experience for consumers. The company raised about $15 million in its series B funding round last year led by RPSG Capital Ventures and existing investors Fireside Ventures, Saama Capital, DSG Consumer Partners and Sauce VC. Meanwhile, Vetic, which raised $3.7 million in a seed funding round led by angel investor Lachy Groom in 2022, aims to further bolster its geographical expansion of its clinic network across Delhi NCR and Bangalore regions. Vetics round also saw participation from other angel investors including Utsav Somani, partner, AngelList India; Nitin Saluja, founder of Chaayos; Ritesh Agarwal, Abhinav Sinha, and Maninder Gulati of Oyo; Shiva Singh Sangwan, founder of 1947 Rise; Revant Bhate, CEO of Mosaic Wellness. Also Read: Four legged influencers are becoming pet care industrys marketing mavericks Tailwinds Consumers are not only spending more money or buying products and services but also becoming conscious of quality and the differentiation between brands on offer, much as they would with products that they buy for themselves and their family members," Third Eyesights Dutta said. The spend on pet food, pet products and care services is growing These trends have resulted in a growing number of companies entering the market and covering different segments of products and services," Dutta said. Currently valued at $3.5 billion, Indias pet care industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, according to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants in October 2024. As more pet parents focus on their pets well-being, the demand for premium, specialized offerings will continue to rise, the report said, adding that the markets growth trajectory presents opportunities for both established players and new entrants to tap into this dynamic sector. New Delhi: Uber has called off discussions to transition about 5,000 electric cars of Gensol Engineering Ltd-owned BluSmart to its platform, according to two people aware of the development. The talks were called off due to concerns over the price being asked for the cars. Talks had started as part of BluSmarts plan to revive operations of its cabs. BluSmart was supposed to act as a fleet partner for Uber. Uber has now withdrawn its interest," one of the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Its main concern was the depreciation of cars in the BluSmart fleet. The price being asked for the transition did not meet its valuation." This is the second setback for the embattled Anmol Jaggi-founded BluSmart in as many months. Last month, a 315-crore transaction to sell 2,997 cars to Chennai-based Refex Group, at a value of 10.5 lakh per car, was cancelled. Also read | Gensol promoters lose over half of their ownership According to the person mentioned above, an early assessment of BluSmarts fleet was done by Ubers team after the talks started in March. A key concern was that electric vehicles (EVs) have high depreciation, which was not accounted for in the price being asked by BluSmart, the person cited above said. Mint could not independently verify the price being asked by BluSmart. Earlier, Mint reported based on data from used car marketplace players such as Cars24 and Spinny that EVs lose value quicker than traditional fuel vehicles. According to Cars24, popular ICE (internal combustion engine) models can retain 50% of their value in three to five years, unlike EVs. Spinnys observations suggested that old EV models can have price gaps as high as 6% with old ICE models. Another concern that emerged during the talks was the fact that a large share of Gensol-owned Blusmart fleet of about 5,000 cars was hypothecated with lenders Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (Ireda). Gensol had taken loans of more than 663 crore from these lenders to buy the cars, which were then-leased to BluSmart. There were doubts over whether the cars can be sub-leased to Uber. The company was advised to not take the risk as there is some regulatory overhang," the person cited above said. Read this | How did Gensol's lenders miss a 262-crore gap for more than a year? Queries emailed on Friday to Uber and BluSmart remained unanswered till press time. There must be concerns among potential buyers about what value they will get from a deal with BluSmart," said Shriram Subramanian, founder and managing director of InGovern Research Services, a proxy advisory firm. There is considerable liability linked with the cars and questions over the value as well." Subramanian added that buyers are aware that this is a distress sale, so they will negotiate hard on the price. To be sure, Blusmart followed an asset-light business model in which it did not directly own its cab fleet. Instead, it took cars from leasing partners. About 5,000 of its more than 8,000-vehicle fleet came from Gensol while it also worked with some partners such as Japanese financial services firm Orix and Clime Finance. BluSmarts board of directors has co-founder Anmol Singh Jaggi; Sophia Nadur, bp Venture managing director for Asia and Middle East; Inderpreet Wadhwa, former chief executive officer of Azure Power; and Dharmichand Sunil Kumar, who is registered as director in nearly two dozen companies. And this | Gensol fast-charged Blu-Smart. But their ties are a governance puzzle Reportedly, some visuals had appeared in April where BluSmart cars were being rebranded to Uber Green. According to a second person aware of the developments, those cars were not owned by Gensol but another fleet partner of BluSmart, which could have struck a deal with Uber. The fast turn of events since the downgrade of Gensol Engineerings credit to default in March by rating agency Icra has made things difficult for BluSmart. Following Sebis interim order against Gensol and its promoters Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, PFC and Ireda have also filed complaints against the company with the Economic Offences Wing (EoW) of the Delhi Police. As per a PTI report, the Enforcement Directorate has raided Gensol and detained promoter Puneet Singh Jaggi. His brother is said to be in Dubai currently. Meanwhile, there have been reports of BluSmart being in talks with climate-focused funds such as Eversource Capital for a slump sale, which has not materialised yet. Since the start of the year, Gensol Engineerings share price has lost over 90% value as against a 2% rise in Nifty. And read | More than half of Uber's 1 million fleet in the country comprises bike taxis and autos New Delhi: In a major strategic shift, India is moving away from negotiating full-fledged free trade agreements (FTAs) and instead opting for short-term, limited-scope trade deals with several countries, including the UK and New Zealand, said two people familiar with the matter. The ongoing trade talks with the US for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) are also part of this early harvest approach", focusing on negotiating tariffs and non-tariff measures, with sensitive issues such as intellectual property rights and emigration set aside for now, they said. Also Read | China began de-risking its economy well before Trumps trade furt This new approach is aimed at accelerating outcomes in the ongoing trade talks while avoiding the long-drawn negotiations typical of comprehensive FTAs," said the first of the two persons cited above. This would mark a fundamental departure for Indian trade negotiators. India, as part of its FTA talks, has thus far been pushing for its skilled labour, especially in IT services, to be allowed to live and work temporarily in countries such as the UK. Likewise, developed countries are pushing for stronger Indian protections on intellectual property rights. Also Read | India can hit 6.5% growth if US trade deal finalized by Oct: Niti Aayog member Other contentious areas include European insistence on labour and environmental standards for Indian goods. These short-term trade agreements, which may be structured as early harvest deals or phased pacts, are expected to focus on specific sectors of mutual interest rather than full tariff liberalization across all goods and services. This shift in the policy landscape is seen as a response to the growing trend of countries announcing one tariff measure after another. The steep increase in tariffs by the US has prompted countries, including India, to rethink their strategy and pursue early trade deals to ensure smoother trade flows. Also Read | What Big Tech has going for it in the trade war Amid the changing geopolitical landscape, early trade deals aim to make the movement of goods and services between countries easier. If successful, these early harvest agreements can provide a strong base for a full trade deal in the future," said the second person. Both the persons spoke on the condition of anonymity. Experts say Indias focus on limited trade deals is a smart way to get quick results but warn that past mistakes must be avoided to protect key interests. "This is a practical approach. At the same time, we should be careful not to leave issues of our core interest to be addressed later. In the case of Asean (grouping of South-east Asian nations), we first finalized the agreement in respect of merchandise trade, and then we entered negotiations on services. Our perceived advantage was in services, but having finalized the goods deal earlier, we lost a bit of negotiating leverage while adopting the sequential approach. We should draw appropriate lessons from this experience," said Abhijit Das, former head of the Centre for WTO Studies, New Delhi. Analysts point to a possible model in the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in December 2022. The pact has turned out to be a strategic success for both countries, leading to a significant increase in bilateral tradeparticularly in Indian exports to Australiavalidating the benefits of early harvest agreements. Since the ECTA came into force, Indias exports to Australia have seen notable growth. Exports rose from $6.95 billion in FY23 to $7.94 billion in FY24, reflecting a 14.2% increase. In FY25 (until February), exports stood at $7.76 billion, indicating a marginal year-on-year dip but still showing sustained momentum, as per data from the commerce ministry. This growth underscores the early gains delivered by the trade pact. At the same time, Indias imports from Australia declined, suggesting a narrowing trade deficit. Imports fell from $19.01 billion in FY23 to $16.15 billion in FY24, and further to $14.41 billion in FY25 (until February), pointing to a shift in the trade balance and greater export competitiveness under the ECTA framework. Encouraged by this momentum, both countries are now negotiating a full-fledged comprehensive economic cooperation agreement to deepen trade ties across more sectors. India is negotiating trade agreements with the UK, EU, Peru, New Zealand, Chile, Oman and Sri Lanka, among others. It is also exploring talks with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and Israel and reviewing its existing FTAs with key partners, including Korea, Asean and Japan, to address trade imbalances. A full-fledged FTA is a broad and comprehensive trade pact that covers almost all sectors of trade between two countries. It typically includes goods, services, investments, intellectual property rights, government procurement, and even issues like labour and environmental standards. Negotiating an FTA usually takes several years because of the wide range of subjects involved and the need to resolve sensitive issues. In contrast, an early harvest deal is a more limited, short-term arrangement. It focuses on areas where both sides can quickly agree, such as lowering tariffs on select goods or addressing specific non-tariff barriers. These deals are meant to deliver quick results and are often seen as a stepping stone to a broader FTA later on. They leave out contentious subjects like intellectual property rights or regulatory frameworks, which take longer to negotiate. The pattern of agreeing on areas that we are able to reach agreement on is theoretically a good one. Traditional trade negotiations have not adopted this approach because no country wants to give up any potential bargaining chips. If the current trade environment allows us to strike partial agreements, it will be very helpful in lowering trade barriers and be beneficial in boosting both India's manufacturing and consumption sectors," said Rahul Ahluwalia, director of the Foundation for Economic Development, a think tank. India plans to tighten visa norms for Chinese nationals, particularly in commercial and technical work, to limit their stay and areas of work, two people aware of the matter said. The hardening of stance comes against the backdrop of rising concerns over an influx of Chinese goods into India, following steep tariff hikes by the US. New Delhi is wary of China redirecting US-bound exports to other markets including India, which could undermine domestic industry and the governments self-reliance drive. Also Read | India to take on China on GI listings by tapping goods district-wise Indias trade deficit with China soared to a record $99.2 billion in FY25, underlining not only a growing trade imbalance, but also a deeper structural dependence on Chinese supply chains. Queries sent to the Prime Ministers Office, ministries of home, commerce, external affairs and the Chinese Embassy remained unanswered. Also Read | Mint Quick Edit | Trumps $5 million price tag on a US visa is no big shock "The visa process for Chinese nationals has never been free-flowing, especially after tensions escalated following the Galwan Valley incident in 2020. Under the proposed stricter norms, visas for technical personnel will be issued for a very limited period, and their movement will be restricted to designated areas only," said the first of the two persons mentioned above. Authorities or companies hosting Chinese nationals will be held responsible for any lapses or violations, the person added. The purpose is to keep a strict vigil on their movement, given that the trust deficit between the two countries has not yet been resolved," said the second person. Also Read | What US green card and visa holders need to know about recent deportations The authorities have also begun closely scrutinizing both the origin and end-use of such machinery, as well as the movement of Chinese personnel, amid concerns that this could be part of a broader effort to bypass Western restrictions or discreetly re-enter sensitive sectors in India," this person said. The government is wary as many Chinese firmsparticularly in sectors like electronics, machinery, steel, and telecomare now looking to India as an alternative market following the steep hike in duties imposed by the US. However, experts have raised concerns about the governments proposed move, saying that India should refrain from engaging in confrontation with China, given its heavy import dependency on Chinese goods and machinery used in different manufacturing sectors. The government should handle these issues with sensitivity. Chinese technicians are required for the commissioning of critical equipment and machines being used in the manufacturing sector," said Ajay Srivastava, co-founder, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Commerce ministry data show that imports from China surged 11.5% year-on-year to $113.4 billion in FY25 from $101.74 billion in FY24, led by strong demand for electronics, electric vehicle batteries, solar cells, and critical industrial componentssectors where Chinese firms dominate Indias sourcing landscape. Even more concerning is the sharp 14.5% drop in Indias exports to China, which fell to just $14.2 billion from $16.67 billion in FY24a level similar to that in FY14, when the rupee was significantly stronger and Indias exports to China were valued at $13.4 billion. India has maintained a cautious stance on Chinese entry into key sectors since the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. Warren Buffett has done what he can to prepare his successor at Berkshire Hathaway. He has tasked CEO-in-waiting Greg Abel with running most of the companies the sprawling conglomerate owns. He named Abel a vice chairman, worked with him on recent investments in Japan, and shared the stage with him at Berkshires famous annual meetings. There is one thing he cant simply hand off to the next guy: the Buffett brand and the glow it imbues on anything his company touches. Buffett said Saturday at Berkshires annual meeting that he plans to step down as CEO at the end of the year and hand the reins to Abel. In his 60 years of delivering stunning investment returns and folksy wisdom, the 94-year-old has been the glue that binds together Berkshires collection of businessesfrom Dairy Queen and Duracell to railways and insurersat a time when big conglomerates are out of style. Abel will inherit the challenge of overseeing that wide-ranging empire, while living up to Buffetts seemingly impossible-to-replicate record in stock pickingsomething even Buffett has struggled to do in recent years. He would make a huge mistake trying to be Warren Buffett, and he knows that," said Will Danoff, the Fidelity money manager who counts Berkshire as a top holding. Shareholders want Greg to be the best Greg Abel he can be." Buffett isnt just an investor. His unique stature allows him to confer legitimacy on damaged businesses in times of crisisas he famously did when Wall Street veered toward potential collapseand to extract a good deal for his shareholders in the process. And his reputation as a brilliant investor means that many shareholders are content letting Berkshire amass a huge pile of cash, because they expect that Buffett will eventually be able to deploy it well. No one can completely fill those shoes. Warrens so unique," Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, said of his close friend. I hope we have leaders like Warren in the future." Buffetts planned departure, combined with the death in 2023 of his close friend and investing partner Charlie Munger, sets Berkshire on a new path. The companys fundamentals remain strong. But Berkshires investment decisions might no longer carry the same weight. Abel, who is 62, will join other successors with tough acts to follow. Tim Cook filled Apples top job after Steve Jobs died and has made a lasting imprint. He drew on his supply-chain expertise to expand manufacturing in China and built up a services business. At Disney, Bob Chapek took over as CEO for Bob Iger only to have his uneven tenure cut short by a boardroom coup that resulted in Igers return. A quick study Greg will have to be Greg," said Mark Oman, a retired Wells Fargo executive and a close friend of Abels in his adopted Iowa hometown. Berkshires succession plans, long one of Wall Streets favorite guessing games, were finally revealed in 2021 when Buffett said Abel would eventually become the next CEO. Buffett had previously said that his son, Howard Buffett, would someday replace him as chairman, though without an executive role. Until this weekend, many shareholders assumed those handoffs wouldnt take place before Buffetts death. A former accountant from the Canadian Prairies who joined Berkshire through its acquisition of a utility in Des Moines, Iowa, Abel helped build Berkshire Hathaway Energy into one of the companys biggest businesses through a series of acquisitions and investments. By 2018, Buffett had seen enough to put Abel in charge of all of Berkshires businesses outside of its insurance operations and add him to the board. Abel now oversees dozens of companies, including Benjamin Moore, Fruit of the Loom, Oriental Trading and Sees Candies. Buffett still runs the bulk of the companys investment portfolio and makes decisions on how to deploy capital. Abel set off on a listening tour, visiting Berkshires many companies to meet their executives and learn about their operations and challenges. Hes just such a quick study," said Troy Bader, chief executive of International Dairy Queen. When we have something that we need to connect on thats important, he always finds a way to make himself available." Buffett was famously hands-off as a manager, and Abel said at Saturdays meeting that he will continue to let each company run autonomously. But, he added, he is eager to suggest potential growth opportunities or help the subsidiaries identify risks. It is a sign Abel might differ in style as a CEO. He knows the businesses now perhaps better than Warren," said Ron Olson, a longtime Berkshire director who retired from the board Saturday. Surprise A few hours after Saturdays meeting, Abel still seemed taken aback. Thats the first time I heard that," he said of Buffetts onstage announcement. On Sunday, the Berkshire board met in Omaha to discuss in detail Buffetts recommendations. Buffetts decades of success as a stock picker, along with widely read annual letters explaining his investment philosophy, have earned him the trust of shareholders large and small. Many Berkshire investors are willing to excuse periods of underperformance, especially during rising markets when bargain hunters such as Buffett can struggle to find attractively priced stocks. Warren Buffett with Charlie Munger in 2019. Berkshire has amassed hundreds of billions of dollars in cash in recent years, partly because large acquisitions or investments have been few and far between. Buffetts biggest success in the past decade was building a large stake in Apple, though he has since pared it significantly. Berkshire also spent billions buying back its own stock. Buffett said Saturday that Berkshires cash would come in handy during the next major market downturn, whenever it happens. We will be bombarded with offerings that well be glad we have the cash for," he said. However, Abel might feel more pressure than Buffett to spend Berkshires cash, especially while Buffett is still alive, said David Harden, chief executive and chief investment officer of Summit Global Investments. Two lieutenants, Todd Combs and Ted Weschler, each manage a portion of Berkshires stock portfolio, and some Berkshire watchers expect them to take on a bigger investing role when Abel becomes CEO. I dont see anything in [Abels] background that would make him a good stock picker. Thats not where he got his chops," said Robert Miles, who teaches a class on Buffett at the University of Nebraska Omaha. My guess is Greg will be in charge of major acquisitions and capital allocation, but the investment managers already in place will continue" to oversee the equity portfolio. Bill Miller, the veteran stock picker, advised Abel to follow the advice Buffett has long dispensed to individual investors: Put most of the excess cash in an S&P 500 index fund," he wrote. Then let Todd and Ted actively manage the residual." Mount Rushmore Even if Abel fails to match Buffetts record as an investor, the transition might not be as disruptive as some fear. Berkshires stock portfolio, which made up about half of the companys total assets between 1970 and 2000, comprises just over 20% today, according to Cheviot Value Management, a Los Angeles-area investment firm and longtime Berkshire shareholder. Buffett became a legend in part because he was willing to write enormous checks and invest in companies at short notice during crises. Buffetts ability to strike when theres chaos or panic is legendary, but its not really valuable or pertinent anymore," said Darren Pollock, who runs Cheviot. Hes on the Mount Rushmore of investing for many reasons, including those kinds of investments, but they havent happened in many years." Whats more, many of the family-run businesses that once made prime takeover targets for Buffett are too small to move the needle for the modern Berkshire. Deep-pocketed private-equity firms prowl for these same deals and are often willing to outbid Berkshire. Berkshires shift to a company that demands more executive leadership than investing skill may have played a part in Buffetts thinking. Warren just feels hes ready to go," Olson said of Abel. Hes been working at this for five, six years, and time to move him up is what Im guessing Warren thought was the right call." And on Saturday, he made it. Five minutes Just before 1 p.m. in Omaha, a sign flickered before Buffett as he addressed the final query of the Berkshire gatherings question-and-answer session: Five-minute warning. It was his cue to share the news that surprised nearly everyone in the CHI Health Center arena, including Abel sitting nearby. The time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year-end," he said. Before this revelation, Buffett said he would allow time for CNBCs Becky Quick to ask a few follow-up questions. But thunderous applause soaked up every last moment of the appointed time. It made me choke up," Gates said of the crowds response. When the audience finally returned to their seats, all Buffett could do was thank them before disappearing backstage. Write to Karen Langley at karen.langley@wsj.com, Nicole Friedman at nicole.friedman@wsj.com and Gregory Zuckerman at Gregory.Zuckerman@wsj.com A genre is a shorthand way to describe a story or a song. But as well as a category, it can be a judgment: a tool to elevate some kinds of art and denigrate others. Often the judgment extends beyond the work to the people who make or appreciate it, typecasting or marginalising them by disposition (science fiction is for nerds) or by sex (romance novels are girly). Or by race. Sinners, a box-office smash that has conquered the internet, is a work of multiplicity. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, it has several endingssit through the credits if you want to catch them alland two lead characters, identical twins known as Smoke and Stack. Both are played by Michael B. Jordan (pictured), who lights his doubles cigarette, fights him and cradles him in his arms. Meanwhile the rollicking film slides between numerous screen genres. Indeed the idea of genre, its uses and abuses, may be its deepest theme. Mr Cooglers previous titles include Creed, a well-received Rocky spin-off, and the hit Black Panther films. His latest unfolds over 24 hours in 1932. Having fought in the first world war and hustled for Al Capone in Chicago, Smoke and Stack come home to Clarksdale, in the Mississippi Delta. The pair of dandyish toughs buy an old sawmill and hastily convert it into a juke joint. The headline act on opening night is their cousin Sammie (Miles Caton), an aspiring bluesman nicknamed Preacher Boy on account of his godly father. So far, so historical drama-ish. The story alludes to the toils and traumas of the segregated South, such as sharecropping, chain gangs and lynching. The landscape is bloodstained, figuratively and, on the barns floorboards, literally. (The Ku Klux Klan features as well, in a sequence in which Sinners morphs briefly into an action flick.) Genre-wise, however, it is only warming up. The setting is a clue to a zany swerve: Clarksdale is where, meeting the devil at a crossroads, the bluesman Robert Johnson is said to have traded his soul for his talent. Here the fiends are vampires, who besiege the juke joint and chomp the necks of its patrons. Sinners thus joins recent books and productionssuch as The Trees by Percival Everett and the TV series Lovecraft Countrythat use the supernatural to suggest the grotesqueries of Americas racial past. This is a strand of history that some politicians want to scrub from curriculums, museums and ultimately memory. They are failing. So Sinners is part gangsterish period drama, part vampire horror, with a grenades-worth of action movie thrown in. But it is a musical too. A bravura medley of cinema genres that are typically kept apart, it is also a riff on the musical sort. The film is a homage to the Delta blues, a monumental art form forged in grinding adversity. In a bold fantasia in its middle stretch, Sammies performance at the juke joint conjures up the spirits of the antecedents of the blues, and of its progeny, among them West African dancers and a DJ. Sammies music is a triumph, yet it is imperilled. His preacher father disapproves of it. Then there are the vampires. They are musicians themselves; their taste is Irish folk. But they covet the blues. I want your stories and I want your songs, their leader growls. The vampires are predatory and appropriative, just as other, predominantly white styles of music, from rocknroll to country, preyed on the blues, profiting from its rhythms and chords. White folks, they like the blues just fine, a character says. They just dont like the people who make it. Succumbing to the bloodsuckers means compromise and loss. Still, a bite from the vampires has an upsidea nuance that helps make Mr Cooglers wild movie a profound one. It isnt just that you might live for ever. In a film with a keen interest in who pays whom and how much, the vampires have gold. Above all, they offer a seductive musical camaraderie; join their coven, and you slip off the constraints of genre. Genres are a way to see the world and respond to it. Each has a canon, conventions and dignityin Sinners, especially the blues. But genres are also simplifications. After all, it may take more than one screen formula and mood to evoke a persons story, let alone a countrys. And they can be divisive, splitting up art forms that are as much alike as distinct, and splitting up people with them. Cough lozenges, pain relievers and anti-fungal creams may soon be available at a neighbourhood grocery store near you, in a move that promises easy access to common medicines but raises concerns of potential misuse. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) decided last month that several medicines that do not need a prescription may be sold at retail outlets, three people aware of the matter said. These include analgesics, anti-allergics, antihistamines, cough syrups, laxatives, antifungal products, and certain asthma drugs. Though retail stores won't need a pharmacist like regular chemists, they will need to secure a licence for selling these medicines, also called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The government is finalizing the list of OTC drugs and products which can be sold at retail shops. The government has been working on this for a long time, and a final decision is to be taken shortly," said one of the three people cited above, who attended the DTAB meeting. Relief for consumers The move spells relief for consumers who can pick up these medicines from just about anywhere, but also casts a pall of gloom over tens of thousands of chemists staring at loss of sales. Queries emailed to the Union health ministry remained unanswered. New regulations will define OTC drugs and formulate a separate schedule for them, the second official said. "Right now, OTC drugs are not defined or covered under the Drugs Rule, 1945. Once these regulations are in place, the public will be aware of what OTC drugs are, and what types of drugs can be purchased without a prescription, the official said. The move is aimed at ensuring accessibility and availability of OTC drugs to the people even in the interiors of the villages and remote areas," the official added. Also read | Healthify shifts gears to incorporate weight-loss drugs, cash in on anti-obesity boom The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which represents 1.24 million members and the Indian Pharmaceutical Association representing 13,000 members, have protested against the plan ever since the government floated the idea of selling OTC drugs at retail shops years ago. 'Where will we go?' Where will we go? This will put the growth of pharmacists at risk," said Rajiv Singhal, general secretary of AIOCD. "We are going to submit our representation to the government to seek a transparent and balanced approach in finalizing the sale of OTC drugs at retail level and involve stakeholders like the Indian Medical Association, doctors and Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) before finalizing the change," Singhal said, adding OTC drugs at retail stores may also lead to misuse. The government must share the list of retail OTC drugs with chemists so they can provide feedback on the pros and cons of the decision, he added. The sub-committee has prepared a list of OTC drug items. The government will now re-issue a draft notification on OTC drugs regulation, take stakeholders' comments before giving the final nod," the third official added. Read this | Demand for weight loss drugs is growing. Can wellness companies keep up? In 2022, the Centre had issued a draft notification permitting the sale of 16 specific OTC drugs without a prescription by retailers with a valid licence, a move that chemists' bodies have opposed since then. In 2024, the DTAB formed a sub-committee to develop a detailed mechanism for the drugs to be considered as OTC. DTAB agreed with the sub-committee's recommendations. Legal provisions to be enabled under Drugs Rules, 1945 along with manner of submitting application, prescribe the licensing requirements for the sale of OTC drugs which does not require the supervision of registered pharmacist, requirements for considering a drug as an OTC, labelling requirements, etc. and incorporation of a separate schedule," the meeting's minutes showed. Possibility of abuse Experts agreed on the need for OTC drug regulations. "These drugs are generally regarded as safe within their therapeutic dosage and therefore, 'responsible people' can use them," said Dr. Y.K. Gupta, who has headed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences' pharmacology department. However, he noted that many Indians may not be educated enough to choose these medicines wisely, and hence, there is a possibility of abuse or overuse. The decision will make OTC drugs widely available to the public, Gupta said, while pointing to the easy availability of even prescription drugs and antibiotics over the counter. "We have to have a balanced approach in terms of accessibility, availability and avoiding inconvenience," said Gupta, who is also the national scientific coordinator of India's pharmacovigilance programme to ensure drug safety. And this | Govt to add 100 key drugs to widen availability of affordable medicines at Janaushadhi kendras In several countries, a large number of drugs are available off the shelf without a prescription. According to AIOCD's Singhal, India sees annual pharmaceutical sales of 1.98-2.3 trillion, out of which OTC accounts for 30,000-40,000 crore. Dr. Suranjeet Chatterjee, senior consultant of internal medicine at Apollo Hospital said the only benefit is easy availability of OTC drugs, with some downside. Downside There could be a misuse of OTC drugs, and people can take the drug on their own since it does not require a doctors prescription. The pharmacist is a qualified person, and he knows what to give to the customer. I am not totally against this decision, but at this stage, I am a bit sceptical about it. Even in the US, paracetamol and anti-allergic tablets are available at the grocery shop, but we cannot compare India with US, because people are less educated here and have no knowledge of the medicines," Dr. Chatterjee said, calling for a structured regulation. The list as submitted by the sub-committee may be considered initially, which will be dynamic and updated from time to time, the DTAB minutes said. The board also recommended a comprehensive revisit of the draft notification, for which international guidelines may also be considered and directed the sub-committee to submit a report on it. And read | IPC raises concern over five lifesaving drugs for causing adverse reaction Some of the OTC drugs that could go on retail shelves include Chlorohexidine Gluconate 0.2% (for the treatment of gingivitis), paracetamol tabs 500 mg (antipyretic), sodium chloride nasal spray, ketoconazole shampoo (anti-dandruff), lactulose solution (laxative), calamine lotion (anti-septic), xylometazoline hydrochloride (nasal decongestant) and bisacodyl tablets 5mg (laxative). President Trump has found the next industry he wants to bring back to the U.S. with tariffs: Hollywood. Trump said in a Truth Social post Sunday that he has authorized a 100% tariff on films produced overseas. He said it was a response to tax incentives in countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada that have lured a substantial number of Hollywood films to shoot outside the U.S. The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death," the president wrote. He called international filmmaking incentives a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!" This years highest-grossing film, A Minecraft Movie," was shot in Canada. Some of summers biggest productions including Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning" and Jurassic World Rebirth" were also made primarily or entirely outside the U.S. London in particular has become a thriving hub for Hollywood productions. Disneys Marvel Studios is shooting a pair of upcoming Avengers sequels there. Trump said he authorized the Commerce Department and the U.S. Trade Representative to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% tariff on movies made abroad. Were on it," U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick posted on X Sunday. It is unclear how such a tariff would work because movies arent physical goods that move through ports like most items subject to tariffs. The Trump administration would need to determine how to value a movie in order to apply the tariffs, as well as what the threshold would be to classify it as an import. If other countries imposed reciprocal tariffs, it could devastate the Hollywood studios, as most big-budget event films earn most of their revenue overseas. Representatives for the Motion Picture Association of America, the trade group for major Hollywood studios and streaming companies, and the White House didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump in January appointed actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone as his special ambassadors" to Hollywood. He said they would help bring back Hollywood business lost to foreign countries. These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest," he said. Write to Ben Fritz at ben.fritz@wsj.com Milan (Italy): Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to cut the processing time for its lending transactions and either enhance or better manage the capital available for lending Her call came at the multilateral bodys 58th annual meeting, which also saw the US and China spar over funding for Chinese projects. Also Read | Climate change can take big toll on Asian economies, says ADB report Sitharaman urged the ADB to make quick progress on capital expansion and capital management measures so that its lending limits do not affect the borrowing programmes of developing countries. Sitharaman referred to specific instruments the multilateral bank can use, including hybrid capital, exposure exchange agreements allowing risk swapping with other institutions and callable capital that can be sought from shareholders. Its an old adage that time is money. It holds relevance still. Process reforms for reduction in processing time, both for sovereign and non-sovereign operations, shall benefit the developing member countries significantly, Sitharaman said. ADB has cumulatively backed 789 projects in India up to April this year, with close to $60 billion in loans, guarantees, equity investments, guarantees and technical assistance in the sovereign category and close to $8 billion in private sector projects, as per data available from the bank. While the US asked the ADB to graduate China's status from a developing to a developed country, China described itself as the largest developing country and urged the multilateral bank to continue to uphold the spirit of multilateralism and principle of political neutrality. Also Read | Sitharaman to lead Indian delegation at ADB annual meet in Milan The ADB has backed over 1,300 projects in China with over $45 billion support for sovereign projects and over $5 billion for private sector projects, up to April 2025. An official privy to the discussions in the development bank explained that annual borrowings by China now are a small amount but Beijing is keen to retain its developing country status due to its implications on other matters like global trade. The ADBs graduation policy assesses a countrys improved economic status based on macroeconomic, social and human development index parameters to see if its need for ADB financial support has come down. This frees up resources that can be allocated to poorer countries. South Korea has graduated from being a developing country under this policy, the official explained. Margaret Kuhlow, temporary alternate governor in ADB representing the US, said, Efficient use of resources requires greater focus on less developed countries where ADBs support makes the biggest difference for poverty and growth, and application of the graduation policy in countries with higher incomes and ample access to other financing. In particular, concrete steps must be taken to put the Peoples Republic of China on a clear path to graduation. The lending cooperation between China and ADB is mutually beneficial, said a statement from Lan Foan, ADB governor representing China. Recently, certain members have cast doubt on the Peoples Republic of Chinas lending cooperation with ADB, even raising the issue of graduation. Peoples Republic of China considers such claims to be untenable, said the statement from Lan Foan made available by the ADB, adding that China has not yet met all the criteria under the banks graduation policy as per a 2023 assessment. Meanwhile, Indias finance ministry on Monday denied reports in the media that Sitharaman has discussed issues related to Pakistan with ADB president Masato Kanda and the Italian finance minister in Milan. It is clarified that this is not true and has no basis in fact, the ministrys clarification said. These media reports are incorrect, the ADB added. New Delhi: State-run Oil India Ltd (OIL) is in talks with global oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) companies to partner for exploration in deep and ultra-deep acreages won by it and also to jointly participate in upcoming bid rounds, its top official said. Ranjit Rath, chairman and managing director of OIL, said in an interview that several government-owned national oil companies (NOCs) as well as private international oil companies (IOCs) have shown interest in jointly bidding for blocks in the upcoming 10th round of auction under Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP-X). Further, he said that OIL is looking at expanding its international footprint to ensure energy security, and is also exploring a foray into critical mineral exploration overseas, through partnerships. It has already bagged a domestic vanadium and graphite block and is vying for more critical mineral mines. In February, the Maharatna company had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Petrobras, Brazils state-owned oil major, to collaborate in the exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources in Indias offshore regions. Rath said deliberations with Petrobras are underway. Also read | Major oil & gas discovery expected from blocks offered in OALP rounds, says Oil India CMD We are extremely upbeat about our possible collaboration with Petrobras," said Rath, adding that the IEW (India Energy Week 2025), a platform created by the ministry of petroleum and natural gas this February, helped the company reach out to both national and international oil companies for collaborations. The MoU with Petrobas was also signed at the IEW. We have several engagements currently going on," Rath said. With some of them, we have got NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) signed and we are having data exchanges." Rath added that all other oil companies contacted during IEWboth international and nationalare showing keen interest for participation with OIL not only in the OALP-IX blocks, where we have already secured the blocks, but also possible joint-bidding in OALP-X". Read this | Oil India to be first state-run firm to tighten monetary limit for arbitration cases after finance ministry's nudge The talks for joint bidding with global players come at a time when another state-run E&P majorONGChas tied up with UK-headquartered bp plc and Reliance Industries. The three companies jointly bagged a block in the Saurashtra Basin in OALP-IX. The blocks were awarded last month. Apart from Petrobras and bp, other global majors in this space include Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil and Petronas. Under the recently ended OALP-IX, OIL bagged nine blocks, adding 51,000 sq. km to its exploration portfolio. Three of the blocksone each in Cambay basin, Mahanadi basin and Assam Shelf basinwere won in partnership with ONGC. According to Rath, OIL is also looking at more international exploration and production blocks and would look at partnering with local players for such projects. We are in discussion with several IOCs and NOCs as part of our overseas investment and discussions are at various stagesthese are all under NDA," he said. In some cases, due diligence is also initiated. So, we are looking at both exploration and producing assets on a holistic basis." IOCs and NOCs refer to international oil companies and national oil companies, respectively. And this | ONGC Videsh, Oil India may join forces again to bid for new offshore blocks in Bangladesh As of 31 March 2024, its overseas E&P comprises 10 assets spread over seven countriesLibya, Gabon, Nigeria, Venezuela, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Russia. The portfolio includes four producing assets spread across Russia & Venezuela. Two assets, one each in Mozambique and Nigeria are under development. Four assets in Libya, Gabon and Bangladesh are under exploration. Rath also emphasized on the company's plans for acquisition of critical mineral mines both in India and overseas. "In recent times, we have secured one block of graphite and vanadium in Arunachal Pradesh, which has already been allocated to us. We have submitted bids for two potash blocks. And we are also looking at geographies, for overseas asset acquisitions in critical mineral space. And we are not looking at all the critical minerals per se. We are looking at a few select critical minerals where we see there is a commonality of understanding, both in terms of exploration possibilities or in and around our area of operation," Rath said. In August last year, the company signed an MoU with state-owned Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) to collaborate for opportunities in critical mineral assets overseas. And read | Oil India plans green hydrogen hubs in energy-transition bid Speaking on OILs efforts to boost oil production, Rath said the company has already arrested the decline in production from mature fields. We have secured a growth of 3-5% in the last three years. And, like last year, this year also we have scripted the highest-ever production, both oil and natural gas cumulative," he said. In the previous financial year (FY25), the company produced 6.71 million metric tonnes of oil and oil equivalent (MMTOE), compared to 6.54 MMTOE in FY24. Rath added that drilling is underway in the shallow waters on either side of Andaman island and a total of four wells would be drilled in the Andaman & Nicobar offshore waters. Satellite internet services providers such as Starlink, Amazon's Kuiper, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio will have to submit a yearly plan to the government showing how they will gradually increase local manufacturing of ground segments of their satellite network in the country, according to new guidelines by the department of telecommunications (DoT) on Monday. The government has asked companies looking to provide satellite internet services in the country to target at least 20% indigenisation of the ground segment of their satellite network within five years of beginning commercial operations in the country. The licensee, in the format prescribed, will submit to the licensor a year-wise phased manufacturing programme aiming at indigenisation, DoT said in the guidelines. The government wants to reduce reliance on foreign technology and boost local manufacturing through this requirement. Ground segment involves gateways, antennas, terminals, etc. The new guidelines are incorporated into Chapter XII of the Unified License (UL) Agreement for the provision of GMPCS (global mobile personal communication by satellite) service. In a bid to tighten security norms, DoT said such companies, which acquire the GMPCS licence, would require security clearance for specific gateway or hub locations in the country. Also read | Amazon finalizing application for satcom licence in India The gateways are essential for the provision of satellite communication services as they serve as the connection point between satellites and the local telecom networks. These hubs process and route the data transmitted via satellite to users on the ground. Given their (gateways) critical role in handling sensitive communication traffic, securing these installations is vital to national security, a government official said, adding that a fresh set of guidelines was required, given that many global companies are looking to enter the country. Monitoring activity As per the guidelines, the companies will be required to provide monitoring and lawful interception at the gateway or point of presence. This means that the government wants to ensure that these satellite service providers can help monitor and intercept communications when legally required, just like regular telecom operators. Essential functionalities like Lawful Interception facility, monitoring/ control facility of user terminals, user data traffic routing, control of equipment in Gateway routing data traffic, etc., of the Network Control and Monitoring Centre (or equivalent facility) shall be located in India, DoT said in the new guidelines. NCMC is a centralized facility used by satellite communication providers to manage, control, and monitor their satellite network operations. Also read | Satcom spectrum allocation further delayed Currently, the government has approved the application of Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio, whereas companies such as Elon Musk-owned Starlink, Amazon's Kuiper and Globalstar are waiting for regulatory clearances. The government has asked the companies to implement service restriction/ denial to any individual, group of subscribers or certain geographical areas during hostilities or under cases as informed by the law enforcement or security agencies. The licensees shall ensure the accuracy of geo-fencing in case of debarred areas and also reshape footprint patterns near border areas to avoid spillovers (to neighbouring territories), DoT said. Additionally, the government will define special monitoring zones within 50 km of international borders and along coastal areas (up to 200 nautical miles into the sea). These zones will be monitored by designated law enforcement and security agencies to keep track of user activity for national security purposes. Data localisation One of the key conditions which the government requires the operators to follow is the localisation of data. The Indian user traffic shall not be routed through any Gateway/PoP (point of presence) located abroad or any space system, which is not part of satellite/constellation used for providing service, DoT said, adding that the licensee will have to submit an undertaking that it shall not copy and decrypt the Indian telecom data outside India. To comply with data localisation, the government wants companies to ensure that the data centre is based within Indias geographical boundary and shall make provision to provide Domain Name System (DNS) resolution within Indias boundary. The government said that the location of its user terminals or any other sensitive information pertaining to the user shall not be visible or accessible at any location abroad. Also read | Regulatory delays, testing may hold up satcom launch Further, operators are asked to seek separate clearance (from a security angle) for voice and data services, fixed location services (no mobility/ limited mobility), and mobility (full)- based services. Additionally, the operators seeking the licence are asked to submit a confirmation that no surveillance activity can be carried out with the satellite constellation. The companies will have to ensure that websites blocked in India are also blocked through satellite internet services. They will also have to facilitate metadata collection by the Telecom Security Operation Centre (TSOC) under DoT, according to the guidelines. Warren Buffett will leave behind a peerless record as an investor and acquirer of businesses. And a few real flubs. He built one of the worlds most valuable companies in Berkshire Hathaway and a following that extended well beyond the shareholders who benefited from Berkshires successes. But as Buffett himself has reminded us, not every investment he made in his storied six decades at the helm worked out as well as his bet on Apple. And those mistakes, as Buffett has also said, often offer valuable lessons. Here are some of Buffetts greatest hits and misses: Hit: Coca-Cola When Buffett first invested in the soft-drink company in 1988, he told Berkshire shareholders he expected to own the stock for a long time. When we own outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever," he wrote in his annual letter to shareholders that year. True to Buffetts word, Coca-Cola remains a holding nearly 40 years later. By the end of 2024, the stake was valued at roughly $25 billion. Cokes dividends, which have increased annually for decades, paid Berkshire some $770 million in 2024 alone. Along the way, the stock came to represent something more to Berkshire and its shareholders than just a steady source of income. Buffett was Cokes largest shareholder, a onetime board member and an unflinching pitchman. He often said he drank five Cherry Cokes a day, and his devotion to his favorite soda became part of the lore that drew thousands of fans to Omaha, Neb., for Berkshires annual shareholder meetings. Berkshires investment in Coke, along with other corporate giants such as American Express and Apple, also revealed just how Buffetts investment philosophy had evolved from his earlier days as a cheap-stock connoisseur. It was Charlie Munger, Buffetts longtime business partner, who had urged him to look instead at higher-quality companies at fair prices. Miss: Salomon Brothers Berkshire bought preferred shares in Salomon Brothers in 1987, when it was still one of the biggest firms on Wall Street. In 1991, though, scandal enveloped the investment bank when its traders were accused of rigging a Treasury-note auction. Buffett was forced to step in as chairman to clean up the mess, which ended when the firm settled a spate of government investigations. Salomon never fully recovered, and in 1997 the firm sold itself to Travelers Group, the financial-services company that would become Citigroup. That deal helped salvage Berkshires investment, but the ordeal left its scars. In the decades that followed, Buffett and Munger, once a Salomon board member, would often cite the episode as both a cautionary tale and reason to be wary of Wall Street. I can handle bad news but I dont like to deal with it after it has festered for a while," Buffett wrote in his 2010 letter to Berkshire shareholders. A reluctance to face up immediately to bad news is what turned a problem at Salomon from one that could have easily been disposed of into one that almost caused the demise of a firm with 8,000 employees." Hit: BYD Buffett credited Munger for discovering BYD, then a little-known battery maker in China, and encouraging Berkshire to buy a 10% stake in the company in 2008. Within two years, the $230 million investment was valued at nearly $2 billion. BYDs shares continued to rise, bolstered by demand for electric vehicles, until 2022. That is when Berkshire began to trim its stake. Miss: USAir Berkshire paid $358 million for preferred shares in the U.S. airline in 1989. By the mid-1990s, Buffett had marked down the value of its investment by 75% and issued a mea culpa. When Richard Branson, the wealthy owner of Virgin Atlantic Airways, was asked how to become a millionaire, he had a quick answer: Theres really nothing to it. Start as a billionaire and then buy an airline, " Buffett wrote in his 1996 letter to shareholders. Unwilling to accept Bransons proposition on faith, your Chairman decided in 1989 to test it by investing $358 million in a 9.25% preferred stock of USAir." Buffett conceded he underestimated just how much havoc the deregulation of the U.S. airline industry would play on USAirs business. From 1990 to 1994, USAir reported total losses of $2.4 billion. (USAir eventually became US Airways, which later merged with American Airlines.) Buffett says he misjudged how deregulation of the U.S. airline industry would affect USAirs business. Hit: MidAmerican Energy Buffett bought a 75% stake in this Des Moines utility in 1999 at the urging of Walter Scott, a lifelong friend who had joined the Berkshire board in the late 1980s. MidAmerican, later renamed Berkshire Hathaway Energy, thrived under Berkshire by eschewing dividends and plowing the companys profit back into the business through acquisitions and capital investments. BHE would become one of Berkshires four pillars, along with its insurance and railroad businesses and its stake in Apple. Annual operating earnings grew to nearly $4 billion from $122 million in 2000. The deal also added Greg Abel to Berkshire Hathaways payroll. Buffett now intends to turn over his chief-executive post to Abel at year-end. Miss: Berkshire Hathaway In May 1964, the top executive of a struggling textile manufacturer called Berkshire Hathaway wrote to its investors offering to buy their shares for $11.375 a piece. Buffett, a major shareholder, had expected $11.50. But when Berkshires Seabury Stanton responded with the lower offer, I bristled at Stantons behavior and didnt tender," Buffett wrote in his 2014 letter. That was," Buffett wrote, a monumentally stupid decision." Berkshire continued to wilt along with the rest of the New England textile industry, shutting mills and racking up losses. But Buffett, piqued by Stantons actions, ignored the companys grim outlook and instead kept buying more stock. By May 1965, he took over Berkshire for good. It is a move he still regrets. (Though it did earn him his first mention in The Wall Street Journal.) Through Seaburys and my childish behaviorafter all, what was an eighth of a point to either of us?he lost his job, and I found myself with more than 25% of (Buffett Partnerships) capital invested in a terrible business about which I knew very little," Buffett wrote in the 2014 letter. I became the dog who caught the car." Buffett kept the textile business going for years. But stubbornnessstupidity?has its limits," he wrote. In 1985, I finally threw in the towel and closed the operation." Write to Justin Baer at justin.baer@wsj.com Stock Market Today: Azad Engineering share price gained 5% in the morning trade on Monday, May 5, after the company announced signing a 452 crore pact with GE Steam Power-GMBH over the weekend. Azad Engineering: Long-term agreement details In its intimation to the exchanges, Azad Engineering said that it has signed a long-term supply Agreement with GE Steam Power GMBH, acting through GE Vernova, its power business based in Baden, Switzerland. The pact, as per Azad Engineering, is for the manufacture and supply of highly engineered and complex rotating and stationary airfoils for advanced nuclear, industrial and thermal power industries, meeting GE Vernova's global demand in the power generation and essential industries. The period in which the order is to be executed, as specified by Azad Engineering in its release, stands at 6 years. This current phase of the contract, as per Azad Engineering, is valued at approximately $53.5 million, which translates to around 452.48 crore. Azad Engineering said that it is a robust step towards cementing our everlasting strategic relationship with GE Steam Power GMBH. Azad Engineering: Other developments Azad Engineering remains in the news as a few days earlier, on April 29, 2025, Azad Engineering had announced the inauguration of a lean manufacturing facility. The exclusive lean manufacturing facility is at Azad Engineering's new plant in Tunikibollaram IP, Hyderabad. The facility was inaugurated in the presence of GE Vernovas senior global leadership team, Azad Engineering had said. This facility will serve and support the supply of highly engineered and complex rotating and stationary airfoils for advanced nuclear, industrial and thermal power turbine engines. Azad Engineering share price movement Azad Engineering share price opened at 1585, on the BSE on Monday. At the time of opening, Azad Engineering share price was up 2% over the previous day's closing price of 1552.05. The small-cap stock thereafter gained to intraday highs of 1634.95, which translated into gains of more than 5% during the intraday trades. Indian stock market today: Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 wrapped up Monday's trading session (May 5) in the green, largely led by energy stocks, after global crude oil prices crashed on concerns over rising supplies. The drop in oil prices also lifted crude-sensitive stocks, with paint, aviation, and chemical counters ending the session higher. Further, easing U.S.-China trade tensions, optimism over a potential India-U.S. deal under the Trump administration, and steady foreign inflows contributed to the Indian market's continued momentum. The Nifty 50 extended its winning run for the second consecutive trading session, gaining another 0.52% to settle at 24,472, while the Sensex jumped 294 points or 0.43%, finishing the day at 80,850 points. The broader markets ended with even sharper gains, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 concluding the session with gains of 1.86% and 1.06%, respectively. Meanwhile, Adani Group stocks concluded the trade with gains between 2% and 11%, amid reports that representatives for Gautam Adani met officials from the Trump administration to seek dismissal of criminal charges in an overseas bribery probe. Last November, the U.S. Attorneys Office in New York announced that it had indicted Adani Group chair Gautam Adani and seven other executives over an alleged years-long scheme to bribe Indian officials. Cables and wires stocks also came under investors' radar during the session after RR Kabel reported a stellar performance in the March quarter, sending the stock price up by 15%. OMC stocks such as HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL finished the session with gains of up to 7%, following a sharp drop in crude oil prices, which fell nearly 4% on Monday after OPEC+ confirmed a production hike of 411,000 barrels per day starting in June. The movereportedly aimed at punishing members that exceeded their quotascould add as much as 2.2 million barrels per day by November, stoking fears of a potential supply glut. Investors will look toward the Federal Reserves two-day policy meeting set to kick off on Tuesday. Fed funds futures trading points to just a 3.2% chance of a rate cut, according to the CME Groups FedWatch tool. Nonetheless, traders will be keeping a close eye on any commentary from the central bank or Fed Chair Jerome Powell on the outlook for the economy amid heightened uncertainty stemming from the trade war. Sectoral Watch: Auto, oil & gas stocks shine; private banks top laggards The Nifty Auto index emerged as the top sectoral performer, ending with a rally of 1.85%, largely led by Mahindra & Mahindra after its March quarter numbers beat estimates, driven by a continued rise in demand for utility vehicles. The Nifty Oil & Gas index also finished the session with a return of 1.70%, followed by the Nifty FMCG, Nifty Metal, Nifty Consumer Durables, Nifty Pharma, and Nifty Realty indices, all of which ended the session with gains between 0.70% and 1.22%. On the flip side, private banking stocks remained under pressure, with Kotak Mahindra Bank leading the lossesfalling 4.6%after reporting a weak set of numbers for the March quarter. This dragged the Nifty Private Bank index down by 0.80%. Technical Outlook Vatsal Bhuva, Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said, "The Nifty index continues to trade within a narrow range of 24,200 to 25,500, with firm support at the 24,20024,250 zone and resistance around 24,50024,550. While a decisive breakout above 24,550 could spark bullish momentum towards 25,000, Mondays small-bodied candlestick suggests that short-term consolidation may persist." "The index is holding above its rising 10-day EMA, reflecting a positive near-term trend. With the RSI in a bullish crossover, underlying strength remains intact. The outlook stays bullish as long as Nifty sustains above 24,200, though a strong close above 24,550 is essential for confirmation," he further added. On Friday, the Nifty 50 traded with increased volatility but managed to hold above 24,300 points, maintaining its broader uptrend. Despite sharp intraday fluctuations the index remained resilient, reflecting underlying bullish sentiment. Barring Nifty Media and IT, all major sectoral indices closed in the red, with consumer durables, metal, pharma, and realty the biggest losers. Top three stocks to buy today, recommended by Ankush Bajaj ADANI PORTS (Current price: 1,267) Why its recommended: The stock has given a good breakout and was able to close above the important level of 1,260. Also, on the hourly chart, the stock has given a bullish pennant breakout with RSI showing bullish momentum. Key metrics Breakout level: 1,260 | Pattern: Bullish pennant breakout (hourly chart) | RSI: Bullish momentum 1,260 | Pattern: Bullish pennant breakout (hourly chart) | RSI: Bullish momentum Technical analysis : Price action confirms a breakout with strength above key levels. RSI supports the potential for further upside. Price action confirms a breakout with strength above key levels. RSI supports the potential for further upside. Risk factors : The ports sector is sensitive to global trade cycles, government regulations, and freight rate volatility. The ports sector is sensitive to global trade cycles, government regulations, and freight rate volatility. Buy at : 1,267 1,267 Target price : 1,285-1,295 in 1-3 days 1,285-1,295 in 1-3 days Stop loss: 1,255 RELIANCE INDUSTRIES (Current price: 1,422) Why its recommended: On the daily chart, considering the recent high of 1,609 and recent low of 1,115, the stock has closed above the 61.80% Fibonacci retracement level, which is a strong bullish signal. Additionally, on the lower timeframe, a bullish pennant breakout is visible, indicating a potential start of a strong upward move. Key metrics Fibonacci level: 61.80% ( 1,408) 61.80% ( 1,408) Pattern: Bullish pennant breakout (lower timeframe) Bullish pennant breakout (lower timeframe) Technical analysis : Closing above the key Fibonacci level confirms strength. The pennant breakout on the lower timeframe adds momentum to the bullish case. Closing above the key Fibonacci level confirms strength. The pennant breakout on the lower timeframe adds momentum to the bullish case. Risk factors : Reliance is a diversified stock and can be impacted by oil prices, telecom sector volatility, and regulatory decisions. Reliance is a diversified stock and can be impacted by oil prices, telecom sector volatility, and regulatory decisions. Buy at : 1,422 1,422 Target price : 1,445-1,465 in 1-3 days 1,445-1,465 in 1-3 days Stop loss: 1,408 TUBE INVEST OF INDIA (TIINDIA) (Current price: 2,908) Why its recommended: The stock has closed above 2,900, which was a recent resistance level. On the lower timeframe, the stock has given a bullish pennant breakout above the 2,925 level, indicating the potential for a clean uptrend ahead. Key metrics Breakout level: 2,925 2,925 Pattern: Bullish pennant breakout (lower timeframe) | Bullish pennant breakout (lower timeframe) | Resistance turned support: 2,900 2,900 Technical analysis: The price closing above key resistance with bullish breakout on lower timeframe signals strength and possible continuation of the uptrend. The price closing above key resistance with bullish breakout on lower timeframe signals strength and possible continuation of the uptrend. Risk factors: Auto ancillary stocks like TIINDIA can be affected by raw material price volatility, auto sector demand, and broader economic trends. Auto ancillary stocks like TIINDIA can be affected by raw material price volatility, auto sector demand, and broader economic trends. Buy at : 2,908 2,908 Target price : 2,950-2,970 in 1-3 days 2,950-2,970 in 1-3 days Stop loss: 2,874 Two stocks recommended by MarketSmith India Why its recommended: Strong financial performance, growth prospects, market position, and operational efficiency Key metrics P/E: 55.34 55.34 52-week high: 1,593.90 1,593.90 Volume: 69.62 crore 69.62 crore Technical analysis : Bounced back from its 21-EMA Bounced back from its 21-EMA Risk factors : Overvaluation concerns, high ESG risk rating Overvaluation concerns, high ESG risk rating Buy at : 1,493.5 1,493.5 Target price : 1,690 in three months 1,690 in three months Stop loss: 1,390 Why its recommended: Surge in luxury residential demand, expansion of rental income portfolio. Key metrics P/E: 93.12 93.12 52-week high: 968 968 Volume: 234.08 crore 234.08 crore Technical analysis : downward sloping trendline breakout downward sloping trendline breakout Risk factors : Market concentration in NCR, regulatory, and approval delays Market concentration in NCR, regulatory, and approval delays Buy at : 687 687 Target price : 780 in three months 780 in three months Stop loss: 645 Best stocks to invest, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman ADANI PORTS With positive triggers emerging one can look to go long above 1,270 per share and on any dips towards 1,245, with a stop below 1,220 for an upside towards 1,400-1,450 in next one month. INDIAN HOTELS With steady upward drive seen in the last few weeks one can consider going long above 805 and on any dips towards 780, with a stop below 765 for an upside towards 885-935 in the next one month. Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441. Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223. MarketSmith India: Trade name: William O'Neil India Pvt. Ltd. Its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015543. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions." Chef Vicky Ratnanis new Gurugram restaurant Omny Kitchen and Bar is an amalgamation of his love for food and travel. With a career boasting of popular TV shows such as Vicky Goes Veg , Cook, Eat, and Party, and Vicky Goes Desi , apart from stints at cruise liners and running a gourmet burger brand, he is upbeat about showcasing the flavours he picked from his travels across the world through quirky Indian twists. The multi-cuisine restaurant, which will initially be open only for dinner, has over 70-plus dishes on the menu. These range from avocado chaat puri to ceviche, carpaccio, and Roman-style pizzas, burgers to even a full-fledged coffee, dessert, and cocktail programme. Ratnani especially takes pride in the Sindhi delicacies including a butternut squash sai bhaji, tidali daal served with pakwan, chutneys, and papads, which have been inspired by his mothers recipes. Sample aloo tuk bravas, a take on the Sindhi staple that is sprinkled with chaat masala, and served with a garlic aioli and bravas sauce. Or, an inspiration drawn from Jammu where Ratnani tried kalari kulcha. The chef interprets it as Jammu Tawi, a burger with a rajma patty and fresh kalari cheese. The dishes are also an introduction to some of his favourite cooking techniques such as charcoal grilling, fermentation, brining, pickling, braising among others. These are evident in some of the delicious dishes such as Caesar Salad on Fire with charred leaves, Butter Chicken Romesco, Filipino Chicken Adobo, and Gambas Al Ajillo. Chef Vicky Ratnani chats with Mint Lounge, and tells us what diners can expect at Omny Kitchen. Also read: Home chefs bring global cuisines inspired by their international travels How would you describe Omny Kitchen? Its a global brasserie, and is a tribute to my travels all over the world, which include Bora Bora, Fiji Islands, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, UAE, besides Europe and the US. The names born from the word omnipresent, and I thought of it in the context of how while I was travelling, food remained a constant, and it was distinctive to various cultures. The kitchen evokes a sense of modernity, versatility, and global flair, where different culinary flavours come together. We have a rotating menu with seasonal specials from different countries. We have taken a conscious approach to source our ingredients locally, and that can be seen in many of our sauces, dips, and dishes. View Full Image Tidali dal served with pakwan at Omny Kitchen. Youre a Mumbaikar, but what made you open a restaurant in Delhi NCR? Well, the investors were keen to open here. The Delhi diner has deep pockets for sure. The purchasing power here (in Delhi NCR) is great. Mumbai diners are more experimental when it comes to food. I had been busy, so when I got the opportunity to open a restaurant, I wanted to look beyond Mumbai. How do you think the food landscape has changed over the years? The awareness of various kinds of cuisines has grown. Everybody is conscious of what they are eating. Theres also a shift in how we cook in the kitchen. Look at how Goa has exploded in terms of food. Whats also reassuring is how regional cuisines are seeing a growth as is overall Indian cuisine restaurants finding mention in international lists. How and when did you conceptualise Omny Kitchen? As much as I was enjoying my travels, interacting with people, and visiting kitchens of families, I missed cooking. I also wanted to share my culinary experiences with people at large, which meant I needed to be in the kitchen. Every family I visited on my travels has inspired me. I was keen to show the confluence of various places and the food from my experiences. We were supposed to launch in January, but since its summer now, we decided to keep some of the heavier dishes for a later date. After Gurugram, we will take Omny Kitchen to other cities. Can you share the thought process behind some of the dishes from the menu? So, a simple aloo tamatar dish is translated to gnocchi in a pasta sauce, which you eat with podi. Or, for that matter, I combine black wheat noodles with vegetable Rangoon curry to create a dish that does not belong to any specific place. Theres another dish where the curry is inspired from my trips to Bora Bora where I met Indians. That said, our food menu will change every quarter. In a fast-evolving culinary landscape, what makes Omny Kitchen stand out? The food is an eclectic mix of everything, but its not a hodgepodge. I also feel this restaurant will allow diners to get to know a side of me that hasn't been seen before. I also feel that Omny Kitchen has the capacity to go into different verticals. For instance, given the premium burgers and Roman-style pizzas that we serve, we are sure to get a good response on food delivery platforms. After a hard day's work, what is Vicky Ratnani's 'go-to' food? Well, simple Korean noodles with freshly-chopped veggies and eggs is comforting. So is a good burger, or old-school lasagna. Being a Sindhi, of course, sindhi kadhi and chawal is very comforting. Also read: How to add flavour and probiotics with kimchi Abhilasha Ojha is a Delhi-based writer. On 11 April 2010, Pralav Dhyani was a trainee deck officer on a cargo merchant vessel, looking forward to an exciting career at sea. But little did he anticipate the chaos that befell his life in a few hours. Later that day, armed pirates forcefully boarded the ship off the coast of Africa and took the crew hostage. For the following 331 days, the small group of men who had come from different countries to work on the ship were held captive in Somalia. As the negotiations for their release went on, the prisoners suffered mock executions, mental torture, terror and betrayal. It was the toughest initiation into a life at sea that Dhyani could have expected. In Hijacked , his recently published memoir, he tells the story. The excerpt below captures a vignette from Dhyanis life in captivity. We had just finished our cargo operations in the beautiful island country of Seychelles and were heading to Zanzibar, where my senior cadets were about to sign off and go back home, and new cadets were about to sign on. This would make me and my two batchmates, Shikhar (whom we called SK) and Anubhav (Bade), senior cadets. I also had a nickname, Bonge, but more on that later. View Full Image Hijacked: A True Story of Surviving 331 Days with Somali Pirates, by Pralav Dhyani, HarperCollins India. We were excited, because being a senior cadet comes with its own perksthink of it like being a final-year student in college. But what we got instead was a situation in which the entire crew of the ship was consigned to the position of junior cadets. Also read: The unknown lives of young Indian freedom fighters Our main engine chose the worst possible part of the ocean to break down, right off the coast of Seychelles, and soon, three or four gun-toting Somali pirates took over our ship. They made us steer it to within a few nautical miles from the coast of Somalia, where we were ordered to drop anchor. In captivity, one spends a lot of time thinking about death. There was fear of having a gun pointed at me, with the threat of the trigger being pulled at any moment. There was still hope that I wouldnt get to experience the feeling. But I did experience ittwo months after the hijacking. I stood on the deck, my hands in the air, as one of the pirates pointed an AK-47 right at my forehead, the tip of the barrel barely an inch from my skin. My heart was beating faster than ever; I was shitting bricks as I waited for my brains to leak out of the imminent gunshot wound. In the movies, when someone is about to die, their life flashes in front of their eyes. But when the gun was an inch from my forehead, my mind went blank, waiting for the pirates next move. My life depended on that one-dollar bullet in his gun. How do I know the price? Because after I returned from captivity, I worked for a company providing maritime security guards to ships navigating the waters that I had been unable to cross safely. A one-dollar bullet was all that was needed to end everything for a person and their family. I looked at the pirate holding the gun. This one always reeked of something other than just tobacco, which meant that we could always smell him before we saw him. The tops of his cigarette packs were always torn, presumably to make roaches. He was a six-foot-tall, skinny, bald, older man with a white goatee, always dressed in shorts or three-quarters, and usually with a bed sheet wrapped around him like a shawl. His teeth were yellow, and one of them was chipped. Even his eyes were yellow, as if he had jaundice. He had an elongated, V-shaped face with a pronounced jawline, because of which we had nicknamed him Jafar, after the villain in Disneys Aladdin. He tried hard to be intimidating, though he didnt need to, because he had the gun in his hands. Jafar had been around from the time we had anchored in Somali waters, but we hadnt interacted with him much, compared to the other pirates. He and the others were always eating khat, a plant that looked indistinguishable from any other. We wondered why human beings would eat jungle grass like that, and each of us had our own theories about why they loved it so much. Someone said it was good for their sex life and libido, but then we wondered why they were having it on the ship, miles away from their partners. The logical reason was that it gave them a high. Much later, I found out that khat is indeed a stimulant that makes one more alert and energetic, and causes loss of appetite and euphoria, so it helped the pirates stay up during their long hours of keeping watch. It is banned in most countries, but the Somalis seemed to have it incessantly. They wouldnt even wash it before eating, and ate it along with all the dirt it was covered in. Out of curiosity, I once tried it while sitting with the pirates, but just couldnt take the taste after a point. SK and Bade kept asking if something was happening, but nothing did. We came to the conclusion that maybe we needed to have it like the Somalischewing it for hours and washing it down with extremely sweetened milk and tea. Maybe that was the key, but we really did not have the patience to sit and eat grass like goats. Excerpted with permission from HarperCollins India from Hijacked: A True Story of Surviving 331 Days with Somali Pirates, by Pralav Dhyani. Also read: 4 new titles to read this summer Mental health, after years of being overlooked in Indias healthcare discourse, is finally beginning to receive the attention it needs. A major milestone in this shift was the introduction of the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA), 2017, which came into force on 7 July 2018, replacing the outdated Mental Health Act of 1987. This Act redefined the rights of individuals with mental illnesses and made it mandatory for health insurance policies to include mental health coverage. In individual policies, psychiatric ailments are covered by default as all policies need to be compliant with relevant regulations. However, despite this legislation, a significant gap remains between policy and its implementation. Many employees are still hesitant to use mental health support at work because they are afraid of being judged or looked down upon. While some insurers impose a sub-limit on psychiatric ailments depending on the chosen plan, there are policies that cover these conditions up to the full sum insured. This contrasts with group policies, which are tailored specifically to the needs of the group. The coverage and sub-limits for group plans are determined by various factors, including budgetary provisions for health insurance, making them more flexible yet potentially less comprehensive than individual plans. With the usual age of onset of mental ailments being around 18 years, the incidence peaks at around 40 years, thereby affecting the most productive years of human life. In India, the incidence rate of common mental disorders like depressive disorders has been around 2.7 %, with a treatment gap rate of close to 85 %. This highlights the huge burden of the disease and the fact that only a very small percentage of the affected seek medical advice or have access to quality health care. Interestingly, even though mental illness-related claims for corporate employees account for less than 1% of total claims, there has been a notable 20% increase compared to last year. The most commonly reported mental health conditions include autistic disorder, conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions, unspecified anxiety disorder, phobic anxiety disorders, and depressive episodes are notable conditions. Remarkably, the top three disorders have experienced a 100% increase, which can be attributed to enhanced corporate insurance coverage and a growing willingness among employees to seek help. Although the Mental Health Act of 2017 has made it compulsory to make provisions for mental illnesses in health insurance policies, several factors continue to limit the benefits. Taboo still surrounds mental illnesses, deterring people from openly discussing or addressing their issues. Lack of awareness about early symptoms further prevents timely intervention. Even when policies do provide coverage, many come with sub-limits as low as 30,000, which makes treatment unaffordable in many cases. Also, several policies do not offer OPD coverwhich is mostly the primary mode of treatment for conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Also Read: Why missing your EPF nomination could leave your family in limbo We have seen some progress over the years though. In 2023, the number of organisations covering psychiatric inpatient care (IPD) increased by 5%. However, psychiatric OPD coverage remains limited to just 7% of employers. Industries such as IT/ITES, manufacturing, and BFSI are leading the way, offering up to 50% of the sum insured for inpatient care and up to 25,000 for outpatient care. Another important step has been recognising substance abuse and alcohol addiction as mental health issues, so they get the proper care they need. Also, the new law (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) has now fully put into effect the rule that decriminalises attempted suicide, which is another big move forward. Given the impact of mental well-being on workplace productivity and employee health, it is crucial that organisations treat mental health as a priority. Employees should be encouraged to talk about their struggles rather than suffer in silence, and access to professional help must be made seamless. Employers can play a pivotal role by organising mental health awareness sessions, investing in comprehensive insurance policies that cover both OPD and hospitalisation, and ensuring the confidentiality of employees seeking support. Expert-led training programmes, webinars, and seminars play a key role in addressing mental health challenges and breaking the stigma of mental illnesses at workplace. Additionally, with internal communication modes at firms to share mental health resources available, awareness drives, and most importantly, employee success stories can help in building a more informed and supportive workplace culture. Not only corporates, insurance brokers, too, have a significant part to play when it comes to mental health. With their knowledge of industry trends and available options, brokers are positioned in a unique way to help employers design customised and budget-friendly policies that provide sufficient mental health coverage. With their expertise, they can identify and address the disconnect between available solutions and employees real requirements. The conversation around mental health in the workplace has begunbut its time to turn awareness into action. By addressing stigma, increasing access to treatment, and providing better insurance support, Indian workplaces can build a culture where mental health is valued as much as physical health. The road ahead demands collective effortfrom employers, policymakers, and employeesto create a supportive ecosystem for mental health at work. (Surinder Bhagat is head employee benefits, vice president, large account practice, Prudent Insurance Brokers) MUMBAI : Sandeep Tandon, 55, founder and chief investment officer of Quant Mutual Fund, has started seeing opportunities in small caps even as he stays cautious about mid-caps, about 10 months after his asset management company moved towards large-caps amid risk-off conditions. We are seeing a minor risk-on environment now," said Tandon, whose firm manages close to 90,000 crore in investor assets. Quant Small Cap Fund is the largest scheme for the fund house with assets of around 26,000 crore. His own equity portfolio has 60% exposure to large-caps, 15% to mid-caps and 25% to small-caps, Tandon said in an interaction with Mint on Guru Portfolio, a series whereleaders from the financial services industry share how they manage their money. Asset mix Tandon, who is bullish on small-caps for the long term, has allocated more towards large-caps over the past year. He moved out of mid- and small-caps around July last year as Quants data-driven investment model signalled a risk-off period. His allocation last year was as follows: 27% to small-caps, 23% to mid-caps and 50% to large-caps. However, over the past three months, Tandon has been seeing a minor risk-on environment" and more opportunities in the small-cap segment as stock prices have corrected sharply, but he still remains more cautious on mid-caps. All of Tandons personal investments are managed through Quant Mutual Funds schemes, and portfolio changes influence his own allocation. About 75% of his portfolio is allocated to equities, 15% is in real estate and the remaining 10% is in liquid funds for any contingencies. He doesnt see real estate holdings as an investment as these properties are family-owned for residential and office use. While Tandons equity allocation was 60% last year, but his incremental stock investments went up from 50% to 75% over the past five years amid the stock market rally. While his portfolio has delivered negative returns of 2-3% over the past year, the five-year average annualized returns stand at 35%. Investment framework Unlike the traditional buy-and-hold style, Tandon says his funds follow short-, medium-, long- and even investments with decadal view". View Full Image Tandons interest in quantifying market dynamics stems from his early experience in the badla market He cites the example of Japan. After 1989, the Japanese markets didnt touch new highs till 2024. So, for the better part of three decades, if the investor had just stayed long-term, he or she would have got index-like returns," Tandon said. Investors always chase alpha (outperformance vs alpha) regardless of the market cycle, which is possible if certain investments are looking to capture short-term opportunities." Quants data analytics model has been built over the years and follows the valuation, liquidity, risk appetite and timing analytics or the VLRT framework. For example, when both risk appetite and liquidity are at elevated levels in the markets, the investments can be more aggressive. Tandons interest in quantifying market dynamics stems from his early experience in thebadla market, which for several years was Indias indigenous derivatives market before the futures & options (F&O) segment was introduced in early 2000s. It was possible to reverse calculate thebadla rate to decode the mood of the market. Thats the reason I always talk about market-implied analytics," Tandon said. The genesis of market-implied analytics actually comes from thebadla market." Learnings Tandon prefers equities over real estate. There used to be that mindset that, as soon as you get your first savings, you should start building a house. In those early days, I took a loan to purchase my first house. Then, as a family, we bought a couple of more houses," he said. However, if I had used those funds to invest in equities, the wealth creation would have been much larger." Contingency covers Tandon doesnt keep a contingency fund separately as he maintains 10% of his allocation in liquid funds. He doesnt believe that one needs to be 100% invested in markets all the time. In any case, I have a very large holding in equities. The liquid fund allocation gives me a psychological comfort," Tandon said. On life insurance and health cover, he says he has been adequately covered by his company. Retirement corpus Tandon doesnt plan to retire anytime soon. I dont like to think of retirement as it has negative connotations for me," he said. I believe in working till the last day of life. When you think like that, your involvement will be on the higher side, your reflexes will be on the higher side. The mental agility remains intact." He has not planned any separate retirement corpus. All his investments can be easily liquidated as and when he requires them. Tariff uncertainty Markets are about cycles, according to Tandon. Nobody can identify the exact trough or crest of the market. Something has changed for India. Our perception analytics says that Indias perception has changed, which means any valuation multiple can remain elevated for a longer period of time," he said. Recently, too, we saw this play out. Since 2022-2023, people have been saying markets are expensive, but markets have still rallied from those levels till as late as September 2024." We have to live with the reality that India is buy-on-dip. Structurally, something has changed. So, India's long-term growth story remains intact, despite the tariff noise that is playing out. In absolute and relative terms, India can be a big beneficiary. India is the only country in Asia that can come close to offering the scale of China, if the US wants to reduce its reliance on China," he said. Other interests His passion for analytics drives him, keeping his energy levels high, said Tandon. If you like something, you always find the energy to pursue it." Apart from that, he likes to read. He also listens to podcasts if he finds time or whenever he takes his walks. I also like to listen to music to unwind." Some banks have separate platforms that reward their credit holders when they transact through that platform. These platforms offer accelerated reward points when a credit cardholder shops, and also offer various options for redeeming reward points. For example, HDFC Bank has the SmartBuy platform that provides credit cardholders with opportunities to earn accelerated reward points and redemption options. Similarly, American Express has the Reward Multiplier platform that provides credit cardholders with opportunities to earn accelerated reward points. In February, ICICI Bank introduced the iShop portal to reward its credit cardholders. In this article, we will understand what is the iShop portal, its accelerated reward points program, redemption options, etc. What is the iShop portal? The iShop portal from ICICI Bank allows its credit cardholders to book flights, bus tickets, hotel accommodation, purchase gift vouchers, etc., and earn accelerated reward points of up to 12X. The accelerated reward points multiple depends on the credit card variant held and the type of transaction done. Similarly, the iShop portal allows credit cardholders to redeem their reward points against booking flights, bus tickets, hotel accommodation, purchasing gift vouchers, etc. Accelerated reward points The iShop portal provides 12X reward points for booking hotel accommodation, and 6X reward points for booking flights, bus tickets, and purchasing gift vouchers. The reward rate or the value back can be up to 36%, depending on the credit card variant held. The table below shows the reward rate in the form of accelerated reward points on various credit cards for various transactions done on the iShop portal. Credit Card Flight booking (6X) Hotel accommodation (12X) Gift vouchers (6X) Emeralde Private Metal 18% 36% 18% Times Black 12% 24% 12% Emeralde 6% 12% 6% Other ICICI Bank credit cards 3% 6% 3% ICICI Bank co-branded credit cards 4% cashback 4% cashback 4% cashback The above table shows how the Emeralde Private Metal and Times Black credit cards provide great value to cardholders for transactions on the iShop portal. Please note that there are monthly limits on the accelerated reward points that can be earned for every credit card. For example, for Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card, the accelerated reward points are capped at 18,000 per month. Similarly, for the Times Black Credit Card, the monthly capping is 15,000 reward points. A cardholder can purchase Amazon Pay and Flipkart gift vouchers for a maximum of Rs. 12,000 monthly. Redemption of reward points The reward points can be redeemed on the iShop portal against transactions in various categories. Some of these include booking flights, hotel accommodation, purchasing gift vouchers, etc. The value of each reward point for redemption against booking flights, hotels, and purchasing gift vouchers is Rs. 1. It means 1 reward point = Rs. 1 for redemption against the transactions mentioned above. There are limits on the percentage of the transaction value that can be paid through reward points, as follows. Redemption transaction Percentage of transaction value that can be paid with reward points Flights booking 100% Hotel accommodation 90% Gift voucher purchase 60% So, for flight booking, the entire transaction value can be paid with reward points. For hotel bookings, 90% of the transaction value can be paid with reward points. The remaining 10% must be paid with the ICICI Bank credit card. Similarly, for gift voucher purchases, 60% of the transaction value can be paid with reward points. The remaining 40% must be paid with the ICICI Bank credit card. A minimum of 500 reward points must be redeemed in a single transaction. A redemption fee of Rs. 99 + GST will be charged per transaction, except for Emeralde Private Metal and Times Black cards. The reward points can also be transferred to Air Indias loyalty program (Maharaja Club). ICICI Banks competing banks, like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, American Express, HSBC Bank India, etc., have multiple airline and hotel loyalty transfer partners. In future, ICICI Bank is also expected to introduce new airline and hotel loyalty partners, on the lines of its competitors. Also Read | ICICI credit card balance transfer: How it works and when to use it How to multiply your reward points with gift vouchers A customer can buy gift vouchers of several online and offline brands through the iShop portal. So, whether you want to purchase gift vouchers and earn accelerated reward points or purchase gift vouchers by redeeming reward points, you can do it through the iShop portal. When you use your credit card directly online or at a POS machine at an offline merchant outlet, you earn base reward points. However, if you buy a gift voucher of the same online/offline merchant through the iShop portal and then pay the merchant through the gift voucher, you multiply your reward points. iShop portal enhances the value proposition of ICICI Bank credit cards With the HDFC SmartBuy platform and American Express Reward Multiplier platform, the cardholders of these banks can earn accelerated reward points and transfer them to airline and hotel loyalty partners. However, so far, the ICICI Bank credit cardholders did not have these benefits. With the introduction of the iShop portal, ICICI Bank credit cards can now earn accelerated reward points of up to 12X reward points. It is a significant additional benefit that the cardholders can get. So, the iShop portal definitely enhances the value proposition of ICICI Bank credit cards. Currently, banks like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, HSBC Bank India, American Express, etc., have various hotel loyalty transfer partners. Some of these include Marriott Bonvoy, Club ITC, Accor Live Limitless (ALL), IHG One Rewards, Wyndham Rewards, etc. Similarly, they have various airline loyalty partners. Some of these include Maharaja Club, KrisFlyer, Japan Airlines, Etihad Guest, Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, Miles & Smiles, etc. Currently, ICICI Bank has one reward points transfer partner i.e., Maharaja Club, the Air India loyalty program. In the future, if ICICI Bank adds other airline and hotel loyalty partners for transferring reward points, it will provide more redemption options to cardholders. With the introduction of the iShop portal, ICICI Bank has matched its competing banks in providing its credit cardholders an opportunity to earn accelerated reward points. As and when ICICI Bank brings more transfer partners on board, it will further match its competing banks in providing its credit cardholders with more reward points redemption options. The move will further enhance the value proposition of ICICI Bank credit cards. Pune resident Amit Upadhyay (46) had a large sum of money in a superannuation fund. Contributing to it was compulsory after achieving a certain level of seniority at his previous employer, where he worked for 20 years. "The contributions were a tax-free component of my salary and interest too was not taxable, so I happily went ahead with it," he said. When he moved on to a new job, the second employer had no provision for a superannuation fund, so Upadhyay left his investment as it was. By 2025 it contained 33 lakh. Had he withdrawn it, it would have become his taxable income for the year. Being in the 30% tax bracket, he would have had to pay nearly 10 lakh (30% of 33 lakh) excluding cess and surcharge. If he waited until he turned 60, he would have received a third of it tax-free while the rest would have to be used to buy an annuity. "I did not want to pay such a huge amount of tax by withdrawing it prematurely," he said. Also read: Worried about volatility? Here's where to put your money in uncertain times. Preeti Sharma, partner, global employer services, tax & regulatory services, BDO India, said, There are very few approved funds that allow 100% commutation/lump sum withdrawal at the time of retirement. In such a situation, a third of the amount is tax-exempt and the balance is fully taxable. "However, if the balance is invested in an annuity, the employee is not required to pay any tax on it, though the pension from the annuity will be taxed Any withdrawal before the age of retirement, other than in the event of death, is fully taxable." View Full Image Graphic: Gopakumar Warrier/Mint Budget 2017 brought relief Union Budget 2017 delivered good news for Upadhyay, as then finance minister, the late Arun Jaitley, announced that a recognised provident fund/superannuation fund could be transferred one-time to the National Pension System (NPS) without any tax liability. "I got hold of the PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) circular. Now I had to reach out to my first employer to start the process," Upadhyay said. The process was simple but time-consuming. "My employer was collecting individual requests from different employees so it could take them up with LIC, which manages the superannuation fund, in one go," he said. Private employees had to follow following steps for the one-time transfer. The very first requirement was an active NPS tier-1 account, which Upadhyay had. They then had to reach out to the superannuation fund manager (LIC in this case) via the employer, requesting it to transfer the funds to the NPS account. The superannuation fund manager would then issue a cheque or draft in the name of the point of presence (PoP) associated with the employer, with the Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) of the employee mentioned. PoPs are PFRDA-appointed entities that provide NPS services to subscribers. PRAN is a 12-digit number assigned to individuals enrolled in NPS. Also read | Schengen, US visas: How to crack the application process, plan a smooth holiday It would also issue a letter to the employer or PoP, mentioning that the amount was being transferred from the superannuation fund to the NPS tier-1 account. Finally, the PoP would collect the amount and transfer it to the NPS account. The PFRDA circular read, As per provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the amount so transferred from recognised provident fund/superannuation fund to NPS is not treated as income of the current year and hence not taxable. Further, the transferred recognised provident fund/superannuation fund will not be treated as contribution of the current year by employee/employer and accordingly the subscriber would not make income tax claim of contribution for this transferred amount." However, since Upadhyay had moved on to a new job, two PoPs were involved. "My first employer only knew how to proceed with the PoP associated with it. The second employer had a different PoP. Both of my employers supported me and the cheque finally arrived in the name of the PoP of my second employer. They deposited it in my NPS account," he said. Everybody wins Though money had been transferred, Upadhyay still cannot access it. "Now, NPS rules will apply to my funds. If I withdraw it now, 20% will be tax-free while the rest will be converted into an annuity. But if I hold it to retirement, 60% of the funds can be withdrawn tax-free. That was not the case with the superannuation fund. Moreover, I presume returns will be better with NPS than with the superannuation fund," he said. Sumit Shukla, managing director and CEO, Axis Pension Fund, said, Moving a superannuation fund to NPS is a win-win for employees and employers as the latter won't have to manage a separate trust and incur administration costs, while the former will get investment choices under NPS with better returns and features." To be sure, the 2017 budget announcement for one-time transfers applies to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), too, but unlike PFRDA, the EPFO is yet to define a process for it. Also read: Not many claim mental healthcare insurance. Here's why If you are looking to invest in a mutual fund, it is vital to examine the scheme's past returns and compare them with schemes in the same category. Although past returns do not guarantee future returns, they definitely give an indication of the scheme's future prospects. Here, we list eight value mutual funds which have delivered over 25 per cent annual returns in the past five years. Value mutual funds refer to schemes which follow a value investment strategy, with at least 65 per cent in stocks. Equity funds may be categorised based on the valuation parameters adopted in stock selection. One is growth funds, which identify momentum stocks that are expected to perform better than the market. The other category is value funds, which identify stocks that are currently undervalued but are expected to perform well over time as the value is unlocked. Overall, as of March 31, 2025, there were 24 value/contra schemes with a total asset size of 1.83 lakh crore. Value Funds 5-year-returns (%) Aditya Birla Sun Life Pure Value Fund 25.89 Bandhan Sterling Value Fund 32.79 HDFC Value Fund 25.50 HSBC Value Fund 28.76 ICICI Pru Value Discovery 29.78 JM Value Fund 28.02 Nippon India Value Fund 29.03 Templeton India Value Fund 30.41 As we can see in the table above, eight mutual funds have delivered over 25 per cent annual returns in the past five years. Bandhan Sterling Value Fund has delivered 32.79 per cent in the past five years, Templeton India Value Fund has delivered 30.41 per cent while other schemes which have given over 25 per cent returns are JM Value Fund and Nippon India Value Fund. Past performance and future returns Meanwhile, it is noteworthy that past returns do not guarantee future returns. In other words, just because a scheme has given good returns in the past, it does not necessarily mean that it will continue to give good performance in the future as well. Therefore, investors should examine other factors besides historical returns, such as the performance of the fund manager, the category of the scheme, and overall economic factors. Note: This story is for informational purposes only. Please speak to a SEBI-registered investment advisor before making any investment-related decision. I am a non-resident Indian (NRI) and hold shares in a US-based company whose parent is in India. Ive been informed that, as part of a restructuring, the Indian parent is offering existing shareholders of its US subsidiary the option to either exit or exchange their US shares for shares in the Indian company. If I opt for the share swap, will this trigger any tax liability in India? Will I be required to file a tax return in India for this transaction? -Name withheld on request As a non-resident under Indian tax law, capital gains from the sale of foreign company shares are generally not taxable in India, unless those shares derive substantial value from assets located in India. This is typically the case if: Indian assets exceed 10 crore in value, and 10 crore in value, and These assets constitute at least 50% of the total asset base of the US company. Read this | For some NRIs, capital gains from Indian mutual funds are tax-free If both thresholds are met, the US companys shares are deemed to be situated in India, and any gains from their transfer may be taxable in India. However, most foreign subsidiaries dont hold substantial Indian assets, so this provision usually doesnt apply. You should review the asset structure of the US company to confirm. If you opt for the share swap and receive shares of the Indian parent in exchange, this typically does not trigger tax in India, unless the swap is structured in a way that gives you Indian shares at a discount to their fair market value (FMV). Under Indian tax rules, if the FMV of the Indian shares exceeds what you effectively pay (through your US shares) by more than 50,000, the entire difference could be taxable as income. From a regulatory standpoint, cross-border share swaps like this are now permitted under Indias foreign exchange laws (post-August 2024 reforms). As a non-resident, you wont have to comply with these regulations. The onus is on the Indian company to follow the required procedures and obtain valuations from authorized valuers to determine the swap ratio. Paras Sharma in New Delhi lost 2.5 lakh even before his planned holiday in Greece started in 2024. His and his wifes Schengen visa applications were rejected by the Greece embassy. This was despite showing genuine hotel and flight bookings, sufficient bank balance, past income tax returns and every other document that was asked. The rejection letter gave a vague reason that travel reasons are not justified," said the 39-year-old businessman. I didnt try to play smart by submitting dummy reservations but even that didnt help." Sharmas plight is shared by at least 15% of Indian travellers who apply for visa to Schengen states an area consisting of 29 European countries. As per data from Atlys, a visa processing platform, Schengen visa rejection rates varied from 9-16% across countries in 2024. Data from the Migration and Home Affairs website of the European Union shows that of about 966,000 applications made by Indians in 2023, 16% were rejected. Also Read | Why Indians are losing a lot of money due to visa rejections Almost all European countries ask for confirmed hotel and flight bookings with visa applications, which carries the risk of monetary loss for applicants because there is no guarantee of approval. During the peak May-July season, scarce appointment slots and long processing times can affect holiday plans. Visa rejection is a risk in other Western countries too, such as the US (24% in 2023), the UK, Georgia and Australia. However, you dont have to ditch plans for a European or US summer holiday because of visa uncertainty. Experts say there is a science behind the right way to apply for a visa. Mint tells you how to plan your travel and the mistakes to avoid so that visas dont play spoilsport. Preparing for visa rejection The biggest cost in applying for a Schengen visa is the flight and hotel bookings. There are ways to contain losses, but most travellers are not aware of them, said Jimeet, founder of outofofficedaku, a visa and holiday planning company. In place of booking a non-refundable or a 25-40% expensive refundable flight, travellers should do one of the two book a reservation flight or one clubbed with insurance that offers full refund on cancellation," he said. A reservation flight booking reserves a seat for you for five to seven days without full payment. However, reservation bookings are not recommended with Nordic countries as they ask for a booked flight. The alternative is to book through a website that offers insurance on flight bookings. In case of visa rejection, one can claim a full refund of the ticket price net of the insurance premium," Jimeet explained. This is the best option to not lose money in case of rejection." MakeMyTrip and Goibibo provide these options. A New Delhi-Copenhagen return flight in June costing about 60,000 can be reserved for 1,200-1,700 for four to seven days. This amount cant be adjusted against the fare when the booking is finalised later. As a second option, both these platforms offer cancellation protection against visa cancellation at 4,400-4,900 premium. On a visa rejection, you would still lose the visa fee, which varies from 6,000 to 15,000 across countries, the application centre appointment fee and the agents fee, if applicable. To ensure there are no financial losses and to take the guesswork out of your holiday planning, you can look at countries with visa-friendly rules for Indians. Visa-friendly destinations account for approximately 40% of total travel demand for the upcoming summer season on our platform, while the US and Schengen countries together make up 35%," said Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys. Timing visa applications The key factors in planning holidays in the upcoming months are visa appointment slot availability and processing times. Priyesh Sharma, founder of Viszapp, said normal slots for US tourist visas are available only for June 2026, given the high demand. Going through an agent is the only route to get an earlier appointment for the US. Its not that appointments are not available. Slots for the US open at random and get filled super-fast, so getting a slot is challenging. A regular person doesnt have the time to check for slots all day. An agent can do that and hence, as soon as slots open, they book them," Sharma said. However, be careful to go through only reputed agents because it is common for scamsters to dupe people into paying several lakhs of rupees on the false pretext of a guaranteed US visa. After getting a slot, visa processing can take 15 days to two months. US tourist visa approval rates last year were good, but since the government has changed, we are seeing rejections even for small deficiencies in applications. So, applicants have to be extra careful this year," said Sharma. For Schengen visas, some countries give appointments earlier than others, but the processing time for each varies. Sharma said the Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Hungary and France are countries with the earliest appointment times, but some also carry high rejection rates. Nordic countries, including Denmark, have the highest rejection rates," he said. Jimeet pointed out that France has high rejections this year due to an excessive application load. For countries with high rejection rates, it may help to apply again with a one-month buffer. France rejections are happening for no concrete reasons and when we reapply for the same clients, we get the visa," he said. Applying well in advance is crucial for countries with long processing times as well, such as Germany and the Netherlands. The Netherlands has issued an advisory that their processing time for visas can take 30-45 days. Travellers with May travel dates should avoid it," Jimeet said. Avoid visa shopping Germany is a travellers favourite because it is among the countries with the highest approval rate. However, some people try to misuse it to shop for a visa, which carries risks of deportation and visa cancellation at the airport. Many prospective travellers apply for Schengen visas from countries such as Germany, Spain and Switzerland, which have faster and easier processing to reduce the risk of rejection but have no intention of travelling there. This is called visa shopping. More than high acceptance rate, travellers do this for easy appointment availability during the peak season such as now, which backfires with rejection," said Jimeet. Visa shopping is commonly done in two ways one, apply for a visa through an easy country, but dont travel there at all, and two, fly down only as a stopover to travel further to other countries. Both practices are increasingly being flagged. In the first case, you will be stopped at the departure airport itself. Say, you visa-shopped from Switzerland, but you are taking a flight to Iceland, you wont be allowed to board. You have to fly to Switzerland," Sharma said. Airlines have started checking Schengen visas at the check-in counters because if they let such passengers board and they are refused entry at the arrival country, the airline has to bear the cost of flying them back." Airlines have also started asking for hotel bookings to check where the maximum duration of the holiday will be spent. Immigration officers can also ask for the same and they can check the status of the hotels in case passengers are carrying dummy bookings," Jimeet said. The Czech Republic goes to the extent of checking with the hotel whether the traveller has reached or not on the booking dates. I have seen a visa being cancelled by the Czech Republic within 24 hours after the passenger reached Europe but didnt go to the hotel he had disclosed in his application. He had to return to India on the same day," Sharma said. Also Read | A complete guide to digital visas: Streamline your international travel Another country that is very strict with visa shopping is Germany. If you get a visa from Germany but skip it completely, the next time you apply, they will ask for proof of maximum time spent in Germany and reject the visa if not provided, according to Sharma. You must apply for a visa to enter the primary destination where you intend to spend the maximum number of days and disclose the full itinerary. Schengen countries require applicants to submit a detailed travel plan covering all destinations within the Schengen area. For instance, if you plan to spend five days each in Germany and Iceland with Germany as your point of entry, you must still include your Iceland travel details in the application submitted to the German consulate," Nahta of Atlys said. Mistakes related to documents For Schengen, the primary prerequisite is to submit documents that prove your financials are in order to fund the trip. However, it is important to note that some details in the documents can lead to rejection. You must not submit hotel bookings that dont match your financials. Travellers blindly book stays for the sake of visa applications or ask agents to book them without considering the traveller's finances. Say, a travellers past ITRs show 8-9 lakh income, and the bank balance is 2 lakh for a 10-day trip, but the traveler has booked stays worth 1.5 lakh-2 lakh, which is approximately 20,000 a night. This clearly shows the traveller is visa shopping as they cannot afford the same," said Jimeet. Another aspect to avoid is to show that you will stay at an airport hotel for the first few days. Visa officers could read this as lacking the intent to stay in the country. Air France and Lufthansa were among the international carriers that have suspended operations via the Pakistani airspace amid India-Pakistan tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. According to a report by news agency Reuters citing flight tracking data, international airlines were seen avoiding the Pakistani airspace as Islamabad's tensions with New Delhi continue to escalate after the deadly terrorist attack in the Kashmir valley that took 26 lives. Air France in a statement said that due to recent tensions between India and Pakistan, the airline has decided to suspend overflight of Pakistan until further notice. Meanwhile, Lufthansa in a statement to Reuters said that its aircraft are avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice. The steps are being taken even though it means that avoiding the Pakistani airspace will result in longer flight times on some routes to Asia, Lufthansa said, and added that it is monitoring developments. Flight tracking data showed some flights of British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and Emirates turning north towards Delhi in order to avoid Pakistani airspace, after travelling over the Arabian Sea. However, these airlines did not officially release a statement. Also Read | India cuts water flow to Pakistan through Baglihar dam on Chenab River International carriers choose longer routes over Pakistani airspace Air France said it was altering its flight schedule and flight plans with destinations such as Delhi, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh, entailing longer flight times. Lufthansa Flight LH760 from Frankfurt to New Delhi had to fly nearly an hour longer on Sunday because it took a longer route, data from flight tracking website Flightradar24 showed. Besides the longer distances and higher fuel costs for airlines, the new flight routes are set to cut Pakistan's earnings from overflight fees. As per Reuters, these fees can run into hundreds of dollars per flight, depending on aircraft weight and distance covered. India Pakistan tensions Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated ever since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which New Delhi has flagged cross-border linkages. Since that day, India has taken several steps against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty. It has also banned all forms of import from the neighbouring country, cancelled visas of most Pakistani nationals, barred its ships from entering Indian ports and more. In July 2021, the minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai told Parliament that ``the government of India decided it as a matter of policy not to enumerate caste-wise population other than Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), in the Census. By May 2025, this policy had been turned on its head. With the BJP government on Wednesday deciding to hold a caste census along with the upcoming Census, the Mandal caste reservations of 1989 have come into a full political circle. Its echoes are aimed for the moment on minister Nityanand Rais state Bihar, where assembly polls will be held in a few months time. Bihar has one of the largest number of other backward classes (OBC) in India. While actual figures are at best opaque, UP may have the biggest number of OBCs, that are loosely calculated on estimates based on family registers and other data. Bihar and Andhra Pradesh follow with roughly the same percentage. Yet, this list is not final. The central and state OBC lists differ radically. With state governments constantly pruning and adding new castes, depending on political convenience, it keeps changing. According to the National Commission of Backward Castes, Bihar tops the country with 136 OBCs, followed by 98 in West Bengal. The political point is who will this OBC enumeration benefit? Says D M Diwakar, former Director at the A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna, and currently associated with Development Research Institute, Jalsain, Bihar: "Whatever the BJP may do now, the fact is that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) had raised the issue at the national level for the first time, and they are going to gain. A delegation, which included Tejaswi Yadav and Nitish Kumar had met PM Modi in August 2021 but got no commitment. Tejashwi Yadav termed the Centres decision as a victory for his partys stance on the issue. By most educated estimates, OBCs constitute over 50 per cent of Bihars population today, with Muslims, SCs and the upper castes each accounting for something in the vicinity of 15% each. To have any realistic chances of electoral success in the state, political parties and coalitions must secure a substantial share of the OBC vote, and bolster it with support from some other, non-OBC electorates. Bihar's OBC numbers Bihars OBCs comprise numerous caste groups, the largest of which include the Yadavs, Nishads, Kurmis and Koeris. Yadavs, who are thought to form around 15 % of the state population, traditionally favour the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD. Nitish Kumar, Bihars current chief minister and the leader of the Janata Dal (United) or JD-U, has a large base among non-Yadav OBCs, including his own Kurmi caste, as does the Rashtriya Loktantrik Samata Party leader Upendra Kushwaha, who has appeal among his Koeri caste. Crucially, since 2014, the BJP is said to have consolidated support among the Nishads, believed to constitute at least 10% the states population, and so the largest caste group among Bihars Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), a sub-category of the OBCs. This has led to the BJPs consolidation in the only crucial Hindi-belt state that has denied it a full embrace. Theoretically, it puts the saffron combine in a strong position, relying significantly for its own support on the Nishads and some of their fellow EBCs, as well as on the upper castes, which have traditionally constituted a reliable BJP vote bank. In addition, the BJP is also courting a section of the SCs to diversify its appealand the Lok Janashakti Party, a constituent of the NDA headed by Chirag Paswan, is expected to deliver support for the BJP-led alliance from the Paswans, believed to account for a third of Bihars SC population. This time though, the going may get tough for the Ram Vilas Pawan scion, which remains largely unaffected by the OBC reservation. In the 2020 assembly elections in Bihar, it was these factors that propelled the BJP to an all-time high of 74 assembly seats of the 110 contested, an improvement on the 53 assembly seats it won in 2015, coming a close second to the RJDs 75 seats. According to journalist Pranav Chaudhary, the OBC narrative being pursued by Rahul Gandhi has been snatched by the BJP. ``The message has gone down. It is the BJP, which is going to implement the programme, never mind who was demanding it earlier. Elsewhere in UP, SP boss Akhilesh Yadav tweeted that The decision of caste census is a 100% victory of the unity of 90% PDA or "pichre" (backward), Dalit and "alpashankhak" (minority). Due to the combined pressure of all of us, the BJP government has been forced to take this decision. Much will depend upon the challenges the enumerators can face in any fresh effort, plus the complexities of the mammoth exercise. Diwakar, however, believes that the sting from the BJPs decision has been substantially softened by the 2022 Bihar caste survey, which had put the OBC percentage at 63.14. Of this, the EBC constituted 36.1% while OBCs were pegged at 27.13 per cent. Elsewhere, Karnataka and Telangana too have made announcements regarding changes and proposals to their respective OBC lists and reservation policies. Karnataka is considering increasing OBC reservation and potentially modifying the existing categories. Telangana has already passed legislation to increase reservation for backward classes, which could exceed the 50 per cent Supreme Court ceiling. Opinion remains divided on who will gain, but the OBCs' value as a vote bank is unquestionable. OBCs comprised 52% of the country's population as per the Mandal Commission report of 1980 and were determined to be 41% in 2006, when the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) took place. There are many who believe that OBC numbers could even be higher. Whatever the BJP may do now, the fact is that the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) had raised the issue at the national level for the first time, and they are going to gain. The 1931 Census conducted by the colonial British government had also put the OBC numbers at 52% of the then total 271 million population of the country. That figure became the basis of the Mandal Commissions recommendation in 1980 to grant 27% reservations to OBCs in education and government jobs, which was implemented only in 1990. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, Praveen Sood, is likely to get a one-year extension, according to a media report. There was no consensus on any of the suggested names for the new CBI Director during the meeting of the three-member high-level committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, May 5. The members agreed to extend Praveen Soods tenure by a year, The Indian Express reported quoting sources. Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, are the other two members who met at Prime Minister's Office to finalise the name. The meeting began around 6:45 pm and concluded by 7:30 pm. Praveen Sood is set to complete his term on May 25. The director of the country's premier investigating agency is appointed for a fixed term of two years, which can be extended up to a maximum of five years. Who is Praveen Sood? Praveen Sood, a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Karnataka cadre and former state police chief, assumed charge of the Central Bureau of Investigation in May 2023, succeeding Subodh Kumar Jaiswal. Sood has served in various important positions during his long tenure of about 37 years in the IPS. Praveen Sood has also worked as an advisor to the Government of Mauritius. He has supervised the investigation of high-profile cases involving high net-worth individuals, cases having inter-state and international ramifications, and also spearheaded the investigation and detection of crimes, including Cyber fraud and Information Technology-related issues. The Union Ministry of Finance and Asian Development Bank have both denied media reports claiming that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has demanded fund cuts to Pakistan amid rising tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack. It is clarified this news is incorrect and has no basis in fact, the ministry said in a statement on X. Earlier, several media houses had reported that Sitharaman had demaded from Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda the halting of funds to Pakistan. Reports also suggested that she made the same request to her Italian counterpart Giancarlo Giorgetti. The reports suggested that Sitharaman made the requests on the sidelines of the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in Italian city of Milan. They came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan as New Delhi seeks to corner the neighbouring state diplomatically and at various international forums following the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam last month, which killed 26 tourists. India has cited cross-border linkages behind the attack. Pakistan has denied any involvement. Also Read | FM Sitharaman cuts short US visit after Pahalgam terror attack ADB refutes claim In a statement issued later in the evening, the Asian Development Bank said that the reports were incorrect and India Pakistan issues were not discussed in the meeting with Sitharaman. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is aware of media reports claiming that issues related to Pakistan were discussed during the bilateral meeting between ADB President Masato Kanda and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the sidelines of the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, it said. These media reports are incorrect. Issues related to Pakistan were not discussed during the bilateral meeting. Financial aids to Pakistan As of December 31, 2024, ADB has committed 764 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totalling $43.4 billion to Pakistan. ADB's current sovereign portfolio in Pakistan includes 53 loans and 3 grants worth $9.13 billion. As per United Nations Development Programme website, the Italian Development Cooperation is an essential UNDP partner in Pakistan and across the world. "Some of Italy's major initiatives and contributions are in Pakistan," UNDP website read. Nirmala Sitharaman in Milan Nirmala Sitharaman is in Milan to attend the 58th ADB Annual Meeting, which is going on from May 4 to may 7. Also Read | Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to visit the UK and US in April During the bilateral meeting with ADB president, Sitharaman reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem through bold initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and GST implementation, Production-Linked Incentives, among others, for greater Ease of Doing Business, the finance ministry later said in a post on X. Sitharaman emphasised that India offers opportunities for ADB to pilot new, innovative financing products and models, it said. The India Meteorological Department said Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are likely to receive very heavy rainfall in the next 2-3 days. These rains will be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. It predicted thunderstorms and hailstorms for the Northwestern belt, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, in the upcoming days. The weather agency has also said the current spell of heavy rains in Odisha and West Bengal is likely to reduce from May 7 onwards. However for Monday, May 5, IMD scientist Dr Sanjeev Dwivedi said, ...Heavy rain is expected in Odisha on the 5th, hailstorm is also possible along with heavy rain, rain warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Gajapati. Rain is also likely at different places on the 6th, rain will be slightly less on the 7th-8th, he added. IMD predicts heavy rains in The weather agency said "isolated heavy rainfall" is likely over the next 3 days over: Odisha Nicobar West Rajasthan Uttarakhand Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad Tamil Nadu Puducherry Karaikal Andhra Pradesh Kerala Assam Meghalaya Arunachal Pradesh Gujarat Also Read | IMD issues thunderstorm warning across THESE 8 states: Check forecast Scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40-60 kmph have also been forecasted for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan until May 10. Delhi weather forecast The Met department said the capital city will see a generally cloudy sky on Monday, May 5. Light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong surface winds is also likely. This will bring some respite from scorching summer heat for Delhi residents, as the IMD said the maximum and minimum temperatures over the city will be between 33 and 35 Celsius and 24 and 26 Celsius, respectively. Delhi's minimum temperature will be near normal today, while the maximum temperature will be below normal by 4-6Celsius. On Tuesday, the weather agency predicted very light to light rain with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong surface winds for the city. The wind speed, it said, may increase temporarily up to 30-40 kmph during thunderstorms. India-Pak tensions: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold a closed consultations meeting on the situation between India and Pakistan today, May 5, after Pakistan sought an emergency meeting in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The meeting comes amid escalating tensions and Pakistan's downgraded diplomatic relations with India after the worst-ever terrorist attack on civilians in twenty-five years in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, on April 22. Pakistan a non-permanant UNSC member Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, which Greece is presiding over in May. Islamabad requested closed consultations on the tensions between the two countries, and the Greek Presidency has scheduled the meeting for May 5 in the afternoon, news agency PTI said. Apart from the five veto-wielding permanent members China, France, Russia, the UK and the US the 10 non-permanent members in the Council are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Somalia. Last week, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of May, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, said that if a request comes for a meeting to discuss the situation between India and Pakistan, then I think this meeting should take place because, as we said, maybe it's also an opportunity to have views expressed and this might help to diffuse a bit of tension. We are in close contact...but this is something which might happen, I would say, sooner rather than later. We will see, we are preparing, Sekeris said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with all Council members, with the exception of China and Pakistan, in the days following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Also Read | Owaisi backs govt on Pahalgam response, urges clarity on action and time In his calls, Jaishankar underlined that its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice. What happened in Pahalgam? The Pahalgam terrorist attack killing 26 people was carried out in the fabled Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam on April 22, a day when United States Vice President JD Vance was in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind the attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir's recent past. In the beginning, the TRF claimed responsibility and later said it had no role. Mint couldnt verify both claims. India, blaming Pakistan, responded by deciding to shut the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Amritsar along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab immediately. India also decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. The decisions to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan in view of cross-border links to the Pahalgam terrorist attack were taken in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 April. On May 3, India took three bold steps against Pakistan in the continued aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi, in a series of actions, imposed a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan, suspended all postal services from the country and barred its ships from entering Indian ports. India-Pak tensions: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold a closed consultations meeting on the situation between India and Pakistan today, May 5, after Pakistan sought an emergency meeting in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Advertisement The meeting comes amid escalating tensions and Pakistan's downgraded diplomatic relations with India after the worst-ever terrorist attack on civilians in twenty-five years in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, on April 22. Pakistan a non-permanant UNSC member Pakistan is currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, which Greece is presiding over in May. Islamabad requested closed consultations on the tensions between the two countries, and the Greek Presidency has scheduled the meeting for May 5 in the afternoon, news agency PTI said. Apart from the five veto-wielding permanent members China, France, Russia, the UK and the US the 10 non-permanent members in the Council are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Somalia. Advertisement Last week, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of May, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, said that if a request comes for a meeting to discuss the situation between India and Pakistan, then I think this meeting should take place because, as we said, maybe it's also an opportunity to have views expressed and this might help to diffuse a bit of tension. We are in close contact...but this is something which might happen, I would say, sooner rather than later. We will see, we are preparing, Sekeris said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with all Council members, with the exception of China and Pakistan, in the days following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Advertisement Also Read | Owaisi backs govt on Pahalgam response, urges clarity on action and time In his calls, Jaishankar underlined that its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice. What happened in Pahalgam? The Pahalgam terrorist attack killing 26 people was carried out in the fabled Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam on April 22, a day when United States Vice President JD Vance was in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind the attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir's recent past. In the beginning, the TRF claimed responsibility and later said it had no role. Mint couldnt verify both claims. Advertisement India, blaming Pakistan, responded by deciding to shut the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Amritsar along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab immediately. India also decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. The decisions to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan in view of cross-border links to the Pahalgam terrorist attack were taken in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 April. On May 3, India took three bold steps against Pakistan in the continued aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi, in a series of actions, imposed a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan, suspended all postal services from the country and barred its ships from entering Indian ports. Advertisement (With PTI inputs) Kolkata's rooftop dining scene has been reeling after the Kolkata Municipal Corporations (KMC) sweeping crackdown on rooftop eateries in the City of Joy, following the fire at Hotel Rituraj in Burrabazar on April 29, which claimed 14 lives. Few days after Hotel Rituraj was charred, Kolkata Police compiled a list of 83 rooftop restaurants within the KMC area. This list was then shared with the civic body to aid in their crackdown on these establishments due to safety concerns and violations of building regulations. Also Read | Tragic fire incident in a Kolkata hotel claims 14 lives, several injured From Hoppipola to Park Street Social, the list includes Whats Up cafe, Roots, Oris, Drunken Teddy, Scrap Yard, Soul, Altera, The Astor, Park Street Social among others, mentioned multiple reports. Beyond Kolkata hotel fire - 5 points to know Here's what you need to know about the KMC's crackdown on rooftop restaurants in Kolkata, that has become a raging issue: 1. LMNOQ Skybar demolished: On May 3, the same day the Kolkata Police compiled the list, LMNOQ Skybar on Park Street had part of its rooftop structures demolished, while Whats Up! Cafe on Southern Avenue and Serra Cafe in Sector V were also inspected. In response, Serra has decided to suspend its terrace service, opting to continue with indoor operations instead. 2. Calcutta High court's order: The Calcutta High Court, however, has verbally directed state authorities to halt the demolition of rooftop cafes and restaurants in the city. This came after the owners of a Park Street restaurant approached the court, claiming their property was being torn down without prior noticejust moments after receiving stop-work orders, as per a Live Law report. 3. NRAI's Kolkata Chapter weighs in:Abhimanyu Maheshwari, head of the NRAIs Kolkata chapter, acknowledged the distress across the community, and stated that not all places from the list have received shutdown noitces, reported The Telegraph. The list has 83 names, but not all have received shutdown notices. Many of these places, we believe, were operating with valid licenses and compliance in place," Maheshwari told the media house. 4. Jobs at stake: The Telegraph also mentioned that according to industry insiders, the jobs of 10,000 people are at stake. Also Read | Mumbai news: Massive fire breaks out at garments showroom located on Pedder Road As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani hackers are targeting Indian defence website, claiming that they have access to sensitive information. However, senior management of one of the websites categorically denied the information. Pakistan Cyber Force, a handle on X, has claimed that its hackers gained access to sensitive information of the Military Engineer Services and the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis. The X account has claimed that it has gained access to 10 gb of data of over 1600 users of the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses website. Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis denies claim Senior management of Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses has categorically denieed that its website has been hacked. Pakistan claims to hack Indian websites Pakistan claims to hack Indian websites Pakistan claims to hack Indian websites Defence data compromised? According to a report by News18 citing sources, the cyber attack may have compromised sensitive information linked to Indian defence officials, such as their login credentials and personal details. The news outlet also reported that Pakistani hackers further tried to deface the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking that falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Defence. An NDTV report also stated quoting sources that the website of the Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited was taken down for a thorough audit to assess the extent of any potential damage. Also Read | Pakistani hackers again target Indian websites Livemint could not independently verify the reports, but also could not access the website. India foils Pakistan's hacking attempts In a continued wave of cyber offensives, Pakistan-based hacker groups such as "Cyber Group HOAX1337" and "National Cyber Crew" made unsuccessful attempts to breach some websites on May 1. According to news agency ANI, these hacking efforts were promptly identified and neutralised by cybersecurity agencies. Among the latest provocations, the websites of Army Public School Nagrota and Sunjuwan were targeted and attempted to be defaced with messages mocking the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. In another incident, a website catering to ex-servicemen's healthcare services was defaced. Earlier on April 29, Pakistan redirected its efforts towards publicly accessible welfare and educational websites. Operating under the moniker "IOK Hacker" - Internet of Khilafah, the group sought to deface pages, disrupt online services and harvest personal information. India's cybersecurity architecture detected the intrusions in real-time and quickly traced their origin to Pakistan. The websites of Army Public School (APS) Srinagar and APS Ranikhet were both targeted with inflammatory propaganda. APS Srinagar also faced a distributed-denial-of-service assault. An attempted breach of the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) database was likewise detected, while a concurrent effort was made to compromise the Indian Air Force Placement Organisation portal. SC's notice to Samay Raina: The Supreme Court today issued notice to comedians Samay Raina, Vipun Goyal and three others in a petition filed by a NGO alleging that they had made insensitive jokes mocking persons with disabilities. It has been nearly two months since Samay Raina was in the legal hot seat for the India's Got Latent row. On Monday, May 5, the prominent YouTuber and comedian landed in fresh trouble. SC's latest notice to Samay Raina A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai to issue notice to the five people, including Samay Raina, to ensure they remain present in the Court on the next date. If they fail to appear, coercive steps will be taken, the Court warned. "Unfortunately, there are people who, in the name of fundamental right of speech, keep on...continue to write article as if everything is...Hate speech, any speech which is meant to demean another...this kind of freedom if there, we will curtail it. We know how to...," Justice Kant said, reported Live Law. Why is Samay Raina under fire again; what did the petition say? According to Live Law, the petition voiced serious concern about the growing influence of social media personalities, calling the alleged actions damaging and demoralising for already vulnerable groups. Emphasising the need for accountability, the Supreme Court noted that remedial and punitive action must be considered in the case of Samay Raina, Vipun Goyal, and four others summoned. Also Read | Ranveer Allahbadia says India's Got Latent row got him closer to Samay Raina "This is very, very damaging and demoralising. There are statutes which try to bring these people into the mainstream, and with one incident, the entire effort goes. You should think of some remedial and punitive action within the law," the bench advised senior advocate Aprajita Singh, who represented the NGO. Samay Raina India's Got Latent row Samay Raina has already been facing the heat due to a controversy surrounding his show India's Got Latent. The backlash intensified after Ranveer Allahbadia made a controversial remark on one of the episodes. Also Read | Samay Raina appears before Maharashtra cyber cell in Mumbai The Supreme Court today rejected a petition filed by a woman, seeking possession of the Red Fort. The petitioner claimed to be the widow of the great-grandson of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar dismissed Sultana Begum's petition challenging the Delhi High Court's judgment rejecting her plea. Also Read | Mint Explainer: Why the Bhushan Power judgment stunned the insolvency ecosystem "Why only the Red Fort? Why leave out the Fatehpur Sikri?," CJI Khanna asked the petitioner sarcastically, according to legal news website, LiveLaw. The bench observed that the writ petition was misconceived, LiveLaw report said. The woman claimed that the possession was taken away from her forcibly, by British East India Company in 1857. Why only the Red Fort? Why leave out the Fatehpur Sikri? In 2021, a single judge of the High Court had dismissed her petition on the ground of there being an inordinate delay in approaching the Court. In December 2024, the division bench of the High Court affirmed the single bench's order. The plea had claimed Begum was the rightful owner of Red Fort because she had inherited the property from her ancestor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II. It also alleged that the Government of India was illegally occupying the Fort. Red Fort The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historical fort in Old Delhi. The fort was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors for almost 200 years. The fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also Read | Law ministry set to plug procedural gaps in arbitration law, as directed by SC Mumbai's Amboli Police on Monday sent summonses to actor Ajaz Khan and the owner of Ullu App in relation to the Ullu House Arrest row, reported ANI. The Mumbai Police said that summonses were sent to both of them to appear before the investigating officer and record their statement. The police added that they have recorded the statement of the manager of Ullu App. Police files FIR: Meanwhile, a case registered at Charkop Police Station against actor Ajaz Khan for allegedly raping an actress. Police tried to contact him after registering the FIR, but his number has been switched off since then. He is not in contact with Police. The Police reached him but he was not present there. Police is searching for him, ANI quoted Mumbai Police as saying. Earlier in the day, there were reports that Ajaz Khan was booked by the Charkop Police in Mumbai after a woman filed a complaint accusing him of rape. The woman accused Khan of sexually assaulting her after promising marriage and a role in his web show. In her complaint, she alleged that Khan invited her to host his show House Arrest, which streams on the Ullu app. He proposed to her during the shoot and later promised to marry her after converting to her religion. The complaint also alleges that the actor invited her to his home, where he sexually assaulted her. Police have registered the case under sections 64, 64(2)(M), 69, and 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Also Read | Pornographic content in House Arrest on Ullu sparks row Ajaz Khan's show House Arrest, which began streaming on April 11, 2025, has faced heavy criticism from political and social groups. Many have called the show vulgar and demanded government action. NCW summons Khan Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) also summoned Khan and Ullu App CEO Vibhu Agarwal for the alleged "vulgar" and "coercive" content shown on the streaming platform's reality show. The Commission has summoned Khan, who hosts the show, and Agarwal to appear on May 9. In April, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre, OTT and social media platforms on a PIL, where it sought direction to take appropriate steps to prohibit the streaming of obscene content. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih observed that the plea raised an issue of "important concern" and sought response from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Alt Balaji, Ullu, ALTT, X (formerly Twitter), Meta Inc, Google, Mubi, Apple and others on the PIL seeking regulation of obscene content on OTT platforms and social media. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) released the Maharashtra Board HSC Class 12th result on May 5, 2025. The result link at official websites will be activated around 1 pm on Monday. After the result link is activated, students can check their results by entering the login credentials roll number and mother's maiden name. The MSBSHSE board had conducted the board exams for HSC Class 12 between February 11 and March 11, 2025. Where to check Maharashtra HSC Class 12th: List of Websites 1. https://www.mahahsscboard.in/ 2. https://mahresult.nic.in/ 4. hscresult.mkcl.org 5. results.digilocker.gov.in When to check the Maharashtra HSC Class 12th? The Maharashtra HSC Class 12th results are expected to be released around 1 pm on Monday, May 5. How to check Maharashtra HSC Class 12th result? Step 1: Go to https://main.mahahsscboard.in/mr Step 2: Click on "HSC Examination February - 2025 Result" Step 3: Enter details such as roll number, etc. Students will require their Maharashtra board Class 12 roll numbers and the first name of their mothers to check and download the Maharashtra HSC Class 12 result 2025. The Class 12 HSC 2025 Maharashtra board exam results will be available at official websites including mahresult.nic.in, hscresult.mkcl.org, mahahsscboard.in and results.digilocker.gov.in. How to check result on mobile Step 1: If the Maharashtra Board website does not open at the time of declaration of results, you can still check HSC Result 20225 by SMS on your mobile phone. Neither a smartphone nor internet is required for this. Step 2: Go to the right message in the message box of your mobile. Step 3: Type- MAHHSCSeat Number for example, suppose your seat number is 098765, then write the message like this- MAHHSC098657 Step 4: Send it to 57766. You will receive an SMS back on the same phone with information about your result. When to check Maharashtra Board 10th SSC Result Maharashtra Board 10th SSC Result is expected by May 15, 2025. The results will be published on the official website mahahsscboard.in. State-run India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) is leading a consortium to acquire and operate 20 commercial ports across Asia, Africa and India, two people aware of the matter said. The company, which operates Iran's landmark Chabahar terminal, has set its eyes on ports in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Africa, West and East Asia, as well as in India. IPGL, along with a group of state-run companies, has submitted its proposal to the Union shipping ministry, which has asked the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) to examine the plan, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Sunil Mukundan, managing director of IPGL, confirmed the development. We have proposed the operation of 20 ports across the globe and in India to the ports and shipping ministry. Further action would be made on getting directions on our proposal," he said. Connectivity plans IPGL operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port, a strategically important gateway for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. The port is crucial for India's connectivity ambitions and its participation in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that aims to reduce transit times and costs for trade with Eurasia. Also read | We are generating more cash than we know how to use: Adani Ports MD Karan Adani The IPGL consortium has not revealed its targets, but may start with terminal development work at the Mongla port at Khulna, Bangladesh's second largest and busiest port, as well as at Kankesanturai near Sri Lanka's Jaffna, the people cited earlier said. Presence at these locations, also coveted by China, aims to serve India's strategic and commercial interests along the existing trade routes between Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa. The Indian government may directly negotiate with its foreign counterparts to advance these deals, one of the two people said. India is keen to develop the Eastern Maritime Corridor, which will link its eastern ports to the Russian port in Vladivostok, with strategic acquisitions of ports, terminals, or trans-shipment presence along the route. The IPGL plan may also include infrastructure projects in the strategic South China Sea area up to Vladivostok. Foreign plans Some African countries have offered India the opportunity to operate their terminals, and IPGL may evaluate some of them, the second person quoted above said. A query sent to the shipping ministry remained unanswered till press time. Read this | India to fast-track Chabahar port works in Iran Some Indian private groups have already been very active in acquiring international ports/terminals, and this focused initiative by IPGL will further cement Indias role in international maritime trade and help create trading routes which are shielded from international geo-political risk," said Kuljit Singh, Partner and Infrastructure Leader, EY India. "India has been on good terms with most countries, and hence, getting approvals for Indian investments in global ports may not be so difficult and, in fact, such port investments can be leveraged to enhance Indian influence beyond its borders. India can also bring in international best practices for its own ports from these international investments," Singh said. Acquisition mode IPGL has previously acquired ports in Iran, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, and has ambitions to expand into Africa as well, said Pushpank Kaushik, chief executive officer and head of business development (Subcontinent, Middle East and Southeast Asia) at Jassper Shipping, adding the latest proposal shows a clear effort to increase strategic reach and improve trade connectivity. "With more ports under its control, India's influence on trade routes and supply chain stability is expected to grow. Control over ports along important corridors like the INSTC and IMEC will help logistics to be streamlined, transit times and costs to be reduced, and supply chains to become more resilient," he added. The G20's proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) includes a western maritime corridor connecting India to Europe via the Middle East, including Israel. This corridor aims to enhance trade and connectivity by improving infrastructure and reducing transit times between India and Europe. The IMEC has two main components: an Eastern Corridor connecting India to the Gulf countries and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe. Read this | IMEC: Only peace can pave Indias trade pathway to the West via Israel Multi-modal dreams Meanwhile, the INSTC is a 7,200-km multi-modal transportation route that connects the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran, and then to northern Europe via Russia. Established in 2000 by India, Iran, and Russia, it aims to enhance trade and connectivity among member countries. India has set up Bharat Ports Global Consortium, bringing together three state-run enterprisesIPGL, Sagarmala Development Co. Ltd (SDCL), and India Port Rail and Ropeway Corp. Ltd (IPRCL)for acquiring ports, and undertaking port and terminal work overseas. While IPGL will oversee operations, IPRCL will build the actual infrastructure, and funding will be raised by SDCL. Along with global port ventures, India is also strengthening its domestic port facilities. The government has approved the 76,220 crore mega port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra, which will not only scale up countrys port infrastructure but also create potential employment opportunities of 1.2 million. Another mega port is proposed at Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This 44,000 crore project will be developed under a public-private partnership model and aims to capture transhipped cargo currently handled outside India. And read | Adani Ports latest deal raises growth concernsmarkets arent impressed The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed states to carry out nationwide mock drills on May 7 to evaluate civil defence preparedness, in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam attacks. The mock drills will involve activating air raid sirens, training civilians and students in basic self-protection, checking crash blackout measures, camouflaging key infrastructure, in addition to reviewing and rehearsing evacuation plans. A mock drill is a kind of a practice operation designed to prepare individuals for potential emergencies or critical situations. The last such drill was held in 1971, the same year India and Pakistan went to war on two fronts. The April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir's mini Switzerland Pahalgam which claimed 26 lives has been linked to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, and has thrown India-Pakistan bilateral tensions into a melting pot. MHA's measures for mock drill The measures outlined by the MHA include: 1.Operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens 2. Training of civilians, students, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. 3. Provision of crash black out measures 4. Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations 5. Updation of evacuation plan and its rehearsal Rehearsal for blackout in Ferozepur Cantonment A 30-minute rehearsal for blackout was already carried out on Sunday, May 4 across the Ferozepur Cantonment area. The exercise, held from 9:00 to 9:30 pm, was conducted under the directives of the Cantonment Board and Station Commander. All lights were switched off as per senior officers orders. Any vehicles found with lights on were immediately asked to switch them off, said Gurjant Singh, SHO of Ferozepur Cantt Police Station told PTI. Police are on high alert, with personnel deployed at all key intersections, Gujrant Singh added. Pahalgam attacks In the aftermath of the brutal Pahalgam attacks, both India and Pakistan have taken a series of retaliatory steps. India has withdrawn some diplomats, shut down airspace and ports, and even suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has strongly disapproved of how Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, has been treated on social media. Himanshi Narwal has faced massive flak from social media users after she urged people not to spread hatred in the name of religion or be hostile towards Muslims or Kashmiris. The women's panel asserted that "trolling a woman on the basis of her ideological expression or personal life is not acceptable in any form." "Many citizens were killed in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Along with other people, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal was asked about his religion and then shot dead. The whole country is hurt and enraged by this attack. After Lieutenant Vinay Narwal's death, the way his wife, Himanshi Narwal, is being targeted on social media for a remark is extremely condemnable and unfortunate," the NCW wrote on X. Read | 'Pakistan ko kehna bhaijan': Ajay Rai's nimbu-mirchi on Rafale remark fumes BJP, others on social media "Any agreement or disagreement must always be expressed decently and within constitutional boundaries. The National Commission for Women is committed to protecting every woman's respect and dignity," the panel added. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar stated in a post on X that while some individuals may disagree with Himanshi's comments, subjecting her to trolling or making personal attacks over her opinions is unacceptable. The couple had tied the knot just days before the terror attack and were in Kashmir for their honeymoon when armed terrorists shot and killed the 26-year-old Navy officer, along with 25 others. Heart-wrenching images of Himanshi sitting beside her husbands body, her wedding chooda still adorning her wrists, moved the entire nation. Read | Police intensify searches across Srinagar to dismantle terror-supporting infrastructure In her first public remarks since the attack, Himanshi appealed to the nation not to be hostile towards Muslims or Kashmiris. "I want the entire country to pray for him (Vinay), that wherever he is, he has found peace. That is all I ask," she said. "There is something else I wish to say. I see hatred growing, directed at Muslims and Kashmiris. We do not want this. We only wish for peacenothing else," Himanshi said. She also demanded that those behind the attack be brought to justice. Pakistan Army Chief general Syed Asim Munir, who for so long was speculated to be hiding, stood resolute atop a tank and declared, Let there be no ambiguity. Any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute and notch-up response. The declaration came on Thursday, weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack soured an already fragile relation between India and Pakistan. Asim Munir, who has only days before the Pahalgam terror attack, dubbed Kashmir as the jugular vein of Pakistan, has now taken the centre stage to determine Islamabad's tone amid surging tensions between Pakistan and India. Munir labeling Kashmir as jugular vein, was indicative of a deeply woven Pakistani cultural narrative and vocabulary, signifying how Pakistan sees Kashmir as vital to its national identity. In the same speech, General Munir said, We will not leave our Kashmiri brethren in their heroic struggle that they are waging against Indian occupation. On April 26, Asim Munir addressed cadets at a graduation ceremony for the countrys premier military academy. He invoked the two-nation theory the framework behind Pakistans founding in 1947, which asserts that Hindus and Muslims are separate nations needing separate homelands. Pakistani authorities have firmly denied any association between General Munirs statements and the recent attack in Kashmir. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistans permanent envoy to the United Nations, dismissed Indias accusations of Pakistani involvement, emphasising that the fundamental cause of unrest in South Asia remains the longstanding unresolved issue of Kashmir. For his part, General Munir has spoken since the Pahalgam terror attack in explicitly ideological terms that indicate he is disinclined to believe that long-term peace with India is possible. After attacks on Indian security forces in Kashmir in 2016 and 2019, India responded by striking what it said were terrorist camps inside Pakistan. Two-Nation Theory and Kashmir The two-nation theory has long shaped Pakistans national identity and foreign policy, with Islamabad military leaders historically emphasising it during periods of tension with India and softening their stance when diplomacy was possible. Since the partition of British India in 1947, Kashmir has remained the epicentre of the India-Pakistan rivalry, marked by wars, insurgencies, and ongoing military presence, making it one of the worlds most volatile regions. Also Read | Pakistan Army fires unprovoked across LoC on 10th day; Indian Army responds General Munirs recent revival of the two-nation ideology and his remarks have been seen by many in India as signalling a significant shift in Pakistans approach. His statements are widely interpreted as an effort to project strength and rally public support amid Pakistans political divisions and economic difficulties, which have weakened the once unwavering loyalty towards the military establishment. However, analysts view Asim Munir as more than a political strategist; his hardline stance on India is shaped by his leadership of Pakistans top military intelligence agencies and his conviction that the conflict with India is fundamentally religious in nature. Asim Munir's Rise in Pakistan General Asim Munirs current involvement in the Kashmir crisis is not his first experience with regional tensions. In 2019, as head of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), he played a key role during the suicide bombing in Kashmir that led to Indian airstrikes and a brief military escalation. Asim Munir's tenure ended months later when Prime Minister Imran Khan removed him. Munirs relationship with Imran Khan remained strained, with the former Pakistan PM opposing his elevation to army chief. Also Read | Pakistan Prime Minister picks Lt Gen Asim Munir as new army chief After Khan was ousted in April 2022, Asim Munir took command seven months later. Imran Khan, still popular among the public, has been imprisoned for two years. Since Asim Munirs appointment, the military has taken a firmer stance in managing Pakistan's relations with India, consolidating control by appointing the spy chief as national security adviser-a role traditionally held by retired generals or civilians. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) President Ajay Rai's remark about the Pahalgam terror attack, taking a nimbu mirchi jibe at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over its response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has faced criticism on social media, mostly from BJP supporters. During a press conference, Rai, who unsuccessfully contested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in the past, slammed the government for not acting after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including tourists, on April 22. Rai accused the Centre of big talk and no action against the perpetrators of the terror attack, the worst against civilians since 2000. In the video, Rai displayed a white toy plane (Rafale) with lemon-chillies hanging on it. Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack... But, this government, which talks a lot, says that they will crush terrorists they brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars having chilly and lemon hanging in them. When will they take action against terrorists, those who support them, and their backers? ANI news agency quoted Rai. Rai's statement was also amplified by Pakistani news sites, triggering a rebuttal from the saffron camp. The Congress Party and its leaders are being disloyal to India and our people, and the Congress leaders are deliberately trying to defame and demoralise our brave armed forces. The deplorable statements by Ajay Rai, UP Congress chief, from where Rahul Gandhi is MP, are most condemnable. Congress leaders are reprehensible, repeat offenders who are repeatedly dishonourably trying to lower the morale and resolve of our armed forces. But the Congress partys sinister ploy will not be successful, BJP leader CR Kesavan said. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, Why is a continuous attack being made on the morale of armed forces? Congress party is not taking action because Pakistan ko kehna bhaijaan, sena ka karna apman, ye Congress ki bann chuki hai pehchan, Pakistan aur Congress do shareer aur bole ek hi zubaan. The remark also drew ire from people who took to social media to express their outrage. A user wrote: Who will make fun of the Indian army and its weapons? Pakistan. But he is a senior Congress leader from Kashi doing the same. Another user added: Did you mock after 26/11? A third user said: Did you say Senior... sir, there is no seniority. Another said: Shame on you. Ajay Rai Defends His Remarks Rai on Sunday defended his controversial comment about lemons and chilies being tied to the Indian Air Forces Rafale fighter jets, saying he merely highlighted what had already been documented and called on the government to take concrete steps against terrorism. I showed the facts to the nation. When Defence Minister Rajnath Singh went to receive the Rafale jets, he tied lemons and chilies to them. There are photos and videos from that moment. I simply asked: when will the lemons and chilies be removed? When will Rafale be used effectively? When will there be real action against terrorism? Yesterday, I raised these questions... Congress has always stood with the government. The CWC has clearly said it supports any strong action taken by the government (in response to Pahalgam terror attack). But we are saying - stop misleading people and take action, he said. What is the Rafale Context? The senior Congress leaders remarks come in the backdrop of Indias recent defence deala 63,000 crore agreement with France for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. Signed earlier this week, the deal aims to bolster Indias naval strike capabilities. The Rafale deal became a political issue after the opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, alleged irregularities in the deal with the French firm related to the purchase of 36 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Defence Minister General Nakatani in Delhi on Monday, May 5. The Defence Minister discussed bilateral defence relations and regional security and also touched the concerning Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Rajnath Singh in his opening remark said, I recall our meeting at Vientiane, Laos in November last year, where we decided to expand the defence cooperation between industry, technology and interoperability between the armed forces, ANI reported. Appreciating Japan's stance in the Pahalgam terror attack, Rajnath Singh said, I would like to thank the government of Japan for their strong expression of solidarity with India in wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. At the India-Japan Defence Ministerial meeting, the Defence Minister added, I take this opportunity to compliment you for your immense contribution to deepening the Indo-Japan defence relations. This marks the second meeting between the two leaders within a span of six months. Their first interaction happened on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Laos which took place in November last year. To further deepen the bilateral defence cooperation, both sides discussed views and ideas on the prevailing regional and international security situation, Ministry of Defence said. The Japanese official arrived in India on Monday for a two-day official visit. Earlier in the day, the Japanese official paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and was honoured with the Guard of Honour. after given a warm reception by the Defence Minister. Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Monday, May 5, spoke to PM Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. During the call, President Putin conveyed Russia's full support to India's fight against terrorism. Putin also accepted PM Modi's invitation to visit India, the Kremlin confirmed. As per the MEA, President Putin said that perpetrators of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and their supporters must be brought to justice. Putin assures full support to India MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, President Putin offered his deepest condolences for the loss of innocent lives and assured full support to India in its fight against terrorism. He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice. Putin's conversation with PM Modi comes after Modi recently skipped his visit to Russia, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, which continues to feel the jitters for the brutal Pahalgam attack. During their call, Vladimir Putin and PM Modi discussed ways to strengthen the close ties between India and Russia. PM Modi also wished Putin a happy 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him to visit India later this year for the Annual Summit, the MEA spokesperson said. Putin accepts PM Modi's invitation to visit India Russian President Vladimir Putin also accepted an invitation from PM Narendra Modi, the Kremlin confirmed. Putin and Modi emphasised that relations between Russia and India were not affected by external influence and continue to develop dynamically. Pahalgam attacks The April 22 attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley, a picturesque tourist destination often referred to as mini Switzerland, was the deadliest in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Horror gripped the scenic Baisaran meadow after The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, opened fire, killing 26 people, mainly tourists. India's moves against Pakistan Just a day after the Pahalgam terror attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and also shut the Attari-Wagah check posts. India further cut off the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is planning similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam, news agency PTI reported, citing a source. In addition to its series of actions against Pakistan, India further imposed 3 bans on its neighbour on a single day: 1. India imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan 2. Hours after imposing the ban, India also barred all ships bearing the Pakistani flag from entering any of its ports An exceptionally large tiger, nicknamed Hercules due to his enormous size, has stirred excitement and speculation in Uttarakhands Ramnagar region. The colossal feline has been frequently sighted in the Phato tourism zone, attracting widespread attention from tourists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Many believe Hercules could be the largest tiger currently roaming Asia. Preliminary estimates suggest that the majestic big cat weighs approximately 300 kilograms and measures nearly seven feet in length. These extraordinary dimensions have intensified speculation that he could be the largest tiger in Asia, bringing renewed focus to the regions rich and thriving wildlife. Confirming the presence of the enormous feline, Prakash Arya, Divisional Forest Officer of the Terai West Forest Division, expressed his personal astonishment at the sighting. "In my entire career, I have never seen such a giant tiger," DFO Arya told The New Indian Express. "This is a clear symbol of the rich biodiversity and the success of our management efforts in this forest area," he added. Arya emphasised that the tiger is exceptionally large, noting that a big cat of such magnitude has never been documented in the region before. In response, the Forest Department has increased surveillance efforts, deploying an extensive network of camera traps throughout the zone to monitor the tigers movements and collect vital data on the imposing animal. Even local guides, long familiar with the areas wildlife, have been left astounded by the tigers sheer size and the buzz his presence has generated among both visitors and residents. "Weve seen many tigers here, but nothing compares to 'Hercules'," remarked one guide, who requested anonymity. "His sheer size is incredible. He truly looks like the mythical hero, hence the name." Tourists fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the massive big cat have described the experience as awe-inspiring. "Seeing 'Hercules' was an unforgettable experience," shared Priya Sharma, a visitor from Delhi. Renowned Brazilian psychic Athos Salome, often dubbed the Living Nostradamus, has turned his foresight towards Prince Harry, suggesting the Duke of Sussex is on the cusp of a series of dramatic and personal upheavals. Salome, 38, has previously claimed accurate predictions of the Covid pandemic, the Queens death, and even the 2024 Microsoft global outage. Since resigning from the official duties of the British monarchy in 2020, Harry has lived under a constant hurricane of family tensions, legal battles and public controversy, Salome told The Sun, adding, But beyond what you see in the headlines, there is a deeper energetic layer. 1. A Royal target Salome warns of a potential security threat linked to a humanitarian mission between July and September 2025, urging Prince Harry to reconsider his travel plans. The Duke seems trapped between his new life and the ghosts of royalty, he said, noting that while Harry may emerge unscathed, the situation will be serious enough to provoke a public reassessment of his vulnerability. He further claimed secret UK documents will surface, allegedly exposing security negligence on the part of British authorities. 2. Quiet reconciliation with the King A private and emotional reconciliation with King Charles III could be on the horizon in early 2026, prompted by the monarch's health struggles. It will be intimate, away from the cameras, and motivated by a sense of urgency and finitude, Salome predicted. However, he said Prince William is unlikely to be part of this reunion, describing the heir as bound by duty and resentment. 3. A painful revelation Salome says a former Sussex staff member is preparing to leak damaging audio and documents that could spark renewed scrutiny of Harry and Meghans relationship. Negotiations are underway, he noted, suggesting the content points to Meghan exerting strong influence over Harrys decisions, often in conflict with his values. The psychic says the fallout could lead to a new wave of empathy for the prince, but also an irreversible reputational loss for Meghan. 4. A new legacy for veterans By the end of 2026, Salome foresees Prince Harry devoting himself to a humanitarian mission focused on veterans mental health, which he calls the Dukes lifes mission. Curiously, the project will have the informal support of the monarchy, he said, adding that this could mark the beginning of redemption. 5. A move abroad California may no longer be home. Salome claims Harry will embark on a spiritual exile, relocating to a third countrypossibly South Africa or New Zealand. Neither Hollywood nor Buckingham, he said. At 42, a number that symbolises Kabbalistic maturity, he will find a new purpose in life. 6. A new chapter According to Salome, Prince Harry is working on a new book, due out in 2027, which will differ sharply from his 2023 memoir Spare. It wont be an attack on the monarchy, but a profound reflection on identity and mission, he said, predicting the book could help him regain global respect as an individual not just as a royal figure. Also Read | Meghan Markle shares family photo amid Harrys security setback in UK Prince Harrys interview sparks new Royal rift after UK security ruling Prince Harry has ignited fresh tensions with the Royal Family after delivering a surprise and emotionally charged interview with the BBC, following his legal defeat over UK security arrangements. The Duke of Sussex, who lost his High Court appeal to reinstate taxpayer-funded protection for his family during visits to the UK, used the platform to express both a desire for reconciliation and a sharp rebuke of the monarchys role in his continued estrangement. I dont carry emotional wounds, Harry said in the 30-minute sit-down, adding that he wanted to bury the hatchet with the Royal Family. However, he admitted he is no longer in contact with his father, King Charles III confirming long-rumoured divisions. Interview aftershock The timing and tone of the interview comes just days after the courts decision against Harrys appeal to receive Royal and state security while in Britain. Though Harry claimed he was ready to reconcile, the interviews content and delivery have been interpreted as reopening old wounds rather than healing them. Security and separation Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their senior royal roles in 2020, citing relentless media scrutiny and the constraints of royal life. Their decision led to their relocation to California. As a result of their departure, the couples Royal security cover was withdrawn a point of major contention that led Harry to pursue legal action against the British government. Now, with that battle lost, the family faces potential safety risks when travelling to the UK. Widening the divide The unannounced and unfiltered nature of the broadcast has fueled speculation that Harry remains combative despite gestures toward reconciliation. Former US President Joe Biden's top staff privately discussed the idea of having him take a cognitive test early in 2024, amid growing concerns about his age and mental sharpness, according to a forthcoming book by three political journalists. The book, 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, is co-authored by a New York Times journalist and details behind-the-scenes discussions within the Biden camp. Bidens aides were confident that he would pass a cognitive test, the book says, according to the New York Times. But they worried that the mere fact of his taking one would raise new questions about his mental abilities. No test taken amid re-election campaign The debate over the cognitive exam reportedly occurred in February 2024, while Biden was actively campaigning for a second term. Ultimately, the White House opted not to go forward with the test. The decision would later come under renewed scrutiny after Bidens disastrous June 2024 debate against Donald Trump, which raised alarms even among loyal Democrats. Poor debate Bidens performance in the first debate stunned the political world, triggering calls from within his party for him to reconsider his campaign. I never saw that person not a single time that was on that debate stage, former Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a recent interview, distancing herself from the fallout. Psaki left the White House in 2022. Biden steps aside, Harris takes over and loses Under intense pressure following the debate, Biden ultimately suspended his campaign and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place on the ticket. Harris went on to become the Democratic nominee but lost to Trump in the general election. The book suggests that early anxieties about Bidens age and fitness were known internally long before they exploded into public view. US President Donald Trump has said his primary goal in any negotiations with Iran is the total dismantlement of the countrys nuclear program. He indicated a potential willingness to consider allowing Tehran access to civilian nuclear energy under strict conditions. Trump was clear on his demand speaking with NBC News, We dont want to have them have a nuclear weapon. Its a very simple deal. Total dismantlementthats what we want. Open to hearing arguments for civilian energy Despite the hardline stance, Trump appeared to leave the door open for compromise, particularly in regard to peaceful nuclear development. I think that I would be open to hearing it, you know? Civilian energy, its called, he said. Still, the president warned that even peaceful nuclear programs carry inherent risks. But you know, civilian energy often leads to military wars, he added. The remarks come amid renewed tensions over Irans nuclear activities and stalled diplomacy following the collapse of the 2015 nuclear accord during Trumps first term. The Trump administration has not announced any new talks, but Trumps latest remarks may lay the groundwork for future negotiations or backchannel diplomacy. Iran talks stall US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 1) said Iran must end its uranium enrichment, halt long-range missile development, and allow American inspections of its facilities if it wants to reach a nuclear deal with Washington. His remarks come as a scheduled round of nuclear talks was postponed amid escalating tensions. They have to walk away from enrichment, Rubio told Fox News. They have to walk away from sponsoring terrorists... and from building long-range missiles that have no purpose other than having nuclear weapons. Talks postponed again A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that the fourth round of talks, originally set for Saturday (May 3) in Rome, had been postponed. A new date will be set depending on the U.S. approach, the official said. Rubio: Import Uranium, no enrichment Rubio insisted that Iran should import enriched uranium for peaceful energy purposes, arguing that even low-level enrichment can quickly escalate. If you have the ability to enrich at 3.67%, it only takes a few weeks to get to 20%, then 60%... and the 90% you need for a weapon, he said. The only countries in the world that enrich uranium are the ones that have nuclear weapons. Iran pushes back: NPT guarantees rights Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded strongly, calling Rubios claims misleading. Repeating falsehoods will not change basic facts, Araqchi posted on X. As a founding signatory to the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty), Iran has every right to possess the full nuclear fuel cycle. He added that multiple countries enrich uranium while rejecting nuclear weapons. Apart from Iran, this club includes several Asian, European, and South American nations. Maximalist positioning and incendiary rhetoric achieve nothing except eroding the chances of success. Inspections must include military sites, Rubio says Rubio said any future agreement must allow U.S. personnel to be part of inspections, with full access to all Iranian facilities. Trump: Oil sanctions will tighten Trump added pressure on Thursday, declaring that all purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products must cease. Violators, he warned, would face secondary sanctions. US President Donald Trump said he is open to reducing tariffs on China eventually, acknowledging that current rates are so steep they have effectively halted trade between the worlds two largest economies. Under his administration, tariffs on Chinese imports have reached as high as 145 per cent, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs of up to 125 per cent on American goods. The escalating trade tensions have unsettled financial markets and risk increasing prices on essential items like manufacturing equipment, clothing, and toys that many Americans depend on, Bloomberg reported. At some point, Im going to lower them, because otherwise, you could never do business with them, and they want to do business very much, Trump said in an interview taped Friday and aired Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press with Kristen Welker. Trump also pointed to recent economic struggles in China, citing data from the official manufacturing purchasing managers index, which showed factory activity has fallen into its steepest contraction since 2023. Bloomberg reported that new export orders have plummeted to their lowest levels since December 2022, with the sharpest drop since April of that year, when Shanghai was under a full pandemic lockdown. Also Read: Dollar steady but vulnerable as tariff worries take hold Trump also praised some statements that China made recently as positive, while reiterating that any deal between the two countries would have to be fair. Here's what China said China said on Friday it was assessing the possibility of trade talks with the US since Trumps tariffs were announced last month, the first sign that negotiations could begin between the two sides. China is currently evaluating this, the ministrys statement said. US stocks rose on Friday following those signals from Beijing. On Sunday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he had no plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, saying the two sides are talking about different things. At some point, Im going to lower them, because otherwise, you could never do business with them. He added that Washington is in trade discussions with several countries, including China, and emphasised hes looking for a fair deal, repeating his claim that China had "been ripping us off for many years. A 21-year-old Indian student pursuing higher education in the United States was arrested by local police in North Carolina for his alleged involvement in fraudulent activities. Kishan Kumar Singh, an Indian national, was arrested by the Guilford County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) in North Carolina after he allegedly tried to dupe a 78-year-old woman of her money by impersonating as a federal agent. The scam The incident came to light when the elderly woman from the Stokesdale area began receiving threatening phone calls from unidentified individuals. They introduced themselves as federal agents and deputies. They misled the woman into believing that her bank accounts were compromised. Sheriff Danny H Rogers reports that deputies arrested 21-year-old Kishan Kumar Singh, an international student from India, after he tried to scam a 78-year-old woman by pretending to be law enforcement, the sheriffs office said in an official statement. "The victim was told her bank accounts were compromised and was pressured into withdrawing a large amount of money for safekeeping. Deputies arrested Singh when he showed up to collect the package as a 'federal agent.' Hes now in the Guilford County Detention Center under a $1 million bond, facing felony charges including Attempted Obtaining Property by False Pretenses and Exploitation of an Elder Adult," the statement added. Also Read | US Court blocks visa cancellation of 133 students, relief for most Indians The scamsters falsely told the elderly woman on the phone that her name was linked to criminal activity elsewhere in the country and that her bank accounts had been compromised, the authorities said. Then the victim was coerced into withdrawing a large sum of money for so-called "safekeeping." The police arrested Kishan Kumar Singh when he arrived at the womans residence to collect the money under the guise of being a federal agent. Singh is currently lodged at the Guilford County Detention Center on a $1 million bond and faces multiple felony charges, including Attempted Obtaining Property by False Pretenses and Exploitation of an Elder Adult. Three people were killed and five others injured after gunfire broke out at a popular restaurant in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, in Arizona on Sunday night (May 4), authorities said. Glendale Police Department Officer Moroni Mendez confirmed that officers received calls about the shooting at El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse around 7:45 p.m. Obviously there was a lot of people here, Mendez told reporters during a media briefing. A lot of people that were attending some sort of event. Anyone who has information, please come forward and provide that to us because there are three deceased. So we want to make sure we do a complete and thorough investigation, and do right by the victims. Three killed, five wounded According to Mendez, three individuals died from their injuries. Five others sustained injuries either from gunshots or shrapnel. The conditions of the wounded have not yet been released. Local outlet KPHO-TV reported that police were still trying to determine the motive behind the violence. No arrests yet, multiple shooters suspected Authorities believe more than one person was involved in the shooting. Although no suspects were in custody as of Monday morning, Mendez confirmed that multiple individuals were being questioned by police. The investigation remains active, and officials are urging any witnesses to come forward. Eyewitness: It was pretty bad Bystander Lupe Rodriguez, who was at the restaurant during the incident, described a scene of chaos and fear. There was a man on the ground, and it didnt look like he made it, Rodriguez told local media. His father was yelling out his name. It was pretty bad. Rodriguez said he and his friends ran for safety as the shots rang out. Though shaken, he said he felt fortunate to have survived. Community on edge The shooting has rattled the Glendale community. The restaurant, known for its seafood and live events, was reportedly hosting a gathering at the time. US President Donald Trump said he is considering naming Stephen Miller as the National Security Adviser (NSA), succeeding Mike Waltz. The US President said he expects to fill the job within about six months. Trump had ousted Waltz on Thursday and named Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the position on an interim basis. Rubio will serve as both the US secretary of state and national security adviser for a minimum of six months. However, US officials say they expect Trump to be in no hurry to fill the job permanently. I'm going to be naming somebody, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday. Also Read | Mike Waltzs demotion is a loss for defence hawks Why was Mike Waltz ousted? Mike Waltz was ousted after a scandal erupted over his creation of a Signal group to share real-time updates on US military action in Yemen. The chat drew particular attention because Waltz, or someone using his account, accidentally added a prominent journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, to the group. The revelation that Waltz was using TeleMessage, which appears to have a similar interface and functionality as Signal, has only heightened the concerns over the security of his communications. Who is Stephen Miller? Stephen Miller is currently the deputy chief of staff for Trump. He was a central figure in shaping the Trump administration's immigration policies, including the controversial family separation policy at the US-Mexico border and the travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries. Miller was part of a Signal group accident that led to Waltz's ouster. In that discussion, he effectively shut down debate among top officials over Trumps plans to attack Houthi rebels threatening Red Sea shipping lanes. Talking about the likelihood of Miller taking over as the US NSA, Trump said, I think he sort of indirectly already has that job. Because he has a lot to say about a lot of things. He's a very valued person in the administration, Stephen, he added. Who are the other contenders in the race to replace Mike Waltz? Steve Witkoff According to media reports, Steve Witkoff is among the top contenders to succeed Waltz, having swiftly built a broad portfolio as Donald Trumps preferred international negotiator. The billionaire real estate investor was appointed by Trump as his special envoy to the Middle East. Since then, he has taken on key diplomatic roles, serving as the primary interlocutor with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine and leading preliminary negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Ric Grenell Ric Grenell, Trumps envoy for special missions, currently serves as the interim executive director of the Kennedy Center. Despite his low profile in the past months, Grenell played a role in securing the January release of six American hostages from Venezuela. During Trumps first term, he held several high-level posts, including acting director of national intelligence, ambassador to Germany, and special envoy for Serbia and Kosovo. Michael Anton Michael Anton has emerged as an online favourite in MAGA circles to replace Waltz, according to Politico. He was recently tapped to lead technical talks with Iran on its nuclear program. Anton, currently the State Departments policy planning director, was in the Vatican last weekend during Trumps meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Sebastian Gorka Sebastian Gorka, a veteran of Trumps first term, is also seen as a possible contender. Gorka was appointed deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism last November. He has long advised Trump on counterterrorism and national security issues. Pahalgam terror attack: In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that has thrown India-Pakistan bilateral relations into the melting pot, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that a military solution is no solution. Make no mistake, a military solution is no solution, and I offer my good offices to both governments in the service at peace," the United Nations' Secretary-General told reporters during a press conference on Monday, May 2. The April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir's mini Switzerland Pahalgam which claimed 26 lives has been linked to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups. It is the deadliest terror attack in India after the 2019 Pulwama horror. What United Nations Secy Gen Antonio Guterres said The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting to address the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan on Monday, following an emergency meeting request from Islamabad. The discussions will be held at the UN headquarters in New York. UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the Pahalgam attack and said that perpetrators must be brought to justice. Here's a roundup of the United Nations Secy Gen's address: 1. "Tension between India and Pakistan are at their highest. I am grateful to the governments of both nations or their contribution to UN peacekeeping, so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point, said the UN Secretary General. 2. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries, stated Antonio Guterres. Expressing his condolences for the victims killed in the Pahalgam attack, Guterres added: 3. I once again strongly condemn that (Pahalgam) attack and extend condolences to the families of the victims. Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible lawful means. 4. It is also essential, especially at this critical hour, to avoid the military confrontation that could easily spin out of control, the UN chief stated. 5. Reaffirming the United Nations' dedication to peace, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered his good offices to both India and Pakistan, emphasising the UN's readiness to support any initiative aimed at fostering dialogue, reducing tensions, and achieving a peaceful resolution to the crisis. In more trouble for Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Bangladesh court on Monday ordered his arrest in a murder case involving the brutal killing of a lawyer outside a court in Chattogram last November. Das, a former ISKCON leader, is already in jail after he was arrested at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on November 25 last year in a sedition case over alleged defamation of the Bangladeshi flag. The Hindu leaders arrest had sparked widespread protests, with his followers demonstrating in Dhaka and other parts of the country. Also Read | Over 100 houses looted! Bangladesh minority group condemns attack on Hindus In Chattogram, the protest had turned violent when assistant government prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was hacked to death. Das shown arrested in murder case "He (Das) was shown arrested in the murder case of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif under a court order, Chattogram Additional Deputy Commissioner Mafiz Uddin told reporters after the virtual hearing on Monday. Metropolitan magistrate SM Alauddin issued the arrest order after accepting a police petition during the hearing, the court officials said, as per news agency PTI report. Public prosecutor Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan said the police submitted applications seeking orders to show him arrested in four cases, while the court accepted only one of the petitions related to the lawyer's murder. Last week, a high court bench had ordered Chinmoy Krishna Das' release on bail, but the Appellate Divisions chamber judge Justice Rezaul Haque stayed the ruling after it was challenged by the state. The stay order will remain in force until the filing of a leave-to-appeal petition and the release of the full text of the judgment. In order to prevent Chinmoy Prabhu from being released, even after being granted bail by the High Court, he was shown arrested in Chittagong court, said Das' lawyer Apurba Kumar Bhattacharjee, according to an ANI report. Pahalgam attack: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday urged India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" and prevent an escalation, as he held talks with Pakistan's top leadership amid tensions between the two neighbouring countries following the Pahalgam terror attack. During his discussions with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the two leaders "exchanged views on the evolving situation in South Asia and ongoing US-Iran talks," the Pakistani Foreign Office stated, reported PTI. Araghchi also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed the regional situation as well as matters of bilateral interest. Iran urges for restraint by both sides During his meeting with President Zardari, Araghchi called for restraint by both sides to de-escalate the tensions in the region, according to a statement from the presidential office. Zardari reiterated Pakistan's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. The Iranian foreign minister's visit comes amid tensions between Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. He will travel to India on Thursday. De-escalate tensions in the region Three days after the Pahalgam terror attack, Araghchi offered to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan, saying Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time." "The situation in the region is very important for Iran, and we emphasise (on the importance of) easing tensions while calling on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent the escalation of the situation," Araghchi said soon after his arrival here, Iranian state-run Press TV reported. "We will try to de-escalate tensions in the region," said Araghchi, who paid a day-long visit to Pakistan. "Both India and Pakistan are friendly countries to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Of course, Pakistan is our neighbouring and brotherly country, and we were interested in being informed of the positions of our friends in Pakistan before travelling to India," Araghchi was quoted as saying by Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency. Pakistan's Foreign Office statement said that Araghchi and Dar reaffirmed their commitment to strong Pakistan-Iran ties and agreed to boost cooperation in trade, energy and connectivity. Dar told the media after their talks that Pakistan stood by its offer to support an independent probe into the Pahalgam attack, adding that Pakistan would not be the first to launch any attack against India. But we will respond resolutely and with full force to any act to any misadventure by India, he said. State-run Radio Pakistan reported that during the meeting, Dar shared Pakistan's "serious concerns" over the prevailing tensions in South Asia, blaming India's "provocative behaviour" for it. He rejected "unsubstantiated attempts" to implicate Pakistan in the incident, reiterating Islamabad's call for an "international, transparent, and impartial" investigation. Prime Minister Sharif told Araghchi that Pakistan is committed to strengthening cooperation with Iran in pursuit of peace and stability in the region, Iran's Irna news agency reported. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Foreign Minister Dar were also present during Araghchi's meeting with the Prime Minister. Pakistan and Iran enjoy close bilateral relations rooted in shared history, culture, and religion. Israels security cabinet voted to intensify military operations in Gaza and call up of tens of thousands of extra reservists, while also deciding on a means of distributing aid in the Palestinian territory. The vote in the early hours of Monday followed a long discussion and was unanimous regarding the expansion of armed activities in Gaza, according to an Israeli official with knowledge of the matter. All members, except far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, also agreed that non-Israeli private companies should handle aid. Still, Israels block on such supplies will only be lifted after the new military operations begin and more Gazan civilians have been moved to the area of Rafah in the south, according to an Israeli security official. Israel says moving civilians there will get them out of fighting zones to the north and ensure aid is given to them instead of Hamas fighters. Israel implemented the aid ban in early March, saying it was necessary to force Hamas to surrender and release the hostages it still holds. The United Nations condemned the move and said it would worsen the shortages of food, water and medicine Palestinians are facing. Israels said there is sufficient aid for at least another two weeks. The cabinet decision comes a week before US President Donald Trump visits the Gulf, his first scheduled foreign trip since returning to power in January. Trump who will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 in late April pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to get more food and medicine into Gaza. On Monday, Trump said the lack of aid was due to Hamas intercepting supplies rather than Israels blockade. People are starving, and were going to help them get some food, he said, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office. Hamas is making it impossible because theyre taking everything thats brought in. Israels planned military maneuvers will require the call up of tens of thousands of reserve soldiers, Eyal Zamir, the head of the Israeli military, said in Sunday. That could take up to two weeks, so fighting isnt likely to scale up significantly until after Trumps trip. That timeline gives Israel an opportunity to pressure Hamas to accept a ceasefire involving a hostage-prisoner swap before the end of Trumps travels, said the Israeli security official. If theres no deal by then, the military plan will go ahead, the official said. From last year: US Warns Israel of Gaza Power Vacuum and Wants Post-War Plan The ground operations will likely involve Israel taking control of additional territory beyond the roughly one-third of Gaza it already controls, according to Israeli officials. Israel recently changed strategy and is now keeping troops in areas cleared of militants. Previously, it pulled troops back, which often led to Hamas regrouping. Since Israel ended a ceasefire in mid-March, its repeatedly threatened to intensify operations until Hamas agrees to lay down arms and release the remaining 59 hostages it holds, only around 24 of who Israeli intelligence thinks are alive. Though Trump isnt scheduled to travel to Israel, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit the Jewish state early next week and meet Netanyahu, Axios reported on Sunday. Hegseths visit and Trumps comments on Gaza could signal a renewed US focus on the Mediterranean territory after several weeks in which the White Houses attention has been focused on tariff negotiations, nuclear talks with Iran and ending Russias war on Ukraine. Theres no clarity on whether Trump will push for a new truce in Gaza. But such a move would be in line with his declared goal of stabilizing the Middle East. The president took credit for the ceasefire that ran from mid-January to March. Qatar, where Trump will fly to after Saudi Arabia, is a key mediator between Hamas and Israel. Still, the gaps between Israel and Hamas designated a terrorist organization by the US and many other countries remain large. Ceasefire talks have stalled for weeks, with Hamas refusing to discuss further releases of captives unless Israel agrees to end the war and pull its forces out of Gaza. Hamas triggered the conflict when it invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage. More than 51,000 people have been killed in Gaza following the start of Israels offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry there. Houthi Missile Heavier fighting in Gaza will come as at least two other fronts flare up for Israel. On Sunday, a Houthi missile hit an area close to Tel Avivs Ben Gurion airport, prompting some international airlines to halt flights for at least a few days. The Israeli military said it failed to take down the missile due to a technical issue with an interceptor launched by air defense systems. In retaliation, Israel Defense Forces jets struck targets including infrastructure at Yemens Hodeida Port used to transfer weapons from Iran and a concrete plant in Bajil, to the east of the port, it said on X. Netanyahus government over the weekend also launched a series of attacks in Syria. Israel said it was a warning to new President Ahmed Al-Sharaa following violent clashes between the Druze minority group and Syrian government forces that left at least 70 people dead. The attacks were an extension of a wider offensive in Syria since the overthrow of long-time President Bashar Al-Assad in December. Thats part of a shift in Israeli defense policy to one of more aggression beyond the countrys borders. With assistance from Jordan Fabian and Fadwa Hodali. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. About 6am last Tuesday, I got a notification on my mobile phonea message from a friends son distraught by the Pahalgam attack. The message berated the government for not taking speedy retaliatory action and wanted me to build media pressure on the government into taking immediate action. I was shocked. I have known this person since childhood. He was schooled at the best of institutions in India and holds an engineering degree. He landed a plum job with an MNC even before he completed his education, and today is part of the top corporate echelons. Also Read | Zero-day terror in Kashmir: National security needs an AI upgrade I advised him to keep his cool and trust the government, and reminded him of 1971, when a similar war hysteria had built up in India. However, when Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister, summoned General Sam Manekshaw, the then army chief, and wanted the army to attack and liberate East Pakistan, the general flatly refused any immediate action. The reason? Manekshaw, a brilliant strategist, knew that the monsoon was due in a few months and that during the rains, the fields in Bangladesh would turn into swamps, hindering movement of men and materiel. Attack at such a time would be suicidal. Manekshaw was ensuring the survival of his men. After nine months of careful planning, coordination, and strategizing, Indian forces attacked East Pakistan and liberated Bangladesh. More than 90,000 troops surrendered, in the largest such exercise ever. On 16 December 1971, Bangladesh was liberated. Also Read | Kashmir simmers but Pakistans game has no winners Coming back to the present, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has authorized the Indian armed forces to take appropriate action". Strategic meetings have been held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, North Block, and South Block. Military actions have economic and diplomatic consequences. Ensuring quick victory with minimum casualties requires commitments from powerful allies for support to our cause or at least neutrality during any kinetic engagement. This is the reason defence minister Rajnath Singh and foreign affairs minister S. Jaishankar are conducting hectic parleys with their counterparts in various countries, including the US. The actions are reminiscent of 1971. While Manekshaw and chiefs of navy and air force were preparing for war, Indira Gandhi was scouting for dependable diplomatic partners. Also Read | Beyond cartel claims: Fixing the broken media model India struck a landmark deal with the USSR in the nick of time as an insurance against possible Western interference. During the war, when the US sixth fleet appeared in the Bay of Bengal, so did the USSRs submarines appearance validating Indias diplomatic masterstroke. The situation is equally treacherous today, if not more complicated amid Trump 2.0. Bereft of any ideology, geopolitics is far more transactional, with nations switching sides at the slightest hint of economic discomfort. Unlike in 1971, both India and Pakistan are now nuclear powers. Theres no USSR to support us. Russia is fighting Ukraine, limiting its ability to extend any help. China is ambiguous. Foreign minister Wang Yis comments reveal Beijings cautious posture: Conflict is not in the fundamental interests of either India or Pakistan." Also, the US is sending mixed signals. Consider J. D. Vances statement, Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack [in Pahalgam] in a way that doesnt lead to a broader regional conflict." Unaware of the complexities limiting the governments options, people are babbling on social media ignoring Modis track record of keeping his word, be it on surgical strikes or the Balakot airstrike. Its time to quietly stand with the government and not indulge in unnecessary rants. Some are using the situation to sow seeds of communalism. A few days ago, in Vrindavan, a group of people protested in front of the Banke Bihari temple, demanding boycott of Muslims involved in the service of the temple. The temple trust asserted unequivocally that they have been making lord Krishnas clothes for centuries. On 29 April, the Jammu & Kashmir assembly unanimously condemned the terror attack and expressed their solidarity with the country. Their legislators think the end of terror in the Valley has begun. Ignoring such a show of solidarity, the hate mongers forget the nationwide condemnation of the terror attack from mosques around the country. This is the time to stand with the government and work towards social unity and not fan hatred. Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal. The Supreme Courts recent invocation of Article 142 to break a legislative deadlock in Tamil Nadu has re-ignited a debate over the judiciarys role in Indias constitutional framework. By deeming long-pending state bills as assented-to, the court stepped in to preserve legislative intent but at the cost, some argue, of crossing into executive territory. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhars sharp response, comparing Article 142 to a nuclear missile," highlights the growing unease over judicial overreach. Is Article 142 really such an intrusive instrument? A recent empirical study conducted by IIM Ahmedabad in 2024 reveals that between 1950 and 2023, the Supreme Court referenced the term complete justice of Article 142 in 1,579 cases, the majority of which were civil cases. However, the study also found that the apex court has directly invoked its powers under Article 142 in only 791 cases. Also Read: A judiciary that refrains from judicial overreach can better serve the cause of justice Article 142 grants the Supreme Court the extraordinary power to pass any order deemed necessary for complete justice in a matter. This provision has been pivotal in shaping some of Indias landmark decisions. Notably, in Union Carbide Corporation vs Union of India (1991), it facilitated compensation for victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy by persuading the government to legislate the same. The Tamil Nadu legislative controversy arose when the states governor failed to act on several state bills, effectively paralysing governance. In response, the court invoked Article 142 to break the stalemate, ensuring that a legislative assemblys will could not be indefinitely thwarted. Supporters saw this as constitutional guardianship; critics, including Dhankhar, a distinguished lawyer, warned of setting a troubling precedent. His remarks raise a legitimate concern: Can two judges, invoking an extraordinary provision, reframe the constitutional process of assent? But this tension between activism and adjudication is not new. Past instances show the Supreme Court using Article 142 to deliver practical solutions where the law was silent or rigid. A more nuanced example is Shivshakti Sugars Ltd vs Shree Renuka Sugars and Others (2017), closely analysed among other cases by CUTS International for the Niti Aayog as part of a study on the economic impact of judicial orders. The dispute centred around the setting up of a sugar mill in Karnataka that allegedly violated a mandatory 15km distance rule under the Sugarcane Control Order. Also Read: We need reduced government litigation to unclog the judicial system Initially, the Karnataka high court had ordered the closure of the plant based on a strict reading of the rule. But when the case reached the Supreme Court, the judges took a broader view. They recognized that Shivshakti Sugars had already invested nearly 300 crores, generated thousands of jobs and had been operational for years. Shutting it down at that point would not just harm one company, it would cause a ripple effect, hurting farmers, workers and the regional economy. Instead of going strictly by the law book, the apex court evaluated the matter in overlapping legal and economic contexts. While acknowledging that technical violations might exist, it said that the larger public interest in protecting livelihoods and investment could not be ignored. The court used Article 142 to craft a practical solution without overlooking the statutory scheme. The Shivshakti judgment struck a delicate balance. The case showed that judicial decisions could stay faithful to the law while also being sensitive to economic consequences, a combination that is vital if India wants to strengthen its economy and ease of doing business. Both the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and Shivshakti cases show Article 142 at work in different fields: one regulatory, the other economic. In both, the court used its powers to prevent injustice where a rigid adherence to the law or procedure would have failed. But they also highlight why restraint matters. Extraordinary powers must not become routine solutions. Judicial overreach, even if well-intended, risks upsetting the constitutional balance between the three branches of government. Past examples reinforce this caution. Judicial interventions like the blanket ban on liquor sales near highways in the case of State of Tamil Nadu vs K. Balu (2016), issued under Article 142, were driven by noble aims. Alas, it triggered wide-ranging economic disruptions and administrative confusion, with states suffering major revenue losses and reclassifying roads to evade the ban. This was a poor order, as its implementability was doubtful. To safeguard its legitimacy, the Supreme Court must always exercise Article 142 with prudence. The provision was intended as a constitutional safety valve, not a shortcut to bypass established processes. Bold interventions are sometimes necessary, but courts must always ensure they are solving a specific breakdown, not crafting permanent governance models. Remedies fashioned under Article 142 should be proportional, temporary where possible and rooted firmly in the Constitutions broader framework. Moreover, judicial interventions should ideally nudge political and legislative processes back into motion. After the Tamil Nadu decision, for instance, Parliament could consider codifying clear timelines for assent through a constitutional amendment, reducing the need for future judicial innovation. True constitutional leadership lies not just in doing complete justice, but in doing it with complete humility. The authors are, respectively, secretary general and research associate at CUTS International. In every sphere of human endeavourbe it business, politics, administration, academia or civil societywe operate under a quiet but pervasive assumption: those who rise to the top do so because they are the most competent, the most suited for leadership. This belief is so deeply embedded in our collective consciousness that we seldom pause to question it. Yet, a dispassionate examination reveals that the upper echelons of any field are not exclusively populated by the best and brightest. Instead, they mirror the broader populationsome are exceptional, many are mediocre and a troubling number are woefully inadequate or even harmful. My last column was about this. This phenomenon is not merely a matter of individual shortcomings; it is a systemic failure. At the heart of this dysfunction lies what might be termed the alignment problem of human systems a chronic disconnect between the broader good and welfare of society on one hand, and the goals, actions and behaviours of individuals as well as institutions on the other. Political systems, for instance, are designed around the mechanics of election and re-election, not necessarily the demands of competent governance or the long-term health of society. Markets, left to their own devices, chase short-term profits at the expense of the environment and society, fuelling climate catastrophe and grotesque inequality. Civil society, which ought to act as a counterbalance to power, finds itself dependent on funding from the very entities it seeks to hold accountable. Some media organizations, in their pursuit of audience engagement, are seen to sacrifice their fundamental duty to truth and public accountability. Even academia, in its unreflective pursuit of knowledge, often loses sight of the larger human good it is meant to serve. None of these systems is entirely broken. There are always exceptions among individuals and institutions that rise above the fray. But the structural drift and problems are unmistakable. The reasons for this misalignment are manifold. One is the classic principal-agent problem, where those entrusted with authoritysuch as CEOs, politicians and bureaucratsend up serving their own interests rather than those they were meant to represent. Another is the perverse incentive structure that rewards behaviours antithetical to the systems intended purpose, such as healthcare systems that prioritize billing over patient outcomes. Then there is the slow erosion of institutional values, where organizations stray over time from their founding principles, succumbing to corruption, sclerosis or cultural decay. And finally, there are coordination failures, where individual rationality leads to collective disaster, as seen in the over-exploitation of shared resources despite wide awareness of the consequences. What is striking is how little attention this fundamental problem receives. The tech world is consumed by debates over AI alignmenthow to ensure artificial intelligence remains tethered to human valuesyet we scarcely acknowledge the same existential crisis in our political, economic and social systems. Part of the reason is that human system alignment is a meta-problem, one that doesnt fit neatly into any single discipline or field of action or responsibility. For example, economists study incentives, political scientists examine governance and sociologists analyze institutions, but few take on the challenge of realigning entire human systems. Historically, this has not been an existential issue. When societies were smaller and less interconnected, the consequences of misalignment were limited. Today, in a world where every nation, every human field of action and each individual is bound in a tight web of interdependence, the stakes could not be higher. Climate collapse, spiralling inequality and poor and arbitrary governance are not isolated crisesthey are symptoms of a deeper, systemic misalignment. Solutions, though imperfect, do exist. We might begin by redesigning institutions to better align incentives with societal goals. We need tight regulation and high carbon taxes to combat climate change, for example, and must invest in public health systems for healthier societies. Stronger checks and balancesindependent oversight and the separation of powerscould mitigate the principal-agent problem. Culturally, we need a shift towards long-term thinking, with an intergenerational ethical perspective in policymaking. We also need education systems that foster civic responsibility and ethical leadership. Governance, too, must become more adaptive, incorporating sharper and quicker feedback loops that allow for course correction and decentralization to prevent the concentration of unaccountable power. These are not new ideas. But we will surely take them more seriously if we acknowledge that misalignment is not an anomaly but a fundamental flaw in the architecture of our systems. And then have the humility to accept that no single set of actors, no matter how powerful, can realign these structures on its own. If we dont do this, the systems meant to serve us will continue to failuntil one day, theyll collapse under the weight of their own contradictions, and we with them. The author is CEO of Azim Premji Foundation. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has sought an apology from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on 5 May for making a "derogatory" remark against women during a panchayat election rally. In a post on X, Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, said, "Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's allegation that women of Assam would compromise to secure a job is disgraceful." "The fact that the chief minister makes this statement at a political rally during the ongoing panchayat elections marks a new low for the political discourse in Assam," the Congress MP said on Sunday night. "Assamese women are highly respected and empowered in the society," he added. "From the days of the freedom struggle to the present day, the women have done our society proud," Gogoi said. The Congress leader added, The chief minister should be mature enough to apologise. What did Himanta Biswa Sarma say? Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reportedly said recently that women had to compromise to secure jobs during the Congress regime. During panchayat election raly on April 28, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma reportedly mentioned a witness statement from the report of the Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission on irregularities in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) examinations for 2013 and 2014, when Congress was in power. According to news agency PTI, Biswa Sarma said the witness' statement maintained that women "had to adopt a wrong path" to get jobs during the Congress regime. Meanwhile, Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah claimed in a post on X on Tuesday, "Yesterday, BJP's most foul-mouthed CM @HimantaBiswa made an outrageous comment. He said that during the 15-year-long Congress rule in Assam (2001-15), women had to get jobs by offering their virginity." Bhupen Kumar Borah started his post by mentioning virginity-for-jobs claim. Tagging the President, Prime Minister, Vice President, and the National Commission for Women, Borah added, These women are daughters, mothers, and sisters. To imply that they offered their virginity for jobs is a condemnable and punishable statement. Following this, the Assam Congress on Thursday filed multiple police complaints against Sarma for his alleged derogatory remarks against women. Police are, however, yet to register the FIRs and said they are investigating the complaints, news agency PTI reported. Sarmas response Sarma said his remarks were based on the findings of the Justice (Retd.) Biplab Kumar Sharma Commission report, and not his own assertions. Speaking to reporters after a public meeting ahead of the Panchayat polls in Darrang, Sarma was quoted by Asaam Tribune as saying, Its not me whos making the allegation. What I said is already mentioned in the Biplab Sarma Committee report. I simply referred to it during my campaign speech." If Congress finds it offensive, they should take it up with Biplab Sarma, not me, Sarma was quoted as saying. President Donald Trumps call to reopen Alcatraz, the famed San Francisco-area prison closed more than 60 years ago, drew swift backlash from California Democrats and surprise from visiting tourists. Governor Gavin Newsoms office dismissed the idea, which Trump introduced in a social media post Sunday, as a distraction. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the plan is not a serious one. Scott Wiener, a state senator representing San Francisco, likened the idea to a domestic gulag right in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Perched atop a rocky island, Alcatraz closed in 1963 because it was too expensive to operate. It has since become a tourist attraction that draws more than one million visitors annually and generates tens of millions of dollars in revenue for the federal government, which still owns it. Trump said he was now directing the US Bureau of Prisons, as well as the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. On Monday, dozens of tourists lined up in San Francisco for the short ferry ride to the island. Rick Kautz, visiting from Stockton in Californias Central Valley, supported reopening the site as a prison. The country needs more prisons, he said, and Alcatraz is a safe location. If somebody can swim from there and actually survive, more power to them, Kautz said. Some visitors, however, said the idea made little sense. At the moment its generating money, said Kevin Ghallagher, from the UK. Its going to go from that to being a cost to the state. During its 29 years of operation as a prison, Alcatraz captured the national imagination for housing some of the countrys most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George Machine-Gun Kelly. But the facility needed costly repairs and was nearly three times more expensive to run than other federal prisons, according to the Bureau of Prisons. It was briefly occupied by Native Americans in 1969, an event now viewed by scholars as a landmark moment in civil rights activism. Trumps comments were his latest provocation to Democrat-led California. The president blamed state policies for Januarys Los Angeles-area wildfires and has sought to slash funding for the Presidio Trust, which manages a popular national park in San Francisco with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The National Quantum Mission (NQM) has awarded up to 30 crore each to eight startups, aiming to jumpstart Indias presence in quantum technologies ranging from quantum computing, sensing, communications, and materials. This makes it the largest government-led startup investment initiative, according to Ajai Chowdhry, chairman of the Mission Governing Board of the National Quantum Mission, and EPIC Foundation. "No other central government scheme has disbursed such large individual funding amounts to early-stage ventures," he told Mint in an interview. Government initiatives like Startup India or MeitYs TIDE 2.0 have supported thousands of startups, but funding was typically capped at 12 crore. NQM was launched in 2023 with an outlay of 6,003 crore. The first phase of the program saw over 100 applicants, of which 32 startups were shortlisted. While eight have secured funding, a second cohort is expected to be announced later this month, with the department of science and technology (DST) indicating it may fund up to 16 more startups by the end of the year, according to Chowdhry. What are the startups developing? The selected eight startups are working on a wide range of applications. While QNu Labs from Bengaluru is focused on developing quantum-safe networks to enable secure communications, QPiAI India has already built a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer. Unlike classical bits (used in our everyday computers), quantum bits, or qubits, can be both 0 and 1 at the same time due to superposition, allowing quantum computers to process many possibilities simultaneously. At IIT Mumbai, Dimira Technologies is working on cryogenic cables essential for quantum systems, while Prenishq, incubated at IIT Delhi, is creating precision diode-laser systems for use in quantum sensing and computing. Pune-based QuPrayog is developing optical atomic clocks to support advancements in quantum meteorology. In Delhi, Quanastra is engaged in building advanced cryogenic systems and superconducting detectors. Ahmedabads Pristine Diamonds is designing diamond-based materials tailored for quantum sensing, while Quan2D Technologies in Bengaluru is working on next-generation single-photon detectors critical to quantum communication systems. For these companies, the NQM grants are catalytic. This funding gives them runway for the next 23 years without dilution," said Chowdhry. India is the sixth country in the world to launch a national quantum mission after the US, China, Canada, Germany, and the UK. By backing startups with significant capital at an early stage, the NQM is attempting to do what private venture funding in India has largely avoided: bet on deep-science startups with long gestation periods and uncertain returns. This program marks a shift in how the Indian state views risk and innovation," said Chowdhry, adding, Its a moonshot, but thats exactly what this space needs." Also Read: Quantum computers may soon outclass traditional ones, says IBM fellow Jay Gambetta Protecting local IP The startups must meet strict performance milestones, including demonstrable prototypes and intellectual property (IP) filings. To retain the IP in India, the government mandates startups to be Indian-owned, headquartered in India, and at least 51% Indian-owned to qualify for funding. Further, the government is introducing a rolling systemapplications can be submitted on the 15th of every month, and selected cohorts will be finalized within three months. However, to manage the volume and ensure progress, startups that have already applied must wait six months before reapplyingunless they can demonstrate significant new development or research. "Each startup proposal is carefully reviewed by a technical committee to assess its viability and the funding required to reach Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL-9). Also, its not enough to just build the technologythere must be a sound business model behind it. To ensure this, weve brought experienced investors on board to review business plans alongside technical feasibility," Chowdhry explained. Real-world impact Through the Noida-based Mission Coordination Centre (MCC), NQM is focusing on guiding startups too, since they require early-stage support. Each startup is paired with a relevant Thematic Hub (T-hub) and assigned both a technology mentor and a business mentor to safeguard the success of the investment. On 30 September, 2024, India announced the setting up of four T-Hubs at premier institutionsIndian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi, in partnership with the Centre for Development of Telematics in New Delhi. All four T-hubs are operational. Hiring is underway, and several positions have already been filled. Our strategy is to focus on prototype development in the first two to three years, product development by year six, and finally, market deployment beyond that," Chowdhry said, adding, "Even if only three out of eight startups succeed, thats acceptablethats the nature of innovation." Some Indian startups are already translating these innovations into real-world impact. In the field of quantum security, for instance, several startups already have functional products, and research institutions such as IIT Madras and the Raman Research Institute have also developed their own technologies. India is among the first to have developed homegrown products in quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), Chowdhry pointed out. QNu Labs, which recently raised 60 crore in Series A funding, led by NQM, has already demonstrated fibre-based quantum communication over 250 kilometres, and is now conducting tests to reach 500 kilometres. This test, supported by funding, is expected to conclude within the next three to six months. Following that, NQM plans to collaborate with the department of telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian Army to establish a 2,000-kilometre test network, which will likely take between one and two years. "Our initial target was to achieve 2,500 kilometres in eight years, but we may actually reach that milestone much earlier," Chowdhry said. The Quantum Materials T-hub, located at IIT Delhi, is focusing on designing and synthesising quantum materials and devices based on quantum technologies. In the sensing domain, India is developing magnetometers, gravimeters, and atomic clocks. "A key difference between this mission and past efforts is that we are not pursuing research for the sake of research alone; instead, every lab is required to develop products that reach TRL-8 and TRL-9. Progress is reviewed every six months by the MCC, and we have clearly defined steps to guide the process," Chowdhry explained. Quantum sensing is also emerging as a major focus area for military and strategic applications, he added. For instance, in naval warfarewhere GPS signals can be unreliable or spoofednon-GPS-based sensing technologies are becoming essential. Discussions with institutions like the Naval Warfare College have underscored the value of underwater sensing capabilities. Instruments like gravimeters (they measure local gravitational strength, and quantum gravimeters use ultra-cold atoms and quantum interference to achieve highly precise readings) developed at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay are already showing promise. The aim is to miniaturize these into handheld devices, opening up significant use cases in underground and underwater detection. Also Read: Meet the four musketeers of Indias quantum computing dream Taking care of skilling too As part of NQMs skilling initiative, both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are being launched to build a strong talent pipeline. The undergraduate program was announced in December, and the first academic session will begin in August 2025 across 75 universities. The preparatory work includes developing course materials focused on quantum theory and producing a comprehensive set of video lectures. To support the infrastructure, NQM will fund essential laboratory equipment for each participating university. A standard equipment list has been prepared, and universities will receive funds to make the necessary purchases, ensuring consistency and readiness across institutions. On the postgraduate side, the curriculum for the Masters program is currently being finalized. One such program has already been launched at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, where students are currently enrolled, according to Chowdhry. Negotiating hurdles Quantum computers use various types of qubits like superconducting qubits (such as the one used by TIFR), trapped ion qubits, quantum dots, photons, and neutral atoms. With NQM, India plans to develop quantum computers with 50-100 qubits in about five years, and accelerate it to 1000 qubits and beyond in eight years. That said, QPiAI is actively marketing the hardware and software capabilities of its 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer globally", Chowdhry said. He argued that contrary to the belief that 25 qubits are insufficient, the company has made significant strides in application development". Their hybrid modelwhich integrates quantum computing into a traditional data centeris being used for advanced modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in education, and even drug discovery," he added. Yet, to make quantum computers stable and functional for everyday use, we need quantum error correction (QEC). One also has to build quantum algorithms for practical applications. Recognizing the importance of robust algorithm developmentparticularly for fault tolerance and error correctionNQM, according to Chowdhry, is launching a dedicated initiative focused on quantum algorithms. This will invite proposals from developers who can advance this critical area, enabling more reliable and scalable quantum systems going forward. Chowdhry acknowledged that there have been some delays in acquiring equipment due to existing government procurement rules, which tend to slow down the process. However, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has approached the government to request relaxation of these rules, specifically for the mission, he added. "The aim is to reduce procurement time from the current 12 months to just two to four months. This proposed change is critical. Across the country, researchers often struggle with delays in equipment acquisition due to bureaucratic hurdles. Since the NQM is a strategic initiative and not a standard project, we are advocating for special provisions to streamline equipment purchases and accelerate progress," Chowdhry concluded. Also Read: Three govt arms join forces to shield India in the quantum computing era In a covert study that has ignited fierce legal and ethical debate, researchers from the University of Zurich deployed artificial intelligence bots to covertly influence discussions on Reddit, without informing participants or securing consent. The experiment took place within the subreddit r/ChangeMyView, a platform dedicated to reasoned debates on divisive topics and followed by nearly four million users. According to a report by404 Media, the AI agents posted over 1,700 comments while posing as genuine users, engaging in emotionally and politically charged conversations. Pseudonymous personas included a male rape survivor downplaying trauma and a black man expressing criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement. None of these interactions were flagged as artificial, and users were unaware they were engaging with machines. The controversial research aimed to assess how persuasive AI-generated arguments could be. Findings revealed that the bots were significantly more influential than real usersbetween three and six times more persuasive, as measured by Reddit's built-in system for awarding opinion changes. To achieve this, the AI tools accessed and analysed users posting histories to tailor their replies, a move that raised serious privacy concerns. Remarkably, none of the interactions prompted suspicion that the responses were AI-generated. Also Read | Mugshot mania: How ChatGPT is turning usernames into viral arrest records Once the study had concluded, researchers and subreddit moderators disclosed the experiment and linked to a draft version of the findings. The fallout was immediate. Moderators of r/ChangeMyView condemned the project, calling it immoral and unauthorised. They also questioned whether the novelty of the method justified bypassing ethical protocols. Ben Lee, Reddits Chief Legal Officer, joined the criticism under his account traceroo, branding the experiment a violation of both user trust and basic human rights standards. He confirmed that Reddit would be pursuing legal action against the University of Zurich for breaching the platforms user agreement. UPDATE: (AP) -- Three former Memphis were acquitted Wednesday of state charges, including second-degree murder, in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols after he ran away from a traffic stop in 2023. A jury took about 8 1/2 hours over two days to find Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith not guilty on all charges after a nine-day trial in state court in Memphis. The three defendants still face the prospect of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges last year. PREVIOUS STORY: (AP) Jurors deliberated for a second day on Wednesday in the trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with murder in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The 12-person jury began deliberating Tuesday in the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder. They already face the possibility of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges last year. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, fled a Jan. 7, 2023, traffic stop after he was yanked out of his car, pepper-sprayed and hit with a Taser. Five officers who are also Black caught up with him and punched, kicked and hit Nichols with a police baton, struggling to handcuff him as he called out for his mother near his home. Footage of the beating captured by a police pole camera also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. His death led to nationwide protests, calls for police reforms in the U.S., and intense scrutiny of police in Memphis, a majority-Black city. The jury for the state trial was chosen in Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, after Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the case be heard from people outside of Shelby County, which includes Memphis. Defense lawyers for the officers had argued that intense publicity made seating a fair jury difficult. The officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Jurors can also decide to convict on lesser charges. Prosecutors have argued that the officers used excessive force in trying to handcuff Nichols and were criminally responsible for each others actions. The officers also had a duty to intervene and stop the beating and tell medical personnel that Nichols had been struck in the head, but they failed to do so, prosecutors said. Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin also were charged in the case. They have agreed to plead guilty to the state charges and are not standing trial. They already pleaded guilty in federal court, where sentencing for all five officers is pending. During the trial, defense attorneys refuted accusations that the officers used unnecessary force to subdue Nichols. They argued that Nichols was actively resisting arrest by running away and failing to give his hands to officers so that he could be handcuffed. They also say their use of force complied with police department policies. Mills testified that he regrets his failure to stop the beating, which led to Nichols death three days later from blunt-force trauma. Dr. Marco Ross, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, testified that Nichols suffered tears and bleeding in the brain. Defense attorneys have said the officer who acted with the most violence was Martin, who kicked and punched Nichols several times in the head but is not standing trial. Mills said Nichols was actively resisting arrest and not complying with orders to present his hands to be cuffed. But Mills also admitted Nichols never punched or kicked any officers. The five officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit that was disbanded after Nichols death. The team targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders to amass arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people The trial comes months after the U.S. Justice Department said in December that a 17-month investigation found that the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Jury deliberating fate of former Memphis officers charged in Tyre Nichols' death PREVIOUS STORY: (AP) -- The fate of three former Memphis police officers charged in the beating of Tyre Nichols was in the hands of 12 people who do not live in the city as jury deliberations began Tuesday in the 29-year-old Black mans death. The jury began deliberating after a prosecutor and defense lawyers presented closing arguments in the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder. They already face the possibility of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges last year. Nichols fled a Jan. 7, 2023, traffic stop after he was yanked out of his car, pepper-sprayed and hit with a Taser. Five officers who are also Black caught up with him and punched, kicked and hit Nichols with a police baton, struggling to handcuff him as he called out for his mother near his home. Footage of the beating captured by a police pole camera also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. His death led to nationwide protests, calls for police reforms in the U.S., and intense scrutiny of police in Memphis, a majority-Black city. The sequestered jury ended its deliberations for the day at around 5 p.m., after having the case for four hours. They will resume Wednesday. The jury for the state trial was chosen in Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, after Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the case be heard from people outside of Shelby County, which includes Memphis. Defense lawyers for the officers had argued that intense publicity made seating a fair jury difficult. The officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Prosecutors have argued that the officers used excessive, deadly force in trying to handcuff Nichols and were criminally responsible for each others' actions. The officers also had a duty to intervene and stop the beating and tell medical personnel that Nichols had been struck in the head, but they failed to do so, prosecutors said. Two of the five ex-officers have already agreed to plead guilty Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin also were charged in the case. They have agreed to plead guilty to the state charges and are not standing trial. They already pleaded guilty in federal court, where sentencing for all five officers is pending. Defense attorneys have sought to chip away at accusations that the officers used unnecessary force to subdue Nichols. They have argued that Nichols was actively resisting arrest by running away and failing to give his hands to officers so that he could be handcuffed. They also say their use of force complied with police department policies. Mills testified that he regrets his failure to stop the beating, which led to Nichols death three days later from blunt-force trauma. Dr. Marco Ross, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, testified that Nichols suffered tears and bleeding in the brain. As Nichols struggled with Bean and Smith, who were holding him on the ground, Mills tried to pepper-spray Nichols, but he ended up spraying himself, he said. After stepping away to try to recover, Mills then walked up to Nichols and hit his arm three times with a police baton. Mills told prosecutor Paul Hagerman that he hit Nichols with the baton because he was angry over the pepper spray. Defense attorneys have said the the officer who acted with the most violence was Martin, who kicked and punched Nichols several times in the head but is not standing trial. Defense attorneys argue that Nichols was resisting arrest Mills acknowledged on the stand that he had a duty to intervene to stop the beating, but didnt. But Mills also said Nichols was actively resisting arrest and not complying with orders to present his hands to be cuffed. Martin Zummach, Smiths lawyer, noted in closing arguments that credit and debit cards that did not belong to Nichols were found in his car when it was searched after the beating and said it was likely why Nichols ran from the traffic stop. Defense lawyers have argued that the fatal beating would not have taken place if Nichols had just allowed himself to be handcuffed. This is Emmitt Martins and Tyre Nichols doing, Zummach said. Mills acknowledged that the officers were afraid and exhausted, but said wrist locks and the baton strikes complied with police department policies. Mills admitted Nichols never punched or kicked any officers. Defense lawyers also claimed Bean and Smith could not see the strikes to Nichols head because they were blinded by pepper spray and they had tunnel vision as they tried to restrain Nichols. But prosecutors sowed doubt on that claim by pointing to comments the defendants made after the beating. According to footage from the scene, Bean said Nichols was eating the blows and Smith said they hit Nichols with so many pieces, or punches. Smith also said hit him and Haley said beat that man, prosecutor Tanisha Johnson said. The five officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit that was disbanded after Nichols' death. The team targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders to amass arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people The trial comes months after the U.S. Justice Department said in December that a 17-month investigation found that the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Jury deliberations begin Tuesday in state trial of former Memphis officers PREVIOUS STORY: (AP/WRCB) Deliberations are underway on Tuesday by a jury from Hamilton County in the state trial of three former Memphis officers who are charged in the 2023 death of Tyre Nichols. Closing arguments started on Monday and ended on Tuesday afternoon. The fate of the officers is now in the hands of a jury that was chosen in Hamilton County because Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the case be heard from people outside of Shelby County after the defense argued that media attention made it difficult to find a fair jury. The former officers, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, have pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder. Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin also were charged in the case but they are not standing trial because of a plea deal in which they will plead guilty to the state charges. Sentencing for all five former officers is pending in federal court. Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this story. Closing arguments delivered in trial of 3 officers charged in Tyre Nichols' death Jurors were expected to begin deliberating Tuesday in the trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of Tyre Nichols in January 2023. A prosecutor and a defense lawyer delivered closing arguments Monday in the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder. They already face the possibility of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges last year. Nichols fled a Jan. 7, 2023, traffic stop after he was yanked out of his car, pepper-sprayed and hit with a Taser. Five officers who are also Black caught up with him and punched, kicked and hit Nichols with a police baton, struggling to handcuff him as he called out for his mother near his home. Footage of the beating captured by a police pole camera also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. His death led to nationwide protests, calls for police reforms in the U.S., and intense scrutiny of police in Memphis, a majority-Black city. The jury for the state trial was chosen in Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, after Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the case be heard from people outside of Shelby County, which includes Memphis. Defense lawyers for the officers had argued that intense publicity made seating a fair jury from Shelby County difficult. Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin also were charged in the case. They have agreed to plead guilty to the state charges and are not standing trial. They also pleaded guilty in federal court, where sentencing for all five officers is pending. The officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Prosecutors have argued that the officers used excessive force in trying to handcuff Nichols. The officers also had a duty to intervene and stop the beating and tell medical personnel that Nichols had been struck in the head, but they failed to do so, prosecutors said. As Nichols struggled with Bean and Smith, who were holding him on the ground, Mills pepper-sprayed Nichols and hit Nichols three times in the arm with a police baton, he said. Martin punched and kicked Nichols in the head, and Haley also kicked Nichols, as Bean and Smith were restraining him while trying to handcuff him In her closing argument, prosecutor Melanie Headley said the officers were criminally responsible for Nichols' death. It's five officers acting together," Headley said. Defense attorneys have sought to chip away at accusations that the officers used unnecessary force to subdue Nichols. They have argued that Nichols was actively resisting arrest by running away and failing to give his hands to officers so that he could be handcuffed. They also have argued that their use of force complied with police department policies. Mills testified that he regrets his failure to stop the beating, which led to Nichols death three days later from blunt-force trauma. Dr. Marco Ross, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, testified that Nichols suffered tears and bleeding in the brain. John Keith Perry, Bean's lawyer, said in his closing argument that Nichols ignored commands to give officers his hands dozens of times. Bean was merely trying to handcuff Nichols and he followed his Memphis Police Department training in doing so. Bean doesn't do anything to punish this person, Perry said. On Tuesday, lawyers for Haley and Smith will make their closing arguments, and the prosecution will have a chance to make a rebuttal closing argument. The jury will then start deliberating. The five officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit that was disbanded after Nichols death. The team targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders to amass arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people The trial comes months after the U.S. Justice Department said in December that a 17-month investigation found that the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Expert testifies that repeated strikes to Tyre Nichols' head were unnecessary and excessive (AP) A police training expert testifying Saturday as a defense witness in the trial of three former Memphis officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols acknowledged that kicks and punches to Nichols' head were unnecessary and excessive. Don Cameron took the stand in the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder. They already face the prospect of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges last year. Cameron and a series of other witnesses testified before defense lawyers rested their case late Saturday. The three officers did not testify in their own defense. The trial resumes Monday with jury instructions and closing arguments. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, fled a January 2023 traffic stop after he was yanked out of his car, pepper-sprayed and hit with a Taser. Five officers who are also Black caught up with him and punched, kicked and hit Nichols with a police baton, struggling to handcuff him as he called out for his mother near his home. Footage of the beating captured by a police pole camera also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. His death led to nationwide protests, calls for police reforms in the U.S., and intense scrutiny of police in Memphis, a majority-Black city. The officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Prosecutors have argued that the officers used excessive force in trying to handcuff Nichols. The officers also had a duty to intervene and stop the beating and tell medical personnel that Nichols had been struck in the head, but they failed to do so, prosecutors say. Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin also were charged in the case. They have agreed to plead guilty to the state charges and are not standing trial. They also pleaded guilty in federal court, where sentencing for all five officers is pending. Defense attorneys have sought to chip away at accusations that the officers used unnecessary force to subdue Nichols. They have argued that Nichols was actively resisting arrest by running away and failing to give his hands to officers so that he could be handcuffed. They also have argued that their use of force complied with police department policies. Cameron was called to the stand by the defense lawyer for Haley, who was at the traffic stop and arrived at the location of the beating after Martin kicked and punched Nichols in the head as Nichols was being held by Smith and Bean. Cameron said Nichols had not yet been handcuffed and Haley used proper force in kicking Nichols once in the arm. The veteran police trainer said Haley kicked Nichols in order to facilitate the handcuffing of Nichols by the other officers. However, under cross-examination by prosecutor Paul Hagerman, Cameron acknowledged that the punches and kicks by Martin to Nichols' head were unnecessary, excessive and an example of deadly force. Officers who saw those head blows had a duty to intervene and stop the beating at that point, Cameron said. The prosecutor also asked Cameron about Haley's comment to beat that man as he got out of his car and approached Nichols. Cameron said he believed Haley made the comment in order to get Nichols to comply with being handcuffed after Nichols repeatedly ignored expletive-laced orders to do so. The defense has said that the officers vision was impaired because of the repeated deployment of pepper spray. Martin Zummach, Smiths lawyer, asked Cameron if officers have a duty intervene if they dont actually see unnecessary force being applied. If they cant see it, they cant intervene, Cameron said. Mills, who hit Nichols three times with a police baton, testified Tuesday that he regrets his failure to stop the beating, which led to Nichols death three days later from blunt-force trauma. Dr. Marco Ross, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, testified Wednesday that Nichols suffered tears and bleeding in the brain. The five officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit that since has been disbanded. The team targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders with the goal of amassing arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people The trial comes months after the U.S. Justice Department said in December that a 17-month investigation found that the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Investigator: Ex-Memphis officer took photo of Tyre Nichols after fatal beating, shared it 11 times PREVIOUS STORY: (AP) A cybercrime expert with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation testified Wednesday that a former Memphis police officer charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols took a cellphone photo of Nichols as he struggled with serious injuries. TBI Special Agent Derek Miller testified in the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder. They already face the prospect of years in prison after they were convicted of federal charges last year. Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, fled a January 2023 traffic stop after he was yanked out of his car, pepper sprayed and hit with a Taser. Five officers who are also Black caught up with him and punched, kicked and hit Nichols with a police baton, struggling to handcuff him as he called out for his mother near his home. Footage of the beating captured by a police pole camera also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. His death led to nationwide protests, calls for police reforms in the U.S., and intense scrutiny of police in Memphis, a majority-Black city. Photo was shared 11 times Video shows Haley taking a photo of Nichols, who was seated on the ground and leaning against a police car after the beating. Haley shared the photo 11 times and had text conversations with eight people about it, Miller said. The officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Prosecutors have argued that the officers had a duty to intervene and stop the beating and tell medical personnel that Nichols had been struck in the head, but they failed to do so. Former Memphis officers Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin also were charged in the case. They have agreed to plead guilty to the state charges and are not standing trial. They also pleaded guilty in federal court, where sentencing for all five officers is pending. Ex-officer acknowledges duty to intervene Defense attorneys have sought to chip away at accusations that the officers used unnecessary force to subdue Nichols. They've argued that Nichols was actively resisting arrest by running away and failing to give his hands to officers so that he could be handcuffed. They also have argued that their use of force complied with police department policies. Mills testified Tuesday that he regrets his failure to stop the beating, which led to Nichols death three days later from blunt force trauma. Dr. Marco Ross, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, testified Wednesday that Nichols suffered tears and bleeding in the brain. As Nichols struggled with Bean and Smith, who were holding him on the ground, Mills pepper-sprayed Nichols and hit Nichols three times in the arm with a police baton, he said. Martin punched and kicked Nichols in the head, and Haley also kicked Nichols. Defense testimony begins Wednesday afternoon, defense attorney Martin Zummach questioned TBI Special Agent Charles Baker, who testified that Nichols' car was searched after the beating and authorities found credit cards, debit cards and identifications that did not belong to Nichols. Meanwhile, Kelli Rogers, a resident of the Memphis suburb of Arlington, testified that her wallet containing her ID and credit cards was stolen from her car in 2022. Rogers said she was recently informed that one of her credit cards was found in the car and that she did not know Nichols. Officers who pulled Nichols over said they did so because he was speeding and driving recklessly, but they did not know about the items found in his car. Hagerman, the prosecutor, asked Baker if the discovery of the IDs and credit cards influenced how the TBI investigated the assault case. Say everything in that car was stolen, it still has no bearing on the seriousness of the case I was asked to investigate, Baker said. Zummach then asked Baker if it was reasonable to conclude that Nichols was resisting arrest and wanted to get away from the vehicle because he may have had evidence of crime in his car. It could be, Baker said. Baker also testified that mushrooms containing the hallucinogen psilocybin were found in the car. Ross, the medical examiner, testified Nichols did not have the hallucinogen in his system. Former Memphis officer Preston Hemphill, who was at the traffic stop but not the location of the beating, testified that he heard Martin say let go of my gun after Nichols was forcibly removed from his car. It is not clear in the video whether Nichols actually tried to grab Martin's gun. Hemphill said that statement increased the risk to officers as high as it could go. Hemphill fired his Taser at Nichols during the traffic stop. After Nichols fled, Hemphill could be heard on his body camera video saying: I hope they stomp his ass. Hemphill was fired from the police force but was not criminally charged. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Ex-officer says he regrets his failure to stop the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols PREVIOUS STORY: (AP) Former Memphis police officer Desmond Mills Jr. testified Tuesday that he regrets his failure to stop the beating of Tyre Nichols after Nichols ran away from a traffic stop in 2023. Mills' testimony came in the second day of the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to state charges including second-degree murder in the death of Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who was beaten as he cried out for his mother just steps from his home. The three defendants already face the prospect of years behind bars after they were convicted of federal charges last year. Footage of the beating was captured by a police pole camera and also showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. Nichols' death led to national protests, raised the volume on calls for police reforms in the U.S. and directed intense scrutiny toward the police force in Memphis, a majority-Black city. Mills pleaded guilty to federal charges last year and has entered into an agreement to plead guilty to state charges as well. Mills says he hit Nichols out of anger after pepper-spraying himself During his testimony Tuesday, Mills said he and Bean responded to a Jan. 7, 2023, police radio call that a man had run away from a traffic stop after he was pepper-sprayed and hit with a Taser. Nichols saw the two officers and ran away from them, and Bean eventually caught Nichols after a foot chase, Mills testified. When Mills arrived at Nichols location, Nichols was struggling with Bean and Smith, who were holding Nichols on the ground, Mills said. Mills then tried to pepper-spray Nichols, but he ended up spraying himself, which made him angry, Mills said. After stepping away to try to recover, Mills then walked up to Nichols and hit him three times in the arm with a police baton as Bean and Smith were holding Nichols, Mills said. Mills told prosecutor Paul Hagerman that he hit Nichols with the baton because he was angry. Another officer, Emmitt Martin, arrived and punched and kicked Nichols in the head. Nichols died three days after the beating. Mills acknowledged on the stand that he had a duty to intervene to stop it, but didnt. Do you regret that? the prosecutor said. Yes, Mills said. Mills also acknowledged that he did not tell paramedics that Nichols had been repeatedly hit in the head and later failed to give police supervisors details of the beating because he didnt want to get in trouble. Under the plea agreements, Mills state sentence will be the same length as his federal term, which could reach up to life in prison, though federal prosecutors have recommended a 15-year sentence. He would serve the state sentence at the same time as his federal term in prison. In opening statements Monday, prosecutor Paul Hagerman said Nichols was being held by his arms by two of the officers as he was punched and kicked and hit with a police baton. Hagerman said the officers helped each other beat Nichols to death. An autopsy showed Nichols died three days after the beating of blunt force trauma. He said the officers had a duty to stop the beating but none of them did so. They were overcome by the moment, the prosecutor said. Defense attorney says Nichols was resisting arrest the whole time In his opening statement, Beans attorney said the situation became high risk when Nichols continued driving for about 2 miles (3.2 km) after one of the officers turned on his vehicles blue lights in an attempt to stop Nichols for speeding. Nichols then failed to follow orders to give officers his hands so that he could be handcuffed, Perry said. He was actually resisting arrest the whole time, Perry said, adding that the officers just wanted to do their job effectively. Both Smith and Haley called for medical aid the night of the beating, their lawyers said. The jury for the state trial was chosen in Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, after Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the case be heard from people outside of Shelby County, which includes Memphis. Defense lawyers for the officers had argued that intense publicity made seating a fair jury difficult. The officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Mills and Martin were also charged but will not stand trial with their former colleagues due to their agreements to testify. Sentencings for all five officers in the federal case is expected after the state trial. The five officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit that has since been disbanded. The team targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders with the goal of amassing arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people. In December, the U.S. Justice Department said a 17-month investigation showed the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Former Memphis officers were frustrated when they fatally beat Tyre Nichols, prosecutor says PREVIOUS STORY: (AP) Three former Memphis police officers were frustrated, angry and full of adrenaline when they fatally beat Tyre Nichols after he ran away from a traffic stop in 2023, a prosecutor said Monday during opening arguments in their trial on second-degree murder charges. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman showed the jury video of the beating in the trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty to state charges. The three already face the prospect of years behind bars after they were convicted of federal charges last year. A police pole camera captured the beating just steps from the home where Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, lived with his mother and stepfather. That footage led to national protests, raised the volume on calls for police reforms in the U.S. and directed intense scrutiny toward the police force in Memphis, a majority-Black city. It doesnt take monsters to kill a man,' prosecutor says Police video showed officers pepper-spraying Nichols and hitting him with a Taser before he ran away from the traffic stop on Jan. 7, 2023. The five officers, who are all Black, chased Nichols and caught him just steps from his home, and then beat him as he called out for his mother. The video showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. State trial begins for former Memphis police officers charged in death of Tyre Nichols The proceedings mark a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn national scrutiny since Nichols died following a violent encounter with officers during a traffic stop in January 2023. Hagerman said Nichols was being held by his arms by two of the officers as he was punched and kicked and hit with a police baton. After the beating, as a severely injured Nichols sat on the ground, officers failed to tell medical personnel that Nichols had been hit in the head, the prosecutor said. Hagerman said the officers helped each other beat Nichols to death. An autopsy showed Nichols died three days after the beating of blunt force trauma. He said the officers had a duty to stop the beating but none of them did so. They were overcome by the moment, the prosecutor said. Nobody is going to call them monsters, Hagerman said. It doesnt take monsters to kill a man. A defense attorney says Nichols was resisting arrest In his opening statement, Beans attorney said the officer responded to a call that police were looking for a man who had fled a traffic stop and had been pepper-sprayed and hit with a Taser. Bean, who was not at the initial stop, saw Nichols, turned on his body camera, and chased him down, said attorney John Keith Perry. Perry said the situation became high risk when Nichols continued driving for about 2 miles (3.2 km) after one of the officers turned on his vehicles blue lights in an attempt to stop Nichols for speeding. Nichols then failed to follow orders to give officers his hands so that he could be handcuffed, Perry said. He was actually resisting arrest the whole time, Perry said, adding that the officers just wanted to do their job effectively. The jury for the state trial was chosen in Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, after Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the case be heard from people outside of Shelby County, which includes Memphis. Defense lawyers for the officers had argued that intense publicity made seating a fair jury difficult. The officers are charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. Two others expected to change their not guilty pleas Two other officers, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., also have been charged but will not stand trial with their former colleagues. Martin and Mills are expected to change their not guilty pleas in state court, according to lawyers involved in the case. Sentencings for all five officers in the federal case is expected after the state trial. After Nichols' death, the five officers were fired, charged in state court and indicted by a federal grand jury on civil rights and witness tampering charges. Martin and Mills pleaded guilty to the federal charges under deals with prosecutors. The other three officers were convicted in October of witness tampering related to the cover-up of the beating. Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights charges of using excessive force and being indifferent to Nichols serious injuries. Haley was acquitted of violating Nichols civil rights causing death, but he was convicted of two lesser charges of violating his civil rights causing bodily injury. On Monday, Martin Zummach, Smiths lawyer, described Smith as a kind and gentle person who always wanted to be a police officer. He pointed blame at Emmitt Martin, who punched Nichols multiple times and crushed the brain of Nichols. Michael Stengel, Haleys lawyer, told the jury that Haley kicked Nichols once in the upper arm, but he did not break police department policies in doing so. Haley engaged in policing that evening that was ugly and dirty, but he did not commit a crime, Stengel said. Both Smith and Haley called for medical aid the night of the beating, their lawyers said. In December, the U.S. Justice Department said a 17-month investigation showed the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people. The department is more than 50% Black and Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis is Black. The five officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit that since has been disbanded. The team targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders with the goal of amassing arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people. Jury chosen in Hamilton Co. for state trial of former Memphis officers charged in Tyre Nichols' death PREVIOUS STORY: MEMPHIS (AP) Three former Tennessee police officers face an out-of-town jury as their trial in state court started Monday on second-degree murder charges in the beating death of Tyre Nichols after a 2023 traffic stop in Memphis. Opening statements began in the trial of former Memphis Police Department officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, who have pleaded not guilty and already face the prospect of years behind bars after they were convicted of federal charges last year. The prosecution went first and then the defense began with its opening arguments. The beating of Nichols, a Black man, was caught on police video and led to national protests, raised the volume on calls for police reforms in the U.S. and directed intense scrutiny toward the police force in Memphis, a majority-Black city. The jury for the state trial was chosen in Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, after Judge James Jones Jr. ordered the case be heard from people outside of Shelby County, which includes Memphis. Defense lawyers for the officers had argued intense publicity made seating a fair jury difficult. The officers are charged with second degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression. UPDATE: Jury selection process for Tyre Nichols' murder trial begins in Hamilton County A judge has ruled that a jury from outside of Memphis will be seated in the state court trial of three former police officers charged with second-degree murder in the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols after a traffic stop. Two other officers, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., also have been charged but will not stand trial with their former colleagues. Martin and Mills are expected to change their not guilty pleas in state court, according to lawyers involved in the case. Sentencings for all five officers in the federal case is expected after the state trial. Police video showed officers pepper-spraying Nichols, 29, and hitting him with a Taser before he ran away from the traffic stop on Jan. 7, 2023. The five officers, who all are Black, chased down Nichols and kicked, punched and hit him with a police baton just steps from his home as he called out for his mother. The video showed the officers milling about, talking and laughing as Nichols struggled. Nichols died three days after the beating. The five officers were fired, charged in state court and indicted by a federal grand jury on civil rights and witness tampering charges. Martin and Mills pleaded guilty to the federal charges under deals with prosecutors. The other three officers were convicted in October of witness tampering related to the cover-up of the beating. Bean and Smith were acquitted of civil rights charges of using excessive force and being indifferent to Nichols serious injuries. Haley was acquitted of violating Nichols civil rights causing death, but he was convicted of two lesser charges of violating his civil rights causing bodily injury. In December, the U.S. Justice Department said a 17-month investigation showed the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people. The department is more than 50% Black and Police Chief Cerelyn CJ Davis is Black. The five officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit that since has been disbanded. The team targeted drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders with the goal of amassing arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: May 05 2025 Event will feature daily demonstrations by Canine, Aviation & Emergency Service officers. The Suffolk County Police Department will open its doors to give students of all ages an up-close look at police operations during Police Week beginning May 5 at Police Headquarters in Yaphank. During the first day of the event, high school students will be introduced into the ins and outs of a law enforcement career, tour the police museum, and participate in demonstrations about distracted and impaired driving. Students will also see mock car stops to learn what they should do when stopped by the police. For the next three days, elementary school and junior high school students will attend the event with age-related experiences. Throughout all four days, Crime Scene, Emergency Service Section, Highway Patrol and Marine Bureau will have displays for students to tour. Various police vehicles, equipment and antique police cars will be on display. WHERE: Suffolk County Police Headquarters, 30 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank WHEN: Monday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (high school students only) Tuesday, May 6 through Thursday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spread your toes in the sand at these seven beach bars Relax under palm-fringed parasols at these seven bar restaurants that have created a bit of beach heaven in Luxembourg Tomorrow, Monday, May 5, will be a holiday for basic education students. Every year on this date, one of the most important military triumphs for Mexico is commemorated. Philosopher Karl Marx said: "Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it", so that it would resonate in the ears of all those who rest without knowing why the holiday A lovely interaction! Gorilla Kifu melts hearts with his affection towards his rescuer May 5, 1862 - Battle of Puebla Ignacio Zaragoza, a high-ranking Mexican soldier, achieved the impossible by defeating the most powerful army in the world at the time, the French. The French came to Mexico in one of the various European attempts to take over the national territory. Our country, indebted to England and France, had to pay its expenses, and the Gauls wanted land on this side of the world. The Battle of Puebla is, however, a triumph among many defeats, which finally culminated in the invasion of Mexico City and the establishment of the Second Empire, where Maximilian of Habsburg would arrive in the Aztec capital as emperor, after accepting the offer of Napoleon III of France. Is May 5 a public holiday? No, only Basic Education students will not have classes on Monday, May 5, 2025. Workers must attend work since the Federal Labor Law does not include May 5 among its official holidays Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated? A country is full of symbols and myths that feed the collective imagination and forge national identity, an intellectual chimera. The Battle of Puebla is one of the battles with victories expected by many states, because it serves as a motivator of national heroism and pride in one's homeland The Battle of Puebla is representative for having managed to diminish and intimidate one of the most experienced armies in the world at that time, led by Charles Ferdinand Latrille, a relative of Empress Carlota. Pastry War - Puebla and France France, the country of human rights, recognized the independence of Mexico immediately. In gratitude, our country opened its borders to any Frenchman who wanted to settle in our country. Among the European migrants were many pastry chefs, France from Vienna took the viennoiseries, and to Mexico brought their knowledge in pastry Unfortunately, the Gauls settled in Mexico suffered from robberies that ended in a diplomatic conflict that culminated in the first French invasion. Windsor Locks, Conn. - The Connecticut Airport Authority is pleased to announce that JetBlue launched its inaugural nonstop flight from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to New York Citys John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Thursday morning. The new service will operate daily, year-round. We are very grateful for JetBlues continued growth and success as it marks 15 years of service at Bradley International Airport, said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. The launch of JetBlues inaugural service to JFK will help connect passengers to the airlines hub and its domestic and international network of flights, while still allowing them to enjoy the convenience of departing from Bradley International Airport. The new route will also give passengers faster access to the New York City region. In addition to the new route to New York (JFK), JetBlue also flies nonstop from BDL to Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA), West Palm Beach (PBI), San Juan (SJU), and seasonal service to Los Angeles (LAX). To celebrate the new service to JFK, passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to a celebratory send-off prior to their departure. For more information and to book a ticket, visit https://www.jetblue.com. Most restaurants have one amazing thing that makes you go back to family and friends and say, Wow, youve got to check out this place. GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin has three of them. No. 1: The drinks. GlenPharmer distills its own award-winning spirits in-house. They offer tours and tastings, sell bottles to-go and have a loaded lineup of cocktails, including visually stunning smoked cocktails. No. 2: The restaurant is located in a gorgeous, restored historic mill building. Theres exposed brick wherever you look and theres even an attached covered bridge that has outdoor seating. No. 3: The food is great. Given the drinks and atmosphere, GlenPharmer would still be worth recommending even if dinner service was an afterthought. Instead, the menu is an inspired one-two punch of creative cocktails and well-rounded food. GlenPharmer didnt need a killer fried chicken sandwich or an enticing butter chicken flatbread pizza. But they did it anyway, and I applaud them for it. Owners Beth and Patrick Downing seen here on the covered bridge outside of GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin, Mass. Sebastian Restrepo Massachusetts Hidden Gems | GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin The husband-and-wife team of Pat and Beth Downing are the brains behind GlenPharmer. Before they got into their current cordial craft, they focused on a different type of chemistry. The two are former pharmacists, which plays into the name. The building is located in a literal glen and the Downings operate with a farmer distillery license. Throw in the ph from pharmacy and youve got GlenPharmer. Pat is a native of Lee, while Beth is from Indiana. The two met while they were at pharmacy school at Purdue. The two later moved to the Berkshires, where they ran the oldest continuously operating pharmacy until they sold it in 2004. That same year, Pat was stuck on an island in the Caribbean following a hurricane. With no power, most of the meals he had featured chicken cooked over an open flame along with whiskey for drinks. That experience sparked an interest in spirits. But it wasnt until 2007, when he tried his first American whiskey, that it started to become something more. That was when the first lightbulb went off, Beth says. It was like, Oh, Id like to get out of healthcare and open a distillery. By 2018, the wheels were in motion. Pat took a week-long course at Moonshine University. He likes to joke that its the degree hes most proud of. After drawing up a business plan, Pat began searching for a location. A Franklin resident, hed always had his eye on the old mill building on West Central Street. So when it quietly came up for sale, the Downings jumped at the opportunity. The old textile mill had previously been converted into a restaurant. However, the property still needed plenty of work. We had to gut it, Pat says. All the stuff we thought we were going to reuse, including the floors, we had to jackhammer out. Then there was the matter of the actual distillery. The Downings had to cut into the old granite to fit the equipment through the door and add metal columns in the basement to support the weight. The renovations did open the door for other opportunities. There was the scenic covered bridge that branched out from the dining area to the road. The Downings have now incorporated the bridge as a highly sought-after dining space. However, a degree from Moonshine University doesnt make one a master distiller. Pat understands the process. But its up to head distiller Marco Forziati and assistant distiller Alex Seagrave to make the magic happen. Forziati got his start working on the construction side at a distillery 10 years ago. Eventually, he landed a job on the distilling side and hasnt looked back since. He still does it all at the distillery as their expert painter who also does woodworking. You could describe him as a Jack of all trades, master of rum, his favorite spirit to make. The GP Smoked Old Fashioned at GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin, Mass. Sebastian Restrepo Whats good on the menu? Having done a whole tasting of all the spirits on the menu, I can say with authority that theyre all excellent. For standouts, lets start with the smoked cocktails. GlenPharmers smoked old fashioned is a fun spectacle that starts with a glass lid being lifted to reveal billowing smoke. It finishes smooth across the palate. In terms of flavor, look for anything with the Bog vodka (infused with cranberries) or the Bean vodka (infused with espresso and vanilla). It should be little surprise that Bean comes up clutch in making an espresso martini. If I were to take something neat, it would be their new American Straight Bourbon (because Im a sucker for whiskey). But their Reserve Spiced Rum definitely won me over. As for food, the menu is pretty wide-ranging and eclectic in a good way. Its the sort of culinary hodgepodge that makes you go, Oh, I dont know which thing I should get. You can keep it simple by going with the short rib bites, fried chicken sandwich or one of the flatbreads. The Pharmer flatbread (bacon & onion compote, blue cheese, mozzarella, arugula and shaved parmesan) is a crowd favorite. If you want to get a little more decadent, look to the entrees, with highlights including the duck ragout, chicken & waffles and a NY strip steak with brown butter potato puree. Owner of GlenPharmer Distillery Patrick Downing pictured in front of their stainless steel and copper pot stills that are used as part of the production process of their award-winning spirits. Sebastian Restrepo Gold (and platinum) in a bottle GlenPharmer has a surprisingly full trophy cabinet for a distillery thats just now hitting its five-year anniversary. The Downings faced an uphill battle when they opened GlenPharmer in March 2020 (a famously cursed time to run any business). But since then, theyve established themselves as a distillery that can go shot for shot with any spirit in the world. The classic GPD Vodka won Best in Class at the 2024 International Spirits Competition. Meanwhile, their Bog Vodka won gold in the 2024 World Spirits Competition. GlenPharmers secret weapon might just be its ghost pepper vodka, Bhut, which pulls off an intricate tight-rope act of balancing the spicy and fruity notes of the pepper. Pat says Bhut would probably be the distillerys most prestigious product. But its essentially been retired from competitions. We stopped submitting it to competitions because it essentially won every award we could ever hope for, he says. Now the No. 1 award-winner is the Reserve Spiced Rum, which won platinum in the 2024 World Spirits Competition. The awards are nice. But its not the only thing GlenPharmer aims for. Their top priority is to pour spirits that their customers enjoy. Our No. 1 product is, in fact, our least-awarded. Thats Bean, Pat says. GlenPharmer Distillery in Franklin, Mass. also offers merchandise for sale as part of the experience. Sebastian Restrepo What to know about GlenPharmer Distillery GlenPharmer hosts tours of its distillery, where visitors can learn about how the spirits are made from grain to glass. They also host events in their upstairs speakeasy-themed space called Proof. Customers can purchase GlenPharmer products at the Franklin distillery as well as at liquor stores throughout Massachusetts. GlenPharmer has a list of stores that carry their spirits on their website. Check them out: Website | Facebook | Instagram Whats the address? 860 W Central St, Franklin, Massachusetts, 02038 Whats the parking situation? GlenPharmer has its own large parking lot with plenty of spaces. When are they open? Here are the listed business hours at the time of writing. Monday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. --- Mass Hidden Gems is a series highlighting restaurants and other businesses across the Bay State that we think deserve more attention. You can check out the rest of the series here. Have a hidden gem that you think we should check out? Email nomalley@masslive.com your favorites. The scene of a fire at the W.B. Mason warehouse in South Boston on May 4. (Boston Fire Department) A fire that broke out at the W.B. Mason warehouse in Boston on Sunday morning caused an estimated $1 million in damages. The costly fire broke out at around 10:30 a.m. on May 4, according to the Boston Fire Department. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the W.B. Mason warehouse located at 647 Summer St. in South Boston when firefighters arrived, and a second alarm was ordered, the department said. A fire broke out at the W.B. Mason warehouse in South Boston on May 4. (Boston Fire Department) Firefighters attacked the blaze inside the building and outside with ladders, Boston Fire Deputy Chief Martin McCormack said. No injuries were reported from the incident. However, damages from the fire were at an estimated $1 million, McCormack said. The department began to clear the scene by noon, with some firefighters remaining on the scene to monitor hotspots. The investigation into the cause of the fire was ongoing as of Sunday afternoon. Karen Read confers with attorney David Yannetti during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Friday, May 2, 2025. (Mark Jarret Chavous/The Enterprise via AP, Pool) Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, continued on Monday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone. Read more: Here are the biggest takeaways from week 2 of the Karen Read retrial On Monday, the jury heard from a number of witnesses, including a Massachusetts State Police scientist, a Canton firefighter/paramedic and a retired Canton police lieutenant. People to know: Hank Brennan, special prosecutor for the Norfolk County District Attorneys office Paul Gallagher, retired Canton Police lieutenant Alan Jackson, lawyer for Read Hannah Knowles, forensic scientist at the Massachusetts State Police crime lab Katie McLaughlin, Canton firefighter/paramedic David Yannetti, lawyer for Read 3:52 p.m. - Jackson grills Gallagher about Solo cups, Stop and Shop bags Much of Jacksons cross-examination focused on the evidence collection at the process. He pressed Gallagher about why he never sent an officer to pick up swabs to collect DNA at the scene. Gallagher admitted the Solo cups were not used for typical evidence collection but said they hold liquid terrifically. Still, they are not sealed, he conceded. Jackson asked Gallagher if there was a chance the DNA taken from the scene had been contaminated. Gallagher testified that it would be difficult to damage DNA. And while Gallagher turned the blood samples over to Massachusetts State Police on Feb. 1, he admitted he had never seen an evidence log in this case. But he said that was standard procedure and only two people in the department have access to permanently stored evidence. Gallaghers testimony will resume Tuesday morning. 3:27 p.m. - Jackson begins cross-examination of Gallagher Jackson asked Gallagher a series of questions about whether he wrote a report memorializing his conduct in the case. Gallagher said his primary responsibility was making sure other officers wrote reports. But Jackson described him as the centerpiece of the recovery of evidence, which Gallagher didnt dispute. Jackson pressed Gallagher on whether documenting evidence collection was an important part of police work. He agreed that it was, but again said he never wrote a report or even underwent a formal interview. Gallagher also faced a line of questioning about a trip to 34 Fairview Road on Feb. 1, 2022 with Massachusetts State Police. He said he was there simply to show troopers where OKeefes body was found. But Jackson noted that Gallagher never saw OKeefes body at the scene. Gallagher said he was told where OKeefe was by Sgt. Michael Lank, who also never saw the body. Lank learned of the location from another officer. Gallagher said that practice of passing information up the chain was common in policing. 3:09 p.m. - Gallagher shows jury broken cocktail glass At the scene, Gallagher uncovered a broken cocktail glass in the snow near where OKeefes body was lying. On Monday, Brennan had Gallagher show the glass to the jury. Gallagher removed the glass from a sealed bag and box. He later testified about the department recusing itself from the investigation into OKeefes death. The departments best detective Kevin Albert is the brother of the homeowner, Brian Albert, Gallagher said. He said the recusal was an effort to prevent the appearance of bias. 2:40 p.m. - Gallagher describes morning of OKeefes death By the time retired Gallagher arrived to 34 Fairview Road, OKeefe had already been taken away in an ambulance. But Gallagher said he was able to examine the area where his body was found. He testified it was still dark out that morning with terrible, blizzard-like conditions. There was no reason to start a criminal investigation at the time, Gallagher said. With Massachusetts State Police not responding to the scene, Gallagher began processing the area. We had a duty and an obligation to check around where he was found to see if there was any explanation as to what caused his medical condition, Gallagher said. He said he observed pink blood. Gallagher said he used a leaf blower to clear the area in an effort to preserve evidence. A shovel could have damaged the scene, he said. He described the use of red Solo cups at the scene, which he said were used to store blood uncovered by the leafblower. Gallagher obtained the containers from another lieutenant, who lived in the area. 2:26 p.m. - Brennan calls retired Canton police Lt. The next witness to take the stand Monday was retired Canton Police Lt. Paul Gallagher. Gallagher said he joined the force in 1992 and retired in 2024. He described the force as medium-sized, with about 40 officers at a given time. Gallagher also testified about working in the Drug Enforcement Administration in Boston and Worcester. Gallagher was the highest-ranking officer on scene at 34 Fairview Road on the morning of OKeefes death. 1:21 p.m. - McLaughlin concludes testimony Before concluding his cross-examination, Jackson played more dashcam footage for McLaughlin. In it, she can be seen writing something down on her glove. McLaughlin said she wrote down OKeefes name and date of birth and noted he was not on medications, had no medical history and had no allergies. She said it was common practice to write demographic information down at a scene. But she threw the glove away after, she confirmed. Jackson asked several questions about why she never wrote down Reads I hit him statement. McLaughlin said she felt it was sufficient to verbally report it to the other firefighters in the ambulance. On redirect, Brennan asked how she remembered the statement. McLaughlin said she would never forget it. Jacksons recross concluded with questioning about Kevin Albert. McLaughlin maintained she had no knowledge that he set up her interview with Massachusetts State Police. Cannone called a 45-minute break after McLaughlin stepped down. 1:05 p.m. - McLaughlin denies speaking to Canton police Jackson moved to a series of questions about whether Kevin Albert set up McLaughlins interview with Massachusetts State Police. He insisted that Albert contacted her to coordinate her interview with state police. But McLaughlin denied ever speaking to Canton police about the case. She said she had only ever talked about this case with a state police trooper. I wasnt contacted by anyone else to go in for that interview, McLaughlin testified. Katie McLaughlin, a paramedic/firefighter with the Canton Fire Department, tells the jury Monday, May 5, 2025, in Dedham, Mass., that Karen Read repeated to her "I hit him. I hit him," on the night in question. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) AP 12:54 p.m. - Questioning shifts back to Caitlin Albert After a lengthy conversation at sidebar, Jackson handed McLaughlin a stack of photographs. Brennan objected to any questions about the photos, each of which were sustained by Cannone. The reality is Ms. McLaughlin your relationship with Cailtin Albert goes back a decade, Jackson said. McLaughlin didnt deny that. She said they grew up in the same town and went to the same schools. She also admitted to being photographed with Caitlin Albert several times. Brennan said he was objecting to this whole line. 12:37 p.m. - Jackson questions McLaughlin about I hit him statement As he continued his cross-examination, Jackson played McLaughlin a snippet of dashcam footage from the morning of Jan. 29, 2022. In it, McLaughlin conceded, Read is standing fairly still and does not appear hysterical. McLaughlin said she described Read as hysterical in the context of the scene, not that specific moment. Jackson also established McLaughlin was standing near a Canton Police officer who has never testified to hearing Read say I hit him. She confirmed she told two other firefighters, Anthony Flematti and Timothy Nuttal, about the statement. 12:24 p.m. - Jackson presses McLaughlin about relationship to Caitlin Albert Jackson began his cross-examination by asking McLaughlin about her meetings with the district attorneys office. During one meeting, she said, Brennan told her he would ask about her relationship with Caitlin Albert. The relationship was disclosed on cross-examination during the first trial. McLaughlin said she told someone in the district attorneys office about her relationship to Albert prior to the first trial, when there started to be a lot of harassment and insinuations and stuff that started coming out online. But Jackson suggested the relationship wasnt revealed until she testified at the first trial. 12:11 p.m. - McLaughlin admits connection to Alberts Still under direct examination, McLaughlin testified she was friendly with Caitlin Albert, whose parents lived at 34 Fairview Road. The pair went to high school together and were in the same grade but were not close friends, she said. McLaughlin said she didnt remember seeing Albert following OKeefes death. She added she didnt know the Alberts lived at 34 Fairview Road on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022. But McLaughlin said her relationship with Caitlin Albert didnt impact her treatment of OKeefe that morning. 12 p.m. - McLaughlin describes conversation with Read at 34 Fairview McLaughlin described Read as really concerned and involved with OKeefe at the scene. At the scene, McLaughlin spoke to Read to try and get basic information about OKeefe, including his medical history. When McLaughlin asked Read if OKeefe had sustained any significant trauma before he was found in the snow. At that point, Read said, I hit him, I hit him. A police officer replied, you what? and Read again said I hit him, McLaughlin said. But she testified she didnt ask any follow-up questions because Read was very upset and she didnt feel comfortable pushing and asking for more. 11:44 a.m. - Brennan calls Katie McLaughlin After Sarah Levinsons testimony concluded, Katie McLaughlin, a Canton firefighter/paramedic, took the stand. McLaughlin is one of several first responders who testified that she heard Read say I hit him on the morning of OKeefes death. On the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, McLaughlin was inside the fire station when they got a call for a man unresponsive in the snow. That morning, McLaughlin said, she didnt know who lived at 34 Fairview Road. She described seeing OKeefe lying supine face-up when paramedics arrived. 11:30 a.m. - Jackson begins cross-examination of Sarah Levinson Jacksons cross-examination of Levinson began with a review of her connections to the Albert family. She confirmed she had been friends with Brian Albert Jr. since high school and she knew his extended family. When Levinson left 34 Fairview Road, she didnt see anything unusual, she confirmed. Jackson asked her a series of questions about her interview with former State Police trooper Michael Proctor in October 2022. She confirmed she spoke to Julie Nagel before her interview with Proctor. 11:07 a.m. - Levinson takes the stand When the trial resumed, Brennan called Levinson to the stand. No explanation was given for why Levinson was called instead of Katie McLaughlin, whom Brennan called before the break. Levinson is friends with Julie Nagel and was inside 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022 to celebrate Brian Albert Jr.s birthday. As the night wore on, many of Alberts adult relatives, including his father, mother and aunt, Jennifer McCabe, returned to the house. Levinson said there were no problems inside. McCabe encouraged her and Julie Nagel to stay and continue celebrating Brian Albert Jr.s birthday. Anything extraordinary or remarkable happen inside that house? Brennan asked. Levinson said there wasnt. She confirmed that after Julie Nagel went outside to speak to her brother, then returned inside, she never saw anyone enter the home. Both she and Nagel later left the home with the McCabes. Levinson confirmed McCabes testimony that the group was joking about a loaf of bread they saw in the third row of the car. 10:40 a.m. - Cannone calls morning recess Before Canton paramedic Katie McLaughlin took the stand, Cannone sent the jury out for a 20-minute recess. McLaughlins testimony under direct examination should begin around 11 a.m. 10:37 a.m. - Heather Maxon never saw OKeefe on Fairview Road Under cross-examination from Yannetti, Maxon, who was dating Ryan Nagel at the time, confirmed she never saw OKeefe inside the SUV while on Fairview Road. She also testified that she wasnt concerned about what was going on inside the SUV at the time. 10:32 a.m. - Maxon testifies Brennans next witness, Maxon, was with Nagel when they arrived to 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022. She and Nagel dated a few years back, she said. Maxon said Julie Nagel was the only person she saw in the driveway that night. Maxon said she saw a woman sitting on the drivers side of an SUV as the truck drove by. She never saw anyone else. Did you see anybody lying on the front lawn? Brennan asked. Maxon said she didnt. 10:24 a.m. - Ryan Nagel never saw broken taillight During his re-direct, Brennan asked Ryan Nagel if he ever saw damage to the SUVs taillight or if he ever saw OKeefe walk up to the house. Nagel was outside the home to pick up his sister, Julie, who was inside. He said he didnt. Yannetti asked only one question of Nagel on his re-cross examination. 10:19 a.m. - Yannetti cross-examines Nagel Yannettis cross-examination of Nagel drilled down on his recollection of seeing Read inside the SUV. Nagel confirmed he was the closest person in the truck to the SUV and he never saw a person in the passenger seat. Nagel confirmed the SUV was not driving erratically when it arrived to Fairview Road. 10 a.m. - Nagel describes seeing Reads SUV at Fairview With Knowles off the stand, Brennan called Nagel, whose sister, Julie, was inside 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022, to testify. Nagel said he went to the home to pick up his sister. He had no reason to go there other than to pick her up. He went there after leaving C.F. McCarthys with a friend and his ex-girlfriend, and testified he saw a black SUV pull up to the house ahead of his truck. The truck was parked at the foot of the driveway. The SUV was a car length away from a flagpole on the left side of the house as the truck drove by, he said. I saw there was a woman inside the SUV in the drivers seat with her hands at 10 and 2, Nagel said. He said he could see the woman inside because the cars dome light was on. Nagel did not see anyone else inside the vehicle. He said he never saw anyone else enter the home, other than his sister. 9:48 a.m. - Knowles explains range in blood alcohol test results Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally, the lead prosecutor during Reads first trial, began his re-direct of Knowles by having her re-explain much of the basis for her testing. Knowles explained that the wide range of results she calculated for Reads blood alcohol at 12:45 a.m., between 0.14 and 0.28, was to account for many of the factors she was asked about on cross examination. Those factors include a persons age, the medication they were taking and how quickly their body processes alcohol. At 9:08 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, Reads blood alcohol was between 0.078 and 0.082, Knowles said. The legal limit is 0.08. Hannah Knowles, with the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory, continues testifying under cross examination by defense attorney David Yannetti, Monday, May 5, 2025, Dedham, Mass. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool) AP 9:32 a.m. - Cross-examination of State Police expert continues Yannettis cross-examination focused primarily on the differences between the testing at the crime lab and Good Samaritan Hospital, where Reads blood was drawn. Knowles said she had no direct knowledge of the accuracy or reliability of the hospitals testing. She confirmed her calculations, which showed Reads blood-alcohol content well above the legal limit around 12:45 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, were based largely on the hospitals results. Yannetti also asked Knowles a series of questions where he essentially sought to undermine the reliability of her results in the view of the jury. Knowles said the foundations of her calculations would be incorrect if Read continued drinking after 12:45 a.m. that morning. She also confirmed she was never asked to test the blood alcohol content for anyone else in the case. 9:07 a.m. - Court opens With the jury out of the courtroom, Cannone called the lawyers up to sidebar. Read has joined the lawyers at sidebar conferences throughout the trial. When jurors arrived, Cannone asked the panel if they had been able to follow her instructions about discussing the case and avoiding media coverage. Each juror said they had. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer on Jan. 29, 2022. Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorneys say her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death. A Massachusetts automation company has announced plans to lay off hundreds of employees at a facility it purchased from Walmart earlier this year. Wilmington-based Symbotic LLC, which develops automated warehouse technology, will cut 400 jobs at the Andover location by June 27, according to a Massachusetts Workers Adjustment Retraining Notice filed with the state on April 29. Symbotic acquired the Andover robotics unit from Walmart for $200 million, according to a Jan. 16, 2025, press release, and up to an additional $350 million in the future, as part of an ongoing relationship between the two companies, which started in 2017. The automation company said at the time that it would develop further supply chain technology to provide accelerated pickup and delivery options for Walmart customers. In turn, Walmart agreed to deploy Symbotic technology in at least 400 of its stores over the next few years, paying the company $520 million. According to the company, the layoffs are part of Symbotics process of combining the robotics unit with its own existing operations. While [layoff] decisions like these are always difficult, we made them following a thorough post-close review of our operations to ensure we are best positioned for the future with an effective structure to continue executing our long-term growth strategy, the company said in a statement. We appreciate the contributions of the impacted employees and are committed to treating every employee respectfully during this change. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a nationwide warning regarding a discounted medical insurance scam that has defrauded individuals out of millions of dollars annually. These misleading or fraudulent offers promise significantly reduced rates on legitimate medical insurance plans but ultimately fail to provide any actual health coverage, according to a statement from the FBI. Medical insurance scammers often target individuals seeking affordable healthcare options, employing misleading tactics like falsely claiming to be real medical providers, pressuring people to sign up quickly due to time limited special rates or promising free services with hidden fees to lure people in to sign up. These discounted medical insurance scams begin with unsolicited contact via calls, texts or emails from unknown businesses offering special deals or discounted medical insurance, FBI said. Already a few states have reported these fraudulent schemes. In Washington, authorities issued a cease-and-desist order against a discount medical insurance company after receiving over 100 complaints of fraudulent practices. The company misrepresented their plan coverage options and did not cover medical costs, which left beneficiaries paying out of pocket in full for medical costs they have been led to believe would be at least partially covered. Washington residents impacted by the scam did not receive refunds after cancelling their insurance plans as the false company had promised. Additionally the company made unauthorized charges to the victims bank accounts and conducted business under multiple names. Pennsylvania residents have also fallen victim to the scam. In one instance, a couple reported being pressured to sign up for a discount medical insurance plan they believed was offered by a national provider, according to the release. They were urged to act swiftly to secure a temporary discount. Following an emergency room visit and doctors appointment, the couple received an explanation of benefits revealing that they were responsible all medical bills as their policy did not provide coverage. Another Pennsylvania resident was contacted by an individual claiming to be a healthcare representative who offered a much cheaper plan than his current one. He was promised a refund for his existing plan upon enrollment in the new one but never received any information about it. This individual was also pressured to act quickly to secure a significant discount, the FBI wrote. After purchasing the new plan, he received neither the promised refund nor any communication from the new insurance company. Similar incidents occurred in Texas. One person responded to an advertisement offering assistance with gasoline and groceries for senior citizens. He was told that he had to sign up for a dental policy with a specific insurance company to obtain the aid. After he signed up and tried to cancel the dental insurance policy, he was told by customer service to request the cancellation via email. The insurance company did not respond to his emails requesting to cancel his dental insurance policy and he had to cancel his credit card to stop the charges. In Maryland, a man was told he would save thousands of dollars by purchasing a health insurance policy and paying for his entire year up front. He was told the new policy would cover his current medical providers and hospitals and that he would only be responsible for a $20 co-pay for doctors office visits and $50 per urgent care care visit. After needing emergency surgery, the hospital told him that they did not accept his new health insurance and that he was responsible for a surgery cost of $7,000, according to the press release. To keep residents safe from these scams, the FBI offered the following advice: Always ensure the medical plan offered is from a reputable source and that the company is licensed to operate in your state. The state insurance commissioner or the Better Business Bureau can help verify the plan. Verify with current providers that they accept the insurance plan you are considering. If policy documents are not sent, this could be a red flag. If documents are sent, review them and pay close attention to the fine print. Understand exactly what is being offered before committing to anything. Dont pay anything upfront. Be cautious if a company asks for large upfront payments or is pressuring you into making quick decisions. Do your own research. If the plan seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Fraudulent activity can be filed and reported with the FBIs Internet Crimes Company Center. Reporters should identify the information about the company and or healthcare provider who sold the fraudulent medical insurance to them including the name, phone number, address, email address and website. 12aa The Department of Justice (DOJ) will stop monitoring how Worcester Public Schools (WPS) provides English as a Second Language, the school district announced Monday. In a notification received on April 30 by WPS, the DOJ announced it would end the monitoring of the district, citing that WPS substantially complied with its obligations as outlined in a 2016 legal agreement, according to WPS. THE search for a missing man on Lough Corrib was stood down on Sunday morning after local search teams found him safe and well on the lake. The Claremorris man had launched his small boat from Golden Bay earlier on Saturday and the alarm was raised by his wife late on Saturday night when he failed to return to shore. The Irish Coast Guard Rescue helicopter, based in Sligo, was tasked to assist in the major search operation and arrived over the lake around 1.15am. Despite an extensive and exhausting search that lasted for one hour and forty minutes with numerous slow trips over the vast lake at a height of 250 to 300 feet close to Clonbur, Corr na Mona and over towards Cong, no sighting of the missing man and his boat was observed by the crew who departed the lake around 2.50am heading back to Sligo. READ MORE: Mayo drama group takes All-Ireland title with acclaimed production of 'Woman and Scarecrow' The Corrib and Mask Rescue teams were also out on the lake along with the boats of some local fishermen and other boaters and many of these assembled at Lisloughrey Pier and Golden Bay to join in the search. Details of the missing grey boat with a red stripe were provided to the various search teams and several boats were on the lake during the night. The drama had a good ending when the man was eventually located as daylight spread across the region and he was brought safely ashore. It is understood that he was taken to hospital for observation after his day and night out on the lake and has since been discharged and is back home again. Jordan's Furniture, a top furniture retailer in New England, has named MullenLowe U.S. its first creative agency of record. The assignment followed an agency review. Mullen is currently working on creative for the brand. Under the leadership of Barry and Eliot Tatelman, the company pioneered "shoppertainment" and created memorable TV and radio ads. Now, Josh and Michael Tatelman are stepping into expanded leadership. Mullen's goal is to evolve the legacy brand and ensure its relevancy for a new generation of customers. I've got a soft spot for Jordan's Furniture my parents used to take me there when I was a kid and bribe me with dinner and a movie at the IMAX in exchange for good behavior. I learned to love furniture shopping! Where else can you get a mattress and a movie, or a recliner and a ropes course? said Frank Cartagena, CEO of MullenLowe. advertisement advertisement Jordan's is known for having the largest indoor ropes course in the world, as well as IMAX 3D theaters. Linda SanGiacomo, senior vice president, marketing for Jordan's called Mullen's selection a strategic investment in our brand's future. MullenLowe is part of the global MullenLowe Group agency network, a subsidiary of IPG. It has offices in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York, working with various clients, including Acura, Bayer, Ghirardelli, Invesco and Navy Federal Credit Union. by Fern Siegel , May 5, 2025 Leo US tapped Cristina Reina as Chief Experience Officer, a new role for the agency. Previously, Reina was Partner-Chief Creative Officer at Quality Experience. Before that, she served as executive vice president-global executive creative director North America for McCann New York. She also held creative posts at DDB New York and DDB Madrid. Reina reports to Marco Venturelli, co-president-Chief Creative Officer of Leo, which was founded in January. Leo combines Leo Burnett, the brand of Humankind, and Publicis Worldwide. "Cristina embodies the human creativity that defines Leo," said Venturelli. "Her perspective is the consumers from advertising to commerce to platforms which makes her invaluable to our creative community." Reina was recognized among the industry's top talent in the Cannes Lions Top Talent Report. She has done work for the Microsoft ADLaM project, which earned two Cannes Lions Grand Prix. advertisement advertisement Leo US also bolstered its creative team with Dean Paradise and Adriano Matos joining as executive creative directors at Leo Chicago. Paradise comes from GUT Miami, while Matos returns to Leo from his role as global executive creative director at Ogilvy. "Leo represents a bold vision for what a modern creative agency should be one that seeks to disrupt norms by leaning into our humanity," Reina added. The agency has offices in New York and Chicago. Photo: Norman Jean Roy by Ray Schultz , May 4, 2025 Union workers at the Detroit Free Press have approved a two-year contract with Gannett, providing a minimum 2.6% increase for all workers and other benefits. The new agreement has been approved by 90% of the membership. It replaces a contract that expired last November. "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," says Eric Lawrence, president of the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, CWA Local 34022, and the Free Press unit chair, according to the Free Press. The agreement raises starting hourly wages by $5 for several job classifications, including reporters, photographers and editorial assistants. Workers who do not receive an 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. advertisement advertisement "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, says Kristin Roberts, chief content officer at Gannett Media. The ratified contract by membership enables further stability and growth for our local publications, The Free Press Guild has 74 members; the agreement covers 78 total employees. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, May 5, 2025 Publicis Media agency Starcom, has appointed Preeti Nadgar as US Chief Strategy Officer. She joins from GroupMs EssenceMediacom where she was also Chief Strategy Officer. advertisement advertisement She reports to US CEO Shelby Saville and fills the role previously held by Kim Einan who left earlier this year to join OMD USA in the same capacity. Its the second senior role that Starcom has recently filled. In April the agency appointed Kate Dubois US Chief Client Officer. Nadgars appointment marks her return to the agency. From 2012 to 2016 she was vice president- director human experience strategy at the Chicago-based agency. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, May 5, 2025 Walmart is giving shoppers a glimpse of its future with the opening of a new supercenter in Cypress, Texas its first in four years. And while the store features updated layouts, expanded services, and regional flourishes like fresh tortillas and a sushi station, the bigger message may be this: Walmart is betting that a sleeker, smarter version of its signature value proposition can help defend its grocery dominance and fend off surging rivals like Costco. The new format is part of a broader growth strategy. Walmart plans to open additional supercenters this year in Frisco and Melissa, Texas; Eagle Mountain, Utah; and Eastvale, California. It also aims to convert more than 150 stores into the upgraded format over the next several years. According to Numerator, the company still holds the largest share of the U.S. grocery market 21.2% but that figure is down slightly from 21.5% a year ago. By contrast, Costcos share has grown to 8.5%, up from 8%. As economic pressure continues to reshape shopping habits, Walmarts affordability advantage is coming back into focus, and the company continues to attract more affluent shoppers looking to lower their grocery bills. advertisement advertisement Rupesh Parikh, an analyst who follows the retailer for Oppenheimer, notes that Walmart has historically gained ground in periods of economic strain, pointing to its consistent performance through multiple past recessions. While Parikhs analysis focuses on investor outlook, the implication for retail strategy is clear: Walmart tends to become a stronger draw when consumers are watching every dollar. The Cypress store offers a peek at how Walmart is combining that value positioning with more modern tools. In addition to updated tech, like QR codes, digital shelving, and app-based service scheduling, the store includes expanded pickup and delivery options, such as InHome and express delivery in as little as 30 minutes. On the amenities side, it features a drive-through pharmacy, a mothers room, and an auto care center. Behind the scenes, Walmart is making equally significant upgrades. Parikh recently toured the companys automated perishable and ecommerce fulfillment centers in the Dallas area and came away incrementally upbeat about Walmarts long-term potential. These infrastructure investments, he notes, create a runway for further margin improvements while supporting faster, more flexible service. That operational confidence is showing up in Walmarts messaging. Despite the unpredictable climate including the impact of new tariffs the company recently reaffirmed its full-year guidance and expects sales to rise between 3 and 4% in the next quarter. And while general merchandise remains volatile, with sales below original expectations, Parikh says Walmarts category mix gives it room to adapt. As the quarter progresses, Walmart appears increasingly focused on both offense and defense, building out tech and supply chain advantages while reminding customers why it has long been the retailer of choice in harder times. This store was built with the customer in mind, said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., in the announcement. Its part of a larger transformation happening across our stores as we reimagine what shopping looks like for the future. It shows whats possible when innovation meets intention." by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 5, 2025 Google confirmed a multiyear partnership with Range Media Partners, a talent firm and production company, to launch an initiative driven by its Platforms & Devices team that includes Android. Were working with Range to assist the creative community in integrating cutting-edge technologies and platforms, like XR and AI, into their filmmaking, the company posted on X. Range is known for its work on films including "A Complete Unknown" and "Longlegs," according to reports that began on Monday. Google and Range in April announced a partnership called AI On Screen to commission short films about AI, with the goal of making feature films. During the next 18 months, Google wrote in a post that, along with Range, it will commission original narratives by visionary filmmakers that explore the complex relationship between humanity and AI. advertisement advertisement We're looking for stories that will deeply resonate on a human level, exploring the emotional and ethical dilemmas that arise when we intertwine our lives with intelligent machines, Google wrote. The move comes as Hollywood grapples with higher costs and threat of U.S. tariffs on foreign-made films. Google could use this partnership to get its creative community on YouTube to adopt emerging tech products and services, like its Immersive View, a feature that allows viewers to see things in 3D. It also could get adopters to use artificial intelligence and some of its other emerging technology. President Trump is trying to bring Hollywood moviemaking back to the U.S., through incentives. He says too many U.S. moviemakers get tax breaks worldwide, and not enough movies are being made in the U.S. That may be due to resistance from states such as Wyoming. Its not for lack of trying. Dave Madison, reporter for the Cowboy State Daily, wrote Sheridan filmmaker Sen Patrick Higgins tried to help push Wyoming to give incentives for his industry to film more in Wyoming. When Wyoming would not open its doors, Higgins went to Montana and lobbied for incentives there. The lobbying worked. Montanas legislation creates allocations that will distribute credits to various sectors of the industry, with about 10% to any production company, 10% for independent film productions, 40% for productions using qualified Montana facilities, and 40% for companies domiciled in Montana, Madison writes. Indian Idol 12 champion Pawandeep Rajan met with a severe car accident and is presently receiving medical care in Noida. The mishap occurred when his vehicle collided with a stationary car. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the reports,the accident occurred on National Highway 9 in Amroha, UP. The details The accident took place around 3 a.m. today on National Highway 9, near the Gajraula police stations CO office. According to Station In-Charge Akhilesh Pradhan, Pawandeep Rajans MG Hector crashed into the rear of a parked Eicher Canter truck. Upon receiving the alert, police arrived promptly at the scene and rushed the injured to a nearby private hospital for immediate medical assistance. Later, Pawandeep was referred to a more advanced facility in Noida, where he was transported by his family for further treatment. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 As recognized by PCMag Readers Choice 2024, Micro Center is the #1 Tech Retailer in America. Since 1979, over 22 million IT professionals, small businesses, students, engineers, makers, gamers, and tech enthusiasts have relied on us for cutting-edge technology products, expert guidance, and industry-leading service. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, Micro Center has grown from a single 900 sq. ft. storefront into a national technology powerhouse with 29 stores in 19 statesand more on the way. We're proud to be one of the nations top suppliers of computers, electronics, networking gear, and maker products, with over 25,000 items in stock in our stores. A Legacy of Innovation Micro Center was founded by John Baker and Bill Bayneformer Radio Shack employeeswith just a $35,000 investment. From our first store in 1980 near Ohio State University to new state-of-the-art locations in cities like Santa Clara, Miami, and Charlotte, weve grown steadily by staying focused on what matters: great products, knowledgeable staff, and unmatched customer experience. Rick Mershad, our current CEO and President, was one of our first 10 employees, starting as a Sales Associate. We've led the way with innovations like our 18-Minute In-Store Pickup, exclusive PowerSpec desktops and in 2025, the launch of PriorityCare+, a premium tech support membership offering unlimited in-store and remote tech support, extended returns, cloud storage, and more. Selection That Sets Us Apart Whether you're building a PC from scratch, outfitting your small business, or setting up your network infrastructure, Micro Center is your one-stop destination. Were the leading U.S. supplier of Arduino and Raspberry Pi and a go-to source for custom PC components, 3D printers, maker tools, and professional-grade networking gear from top brands like Ubiquiti. With one of the deepest assortments in the industry, our shelves are stocked to meet the needs of casual users, gamers, makers, and professionals alikefrom CPUs and motherboards to monitors, memory, storage, and software. Service You Can Count On Our Knowledge Bar offers expert technical support, same-day PC builds, diagnostics, and on-site repairs. Customers also have access to our technicians via chat, or in-store consultations. We hire technology enthusiastsnot just salespeopleand give them ongoing training so they can deliver helpful, personalized guidance to customers at every level of tech experience. Its this consultative sales approach that keeps our customers coming back. Committed to Customer Satisfaction At Micro Center, we design every store based on extensive research into customer behavior, feedback, and shopping trends. Whether you're shopping in-store or online, youll experience a seamless, supportive, and informed retail experience. We also reward loyal customers with our Micro Center Insider Credit Card, offering 5% off purchases every day and special financing options. Our Mission We are determined to be the best computer store in the world. We are passionate about serving you in the best way possible. We will measure our success by how often you visit us. We believe that technology can make the world better, and that the time you spend with us is more valuable than the money you spend. Thats why we continue to invest in people, products, and services that bring technology to lifeat work, at home, and everywhere in between. AMSTERDAM (AP) Trains came to a halt, cars pulled to the side of the road and no planes arrived or departed in the Netherlands for two minutes on Sunday, as the country went silent to remember victims of war. Thousands of people gathered in Amsterdam to watch as Dutch King Willem-Alexander laid a wreath at a war memorial, 80 years and a day since the country was liberated from Nazi occupation in 1945. The first speaker at the annual event was 14-year-old Marijn van der Wilk who read a poem he had written about resistance during the war. They were brothers, sisters, neighbors. Just people, like you or me. In a time when doing good could be life-threatening. And yet they did it, he said during the nationally televised event. Prime Minister Dick Schoof discussed the grief his family felt over the death of his grandfather, who was executed by Nazi soldiers for his work in the resistance. On this day, in the two minutes of silence, that echo sounds extra loud. When we think of all the people who were murdered for who they were. Who died of hunger or exhaustion. Or who fought for peace and freedom. Our peace and freedom, Schoof said. The national day of commemoration, at which flags fly at half staff from buildings throughout the country, honors military personnel and civilians killed in conflicts around the world since the outbreak of World War II. It is followed Monday by celebrations to mark the countrys liberation from Nazi German occupation at the end of the war. Not every place in the country observed the remembrance. Some predominantly Christian areas honored the dead on Saturday, as to not disrupt the Sunday sabbath. In The Hague, a few hundred people gathered for an alternative commemoration. A group of civil servants organized May 4 inclusive, an event to remember all victims of conflict, frustrated with the Dutch governments response to the conflict in Gaza. According to the associations website, the official event is too restrictive. We commemorate both the victims of the past and the victims of today, regardless of where, by whom or when the war, genocide, persecution or oppression took place. We do not want to exclude anyone, all victims are given a place. A few pro-Palestinian slogans could be seen in the crowd in Amsterdam. Later Sunday evening, two veterans will light a Liberation Fire to kickstart a day of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of German occupation of the Netherlands. Mervyn Kersh, a 100-year-old veteran from Britain, and Nick Janicki, 101, from Canada will light the flame in Wageningen, the central city where German officers signed the official surrender in 1945, organizers said. Mike Corder in The Hague contributed to this report. CAIRO (AP) Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces launched a drone attack Sunday targeting a military airbase and civilian facilities in the coastal city of Port Sudan, the military said. No casualties were reported in what is the first known attack by the Rapid Support Forces on the Red Sea city. Port Sudan has served as an interim seat for the government since the war between the military and the RSF paramilitary group started more than two years ago. Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, a spokesman for the Sudanese military, said RSF drones hit an ammunition warehouse in the Osman Digna airbase, causing explosions. The attack also hit a cargo warehouse and civilian installations, he said in a statement. Video footage posted on social media appeared to show plumes of thick smoke rising above the airbase. The attack briefly halted air traffic at Port Sudan's airport, according to the Sudanese civil aviation authority. The city's airport has been the country's entry point since the RSF occupied the Khartoum international airport at the start of the war. The military retook the capital's airport earlier this year but the facility has yet to be functional. There was no immediate comment from the RSF. The rebel group has stepped up its drone attacks on civilian facilities in military held areas in Sudan. Last month, the paramilitaries hit a major power plant in Atbara, a railway city, north of Khartoum. The drone attacks came after the military re-took Khartoum earlier this year, pushing the RSF to their stronghold in the western region of Darfur. As the military consolidated its positions in the capital, the RSF advanced in other areas in the countys peripheries, capturing Sudans largest camp for displaced people in North Darfur and a key town in West Kordofan province. Activists accused the RSF of committing atrocities, including street killing and rape, in the two areas where hundreds of people were reported killed. Sudans ongoing war broke out on April 15, 2023 after simmering tensions between the military and the RSF exploded into open warfare across the country. Since then, at least 24,000 people have been killed, though the number is likely far higher. The war has driven about 13 million people from their homes, including 4 million who crossed into neighboring countries. It also pushed parts of the country into famine. The fighting has been marked by atrocities including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, especially in Darfur, according to the U.N. and international rights groups. LONDON (AP) British counterterrorism officers arrested four Iranian men over an alleged plot to attack an unspecified target and three others over a national security threat, police said Sunday. The government called them the biggest counter state threat and counterterrorism operations for years. The Metropolitan Police force said five men aged between 29 and 46 were detained Saturday in various parts of England under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Four are Iranian citizens and the nationality of the fifth was still being established. Police said the attack plot targeted a single location that was not being named for operational reasons. It said the premises was being given "advice and support." All the suspects were being questioned at police stations and have not been charged. Police said they are searching several properties in London, the Manchester area of northwest England and Swindon in western England. Forensic officers in blue overalls were photographed at a house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, where one of the men was detained. Three of the counterterror arrests took place in the Greater Manchester area, one in London and one in Swindon. Rochdale resident Kyle Warren told Sky News he heard a massive bang and saw 20 or 30 police with guns drag a man from a neighboring house. Weve seen a man getting pulled out from the back, basically got dragged down the side entry and thrown into all the bushes and then handcuffed, he said. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the forces Counter Terrorism Command, said police are still working to establish a motive as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public. Separately, three other Iranian men, aged 39, 44 and 55, were arrested in London on suspicion of a national security offense as part of an unrelated investigation, police said. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said these were two major operations that reflect some of the biggest counter-state threat and counterterrorism operations that we have seen in recent years. Britains domestic intelligence service has warned of a growing threat from attackers linked to Tehran. Cooper said "the ongoing investigation is immensely important" to determine whether the arrests were connected to the Iranian state. She said this reflects the complexity of the kinds of challenges to our national security that we continue to face. In October, the head of the MI5 domestic security service, Ken McCallum, said his agents and police have tackled 20 potentially lethal plots backed by Iran since 2022, most aimed at Iranians in the U.K. who oppose the countrys authorities. He said at the time there was the risk of an increase in, or broadening of, Iranian state aggression in the U.K. if conflicts in the Middle East deepened. In March 2024, Pouria Zeraati, a presenter at a Farsi-language television station critical of the Iranian government, was stabbed in the leg outside his home in London. Two men were later arrested in Romania and charged over the attack. The U.K.s official terror threat level stands at substantial, the middle of a five-point scale, meaning an attack is likely. ___ A previous version of this story said the alleged target was in London. Police have not specified its location. LONDON A 100-year-old Royal Air Force veteran accepted the thanks of a nation Monday as Britain paused to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and honor the men and women who fought to save the country during World War II. The day featured a procession by 1,300 members of the British armed forces, accompanied by troops from Ukraine and the U.K.s NATO allies. The parade didn't begin until Alan Kennett, who landed in northern France on D-Day, accepted the salute from Garrison Sgt. Major Andrew Stokes in front of an audience that included King Charles III. Thank you and your generation for securing our freedom 80 years ago, Stokes, in scarlet tunic and bearskin hat, said before saluting the RAF veteran, wearing a navy blue blazer with his medals pinned on the left breast. This years V-E Day events have taken on increased significance because they are likely to be the last major observance to include significant numbers of World War II veterans. After Big Ben tolled at noon, actor Timothy Spall recited the victory speech wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered to a roaring crowd in central London on May 8, 1945. Britain started its V-E Day ceremonies three days early because Monday is a public holiday in the U.K. I think weve been very lucky that weve had 80 years of peace and weve got to think about all those that have (made) the ultimate sacrifice, and theres very few of them left now because theyre all over 100, said Michael Burn, 67, who wore a suit patterned after Britains red, white and blue Union flag. This is the last time we will celebrate the day in this sort of scale. Then it was time for the parade from the Houses of Parliament, through Trafalgar Square and down the Mall to Buckingham Palace. The Ukrainian contingent, though small, won a huge round of applause as their flag swept past the royal viewing platform. The event ended with a flyover by British military aircraft, including a wartime Lancaster bomber and the RAFs Red Arrows aerobatic team. In the down moments, the Princess of Wales chatted amiably with Bernard Morgan, 101, a veteran who worked as a code breaker during the conflict. Afterward, she introduced Morgan to her children, George, 11, Charlotte, 10 and Louis, 7. Their place in the front row was a reminder of the gulf between those who fought in World War II and the present generation. With even the youngest of those men and women nearing their 100th birthdays and their ranks dwindling rapidly, many have said they feel a special imperative to tell their stories and attend events that honor their fallen comrades. Kennett, a mechanic who landed in Normandy to set up an airfield, said he was proud to represent the veterans. I just remember those that didnt come back, he said. Thats the thing that sticks in my mind. Im lucky. I got out. Theres a lot that didnt, believe me. Luck of the draw. It shouldnt be forgotten. The Air Force's top uniformed leader pointed to increases in recruiting numbers, slightly longer basic military training exercises and new dining hall options as examples of how he is reviving the service's "warrior ethos" -- using a phrase pushed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In an update letter to all airmen Friday, Gen. David Allvin, the chief of staff, said the service has already signed up and enlisted 74% of the people it set for its fiscal 2025 goal. "A year and a half ago, I committed to leading our Air Force into the future through initiatives designed to ensure we remain the world's most lethal force," Allvin said in his letter. "This update outlines our strategic direction as we continue to revive our warrior ethos and rebuild our military." Read Next: Tricare West Region Patients Get Another Extension on Specialty Care Authorizations Allvin said in the last six months, "our recruiting statistics have continually exceeded our goals," adding "it's a true testament to our unwavering commitment to build the best warfighting team possible." While Hegseth has been quick to attribute those recruiting upswings in the Air Force, as well as other services such as the Army, to the reelection of President Donald Trump and the new administration's priorities, personnel experts tell Military.com it's too soon to tell what factors are contributing to the shift. Notably, the Air Force has been working tirelessly since the COVID-19 pandemic to reverse a downward recruiting trend, which culminated in 2023 in the service missing its recruiting goal for the first time since 1999. Since then, the Air Force made numerous policy changes, including loosening tattoo restrictions, allowing for higher percentages of body fat and expanding waivers overall, Military.com previously reported. Taren Sylvester, a research assistant at the Center for a New American Security think tank in Washington, D.C., told Military.com it's too soon to tell whether the new administration or other factors, even potential fears of a shaky economy, are causing the upticks in recruiting. Many of those who have joined in the last six months are from the Air Force's delayed entry program -- a waiting area for recruits known as the DEP -- who have joined and are waiting to ship out to boot camp. "A lot of these recruits that you see going in, in those first six months are people who were in the delayed entry program from the end of last fiscal year," Sylvester said in an interview. "Those are being metered out over the course of the fiscal year to control the flow of how people are going to basic at one time." Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, told reporters at the Air and Space Forces Association's Warfare Symposium in Colorado in March that the service had been adding to the DEP "at a rate not seen in over 15 years." An Air Force spokesperson, when asked whether the service attributes the uptick in recruiting numbers to the new administration, did not explicitly say it was due to Trump or Hegseth. "The positive recruiting trend we are experiencing is a result of many factors, including an excitement to serve, effective marketing and proactive community engagement, amongst others," said the spokesperson, who gave the comment on the condition their name not be used. "What is most important is, the trend continues and young Americans continue to want to serve their country like we are seeing right now." Among other items mentioned in Allvin's letter to the force was that PACER FORGE, a culminating exercise at basic military training that stands for the Primary Agile Combat Employment Range, Forward Operations Readiness Generation Exercise, had been expanded from 36 hours to 57 hours. "By introducing operational concepts and mission-focused skills earlier in training, PACER FORGE reinforces the warrior mindset from day one," Allvin wrote in the letter. "We are harnessing the innovative talent and warrior ethos that exist in every corner of our Air Force." Notably, PACER FORGE was instituted as a replacement in 2022 for BEAST Week -- a weeklong mock deployment exercise that stood for Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training. Allvin also highlighted that "responding to feedback," the Air Force updated its dining facility menus with new meal options to "better support warfighter performance." He also highlighted the progress made on the services F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter as well as unmanned fighters dubbed Collaborative Combat Aircraft and planned large-scale exercises in the Pacific slated for this summer. The chief of staff's brief update letter made multiple references to "warfighters" and "warrior ethos" throughout the text. Military.com reported during the Air and Space Forces Association's March conference in Colorado that Allvin had seemingly embraced Hegseth's new rhetoric during his keynote address. Related: 'Warheads on Foreheads': Top Leaders for Air Force, Space Force Leaning into Defense Secretary's Rhetoric After Maj. Zachary Sessa launched his F-35C Lightning II's payload at Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen last year, the historical significance of the flight dawned on him. Nearly a year ago, Sessa deployed with the Marine Corps' first F-35C unit aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln bound for the Pacific. But with less than a month out of port, the Pentagon ordered the carrier strike group to the Middle East as Iran-backed Houthis continued to attack shipping vessels in the region. The physical redirection also constituted a mental one for the troops aboard the strike group. Having spent their pre-deployment expecting to train in the Pacific amid escalating tensions with China in the region, air-to-surface combat near contested Middle Eastern waterways quickly settled in as the new reality as they steamed westward. Read Next: Tricare West Region Patients Get Another Extension on Specialty Care Authorizations By early November, just four months after the group left the West Coast, Sessa was in the air leading the first combat missions the Marine Corps' stealth fighter had ever participated in -- missions that would lead to top aviation awards for him and his squadron. Sessa, 33, of Butler, Pennsylvania, comes from a long line of aviators, with his father having flown the A-7D Corsair for the Air National Guard and his grandfather, a Marine veteran, flew commercial aircraft. He reflected on the November combat sorties in an interview with Military.com last week, not initially expecting to complete them when he first left port from California last summer. As the Marine Corps' first F-35C weapons and tactics instructor, or WTI, Sessa found himself as a keystone for the mission, helping train 15 critical aviation personnel over the course of a year. But soon after they left San Diego's port in July, Sessa was on the Lincoln preparing to launch under cover of the dark night. He was moving around the tight flight deck, "praying that everyone's aircraft starts up properly" and connecting with his wingman as they readied their machines headed for Houthi territory and a notch in aviation history. It started out feeling like any other training mission, he said, "but there's obviously a transition at a certain point where it's like, 'OK, we're executing real-world combat operations now; there's no room for errors at this point.'" The Houthis have used missiles and drones to attack shipping vessels in areas such as the Red Sea. The group has shot down upward of a dozen or more U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones since Hamas' deadly surprise attack on Israel in 2023, which plunged the region into chaos and emboldened the Yemen-based Houthis. While Sessa did not specify the threats he might encounter on the sortie, he said accompanying intelligence departments briefed him on the number and locations of said threats and was confident in those assessments amid the "unknowns" common to any combat flight. He remembered saying: "We understand what the threats are, we have a solid plan to mitigate it, and we can meet mission success within the exceptional level of risks that we've been given." Those elements, as well as the safety of his wingman, were on his mind as he launched into the dark sky, his ordnance bound for Yemen where Houthi weapon storage facilities were and continue to be a common target for American military operating in U.S. Central Command. After he released his payload, he saw his target explode. He saw his wingman's target explode. It was then that he allowed himself a "very fleeting moment" of self-reflection, knowing the mission was not complete until the aircraft was back on deck. "This is a pretty significant piece of Marine Corps history that we're executing right now. And we made it here. So let's get the job done. Let's get our aircraft back to the ship safely," he remembered thinking. "This is pretty surreal," he continued. "We're so far away from home and just doing something that most people probably don't even know is going on. Most Americans don't know what's going on." Back on deck, there was no "Top Gun"-level fanfare. For the most part, it was business as usual: post-mission maintenance, chow, "tape review" of the targeting. But there was indeed a buzz as the other mission commander congratulated Sessa and ordnance Marines rushed excitedly to open the weapon bay doors to see whether the munitions they had loaded onto the jet were still there -- they weren't. The unit redeployed on Dec. 14 after five months at sea and before President Donald Trump's administration launched an "intense and sustained" targeting campaign against the Houthis in March of this year under codename Operation Rough Rider. Since then, the scope and scale of this new, ramped-up operation has been unclear, with U.S. Central Command offering rare details throughout and often citing "operational security." Sessa said his squadron, Fighter Attack Squadron 314 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California -- also known as "the Black Knights" -- nominated him during the deployment for the Alfred A. Cunningham Award, named after the service's first aviator and is a recognition for the Marine Aviator of the Year, the service said in late April. He will be honored in a ceremony in Dallas, Texas, this month and said: "I would not have received this award had we not had the squadron that we did, the Marines that we did, the fellow aviators that we did." The Black Knights were named Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year as well. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, who served as the commanding officer of VMFA-314 until March, said in an emailed statement that Sessa's participation in the sorties was historic. "Maj. Sessa's integral role in unprecedented combat strikes, and his contribution to mission success is a testament to his leadership, experience, and proficiency, forever etched in Black Knight history," he said. Related: Marine Corps Drone Team Competitions Are Coming to a Unit Near You Soon SAN DIEGO, C.A. Barbara Allen, sixth great-granddaughter of Sojourner Truth, says shell never forget the ceremony where the U.S. Navy christened a John Lewis-class oiler the USNS Sojourner Truth in honor of the abolitionist, womens rights champion and Ulster County native. Allen, the ships sponsor under a longstanding naval tradition that dates back to 1908, recalled smashing a champagne bottle on the ship during a ceremony at a San Diego shipyard on Saturday, April 26. Allen was joined by her granddaughter Carmen Allen, 19, who served as the ships maid of honor at the ceremony attended by 2,000 people. Just breaking that champagne bottle, I felt the spirit of Sojourner standing next to me, and Ill never forget it, Allen, of Battle Creek, Michigan, said. It immediately started moving, it was the first time it touched water, she added. Allen said it was great to share this moment with her granddaughter, Truths eighth great-granddaughter. For her to be able to see something like this was unbelievable, she said. Sponsors are always women, Allen added. She admitted she hadnt known about this tradition before this. Truth was born in 1797 in the town of Esopus as Isabella Baumfree and was one of seven slaves owned by Johannes Hardenburgh. She was sold at about age 12 to John Ignatius Dumont, who operated a farm in what is now the town of Esopus. She left Esopus in 1826, after Dumont broke a promise to free her, and took her infant daughter and walked 11 miles to Poppletown, in New Paltz, where she was taken in by the VanWagenen family in a Quaker community. In 1828, a year after New York abolished slavery, Truth became the first Black woman to win a lawsuit against a white man when she took Dumont to court for illegally selling her 5-year-old son to an Alabama slave owner. Allen said in a Thursday, May 1, interview that she still feels a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing. My trip to San Diego and to see her honored not just on a plaque or building, but on a working ship honoring her legacy is profoundly moving, she added. Allen said she arrived on Thursday, April 24, then took a tour of the ship and took part in another naval ceremony on Friday, April 25, mast stepping ceremony. followed by a big reception dinner for Allen and her granddaughter, attended by 200 people. Allen presented several different gifts to the ship, including a framed poster of Truth along with several books, including Truths narrative and a book about her Aint I a Woman speech for the ships library. Allen and her granddaughter were each presented with a painting depicting the ship, Truth herself, the Ulster County Courthouse in Kingston where Truth won the case against DuMont to get her son back, Sojourner Truth State Park and the Sojourner Mars rover. Allen hopes to come to Ulster County and display the painting and has been in talks with county officials to display it at Sojourner Truth-related events this year, possibly in August and November. Ulster County is a second home for me, she said. Allen said she only had a short talk with the artist They also presented me with a wooden box housing the champagne bottle that I broke on the bow of the ship, she said. While Allen has done a lot of events about Sojourner Truth, both in Battle Creek, where Truth lived and did much of her activist work, and in Ulster County, and events for the two childrens books shes authored, she said nothing was quite like this event. Allen said a representative from the Navy reached out to her in 2023, letting her and other family members know that Sojourner Truth was picked for the next vessel in the John Lewis Class fleet. Allen recalled that the Navy rep reached out to her after a Google search. I suspect my name was the first to pop up with my childrens books and the events Ive done in other places, she added. Allen explained the ships role. The oiler replenishes the Navy ships, delivering crucial cargo and providing humanitarian assistance to those in crisis, Allen said. They say it is one of the most important ships. Those were big parts that I found compelling, Allen said. They also carry mail to sailors at sea and keep them connected to their loved ones. Being the ships sponsor comes with several obligations, including being part of nine major milestones of the ship, Allen said. She added that she is technically considered a member of the crew. That started with the laying of the keel ceremony last year, which she could not attend. She said the next most important milestone in the ships history will be the commissioning ceremony, where it is accepted by the U.S. Navy, and becomes part of the active fleet. That ceremony is still about a year from now, when all construction is finished, she said. The sponsor mans the ship and brings her to life, Allen said. The crew wont board until I say that. Turning back to Truth, Allen said her great, great, great, great, great, great-grandmothers life has a message for people during a difficult time in this countrys history. I hope people take away that doing the right thing and standing up for the truth is not in vain, Allen said. You may not see a payback in our lifetime, just like Sojourner didnt, but eventually youll see the effect of your hard work. 2025 Daily Freeman, Kingston, N.Y.. Visit www.dailyfreeman.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The White House has backed off President Donald Trumps stunning social media proposal to change the name of Veterans Day to Victory Day for World War I and will settle for keeping the name while adding a proclamation hailing American victory in World War I. The White House will also go with a victory proclamation rather than a name change -- at least in the U.S. -- for V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which is observed every May 8 in Europe and May 9 in Russia to mark Nazi Germanys surrender to the allies in World War II. We are not renaming Veterans Day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told ABC News on Friday. It will just be an additional proclamation that goes out on that day. Read Next: Tricare West Region Patients Get Another Extension on Specialty Care Authorizations Leavitt also posted on Trumps Truth Social platform: We will always honor Veterans Day, and we should commemorate the end of WWI and WWII as victory days. The quick about-face by the White House came after Trump stirred up opposition from veterans groups to his late-night post Thursday on Truth Social: Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May 8th as Victory Day, but we did more than any other country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II. I am hereby renaming May 8th as Victory Day for World War II and November 11th as Victory Day for World War I. The argument could be made that victory for World War II on May 8, 1945, was way off the mark since the war in the Pacific raged on and did not end until the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki brought about Japans official surrender on Sept. 2, 1945. However, the latest proposed name changes were in line with other name changes Trump has put in place with little opposition in his second term in office. On Jan. 20, the day he took the oath, Trump signed an executive order telling the secretary of the interior to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." He followed that with another order to reinstate the name of Mount McKinley for the tallest peak in North America by scrapping the 2015 decision to give the mountain the Alaskan Native name -- Denali. But the attempt to overhaul how the nation marks and commemorates major military holidays and honors those who served proved to be another matter entirely as opposition surfaced slowly and began to surge. The Disabled American Veterans service organization put out a one-word statement Friday on Trumps plan to change the name of Veterans Day: No. The DAV, with more than one million members, has been at the forefront in challenging Trump on his plans to downsize the federal workforce and possibly cut Medicaid. Other VSOs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Defense Department deferred questions to the White House, and the Department of Veterans Affairs did not give any response. Trump also could have faced a major fight with Congress since name changes for a federal holiday such as Veterans Day would require congressional approval. In a statement, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said Trump had missed the point on what Veterans Day was about. Veterans Day is a day to celebrate every man and woman who has stepped up to serve and fight for our freedoms and democracy, Blumenthal said in a statement. Theres no reason to not establish a separate holiday to remember Americas victory in the first World War, rather than replace this important holiday to honor all of Americas past and present veterans. The Veterans of Foreign Wars initially held off on commenting Friday on Trumps plan to change the name of Veterans Day in an effort to reach out to the White House for clarification. But VFW spokesman Rob Couture told Military.com Monday that its in the best interests of everyone to keep it Veterans Day. He noted that Leavitt, the White House press secretary, had said there will be proclamations on Veterans Day and V-E Day but no name changes, and were satisfied with what the press secretary said. For us, it means a lot, Couture said, to keep Veterans Day as a pause in the calendar recalling the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month on Nov. 11, 1918, when the guns fell silent across the trenches in World War I. The original observances of what was then called Armistice Day emphasized the need for vigilance to maintain peace in contrast to Trumps view celebrating victory. We are going to start celebrating our victories again, Trump said in his post on Truth Social. We won both wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything -- thats because we dont have leaders anymore that know how to do so. On Nov. 11, 1926, President Calvin Coolidge gave an entirely different account of why World War I was fought before a crowd of more than 100,000 at the dedication of the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. Coolidge said the monument had not been raised to commemorate war and victory, but rather the results of war and victory, which are embodied in peace and liberty. President Dwight D. Eisenhower made similar remarks stressing peace in his June 1, 1954, proclamation changing the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day honoring all who served, past and future. Eisenhower said Nov. 11 should be a day of commemoration of those who sacrificed to preserve our nation and of rededication to the task of achieving an enduring peace. Related: Frantic Refugees, Helicopters Pushed Overboard: Memories of the Fall of Saigon 50 Years Later **Title: Tame Your Macs Search Bar: A Quick Guide to Google Dominance** (How To Make Google Default Search Engine On Mac) Lets face it. Safari on Mac is sleek, fast, and stubborn. By default, it might cling to Bing or another search engine like a koala to a eucalyptus tree. But if youre here, youre done with that. You want Googlethe search giant that answers everything from best pizza near me to why is my cat judging me. Good news: Making Google your Macs search BFF takes less time than brewing coffee. Lets dive in. First, open Safari. Look for that compass icon in your dock. If its hiding, click the magnifying glass (Spotlight) at the top-right corner of your screen, type Safari, and hit Enter. BoomSafaris alive. Now, peek at the top-left corner of your screen. See the word Safari next to the Apple logo? Click it. A menu drops down. Find Settings (or Preferences if youre using an older macOS version). Click it. A new window pops upthis is Safaris control room. Look for the Search tab. Its usually between General and Privacy. Click it. Now, spot the dropdown menu labeled Search Engine. By default, it might say Bing, DuckDuckGo, or Ecosia. Click that menu. A list appears. Find Google. Click it. Done. Wait, really? Yep. Close the settings window. Open a new tab. Type weather in the search bar. Hit Enter. If Googles colorful logo greets you, congratsyouve just upgraded your Macs search game. But wait. What if Safari resists? Lets troubleshoot. Sometimes, macOS updates reset preferences. Go back to Safari > Settings > Search. Ensure Google is selected. Still no luck? Restart Safari. Click Safari in the menu bar, choose Quit Safari, then relaunch. Test the search bar again. Still stuck? Check for macOS updates. Click the Apple logo > About This Mac > Software Update. Install any pending updates. Outdated software can cause weird glitches. After updating, revisit Safaris settings and set Google as default. Heres a pro tip: Customize your search experience. In Safaris settings, under the Search tab, toggle options like Search Engine Suggestions or Quick Website Search. These tweaks let Google predict your queries or jump straight to sites like Wikipedia. Handy, right? What if you use multiple browsers? Chrome fans, listen up. If Safari isnt your main browser, set Google as default in Chrome too. Open Chrome, click the three dots at the top-right, go to Settings > Search Engine > Google. Now, no matter which browser you pick, Googles got your back. Think of your Macs search bar like a GPS. You wouldnt let it default to a map from 1995. Why settle for a search engine that doesnt vibe with you? With Google in charge, every query feels like chatting with a friend who knows too muchbut in a good way. One last thing: Bookmark this guide. Next time a macOS update ambushes your settings, youll reclaim Google in seconds. No more frantic googling of how to fix Safari search. Youre now the boss of your browser. Go forth and search like a pro. (How To Make Google Default Search Engine On Mac) There you go. No jargon, no fluff. Just straight-up steps to make your Mac obey your search whims. Happy Googling! Inquiry us if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected]) Weather Alert Take action to protect yourself and others extreme heat can affect everyones health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your regions public health authority. Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind. Humidex values reaching 40 are expected. A heat event is expected 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. Shortstop Nick Ahmed has elected to become a free agent rather than accept an outright assignment to the Rangers Triple-A affiliate, the team announced. Texas designated Ahmed for assignment earlier this week. The Rangers signed Ahmed to a minor league deal during the offseason, released him prior to Opening Day, and then brought him back on a fresh minors contract midway through April. This latter deal paid off with some time on the big league roster, as Ahmed had his contract selected when regular shortstop Corey Seager was on the injured list. Ahmed started three of his five games in a Rangers uniform, with one hit in 10 plate appearances. With more than 10 years of Major League service time on his resume, Ahmed had more than enough experience to turn down outright assignments in favor of free agency, and he has taken this route multiple times over the last two seasons during past DFAs. After spending his first 10 big league seasons with the Diamondbacks, Ahmed has bounced around to the Giants, Padres, Dodgers, and Rangers since February 2024, getting at least a bit of MLB action with all four of those teams. The 35-year-old Ahmed might opt to re-sign with Texas again once he checks out the market, or he could seek out another opportunity with a new club. In any case, Ahmed is likely ticketed for a glove-first depth role wherever he signs on another minor league deal. An ongoing scam involving discount medical insurance could leave you with a medical bill according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In a warning issued last week, the FBI says the ongoing scam gets people to believe theyve purchased medical insurance only to later find out their plan did not cover their costs. "These scams often target people who are looking for more affordable healthcare options and use misleading tactics such as stating to be a legitimate medical insurance provider, pressuring people to sign up quickly due to time limited special rates, or promising free services with hidden fees to lure people to sign up," reads part of the warning. "A typical discount medical insurance scam begins with unsolicited contact via calls, texts, or emails from unknown businesses offering special deals or discounted medical insurance." The FBI says the state of Washington issued a cease-and-desist against a discount medical insurance company accused of operating under multiple names. The state received more than 100 complaints of fraudulent practices made by the company. Victims claimed the company misrepresented coverage plans and did not cover medical expenses after leading victims to believe the costs would be at least partially covered. The company is also accused of not issuing refunds to those who cancelled other health care plans in order to sign up for the new plan. Examples of the scam were provided in the FBI warning and include the following accusations made by victims: A couple from Pennsylvania was pressured to sign up for a discount medical insurance plan through what they believed was a national provider. The couple was told to act quickly, or they would lose the temporarily discounted price for the plan. Following an emergency room visit and an appointment with their primary care physician, the couple received an explanation of benefits stating they were responsible for all medical bills as the medical services received by the couple were not covered by their policy. Another individual from Pennsylvania was contacted by a healthcare representative claiming that their company could offer a much cheaper plan than the one the individual had. The individual was told he would receive a refund for his current plan once he signed up for the new plan but did not receive any information regarding the refund. The representative indicated the individual had to act quickly or lose the deep discount. After purchasing the new healthcare plan, the individual never received the promised refund and was unable to get any information from the new insurance company. An individual in Texas responded to an advertisement offering aid for gasoline and groceries to senior citizens. He was told he had to sign up for a dental policy with a specific insurance company to obtain the aid. After he signed up, he tried to cancel the dental insurance policy but was told by customer service to request the cancellation via email. The insurance company did not respond to his emails requesting to cancel his dental insurance policy, and he had to cancel his credit card to stop the charges. An individual in Maryland was told he would save thousands of dollars by purchasing a health insurance policy and paying for the entire year up front. He was told the new policy would cover his current medical providers and hospitals, and he would only be responsible for a $20 co-pay per doctors office visit and $50 per urgent care visit. After needing emergency surgery, the hospital informed him that they did not accept his new health insurance, and he was responsible for the $7000 cost of the surgery. To protect yourself, the FBI says there are several things you can do to ensure you are not a victim. First, verify that the plan is being offered by a reputable source. You can contact the state insurance commissioner or the Better Business Bureau to verify the company. Next, you should contact your current medical providers to determine if the plan you are considering is accepted by them. Never pay for any of the offerings upfront before youve had a chance to review the policy thoroughly. If the company does not send policy documents, that is a sign of fraud. If policy documents are sent, be sure to review them to understand exactly what is offered by the policy. If you believe you are a victim of this type of fraud, the FBI asks you to report it to the FBIs Internet Crimes Complaint Center. File photo. A woman working within the Michigan Department of Corrections is suing her former coworker, the prison system and its director for sexual harassment and retaliation. Josh Boland | MLive.com (Update at 4:35 p.m., May 5, with comment from the Michigan Department of Corrections) A Michigan Department of Corrections employee alleges her supervisor repeatedly coerced her to have sex with him for more than a year and when she revealed what happened, the department punished her for it. This image of M3s core was constructed using Hubble observations in visible and infrared light Photo courtesy of . NASA, ESA, STScI and A. Sarajedini (University of Florida) Spring means its time to look up into our night sky and find one of the oldest objects in our galaxy: the M3 Cluster. NASA and other sky experts call this group of ancient stars a truly distant wonder. Its best observed in June, but you can start to search for it already in our night sky. The easiest way to see it is with either a small telescope, or a good pair of binoculars. Initially, the astronomer who first made note of this fuzzy-looking glowing cluster thought it might be a nebula. But its not. M3 is whats called a globular cluster. Scientists believe its 11 to 13 billion years old, and it is home to half a million stars. How is a globular cluster like M3 different from other star clusters we can see, like the Pleiades? NASA explains it this way: Unlike open clusters like the Pleiades, which sit within the Milky Ways spiral arms, globular clusters are found in the galaxys halo, orbiting far above and below the Milky Ways disk, NASA staff said in a recent skywatching blog. Our galaxy has around 150 confirmed globular clusters. If you are a skilled night sky watcher, M3 should not be hard for you to find. But its even a good object for beginners to try and spot. Whether using binoculars or a telescope, youll be rewarded with a view of one of the oldest objects in our galaxy. A sky chart to help you find the M3 Cluster: Sky chart facing east showing the location of globular cluster M3. The chart depicts the cluster's position relative to the Big Dipper and bright stars Arcturus and Cor Caroli. The Big Dipper star Megrez serves as an indicator for the brightness of Cor Caroli. For easy visibility, M3 is depicted brighter and larger than its actual appearance. Graphic courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech Here are some directions from NASA on how to spot the M3 Cluster. You can also refer to the sky chart map above. Finding M3 starts with the Big Dipper: Time might be running out for travelers who forgot to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant ID, but some Michigan residents may already be qualified without knowing. According to the Michigan Secretary of State office, Michigan Real IDs can be identified by a star in a gold circle or a star inside the silhouette of Michigan in the upper right hand corner of the ID. If your license or ID does not feature the star, your ID is not compliant. Related story: 74% of Michigan residents have REAL ID as federal deadline approaches However, the SOS also says those with an enhanced drivers license or ID are automatically Real ID-compliant, even if the star is not on the ID. That means if you have an enhanced license or ID, you do not need to do anything extra in order to become compliant. Real IDs have gained national attention in recent weeks as they will be required for a handful of purposes starting Wednesday, May 7. The Transportation Security Administration says it will no longer accept state-issued identifications, including drivers licenses, that are not REAL ID-compliant for travelers looking to pass security checkpoints. The TSA warns that travelers without a Real ID face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint, according to the TSA. You may still be able to board a plane without a Real ID, as you can still use other acceptable forms of ID for flying, including: U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport card, permanent resident card, or a border crossing card. The full list of acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints can be found here. Real ID will also be needed for anyone visiting certain federal facilities, military bases and nuclear power plants. Although the law goes into effect this week, it was actually passed in 2005. Implementation of the law has been difficult and led to repeated delays in launching the program. Some lawmakers say their states still arent ready for the switch, but TSA insists enforcement will begin in a phased approach starting this week. While its too late to have a physical ID before Wednesdays deadline, if you wish to upgrade your Michigan ID, you can schedule an appointment at a Secretary of State office. For that appointment, you will need: Your current Michigan drivers license or ID. A valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence document A certified legal name-change document, if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate. If you choose to update to the Real ID while renewing or replacing your license or ID, there will be no charge. If you elect to update ID at any other time, you will be charged a $9 fee for drivers licenses and a $10 fee for ID. For more information on updating your ID in Michigan, visit the Secretary of State website. WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration says it will literally pay immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally to leave the country. In an announcement made Monday, the Department of Homeland Security says it is offering a $1,000 stipend to qualified immigrants after they return to their home nation. Related story: ICE arrests 1 outside of Ypsilanti court DHS also said it will help with financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel to the persons home country, through the CBP Home App. If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App, said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport. To receive the assistance and $1,000 payment, immigrants in the U.S. illegally must download the app and submit their Intent to Depart. Once they do so, they will be able to seek assistance to leave the country. Once it is verified the person has returned to their home country, the payment will be issued, according to DHS. Along with the financial benefits, DHS says immigrants who report the intent to depart will be deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure. Meaning that as long as the person can show they are actively trying to leave the U.S., Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not make their apprehension a priority. Those who self-deport may also be able to preserve the option to re-enter the U.S. legally at a later date, DHS said. By offering the assistance and payments, the agency believes it will save money. DHS estimates the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an immigrant in the country illegally is $17,121. Under the self-deportation plan, the agency estimates it will decrease those costs by 70 percent. For more information on the program and how to apply for assistance, visit the DHS website. Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate - demanding Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit drop charges against four protesters arrested during the clearing of an encampent on the University of Michigan Diag - outside the Washtenaw County Trial Court, 101 E. Huron in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com ANN ARBOR, MI Gerald Jones is satisfied a jury found the man who killed his mother guilty of first-degree murder, but says justice is not complete Because I dont have her, Jones said after the verdict. You cant replace one so sweet. University of Michigan President Santa Ono speaks during the University of Michigans 2025 Spring Commencement at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, May 3 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Statement from Regent Paul Brown has been added, as well as a joint Board of Regents statement. ANN ARBOR, MI - After just three years, Santa Ono is leaving his role as president of the University of Michigan. Ono was chosen as the sole finalist for the same position at the University of Florida. He expects to assume that role this summer, he announced in a May 4 release through his UM office. I have informed the Chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, Kathy White, of my decision, he said in the release. This decision was not made lightly, given the deep bond (his wife) Wendy and I have formed with this extraordinary community. Regent Paul Brown said it was an honor and a privilege to work with him and his wonderful family. I wish him the best of luck, Brown said. The entire board released a statement late Sunday night, saying Ono made the board proud. President Onos leadership is reflected in numerous achievements, the board said in the statement. Over the course of his tenure, he has encouraged all of us to dream boldly, to fearlessly explore ideas, to push the boundaries of knowledge and to be daring in our plans so that we could achieve more than we ever thought was possible. Ono was hired in October 2022 to replace Mark Schlissel after it was found Schlissel was in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. This firing occurred at the same time the university was dealing with litigation over the Dr. Robert Anderson sexual abuse scandal, as well as a number of reforms to its sexual misconduct reporting and investigation policy. Ono was previously the president at the University of British Columbia, and before that the president of the University of Cincinnati. The University of Florida announced Ono was named as its sole finalist for the presidents position in a May 4 release of its own. Its Board of Governors must approve Onos appointment to make it official. Dr. Onos proven record of academic excellence, innovation and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions made him our unanimous choice, the Florida university said. We are confident he is the right person to build on UFs strong foundation and help realize our bold vision for the future. Ono would be the full-time replacement for former UF President Ben Sasse, who stepped down in July 2024. His three-year tenure saw the unveiling of Campus Plan 2050, which outlines how the Ann Arbor campus will transform over the next 25 years. It also saw him help facilitate the deal to break ground on the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, which was long mired in stalled negotiations. He and the Board of Regents also expanded the free tuition program known as the Go Blue Guarantee to families making $125,000 or less. He and the board have also been criticized for cuts to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, including the closure of the Office of DEI. Pro-Palestinian activists also have said he and the board have overly cracked down on their protests and stifled free expression on campus. Ono pointed in his farewell message to his administration founding the Institute for Civil Discourse, which aims to strengthen debate and dialogue across diverse ideologies and political perspectives. These accomplishments are a testament to the collaborative spirit, creativity, and dedication of our entire university community, he said in Sunday release. They reflect a deep commitment to ensuring that Michigans best days are still ahead. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. FENTON, MI A new restaurant is bringing social dining to Fenton with a tapas-style dishes inspired by cuisine from across the world. One Eleven, located at 111 S. Leroy St., officially opened on April 22 in the space which previously served as the home of Xolo, a taco restaurant. We started off better than I thought we would because actually it was a lot smoother opening than I thought, Luis Fernandes, One Elevens executive chef, said. Fernandes is also the executive chef at the Redwood Steakhouse and Brewery in Mundy Township. Hes also as an operating manager with the Redwood Restaurant Group, which owns One Eleven. Related: New Tapas-style restaurant in Fenton aims for dynamic flavors, social dining experience Curated by Fernandes, One Elevens menu features an array of Cajun, Asian, Portuguese, and Spanish dishes similar to tapas, which are appetizers commonly served in Spain. Why I came up with this menu was to do something different than what all the other restaurants were doing, and it just complements everything thats happened down here, Fernandes said. Thats the whole point of what were trying to do. I research all over to see what different places are doing. By offering a menu consisting of tapas-style dishes at One Eleven, Fernandes hopes to encourage social dining, a key aspect of traditional tapas bars. Its about 35 to 40 different small plates, Fernandes said. You can come in and order a couple of dishes, sit back, relax, have a drink, then go down the line and pick a few more. The average people right now are going more like two, two and a half plates a person, and our check averages are actually increasing quite a bit. Born and raised in Macau, Fernandes moved to the United States in 1981 to attend Michigan State University where received a bachelors degree in hotel restaurant management. He also apprenticed at the Hilton Hotel in Hong Kong, which is approximately 40 miles from Macau. I decided to develop some of the better proteins over here and utilize some of the Macanese style, which is part Portuguese, part Asian, mixed in together, Fernandes said. Its a melting pot. Fernandes mother was born in Shanghai, China, and his father was born in Portugal. My fathers an electrical engineer and my mother, she worked for my father-in-law. But then she also cooked a lot, Fernandes said. When he was just 16 years old, Fernandes knew he wanted to become a chef, with his passion for cooking initially sparked by his mother who continues to inspire the dishes he serves today. My mother was a fantastic cook, Fernandes said. Wed go to the marketplace during lunch and eat. Wed eat fresh fish. And then at night, we eat more traditional Portuguese food. The lunches are more traditional Chinese. The Portuguese use a lot of olive oil. The Chinese use a lot of ginger and soy. So, the Macanese cuisine became something that we start off with ginger and olive oil and garlic, and we just saute everything else. Some of the dishes served at One Eleven also originated from the menu Fernandes and his wife of 38 years, Theresa, developed for a restaurant they owned in Linden from 1990 to 2000, Broadstreet. We wanted to attract something that was going to be different and better than any of the restaurants to try to get people there, because it was more of destination location, Fernandes said. We developed a menu which would have, like, 35 different appetizers. Fernandes noted he wants to attract customers to One Eleven with a combination of old favorites and new dishes that they might have never tried before. Were doing a lot of different things here, he said. Its just a lot of the different flavor profiles that Im used to tasting from what my mom made, what working at the Hilton hotel was like, and developing some new things, because when I came here, Cajun food was really hot, the blackening and things like that. So I kind of took some of that flavor profile and put an Asian flair to the sauces and all of it. One Elevens menu includes a wide selection of seafood dishes like the Hawaiian Shrimp, featuring shrimp wrapped with wontons filled with herb cheese and served with a sweet chili sauce. For barbecue lovers, the restaurant serves Korean sticky ribs that are flash fried with scallions, sesame seeds, light soy sauce, bell peppers, and fried garlic. The Asian influence on One Elevens menu is also evident in dishes like its fried chicken thighs, which Fernandes said taste similar to General Tsos chicken. The restaurants chicken thighs are marinated, coated with cornstarch, flash fried, and served with sriracha mayonnaise and Cantonese barbeque sauce. That is actually a combination of General Tsos mixed in with unagi (eel) sauce, Fernandes said. Customers can also get a taste of Portugal with dishes such as Fernandes Portuguese fried rice. The rice is served with chorizo, tomato strips, scallions, onions, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Im serving that with a deep-fried pork belly. I just cut crunchies out of it, Fernandes said. One Elevens dishes are also served with sides like pickled jicama, bringing a sweet touch to spicier foods. Fernandes recommends customers start their dining experience with cooler dishes and work their way up to spicier ones over the course of their meal. I actually mellowed out some of the heat levels because some of the Portuguese food and some of the Macanese food has jalapenos in it and things like that, he said. One Eleven also offers a dessert menu, which features the White Chocolate Kahlua Mousse Bag, a dish first prepared by Fernandes wife 30 years ago. The chocolate bag is served with fresh strawberries, kiwi, and raspberry sauce. Shes doing that for us again, Fernandes said. I also have the bread pudding bites, deep fried, and its caramel and powdered sugar mixed in. In further promoting the social dining experience, the drink menu was crafted to ensure that sips pair well with the restaurants dishes. I had 26 years in the wine industry, One Eleven Co-Manager John Davison said. What we did is we tried to get as creative with it as we could. The restaurant offers cocktails like its Apple Butter Moscow Mule, and a list of Spanish, Portuguese, and Californian wines as well as sangria. One Eleven also has options for beer drinkers, including concoctions brewed at the Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery. We make our own because we have a tremendous brewer, Fernandes said. One Eleven is offering online ordering, and outdoor seating will be available at the restaurant in the near future. To order online or find additional information about One Eleven, including its menu and hours of operation, visit the restaurants website. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. Pictured are Vietnamese refugees on the U.S. carrier, Operation Frequent Wind. (Photo/Grand Rapids Public Museum) GRPM GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Two cultural events in Grand Rapids this spring will elevate Vietnamese American voices in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. The first event takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Its part of the museums GR Stories series, "This is our home now; 50 years of building community after Saigon." We believe that providing these opportunities for connection through storytelling brings us closer together, promoting understanding and a pride in who we are as West Michiganders, said Rob Schuitema, director of public programs at the GRPM. Its particularly inspiring to see young people leading the conversation. The second event kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, May 9, where the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will host 50 Years After Saigon: Vietnamese Stories of a New Home" to commemorate the new lives many Vietnamese people were able to forge since April 1975. The late presidents son, Steve Ford, will take the stage alongside Vietnamese adoptee Thuy Williams, an Operation Babylift evacuee. After Thuys remarks, local Vietnamese panelists will share their stories of building community in West Michigan, followed by live musical performances. Organizers say these pieces of history will illuminate how experiences of migration resonate through generations of Vietnamese Americans and highlight the vibrant communitys positive impact on West Michigan. Both the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum events are taking place during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. East Kentwood High School students are not just learning about this history - they are actively engaging in understanding how historical narratives are constructed and identifying the gaps. By exploring how immigrant and refugee communities have shaped West Michigan, students are empowered to connect their personal histories to the broader national story. And these stories wont just stay in the classroom; theyll be preserved in both the Grand Rapids Public Museum archives and the National Archives. It provides an incredible opportunity for our students to contribute to the permanent national record while also giving our community the chance to celebrate the resilience and contributions of immigrant and refugee groups, particularly the Vietnamese community, to West Michigan, said East Kentwood Teacher Matt Vriesman. Partners for the two events include GRPM, Kentwood Public Schools, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Vietnamese American Community of West Michigan. Visit www.grpm.org/gr-stories/ to register for the free events and learn more. UPDATE: Christopher Schurr, charged with second-degree murder, will also face a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. GRAND RAPIDS, MI The prosecution and defense in former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurrs murder trial rested their cases on Monday, May 5. Delta Airlines will launch additional nonstop service from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Orlando starting in December. Cory Morse | MLive.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI Delta Airlines will launch additional nonstop service from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Orlando starting in December. The new service will offer flights on Saturdays on Deltas Embraer ERJ-175 plane, according to a release from Ford airport. Were thrilled to welcome Delta Air Lines new nonstop service to Orlando, Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said in a release. From world-class theme parks and family attractions to a growing hub for conferences and business travel, Orlando has something for everyone. Delta served more than 200 million passengers in 2024, Ford airport said in a release. Richardson said hes grateful for Deltas continued investment in West Michigan, with this being its fifth nonstop destination from the Ford International Airport. More details on other nonstop destinations provided by Delta at Ford airport can be found at FlyFord.org. Ford airport says its Michigans second busiest airport, and serves more than four million passengers each year through eight commercial airlines offering nonstop flights to more than 35 destinations. Deltas nonstop flight to Orlando joins another recently announced service expansion at Ford airport. In March, Avelo Airlines announced it will offer nonstop routes early this summer from Ford Airport to North Carolinas Research Triangle via Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Floridas Lakeland International Airport. Flights to Raleigh-Durham will begin May 23, and service to Lakeland International will open June 13, according to Avelos flight calendar. The airline will operate these routes twice weekly on Fridays and Mondays, utilizing its fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Christopher Schurr, the former Grand Rapids police officer accused of killing a Black motorist following a traffic stop, testified on his own behalf Friday. Day six of the trial against Schurr, charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya, resumes Monday, May 5. UPDATE: Jurors have left for the day, return Tuesday morning. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Attorneys for Christopher Schurr, on trial for murder, accused the judge of bias for allegedly rolling her eyes during critical parts of his testimony, a court filing said. Paul Lee, who launched The Winchester, Donkey Taqueria and Hancock and co-owned All In Hospitality, died Saturday, May 3. (Photo provided by All In Hospitality) Courtesy GRAND RAPIDS, MI Paul Lee, a prominent Grand Rapids restaurateur who launched The Winchester, Donkey Taqueria and Hancock and co-owned All In Hospitality, has died. He was 51. Lee, who was born in Seoul, South Korea and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School, died surrounded by his family after battling cancer, according to his obituary. He was remembered as a cherished husband to his wife, Jessica, and as a loving father to his three sons: Oscar, Harvey, and Otis. Lees birth mother died when he was age 3, and he came to the U.S. after he was adopted by Arnold and Kristin Lee. Together, he and his wife, Jessica, launched The Winchester, Donkey Taqueria and Hancock, which have grown to become major dining destinations in the East Hills Neighborhood along Wealthy Street SE. Were heartbroken, said Ciara Taylor, director of operations at All In Hospitality. He was our shining light. He guided the way for us and lit the path for any innovation and inspiration that we had. It all started with Paul. Lees first restaurant on Wealthy Street SE was Winchester, which opened in 2008 at 648 Wealthy St. SE. His funeral will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle in Grand Rapids on Thursday, May 8th, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon, his obit says. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, on Wednesday, May 7, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 16th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Eastern Avenue Hall. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Nearly two dozen witnesses and experts have taken the stand during the high-profile murder trial involving a police shooting in Michigan. Over the span of six days of the trial, the parties called 22 witnesses and experts to testify. Ottawa Countys top bars and restaurants bought more liquor last year than the year before, according to data from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Ottawa Countys top bars and restaurants bought more liquor last year than the year before, according to data from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The MLCCs 2024 financial statement reported the top 10 on-premise establishments in Ottawa County purchased a combined $1.35 million worth of spirits in 2024, up from just over $1.32 million in 2023. That amount is not how much bars and stores made in liquor sales, but how much they bought from the state to then resell, typically at a higher cost. The figures also exclude beer and wine. RELATED: Michigan bars, stores bought almost $2B in liquor last year. See who spent the most. - mlive.com As a control state for wholesale liquor, the MLCC is the sole seller for all distilled spirits in the state. Several of these establishments kept their ranking over the previous year. Topping the list again for the second year was Tip A Few Tavern at 10 Franklin Ave. in Grand Haven with $249,526 worth of liquor purchased in 2024. The local hangout made No. 1 in 2023 with just over $231,803. Hops at 84 East in downtown Holland also kept its No. 2 seat despite buying less liquor than in 2023. The bar and grill bought $154,611 worth of spirits in 2024 compared to $176,568 the year before. The nearly 30-year-old establishment boasts an extensive scotch and bourbon menu, barrel-aged specialty cocktails, and lunch, brunch, and dinner menus featuring ingredients from local farmers and growers. Itty Bitty Bar & Grill reclaimed third place with $149,685 in purchases, up from $141,835 in 2023. Hollands five-star dive bar at 1136 Ottawa Beach Road features an eclectic menu ranging from standard bar fare like burgers and wings to rotating specials like wagyu steak and pan-seared halibut. The bar also is a popular venue for live music shows. RELATED: Muskegons top bars bought over $900K in liquor last year. See the 10 who spent the most The top 10 bars and restaurants with the most liquor purchases were: Tip A Few, Grand Haven: $249,526 Hops at 84 East, Holland: $154,611 Itty Bitty Bar & Grill, Holland: $149,685 The Kirby House, Grand Haven: $139,024 Boat Operator, LLC (Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant), Holland: $137,589 Spring Lake Country Club, Spring Lake: $116,901 Turks Tavern, Nunica: $105,381 Notos At The Bil-Mar, Grand Haven: $100,799 Stans Bar, Spring Lake: $96,256 RedRock Grille, Holland: $95,484 Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. HILLSDALE, MI A Hillsdale man charged for allegedly threatening a school which led to the school district being shutdown for a few days has pleaded guilty. Kevin Noah Minder pleaded guilty, April 28, in Hillsdale County Circuit Court to one felony count of threatening to commit violence with a firearm to against students or employees on school property, court records show. SAGINAW, MI Positive Results Downtown, PRIDE in Saginaw officials announced Saginaw Fire Department Capt. Chedrick A. Greene will serve as the grand marshal for this years Memorial Day Parade. The parade is to take place at 11 a.m. on the holiday, Monday, May 26. Greene is a decorated U.S. Marine Corps Reserve retiree, having achieved the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9) after 30 years of service, according to event organizers. Greene served in a dozen countries, including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has been awarded multiple honors, such as the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Combat Valor and the Combat Action Ribbon. In addition to his military background, Greene oversees operations, personnel and equipment maintenance within the citys fire department. Greene also serves on the command staff and as the departments community relations liaison. Greene, president of the Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza board, also serves as a district assistant for the 35th Senate District and vice president of Saginaw County Crime Stoppers. Heres more to know about the Memorial Day parade and ceremony planned in Saginaw: Parade route The parade begins at Federal and South Washington, continues down South Washington and ends at the Saginaw County Veterans Memorial Plaza at Hoyt Park. Ceremony A Memorial Day Ceremony at the plaza will follow at noon. Ceremony participants should arrive by 10:45 a.m. at 1574 S. Washington Ave. (The parade route closes to traffic at 11 a.m.) Call for participants Veterans groups, marching bands, schools and community members are invited to take part in honoring those who served and sacrificed. Veterans are especially encouraged to walk or ride in a decorated, patriotic-themed vehicle. There is no fee to participate, but registration is required. For applications or more information, contact Positive Results Downtown at 989-753-9168 or visit www.prideinsaginaw.com. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. A national podcast about deaths at the Dauphin County Prison is being released on April 14, 2025. Courtesy image It isnt just violent confrontations that may have led to people dying at the Dauphin County Prison, just outside Harrisburg, Pa. Its also the temperature. And decisions made by prison staff about medical treatment. Thats according to the third episode of the podcast Death County, Pa., which was released on Monday and that tells the story of a years-long PennLive investigation into why so many prisoners at the Pennsylvania jail have passed away in recent years. The third episode of the podcast, which was produced by Wondery in collaboration with PennLive, was released today on Apple, Spotify and wherever podcasts are available. New episodes are being released each Monday, and all six episodes are available to subscribers of Wondery Plus. Narrated by PennLive Investigative Reporter Joshua Vaughn, the podcast rose to the top spot on Apples list of top podcast series two days after it was released. The third episode delves into how Jamal Crummel, a man who suffered from mental health challenges, endured bitterly cold conditions in a prison cell that didnt have heat. His core body temperature dropped below 90 degrees and his skin was so damaged from the cold that a guard said it peeled off like tissue paper. He was hospitalized with severe hypothermia for more than a month. Prison authorities decided not to transfer Crummel to a specialized medical unit in Pittsburgh which would cost additional time and resources and treated him at a local hospital instead. After his condition improved, Crummel was returned to the same cellblock where he suffered the condition in the first place. The third episode explores who Crummel was and what happened to him after he was brought back to the jail. The first two episodes of Death County, Pa. focused on the deaths of two other prisoners who died under suspicious circumstances. Wondery has developed a number of award-winning, long-form podcast series, some of which have gone on to be produced into TV series. PennLive is a news site run by Advance Local, one of the largest media groups in the United States, operating in 20 cities. Watch new 90 Day Fiance every Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on TLC. Stream season 11 free for one week with a Philo new subscriber trial. Viewers can also watch TLC shows via DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, and Hulu. Find previous seasons on Disney+ and Discovery+. A new season of "90 Day Fiance" airs Sundays on TLC. Courtesy of TLC About the show: The TLC reality series, 90 Day Fiance, follows couples going through the K-1 visa process. Each American cast member is engaged to someone from another country. With the K-1 visa, their lover can enter the country as a permanent resident given they get married within the 90-day time limit. Tonights episode, Blinded by Love, finds Amani seeking out information from Anys ex and Shekinahs martial nerves worsening. Meanwhile, Mahdi fears that Stevi may be hiding something, Mina and Martini Pat share some gossip, Greg shows Joan New York City, and Alliya has much to discuss with her doctor. Watch 90 Day Fiance tonight at 8/7c on TLC. Where to watch: TLC shows like 90 Day Fiance are also available on Disney+ and Max. Bundle with Hulu to save on streaming. Disney Bundles include a combination of Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Max. Coming up this season: Former Michigan linebacker Devin Bush was arrested Sunday in suburban Pittsburgh following an incident with his girlfriend. Bush was arrested by police at a home in in Bell Acres, Pa., and arraigned on charges of simple assault and harassment, according to Allegheny Court records. According to ESPN, who obtained a copy of the criminal complaint, Bush is accused of chasing his girlfriend around the home and pinning her against a massage table. Police discovered cuts on the womans wrist and foot. Bush, 26, has a preliminary hearing in the case set for May 20. A former first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, Bush is set to enter his second season with the Cleveland Browns in 2025 after starting 10 games and totaling 76 tackles last year. He signed a one-year, $3.25 million extension with the Browns in March. At Michigan, Brown was a consensus All-American in 2018, named Big Ten defensive player of the year and two-time all-Big Ten linebacker. Sarika Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. 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I Accept Suven to Divis: Indian CDMOs seize opportunity in pivot away from China amid global trade tensions Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. Viswanath Pilla USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com Manish M. Suvarna USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Pakistans trade has become more China-dependent since 2008 Ishaan Gera USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Priyansh Verma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Congress will back any action by Centre on Pahalgam terror attack, says Priyanka Gandhi 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept J. Kumar is an author, journalist and a political commentator based in in Mumbai who writes on crime and Maharashtra politics. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Challenges and opportunities in the trade talks with the US Ritesh Kumar Singh is a business economist and CEO, Indonomics Consulting Private Limited. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Danish Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'We will slightly reduce bonus': Google notifies employees about change in appraisal program via email MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 1/8 Tucked away in the heart of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a charming hill station known for its misty mountains, sprawling coffee plantations, and breathtaking landscapes. While its no secret that this picturesque town is a haven for nature lovers, there are several hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These offbeat destinations are perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, untouched experience in the lap of nature. Lets take a journey off the beaten path to uncover 7 of Chikmagalurs best-kept secrets. (Image: Canva) 2/8 1. Hebbe Falls: Natures Hidden Cascade If you're a fan of pristine waterfalls, Hebbe Falls is a must-visit. Tucked away in the lush coffee estates of Chikmagalur, this stunning 168-meter waterfall is not as crowded as other popular spots, making it an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility. The journey to the falls is an adventure in itself, and once you arrive, the sight of the water tumbling down the rocks, surrounded by dense greenery, will leave you speechless. (Image: Canva) 3/8 2. Mullayanagiri Peak: Conquer Karnatakas Highest Point Mullayanagiri is Karnatakas highest peak, but unlike the more frequented trails, this one promises solitude and stunning views that are nothing short of magical. The trek to the top is challenging, but the panoramic vistas of rolling hills, mist-covered valleys, and the surrounding coffee plantations make every step worthwhile. As you stand atop the peak, youll feel like youve reached the edge of the world. (Image: Unsplash) 4/8 3. Baba Budangiri: A Blend of History and Coffee Few know that the Baba Budangiri hills are not only a haven for trekkers but also home to a revered shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint Baba Budan, who is said to have introduced coffee to India. This sacred mountain is a fascinating blend of history, spirituality, and the ever-popular coffee culture. The tranquil atmosphere and the hike to the summit make it one of Chikmagalurs most underrated treasures. (Image: Canva) 5/8 4. Kemmangundi: The Quiet Hill Station While most people flock to the more popular hill stations, Kemmangundi remains a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Known for its mesmerizing views of the Western Ghats, Kemmangundi offers excellent opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and simply soaking in the natural beauty. Dont miss the famous Z Point trek, which rewards you with spectacular views of the valley below. (Image: Canva) 6/8 5. Coffee Museum: A Journey Through Coffees Rich History Chikmagalur isnt just about scenic landscapesits also the birthplace of Indias coffee industry. The Coffee Museum in the heart of the town offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of coffee cultivation. From the origins of coffee in India to the innovative techniques that shaped the industry, the museum offers a unique, immersive experience for coffee lovers and history buffs alike. (Image: Chikmagalur Tourism) 7/8 6. Shanthigrama: The Tranquil Village Escape Shanthigrama is one of Chikmagalurs lesser-known gems, a serene village surrounded by lush forests and coffee estates. Its the perfect place for a relaxing nature walk or birdwatching session. With its peaceful ambiance, this quaint village offers a slice of rural life and is a great spot for those looking to unwind and connect with nature. (Representative Image: Unsplash) Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept China's disappearing data: How Beijing is tightening control over the economic narrative Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Sindh to ban plastic bags starting June 15 The Sindh government has announced a ban on the manufacture, sale, stockpiling, and use of all types of plastic carrier and shopping bags across the province, effective June 15, according to The News International. The notification was issued by the Environment, Climate Change, and Coastal Development Department. Past attempts to ban plastic bags in Pakistan at both the provincial and national levels have faced challenges due to enforcement issues, lack of public awareness, and the absence of affordable alternatives. Sindh faces environmental issues, including pollution from plastic waste, and environmental groups have advocated for stricter regulations, said The News International. Pakistan flexes missile muscle with Abdali and Fatah: How big is the threat and what India has in store Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Ports blocked, skies shut, trade cut: How second wave of Indias silent strikes are bleeding Pakistans pockets Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Russian FM offers mediation to Pakistani counterpart to ease New Delhi-Islamabad tensions after Pahalgam terror attack Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trump orders the reopening of Alcatraz prison to house the nations most violent offender 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Trumps global shadow: How his presidency is shaping politics in Canada, Australia, Germany, Singapore, and the UK Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz: Why America's most notorious prison 'The Rock' is back in spotlight Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Duffy outlines air traffic control overhaul Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, has revealed intentions to radically transform air traffic control, a key objective of President Donald Trump since assuming office, as reported by The Hill. Duffy stated on Monday evening that the air traffic control system will undergo a radical transformation, addressing mishaps that have led to delays and staffing shortages at major airports like Newark International. The proposed overhaul builds upon President Donald Trump's previous efforts during his first term to privatize air traffic control, which faced opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. Increased air travel demand, staffing shortages, and aging infrastructure have contributed to widespread flight delays and cancellations, creating a sense of urgency for the proposed changes. You cant sell anything to the US right now: Chinese factories in Guangzhou reeling from Trumps new tariff regime Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept What to know about Californias fight over harsher penalties for soliciting sex from older teens SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) A debate over whether to create harsher penalties for soliciting and buying sex from 16- and 17-year-olds exploded in the California Legislature this week. Republicans and some moderate Democrats were pushing for a new tool to help law enforcement go after those who solicit older minors for sex. But some said they worried the measure could be misused and weaponized by parents upset about interracial or LGBTQ+ relationships to target older teens involved in relationships. The issue came to a head Thursday after Republicans in the Assembly argued for the policy on the floor. Democrats overwhelmingly rejected the effort but vowed to bring a new proposal to address the issue. Heres what to know: How does current law protect 16- and 17-year-olds? Under current law, contacting a person under 18 to engage in sexual activity in California is a felony. So are crimes like soliciting a child who is a victim of human trafficking, sexting a minor and engaging in sex with a minor if the age gap between the parties is more than three years. Its also a serious crime in California to traffic minors. Anyone convicted of at least three serious felonies in California faces a sentence of between 25 years and life in prison under the three strikes law. California leads the nation with some of the toughest laws against trafficking, said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, a Democrat. What changes are proposed? Those who are 16 or 17 years old were not included in bipartisan legislation on sex trafficking signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year. The law, which took effect this year, allows prosecutors to charge those who solicit and buy sex from minors 15 or younger with a felony. It left in place an existing law that limits the penalty for soliciting older teens to a misdemeanor. Assemblymember Maggy Krell, a Democrat with a background as a prosecutor, wanted to expand the law Newsom signed to include older teens. Children under 18 who are bought for sex are considered victims of human trafficking under federal law and should receive the same protection under California law, she said. If youre 17 years old on the street corner and an old man comes up and purchases you for sex, thats rape, Krell said. That should be treated as a felony. Why do some Democrats oppose the change? Democrats on the Assembly Public Safety Committee amended Krells bill to drop the provision that would make it a felony to solicit and buy sex from older teens. They agreed with Krells goal but worried the approach could have unintended consequences. Leigh LaChapelle of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking told lawmakers at a hearing that the policy could be used to target 16- and 17-year-olds who are in relationships with other minors. They are worried about the way that the criminal legal system can be utilized by parents who are upset about interracial and LGBTQ relationships, LaChapelle said. During Thursdays legislative debate, Democrats said its important to give prosecutors the discretion to decide on penalties in these cases. Newsom, first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis criticized the committees actions. The law should treat all sex predators who solicit minors the same as a felony, regardless of the intended victims age. Full stop, Newsoms office said in a statement. He rarely comments on pending legislation. What happens next? Several moderate Democrats, including Krell, broke with their party Thursday to vote with Republicans. Democrats instead backed an amendment saying they plan to adopt the strongest laws to protect 16- and 17-year-old victims. Assemblymember Nick Schultz, who chairs the public safety committee, said hes committed to bringing a new proposal on the issue forward this year. We will have a solution, Schultz said. Thats my commitment. By TRAN NGUYEN Associated Press President Trump issued a Proclamation declaring the first weekend of May as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Trump was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here is the Proclamation: Day and night, firefighters are on the front lines, rushing into danger and risking their lives to protect fellow citizens. Tragically, not every hero makes it home. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, held in Emmitsburg, Maryland, commemorates the volunteer and professional firefighters who, over the past year, have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Thousands will gather to honor the lives and legacies of the fallen, to support the Fire Hero Families, to grieve and share memories, and to strengthen bonds between those who uniquely understand both the enduring pride and the profound loss of their loved ones. Across the country, brave men and women demonstrate heroism each day, willingly placing themselves in harms way for the benefit of others. We are indebted to every American who chooses this noble profession this solemn calling in spite of the inherent risks. There are pivotal moments in American history in which the awe-inspiring bravery and professionalism of firefighters stand forever imprinted on our memory. On September 11, 2001, firefighters rushed into the smoke and flames of the twin towers following the horrific terrorist attacks. In January of this year, firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fury of the deadly and destructive wildfires that raged through southern California. These phenomenal efforts make us proud and grateful for those who stand in the gap for our safety. One firefighter will forever hold a profound place in my life Corey Comperatore, who lost his life shielding his family from the barrage of assassins bullets that pierced the air during my rally last July in Butler, Pennsylvania. His bravery and selflessness on that fateful day exemplify the dedication and courage that define Americas cadre of firefighters. The First Lady and I are grateful for the devotion of all who serve their communities and our country in this extraordinary way. Firefighters often enter our lives only when something has gone catastrophically wrong, yet they stand ready every day to protect our people and communities. This National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, we remember the American patriots who gave their lives in service to others, and pray for the courageous families who carry on in their absence. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 3 through May 4, 2025, as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. On Sunday, May 4, 2025, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. Sonora City Hall View Photo Sonora, CA The Sonora City Council will have its first meeting of May this evening. It is a shorter agenda than some in the past. The Council will receive a report from District One Tuolumne County Supervisor Mike Holland about county government happenings. During the consent calendar portion of the meeting, the council will approve a 2024 Housing Element annual progress report, appoint a team for upcoming labor negotiations, and approve out-of-state travel to Arizona for the Police Chief and City Administrator to attend a police station design conference for four days later this month. The meeting starts at 5 pm at City Hall. HARARE A chilling case has emerged in Zimbabwe, with two men arrested in connection with the rape of a well-known Zimbabwean socialite and comedian, Maiguru Mai Jeremaya. The investigation has since uncovered allegations involving potentially over 100 victims. Thabo Blessing Dube, 27, and Martin Charli were apprehended by Matrix Private Investigations after allegedly luring Maiguru Mai Jeremaya under the guise of being clients responding to her social media adverts on April 30th. Matrix Private Investigations exposed Dube, whom many are now calling Zimbabwes Thabo Bester, in reference to the infamous South African criminal. I was hunted like an animal In a harrowing Facebook post, Mai Jeremaya detailed the ordeal, explaining how the pair had stalked her for weeks. I am shaking as I write this. I have to. Ndagurwa kunorira hama dzangu. My life, my whole livelihood, has been broken. These two men have been hunting and chasing me for over three weeks pretending to be clients, she wrote. She further explained how the men initially contacted her claiming to be from Elite Driving School, requesting an advert. Her husband, who also acts as her manager, accompanied her to the initial meeting, but the men never showed up. So on this fateful day, musi wa 30 April, they managed to convince me kuti they were a company that invited zvema trucks spares Makati human mu town, she revealed. Recounting the events of that day, Mai Jeremaya stated, On this fateful day, I was alone I thought I was walking into an office. Before I knew it, one blocked the door while the other locked it. They both took turns to rape me. Following the assault, she received medical treatment and reported the matter to Waterfalls Police Station. A court date has been scheduled for next week. Mai Jeremaya is urging any other women who may have been victimised by these men to come forward. If you were also a victim like me, please come forward. She continued that their phone book has more than 50 contacts they did this to. She also pleaded, Please open up even anonymously. Mhuka iyi haifanire kuona zuva chero zvadii, in another post, expressing her desire for justice. She revealed the extent of the intimidation she experienced, stating, They said they work for high offices, pulled out my birth records and claimed to have a gun. I am still scared. Mai Jeremaya expressed gratitude to her husband, manager, and the investigative team, declaring, I will not die but live to proclaim the glory of God. Phone Number Link According to Matrix Private Detectives, the phone number used to contact Mai Jeremaya had a profile picture of a wealthy South African man and a car with the number plate Sam 1. This team uses a phone number with a South African wealthy man on the display picture and a car with the plates indicated Sam 1. We have revealed some shocking details, Matrix wrote on Facebook. Zimbabwes Baltasar? The case has taken a disturbing turn with the emergence of images showing Thabo Dube posing with numerous women. This has led to comparisons with Baltasar Ebang Engonga Avomo, the notorious Equatorial Guinean politician known for his alleged relationships with hundreds of women. As one Facebook user commented, Vakoma ava vanga vachidya vanhu vevanhu patown. I think vakutodarika Baltasar weku Guinea. The list is too big. Confirmation of Arrest and Growing Number of Victims Social media erupted after Tafadzwa Chidawa, private detective and founder of Matrix Investigations, confirmed the arrest on Facebook. He revealed that many more women were now coming forward. We can confirm that Matrix Private Detectives have arrested Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charli for gang raping a female celebrity after pretending to be clients. The two are currently detained at Waterfalls Police, he stated. Chidawa also revealed that the suspects phones contained contact details of over 50 women. However, new reports suggest this number may now exceed 100. Yesterday we thought it was just a few victims, but more than 100 girls and women have been trapped by these guys, Chidawa added. He wore a Zanu PF jersey Several survivors have identified Dube as the man who lured them using online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Some women were told the boss isnt around and then taken advantage of. Others were given just $10 before being dismissed, read one post. Adding another layer of complexity to the case, Thabho was even seen wearing a Zanu PF jersey in some encounters. Community Support and Calls for Justice Following Mai Jeremayas public disclosure, many Zimbabweans have offered their support and called for justice. The outpouring of support highlights the deep concern within the community regarding these allegations. Another Facebook user wrote, Justice For Mai Jeremaya .A relative of mine akazviitwawo ne some guys. Shes only 18 years old and atozotaura nyaya yake after yamai Jeremaya yabudait happened last year when she was only 17 and panguva iyi she was working as a helper mumba me one of those guys and aitotya kuzvitaura. This statement underscores the potential for numerous unreported cases and the fear that prevents victims from coming forward. @Mai VeBoys wrote, Hugs, sis.so much courage you have shown for coming forward publicly to denounce such characters in our society. With Gods grace, may your husband be your pillar through this difficult phase. @Tariro Gezi commented, May God Heal you; Im sorry you went through all that. @Queen Kadjah added, Im so sorry this happened to you, Ashy, please be strong during this challenging time. Court Appearance and Remand The alleged rapists appeared in court on Monday, May 5th, and were remanded in custody to Wednesday. They were not asked to plead. Hotline and Ongoing Investigations Matrix Security has published hotline numbers for victims or witnesses to contact. Police investigations are ongoing. The public are urged to contact Waterfalls Police Station or Matrix Security with any information that may assist with the case. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they become available. Breaking News via Email Related Pin Share Share 0 Shares By Tomas Apodaca and Colin Lecher. Cross posted from CalMatters. Illustration by Gabriel Hongsdusit, CalMatters The website that lets Californians shop for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, coveredca.com, has been sending sensitive data to LinkedIn, forensic testing by CalMatters has revealed. As visitors filled out forms on the website, trackers on the same pages told LinkedIn their answers to questions about whether they were blind, pregnant, or used a high number of prescription medications. The trackers also monitored whether the visitors said they were transgender or possible victims of domestic abuse. (See the data on our Github repo.) Covered California, the organization that operates the website, removed the trackers as CalMatters and The Markup reported this article. The organization said they were removed due to a marketing agency transition in early April. In a statement, Kelly Donohue, a spokesperson for the agency, confirmed that data was sent to LinkedIn as part of an advertising campaign. Since being informed of the tracking, all active advertising-related tags across our website have been turned off out of an abundance of caution, she added. Covered California has initiated a review of our websites and information security and privacy protocols to ensure that no analytics tools are impermissibly sharing sensitive consumer information, Donohue said, adding that they would share additional findings as they become available, taking any necessary steps to safeguard the security and privacy of consumer data. Visitors who filled out health information on the site may have had their data tracked for more than a year, according to Donohue, who said the LinkedIn campaign began in February 2024. CalMatters observed the trackers directly in February and March of this year. It confirmed most ad trackers, including the Meta pixel tracker, as well as all third-party cookies, have been removed from the site as of April 21. Since 2014, more than 50 million Americans have signed up for health insurance through state exchanges like Covered California. They were set up under the Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama 15 years ago. States can either operate their exchange websites in partnership with the federal government or independently, as California does. Covered California operates as an independent entity within the state government. Its board is appointed by the governor and Legislature. In March, Covered California announced that, after four years of increasing enrollment, a record of nearly 2 million people were covered by health insurance through the program. In all, the organization said, about one in six Californians were at one point enrolled through Covered California. Between 2014 and 2023, the uninsured rate fell from 17.2% to 6.4%, according to the organization, the largest drop of any state during that time period. This coincided with a series of eligibility expansions to Medi-Cal, the states health insurance program for lower-income households. Experts expressed alarm at the idea that those millions of people could have had sensitive health data sent to a private company without their knowledge or consent. Sara Geoghegan, senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, said it was concerning and invasive for a health insurance website to be sending data that was wholly irrelevant to the uses of a for-profit company like LinkedIn. Its unfortunate, she said, because people dont expect that their health information will be collected and used in this way. The LinkedIn Insight Tag CalMatters and The Markup in recent months scanned for trackers on hundreds of California state and county government websites that offer services for undocumented immigrants using Blacklight, an automated tool developed by The Markup for auditing website trackers. CalMatters found that Covered California had more than 60 trackers on its site. Out of more than 200 of the government sites, the average number of trackers on the sites was three. Covered California had dozens more than any other website we examined. On coveredca.com, trackers from well-known social media firms like Meta collected information on visitor page views, while lesser-known analytics and media campaign companies like email marketing company LiveIntent also followed users across the site. But by far the most sensitive information was transmitted to LinkedIn. While some of the data sent to LinkedIn was relatively innocuous, such as what pages were visited, Covered California also sent the company detailed information when visitors selected doctors to see if they were covered by a plan, including their specialization. The site also told LinkedIn if someone searched for a specific hospital. In addition to demographic information including gender, the site also shared details with LinkedIn when visitors selected their ethnicity and marital status, and when they told coveredca.com how often they saw doctors for surgery or outpatient treatment. LinkedIn, like other large social media firms, offers a way for websites to easily transmit data on their visitors through a tracking tool that the sites can place on their pages. In LinkedIns case, this tool is called the Insight Tag. By using the tag, businesses and other organizations can later target advertisements on LinkedIn to consumers that have already shown interest in their products or services. For an e-commerce site, a tracker on a page might be able to note when someone added a product to their cart, and the business can then send ads for that product to the same person on their social media feeds. A health care marketplace like Covered California might use the trackers to reach a group of people who might be interested in a reminder of a deadline for open health insurance enrollment, for example. In its statement, Covered California noted the usefulness of these tools, saying the organization leverages LinkedIns advertising platform tools to understand consumer behavior and deliver tailored messages to help them make informed decisions about their health care options. Trackers can also be valuable to the social media companies that offer them. In addition to driving ad sales, they provide an opportunity to gather information on visitors to websites other than their own. On its informational page about the Insight Tag, LinkedIn places the burden on websites that employ the tag not to use it in risky situations. The tag should not be installed on web pages that collect or contain Sensitive Data, the page advises, including pages offering specific health-related or financial services or products to consumers. LinkedIn spokesperson Brionna Ruff said in an emailed statement, Our Ads Agreement and documentation expressly prohibit customers from installing the Insight Tag on web pages that collect or contain sensitive data, including pages offering health-related services. We dont allow advertisers to target ads based on sensitive data or categories. Legal Recourse Collection of sensitive information by social media trackers has in previous instances led to removal of the trackers, lawsuits, and scrutiny by state and federal lawmakers. For example, after The Markup in 2022 revealed the Department of Education sent personal information to Facebook when students applied for college financial aid online, the department turned off the sharing, faced questions from two members of Congress, and was sued by two advocacy groups who sought more information about the sharing. Other stories in the same series about trackers, known as the Pixel Hunt, also led to changes and blowback, including a crackdown by the Federal Trade Commission on telehealth companies transmitting personal information to companies including Meta and Google without user consent and proposed class action lawsuits over information shared through trackers with drug stores, health providers, and tax prep companies. LinkedIn is already facing multiple proposed class-action lawsuits related to the collection of medical information. In October, three new lawsuits in California courts alleged that LinkedIn violated users privacy by collecting information on medical appointment sites, including for a fertility clinic. Social media companies tracking practices have underpinned the tremendous growth of the tech industry, but few web users are aware of how far the tracking goes. This absolutely contradicts the expectation of the average consumer, Geoghegan said. In California, a law called the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act governs the privacy of medical information in the state. Under the act, consumers must give permission to some organizations before their medical information is disclosed to third parties. Companies have faced litigation under the law for using web tracking technologies, although those suits have not always been successful. Geoghegan said current protections like these dont go far enough in helping consumers protect their sensitive data. This is an exact example of why we need better protections, she said of LinkedIn receiving the data. This is sensitive health information that consumers expect to be protected and a lack of regulations is failing us. Female Bonobos Assert Their Dominance Over Males by Banding Together, New Study Suggests Smithsonian Mag Why Are People Worshipping the Virgin Mary as a Goddess? Sapiens Wisconsin woman missing for more than 60 years found alive and well The Guardian OPEC+ To Further Speed Up Oil Output Hikes gCaptain Climate/Environment Pandemics Preprint: Bovine Derived Clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5N1 Virus Causes Mild Disease and Limited Transmission in Pigs Avian Flu Diary *** fascinating and terrifying threadwidespread immune damage from COVID apparently means many common pathogens are now moving in huge synchronized waves. this degree of correlation wasnt seen before the virus tore through our collective immune system https://t.co/NcMDNCzvx1 pic.twitter.com/2x0K20hYlw inita bath (@entropywhore) May 4, 2025 India-Pakistan Japan China? This $90,000 personal robot went berserk and tried to kill its creator. The developer, Unitree, said its due to imperfect coding. The future is gonna get weird pic.twitter.com/bDD4Vzh2z5 Jordan Crowder (@digijordan) May 3, 2025 The Lucky Country Syraqistan Extremely dystopian: Israel will set up compounds run by foreign mercenaries in areas under full IDF control where they can snatch/murder whoever they dont like on their way to get aid Israel would only allow less than 10% of the amount of food that used to enter Gaza during pic.twitter.com/WZrqwd7su0 Muhammad Shehada (@muhammadshehad2) May 4, 2025 The IDF strike that launched this boy onto a roof and killed 15 relatives was targeting his father, a Gaza Finance Ministry employee, whod been detained early in the war and freed just 2 months ago in the hostage swap. Part of a campaign to wipe out Gazas civil leadership. pic.twitter.com/064Wy1kJGP jasper nathaniel (@infinite__jaz) May 4, 2025 Seems like Netanyahu is going to use this Yemeni missile strike to try and get his US-Iran war https://t.co/bbGZd3onP2 Dave DeCamp (@DecampDave) May 4, 2025 I agree with @RepMTG . Ill be voting No on this bill as well. https://t.co/YOPga59Xyc Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 4, 2025 European Disunion New Not-So-Cold War Ukraine mouthpiece just casually joking about droning two European heads of state. Totally normal. https://t.co/GZOVfkYTtO David Sacks (@DavidSacks) May 3, 2025 Spook Country Liberation Day Trump 2.0 Welker: Do you agree that everyone who is here deserves due process? Citizens and noncitizens? Trump: I dont know. Im not a lawyer. Welker: The 5th amendment says as much.. Dont you need to uphold the constitution? Trump: I dont know pic.twitter.com/1y8POREX9S Acyn (@Acyn) May 4, 2025 Full transcript: NBC News. PRES. DONALD TRUMP: I dont know. It seems it might say that, but if youre talking about that, then wed have to have a million or 2 million or 3 million trials. We have thousands of people that are some murderers and some drug dealers and some of the worst people on Earth. Conor here: Seems a logical extension of decades of illegal wars, torture, rendition, enemy combatants, droning terrorists (including US citizens), war crimes, etc. Trump wants to make Alcatraz Alcatraz again San Francisco Standard DOGE MAHA Worker safety agency NIOSH lays off most remaining staff CBS News Democrats en Deshabille Democrats cautiously open door to another Harris run in 2028 The Hill Police State Watch AI tech guys are seriously like aliens. none of them understand why art exists or what human behavior looks like https://t.co/JZPERQ3g0E defleppardfan94 (@lemonade_grrrl) May 3, 2025 PEOPLE ARE LOSING LOVED ONES TO AI-FUELED SPIRITUAL FANTASIES Rolling Stone Antitrust Metas Survey of Worst Companies in the US Ranked Meta Last Big Tech on Trial Groves of Academe NYU DEMANDS LAW STUDENTS RENOUNCE PROTESTS OR BE BARRED FROM SITTING FINAL EXAMS The Intercept Our Famously Free Press Clarissa Ward, CNNs chief international correspondent, has been awarded the 2025 Daniel Pearl Award for Courage and Integrity in Journalism This actually captures perfectly mainstream media and its journalist. pic.twitter.com/S3DSy8KVBY Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) May 2, 2025 Imperial Collapse Watch The Friendly Skies What we know about the massive staffing shortage that has caused 7 days of major delays at Newark Airport CNN The Bezzle How M.L.M. world works on Instagram and TikTok Bridget Read Class Warfare Homeless sweeps are big business for the Homeless Industrial Complex. Portland conducted a major homeless sweep yesterday. Approximately 90% of the homeless I observed dragged their tents exactly two blocks away. Three clean teams were involved from three different pic.twitter.com/FIntNCcJVf Kevin Dahlgren (@kevinvdahlgren) May 2, 2025 Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. The leaders of the three largest countries in Europe (excluding Russia) are behaving in an increasingly tyranical way as their ineptitude is starting to severely impact the lives of their citizens. We Are Bombing Our Way Back to Prosperity The UK economy continues its slide towards the edge of the cliff with tax revenues falling as a result of the disastrous budget presented by Rachel from Accounts, aka Rachel Reeves the Chancellor of the exchequer. Reeves, who proclaimed, on her resume, that she was an Oxford educated economist has made a complete mess of the public finances. When she was studying economics at Oxford, didnt the subject of the Laffer Curve come up? It probably is covered in great depth at Oxford university, where she claimed she had studied, but not so much at Oxford Brookes university where she actually did study. Oxford Brookes is essentially a glorified community college (it was formerly a Polytechnic) where foreigners pay a fortune to say theyve studied at Oxford, even though it is not actually in Oxford although in fairness they did have a room there once back in the 1890s. Anyway, it was good enough to secure a job at the Bank of England where she said, on her resume, she worked for ten years. Except she didnt, it was nowhere near that long. Then she claimed she was an economist at HBOS, except she wasnt, she dealt with mortgages on the retail side; essentially, she was a glorified bank teller. But that didnt stop her getting involved in an expenses scandal after which she moved on. She also falsely said she published a paper in a prestigious economics journal, except she didnt. Her Wikipedia page still lists her fictional past deeds. You can read more about her issues with her resume here. With that sort of resume the obvious future role for her was in politics and so, here we are. Luckily, Sir Keir Starmer, or to be more accurate Morgan McSweeney his Irish, devout Kibbutzim, university drop-out, chief of staff, has come up with a plan to save the UK economy: Oh goody! Another war. Someone should have told Starmer that he couldnt have any Yemen until he finished his Ukraine. Anyway, this is how the Associated Press announced our glorious new military campaign, where we took out Houthi military targets thus saving the world. The government were tight lipped on what these high value targets were, but sources in Yemen said they took out a girls school and killed two little girls. This one strike alone cost the long-suffering UK taxpayer over 1 million. Of course that was nothing in comparison to the US airstrikes, which, amongst other civilian targets, took out an African migrant facility, which is run by the Red Cross, killing 68 innocent Africans. All in all, the US and UK have conducted over 1,000 sorties against Yemen and achieved absolutely nothing, except to make the Yemenis somewhat annoyed. Only 4% of the air strikes took out military facilities, as the majority of them are buried deep inside the mountains, the rest hit civilians. Meanwhile, Ansar Allah (The name Houthis is a derogatory western name for the group its like calling the US the Trumpies), dropped a hypersonic missile on Ben Gurion airport in Israel and announced an air blockade against them and a blockade of western oil deliveries from the Arabian gulf. You can read about every US/UK airstrike and its aftermath on this website, this is a very comprehensive archive with photographs of the damage and eye witness reports. If you want a database of every casualty in Yemen going back to the Saudi/UAE air strikes on Yemen (which stopped after a $3,000 Yemeni drone took out a Saudi Patriot system and they then threatened to take out Saudi/UAE oil facilities), you can download the stats in Excel format from this website. Britain has long fought a low-level war against Yemen going right back to the 1960s, when they drove the UK out of Aden. Throughout the late 1960s to late in the 1970s the UK launched a series of attacks, including air attacks, from their bases in Oman, all of which failed. The UK was also heavily involved in the Saudi/UAE air campaign, starting in 2014. During that time a significant number of North Yemenis studied STEM subjects in Chinese universities and when they returned, they started work on their missile systems. The result is that Yemen is one of only 5 countries Russia, China, Iran and North Korea being the others to have demonstrably working hypersonic missiles. These missiles travel at around 10 times the speed of sound on their re-entry phase and can maneuver away from air defense missiles, which is why the missile attack on Ben Gurion got through despite the presence of Davids Sling (essentially an upgraded Patriot system) and THAAD air defense systems attempted intercepts. Meanwhile, the US has (temporarily we assume) given up trying to develop its own hypersonic missile as they cant get it to work. This air war against Yemen is a $1 billion+ failure, part of the problem is a lack of target data since the Yemenis took down a huge MOSSAD/CIA spy ring late last year (the article is well worth reading). Which has resulted in the US attacking an Israeli owned car transport ship, the Galaxy Leader, that the Yemenis had seized as well as a number of civilian targets. There is even evidence that the US hit targets that they got from X/Twitter: The UK is doubling down by sending the car ferry aircraft carrier Prince of Wales (which was a Gordon Brown vanity project) to the eastern Mediterranean. If it transits the Suez Canal it may suffer the same fate as the Eisenhower Aircraft carrier which was damaged and driven out by Ansar Allah drone and missile strikes and the Truman which has now suffered a similar fate. Plus, Yemen claims to have shot down an F18 the US said it merely fell overboard from the aircraft carrier. Yemen has a different take: This is a humiliating result for the US/UK coalition and brings into doubt the sagacity of starting a war with Iran. You can read more on the topic here. There are happier tidings coming from the northern front, in Ukraine, where yet another Blair has devised a cunning plan for total victory: David Blair was Boris Johnsons speechwriter, in fact many people credit him with coming up with the deal offered to Zelenzky; where, if he continued the war with Russia then he would get British citizenship, a nice house in London and personal protection from ex-SAS troopers. Mr. Blair studied PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) at Oxford so we know that his solution will be well thought out, politically astute and would take into account the economic consequences. So, lets see what he had to say: The sight of Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky conferring in the majestic calm of St Peters Basilica offers a reminder that all is not lost in Ukraine. Yes, their encounter came straight after Vladimir Putins open-armed greeting for Steve Witkoff, the American envoy; true, Mr Trumps seven-point peace plan obviously favours Russia. He means this plan the so called Kellogg plan. Note, the commentary was added by the Polish OSW thinktank. You can read their (OSW) plan for victory here. It amounts to the West stopping calling President Putin bad names and the very, very vague possibility that sanctions may, possibly be lifted if Russia accepts defeat and hands over the receipts from its petrochemical exports to Ukraine and this, apparently, favours Russia, even though it doesnt come close to meeting Russias demands. Obviously, we need a much sterner plan, which will allow President Trump to gain Mr. Blairs favor, and Mr. Blair delivers his demands: The president might yet redeem everything by giving Ukraine the clear American security guarantee that remains the only sure way of ending this war and deterring Putin from coming back for a third invasion. To maximise this chance, our Government needs to do something difficult and profoundly counter-cultural for many of our diplomats. There is no point fuming over Mr Trumps folly or portraying him as the villain of Ukraines ordeal, or hoping that a miraculous combination of blandishment and flattery (a state visit!) might still win him over. Is he sure that calling President Trump a fool going to help make his case? Well, no, you see we dont need the US, we can do it on our own with his bold three-point plan: That means taking three steps: seize the Russian assets, lower the price cap for Putins oil, and back the Sanctions Bill now in the US Senate. Didnt the US already pass a Russian sanctions bill back in 2017 in response to Russias supposed meddling in the US election? What did that one achieve aside from catapulting Russias economy from 10th to 4th place globally (based on PPP)? The latest one, authored by Lyndsey Graham and Dick Blumenthal seeks to impose Bone Crushing Sanctions on Russia if she doesnt agree to their terms. They will achieve this by introducing secondary sanctions and 500% tariffs on anyone who buys Russian energy products. They specifically mention enriched Uranium, of which a major buyer is the USA, or at least it was until Russia banned its export. Russia already has more sanctions imposed on it than any other country and theyve thrived so theyll just ignore it. Russia has, through OPEC+, agreed to an increase in OPEC oil exports, so the oil price cap is utterly meaningless. And who will enforce it? Especially, as the current price cap failed to devastate Russias oil sales. The enforcement mechanism introduced by Janet Yellen was to deny insurance to tankers carrying Russian oil above a certain price. This divided the world tanker fleet into authorized (insured by Lloyds of London) and unauthorized, or shadow, tankers (not insured by Lloyds), which resulted in a decline in shipping insurance underwritten by Lloyds (to < 50% according to some analysts) as other insurers stepped up. Is Mr. Blair intent on accelerating that process? As a matter of fact; yes, he is: Britain is the biggest provider of maritime insurance in the G7. We could use that lever to impose our own price cap for Russian oil, say of $30 per barrel, and once again set a precedent for others to follow. And as far as seizing the assets are concerned, if he has his way then London will no longer be a trusted depository. This is what made Sunak and Starmer avoid it up to now (although Starmer has been awfully tempted). The damage has already been done though, as the UK ministerial charm offensive to get the Oil rich gulf monarchies and the Chinese to invest their money in the UK has ended in utter failure. Mr. Blair airily waved these concerns aside: So why hasnt it happened? There is a legal basis for pressing ahead, but seizing the assets would still be held to violate property rights, deter investment and damage the reputation of Europes law-abiding open economies. You mean they dont? These objections, once decisive, have surely been overtaken by the gravity of events. In fact, Europe has already crossed the Rubicon and undermined property rights by freezing the assets and using their interest payments to underwrite a $50 billion loan for Ukraine. But there is still no EU consensus behind full seizure. So, he advocates Britain going it alone, against the weight of Whitehall opinion cautioning against it. And his over-arching reason for it is: we could tell every Russian that their own money was buying the shells and bullets killing their own soldiers. No wonder the Johnson government left the country in such a mess, with people like this on his staff. You can peruse the whole bowl of tripe here. The Magic of German Democracy The crackdown on the AfD prompted an almost immediate comeback from Vice President JD Vance: Followed by another from Secretary of State Rubio: The Interior Minister Nancy Faeser gave her own response: [She] called the assessment clear and unambiguous and insisted that the agency operates independently, There was no political influence whatsoever on the new report, she added. Well, obviously a government minister wouldnt tell outright lies, would she? Or would she? So, let us explore the origins of this report a little bit to find out how truthful she was. The report itself was written by this handsome chap: He goes by the name of Thomas Haldenwang and up until the end of last year he was the head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). This is the state spy agency that issued the classification. He worked directly for Nancy Faeser and the agency came under her complete control, so the agency is not quite as independent as the minister asserted. And she has her own axe to grind. Moreover, Mr. Haldenwang is a CDU politician, in fact he stood for a Bundestag seat in his hometown of Wuppertal, a leafy city in the West of Germany, and was soundly thrashed by the SPD/Green candidate. He even came close (6 points) to being beaten by the AfD candidate, although the constituency is far from the AfDs East German heartlands. So, the further ministerial assertion that there was no political interference was also an object lesson in mendacity. Particularly as she gave a press conference last year, together with Haldenwang, that the Guardian covered, that set out what she wanted to see in the report. Mr. Haldenwang is despised even within his own party, so much so that they tried to stop him being the candidate: One of the interesting snippets from the Guardians coverage was the fact that Haldenwang said, when asked about anti-muslim attacks: Asked if his agency had tracked a similar surge in anti-Muslim crime during the same period, Haldenwang said such a trend was not observed. Yet, it was alleged attacks on Muslims that formed the core of his report. But, according to the outgoing minister, we neednt worry because: The new assessment will certainly be subject to judicial review as well. In a constitutional state, independent courts ultimately make the decisions. That is hardly reassuring as the German legal system appears to be fully subservient to the political class as this case proves. If you take the time to read the actual AfD manifesto (you can find the English version here), they come across as a moderate right of center party that is bursting with new ideas. So why all the hate? The reason is that the AfD want to restrict immigration and Haldenwang, Faeser and the rest of the German political class want to dramatically increase the numbers coming in. Next, of course, well see the government trying to ban the AfD, this will be covered in more depth next week. Meanwhile, the incoming leader, Fred Merz, has all but declared war on Russia. Unfortunately, President Trump took his toys away by denying him the use of Taurus missiles to hit deep inside Russia (they rely on US satellite navigation). Which is just as well as Russia has recently updated its nuclear doctrine such that even an attack by conventional weapons on Russia or its allies will be met with a nuclear response. Meanwhile, diplomatically isolated Russia is expecting to welcome 20 world leaders to attend its victory parade on May 9th. Britain is going to hold its own parade on VE day, with pride of place going to the Azov Brigade, the spiritual successors (as they proudly boast) of the Ukrainian Waffen SS Galicia brigade: If we look at the facts and historyPrimarily, the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Galician) was created in 1943 as a volunteer Ukrainian unit under Nazi Germany, specifically to fight the Soviet Union. When first committed during the LvovSandomierz Offensive, they were catastrophically defeated by the Red Army at Brodythousands were killed or captured, and the division was routed as ineffective and cowardly. Reformed after this disaster, they were redeployed to anti-partisan operations in Yugoslavia, where they burned villages and slaughtered civilians, earning them a reputation as war criminals. At wars end, instead of facing Soviet justiceas Stalin had demandedthe surviving Galician troops surrendered to the Western Allies and quietly settled in the West, mainly in Canada. This makes it unsurprising that today some descendants of these men might be invited to march alongside British soldiers in the remembrance ceremonies. Moscow has condemned Londons decision: Inviting followers of neo-Nazi elements to Victory Day celebrations is not just disrespectful to those British veterans who gave their lives during World War II. It is blasphemy, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday. The UKs ministry of defense claimed that Kievs participation in the event reminds us that Ukraine is now at freedoms front line. UK Defense Secretary John Healey described it as fitting that Ukrainian troops will be present at the event. Were Exploiting You for Your Own Good So, Macron is selflessly going to assume the white mans burden and help those poor, benighted colored folks down in Africa. Theyve had over a century to improve the lot for the Africans and they havent achieved much except for more poverty and violence. So, what else will France be doing to ensure their progress? And the answer is: theyll keep stealing their stuff. The problem is that with the increasing number of former French colonies who are going it alone, it has hit the French economy as they no longer have access to cheap African resources unless they pay market rates for them. This has led to a growing socio-economic crisis in France. Take unemployment for instance, where the number of registered unemployed shot up by 3.9% in Q4 2024, a number last seen almost 20 years ago. The start of 2025 was even worse as unemployment grew by 8.7%, leading to 3.4 million people having no jobs. Energy prices are another source of angst with household electricity prices almost doubling in the past five years. In addition, there is an acute cost of living crisis across the board, particularly in housing, leading to an ever-increasing number of homeless people, including children. And the economy is shrinking. As Le Monde puts it: Frances budgetary difficulties, which Parliament is having such a hard time resolving, have been compounded by another threat. Since the start of September, the French economy has undergone a marked economic downturn. Investment is slowing down, the unemployment curve is reversing, redundancy plans and bankruptcies are multiplying, the countrys economic attractiveness is deteriorating, and the social climate is tense. There are many reasons for this. Four years after the Covid-19 crisis, the measures taken to protect the economic framework are coming to an end, provoking a painful return to reality for the most fragile companies. Germany, the countrys main trading partner, is experiencing a recession which is beginning to have an impact on activity in France. And the political context is creating an unfavorable environment for economic decision-making. Faced with fiscal uncertainty, households are saving and business leaders are putting the brakes on investment. Even the usually buoyant high-tech industries like semiconductors are facing increasing problems with the Franco-Italian chip maker STM laying off over 1,000 workers. And this is despite the European CHIPS act promising to throw 43 billion into increasing the EUs semiconductor resilience. The difference between the EU CHIPS act and the US one is that, in the time honored tradition the US is throwing money at the problem; whereas, the EU formed a committee (European Semiconductor Board) comprised of EU bureaucrats in order to draw up stultifying regulations for the industry. Silicon Valley was not created by a committee. As a result, the market share of EU semiconductors has dropped from 10% of global trade when the regulation (its not actually an act, it is a regulation) was first established to a little under 7.8% today and as the STM and NXP (formerly Phillips) redundancies are showing this will decrease further as their main target markets (motor vehicles and TVs) are shrinking. Another bone of contention is the increased militarization of the country. The people of France do not want to be involved in a European war and they are really unhappy at Frances increased interference overseas, particularly in the South Caucuses (those foreign legionaries that were expelled from the Sahel had to go somewhere). As is their wont, the French took to the streets urged on by the CGT union with the slogan: Against the far-right, for peace, freedom, and social justice. Except it didnt quite turn out as planned for the Socialists as they were the ones on the receiving end of the violence they usually mete out to others at the hands of the Black Bloc far left agitators because they were seen to be supporting the Israeli attacks on Gaza. They had to be led to safety by the riot police. Given the political ineptitude and contempt for their own people both at the French government level (As Sophie Binet, a union leader, says: Macron governs against his people.) and in the EU, what is France supposed to be offering to Africans that they arent capable of doing on their own. We may never know: you see, Macron isnt listening as he is too busy trying to get the Rothschilds candidate for the papacy over the line. Incidentally, following on from the story of Burkino Faso from last week, here is a video by the President Traore giving a lot of detail about what the colonial powers had done to his country and why the US and France are trying to assassinate him. It Would Take A Heart of Stone Not to Laugh With all of the furor about Zelensky signing the Ukraines minerals over to the US. He forgot one small detail; hed already promised them to the EU. My Dad Is Bigger Than Your Dad This story is a partnership between the Nashville Banner and the Nashville Scene. The Nashville Banner is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization focused on civic news. Visit nashvillebanner.com for more information. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and federal immigration officials descended upon Nashvilles predominantly Latino neighborhoods in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Authorities made around 150 traffic stops, detaining an unknown number of people and quickly busing some to out-of-state immigration centers. With a wide net and frenetic pace, the federal agencies detained between 40 and 100 people, some drivers and some passengers, and hauled them to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office off Brick Church Pike. THP said the operation targeted areas with a history of serious traffic crashes and suspected gang activity, and resulted in a few warrant-related arrests. Neither THP nor federal authorities on Sunday would provide the number of people detained related to citizenship. Throughout the day on Sunday, large charter buses removed at least two batches of people, according to two sources on the scene. The groups were relocated to a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana for processing, raising concerns about due process and leaving families with little to no information about their loved ones. ICE deputy field officer Brian Acuna declined to answer questions about the operation, and ICEs Office of Public Affairs did not respond to a list of questions. Activists pleaded for information and attempted to stop the buses. On Sunday, organizations like Remix Tennessee and the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition condemned the broad attacks on neighborhoods with large immigrant populations. Arbitrarily rounding up parents on their way home and workers traveling to their jobs does not make Nashville safer or stronger, TIRRC said in a statement late Sunday. Instead, it shatters families, erodes trust in law enforcement, and leads to fear, trauma and isolation that weakens the collective fabric of our community. The Arrests The sweeps happened on busy state roads, like Nolensville Road and Harding Place, in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. An Uber driver with passengers returning from a night out, a driver delivering food and a car full of 18-year-olds were among those pulled over. Many drivers and at least one passenger were surrendered to ICE during the stops when suspected of being unlawfully present in the United States, based on identification. Ashley Warbington, a volunteer with Remix Tennessee, was monitoring the Migra Watch line overnight when the ICE presence was first reported around 1:30 a.m. Warbington spent about three hours observing the traffic stops, which appeared to be random or maybe racially profiling. They were quick, like someone was either detained or let go almost instantly, Warbington tells the Nashville Banner. And once they left one stop, it was almost immediate that their blue lights were on again. Lee Appoints State's First Chief Immigration Enforcement Officer Veteran federal agent Ryan Hubbard to lead new division, which is largely exempt from the states Public Records Act In each case, a THP patrol vehicle would initiate a traffic stop, followed by two unmarked vehicles one dark-colored SUV and one dark-colored sedan, like a Dodge Charger, according to Warbington. THP would inquire whether the driver and, on at least one occasion, the passengers had driver's licenses. An unmarked gray Dodge sedan and a gray Subaru SUV matching the above description were present at the ICE field office on Sunday. Witness videos reviewed by the Banner corroborate Warbingtons description and show several different, brief traffic stops fitting that description. The Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to inquiries from the Banner with an emailed statement. The Tennessee Highway Patrol partnered with federal agencies, including HSI and ICE, for a public safety operation in Davidson County in areas with a history of serious traffic crashes and suspected gang activity, the statement reads. The department did not provide specifics about the number of arrests or detainments, but reported making approximately 150 traffic stops in the operation, resulting in a few arrests for outstanding warrants. THP adds that that illegal guns and drugs were also recovered, including from individuals suspected of gang affiliation. A DHS officer on site at the field office told the Banner Sunday that they were unable to provide specifics of who coordinated the operation, but it was someone within ICE who was above [their] pay grade, adding that they dont have information on who initiated the coordination with the state. THP similarly seemed to leave the immigration side of the operation to ICE, noting that in several cases, drivers did not carry valid licenses or identification. Federal agents handled those situations, including immigration-related matters. Some activists questioned whether the city had been involved in the operation despite Mayor Freddie OConnells opposition to increased federal and state efforts to remove non-citizens from the country. Overnight, we understand that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents detained people during enforcement actions in Middle Tennessee, OConnell wrote in a statement late Sunday. "As we learn more, I want to be clear: No MNPD personnel were involved in last night's enforcement action." About half a dozen Metro Nashville Police Department vehicles, including a helicopter circling overhead, were present Sunday morning and early afternoon as protesters congregated at the ICE field office where the detainees were being held, stirring frustration around the citys role. OConnell described MNPD's presence as standard crowd control. They do respond to calls for service and help ensure public safety during protest events anywhere in the city, including the one Sunday just off the property of the federal ICE office, OConnell wrote. MNPD officers were relieved from the protest by state law enforcement members. No witness accounts or videos provided to the Banner suggest MNPD had any role in the stops. Councilmember Ginny Welsch told constituents there would be a public meeting to discuss whether the city was involved on Wednesday. Questions for Wednesday will be surrounding why they are providing security for a process they're not supposed to be involved in, Welsch wrote in a text Sunday. What is happening is not okay and wont be tolerated (at least by me), she continued. I know the state has passed legislation that takes effect July, one that says that every jurisdiction is required to participate in and support ICE in their illegal activities, but I dont accept that. The Buses A crowd of activists gathered outside the detention center late Sunday morning, as families and attorneys were reportedly not allowed to speak to those detained by ICE who faced removal from the state and likely the country. Sometime in the morning, witnesses say a passenger bus left the field office with an unknown number of people on board. Witnesses say they heard chains coming from the back, indicating passengers were on board. Later, two women one of whom is pregnant and one with small children were released from the facility. Another larger charter bus and around five MNPD cars were at the facility along with several federal vehicles and at least two DHS officers around 1 p.m. A second bus a 40-foot MCI 4500, which can seat up to 47 people, according to the manufacturers website had Washington state plates, but Louisiana DOT decals, fueling speculation that the detainees were being transported to a federal detention center in Southern Louisiana. From the front, one driver and one apparent security officer were visible. The passenger seats were concealed from the front by a locked gate. The side windows were too darkly tinted to see inside. The security officer repeatedly yelled at members of the media who approached the bus. Protesters including Gisselle Huerta, who founded the Nashville activist group Hijos de Inmigrantes (Children of Immigrants) prepared signs on ripped pieces of cardboard instructing the passengers to knock on the windows, stomp or make noise to indicate if they were inside. As Huerta and another activist approached the bus with the sign, another DHS vehicle entered the other end of the driveway, and the bus began to crawl toward the street. Protesters surrounded the bus, shouting, Youre on the wrong side of history, and, Dingman, shame on you. Sanders, shame on you, at the two DHS officers walking with the bus, directing people out of the pathway. The expressionless driver flashed red and blue lights and repeatedly played an alarm sound, but the crowd did not move until the bus advanced at a crawling speed. At one point, Huerta leaned against the front of the bus, causing a complete stop. Then she sat on the bumper. I stopped the bus because they tried to intimidate my people," Huerta said after the fact. "They tried to intimidate me." Eventually, the empty bus left, but returned later in the afternoon. This time, THP helped corral protesters, and DHS vehicles blocked them from reaching the bus. Law enforcement pulled chains out of unmarked white vans. Then three groups of detainees were seen being ushered onto the bus from a distance. Though the distance and a tall black fence made it hard to count how many people were put on the bus, witnesses estimated between 10 and 15 people in each group were escorted to the bus. This time, protesters again followed and shouted at the bus, but more than a dozen law enforcement agents in plain clothes and tactical vests surrounded the bus, preventing any interference. In the aftermath, community members discussed next steps, and family members of those detained reeled in the parking lot where they were left uncertain whether their loved ones remained inside or had been taken away on a bus. One woman whose husband was detained sobbed on the curb, while two teenagers explained that their relative had not come home the previous night and they feared he was being removed from the country without due process. Others were reportedly told the detainees would not be able to contact counsel or family until they were already at the detention center in Louisiana. Activists encouraged community members to know their rights around ICE in case it stages any similar operations. The crowd said in unison: I would like to remain silent. I would like to talk to my lawyer. I aint signing shit. A spokesperson for ICE did not answer questions about the status, whereabouts or number of people detained in the operation but provided a statement early Monday, after this story was first published by the Banner: Protecting the safety and security of our communities remains a top priority for ICE, New Orleans field office director Mellissa Harper says. As part of our ongoing mission to uphold U.S. immigration laws, our targeted enforcement operations are specifically focused on individuals who threaten public safety or national security. These efforts help ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe and that immigration laws are enforced. The Banners Martin Cherry and Chandler Meador contributed to this report. This article first appeared on Nashville Banner and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Vanderbilt University Medical Center has begun layoffs due to federal budget cuts. While the medical center would not specify how many employees are set to lose their jobs, VUMC confirmed in a statement to Scene sister publication the Nashville Post that hiring has been paused and some positions have been eliminated, with various personnel having been dismissed. In response to reductions in federal funding, VUMC is strategically reducing operating costs, spokesperson John Howser says in a statement. Hiring for most research and administrative positions has been paused and some positions have been eliminated. +3 RFK Jr. Talks God, Addiction at Nashville Opioid Summit Trumps HHS secretary endures heckles in address to split crowd meanwhile, Metro Nashville brings a lawsuit against Kennedy and HHS President Donald Trump has proposed a national budget that would cut allocation by $18 billion to the National Institute of Health, which provides federal funding to universities and hospitals for biomedical research, including VUMC and Meharry Medical College. At the end of March, VUMC president and CEO Jeff Balser told faculty and staff that the medical center would reduce its budget by $250 million for the fiscal year set to begin July 1. At the time, the Vanderbilt Hustler reported that cuts would mostly impact research operations and administration, including human resources, IT and finance, and some people working in those programs will be unable to continue at VUMC. At the time, the university spokespeople announced plans for cost-saving measures but did not expressly discuss layoffs. Despite the personnel cuts, the hospital will continue to hire direct service staff in preparation for its Jim Ayers Tower on 21st Avenue South. Standing 15 floors and sitting near Medical Center Drive, the $500 million Ayers Tower will add 180 inpatient beds, 600 parking spaces and 44,000 square feet of operating room space. It represents the largest expansion in history for the facility. VUMC is continuing to hire frontline staff for its health system to accommodate ongoing growth in patient care and in preparation of the October opening of the 180-bed Jim Ayers Tower, Howser says in his statement. Blackburn Reprises Attacks on VUMC Over DEI Purge Tennessee senators letter follows recent Fox News story on hospital system The layoffs come on the heels of the medical center being forced to eliminate all diversity, equity and inclusion programs because the Trump administration demanded that all entities receiving federal funding end such programs. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn recently accused the university of concealing DEI programs. In addition, Metro Nashville recently sued the Department of Health and Human Services (which oversees the NIH) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for cuts to grant funding, a move the city alleges are unconstitutional. Metro also sued the Trump administration in an effort to recover $14 million for two grants awarded, but never paid. Nashville is one of five major cities and 11 nonprofit groups in a part of that lawsuit. This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post. U.S. virologist Ralph Baric engineered COVID-19 to be able to cross blood-brain barrier using furin cleavage technology in Faucis lab under DEFUSE project COVID-19 was deliberately created in a lab using furin cleavage technology, which allows the virus to cross the blood-brain barrier and infect humans more effectively. Virologist Ralph Baric, working under Anthony Fauci, allegedly engineered the virus as part of the 2018 DEFUSE project, which proposed modifying coronaviruses to study their transmission risks. COVID-19 vaccines also contained spike protein furin cleavage, suggesting a broader depopulation agenda tied to globalist elites. The Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) may have accidentally released the virus during experiments, supported by a lab shutdown in October 2019 (possible accident); resignations of key scientists (e.g., Dr. Linfa Wang) around the outbreak; and early cases clustered near WIV researchers' residences. Both U.S. and Chinese officials allegedly suppressed evidence of lab origins, with China promoting a natural origin narrative (e.g., RaTG13 bat virus) to deflect blame. Furin cleavage is the tell-tale sign that COVID-19 was created in a lab on purpose to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and infect humans in order to create the plandemic we all suffered through for the past 5 years. Furin cleavage is a slit inserted in the coronavirus (viral genome) spike protein that enables it to enter human cells after binding to ACE2 receptors. Top U.S. virologist Ralph Baric engineered the virus in Faucis lab at the University of North Carolina under the guise of the 2018 DEFUSE funding proposal, and this is the smoking gun that reveals COVID-19 was in fact created in a lab and released on purpose to create a pandemic that killed hundreds of millions of people, not only with a virus with this capability, but with dirty vaccines that did the same damage. Covid-19 was created in a lab using furin cleavage technology that can cross the blood-brain barrier Virologist Ralph Baric worked for Fauci and helped create the scamdemic of the century Vaccines for Covid also had spike protein furin cleavage technology to infect the brain and ovaries as part of the mass depopulation agenda of the New World Order Virologist Ralph Baric, a leading figure in coronavirus research, helped the virus cross the blood-brain barrier to make it lethal The DEFUSE project, a controversial U.S.-led research initiative, has been linked to the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The project, first revealed through leaked documents obtained by U.S. Right to Know (USRTK), proposed engineering bat coronaviruses to preemptively vaccinate bats in regions where U.S. military personnel operated. Key aspects of the project included inserting a furin cleavage site into a SARS-like virus, optimizing it to bind to human ACE2 receptors, and ensuring its genome was about 25% different from SARSfeatures that closely match SARS-CoV-2. Virologist Ralph Baric, a leading figure in coronavirus research, had patented a similar virus in 2018, just as DEFUSE was being developed. However, DARPA rejected DEFUSE in favor of a competing proposal called PREEMPT, led by Dr. Vincent Munster at Anthony Faucis NIH Rocky Mountain Lab. While DEFUSE involved spraying bat caves with a non-transmissible virus-vaccine, PREEMPT proposed a self-spreading vaccineengineered to transmit between bats via aerosols, increasing the risk of accidental human exposure. After DEFUSE was rejected, Faucis NIAID awarded an $82 million grant (CREID) in 2019, merging Barics and Munsters teams to develop Munsters transmissible virus-vaccine concept. Evidence suggests that Munsters lab modified Barics virus to make it transmissible, given that SARS-CoV-2 efficiently infects animals found in Munsters Montana lab (e.g., American deer, deer mice, and Egyptian fruit bats) but not those in Chinese labs. The virus may have been sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) for testing on Chinese bats by Dr. Danielle Anderson, a Duke-NUS researcher who worked in the WIVs BSL-4 lab. Anderson had previously been involved in DEFUSEs bat experiments, making her a likely candidate to test the transmissible virus-vaccine. A lab leak during these experiments could explain SARS-CoV-2s emergence in Wuhan. Supporting this theory: Mobile data suggests a lab shutdown at the WIV in October 2019, possibly due to a lab accident. Dr. Linfa Wang, Andersons supervisor, abruptly resigned on January 10, 2020the day SARS-CoV-2s genome was publishedraising suspicions of a cover-up. Early COVID-19 cases clustered near where Anderson and colleagues lived in Wuhan. Despite Barics later claims that engineering transmissible viruses was "too edgy," his involvement in DEFUSE and subsequent vaccine research suggests he may have been aware of the risks. The evidence points to SARS-CoV-2 being an engineered virus that escaped from a U.S.-China collaborative research project, with the WIV serving as the site of accidental release. This scenario explains why Chinese authorities quickly locked down Wuhanpossibly realizing the virus was lab-madeand why Shi Zhengli, a prominent WIV virologist, rushed to publish data on a natural bat virus (RaTG13) to distance her lab from the outbreak. While direct proof is lacking, the convergence of DEFUSE, PREEMPT, and CREID research, along with lab anomalies and key resignations, strongly suggests a lab origin for COVID-19one that U.S. and Chinese officials have sought to obscure. Do your own vaccine research. Bookmark plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on new gain-of-function viruses the CDC and WHO release into the wild. Sources for this article include: Pandemic.news GatewayPundit.com NaturalNews.com Infowars.com British Chambers of Commerce warns of lost generation as youth job crisis deepens Nearly one million young people (987,000) in the U.K. are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training), with mental health struggles and economic inactivity being major barriers. Failure to address youth disengagement could cost the U.K. 69 billion ($92 billion) in lost economic potential, while prolonged unemployment erodes young people's confidence and employability. The BCC urges targeted policies, including youth employment support, SME incentives to hire/train young workers and expanded mental health services, aiming to match the Netherlands' lower NEET rates. Only 13 percent of firms have structured plans for under-25s. Businesses, especially SMEs, must create more opportunities despite financial pressures like rising wages and taxes. Without urgent, coordinated efforts, Gen Z faces worsening barriers to work amid declining vacancies and an aging workforce, threatening long-term societal exclusion. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that the United Kingdom risks creating a "lost generation" unless the government takes urgent action to address the soaring mental health issues and disconnection from education and employment among young people. In a new report titled "Creating Job Opportunities for Gen Z", the BCC calls for immediate measures to remove barriers preventing almost a million members of Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) from engaging with work, education or training. Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals alarming statistics, including a rise of over 110,000 young people classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) between late 2023 and 2024, bringing the total to 987,000. This includes 392,000 unemployed and 595,000 economically inactive youths. Moreover, King's Fund research reveals that one in four NEETs want to work but are held back by mental health struggles. Over half (52 percent) say the longer they remain unemployed, the harder it becomes to find work, while 45 percent report losing confidence in their skills. In turn, the BCC's People and Work Challenge Group, which includes input from businesses, think tanks and charities, has outlined several critical steps for the government, including investing in youth employment support to ease the transition into work, supporting SMEs to hire and train young workers (as only 13 percent of firms currently have specific plans for under-25s), expanding workplace health support to address mental and physical health issues early, and setting a target to reduce the NEET rate to match the Netherlands' significantly lower youth disengagement levels. The report estimates that tackling the NEET crisis could add 69 billion ($92 billion) to the U.K. economy but warns that without coordinated government action, the problem will worsen in the short term. The BCC urges businesses, particularly SMEs, to create more opportunities for young workers, as many firms overlook the benefits of structured youth recruitment and training. BCC: U.K. must take immediate action to prevent a lost generation of workers BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland urged the government to take immediate action to prevent a lost generation of workers. "The U.K.'s active workforce is rapidly aging, while the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training is at its highest level for a decade. Generation Z faces a double whammy of increasing barriers to entering the workforce and reducing opportunities as the number of vacancies continues to fall. But research shows the longer we leave this pool of talent to drift away from the workplace, the harder it becomes for them to engage," Haviland said. The government has recognized the issue, with schemes such as the Youth Guarantee and its post-16 strategy, but a more collaborative approach is needed across different departments to deliver the change needed. Employers recognize that they also need to step up to the plate. But the rising tide of cost pressures from the Employment Rights Bill, rising National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage are making this increasingly difficult. (Related: Managers complain: Gen Z lacks "soft skills," has "unrealistic" workplace expectations.) Haviland also encouraged the government to support SMEs to train young people for the jobs of the future. "Chambers are already playing a role by bringing businesses and education bodies together to fix the disconnect. But unless more comprehensive action is taken, a whole generation is at risk of being cut loose from society," Haviland said. Check out similar stories on Collapse.news. Watch this video explaining the new workplace trend. This video is from the PATRIOT.TV channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: SURVEY: Gen Z struggles with basic DIY tasks. IDIOCRACY: Gen Z snowflakes are intimidated by complete sentences, full stops while texting. Gen Z blames social media for mental health struggles, yet few are ready to disconnect. SURVEY: Business leaders see Gen Z employees as entitled, easily offended, lazy and generally unprepared for the workplace. Survey reveals mass mental illness in Gen Z, with 57% of young people now taking medication just to cope. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Britishchambers.org.uk Brighteon.com Trumps English-language rule for truckers sparks exodus of foreign-born drivers President Donald Trump signed an order enforcing existing federal rules requiring commercial truck drivers to prove English proficiency, leading to an exodus of foreign-born drivers, many with green cards, from the industry. The Department of Transportation (DOT) will now implement standardized language tests, revoking commercial licenses for drivers who fail to demonstrate adequate English skills for understanding traffic signs and safety regulations. Spanish-speaking truckers, particularly Cuban-Americans in Florida, criticized the policy, with some selling their rigs in protest. Drivers like Hermes Duran and Miguel Campos argue the rule unfairly targets them and may not improve safety. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) praised the decision, stating that English proficiency is critical for road safety, emergency communication and compliance with law enforcement. Reports indicate that lax vetting and loopholes (such as non-domicile CDLs) have allowed unqualified foreign drivers, including asylum seekers, to operate trucks, contributing to rising accidents. The Trump administration is reversing these policies to prioritize safety and stricter standards. A new executive order signed by President Donald Trump requiring commercial truck drivers to prove English language proficiency has sent shockwaves through the transportation industry, with reports of foreign-born drivers, many holding green cards, exiting the sector en masse. The order, announced this May, does not create a new rule but enforces an existing federal mandate that requires all U.S. commercial drivers to read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, communicate with law enforcement and comply with safety inspections. In turn, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will now implement standardized language assessments, targeting drivers who cannot adequately explain U.S. traffic regulations or interact with officials at checkpoints. Those who fail may lose their commercial licenses. However, Spanish-speaking truckers condemned the change. One driver, who asked to remain anonymous, called it "an awful law" and said many in his community were already selling their rigs. The rule is expected to hit immigrant drivers hard, particularly Cuban-Americans in Florida, where an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 truckers have limited English skills. Meanwhile, drivers like Hermes Duran, who speaks some English, worry they may still fall short of the new standards. He then claimed that he could be put out of service because of the new policy. Miguel Campos, another driver, questioned whether language fluency truly impacts safety but acknowledged the rule's economic toll. American highways have become increasingly dangerous due to a surge of unqualified, poorly vetted foreign drivers The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) hailed the decision. "OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent strongly support President Trump's decision to resume enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers," OOIDA President Todd Spencer said following the executive order. "Basic English skills are essential for reading critical road signs, understanding emergency instructions and interacting with law enforcement. Road signs save lives but only when they're understood. That's why OOIDA petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance earlier this year to reinstate English proficiency as an out-of-service violation. Today's announcement is a welcome step toward restoring a common-sense safety standard." Spencer's statement aligns with a recent report that American highways have become increasingly dangerous in the past few years due to a surge of unqualified, poorly vetted foreign drivers. Shannon Everett, a veteran trucking advocate and leader of American Truckers United (ATU), exposed how foreign nationals, including asylum seekers and migrants, are exploiting loopholes to obtain commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) without proper qualifications or legal residency. (Related: Poorly vetted foreign drivers flooding U.S. highways, causing deadly crashes.) Everett revealed that a little-known category of licensing, non-domicile commercial learner's permits (CLPs) and CDLs, has allowed foreign drivers from outside North America to operate heavy trucks on U.S. roads, often without permanent residency or sufficient English proficiency. The policy change, pushed by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), permits foreign nationals, including those admitted through Biden-era parole programs, to obtain CDLs without undergoing the same stringent checks as American drivers. The consequences of this policy change are already evident: a surge in reckless driving, accidents and fraud linked to unqualified foreign operators. Now, the Trump administration is reversing this. Migrants.news has more articles about foreign workers being used to fill in labor shortages in the trucking industry. Watch Brannon Howse discussing a trucker's call for protests against New York in this clip from the "Worldview Report." This video is from the WorldViewTube channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Recruiting senior drivers could alleviate truck driver shortage, port backlogs. Trucking industry is short 80,000 truck drivers amid supply chain crisis. Shortage of truck drivers in the US forces companies to look overseas. Sources include: YourNews.com En.Cibercuba.com InfoWars.com Brighteon.com Gaza-bound aid ship catches fire after alleged drone attack A humanitarian vessel (The Conscience) bound for Gaza was struck twice by alleged Israeli drones in international waters on May 2, disabling the ship and leaving it at risk of sinking. No casualties were reported. The ship, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), had planned to transport activists (including Greta Thunberg and a retired U.S. colonel) to deliver aid to Gaza. Neither was onboard during the attack. Israel's blockade has severely restricted aid, with only six trucks entering Gaza recently, far below the needs of 1.4 million displaced civilians. The WFP reports empty warehouses and hospitals face critical shortages of medicine and supplies. The FFC accused Israel of violating international law by attacking a civilian vessel. The Red Cross warned that without immediate aid, Gaza's humanitarian collapse will worsen. The FFC had imposed a media blackout to prevent interference, but the ship was still targeted. Israel has not commented on the incident. A humanitarian aid ship bound for Gaza was struck by alleged Israeli armed drones in international waters early Friday, May 2, leaving the vessel disabled and at risk of sinking. Late in April, The Conscience, a vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), departed from Tunisia en route to pick up activists, including climate campaigner Greta Thunbergand retired U.S. Army Colonel Mary Ann Wright, before continuing to Gaza over 1,000 miles away. Neither was onboard during the incident. Thunberg, who was in Malta at the time, confirmed that she had been scheduled to join the mission. However, the group disclosed that the vessel was attacked twice by drones shortly after midnight (Malta time). The strikes reportedly caused a fire and a "substantial breach" in the hull, disabling the generator and cutting power of the ship. Images shared by the coalition showed flames engulfing the vessel and two explosions. "There is a hole in the vessel right now and the ship is sinking," Yasemin Acar, the coalition press officer, told CNN via phone call from Malta on Friday. "Our vessel is 17 kilometers off the shores of Malta right now in international waters, and they have been subjected to a drone attack twice," said Acar, adding that the generators at the front of the vessel were the apparent target. Malta's government confirmed that the 68-foot-long ship had 16 people aboard, including 12 crew members and four passengers were safe, with no reported injuries. The Armed Forces of Malta confirmed the fire was extinguished and that all individuals were safe. A tugboat was dispatched to assist, but the crew refused to board it, instead accepting help to combat the fire internally. The FFC later disclosed that it imposed a media blackout on the mission to prevent potential sabotage, but it was still attacked. Now that Israel has imposed a full humanitarian blockade of Gaza since March 2, dire conditions for a population grappling with catastrophic hunger, dehydration and collapsing healthcare have only been exacerbated. Food, medical supplies and other aid to the more than two million Palestinians who live in the territory were cut off. ICRC: Without immediate action, Gaza will descend further into chaos The World Food Program (WFP) reported that its warehouses in Gaza are now empty. The few soup kitchens still functioning are severely rationing their dwindling supplies but with supermarkets stripped bare, bakeries bombed or shuttered and markets selling scarce food at exorbitant prices, Israel is waging a deliberate 'war of starvation' against Gaza's civilians." Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that without immediate aid deliveries, it will be unable to provide food, medicine and life-saving support for critical programs. "Aid must be allowed to enter Gaza. Hostages must be released. Civilians must be protected," the ICRC said. "Without immediate action, Gaza will descend further into chaos that humanitarian efforts will not be able to mitigate." Medical workers in Gaza's few remaining functional hospitals report severe shortages, forcing them to prioritize only the most critical cases. Essential medicines for chronic illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension, are nearly impossible to find. "I don't know how people are managing. They have lost everything. The displacement continues every day and more people are searching for shelter and whatever they need to survive," said Amjad Shawa, the director of the Palestinian NGOs Network in Gaza. In turn, FFC claimed that "Israeli ambassadors must be summoned and answer to violations of international law, including the ongoing blockade and the bombing of our civilian vessel in international waters." However, Israel remains silent. (Related: Aid groups: Israel blocks 83% of food aid to Gaza, triggering severe humanitarian crisis.) Visit Starvation.news for more stories related to Israel's "hunger campaign" in Gaza. Watch this video about innocent children in Gaza getting bombed by Israeli forces. This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Qatar, France broker deal to allow more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. United Nations accuses Israel of BLOCKING humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza Strip. Report from humanitarian groups proves Israel is deliberately blocking essential aid from entering Gaza. UN warns Gaza faces 'worst humanitarian crisis' yet as Israel blocks aid for 50 days. UN stops humanitarian aid operations after Israel issues ejection order for Palestinians in central Gaza. Sources include: TheGuardian.com CNN.com Brighteon.com German Evangelical Church accused of racism after banning White children from workshop The German Evangelical Church (EKD) faced criticism for barring White children from a workshop titled "Become Courage and Strong" at its Church Congress, restricting it only to "Black, Indigenous and children of color." By excluding White children, the EKD appeared to endorse the claim that White people cannot experience racism, contradicting biblical teachings on universal human dignity. Germany has seen workshops where only White adults are allowed, focusing on "examining privilege," reinforcing the idea that racism is a one-way issue (against minorities only). European churches and institutions frequently address "anti-Muslim racism" and climate change but remain silent on the mass persecution of Christians abroad (e.g., in the Middle East) and attacks on churches in Europe. Anti-White racism is becoming institutionalized in Europe, with progressive policies promoting racial division while downplaying violence against Christians and indigenous European populations. The German Evangelical Church (EKD) is facing widespread backlash after excluding White children from attending a workshop titled "Become Courage and Strong" during its Church Congress in Hanover on Wednesday, April 30. The workshop, described as a "protected space" for children to "sing or beatbox," was explicitly restricted to "Black, indigenous and children of color." Despite ethnic Germans and Europeans being indigenous to their own continent, the church's designation excluded them, applying only to non-European indigenous groups. According to the description of the program, the workshop would help children "develop strengths and strategies for dealing with experiences of racism." However, by barring White children from participation, the EKD effectively endorsed the controversial claim that White people cannot experience racism, a stance that contradicts both historical reality and biblical teachings on universal human dignity. (Related: Parents in Seattle furious over program for gifted children being terminated simply because "it had too many White students.") RMX News claimed that the church's decision aligns with a broader trend of progressive activism infiltrating religious institutions, where anti-racist rhetoric is weaponized to justify discrimination against majority populations. "The Church is not only being racist towards White children with its program, but the logic of its program is that White people cannot experience racism, a complete contradiction of the universalist principles taught in the Bible," the article read. Anti-White racism is institutionalized in parts of Europe RMX News reported that the racism of EKD does not end in one workshop. Workshops on "critical whiteness" are also being held in Germany, where only White adults "who are not affected by racism" are permitted to attend. The sessions encourage participants to "critically examine their privileges," reinforcing the narrative that racism only flows in one direction, against minorities, while ignoring the growing hostility toward White Europeans. Immigrants and non-White individuals are explicitly barred from these discussions, further entrenching racial division. Such policies, often backed by left-wing governments and institutions, promote a dangerous ideology that demonizes one ethnic group while absolving others of accountability. European churches have been hosting countless workshops on "anti-Muslim racism," climate change and "fighting the right," but they remain conspicuously silent on the mass persecution of Christians abroad and at home. In the Middle East, Islamic extremists continue to slaughter Christians with impunity, particularly in Syria, where ethnic and religious cleansing has decimated ancient Christian communities. Even the European Parliament has acknowledged the crisis, yet mainstream media and activist groups downplay it. Meanwhile, attacks on churches in Europe, arson, desecration and vandalism, are met with minimal outrage compared to similar crimes against mosques. Had White Christian extremists been responsible for the same level of violence as radical Islamists, the media frenzy would dominate headlines for months. Instead, reports on Islamic extremism are often suppressed, while narratives of "oppressed minorities" overshadow the plight of persecuted Christians. In other words, anti-White racism is institutionalized in parts of Europe, while the persecution of Christians is systematically ignored. Head over to RaceWar.news for more stories like this. Watch this clip of Alex Jones discussing the rise of anti-White attacks, which the MSM is promoting alongside tribalism. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CNN calls for violence against white children, says they "don't deserve innocence." Cultural Marxist academic proposes abusing children based on their skin color: 'White kids don't deserve innocence.' BLM co-founder turns on white allies, calls white libtard supporters "white supremacists." Leftists are now calling Muslims "bigots" and "white supremacists" for wanting to protect their children from LGBT groomers. Eating their own: New York Times claims white liberal parents are blocking the success of black and brown children. Sources include: RMX.com Kirchentag.de Brighteon.com Mass protests erupt across China as Trump tariffs trigger economic crisis China is experiencing severe civil unrest, with tens of thousands of workers protesting in industrial hubs like Shanghai and Inner Mongolia over unpaid wages and mass layoffs, driven by economic turmoil and U.S. tariffs. Trump's escalating tariffs have crippled China's export-dependent economy, causing factory closures, plummeting orders and financial distress for millions of workers, exacerbating existing crises like the property market collapse. The CCP is responding with heavy-handed suppression, deploying riot police and censoring dissent, but protests persist, reflecting growing desperation among workers. U.S. tariffs have accelerated the shift of production out of China to Taiwan, Vietnam and Mexico, further undermining confidence in Beijing's economic management. Beijing has signaled willingness to resume trade negotiations with the U.S. but demands the removal of all tariffs as a precondition. China is facing its worst civil unrest in decades as waves of protests sweep industrial and manufacturing hubs, fueled by economic turmoil exacerbated by U.S. tariffs and a deepening property market collapse. Over the past two weeks, tens of thousands of workers have taken to the streets in cities from Shanghai to Inner Mongolia, demanding unpaid wages and protesting mass layoffs as export-dependent factories buckle under the weight of President Donald Trump's escalating trade war. The latest round of U.S. tariffs has dealt a devastating blow to China's already faltering economy. Export orders have plummeted to levels not seen since the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, forcing factory closures and leaving millions of workers unpaid. (Related: TRADE WAR FALLOUT: Chinese factories slow production as U.S. tariffs bite.) In Tongliao, desperate construction laborers climbed atop unfinished buildings, threatening to jump unless their months of unpaid wages were settled. Near Shanghai, thousands of employees from an LED manufacturing plant blocked highways, demanding back pay dating to January. Similar protests erupted in Dao County after a sporting goods factory abruptly shut down, leaving workers without compensation. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has responded with a heavy-handed crackdown, deploying riot police and censoring online dissent, but the demonstrations show no signs of abating. China weighs U.S. trade negotiations amid calls for "sincerity" Trump, who has made economic confrontation with China a cornerstone of his political platform, has said the impact is intentional. They were making from us a trillion dollars a year. They were ripping us off like nobody's ever ripped us off, he stated in a recent rally. Theyre not doing that anymore. The tariffs, first imposed in 2018 and expanded under his potential second-term agenda, have accelerated a manufacturing exodus from China, with companies relocating to Taiwan, Vietnam and Mexico. The shift has eroded confidence in Beijing's economic stewardship, compounding existing crises, including supply chain breakdowns from Shanghai's draconian COVID lockdowns and a real estate collapse that has left millions of homeowners in financial ruin. As a response to the crisis, China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday, May 3, that it is considering renewed tariff negotiations with the United States. "China has noted the repeated statements from senior U.S. officials expressing a willingness to negotiate with China on tariff issues," a ministry spokesperson said. "At the same time, the U.S. side has recently taken the initiative to relay messages to China through relevant channels, expressing a desire to engage in talks. China is currently evaluating this matter." However, Beijing made clear that any negotiations must be accompanied by concrete actions, including the removal of all unilateral tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. "If the U.S. refuses to correct its erroneous unilateral tariff policies, it would only prove its complete lack of sincerity and further undermine mutual trust," the spokesperson said. "Saying one thing while doing another or even using talks as a cover for coercion and extortion China will not accept this. China's position has been consistent and clear. We will fight to the end if forced to, but our door remains open for talks." Follow Collapse.news for more news related to this. Watch Chris Sullivan discussing about global economic decoupling and trade embargo in this clip. This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump's 125% tariff triggers panic among Chinese Amazon sellers. Trump imposes 25% tariff on nations buying Venezuelan oil. Tariff tensions escalate as retail giants confront Trump's trade strategy. INSANE TARIFFS over TWO HUNDRED PERCENT are actually coming from Canadas exports to USA imposed on milk, whey, cheese and butter. Canada-U.S. trade war escalates: Maxime Bernier warns against tariffs, calls for free trade revival. Sources include: YourNews.com TimesNowNews.com SCMP.com Brighteon.com Global surge in loneliness persists post-pandemic, study reveals The Gallup-Meta "Global State of Social Connections" study found loneliness is highly persistent, disproportionately affecting younger generations: 25 percent of 15- to 18-year-olds and 27 percent of 19- to 29-year-olds report high loneliness, compared to 17 percent among those over 65. Heavy social media use (over two hours daily) doubles perceived social isolation risk, per a 2017 study. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide superficial engagement. Chronic loneliness increases risks of diabetes, heart disease, dementia, anxiety and depression, according to the WHO and the CDC. Declining in-person social networks, economic instability, digital overstimulation, urban cost-of-living pressures reducing casual interactions and Big Tech's platform designs prioritizing screen time over meaningful connections exacerbate the issue. Experts advocate prioritizing real-world community ties, critical tech consumption and systemic policy shifts. A new global study reveals that loneliness remains stubbornly persistent, disproportionately affecting younger generations. The Gallup and Meta Platforms collaboration, "The Global State of Social Connections," surveyed over 204,000 participants across 142 countries between June 2022 and February 2023, finding stark disparities in loneliness rates by age. While pandemic-era lockdowns exacerbated isolation, the data suggests lingering struggles, particularly among teens and young adults, even as in-person restrictions ease. The findings underscore a growing health crisis tied to social disconnection and highlight the paradox of connectivity in an age where virtual presence often overshadows real-world bonds. The study's most striking revelation lies in the generational divide. Among respondents aged 15 to 18, 25 percent report feeling "very lonely" or "fairly lonely," a rate that climbs to 27 percent in 19- to 29-year-olds. Meanwhile, individuals over 65 experience the lowest loneliness rates at 17 percent. "This isn't just a pandemic artifact it's part of a shift toward chronic isolation that predates 2020," said Dr. Janenaire Morley, a sociologist unaffiliated with the study but reviewing its findings. "Younger cohorts navigate social expectations against a backdrop of economic instability and digital overstimulation." The health toll: Loneliness as a chronic risk The physical and mental health ramifications of loneliness are well-documented. The World Health Organization recognizes social isolation as a risk factor for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and dementia, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) links it to heightened anxiety and depression. "When people lack meaningful relationships, their whole health declines," said Dr. Liam Chen, a geriatrician at the UCLA Medical Center. "The mental anguish of loneliness primes the body for stress, weakening immunity and accelerating aging." Social media's role: A virtual smoke screen The study sidesteps pinpointing causes, but parallel research offers clues. A 2017 American Journal of Preventive Medicine study found that social media users spending over two hours daily were twice as likely to experience perceived social isolation as those online for less than 30 minutes. "Platforms like Instagram and TikTok promise 'connection' but offer superficial engagement," noted Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, in a 2021 interview. "You can't scroll through a feed and know someone." (Related: Smartphone overuse in childhood fuels teen depression and anxiety, landmark study finds.) His warning resonates in the Gallup-Meta data, which shows teens and young adults, the most digitally active, encompassing the highest loneliness brackets. Historical context: Shifts in social structure The current crisis echoes long-standing societal shifts. The late 20th century saw shrinking social spheres, with Americans averaging three "confidants" in 2004, down from two dozen in 1985, per Robert Putnam's 2000 book "Bowling Alone." "Now, screens have replaced community gatherings," said Putnam. "The pandemic accelerated these trends a generational text now replaces catching up over coffee." Gallup's findings reflect this trajectory, with global lockdowns amplifying the issue. Experts urge multitiered solutions; Murthy himself emphasizes "in-person interaction as non-negotiable" a priority amid findings that just 36 percent of respondents feel well-connected to their communities. The former surgeon general also advocates critical media consumption, demanding news outlets frame events without fearmongering or polarizing narratives. On an individual level, the American Psychological Association recommends practical steps: Scheduling face time, joining local groups and setting "phone-free" windows during family time. Shifting demographics further complicate bonds Rural and urban dynamics also influence loneliness. The Gallup-Meta study notes that younger rural populations report slightly less loneliness than their urban counterparts, suggesting that accessibility of communal spaces matters. However, mobility limitations in cities, such as cost-of-living pressures, may reduce opportunities for casual interactions. "When you can't afford to live near family or friends, you're essentially stranded," said Mira Torres, a social worker in Los Angeles, echoing concerns about affordability deepening alienation. Tech giants face scrutiny. Meta, the study's co-sponsor, has faced criticism for designing addictive platforms that exacerbate isolation. "They profit from time spent scrolling, not conversations," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), echoing Senate hearings on social media's impacts. Yet Meta's research director, Javier Oliva, claims their work "aims to understand, not address," noting the company funds mental wellness programs. Critics argue that monetization strategies must evolve alongside this awareness. Mental health professionals are expanding treatments. Loneliness clinics, as reported by The Lancet, now integrate group therapy and social skill training. "We're moving beyond individual therapy to build shared spaces," said Dr. Sara Elson, a loneliness clinic director in London. Meanwhile, startup Singularity6 uses VR avatars for neurodivergent individuals to practice real-world interactions a hybrid approach acknowledging some benefits of technology. The Gallup-Meta study amplifies a clarion call to reimagine modern society. With loneliness linked to early mortality risks comparable to smoking, experts argue it's a public health emergency requiring policy action and cultural shifts. As former Surgeon General Murthy warned, "Technology can't be our default. To rebuild, we must rethink vulnerability not as a weakness but as a gateway to belonging." Watch the video below that talks about combating loneliness. This video is from the Good News in a Gloomy Age channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Social media use linked to TEENAGE DEPRESSION, warn mental health experts. Study finds loneliness increases risk of developing dementia. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Gallup.com Brighteon.com Taxpayer dollars fund controversial NGO immigration programs amid trafficking allegations The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has allocated over $1 billion to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) supporting illegal immigrants, particularly at the southern border. Since 2021, the DHS has regularly disbursed $600 million every two to three months through the SSP. In August 2024 alone, over $380 million was allocated to nonprofits like Catholic Charities and Jewish Family Service, which have been criticized for using funds to disperse migrants across the United States. The network of NGOs benefiting from these funds includes religious and secular groups, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS). The surge in illegal border crossings has led to a significant human toll, with reports of trafficking and exploitation. Senator Chuck Grassley highlighted the administration's failure to track unaccompanied minors, many of whom disappear after release. The debate over NGO subsidies reflects broader tensions over national sovereignty and the moral responsibility to migrants. The Trump administration's crackdown on these practices, including legal actions against NGOs, signaled a shift toward accountability. In a practice drawing bipartisan scrutiny, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has allocated over $1 billion in federal funds to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) supporting illegal immigrants, often just as they cross the southern border, according to data from USASpending.gov and a recent policy brief from the Center for Renewing America. These organizations, including entities like Catholic Charities and the International Rescue Committee, face accusations of enabling human trafficking and profiting from an asylum system critics call a loophole for mass amnesty. Florida State Prosecutor Richard Mantei recently stated that NGOs are part of a funneling of taxpayer money into trafficking organizations, with some operating knowingly despite the harm. As illegal border crossings surged under the Biden administration exceeding 2 million encounters annually these groups have emerged at the center of a debate over sovereignty, taxpayer accountability and the human cost of unchecked migration. Taxpayer funds fuel controversial NGO programs Since 2021, the DHS has routinely dispersed $600 million every two to three months through its Shelter and Service Program (SSP), according to sources cited by Breitbart.com. Over $380 million allocated in August 2024 alone went to nonprofits such as the San Diego-based Jewish Family Service and Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, which has faced criticism for purchasing airline tickets that dispersed migrants across the U.S. Texas lawmakers Henry Cuellar and Monica De La Cruz condemned this practice, arguing the funds were never intended for long-distance travel. The family or [migrant] should pay for that, not taxpayer dollars, Cuellar told The Border Report. Despite these concerns, the Biden administration defended the program in a statement, calling it critical to prevent overcrowding of short-term CBP holding facilities. However, the sheer scale of fundingamounting to over $1 billion since 2021 has raised alarms. For instance, Catholic Charities USA, which critics accuse of functioning as the endpoint for cartel?smuggled migrants, received $18.8 million in 2023, a sharp increase from its $1.4 million to $3.7 million annual allocations in prior years. Tracking funds to southern border and beyond The flow of federal money extends well beyond border regions. Cities like New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C., received millions in the latest SSP tranche, fueling transit efforts that critics claim seed migrant hubs in major urban areas. In New York alone, over $22 million was allocated to the citys Office of Management and Budget, though thousands of migrants continue to languish in homeless encampments there despite the funding. The network of NGOs benefiting from these programs spans religious and secular groups. The United Nations-backed International Organization for Migration (IOM), for instance, was found providing cash debit cards to detained migrants in Mexicosome of them repeat border-crosserswhile the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) has offered legal aid and cash vouchers. A Policy Brief by Center for Renewing America senior contributor Wade Miller detailed how organizations like Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) received over 95% of their budgets from government grants, incentivizing the abuse of the asylum system. A long-standing pattern The episode echoes a years-long clash over U.S. border policy. Former President Donald Trump, during his first term, curtailed asylum loopholes and enforced Remain in Mexico policies, reducing crossings by 90% within weeks after his 2025 reelection. Critics argue that prior administrations, including Bidens, effectively subcontracted border management to NGOs and UN agencies, enabling cartels to traffic victims under the guise of humanitarian aid. Millers brief attributed the crisis to a misconception that the border is uncontrolled. Instead, drug cartels and NGOs, often funded via U.S. taxpayer dollars, manage migration flows. Roughly one-quarter of sex trafficking victims in America are minors, said Miller, citing examples like the rape trees along smuggling routes. Survivor testimonies described women raped so many times they werent seen as human. The human costtrafficking and exploitation The human toll is stark. Senator Chuck Grassleys 2024 letter to Biden highlighted the administrations failure to track 550,000 unaccompanied minors, many of whom vanish after release. Alicia Hopper, a human trafficking consultant, testified that under Bidens relaxed sponsorship vetting, predators targeted minors: Law enforcement located only two of 25 children checked on in [a Texas shelter]. Lawmakers and advocates argue the NGOs enable these abuses by offering migrants resources, while cartels extract profit. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which received $700 million in 2024, funded travel hubs and shelters in countries like Honduras, where teens are trained by smugglers to claim asylum in the U.S., according to the brief. Trump administrations crackdown and ongoing battles President Trumps 2025 crackdown has frozen much of this funding. His border strategy included reactivating Operation Streamline for illegal reentries and auditing NGO grants. In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxtons case against Annunciation Housea shelter accused of aiding illegal entryexemplifies the legal pushback. The DOJ has threatened NGOs with RICO charges for facilitating slavery or trafficking, and DHS has reduced allocations to groups like CRS. Despite successes, challenges persist. Over 15,000 migrants traverse the border at any given time, and frontera counties still grapple with logistical strain. If you cut the funds, [NGOs] cant survive, Mantei said, but it requires political courage. A call for accountability in migrant aid funding The debate over NGO subsidies reflects deeper tensions over American sovereignty and the moral responsibility to vulnerable migrants. While organizations like Catholic Charities insist they protect brothers and sisters in need, evidence ties their funding pipelines to exploitation. As immigration policies evolve, the question remains: Can a system rescue legal compassion from criminal exploitationor will taxpayer dollars continue to fund an illegal immigration industry, unseen but thriving, at the expense of national security and human dignity? The post-2025 administrations audits and legal actions signal a shift, but as Rep. Cuellar urges, Americans deserve transparencynot throwing money at the problem. For now, the bordera line separating chaos and controlremains as contested as ever. Sources for this article include: JustTheNews.com BorderReport.com AmericaRenewing.com Report: Two-pill abortion regimen 22X more dangerous than what FDA claims A new report reveals that 10 percent of women taking the abortion pill regimen (mifepristone and misoprostol) suffer severe complications 22 times higher than the FDA's claimed 0.5 percent rate. Risks include infections, hemorrhaging and death. The FDA has relied on limited, industry-funded studies to justify loosening restrictions, including allowing mail-order distribution without medical supervision, despite real-world data showing significant dangers. Mifepristone's 2000 approval was contentious, with ties to eugenics-linked groups. Early safety protocols were removed under the Biden administration, despite rising complication rates. Emergency rooms report increasing cases of incomplete abortions and severe side effects. Many complications go unreported due to out-of-pocket payments or lack of insurance claims. Pro-life advocates and medical experts demand stricter FDA oversight, including mandatory doctor visits and congressional hearings, arguing the drug would be pulled if not for its abortion ties. A shocking new report has exposed that the two-pill abortion regimen marketed as a safe and convenient at-home procedure is far more dangerous than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has publicly admitted. According to research from the Foundation for the Restoration of America (FFROA), one in 10 women who take mifepristone and misoprostol will suffer severe complications, including life-threatening infections, hemorrhaging or even death. The findings, based on real-world insurance claims data, contradict the FDAs long-standing claims of minimal risk and raise urgent questions about the agencys oversight of chemical abortions. The abortion pill regimen now accounts for 63 percent of all U.S. abortions. It involves two drugs: Mifepristone (which blocks progesterone to starve an unborn child) and misoprostol (which induces contractions to expel the fetus). While abortion advocates and the FDA have insisted the process is safe, the FFROA study reveals a starkly different reality. (Related: Tennessee lawmakers introduce legislation to deter mail-based abortion pill deliveries.) Analyzing data from hundreds of thousands of women between 2017 and 2023, researchers found that 10.93 percent experienced serious complications. This number was 22 times higher than the FDA's claimed rate of just 0.5 percent. These complications include sepsis, emergency surgeries, blood transfusions and ruptured ectopic pregnancies. Even more alarming, 85 percent of women reported severe side effects such as nausea, fever and hemorrhaging. For years, the FDA has relied on limited clinical trials many funded by abortion industry groups to justify loosening restrictions on mifepristone. In 2021, the Biden administration exploited the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to eliminate in-person doctor visits, allowing the drug to be mailed directly to women without medical supervision. By 2023, the FDA made this policy permanent, despite mounting evidence of harm. Critics argue the agency has ignored real-world data in favor of political expediency. "These shocking findings should alert all women that the abortion pills are extremely dangerous to their well-being a conclusion completely at odds with what the FDA tells us," FFROA founder Doug Truax told the Daily Wire. "If you had any other drug that was kind of similar in terms of the magnitude of what this thing does, anywhere north of two percent and they'd shut it down. They're just hell-bent on just increasing the amount of abortions." How mifepristone's approval put women at risk Mifepristone's approval in 2000 was mired in controversy. The drug was developed with funding from billionaire Warren Buffett and pushed by the Population Council, an organization with ties to eugenics. Early cases of fatal infections were dismissed by manufacturers, including Danco Laboratories, a secretive firm that refuses to disclose its leadership. Even under the Clinton administration, the FDA imposed strict safety protocols, including mandatory in-person visits. But under former President Joe Biden, those safeguards were stripped away despite rising complication rates. Behind the statistics are real women suffering devastating consequences. Emergency room doctors report an influx of patients with incomplete abortions, severe bleeding and infections. "This is much different than the lie that women have been told that these drugs are safer than Tylenol," said ob-gyn Dr. Christina Francis. The FFROA study also highlights that government insurance data likely undercounts complications, as many women pay out-of-pocket or seek emergency care without filing claims. Pro-life leaders and medical experts are demanding immediate action. Heartbeat International President Jor-El Godsey urged the FDA to reinstate safety protocols, including mandatory doctor visits and stricter reporting requirements. Some lawmakers are calling for congressional hearings to investigate the FDA's handling of mifepristone. The FFROA report is a wake-up call. As chemical abortions surge, women are paying the price for an industry that prioritizes profit over safety and a government that turns a blind eye. The FDA must answer for its negligence before more lives are lost. Watch a 2023 video on the U.S. Supreme Court restoring access to the mifepristone abortion pill. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: 19-year-old Canadian girl dies after taking common abortion pill. Supposedly "safe" abortion pill hospitalizes five Ohio women, causes serious complications in many more. PILL HOARDERS: Maryland officials buy $1.2M worth of abortion pills prior to impending nationwide ban. Sources include: YourNews.com PregnancyHelpNews.com DailyWire.com Brighteon.com Two Ukrainian women charged with illegally voting in 2024 U.S. election Two Ukrainian women, Svitlana and Yelyzaveta Demydenko, face federal charges for illegally voting in the 2024 election despite being non-citizens. They registered using a system requiring citizenship attestation and were released on bond. An Iraqi national allegedly voted illegally in New Yorks 2020 election and fled the United States. A Dominican Republic citizen and a Guatemalan woman (Angelica Francisco) pleaded guilty to identity theft and illegal voting, with Francisco using a stolen identity to vote and obtain a U.S. passport. A 19-year-old Chinese national was charged with perjury and voter fraud for registering with a university ID and voting in the 2024 election, prompting federal scrutiny into potential foreign interference. A 42-year-old undocumented immigrant pleaded guilty to stealing a U.S. citizens identity to vote in multiple elections and fraudulently obtain a passport. These incidents have fueled calls for stricter voter ID laws, citizenship verification and enhanced election security measures to prevent non-citizen voting. Two Ukrainian women residing in Florida are facing federal charges for allegedly voting in the 2024 presidential election despite not being U.S. citizens at the time. Svitlana Demydenko, 53, and her daughter, Yelyzaveta Demydenko, 22, appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach after investigators alleged they illegally cast ballots during early voting in Palm Beach County on Oct. 31, 2024. According to court documents, the Demydenkos entered the U.S. in April 2021 on non-immigrant visas, Svitlana on a K-1 fiance visa, and became lawful permanent residents in July 2023. Prosecutors alleged that both women registered to vote in August 2024 using a system that requires individuals to certify their U.S. citizenship, a legal requirement they did not meet. But despite their non-citizen status, both women cast ballots in the October 2024 presidential election. During an interview with law enforcement in April, Yelyzaveta reportedly admitted to registering to vote online and accompanying her mother and stepfather to a Boynton Beach library to vote and "make a difference." Svitlana claimed in the criminal complaint that she was unaware that she was ineligible to vote. In turn, U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O'Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass announced that the two women are facing federal charges for voting in the 2024 U.S. election. The two have made their initial court appearance in West Palm Beach and were released on $25,000 bonds. Their arraignment is scheduled for May 20. If convicted, the Demydenkos could face fines, deportation and potential prison time of up to five years. Multiple non-U.S. citizens have been voting in the U.S. elections The case of the Demydenkos is not an isolated one. Federal prosecutors revealed that Akeel Abdul Jamiel, a 45-year-old Iraqi national, allegedly voted illegally in the 2020 presidential election in Saratoga County, New York. Court documents show that Jamiel, who is not a U.S. citizen, knowingly cast a ballot. He is no longer in the country and has not been apprehended. In Michigan, statements from the Michigan Secretary of State's office disclosed that a Chinese national was accused of unlawfully registering and voting in the 2024 general election. Additionally, Carlos Abreu (from the Dominican Republic) and Angelica Maria Francisco (from Guatemala) pleaded guilty to identity theft and illegally voting in U.S. elections. Francisco, a resident of Russellville, Alabama, assumed the identity of a U.S. citizen as early as 2011. Using this fraudulent identity, she obtained an American passport that same year, which she later used for international travel to her native Guatemala in 2012, 2015 and 2018. (Related: Illegal immigrant pleads guilty to stealing identity of a U.S. citizen, fraudulently obtaining a passport and voting in multiple elections.) She registered to vote in Alabama under the stolen identity in 2016, casting ballots in both the primary and general elections that year, as well as in the 2020 election cycle. In 2021, she successfully renewed her U.S. passport using the same false information and traveled internationally again in 2022. These cases have intensified demands for stricter voter ID laws, citizenship verification and enhanced election monitoring. Read more stories like this at VoteFraud.news. Watch the video below that talks about the proof that illegal immigrants are voting in elections and are receiving benefits if they vote for Democrats. This video is from You Silenced Me channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Rep. Chip Roy introduces bill cracking down on illegal immigrants voting in federal elections. Yes, voter fraud is real and yes, Democrats are behind it: Leftists caught funding illegal voting ring in Texas. Report: Nearly 900K deceased individuals still registered as active voters in Puerto Rico. Supreme Court partially upholds Arizona law requiring documentary proof of citizenship for state-level voter registration. CLEANING HOUSE: Ohio removes nearly 155,000 names from voter rolls due to inactive or expired registrations. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com CBSNews.com Yahoo.com 1 AOL.com Yahoo.com 2 Brighteon.com Dr. Morton Walkers DMSO: Natures Healer explores the healing power of this natural molecule Dr. Morton Walker's book "DMSO: Nature's Healer" (1993) highlights the remarkable therapeutic benefits of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), showcasing case studies where it alleviated conditions like chronic pain, cervical stenosis and arthritis often when conventional treatments failed. DMSO's unique ability to penetrate tissues and transport other substances was discovered in the 1960s, but FDA bans on clinical trials (due to unverified animal study risks) and pharmaceutical disinterest stalled its adoption, leaving it caught between medical skepticism and advocacy. DMSO has shown promise in treating diverse issues from burns, herpes and cataracts to neurological disorders (e.g., spinal cord injuries) and even chromosomal conditions like Down's syndrome, with preclinical studies suggesting potential anti-cancer properties. Its small molecular structure enables deep tissue penetration, acting as an anti-inflammatory, free-radical scavenger and drug-delivery enhancer. However, its strong odor complicates clinical trials, and its non-patentable nature limits pharmaceutical investment. Despite regulatory and economic hurdles, patient success stories underscore DMSO's potential. Walker advocates for balanced research and policy reforms to explore this natural compound's full healing capabilities, challenging conventional medical paradigms. Dr. Morton Walkers 1993 book "DMSO: Nature's Healer" delves into the extraordinary potential of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a simple yet powerful compound that has fascinated scientists, doctors and patients alike for decades. The book presents compelling case studies, scientific insights and historical context. It paints a vivid picture of DMSO as both a medical marvel and a subject of intense debate. The story of DMSOs healing properties begins with a striking anecdote from 1980 in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Eva Lee Snead, a family practice specialist, treated her friend Marjorie Saloman, a 32-year-old psychologist suffering from cervical os stenosis. Unlike conventional treatments that failed to alleviate her excruciating pain, a topical application of DMSO mixed with vitamin E enabled painless dilation of her cervix sparing Saloman from a scheduled hysterectomy. This case highlights the seemingly miraculous therapeutic potential of DMSO. First synthesized in 1866 by Russian scientist Alexander Zaytsev, DMSO remained largely overlooked until the 1960s, when Dr. Stanley W. Jacob discovered its unique ability to penetrate skin and cell membranes while transporting other substances with it. This breakthrough ignited enthusiasm for DMSO as a "miracle drug" with applications spanning pain relief, inflammation reduction and cellular repair. Yet, its journey has been fraught with obstacles. The Food and Drug Administration's mid-1960s ban on clinical trials based on concerns about possible eye damage in animals soured DMSOs reputation, despite no human evidence of similar effects. Critics dismissed it as quackery while advocates argued that bureaucratic barriers and pharmaceutical industry disinterest stifled its potential. Countless individuals have nevertheless experienced life-changing benefits from DMSO. Anna Goldeman, who suffered from bursitis and phantom limb pain following the amputation of her right arm, found unexpected relief after applying DMSO. The 65-year-old saw improvement in her bursitis, and her phantom pain vanished entirely. Lucas Sheinholtz, suffering from debilitating arthritis, regained mobility within minutes of treatment though periodic reapplication was needed. Such accounts suggest that DMSO's mechanism goes beyond temporary relief. It may influence nerve function and tissue repair in ways still being explored. DMSO's versatility is staggering. It has been used to treat burns, cataracts, herpes and even chromosomal disorders like Downs syndrome, where patients such as Melody Clark progressed from severe cognitive impairment to mild disability after DMSO amino acid therapy. Preclinical studies suggest it may help combat cancer by normalizing malignant cells in vitro. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier offers hope for neurological conditions like stroke and spinal cord injuries. Bill Shaal, a young man paralyzed after a severe injury, regained sensation and independence following DMSO treatment. So, how does DMSO work? Its small molecular structure allows deep tissue penetration, enabling it to act as an anti-inflammatory, free-radical scavenger and immune booster. It stimulates white blood cell production, reduces swelling and even enhances drug delivery to the brain. However, these very properties complicate traditional clinical trials. DMSO's distinctive odor makes double-blind studies difficult, creating a paradox. Regulators demand rigorous testing, yet the compound's characteristics hinder conventional research methods. Economic factors further complicate DMSO's path to mainstream acceptance. As a naturally derived, unpatentable substance, it lacks the profit incentive that drives pharmaceutical investment. This leaves patients and practitioners reliant on anecdotal evidence and off-label use, perpetuating a cycle of skepticism and underfunded research. Yet, the resilience of DMSO's proponents and the undeniable impact on individuals like Saloman and Shaal speaks to its potential. Walker's book serves as both a testament to natural healing and a call to action. DMSO represents a frontier in medicine where science, policy and patient advocacy must converge to unlock its full promise. For those suffering from chronic pain, neurological disorders or other ailments, it offers a beacon of hope a reminder that sometimes, natures simplest molecules hold the greatest power to heal. As research continues, the story of DMSO remains unfinished. It challenges people to reconsider the intersection of innovation and regulation, and to explore unconventional therapies with open minds. In Walker's words, the journey of DMSO is not merely about a chemical compound it's about the enduring quest for healing and the courage to embrace nature's gifts. Watch this video about Dr. Morton Walker's 1993 book "DMSO: Nature's Healer." This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Israeli airstrikes kill hundreds in Gaza as UN condemns Israels dangerous aid blockade Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 110 Palestinians, including infants, while rescue teams struggle to recover bodies under rubble amid relentless bombings. Gazas humanitarian crisis nears total collapse as Israel maintains its blockade, leading to starvation deaths, including a baby who died from malnutrition and dehydration. Recent strikes targeted civilians, killing multiple infants in Khan Younis and al-Mawasi, with rescue efforts hampered by ongoing bombardments. Israels controversial aid distribution plan has been condemned as inhumane, forcing civilians into militarized zones for food while bypassing humanitarian organizations. Netanyahus government, backed by the U.S., is escalating military operations and pushing forced displacement, with Gazas death toll surpassing 52,535 since October 2023. The Israeli military has killed at least 110 Palestinians in Gaza during the past week, including infants and toddlers, as the U.S.-backed blockade pushes the enclave into famine. Gazas Health Ministry reports that 400 more people were wounded, while rescue teams struggle to recover bodies buried under rubble from relentless airstrikes. Among the dead are a one-month-old baby, a one-year-old girl, and a one-year-old boycasualties of an Israeli bombing in Khan Younis. Meanwhile, the UN warns that Gazas humanitarian response is on the "verge of total collapse," yet Israel refuses to lift its siege, leaving thousands to starve. Airstrikes are targeting civilians, including babies Over the weekend, Israeli forces bombed a home in Khan Younis, killing eight people, including three infants. Another strike on a tent camp in al-Mawasi claimed at least ten lives, while an attack on the Khan Younis refugee camp killed 11, among them three babies under a year old. Rescue workers say they cannot reach many victims trapped under debris due to ongoing bombardments. The blockade, which has been in place for more than two months, has led to catastrophic hunger. A baby girl, Janan Saleh al-Sakafi, died of malnutrition and dehydration at Rantisi Hospital; she is just one of at least 57 Palestinians, mostly children, who have starved to death. The UNs World Food Program and Palestinian relief agencies have thousands of trucks ready to deliver aid, but Israel continues to block them. Israels "rations" plan condemned as inhumane Despite global outrage, Israels security cabinet approved a plan to expand its assault on Gaza while proposing a controversial aid distribution scheme that would bypass humanitarian organizations. The UN and aid groups rejected the proposal, calling it a "dangerous" tactic to force civilians into militarized zones to collect food. "The current scheme just wont work unless there are a lot more distribution hubs, and even then, we cannot be a party to something that may drive massive and possibly permanent displacement within Gaza," a senior humanitarian official told The Guardian. Israels blockade has left hospitals overwhelmed, with medical supplies depleted and wounded patients left untreated. Gazas Health Ministry reports that since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, at least 2,436 Palestinians have been killed and 6,450 wounded. The total death toll since October 7, 2023, has reached 52,535, with 118,491 wounded, and these numbers exclude the thousands who are still missing under rubble. Netanyahus expansion of genocide Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emboldened by U.S. support, has vowed to escalate military operations, calling up tens of thousands of reservists for a broader invasion. His government has also pushed for the forced displacement of Palestinians, a move condemned as ethnic cleansing. The U.S. remains complicit, supplying weapons and diplomatic cover as Israel flouts international law, even as famine looms. Israels siege is not just a military strategy; it is looking more and more like a deliberate campaign of starvation and collective punishment. With children dying of malnutrition and hospitals bombed into dysfunction, Gaza has become a graveyard. Yet Western leaders, including the U.S., continue to enable this genocide, prioritizing geopolitical interests over human lives. How many more children must die before the international community acts? Sources for this article include: News.Antiwar.com TheGuardian.com AlJazeera.com JESUS NEVER SPOKE ENGLISH: Historical facts on why the Bible youre probably reading has been altered, redacted or hidden from much of its original meaning I'm finding that many Christians completely lose their minds when you ask basic questions trying to clarify what the Bible says. Many of these people apparently think Genesis Chapter 1 starts with the word, "OBEY" and then is followed by "Don't ask any questions" and then "especially questions about the parts that are contradictory." Sorry, folks, I don't buy that.God wants us to be curious, not blind. And no, God didn't write the Bible directly, he worked through men who are, by their very nature, fallible and selective in their memories and often biased in their own interpretations. This doesn't mean, of course, that there isn't tremendous value in what's taught in the Bible. I have found great wisdom in it. But reading it and citing it from rote memory without understanding what it actually is does not bring us any closer to God, in my view. We need to have more knowledge about how the Bible came to be, and I think God wants us to dig deeper, beyond the surface, to truly seek to understand the lessons of Jesus and God's demands of us. Many contradictory details are found in the Bible The Gospels, for example, contain very different perspectives and sometimes contradictory details of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ. Long before Christ, Moses was so frustrated with God that he literally asked God to kill him. Some of the chapters of the Bible are primarily collections of writings that would have been lost if not gathered by women (Jeremiah, for example, whose writings were largely gathered by his female secretary). And there are at least 22 missing books that were redacted from the western Christian Bible (but are found in the Ethiopian Christian Bible). Those include Enoch and the Book of Giants, among others. Translations of the Bible from its original languages introduced new biases, redactions and edits Furthermore, every official translation of the Bible into English introduced new biases, and in some cases outright redactions or deliberate perversions of the original source text in Hebrew, or Aramaic or Greek. These biases were introduced by men, and sometimes by Kings, all of whom had their own political agendas, filters and biases, and many of those agendas were not at all aligned with God's teachings. Thus, to conclude that the English Bible today is an exact replica of "the Word of God" is to have no knowledge of the history of the origins of the modern English (NKJ, etc.) Bible itself. A list of just a few of the contradictions found in The Gospels I asked our in-house AI engine, Enoch (ahem!) at Brighteon.AI, about some of the more obvious contradictions found in just The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). These contradictions don't invalidate the core teachings of Jesus, of course, whose teachings I honor. But they do demonstrate exactly what I'm referring to here, which is that the Bible is not a word-for-word accurate record of events, and even the Bible itself can be self-contradictory. Here's what Enoch reported, hopefully without making citation errors (I didn't check them all): Contradictions in the Birth Narratives Only Matthew and Luke provide detailed accounts of Jesus' birth, and they differ significantly: Genealogy of Jesus : Matthew (1:1-17) traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph back to King David via Solomon , listing 28 generations from David to Jesus. Luke (3:23-38) traces it through a different line (possibly Marys) back to David via Nathan (not Solomon), listing 42 generations from David to Jesus. The names between David and Jesus are almost entirely different. : Place of Birth & Travel : Matthew implies that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that Joseph and Mary lived there (Matthew 2:1, 11). Luke claims that Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth and only traveled to Bethlehem for the census (Luke 2:4-7). : The Census of Quirinius : Luke says Jesus was born during a census ordered by Quirinius, governor of Syria (Luke 2:1-2). However, historical records show Quirinius census occurred in 6-7 CE , while Herod the Great (who appears in Matthews account) died in 4 BCE meaning the two accounts cannot both be correct. : Flight to Egypt vs. Return to Nazareth : Matthew says Herod tried to kill Jesus , forcing the family to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). Luke says they went straight to Nazareth after Jesus birth (Luke 2:39), with no mention of Herods massacre or Egypt. : Visitors & Announcements : Matthew mentions the Magi (wise men) visiting Jesus in a house (Matthew 2:11), implying some time had passed. Luke mentions shepherds visiting Jesus in a manger (Luke 2:15-16), suggesting an immediate visit after birth. : Contradictions in the Resurrection Accounts The Gospels also differ on key details of Jesus' resurrection: Who Visited the Tomb? Matthew 28:1 Mary Magdalene and "the other Mary." Mark 16:1 Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. Luke 24:10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and "other women." John 20:1 Only Mary Magdalene. Was the Stone Already Rolled Away? Matthew 28:2 An angel rolls the stone away in front of the women. Mark 16:3-4 The women find the stone already rolled away. Who Appeared First? Matthew 28:9 Jesus appears to the women on their way back. John 20:14-17 Jesus appears only to Mary Magdalene. Other Notable Contradictions Jesus Last Words on the Cross : Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Luke 23:46 "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." John 19:30 "It is finished." : The Death of Judas : Matthew 27:5 Judas hangs himself. Acts 1:18 Judas falls and bursts open in a field. : Even the words of Jesus that we read in English are not actually the words that he spoke Personally, I would tend to trust the red-letter Bibles revealing the actual words of Christ over everything else, in terms of closeness to God's intended message, but of course Jesus did not speak English. He probably spoke mostly Aramaic. And even this historical fact is practically unknown by most American Christians today, at least in my observations of their knowledge. They bizarrely assume Jesus spoke English. But that's absurd, since the English language did not exist during the entire life of Jesus. English would not come into existence for centuries later, and far from Jerusalem. So if Jesus did not speak English, but the words we read of Jesus are presented to us in English, and those words in The Gospels are very often contradictory, what does that tell us? Again, it doesn't mean we throw out The Gospels or the teaching of Christ, as there is tremendous value to be found there, but what it must remind us is that reading the Bible in English is absolutely not reading "the word of God," it is reading a translated, interpreted, redacted, selected rendition of history, filled with biases and political agendas and human bias in the translations. Jesus of Nazareth looked Middle-Eastern Astonishingly, I have found that very few Christians realize that Jesus did not speak English, and they do not realize that by today's standards, he would look very much like a Middle Eastern man, possibly similar to a Palestinian, or a Jordanian, or Lebanese man. He was not "white," even though he is often deceptively depicted as such in western Christian culture. As Roman soldiers demonstrated, Jesus was impossible to tell apart from the other local men of his time. Quite literally today, if a typical American Christian saw a man who looked exactly like Jesus of Nazareth, that typical Christian would, in their own mind, think they were seeing an Islamic fundamentalist just by judging him on his looks. They'd be wrong, of course, but that's how they would judge Jesus today, for the most part, having virtually no knowledge of the history of Jesus or the history of the world. Learning from God must expand far beyond any written, translated word So even in reading the red letter Bible of the words of Jesus, we are only reading (in English) a translated version that is NOT word for word what Jesus actually spoke, and the translated versions may not be entirely faithful to the original words of Jesus himself, so we have to learn to expand our understanding of God through other confirmatory means such as observing nature, seeing the miracles of God in life, developing our relationship with God, etc. This does not mean the Bible cannot be incredibly informative, of course, but the Bible was only written about one group of people in one part of the world, and that group had virtually no contact with other civilizations that coexisted on planet Earth at the same time, including the civilizations of India, China, Egypt, greater Africa, Meso-America, Rome and eventually the "Rus," among others. Those civilizations had their own writings and journeys to contribute to human spirituality and human understanding of our place in the universe. Importantly all human beings are children of God. Thus, they all have a role to play in the pursuit of the understanding of God. If we are wise, we pursue all knowledge throughout history, beyond merely the "Middle East" which did not even have the largest populations of the world across the span of time when most of the Bible was originally written. Here's a video from the American Museum of Natural History that explains the history of human populations, based on archaeological records: Real Christians exercise their minds and explore God's great cosmos to find answers Finally, if you think no Christian has any right to scrutinize what the Bible says and try to align its teachings into a cohesive, integral philosophy of human existence, then you aren't living in the spirit of our Creator in the first place. He gave us free will so that we might use it to expand, discover and ask questions of the cosmos. Any "religion" that does not allow expression of free will and the process of discovery isn't a legitimate religion, but rather a supremacist doctrine of blind obedience to other men or to centralized institutions such as "the Church" which sadly has many globalist elements that have demonstrated a great many mistakes and abuses of power, as many churches and mega-churches pushed death jabs and obedience to lockdowns and Fauci's "science." In contrast to all that, I teach freedom with faith, which means maintaining faith in life and creation but also maintaining your ability to think, to create, to question and to exercise free will. God wants you to think for yourself, I believe, not to be a slave to the control of a particular group of men, whether a government, or an institution. Faith is a personal journey, of course, and each of us must independently pursue it. But living a comic book version of Christianity is no real faith at all. A watered-down, revisionist, spoon-fed version of "Christianity" that follows an ignorant herd of conformity-demanding institutions betrays the entire intent of Christ himself, in my view. And it is this shallow, comic book version of "Christianity" that leads to absurd outcomes such as Christians loudly calling for the bombing of children in Gaza, claiming God is on their side. God is never on the side of mass extermination of the innocent. ### Follow my podcasts, interviews, articles and social media posts on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/HealthRanger Brighteon.social: Brighteon.social/@HealthRanger Brighteon.io: Brighteon.io/healthranger Telegram: t.me/RealHealthRanger Brighteon.com: Brighteon.com/channels/HRreport Rumble: Rumble.com/c/HealthRangerReport Substack: HealthRanger.substack.com Banned.video: Banned.video/channel/mike-adams Bastyon: https://bastyon.com/healthranger Gettr: GETTR.com/user/healthranger BitChute: Bitchute.com/channel/9EB8glubb0Ns/ Clouthub: app.clouthub.com/#/users/u/naturalnews/posts My music with MP3 downloads and music videos: music.Brighteon.com Join the free NaturalNews.com email newsletter to stay alerted about breaking news each day. Download my current audio books -- including Ghost World, Survival Nutrition, The Global Reset Survival Guide and The Contagious Mind -- at: https://Audiobooks.NaturalNews.com/ Download my popular audio book, "Resilient Prepping" at ResilientPrepping.com - it teaches you how to survive the total collapse of civilization and the loss of both the power grid and combustion engines. Pentagon orders USS Truman to stay in Red Sea despite failed Yemen campaign as Houthi missile breaches Israeli defenses The Pentagon has extended the USS Harry S. Trumans deployment in the Red Sea amid a costly and ineffective U.S. bombing campaign against Yemens Houthi rebels. Despite over 1,000 U.S. airstrikes, Houthi attacks persist, including a hypersonic missile strike that shut down Tel Avivs airport, exposing Israeli and U.S. defense failures. The U.S. bombing campaign has cost nearly $1 billion, killed civilians, and failed to weaken the Houthis. Tensions escalate as the U.S. maintains a two-carrier presence, risking wider conflict, while analysts warn air power alone cannot defeat the Houthis or secure the region. The Houthis precision strikes and Irans threats signal a growing multi-front crisis, with U.S. strategy failing to curb the rebellion or protect regional stability. The Pentagon has ordered the USS Harry S. Truman to remain in the Red Sea for another week, signaling Washingtons deepening entanglement in a costly and ineffective bombing campaign against Yemens Houthi rebels. The decision, confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on May 2, comes as the U.S. military struggles to curb Houthi attacks on shipping lanes and Israel now faces a humiliating security breach after a Houthi missile strike forced their main international airport to shut down. A failing strategy Since March, the U.S. has launched more than 1,000 airstrikes under Operation Rough Rider, targeting Houthi missile sites, supply routes, and leadership. Yet the rebels continue to harass commercial ships and even scored a direct hit on Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, bypassing U.S.-backed Israeli defenses. The missile, which the Houthis claimed was a hypersonic weapon, landed near the airport after Israels Arrow interception system failed in a reminder of the groups growing capabilities. The Pentagon insists the strikes have "degraded" Houthi forces, but the numbers tell a darker story. CNN reported the campaign has already cost nearly $1 billion in just three weeks, with little to show for it. Worse, the bombing has killed civilians, including 68 African migrants in a Saada detention center strike and 80 people at Ras Isa oil port. Meanwhile, the USS Truman itself has suffered embarrassing losses, including a $70 million F/A-18 Super Hornet that recently plunged into the Red Sea. Escalating tensions The Houthis, undeterred, have doubled down on their rhetoric, while the U.S. seems trapped in a cycle of escalation. By extending the Trumans deployment and maintaining a two-carrier presence in the regiona rarity in recent yearsthe Trump administration risks provoking a wider conflict. Analysts warn that air power alone cannot defeat the Houthis. "Aircraft cannot occupy territory," cautioned naval strategist James R. Holmes. Yet the Pentagon keeps betting on bombs, even as commercial shippers abandon the Red Sea for safer routes. A regional powder keg Sundays airport strike exposed the limits of U.S. and Israeli defenses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against both the Houthis and their "Iranian terror masters," while Irans defense minister fired back: "American bases on [neighboring] soil will be our targets." With Hezbollah also threatening Israel from Lebanon, the Gaza war risks spiraling into a multi-front conflictone where U.S. forces are already overextended. The Trumans extended mission may placate hawks in Washington, but it ignores the grim reality: after months of airstrikes, the Houthis are stronger, global trade is disrupted, and Israel is more vulnerable. As one Israeli military analyst admitted, the rebels ability to strike with precision from 2,000 kilometers away is "impressive." They were very accurate, and to be very accurate if youre launching from 2,000 kilometers, its impressive, Israel Army Radio military affairs analyst Amir Bar Shalom told CNN. And you have to take this threat seriously. We have to check whether its our mistake or whether we have a new kind of threat here." For now, the U.S. keeps pouring resources into a losing strategy, refusing to acknowledge that its unwavering support for Israels war in Gaza has only fueled the fire. Until Washington rethinks its approach, the Red Seaand the regionwill remain on the brink. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co Stripes.com FoxNews.com CNN.com Social Security overhaul cuts overpayment withholdings to 50% amid rising concerns over beneficiary hardships On April 25, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a new policy reducing default withholdings for Title II overpayment recovery to 50% of monthly benefits, reversing its previous decision to withhold 100% of benefits. The SSA has struggled to balance fiscal discipline with public responsiveness, leading to sudden shifts in withholding rates. The policy change follows a period of heated debate over protecting vulnerable recipients from insurmountable repayment demands. The policy applies to Title II beneficiaries, who have 90 days to contest or negotiate repayment terms. If no action is taken, the SSA will withhold 50% of benefits until debts are cleared. Title XVI recipients continue to have a lower 10% withholding rate. The policy has faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with concerns about its instability and the impact on beneficiaries. Stories of individuals facing massive overpayment bills due to bureaucratic errors highlight the human cost of the systems flaws. Advocates and critics call for comprehensive reforms, including streamlined corrections, accountability for mismanagement, and improved communication with recipients. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on April 25 an emergency policy reducing default withholdings for Title II overpayment recovery to 50% of monthly benefitsa reversal of its abrupt return to 100% withholding just weeks prior. This policy shift follows heated debates over balancing fiscal accountability and protecting vulnerable recipients, many of whom unknowingly received erroneous payments and now face insurmountable repayment demands. The adjustment arises amid a decades-long overpayment crisis that has cost the agency $72 billion and endangered millions of beneficiaries, including disabled Americans and seniors dependent on fixed incomes. Policy whiplash: Sudden shifts in withholding rates year after year The SSAs volatile policies reflect its struggle to balance fiscal discipline and public responsiveness. In March 2024, under former Commissioner Martin OMalley, the agency lowered withholdings to 10%, citing fears that full withdrawals could push recipients into poverty. However, Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek reinstated 100% withholdings on March 27, 2025, insisting it was necessary to protect trust funds and align with historical practices. By April 25, officials retreated to 50%positioned as a middle ground between fiscal responsibility and humanitarian concern. The policy applies to Title II beneficiaries (old-age, survivors, or disability insurance recipients), who have 90 days to contest or negotiate repayment terms. If not, the SSA withholds 50% of benefits until debts are cleared. Title XVI recipients (e.g., Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries) retain the lower 10% withholding rate. As of fiscal 2023, 23 billion in overpayments remain uncollected, with improper payments exceeding 72 billion between 20152022. Criticisms from both sides Partisan criticism targets the policys instability. Representative John B. Larson (D-Conn.) called the 100% withholding unconscionable, echoing OMalleys 2024 warning that full deductions could strip recipients of essentials. Meanwhile, Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) urged the SSA to prioritize administrative fixes over penalizing individuals for bureaucratic errors. The human toll: Stories of a broken system The personal impact of overpayment recoveries is staggering. A Florida woman profiled by Newsweek received a $62,000 bill for Social Security survivor benefits erroneously paid to her after her fathers deaththe SSA partially blamed outdated records. Another beneficiary, a disabled veteran with bipolar disorder, faced $67,000 in overpayments due to processing delays, leaving him terrified of losing his rented home. Systemic flawsdelayed corrections, complex reporting requirements and poor communicationcontinue to plague the system. A 2023 GAO report found disability beneficiaries returning to work often overpaid by thousands as backlogged paperwork lagged. Most people targeted for repayment didnt misbehavetheyre victims of bureaucratic mistakes, argued OMalley in April 2025. Transparency concerns also loom; the SSA refused to release overpayment notice data in a 2022 FOIA request. Advocates argue vulnerable recipients remain unaware of errors until they receive demand letters, with little clarity on next steps. Fiscal rigor vs. survival: The unsteady tightrope Dudek defended the March 2025 100% withholding rule as necessary to be good stewards of trust funds. His successor, however, adopted OMalleys 50% compromisea move OMalley framed on April 28 as recognizing that half a check still means medicine or rent, not both. The SSA now promises automation upgrades, such as improved data-sharing with payroll systems, to reduce errors. Yet activists argue outdated appeal processes and weak outreach leave recipients liable for mistakes they couldnt prevent. A temporary band-aid, not a cure The 50% withholding policy, effective April 25, provides short-term relief but fails to address systemic dysfunctions. With beneficiaries still grappling with debts of tens of thousands, critics urge Congress and the SSA to pursue holistic reforms: streamlining corrections, holding officials accountable for mismanagement and ensuring recipients receive timely, clear notices of overpayments. The unresolved $72 billion question remains: How can societys most vulnerable navigate a system stacked against them? The SSAs policy pendulum swings highlight a defining tensionbetween fiscal rigor and basic compassionthat will shape social programs for decades. This version translates all Chinese sections into English, corrects formatting/typographical errors and ensures clarity while preserving the articles critical tone and key data points. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com Secure.ssa.gov Newsweek.com Trillion-dollar grid overhaul needed to prevent more Spain-style blackouts, experts warn Europes outdated power grid is struggling to handle renewable energy growth, leading to massive blackouts like Spain and Portugals worst-ever outage. Aging infrastructure and insufficient grid investment leave Europe vulnerable, with $600 billion per year needed for upgrades by 2030. Spains blackout, losing 60% of power in seconds, highlights risks of relying on renewables without stable backup or strong grid connections. Europe must invest trillions in modernization and storage to prevent future collapses as demand surges from EVs, data centers, and green energy. Repeated grid failures, including suspected sabotage of undersea cables, raise concerns about Europes ability to sustain its energy transition. The European Unions aggressive push toward renewable energy has collided with the harsh reality of an outdated power grid, leaving millions in the dark and exposing the fragility of its energy transition. Last week, Spain and Portugal suffered their worst blackout in history, a crisis that analysts warn could become more frequent unless Europe invests trillions to modernize its aging infrastructure. The outage, which left 60 million people without power, has reignited debates over whether the EUs green energy ambitions are outpacing its ability to deliver reliable electricity. A grid on the brink Europes power grid, largely built in the 20th century, is struggling to keep up with soaring demand from electric vehicles, data centers, and the rapid expansion of wind and solar energy. Half of the continents transmission lines are over 40 years old, and investment in grid upgrades has stagnated at around $300 billion annually, which is far short of the $600 billion per year needed by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. Spains outage, which occurred last week, saw power generation drop by 15 gigawatts60% of the countrys demandin just five seconds. The cause remains under investigation, but early reports suggest a failure in a high-voltage line connecting France and Spain, compounded by Spains heavy reliance on intermittent solar and wind power. The perils of energy isolation Spains grid is particularly vulnerable because it lacks sufficient connections to neighboring countries. With only 5% of its power capacity linked outside the Iberian Peninsula, it cannot easily import electricity during shortages. The EU has set a target for member states to achieve 15% interconnection by 2030, but Spain lags far behind. Jose Luis Dominguez-Garcia of Spains energy research center IREC warned that the country needs more links to France and Morocco to stabilize its grid. The blackout also exposed the risks of phasing out reliable baseload power sources. Spain plans to shut down all seven of its nuclear reactors by 2035, leaving it dependent on renewables that lack the inertia of traditional power plants. When the grids frequency dropped during the outage, solar and wind farms automatically disconnected, worsening the collapse. A trillion-dollar overhaul The European Commission estimates that $22.3 trillion in grid investments will be needed by 2050 to handle rising demand and renewable integration. Last year, European firms spent 80 billion ($90.5 billion) on grid upgradesa step in the right direction but still insufficient. Energy experts argue that Europe must prioritize storage solutions, such as batteries and flywheels, to balance supply fluctuations. The continent currently has just 10.8 gigawatts of battery storage, far below the 200 gigawatts required by 2030. A warning for the future The Spain-Portugal blackout is not an isolated incident. In March, Londons Heathrow Airport was shut down by a substation fire, and Europe has faced repeated disruptions to undersea cables, with some suspected to be acts of sabotage. The outages underscore the vulnerability of a grid strained by political, technical, and geopolitical pressures. As Europe races toward its green energy goals, the question remains: Can it avoid more catastrophic failures, or will its power grid become the next casualty of an unsustainable transition? Sources for this article include: Reuters.com CBSNews.com EuroNews.com ZeroHedge.com Waltzs secret push for Iran war with Netanyahu sealed his fate after Signalgate Trump fired National Security Advisor Mike Waltz due to clashes over Iran policy, not just the "Signalgate" security breach. Waltz pushed for military strikes on Iran, conflicting with Trumps preference for diplomacy, and coordinated closely with Netanyahu. The "Signalgate" scandal, involving a leaked Yemen military chat, further damaged trust in Waltzs judgment. Trump replaced Waltz with Marco Rubio, signaling a shift toward advisors who align with his diplomatic approach. The move highlights Trumps demand for loyalty and resistance to foreign influence in U.S. policy decisions. President Donald Trumps decision to fire National Security Advisor Mike Waltz was not just about the infamous "Signalgate" scandal; it was the culmination of growing tensions over Waltzs aggressive push for military action against Iran, a stance that directly conflicted with Trumps preference for diplomacy. According to senior White House officials, Waltzs "intense coordination" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advocate for strikes on Irans nuclear facilities infuriated the president, ultimately sealing his fate. The Washington Post reported that Waltz had been clashing with Trump and other top officials since early in the administration over his hawkish approach to Iran. While the accidental inclusion of a journalist in a sensitive Signal group chat discussing military operations in Yemendubbed "Signalgate"was the final straw, insiders say the real rift stemmed from Waltzs alignment with Netanyahus hardline stance. A clash of strategies Trump, who has repeatedly emphasized his desire to avoid unnecessary wars, favored pursuing diplomatic solutions with Iran before considering military action. But Waltz, a former Green Beret and longtime advocate for interventionist policies, reportedly worked closely with Netanyahu ahead of the Israeli leaders February meeting with Trump to push for a more aggressive approach. "Waltz wanted to take U.S. policy in a direction Trump wasnt comfortable with because the U.S. hadnt attempted a diplomatic solution," a senior official told The Washington Post. "It got back to Trump, and the president wasnt happy with it." Netanyahus office denied the claims, stating that while the prime minister met with Waltz before his Oval Office visit, there was no "intensive contact" regarding Iran. Yet multiple sources within the administration described Waltz as operating hand in glove with Israeli officials, undermining Trumps diplomatic efforts. The Signalgate fallout Waltzs troubles deepened in March when he inadvertently added The Atlantics editor to a Signal group chat discussing sensitive military plans in Yemen. The breach raised alarms about operational security and further eroded Trumps trust in his national security advisor. Adding to the controversy, Waltz was later photographed using an unofficial, Israeli-made version of Signal designed to archive messages, raising concerns about potential security risks and undue foreign influence. The app, developed by a company with deep ties to Israeli military intelligence, fueled speculation that Waltzs communications may have been accessible to Israeli officials. A shift in Trumps inner circle Trumps decision to replace Waltz with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, another pro-Israel figure but one seen as more aligned with the presidents agenda, signals a broader realignment. While Rubio has historically supported tough measures against Iran, he has also demonstrated flexibility in executing Trumps vision, including the pursuit of a new nuclear deal with Tehran. The move underscores Trumps growing impatience with advisors who prioritize foreign alliances over his directives. As one Trump adviser bluntly put it: "You work for the president of your country, not a president of another country." The Iran dilemma The rift over Iran policy highlights a fundamental divide within the administration. While Trump has publicly stated he does not want the U.S. "dragged into" a war, he has also left the door open to military action if diplomacy fails. "I may go in very willingly if we cant get a deal," he told Time magazine last week. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has long argued that Irans nuclear program must be dismantled entirely, a position Waltz reportedly championed behind closed doors. With talks between the U.S. and Iran reportedly nearing a deal similar to the 2015 JCPOA, Israel has grown increasingly anxious, fearing Washington is conceding too much. Waltzs ouster serves as a reminder of Trumps intolerance for insubordination, especially when it involves foreign influence. While the president nominated Waltz as U.S. ambassador to the UN, the demotion reflects a clear message: loyalty to Trumps agenda trumps all. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com WashingtonPost.com TimesOfIsrael.com NYPost.com Yemen declares air blockade against Israel, exposing U.S. missile defense failures Yemens Air Blockade: Yemen announced an unprecedented air blockade against Israel, targeting commercial flights and airports in retaliation for Israels Gaza actions, following a successful missile strike on Tel Avivs airport. Humanitarian Justification: Yemen framed the blockade as a humanitarian intervention, citing Israels blockade of Gaza, where thousands have died, while exposing flaws in U.S.-backed missile defense systems. Western Double Standards: Critics highlight hypocrisy as Israels bombings draw muted Western responses, while Yemens retaliation is condemned, despite Israels actions being labeled genocidal by rights groups. U.S. Policy Scrutiny: The U.S. strongly supports Israel, with Trump signing anti-boycott laws, while Yemens defiance signals a shift as non-Western nations challenge U.S.-Israeli dominance asymmetrically. Regional Escalation Risks: The conflict could trigger a wider war, with rising tensions in Pakistan-India and Chinas military drills, threatening global instability as Western military supremacy wanes. Yemens Bold Move Yemen has announced an unprecedented air blockade against Israel, vowing to target commercial flights and airports in retaliation for Israels military actions in Gaza. The move follows a successful missile strike on Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport over the weekend, which left a massive impact crater and exposed critical vulnerabilities in U.S.-backed missile defense systems like the Iron Dome and THAAD. The strike, carried out by Yemens Ansar Allah movement, demonstrated the ineffectiveness of Israels air defenses, prompting major airlinesincluding Delta, Lufthansa, and Swiss Internationalto suspend flights to Israel indefinitely. Yemens leadership framed the blockade as a humanitarian intervention, citing Israels blockade of food and aid to Gaza, where over 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed and thousands of children face starvation. U.S. and Israels Hypocrisy Exposed Critics highlight the stark double standard in Western outrage over Yemens actions. While Israels bombing of Gazacondemned by human rights groups as genocidalhas drawn muted responses from the U.S. and allies, Yemens retaliation is framed as a destabilizing act. "Israel bombs civilians daily, but when someone strikes back, its suddenly a crime against humanity," remarked geopolitical analyst Mike Adams. The conflict has also reignited debates about U.S. foreign policy. The Biden and Trump administrations have both staunchly supported Israel, with Trump recently signing legislation threatening 20-year prison sentences for Americans who boycott Israel. Meanwhile, Yemens defiance underscores a broader shift: non-Western nations are increasingly willing to challenge U.S. and Israeli dominance through asymmetric warfare. Broader Implications The crisis risks sparking a wider regional war, with Pakistan-India tensions flaring over water disputes and China conducting military drills near contested borders. Analysts warn that the Middle East is a tinderbox, with any spark potentially triggering a chain reaction involving Iran, Russia, and other global players. As the U.S. grapples with its faltering missile defenses and strained alliances, the Yemen-Israel conflict serves as a stark reminder: the era of unchallenged Western military supremacy may be ending. For now, the world watches nervously to see if diplomacy can avert a broader catastropheor if the blockade is the first domino in a devastating new chapter of conflict. Watch the May 5 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about Middle East could now set off nuclear war. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Americas Yemen campaign risks military readiness against China Trump vows total annihilation of Houthis as U.S. airstrikes pound Yemen Yemen warns U.K. of deepening conflict after joint U.S. strikes in Red Sea escalation Sources include: Brighteon.com Indias Nation Quantum Mission, announced in 2023, is aimed at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology by 2031. The broader vision is to create high-end jobs, attract global investment, and enable enterprises to solve previously intractable problems such as drug discovery and real-time logistics optimization through quantum-powered solutions. The new tech park at Amaravati will host research labs, startup incubators, and training programs to build a quantum-ready workforce, fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and startups. This collaboration with TCS will help attract Indias thriving ecosystem of developers, scientists, and industry experts, IBM said in a statement. Indias quantum computing future Indias quantum push comes as the global market for quantum computing accelerates from $1.79 billion in 2025 to $7.08 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 31.64%, according to ResearchAndMarkets. Indias domestic market is projected to grow at a 22.9% CAGR during the same period. Over the next few years, India will carve out a unique role in the global quantum ecosystem, contributing novel quantum algorithms and niche enterprise applications in sectors like pharmaceuticals and supply chain management, Narayan Gokhale, principal analyst at QKS Group. However, the real test will be talent, he added. India must address the talent gap and invest in indigenous technology to truly compete. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. New research finds that the fertility rate needed to sustain a population is much higher than once thought, especially when sex ratios or mortality rates shift. This raises important questions for human societies and endangered species. Study: Threshold fertility for the avoidance of extinction under critical conditions. Image Credit: sogane / Shutterstock In a recent article published in the journal PLoS ONE, researchers investigated the minimum fertility rate required to prevent the extinction of a sexually reproducing population, accounting for the concept of demographic stochasticity, which is defined as random fluctuations in survival and reproduction. Their findings indicate that the extinction threshold fertility is significantly higher than the commonly accepted replacement level, usually estimated as 2.1. Under model conditions assuming no mortality and a balanced sex ratio, women may need to have an average of 2.7 children each to avoid extinction. However, this threshold is reduced where the population shows a sex ratio biased towards female children, a factor that may help explain observed increases in female births under stressful conditions. Background With many developed countries experiencing fertility crises, total fertility rates (TFRs) are dropping well below the conventional replacement level fertility (RLF) of 2.1 children per woman. Currently, about two-thirds of the global population lives in regions with sub-replacement fertility, with countries like Japan and South Korea showing extreme declines. In Japan, for example, the population may shrink by 31% per generation if current fertility rates persist. The RLF is based on low death rates, a balanced sex ratio at birth, and large population sizes, where chance variations in individual births and deaths (demographic stochasticity) are negligible. However, in small or declining populations, such stochasticity becomes critical. Events such as skewed sex ratios or childhood mortality can significantly affect population sustainability, potentially increasing the true RLF beyond 2.1. Earlier ecological and demographic studies suggest that random fluctuations can raise the threshold for population survival. Furthermore, a mismatch in sex ratios can lead to fewer mating pairs, exacerbating the decline. For populations with low survival rates or unbalanced sex ratios, an RLF much higher than 2.1 sometimes above 3.0 may be necessary to avoid extinction. Thus, traditional RLF estimates may underestimate the actual fertility required to maintain population stability in modern, low-fertility societies. About the Study The researchers modeled a sexually reproducing population with non-overlapping generations, focusing on the extinction probability of a lineage originating from a single female. Four key components were incorporated into the model. The first was the fertility rate; the number of children per female was assumed to follow a Poisson distribution, representing a random but biologically plausible variation in births. This allowed for a realistic spread in offspring numbers, including a non-trivial chance of having no children. To model the sex ratio, offspring sex was assigned through a binomial distribution, where each offspring had a probability r of being male and (1r) of being female. This reflected the natural variation in sex at birth and allowed the study to explore the impact of skewed sex ratios. To model mortality rates, researchers assumed that male and female children have separate probabilities of dying before reaching reproductive age, accounting for differing mortality rates. Lineage tracking and extinction evaluation were also included in the model. A branching process was used to simulate reproduction across generations. If any generation fails to produce both sexes, the lineage is considered extinct. This process was iterated many times using simulations, and extinction probabilities were also derived analytically through recurrence relations. No real-life biological samples were used; the study was purely theoretical and computational, relying on established probability distributions and stochastic processes to model population dynamics under demographic uncertainty. Findings The study analyzed how the risk of population extinction changes with fertility rates, mortality rates, and sex ratios. It found that a female-biased sex ratio significantly reduces the probability of extinction. The critical fertility rate (RLF)the threshold below which extinction is certainwas greater than the usual RLF of 2.1. For example, with an equal sex ratio and no mortality, the critical fertility was about 2.7. Simulations showed that populations with subcritical fertility (below the critical value) almost always went extinct within 20 generations, though a few rare populations survived and continued growing. As generations progressed, the proportion of extinct populations approached 100%, especially for lower fertility rates. The risk of extinction was slightly lower for female-biased populations. Histograms of survival duration confirmed that most populations died out quickly, typically within five generations, although some rare cases lasted longer, especially when fertility was near the critical value. These findings highlight the high extinction risk for small populations, even if average fertility is above the RLF, due to random fluctuations in birth numbers. Conclusions This study examined how demographic randomness affects the survival of small populations. It simplified assumptions like non-overlapping generations and a constant fertility rate using a Poisson distribution. Despite these, the key insight remains robust: populations can go extinct even if they meet the standard RLF of 2.1, especially when small in size. The results show that extinction is almost certain for subcritical fertility levels, with only rare exceptions surviving. This highlights a risk for small or endangered populations and suggests that many family lineages may be statistically likely to go extinct over time. A female-biased sex ratio can help mitigate this risk, suggesting that such biases seen under stress may serve an adaptive role in enhancing survival. This has been observed in both humans and other mammals Reproductive rights groups in Alabama wasted no time resuming their work after a federal judge ruled in early April that the state's attorney general can't prosecute or threaten to prosecute people or organizations who help Alabama residents seek an abortion by traveling to another state. One of the plaintiffs, the reproductive justice nonprofit Yellowhammer Fund, wasted no time in returning to one of its core missions: to provide financial support to traveling patients. "The decision came at about 5:30. I think we funded an abortion at 5:45 because thats how severe the need is, thats how urgent it is that we get back to the work that we're doing," said Jenice Fountain, executive director of Yellowhammer Fund, which advocates for abortion access. On April 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on whether South Carolina can remove Planned Parenthood clinics from the state's Medicaid program. This came just days after Planned Parenthood received notice that the Trump administration wouldwithhold funding from the Title X Family Planning Program for nine of the group's affiliates. "Were just seeing kind of a multiplying of conflicts where we have unanswered questions about the meaning of the First Amendment in this context, about the right to travel in this context, about due process in this context about these sort of clashing state laws and choosing which one applies," said Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California-Davis who specializes in the politics and history of reproductive rights. Alabama has one of the strictest bans on abortion in the country with no exceptions for rape or incest. The law was approved by the state legislature in 2019 and remained at the ready should Roe v. Wade be overturned. It took effect immediately when the Supreme Court did just that on June 24, 2022, in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision. At the time, Yellowhammer Fund was getting about 100 calls a week from people seeking financial help with getting an abortion, Fountain said. For more than two years, the organization has been unable to help such callers. "The thing with the ban was it was so vague that it was incredibly hard to interpret, especially if you weren't a person that was legally inclined," Fountain said. "So the effect that it had, which was its intention, was a chilling effect." During that time, Yellowhammer continued to promote reproductive justice and maternal and infant health through community efforts such as distributing diapers, formula, menstrual supplies, and emergency contraception. Beyond the alarm created by the statutory language in Alabama's abortion ban, fears were stoked by Alabama's attorney general, Steve Marshall, Fountain said. Almost seven weeks after the 2022 Dobbs decision, Marshall said in a radio interview that groups that assist people seeking an abortion in another state could face criminal prosecution. "There's no doubt that this is a criminal law and the general principles that apply to a criminal law would apply to this, with its status of the Class A felony, that's the most significant offense that we have as far as punishment goes under our criminal statue, absent a death penalty case," Marshall said in the interview with Breitbart TV editor Jeff Poor. "If someone was promoting themselves out as a funder of abortion out of state, then that is potentially criminally actionable for us," Marshall said. Marshall was explicitly referring to such groups as Yellowhammer Fund, Fountain said. "He mentioned the group from Tuscaloosa that helps people get to care, which is Yellowhammer Fund, Fountain said. "He all but '@'d us." Yellowhammer Fund and other abortion rights groups filed the lawsuit against Marshall on July 31, 2023. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson of the Middle District of Alabama in Montgomery, agreed with them, saying Marshall would be violating both First Amendment free speech rights and the constitutional right to travel if he tried to bring criminal charges. Thompson also warned against overlooking the "broader, practical implications of the Attorney General's threats," in the matter of Alabama trying to enforce laws outside the state. "For example," Thompson wrote in his ruling, "the Alabama Attorney General would have within his reach the authority to prosecute Alabamians planning a Las Vegas bachelor party, complete with casinos and gambling, since casino-style gambling is outlawed in Alabama." Another group involved in the case, WAWC Healthcare in Tuscaloosa (formerly West Alabama Women's Center), also resumed work that had been paused. "We have spent the last few years worried that if we had provided any form of information to patients about where they could access a legal abortion, that that is something that the attorney general might try to prosecute us over," said Robin Marty, WAWC's executive director. Before the Dobbs decision, WAWCprovided abortion as part of its services. It continues to offer free reproductive health care, including prenatal care, contraception, and HIV testing. Clinical staffers at WAWC weren't allowed even to suggest to someone that they could leave the state to get an abortion, Marty said. "There is nothing harder than looking into somebodys face when they are in crisis and saying, 'Im sorry, I just cant help you anymore,'" Marty said. "That was really wearing on my staff because our job was to provide the best information possible. And to know that we could not give them the full care that they required was heartbreaking." With the ruling, WAWC can now offer "all-options counseling," which includes information on how and where patients can access abortion services in other states, Marty said. "If they do not feel like they are able to continue the pregnancy, we can tell them, 'OK, you are this far along, so you are able to go this clinic in North Carolina, because you're under their limit" for gestational age, "or you can go to this clinic in Illinois because you're under their limit,'" Marty said. "Well be able to tell them exactly where they can go and even be able to help them with the referral process along the way." The attorney general could file an appeal, but now it's unclear whether his office will do so. Marshall's office did not respond to NPR's request for an interview, but in a statement said, "The office is reviewing the decision to determine the state's options." But legal expert Ziegler said she'd be surprised if Marshall didn't file an appeal, given his office's vigorous defense in the lawsuit. In addition, the potential political costs of pursuing that kind of prosecution may have eased, because states like Texas and Louisiana have already taken legal action regarding out-of-state abortion providers, said Ziegler. On the other hand, the attorney general might not appeal because his office was the defendant in the lawsuit, and he may not want to draw attention to the case, Ziegler said. If Marshall did file an appeal, it would go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which Ziegler called conservative-leaning. The case could ultimately go to the U.S. Supreme Court, Ziegler said, which may have to weigh in more on abortion-related cases, such as when it temporarily allowed emergency abortions in Idaho in June 2024. "I think the takeaway is that the U.S. Supreme Court is going to be more involved than ever in fights about reproduction and abortion, not less, notwithstanding the fact that Roe is gone," Ziegler said. This article is from a partnership that includes Gulf States Newsroom, NPR and KFF Health News. Heart Failure 2025, the world's leading congress on heart failure, will take place from 17 to 20 May in Belgrade, Serbia. Organized by the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), the congress is expected to attract thousands of healthcare professionals from around the globe. Heart failure affects more than 60 million people worldwide. In its advanced stages it is still more deadly than most malignancies. As the global population ages, the prevalence of heart failure continues to rise. However, we are fortunate to witness tremendous advances in diagnosis and management of heart failure in recent years. " Professors Arsen Ristic and Petar Seferovic, Congress Programme Committee Co-Chairs Heart Failure 2025 offers its attendees access to the latest breakthroughs in heart failure research and patient care. The comprehensive programme includes sessions from basic research to innovative treatment options, interventions, and devices. Key findings from the latest clinical trials will be presented during several Late-Breaking Science sessions. A new "Immersive room" will enhance the learning experience, with video presentations projected across all walls to bring imaging and interventional sessions to life. Additionally, a dedicated track is designed specifically for the HFA Young community, fostering the next generation of heart failure specialists. "Belgrade is one of the most attractive and vibrant capitals in Europe, hosting the HFA Congress for the second time," added Professors Ristic and Seferovic. "It is a safe and friendly city that never sleeps on the confluence of two big rivers Danube and Sava. From 17 to 20 May, Belgrade will be the global capital of heart failure research - you simply should not miss it!" Sitharaman Meets ADB Chief and Italian FM, Discusses Economic Issues; No Mention of Pakistan Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 22:46 IST Sitharaman emphasised that India offers opportunities for ADB to pilot new, innovative financing products and models. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (File Photo: PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday met ADB President Masato Kanda and Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, and discussed a host of economic issues, but there was no mention of the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan during the bilateral meetings. Sitharaman is in Milan to attend the 58th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Recommended Stories On the sidelines of the ADB meet, Sitharaman met Kanda and Giorgetti to discuss various economic issues facing the world and the Asian region. The finance ministry said there was no discussion on issues related to Pakistan with ADB President and the Italian Finance Minister" in Milan. During the bilateral meeting with ADB president, Sitharaman reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem through bold initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and GST implementation, Production-Linked Incentives, among others, for greater Ease of Doing Business, the finance ministry later said in a post on X. Sitharaman emphasised that India offers opportunities for ADB to pilot new, innovative financing products and models, it said. Kanda expressed ADBs full support to Indias development priorities, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, it said. Later, Sitharaman met Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and Finance of Italy, and both the leaders explored ways to strengthen India-Italy economic ties, and enhance cooperation in global and multilateral platforms on issues of mutual interest. The meeting highlighted implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 announced by Prime Minister Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in November 2024, which will add depth and momentum to our cooperation in priority domains," the finance ministry said in a separate post on X. With bilateral trade between the two countries reaching USD 14.56 bn in FY2023- 24, FM Smt. @nsitharaman emphasised the huge potential in #RenewableEnergy, digital technologies, agri-food processing, and high-end manufacturing and invited Italian companies to Make in India through the Government of Indias PLI schemes," it said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both leaders discussed the importance of reforming Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to make them more responsive to developing countries needs and better aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, the ministry said. Sitharaman underlined the need for co-financing models and collaboration in green hydrogen, carbon capture, energy efficiency, and circular economy and stated that both nations can leverage their strengths to co-develop solutions for global markets, advancing climate commitments. 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 05, 2025, 15:56 IST Pakistan's Economy Could Be Hit Due To Sustained Tensions With India, Says Moody's Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 15:33 IST India's economy would be stable, bolstered by moderating but still high levels of growth amid strong public investment and healthy private consumption, says Moody's. Tensions between India and Pakistan increased after the recent deadly terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. (Representative image) Global ratings agency Moodys on Monday said sustained escalation in tensions with India would likely hit Pakistans economy and hamper the governments ongoing fiscal consolidation. It said the Indo-Pak tensions could impair Pakistans access to external financing and pressure its foreign exchange reserves, which already remain well below what is required to meet its external debt payment needs for the next few years. A persistent increase in tensions could impair Pakistans access to external financing and pressure its foreign-exchange reserves, which remain well below what is required to meet its external debt payment needs," Moodys said in its latest report. Recommended Stories Sustained escalation in tensions with India would likely weigh on Pakistans growth and hamper the governments ongoing fiscal consolidation, setting back pakistans progress in achieving macroeconomic stability, it added. Moodys said the ongoing tensions are also likely to impact Pakistans progress on the IMF programme, apart from increasing external debt pressure. The IMFs executive board is scheduled to meet on May 9. It is expected to review the ongoing $7 billion bailout package for Pakistan. Tensions between India and Pakistan increased after the recent deadly terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, prompting India to take a number of steps against Pakistan, including stopping bilateral trade and halting cargo movement through the Attari border, among other steps. Indias Macroeconomic Conditions Would Be Stable On India, Moodys said Indias economy is expected to remain relatively stable, amid low trade exposure to Pakistan (less than 0.5 per cent of total exports in 2024) and supported by public investment and private consumption. Comparatively, the macroeconomic conditions in India would be stable, bolstered by moderating but still high levels of growth amid strong public investment and healthy private consumption," Moodys said in the report. It added that in scenario of sustained escalation in localised tensions, it does not expect major disruptions to Indias economic activity because it has minimal economic relations with Pakistan (less than 0.5 per cent of Indias total exports in 2024). However, higher defence spending would potentially weigh on Indias fiscal strength and slow its fiscal consolidation," Moodys stated. The IMF Executive Board is scheduled to meet on May 9. It will review the ongoing $7 billion bailout package for Pakistan. Pakistans Stock Market Crashes Pakistans benchmark KSE-100 index tumbled by over 7,100 points, nearly 6 per cent, between April 23 and April 30, shaken by the escalating geopolitical crisis triggered by the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The market rout underscores investor unease over mounting tensions between India and Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The April 22 incident, allegedly executed by Pakistan-backed militants targeting tourists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, has prompted a series of retaliatory moves by India. New Delhi has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, ordered a reduction in diplomatic staff at respective High Commissions, and granted the military unrestricted authority to decide on the timing and nature of its response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly told senior defence officials that the armed forces have full autonomy in choosing their response, including targets and strategy. 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 05, 2025, 14:57 IST Stocks To Watch: SBI, Gensol, Adani Ent, TCS, Swiggy, DMart, Coforge, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 08:14 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like SBI, Gensol, Adani Ent, TCS, Swiggy, DMart, Coforge, and others will be in focus on Monday's trade Several stocks will remain in focus on Wednesday due to multiple of developments. Stocks to Watch on May 5: Domestic equity markets remained volatile on Friday, with sharp swings in the first half before settling flat. As trading resumes on Monday, several stocks will be in focus due to major earnings announcements and corporate updates. Key Q4FY25 Earnings Scheduled Today Recommended Stories A number of companies will release their fourth-quarter financial results, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Coforge, Indian Hotels Company, Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing, CCL Products, Computer Age Management Services (CAMS), Capri Global Capital, Ethos, Cigniti Technologies, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Unicommerce Esolutions, Nureca, and Zee Media Corporation. Stocks In News State Bank of India (SBI) Indias largest lender, SBI, reported a 10% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, which stood at Rs 18,643 crore for Q4FY25, compared to a record Rs 20,698 crore in the previous year. The banks net interest income (NII) grew by 2.7% YoY to Rs 42,775 crore, reflecting margin pressures. Adani Enterprises Adani Enterprises announced a capital expenditure plan of Rs 36,000 crore for FY26, marking a reduction from earlier projections. This follows a trend of downward revisions over the past two years. The company initially planned to spend Rs 3.92 lakh crore over five years starting FY25, with an average annual outlay of Rs 80,000 crore. Gensol Engineering Hundreds of BluSmart driver-partners staged protests across Delhi-NCR, demanding compensation and alternative employment after the electric ride-hailing company abruptly ceased operations. The drivers, left without work or clarity on next steps, are seeking support from the company. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) TCS and IBM are collaborating to advance Indias quantum computing ecosystem. Under the Andhra Pradesh governments Quantum Valley Tech Park project in Amaravati, IBMs Quantum System Two will be installed, featuring a 156-qubit Heron quantum processor, making it the largest quantum computer in India. Swiggy Food delivery giant Swiggy announced that Bolt, its 15-minute food delivery service, is now operational in over 500 cities. Launched in October 2024, Bolt now accounts for 10% of all food orders on the platform, up from 9% in the previous quarter. Kotak Mahindra Bank Kotak Mahindra Bank reported a 14% YoY decline in net profit to Rs 3,551.7 crore for Q4FY25, while NII grew by 4.5% to Rs 7,283.6 crore. Total income rose 6.8% YoY, but higher operating expenses led to a 14.4% YoY increase in total expenditure. The banks net interest margin (NIM) stood at 4.96% for FY25. Avenue Supermarts (DMart) Avenue Supermarts, the parent company of DMart, reported a 2% decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 551 crore. Comparable store sales for two-year-old and older stores grew 8.1% YoY in Q4FY25, lower than the 10.3% growth recorded in Q4FY24. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all IRCON International Infrastructure PSU IRCON International secured a Rs 458.14 crore contract from the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). The contract, part of the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, covers civil works under Package I on an item-rate basis. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18. First Published: May 05, 2025, 08:14 IST After 16 Failures, This IITian Cracked UPSC On 17th Try; Now An Assistant Commandant Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 17:09 IST By the time Abhinandan Yadav finally cracked the UPSC CAPF exam, he had appeared for government job exams 16 times without success. Abhinandans early life was unremarkable in the best way In a modest village tucked away in Uttar Pradesh, a story of unrelenting grit and quiet perseverance has taken root the kind that challenges defeat with a quiet smile and keeps moving forward. Its the story of Abhinandan Yadav, a young man from Khojapur village in Ghazipur, who turned a string of 16 failures into a triumph that has now placed him among the ranks of the uniformed elite. After years of relentless effort, he cleared the UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant exam in 2024 and did so in his very first attempt at this particular test. Recommended Stories Abhinandans early life was unremarkable in the best way: grounded in family, discipline, and the pursuit of education. After completing his schooling in Ghazipur, he joined the throngs of students who head to Kota each year with dreams of cracking engineerings toughest entrance the IIT JEE. His diligence paid off in 2018 when he secured a seat at IIT Guwahati. He graduated in 2022 with a degree and a job offer, stepping into the corporate world with a position in Gurugram. But Abhinandan was not content with the stability of a private job. A government position, particularly one of national service, was always at the back of his mind. And so, even as he worked full-time, he began preparing for various competitive exams. The road was punishing. Between the demands of his job and the solitary life of a bachelor living away from home cooking his own meals, managing his own schedule he still carved out 12 hours a day to study. And yet, time and again, he faced disappointment. By the time he finally cracked the UPSC CAPF exam, he had appeared for government job exams 16 times without success. But each failure, instead of deterring him, became a stepping stone. He analysed his mistakes, recalibrated his strategy, and pushed forward. At one point, his efforts yielded a modest breakthrough he cleared the SSC CGL exam and briefly worked as an auditor. But his eyes were always set higher. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all His moment of vindication arrived in 2024, when he not only cleared the prestigious UPSC CAPF exam but did so with confidence and clarity. Today, he stands tall as an Assistant Commandant, a position that commands both respect and responsibility in the paramilitary forces. Abhinandans journey is more than a tale of academic perseverance. It is a quiet lesson in patience, self-discipline, and resilience qualities often overlooked in an age obsessed with quick success. For every young aspirant disheartened by failed attempts at UPSC, JEE, or NEET, his story stands as a powerful reminder: setbacks are not endings. Sometimes, theyre just the long way home. Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 17:09 IST Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:47 IST Maharashtra Board 12th Results 2025 Live: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has declared the Class 12 or Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) results today, May 5. A total of 91.88 per cent have passed the 12th exams. Girls have outperformed boys yet again. Students who appeared for the exams can access their results directly at maharesult.nic.in, hscresult.mahahsscboard.in, hscresult.mkcl.org, and results.digilocker.gov.in. To download the marksheet, candidates must enter their roll number and mothers name as mentioned on their Maharashtra HSC admit card. The result available online are provisional. Students are advised to collect their original marksheets from their respective schools a few days after the result announcement. The HSC marksheet will display subject-wise marks and overall performance. This year, the Maharashtra Board conducted the Class 12 exams from February 11 to March 11, 2025. Over 14 lakh students appeared for the exams across the state of which more than 13 lakh passed. (Stay tuned for Maharashtra Board 12th Result 2025 direct link, pass percentage, toppers list and more.) NEET UG 2025 Concludes; Answer Key Awaited, Check Result Update Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 17:34 IST NEET UG 2025: While some students described the paper as easy, while many described it as difficult compared to previous years and completely different from the sample paper. The result of NEET UG 2025 will likely be announced in the second week of June. (Representational image/File) The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2025 was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 4 for admission in medical colleges across the country. Around 22 lakh students from all over the country took part in NEET (UG) exam 2025. According to students, this years paper was completely different. The level of questions in Chemistry and Physics was difficult. While some students described the paper as easy, while many described it as difficult compared to previous years and completely different from the sample paper. According to media reports, the result of NEET UG 2025 will likely be announced in the second week of June. Looking at past year trends, in 2024, the exam was held on May 5 and the result was declared on June 4. While in 2023, the medical entrance exam was conducted on May 7 and results were out on June 13. Recommended Stories ALSO READ | GUJCET Result 2025: GSEB Gujarat CET Results Out At gujcet.gseb.org, Check Direct Link top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, due to rain, power went off in many areas of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after which the candidates gave the exam in emergency lights and candlelights. Candidates also protested outside some centres regarding this. Power went off during the NEET exam in Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1 in Indore, after which about 600 candidates had to give the exam in candlelight. Due to darkness in the rooms, many students had difficulty in reading the questions. A student, Kinjal Gupta, told the media that she missed answering many questions due to darkness in the room. Power went off three to four times during the NEET exam in the government school located in Scheme 78. After which the candidates protested against it, then emergency bulbs were arranged by Principal Shabana Sheikh, but due to low charging, these bulbs could be lit only for 10 minutes and here too, the applicants had to give the paper in the dark. 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 05, 2025, 16:41 IST Alcatraz Prison, Which Housed Gangsters Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Set To Reopen; Heres Why Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 10:29 IST Donald Trump announced the reopening of Alcatraz prison on social media, adding the step is being taken to lock up America's "most ruthless and violent offenders". The prison in Alcatraz Island in California was closed over 60 years ago in 1963. (Image: AP/PTI) US President Donald Trump has directed the reopening of the infamous Alcatraz Prison, known for housing some of the most dangerous and notorious criminals. The prison in Alcatraz Island in California was closed over 60 years ago in 1963. Trump announced the reopening of the Alcatraz prison on his social media site Truth Social, adding the step is being taken to lock up Americas most ruthless and violent offenders". We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our country illegally," Trump wrote, adding, The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE." Recommended Stories What is Alcatraz Prison? The Alcatraz prison, also known as the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, was a high-security military prison set up in the early twentieth century. In 1850, then US President Millard Fillmore had designated Alcatraz Island for military use. During the Civil War, it was converted into a military prison. In the 1930s, it was transferred to the US Department of Justice owing to high costs and harsh conditions. This is when the prison started taking federal system convicts. Being surrounded by strong, powerful ocean currents, the prison was known to take notorious prisoners who were prone to escaping. The Infamous Prisoners Of Alcatraz & Escape Attempts Among the most notorious prisoners of Alcatraz were infamous gangster Al Capon and kidnapper and bank robber George Machine Gun" Kelly. Alvin Creepy" Karpis and Robert Stroud were also among the most infamous prisoners of Alcatraz prison. Despite its challenging location, the prison saw 14 escape attempts in which 36 prisoners tried to flee. While most inmates were captured, a few managed to flee. One such escape attempt was made in 1962 by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, whose fate is unknown and they were declared missing". Why Did Alcatraz Prison Close? In March, 1963, the Alcatraz prison was closed due to high operational costs and deteriorating infrastructure. According to some reports, the prison cost $10 per inmate per day, compared to $3 in other prisons. The prison also demanded higher maintenance cost due to crumbling infrastructure and expensive logistics. At present, Alcatraz is a tourist destination managed by the National Park Service and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is known for tours of the prison, history exhibits, and information about the Native American occupation, which happened in 1969. Why Is Trump Re-opening Alcatraz Prison? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While announcing the re-opening of the Alcatraz Prison after 60 years, Trump said that the US will go back to being a more serious nation like it used to be" and keep the most dangerous criminals as far away from anyone they could harm". For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be," the US President said. 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 : San Francisco, California, USA First Published: May 05, 2025, 10:26 IST How Sutlej Water, Flowing To Pakistan, Can Help Solve Delhis Water Crisis With SYL Canal Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 11:43 IST The SYL canal issue resurfaced when Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said that in just two months, monsoon will begin and rainwater will flow into Pakistan. In September 2023, then Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar pointed out that the surplus water from Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas flowed into Pakistan and only the completion of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal would enable the productive utilisation of the water resource. (AP Photo) In almost every few months, Delhi stares at the threat of a water crisis mostly due to the drop in flow of the Yamuna river, which is considered the biggest supplier of drinking water to Delhi. A bone of contention between Punjab and Haryana, the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal has the potential to solve a lot of water issues in Delhi too. In September 2023, then Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar pointed out that the surplus water from Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas flowed into Pakistan and only the completion of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal would enable the productive utilisation of the water resource. Recommended Stories Khattar, while speaking about water availability in Haryana in 2023, stressed the urgent need to complete the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal in the Punjab region especially in light of the aging Nangal Hydel Channel (NHC). However, the situation of the state did not change much over the years. Last week, Haryana was allocated additional 4,500 cusecs of water from Bhakra Dam for the next eight days to meet their urgent water requirements after the state said it is facing acute water shortage due to rising temperatures. At the same time, the issue of the SYL canal resurfaced when Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that in just two months, monsoon will begin and the rainwater will flow into Pakistan a country that is killing our innocent citizens". The statement from Saini came days after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. The attack killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. India, on April 23, announced that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. So, where exactly does Delhi into the picture? Delhis Water Needs According to the Delhi Jal Board, over 90 per cent of Delhis water supply depends on external sources and about 70 per cent need is met through the Yamuna alone. As per the official government records, based on the norm of 60 Gallon Per Capita per Day (GPCD), the total requirement of water for Delhi is 1,290 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) for the estimated population of more than two crore. However, even on the best of the days, Delhi has to manage with about 25 per cent less water. Delhis total water supply is 936 MGD sourced from Bhakra, Yamuna, Ganga, and the Carrier Lined Channel (CLC). Delhi receives 270 MGD of water from the Bhakra Dam that is the source of drinking water to about 75 lakh people in the city. As per official records, the sources of water for Delhi are increasingly contested or depleted due to accelerating demand. thus augmentation of fresh water supplies is becoming more difficult with every passing day." Explaining this, a Delhi government official said that after introduction of water supply from Bhakra in the 1970s, the next augmentation from Tehri only came about 30 years later in 2006. They also said that the installed capacity of water treatment in Delhi Jal Board has increased by only around 15 per cent from 810 MGD in 2009 to 906 MGD in 2014 and 946 MGD in 2023, primarily from groundwater resources. Delhi depends on rivers originating outside for its water. We all know that the population is increasing and water is limited. No major internal water source exists in Delhi. Unless a new source of water is found for Delhi, even slightest drop in supply from any of the sources has the potential to deprive lakhs of people from drinking water. The reason for these drops could be any political, or non-political but it is the public that will suffer," the official said, demanding anonymity. Explaining further, they said these are also the factors that make the SYL project more important. Every state will try to protect its water. Every government has the responsibility of providing water to its people. Projects like these need very strong political will. The three states Punjab, Haryana and Delhi have seen governments of different parties. There were times when the same party was ruling these states but they could not end the deadlock," they added. Water Politics It is worth mentioning that currently, Delhi and Haryana are ruled by BJP while AAP is in power in Punjab. Between March 2022 and February 2025, both Punjab and Delhi were under AAP and BJP was in power in Haryana. Congress was in power in all the three states between 2005 and 2007, while it was also the ruling party at the Centre. BJP was in power in Punjab and Haryana between 2014 and 2017 with the help of its ally Shiromani Akali Dal, while it holds the control at the centre. AAP had the government in Delhi. As per the agreement signed in 1981 by the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, 17.17 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of surplus Ravi-Beas water was to be distributed among states and Delhi was allocated 0.20 million acre-feet of water annually through the proposed Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal. That means, every day, Delhi could get somewhere around 200 MGD of water on average more than half of its missing need. While it is still not sufficient, this amount of water can help Delhi solve a lot of its problems," the official explained. Last week, while Haryana was fighting with Punjab over water shortage, Delhi issued a statement saying that any disruption in the supply from Bhakra Dam could lead to a severe water crisis during the peak summer season in Delhi. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma said maintaining water supply in a complex and vast city like Delhi is no small task, yet they accepted every challenge and stood by the people. Now, at the peak of summer, when water is needed the most, the Punjab government is deliberately trying to deprive Delhi of its rightful share. This is not only insensitive but also a dangerous display of political malice," he posted on social media platform X. Parvesh Sahib Singh (@p_sahibsingh) May 1, 2025 Reacting to his post, AAP MLA and LoP in Delhi Assembly Atishi alleged that the BJP has failed to manage the water situation in Delhi and Haryana and want to steal Punjabs share of water". If Delhi and Haryana genuinely need more water, why doesnt the central government divert the water from the Indus River that currently flows into Pakistan," she added. What is Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal? According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal running about 121 km in Punjab and 90 km in Haryana envisages conveying 3.45 Million Acre-Foot out of 3.5 MAF of Haryanas average annual share of surplus Ravi-Beas waters (as per 1981 agreement). The Haryana portion of the canal is complete. The Punjab portion of the canal was targeted for completion by March 1991. By July 1990 when a major portion of the works had been completed, the works came to a standstill following the killing of the Chief Engineer and a Superintending Engineer of the project in July 1990," the Ministry said. In 1996, the Haryana Government filed a case in the Supreme Court asking for immediately restarting the work and completing the SYL Canal. In 2002, the Supreme Court delivered its judgement directing Punjab to complete the canal within one year failing which, the Government of India to complete the canal as expeditiously as possible through its own agencies. In 2003, Punjab reached the apex court citing certain changed circumstances and praying for dissolution and discharge of the obligation to construct the canal. In 2004, the Supreme Court dismissed the suit filed by Punjab and directed the Centre to carry out its action plan for completion of the SYL canal within the specified time frame. The Centre nominated CPWD as the construction agency and set up an empowered committee. However, in July 2004, Punjab enacted the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004 terminating the 1981 agreement and all other agreements related to Ravi Beas waters and protecting all existing and actual utilization through the existing systems. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The state also informed the Ministry of Water Resources that any step taken in furtherance of the 1981 agreement would be against the legislative mandate of the Act. In 2016, Haryana again filed a case in the apex court that called the 2004 act unconstitutional". However, the deadlock continues. About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 11:43 IST 30-Minute Blackout Drill Held At Punjabs Ferozepur Cantt Amid Rising India-Pak Tensions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 08:25 IST As part of the drill, total darkness was maintained by switching off all visible lights for half-an-hour. All lights were switched off at the cantonment area in Punjab's Ferozepur for half-an-hour. (ANI) Security agencies on Sunday carried out a 30-minute blackout drill at Ferozepur Cantonment area in Punjab in view of the prevailing war threats", amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, officials said. The blackout drill was carried at the border town out from 9 pm to 9:30 pm. As part of the drill, total darkness was maintained by switching off all visible lights for half-an-hour. Authorities also directed the residents that no inverter or generator lights should be visible outside their homes during this period. Recommended Stories All lights were turned off in the area after a siren went off at 9 pm, news agency PTI reported. #WATCH | Ferozepur, Punjab: As per the guidelines of the President, Cantonment Board/Station Commander, Ferozepur, rehearsal for blackout was conducted in the entire Cantonment area today, from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM. pic.twitter.com/6rtxErFKMQ ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 To ensure the blackout exercise can be carried out successfully, the Ferozepur Cantonment Board had asked the Deputy Commissioner and the station headquarters for support and cooperation". You are requested to ensure adequate security arrangements during this period, given the total blackout. This rehearsal aims to ensure preparedness and effectiveness in implementing blackout procedures during prevailing war threats. Your support and cooperation are crucial in making this exercise successful," the letter said. The board had also asked the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) to cut electricity at the exercises scheduled time. Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said in a statement that the blackout was part of a routine preparedness exercise. Electricity supply in the cantonment area will be shut from 9 pm to 9:30 pm. There is no need to panic. The administration is fully alert and ready to respond if required," she said. The Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified patrolling along the international border while Punjab Police has set up checkpoints at all strategic locations as a precautionary measure. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. (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 Location : Firozpur Cantonment, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 08:25 IST Cash Row: Probe Panel Submits Report To Chief Justice On Allegations Against Justice Varma Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 15:14 IST A committee led by Justices Sheel Nagu, G.S. Sandhawalia, and Anu Sivaraman submitted a report on allegations Justice Yashwant Varma (Image: X) A three-member Committee, which was set up to probe allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, has submitted its report on the row to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. Justice Varma landed in the controversy after the alleged discovery of a huge pile of burnt cash in the storeroom attached to his bungalow in the national capital after the fire brigade had gone there to douse a blaze on March 14. In April, he took oath as a judge of the Allahabad High Court. However, as per the Supreme Courts directions, he will not be assigned any judicial work. Recommended Stories The three-member Committee consisting of Mr Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Mr Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and Ms Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the High Court of Karnataka, constituted for conducting an inquiry into the allegations against Mr Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting Judge, has submitted its report dated 03.05.2025 to the Chief Justice of India on 04.05.2025," the Supreme Courts release said. While Justice Varma has denied any wrongdoing, CJI Khanna constituted a 3-member committee in the last week of March to conduct an inquiry into the cash at home" episode. Soon after the incident, Justice Varma denied any wrongdoing, even as investigators collected burnt notes from the scene of the fire, got videos of the firefighting tested at forensic labs and asked Justice Varma and his staff to preserve their phones and call records. Justice Varma, the second senior-most judge of the Delhi High Court, was taken off judicial work before being sent to Allahabad. This came within days of the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, recommending to the Centre to repatriate Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court. His shift to Uttar Pradesh came despite opposition by the bar associations in Lucknow and Allahabad. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In April, the Supreme Court rejected a petition seeking an FIR against Justice Varma, calling the plea premature". Earlier, the top court, in a statement, clarified that the proposal for the transfer of Justice Varma to his parent High Court at Allahabad, where he will be the ninth in seniority, is independent and separate from the in-house enquiry procedure". About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: May 05, 2025, 15:07 IST Char Dham Yatra Weather: IMD Predicts Harsh Conditions, Red Alert For May 7-8 Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 15:16 IST Char Dham Yatra 2025 has begun, but harsh weather is challenging devotees. IMD has issued alerts for Kedarnath, Gangotri, and other sites With the rain expected to continue until May 14, May 78 being especially severe, pilgrims are urged to follow official weather updates and avoid high-risk areas like riverbanks. (News18) If youre preparing for the Char Dham Yatra or know someone who is, its vital to be aware of the latest weather conditions. The pilgrimage has begun, but harsh weather is already proving challenging for devotees. In Chamoli, Uttarakhand, daytime temperatures have dropped to -10C, making it essential for visitors to prepare for extreme cold. Recommended Stories IMD Issues Weather Alerts The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for those heading towards Kedarnath, Gangotri, and other Char Dham sites. From May 5 onwards, several districts are expected to experience rainfall. An orange alert has been issued for rain, strong winds, and hailstorms, while a red alert is in place for May 7 and 8. Conditions are likely to include heavy rain and reduced visibility. Tough Terrain, Tougher Weather The Char Dham sitesYamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinathare located at altitudes over 3,000 metres in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Though sacred, these destinations are physically demanding and subject to rapidly changing weather. Travellers are urged to prepare thoroughly to avoid health risks and discomfort during the journey. Heavy Rain Forecast In Uttarkashi The Meteorological Centre in Dehradun has issued a red alert for Uttarkashi on May 7 and 8, with significant rainfall expected. Pilgrims heading to Gangotri and Yamunotri are especially advised to take extra precautions. An orange alert is also in place for other hilly regions due to the possibility of heavy rain and snow. The rainy spell is expected to continue until May 14, with May 7 and 8 being particularly severe. All devotees and tourists undertaking the Yatra are strongly advised to follow weather updates from official sources and avoid high-risk areas such as riverbanks. Current Conditions And Rainfall Data Chamoli currently reports temperatures as low as -10C, caused by persistent rain and cold winds. Over the past 24 hours, rainfall levels recorded include: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Joshimath 90 mm 90 mm Haripur 56 mm 56 mm Laksar 40 mm 40 mm Roshanabad 35 mm 35 mm Bhagwanpur 15 mm 15 mm Almora 12.6 mm 12.6 mm Dehradun 3.9 mm 3.9 mm Chakrata 8.3 mm Travellers are urged to dress appropriately, carry essential supplies, and proceed with caution. Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 15:16 IST Congress Leader Ajay Rai's Rafale Mockery Draws Pakistani Media's Attention, BJP Backlash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 12:43 IST Congress leader Ajay Rai's remark drew massive criticism. BJP leader CR Kesavan said that Congress leaders are deliberately trying to defame and demoralise our brave armed forces. Congress Leader Ajay Rai criticised BJP government Hours after Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai took a dig at the BJP-led central government over the Pahalgam terror attack, mocking it with a toy Rafale, a Pakistani news outlet highlighted his remark. Rai on Sunday, while speaking to media, displayed a toy Rafale plane with nimbu mirchi" (lemon and chillies) hung on it, a traditional sign believed to ward off the evil eye. Recommended Stories Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. But this government, which talks a lot, says that they will crush terrorists they brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars having chilly and lemon hanging in them. When will they take action against terrorists, those who support them, and their backers?," said Rai. A Pakistani media outlet, ARY News, covered his remark by sharing pictures of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with the Rafale and Ajay Rai holding the toy Rafale. The anchor in the clip was also heard highlighting Rais remark. #WATCH | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai shows a toy plane with Rafale written on it and lemon-chillies hanging in it.Ajay Rai says, Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the pic.twitter.com/wIwLsa4akD ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 It Shows Menatity Of INDI Alliance: BJP Hits Back At Ajay Rai The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked Congress leader Ajay Rai over his remark over the Pahalgam attack. While addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said, Ajay Rai is making fun of rafale and it shows the real face and mentality of the INDIA alliance." Further referring to Rai hanging nimbu-mirchi" on the toy Rafale, he said, They are trying to demoralising the morale of our forces. Not only that they are making fun of our Hindu culture and rituals, where we use this ritual to protect from evil eyes." We are stronger than Pakistan on every front except that their leaders dont speak against Pakistan and we have our parties here who are always in support of Pakistan. If they have any doubt on the surgical strike INDI alliance leaders should see the statements made in the Pakistan assembly by their leaders," added the BJP leader. On the Pakistani news outlet covering Rais remark, Trivedi said, After Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress candidate from Kashi, Ajay Rai has become the toast of the Pakistani media, speaking their language and mocking the Indian Armed Forces. The Congress has no shortage of such nincompoops, and the rot begins with the Gandhis." Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh BJP President Vishnu Vardhan Reddy also shared the clip of the Pakistani media outlet and lashed out at Rai, calling it disgraceful". Well done, Congress leader @kashikirai your baseless attacks on Rafale have now earned you prime time coverage in Pakistan. Youve not just mocked Indias defense capabilities, youve handed propaganda material to our enemies. Truly disgraceful," the BJP leader wrote on X. Well done, Congress leader @kashikirai your baseless attacks on Rafale have now earned you prime time coverage in Pakistan.Youve not just mocked Indias defense capabilities, youve handed propaganda material to our enemies. Truly disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/31hHXPo5li Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) May 5, 2025 Earlier on Sunday, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla questioned why Congress was continuously attacking the morale of the armed forces. Why is a continuous attack being made on the morale of armed forces?Congress party is not taking action because Pakistan ko kehna bhaijaan, sena ka karna apman, ye Congress ki bann chuki hai pehchan, Pakistan aur Congress do shareer aur bole ek hi zubaan (Congress party is not taking action because Pakistan is their dear brother while the army is being insulted, and this Congresss identity is that it is a partner to Pakistan and speaks their language)," he added. Congress Leader Ajay Rai Issues Clarification A day after his remark sparked backlash and was covered by a Pakistani media outlet, Congress leader Ajay Rai issued a clarification. He said that the people of the country want action against the attack, adding that people were being misled." People who support terrorism should be brought to justice.People are being misled. I visited with Rahul Gandhi to the residence of the deceased familyeveryone is asking when the government will take action." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pahalgam Terror Attack A terrorist attack in Jammu-Kashmirs Pahalgam left 26 dead, including 25 tourists and one local. India took several strong measures against Pakistan in the backdrop of the attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday assured action against the terrorists and said, it is my responsibility to give a befitting reply to those who dare to attack our country." First Published: May 05, 2025, 07:22 IST Even If You Cut Me Into Pieces I Cant: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Says State Nearing Bankruptcy Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: May 06, 2025, 18:36 IST I am entitled to fly by special aircraft, but I sometimes travel economy...Even if you cut me into pieces, I cant raise over Rs 18,500 crore a month," says CM Revanth Reddy Revanth Reddy had an emotional outburst. Telangana Chief Minister (CM) Revanth Reddy on Monday admitted that the state was nearing financial bankruptcy, urging government employees to understand the gravity of the situation instead of resorting to strikes. Speaking at a media organisations event in Hyderabad, the CM revealed that the state requires Rs 22,500 crore every month to meet its obligations, but is only able to generate Rs 18,500 crore. Even if you cut me into pieces, I cant raise more than Rs 18,500 crore per month," he said emotionally. Recommended Stories Tell meshould we stop welfare schemes? Should we raise petrol prices to Rs 200? Thats not right. Protests and hunger strikes at this stage could lead to a complete collapse of the government machinery," he warned. Reddy emphasised that the government has been practising fiscal discipline since taking office, avoiding any lavish spending. He pointed out that for the first time in a decade, state employees are receiving their salaries on the 1st of each month. As the Chief Minister, I am entitled to fly by special aircraft, but I sometimes travel economy. I never publicised this. Unfortunately, financial institutions are treating us like thieves," he lamented. He also took aim at the previous administration, blaming them for leaving the state in financial disarray. They (BRS) destroyed the system by not repaying loans. Weve taken Rs 1.58 lakh crore in loans and already repaid Rs 1.54 lakh crore. Were trying to rebuild the system. Please bear with us," he appealed. Urging employees not to become political pawns, he asked how would it be fair to fight the public to meet employee demands. If you have concerns, speak to the finance minister or Secretary. We are willing to be transparent," he added. The Chief Minister concluded by reminding that employees are part of the government machinery and praised the police force for maintaining law and order in the state. Only for the Deserving Meanwhile, agriculture minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao triggered a debate about possible cuts to welfare schemes. Addressing a public gathering in Dharur, Vikarabad district, the minister questioned the current distribution model, pointing out a significant mismatch in ration card data. The state has around 1.10 crore families, but there are 1.25 crore ration cards. Shouldnt we ensure that only the truly poor benefit? Free rice should go only to those who genuinely cannot afford food. When N.T. Rama Rao was the CM, rice was sold for Rs 3 and the government gave it at Rs 2 people hailed him as a god. But today, should rice costing Rs 60 be distributed free of cost," he asked. He challenged locals to show even 10 to 20 people in the village without ration cards, questioning whether the entire village could really be classified as poor. His remarks reportedly caused unease among fellow dignitaries, including Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, at the event. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) responded sharply, accusing the Congress-led government of using such rhetoric to dodge its election commitments. BRS spokesperson Manne Krishank told News18, The Congress made 420 promises before coming to power. Now its backtracking. Not a single new ration card has been issued. The farm loan waiver hasnt reached farmers. Under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, they promised Rs. 15,000 per acre but reduced it to Rs 12,000 and even that hasnt been paid. Theres no sign of farmer insurance either." Tummala, who served earlier in KCRs cabinet as Roads and Buildings Minister, had previously stated that 24-hour free electricity for agriculture was not essential and claimed that even farmers didnt want it. Meanwhile, many of the welfare and development programmes promised by the Congress during the elections are yet to see full-scale implementation. Reddy has maintained that the rollout will happen in phases. However, he has also openly admitted in the Assembly that the state is grappling with a financial crunch to the extent of depending on the RBI to pay salaries. First Published: May 05, 2025, 19:34 IST First Images Of Amarnath Shivling Revealed, Yatra To Begin On July 3 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 22:35 IST This year's preparations are particularly challenging due to unusually heavy snowfall, with drifts reaching 10 to 20 feet in certain areas. First Images Of Amarnath Shivling Revealed. (News 18) The countdown to the Amarnath Yatra has begun, and devotees are eagerly awaiting their sacred journey to witness the legendary ice Shivling. The first-ever live view of the Amarnath Shivling has been revealed, two months before the official start of the Yatra in July. According to the Amarnath Shrine Board, the 2025 Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and will conclude on August 19, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Recommended Stories As always, devotees from all corners of the country are gearing up for the spiritual journey to the Amarnath cave, where they will seek blessings from Baba Barfani, Lord Shiva. Some fortunate devotees from Punjab have already visited the holy cave and captured images of the revered Shivling. The early access to the site has only heightened the excitement among the devotees who are anxiously waiting for the Yatra to commence. Authorities are working around the clock to clear snow-covered paths for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The snow clearance work has been started on both major routesBaltal and Chandanwariso that the tracks can be made walkable for the pilgrims well in advance. This years preparations are particularly challenging due to unusually heavy snowfall, with drifts reaching 10 to 20 feet in certain areas. The snow clearance efforts aim to ensure the tracks are safe and walkable for pilgrims before the yatra begins. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all J-K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, visited the Amarnath Yatra transit camp at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar on Monday to review the ongoing preparations for the pilgrimage. Despite the recent Pahalgam attack, thousands of devotees remain undeterred, with over 360,000 already registering for the Amarnath Yatra. According to the latest reports, the numbers are expected to surge as the official start date approaches, reflecting the unwavering enthusiasm and faith of the pilgrims. Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 22:35 IST Test Air Raid Siren, Train Civilians: Home Ministry Asks States To Conduct Mock Drill On May 7 Reported By : & News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 19:52 IST Border states such J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are among those that have been asked to carry out the drill. Sources said there is no need to panic Soldiers arrive for a mock drill in an armored vehicle in Jammus Nowshera. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) Given the seriousness of the ongoing operational conditions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Centre has asked several states to conduct a drill on May 7 to test wartime standard operating procedure (SOP) and measures, top sources told CNN-News18. Most of the present generation has never seen a war and the exercise is meant to educate the masses of the utmost importance of wartime SOP. Recommended Stories Border states such Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are among those that have been asked to carry out the drill. Sources, however, pointed out that there is no need to panic, and this is only a drill. These mock drills will be to test effectiveness of civil defence measures. #BreakingNews | Home ministry directs several states to conduct civil defence mock drills to enhance emergency preparedness as India-Pakistan tensions rise after #Pahalgam attack@AmanKayamHai_ and @payalmehta100 share more details#PlainSpeak | @ShivaniGupta_5 pic.twitter.com/Y6cGgT0Ng5 News18 (@CNNnews18) May 5, 2025 It also shows the government is preparing for any eventuality in the event of a war PM Narendra Modi has promised harshest response to the perpetrators and backers of the Pahalgam terror strike, and Pakistan has promised retaliation to it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sources said following measures will be undertaken: Operationalisation of air raid earning sirens: It will be ensured that war sirens are operational in sensitive areas in case of an air raid by the enemy. Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack: This is important as the present generation has never seen a war. The Kargil conflict was localised to J&K heights. Provision of crash blackout measures: This is to test a complete backout in cities and villages in case of an air strike. Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants / installations: This is to ensure that our vital installations remain safe and are not exposed to enemy bombing. Updating evacuation plan and its rehearsal: This is to test how civilian population can be evacuated and rescued from vulnerable areas. 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 05, 2025, 18:38 IST India Set To Rally UNSC Majority To Back Post-Pahalgam Push Against Pakistan | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 16:00 IST India is preparing to raise the issue of Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism at the UNSC, with strong backing from a majority of member states The UNSC discussion, if tabled, is expected to highlight the growing frequency and sophistication of cross-border attacks, like the recent Pahalgam incident. (AP File Image) India is preparing for a major diplomatic move at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to push for a discussion on cross-border terrorism, with a focus on Pakistan-sponsored outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The move comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives and has prompted India to step up efforts to internationalise Pakistans role in fostering cross-border militancy. Top government sources have confirmed to CNN-News18 that India has secured support from 13 of the 15 UNSC member states, excluding only China and Pakistan, to take up the issue framing it as a transnational terror threat rather than a bilateral political dispute. Recommended Stories Indias diplomatic pitch builds on its long-standing stance that terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) enjoy patronage from Pakistans military-intelligence establishment. The UNSC discussion, if tabled, is expected to highlight the growing frequency and sophistication of cross-border attacks, such as the Pahalgam incident, which was initially claimed and later retracted by The Resistance Front, a LeT proxy. Indian intelligence has directly linked the attack to handlers across the Line of Control. This move comes even as Pakistan scrambles to mount a counter-narrative at the UNSC. According to a press release by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad will formally brief the Council on what it calls Indias aggressive actions, repeated provocations, and inflammatory rhetoric," which it claims pose a serious threat to regional and global peace and stability." Pakistan also plans to raise Indias decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an unlawful and unilateral attempt" and a violation of international obligations. Islamabad is urging the UNSC to exercise its primary responsibility" and take measures to address these developments. INDIA AT THE UNSC: A STRATEGIC PLAYBOOK Indias latest diplomatic manoeuvre builds on its 20212022 tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, during which it repeatedly underscored the need for global consensus on counterterrorism. Its current effort to bring Pakistan-sponsored terror into formal UNSC discussions marks a continuation of that push. By rallying support from 13 out of 15 UNSC membersincluding key voices from the West and Global SouthIndia is not only isolating Pakistan but also reinforcing its credentials as a responsible global actor deserving of a permanent seat at the Council. The move demonstrates New Delhis growing influence in multilateral fora and its ability to reframe regional conflicts as pressing international security concerns. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all To avoid a direct confrontation with China, a permanent member and Pakistans ally, India is expected to have a friendly nation formally raise the issue, in line with UNSC procedural norms. China has historically blocked any discussion on Kashmir by citing the Shimla Agreement and the principle of bilateral resolution. Indias ability to rally such wide support underscores its rising diplomatic heft and the success of its strategic engagement with nations across ideological divides. More importantly, by positioning the Kashmir issue as one rooted in terrorism rather than territorial contestation, India is reframing the global narrative and tightening the diplomatic screws on Pakistan. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: May 05, 2025, 16:00 IST After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension, India Weighs Reviving J&K Hydroelectric Projects Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Ashesh Mallick Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:02 IST After the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, India is now expected to expedite the revival of its stalled hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Indus waters treaty suspended: What's next on agenda? (PTI File Image) India is intensifying non-military action against Pakistan the biggest of which has been the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Islamabad. New Delhi is now expected to take major strides in completing the stalled hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, sources said. In this process, a key meeting is likely to be held this week, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with Water Resources Minister CR Patil, Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and senior officials from all related ministries. Recommended Stories Ever since the suspension of the IWT on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, two meetings have already taken place between Amit Shah, CR Patil, and top officials of the ministry, sources said. With eyes on how to accelerate the stalled hydroelectric projects in J&K, these projects are expected to gain momentum. Work is expected to speed up on six hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir: Sawalkot Project (1,856 MW) proposed on the Chenab River in the Ramban and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir Pakal Dul (1,000 MW) Ratle (850 MW) Bursar (800 MW) Kiru (624 MW) Kirthai I and II (Total 1,320 MW) Under the Indus Waters Treaty, India was required to give six months notice to Pakistan before starting any new project. Now, with the suspension of the treaty, this is no longer necessary, and data sharing will also cease. It is now possible to initiate new projects on the Chenab and Jhelum Rivers and to revive Wular Lake. The treaty was earlier a hurdle in doing so. With the completion of these hydroelectric projects, Jammu and Kashmir could generate up to 10,000 megawatts of electricity. Besides, the availability of water for irrigation and drinking in the plains could increase significantly, according to sources. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Saturday, also discussed the same issue in the meeting, sources added. According to the sources in the government, the Centre is working on a three-layered plan in terms of the Indus Waters Treaty long-term, midterm, and short-term plans. The revival of the power projects is a part of the short-term plan. First Published: May 05, 2025, 13:37 IST Japan Defence Minister Expresses Solidarity With India Over Pahalgam In Bilateral With Rajnath Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 13:41 IST The Japanese Defence Minister met Rajnath Singh in Delhi and expressed solidarity with India over the Pahalgam terror attack. Japanese Defence Minister met Rajnath Singh (Photo: X/ Rajnath Singh) Japanese Defence Minister General Nakatani called on his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in the national capital on Monday and expressed condolences on the Pahalgam terror attack, while also expressing solidarity with India. I want to start by giving my sincere condolences to people who have lost their lives in Pahalgam, Kashmir," Nakatani told Rajnath at the meeting. Recommended Stories The two leaders held a bilateral meeting today and exchanged views on the current regional security situation. It was a delight to meet Japans Defence Minister Gen Nakatani San in New Delhi. India shares a Special, Strategic and Global partnership with Japan. During the bilateral meeting we discussed defence cooperation and regional security. Both sides condemned terrorism in all forms pic.twitter.com/cqd7CWyxLS Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 5, 2025 Rajnath Singh thanked the Japanese government for its solidarity and said, I would like to thank the government of Japan for their strong expression of solidarity with India in wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. I take this opportunity to compliment you for your immense contribution to deepening the Indo-Japan defence relations." #WATCH | Delhi | Japanese Defence Minister General Nakatani inspected the ceremonial Guard of Honour today in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/YECLbD66Nv ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 The Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that both Defence ministers would discuss ways to further deepen defence ties between the two countries. India and Japan, both Quad members, will hold their second Defence Ministers meeting in six months, after the first meeting in November 2024 at the ASEAN Defence Ministers event in Laos. They are working to boost military coordination, with talks focused on a proposed supply-sharing agreement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India and Japan have shared a strong friendship, which deepened in 2014 when their ties were upgraded to a special strategic and global partnership. Defence and security are key areas of this partnership. In recent years, defence ties have strengthened further, reflecting their shared vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. 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 05, 2025, 12:06 IST Justice For Pahalgam: When Will India Strike Back At Pakistan? Why Is It Taking Time? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 07:00 IST The Uri and Pulwama terror attacks in 2016 and 2019 saw surgical strikes inside Pakistan within 11 and 12 days, respectively The strong words of PM Narendra Modi (right) and Home Minister Amit Shah post Pahalgam indicate a strike is imminent. (PTI File) When will India strike? This is the question on the minds of every Indian as it is now 13 days since the dastardly Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 innocent civilians lost their lives. Recommended Stories The Uri and Pulwama terror attacks in 2016 and 2019 saw surgical strikes inside Pakistan within 11 and 12 days, respectively. The strong words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah post Pahalgam indicate a strike is imminent. There is recognition at the highest levels of government that the collective conscience of Hindu anger in the country needs to be satisfied. But is India also factoring in geopolitics and geoeconomics to calibrate its ultimate response, with Modi not taking the bait from Pakistan to launch a full-scale conflict? First, lets talk about what India has done since the April 22 Pahalgam attack to put Pakistan on notice, and tenterhooks. Then, lets get to why India may take its time. THE MESSAGE: WE ARE ON IT The PM rattled Pakistan by first saying that he will go to the ends of the earth" in his pursuit of the Pahalgam attackers and their backers. He repeated his message a few days later, promising the harshest response. Then, in an unprecedented move, the government chose to release visuals of the PMs meeting with the three service chiefs, the CDS, the NSA and the Defence Minister. Not just this, but it was coupled with the information that the PM had given the forces the operational freedom to choose the mode, targets and timing" of Indias response. A few days later, Shah made it clear: Every Pahalgam perpetrator and their backers will get an answer chun chun ke jawab milega." I want to assure that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, things will happen as you wish (jaisa aap chahte hain waisa ab hokar rahega)" said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday. The PM has met the three chiefs of the armed forces separately last week, after the big Tuesday meeting. He met the Army chief on Wednesday, the Navy chief on Saturday and the Air Force chief on Sunday. The speculation is that options are being put on the table. The messaging was clear it was both external and internal. External, it was directed at Pakistan, which panicked upon seeing PM Modis visuals and said India was ready to attack in 24 to 36 hours, and woke up leaders in world capitals that night. Pakistan has mobilised its armed forces, air defences, and naval assets all of which come at a massive cost that the fragile state of its economy will not be able to sustain for long. By delaying a strike, India is bleeding Pakistan and has also put the country in a state of perpetual fear of India. The messaging was internal too to citizens, reassuring them that the government is on top of the job. Steps such as the pause on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) have either depleted water flow in rivers to Pakistan or created a flood-like situation, which is disastrous for their crops. India has also moved the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the FATF to put a squeeze on Pakistans funding in light of the Pahalgam attack. But the government knows that the sentiments of the Hindu majority particularly their collective sense of anger need to be acknowledged and addressed by visible kinetic action against Pakistan. People across India are angry and feel humiliated that terrorists have killed Hindu tourists by targeting them. India may be calibrating its response given the geopolitics at play. That brings us to the next big question. DOES PAKISTAN WANT MODI TO TAKE THE BAIT? The timing of the Pahalgam attack is peculiar it came at a time when the Indian growth story is booming, and we are poised to be the first country to strike a trade deal with the US, at a time when China, due to high US tariffs, is facing disruption of global supply chains, and when Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir was facing gross unpopularity at home post the Balochistan attack. Days before the Pahalgam attack, it was Munir who made a provocative statement. In short, there was no provocation from India. Tourists in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have never been targeted in this fashion. The attack seems a clear ploy to provoke Modi into an escalatory response and force him to retaliate. Interestingly, it is Pakistan that has been speaking of an impending war at all world forums since the Pahalgam attack, not India. A full-scale conflict could derail Indias growth story, and such a flashpoint could project India as an unattractive destination to do business. Look at what has happened in Pakistan over the last week Munir has succeeded in ensuring the ISI chief also got the post of National Security Advisor, in what many see as a virtual coup that renders the post and power of the Pakistan Prime Minister as honorary. Chinas open backing of Pakistan at the UN Security Council, and through bilateral exchanges, has also left nothing to the imagination. In short, Pakistan and China want Modi to take the bait and launch a full-scale conflict that would surely cast a geopolitical cloud over India and the region. It would again hyphenate India and Pakistan in global diplomatic circles, which India has tried to break. The US under Donald Trump seems to have seen through this geopolitical game, with Vice-President JD Vance saying he hopes that India responds to the Pahalgam terror attack in a way that does not lead to a broader regional conflict. It shows that the US backs a limited strike by India. Trumps approach in 2019 was the same when the US had termed Indias strike at Balakot as a counter-terrorism action". What will India do, and when will it do it? The priority is neutralising the perpetrators, against whom an operation has been on in the Pir Panjal range for the past 13 days. India wants to put an end to Pakistan-sponsored terror for good and put the Pakistan Army and its chief, Asim Munir, in the dock. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But India may take its time. So, stay calm. Trust the leadership. Justice for Pahalgam will come in the right way, at the right time. 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 05, 2025, 07:00 IST Kanpur Fire: Couple, Three Children Killed As Massive Blaze Engulfs Five-Storey Building Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 08:45 IST Kanpur Fire: While the exact cause behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, the officials believe a short circuit might have caused it. Kanpur Fire: Massive fire at a five-storey building killed a couple (Credits: Screengrab of video shared by ANI) A couple and their three children were killed after a massive fire engulfed a five-story building in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur. The fire broke out at nearly 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, and the dousing operation took place until 3 a.m. on Monday. While the bodies of the couple was discovered on the fourth floor, the children were rushed to a hospital following the accident. They later succumbed to their injuries. The deceased have been identified as Mohammad Danish, 45, his wife, Nazneen Saba, 42, and their three daughters-Sara, Simra, and Inaya-aged 15, 12, and 7, respectively. Recommended Stories According to a report by PTI, the fire was so massive that it took firefighters hours to gain access to the fourth floor, where the couples bodies were discovered. According to police, neighbours first noticed huge flames and thick smoke emanating from the building on Sunday night and alerted the fire station and police. #WATCH | UP | Morning visuals from the spot in the Chaman Ganj area of Kanpur city where a fire broke out last night.As per ADCP Central Kanpur, Rajesh Srivastava, Five people have been sent to the hospital; they will be medically examined. There is very little chance of pic.twitter.com/S5L38blCSE ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 Assistant Commissioner of Police (Seesmau) Manjay Singh said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire, also adding that initial suspicions point towards a possible short circuit or faults in the internal wiring, potentially originating from the floors where the shoe factory was operating. "The fire led to blasts in a couple of domestic LPG cylinders that worsened the situation," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The officials also said that people from over half a dozen buildings nearby have been evacuated to ensure their safety. (With inputs from agency) First Published: May 05, 2025, 07:31 IST Locals Line Up For Selfies At Exposed River Route As India Blocks Chenab Flow | Ground Report Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 13:22 IST Indias action, which includes closing the gates of the Baglihar Dam in Jammu and Kashmir, has drastically reduced the Chenab's downstream flow. The Chenab River is vital for Pakistan, serving as a critical source of irrigation and drinking water for lakhs. In an escalation of regional tensions following the Pahalgam massacre, India has unilaterally suspended the 65-year-old Indus Water Treaty and halted the flow of River Chenab into Pakistan. The move, described by authorities as a strategic and security-oriented decision, has already begun to show visible effects on the ground. Indias action, which includes closing the gates of the Baglihar Dam in Jammu and Kashmir, has drastically reduced the Chenabs downstream flow. News18s ground team, reporting from the riverbed in Ramban district, found that areas once submerged under the Chenabs powerful current have dried up. Stones once hidden beneath swift waters now lie exposed, with locals flocking to the riverbanks to capture the unusual sight on their phones. Recommended Stories This place was once dangerous to approach, with the administration regularly warning people to stay away due to strong currents. Today, people are walking across what used to be the rivers midstream, reported News18 correspondent Bilal Bali. The Chenab River is vital for Pakistan, serving as a critical source of irrigation and drinking water for lakhs. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, granted Pakistan control over the Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus rivers, while India retained rights over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. While the treaty permitted India to build hydroelectric projects on western rivers, it prohibited altering their flow in ways that would disrupt Pakistans usage. However, citing growing cross-border terrorism and the recent violence in Pahalgam, India has now declared that the treaty no longer aligns with its national interest. Water is both a strategic resource and a security asset," an official said, framing the suspension as a sovereign right in light of Pakistans alleged inaction on terrorism. The Pakistani government has responded with alarm. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued a stern warning in Parliament, calling the move an act of war." India is threatening the lives of 240 million Pakistanis. This is not just a political issue its about our survival," he said, vowing a firm response. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dar also confirmed he had contacted counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, and Turkey to raise the issue at the international level. On the ground in Ramban, signs of change are stark. What was once a roaring river has slowed to a trickle in many parts. The sudden drop in water levels is expected to further exacerbate diplomatic tensions and may have significant ecological consequences in both countries. First Published: May 05, 2025, 13:21 IST Under Fire Over Murshidabad, Mamata Takes Potshots At Centre Over Pahalgam: 'Take Care Of India' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 16:58 IST Banerjee urged the Prime Minister to give justice to the people who have lost their loved ones in Pahalgam West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (PTI Image) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the BJP of dividing people and asked the Centre to take care of India and secures borders in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Banerjee, who arrived in Murshidabad for the first time since last months riots there, urged the government to give justice to the people who have lost their loved ones in Pahalgam. Recommended Stories She also accused the BJP of playing dirty politics" over the Murshidabad violence in which three people were killed during protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Instead of doing communal violence, please take care of the border. Please take care of India. We love India, please save India from any disaster. Please give justice to the people who have lost their loved ones. Dont play dirty politics; I am the last one to tolerate dirty politics. I have seen 10-12 Prime Ministers and worked with them. I want to tell the acting Prime Minister to take care of the border instead of taking care of communal riots. I am not talking about the Prime Minister. BJP can say who is the acting Prime Minister of the countryWhen you are in the chair, you cannot divide the people," she said. #WATCH | Murshidabad: On the Pahalgam terrorist attack, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, Instead of doing communal violence, please take care of the border. Please take care of India. We love India, please save India from any disaster. Please give justice to the people pic.twitter.com/bwmC2vXaRN ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 In a sharp criticism of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Trinamool Congress supremo questioned the panels priorities in view of the recent visit of its members to Murshidabad. She also asked whether NHRC members visited BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and ethnic violence-hit Manipur, which is now under the Presidents rule. Did the NHRC visit Manipur and Uttar Pradesh? They were prompt in visiting Murshidabad. Just like online payment platforms came out with front-page advertisements in newspapers a day after the announcement of demonetisation in 2016, the NHRC was quick to visit Murshidabad just after the riots took place. That is why I am saying that it was pre-planned," Banerjee alleged. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I have unearthed most of the conspiracy, I will expose this before the mediaUnfortunately, some media houses played into the hands of the BJP in spreading canards," she claimed. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Murshidabad, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 16:32 IST 'Not Right To Troll': NCW Defends Pahalgam Victim's Wife Over Remarks On Kashmiri Muslims Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 09:11 IST Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Pahalgam victim Lt Vinay Narwal, defended Kashmiris and Muslims after the barbaric terror attack. Her remarks attracted relentless trolling online. Lt Vinay Narwal was laid to rest with full military honours and his ashes were immersed in Haridwar on April 25. (PTI) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has criticised the relentless trolling online of Himanshi Narwal, the wife of Naval Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was among the 26 tourists killed in the heinous terror attack in J&Ks Pahalgam on April 22. Following the final rites of her husband last week, Himanshi had made an emotional appeal to the nation not to target Muslims or Kashmiris, as the nation was still reeling from the impact of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Recommended Stories We dont want people going against Muslims or Kashmiris. We want peace and only peace. Of course, we want justice," Himanshi, a PhD scholar from Gurugram, said. She was heavily trolled on social media for her remarks, with people raising doubts about her marriage and character. Referring to the widespread social media criticism of her remarks, the NCW said the country is hurt and angry" after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where Lt Narwal and others were questioned about their faith and then shot dead by terrorists. After the death of Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, the way his wife Himanshi Narwal is being targeted on social media in relation to one of her statements is extremely reprehensible and unfortunate. It is not right to troll a woman on the basis of her ideological expression or personal life," the Commission wrote on X. - NCW (@NCWIndia) May 4, 2025 The NCW said that while Himanshi Narwals remarks may not have been accepted by many people, expressing disagreement must remain within constitutional limits" and civil discourse. It also asserted that the dignity and respect of every woman are valuable. Lt Narwal had been serving at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi for the past one-and-a-half years after joining the Navy in 2022. He and his wife got married on April 16 and were on their honeymoon in J&K. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The couple were taking a walk at the scenic retreat in Pahalgam when they were approached by the terrorists. After confirming his religion, the navy officer was shot dead in front of his wife. He was laid to rest with full military honours in Haridwar on April 25. The Pahalgam attack further deteriorated ties between India and Pakistan. India on Saturday imposed a ban on the import of goods coming from or transiting through Pakistan and also the entry of Pakistani ships into its ports, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is committed to taking firm and decisive" action against terrorists and their backers. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 09:11 IST Our Shoulders Are Broad Enough: Supreme Court On Contempt Plea Against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:44 IST The Supreme Court did not entertain a contempt plea against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey over his criticism of the judiciary. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey (PTI Image) The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a contempt plea against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey over his recent criticism of the judiciary, however, it made a strong observation on the matter. Our shoulders are broad enough," Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna said after the petitioner, Vishal Tiwari, underlined to need to protect the dignity of the institution. Recommended Stories The petitioner had sought contempt proceedings against the BJP MP, terming his remarks insulting and condemnable". The dignity of the institution has to be protected. It cannot go like this. Earlier court took cognisance in the Delhi judicial services case," Tiwari said in the court. However, the CJI declined to entertain the plea. We will be passing a short order. We will record some reasons. We will not be entertaining it, but we will give a short order," he said. In a cryptic post on X, the BJP MP shared a Hindi one-liner; however, he did not mention anything about the hearing against him in the top court. Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) May 5, 2025 In a landmark ruling last month, the Supreme Court set a three-month deadline for the President and Governors to act on pending bills. This move drew criticism from several leaders, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dubey strongly attacked the court, accusing it of overstepping its limits and sparking unrest. He said, Which law says the President must decide in three months? This is pushing the country towards anarchy. The Supreme Court is responsible for inciting religious wars. If everything has to go through the court, then whats the point of Parliament and State Assemblies?" The BJP had distanced itself from Dubeys remarks, terming them his personal opinions" which did not reflect the partys stance on the judiciary. 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 05, 2025, 14:27 IST Last Updated: May 07, 2025, 00:00 IST Pahalgam Terror Attack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval for the second time in 24 hours, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead. The meeting comes only a day after the Prime Minister met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, two days after meeting Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and three days after he met Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The Central government has asked several states to conduct a drill on May 7 (Wednesday) to test wartime standard operating procedures (SOP) and measures to strengthen defence mechanisms, top sources told CNN-News18. Border states such as Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are among those that have been asked to carry out the drill. PM Modi has vowed strict action against the terrorists and assured justice to the victims of the attack. He has also been holding several high-level meetings in the wake of the attack. The UN Security Council began closed-door consultations on the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after Islamabad raked up the issue. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and urged both countries to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. India on Saturday imposed a ban on the import of goods coming from or transiting through Pakistan and also the entry of Pakistani ships into its ports, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is committed to taking firm and decisive action against terrorists and their backers. Pakistan-Based Hackers Target India Again, Multiple Military Websites Taken Down Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 17:28 IST Pakistan-based cyber groups have targeted multiple Indian military websites, prompting authorities to take several of them offline to assess potential damage. Multiple Indian defence websites were targeted by Pakistani hackers | Image.Representative Amid rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan-based cyber groups have targeted multiple Indian military websites, prompting authorities to take several of them offline to assess potential damage. Sources told CNN-News18 that the cyberattack may have compromised sensitive information related to Indian defence officials, including their login credentials and personal details. Recommended Stories A social media handle named Pakistan Cyber Force claimed on X that hackers have accessed sensitive data from the Military Engineer Services and the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. CNN-News18 has learnt that hackers also tried to deface the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. The now-banned X handle of the Pakistan-based cyber group also shared screenshots of the Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited webpage, which had been defaced with a Pakistani flag and a tank. Another post displayed a list of names, allegedly of Indian defence personnel, along with the message: Hacked. Your security is an illusion. MES data owned." The handle also claimed to have accessed over 10 GB of data belonging to 1,600 users from the website of the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses. Sources said that as a precaution, the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited has been taken offline for a comprehensive audit to assess any potential damage from the defacement attempt and to ensure its integrity. Furthermore, Indian cybersecurity experts and agencies are actively monitoring cyberspace to detect any additional cyberattacks, particularly those that may be sponsored by threat actors linked to Pakistan, they added. Last week, a similar incident unfolded when Pakistan-sponsored hackers launched several unsuccessful attempts to breach Indian websites. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The hacker groups, including Cyber Group HOAX1337 and National Cyber Crew, targeted the websites of Army Public Schools in Jammu, attempting to deface them with messages mocking the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian cybersecurity agencies swiftly detected and neutralised the hacking attempts. First Published: May 05, 2025, 16:54 IST Pakistani National Crossed Border Illegally, Caught In Punjab's Gurdaspur Amid Tense Ties Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 17:11 IST A Pakistan's National Identity Card has been recovered from his possession Husnain was caught by the authorities while he was crossing over to Gurdaspur from Pakistan on the intervening night of May 3-4. A Pakistani national has been apprehended in the border district of Gurdaspur in Punjab as bilateral ties remain under strain. Husnain was caught by the authorities while he was crossing over to India from Pakistan on the intervening night of May 3-4. The Pakistani national was spotted near Border Out Post (BOP) Dariya Mansoor in the bushes. Recommended Stories A Pakistani National Identity Card and 40 Pakistan rupee have been recovered from his possession. He is currently in remand of Punjab Police. Husnain is a resident of Gujranwala city of Pakistan. Earlier this week, a Pakistani Ranger was detained in Rajasthan . The Pakistani Ranger has been taken into custody by the Rajasthan frontier of the force. This came after a BSF constable was taken into Pakistans custody for inadvertently crossing the border into Pakistan, where he has now remained for over a week. , sources said on Saturday. BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw was apprehended by the Rangers on April 23 from along this international border in Punjab and they have refused to hand him over despite a strong protest registered by the Indian force. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ties between India and Pakistan became tense after the killing of 26 people in the Pahalgam terror attack. India announced several measures aimed at Pakistan like putting Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, cancelling long-term visas of Pakistani nationals etc. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Location : Gurdaspur, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 16:40 IST Pro-Pakistan X Handles Share Leaked Indian Army Letter, Govt Fact-Checks Claim Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 20:53 IST The "fake" letter claimed to be an official communication from General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, to General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. PIB Fact Check flags Pro-Pakistan X handles sharing a fake letter claiming to be an official communication between Indian Army leadership | Image.X The Press Information Bureau on Monday issued a strict warning to social media users against pro-Pakistan X handles that have been circulating claims of a leaked" communication letter between senior Indian Army officials. The fake" letter claimed to be an official communication from General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, to General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. Recommended Stories Pro-Pakistan X accounts are sharing a fake letter claiming to be an official communication from General Upendra Dwivedi to General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff," the PIB Fact Check wrote in an X post, debunking the fake pro-Pakistan narrative. FAKE ALERT! Pro-Pakistan X accounts are sharing a fake letter claiming to be an official communication from General Upendra Dwivedi to General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. #PIBFactCheck This is a malicious attempt to undermine the credibility of the Indian pic.twitter.com/0x4PvPrw1B PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 5, 2025 Notably, the letter was widely shared by Pakistani X handles, which appeared to mock the confidentiality of Indian Army communications. However, no such letter was ever written. Last month, the government debunked another pro-Pakistan narrative on social media, where Islamabad-based X users shared leaked" confidential documents regarding the Indian Armys preparedness following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a post on X, PIB Fact Check dismissed the allegations, labelling the documents as fake". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pro-Pakistan social media accounts are falsely claiming that confidential documents related to the preparedness of the #IndianArmy have been leaked. #PIBFactCheck These documents are #FAKE," PIB Fact Check wrote in an X post. The government further advised social media users to exercise caution while sharing any post online, especially at a time when tensions are at peak between India and Pakistan. About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 20:53 IST Rahul Gandhi, CJI Meet PM Modi For Appointment Of Next CBI Chief Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 19:28 IST The appointment of the CBI director is done on the recommendation of a three-member committee headed by the PM and comprises the LoP in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached South Block to meet PM Narendra Modi on May 5. (Image: PTI/File) Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Chief Justice of India on Monday attended a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the appointment of the next CBI director. The appointment of the CBI director is done by the Centre on the recommendation of a three-member appointment committee, which is headed by the Prime Minister and comprises the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India. Recommended Stories The meeting was held at the Prime Ministers Office in the evening and comes ahead of the end of the two-year term of incumbent CBI director Praveen Sood on May 25. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sood, a 1986-batch IPS officer of Karnataka cadre, was director general of police (DGP) of the state before his appointment. He took over as the director of the premier investigative agency on May 25, 2023. (With PTI inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 19:13 IST Russia's Putin Dials PM Modi, Backs India On Pahalgam: 'Perpetrators Must Face Justice' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 17:24 IST Putin conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India, saying the perpetrators of the attack must be brought to justice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Reuters/File) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed. According to an official statement, Putin conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. He said the perpetrators of the attack must be brought to justice, said the Ministry of External Affairs. Recommended Stories The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. PM Modi also conveyed greetings to Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him for the annual India-Russia bilateral summit to be held in India this year. This show of support from Putin came before a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council later today to discuss the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. Pakistan will call upon the UNSC to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security by taking appropriate measures to address these concerning developments," said Pakistans foreign ministry. India would take the opportunity on Monday to expose Pakistans role in terror attacks before the international community, as per sources. Russias Support To India The Russian President had earlier sent condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi over the Pahalgam tragedy, strongly condemning the incident as a brutal crime" with no justification whatsoever". Kindly accept the sincere condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, whose victims were civilians citizens of various countries. This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. We expect that its organisers and perpetrators will face a deserved punishment," the Russian President said in a letter. Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Indian Army received a consignment of Igla-S missiles from Russia, along with the S-400 missile defence system, in a major boost for Indias aerial defence system. This defence system has been developed indigenously with Russian assistance since 2009. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pakistan has intensified its activities by issuing frequent naval advisories, conducting aggressive drills in the Arabian Sea, and repeatedly violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. It has conducted training launches of the Abdali-II and FATAH missiles. However, the Russian-made S-400 and indigenous interception platforms provide India with enough defence capabilities to effectively neutralise shorter-range missile systems. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 15:03 IST National Interest: 4 Reasons Why CRPF Dismissed Jawan Who Married Pakistani Woman | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:37 IST CRPF jawan Munir Ahmed got married to Pakistan's Manel Khan through a WhatsApp call. The wedding came to light after India asked Pakistani nationals to leave after Pahalgam attack Munir Ahmed with Manel Khan. (News18 Hindi) Even as the Internet is abuzz with humanitarian concerns, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sources said the dismissal of jawan Munir Ahmed, who married a Pakistani woman, Manel Khan, is in national interest. Ahmeds marriage to Khan came to light after India asked Pakistani nationals to leave the country as part of diplomatic measures taken in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 persons were killed. Khan was taken to Wagah Border for deportation. However, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court granted her a 10-day stay on April 29, pending further hearing. Recommended Stories Ahmed should have been denied permission with a speaking order. If he had still gotten married, he should have been dismissed last year itself," said top CRPF sources. WEDDING IN 2024 ON VIDEO CALL Ahmed, a resident of the Gharota area of Jammu, was last posted with the 41st battalion of paramilitary CRPF in Bhopal. Khan is a resident of the Punjab region of Pakistan and daughter of one Mohammad Asgar Khan of Gujranwala area. Reports claim they met through social media. The two got married through a video call nikah ceremony on May 24, 2024. Khan entered India through the Wagah-Attari border on February 28 and her short-term visa ended on March 22. However, her deportation was stayed by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh after she applied for a Long-Term Visa in March and completed the necessary formalities, including an interview. CRPF jawan Munir Ahmed from Jammu married Pakistani woman Manel Khan via video conferencing last year. Manel has now arrived in India on a 15-day visa and is reportedly being monitored by security agencies#Wedding #Pakistan #Viral https://t.co/xeTp84FNFy pic.twitter.com/cIheSF141K News18 (@CNNnews18) March 3, 2025 AHMED CONCEALED MARRIAGE, VIOLATED SERVICE CONDUCT: CRPF REPORT In a report reviewed by News18, the CRPF said that the constable had earlier submitted a request for permission to marry a Pakistani woman. However, before the department could process or grant approval, the marriage was reportedly solemnised through a WhatsApp video. As the instant case requires a policy decision being a case of marriage with Pakistani girl and matter of national security, the proposal was re-submitted to Headquarter, J&K Zone, vide this office letter with opinion that NOC may not be granted and a policy decision should be taken for dealing with such type of cases," the report reviewed by News18 stated. According to the report, several lapses were observed in the constables conduct, including failure to inform the department about his wifes continued stay in India beyond her visa validity and making potentially misleading statements in court proceedings. Ahmed has been dismissed from service with immediate effect for concealing his marriage to a Pakistani national and knowingly harbouring her beyond the validity of her visa. His actions were found to be in violation of service conduct and detrimental to national security," CRPF spokesperson Deputy Inspector General (DIG) M Dhinakaran said. #WATCH | J&K: Munir Ahmad, a resident of Jammu, who is married to a Pakistani national, Meenal Khan, was dismissed from CRPFHe says, " Our wedding happened on 24th May 2024 through video conferenceshe is my cousinthey stay in Pakistan. Before partition, both families pic.twitter.com/s5sQow2Cmo ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 FOLLOWED RULES, INTIMATED CRPF ABOUT MY MARRIAGE: JAWAN I initially came to know about my dismissal through media reports. I shortly received a letter from the CRPF informing me about the dismissal which came as a shock to me and my family as I have sought and received permission for my marriage to a Pakistani woman from the headquarters," Ahmed told PTI. The sacked trooper has vowed the challenge the dismissal in court. I am sure of getting justice." Ahmed alleged that he had submitted all required documents, including affidavits from himself, his parents, the local sarpanch and the district development council member through official channels. Following the wedding, Ahmed submitted photographs, nikah documents, and the marriage certificate to his 72 Battalion. There is no provision for a No Objection Certificate, I was told. But as I had followed the process and informed the authorities, I believed everything was in order," he alleged. I made the first correspondence on December 31, 2022 informing my wish to marry the Pakistani national and I was asked to complete formalities like enclosing copies of passport, marriage card and affidavits. I submitted my affidavit and also the affidavits of my parents, sarpanch, and district development council member through proper channels and finally got a go ahead from the headquarters on April 30, 2024," he told the news agency. In a matter of serious concern, CT/GD Munir Ahmed of 41 Battalion of CRPF has been dismissed from service with immediate effect for concealing his marriage to a Pakistani national and knowingly harbouring her beyond the validity of her visa. His actions were found to be in pic.twitter.com/7xgQTuzskx ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2025 He said he had even mentioned the fact in his battalion data record in MP. She is my cousin. They stay in Sialkot, Pakistan. Before partition, both the families stayed together hereI informed my battalion once my wife arrived. I sent the visa copy to the deputy commandant. We had applied for a long-term visa on March 4, 2025, and field verification happened. We had an interview with FRRO Jammu. I was told they are sending positive recommendation for visa," he told ANI. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all WHY FORCES VIEW IT AS AN ISSUE: SOURCES SPEAK Copycat syndrome: Force is not a civilian organisation. There is a chance others may attempt similar things." Security concerns: In the world of Internet and social media, every person is connected to their family through at least WhatsApp. In such a scenario, there is a possibility of sensitive information being leaked, advertently or inadvertently. The forces cant afford to have such a leak." Hostile nation: Being a foreign nation is not so much of an issue, the country the woman is from is the problem. Pakistan is considered a hostile nation. How can a person from such a nation have access to sensitive information?" Suspicion: The jawan met the woman on social media. In such a scenario, there is a reasonable doubt on the intention. How can we be sure that she was not made to establish contact with an agenda in mind? We cant go to Pakistan to check her family background. We dont know why she came to India. Forces cant work based on the opinion of social media." About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: May 05, 2025, 12:51 IST SC Junks Plea On Safety Of Tourists In Pahalgam, Accuses Petitioner Of Seeking Publicity Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 13:34 IST The apex court dismissed the plea seeking improved safety of tourists in hilly areas prone to terrorist attacks, like Pahalgam, saying the petitioner was trying to seek publicity. Supreme Court Of India (Representative image) The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking improved safety and health measures of tourists in areas prone to terrorist attacks in India, following the deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and NK Singh rapped the petitioner for not understanding the sensitivity of the matter and said the plea was primarily aimed at obtaining publicity, with no intent to serve the public cause. Recommended Stories What is your purpose and motive (for filing such a petition)? You arent understanding the sensitivity of the issue," Justice Kant told the petitioner, who said that he was also concerned with the safety of the tourists. The petitioner is indulging in one or the other purported PILs, which are primarily aimed at publicity with no intention to serve the public cause," the court said. Earlier, the apex court had rebuked the petitioners for filing a PIL over the Pahalgam terror attack and said that the sensitivity" of the issue should have been looked into before filing such a plea. Refusing to entertain a PIL seeking judicial probe into the Pahalgam attack, the bench 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. 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, killing at least 26 tourists and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. The incident sparked a wave of anger among Indians and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan amid global condemnation. India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the attack with a series of punitive measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength, closing its airspace for Pakistani airlines, and expulsion of its military attaches. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 13:19 IST Terror Hideout Busted In J&K's Poonch Days After Pahalgam Attack, 5 IEDs Recovered Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 12:47 IST In a joint search operation, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police busted the hideout in the forested area in Hari Marote village in Surankot sector of the district on Sunday. The recovered IEDs included three found concealed in tiffin boxes and two in steel buckets. (ANI) In a major breakthrough, security forces have busted a terrorists hideout in Jammu and Kashmir Poonch district, foiling a terror plot in the Union territory which recently witnessed a ghastly terror attack in which 26 individuals lost their lives. In a joint search operation, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police busted the hideout in the forested area in Hari Marote village in Surankot sector of the district on Sunday evening, news agency ANI reported citing the Poonch Police. Recommended Stories Five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), two radio sets, communication devices, three blankets, and other incriminating materials were recovered and seized from the site. The recovered IEDs were found concealed in tiffin boxes and steel buckets, media reports said. Authorities have launched large-scale counter-terror operations throughout the Valley, raiding suspected hideouts, demolishing shelters used by terrorists, and detaining hundreds of terror associates for questioning, senior officials said. Meanwhile, Pakistan continued its unprovoked" firing across the Line of Control in Poonch and other sectors last night. During the night of 04 -05 May 2025, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in J&K. Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately," the Indian Army said in a statement. This was the 11th straight day that Pakistan violated the ceasefire across the Line of Control. What Happened In Pahalgam? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. After the attack, the diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan were 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 Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 10:28 IST Tracing Majid Sulimani, Kashmir Tigers Chief & New Face Of Terror In Valley | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 08:44 IST A Pakistani-trained terrorist, Sulimani received arms and subversive training from various camps located in Abbotabad, Mansehra, and Bahawalpur As a senior commander within the JeM outfit, Sulimani has been closely working with new offshoots of the group. (News18) The Kashmir Tigers and Kashmir Freedom Army, proxy groups of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)designated as the deadliest" terror group in Jammu and Kashmir nowhave thrown up new faces of terror in the Valley, the latest being Code Majid Sulimani. CNN-News18 has tracked down Sulimani, chief of the Kashmir Tigers and a feared commander of the JeM. A Pakistani-trained terrorist, Sulimani received arms and subversive training from various camps located in Abbotabad, Mansehra, and Bahawalpur. He also underwent training at religious centres associated with JeM. As a senior commander within the JeM outfit, Sulimani has been closely working with new offshoots of the group, namely the Kashmir Tigers and the Kashmir Freedom Army. Recommended Stories The true identity of the dreaded commander is believed to be Abdul Majid, son of Molana Abdul Aziz, from Ganderbal district in J&K. In the early nineties, he, along with his father and two brothers, Shabir and Mumtaz, allegedly crossed into Pakistan after initially joining local terror outfits. They first stayed and operated from Ambore Camp in the Muzaffarabad area of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to sources, of the two other brothers in Pakistan, Qazi Mumtaz is a director in the government sector in Dudnial, PoJK, and lives in Muzaffarabad. His other brother, Qazi Shabir, has residences in both Abbotabad and Muzaffarabad but is currently living in London. CNN-News18 had earlier reported that Jaish has evolved its strategy to evade international sanctions and counter-terrorism efforts and given the increased scrutiny, it now operates through proxy groups. The JeM has a history of rebranding under new names like Khuddam ul-Islam, Al-Rehmat Trust to circumvent bans, even as its latest avatarsKT and KFAcontinue their mission to destabilise Kashmir while masking their affiliations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all These offshoots will operate under social covers like madrasas and hijama (cupping therapy) centres. Islamic preaching networks are used to recruit, train, and radicalise individuals while avoiding exposure. The Kashmir Tigers had claimed responsibility for the attacks in Jammus Doda and Kathua districts in July 2024, signalling their active presence. The JeM and its offshoots maintain close ties with the ISI and its refugee management cell (RMC)led by Col Raheel in Muzaffarabadprovides logistics supplies of vegetables, meat and safe haven. This is reflected in a letter dated back to 2024, which is from Sulimani to the RMC, explicitly requesting support for business" operations. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 08:44 IST Two Weeks Since Pahalgam Tragedy, Nervous Anticipation In Kashmir As Valley Waits For Justice Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 11:27 IST As one moves from Tanmarg to Gulmarg, the joint patrolling by CRPF, police and BSF, the mobile bunkers, check points, and bullet-proof vehicles are all evidence of heightened alert Pahalgam is seeing barely any footfall, with Chandanwari, Aru and Betab Valley shut for tourists. (PTI) Thirteen days since the Pahalgam attack, the sense of uncertainty in the Valley is unmistakable. Convoys of security forces are a regular affair on the highways, but in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy, across Uri, Baramulla, and Kupwara, each new vehicle and new movement of men in uniform is being looked at with a sense of anticipation and nervousness. In schools of Uri along the LoC and Arnia along the International Border, students are being put through emergency drills to teach them how to be safe in case of military action. Similar drills are being held in most schools in villages on the India-Pakistan border or the LoC. The repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan since April 25 have kept the border population on its toes. Community bunkers have been readied, and the SoP to take cover in case of shelling has been reiteratedespecially to the young, for whom this kind of tension is a new phenomenon. Recommended Stories A long-range patrol of the Border Security Force (BSF) in snow-capped areas close to the Line of Control is on the lookout for activities on the other side. Fences in these parts are always a casualty to avalanches and heavy snowfall. The white snow carpet is exploited by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the task for these patrolling personnel is to keep an eye on the infiltration routes that have been identified. The line demarcating a terrorist from a Pakistani Army regular has been blurred even further, with intelligence inputs suggesting that Hashim Musa, the primary suspect of Pahalgam attack, is a Pakistan-trained para commando. ALSO READ | Opinion | Was There An Intelligence Blackout Behind The Pahalgam Attack? The other challenge is tourism. Tourism is down by almost 90 per cent in the Valley. Pahalgam is seeing barely any footfall, with Chandanwari, Aru and Betab Valley shut for tourists. Baisaran, the other tourism magnet, is only seeing visits by National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials. The entire tourism sector here is resigned to its fate. But, in Sonmarg, the pony handlers are at pains to tell whoever is willing to listen that Kashmir is safe". Prod them a bit longer and details of security being ramped up start flowing. We have been asked to keep our eyes and ears open in our villages and also when we go up the Thajwas Glacier with tourists," Imtiyaz, a pony operator, tells CNN-News18. Nawaz, a tourist guide, adds: In the higher stretches, the Army has increased its presence. J&K Tourist Police is also stationed to protect tourists. CRPF and J&K Police are all deployed ever since the Pahalgam attack happened." There is also a reason why combing operations are on from Pahalgam in South Kashmir to Sonmarg in the Centre and Gulmarg in the North. Across the Sonmarg Tunnel is Gagangir, where six labourers and a local doctor were gunned down in a construction camp last year. Just like Pahalgam, they had mostly targeted non-locals. They chose a place where security took time to arrive, giving them enough time to escape," a security guard who was on duty on the day of the attack told CNN-News18. ALSO READ | Chun Chun Ke: Decoding PM Modi, Amit Shahs Communication Strategy On Pahalgam Junaid Bhatt, one of the terrorists involved, was caught on camera during the attack. Junaid was a local from Gagangir and was shot dead four months later in North Kashmirs Dachigam forest. His phone yielded photos of Hashim Musa, Ali Bhai and Adil Thokarthe three men identified as Pahalgam terror suspects. Investigations, like those in the Sonmarg tunnel attack, have established that terrorists are moving around in the Valley and not sticking to one area. This is why search operations to trace the Pahalgam attackers are spread over 10 districts in the Valley as well as across Peer Panjal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As you move from Tanmarg to Gulmarg, the joint patrolling by CRPF, police and BSF, the mobile bunkers, check points, and bullet-proof vehicles are all evidence of heightened alert. Drones keep an eye as a handful of tourists plays with snow in the second phase of the Gondola Ride. A two-pronged approach is evidentbring the terrorist to justice and take action against their masters sitting in Pakistan. However, on the eve of the 13th day rituals for the victims of Pahalgam, their families as well as Indians are still wondering about the countrys next move. About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More Location : Pahalgam, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 11:27 IST Waqf Act Updates: Some Things Need Clarification, Over To Justice Gavai Bench, Says CJI Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:55 IST Justice Gavai will take over as the Chief Justice of India on May 14 Almost every major opposition party has moved the apex court against the new Waqf law. (Representational image: PTI) Waqf Act SC Hearing Updates: The Supreme Court on Monday heard a batch of pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Acts constitutional validity and later posted the matter for hearing before incoming Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai. As soon as a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan assembled for the hearing, the CJI said, There are certain aspects which you (Centre) dealt with, but that require clarification. I do not want to reserve any judgment or order at this interim stage. This matter will have to be heard on a reasonably early date and this will not be before me." Recommended Stories Justice Gavai will take over as the Chief Justice of India on May 14. We would have loved to pursue your lordship (the CJI) as every contention has an answer. But, we cannot embarrass you because there is no time," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said while indicating the retirement of the CJI. It is painful to remind your lordship (about the retirement)," the law officer added. No no I am looking forward to it," the CJI responded. Congress MP Mohammed Jawed and AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi were among the petitioners who challenged the Waqf (Amendment) Act, saying that the law is unconstitutional" and violates different provisions of the Constitution. However, ahead of the hearing in the Supreme Court, the government paused two central aspects of the contentious law in the face of probing questions by the top court. The Centre assured the apex court on April 17 that it would neither denotify waqf properties, including waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the Central Waqf Council and boards till May 5. What Centre Told SC? Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, had made the assurance while informing a bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan that the law, passed by Parliament with due deliberations", should not be stayed without hearing the government. The Centre had also strongly opposed the apex courts proposal to pass an interim order against the denotification of Waqf properties, including waqf by user, aside from staying a provision allowing the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and boards. The top court had noted the submissions of Mehta and said that waqf properties, including waqf by user, already registered or declared by way of notification, shall not be disturbed and denotified till the next date of hearing. It had then granted a weeks time to the Centre to file a preliminary response to the pleas challenging the validity of the law and posted the matter on May 5. In its affidavit on April 25, the Centre defended the amended Act and opposed any blanket stay" by the court on a law having presumption of constitutionality passed by Parliament". Justifying a provision on waqf by user" properties, it said any interference would create a legislative regime by a judicial order". Waqf by user refers to a practice where a property is recognised as a religious or charitable endowment (waqf) based on its long-term, uninterrupted use for such purposes, even if there isnt a formal and written declaration of waqf by the owner. The Centre urged the apex court to dismiss the pleas against the Waqf (Amendment) Act and termed it really shocking" that there was a 116 per cent rise in the auqaf area after the 2013 amendment. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a prominent Muslim body, has expressed serious objections to the statement made by the government that there has been a shocking increase" in the number of Waqf properties uploaded in the central portal after 2013. Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 The Centre notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 last month after it got President Droupadi Murmus assent on April 5. The Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha with the support of 288 members while 232 MPs were against it. The Rajya Sabha saw 128 members voting in its favour and 95 against it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several political parties such as the DMK, YSRCP, AIMIM, the Left parties, civil society groups such as NGOs, Muslim bodies and others have moved the apex court challenging the validity of the Act. (With PTI Inputs) About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: May 05, 2025, 09:35 IST Bagalamukhi Jayanti 2025: History, Significance, Shubh Muhurat, And Puja Vidhi Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 06:10 IST Bagalamukhi Jayanti 2025: Goddess Bagalamukhi is the eighth form among the Dash Mahavidyas, the ten cosmic powers of divine mother Maha Shakti. Bagalamukhi Jayanti 2025: Goddess Bagalamukhi is also known as the goddess of wisdom, speech and victory. (File Pic) Bagalamukhi Jayanti 2025: Hindus across the country celebrate Bagalamukhi Jayanti to honour Goddess Bagalamukhi. It is believed that she has firm control over the tongue and mind of all living beings on the earth. Also called Pitambara Devi, Goddess Bagalamukhi is the eighth form among the Dash Mahavidyas, the ten cosmic powers of divine mother Maha Shakti. Goddess Bagalamukhi is highly revered in the Tantric cult and the devotees worship her to seek powers of stambhan and bashikaran, which refers to controlling and hypnotising someone. Recommended Stories This special day falls in the month of Vaishakha on the eighth day, or the Ashtami Tithi, of the Shukla Paksha, as per the Hindu calendar. Devotees mark the day with prayers, rituals and chants to seek the blessings of the goddess. Bagalamukhi Jayanti 2025: Date And Shubh Muhurat According to Drik Panchang, Bagalamukhi Jayanti in 2025 will be observed on May 5. The Ashtmi Tithi begins at 7:18 AM on May 4 and ends at 7:35 AM on May 5. Vijay Muhurta will continue from 02:32 PM to 03:25 PM. Apart from this, Nishita Muhurta will prevail from 11:56 PM on May 5 to 12:39 AM on May 6. Bagalamukhi Jayanti 2025: Significance Bagalamukhi Jayanti is a special day dedicated to Goddess Bagalamukhi, who is believed to be a very powerful form of Goddess Shakti. The devotees of Goddess Bagalamukhi worship her to get protection from enemies and evil forces. Many people pray to her to win over enemies, remove obstacles in life and to win court cases. Goddess Bagalamukhi is also known as the goddess of wisdom, speech and victory. As per Hindu mythology, she has the power to control the minds of the enemies of her devotees and to stop anything harmful or dangerous. She is often worshipped by those who feel surrounded by problems or want to succeed in important matters. Devotees also believe that offering prayers on this day can bring peace, success and good health into their lives. Bagalamukhi Jayanti 2025: History According to Hindu mythology, the story behind Bagalamukhi Jayanti goes back to the Satya Yuga. It is said that once a huge storm on Earth threatened the existence of all living beings. Lord Vishnu became worried and asked Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva told him that only Goddess Shakti could stop the storm. So, Lord Vishnu prayed to Goddess Shakti near a lake called Haridra Sarovar. The goddess, pleased with his prayers, appeared from the lake as Bagalamukhi and calmed the storm and saved the universe. There is also another mythological tale behind the origin of Maa Bagalamukhi. A demon named Madan got a special power, known as Vak-siddhi, through prayer. With this power, whatever he said would come true. But he started misusing it and began troubling innocent people. The gods then prayed to Goddess Shakti to stop him. She took the form of Bagalamukhi, who then caught the demons tongue and took away his power. Before he died, Madan asked the goddess to let him be worshipped along with her. She agreed and then killed him. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bagalamukhi Jayanti 2025: Puja Vidhi On Bagalamukhi Jayanti, people start the day with a bath and wear yellow clothes as the colour is considered auspicious for the goddess. During the auspicious time, they worship the idol or photo of Goddess Bagalamukhi, which should be facing east. Devotees offer yellow flowers, turmeric, yellow clothes, incense, a lamp and sweets to the goddess. They recite the Bagalamukhi Chalisa and the story related to her. The puja rituals come to an end with the aarti. 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 05, 2025, 06:10 IST Ajaz Khan Booked for Rape; Case Registered Amid 'House Arrest' OTT Show Controversy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 09:29 IST Mumbai's Charkop Police have filed a rape case against actor Ajaz Khan based on an actress's complaint. Ajaz Khan has been booked for rape. The Charkop Police in Mumbai have filed a rape case against actor Ajaz Khan based on a complaint by an actress who accused him of sexually assaulting her while promising marriage. The case is registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 64, 64(2)(M), 69, and 74, with ongoing investigations, police officials stated. According to the actress, Khan offered her a role in his OTT project House Arrest and other ventures. She alleged that during the shows production, he proposed marriage and made repeated assurances. The complainant claimed that on March 25, Khan raped her at his home, using the promise of marriage as a pretext. She further accused him of assaulting her again a few days later, reinforcing the same commitment. Recommended Stories The actress also reported that Khan told her his religion permits four marriages and vowed to take full responsibility for her. Authorities are actively investigating the matter. The House Arrest Controversy The Mumbai Police have booked actor Ajaz Khan, producer Rajkumar Pandey and others for alleged obscene content in the reality show House Arrest streamed on Ullu App. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by a Bajrang Dal activist, Gautam Ravriya. Based on a complaint lodged by Gautam Ravriya, an activist of Bajrang Dal, the police registered a case against actor Ajaz Khan, producer Rajkumar Pandey of the House Arrest web show and other persons from Ullu app," said an official of Amboli police station. The complaint comes after a clip of actor Ajaz Khan went viral online. In the video, he was seen asking the contestants of House Arrest, including women, to act out sex positions. A row erupted after the clip went viral, and political party leaders too reacted to it. Several netizens also criticised the show by sharing a clip online. Meanwhile, according to the official, in the complaint, the Bajrang Dal activist stated that he received several complaints about the vulgar content of the show and that many people sent personal messages to him to complain about it. 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 05, 2025, 09:29 IST 'Appear Or Face Action': SC To Samay Raina, Other Influencers On Pleas For 'Ridiculing' Divyangs Published By : PTI Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:49 IST The NGO had referred to the deficiencies in the existing legal framework and urged the bench to formulate guidelines on online content Samay Raina. (Photo: Instagram) The Supreme Court on Monday sought the presence of five social media influencers, including Indias Got Latent" host Samay Raina, on a plea of an NGO which alleged that they ridiculed persons with a rare disorder Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) on their show. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh asked the Mumbai Commissioner of Police to serve notice on the five influencers to ensure their presence in the court, failing which coercive action will be taken. Recommended Stories The bench also sought the assistance of Attorney General R Venkataramani on the PIL of NGO Cure SMA Foundation of India for direction on regulating social media content concerning disabled people and persons with rare disorders. The bench termed the influencers ridiculing such people as damaging" and demoralising" and said some serious remedial and punitive action was needed so that these things dont happen again. This is very, very damaging and demoralising. There are statutes which try to bring these people into the mainstream, and with one incident, the entire effort goes. You should think of some remedial and punitive action within the law," the bench told senior advocate Aprajita Singh, appearing for the NGO. Observing that the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression is not absolute, the bench said no one can be allowed to demean anybody under the garb of the right and mulled framing guidelines on social media content concerning the disabled and people with rare disorders. The NGO had referred to the deficiencies in the existing legal framework and urged the bench to formulate guidelines on online content. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: May 05, 2025, 14:46 IST Mumtaz Declares 'Buddhi Ka Role Nahi Karungi', Talks About Her Bollywood Comeback Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 19:35 IST Mumtaz, a popular 60s and 70s actor, vanished by the late 70s. She reappeared in 2010, considering a comeback but rejects elderly roles. Mumtaz rules out elderly roles in her Bollywood comeback. Mumtaz was one of the reigning actors in the 60s and 70s. Her popularity was such that she had even appeared in over 10 films in a single year. But by the end of the 70s, Mumtaz vanished from the silver screen altogether. Her last film was in 2010, where she appeared in a brief cameo as herself in the docudrama, 1 a Minute. Recently, the veteran actor returned to the limelight again, through social media. During an interaction, she spoke about making a comeback in films. She also expressed her displeasure over the kind of roles that she is being offered. Mumtaz ruled out elderly roles in her Bollywood comeback. Main filmo mein abhi dekhiye, main buddhi-wuddhi ka role karne wali hoon nahi. Aur jaisi main lagti hoon, waisa role offer hua nahi hain. Jab hoga tab sochungi (Look, Im not going to play an old womans role. And I havent been offered any roles that match the way I look. When I do get one, Ill think about it)," she told Instant Bollywood, adding, I want a role [basis] what I look. Thats it." Recommended Stories The Aap Ki Kasam actor also spoke about the kind of roles she is looking for. Mujhe waise offer nahi aaye jaise mujhe chahiye, main kisi ki maa ka role karne wali nahi hoon (I havent received the kind of offers I want; Im not going to play someones mother)," she said sternly, making her point before laughing it off and blowing kisses at her fans. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) Fans took to the comment section and lauded Mumtazs honesty. Actor Vindhya Tiwary said, Omg I so wanna see mumtaz mam back on screen." Love her honesty & Bindaas attitude," wrote celebrity makeup artist Meenakshi Sud Dutt. She meant she wants to do romantic films with her age co actors," said yet another user. Mumtaz starred in Raj Kumar Kohlis multi-starrer film Naagin in 1976. She returned to films 14 years later with Aandhiyan in 1990, marking her last acting stint. First Published: May 05, 2025, 19:28 IST Shah Rukh Khan Is Ready For MET Gala 2025 Debut: What We Know So Far Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 13:23 IST Anna Wintour has the final say over every name on the list, even if a brand buys an entire table. Shah Rukh Khan has already arrived in New York. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Indias undisputed generational superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, is all set to make his highly anticipated Met Gala debut, sparking excitement among his millions of fans. As the annual haute couture fundraising festival draws near, anticipation is building. In just a few hours, on May 5, the iconic event will kick off, and SRKs fans cant wait to see him make his mark. What is the MET Gala? Recommended Stories Officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit, the Met Gala is the ultimate night for fashion aficionados. Held annually on the first Monday of May, this prestigious event raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute in Manhattan. Renowned for where haute couture intersects with history to create the ultimate cultural moment," the Met Gala unites movie stars, models, designers, socialites, and more to celebrate the world of high fashion. Each year, the event centres around a specific theme from the Costume Institute exhibition, influencing the nights formal attire and setting the tone for this glamorous spectacle. Shah Rukh Khans Debut His Arrival In NYC And Moments With Fans Ahead of his much-anticipated debut at the Met Gala 2025, Shah Rukh Khan has already arrived in New York. In a few glimpses that surfaced on social media, the superstar was spotted at the airport with his manager, Pooja Dadlani. As always, he looked dapper in a white T-shirt layered with a grey jacket. The superstar teamed it with a pair of baggy blue jeans, white sneakers and a sling bag, serving pure fashion goals. Shah Rukh Khan arrives in New York ahead of his Met Gala debut. pic.twitter.com/urbX4Gi49d Viral Takes (@viraltakes) May 4, 2025 Sabyasachi Drops Hints About SRKs Outfit Amid the mounting excitement, ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has been teasing fans with cryptic hints about Shah Rukh Khans look for the Met Gala. Taking to his Instagram Stories, Sabyasachi stirred the anticipation without revealing any specifics about the superstars attire. The first post simply read, KING KHAN," set against a sleek black background alongside the Sabyasachi brand logo, leaving followers intrigued. Adding to this, he shared another post, writing, KING KHAN BENGAL TIGER," sparking speculations about Shah Rukh Khans attire. Social Media Buzzing with Speculations About SRKs Met Gala Look As Shah Rukh Khans Met Gala debut draws closer, social media is abuzz with fans speculating about his red carpet look, which is believed to be inspired by the majestic Bengal Tiger. The excitement intensified after Sabyasachis recent Instagram post, fueling curiosity about the connection between the tiger theme and SRKs ensemble. Over the last weekend, the celebrated designer unveiled his intricately crafted Rouge Bengal Tiger bracelet. According to Sabyasachi, the stunning piece is made from 18k gold, featuring 30.32 carats of rubellite, over 138 carats of tourmalines, rubies, rhodolites, garnet, and a mix of old mine cut and brilliant cut EF VVS VS diamonds. This striking collection has quickly become one of the most talked-about jewellery pieces, further adding to the speculation around SRKs Met Gala look. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabyasachi (@sabyasachiofficial) Based on the hint provided by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, many users also began rallying on social media about Shah Rukh Khans Bengali looks from Devdas, keeping in mind the Met Gala theme of 2025. Check out a few fans reactions to Shah Rukh Khans looks: Are you all ready for SRK + Sabya + MET Gala red carpet to break the internet? Pankaj Ahuja (@panku_) May 4, 2025 Going by the bengal tiger hint, I'm guessing SRK will be wearing dhoti kurta at the Met Gala. God my excitement just went through the roof bc he's looked heavenly every time he donned those pic.twitter.com/57OnJpidS1 sana (@sanaafsal) May 5, 2025 Men at Met Gala are usually boring but I have expectations from SRK cos he knows what he likes and hoping Sabya gives him something good Ishiiiiii (@Ishibishiii) May 4, 2025 Reasons Behind SRKs Late Debut At MET Gala Although the superstars debut at the Met Gala 2025 will also mark the presence of the first Indian male actor to attend the festival, there are many possible reasons behind his delayed appearance. Reportedly, SRKs broader global appeal and his careers major focus in films was in striking contrast to the Met Galas motif, which focuses on showcasing the latest in haute couture through the fundraising event. Additionally, the theme of this year speaks highly of a particular fashion in the global platform, which perfectly aligns with the actors global presence and desire to represent Indian cinema beyond international borders. Henceforth, SRKs collaboration with Sabyasachi for the MET Gala 2025 will pave the path for many young designers to the global platform. Theme For The MET Gala 2025 This years theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," will focus on Black dandyism that highlights mens fashion. This year, we will get to see an array of designer menswear featuring men in skirts" or other pantsuits, as well as many other formal looks. This year would indeed be a fresh start from the otherwise boring looks of men on the red carpet of the Met Gala. Indias Presence At The MET Gala 2025 Shah Rukh Khan will also be joined by other eminent stars from India on the red carpet. The list includes debutant Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani. Additionally, Priyanka Chopra will also mark her return to the red carpet this year. 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 05, 2025, 13:23 IST Sonakshi Sinha BACKS Kusha Kapila After Latter Slams Derogatory Comment: 'Nani Yaad' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 17:52 IST Sonakshi Sinha defended Kusha Kapila after she called out a social media user for derogatory comments, posting his name. Sonakshi Sinha defended Kusha Kapila. Sonakshi Sinha defended Kusha Kapila after the latter called out a social media user hurling derogatory comments on her latest Instagram upload. The Thank You For Coming star re-shared Sonakshis post, who praised her for not removing the trolls name while calling him out. It so happened that Kusha Kapila took to her Instagram story and posted a collage of the moon, sunset, breeze, vibes and of herself. She attached the word paglu, ringing onto the latest trend. A user replied to her Instagram story and used a derogatory word describing her. Kusha lashed out at the follower by posting a screenshot of the comment, without concealing the name on her Instagram story. She wrote, Satyam ki wajah se kitney logon ki mental health kharab rehti hogi. I offer to pay for two years worth of therapy and inner work for you so you dont feel compelled to show your darindigi at the sight of a happy woman. Write to me on thaapadmarungi@sudharjasaale.com (Its because of people like Satyam that peoples mental health goes for a toss)." She also called out the netizen for his disgusting, unhealed, auraless behaviour." Recommended Stories Soon after, Sonakshi, who too doesnt let trolls slide and openly calls them out, lauded Kusha for her act. She further rebuked the social media user and wrote, Well done on calling out these low lives @kushakapila!! I think we all need to name and shame them hazaar gaali padegi, instagram spam ho jayega aur nani yaad aa jayegi (sic) (Youll be showered with a thousand abuses, your Instagram will get spammed)." The Life Hill Gayi star also reposted Sonakshis post on Instagram and extended her gratitude. Take a look: Recently, Sonakshi Sinha blasted a social media user who predicted that her divorce from husband Zaheer Iqbal isnt far. Commenting on her post with Zaheer, a troll wrote, Ur divorce is too close to u." Sonakshi didnt scroll the troll. She penned a strong response, Pehle teri mummy papa karenge, phir hum. Promise." (First, your parents will get a divorce. Then we will promise)." Her comment went viral soon after. First Published: May 05, 2025, 17:47 IST Sydney Sweeney Spotted Partying With MGK, Patrick Schwarzenegger Following Breakup Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 17:28 IST Sweeney and Davino started dating in 2018. They got engaged in 2022, but postponed it earlier this year. Sweeney sported a denim-on-denim look. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Actress Sydney Sweeney was recently spotted partying with Machine Gun Kelly and Patrick Schwarzenegger at the Palm Tree Beach Club opening in Las Vegas. On May 3, the actress took to Instagram to share a candid moment of her enjoying the event with MGK and Partick. Sweeney was posing in the middle with MGK and Patrick beside her in the image shared on her Instagram Stories. The Euphoria star was also seen dancing and flipping her in the middle of the crowd. In another Instagram post shared by DJ Kygo, Sweeney and Patrick were captured joining the DJ behind his booth for a picture. Some fans also spotted the actress indulging in a chat with MGK at the event. Recommended Stories Sweeney was seen at the event sporting a denim-on-denim look with a mini skirt and a jacket, twinning with her long-time friend MGK. They have previously worked on Big Time Adolescence and MGKs Downfalls High. Sweeney and Patrick were both part of The White Lotus. While Patrick appeared in the third season, Sweeney was part of the first instalment. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kygo (@kygomusic) Photos of the actress surfaced enjoying with MGK and Patrick shortly after her breakup with long-time beau Jonathan Davino. As per TMZ, Sweeney and Davino started dating in 2018. They got engaged in 2022, but postponed their wedding earlier this year. Sweeney, who currently has several projects lined up, wanted to focus on her career for now, as per a report shared by PEOPLE. Although the couple has been seen together a few times after postponing their wedding, they have not reconciled yet. They still have to figure things out. Sydneys mind is very much on work though," a source told PEOPLE. On the work front, the Anyone But You star has an interesting line-up of projects in hand. She is all set to reprise her role in the new season of Euphoria. Along with this, the actress will feature in Echo Valley alongside Julianne Moore, which will release in June. Sweeney is also set to produce and star in the biopic of boxer Christy Martin. 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 05, 2025, 17:28 IST Vivek Agnihotri Says Donald Trump's 100% Movie Tariff Threatens Indian Cinema Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 11:35 IST After US President Trump announced a 100% tariff on foreign films, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri warned it could collapse India's film industry. Vivek Agnihotri has criticised Donal Trump's new policy on 100 per cent tariff on films produced outside US. On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced a steep 100 per cent tariff on foreign films, claiming that Americas movie industry is dying a very fast death." He argued that the decline of Hollywood poses a national security threat, justifying the drastic move. Trump also accused other countries of luring filmmakers and studios away from the US by offering generous incentives, which he believes is weakening Americas own film industry. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri is not happy with this decision. Taking to X (formerly called Twitter), he bashed Trumps new policy writing, ALERT: Trumps 100% Movie Tariff Threatens Indian Cinema: Trumps 100% tariff on movies is a disastrous move. If this absurdity prevails, Indias struggling film industry will collapse entirely, with no one to save it." Recommended Stories He further wrote, Indian film leaders must wake up, unite, and fight this threat instead of chasing paparazzi and self-glorification." Take a look: ALERT: Trumps 100% Movie Tariff Threatens Indian Cinema:Trumps 100% tariff on movies is a disastrous move. If this absurdity prevails, Indias struggling film industry will collapse entirely, with no one to save it. Indian film leaders must wake up, unite, and fight this pic.twitter.com/YmTxBWwkJv Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) May 5, 2025 Donald Trump had posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Industry in America is dying a very fast death. Other countries are offering all sorts of the movie incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood and many other areas within the USA are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other nations and, therefore, a national security threat." It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorising the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100 per cent tariff on any and all movies coming into our country that are produced in foreign lands. We want movies made in America again," the post added. While speaking to reporters at the White House on Sunday, Trump pointed fingers at California Governor Gavin Newsom, holding him responsible for the sharp decline in Hollywood film production in recent years. He went on to claim that other countries have been stealing" Americas films and filmmaking talent. If theyre not willing to make a movie inside the United States, we should have a tariff when movies come in," Trump added. According to reports, film production in California has seen a notable drop, largely due to state budget cuts and more attractive tax incentives being offered in other regions. The American film industry has also faced significant economic challenges in recent years, from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to prolonged labour strikes in Hollywood. In a move to revitalise the struggling industry, Trump appointed actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone in January as special ambassadors to promote business opportunities in Hollywood. At the time, he described the industry as a great but very troubled place." Trump stated that the trios mission is to help revive Hollywood by bringing back lost business, noting that the industry has seen a significant shift overseas in the past four years. They will serve as special envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to foreign countries, back bigger, better and stronger than ever before!" he wrote in a social media post at the time. (With inputs from IANS) First Published: May 05, 2025, 11:35 IST Opinion | India After Caste Census Will Face Many Questions: What Congress Is Likely To Push For Next Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 07:00 IST Amid pulls and pressures, the Congress is now committed to saying a caste census will be instrumental in revising the benchmark for socioeconomic and educational backwardness The Congress was quick to seek credit when, on April 30, the Modi government announced inclusion of caste in the national population survey. (Image: Congress/YouTube) In the Congress scheme of things, the caste census should be taken to a logical end by removing 50 percent ceiling on jobs and education quota, setting up of a separate backward classes ministry, job reservation in the private sector, and proportional representation Jiski jitni sankhya bhaari, uski utni hissedari at all levels of political, social, professional hierarchies. The idea of forcing a caste census was crystallised in the Delhi Declaration adopted at a National OBC Conclave held at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on December 21, 2021. This conclave was organised by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation, a trust sympathetic to the Congress ideology and programmes. Speakers from six parties and across sectors spoke at the event. These included Sharad Yadav (former union minister, since deceased), Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD president), Chhagan Bhujbal (now with NCP-Ajit Pawar), D Raja (CPI General Secretary), TKS Elangovan (DMK MP), Prof Manoj Jha (RJD MP), Shyam S Yadav (BSP MP), Capt Ajay Yadav (former Haryana minister), Rajesh Lilothia (former MLA), Manikrao Thakre (former Mumbai Congress unit president), Madhu Yakshi Goud (former MP), Rev. Sunil Sardar (President, Satyashodhak Samaj), Prof Dilip Mandal (former Managing Editor, Outlook Hindi, now a BJP supporter), Dr Arvind Kumar (Assistant Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia), Dr Laxman Yadav (Assistant Professor, Zakir Hussain College), Prof Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd (Director, Centre for Studies of Social Exclusion, Maulana Azad National Urdu University) and Pushparaj Deshpande (Director, Samruddha Bharat Foundation). Recommended Stories Interestingly, the idea of caste-based census was opposed by a section of the Congress in 2011. Union ministers like Anand Sharma, Jairam Ramesh and P Chidambaram had opposed the proposal while the then union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee had adopted a neutral position. In 2024, when the Congress social media team made an advertisement asking for caste census, the ad reportedly could run only during the third and fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election polling due to some internal resistance. A year later, the Congress was quick to seek credit when, on April 30, 2025, the Modi government announced inclusion of caste in the national population survey. Rahul Gandhi was at the party headquarters and, in full media glare, he quipped looking at Jairam Ramesh, currently the Congress communication department head: Were you not opposed to it?" Amid various pulls and pressures, the Congress is now committed to saying that a caste census would be instrumental in revising the benchmark for socioeconomic and educational backwardness. It would also give a scientific basis for the recommendations of union- and state-level backward caste commissions. The party also wants the caste to be listed regardless of the religion of the person. To substantiate their argument for a quota for backward Muslims, Sikh and Christians, Congress leaders cite Articles 340 and 341 of the Constitution that do not mention religion while saying that the State should not discriminate against historically discriminated-against and backward communities even if they belong to other creeds. The Congress further wants an Equal Opportunities Commission that should recommend creative strategies and policies to achieve equity in the public and private sectors. The grand old party is also calling for a national legislation to ensure that a portion of the budget is earmarked in proportion to the population of OBCs, SCs and STs to support schemes for these communities. The funds should be directly and exclusively meant for welfare, and not include generic expenditure. Jiski jitni sankhya: That takes us to the next big question of proportional representation. If the caste census shows that the SC/ST/OBC communities (including OBCs across religions) are more than 50% of Indias population, then the 50% limit on reservation comes under scrutiny. The limit has been imposed by the Supreme Court, but the natural question would then be whether or not reservations ought to be increased (as states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have done). The State must establish a Commission to prepare a White Paper on this, which must be discussed in Parliament and appropriately implemented. Representative judiciary: At a more radical level, the Congress wants a more representative judiciary to ensure that the institution is robust and reflective of the social diversity of the country; reservations for SCs/STs/OBCs in the higher judiciary be institutionalised. Quotas in the private sector: Speaking of reflecting social realities, reservations would then be sought in the private sector too. One way could be that the State brings in legislation guaranteeing quotas in the private sector. An alternative methodology that may be considered is providing tax breaks or subsidies to companies that ensure diversity in hiring by employing more OBCs/SCs/STs/women. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dedicated ministry: Given that OBCs may well be above 56% of the population as some estimates indicate, though the caste census shall bring in more apt numbers a separate, dedicated ministry for the welfare of the OBCs would be sought too. Reservations in legislatures: A constitutional amendment institutionalising reservations for OBCs to assembly and parliament would be sought too once the numbers speak. That would also mean reservations for women would have to include provisions for representation of SC, ST, and OBC women within it. About the Author Rasheed Kidwai Rasheed Kidwai is a journalist, author, columnist and political analyst. He is a visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Formerly, Associate Editor of The Telegraph, Kidwai tracks government,... Read More Rasheed Kidwai is a journalist, author, columnist and political analyst. He is a visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Formerly, Associate Editor of The Telegraph, Kidwai tracks government,... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 07:00 IST Opinion | Indian Varsities Poised To Gain From US Visa Crackdown On International Students Written By : News18.com Last Updated: May 03, 2025, 22:06 IST With IITs, IIMs already competing with Ivy League schools in business and STEM education, India has talent, infrastructure, and policies to draw students seeking a better future India has the potential to turn this crisis into an opportunity and emerge as the next global education superpower by utilising its academic prowess, reasonably priced education, and pro-student policies. (Representational image/Shutterstock) Imagine waking up to gun-carrying officers banging on your door, demanding to see your student visa, then being handcuffed and deported for technical paperwork errors. This worst-case scenario is now a reality for hundreds of foreign students in the US, where recent visa crackdowns and aggressive immigration enforcement have fuelled fear and uncertainty. While America shuts its doors to outside talent, Indias world-class universitieswith their cheap fees, streamlined visas, and welcoming armsare the most promising option for stranded students. Is this the moment for India to become the next world education behemoth? India stands to gain much if the United States continues to alienate foreign students at its own risk. With esteemed universities like the IITs and IIMs already competing with Ivy League schools in business and STEM education, India has the talent, infrastructure, and legislative framework to draw in students looking for greatness and stability. India can strengthen its economy, improve its academic standing, and establish itself as the next global centre of education by taking advantage of Americas restrictive laws. Recommended Stories The US economy benefits from almost $40 billion in annual contributions from international students, but they are being turned off by political animosity and visa restrictions. India has a distinct advantage over other nations vying for this talent because of its lower costs, English-medium education, and robust diaspora networks. India provides students from Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa with a more affordable, culturally varied, and accessible option than the West. Indias IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) and IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) already have an international reputation as among the finest business schools and engineering colleges on the planet. Beyond these giants, there are private colleges like Manipal Academy of Higher Education (preeminent in medicine), BITS Pilani (granting excellent tech degrees), and Ashoka University (excellent in humanities) that are rapidly becoming better known all over the world. These universities are of interest because of their high levels of industry involvement and low tuition, generally one-tenth the tuition found at American universities. India offers simpler student visa procedures (no arbitrary denials), in contrast to the United States, where students must contend with H-1B visa lotteries and the possibility of deportation. Additionally, it provides pathways to residency for qualified professionals and post-study employment opportunities (up to two to three years for STEM graduates). For students who are afraid of sudden policy changes, this stability is a big lure. Local businesses might benefit from an increase in overseas students. They also promote innovation and raise rankings worldwide. India can create a successful education economy, just like Canada and Australia have. Assimilation is simpler in India than in the West because of the countrys vast expat communities, English-speaking academics, and cosmopolitan colleges. Cities with thriving student populations, such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, are already major centres for education worldwide. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India is prepared to embrace the worlds most brilliant minds, despite the United States exclusion of them. India has the potential to turn this crisis into an opportunity and emerge as the next global education superpower by utilising its academic prowess, reasonably priced education, and pro-student policies. The question is not whether India can draw in many students, but rather how quickly it can expand to accommodate the need. There is little doubt that India is at the forefront of the eastward trend in global education. The writer is a columnist. His articles have appeared in various publications like The Independent, The Globe and Mail, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times, etc. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: May 03, 2025, 22:06 IST Break Congress, Empty It: Maharashtra BJP Chiefs Poaching Message To Party Workers Sparks Row Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 18:09 IST Bring people like Congress's Thopte...Even if they join, tickets will be given to loyal BJP workers first...If Congress cant manage its own party, what can I do? said Bawankule Chandrashekhar Bawankule later defended his remark. (PTI File) Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stirred controversy by openly urging party workers to break the Congress party and empty it". The audio clip of his speech has gone viral on social media. The comment, made during a BJP workers district-level meeting in Pune, has triggered sharp reactions from the opposition and raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Recommended Stories Referring to recent crossovers, including the entry of former Congress MLA Sangram Thopte from Bhor into the BJP, he told the cadre not to worry about new entrants. Bring people like Sangram Thopte into the party. Break the Congress, empty the Congress. Dont worry about what will happen if Congress leaders join the BJP. The more you empty the Congress, the more you will benefit politically. Devendra Fadnavis, Murlidhar Mohol and I are with you. Even if Congress leaders join the BJP, tickets will be given to loyal party workers first," he assured them. His comments come amid reports of discontent among BJP cadres after Congress leaders were inducted into the BJP. Attempting to calm the unrest, Bawankule emphasised that loyalty to the BJP will be valued during candidate selection. Later, speaking to the media, Bawankule defended his remark, saying, If Congress leaders cant manage their own party, what can I do?" He further claimed that Congress workers no longer have confidence in their leadership. His provocative remarks, however, didnt go unnoticed. CONGRESS, SENA UBT REACT Congress state president Harshavardhan Sapkal responded strongly, accusing the BJP of functioning like a witch devouring Congress leaders". At an event in Parbhani, Sapkal said, The BJP knows its real electoral strength comes from poaching Congresss grassroots leaders and workers, despite having tall names like Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis. We condemn this political strategy." Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut also criticised Bawankules statement, saying, The old BJP led by Vajpayee, Advani, Pramod Mahajan, and Sushma Swaraj was different. They gave strength to their own party cadre and pushed them to leadership roles. But this new BJP is taking leaders from other parties. If they allege that the Congress party has insulted Veer Savarkar, then how does it become acceptable for them to induct Congress leaders into the BJP?" PAs FOR 19 MINISTERS Bawankule also spoke about improving access to government power structures. He announced that the BJP will now assign Personal Assistants (PAs) to 19 ministers in Maharashtra. These PAs will help BJP workers connect with ministries, get their work done efficiently, and make the government feel more accessible. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Our workers feel hesitant about entering ministries. Congress workers knew how to use power; ours dont. That must change," he said. He further urged BJP workers not to feel discouraged and to continue working with strength and conviction. No one should feel helpless. This is your government, your minister, your system. Use it well," he told his party cadre. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 17:58 IST Cold War In Mahayuti? Tensions Rise As Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde Skip Each Others Events Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 10:09 IST The tussle over the guardian minister post in Raigad, delay in fund approvals, and files allegedly being held back by the finance department have contributed to the growing rift Political observers believe that while the Mahayuti presents a united front on paper, internal equations are far from smooth. (PTI) Cracks within Maharashtras ruling Mahayuti alliance seem to be deepening as top leaders from NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) continue to avoid each others public events. The absence of both camps at each others programmes over the weekend has reignited talk of a growing cold war. On Saturday, the NCP hosted a high-profile felicitation ceremony in Mumbai to honour the former chief ministers of Maharashtra. Surprisingly, former chief minister Eknath Shinde and his party leaders gave the event a miss. Just a day earlier, Ajit Pawar and his partys ministers had stayed away from the Mahabaleshwar Tourism Festival organised by Shiv Sena leader and tourism minister Shambhuraj Desai. Recommended Stories While official reasons are being floated, including Shindes visit to his hometown Daregaon, the political message hasnt gone unnoticed. NCP ministers from the Satara region, including Makrand Patil and Indranil Naik, also skipped the tourism event, despite their names being on the invitation list. This tit-for-tat no-show comes amid ongoing tension between the two parties over key issues. The tussle over the guardian minister post in Raigad, delay in fund approvals, and files allegedly being held back by the finance departmentwhich Ajit Pawar headshave all contributed to the growing rift. Adding fuel to fire, NCP MP Aditi Tatkare hoisted the national flag in Raigad on May 1, a move that reportedly upset the Shinde camp. The guardian minister post for Raigad remains a sensitive issue, with both factions eyeing control. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Shirsat has openly criticised Ajit Pawar over delayed fund disbursements, indicating that the friction is no longer behind closed doors. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Interestingly, the BJPthe largest partner in the Mahayuti alliancehas remained silent and distant. There appears to be no active effort from BJP leaders to mediate or ease the growing discomfort between its allies. Political observers believe that while the Mahayuti presents a united front on paper, internal equations are far from smooth. The visible lack of coordination and growing mistrust between the NCP and Shiv Sena camps could pose challenges, especially with local body and assembly elections approaching. Whether Ajit Pawar attends the concluding day of the tourism festival on Sundaywhere chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is expectedremains to be seen. All eyes are also on whether NCP ministers from Satara will show up after skipping the first two days. As both camps continue to sidestep each other, the message is clearthe alliance may be intact officially, but on the ground, relationships are getting colder by the day. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 10:09 IST 'We Belong To Rajiv Gandhi Era': Rahul's Push For Caste Census Exposes Congress' Dilemma Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:49 IST What is worrying some leaders is that the endeavour of the Congress to court youth could be compromised apart from losing out on upper caste votes further Not everyone in the Congress is impressed with the push for caste census. (PTI) The absences tell the real story of discomfort in the Congress over the caste census. At the CWC meeting called just a day after the government gave its nod to the caste census, a couple of empty chairs did not go unnoticed. Those missing in attendance were Manish Tewari, Shashi Tharoor, Anand Sharma, and Ramesh Chennithala to name a few. At the CWC, the members lauded Rahul Gandhi and his campaign which forced" the government to pay heed to him. The party has big plans for the follow-up. It will insist that a timeline be set and also the Telangana model be followed. However, the few absentees and some of the leaders, mostly from North, are wary of this stress on caste census. Recommended Stories A senior leader told News18: We belong to the Rajiv Gandhi slogan daysNa Jaat Ki Na Paat Ki, Mohar Lagegi Haath Pe [Neither caste nor creed, we will pick the hand (Congress symbol)]. The Congress wanted to stay away from caste politics. So, we cant adjust to the new Congress slogan." In fact, some who mentioned that the Congress Ahmedabad resolutionwhich spoke strongly in favour of caste censuswas against the basic and conventional grain of the party, were pulled up. Sources say both Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned why these issues were not raised at the AICC session. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What is worrying some of these leaders is that the endeavour of the Congress to look progressively for the youth could be compromised. More than that, it would lose out on the upper caste votes further, which have been anyway slipping away from the Grand Old Party. In many state elections, the Congress has moaned the loss of, say, Brahmin votes; this would be further pushed away. Also, Congress leaders belonging to the upper casteslike Brahmins in UP, Punjab or even down Southwould find this obsession with caste census difficult to explain to their vote bank. Recent statistics show that about 79 per cent of upper caste votes remain mostly with the BJP, while only about 16 per cent are with the Opposition. The figure is even lower for the Congress. The leaders summed it up for News18: Since no one was willing to listen, it was best to stay away." About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More First Published: May 05, 2025, 14:49 IST Google Messages App Is Finally Getting An Unsubscribe Button In India For Spams Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 08:10 IST Google Messages app lets you use the RCS chats feature which is the iMessage-like service for Android users. Google messages app has a big spam issue that users have complained about. (Photo: AI generated) A new Unsubscribe" option is coming to the Google Messages app in countries like India. The new feature is basically offering users some reprieve from annoying spam messages that have littered through its Rich Communication Services (RCS) and SMSs. It has been stated that the most recent version will enable users to better control promotional items in the message inbox. Furthermore, users will be able to keep their inboxes clutter-free and cleaner. Recommended Stories When the unsubscribe button is available, it will show up in the conversations overflow menu or at the bottom of the message thread, directly above the text box. As per a report by 9To5 Google, the unsubscribe button is primarily intended for business messages that are not necessary and for marketing, advertising, or promotional content that bombards users. The user will be asked to provide the reason for unsubscribing after tapping on the button. These options will include spam, not signed up, too many messages, and no longer interested. A further notice titled Report this sender" will show up if the user chooses spam. According to the report, Google Messages uses the users number to send the STOP" order to the sender in the background. This stops the provider from sending out any more marketing messages. However, if the user requests it, necessary messages like boarding cards, one-time passwords, or unsubscribe confirmations might still be sent. Google Messages Unsubscribe option comes to these markets: US, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Spain, and the UK, where RCS is used for business communications SMS or MMS messages from alphanumeric senders and short codes (five- to six-digit phone numbers) in the United States. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It might not be possible for the company to handle the unsubscribe request directly if the user has decided to disable all messages through their account settings. Businesses may then redirect the user to their account settings to modify their notification options in such a situation. Even with Googles constant efforts, spam messages continue to be a major issue. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 08:10 IST Google Will Soon Allow Kids To Use Gemini AI On Phones: Do We Need It? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 12:44 IST Google is ready to bring Gemini AI for kids with help and control of the parents but do we really need the technology for them? Google wants to bring Gemini AI to kids and needs parents to say yes Google is bringing Gemini AI to more people which will soon include kids. The company is in fact sending messages to parents which confirms the new support for AI and that it will be available through their monitored Android devices. The report by The New York Times says the kids using Gemini AI will get help for their homework or even narrate the stories. The Gemini AI for kids will work even for those under 13 years, which puts AI into some worrying hands in its current state. Recommended Stories Google AI For Kids: But Why Google AI is still evolving and like any other model out there, susceptible to making errors, which is why you see the disclaimers at the footnote. Google bringing Gemini AI to kids comes with a major red flag, not just for parents but the industry as well. The company realises this issue, which is why the parents have been asked to talk to their kids about what AI is and what they should not do with the Gemini chatbot. Most people would say that if the company is putting the onus on the parents to make AI work right, why make it available for kids in the first place? Either way, the Gemini AI version for Kids will be part of the Family Link account that allows the parents to keep a check on their web activity and soon AI will be part of their usage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The good thing is that the parents will have the option to disable Gemini AI for the Family Link account and also get notified when the kids use the AI chatbot for the first time. AI and kids do sound like a worrying duo and parents have been super careful before they let the technology into the hands of their kids. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : California, USA First Published: May 05, 2025, 12:44 IST Samsung's One UI 7 Update Brings Battery Issues For Galaxy S24 And Z Fold 6 Users Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:21 IST Samsung One UI 7 update rolled out for Galaxy phones in the last few days and users are having some issues after installing the new version. Samsung One UI 7 update finally rolled but some users are facing issues. Samsung finally rolled out its highly anticipated One UI 7 update to a wider range of devices recently. But following the update, some Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 owners are reporting a noticeable decrease in battery life. These complaints have surfaced on the official Reddit forums and other online platforms hinting at software-linked issues causing the battery drain. Recommended Stories As per Android Police, users have indicated that their devices are draining batteries at a faster rate after installing the One UI 7 update. In fact, one of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 user noted the battery life dropping from 50 percent to 20 percent in quick time after the update. Another shared, Ive done everything I can to optimise battery life on my Galaxy Fold 6turned on Power Saving Mode, restricted background data for all apps, put most apps to sleep or deep sleep, disabled unnecessary syncing, low screen brightness, etc. Despite all these changes, Im still losing 50 percent battery in less than 3 h of usage, even with minimal use (just checking messages, light browsing, no heavy apps). Battery usage stats dont show any single app draining excessively, and the phone isnt overheating." Similar experiences of increased battery drain have been echoed by numerous Galaxy S24 and Z Fold 6 users after the new update. While the specific reason for this potential battery drain remains unclear, but the links to the One UI 7 update will surely become a concern for the company. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The fact that Samsung delayed the wider release of One UI 7 for an undisclosed period has led to speculation that battery-related issues might have been part of the reason for the postponement. We are hoping Samsung quickly acknowledges the battery drain issues and provides a fix for it. Its important to note that these reports are largely anecdotal and have come within the first few weeks of the updates availability. It is common for devices to experience a temporary increase in battery consumption after a major OS upgrade as the system optimises. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: May 05, 2025, 14:21 IST Bhagalpur Bride Adds Traffic Safety Vow To Wedding Card, Heres What It Says Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:39 IST A Bhagalpur wedding card stands out with a unique message on traffic rules, written in Sanskrit and Hindi. The wedding is set to take place on May 10 The card's unique contents have captivated everyone who has received it. (Local18) In a unique turn of events, a wedding invitation from Bhagalpur, Bihar, has garnered widespread praise for its innovative message about traffic safety. The invitation, for the wedding of Dr. Sneh Kriti Prachi, daughter of renowned paediatrician Dr. Ajay Singh, includes an eighth vow dedicated to road safety, in addition to the traditional seven vows of marriage. Recommended Stories This wedding card from Bhagalpur stands out by incorporating a significant message on traffic rules, written in both Sanskrit and Hindi. The wedding is scheduled for May 10 and the cards unique contents have captivated everyone who has received it. The eighth vow, presented in Sanskrit, reads, Kripaya Vayam Pratigyaam Kurut Yadaapi Vahanam Chaliyashyaamah Sarvaan Traffic Niyamaan Anusaarishyaamah," which translates to a promise to always adhere to traffic rules while driving. Additional promises include wearing helmets and seat belts (Aham Helmet Dharishyami- Asan Nivarak Baghne), controlling vehicle speed and being cautious about overtaking (Yatraam Gatiam Nij Niyantrane Sthapiyaashyaami, Na Cha Parityagam Karishyaami Athva Ati Savdhanataya Karishyaami), and prioritising safety over mobile phone usage (Mobileam Na, Surakshaam Tu Pratham Sthapaishyaami). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The bride-to-be, Dr. Sneh Kriti Prachi, explained the inspiration behind the initiative, highlighting the daily news of deaths in road accidents. She emphasised that adherence to traffic rules could save lives. Learned from her father, who not only saves lives as a paediatrician but also through his active role in road safety, this vow aims to raise awareness and encourage others to prevent road accidents. 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 : Bhagalpur, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 14:39 IST Gurgaon Employee Alleges Staircase Punishment, CEO Denies Claims Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 17:11 IST The Hike Education CEO insisted that the video was recorded during a voluntary, informal team-fun activity. The company CEO claimed that the ex-employee tried to extort Rs 3.6 lakhs. (Photo Credit: LinkedIn) A former employee of a Gurgaon-based company recently dropped a bombshell LinkedIn post, claiming that he was forced to climb stairs as a form of punishment after failing to meet a sales target. Piyush Kumar, who resigned from Hike Education last month, accused the organisation of repeated mental harassment, defamation, and professional humiliation". He especially mentioned company manager Ruchi Parashar, who allegedly made him take 50 rounds of the stairs as punishment. He also attached a video of the incident to his LinkedIn post as evidence. Every day, I was pressured to deliver a specific number of admissions. One day, I was forced to sign a note stating that if I failed to meet the target, I would take 50 rounds of the stairs as punishment. Unfortunately, I couldnt achieve the numbers that day. Despite apologising sincerely, I was forced to catch my ears and take multiple rounds of stairs, over and over again, in front of other colleagues," Kumar shared. Recommended Stories After his post went viral, raising questions about the work culture at Hike Education, the company CEO, Rahul Sharma, denied all those allegations in an interview with HT.com. Instead, he accused the ex-employee of planning a smear campaign against the organisation following his failed attempt to extort Rs 3.6 lakhs. Sharma, the husband of Ruchi Parashar, also said that she started receiving online threats after Kumar made the revelation on LinkedIn. Mr Kumars claims are false, malicious, and constitute a calculated attempt to damage the professional and personal reputations of myself, my wife, Ms Ruchi Parashar, and the organisation as a whole," Sharma told the outlet. The Hike Education CEO further insisted that the video was recorded during a voluntary, informal team-fun activity". It clearly shows Mr. Kumar actively participating, smiling, and enjoying the sessionwithout any indication of coercion, discomfort, or objection," he added. Meanwhile, Kumar, in an interaction with Hindustan Times, shared that the controversial event unfolded on April 4, and only two days later, he opted to resign. He also said that the number of rounds was reduced to 10, but it was enough to make him feel humiliated. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They forced one employee to record the video, and when I mailed them and told them I would take action, they forced that employee to sign a paper saying that the videos were made as part of fun activities," Kumar recalled. Besides accusing Kumar of extortion", Sharma claimed that they had received formal complaints of sexual misconduct against the employee from several female colleagues. The company tried to solve those issues according to its internal POSH policies. 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 05, 2025, 17:11 IST Karnataka Parents Cut Cake For Son Who Failed In Class 10, Say He Is A Fighter Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 18:29 IST To raise their sons spirits, parents cut a cake to celebrate his failure on the Class 10 exam. Abhishek Cholachagudda received a score of 200 out of 600. (Photo Credit: X) The most common stories that surface whenever the results of board exams are revealed are those of students who ace their papers and the secret to their success. On the other hand, here is a tale of parents who are happy that their son failed the Karnataka Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or Class 10 exams. Yes, you read that right! Abhishek Cholachagudda, 17, a student of Bagalkot, Karnatakas Basaveshwar English Medium School, secured 200 out of 600 on his Class 10 board exams, failing all six subjects. Even though his friends made fun of him for only getting 32 per cent, Abhisheks father, Yellappa Cholachagudda, chose to honour his sons success by cutting cakes. When Abhishek was one year old, he sustained severe burn injuries on his feet. It took him to a shock and he lost his memory. Since then, his memory levels have been very low. It is indeed an achievement that he has studied till Class 10," Abhisheks father, who owns a small business, told the media as quoted by The Indian Express. Recommended Stories My son has failed in examinations, but not in life. I am very happy that he has secured 200 marks. I wanted to give him a message that the entire family is with him," he added. Check the video here: https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1919246658719953128 I decided to celebrate and bought two cakes which mentioned his score. We are happy. I see a lot of graduates sitting at home without a job or work. But my son is strong and is willing to fight, which means a lot," Abhisheks father also stated. Abhishek expressed his gratitude to his family for providing strong support." I will appear for examinations again. Even if I fail, I will not stop until I achieve something in my life," Abhishek told the news agency PTI. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last Friday, the SSLC Exam-1 results were declared by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB). The percentage of students who passed the SSLC exam this year was 62.34 per cent, a 9 per cent increase over the previous year. During this academic year, 8,96,447 students4,61,563 boys and 4,34,884 girlsappeared for the SSLC exams. Many students received full marks, including two from Karnataka government schools, and 75 per cent of them received first-class status by receiving more than 60% of the possible points. 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 05, 2025, 18:27 IST 'Are We Allowed To Make Indian Actresses Our...': Pakistani Journo's Crass Remarks Spark Backlash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 11:42 IST A video of Lucman's remark has gone viral, receiving widespread criticism from both Indian and Pakistani citizens Mubasher Lucman (left) with journalist Naseem Hanif (right) (Photo:X) A senior Pakistan journalist made a derogatory remark about Indian actresses during a podcast where he was discussing the tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Mubasher Lucman, who is the founder of the Pakistani television network ARY Digital, appeared on a podcast with journalist Naseem Hanif where he made the remark, inviting intense backlash on social media. Recommended Stories A video of Lucmans remark has gone viral, receiving widespread criticism from both Indian and Pakistani citizens. The video has been gaining traction online amid tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. During the podcast, Hanif asked: Sir, you have decided to take up arms. What is your wish in case there is a war? Through your podcast, I want to know from Ulema-e-din if Indian actresses hamari laudiyan banke aati hai toh hame ijajat hai," Lucman said. When Hanif asked about his choices, Lucman said, There are too many. But leave that. I have to go home as well." Pakistani journo Mubasher Lucman is fantasizing to take Indian actresses as Sex Slaves during war!!Po*nistan wants to recreate what ISIS did with Yazidi women. This Quam is sick.. pic.twitter.com/wHzhvSRWtI BALA (@erbmjha) May 4, 2025 How Netizens Reacted An X user apologised to Indians over the video and wrote, Apologies to all the Indians out there. Pls, feel free to n*ke this haramzada or feel free to teach him some lesson." Apologies to allll the Indians out there. Pls feel free to n*ke this haramzada or feel free to teach him some lesson at @mubasherlucman https://t.co/X7MBP411bD (@fay_alif) May 4, 2025 Muneeb Qadir, a Pakistani national, also condemned Lucmans remark. As a Pakistani, I feel deeply ashamed of Mubasher Lucmans s*x-slaves statement about Bollywood actresses. It creepily reeks of the British grooming gangs type mentality," he wrote on X. As a Pakistani, I feel deeply ashamed of Mubasher Lucmans s*x-slaves statement about Bollywood actresses. It creepily reeks of the British grooming gangs type mentality pic.twitter.com/K2Ug1oghLF Muneeb Qadir (@muneebqadirmmq) May 4, 2025 Commenting on the video, a user wrote: The real face of Pakistan media has come out .. think bollywood people whos always support Pakistan." Another user said: Sick mentality people will remain that way only." Sick mentality people will remain that way only Logically Correct ! (@RajivKalra18) May 4, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ties between Pakistan and India which was already sour hit a new low after 26 people were killed in the terrorist attack in the scenic town of Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 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 05, 2025, 11:37 IST This Aussie Tourist Loved Getting Tossed Around In The Mud More Than He Loved Taj Mahal Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 12:53 IST Australian tourist Tom visited the Taj Mahal and wrestled with locals at the Brahmin Akhara in Agra, respecting customs and gaining admiration The unusual sight of a foreigner participating in a desi Akhara quickly went viral on social media, drawing admiration for his sporting spirit and cultural respect. (Local18) An Australian tourist visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra on Saturday showcased an unexpected enthusiasm for Indian culture and traditional sport. After touring the iconic monument, Tom and his German companion ventured towards Dussehra Ghat, where they came across the Brahmin Akhara, a traditional Indian wrestling arena. Rather than remaining a spectator, Tom expressed interest in experiencing the sport first-hand. Donning a traditional langot (loincloth), he stepped into the arena and engaged in a friendly bout with local wrestler Shivaji Dubey. Recommended Stories The two wrestled for 8 to 10 minutes, attracting a curious crowd. Though Tom didnt claim victory, he immersed himself in the Akhara tradition and made an effort to learn its techniques. Sundar Dubey, who oversees the arena, praised Tom for respecting the Akharas customs and rules. He wore the proper attire, followed the rituals, and genuinely tried to grasp the basics of Indian wrestling," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The unusual sight of a foreigner participating in a desi Akhara quickly went viral on social media, drawing admiration for his sporting spirit and cultural respect. Tom later said the experience was a highlight of his visit, adding that the warmth of the people and richness of Brajs traditions left a deep impression on him. 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 : Agra, India, India First Published: May 05, 2025, 12:53 IST 9 Dead, Dozens Hospitalised After Boats Carrying Tourists Capsize In China Published By : AFP Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 08:07 IST The passenger boats overturned Sunday afternoon on a river in Qianxi city, Guizhou province, state broadcaster CCTV said, sending 84 people into waters. Boats capsize in China (Representative Image/ ANI) Nine people have died and 70 were hospitalised after strong winds caused boats carrying tourists to capsize at a scenic spot in southwestern China, state media said Monday. The passenger boats overturned Sunday afternoon on a river in Qianxi city, Guizhou province, state broadcaster CCTV said, sending 84 people into waters. Recommended Stories As of Monday morning nine were dead, 70 have been hospitalised and four were unharmed, state media said. One remains missing. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged all-out efforts" in the search and rescue operations and treatment of those injured, state news agency Xinhua said. Xi also underscored the importance of strengthening safety measures in tourist attractions" and other large public venues, the agency said. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was dispatched to the scene to oversee the rescue efforts, state media added. An investigation has found the boats were not overloaded with passengers, CCTV said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sundays incident comes just over two months after 11 people were killed in a boat collision in central China. The accident in Hunan province occurred when a passenger boat struck an industrial vessel, throwing 19 people overboard. 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 : China First Published: May 05, 2025, 08:07 IST 'Difficult Circumstances Pakistan Is Facing': Malaysia Backs Islamabad's Pahalgam Probe Demand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 10:02 IST In a telephonic conversation with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Anwar said that he supports an independent and transparent investigation. Malaysia PM held a telephonic conversation with Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif. India-Pakistan ties: Malaysia has came out in support of Pakistan for an international and independent investigation in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam which claimed the lives of 26 individuals and left several others injured. Malaysias support for Islamabad came amid rising diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad in wake of the terror attack. Recommended Stories In a telephonic conversation with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Anwar said Pakistan is facing difficult circumstances and said that he supports an independent and transparent investigation to identify those responsible for the Pahalgam carnage. I expressed my full understanding of the difficult circumstances Pakistan is facing and conveyed Malaysias hope that the situation will de-escalate swiftly. I strongly condemned any form of violence and affirmed Malaysias support for an independent and transparent investigation to identify those responsible," he said in a long post on X. Semalam saya menerima panggilan telefon daripada Perdana Menteri Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, yang memaklumkan penangguhan lawatan rasmi beliau ke Malaysia pada Jumaat ini susulan ketegangan yang timbul selepas insiden serangan di Kashmir baru-baru ini.Saya memahami situasi rumit pic.twitter.com/wQWExlI20k Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 5, 2025 Anwar further offered to mediate between the two neighbours saying, Malaysia remains open to playing a constructive role, should the need arise. We believe our close ties with both Pakistan and India place us in a position to support efforts towards regional peace and stability. During the call, Sharif categorically" rejected any effort to link his country to the Pahalgam terror attack. Radio Pakistan reported that Sharif during the conversation, shared Pakistans concerns over the prevailing tensions in South Asia as it fears a military retaliation" over alleged cross-border links in the terror attack. Earlier on Sunday, Sharif claimed that India had failed to provide any concrete evidence and accused New Delhi of falsely" attempting to link Islamabad to the Pahalgam terror attack. Echoing the voice of other Pakistani leaders, Sharif too demanded New Delhi to accept Islamabads offer of conducting a neutral probe into the Pahalgam terror incident. India had yet to respond to Pakistans offer to have a credible, transparent and neutral international investigation to ascertain the facts behind the Pahalgam incident," he said. 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 responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 and expulsion of its military attaches, as per decided by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in view of cross-border links to the devastating terror attack. Subsequently, Pakistan announced several retaliatory moves, including suspension of all its bilateral agreements and trade activities and closing its airspace to Indian aircrafts. 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 : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia First Published: May 05, 2025, 10:02 IST Houthis Claim US Strikes In Yemeni Capital After Israel Vows Revenge For Airport Attack Published By : AFP Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 07:55 IST This came after the Houthis launched a ballistic missile that landed near the main terminal of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, wounding six people. Houthis launched a missile at an Israeli airport, escalating tensions in the Middle East. (Reuters) Yemens Houthi rebels on Monday blamed Washington for around 10 strikes in and around the capital Sanaa, after a missile fired by the Iran-backed group struck the area of Israels main airport. The Houthi-run Saba news agency said the strikes included two targeting Arbaeen street in the capital as well as one on the airport road, blaming them on American aggression". The rebels health ministry said 14 people were wounded in the Sawan neighbourhood, according to Saba. Recommended Stories The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, have launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war, saying they act in solidarity with Palestinians. The missile fired from Yemen by the Houthis landed near the main terminal of Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, wounding six people. The military confirmed that the attack, which gouged a large crater in the perimeter of the airport, had struck despite several attempts to intercept the missile". In a video published on Telegram, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had in the past acted against" the Iran-backed rebels and will act in the future". It will not happen in one bang, but there will be many bangs," he added, without elaborating. Later on X, Netanyahu said Israel would also respond to Iran at a time and place of our choosing". Several international airlines suspended flights to Israel following the attack, and hours later the Houthis promised more such strikes and warned airlines to cancel their flights to Israeli airports. A police video showed officers standing on the edge of a deep hole in the ground with a control tower visible behind them. No damage was reported to airport infrastructure. An AFP photographer said the missile hit near the parking lots of Terminal 3, the airports largest. Houthis Target Israeli Airport You can see the area just behind us: a crater was formed here, several dozen metres wide and several dozen metres deep," central Israels police chief, Yair Hezroni, said in the video. This is the first time" that a missile has directly struck inside the airport perimeter, an Israeli military spokesperson told AFP. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying their forces carried out a military operation targeting Ben Gurion airport" with a hypersonic ballistic missile". In a later statement, the groups military spokesperson Yayha Saree said they would target Israeli airports, particularly the one in Lod, called Ben Gurion", near Tel Aviv. He called on airlines to cancel flights to Israeli airports. Israels Magen David Adom emergency service said it had treated at least six people with light to moderate injuries. An AFP journalist inside the airport during the attack said he heard a loud bang" at around 9:35 am (0635 GMT), adding that the reverberation was very strong". Security staff immediately asked hundreds of passengers to take shelter, some in bunkers," the AFP journalist said. Panic In Israel One passenger said the attack, which came shortly after air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel, caused panic". It is crazy to say but since October 7 we are used to this," said the 50-year-old, who did not want to be named, referring to the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war. Flights resumed after being halted briefly, with the aviation authority saying Ben Gurion was now open and operational". Soon after a government official said Israels security cabinet was to meet on Sunday, army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir confirmed media reports of a planned expansion of the Gaza war. This week we are issuing tens of thousands of orders to our reservists to intensify and expand our operation in Gaza," Zamir said in a statement. The army would destroy all Hamas infrastructure, both on the surface and underground", he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, have launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping throughout the Gaza war. US strikes on the rebels began under former president Joe Biden, but have intensified under his successor Donald Trump. Israel resumed major operations across Gaza on March 18 amid a deadlock over how to proceed with a two-month ceasefire that had largely stopped the war. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Yemen First Published: May 05, 2025, 07:55 IST How Foreign Funding From UK Is Fuelling JeM Operations In Pakistan | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 12:14 IST Several UK-based trusts are involved in funding Jaish in Pakistan, including Ummah Welfare Trust UK, Umma Peshawar Trust and Taj Naseeb Amma/Uma Welfare Trust Several UK-based trusts are involved in funding Jaish in Pakistan, probe has revealed. (AFP) The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is receiving foreign funding from the United Kingdom via several trusts that operate in both Pakistan and the UK, CNN-News18 has learnt in its probe to uncover a terror trail sponsored by Indias neighbour. Abdul Majid, also known as Majid Sulimanichief of the Kashmir Tigers and a feared commander of the JeMapproaches the trust on behalf of social covers such as madrassas to request relief in the form of rations for the students. This trust is believed to be one of the NGOs associated with JeM, generating funds through both local and international channels to provide logistical support and relief to the JeM outfit, sources told CNN-News18. Recommended Stories Several UK-based trusts are involved in funding Jaish in Pakistan, including Ummah Welfare Trust UK, Umma Peshawar Trust and Taj Naseeb Amma/Uma Welfare Trust. Financial links abroad show that Qazi Shabir, the brother of Abdul Majid, frequently transfers money to him from the United Kingdom. The following transactions have been revealed: 1. 19-09-2024: 109,598 Pakistan Rupees 2. 05-11-2024: 100,000 Pakistan Rupees 3. 11-12-2024: 105,173 Pakistan Rupees 4. 15-01-2025: 100,001 Pakistan Rupees 5. 21-02-2025: 70,256 Pakistan Rupees Qazi Shabir uses a UK mobile number and has sent these transactions from addresses in the UK. Abdul Majid, a Pakistani-trained terrorist, received arms and subversive training from various camps located in Abbotabad, Mansehra, and Bahawalpur. He also underwent training at religious centres associated with JeM. As a senior commander within the JeM outfit, Sulimani has been closely working with new offshoots of the group, namely the Kashmir Tigers and the Kashmir Freedom Army. Abdul Majid hails from Ganderbal district in J&K and in the early nineties, he, along with his father and two brothers, Shabir and Mumtaz, allegedly crossed into Pakistan after initially joining local terror outfits. They first stayed and operated from Ambore Camp in the Muzaffarabad area of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to sources, of the two other brothers in Pakistan, Qazi Mumtaz is a director in the government sector in Dudnial, PoJK, and lives in Muzaffarabad. His other brother, Qazi Shabir, has residences in both Abbotabad and Muzaffarabad but is currently living in London. CNN-News18 had earlier reported that Jaish has evolved its strategy to evade international sanctions and counter-terrorism efforts and given the increased scrutiny, it now operates through proxy groups. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: May 05, 2025, 12:14 IST We Seek De-Escalation: Iran's Foreign Minister Lands In Islamabad Ahead Of His India Visit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 13:26 IST Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit India later this week. Days ahead of his New Delhi trip, he has landed in Islamabad, seeking "de-escalation". Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lands in Pakistan (Reuters Image) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over tensions since the Pahalgam terror attack, arrived in Islamabad on Monday, days before his scheduled visit to New Delhi. He had offered to mediate between the two neighbours who have witnessed heightened tensions since the killing of 26 people by terrorists in Kashmir. He had earlier said Tehran was ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time". Recommended Stories Soon after landing in Islamabad, Araghchi said that Iran, which shares close relations with both India and Pakistan, seeks de-escalation". We seek de-escalation between India & Pakistan. I will have close consultations with friends in Pakistan & am scheduled to meet the President, Prime Minister & Foreign Minister. Regional issues & bilateral ties will be reviewed," he said. The Iranian FM is expected to fly back to Tehran after his talks in Islamabad, before arriving in India later this week (May 8), according to reports. His visit to India had been planned several weeks ago. Iran Embassy in India tweets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit India this Thursday (8th May, 2025), after holding talks with Pakistani officials in Islamabad." pic.twitter.com/yl9CzzTrje ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 According to reports, his New Delhi visit was planned for the India-Iran joint commission meeting, which is chaired by the foreign ministers. The meeting was scheduled to take place before the April 22 terror attack, however, it was postponed. Araghchi has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. However, New Delhi has never accepted any offer of mediation by any third country. In Islamabad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier said that Araghchis visit reflects the deep-rooted and strong relationship between Pakistan and the brotherly nation of Iran"; however, it did not mention talks on the India-Pakistan tensions since the terror attack. Last week, Araghchi spoke over the phone with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistans counterpart, Ishaq Dar. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack and offer condolences. He also spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the tensions between India and Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dialled his Pakistani counterpart and offered to settle the dangerous" India-Pakistan standoff. Ready to contribute to a political settlementshould both Islamabad and New Delhi be interested," a statement said. 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 : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: May 05, 2025, 08:50 IST 'Nuclear Threat From Pakistan's Military Cartel': Asim Munir Being Painted Hero After Pahalgam, Say Sources Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 22:12 IST Sources close to former PM Imran Khan said India should understand that Pakistan's military cartel has to exposed if it wants to put an end to cross-border terrorism Sources said the Pahalgam terror attack is being attributed to Pakistan army chief Gen Asim Munir. (Image: AP/File) Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir, who has come out of the shadows amid rising tensions between India and his country, is being painted as a hero after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. One of the deadliest strikes in the Valley that claimed 26 lives, it is being attributed to Gen Munir who until recently preferred to operate from behind the scenes, sources told CNN-News18. On May 1, he even addressed troops in a sweeping gesture, standing atop a tank during a military exercise and told them that any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute and notch-up response". Recommended Stories Referring to Pakistans vow to match or exceed any Indian strike, his comments are being seen as a trap" by opponents. According to sources close to former prime minister Imran Khan, Pakistanis hate" him and, because of the Pahalgam attack, he is being painted as a hero. The sources told CNN-News18 that if there is a nuclear threat from Pakistan, then it is from the military cartel. They said India should understand that this military cartel has to exposed if it wants to put an end to cross-border terrorism. Till the time Pakistan does not have civilian democracy, this will never end," they said. Asked if there is any division within the military against Gen Munir, the sources pointed to large-scale corruption among the top leadership due to the army chief. Those who act against him are targeted, they said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They further said the army chief has turned Pakistan into North Korea". Pakistan hates him but he will become a hero thanks to India," they added. There is much hatred against Gen Munir in Pakistan, especially from those who want a democratic system, the sources said. If India, behind the scenes, puts pressure on the United States and European Union, there can be a way out and people like the army chief, who are scared of democracy, can be restricted via sanctions, they added. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: May 05, 2025, 22:12 IST Russian FM Dials Pakistan's Ishaq Dar, Offers Help Amid 'Dangerous Escalations' With India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 09:51 IST While speaking to Dar, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov stressed Moscow's readiness to contribute to a political settlement of the situation triggered by the Pahalgam attack. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov (File photo: PTI) As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar on Sunday, offering assistance in facilitating a political settlement to the standoff sparked by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. According to a statement, both sides specifically discussed the dangerously growing tensions between India and Pakistan. Lavrov stressed its readiness to contribute to a political settlement of the situation triggered by the Pahalgam attack, should both Islamabad and New Delhi be interested." Recommended Stories According to Pakistans foreign ministry, Lavrov stressed the importance of diplomacy to resolve issues and emphasised that both sides should exercise restraint and avoid escalation. This came a day after Lavrov spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed the recent escalation in tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalagam attack. The EAM said that the perpetrators of the attack must be brought to justice. The two leaders also discussed the schedule of upcoming contacts at the highest and high levels. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with FM Lavrov of Russia yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice. Also spoke about our bilateral cooperation activities," Jaishankar posted on X. This conversation was among a series of phone calls by India to several nations since the terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists and exposed Pakistans role in the barbaric attack. Countries like Iran and Malaysia have offered to mediate and supported calls for an independent investigation. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the deadly terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22, and in view of cross-border links. The Resistance Front, or TRF, a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot with a bloody history, is believed to be behind the attack. Pakistan has denied responsibility for the attack. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India on Saturday imposed a ban on the import of goods coming from or transiting through Pakistan and also the entry of Pakistani ships into its ports, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is committed to taking firm and decisive" action against terrorists and their backers. The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday to discuss the rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the latter said it would raise New Delhis aggressive actions and provocations", including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: May 05, 2025, 09:42 IST United Nations Security Council To Meet Today Over India-Pakistan Tensions After Pahalgam Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:41 IST Tensions between India and Pakistan have been on a rise since the Pahalgam terror attack, with threats of an "all-out war" over the issue of Kashmir from the other side. UNSC meeting on India-Pakistan tensions today (AP File Image) The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday to discuss the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22. This comes after Pakistan threatened to apprise the UNSC about Indias aggressive actions, provocations, and provocative statements". Recommended Stories It said that Pakistan will specifically highlight Indias recent move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, a day after the Pahalgam attack. In view of the deteriorating regional environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which presents a serious risk of escalation and poses a threat to both regional and international peace and security, Pakistan has formally requested emergency closed consultations of the United Nations Security Council. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, will deliver a statement at the Security Council stakeout area following the meeting on the afternoon of Monday, May 5, 2025," Pakistans permanent mission to the UN posted on X. Pakistan will call upon the UNSC to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security by taking appropriate measures to address these concerning developments," Pakistans Foreign Ministry said. India would take the opportunity on Monday to expose Pakistans role in terror attacks before the international community. President of the UNSC for the month of May, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, earlier condemned the terror attack while also expressing concerns over the rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. This is a position of principle. We condemn terrorism in all its forms, everywhere it is happening. On the other hand, we are concerned about this tension which is mounting in the region," he had said. After the April 22 attack, the UNSC had come out in condemnation and called for bringing the perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of the terror attack to justice. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the aftermath of the terror attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, revoked all visas to the Pakistani nationals, and closed the Attari border immediately. It also banned a number of Pakistani social media accounts and YouTube channels spreading disinformation against India. Pakistan, in turn, shut its airspace for all Indian airlines and also snapped trade ties 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 Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: May 05, 2025, 06:59 IST Pakistan I&B Minister Takes International Media To LoC, Claims Terrorist Camps Don't Exist Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:14 IST Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, claimed that there are no terrorist camps near the LoC and those living in the area are "civilians". India-Pakistan tensions: Pak Minister takes foreign media to LoC (AP File Image) Pakistans Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, visited the Line of Control along with the local and international media and made a brazen claim that the locations India pinpoints as terrorist camps are actually civilian areas". The visit to the LoC was facilitated by the I&B Ministry of the country, which aimed at exposing" India. Recommended Stories The mediapersons were made to interact with the local population", local media reported. Speaking to the reporters, the Pakistani minister dubbed Indias accusations of terrorist camps as baseless" and claimed that Pakistan has presented all the facts before the national and international media". Claiming that Pakistan is a responsible state", he said that the country is committed to regional as well as global peace. We have repeatedly proven through our actions that we are advocates of peace," he said. He further said that Pakistan will go to any extent to defend its sovereignty. Notably, several Pakistani ministers have threatened war with India over the Kashmir issue. Tensions between the two countries have been on the rise since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people. Pakistan-based Lashkars offshoot, The Resistance Front, claimed responsibility for the attack; however, as India vowed to pursue terrorists to the ends of the earth", the TRF denied the responsibility. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The United Nations Security Council is all set to hold a closed-door discussion over the India-Pakistan tensions on Monday. The meeting will be an opportunity for India to expose Pakistan in front of the international community. In view of the deteriorating regional environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which presents a serious risk of escalation and poses a threat to both regional and international peace and security, Pakistan has formally requested emergency closed consultations of the United Nations Security Council. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, will deliver a statement at the Security Council stakeout area following the meeting on the afternoon of Monday, May 5, 2025," Pakistans permanent mission to the UN posted 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 : Pakistan First Published: May 05, 2025, 13:47 IST Pakistan Provokes India Again By Firing FATAH Surface-To-Surface Missile After Abdali-II Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 14:21 IST Pakistan earlier conducted a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 km - which India called a "dangerous escalation". Pakistan had earlier conducted a training launch of the Abdali weapon system. (Image: News18) Pakistan continues to provoke India as ties between the two neighbouring countries are sharply declining, as Islamabad conducted a training launch of a FATAH Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometres as part of its Exercise INDUS". This came two days after Pakistan conducted a training launch of the Abdali Weapon System a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometres, amid speculation of an Indian military retaliation over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 tourists were killed. Recommended Stories The latest launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missiles advanced navigation system and enhanced accuracy, according to a press release by the media wing of the Pakistani Army. Pakistans Army claims to have the capabilities to completely thwart any aggression that threatens the territorial integrity of the country, but it marks a dangerous escalation in its ongoing hostility towards India. Follow Live Updates Here Pakistan has intensified its activities by issuing frequent naval advisories, conducting aggressive drills in the Arabian Sea, and repeatedly violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Reacting to Pakistans Abdali missile test, India said the move marked a provocative step amid escalating tensions between the two countries. The missile test by Islamabad appears as a deliberate provocation and a reckless attempt to heighten tensions with India, said sources. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. New Delhi also announced the shutting down of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, the suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals and the scaling down of top officials at the High Commission. India on Saturday imposed a ban on the import of goods coming from or transiting through Pakistan and also the entry of Pakistani ships into its ports, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is committed to taking firm and decisive" action against terrorists and their backers. 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 : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: May 05, 2025, 13:48 IST Trump Administration Offers $1,000 Stipends To Migrants To Self-Deport Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 21:40 IST The potential airfare for migrants and stipends who voluntarily depart would cost less than an actual deportation. US President Donald Trump | Image/File The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the Donald Trump administration will offer $1,000 and travel assistance to undocumented immigrants who voluntarily return to their home countries. According to a release, the department said that self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. Recommended Stories If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App," Secretary Kristi Noem said, according to the news agency. Trumps campaign has centred on stringent immigration enforcement and mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the US. However, executing this plan poses significant challenges due to its substantial cost and resource requirements. The average cost of arresting, detaining and deporting someone without legal status is currently about $17,000, according to the DHS. The agency emphasised that the potential airfare for migrants and stipends who voluntarily depart would cost less than an actual deportation. The first use of travel assistance has already proven successful. An illegal alien that the Biden Administration allowed into our country recently utilised the program to receive a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras," the agency said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week," it added. The Trump administration has deported approximately 1,52,000 individuals since January 20, significantly fewer than the 195,000 deported during a comparable period (February to April) under the Biden administration last year. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: May 05, 2025, 21:40 IST UN Chief Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Urges India And Pakistan To Avoid Military Confrontation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 21:45 IST UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terrorist attack should be brought to justice through credible, lawful means. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged India and Pakistan to step away from the brink. (IMAGE: REUTERS) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. I understand the raw feeling following the Pahalgam attack on 22 April. I once again strongly condemn the attack and extend my condolences to the families of the victims," Guterres said. Recommended Stories Terrorists trained in and based out of Pakistan attacked and killed 26 civilians and injured many others, most of them tourists vacationing in southern Kashmirs Pahalgams Baisaran. Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years.I strongly condemn the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April. It is essential especially at this critical hour that India and Pakistan avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 5, 2025 He went to emphasize that those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice through lawful means. Guterres pointed out that the tensions between India and Pakistan are highest" in recent years. It pains me to see India-Pakistan relations reaching a boiling point," Guterres said. I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the governments and people of both countries and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping. And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also said that both nations should pull back from the brink" and said the UN stands to support initiatives that promote de-escalation. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution. And I offer my good offices to both governments in the service of peace. The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace," he further added. 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 : United Nations, United States First Published: May 05, 2025, 20:55 IST What Is The 'Black Hole Bomb' Theory Scientists Proved In A Lab? | Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 13:34 IST Scientists Roger Penrose and Yakov Zeldovich theorised that a black holes spin could amplify energy enough to trigger an explosion, like a cosmic bomb The spin of a black hole drags space-time, known as frame dragging, which can impart extra energy to particles moving in the same direction. (Representative/AP File) Scientists at the University of Southampton have successfully demonstrated the Black Hole Bomb theory in a laboratory setting, marking a historic milestone in our understanding of black holes. This term might invoke fear, but theres no need for panic; the discovery is a significant advancement in theoretical physics rather than a new threat or weapon. What Is Black Hole Bomb Recommended Stories The concept of the Black Hole Bomb originated in the 1970s, proposed by renowned scientists Roger Penrose and Yakov Zeldovich. They theorised that a black holes spin could amplify energy, and if this process is repeated correctly, it could generate enough energy to cause the system to explode, akin to a bomb. Theory Proven In Lab For First Time Until now, the Black Hole Bomb existed only in theoretical papers and equations. However, Marion Cromb and her team have brought this theory to life. They used a rotating aluminium cylinder placed in magnetic fields that rotated around it. The experiment demonstrated that the energy behaviour changed based on whether the external magnetic field was rotating faster or slower than the cylinder. When the cylinder rotated faster than the magnetic field, the energy was amplified, but if it rotated slower, the energy decreased. This setup mimics the black hole theory and has been validated in the lab, with Crombs team publishing their study on arXiv. Does This Reveal Black Holes True Power This breakthrough helps scientists understand the real power of black holes without needing to approach them directly. Through analogous experiments, such as using magnetic fields and rotating cylinders, researchers can explore the phenomena occurring in the ergosphere outside a black holes event horizon. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The spin of a black hole drags space-time, known as frame dragging, which can impart extra energy to particles moving in the same direction, much like gaining speed on an airport moving walkway. While it is premature to link this discovery to practical technology or weaponry, it certainly offers a new perspective on one of the universes most enigmatic entities black holes. Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: May 05, 2025, 13:34 IST Will Respond With Full Force: Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Escalates India Tensions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: May 05, 2025, 22:28 IST Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said that Pakistan seeks regional peace but will not hesitate to defend itself Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir | File Image As the tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad flare up, Pakistans Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Monday said that his country will respond with full military might" if its sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened. The remarks came days after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, prompting India to announce a series of punitive measures against Islamabad on all fronts. Recommended Stories Addressing the 15th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, General Munir further said that Pakistan seeks regional peace but will not hesitate to defend itself at the time of military escalation, reported GEO TV. Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond; however, if Pakistans sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated, Pakistan will respond with full force to preserve its national prestige and the well-being of its people," General Munir said. Notably, Pakistan had claimed that it had credible intelligence" that India might respond to the Pahalgam attack with a possible military action against Pakistan. The Pakistan-based Lashkar terror group had claimed the responsibility for Pahalgam attack, sparking outrage in India, with demands coming from all across for a strong retaliation. Notably, in the days leading up to the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir urged citizens to educate their children about the clear distinctions between Hindus and Muslims," referencing the ideological foundation behind the creation of Pakistan under the two-nation theory in 1947. Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory," said General Munir on April 16, adding that Kashmir was a jugular vein". Reports suggest that this statement was interpreted as a possible signal to Pakistan-based terror networks, with the Pahalgam assault occurring less than a week after his remarks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the aftermath of the attack, India downgraded its diplomatic ties with Pakistan, in a series of measures taken against Islamabad, including the suspension of Indus Waters Treaty. The government also gave the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of Indias response in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: May 05, 2025, 22:28 IST A Wisconsin cold case dating back more than 60 years has ended with the missing woman found alive. Audrey Backeberg, now 82, vanished from her family's home on July 7, 1962, when she was 20 years old and a mother of two. The Sauk County Sheriff's Office announced last week that Backeberg is "alive and well" and living out of state. Authorities say their investigation determined that her disappearance was voluntary, with no evidence of foul play, Fox News reports. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the family's babysitter, who was 14 at the time, told authorities that she and Backeberg hitchhiked from Backeberg's home in Reedsburg to Madison, Wisconsin, then took a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis, People reports. The babysitter said she last saw Backeberg walking away from a bus stop there; Backeberg never returned home and was reported missing. Family members were convinced Backeberg would not have willingly left her young children. However, the Charley Project, a site that profiles unsolved missing person cases, notes that Backeberg's marriage was troubled and involved allegations of abuse. Backeberg reportedly wed Ronald Backberg when she was around 15. Ronald later passed a polygraph test after Audrey's disappearance. Earlier this year, the sheriff's office assigned a detective to revisit the case, leading to new interviews and a review of old evidence. A luxury yacht went down off the coast of Miami Saturday night, requiring the US Coast Guard and other agencies to rescue all 32 people aboard. The 63-foot vessel began to take on water for unknown reasons, CBS News reports. Because of the number of people involved, multiple agencies including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Marine Patrol responded, and "Good Samaritan" boats also assisted. No one was injured, USA Today reports. Commercial salvage crews are now working to recover the wreckage, which the Coast Guard says is not hazardous for navigation. Wanda Barzee, who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart in 2002 with her husband Brian Mitchell, was arrested Thursday after allegedly violating her parole. As a sex offender, the Utah 79-year-old is not allowed to visit certain protected areas, including public parks. The Salt Lake City Police Department says Barzee was arrested after authorities learned she'd visited two local parks, People reports. Barzee served more than 15 years behind bars and was released in 2018, TMZ reports. Smart said Barzee did nothing as Mitchell, who is serving a life sentence, raped her repeatedly. Smart was held captive for nine months before being rescued. Barzee, who is no longer in custody, is charged with one count of violating Utah's sex offender registry law, NBC News reports. "While the criminal prosecution in this matter remains our priority, our SLCPD social workers and crisis intervention detectives will continue utilizing our co-response model to help ensure that appropriate resources and safety plans are made available as the case progresses through the justice system," a spokesperson for the police department says. Smart, now 37, has called Barzee an "evil woman" who was just as responsible as her husband was for the almost-daily sexual assaults Smart suffered as an abducted teen. President Trump confirmed over the weekend that he proposed sending US troops into Mexico to help fight drug cartelsan idea Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected, the AP reports. Trump, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, claimed Sheinbaum turned down the suggestion out of fear of the cartels, saying, "She's so afraid of the cartels she can't walk." He added, "The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can't even think straight." The back-and-forth follows a call between the two last month during which Trump pushed Sheinbaum to accept more US military involvement against drug traffickers on Mexican soil. Sheinbaum on Saturday confirmed Trump's request publicly, but stood firm: "We can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours," she said she told her US counterpart. She added, per Reuters, "Sovereignty is not for sale," saying Mexico will "never accept the presence of the United States military in our territory." The US military presence around the southern border has already increased in recent months following Trump's January order to ramp up military activities focused on curbing migration. US Northern Command has responded by sending more personnel and equipment, expanding surveillance, and seeking broader authority for special forces to support Mexican counterparts in cartel operations. story continues below Trump has also labeled several gangs and cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations," giving law enforcement more tools to target them. But Sheinbaum's rejection of cross-border intervention highlights a potential flashpoint, as US leaders seek a tougher approach to stop the flow of drugs like fentanyl. "If Mexico wanted help with the cartels we would be honored to go in and do it," Trump said. A red handprint has become the symbol of a movement as Indigenous families across North America take to the streets and capitols, demanding lasting answers to the violence that continues to haunt their communities. With thousands of cases unresolved, advocates are pushing for solutionsand making sure the next generation knows what's at stake, per the AP . Indigenous communities across North America marked Monday's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day with renewed calls for action against violence. Through prayer walks, marches, speeches, and self-defense classes, advocates highlighted the lack of coordination among law enforcement in addressing the roughly 4,300 open FBI cases involving missing or murdered Indigenous individuals. For many, awareness begins at home. Lisa Mulligan of the Forest County Potawatomi plans to warn her granddaughters about the risks Indigenous families face, a conversation echoed by other Native parents. "Indigenous people don't have the luxury about NOT talking to our daughters about violence against girls," said Christina Castro of the 3 Sisters Collective, which is hosting events to encourage safety and remembrance. Symbolic gestures like covering mouths with red handprints have become a way for young people to represent those who cannot speak. The risk is significant: the Justice Department reports Indigenous women face homicide rates more than double the national average. Men also sufferDonovan Paddock, walking in Scottsdale, Arizona, recounted the deaths of uncles and his grandfather. The community's response has included advocating for improved alert systems and more federal help, but progress is slow. Implementation of Indigenous Alerts in state AMBER Alert systems still faces resource and coordination challenges, despite recent gains in federal funding. Three people were killed in a shooting at a restaurant in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale on Sunday night, reports AZFamily. Several others were injured. Police received calls reporting shots around 7:45pm at El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse, per the AP. The total number of shooting victims was still being sorted out, but it was believed to be "approximately nine," said Glendale Police Department Officer Moroni Mendez. As cardinals prepare to gather in the Sistine Chapel to select the next pope, another assembly is underway just miles away: Nearly 900 leaders of female Catholic religious orders are meeting in Rome. These superiorsrepresenting over 450,000 nuns globallyopened their plenary assembly Monday with a call to support Pope Francis' vision for a more inclusive church. The meeting, led by Sister Mary Barron, president of the International Union of Superiors General, comes at a pivotal moment, as only men can vote to determine the next leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church. "We must be vigilant in doing our part to keep that flame of church renewal alive," Barron told the assembly. She encouraged attendeesclad in both habits and street clothesto "dare to dream a future that reflects the boundless love of God." Among those present was Sister Nathalie Becquart, who made history in 2021 as the first female undersecretary in the Vatican's Synod of Bishops, a move that suggested the church might eventually open more high-level roles to women. Meanwhile, the secretive conclave of cardinals to pick the next pope doesn't formally begin until Wednesday, but USA Today reports that "an unspoken selection process" already is well underway. "This is very much the crucial period, in fact, simply because in any election you need momentum," Robert Harris, author of the novel behind the film Conclave, tells the newspaper. "I don't know how you can do that without being pretty well-known and the best period to become well-known is now." Israel approved an aggressive new plan for the Gaza Strip on Monday that calls for the military to capture and hold the entire territory, reports the BBC. In a Cabinet meeting, Benjamin Netanyahu "emphasized that the plan differs from previous ones by shifting from raid-based operations to the occupation of territory and sustaining it," an anonymous Israeli official tells the Washington Post. Publicly, however, a spokesman for the prime minister stopped short of calling the plan an "occupation." Whatever the term, Israel's military is calling up tens of thousands of reserves. Alcatraz, the former island prison in California's San Francisco Bay, hasn't accepted inmates in 60 years. The prison was closed in 1963 because it was too expensive to operate, "costing three times as much as most other federal prisons," per the San Jose Mercury News . It won't have gotten any cheaper in the six decades since. With President Trump ordering federal agencies to work on reopening and rebuilding the facility so it can house "America's most ruthless and violent" offenders, one Democratic policy analyst estimates the initial cost at $235 million to $370 million, plus annual operating costs of $60 million, per Newsweek . Others have suggested annual operating costs of up to $75 million, "roughly three times that of a comparable mainland prison," the outlet notes. The sea spray is tough on metal and concrete, which makes for a maintenance headache. And all supplies need to be brought in and sewage taken out. Still, Donald Trump Jr. floated the idea of revitalizing the prison on X in January, related to his father's plan to send up to 30,000 migrants to Guantanamo Bay. The president said Sunday in a Truth Social post that a reopening would be a symbol of "Law, Order, and JUSTICE," and he reiterated the point later to reporters, per USA Today. The outlet notes that the idea has been proposed before: In 1981, the Reagan administration considered reopening the prison to house up to 20,000 Cuban detainees but decided against because of Alcatraz's lack of utilitiesthe prison had a maximum capacity of 336 inmatesand popularity as a tourist destination. The site joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and was later named a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It remains popular today, drawing 1.6 million annual visitors and creating some $60 million in revenue for the National Park Service and its partners. If Trump's direction is to be followedand the Bureau of Prisons says it "will comply with all Presidential Orders"management will need to be transferred away from NPS and congressional funding secured, per Newsweek. Officials will also need to address "the same logistical challenges that led to the original closure," the outlet notes. Police in north Texas have launched a manhunt for a murder suspect who allegedly removed his ankle monitor and failed to appear in court on Monday, reports WFAA. Authorities in Van Zandt County say Trevor McEuen, 30, removed the monitor and left his home about 5:30am, reports NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. It wasn't clear whether he then fled on foot or in a vehicle, but police were searching the nearby US 80 highway near Grand Saline. Rwanda confirmed on Monday that discussions were "underway" with the United States regarding a potential agreement to host deported migrants. Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe told state media that the talks were in the "early stage." When asked by the AP on Monday, he confirmed the talks. Nduhungirehe did not disclose the specifics of the potential deal for Rwanda, but previous local media reports suggest that the US would likely fund a program to have migrants integrated into the society through stipends and job assistance initiatives. Rwanda has already accepted one person from the US, an Iraqi refugee with suspected terror links, the Washington Post reports. El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama have also agreed to receive US deportees. This wouldn't be Rwanda's first time hosting deported migrants. The East African nation previously had an agreement with the UK to host migrants. Plans for the initiative, including prepared accommodations, were in the final stages but the deal collapsed after the Labour Party took office in 2024, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying it was "dead and buried before it started." Nduhungirehe said Sunday that the country wants to give "another chance to migrants who have problems across the world," the BBC reports. Rwanda has faced allegations of human rights abuses and is currently in the process of brokering a peace deal with the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been behind attacks in the mineral-rich eastern Congo region. Nduhungirehe told state media on Sunday that Rwanda and Congo had already submitted their respective draft proposals, which will form the basis of a final peace agreement document expected to be signed in the US next month. Days after a scare in which two airliners were told to abort their landings at Reagan National Airport in Washingtonsite of a fatal midair crash in Januarythe Army announced its helicopter flights into the nearby Pentagon are being suspended. The order applies to a unit of Black Hawk helicopters based in Virginia charged with evacuating political leaders in an emergency, Politico reports. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who expressed outrage at the close call on Thursday, posted on X : "No more helicopter rides for VIPs or unnecessary training in a congested DCA airspace full of civilians. Take a taxi or Uber." It was an Army Black Hawk on its way to the Pentagon last week that prompted air traffic controllers to divert two commercial jets about to land at National. WUSA reported that the Black Hawk was over the Pentagon's helipad when the order to the planes was given. A Federal Aviation Administration document said the helicopter had taken a "scenic route," per the Washington Post, though the Army later said it was adhering to published FAA flight routes. All landed safely. Duffy posted Friday that he had questions for the Defense Department about what happened. The congestion in the area has been an issue since the Jan. 29 collision of an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight that killed 67 people. On Sunday, three planes were told to halt their efforts to land at National when a Park Police helicopter was dispatched after a vehicle overturned near the Key Bridge, per the Post. Some helicopter flight routes near the airport already have been shut down this year. National Transportation Safety Board investigators have said the limited separation between one of those routes and one of the airport's landing paths for planes posed an "intolerable risk to aviation safety." "Here is 5-year-old Brody Bell in his first official water ski experience at Harding Lake." Thanks, Kathy Shier of Fairbanks, for sending along this shot. You can submit your best photo online at newsminer.com. TOKYO, May 06 (News On Japan) - "Skype," once a symbol of digital communication, is set to end its service on May 5th, bringing to a close more than two decades of online calling history. Launched in 2003, Skype grew into a global internet calling platform, with monthly users surpassing 300 million at its peak in 2016. The app became known for its iconic ringtone and was widely used for both casual and professional conversations. In recent years, however, its popularity has waned amid the rapid rise of video conferencing tools like Zoom. On social media, the announcement prompted a wave of nostalgia: "Feels like a part of my youth has disappeared." "I used to study for exams while chatting on Skype." "Goodbye, Skype." Microsoft, which owns Skype, plans to encourage users to migrate to its other communication platform, Teams. Source: TBS TOKYO, May 06 (News On Japan) - Japans child population has declined for the 44th consecutive year, reaching the lowest level since comparable records began in 1950, according to government estimates released ahead of Children's Day on May 5th. As of April 1st, the number of children under the age of 15 stood at 13.66 million, a drop of 350,000 from the previous year, according to population statistics compiled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The total includes 6.99 million boys and 6.66 million girls, with boys outnumbering girls by 330,000. Children now make up just 11.1% of Japans total population, marking the 51st consecutive year of decline since the second baby boom era and setting a new record low for the ratio. By prefecture, Okinawa had the highest proportion of children at 15.8%, while Akita had the lowest at 8.8%. Source: TBS OSAKA, May 06 (News On Japan) - A new form of e-commerce known as "live commerce" is rapidly gaining popularity in Japan, especially among housewives. Operated by Osaka-based startup Celest, the model uses social media livestreams to sell products in real time while interacting with viewers. Morning broadcasts in particular have struck a chord with this demographic, with some items selling out within a minute of being introduced. Inspired by trends in China, Celest launched its live commerce business in 2017. The company now sometimes surpasses 200 million yen in monthly sales. As cashless transactions become more widespread in Japan, the live commerce market is showing strong growth. Inside a seemingly ordinary office building in Chuo Ward, Osaka, staff begin preparing for a livestream session before 6 a.m. "Good morning, everyone! Thank you for your comments. Today well be selling this smartphone and pouch set!" the host announces. What sets live commerce apart from traditional TV shopping is the real-time interaction with viewers. Using built-in features on social media platforms, Celest answers questions and responds to viewer requests live. For example, when asked about how to store Korean cold noodles, the host explains: "Theyll be delivered frozen, but once received, please refrigerate them." Another viewer asks about sending them to a distant son, to which the host quickly replies, "You can store them in the fridgeits fine." Such engagement has helped drive impressive sales. On one occasion, 200 boxes of macadamia nut chocolates sold out in just four minutes. Another item, a Malaysian cocoa product, sold 108 units in only one minute. Even at such early hours, over 1,000 viewers tune in. Items ranging from clothing to food fly off the virtual shelves. In just three hours on one morning, Celest sold 881 items worth approximately 1.45 million yen. Morning broadcasts are especially effective, the company says, because viewersmostly women in their late 30s to 50stend to watch after sending off children or spouses, or before heading to work. These quiet early hours, before household activity begins, are considered the golden time for live commerce. They not only draw more viewers but also help increase unit prices and overall sales. On some days, Celest reports sales exceeding 12 million yen in just three hours. In March this year alone, monthly revenue topped 200 million yena figure that continues to rise. The founders interest in live commerce began when learning about its explosive growth in China, where the market has reached a scale exceeding 40 trillion yen. Analysts believe cashless payments and a cultural familiarity with buying through social media contributed to this rapid expansion. Following Celests lead, major Japanese retailers have begun exploring live commerce as well. Furniture giant Nitori launched live-streamed sales in 2022, followed by Uniqlo. The live commerce market is expected to grow further in Japan. Celest hopes to help establish the infrastructure needed for live commerce to take root across the country. Source: Television OSAKA NEWS SAPPORO, May 06 (News On Japan) - Head lice, small parasitic insects that feed on blood from the scalp, are once again spreading among children in Japan as physical contact increases following the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sapporo, where outbreaks have been reported in schools, local officials are urging caution. Measuring just 2 to 4 millimeters in length, head lice are grayish-black and cling to the hair, where they cause intense itching. A single female can lay up to eight eggs a day, which hatch in about ten days, leading to rapid multiplication and human-to-human transmission. "I remember when my child got head lice in kindergarten. Almost the entire class was infected. Boys had their heads shaved, but we used medicated shampoo for the girls since they couldn't cut their hair," recalled a resident of Muroran. Despite being commonly associated with the postwar erawhen DDT was used to eradicate licethey are far from a thing of the past. In fact, lice continue to be a risk for anyone, regardless of hygiene. "At elementary schools, children often make contact during play, such as tumbling exercises, which increases the risk of head lice transmission. But we cant stop kids from playing together," said Kanbayashi, head of the Miyanomori Skincare Clinic. In Sapporo alone, some years in the past decade saw over 160 reported cases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cases fell to zero due to reduced contact, but infections have returned in 2024. Lice can also spread through shared items such as towels, combs, and pillowcases. At schools where outbreaks occurred in 2024, students have been instructed not to share or touch each others hats. "It's difficult for small children to wash their own hair thoroughly. The best prevention is to check the scalp early when something seems off," Kanbayashi advised. Lice eggs are pearly white and about 0.4 mm in size, often found around the nape of the neck or behind the ears, especially near the roots of the hair. A telltale sign is the appearance of white specks that resemble dandruff but cannot be removed by brushing or pulling. There is a widespread misconception that lice infestations are caused by poor hygiene, but anyone can become infected, even with good personal care. Treatment involves using over-the-counter medicated shampoos, combing out the eggs with fine-toothed combs or cutting hair if needed, and disinfecting bedding and tools by soaking them in water above 60C for at least 10 minutes. Monitoring symptoms for 2 to 3 days without further signs typically indicates successful removal. The key is not to panic, but to understand the parasite and take appropriate preventive and responsive measures. Source: UHB Released during National Vision Health Month, the findings highlight a strong national commitment to vision care and an opportunity to empower Canadians with more education. TORONTO, May 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The ability to see impacts everything we do, and according to a recent national survey by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS), the vast majority (97 per cent) of Canadians consider eye health a crucial part of their overall well-being. Yet, only half feel they know what contributes to the health of their eyes. As National Vision Health Month kicks off, COS emphasizes the importance of continued education to raise awareness, promote regular eye exams, and improve access to quality vision care for all Canadians. Canadian Ophthalmological Society (CNW Group/Canadian Ophthalmological Society) Canadians Now Recognize Eye Health as a Top Priority, but Knowledge Gaps Exist While most Canadians (83 per cent) say they prioritize their vision health, half feel familiar with treatment options for serious eye problems (53 per cent) or eye diseases such as cataracts (52 per cent) for example, a leading cause of blindness. Among those aged 55 and older, 68 per cent say they're knowledgeable about the symptoms and early signs of the condition, compared to 41 per cent of younger Canadians aged 18 to 34, even though cataracts can occur at any age. "While Canadians overwhelmingly recognize the importance of eye health, many remain unaware of the eye diseases they may be at risk for and the symptoms to watch for," said Dr. Mona Dagher, president of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. "These survey findings reinforce the need for better public education so people can take proactive steps, including regular eye exams, to protect their vision." Additional insights: Canadians support innovations in eye care, and 92 per cent agree that access to the latest advancements is essential. Three-quarters (75 per cent) feel they have access to these innovations, but only 52 per cent feel comfortable with AI-assisted diagnostics. Concerns about screen time's effects on children's eye health remain high, with 82 per cent of Canadians expressing worry, on par with 2024. Thirty-eight per cent say extreme weather negatively impacted their eye health in the past year, indicating environmental factors are also an increasing concern. While 56 per cent of Canadians correctly identify ophthalmologists as medical doctors with specialized surgical training, 17 per cent are unaware of what they do, and 28 per cent misidentify their role. Advocacy and Policy Action Needed Despite growing awareness in general, 56 per cent of Canadians feel that eye health does not receive the same level of attention as other health priorities in the healthcare system. This perception highlights the need for greater advocacy and policy action to ensure that eye health is addressed at the national level. "There's a clear call to action," said Dr. Nina Ahuja, chair of the Council on Advocacy for COS. "The passage of Bill C-284, the National Eye Care Strategy Act, is an important step forward. These findings reinforce our commitment to advancing vision health and ensuring access to optimal eye care for all Canadians." To learn more about the role of an ophthalmologist, major eye diseases and to get information on overall eye health, visit seethepossibilities.ca. About the Survey These are some of the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted between March 20 and March 23, on behalf of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. For this survey, a sample of 1,501 Canadians aged 18+ were interviewed online. Sample was sourced from the Ipsos panel. Weighting was employed to balance demographics to ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate to within 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadians been polled. The credibility interval will be wider among subsets of the population. About Canadian Ophthalmological Society The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is the national authority on eye and vision care in Canada. We are dedicated to ensuring optimal medical and surgical eye care by promoting excellence in ophthalmology and supporting our 900+ members and 200 residents. COS collaborates with government, specialty societies, academic communities (ACUPO), provincial partners, and patient groups to advocate for eye health policy. As an accredited CPD provider through the RCPSC and a CMA affiliate, COS is committed to advancing eye care. Learn more at cos-sco.ca . SOURCE Canadian Ophthalmological Society For media inquiries and more information, please contact: Shubhi Sinha, BlueSky Communications, [email protected] The newly introduced insurance offers a unique solution with affordable, payroll-deducted coverage that eases the financial burden of eligible veterinary costs TORONTO, May 5, 2025 /CNW/ -- Despite Canadian pet ownership being on the rise with 58 per cent of households owning a dog or cat, just 2 per cent of workplaces offer pet insurance as an employee benefit 1. OnePack Plan is proud to announce its launch into the Canadian market providing companies, group benefits providers, and benefits consultants the option to include pet insurance as a benefit for pet-parent employees. Available across all of Canada in both English and French Canadian, OnePack Plan provides employers the option to offer payroll-deductible pet insurance for cats and dogs with a flat group rate, helping to make veterinary costs more manageable during a time when many Canadians are worried about unexpected vet bills. OnePack Plan Pet Insurance launches in Canada enabling employers to bring peace of mind to Canadian pet parents. "The average veterinary visit for an accident or illness costs up to $1,000,2" said Michelle Yates, EVP of Business Development at OnePack Plan in Canada. "For many pet parents and employees in Canada, unexpected bills of this size can cause significant financial strain and stress. By offering OnePack Plan, employers can help alleviate this worry by making veterinary care more financially accessible so their employees can focus on what truly matters enjoying life with their pets." An Increasing Desire for Employer-Offered Pet Insurance OnePack Plan's research found with Canadian pet ownership increasing, 50 per cent of Canadian pet parents express interest in employer-offered pet insurance1, demonstrating a large demand for this offering across the country. OnePack Plan bridges this gap, providing a highly requested employee benefit that attracts and retains talent while also supporting pet parents in providing the best care for their furry family members. Financial strain over unexpected veterinary costs is common among Canadians. The same study conducted by OnePack Plan found 42 per cent of Canadian pet parents make financial sacrifices for pet care, with 40 per cent saying they have missed work due to their pet's health1. OnePack Plan can help provide relief and peace of mind with comprehensive coverage and affordable premiums, including optional add-ons for wellness and preventative care. The plan features no breed restrictions and can offer coverage for pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage3. Meeting Employee Needs and Simplifying Benefits for HR Leaders OnePack Plan's unique approach to pet insurance integrates benefits administration software into already existing infrastructure, allowing a simple onboarding process for HR professionals to and easy enrolment for employees with the option to set up payroll deductions through their regular benefits administration system. HR leaders and benefits providers will also be able customize their plan to fit individual business needs in small, mid-size, and large companies with diverse needs. "We've seen a growing focus on wellness in the workplace and know pets play a significant role in improving mental health," said Yates. "Implementing policies that show empathy and consideration for pet parents can be a game changer for employee satisfaction and retention." With its Canadian launch, OnePack Plan will be addressing a need in the benefits market by offering an accessible and simplified process for employees to get pet insurance and creating the opportunity for Canadian employers to respond to changing attitudes around both pet ownership and employee expectations. For more information about OnePack Plan in Canada, visit www.onepackplan.ca or www.onepackplan.ca/fr. About OnePack Plan OnePack Plan is an employer-offered pet insurance program for Canadian businesses and pet parents, providing affordable, payroll-deductible coverage for cats and dogs. Offering accident or accident and illness coverage, the plan ensures peace of mind for pet parents. Policies are underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation and distributed by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. ("PTZ"), & Societe d'Assurances Collectives (Sodaco) Inc. in Quebec. Plan features, rates, and eligibility may vary by province or territory. For full terms and conditions, visit www.onepackplan.ca. 1 Angus Reid (2024) Pet Insurance and Pet Ownership in Canada Study (1,005 respondents). Commissioned by Independence Pet Group, Inc., an affiliate of PTZ. 2 Source: 2022 PTZ Insurance claims data. Value of claims in $ CAD. 3 After 365 days of continuous coverage. Waiting period may be waived for groups over 200 employees or with prior coverage for Accident & Illness plans. SOURCE OnePack Plan [email protected] MONTREAL, May 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Optimum Financial Group announced exceptional financial results for 2024 at the Optimum Group Inc.'s annual shareholders' meeting on April 29, 2025. The Group continues its profitable growth, with revenues reaching nearly 1.4 billion dollars and a total shareholder return exceeding 17%. These results were once again marked by the excellent loss ratio in property and casualty insurance in Canada as well as the improved mortality in life reinsurance in the United States. Assets under management in Canada, the United States and in France totalize 8.4 billion Canadian dollars to December 31, 2024. This result reflects our sound asset management for the benefit of our clients and the enhancement of our sustainable investment offering by integrating carbon footprint reduction criteria into our portfolios. "Optimum is proud to be a Canadian company, focused on serving our clients and partners, with the ambition to contribute to the sustainable growth of the activity sectors in which we operate in Canada, the United States and in France. Our reputation is built on deeply anchored values such as integrity and creativity, as well as the partnership and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize Canada's economic landscape", comments Anabelle Blondeau, President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair of the Board, Optimum Group Inc. "Our financial strength allows us to ensure our perennity and offer stability to our talents as a private and global employer headquartered in Montreal. I thank our exceptional employees who drive our added value every day and reflect our corporate culture founded on trust and humanity. The very long-term commitment of our employees is a source of pride that helps train the next generation that will perpetuate the spirit of our founders", she concludes. Optimum Financial Group has bestowed the 2024 Optimum Gilles-Blondeau Award to Optimum Re Insurance Company in the United States for its premium growth and exception performance, notably attributable to improved mortality. This annual award recognizes the exceptional contribution of a subsidiary to the Group's overall performance, as a tribute to Optimum's founder. About Optimum Financial Group Optimum Financial Group is dedicated to the financial security of its clients since 1969. Global and privately-owned, it is active in the sectors of actuarial consulting, global asset management, general insurance, information technology, life insurance, life reinsurance, and real estate. The Group has over 700 employees within diverse subsidiaries operating in 20 business places in Canada, the United States and in France. Its revenues nearly reach 1.4 billion dollars, its assets under management in Canada, the United States and in France totalise 8.4 billion dollars and its total assets exceed 6 billion dollars. SOURCE Optimum Group Inc. For further information, please contact: Stephanie A. Berthiaume, Assistant Vice President, Communications, Optimum Group Inc., + 1 514 288-2010, [email protected] Ryan's Scrambled Eggs are available now at participating Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada and the United States and are being promoted in a TV commercial created in collaboration with Maximum Effort that spoofs Ryan's "rider" the items he asks for backstage while working on a film shoot. In the commercial, he gets his Ryan's Scrambled Eggs and Tims coffee as requested, along with some other esoteric asks, including a jar of fresh air from his hometown of Vancouver. "There's something really special about having the chance to collaborate with such an iconic and beloved Canadian brand. When I visited the Tim Hortons Test Kitchen, I took my role very seriously, by which I mean I ate an irresponsible amount of eggs. And honestly? I regret nothing," said Reynolds. Ryan's Scrambled Eggs breakfast boxes are made to order and include two scrambled eggs made with 100% Canadian freshly cracked eggs, crispy hashbrowns, a choice of sausage crumble or bacon strips, plus Tims iconic Chipotle sauce. This partnership was first teased at in a video posted on Tims social media channels in the lead up to the premiere of "Deadpool & Wolverine." "Ryan has been a great partner and so enthusiastic about leaning into his own love of the Tims brand as we worked on how to bring this really fun collab to life," said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons. "We're proud to be a daily breakfast and coffee destination for so many of our guests and this partnership with Ryan is another way for us to offer a uniquely-Tims morning meal that kickstarts your day with great taste and great value." ABOUT TIM HORTONS In 1964, the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double coffees, Donuts and Timbits in the years since. For more than 60 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving Canada's favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 6,000 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.ca. SOURCE Tim Hortons Contact : [email protected] A former Stratford Borough employee is suing the municipality for alleged sexual harassment from a male subordinate whose husband is the borough administrator. The plaintiff also claims that after he reported multiple incidents of alleged harassment to Borough Administrator John Keenan, he lost his job. The borough claims he resigned, but he said he did not, according to the lawsuit. Stratford previously paid a $125,000 settlement in 2017 to resolve a sexual harassment complaint from another male employee against Keenan, who was then the clerk. Keenan resigned after the incident but was rehired as a temporary borough administrator in 2020. His father, John Josh Keenan, was mayor at the time he was rehired. The Borough does not comment on pending litigation, Stratfords solicitor Stuart Platt, who is representing all of the defendants, wrote in an email to NJ Advance Media. The plaintiffs attorney did not immediately respond to a multiple requests for comment. John Keenans spouse, who is not named in the lawsuit, had been fired by Stratford in 2022 for insubordination, according to the lawsuit, and rehired in 2023 by Keenan. According to the court complaint, Keenans spouse attempted to show other workers adult videos. The employee who filed the lawsuit said he also reprimanded the spouse for improper physical contact with him and other borough workers. It is claimed in the lawsuit that Keenan used his position as Borough Administrator to allow his husband to sexually harass (the litigant) and other heterosexual male employees. The petitioner is seeking compensatory damages, and court and attorney costs. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Cape May, New Jersey, offers miles of sandy beaches and dozens of charming Victorian hotels and inns. Cape May Mayor Zach Mullock compares the citys beaches to that of a self-funding utility thanks to beach badge fees. Without revenue from beach badges, Shore communities would face budget deficits that would make the beaches less safe, Mullock said, saying the city would have to layoff lifeguards and not be able to do beach replenishment projects. A man was convicted Monday of fatally shooting one person and wounding two others during a 2021 recording session in the basement of a Cumberland County home, authorities said. A jury found Tyzir Hall, 25, of Clementon, guilty of murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault and multiple weapons-related offenses, according to a statement from the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office. On Feb. 8, 2021 Hall and Shaheed Little, 31, of Sicklerville drove to a house on South Avenue in Bridgeton to record music in a basement studio, according to court documents. Little had picked up Hall from his home hours before the shooting. While in the basement, Hall began firing a gun and fatally shot Little, the office said. He then shot another man in the face and a woman in the leg before fleeing the area in Littles car, investigators said. The man and woman survived the shooting, officials said. No motive for the shooting has been released by investigators. A U.S. Marshals fugitive task force arrested Hall in Philadelphia in October 2021, the office said. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. A rehab facility in rural South Jersey is preparing to close, costing 96 jobs, after agreeing to pay $20 million to the U.S. Department of Justice to settle claims of operating with too little staff and providing care for which it was not licensed, according to reports and a state employment notice. Seabrook, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation institution off Polk Lane in Bridgeton, will close later this year, the facility told The Press of Atlantic City on Monday. The facility, which operates under the Summit BHC network of rehabilitation centers, did not immediately return a request for comment from NJ Advance Media. A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice was filed Monday with the New Jersey Department of Labor. The layoffs would become effective July 30, according to the notice. State labor officials were notified about five days after the U.S. Attorneys Office announced the settlement over the facility violating the federal False Claims Act, specifically with treating veterans. Federal prosecutors alleged the facility billed both the Community Care Program of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and New Jerseys Medicaid program on repeated occasions for unlicensed care. Interim New Jersey U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, who was appointed last month by President Donald Trump, called the settlement a reflection of protecting veterans healthcare. Veterans and Medicaid recipients must receive care from fully qualified, licensed providers in facilities that meet state law in all respects, Habba said in a statement last week. We stand ready to enforce these standards and protect the Americans who need this care. The facility specializes in drug and alcohol abuse recovery, as well as providing methods for sober living, according to its parent companys website. The Justice Department alleged that between 2022 and 2024, Seabrook provided services for which it had no license. Staff, according to the allegations, hid the services being performed from state inspectors. Likewise, during that time, Seabrook has also been understaffed, failing to have enough credentialed caregivers, including those certified in mental and addiction treatment, federal investigators said. Staff also provided the same care to veterans it provided to other patients while claiming to be providing specialized care. Investigators also found record discrepancies for patients, the Justice Department said. The settlement also resolves a whistleblower claim filed the Justice Department said. The plaintiff is being awarded $3.5 million. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. ICE said it had begun housing immigration detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark on May 1, 2025. A sign on the fence was photographed on Monday, May 5, 2025. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency says it has begun housing immigrant detainees at a privately owned and operated facility in Newark, an operation that city officials say is illegal, though its owners insist it is not. Delaney Hall, a private jailhouse on Doremus Avenue in an industrial area near Newark Bay, began housing detainees on Thursday under a contract between the agency, known as ICE, and the detention facilitys private owner, the GEO Group of Boca Raton, Florida, said Christine Cuttina, a spokesperson for ICEs regional office in Newark. ICE began housing detainees May 1, Cuttita said in an email on Monday. She did not say how many prisoners were being held at Delaney Hall, which is now ICEs second detention facility operating in New Jersey, with a capacity of 1,000, or more than triple ICEs only other detention center in the state, a 300-bed center in Elizabeth. Controversy has swirled around the potential opening of Delaney Hall for the past year, with ICE asserting it needs more space to house detainees awaiting deportation hearings and flights out of the country. This after President Donald Trump was elected in part on a promise of mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, particularly those wanted on criminal charges apart from their immigration status. Immigrant rights advocates have opposed the opening, essentially on the grounds that the more beds ICE has to fill, the more immigrants it will arrest, detain and deport, breaking up families and unfairly sending away many otherwise law-abiding and often taxpaying members of the community. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said at a press conference on Monday, May 5, 2025, that an ICE contractor, the GEO Group, was housing immigration detainees illegally at a facility it owns in Newark. GEO insists its certificate of occupancy for the facility is valid. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com At a press conference Monday, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said city officials learned Saturday from a GEO Group employee that Delaney Hall had begun housing immigrant detainees. Baraka, who is running for governor in the June Democratic primary, said the operation was illegal because the company had failed to obtain a new certificate of occupancy or CO. He said the city had asked a federal judge in Newark to issue an order blocking the operation, though unsuccessful so far. In the past, Delaney Hall was used legally to house criminal prisoners in Essex County. But city officials said Monday that a CO for prior operations does not apply to Delaney Halls current use as a detention center, particularly after work had been done to modify the private jailhouse. Their contention is that they were going on an old CO going back to 2007, Baraka said. We have had the position since they attempted to do this that they had to follow the citys laws and policies, the states laws and policies as well, that they had to apply for a certificate of occupancy, that they have to allow us in to get an inspection. They refused to do that at one point, and we were in court, still in court, as a matter of fact. The GEO Group issued a statement Monday rejecting the mayors assertions. The Delaney Hall Facility has a valid Certificate of Occupancy that has been issued by the City of Newark and complies with all the contracted health and safety requirements, the company stated. The statement said Delaney Halls reactivation had created hundreds of jobs with salaries averaging $105,000 and would contribute millions of dollars to the local economy. The statement added: This attempt by the mayors office to stop the operation of a lawful federal immigration processing center at the Delaney Hall facility in Newark is another unfortunate example of a politicized campaign by sanctuary city and open borders politicians in New Jersey to interfere with the federal governments efforts to arrest, detain, and deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens in accordance with established federal law. Nobody knows Jersey better than N.J.com. Sign up to get breaking news alerts straight to your inbox. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com We were driving on a road through the Delaware Bay marshes. The previous nights tides had been high and the edges of the pavement were lined with shallow pools in which small fish had been trapped. Along comes a low-slung, long-bodied dark brown animal foraging for the fish. A cat? No, a mink! A relatively common animal in New Jersey, but one that is nocturnal and not often seen. In North America, they are found throughout the United States except for a few areas in the desert southwest, and north into Canada and Alaska, up to the tree line. Mink are almost always found near water. They are a very versatile predator, feeding on fish, frogs, mammals, amphibians and birds. They can climb trees. In warm water, they can swim continuously for several hours, propelling themselves with an undulating body motion. Their feet are not webbed. In their usual habitat, fish are a major food, caught in the water after a brief chase. On land, mink will kill prey larger than themselves, including rabbits and waterfowl, killing them with a bite on the back of the head. Muskrats are a preferred food, and they are killed either in the water or on land. A big male mink might weigh as much as three pounds, with a body length of 15 inches and a bushy tail about eight inches long. They are semiaquatic, and when seen swimming might be mistaken for an otter. But the otter is a much larger animal, weighing 20 pounds or more, and its tapered muscular tail is a continuation of the body, not a brush The American mink is often raised for its fur, and escapes from fur farms have inadvertently introduced the animal into Europe, eastern Asia and southern South America. Wherever it has become established it has become a problem to the local fauna. In Europe, including Great Britain, it has been blamed for the decline of the smaller, similar-appearing European mink, as well as several other native birds and rodents. Mink are territorial, with territory overlap between individuals of opposite sex but not between individuals of the same sex. The dens can be in hollow logs, under tree roots, or in rock crevices, but are more typically burrows made by the mink or appropriated from some other animal and modified to suit. Burrows may be 10 feet long, with several entrances and a central nest chamber lined with grasses and feathers. Breeding takes place in the early spring. Usually, four kits are born in May or June. Their eyes are closed and they are covered with fine hair. They are weaned in five weeks and are able to hunt on their own in eight weeks, but they stay with their mother until autumn. For information about the Gloucester County Nature Club, see gcnatureclub.org/. Bristol Myers Squibb is removing hundreds of its New Jersey employees over the next seven months. The global pharmaceutical company will lay off 516 employees in Lawrence Township, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filing with the state. The cuts will hit May 9 and continue through March 27, 2026. Everyone impacted by the layoff was previously notified, sources at Bristol Myers Squibb told NJ Advance Media. The latest cuts are in addition to another 290 New Jersey layoffs previously announced by the company in February. All of the layoffs affect employees in Lawrence Township, where Bristol Myers Squibb has two office buildings, according to its website. Its unclear exactly which location or locations will be impacted by the cuts. Bristol Myers Squibb is one of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Princeton, it employs approximately 30,000 across all of its locations, according to the companys website. Earlier this year, the company announced it would be expanding its existing strategic productivity initiative to include approximately $2 billion in additional annualized cost savings by the end of 2027. The report stated savings will be driven by changes in organizational design and efforts to enhance operational efficiency. Unfortunately, there were impacts to some of our employees as a result of these changes noted above. We are grateful for the contributions of our colleagues and a top priority for us is supporting employees throughout the transition process, said a Bristol Myers Squibb spokesperson in a statement sent to NJ Advance Media. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. Keith Hernandez was able to sneak a dig at Yankee Stadium into one of his broadcasts this weekend. The Mets travelled to St. Louis for a three-game series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. In the first inning of Sundays game, Soto was out on a long fly ball. New York Mets left fielder Jesse Winker catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Gorman in the third inning during the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Sunday, May 4, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Joe Puetz) AP Hundreds of flights at Newark Liberty have been delayed because of controller shortages, runway work and equipment failures. Last week, controllers lost all contact with aircraft for a time. AP You will need a Real ID card in order to fly domestically in the United States beginning on May 7, 2025. Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance The May 7 deadline to have a Real ID in order to fly is fast approaching, but many domestic air travelers are still in a scramble to get an appointment to get a Real ID from New Jerseys Motor Vehicle Commission. If you dont have a Real ID and plan to fly, heres what you need to know. United Airlines passengers flying through Newark Liberty International Airport are being urged to consider switching to other airports amid ongoing delays and cancellations. READ MORE: How 90 seconds of terror contributed to Newark airports fiasco A Passaic County man has admitted to stealing more than $3.2 million from a New Jersey couple while working as their personal assistant, federal authorities said. Charles Gallo, 34, of Hawthorne, pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to a wire fraud charge before U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said Friday. Prosecutors said Gallo was hired in 2018 to help the couple with banking, bills, email, and other tech-related tasks. New Jersey taxpayers will face an unfortunate financial impact of nearly $10 million due to a technical error on a bid for a major bridge repair project, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday. The states high court upheld the New Jersey Turnpike Authoritys decision to reject a $70.9 million bid from El Sol Contracting & Construction Corp. for a bridge repair project due to a technical defect in a bidding document. Instead, the contract will be awarded to the next-lowest bidder, Joseph M. Sanzari, Inc. for a total $80.7 million, resulting in an additional cost of nearly $10 million to taxpayers. The contract is for repairing 11 bridges in the Newark Bay area. We recognize that the result compelled by precedent comes with the unfortunate collateral consequence of a nearly ten-million-dollar increase to the price of the project from what El Sol had proposed, Associate Justice John Hoffman wrote for the court. The issue centered around a document from El Sols insurer, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., which would guarantee financial backing if the contractor won the contract. El Sol argued that the defect in their paperwork was minor and noted that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority had previously accepted similar submissions. Liberty Mutual echoed this position, stating the defect could have been corrected. Hoffman said that the agency could not ignore El Sols bid defect simply because it had accepted similar paperwork before. He noted that once the issue was discovered, the agency had to follow the rules and correct the specifications. There was no proof they knew about the problem in earlier bids, the court ruled. While a previous lower court ruling agreed with El Sol, the New Jersey Supreme Court ultimately upheld the bid rejection, stressing the need for strict compliance with bid specifications. The court was divided, resulting in a 5-2 decision on the matter. We think the dissent had it right, but I do understand the majoritys decision, El Sols lawyer, Michael F. McKenna of Cohen Seglias in Newark said. McKenna said that even though the court did not agree with his arguments, he knows they did what they thought was in the best interests of the state. Who am I to question that? McKenna asked. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority was represented by Thomas A. Abbate of Decotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The high court also issued an order dismissing the New Jersey Turnpike Authoritys requests to reconsider the decision. Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming (right) thinks San Diego is on the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo } Spenser Heap) AP When Donald Trump announced that he wanted to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, his executive order, signed in late January, gave the reason: The Gulf plays a pivotal role in the security and economic prosperity of the United States, and should therefore be renamed to reflect that. The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Americas future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nations economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America, his order said. He later declared Feb. 9 as Gulf of America Day, and said that he had renamed the gulf to restore American pride. If that sounded like, well, political sewage, you only had to wait for a few months. Because on Monday, Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman actually said that the U.S. must rename the gulf because of sewage. And, she added, its not enough that American rename it, the country must claim it. I think another reason we should change the name to The Gulf of America vs. the Gulf of Mexico is because is for over 40 years, the country of Mexico has been dumping raw sewage in the area near San Diego, California, Hageman said. And the head of the EPA, Lee Zeldin, who was just there approximately two weeks ago; I was just in San Diego, meeting with some folks down there, and they described the situation. Its an absolutely horrific, horrific situation. It is an environmental catastrophe. ... And the country of Mexico absolutely refuses to address it and fix it and has been fouling our waters for decades upon decades. And it needs to be resolved. And thats another reason we need to retake and claim ownership of this area, and make sure people know it is the Gulf of America. We should not be rewarding Mexico for its bad acts. Of course, Hageman and all of those people she met with in San Diego forgot to look at at map, because San Diego is not on the Gulf of Mexico. Its on the Pacific Ocean more than 1,700 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Youd think people who lived in San Diego would know that, right? Unless, of course, she made it up. Sewage dumped in the Gulf of Mexico unless it hired an Uber and traveled overland would have to travel south to the Panama Canal, through the canal, then north more than 2,500 miles to pollute San Diegos coastal waters. Its a trip more unlikely than Tom Hanks and Wilsons voyage. Unless you change the name of New Orleans, too! Then again, when you come from a land-locked state, what do you know about oceans and seas, bays and gulfs, tides and coastal waters ... and geography? Twitter comments were classic: The Gulf of Mexico is definitely what makes San Diego great. Renaming the Gulf wont fix your geography ... Ah yes, the famous San Diego part of the Gulf of Mexico. How they are supposed to name it the Gulf of America if theyre unable to locate it? The gulf isnt named after the country of Mexico, but after a city in existence 400 years ago. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, U.S. waters extend 12 nautical miles from its coastline, making most of the gulf international waters. Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller is misrepresenting the law on due process, critics say. (AP Photo | Evan Vucci) AP Ever since recent polling revealed that Donald Trump and immigration henchmen like border czar Tom Homan and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has lost the moral high ground on immigration, his minions have been desperately tweeting and appearing on Fox News to try to justify their actions, deemed unconstitutional and illegal by federal judges. At the heart is whether an undocumented immigrant like, say, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was snatched off the streets, deported to El Salvador and imprisoned for allegedly being a gang member is entitled to due process. Homan and Miller have argued that as a gang member, Abrego Garcia is entitled to no such rights. Miller repeated that in a tweet on Monday morning. The right of due process is to protect citizens from their government, not to protect foreign trespassers from removal, Miller posted on Twitter/X. Due process guarantees the rights of a criminal defendant facing prosecution, not an illegal alien facing deportation. Aside from the fact that Trump lawyers have provided no proof in court that Abrego Garcia and hundreds of others who have been likewise imprisoned is a gang member, lawyers pounced on Millers (likely intentional) misrepresentation of the law. Millers not a lawyer, but youd think he can read. Due process guarantees apply to persons not citizens," law professor Jonathan H. Adler tweeted. Anti-Trumper George Conway, also a lawyer, asked Miller: What is it about the phrase no person as in no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law that you seem to be unable to get into your thick, sociopathic skull?" There is also a hole in Millers argument: Without due process, citizens would not be able to prove they are, in fact, citizens. Millers tweet comes a day after Trump said in an NBC interview that he didnt know whether he was forced by his oath to uphold the Constitution and grant due process as the law demands. I dont know, Trump said. I have brilliant lawyers that work for me. Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California, who is a lawyer and former prosecutor, tweeted, Even if Donald Trumps openness to defying the Constitution and denying due process doesnt surprise you, his ignorance of his oath of office should shock all of us. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Former Vice President Mike Pence, second from right, stands with his wife, Karen Pence, far right, as he is presented with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award by Jack Schlossberg and his mother, Caroline Kennedy, at a ceremony at the JFK Library, Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) AP People can and will argue whether former vice president Mike Pence is a national hero for certifying the 2020 presidential election after a mob stormed the Capitol, hellbent on his assassination, or if he merely upheld his oath of office. But on Sunday night, as Pence received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award from the Kennedy family one thing was certain: He quietly sliced up Donald Trump, his MAGA followers and GOP cowards that have taken over his party. And he did it without saying the words Donald Trump. Our institutions held that day, not because of any one person, but because leaders in both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, did their duties, Pence said while receiving the award. So I came tonight to give credit where credit is due, but also to say in these divided times, in these anxious days, I know in my heart that we will find our way forward as one nation. In those comments alone, Pence reiterated that Trump lost the election, that election deniers (like the current vice president) are liars, and that Republicans who have kissed the ring must be replaced in order to find our way forward as one nation. And then Pence who sacrificed his political career by resisting Trump stuck the knife even deeper into his former boss. When I think of that fateful day four years ago, the only heroes I saw were wearing uniforms, Pence said. Pence, in singling out the heroism of the Capitol police, refuted Trumps insistence that the rioters and insurrectionists who tried to overthrow the election on his behalf were patriots who deserved pardons. Trump and Republicans have voted against resolutions on behalf of the Capitol police and have boycotted anniversary remembrances. Five died in connection with the riots and 140 suffered injuries, many of which were permanently disabling. Pence added: January 6 was a tragic day, but it became a triumph of freedom. And history will record that our institutions held. In other words, because Trump was forced from office. Pence then looked MAGA in the eye, especially those in attendance, and poked Trump a few more times on Ukraine, Americas role in the world, Trumps insane trade policy and the alienation of U.S. allies. Now people who know me know Im a conservative, but Im not in a bad mood about it. I believe in a strong defense, limited government, the right to life, and Im going to go out on a limb and say that might put me in the minority in this room, Pence told those gathered at Kennedys presidential library in Boston. But I also have differences with members of my own party, on spending and tariffs, and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must continue to stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured, Pence said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump gives a commencement address at the University of Alabama, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) AP President Donald Trump lashed out at a Fox News contributor Karl Rove after he compared the president to Mr. Scrooge on Sunday. Rove, a GOP political strategist, criticized Trump over his handling of the economy and tariffs during a Sunday appearance on Fox News. Trump and his tariff policies have received low ratings across national polls in recent weeks as he defends the controversial policy. President Donald Trump talks with reporters on Air Force One as he heads back to Washington, Sunday, May 4, 2025, from West Palm Beach, Florida. (Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP Photo) Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP Photo President Donald Trump has no problem funneling funds to rebuild a notorious prison while slashing funds for childrens cancer research. Trump announced Sunday that he directed his administration to rebuild and reopen the notorious Alcatraz prison located off the coast of San Francisco that has been closed for more than 60 years. Many experts and pundits criticized Trumps statement, saying that reopening Alcatraz would be too expensive and take too much time. Democratic strategist Mike Nellis ripped Trump over the announcement, noting that his administration has attempted to cut funding for childrens cancer research. According to The Center for American Progress, the Department of Government Efficiency is responsible for cutting some grants for pediatric cancer research. America has no money to pay for cancer research for kids, but weve got tons of cash to rebuild Alcatraz for Trumps vanity. Unbef-ckinglievable, he wrote on social media platform X. America has no money to pay for cancer research for kids, but weve got tons of cash to rebuild Alcatraz for Trumps vanity. Unbefuckinglievable pic.twitter.com/7JmQHmmcnN Mike Nellis (@MikeNellis) May 5, 2025 Other social media users claimed that Trump is using Alcatraz as a distraction from his other actions and gaffes, like saying in an interview over the weekend with NBCs Kristin Welker that he is not sure whether he has to follow the Constitution as president. Former MSNBC host Chuck Todd told journalists not to cover Trumps comments on Alcatraz. Hardest thing for any journalist in Trump era is to figure out when to cover his social media musings as serious or not. Alcatraz is not serious, obviously, but the more someone tells him how dumb (and expensive) idea is, the more likely he might do it. Fwiw, this musing felt like a distraction tweet from his bad I dont know about following the Constitution answer, Todd wrote on X. U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who represents the district near San Francisco, also poured cold water on Trumps idea. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one, she wrote on X. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one. https://t.co/ALKXZLWlzO Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 5, 2025 In a post on his Truth Social site Sunday evening, Trump wrote that, For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. That is why, today, he said, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. Trumps directive to rebuild and reopen the long-shuttered penitentiary was the latest salvo in his effort to overhaul how and where federal prisoners and immigration detainees are locked up. But such a move would likely be an expensive and challenging proposition. The prison was closed in 1963 due to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. Bringing the facility up to modern-day standards would require massive investments at a time when the Bureau of Prisons has been shuttering prisons for similar infrastructure issues. The prison infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it was known as the The Rock and housed some of the nations most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. FILE - President Donald Trump holds a document with notes about Kilmar Abrego Garcia as he speaks with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, April 18, 2025, in Washington.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) AP George Conway, former husband of Donald Trump advisor and mouthpiece Kellyanne Conway, has been predicting the total mental unraveling of the president for years. The incoherent sentences, slurred speech, mistaking Joe Biden for Barack Obama and vice versa, the inability to understand policy at any level deeper than a bird bath or even know what the Declaration of Independence represents all adds up to an alarming and persistent mental decay, Conway insists. Conway, in fact, started a PAC that had a specific mission during the campaign: Point out Trumps mental deficiencies and decline. On Sunday, after Trump tweeted more nonsense this time about the motion-picture industry Conway pulled the fire alarm again. So I think its time for Ladbrokes to start running a line on whether Donald Trump can make it to January 20, 2026 without being committed to a mental institution, Conway posted. [Were guessing Conway mightve meant 2028, unless he was referring to the midterm elections.] Trump had posted that foreign nations are luring Hollywoods best talent, and that made it a national security issue, so he might decide to levy a tariff on foreign films. Never mind that Trump, on multiple occasions, attacked movie stars and the industry because it has lined up against him in most instances. Recruiting filmmaking outside the U.S., where movies have been made for decades, hardly constitutes a national emergency. The raving tweet was senseless on its face, but even sillier against a backdrop of a staggering economy, military conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, a globe-wide trade war, a willy-nilly dismantling of the federal government and more. Is Trump merely trying to distract Americans from the tariffs that already are costing jobs and driving up prices across the board? The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death, Trump posted. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! Earlier in the day, former MAGA Rep. Joe Walsh tweeted, There should be coverage of Trumps cognitive decline. Massive coverage. Because its an issue. A huge issue. The national media, for the most part, has ignored Trumps decay and certainly has not focused on it the way it castigated Biden for every gaffe or misstep. On Sunday alone, Trump said he was mulling the reopening of Alcatraz, one of the nations most notorious prisons that housed only 300 prisoners at its peak. While most saw the prison as a cruel and evil place, Trump insists, Its a symbol of law and order. When asked whether everyone in the U.S. was entitled to due process a fifth-grade civics question Trump said, I dont know. Im not a lawyer. Does he need to uphold the Constitution (according to his oath)? I dont know, he said. And when asked about the economy, he said, I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy. And did we mention that he tweeted an image of himself as pope? But, hey, the guy passed all those cognitive tests, right? Then again, maybe Conway did mean 2026. A motorcyclist was killed and his passenger was seriously injured in a crash last week in Salem County. William Philippi, 63, of Blackwood, was riding east on Route 540 in Pittsgrove around 1 p.m. on April 27 when he lost control of his motorcycle and struck the rear of another eastbound motorcycle, according to a New Jersey State Police spokesman. Philippis vehicle ran off the roadway, down an embankment and into a thick briar patch, police said. Philippi and his passenger, a 62-year-old Blackwood woman, were thrown from the bike. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. HELE Cornmill is marking its 500th anniversary celebrations with a special showing for Ilfracombe Art Trail this weekend. Not only is North Devons last working watermill a fantastic and peaceful place that provides the perfect location to enjoy art, but five members of owners the Jones family will be exhibiting as artists during the event. This includes a full size wooden carousel horse crafted by David, neo-retro Pixel art by son Ben, traditional painting, pencil drawing, pottery and textiles by Jennifer, multimedia work including crochet by Emily and digital art in gouache and acrylic pens by Katie. The free Ilfracombe Art Trail runs across Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, with 48 venues across the town and two in Berrynarbor providing open studios, a showcase of a huge range of vibrant artwork and the opportunity to meet and chat with the artists. Above: Hele Cornmill owner David Jones with his handcrafted fairground carousel horse, which will be one of the centrepieces at the mills Ilfracombe Art Trail exhibition. Credit: Hele Cornmill Hele Cornmill is located at Cornmill Close in Hele Bay on the very outskirts of Ilfracombe heading towards Combe Martin and is the perfect location for visitors to start or end the trail while enjoying a cream tea or lunch in tranquil surroundings. The Jones family of David and Kathy and their children have owned the mill since 2011 and are delighted to take part in the art trail in conjunction with the mills 500th anniversary. Fittingly, May 10-11 is also National Mills Weekend, with the theme of Mills in Art for 2025. The exact birthday of the mill is not known, but the family knows it was built in 1525 and over the past 15 years they have researched the history of all the millers and tenants who have resided at the mill since that date. David has learned the skills of traditional milling via the giant millstones turned by the power of the mills waterwheel and the resulting flour is put to good use creating a range of homemade cakes and bread for the mill tearoom, set in a quiet courtyard surrounded by plants and flowers. It is the first time the mill and its five resident artists have taken part in Ilfracombe Art Trail and they are looking forward to sharing their creations with visitors. Kathy explained: No one really knows about the art work our family do here. People will know David as a miller, but they wont know about his past life as a wood worker or his craft work as a cabinet maker. All the children have loved art and been encouraged in art throughout their lives. Ben went to the London College of Printing, Jennifer studied maths but has always loved art she uses traditional mediums such as quilting, ceramics, textiles, line drawings. The result is that we have got five artists in one venue. Kathy added: We will be open at 10am both days, making it a good place to start or finish the trail, with last orders at the tearoom at 5pm, so it is also a great opportunity for a cream tea or lunch to keep you going! Hele Cornmill has recently received a Rural Enterprise Prosperity Fund grant and is now able to offer disabled parking for up to three cars and improved wheelchair access. Please call 01271 863185 to book a space. Entry to the art gallery and mill is free. There is no other public parking at the mill and visitors are asked to park in the main Hele Bay car park a short walk away at the entrance to the beach. For more information about Hele Cornmill visit www.helecornmill.com and to view the full programme for Ilfracombe Art Trail and the many venues across the town, please go to https://artilfracombe.co.uk An International-style house described as a "striking standout" sits atop a sand dune in a forest overlooking a ravine in Beverly Shores. The Swiss architect Otto Kolb, a friend of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Charles Eames who was part of the American New Bauhaus movement, designed the Horner House that hangs over a ravine in a forested area. The historic home on Merrivale Avenue in the Duneland community has glass walls opening up to the woods and providing views of Lake Michigan. The vacation home in the lakefront community was one of Kolbs few commissions in the United States, according to Indiana Landmarks. Kolb taught at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, designed an exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry and was an acclaimed architect honored by the New York Museum of Modern Art. He also was a furniture designer who had a chair in the Louvre and had his work auctioned off by Sotheby's. He won a Chicago Tribune design competition for interiors and a Swedish modern design competition for furniture in New York City. During his time in the United States, he exhibited widely, including in San Francisco, Houston and Urbana, Illinois. Kolb, originally a bricklayer in Switzerland before he went on to win worldwide acclaim as a designer and architect, designed the Horner House for the Hungarian emigrants Imre and Maria Horner, who built it in 1949. The architect took on the commission during a brief, three-year stint in which he headed up the Illinois Institute of Technology Institute of Design in Chicago. He's best known for designing a circular house with a living room rimmed by goldfish ponds in Switzerland. Architects from across the world still visit the Villa Kolb outside Zurich today. "Kolb had a prolific career on both sides of the Atlantic in the second half of the 20th century; in 1982, after accomplishing much in the USA and Switzerland, he settled in Zurich and completed his seminal work: A circular house for his family," Adam Stech wrote in The World of Interiors. The Horners gave Kolb his first home commission in the Indiana Dunes, which has been a hotspot for unique architecture. The couple escaped rising antisemitism in their native Hungary. Imre Horner worked as an internist in Chicago, where they often entertained intellectuals at their home. They decided to build a vacation home in the Indiana Dunes in Beverly Shores, which was originally developed as a resort community and where many Chicagoans still have summer homes. The Horner Home was ultimately sold to longtime Indiana Landmarks supporter and Mid-Century Modern enthusiast Jim Morrow, who left it to the statewide preservationist society when he died at the age of 99 in 2022. After it was placed on the market for only the second time in its more-than-70-year history last year, Indiana Landmarks sold it to new buyers who are committed to preserving it. It will use the proceeds from the sale to support other preservation projects. Anthony Schreiber and Philip Pierce bought the modernist standout, whose living room was cantilevered to look over a ravine. The glass wall in front offers a view of Lake Michigan while the glass view in the back showcases the surrounding woods. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house features an open layout and natural materials, including redwood cladding, cork floors and plywood ceilings and walls reflecting Kolb's philosophy of using simple natural materials without wasting resources. Stained wood is used throughout the home, which has no painted surfaces, according to the National Register of Historic Places application form. Schreiber describes himself as an architecture nut who was enthused about the opportunity to own such a historic home. Wed been on a quest to find an architecturally significant house in the area for some time. When we saw this listing, we knew it was perfect, he told Indiana Landmarks. Its such a warm and inviting space to look over the lake. The way light moves through the house is just incredible. Uncannily, he and his partner discovered the Horners had only lived a block away from them in Chicago. We plan on owning this house for however long we live and want to pay homage to the Horners vision, Schreiber said. What's That Building? is a new series that looks at notable, historic or just interesting buildings in the Calumet Region. If there is a building you would like to highlight or learn more about, contact Joseph S. Pete at joseph.pete@nwi.com or call 219-841-1030. OpEd News One-Time Security Check This Is NOT An Error Message Your site IP address* (5.13.19.111) is listed on one or more Internet blacklists. We get visited by hundreds of these spambots daily. To prevent these from taking resources away from legitimate users, we show this page. Please use the CAPTCHA below which proves you are human, not a spam bot. It's a one-time action** for your IP. After that, you will be able to access OpEd News easily. Thank you for your patience. * Here's more info about IP addresses. ** If your IP address is fixed, you'll be able to use this website from now on. However, if your Internet Service Provider (such as Verizon or T-Mobile) assigns you a different IP address every time you use your device, AND these IP addresses are NOT on an Internet blaclist, then all is good. If, for some strange reason, your ISP assigns you an IP that is blacklisted, then you'll have to go through this process again. (Unless you keep yourself logged in. We only check for spambots on non-logged in visitors.) Dictatorships require the elimination of four things: the government, the press, the courts, and the people. The regime currently hunkered down at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. has got the Republican-majority House and Senate completely cowed. Republican lawmakers, state and federal, have abdicated their commitment to the oaths they took for fear of MAGA brown shirts doxing them and their families, attacking their homes, or... heaven forbid... primarying them, which may result in them losing their seats like former reps Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, who both lost their re-elections to MAGA sycophants. So the government is gone. Last week's arrest of federal judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly "misdirecting federal agents away from the subject to be arrested in her courthouse, allowing the subject... an illegal alien... to evade arrest" is attempting to send the message to other judges and lawyers they dare not even think about following this thing called the "rule of law" if it in any way flies in the face of political ideology. While Hannah Dugan is the first, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned the press that arresting Supreme Court justices is not off the table. And speaking of the press... We knew it was only a matter of time until arresting journalists would be on the menu. Just in time for World Press Freedom Day (coincidence?), Attorney General Pam Bondi said in an internal memo Friday the Department of (In)Justice is rescinding the Biden-era "news media guidelines" rule that limits the methods by which Justice Department (DOJ) attorneys can subpoena journalists' records or testimony, even in cases involving leaks. That means the federal government can now compel journalists to give up their sources, emails, and phone contacts. This is not normal. Repeat: It is an all-out assault on the fourth estate, the only industry explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. As Gabe Rottman, vice president of policy at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, explaine d: The Bondi memo appears to have rescinded a specific provision protecting journalists from Justice Department subpoenas, court orders and search warrants based on the "receipt, possession, or publication" of classified information. This change would make it easier for Justice Department attorneys to pursue journalists to identify confidential sources in reporting that involves leaks... like the Pentagon Papers or Watergate. And that could chill news reporting in the public interest. Progressive writer Thom Hartmann added: Bondi's justification? The Justice Department "will not tolerate unauthorized disclosures that undermine President Trump's policies, victimize government agencies, and cause harm to the American people." Did you catch that? Not disclosures that threaten national security, but those that "undermine President Trump's policies." Since when did the President's policies become sacred and beyond scrutiny? Since when did exposing wrongdoing by our government become a crime against "the American people"? Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane said normally he might not extend a temporary restraining order if there's no obvious "imminent harm." But he said he also was troubled by the government's arbitrary, "chaotic," and unexplainable actions. Maxine Bernstein | Staff 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 Police arrested a Portland man Saturday in connection with the death of Joshua Manahan in downtown Portland late last month. Portland Police officers arrested Rodney Marcus Arreguin, 42, on suspicion of second degree murder and robbery, the bureau said in a statement on Saturday. Arreguin was being held in the Multnomah County jail as of Sunday afternoon. Portland police officers responded shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday April 27 to a shooting near the intersection of South Harbor Drive and Harrison Street. When they arrived, they found Manahan had been shot. His death marked the 12th homicide in Portland this year. Court records show that Arreguin has faced several theft and robbery charges in the past two decades. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and evading a police officer in 2023 and was scheduled to finish one year of probation for those offenses in June, according to court documents. Kaylee Birt, 29, was last seen in the small Oregon town of Fields. Courtesy of the Harney County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Police have found the remains of a 29-year-old woman who went missing in Harney County in early April. The Harney County Sheriffs Office said on Saturday that it had identified the remains of Kaylee Birt, who went missing in eastern Oregon while driving from Klamath Falls to Iowa. Birt, who grew up in Iowa, was last seen leaving a store in the tiny Oregon town of Fields on April 4. Her phone was last pinged by a cell tower or GPS in a remote region of Harney County. Sheriffs officials and volunteers searched across rugged desert terrain for Birt on foot, on horseback and with helicopters, drones and planes in the week after she went missing. County officials ended their coordinated search for her on April 10, though volunteers kept up the effort. Officials said Saturday that volunteers found Birts body, but did not provide any more details about where she was found or her suspected cause of death. Words cannot express the gratitude this family feels at each and every person out there giving their time, efforts and resources to help this family locate Kaylee, Birts family wrote yesterday on a Facebook page dedicated to the search effort. Judy Knawls Boyer, left, celebrates the 50th birthday of daughter Keylah Boyer, right, at Amalfi's Italian Restaurant in Northeast Portland. Naim Hasan Photography At her daughter Keylahs 50th birthday in late April, Portland-born community activist Judy Knawls Boyer was surrounded by members of her large family and feeling grateful. By her side was her husband, former state Sen. Bob Boyer, 85. Both he and Judy, 75, have been working since the 1960s to improve the lives of people in Portlands Black community, especially through labor unions and education. They have been honored for their coalition-building and volunteer work for advocacy groups. Theyre well known in Portland and invited to ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and praised for their dedication, diplomacy and discipline. Youngest daughter Keylah calls them change makers and champions for people. For Judy, her role is continuing a legacy set by her parents, Henry and Ollie Knawls, who kept informed about politics after moving to Portland in 1944 to escape the racial caste system enforced by what is known as Jim Crow laws in their native Texas. Judy remembers being a student at Portlands Girls Polytechnic High School when she saw TV news reports of high-pressure fire hoses and police dogs set on people protesting segregation in Birmingham, Alabama. A half-century later, Judy and Bobs children saw their parents photos in an Oregon Historical Society museum exhibit on the African American civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The couple also served as advisers and were sponsors when the museum and Oregon Black Pioneers created Racing to Change: Oregons Civil Rights Years curriculum for middle and high school students. Through my parents and grandparents, we were encouraged to continue the family legacy of helping others, often working behind the scenes without recognition, said Keylah, who has been an educator for more than 25 years. Today, Judy and Bob have a blended family of five children, 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and a great great grandchild, as well as sons- and daughters-in law and other relatives. The last time they all got together was five years ago, before the 2020 pandemic, for a bowling party. They wore shirts printed with family love. On Mothers Day, Judy will be at Keylahs home. Mom does not like a lot of fanfare and attention, said Keylah. Celebrations take place in small family gatherings now, rather than one large one, and Judy shows up with home-baked sweet potato pies or cobblers. The family is close because of Judy and Bob. They were divorced single parents when they met at a political meeting in 1978. They married three years later with mutual respect, integrity, honesty and love, said Judy. She said people need to be heard more than they need advice. Her greatest skill is she listens. When you hit the hardest of the hard times, or with matters of the heart, honesty and respect will see you through, she said. If we can talk things out, we can work things out without hurting each others feelings. Doesnt give up Bob Boyer and Judy Knawls Boyer have been married since 1981. Courtesy of Bob Boyer Judy Knawls Boyer is no quitter. In 2022, at age 73, she spent 104 days in a hospital and then at a rehab facility. While the medical team struggled to diagnose the life-threatening issue, Bob was with her all day and daughter Keylah stayed many nights, then went to work in the morning. Judys kidneys are severely damaged due to lupus nephritis, which requires her to have dialysis three times a week. She sees each of those three-hour sessions as a chance to slow down. In her high-energy world, that means returning emails and phone calls, meditating, watching her favorite programs and planning what shell do the rest of the day. Bob drives her to her treatment and drives her home. Later that day, shell make her daily visit to see a relative in a memory care facility. Bob calls us the Boyer Tribe, said Judy with one of her frequent laughs. My parents, who each had nine siblings, taught us that we look after others. Judy and Bob also cared for her elderly parents. After her father died in 1995, her mother moved in with them, and Judy found a way to balance work and home life. She has learned to say no when asked to do something that would tax her physical strength or take her away from her family. I tried to be everywhere and do everything, but now it feels good to know my limits, she said. She worked part time while her mother was at a daytime adult health center. When her mother died in 2003, Judy was flattened and depressed, and accepted bereavement counseling. Sometimes, you need support, she said. Keylah convinced Judy at the age of 55 that it was her time to return to school. Judy became the elder in most of her classes and enjoyed learning from the younger students. At 58, she earned her bachelors degree in business. At the time, Keylah, who has a doctorate degree, was on the faculty at the university, and on graduation day, mother and daughter were together, both in robes, as Bob Boyer, a university regent, handed Judy her diploma. My mom has never been afraid to learn and is open to new ideas, said Keylah. Judys life Keylah Boyer, third from left, celebrated her 50th birthday party at Amalfi's Italian Restaurant in Northeast Portland with friends and family, some are in this photo. Parents Bob and Judy Boyer are on the right. Naim Hasan Photography Judys father, Henry Knawls, told her he couldnt make $50 a month in Texas, but by working two jobs as a union painter in Portland, he was putting that much into savings each week. Judys mom, Ollie Knawls, was a homemaker who also did domestic work. Judy, who was born in 1949, was the youngest of four children. Her earliest memories are waking up in somebody elses house and hearing the vacuum cleaner or dishes being washed, according to an oral history conducted by Oregon State University. Her parents first home was in Vanport, the 648-acre World War II housing project in North Portland destroyed in the 1948 Columbia River flood that left 18,000 people homeless. The site is now Delta Park and Portland International Raceway Her parents had moved a year before the devastating flood to the Albina neighborhood, where they paid $1,500 for a Victorian-era house. My parents were always willing to help people and took in some of the survivors of the flood, said Judy. In 1952, the family moved to the Montavilla neighborhood into a four-bedroom house with a backyard patio and brick barbecue on a double-size lot. Judy rode the school bus from fifth to eighth grade five miles southeast of her home to attend Lutheran parochial school. She graduated from Girls Polytechnic High School, a public school. Judy married at 18 and learned secretarial skills at a business college. At age 19, she was hired as an office assistant at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in the Northwest Industrial Area. She said this is where she received her best training as a young employee. She was later promoted to be an executive secretary. In 1974, she was one of five African American women who integrated with the TriMet transit agency. Throughout her 35-year career, Judy worked for private and public sector employers. In her positions, she encouraged people to get adequate training to obtain livable wage jobs. Many of those jobs had union representation. Keylah was in high school when she helped her mother teach Black United Fronts Saturday School, whose African American history program was tied to curriculum reform in the public education system. Some of the kids, now grown, continue to stay in touch with the Boyer family. Judy was semi-retired in 2014 when she started serving as president of AARP North-Northeast Portland to advocate for Oregonians over 50 and their families. Shes working with a filmmaker to document the groups history. She also tutored struggling learners through Reading Results at a local elementary school. Gladys McCoy, chair of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners 1987 to 1993, was a career mentor to Judy. Gladys McCoy was a hardworking mother of seven children who didnt ask more of her staff than what she would do herself, said Judy. She wanted people to succeed. The advice Judy remembers most: Listen, then think before you talk. Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman. Native Americans march to raise awareness about Missing Murdered Indigenous People on Sunday, March 4, 2025, in Santa Fe, N.M. (Nilaya Sabnis via AP) AP Indigenous people across North America are calling this week for sustained responses to the violence in their communities, much of it against women and girls. In prayer walks, self-defense classes, marches and speeches at state capitols, they are pushing for better cooperation among law enforcement agencies to find missing people and solve homicides that are among about 4,300 open FBI cases this year. Some parents say they will use Mondays Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day to make sure children understand whats at stake. Many young women are covering their mouths with bright red handprints, vowing to speak for those who have been silenced. According to the U.S. Justice Department, Indigenous women are more than twice as likely to be victims of homicide than the national average. Kimberly Wahpepah, a member of the Navajo Nation who survived sex trafficking and became an advocate for other victims, speaks at a rally in Santa Fe, N.M., Sunday, May 4, 2025. (Nilaya Sabnis via AP) AP What the talk means to Indigenous people Lisa Mulligan, of the Forest County Potawatomi, carries this message when she rides her motorcycle from Wisconsin to rallies out West. She plans to give her two granddaughters the talk as they grow older about what they statistically might encounter in their lives. She will warn them that her father was killed and another relative was a victim of sex trafficking. Thats why I ride for it, Milligan said. I dont want it to happen to anyone else. In this photo provided by Shawn Milligan, motorcycle rider Lisa Milligan of the Forest County Potawatomi tribe poses with a young activist at a Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women event at the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation in Wisconsin, May 5, 2022. (Shawn Milligan via AP) AP Christina Castro, of Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, has a 12-year-old daughter. Navajo Nation citizen Joylana Begay-Kroupa has a 10-year-old son. They also have shared anguished reality checks, hoping to protect their children and foster change. Indigenous people dont have the luxury about NOT talking to our daughters about violence against girls. Ive had to talk with my daughter since birth about bodily autonomy, said Castro, who co-founded the advocacy organization 3 Sisters Collective in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The collective organized speeches at the New Mexico capitol on Sunday and a showing of part of the documentary She Cried That Day, about the 2015 unresolved death of Dione Thomas, a Navajo woman. And self-defense classes will be held soon at the collective and at the Phoenix Indian Center, a social services hub for Indigenous people in Arizonas capital. I always go into auntie mode. You automatically want to protect your nieces and your nephews and your children, said Begay-Kroupa, the centers chief executive. Unfortunately in Indigenous communities, weve seen this type of suffering occur over and over again. She said she doesnt hold back information when speaking with her young son. We have relatives that have gone missing, and we just dont know where theyre at, Begay-Kroupa said. He wants to understand why, whered they go and what happened to them. Yaretzi Ortega, a 15-year-old from the Gila River Indian Community who wore the red handprint Saturday, said Native Americans need to speak up every day. Its a message she understood when she too got the talk. This photo provided by the Phoenix Indian Center shows from left, Yaretzi Ortega, Demetria Collins and Avery Hubbell, members of the Future Inspired Native American Leaders Youth Council, during a Missing and Murdered Indigenous People awareness event in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Levi Long/Phoenix Indian Center via AP) AP People need to be aware at a young age because it could happen to them, Ortega said. The talk is an acknowledgment of how Native American women and children have often been targeted. They have to be aware of the risks. Indigenous men arent immune. Donovan Paddock, who joined an awareness walk Friday in Scottsdale, Arizona, said two of his uncles were killed. His grandfather Layton Paddock Sr., a Navajo Code Talker, was found dead months after going missing in Winslow. My passion now is to help those that cant find their loved ones, Paddock said. Donovan Paddock speaks during an observance of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Day (MMIP) at the Indigenous Cultural Center at Scottsdale Community College, Friday, May 2, 2025, in Scottsdale, Ariz. AP Years of advocacy have produced slow results Some tribes have invited federal teams to lead simulation exercises showing what to do if someone goes missing. Fully implementing Indigenous Alerts as part of state Amber Alert systems will require more resources and coordination with the 574 federally recognized tribes, Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty said. Tribal alerts only recently became eligible for federal funding, and tribes had to lobby the Federal Communications Commission before Apple upgraded iPhones to accept them, Crotty said. Pamela Foster, a Navajo woman, has been a strong advocate since the delayed response to the 2016 kidnapping and murder of her daughter, Ashlynne Mike. Several years later, 76% of the tribes responding to a survey said they were participating in state alerts, but some state coordinators said they still didnt even have tribal contact information. The Trump administration in April announced a surge of FBI resources to 10 field offices to help the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit and tribal police prepare cases for prosecution. The 2023 Not One More recommendations commissioned by Congress no longer appears on the Justice Department website, but still can be seen at the National Indigenous Womens Resource Center. In it, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland noted over 84% of Native American men and women experience violence in their lifetimes. ___ Associated Press journalist Matt York in Scottsdale, Arizona, contributed to this report. In 2023, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission opened its investigation into whether Shemia Fagan violated ethics rules for her side job with an associated company of La Mota, which operates cannabis stores in Oregon. Former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan has agreed to pay $1,600 in civil fines to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for using her position to obtain a $10,000-a-month side job and for seeking state reimbursement for roomier accommodations on work trips where she was accompanied by her kids and the family dog, records show. Fagan signed the final order spelling out the settlement last week. The commission is set to vote on the agreement at its meeting Friday. Fagan defended her actions but agreed to the settlement, noting the expense of continuing to obtain legal counsel to contest these matters, the order states. A federal investigation into the allegations against Fagan concluded without criminal charges. In 2023, the commission opened its investigation into whether Fagan violated ethics rules for her side job with an associated company of La Mota, which operates cannabis stores in Oregon. Fagan had agreed to research the national cannabis regulatory landscape for the company. Fagan, whose office at the time conducted an audit of the states cannabis program, subsequently resigned as the scandal engulfed her administration. The ethics commission, its final order states, found that Fagan did not make any decisions or recommendations related to the audit of the states cannabis program that would have constituted an ethics violation. It noted that Fagan disclosed her side job to her staff and consulted with the ethics commission several times before ultimately recusing herself from the marijuana audit. However, according to the ethics commission, employing a Secretary of State as a consultant could appear as an endorsement. The commission also found no evidence that Veriede, the company Fagan had agreed to work for, had conducted a competitive process for filling the position or had a history of offering similar consulting positions to others. It noted, too, that Fagan, an attorney and former lawmaker, lacked significant experience in cannabis regulation. The order said Rosa Cazares, a Veriede owner, was friends with Fagan and the opportunity to serve as a temporary consultant and an eventual board member arose during a personal social outing between the women. Fagan was actively pursuing outside employment during this period, both with Willamette Law School and by seeking positions she found on Indeed.com, the order states. The order states that the commission weighed those factors, and others, in concluding that Fagan used her position to gain private employment. Fagan took issue with the commissions inquiry, arguing that it failed to produce evidence of wrongdoing. On the contrary, Shemia Fagan contends that there is substantial evidence that she was offered her position with Veriede for reasons other than being Secretary of State and further, that she expressly guarded against her or Veriede using her public position for any private gain, the order states. Separately, the commission also examined Fagans spending on two work-related road trips in 2022, one to eastern Oregon and the other to the coast and central Oregon. Her unexplained spending was first reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Her two children and the familys dog accompanied her on both trips, the order states. Her sister went on one of the trips and her aunt went on the other. A staff member also accompanied her, according to the report. The Secretary of States staff rented her a full-sized SUV rather than an economy vehicle, the report notes. At each stop, Fagan, her family and the dog stayed in double-queen, pet-friendly rooms, according to the order. She did not seek reimbursement for pet fees. Fagans staffer rented a separate economy-sized vehicle and stayed in a standard-sized hotel room, the report states. Fagan was reimbursed for the larger rooms, gas and rental expenses associated with the bigger vehicle, amounting to an additional $1,089.27, according to the final order. The commission, the report notes, concluded that the extra costs fell outside of Fagans official duties. By seeking reimbursements for which she was not entitled, Shemia Fagan took actions in her official capacity that provided a financial benefit to herself and failed to disclose the conflict of interest, the report notes. Fagan told the commission that the expenses were submitted and approved by agency staff and her deputy at the time and she did not knowingly or intentionally seek any reimbursements to which she was not entitled, the document states. Fagan and her attorney, David Elkanich, did not respond to emails seeking comment on Sunday. Cheryl Myers, who became acting secretary of state after Fagans resignation, previously said the agencys employees repeatedly warned Fagan that she was bending, and possibly breaking, state travel rules by bringing her family on state-paid work trips. Under the settlement, the commission also agreed to send Fagan a so-called letter of education for filing inaccurate statements of economic interest in 2022 and 2023 as required under Oregon law. Meanwhile, the Oregon State Bar on April 24 reinstated Fagan as an active member who can once again practice law in Oregon. The move came after a federal investigation into Fagan closed in December, with no criminal charges filed. Fagan previously had asked that her law license be switched to inactive status when she took office as secretary of state in January 2021. But she asked that it be reactivated in February 2023, days after signing the contract for the cannabis consulting side job. The bar is now investigating several complaints it received in 2023 about Fagan and that allege she committed ethical violations. If she is found guilty of them, she could face a range of discipline, including a reprimand, suspension or disbarment. Noelle Crombie is an enterprise reporter with a focus on criminal justice. Reach her at 503-276-7184; ncrombie@oregonian.com Reporter Aimee Green contributed to this story. Amanda Hebeler, 20, takes a reservation at the pizza restaurant where she worked as a hostess in Chicago in 2007. Hebeler worked many jobs during her teenage years, including selling cell phones, cleaning restaurant tables and serving ice cream. ASSOCIATED PRESS Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson recently signed Senate Bill 1644 into law, establishing enhanced safety and health regulations for minors employed in both agricultural and non-agricultural industries. Ferguson signed the bill on International Workers Memorial Day at the Western Washington Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees DuPont campus. The legislation, which passed the House with a 60-35 vote and the Senate with a 37-12 vote, aims to address increasing incidents of injuries and violations of child labor laws. Sponsored by Representative Mary Fosse, D-Everett, the bill emerged after the revelation of statistics highlighting a rise in child employment and associated accidents. According to the Department of Labor & Industries, injury claims by minor workers in Washington rose by 60% between 2009 and 2023. During this time, employment for 16 to 19-year-olds increased by over 30%, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2024, around one-third of Washingtons 16- to 19-year-olds had jobs. Our laws havent kept pace with the protections minors clearly deserve, said Fosse during the bill signing. Outdated laws and a lack of meaningful accountability for violators are putting children at risk of injury and exploitation. SB 1644 introduces stricter penalties for employers who violate child labor laws, with fines ranging from $100 to $71,000, depending on the severity of the violation. It also mandates that the L&I revoke an employers minor work permit after a serious violation leading to severe injury or death, thereby prohibiting them from hiring minors for a designated period. This revocation, lasting a minimum of 12 months, is intended to deter employers from infringing upon minors safety and welfare. The bill also requires L&I to conduct safety and health consultations at worksites before granting certain variances that would allow minors to perform jobs typically restricted based on age. With the signing of this bill, Washington joins several other states reevaluating their child labor laws amidst rising concerns about workplace safety. Supporters of the bill argued that it is a necessary step in modernizing outdated child labor laws. This legislation is about ensuring that our children are not subjected to unsafe working conditions, Fosse said. She expressed gratitude for the collaboration between labor organizations and legislators that made the enactment of the bill possible. However, some lawmakers raised concerns about the potential consequences of the new regulations. Representative Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, who opposed the bill, voiced apprehensions that increased restrictions could lead to fewer job opportunities for young people. Were making it harder for our young people to work and learn how to work. If we dont allow them to gain this experience, they wont know how to take direction or work under supervision, Dent said. Senator Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, echoed Dents concerns, stating that the stringent requirements might dampen interest in hiring youth, particularly in rural communities reliant on seasonal agricultural labor. I grew up on a farm where we hired high school students to help. This legislation makes it more difficult for employers to take on younger workers, Warnick said. It will leave many young people without job opportunities just as theyre starting to explore career paths. The penalties articulated in SB 1644 have also drawn criticism for being excessively harsh. Warnick pointed out that increased fines might discourage smaller construction and agricultural companies from hiring young workers. This creates a chilling effect on hiring youth, particularly in labor-intensive industries, she said. Nonetheless, Fosse maintains that the legislation strikes a balance between safeguarding minors and allowing responsible employers to provide job opportunities. And its not fair to our youth or to all of the really reputable good businesses in Washington state that when bad employers repeatedly violate minor worker rights and safety, they are still allowed to employ minors," the Everett Democrat said. This new law takes effect July 1, 2026. Steve Marks, who led the agency for about nine years, told a human resources investigator he had purchased a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23 year and that he paid $329.99, records show. Tanya Moutzalias | MLive.com The former executive director of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission has agreed to pay a $500 civil penalty to the states ethics commission for using his position to obtain a prized bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, records show. Steve Marks, a Gov. John Kitzhaber appointee who led the agency for about nine years, told a human resources investigator he had purchased a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23 year sometime between 2019 and 2022 and that he paid $329.99, the list price, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission final order notes. Former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz used TeleMessage, an app owned by Portland-based Smarsh, to communicate with other Trump administration officials. Smarsh says TeleMessage suffered a "security incident." AP Portland-based tech firm Smarsh has stopped offering a digital messaging app called TeleMessage, notably used by Trump administration official Mike Waltz, after hackers breached the app. TeleMessage is investigating a recent security incident. Upon detection, we acted quickly to contain it and engaged an external cybersecurity firm to support our investigation, Smarsh said in a written statement Monday. Out of an abundance of caution, all TeleMessage services have been temporarily suspended, Smarsh said. The firm said its other services continue operating. In March, while serving as national security adviser, Waltz inadvertently added the editor of The Atlantic magazine to a text thread discussing sensitive plans for attacking rebels in Yemen. Waltz had used the messaging app Signal. Then last week, a Reuters photographer captured an image of Waltz using a different messaging app TeleMessage to communicate with Vice President JD Vance and other administration officials during a portion of a cabinet meeting that was open to the press. Smarsh, which companies and government agencies contract to store records of their digital communications and comply with retention laws, bought TeleMessage last year. Israeli engineers built the app to archive communication that takes place on other messaging apps, including WhatsApp, WeChat, Signal and Telegram. Over the weekend, though, the online tech news site 404 Media reported that TeleMessage had been hacked. The news site reported that some group chats and direct messages had been stolen though apparently not, 404 reported, any communication involving Waltz or other top administration officials. It isnt clear whether the government had sanctioned Waltzs use of TeleMessage. Trump fired Waltz as national security adviser last week and plans to nominate him to serve as ambassador to the United Nations. -- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The medical contractor at the center of a joint investigation by The Frontier and The Marshall Project is exiting the Cleveland County Detention Center after almost two decades. TK Health, formerly known as Turn Key Health Clinics, said in a letter dated March 6 that it would not renew its contract with Cleveland County. The company said it would leave the jail on June 30. The TK Health team has continued to enhance the delivery of health services at the detention center during our 16-year partnership with Cleveland County. However, we believe it is time for the county to seek an alternative option to provide health services, the company said in a statement to The Frontier. TK Health leadership has offered to assist the county in ensuring high-quality patient care during the transition. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name When major news breaks + a few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... The company declined to answer why it decided not to continue to serve the Cleveland County jail. Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason said he was already planning to seek new bids for the contract before receiving the letter from TK Health. There was some talk about the price last year the price of the service, Amason said. And I think this was just the perfect opportunity for both of us to kind of evaluate whats best for each of us. Amason said his office is also looking at ways to improve access to mental health care and medications at the jail. There has been a history of deaths and complaints about access to health care at the Cleveland County jail. Cleveland County District Court Judge Michael Tupper wrote to detention center officials in January after hearing complaints about poor living conditions at the jail, including a lack of access to health care. Two detainees complained to Cleveland County District Court Judge Thad Balkman of long waits to see a medical provider, according to court transcripts. One man told the judge he requested an appointment for a problem with his knee and waited three weeks without seeing a doctor. Amason said jail staff investigated and found the complaints to be unfounded. TK Health said it couldnt comment on the care of individuals. The Frontier and The Marshall Project published an investigation in July 2024 that found TK Health employees didnt send people to the hospital in dozens of cases when they were in crisis, catatonic or refusing to eat or drink. The company staffed mental health and other medical positions with low-level nursing assistants trained to perform basic tasks like taking vital signs, but not to diagnose or assess medical conditions. NO PAYWALL, NONPARTISAN Students pay about $14 in fees that support the Daily. If you're not a student, please join those invested in OU and Norman who have given more than $110,000 to support our trustworthy, independent journalism. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL JOURNALISM The investigation highlighted the 2022 death of Shannon Hanchett in the Cleveland County jail after her arrest during a mental health crisis. It took 10 days for a doctor to consult on Hanchetts care at the jail while she was in psychosis, records show. Hanchetts death was caused by complications from a heart defect, with contributing factors including psychosis with auditory and visual hallucinations and dehydration, an autopsy later found. At least six detainees have died since the beginning of 2024 at the facility. The Cleveland County Commissioners hired a consultant last year to identify the root causes of deaths at the jail. County officials announced in March that a preliminary report would not be released publicly, claiming it was protected by attorney-client privilege. Oklahoma City-based TK Health has been the medical contractor at the Cleveland County jail since 2009 when Jon Echols, who is now campaigning to become the next Oklahoma Attorney General, and his business partners created the company to provide nursing staff at the facility. The company has since expanded to provide medical care in jails in about a dozen states and rebranded under the name TK Health last year. The company announced in October that it had expanded into 27 new jails in Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana. The Frontier is a nonprofit newsroom that produces fearless journalism with impact in Oklahoma. Read more at www.readfrontier.org. Read more: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the state's private school voucher program bill into law, giving families access to state funds to pay for their kids' tuition. The passage of the state's private school voucher program into law marks a significant win for Abbott, who spent millions of dollars to reshape Texas' Legislature to win the votes he needed. The latest development comes after Senate Bill 2 was approved by the Texas House last month. Texas School Voucher Program Signed Into Law The bill will spend up to $1 billion over the next two years for the creation of educational savings accounts, which are a form of vouchers. The annual cost of the recently approved program is expected to rise to around $4.8 billion by 2030, which needs to be approved by the Legislature. Supporters of the program argue that the school voucher will give families more options in choosing an institution for their kids, including religious schools. On the other hand, opponents believe that the program could cut into public school funding and enrollment, according to Axios. The voucher program is set to become one of the largest in the United States and will give families a total equal to about 85% of what public schools get for every student in state and local funding. An analysis showed that this would mean anywhere between $10,000 and $10,900 per year for each child. If demand for the program exceeds its budget, priority eligibility would be given to families found to have low incomes or children with disabilities. This comes even though the program itself is open to families of any income, even those who already have kids in private school. Support From President Donald Trump During the signing of the program on Saturday, Abbott said that it was the culmination of a movement that swept across the state and the nation. This comes as President Donald Trump previously expressed his support of the program, CBS News reported. The president also issued an executive order in January earlier this year that frees up federal funding for school choice programs. Gov. Abbott noted on Saturday that the program would not have succeeded without the support of members of the House and Senate. The development puts Texas alongside 30 other states that have implemented similar programs in their areas. There are about a dozen of these that launched or expanded their programs in the past few years to make more students eligible to apply, as per ABC News. I wrote the other day regarding the approval of a temple in Texas about which considerable and acrimonious controversy has swirled. (See Quick Thoughts Occasioned by the Fairview Texas Temple.) Ive received some email responses to my position and Ive seen some online reactions to the agreement that has evidently been reached, and I think that I want to reply to them, very briefly and perhaps only on a single point. The Fairview city council has evidently suggested pretty openly that it was essentially coerced into accepting the greatly downsized temple plan offered by the Church, solely because it feared that its stance would not prevail in court. It would have preferred something much smaller still, apparently. (Perhaps an earth-sheltered or even completely subterranean version?) And critics of the Church have described this as a case of little David (the city of Fairview) being confronted by a gigantic and menacing Goliath (Mormon Inc., as some like to describe it) that would flatly outspend and out-lawyer the towns hardworking, worthy, and honest burghers. It was, the critics say, a matter of vicious and coercive bullying and, thus, the Church is wholly immoral and deserving of condemnation. First of all, I see no reason in principle to condemn either party, in a case of genuine legal dispute, for availing itself of the right to have its claims heard in a court of law. That is the reason that such courts exist. They peacefully adjudicate disagreements. And Im aware of no moral obligation, whether legal or religious, to surrender ones constitutional rights or legal guarantees. But, for the sake of discussion, lets accept the malignant caricature of the LD$ Church' proffered by some of its critics: The fact is that, in American courtrooms, massive and powerful corporations fairly often lose to relatively insignificant plaintiffs. Even with its supposedly unlimited supply of hired legal guns, the so-called Church could lose in a courtroom, especially if its legal arguments are manifestly flimsy. (The Church has lost a number of verdicts over its history, whatever the merits of the cases may or may not have been.) Obviously, it could really turn out that poor and defenseless little Fairview might fail to persuade a judge because of the massive legal resources deployed against it by the evil cultic behemoth based in Salt Lake City. But surely there is at least one other conceivable explanation for the city councils worry that Fairview might not prevail at trial: Perhaps they knew, or at least feared, that their case wasnt a solid one. Perhaps their lawyers had warned them that they were on shaky ground and that a ruling in an inevitably expensive judicial process could easily go against them. In such a case, one so inclined might even suggest that the bullying, if there really was any, might hypothetically have been on the citys part rather than on the Churchs part, and that, so understood, it would be the Church that stood up to the citys attempt at intimidation rather than the other way around. I cant see into the souls on the Fairview city council, so Im neither judging nor hurling an accusation. I will say this, though: I know many of the highest leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Im confident that they arent malevolent bullies. It would be far preferable, in all such cases, to assume good faith on both sides, and to forego demonizing those with whom we disagree. In proof that the Church has behaved badly in Fairview, one ex-Mormon critic points out that he spent a little bit of time in or near that town back in the 1990s, and that the people that he met there were nice. Perhaps hes forgotten that, during his time in the Church, several Latter-day Saints were nice people, too. (Ive met two or three myself!) American public discourse is too frequently toxic today, and not only on the presidential level nor even only in partisan politics. (A parenthetical postscript: There was bitter opposition on the part of at least some to the construction of the Cody Wyoming Temple a 9,950 square foot structure, to be located on a very nearly 4.7-acre lot which, after successfully withstanding multiple legal and political challenges, is now nonetheless well underway. I followed the Cody case more closely than Ive followed the Fairview case, and I often saw allegations that the Cody Wyoming Temple, if allowed to exist, would loom over the city, dominate its skyline, block views of the surrounding mountains, and obscure the sky. I invite you to examine recent construction photos out of Cody and to judge for yourself how likely those dire prophecies are to be fulfilled.) We have some fairly early photographic images of Brigham Young and, still fairly recently, a very probable image of Oliver Cowdery was found. (From my point of view, at least, he looks remarkably like our Oliver Cowdery in the 2021 Interpreter Foundation film Witnesses.) Sadly, though, we have not had a photograph of Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Restoration. And the sketches and paintings of him that have come down to us frankly seem, to me anyway, to be all over the map. Our salvation obviously doesnt depend upon whether we know what Joseph looked like. For that matter, very few of us today know what Jesus looked like. Right? And yet, notwithstanding what some of our more disingenuous critics sometimes claim, Jesus is far more central to our faith and fundamental to our salvation than is Joseph. Is it possible, though, that we now do have an authentic daguerreotype image of Joseph Smith? This video interview runs just slightly more than two hours and eight minutes, and I think that many of you will find it to be of interest: BREAKING New Joseph Smith Photo Evidence! w/ Curtis Weber Im obviously very late with calling attention to them see below for the reason behind my delay but these items went up on the website of the Interpreter Foundation on Friday afternoon, and I heartily commend them to your attention. Two of them appear in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship: Anachronisms: Accidental Evidence in Book of Mormon Criticisms: Introduction, written by Matthew Roper So why am I so delinquent in blogging? Why did I miss the Abraham conference on Saturday? By the time I got to bed at home following the train ride from Samarkand to Tashkent and the flights from Tashkent to Dubai and from Dubai to Houston and from Houston to Salt Lake City and the drive from Salt Lake City down to Utah Valley, I calculate that I had been awake for about fifty-four consecutive hours. That may be the longest Ive ever gone without sleep. And, in recompense, I then slept solidly for twelve hours, from almost 3 AM the flight from Houston was delayed for three hours, which was just what I needed! until nearly 3 PM.. Which is, I think, almost certainly the longest Ive ever slept. And, even then, my wife had to wake me up. I couldnt believe what time it was; I thought that she was playing a trick on me. I had planned to attend the first installment of the Interpreter Foundations two-day conference on Abraham and His Family: In Scripture, History, and Tradition, which was held on the Brigham Young University campus on Saturday, 3 May 2025, and will conclude (at the same location) this coming Saturday, 10 May 2025. I thought that I would at least attend part of it. I thought that I would definitely be able to make the afternoon sessions. Not even close. Happily, though, videos of the presentations that were given yesterday (Saturday) are available at no charge online. So I hope to catch up: I did, however, manage to get up and become at least minimally functional in time to go with my wife to meet friends for dinner and then to proceed with them up to a Utah Opera performance of Giacomo Puccinis Madame Butterfly. It was a good, solid , and I very much enjoyed it. (I even stayed fully awake.). I especially liked Hiromi Omuras portrayal in the title role and the work of the entirely Japanese and Japanese-American creative team (including an entirely female Japanese design collective) behind it. The staging was excellent, and palpably more Asian than any version that Ive seen before. I did not, however, like the idea of placing the story of the opera within a modern American setting, making the deeply caddish B. F. Pinkerton of the opera into a modern guy who watches the Puccini opera via a virtual-reality headset. It added absolutely nothing, in my view, and couldnt bear sustained thought. If anything, it only added confusion. By the way, I would judge the conference in Samarkand a success. It gathered people together from the United States, Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, and several other countries, and there was a really friendly spirit throughout. Ive even been invited to participate in an October 2025 conference in Qom, Iran, devoted to the topic of Islamic and Christian ethics. I would like to do it, and Im going to try to make it work. (I can simply never experience too many unendurably long plane rides!) Summary: The Protestant Revolt from its inception was a chaotic mess of mutually anathematizing, ever-warring factions: initiated by Luthers principle of private judgment & sola Scriptura. * Dive into Part 4 of Dave Armstrongs explosive series on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation! Discover the jaw-dropping truth about the bitter rivalries and fiery conflicts that tore apart the early Protestant leaders after Luthers 95 Theses in 1517. Far from the promised unity and harmony, reformers like Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and others clashed viciously, hurling insults and accusations of heresy at one another. From Luther being called a full-blown heathen to Calvin labeling Lutheranism an evil, this video uncovers the chaotic infighting that defined the early Protestant movement. * Travel back 500 years to witness the shocking disunity among Protestant founders, including Luthers scathing attacks on Zwingli, Oecolampadius, and Karlstadt, and Calvins fears of Lutheranisms spread. Learn how these leaders, meant to unite under the Bibles authority, instead condemned each other as murderers of souls and enemies of Christ. Plus, find out why even Anabaptists faced the death penalty under both Calvin and Luthers influence! * My Related Books * Martin Luther: Catholic Critical Analysis and Praise (April 2008, 264 pages) (April 2008, 264 pages) * Protestantism: Critical Reflections of an Ecumenical Catholic (May 2003, 188 pages) (May 2003, 188 pages) * My Related Web Pages * * * * * As announced a few weeks ago, Microsoft has officially discontinued the Skype messaging service as of today, May 5th. Apparently, there wasnt enough user interest to keep the once-iconic video call app alive. If youre one of the dwindling few who still used Skype in 2025, you might be wondering what you can do going forward. Naturally, Microsoft recommends switching to Teams, which is free to use and conveniently installed on every Windows PC with Microsoft 365. But if you dont want to use Teams, you have other options, too. Switching from Skype to Teams Microsoft offers the ability for Skype users to log into Teams using their existing login details, which automatically transfers all chats and contacts. Up until the final shutdown, it was still possible chat or call via Teams with Skype users who hadnt yet switched to the new platform. However, this is no longer possible. If you still have a Skype subscription, you can keep using it until the end of the next renewal period. If you have Skype Credits, youll be able to keep using them via Teams Dial Pad feature. If the seamless migration from Skype to Teams didnt work, you can also try this method to move your contacts from Skype to Teams: Open Microsoft Teams. Select the three-dot menu > Settings. Select People. Under Synchronize contacts, select the Manage button. From there, you have the option to synchronize Skype if you use the same Microsoft account for Teams. You can also back up your Skype data: Sign into Skype and go to My Account. In the settings page, select the Export contacts option. Skype will offer you all your contacts for download. You will then receive a CSV file that you can open and edit in Excel. For chats and media, log in at go.skype.com/export and select everything you want to download (messages, pictures, videos, recordings, and other files). Confirm and wait for the export to finish. Youll then get a download link under Available exports. Its not yet possible to delete your Skype account without closing the associated Microsoft account, as explained on this support page. Microsoft was expected to offer the option of deleting just your Skype account without touching your Microsoft account, but as of yet theres still no information on this. Alternatives to Skype and Teams If youre looking for another messaging app besides Skype and Teams, the following options are available: Evil AI exists, where the model is built for mayhem, criminal activity, and no good. But legitimate AI tools can be corrupted, too. Hackers can feed data to the AI that poisons itthe goal is to influence the AIs dataset and change its output. Perhaps an attacker wants a more discreet outcome, like introducing biases. Or perhaps instead malicious results are wanted, like dangerous inaccuracies or suggestions. AI is just a toolit doesnt know if its being used for positive or negative benefit. If you dont know what to look for, you could become the victim of cybercrime. So last week while I was at the RSAC Conference, which brings together thousands of cybersecurity experts, I took the opportunity to dive into AI security with Ram Shankar Siva Kumar, a Data Cowboy with Microsofts red team. Red teams function as internal penetration testers for companies, purposely looking for ways to break or manipulate a system to find its vulnerabilities. During our chat, Kumar gave me a handful of sharp tips on how to stay safe from compromised AI, whether its a chatbot youre conversing with or an agent processing info more automatically. Because, as it turns out, spotting a poisoned AI is very difficult. 1. Stick to the big players AI tools created and maintained by bigger players in the space (like OpenAIs ChatGPT) are easier to trustthough not immune to vulnerabilities. Jon Martindale / Foundry While every AI tool will have vulnerabilities, you can better trust the intent (and the size of the teams ready to mitigate them) from the bigger players in the field. Not only are they more established, but they should have clear goals for their AI. So, for example, OpenAIs ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini? More trustworthy than a chatbot you randomly found in a small, obscure subreddit. At least, you can more easily believe in a baseline level of trust. 2. Know that AI can make things up For a long while, you could ask Google which was bigger, California or Germanyand its AI search summary would tell you Germany. (Nope.) It stopped comparing miles against kilometers only recently. This is an innocent hallucination, or instance when wrong information is given as factually correct. (You know how your two-year-old neighbor confidently proclaims that dogs can only be boys? Yeah, its like that.) With compromised AI, it could hallucinate in more treacherous ways or simply steer you in purposefully dangerous ways. For example, maybe an AI is poisoned to ignore safeties around giving medical advice. So any advice or instructions youre given by AI? Always accept them with polite skepticism. 3. Remember AI only passes along what it finds When an AI chatbot answers your questions, what you see is a summary of the information it finds. But those details are only as good as the sourcesand right now, theyre not always top caliber. You should always look over the source material AI relies on. Occasionally, it can take details out of context or misinterpret them. Or it may not have enough variety in its dataset to know the best sites to lean on (and conversely, which publish little meaningful content). I know some people who share juicy news, but they dont always think hard about who told them the info. I always ask them where they heard those details and then decide for myself if I think that source is reliable. I bet you do this, too. Extend the same habit to AI. 4. Think critically Wikipedias early days taught us to trust but verify information offered by its contributors. (Which you should still do.) Handle AI chatbots similarly. PCWorld To sum up the above tips: You cant know everything. (At least, most of us cant.) The next best skill is understanding who to rely onand how to decide that. Malicious AI wins when you turn off your brain. So, always ask yourself, does this sound right? Dont let confidence sell you. The above tips will get you started. But you can keep that momentum going by regularly cross-referencing what you read (that is, looking at multiple sources to double-check your AI helpers work) and by learning who to ask for additional help. My goal is being able to answer a second question after that work: Why did someone create this source article or video? When you know less about a topic, you have be smart about who you trust. The US Department of Justice wants to break up Googles search monopoly. But while this might seem like good news for Googles competitors, it could actually be harmful to some. For example, Mozilla now warns that it could result in the death of Firefox, reports The Verge. Last year, a federal judge ruled that Googles search business was an illegal monopoly, forged via exclusive contracts that restrict competition. In the wake of that ruling, the US Department of Justice is now demanding that Google no longer be allowed to pay to be the default search engine in third-party browserslike Mozillas Firefox. Further measures to break up Googles search monopoly include the potential forced sale of the Chrome web browser. There are already several companies waiting to jump in and snatch Chrome for themselves if that happens, but that part isnt set in stone just yet. Mozilla depends on Googles search deal If Google is no longer allowed to strike deals to be the default search engine in third-party browsers, it would mean a massive financial hit for Mozilla. Firefox brings in about 90 percent of the Mozilla Foundations revenue, 85 percent of which comes from a deal with Google. The loss of this revenue would lead to significant cuts across the company, said Mozillas CFO Eric Muhlheim to The Verge. Should Mozilla be forced to reduce investments in Firefox product development, it could lead to a dangerous downward spiral. The browser could become less attractive to users and put Firefox out of business. Other Mozilla projects, including open-source web tools and efforts to combat climate change through AI research, would also be at risk. Ironically, should the ban on Google actually materialize, it could even strengthen Googles position. As Muhlheim points out, Firefoxs Gecko engine is the only browser engine that is held not by Big Tech but by a nonprofit. Should Firefox die, thered only be two relevant browser engines remaining: Googles Blink and Apples WebKit. Mozilla negotiates with competitors Mozilla is now negotiating with other search engine providers like Microsoft, looking into the feasibility of making Bing Search the default in Firefox. But even a company like Microsoft probably couldnt offer as much direct revenue as Google doesand without a bid from Google, the amount Mozilla could negotiate for itself would likely fall. Mozilla has already tried to change the default search engine for all users in the past, which was met with massive outcry and pushback from the user community. This was despite the fact that it would have been possible for every user to simply change it themselves. A Dauphin County judge thanked a former Williamsport public official for his service after the official admitted to a 7-year scheme of redirecting public funds and grant money to projects for which they were not intended. At the core and heart of this criminal action was an intent to creatively benefit his community, Dauphin County President Judge Scott A. Evans said from the bench Monday morning as he doled out a sentence of year of probation to William Nichols Jr., 72. Nichols spent 42 years working for the city of Williamsport, the final seven of which he played fast and loose with grant money, ignoring requirements. He commingled funds, misappropriated grant dollars and hid his trail through what the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office defined as a scheme. Lady Gaga performs during her free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo) AP Pop star Lady Gaga was the target of a bomb threat during a packed concert in Brazil. On May 3, police in Brazil moved quickly to stop the plans to set off a bomb during Gagas concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Her performance drew in 2.5 million people. Folks hoping to see Julien Baker and Torres on tour this year are going to have to wait a bit longer. Thats because Baker, who rose to fame for her work with Boygenius, has decided to cancel the rest of the duos Send a Prayer My Way Tour with Torres to focus on her health. Due to recent events, Julien Baker is prioritizing her well-being and taking time to focus on her health, a statement on Bakers Instagram page read. Therefore, the Julien Baker & Torres Send A Prayer My Way Tour has been cancelled. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment this may cause for the fans. We deeply appreciate your understanding. The tour began on April 23 and had a scheduled stop in Philadelphia. USA Today reported that the duo cancelled a speaking engagement at Ohio University on March 27 because one of our key members sustained a concussion and will need to take the next few weeks to recover. The duo then also cancelled an appearance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville in late March, too. USA Today said that Torres said in March interview that their new country album has been in the works for five years, dating all the way back to the start of the pandemic. As a member of Boygenius along with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Daucus, Baker helped the group win three Grammys. However, Boygenius announced in 2024 that it was going on hiatus. The Hershey Civil War Roundtable will meet next on Thursday, May 15, at the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 542, 8000 Derry St., Harrisburg. Its scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. and will be carried via Zoom and Facebook Live. The speaker is historian and award-winning author and speaker Robert M. (Bert) Dunkerly, who will present a talk entitled Surrender of Greensboro, NC. Per his bio, Dunkerly has worked at nine historic sites, written 11 books and over 20 articles. Dunklerly will discuss the myths and misconceptions that abounded during the final days of the Confederacy. Per the notes on the upcoming meeting: There would be no single surrender or treaty that brought the war to an end. Rather, the Confederacy collapsed, its government on the run, its cities occupied, its armies surrendering piecemeal. Offering a fresh look at the various surrenders that ended the war, To the Bitter End: Appomattox, Bennett Place, and the Surrenders of the Confederacy," by Dunkerly, brings to light little-known facts and covers often-overlooked events. Each surrender - starting at Appomattox and continuing through Greensboro, Citronelle, and the Trans Mississippi - unfolded on its own course. As the surrenders unfolded, daunting questions remained. Appomattox was just the beginning. The meeting is free and open to the public. If you miss the meeting, you can view the presentation at the organizations website. For additional information, contact Ricky Hollis at rickyhollissr@gmail.com. This emergency will begin in May. (Getty Images) Getty Images/500px Cicadas are creepy-looking, red-eyed bugs that emerge in writhing masses every once in a while, essentially looking for love. And one of the largest cicada broods around will emerge in some areas of the United States this spring. Pennsylvania is one of these areas. According to CicadaMania.com, Brood XIV (14) will grace 13 states this upcoming spring season, the Keystone State as previously mentioned among them. Theyll also pop up in Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. This brood involves all three 17-year species, the site explains: Magicicada septendecim, Magicicada cassini, and Magicicada septendecula. The University of Connecticut explains that Brood XIV is, in fact, the second largest periodical brood there is. Brood XIX is the largest. Periodical cicadas are found in eastern North America and belong to the genus Magicicada, explains the University of Michigan. There are seven species four with 13-year life cycles (including one new species described in 2000), and three with 17-year cycles. The three 17-year species are generally northern in distribution, while the 13-year species are generally southern and midwestern. Magicicada are so well-synchronized developmentally that they are nearly absent as adults in the 12 or 16 years between emergences. They also may be called locusts, but theyre not, the University of Michigan adds. Additionally, while theyre certainly freaky-looking, theyre completely and totally harmless to humans (and even nutritious). Brood XIV is expected to emerge around mid-May. This emergence will end late June. Story by Paula Span, KFF Health News (TNS) It happened more than a decade ago, but the moment remains with her. Sara Stewart was talking at the dining room table with her mother, Barbara Cole, 86 at the time, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Stewart, then 59, a lawyer, was making one of her extended visits from out of state. Two or three years earlier, Cole had begun showing troubling signs of dementia, probably from a series of small strokes. I didnt want to yank her out of her home, Stewart said. So with a squadron of helpers a housekeeper, regular family visitors, a watchful neighbor, and a meal delivery service Cole remained in the house she and her late husband had built 30-odd years earlier. She was managing, and she usually seemed cheerful and chatty. But this conversation in 2014 took a different turn. She said to me: Now, where is it we know each other from? Was it from school? her daughter and firstborn recalled. I felt like Id been kicked. Stewart remembers thinking, In the natural course of things, you were supposed to die before me. But you were never supposed to forget who I am. Later, alone, she wept. People with advancing dementia do regularly fail to recognize beloved spouses, partners, children, and siblings. By the time Stewart and her youngest brother moved Cole into a memory-care facility a year later, she had almost completely lost the ability to remember their names or their relationship to her. Its pretty universal at the later stages of the disease, said Alison Lynn, director of social work at the Penn Memory Center, who has led support groups for dementia caregivers for a decade. She has heard many variations of this account, a moment described with grief, anger, frustration, relief, or some combination thereof. These caregivers see a lot of losses, reverse milestones, and this is one of those benchmarks, a fundamental shift in a close relationship, she said. It can throw people into an existential crisis. Its hard to determine what people with dementia a category that includes Alzheimers disease and many other cognitive disorders know or feel. We dont have a way of asking the person or looking at an MRI, Lynn noted. Its all deductive. But researchers are starting to investigate how family members respond when a loved one no longer appears to know them. A qualitative study recently published in the journal Dementia analyzed in-depth interviews with adult children caring for mothers with dementia who, at least once, did not recognize them. Its very destabilizing, said Kristie Wood, a clinical research psychologist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and co-author of the study. Recognition affirms identity, and when its gone, people feel like theyve lost part of themselves. Although they understood that nonrecognition was not rejection but a symptom of their mothers disease, she added, some adult children nevertheless blamed themselves. They questioned their role. Was I not important enough to remember? Wood said. They might withdraw or visit less often. Pauline Boss, the family therapist who developed the theory of ambiguous loss decades ago, points out that it can involve physical absence as when a soldier is missing in action or psychological absence, including nonrecognition because of dementia. Society has no way to acknowledge the transition when a person is physically present but psychologically absent, Boss said. There is no death certificate, no ritual where friends and neighbors come sit with you and comfort you. People feel guilty if they grieve for someone whos still alive, she continued. But while its not the same as a verified death, it is a real loss and it just keeps coming. Nonrecognition takes different forms. Some relatives report that while a loved one with dementia can no longer retrieve a name or an exact relationship, they still seem happy to see them. She stopped knowing who I was in the narrative sense, that I was her daughter Janet, Janet Keller, 69, an actress in Port Townsend, Washington, said in an email about her late mother, diagnosed with Alzheimers. But she always knew that I was someone she liked and wanted to laugh with and hold hands with. It comforts caregivers to still feel a sense of connection. But one of the respondents in the Dementia study reported that her mother felt like a stranger and that the relationship no longer provided any emotional reward. I might as well be visiting the mailman, she told the interviewer. Larry Levine, 67, a retired health care administrator in Rockville, Maryland, watched his husbands ability to recognize him shift unpredictably. He and Arthur Windreich, a couple for 43 years, had married when Washington, D.C., legalized same-sex marriage in 2010. The following year, Windreich received a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimers. Levine became his caregiver until his death at 70, in late 2023. His condition sort of zigzagged, Levine said. Windreich had moved into a memory-care unit. One day, hed call me the nice man who comes to visit, Levine said. The next day hed call me by name. Even in his final years when, like many dementia patients, Windreich became largely nonverbal, there was some acknowledgment, his husband said. Sometimes you could see it in his eyes, this sparkle instead of the blank expression he usually wore. At other times, however, there was no affect at all. Levine often left the facility in tears. He sought help from his therapist and his sisters, and recently joined a support group for LGBTQ+ dementia caregivers even though his husband has died. Support groups, in person or online, are medicine for the caregiver, Boss said. Its important not to stay isolated. Lynn encourages participants in her groups to also find personal rituals to mark the loss of recognition and other reverse milestones. Maybe they light a candle. Maybe they say a prayer, she said. Someone who would sit shiva, part of the Jewish mourning ritual, might gather a small group of friends or family to reminisce and share stories, even though the loved one with dementia hasnt died. To have someone else participate can be very validating, Lynn said. It says, I see the pain youre going through. Once in a while, the fog of dementia seems to lift briefly. Researchers at Penn and elsewhere have pointed to a startling phenomenon called paradoxical lucidity. Someone with severe dementia, after being noncommunicative for months or years, suddenly regains alertness and may come up with a name, say a few appropriate words, crack a joke, make eye contact, or sing along with a radio. Though common, these episodes generally last only seconds and dont mark a real change in the persons decline. Efforts to recreate the experiences tend to fail. Its a blip, Lynn said. But caregivers often respond with shock and joy; some interpret the episode as evidence that despite deepening dementia, they are not truly forgotten. Stewart encountered such a blip a few months before her mother died. She was in her mothers apartment when a nurse asked her to come down the hall. As I left the room, my mother called out my name, she said. Though Cole usually seemed pleased to see her, she hadnt used my name for as long as I could remember. It didnt happen again, but that didnt matter. It was wonderful, Stewart said. The New Old Age is produced through a partnership with The New York Times. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Last week, President Donald Trump announced he wont recognize Indigenous Peoples Day and will bring Columbus Day back from the ashes another sign some Native leaders say that advocacy for Indigenous representation must continue during Trumps second term in the White House. Columbus Day, celebrated annually in October, venerates the accomplishments of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. Native Americans have been lobbying local and federal governments for decades to replace celebrations of Columbus with a holiday that recognizes the contributions of Indigenous peoples. For many, the goal was to not only create a celebration of the beauty of Indigenous cultures and experiences but to also recast Columbus historical framing. Instead of focusing on his navigation to the Americas, many Native people want to increase awareness of the role Columbus played in the mass atrocities and deaths inflicted upon Indigenous peoples. Democrat Joe Biden was the first president to mark Indigenous Peoples Day, issuing a proclamation in 2021 that celebrated the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples and recognized the sovereignty and self-determination of tribal nations. The proclamation did not establish Indigenous Peoples Day as a federal holiday, nor did it remove Columbus Day as one. Trump said he would not follow his predecessors practice of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day, accusing Democrats of denigrating the explorers legacy as he pressed his campaign to restore what he argues are traditional American icons. However, Trump has previously acknowledged National Native American Heritage Month, which is celebrated in November. As business owners, artists, teachers, writers, courageous members of our Armed Forces, and so much more, (Native American) contributions to our society are cause for celebration and appreciation by all Americans, reads a 2020 heritage month proclamation issued by Trump. In 2020, the Trump administration awarded $30,000 for the restoration of a Columbus statue in Baltimore torn down by protesters. That same year, during the presidential election, the administration released a policy vision for Indian Country entitled Putting Americas First Peoples First Forgotten No More! in which the president pledged to honor the storied legacy of American Indians and Alaska Natives. But on April 27, on his Truth Social site, Trump insinuated that Columbuss legacy was another victim of wokeness. The Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much, Trump wrote. Former president of the Navajo Nation, Jonathan Nez, was with Biden when he signed the Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation. He said it was an acknowledgment that generations of Native Americans fought and died for their right to be recognized as citizens of sovereign nations and the nation-to-nation relationship they have with the U.S. We have this special relationship with the federal government, but yet actions like this, it just takes us back in time, to a time where Indigenous peoples were not respected and were not seen as human beings, Nez said. Although the first official Indigenous Peoples Day celebration began in the 1990s, it didnt gain widespread momentum until the last decade, with an uptick in state and local governments recognizing the holiday. At the same time, as a broad reckoning on racial injustice swept across the U.S., statues of Columbus have been ripped down by activists and protesters part of a generations-long push to have more honest conversations about the history of the country and its founding. Columbus Day first gained traction in the 1890s after the lynching of several Italian men in New Orleans. President Benjamin Harrison used it as a way to both quell anti-immigrant sentiments against Italians and to court their votes in the presidential election. Since then, Columbus Day has not only become tied to Italian American ethnicity but has also been a part of American nationalism identity, said Philip Deloria, a Harvard historian and member of the Dakota Nation. Its pretty clear that Trump is seeing the ethnic strain he said as much but not really seeing the American nationalist strain, Deloria said. Its a history he doesnt want to hear. It seems like it might play into the kind of grievance politics he typifies. So its not at all surprising. During the Biden administration, the necessity for Indigenous Peoples Day was something that most Americans understood and respected, said Bryan Newland, former assistant secretary of the Department of the Interior under Biden and a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community (Ojibwe). The work Native people have done to push the federal government to recognize Indigenous peoples dignity doesnt end with an administration, Newland said. Its generational work. As you go through four-year presidential terms and two-year election cycles its going to ebb and flow, but that toothpaste isnt going back in the tube, he said. Once you know the historical record of Columbus impact on Indigenous peoples, you cant unlearn it, said Montana state Sen. Shane Morigeau, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation who has a bill in the state legislature to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day. Its like its not like youre trying to erase him from history. What youre trying to do is teach through history, an accurate history, and not ignore it, he said. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders visits the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg for his Fighting Oligarchy tour. May 2, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Harrisburg School District and held a town hall with high school students last week, according to photos released by the district. Sanders discussion with city students focused on their educational goals, college and careers, challenges, the importance of civic engagement, and giving voice to the issues, concerns, and topics that matter most to them, the district said. Firefighters in a boat located along the South Williamsport side of the Susquehanna River just upstream from the Hepburn Street Dam search for a missing 10-year-old girl on Sunday, May 4. John Beauge Update: Body of 10-year-old girl missing in the Susquehanna recovered near Northumberland SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT Efforts will resume Monday to find the body of a 10-year-old girl who was swept away while playing in the Susquehanna River along the South Williamsport shoreline. A state police marine unit is scheduled to arrive in the morning, borough Fire Chief Jeffrey Trammell said. Water rescue units from as far away as Dauphin and Cumberland counties spent more than six hours Sunday searching the river along the borough side upstream and downstream from the Hepburn Street Dam. Sonar, underwater cameras and drones were employed and firefighters in boats used poles to poke at submerged underbrush. Low visibility due to rain prevented the use of a state police helicopter. The girl disappeared about 11 a.m. while playing in the river with two other youngsters, Trammell said. Two other children also were swept away, he said. South Williamsport Fire Chief Jeff Trammell, right, mans the command post on top of the dike during the massive Susquehanna River rescue effort Sunday, May 4. The river is partially visible in the background. Rescue crews from as far as Dauphin and Cumberland counties were involved in the search for a 10-year-old girl. John Beauge | Special to PennLive The current was moving at 9 miles an hour upstream from the dam, acting South Williamsport Police Chief Devon Thompson said. The water temperature was not available, but Trammell said it was cold. A boy, 13, got out of the water on his own, and another girl, thought to be about 10, was coaxed out with help, both above the dam, he said. The adult female tried to rescue the children and was swept over the dam. She was pulled from the water about 30 yards downstream by firefighters standing on the bank, Trammell said. The three were taken to UMPC Williamsport for evaluation, he said. No names have been released because the girl is still missing, Thompson said. The four, who lived within blocks of the river, are believed to be a mother, daughter and two cousins, Trammell said. The missing girl was not seen after she disappeared, so it is not known if her body is above, in or below the 1,015-foot-long low-head dam, Thompson said. Low-head dams are known as drowning machines because their recirculating currents can easily trap a person. Firefighters search the South Williamsport side of the Susquehanna River on Sunday, May 4, looking for a 10-yearold girl at the location where she and two other children who were playing in the water were swept away. John Beauge | Special to PennLive Firefighters searching the river just upstream were in a boat tethered from shore to prevent the current from taking it over the dam. The river, which is rising because of rain of the past few days, has tricky currents above the dam, Trammell said. A SEPTA bailout is as predictable as it is irresponsible | Opinion A Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) bus is driven in Philadelphia, in this file photo from, Oct. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) AP By Nathan Benefield and Andrew Holman The Asian needle ant can deliver a sting that may put people into anaphylaxic shock, which is potentially deadly if not immediately treated. (Anne-Gerard Flynn photo, Special to The Republican) Health officials are warning about increasing numbers of an invasive ant species in the southeastern United States. Fox Weather reports that the Asian needle ant, a species that was first introduced into the U.S. roughly 90 years ago, is receiving new focus as their numbers are growing. Dan Suiter, a professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, told Fox Weather that we are now considering [this species] a medically important pest. The Asian needle ant is not aggressive, but they can sting if bothered - a concern if they should somehow become trapped in a persons clothing. The Independent reports that while most Asian needle ants in the United States are found in the southeast, some have been spotted as far north as New York and Washington. Dr. Mary Bates of the American Association for the Advancement of Science told Mens Journal that the species behavioral versatility is allowing the Asian needle ant to move into forests, rural areas, and urban environments at the same time. And because it can tolerate cooler temperatures, it could spread into a broad range of territory, Bates said. And for most people, the sting would merely be painful. But some may experience an allergic reaction which can lead to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. There is no way to determine who may suffer anaphylaxis should they be stung. But people who have suffered adverse reactions to other insect stings, or carry an epinephrine auto-injector for other allergic reactions, are advised to be aware of the risk of this spreading species. Tazz Webster, who ultimately wound up homeless after an apartment manager allegedly ridiculed and shoved him because he is transgender, exits through the front door of a community center, April 9, 2025, in St. Louis. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and SALLY HO, Associated Press As a transgender man, the words youre a girl gutted Tazz Webster, a taunt hurled at him from the day he moved into his St. Louis apartment. The government-subsidized buildings manager also insisted on calling Webster by the wrong name, the 38-year-old said, and ridiculed him with shouts of, Youre not a real man! I just felt like I was being terrorized, Webster told The Associated Press. I felt that I was being judged and mistreated, like I was less of a human being. Then one day in March 2022, the manager shoved Webster so hard he stumbled backward. After regaining his balance, Webster said he pushed the manager back. Four months later he was homeless. Webster filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity office, the agency tasked with investigating housing discrimination and enforcing the landmark Fair Housing Act that guarantees equal access to housing for all Americans. Websters harassment allegation was serious enough that it was investigated for more than two years, until the office suddenly notified him in February it was dropping his case without a finding, citing lack of jurisdiction. The timing of the closure was not a coincidence. In the months since President Donald Trump took back the White House and installed a loyalist to lead the federal housing department, HUD Secretary Scott Turner and his team have moved swiftly and strategically to undo, uproot and remake the agencys decades of work and priorities. In the crosshairs is an intense focus on transgender people, as HUD retreats from long-established fair-housing protections by closing their discrimination complaints and, more broadly, moving to undo the Obama-era Equal Access Rule that cemented transgender peoples rights to discrimination protection in housing. Its time to get rid of all the far-left gender ideology and get government out of the way of what the Lord established from the beginning when he created man in his own image male and female, Turner said in announcing in February that he was halting enforcement of the Equal Access Rule. Sex discrimination in the Fair Housing Act At issue is the fact that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people wasnt specifically cited in the Fair Housing Act. But the Equal Access Rule enacted in 2012 under former President Barack Obama further defined sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The policy was expanded in 2016 to cover transgender people seeking help at federally funded emergency shelters, escalating opposition from the right. In 2020, the first Trump administration unsuccessfully moved to relieve shelters of any obligation to serve transgender people. Now, advocates fear an emboldened Trump will go further and forbid shelters from accommodating gender identity altogether, as his administration announces unspecified revisions to the Equal Access Rule. Our protections cant be a pingpong ball that changes every four years, said Seran Gee, an attorney for Advocates for Trans Equality. FILE - A person holds a sign during a pro-transgender rights protest outside of Seattle Children's Hospital in February 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File) AP Everything Webster owned was trashed After being left with permanent injuries in a car crash, Webster, who survives on disability payments, was grateful to move in April 2021 into an apartment near the citys 1,300-acre Forest Park, scene of the 1904 Worlds Fair and home to museums and a zoo. His rent was initially less than $200 per month, he said. That is because Branscome Apartments had a contract with the federal government to provide subsidized housing to people with disabilities and low-income seniors. But the HUD money also comes with strings, said Linda Morris, staff attorney for the ACLUs Womens Rights Project, who leads the organizations housing discrimination work. The Equal Access Rule applies to HUD-funded programs and shelters, said Morris, who doesnt represent Webster. If an entity is going to accept federal funding they have to comply. Under the rule, HUD-funded housing and programs must provide equal access to everyone regardless of gender identity, and cant require intrusive questioning. Four months after the shoving incident, Webster found his door kicked in and his belongings trashed, even though, he said, he was up to date on his rent and never received an official eviction notice. Gone were his king-size bed, dishes, Social Security card and birth certificate. Even worse was the loss of the obituary for his mother, who died when he was 12, and her necklace, a treasured memento. I had nothing, said Webster, who had been mostly staying away from the apartment for fear of another run-in with the manager. I was so afraid to be there, I would go to my friends house and spent nights at a time and then come back, switch my clothes, and leave. Court records in an eviction case filed against Webster in April 2022 cited repeated unsuccessful efforts to serve him. After he was gone, the case was dropped. Last August, Webster filed a lawsuit in Missouri state court alleging he was illegally evicted. There was never a court order allowing them to change the locks, allowing them to throw away his belongings, said attorney KB Doman of Arch City Defenders, an advocacy group representing Webster. The suit seeks $25,000 in property damage and for severe emotional stress and trauma. The apartment has denied the allegations in court filings. Stephen Strum, the attorney representing the building, declined the APs requests for comment on the HUD case and said the pending lawsuit merely alleges that my client did not properly follow the steps for evicting. To Doman, Websters case reflects a larger trend. A lot of people that would have some recourse, at least through HUD investigating, really are just out on their own now, she said. Its going to be harder for trans people to find safe, stable housing, and its very hard already. Closure of Websters case is just one of many, HUD attorneys say Since Turner took the helm at HUD, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity has instructed staff to pause investigations of all gender identity discrimination cases, according to two HUD attorneys who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs or benefits. One said letters were then issued closing the cases for lack of jurisdiction. HUD has not disclosed how many cases have been dropped. Websters letter and another provided to the AP cite Trumps executive order calling for the federal government to define sex as only male or female. Morris, of the ACLU, said she has never seen an executive order cited in a jurisdictional closure of a complaint. So thats really alarming, said Morris, who described the closures as very much consistent with this administrations broader attacks on trans people and on civil rights more broadly. Asked about policy changes concerning transgender discrimination, HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett said the agency was enforcing the Fair Housing Act while implementing Trumps executive order restoring biological truth to the federal government. In a statement citing Trumps order, she said government policy recognizes two sexes that are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality. A nationwide federal push to erase trans identity Bea Gonzalez, a transgender man, was kicked out of a suburban St. Louis domestic violence shelter on a chilly night in November 2021, along with his three children, then 2, 5 and 7. The family was just settling into a room after filling out paperwork at Bridgeway Behavioral Health Womens Center when Gonzalez was told they had to go because he disclosed he was a transgender man. I wasnt about to go back into the closet, the 33-year-old said of his insistence on telling the truth even after it was suggested he keep his trans identity secret. He needed a domestic violence shelter, he said, for greater security for the children and because he feared for his safety as a trans man in a mens shelter, some of which dont accept children anyway. The city had no domestic violence shelters for men, said his attorney Kalila Jackson. In the St. Louis metropolitan area, there was no place else for him to go. There were no other options. The family was sent to a motel, but when they arrived they discovered it hadnt been paid for, and the organization that sent them there was closed. So I was stranded, said Gonzalez, who did not have a car. I had to call a friend who was able to let us stay for the night. Jackson said Bridgeway received HUD funding and that its policy of barring transgender men was a violation of the Equal Access Rule and straight up sex discrimination. Jackson said the message the shelter sent was this: Youre biologically a girl, you should dress as a girl. Since you say that you are a man, we are not going to accept you here. HUD didnt address Gonzalezs or Websters complaints when the AP sought comment on their cases. HUD investigated Gonzalezs complaint for 2 1/2 years until it suddenly notified him in March the agency was dropping it without a finding. The company operating the shelter, Preferred Family Healthcare, did not respond to the APs requests for comment. After 455 days of being shuttled between six shelters in six cities in two states Missouri and Illinois Gonzalez ultimately found stable housing, where his children live with him part time. He sees what happened as part of what he describes as a nationwide federal push to erase trans identity. Shelters struggle to comply with Trump directives Advocates are concerned by HUDs shift, noting high rates of discrimination and homelessness among people who are LGBTQ+. Nearly one-third of trans people say they have been homeless at some point in their lives, while 70% who stayed in a shelter reported being harassed, assaulted or kicked out because of their gender identity, according to an Advocates for Trans Equality survey released in 2015, a year before Obama expanded protections for trans people in shelters. Teens who come out to families who arent accepting are particularly at risk, said Ann Olivia, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Some shelters that might have served them in the past are becoming less welcoming now amid upheaval with the Equal Access Rule, Olivia said. Folks who are trans just wont go if they dont think that theyre going to be treated with respect, she said, adding that is particularly problematic for young people who are vulnerable to sex traffickers and to other types of abuse. Further complicating the situation are seemingly contradictory requirements in new HUD contracts with nonprofits that find permanent housing and run shelters for the homeless. One section stipulates they cant promote gender ideology while another requires compliance with anti-discrimination law, according to a copy provided to the AP. Organizations say they are confused. What is promoting gender ideology? What does that mean? asked Jeannette Ruffins, CEO of Homeward NYC, a nonprofit that runs three permanent housing sites for LGBTQ+ young adults, as well as a homeless shelter. Does housing LGBTQ young adults promote gender identity? she asked. You know, theyre coming to us. This is already their gender identity. Like Im not promoting it. Ruffins called a board meeting to discuss potential vulnerabilities on their website, something she said most New York City nonprofits were doing as well. Her organization made small changes to their website, saying they were LGBTQ+ affirming and friendly in a few places rather than LGBTQ+ serving, hoping that will make them less of a target. In Memphis, Tennessee, a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter for transgender people is looking to increase capacity because of the uncertainty. Kayla Gore, executive director of My Sistahs House, said it can do that because it doesnt take federal funding. People are confused, Gore said. They dont know what to do because they want to protect their bottom line. This is the world Nearly three years after losing his apartment, Webster remains homeless, staying with friends and sometimes sleeping on the floor. He is on a waiting list for subsidized housing because he cant afford rent otherwise. But he expects the massive federal funding cuts and Trump administration directives banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives will make the wait even longer. Lets be honest. This is the world, he said. People, they do hateful things. If you legalize them to hating, then they feel like they have a right. Shekinah is getting cold feet on the next episode of 90 Day Fiance. 90 Day Fiance airs at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 4, on TLC. LIVE STREAM: Fans can watch TLC without cable on Fans can watch TLC without cable on Philo (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV. The episode is called Blinded by Love. The synopsis is, Amani gets in touch with Anys ex; Shekinah gets cold feet; Mahdi worries about Stevi hiding more secrets; Greg and Joan go to New York City; Alliya talks over a major medical change with her doctor. 90 Day Fiance, according to TLC, captures the riveting journeys of intercultural couples Americans and their foreign fiances as they navigate the thrilling complexities of love, cultural differences, and societal pressures. With just 90 days to wed before their K1 visas expire, these couples must overcome significant hurdles or face the heartbreaking reality of separation." The cast includes Stevi from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Mahdi from Tehran, Iran; Mark from West Ossipee, New Hampshire, and Mina from Paris, France; Matt and Amani from San Diego, California, and Any from Tijuana, Mexico; Gregory from Islip Terrace, New York, and Joan from Kampala, Uganda; Shekinah from Los Angeles, California, and Sarper from Istanbul, Turkey; Shawn from Los Angeles, California, and Alliya from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; and Jessica from Torrington, Wyoming, and Juan from Cali, Colombia. What is Philo? Philo is a streaming service that offers more than 70 live channels and more than 70,000 titles on demand for $28 a month. Philo has a SEVEN-DAY FREE TRIAL. Channels include AMC, AMC+, A&E, MTV, BET, Discovery, VH1, Food Network, History, Nickelodeon, OWN, TLC, Lifetime, Hallmark, Paramount and TV One. Add-on packages include EPIX, STARZ and Movies and More. Philo offers an unlimited 1-year DRV. What is DirecTV Stream? DirecTV Stream provides access to more than 100 channels, hundreds of on-demand titles, the ability to stream through three devices at once, and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Channels include ABC, HGTV, Hallmark, Bravo, BET, Discovery, Food Network, AMC, Animal Planet, CMT, Comedy Central, FX, ID, Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and PBS Kids. Subscription package prices start at $86.99 a month. The streaming service offers a FIVE-DAY FREE TRIAL. What is Sling TV? Sling streaming service is $45.99 a month for the Orange (35 channels) or Blue (43 channels) Levels. Orange plus Blue is $60.99 a month. Premium subscribers also can get a month of Showtime, STARZ and EPIX for free. Channels include CMT, Bravo, BET, Comedy Central, A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, Discovery+, Hallmark, History, National Geographic, Lifetime, TLC and USA. The weather forecast across Pennsylvania is calling for a lot of rain in the next few days. Tom Kines, a meteorologist for Accuweather in State College, said that the current weather system is moving along at a snails pace, which will lead to a prolonged period of rain in our state. There are places that will benefit from this, and get a stretch of nice weather, Kines said. Unfortunately, thats not us in Pennsylvania and across the Northeast. The precipitation is expected to come in waves, Kines said, so there will certainly be spans without rain. However, he noted that any time we see the rain, weve got to be concerned that its going to be heavy, and likely include some thunderstorms. He estimated that nearly all of the state will see between a quarter to a half an inch of rain over the next 48 hours, and that some places are going to get two to three inches. If you have outdoor plans, its not going to be a great week for it, Kines said. Not just locally, but throughout the Northeast. The rain may be coming at a good time, as portions of central Pennsylvania have suffered from drought in the past several months, due to a warm, dry fall and winter. The dry conditions have contributed to wildfires in Cumberland County, which have recently been largely contained. However, these heavy downpours may lead to flooding in some areas, Kines warned - including in areas that have been stricken with levels of drought. Its going to be tough to pinpoint the exact areas in the state that get the real heavy rain, because a lot of these heavier showers, and maybe even thunderstorms, really havent developed yet, Kines said. But yeah, those places that have been dry might be more susceptible to flooding issues. While a wet week is all but guaranteed, things may clear up in time for the weekend. I think a lot of people might be looking ahead toward the weekend, with Mothers Day and all that stuff, Kines said. It does look like the weather is going to improve over the weekend. So there is light at the end of the tunnel. There's perhaps no tournament on the EPT calendar more prestigious than the PokerStars European Poker Tour Monte-Carlo Main Event, running at the Sporting Monte-Carlo casino here on the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean coast. It's the 20th anniversary of the event and Day 1b is the final starting flight for this event, although registration remains open until the start of Day 2. In 2024, Derk van Luijk came out on top of the 1,208 entry field, defeating Boris Angelov after a six-hour heads-up battle to claim the 1,000,000 top prize. The reigning champion has already bagged an above average stack on Day 1a. The overall chip leader following the conclusion of Day 1a was David Docherty, best known for his 2023 Irish Open victory which gave him a career high score of 365,000. Docherty is on the hunt for his first EPT title and is the man to beat for those joining Day 1b, starting at 12 p.m. local time. David Docherty Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 David Docherty United Kingdom 279,500 233 2 George Tomescu Romania 275,000 229 3 Christian Alilovic France 260,500 217 4 Qing Lu United States 240,500 200 5 Jeremie Beneteau France 236,500 197 6 Stanislav Petriv Ukraine 225,000 188 7 Boris Kuzmanovic Croatia 208,500 174 8 Adi Rajkovic Austria 204,500 170 9 Mariusz Golinski Poland 201,000 168 10 Sameer Chaturvedi India 196,000 163 In Day 1b, players begin with a 30,000 starting stack and will play 10 hour-long levels, with a break every two levels and a 75-minute dinner break at the end of Level 6. Late registration remains open until the start of Day 2 and players can take a maximum of two entries in this event. Those who make it through and bag at the end of the evening will proceed to Day 2, which commences on Tuesday, April 6 at noon. Stay tuned to the action on PokerNews as reporters bring you live updates straight from the tournament floor. Winning a large-field live poker tournament is anything but easy, but winning consecutive flagship events at a poker festival is a rare feat indeed. After 12 levels of play in Day 2, Domenico Lando is in the running to do just that - the Italian triumphed in the October 2024 edition of the Malta Poker Festival Grand Event for a career-best 140,000 payday, and he will return to Portomaso Casino for the final day of the Spring 2025 edition sitting fourth out of the returning ten players, all hunting the 100,000 first-place prize. Lando had to battle all day for that privilege - he was all-in with deuces for four big blinds just before dinner and held for the double-up. He then caught some heat towards the end of the day to bust Manuel Janas with a rivered flush and disposed of short-stack Giulio Di Salvo. Italian players make up six of those who outlasted 180 Day 2 hopefuls to come back for the final day, and it is Day 1f chip leader Antonio Scala who will hold the lead when play resumes, finishing up with a 46 big blind stack of 11,500,000. Scala was aggressive throughout the day, and wasn't afraid to leverage his stack at opportune times. Sevens in particular were good to him, resulting in him sending Ludovic Uzan and Thomas Lange to the exits. Antonio Scala Matteo Ferrara (8,840,000) and Aurelio Vallone (6,750,000) make up an all Azzurri top three. Ferrara at one stage looked like he could be the runaway leader - after he woke up with aces and found fellow big stack Gustav Andersson also with a premium - but he ran into overpairs on two occasions towards the end of the day. The field is relatively tightly packed, with Egon Holdhus of Norway and Macedonian Dragan Ignjatovski slightly cut adrift at the bottom. Any of the players could make a run at the title. End of Day 2 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Antonio Scala Italy 11,500,000 46 2 Matteo Ferrara Italy 8,840,000 35 3 Aurelio Vallone Italy 6,750,000 27 4 Domenico Lando Italy 6,645,000 26 5 Carsten Mawick Germany 6,455,000 25 6 Alexander Maskell United Kingdom 5,645,000 22 7 Vincenzo Popolo Italy 5,520,000 22 8 Angelo Vietti Italy 4,780,000 19 9 Egon Holdhus Norway 2,830,000 11 10 Dragan Ignjatovski North Macedonia 1,700,000 6 Remaining Payouts Place Prize Place Prize 1 100,000 6 18,450 2 63,000 7 12,950 3 43,500 8 10,850 4 32,150 9 8,550 5 25,050 10 6,550 The players will return to Portomaso Casino at 1 p.m. local time on Monday, 5 May, where play will get underway at Level 28, 125,000/250,000, with a 250,000 big blind ante. The clock will be set to 50-minute levels. PokerNews will be on the floor until a champion is crowned, so stay tuned for your coverage of all the action. Reporter Carl Dawson covers education for the Aiken Standard. An Aiken County resident since 1990, his work has appeared in the Charleston News & Courier, the Tampa Tribune, the Atlanta Constitution and the Augusta Chronicle. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina. Aiken Standard reporter Matthew Christian is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. He covers the Savannah River Site, city of Aiken, politics and public safety and courts. Matthew previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston in West Virginia. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy this morning. A few showers developing during the afternoon. High 84F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Tropical storm conditions possible. Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Business Reporter Andy Tsubasa Field covers business and development for The Post and Courier's Columbia bureau. He has reported on business for the Albany Times Union, general assignment news in Bridgeport for the Connecticut Post, Kansas state politics for the Associated Press and city hall for the Bismarck Tribune. Jimmy Nesbitt is the Columbia Editor for The Post and Courier. A 2002 graduate of the University of Kentucky, Nesbitt has worked at newspapers in Kentucky, Indiana, China, South Dakota, Massachusetts and Vermont. Seth Taylor covers Greenville and the Upstate for The Post and Courier. Born in Iowa, he worked in Wyoming at the Buffalo Bulletin before moving to the Palmetto State. Summerville, SC (29483) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High around 85F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 73F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 16:01:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 850 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Venture studio expands its mission to work with entrepreneurs to build AI startups, providing hands-on support and early-stage funding to solve real-world challenges.PALO ALTO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / AI Fund , the venture studio founded by renowned AI pioneer and entrepreneur Andrew Ng, today announced the successful closing of its second fund, raising approximately $190 million in an oversubscribed round. This builds on the success of the studio's first $175 million fund and reflects the growing demand for AI-driven innovation across industries."AI technology advances over the past few years are creating a golden age for founding startups," said Ng, Managing General Partner. "With AI technology giving us increasingly better building blocks for developing software, plus the cost of prototyping plummeting because of AI assisted coding, we can create new startups faster and more efficiently than was ever possible before." A High-Impact Model for Building AI StartupsAI Fund's venture studio model gives entrepreneurs a distinct advantage by combining deep AI expertise, market validation, and hands-on talent acquisition support. From ideation to launch, the studio partners with 0-to-1 entrepreneurs to shape the vision, build products, and assemble top-tier technical and leadership teams. This approach fast-tracks AI-powered solutions to market.Under Ng's leadership, AI Fund works alongside entrepreneurs to build companies focused on the application and software infrastructure layers of the AI stack, leveraging foundation models to develop solutions across multiple sectors. The studio's portfolio includes ventures in financial services, renewable energy, future of work, education, logistics, healthcare, and developer tools.Backing from Global CorporationsAI Fund's latest fundraise attracted a number of corporate limited partners (LPs), including The AES Corporation; HP Inc.; Mitsui & Co., Ltd.; Mitsubishi Corporation; QBE; and TELUS Global Ventures; among other notable venture capital investors such as Sequoia Capital and NEA. These corporate LPs are among the leaders in their industries that span technology, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrials, and real estate. AI Fund's corporate LPs have a global presence, with operations spanning nearly every continent.The participation of these global corporate partners not only signals confidence in AI Fund's approach, but also reflects the collaborative foundation on which many of the fund's most promising ventures are built:"Many of our ideas originate from close collaborations with corporate partners and VCs who identify critical gaps in their industries, allowing us to launch businesses with built-in customers, proprietary data sets, and market traction," said Warren Packard, Partner at AI Fund. "By bringing together corporate insights and entrepreneurial energy, we create companies that are positioned for long-term success." "We believe AI Fund has a clear eye for what's next, and the ability to turn bold ideas into high-impact ventures," said Carmen Chang, Partner and Head of Asia, NEA. "As returning investors, we've seen how their model gives founders an edge in a fast-moving and increasingly competitive AI market. We're excited to continue supporting Andrew Ng and the team as they help shape the future of AI and its real-world impact." "The next wave of AI innovation won't just be about breakthroughs in technology-it will be about how we build, scale, and apply those breakthroughs," said Andres Gluski, CEO of The AES Corporation, "AI Fund is cultivating the kind of entrepreneurial rigor and technical depth needed to shape solutions that matter. We're excited to partner with AI Fund on a model that pairs visionary thinking with real-world execution." "At HP, we are on a mission to create meaningful AI experiences that drive growth and more fulfilling work experiences for people everywhere," said Enrique Lores, President and CEO, HP Inc. "Our investment in AI Fund reflects our dedication to catalyzing the development of new experiences that allow users to benefit from AI at the edge. By supporting software innovators and startups, we aim to foster the entrepreneurial spirit needed to develop impactful AI solutions that will shape the future of work." Investing in the Future of AIAI Fund has been building AI startups since long before the widespread rise of tools like ChatGPT and the recent AI boom. With its latest fund, it will continue co-founding companies that leverage the latest technologies like agentic AI, reasoning models, and multi-modal AI."AI Fund is oriented to moving fast in how we build companies," said Ng. "Building startups is hard, and by systematically approaching the many steps of early stage startup building, such as ideation, having customer conversations, prototyping, product and engineering work, recruiting elite talent, acquiring capital, and so on, we minimize bottlenecks and help companies go much faster." For more information, visit https://aifund.ai/ ABOUT AI FUND:AI Fund is a venture studio that strives to move humanity forward by accelerating the adoption of AI. We work with entrepreneurs to build companies rapidly and increase their odds of success. The studio is supported by top-tier VCs and partners including Sequoia Capital, NEA, AES, and Nikkei. Learn more at https://aifund.ai/ MEDIA CONTACT:Lauren Gill, MAG PR at E:lauren@ mooringadvisorygroup.com ; P: 978-473-1362# # #SOURCE: AI Fund PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 14:00:45 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1023 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOI to study and define parameters for strategic cooperation:for the refurbishment of the Pobrdje Colemanite Mine to improve its efficiency, as well as to extend its economic lifespan.for the inclusion of key regional mining assets that may be repurposed for use in the development of Boron One's Piskanja Project.VICTORIA, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Boron One Holdings Inc. ("Boron One" or the "Company") [TSXV:BONE], a company dedicated to the decarbonization of Planet Earth through the responsible utilization of its boron assets, is pleased to report that its wholly owned subsidiary, Balkan Gold d.o.o. ("Balkan"), has entered into a Letter of Intent with Resavica RKU ("Resavica"), a Serbian publicly owned mining company. The non-binding Letter of Intent (the "LOI") outlines potential cooperation between the parties regarding the refurbishment of Resavica's Pobrdje Colemanite Mine, as well as the ongoing development at Boron One's Piskanja Boron Project.Balkan holds the boron exploration rights to the Piskanja and Jarandol Basin Project areas and is actively advancing the project towards exploitation. Whereas in the same geological basin, Resavica owns and operates the Pobrdje Colemanite (boron) Mine, in addition to holding certain other mining related infrastructure assets that may be strategically beneficial to Balkan for its future mining activities, planned in this region.Balkan and Resavica have agreed that certain synergies exist between the Piskanja and Pobrdje projects, indicating the mutual benefits of strategic cooperation. As a result, the parties have entered the LOI to study and define an optimized strategy regarding the improvement of the efficiency of the Pobrdje Mine, as well as the extension of its economic lifespan. Additionally, the LOI sets the framework for examining the possible repurposing of certain of Resavica's existing infrastructure and other strategic mining assets in the region for use in the development of the Piskanja Project. The parties are actively engaged in ongoing discussions and the exchange of technical information in order to define the social, economic and technical parameters required to complete a binding agreement."We are very pleased by this advancement," said Tim Daniels, President of Boron One. "The potential for cooperation with Resavica can add significant flexibility to the development strategies of our boron assets. Additionally, we are proud of a model of private sector-public sector cooperation that may well prove to be quite beneficial for the various stakeholders involved in the region, and could be used as a template for other cooperative ventures within the country." Mr. Daniels provides a detailed explanation of the letter of intent, and how the company will navigate this advancement in an interview viewable here.###About the Pobrdje Boron MineThe Pobrdje Mine is wholly owned by Resavica RKU, located approximately 2.5 km from the Piskanja deposit within the Jarandol Basin in Southern Serbia, and has been an operating boron mine for more than a decade. The boron bearing minerals found at Pobrdje include primarily colemanite with minor howlite. The deposit remains unbounded to the South and East.About the Piskanja Boron ProjectThe Piskanja Project is Boron One Holdings Inc.'s wholly owned boron deposit with a Measured Mineral Resource of 1.39 million tonnes (averaging 35.59% B2O3), an Indicated Mineral Resource of 5.48 million tonnes (averaging 34.05% B2O3), and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 284.7 thousand tonnes (averaging 39.59% B2O3), calculated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves (CIM Standards), as disclosed in the Company's report titled, "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment For The Piskanja Borate Project, Serbia, June 24, 2022". The responsible person for the PEA and the Mineral Resource Estimate contained within, is Prof. Miodrag Banjesevic PhD. P.Geo, EurGeol, a Qualified Person in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves (CIM Standards), and independent of Boron One Holdings Inc.On behalf of the Board of Directors,Tim DanielsAbout Boron One Holdings Inc.Boron One Holdings Inc. is a leading company dedicated to advancing the decarbonization of our planet through the responsible utilization of its wholly owned boron assets in Serbia. With a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, Boron One aims to play a crucial role in reducing the world's carbon footprint and supporting a cleaner, greener future for us all.Headquartered in Victoria, B.C., Canada, Boron One's shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "BONE". For detailed information please see Boron One's website at www.boronone.com or the Company's filed documents at https://www.sedarplus.ca/ For further information, please contact:Blake Fallis, General ManagerPhone: 1-250- 384-1999 or 1-888-289-3746 info@ boronone.comwww.boronone.com Boron's Public QuotationsTSX Venture: BONEBerlin: EKVUS: SEC 12G3-2(B) #82-4432ERVFFOTCBB: ERVFFQualified PersonsNenad Rakic, EurGeol, Piskanja Project Field Manager, a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed the technical information that forms the basis for this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.For Boron One Holdings Inc. InvestorsCertain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, Boron One's expectations concerning management's plans, objectives and strategies, including its plans for advancing the Company's Piskanja Project through to an exploitation license. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves%2 PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 15:01:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 541 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Announces Strategic Relationship for Ongoing Salesforce Solutions DeliveryKING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Eigen X, a leading technology consulting firm specializing in Salesforce.com , data analytics, and artificial intelligence solutions, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Salesforce Practice from Forvis Mazars, one of the largest public accounting and consulting firms in the US.This strategic acquisition strengthens Eigen X's Salesforce practice by integrating an experienced group of professionals known for delivering high-value Salesforce implementations for their clients. The transition reflects a shared commitment between the two firms to continue serving clients with the highest level of expertise and innovation.As part of the transaction, Eigen X and Forvis Mazars have also established a long-term collaboration. Through this relationship, Eigen X will continue to work closely with Forvis Mazars to deliver Salesforce solutions for their clients, ensuring continuity, expanded capabilities, and seamless service delivery.With over 200 certifications, Eigen X helps companies optimize their use of the Salesforce platform and have experience in various industries, including not-for-profit, education, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. Eigen X has a team of certified Salesforce professionals who are experts in the Salesforce platform."This acquisition strengthens our position as a trusted Salesforce partner," said Stanley Pittman, Managing Principal at Eigen X. "The Forvis Mazars Salesforce Practice brings deep technical expertise and a client-focused culture that aligns perfectly with our approach. We are excited to welcome them to Eigen X and to build on our new business relationship with Forvis Mazars to deliver outstanding results for our clients." "We are proud of the Salesforce Practice we have built and are excited for that practice to join Eigen X, a firm with a strong reputation for delivering complex technology solutions," said Rob Kastenschmidt, Managing Partner - Business Technology Services] at Forvis Mazars. "Our ongoing collaboration with Eigen X ensures that our clients will continue to receive exceptional Salesforce services while enabling Forvis Mazars to focus even more deeply on our core offerings." Both organizations are committed to making the transition seamless for employees and clients alike.About Eigen X Eigen X is a technology and business consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in Salesforce solutions, data analytics, artificial intelligence services, and digital transformation initiatives. Eigen X empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions, drive operational efficiency, and enhance customer experiences through tailored technology solutions.Eigen X is a Summit-level implementation partner and a Crest level managed service provider of Salesforce.com , recognized for outstanding service, domain knowledge, and direct client references. Eigen X is also a Tableau Premier Services Partner.For more information, please email us at info@ eigenx.com or visit www.eigenx.com About Forvis Mazars Forvis Mazars, LLP is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading global professional services network. Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, the firm's 7,000 dedicated team members provide an Unmatched Client Experiencethrough the delivery of assurance, tax, and consulting services for clients in all 50 states and internationally through the global network. Visit forvismazars.us to learn more.Contact InformationAmanda Mittnacht Operations Managerinfo@ eigenx.com 610-816-0295Mike Brothers mike.brothers@us.forvismazars.com SOURCE: Eigen X, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 14:01:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 987 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Becker ENT & Allergy opens a third Voorhees location to streamline specialty care and meet growing demand for ENT and allergy services in the area.VOORHEES, NEW JERSEY / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy is pleased to announce the opening of its new facility on Berlin Road in Voorhees, NJ. This newest location is designed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered ear, nose, throat (ENT) and allergy services in a welcoming environment. The expansion builds on the group's long-standing commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality care and aims to serve an even broader patient base across the region. Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy has a new facility in Voorhees, NJ This newest location on Berlin Road is designed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered ear, nose, throat (ENT) and allergy services.A Legacy of Quality CarePenn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy has established itself as a trusted provider of specialized ENT and allergy care through its commitment to quality, patient-focused service. The opening of the new Berlin Road facility in Voorhees is a significant milestone that reflects the practice's ongoing dedication to enhancing patient access to necessary medical services. This new location brings the expertise and collaborative approach that patients have come to rely on to a community seeking convenient, comprehensive health care options.The new facility supplements the Voorhees offices located at 1605 E Evesham Rd and 1001 Sheppard Rd, which together allow the Practice more opportunities to offer a full spectrum of ENT and allergy services within a modern, comfortable setting. Here, patients will experience streamlined care delivered by specialists who are not only highly trained in the latest techniques but also dedicated to making every visit informative and supportive. For further details about the new location, please visit the Voorhees location page.Expanding Patient AccessWith an ever-evolving health care landscape, increasing accessibility while maintaining high standards of care remains a top priority for Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy. The new Berlin Road facility is an initiative to meet the growing needs of patients who require expert ENT and allergy services. By expanding its network, the practice ensures that individuals from a variety of backgrounds can benefit from personalized treatment plans, thorough evaluations, and coordinated care-all in one accessible location.The move to Berlin Road addresses several key objectives:Convenience: Patients now have a new option closer to home, reducing travel time while enhancing their access to specialty care.Comprehensive Care: The facility offers an integrated approach to diagnosing and managing ENT and allergy issues, ensuring that a patient's entire health picture is considered during treatment.Patient-Focused Environment: Emphasizing ease of communication and comfort, the facility is designed to be welcoming to patients and their families.For a broader overview of the group's offerings, please visit the main website at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy.Comprehensive Services in a Modern SettingWith this new, third office in Voorhees, the Berlin Road facility will allow the Practice to continue to provide a wide range of services within the fields of ear, nose, throat, and allergy care. Patients can benefit from both diagnostic and therapeutic services offered in a friendly, professional atmosphere. The service lineup in Voorhees includes:ENT Care: Offering expert evaluation and management of conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat, the new location provides access to specialized treatments and minimally invasive procedures. More details on these services are available at the ENT services page.Allergy Services: From diagnosing common allergies to devising comprehensive management plans, the facility supports patients in mitigating the symptoms of allergies and improving their overall quality of life. Further information about these services can be found on the Allergy services page.Coordinated Care for Complex Conditions: Recognizing that many patients may have overlapping conditions, the new center emphasizes a coordinated approach to care that avoids fragmented treatment plans. This integrated model helps ensure that every aspect of a patient's health is addressed in collaboration with different specialists.Patient Education and Support: In addition to direct medical care, the facility places a strong focus on educating patients about their conditions and the available treatment options. Empowering patients with knowledge and clear, accessible information is a cornerstone of the care philosophy at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy.The streamlined processes and modern technology available at the facility aim to reduce wait times and facilitate quick, effective care delivery. This focus on patient convenience and coordinated care sets the facility apart as a leader in its field.A Team Dedicated to Patient-Centered CareAt the heart of the new Berlin Road facility is a dedicated team of professionals who bring years of experience and a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes. Recognizing that effective care comes from collaboration and expertise, Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy has gathered a robust team of specialists across various disciplines.The team includes board-certified experts in ENT and allergy management, as well as supporting staff who are trained to ensure that every patient is treated with respect and empathy. The collaborative environment enables physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to work seamlessly together in delivering comprehensive care. Patients interested in learning more about the professionals behind their care are encouraged to visit the Team page.This emphasis on teamwork and shared expertise helps to ensure that every diagnosis is accurate, every treatment plan is tailored, and every patient receives comprehensive support throughout their care journey.Embracing a Patient-Friendly ApproachOne of the standout features of the new facility is its commitment to using clear, patient-friendly language and processes throughout the care experience. The team provides understandable, detailed information about diagnoses and treatment options. This approach is designed to empower patients by making them active participants in their own care.Patients will appreciate that every interaction-from initial inquiry to post-treatment follow-ups-is conducted with clarity and sensitivity. Information is provided in an accessible manner, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with medical terminology can feel confident in their treatment decisions. This patient-centric model reflects the organization's broader PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 18:17:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 362 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / On February 13, 2025, Levi & Korsinsky, LLP filed a class action complaint against Augustine Institute Inc. d/b/a Formedin the US District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint alleges that legally protected data was unlawfully intercepted during visits to the Formed website at https://formed.org/ (the "Website"), particularly affecting consumers who subscribed and watched pre-recorded video content on the Website.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?Augustine Institute, Inc. is a leading private Catholic graduate theology school whose mission is to create and bring content to Catholics worldwide through its programs and platforms, including the Formed Website. Subscribers to the Formed Website gain access to thousands of movies, children's programs, eBooks, audio, parish programs, and studies.Unbeknownst to subscribers of the Formed Website, tracking pixels on the Website tracked user activity and disclosed users' sensitive information to third parties, including Facebook. The Video Privacy Protection Act ("VPPA") prohibits the disclosure of consumers' video viewing habits tied and identifiable information without consumers' consent.If you subscribed to the Formed Website, https://formed.org/,and watched videos on its platform, your legally protected data may have been intercepted without your knowledge. If your data was compromised, you may have a claim and be entitled to compensation.HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?Levi & Korsinsky can help assess whether you have a claim. Follow the link below to get in touch with us:ABOUT LEVI & KORSINSKYLevi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. We work on a contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid!Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 11:45:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 541 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New virtual student participant, SocraBot, helps K-12 students engage curiosity, build peer-to-peer understanding, and think more deeply - togetherIPSWICH, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / KnowAtom, a leading provider of hands-on, inquiry-driven core science curriculum for K-8, has announced the launch ofSocraCircle+ , a groundbreaking classroom discussion tool that uses artificial intelligence not to generate answers - but to cultivate deeper, more human conversations in real time. SocraCircle+ A groundbreaking live discussion platform that brings social AI into the classroom to support real-time, student-centered pedagogy.At the center of SocraCircle+ is SocraBot, a virtual student participant who models curiosity, reflects on peer contributions, and helps students explore, agree, disagree, and extend their thinking in meaningful ways."In many of today's edtech tools, AI is used to help teachers or students do more of the same - create faster, polish more, or extract content through Q&A interfaces," said Francis Vigeant, CEO of KnowAtom. "But more of the same simply produces more of the same outcomes. SocraCircle+ asks a different question: How can AI help students become more authentic, connected, and curious humans in conversation with one another? That's where learning lives." SocraCircle+ supports live, student-centered discussion across any K-12 subject - including science, ELA, social studies, SEL, and more. Teachers can launch a discussion in seconds. As students contribute, SocraBot responds naturally in real time, offering thoughtful follow-ups, modeling high-quality reasoning, and prompting students to consider ideas from new angles - just like a reflective peer would.Unlike AI tools that replicate or automate teacher work, SocraCircle+ is designed to elevate student voice and reduce reliance on teacher-led prompts or curriculum scripting. It's built on KnowAtom's own research and long-standing classroom results: clients consistently rank among the top performers in state science assessments, thanks to a pedagogy rooted in decades of cognitive science, educational research, and practical implementation."At KnowAtom, we understand that learning is the result of interplay between culture, problems, questions, and ideas - and dialogue is the nexus where they meet," Vigeant said. "SocraCircle+ brings that dialogue to life at a deep level." Built-in multilingual support allows students to participate in most native languages, with responses translated for the group, ensuring a voice for all students. SocraBot never provides links or external content, and student identities are anonymized within the platform to create a safe, focused environment.SocraCircle+ is now available at no additional cost to KnowAtom's science curriculum customers. Educators can log in to their KnowAtom portal today to begin using the tool. For teachers who don't have access to KnowAtom's next generation science curriculum portal, free trials are available on KnowAtom's SocraCircle+ page.For more information, visit www.knowatom.com or contactpress@ knowatom.com About KnowAtom KnowAtom is an award-winning K-8 education company committed to helping students think like scientists and engineers. Through fully integrated, 100% hands-on core science curriculum, professional development, and digital tools, KnowAtom supports schools in building classroom cultures of thinking around next generation science standards in adaptive and adoptive states. Grounded in research and proven through top-tier student outcomes, KnowAtom's approach empowers educators to shift learning from passive recall to active, authentic engagement.Contact InformationNicole Lanoue Press Contactnlanoue@ knowatom.com 617-475-3475 x2002SOURCE: KnowAtom, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 10:00:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 576 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BRATISLAVA, SK / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic hosted its 34th "Innovation Day" focused on cybersecurity, presenting Decent Cybersecurity and its partner FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services to ambassadors accredited in Slovakia.In his opening remarks, Rastislav Chovanec, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's challenging global environment:"In a world facing multiple conflicts and global challenges, the security of the Slovak Republic and our citizens is extremely essential, not only in physical form but also in virtual space. Cooperation between the public and private sectors is absolutely necessary in defending against cyber attacks." Decent Cybersecurity, a leading European provider of post-quantum security solutions, was highlighted for its expertise in post-quantum cryptography. The company develops proprietary algorithms and provides quantum-resistant cybersecurity solutions primarily focused on critical infrastructure, defense industry, and key sectors such as aviation, space, satellite communications, drones, and unmanned traffic management.Matej Michalko, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Decent Cybersecurity, commented on the significance of the event: "We are honored to be featured at the Innovation Day alongside our valued partner FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services. As cyber threats evolve in complexity, our post-quantum security solutions provide critical protection for the most sensitive infrastructure. This showcase reflects Slovakia's growing leadership in advanced cybersecurity technologies and our commitment to safeguarding digital assets across Europe and beyond." With offices in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, United Kingdom, and Ireland, Decent Cybersecurity distinguishes itself through innovative use of artificial intelligence and specialized database technology to enhance data protection, system integrity, and confidentiality for high-security sectors.The company holds national, EU, and NATO "Secret" level security clearances and maintains ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, independently audited by TUV SUD. Decent Cybersecurity is also a certified provider of cybersecurity audits, certified by the National Security Authority.The Innovation Day highlighted the synergistic partnership between Decent Cybersecurity and FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services, which enables practical verification of Decent Cybersecurity's solutions and accelerates their market entry. FREQUENTIS Solutions & Services specializes in information and communication systems for organizations with security-critical missions, including civil and military air traffic control, air defense, coast guard, police operations centers, firefighters, emergency medical services, public and maritime transport, and space research.This showcase underscores Slovakia's growing prominence in the cybersecurity sector and the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing evolving cyber threats.About Decent CybersecurityDecent Cybersecurity delivers advanced European cybersecurity solutions specializing in post-quantum security and critical infrastructure protection. The company is a forerunner in utilizing AI, post-quantum cryptography, and quantum-resistant blockchain for enhanced data protection. As a founding member of the Critical Infrastructure Association of the Slovak Republic and recently joined member of the Council of Slovak Exporters, Decent Cybersecurity implements robust security protocols for critical infrastructure and sensitive data across multiple sectors.About the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak RepublicThe Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic is responsible for the country's foreign policy and international relations. The Ministry represents Slovak interests abroad, promotes economic cooperation, and supports Slovak businesses in international markets. Through initiatives like the Innovation Day series, the Ministry facilitates connections between Slovak companies and the international diplomatic community, showcasing the country's technological capabilities and fostering new business opportunities.ContactDecent Cybersecurity s.r.o.Teplicka 4921 01 PiestanySlovak Republic media@ decentcybersecurity.eu SOURCE: Decent Cybersecurity s.r.o. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 20:00:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 375 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Celebrating 20 Years of Flooring Industry LeadershipBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / National Floors Direct (NFD) proudly commemorates 20 years of excellence in the flooring industry. Since its founding in 2005, NFD has redefined quality and convenience, emerging as a trusted leader with 12 service centers nationwide. This milestone reflects the company's unwavering dedication to delivering premium flooring solutions directly to communities across the U.S. NFD Logo NFD LogoFrom the outset, National Floors Direct revolutionized the industry with its innovative shop-at-home model. By bringing expert consultations and premium name-brand products to customers' doorsteps, NFD eliminates the hassle of traditional showroom visits. This personalized, stress-free approach enhances convenience while ensuring homeowners receive tailored solutions that blend quality with affordability-a hallmark of NFD's success.National Floors Direct's commitment to integrity is further evidenced by its Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation since 2016. This recognition highlights NFD's adherence to ethical business practices, transparency, and exceptional service standards, reinforcing its reputation as a company that consistently exceeds customer expectations.Over nearly two decades, NFD has earned widespread industry acclaim for its state-of-the-art installations and customer-first philosophy. Every project showcases the company's promise of unmatched craftsmanship, from the selection of top-tier flooring options-hardwood, vinyl, carpet, and tile-to its signature next-day installation service. This efficiency, paired with a focus on building lasting relationships, has made NFD a preferred choice for homeowners nationwide."As we approach our 20th anniversary, we're proud to reflect on a legacy built on innovation and trust," said Daniel Rosenberg, Chief Operating Officer at National Floors Direct. "Our shop-at-home model and dedication to excellence have transformed countless spaces, and we're excited to continue that journey." With 12 locations and a dynamic approach to flooring, NFD is well-positioned to lead the industry into its third decade. The company invites homeowners to experience thedifference that nearly 20 years of expertise, passion, and customer focus can bring. For more details on NFD's services, visit www.nationalfloorsdirect.com About National Floors Direct Established in 2005, National Floors Direct is a premier direct-to-consumer flooring provider with 12 locations across the U.S. Known for its shop-at-home model and next-day installations, NFD delivers quality, affordability, and convenience to customers seeking exceptional flooring solutions.Contact InformationKurt Hurley Chief Marketing Officerkhurley@ nationalfloorsdirect.com 310.967.9563SOURCE: National Floors Direct PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 21:30:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 409 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New distribution begins June 2025, supporting the IPOMarket.com and MarketWear segments as sponsored programmingNEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / New to The Street , the acclaimed television business show known for its in-depth CEO interviews and financial programming, announced today a significant expansion into the Middle East. Beginning June 2025 , the show will reach an additional 26 million homes through Bloomberg Television's regional networks, further solidifying New to The Street as a global media leader in sponsored business content.The expansion will prominently feature the show's new IPOMarket.com and MarketWear segments, which focus on emerging IPO opportunities and the business of fashion, respectively. These verticals are designed to give innovative companies a powerful media platform as they reach global investors and lifestyle-conscious business audiences alike."This expansion is a major step forward as we align IPOMarket.com with global capital market visibility," said Stephen Simon , President of IPOMarket.com Corp. and Co-Founder of New to The Street . "From the New York Stock Exchange to Dubai, we're giving IPO-stage companies a platform to be seen by investor s, fashion innovators, and family offices across borders." This move builds on New to The Street's momentum, as it now reaches over 250 million homes in the U.S. through its Fox Business and Bloomberg airings and continues to grow its presence across Asia, Europe, and now the Middle East. The show's integrated media model combines sponsored programming, earned media amplification, Times Square billboards, and one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels in the financial space.About New to The StreetNew to The Street is one of the longest-running U.S. television business shows, broadcasting weekly as sponsored programming on Bloomberg Television and Fox Business Network . Since 2009, the show has produced over 600 episodes featuring exclusive interviews with CEOs, founders, and innovators across emerging industries.Recognized for blending editorial storytelling with branded content, New to The Street delivers exposure across national television, social media, and iconic outdoor platforms. The show is also home to one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels in financial media , with over 2.4 million subscribers , expanding its global reach across digital audiences in more than 40 countries.With a multi-platform footprint that includes network television, Times Square billboards, earned media placements, and international syndication, New to The Street empowers brands to tell their story where it matters most - in front of millions of investors, decision-makers, and consumers.Media Contact: Monica BrennanDirector of Communications Monica@ NewtoTheStreet.com SOURCE: New To The Street PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 15:48:48 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1075 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Urges Stockholders to Not Execute Any White Consent CardsEASTON, PA / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Paragon Technologies, Inc. (OTC Pink:PGNT) ("Paragon") announced today that it has published a consent revocation statement and issued a letter to its stockholders in connection with the pending solicitation of consents from Paragon's stockholders by Hesham M. Gad. Mr. Gad is seeking control of Paragon's Board of Directors by removing and replacing all directors of Paragon other than himself via a consent solicitation.Paragon's letter outlines whyParagon's stockholders should DISCARD any materials they might receive from Mr. Gad and NOT EXECUTE or return any white consent cardsthat they might receive from Mr. Gad. In the letter, Paragon's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also urges stockholders not wishing to return control of Paragon to Mr. Gad to execute and date each and everyBLUErevocation card and return them as soon as possible to Paragon.The full text of the letter is as follows:Dear Stockholder:On April 29, 2025, Hesham M. Gad commenced a consent solicitation to remove all the current directors of Paragon other than himself and replace them with his handpicked nominees. Specifically, he is seeking stockholders' consent to repeal any recently adopted provisions of Paragon's Bylaws; amend the Bylaws to provide that any vacancies on the Board resulting from the removal of directors shall be filled exclusively by the stockholders; remove four of the current directors on the Board; and replace these directors with four individuals handpicked by Mr. Gad. As a result, you may have received, or may receive in the future, consent solicitation materials from Mr. Gad seeking your written consent to remove our current Board members and replace them with Mr. Gad's candidates to the Board. In short, Mr. Gad seeks to gain control of the Company through his consent solicitation, even though neither Mr. Gad nor his director candidates have specified any concrete path to build the value of your investment in the Company.THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OPPOSES THE GAD CONSENT SOLICITATION. IT URGES YOU NOT TO SIGN ANY WHITE CONSENT CARD SENT TO YOU BY MR. GAD, BUT, INSTEAD TO SIGN AND RETURN THE BLUE CONSENT REVOCATION CARD.As you know, Mr. Gad previously was the Company's CEO and Chairman of the Board. He is now in the process of soliciting your written consents to attempt to regain control of the Company, from which he was removed as CEO and Chairman of the Board and terminated from his remaining positions with the Company and its subsidiaries.The Company's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, composed solely of independent directors, believes that Mr. Gad exhibited an alarming pattern of deceit and misuse of corporate assets beginning well before his time at the Company and continuing today. Specifically, Gad went to great lengths to conceal the fact that he was living in the United States illegally without a valid visa during his entire tenure as CEO of Paragon and in his roles with the Company's subsidiaries. The Committee believes that he intentionally failed to communicate to the Board that he did not have authorization to work in the U.S. when he was named CEO of Paragon in 2014 and failed to make that disclosure to the Board when he was appointed CEO of SI Systems. Such conduct is a violation of federallaw. The Committee believes Mr. Gad's actions violated his fiduciary duties to the Company and its stockholders exposing the company to potential legal action and financial penalties.The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that Mr. Gad's proposals are not in the best interests of the Company's stockholders. In essence, Mr. Gad is asking you to consent to turning over control of the Company to his handpicked director candidates, one of which is an employee of Paragon. If elected, Mr. Gad would control the Board and, although the directors would be subject to their fiduciary duties under Delaware law, they would be in a position to advance Mr. Gad's specific interests, which may not be aligned with the interests of all of our stockholders. Moreover, we believe that there is a significant risk that if Mr. Gad's candidates are elected to the Board, Mr. Gad may again engage in self-serving conduct that harms Paragon, thereby causing further financial and reputational losses to the Company.Moreover, neither Mr. Gad nor his director candidates have identified any specific ideas or proposals regarding the future of the Company. We believe stockholder interests will be served best if the Company continues to implement the strategic plan that began last fall after Mr. Gad was replaced as the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Since then, we have focused on resolving the many substantial problems that have plagued the Company due to Mr. Gad's conduct, improving operations, strengthening the Company's financial performance, and improving its corporate governance, all while keeping a close eye on expenses, so as to enhance value for all stockholders.The Company has created a strategic plan that is built on the following concepts: (i) rebuilding SI Systems infrastructure critically damaged under Mr. Gad's leadership to grow that business and expand product offerings; (ii) position SED International Holdings, Inc. to self-finance its own expansion beyond Colombia into other areas of Latin America to mitigate specific currency risk; (iii) liquidate the condominium holdings of Ohana Home Services which have underperformed and provided single digit, at best, returns to stockholders; (iv) liquidate Paragon's underperforming investment portfolio which has failed to produce positive returns during one of the best market environments in history; and (v) identify accretive acquisition targets that can bolster Paragon's domestic revenue and earnings to reduce dependence on SED International de Colombia S.A.S. whose low margins and currency risk make Paragon's earnings unpredictable and susceptible to exogenous economic events. We ask stockholders to not provide Mr. Gad their consent so that we may continue to execute our strategic plan.Please act today to help protect the interests of ALL stockholders. Thank you for your support.Sincerely yours,Nominating and Corporate Governance CommitteeParagon Technologies, Inc.PROTECT THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT!DO NOT ENTRUST THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT TO MR. GADWE URGE YOU TO NOT EXECUTE ANY WHITE CONSENT CARDTo protect your investment in Paragon, Paragon's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee urges you to NOT execute any white consent card and to DISCARD all materials sent to you by Mr. Gad and reject his attempt to regain control of Paragon. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 20:01:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 745 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 When Marjorie Freedman set out to sell her late parents' home in Tucson, she faced a challenge familiar to many long-distance homeowners: finding a contractor she could trust - sight unseen - to make critical roof repairs. With limited time on the ground and a house that needed to be market-ready, the pressure was high. Fortunately, Hallmark Roofing made the process seamless, honest, and stress-free.TUCSON, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / When Marjorie Freedman set out to sell her late parents' home in Tucson, she faced a challenge familiar to many long-distance homeowners: finding a contractor she could trust - sight unseen - to make critical roof repairs. With limited time on the ground and a house that needed to be market-ready, the pressure was high. Fortunately, Hallmark Roofing made the process seamless, honest, and stress-free."I don't live in Tucson," Freedman explains. "So it was important to me to hire a reputable company I could trust to make the necessary repairs and do the job right." After requesting multiple bids, she received widely varying scopes of work and pricing - enough to leave any homeowner feeling uneasy. That's when she spoke with Anthony at Hallmark Roofing."Anthony walked me through everything over the phone," she says. "I could tell he really knew what he was talking about. He even agreed to meet with me in person when I visited Tucson before the work began. From start to finish, Hallmark kept in close communication, stayed professional, and followed through exactly as promised." Freedman's experience is far from unique. Hallmark Roofing has built a reputation throughout the Tucson community not just for quality work - but for how they treat people. The company consistently earns high marks for its fast response times, clear communication, and commitment to giving customers real answers - not inflated estimates.For local homeowner Jack Anderson, that honesty translated into significant cost savings. "I had several estimates," Anderson says. "Two companies told me I needed a whole new roof without even lifting a tile. But Hallmark - and one other - said I only needed a repair, and they showed me exactly why. Their estimate was competitive, the work was completed quickly, and the crew was courteous, thorough, and tidy. I'd absolutely use them again." That kind of integrity has become a hallmark of the company (no pun intended). Hallmark Roofing doesn't push unnecessary repairs or pressure customers into costly replacements when a solid fix will do the job. And in an industry where missed appointments and vague timelines can be the norm, Hallmark stands out for showing up on schedule and getting the job done - right the first time.The company brings decades of roofing expertise to Tucson homeowners, specializing in both residential and commercial roofing projects. From minor repairs to complete roof replacements, every project is handled with craftsmanship, professionalism, and a commitment to lasting results. Hallmark also backs its work with warranties that give homeowners added peace of mind.In a region like Southern Arizona - where sun, heat, and seasonal storms can take a toll on roofs - finding a contractor that combines speed, fairness, and follow-through is more than just convenient. It's essential.Whether you live down the street or across the country, Hallmark Roofing is proving that trusted service and smart solutions are always close to home.For more information or to schedule a free inspection and no-obligation quote, call Legacy Roofing Company at (520)-502-2662 or visit the website to gain more information https://www.hallmark-roofing.com/ About Hallmark Roofing Hallmark Roofing is a trusted roofing contractor based in Tucson, AZ, offering high-quality residential and commercial roofing services. With decades of experience and a reputation built on honesty and efficiency, the company specializes in repairs, replacements, and inspections - all backed by workmanship guarantees. Hallmark Roofing is known for providing clear, competitive estimates, on-time scheduling, and professional service you can count on, no matter the size of the job.Office Hours & Service Area Hallmark Roofing is centrally located at 3149 East Prince Road, Suite 1 Tucson, AZ 85716 Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.For more information or to schedule a free inspection and no-obligation quote, call Realize Services LLC at (475)-447-1701 or visit the website to gain more information https://realizeservicesllc.com/ Media Contact: Max CollettContractor Independence LLC(806) 808-0330SOURCE: Hallmark Roofing PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 22:30:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 762 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Phoenix Motor Inc. dba PhoenixEV, a leading manufacturer of all-electric, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a multi-category contract by the California Department of General Services (DGS) for Battery Electric Buses (BEBs). PhoenixEV has been selected for the following vehicle categories:Group 2 - 35-foot Battery Electric Bus (BEB)Group 3 - 40-foot Battery Electric Bus (BEB)Group 18 - Cutaway Battery Electric Bus (BEB)This award enables eligible state and local government agencies across California - including transit authorities, school districts, municipalities, and other public entities - to directly procure PhoenixEV's zero-emission buses through a simplified, pre-approved purchasing process. By leveraging the DGS statewide contract, agencies can avoid lengthy bid processes, gain access to pre-negotiated pricing, and accelerate their fleet electrification goals with confidence in product quality, compliance, and support. This streamlined procurement pathway plays a critical role in helping public fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles while meeting California's ambitious climate and air quality mandates."We're honored to be selected by the California DGS for this critical statewide contract," said Denton Peng, CEO of PhoenixEV. "This is a significant milestone for PhoenixEV, not only validating the strength of our product lineup, but also enabling us to expand our reach and support agencies across California with reliable, zero-emission solutions." PhoenixEV's lineup includes purpose-built BEBs engineered for high performance, long range, and optimized passenger comfort, with a strong focus on reliability, total cost of ownership, and ease of service. The DGS contract award follows recent momentum from the Company, including partnerships in autonomous vehicle technology and continued expansion of its Greenville, South Carolina manufacturing facility.This contract award reflects PhoenixEV's continued leadership in delivering innovative clean transportation solutions tailored to the needs of public and private fleet operators.For more information about PhoenixEV, please contact our media relations team at marketing@ phoenixev.ai About Phoenix Motor Inc.Phoenix Motor, a pioneer in the electric vehicle ("EV") industry, designs, builds, and integrates electric drive systems and manufactures heavy duty transit buses and medium and light duty commercial EVs. Phoenix operates two primary brands, "Phoenix", which is focused on commercial products including heavy and medium duty EVs (transit buses, shuttle buses, school buses and delivery trucks, among others) and "EdisonFuture", which intends to offer light-duty and commercial EVs. Phoenix endeavors to be a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of electric vehicles and electric vehicle technologies. To learn more, please visit: www.phoenixmotorcars.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified through the use of words such as "may," "might," "will," "intend," "should," "could," "can," "would," "continue," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "predict," "outlook," "potential," "plan," "seek," and similar expressions and variations or the negatives of these terms or other comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from the Company's current expectations depending upon a number of factors. These risk factors include, among others, those related to our ability to raise additional capital necessary to grow our business, operations and business and financial performance, our ability to grow demand for our products and revenue, our ability to become profitable, our ability to have access to an adequate supply of parts and materials and other critical components for our vehicles on the timeline we expect, the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the effects of the outbreak and actions taken in connection therewith, adverse changes in general economic and market conditions, competitive factors including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions, uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and market changes, risks associated with managing the growth of the business, and those other risks and uncertainties that are described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's annual report filed on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to revise or update any forward-looking statements.Contact:marketing@ phoenixev.ai Dave Gentry, CEORedChip Companies, Inc.1-407-644-4256 PEV@ redchip.com SOURCE: Phoenix Motor Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 15:01:48 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 516 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) has appointed Chaela Ciongoli as its new director of marketing and PRTEMECULA, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) has appointed Chaela Ciongoli as its new director of marketing and PR, a key addition that supports the region's ongoing efforts to grow visibility and awareness through focused brand storytelling and destination marketing. Chaela Ciongoli Director of Marketing & PRThis new hire reflects TVWA's continued commitment to long-term success and strategic communication following the passage of the Wine & Agricultural Business Improvement District (BID) in 2021-an initiative that has enabled significant investment in promoting Temecula Valley as a leading California wine destination."Chaela brings a fresh energy as well as valuable perspective to this role," said TVWA Executive Director Krista Chaich. "With her experience in wine business and her proven track record in luxury wine marketing, she'll be a key driver in helping us take Temecula Valley to the next phase in our growth story. We look forward to the contributions she'll make as we continue building momentum for the region." Ciongoli most recently served as vice president of marketing at Kerr Cellars, where she helped shape brand marketing strategies for a luxury Napa Valley winery. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a focus in Wine Business and Marketing, and completed her Level 1 sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2020.Her hands-on experience includes working harvests in Napa, New Zealand, and Australia, managing a high-volume wine bar in Melbourne, Australia, and holding a range of marketing roles in Napa Valley prior to joining the Kerr Cellars team. Her career reflects a thoughtful balance of practical wine knowledge, business acumen, social media and influencer marketing, and a deep appreciation for the role storytelling plays in wine."Temecula Valley is a region on an upward trajectory-with deep roots, passionate people, award-winning wines, and a refreshing sense of originality," said Ciongoli. "I'm honored to help shape the next chapter of its narrative and introduce even more wine lovers to everything this Southern California destination has to offer." In her new role, Ciongoli will focus on continuing to elevate the region's brand presence, leading integrated marketing initiatives, and building out TVWA's marketing team, with additional hires expected in the months ahead.To learn more about the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, visit https://www.temeculawines.org/ ABOUT TEMECULA VALLEY WINE COUNTRYLocated within a 60-minute drive from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs, and within 90 minutes of Los Angeles, Temecula Valley is widely recognized as Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. The popular wine destination is southern California's largest wine producing region by volume.The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association (TVWA) is a 501 (c) 6 nonprofit regional organization. The TVWA ( TemeculaWines.org) is dedicated to promoting the making and growing of quality wine and wine grapes in the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area).###Contact InformationDevin ParrBrand Marketing Partnerprmarketing@ temeculawines.org 818-731-1082SOURCE: Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 15:01:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 875 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ORLANDO, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / Unusual Machines, Inc. ("Unusual Machines" or the "Company") (NYSE American:UMAC), a United States based manufacturer and distributor of drone parts announced today the pricing of its confidentially market public offering (the "Offering") of 8,000,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $5.00 per share.The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of $40.0 million from the Offering, before deducting placement agent fees and other related expenses. The Offering is expected to close on or about May 6, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.The Company intends to use net proceeds from the Offering to accelerate the completion of its Orlando, Florida drone motor facility and well as for general corporate purposes, including working capital.Dominari Securities LLC is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the Offering.This Offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-286413), previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on April 7, 2025 and subsequently declared effective by the SEC on April 21, 2025.A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying shelf prospectus relating to the Offering and describing the terms of thereof has been filed with the SEC on May 5, 2025 and forms a part of the effective registration statement, and is available on the SEC's website located at http://www.sec.gov . Electronic copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained, by contacting Dominari Securities LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, 725 5th Ave., 23 Floor, New York, NY 10022, by email at info@ dominarisecurities.com , or by telephone at (212) 393-4500. The final terms of the Offering will be disclosed in a final prospectus supplement to be filed with the SEC, which will be available for free on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.About Unusual Machines, Inc.The Company manufactures and sells drone components and drones across a diversified brand portfolio, which includes Fat Shark, the leader in first-person view ("FPV") ultra-low latency video goggles for drone pilots. Several of the Company' products have been approved for and listed on the Defense Innovation Unit's Blue Framework list. The Company also retails small, acrobatic FPV drones and equipment directly to consumers through the curated Rotor Riot ecommerce store. With a changing regulatory environment, The Company seeks to be a dominant component supplier to the fast-growing multi-billion-dollar US drone industry and the global defense business. According to Fact.MR , the global drone accessories market is currently valued at $17.5 billion and is set to top $115 billion by 2032. For more information visit Unusual Machines at https://www.unusualmachines.com/ Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements which involve substantial risks and uncertainties relating to closing the Offering and use of proceeds. Forward-looking statements are often identifiable by the words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "objective," "ongoing," "plan," "predict," "project," "potential," "should," "will," or "would," or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for making each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, the Company cautions that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by the Company and its expectations of the future, about which the Company cannot be certain. Forward-looking statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties, as well as other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to whether or not the Company will be able to raise the proceeds from the Offering; market conditions; satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the Offering; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described within the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, changes in its business which affect the planned use of proceeds and the Risk Factors contained in the Prospectus Supplement. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to complete the Offering on the anticipated terms, or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information contained in this press release to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances, except as required by law.Investor Relations Contact:CS Investor Relations917-633-8980 investors@ unusualmachines.com SOURCE: Unusual Machines, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-05-05 14:01:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 625 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 New data reveals telecom's observability gap and its rising toll on performance, security, and AI readiness.BOULDER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / May 5, 2025 / WanAware , an innovator in intelligent observability, today released its 2025 Telecom Observability Benchmark Report, offering an unprecedented look at the disconnect between network infrastructure investments and the visibility tools required to manage them. Based on a survey of telecom leaders across North America and Europe, the report reveals the stark reality that, while capital expenditures have increased or held steady for most providers, over 62% report visibility into less than half of their own infrastructure assets."There's a clear disparity between where telecom dollars are going and where they're most urgently needed," said Jeff Collins, CEO of WanAware. "You can't manage what you can't see. With the industry pushing into AI, 5G, and edge deployments, this lack of observability threatens to derail progress." The Visibility Gap: Telecom's Unseen RiskThe report uncovers a growing "visibility debt" - a misalignment between network growth and the monitoring tools used. Whilemore than $300 billion has been invested in infrastructure since 2018 , observability tools remain underfunded. The survey reveals that 54% of telecom leaders allocate 10% or less of their infrastructure budget to visibility solutions.At the same time, 56% report that their capital expenditures have either remained flat or increased over the past two years. This divide between spending and visibility is creating blind spots that can hinder performance, slow innovation, and open the door to security risks. Only a small fraction, just 7%, say they have full visibility (91-100%) into their current infrastructure.Shared Infrastructure, Shared Blind SpotsWith nearly 70% of providers participating in network-to-network interface (NNI) agreements, shared infrastructure has become standard. But visibility hasn't kept up. Over 55% of providers report disruptions that could have been avoided with better observability, and nearly 9% say these issues occur weekly.Security is also suffering as more than a third of providers detect less than 20% of security threats through their own tools, signaling an urgent need for unified visibility across shared environments.Rural Expansion, Fragmented ToolsAs providers expand to close the digital divide and bring connectivity to rural and underserved areas, operational oversight isn't keeping pace. Twenty-five percent of leaders are only slightly or not at all confident in their visibility over new or expanded assets, and 30% rely on seven or more disparate tools to monitor their networks. This tool sprawl hinders real-time insights just when they're needed most.The Road to Future Networks Starts with VisibilityWith 5G, edge computing, and XaaS models defining the next era of telecom, only 27% of respondents feel prepared to support AI-intensive applications with current visibility tools. And 55% express moderate to extreme concern about visibility gaps during these next-gen rollouts. Without modern observability to match modern networks, future-proofing efforts risk stalling before they even begin."As infrastructure gets more abstract and dependencies stretch across clouds, carriers, and platforms, observability isn't just about uptime - it's about trust, accountability, and control in a world built on shared responsibility," Vincent English, former CEO of PacketFabric and Megaport.The 2025 Telecom Observability Benchmark Report is based on an independent survey of 180 telecom leaders spanning executive, network operations, and security roles in North America and Europe that was conducted in April. Download the full reporthere .To learn more about WanAware,visit the websiteor meet them at ITW 2025 on May 5-7, 2025 in National Harbor, Maryland.###ABOUT WANAWARE:WanAware is an innovator in intelligent observability, dedicated to solving the most pressing challenges in IT performance, availability, and security monitoring. By leveraging advanced technologies, including AI and machine learning, WanAware delivers actionable insights that empower organizations to achieve operational excellence. For more information, visitwww.wanaware.com MEDIA CONTACT:Nina Pfister, MAG PR atnina@ mooringadvisorygroup.com ; T: 781-929-5620.SOURCE: WanAware The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has faulted the claim by Akinwunmi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), that Nigerians are worse off today than at independence in 1960. Mr Onanuga made the assertion on his Facebook page on Sunday, noting the AfDB chief claimed that Nigerias GDP per capita was $1,847 in 1960 against $824 today, adding that the statement does not align with available data. According to available data, our countrys GDP was $4.2 billion in 1960, and per capita income for a population of 44.9 million was $93ninety-three, not even one hundred dollars, he stated. Our countrys GDP did not rise remarkably until the 1970s when crude earnings ballooned. In 1970, our GDP rose to $12.55 billion. In 1975, it was $27.7 billion; $64.2 billion in 1980; and $164 billion in 1981, he added. Mr Onanuga disclosed that it was not until 1980 that Nigerias GDP per capita surpassed $880, going further to say that it increased to $2,187 in 1981 before sliding to $1,844 a year after. Last week, a report quoted Mr Adesina to have linked Nigerias economic underperformance to overdependence on oil, years of underinvestment in key sectors, structural flaws and policy missteps during the 20th anniversary of investment bank Chapel Hill Denham. 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 Underdevelopment should not be accepted as our destiny. We must break free from this pattern, the AfDB president was reported to have said. According to Bloomberg, Nigeria lost the top spot as Africas largest economy to Egypt in 2023 after a devaluation of its currency sharply weakened its nominal GDP. According to a projection by the International Monetary Fund, nominal GDP is estimated to reach $188.3 billion this year, leaving the country in the fourth position on the continent behind South Africa, Egypt and Algeria. Mr Adesina, according to the report, stressed the importance of prioritising investment in infrastructure, technology and innovation, adding that Nigeria must become the industrial powerhouse of Africa. The five critical factors he listed as fundamental to Nigerias economic transformation are accelerated industrialisation, availability of electricity, competitive agriculture, innovation-enabled growth and development of modern infrastructure. GDP per capita is silent on whether Nigerians in 2025 enjoy better access to healthcare, education, and transportation, such as rail and air transport, than in 1960, Mr Onanuga said. This premise alone suggests why Dr Adesina should not have arrived at his conclusion. Compared with 1960, Nigeria today has more primary, secondary, and tertiary schools. We have more road networks and more medical facilities, private and public. We have phenomenal access to telephones, he added. He observed that whatever GDP the National Bureau of Statistics publishes may not include the real picture of the economy if it does not factor in the informal sector. No objective observer can claim that Nigeria has not made progress since 1960. Today, as we await the NBSs recalibration of our GDP, we can comfortably say without contradiction that it is at least 50 times, if not 100 times, more than it was at Independence, Mr Onanuga said. Nigeria is rejigging its GDP data to reflect current economic realities and include important sectors that were either understated or not captured in the last rebasing in 2014. Such sectors include the digital economy, e-commerce, mining, creative industry and the blue economy. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On 23 April, Liberias Supreme Court affirmed the legitimacy of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jonathan Koffa. This followed months of legislative impasse and political crisis triggered by rival lawmakers vote to remove Mr Koffa over alleged budget manipulations, overruns and a conflict of interest involving his law firm and government agencies. The lawmakers, forming the Majority Bloc, had voted to elect Richard Koon to replace Mr Koffa. They alleged that Mr Koffas office overspent its approximately $1.5 million allocation by more than $4 million in 2022 and about $3 million in 2023. These amounts, they said, could not be accounted for. The situation disrupted legislative business, provoking protests and apparently causing fires to be set in the Capitol Building. Importantly, it highlights the countrys struggle to break from one of the direct causes of its 1989-2003 civil war corruption and impunity and the need for renewed and sustained anti-corruption efforts. Among the key objectives of the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the conflict, was combatting corruption and institutionalising good governance. These were reinforced by recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and successive post-war governments have at least officially made them key components of their governance agenda. Key among the several steps taken to achieve these objectives were establishing the Governance Commission in 2007, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission in 2008, and the General Auditing Commission in 2014. In 2022, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission Act was amended to grant direct prosecutorial powers to the commission, in addition to passing a Whistleblower Act and the Witness Protection Act to facilitate public reporting of corrupt acts. 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 In April 2024, the legislature voted to approve President Joseph Boakais proposal to set up a War and Economic Crimes Court to prosecute perpetrators of serious abuses committed during the civil war. Notwithstanding these efforts, Liberia remains haunted by entrenched corruption, consistently ranking close to the bottom of Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index. Its score has been less than 40 and has declined since 2013. Institute for Security Studies interviews with several stakeholders point to a culture of political patronage and lack of political will to ensure criminal accountability for corruption. Institutional weakness and often dysfunctionality is also among the causal factors that have transcended various governments. These deep-seated challenges were acknowledged in 2016 by Ellen Sirleaf, Liberias first post-war president, but have since persisted. She noted that her government had not fully met the anti-corruption pledge because of the intractability of dependency and dishonesty cultivated from years of deprivation and poor governance. A succession of corruption scandals rocked her government, including those emanating from General Auditing Commission investigations, but for which there were no prosecutions. George Weah, who succeeded Ms Sirleaf, faced immense public unease following several scandals involving his appointees. Like in the Sirleaf era, public appointments based on political connections and personal relations under Mr Weah meant appointees were not prosecuted for corruption. Yet some stakeholders still argued that corruption under Mr Weah became insidious and accounted for his electoral defeat in November 2023. In August 2022, for instance, the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned Liberian government officials Nathaniel McGill, Sayma Syrenius Cephus and Bill Twehway for graft. Former finance minister Samuel Tweah was also sanctioned in December 2023 alongside two senators and Monrovias Mayor, Jefferson Koijee, for involvement in corruption and, in Koijees case, human rights abuses. None of these cases resulted in prosecutions, a situation that has drawn criticism of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission for failing to exercise its prosecutorial powers. However, it reflects the resource and capacity constraints and lack of political and fiscal independence faced by the commission and other anti-corruption institutions, particularly the General Auditing Commission. Much like his predecessors, Mr Boakai has sought to strike the right tone by promising to fight corruption. In February he suspended over 450 government officials, including the health and education ministers and high-ranking state institution officials. They were accused of undermining national efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability by failing to declare assets as required by law. Yet, the president has been criticised for being selective and politically motivated by suspending certain officials for corrupt acts while leaving others with the same allegations untouched. Boakais anti-corruption agenda also faces other challenges. His appointment of Jonathan Massaquoi to head the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court the body mandated to prepare the legal grounds for the courts establishment sparked controversy over Mr Massaquois previous legal representation of Agnes Taylor, wife of convicted former president Charles Taylor. Rooting out corruption and institutionalising good governance remains a vital post-war imperative. Doing so requires far more than setting up anti-corruption frameworks. Stakeholders must tackle the culture of patronage, promote criminal accountability for corrupt acts, and remove political and resource impediments to institutional effectiveness. The current political crisis, rooted in allegations of corruption, also offers a unique opportunity for Liberia to take stock of its good governance and anti-corruption progress and renew its efforts. Sampson Kwarkye, Project Manager for Littoral West African States, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel Research for this article was funded by the Bosch Foundation and the government of Denmark. (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Medical experts disclosed on Monday that gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene, calling for a proper hand-washing culture among health professionals. The experts made this known at an event in Benin to commemorate the 2025 World Hand Hygiene Day, with the theme It might be gloves, but its always hand hygiene. They maintained that hand washing with soap and running water remained the most effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections. In his opening remark, Darlington Obaseki, Chief Medical Director of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), explained that while gloves provide protection, hand hygiene is fundamental in preventing the spread of infections. If you dont wash your hands properly with soap and running water and you just go and glove up, you are still at risk to our patients and to yourself, he said. Mr Obaseki, a professor asserted that provision of basic amenities such as running water, light, and consumables like soap are already standard in the hospital. 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 He, however, noted that leaders in healthcare systems had a responsibility to ensure minimum standards for safe treatment, including enforcement of these standards. The Chief Medical Director also encouraged patients and their relatives to frequently wash their hands to reduce disease transmission. In her keynote address, Tochi Okwor, Coordinator, National Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Programme said hand hygiene is not just a procedure, but a moral obligation and public health imperative. Ms Okwor, who is also the Coordinator, Nigeria Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Coordination Committee, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), highlighted the role of hand hygiene in health security and AMR response. Every opportunity to clean our hands is an opportunity to save a life. Gloves are not a substitute for clean hands and misuse can turn them from protective barriers to instruments of contamination, she said. She called for integrated stewardship that combines IPC, AMR containment, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and diagnostic stewardship as the new national standard. In her lecture, Edith Uwugiaren of Northamptonshire Healthcare, UK, tackled the widespread misuse of gloves in Nigerian hospitals, particularly where gloves were used unnecessarily or across multiple patients. Mrs Uwugiaren said Gloves protect the wearer, not the patient. Using gloves incorrectly increases the risk of hospital-acquired infections and undermines infection control. She likened improper glove use to dancing without rhythm, urging healthcare workers to match glove use to procedure type, much like dance steps match music beats. Mrs Osagioduwa Oloru, Chief Environmental Health Officer of UBTH, in her lecture, educated healthcare personnel on proper disposal of used gloves to avert contamination of the environment. In her speech, Esohe Ogboghodo, Chair, IPC Committee, UBTH, said the hospital had made significant progress in reducing healthcare-associated infections, due to its commitment to infection prevention and control. She said UBTH had implemented effective cleaning and disinfection protocols, health education, and linen management. According to her, these efforts have yielded positive results, with a notable decrease in healthcare-associated infections. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print There was pandemonium in Akure on Sunday as some officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) engaged in a fight over the custody of a suspect. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that trouble started when the Amotekun Corps officers attempted to arrest a suspected motorbike thief in the Ijoka area of Akure, the state capital. According to one of the corps officers, a complainant had visited their office to lodge a report over a missing motorcycle. However, the Amotekun officers arrived at the scene and retrieved the stolen motorcycle and the suspect allegedly involved in the theft. It was learnt that shortly after the arrest by the corps, some police officers arrived and demanded that the suspect be released to them. It was further gathered that the Amotekun officers refused to hand the suspect to the police officers but instead moved him to the corps headquarters. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The police reportedly mobilised their officers and invaded the Amotekun office, injuring many personnel in an attempt to forcibly retrieve the suspect. Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olusola confirmed the incident in a statement. He, however, said the police acted professionally throughout the incident. At about 0800hrs, a report was received at the Ijoka Divisional Police Headquarters regarding the arrest of a suspect alleged to have been involved in the theft of property from a church located around Sunday Bus Stop. Acting promptly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) detailed two police officers along with the incident duty officer to proceed to the scene, recover the suspect, and secure exhibits linked to the crime, the statement read. It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene. However, while executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived in the company of a large group of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders). In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer. Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc+, mnips, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits. Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation. However, it must be stated that while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air. To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies. The police said they are committed to collaboration with other security outfits in the state but stressed the need for all personnel to operate within the bounds of the law and established protocols. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj operations with the departure of its advance team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, comprising key operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday. According to a statement by the Principal Information Officer of the commission, Shafii Mohammed, on Monday in Abuja, the team is responsible for establishing the groundwork for the entire Hajj operation, including accommodation arrangements, airport reception protocols, and coordination with Saudi Hajj authorities. Its efforts will pave the way for the seamless arrival and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, medical personnel, and state officials. The airlift of Nigerian pilgrims will commence on Friday. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj operations with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, comprising key operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday following a farewell ceremony held at the Hajj House, the statement said. 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 Delivering a goodwill message to the team before their departure at the commission headquarters in Abuja, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS) Abubakar Yagawal, a professor, described its role as central and strategic to the operations success. You (team) are expected to carry out your responsibilities with the highest level of responsibility, dedication, and patience, he said. He further urged them to approach their tasks with purpose, integrity, and impartiality. In a PREMIUM TIMES report on Saturday, the commission explained the selection process for staff to work during the Hajj. NAHCON said it followed due process in selecting ad-hoc staff for the exercise debunking claims of favouritism. Read full statement NAHCON Advance Team Departs for Makkah, Signalling Official Commencement of 2025 Hajj Operations The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj operations with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, comprising key operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday following a farewell ceremony held at the Hajj House. Introducing the Advance Team to the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, commended the teams exceptional performance during the previous Hajj. He credited them with laying the foundation for last years successful operation and reaffirmed his trust in their competence. He also appealed to the Chairman and Executive Management to continue extending their full support to the team to ensure another successful outing. In his address, the Chairman urged the team to approach the assignment with a deep sense of duty and commitment, emphasising the sanctity of the task ahead. You are not going there to sleep; you are going there to serve the Guests of Allah, he declared. Please cooperate, help one another, work as a team, and discharge your responsibilities with sincerity. If you succeed, the Commission succeeds. He further assured them of the Commissions full backing and reminded them to fear Allah as they execute their duties. Delivering a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, described the teams role as central and strategic to the success of the operation. You are expected to carry out your responsibilities with the highest level of responsibility, dedication, and patience, he said. He urged them to approach their tasks with purpose, integrity, and impartiality. In his closing remarks, Dr Mustapha Sani, Secretary to the Commission, assured the team that their welfare packages had already been approved by the Chairman, reiterating NAHCONs unwavering commitment to staff support throughout the Hajj season. You are laying the foundation for this years operation. Your success is the Commissions success, he affirmed. Speaking on behalf of the team, the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance and Deputy Makkah Coordinator Alidu Shutti expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them. We are professionals. We are tested and capable hands. We will not let you down, he said, while also appealing for the Chairmans continuous support as they undertake their responsibilities. The Advance Team is responsible for establishing the groundwork for the entire Hajj operation, including accommodation arrangements, airport reception protocols, and coordination with Saudi Hajj authorities. Their efforts paved the way for the seamless arrival and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, medical personnel, and state officials. The departure of the Advance Team marks a major milestone in the 2025 Hajj preparations and the official start of Nigerias participation in this years pilgrimageone of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Shafii Sani Mohammed, Principal Information Officer, NAHCON Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a social media content creator in Kaduna for allegedly abusing naira notes, the agency said in a statement on Monday. According to the press statement, EFCC arrested Muhammed Saad following a video he uploaded on his TikTok and Instagram account @youngcee0066, showing him throwing naira notes on the floor and stepping on them. Mr Saad, speaking in Hausa, was also said to have challenged EFCC officers to arrest him if they could. Checks by PREMIUM TIMES indicated that the video has been taken down on both Instagram and TikTok platforms. Operatives of the commission in Kaduna traced the social media content creator and picked him up at Tudun Wada, Kaduna State, for questioning. The EFCC also noted that Mr Saad would be charged in court following the completion of the interrogation. 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 Spraying and matching naira notes is an offence in Nigeria. Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 criminalises the spraying, dancing or matching of the naira notes, anyone guilty of this is liable to not less than six months imprisonment or a fine of nothing less than N50,000. EFCC actions against naira abuse The EFCC has continued to crack down against abuse and mutilation of naira notes in the past year. A case that has come to symbolise the efforts is that of crossdresser Bobrisky, who was arrested, following a viral video clip showing him spraying and flaunting wads of new naira notes on 24 March 2024 at the premiere of a movie, Ajakaju. EFCC subsequently arraigned the Instagram celebrity before the Federal High Court in Lagos on 5 April, when he pleaded guilty to four charges preferred against him. The court, after Bobrisky pled to the charges, the judge convicted him and subsequently sentenced him to six months imprisonment. In March, PREMIUM TIMES reported the arrest of an official of the Edo State Government, Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as Ebo Stone, over alleged naira abuse. Mr Okungbowa was arrested following a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating naira at a bar. In the same month, popular Kano TikTok influencer Murja Kunya was arrested for the same crime. She was arrested for allegedly spraying naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. But critics have said the EFCC is selective in going after offenders. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print With significant interest, the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has received the news that the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) upheld the $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Incorporated, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. The penalty was imposed after a 30-month investigation between 2021 and 2023 by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for unauthorised data sharing and discriminatory practices by Meta against Nigerian users. The CCPTs ruling represents a significant milestone in Nigerias ongoing efforts to enforce digital accountability and protect the rights of its citizens in the digital age. In an era where digital platforms wield enormous influence over societies and economies, it is imperative that companies operating in Nigerias digital space comply fully with domestic laws and regulations. Respect for national sovereignty must extend to the digital domain, where the rights and interests of citizens deserve the same robust protections as in any other sphere. NPAN further notes that the decision of Nigerias CCPT aligns with a broader global trend where regulatory bodies are increasingly taking firm action against major technology companies for violations of data protection and competition laws. In 2023, Ireland fined Meta 1.2 billion euros for the companys failure to comply with the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by unlawfully transferring EU user data to the US without adequate safeguards. 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 Amazon was fined 746 million euros in 2021 by Luxembourg for a similar breach; while TikTok, Google and Apple have also been penalised at different times for data breaches and anti-trust activities. As an association deeply committed to the defence of civil rights, media freedom, and the public good, NPAN reaffirms its support for strong, fair, and transparent enforcement of laws governing the digital economy. It also remains steadfast in promoting the digital rights of publishers to secure fair remuneration for their work and safeguarding intellectual property against exploitation amid the growing complexities of the digital landscape. We believe that consistent regulatory vigilance, backed by sustained collaboration among all stakeholders government agencies, civil society, industry players, and the general public is essential to ensuring that digital platforms operate responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with Nigerias legal and social norms. NPAN calls for continued efforts to strengthen Nigerias digital regulatory environment to not only safeguard the rights of individuals but also to foster innovation and trust in the countrys growing digital economy. SIGNED MAL. KABIRU A. YUSUF MRS ANGELA EMUWA PRESIDENT GENERAL SECRETARY May 2, 2025 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Ahmed Shaw at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State, for not disclosing $90,000 to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Shaw was arraigned before the judge, Deinde Dipeolu, on one count of money laundering. The defendant was arrested on 3 March at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for non-declaration of the sum of $90,000, the EFCC stated. In the charge, the commission alleged that Mr Shaws failure to declare the funds violated Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The section requires individuals transporting cash or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 to make a declaration to Customs. A breach of the law attracts a penalty of forfeiture of the funds, imprisonment of at least two years, or both. Mr Shaw initially pleaded not guilty to the charge. 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 Change of plea In a statement on Sunday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that during the resumed hearing on 15 April, the agency presented its first prosecution witness, Danladi Ibrahim, an NDLEA operative, who testified that the defendant failed to declare the $90,000 in his possession. Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Aminu Lawal, the witness said Mr Shaws statement was recorded under caution and that several exhibits including the cash, the defendants statement, and the NDLEA handover note were tendered and admitted by the court. At Fridays hearing, the defendants counsel, E.I. Ogundeji, informed the court that his client intended to change his plea. Mr Shaw was then re-arraigned on the same charge and pleaded guilty. Following the change of plea, prosecution counsel Z.B. Atiku called on EFCC operative Aminu Lawal to review the facts of the case. Adjournment Mr Dipeolu adjourned the matter until 6 May for judgement. Before this case, EFCC secured a six-month conviction against Okorie Sunday, who was apprehended by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the same Lagos airport for false currency declaration. Mr Sunday, who arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on 19 March, declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk. However, further searches revealed an additional $299,000 concealed in various packages, bringing the total to $578,000. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, North-central Nigeria, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has ordered an investigation into the death of five children in the Agyaragu community of Obi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. This is contained in a statement signed by Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) on Monday in Lafia. Mr Nansel, a superintendent of police, said that the lifeless bodies of the children were found inside an abandoned, unserviceable vehicle parked at the residence of one Mr Abu Agyeme. The commissioner has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended the commands heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also cautioned parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be vigilant and ensure that children do not gain access to parked or abandoned vehicles without supervision, he said. 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 He said, at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, a resident of the area reported to the police that the children were discovered unresponsive inside a disused vehicle parked in a compound. He said that Ozimna Ogbor, who reported the matter, said the children were aged between six and 10 years old. Upon arrival, the officers found the victims locked inside the abandoned vehicle. They were promptly evacuated to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where a medical doctor regrettably confirmed all of them dead due to suspected suffocation. This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in August 2019, Mr Nansel added. Due to severe heat burns on the deceased bodies, the remains were released to their parents based on a request for burial, he said. (NAN). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Xi Focus: Link personal pursuit with the country -- Xi's message to Chinese youth Xinhua) 09:18, May 05, 2025 BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- China celebrates its annual Youth Day on Sunday, honoring the legacy of the patriotic May Fourth Movement of 1919 that shaped modern Chinese history. Around this time, President Xi Jinping usually sends greetings to young people and champions the inseparable bond between youth empowerment and national progress. Still fresh in the public's mind is Xi's visit to an AI incubator in Shanghai on Tuesday. During the inspection of the AI industry in the eastern metropolis, Xi spent some time engaging with young entrepreneurs participating in an innovators' salon. "AI is a nascent industry, and it's also an industry that belongs to young people," Xi said, encouraging the younger generation to demonstrate their talent and capabilities at a time when "China is advancing the great cause of building a strong nation and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts." Xi urged the young people to cherish a deep love for the country, set their sights on serving the nation, and strengthen their capabilities. The youth should "closely link their personal endeavors with the country's future," he said. Xi has on multiple occasions stressed the necessity for young people to have unwavering dedication to the nation and the people, a conviction forged from his early experiences. In the late 1960s, as part of a national movement, millions of urban youth went to rural areas to work and live alongside farmers, aiming to foster resilience through hard labor. Among them was 15-year-old Xi, who arrived in a remote village in Shaanxi Province. Taking on farming, hauling coal, and building dams, Xi's resilience, thirst for knowledge, and reputation as a "learned problem-solver" won the trust of villagers, who elected him as their Party branch secretary. As a young man toiling on the barren Loess Plateau of northern Shaanxi, Xi's aspiration at that time was to ensure that all fellow villagers could have enough to eat. It was there that Xi forged a conviction to dedicate his life to the country and the people. Now, as China's top leader, Xi frequently urges the younger generation to devote themselves to national development. Ahead of the Youth Day 2023, Xi penned a reply letter to students from China Agricultural University. For over a decade, the university has been operating the "science and technology backyards" program, sending postgraduate students specializing in agriculture to rural areas to assist in solving practical problems. In his letter, Xi expressed the hope for the students to closely integrate textbook knowledge with practices in rural areas, and devote their youth and strength to speeding up rural and agricultural modernization and the construction of a modern socialist country. In an article published on Thursday in Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xi again underscored the importance of strengthening the ideals and convictions of the younger generation. Young people should serve as pioneers and vital forces in areas such as scientific and technological innovation, rural revitalization, green development, social services, and national defense, the article noted. In his latest Youth Day greetings, Xi commended a group of volunteer teachers working in a remote border school in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In the reply letter to the volunteer teachers, Xi noted that more young people have chosen to serve as volunteers in the country's western regions and rural areas over the years, demonstrating their spirit of dedication and sense of responsibility. "Contribute to the country's modernization drive by serving where the nation and the people need you most," he urged. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) To curb healthcare-associated infections and strengthen public health systems, experts and government officials are advocating for hand hygiene to be institutionalised as a national culture, not merely observed as a symbolic annual event. They made the call on Monday during a commemorative event marking the 2025 World Hand Hygiene Day, at Maitama District Hospital in Abuja. The event, themed, It Might Be Gloves. Its Always Hand Hygiene, was organised by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) through its Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Unit, in collaboration with the hospital. The Lead, IPC Programme at APIN Public Health Initiatives, Abiodun Issa, stated that approximately 70 per cent of infections are transmitted via hands, underscoring the need for consistent hand hygiene across all levels of society. Its only logical to improve our habits and stop the spread of infections through proper hand hygiene, not just in health facilities, but in homes and communities, Mr Issa said. He also warned against the misuse of medical gloves, noting their environmental impact. 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 It takes about 10 years for a glove to degrade. These things contribute to global warming, he said. The Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasised that hand hygiene should not be reduced to a once-a-year campaign. Ms Fasawe noted that hand hygiene and infection prevention must be ingrained as a continuous habit. Regular, unannounced audits and structured training are essential to build a robust culture of safety, she said, adding that leadership support and the recognition of champions were key to long-term progress. Hannatu Isaiq, Head of Nursing at Maitama District Hospital, described investing in IPC as a cost-saving measure. Mrs Isaiq said it protects patients, reduces healthcare expenses, and empowers healthcare workers to become positive change agents. Oluwatoni Akinola, Antimicrobial Resistance & IPC Programme Officer at the Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust (DRASA), echoed the sentiment: Hand hygiene is a powerful, life-saving practice that must become second nature. Ms Akinola said hand hygiene saves lives, builds trust, cuts costs, and strengthens our health system. From a regional perspective, Aisha Farouq, IPC Programme Lead at the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFRENET), highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships. Ms Farouq said Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of healthcare. Our collaboration with NCDC is helping save lives and promote peace, health, and national growth. Chidinma Ibe, Head of the IPC Programme at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), stressed the need for continued institutional support. She said hand hygiene is fundamental to infection prevention. Our longstanding partnership with Maitama District Hospital is crucial for building capacity, strengthening IPC practices, and providing essential resources, she noted. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders reached a consensus: embedding hand hygiene into daily healthcare practice is essential to safeguarding health systems and preventing future disease outbreaks. They emphasised that this must be supported by strong leadership, continuous training, and multi-sectoral collaboration to minimise environmental harm and ensure long-term impact. The World Hand Hygiene Day is marked on 5 May annually to raise global awareness about the importance of clean hands in preventing infections and protecting healthcare systems. The event ended with a unified call to action for healthcare stakeholders to recommit to hand hygiene as a life-saving practice that must not be overlooked, regardless of gloves or other protective gear. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Godrey Ogbechie, Group Executive Director at Rainoil Limited and Managing Director of Norsworthy Investment Limited, speaks with PREMIUM TIMES about her journey in leadership, navigating a male-dominated industry, and her mission to empower more women in business. PT: Can you tell us about your professional journey and how you became a CEO? Mrs Ogbechie: My professional journey started over three decades ago when I joined a commercial bank, first for the national youth service programme and then as a permanent staff. This was the foundation of a banking career spanning 19 years in two Nigerian Banks. I joined Rainoil Limited 15 years ago as Executive Director and facilitated the building of robust systems and structures required by a fast-growing oil and gas company. Following Rainoils foray into Real Estate, Agriculture and Hospitality, I was appointed the Managing Director of Norsworthy Investments Limited 2022 to oversee the groups investments in Non fuel Businesses. I have performed in this role for the last three years in addition to my duties as Group ED responsible for shared services. PT: In your opinion, how do women leaders inspire and empower others around them, especially other women? 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 Mrs Ogbechie: Women leaders inspire and empower others around by being authentic and upholding their personal values and the values of the organisation. The values should align to successfully lead and influence the people around you. PT: What do you think is unique about women in leadership roles compared to men? Mrs Ogbechie: I believe that the uniqueness is in the ability of women to lead from the heart, which is different from being sentimental, while men lead from the head. PT: What challenges did you face as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them? Mrs Ogbechie: It is a male dominated industry, so there are few women in board positions and therefore few mentors to work with. I am collaborating with other women groups in and out of the industry to lift as many women as possible and bridge the gap. I also experienced unconscious bias within and outside the organisation. I co-founded the company with my husband and joined the company full time in its 12th year after 19 years in banking, but I had to demonstrate and earn respect from the internal and external stakeholders for the value I brought. PT: Can you share one of the most rewarding moments in your career that solidified your passion for leadership? Mrs Ogbechie: Less than a year after I joined the second bank I worked at, I was redeployed to HR and given a supervisory role when I had no HR experience. I had to learn from the people I was leading and also do a lot of research and studying to gain the knowledge I needed to perform successfully on that role. I eventually rose to be the Head of HR for the whole organisation. That gave me confidence and knowledge that I can achieve anything I put my heart to. In my current job, my imprints are on all the success stories of the organisation. PT: What advice would you give to young Nigerian women aspiring to become leaders in their fields? Mrs Ogbechie: Do not be a stranger in your industry, dig deep and be as knowledgeable as you possibly can. Offer value, solve problems and contribute meaningfully, especially in a profit-making organisation. You have to demonstrate that you are helping the organisation make money and not lose money. Life is a journey, but no two journeys are the same. Discover yourself and run your own race. Learn from other peoples experiences but do not copy and paste. PT: How do you balance the demands of being a CEO with other aspects of your personal life? Mrs Ogbechie: I delegate and outsource where necessary. I am in business with my husband, so it also makes it easier to support each other and fill in for each other. PT: This years International Womens Day theme is Accelerate Action. What does this theme mean to you and how does it reflect your leadership approach? Mrs Ogbechie: Accelerate action for me means that it is time to do the work. We have done a lot of talking and pontificating. The bulk of the work to close the gender gap will be done by women and we have to create enough tables to balance out. How it reflects on my leadership approach is to hold the hands of as many women as possible. This interview was conducted in partnership with Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a Nigerian non-profit organisation committed to advancing and empowering women in leadership. Mrs Ogbechie is also a member of WIMBIZ. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The future of education is not just in infrastructure or innovation, as vital as those are. It lies in how a society cultivates the inner life, how it teaches its people, from childhood, to sit with complexity, to ask questions, to listen for meaning beyond noise. In an age of algorithms and instant answers, reading remains one of the last forms of sustained attention we have left. A society that does not read cannot dream collectively; it loses the imagination needed to govern wisely, to create boldly, to disagree without violence. As Nigeria pursues long-overdue reforms in classrooms, connectivity, and human capital investment, we must also reckon with a quieter but more enduring challenge, namely our diminishing relationship with books, and the gradual erosion of reading as a cultural habit, a form of self-formation, and a gateway to deeper thinking. It is in this widening gap, between what we build and what we nurture, that the loud silence around reading in Nigeria becomes most deafening. Books are still seen by many as an academic requirement rather than a personal or societal asset. Reading, for too many children, and indeed adults, is something one must endure to pass an exam, not a practice to be nurtured, enjoyed, or claimed. In this, the crisis is not just educational. It is cultural. One cannot reform education without reforming the place of books in daily life. This is not simply about publishing policy or school libraries. It is about how families engage with books, how parents model curiosity, and how communities respond to the slow work of building minds. That work does not begin with devices or tests. It begins with attention what we give it to, and what we take it away from. At one of Nigerias airports recently, I saw two children sitting at a boarding gate, calmly reading. Real books. Not screens. Not devices. Just reading. It was striking and rare. When I approached their mother to express my admiration, she replied, almost matter-of-factly, I just made books a normal part of their lives. She had made that choice, which has, with repetition, become a habit. When I asked the children if they were thankful to their mom for encouraging the habit, the boy, confident and clear, said, Its not my mom. Its me. Ive loved reading since I was born. I smiled and asked, Who buys the books? My mom, he answered without hesitation. And with that, the story was complete. 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 It was a simple moment, but it stayed with me. It reminded me that the reading culture we often long for doesnt begin with national campaigns or school policies. It begins in small, consistent acts comprising in what parents normalise, what teachers reinforce, and what society rewards. A childs relationship with books is shaped long before exams, syllabi, or report cards come into view. The value of reading has long been recognised across civilisations. Ancient scholars regarded books as vessels of wisdom. Cicero called a home without books a body without a soul. In our own religious traditions, both the Bible and the Quran are revered as not just texts, but pathways to enlightenment. In many Nigerian households, children are raised to memorise verses and recite chapters of Holy Texts from an early age an extraordinary display of discipline and intellectual memory. It is tempting to place the blame solely on social media and digital distractions, and no doubt, they have compounded the problem. But Nigerias reading crisis predates the digital age. The decline began long before smartphones; it began when books stopped being present in our homes, our conversations, and our sense of what matters. The value of reading has long been recognised across civilisations. Ancient scholars regarded books as vessels of wisdom. Cicero called a home without books a body without a soul. In our own religious traditions, both the Bible and the Quran are revered as not just texts, but pathways to enlightenment. In many Nigerian households, children are raised to memorise verses and recite chapters of Holy Texts from an early age an extraordinary display of discipline and intellectual memory. And yet, outside sacred settings, we have not allowed that reverence to shape our general culture of reading. We memorise holy texts, but we do not often read for meaning. We honour the written Word in prayer, but we abandon it in everyday life. We treat those Books as spiritual tools, but not as instruments for self-discovery, nation-building, or global understanding. This dissonance has consequences. There is a quote, often attributed, perhaps apocryphally, to Carter G Woodson, that says, If you want to hide something from a Black man, put it in a book. It was never meant as a curse, but as a provocation a painful mirror held up to systems that once denied (black) people access to literacy and the tools of thought. But if we are to reclaim our narrative, we must also reject the permanence of that quote. It need not define us. It should awaken us. Because the power to reverse it lies not just in policy, but in parenting, in community, and in a culture that teaches reading not as punishment, but as possibility. Philosophers have long warned of such decline. Descartes believed that reading deeply, especially books written in earlier centuries, was akin to engaging in conversation with the greatest sages of all time. Simone Weil crystallised it, Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity. And what is reading, if not the cultivation of attention over time? At its best, reading stretches the soul. It slows us down so we can think clearly, connect widely, and choose wisely. When a society loses the habit of reading, it does not merely fall behind, it begins to forget what it means to be fully human. Nigerias current education reforms, particularly those being advanced by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), recognise this foundational gap. Through initiatives like the Smart Schools Programme, digital learning hubs, and HOPE-EDU, UBEC is helping to rebuild the ecosystem around basic education. More than 50 Smart Schools have been commissioned; over 18,000 public schools are receiving support, among other laudable initiatives. These are important steps. We can start by making books normal again, in our homes, in our pulpits, in our classrooms, in our public spaces. Because where books are absent, shallow thinking takes over. And when shallow thinking dominates, even the best policies falter The rest will only follow if we first make reading matter. Not just for tests. But for life. But even the best reforms will struggle to take root in a society that does not actively value reading beyond the classroom. A national reading culture cannot be outsourced to government alone. It must be echoed in homes, sustained by communities, and reinforced by institutions, from religious centres to local media. And yet, how many state governments can point to functioning, accessible public libraries? How many churches or mosques preach the importance of reading not just Scriptures, but literature, history, philosophy, and thought? How many communities actively nurture curiosity as a virtue or build libraries? It is worth asking, too, what the unfinished headquarters of the National Library of Nigeria says about our national priorities. Construction of the building began in 2006, yet till this day, it is still not fully functional. In the early years of Abujas development, the National Mosque and the Ecumenical Centre rose quickly symbols of faith and moral authority. But nearly two decades later, the very institution that should stand as a temple of knowledge, civic memory, and intellectual pride remains under scaffolding. What message does that send to our children? The future of education is not just in infrastructure or innovation, as vital as those are. It lies in how a society cultivates the inner life, how it teaches its people, from childhood, to sit with complexity, to ask questions, to listen for meaning beyond noise. In an age of algorithms and instant answers, reading remains one of the last forms of sustained attention we have left. A society that does not read cannot dream collectively; it loses the imagination needed to govern wisely, to create boldly, to disagree without violence. It cannot build with care because it no longer remembers how to think slowly. And without that, even the most sophisticated reforms will fail to reach the human spirit they were designed to serve. We can start by making books normal again, in our homes, in our pulpits, in our classrooms, in our public spaces. Because where books are absent, shallow thinking takes over. And when shallow thinking dominates, even the best policies falter. The rest will only follow if we first make reading matter. Not just for tests. But for life. Chinedu Moghalu is the senior special adviser on Strategic Communication, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print theres the piece de resistance: Seyi allegedly masterminding the abduction of a student leader after a 100 million bribe was rejected. Again, the former vice president is leading the Twitterverse battalion to amplify what even the often critical socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has dismissed as salacious, fallacious, and utterly fabricated. Theres a new shortcut to instant popularity in Nigeria: add Seyi Tinubus name onto any wild claim and boom, youre headline gold no need for facts, proof, or even a little hint of evidence. And the biggest cheerleader of this incredibly banal fancy is none other than former Vice President and serial presidential bridesmaid, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar! This elder statesman, whom you would think ought to have mastered discretion, either on account of the high office he once occupied or his travails from the William Jefferson scandal to the Intels affair and the detention and corruption trial of some of his allies and children, obviously has no chill, no filter. Take the so-called military parade, for example, during which Seyi inspected a group of youths in Boy Scouts-like uniforms in Abeokuta. Before you could say, Boy Scout, Mr Atiku screamed to the world that they were soldiers on a parade, for Seyi. He thought and believed the worst, even at face value, when he just needed to look and hed see those were only youth volunteers! Then there was the funny, if not ridiculous, Elizabeth Jack-Rich drama in which scandal-monger Jackson Ude, imitating the former vice president, alleged that Seyi was having an affair with the wife of former presidential aspirant, Tein, only for the family to dismiss it as rubbish. But Jackson and others who aimed to trend on Seyis name had cashed out and gotten their trend. 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 And now, theres the piece de resistance: Seyi allegedly masterminding the abduction of a student leader after a 100 million bribe was rejected. Again, the former vice president is leading the Twitterverse battalion to amplify what even the often critical socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has dismissed as salacious, fallacious, and utterly fabricated. At this rate, Seyi Tinubus name might as well come with a trending is guaranteed stamp. Forget truth or proof. Even forget investigating. Just put Seyis name into your story and you enjoy 24 hours of viral fame! Guaranteed. Mike Ochuko, a social commentator writes from Asaba via [email protected] Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In Nigeria, the rise of a materialistic gospel has had detrimental effects on both individuals and the society. This gospel promotes the idea that wealth and material possessions are the ultimate goals, leading to unrealistic expectations and spiritual discontent. It has also contributed to the involvement of Nigerian youths in cybercrime, fraud, ritual activities, prostitution, human and drug trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, and hired killings. In 2011, a state government in Nigeria took a significant step towards fostering religious peace and harmony by convening a meeting between senior church leaders and their Islamic counterparts, chief imams. This inter-faith meeting aimed to address the concerns and issues troubling the relationship between the Christian and Muslim communities in the state. During the meeting, Islamic leaders were given the opportunity to express their grievances regarding their interactions with the Christian community. One of the chief imams highlighted a major concern: the conversion of their children, who were born Muslims, to Christianity during their times on university campuses. This phenomenon was deeply troubling to the Islamic leaders, as they observed unexpected and unwelcome changes in their childrens behaviours and values after their conversion. The chief imam recounted that the girls who had converted to Christianity began to dress loosely, while the boys started to demand money from their parents. These changes were perceived as signs of increased greed and immorality, which the Islamic leaders attributed to their childrens involvement with the current Nigerian churches. They expressed their dismay at the stark contrast between the teachings of Jesus and other prophets in the Bible and the conduct of Nigerian church leaders, whose messages and lifestyles seemed to promote materialism and moral decay. 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 A church leader who attended the meeting shared his perspective on the frustration of the Islamic leaders. He was deeply embarrassed and felt a profound sense of shame as he listened to the Islamic leaders narrative. The church leader acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the need for introspection within the Christian community to address the negative impacts of their messages and practices on young converts. This inter-faith meeting underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding between religious communities in Nigeria. It revealed the deep-seated concerns of the Islamic leaders regarding the influence of contemporary Christianity on their children and highlighted the need for Nigerian church leaders to re-evaluate their approach to ministry. To move forward, it is essential for both Christian and Muslim leaders to collaborate in promoting the values of integrity, compassion, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their faiths. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding, religious leaders can work together to build a more harmonious and morally upright society in Nigeria. History is repeating itself again. The church of Christ has been fully monetised by a daring money mongering syndicate that has many so-called pastors and ministers of God, both in word and in music, openly and brazenly trading the gifts of God in their lives for monetary benefits. Just like our Saviour, if you dare to stand up against this money changing business, you could be cancelled or may be as good as dead. This meeting served as a reminder that the true essence of religious teachings lies in nurturing positive values and behaviours that contribute to the well-being of individuals and the community at large. It is a call to action for Nigerian church leaders to reflect on their practices and align them more closely with the teachings of Jesus and the prophets, ensuring that their influence on young converts leads to positive and transformative change. According to Jewish temple traditions, Jews were not allowed to give offerings in the temple at Jerusalem using coins that had the image of Caesar stamped on them. This was deemed idolatrous. Thus, when they arrived at Jerusalem from neighbouring towns to celebrate the Jewish annual festivals, they were mandated by temple officials to change their coins with the money changers who hung around the temples premises. These money changers charged very exorbitant rates for these transactions. Furthermore, God specifically gave Moses the exact description of the types of animals that could be accepted for sacrifices in the temple for various annual festivals (Leviticus 22: 17-25). To be acceptable to God for sacrifice, these animals must be unblemished. Surprisingly, some Jews would still bring animals with various shades of defects and blemishes to the temple for the sacrifices, all of which would be flatly rejected by the temple officials. To be deemed acceptable, those who brought defective animals to the temple were also mandated to have their animals changed, which was a situation that made the animal changers to charge the people exorbitantly for the required switches. It would interest you to know that Caiaphas, the high priest, according to Jewish history, had a major stake in both the animal and money changing businesses, which explained why he and the rest of the aristocratic Sadducees hated Jesus so implacably. We would recall that Jesus once whipped the money changers out of the temple, scattering their tables (John 2:14-15). We should now understand why Caiaphas was ready to get rid of Jesus, once the opportunity came his way Jesus was making them lose a lot of free money. Famed Jewish historians, Flavius Josephus and Herodotus, in their numerous accounts of Jewish history, wrote that Caiaphas, the high priest, was very corrupt. Aside from plying his trade in the money and animal changing businesses, he actually became the high priest under very controversial and dubious circumstances. He was alleged to have bribed his way through the rank and file of the Roman government to clinch the juicy position. In fact, according to church history, he spent more than the stipulated number of years as high priest, having bought his way into the heart of the Roman government. Arent we seeing a repeat of history in these historical accounts? The crucifixion of Jesus came with an array of behind the doors scheming of corrupt religious leaders, ably facilitated by Judas. But here is the main point of the story: Jesus was hated to the point of death, not just because of His ministry or miracles, but because He was a major stumbling block to the money mongering activities of the corrupt Roman elites, ably enabled by respected religious leaders. History is repeating itself again. The church of Christ has been fully monetised by a daring money mongering syndicate that has many so-called pastors and ministers of God, both in word and in music, openly and brazenly trading the gifts of God in their lives for monetary benefits. Just like our Saviour, if you dare to stand up against this money changing business, you could be cancelled or may be as good as dead. The money-changing model of the historical Roman elite is at the centre of the worlds financial system. It is a very lucrative business in the world, and now sadly, in the church. You cannot be part of the real Jesus of the Bible and be a monetiser of His grace and gifts. Jesus love for the poor is a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Nigerian pastors and Christians must reaffirm this truth and actively work to support the poor and marginalised in their communities. By rejecting the materialistic gospel and embracing the teachings of Jesus, they can create a more just and compassionate society, where everyone is valued and loved. In the heart of the Christian faith lies a profound truth: Jesus loves the poor. This message is not only a cornerstone of the Gospel but also a call to action for all believers. Jesus came into the world to save both the poor and the rich, and His love transcends all social and economic boundaries. It is imperative for Nigerian pastors and Christians to embrace this truth and reflect it in their teachings and actions. Throughout the Bible, Jesus compassion for the poor is evident. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the downtrodden. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. This statement underscores the importance of caring for the poor and marginalised in society. Across the globe, numerous churches and ministries are dedicated to supporting the poor and vulnerable. For instance, Christian Aid is a global movement of people, churches, and local organisations working to eradicate poverty and provide support to underdeveloped and developing countries. Another notable example is Bright Hope, an international Christian charity whose mission is to bring hope to those living on less than $2 a day. These organisations exemplify the Christian commitment to helping the poor and transforming communities. In Nigeria, the rise of a materialistic gospel has had detrimental effects on both individuals and the society. This gospel promotes the idea that wealth and material possessions are the ultimate goals, leading to unrealistic expectations and spiritual discontent. It has also contributed to the involvement of Nigerian youths in cybercrime, fraud, ritual activities, prostitution, human and drug trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, and hired killings. These activities reveal the growing materialism among Nigerian youths, including professed Christian youths, and highlight the need to address this issue. Nigerian pastors and church leaders have a crucial role in combating the spread of materialism and promoting the true message of the Gospel. It is essential for pastors to stop preaching false messages that promote materialism and hatred for the poor. Instead, they should emphasise the love of Jesus for all people, regardless of their economic statuses. By doing so, they can foster a culture of compassion, generosity, and spiritual growth within their congregations. Jesus love for the poor is a powerful reminder of the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Nigerian pastors and Christians must reaffirm this truth and actively work to support the poor and marginalised in their communities. By rejecting the materialistic gospel and embracing the teachings of Jesus, they can create a more just and compassionate society, where everyone is valued and loved. Ayo Akerele is the senior pastor of Rhema Assembly and the founder of the Voice of the Watchmen Ministries in Ontario, Canada. He can be reached through [email protected] Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Thankfully, there is still just about enough time and space for some of the reforms that the economy needs. The fear is that protestations to the contrary aside, we still suffer a severe shortage of the cojones needed to see these reforms through. The incumbent Federal Government is wont to make a song and dance of its reform credentials. Of late, it has been all about how smitten the international community is by these reforms never mind that a growing domestic cohort chafes at them. Most other times, governments spokespersons advert attention to how brave the Tinubu administration was to roll back the subsidy schemes in both the foreign exchange and domestic petrol markets. Against the backdrop of the pussyfooting by its predecessors around both these reforms, the Tinubu governments shills make a persuasive case. History, however, has more than one way of being explained. Its consequences, not so. In the case of the Tinubu governments storytelling around its two most important market-based reforms, one indubitable consequence of the failure of previous governments to deal with financial leakages in the foreign exchange and downstream oil and gas sectors of the economy was that the exchequer had haemorrhaged to the point of severe anaemia when this government came into power. It is doubtful if the Tinubu administration could have carried on business as usual in these sectors without beaching the ship of state. Did the government, then, act from the courage of its convictions? No. More like captives of circumstances would. This reading is reinforced by the governments subsequent reform failures. Assume, for the sake of argument, that the recourse to market-based reforms was in recognition of the need to properly price domestic transactions as part of the effort to ensure the efficient use of domestic resources. Is there a more necessary requirement for meeting this objective than reforms that improve the efficiency of the state? Unlikely. But the incumbent Federal Government has done nothing to address a state that is generally acknowledged to be too bloated, both for its own good and for the benefit of the economy that it is there to serve. The Oronsaye Report may no longer be as easily applicable as a reform initiative as when it was first released. But this is only because the Tinubu government has increased the states capacity, without notably making it more efficient. In administration, as in philosophy, the simplification of entities is a far more compelling case for the efficient generation, deployment, and use of increasingly scarce resources than their multiplication. No less important, the states capacity to properly regulate the private sector is still in doubt. This is as much a case of regulatory capture as it is a worry about competence. Capture is worrisome, especially when private entities compromise a regulator. But its effects are no less harmful when industry is influenced and controlled by the arm of the state set up to regulate it. Either way, economic vibrancy is lost. If the administration then fails in its own reasoning, in so far as reforms to the organisation of the state is concerned, it can hardly be described as bold in its execution, either. Nowhere is this latter failing more glaring than in our administration of criminal justice. If the Nigeria Police Force daily fails the test of public opprobrium, the judiciary scarcely paints itself in glowing colours either. Yet, both are critical for an efficient market economy. The Americans still use cheques for their financial transactions. We cannot. And this is not because we have a far more sophisticated financial services space. True, settlements of banking transactions take place faster, here. True, we also have statutes against the issuance of dud cheques. But enforcement of any law, rule or regulation is a nightmare, here. Banks struggle to recover collaterals pledged for loans. Small wonder that we do not have a thriving mortgage space? The trust deficit has far-reaching implications, unfortunately. With it, contracts cannot be freely entered into. And yet, we are still to see reforms to our criminal justice system from our bold advocates. 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 No less important, the states capacity to properly regulate the private sector is still in doubt. This is as much a case of regulatory capture as it is a worry about competence. Capture is worrisome, especially when private entities compromise a regulator. But its effects are no less harmful when industry is influenced and controlled by the arm of the state set up to regulate it. Either way, economic vibrancy is lost. And with it all prospects of attracting investments whether of a local or foreign variety. Thankfully, there is still just about enough time and space for some of the reforms that the economy needs. The fear is that protestations to the contrary aside, we still suffer a severe shortage of the cojones needed to see these reforms through. Uddin Ifeanyi, journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Earlier today, our neighbourhood, estates around Sun City, organised a protest at the AECD office that serves our area. It was good being on the stomp again. Due to advancing years, my legs have been protesting against standing and marching, so I had gradually been phased out of demonstrations by biology. It felt good to scream out and insult DisCos and the Minister of Power who is a total failure. We reminded them that we are on Band B and are supposed to get between 16 and 20 hours of electricity a day. We feel lucky when we get between two to four hours. Unfortunately, as former elites, most of us cannot afford the price of diesel, so we wallow in darkness although we have paid for electricity. As we screamed at the office walls, the management had all run away, I remembered with nostalgia the good all days. In the early 1970s, my parents used to complain bitterly about the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN). Why is it that on some days, we get electricity for only about twenty hours a day, they would grumble. Dear President Bola Tinubu, if you give us twenty hours a day, I will not grumble. Please Excellency, Bring Back ECN. Due to complains of Nigerians, the Government dissolved ECN in 1972 and established the National Electric Power Authority as a professional company that would guaranty power supply 24-hours a day. With NEPA, power supply declined to less than ten hours a day. Bring Back RCN. In 2005 the Power Holding Company was set up as prelude to privatisation which occurred in 2013 and since then we have seen two significant changes. An astronomical collapse of the price of electricity and a near total collapse in its supply. The real story is the lack of seriousness of the Nigerian State that has been non-challant about electricity supply. The revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin said it so many years ago that power production is the pathway for placing Russia on the path to development: Communism is Soviet power plus the electrification of the whole country. Egypt read the memo, understood it and decided to act in the national interest. They raised their electricity production up by 30,000 MW in six years within the last decade. In that short time frame, Egypt achieved self-sufficiency in electricity since June 2015, and now enjoys an electricity surplus of more than 25 per cent. It also spent far less than what we have spent for no tangible results. Nigerian governments have been promising us the great leap forward in electricity generation and distribution since 1999 but have simply refused to achieve this. Instead, they write fiction. For his eight years in power, President Buharis APC administration could not deliver more than 4,000 megawatts of power to consumers and it left after establishing the new tradition of frequent total grid collapse. His predecessors were not better. Lets start from 2013 when the PDP government assured the nation that it would be producing 20,000 megawatts of electricity by December 2014. The then Minister of Power, Pastor Nebo assured us that we will have 10,000 megawatts produced daily by December 2013 en route to achieving the stated objective. Going further back, we all remember that on 19th February 2008, the late President YarAdua had launched the Presidential Committee on the Accelerated Expansion of Power. He promised Nigeria that 18-months from that date, Nigeria would be producing at least 6,000 MW of power i.e. by August 2009. Indeed, during the 2007 election campaigns, Obasanjos promise to Nigerians was that by December 2007, his National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) projects alone would be producing 6,000 megawatts. Later, President YarAdua explained that President Obasanjo forgot to give contracts for the gas to fire the plants, which he promised would be done by August 2009. As these promises claimed, we were on course to enjoying 20,000 megawatts of electricity by December 2010. Should we forget that the late Chief Bola Ige promised us in June 1999 that by 2001, there will be so much electricity produced in Nigeria that those with private generators will be sorry for themselves, as they will not need it and it will have no second-hand value, as no one else would need them. Yes, indeed, writing fiction as policy is an established tradition of government. 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 Returning to the current state of affairs, we all recall that in April 2024, without warning, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raised the electricity tariff for most urban households and industries by 300 per cent, on the basis of a big lie. According to the Vice Chairman of NERC, Musiliu Oseni, Band A electricity consumers regularly get 20-plus hours of electricity supply a day and should pay much more than other consumers who get much less. These privileged Nigerians do not spend much money on fuel for their generators, so they have all the extra money that accrues to them to pay their DisCos. The problem is that everybody in this country knew that this was a lie, another fiction, as no sector of society regularly gets a minimum of 20 hours of electricity a day. You cannot build a new policy on lies and such a huge price increase in the middle of the most severe cost of living crisis in Nigerian history was a death sentence for the economy. Since then, industries, hospitals, universities and even government departments, I dare not add Aso Rock are unable to pay their bills and are closing down or adjusting to operating in darkness. The original sin was the mode of privatisation of the Nigerian electricity sector. It was a much-anticipated reform exercise that created much hope for Nigerians. Launched in 2010, the exercise was intended to modernise the sector and cater to the countrys growing demand for electricity. However, over a decade later, the desired outcomes have not materialised and the electricity available on the national grid to light up homes and power the economy has stayed at an almost constant 4,500 megawatts (MW). One reason for this is the technical inefficiency of the grid, beginning with badly organised gas supplies, the inability of the transmission system to deploy adequate electricity, and the lack of investment by production and distribution companies. Such inefficiencies in the sector are compounded by the legacy corruption that has led to the poor maintenance of the transmission network during state-ownership and to the presence of politically connected bidders in the privatisation process. The design of contracts and lack of regulatory oversight further deterred credible and technically competent investors during the bidding process. The politically connected nature of many of the acquisitions also mean that the government is reluctant to take any tough decision with regard to the sector. The conditions in which consumers lack supply and firms are unable to make profits have given rise to a host of interdependent corruption mechanisms. As the sector moves deeper into loss, the space for formal earnings becomes narrower, and the perverse incentives to be corrupt deepens. This has now pushed the sector into a state of low-level equilibrium, with significant restructuring needed in order to turn things around. The DisCos, for example, have refused to provide metres to most consumers, so that they can be charged what they have not been supplied. A recent ACE-SOAS study of the Nigerian power sector reveals that the reality is that we Nigerian consumers spend more to purchase and maintain petrol and diesel generators than we do on electricity from the grid. The power sector reform has been a total failure and for that reason Nigerians are reluctant to pay more for a supply that is erratic and fails repeatedly. It is clear that Nigerias power sector is unsustainable, which has repercussions for inclusive growth. The current crisis is a liquidity crisis as a result of deep structural distortions in the sector. The design of contracts, post-privatisation, led to adverse selection, with only politically connected bidders participating in the process, rather than technically competent ones. These bidders used Nigerian banks for financing, which have ended up assuming much of the systemic risk. The financial health of the sector was based on tariffs and projections that could never be politically implemented. Projections for the performance of the sector were based on the generation and distribution companies (which are not publicly listed) reinvesting in the sector to build technical capacity. Instead, the companies started paying themselves. Dramatic increases in tariff lead to more corruption, rather than improvement in power supply. The companies have no intention of investing to improve supply. The entire reform has to be reviewed because the dual goals of increasing efficiency and investment have failed significantly. The larger question is that since Bola Iges promise to sort the problem 26 years ago, five successive presidents have promised to provide adequate power and failed woefully. Obasanjo and Buhari stand out as the greatest failures because they each had eight years as president and as Egypt has shown, thats more than enough time to solve the problem. The result, we can state categorically, is that Nigerian governments have lost the capacity to govern any sector of the economy and society. Their greatest skill has been in corruption and, not surprisingly, that has been the only growth sector in the countrys Fourth Republic. That is why I can say that they have refused to power our development. We need our Lenin. A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Defections have seized political parties by the scruff of the neck. It is a phenomenon the Supreme Court once described as painful, unconscionable and immoral in a particular case 18 years ago. But none of the defections presently has been as seismic as Governor Sheriff Oborevworis leading of a caravan of party bigwigs and lawmakers, last week, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He waffled as he tried to rationalise his action. In December 2024, a member of the House of Representatives, Erhriatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of James Ibori a former governor and influential political figure in the state, had, along with four lawmakers of Labour Partys extraction, defected to the APC. A senator, Ned Nwoko, from the same state had earlier dumped the PDP for the APC. The governor said other PDP legislators from the state at the National Assembly would officially defect during plenary, once the Assembly resumes from its Easter break. The PDP won 10 seats there in the 2023 polls. An elaborate ceremony was held by the APC in Asaba to welcome the defectors, which included the immediate past governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate in the last election, Ifeanyi Okowa. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, presided over this telling political realignment. In Kano State, a senator, Sumaila Kawu, elected on the platform of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has also defected to the APC. The reason he gave for his action was that, all politics is local and my primary concern has always been, and remains, the welfare of my immediate constituency. There are countless other cases in both the federal and state legislatures across the country. Governor Oborevwori said the move was the product of an all-inclusive stakeholders meeting: Weagreed we will all move together. All our members in the National Assembly; in the next resumption (sitting), they have agreed to defect on the floor of the House. The Speaker (state assembly) is here; heaven will not fall. All of them will also (defect) because it is normal. There is nothing wrong. I was a lawmaker, I was a presiding officer; we have a lot of problems; so, we have a reason, we have justification to move. All the PDP ward chairmen and 500 councillors also joined the bandwagon. However, the PDP is displeased by this turn of events. Its National Working Committee (NWC), chaired by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, rose from an emergency meeting on Tuesday over the matter, with a directive to its National Legal Adviser to head for court. This is a well-taken decision that should be treated with a sense of urgency. This is more so, as the mandates, or votes cast, belong to political parties, not candidates, going by extant judicial decisions. 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 Let us be clear, every citizen has the constitutional right of freedom of association to belong, form groups, including political parties, as expressly stated in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. But for elected representatives in the legislature, such a right is not absolute. It is guided by provisos, which should be respected and enforced in a functional democracy. Since the Fourth Republic began in 1999, we have experienced a deluge of defections, which did not consider the sanctity of the provisions of Section 68 (1) (g), Section 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution, and Section 109 (1) (g), in relation to state assemblies, which spell out the procedures to be followed when necessary. Section 68 (1) states: A member of the Senate or the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House of which he is a member if (g) being a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected. It then adds that, Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored. Further, Section 68 (2) provides that the President of the Senate or the Speaker, House of Representatives, shall give effect to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section provided that both principal officers of the two chambers or a member shall first present evidence satisfactory to the House that any of the provisions of that subsection had become applicable to a member. The state houses of assembly are not spared the ritual of defections too. There are several court pronouncements on this matter. Unfortunately, the President of the Senate and the Speakers of the federal and state houses of assembly have always neutered their decisions on the matter, by their failures to give effect to the provision of the constitution as stipulated in 68 (2). This is not healthy for the consolidation of our democracy. Virtually every defector seeks pseudo refuge under some purported crises in his or her respective party, whose gravity however do not meet the constitutional prescriptions, when subjected to scrutiny. In the case of Ifedayo Abegunde vs Ondo State House of Assembly, the court declared that the alleged Fictionalisation, Fragmentation, Splintering or Division must be to such a degree that it is impossible or impracticable for a political party to function, to justify a defection. And, this is at the national level only. Intra-party wranglings might exist in the PDP, but we doubt if the party has become split down the middle for the defected members to have valid grounds for their action. This is why the party and the courts should act expeditiously on this matter. Where the Senate President or Speakers are beclouded by partisanship, PREMIUM TIMES believes that the courts should compel them to action towards ending this perennial rape of the constitution. The reason, for instance, the late senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, gave for his defection to APC on the floor of the Senate in December 2024, puts this issue in bold relief. He had cited irreconcilable differences between him and the leadership of the Young Progressives Party (YPP). This excuse is incongruous with the provisions of the Constitution. Yet, he did not vacate his seat. Instead, he was received with open arms by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who read his letter of defection. Unlike the lawmakers, whose grounds for defection is suspect, that of Oborevwori is irredeemable in view of the extant declaration of the Court of Appeal with regard to Dave Umahis defection to the APC from the PDP as Ebonyi States serving governor. The court underlined the fact that the constitution referred only to lawmakers on defection, while chiding his action. Similarly, the apex court, in 2007, viewed then Vice President Atiku Abubakars defection from the PDP to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), with reproach, even though it described the move as legal. That was when he contested the presidential election against the wish of his boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo. The PDP litigation is most likely to reach the apex court. As a policy court, its decisions should be clear, firm and enforceable. Reckless defections of legislators trample on the sensibilities of voters that elected them. Without check, they make mockery of this democracy; and the courts should help Nigeria to halt this anomaly now. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A pressure group, the Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging it to reopen its investigation into the financial activities of the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad, popularly known as Matawalle. The Chairman and Convener of CNF, Aliyu Muhammad Sani, who addressed a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, 5th May, stated that the group has submitted its petition to the EFCC, detailing allegations of the embezzlement of billions of naira belonging to the state from 2019 to 2023, during Mr Bello Matawalles tenure as governor. The CNF also accused the EFCC of inaction on the matter, despite having launched investigations into similar allegations against other former governors. The Northern group alleged that the former Zamfara governor is yet to account for over N290 billion from the FAAC, N133 billion from the JAAC, and a N105 billion loan. We are making these efforts because, to our dismay, the former governor appeared on a live TV programme, misleading the public that he did not receive anything close to N70 billion during his four-year tenure as governor of Zamfara State, the group stated. The CNF enjoined the EFCC to investigate Mr Bello Matawalle and uphold its credibility and neutrality in the fight against corruption. They stressed that their current position is only a follow up to several efforts by various groups to nudge the anti-graft agency to probe the allegations against the former governor. 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 Mr Sani stated in the text of the press conference: Many petitions were submitted at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), notable ones submitted by the APC Akida Forum on 3rd May, 2024, and a follow-up petition on 30th September, 2024, urging the commission to proceed with its investigation of the former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. We have lauded the performance and resilience of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leadership in its fight against corruption without bias many times. The commission has shown determination and persistence in addressing corrupt officials, particularly by promptly taking action against former minister Betta Edu and others. We have witnessed the commission launch an investigation into the alleged corruption of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. Last year, the commission arrested former Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State over alleged corruption. If all these former governors and ministers were not above the law and the EFCC, who would shield the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle from investigation? He is not a governor now. Who is stopping EFCC from doing its work? The CNF convener said they have gathered facts and figures regarding Bello Matawalles alleged embezzlement of huge public funds, stressing that theirs are not mere allegations or speculations. After our last visit to this commissions headquarters, we thought the investigation would reopen, but nothing has happened, he lamented. Mr Sani further stated: We are confident that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has access to all the facts regarding financial crimes in the country. Nevertheless, it is necessary to determine the total funds that the Zamfara State Government received between 2019 and 2023 under Bello Matawalle. Recall that on 18th May 2023, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), through its then Director, Media and Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, said that the EFCC is investigating Matawalle over allegations of monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts, and diversion of over N70 billion. According to the EFCC, the money, which was sourced as a loan from an old-generation bank, purportedly for the execution of projects across the local government areas of the state, was allegedly diverted by the governor through proxies and contractors who received payment for contracts that were not executed. The Commissions investigations revealed that over 100 companies had received payments from the funds, with no evidence of service rendered to the state. Some of the contractors who had been invited and quizzed by the Commission made startling revelations, the group claimed. The CNF urged the EFCC to investigate the allegations in order to uphold its credibility and neutrality in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has promised continued support for farmers with the launch of 20,000 metric tons of fertiliser for the 2025 wet season farming. The Governor made this announcement during the launching ceremony held in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina. Governor Radda revealed that farmers will have access to high-quality fertiliser at subsidised rates of N20,000 per bag, which will enable them to improve crop yields and increase their incomes. I am confident that our farmers will continue to benefit from our support. The previous years similar initiative had resulted in a significant increase in crop yields and a bumper harvest that improved food security and boosted farmers incomes, said the governor. Mr Radda also highlighted other agricultural initiatives undertaken by his administration, including the recent launch of the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as tractors and combine harvesters. Additionally, the government distributed 4,000 power tillers and 4,000 solar-powered water pumps to farmers across the state. 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 These mechanised farming tools have greatly improved the efficiency and productivity of our farmers, enabling them to cultivate and irrigate their lands more effectively, he said. Governor Radda encouraged farmers to continue adopting mechanised farming practices and to explore new technologies that can improve their productivity and efficiency. Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ahmed Bakori Muhammed, emphasised that the fertiliser distribution programme represents more than just material support. The wet season farming marks a crucial period in our farming calendar, and ensuring timely access to essential inputs like fertiliser is one of the most important steps we can take to empower our farmers, stated Mr Muhammed. The Commissioner assured that the initiative reflects the governments commitment to providing high-quality fertilisers at subsidised rates, ensuring equitable access across all farming communities, and encouraging the adoption of best agronomic practices. Mr Muhammed also added that extension workers and stakeholders will monitor distribution to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective usage. Also speaking, the Chairman of Kusada Local Government, Sani Aminu Dangamu, expressed gratitude that Kusada was selected as the launch site despite being one of the smaller local governments in the state. Mr Dangamu also warned that anyone found diverting fertiliser or colluding to cheat the system would face serious consequences, announcing the establishment of a local monitoring committee to ensure fairness and transparency. In his remarks, ALGON Chairman, Rabo Tambaya praised Governor Raddas leadership, noting that agriculture has received yet another meaningful boost under his administration. He further acknowledged the governors efforts in tackling both agricultural development and security challenges, stating, You have shown a clear understanding that revitalising agriculture is key to both economic growth and peacebuilding in our rural areas. Also, the Chairman of Boko Fertilizers, Mohammed Sambo Alhassan, commended Governor Raddas annual fertiliser subsidies as crucial in fostering a thriving agricultural environment in the state. Mr Alhassan noted that these initiatives have created jobs and played a vital role in ensuring food security and affordability for the people of Katsina and Nigeria as a whole. The Chairman expressed gratitude for the trust placed in local producers, adding that the collaboration has been instrumental in driving agricultural success across the state. The event was attended by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Nasir Yahaya Daura, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, AbdulKadir Nasir Mamman; members of the State Executive Council; and others. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has announced plans to close down the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Muna, Maiduguri, within the next few weeks. The governor said this during an early morning visit to the camp on Monday. Mr Zulum said the decision to shut down the camp was in line with his administrations ongoing efforts to close all formal IDP camps within Maiduguri and its environs. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muna camp, established at the height of the humanitarian crisis in the state, currently hosts about 10,000 displaced persons. The governor, however, noted that about 75 per cent of its residents had already been resettled. He assured the remaining inhabitants that the government would provide support to improve their means of livelihood as they prepare to return to their communities. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later READ ALSO: Explosion rocks military detention facility in Borno He noted that the closure of the camp would mark another significant step in the states transition from emergency humanitarian response to long-term recovery and resettlement. NAN also reports that during his first term, Mr Zulum had pledged to close all IDP camps in the state capital, a goal he has largely achieved with the closure of more than 12 camps already. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Armed persons have killed at least 11 members of a vigilante group at Mansur village in Gwana district of Alkaleri Local Government of Bauchi State. Residents said the attackers also rustled many livestock from the community. A resident, Abubakar Bello, told PREMIUM TIMES that the victims were members of a vigilante group protecting the community. The resident said the attackers ambushed the vigilantes, who were patrolling Mansur, Digare, and Yalo farming communities near an oil field in Alkaleri L.G.A. Mr Bello said the attack caused panic in the farming communities where the people were preparing for the planting season. The police spokesperson in Bauchi, Ahmed Wakil, said in a statement that the attack occurred around 5:40 a.m. on Sunday and also claimed the lives of some bandits. 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 A combined team of professional hunters from Duguri and Gwana District, while on a routine patrol along Duguri, Mansur, and the Dajin Madam forest bordering Bauchi and Plateau State, encountered an ambush by armed bandits. This confrontation resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, including members of the vigilante group and the bandits themselves, the police spokesperson said. Mr Wakil said the police deployed an operational tactical team to the scene, who recovered the bodies. He said preliminary investigations revealed that a group of quasi-security operatives and civilians from Sabuwar Sara village were ambushed by the bandits while attempting to flee from the attack. Mr Wakil said the police tactical team conducted an on-the-spot assessment in Alkaleri LGA and engaged the stakeholders. He urged the residents to be calm, vigilant and support the polices investigation. READ ALSO: Police investigate death of five children in Nasarawa State Non-state armed groups are terrorising communities in the Alkaleri L.G.A, kidnapping and forcing community members to flee in droves for their safety. Alkaleri LGA shares a boundary with Gombe, Taraba and Plateau states. The boundary areas are rugged terrains with rocky hills that the criminals use as hideouts to carry out attacks. In 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari flagged off the first crude oil drilling project in northern Nigeria in Alkaleri Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno says he has resettled 6,000 families displaced by insurgency in Dikwa and Mafa Local Government Areas. Mr Zulum disclosed this on Monday during a visit to the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, one of the largest in the state, with over 11,000 families, which he announced plans to close down within the next few weeks. The governor said the resettlement exercise was due to increased illicit activities within the camp. Mr Zulum cited increasing incidents of prostitution, gangsterism, child abuse and other crimes within the camp, saying such conditions undermined efforts at restoring normalcy. Boko Haram can never be eradicated without resettlement. People have to go back to their homes and earn their livelihood, he said. The governor said each of the 6,000 families would receive food items, shelter materials, and access to healthcare services. 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 Additionally, each male and female head of households would receive N100, 000, while housewives would be given N50, 000, he said. Mr Zulum said his administration had earlier committed to closing all formal IDP camps in Maiduguri, a target that had largely been met with the closure of about 12 camps. About 75 per cent of the IDPs here at Muna have been resettled. The remaining 25 per cent will return to their ancestral homes in the coming days, he said. Shut down Mr Zulum said that the decision to shut down the Muna camp was in line with his administrations ongoing efforts to close all formal IDP camps within Maiduguri and its environs. READ ALSO: Bandits kill 11 vigilante members in Bauchi oil community The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muna, established at the height of the humanitarian crisis in the state, currently hosts about 10,000 displaced persons. The governor, however, noted that about 75 per cent of its residents had already been resettled. He assured the remaining inhabitants that the government would support their efforts to improve their means of livelihood as they prepared to return to their communities. He said the camps closure would mark another significant step in the states transition from emergency humanitarian response to long-term recovery and resettlement. NAN also reports that during his first term, Zulum had pledged to close all IDP camps in the state capital, and has closed more than 12 already. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has ordered an investigation into the death of five children in Agyaragu, a community in the Obi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lafia. Mr Nansel said the lifeless bodies of the children were found inside an abandoned, unserviceable vehicle parked at the residence of one Abu Agyeme. He said the commissioner ordered a thorough investigation to determine the incidents circumstances. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended the commands heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also cautioned parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be vigilant and ensure that children do not gain access to parked or abandoned vehicles without supervision, he said. 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 Mr Nansel said on Sunday, at about 5:30 p.m., Ozimna Ogbor, a resident of the area, reported to the police that the children were discovered unresponsive inside the disused vehicle. He said that Mr Ogbor told the officers that the children were aged between six and 10 years. Upon arrival, the officers found the victims locked inside the abandoned vehicle. They were promptly evacuated to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where a medical Doctor regrettably confirmed all of them dead due to suspected suffocation. This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in August 2019, Nansel added. Due to severe heat burns on the deceased bodies, the remains were released to their parents based on a request for burial, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has denied an allegation by his former official that he gives his political godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, N2 billion monthly from the states coffers for his political activities. The former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Abdullahi Baffa, had alleged that he was removed from office because he rejected the governors directive to give the money to Mr Kwankwaso to finance his presidential ambition. Governor Yusuf relieved Mr Baffa of the appointment in a cabinet reshuffle last December, citing health grounds. Subsequently, Mr Baffa said he had incriminating documents, voice recordings and videos on alleged wrongdoings by Governor Yusuf and his political mentor, Mr Kwankwaso, vowing to release them at the right time. Addressing supporters in a viral video last week, Mr Baffa described Governor Yusufs administration as 10 times more corrupt than the preceding Abdullahi Ganduje administration. Mr Baffa denied that he was removed on health grounds, but after he declined the N2 billion monthly kickback directive. 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 Responding to the allegations while hosting local government councillors at the Government House on Sunday, Governor Yusuf described Mr Baffa as a shameless liar and the allegations against Mr Kwankwaso as false and laughable. Our leader, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is not a thief, as he has never stolen money throughout his political journey anywhere, contrary to the allegations raised by a former official of our administration, Governor Yusuf said. So, it is very uncharitable, unfair, malicious and disrespectful for anyone to suggest that our leader had been collecting money illegally from the government, he said. Mr Yusuf described Mr Kwankwaso as the purest and most selfless individual in Kano, stating that he had never taken funds from the administration or interfered with the governments finances. The governor questioned Mr Baffas timing and motive, stating that he served in the government for over a year without raising concerns until he was dismissed from office. READ ALSO: Police arrest 33 suspected thugs in Kano You were in this government for more than a year. You would have spoken out while still in office if you had integrity. But you chose silence until you were sent packing. That exposes your real motive, the governor said. Governor Yusuf reiterated his loyalty to Mr Kwankwaso, saying he would follow him wherever he goes politically. The governor appealed to radio stations in the state to stop airing programmes disrespecting elders, warning that the government was ready to punish breaches. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A politician and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 House of Assembly election in Edo State, Valentine Oyemike, has filed a N1 billion human rights enforcement suit against a widow, Esther Osaghae, and an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Femi Adelogba. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/341/2025, was filed on 25 February 2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mr Oyemike accused the defendants of orchestrating the alleged illegal detention of two of his staff members, Tracy Owiku and Cyprian Saamoyal, in connection with the controversial death of the widows 33-year-old husband, Fidelis Osaghae. He claimed that police officers dismissed an autopsy report suggesting suicide by chemical poisoning. Controversial death Mr Oyemkie is the proprietor of Valchi VFK Oriental Services Limiteds Auchi branch, Edo State, of which Mr Osaghae was the manager until his sudden death on 29 July 2024. He was found unresponsive in the companys office after reportedly returning from his home late at night. He was later confirmed dead at the hospital. 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 An initial autopsy conducted at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, indicated that he died of asphyxiation, respiratory failure, and chemical (organophosphorus) poisoning, suggesting suicide. The report was filed as part of court documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES. However, the autopsy report has since been contested by the deceaseds widow, Mrs Osaghae, and civil society organisations, who argue that the report did not account for visible injuries on his body, including a broken head and scalp. PREMIUM TIMES reported in 2024 that Mrs Osaghae, during a press conference organised by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF), alleged that her husbands death was suspicious and called for a more thorough investigation. His death also sparked widespread outrage from Nigerians who sought justice. Mrs Osaghae also accused the Auchi Division of Edo State Police Command of poor handling of the matter, saying more than 10 days after the incident, the police had yet to make an arrest. This led to a coalition of human rights groups, including AFF, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, and the Womens Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), petitioning the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. They demanded the release of a credible investigation report and called for an independent autopsy. Alleged police harassment, detention In the court document filed through a team of lawyers led by are Abdulkarim Maude, Mr Oyemike alleged that Mr Adelogba, who was later assigned to the case at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Abuja, conducted a biased investigation in favour of the widow. He claimed that the officer intimidated staff into giving false statements and rejected the autopsy without due process. He also alleged that the staff were detained for prolonged periods, despite health concerns and medical reports submitted on their behalf. The entire process of investigation conducted by the 3rd respondent (Mr Adelogba) is devoid of a fair hearing, Mr Oyemike said in his affidavit filed in support of the suit, accusing Mr Adelogba of following up on the case maliciously to persecute his staff and to destroy his political career and business in Edo State. The act of the 3rd respondent towards me and my staff is a clear breach of our constitutional rights, he added. Demands In the suit, Mr Oyemike is asking the court to declare that the arrest and detention of his staff by the ASP violated their fundamental rights as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. He is also seeking an order directing both the widow and Mr Adelogba to pay N1 billion as general damages for what they described as unlawful detention, harassment, intimidation, and reputational damage. In addition, Mr Oyemike wants the court to compel the respondents to issue a public apology to be published in two national newspapers He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the widow and the police officer from further harassment. As of the time of filing this report, the respondents have yet to file their defence. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Tragedy struck on Saturday when seven Catholic reverend brothers were killed in a fatal road accident in Cross River State, Nigerias South-South. The accident occurred at Ikwette Community at Obudu Ranch Resort Bottom Hill while the victims were returning from the resort. The victims were members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, a religious order of Franciscan friars within the Catholic Church, often referred to as reverend brothers. They belonged to the Enugu Branch of the order and had travelled from the South-eastern state to Obudu, Cross Rivers State, Nigerias South-south. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the reverend brothers visited the Obudu Ranch Resort on a tour before being involved in the accident. An official of the order, John-Kennedy Anyanwu, announced this in a statement on Sunday. 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 Mr Anyanwu, a reverend brother, said 13 brothers were involved in the accident. Seven of the brothers died as a result of the accident while six of them sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured brothers have been transferred to Enugu for proper treatment, he said. The official identified the deceased victims as Somadina Ibe-Ojuludu, Chinedu Nwachukwu, Marcel Ezenwafor, Gerald Nwogueze and Kingsley Nwosu. Wilfred Aleke and Chukwudi Obueze were also part of the deceased victims. We entrust their souls to the merciful love of God and invite all to join us in praying for the happy repose of their souls, Mr Anyanwu said. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. Cross River governor mourns Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has expressed sadness over the death of the reverend brothers. In a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson Nsa Gill, Mr Otu said the state government was making necessary contacts to reach the various families to provide any needed assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time, he said. We urge all visitors to prioritise safety, including the roadworthiness of their vehicles, and to adhere to all guidelines while coming to our beautiful attractions and leaving the confines of the resort, the governor added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Enugu State,, Nigerias South-east, say they have killed a suspected kidnapper during a shootout in the state. Daniel Ndukwe, the police spokesperson in the state, in a statement on Sunday, said a kidnapped male victim was rescued during the operation. Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said the operation was conducted on Saturday by operatives attached to the state commissioner of polices Monitoring Unit and the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad. How the kidnapper attacked the victim Mr Ndukwe said the slain suspect, alongside members of a kidnap gang, abducted the victim in his Mercedes SUV after firing sporadically within the Government Residential Area of Enugu on Friday night. He said the kidnappers later moved him to an unknown location. The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bitrus Giwa, immediately mobilised police operatives to track down the kidnappers upon receipt of information about the attack. 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 Mr Ndukwe said that through coordinated efforts, the police operatives trailed the gang to their hideout in a valley within the Ngwo Community in the Enugu South Council Area. A gunfight ensued, leading to the neutralisation of one of the suspects and the safe rescue of the victim. However, the suspects had forcefully transferred the sum of N2.2 million from the victims account after initially demanding a ransom of N20 million, he said. The operation also led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrelled pistol loaded with two live cartridges from the neutralised suspect and a green-coloured Nissan Almeria car used by the kidnappers. Mr Ndukwe said Mr Giwa had commended the police operatives for the swift and successful operation. The police commissioner ordered the operatives to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing members of the kidnap gang and recover the victims vehicle. He reiterated that the police in Enugu State were committed to rid the state of unrepentant criminals and asked residents to continue supporting their efforts with useful information. Increased kidnap attacks Kidnap attacks in Enugu State are not new. The attacks have increased in recent times, particularly within Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas of the state. Civil servants, business owners, politicians and even students have become targets of such attacks in the state lately. The latest incident happened weeks after gunmen abducted nine persons, including two Catholic reverend sisters, at Eburumiri, Ibagwa-Aka, a community in the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of the state. The victims were rescued last Friday by security operatives after nearly one week in captivity. Meanwhile, the growing insecurity in the South-east has often been linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). However, the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks. IPOB is seeking the secession of the South-east and some parts of the South-south from Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State, has convicted and sentenced a man to six months imprisonment for failing to declare foreign currencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Sunday, the operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) arrested Agudosi Okechukwu in December 2024, for refusing to declare 8,020 and $704 at the airport. The NCS handed Mr Okechukwu to the anti-graft agency for further investigation and possible prosecution. The EFCC then charged the defendant with two counts of money laundering and subsequently arraigned him on 15 April. One of the offences was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 stipulates that any individual who falsely declares or fails to declare funds or negotiable instruments to the Nigerian Customs Service, as required under the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, commits an offence. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The law requires individuals arriving in Nigeria to declare any foreign currency or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). Mr Okechukwu pleaded guilty to the charges after which the judge sentenced him to six months in jail with an option of N200,000. Background PREMIUM TIMES reported the arraignment of Mr Okechukwu in April. Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie called on Abubakar Magaji, an operative of the EFCC, to review the facts of the case. Mr Magaji told the court that the NCS handed over the defendant to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, for further investigation. He further told the court that the defendants statement was recorded under caution. He said the defendant failed to make the declaration because he claimed to have suffered a loss and was going to bring back the corpse of his brother. He submitted the death certificate of his brother, his brothers pictures and other documents. Thereafter, Magaji identified the defendants statement, the handing-over note from the NCS , the arresting officers statement as well as the sums of 8020, and $704 to the EFCC. The prosecution lawyer then tendered the items in evidence. The judge, Mr Bogoro, admitted and marked them as exhibits P1-P11. The judge adjourned the case till 2 May for judgement and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre. Other cases of non-declaration of funds Some travellers have disobeyed the law that mandates the declaration of funds exceeding $10,000 on arrival into the country. The law was put in place to curb the suspicious movement of funds. In March, Ms Ibrahim was convicted of smuggling over $1.15 million and SDR 135,900 (Saudi Riyal) from Saudi Arabia into Nigeria. Pleading allocutus (pleading for mercy), Ms Ibrahim narrated that she was deceived into bringing a box containing the undeclared funds into Nigeria, trusting the owner. Ms Ibrahim recounted how she was approached by a man, Nafiu, in Saudi Arabia to enlist her help in carrying a box to Nigeria to a woman whose name was not disclosed. In April, PREMIUM TIMES reported how a Sierra Leonean national, Ahmed Shaw, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for failing to declare $90,000 in cash at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Dissatisfied with Level of Input & Don't Trust Employers Few Think Workplace is Very Well Prepared for Outbreak The survey results are being shared with the Massachusetts Legislature on National Nurses Day to assist them in their deliberations of the growing nursing/patient safety crisis and pending legislation aimed at addressing these challenges. VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES: The State of Nursing and Patient Care in Massachusetts May 6, 11 a.m. Join the briefing on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85361476926 Meeting ID: 853 6147 6926 This year's survey, conducted by Beacon Research and commissioned by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), reflects input from more than 500 RNs across the state, including mostly non-union nurses. It is the 13th State of Nursing survey since 2003 and captures a profession and healthcare system in crisis. > Read the Executive Summary. > See the State of Nursing PowerPoint. "Post-pandemic, nurses are experiencing acute problems with the Massachusetts healthcare system unsafe staffing, workplace violence, and care access that have grown worse, threatening patient safety and the health of the nursing profession," said Katie Murphy, MNA President and a practicing ICU nurse. "This year's State of Nursing survey paints a stark picture of the environment nurses and patients face today but also highlights solutions nurses have collectively developed. At the bedside, organizing as unions, and within the halls of power, nurses are channeling our frustrations to demand positive change." Alarming Patient Care Conditions Persist 78% of RNs say hospital care quality has gotten worse in the last two years, including 49% who say it has gotten much worse. While slightly improved from the pandemic-era peak of 85% in 2023, this remains 39 points higher than pre-COVID levels. 67% report they do not have enough time to provide patients with the care and attention they need up 22 points since before the pandemic. 49% of nurses are concerned on at least a weekly basis that unsafe staffing conditions could put their nursing license at risk. 37% of RNs say they would not feel safe admitting a family member to the unit on which they work. Multiple challenges bedside RNs face have become even more serious since last year, according to the survey: Not having time to provide care/attention needed 68% (up 1% from 2024) Reduction in ancillary staff 65% (up 6% from 2024) Not having enough beds for all patients 62% (up 3% from 2024) Inability to discharge patients to outside facilities 52% (up 4% from 2024) Workplace violence or abuse 47% (up 10% from 2024) Inadequate health insurance coverage 44% (up 14% from 2024) Unsafe RN Staffing Drives Dire Patient Outcomes Massachusetts RNs and their patients are experiencing first-hand the consequences of nurses being assigned to too many patients at one time. Unsafe RN staffing is a longstanding problem that has only grown more precarious since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite exhaustive research on the topic, and the vast majority of nurses standing behind a legislative solution, hospital executives and state leaders have failed to address the issue. The 2025 State of Nursing results show: 83% of RNs are aware of patients not receiving needed comfort or assistance due to nurse understaffing. 76% report lack of time to educate patients or provide proper discharge planning. 69% said they have seen resulting patient re-admissions. 67% report complications or other problems. 54% are aware of medical errors. 26% of RNs say they've seen patient deaths attributed to unsafe nurse staffing levels. These figures represent a rise in nearly every negative outcome compared to the 2024 survey. Nurses' experiences reported in the 2025 survey are backed up by decades of research demonstrating the link between excessive RN patient assignments and reduced quality of care. For example, a study published in the Lancet in 2014 showed that every one patient increase in hospital nurses' patient workloads is associated with a 7% or greater increase in the odds that patients will die. A 2017 study in the Journey of Emergency Nursing found wait times in trauma EDs for diagnostic evaluation double for every three additional patients an emergency nurse cares for in 24 hours. "There is a very large and rigorous research literature consisting of hundreds of studies and multiple systematic reviews published in the most prestigious scientific journals in health care showing that the more patients nurses in hospitals care for each, the worse the outcomes are including preventable deaths, preventable hospital acquired infections, poor patient satisfaction and worse financial outcomes for hospitals resulting from longer patient stays, Medicare penalties for excess readmissions, and high nurse turnover that costs hospitals many millions of dollars every year," Dr. Linda Aiken, PhD, RN, FAAN, wrote to the Massachusetts State Legislature in 2023 in support of legislation safely limiting RN patient assignments. Aiken, a University of Pennsylvania Professor of Nursing and Sociology has studied nurse-patient limits around the world and is the preeminent researcher on the topic. Her 2023 testimony foreshadowed the alarming conditions nurses reported in this year's State of Nursing Survey: "Chronic nurse understaffing predates the Covid-19 Pandemic and thus a return to pre-Covid hospital nurse staffing will continue to imperil the public's health." The "Shortage" Myth and Why Nurses are Leaving the Bedside The phrase "nursing shortage" is a common refrain in discussions about our healthcare crisis. However, extensive data and the State of Nursing survey results show that we have enough nurses in Massachusetts, but that burnout and unsafe conditions are pushing them away from the bedside. 36% of RNs plan to leave the profession earlier than expected jumping to 50% among nurses with less than five years of experience, according to the State of Nursing. 19% say they will leave nursing within the next two years. 38% of those leaving say they plan to exit healthcare entirely, up 20 points from last year. Among those planning to leave, top reasons include burnout (27%), poor working conditions (26%), and unsafe staffing (16%). Poor working conditions as a reason for leaving increased 19 points from 2024. As recent data from the Health Policy Commission (HPC) demonstrates, the supply of RNs in Massachusetts is high and continues to grow. In its most recent report on the subject, "Health Care Workforce Trends and Challenges in the Era of COVID-19," published in March 2023, HPC concluded that the workforce challenges facing the healthcare system do not stem from a lack of nurses, but from an increasingly challenging work environment. The 2025 State of Nursing Survey specifically asked nurses if they had previously worked in a hospital setting, and if so, why they left. Among those nurses, unsafe staffing was the top reason (24%), followed by work hours/overtime/scheduling (18%), and burnout (12%). In addition, nurses expressed a serious concern for their nursing license due to unsafe staffing levels. 36% of nurses said they are concerned on "most shifts" that unsafe staffing conditions could jeopardize their nursing license. 48% of nurses working in a direct care community hospital said they worry about losing their license "most shifts." 13% said once a week they are concerned and 15% said a couple of times a month. "When a hospital executive defends poor staffing levels based on a 'nursing shortage' know that the data does not support that argument," said MNA President Murphy. "What the data does support is that nurses are burning out and leaving bedside care and our number one job should be to keep them there." Workplace Violence: A Crisis Within a Healthcare Crisis Nurses and other healthcare workers face physical or verbal violence every 36 minutes in Massachusetts hospitals. Healthcare workers experience violence at a rate five times that of other professions. In the years during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, this longstanding crisis has grown even more problematic. 69% of nurses in 2025 say workplace violence and abuse is a serious problem up five points from last year and 27 points from 2021. 83% of nurses working in direct care teaching hospitals say it is a serious problem 23% say they do not feel safe in their workplace, with that number jumping to a third (34%) among nurses in direct care at teaching hospitals. 70% of nurses have personally experienced at least one instance of violence or abuse in the last two years. 64% say they received no support from management after such incidentsa 6-point increase over last year. "It is completely unacceptable that after all of these years, nurses are still being physically and emotionally harmed at an alarming rate," said Karen Coughlin, former longtime Department of Mental Health RN and chair of the MNA Workplace Violence and Abuse Prevention Task Force. "Too many nurses like me have been forced to leave the profession because of unchecked violence. The MNA urges state leadership to take up the collaborative solutions we have developed with hospital administrators and our colleagues at 1199SEIU to prevent healthcare violence and support staff who are assaulted." Leaders from the MNA, the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA), and 1199SEIU Massachusetts delivered testimony on April 9 in united support of An Act Requiring Health Care Employers to Develop and Implement Programs to Prevent Workplace Violence (H.2655/S.1718). While the groups had supported similar but separate proposals in previous sessions, this marks the first time that a single, consensus piece of workplace violence legislation has been laid before local policymakers. The legislation is designed to reduce violence at hospital facilities by: Requiring all Massachusetts hospitals to develop a facility-specific risk assessment and then use that assessment to implement a comprehensive program to reduce the risk of workplace violence. hospitals to develop a facility-specific risk assessment and then use that assessment to implement a comprehensive program to reduce the risk of workplace violence. Engaging the workforce in developing the assessment/program that includes worker training and provides a formal written violence prevention plan available upon request to all employees/labor organizations. Establishing strong enforcement through DPH licensing, regular reporting, and job protections for affected workers that include additional paid leave for assaulted workers. Nurses Demand Stronger Regulation and Support Nurses across Massachusetts have called on state leaders to enact better standards related to RN staffing, hospital closures, workplace violence, and other pressing issues. The lack of regulation at the state and hospital level is negatively impacting patient care, according to nurses, with 59% indicating more regulations are needed to keep patients safe an increase of five points from last year. Simply put, nurses do not feel heard. 77% say Beacon Hill lawmakers are not listening to or acting on nurses' concerns about unsafe staffing. lawmakers are not listening to or acting on nurses' concerns about unsafe staffing. 63% say hospital administrators are unresponsive to feedback on staffing; 49% report unsafe assignments are rarely or never adjusted by management. Nurses who have worked for five years or less (74%) and nurses in direct care at community hospitals (73%) are even more likely to say their hospital administrators are not responsive to feedback. "This survey makes it painfully clear: Nurses do not trust hospital executives or lawmakers to have their backs or protect their patients from unsafe bedside conditions," said MNA President Murphy. "This is why nurses are demanding enforceable nurse-patient limits and other regulatory action now." Nurses Support Real Solutions The 2025 State of Nursing survey shows that nurses want concrete solutions, accountability, and strong investments in their workforce. One of the most urgent solutions is a limit on the number of patients a nurse can be assigned at one time, depending on type of hospital unit. MNA-backed safe patient limits legislation would empower DPH to hold public stakeholder hearings and promulgate regulations that establish specific limits on the number of patients a registered nurse shall be assigned to care for at one time. 89% of nurses support the proposed safe patient limits legislation, with 76% strongly supporting the bill. "There is zero question that safe patient limits are the foundational solution to the nurse staffing crisis," said MNA President Murphy. "Until we ensure that nurses can provide safe patient care without burning out and suffering moral injury, nurses will continue to flee the bedside." In addition to safe patient limits, nurses are seeking concrete solutions rather than temporary fixes in a number of other ways. In sharp contrast to hospital systems relying on travel nurses and remote nursing strategies, RNs in the State of Nursing survey call for investments in permanent nursing and support staff. 53% say higher salaries would keep them in the RN workforce. 41% say favorable time off benefits would keep them in the RN workforce (up 12 points from 2024). 40% say enough ancillary staff would keep them in the RN workforce. 38% say pension benefits would keep them in the RN workforce. 30% say full-time health benefits would keep them in the RN workforce (up 10 points from 2024). A Union Voice and a Call for Change Interest among nurses in unionizing has greatly increased since the pandemic, as problems that had festered prior to 2020, such as unsafe staffing and patient care quality issues, grew worse and took an even larger toll on nurses. Fundamentally, nurses do not believe their employers will uphold their commitments to improving working conditions. This has been proven time and again when nurses have organized with the MNA, and their employers have engaged in union-busting strategies in failed attempts to keep nurses from securing legal protections. The State of Nursing survey demonstrates strong support among nurses for unionizing: 71% of nurses do not trust their employer to keep promises. 64% are dissatisfied with their ability to influence workplace decisions. Among non-union nurses, 54% would vote to unionize if given the chance. "The hospital industry has ignored nurses' concerns for too long, only pay lip service when nurses decide to form a union and take the power they deserve," MNA President Murphy said. "Years of failure by hospital executives and state leadership to properly address unsafe patient care conditions and improve investment in the RN workforce has empowered nurses to organize and form unions across the Commonwealth." Federal Cuts Undermine Future Preparedness Amid growing concern about global disease outbreaks, 42% of nurses say their hospital is unprepared for another infectious disease eventup from last year. "Federal disinvestment in critical institutions like the CDC and WHO has made nurses more concerned about our readiness for future pandemics," MNA President Murphy said. "Hospitals need a planand nurses need support so they can properly respond to the needs of their patients and communities. In February 2025, the MNA Board of Directors detailed numerous concerns about federal overreach and funding cuts following the inauguration of President Trump. Among those were reductions in NIH funding, proposed cuts to Medicaid, the censorship of live-saving CDC information, and the United States withdrawing from WHO, weakening the international collaboration that can address global health crises. MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/MassNurses Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED PRINCETON, N.J., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Options, a leading national nonprofit organization supporting people with disabilities, was honored to welcome former New Jersey Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli to Vaseful, its innovative flower shop in Princeton that provides meaningful employment to people with disabilities. Former NJ Assemblyman Ciattarelli meets with employees at Vaseful Flowers and Gifts Community Options CEO Robert Stack with Asm. Ciattarelli Vaseful is a full-service florist and social enterprise operated by Community Options, a national nonprofit supporting over 6,700 individuals across 12 states, including more than 1,200 in New Jersey. Employees with and without disabilities work together in floral design, customer service, and retail operations, helping individuals with disabilities build valuable skills and confidence. "This was a great experience and I was honored to speak with the staff behind these beautiful floral arrangements," said Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. "As Governor, I will work in partnership with Community Options to ensure they have the tools they need to continue serving New Jerseyans for years to come." During the visit, Community Options CEO Robert Stack showcased the shop's impact alongside Terri Devereaux, one of the talented individuals employed through the program. Assemblyman Ciattarelli, who represented Princeton in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2011-2018, toured the store and learned more about how Vaseful embodies Community Options' mission to promote the dignity, independence, and inclusion of people with disabilities. "I want to thank Assemblyman Ciattarelli for touring Vaseful and seeing firsthand how people with significant disabilities can have meaningful jobs and earn a real paycheck," said Robert Stack, Community Options' President and CEO. "His visit reinforces the importance of investing in organizations that prove people with disabilities are not only capable, but are essential contributors to our communities and local economies." The visit underscored the importance of competitive employment and the vital role programs like Vaseful play in creating more equitable opportunities for all. About Community Options, Inc.: For over 35 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities serving thousands of people from over 50 offices across 12 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people regardless of ability level should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information please visit our website: www.comop.org and follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and X. CONTACT: Dana Chiavoni [email protected] P: 609-255-9718 SOURCE Community Options, Inc. DUBAI, UAE, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For nearly ten years, Anthony Ritossa has been a driving force behind the Global Family Office Investment Summit, a platform that unites international investors, visionary entrepreneurs, and prominent business families from across the world. What started as a passion project has blossomed into a thriving global community rooted in authenticity, resilience, and the power of genuine connection. Over the years, this initiative has funded groundbreaking projects, sparked lifelong friendships, and provided a stage for bold ideas to flourish. Global Family Office Investment Summit Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai Now, as the 25th Anniversary Edition approaches on May 6 and 7, 2025, at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai, Anthony Ritossa, Founder and Chairman of the Summit Series, reflects on the journey with pride. "This is our most impactful and significant gathering yet," he says, emphasizing the summit's evolution into a cornerstone of global economic discourse. Hosted alongside Mohamed Al Ali, CEO of Al Ali Holdings, and in collaboration with Lives Amplified Global Institution of World Leaders, which is chaired by Dr. Steven V. Melnik, the event will draw 300+ industry professionals to Dubai. This milestone edition builds on a legacy of fostering innovation and strengthening international ties, a mission that has never been more relevant. From Miami to Dubai: A Sister City Synergy The 24th Summit, held in Miami, set the stage for this historic Dubai gathering by showcasing the city's transformation from a sun-soaked paradise into a beacon of innovation and economic opportunity. At the heart of that event was a fireside chat celebrating the Miami-Dubai Sister City Agreement, a landmark pact signed by Mayor Suarez and Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This agreement marked a turning point, symbolizing a shared commitment to progress and collaboration between two global powerhouses. The momentum from Miami now propels the 25th Summit forward, with Dubai serving as the perfect venue to deepen these ties. The Dubai edition promises to amplify this narrative, blending Anthony Ritossa's signature exclusivity with a forward-thinking agenda that reflects the needs of today's interconnected world. Collaboration with Lives Amplified By hosting this event with Lives Amplified Global Institution of World Leaders, the Summit gains an additional layer of influence, bringing together a global community of world leaders to inspire new ideas and forge meaningful connections. This synergy ensures that the 25th Summit will celebrate past achievements and set the stage for transformative impact on a global scale. "Lives Amplified Global Institution of World Leaders is dedicated to empowering influential changemakers, visionaries, and leaders by facilitating the development of impactful initiatives, access to capital, strategic partnerships, new markets, governments and government contracts. By collaborating with the Global Family Office Summit Series, we are furthering our mission by bringing together visionary leaders to create lasting impact," said Dr. Steven Melnik, Chairman of Lives Amplified Global Institution of World Leaders. The collaboration with Lives Amplified Global Institution of World Leaders ensures that the Summit remains a melting pot of bold ideas and practical strategies. For Anthony Ritossa, this milestone event is a culmination of years spent building a platform where authenticity meets opportunity. "We've created a space where extraordinary projects find funding and where connections turn into lasting partnerships," he notes. Transformative Topics and Visionary Voices The 25th Global Family Office Investment Summit will delve into a diverse array of topics shaping the future of wealth and innovation. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions on blockchain, digital assets, fintech, Web3, healthcare, real estate, venture capital, private equity, and co-investments, all designed to equip participants with actionable insights into the evolving global economy. The event's speaker lineup reads like a who's who of international leadership, featuring voices such as H.H. Shaikha Jawaher Al Khalifa who will share her perspectives on the purpose and strategy of women who will change the world, offering unparalleled wisdom to a room of decision-makers. Khalid Al Zayani, Honorary Chairman of Al Zayani Investments, Kingdom of Bahrain, will present a keynote Fireside Chat on the topic "Revealing the Secrets of a Successful Family Business." "When a conference becomes like a gathering of good friends who feel like family, you have found the right people," said Alan Smithson, Founder of Unlimited Awesome. "By the year 2030, the world will have undergone five decades' worth of transformation in just five years. Exponential advancements in artificial intelligence, immersive computing, decentralized finance, and biotechnology are redefining the way we live, work, and invest. Unlimited Awesome is building the next generation of innovators and change-makers." "The UAE's success is built on the legacy of its great leaders, who have always prioritized safety, unity, and progress. As someone deeply engaged in global philanthropy, sustainability, and women's empowerment, I am continuously inspired by the UAE's ability to create an environment where businesses, entrepreneurs, and changemakers can flourish without barriers and look forward to the upcoming Summit discussions, said Claudia Pinto, Head of Philanthropy & Sustainability Advisor to H.H. Sheikh Marwan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. ""Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Global Family Office Summit is truly a landmark moment. From Wall Street to London Real, I've seen firsthand how innovation in finance, media, and technology transforms the world and nowhere is that spirit of transformation more alive than at this Summit. The extraordinary gathering of global leaders, investors, and visionaries here offers a rare and powerful opportunity to shape the future. It's an honor to be part of such a dynamic event that champions innovation, connection, and impact on a global scale," said Brian Rose, Founder & Host of London Real. As the Summit returns to Dubai, a city synonymous with ambition and innovation, it will further solidify its reputation as a must-attend event for those shaping the future of wealth and influence. With the Miami-Dubai partnership as a backdrop, the 25th Summit promises to be a celebration of both legacy and possibility, inviting attendees to discover more at www.Dubai-Summit.com or request an invite via [email protected]. This is not just an event, but a movement, one that continues to redefine what's possible when the right minds come together. For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680308/Ritossa_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680307/Ritossa_2.jpg SOURCE Ritossa Family Office MIAMI, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) has named Curtis J. Crider as its new president & CEO, effective May 2025. "Curtis's extensive background in hospitality leadership and his thoughtful, strategic vision for the future of our industry made him the clear choice for this role," said GMBHA Chairman and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau board member Amir Blattner. "We are confident he will promote the interests of our Allied members and support our vibrant hotel industry." Curtis J. Crider "I look forward to working with the strong GMBHA team and all of our allies and partners connected to Miami-Dade County's number one economic engine as we lead the hotel industry forward," said Crider. Crider has dedicated more than three decades to shaping the region's luxury service, food & beverage, and hospitality industries. He most recently served as chairman, president, and managing director of Jungle Island Resort, where he led all operations and helped launch Joia Beach, Miami's first private beach club and restaurant. His executive leadership drove revenue growth, boosted employee satisfaction, and elevated the brand. He also developed plans for an 18.6-acre eco-adventure park and hotel, featuring 300 guest rooms, a rooftop restaurant, pool bar, and 14,000 square feet of retail and meeting space. Previously, Crider spent over 15 years with Sonesta Hotels, serving as general manager of the Sonesta Coconut Grove, a luxury AAA Four Diamond hotel, and resident manager at the Sonesta Beach Resort & Spa in Key Biscayne. "Miami-Dade County's visitor industry needs to continuously build and strengthen alliances to maximize growth, workforce development, and make the necessary investments to keep service levels high," said Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO David Whitaker. "Curtis's leadership will be key to these efforts and help our destination continue on its path of success. I look forward to collaborating with him." Crider is a Miami resident and holds a degree from St. Petersburg College. He is active in the community, serving on the boards of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, GMBHA Executive Board, and was vice president of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce. His accolades include the City of Miami's Community Involvement Award, Business of the Year Award and General Manager of the Year. About the GMBHA Established in 1965, the GMBHA is a membership-based organization that represents the hotel and hospitality industry in Miami-Dade County. The GMBHA promotes the interests of its members through advocacy, education and partnerships and advances Greater Miami as the visitor's destination of choice. For more information, please visit: www.gmbha.com. Media contact: Faheemah Garzon Greater Miami and The Beaches Hotel Association 305-531-3553 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Greater Miami and The Beaches Hotel Association PUNE, India, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Digital Wound Management Devices Market was valued at USD 2,415.89 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3,594.49 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.03% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. This steady growth is driven by the increasing demand for advanced technologies that enhance wound monitoring, improve treatment outcomes, and streamline clinical workflows. Digital wound management devices, which include imaging tools, sensors, and software platforms, are gaining traction due to their ability to provide accurate, real-time assessment and documentation of chronic and acute wounds. The market is witnessing strong adoption across healthcare facilities, particularly in the management of diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, and post-surgical wounds, which are becoming more prevalent due to the global rise in chronic diseases and aging populations. Additionally, integration with telehealth and electronic health records (EHRs) supports remote monitoring, enabling healthcare providers to make faster, data-driven decisions. As innovation in AI-powered wound analysis and mobile applications continues to expand, the Digital Wound Management Devices Market is poised for sustained growth in both developed and emerging economies. Browse the report and understand how it can benefit your business strategy - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/digital-wound-management-devices-market Key Growth Determinants Rising Prevalence of Chronic Wounds The increasing global incidence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and vascular diseases has led to a surge in chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers. These conditions require continuous monitoring and management, thereby driving the demand for advanced digital wound management devices that offer real-time data, precise wound tracking, and faster clinical decisions. Advancements in Digital Health Technologies Technological innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and image analytics, are transforming traditional wound care practices. Smart sensors, mobile applications, and software platforms integrated with AI algorithms are now capable of evaluating wound healing stages and recommending treatment options. These advancements enable personalized and efficient wound care management, thereby boosting market growth. Growing Adoption of Telehealth and Remote Monitoring The shift toward remote patient monitoring, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly influenced the digital wound care landscape. Healthcare providers are increasingly relying on telemedicine and mobile wound care apps to monitor patient progress remotely, reduce in-person visits, and ensure timely interventions. This trend enhances care accessibility while reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Healthcare System Digitization and Demand for Cost-Efficiency The global push toward digital transformation in healthcare, including the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperable systems, supports the integration of digital wound management solutions. These devices reduce the need for manual documentation, lower hospital readmission rates, and improve clinical workflow efficiency. The cost-effectiveness and operational benefits they offer are further accelerating their adoption among healthcare providers and institutions. Key Growth Barriers High Cost of Advanced Technologies Cutting-edge digital wound management devices, especially those incorporating 3D imaging, planimetry, or laser-based technologies, often come with substantial costs. This financial barrier can limit adoption, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare settings and developing regions where traditional wound measurement methods remain more accessible . Cutting-edge digital wound management devices, especially those incorporating 3D imaging, planimetry, or laser-based technologies, often come with substantial costs. This financial barrier can limit adoption, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare settings and developing regions where traditional wound measurement methods remain more accessible . Training and Adoption Challenges The integration of sophisticated digital solutions necessitates comprehensive training for healthcare professionals. A lack of proficiency and familiarity with these technologies can impede their effective implementation, leading to resistance among clinicians and affecting the overall adoption rate . The integration of sophisticated digital solutions necessitates comprehensive training for healthcare professionals. A lack of proficiency and familiarity with these technologies can impede their effective implementation, leading to resistance among clinicians and affecting the overall adoption rate . Regulatory and Reimbursement Hurdles Navigating the complex regulatory landscape and securing reimbursement approvals for new digital wound management devices can be time-consuming and challenging. These hurdles may delay product launches and deter investment in innovative solutions . Navigating the complex regulatory landscape and securing reimbursement approvals for new digital wound management devices can be time-consuming and challenging. These hurdles may delay product launches and deter investment in innovative solutions . Limited Infrastructure in Emerging Markets In many low- and middle-income countries, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, including unreliable internet connectivity and limited access to electronic health records, poses significant challenges to the deployment of digital wound management systems. This limitation restricts market penetration in these regions. In many low- and middle-income countries, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, including unreliable internet connectivity and limited access to electronic health records, poses significant challenges to the deployment of digital wound management systems. This limitation restricts market penetration in these regions. Data Privacy and Security Concerns The handling of sensitive patient data through digital platforms raises concerns about data privacy and security. Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and safeguarding against cyber threats are critical challenges that need to be addressed to build trust among users. Segmentation By Type Smart Wound Dressings Wound Care Management Software Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices Advanced Wound Care Devices Others By Solution Cloud-Based On-Premise Mobile-Based Others By End-user Hospitals Wound Care Clinics Others (Home Healthcare Settings) By Wound Type Chronic Wound Acute Wound Based on region North America The U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France UK. Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea South-east Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa & GCC Countries South Africa The Rest of the Middle East and Africa Preview the report with a detailed sample and understand how it can benefit your business strategy. Request a free sample today - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/digital-wound-management-devices-market Regional Analysis North America North America holds the largest share of the market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high expenditure on medical technologies, and early adoption of digital health solutions. The region benefits from the widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the presence of major industry players offering integrated wound care solutions. The United States, in particular, leads in terms of innovation and implementation of AI-driven wound management platforms, supported by strong clinical research and reimbursement frameworks. Europe Europe stands as the second-largest regional market, fueled by growing awareness of digital wound care technologies and an aging population prone to chronic wounds. Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France are leading in the adoption of smart wound assessment tools in hospital and homecare settings. Government support for digital transformation in healthcare and increasing pressure to reduce hospital readmissions are key factors promoting the uptake of these devices. Asia-Pacific The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, owing to a rapidly increasing diabetic and elderly population, rising healthcare spending, and greater awareness of advanced wound care solutions. Markets like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in digital health ecosystems, creating new opportunities for manufacturers. However, disparities in infrastructure and access to digital tools between urban and rural areas may present short-term challenges. Latin America and Middle East & Africa In Latin America, countries such as Brazil and Mexico are gradually embracing digital wound management as part of broader healthcare modernization efforts. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa market is in the early stages of development, with adoption primarily concentrated in urban centers. Growth in these regions is being supported by rising healthcare investments and the increasing burden of chronic wounds, although infrastructure limitations and cost constraints may slow widespread deployment. Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis The Digital Wound Management Devices Market is moderately consolidated, featuring a mix of established medical device manufacturers and emerging digital health innovators. Competition is driven by technological advancements, product differentiation, strategic collaborations, and regional expansion efforts. Key players are focused on enhancing clinical outcomes, improving workflow efficiency, and reducing overall treatment costs through integrated digital platforms. Leading companies in this space are continuously investing in research and development to introduce next-generation solutions that incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud-based technologies. These innovations enable real-time wound assessment, automated healing progress tracking, and integration with electronic health records (EHRs). Players are also targeting mobile and remote care capabilities to cater to the growing demand for home healthcare and telemedicine. To maintain a competitive edge, market participants are pursuing strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. Such collaborations often focus on combining imaging technologies with digital software platforms, expanding product portfolios, or accessing untapped geographic markets. Additionally, companies are emphasizing user-friendly interface designs, clinician training, and regulatory compliance to strengthen adoption rates and customer retention. The competitive landscape also reveals a growing emphasis on value-based healthcare, with vendors aligning their offerings to support data-driven decision-making and outcome-focused wound care protocols. While large multinational corporations benefit from their broad distribution networks and brand recognition, agile startups and tech-driven companies are carving niches by offering highly specialized, interoperable digital wound care solutions. This dynamic environment encourages continuous innovation and positions the market for sustained competitive activity over the forecast period. Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/assembly-line-solutions-market Key Player Analysis Healogics, LLC. WoundZoom Smith+Nephew WoundMatrix, Inc. Healthy.io Ltd Swift Medical Inc. eKare, Inc. Joerns Healthcare (digitalMedLab Ltd.) Net Health Systems, Inc. Essity Aktiebolag (publ) 3M Entec Health Ltd. The Wound Pros, Inc. MolecuLight Inc. NATROX Wound Care (Inotec AMD Limited.) Recent Industry Developments In February 2024 , Perceptive Solutions, Inc. launched WoundZoom PRO , an advanced application designed to streamline wound care management. Featuring non-contact 3D wound measurement technology, the platform is optimized for smart devices and adaptable across various clinical settings. Earlier, in April 2023 , Perceptive Solutions formed a strategic partnership with MolecuLight Corp. to integrate the MolecuLightDX point-of-care bacterial imaging device with the WoundZoom cloud-based solution. This collaboration enables clinicians to access bacterial imaging, wound measurement, and digital documentation through a unified system, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency. , Perceptive Solutions, Inc. launched , an advanced application designed to streamline wound care management. Featuring non-contact 3D wound measurement technology, the platform is optimized for smart devices and adaptable across various clinical settings. Earlier, in , Perceptive Solutions formed a strategic partnership with MolecuLight Corp. to integrate the point-of-care bacterial imaging device with the cloud-based solution. This collaboration enables clinicians to access bacterial imaging, wound measurement, and digital documentation through a unified system, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency. In March 2022 , Swift Medical introduced Swift Ray 1 , an innovative imaging hardware that attaches to smartphone cameras to capture precise clinical data, including for patients with diverse skin tones. This device significantly improves subcutaneous wound visualization and care outcomes. , Swift Medical introduced , an innovative imaging hardware that attaches to smartphone cameras to capture precise clinical data, including for patients with diverse skin tones. This device significantly improves subcutaneous wound visualization and care outcomes. In July 2022 , Smith+Nephew launched the WOUND COMPASS Clinical Support App , a comprehensive digital tool supporting wound assessment and clinical decision-making. Similarly, in July 2022 , Johnson & Johnson unveiled VELYS Digital Surgery , a digital platform aiding minimally invasive surgeries by offering real-time data and surgical planning tools. , Smith+Nephew launched the , a comprehensive digital tool supporting wound assessment and clinical decision-making. Similarly, in , Johnson & Johnson unveiled , a digital platform aiding minimally invasive surgeries by offering real-time data and surgical planning tools. Bruin Biometrics' Provizio SEM Scanner Sensor was made available free of cost in November 2022 to over one million at-home patients in the UK. The device, added to the Drug Tariffs from August to October 2022 , detects pressure injury risk early, supporting preventive care. was made available free of cost in to over one million at-home patients in the UK. The device, added to the Drug Tariffs from August to , detects pressure injury risk early, supporting preventive care. In February 2023 , researchers developed the first flexible, stretchable e-bandage capable of accelerating healing by 30%. The bandage delivers electrotherapy directly to the wound site and biodegrades once healing is complete, representing a breakthrough in advanced wound care. , researchers developed the first flexible, stretchable e-bandage capable of accelerating healing by 30%. The bandage delivers electrotherapy directly to the wound site and biodegrades once healing is complete, representing a breakthrough in advanced wound care. In February 2022 , ARANZ Medical deployed its Silhouette wound imaging system across U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. The platform enhances wound tracking and documentation, contributing to improved patient outcomes nationwide. , ARANZ Medical deployed its wound imaging system across U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. The platform enhances wound tracking and documentation, contributing to improved patient outcomes nationwide. MolecuLight Corp. further strengthened its market position in June 2022 through a group purchasing agreement with Premier, Inc., giving access to over 4,400 U.S. hospitals. The i:X and DXTM imaging devices also received Premier's Technology Breakthrough designation, recognizing their impact on wound care innovation. through a group purchasing agreement with Premier, Inc., giving access to over 4,400 U.S. hospitals. The and imaging devices also received Premier's Technology Breakthrough designation, recognizing their impact on wound care innovation. Medtronic made strides in both surgical and structural heart markets. In December 2021 , the company launched the Hugo System , a robotic-assisted surgical platform enhancing precision and efficiency in minimally invasive procedures. Earlier, in October 2020 , Medtronic partnered with The Foundry to advance transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement, reinforcing its leadership in the heart valve domain. , the company launched the , a robotic-assisted surgical platform enhancing precision and efficiency in minimally invasive procedures. Earlier, in , Medtronic partnered with The Foundry to advance transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement, reinforcing its leadership in the heart valve domain. In October 2021 , Essity introduced the Cutimed Wound Navigator , a mobile application that enables clinicians to assess and document wounds digitally, supporting optimal treatment decisions. , Essity introduced the , a mobile application that enables clinicians to assess and document wounds digitally, supporting optimal treatment decisions. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. In July 2020 , Smith & Nephew reported supply disruptions in its advanced wound care segment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting its Q2 revenue and underscoring the importance of supply chain resilience in healthcare delivery. Reasons to Purchase this Report: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion). Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region. Stay informed about the competitive environment, with rankings of major players, recent product and service launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions from the past five years. Access detailed profiles of major market players, including company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, to understand competitive advantages and market positioning. Explore the present and forecasted market landscape, with insights into growth opportunities, market drivers, challenges, and constraints for both developed and emerging regions. Benefit from Porter's Five Forces analysis and Value Chain insights to evaluate various market perspectives and competitive dynamics. Understand the evolving market scenario, including potential growth opportunities and trends expected in the coming years. 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The company is a market research and consulting firm serving governments, non-legislative associations, non-profit organizations, and various organizations worldwide. We help our clients improve their execution in a lasting way and understand their most imperative objectives. Contact Us Mitul Dean Tower C-1105 , S 25, Akash Tower, Vishal Nahar, Pimple Nilakh, Haveli, Pune 411027, India [email protected] www.credenceresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2562161/5301785/Credence_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Credence Research Inc. NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Endurance named "Organization of the Year" and "Customer Service and Support Team of the Year" at the BIG and Globee Awards. Endurance Warranty Services has been recognized for its exceptional customer service with two prestigious industry awards: "Organization of the Year" at the 2025 BIG Excellence in Customer Service Awards and "Customer Service and Support Team of the Year" at the 2025 Globee Awards for Excellence. Honored by BIG Excellence in Customer Service Awards and Globee Awards for Excellence As the leading provider of vehicle service contracts in the U.S., Endurance continues to set the standard for delivering outstanding customer experiences. These awards reflect the company's dedication to service excellence and its ongoing commitment to building lasting customer relationships. "We are incredibly honored to receive these prestigious recognitions from both the Business Intelligence Group and the Globee Awards," said Justin C. Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Endurance. "These awards are a testament to the hard work and passion our team brings to every customer interaction. At Endurance, we believe that exceptional service is the cornerstone of long-term success." The Business Intelligence Group (BIG) Excellence in Customer Service Awards celebrate those individuals, teams, and organizations that are transforming how companies engage with their customers. Winners are selected by a panel of business leaders who evaluate nominees based on innovation, service impact, and measurable results. The Globee Awards for Excellence recognize outstanding companies, products, individuals, and teams that set new benchmarks across business functions. Categories span across Artificial Intelligence, Customer Success, Cybersecurity, Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Product Innovation, and more celebrating the highest standards of achievement in business performance and leadership. For more information on Endurance's award-winning customer service, visit https://www.endurancewarranty.com/awards-press. About Endurance Warranty Services Endurance is a trusted leader in the auto protection industry, offering comprehensive plans that shield drivers from the high costs of parts and labor when an unexpected breakdown occurs. Recommended by ASE-certified mechanics and highly rated on consumer advocate websites, Endurance has paid hundreds of millions in claims since 2012, helping customers save thousands on vehicle repairs and Empowering Confidence for the Road Ahead. Through its partnership with RepairPal, Endurance gives drivers access to a nationwide network of over 3,900 certified mechanics. This allows vehicle owners to choose their preferred repair shop or easily find a trusted mechanic nearby. Endurance Warranty Services operates corporate headquarters in Northbrook, Ill. For more information, visit https://www.endurancewarranty.com. About Business Intelligence Group The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other industry award programs, these programs are judged by business executives with relevant experience and insight. The organization's proprietary scoring system uniquely measures performance across multiple business domains and rewards those companies whose achievements stand above their peers. About the Globee Awards The Globee Awards present recognition in ten programs and competitions, including the Globee Awards for Achievement (American Business), Globee Awards for Artificial Intelligence, Globee Awards for Business (International), Globee Awards for Excellence (Customer), Globee Awards for Cybersecurity, Globee Awards for Disruptors, Globee Awards for Impact (Women in Business). Globee Awards for Innovation (also known as Golden Bridge Awards), Globee Awards for Leadership, and the Globee Awards for Technology. To learn more about the Globee Awards, please visit the website: https://globeeawards.com. SOURCE Endurance Warranty Services LLC. David Daniel honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at AESC Global Summit on Leadership NEW YORK, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global association representing the $20+ billion executive search and leadership consulting industry, presented David Daniel, former CEO and Chair of Spencer Stuart, with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the AESC Global Summit on Leadership. The 2025 AESC Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to David Daniel of Spencer Stuart. (PRNewsfoto/Association of Executive Search Consultants) "David Daniel's leadership has had a lasting impact not only on Spencer Stuart but on the executive search and leadership consulting profession at large," said James Edmund Datri, President and CEO of AESC. "We are proud to recognize his remarkable legacy with AESC's highest honor." With more than 30 years of leadership in the profession, David has set the standard for integrity, governance, and professionalism in executive search and leadership consulting. His contributions have shaped both Spencer Stuart and the broader profession through his unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusion, and innovation. David served as CEO of Spencer Stuart from 2001 to 2012, guiding the firm through transformative global growth, a broadening of services, and profession-defining client work. Under his leadership, the firm launched new capabilities in CEO succession planning, senior-level executive assessment, and board effectiveness while strengthening the firm's position in CEO and board search. From 2014 to 2018, David led the firm's global Private Equity Practice, and from 2018 to 2024, he served as Chair of the Board. Throughout his tenure, David helped guide Spencer Stuart through periods of profound change, including the internet bubble, the Lehman Brothers collapse, and COVID-19 pandemic, emerging each time with a strengthened culture and client impact. Under his leadership, the firm increased revenue, profit, and headcount fivefold. "Some of David's biggest accomplishments lie in his ability to serve as a 'true north,'" said Jordan Brugg, CEO, Spencer Stuart. "He globalized Spencer Stuart. He broke down barriers to create inclusive and global teams across borders, practices, and service lines. David ensured people and pride are at the heart of our work and raised our standards for what it means to be a professional in our business." David has also been a vocal advocate for AESC and the profession. He has actively supported AESC's mission and encouraged Spencer Stuart's involvement in AESC initiatives around the world. "David is an exceptional ambassador for our profession, having actively supported and contributed to AESC and serving as a driving force in Spencer Stuart's engagement with the AESC," said Frank Birkel, Chair, Spencer Stuart. "His high standards of excellence and leadership have been instrumental in strengthening the voice of AESC and the profession both internally and externally." David's influence has extended beyond firm leadership to mentorship and talent development. He has personally recruited and developed hundreds of leaders, many of whom have gone on to serve in senior roles at Spencer Stuart and across the profession. "Perhaps David's most enduring impact with Spencer Stuart are his contributions to recruitment, learning and development, and mentoring generations of colleagues. He has helped shape the careers of countless professionals and will leave a lasting legacy across the firm and the profession at large," said Ben Williams, former CEO, Spencer Stuart (2018-24). Prior to joining Spencer Stuart in 1994, David spent 15 years shaping some of the world's leading brands. He served as president/CEO of Simint USA, the American division of Armani Jeans; president of Louis Vuitton, North America; and CEO of Evian Waters of France (U.S.). He began his career in the executive development program at Lord & Taylor and then spent five years in various brand management roles at Pepsi-Cola. David is a director on the board of Point B, a technology consulting firm based in Seattle. He is also a board director of the privately held Chilton Trust Company. He previously served on the advisory boards of the Yale School of Management, the Yale Center for Customer Insights, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and St. Luke's School in New Canaan, Connecticut. David has a master's degree in public and private management from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University. About the AESC Lifetime Achievement Award Reserved for the most distinguished leaders in the field, the AESC Lifetime Achievement Award is the profession's highest honorrecognizing those at the pinnacle of their careers who have exemplified and advanced excellence in executive search and leadership consulting. Recipients of this prestigious award are widely regarded as iconsindividuals whose reputations stand above the rest and whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on both the profession and the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC). Their legacies include not only exceptional professional achievements, but also meaningful contributions to the growth, evolution, and continued elevation of the industry. This award affirms their enduring influence and celebrates their unquestionable merit and steadfast commitment to advancing leadership worldwide. About AESC Since 1959, AESC has set the quality standards for the executive search and leadership consulting industry. AESC Members represent 16,000+ trusted professionals in 1,200+ offices, spanning 70+ countries. AESC Members are recognized experts providing consulting services in the areas of leaders, teams and culture to the world's leading organizations. They leverage their access and expertise to place more than 100,000 executives each year in board of directors and C-level positions across industry sectors. Dedicated to strengthening leadership together, AESC and its members share a deep commitment to the highest quality standards in executive search and leadership consultingfor the benefit of clients and the profession. We Shape. Connect. Educate. Innovate. Learn more about us at aesc.org. For AESC's executive career services, visit bluesteps.com. SOURCE Association of Executive Search Consultants Expanded federal program offers emergency and preventive dental services for eligible residents of London, Ontario LONDON, ON, May 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dental care just became more accessible for many residents of London, Ontario. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a federally funded initiative, is now accepting applications from more Canadians, including adults aged 18 to 64, who lack private dental insurance. Eligible patients can receive free or low-cost treatment for a wide range of dental services, including emergency care, routine checkups, and restorative procedures. The CDCP is being rolled out in stages. As of May 2025, adults in the 18 to 64 age range can begin applying in staggered age groups. Coverage will begin as early as June 2025, depending on when the application is submitted and approved. Applicants must be Canadian residents for tax purposes, have filed their 2024 tax return, and have an adjusted family net income below $90,000 to qualify. What services are covered under the CDCP? The plan covers a comprehensive range of dental treatments, including: Exams, x-rays, and cleanings Fillings, extractions, and root canals Dentures and denture repairs Certain oral surgeries and emergency dental procedures Emergency dental issuessuch as infections, broken teeth, or severe painare also covered. Access to emergency dental services is a critical part of the CDCP, helping patients avoid unnecessary delays or hospital visits. How much does the plan cover? Cost coverage depends on your income level: 100% coverage if your family income is under $70,000 if your family income is under 60% coverage for incomes between $70,000 and $79,999 for incomes between and 40% coverage for incomes between $80,000 and $89,999 The remaining balance, if any, is paid by the patient at the time of service. Understanding preauthorization Some dental procedures require preauthorizationan approval process where your dentist submits a treatment plan to the CDCP before the procedure is done. This applies to more complex treatments such as crowns, bridges, or oral surgery. If the preauthorization isn't obtained when needed, the treatment may not be covered, and patients could be responsible for the full fee. Where to go in London for CDCP dental care Participating clinics, such as LightHouse Dental London, are accepting CDCP patients for a wide range of services. The clinic is open seven days a week and offers general dentistry, preventive services, and emergency dental care. Patients can visit the clinic's CDCP resource page to learn more, confirm eligibility, and book appointments. For those who qualify, the CDCP removes significant financial barriers to dental care. London Ontario residents are encouraged to explore their eligibility and apply early to take full advantage of this program aimed at improving access to essential health services across Canada. LightHouse Dental London 1850 ADELAIDE ST N, #1 LONDON ON N5X 4B7 (519) 964-8888 Media Contact: LightHouse Dental London [email protected] 519-964-8888 Photos: https://www.prlog.org/13075002 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE LightHouse Dental London DETROIT, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landscape where less than 1% of venture capital goes to Black founders, Emmanuel Brown has led a $1.2 million raise to expand ChurchSpace, the mission-driven tech company. While Brown spearheaded the funding round, it's Edwards' deeply personal storyand unwavering visionthat continues to drive the soul of the company. Day Edwards Antwi, Founder and President, ChurchSpace Inc. Emmanuel Brown, Co-Founder and CEO, ChurchSpace Inc. ChurchSpace helps churches transform underused buildings into income-generating hubs for events, outreach, and even last-mile delivery. With support from the City of Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan, and investors like Black Ops Ventures, Minor Capital, and Michigan Rise, ChurchSpace is relocating its headquarters from Houston to Detroit to launch a citywide partnership and unlock the economic potential of sacred space. "I watched my mom struggle just to serve," said Day Edwards, CEO of ChurchSpace. "She built a church from the ground up, but the financial and emotional strain nearly broke our family. She prayed through overdue bills, stress, and sleepless nightsuntil she passed from a heart attack and stroke, still trying to keep the ministry going." In Texas, churches on the platform have earned up to $100,000 annually, reinvesting income into youth programs, food banks, and community outreach. "When God gives vision, He makes provision," Edwards continued. "This isn't just techit's about godly stewardship, economic justice, and making sure churches can serve and survive." "This raise is more than a business milestoneit's a testament to what happens when strategy meets faith, when the odds are defied and purpose outweighs circumstance," said Co-CEO Emmanuel Brown. ChurchSpace is currently onboarding Detroit churches and preparing for a citywide partnership backed by the City of Detroit. About ChurchSpace ChurchSpace is a tech startup building smart logistics and shared-space solutions by activating underutilized church properties for business, ministry, and community impact. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [email protected] Website: www.bookchurchspace.com SOURCE ChurchSpace Inc. BENICIA, Calif., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hourglass International, Inc., a U.S.-based glove redistributor with a 20-year legacy of service-first reliability, announced today that its near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets have been officially approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Best known for delivering high-quality nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves and cleanroom face masks through its HandPRO and HCE brands, Hourglass has now taken a major step forward in aligning its operations with the most ambitious climate goal: limiting global warming to 1.5C. The SBTi's Target Validation Team has determined that Hourglass International's commitment to reducing its direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions meets the highest level of climate ambition. This validation underscores the company's proactive approach to environmental stewardship and its dedication to responsible business practices. Hourglass has now taken a major step forward in aligning its operations with the most ambitious climate goal. Post this Hourglass International commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2023 base year, and to measure and reduce its Scope 3 emissions. "As a company built on integrity, partnership, and purposeful action, receiving SBTi approval for our 1.5C-aligned targets is a meaningful milestone," said Stephen J. Atwood, President at Hourglass International. "Just like we go above and beyond for our customers, we're committed to showing up for the planet too." The SBTi is a globally recognized organization that evaluates corporate climate targets against the latest climate science, ensuring companies are contributing meaningfully to emissions reduction in line with the Paris Agreement. Hourglass joins a select group of businesses whose climate goals are grounded in science and action. The company's validated targets align with its broader commitment to quality, reliability, and long-term partnership. With a solution-oriented approach, Hourglass continues to invest in operational innovation, renewable energy adoption, and efficient logistics that reduce emissions without compromising service. For more information about Hourglass International's sustainability journey and commitment to climate action, please visit Hourglass-Intl.com. About Hourglass International, Inc. Hourglass International is a glove redistributor proudly serving a wide range of industriesfrom cleanrooms to laboratories. Family-owned with enterprise-scale capabilities, the company partners with top distributors around the world to deliver a diverse portfolio of high-quality gloves backed by unmatched service, deep industry expertise, and an unwavering commitment to doing right by the customer. SOURCE Hourglass International, Inc. Global antiviral R&D is slowing when the world can least afford it, new analysis shows CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The INTREPID Alliance today released the fourth edition of its Antiviral Clinical and Preclinical Development Landscape, a comprehensive analysis of the global pipeline of small-molecule antiviral compounds. The findings reveal a concerning trend: rather than accelerating in response to global preparedness goals, antiviral R&D momentum is stalling. Drawing on data from over 200 clinical and preclinical antiviral programs across 13 viral families prioritized for pandemic preparedness, the report provides a timely snapshot of where progress is being made and where gaps remain. The landscape still shows that the majority of clinical and preclinical compounds under investigation are targeting the viruses where infection can lead to outbreaks of COVID-19 and influenza. Other indications where limited clinical and/or preclinical development work is underway include Mpox, Dengue, Ebola, and Lassa fever, among others. However, there are several viral families of pandemic potential with no compounds in clinical or preclinical development at this time leaving the world at risk of future outbreaks. "We are going backwards, not forwards," said James Anderson, Executive Director of Global Health at the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) and Chair of the INTREPID Alliance Board. "Despite the lessons of COVID-19, global investment in small-molecule antivirals is declining just when we need to be scaling up. Without a robust antiviral pipeline, the world remains dangerously exposed to emerging viral threats. This landscape is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for smarter, faster preparedness." Key Findings from the 4th Edition Landscape:* Clinical pipeline : 67 distinct antiviral compounds are currently in active clinical development, with 22 approved compounds and 42 of those being novel, unapproved candidates. However, the overall number of promising new clinical candidates has not increased since the previous edition, highlighting a plateau in progress. : 67 distinct antiviral compounds are currently in active clinical development, with 22 approved compounds and 42 of those being novel, unapproved candidates. However, the overall number of promising new clinical candidates has not increased since the previous edition, highlighting a plateau in progress. Preclinical pipeline : 168 novel compounds are in preclinical development, associated with 189 virus-disease indications. Yet the majority of these still target SARS-CoV-2, leaving many pandemic-priority viral families under-addressed. : 168 novel compounds are in preclinical development, associated with 189 virus-disease indications. Yet the majority of these still target SARS-CoV-2, leaving many pandemic-priority viral families under-addressed. R&D concentration: While nearly 90% of clinical development activity is being led by biopharmaceutical companies, early-stage research is more diverse, with contributions from academia and government labs. Still, most programs are concentrated in high-income countries, underscoring the need for more widespread global engagement. The recent outbreaks of Mpox disease, which sparked the World Health Organization to declare public health emergencies of international concern,1,2 should be a wake-up call to the international community that the world is not immune to emerging and future outbreaks. The INTREPID Alliance Report on Direct-Acting Antivirals for Mpox, published last month highlights the urgent need for increased research and development of antiviral treatments for monkey pox virus and other orthopoxviruses with pandemic potential. "In our interconnected world, a strong antiviral pipeline is not just a scientific issue it's a global security issue," said Kelly Chibale, Ph.D., Professor, Neville Isdell Chair in African-centric Drug Discovery and Development, University of Cape Town. "We need to make sure innovation is not only happening but also reaching the places most vulnerable to future outbreaks. The INTREPID Landscape is a critical tool for making smarter, more informed decisions." As a member of its Scientific Advisory Board, Professor Chibale is one of the scientific experts from around the world who advises INTREPID's work. INTREPID's bi-annual antiviral pipeline reports are a key contribution to the 100 Days Mission, whose aim is to be prepared as much as possible so that within the first 100 days of a new pandemic threat being identified, interventions can be made available, safe, effective, and affordable. INTREPID's research is freely available and is intended to support policymakers, funders, and the global scientific community in identifying the most urgent needs and highest-impact opportunities in antiviral R&D. The full landscape report, study methodology, and an interactive antiviral clinical development pipeline are available at the INTREPID website. The INTREPID Alliance deep dive report focused on direct-acting antivirals for Mpox is also available through the website's Deep Dive Reports section. Disclaimer The INTREPID Alliance is a non-profit consortium of innovative biopharmaceutical companies and associations committed to accelerating the development of antivirals for epidemic and pandemic threats. Through independent landscape analysis and policy engagement, the Alliance supports science-based investment and preparedness strategies aligned with global public health goals. As part of our efforts, the INTREPID Alliance maintains and publishes a centralized list of promising investigational candidate compounds, with the purpose of knowledge-sharing and to support better pandemic preparedness. These compounds have been selected based on objective, scientific criteria, using publicly available sources, and at arm's length from commercial influence of our member companies. See criteria listed in the report "Antiviral Clinical Development Landscape and Promising Clinical Compounds." The designation of certain compounds as promising is based upon currently available information, and exclusively upon an assessment against these criteria. "Promising" is not a promotional claim. Candidate compounds have not been assessed by regulatory authorities to be safe and efficacious for the treatment of disease in humans. Our content is designed to be factual, informative, and non-commercial. It is not designed or intended to advertise or promote any pharmaceutical product or therapy or to advance the commercial interests of any company. ABOUT THE INTREPID ALLIANCE The INTREPID Alliance aims to accelerate the development of new treatments for emerging viral pandemic agents through facilitating early science and R&D, policy and advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. Led by a not-for-profit consortium of innovative biopharmaceutical companies and associations and working with the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, INTREPID works to bridge key gaps and unmet needs to ensure delivery of antiviral solutions to viral pathogens with the greatest pandemic potential. INTREPID was launched in March 2023 at a high-level summit bringing together more than 100 thought leaders in virology and global health. For a read-out from the summit and additional information, visit www.intrepidalliance.org. * As of December 18, 2024 1 World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Director-General declares the ongoing monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. (23 July 2022). 2 World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. (14 August 2024). SOURCE INTREPID Alliance Ontario International Airport partners with Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and San Manuel Nation to grant 15-year-old his wish ONTARIO, Calif., May 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Airlines (HA) Flight 79 lifted off from Ontario International Airport (ONT) at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, ascending into the western skies enroute to Honolulu. Jacob (left) and his family prepare to take off from Southern California's Ontario International Airport. Two hours earlier, Jacob, a 15-year-old from Hemet with cystic fibrosis, arrived in Terminal 4 for a journey he had been dreaming of a journey made possible by Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire (OCIE), ONT and the financial support of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. While in Hawaii, Jacob will stay at the Disney Aulani Resort & Spa, visit Pearl Harbor and snorkel on beaches he has only read about, all while making new memories with his family. Jacob's illness requires daily medicine and treatment, but it was all smiles and excitement Sunday morning as the teenager and his family prepared for their wish trip. "This is wonderful. It feels like a culmination that we made it," said Jacob's mother Jessica, as they awaited their boarding. "Jacob's been in the hospital many, many times, so for our family, to be here today, it means so much. We pushed through and made it together." Jacob's family received the full VIP treatment red carpet, and all when they arrived by limousine at Terminal 4. They were greeted by Make-A-Wish OCIE Chief Executive Officer Anne Grey; Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners; Atif Elkadi, OIAA CEO; as well as airport police officers and firefighters, Ontario Airport Customer Experience Specialists (O.A.C.E.S.), and staff representatives from Make-A-Wish OCIE and Yuhaaviata. The family received expedited check in, food at the airport's Aspire lounge, 1LoveIE merchandise and more. "We are thrilled to provide Jacob and his family this incredible start to what we know will be an experience they won't forget. We appreciate the support of Make-A-Wish, Yuhaaviata of San Manuel Nation and Hawaiian Airlines in making all of this possible," Wapner said. Jacob and his family will spend five days in Hawaii thanks to a generous $450,000 grant from Yuhaaviata to Make-A-Wish OCIE, helping to fulfill at least 78 wishes for children battling critical illnesses in the Inland Empire. Said Grey: "At Make-A-Wish, we believe in the power of a wish to bring hope, strength, and joy during the most challenging times. Thanks to the generosity of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the partnership of Ontario International Airport, Jacob's dream is now a beautiful realityand a reminder of what's possible when a community comes together to uplift a child." About Ontario International Airport Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California's most popular mid-sized airport, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario Mayor pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner). About Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire: Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. Since our chapter's founding in 1983, more than 8,300 wishes have been granted for children in the local community. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 34,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and 57 other chapters throughout the U.S. have granted more than 350,000 wishes nationwide. For more information, visit www.wish.org/ocie. OIAA Media Contact: Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected] SOURCE Ontario International Airport Mylow Companion enhances customer service, speeds new employee onboarding, and empowers associates, showcasing Lowe's as the most assistive brand in home improvement enhances customer service, speeds new employee onboarding, and empowers associates, showcasing Lowe's as the most assistive brand in home improvement First at-scale AI tool makes Lowe's associates more knowledgeable regardless of where they are in their career journey Mylow Companion follows the launch of Mylowthe home improvement industry's first AI-powered virtual advisor for customerswhich was built from the same foundation CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowe's today launches Mylow Companion, an AI tool aimed at improving customer service and speeding associate onboarding. Purpose-built for associate sales floor devices, the app provides fast access to product details, project advice, and inventory information. The launch to all associates across Lowe's more than 1,700 stores marks the first time a retailer has successfully implemented this kind of technology at scale. Lowe's launches Mylow Companion, the first at-scale AI tool and designed for Lowe's associates to help customers. Post this Purpose-built for associate sales floor devices, Mylow Companion provides Lowe's associates with fast access to product details, project advice, and inventory information, to help home improvement customers. Lowes is proud to lead the home improvement industry in AI, including Mylow Companion, the first at-scale AI tool that makes Lowes associates more knowledgeable regardless of where they are in their career journey. Associate expertise is uniquely valuable for home improvement retailers, as customers ask daily about a variety of complex projects and thousands of different products. Mylow Companion uses generative AI to tackle knowledge hurdles head-on. Whether they're new to Lowe's, working in their area of expertise, or supporting outside their department, Mylow Companion elevates the know-how of associates, enabling them to confidently assist customers. The successful rollout of an AI assistant to thousands of associates, a retail industry first, underscores Lowe's resolve to being the most assistive home improvement retailer. "Mylow Companion is another example of Lowe's living out its commitment to elevate the customer and associate experience," said Seemantini Godbole, Lowe's Chief Digital and Information Officer. "Whether associates have been on the job for five weeks or five years, they can be confident they're delivering expert-level advice and assistance, and customers can trust they're getting the best service and experience of any retailer." Lowe's is proud to lead the home improvement industry in AI, delivering two industry firsts within weeks of each other. Mylow Companion is built on the same foundation as Mylow, Lowe's customer-facing virtual advisor that was launched earlier this year. Mylow Companion and Mylow were both developed in collaboration with OpenAI and leverage Lowe's expert advice to empower customers and associates with fast, helpful information. Lowe's will continue evolving the experience on both, introducing new capabilities and refining functionality based on direct in-app feedback. "Through our collaboration with Lowe's, AI is making it faster and easier for their associates to help customers find exactly what they need for their most important projects," said Brad Lightcap, Chief Operating Officer at OpenAI. "We're excited to support Lowe's transformation of retail by merging their industry-leading expertise in home improvement with our advanced AI capabilities." Associates can use Mylow Companion with natural, conversational prompts, including voice-to-text for faster, hands-free use. Whether they're asked, "What kind of fertilizer works best for Bermuda grass?" or "How can I fix a leaky faucet?," Mylow Companion is able to deliver actionable information on the handheld devices associates already use. Mylow Companion joins a growing list of Lowe's first-to-market retail technology, further positioning Lowe's as a leader in the future of retail. From pioneering the first home improvement app for Apple Vision Pro to introducing the first interactive digital twin for retail stores, Lowe's continues to raise the bar for home improvement. About Lowe's Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2024 sales of more than $83 billion, Lowe's operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing, improving community spaces, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts and providing disaster relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com. Media Contact Caitlin Byrnes Lowe's Companies, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc. One in Five Mothers Experience Mental Health Disorders During or After Pregnancy; Free Support and Treatment are Available, Accessible, and Effective PORTLAND, Ore., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- May brings National Maternal Mental Health Month, World Maternal Mental Health Day (May 7), and Mother's Day (May 11), making it an ideal time to talk about perinatal mental health (PMH) and to educate mothers and the people in their lives about postpartum depression and other PMH disorders. Nonprofit Postpartum Support International (PSI) is working to improve PMH disorder awareness and access to free support and care while reducing stigma around perinatal mental health disorders. One in five mothers and one in seven fathers experience depression or anxiety during the perinatal period. Many people don't realize what they're experiencing is normal and treatable. PMH disorders are the most frequent complications of childbearing. They are also ranked among the top underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. Although postpartum depression is commonly cited, other PMH disorders include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Each May, PSI puts extra emphasis on educating the public during National Maternal Mental Health Month. May is also when Americans celebrate mothers and motherhood, which is anything but joyful for those suffering from a PMH disorder. Research shows: PMH disorders affect 800,000 people a year, but only 25% of them receive treatment. One in five women and at least one in 10 men experience depression or anxiety during the perinatal period, which includes pregnancy, post-loss, and 12 months postpartum. Despite improvements in the understanding of these disorders, each year, hundreds of thousands of parents silently suffer because they don't know what they are experiencing is common and treatable and they feel embarrassed and ashamed. "After my son was born in 1994, I suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety, and despite the fact that I was a mental health professional, I did not recognize my own condition I just thought I was a terrible mom," said Wendy Davis PhD, PMH-C, president and CEO of Postpartum Support International. "This May, please check in on the new moms in your life and ask them how they're doing really doing. If they need support, there are many ways you can help, including by sending them to Postpartum.net to start getting better. The more we talk about perinatal mental health, and mental health in general, the better." To boost awareness of perinatal mental health disorders and reduce stigma and shame, PSI encourages people to wear a blue dot pin or sticker to show they recognize and understand the struggles perinatal mental health disorders bring. TheBlueDotProject is part of PSI and the hope is that the symbol (included in PSI's logo) will help connect people to resources and support. While symptoms vary, PMH disorders commonly make mothers feel alone and helpless. They may be paralyzed by anxiety and doubtful of their ability to parent, which can lead to feelings of regret and despondency at a time society dictates should be one of the happiest of their lives. Moms and their partners should know support and care are available, and no diagnosis is needed to get help. PSI offers coordination, comfort, and peer support, helping people find the right resources online and in their own communities. Parents can call the PSI Helpline for support and resources at 1-800-944-4773 (English and Spanish), text "help" to 1-800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish) or visit postpartum.net. The Connect by PSI app (available in English and Spanish) provides free, easy access to resources and support and is available for download in the App Store or Google Play store. PSI has an online Perinatal Mental Health Provider Directory that lists trained providers and support groups and operates a Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation line, through which any medical provider can consult with an expert perinatal psychiatrist at no charge. PSI facilitates more than 50 free virtual support groups including those for military families, LGBTQIA+ families, Spanish speakers, and more. Ways to help a mother experiencing a PMH disorder: Let her know that PSI's website ( Postpartum.net ) and helpline (1-800-944-4PPD) provide free access to comfort and support. Pull up the website, make the call, or send the text if she gives you permission and needs help doing it. ) and helpline (1-800-944-4PPD) provide free access to comfort and support. Pull up the website, make the call, or send the text if she gives you permission and needs help doing it. Tell her that she's doing a great job, even though she might not feel like it. Tell her you can see her baby is comforted by her and loves her. Hug her and remind her that she is loved and valued by many, including her baby. Provide a safe space for her to express her anxiety and fears. Make sure she knows that it's clear she's trying her best, that you are proud of her, and that every new mom struggles even though it might not seem that way. Don't ask her what you can do to help. Do it. Laundry, cooking or ordering takeout, and watching the baby so she can have time alone are all ways to provide support. Make sure she knows PMH disorders are common and temporary and that it is OK to ask for help. About Postpartum Support International Founded by a new mother in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties women can experience during and after pregnancy, Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers a wealth of resources for a wide range of needs, situations, and audiences to give families the strongest and healthiest start possible through support and community. PSI offers support, resources, best-practice training and certification for healthcare professionals and volunteer coordinators nationwide and in more than 30 countries. PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring compassionate and quality care and support are available to all families. Need help? Call 1-800-944-4PPD (4773), visit Postpartum.net , or download the Connect by PSI app. SOURCE Postpartum Support International WILMINGTON, Del., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The mining automation market is propelled by increasing demand for enhanced safety, improved productivity, and cost efficiency in mining operations. Rising concerns over worker safety in hazardous environments are encouraging the adoption of autonomous equipment and remote operation technologies. Additionally, the need to boost output and reduce operational downtime is driving investments in automated systems such as autonomous trucks, drilling, and robotic equipment. Technological advancements, including AI, IoT, and real-time data analytics, further support this shift. Moreover, growing pressure to optimize resource extraction and comply with environmental regulations fuels the need for precise, automated mining processes. Allied Market Research published a report, titled, 'Mining Automation Market by Offerings (Sensors and LiDAR Systems, GPS and GNSS Modules, Industrial Cameras and Vision Systems, Connectivity and Communication Systems, Others), by Technique (Underground Mining, Surface Mining), by Component (Metal Mining, Mineral Mining, Coal Mining): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034'. According to the report, the 'mining automation market' was valued at $4.2 billion in 2024, and is estimated to reach $8.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2034. Download Research Report Sample & TOC: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/4591 (We are providing report as per your research requirement, including the Latest Industry Insight's Evolution, and Potential) 130-Tables 47-Charts 330-Pages Prime determinants of growth The mining automation market is expected to witness notable growth owing to the increasing demand for operational efficiency, worker safety, and reduced human intervention in hazardous environments which is driving the demand for mining automation market. Moreover, the growth of underground mining is expected to provide lucrative opportunity for the growth of the market during the forecast period. On the contrary, limitations of mining automation costs restrict the growth of the mining automation market. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20252034 Base Year 2024 Market Size in 2024 $4.2 billion Market Size in 2034 $8.3 billion CAGR 7.1 % No. of Pages in Report 300 Segments Covered Offerings, Technique, Component, and Region Drivers Rise in Demand for Fleet Management System Growing Concern for Mine and Labor Safety Opportunities Increase in Deployment of Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) Restraint High Initial Capital Investment Sensor and LiDar segment dominated the market in 2024. By offering, the sensor and LiDar segment held the highest market share in 2024 accounting for more than one-fifths of the mining automation market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, owing to their critical role in enabling real-time data collection, terrain mapping, and obstacle detection. These technologies enhance operational accuracy, safety, and efficiency by providing precise environmental awareness, which is essential for autonomous machinery. Additionally, advancements in sensor and LiDAR technologiessuch as improved resolution, durability, and cost-effectivenessare driving their widespread adoption in both surface and underground mining applications. Moreover, the sensor and LiDar segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2034. Get Customized Reports with your Requirements: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/4591 Surface Mining segment dominated the market in 2024. By Technique, the surface mining segment dominated the market share in 2024 accounting for more than two-thirds of the global mining automation market revenue, due to its large-scale operations, ease of equipment deployment, and lower complexity compared to underground mining. Surface mining allows for the more efficient use of autonomous vehicles, drilling systems, and real-time monitoring technologies, which significantly boost productivity and reduce operational costs. The availability of expansive, open terrains further supports the implementation of automated solutions, making surface mining more conducive to technological integration and large-scale automation initiatives. Moreover, the surface mining segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2034. Mineral Mining segment dominated the market in 2024. By component, the mineral mining segment held the highest market share in 2024, contributing to nearly half of the global mining automation market revenue, due to the increasing demand for a wide range of minerals used in construction, electronics, renewable energy, and industrial processes. The growing consumption of minerals such as copper, iron ore, and lithiumdriven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and the clean energy transitionhas pushed mining companies to adopt automation for greater efficiency, precision, and scalability. However, the metal mining segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.16% from 2025 to 2034. Inquiry before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/4591 Asia-Pacific region is expected to continue its dominance throughout forecast period. Based on the region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2024, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global mining automation market revenue, owing to the presence of large-scale mining operations in countries like China, Australia, and India, as well as increasing investments in automation technologies to boost productivity and safety. The region's rich mineral reserves, growing demand for metals and minerals to support industrialization and infrastructure development, and supportive government initiatives for digital transformation in mining have further accelerated the adoption of automated solutions. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.0% from 2025 to 2034. Mining Automation Market Kery Players: - Epiroc AB Hexagon AB ABB Ltd. FLSmidth Siemens Sandvik AB Caterpillar Inc. Metso Outotec Corporation Rockwell Automation Inc. Komatsu The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global mining automation market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Procure Complete Report (330 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/mining-automation-market Mining Automation Market Segmentation Overview: By Offerings Sensors and LiDAR Systems GPS and GNSS Modules Industrial Cameras and Vision Systems Connectivity and Communication Systems Others By Technique Underground Mining Surface Mining By Component Metal Mining Mineral Mining Coal Mining By Region North America : U.S., Canada , Mexico : U.S., , Europe : Germany , UK, France , Italy , Rest of Europe : , UK, , , Rest of Asia-Pacific : China , Japan , India , South Korea , Rest of Asia-Pacific : , , , , Rest of LAMEA: Latin America , Middle East , Africa Access AVENUE - A Subscription-Based Library (Premium On-Demand, Subscription-Based Pricing Model) @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access Avenue is a user-based library of global market report database, provides comprehensive reports pertaining to the world's largest emerging markets. It further offers e-access to all the available industry reports just in a jiffy. By offering core business insights on the varied industries, economies, and end users worldwide, Avenue ensures that the registered members get an easy as well as single gateway to their all-inclusive requirements. Avenue Library Subscription | Request For 14 Days Free Trial of Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenueTrial Trending Reports in Semiconductor and Electronics Industry: The Global Home Security Solutions Market is Growing at a CAGR Of 10.56% From 2022 To 2030. The Global Edge AI Processor Market is Growing at a CAGR Of 16% From 2022 To 2030. The Global Cables Market is Growing at A CAGR Of 7.8% From 2021 To 2030. The Global Embedded Processor Market is Registering a CAGR Of 8.2% From 2021 To 2028. The Global E-Paper Display Market is Growing at a CAGR Of 17.3% From 2021 To 2030. About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Trending Blogs in Semiconductor and Electronics Industry: TechnoMark News Semiconductor and Electronics Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research Point-of-Care Partners, represented by Founder & CEO Anthony Scheuth, was honored with the NCPDP Foundation Charles Pulido, R.Ph. Excellence Award during the President & CEO Leadership Appreciation Dinner this past Sunday. The award honors one Foundation grantee who, within the year prior, finalized research which fully optimized the vision of the NCPDP Foundation. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The NCPDP Foundation formally presented the Charles Pulido, R.Ph. Excellence Award to Point-of-Care Partners (POCP) during the President & CEO Leadership Appreciation Dinner on May 4, 2025. This event takes place during NCPDP's Annual Technology & Business Conference where industry leaders come together to celebrate excellence and innovation in healthcare. POCP, a leading healthcare consulting firm, demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving interoperability, streamlining pharmacy workflows, and championing healthcare technology solutions that improve care delivery in their white paper, Pharmacy Interoperability: A Comprehensive Assessment of the Current Landscape. Their commitment to industry interoperability aligns seamlessly with the NCPDP Foundation's vision to continuously innovate and fully incorporate health information technology as a tool to deliver better outcomes for the common good of all. "This award serves as a testament to Point-of-Care Partners' dedication to shaping the future of healthcare," said J.W. Hill, MBAHCM, Executive Director of the NCPDP Foundation. "Their efforts in identifying interoperability challenges and building recommendations to advance pharmacy interoperability have had a profound impact on the industry, reflecting the legacy of Charlie Pulido's contributions." The Charles Pulido, R.Ph. Excellence Award honors one grantee annual who embodied Charles Pulido's commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in healthcare through their NCPDP Foundation-funded research. "We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the NCPDP Foundation," said Anthony Schueth, Founder & CEO of Point-of-Care Partners. " Our work on the Pharmacy Interoperability White Paper reflects our shared commitment to improving data sharing, interoperability, and patient-centered care. POCP has long valued our close collaboration with NCPDP and the Foundation, and we're proud to support their mission." About the NCPDP Foundation The NCPDP Foundation collaborates with organizations and individuals to support research initiatives that improve data sharing throughout the healthcare ecosystem, removing obstacles to quality care for patients, with a focus on pharmacy interoperability. The NCPDP Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. About Point-of-Care Partners Point-of-Care Partners (POCP) is an employee-owned health IT management consulting firm assisting healthcare organizations in the evaluation, development, and implementation of winning health information management strategies in a complex and rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem. 1. Foundation LinkedIn post: Announcing the 2024 Charles Pulido, R.Ph. Excellence Award winner! The Charles Pulido, R.Ph. Excellence Award honors one grantee annual who embodied Charles Pulido's commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in healthcare through their NCPDP Foundation-funded research. We are honored to recognize @Point-of-Care Partners for their research and development of the white paper: Pharmacy Interoperability: A Comprehensive Assessment of the Current Landscape. Read the key findings and where the NCPDP Foundation identified areas of alignment with @NCPDP here: https://ncpdpfoundation.org/pdf/PharmacyInteroperability_AbridgedResults.pdf. 2. Tidbit for Foundation website home page (could be Cision summary): Press Release | 2024 Charles Pulido, R.Ph. Excellence Award Winner Congratulations to Point-of-Care Partners on their outstanding contribution to healthcare interoperability through their research and development of the Pharmacy Interoperability: A Comprehensive Assessment of the Current Landscape white paper. Read More. 3. Beyond the Tech newsletter article (70-120 words): Point-of-Care Partners Awarded the 2024 Charles Pulido, R.Ph. Excellence Award The Charles Pulido, R.Ph. Excellence Award honors one grantee annual who embodied Charles Pulido's commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in healthcare through their NCPDP Foundation-funded research. We are honored to recognize @Point-of-Care Partners for their research and development of the white paper: Pharmacy Interoperability: A Comprehensive Assessment of the Current Landscape. SOURCE NCPDP MONTREAL, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Optimum Financial Group announced exceptional financial results for 2024 at the Optimum Group Inc.'s annual shareholders' meeting on April 29, 2025. The Group continues its profitable growth, with revenues reaching nearly 1.4 billion dollars and a total shareholder return exceeding 17%. These results were once again marked by the excellent loss ratio in property and casualty insurance in Canada as well as the improved mortality in life reinsurance in the United States. Assets under management in Canada, the United States and in France totalize 8.4 billion Canadian dollars to December 31, 2024. This result reflects our sound asset management for the benefit of our clients and the enhancement of our sustainable investment offering by integrating carbon footprint reduction criteria into our portfolios. "Optimum is proud to be a Canadian company, focused on serving our clients and partners, with the ambition to contribute to the sustainable growth of the activity sectors in which we operate in Canada, the United States and in France. Our reputation is built on deeply anchored values such as integrity and creativity, as well as the partnership and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize Canada's economic landscape", comments Anabelle Blondeau, President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair of the Board, Optimum Group Inc. "Our financial strength allows us to ensure our perennity and offer stability to our talents as a private and global employer headquartered in Montreal. I thank our exceptional employees who drive our added value every day and reflect our corporate culture founded on trust and humanity. The very long-term commitment of our employees is a source of pride that helps train the next generation that will perpetuate the spirit of our founders", she concludes. Optimum Financial Group has bestowed the 2024 Optimum Gilles-Blondeau Award to Optimum Re Insurance Company in the United States for its premium growth and exception performance, notably attributable to improved mortality. This annual award recognizes the exceptional contribution of a subsidiary to the Group's overall performance, as a tribute to Optimum's founder. About Optimum Financial Group Optimum Financial Group is dedicated to the financial security of its clients since 1969. Global and privately-owned, it is active in the sectors of actuarial consulting, global asset management, general insurance, information technology, life insurance, life reinsurance, and real estate. The Group has over 700 employees within diverse subsidiaries operating in 20 business places in Canada, the United States and in France. Its revenues nearly reach 1.4 billion dollars, its assets under management in Canada, the United States and in France totalise 8.4 billion dollars and its total assets exceed 6 billion dollars. SOURCE Optimum Group Inc. MENLO PARK, Calif., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) has been named the winner of two Stevies in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards. The company was honored for Best Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Solution and Technology Executive of the Year. Robert Half received Best Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning for its AI Recommended Clients (ARC) toolan advanced solution that leverages AI to help talent solutions professionals identify and engage the right clients at the right time. James Johnson, executive vice president and chief technology officer, was also named among the Technology Executives of the Year for his leadership in advancing the company's innovation strategy, including the development of ARC. "This recognition highlights our commitment to innovation and delivering world-class technology solutions that drive business growth," said M. Keith Waddell, president and chief executive officer of Robert Half. "We're proud of James Johnson and his team for their critical contributions to these achievements." The American Business Awards is the premier business awards program in the United States. More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in a wide range of categories. Robert Half has also been named one of Fortune's 2025 America's Most Innovative Companies and a winner of the 2025 CIO 100 Award. About Robert Half Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm, connecting highly skilled job seekers with rewarding opportunities at great companies. We offer contract talent and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, and we also provide executive search services. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that delivers internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. In the past 12 months, Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named one of the Fortune Most Admired Companies and 100 Best Companies to Work For. Explore talent solutions, research and insights at roberthalf.com. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the new 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 https://stevieawards.com. SOURCE Robert Half The 2025 National ProStart Invitational theme, "Burn Bright," highlighted the passion, creativity, and dedication of the competitors who have spent the school year preparing for competition. Teams earned their spot in the national showdown after winning their respective state level competitions. The culinary competition was a high-stakes challenge of preparing and plating a three-course menu in one hour without access to running water or electricity and using just two butane burners. Teams in the restaurant management competition presented and defended their team-developed restaurant business concepts and plans to a panel of restaurant and foodservice industry judges. Watch the full event recap video here. The San Dimas High School team won the culinary competition by creating and executing three menu-ready recipes that included detailed cooking instructions and menu cost analysis. Each dish was professionally plated, tasted, and analyzed by a panel of industry judges. Their menu included an appetizer of pan seared Chilean sea bass resting in a coconut, lemongrass, ginger, and chive oil broth; an entre of lamb strip loin with truffle pomme puree and blueberry port wine sauce, featuring a bruleed poached shallot and salad; and coconut mouse encased in a chocolate shell for dessert. The Chalmette High School team captured the national title in the restaurant management segment, presenting and defending their La Strada concept that honors the Sicilian lineage that has shaped the greater New Orleans' culinary scene for over a century. Their menu is filled with dishes centered on simplicity, freshness, and quality including Sicilian pizzas, muffulettas, and po'boys for lunch and table-side pasta, prepared in a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel at dinner. The restaurant also has a strong social good component, supporting their community with food drives, college book drives, and sponsored community refrigerators and pantries across their area. The restaurant is also committed to reducing waste and supporting a greener future through sustainable operations practices. During their hour-long presentation to a panel of industry professionals, the students pitched their full business plan, including budget, restaurant design, and marking strategies. "The National ProStart Invitational competition is a tremendous spotlight on our nation's most talented restaurant culinary and management students," said Michelle Korsmo, president & CEO of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. "ProStart students have talent, skills, and dedication and the restaurant industry can offer them unlimited opportunities in the more than 70 career paths among the more than 200,000 jobs added in the restaurant industry each year. These students are a clear indication that the future of the restaurant industry is bright." "As America's second-largest private sector employer and a places where millions of people gather and eat, restaurants rely on the kind of innovation, creativity, and teamwork displayed by ProStart competitors this weekend," said Rob Gifford, president of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. "I can't wait to watch how these young culinarians and business minds continue to burn bright, no matter where their futures take them." Following are the top five teams in the culinary and restaurant management competitions: Culinary Winners San Dimas High School, San Dimas, CA Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, Canton, MI Anderson Career and Technology Center, Williamston, SC Clinton High School , Clinton, MS Youthentity, Carbondale, CO Management Winners Chalmette High School, Chalmette, LA Ben Barber Innovation Academy, Mansfield, TX Orange County School of the Arts, Santa Ana, CA Wekiva High School, Apopka, FL Wando High School , Mt. Pleasant, SC 2025 James H. Maynard Teacher of the Year In addition to culinary and restaurant management competition winners, Chef Phillip Cropper, the ProStart educator at Worcester Technical High School in Newark, MD, was named the 2025 James H. Maynard Teacher of the Year. With support from Golden Corral, the award is part of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ProStart Educator of Excellence program, which recognizes the country's top educators who demonstrate classroom excellence and an unparalleled commitment to helping their students make the most of the program's opportunities. ProStart the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's nationwide career and technical education program has equipped more than 1 million high school students with career-ready culinary and restaurant management skills. More than an elective, the program is designed to equip students with restaurant-specific certifications and competencies, over 400 hours of practical work experience, and access to restaurant and hospitality apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities. Students complete the ProStart program ready to join a professional kitchen or advance to higher education. Today, the program reaches 222,000 students at 2,200 schools. The 2025 National ProStart Invitational was made possible by many donors and sponsors, including The Coca-Cola Company, DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS National Accounts, Ecolab, Golden Corral, Nestle Professional Solutions, American Express, Darden Foundation, Lyons Magnus, Rachael Ray Foundation, Sysco, Yum! Brands, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Inspire Brands Foundation, Kellanova, Mars Foodservices, and Savor. About ProStart ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school career and technical education program uniting the classroom and restaurant industry, reaches nearly 222,000 students at almost 2,200 high schools throughout all states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. ProStart gives students a platform to discover and develop new interests and talents, while teaching employability skills like teamwork, professional behavior, time management and communication. About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES Partnering with community based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org. Click here for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's 2024 Annual Impact Report. SOURCE National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation SAN MATEO, Calif., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight technology, today announced it has fulfilled the first order under the U.S. Army's Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Tranche 2 program with the delivery of X10D small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). With this order, Skydio X10D is the only system delivered to date as part of Tranche 2 of the U.S. Army's SRR Program of Record. For this initial order, Skydio equipped a U.S. Army Transforming in Contact (TiC) unit preparing for imminent deployment with hundreds of X10D aircraft systems, demonstrating the company's ability to rapidly respond to the demands of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Skydio X10D, part of the DoD's Blue UAS Cleared List, will provide essential intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to the TiC unit, enhancing operational effectiveness and situational awareness in contested environments. "When the Army contracted Skydio to fill this urgent need, we shipped systems within 5 days, ensuring soldiers had this critical equipment before their deployment," commented Adam Bry, cofounder and CEO of Skydio. "We produce 1,000+ drones a month at our facility in California with the ability to rapidly scale beyond that rate, enabling us to ship at the speed of need. Ultimately, production readiness is deterrence. By investing in our production capacity, we can accelerate delivery of war-winning capabilities, making America's enemies think twice before challenging the world's most capable fighting force." All Skydio drones are designed, assembled, and supported in the United States, and Skydio's manufacturing facility in Hayward, CA is one of the world's largest drone manufacturing facilities outside of China. With the recent shipment of its 55,000th drone, the company's investments in manufacturing scale are paying off an X10 and X10D drone can now be built in nine minutes. Skydio X10D is designed to meet the mission on the modern battlefield: A sensor package that is unrivaled in any sUAS this size, including a 48MP telephoto camera A best-in-class Teledyne FLIR Boson+ thermal sensor that can pinpoint temperature differences at each pixel Resiliency in the face of electronic warfare with onboard AI and autonomy Advanced obstacle avoidance in every direction Enhanced operational resilience in challenging navigation environments through advanced proprietary technology that maintains positional awareness without relying on conventional navigation methods Modular, open platform that supports custom third-party attachments and controllers Powerful, full-stack security, starting with the chipset and its firmware IP55 rating for nearly all-weather operation Skydio has now delivered drones to every branch of the DoD and armed forces in 25 allied nations. For more information about Skydio for national security, please visit skydio.com/natsec. About Skydio Skydio is the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight, leveraging breakthrough AI to create the world's most intelligent flying machines for use by public safety, government, utility, and enterprise customers. Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S. from its headquarters in San Mateo, California. Founded in 2014, Skydio is trusted by industry leaders and backed by top investors and strategic partners, including Andreessen Horowitz, Levitate Capital, Next47, IVP, Playground, and NVIDIA. For more information, follow Skydio on LinkedIn or visit skydio.com. SOURCE Skydio DUBAI, UAE, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Talogy, a global leader in talent management solutions, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with RL100 Middle East, an exclusive network of senior Talent Acquisition (TA) leaders dedicated to driving innovation and excellence in recruitment. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in both organizations' commitment to empowering businesses with data-driven talent strategies. Talogy brings over 75 years of expertise in crafting personalized assessment and leadership development solutions that help organizations select, develop, and transform their workforce. By partnering with RL100 Middle East, Talogy aims to support the region's top TA professionals in tackling key industry challenges, and shaping the future of the hiring and retention of key talent. As part of this collaboration, Talogy will be attending the RL100 Middle East Summit on 8th May 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event will serve as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, and meaningful industry dialogue allowing leaders to explore emerging recruitment trends. Amanda White, Vice President of Talogy Middle East & Africa expressed, "We are really excited to be working with RL100 and being plugged into the world's most influential talent acquisition leaders' network. This peer-led, global ecosystem enables Talogy to share our expertise in talent assessment and keep up to date with latest industry challenges to ensure we are addressing the needs of the market." The RL100 Middle East community is a unique, invitation-only network that brings together senior TA decision-makers through summits, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborative projects. This partnership with Talogy extends this mission by bringing experts in assessment solutions to share the latest research, trends and advice to the TA community. Charlotte Turner, Head of Marketing and Communications for RL100 Middle East affirmed, "RL100 Middle East is proud to announce Talogy as a strategic partner to the community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence in talent acquisition across the region. At the core of RL100 Middle East is a dedication to fostering meaningful collaboration among the region's leading TA professionals, and in Talogy, we see a partner whose values and vision are strongly aligned with our own. Together, we look forward to driving forward the conversation around talent acquisition, addressing key industry challenges, and delivering lasting impact across the Middle East." By partnering with RL100 Middle East, Talogy reaffirms its commitment to providing organizations with tailored, technology-driven solutions to optimize selection, development, and retention strategies. Together, Talogy and RL100 will empower businesses to navigate the evolving talent landscape with confidence and clarity. For more information on Talogy and RL100 Middle East, visit www.talogy.com and www.resourcingleaders.co/middle-east. Media Contact: Kristina Beggs Head of Regional Marketing and Partnerships [email protected] www.talogy.com SOURCE talogy.com DAPHNE, Ala., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TERREPOWER, a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, specializing in providing high-quality, reliable products to the automotive and industrial markets, announces the appointment of Michael Boe as President of its Europe business unit, effective May 1, 2025. Boe will be based in Zug, Switzerland and will lead the company's European operations as it continues to expand its footprint and capabilities across the region. Michael Boe, President, Europe, TERREPOWER "Michael's deep expertise in the automotive aftermarket and proven leadership across complex global operations make him the ideal leader to guide our Europe business into its next phase of growth," said Duncan Gillis, Chief Executive Officer of TERREPOWER. "We're excited to have him on board as we position our Europe business for long-term success." Boe brings more than 30 years of international experience to the role, most recently serving as Vice President & General Manager, Global Aftermarket at BorgWarner Emission, Thermal & Turbo Systems. In this capacity, he led operations across Europe, North America, South America, and China, and managed a global remanufacturing network spanning Poland, Mexico, China, and Brazil. His leadership covered a wide range of product lines, including transmissions, turbochargers, and ignition systems. Prior to that, Boe held several senior leadership roles at Meritor, including Managing Director of the company's Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket business in EMEA and Sales Director for EMEA. In both roles, he drove significant improvements in profitability, operational execution, and customer engagement. "I'm excited to join TERREPOWER at such a pivotal time in its evolution," said Boe. "The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, paired with its global growth strategy, makes this an incredible opportunity. I look forward to working with the talented team in Europe to build on the strong foundation already in place." About TERREPOWER TERREPOWER, formerly BBB Industries, LLC, is a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, specializing in providing high-quality, reliable products to the automotive and industrial markets. With an extensive footprint and operations throughout North America and Europe, TERREPOWER sustainably manufactures and supplies an assortment of nondiscretionary repair parts across more than 90 countries. Founded in 1987, TERREPOWER has a legacy of innovation and a commitment to advancing the circular economy and extending product lifecycles. www.terrepower.com SOURCE TERREPOWER CHICAGO, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly $2 billion in property taxes shifted onto homeowners from businesses over just three years, with a disproportionate share of the added burden falling on lower-income Black and Latino homeowners, a first-of-its-kind analysis by the Treasurer's Office found. The shift largely resulted from the wide-ranging success of businesses appealing property valuations, called assessments, that determine their tax bills. From 2021 to 2023, which covers a complete three-year assessment cycle, business appeals shaved nearly $3.3 billion off the total amount billed to businesses across the county. More than $1.9 billion of that shifted onto homeowners. Although previous studies have documented how assessment appeals shift tax burdens, the Treasurer's Office study is the first to determine the resulting changes to the amounts billed to property owners. That analysis revealed that the percentage increases in tax amounts billed to homeowners were far greater in areas with lower-income minority populations. "This study helps explain why many homeowners have experienced sticker shock when opening their property tax bills in recent years," Treasurer Maria Pappas said. "We hope our findings help guide policy makers in their ongoing efforts to make the appeals system more equitable." Key Findings: Businesses vs. Homeowners : : Successful appeals by businesses caused their collective tax bills to drop by $3.3 billion , or 12.5%, while residential tax bills jumped by $1.9 billion , or 6.9%. , or 12.5%, while residential tax bills jumped by , or 6.9%. Business owners appealed their assessments nearly 64% of the time, while homeowners appealed 27% of the time with businesses winning far larger assessed value reductions. Business' assessed value reductions surged to a total of $25.5 billion from 2021 to 2023 compared to $9.9 billion from 2015 to 2017. The difference is due mostly to larger reductions granted by the Board of Review. While business reductions rose, assessed value reductions for homeowners declined to $2.8 billion from $3.2 billion from 2021 to 2023. Income & Race Disparities: Homeowners in the highest-income areas appealed their assessments 46% of the time, while those in the lowest-income areas appealed just 11% of the time. Property owners in majority Black and Latino neighborhoods appeal at far lower rates. The appeal rate for white homeowners was 35.5% compared to 10.85% in Black neighborhoods and 14.06% in Latino neighborhoods. The added tax burden caused by appeals did not fall equally on homeowners, with bills increasing by about 5% in high-income areas and about 10% in low-income areas, most of which had predominantly minority populations. A Tale of Two Neighborhoods: Two examples from the study of the tax appeals system show how wealthier white neighborhoods tend to benefit by successfully appealing, often at the expense of lower income minority neighborhoods, where homeowners saw their tax bills jump by 14.8% after the appeals process was completed during reassessment years. In one Census tract in Gage Park, a low-income majority Latino community area on the Southwest Side where only 5.2% percent of homeowners contested their assessments, tax bills rose nearly 23% after appeals. In one Census tract in North Center, a high-income majority white community area where 60% of homeowners appealed their assessment, tax bills rose less than 15%. Two examples from the study of the tax appeals system show how wealthier white neighborhoods tend to benefit by successfully appealing, often at the expense of lower income minority neighborhoods, where homeowners saw their tax bills jump by 14.8% after the appeals process was completed during reassessment years. "I'm heartened that the Assessor and Board of Review are already addressing some of the underlying issues that cause this unequal shift in the tax burden, because the Cook County residents earning the least shouldn't be shouldering the most, when it comes to taxes," Pappas said. A link to the full study, data and our interactive mapping tool is available here. SOURCE Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas The mDERMS platform enables real-time optimisation of both network assets and customer-owned technologies such as rooftop solar and batteries, with advanced visibility, forecasting, and control over local demand, generation, and grid constraints - supporting smarter use of locally generated renewables while enhancing power quality, reliability, and energy flow efficiency. By providing real-time data access to energy retailers and aggregators, the platform creates opportunities for innovative new products that expand customer choice, flexibility, and engagement to enhance participation in broader energy markets, helping to maximise customers' use of renewable energy and strengthen grid stability. Endeavour Energy has already deployed mDERMS to oversee its community microgrid and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in Bawley Point and Kioloa on the NSW South Coast. This next phase will scale those capabilities to support one of New South Wales' largest community battery initiatives. In partnership with the Australian Government, Endeavour Energy is deploying the largest community battery program in NSW and is nearing completion in the rollout of 76 community batteries across 33 suburbs to give households access to more affordable, sustainable energy through shared renewable storage. The integration of MPrest's mDERMS solution will mark another significant step toward a smarter, more sustainable energy future for Endeavour Energy customers by supporting innovation and creating more flexibility in local energy markets. Quotes attributable to Endeavour Energy Endeavour Energy's General Manager Future Grid and Asset Management, Colin Crisafulli: "Our vision is to lead the transition to smarter, more sustainable energy solutions which provide our customers with greater choices and access to renewable energy options for a more sustainable energy future.In partnership with the Federal Government, we are delivering the largest community battery program in NSW, and this extended partnership with mPrest will further enhance local grid resilience by increasing Customer Energy Resources hosting capacity as well as providing opportunities for retailers and aggregators to desing new products and services for our customers." Quotes attributable to mPrest mPrest Chief Executive Officer Natan Barak: echoed this sentiment, noting that the development of this critical use case demonstrates the depth of collaboration between both companies. "Now is the time for transformative change in the energy landscape, and we are proud to partner with Endeavour Energy to empower communities for a sustainable energy future," he said. Additionally, this distinct use case highlights additional mDERMS capabilities, providing support and advantages for utilities, VPPs, retailers, C&I sectors, and customers alike. mPrest Chief Commercial Officer Ron Halpern: highlighted the significance of the Australian market, "We are honoured to play a pivotal role in supporting Australia's leading renewable energy sector through key initiatives such as Endeavour Energy's microgrid and community battery projects. As the global market evolves, Australia's advancements in renewable CER/DER and DERMS will serve as a model for others to follow." Media enquiries: Endeavour Energy: 0409 664 608 [email protected] mPrest: [email protected] About Endeavour Energy Endeavour Energy is one of Australia's most efficient electricity distribution networks, powering NSW's fastest growing economies and sustaining the jobs and lifestyles of 2.7 million Australians, living, and working in Central West NSW, The Blue Mountains, Greater Western Sydney, Southern Highlands, Illawarra and South Coast of NSW. Since 1890, we have expanded our footprint to be at the forefront of Australia's energy industry in integrating traditional and renewable energy sources to deliver a smarter, cleaner, affordable and more reliable energy system, with clear commitments and pathways to creating sustainable value for customers and communities. Endeavour Energy is committed to decarbonising the grid by 2035. Our mission is to leverage the latest technology and data to plan the grid of tomorrow where batteries, microgrids and solar integrate seamlessly with the traditional distribution network to power communities for a brighter future. About mPrest Leveraging its unparalleled experience and expertise in real-time mission-critical command and control software, mPrest has developed the world-leading distributed asset orchestration and optimization software. mPrest's micro-services based, real-time orchestration and optimization platform brings the power of AI and IoT to the digital transformation of the energy and other industrial IOT markets. mPrest's applications suite, including Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems (DERMS) and Asset Health Management (AHM) are deployed on premise or in the cloud in record time in the most forward-looking and efficient organizations worldwide, including some of the world's largest energy companies. mPrest's vendor-agnostic product suite interfaces with millions of sensors, devices, machines, assets, subsystems, IT and OT applications, creating a system of systems that provides end-to-end visibility and control over complex and distributed operations. Visit us at www.mprest.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679874/Endeavour_Energy_logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679891/mPrest_logo.jpg SOURCE mPrest; Endeavour Energy PORT VILA, Vanuatu, May 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets, a leading CFD broker in multi-asset trading solutions, is excited to announce the official launch of Copy Trading via the Vantage Client Portal website, further expanding access to one of its most popular features in jurisdictions where Vantage operates. This launch marks a new milestone in Vantage's commitment to providing smarter, simpler, and more accessible trading experiences for its users. Vantage Launches Copy Trading on Client Portal Website with Deposit Bonus for Users* Previously available through the Vantage App, the Copy Trading feature is now fully integrated into the Client Portal on the Vantage website, allowing both new and existing users to seamlessly access this powerful tool. 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Marc Despallieres, CEO of Vantage Markets, commented on the launch: "At Vantage, we are continuously working to democratize access to financial markets. By bringing Copy Trading to our Client Portal, we're providing greater flexibility and convenience for our users. This expansion reflects our commitment to innovation and helping traders both new and experienced make more informed trading decisions, with the tools and support they need." Ready to trade? Log in to your Vantage Client Portal today to open a Copy Trading account, claim your deposit bonus*, and start exploring the possibilities. *Terms & Conditions apply. **Other fees may apply. About Vantage Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds. With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play. trade smarter @vantage RISK WARNING : CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk. SOURCE Vantage The beloved caramel brand is giving candy lovers a chance to win personalized storybooks transforming memories into a heartfelt masterpiece CHICAGO, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of life's most treasured moments are the ones passed down through generations. That's why this spring, Werther's Original , America's favorite caramel brand, is creating a brand new contest: Werther's Original Golden Stories . This special contest brings the power of multi-generational family bonds with an opportunity for people to have their cherished family memories turned into a personalized, beautifully illustrated keepsake. Because the sweetest stories deserve to be shared and honored all year long. Werthers Original Unwraps Werthers Golden Stories to Celebrate the Sweetness of Family Memories Just like a Werther's Original passed from one loved one to another, these stories are the threads that connect generations and Werther's has always been a key part of creating those sweet, shared moments. Werther's Original Golden Stories celebrates family memories, preserving them with the same warmth as their timeless caramels. The book becomes a treasured piece of lasting legacy one that can be passed down through generations, much like the candy itself and inspires meaningful moments of togetherness along the way. "At Werther's, we believe the most lasting legacies often begin with a simple story, shared from one loved one to another," said Kelly Cook, president at Storck USA, L.P.. "With the Werther's Original Golden Stories contest, we are inviting families to submit special stories so that we can create a storybook crafted with the same warmth and care as Werther's Caramels ultimately becoming a treasured piece of their family's lasting legacy." Beginning Monday, May 5 until Monday, May 26, consumers can visit WerthersGoldenStories.com and choose from four prompts designed to capture the heart of their favorite story. Entrants must submit a 250-400 word story which will be translated and shortened into storybook format accompanied by photos to be considered to win. Submissions will be graded against specific judging criteria that emphasizes: originality, clarity, and alignment with Werther's Original brand themes of generational connection, heartfelt moments and sharing sweetness. The top 20 first place winners will receive a custom print storybook keepsake, with the 25 second place winners receiving an e-book version of their personalized storybook. While inspired by the spirit of Mother's Day, this contest is for anyone who has played a meaningful role in a family story from grandparents and siblings to lifelong friends. To learn more about Werther's Originals, visit www.werthers-original.us, or follow the brand on Instagram ( @werthersoriginalus ) and Facebook ( @Werther'sOriginals ). CONTEST RULES Winners will be selected the week of June 13 and the Werther's Original Golden Stories contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington, D.C., who are 18 years of age or older. No purchase is necessary to enter. Each participant is limited to one (1) entry during the Entry Period, regardless of the number of email addresses they may have. For official rules, please visit WerthersGoldenStories.com. ABOUT WERTHER'S ORIGINAL Candy-maker Gustav Nebel first introduced his delicious, iconic caramel recipe in 1909 in the small European village of Werther, Germany. Using only the best ingredients real butter, fresh cream, white and brown sugars, a pinch of salt and a lot of time he created a treasure worthy of being wrapped in gold and named the candy Werther's Original in honor of his little village. Crafting this smooth, creamy caramel became a family tradition handed down through generations. Today, Werther's Original comes in many varieties, from hard, chewy, soft, creamy filled, sugar free and caramel popcorn to caramel flavor combinations including apple, coffee, vanilla, and salted caramel creme. With global headquarters in Germany and U.S. headquarters in Chicago, people all around the world enjoy the unique taste of Werther's Original. For more information, visit www.Werther's-Original.us , and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Media Contact: Anna McAndrew [email protected] SOURCE Werther's Original FONTANA, Calif., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZM Trucks, North America, has partnered with The Merlin Group to advance its mission of helping large, multi-state, multi-location fleets transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as efficiently as possible. The Merlin Group Logo "At ZM Trucks, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and redefining the standard for commercial vehicles," said Joost de Vries, CEO of ZM Trucks. "ZM Trucks being both an incomplete and complete vehicle manufacturer, we can offer complete vehicle solutions for complex customer geographies that start with factory body upfit, custom service solutions powered by our Sibros connectivity platform, as well as multi-state incentive management, charging, and finance solutions. And our partnership with The Merlin Group will help us provide these multifaceted, integrated solutions to the large-scale fleet operators that can benefit most." ZM Trucks has recently established its first North American manufacturing facility and regional headquarters in Fontana, California, which will enable the brand to meet the growing demand for its sustainable vehicle solutions. By collaborating with The Merlin Group, ZM Trucks aims to bring trucks to large, multi-location fleets that seek simplification in their journey to cost-efficient electric vehicle solutions. "We are honored to have been selected by ZM Trucks, a true innovator in the global zero-emission commercial vehicle market," said Jeff Azer, Senior Associate at The Merlin Group. "Their expansive international vision and growing presence across North America make this partnership a major milestone for us. We look forward to architecting tailored solutions that support ZM Trucks' growth and address the complex demands of today's evolving fleet landscape." ZM Trucks will showcase its Class 5/6 truck, the ZM8, at ACT Expo 2025, located at Booth #6477, from April 28th to May 1st at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Attendees can register for the event at actexpo.com . For more information about ZO Motors and its ZM Truck commercial vehicle brand, please visit ZMTrucks.com. About ZO Motors ZO Motors is a global leader in zero-emission commercial vehicles, dedicated to delivering sustainable transportation solutions for industries such as commercial vehicles, port, and aviation ground logistics, as well as transit and tourist transportation. With manufacturing facilities in Asia and North America, ZO Motors is at the forefront of innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to reducing environmental impact. For more information, please visit http://www.zo-motors.com/ About ZM Trucks ZM Trucks, the western brand interpretation of ZO Motors, is a global leader in innovative new-energy commercial vehicles. Originating from Japan, the company specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of intelligent new-energy commercial vehicles with powertrain choices that include Battery Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric, and Hydrogen ICE. ZM Trucks' branded commercial vehicles have already launched in North America and the Middle East. South America, Europe, and Africa are planned to follow in 2026. For more information, please visit http://www.zmtrucks.us/ About the Merlin Group The Merlin Group is a global business development and advisory firm, architecting demand across the mobility, fleet, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. Since launching just 18 months ago, The Merlin Group has demonstrated exceptional market momentum, now serving international clientele across seven unique industries and collaborating with more than 50 ecosystem partners. Unlike traditional business solutions firms, The Merlin Group specializes in building the bridge between innovation and real-world demand through financial engineering, strategic partnerships, and client acquisition. Our clients, partners and Fortune 500 companies - increasingly rely on us to scale complex programs across mobility initiatives, import/export operations, and specialized vehicle solutions. For more information, please visit https://www.themerlingroup. co/ SOURCE ZM Trucks 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 Beirut, May 5 : Lebanon welcomed the decision by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to lift a travel ban on the country. The UAE Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Emirati citizens will be allowed to travel to Lebanon as of May 7, days after a visit by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to the Gulf country, Xinhua news agency reported. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, quoted by the state-run National News Agency, hailed the UAE's decision as "a testament to the deep fraternal ties between our two countries." The prime minister expressed Lebanon's "utmost gratitude and appreciation to the UAE" and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He added that Lebanon and its people eagerly await the return of Emirati and other Gulf and Arab visitors. Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the UAE's move in a statement, emphasising its importance following the recent visit of President Aoun to the UAE. The ministry said the decision would strengthen bilateral ties and serve the interests of both nations, expressing its aspiration to further develop relations with all Arab countries based on historical, cultural, and shared ties. During Aoun's visit, both countries agreed to facilitate travel and implement mechanisms for smoother movement between them. The UAE, along with other Gulf nations, had withdrawn diplomats and imposed the travel ban in October 2021 in response to remarks made by Lebanon's then-Information Minister George Kordahi regarding the Yemen conflict, which Gulf countries deemed "unacceptable and offensive." Jammu, May 5 : For the 11th consecutive day on Monday, the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing on the Indian positions on the Jammu and Kashmir Line of Control (LoC) as the Indian troops responded promptly and proportionately. The Defence Ministry statement said, "During the night of 04 -05 May 2025, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in J&K." "Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately," said the ministry in the statement. During the night of May 3 and May 4, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in J&K. The Indian Army had responded promptly and proportionately. Tensions have reached a new high between the two countries after Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists sponsored and aided by Pakistan killed 26 innocent civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, on April 22 in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. The entire country was outraged by the cowardly act of terrorists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his first reaction to Pahalgam killings that the terrorists, their handlers and backers would he chased and hunted down to the ends of the earth. India announced a slew of measures against Pakistan, including the deportation of its nationals from Indian soil, the closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing, throwing the Indus Water Treaty into abeyance, closing its airspace for Pakistani commercial flights, and the cancellation of all trade and cultural exchange between the two countries. PM Modi has given operational freedom to the armed forces to avenge the Pahalgam killings. This decision came after the PM met the defence minister, national security advisor, chief of defence staff (CDS), and chiefs of the army, navy and the Air Force. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a 40-minute-long meeting with the Prime Minister on April 28. The defence minister met the PM after he received a detailed briefing by the CDS on the preparedness of the country's armed forces to meet any eventuality. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also had a security review meeting with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Srinagar a few days ago. The L-G asked the Army to use whatever force is required to hunt down the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack. Meanwhile, to send a powerful message to terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers, security forces demolished the houses of terrorists. On April 25, 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 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 April 28, the J&K Assembly unanimously condemned the dastardly terrorist attack and passed a resolution on this. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Srinagar, May 5 : Four people were arrested by police for the sexual assault and murder of a nomadic woman in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city. Police said on Monday that a nomadic woman died after being allegedly sexually assaulted by a group of drunken men near Water Works Road in the Nishat area of Srinagar. "The woman, originally from Reasi district and presently putting up in the Nishat area, was attacked by four individuals who were reportedly under the influence of alcohol. She sustained injuries during the assault and was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead," said the officials. "The accused have been arrested and a case has been registered. Further investigation is underway," police said. Gujjar leader and MLA from Kangan Assembly constituency, Mian Meher Ali said, "A Bakerwal girl has been brutally assaulted and raped, leading to her death, by two men in Nishat area of Srinagar today. "I demand a fast-track investigation into the incident and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators." The alleged rape and murder of an innocent nomadis woman has resulted in outrage among the locals with everyone expressing shock and anger at the incident. Crimes against women are otherwise few and far between in Kashmir society, where the spiritual influence of women saints like 'Lal Ded' cuts across religious barriers. Both local Muslims and Hindus have respected the saint, whose piety and spiritual purity have become proverbial in the Valley. Social media has been awash with locals demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in this heinous crime. In 2023, a court in Srinagar sentenced two persons to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 40 lakh in an acid attack case on a girl, who was working in a beauty parlour to support her family. Police had prepared the charge sheet in a record period of three months and got the accused sentenced by the court. The verdict was appreciated by the common Kashmiri, who has always said that crimes against women should he dealt with on the fast track to get the guilty punished quickly. Sanaa, May 5 : Yemen's Houthi group said that it will continue launching missile attacks at airports in Israel, especially at Ben Gurion Airport, as part of its "comprehensive air blockade" against the country. "We announce a comprehensive air blockade on the Israeli enemy in response to its decision to expand its aggression against Gaza," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by the group's al-Masirah TV. "We will work to impose the blockade by repeatedly targeting airports, most notably Ben Gurion Airport," he said, urging international airlines to cancel all their flights planned to any Israeli airport. Earlier on Sunday, the Houthi group claimed responsibility for a missile attack that hit a driveway leading to the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel in the morning, which resulted in four minor injuries and caused damage, Xinhua news agency reported. The Israeli military said aerial defence systems attempted to intercept the missile but failed. It later issued a separate statement, saying an initial inquiry showed that the likely cause of the failure was "a technical issue" with the interceptor missile. Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video statement issued a warning to the Houthis, threatening to launch a strike against the group. He then wrote on social media platform X that Israel will retaliate against Houthis in Yemen and their ally, Iran. Several international airlines, including Air Europa, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, ITA Airways, and Brussels Airlines, canceled flights to and from Israel after the attack. The Houthis have intensified missile and drone launches toward Israel in recent weeks, amid renewed US airstrikes on their positions in Yemen. The Houthi forces, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel since November 2023 in what they describe as an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. The group has claimed that it would halt its attacks if Israel ends its military campaign and blockade against Gaza. Mumbai, May 5 : Actor Ajaz Khan has been booked for rape by the Charkop Police in Mumbai following a complaint filed by an actress who accused him of sexually assaulting her under the pretext of marriage. The case was registered under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 64, 64(2)(M), 69 and 74, and further investigation is underway, police officials confirmed. According to the complaint, the actress alleged that Khan promised her a role in his OTT show 'House Arrest' and other projects. She claimed that when the show began, he proposed to her and assured her of marriage. The complainant further stated that on March 25, Ajaz Khan raped her at his home after making a false promise of marriage. She added that Khan again sexually assaulted her a few days later, repeating the promise of marriage. The actress claimed that Khan assured her he would take full responsibility for her and even told her that his religion permits four marriages. The Charkop Police are looking into the details of the incident, while a separate FIR against Khan was already filed at Amboli Police Station over his OTT show 'House Arrest' following a complaint by Bajrang Dal. In that case, Ajaz Khan was accused of the indecent representation of women and the publication of obscene content. The Mumbai Police booked Khan and others involved in the show under Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, which penalises publishing or transmitting obscene material electronically. The first conviction under this section carries a maximum punishment of three years and a fine up to Rs 5 lakh, while repeat offences may attract five years' imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 10 lakh. Additionally, Khan faces charges under Section 296 of the BNS for obscene acts and songs. This provision prohibits performing obscene acts or uttering obscene words in public spaces with the intention to cause annoyance and carries a penalty of up to three months' imprisonment. The FIR also invokes Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, which bars the production and distribution of any material containing indecent depictions of women. Violations of this provision can lead to a maximum prison term of three years. Section 7 of the same Act has also been applied, making responsible individuals within the company -- including those overseeing content on the OTT platform -- liable for legal action. The OTT platform 'Ullu' had streamed the show, which has now been taken down following widespread backlash and demands for a ban. Maharashtra BJP Mahila Morcha President Chitra Wagh had earlier called the show "nothing but the epitome of vulgarity" and demanded strict action. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken note of the controversy and has summoned Ullu CEO Vibhu Agarwal and Ajaz Khan to appear on May 9 in connection with the charges related to obscene content and alleged exploitation. Officials said Mumbai Police are ensuring that both the actor and the OTT platform's decision-makers face consequences under the applicable laws. Mumbai, May 5 : Actor Abhishek Banerjee is set to have a working 40th birthday on Monday as he will be shooting for his upcoming film "Baaghi Bechare". Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Actor Abhishek Banerjee is set to have a working 40th birthday on Monday as he will be shooting for his upcoming film "Baaghi Bechare". Abhishek shared, "I couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift than to have a working one starting shoot of Baaghi Bechare. Looking forward to working with such incredible talents like Pratik and Faisal, under the direction of our director, Sumit". The film, written and directed by Sumit Purohit, who has previously written came 1992 The Harshad Mehta Story. Apart from Abhishek, the film also stars Pratik Gandhi and Panchayat fame Faisal Khan. The project is being backed by the makers of Mirzapur. Apart from this project, 2025 is an exciting year for Abhishek with several other projects that are set to release this year including Stolen, Mahasangam, Rana Naidu Season 2. On the acting front, Abhishek was last seen on screen in "Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank" directed by Amar Kaushik. It is the fourth instalment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and serves as the sequel to the movie Stree, which released in 2018. The film also stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi and Aparshakti Khurana as a group of friends who must defeat Sarkata, a headless malevolent entity abducting the women of Chanderi. The film titled 'Baaghi Bechare' is a satire. As per 'Variety', 'Panchayat' standout Faisal Malik, who succinctly describes the project as part of "this transformative phase of Indian cinema". Talking about the project, Pratik had said: "It's refreshing to be part of a film rooted in genuine artistic collaboration and craft. There's a rare freedom in working without the usual market pressures. As an actor, being in such an ecosystem is truly inspiring. You feel a responsibility to support it and be a part of its journey". New Delhi, May 5 : India's meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) Industry is set to be a major economic driver, generating high-quality jobs, the government said on Monday. Speaking at an event in Jaipur, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the MICE industry is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse, fuelled by robust economic growth, world-class infrastructure, and strong government backing. "States are unlocking tourism opportunities in their own unique ways and now, it's time for India to position itself firmly on the global MICE map," the minister told the gathering. With iconic venues like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi and Jio World Centre, and with special focus on MICE, "we aim to elevate at least 10 Indian cities into the world's top MICE destinations," the minister added. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, and with states like Rajasthan leading through legacy and innovation, India is poised to become the world's most admired tourism and events destination. The India MICE market generated a revenue of $49,402.6 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $103,686.5 million by 2030, while registering a growth of 13 per cent. This growth is fuelled by the recent developments in MICE-ready destinations coming up in cities like Varanasi, Khajuraho and Kochi, etc. Over the last decade, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure with be it the construction of roads over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways, more than 150 operational airports and over 2.48 million hotel rooms. Further, India's hosting of G20 nations has reinforced India's growing venue network and regional tourism potential. According to Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, the vision laid by PM Modi during India's G20 presidency has opened new pathways. "It is now up to states to build on this momentum. From deregulation to concert tourism, India has the opportunity to become a global hub for events and experiences," Bery emphasised. Dr Jyotsna Suri, Past President of FICCI, highlighted that India is no longer just a leisure destination and "we are now ready to take on the world as a leading MICE destination". IANS na/ Tehran, May 5 : Iran revised the death toll from a major explosion at its main commercial port late last month down to 57 from 70, while state television reported two arrests in connection with the blast. The semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Hormozgan province's Chief Justice Mojtaba Qahremani as saying the updated figure for the April 26 blast at Shahid Rajaee Port includes 46 recovered and identified bodies and 11 people still missing. Qahremani explained that the initial count was lowered after forensic examinations determined that some body parts collected separately belonged to the same individuals. A special working group has been established to follow up on the missing, he added. State television reported separately on Sunday that two people, including a government official, had been arrested over the explosion. The blast and ensuing fire injured more than 1,200 people, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, which said search and rescue efforts at the site ended on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported. Authorities have pointed to safety failures as contributing to the incident. A provincial crisis management statement cited failures in observing safety and passive defence measures, while Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni referred to "certain negligence" last Monday. Shahid Rajaee Port, located in the southern Hormozgan province, is Iran's largest maritime hub, handling the vast majority of the country's container traffic and more than half of its total trade. Mumbai, May 5 : National Award-winning filmmaker Shoojit Sircar said he had never seen Irrfan Khan like the way he was in Piku, adding that the late acclaimed actor's performance in the film showcased the real and the soothing side of the star. How did Irrfan balance the humour with the emotional depth in his role? Was it something he brought to the table instinctively? Shoojit told IANS: "Well, I would say that it's absolutely natural. He is like that. He brings in that freshness. In Piku, he looked like, I don't know, there's something so beautiful that he looked like in the film. So charming, so warm Irrfan. I have not seen this kind of an Irfran in any of the films that I've watched." The filmmaker asserted that the real side of the late star came out in Piku, which is set to complete 10 years in Hindi cinema on May 8. Shoojit added: "Particularly in Piku, there's something very soothing about him, which just made you really comfortable. You love everything about him. There's no way that you can't fall in love with Rana.So, I think it was the real Irfan that came out in this film. Romantic Irfan." "Piku" is set for a re-release on May 9. The comedy drama, which is set to clock 10 years since its release, stars Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan along with Moushumi Chatterjee, Jisshu Sengupta and Raghubir Yadav. The film revolved around Piku, an architect and her ageing but nagging father Bhaskor Banerjee, who come close via a road trip to Kolkata despite their disparate ideologies and fights over trivial issues. Shoojit made his directorial debut with the romantic war drama Yahaan in 2005. He gained the spotlight with the top-grossing social romantic comedy Vicky Donor in 2012). He followed it a year later with the political action thriller Madras Cafe. His home production, the legal thriller Pink. He subsequently directed and produced the coming-of-age drama October and the Amazon Prime Video's comedy Gulabo Sitabo. The filmmaker gained further prominence in 2021 with the biographical historical drama Sardar Udham. New Delhi, May 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on the latter's 71st birthday. PM Modi prayed for Khattar's long life and commended his work in elevating urban infrastructure and strengthening the power sector. In a post on his X handle, PM Modi wrote, "Best wishes to Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar Ji on his birthday. His efforts towards boosting urban infrastructure and strengthening India's power sector are commendable. Praying for his long and healthy life." Extending his birthday wishes, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Khattar was doing remarkable work in fulfilling PM Modi's dream of every poor person having their own house. "Heartiest birthday wishes to Union Minister Shri ji. You are doing remarkable work towards making Modi ji's country self-reliant in the field of energy and realising the dream of every poor person to have their own house. I pray to God for your good health and long life," wrote HM Shah in his X post. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in his wishes for the Union Minister said, "Heartiest birthday wishes to popular politician, Honourable Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar ji! This is my prayer to Dwarkadish Lord Shri Krishna that you may get a healthy, long and glorious life." Khattar is currently the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Minister of Power. He is a Member of Parliament from the Karnal Lok Sabha seat in Haryana. The veteran politician was a former RSS pracharak before becoming a politician. Khattar served as the 10th and the first BJP chief minister of Haryana. He was sworn in for the first time as CM of Haryana on October 26, 2014, after the BJP's win in the Assembly election. He took oath for the second time as the chief minister in October 2019 after making an alliance with the Jannayak Janta Party post the Haryana Assembly election, with Dushyant Chautala as his Deputy CM. Khattar was born in Nindana village of Meham tehsil in Rohtak district of Haryana on this day in 1954. His father had migrated to the village from Jhang district of West Punjab following the Partition of India in 1947. Noida, May 5 : In a major crackdown, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has busted a gang accused of rigging the NEET UG and other competitive examinations, and arrested three individuals from Gautam Buddha Nagar district's Noida. The accused have been identified as Vikram Kumar Shah, Dharampal Singh, and Aniket Kumar. The arrests took place in Sector 3, under the Phase-1 police station limits of Gautam Buddha Nagar district. The accused are now booked under FIR No. 182/2025 at Phase-1 police station in Gautam Buddha Nagar, under sections 318, 319, 336, 337, 338, 340, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Local police have initiated further legal proceedings. The STF has seized a significant amount of incriminating evidence from the accused, including six calling mobile phones, four personal phones, two encrypted Aadhaar cards, a candidate data sheet, a PAN card, a credit card, a voter ID, a passport, a cheque book, an Apple MacBook, and a Toyota Fortuner. Acting on specific intelligence received on May 3, the STF Noida unit under the supervision of Additional SP Raj Kumar Mishra and Deputy SP Navendu Kumar raided the office of the gang located in Sector 3. The tip-off revealed that members of the gang were contacting relatives of NEET UG candidates, offering guaranteed passing by leaking papers in exchange for large sums of money. According to the STF, the accused were caught red-handed and immediately taken into custody. During interrogation, 30-year-old Vikram Kumar Shah revealed that he originally hailed from Darbhanga, Bihar and had gone to Vinayaka Mission University in Chennai in 2011 for a Biotechnology degree. There, he met co-accused Aniket Kumar, and the duo began arranging admissions at the university for a 30 per cent commission. Post graduation, Shah moved to Delhi, where he met Dharampal Singh. Together, they formed a company named "Admission View" and began collecting data on MBBS aspirants. They allegedly contacted students' families, promising guaranteed admissions and demanded Rs 5 lakh per candidate, the STF said. The gang advised candidates to fill in only those answers in the OMR sheet they were sure of and leave the rest blank. They would then arrange to replace the OMR sheets with ones filled in with correct answers. If the candidate secured admission, the gang kept the money; otherwise, they delayed refunds and fled if legal pressure mounted. After several complaints surfaced, the gang rebranded in 2023 by forming another firm, "SHREYANVI EDU OPC PVT LTD," registered again in Noida Sector 3, and resumed the same fraudulent operations, targeting students ahead of the NEET UG 2025, the STF mentioned. Further investigations are underway. Kampala, May 5 : Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said that joint military operations launched in neighbouring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have defeated insurgents in both countries. In a statement posted on his official X account late Saturday, Museveni said the country's army, the Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces (UPDF), supported the armies of the two neighbours to defeat the insurgents. "The South Sudan army of our brother people of South Sudan, supported by the UPDF Expeditionary Force, has completely and quickly defeated the insurgents that had invaded that country, capturing a town known as Nassir and threatening other centers," Museveni said. He said that in the DRC, the UPDF has defeated the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) with the support of the Congo army and tamed the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) that has been targeting some of the communities in the eastern DRC region of Ituri. In March, Uganda deployed troops in South Sudan as tensions escalated between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. In the DRC, the Ugandan military and their Congolese counterparts started joint operations against the ADF in November 2021, shortly after the rebel group launched bomb attacks in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. The ADF, a branch of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group that is holed up in the jungles of the eastern DRC. The rebel group is blamed for causing havoc in villages in the eastern DRC. Earlier this year, Uganda deployed troops in Ituri to curb attacks by armed Lendu militants operating under CODECO and other militias. Washington, May 5 : US President Donald Trump on Monday (Indian time) announced a new 100 per cent tariff on foreign films, stating that the movie industry in America is "dying a very fast death," which, according to him, is posing a national security threat. He accused other countries of offering all sorts of incentives and drawing filmmakers and studios away from the US. "Industry in America is dying a very fast death. Other countries are offering all sorts of the movie incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood and many other areas within the USA are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other nations and, therefore, a national security threat," he posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. "It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorising the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100 per cent tariff on any and all movies coming into our country that are produced in foreign lands. We want movies made in America again," the post added. Addressing reporters at the White House on Sunday, Trump had blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the decline in film production in Hollywood, specifically over the last several years. He said that other nations have been "stealing" the movies and moviemaking capabilities from the US. "If they're not willing to make a movie inside the United States, we should have a tariff when movies come in," Trump added. Reports suggest that production has declined in California following budget cuts and more generous tax incentives outside. Additionally, the American film industry reportedly suffered a series of economic setbacks in recent years, including the Hollywood labour strikes and the Covid pandemic. In January, Trump appointed three film stars -- Jon Voight, Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone -- as special ambassadors tasked with promoting business opportunities in Hollywood, calling the industry a "great but very troubled place." Trump said their job is to bring business back to Hollywood, saying that it "has lost much business over the last four years to foreign countries." "They will serve as special envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to foreign countries, back -- bigger, better and stronger than ever before!" Trump posted during that time. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kolkata, May 5 : Almost a month after the communal violence broke out in minority-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal during protests over the Waqf Act, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be on a two-day visit to the district from Monday. As per the tentative schedule of the Chief Minister, she will be reaching Murshidabad's administrative headquarters of Baharampur in the evening and will have an organisational meeting. On Tuesday, she will visit the strife-affected spots like Dhulian and Samserganj, and interact with the people there. The Chief Minister will also address an administrative review meeting at Dhulian. The communal violence broke out in Murshidabad and a few other places on April 8. Hundreds of Hindus fled from their homes and took shelter in nearby districts. The violence continued till the High Court ordered the deployment of paramilitary forces on April 12. Five-time former Congress Lok Sabha member from West Bengal and also the former state president of the party in West Bengal, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has ridiculed the Chief Minister's late arrival at Murshidabad. "I am sure that after coming here, she will try to give the impression that nothing major happened in Murshidabad last month," Chowdhury said. The Chief Minister's visit to Murshidabad is happening just a day after information surfaced about Governor C.V, Ananda Bose submitting a report to the Union Ministry of Home affairs where he has highlighted various lapses and drawbacks on part of the state government in handling the communal violence in the district in particular, and West Bengal in general. Last month, when the communal violence at Murshidabad was at its peak, the Chief Minister not only clarified why she was not visiting Murshidabad then but also requested the Governor to cancel his scheduled tour to the troubled pockets in the state. "I am not going now since I want the situation to become normal there. Let the confidence among people be restored, and only after that will I visit the place. I will also request the Governor to refrain from Murshidabad now," the Chief Minister said last month. However, the Governor did not honour the request. He visited the troubled pockets in Murshidabad last month and interacted with the affected people there. The Governor also visited a temporary relief camp at the Murshidabad-adjacent Malda district, where the displaced people were housed then. United Nations, May 5 : The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will be holding a closed-door meeting on Monday on the regional situation in South Asia, where tensions have risen between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, according to a diplomatic source. The source said on Sunday night that Council President Evangelos Sekeris received a request for closed-door consultations from Pakistan's Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. Sekeris is convening the meeting on Monday afternoon, the source said. The Pakistani request said it was asking for the meeting "in view of the deteriorating regional environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly the situation in Jammu and Kashmir." It "poses a threat to both regional and international peace and security," Pakistan said. Under the procedures of the Council, countries that are not members are not allowed to participate in closed consultations, which are also referred to as "consultations of the whole." Pakistan is currently an elected member of the Council and will participate in the meeting. The meetings are held informally in a side room, not in the Council chamber, and no records of the consultations are published. Ahmad said on Friday that Pakistan was considering calling a meeting of the Council because "kinetic action" by India was imminent. The Resistance Front, an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the massacre of 26 people by the terrorists in Pahalgam. Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed, "We will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their supporters. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth." Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif last Tuesday to express "deep concern" over the rising tension between the two countries. He also expressed his "strong condemnation" of the terrorist attack and said it was important to pursue "justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means," according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Pakistan has mounted a diplomatic campaign at the UN, with Ahmad meeting Guterres, General Assembly President Philemon Yang, the representatives of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation members, and others in an attempt to assert its claims of innocence and call for de-escalation. Chennai, May 5 : The makers of director Nahas Hidhayath's eagerly awaited Malayalam film, 'I'm Game', featuring actor Dulquer Salmaan in the lead, have now roped in National Award-winning stunt choreographers Anbariv for their film. Taking to his X timeline, director Nahas Hidhayath wrote, "Are you ready for an adrenaline rush? Join us as we welcome the dynamic duo of stunt masters, #ANBARIV for #imgame! Get ready for an exhilarating experience packed with thrilling action! Let the excitement begin!" The stunt choreographers, for their part, expressed happiness at being a part of the project. They replied saying, "We're glad to be a part of Mollywood once again. After the blockbuster of RDX. This time with a different GAME. #IMGame" It may be recalled that shooting for the film officially began on Saturday. Dulquer Salmaan announced the commencement of shooting on his social media timelines. The popular actor, who will be making a return to Malayalam cinema with 'I'm Game', wrote, "At long last we begin shooting of our highly ambitious film, "I'm Game" ! We have assembled a wonderful team of technicians and actors and have been waiting to get started. Wishing the entire team good luck and prayers for a fantastic first schedule!" Apart from Dulquer Salmaan, the makers have welcomed three actors on board their project. The first actor to be named as part of the unit, after Dulquer Salmaan, was Antony Varghese, who is best known for his performance in the hit film, 'Angamalay Diaries'. The second actor they welcomed aboard the unit was ace Tamil film director Mysskin. The third actor who is a part of the cast and whose role in the film is believed to be a pivotal one is Tamil actor Kathir. The film's title poster, which was released a few days ago, features two hands, one placed over the other. While one of the hands holds a playing card, the other has a bandage, suggesting an injury. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan along with Jom Verghese, 'I'm Game' has triggered immense interest as this will mark his return to Malayalam cinema. The story of 'I'm Game', which happens to be Dulquer's 40th film, is by Nahas Hidhayath himself while its screenplay is by Sajeer Baba, Bilal Moidu and Ismail Aboobacker. Cinematography for the film will be by Jimshi Khalid and editing will be by Chaman Chakko. Music for the film, which has raised huge expectations among fans and film buffs, is by Jakes Bejoy. Costumes for the film are to be designed by Mashar Hamsa and production design will be by Deepak Parameshwaran. Seoul, May 5 : SK Telecom suspended new subscriber sign-ups to its network on Monday as part of response measures following a recent company network data breach. The nationwide suspension took place as the company focuses on replacing mobile phone USIM chips after it detected a cyberattack on April 18 that showed signs of a large-scale leak of customer USIM data, reports Yonhap news agency. The government ordered SKT last week to halt new subscriber sign-ups until it resolves a shortage of USIM cards related to the data breach incident. The company has offered free USIM replacements to all 25 million subscribers, including 2 million budget phone users, to prevent potential damage, but the efforts have lagged due to a limited supply. A company official said about 1 million subscribers have so far replaced their USIMs, while 7.7 million others are signed up for replacements. SK Telecom has also rolled out a USIM protection service, which it claims offers the same level of defence against illegal financial activity as physically replacing a USIM. As of 9 am on Monday, 22.18 million people had signed up for the service, according to the company. The official also said the company has yet to detect any cases of losses due to the stolen data so far. To assist international travellers, SK Telecom has set up temporary booths at Incheon International Airport for on-site USIM replacements. Those using international roaming services are not eligible for the USIM Protection Service and are advised to replace their USIM chips to safeguard their data during traveling. "From May 5, our 2,600 retail stores will halt new subscriptions and focus on replacing universal subscriber identity module (USIM) cards," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ryu Young-sang said. "The suspension will remain in place until we establish measures to address the USIM supply shortage. Mobile number portability (MNP) transfers from other mobile network operators will also be suspended," he added. IANS na/ Chennai, May 5 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will today announce the nationalisation of the literary works of five eminent Tamil scholars -- Rao Saheb G. Kothandapani Pillai, Dr R. Mohan, G. Muthupillai, M.S. Sambandam, and Hamsaveni. The move, aimed at preserving and promoting Tamil intellectual heritage, marks a significant step in making the contributions of these scholars widely accessible. As part of the initiative, the government will transfer royalty rights for these works to the families of the respective scholars. "This nationalisation is not merely an administrative exercise but a cultural imperative," Stalin said in a statement ahead of the event, adding, "By ensuring these great works are available to all, we are reinforcing the richness of Tamil literature and honouring the lifelong efforts of these scholars." The announcement will take place at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai, in the presence of Ministers M.P. Saminathan, Ma. Subramanian, and P.K. Sekarbabu, along with other dignitaries. The Chief Minister will also attend the valedictory ceremony of 'Tamil Week', celebrated annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of the revered Tamil poet Pavendhar Bharathidasan. The event will include the distribution of prizes to the winners of various literary competitions held across Tamil Nadu during the week. "Bharathidasan's vision and voice continue to inspire generations," Stalin said, adding, "Our government remains committed to fostering a vibrant literary culture that upholds Tamil pride and progress." Since April 29, a series of literary events and discussions have taken place at district headquarters, drawing wide participation from scholars, students, and literary enthusiasts. The celebrations come as the DMK government prepares to enter its fifth year in office. In an official statement on Sunday, the government highlighted key achievements over the past four years, citing schemes such as the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme and Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, which have received national and international recognition, including from the United Nations. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian remarked, "Tamil Nadu has emerged as a model for the rest of India in both social welfare and healthcare. This recognition is the result of visionary leadership and relentless execution." The statement also recalled the state government's handling of crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, cyclones, and floods. "Despite the Union government's indifference during such critical times, we took proactive steps to safeguard our people," it read. The government noted that its efforts have been appreciated by a wide cross-section of the public -- including women, students, workers, entrepreneurs, and the media -- and even acknowledged through awards from the Centre. As today's events unfold, the occasion is expected to spotlight both Tamil Nadu's enduring literary legacy and its strides in governance. Dhaka, May 5 : In a continuous attempt to suppress former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her aides, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry against her then-principal secretary, Tofazzel Hossain Miah, on the allegations of amassing huge "illicit" wealth through "corruption and abuse of power," local media reported on Monday. The ACC's spokesperson, Akhtarul Islam, confirmed the matter, stating that no further details could be divulged. "The decision to launch the inquiry was taken following the initial evidence of the allegations against Tofazzel in the ACC's intelligence unit report," said a senior official of the ACC, speaking to media outlet bdnews24, on condition of anonymity. Hossain Miah was appointed as the principal secretary in 2022, and the contract was extended for another year in June last year. However, after assuming power in August last year, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government issued a notification and revoked the appointment of Hossain Miah as the principal secretary. The interim government has issued several arrest warrants against the former PM, her family members, and the Awami League supporters since last year. Earlier this month, the ACC initiated a formal inquiry over allegations of misappropriation of funds worth Bangladeshi taka 40 billion from the state treasury, implicating Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and former principal secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury. Last week, a Dhaka court ordered the seizure of homes and land owned by five members of the family of Hasina, including her sister Sheikh Rehana, son and daughters. Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order following a petition filed by the ACC. The information was confirmed by ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam. Earlier, on April 29, the same court ordered the seizure of a flat in Gulshan worth Tk57 lakh owned by Putul. On March 11, the court ordered the seizure of Sudha Sadan, the residence in Dhanmondi registered under the names of Joy and Putul. The court also ordered the seizure of homes and eight flats registered under the names of Sheikh Rehana, Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby and Tulip Rizwana Siddiq. The market value of these properties is estimated at Taka 8.52 crore. Earlier, Hasina's house in the Gulshan area was also looted and vandalised, with no police case filed over the incident. Hasina has accused Yunus's interim administration of backing mobs to attack Awami League followers. Not just the Awami League workers but also several analysts believe that the interim government is "implementing every design" to malign Hasina, her family and supporters. It may be recalled that in June 2024, Yunus and 13 others were indicted for allegedly embezzling over $2 million from his telecom company, Grameen Telecom. Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Agency had charged Yunus with misusing funds from the workers' welfare fund at Grameen Telecom, one of the several companies he had founded. Hasina has called Yunus an usurper and said that he does not have any constitutional basis or mandate of the people to run Bangladesh, assuming power under a "meticulous design" with money supplied from overseas, misleading ordinary people and students. Chennai, May 5 : The Tamil Nadu Health Department is set to establish special flying squads across all districts to curb the sale and misuse of sedative drugs. These squads will be overseen by the state's drug control administration in each district. Notably, similar squads have already been piloted in Chennai and Madurai to monitor and control the sale of sedative drugs. Following the pilot's initial success, the department is now preparing to extend the initiative statewide. Health officials confirmed that groundwork has begun, and the squads will focus on curbing drug abuse based on intelligence inputs. This move follows an announcement by Health Minister Ma Subramanian during the Assembly's Demands for Grants session last month, where he pledged the formation of flying squads to prevent the illegal supply and smuggling of sedative drugs. In response, the Food Safety and Drug Administration has commenced preparations to implement the project. According to officials, these squads will also target the sale of adulterated, counterfeit, and spurious medicines. A senior health department official said the teams, comprising drug inspectors, will coordinate with other departments, including the police and food safety authorities, to ensure effective enforcement. "This is a strategic step approved by the state government to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of the pharmaceutical supply chain, particularly scheduled drugs," the official noted. He added that the primary objective of the squads is to conduct routine and surprise inspections, focusing on illegal drug supplies via courier and online platforms. However, sources within the department revealed that manpower shortages remain a significant challenge. Even the pilot squads in Chennai and Madurai are reportedly operating with limited staff. One official pointed out that the department is already overburdened, and this new initiative could stretch resources further. "We have submitted reports detailing manpower availability and shortages to the headquarters during the preliminary planning phase. We hope the department will recruit additional personnel to support the flying squads effectively," the official said. It is worth mentioning that the Tamil Nadu Health Department's flagship programme, 'Health at Your Doorstep', which provides periodic health check-ups for people below the poverty line, has been widely praised. If the new initiative is backed by adequate manpower, it is expected to receive strong public support, as it aims to clamp down on the illegal sale of sedative drugs and safeguard public health. New Delhi, May 5 : As the Supreme Court begins hearing over 70 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal defended the legislation, calling it the product of thorough parliamentary scrutiny and accusing critics of undermining democratic processes. Speaking to IANS, Pal said, "The Supreme Court is currently considering the law that was passed regarding the Waqf Amendment Act after extensive discussions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, lasting 13 hours, followed by approval from the President. Now, despite this, the matter has been taken to the Supreme Court, with 75 petitions challenging it. This indicates the ongoing debate, with several members from different parties raising questions." He emphasised that while judicial review is a constitutional right, attempts to question the legitimacy of a law passed after such in-depth deliberation, are politically motivated. Pal's comments come at a time when the Centre is preparing its formal response to the court, as instructed by the Bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Switching focus to West Bengal, Pal also criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her visit to Murshidabad, an area recently affected by violent protests against the Waqf Act. "It was already too late when the violence was happening, she remained silent. She didn't meet with the clerics in Kolkata. While the violence was unfolding, the police stood by as mute spectators, as fathers and sons were being killed," he alleged. He further accused CM Banerjee of abandoning affected citizens during the crisis. "A large number of Hindus crossed the river from Murshidabad to Malda for safety. She didn't go to bring them back. And now, after the rioters have completed their rampage and unleashed destruction she decided to go," Pal said, questioning the timing of her visit. Patna, May 5 : A man was found murdered in a village on the outskirts of Patna on Monday morning. The murder follows another killing on Sunday. Two murders in 24 hours have rocked Patna and raised questions on the law-and-order situation in Bihar. The man whose lifeless body was found on Monday has been identified as Nawab Rai, a resident of Laharia village under Athmalgola police station in Patna district. He was found lying in an agricultural field with several wounds on his body. The incident was confirmed by Abhishek Singh, SDPO-2 of Barh range, who stated, "As soon as we received information about the incident, we reached there and recovered the dead body from the agricultural field." The police have called in a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to collect evidence from the site. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the incident. Following the discovery, many villagers gathered at the spot and created a ruckus, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. The event has triggered panic in the region. "We have recovered the dead body and sent it for post-mortem at Barh sub-divisional hospital. Reports are awaited but it looks like he was attacked with blunt objects," Singh said. "We are scanning the mobile phone of the deceased to find some clues about the incident. An FIR has been registered under relevant Sections of murder against unknown persons in Athmalgola police station," Singh said. Authorities have assured that appropriate action would be taken once preliminary investigations are complete. Earlier on Sunday, a man was beaten to death in Bisarpura village under Naubatpur police station in Patna district. The deceased was identified as Ranjit Singh. Dipak Kumar, SDPO of Phulwarisharif range said the deceased's cousin brother attacked him with a blunt object. "The victim sustained grievous injuries and was admitted to the AIIMS hospital where he succumbed to his wounds during the treatment on Sunday night," Kumar said. "The accused is on the run. We are making efforts to arrest him. An FIR of murder has been registered against him," Kumar said. Mumbai, May 5 : Bhushan Kumar, the head of T-Series, has teamed up with lyricist and writer Manoj Muntashir to honor the legacy of his late father Gulshan Kumar through the power of music. The collaboration aims to bring to life Bhushan's father's vision of devotional music, infusing it with emotional depth and a deep spiritual connection. Through this partnership, they hope to create a lasting tribute that resonates with music lovers and spiritually inclined audiences, blending tradition with innovation in the devotional music space. Recently, T-Series announced a new collaboration with Prarthana The Sound of Sanatana, a devotional music label founded by Manoj Muntashir Shukla. Speaking about the collaboration, Bhushan Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director, T-Series, shared, "Through this partnership, we honor my father Shri Gulshan Kumar ji's vision of devotional music as a form of service. We are excited to create a space where both tradition and fresh talent can coexist in harmony." Manoj Muntashir Shukla and Neelam Muntashir Shukla, co-founders of Prarthana, stated, "Prarthana-The Sound Of Sanatana is not only about reviving the spiritual soul of our music but also about nurturing the next generation of artists devoted to Sanatana Dharma. It's a movement, not just a label." A source informed that this collaboration will serve as a heartfelt tribute to Sanatana Dharma, aiming to revive and celebrate India's rich spiritual heritage through music. T-Series and Prarthana have come together with a shared mission to honor the legacy of Gulshan Kumar, whose unmatched contributions to devotional music continue to inspire generations. In addition to preserving India's spiritual traditions, Prarthana The Sound of Sanatana also looks towards the future of devotional music. The label is dedicated to providing a platform for emerging talents, actively seeking out new voices and composers who are passionate about spiritual music and eager to enrich India's cultural fabric. Ottawa, May 5 : The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) on Monday strongly condemned the call by Khalistani extremists on Monday to send back 800,000 Hindus to India. An anti-Hindu parade took place during the Malton and Etobicoke Nagar Kirtan at the Malton Gurdwara in Toronto, Canada. A video capturing the event is circulating widely on social media, featuring a large truck displaying a replica of a jail that included effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The HCF said that such statements foster division and spread hate against Hindu Canadians. "The silence of many political leaders in response to such hateful remarks must be recognised as implicit consent. It is the duty of all Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament, across party lines, to take a stand against this divisiveness and reaffirm Canada's commitment to religious harmony and inclusivity," the HCF said in a statement. "A civilised society cannot tolerate hate-mongering and attempts to fracture our diverse communities. We urge Canadians to hold politicians accountable -- asking them what legacy they wish to leave for future generations," the statement added. The foundation further stated that the Nagar Kirtan is "meant to unite people of all faiths, reflecting the teachings of Sikh Gurus, and should never be misused for political provocation or exclusionary rhetoric." Meanwhile, the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce also slammed the incident, demanding that Hindus leave Canada. "There are 800,000 Hindus and over 1.86 million Indo-Canadians in Canada. The call at today's Nagar Kirtans in Malton & Etobicoke clearly targeted Hindus. History teaches us that calls for mass expulsion lead to unthinkable acts. This dangerous rhetoric must be denounced by all leaders," it said in a statement. The Khalistani extremism, especially against the Hindus, has been on the rise in Canada, with repeated cases of Hindu temple desecrations and vandalism. Last month, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Surrey was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti, marking it as the third reported act of vandalism at the same site. Former Canadian MP Chandra Arya, addressed the incident strongly, in a post on X. "The attacks on Hindu temples that began several years ago continue unabated today -- this latest graffiti on the Hindu temple is yet another chilling reminder of the growing influence of Khalistani extremism," he posted. Arya warned of a larger, coordinated effort behind such acts: "Well-organised, well-funded, and backed by significant political clout, Khalistani elements are brazenly asserting their dominance and successfully silencing Hindu voices across Canada." He also referenced the targeting of the Khalsa Diwan Society's Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver, which was defaced with slogans like "Khalistan Zindabad." The Gurdwara management condemned the actions, calling them part of an "ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seek to instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community." "It is time for the Hindu Canadians jointly with the vast majority of our Sikh-Canadian brothers and sisters to rise with urgency and demand immediate, decisive action from authorities at all levels of government. Silence is no longer an option," Arya concluded, calling for urgent action following the incident last month. New Delhi, May 5 : Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have in a new study unravelled how disrupted brain activity impacts cognitive functions in Parkinson's patients. The study focussed on altered reward processing in Parkinson's patients to decode why Parkinson's patients lack motivation and have impaired decision-making. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder mainly causing shaky limbs, muscle stiffness, and slow movements. However, some Parkinson's patients also manifest symptoms such as a lack of motivation or disability in experiencing pleasure, attributed to a lack of dopamine hormone. Commonly known as the 'feel-good' hormone, dopamine is generally produced when performing a pleasurable task or receiving a reward. Lack of dopamine in individuals with Parkinson's leads to altered brain activity and impaired reward processing -- the brain's ability to recognise, value, and respond to rewarding stimuli. To investigate reward processing in individuals with Parkinson's, the team used brain signals. The results showed that reward positivity, was weaker in Parkinson's patients, indicating that their brains do not process rewards effectively. Reward positivity is essential for cognitive processes like attention, learning, and emotional responses. Further, dopamine medication failed to restore the reward positivity. "Normally, the brain releases dopamine as short bursts following a reward, but in Parkinson's, these bursts are weaker. Although dopamine medication replenishes the dopamine levels in the brain, it does not produce burst-like signals that mimic the natural process. This could be the reason why dopamine is able to improve motor symptoms but not cognitive functions like reward processing," said Prof. Nivethida Thirugnanasambandam, from the Human Motor Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, who led the study. "Hence, adjunct treatment strategies may be required to restore cognitive impairments in Parkinson's," she added. The team analysed electroencephalography (EEG) data recorded from 28 Parkinson's patients and 28 healthy individuals while they performed a reward-based learning task. EEG was recorded from Parkinson's patients both before and after taking dopamine medication (ON condition). Comparing these conditions allowed researchers to understand the influence of dopamine medication on reward processing. Further, the analysis indicates that Parkinson's patients have weaker theta-gamma synchronisation, resulting in poor communication between brain regions that process reward information and use it for learning goal-directed behaviour. This could be the reason behind the lack of motivation and impaired decision-making in Parkinson's patients, the researchers explained. Theta-gamma coupling or synchronisation is crucial for cognitive functions such as reward processing and goal-oriented behaviour. Dopamine medication was able to partially restore theta-gamma synchronisation. This finding highlights theta-gamma coupling as a potential biomarker to identify the impairment of reward mechanisms in Parkinson's patients, the researchers said. New Delhi, May 5 : The Government has asked Parameswaran Iyer, Executive Director at the World Bank, to temporarily take up the additional responsibility as India's nominee director on the IMF Board, ahead of the crucial meeting on May 9 to consider Pakistan's case for a loan from the multilateral institution, according to reliable sources. New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) The Government has asked Parameswaran Iyer, Executive Director at the World Bank, to temporarily take up the additional responsibility as India's nominee director on the IMF Board, ahead of the crucial meeting on May 9 to consider Pakistanas case for a loan from the multilateral institution, according to reliable sources. Iyer will represent India on the IMF Board as the slot has fallen vacant following the recall of K.V. Subramanian as the countryas executive director, six months ahead of his three-year tenure. The IMF Executive Board will meet on May 9, to take a decision on a fresh $1.3 billion loan to Pakistan under a climate resilience programme, along with the first review of the ongoing $7 billion bailout package that has been given to the neighbouring country. India is staunchly opposed to extending financial assistance to Pakistan because of serious concerns over the neighbouring countryas role in financing terrorism. The IMF meeting comes within days of the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, sponsored by Pakistan, in which 26 people were killed. Sources disclose that if Iyer had not been appointed as IMF executive director, this slot would have been filled by Sri Lankaas Harischandra Pahath Kumbure Gedara in accordance with the rules of the funding agency. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet terminated Subramanian's services with effect from April 30, 2025. He had to abruptly cancel his participation in a meeting on May 2 as he did not represent the country any longer. According to sources, Subramanian is reported to have raised questions about the IMF's datasets, which did not go down well with the Washington-based funding agency. Another concern allegedly involved the promotion and publicity surrounding Subramanianas recent book India @ 100, which was viewed as an impropriety given his position at the IMF. The Executive Board of the IMF comprises 25 Directors (Executive Directors or EDs) elected by the member countries or groups of countries. Subramanian had been appointed to the IMF post in August 2022 and took charge on November 1 that year, representing India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan on the Fundas Executive Board. Prior to this, he served as Indiaas Chief Economic Adviser from 2018 to 2021. Iyer was the Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog, before he joined the World Bank as Indiaas representative. During his stint at NITI Aayog, he played a key role in the launch of initiatives such as the flagship State Support Mission and the Aspirational Block Program, and accelerated the implementation of the PLI scheme, aimed at creating global manufacturing champions in India. Kolkata, May 5 : The family members of Late Hargobindo Das and Late Chandan Das, the father and the son killed in communal violence in Murshidabad of West Bengal last month, on Monday approached a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court accusing the state police of excesses against them. The root of the complaint lies in the sudden police action on Sunday night at a safe house in Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, where the family members had recently taken shelter. On Sunday night, suddenly, a team of police personnel from Bidhannagar City Police reached that safe house. The family members accused the police of entering the safe house by breaking open the door and trying to forcefully take them away from the place. However, on being informed, a group of BJP activists led by the party councillor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Sajal Ghosh and state party leader Kaustav Bhattacharya reached the spot. After a heated exchange of words between the cops and the BJP leaders, the policemen left the spot. The cops denied the allegations that they tried to forcefully take away the family members from that safe house. Instead, the cops claimed that they reached the spot to rescue them since a complaint was filed on Saturday evening that these family members had been abducted. However, the family members denied the claims by the police and claimed they voluntarily came to the safe house. They also alleged that the cops wanted to take them away from the safe house so that they could be presented at a meeting of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Murshidabad on Tuesday, much against their wishes. On Monday, the family members approached the single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, accusing the police of excesses on Sunday night. Justice Ghosh had admitted the petition, and the matter is likely to come up for hearing on Tuesday. Earlier, the family members had declined to accept the compensation cheque offered to them by the West Bengal government. However, they accepted the compensation cheques handed over to them by the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari. Mumbai, May 5 : Actor Kunal Kapoor, whose latest release is "Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins", has spoken about working across languages and said that he doesn't view cinema through the lens of "North, South, East, or West." Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Actor Kunal Kapoor, whose latest release is "Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins", has spoken about working across languages and said that he doesn't view cinema through the lens of "North, South, East, or West." Kunal said: "I am an Indian actor shooting films in different Indian industries. I don't view cinema through the lens of North, South, East, or West. These regional divisions serve political interests, not artistic ones." "The politicians are the ones who benefit from such regionalism. As creative people, our vision should transcend these manufactured divides," said the actor, who has previously worked in projects such as "Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities", "Rang De Basanti," and "Bachna Ae Haseeno" to name a few. He highlighted the creative freedom of Indian storytellers and emphasized that the vision of filmmakers and actors should transcend regional divides. Kunal said: "The whole country is our playground, every story worth telling is our story, every audience member is our audience. When we stop thinking of ourselves as regional actors and start seeing ourselves as Indian storytellers, we unlock the true potential of our collective creative spirit." For the unversed, Kunal has worked across languages in Indian cinema. He made his Malayalam debut with Veeram in 2016 and his Telugu debut with Devadas in 2018. Looking forward, he has another Telugu film in the pipeline, titled Vishwambhara and will reportedly be seen in "Ramayana" by Nitesh Tiwari. Kunal started his career as an assistant director, and made his acting debut with the MF Hussain 2004 film Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities. He was then seen in films such as Rang De Basanti, Aaja Nachle, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Welcome to Sajjanpur, Don 2, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Dear Zindagi, Veeram, Gold, The Empire. He will also make his Telugu debut in Vishwambhara. Along with his acting career, Kunal is also a trained pilot and races rally and formula 3 cars. Dhaka, May 5 : Prominent Hindu leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jot, Chinmoy Krishna Das, was shown arrested on charges of the murder of Chittagong court lawyer Saiful Islam Alif by a local court on Monday. The lawyer was allegedly hacked to death outside the court premises on November 7 last year. Chittagong's Metropolitan Magistrate S M Alauddin granted the police application for Das' arrest and passed the order during a virtual hearing. "Investigating officers submitted applications on Sunday to show Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested in four cases. The court on Monday granted shown arrest in the Alif murder case following a virtual hearing. The hearings on the other three applications will be held on Tuesday," Dhaka Tribune quoted Public Prosecutor of the Chittagong Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court, Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan as saying. Earlier on April 30, the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court stayed the High Court order of granting bail to Das in a sedition case. Judge of the Appellate Division, Justice Rezaul Haque passed the order after hearing an appeal filed by the state counsel hours after the High Court granted him bail. The stay order remains in force until the filing of a leave-to-appeal petition and release of the full text of the verdict. The Bangladesh High Court had earlier granted bail to Das, who was arrested on November 25 last year on charges of sedition, linked to alleged disrespect of the national flag during a rally in Chittagong. His arrest had sparked widespread outrage across the world. Chinmoy was arrested in Dhaka on November 25 and sent to jail the following day after a Chittagong court rejected his bail plea. On December 11, 2024, the same court again refused bail in the case. The arrest of Das had sparked massive protests by the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which has been in political turmoil since August 2024 when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed amidst widespread violent demonstrations. In the following nine months, Bangladesh has witnessed rising cases of attacks on the Hindu community ever since the Hasina-led government was toppled and an interim administration was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. India has taken a tough line on the rights of the Hindu minority and repeatedly stated that there is "systematic persecution of Hindu minorities" under the Yunus-led interim government. Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his meeting with Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Recently, Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a prominent leader of the Hindu community associated with the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Committee, was abducted from his home and beaten to death by four individuals on April 18. New Delhi, May 5 : The government's disinvestment plan for IDBI Bank, as part of the broader strategy to monetise assets through stake sales during the current financial year, is progressing in accordance with the normal schedule, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management Secretary Arunish Chawla has said. "The focus remains on steady execution and long-term value creation, even as global economic conditions remain uncertain," Chawla told NDTV Profit in an exclusive interview. The Centre and the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) plan to jointly offload a 60.72 per cent stake in IDBI Bank, which comprises 30.48 per cent held by the government and a 30.24 per cent share by the insurance giant. Chawla said that the government aims to meet regulatory norms through structured divestments in public sector banks and central public sector enterprises. He also said efforts to monetise land and infrastructure assets of MTNL were continuing and confirmed that a flexible approach was being adopted to meet minimum public shareholding targets. Chawla said that asset sales will be carried out in a phased and market-sensitive manner. He noted that multiple bids have already come in for key transactions, including public sector bank stake sales, and that due diligence is progressing on the IDBI Bank transaction. The government has also extended deadlines for some companies, that have been lined up for disinvestment, to comply with the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) public float rules, he said. The DIPAM Secretary said the stake sale in IDBI Bank is proceeding as planned and is not affected by broader macroeconomic shocks. He described it as a strategic sale taking place through a multi-stage and multi-layered process. "A data room has been set up, and due diligence has been completed. Negotiations on the share purchase agreement are currently underway," he said. On the issue of further stake dilution in LIC, Chawla said the government aims to meet the minimum public shareholding requirement by the financial year ending March 2027, in line with the SEBI's norms. The government plans to conduct small but regular offers for sale, keeping liquidity and retail investors in mind, he said. This has also been the policy in the past as well, as any large offloading of shares tends to depress share prices. The capacity of the market to absorb shares has to be kept in mind as part of any prudent stake sale, according to market analysts. For the financial year 2025-26, the Centre has set a disinvestment and asset monetisation target of Rs 47,000 crore. Mumbai, May 5 : Bollywood actor Sunny Deol took to social media to give an exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse of the highly anticipated "Border 2" set. Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Bollywood actor Sunny Deol took to social media to give an exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse of the highly anticipated "Border 2" set. In a video shared on his Instagram stories, the actor is seen driving through the picturesque hills, heading to work on the sets of the film. The serene yet dramatic landscape set the tone for the action-packed sequel. In the clip, the Gadar actor says he is going for the shooting. Alongside the video, he wrote, "Driving to work like" As Sunny Deol cruised through the picturesque location, the video not only gave a sneak peek into the filming environment but also set the stage for the action-packed narrative that "Border 2" promises to deliver. The visuals perfectly complemented the high-energy vibe of the upcoming sequel. A few days ago, the shoot for" Border 2" came to an unexpected halt due to heavy rainfall. On May 2, the Jaat actor shared a video on his Instagram, revealing that although rain wasn't forecasted, the skies opened up just as they were preparing to shoot. Dressed in his army uniform, he explained that with the downpour showing no signs of stopping, the team had no choice but to wait for the rain to subside before continuing their work. "The producers are worried but I told them- don't be worried, I am here till we don't finish the film," said Sunny. In another Instagram post, the "Border 2" team was seen making the most of the rainy breakenjoying pakoras and steaming chai as they waited for filming to continue. The post read, "May hay while the sun shines And we have pakoras and chai when it rains." On a related note, "Border 2" also stars Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film is being produced by Bhushan Kumar and Nidhi Dutta, with Shiv Chanana and Binoy Gandhi as co-producers. A follow-up to the iconic 1997 war drama Border, this sequel is expected to be inspired by the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The Kargil conflict saw Pakistani soldiers infiltrate the Line of Control (LoC), occupying strategic positions on the Indian side. In response, India launched a large-scale military operation to reclaim the territory. "Border 2" is slated to hit theatres on January 23, 2026. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Guwahati, May 5 : The campaign for the second and last phase of Panchayat polls in Assam is set to end on Monday at 5 p.m. The voting will be held on May 7. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was holding public rallies in Bajali, Kamrup and Jagiroad. The state leaders of all parties were campaigning aggressively. The state Congress president, Bhupen Borah, MP Gaurav Gogoi, and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leaders were also campaigning for their candidates, holding rallies and meetings. Earlier, while campaigning in Dhubri district, CM Sarma trained guns on the Congress party and said, "People of Dhubri have blessed the Congress MP with a huge margin of votes in the previous year's Lok Sabha election. However, once the polls were over, people could not find the MP for any public interactions. In Golakganj also, people elected one Congress MLA to the Assembly. He also failed to deliver any election promises." The CM argued that the Dhubri district has seen development since the BJP came to power in Assam nine years ago. "The BJP government has taken up large-scale initiatives for the development of the Dhubri district. For the progress of Assam, it is important that Dhubri must become a developed district," CM Sarma said. The first phase of voting for the Panchayat polls was held on May 2. Chief Minister Sarma announced that the BJP-led NDA in the state has secured as many as 325 seats unopposed in the Panchayat elections. He said, "As per reports received so far, the NDA has already secured 37 Zila Parishad (35 BJP and two AGP) and 288 Anchalik Panchayat (259 BJP and 29 AGP) seats unopposed." According to the Chief Minister, this is a massive and unprecedented mandate in Assam's political history and reflects the immense trust and overwhelming love that the people of the state have for the NDA and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, "We are confident that when the final election results are declared, this tally will grow even more impressive. The NDA is all set to sweep the Panchayat elections in Assam. My heartfelt gratitude to the people of Assam and deep appreciation to our dedicated karyakartas for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment." The counting will take place on May 11. The first phase of the election was held on May 2 in 13 districts. Kolkata, May 5 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Monday, avoided commenting on the report sent by Governor C.V Ananda Bose to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on the communal violence and riot-like situation in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district last month, where he had reportedly suggested consideration of provision of the Constitution's Article 356, for imposing President's Rule. Asked for her comments on the report from the Governor before she left for her two-day visit to Murshidabad, Banerjee only said: "The Governor is not well. He was hospitalised. I wish him a quick recovery." The Chief Minister also explained why she is going to Murshidabad for almost a month since the communal violence broke out there on April 8. "I could have gone to Murshidabad much before. But I thought of going there when things have settled down. Normalcy has been restored there for quite some time. In between, there was also the inauguration of the Lord Jagannath temple at Digha, the date for which was announced much before. Now I am going to Murshidabad after completing my work," she said. On the decision of the family members of Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das, the father and the son killed in communal violence at Samserganj in Murshidabad, to refuse the compensation cheque offered by the state government, the Chief Minister said that the refusal was their personal choice. aThe state government is duty-bound to offer compensation. We wanted to give that. But if anyone refuses to accept that... it is not in our hands. However, the state government will stand by the affected people at Murshidabad. During the visit to Murshidabad, I will speak to those who would like to meet," she said. Banerjee also expressed hope that the detained Border Security Force (BSF) jawan in Pakistan will return to India soon. "It is a very unfortunate incident. We have to ensure that he returns. Our party Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee is in regular touch with his family members," the Chief Minister said. Jaipur, May 5 : In a significant political and administrative initiative, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a campaign to improve coordination between the government and the party organisation in Rajasthan, with a focus on good governance and building long-term public support. As part of this strategy, the entire Rajasthan government, including Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, his cabinet, both Deputy Chief Ministers, 115 BJP MLAs, 14 Lok Sabha MPs, four Rajya Sabha MPs, six supporting MLAs, and key organisational leaders, are heading to Kevadia, Gujarat. From May 5 to 7, they will participate in a three-day "Good Governance Training Camp" being held at the Statue of Unity complex, aimed at learning the core principles of the 'Gujarat Model'. This initiative reflects the BJP's broader goal of replicating Gujarat's successful model of sustained governance in Rajasthan. While the BJP has maintained power in Gujarat continuously since 1995, Rajasthan has seen frequent changes in leadership, with no party managing to secure two consecutive terms since 1998. Through this training, the Rajasthan BJP hopes to adopt a governance framework that delivers stability, administrative efficiency, and enduring public trust. The training sessions will cover a range of key topics, including the fundamentals of good governance, internal discipline and communication within the party, public engagement strategies, and mechanisms for collecting feedback from the grassroots level. Leaders will also be trained in effective planning for upcoming Panchayat and civic body elections. A special focus will be placed on gathering honest input from MLAs about the performance of their ministers and the government, providing critical insights to improve functioning at both organisational and administrative levels. The camp, formally named the "Good Governance Conference", will be led by some of the BJP's top national figures. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President J.P. Nadda, National Organisation General Secretary B.L. Santhosh, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav, BJP Organisation Pracharak V. Satish, along with Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathod and Organisation General Secretary Ratnakar, will guide the participants. All attendees will be housed in Tent City-2, a well-equipped facility located near the Statue of Unity, which symbolises national unity and organisational strength. Though the absence of key government officials from Rajasthan during this period may temporarily pause routine administrative activities, the BJP views this training camp as a strategic investment. The goal is to lay the groundwork for a more stable, people-centric, and performance-driven government in Rajasthan -- similar to what the party has achieved in Gujarat. Meanwhile, commenting on development, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully said, "It is an irony that the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, his entire cabinet, and the full contingent of BJP MLAs are being summoned to Gujarat to receive training on how to run a government. Does this mean that an untrained administration has been running Rajasthan for the past one and a half years? Until now, there were murmurs that Rajasthan's government was being controlled indirectly from Gujarat. Now, it appears to be happening openly and officially. Ironically, at a time when the government and its legislators should be addressing critical summer issues like electricity shortages, water supply, and healthcare, they are instead relaxing in tented accommodations on the banks of the Narmada River." Former CM Ashok Gehlot said, "When the BJP conspired to topple our government, we had no choice but to keep our MLAs together in a hotel for a few days to prevent any poaching attempts. Despite the BJP's use of money power, truth prevailed, and our government stood firm." "But what's happening now is quite surprising. Starting today, the entire Rajasthan government -- including the Chief Minister and the BJP's legislative pa -- is heading to Gujarat for "training" at a luxurious tented resort. It's unheard of for an entire government to undergo training a year and a half after taking office. Does the BJP high command believe that the Rajasthan government has failed so badly that it now requires basic training? One must ask: What kind of training is this that cannot be conducted within Rajasthan itself?" he said. "During our tenure, we successfully hosted global events like the G-20 meetings in cities such as Jaipur and Udaipur. So why is it that the BJP's Chief Minister and MLAs need to travel outside the state for governance training? At a time when the people of Rajasthan are grappling with a breakdown in law and order, severe water and electricity shortages during peak summer, and poor medical infrastructure, the entire BJP leadership is out of the state -- apparently enjoying themselves by the Narmada River. The people of Rajasthan are watching, and they will remember this," Gehlot added. Mumbai, May 5 : Amol Parashar is all praise for his "Gram Chikitsalay" co-actor Vinay Pathak, crediting the veteran actor's infectious energy and dedication for pushing him to raise the bar in his own performance. Mumbai, May 5 (IANS) Amol Parashar is all praise for his "Gram Chikitsalay" co-actor Vinay Pathak, crediting the veteran actor's infectious energy and dedication for pushing him to raise the bar in his own performance. Reflecting on their time together on set, Amol shared how Vinay's passion for the craft created an inspiring environment that brought out the best in everyone. Speaking about his experience working with Vinay , Amol shared "I hadn't interacted with him personally before, but we'd worked with a lot of the same people, so I already had a sense of who he was, and he came in exactly as I had heard: warm, fun, and so easy to work with." "His craft is unquestionable! I've seen him hold the stage solo for hours, and his vibe on set was just so relaxed and uplifting. We didn't have a lot of scenes together, but the ones we shared were an absolute delight to shoot. I'd often hear people say, 'Shooting with Vinay sir is a blast,' and I'd jokingly say, 'Hope my scenes don't end up looking dull next to his!' That kind of infectious energy really motivates you to bring your A-game," he added. "Gram Chikitsalay," produced under the banner of TVF, is set in the rustic village of Bhatkandi. At the heart of the story is Amol Parashar, who plays Dr. Prabhat an earnest young doctor determined to challenge the flaws in the system and bring about real change. Starring alongside him is Vinay Pathak, who takes on the role of the eccentric Dr. Chetak Kumar. Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra, Prime Video's series is written by Vaibhav Suman and Shreya Shrivastava and directed by Rahul Pandey. "Gram Chikitsalay" is a drama that follows the inspiring journey of Dr. Prabhat, a city-based doctor who sets out to revive an almost defunct Primary Health Centre in the remote village of Bhathkandi. The show boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Anandeshwar Dwivedi, Akash Makhija, and Garima Vikrant Singh in pivotal roles. The drama is set to premiere on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories on May 9. New Delhi, May 5 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a blistering attack on the Congress party and the INDIA bloc on Monday, accusing them of lowering the morale of India's armed forces by casting an evil eye and also repeatedly questioning their valour. Sudhanshu Trivedi, addressing a press conference, in the backdrop of Congress leader Ajay Rai mocking the Rafale fighter jets, hit out at the grand old party as well as INDIA bloc saying, "Pakistan is repeatedly violating ceasefire and firing bullets at Indian posts from across the border but these leaders are bombing from within, with anti-India statements." "Pakistan is looking at the Indian armed forces with a frightened look, but it's the Congress and INDIA bloc leaders who are casting an evil eye on them," he added. He took strong objection to Ajay Rai's alleged likening of Rafale jets with a toy and nimbu-mirchi swipe at the fighter planes. "This shows the mindset of the INDIA bloc. They are not trying to demoralise the armed forces but also making fun of Hindu religious beliefs," he said. Ajay Rai, the UP Congress chief, stoked a major controversy on Saturday evening as he poked fun at the Rafale fighter jets and asked why the government has left them in hangars with chilly and lemon hanging in them. This prompted a barrage of fiery reactions and a diatribe from the BJP. The BJP Rajya Sabha MP said the anti-India statements from Congress and the INDIA bloc leaders are giving Pakistan a chance to target India and also mock at our armed forces. He said that Pakistani platforms are using their statements to create an anti-India discourse. Notably, Ajay Rai's mockery comes just days after CWC passed a resolution asking its leaders to toe the party line on issues of national security and also warned of disciplinary action for making off-the-cuff statements. Pointing out multiple statements by top Congress leadership, Sudhanshu Trivedi said that this looked more like a design and not just any leader shooting his mouth off. "These are the top leaders of the Congress party. From Congress CM Siddaramaiah to former CM Charanjit Singh Channi to UP Congress chief Ajay Rai, all are speaking against Congress' own declared stand on national unity," he pointed out. "This shows their duplicity and similarity with the neighbouring nation. Pakistan promotes terror in Indian territory and then projects itself as the one standing for peace. Congress strategy is the same -- At one level, it claims standing with the country while another section resorts to evil diatribe against the nation and the armed forces," he said. He also highlighted a pointed difference between the Modi government and previous Congress dispensations in the fight against terror. "After terror attacks during UPA rule, Congress governments continued with diplomatic talks with Pakistan, but such has never been the case under NDA," he stated. He also stated that after the 26/11 horror, the Air Force was ready to strike back, but the then Manmohan Singh government didn't give permission. "It's your government that treated the fighter aircraft and jets like toys, not ours," he said in pointed counter. Patna, May 5 : With political activity heating up ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, M.A. Baby, the newly appointed National General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), arrived in Patna on Monday. His visit is seen as a significant push by the Left to invigorate the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). This marks Baby's first visit to Bihar in his new role. Speaking to reporters at Patna Airport, he emphasised the need for a coordinated opposition strategy. "There will be discussions with our party leaders on how to defeat the BJP in Bihar and how to strengthen the Mahagathbandhan in the upcoming crucial election. We will share the outcome of these discussions with the media," he said. His visit coincides with a nationwide agitation planned by the Left parties, including a Bharat Bandh on May 20 in support of workers' rights. The bandh is being positioned as both a protest and a political demonstration of the Grand Alliance's unity and resolve. At a Mahagathbandhan meeting on Sunday, CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya affirmed support for the bandh. "May 20 will be a day for workers' rights, and all constituents of the Mahagathbandhan will stand together. It will also be a show of unity ahead of the elections," he said. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav echoed the sentiment: "We will take to the streets to express our protest." Bihar Congress Legislature Party leader Dr Shakeel Ahmad Khan strongly criticised both the Centre and the Bihar state government, describing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's policies as "anti-people." He urged Mahagathbandhan parties to mount widespread public campaigns to highlight governance failures. Vikasheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani stressed the importance of cohesion. "All Grand Alliance parties must focus on unity, build a common manifesto, and run a coordinated, strategic campaign to defeat the NDA, he said." The developments signal a renewed attempt by the opposition to build momentum in Bihar, with the Left looking to play a more central role in shaping the alliance's roadmap. M.A. Baby's presence underlines the CPI(M)'s intent to help steer a unified front ahead of the elections. New Delhi, May 5 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart General Nakatani in New Delhi, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to deepening Defence ties and countering regional security threats, including terrorism. The meeting comes days after a brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Pahalgam claimed 26 innocent lives. General Nakatani expressed solidarity with India over the Pahalgam attack and extended Japan's full support. After the meeting, Defence Minister Singh took to X and posted, "It was a delight to meet Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani San in New Delhi. India shares a Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan. During the bilateral meeting, we discussed Defence cooperation and regional security." "Both sides condemned terrorism in all forms and emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration and joint efforts to counter cross-border threats," he said. "Nakatani San expressed solidarity with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and offered full support to India," Rajnath Singh added. The bilateral discussion focussed on regional and international security challenges and explored avenues to bolster cooperation in Defence and strategic affairs. The meeting marked the second interaction between the two ministers in six months, following their initial talks during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Laos in November 2024. Earlier in the day, General Nakatani was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Delhi's Manekshaw Centre. Singh personally received the Japanese Defence Minister, and both leaders exchanged warm greetings. The Ministry of Defence underlined that "India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has gained qualitative momentum since their partnership was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. Defence and security are crucial pillars of this relationship." The ministry also highlighted the growing convergence on strategic issues between the two nations, particularly in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. "Defence exchanges have gained strength due to common outlooks on Indo-Pacific security," it stated. The meeting came against the backdrop of rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan has been violating the ceasefire for 11 consecutive days. According to the Indian Army, Pakistani troops fired small arms without provocation during the night of May 4-5 in several areas, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Nowshera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor. Bhopal, May 5 : Recognising the alarming rise in cases of forced conversion through coercion and deception in Madhya Pradesh, the state government has taken decisive action by constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with the authority to investigate these cases thoroughly. Director General of Police Kailash Makwana has led the initiative, tasking the SIT with investigating such incidents across the state. Leadership of this task force has been assigned to Inspector General Abhay Singh of Bhopal Rural, supported by Additional Police Commissioner Pankaj Srivastava and three senior officers from Police Headquarters. A criminal group in Bhopal is accused of administering drugs to multiple female students, subjecting them to sexual assault, and recording the incidents on film. They then allegedly used these recordings as a means of coercion and blackmail. The authorities formally registered a case on April 25 after five students from a private college stepped forward one after the other to report the crimes. The police have apprehended the key accused of the gang, Farhan Ali, but he was shot while trying to snatch a service revolver from a police officer who took him to an investigation spot. Farhan is in the hospital under treatment. His accomplices, Saad, Sahil and Nabeel have also been arrested. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has also stepped in to address the troubling reports of rape, blackmail, and exploitation involving "Hindu girl students" at a private college in Bhopal. On Sunday, the Women's Commission met with the investigation team to discuss the case in detail. The SIT officials have been summoned to aid in the inquiry, and discussions between the Women's Commission and the investigators took place. On Saturday, representatives from the National Commission for Women visited Bagh Sewania police station, Bhopal, as part of their ongoing efforts. The commission's team will remain in Bhopal for the next three days, during which they will meet all relevant parties and may also engage directly with victims and their families to understand their plight. An official statement from the Police Headquarters has confirmed the presence of criminal activities targeting socially vulnerable women and girls in various districts. Reports suggest these victims were manipulated through deceit, pressure, or threats, subjected to mental, physical, and social exploitation, and forced conversion. The police emphasise that such incidents not only violate legal norms but also pose a serious challenge to women's dignity, freedom, and safety. New Delhi, May 5 : Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda, in his meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has expressed the Bank's full support to India's development priorities, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Finance Ministry said on Monday. New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda, in his meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has expressed the Bankas full support to Indiaas development priorities, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modias vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Finance Ministry said on Monday. FM Sitharaman also reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem. The Finance Minister is leading an Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the ADB in Italy's Milan from May 4 to 7. In a post on social media platform X, the ministry said that she met ADB President Kanda in Milan. "The Union Finance Minister reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem through bold initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Corporate Tax Rate Reduction and GST implementation, Production-Linked Incentives, National Infrastructure Pipeline, GatiShakti National Master Plan and Startup India, among others, for greater Ease of Doing Business," the Ministry said. Sitharaman also emphasised that India offers opportunities for ADB to pilot new, innovative financing products and models. "Kanda expressed ADBas full support to Indiaas development priorities, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modias vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," the ministry added. On the sidelines of the ADBas 58th annual meeting, Sitharaman will also hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Italy, Japan, and Bhutan, in addition to meetings with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The Finance Minister will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Milan, besides meeting global think-tanks, business leaders and CEOs, and participating in a Plenary Session of the 'NEXT Milan Forum' at the Bocconi University on "Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience", according to an official statement. Clive Palmer says he is quitting politics after his party failed to land any seats at the federal election and has broken his silence on those infuriating text messages. Barnaby Joyce has waited for the election to finish before revealing he has prostate cancer. Source: Getty Yahoo's live news blog for Monday, May 5 has now concluded. The dust is settling after a disastrous election defeat for the Liberals and things are heating up as the party looks for a new leader after Peter Dutton lost his seat. One frontrunner is Angus Taylor, but one Liberal Senator has delivered a damning assessment of his suitability. Donald Trump has addressed the federal election, and admitted he has no idea who Peter Dutton is. There was plenty of praise for Anthony Albanese from the US president. Clive Palmer says he will be walking away from politics after throwing millions at a failed campaign for the Trumpet of Patriots. He's also addressed the text message drama that left Australians infuriated over the last few weeks. Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has announced he has prostate cancer and will undergo surgery today. See all of the day's updates below. LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 15 updates Featured Trump heaps praise on Albo, says he doesn't know who Peter Dutton is While Peter Dutton has been accused of taking inspiration from Donald Trump and his policies, the US president says he has no idea who the outgoing Liberal leader is. Trump was asked for his thoughts on whether the 'Trump effect' had swung the result in the favour of Labor, but he said he didn't know much at all about Australia's Opposition. "I have no idea who the other person is that ran against [Anthony Albanese]," he told reporters, according to the ABC. And while the Liberals went hard on claims Anthony Albanese's relationship with Trump was near non-existent, Trump heaped praise on the prime minister. "Albanese I'm very friendly with," he said, adding he is "very good" and "a friend of mine". Pressed on Labor's disappointment about Trump's tariffs, the US president said Albanese had been "very respectful to me". Donald Trump has addressed the Australian federal election. Source: ABC Hotly-contested Melbourne seat could take weeks to decide, MP says Teal MP Monique Ryan says it could take weeks to determine who has won her seat of Kooyong. On Saturday night she believed she had retained the Melbourne seat she won from the Liberals in 2022, but has now backtracked, saying Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer could win thanks to "very conservative" postal votes. Hamer appeared confident when she emailed volunteers on Sunday night, saying there is "a clear swing towards us". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Monique Ryan MP (@mon4kooyong) Australia 'more mature' under Albo, China says Let's take a look at China's response to Anthony Albanese's election win now. And while Albanese didn't list Xi Jinping as one of the leaders who'd reached out since Saturday night, Beijing congratulated Albanese through its foreign ministry. "China congratulates the Labor Party and Prime Minister Albanese," it said in a statement. "China stands ready to work with the new Australian government led by Prime Minister Albanese and, under the fundamental guidance provided by the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, continue advancing a more mature, stable, and productive comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia to further benefit both countries and peoples, and contribute positively to the peace and stability of the region and beyond." Sino-Australian relations have improved greatly in the past three years under Albanese, which Beijing has repeatedly noted. Ties were at an all-time low under Scott Morrison, and Peter Dutton, then defence minister, riled Beijing in the lead up to the 2022 election, with China accusing him of hyping the threat of China to the region. Albanese hails Labor 'talent', shuts down Plibersek rumour The prime minister was pressed on any cabinet changes he's planning, and remained tight-lipped, just like his deputy prime minister Richard Marles earlier. Albanese was unimpressed with questioning around a rumour Environment minister Tanya Plibersek would be moved to the NDIS portfolio. "That's just nonsense," Albanese hit back."I've said I respect the caucus. But I say to all of you, if you hear something, unless it comes out of my mouth, it is nonsense." But Albanese hailed the options he had in front of him. "We are overflowing with talent. That's the truth. We have so many people who you could put forward," he said. Albanese and Plibersek have repeatedly downplayed any discussion of a rift between the pair, who've been considered leadership rivals. Albanese finally lands Trump phone call Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has fronted media in Canberra following his election win. And as promised by Albanese last week, he's now spoken to US president Donald Trump following his election win. "I had a warm and positive conversation with President Donald Trump, just a short while ago when I was at the Lodge," he said. "And I thank him for his very warm message of congratulations. We talked about how AUKUS and tariffs, and we'll continue to engage with each other on a face to face basis at some time in the future. "I thank him for reaching out in such a positive way." Trump was among several leaders who Albanese said he'd spoken to on the phone, including Canada's recently re-elected prime minister Mark Carney, who he said invited hm to the next G7 meeting in June. Albanese addressing reporters on Monday. Source: ABC Trump targets movies produced overseas Sticking with Donald Trump and the US president now has a new target for his trade tariffs the film industry. He announced a 100 per cent tariff on movies produced outside the US, saying their domestic movie industry was dying a "very fast death" due to the incentives other countries were offering to draw American filmmakers. "This is a concerted effort by other nations and, therefore, a national security threat," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said his department was following orders from Trump to being the process of imposing the tariffs. - With Reuters Nervous wait for Greens leader There could well be another party leader on the way out, but the Greens' Adam Bandt is remaining confident he can retain his seat. That's despite Labor recording a 8.6% swing so far in the seat of Melbourne, giving Sarah Witty 52% lead over Bandt on a two-party preferred basis. About two-thirds of the vote has so far been counted. Several seats remain in a knife edge for the Greens, and Bandt has lamented the Liberal collapse which he says impacted his party thanks to Dutton's preferences. Aussie F1 sensation snubs the shoey Hitting the griddy! A fine celebration by @OscarPiastri #F1 #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/bFCb6evuQL Formula 1 (@F1) May 4, 2025 Oscar Piastri's celebration after winning the Miami F1 Grand Prix has had plenty of attention, with the Aussie star performing the celebratory 'griddy' dance, hugely popular on TikTok and used by stars across a range of sports. But with the Australian now routinely on the podium, some are asking where's our traditional celebration, the shoey? Piastri has previously said he wants to bring something different to his celebrations after the shoey became synonymous with former driver Daniel Ricciardo. Or maybe he just doesn't like drinking beer out of his sweaty race shoe. ABC News Breakfast host James Glenday said he's glad Piastri has opted for something else, calling the shoey "a bit gross", but others in the studio welcomed it. So what do you think? Do you think our sporting achievements on the biggest stages need a shoey? Have your say below. Donald Trump won't seek third term Taking you to US politics now and Donald Trump has put an end to speculation he could try and run for a third term in the White House. "So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that, but it's something that to the best of my knowledge, you're not allowed to do," he told NBC. Trump, 78, had been selling Trump 2028 merchandise but has now said previous claims saying he wanted a third term were to troll "fake news media". Trump said Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were two options that could lead the Republican party after him. Deputy PM refusing to speculate on new-look Labor While there's been plenty of focus on what will happen at the top of the Liberal Party, there's some expected changes within Labor as well. With a big Labor swing at the election, there are plenty of new MPs on offer to Anthony Albanese as he looks to name a new Cabinet. But deputy prime minister Richard Marles wouldn't be drawn on who could be part of a new-look frontbench. "These are matters for the caucus and then ultimately the prime minister. I want to be respectful of that process," he told ABC News Breakfast. Clive Palmer addresses text furore as he walks away from politics Clive Palmer has admitted he is now too old for politics following the Trumpet of Patriots failed election campaign. The billionaire spent millions on a mass advertising campaign, however, the minor party failed to pick up a single lower house seat and is looking unlikely to pick up any seats in the Senate. The party only picked up 1.85 per cent of the primary vote, with One Nation outperforming it on 6.17 per cent, the Australian Electoral Commission said. Clive Palmer is walking away from politics, saying he is now too old. Source: Getty Mr Palmer told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday that he was not really disappointed with the outcome, and said the Trumpet of the Patriots might not return in three years time. Im 71 and Im getting too old for politics, he said. Id rather spend time helping the tens of thousands that are homeless and hungry in this country thats why Ive donated $5m to Foodbank. Voters across the country shared frustration over the partys mass text campaign. The party sent out over 17 million texts and had received over 10,000 complaints as a result, he said. However, Mr Palmer said he didnt believe it impacted their results. Ten thousand is pretty minimal compared to 17 million and the people who were complaining were not going to vote for us anyway, he said. Read more from NCA NewsWire here. Who are the favourites to be the next Liberal leader? So who are the favourites to be the Liberals' next leader? Well if the bookmakers are anything to go by, it's a four-horse race. Defence spokesman Andrew Hastie is the favourite, according to Sportsbet. He is the youngest of the four at 42 and reservations have been raised of his experience, meaning it may be his time comes later on. He's ahead of Angus Taylor, who has come in for a fair bit of criticism from within the party after fronting the economic policy during what was repeatedly dubbed the cost-of-living election. Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan is next up after holding several key portfolios in the Morrison government. And finally Sussan Ley, the Liberal's deputy leader. Senator Hollie Hughes told the ABC this morning she believes having a female in the top spot could help "change the narrative around the party". One move saved fisherman's life Police in Sydney say one decision from a fisherman who was washed into the ocean on Sundaymost likely saved his life. With authorities across Australia increasingly concerned about the choices of anglers near rough waters, police in Sydney's Sutherland Shire hailed one key safety measure one man decided on before he was swept off rocks near Kurnell and swept 200 metre off shore. "Fortunately the angler was wearing a life jacket," police said. "This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the need to remain vigilant around it. Also, the fact that wearing a life jacket when in and around the ocean can save your life." The man was pulled from the ocean after about 10 minutes by NSW Water Police and was taken to hospital for further assessments. This man's decision to wear a lifejacket while fishing has likely saved his life, police say. Source: Sutherland Shire Police Area Command Barnaby Joyce reveals cancer diagnosis Federal Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has been praised for being "very brave" after revealing he will undergo surgery for prostate cancer. The one-time deputy prime minister, who comfortably won his regional NSW seat of New England in Saturday's election, revealed his diagnosis on Sunday. Joyce, 58, received the diagnosis following a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The test came back with an elevated result and a subsequent MRI and biopsy revealed he had prostate cancer. Joyce, who will have the surgery on Monday, told Seven's Sunrise program he kept his diagnosis quiet until after the election. "I waited until obviously after the election - I didn't want a big circus going on," he said. "Literally, straight after this ... I'm going ... straight down the road and straight into surgery." Joyce said he felt fine, before noting that was normal with a disease like prostate cancer. "You don't feel bad, you go to the toilet a bit more than you should," he added. Federal Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek said Joyce was "very brave" for going public with his diagnosis. Knives come out as Liberal Party looks for new leader After a disastrous night for the Liberals on Saturday night, the knives are well and truly out. For the second straight federal election, the party lost more senior members who held metropolitan seats, leaving less options, and less talent, to choose from as it picks a new leader. NSW Senator Hollie Hughes admitted a complete lack of policy and economic narrative from her team leading up the election was to blame for their disastrous night. One of the front runners to take over the leadership will no doubt be the shadow treasurer Angus Taylor but not if Hughes can help it. When asked if he is capable of leading the party on ABCs Radio National this morning, she said: Not in my view. I have concerns about his capability. Senator Hollie Hughes doesn't believe Angus Taylor is fit to be the Liberals' next leader. Source: Getty I dont know what hes been doing for three years? she continued in a remarkable spray. There was no tax policy, no economic narrative. The pair do have a history, which she alluded to, but the senator said a huge number of her colleagues shared her doubts about his ability to unite and capably lead the party. His efforts to get rid of people like me in his leadership ambitions means that Im still in the party room until June 30 and get to vote for the next leader, so it may not work out too well for him, she said. As the party licks its wounds, members past and present have lamented how it lost its way. Former Coalition finance minister Simon Birmingham wrote in a blog post on LinkedIn that the brand of conservatism projected is clearly perceived as too harsh and out of touch and that it had lost its sense of classic liberalism. Our base is too narrow and so, occasionally, are our sympathies. You know what some people call us: the nasty party. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Chennai, May 5 : The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has intensified patrolling along the Udumalpet-Munnar road following repeated sightings of wild elephants roaming near the highway in search of food and water. Forest officials have issued an advisory to tourists and motorists using the route, warning them to exercise extreme caution as elephant movements have become more frequent, especially during the summer months. The soaring temperatures and drying water sources have pushed wild animals, particularly elephants, to venture closer to human settlements and roadways. Officials reported that herds of elephants are regularly seen near the Amaravathi Dam, a popular spot for these animals to access water. Typically, the elephants cross the Udumalpet-Munnar road during the day to return to forested areas and reappear at the dam by evening. Meanwhile, the influx of tourists travelling from Udumalpet to Munnar has risen sharply during the summer vacation season, increasing the risk of human-animal encounters. Forest officials have reiterated safety guidelines, advising drivers and tourists to remain calm and avoid any sudden movements or noise if they spot elephants on or near the road. They have also strictly prohibited tourists from throwing stones, honking, or taking flash photographs, all of which could provoke the animals. To bolster safety measures, the department is planning to deploy thermal drones for night-time surveillance, aiming to monitor elephant movements more effectively and prevent them from straying into human settlements. Officials believe the system will allow real-time tracking and early warnings for residents. "Drones will help us detect elephant movement even in the dark, and alerts will be issued via forest vehicles equipped with Bluetooth-connected speakers," said a senior forest officer. These vehicles will also emit loud sounds to drive elephants back into the forest if necessary. A few companies have already demonstrated drone operations, and the department is expected to finalise a vendor soon. The initiative follows the successful implementation of similar systems in the Hosur Forest Division, which have shown promising results in reducing human-elephant conflicts. In addition, the department plans to introduce AI-enabled cameras to enhance surveillance and minimise human-wildlife conflicts further. Recent data underscores the need for such proactive measures. According to figures presented in the Lok Sabha, 256 people have died due to human-elephant conflicts in Tamil Nadu over the past five years, with 61 fatalities reported in 2023-24 alone. The state's elephant population has grown steadily, with the latest synchronised census -- conducted between May 23 and 25, 2024, in collaboration with Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh -- estimating the population at 3,063. This marks an increase of more than 100 elephants compared to the 2023 census. Officials noted that Tamil Nadu's forests can sustainably support a population of around 3,000 to 3,500 elephants. The Nilgiri Elephant Reserve and the Coimbatore Elephant Reserve continue to hold the highest elephant densities among Tamil Nadu's five designated elephant reserves. Forest officials expressed confidence that a combination of enhanced patrolling, technological surveillance, and public cooperation will significantly reduce negative encounters, ensuring safety for both humans and wildlife. New Delhi, May 5 : Physically punishing children can lead to negative outcomes such as poor health, lower academic performance, and impaired social-emotional development, according to a study on Monday. The analysis, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, showed that physical punishment was significantly associated with worse parent-child relationships, being a victim of violence, perpetrating violence (including intimate partner violence in adulthood), approving violence, physical health problems, mental health problems, substance use, poor academic outcomes, impaired language skills. It also led to impaired executive function, social-emotional skills, overall behavioural problems, internalising behaviour problems (e.g., depression and withdrawal), externalising behaviours (e.g., aggression and destruction), impaired early child development, and quality of sleep. Researchers at the New York University-Steinhardt, US, no positive outcomes associated with corporal punishment. "The consistency and strength of these findings suggest that physical punishment is universally harmful to children and adolescents," lead author Jorge Cuartas, Assistant Professor of Applied Psychology at NYU. "Moving forward, more research is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing physical punishment on a global scale and ensuring that children are protected from all forms of violence to support their healthy development," Cuartas added. In 2006, the UN Secretary-General called for a ban on corporal punishment -- acts of physical force to inflict pain that includes smacking, shaking, and spanking -- for children. To date, 65 countries worldwide have instituted full or partial bans on the practice. Most of the bans were established in high-income countries (having a gross national income of at least $14,000 per capita) bolstered by the UN's call, and research finding detrimental outcomes in wealthier nations. The researchers analysed 195 studies related to corporal punishment published between 2002 and 2024. The studies covered 92 low- and middle-income and 19 outcomes related to parent-child relationships, mental and physical health, violent behaviour, attitudes toward violence, substance use, cognitive function, social-emotional skills, sleep, motor skills, and the likelihood of being a child labourer. --IANS rvt/ Sanaa, May 5 : At least 14 people were injured in fresh US airstrikes on Yemen's capital of Sanaa early Monday morning, local medics told Xinhua news agency. The medics said 14 residents in the densely populated Shu'ub neighbourhood in the eastern part of Sanaa were injured as a result of the strikes, which also shattered windows in several homes and shops. Meanwhile, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that dozens of additional US airstrikes targeted various locations across Sanaa, as well as in the provinces of Hodeidah, Saada, Marib and Al-Jawf. No casualties were reported in those areas, as the Houthis rarely disclose their losses. The latest wave of airstrikes came just hours after the Houthis announced late Sunday that they will carry out further attacks on Ben Gurion Airport, the main international airport of Israel, warning international airlines to avoid the area. On Sunday morning, a Houthi ballistic missile exploded near Ben Gurion Airport, wounding eight people and creating a 25-metre-wide crater just a few metres from the airport's control tower, according to Israeli media reports. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targetting Israel since November 2023 in what they describe as an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The group has repeatedly stated that it would halt its attacks if Israel ends its offensive in Gaza and allows humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave. In response, the United States has carried out airstrikes on Houthi targets in an effort to deter the group and weaken its military capabilities. On March 15, Washington escalated its air campaign, prompting the Houthis to launch retaliatory attacks on US aircraft carriers and warships stationed in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Bhopal, May 5 : With a view to doubling milk production in Madhya Pradesh, the state is devising a comprehensive plan to import superior breeds of cattle from other regions, ensuring their availability to local farmers. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Mohan Yadav has urged officials to accelerate efforts in boosting milk output, reaffirming his commitment to elevating the state's contribution to the nation's total milk production from the current 9 per cent to 20 per cent. Following a review meeting in Bhopal on Monday, he wrote on his X handle, "The decision to more than double milk production will serve as the foundation for the prosperity of cattle herders." During the review, Dr Yadav emphasised that the state must fully utilise National Dairy Development Board's (NDDB) expertise in the dairy sector. He underscored the necessity of streamlining and refining the process of acquiring superior breeds of cows and buffaloes from other states, ensuring they are readily accessible to farmers. Earlier in April this year, the NDDB and the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Milk Union entered a pact in presence of Union Home Minster Amit Shah. "To facilitate an increase in milk production it is our commitment to elevate Madhya Pradesh's contribution to national milk production from 9 per cent to 20 per cent. "This ambitious objective shall be fulfilled through the steadfast promotion of cattle rearing, fostering an era of agricultural and economic advancement," he affirmed on X. Union Home Minister Shah had advised the state government to expand the outreach of milk producers to more Primary Cooperative Societies (PACs), ensuring coverage across at least 50 per cent of the state's geography. He had also said that the government should introduced a Rs 5 per-litre incentive for milk producers. HM Shah pointed out the small number of PACs in the state and urged an increase from the existing 7,000 to a level where at least half of Madhya Pradesh is covered. Dr Yadav further emphasised that all milk produced within the state should undergo value addition before being exported beyond its borders. He advocated for extending consultancy services not only to cooperative unions but also to private dairy enterprises. He mandated that dairy products should only be transported outside the state after undergoing value-added processing. The Chief Minister also highlighted the ongoing development of large cow shelters across Madhya Pradesh, stating that their efficient management would contribute significantly to increased milk production. The state has earmarked a fund of Rs 505 crore in its annual budget 2025-26 for cowsheds under a specific scheme. He proposed that private universities introduce specialised courses in dairy technology and animal husbandry to further strengthen the industry's knowledge base. Even ahead of the review meeting, NDDB-backed milk unions implemented an increase in the price of milk paid to farmers, effective May 1, ensuring direct economic benefits for dairy producers. Mumbai, May 5 : Actress Sonakshi Sinha has come out in support of content creator and actress Kusha Kapila after she boldly responded to a troll who left an obscene comment on her recent vacation photos. On Monday, Sonakshi took to her Instagram stories to applaud Kusha for calling out the inappropriate behavior publicly. Sharing Kusha's post, the 'Akira' actress wrote, "Well done on calling out these low lives @kusha kapila!! I think we al need to name and shame themhazaar gaali padegi, Instagram spam ho jayega aur nani yaaad aa jayegi."(sic) Kusha Kapila strongly responded to a social media user after he left an inappropriate comment on her vacation pictures. Lashing out at the troll, Kusha publicly called out the individual, labeling his behavior as "disgusting" and unacceptable. Without hiding the name and face of the troll, who went by the name Satyan Singh on the social media platform, Kusha condemned his actions, describing them as "disgusting, unhealed, auraless behaviour." Kapila wrote, "Satyam ki wajah se kitney logon ki mental health kharab rehti hogi. I offer to pay for two years worth of therapy and inner work for you so you don't feel compelled to show your darindigi at the sight of a happy woman. Write to me on thaapadmarungi@sudharjasaale.com (sic)." The user later apologized to Kusha in her DMs. This isn't the first time Kusha Kapila has responded to online hate and abuse. Following her divorce from Zorawar Singh Ahluwalia in June 2023, she faced significant trolling and backlash on social media. Work-wise, Kusha made her acting debut in 2020 with Karan Johar's "Ghost Stories." Since then, she has appeared in numerous projects, including the shows "Masaba Masaba", "Life Hill Gayi" and the film "Sukhee," among others. On the other hand, Sonakshi Sinha is preparing for the release of her upcoming film, "Nikita Roy." Directed by her brother, Kussh S. Sinha, the film is set to hit theatres on May 30, 2025. New Delhi, May 5 : Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma on Monday said that the government is close to adopting unified helpline number '311' for registration of civic complaints related to NDMC, MCD, DDA, Jal Board and public works and flood control departments. The decision to adopt an integrated helpline number was announced by Verma during his visit to the NDMC Control and Command Centre that currently operates the 311 helpline for the 42 sq. km area under its jurisdiction. During his inspection, the Minister emphasised that the NDMC Centre will now become the central hub for all major civic departments in Delhi. "Our vision is 'One Delhi, One Number'. Citizens will no longer need to worry about which department is responsible for their problem. They simply have to call 311, and the complaint will be redirected to the appropriate department immediately," said the Minister. This new set-up is being developed specifically keeping the upcoming monsoon season in mind. "Whether it is waterlogging, broken roads, choked drains, or overflowing sewers, citizens will no longer have to run from one department to another for redressal," he said. The PWD Minister said that a joint meeting of all departments will be held within the next two to three days to finalise the operational structure of the Command Centre, deployment of departmental representatives, accountability systems, and technical integration. Verma also stated that CCTV cameras will be installed in all areas prone to waterlogging, especially where no surveillance infrastructure currently exists. This will enable real-time identification of issues and prompt on-ground action. "To address waterlogging issues effectively, the use of technology is crucial. With live monitoring and CCTV surveillance, our teams will be able to respond swiftly," he added. During the monsoon, the NDMC Control and Command Centre will operate 24x7, ensuring real-time tracking and resolution of every complaint. Monitoring officers from each department will be stationed at the centre to work in coordination. Verma said to tackle waterlogging more efficiently all pumping stations across the capital will be upgraded with automated systems. This will accelerate water drainage and provide technical support to field teams at all levels. Tehran, May 5 : Iran on Monday rejected accusations by US and Israeli officials of its involvement in attacks on Israel by the Houthis in Yemen. In a statement released early Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry described the repetition of such "baseless" claims as an "affront to the powerful but oppressed" Yemeni nation. The statement highlighted Iran's position on the necessity to respect countries' territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and condemned the US military attacks on Yemen as a "flagrant violation" of the UN Charter and international law. The statement was released after the Houthi group announced a comprehensive air blockade on Israel "in response to its decision to expand its aggression against Gaza." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed on Sunday to retaliate against Houthi forces in Yemen and their ally, Iran, after the missile attack. Writing on the social media platform X, the official account of the Prime Minister's Office stated that "attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran." It added that Israel "will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport and, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters." Netanyahu issued another warning to the Houthis, threatening to launch a strike against the group. "We attacked in the past, we will attack in the future," he said in a video statement. The Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile strike that hit a driveway leading to the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport, outside Tel Aviv, Xinhua news agency reported. Israeli and US-deployed aerial defense systems attempted to intercept the missile but failed. The attack resulted in four minor injuries and caused damage. Several international airlines canceled flights to and from Israel following the missile attack, including Air Europa, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa, ITA Airways, and Brussels Airlines. The Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks in recent weeks amid renewed U.S. airstrikes on their positions in Yemen. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel since November 2023 in what they describe as an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. The group has said it would halt its attacks if Israel ends its military campaign and allows humanitarian aid into the enclave. Mumbai, May 5 : Amid the Maharashtra government's push for the use of Artificial Intelligence in the administration, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday cautioned government officers and employees to work ably or else a robot will replace them. He said that if the administration is adaptable to changes with the time, people can get more dynamic, transparent and better services. He was speaking in his address after inaugurating the four day "Tech Wari: Maharashtra Tech Learning Week" organised from May 5 to 9 by the state general administration department at the Mantralaya. A confluence of modern technology and new ideas, 'Tech Wari' is the beginning of spreading technology to every nook and corner of Maharashtra and creating a modern tech-friendly state. The Maharashtra Deputy CM further said the "Tech Wari" initiative will serve as a guide for the administrative officers and employees of the state to expand their administrative capacity. "The message of ' Tech Wari' initiative is that we are not just accepting changes but also leading them," he added. Ajit Pawar said that everyone will benefit from the guidance of renowned speakers on various topics such as Blockchain, Internet of Things, Cyber Security, Digital Finance, Transformation of Administration through Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Frontier Tech for a Developed Maharashtra. He appealed to the government staff to accept the changes of the times and make the administration more dynamic. He pointed out that guidance sessions on stress management, music therapy, meditation and work-life will help in creating a balanced and healthy government workforce. Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar said that Maharashtra, which is implementing the Maharashtra Public Service Right Act, is ahead in every field. "Our state will get first place from the top three in completing training on 'I Got' system implemented by the Centre. The administration should focus on providing more dynamic services. The overall work is measured only through the evaluation of each of our work," he said and expressed his belief that the officers and employees of the administration will also accept these changes and do their work in a more dynamic manner. Chief Secretary (in-charge) Rajesh Kumar said that officers and employees are working by learning new technologies and Maharashtra should become number one in ease of doing in providing various services to the citizens. Maharashtra Sadan Commissioner R. Vimala said that due to the efforts of Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department V. Radha and the spontaneous response of the officers and employees of the state, today Maharashtra is among the top three states in the country that has received the most training on the Central Government's 'I Got' system. She expressed that the 'Tech-Wari' initiative is innovative and all officers will definitely benefit from it. New Delhi, May 5 : South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play again after completing the 'substance abuse treatment program' following testing positive for a recreational drug during the SA20 competition earlier this year. According to a statement from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Rabada was tested following the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants on January 21. He tested positive for a "Substance of Abuse" and was informed of the result on April 1, following which a provisional suspension was imposed. "Mr. Rabada tested positive for a Substance of Abuse and was subsequently notified of the allegation of his doping offence on 1 April 2025. A provisional suspension was imposed and Mr. Rabada returned immediately to South Africa from India," the release stated. While the specific drug was not named in the statement, Article 4.2.3 of the SAIDS Code lists cocaine, heroin, MDMA/ecstasy, and THC among the substances of abuse. The statement also referenced Article 10.2.4.1 of the SAIDS Code, which notes: "If the athlete can establish that any ingestion or use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, then the period of ineligibility shall be three (3) months. This may be reduced to one (1) month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a substance abuse treatment program approved by SAIDS." According to SAIDS, Rabada has since participated in an education and awareness programme to prevent further substance abuse. He can resume playing immediately and could return to action as soon as Wednesday, when GT play Mumbai Indians (MI). "The player accepted responsibility for the doping offence and honoured his provisional suspension," the release added. "As per the South African Anti-Doping Rules specifically pertaining to Substances of Abuse, the player was offered an opportunity to complete a substance abuse treatment program. After Mr. Rabada satisfactorily completed two sessions of his treatment program, his provisional suspension ended. The player has effectively served a one-month period of ineligibility and may now resume participation in sport." Rabada's sanction aligns with the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) guidelines for the use of recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, or diamorphine. A comparable penalty was imposed on New Zealand's Doug Bracewell last year after he tested positive for cocaine during the Super Smash. New Delhi, May 5 : While the relations between India and Pakistan hit rock bottom after the Pahalgam attack, a group of Pakistan-based hackers on Monday claimed to have breached the websites of multiple Indian defence institutions, leaving sensitive data compromised. The hacker group, describing itself as the Pakistan Cyber Force, claimed that it has hacked the portals of leading defence establishments, including the Indian Military Engineering Services, the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, and other websites. Pakistan Cyber Force, a handle on X, claimed that hackers got access to sensitive data pertaining to defence personnel and also their login details. The group also attempted to take control of the websites of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. The Pakistan Cyber Force also posted images of the webpage from Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, where an Indian tank's photograph has allegedly been replaced by a Pakistani tank. "Your armoured factory is now owned by Pakistan, courtesy Pakistan Cyber Force," it wrote. Meanwhile, the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited is understood to have been taken offline for a thorough audit to assess the extent of any potential damage due to hacking, said reports. In another post, it claimed to have hacked data and details of Military Engineer Services personnel. It also wrote, "Hacked. Your security is an illusion. MES data owned." It also claims to have accessed 10 GB of data pertaining to 1,600 users on the website of Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis. While the security experts have swung into action and are analysing details to prepare a fool-proof mechanism to ward off any such cyberattack from across the border, the security of Jammu-based prisons has been put on heightened alert following inputs about a possible attack to secure the release of dreaded gangsters jailed there. Chikkamagaluru, May 5 : Karnataka Police detained over 20 Hindu activists in Chikkamagaluru on Monday as they attempted to take out a protest march condemning the murder of Hindu activist and a rowdy sheeter, Suhas Shetty (42) in Mangaluru. The bandh was called by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and other Hindu outfits. The bandh was announced despite the denial of permission by the Chikkamagaluru district administration. In response, several shops and commercial establishments remained closed, although a few traders gradually began to reopen their shutters. In Mudigere taluk and the border areas between Chikkamagaluru and Mangaluru, normal life came to a complete halt as shops and businesses remained shut. The bandh witnessed strong support in rural areas, with both the public and shopkeepers cooperating. More than 20 Hindu activists, including BJP District President Devaraj Shetty, were taken into preventive custody while marching from Omkareshwara Temple to Hanumanthappa Circle, raising slogans in support of the slain Hindu activist Suhas Shetty. Since no organisation had obtained prior permission for the bandh, the authorities enforced prohibitory orders. Chikkamagaluru city was placed under tight police security as a precautionary measure, given the region's history of communal tension. Despite the enforcement of Section 144 in Chikkamagaluru city, local organisations in rural areas reportedly continued with the bandh, overlooking law and order protocols. Launching an attack on the Congress-led government in Karnataka, former BJP state chief Nalin Kumar Kateel, speaking to the media in Udupi, claimed that most ministers in the state government had served jail time. "The government must answer whether all those in power are rowdies. There was no case registered against Suhas Shetty in the last two years. He had not been involved in any incidents. It is the court that must decide whether Suhas Shetty was a rowdy sheeter, not Home Minister G. Parameshwara. Suhas Shetty was murdered because he was a Hindu activist," Kateel alleged. "Anyone who comes forward to protect Hindus is being murdered. It has come out that a 'target group' has been formed, and they have started with Suhas Shetty's murder. They must stop portraying Suhas Shetty as a rowdy and take appropriate action," he demanded. On the formation of a task force to curb communal clashes, Kateel said the government's basic intent was flawed. "The task force has been created to arrest Hindu activists. Let them form an agency that delivers justice to all. The current task force is formed to protect just one community," he alleged. "Whenever Siddaramaiah comes to power, a series of killings of Hindu activists take place. Hindu workers are being targeted and attacked. No case is filed when someone waves the Pakistan flag or shouts 'Pakistan Zindabad', but Hindu activists receive death threats on social media. This is nothing less than terrorism unleashed against Hindus in the state," he added. Kateel also alleged that Muslim leaders caused a commotion during a meeting with Home Minister G. Parameshwara in Mangaluru, while local MLAs were denied an opportunity to participate. Dhaka, May 5 : Michael Miller, the European Union's Ambassador to Bangladesh, on Monday said that necessary reforms should be completed in the country before holding the national polls. The EU Ambassador made these remarks during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents' Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, local media reported. "We hope that the political parties and the interim government will work together towards reforms," the EU Ambassador said. Miller further said that the EU wanted the election to be held in a free, fair, and credible manner in keeping with the international standard. Responding to a question, Miller said that the EU is also interested in providing assistance for elections, once the Bangladesh government decides when to hold it. The EU Ambassador said that the interim government under Muhammad Yunus must ensure transparency in bringing to book those responsible for the deaths and injuries during the July Uprising of last year, the country's leading daily Prothom Alo reported. Recently, over a 100 political activists, social representatives, human rights advocates and senior British political leaders attended a seminar in London on the current political landscape in Bangladesh, highlighting participation of all political parties, including the Awami League in elections, as and when they are held in the crisis-ridden country. Senior British politician and prominent jurist Lord Alex Carlile of Berriew chaired the seminar on 'Democracy, Human Rights, Good Governance, Rule of Law and the role of Political Parties in Bangladesh's current political landscape', held at the House of Commons in the British Parliament. The event was organised by the President of the Parliamentary Group 'Conservative Friends of Bangladesh' and Chairman of the Tory 1922 Committee, Conservative MP Bob Blackman. In his opening remarks, Carlile emphasised the importance of holding inclusive elections in Bangladesh, asserting that no election would be acceptable to the international community without the participation of all political parties, including the Awami League. He urged stakeholders to ensure inclusivity in the democratic process. All Party Parliamentary Groups-APPG (UK) Chairman and MP Bob Blackman called for "sincere efforts" to make the upcoming elections in Bangladesh fair, impartial, and inclusive. In January, Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) in a report titled 'Bangladesh: The Dilemmas of a Democratic Transition', said that the political challenges in Bangladesh are likely to increase in 2025, stressing that the interim government's honeymoon period is truly over. "The honeymoon period for Bangladesh's interim government is now well and truly over. The political challenges are likely to increase this year as political parties and other key players negotiate over reforms and jockey for electoral advantage," said Thomas Kean, ICG's senior consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh. Earlier, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres too had called for inclusive elections in Bangladesh, urging the interim government under Yunus "to continue to make every effort" to be inclusive, taking into account the voices of women and youth as well as those of minority and indigenous communities. New Delhi, May 5 : In a co-ordinated search operation in Karnataka's Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College (MRMC) stipend scam, the ED's Bengaluru office seized electronic records and documents from seven premises in Kalaburgi district, an official said on Monday. New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) In a co-ordinated search operation in Karnatakaas Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College (MRMC) stipend scam, the ED's Bengaluru office seized electronic records and documents from seven premises in Kalaburgi district, an official said on Monday. The three-day operation spread over April 30, May 1 and May 3, was carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, to investigate alleged misappropriation of Rs 81.21 crore under the stipend scam. The ED searches were targeted at the properties of Bhimashankar Bilgundi, former President of Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society (HKE), Gulbarga, Dr. S.M. Patel, former Dean of MRMC Medical College, and Subash Chandra, college accountant. During the search operation, incriminating evidence in the form of electronic records containing excel sheets reflecting the details of blank signed cheques received from PG Medical students and amount of cash withdrawn by the college management from bank accounts of students, were seized, the ED said. The ED initiated an investigation on the basis of an FIR registered with Cyber and Economics and Narcotics (CEN) Cell, Kalaburgi. The FIR alleged that in college records the stipend amount of Rs 81.21 crore was released to 282 post-graduate students between January 1, 2018, and March 1, 2024. However, the money was never used by the PG medical students. The FIR named the two-time society president Bilgundi, MRMC Medical College Dean S.M. Patil, college accountant and a manager of Canara Bank, MRMC Branch, as accused in the stipend scam. The modus operandi of the accused institution and officials involved coercing PG medical students to give signed blank cheques to the management, which used them to withdraw the stipend amount credited into their accounts. The ED investigation revealed that during the financial years 2018-19 to 2023-24, the accused collected the signed blank cheques from PG students of MRMC. In this manner, Rs 30 crore had been siphoned off by the previous college management, the ED said. Ahmedabad, May 5 : Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Monday hailed the achievement of Adani Cement which has reached 100 million tonnes capacity at a world-record pace. In a post on X social media platform, the billionaire industrialist said Adani Cement is now one of the most efficient cement manufacturers on the planet. "100 million tonnes capacity established at a world-record pace! Adani Cement is now one of the most efficient cement manufacturers on the planet," said the Adani Group Chairman. Gautam Adani further stated that it is a reflection of "our unwavering belief in India's growth story, and the strength of a set of trusted brands built over decades". Meanwhile, Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Group, has reported the highest 9 per cent annual PAT growth at Rs 5,158 crore in FY25, while crossing 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity last fiscal. With this feat, Ambuja became the ninth-largest cement company in the world. The company, which also reported the highest-ever annual revenue at Rs 35,045 crore, up 6 per cent (year-on-year). It delivered the highest-ever annual volume at 65.2 million tonnes in FY25, up 10 per cent (on-year) Moreover, it recorded its highest EBITDA in a quarter at Rs 1,868 crore, up 10 per cent YoY, and PAT on a standalone basis went up by 75 per cent at Rs 929 crore. This performance was supported by improved KPIs across operational parameters, showcasing the company's strength and resilience, healthy volume growth, value extraction of acquired assets, enhanced cost leadership, and group synergies. The company has successfully commissioned 2.4 MTPA brownfield expansion of general use (GU) in Farakka (West Bengal), debottlenecking of 0.5 MTPA across various plants. The cement maker also commissioned 299 MW RE power out of the planned total of 1,000 MW, with balance progressively to be achieved by June 2026. "Brands that have stood by India through every turn and, now, are building for its future," said Gautam Adani. Bhubaneswar, May 5 : Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday clarified that the idols in Digha Jagannath temple were not carved from the surplus Daaru or sacred neem wood used in the making of deities of Puri Jagannath temple during the Nabakalebara. Speaking to media persons following discussions with the officials of Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, the Law Minister said, "The use of surplus Daaru or sacred Neem tree in the carving of the deities at the Digha Jagannath Temple is proved false during inquiry. The Maharana Sevaks (carpenter servitors) have confirmed during discussions that it is impossible to carve out a 2.5 feet idol using the surplus sacred daaru." He further asserted that the Secretary of Daitapati Nijoga, Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra, who was summoned to appear before the SJTA, has clarified in his submission that the surplus daaru or the sacred wood of Puri was not used in the making of the deities at Digha Temple. "Mahapatra said that the idols at the Digha Jagannath temple were made from a neem tree by one sculptor, Sudarshan Maharana, based in Bhubaneswar. No surplus daaru wood is used in making those idols. Sudarshan Maharana also accepted that he carved the idols of Digha Jagannath temple," added Harichandan. The senior servitor also termed his claims regarding the making of the idols at Digha Temple using the sacred surplus daaru wood from Puri as a 'slip of tongue', and it was not intended to hurt the sentiments of devotees. However, the temple administration under the Temple Act has instructed Mahapatra to submit a detailed explanation on the issue within seven days. The Law Minister clarified that the SJTA will take action against Mahapatara as per the temple rules if it finds his explanation not satisfactory. "The state government will request the West Bengal government to stop using the word 'Dham' and calling the sea beach at Digha as 'Mahodadhi'. We will write to the West Bengal government in this regard. If the West Bengal government didn't give any heed to our request, then we will hold discussions on exploring legal options on this," added the Law Minister. He also stated that all these problems have arisen due to a wrong decision taken by the then state government in the year 1995/96, allowing the storage of some surplus Daaru wood in the room of Daitapati servitors. "As per the temple's Records of Rights, the surplus Daru wood is kept in a special room (Daaru Gruha) inside the temple," he said. Harichandan informed the media that the temple administration has formed a five-member committee that will prepare a detailed list of all the sacred Daru wood kept at both the 'Daaru Gruha' and the room of the Daitapati servitor. Later, all the surplus daaru will be shifted to the Daaru Gruha, and none of the wood will be kept outside. The Odisha Law Minister also said that the temple administration will soon distribute a set of guidelines to Jagannath Temples across the country and outside, suggesting specifications to be followed during the construction of any Jagannath Temple and in the daily and special occasional rituals and puja of the deities in the temples. The Chhatisa Nijoga (Chief of the traditional 36 categories of sevakas) and Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha will be requested to prepare a guideline. The Temple administration will also prepare SOPs for the servitors on sharing rituals and pujas related to the Jagannath temple at puri with the media persons. Mumbai, May 5 : Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh is on board the power-packed musical series "Hai Junoon - Dream.Dare.Dominate", where he will be seen sharing the screen for the first time with Boman Irani. Calling his experience of working with Boman 'an absolute delight', the 'New York' actor expressed, "Working with Boman sir was an absolute delight! His guidance, wisdom, and humor made our on-screen mentorship feel authentic. Off-screen, we shared many laughs and stories, and I cherish the bond we formed. I love him and look up to him like a father figure. He is an actor par excellence." Helmed by Abhishek Sharma and produced under the banner of Jio Creative Labs, "Hai Junoon - Dream.Dare.Dominate" stars Neil and Jacqueline Fernandez in key roles, along with Boman, Siddharth Nigam, Priyank Sharma, Sumedh Mudgalkar, Kunwar Amar, Mohan Pandey, Elisha Mayor, Sanchit Kundra, Santana Roach, Devangshi Sen, Aryan Katoch, Anusha Mani, Bhavin Bhanushali, Yukti Thareja, Arnav Magoo and Saachi Bindra in significant roles. Talking about the show, Priyank Sharma, who essays the role of Kush shared, "Dance is my first love, and playing a dancer felt like returning to my roots. But what made this journey unique was being able to mentor some of my co-stars during rehearsals. We built genuine friendships through the process, and that bond translates beautifully on screen." Siddharth Nigam, who will play Bikram, added, "People have always associated me with dance, but in Hai Junoon, I got the chance to explore a whole new side of my creativity, that's music. Learning to sing for the role was both exciting and intimidating, and I spent hours in vocal workshops to make sure I brought depth and honesty to Bikram." "Hai Junoon Dream. Dare. Dominate" redefines the classic journey of self-discovery, diving deep into the raw, untamed emotions of a generation unafraid to defy the norm. At its heart lies an explosive rivalry between the elite, entitled Supersonics, and the fiercely ambitious Misfits a collision that fuels the show's electric drama and will keep viewers hooked from the very first beat. "Hai Junoon Dream. Dare. Dominate" is scheduled to stream exclusively on JioHotstar from 16th May. Jaipur, May 5 : As part of a statewide initiative in Rajasthan, Bhiwadi Police have launched a special campaign to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi nationals residing in the district. In an intensive search operation conducted across multiple areas, a total of 60 Bangladeshi nationals a" including 25 men, 24 women, and 11 children a" were detained for residing without valid documents in Bhiwadi. Bhiwadi Superintendent of Police, Jyeshtha Maitreyi, stated that the search operation was carried out in accordance with directives from the Rajasthan Government and Police Headquarters. The campaign is focussed on the repatriation and deportation of individuals illegally residing in the state. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Additional Superintendent of Police, Atul Sahu, and supervised by CO Bhiwadi Kailash Chaudhary and CO Tijara Shivraj Singh. The search covered several areas including police station jurisdictions of Bhiwadi, Bhiwadi Faiz III, Chaupanki, Khushkheda, Tapukda, and Tijara, as well as localities like Sheikhpur Ahir and Jairali. The police acted on Intelligence inputs and information received from local informers. Raids were conducted at various locations, resulting in the detention of 60 individuals who were found to be residing illegally without proper documentation. SP Maitreyi has urged residents and business owners to ensure police verification of all tenants and employees. "Do not hire or rent out to individuals without proper verification," she emphasised. Police teams involved in the search operations included SHO Bhiwadi phase III Satyanarayan and his team, SHO Tapukda Rajeev and team and SHO Jairoli Vikram Singh and team. Earlier, an official of the Rajasthan Minister of Homeas office confirmed that the BJP government was seriously acting against Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in the state. He said that in 2024, 521 Rohingyas were identified while in 2025, 520 Rohingyas were identified. Similarly, in the year 2024, at least 22 Bangladeshis were arrested out of which 14 were deported back to Bangladesh. In 2025, around 23 Bangladeshis were arrested and 16 were deported. Kolkata, May 5 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently on a two-day tour to the state's Murshidabad district, which was hit by communal violence and riot-like situation last month, on Monday advised her party legislators from the district in becoming more active in public interaction keeping in mind the crucial state assembly elections next year. After reaching Baharampur, the administrative headquarters of Murshidabad district earlier in the day, the Chief Minister held a meeting with the elected Trinamool Congress legislators from the district, and in the meeting, she reportedly advised the party MLAs to be more active in public interaction henceforth. "At the same time, she also advised us to ensure that the common party workers in the district become more active in the coming days. She also asked us to ensure that the district administration too becomes active so that under no circumstances the common people lose confidence in the administration," said a legislator from the district who refused to be named. Earlier, speaking to the mediapersons, the Chief Minister claimed that the recent communal violence in Murshidabad, which happened over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, turning violent, was instigated in a planned manner by just two to three persons. "I will not blame any particular community. Some people are trying to pose as religious leaders. They unnecessarily press the panic button. They are enemies of Bengal. Two to three persons had instigated this violence. The role of certain media houses is also creating division among people. We have secured some information. We will reveal everything after we get the full information," the Chief Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, she also accused the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and National Commission of Women (NCW) of being "hyper-active" over the Murshidabad tension. "The commission representatives arrived at Murshidabad just a day after the incident there. But they never go to Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, or Bihar. As I said, the violence was instigated in a planned manner, where one community pounced on the other. Such instigations will not be tolerated in West Bengal," the Chief Minister said. New Delhi, May 5 : In a significant move amid growing tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued directives to several states to conduct full-scale civil defence mock drills on May 7. The preparations come as India continues to weigh its response to the brutal attack that killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) In a significant move amid growing tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued directives to several states to conduct full-scale civil defence mock drills on May 7. The preparations come as India continues to weigh its response to the brutal attack that killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists, in Jammu and Kashmiras Pahalgam on April 22. According to government sources, the mock drills will include the operationalisation of air raid warning sirens, a rare and telling step, typically associated with heightened threat perception and preparations for hostile engagement. Among the other key activities listed by the MHA are: Training of civilians and students in key civil defence techniques to protect themselves during potential hostile attacks. Provision for crash blackouts, an emergency protocol aimed at concealing cityscapes and infrastructure from potential aerial surveillance or strike. Early camouflaging of vital plants and installations, a standard wartime measure to safeguard critical national assets. Updation and rehearsal of evacuation plans, ensuring readiness for rapid civilian movement, if needed. The timing and scale of the MHA issuing the directives on drills have raised eyebrows in defence and strategic circles. Combined with a flurry of recent high-level security meetings -- between PM Narendra Modi, Defence Secretary, and the three service chiefs -- the drills have added to speculation that India may be preparing for a fierce retaliatory strike in response to the Pahalgam massacre. The decision also follows a series of consultations involving top political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, indicating a consensus on the gravity of the situation. While official statements have remained guarded, the stepped-up civil defence measures strongly suggest that India is entering a phase of elevated alert and operational readiness. The next 48 hours may prove critical as the country watches for the government's next move. New Delhi, May 5 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday met a visiting Japanese delegation led by Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, in New Delhi and extended gratitude for the support following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. "Delighted to meet Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga of the House of Representatives of Japan today in Delhi, along with his Parliamentary colleagues and business delegation. Thank him for the expression of solidarity and support on the Pahalgam terrorist attack," EAM posted on X. "Appreciate his leadership in developing this natural relationship between India and Japan. Agreed to develop the agenda of increasing talent exchanges, enhancing business linkages and building technology partnership," the post added. EAM Jaishankar also held a conversation with Foreign Minister of Latvia, Baiba Braze on the Pahalgam terror attack and other global issues. "A good conversation with FM Baiba Braze of Latvia this evening. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages. Also spoke about global issues and our bilateral cooperation," EAM posted on X. Last week, EAM Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives. While speaking to the Russian Foreign Minister, the EAM also discussed the bilateral cooperation activities between India and Russia and added that the "perpetrators, backers and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice". Last Thursday, Jaishankar spoke with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and said the perpetrators and planners have to be brought to justice. Tammy Bruce, the US State Department Spokesperson, said that in his call with 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". 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". 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. Mumbai, May 5 : Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise might have broken his bones, has got injured while doing justice to his part as Ethan Hunt in the 'Mission: Impossible' film franchise but, he won't have it any other way. For nearly three decades, the 'Mission: Impossible' has redefined action cinema, and at its heart, one man has chased the impossible with fearless resolve. Tom Cruise has given his heart and soul to the franchise, he has hung off cliffs, scaled skyscrapers, and leapt from planes, all in service of a franchise that never stops raising its own bar. Now, as the saga races toward its epic conclusion with 'Mission: Impossible a" The Final Reckoning', Tom Cruise reflects on the madness, the magic, and the legacy of a cinematic phenomenon built on sweat, stunts and sheer will. Talking about the film, Tom Cruise said, aThe things we do, manathe things we do. There is never an easy day on 'Mission: Impossible'. I wouldnat have it any other way. This new movie is a gargantuan accomplishment. Itas a culmination of everything, and I mean everything, that me and McQ (Christopher McQuarrie, who has now directed its last four installments) have learned in storytelling over the course of making these movies. The Final Reckoning is very elegant, very layered and incredibly epic. And weave only been able to achieve what we have because of all the things that weave done in this series so far". Talking about the film franchise, and the sense of thrill, McQuarrie said, aThese are the cinematic ghosts weare always chasing. Tom is always looking at the likes of Buster Keaton, but also Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin. People who made action films that were also dramas, comedies, tragedies and triumphs, that set the bar and formed the basis from which modern cinema was born". In 'Mission: Impossible a" The Final Reckoning', Ethan Hunt faces his most dangerous, deeply personal and narratively complex mission yet one that threatens not just global security but the very core of who he is. As betrayals stack and time runs out, Ethan Hunt must decide how much of himself heas willing to lose to save the world one final time. And just when you think you know where itas headed, the story delivers a heart-stopping final twist as this is just the beginning of the end. 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' is set to arrive in cinemas across India on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu only in 4Dx and IMAX. Parbhani, May 5 : Congress incharge for Maharashtra, Ramesh Chennithala on Monday said that to foster goodwill and unity in the country, the Congress has undertaken a Sadbhavna Yatra and similar yatras will be held across the state in the future. He said that former Prime Minister, late Rajiv Gandhi was the first to launch a Sadbhavna Yatra in the country, adding that the state Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal initiated the Sadbhavna Yatra in Maharashtra and after the announcement of the very first Yatra, a minister in the Mahayuti government had to resign. Chennithala further stated that Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi raised his voice against the injustice done to Somanath Suryawanshi and Vijay Wakode. "Even after three months, no action has been taken by the government against Suryawanshi's murderers, and CM Fadnavis remains silent and there is no law and order in the state," he said. "LoP Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of a caste census for social justice, which will benefit backwards, deprived, and oppressed communities. When the caste census was raised, BJP and PM Modi opposed it, but eventually, the Modi government had to agree. "People no longer trust the Union government. The Women's Reservation Bill was passed but not implemented. A decision on the caste census was made, but there is no announcement on when it will be conducted," he remarked. Harshvardhan Sapkal said that due to LoP Gandhi's firm stance on the caste census, the Centre had to concede. "The Maratha reservation issue can be resolved if a caste census is conducted. The 27 per cent reservation for OBCs may also increase up to 65 per cent. The BJP is inciting conflicts among castes. In such times, it is crucial for the Bahujan community to unite," he said. Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that the Sadbhavna Yatra was aimed at bridging hearts and uniting communities. "BJP leaders are talking about breaking the Congress. BJP has developed a habit of breaking others' houses we'll take revenge when our time comes. Some people are leaving the party, but instead of following others, make your own path," he added. Former Minister Naseem Khan said that despite the risk to his own life, Rahul Gandhi undertook a national march and when the country faces a crisis or social harmony is disturbed, the Congress always steps forward. "Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was murdered, and Somanath Suryawanshi was killed in police custody, but the BJP-led alliance government remains unaffected. Rahul Gandhi visited Suryawanshi's family in Parbhani. Today, Congress is working to protect the Constitution and democracy. If the Constitution is read and followed, harmony will prevail, and justice will be ensured for all castes and religions," he commented. MP Chandrakant Handore said, "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gave us the world's most sacred Constitution, granting equal rights to all, but BJP wants to replace it and bring in the Manusmriti. To increase goodwill in the country, Congress is undertaking the Samvidhan Bachao Yatra and Sadbhavna Yatras." MP Praniti Shinde said that when a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, LoP Gandhi went to meet the victims' families, while Prime Minister Modi was busy campaigning in Bihar. Patna, May 5 : The CPI-M on Monday asked all parties not to do politics on the Pahalgam terror attack and asked their leaders to refrain from making any adverse statements regarding the attack. "There is a need for national unity and not political rhetoric. Whatever happened in Pahalgam now, the entire country is speaking in one voice. After the CCS meeting, the Prime Minister gave the army the authority to make decisions. Everyone should speak carefully. There should be no politics on this issue," CPI-M General Secretary M.A. Baby told media persons here. He also chaired a meeting with state leaders at the party office and chalked out preliminary election strategies. The CPI-M General Secretary further accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of practising "opportunistic politics" in the state. "Nitish Kumar is a master of opportunism. He takes decisions based on self-interest, not ideology," he said. Reiterating confidence in the INDIA Bloc ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, Baby asserted that the alliance is united and actively coordinating. "Regular meetings among top leaders of the INDIA Bloc reflect our unity. We will fight the elections with full strength and form the next government in Bihar," he declared. On the caste census, Baby expressed scepticism over the government's preparedness. "Questions remain on when and how the caste census will be conducted. No clear details have been provided by the Central government so far," he said. He also reaffirmed the CPI-M's commitment to labour rights, highlighting the upcoming Bharat Bandh on May 20, called by the Left parties. "The bandh will focus on workers' rights, and it will be successful as all Grand Alliance constituents have pledged their support," he noted. New Delhi, May 5 : BAPS' Dr Gnanvatsaldas Swami is all set to draw the attention and focus of the followers and volunteers of the Swaminarayaan Sanstha through his writings, as his first book titled "Daily Wisdom for Holistic Living" hit the stands on Monday. New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) BAPS' Dr Gnanvatsaldas Swami is all set to draw the attention and focus of the followers and volunteers of the Swaminarayaan Sanstha through his writings, as his first book titled "Daily Wisdom for Holistic Living" hit the stands on Monday. The book, penned by Dr Gnanvatsaldas Swami, is a transformative guide for personal growth and wellness and gives valuable lessons on 365 days of mindfulness, spirituality, motivation and inner peace. Gnanvatsaldas Swami is a Hindu monk, global speaker and spiritual mentor, and has spent over 30 years sharing timeless wisdom with modern relevance. Drawing on the teachings of his gurus, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj, as well as personal stories and insights from over 15,000 talks worldwide, he has put together the profound ideas practical and accessible to all, in his book. For the first time, he is revealing this wisdom in his debut book. The book's epilogue reads, "Life often feels like an endless race, pulling us in every direction, yet leaving us drained and disconnected. Amidst the chaos, how can we find clarity, strength, and peace?" It further says, "The answers we seek aren't out there -- they lie within. To transform the world around us, we must first master ourselves. Yet uncovering this truth requires a moment to pause, reflect, and explore life's deeper meanings." "Through compelling storytelling and concise, powerful chapters, Swami empowers readers to overcome inner struggles and embrace lasting success. Whether seeking inspiration or a clear path to personal growth, this book will ignite your journey," it concludes. Notably, Dr Gnanvatsaldas Swami has delivered series of insightful seminars during his visits to the UK and Europe in October 2023. The presentations were held at BAPS mandirs and external venues in London (Harrow, Brent and Ilford) and Leicester in the UK as well as in Interlaken, Switzerland. Imphal, May 5 : A week after 21 MLAs of Manipur urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reinstate a popular government in the state, BJP's North East in-charge Sambit Patra arrived in Imphal on Monday and held meetings with some political leaders. A BJP leader said that Patra, during his two-day stay in Manipur, would hold a series of meetings with MLAs and leaders of Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. "Soon after his arrival in Imphal, Patra went to Churachandpur, where he met local MLA Vungzagin Valte (who belongs to the Kuki community). Returning to Imphal, he met former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh and other leaders," the leader said. The BJP's North East in-charge is likely to meet some MLAs, former ministers, and leaders of various factions. Manipur has been under the President's Rule since February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post. The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which, after the promulgation of President's Rule, has been put under suspended animation, has a tenure till 2027. Meanwhile, 21 Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in a joint letter on April 29 have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reinstate a popular government in the state. One of the MLAs confirmed the development and said that out of the 21 lawmakers, most belong to the BJP and the remaining are from the National People's Party (NPP), Naga People's Front (NPF) and two independent legislators. The letter of the MLAs to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister said that the people of Manipur welcome the President's Rule with lots of hope and expectations, but no visible actions to bring peace and normalcy in the state have been seen so far. The MLAs said that the installation of a popular government is the only means to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur. In a bid to resolve the two-year-long ethnic hostilities, the first tripartite meeting between the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the representatives of Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities was held in New Delhi on April 5. United Nations, May 5 : UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari will brief the Security Council at its closed-door meeting on Monday about the tense situation between India and Pakistan following the terrorist massacre in Pahalgam, according to the Council president's office. Khiari, who is from Tunisia, is in charge of the Middle East and Asia Pacific in the UN's Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. Council President Evangelos Sekeris is convening the closed consultations at the request of Pakistan's Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad. Because Pakistan, currently an elected member of the Council, asked for closed consultations, India will likely be shut out of it because, under Council procedures, countries that are not members are not allowed to participate in the closed-door meetings, which are also referred to as "consultations of the whole". Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in an X post that it will "formally apprise the UNSC of the latest developments in South Asia". The meetings are held informally in a side room, not in the Council chamber, and no records of the consultations are published. The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. in New York (12:30 a.m. Tuesday in India). Pakistan's UN mission said that Ahmad will speak to reporters outside the Council after the meeting. It said it was asking for the consultations "in view of the deteriorating regional environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly the situation in Jammu and Kashmir". The situation "poses a threat to both regional and international peace and security", Pakistan said. Ahmad said on Friday that Pakistan was considering calling a meeting of the Council because "kinetic action" by India was imminent. The Resistance Front, an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has owned responsibility for the terrorist massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam. Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed: "We will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their supporters. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth". Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif last Tuesday to express "deep concern" over the rising tension between the two countries. He also expressed his "strong condemnation" of the terrorist attack and said it was important to pursue "justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means", according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Pakistan has mounted a diplomatic campaign at the UN, with Ahmad meeting Guterres, General Assembly President Philomen Yang, the representatives of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation members, and others in an attempt to assert its claims of innocence and call for de-escalation. Chandigarh, May 5 : Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday said the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has become merely a puppet of the Union government, and it should be restructured to safeguard the rights of the state. Presenting the resolution in the Legislative Assembly, which was later adopted unanimously, Goyal declared that the Punjab government cannot share even a single drop of water from its share for Haryana. "The 4,000 cusecs of water currently being provided to Haryana for drinking purposes on humanitarian grounds will continue. Beyond this, not a single drop of water will be given," he said. Goyal condemned the illegally and unconstitutionally convened meeting of the BBMB called by the BJP. Demanding restructuring of the BBMB, he said the current BBMB has become merely a puppet of the Union government. "In meetings, neither Punjab's voice is heard nor are Punjab's rights considered; therefore, the BBMB should be restructured," he said. He said the law specifies how many days' notice must be given for calling different types of BBMB meetings, but the BBMB does not comply with the law and illegally calls meetings at night. The House directs the BBMB to comply with the law in this regard. He questioned the Union government that the Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas rivers flow only through Punjab. "On what basis, then, is the water from these rivers given to other states? When the treaty for the distribution of these rivers' water among states was signed in 1981, the volume of water recorded in the rivers and distributed was much greater than what exists today. Therefore, a new treaty should be constituted for the distribution of these rivers' water," he stressed. He stated that the 1981 treaty specifies how much water should be given to each state. "The BBMB has no right to change this. If the BBMB decides at a meeting to give one state's rightful water to another state, such a decision would be illegal and unconstitutional. The BBMB should refrain from making such illegal decisions," he said. Goyal added, "For the past few days, the BJP through the Union government, the Haryana government and the BBMB has been attempting to usurp Punjab's rights. By convening meetings through unconstitutional and illegal means, attempts are being made to divert Punjab's share of water to Haryana. Haryana has already used all of its water share as of March 31. Now the BJP wants Punjab's rightful water to be given to Haryana." He was categorically clear in saying that in the past three years, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has endeavoured to deliver water to every field in Punjab. "Extensive construction of canals and water courses has been undertaken. Until 2021, only 22 per cent of Punjab's area was irrigated through canal water, but today, canal water has reached 60 per cent of the state's area," he said. "Every drop of Punjab's water is precious for Punjab. Punjab will no longer give its share of water to any other state," he said. He mentioned that on April 6, Haryana requested Punjab for drinking water. Punjab, showing magnanimity, provided 4,000 cusecs of water from its share to Haryana because "our Gurus have taught us that providing water to the thirsty is a great virtue". The Water Resources Minister said Haryana has a population of 3 crore, and to fulfil the drinking and other personal needs of 3 crore people, 1,700 cusecs of water is required. "However, Haryana asked for 4,000 cusecs of water from Punjab, which we provided on humanitarian grounds. Now, Haryana claims it needs 8,500 cusecs. Punjab does not have surplus water to meet this demand, but the BJP forcibly convened an unconstitutional and illegal BBMB meeting and passed a resolution that Punjab will provide water to Haryana from its share, which is unacceptable to us." He outright rejected the Dam Safety Act of 2021 and demanded that the Union government immediately repeal the Act. Denouncing the Dam Safety Act as an attack on Punjab's rights, he stated that this law gives complete authority to the Union government to directly control rivers and dams in states, even when these dams are entirely within state boundaries. "This fundamentally contradicts India's constitutional framework and constitutes a direct assault on Punjab's constitutional rights over water," he added. Bengaluru, May 5 : The Congress-led Karnataka government has been repeatedly involved in corrupt practices and is issuing tenders illegally, offering contracts only to its preferred entities, alleged senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy. Speaking at a press conference held at the Vidhana Soudha on Monday, he said: "Tenders are being floated on the Karnataka Public Procurement Portal. Even during our tenure, a tender was issued for printing marks cards, and the rate fixed was Rs 9.45 per card. After this government came to power, a tender was called by the Para-Medical Board, quoting Rs 100 for printing a single marks card. Following discussions, the rate was reduced to Rs 91," he stated. He further said that as the issue came to light in some circles, the government negotiated again and revised the prices Rs 44 for printing a marks card, Rs 47 for a diploma certificate, and Rs 44 for an internship certificate. A work order was issued with these revised rates on November 29 last year, he added. The contract was awarded to "Urdhva Management Private Limited" based in Sanjaynagar, Bengaluru. Upon learning this, Narayanaswamy said he wrote to the government secretary on January 8, pointing out violations of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act. "To this day, no response has been received," he said, and further noted that the financial bid was approved only on April 12, 2024, even though the work order had already been issued earlier. He also displayed related letters and documents. Responding to a question, Narayanaswamy said this matter falls under the portfolio of Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil. He alleged that the director of Urdhva Management Pvt. Ltd., Venkatareddy D. Patil, is either a close relative or associate of Minister Patil. He claimed that Urdhva Management is an event management company and has no connection whatsoever with printing services. "They have never handled any printing work," he alleged. "Steps have been taken to award the tender to people favoured by the minister. This is a blacklisted company with around 2025 cases registered against it," Narayanaswamy said, questioning how such a firm could be awarded the contract. He further alleged that the tender was awarded without even finalising the financial bid. "When we gave the contract at Rs 9.45 per mark card, it came to Rs 2.45 lakh. But in this bid, they haven't even specified how many certificates are to be printed meaning they can later decide and print however many they want," he said. "Despite writing two or three letters regarding this, I have not received a single response from the Chief Secretary or the concerned department," he concluded. Seoul, May 5 : The Democratic Party (DP) on Monday called on the Seoul High Court to push back the remanded trial of its presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung until after the June 3 election, vowing to use all of its powers to prevent what it called "the judiciary's coup." The DP's call came as it has been mulling whether to seek the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, after the top court overturned the high court's acquittal of an election law violation case involving Lee on Thursday, sending it back for a remanded trial. The first session of the trial is scheduled to take place May 15. "If the high court does not decide to postpone the trial by May 12, (we) will prevent the judiciary's coup from taking place by using all the powers given by the people to the legislative branch," Rep. Yun Ho-jung, a senior official of the DP's election committee, said in a press conference. May 12 is the date official campaigning starts for the June presidential election "(We) clearly express our intent to block the high court's trial proceedings," he said, adding that the legislative branch would "make punishments" on behalf of the people if such efforts are hindered. Yun's remarks suggest that the DP could seek impeaching Chief Justice Cho, Yonhap news agency reported. On Sunday, the DP decided to put off a decision on whether to seek Cho's impeachment after an emergency meeting of its lawmakers. The DP's call comes as Lee could lose his eligibility to run for office for five years if he receives a finalized sentence of a fine of 1 million won (US$717) or more for violating the election law. Lee's presidential bid could be jeopardized if the final sentence is confirmed before the June 3 election day. When asked about the DP's call to push back the trial, Lee told reporters that election campaigns must be ensured in a "fair" way, citing the Constitution. He also said he would "respect" whatever decision his party makes when asked about the DP's consideration to impeach a Supreme Court justice. "I believe the party will take the necessary measures in line with the perspective of the people to overcome this insurrection," he said. "I will respect the party's decision on the party's duties." DP Rep. Park Sung-joon clarified in a radio interview Monday that the party has decided to leave all decisions up to its leadership, rather than putting them on hold. "There were opinions on considering even impeachment while leaving all possibilities open if the Supreme Court and the high court continues on with unconstitutional and illegal behavior." Milan, May 5 : Inter Milan's anchor at the back, Alessandro Bastoni, has rallied supporters ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal against FC Barcelona at the iconic San Siro Stadium. With just two games separating Inter from their first UCL triumph since 2010, Bastoni has reassured fans that the team will give 200% against Barcelona. "We're potentially two games away from lifting the Champions League trophy, we will definitely give more than 110%, we will give 200%. We know that we're in a semifinal, it's not something that happens every year, we really want to play this match, there's a lot of enthusiasm and confidence in our ranks, and we can't wait for tomorrow evening," said Bastoni in the pre-game conference. The UEFA Champions League is very important for Inter this season, having undergone a rough patch in recent weeks which has seen them fall three points behind Napoli in the Serie A with just three games remaining in the campaign. Bastoni said he could not be prouder of the team and believes the team has certainly given it their all. "I couldn't be more proud of our campaign this year. We are playing a lot of games, and we are always looking to be in the best shape and make our fans happy. We've not had a day off for a while because we're so committed to doing well, we've got to the end, we had a week of poor form, but I can't thank the group enough for everything that they're doing". After playing in the 3-3 draw away at Barcelona, Bastoni hopes the supporters can give his side the extra edge needed to win a game of such a momentous occasion. "We will suffer at times tomorrow, like in the first leg, so we will need your support. It'll be 11 vs 11 on the pitch, so they will need to be as loud as possible. We will make sure to be as calm as possible to make the best decisions," he said. Cape Town, May 5 : South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday reiterated the urgent need to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, and to protect the rights and gains of workers across the country. "At a time when our singular focus is on inclusive economic growth and job creation, we must continue to work together to improve the lives of every South African worker. Let us use the hard-won gains of workers to create new opportunities for all," Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter. Reflecting on the country's history, Ramaphosa noted that under apartheid, black workers were systematically denied their rights and excluded from unionization. While acknowledging the progress made since the introduction of employment equity legislation, he highlighted that much more needs to be done to transform the racial composition of economic ownership, control, and management. "That is why part of our G20 (Group of 20) presidency involves engagements with labor over the consolidation of worker rights. We have held fruitful discussions in this regard with the International Trade Union Confederation and others," he said. The president pledged that South Africa will continue to use its progressive labor laws to correct the imbalances of the past and to ensure that these protections translate into tangible benefits for workers, Xinhua news agency reported. He also called on businesses to take necessary measures to ensure that their workplaces reflect the spirit of the laws. "Companies should go beyond compliance by actively fostering diversity and inclusion as envisaged in our constitution by addressing historical inequalities and creating opportunities for under-represented groups among their workers, such as women, the youth, and persons with disabilities," Ramaphosa added. Patna, May 5 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will mark the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap with a grand celebration on May 9 at Bapu Auditorium in Patna. The event, titled 'Rana Bhama Sammelan', will begin at 11:30 AM. PHED Minister Neeraj Kumar Singh Bablu shared the details of the event on Monday, announcing that Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend as the chief guest, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the gathering via video conferencing. Key BJP leaders, including state chief Dilip Jaiswal, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha, and other senior party figures, will also participate in the celebration. "BJP celebrates the birth anniversaries of all the great personalities who contributed to the nation, and Maharana Pratap is a symbol of bravery and resistance," Bablu said. Responding to queries on the caste-based census, Bablu credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision. "The caste census will not only count the population of every community but also assess their economic status to ensure informed policy-making. It is a historic decision, especially beneficial for Bihar, and reflects the Prime Minister's concern for inclusive development," Bablu said. He criticised opposition parties for allegedly trying to take credit for the census initiative. "Some are celebrating and bursting crackers, but when they were in power at the Centre, they did nothing. Now they are pretending to lead," he said. Addressing the issue of reservation in the private sector, Bablu made it clear: "We cannot impose anything on private companies. They are autonomous and free to make their own decisions." In reaction to Tejashwi Yadav's remarks that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is a "tired leader", Bablu retorted sharply: "Bihar has a Sushashan (good governance) government. People do not want to return to the Jungle Raj era. The NDA is strong, and we are confident of winning more than 225 seats. The RJD won't even reach double digits," he asserted. Chandigarh, May 5 : In a major step to honour bravery and support armed forces personnel, the Haryana Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, here on Monday accorded approval to a proposal regarding the provision of ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore to the next of kin of battle casualty and a grant of one-time cash award for gallantry and distinguished award winners, both from Agniveer, hailing from the state. Notably, the government provides ex gratia of Rs 1 crore to the family of a battle casualty of the defence and paramilitary forces. It has now decided to extend the benefit to Agniveers too. In the year 2022, the central government launched the Agnipath scheme to recruit both male and female aspirants as Agniveers (below the officer rank cadre) in all three services (the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force) for four years. The first batch of Agniveers joined the armed forces in August 2023. To date, 5,120 Agniveers have been recruited from Haryana. The Cabinet also accorded approval to the Haryana AI Development Project (HAIDP) for 2025-2028, with a total outlay of Rs 474.39 crore. It approved the constitution of a special-purpose vehicle for the implementation of externally-aided projects. The HAIDP is envisioned as a strategic intervention to position Haryana as a national hub for AI-enabled development. The project is proposed for implementation over a period of three years with technical and financial support from the World Bank. The total outlay is Rs 474.39 crore, with a funding pattern of 70:30 between the World Bank and the state government. The Cabinet also approved the repeal of the British-era Municipal Account Code of 1930 and the notification of the Haryana Municipal Account Code of 2025 (Part I and II) for implementation across all municipalities. It aims to bring transparency to the accounting system of municipal bodies in Haryana. The age-old Municipal Account Code, 1930, is unable to cope with the challenges that the metamorphic changes have posed. Moreover, technological advancements have also made the municipal account code provisions obsolete and redundant. The Cabinet also approved a proposal of the Gram Panchayat at Atali in Faridabad district to gift a residential plot measuring 200 square yards to Geeta, wife of Shaheed Naik Sandeep, who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter-insurgency operation in Pulwama on February 19, 2019. In view of the familyas circumstances and the lack of adequate residential accommodation, the Gram Panchayatas proposal was considered and approved as a special gesture of gratitude and honour by the Cabinet, an official statement said. Imphal, May 5 : Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday reviewed ongoing National Highway projects in the state and directed officials to ensure their timely completion, officials said. An official said that the Governor chaired a meeting in Raj Bhavan and comprehensively reviewed the progress of ongoing National Highway projects in the state. During the meeting, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) Executive Director, M.S. Deval, provided a detailed briefing on the current status of various national highway projects under construction in different parts of Manipur. He also highlighted key challenges affecting project execution. "Governor directed the officials to implement necessary measures to address these challenges and ensure timely completion of the projects," the official said. Manipur has two National Highways -- Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), both very crucial to bring in foodgrains, various essentials and useful items, medicines, transport fuels, construction materials, machineries, and numerous other commodities. Principal Secretary, Works, Commissioner, Home, Secretary, Land Resource, Chief Engineer, PWD, Deputy Inspector General, Operations, CRPF attended Monday's meeting. Additionally, Deputy Commissioners of seven districts Ukhrul, Noney, Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Pherzwal -- also attended the meeting via video conference. Another official said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had last year approved a significant development initiative in Manipur, granting 50 National Highway projects spanning a total length of 1,026 km. Among these, 44 projects, covering 902 km, are focused on the hilly districts of the state, highlighting the government's commitment to improving infrastructure in challenging mountainous terrains. As part of this initiative, eight projects, totalling 125 kilometres, have already been completed in the hill districts, the official said. At present, 36 projects are underway, with a substantial budget of Rs 12,000 crore allocated for the remaining 777 km. "These developments are expected to augment connectivity and accessibility, boosting economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people living in these regions," the official stated. Kolkata, May 5 : The Kolkata Police on Monday made the fourth arrest in connection with the devastating fire in a hotel at Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata which broke out on the night of April 29, killing a total of 15 people. The arrested individual has been identified as Muhammad Sagir Ali, the supervisor of the hotel where the fire broke out. An insider from the city police said he has been accused as the main person responsible for dumping inflammable items within the hotel premises. He was also in charge of supervising the interior decorations of the hotel. Earlier, first the owner of the hotel, Akash Chawla, and the manager of the hotel, Gaurav Kapur, were arrested by the cops on May 1, that is two days after the fire broke out. Thereafter, on May 2, Khurshid Alam, whose agency was responsible for carrying out the ongoing renovation and extension work at Hotel Rituraj, was arrested. 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 to prevent the untoward incident. Already, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have announced compensation for the family members of those killed as well as for those who were injured in the fire. Mamata Banerjee also mentioned that a strong action would be taken against those responsible for the fire. Ahmedabad, May 5 : Gujarat grappled with unseasonal weather on Monday, witnessing unseasonal rains and hailstorms, leading to substantial damage to crops in various parts of the state. The IMD has forecast continued weather instability over the next five days. Winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h and intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder are expected. An official said that rainfall probability stands at 63 per cent for Tuesday, 70 per cent for Wednesday, and around 40 to 45 per cent for the following days. Saurashtra also witnessed disturbed weather patterns, while in the Botad district, heavy rains were reported. Moti Vavdi village of Ranpur taluka also witnessed a hailstorm. Rajkotas Pardi and Vinchiya areas also experienced downpours with gusty winds and hailstones. In Bhavnagar, the weather shift offered some temporary relief from the oppressive heat but was accompanied by heavy rains, including a lightning strike that reportedly collapsed a wall in the region. Meanwhile, agricultural experts and local authorities have expressed serious concern over the impact of unseasonal weather on standing crops. Key summer harvests such as sorghum, millet, sesame, mango, and teti (ridge gourd) remain particularly vulnerable to hail and waterlogging. Farmers across Saurashtra have already reported early signs of fruit drop and crop flattening, which could result in a major economic setback in the coming weeks. The officials have urged district-level agricultural officers to conduct surveys and assess damage, while also advising farmers to take protective measures where possible. The Agriculture Department is expected to announce relief measures if the impact proves severe. An official said that the residents are advised to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel during storms, and secure outdoor belongings to avoid damage or injury due to strong winds and hail. He said that the IMD continues to monitor the system and issue timely advisories. Amaravati, May 5 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Monday voiced deep concern over the recent attacks on 24 fishermen from Tamil Nadu in the Bay of Bengal. He urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take note of these repeated incidents to address these recurring situations in an amicable manner. The Jana Sena leader took to social platform X to express his deep concern over the recent incidents involving 24 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu, reported across five separate occurrences in the Bay of Bengal. "It is distressing to learn that these fishermen from Nagapattinam district have faced hardships and sustained injuries, reportedly due to confrontations at sea, which have also impacted their livelihoods. In the light of the longstanding cordial and warm relationship shared by India and Sri Lanka, I respectfully urge the Ministry of External Affairs to take note of these repeated incidents to address these recurring situations in an amicable manner," said the actor-politician. "It is imperative that the governments of India and Sri Lanka engage in constructive and sustained dialogue to address these concerns in a spirit of mutual cooperation. I also appeal for continued efforts to uphold the safety and dignity of fishermen on both sides and to reinforce respect for maritime boundaries through collaborative understanding and goodwill," he added. About 24 fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district were allegedly attacked by Sri Lankan nationals in five separate mid-sea incidents on Friday. The Sri Lankan nationals reportedly came in multiple boats and assaulted the fishermen with iron rods, knives, PVC pipes, and bamboo poles. The incidents occurred off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu and involved the fishermen from Akkaraipettai, Vellapallam, Seruthur, and Arcot Thurai villages. Six fishermen sustained head injuries, 10 suffered internal injuries, and eight escaped without harm. The Nagapattinam Marine Police have registered a case and are investigating. Jaipur, May 5 : The Rajasthan High Court on Monday gave the state government a final deadline of May 15 to make a decision regarding the controversial Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment 2021. During a hearing on the matter, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Vigyan Shah informed the court that no decision has been reached yet despite the court's earlier directive issued on February 21, which gave the government two months to act. A meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee is scheduled for May 13. In light of this, the AAG requested additional time. However, Justice Sameer Jain firmly stated that the court is granting the government one last opportunity. "The government must submit its decision by May 15. If it fails to do so, the court will proceed to deliver its verdict after hearing the case," he said. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped into the investigation. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) R.D. Rastogi informed the court that the ED has initiated a preliminary probe and filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The agency has received permission from the PMLA court to interrogate two key accused - Harshvardhan Kumar Meena and Rajendra Yadav - who are already under arrest. The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) had announced recruitment for 859 posts of Sub-Inspector and Platoon Commander in 2021. Following allegations of a paper leak, the government handed over the investigation to the Special Operations Group (SOG), which arrested several individuals, including trainee SIs. Multiple petitions were subsequently filed in the High Court, demanding the cancellation of the entire recruitment process. Petitioners' counsel Harendra Neel pointed out that the court had previously ordered a status quo on the recruitment through orders dated November 18, January 6, and January 9. Following these, the Police Headquarters imposed a complete ban on field training on January 10, which remains in effect. The case includes the petitioners, the state government, and the trainee sub-inspectors as parties. While the petitioners argue for the recruitment's cancellation - citing recommendations from the SOG, Police Headquarters, Advocate General, and Cabinet Sub-Committee - the trainee SIs claim innocence. "We are not involved in any malpractice. Many of us left other government jobs for this opportunity. Cancelling the recruitment would be unjust," the trainees contend. Gandhinagar, May 5 : As part of the preparations for the upcoming elections, the final electoral rolls for Gujarat's 24-Kadi (SC) and 87-Visavadar Assembly constituencies have been published on Monday. Gandhinagar, May 5 (IANS) As part of the preparations for the upcoming elections, the final electoral rolls for Gujaratas 24-Kadi (SC) and 87-Visavadar Assembly constituencies have been published on Monday. The final lists reflect a net increase of 561 voters across the two seats. The by-elections for Gujarat's 24-Kadi (SC) and 87-Visavadar Assembly constituencies are anticipated to be held by the end of July 2025. These bypolls have been necessitated due to the passing of Kadi MLA Karshanbhai Solanki and the resignation of Visavadar MLA Bhupat Bhayani. With the recent publication of the final electoral rolls, the Election Commission is expected to announce the official polling dates soon. According to official figures, the 24-Kadi (SC) constituency in Mehsana district has seen an addition of 376 new voters, comprising 152 males and 224 females, taking the total number of registered voters to 2,89,746. Meanwhile, in Junagadhas 87-Visavadar constituency, the final electoral roll now records 2,61,052 voters, with an increase of 185 voters, 24 male, 160 female, and 1 third gender. This revision exercise was carried out under the Special Summary Revision of the Electoral Roll Programme by the Election Commission of India. The process aimed to include new voters who have turned 18 on or before April 1, 2025, and to ensure the rolls are updated and error-free. The draft rolls were initially published on April 8, 2025, showing 2,89,370 voters in Kadi and 2,60,867 in Visavadar. Chief Electoral Officer Hareet Shukla stated that any individual with objections to the decisions made by the Electoral Registration Officer during the revision campaign can file an appeal. As per Section 24 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Rule 27 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, such appeals can be submitted to the District Election Officer concerned. Hyderabad, May 5 : With the Telangana government employees planning a protest over dearness allowance and pending bills, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday said that even if they cut him, there is no money to meet their demands. He stated that the state government is not in a position to spend more than the Rs 18,500 crore monthly revenues. "Even if you cut me, the revenue is not more than Rs 18,500 crore. I am asking the leaders of the employees' unions. Will you cut me?" he asked. The Chief Minister was reacting to the protest programme announced by the Telangana State Employees, Gazetted Officers, Teachers, Workers and Pensioners Joint Action Committee (TGEJAC) to press for their demands, including clearance of pending bills worth Rs 10,000 crore. The Chief Minister was speaking at a programme organised by a media organisation. He also asked the union leaders to suggest whether the government should increase the prices of fuel and essential commodities to mobilise revenues to meet their demands. "Do you want me to stop paying pensions, free electricity, Shadi Mubarak. Tell people that we are stopping these schemes to increase your bonus and salaries," he said. Reminding the employees that under the previous government, they were not even getting salaries on the first of every month, he said that after coming to power, he ensured that they get their salaries on the first (day of month). "Do you want to protest for salaries being paid on the first of every month. Do you want to fight against people? Will they keep quiet?" he asked. The Chief Minister also claimed that the government was already taking steps to avoid wasteful expenditure. "As chief minister, I can go anywhere by a special aircraft, but even in the regular flights I am travelling in economy class and not even first class," he said. Revanth Reddy said 9 lakh employees should know that they are also part of the government, and it was their duty to do good for the people. The Chief Minister told the employees that the state is facing a situation where it can't even go for borrowings and said that self-regulation is the solution in this difficult situation. He said he was appealing to the employees' unions not to mortgage the self-respect of the state onto the streets. He said that unions should not become pawns in the conspiracy of political parties to destabilise the government. The existing system will collapse if the employees hold dharnas with new demands. The Telangana society will not tolerate it if the employees forget their responsibility, he added. Lashing out at the previous government of BRS, he remarked that the person who caused economic destruction was now sleeping comfortably in the farmhouse. He pointed out that every month, Rs 7,000 crore was going towards repayment of loans taken by the previous government. He alleged that the BRS government kept pending Rs 8,500 crore retirement benefits of the employees. Kolkata, May 5 : The Calcutta High Court on Monday gave a verbal direction to Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Kolkata Police to refrain from demolishing rooftop eateries in Kolkata including bars, restaurants, and bar-cum-restaurants. Last week, the KMC ordered the immediate closure of rooftop eateries in the city in the backdrop of a devastating fire at a hotel at Madan Mohan Burman Street in central Kolkata which broke out on the night of April 29, killing a total of 15 people. Immediately after that announcement, stop-work notices were issued to such rooftop eateries owners and joint teams of KMC and city police also reached some of these establishments to demolish the rooftop structures there. However, the owners of such a rooftop establishment at Park Street approached Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Gaurang Kanth against the action and the matter came up for hearing on Monday. After a detailed hearing into the matter, Justice Kanth verbally directed the KMC and the city police to refrain from such demolition action till further orders. The counsel of the state government authorities also assured the court that no further action would be taken unless the orders from the court on this count were clear. The matter is likely to come up for a hearing on May 8. On Monday, the single-judge bench also questioned why the demolition initiative was undertaken by the state government authorities without serving proper notice to the authorities of the said establishment at Park Street. Last week, while announcing the decision for the immediate closure of all rooftop eateries in Kolkata, the city mayor, Firhad Hakim, said since the roof of any building is a common area, it cannot be sold or used for business purposes, like the ground floors. He also said that roofs are the last shelter for people trapped in buildings under fire in case the emergency exits of those buildings either do not exist or are non-functional for certain reasons. "We want to keep the options for that last shelter open and, hence, we have issued the order for immediate closure of all rooftop eateries," Hakim said. Chandigarh, May 5 : Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Monday pledged unwavering support to the AAP government in its critical mission to protect the state's water resources. Declaring water as the "soul of Punjab", Congress leader Bajwa clarified that this "is not a political issue but a matter of survival for the state's people, agriculture, and future". He called for a united front across all parties to defend Punjab's lifeline. Bajwa criticised the BJP-led Central government for policies that he said consistently undermine Punjab's interests. He highlighted historical and ongoing grievances, particularly citing the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, which he claims unfairly grants the Centre control over Punjab's river waters through clauses 78, 79, and 80. Bajwa demanded the immediate repeal of these clauses and the dissolution of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Act, arguing that they erode Punjab's autonomy over its water resources. Additionally, he urged the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to strongly oppose the Dam Safety Act, 2021, which he alleged centralises control over Punjab's critical dam infrastructure, such as the Bhakra and Pong Dams, further weakening the state's authority. Drawing inspiration from the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, enacted under the Congress-led government to assert Punjab's rights over its river waters, Bajwa called on the AAP government to adopt a similarly resolute stance. "Punjab's water is not just a resource, it is the lifeblood of our land, our farmers, and our identity," he said. Bajwa underscored the severity of Punjab's water crisis with alarming data. According to the Central Ground Water Board (2023), 80 per cent of Punjab's groundwater blocks are over-exploited, with the state's water table depleting at a rate of 0.5-1 metre annually in key agricultural districts. "Punjab, once India's breadbasket, contributing over 50 per cent of the nation's foodgrain procurement during the Green Revolution, now faces desertification. If we fail to act, our next generation will inherit a barren land," he warned. Bajwa also accused the BJP of systematically weakening India's federal structure. He referenced the repealed farm laws of 2020, which sparked widespread farmer protests, and the Agnipath scheme, which he claimed demoralizes Punjab's youth aspiring to serve in the armed forces. "The Centre's policies have repeatedly targeted Punjab's farmers, youth, and resources," he added. Jaipur, May 5 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday recovered Rs 20 lakh in bribe money linked to Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA Jaikrishna Patel, who represents the Bagidaura constituency in Banswara district. The legislator had allegedly handed over the money to his nephew, who later involved relatives in an attempt to conceal the cash. An official said that the bribe amount was initially passed from Patel to his nephew Rohit, who then involved a relative named Jaswant. "Rohit left the MLA's residence with the cash, which was then handed over to Jaswant with instructions to hide it. Jaswant, in turn, gave the money to another associate, Jagram, instructing him to conceal it as a property deal had not been finalised," the official said. He said that the ACB team, tracking the suspects through mobile surveillance, detained Jaswant and questioned him for over two hours. "He eventually revealed that the money had been buried at Jagram's residence in Indira Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur. The ACB team recovered the cash, which had been buried underground by the two men," the official said. On May 4, when the ACB team first reached Patel's residence, one person had fled with the money. Subsequent investigation and surveillance led to the eventual recovery. MLA Jaikrishna Patel was produced in an ACB court. The court granted a two-day remand for both Patel and his cousin. "I am being framed. I have done nothing wrong," Patel told reporters after the court hearing. He was then taken to the ACB headquarters for further questioning. The ACB has also seized CCTV footage from Patel's official quarters. The footage and server room are set to be examined by forensic experts from the FSL to trace the movement and involvement of all parties. The ACB ensured due diligence during the operation, including pre-marking Rs 500 notes from the same series, totalling Rs 20 lakh, retrieved from the bank with the complainant's assistance. This allowed the ACB to verify and trace the movement of the bribe money accurately. Reacting to the incident, former Udaipur MP Raghuvir Singh Meena condemned the MLA's actions. "This is a shameful act. Regardless of party affiliation, such incidents tarnish the image of politics. A first-time MLA being caught in a bribery case reflects poorly on the system," Meena said. He added, "When someone suddenly gains power and wealth, they often lose their sense of responsibility. Politics, society, and our region have been disgraced by this act. The law must take its course, and punishment should match the seriousness of the offence." United Nations, May 5 : Ahead of the UN Security Council meeting on India and Pakistan, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that it pains him that their ties have reached a "boiling point". "Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years", he said, calling on the two countries to step back from the brink. "It is also essential especially at this critical hour -- to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control". "I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April", he said. " It pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point" between the two countries. Condemning the terror attack, he said, "Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through transparent, credible, and lawful means". "It is also essential especially at this critical hour -- to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink", he warned. The Security Council is scheduled to hold a closed-door consultation on the situation in South Asia at the request of Pakistan. Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari, who is in charge of the Middle East and Asia Pacific in the UN's Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, is to brief the consultation. Because Pakistan, currently an elected member of the Council, asked for closed consultations, India will likely be shut out of it because, under Council procedures, countries that are not members are not allowed to participate in the closed-door meetings, which are also referred to as "consultations of the whole". Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a post on X that it will "formally apprise the UNSC of the latest developments in South Asia". The meetings are held informally in a side room, not in the Council chamber, and no records of the consultations are published. The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. in New York (12.30 a.m. Tuesday in India). The Resistance Front, an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, owned responsibility for the terrorist massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam. Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed: "We will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their supporters. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth." Guterres spoke to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last Tuesday to express "deep concern" over the rising tension between the two countries. Shillong, May 5 : To strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the state government has launched the Meghalaya Health Advancement Policy on Monday, an official said. As part of this initiative, non-profit hospitals in the state will receive financial support of Rs 2 crore each. The scheme was launched on Monday, with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma handing over the first instalment of Rs 1 crore each to Tura Christian Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital, Tura. "We will be supporting five not-for-profit hospitals across the state under this policy by providing financial aid to upgrade their infrastructure," the Chief Minister said. He stated that the funds can be used by hospitals to enhance critical infrastructure, construct additional rooms, purchase equipment, and more. "This support is a gesture of appreciation and a step toward sustainable healthcare," he added. The Chief Minister also informed that the second instalment will be released by the Health Department upon submission of the utilisation certificate for the first instalment. Praising hospitals run by missionaries and charitable organisations in the state, the Chief Minister said that the government's support is a token of gratitude for the services rendered by these institutions. "It is not just financial support; it is our sincere gesture of appreciation. Often, the tireless service of our healthcare workers, sisters, doctors, and hospital administrators goes unnoticed. Today, I want to personally thank each one of you for the difference you are making in our people's lives," he added. He said that in addition to the hospitals in Tura, the grant will also be sanctioned for hospitals in Jowai and Shillong. "The government is committed to supporting hospitals that have historically contributed to community service and health outreach, particularly in underserved regions," said the Chief Minister. Bengaluru, May 5 : A signature campaign has been launched urging the immediate deportation of Pakistani nationals residing in Karnataka. The signatures collected will be submitted as a memorandum to the Karnataka Governor. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy formally launched the campaign on Monday by signing a petition urging the immediate deportation of Pakistani nationals residing in the state and demanding that the Congress-led Karnataka government be directed to take action on the matter. Minister Shobha and Narayanaswamy also kick-started the campaign on the ground by collecting signatures from auto drivers and street vendors in the Malleswaram locality of Bengaluru. Speaking on the occasion, state convenor of various BJP cells S. Dattatri stated that when the BJP was in power in the state, such issues were taken seriously. He claimed that in Karnataka, too, there are hundreds of Pakistani nationals residing in every district. Earlier, speaking at a press conference at the state BJP office 'Jagannath Bhavan' in Bengaluru, MP and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje alleged that Karnataka is turning into a state of criminals. "Earlier, we used to talk from the southern part about how crimes happened daily in Bihar. But now Bihar is peaceful, while in Karnataka, one, two, even three or four murders are taking place every day," she stated. The Union Minister said that the doubt whether the state government in Karnataka is even alive or dead is not just among the people of the state, but that wherever they go, people ask, "What has happened to your state?" She criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that whenever he comes to power, Karnataka falls into the hands of criminals. Karandlaje accused the previous Congress government under CM Siddaramaiah in 2013 of withdrawing criminal cases during cabinet meetings. "At that time, organisations like PFI and KFD operated under various names. The government withdrew cases against those arrested in terror-related and anti-national cases, including the murder of RSS worker Rudresh," she alleged. She pointed out that recently, a police station was set on fire in Hubballi, and another was attacked in Mysuru. "Police officers were assaulted. Yet CM Siddaramaiah brought a proposal to the cabinet to withdraw 43 such cases. He is the one who has let anti-social elements and terrorists loose on the streets. People who should be in jail are roaming free, and he has emboldened them to commit crimes," she said. Karandlaje added that during Siddaramaiah's previous tenure, the state lost 23 Hindu youths and activists. "We had written to the NIA and Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding an investigation into the murders of Rudresh and Praveen Kumar Nettaru. The NIA found that several individuals having links with foreign countries, had undergone training abroad, and were hiding in different states after committing murders," Shobha said. She claimed that in areas like Mangaluru, Mysuru, Puttur, and Sullia, those who supported terrorist and anti-national activities and those who funded them were arrested and are now in jail. This, she said, provided the central government with strong evidence to ban the Popular Front of India (PFI). "We had demanded the ban, but the Centre lacked sufficient proof and proper cases at the time. It was the investigation into Praveen Kumar Nettaru's case that exposed PFI's involvement, leading to the ban," she explained. Karandlaje further alleged that many PFI workers have now joined the political outfit SDPI. "Because of Siddaramaiah's support and withdrawal of cases, all those criminals are once again involved in murders," she claimed. Aizawl/Imphal, May 5 : Mizoram Police in one of the biggest-ever single hauls has seized drugs valued at around Rs 30.72 crore in the state's Champhai district near the Myanmar border and arrested two persons, officials said on Monday. A police official said that the police have seized more than two crore highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, weighing 236.33 kg, and valued at around Rs 30.72 crore late on Sunday night at Vanzau village in Champhai district near the Myanmar border. He said that acting on specific intelligence inputs, police intercepted a vehicle travelling from Thinghrangkawn to Bungzung, both border villages in Champhai district. "Upon thorough searches, the drugs were found inside the vehicle. The two drug peddlers, identified as Laltanpuia (30) and Vanropuia (27), both residents of bordering Champhai town, were arrested," he said. The official said a case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He said that the drugs were smuggled from Myanmar and intended to ferry them for consumption elsewhere in India or abroad, including metropolitan cities and international markets where demand for methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba or party tablets, is rising. In another incident, the security forces seized around 1.3 kg of heroin in Manipur's Churachandpur district. A police official said in Imphal that acting on a tip-off, the Assam Rifles troops and Manipur Police intercepted a vehicle and seized the heroin concealed in 108 soap cases. One person, identified as 29-year-old Letminthang, a resident of Chehjang village in Chandel district, was apprehended. Police suspect that the drugs were being transported from Myanmar to Assam's Silchar via Churachandpur. Manipur's Churachandpur district shares an unfenced border with both Myanmar and Mizoram. Gurugram, May 5 : A cybercrime police team of the Gurugram Police arrested 16 suspects in cyber fraud cases and disclosed fraud of about Rs 44.4 crore across India, police said on Monday. The arrested were identified as Vipin, Manvinder, Sachin aka Ashu, Prashant, Krishna, Praveen, Narender, Anshu Mishra, Avinash, Jitu, Pradeep Kumar Arora alias Peter alias Banti, Arun, Aditya Kumar alias Anish, Manoj Bhardwaj, Ajay Kumar Sharma, and Samar Singh Gurjar. An official said that the accused were arrested between December 2024 and April 30 from across India, police said. He said that after reviewing the data of the 12 mobile phones and 1 SIM card recovered from the accused by the police from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordinate Center (I4C), it was found that the accused were involved in fraud of about Rs 44.4 crore, and around 10,697 complaints were registered against them across India. He further added that 379 cyber fraud cases were registered against 16 unknown suspects across India, of which around 25 cases were registered in Haryana, and five of those cases were registered against them with the Gurugram in different cybercrime police stations. ACP (DLF/Cyber Crime) Vikas Kaushik of the Gurugram Police said that information related to mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, or other electronic devices recovered from the accused in any cybercrime case is shared by the Gurugram Cyber Police with the Indian Cyber Crime Co-ordinate Centre. "While obtaining information related to mobile phones/SIM cards/laptops or other electronic devices/equipment and to know how many fraud incidents have been committed by these accused, we found that they had duped multiple people worth Rs 44.4 crore while using 12 mobile phones," the ACP said. He said that the accused duped the people with fake websites, sextortion, digital arrests, investment fraud, posing as fake officials, and fake profiles. "Further action is being taken regularly on the information obtained by examining the devices recovered from the arrested cyber fraudsters by the Gurugram Police," he added. Kolkata, May 5 : The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday said that it has taken urgent cognisance of a plea from the widows of Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das, the father and the son killed at Samserganj in Murshidabad district of West Bengal last month following communal violence and riot-like situation over protests against Waqf (Amendment) Act. According to a statement by the NCW on Monday, the letter sent by the widows to Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar was not merely a complaint but a desperate cry for justice, written by two grieving women forced into hiding, haunted by loss, and terrified of the very system meant to protect them. One complainant is the widow of Hargobindo Das (father) and the other is the widow of Chandan Das (son). The two women share daughter-in-law and mom-in-law relation. "According to their letter, instead of receiving justice, they allege persecution. Instead of protection, they face threats and coercion to appear at a political eventan act they consider deeply insensitive to their grief and against their will. The letter recounts a chilling episode in which their temporary shelter in Kolkata was allegedly stormed by a large contingent of male police officers, who reportedly broke down doors, damaged property, and attempted to detain themwithout presenting any legal documentation, without the presence of female police personnel, and without regard for their dignity," the NCW statement read. The NCW has also informed to have written to the West Bengal director general of police demanding an immediate report on the incident and an explanation regarding the role of the police in this matter. "The Commission has also summoned the concerned officials named in the complaint to appear for a personal hearing before it on 9th May 2025 at 11:00 AM. Any violation of women's dignityespecially in moments of deep vulnerabilitywill not be tolerated," the NCW statement read. The root of the complaint lies in the sudden police action on Sunday night at a safe house at Salt Lake on the northern outskirts of Kolkata where the family members of the slain father and son had recently taken shelter. On Sunday night suddenly a team of police personnel from Bidhannagar City Police reached that safe-house. The family members accused the police of entering the safe house by breaking open the door and trying to forcefully take them away from the place. However, on being informed, a group of BJP activists led by party councillor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sajal Ghosh and state party leader Kaustav Bhattacharya reached the spot. After a heated exchange of words between the cops and the BJP leaders, the policemen left the spot. The cops denied the allegations that they tried to forcefully take away the family members from that safe house. Instead, the cops claimed that they reached the spot to rescue them since a complaint was filed on Saturday evening that these family members had been abducted. However, the family members denied the claims by the police and claimed they voluntarily came to the safe house. They also alleged that the cops wanted to take them away from the safe house so that they could be presented at a meeting of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Murshidabad on Tuesday much against their wishes. Earlier in the day, the widows had also filed a petition at Calcutta High Court complaining of Police excesses. Guwahati, May 5 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to publicly state in Parliament whether MPs from his party are permitted to visit Pakistan. The remark came as Sarma continued his criticism of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, alleging connections between Gogoi and the neighbouring country. Sarma insisted that traveling to Pakistan amounts to a serious offence and warned of "strict action" against Gogoi, claiming he has evidence of the Congress MP's previous visit to Pakistan. The Chief Minister also hinted at further controversy, saying there is a "deeper story" behind Gogoi's children reportedly not being Indian citizens, and promised to expose more details by September 10. The BJP and Sarma have repeatedly targeted Gogoi over his British wife's alleged ties to Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI. Sarma has alleged that Gogoi spent 15 days in Pakistan without notifying Indian authorities. While interacting with reporters during a Panchayat election campaign rally, Sarma was asked whether visiting Pakistan constitutes a crime. He responded: "It is a serious offence. He not only visited Pakistan but also held a meeting with a Pakistani military official. Strict measures will be taken." Sarma stated he is delaying formal action until September, as documentation from Pakistan and the UK needs to be gathered to substantiate the claims. "I need to show proof to the public otherwise, they won't believe me," he said. The Chief Minister also pressed Rahul Gandhi to take a clear stand, asking whether Congress considers it acceptable for its MPs to travel to Pakistan. "I want Rahul Gandhi to say in Parliament whether it's alright for Congress MPs to visit Pakistan. Let's see if he has the courage to make that statement," Sarma said. A day earlier, Sarma had announced plans to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to question the party's decision to nominate Gogoi as a candidate. Back in March, Sarma had stated that the state government might request assistance from international agencies such as Interpol to investigate alleged interference by Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. Sheikh, said to have ties with Gogoi's wife Elizabeth Colburn, is accused of meddling in India's domestic affairs. He previously served as an advisor to Pakistan's Planning Commission and worked with Colburn in a professional capacity. He has been charged under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sarma again emphasised the unresolved issue of Gogoi's children's citizenship, reiterating that there is more to be disclosed. New Delhi, May 5 : Posts circulating on social media alleging that India asked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to cut funding for Pakistan are "baseless and untrue", the government said on Monday. New Delhi, May 5 (IANS) Posts circulating on social media alleging that India asked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to cut funding for Pakistan are "baseless and untrue", the government said on Monday. Reports earlier claimed that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a meeting with ADB President Masato Kanda, demanded that the bank cut funding for Pakistan. However, a Finance Ministry clarification said that reports claiming that FM Sitharaman had discussed any Pakistan-related issues with Kanda were "baseless and untrue." Later, PIB Fact Check on X also said that this claim is "completely fake and India has not made any such request." "Beware! Trust only official government sources for credible Information," said the PIB Fact Check post on X. ADB President Kanda, in his meeting with Union Finance Minister, expressed the Bank's full support to India's development priorities, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. FM Sitharaman also reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem. "The Union Finance Minister reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem through bold initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Corporate Tax Rate Reduction and GST implementation, Production-Linked Incentives, National Infrastructure Pipeline, GatiShakti National Master Plan and Startup India, among others, for greater Ease of Doing Business," the Finance Ministry said in a statement. Sitharaman also emphasised that India offers opportunities for ADB to pilot new, innovative financing products and models. "Kanda expressed ADB's full support to India's development priorities, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," the ministry added. FM Sitharaman also met her Italian counterpart Giancarlo Giorgetti, on the sidelines of the 58th ADB Annual Meeting, and explored ways to strengthen India-Italy economic ties and enhance cooperation in global and multilateral platforms on issues of mutual interest. With summer at our doorstep and extreme heat becoming a growing public health concern in Arizona, Cool Relief Rentals, a female-owned company founded by a mother/daughter duo, Hannah Perrine and Elizabeth Hillestad is launching today. The company provides same-day delivery of portable air conditioning units to keep Phoenix area families and pets safe and cool during almost inevitable air conditioning breakdowns. Cool Relief Rentals was created out of necessity when it's founder, Hannah, a 29-year old Scottsdale native, experienced an air conditioning outage in 2024 during a massive heatwave. Finding no good alternatives for temporary cooling, she decided to build the solution. PHOENIX, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Young Entepreneur Brings Cool Relief to Phoenix With summer at our doorstep and extreme heat becoming a growing public health concern in Arizona, Cool Relief Rentals, a female-owned company founded by a mother/daughter duo, Hannah Perrine and Elizabeth Hillestad is launching today. The company provides same-day delivery of portable air conditioning units to keep Phoenix area families and pets safe and cool during almost inevitable air conditioning breakdowns. Cool Relief Rentals was created out of necessity when it's founder, Hannah, a 29-year old Scottsdale native, experienced an air conditioning outage in 2024 during a massive heatwave. Finding no good alternatives for temporary cooling, she decided to build the solution. While unusual for a young woman to enter the air conditioning business, Hannah, who is committed to climate resilience is also passionate about community well-being. "I've learned that extreme heat isn't just uncomfortableit's life-threatening," said Hannah Perrine, Founder and CEO of Cool Relief Rentals. "Ahead of what is expected to be another scorching summer, we are thrilled to launch our new company and are also eager to help our community. As we get off the ground, we intend to take steps towards helping vulnerable residents get the relief they need to stay safe and healthy." In tandem with its launch, Cool Relief Rentals is creating a community outreach initiative dubbed "Cool Homes, Safe Lives," which aims to provide relief to the city's most vulnerable populations, including seniors, children, and individuals without access to functioning cooling systems. "We will be donating portable AC units to be distributed through partnerships with organizations working to assist residents in need deal with heat relief," Perrine explained. In 2024, there were 602 heat related deaths in Maricopa County. While most occurred outdoors, of those that occurred indoors, 70% were in homes where air conditioning systems were present, but non-functional. Maricopa County Heat Facts With the urban heat island effect, combined with the rapidly warming climate of the Sonoran Desert, Maricopa County, the fourth-largest county in the U.S., has experienced a dramatic rise in extreme heat days over the past three decades. Phoenix is now the hottest city in the nation, with average summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100F, and 2024 marking a record-breaking 113 consecutive days above 100F. The increase in extreme heat daysnow averaging 42 annually above 110Fhas highlighted the need for solutions, like Cool Relief Rentals, to keep people cool and safe in their homes during the hottest months of the year. With the heat-related death toll in Maricopa County rising year after year, businesses like Cool Relief who are committed to providing affordable solutions to addressing the Valley's extreme heat, along with community outreach efforts to prevent further loss of life are critical. Phoenix Heat History* In the 1950s, the number of days with extreme heat (over 110) was 7 days annually. By the 2010s, Phoenix averaged 27 days when temperatures reached at least 110. Since 2021, Phoenix has averaged 42 days a year at 110 or hotter. In 2020, Phoenix had 145 days with temperatures over 100. The average high temperature in the summer of 2023 was 105 F The average daily temperature in summer of 2023 was 95.2F In 2023, Phoenix had 158 days of extreme heat (over 95), which is 40% of the year, and 55 days over 110 2024 Phoenix endured 113 CONSECUTIVE days at or over 100, the longest streak ever recorded. 70 of those days were at or above 110 (the average is just 21 days). In 2024 broke or tied daily records for 21 straight days at or above 100 into October. *Source: National Weather Service www.weather.gov For more information about Cool Relief Rentals, please visit www.CoolReliefRentals.com or contact 602-341-5517 or email [email protected] Media Contact Elizabeth Hillestad, Cool Relief Rentals, 1 6027709217, [email protected], https://coolreliefrentals.com/ SOURCE Cool Relief Rentals For decades, Americans have thought of censorship and cultural oppression as outward problems, with an impact felt mostly in countries other than the United States. But with such free expression groups as PEN America characterizing the first 100 days of the second Trump administration as a five-alarm fire for free speech, its clear that censorship is an increasingly significant problem in the U.S.as well as its neighbors in Latin America. Last month, Princeton University Press (PUP) convened a one day event to discuss the state of publishing in Latin America today. Brigitta von Rheinberg of PUP, Cristobal Pera from Planeta USA, Sayri Karp of Editorial Universidad de Guadalajara, and Nicolas Cuellar from the independent Mexico Citybased Dharma Books sat on a panel to discuss how politics are impacting their publishing practices. "Stay calm, focused, carry on," said von Rheinberg, associate director of PUP and director of global development, invoking the British wartime motto when asked how publishers should handle today's political climate. "Speak up where you can and as long as you can. Nobody's life is in danger yet, at least not oursyes, other people's are, unfortunatelybut we must not self-censor before something has even happened." Self-censorship emerged as one of the primary concerns among panelists. Pera, VP and publisher of Planeta USA and recently appointed board member at PUP, identified it as "the most dangerous [form of censorship], because it is one that people might fall into inadvertently." Pera heads up Planeta's bilingual publishing collaboration with PUP, which launched in 2024 with Puerto Rico: A National History by Jorell Melendez-Badillo. He emphasized the importance of publishing as an extension of free expression: "We speak as publishers through the books that we decide to publish, one book at a time." The conversation revealed stark contrasts between publishing environments. While Princeton operates with relative freedom from government interferenceso far, at leastLatin American publishers described more direct threats to intellectual autonomy. "In Mexico, most universities are state universities," Karp, who runs the university press at the University of Guadalajara, explained. "In the name of most of these universities, we have the word 'autonomous.' What's happening since the last president [of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador], and this new president, [Claudia Sheinbaum], is that universities have been living a crisis. The government doesn't want the universities to be there." Karp, who served as president of the Association of Latin American and Caribbean University Presses from 2015 to 2023 and received the Ruben Bonifaz Nuno University Presses Award in 2018, described a recent conflict where the state government attempted to withhold funding from the University of Guadalajara, intending to build a hospital instead. "Everybody was saying, 'Of course we need a hospital,' but there are two different things," she said. "He can build the hospital and also give the money to the university." For independent literary publishers, economic constraints function as "passive censorship," said Dharmas Cuellar, who cofounded the small press in 2016 with Raul Padilla, the late former dean of the University of Guadalajara and president of the Guadalajara International Book Fair. Since then, Dharma has put out more than 70 titles from award-winning authorsincluding Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and Man Booker Prize winnersdespite financial challenges. "It's not like someone is shutting us down," Cuellar said. "But it's the ecosystem that is harder for us to publish all the books that we want to publish." Politics impacts book choices Often, the panelists agreed, political climates have an affect on title acquisition at their presses. Von Rheinberg noted that a number of Princeton's recent titles directly engage with contemporary political sociocultural debates, pointing to such works as Sex as a Spectrum: The Biological Limits of the Binary by Agustin Fuentes, The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters by economist Diane Coyle, and We Have Never Been Woke by Musa al-Gharbi as examples. In COVID's Wake: How Politics Failed Us, by Steve Medema and Francis Lee, and AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Cant, and How to Tell the Difference by Princeton computer scientists Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor, she added, were among recent bestselling titles for the publisher that engage with pressing current events. At the University of Guadalajara, Karp said, the press has published a list of 25 titles focusing on crises in Latin Americathe product of a collaboration between four German universities and such Latin American institutions as Universidad de Costa Rica, FLACSO Ecuador, and Universidad Nacional de San Martin in Buenos Aires. "We talk about economic crisis, political crisis in all the different countries in Latin America, environmental crisis, educational crisis," Karp said. "The most important thing about these books is that they not only criticize what's going on, they give strategies to work with." When asked about responsibility in publishing controversial material, Cuellar reframed the question, asking instead, "How do you see, as an editor or a publisher, the vision that you have for your catalog? Why do you think that book is necessary for the public? What do you think that book will bring to the conversation?" To explore the question, Cuellar pointed to a contentious case involving Anagrama's book El odio (Hate), a book by journalist Luisge Martin about Jose Breton, a man who killed his two young children in 2011; the book was withdrawn from publication this month after the mother of the slain children won a court battle to block the book, saying it violated her childrens rights. Cuellar noted that one of the issues with the book is that the journalist failed to properly interview the family of victims, but then questioned whether that responsibility ultimately lies with the publisher or the author. Publishing comes with threats Pera shared experiences from his time as publishing director of Random House Mexico from 2006 to 2016, recalling how government contracts influenced editorial decisions at many publishing houses. He described how, upon arriving in Mexico from his native Spain, he was approached about publishing journalist Carmen Aristegui's book about presidential candidates including Manuel Lopez Obrador and Felipe Calderon after another publisher rejected it due to potential controversy. "[The other publisher] had big business with the government because a big part of their production was making books for the government," Pera said. "What happened is that they said, 'Now we cannot publish this book because it's going to be very controversial.' This is an example of how the ties with governments in Latin America can make you self-censor your own list." The safety of authors also emerged as a concern. "I had not one but several authors that had to come to my office in Mexico to talk about their new book with bodyguards," Pera said. "The threats could be from the narcos, but also in many cases from the government." He specifically mentioned journalists Lydia Cacho and Anabel Hernandez, who required security protection provided by the city when meeting with publishers. Despite these challenges, the panelists expressed optimism about publishing's future. "I think the future is strong," von Rheinberg said. I think our strength is our people and our people are amazing." She pointed to PUP's expansion into China with the 2017 opening of an office in Beijing as "a crucial milestone to build a thriving global university press," and discussed ongoing work with their Chinese colleague Lingxi Li, managing director of PUP China, in forging connections with the Chinese academy. For Cuellar, the future of independent publishing in Mexico depends on improved distribution. He described the model employed in Denmark, where "all the publishing houses own the distribution company" and operate it together, suggesting this as a potential path forward. Pera said he is sanguine at, and even impressed by, the opportunities offered by the Spanish-language market in the U.S. "Spanish book sales are growing steadily in the United States, much more than English proportionally," he said. "In the past few years, it has been growing at a rate of 20% more than the previous year, and this is big." This growth, Pera added, comes at an important moment. "When the White House shuts down its website in Spanish, when they decide that the only official language is English...my answer is to point to facts" about the growth of Spanish-language books, he said. Pera emphasized that young adult books are driving much of this growth, suggesting a promising future for Spanish-language readers in the U.S. The panel concluded with each publisher highlighting projects they're particularly proud of. Cuellar celebrated Dharma's publication of Argentine author Ariana Harwicz, whose novel Die, My Love will soon be adapted for film. He also noted the success of the press's poetry program, which has sold out of all its first editions. Karp pointed to a collaborative collection of books focused on music kicking off with Cumbia Somos by Enrique Blanc, which covers a popular Latin American music genre. The books are being published in partnership with several university presses, including those at Universidad del Rosario in Colombia, La Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Chiles Universidad Catolica, and Universidad de Buenos Aires. For its part, PUP plans to continue fostering the debate and discussion about important issues in publishing. To end the talk, von Rheinberg highlighted Princeton's lecture series partnerships with universities in China, where the Princeton Wenyan Lectures are cosponsored with Peking University and will debuted during this years Beijing Book Fair. The university also recently announced its Latin American Global Lecture series, produced by the Colegio de Mexico and Princeton's Latin American Studies Program, where Mexican author Cristina Rivera Garza will be the inaugural speaker later this year. The 2025 Met Gala will host some of your favorite Bollywood stars tonight. Read More: 9 Top Middle Eastern Artists You Need to Know Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will grace the red carpet in Sabyasachi, according to media reports. Global star, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, will be returning to the Met for her fifth time in Balman and Bulgari, according to news reports. Bollywood actress and mommy-to-be, Kiara Advani, will debut at the Met in Gaurav Gupta. Read More: Argentina Could Return to Qatar for Friendly Match This Nov Punjabi music sensation and actor Diljit Dosanjh will also debut at the Met this year in Prabal Gurung. Other famous personalities attending the Met Gala this year will include Mukesh Ambani's daughter, Isha Ambani; Natasha Poonawalla; and entrepreneur and philanthropist Mona Patel. Met Gala 2025 The 2025 Met Gala celebrates the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," spotlighting the rich legacy of Black dandyism and its influence on menswear. The dress code, "Tailored for You," invites attendees to express personal interpretations of classic tailoring, with nods to zoot suits, Congolese sapeur fashion, and other menswear traditions. Co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary chair, the event underscores a commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of Black fashion heritage. The No. 1 Mk III Short Magazine Lee Enfield or SMLE, often loving referred to as the Smelly was a magazine-fed bolt-action rifle manufactured in various guises (some before the Mk III designation) from 1895 until 1957. It was manufactured by multiple countries and many manufacturers including but not limited to Birmingham Small Arms in Britain, Lithgow in Australia (this one), and Ishapore in India. Its active service predates World War I, and it can still be found in use in Africa and Asia by various irregular forces, and some police units. Although many have been surplused, some countries still maintain them in storage. The makers stamp on the butt socket of this SMLE denotes it was born in Australia during the closing months of World War I. It may have travelled to France, then conceivably Russia, Armenia, Egypt, and the Solomon Islands, before returning to Europe for round two. The SMLE was designed with a 10-round detachable box magazine. However, it was meant to be fed via five-round stripper clips. The stripper clip guide facilitated easy, fast, and reliable loading via the top of the receiver. While there was a bewildering variety of ammunition types manufactured in .303 British from blank, to tracer, to armor piercing, incendiary, etc., the most common type encountered on the surplus market is Mk VII or Mk VIII ball of one variant or another. Most of this was issued in bandoliers of 50 rounds, each of which contained seven loaded clips. There were more manufacturers of the ammunition than the rifles. The SMLEs distinctive nose cap provided not only protection for the front sight, but also a bayonet mount. The United States produced significant quantities of .303 in both WWI and WWII. Cordite is the most common propellant encountered in surplus ammo, and the quality of the ammo from beginning to end is incredibly variable. Varying storage conditions and propellant type, combined with dubious original quality can create some interesting range performance in 2025 with surplus ammo. Most of it is also highly corrosive. This has led to many surplus rifles having a sewer pipe for a bore due to poor maintenance in some countries. Cocking piece on the tail of the firing pin gave a visual and tactile indication of the weapons condition, and had a half-cock position as an additional safety. The SMLEs action was cock-on-closing, and this made it very fast, leading to legends regarding the mad-minute and often very inflated boasts of how many rounds the best riflemen could put up the spout in 60 seconds. Twenty to 30, still quite a bit for a bolt gun, was often achievable with practice, and some legends quote over 50, which is difficult to believe but not quite out of the realm of possibility in singular circumstances. Considering that the British Army in particular used to pay bonuses for better musketry scores and was at one time somewhat liberal with ammunition for practice, a high average volume of fire was generally achieved by the Contemptible Little Army that went to war in 1914. Whether or not the Germans actually believed the British all had some sort of automatic rifle or machine gun is up for debate. At any rate, early rifles also had a magazine cutoff to keep troops from burning through ammo too fast without permission. The stripper clip guide was cut into the receivers rear bridge, and while its 10-round magazine was removable, soldiers were not issued spares. SOP was to run through the first 10 rounds, then load five rounds at a time via stripper clip to get back into the fight quickly. The SMLE almost didnt make it to the trenches in WWI, where it gained fame for its reliability, speed, and accuracy. Prior to the war, experiences in South Africa against the Boers led to considerable reconsideration of the design. Many tried to blame the difficulties with the Boers on technical issues (the Enfield design) vis-a-vis the Mauser, rather than often poor handling of the army in the challenging African environment against a skilled opponent. The Pattern 14 or P14 Enfield was a design that was under consideration to replace the SMLE. Far too few were produced prior to WWI to make the transition, and the SMLEs performance during the war was enough not only to secure its place in service, but to some extent legend due to its speed of operation and practical accuracy. The 10-round magazines feed lips are quite fragile when out of the rifle one of the reasons stripper clips were the preferred method of reloading. Early Lee Enfields had the magazine chained to the gun so its user wouldnt lose it not the best option for a swift mag change. The sights are excellent for target work but can be limiting in the dark. The bunny ear sight protectors give the design its distinctive look and indeed do a good job in protecting the rather thin front sight blades. Until 1915, most SMLEs had volley sights installed, but this rifle manufactured in 1918 never had them. Individual aimed fire was effective to about 600 yards, though longer shots could be achieved, and en masse, .303 fire was effective at 700 to 800 yards from rifles, which the Soviets experienced when they invaded Afghanistan. Ironically, it was mostly fire from .303 Enfields at extended ranges that encouraged the Soviets to increase the complement of SVDs in rifle companies rather early in the invasion. Sights are robust and regulated for the ball ammunition in use at the time typically MkVII with its 174-grain bullet, launched at 2,450 fps. The Lithgow-made rifles are of very high quality, and the Australians prided themselves in making their rifles faster and generally more accurate on average than the other manufacturers, and less expensively. If you only want one to shoot, try to find a Lithgow. In general, the bores of most imported Lithgows, having stayed mostly in Australian hands for their lives, are very good. British-made rifles are also of excellent quality. Some of the other manufacturers are a mixed bag. All need to be carefully inspected before purchase. Designed from the outset as a fighting rifle, the No1 MkIII lacks some of the refinement of the 03 Springfield, particularly regarding its sights, but was as reliable as a ball-peen hammer. Prices are now quite high for what used to be a very affordable rifle. In the early to mid 90s, they could be had all day long for $40, and even through the early 2000s prices rarely exceeded $250 or so. The SMLE, although incredibly plentiful in the wild, are now generally $600 or more at a minimum although, deals can still be found. Accessories are plentiful but beware of the surplus ammo. Its generally better to keep it for display and shoot modern production ammunition. Most homeowners in Billings can count on a savings of at least a few hundred dollars next year, thanks to the property tax relief package that passed through the Legislature last week. But the landmark reform Montana lawmakers delivered for residents comes as an antithesis of relief for the states largest city. The new legislation Senate Bill 542 and House Bill 231 will reduce the citys property tax revenue, leaving Billings in a double bind with tough choices to make on a tight deadline. Billings Finance Director Andy Zoeller said the preliminary 2026 budget was built assuming a 4% increase in property tax revenue over 2025. With the new legislation, it now needs to be reduced by at least $2.3 million to remain revenue neutral for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts July 1. But depending on which direction the city council ultimately decides to take, much deeper cuts might be necessary. The city will have to cut current spending by about $10 million to avoid overriding the will of local voters and violating the city charter, which limits the amount the city can collect through tax levies by capping the number of mills. Theres no doubt, itd be distasteful to do anything inconsistent with our charter, Mayor Bill Cole said. However, he said, standing up for the will of local voters despite the state mandate would come with painful cuts that could have catastrophic consequences for the city. But theres no reason we need to jump off that cliff, he said. The new legislation provides an out for the city. Both HB 231 and SB 542 contain provisions that direct the city to increase the number of mills in 2026 and future years to generate the same amount of property tax revenue it had in 2025. If the city follows along with the legislation and levies the number of mills needed to maintain 2025 property tax revenue, the income would remain flat at $55.3 million for the upcoming fiscal year, Zoeller said. In 2027, estimated revenue would drop about $1.2 million. If the council decides to go with the option provided by the Legislature, the average Billings homeowner would see an annual property tax savings of about $205 in 2026 and 2027. Thats just for the citys portion of the bill, which is typically about 30% of the total. Zoeller said property owners are likely to see reductions from the state, county and other local taxing districts, too. If the city decides to stick to the limit voters imposed in the charter, despite state law, the average Billings homeowner would save another $100 annually over the next two years, Zoeller said. But the extra property tax savings would come at a cost. The city would have to reduce spending by $8.6 million in the 2026 budget and cut another $1 million the following year. If Billings applied a $10 million loss in revenue proportionately to current spending, it would mean cutting about $3.7 million from police and around $3.1 million for fire and emergency services, Zoeller said. Other city departments, including parks, courts, legal, the library and MET Transit, would face six-figure budget reductions, too. Zoeller said he doesnt think thats the approach the city would take, but he wanted to provide context to help inform the council's decision. The city could also put a measure on the ballot asking voters to amend the charter to allow Billings to keep property tax revenue flat relative to 2025. To effect a change in 2026 tax revenue, a special election would need to take place before Sept. 4. Regardless of which way we go, the council has some very, very challenging decisions to make, Zoeller said. No matter what, City Administrator Chris Kukulski said, Billings residents will undoubtedly benefit from the tax relief the legislature approved. Hes been managing cities across Montana, including Bozeman and Kalispell, for more than two decades. Over the years, he said, state lawmakers have been shifting the tax burden from big businesses, leaving residents to pick up the load. This year, Kukulski said, the Legislature started to reverse the longstanding trend, by raising taxes on larger businesses, commercial properties, short-term rentals and second homes, while giving Montana homeowners and landlords a break. The city council was set to start its budget work sessions this week. Now, the council plans to analyze the new tax law and come up with a plan to move forward during its meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at City Hall. The budget sessions have been rescheduled to May 19 and 20 and June 2 and 3. The council is expected to adopt a preliminary 2026 budget in mid-June and finalize it in August. The Clarke Middle Health Center hosted its ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 1, welcoming a crowd of dozens of medical staff, students and community members to visit and tour the primary care teaching clinics new permanent location. The CMHCs prior location was between the campuses of Clarke Middle and Bettye Henderson Holston Elementary schools, with the new placement being inside the middle schools building. Chinese import tariffs have unwittingly come to Indias assistance to help boost imports of US liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at rates cheaper than what it pays for supplies from West Asia, according to industry sources and shipping data. A tank containing liquefied petroleum gas is unloaded from a ship. Photograph: Willy Kurniawan/Reuters After stepping up crude imports and tying up US liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, Indian state-run oil companies are evaluating options for LPG imports from the US in July, directly under term contract arrangements when they begin talks to secure shipments of the cooking fuel for 2026, top refining sources told Business Standard. Talks are also on to secure cheap US LPG in the immediate term in exchange for contracted West Asian supplies. India is a $12 billion LPG market, equivalent to a third of its trade surplus with the US for 2024. India's LPG market is dominated by supplies from United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The advent of US LPG will enhance Indias security of supply for a sensitive fuel, used in kitchens across the nation, an official said. India imported around 20.8 million tonnes of LPG, around 66 per cent of its needs, in 2024-25, according to oil ministry data. The US share was negligible. Cheap US LPG is flooding the market, an official from a state refiner said, adding that with the right discounts US suppliers could capture a large portion of the Indian LPG market, just as discounted Russian oil gobbled up 40 per cent of Indias crude oil import business after the war in Ukraine and accompanying sanctions, the official said. It depends on how long the Chinese import tariffs last, another official said. The availability of US LPG was driven by the steep 145 per cent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration last month on most Chinese imports, leading to China retaliating with a 125 per cent charge on US purchases. The import tax increased costs for Chinese LPG importers, forcing them to turn to West Asia for supplies. The US accounted for half of Chinas LPG imports in 2024 at 18 million tonnes, ship tracking data shows. Trade talks Indias resolve to step up imports of US LPG will help boost its bargaining position in ongoing trade talks with the US. The Trump administration has singled India out over two issues high tariffs and non-tariff barriers and a huge trade surplus. LPG, together with enhanced crude and LNG purchases may help address the second concern, a government official said. India bought a combined 2 million tonnes of LPG during Trumps first term in the 2019-21 period, before purchases plunged in 2022-24 during the Biden administration by more than half. Signs of higher US energy purchases are already visible. Indian Oil, Gail India, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum have together tied up around 10 million tonnes LNG on a cumulative basis over five years, company officials said. These volumes, equivalent to around 35 percent of Indias annual LNG imports, have been secured at prices linked to US gas benchmark Henry Hub, sending a message to the Trump administration that India is serious about US LNG imports. It is unclear, however, if all the LNG will be sourced from US projects. LPG, which is a blend of propane and butane. is produced duing the refining process and is also available while extracting natural gas; LNG is natural gas liquefied at -162 degree centigrade for ease of transportation. Both fuels are used for cooking, transport and industries. US LPG imports may also increase in the next few months, industry officials said. Supplies may surge to 230,000 tonnes in May compared to a combined 24,000 tonnes in the January-April period, according to estimates based on ship tracking data from market intelligence agency Kpler. A refining source dismissed the estimates as very optimistic but said that they expected higher shipments in June and July. Indian Oil secured a cargo of US LPG recently at a discount of around $15 per tonne compared to what it would pay for West Asian supplies, a trader said. There could be more of such transactions where Indian refiners get to save as much as $20 per tonne, around 2-3 per cent of the cargo cost, the refining source said. Typically, Indias LPG sourcing contracts are pegged to the Saudi LPG contract price, announced every month. Shipments are on a freight on board (FOB) basis and India sends its ships to pick up the cargoes. For US LPG, the traders will deliver to India at rates that India pays for West Asian cargo on FOB terms, thereby enabling savings on transport costs, the official explained. Cheaper US LPG will also help state-run refiners, led by Indian Oil, to reduce losses on domestic LPG sales. LPG under recovery for Indian Oil for the January-March quarter was 5,600 crore, with 2024-25 revenue losses at 19,900 crore. Targets should avoid panicking and hang up. 'Disconnecting stops the scammers from building psychological pressure.' An 86-year-old Mumbai resident was held under digital arrest for two months, during which Rs 20 crore was extorted from her, according to a recent media report. She was accused of money laundering, forced to attend fake court proceedings online, and ordered to remain at home, with the scammers checking every three hours to ensure compliance. How the scam operates Fraudsters contact potential victims through calls or messages, posing as officials from the police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate, or the Income-Tax Department. "Victims are accused of crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking, cyber fraud, tax evasion," says Ranjeeth Bellary, partner, EY India forensic and integrity services - cyber forensics. Scammers cite personal details such as Aadhaar number, Permanent Account Number (PAN), and bank information to appear credible. Fake arrest warrants and legal notices are sent via SMS or WhatsApp. Some use deepfake videos to replicate a police station setting. Victims are forced to remain on video calls. "The scammers may ask the victims to stay under digital house arrest and cut off communication with the family," says Akshay Garkel, partner, Grant Thornton Bharat. They are threatened with arrest if they disconnect the call. Finally, they are asked to pay to avoid arrest or coerced into revealing sensitive financial information. Elderly individuals, who are often less aware of cyber scams, are typical targets. Red flags Fraudsters typically contact potential victims via online platforms. "Genuine law enforcement officials do not arrest or investigate people via phone calls, e-mails, or social media messages," says Garkel. Allegations are intimidating but unspecific. "They also demand rapid compliance. Their threats escalate if the victim hesitates," says Supratim Chakraborty, partner, Khaitan & Co. Scammers also insist on secrecy. Victims are told not to inform family or friends. Bellary says that the reason cited for maintaining secrecy is that the case involves national security or that sharing information risks compromising the investigation. Chakraborty informs that scammers request payments through untraceable methods like gift cards and cryptocurrencies. Fake documents used in such scams often contain errors. "Spelling errors, unofficial e-mail domains, and a refusal to meet in person indicate fraud," adds Garkel. How to respond Targets should avoid panicking and hang up if the caller appears suspicious. "Disconnecting stops the scammers from building psychological pressure," says Prashant Mali, cyber law expert and advocate, Bombay high court. Confronting the caller is another option. "If the person claims to be a law enforcement officer, ask for their government-issued ID card or number. "Also, request a copy of the summons or warrant," says Chakraborty. If these details are not provided, treat the call as fraudulent. "Contact the alleged agency using official numbers from their website -- police stations or CBI --- not details provided by the caller," says Mali. Victims may also visit the local police station with a lawyer to check if there is a warrant or summons against them. Victims should consult someone with legal or law enforcement experience to avoid isolation and seek guidance. "Under no circumstance should any personal or financial information be shared over the phone or WhatsApp, and never transfer money online," says Bellary. Mali recommends reporting the case to the local police or the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930 in India), providing caller details and app IDs. Such incidents may also be reported on the National Cybercrime Portal. Call logs, messages, and screenshots should be preserved to assist investigators. Steps advised after falling victim to scam Disable online access to your phone and laptop. Scan devices for malicious software; remove suspicious applications. Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts; deactivate debit cards; disable UPI IDs to prevent unauthorised access. Report unauthorised UPI payments within 72 hours to enhance chances of recovery. Change all login credentials. Report the incident at local police station, providing details like the scammer's phone number, WhatsApp account information. Reach out to the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or submit a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com '...without massive amounts of force.' IMAGE: Security personnel stand guard in Baramulla, May 1, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo "The modest rapprochement between India and China gives New Delhi a bit of insulation in the current crisis; with tensions eased with Beijing, the chances of China taking drastic steps against India in support of its partner Pakistan have been reduced," explains leading South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman. Dr Kugelman is a specialist on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and their relations with the United States. "Still, at the end of the day, China is Pakistan's ally, and in a worst-case scenario involving a hot war, Beijing would side with Islamabad," Dr Kugelman tells Rediff's Archana Masih in the concluding part of the interview. Part 1 of the Interview: 'Delaying Military Action Would Keep Pakistan Anxious' What is your assessment of the Trump administration's stance on the escalating tensions considering it has security links with both countries and needs India's help in countering China? There was likely fear in Islamabad and hope in New Delhi that the Trump administration, because of its tough stand on Islamist terrorism, would strongly side with India and not try to discourage it from retaliating against Pakistan. That the US has so far taken a more middle ground position speaks to the equities in its relationship with Pakistan, and to its desire to help prevent a war. What we've essentially seen are expressions of support to New Delhi and pledges to help it in efforts against counterterrorism, but also calls for de-escalation. These calls have come much earlier in this crisis than they did during the Pulwama/Balakot one. What this all translates to is this: The US will likely share intel with India to help track down the Pahalgam attackers, and stand with India bilaterally and in global forums to support its efforts to curb cross-border terrorism. It will also want to maintain its limited security ties with Pakistan, especially so that Pakistan can help it track down terrorists in Pakistan that have threatened or targeted Americans. And we can also conclude that the Trump administration is keen to help end conflicts and not see another one break out, especially one involving nuclear-armed parties. IMAGE: Security personnel speak to locals at the site of the terror attack in Pahalgam. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters What should India be cautious on the China front in view of China and Pakistan's 'all weather' relationship? The modest rapprochement recently pursued by India and China gives New Delhi a bit of insulation in the current crisis; with tensions eased with Beijing, the chances of China taking drastic steps against India in support of its partner Pakistan have been reduced. Still, at the end of the day, China is Pakistan's ally, and in a worst-case scenario involving a hot war, Beijing would side with Islamabad. China has made its position known, and it's actually a middle ground one similar to Washington's. Soon after the attack, China's ambassador in India took to X to condemn it. But Beijing has also called for de-escalation. China, arguably more than any other external player, can't afford an India-Pakistan conflict. Beijing has critical investment assets in Pakistan that it's keen to protect. And it's keen to capitalise on its better relations with India to invest more in the Indian economy. A war would work against all of this. IMAGE: Kashmiri traders hold a candlelight vigil in Srinagar, April 23, 2025, to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters What impact will a protracted India-Pakistan conflagration have in the region? Also, how much further can India-Pakistan relations deteriorate from here? India-Pakistan relations are in a bad place, but they haven't hit rock bottom. That would happen if all communication ceases; for now, military leaders are still using their hotline. It's easy to forget, given how bad things are now, that India-Pakistan ties were actually relatively calm the last few years, since the LoC truce was inked in 2021. That period of stability suggests the relationship may be able to bounce back relatively easily, if the two sides are ready to look for off ramps. But in reality the dark mood in each capital suggests there is little space for dialogue at this moment. A long period of conflict is unlikely to have direct physical impacts around the region, such as spillover effects, because any India-Pakistan conflict would be a limited one, without massive amounts of force. But there would be a few notable impacts. One involves public opinion. If India were to use significant amounts of military force in Pakistan (which is unlikely, given the nuclear deterrent), this could fire up anti-India sentiment among publics in Muslim-majority States in South Asia. Also, we could see interruptions in cross-regional projects, such as Indian efforts to work with BIMSTEC countries on connectivity projects. More broadly, while there isn't much intra-regional trade, commercial relations with India and Pakistan could be interrupted. And if there are conflict-triggered economic impacts on India, this could reduce its development and humanitarian support to countries in the region. Given that most South Asian economies are quite fragile, this wouldn't be a good thing for them. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'Pakistan's only concern has been while they were on the FATF watch list was to distance their State institutions and organs from any direct connection with the actual execution of militancy inside Kashmir.' IMAGE: A child's shoe lies at the site of the April 22, 2025 terror attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters Few Indians have such a deep knowledge and understanding of Pakistan's military as Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency, does. A frequent contributor to Rediff, Mr Banerji spent 28 years of his 38-year career in intelligence studying Pakistan. And it was only natural that we turned to him to understand the motives of the Pakistan army in sanctioning the horrific terror attack last fortnight, which killed 26 people in Pahalgam. "(Pakistan army chief General Asim) Munir has been on the defensive because of the uptick in terrorist violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. So this time he decided -- or collectively the collegiate leadership of army generals would have decided -- to up the scale of violence or support to non State actors in India or in Kashmir," Mr Banerji tells Rediff's Nikhil Lakshman in the first part of a multi-part interview. In your deep understanding of the mindset of the Pakistani military establishment, what led Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir to okay the Pahalgam attack? Was it: Retaliation for what the Pakistan army sees as India's hand in the recent attacks in Balochistan? To inflict injury on the Indian national mindset by this unprecedented attack? The belief that Pakistan had lost control of the narrative in Kashmir with the huge influx of tourists and commerce beginning to flourish, and fewer terror attacks in the Valley? Eagerness to restore the army's damaged image in Pakistan by projecting it as the only guardian of national interest by taking on the old enemy, India? Has Munir succeeded in any of these objectives? The ISI decides on these things, not the army chief directly. The tap for support for militants from Pakistan working in Kashmir has never really been turned off the last few years. The attempt has been to send in very well trained and well armed militants having ideological commitment to either the Jaish-e-Muhamad or the Lashkar-e-Tayiba to come in and then work through the hideouts in the hills and forest areas and try to find out the gaps in the the security grid. They (the terrorists) are actually controlled by the sector commander (in the Pakistan army) who would be the rank of brigadier or at best the major general who is in charge of Kashmir operations in the ISI. Why was it done now? For some time lately there has been a lot of resentment within the Pakistan army leadership about the uptick in militant violence in Balochistan. Not only in Balochistan, but also in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Now the reasons for that are quite deep seated. One, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa there has been a collapse of governance and the writ of the police has not run for a long time. The Tehrik-i-Taliban and the Swat Taliban, they have had some local support. Those who were uprooted from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas which are now merged with the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Some of them belonging to the group of Wali Masood, others belonging to the group of Hafiz Gul Bahadur have been ousted or thrown out of Pakistan territory, but they have enjoyed safe havens in the adjacent provinces of Afghanistan. From there they have been able to launch operations directed against the security establishment in Pakistan. In Baluchistan, the Baloch Liberation Army and other groups have herded together quite well, organised extremely well and have shown the capacity to hit different parts of the province and also to direct some of their attacks against Chinese personnel working on various road construction and other development projects in the region. So this has annoyed the Pakistani army leadership. There is no political initiative to tackle widespread Baloch discontent among the middle classes and on the issue of disappearance of Baloch activists. So it's a purely military solution which they are pursuing which hasn't worked. Now the undercurrent in all this has been that, oh, somehow there is support from India to explain the uptick in violence both in terms of enhanced financial support as well as military support. Though they have not been able to establish any smoking gun in regard to the alleged Indian complicity in such an increase in violence in Balochistan, for some time the director general of public relations in Pakistan, the ISPR inter services public relations, they have been alleging that behind all this, although there is a direct Afghan connection, there is an indirect Indian connection which is very much there in collusion with some people in Afghanistan. These allegations they have been making during press conferences. Now as a result, the view has been that, okay, if India continues to do this, we'll try and get even by getting back in Kashmir where the tap has never really been turned off, as I said. So this would explain why this attack appeared at this time or happened at this time. Of course, in between there has been this rather vituperative speech of Asim Munir where he has gone back to the two nation theory in such crass terms which only shows the mindset of a typical army officer who has sort of come up the hard way through the ranks and through his professional capacities but has not learned to think beyond the paradigm of hatred for India. So that is what combined to give this type of a signal to those militants who were already there in Kashmir. They must have been egged on by their handlers at the level, as I said, of the brigadier or the major general in the ISI or even lower down to do something at this juncture and to make themselves relevant. So that is, I would think, what happened. IMAGE: Cooking gas cylinders lie scattered at the site of the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters The ISI determines such terror attacks and not the army chief? Yeah, the precise timing of it or the nature of the incident. They (the terror handlers in the Pakistan army) give a lot of flexibility to those who are already there. The well trained, hardline, hardened, militants who have already got very good equipment of Pakistani or Chinese origin. Some of their communication equipment this time has been of Chinese origin. It's very advanced communication equipment that they are carrying. And so would you say that Asim Munir had no knowledge of this attack? No, no, that also does not follow. He would have knowledge that definitely the militants are going to do something and we have egged them on, but what precisely -- whether it was Pahalgam or was it going to be on the 22nd -- he wouldn't have known in advance. Has Pakistan lost control of the narrative in Kashmir? No, they haven't. They have a certain sort of commitment which they have always shown. They have not closed the tap. Now their only concern has been while they were on the FATF watch list was to distance their State institutions and organs from any direct connection with the actual execution of militancy inside Kashmir. That they have achieved through the formation of front outfits like The Resistance Front and the other front that Jaish-e-Muhammad set up recently. So they have followed this policy of trying to distance their institutions of State from any direct linkages with such outfits. IMAGE: A damaged food shack at the site of the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters As you have pointed out in your Rediff columns, Pakistan's generals have been a divided lot. Do you think Munir now has the complete support of his subordinate generals? Yes, I would think so. I mean the top collegiate leadership of lieutenant generals and major generals up to the level of senior officers who are aspiring for promotions to three star status or those already who are three star, there will be no open dissent because they have a very rigorous system of keeping an eye on, you know, such dissent. The military intelligence (in the Pakistan army) for long has had the tradition of watching generals and reporting to the chief directly. At certain times there has been competition between the military intelligence and the ISI. When Asim Munir was in military intelligence Faiz Hameed was in the ISI and they had a long standing rivalry even in respect of small operations that they were carrying out in Karachi, for instance, operations containing the Muhajirs, for instance. The rivalry between Faiz Hameed and Asim Munir goes back to those days. Of course, Imran Khan tried to take advantage of this -- support Faiz Hameed to get rid of Asim Munir. But he failed. How would you rate Munir's current status in Pakistan? Would you rate him as a powerful army chief? Almost any army chief in Pakistan by virtue of his position becomes powerful. But I won't say that he is the most powerful army chief ever in Pakistan. There have been others who have been equally powerful at different times. (Pervez) Musharraf was there. Raheel Sharif was quite powerful. (Ashfaq Parvez) Kayani was quite powerful. Kayani was earlier in the ISI and then became the army chief. He was also very powerful till he got discredited through some corruption which involved his brothers. Till then he was very powerful; he was known as the thinking general, a counterpart of our late General Sundarji. Kayani interacted a lot with the Americans about how the Americans should support Pakistan and go beyond the hyphenation that they usually stop at between India and Pakistan when they deal with the subcontinent. Kayani tried to establish a special relationship with the USA in regard to which he only partially succeeded. But definitely all the generals were in a higher category in terms of intellectual calibre and foresight than Munir. So Munir is not intellectually in the same league. Not at all. In fact, Munir has got stymied by the domestic situation and his fight with Imran Khan. The main concern of both Munir and the ISI chief, who has been appointed by the army chief, has been to try and erode the narrative of populist support that Imran Khan continues to enjoy despite being incarcerated in jail. The February 25, 2024 elections also did not succeed because of this reason. Since then you see they have been struggling to dissipate the narrative of populism of Imran Khan, his victimhood, his martyrhood, the concept of which makes him popular. And then the Faiz Hameed court martial. Faiz Hameed was involved in support of Imran Khan. They have the evidence, but they haven't been able to nail or complete the court martial proceedings because they want to also implicate Imran Khan in the proceedings. And the issue of trying civilians in military courts has come up on which the courts are seized of the matter. They haven't given the final verdict. So Munir has been preoccupied with these issues and he has been on the defensive because of the uptick in terrorist violence both in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. So this time he decided -- or collectively the collegiate leadership of army generals would have decided -- to up the scale of violence or support to non State actors in India or in Kashmir. So that at least on that front it could be said that they were conforming to the old pattern of the army's commitment to this issue. IMAGE: April 24, 2025: Indian soldiers at the site of the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters Some say Munir is an unpredictable military leader who would not hesitate to use extreme measures if Indian actions pushed him to a corner. This is a typical interpretation by alarmist interpreters of the worst case scenario. The red lines for any nuclear configuration have been very clearly drawn out by General retired Khalid Kidwai when he spoke at the Royal United Services in London. He had spelled out clear red lines of what would involve Pakistani nuclear action. The military leadership would be taking a consensual decision if they decide to take this step towards nuclear conflict. It cannot be unpredictable action at the behest of one particular general. I would rule that out. The Pakistan army overall is a professional outfit. And it's still a professional outfit? Absolutely, absolutely. There's no doubt about that. And is there any possibility of the Pakistan army firing missiles at Indian cities in retaliation for Indian military action? Well, that can be a possibility. The nature of the Indian military action will determine what sort of reprisal will be there. Any military leader in Pakistan cannot be seen to be weak in his response against India because that will destroy the raison d'etre of the (Pakistan) army's existence as the protector of the sovereignty and integrity of the country. As it is, there has been a lot of unpopularity of the army with the common people in Pakistan, which I have talked about earlier in my writings. So the reaction or the response of the Pakistanis would be very carefully again calibrated to whatever India does to show that they are capable, they are professional, and they have the calibre to hit back in equal terms. Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre of spreading communal hatred and failing to protect the country's border. IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the inauguration of the Jagannath temple, at Digha in East Medinipur, West Bengal, April 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo She also alleged that the families affected by recent violence in Murshidabad were being prevented by the saffron camp from meeting her. After she arrived in Murshidabad for the first time since last month's riots there, Banerjee said, "Some outsiders and a few religious leaders are trying to incite violence and animosity among communities. Those who are inciting riots are enemies of West Bengal." In a sharp criticism of the National Human Rights Commission, the Trinamool Congress supremo questioned the panel's priorities in view of the recent visit of its members to Murshidabad. She also asked whether NHRC members visited BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and ethnic violence-hit Manipur, which is now under the President's rule. "Did the NHRC visit Manipur and Uttar Pradesh? They were prompt in visiting Murshidabad. Just like online payment platforms came out with front-page advertisements in newspapers a day after the announcement of demonetisation in 2016, the NHRC was quick to visit Murshidabad just after the riots took place. That is why I am saying that it was pre-planned," Banerjee alleged. "I have unearthed most of the conspiracy, I will expose this before the media. Unfortunately, some media houses played into the hands of the BJP in spreading canards," she claimed. Accusing the BJP of "foul play", Banerjee claimed that the families affected by the Murshidabad riots were "forcibly" shifted to other places so that they could not meet her. "The BJP took away the families of those affected by the Murshidabad riots so that they couldn't meet me. Is this not kidnapping? What harm would it have caused, had I met them here and handed over them cheques," she asked. The chief minister reiterated her warning to the Centre, saying, "Instead of inciting communal violence, efforts must be taken to protect our borders." She also reminded the ruling party of the Centre of its constitutional responsibility. "When you are in the chair, you cannot divide the people on religious lines," she added. The Congress' Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai mocking the Centre by hanging nimbu-mirchi on a toy jet over alleged inaction in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, has kicked up a political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday calling it an insult to the armed forces. IMAGE: IAF contingent of six Rafale fighter jets during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo BJP MP Amarpal Maurya said the Congress had always insulted the security forces and cast doubts on their abilities. "This is yet another instance of that. I want to say that the Congress and all anti-nationals, whether within the country or outside, will be given a befitting reply," said Maurya, a general secretary in the BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit. Speaking to reporters at his Varanasi home on Sunday, Rai questioned the BJP-led Centre for not using the Rafale jets following the Pahalgam attack and symbolically hung nimbu-mirchi (lemon-chillies) on a toy model labelled 'Rafale'. "When the Rafale jets were being brought to India, the government tied lemon-chillies to them. I am just reminding the government, when will the lemon-chillies be removed and the Rafale jets do their work? The people of the country and the family members of those killed in Pahalgam want to know," Rai had said. Maurya, a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, however, emphasised the government's stance on national security. "Our government has given a free hand to the security forces to decide the nature and the timing of the assault against the nation's enemies," he said. The BJP leader also expressed his disapproval at the timing of Rai's jibe. He said, "It is unfortunate that even at this juncture, when all must stand united in dealing with the enemy, some can't resist engaging in low-level politics." Despite the controversy, Rai stood his ground and on Monday said he had only presented the reality. "When Defence Minister Rajnath Singh went to take delivery of the Rafale (jets), he had tied lemon-chillies (to them). I asked when the lemon-chillies would be removed and the Rafale (jets) work. When will action be taken against terrorists?" he told PTI Videos. Responding to the BJP's claim that the Congress insulted the armed forces, Rai said his party had been standing with the government from the beginning on the issue. "The CWC (Congress Working Committee) has decided that whatever the government does, the Congress will support and stand by it. But action should be taken," he told PTI Videos. He claimed the kin of those killed in Pahalgam wanted action. Rai also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending a political rally in Bihar mere days after the attack. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad said he had not heard Rai's remark and reiterated the Opposition's demand for a befitting response. The Faizabad MP said, "I haven't heard the statement (from Rai) but I think the entire opposition, from day one, has been demanding a befitting response against the country's enemies for this dastardly attack. I think there has been no change in our approach." Security forces unearthed a terrorist hideout in a forest area in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the recovery of five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two wireless sets, officials said on Monday. IMAGE: Five IEDs, two wireless sets and other material were recovered from the hideout in a forest area in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Photograph: ANI on X All the ready-to-use IEDs, weighing between half-a-kg and five kg, were destroyed in a controlled explosion on-the-spot, thwarting terrorist plans to set off explosions in the border district, the officials said. The hideout was busted during a joint search operation by army and special operations group of J-K police at Suranthal in Marhote area of Surankote late Sunday evening, the officials said. While two IEDs were found planted inside steel buckets, three others were packed in tiffin boxes, the officials said. In addition, the officials said two wireless sets, five packets containing urea, one five litre gas cylinder, one binocular, three woolen caps, three blankets and some trousers and utensils were recovered from the hideout. The Enforcement Directorate on Monday arrested "absconding" former Haryana Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker from a five-star hotel in Delhi following a brief scuffle, officials said. IMAGE: Former Haryana Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker. Photograph: Courtesy Facebook Chhoker and his sons, Vikas (absconding) and Sikandar, face charges of "cheating" more than 1,500 homebuyers and siphoning off over Rs 500 crore funds obtained from them through their real-estate companies, commonly known as the Mahira Group. The ED booked them under the anti-money laundering law in November 2021 and it has been asking the former MLA to join the probe since May last year by issuing summonses. The 61-year-old former legislator was caught from the "Grappa Bar" of the Shangri-La hotel on Ashoka Road around 10 pm on Sunday. The ED officials said an "intelligence input" was received by them around 8:30 pm that Chhoker was present at the hotel bar along with some people. Gautam Barai, the investigating officer of the case, soon reached the spot in pursuance of the seven non-bailable warrants issued against the politician by courts, apart from a proclaimed-offender notification issued by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Gurugram, they said. The officials said on being confronted by the ED officer, Chhoker started rushing towards the exit along with his personal security officer. Barai, along with ED's Gurugram zone Joint Director Navaneet Aggarwal, chased the former MLA and pinned him down. They alleged that Chhoker tried to "hit" the ED officers and the hotel staff even as the security personnel present around were called in. The federal agency called up the local police and with the help of the beat constable, Chhoker was taken to the ED headquarters in New Delhi and arrested at 2:37 am on Monday, the officials said. The politician has been sent to a six-day ED custody by the Gurugram court, they added. The former MLA from Samalkha in Panipat district lost the Haryana Assembly polls last year. Sikandar was arrested by the ED in April last year from Uttarakhand's Haridwar and is currently out on bail. The ED said its probe has found that Dharam Singh Chhoker was a director in at least six Mahira Group companies (Mahira Homes Private Limited), which was developing real-estate projects in sectors 68, 103 and 104 of Gurugram. The agency claimed that funds collected from homebuyers were routed through a web of "bogus" purchases that were "artificially" created for laundering the money worth Rs 56 crore. It informed the court while seeking Chhoker's remand that these funds were used for his daughter's "wedding expenses", purchasing several properties and also given to family members and close relatives in the guise of loans and advances. The agency claimed that the politician did not respond to two summonses issued by it for questioning, leading to the issuance of the seven arrest warrants against him by the courts. The PMLA court has issued multiple NBWs against Vikas Chhoker too. It had also issued a proclamation against the father-son duo and directed them to appear before it on May 19, the ED had said in March. The special court had rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Dharam Singh Chhoker, a decision that was upheld by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The politician subsequently approached the Supreme Court, seeking a stay on the NBWs against him, but the apex court did not give him any relief and rejected his petition last year. The money-laundering case stems from four Gurugram Police FIRs lodged against Sai Aaina Farms Private Limited (now named as Mahira Infratech Private Limited) and associate companies of the Mahira Group. The allegations against the Chhokers include submission of "forged" documents, including fake bank guarantees, to obtain licences for external and internal development works. "This fraudulent activity was carried out in connection with promised affordable housing projects at sectors 68, 103 and 104 in Gurugram and the company collected around Rs 616 crore from 3,700 homebuyers. "However, the company failed to deliver the houses within the promised timelines and misappropriated the funds," the ED had said. A chargesheet was filed by the agency in April against Sikandar Singh Chhoker and companies linked to him like Mahira Infratech Private Limited, D S Home Construction Private Limited and some others. Assets worth Rs 80 crore have also been attached by the agency. Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India for the annual high-level meeting as the two leaders held a telephone conversation, the Kremlin said on Monday. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by President Vladimir Putin at his official residence at Novo-Ogaryovo for a private engagement, Moscow, Russia, July 8, 2024. Photograph: MEA India on X The leaders emphasised the need for an uncompromising fight against terrorism in any of its manifestations, it said. "The Indian leader confirmed his invitation to the Russian president to visit India for an annual bilateral summit. The invitation was gratefully accepted, the Kremlin said in a statement. They emphasised the strategic nature of Russian-Indian relations, it said, adding that these relations are not influenced by the outside and continue to develop dynamically in all directions. Putin also conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone conversation that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror strike must be brought to justice as he strongly condemned the horrific attack. Putin told Modi that Russia fully supports India's fight against terrorism, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post. "He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism," Jaiswal added. "He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice," he said. The MEA spokesperson said Modi and Putin reiterated their commitment to further deepen India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The prime minister conveyed his greetings to the Russian president on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of 'Victory Day'. Modi also invited Putin for the India-Russia annual summit to be held in India later in the year. After stopping the flow of water from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, now all gates of the Salal Dam on the Chenab were closed, resulting in a significant drop in water levels in the Reasi district. IMAGE: The Chenab River witnesses a significant drop in water levels in the Reasi district after the closure of gates at the Salal Dam. Photograph: ANI on X India's decision to suspend the decades-old treaty follows the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has governed the use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960. "We are happy that the government has stopped the flow of water to Pakistan. The way they killed our tourists in Pahalgam, Pakistan deserves a befitting reply. We are with the government in whatever decision they take," Dinesh, a local told ANI. Another local said, "This is a very big achievement. This step by the government is very good. Our government is giving Pakistan a befitting reply in a lot of ways. We are all with the government." The river Chenab's water level rose on May 2 following heavy rainfall in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir. On Sunday, India stopped the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is planning similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River, a source said. The source familiar with the matter said these hydroelectric dams -- Baglihar in Ramban in Jammu and Kishanganga in north Kashmir -- offer India the ability to regulate the timing of water releases. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday asked India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" and prevent an escalation, ahead of his talks with the Pakistani leadership as tensions soared between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack. IMAGE: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Photograph: X@araghchi/ANI Photo At the talks, Tehran and Islamabad agreed that complex regional issues could be addressed through talks, a Pakistani Foreign Office statement said. "The situation in the region is very important for Iran, and we emphasise (on the importance of) easing tensions while calling on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent the escalation of the situation," Araghchi said upon his arrival in Islamabad, Iranian state-run PressTV reported. Tensions between India and Pakistan soared after terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. "We will try to de-escalate tensions in the region," said Araghchi, who paid a day-long visit to Pakistan. He will travel to India on Thursday. "Both India and Pakistan are friendly countries to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Of course, Pakistan is our neighbouring and brotherly country, and we were interested in being informed of the positions of our friends in Pakistan before travelling to India," Araghchi told Iranian journalists accompanying his delegation, Iran's semi-autonomous Mehr News reported. Pakistan's foreign office said in a statement that Araghchi and Dar reaffirmed their commitment to strong Pakistan-Iran ties and agreed to boost cooperation in trade, energy and connectivity. They also exchanged views on the evolving situation in South Asia and US-Iran talks while agreeing that complex issues could be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations, the foreign office said. Dar told media after the talks that Pakistan stood by its offer to support an independent probe into the Pahalgam attack, adding that Pakistan would not be the first to launch any attack against India. "But we will respond resolutely and with full force to any act to any misadventure by India," he said. Radio Pakistan reported that during the meeting, Dar shared Pakistan's "serious concerns" over the prevailing tensions in South Asia, blaming India's "provocative behaviour" for it. He rejected "unsubstantiated attempts" to implicate Pakistan in the incident, reiterating Islamabad's call for an "international, transparent, and impartial" investigation. Separately, the Iranian Foreign Minister called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the regional situation as well as matters of bilateral interest. Pakistan and Iran enjoy close bilateral relations rooted in shared history, culture, and religion. The visit of Foreign Minister Araghchi is expected to further strengthen the existing ties and enhance cooperation between the two countries. India on Monday lodged a strong protest with Canada over the "threatening language" and "unacceptable imagery" targeting Indian leadership at a parade held in Toronto. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Blair Gable/Reuters The floats at the parade on Sunday reportedly featured pro-Khalistan propaganda and imagery attacking the Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India lodged a protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi over the parade, official sources said. "We conveyed our concerns in the strongest terms to the Canadian High Commission regarding the parade held in Toronto, where unacceptable imagery and threatening language were used against our leadership and Indian citizens residing in Canada," said one of the sources. The Indian side again called on Canadian authorities to act against "anti-India elements" who are spreading hatred and advocating extremism and a separatist agenda, the sources said. "We once again call on the Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements who spread hatred and advocate extremism and separatist agenda," the source said. The latest episode of strain in ties between the two countries came days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's victory in the general election. Carney, an economist and political newcomer, led the Liberal Party to its remarkable victory in the elections held under the shadow of US President Donald Trump's tariff clash. His victory was seen as an opportunity to repair India-Canada ties that came under severe strain during Justin Trudeau's prime ministership. The ties between India and Canada witnessed a major downturn following Trudeau's allegations in September 2023 of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. New Delhi strongly rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd". The relations nosedived further in the second half of last year after Ottawa linked several Indian diplomats including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma to the murder of Nijjar. In October last, India withdrew Verma and five other diplomats. India also expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. In the last few months, the security officials of India and Canada resumed contacts and both sides were looking at the possibility of appointing new high commissioners. The exit of Trudeau was seen as an opportunity to improve bilateral ties. India had accused Trudeau's government of allowing pro-Khalistani elements to operate from Canadian soil. After Trudeau's exit, New Delhi said it hoped to rebuild ties with Canada based on "mutual trust and sensitivity". "The downturn in India-Canada relations was caused by the licence that was given to the extremist and secessionist elements in that country," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in March. In the aftermath of the horrific Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists and injured many others, many travelers have canceled plans to visit Kashmir, depriving tour operators in the Valley of business during the otherwise proftable tourist season. IMAGE: Empty shikaras parked on the banks of the Dal Lake as tourists stay away from the Kashmir Valley after the horrific April 22, 2025 terror attack. All Photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff IMAGE: With no customers to attend to, a shikarawalla fishes in the Dal Lake. IMAGE: A hotel employee inside a deserted hotel in Srinagar. Before the terror attack, hotel rooms were difficult to come by such was the demand from tourists. IMAGE: Only a few passengers on board a Delhi-Srinagar flight. Before the terror attack, these flights were otherwise full of tourists. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in eight forward sectors along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, violating ceasefire agreements and prompting retaliation from Indian troops, officials said on Monday. Image used for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in eight forward sectors along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, violating ceasefire agreements and prompting retaliation from Indian troops, officials said on Monday. This marks the 11th consecutive night of Pakistan's unprovoked firing along the LoC, amidst heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following the killing of 26 people in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. During the night of May 4 and 5, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in J-K, a defence spokesperson in Jammu said. The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately, he said. The firing was initiated by Pakistani troops across five border districts -- Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch in the south of the Pir Panjal ranges in the Jammu region, and Baramulla and Kupwara districts in the Kashmir valley -- overnight. Initially beginning with unprovoked small arms firing at several posts along the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, Pakistan swiftly expanded its ceasefire violations to the Poonch sector and subsequently to the Akhnoor sector of the Jammu region. This was followed by small arms firing at several posts along the LoC in the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors of Rajouri district. Subsequently, the firing expanded to the Pargwal sector along the International Border in Jammu district. The ceasefire violation by Pakistan occurred despite the fact that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan spoke over the hotline amidst Pakistan's unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir on April 29. It is understood that the Indian side cautioned the Pakistani side about the unprovoked firings during the exchanges. Since the night of April 24, just hours after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani troops have been resorting to unprovoked firing at various places along the LoC in J-K, starting from the Kashmir valley. 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." The firing exchanges have made the February 2021 ceasefire agreement redundant, with widespread violations by Pakistan in scores of sectors along the 740-kilometer-long LoC. India and Pakistan had agreed to a renewed ceasefire along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2021. The situation has significantly changed 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 (IB), approximately 2,400 km from Gujarat to the northern banks of the Chenab River in Akhnoor, Jammu; the Line of Control (LoC), 740 km long, running from parts of Jammu to parts of Leh; and the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL), 110 km long, dividing the Siachen region from NJ 9842 to Indira Col in the north. A 30-minute blackout rehearsal was conducted at the Ferozepur Cantonment area in Punjab on Sunday evening amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. IMAGE: Ferozepur Cantonment carries out a 30-minute blackout rehearsal amid mounting tensions between India and Pakistan, on May 4, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The blackout drill was carried at the border town out from 9 pm to 9:30 pm, officials said. All lights were turned off in the area after a siren went off at 9 pm, they said. Earlier, the Ferozepur Cantonment Board wrote to Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma about carrying out the blackout drill. "You are requested to ensure adequate security arrangements during this period, given the total blackout. This rehearsal aims to ensure preparedness and effectiveness in implementing blackout procedures during prevailing war threats. Your support and cooperation are crucial in making this exercise successful," the letter said. Sharma said in a statement that the blackout was part of a routine preparedness exercise. "Electricity supply in the cantonment area will be shut from 9 pm to 9:30 pm. There is no need to panic. The administration is fully alert and ready to respond if required," she said. DIG Harmanbir Gill, meanwhile, said police are closely monitoring all anti-social elements, known offenders and smugglers in the area. Vigilance has been ramped up at the toll barriers to track vehicle movement while social media activities are also under surveillance, the DIG said. The Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified patrolling along the international border while Punjab Police has set up checkpoints at all strategic locations as a precautionary measure. The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the plea of a woman, who claimed to be the widow of great-grandson of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, seeking possession of the Red Fort in New Delhi on account of being the legal 'heir'. Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar termed the plea as misconceived and meritless at the outset and refused to entertain the petition filed against the Delhi high court order. The writ petition filed initially was misconceived and meritless. It cannot be entertained, the CJI said. The bench did not allow the counsel for petitioner Sultana Begum to withdraw the plea. The petitioner is the family member of the first freedom fighter of the country, the counsel said. The CJI said if the arguments are considered then why only Red Fort then why not the forts at Agra, Fatehpuri Sikri etc. A division bench of the Delhi high court, on December 13, last year, had dismissed the appeal by Begum against the December 2021 decision of a HC single judge, noting the challenge was filed after a delay of over two-and-a-half years, which could not be condoned. Begum said she could not file the appeal owing to her bad health and passing away of her daughter. "We find the said explanation inadequate, considering that the delay is of more than two-and-a-half years. The petition was also dismissed (by the single judge) for being inordinately delayed by several decades. The application for condonation of delay is dismissed. Consequently, the appeal is also dismissed. It is barred by limitation," the high court had said. On December 20, 2021, the single judge dismissed Begum's petition seeking possession of the Red Fort taken illegally by the British East India Company, saying there was no justification for the inordinate delay in approaching the court after over 150 years. The petition claimed the family was deprived of their property by the Britishers after the first war of Independence in 1857, following which the emperor was exiled from the country and possession of the Red Fort was forcefully taken away from the Mughals. It claimed that Begum was the owner of the Red Fort as she inherited it from her ancestor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, who died on November 11, 1862 at the age of 82, and the government of India was an illegal occupant of the property. The petition sought a direction to the Centre to hand over the Red Fort to the petitioner or give adequate compensation. The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking safety of tourists in remote hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir in view of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people lost their lives. IMAGE: A shikarawalla fishes in the Dal Lake as tourists stay away from the Kashmir Valley after the horrific April 22, 2025 terror attack. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh pulled up advocate Vishal Tiwari for filing the PIL and said it is only meant for publicity without any public cause. "Why have you filed this kind of PIL? What is your real motive? Don't you understand the sensitivity of the issue? I think you are inviting some exemplary cost for filing this PIL," Justice Surya Kant told Tiwari. The petitioner lawyer said this was the first time that tourists in Jammu and Kashmir were targeted, and hence, he was seeking directions for their safety. The bench, in its order, said, "The petitioner is indulging in filing one after the other PIL in which the primary aim appears to be to get publicity with no real interest in the public cause." 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. The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Centre and others on a petition seeking quashing of an order blocking a widely viewed YouTube channel '4PM'. IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo The plea has claimed that the blocking was effected by the intermediary pursuant to an undisclosed direction allegedly issued by the Centre citing vague grounds of "national security" and "public order". A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan agreed to hear the plea and issued notices to the Centre and others seeking their responses on the petition. The plea, filed by Sanjay Sharma who is the editor of digital news platform '4PM' which has a subscriber base of 73 lakh, has alleged that the blocking was a "chilling assault on journalistic independence" and the right of public to receive information. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, told the bench that no notice was issued to the petitioner before the blocking order was passed. "The whole channel is blocked and no reason," Sibal said, adding "the only information I have is from the intermediary". "Ex-facie it is unconstitutional," he submitted. The bench, while issuing notice on the plea, said the matter would be heard next week. The plea, filed through advocate Talha Abdul Rahman, said no blocking order or underlying complaint was furnished to the petitioner, violating both statutory and constitutional safeguards. The petition said it was a settled law that the Constitution does not permit blanket removal of content without an opportunity to be heard. "'National security' and 'public order' are not talismanic invocations to insulate executive action from scrutiny," it said. The plea said the action was not only ultra vires the parent statute but also strikes at the core of democratic accountability ensured by a free press. "The blocking is a chilling assault on journalistic independence and the right of the public to receive information," it said. It has sought a direction to the Centre to produce the order with reasons and records, if any, issued to the intermediary for blocking the channel. The plea has sought quashing of the blocking order after calling upon the Centre to produce the blocking order with reasons and records. It has also sought quashing of Rule 16 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. Rule 16 says strict confidentiality shall be maintained regarding all the requests and complaints received and actions taken thereof. It has sought striking down and/or reading down Rule 9 of the Blocking Rules, 2009, to mandate issuance of a notice, opportunity of hearing and communication of a copy of the interim order to the originator or creator of the content prior to passing of a final order. The plea said the petitioner's YouTube channel was blocked without giving any fair opportunity to clarify or justify his case. It alleged that the Blocking Rules, 2009, including Rules 8, 9, and 16, infringe upon fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, particularly the rights to freedom of speech and expression, right to equality and the right to life and personal liberty. It said the authorities concerned have a duty under the law to ensure that blocking of YouTube channels were not done arbitrarily, suppressing the freedom of speech and expression. The Supreme Court on Monday observed that it will not entertain a PIL seeking contempt action against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey for his alleged derogatory remarks against the top court and the chief justice of India. IMAGE: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey launched a broadside against the Supreme Court, saying Parliament and state assemblies should be shut if the apex court has to make laws. Photograph: @nishikant_dubey/X The BJP lawmaker sparked a row when he said, (the) Supreme Court is taking the country towards anarchy and that Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna is responsible for the civil wars taking place in the country. The dignity of the institution has to be protected. It cannot go on like this," PIL petitioner Vishal Tiwari told a bench comprising the CJI. He said bar leaders, including those of the SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association), condemned the statement. We will be passing a short order. We will give some reasons. We will not be entertaining it but we will give a short order," the CJI said. The lawyer said the remarks were contemptuous and hateful. The PIL said Dubey, an MP from Godda constituency of Jharkhand, made a "very provocative, hateful and scandalising" statement against CJI Khanna and the highest judicial institution of the country. "The entire contents of the interview are full of derogatory speech towards the judiciary and the Supreme Court. Such acts amount to an offence punishable under BNS and also under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971," the plea said. The PIL stressed the importance of protecting the dignity of the Supreme Court and its judges, and prayed for invoking the powers under Article 129 of the Constitution to punish the MP for its contempt. The United Nations Security Council will hold closed consultations on Monday on the situation between India and Pakistan after Islamabad sought an emergency meeting amid tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack. IMAGE: Tensions between India and Pakistan are escalating following dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Photograph: ANI Photo Pakistan currently sits as a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, which is being presided over by Greece for the month of May. Islamabad "requested closed consultations" on the tensions between the two countries and the Greek Presidency has scheduled the meeting for May 5 in the afternoon. Apart from the five veto-wielding permanent members -- China, France, Russia, the UK and the US -- the 10 non-permanent members in the Council are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Somalia. Amid rising tensions between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of May Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris had last week said that if a request comes for a meeting to discuss the situation between India and Pakistan. As I said before, as a position of principle, we strongly condemn any act of terrorism and this is what we did on the "heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam in which innocent civilians died, Sekeris had said. In the weeks following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 civilians were killed, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with all Council members, with the exception of China and Pakistan. In his calls, Jaishankar underlined that its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice. He also spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, French Foreign Minster Jean-Noel Barrot and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, among others. Last Friday, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said at a press conference at the UN that his country has the right to convene a meeting when "we feel appropriate". We see that all of this that is happening is in the context, in the backdrop of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir," Ahmad had said. He said that the situation that evolved after the attack is a real threat to regional and international peace and security. The Pakistani envoy had last week met Guterres and briefed him about the security situation in the region. Ties between the two neighbouring countries plummeted following the April 22 attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India 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 following the terror attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is committed to taking "firm and decisive" action against terrorists and their backers. Modi also 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 attack. Amid a stand-off with Haryana over the distribution of water from the Bhakra dam, the Punjab assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution, stating that not even a single drop of water will be given from its share to the neighbouring state. IMAGE: A view of the Bhakra Dam on the border of Himachal and Punjab. Photograph: ANI Photo As all the political parties put up a united face in the House to protect Punjab's river water, the resolution said the Bhakra Beas Management Board has become "a mere puppet" in the hands of the BJP-led Centre, and therefore it should be reorganised to protect Punjab's rights. The House also termed the Dam Safety Act of 2021 an "attack" on the rights of Punjab, demanding that the Centre repeal it. The Punjab government moved the resolution during a special session of Vidhan Sabha convened in the wake of the water-sharing row with Haryana. Representatives from the opposition parties supported the resolution, with the leader of the opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, asserting that Punjab doesn't have even a single drop of water to spare. When Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was conducting voting, BJP MLA Ashwani Sharma flagged the mentioning of his party's name in the resolution, triggering sharp reactions from the treasury benches. Participating in the debate on the resolution, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted that Punjab will not allow the release of even a single drop of water to Haryana, saying his state does not have surplus water to spare. This issue has been thrust upon Punjab at a time when the state requires water for the upcoming paddy sowing season, he said. Stating that Punjab continues to give 4,000 cusecs of water to Haryana for drinking purposes on humanitarian grounds, Mann said, Today, Punjab is calling its sons and daughters to stand with it to save water. I assure that there will be no compromise on this issue. "Not even a single drop of Punjab's water will be allowed to be released. Even if a battle needs to be fought in the Supreme Court, we will fight it out. Earlier, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal moved the resolution, after which it was taken up for discussion. Reading out the resolution, Goyal accused the BJP of trying to take away the rights of Punjab through its governments in Haryana, at the Centre, and through the BBMB. "By calling a BBMB meeting unconstitutionally and illegally, an attempt is being made to forcefully provide Punjab's rightful water to Haryana. Haryana used its share of water by March 31. Now the BJP wants to give water from Punjab's share to Haryana, the resolution said. In the last three years, the Punjab government has tried to bring canal water to every farm in Punjab, it said. A network of canals and water courses has been built on a very large scale. Until 2021, only 22 per cent of Punjab's fields received canal water. But today, around 60 percent of the fields are getting canal water. "This is why every single drop of Punjab's water has become very precious for the state. Punjab no longer has any spare water to give to any other state, the resolution said. After Haryana on April 6 requested Punjab that it needed water for drinking purposes, Punjab showed a big heart and gave 4,000 cusecs of water to the state because our gurus' have taught us that giving water to a thirsty person is a great virtue, it said. Goyal said that the population of Haryana was three crore, and it needed only 1,700 cusecs of water to meet its water requirements, including drinking water and for other human needs. "Now, Haryana is saying all of a sudden that it needs 8,500 cusecs of water. Punjab does not have extra water to meet its demand. So, the BJP forcibly called a meeting of BBMB unconstitutionally and illegally, and passed a resolution that Punjab will have to give water to Haryana from its share, Goyal told the assembly. "This is not acceptable to us," he added. So, this House resolves unanimously that the government of Punjab will not give even a single drop of water from its share to Haryana, the resolution said. It also said that 4,000 cusecs of water that is being given to Haryana for drinking purposes will continue as a humanitarian gesture, but not even a drop more will be given. This House strongly condemns the 'illegal and unconstitutional' convening of the BBMB meeting by the ruling BJP, the resolution said. The BBMB has become a mere puppet in the hands of the BJP at the Centre. At its meetings, Punjab's voice is neither heard nor its rights are taken care of. So, the BBMB should be reorganised so that the rights of Punjab can be protected, the resolution said. It also sought a new agreement on the sharing of river water. "Sutlej, Ravi and Beas rivers only pass through Punjab. So, on what basis is their water being given to other states?" When the agreement to share the water of these rivers was signed between the states in 1981, the amount written in the agreement and the amount that was distributed among the states were much more than the actual water available in these rivers. So a new agreement should be made for sharing the water of these rivers, the resolution said. It also said that to convene any meeting of the BBMB, the law provides that a notice be served for each meeting. "The BBMB does not follow this law, and convenes meetings illegally at night. This House directs the BBMB to follow the law laid down in this regard," the resolution said. Which state will get how much water is written clearly in the 1981 treaty. The BBMB has no power to change it. If the BBMB gives water from one state to another state by simply convening a meeting, such decisions will be deemed illegal and unconstitutional. The BBMB should refrain from taking such illegal decisions, it added. The resolution also termed the Dam Safety Act of 2021 an attack on Punjab's rights. This law fully empowers the Central government to directly control the rivers and dams of the states, even if a dam is entirely within a state's borders. This is against India's federal structure and directly undermines the sovereign rights of states like Punjab over their water. Therefore, this House demands from the Central government that the Dam Safety Act of 2021 be repealed immediately. The government of Punjab rejects the Act, it said. The row over water sharing erupted after AAP-ruled Punjab refused to release more water to BJP-ruled Haryana, claiming the latter has "already used 103 per cent of its allocated share of water by March". 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 A slew of documents outlining the Burleigh County Commission's argument for splitting the auditor/treasurer's role -- making the treasurer a hired position -- was recently released, detailing the ongoing dispute over county investments, an election complaint and confusion over issuing election workers the proper tax forms. County officials in late April released more than 600 pages of documents that commissioners have said is their evidence behind a move to overhaul the auditor/treasurer's office. The board has been working since February to convert the position amid turmoil between them and Auditor/Treasurer Mark Splonskowski. So far, there have been several public hearings, and discussions on potentially petitioning the governor's office to have Splonskowski removed from his position. Last month, the board voted to move forward with splitting the auditor/treasurer's position in two: an elected auditor and an appointed treasurer. They tabled a separate motion to petition the governor. The documents are part of a large stack of papers assembled by County Commission Chairman Brian Bitner. At each public hearing on the Commissions plan to change the auditor/treasurers position, Bitner has placed the stack in front of him. Despite repeated requests from residents, only a small portion of the information was shared during the hearings. On several occasions, Bitner has referenced an internal committee that was tasked with reviewing the documents and putting together a summary of them. However, Burleigh County States Attorney Julie Lawyer has said that the committee would instead recommend posting all the documents without a summary because they kind of speak for themselves. "It's just information that's been gathered regarding the auditor/treasurer office -- and duties and what's been going on over time with that office," she said during an April 21 Commission meeting. The committee included Emergency Manager Mary Senger, Sheriff Kelley Leben, Finance Director Leigh Jacobs and Human Resources Director Pamela Binder. In March, the Tribune was included on an open records request seeking for the documents to become published. The documents were eventually published on the Burleigh County website. The full documents can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3EA2en0. What is in the stack of documents? A bulk of the documents relate to topics and issues previously discussed in public meetings. Some outline the job descriptions for the auditor/treasurer and other county staff, state code around the role and past controversies that have plagued Splonskowksi's office. The majority points to the alleged mismanagement of county investments by the auditor/treasurer's office, dating to at least 2023 under both Splonskowski and his predecessor, Leo Vetter. The issue was first brought forward by Finance Director Leigh Jacobs during Commission meetings last November and December. During those meetings, Jacobs revealed that the countys investments underperformed benchmarks by more than $750,000 in 2023 and up to $530,900 in the first three quarters of 2024. He attributed most of the shortfall to a failure to invest but also cited missed opportunities due to rising rates and poor investment decisions, while raising questions about the actions of the auditor/treasurer's office. Splonskowski has rebutted Jacobs' use of U.S. treasuries, which he claimed doesn't follow the county's investment policy. He has claimed that the use of quarterly returns can be misleading to the staggered maturity of investments. He argued that a more accurate way to view investments is by budgeted yield, which refers to income generated by an investment. State law assigns responsibility for managing county funds and cash flow, including investment decisions, to the treasurer. Burleigh County combines the roles of auditor and treasurer, with the treasurer duties typically delegated to the deputy auditor. However, Jacobs has previously emphasized that the delegation is based on the statutory authority of the auditor/treasurers office. One issue detailed in the documents that had not previously been disclosed involves a complaint from twin brothers, Evan and Micah Hummel. One of their primary election votes was rejected by the canvassing board last June after officials believed it was a single person attempting to vote twice. The day before the election, Evan contacted Splonskowski about a problem verifying his identity for an absentee ballot, saying the ballot request system kept bringing his brother's identity up. Splonskowski advised him to vote in person, saying a clerk could help resolve the issue. Documents indicate he voted early in-person on June 10. Later in June, Micah received a letter from Splonskowksi's office explaining that his absentee ballot was invalidated because he had voted in person, seemingly being confused with Evan's vote. The father of the twins submitted a complaint with the North Dakota Secretary of State's Office about the incident, according to the documents. "(Evan and Micah) went through the proper steps to vote," the father wrote to Splonskowski in an email. "When Evan ran into a problem with your system, he followed your instructions to ensure he could vote. What I see ... is a hiccup in your system and/or processes that have caused for sure one, if not two votes not to be counted." Under state law, one of the duties of the county auditor is to administer elections, acting as the chief elections officer. These duties include the canvassing of votes. Other documents released detail election worker tax form confusion Other documents posted detailed confusion over issuing the proper tax documents to temporary election workers hired to assist during the 2024 elections. The documents are an internal memo written by county Human Resource Director Pamela Binder. In March, Commissioners revealed that 32 election workers from last years elections did not receive the necessary paperwork to file their taxes until earlier that month. Commissioners and Splonskowski had a tense exchange over the issue, and Binder accused Splonskowski of asking her to commit fraud by requesting that W-2 forms be sent to workers who had not been processed through payroll. According to the documents, the confusion began in early February, when Splonskowski emailed Binder to ask whether there is a cutoff amount of earnings that would require the county to issue a W-2 or a 1099. Binder responded that the threshold for issuing a 1099 is $600, while there is no threshold for W-2s, as all payroll employees must receive one. After a follow-up email from Splonskowski asking if election workers should receive W-2s, Binder responded that they needed to be sent 1099 forms. She explained that workers paid through the accounts payable process should have completed W-9 forms. According to Binder, the auditor/treasurers office is responsible for issuing 1099s in those cases. "I knew there were only three temporary election workers that were brought on as employees in the payroll system in 2024," Binder wrote. "So I was assuming that because Mark Splonskowski is the auditor/treasurer and in charge of the accounts payable process, that he must have been confusing the W-9 form for the W-2 form." Binder wrote that in previous elections, meetings were held to plan for hiring election workers through the auditors office. Under state law, election officers -- such as the county auditor/treasurer -- are responsible for hiring and training election workers. In the past, Binder said, the auditors office would send a personnel action form to HR when a worker was nearing the $600 threshold for a 1099. Her office only received these forms for three of the 240 election workers in 2024. "This step was missed and the issue of 1099 versus W-2 tax forms arose for those approximately 32 temporary election workers because the normal process was not followed," Binder wrote. In mid-February meetings involving Splonskowski, Binder and Jacobs, the finance director, it was recommended that Splonskowski consult a tax attorney. The attorney advised that W-2s should be issued to the election workers. However, Binder said multiple times that the 2024 payroll process was closed and no further adjustments could be made to add employees. "The timekeeping regulations and requirements were not completed for the 32 election workers in the 2024 payroll year. That places Burleigh County out of compliance and in violation of payroll and timekeeping laws and regulations. "I will not knowingly complete W-2 forms for people who were never hired and paid in compliance with the new hire and payroll and timekeeping laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act," Binder wrote. The Fair Labor Standards Act is a federal law that sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and youth employment standards for private- and public-sector employees. Software giant Microsoft has made changes to cloud service provider (CSP) licensing rules, updating the maximum resale price calculation for channel partner agreements. Changes will come into effect in July, impacting all products and volume licensing frameworks. Microsoft chief partner officer and corporate vice president, global partner solutions, Nicole Dezen said these changes would streamline customers when it comes to monthly billing support and its focus on cloud and AI. At the same time, we will deepen our investment in the partners who are delivering transformational impact with customers, aligned to our strategic imperatives, she said. In FY26, Microsoft will have a tighter grip on partners by monitoring and measuring any CSP change of channel partner (COCP) activity regularly. Revenue, tenants, and subscriptions from CSP (cloud service provider) entities acquired, merged, or otherwise transitioned are explicitly monitored. Microsoft doesnt pay incentives for revenue, tenant, subscription movements between CSP partners, as incentives are not intended for CSP partner-to-CSP partner transfers. This doesnt apply when Microsoft deauthorises a CSP partner or when a CSP partner goes out of business. Change of channel partner activity, as determined solely by Microsoft, might result in adjustment of incentive payments, claw back of previously paid incentives, and/or termination of the applicable incentive. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said around 500,000 artillery shells have been delivered to Ukraine this year under a Czech-led global effort to support Kyiv in its fight against Russia. Speaking at a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on May 5, Fiala also pledged to increase the instruction of Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets and L-39s, a Czech-built trainer plane. Fiala made no mention of whether the Czech government was considering offering soldiers to serve in Ukraine as part of the Coalition of the Willing effort spearheaded by France and Germany. That effort aims to organize a multinational group of troops who would be deployed to Ukraine as peacekeepers, once there is a halt to Russias all-out invasion, now in its fourth year. Zelenskyy is on a two-day visit to one of Kyiv's strongest European allies. The trip comes as Kyiv and Moscow, as well as most European capitals, gear up for celebrations on the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II. Ukraine, which has suffered massive destruction and loss of life since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022, shifted its remembrance of Victory Day to May 8, aligned with the date when Western allies mark the occasion. As it did under the Soviet Union, Moscow observes the day on May 9, since the Nazi surrender in 1945 occurred overnight in Moscow. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has called for a three-day cease-fire in its Ukraine invasion beginning on May 8. In response, Zelenskyy called instead for a longer, 30-day cease-fire. During his visit to the Czech parliament Zelenskyy noticed a group of cleaning ladies from Ukraine who were watching his arrival through a glass door. He approached them and took a group photo with them. The picture has gone viral. Zelenskyy also gave an interview to Czech television CT24, acknowledging the difficulties that Ukraine's soldiers face. "If you look at the battlefield, you understand that no one rests in war," he said. "I completely understand what is happening, and there are moments of crisis, emotional waves and physical exhaustion, because this is a war. " He added that Ukraine is defending the homeland and "everyone understands the price" and noted that Ukraine is "holding on and defending our independence, which means that from a general point of view we have heroic soldiers and a strong people supporting them." During earlier meetings with President Petr Pavel, Zelenskyy said Putin could end the war "with a single decision" but "has not shown any willingness" to do so. Renewed Western efforts to resolve the conflict, pushed in large part by US President Donald Trump, have begun to falter, as Russia continues to press its advantage on the battlefield in Ukraine. Despite an earlier tentative agreement to limit attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine and Russia have also continued to target oil pipelines, power plants, electricity transmission lines, and other crucial sites. The Czech government has headed a global effort to source and send artillery shells to Ukraine. In February, Pavel said more than 1.6 million shells had been delivered to date as part of that program. Ukraine faces a critical shortage of ammunition in its battle to repel Russian forces that launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Russia is said to have a 3:1 advantage in ammunition supplies and has pledged to increase its output this year as part of a 25 percent increase in military spending for 2025. Iran says it has "successfully" tested a new ballistic missile that it claims can reach Israel and penetrate some of the most advanced missile-defense systems in the world. Amid growing concerns in the West over Tehran's advancing nuclear and missile programs, Iran's state TV on May 4 aired footage of the Qassem Basir missile being tested and apparently hitting its target. Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said the solid-fueled missile has a range of 1,200 kilometers and can penetrate Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), an advanced anti-missile system that the United States deployed to Israel last year. Iran Unveils Missile Designed To Evade US Defenses No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:30 0:00 Nasirzadeh said the new missile was developed by addressing weaknesses revealed during operations True Promise 1 and 2 -- Iran's missile and drone attacks on Israel in April and October last year. The minister asserted that the missile had been upgraded in both guidance and maneuverability to help it get through layers of air defense and claimed it was resistant to electronic jamming. Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Qassem Basir is an upgraded version of the Martyr Hajj Qassem missile, which was named after slain IRGC Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani and unveiled in 2020. The missile was unveiled on the same day that Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile attack near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, injuring several people and briefly disrupting air traffic. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the attack on Iranian support for the Houthis and pledged retaliation against both the Yemeni group and Tehran. The missile notably evaded sophisticated air defense systems. Israel is said to have had two THAAD batteries and at least one Arrow 3 interceptor system in operation at the time of the attack. Experts say the Qassem Basir missile marks the first usage by Tehran of optical seekers on a medium-range ballistic missile. Russian-based weapons expert Yuri Lyamin noted that the new medium-range ballistic missile was now Iran's "most long-ranged" missile equipped with electro optical (EO) seekers, replacing the short-range ballistic missile Zolfaghar Basir. Fabian Hinz, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, explained that -- in theory -- this missile uses its own camera to navigate by matching what it sees against stored visual information. This means there's no external radio signal to interrupt, making it effectively jamming-resistant. Hinz told RFE/RL that the accuracy of Iranian missiles that struck Israel, especially last October, "was not great." He attributed it to potential signal jamming, which is what prompted Iran to work on developing missiles that use EO seekers. Nasirzadeh warned that any military aggression from the United States or Israel would prompt a global response targeting their assets and bases. He stressed that while Iran does not seek confrontation, it will respond "firmly" if challenged. British police have arrested eight men -- including seven Iranian nationals -- in two apparently unrelated counterterrorism operations, officers said on May 4, and authorities are attempting to determine if there are any further risks to the public. "These were two major operations that reflect some of the biggest counter-state threat and counterterrorism operations that we have seen in recent years," Interior Secretary Yvette Cooper told reporters on May 4. Specific details remained scarce regarding to two actions. London's Metropolitan Police said five men, including four Iranians, were arrested on May 3 over a suspected plot to target a specific, undisclosed site. Authorities said they were still attempting to determine the nationality of the fifth suspect. Separately, three Iranian nationals aged between 39 and 55 were arrested in London in a second operation that was not related to the first matter, the Metropolitan Police said. The Iranian Embassy in London did not immediately comment on the arrests. In the first incident, the men, aged 29 to 40, were detained in West London and in Swindon, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester, police said. "The investigation relates to a suspected plot to target a specific premises. Officers have been in contact with the affected site to make them aware and provide relevant advice and support, but for operational reasons, we are not able to provide further information at this time," a police statement said. Commander Dominic Murphy, chief of London police's Counter Terrorism Command, said, "We are exploring various lines of enquiry to...identify whether there may be any further risk to the public linked to this matter." Authorities said the suspects are undergoing questioning and have not yet been formally charged. In the second case, the three Iranian nationals were detained under the National Security Act, authorities said, without disclosing further details. Searches were ongoing at their addresses, the police statement read. The arrests come at a time of intensified tensions over suspected Tehran-supported activities in Britain. Last year, Ken McCallum, the head of Britain's domestic spy service, said that since 2022, authorities had responded to 20 Iran-linked plots that potentially posed lethal threats to the public. At the time, McCallum said hostile states, radicalized individuals, and the revitalized Islamic State (IS) terror group have combined to create the most complex and interconnected threat environment weve ever seen. In March 2024, Pouria Zeraati, a presenter at a Persian-language media organization in London critical of the Iranian government, was stabbed in the leg outside his home in London. Two men were later arrested in Romania and charged over the attack on Zeraati, a TV host for the Iran International news network. With reporting by Reuters and AP BUCHAREST -- Ultranationalist politician George Simion easily won the first round of a rerun of Romania's presidential election, setting up a runoff with pro-Western reformist Nicusor Dan in a vote that could impact the country's political direction and its support for Ukraine. Far-right leaders from around the globe sent their congratulations to Simion, 38, after results showed he took 41 percent of the vote in the May 4 election, nearly double that of Dan, the current mayor of Bucharest, who garnered 21 percent. A second round of voting will take place May 18. Simion, an outspoken supporter of US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who leads the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), has promoted reunifying Romania and neighboring Moldova, along with halting military aid to Ukraine. He was banned in 2024 from entering Ukraine for three years for what Kyiv called "systematic anti-Ukrainian activities" while Moldova has called him a national security threat and barred him from entering the country as well. Simion, who benefitted from a wave of anger coursing through the electorate, has also pledged to break EU laws he disagrees with, though he also says Romania should remain in the bloc. "This is not just an electoral victory, it is a victory of Romanian dignity. It is the victory of those who have not lost hope, of those who still believe in Romania, a free, respected, sovereign country," Simion said. Reactions on the ground reflected a degree of cynicism about the election in Bucharest. Student George Bistriceanu, one of 9.5 million Romanians who voted, said the election results "are somewhat to be expected. I honestly didn't find it surprising, but in the end that was everyone's vote." Another student, Alicia Danculescu, called Simion's win "honestly, pretty outrageous. I wasn't expecting those percentages." Bucharest resident Iulian Tudorache suggested the result could be seen as a protest vote, saying, "This is not all right, but they've stopped putting up with the system." While Simion had lead in most opinion polls before the election, his result and the margin of victory -- though it fell short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff -- was praised by far-right leaders across Europe. Antonio Giordano, secretary-general of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party, said Simion's success "confirms how vision, courage, and passion can pave the way for change." Former Polish prime minister from the Law and Justice Party (PiS) Mateusz Morawiecki and French far-right politician Marion Marechal, the granddaughter of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of France's National Front (FN), congratulated Simion as well. The 55-year-old Dan -- considered a political moderate -- is a mathematician and former anti-corruption activist who founded the Save Romania Union party (USR) in 2016. "This was a democratic process that Romania needed. This won't be a debate between individuals, it will be a debate between a pro-Western direction for Romania and an anti-Western one," Dan said after the vote. "I call on all Romanians to be part of this battle, and I am optimistic that we will win." Last November, Calin Georgescu, a pro-Russian nationalist seen as a fringe candidate, pulled off a surprise win in the first round of voting. However, authorities annulled the results amid accusations of a Russian influence campaign to boost his candidacy. Georgescu was banned from running in the new elections, and a raft of new rules were introduced for the May 4 rerun. Romania's Controversial Canceled Election The canceled vote drew criticism outside of Romania, most prominently from US Vice President JD Vance, who weighed in during a speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, accusing officials of acting on "flimsy suspicious and enormous pressure from its continental neighbors." Simion has publicly embraced some of the rhetoric of US President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again movement. In the two months since Vance's comments, tensions in Romania have been rising. The country has a 650-kilometer border with Ukraine and the political establishment in Bucharest has been further jolted by Washington's sharp policy shift on Ukraine and Russia. In November, he posted a photograph of himself wearing Trump's signature red baseball cap with the logo "Trump Save America," and he recently said he's "perfectly aligned ideologically with the MAGA movement." On April 24, electoral authorities announced an investigation into Simion's political party over allegations it had violated campaign-financing rules. The investigation has centered on allegations that Simion organized a $1.5 million payment to a US lobbying firm to set up meetings in Washington with prominent media figures allied with Trump. Simion has denied the allegations. The election campaign drew outside observers to monitor the vote. In a pre-election report, monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) criticized some of Romania's registration and vote tallying procedures. The Trump administration also sent its own election observer independent of the OSCE: a top official from the Federal Election Commission, which oversees US elections. Under Romania's constitution, the president appoints the country's prime minister. The appointment needs to be approved by parliament, where Simion's AUR is the largest opposition party. The president also represents Romania at NATO and EU summits and can use Romania's veto of EU decisions. A Russian journalist who was charged for her criticism of Moscow's war on Ukraine and ordered to remain under house arrest pending trial secretly fled the country for France. Yekaterina Barabash, a film critic who had written critical messages to Facebook about the Russian invasion, appeared on May 5 at a Paris news conference organized by Reporters Without Borders, an advocacy group known by its French acronym, RSF. "Her escape was one of the most perilous operations RSF been involved in since Russia's draconian laws of March 2022," the group's director, Thibaut Bruttin, said during the conference with Barabash. Barabash, a film critic who has worked for Radio France Internationale and been an occasional guest on RFE/RL's Russian Service programs, was arrested on February 25 after returning home from a film festival in Berlin. She was charged with spreading fake news about the Russian military -- a draconian measure put into law after Moscow launched its all-out invasion in February 2022. Russian officials issued an arrest warrant after police checked on Barabash at her Moscow apartment on April 13 and found her missing. Barabash told the Paris news conference that she crossed multiple borders using secret channels arranged by activists and spent two weeks in hiding before reappearing in Paris. She said she left behind her 96-year-old mother, whom she could not contact when she fled. "I just understood that I'd never see her again," Barabash said. She told the news conference there was no such thing as a "Russian journalist" inside the country anymore. "There are no Russian journalists," she said. "Journalism cannot exist under totalitarianism." With reporting by the AP and AFP European Union foreign ministers will gather in Warsaw this week for an informal council meeting and then head to Lviv in a show of solidarity with Ukraine in the face of a major Victory Day celebrations in Russia. Few concrete decisions are expected be made in either Poland on May 7-8, nor a day later in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, as these aren't official EU councils. "In line with the meeting's informal nature and taking benefit from the more intimate (ministers-only) setting, we encourage everyone's contribution to a truly frank and nonscripted discussion," read a welcoming note for the Warsaw meeting that was seen by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "In this spirit, we recommend that our working sessions take place without interpretation or electronic devices. We also kindly invite you to opt for semi-formal attire throughout the meeting. But the informality doesn't mean the meetings will lack high-level officials and come at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is looking to capture the world's attention with a massive military parade in front of dozens of dignitaries from around the world. During the first day of the Warsaw meeting, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will join to discuss European security, while the second day is dedicated to EU-US relations and the situation in Ukraine. On the latter, the welcome note, signed by the EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and the host, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, proposes an "in-depth discussion" on the EU's role in bolstering Ukraine's negotiation position toward a "just and lasting peace." Officials will look to do this, the note says, by "building on our unique collective leverage: broad support to Ukraine, in particular financial and military, pressure to constrain Russia's war chest, Ukraine's EU accession path, and the ongoing work on enhancing European defense capabilities." While no decisions are to be rubber-stamped, there are three developments pertaining to Ukraine that analysts say will be closely watched. The EU is aiming to announce more cash for Ukraine's defense industry, though a figure has yet to be agreed. The bloc is also expected to accelerate sanctions on Russia in the wake of numerous missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. According to EU diplomats, it is likely to be a smaller package consisting mainly of the further blacklisting of Russian officers and politicians along with adding ships belonging to the Russian shadow fleet that will be banned from getting services in European ports. Major new economic sanctions against Russia aren't expected to avoid dissent from some EU capitals and instead get a quick green light as a sign of solidarity in ratcheting up pressure on Moscow. The Lviv meeting is set to take place as the ministers attend the establishment of a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting senior Russian and Belarusian leaders for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The tribunal is meant as a complement to the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide that was launched three years ago. It will fill in the gaps as the ICC isn't looking into is what are legally known as "crimes of aggression" such as military occupation, annexation, and bombardments. A so-called core group of countries, including all EU member states except Hungary and Slovakia, as well as the G7 minus the United States, has drawn up three documents on an agreement with Ukraine to establish the tribunal. The actual tribunal won't be formally set up until the Council of Europe's committee of ministers votes on it on May 14. The EU and Kyiv have been gathering evidence on crimes of aggression since 2023. US President Donald Trump says the goal of negotiations with Iran is to ensure the "total dismantlement" of Tehran's nuclear program but would consider allowing Iran to maintain a civilian nuclear energy program. In an interview with NBC on May 4, Trump said tearing down Iran's nuclear program would be "all I'd accept." The comment marks the first time Trump has explicitly said what he hopes to do with Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran maintains is peaceful. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested last week that Washington would be open to letting Iran operate a peaceful civil nuclear program, saying, "There's a way to do it." "You build the reactors and you import enriched uranium to fuel those reactors. That's how dozens of countries around the world do it," he told Fox News on May 1. Trump appeared to echo Rubio's remarks, telling NBC that he would be "open to hearing it." "Civilian energy, it's called. But you know, civilian energy often leads to military wars. And we don't want to have them have a nuclear weapon. It's a very simple deal," he added. Trump said a civilian nuclear program would be used to generate electricity, but given Iran is an energy-rich country it would not really need it. "My inclination is to say, 'What do you need that for? You have a lot of oil,'" he said. Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, said Trump's comments had made it clear the administration was not looking for a revamped version of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. "This interview calls that fantasy into question," he wrote on X. Meanwhile, others insist Trump's comment suggests he is still undecided. "Maybe one could argue that Trump's team still does not exactly know what it wants from Iran, but he himself desires a deal different from the JCPOA," wrote Iran-based foreign policy analyst Rahman Qahremanpour, referring to the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has rejected calls to dismantle its nuclear program and give up its ability to enrich uranium. Responding to Trump's comment, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on May 5 said Iran has "a right to peaceful nuclear energy" and dismissed Trump's oil remark. "Iran's peaceful nuclear program goes back to the 1970s, when Iran had more fossil fuel and less consumption," Esmail Baqaei said during a weekly press conference. "Therefore, some fallacious comments about Iran having access to expansive fossil fuel reserves and not needing nuclear energy have no basis in science or reality." Iran and the United States have held three rounds of nuclear discussions since last month. Mediated by Oman, a fourth round was slated for May 2 in Rome but was postponed due to what Muscat called "logistical reasons." SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. A headline from Scotland's Daily Record: Three masked children held captive in 'house of horrors' since Covid pandemic So who was holding them captive? Well, that would be their German dad and American mom. Where was this house of horrors? In the couple's second home, in the Spanish town of Fitoria, on the outskirts of Oviedo, capital of the Principality of Asturias. It's a spacious property with commanding views over the metropolis [see picture above] in a neighbourhood where such agreeable accommodations can set you back a million euros. Nevertheless, a lady became concerned when she heard children's voices from within the house yet never saw any of the little nippers coming and going. So police kept the place under surveillance for a few days until this week, when, under cover of the convenient nationwide blackout, they decided to storm the joint: The initial search of the house was made more difficult due to the nationwide power outage that had plunged the country into darkness. But, despite bumping into the furniture and stubbing their toes on the staircase, the coppers managed to locate the eight-year-old twins and their ten-year-old older brother, all wearing three face-masks apiece. The lads had been confined to the house for over four years ...hmm, four years, you say? Was there anything in particular going on at that time that might persuade a responsible, law-abiding and science-following citizen to hole up behind his front door? Ah, but that was then and this is now. Like those Japanese soldiers deep in the jungle and unaware the war ended in 1945, this family appeared not to know that Spain's Covid quarantine was no longer operative. So the parents were handcuffed, led away, and are currently being held without bail. Got it. If you're one of those conspiracy-theorist science-deniers wondering when Fauci or Britain's Matt Hancock or any of their European counterparts are going to be behind bars, well, dream on. However, if it's any consolation, the authorities are now gaoling couples who made the mistake of doing everything Fauci, Hancock et al recommended. For example, those three face-masks on the kids? Here's Anthony (I am the science) Fauci on NBC's Today Show: Thus the state in 2021: So, if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on, it just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective. And not just "common sense". The science is so settled they've even got peer-reviewed studies: Results from the first experiment demonstrated that the unknotted medical procedure mask alone blocked 56.1% of the particles from a simulated cough (standard deviation [SD] = 5.8), and the cloth mask alone blocked 51.4% (SD = 7.1). The combination of the cloth mask covering the medical procedure mask (double mask) blocked 85.4% of the cough particles (SD = 2.4). So four years ago it was Fauci-sanctioned science. Now it's child abuse? So everything we were once ordered to do - no school, no playing outside - will now get you arrested and your children delivered into the custody of the authorities? If you remember, Ofcom and the English High Court ruled that my GB News show with Naomi Wolf risked the possibility of causing "harm" to viewers. Well, this Spanish case would appear to prove that the governments of Spain and Germany and the United States caused actual harm to these boys. Where, after all, did this couple get their sick abusive ideas about quarantine, multiple masks and no education? And, by the way, if compliance with the 2020 Covid regime now makes your home "a house of horrors", when exactly did the Covid end? In January 2022, Prime Minister Sanchez - the same guy who presided over this week's grid meltdown - declared that Spain would transition its management of the scourge from the pandemic model to something endemic, like 'flu. In return, he was upbraided by China's WHO sock puppet, Dr Tedros, who warned that Covid was "nowhere near over" and there were any number of killer variants still to come. You'll recall that this was just weeks after received opinion in London wanted to cancel a second Christmas because Imperial College's Professor Pantsdown had predicted that the omnipotent Omicron variant would kill 5,000 people a day in the UK. Fernando Garcia, the presiding eminence at Spain's National Centre for Epidemiology, rebuked his PM and said that treating Covid like 'flu would be "creating false hope". So, according to all the experts, Covid was still rampaging around slaughtering everything in its path in 2022. I ask again: when exactly did the Covid end? As late as October 2023, Judge Irving ruled that, for the duration of the Mann vs Steyn trial at the District of Columbia Superior Court, all parties, witnesses, jurors and courtroom attendees would have to be masked - just like this Kraut/Yank couple's three kids. Then, just as my flight touched down at Reagan National with enough masks for the duration and a boatload of excess-baggage charges, the judge announced that he'd have to postpone the trial till 2024 because he'd come down with the Covid. No doubt this couple are pretty nutty - as are fifty per cent of your neighbours, wherever in the western world you happen to live. But are they any nuttier than Fauci or Birx, Tedros or Pantsdown? At the dirty stinkin' rotten corrupt UK "Covid inquiry" being run by the baroness du jour, the fix is in: instead of putting on her black cap and ordering Johnson and Hancock, Whitty and Vallance to be taken to the nearest lamppost, Baroness Hallett will conclude the only problem was that we didn't lockdown harder and faster. Yeah, we should all have worn three masks apiece, like those boys in Fitoria. Meanwhile, for following this "science" to a fault, a German man and his American wife will lose their kids forever. In the dying west, all that counts is whether you're in on the racket. If you aren't, you can't abuse your own kids. If you are, like Fauci et al, you can abuse an entire nation's kids. Mark's international bestseller America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It. If you haven't read the book during its first seventeen years, well, you're missing a treat. It's still in print in hardback and paperback. (Buy it at a 77% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 47% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR) (COMMENT, BELOW) Mark Steyn is an international bestselling author, a Top 41 recording artist, and a leading Canadian human rights activist. Among his books is "The Undocumented Mark Steyn: Don't Say You Weren't Warned". (Buy it at a 49% discount by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 67% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR) Ukraine's strategic town of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region remains one of the most embattled places on the front line. Current Time correspondent Oleksiy Prodayvoda, who visited Pokrovsk on April 29, said that, after months of continuous Russian attacks, the town looks "apocalyptic." Since late 2024, ground assaults have brought little results for Russia's advances. Now, the Russian military is "razing the town to the ground," Prodayvoda said. Fierce fighting has taken a heavy toll on Pokrovsk, which appears almost uninhabitable, although some residents remain in place. Due to increasingly dangerous conditions, local residents have little ability to bury their relatives in town's cemetery, a Ukrainian soldier fighting in Pokrovsk said. "A dead person is just taken out of the house and buried in a field.... It's a disaster," he added. Prodayvoda, who has been reporting from the front lines in the east and south of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, says the difference between battles for Pokrovsk and Bakhmut or Avdiyvika is the fiber-optic cables that both Russian and Ukrainian forces have begun to use recently. "Garages, yards, trees, poles -- everything is covered in fiber cables from drones that fly over Pokrovsk every day," he added. Earlier, Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskiy, said Russian forces were still "stubbornly" trying to break through Ukraine's defenses and reach the border of the Dnipropetrovsk region. With Pokrovsk located less than 20 kilometers from Dnipropetrovsk, the area has now seen some of the heaviest fighting. On May 3, a senior communications officer in a Ukrainian brigade operating in Pokrovsk told the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) that the Russian forces are attempting to advance into Dnipropetrovsk by May 9. In late April, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested a three-day cease-fire surrounding its May 9 Victory Day remembrances -- a proposal dismissed by Kyiv as "theater." "The Russians are certainly not going to cease fire completely," said Ruslan, the Ukrainian soldier fighting in Pokrovsk. "If it calms down here, they will give nightmares to civilians.... You see what's happening. They're launching over a hundred Shahed drones each night," he added. A Boyle-based animation studio has been nominated in three categories for the upcoming Irish Animation Awards in Galway. Studio Meala, which specialises in high-end 2D animation, has received jury nods for Doodle Girl, an original series commissioned by RTE Junior. The company, based at The Spool Factory on Patrick Street, Boyle, has received nominations for Best Animated Preschool Series (up to 6 years old), Best Storyboarding and Best Voice Acting. Studio Meala has worked with several leading global companies, including Disney and Tommy Hilfiger. The Irish Animation Awards are a biennial event, celebrating more than 2,500 highly skilled animation professionals who make and create across the island of Ireland. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, May 23rd at the Galway Bay Hotel. The elderly pedestrian (89) who lost her life in a road tragedy in Frenchpark on Thursday afternoon will be laid to rest later this morning, Monday, following her Funeral Mass. Mrs Kitty Lavin (nee Lane), who was born on February 16th, 1936, was from Mullen, Frenchpark, and formerly of Ardikellan, Strokestown. Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan said he hoped Kittys good christian beliefs and the many fond memories of her could be of some consolation to the family and wider community at this very sad time. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael; her parents, Elizabeth and Pat Lane; sister, Ettie and brother Martin. Kitty is sadly missed and remembered with love by her heartbroken family, her sons, Pat and Gerry; her daughter, Martina Langan (Ballymote); her adored grandson, Michael; son-in-law, Tommy; daughter-in-law, Yvonne; Pat's partner, Anne; sisters, Mai and Breege; brothers, Ed and Micheal; brother-in-law, Pat Beirne; sister-in-law, Linda Lane; nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and many friends. Kitty will be laid to rest this morninin Cloonshanville Cemetery following 11 a.m. Funeral Mass in St Asicus Church, Frenchpark. Award winning Irish theatre collective, Malaprop, is bringing the hit stage exploration of climate breakdown, cruise ship cabaret and the legacies of bad parenting, Hothouse to Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, May 16th at 8.00 p.m.. This fast-paced, poignant story of love, loss, and legacy set on an Arctic cruise ship, takes youthe passengeron a journey to bid farewell to the ice caps. Following its Off-Broadway debut (2024) where Hothouse was selected as a New York Times Critics Pick, the show is now touring the country. Hothouse brings the audience on an odyssey that sails through an intergenerational tale complete with horny songbirds, a mad captain, and wanting to change, but not knowing how. Set on a cruise liner in the Arctic, where the ship's captain is pulling the strings, the play is performed by a cast of five. Hothouse, with its clever score, looks at the last hundred years in Ireland, and ahead to the next hundred. Tackling climate breakdown with big ideas, there are plenty of laughs, and some truly grotesque cabaret musical numbers. The play sees Ruth (in 1969) who refuses to eat sandwiches with lettuce in them. Ali in the present day goes on a cruise to say goodbye to the ice. A parent 100 years in the future tells their child it gets better, even though we're pretty sure they're lying. Bookings at 090 662 5824 / roscommonartscentre.ie The show will also be performed at the Hawks Well, Sligo on Saturday, May 24th at 8.00 p.m, 071 916 1518 / https://www.hawkswell.com/whats-on/shows/hothouse Met Gala 2025, Here's all you need to know The Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 5, 2025. The ubiquitous red carpet arrivals will start at approximately 4:30 p.m. Met Gala 2025, Here's all you need to know latest news: The fashion world is abuzz as the 2025 Met Gala draws near. Dubbed the largest night in fashion, the event is a glamorous affair hosted at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The event is attended by celebrities, designers, and cultural icons all coming together to honor style and creativity. When and Where Is the Met Gala? The Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 5, 2025. The ubiquitous red carpet arrivals will start at approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. As ever, the event will be indoors in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, turning it into the planet's hippest spot for a single evening. Advertisement What Is the Theme This Year? Every Met Gala has a unique theme, and the theme for this year is "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The show is based on Monica L. Miller's book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The show is divided into 12 sections, which highlight how Black fashion has influenced history and culture. What Can Visitors See? The exhibition will have clothing, paintings, photographs, and artwork from various time periods. Some of the artists featured include Torkwase Dyson, Tanda Francis, Andre Grenard Matswa, and Tyler Mitchell. The styles vary from the 18th century to contemporary fashion. Who Is Hosting the 2025 Met Gala? The event is co-chaired by popular personalities, including: - Colman Domingo - Lewis Hamilton - ASAP Rocky - Pharrell Williams - Anna Wintour (long-time organizer) Also, LeBron James will be an honorary chair. Advertisement A special host committee includes celebrities and creatives such as Andre 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Spike Lee, Janelle Monae, Usher, and many others. What's the Dress Code? The 2025 Met Gala theme has been termed "Tailored for You." It is centered on menswear, suits, and how Black creatives and artists have adapted these over the years. Get ready to witness slim-fit suits, bright colors, and statement pieces on the red carpet. What Goes On Inside the Gala? Upon arriving at the gala, the occasion is kept intimate, as phones and social media are barred from entry. The big highlights of the evening are: - Cocktail hour - A formal dinner - Live performances from top artists Advertisement This year, the dinner will be hosted by chef Kwame Onwuachi, who was previously at Tatiana in Lincoln Center and DAgon in Washington, DC. Who Gets Invited? The guest list at the Met Gala consists of roughly 450 individuals. There are actors, musicians, designers, athletes, and newcomers on its list. Superstars such as Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rihanna are frequently present every year. How Do You Watch It? Don't worry if you're not on the guest listyou can watch it live nonetheless! The official Met Gala livestream begins at 6 p.m. EST on Vogue's digital sites and YouTube. Advertisement The livestream hosts are: - Teyana Taylor - La La Anthony - Ego Nwodim They will bring interviews, red carpet coverage, and exclusive moments. A Night of Fashion With a Powerful Message The 2025 Met Gala is not only about fashionit's a celebration of Black creativity, identity, and cultural impact on style. With a powerful theme, star-studded guest list, and incredible fashion, this year's event will be unforgettable. Whether watching at home or seeing it live, prepare for a night where history and fashion collideand every look speaks a thousand words. (For More News Apart Met Gala 2025, Here's all you need to know stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Bigg Boss 7 Contestant, Actor Ajaz Khan Booked for Rape After ULLU's "House Arrest" Backlash Ajaz Khan has been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Information Technology Act and more. Bigg Boss 7 Contestant, Actor Ajaz Khan Booked for Rape After ULLU's "House Arrest" Backlash latest news: Bigg Boss 7 Contestant, Actor Ajaz Khan booked for rape under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to rape, latest news:Mumbai Police Sunday registered a rape case against actor Ajaz Khan following a complaint by a 30-year-old woman who accused him of raping her at multiple locations under the guise of helping her enter the film industry. The actor has been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to rape, and the investigation is ongoing, according to media reports. Advertisement Ajaz Khan recently made headlines when a clip from his latest show, House Arrest, which streamed on ULLU, went viral. The video drew controversy for alleged "obscenity" and "vulgarity." Following the viral clip, a case was filed against Ajaz Khan, the host of the show, producer Rajkumar Pandey, and other individuals associated with the ULLU app, based on a complaint lodged by Gautam Ravriya, an activist of Bajrang Dal, the police said on Friday, as reported by Hindustan Times. The producer and host of House Arrest have been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, the report added. Advertisement Clips from the show went viral, with many people tagging the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and calling for a ban due to its alleged "inappropriate content." In one of the viral clips, a female contestant is seen saying that she is unfamiliar with sex positions, prompting host Ajaz Khan to immediately ask other contestants to demonstrate them live on camera. Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter), sharing clips of the show and calling it "crossing all limits of vulgarity and indecency." Many demanded that the show be "immediately shut down" and that Ajaz Khan be arrested. Advertisement ( For more news, apart from 'India reduces 90% water flow from Baglihar Dam to Pakistan , Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Image courtesy (the Tribune) India is exploring all possible ways to utilize water from the rivers for the benefit of Indians. India reduces 90% water flow from Baglihar Dam to Pakistan, latest news: India has significantly reduced the flow of water from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, one of the western rivers over which Pakistan has exclusive rights under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. India kept the six-decade-old Indus Water Treaty in abeyance the day after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Advertisement According to a report by Hindustan Times, India has cut off 90% of the water flow from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is planning to reduce the flow from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum as well. In a move to curb the flow of water from rivers into Pakistan, India started de-silting operations at the Baglihar Dam, resulting in a 90% reduction in the flow of water to Pakistan, the report stated. De-silting operations will also be carried out at the Kishanganga Dam, according to the report, which cited an official from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The dam is built on the Kishanganga River, a tributary of the Jhelum Riverone of the three western rivers over which Pakistan has exclusive rights under the Indus Water Treaty. Advertisement As per the report, the Kishanganga Dam, located in the Gurez Valley, will undergo major maintenance work, during which the water flow from it will be stopped. According to its sources, India is exploring all possible ways to utilize water from the rivers for the benefit of Indians. We are ready with stringent punitive measures against Pakistan, and nearly 50 engineers from the NHPC are already in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to oversee the operations, an official was quoted as saying. Advertisement An official told Hindustan Times that India has made significant progress on four hydropower projectsPakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW)which are currently under construction on the Chenab River and its tributaries in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. These dams are set to be commissioned in 202728. These hydropower projects are a joint venture between the NHPC and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC). According to sources cited in the report, The Pakal Dul project has achieved 66% progress, Kiru-55%, Kwa- 19%, and Ratle- 21%. Advertisement There is also the 930 MW Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project, located on a tributary of the Chenab in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the report, citing an official, pending clearances are under process following a memorandum between the JKSPDC and NHPC. Pakistan had previously objected to the Ratle and Kishanganga projects, alleging violations of the Indus Water Treaty. ( For more news, apart from 'India reduces 90% water flow from Baglihar Dam to Pakistan , Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Pahalgam Terror Attack: Putin Calls Modi, Expresses Full Support to India Fight Against Terrorism President Putin calls Prime Minister Modi over April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, latest news President Putin calls Prime Minister Modi over April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, latest news: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 22 lives. During the phone conversation, President Putin conveyed his condolences to the victims and expressed Russias full support to India in its fight against terrorism. President Putin emphasized that the perpetrators of the heinous attack, along with their supporters, must be brought to justice, according to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X (formerly Twitter). President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India. Advertisement He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice. President Putins call comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. According to details shared in the post, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Advertisement Prime Minister Modi also extended greetings to President Putin on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, though, as per reports, he will not be travelling to Russia. Additionally, PM Modi invited President Putin to attend the Annual Bilateral Summit, scheduled to be held in India later this year. In the aftermath of the attack, President Putin had earlier expressed his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi over the tragic incident in a message dated April 22. Advertisement "Kindly accept the sincere condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, whose victims were civilians citizens of various countries. This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. We expect that its organisers and perpetrators will face deserved punishment. I would like to reiterate our commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured." ( For more news, apart from 'President Putin calls Prime Minister Modi over April 22 Pahalgam terror attack , Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) The Most Favoured Nation Clause Friendship between states is not just about fine words, but also about action The History Show Steliu Lambru, 05.05.2025, 13:15 Friendship between states is not just about fine words, but also about action. One of the ways in which the Romanian-US friendship translated into action in the second half of the 20th Century was the most favoured nation clause. It is based on a principle with two components. The first component is equal treatment in trade relations given by one country to another. The second component is the favourable treatment in trade relations given by one country to another compared to the other countries with which it has trade relations. Relations between Romania and the USA in the 20th Century were generally positive, except for the years 1941 and 1944 when the two were at war. After the end of the conflict, Romania and the USA found themselves in opposing sides: Romania was a prisoner in the socialist bloc commanded by the Soviet Union, while the US was the leader of the free world. The restoration of Romanian-US relations began tentatively in 1946, and they truly thawed after 1953, the year of Stalins death. The historian Constantin Moraru, with the National Archives of Romania, researched the topic and told us on what the restoration of bilateral relations had been based: Constantin Moraru: Considering that in the Soviet Union a power struggle was taking place at the top of the Communist Party for two years, Romania was trying to take advantage of this war and took a number of steps to establish economic relations. Mainly, this step came as a result of the fact that the Eisenhower administration tried to change the views on East-West relations a little, especially in terms of economic relations. The Americans said that they could not start economic relations without resolving the issue of American nationalised claims on June 11, 1948. And then, in the period between 1954 and 1960, several rounds of negotiations followed. The amounts that were requested as compensation by the American side reached somewhere around 60 million US dollars, and the share of Romanian property that was blocked in the United States was somewhere around 20 million dollars. Between 1955 and 1960, increasingly firm attempts were made at economic rapprochement; in 1960, a financial agreement was even concluded in Washington to regulate mutual debts. Romania paid 22 million US dollars, with an instalment of 2.5 million US dollars to be paid over the next four years. Also, in 1960, a cultural agreement was concluded. However, the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, and Romanias political positioning alongside the Soviet Union led to a halt in bilateral relations. In 1964, after the declaration of independence of the Romanian Workers Party and with Romania distancing itself from the Soviet Union, Romanian-American relations were restored. This is when the idea of the most favoured nation clause appeared, but it was rejected by the US Congress, which had voted in 1949 a law that prohibited the USA from having trade relations with socialist Europe. Also in 1964, the Romanian legation in Washington was elevated to the rank of embassy. Nicolae Ceausescus coming to power in 1965 did not bring about major changes. However, Romanian technocrats convinced the new leader of the importance of obtaining the clause. Romania was getting closer to the US through its stance on the 1967 Six-Day War in the Middle East and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when Romania did not embrace the Soviet position. In 1969, the US president Richard Nixon visited Romania, and in the early 1970s, Romania was the first socialist country to be admitted into international financial organisations such as the IMF, the IBRD and the GATT. On April 2, 1975, an agreement was signed in Washington under which the Romanians and the Americans offered each other the most favoured nation clause, a moment followed by the visit of the US president Gerald Ford to Bucharest. The year 1975 is seen as the peak of Romanian-US bilateral relations. Constantin Moraru says that Romanias entire behaviour led to the granting of the clause, but the lobby also played a role: Constantin Moraru: The US Jewish community also contributed to Romania getting the clause. The issue of Jewish emigration was important for the American Jewish community, which wanted members of this community to secure facilities with respect to emigration either to Israel or to the United States. They needed the Romanian authorities to be able to do this much easier. This fact contributed to obtaining the clause, the support, the lobby of the Jewish community in Congress led to Romania obtaining the clause. However, the economic crisis of the early 1980s led to tensions in the Romanian-American relations. Romanias 11 billion dollar debt, the brutal violation of human rights in Romania and the objections of the Americans collided with Nicolae Ceausescus stubbornness. Constantin Moraru: Romania was in economic difficulty regarding the matter of raw materials. Romania had a developed industry in several branches that required a lot of raw materials that the country could not meet domestically. To be able to buy from abroad, it needed money. Now, with a debt reaching that level, the American authorities said they could not help Romania until it devised a schedule for repaying this debt. In conjunction with the human rights breaches by Bucharest, the Romanian-US bilateral relations cooled down, culminating in 1988 with Romania renouncing the most favoured nation clause. Thus, by 1989, relations between the two countries were at a very low level. In 1996, following the progress made by Romania, the American Congress restored the most favoured nation clause, lost eight years earlier. (AMP) May 5, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of the latest world and local news May 5, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 05.05.2025, 20:34 PRIME MINISTER Romanias Prime Minister and PSD leader, Marcel Ciolacu, on Monday announced his resignation upon the failure in the first round of the presidential election experienced by the coalitions candidate, Crin Antonescu. At the same time, the Social-Democratic leadership has unanimously voted in favour of leaving the ruling coalition. An interim president will be appointed at the chairmanship of the Executive, which would function until the second round of the presidential election, political sources have announced. The PSD ministers will remain interim until a new government is being appointed. PNL and UDMR have announced their support for Nicusor Dan and so has the opposition USR. According to Nicusor Dan, for the election on May 18, Romania has two main directions, a pro-western and an anti-western direction. He also pointed out that in the following period, it is society, which must debate on the direction the country must follow. RESIGNATION Elena Lasconi on Monday stepped down as leader of the Save Romania Union, the pro-western opposition. She issued a statement saying the decision comes after a period marked by political and personal challenges, but that she is confident in the future of her party and that of Romania. Dominic Fritz takes over the USR chairmanship to become the partys interim president. Lasconi won a very low percentage in the first round of the presidential elections. At the previous ballot, held last year and cancelled by the Constitutional Court on account of the election process being corrupted, she had made it to the second round, where she was due to face the extremist candidate Calin Georgescu. ELECTION The candidate of the populist, ultranationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians, George Simion, and Bucharests mayor Nicusor Dan, who ran as an independent, entered the second round of the presidential elections. With all of the votes cast on Sunday counted, George Simion won the first round with 49.96%, followed by Nicusor Dan with 20.99%. The candidate of the Romania Forward electoral alliance, Crin Antonescu, who ran on behalf of the ruling parties, the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania, won 20.07% of the votes. Voter turnout was 53.21% and 973,129 Romanians in the diaspora went to the ballots. VISAS The US Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the Department of State has rescinded Romanias Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) designation, according to a communique published on the institutions web page. It recalls that on March 25, 2025, DHS paused the implementation of the VWP in order to conduct a review of Romanias designation. That aforementioned review has concluded and, given this Administrations focus on border and immigration security, the Department decided that Romanias designation should be rescinded in order to protect the integrity of the Visa Waiver Programme and to ensure border and immigration security. Romania may be reconsidered for VWP designation in the future should they meet the statutory eligibility criteria. The Romanian Foreign Ministry has voiced regret regarding the decision of the US administration and the Romanian government says it is essential that the US partners provide all the technical details on which the temporary rescission of Romanias VWP designation is based. (bill) Presidential race final: George Simion versus Nicusor Dan Final Competing in the second round of the presidential election in Romania, on May 18, will be the sovereigntist George Simion and the pro-European Nicusor Dan. Photo: roaep.ro Leyla Cheamil, 05.05.2025, 14:00 Romania, divided between the far right and pro-Europeanism, held the presidential election on Sunday, after the previous election in December was annulled by the Constitutional Court due to allegations of foreign interference in the electoral process. There were 11 candidates in the presidential race, four of whom were independents. Romanians who went to the polls sent two candidates with different visions to the second round, which will take place on May 18. The sovereigntist George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), a relatively new party, now in opposition, clearly stood out and obtained over 40% of the votes, getting most of votes in the vast majority of Romanias counties. He is known for his nationalist vision and he advocates a Europe made up of sovereign nations, supporting the protection of Romanian interests within the community bloc. He won many followers through his electoral program, which includes promises to fight for the rights of Romanians in the country and outside the borders of the European Union. After the polls closed, George Simion congratulated his voters, whom he called winners. It was more than an election, it was an act of courage, trust, solidarity. I am grateful to them and I assure them that their trust will not be betrayed. This is not just an electoral victory, it is a victory of Romanian dignity, it is the victory of those who have not lost hope, of those who still believe in Romania, a free, respected, sovereign country, Simion said. In second place, with over 20%, was the mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan. In his second mandate as mayor of Bucharest, he entered the race as an independent, but is supported by the opposition Save Romania Union (USR) as well as by other parties. A mathematician and former civic activist, the mayor of Bucharest considers himself a supporter of European values and of the alliance with NATO and emphasizes honesty and competence. Among his electoral promises is the reform of state institutions. A difficult second round is coming, with the isolationist candidate, said Nicusor Dan, after learning that he had entered the presidential final. It will not be a debate between individuals, it will be a debate between a pro-Western direction for Romania and an anti-Western direction for Romania, this is what the second round will be about. I call on all Romanians to be part of this battle. I am optimistic that we will win it, that Romania will maintain its Western direction, and I have hopes that, with all the resources that this country has, in a few years, it will be in the place it deserves, declared the Bucharest mayor. After a tight battle with Nicusor Dan, the former liberal leader Crin Antonescu, the common candidate of the current ruling coalition (PSD-PNL-UDMR), who came in third, conceded defeat. Bloomberg notes that Crin Antonescus elimination was the second blow to the ruling parties, leaving the government of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in a more fragile position. (LS) Romania, excluded from the Visa Waiver program Washington announced the recission of Romanias designation in the Visa Waiver program, a decision meant to protect its integrity and ensure the security of American borders Photo: JoshuaWoroniecki / pixabay.com Sorin Iordan, 05.05.2025, 13:50 Romanians dreams of traveling to the United States of America without a visa remain, for now, far from becoming a reality. Earlier this year the Department of Homeland Security in Washington announced the inclusion of our country in the Visa Waiver program and the de facto elimination of the need to obtain visas to travel to the USA for short-term stays. At the end of last week, however, the American administration changed its mind. Homeland Security announced it had decided to revoke Romania from the program, in order to protect its integrity and ensure border security. In the press release, Washington points the finger at the former Democratic administration, led by Joe Biden, which it says ignored the security problems that eliminating visas for Romanians would create, without specifying, however, what these are. The Department of Homeland Security recalls that, on March 25, it suspended the implementation of the Visa Waiver to assess the situation in Romania, given that Romanians were supposed to travel freely to the USA starting March 31. Homeland Security, however, emphasizes that Romania will be reconsidered for re-inclusion in the Visa Waiver program in the future, if it meets eligibility criteria. In Bucharest, the announcement was met with bitter disappointment. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its regret upon learning about the decision, which, the Ministry writes, comes in the context where American authorities have made border protection and combating illegal immigration an absolute priority, in both political and technical terms. The Romanian Foreign Ministry emphasized that Romania has fulfilled all the elements stipulated by American law for accession to the Visa Waiver program and that Washingtons decision is strictly political and reflects the priorities of the new Trump administration. The Ministry also states that Romania and the United States remain partners determined to strengthen cooperation in all areas, and the Government in Bucharest along with all the relevant Romanian institutions and authorities will continue to take diplomatic and technical steps to ensure accession to the Visa Waiver program. The Romanian Government also conveyed that it is essential that Romanias American partners convey all the technical details that motivated their decision, so that Romanian authorities can prepare detailed answers on each topic and Romanians enjoy the same treatment as citizens of other US allied states that benefit from visa-free travel to American territory. At the same time, the Romanian Government argues that the post-election period may represent the most important moment for our country to call on its American partner to resume proceedings for Romanias acceptance in the Visa Waiver Program. (VP) A malfunction has been recorded at one of the transmitters in Tiganesti, and we will temporarily be broadcasting on different frequencies. Radio Romania International, 04.05.2025, 19:00 RRI on shortwaves Listen to English language programming live via the RRI website You can also listen to RRIs English language programming live over the Internet using the same SW broadcast schedule given above. All you need to do is go to the RRI Live! section in the top-right of our website, choose channel 1 for English. RRI and social media RRI can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, SoundCloud, Flickr, LinkedIn, Spotify. RRI programs are also available on TuneIn (Radio Romania International 1) RRI via satellite You can also listen to Radio Romania Internationals English programmes via satellite Eutelsat 16A on 11,512 MHz, vertical polarisation, azimuth 16 degrees East. Symbol rate: 29,950 MSym/s, Standard: DVB-S2, Modulation: 8PSK, Audio PID 510. The satellite transmits the unencrypted signals of RRIs channels. Eutelsat 16A covers Europe, as well as North Africa, the Middle East, part of European Russia, areas in the Arabian Peninsula and part of the Caspian Sea region. RRI via mobile phone in the US Did you know that if youre in the US you can also listen to RRI broadcasts on your mobile phone? Our English language programmes are available via the following AudioNow call-to-listen phone number: 1.425.394.7081. Calling this number incurs no extra charge above the equivalent of a standard US mobile phone call. Oil prices tumbled over 2 percent on Monday as OPEC+ announced increased production, raising concerns about a potential supply glut. Benchmark Brent crude futures fell 2.1 percent to $60.02 in early European trade while WTI crude futures were down 2.3 percent at $56.98. Eight OPEC+ member countries had announced on Saturday a sharp increase in oil production for the month of June, adding to fears of oversupply. According to an OPEC+ statement, Saudi Arabia, along with Russia and six other members of the oil cartel, will implement a production adjustment of 411,000 barrels a day out of the ground, as in May. The initial plans had called for an increase of just 137,000 barrels. OPEC+ plans to further accelerate oil output hikes and could unwind its 2.2 million barrels per day of voluntary cuts by the end of October if members do not improve compliance with their production quotas, Reuters said, citing sources. Goldman Sachs has lowered its Brent crude forecast to average $60 per barrel and WTI forecast to $56 in the remainder of 2025, down from earlier projections of $63 and $59, respectively. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis German stocks are up in positive territory on Monday, gaining for a ninth straight session, as investors continue to react to corporate earnings, and monitor developments on the trade front. Markets also await the monetary policy announcements from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, due later in the week. Several big name German companies, including Continental, Hugo Boss, BMW, Fresenius, Infineon, Puma, Heidelberg Materials, Commerzbank, are scheduled to announce their earnings updates this week. The German benchmark DAX, which advanced to 23,211.52 earlier in the session, was up 131.91 points or 0.57% at 23,189.31 a little while ago. Rheinmetall is rising about 2.3%. Commerzbank, Hannover Rueck and Munech RE are up 1.7 to 1.8%. Qiagen, Beiersdorf, Sartorius, Allianz, Deutsche Bank, Symrise, Bayer, Deutsche Telekom, Deutsche Boerse and E.ON. are gaining 0.5 to 1.2%. BASF is declining 4.4%. Deutsche Post is down by about 3.1%, while Volkswagen, Heidelberg Materials, SAP, Porsche Automobil Holding, Daimler Truck Holding and Zalando are down 0.4 to 0.8%. On the trade front, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly said on Sunday that his administration was in talks with several countries, including China, aboout trade deals. The Fed is widely expected to hold rates at the end of its two-day meeting on Wednesday, while the Bank of England is seen lowering rates by 25 basis points to 4.25% on Thursday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com President Donald Trump has indicated that he will reduce the huge hike in tariffs he imposed on China at some point of time. "At some point I'm going to lower them because otherwise you could never do with them and they want to do business very much. Their economy is really doing badly. Their economy is collapsing," he said in an exclusive interview on Meet the Press. During the hour-long Sunday morning public affairs program, he outlined the successes of the first 100 days of his second term, and charted the course for many more victories to come. President Trump sent a clear message that he will not relent in his mandate to secure the nation's borders, rid the country of dangerous criminals, lower prices, end the globalist trade policies that have ripped off American workers and businesses for decades, and Make America Great Again. Responding to questions, he claimed that the U.S. borders are really secure. "When you say that, doesn't it just sound good after being abused for years by an incompetent President?" "Prices are down on groceries. Prices are down for oil. Prices are down for all energy. Prices are down at tremendous numbers for gasoline," Trump told the NBC News presenter Kristen Welker. Trump vowed that he is committed to deporting violent criminal illegal immigrants. "We have thousands of people some of the worst, most dangerous on earth and I was elected to get them the hell out of here, and the courts are holding me from doing it." The U.S. auto industry is going to make a fortune because of the new tariffs, according to the President. "The head of the union, who was no fan of mine He's saying, 'Wow, what Trump's done for the automobile, I can't believe it We've been waiting 40 years for somebody to do what Trump is doing.'" Trump insisted that Iran should not possess a nuclear weapon because the world will be destroyed. On the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, Trump said the Federal agency found $160 billion worth of fraud, waste, and abuse. "I think he's done an amazing job", Trump said, referring to Elon Musk, the Senior Advisor to the President. "I think his people have done an incredible job We're not finished yet He's leaving behind some very brilliant people." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Elevate SUV has been a paramount offering for HCIL (Honda Cars India Ltd) in the Indian market. The company is on the verge of boosting sales of their offerings amidst declining numbers and buzz. That is where the new Honda Elevate Apex Summer Edition comes into action with a revised price tag and more features. Lets take a closer look. Honda Elevate Apex Summer Edition The company launched Elevate Apex Edition in September 2024 and was offered with V and VX trims. Price started at Rs 12.86 lakh (Ex-sh) for V MT Apex Edition and went till Rs 15.25 lakh for VX CVT Apex Edition variant. Recently, in a statement, Kunal Behl, VP of Marketing and Sales at HCIL mentioned that there will be new variants of Elevate at attractive new price points in May 2025. Say Hello to Honda Elevate Apex Summer Edition, which starts from Rs 12.39 lakh (Ex-sh) for a limited period of time. Just like Apex Edition, we get a few cosmetic updates on the outside including Apex Edition badges and other paraphernalia. When we saw Summer in the name, we were expecting Honda to offer ventilated seats as standard fitment with this new edition. However, that is not the case. Ventilated seats are still optional accessory and are not part of Apex Summer Edition. What is, is a new and larger 9-inch infotainment screen (when compared to 8-inch unit on V trim) that now supports a 360-degree camera, a first for any new Honda vehicle currently on sale today. This is a welcome addition and we hope Honda integrates this 360-degree camera feature in standard Elevates higher trims as well. Other than that, Honda Elevate Apex Summer Edition continue to get the same Ivory and Black dual tone interiors with Ivory leatherette seat upholstery and soft-touch elements on dashboard and door elements. Any other changes? Another highlight is the recently added Government approved CNG retrofit kits that Honda is offering with Amaze and Elevate. This CNG retrofit kit is likely to be on offer with Elevate Apex Summer Edition as well. Addition of 360-degree cameras and a larger 9-inch screen on lower V trims are welcome additions. Powering this vehicle is a 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated Petrol engine that is capable of generating 119 bhp of peak power and 145 Nm of peak torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Elevate has a ground clearance of 220 mm and a large boot space offering up to 458L of capacity. With advanced battery packs, EVs like Hyundai Ioniq 5 are ensuring a hassle-free experience and unlocking savings worth lakhs in refuelling costs EV battery technology has undergone significant advancements in recent years. Concerns like range anxiety and battery replacement costs are now more perception than reality in most real-life experiences. A recent example that supports this claim comes from South Korea, where a Hyundai Ioniq 5s original battery was found in good health even after covering 5.80 lakh km. Lets get more details of this story being shared widely on KR social media. Ioniq 5 Battery health at 87.7% after 5.80 lakh km Lee Young-Heum, a salesman in South Korea and owner of a Hyundai Ioniq 5, covered around 5.80 lakh km in just 2 years and 9 months. Thats huge, considering daily average travel comes at around 586 km per day. Whats even more noteworthy is that the Ioniq 5 was using the original battery pack all this time. And the owner had not noticed any issues with the electric powertrain or the car. Moreover, much of the refuelling was done at fast charging stations. This reveals that todays advanced battery packs are better equipped to handle fast charging. It is generally believed that fast charging causes battery degradation. But this doesnt seem to be the case with Mr. Lee Young-Heums Hyundai Ioniq 5. Details shared by Lee got the attention of folks at the Hyundai-Kia Research Institute. Mr. Lee was provided a full replacement of the battery and the electric motor completely free of cost. This was done to get the used battery pack and motor to the lab for technical examination. Even when there were no issues reported with these components. The Ioniq 5 had an odometer reading of around 5.80 lakh km at this time. Such examinations are usually done on taxis, as they have much higher cumulative odometer readings. Examining old battery packs and electric powertrains is a common procedure, part of the R&D, to understand the impact of real-life conditions on EV components. It helps detect potential issues and introduce improvements in the next version. Also, to check if the battery performed as per the predetermined model for durability. What the engineering team at Hyundai-Kia found was quite surprising, as the battery packs health status was 87.7%. Thats pretty good, considering the battery pack had endured 5.80 lakh km. Major savings in refuelling, maintenance costs Mr. Lees Ioniq 5 has also helped save a significant amount of money. With odometer reading at 6.60 lakh km, calculations reveal that total cumulative charging cost would have been around Rs 30.36 lakh. In comparison, driving a turbocharged 1.6-liter Tucson for the same distance would have cost around Rs 48.56 lakh. That means fuel cost savings of around Rs 18.20 lakh. It was also noted that an ICE car like the Tucson covering 6.60 lakh km would have required around 66 oil changes, 13 brake fluid changes, 8 spark plug replacements and 11 transmission oil changes. With the Ioniq 5, only the basic consumables were needed for regular service and maintenance. Estimated savings in service and maintenance costs with the Ioniq 5 was around Rs 7 lakh, at 6.60 lakh km. In addition to the savings, Ioniq 5 performed exceptionally well during this time. There was only one issue noted at 6.50 lakh km, when the car was not able to support slow charging. It was found that the on-board charger had reached its functional lifespan and had stopped working. Apart from that, there were no other major issues noted with the Ioniq 5, even after covering 6.60 lakh km. An Orchard Park farming collective saw its federal grant funding terminated last month after the government determined the money was being used to fund a diversity, equity and inclusion widely known as DEI program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cut up to $500,000 that Providence Farm Collective had been using for a program to help refugee, immigrant and Black farmers start their own farm businesses. The grant was through the USDA's Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program. Orchard Park farm finally gets access to public water after suing town Providence Farm Collective will have water for its new barn in time for the upcoming growing season following months of back-and-forth with the Town of Orchard Park. Providence Farm Collective is a nonprofit that provides local refugees and immigrants with access to farmland. The collective sits on 37 acres of land on Burton Road in Orchard Park and is made up of 30 farms tended by more than 200 farmers. Under President Trump, the federal government has been dismantling programs, cutting funding and ending policies related to DEI. The administration claims that DEI initiatives are discriminatory and illegal. "It is a priority of the Department of Agriculture to eliminate discrimination in all forms throughout the United States," said the April 25 letter, which Providence Farm Collective shared on its Facebook page. "The Secretary of Agriculture has determined, per the Department's obligations to the Constitution and laws of the United States, that priority includes ensuring that the Department's awards do not support programs or organizations that promote or take part in diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI") initiatives," the letter said. "If what (Providence Farm Collective) does is going to be labeled discriminatory, then I don't know what discrimination is," said Hamadi Ali, deputy director of Providence Farm Collective. Ali is one of the founding members of the Somali Bantu Community Farm, which eventually grew into Providence Farm Collective. When he and his family were resettled as refugees in Buffalo more than 20 years ago, Ali and his community began searching for farmland to practice their agricultural traditions and grow the fresh foods from their homelands. "To label (Providence Farm Collective) as DEI or promoting something that is unlawful or discriminatory I don't have a good word to say, but it just doesn't make sense," Ali said. The UDSA grant was worth $750,000 over three years, said Kristin Heltman-Weiss, executive director of the collective. Providence Farm Collective was at the beginning of the second year of the grant to fund the Incubator Farm Program, which gives those looking to start a farm business access to a quarter acre of plowed, fenced and fertilized farmland. Farmers in the program also receive agricultural and business training, technical assistance, marketing opportunities, tools, seeds and plants. Providence Farm Collective can receive reimbursements for funds spent on the program through April 25. But since the farming season has not started yet in Western New York, the nonprofit has not spent much and stands to lose most of the $250,000 allocated for this year, Heltman-Weiss said. Providence Farm Collective will be appealing the government's decision, Heltman-Weiss said, while it also looks for other funding sources. Heltman-Weiss pushed back on the government's characterization of the work done by Providence Farm Collective as discriminatory, calling it "incredibly hurtful and divisive." She said people of all different races, nationalities and religions work and volunteer at the farm. "We were shocked when we saw that because it says what we're doing is unlawful here, and that couldn't be anything further from the truth," Heltman-Weiss said. "We have created a space where everybody is welcome. It just felt very destructive to receive that letter." While $500,000 is a drop in the bucket in terms of the federal budget, that money makes a big impact on food accessibility in Western New York, Heltman-Weiss said. Farmers at Providence Farm Collective donate their produce to local food pantries and sell their fresh food at farmers markets. The nonprofit established an international farmers market on Buffalo's West Side, in an area that is considered a food desert. "A grant like this, bringing in outside dollars to a relatively poor region and investing those dollars in the farm has a multiplier effect of at least two times," Heltman-Weiss said. "I just think of how good that is for Western New York. Did anybody at the USDA really look at what we do and the impact we have? Was this an intentional decision, as far as really evaluating our program? I know we never spoke with anybody from there. Nobody's ever been here. So that's concerning." Regular light-dark cycles greatly affect organisms, and events like eclipses induce distinctive physiological and behavioral shifts. While well documented in animals, plant behavior during eclipses remains largely unexplored. In their new research, scientists from Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain and Australia monitored multiple spruce trees (Picea abies) to assess their individual and collective bioelectrical responses to a solar eclipse. Sunlight and its periodicity drive global weather patterns, seasons and climate and make life possible on our planet. Daily and seasonal cycles of natural light organize biological systems by synchronizing their internal clock with the geophysical cycles of the Earth. At a time marked by growing human-induced changes to natural cycles, unusual astronomical events such as eclipses effectively function as natural experiments, providing valuable insights into how living organisms respond to sudden and infrequent changes in their environment. Our study illustrates the anticipatory and synchronized responses we observed are key to understanding how forests communicate and adapt, revealing a new layer of complexity in plant behavior, said Professor Monica Gagliano, a researcher at Southern Cross University. Basically, we are watching the famous wood wide web in action! In the study, the researchers leveraged a new remote measurement system to simultaneously monitor multiple trees in a forest. This allowed the authors to directly test whether and to what extent individual trees respond to a solar eclipse together, functioning as a larger living collective. They investigated the electrical signals of spruce trees to characterize their bioelectrical activity during a partial solar eclipse that occurred in a forest located in the Dolomites mountain region, northeastern Italy. Their results demonstrate that individual trees electrical activity became significantly more synchronized before and during the eclipse, indicating that trees function as a unified living system that coordinates its response to external events. By applying advanced analytical methods including complexity measures and quantum field theory we have uncovered a deeper, previously unrecognized dynamic synchronization not based on matter exchanges among trees, said Professor Alessandro Chiolerio, a researcher at the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of the West of England. We now see the forest not as a mere collection of individuals, but as an orchestra of phase correlated plants. The findings support calls for the preservation of wise old trees, Professor Gagliano added. The fact that older trees respond first potentially guiding the collective response of the forest speaks volumes about their role as memory banks of past environmental events. This discovery underscores the critical importance of protecting older forests, which serve as pillars of ecosystem resilience by preserving and transmitting invaluable ecological knowledge. The study was published in the journal Royal Society Open Science. _____ Alessandro Chiolerio et al. 2025. Bioelectrical synchronization of Picea abies during a solar eclipse. R. Soc. Open Sci 12 (4): 241786; doi: 10.1098/rsos.241786 The ambiguity in medical imaging can present major challenges for clinicians who are trying to identify disease. For instance, in a chest X-ray, pleural effusion, an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs, can look very much like pulmonary infiltrates, which are accumulations of pus or blood. An artificial intelligence model could assist the clinician in X-ray analysis by helping to identify subtle details and boosting the efficiency of the diagnosis process. But because so many possible conditions could be present in one image, the clinician would likely want to consider a set of possibilities, rather than only having one AI prediction to evaluate. One promising way to produce a set of possibilities, called conformal classification, is convenient because it can be readily implemented on top of an existing machine-learning model. However, it can produce sets that are impractically large. MIT researchers have now developed a simple and effective improvement that can reduce the size of prediction sets by up to 30 percent while also making predictions more reliable. Having a smaller prediction set may help a clinician zero in on the right diagnosis more efficiently, which could improve and streamline treatment for patients. This method could be useful across a range of classification tasks -- say, for identifying the species of an animal in an image from a wildlife park -- as it provides a smaller but more accurate set of options. "With fewer classes to consider, the sets of predictions are naturally more informative in that you are choosing between fewer options. In a sense, you are not really sacrificing anything in terms of accuracy for something that is more informative," says Divya Shanmugam PhD '24, a postdoc at Cornell Tech who conducted this research while she was an MIT graduate student. Shanmugam is joined on the paper by Helen Lu '24; Swami Sankaranarayanan, a former MIT postdoc who is now a research scientist at Lilia Biosciences; and senior author John Guttag, the Dugald C. Jackson Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at MIT and a member of the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). The research will be presented at the Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition in June. Prediction guarantees AI assistants deployed for high-stakes tasks, like classifying diseases in medical images, are typically designed to produce a probability score along with each prediction so a user can gauge the model's confidence. For instance, a model might predict that there is a 20 percent chance an image corresponds to a particular diagnosis, like pleurisy. But it is difficult to trust a model's predicted confidence because much prior research has shown that these probabilities can be inaccurate. With conformal classification, the model's prediction is replaced by a set of the most probable diagnoses along with a guarantee that the correct diagnosis is somewhere in the set. But the inherent uncertainty in AI predictions often causes the model to output sets that are far too large to be useful. For instance, if a model is classifying an animal in an image as one of 10,000 potential species, it might output a set of 200 predictions so it can offer a strong guarantee. "That is quite a few classes for someone to sift through to figure out what the right class is," Shanmugam says. The technique can also be unreliable because tiny changes to inputs, like slightly rotating an image, can yield entirely different sets of predictions. To make conformal classification more useful, the researchers applied a technique developed to improve the accuracy of computer vision models called test-time augmentation (TTA). TTA creates multiple augmentations of a single image in a dataset, perhaps by cropping the image, flipping it, zooming in, etc. Then it applies a computer vision model to each version of the same image and aggregates its predictions. "In this way, you get multiple predictions from a single example. Aggregating predictions in this way improves predictions in terms of accuracy and robustness," Shanmugam explains. Maximizing accuracy To apply TTA, the researchers hold out some labeled image data used for the conformal classification process. They learn to aggregate the augmentations on these held-out data, automatically augmenting the images in a way that maximizes the accuracy of the underlying model's predictions. Then they run conformal classification on the model's new, TTA-transformed predictions. The conformal classifier outputs a smaller set of probable predictions for the same confidence guarantee. "Combining test-time augmentation with conformal prediction is simple to implement, effective in practice, and requires no model retraining," Shanmugam says. Compared to prior work in conformal prediction across several standard image classification benchmarks, their TTA-augmented method reduced prediction set sizes across experiments, from 10 to 30 percent. Importantly, the technique achieves this reduction in prediction set size while maintaining the probability guarantee. The researchers also found that, even though they are sacrificing some labeled data that would normally be used for the conformal classification procedure, TTA boosts accuracy enough to outweigh the cost of losing those data. "It raises interesting questions about how we used labeled data after model training. The allocation of labeled data between different post-training steps is an important direction for future work," Shanmugam says. In the future, the researchers want to validate the effectiveness of such an approach in the context of models that classify text instead of images. To further improve the work, the researchers are also considering ways to reduce the amount of computation required for TTA. This research is funded, in part, by the Wistrom Corporation. The premise is simple: Its hard for a person to be healthy without access to safe housing, nutritious food and reliable transportation. That said, a solution to that problem has long been elusive, driving health inequities in cities such as Buffalo. If we dont have those basic needs met, people arent able to be well, said Kathryn Diebold, vice president of behavioral health and wellness programs at Jewish Family Services of Western New York. Theyre not able to even think about following up with medical providers, behavioral health providers if they dont have those basic needs. JFS, among other organizations, is aiming to do something about that as one of the earliest agencies participating in Western New York Integrated Care Collaboratives social care network for Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. In the network, which is just starting to launch, Buffalo nonprofit WNYICC built a system of 70-plus community-based organizations that will help Medicaid members access nutritional meals, housing support, transportation and other social services the kinds of things that can significantly affect a persons health. The creation of these social care networks is a critical part of the states health goals for New Yorkers, and those efforts are pushing forward even amid the threat of federal cuts to Medicaid, the State Health Department said. As for where the money is coming from, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in January 2024 approved New York States $7.5 billion Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver. The effort includes nearly $6 billion in federal funding, which lasts into 2027, and is focused on actions that will boost health equity, cut health disparities and bolster access to primary and behavioral health care. Of that, the waiver includes $500 million to build the infrastructure for nine social care networks across the state. As part of that, WNYICC can receive up to $36.8 million through March 2027. So far, WNYICC already has distributed more than $5 million to its network organizations to help them build capacity and to get ready to provide social care services, said WNYICC CEO Nikki Kmicinski, who has scaled up her own agency from five employees to 25 full-time employees in less than a year. Were right on that precipice of having it really start going bigger, said Kmicinski, noting the networks outreach and promotion will start this month. To get ready, JFS received an infrastructure grant through WNYICC of just under $300,000, Diebold said. That helped the organization to hire and train staff. Diebold said JFS will have six staff members supporting the social care network work: two social care navigators, two housing navigators, a housing manager and a manager of outreach and engagement. The timing of starting up the social care network also aligned well for JFS, which had to cut some positions this year after the programs it provides to refugees were disrupted by the Trump administrations suspension of foreign aid programs. In fact, two employees who were furloughed from the agencys refugee resettlement services were brought back as social care navigators, while two other employees who would have lost their jobs were retained as housing navigators supporting the social care network. Were committed to do that as much as we possibly can at the agency, because we have a lot of great staff, and theyve built these strong relationships in the community, Diebold said. JFS will provide two main services under the social care network: screening and navigation, and housing. Diebold explained the agencys screeners and navigators will meet with Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid-enrolled clients to go through a brief screening to determine their needs. Then, the navigators will be responsible for connecting clients with health-related social needs services within the social care network. With housing, JFS will help people locate housing, talk to landlords, go over leases and help support them to stay in housing. Whats particularly exciting, Diebold said, is the housing services will now be Medicaid reimbursable services in New York. Prior to the waiver, Diebold said housing programs were largely dependent on grants. Being able to do these housing navigation services and have them reimbursable by Medicaid, thats pretty much a game-changer in our region, Diebold said. A small Buffalo nonprofit was just awarded $37 million in federal funds. Now it must make WNY healthier WNYICC will get up to $36.8 million over 2 years as the social care network for Western New York, which will focus on Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. For JFS, expanding into social care and housing navigation services was a natural fit, Diebold said. JFS already has an established care coordination program, so it has experience working with Medicaid enrollees with chronic health conditions. The agency also has long provided housing services within its refugee resettlement program, so now JFS can lean on that experience to serve a different clientele. In social care navigation, Diebold said, the client sits at the center of a group of people looking to support their well-being by connecting the client to needed services such as housing assistance, nutrition and transportation. Those are three big things that really prevent people from being well, Diebold said. In addition, Kmicinski said, housing and utilities services available within the social care network of providers include home modifications such as ramps, handrails and grab bars, repairs to fix water leaks to prevent mold growth, and work to seal holes and cracks. For Medicaid-eligible individuals interested in the social care network, Kmicinski said the first step is to complete a 12-question screening. That screening can be done online at wnyscn.org, by calling 716-431-5100, ext. 1, or by visiting any of the network partners, such as JFS, that perform screening services. After the screening, Kmicinski said clients are assigned a navigator who will determine what services they are eligible for and then work with the clients to get them connected to those resources. The navigators are really that heart and soul of the whole service for the member, Kmicinski said. They will be with them throughout the whole journey and make the various referrals, follow up on referrals, make sure that its happening, and make sure that the member is pleased with the service. "When I started doing this work, I don't think I realized how consistently we'd be dealing with issues like this," said Philomena Polefrone, associate director of American Booksellers for Free Expression. Philomena Polefrone Polefrone joined ABFE in 2024, and since that time, the organization has assisted nearly 50 independent bookstores that have reached out for support after experiencing some form of harassment or threats. Sometimes ABFE will hear of five incidents in a week, Polefrone noted, while sometimes a month can go by without hearing of anything, though she emphasized the point that those lulls don't mean harassment isn't happening, as ABFE can only track what is reported. To that end, Polefrone urged booksellers to contact ABFE when they experience harassment (the organization can be reached at abfe@bookweb.org). Not only can the organization provide practical assistance in the short term, but all the information ABFE receives will allow it to better help independent booksellers in the future. When a store contacts ABFE for assistance, Polefrone said, the first thing she tries to do is get a timeline of what is going on, as her advice will be informed by whether a situation is still escalating or seems to have peaked. She'll also ask what, if any, steps the store has taken on its own. While harassment can come in many different forms and can occur online, over the phone, or in person, things tend to follow similar patterns even if they are not being done by the same actors. If something is online, Polefrone's advice could entail walking through best practices to keep a controversy from going viral; if something has occurred in-person, Polefrone might help a bookseller figure out whether they should contact law enforcement. She has also helped stores decide whether they should issue a statement about an ongoing controversy, and at other times she's helped stores craft a statement or has looked over a statement they have already written. Touching on some of the things she's seen recently, Polefrone brought up a "pretty coordinated series of calls" that she believes to be the work of one person or possibly a small group. They've been making two types of calls: a request to purchase large quantities of Mein Kampf; or asking if the store carries LGBTQ books because the caller needs something to burn. As far as those calls are concerned, Polefrone has been advising booksellers to not engage, and if they receive one, "just hang up." Longer term, Polefrone and ABFE try to help stores build processes to handle these situations if and when they happen again. She pointed out that often harassment can become serial, with the first instance "opening the door." If that's the case, Polefrone continued, the best thing stores can do is put protocols in place and train staff on those protocols. And, broadly speaking, that sort of preparation is the most proactive thing bookstores can do. Some stores, particularly BIPOC or LGBTQ+ bookstores, are unfortunately no stranger to this kind of harassment, Polefrone continued, and already have systems in place for dealing with it--as she put it, they've "become resilient out of necessity." Many stores are experiencing sustained harassment for the first time, and, she said, it is "very intimidating and terrifying, especially if someone says, 'great, I'm on my way over.' " ABFE is doing what it can to help booksellers think about this "before experiencing it for the first time." When it comes to preparation, Polefrone pointed to a number of resources available on BookWeb, particularly ABFE's Right to Read Toolkit. More resources, such as tips for supporting trans and nonbinary staff or what to do if someone demands to see customers' purchase records, are produced periodically and are announced in Bookselling This Week or on ABFE's social media. At Winter Institute, Polefrone hosted a session on content attacks on bookstores, and she'll be bringing that talk to the regional shows in the fall. Acknowledging that although this work is to some extent reactive, Polefrone said, ABFE and the ABA is doing as much as they can to be proactive, which includes providing booksellers with resources and training and as well as gathering information, finding patterns, and communicating with other organizations that face the same sort of challenges. That way, ABFE can help "build resiliency across the whole group." --Alex Mutter Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal's recent visit to Brussels has provided a significant boost to India-Belgium trade and investment relations. During his official engagement, Goyal met with Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken and Minister-President of the Flanders Region Matthias Diependaele, focusing on deepening collaboration in trade, technology, investment, and innovation. The meeting, held on Friday, also served as a platform to assess the progress of the IndiaEuropean Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Both sides emphasized the importance of resolving tariff and non-tariff barriers to enhance market access and foster mutual economic growth. Goyal described India as 'not just a market of the future it is a collaborator of trust', underlining Indias long-term commitment as a reliable economic partner for Europe. This diplomatic exchange builds on the momentum created by the visit of Princess Astrid of Belgium to India in March 2025. Her interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected a shared ambition to unlock opportunities in trade, defence, agriculture, innovation, skilling, life sciences, and academic exchanges. The over 300-member Belgian Economic Mission she led demonstrated Belgiums intent to strengthen commercial and institutional linkages with India. Discussions in Brussels further explored avenues for scaling up bilateral trade, encouraging industrial collaboration, and enhancing investments in key sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, and defence production. The Flanders region, recognized as Belgiums economic powerhouse, was identified as a vital partner owing to its advanced manufacturing capabilities, robust R&D infrastructure, and strategic access to European markets. Goyal highlighted Indias remarkable economic transformation over the past decade, pointing to major reforms that have improved the ease of doing business and empowered entrepreneurs and citizens alike. The last eleven years have not only been about economic upliftment, but about enabling aspirations, he stated. Indias fifth-largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral trade touching $15.07 billion in FY 202324. Belgian foreign direct investment (FDI) in India has also seen a significant uptick, totalling $3.94 billion from April 2000 to September 2024, including $1.1 billion in the last year alone a 39% increase. With India emerging as the fastest-growing major economy, and expected to maintain this trajectory over the coming decades, the nation presents a compelling opportunity for global partners. Belgium, already a key European partner, ispartner within the EU, with bilateral trade touching $15.07 billion in FY 202324. Belgian foreign direct investment (FDI) in India has also seen a significant uptick, totalling $3.94 billion from April 2000 to September 2024, including $1.1 billion in the last year alone a 39% increase. Bilateral cooperation now spans critical sectors such as green hydrogen, nano-electronics, nuclear medicine, and pharmaceutical R&D. Both nations agreed to intensify high-level engagements and encourage frequent business delegation visits to accelerate outcomes and ensure resilient, forward-looking economic cooperation. Samsung has challenged a $520 million tax notice in India, claiming that the Indian tax authorities were aware of the misclassification of imports and had tolerated the same by Reliance Jio, the telecom behemoth controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The tax authorities have charged Samsung with evading tariffs between 10% and 20% on networking gear, which Samsung sold to Reliance between 2018 and 2021. In a 281-page comprehensive submission to the Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal in Mumbai, Samsung had argued that Indian tax authorities had for years known about the business model. As per the filing, Reliance Jio had been importing the same machinery duty-free for a few years prior to 2017. Samsung's lawyers also noted that Reliance had been notified by tax authorities about this in 2017 but had not brought it to Samsung's notice and that the tax department had never questioned anything in regard to the way Samsung had classified imports. Samsung's application blames Indian tax authorities for failing to challenge the classification earlier, saying the practice was familiar to officials but was never queried. The company additionally argued that tax authorities had had full knowledge of the classification chosen by Samsung that aligned with practices at Reliance. Yet still, the authorities failed to lodge any objections while carrying out investigations. Aside from the tax demand of $520 million, Indian authorities have also charged seven employees of Samsung with an $81 million fine, raising the total demand to $601 million. The details of the 2017 notice issued to Reliance Jio by tax officials are not known, and Reliance declined to comment on the issue. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will meet today to discuss the growing tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam. The attack that killed 26 civilians further soured the relations between the two nuclear-powered neighbours. The session is a follow-up to Pakistan announcing that it will report to the Security Council regarding what it said was India's "aggressive behavior, provocation, and inflammatory rhetoric." Pakistan also said India had unlawfully suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and will point out the way such conduct is threatening regional peace and security. The current session of the UN provides both countries with an opportunity to put their points across to the global community. Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, the Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN and the current President of the Security Council, had previously said that the Council "condemns terrorism in all forms" but also expressed concern regarding the increasing instability in the region. In reaction to the Pahalgam attack, the UNSC made a strong condemnation and stressed bringing to justice the masterminds, organizers, and sponsors of the attack. India, in its turn, carried out a string of retaliatory actions against Pakistan, such as expelling Pakistani military attaches, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and immediately closing down the Attari land-transit point. In a tit-for-tat action, Pakistan shut down its airspace for Indian airlines and suspended all trade with New Delhi, even indirect trade through third-party nations. Islamabad also rejected India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any move to stop water flow under the treaty would be taken as an "act of war." As tensions escalate, todays Security Council meeting could prove pivotal in shaping international diplomatic responses to the deepening crisis in South Asia. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police officers responding to a noise complaint in Stapleton over the weekend arrested an 18-year-old man who allegedly was in possession of a gun. Police responded to a disorderly group at a loud party on Wave Street near Bay Street on Saturday around 11 p.m., according to a statement from the NYPD and a post by the 120th Precinct on X, formerly known as Twitter. Officers approached to disperse the crowd that was outside and blocking the sidewalk when they allege they saw Ibrihim Kaikai of Tessa Court in Stapleton spit on the cement. When officers attempted to obtain identification and issue a littering summons to Kaikai, he refused to comply and fled, hiding from the police, the criminal complaint alleges. Officers recovered a black, Imperial Metal Products (IMP) Model 7 revolver from Kaikai when they found him around the block on Congress Avenue, according to the complaint. The gun, allegedly stashed in a pocket of Kaikais shorts, was loaded with six rounds of .22-caliber bullets, police said. A photo attached to the message on X shows the firearm and bullets. Kaikai has pleaded not guilty to all charges that include criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm and resisting arrest, and violations that include littering for spitting and possession of ammunition. Prosecutors requested bail be set at $250,000 bond/$50,000 cash, but the defendant was released on non-monetary conditions and is due back in Criminal Court in St. George on July 1, according to public records. An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Three unidentified individuals are sought for questioning in connection with an alleged, armed robbery carried out Friday near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Courtesy of the NYPD The NYPD is seeking the publics assistance in identifying three individuals sought for questioning in connection with an armed robbery near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The robbery occurred Friday just after 11 a.m. as the 53-year-old victim was exiting his vehicle near Gerard Avenue and East 157th Street, according to a statement issued by the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Informations office. Three unidentified males approached the victim, as one of them displayed what appeared to be a black firearm, according to the police statement. Two other suspects snatched a bag from the man that contained $12,500, the NYPD statement said. Three unidentified individuals are sought for questioning in connection with an alleged, armed robbery carried out Friday near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Courtesy of the NYPD They reportedly fled in a white Lexus, traveling westbound on 157th Street and River Avenue. There were no injuries reported, the statement continued. Police described the individuals as three Hispanic men in their late 20s, each between 5 feet, 7 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall. It was around 11 a.m. on Friday when a 53-year-old man was robbed for a bag that contained more than $12,000, blocks from Yankee Stadium. (Google Maps) Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public also can submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips. Police say all calls are confidential. The Bronxs 44th Precinct, where Yankee Stadium is located, has seen a 23% drop in robberies compared to the same time last year, NYPD statistics show. There were 135 robberies reported so far this year as of April 27, compared to 175 in the same time period last year. Five youngsters were captured on home security camera footage running through the backyard fence of a residence on Ashland Avenue in Prince's Bay on Sunday, April 13, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott R. Axelrod) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Its become an almost weekly event on Staten Island: residents wake up to discover the slats of their vinyl fence scattered on the ground or dinged and dented beyond repair. These incidents, caused by adolescents, continue as the young vandals bust into backyards in ways that normally require doors. Homeowners wonder and worry whether their property is next on the hit list, while authorities are incensed over these ongoing acts of vandalism that most consider destruction for the sake of destruction. This behavior is stupid, arrogant and reprehensible, and the parents of these children should be ashamed, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon told the Advance/SILive.com. At the same time, if those pulling off these Jackass-style stunts were to be arrested, there is little that can be done to punish them as New York state treats those younger than 18 years old as children in all but the most serious of crimes, a law enforcement source with knowledge of the situation explained. Meanwhile, in another incident thats likely connected to the Kool-Aid Man challenge, a Huguenot woman was served up a plate of aggravation alongside her morning coffee on Saturday, April 5, when she found a gaping wound in her fence exposing her backyard. Elayne, who requested her last name not be published, told the Advance/SILive.com, that a neighbor notified her that he witnessed three teens clad in hoodies sprint past his home in the vicinity of Nippon Avenue around 2 a.m., and that another teen ran out from inside her yard minutes later. Unlike previous incidents suspected to be part of the social media trend, theres no footage of the kids who flung themselves through Elaynes fence. The trend, which encourages adolescents to vandalize property, is believed to be inspired by 1970s and 80s commercials featuring the soft drink mascot crashing through walls while saying his catchphrase: Oh, yeah!" There are some members of the community who really need to see what their kids are doing, Elayne said. They have no respect for other peoples property, and I just dont understand it. To keep her dog from escaping, the fence was temporarily mended while Elayne was left spending $100 to replace 20 slats. Thats on top of what shell be paying a repair person to install them. The fence of a home in Huguenot was damaged during an incident believed to be related to the Kool-Aid Man challenge on Saturday, April 5, 2025. (Courtesy of Elayne) The borough of broken fences The Advance/SILive.com has reported on several nearly identical incidents which have occurred on the boroughs South Shore in recent weeks. Around 1:25 a.m. on April 5, four kids were captured on video recording themselves as they sprinted through a fence on Gurley Avenue and Eltingville Boulevard in Eltingville, before booking it away from the scene. Homeowner Ben Helwa contacted multiple media outlets to express his frustration, reiterating that he didnt find the vandalism amusing and that repair estimates were expensive. I have an event this summer in my backyard, and now I have to redo my backyard because our whole fence is messed up. We pieced it back together, but thats only temporary, he told the Advance/SILive.com. On April 14, at approximately 4:30 a.m., a group of five shattered the early morning calm by careening through the fence of Princes Bay resident Vera Naccarato. Captured by security camera, two of the individuals are seen slamming into sections of the fence, but the structure holds, bulging and wobbling but not breaking. Another member of the group manages to propel himself through the fence and falls through the opening, as a cohort intentionally pushes the remaining slats into the yard before the quintet races off. Naccaratos husband, Peter, managed to fix the fence himself. Im angry and disappointed, to be honest, Vera Naccarato said. I felt violated because its our home and someone was in a part of our home and destroyed our property were supposed to be living in such a nice area. Naccarato reminisced about how youngsters used to toilet paper a neighbors tree but never pulled pranks that caused property damage. Elected officials stern warning Assemblymember and former NYPD officer Michael Reilly encountered and confronted a crew he believed busted through a fence in Eltingville minutes before he returned to the area from an anniversary getaway with his wife around 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Spotting two of the teens climbing into an SUV that came to pick them up, he pulled next to the driver, who he believes was the mother of one of the young men. I didnt see them run through the fence, but I did see them run from the area, he said. With my police experience, I know what happened. Reilly advised the pair and the befuddled parent that theyre not only risking serious injury, but theres a strong chance theyre going to pull the prank on a homeowner whos going to be so incensed that the situation escalates into violence. I know kids do stupid things, he said. Theyre bored and they start doing these things. We were all kids once. We all did stuff that could have got us into trouble. The fence of a home in Eltingville was damaged during an incident believed to be related to the Kool-Aid Man challenge on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott R. Axelrod) Vandalism isnt dead Old-school vandalism hasnt disappeared just because TikTok clips are encouraging kids to misbehave. Charleston resident Bunny Resnick explained that on Friday, April 11, around 11 p.m., she heard a loud bang from inside her home in the vicinity of Pitney Avenue and Bloomingdale Road. What she found outside was her mailbox busted and a couple of kids kicking in part of her fence. The teens were caught on a neighbors security camera running to a nearby residence that was hosting a house party, she said. After police told Resnick that its a common thing, she approached her party-throwing neighbors whose child eventually identified two male friends as the culprits. It took threatening to turn the two into the authorities to make the boys and their parents show up to tell Resnick how remorseful they were, she said. While one of the parents was genuinely apologetic and furious with his son, Resnick claimed the mother of the second boy blamed the incident on her son being drunk; a local deli for selling him beer; and a popular food delivery app for dropping off alcohol at the party. Eventually, the woman paid to replace Resnicks mailbox. Its pretty disgusting, and parents should know where their kids are at night and what theyre doing, Resnick said. I have kids who werent always the best behaved, but they never destroyed peoples property. If your fence has been damaged in this manner, please email Scott R. Axelrod at saxelrod@siadvance.com. Put Kool-Aid Man in the subject line and include your name, neighborhood and phone number. There have been nearly 200 evictions across Staten Island from Jan. 1 through April 28, city data shows. Peter Dazeley | Getty Images STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islanders are not immune to the economic turmoil impacting millions of Americans ability to pay their rent, with hundreds of borough residents evicted from their homes in recent months. The Staten Island Advance/SILive.com analyzed residential eviction data from New York Citys Open Data portal to determine how many Staten Islanders have been evicted this year through April 28, the last date available at the time of the analysis. There have been 195 residential evictions across the borough through the first roughly four months of the year, with many of the evictions concentrated in just a small handful of neighborhoods. The database breaks down the evictions by Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs), which are aggregations of census tracts that are subsets of New York Citys 55 Public Use Microdata Areas. NTA boundaries and their associated names may not definitively represent neighborhoods, but provide a general estimation of the area. The West Brighton-New Brighton-St. George NTA leads the way with 40 residential evictions, followed by Grymes Hill-Clifton-Fox Hills with 36 and Mariners Harbor-Arlington-Port Ivory-Graniteville with 26. The 102 evictions in these three NTAs represent more than 52% of all evictions in the borough so far this year. Stapleton-Rosebank is the only other NTA to reach double-digit evictions thus far with 16. Heres a look at how many residential evictions have taken place across Staten Island neighborhoods this year through April 28. Annadale-Huguenot-Princes Bay-Eltingville 1 residential evictions Arden Heights 4 residential evictions Charleston-Richmond Valley-Tottenville 5 residential evictions Grasmere-Arrochar-Ft. Wadsworth 3 residential evictions Great Kills 4 residential evictions Grymes Hill-Clifton-Fox Hills 36 residential evictions Mariners Harbor-Arlington-Port Ivory-Graniteville 26 residential evictions New Brighton-Silver Lake 8 residential evictions New Dorp-Midland Beach 5 residential evictions New Springville-Bloomfield-Travis 7 residential evictions Oakwood-Oakwood Beach 9 residential evictions Old Town-Dongan Hills-South Beach 5 residential evictions Port Richmond 9 residential evictions Rossville-Woodrow 3 residential evictions Stapleton-Rosebank 16 residential evictions Todt Hill-Emerson Hill-Heartland Village-Lighthouse Hill 3 residential evictions West New Brighton-New Brighton-St. George 40 residential evictions Westerleigh 6 residential evictions No neighborhood listed 5 residential evictions **EDITORS NOTE: The communities listed above are how 311 refers to Staten Island communities and may not be official town names. Students at Port Richmond High School will receive lessons on using Naloxone by Richmond University Hospital staffers on May 7 and May 9. The medication, also sold under the brand name Narcan, can save the life of an overdose victim. (Courtesy of the New York City Health Department/Richmond University Medical Center) (Courtesy of the New York City Health Department/Richmond University Medical Center) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. More than 200 Port Richmond High School students will learn how to administer Narcan to a drug overdose victim when staffers from Richmond University Medical Center visit the school on Wednesday and Friday. Counselors and staff from the West Brighton hospitals Psychology and Behavioral Health Science Department will spend the morning training the students on using the rescue drug, also known as Naloxone, on May 7 and May 9. The medication is used to reverse the effects of a drug overdose. Students will be trained in small groups, each meeting with a trained professional from RUMC. And each will receive their own Narcan kit to keep with them, a hospital announcement said. Port Richmond High School is located in a section of Staten Islands North Shore that has a high rate of illegal opioid use and high number of overdoses due to the use of illegal drugs, the hospital announcement said. The RUMC staff who will conduct the trainings are from the hospitals Silberstein Clinic, and Center for Young Adults, which are both housed within RUMCs Center for Integrative Behavioral Medicine, located in the Bloomfield section of Staten Island at 1130 South Ave. RUMC received a grant to increase awareness of its substance use services, including the provision of harm reduction services that include Naloxone (Narcan) Kits and Fentanyl and Xylazine testing strips. The funds were made possible through the opioid settlement funds from New York State Attorney General Leticia James. The city is overseeing the distribution of the funds to various organizations on Staten Island. RUMC staff coordinates Narcan training to various Staten Island organizations and provides free Narcan kits to all attendees. RUMCs Silberstein Clinic RUMCs Silberstein Clinic, licensed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), provides services for individuals 18 and older who are seeking treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders in an outpatient clinical setting. The clinic is staffed with licensed clinicians, alcohol and substance abuse counselors, medical and psychiatric personnel, and peer advocates. RUMCs Center for Young Adults The Center for Young Adults, also licensed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), provides addiction treatment services that exclusively focuses on adolescents and young adults from the ages of 16 to 24. 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. Philip Scherello, 57, died on Staten Island on Thursday, May 1. The Brooklyn native is is survived by his wife Delfina Scherello, his daughters Maria Seruya and Cristina Scherello, and his stepdaughters Dawn and Jenni Abrams. Scharello worked for many years in the financial field, reads his obituary. Philips last job was as an office manager at Bridge Back to Life in the mental health and addiction recovery field. Read the full obituary on SILive. Anne Eileen Murphy (nee Muldoon), 88, died at Carmel Richmond on Saturday, May 3, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, and animal lover, reads her obituary. Eileen was a gifted writer, a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend and animal lover who took care of countless family members throughout her life and was very active in her church. Read the full obituary on SILive. RECENT OBITUARIES 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. 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. Jumaane Williams, NYC public advocate speaks before the Staten Island St. Patrick's Parade stepped off at Hart Boulevard and traveled down Forest Avenue to Jewett Avenue. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) After racking up a sizable amount of mortgage debt, a prominent New York City politician has had a Canarsie home foreclosed, according to a new report from the New York Post. The outlet reports that a home owned by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams in Brooklyn has recently been foreclosed on after a judges ruling in January. According to the Post, Williams had mortgaged the Canarsie property in the early 2000s to help fund a separate business venture. The Post also claims that court records show Williams had stopped making payments on the mortgage in 2010. Though the property was listed on an online auction website, the outlet says that it has reverted to the bank after no bidder made a substantial offer. While political opponents of Williams used the opportunity to go after the elected official, a spokesperson told the Post that issues with the loan conditions were a major factor. As has been extensively covered for a decade, the Public Advocate has an investment property in the foreclosure process, in part due to exploitative banking practices, the Public Advocates spokesperson William Gerlich told the outlet. Many New Yorkers are facing much worse today losing their family homes as a result of the affordability crisis and predatory practices which is why the Public Advocate constantly stands up to the mayors rent hikes and the bad actors driving families out of our city. Balinese children wear traditional costume during a parade of this year's last sundown in Denpasar, Bali island, Indonesia, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati) AP The U.S. government has issued an advisory to travelers, warning them to use extra caution when visiting Indonesia, including popular destinations like Bali. The country is currently under a Level 2 Travel Advisory: Exercise Increased Caution. However, certain areas of Indonesiaspecifically the provinces of Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and Highland Papua (Papua Pegunungan)are designated as Level 4: Do Not Travel. According to the U.S. Department of State, these regions face violent unrest, and demonstrations or conflict there could result in injury or death to U.S. citizens. Armed separatist groups have been known to operate in these areas and may kidnap foreign nationals, particularly during times of heightened tension. The agency also says there an ongoing threat of terrorism throughout Indonesia. Authorities warn that attacks could occur with little or no warning. Potential targets include police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets, shopping centers and restaurants. Travelers are advised to remain alert in public spaces and to follow local security guidance. While many parts of Indonesia are generally safe for tourism, travelers should understand that risks vary by region and situation. It is important to stay informed and cautious when making travel plans. Indonesia is also prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. These events can disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and impact access to clean water, sanitation, and medical care. Travelers should familiarize themselves with local emergency procedures and monitor official warnings during their stay. Demonstrations occur frequently and can quickly turn violent. Travelers should avoid large gatherings, stay aware of their surroundings, and refrain from participating in or approaching protests. Balinese dancers wearing traditional outfits perform during 'usaba manggung', a Hindu ceremony related to agriculture to honor goddess Sri, at Bugbug village in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia, Thursday, July 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati) AP For the most current and detailed information, travelers should review the full U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Indonesia before departure. If you decide to travel to Indonesia, the State Dept. advises: Because of the security risks in Central Papua and Highland Papua, U.S. government employees in Indonesia need special approval before traveling to those regions. As a result, the U.S. governments ability to assist American citizens in emergencies there is very limited. By Jimena Sandoval | Edited by Valeria Fernandez In her garage in Los Angeles, Jessica, 67 years old, carefully sorts bags of food. She places rice, beans, canned products, and bread, making sure each one is enough to feed a person. I make my little bags to give to the girls, and thats been really breaking my back, she says while arranging the bags and putting them in her car, ready to take to the support group. She delivers up to 30 bags of goods that a friend gets from a local food bank. Jessica knows what its like not to have a plate of food or a place to sleep. She came to the United States at 17, fleeing violence in her native country of Mexico. Before crossing the border in Tijuana and after being kicked out by her parents for being transgender, she endured rape and robbery in her hometown. She arrived in LA with nothing. Where the Hollywood stars are, thats where I slept. I started selling [myself] for five dollars, for food, prostituting myself, such a young girl, she recalls. Jessica is an alias used to protect her physical integrity; for many trans women, growing up in the 70s and 80s meant facing the streets, violence, and marginalization in a society that normalized their exclusion and denied them dignity and rights. Jessica survived the streets, violence, and marginalization during the 70s and 80s as a trans woman. Nowadays, she transforms that struggle into strength by distributing food and sharing hard-won wisdom with trans women facing the same battles she once endured. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for palabra While Jessica got off the streets after meeting her late husband, some of her friends still face that struggle. Arcadia, a short, honey-blonde powerhouse, radiates wisdom, humor, and fearless directness when she speaks; at 84, she is currently living in a womens shelter, a space that, rather than providing security, keeps her in constant uncertainty. We are worried because anyone with prejudice could say You dont belong here and leave us on the streets again, Arcadia says, draped in jewelry and a beige, nude-toned tight dress. Her fear is not unfounded, as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently eliminated the regulations that protected trans people in government-funded shelters. This decision puts hundreds of homeless trans people at risk. Arcadia has gone through many stages in her life. She worked in clubs in cities like Miami, New York, and Las Vegas, where she performed in venues before a heterosexual audience, considered safer for trans women back in the day without fear of being attacked after the show. She was also part of Elizabeth Taylors AIDS program supporting people with HIV and has been involved in activism ever since. Currently, shes unhoused and without an income. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 19% of trans people in the U.S. have experienced homelessness due to their gender identity. Additionally, among those who tried to access shelters, 55% were harassed by staff or residents, 29% were turned away and not allowed in, and 22% suffered sexual assault inside the shelter. On Friday afternoons, trans women gather at Bienestar and other resource centers for essentials, including the food bags Jessica faithfully provides. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for palabra For Jessica and Arcadia, both transgender women over the age of 50, aging with dignity may sound utopian, but these women prove its possible. Theyve been both witnesses and protagonists of historic movements, contributing to significant progress as members of The Diamonds, a political force of The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC), a trans-led organization that advocates for policies protecting TGI Latinx rights while offering services that improve the well-being of the TGI community. As part of this group, theyve played a vital role in the TGI (transgender, gender expansive, and intersex) community. Notably, theyve helped create the TGI Wellness & Equity Fund, which supports vital initiatives in housing, health, and employment. According to the 2023 State of Pride Report, 2.8 million adults in California identify as LGBTQ+, representing 9.5% of the states adult population. These days, The Diamonds are fighting for the rights of immigrant transgender women and shaping policies to improve their lives. However, despite these gains, the threat of losing it all under the new Trump administration, which is increasingly coordinated against the TGI community, remains a very real concern. I think theyll fight until their last breath, I think they will just fight until they cant, I think theyll fight until theyre tired, I think theyll fight until they die. In response to these attacks, the organization led by President and CEO Bamby Salcedo has intensified efforts to advocate for the rights of TGI community members in Los Angeles and beyond. The mutual support that we share in the organization is very valued, given that our trancestors (trans-ancestors) didnt have resources to survive, says Salcedo. TLC has been instrumental in mentoring peer leaders, advocates, and community members to influence policies for the betterment of marginalized communities and people like Arcadia, especially the trans women of color who are fleeing violence in their home country like Jessica did. According to the Trans Legislation Tracker, an independent research organization monitoring bills that impact trans and gender-diverse people across the United States, more than 660 anti-trans bills were introduced nationwide in 2024, with 45 of them becoming law. So far this year, there are 581 bills still under consideration. Jessica pages through a photo book in her home, reminiscing about an image of her younger self. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for palabra A historic pain that became activism Under the leadership of TLC and Self Help Graphics, an organization supporting Chicana/o and Latinx artists through innovative art, The Diamonds created an AIDS commemorative quilt, a powerful symbol of life over death that transforms pain into memory and resistance and is often used in their political actions. TLC policy and community engagement coordinator Mito Aviles promotes policies to guarantee housing, legal assistance, and employment. Mito also serves as West Hollywoods Arts and Culture Commissioner, integrating art into resistance, highlighting how these older trans women have revolutionized their own history and the worlds perception of them. Art also is advocacy, art is also expression, art is also a way to have a revolution, says Mito. The transgender struggle has always been part of the gay liberation , from Stonewall (a series of demonstrations and riots that took place in New York City in 1969) to civil rights battles. Figures include Sylvia Rivera, who led the Stonewall riots and co-founded STARS (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) to support unhoused trans youth. However, challenges persist today, reflected in The Diamonds struggle and the realities of Arcadia in her older years. Mito Aviles dreams of a dignified retirement for trans people. In these pressing times, now more than ever, The Diamonds keep on making history, reminding us that the fight for equity is a fight that never ends and that erasure is not possible when history is in action. I think theyll fight until their last breath, I think they will just fight until they cant, I think theyll fight until theyre tired, I think theyll fight until they die, Aviles affirms. Meanwhile, a federal mandate that recognizes only two sexes increases the vulnerability of trans communities. Arcadia feels (Its) about time to get out of this s**t, when asked about housing, although shes grateful to still have a place to stay. The road has been long and uncertain, especially now that the agency responsible for matching Arcadia with a home is facing possible restructuring after a court-ordered audit found inadequate financial monitoring that makes the agency vulnerable to mismanagement. Nonetheless, Arcadia remains active with The Diamonds and is excited about the release of the film Trillion Cut: Diamonds of Resilience, which celebrates her strength and resilience and that of five other Diamond members. Meanwhile, Jessica continues to be recognized for her tireless work, supporting those most in need with the bags she distributes. Both she and Arcadia inspire change, even when theyre facing challenges and barriers, ensuring that the history of the TGI community is written with dignity, resilience, and pride. A college student from Staten Island has received a prestigious academic scholarship. This 2019 photo shows graduation caps. Staten Island Advance IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities. Want this before everyone else? Subscribe to our Beyond the Classroom newsletter. Maybe President Donald Trump should stop joking about wanting to be the next pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Trump on Truth Social late Friday issued an AI-doctored image of himself in pontiff garb. Trump is not Catholic. AI-generated image of President Donald Trump in papal garb has offended Catholics. Truth Social image The image drew swift condemnation from top Catholic prelates, CNN reported, including cardinals who are gathered in Rome to choose the next pope. Not funny, Sir, the Filipino Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David wrote on Facebook. Even Trumps top pick for the papacy, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, looked askance at the image. Asked about the picture before saying Mass in Rome on Sunday, Dolan said, Well, its not good. The Rev. Gerald Murray, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York who attended Mass at Dolans church Sunday, said that Trumps post was silly you dont do that. Italys former prime minister, Matteo Renzi, condemned the image as offensive to Catholics. This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the right-wing world enjoys clowning around, he wrote on X. Trumps post also caught the attention of Italys media. Infantile was the headline word used by Italian daily La Repubblica, accusing the president of pathological megalomania. The White House defended Trump as pro-Catholic. President Trump flew to Italy to pay his respects for Pope Francis and attend his funeral, and he has been a staunch champion for Catholics and religious liberty, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said when asked to respond to the criticism. CNN pointed out that the Catholic world is still in a period of mourning following the death of Pope Francis last month. The conclave to choose the next pope will begin on Wednesday in Rome. Trump last week said he would like to have the job of being pope. He also pitched Dolan as someone very good who could be pope. Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge was the top vote-getter in 2025. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. We went on a hunt for the best eggs, pancakes, waffles and home fries for our Best of Breakfast on Staten Island 2025 contest. Fifty six places were nominated on our social pages, then the voting began and our winners were determined. The top three vote-getters were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. The Advance/SILive.com recently visited each restaurant to find out why our readers chose each place for their morning meals. Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge, 2925 Veterans Road West, (718) 356-6800 Z-Two is no stranger to our Best of contests. The restaurant/diner/lounge won for Best of Breakfast in years past but this year was a little different. Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge was the top vote-getter in 2025. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio Owner Steve Osman has been running the show in Charleston for more than 14 years. But after a recent health scare, his 19-year-old son stepped up to help Pops with the day-to-day operations. And it has brought this restaurant family even closer together, they said. My dad has been helping me and training me since I was 2 years old, said Ali Osman. He taught me to never cut corners and always do everything the right way. Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge was the top vote-getter in 2025. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio And thats whats helped me step up here when hes been out. Our leading-vote getter didnt abide by our three-dish request (who ever does?) of food to feature during our visit. The team brought out a ton of food to sample, showcasing the variety for all different types the customers enjoy. Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge was the top vote-getter in 2025. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio Heres what they had: a chicken and waffle sandwich with honey honey chipotle; breakfast burger with short rib and cheddar cheese; double-waffle with brownie, ice cream and strawberry caramel; stuffed French toast with cannoli, chocolate chip and fruit; lox and bagel tower; avocado toast with gluten-free bread; lobster-tail Benedict; California omelette with steak and veggies; gluten-free Mexican breakfast burrito and Oreo pancake tacos with vanilla ice cream. And this isnt even counting their shakes or breakfast mimosas. Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge was the top vote-getter in 2025. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio The point here is: We have something for everyone, said restaurant manager Khaled Elbahlawan. We didnt want to bring out too much food, he said with a laugh, noting that they have quality food for any customers needs. The owner said winning our Best of contest again never gets old because the loyalty from his customers means everything. Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge was the top vote-getter in 2025. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio I need to thank my staff first, because without them, we wouldnt be anywhere, Steve said. Im so thankful to our customers and we will continue to keep going. Page Plaza Diner, 75 Page Ave., Richmond Valley, (718) 966-3500 A mainstay for diner lovers on the South Shore has always been Page Plaza Diner. The restaurant has stood at the same location for almost 17 years inside the Page Plaza shopping center. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio Talking to the people, seeing how theyre doing and making sure they leave happy is what always counts, said Bahaa Elansary, the owner of Page Plaza Diner. They should always walk in happy, leave happy and always feel satisfied. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio The three dishes Elansary said helped propel his establishment into the top-three this year are the famous stuffed French toast with cream cheese; the lumberjack pancake stack with eggs, bacon, sausage and ham and Nutella crepes stuffed with strawberries and bananas. Elansary says theres always been something unique about a diner and what it offers on Staten Island. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio A diner is always for everyone at any time, he said. If you want breakfast or dinner, coffee or dessert, we have everything here. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio The owner made sure to thank all of his staff and the customers who got word out about the Best of contest. He said hopes that if you havent tried them yet, youll stop in to try some signature dishes. Thank you very much to everyone who chose us as the best three on Staten Island. We hope to see you soon! The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio Finas Farmhouse, 20 Ellis St., Tottenville, (718) 554-4039 Serafina Dunn always enjoyed brunch dates with her family. But she felt that there just wasnt a place on Staten Island that fit the bill for her. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio Thats how Finas Farmhouse came to be, and whats driven her to make some of the best breakfast and brunch food on Staten Island. Its been exciting, shocking, but were also super grateful, she said. To know we only opened four years ago and were top-three on Staten Island? Thats a huge accomplishment. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio Jeanne Dunn, Finas manager, said each dish is always inspected and isnt sent out to a customer unless it meets their high standards every day. We pride ourself in using the best quality ingredients, she said. All of our eggs are cage free . . . we fry all of our food in beef tallow and are a completely seed-oil free kitchen. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio And these ladies made sure to remind us that they couldnt stick to just three dishes when the Advance came to visit. Were Italian, Jeanne said. So everything we do is extra! The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio The duo prepared a bunch of dishes that they say are most often requested on a daily basis: the chicken and waffles; fried Oreo pancakes; brunch burger; eggs in Philly panini and their most popular steak Benny an eggs Benedict dish with Angus certified ribeye steak. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio We just want to thank you all for the continued support over the years, Jeanne said, adding that they strive to provide a warm, welcoming place for everyone. We need to thank our customers and our staff, said Serafina. They are a huge part of why Finas Farmhouse is where it is today. The top three vote-getters for Best of Breakfast 2025 were Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston, Page Plaza Diner in Richmond Valley and Finas Farmhouse in Tottenville. Shane DiMaio Shoutout to all of the nominees Andrews Diner, 4160 Hylan Blvd., 10308 Annadale Diner, 801 Annadale Rd., 10312 Annadale Terrace, 801 Annadale Rd., 10312 Bagel Bistro Diner & Grill, 1810 Victory Blvd., 10314 Bagel Land, 1841 Forest Ave., 10303 Bagels & Buns, 2491 Victory Blvd., 10314 Beans & Leaves, 409 Forest Ave., 10301 Bella Beans, 1371 Bay St., 10305 Bloom Cafe, 1203 Bay St., 10305 Cafe Juliet, 1883 Victory Blvd., 10314 Caffeinated New Yorker Cafe, 523 Bay St., 10304 Coffee & Collectibles, 561 Manor Rd., 10314 Colonnade Diner, 2001 Hylan Blvd., 10306 Country Donuts, 3235 Richmond Ave., 10312 Dove Diner, 3281 Richmond Ave., 10312 Filoncino Cafe, 4569 Amboy Rd., 10312 Finas Farmhouse, 20 Ellis St., 10307 Flores Brunch, 4553 Arthur Kill Rd., NY 10309 G&G American Grill, 891 Manor Rd., 10314 Hylan Diner, 2561 Hylan Blvd., 10306 Island Coffee Shop, 407 Manor Rd., 10314 Hillside Farm to Bagel, 1664 Richmond Rd., 10304 IHOP, 935 Richmond Ave., 10314 Js On The Bay, 1189 Bay St., 10305 Kings Arms Diner, 500 Forest Ave., 10310 Kwality Bagels Deli & Grocery, 3997 Hylan Blvd., 10308 Laceys Bridge Tavern, 75 Innis St., 10302 Main St Coffee, 173 Main St., 10307 Mikes Dakota Diner, 921 Richmond Ave., 10314 Mike Jrs Richmond Diner, 3954 Richmond Ave., 10312 Mikes Olympic Grill, 1637 Forest Ave., 10302 Mikes Place, 4677 Hylan Blvd., 10312 Mikes Unicorn Diner, 2944 Victory Blvd., 10314 New Dinette Restaurant, 187 Port Richmond Ave., 10302 Northside Coffee, 605 Forest Ave., 10310 Oakwood Diner, 3161 Amboy Rd., 10306 On Your Mark Cafe, 639 Forest Ave., 10310 Opera Cafe, 1650 Hylan Blvd., 10305 Page Plaza Diner, 75 Page Ave., 10309 Perkins American Food Co., 1409 Hylan Blvd., 10305 Piece-A-Cake, 177 New Dorp Ln., 10306 Poppy Seed Bagels & Catering, 2220 Forest Ave., 10303 Ronnies Sandwich Shop, 2300 Hylan Blvd., 10306 Royal Crown, 1350 Hylan Blvd., 10305 Sandwich & Pickle, 1949 Richmond Ave., 10314 Staten Island Diner, 1877 Victory Blvd., 10314 The Creperie Corner, 7507 Amboy Rd., 10307 The Kova, 1775B Richmond Rd., 10306 Towne Deli & Pizzeria, 5373 Arthur Kill Rd., 10307 Veronicas Bakery Inc., 906 Post Ave., 10302 Woodrow Diner, 655 Rossville Ave., 10309 Z-One Restaurant & Lounge, 1821 Richmond Ave., 10314 Z-Two Restaurant & Lounge, 2925 Veterans Rd. W, 10309 How Best of Staten Island works We like to keep it pretty simple for Best of Staten Island. Over the course of the year, we will feature seven different Best Of categories. For each category, there will be one week of nominations, one week of voting and two weeks that will focus on the top winners as chosen by our readers. Only brick-and-mortar businesses are considered, unless otherwise noted. The top three Best of Staten Island winners in each category receive individual coverage on the Advance/SILive.coms social media platforms and a collective feature in the Staten Island Advance. This year, we already featured the best dance schools on Staten Island. In 2024, we featured the best sandwiches, dance schools, pasta dishes, hair salons, coffee shops, specialty pizza and bakeries on Staten Island. Take a look at our ultimate guides for a closer look at each of these establishments. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! Deputy PM Richard Marles found his attention divided on Saturday night. Thats because there was a co-main event taking place in Logan City, Greater Brisbane: his 29-year-old son, Sam Marles, was the star of the Eternal 95 Mixed Martial Arts fight. We were going to make analogies about the brutalities of political bloodsport on election night but thought that a little too obvious, even for us. Sam Marles and his father Richard do not share a similar work wardrobe. Credit: Wayne Taylor The clash of events required some deft multimedia handling by Marles on perhaps the most politically important night of his career, but you cant be member for Corio, deputy prime minister and minister of defence as well as being dad to four kids without mastering the juggle. Marles expected the fight in the welterweight division about 10.30pm, so he joked with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the week that Labor had to claim victory well before then. But the fight was shifted earlier and took place as media outlets were calling victory for Labor. Advertisement Eating outFood Star exec chef made redundant from Fortitude Valley steakhouse When life gives you lemons ... you make lemon juice. The former Surfing the Menu host took to social media to announce the news. Matt Shea May 5, 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 Ben ODonoghue has parted ways with The 203, the star executive chef taking to social media on Saturday morning to announce hed been made redundant from the Fortitude Valley steakhouse. In a message to camera posted to his Instagram account, a philosophical ODonoghue opined that when life gives you lemons, what do you do? You make lemon juice. Ben ODonoghue pictured outside The 203 during its construction in 2023. Morgan Roberts Look at this, election day, new beginnings, he said. Well there is for me, because yesterday, after three weeks of solid work, paternity leave at work, people with broken feet so we were a bit short, pulling the hours I was made redundant. Im not averse to facing adversity and getting on with things, thats a chef life, ODonoghue later continued before joking that he might open a venue called Redundancy Kitchen. Advertisement Related Video Video icon 0:42 Celebrity cook defends baker she accuses of stealing recipes Do some recipes from home. Hey, I could even plagiarise a few. That seems to be popular, he said, in reference to the controversy surrounding Brooke Bellamy, who owns Brooki Bakehouse, a Marshall Street neighbour of The 203. ODonoghue went on to thank the staff who had worked alongside him since The 203 opened as Establishment 203 in late 2023, before ending the video. ODonoghue declined to comment further when this masthead approached him early Monday. Neither The 203 nor owners Stanbroke could make anyone available for comment but a supplied statement characterised the redundancy as a strategic decision. Advertisement For a period, The 203 operated with an executive chef and a head chef, but weve now returned to the single role, read the statement, attributed to The 203 general manager Claire Ritchie. We sincerely appreciate Ben ODonoghues contributions since our late-2023 opening and wish him well. Establishment 203 opened in November 2023 in Fortitude Valley. Markus Ravik Looking ahead, were excited to build on our farm-to-table ethos under the guidance of our existing head chef [Trent Lymn], with new experiences on the horizon. The 203 opened as Establishment 203 in December 2023, with ODonoghue a star signing to lead its innovative kitchen, which mixes woodfire with an expansive MKN induction system. He previously ran his own cafes, Billykart in Annerley (now sold) and Billykart West End (now closed), but has long had a national presence after his work as a presenter on ABC Televisions Surfing the Menu from 2003 to 2006. The 203s kitchen will now be overseen by head chef Trent Lymn. Markus Ravik Advertisement The Fortitude Valley restaurant was renamed The 203 late last year after the Federal Court found Establishment 203 infringed the registered trademark for the word Establishment, which is owned by NSW hospitality giant Merivale for its long-running bar in Sydneys CBD. ODonoghues redundancy follows the closure of the Stanbroke-owned Peter Augustus butcher shop in New Farm. Peter Augustus Camp Hill outlet remains a going concern. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Tips & adviceBudget friendly Justine Schofields four tips for making frozen vegetables more interesting If your vegies are getting a frosty reception, embellishments like crunch, cheese and garlic are simple shortcuts to enhance them. Erina Starkey May 6, 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 Look inside most Aussie freezers, and youll find a bag of frozen peas, a brick of spinach or the MVP a tricolour carrot, corn and pea medley mix. Frozen vegetables have saved many a weeknight dinner, and while they are a fantastic way to get your five-a-day, they can also be the most dreaded part of the meal. That is, if youre preparing them incorrectly. Justine Schofield will be sharing her tips at Deli Lane presented by Birds Eye Deli. Rob Palmer Australian cook and TV presenter Justine Schofield is an expert on the topic. Shes recently published Cook Ahead, a book on batch-cooked freezer meals, and says the freezer is the unsung hero of every home kitchen. Shes also headlining a Good Food Events long lunch in May, which is all about frozen vegies, Deli Lane presented by Birds Eye Deli (see below for more details). Here, she shares her tips for cooking with frozen veg and how to make your sides more interesting. Crisp them up in the air fryer Advertisement The soft texture of frozen vegetables can bring back bad memories of school dinners past. Add crispness and crunch with a quick, hot blast in the oven or air fryer, Schofield says. Cooking frozen vegetables in either an extremely hot oven or in the air fryer (I find the air fryer works even better for this) gives vegetables a delicious crispness, with all those beautiful caramelised bits on the outside. Dont thaw them first cooking straight from frozen will stop them from going soggy, she advises. A cheesy bechamel sauce will lift any vegetable side. William Meppem Add a cheese sauce Advertisement Schofield says a cheese sauce will instantly lift your vegie sides, and her mum would often serve them with a Florentine-style sauce. Start by making a bechamel and then add some parmesan and nutmeg to it. Blanch your frozen vegetables, drain them, then add the bechamel and cheese on top and put them under the grill for a few minutes. Even just a sprinkle of cheese can help. I use lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan that trilogy always works a treat. It just brings everything back to life. Make a crispy topping with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts. William Meppem Top with breadcrumbs or nuts Advertisement Naturally, theres going to be more water in frozen vegetables, so texture is key to livening them up, Schofield says. One way you can do this is with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Steakhouses will often add a crumble to creamed spinach, but you can also do this with broccoli and beans, she says. Reduce some cream [by adding] a little mustard through it, and then fold through your frozen vegetables. Add a crumble some leftover breadcrumbs or crushed nuts, and then pop it into the oven. Saute in garlic butter This is another trick from Schofields mum. Blanch the vegetables quickly and finish them off in the pan with lots of butter and fresh garlic. It works with beans, peas, carrots and corn you name it, she says. Seasoning is also important. Dont forget to add salt and pepper, they will give your vegetables their true flavour. Advertisement Advertisement The best recipes from Australia's leading chefs straight to your inbox. Sign up Cancer-linked chemicals have been discovered at five times the incoming safe level in a reservoir used to top up the tap water supply in the upmarket tourist haven of Leura in the Blue Mountains. On Monday, Sydney Water confirmed to the Herald it had drained two drinking water reservoirs in recent weeks after discovering the so-called forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, at levels exceeding proposed new safety guidelines. Unsafe levels of PFAS have been found in a drinking water reservoir in the tourist village of Leura. The testing was conducted after pressure by community campaigner Jon Dee. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong The agency said drinking water from the reservoirs was rarely used, and when it did provide very limited supply, it was blended with water from elsewhere, meaning tap water samples were safe. Sydney Water carried out widespread testing of its reservoirs in the Blue Mountains in April, following demands by community campaigner Jon Dee. The agency has known for nearly 12 months that the region is a contamination hotspot. An investigation into a senior cancer genetic specialist has found irregularities in almost one-third of his patients medical records, including one patient who suffered adverse outcomes after receiving incorrect advice about their cancer risk, and roughly 20 other patients whose records contained errors that put them at potential risk. Emeritus Professor Allan Spigelman is at the centre of an internal review of medical records for more than 1600 patients at St Vincents Hospital Sydneys cancer genetic service between April 2022 and June 2023. Emeritus Professor Allan Spigelman photographed in 2015 at St Vincents Hospital, Darlinghurst. Credit: Photographic The investigation found about 1100 patients had no errors in their records. However, one patient had an adverse clinical health outcome after receiving incorrect advice from a clinician at the service, a St Vincents Hospital spokesman said in a statement. The records of roughly 20 patients contained errors that carried potential risk even if, ultimately, there had been no harm to these patients such as providing incorrect information and advice, and about 540 had included poor clinical documentation, incomplete correspondence, and a lack of genetic counselling, the spokesman said. 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 While the election post-mortems will focus on what went wrong for the Liberals during the campaign, the seeds of their demise were sown more than a decade ago by Tony Abbot and his supporters, including Peter Dutton. Under Abbots leadership, out went the serious policymaking of the Howard era, replaced by a harsh brand of negative attack politics, with primary focus on culture wars and party internecine battles. This has continued ever since. The fallout for the party has been a damaging brain drain. Capable, credible leaders and backbenchers who didnt fit this playbook, including the likes of Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop, were either pushed out or got heartily sick of the partys internal culture and departed politics. The result is a political party bereft of solid talent and consequentially incapable of developing credible policies. It should be no surprise that the Liberals were brutally exposed during the election as just not up to the task of campaigning, much less governing. In the aftermath, even diehard far right-wing political pundits are now left scratching their heads over who left is capable of leading the Liberals, such is the dearth of talent in their ranks (Demands for quotas as three post-Dutton leadership options firm, May 5). David Wilkins, Berowra Credit: Cathy Wilcox Not so Liberal George Brandis tries to spin his way out of the election disaster with tales of the grand liberal tradition of his party (Liberals look like a train wreck, May 5), but all he talks about is winning, never serving the Australian people. He even suggests the UKs David Cameron as a role model for Australian conservatives to get back that winning edge. This is the man who gave UK Brexit, then jumped ship, handing the reins to Boris, Liz the lettuce and Rishi. The truth is, there is no liberal tradition left in the Coalition. They are a combination of conservatives, libertarians and whatever the Nats are these days. They really should consider a more honest title reflecting their elitist, anti-woke warrior values maybe the Generals or the Landlords? Phil Bradshaw, Naremburn George Brandis correctly identifies the need for the Liberals to better court the centre of politics if it wants to win elections. For more than two decades, the party has been increasingly driven by the influence of hardline, short-sighted extremists with pet causes and petty grievances. I, for one, am sick of their climate and culture wars, and tired of the self-righteous sniping, the foot-stamping petulance and the born-to-rule arrogance exhibited by so many of its parliamentarians who are simply irritated by the impotence of being in opposition. The sooner they learn that the privilege of government is an honour bestowed by the majority of ordinary Australians on those whove worked hard to earn it, and not the birthright of a resentful self-appointed few with axes to grind, the better their chances will be of being trusted with it. Adrian Connelly, Springwood How did we get here? Herald journalists pick over the entrails of an unelectable opposition leader who was more focused on how to win than how to govern (Inside a downfall of a party that couldnt campaign, let alone govern, May 5). That task was largely outsourced to the Murdoch media. Liberal grandee George Brandis correctly points out that Menzies designed the party to be liberal not conservative, centrist rather than far right, and that successful Liberal PMs had largely stuck with that. He implied that the Liberal Partys salvation was to return to the centre. One difficulty there is that its backers, the Murdoch media, certainly arent of the centre, and Rupert certainly knows how to play hardball. And the centre is already occupied by the teals. Meanwhile, Labor has to get on dealing with the dangerous Trumpian world. Gary Barnes, Mosman The departure of Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop added to the Liberal Partys brain drain, writes David Wilkins. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Advertisement The campaign chaos became really obvious to voters at pre poll and on Saturday. Peter Dutton and the Liberal Party made a huge error in subcontracting the work of canvassing for the blue team to a mysterious group of activists who had suddenly, en masse, become politically aware. Next time, they should entrust this important work to party loyalists, if they can find any. Glenn Johnson, Leura Moderate Liberal senator Andrew Bragg believes that preferencing One Nation was a bad idea for the Liberal Party, however this seems to have worked out for Ben Small in the division of Forrest in Western Australia. One Nation will now want its pound of flesh, though. This is what happens when you break bread with the devil, and this is not the devil you know. You are, Mr Small, and all those who voted for you, about to find out. Shaun Davies, St Peters The media and political commentators now claim that the opposition did not read the electorate, yet days before the election they too failed, forecasting, at best, a minority government. After the event, what everybody seems to be ignoring is the fact that the Nationals won every one of their 15 seats, many even with increased majorities. This they did against the same ALP campaign waged nationwide. Why is this so? Is it that the regional voters live in the real world and are not so gullible to the campaign of lies and untruths of the Labor campaign? It is indeed a political pity that the opposition neglected to highlight and refute the many untruths espoused by the Albanese government, both before and during the election campaign. In all honesty, where is the honour in such a tainted victory? Tiit Tonuri, Cowra Chance for tax reform The strong position Labor finds itself in provides a rare opportunity to completely review and reform the Australian tax system. The current tax settings disadvantage wage earners and the young, and inhibit productivity. Labor should seize this opportunity for reform, as Hawke and Keating did a generation ago, and they would be wise to involve Allegra Spender and Ken Henry, both of whom have done substantial work in this area. Mary Tanner, Queens Park Former Treasury secretary and independent MP Allegra Spender during a tax reform green paper conference in 2024. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Advertisement What an interesting election. Peter Dutton became the third Liberal leader in just the past 20 years to lose their seat. We can only hope that the Liberals show common sense and heed the messages the electorate has been giving them, namely, it does not like extremism; it no longer believes that the Liberals are the only good economic managers; that it wants the Liberals to stop treating women as second-class citizens; that it wants to see sound economic policies, in particular the wholesale tax reform so sorely needed; that it wants to see the end of policies of welfare for the well-off ; to have implemented the many tax reforms recommended in numerous reports over the past 20 years or so; and above all, a change in the attitude that the Liberals are born to rule. Without these reforms, the Liberals are doomed to opposition. Stephen Healion, Wang Wauk Journalists and letter writers alike have applauded Albanese for his sensible, steady response to Trumps erratic behaviour. Now that Albanese and Labor have convincingly won a second term, I urge the government to speak the truth loudly about Israels onslaught on Gaza. Does Albanese have the backbone to do so? Therese Curtis, Marsfield Albo, you have the mandate and the confidence of the Australian people, so do something about tax and negative gearing, do something about four-year terms and do something about extra funding for the ABC. Lyle Keats, Miranda Enough about Dutton Anthony Albanese has won in a landslide with a slew of progressive policies. The people have not just spoken, theyve shouted from the rooftops. I would like to make an appeal for fewer stories about what went wrong and rebuilding the Liberal Party and more stories about the governments policies, which is what actually matters now. The first working day after the election weekend, and its still all about Dutton. We know what went wrong they were out of touch. There, fixed it for you. When Albanese and Labor were in opposition, there was almost nothing written about them. Alison Stewart, Riverview Peter Dutton after addressing the party faithful and conceding defeat on Saturday night. Credit: AP I put the Liberals poor poll performance down to the Voice referendum. Many Liberal voters in Liberal seats would have voted yes and were quite disgusted by the no campaign. Then in the general election campaign, when former leader Peter Dutton said he would never stand in front of an Aboriginal flag and wanted to cancel the Welcome to Country ceremonies, they realised the Liberals had crossed a moral line that they would not follow them over. Those beloved quiet Australians, very quietly, probably put the Liberal Party down the bottom of their ballot paper where they always put One Nation. The two Coalition politicians (one independent now) who refused to follow the party no campaign, being Julian Leeser and Andrew Gee, were both comfortably re-elected. Victoria Heffernan, Walcha Advertisement After the disastrous and xenophobic result of the Voice to Parliament referendum, I had almost given up on my fellow Australians. Thank you for restoring my faith in our nation and our people by re-electing Labor and recognising that kindness is strength and that global economic problems are our shared economic problems that will take time to resolve. This is the dawn of a great opportunity for the Labor government to once and for all act on climate change, housing and the cost of living, and to continue to repair our very damaged international relations. Tony Bennett, Broke The Albanese governments victory is indeed a big accomplishment after its massive fail in the Voice referendum. Ironically, this fail may indirectly have been a major contributor to its victory in the way it may have confirmed in the Coalitions mind that negativity, fear and a lack of detail was a winning formula. Stephen Daley, Tamarama Corflute overkill Now the election is over, it is time for new rules and guidelines around the unprecedented proliferation of corflutes. This oversaturation in the seat of Gilmour was truly mind-boggling. They proved a useless exercise anyway after the Liberal candidate was clearly defeated, so there is clear evidence that corflute overkill is a flawed strategy. Questions need to be asked why they needed more than 40 along the pathway entering the Ulladulla Civic Centre polling booth. Ditto for Kiama and Nowra, coupled with hundreds scattered throughout the electorate. It is time for regulation of this excess. Every polling location should be limited to 15 corflutes per candidate and 200 per candidate for other locations, with permission of private landowners. Power poles and the like and all council land should be prohibited. Peter OBrien, Shoalhaven Heads I shudder to think how many millions of corflute signs, glossy leaflets and custom-made T-shirts have been produced for this election, only to be discarded now that the campaigning is done. The over-production and the intrusive use of merchandise has been outrageous; the waste will be a monumental disgrace. Undoubtedly one of the biggest losers in this election will be the environment. Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills The corflute battle between independent Zoe Daniel and Liberal candidate Tim Wilson in Melbourne. Credit: Simon Schluter Advertisement Dignity brings pride US President Donald Trump (and America), watch and learn. After the election result was called, winner Anthony Albanese spoke with humility and enthusiasm and acknowledged the uncertainty for Peter Dutton after the loss of his seat. Dutton, with great dignity, acknowledged Labors win and congratulated Albanese as well as the winner of his seat, Ali France. There was no shouting or ranting, no tantrums, no rude messages and no storming of Canberra. The two men showed class in acknowledging and accepting the situation. Very proud to be Australian. Felicity Cresswell, Rylstone I am so lucky I live in a country where both leaders were so gracious to each other after the election (as opposed to you know where). I have never felt so proud to be an Aussie. Maureen Edwards, Caringbah The election results show that Australians are not mugs. We love our country and we want it to aspire to be a place where no one is held back and no one is left behind. Voters said no to nuclear, no to bullies, no to culture wars and no to divisiveness. We can do our bit by being kind and showing responsibility, especially in living a sustainable lifestyle. Bea Hodgson, Gerringong Palmers profligacy Once again, Clive Palmer has flushed some $50 million down the toilet to no avail, other than to annoy millions of us with his unwanted text messages (Bats, not bouquets for Palmer, Hanson, May 5) Think about how much good that money could have done if given to charitable causes. So come on Clive, wouldnt it be better to be remembered for your philanthropy than your buffoonery? And Im sure there would be many who could show you that lawn bowls can be exciting. Craig Forbes, Lewisham Advertisement It wasnt just art enthusiasts who scored at the inaugural Affordable Art Fair in Brisbane last year. For local artist Zoe Willey, showing at the four-day event launched her full-time career. I had no idea what to expect out of it [but] it went so much better than I could have ever hoped, she says. Willey, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast and has lived in Brisbane, was one of six emerging Queensland artists chosen to participate in the fairs Discover: Young Talent program. After holding the event in Melbourne and Sydney for many years, the Affordable Art Fair finally made its way to Brisbane last year. It returns for the second time this week from May 8 to 11. Credit: Affordable Art Fair Brisbane She prepared over 20 pieces for the event, a mix of still life paintings and her trademark house portraits of coastal beach shacks and old Queenslanders. Nearly all sold over the four-day event. Jenny Hay, a semi-retired social worker, is the next witness and will be the last to give evidence today. She also met Erin Patterson through the Keli Lane true crime group on Facebook. Hay said she was part of a smaller group that included Erin. Witness Jenny Hay. We did talk a lot about recipes and things that we liked, but around February or March 2023, Erin had bought a dehydrator, and she was particularly keen to be using it to dehydrate mushrooms, Hay said. I remember her making mushroom soup. I remember her talking about blitzing it to make powder, to put in things so that the kids would eat it. Hay, who never met Erin in person, said she seemed to use mushrooms a lot, but never discussed foraging for fungi. She told the jury that on the Monday after the fatal lunch, Erin emailed her and asked Hay to call her. The pair spoke on the phone. Hay said that during that conversation, Erin said the mushrooms had come from an Asian grocery store and her children had eaten some of the meal. She said she was sick [and she was] in hospital, Hay said. In his cross-examination, defence counsel Colin Mandy, SC, asks Hay about Erins request for advice about cooking a beef Wellington. I remember her saying, How do I make sure that its not soggy? Hay said. And I said, Just make sure you wrap the pastry as close to putting it in the oven as possible, and that will help stop it being soggy. I mean, Ive only ever made it once or twice, but thats what I remembered. Hay has now finished her evidence. A stalker who had more than 600 pictures and videos of a young primary school teacher showed a terrifying fixation on her, a court has heard. The 56-year-old digitally altered photographs of the woman in a pornographic manner and to make it look like they were a couple over three years of offending after a chance encounter between the pair in a cafe. Brenten Paul Harlock is to be sentenced this month. Credit: Jacky Ghossein On Monday, Brenten Paul Harlock, appeared in Geelong Magistrates Court, where his lawyer asked that he be assessed for a community corrections order before sentencing. The court heard Harlock had experienced a long and significant decline in his constellation of mental health issues in the lead up to his offending. But the prosecution argued he had taken part in objectively terrifying offending and a jail term was required. An affordable housing register is being touted as a way to offload thousands of unsold, empty apartments in Melbourne, providing homes for key workers and tracking tax incentives for developers. A Melbourne-based not-for-profit, Housing All Australians, is in talks with the federal government to launch a platform designed to attract private investment in affordable housing on a larger scale. It says the initiative has been well-received by key Labor ministers. Robert Pradolin, left, and Dan McKenna, right, from Housing All Australians. Credit: Alex Coppel The register would allow property owners to list available apartments at below-market rates for key workers, while also allowing governments to track developers commitments made in exchange for incentives. It could also help address the surplus of unsold apartments in Melbourne which experts say is leading to a slowdown in future housing supply by offering people tax breaks to buy them and ensuring they then comply with obligations to rent them out affordably. Greens leader Adam Bandt declared confidence he will keep his partys leadership and his seat of Melbourne as he defended the Greens election campaign even though they look set to be stripped of several seats. The Greens have already lost two seats in Brisbane, with a third hanging in the balance, and are battling to seize the seat of Wills, which includes part of inner Melbourne, from Labor. Greens leader Adam Bandt with Senator Steph Hodgins-May in Melbournes Treasury Gardens on Monday. Credit: Penny Stephens The partys primary vote in the House of Representatives around Australia dropped 0.45 per cent even as the nation swung against conservative MPs, prompting some conflict within the Greens over the conduct of the campaign. Bandt predicted the party would win one to four lower house seats. He pushed back on Monday when asked whether the Greens had focused too much on Australias response to the Israel-Gaza war rather than core issues like climate change. We havent had an update from the count in Wills since Sunday night, but there are some interesting patterns emerging in this once rusted-on Labor seat in Melbournes northern suburbs. As the election campaign got underway, ABC election analyst Antony Green noted that while media coverage concentrated on areas like Brunswick and Coburg, where the demographic shifts have been most pronounced, the electorate went a long way beyond the quinoa curtain along Bell Street. The quinoa curtain is a term long used to describe the cultural and political divide between inner-city Greens strongholds south of Bell Street, and Labors working-class base north of it. That appears to have lost some of its importance, with shifts in voting breaking down the once-reliable split. The drift to the Greens, largely from Labor, in what were once its strongest booths in Fawkner and Glenroy in the north of the seat, was stark. At John Fawkner Secondary College, Labor MP Peter Khalil lost 20 per cent of his primary vote compared with the 2022 result, while the Greens Samantha Ratnam saw her primary vote at the school go up 26 per cent. At Glenroy College, Labors primary vote fell 16 per cent while the Greens picked up 22 per cent more primary votes than last election. And at Belle Vue Park Primary School, also in Glenroy, Labors primary vote dropped by 11 per cent and the Greens jumped 15 per cent. These were the areas where Muslim Votes Matter campaigned hardest against Labor. The group targeted Wills, neighbouring Calwell (including Broadmeadows, Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn), and Bruce in the south-east (which includes Dandenong, Narre Warren and Berwick). While the impact in Bruce and Calwell remains difficult to read, in Wills the group was claiming a big influence on Monday. A Muslim Votes Matter sign in front of Brunswicks Davies Street pre-polling centre. Credit: Clay Lucas Roughly 10 per cent of voters in Wills are Muslim, and their numbers congregate in the electorates north. Ghaith Krayem is the national spokesman for Muslim Votes Matter. He said the results were an indicator of our ability to mobilise the local community and their openness to respond differently to how they have voted historically in these areas. Loading We had an impact on the day, Krayem said. The group looks to tap into dissatisfaction in the Muslim community about how it perceived the Albanese governments response to Israels actions in Gaza after the October 7 attacks and on rising Islamophobia in Australia. The count is tight, but Khalil looks well-placed to retain the seat. Thats because while Labor did worse in some parts of this electorate, which stretches from North Fitzroy and North Carlton in the south to Fawkner and Glenroy in the north, it did better at some of the booths further south in the seat. In a Liberal wipeout that began with his government, Scott Morrisons former electorate of Cook could soon be the only inner metropolitan seat in Australia the party has left. Across the past two elections, city voters nationwide have turned sharply against the Coalition, all but wiping blue from electoral maps and eroding its path to form government. The wipeout began with Scott Morrison, and was all but completed under Peter Dutton. Credit: James Brickwood For example, Sydneysiders could soon drive more than an hour from Palm Beach on the northern tip of the coastline to the south-western suburb of Prestons without hitting a seat held by the Liberal Party. In Melbourne, a 100-kilometre journey from Melton in the west to Mount Eliza in the south-east could include a few minutes, at most, passing through a blue seat. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart is urging politicians to shift further to the right and adopt US President Donald Trumps policies as she blames voters and the left media for the Coalitions disastrous election result. Rinehart, whom defeated opposition leader Peter Dutton has previously called a dear friend, published a lengthy statement on Monday lamenting that Australians were very short on understanding of the need to revitalise the economy with sweeping changes to drive investment. Hancock Prospecting chairman Gina Rinehart. Credit: Bloomberg Trump-style make Australia great policies via cutting government tape, government bureaucracy and wastage, and hence being able to cut taxes, [are] too scarce in Australia this year to rate a mention, Rinehart said in a statement to the Daily Mail. No doubt the left media will now try to claim that the Liberal loss was because the Liberal Party followed Trump and became too right! PHILIPSBURG:--- Motorworld is proud to announce it has been awarded the "Progress of the Year" award by Changan Auto for the second year in a row. The 2025 Progress of the Year award was presented during the 2025 Changan Automobile Overseas Partner Conference held at the company's Global R&D Center in Chongqing, China. This distinguished award recognizes Motorworlds outstanding growth and swift development across the Caribbean region throughout the 2024 calendar year, which made it stand out among Changans global network of distributors. Managing Director Tariq Amjad accepted the award on behalf of the company, where Changan Auto commended Motorworld for its performance, innovation, and strategic execution. The award highlights Motorworlds commitment to excellence in the automotive sector and reinforces its position as a regional leader. Since February 2023, Motorworld has proudly offered Changan vehicles to customers in St. Maarten, featuring a diverse lineup of affordable cars, SUVs, and commercial models. With a strong emphasis on quality, advanced technology, and sleek design, Changan vehicles have quickly gained popularity among local consumers. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Motorworld team, said Amjad. We are truly honored to be recognized by Changan Auto for our progress with the brand. Bringing Changan to St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean has been a strategic move to offer world-class vehicles at exceptional value, and its incredibly rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on an international stage. Beyond St. Maarten, Motorworld is also the exclusive distributor for Changan Auto in several other Caribbean territories, including Saba, St. Eustatius, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Haiti, St. Barths, and the British Virgin Islands. This award marks a significant milestone in Motorworlds ongoing journey to expand its automotive footprint and deliver exceptional customer experiences across the region. Trumps says he proposed sending US troops to Mexico Washington, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he had offered to send US troops to Mexico in a call with its President Claudia Sheinbaum to combat drug trafficking. Sheinbaum revealed at a public event on Saturday that she had rejected a proposal from Trump to send American troops to her country but said instead she had offered closer collaboration and information sharing. Trump told reporters Sunday that "it's true" he offered the deployment, claiming that cartels are "horrible people that have been killing people left and right." He said that "they've made a fortune on selling drugs and destroying our people," adding: "We lost 300,00 people last year to fentanyl and drugs." "If Mexico wanted help with the cartels we would be honored to go in and do it. I told her that. I would be honored to go in and do it," he added. Trump has long complained -- and uses as an argument for imposing tariffs on the country -- that Mexico has not done enough to stop the trafficking of migrants and drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States. He angered Mexicans in early March when he said America's southern neighbor was "dominated entirely by criminal cartels that murder, rape, torture." On Sunday, he claimed that Sheinbaum had turned down his offer of troop contingents under the threat of reprisals from non-state armed groups. "The president of Mexico is a lovely woman but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can't even think straight," Trump told reporters. German defence minister Pistorius to remain in new govt Berlin, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will remain in the new government, his party said on Monday, a day before conservative Friedrich Merz officially assumes office as chancellor. Pistorius, 65, has been tasked with building up Germany's long underfunded armed forces and supporting Kyiv with defence goods since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago. Known for his straight talk, good humour and commitment to the troops, he has often been voted Germany's most popular politician in opinion polls, at a time of growing unease about the threat posed by a hostile Russia. Pistorius is also known for his strong support of Ukraine in the face of Russia's three-year invasion. Merz, the long-time rival of his party's former chancellor Angela Merkel will take the helm of Europe's top economy at a time when US President Donald Trump has rattled transatlantic ties and Europe is in a tense standoff with Russia. Warship sinks before it can be sunk in US-Philippine drills Manila, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 The BRP Miguel Malvar, old enough to have seen action in World War II, was scheduled to go out in a blaze of glory Monday, as a target ship during the annual US-Philippine "Balikatan" military exercises. The 80-year-old vessel, however, would not quite make its own funeral. Onlookers instead watched as the ship, which once chased Japanese submarines and ferried German prisoners as part of the US fleet, sank before the first volley could be fired. "The Balikatan 25 maritime strike targets vessel sank off the west coast of the Philippines prior to the event commencing today," Philippine Navy spokesman John Percie Alcos said in cancelling a planned media event. "Due to rough sea conditions ... and with its long service life... she took on a significant amount of water and eventually sank," he said Praising it as one of the most-decorated ships in Philippine history, Alcos added the country was proud to be "transitioning to a new and multi-capable navy". After more than 20 years of service, the vessel -- then named USS Brattleboro -- was sold to the Republic of Vietnam in 1966. The Philippine Navy acquired and refurbished the ship after its crew fled Vietnam following the 1975 fall of Saigon. Balikatan, three weeks of US-Philippine joint exercises aimed at deterring Beijing's ambitions in the disputed South China Sea, is set to end Friday. Kremlin calls for de-escalation in India-Pakistan tensions Moscow, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 The Kremlin on Monday called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan, as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours flare following last month's deadly attack on tourists in the Indian-administered side of the contested Kashmir region. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, sparking a series of heated threats and diplomatic tit-for-tat measures. "We hope that the parties will be able to take measures (...) that will reduce tensions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that "we are following with great concern the tense atmosphere that has developed on the border." Russian President Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a phone call on Monday that the "particularly privileged partnership" between Moscow and Delhi was "not subject to external influence and continues to develop dynamically in all areas", the Kremlin said in a statement. Moscow last week said it was ready to mediate after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held calls with both sides last week. The Pakistan military said on Monday it had conducted a second missile test since the stand-off began. Russia has historically had close ties to India, dating back to the Soviet Union, and is the country's biggest weapons supplier. "India is our strategic partner. Pakistan is also our partner. We value our relations with both Delhi and Islamabad," Peskov said. Lithuania to spend $1.2 bn to fortify Russia, Belarus border Vilnius, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 Lithuania will spend 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) to fortify its border with Russia and Belarus, including to purchase anti-tank mines, the NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank said on Monday. Lithuania and its fellow Baltic states Latvia and Estonia -- all bordering Russia -- fear they could be next in Moscow's crosshairs were it to win its war against Ukraine. All three countries have been ramping up their defences since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and boosting their border security measures over what they allege was a Russia-inspired influx of migrants at the border. The latest spending push would allow Lithuania to "block and slow down the actions of hostile states", the defence ministry said. In January, Lithuania announced plans to spend an annual five to six percent of its GDP on defence from 2026 to 2030. The ministry said "intensive" work was now ongoing to identify how to "ensure the integrity of the Baltic defensive line". It said 800 million euros of the overall sum would be spent on anti-tank mines. The Baltic states also joined Finland and Poland in deciding this year to leave the Ottawa Convention that bans acquiring, producing, stockpiling or using anti-personnel mines. The mines, designed to be buried or hidden on the ground, often mutilate victims, who do not immediately die, and aid groups denounce their long-term impact on civilians. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have condemned the decision to abandon the treaty. As part of the planned measures, Lithuania will stockpile anti-tank systems and other fortifications near the so-called Suwalki Gap -- a corridor 70 kilometres (43 miles) wide that connects the Baltic states with Poland. The narrow stretch of land is flanked by the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad on one side and by Moscow's ally Belarus on the other. Lithuania plans to deepen irrigation ditches that could serve as trenches, reforest border areas and plant trees on key roads to protect civilians and the military. Additional measures include "electronic warfare capabilities, anti-drone systems and the strengthening of the observation and early warning system", the ministry said. Lithuania to spend $1.2 bn to fortify Russia, Belarus border Vilnius, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 NATO member Lithuania on Monday said it will spend 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) to fortify its border with Russia and Belarus, with the bulk of this sum used to buy anti-tank mines. Lithuania, which is on NATO's eastern flank, and fellow Baltic states Latvia and Estonia -- all bordering Russia -- fear they could be next in Moscow's crosshairs were it to win its war against Ukraine. All three countries have been ramping up defences since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and boosted border security over what they allege was a Russia-inspired influx of migrants at the border. The latest spending push would allow Lithuania to "block and slow down the actions of hostile states", the defence ministry said. It added that Lithuania would "allocate approximately 1.1 billion euros to the countermobility project over the next 10 years". In January, Lithuania announced plans to spend an annual five to six percent of its GDP on defence from 2026 to 2030. The defence ministry said "intensive" work was ongoing to identify how to "ensure the integrity of the Baltic defensive line". It said 800 million euros of the overall sum would be spent on anti-tank mines. The Baltic states also joined Finland and Poland in deciding this year to leave the Ottawa Convention that bans acquiring, producing, stockpiling or using anti-personnel mines. The mines, designed to be buried or hidden on the ground, often mutilate victims, who do not immediately die, and aid groups denounce their long-term impact on civilians. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have condemned the decision to abandon the treaty. As part of the planned measures, Lithuania will stockpile weapons like anti-tank systems and harden defences near the so-called Suwalki Gap -- a strategically important area where Lithuania borders Poland. The stretch of land is flanked by the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad on one side and by Moscow's ally Belarus on the other. Military strategists say it is the Achilles' heel of NATO's eastern flank since its capture would cut off the alliance's three Baltic members. Lithuania plans to deepen irrigation ditches that could serve as trenches, reforest border areas and plant trees on key roads to protect civilians and the military. Additional measures include "electronic warfare capabilities, anti-drone systems and the strengthening of the observation and early warning system", the ministry said. UN chief urges 'maximum restraint' in India, Pakistan standoff United Nations, United States, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 Nuclear-armed foes Pakistan and India must exert "maximum restraint" and step back from the brink of war, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged Monday, as tensions between the South Asian neighbors soared. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for backing a deadly attack on tourists on the Indian side of the disputed region of Kashmir last month, sparking a series of heated threats and diplomatic tit-for-tat measures. On Monday the Pakistan military said it had conducted a second missile test since the standoff began. Relations have reached "a boiling point," Guterres told reporters in New York, adding that they were at their "highest in years." He again condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice through "credible and lawful means." "It is also essential -- especially at this critical hour -- to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control," the secretary-general warned. "Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink." Pakistan and India -- carved out of the subcontinent at the bloody end of British rule in 1947 -- have fought multiple wars and remain bitter foes. International pressure has been piled on both New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Kashmir, where rebels have waged an insurgency since 1989. Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for an independent probe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his military "full operational freedom" to respond and Islamabad has warned it will hit back against any aggression. The UN Security Council was due to meet behind closed doors later Monday at Pakistan's request over the crisis. Nazi surrender site sets the scene for Wim Wenders short film Paris, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 Award-winning German director Wim Wenders has revisited the French school where Nazi Germany signed its initial 1945 surrender for a short film released Monday, days before Europe marks 80 years since the end of World War II. The red-bricked school in the eastern city of Reims was the "centre of the world" for one night, said veteran filmmaker Wenders, recalling when the German High Command first signed its unconditional surrender on May 7, 1945 at 2:41 am. A second act of surrender was signed in Berlin the next day, on May 8, which the Allies declared the official date of victory over Nazi Germany. But as European countries gear up to celebrate Victory in Europe Day, the war in Ukraine is a reminder "that peace cannot be taken for granted," said Wenders in a voiceover in the four-minute clip. The short film, released by the German foreign ministry, combines archival footage with images of the Cannes Palme d'Or-winning director wandering through the school where the army chief of staff, General Alfred Jodl, signed Nazi Germany's total surrender. The College Moderne et Technique - since renamed Lycee Roosevelt - served as the Allied High Command headquarters, making it the "most secret" place in Europe, according to one witness quoted in the footage. "Nobody knows... that from the map room of this school, General Eisenhower is in charge of the fortunes of the Western Allies," said the director. "Twelve years of terror, six years of war, the Holocaust, the worst crimes the world has ever known, ended here, in a school in Reims." A set of keys on display in the school's museum are those that a US official returned to Reims' mayor, calling them "the keys to the freedom of the world". But for Wenders, the peace brokered in that schoolhouse is under threat. "I have lived 80 years in peace, a peace the night in this school brought us all," said Wenders, born three months after Germany's capitulation. "Today, there is war in Europe again," he added. "A war against Europe." The Kremlin launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022, hoping to take the country in days, but has since become embroiled in a bloody conflict that has killed tens of thousands. On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, evoking the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II to rally support for his troops fighting in Ukraine. The Russian leader has used WWII narratives to justify sending troops to Ukraine, vowing in 2022 to "de-Nazify" the country and since comparing the current conflict to the Soviet war effort. "Eighty years after the liberation of our continent, Europeans are realising again that peace cannot be taken for granted," said Wenders. "It is now up to us to take the keys to freedom into our own hands. Dead City doesnt just flirt with the idea of post-apocalyptic chaosit continues to plunge headfirst into it, dragging viewers, like me, happily along for the ride. Set in a gang-ruled New York, the Season 2 premiere, Power Equals Power, is a leap forward from Season 1. It more clearly defines the landscape of human ambition clashing against the unstoppable mutations of the dead. With stronger character development and sharper world-building, Season 2 is off to an electrifying start. Lets review. The factions this time around are more thoughtfully constructed. Some, like Christo (Jake Weary) and The Bruegel (Kim Coates), are ferocious and territorial, reveling in brute force. The Dama (Lisa Emery), in cahoots with The Croat (Zekjko Ivanek), controls the Burazi and dominates the technology that creates the methane powering the city. "Power Equals Power DEAD CITY, Pictured: Kim Coates as The Bruegel. Photo: Robert Clark/AMC 2025 AMC Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved. Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) once laid down his bat, but with the Damas threats to his family, he's forced to take another swing at the man he tried to leave behind. In a pivotal scene, he electrifies his adversary, Christo, with Lucillenow laced with crackling barbed wireknocking him unconscious in a shocking display of dominance. Negans philosophy? Power equals powerthe Walking Deads apocalyptic version of the golden rule: He who has the gold, rules. As always, powerwhether political, financial, or forcefultends to concentrate in the hands of those who already possess it, making disruption nearly impossible. "Power Equals Power DEAD CITY, Pictured (l-r): Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan, Zeljko Ivanek as The Croat. Photo: Robert Clark/AMC 2025 AMC Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved. Meanwhile, the New Babylon Federation operates under the guise of law and order, but its no less brutal than the others. Marshall Perlie Armstrong (Gaius Charles) is promoted to Colonel on the lie that he killed Negan, prompting him to recruit Maggie (Lauren Cohan) for the Federations mission to invade New York. Unfortunately for him, Governor Charlie Byrd (Jasmin Walker) and her henchwoman, Major Lucia Narvaez (Dasch Polano), rule with an iron fistlynching those who wont fight with them. Maggie watches in horror as Jason Ornell (Ari Loeb) is hanged in accordance with Federation law, proving that even structure can become tyranny in the wrong hands. Meanwhile, the New Babylon Federation operates under the guise of law and order, but its no less brutal than the others. Marshall Perlie Armstrong (Gaius Charles) is promoted to Colonel on the lie that he killed Negan, prompting him to recruit Maggie (Lauren Cohan) for the Federations mission to invade New York. Unfortunately for him, Governor Charlie Byrd (Jasmin Walker) and her henchwoman, Major Lucia Narvaez (Dasch Polano), rule with an iron fistlynching those who wont fight with them. Maggie watches in horror as Jason Ornell (Ari Loeb) is hanged in accordance with Federation law, proving that even structure can become tyranny in the wrong hands. "Power Equals Power DEAD CITY, Pictured (l-r): Jasmin Walker as Governor Charlie Byrd, Gaius Charles as Perlie Armstrong, Dascha Polanco as Narvaez . Photo: Robert Clark/AMC 2025 AMC Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved Those truly yearning for freedomlike Maggie, who clings to ethics, peace, and independenceare forced into the shadows, surviving in a world that rewards conquest. The New Babylon Federation, by conscripting its citizens for an invasion of New York, is little more than another brutal gang. Those truly yearning for freedomlike Maggie, who clings to ethics, peace, and independenceare forced into the shadows, surviving in a world that rewards conquest. The New Babylon Federation, by conscripting its citizens for an invasion of New York, is little more than another brutal gang. Where Power Equals Power truly shines is in its characters. The motivations of Maggie, Negan, The Dama, and The Croat are explored with enough depth to keep them compelling without spoon-feeding the audience. Maggie talks to her son, Herschel (Logan Kim), explaining her choices. The Dama threatens Negan with the lives of his wife and child, making his actions understandable. But whats refreshing are the newcomers. Their motivations remain intriguingly ambiguous. Herschel, seemingly inept as a fighter and hunter, excels as an artist. Through his drawings, he finds beauty in New Yorks decay. But what does it mean when he finally gets the ninja star to stick in that wall in the closing scene? Whats his real motivation? Does he hate Negan but secretly admire The Dama? "Power Equals Power DEAD CITY, Pictured (l-r): Anthony Molinari as Lt. Houseman, Keir Gilchrist as Benjamin Pierce. Photo: Robert Clark/AMC 2025 AMC Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved. And then theres Benjamin Pierce (Keir Gilchrist), the Federations archivist. He lacks real-world experience, as Herschel slyly points out, but he seems desperate to restore the citys former glory. Pierce is Dead Citys version of Milton Mamet (Dallas Roberts) from Season 3 of the flagship, The Walking Dead. And then theres Benjamin Pierce (Keir Gilchrist), the Federations archivist. He lacks real-world experience, as Herschel slyly points out, but he seems desperate to restore the citys former glory. Pierce is Dead Citys version of Milton Mamet (Dallas Roberts) from Season 3 of the flagship, The Walking Dead. And Ginny whats up with her? Learning at the end of Season 1 that Negan killed her father, why does she want to return to the city? Maybe she sees the ruins not as potential, but as her coffin, and returning is simply a death wish. Is this why she rushes wildly into the corral filled with walkers, slashing without a second thought? And yet, theres something thrilling about her reckless determination. If the world is dying, why not go out fighting? "Power Equals Power DEAD CITY, Pictured: Mahina Anne Marie Napoleon as Ginny. Photo: Robert Clark/AMC 2025 AMC Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved. Power Equals Power delivers a rich emotional palettefear, manipulation, heroism, and just a glimpse of hope, which is the episodes biggest flaw? Hope feels more like an afterthought than a driving force. Power Equals Power delivers a rich emotional palettefear, manipulation, heroism, and just a glimpse of hope, which is the episodes biggest flaw? Hope feels more like an afterthought than a driving force. A world ravaged by violence and death needs more than fleeting glimpses of optimismit needs tangible proof that survival is worth it. The flagship Walking Dead series thrived on emotional beats: the Maggie-Glenn and Rick-Michonne romances grounded the chaos in love and resilience. Dead City desperately needs its own version, such as a love story, the birth of a child, or a groundbreaking invention that saves lives instead of taking them. Without this balance, Dead City risks becoming just another immersive but hollow video game, where victory is measured solely by the rising body count. "Power Equals Power DEAD CITY, Pictured (l-r): Anthony Molinari as Lt. Houseman, Keir Gilchrist as Pierce. Photo: Robert Clark/AMC 2025 AMC Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved. Despite this flaw, its undeniable that Dead City improved over Season 1. Power Equals Power grips viewers with its brutality, raw emotion, and unexpectedly grounded portrayal of power struggles and survival. Like the Daryl Dixon and the Ones Who Live spinoffs, Dead City crafts a hauntingly beautiful apocalypse where characters wrestle with existence itself. Through striking cinematography and immersive art direction, these series create visually distinct worlds that are as mesmerizing as they are brutal, making them well worth watching. Just dont expect it to leave you feeling hopeful. Despite this flaw, its undeniable that Dead City improved over Season 1. Power Equals Power grips viewers with its brutality, raw emotion, and unexpectedly grounded portrayal of power struggles and survival. Like the Daryl Dixon and the Ones Who Live spinoffs, Dead City crafts a hauntingly beautiful apocalypse where characters wrestle with existence itself. Through striking cinematography and immersive art direction, these series create visually distinct worlds that are as mesmerizing as they are brutal, making them well worth watching. Just dont expect it to leave you feeling hopeful. Is Hershel destined to disobey his mother and join her in New York? If so, will he confront Negan? What will happen to Colonel Perlie Armstrong when Governor Byrd and Major Narvaez discover Negan is alive? Let me know what youre thinking in the comments. Overall Rating: 9/10 Lynette Jones 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 Some of the boats used during the war are now being reunited to take part in a Liberation Convoy which is travelling from Norway to Lerwick in Shetland next month, arriving in time for events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8. The royal family are scheduled to take part in engagements over the next four days, less than a week after the Duke of Sussex told the BBC his father will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer the King has left. Thankfully, the spirit has come on leaps and bounds to offer quality bottles using fine ingredients made using traditional techniques - and its popularity has soared as a direct result. According to The Whisky Exchange, which runs the annual Tequila & Mezcal Show in London with this years event on May 16 and 17, the retailer has seen tequila sales shoot up by 94 per cent in the last two years, proof that thirst for the Spring Break favourite in the UK is strong. Opinion / Bereavements The Guta RaMwari Religion, under the governance of the Holy Spirit, solemnly acknowledges and pays heartfelt tribute to the family of Evangelist Percy Dlamini, who departed this earthly life on April 26, 2025. His transition marks not merely the end of a physical journey but the glorious return of a faithful servant to the eternal abode of the Almighty.Born on 6 June 1952 in Bulawayo, Evangelist Dlamini was drawn into the Guta RaMwari Religion at the tender age of 19, in 1971, compelled by divine providence through the spiritual afflictions in his life. Severely emaciated due to persistent ill-health, his suffering led him to seek refuge in Guta RaMwari, following the footsteps of his father. Upon his admission, he bore witness to an intensification of his affliction, even to the extent that his dreams began to trouble him. Yet, in unwavering obedience and spiritual resilience, he remained steadfast. Within the religion, he received a proclamation that his healing would be manifested through the preaching of the Word of God.True to this decree, Evangelist Dlamini committed the totality of his earthly existence to the preaching of the gospel and the giving of living testimonies. His unwavering devotion was a testament to the transformative power of obedience to divine will. Though he entered the religion in the twilight of his adolescence, he remained a virgin, upholding God's eternal decree that all youth must abstain from coitus prior to holy matrimony. This commandment preserves the sanctity of the soul and renders it receptive to the whispers of the Holy Spirit.On 27 October 1981, Percy Dlamini entered holy matrimony with a young woman, herself having willingly submitted to virginity testing in accordance with the sacred ordinances of the religion. Such practice manifests divine will, that the young shall present themselves pure before God and enter the marital covenant as consecrated vessels. Those who may have engaged in sexual intercourse before marriage are earnestly encouraged to embrace a life of abstinence, refraining from further coitus until they are united in holy matrimony, following God's redemptive will and the call to purity. This divine alignment not only pleases God but ensures that their offspring are shielded from spiritual ailments, both manifest and hidden, that arise from illicit or unwarranted coitus.Holy Messenger Tommy Z. Ncube, one of the seniors in the religion, recalls that Dlamini's union with the love of his life was initiated by Evangelist James Bori Tawodzera, of the Chosen Twelve families. Having discerned the purity and spiritual readiness of young Percy, Evangelist Tawodzera sought to pair him with a young woman of equal virtue and divine calling. From this union, four children were born. Notably, Holy Messenger Ncube reflects that it was only after entering into this divinely sanctioned marriage that Evangelist Dlamini began to regain a healthy bodily stature, signifying the holistic restoration that comes with alignment to God's order.In recognition of his youthful zeal and spiritual maturity, Dlamini was entrusted with sacred responsibilities early in his journey. He was appointed to serve alongside Evangelist Machisenge, another member of the Chosen Twelve families, on the Bereavement Committee, a divine mandate he fulfilled with unwavering commitment until his physical departure. In his youth, he was further elevated to the role of Youth Elder, in line with the tradition of the religion at the time.Many within the congregation affirm that Evangelist Dlamini was indeed a vessel through whom God ministered healing, not only to himself but to countless others. His voice resounded with divine authority, his messages touching the hearts of many devoted souls. Evangelist Langa Khumalo bears witness to a moment of divine affirmation, recalling that after one of Dlamini's sermons, the Voice proclaimed: "If you commit yourself to the work of salvation, I give you words to preach." It was further revealed that, unbeknownst to Dlamini, the very sermon he had delivered had been written at the Holy Mount the night prior, a testament to his role as a conduit of heavenly utterance.Among his most enduring teachings was his call for reverence toward all that is of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from God's earlier teachings, he cautioned against striving for the downfall of other religions such as Christianity, which, though having fulfilled its divine cycle, is nonetheless a creation of the Spirit and thus endowed with spiritual longevity. He reminded the congregation that when God descended upon Africa in the Second Host, He chose a household for His indwelling, elevating it as His Mount. Thereafter, He selected Twelve Families to advance His salvific mission with the promise that the congregation would multiply in due course. That promise has been fulfilled, as the congregation continues to grow to reflect the glory and perpetuity of the Holy Spirit's work. His central message was that this, too, is a divine creation of the Holy Spirit, endowed with a sacred longevity that shall endure across countless generations.Dlamini is also remembered for his dedication as a young man during the construction of the GRM prayer hall in the Lobengula location. Holy Messenger T.Z. Ncube recalls that although Dlamini was not a businessman and was still part of the youth group, he actively took part in fundraising efforts. These efforts required each businessperson to contribute ten pounds, and despite not being a businessman himself, Dlamini gave his ten pounds just like the others. This symbolises the selfless commitment, strong sense of responsibility, and deep faith that characterised this departed hero.Today, as we reflect upon the earthly life and heavenly ascension of Evangelist Percy Dlamini, we are reminded that while the congregation has lost a venerable elder, one who walked the path of righteousness to the very end, the heavens have gained a faithful and trusted servant. His legacy is a clarion call to the younger generations to pursue a life marked by servant leadership, purity, humility, love, and unwavering trust in God.Everlastingly.This tribute is submitted by the Literature Committee of South Africa (LitcoSA), in honour of a life well-lived in service to God. The mandate of the current leadership of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) will be discussed after the presidential election on May 18 the president of the PSD, Marcel Ciolacu declared on Monday. He answered thus, when asked whether the mandate of the current leadership of the PSD was also discussed during the meeting of the National Political Council of the Social Democratic Party. "We have decided this too, we will do it on Wednesday, after May 18, or during the weekend, where we will also do an analysis - both of the results for each organization, and of the results of the Government, and of the results. We have election on May 18 and our colleagues decided so", emphasized Marcel Ciolacu. The leader of the social democrats also said that, in his opinion, the first person to leave the PSD would be Victor Ponta, when asked whether the entire party leadership should leave, following the presidential election results. "My opinion is that Victor Ponta should be the first to leave, but he has already been excluded," Ciolacu said. Presidential candidate of the electoral alliance "Romania, Forward!" Crin Antonescu said on Sunday night, after ranking third in the presidential election rerun, that the votes have spoken and he is leaving this trial "with his head held high." "We have a partial result that I think is an irreversible result, as things are seen. The votes have spoken; the citizens have spoken. I'm sorry. I'm leaving this trial, I think, with my head held high, that's at least how I feel. I put forward an agenda, some ideas, some solutions, a character. The verdict of the Romanians was different," he said at his campaign headquarters. Antonescu added that the people's vote must be respected. "I was pleased to meet again with many Romanians. I was pleased to return to the political exercise, because I think I had something to say," he said about his campaigning experience. Asked about the future of the coalition that backed him, Antonescu said: "I don't know what the coalition will do, I was not part of the coalition. The decisions belong exclusively to them." He urged Romanians to vote in the presidential runoff. "It was an honour to fight again for some ideas before Romanians," he said, adding that he did everything he could, in an honest way, while campaigning. "It would not be good for it [the coalition] to break up, but when 40% of Romanians vote for George Simion ... That is a verdict that I cannot challenge, I have no right as a democrat to challenge it. (...) From my point of view, I thought that the only pro-Western coalition that could be formed was the one in operation. But further, the parties have the duty to take into account the will of the citisens, to look for other options if necessary; that it is not my business." Asked which candidate he will support in the runoff, he replied: "I am under no obligation, I have no commitment to any party and to no one else at the moment." The presidential elections offered the electorate a variety of options and fundamental rights were "overall respected", according to a report presented on Monday by the FairVote Coalition. The report states that the election authorities efficiently organized the technical aspects of the process and that the election day was "orderly" and without significant incidents. "The fact that the decision to annul the elections at the end of last year was insufficiently explained and motivated to the electorate, as well as the lack of a full account of the flawed electoral process and the measures that should have been taken to ensure the integrity of the elections, have negatively affected public confidence in the process and called into question the resilience of state institutions in the face of hybrid attacks," reads the document. According to the cited source, the elections were held against a background of distrust in the ruling political parties and polarization related to the annulled electoral process of 2024. "The electoral legislation generally facilitates the organization of elections in a democratic manner, but the amendments made for this election through OUG 1/2025 were adopted non-transparently, in violation of some normative procedures and with too little time before the elections. Moreover, some of these amendments, including those related to the marking of political advertisements, amendments in relation to the membership of electoral bureaus and the reduction of voting time in some states affected the rights of participants in the electoral process. The elections were organized taking into account several Constitutional Court decisions and Venice Commission recommendations related to the 2024 electoral process, which have not been transposed into law for greater clarity," the report maintains. However, the electoral administration respected the electoral calendar and adopted the necessary measures for the smooth running of the elections, but the way the electoral bureaus were set up "gave a clear advantage" to two of the candidates, while eight others did not benefit from any representation. According to the signatories of the report, the high number of support signatures required to file a candidacy limits access to the electoral competition, and the lack of visibility of the signature collection campaigns and the non-transparent verification process "raises questions" about their veracity. "The short deadlines for verification, the unclear legislation, the lack of investigative tools in case of suspicions and the very long timeframes for solving criminal cases reduce the efficiency of this system, which needs significant reform to increase public trust," the document further shows. During the election campaign, the right to freedom of expression and the right of association were "generally" respected, and candidates were able to organize their campaign and get their message out to voters without restrictions. As for the online campaign, especially on Tik Tok, "it continued to be marked by coordinated inauthentic behavior", which was noted among several electoral competitors. "In the monitoring carried out during the campaign period, a significant increase in coordinated content of a political nature, disguised as seemingly organic content and generated by non-authentic account networks, was identified. In the absence of regulatory mechanisms adapted to the digital specificity, the phenomenon of campaign financing by third parties continues to have significant effects on electoral fairness. Expert Forum has identified two strategies to promote inauthentic content, both of which are mainly monitored on the TikTok platform. In addition to domestic inauthentic behavior, the campaign was also affected by attempts of external interference associated with Russian Federation interests. On election day, the National Directorate of Cyber Security (DNSC) informed that numerous websites of public interest were the target of cyber-attacks claimed by a pro-Russian group; all affected websites were functional on the same day," the document states. At the same time, the competitors did not have balanced access to resources, with the Romania Forward coalition candidate enjoying "a visible financial advantage". "The BEC [Central Electoral Bureau] decisions can be challenged at the Court of Cassation or the Court of Appeal, but the electoral law does not define the procedures for appealing decisions with the courts, with certain exceptions, contrary to international standards. Although FairVote has not observed complaints being settled systematically, we consider that in general the deadlines given by the courts were short, at least as far as appeals against BEC decisions are concerned," the report states. The report also says that election day was generally calm and orderly. "The opening of the polling stations and the voting process were evaluated positively in the overwhelming majority of the observed polling stations, but observers also noted cases where the mobile ballot box procedures were not respected and cases where voters residing in another locality were not allowed to vote. Although a number of procedural omissions were observed during the vote count, the observers also assessed the vote count positively overall, and noted that in almost all observed precincts the results were correctly recorded," the report states. Another finding is that voting abroad was organized efficiently, with multiple options for exercising the right to vote. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu declared during Monday's meeting of the governing coalition that he will announce his resignation as prime minister on Tuesday, after e will have a discussion with his colleagues in the Social Democratic Party's leadership, government sources told AGERPRES. The leaders of the governing coalition met on Monday afternoon at the Victoria Palace for the first time after the announcement of the results of the May 4 presidential election. The National Political Council of the Social Democratic Party is to convene on Monday as of 17:00 p.m. in a mixed in-person and online meeting at the PSD headquarters. Capital Mayor Nicusor Dan, an independent candidate in the presidential election, anticipates that the second round, in which he will face the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) leader, George Simion, will be a "difficult" one. However, he voices himself optimistic that he will win the election and that Romania will follow a Western-oriented path. "A difficult second round with the isolationist candidate is coming. It won't be a debate between individuals, it will be a debate between a pro-Western direction for Romania and an anti-Western direction. That is what the second round will be about. It is our task to convince Romanians that Romania needs a pro-Western direction, and that is what our campaign will focus on in the next two weeks. I call on all Romanians to be part of this battle. I am optimistic that we will win, that Romania will press forward in a Western direction. I have hope that, with all the resources this country has, in a few years it will be in the place it deserves," he said in a statement at his campaign headquarters. These remarks were made after Nicusor Dan rose to second place in voter preferences, according to partial results of the presidential election. Nicusor Dan thanked those who went to the polls on Sunday, those who voted for him - especially those in the Republic of Moldova, where over 50% of voters supported him. Several Save Romania Union (USR) leaders, including Dan Barna and Dominic Fritz, also went to Nicusor Dan's campaign headquarters to congratulate him on his success. Presidential candidate of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) George Simion, back on Monday at a footwear factory in Alba Iulia, where he was also present last week during the election campaign, told employees that he would not disappoint them and that he would put Calin Georgescu at the helm of the country. Simion, who won on Sunday in Alba county with 43.45%, was greeted with cheers by hundreds of employees, mostly women, gathered in the courtyard of the factory, who congratulated him, wished him success in the future, addressing him with "Long live Mr. President". "I came to tell you that we thank you from the bottom of my heart for going to the polls and I wanted to come after the vote, too, not just before the vote. What you are doing here means a lot for Romania. We will stand by your side, in your ranks, so that ordinary Romanians win, not parliamentarians and not those who have plundered Romania for 30 years," Simion told the workers. He was asked what exactly he will do for the people. "We won't disappoint you, we won't betray you, we will put Calin [Georgescu, editor's note] at the helm of the country and for your employers, for those who pay your wages, we must reduce taxes (...) so that you will have more money in your pockets, so that you can raise your children here in our country," replied George Simion. Present last week at this factory, owned by an Italian company, George Simion was told by some of the workers to take "Calin" next to him and to free Romanians "out of slavery". The interim chairman of Save Romania Union (USR), Dominic Fritz, believes that the discussion about the future government will have to be led by the next president of Romania, but also that all Romanians have an interest in the future team at the Victoria Palace reflecting a pro-European majority. "The discussion about the future government must be led by the future president. And I believe that all Romanians have an interest in this government reflecting a pro-European majority, a majority that also has the trust of the financial markets. There are discussions after May 18. Of course, these discussions will take place based on the mathematical reality in Parliament, where a coalition will be needed to form a government. In general, I do not believe that a minority government is what is needed now in Romania," he said, in a press conference held at the USR headquarters. Dominic Fritz stated that if Nicusor Dan wins the presidential elections, USR will also be at the negotiating table. He emphasized, however, that the debate on the government will take place only after May 18th. "Now I don't think there's any point in getting into a debate about ministerial positions and who, from which county, could become secretary of state in I don't know which ministry. Now, the stakes are much higher. The stakes are Romania, and that's why all these discussions about power-sharing must follow after May 18," he added. Dominic Fritz stated that USR will support Nicusor Dan's campaign, including by redirecting those who want to donate or borrow money for this purpose. "In the coming days, in the days when there is no campaign yet, there are no restrictions, really. We will certainly use the resources we have to make our support for him clear. Afterwards, it remains for Nicusor Dan to raise loans and we will certainly use our network to bring loans to his campaign. From last year's experience, when the USR candidate entered the second round, there will be an emulation. We are already receiving the first calls from many people who want to get involved, who want to donate money, borrow money and we are redirecting them to Nicusr's campaign," said the interim leader of USR. Fritz mentioned that a USR congress will be convened on June 21 to establish the composition of the Arbitration Commission. For now, it has not been determined when the new party leadership will be elected. "We will discuss with colleagues how we will do it, when we will hold these elections and who will run. I certainly will not make a decision until May 18 and I will not make a decision without having a broad discussion in the party about what the direction and team that should take the party forward is," he emphasized. Beyond the "joy" of those who voted for Nicusor Dan, he admitted, there is "some fear and a question mark" as to whether in the next two weeks the gap between George Simion, who obtained over 40% of the votes, and Nicusor Dan, with 20%, can be recovered. "We cannot afford to be defeatist, we cannot afford to be resigned. We cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand for a second and say, 'This is it, Romania's fate is that it will fly out of the EU and NATO and that the economy will collapse with serious consequences for each of us.' We cannot afford this luxury. From today on, everyone must be mobilized, confident," he declared. The mayor of Timisoara also said that Nicusor Dan is relying on those Romanians, representing two-thirds of the population, who consider that EU accession was beneficial from an economic point of view. "Nicusor Dan is also relying on people in the diaspora, where - even though George Simion won there - I believe that more and more people understand that a vote for George Simion would be a vote that calls into question their own existence in European countries. (...) The goal in the next two weeks is not for six million people to become ecstatic fans of Nicusor Dan. The goal in the next two weeks is for millions of Romanians to understand how their stamp has a direct effect on their lives and I do not believe that we are a nation of suicide bombers," Dominic Fritz also declared. The Sector 1 Court decided on Monday to reduce the term for extending the judicial control in the case of Calin Georgescu from 60 to 45 days. The Court also decided to remove his obligation not to own, use or carry weapons and the obligation to periodically communicate relevant information about his means of existence. ''It partially admits the complaint filed by the defendant Calin Georgescu (...). It modifies the content of the judicial control measure ordered by the prosecutor's ordinance of 24.04.2025 extending the judicial control issued in file no. 2226/221/P/2023/d1 by the Prosecutor's Office with the High Court of Cassation and Justice - Criminal Investigation Section, as follows: it removes the obligation not to possess, use or carry weapons and the obligation to periodically communicate relevant information about his means of existence. Reduces the term for extending the judicial control from 60 days to 45 days, which will be calculated from 27.04.2025. It maintains the other provisions of the contested ordinance. It rejects the rest of the complaint, as unfounded. ''Final'', the Court's decision reads. The Sector 1 Court ruled on a complaint filed by Calin Georgescu regarding the extension of the judicial control measure. The trial took place last week, with Georgescu present in the courtroom, but the judge handling the case decided to postpone the ruling until after the first round of the presidential election. On April 24, Calin Georgescu was summoned to the Prosecutor General's Office to be informed of the extension of the judicial control measure for another 30 days. Georgescu is being prosecuted for committing six crimes, the most serious of which is incitement to actions against the constitutional order, in an attempted form, being accused of having plotted a plan to destabilize Romania with the help of mercenaries led by Horatiu Potra, after the Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of the 2024 presidential election. Senate Committee for Culture, Arts, Mass Information Means is organizing on Tuesday an event on cultural diplomacy, collective memory and identity affirmation, titled "From the Bridge of Flowers to the National Press Museum - Pages of History", at the Madrigal - Marin Constantin Galleries of the Palace of the Parliament. The event is organized in partnership with the National News Agency of Romania - AGERPRES and the State News Agency of the Republic of Moldova - MOLDPRES. "This solemn event is a bow to a defining moment in the history of Romanian-Moldovan relations - the Bridge of Flowers - and at the same time opens a modern perspective on a nationwide endeavor: the establishment of the National Press Museum, a legislative draft law initiated under the aegis of the Committee for Culture, Arts, Mass Information Means," said the Committee chairman, Cristian Niculescu-Tagarlas, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Monday. Members of the Romanian Parliament and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, members of the Royal House, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps, academics, historians, journalists, artists, representatives of civil society and heritage institutions are invited to the event. "The photographic exhibition organized by AGERPRES, evoking the symbolism of the Bridge of Flowers, will be accompanied by musical moments, high-level speeches and a segment dedicated to the signing of a Joint Declaration on cultural and parliamentary cooperation between the two states. The event also marks the start of a series of cultural initiatives aimed at highlighting the role of the media in strengthening democracy and culture in defining a common European identity. In the year when the Romanian Orthodox Church is celebrating the centenary of its elevation to the rank of Patriarchate, and European nations are seeking common answers to contemporary challenges, this event is meant to be a bridge between memory and the future, between identity and solidarity," the press release further reads. Under a laurel tree, four nymphs, or female nature deities, gather to celebrate a requiem. Once every 100 years, they get together to honor the nymphs that have passed away and remember their own history. This is the premise of Scream, Echo, Scream a new play by Summer Baer that shes staging at Metro Theater Company May 8-May 24. I was always fascinated with Greek mythology when I was growing up, but it came from a place of frustration almost, Baer explains about the inspiration behind the play. The muses and nymphs specifically are thanked for contributing to art, but we dont really know anything about them. Baer began writing Scream, Echo, Scream about muses. Those are nine goddesses in Greek myth that inspired artists. I wanted to write a piece that took those characters and put them at the forefront so we could learn more about them, Baer explains. But the story morphed to be more about nature and nymphs. The play had many different forms, Baer says. But the nymphs often traveled with the muses and were seen with them. Plus it allowed me to invent the world a bit more by not having such notable characters. Each nymph represents a real place: Peyto is a lake in Canada. Ozark is Lake of the Ozarks; Socotra is an island in Yemen. Echo represents caves, but is also an echo and can only repeat what others say. The play tells the story of these nymphs over five requiems or 500 years. As time passes, they look worse and worse with bits of trash clinging to their clothes. The icicles that were on Peyto at the beginning disappear. The nymphs never mention climate change, but it looms in the background as they celebrate more and more lost nymphs every requiem. (The nymphs seem to die if what theyre the goddess of gets too polluted or changed by mankind.) I was really drawn to the parallels in both the degradation of the planet and how people are shouting and yelling and were not listening to the warning signs when it comes to that and feminism, Baer says. Both social justice issues, Baer argues, are misunderstood or even ignored. So she wanted to have the nymphs deal with not being heard. The play also talks about the importance of community. The friendship that these characters share really comes to life when you see it, Baer says. The cast is all female with one nonbinary character, the Lake of the Ozarks. I definitely wanted to highlight these feminine and nonbinary characters because I feel like, especially as a young artist in theater, that those opportunities arent prevalent, Baer says. She started working on the play in 2022. The Derby, Kansas, native came to the region to study at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and moved to St. Louis after graduating in 2018. This is her first full-length play, though she did have a short play in Slightly Askew Theatre Ensembles Aphra Behn Festival in 2023. Baer received a grant from the Regional Arts Commission to stage her show, which shes doing without a production company. She was inspired to apply after a workshop for the play where she got a positive response to it. I was really moved by (other artists) reaction to it, and it just made me realize that I wanted to create opportunity for (not only) everyone around me but also for the play to be seen, Baer says. I just felt very passionately that this was a story worthy of seeing. In addition to producing and writing the play, Baer will also take on the role of Echo, the character who can only repeat what others say. This play its interesting to watch and be in, because it does feel like four distinct versions of myself that Im just getting to watch come to life, Baer says. And playing Echo has been really healing because Echo is the ultimate witness to the story of these other nymphs and the planet. And so I was drawn to play her because that felt like the playwright version of me on stage. The show also features a lot of music theres a song for the requiem that Baer wrote, but that Bryn McLaughlin has enhanced with an original score. I leaned into the folksy side of (the music), Baer says, since it is Ozark who plays the music. The songs were also an homage to Greek tragedies and theater, because they would often use songs to tell the audience what (the play is) about. Lize Lewy is directing the show, which will also feature Frankie Ferarri, Sarah Lantsberger and Kristen Strom. It feels a bit like weve built each piece of a machine and were finally getting to put the machine together and press the on button, Baer says. Thats really exciting for us. If you go What: "Scream, Echo, Scream" When: 7:30 p.m. May 8-24 Where: Metro Theater Company, 3311 Washington Ave. How much: $15 More info: eventbrite.com ST. LOUIS A city selection panel has chosen a subsidiary of Connecticut-based LAZ Parking to run lots and garages at St. Louis Lambert International Airport over the next three years. LAZ Parking Midwest LLC would replace SP Plus LLC under the recommendation to the city Airport Commission for its approval. A briefing paper for Wednesdays commission meeting said LAZ and SP Plus were among four companies that responded to a request for proposals for the contract. Also in the running were ABM Aviation, which has held the Lambert contract in the past, and ACE Parking. The contract also covers the operation of shuttle buses to and from Lamberts passenger terminals. SP Plus last week announced it would lose its current contract, which began in 2021, in a notice filed with the state about the layoff of 130 workers at Lambert effective July 1. A company spokesman said impacted employees would be rehired by the new operators. The proposed contract calls for LAZ to be paid a management fee of $1.35 million from July through mid-2026, up from the current fee of $949,795. The fee would increase to more than $1.39 million in 2026-27 and more than $1.43 million in 2027-28. The deal also must be approved by the citys chief fiscal body, the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Airport officials havent said why the selection panel recommended a new company to manage Lamberts parking operation, called Super Park. Included are two garages and five lots. The briefing paper said the proposed management fee is competitive to proposals received but doesnt elaborate. The briefing paper says LAZ is one of the largest parking and transportation companies in North America and runs parking at airports in cities such as Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Denver, Nashville, Columbus and Oakland. The selection panel was made up of two Lambert officials and one representative apiece from the offices of the mayor, the city comptroller and the aldermanic president. The city of St. Louis owns and operates the airport, which is in north St. Louis County. Earlier this year the airport commission OKd an increase in parking fees that took effect last month. About 200 bus drivers and monitors will be laid off this summer as St. Louis Public Schools switches to a new bus vendor, according to a notice filed with the state on Monday. But the workers will be rehired, the district confirmed. In February, the school districts board selected California-based Zum Services Inc. to run 220 bus routes across the city for $30 million a year, starting in August. Zum said that it is hiring 242 drivers and 55 attendants to cover the bus routes, and drivers being laid off from First Student will be offered job opportunities. First Student has been handling half of the districts bus routes this year. It was the primary transportation provider at SLPS before losing out to bus vendor Missouri Central in 2022-2023. On Monday, First Student alerted the state in a mandated layoff notice that the loss of contract will impact about 137 drivers, 70 monitors, six administrative staff and five mechanics/technicians. Layoffs will be effective June 30, but some employees last day of work will coincide with the last day of school, the letter said. Last year, SLPSs transportation crisis came to a head when primary bus vendor Missouri Central canceled its contract with the district. In the weeks that followed, the Post-Dispatch reported the operation of illegal school buses, canceled routes and buses that never showed up. A mix of buses, taxis, some of which were unregulated, and rideshare cars from multiple vendors, plus Metro city buses, combined to drive students in the first three weeks of school. Last November, the district confirmed that all transportation providers contracted by SLPS had met safety standards. First Student did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Post-Dispatch reporter Blythe Bernhard contributed to this report ST. LOUIS A man charged with a double murder in connection with the killing of a pregnant woman and her unborn child in north St. Louis last month waived his court hearing on Monday. Vanier Jerimiah Jones, 28, faces two charges of first-degree murder and a slew of other felonies after police said he shot and killed Christina Lynn Rentchler, 35, in a home in the 4100 block of Farlin Avenue, just west of Fairground Park. Prosecution documents say officers went to the house on the afternoon of April 23 after getting a call about a shooting. They found Rentchler shot multiple times, including at least once in the back of her head. They also found a 42-year-old woman who had been shot, but was still alive. Paramedics pronounced Rentchler dead at the scene. The 42-year-old was taken to the hospital for treatment. She told police that Jones had shot her before killing Rentchler, and that when she was playing dead to avoid further injury, she heard Jones ask Rentchlers children where Rentchler was, police said. Police then spoke with Jones, who said he was with another person, identified in court documents as Witness 1, at the time of the murder. But when police spoke with Witness 1, the witness refuted Jones story and said Jones had told them he had killed a woman. Jones has previous convictions for assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was ordered to be held without bond pending trial. ST. LOUIS A woman was shot and killed at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday inside a home in the 4100 block of South Grand Boulevard in the city's Dutchtown neighborhood, police said. Police identified the woman as Lachonda Valentine, 48. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide detectives are taking the lead in the investigation, awaiting cause-of-death results from the medical examiner. No more information was available. JEFFERSON CITY A plan to merge St. Louis and St. Louis County died a fast death six years ago. A new effort to reboot those discussions has had an unpromising start. During a hearing last week at the Capitol, Rep. Ian Mackey told the House Emerging Issues Committee he had filed the failed 2019 Better Together plan because St. Louis has been underperforming. In the early 1960s, he pointed out, the city and county together boasted nearly 1.5 million people. That number has fallen to about 1.3 million now. But during a hearing that stretched more than hour, various stakeholders blasted the Clayton Democrats approach. I dont think we have that conversation by throwing a grenade into it with something like this Better Together proposal and then saying Oh, now lets talk, said Pat Kelly, executive director of the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis. Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs, D-St. Louis, called Mackeys effort a little agitating. People were like, Whats he doing? and Why is Rep. Mackey doing this? St. Louis split from the rest of St. Louis County nearly 150 years ago in whats known as the Great Divorce. Efforts to reverse that decision have repeatedly fallen short. The most recent attempt, the Better Together plan, would have merged the city, county and all 88 municipalities (now 87 after Glen Echo Park was voted off the map in 2023) into one metropolitan city. There would be one metro mayor and one police department, but school districts would have been left untouched. That plan was derailed, in part, because it proposed making the county executive, then Steve Stenger, the first mayor of the newly merged metropolitan government. But Stenger was facing legal trouble, and in May 2019, he pleaded guilty to charges related to a pay-to-play corruption scheme. The merger plan was unceremoniously shelved. Mackey concedes his proposal shares something in common with the 2019 effort. Right out of the gate, its got at least 1,000 opponents, he said. Thats the number of elected officials in St. Louis County. Among those opponents were the mayors of Brentwood, Webster Groves and Beverly Hills, who trekked to the capital city to speak against the plan. Many of the arguments against merger voiced at the hearing echoed those made in 2019: Why should county residents be saddled with the citys issues? They cant even pick up their trash, commented Byron Keelin, St. Louis County resident and president of the conservative group Freedom Principle MO, at the hearing. Gary Wiegert, a former city police officer and current Republican committeeman for the Chesterfield township in the county, blasted that city attitude of Defund the Police that has been there for the last four years. Rep. Brad Christ, a south St. Louis County Republican who sponsored the recent state takeover of the city police department, said many people know the city has problems. I dont want to be a part of those problems, he said. I didnt move there for that reason. At the end of the hearing, Arnie A.C. Dienoff, of St. Charles County, testified the city of St. Louis had a history of high debt and infrastructure deficiencies. Fuchs, who represents the Tower Grove South-based 80th House District, fired back that St. Louis County had quite a deficit and that she wanted to defend the city of St. Louis against all these attacks that I keep hearing. Earlier, Fuchs said the next governor could make the city-county merger a priority. If this became a priority, I imagine that we would have to work really hard to make it the best that it could be for the citizens who currently live in the city of St. Louis, she said. Christ, chairman of the Emerging Issues Committee, said he didnt intend to advance Mackeys merger plan but said he was interested in conversations on government efficiency in line with federal DOGE efforts. There are some things that we need help with, said Christ, who sponsored the state takeover of the city police and efforts to weaken the earnings tax. Mackeys plan would phase out the earnings tax. Christ questioned what would happen with regard to policing following the state takeover of the St. Louis department. I dont know now with the state takeover if that would be a conflict that we would have to resolve, Mackey said. Mackeys initial plan would take the merger to a statewide vote, an aspect of Better Together that was heavily criticized in 2019. Weigert, of St. Louis County, called the plan typical noblesse oblige. They are trying to force this on us and people do not want this, Weigert said. People want to be able to determine their own fate. Kelly, the municipal league director, reminded the committee that the Missouri Constitution includes a Board of Freeholders process that allows nine city appointees, nine county appointees, and one gubernatorial appointee to convene for wide-ranging discussions on changing the local governance structure. He said whatever the board decided would need to be approved by voters in the city and county. Brentwood Mayor David Dimmitt called the loss of the citys police department a non-starter, saying his city takes great pride in its department. He said the city of about 8,000 is in a mutual aid pact with nearby municipalities for police and fire services. Because of that we dont need to have a lot of police officers, Dimmitt said. We dont need somebody to come in and tell us heres how youve got to do it. The legislation is House Joint Resolution 27. From 98 to 87 The number of St. Louis County municipalities peaked at 98 in 1959, when the tiny village of Champ incorporated. Since then, 16 municipalities in the county have dissolved. The latest to go was Glen Echo Park, which merged with Normandy in 2023. Other municipalities that disappeared in the past six decades are Arbor Terrace (merged with Northwoods in 1971), Berdell Hills (merged with Normandy in 1977), Bridgeton Terrace (merged with Bridgeton in 1988), Elmdale (merged with St. John in 1965), Goodfellow Terrace (merged with Pine Lawn in 1972), Mackenzie (disincorporated in 2018), Margona Village (merged with St. John in 1974), Marvin Terrace (merged with St. John in 1964), Mary Ridge (merged with St. Ann in 1976), Meadowbrook Downs (merged with Overland in 1962), Peerless Park (disincorporated in 1998), Schuermann Heights (merged with Woodson Terrace in 1980), St. George (disincorporated in 2011), Times Beach (disincorporated in 1985) and Vinita Terrace (merged with Vinita Park in 2016). During the same period, five new cities were created in the St. Louis County: Black Jack (incorporated in 1970), Maryland Heights (1985), Chesterfield (1988), Green Park (1995) and Wildwood (1995). From Post-Dispatch archives EUREKA The day after a new Missouri law overturned her homeowners associations ban on chickens in August, Shellie Tippet brought home chickens. Now, the association is threatening fines and legal action if she doesnt take down the chicken coop she built for them. Tippet acknowledges she hasnt followed Windswept Farms Homeowners Associations rules. The HOA requires prior approval, which she didnt get. Her yard isnt fenced in. Her coop is larger than the size allowed and doesnt match her homes exterior, which has blue-gray siding. And the coop needs to be shielded from view of neighbors and passersby. But Tippet says her HOA is violating state law, which allows up to six chickens in a single coop. The coop her HOA wants is too small for six birds, and the other rules are unnecessarily burdensome, she says. Homeowner associations are not the law. They have to follow the law, Tippet said. They think they have way more power than they do. The dispute comes at a time when interest in raising chickens has grown in response to egg prices climbing due to a combination of factors, including avian flu outbreaks that have killed millions of birds. Missouri now allows homeowners to have up to six chickens per every fifth of an acre and prohibits bans against them in property covenants, deed restrictions or other binding agreements. County and city governments can still ban chickens, but neighborhood associations and other property contract arrangements can only set reasonable rules, but cant prohibit a single coop designed to accommodate up to six of the birds. State Rep. Jim Murphy, who helped create the law, said he didnt want to allow homeowners associations to ban chickens where cities or counties allow them. Its reasonable to require coops be clean, enclosed and otherwise refrain from being a public nuisance, Murphy said. But some property management associations are setting unreasonable rules because they just dont like chickens, he said. Its the homeowners property. Why do they need permission from a homeowners association to do something that is entirely legal? Murphy, R-St. Louis County, said. This is an attempt to go around the state law by making it impossible for people to pasture chickens. The Windswept Farms Homeowners Association and Omni Management Group, a local company that manages the association, did not make anyone available for an interview. In a written statement, OMNI said the association consulted an attorney to draft the chicken coop policy to assure it met state law and the HOAs ability to adopt reasonable rules for the best interests of all homeowner members in Windswept Farms. Neighborhood associations pushed back against the law that keeps them from prohibiting chickens before it took effect. One HOA in the Lake of the Ozarks is suing to overturn it, saying it runs afoul of state and federal laws governing private contracts. Todd Billy, an attorney who specialized in community associations law, said each association should be allowed to decide what raising chickens should look like in their community. It comes down to the general nature of the community and how to make these things fit, he said. I think its reasonable that associations are going to have rules for their communities that some people like and others might not. In Eureka, the Windswept Farms HOA is governed by a three-member board that includes one resident of the neighborhood and two employees of McBride Homes, one of four companies building homes in the subdivision, which was approved in 2017. McBride Homes declined comment. The 147-acre subdivision, near Highway 109 and Highway W, calls for 557 single-family, detached homes, surrounding by rolling, forested hills along the Meramec River. A sign at the neighborhoods entrance advertises new homes for sale. Many homes dont have fences or extensive landscaping, and trees along the street are young and short. Tippet, who moved to the neighborhood in March 2024, originally hadnt wanted to live there because of the HOA, she said. But her boyfriend liked the area, and they both wanted their boys to attend Rockwood School District. When the law passed allowing chickens, Tippet, who grew up in rural Pennsylvania and worked on chicken farms in her youth, was elated. She didnt contact the HOA before getting her chickens and buying a coop, she said, because she didnt think she needed to. The law said I could have them regardless of the HOA, she said. Their approval didnt matter. Two months later, she got a letter from the association with its rules, including requiring Tippet to submit an application. In January, the HOA denied her application. The denial cited four issues: There was no fence around the perimeter of the yard. The coop was too large. It wasnt screened from view of neighbors or passersby. It didnt match the exterior of their home. Tippet said her family asked for meetings with the associations board of directors to negotiate, but never heard a response from OMNI, which corresponded with them on the associations behalf. She built her current coop in March, after a storm destroyed the previous one. The new coop, made of cedar wood, is 8 feet tall and 20 total square feet. It sits right behind her house, next to an enclosure of chicken wire where the birds can be outdoors. Tippet said she knew the HOA would object and that she didnt ask for permission, maintaining that she didnt need it under state law. Instead, she designed her coop to meet Eureka regulations, which dont explicitly limit the size of a coop as long as it is at least 50 feet away from neighboring properties. The Windswept Farms Homeowners Association, however, limits coops from being taller than 4 feet and larger than 15 square feet in total area. Tippet argues thats only big enough for up to four chickens to live in healthy conditions. Her boyfriend, a Marine veteran, has a disability and needs a coop tall enough to walk into. And the chicken wire enclosure makes a fence unnecessary, she said. She refuses to downsize or give away any of her chickens. Theyre part of the family, she said. In recent letters to Tippets family, an attorney hired by the association warned it would take legal action. We are obligated to enforce the community rules so that the character and value of the entire community remains high, the association said in an April 1 letter. Tippet said she believes the HOA is targeting her because they worry a chicken coop might make it more difficult to sell new homes there. They live near several lots for sale. They think people wont want to move into a neighborhood that has chickens, so theyre trying to make sure that nobody has them, she said. Tippets neighbors, meanwhile, said they have no complaints about the chickens and were never contacted by the homeowners association about them. They take good care of them, said Prince Moyo, whose backyard is right behind Tippets. Bill Price, who lives within view of the coop, said he hears dogs barking in the neighborhood but rarely if ever hears the chickens. I think theyre neat, he said. ST. LOUIS As a transgender man, the words youre a girl gutted Tazz Webster, a taunt hurled at him from the day he moved into his St. Louis apartment. The government-subsidized buildings manager also insisted on calling Webster by the wrong name, the 38-year-old said, and ridiculed him with shouts of, Youre not a real man! I just felt like I was being terrorized, Webster told The Associated Press. I felt that I was being judged and mistreated, like I was less of a human being. Then one day in March 2022, the manager shoved Webster so hard he stumbled backward. After regaining his balance, Webster said he pushed the manager back. Four months later, he was homeless. Webster filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity office, the agency tasked with investigating housing discrimination and enforcing the landmark Fair Housing Act that guarantees equal access to housing for all Americans. Websters harassment allegation was serious enough that it was investigated for more than two years, until the office suddenly notified him in February it was dropping his case without a finding, citing lack of jurisdiction. The timing of the closure was not a coincidence. In the months since President Donald Trump took back the White House and installed a loyalist to lead the federal housing department, HUD Secretary Scott Turner and his team have moved swiftly and strategically to undo, uproot and remake the agencys decades of work and priorities. In the crosshairs is an intense focus on transgender people, as HUD retreats from long-established fair-housing protections by closing their discrimination complaints and, more broadly, moving to undo the Obama-era Equal Access Rule that cemented transgender peoples rights to discrimination protection in housing. Its time to get rid of all the far-left gender ideology and get government out of the way of what the Lord established from the beginning when he created man in his own image male and female, Turner said in announcing in February that he was halting enforcement of the Equal Access Rule. At issue is the fact that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people wasnt specifically cited in the Fair Housing Act. But the Equal Access Rule enacted in 2012 under former President Barack Obama further defined sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The policy was expanded in 2016 to cover transgender people seeking help at federally funded emergency shelters, escalating opposition from the right. In 2020, the first Trump administration unsuccessfully moved to relieve shelters of any obligation to serve transgender people. Now, advocates fear an emboldened Trump will go further and forbid shelters from accommodating gender identity altogether, as his administration announces unspecified revisions to the Equal Access Rule. Our protections cant be a Ping-Pong ball that changes every four years, said Seran Gee, an attorney for Advocates for Trans Equality. Everything he owned was trashed After being left with permanent injuries in a car crash, Webster, who survives on disability payments, was grateful to move in April 2021 into an apartment near Forest Park. His rent was initially less than $200 per month, he said. That is because Branscome Apartments had a contract with the federal government to provide subsidized housing to people with disabilities and low-income seniors. But the HUD money also comes with strings, said Linda Morris, staff attorney for the ACLUs Womens Rights Project, who leads the organizations housing discrimination work. The Equal Access Rule applies to HUD-funded programs and shelters, said Morris, who doesnt represent Webster. If an entity is going to accept federal funding they have to comply. Under the rule, HUD-funded housing and programs must provide equal access to everyone regardless of gender identity, and cant require intrusive questioning. Four months after the shoving incident, Webster found his door kicked in and his belongings trashed, even though, he said, he was up to date on his rent and never received an official eviction notice. Gone were his king-size bed, dishes, Social Security card and birth certificate. Even worse was the loss of the obituary for his mother, who died when he was 12, and her necklace, a treasured memento. I had nothing, said Webster, who had been mostly staying away from the apartment for fear of another run-in with the manager. I was so afraid to be there, I would go to my friends house and spent nights at a time and then come back, switch my clothes, and leave. Court records in an eviction case filed against Webster in April 2022 cited repeated unsuccessful efforts to serve him. After he was gone, the case was dropped. Last August, Webster filed a lawsuit in Missouri state court alleging he was illegally evicted. There was never a court order allowing them to change the locks, allowing them to throw away his belongings, said attorney KB Doman of Arch City Defenders, an advocacy group representing Webster. The suit seeks $25,000 in property damage and for severe emotional stress and trauma. The apartment has denied the allegations in court filings. Stephen Strum, the attorney representing the building, declined the APs requests for comment on the HUD case and said the pending lawsuit merely alleges that my client did not properly follow the steps for evicting. To Doman, Websters case reflects a larger trend. A lot of people that would have some recourse, at least through HUD investigating, really are just out on their own now, she said. Its going to be harder for trans people to find safe, stable housing, and its very hard already. Just one case of many Since Turner took the helm at HUD, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity has instructed staff to pause investigations of all gender identity discrimination cases, according to two HUD attorneys who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs or benefits. One said letters were then issued closing the cases for lack of jurisdiction. HUD has not disclosed how many cases have been dropped. Websters letter and another provided to the AP cite Trumps executive order calling for the federal government to define sex as only male or female. Morris, of the ACLU, said she has never seen an executive order cited in a jurisdictional closure of a complaint. So thats really alarming, said Morris, who described the closures as very much consistent with this administrations broader attacks on trans people and on civil rights more broadly. Asked about policy changes concerning transgender discrimination, HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett said the agency was enforcing the Fair Housing Act while implementing Trumps executive order restoring biological truth to the federal government. In a statement citing Trumps order, she said government policy recognizes two sexes that are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality. A nationwide federal push to erase trans identity Bea Gonzalez, a transgender man, was kicked out of a suburban St. Louis domestic violence shelter on a chilly night in November 2021, along with his three children, then 2, 5 and 7. The family was just settling into a room after filling out paperwork at Bridgeway Behavioral Health Womens Center when Gonzalez was told they had to go because he disclosed he was a transgender man. I wasnt about to go back into the closet, the 33-year-old said of his insistence on telling the truth even after it was suggested he keep his trans identity secret. He needed a domestic violence shelter, he said, for greater security for the children and because he feared for his safety as a trans man in a mens shelter, some of which dont accept children anyway. The city had no domestic violence shelters for men, said his attorney Kalila Jackson. In the St. Louis metropolitan area, there was no place else for him to go. There were no other options. The family was sent to a motel, but when they arrived they discovered it hadnt been paid for, and the organization that sent them there was closed. So I was stranded, said Gonzalez, who did not have a car. I had to call a friend who was able to let us stay for the night. Jackson said Bridgeway received HUD funding and that its policy of barring transgender men was a violation of the Equal Access Rule and straight up sex discrimination. Jackson said the message the shelter sent was this: Youre biologically a girl, you should dress as a girl. Since you say that you are a man, we are not going to accept you here. HUD didnt address Gonzalezs or Websters complaints when the AP sought comment on their cases. HUD investigated Gonzalezs complaint for 2 years until it suddenly notified him in March the agency was dropping it without a finding. The company operating the shelter, Preferred Family Healthcare, did not respond to the APs requests for comment. After 455 days of being shuttled between six shelters in six cities in two states Missouri and Illinois Gonzalez ultimately found stable housing, where his children live with him part time. He sees what happened as part of what he describes as a nationwide federal push to erase trans identity. Shelters struggle to comply Advocates are concerned by HUDs shift, noting high rates of discrimination and homelessness among people who are LGBTQ+. Nearly one-third of trans people say they have been homeless at some point in their lives, while 70% who stayed in a shelter reported being harassed, assaulted or kicked out because of their gender identity, according to an Advocates for Trans Equality survey released in 2015, a year before Obama expanded protections for trans people in shelters. Teens who come out to families who arent accepting are particularly at risk, said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Some shelters that might have served them in the past are becoming less welcoming now amid upheaval with the Equal Access Rule, Oliva said. Folks who are trans just wont go if they dont think that theyre going to be treated with respect, she said, adding that is particularly problematic for young people who are vulnerable to sex traffickers and to other types of abuse. Further complicating the situation are seemingly contradictory requirements in new HUD contracts with nonprofits that find permanent housing and run shelters for the homeless. One section stipulates they cant promote gender ideology while another requires compliance with anti-discrimination law, according to a copy provided to the AP. Organizations say they are confused. What is promoting gender ideology? What does that mean? asked Jeannette Ruffins, CEO of Homeward NYC, a nonprofit that runs three permanent housing sites for LGBTQ+ young adults, as well as a homeless shelter. Does housing LGBTQ young adults promote gender identity? she asked. You know, theyre coming to us. This is already their gender identity. Like Im not promoting it. Ruffins called a board meeting to discuss potential vulnerabilities on their website, something she said most New York City nonprofits were doing as well. Her organization made small changes to their website, saying they were LGBTQ+ affirming and friendly in a few places rather than LGBTQ+ serving, hoping that will make them less of a target. In Memphis, Tennessee, a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter for transgender people is looking to increase capacity because of the uncertainty. Kayla Gore, executive director of My Sistahs House, said it can do that because it doesnt take federal funding. People are confused, Gore said. They dont know what to do because they want to protect their bottom line. This is the world Nearly three years after losing his apartment, Webster remains homeless, staying with friends and sometimes sleeping on the floor. He is on a waiting list for subsidized housing because he cant afford rent otherwise. But he expects the massive federal funding cuts and Trump administration directives banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives will make the wait even longer. Lets be honest. This is the world, he said. People, they do hateful things. If you legalize them to hating, then they feel like they have a right. ST. LOUIS A person with a confirmed case of measles visited the St. Louis Aquarium and a local restaurant last week, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious virus. The out-of-state resident went to the aquarium in Union Station on April 30 between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. They also ate at a restaurant in the St. Louis area on the same day, but details are limited according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Anyone who was also at the aquarium during that time frame should watch for the symptoms of measles, which can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and the characteristic red, bumpy rash. Symptoms can take one to two weeks to appear after an exposure, said Dr. Farrin Mabian, an infectious disease specialist at Mercy in Creve Coeur. Mabian said he was not surprised to hear of the measles case in the region after 935 cases have been reported in the U.S. this year. A child visiting Branson was diagnosed with measles on April 18, marking the first reported case of the measles in Missouri. Shortly after, a measles case was found in southern Illinois. The hospitalization rate in this years outbreaks is 13%, and three people have died. We have been kind of hearing the hoofbeats for a while now, Mabian said. Its a respiratory virus, kind of like flu and COVID but it is much more contagious. One person with measles can potentially infect 12 to 18 people who are susceptible to measles, meaning they are not fully vaccinated or have not caught the virus in the past. The contagious period can extend from four days before the rash develops to four days after its onset, Mabian said. Of course, when you go to a public venue, its going to be impossible to really know who the exposed people were, he said. Public health officials with the St. Louis city and county health departments did not respond Monday to interview requests. Federal health officials declared measles to be eradicated in 2000 due to high vaccine uptake. A vaccine rate of 95% or higher is needed to achieve herd immunity with measles, Mabian said. The herd immunity is really, really important for measles because its such a highly contagious virus, he said. Anyone who is unvaccinated, including babies under one year and people who are immunocompromised are especially at risk of infection. Julia Bietsch of St. Charles said she is nervous about venturing out with her second daughter, who was just born Thursday. While my other child is vaccinated, I am very nervous to leave the hospital with a little human that has no protection from measles right now, Bietsch said. Health officials say the best way to prevent the spread of measles is to receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine. The recommended childhood vaccine schedule starts with an MMR dose between 12 and 15 months and again at 4 to 5 years old. Anyone born before 1957 is considered immune to measles because of environmental exposures, as are those born after 1989 and are fully vaccinated. But people generally born between 1958 and 1988 may need a booster because they likely only got one dose of the vaccine, which was the recommendation at the time. Its really important for us going forward that people who are eligible for vaccination and have never had measles actually get full immunization, Mabian said. ST. LOUIS Linda Lockhart, a former Post-Dispatch editor and longtime local journalist, died Sunday from complications of cancer. She was 72. Those who knew her recalled Lockhart as a rigorous wordsmith, a strong advocate for Black journalists and a passionate storyteller. She was an absolute force, said her daughter, Rachel Seward, of St. Louis. She was always working so hard to make wherever she was better. Lockhart was born Aug. 29, 1952, in St. Louis as the eldest daughter of Cornelious and Laura Lockhart. She spent her early years living in the Lewis Place and Kingsway East neighborhoods on the citys north side and attended Lutheran grade schools from kindergarten through eighth grade. When it came time to go to high school, most of her friends went to Lutheran High School North. But by then, the Lockharts had moved to Webster Groves, so she went to the nearly all-white Lutheran High School South in south St. Louis County. Decades later, she could still recall her first day: She got on the bus not knowing anyone and within minutes had met her new best friend. She became the schools first Black graduate in 1970 and enrolled at the University of Missouri-Columbias School of Journalism on a full scholarship the Post-Dispatch offered outstanding Black students. She earned her degree and started her career at the Post-Dispatch in 1974. She reported on police and education. She helped found the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists, which advocated for Black reporters and editors and helped train new ones. She also met Steve Korris, a reporter at the St. Louis American, the prominent Black newspaper, while covering an education story. He was the white guy at the Black paper, Lockhart later recalled in an interview with a Lutheran High alumni publication. I was the Black girl at the white paper. They married in 1982, shortly after Lockhart began a 17-year tour of the upper Midwest: She worked at the Milwaukee Journal, the St. Paul Pioneer Press in Minnesota, and the Wisconsin State Journal and the Capital Times in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1998, the Post-Dispatch called her home. She spent the next decade as a Metro section editor, editorial writer and an editor on the papers national and international news desk. Margaret Freivogel, a former Post-Dispatch editor and Washington correspondent, recalled Lockhart as a talented colleague, unafraid to push those around her to dig deeper and better understand the communities they covered. She also remembered the line editing. You didnt get away with any sloppiness with Linda, Freivogel said. Lockhart took early retirement in 2007 after Lee Enterprises bought the paper and the industry began a long retrenchment. But when a group of fellow former Post-Dispatch staffers started a new online publication, the St. Louis Beacon, Freivogel successfully begged Lockhart to join them. I knew she would be a tremendous asset, she said. Lockhart retired in 2019, then came back to edit the St. Louis American for three months during the pandemic before retiring again. But she was still around and willing to offer advice to those who asked for it. Get to know people, she told the Lutheran South alumni publication in 2021. Build friendships, and dont get hung up on what makes people different but rather what makes them the same. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 327 Woods Mill Road in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, Lockhart asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. First Lt. Marciano Parisano, shown here in a 2018 high school photo, died in Honduras while off duty, the military said in a statement May 4, 2025. Parisano was a Black Hawk helicopter pilot who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy. (Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD) An Army Black Hawk pilot died in Honduras while off duty, service officials said over the weekend. First Lt. Marciano Parisano, 25, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, was off base in the city of Comayagua when his body was discovered Saturday, according to a statement released the following day by Joint Task Force-Bravo. He was serving at Soto Cano Air Base, Joint Task Force-Bravo commander Col. Daniel Alder said in the statement. Also known as Palmerola Air Base, it is located about five miles south of Comayagua. Parisano was on a liberty pass at the time his body was discovered, the statement said. Liberty passes allow service members to be away from their duty station for a short period, typically for leisure. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Parisanos death is ongoing, the statement said. U.S. Army soldiers conduct preflight inspections on a 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, UH-60 Black Hawk at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras in 2023. 1st Lt. Marciano Parisano, a Black Hawk pilot deployed to the base, died while off duty, the military said in a statement May 4, 2025. (Nicolas Erwin/U.S. Air Force) Joint Task Force-Bravo is the U.S. militarys primary expeditionary task force for regional security cooperation in Central America. Its mission includes helping to counter drug trafficking and organized crime, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Originally from Cibolo, Texas, Parisano graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile. Parisanos contribution to our team is immeasurable, Alder said. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him and serve with him. The Honduran newspaper El Heraldo reported that Parisano had been missing since Friday and that his body was found Saturday on the banks of the Chiquito River. Authorities were notified after someone saw a body floating in the water, the paper said. Honduran police are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Armys Criminal Investigation Division, according to El Heraldo. A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the Armys 12th Aviation Battalion performs a flyover during the 2023 Army Ten-Miler in Arlington, Va. (Defense Department) WASHINGTON The Army is pausing helicopter training flights around the Pentagon after a Black Hawk on Thursday forced two commercial airplanes to abort landings at Washingtons Ronald Reagan National Airport, three Army officials confirmed Monday. The flights have been suspended since Friday pending an internal inquiry, according to one of the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The helicopter involved in the incident last week belonged to the Armys 12th Aviation Battalion, which was also involved in a catastrophic midair collision with a regional jet on Jan. 29 that killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft. The Virginia-based unit had resumed flights in the Washington area only a few days before the latest episode, according to lawmakers. The Army is once again putting the traveling public at risk, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Friday. Thank God there was a decisive response from air traffic controllers and pilots, or else these two close calls could have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. The Federal Aviation Administration said the Army helicopter on Thursday had lapped around the Pentagon as it flew to the buildings heliport, forcing two commercial jets to perform go-around maneuvers and abandon attempts to land. Cruz, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said it was time for the FAA to act swiftly and assert control over the national airspace so the Army stops running air taxis for military officials near the airport. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday accused the Defense Department of disregarding helicopter rules around the airport and said there should be no more helicopter rides for VIPs or unnecessary training in a congested DCA airspace full of civilians. The Pentagons heliport is often used to ferry military leaders and foreign guests to and from the Pentagon. It was being used Thursday by a helicopter rehearsing a Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan, according to NBC. The Military District of Washington, which oversees Army operations within the nations capital, said Friday that the helicopter was flying in accordance with the FAAs flight routes and the airports air traffic control. The United States Army remains committed to aviation safety and conducting flight operations within all approved guidelines and procedures, the Army said in a statement. An Army official said Monday that the 12th Aviation Battalion is suspending helicopter flights into the Pentagon for the time being. The Army also said it was reviewing the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are also investigating. The FAA closed part of a helicopter route and put in place new procedures to separate planes and helicopters following the fatal January crash. Lawmakers said they want to see more efforts to control the busy traffic above the airport, which is about 4 miles from Capitol Hill. There have been 85 recorded events involving potentially dangerous near misses between a helicopter and a plane since 2021. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said the Army and the FAA needed to reevaluate their operations and return to Congress to explain what needs to be done to ensure airspace around the airport is safe. The tragic accident at DCA in January and the data that has come to light on near-misses at DCA over the last four years overwhelmingly demonstrate that new safety measures must be implemented before military helicopters resume operations near the airport, he said Friday on X. Cruz said he was committed to crafting and advancing legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee to keep the public safe from Army helicopter flights that are dangerously close to Reagan National Airport. We already had a tragedy that should not have happened, said Moran, who also sits on the panel. The Armys combat vehicle, the M10 Booker, fires three shots after a dedication ceremony in April 2024 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. (Matthew Adams/Stars and Stripes) The Army is canning the M10 Booker, a tank-like armored vehicle that the service chose less than two years ago as its first major new front-line combat weapon in decades, officials said Monday. The decision made by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll comes amid a Pentagon-wide push to cut spending on underperforming programs, reduce the number of top-ranking officers and streamline the militarys procurement processes. Driscoll and Gen. Randy George, the Armys chief of staff, announced last week that the services efforts under the new Army Transformation Initiative would include the elimination of unnecessary programs to instead ruthlessly prioritize fighting formations to directly contribute to lethality. The Army said those would include eliminating the production of the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter in favor of the more modern AH-64E, ending the Gray Eagle drone program, and halting procurement of several tactical vehicles including the decades-old Humvee and the newer Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The M10 Booker, too, will be discontinued, an Army spokesman confirmed Monday. The Army will cease investment and procurement of the M10 Booker so that we can optimize and reinvest those savings into war-winning capabilities, said Lt. Col. Jeff Tolbert, a spokesman for Driscoll. The Army is increasing lethality by ceasing procurement of obsolete or ineffective systems so that we can invest in capabilities that benefit the American soldier. The short-lived M10 never achieved operational capabilities at any combat units, though some of the Bookers did make it into formations, including at Fort Bragg, N.C. The vehicle was first announced in 2023 after years of development and pitched as an up-armored, direct-fire combat vehicle capable of supporting light infantry formations with heavy fire. It was technically not a tank, Army officials insisted, even though it looked like a tank and performed a role much like that of the M1 Abrams tanks, which have long been the American militarys mainstay battle tank. But despite the Bookers relatively light framework the M10 weighs about 42 tons compared to the most modern Abrams, the M1A2 SEPv3s 74 tons it cannot be dropped to the ground from an airplane and thus does not have the capability soldiers need now, Driscoll determined. We got the Booker wrong, the Army secretary told reporters, according to a Task & Purpose report. We wanted to develop a small tank that was agile and could do [airdrops] to the places our regular tanks cant. The Army had accepted about 80 M10 Bookers from General Dynamics before Driscoll decided to kill the program, officials said. It was not clear Monday what would become of the existing M10s or whether the Army would soon pursue a tank that could be airdropped. Driscoll said it was important to cut the program before it went further. Whats historically happened is we would have kept buying this to build out some number of Bookers, and then in decades in the future we would have switched, he said. Instead, we went to the Pentagon leadership, and we said, We made a mistake, this didnt turn out right. Were going to stop. Were going to own it. An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 takes off from Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands, Jan. 30, 2025. (Dahkareo Pritchett/U.S. Marine Corps) A Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II has returned to its home air station after undergoing maintenance for more than a month at a civilian airport in southern Japan, the service announced Monday. The stealth jet, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, landed at Kochi Airport on March 25 after the pilot received a warning indication during a routine training flight, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing spokesman Maj. Joseph Butterfield said at the time. The F-35B made its return flight Monday after engineers and maintainers conducted extensive troubleshooting, inspections and maintenance at Kochi Airport, he said in an email to media that day. The fighter returned around 3 p.m., Butterfield confirmed in a text message to Stars and Stripes. The cause of the precautionary landing is not under investigation, he added. We extend our sincere gratitude to the staff and leadership of Kochi Airport for their exceptional professionalism, hospitality, and support, he wrote in the email. Aviation safety remains our highest priority as we conduct training operations in support of the mutual defense of the United States and Japan. Kochi prefecture is on Shikoku, the smallest of Japans four main islands. Commercial flights at the airport were not affected by the F-35Bs presence, a spokesman said on April 15. Some Japanese government officials customarily speak to the press on condition of anonymity. Lance Cpl. Armando Floreslopez, an infantry rifleman with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, takes part in a counter-landing, live-fire rehearsal in Palawan, Philippines, April 27, 2025. (Keegan Jones/U.S. Marine Corps) U.S. Marines and sailors will soon participate in a major land-based exercise in the Philippines alongside forces from the host nation, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Between 1,500 and 2,000 American troops will join 12 days of regional defense training at sites across the Philippines during Kamandag, an annual exercise that begins May 26, Capt. Johnny Fischer, a spokesman for Marine Rotation Force-Darwin, said by text message Monday. The rotational force recently arrived in Australias Northern Territory for a six-month deployment but has already taken part in two other Philippine exercises, including Balikatan, which began April 21 and concludes Friday. A rifle company of up to 200 Marines from the rotational force joined Marine Exercise 2025 on Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, from March 31 to April 11. Kamandag a Tagalog acronym that means Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea will include maritime key terrain security, defensive counter-landing live-fire drills, littoral maneuver and amphibious operations, according to a Sunday news release from the Marine Corps. There will also be humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training. Troops will also conduct exchanges in logistics, engineering, special operations, unmanned aerial reconnaissance, marksmanship, air defense, medical readiness, and chemical, biological radiological and nuclear training, the release said. The exercise comes amid rising tensions between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards over disputed territory in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Training shoulder to shoulder with our Philippine Marine Corps partners isnt just about building interoperability its about forging trust in the crucible of shared hardship and preparing together to respond with speed and precision to any crisis, anywhere, anytime, the rotational forces commander, Col. Jason Armas, said in the release. Interoperability is a term the military often uses to describe the ability of a countrys armed forces to use another countrys training methods and equipment. Armas recently observed U.S. Marines training on Palawan, a western Philippine island near contested South China Sea waters. This years Kamandag will take place across multiple locations, including Palawan and the islands of Luzon, Tawi-Tawi and Batanes, near Taiwan, the release said. Units from the I and III Marine Expeditionary Forces, including the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are also slated to participate. This years KAMANDAG is a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas, commandant of the Philippine marine corps, said in the release. By operating jointly in complex environments, we are strengthening our capability to defend the archipelago and contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific. Troops conduct screening and reconnaissance operations at the border near Yuma, Ariz., April 22, 2025. (Erica Esterly/U.S. Army) Three Marines deployed to the U.S. border with Mexico were following a Border Patrol vehicle with its lights on when the driver swerved to avoid a head-on collision and crashed into a ditch killing both passengers, according to a local police report. The report from the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office listed improper passing and driver inattention as contributing factors to the April 15 accident, which occurred near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station. Speed and alcohol were not factors, according to the report. Lance Cpls. Albert Aguilera, 22, and Marcelino Gamino, 28, died in the accident, according to the Marine Corps. The service declined to release information about the driver, who was hospitalized in critical condition following the accident. Police identified him as 19-year-old Zeth Collins. An update on his condition was not immediately available. All were members of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division from Camp Pendleton, Calif. They were assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border and on duty in New Mexico at the time of the accident. The unit declined to state whether it conducted its own investigation into the crash. The Marines were in a silver Jeep Gladiator driving west just before 10 a.m. on N.M. Highway 9 as the final vehicle in a group. The highway is two lanes with no divider in between. A Border Patrol vehicle was in the lead with its emergency lights on, according to police. As the group approached a large commercial vehicle, the Border Patrol unit moved into the eastbound lane to pass and the group of vehicles followed. However, when Collins navigated the Jeep around the commercial vehicle, another vehicle was approaching in the eastbound lane, causing him to veer into the shoulder to avoid a head-on collision. The Jeep continued for another 400 feet and crashed into a wall of a ditch that protruded about 5 to 8 feet out of the ground. All three Marines were unresponsive at the scene and flown in Border Patrol helicopters to University Medical Center in nearby El Paso, Texas, according to the report. The report does not state why the Border Patrol was using emergency lights only that the group was moving to another location on Highway 9. Customs and Border Protection said it is not investigating the accident. The former USS Brattleboro patrols Vietnams coast in May 1967. (Wikimedia Commons) A decommissioned U.S. warship, originally selected for target practice during a joint military exercise, sank unexpectedly on its own Monday off the Philippines western coast. The former USS Brattleboro took on water while being positioned approximately 30 nautical miles west of San Antonio, near Subic Bay, according to a statement emailed that afternoon by Navy spokesman Lt. Carlos Gomez. The vessel sank at 7:20 a.m. and no personnel were injured, he said. The ship a former rescue patrol craft and World War II veteran had been chosen as a target for fighter-bomber drills during Balikatan, the largest annual joint military exercise in the Philippines. This years event, which began April 21 and ends Friday, includes 9,000 U.S. and 5,000 Philippine troops. The Brattleboro was thoroughly cleaned before being towed to sea to minimize its environmental impact, Gomez said. As is common, the vessel was selected because it exceeded its service life and was no longer suitable for normal operations, he said. The maritime strike portion of the exercise, which includes simulated fire missions, was not affected by the ships unscheduled sinking, Gomez said. The Brattleboro earned three battle stars during WWII. It was laid down in Chicago on Oct. 28, 1943, by the Pullman Standard Car Manufacturing Co., launched in New Orleans on March 1, 1944, and commissioned on May 26, 1944, according to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. That summer, the vessel transported 26 German prisoners captured U-boat sailors from Bermuda to Norfolk, Va. By October, it was assisting in evacuating wounded troops during the Allied invasion of the Philippines and later performed similar duties during the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, the Brattleboro served 18 years as a Navy experimental vessel before being decommissioned in November 1965 and transferred to the South Vietnamese navy. After the fall of Saigon, the ship escaped Vietnam and was incorporated into the Philippine navy in 1976 as BRP Miguel Malvar, according to the Philippine News Agency. The ship had been designated as a target for Philippine FA-50PH fighter jets and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons, F/A-18 Hornets and F-35 Lightning IIs, said assistant exercise director Brig. Gen. Michael Logico, according to the new agency. The U.S. Navy expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith completed a five-month overhaul at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Yokohama, Japan, April 15, 2025. (Randall Baucom/U.S. Navy) A U.S. Navy vessel recently completed a five-month overhaul at a Japanese shipyard, a milestone for the service as it seeks to expand joint repair capabilities with allied countries. The USS Miguel Keith, an expeditionary mobile base, wrapped up its stint at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Yokohama on April 15, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a news release Friday. While Japanese shipyards have provided maintenance service to U.S. warships, the Miguel Keiths overhaul marked the first time a Japanese shipyard had bid on and won a contract of this scale from the U.S. Navy, according to the command. The $12 million project included replacing 56,000 square feet of nonskid decking and over 300 feet of flight deck catwalk handrails, installing four new galley ovens, repainting the ships hull and further deck replacement and preservation, the release said. The commander of the U.S. Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center, Capt. Wendel Penetrante, said contracting with the Japanese shipyard allowed his organization to continue maintenance on three other warships at Yokosuka Naval Base. We were even able to complete one of those availabilities 3 days early and respond to two unplanned voyage repairs, he said in the release. U.S. law generally prohibits American warships from undergoing major overhauls or repairs in foreign shipyards. But the Miguel Keith contract was exempt because the project took less than six months to complete and the ship wasnt due in the U.S. within 15 months, according to INDOPACOM. The command did not immediately respond to an email requesting additional information and comment Monday. The Navy achieved a similar milestone March 12, when the South Korean shipyard Hanwha Ocean in Gyeongsangnam completed a seven-month overhaul on the dry cargo ship USNS Wally Schirra. The commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, Rear Adm. Neil Koprowski, described the overhaul as a landmark achievement and noted that completing maintenance in the region reduces downtime and costs, while enhancing operational readiness, according to a March 13 news release from U.S. Pacific Fleet. Last week, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visited shipyards in Japan and South Korea as part of his first international tour since taking office. Among his top priorities was exploring options for further cooperation for military ship repair and commercial ship building, he told Stars and Stripes aboard the USS George Washington at Yokosuka on April 28. World War II reenactors wave from a tank to crowds during the parade May 4, 2025, at the Pilsen Liberation Festival in Pilsen, Czech Republic, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the city's World War II liberation. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) PILSEN, Czech Republic This Bohemian city known for its namesake beer had the thankfulness flowing all weekend long in tribute to the American forces who freed it from Nazi oppression 80 years ago. The marquee events of this years milestone anniversary in the annual Pilsen Liberation Festival included a military parade Sunday that drew tens of thousands of flag-waving revelers on the streets. Known as the Convoy of Liberty, the parade featured vintage military vehicles and equipment, aircraft flyovers, historical reenactors and marchers from the U.S. and Czech armed forces. Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, commander of the Nebraska National Guard, was part of the American military presence for the commemoration in Pilsen. I wish more Americans had the opportunity to be where we are today, Strong said while standing in Liberty Square after the parade. Theyd be so proud of not only America and the sacrifices in the liberation, but the outpouring of gratitude from the Czech Republic. I have seen nothing like this in America on this scale, Strong added. A U.S. Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment soldier waves to spectators during a military parade on May 4, 2025, in Pilsen, Czech Republic. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) U.S. soldiers from 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Vilseck, Germany, and Nebraska Air National Guard members march in a military parade May 4, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen, Czech Republic. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) A World War II reenactor and his dog attend a parade in Pilsen, Czech Republic, on May 4, 2025, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the city's liberation from the Nazis. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) World War II reenactors drive down the streets of Pilsen, Czech Republic, on May 4, 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Bohemian city's liberation. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) Spectators watch from a balcony in Pilsen, Czech Republic, on May 4, 2025, as a parade files past to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the city's liberation in World War II. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) A Czech band plays songs from a restored military vehicle during a parade in Pilsen, Czech Republic, on May 4, 2025, to celebrate 80 years since the city was freed from the Nazis. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) World War II reenactors in Pilsen, Czech Republic, wave to parade spectators May 4, 2025, during festivities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the city's liberation. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) An American and Czech flag are flown May 4, 2025, during a parade in Pilsen, Czech Republic, celebrating 80 years since the Nazi hold over the city was broken. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) Pilsen Liberation Festival spectators watch a military parade pass through the streets of the Czech city on May 4, 2025, amid celebration of the 80th anniversary of Pilsen's liberation during World War II. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) A Pilsen Liberation Festival parade participant looks out from a tank rolling through the Czech city on May 4, 2025, during the annual multiday celebration, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the World War II liberation. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) He said many people of younger generations were reenactors, which shows the importance of passing on the legacy and understanding of the war and ensuring these victories continue to be honored. The Czech Republic has been paired with the Nebraska National Guard for over three decades through the Defense Departments State Partnership Program. Among those in attendance was 99-year-old World War II veteran Harry Humason, who served in Gen. George Pattons 3rd Army, 5th Division, 2nd Infantry Regiment, according to festival spokeswoman Barbora Hajkova. Humason, who helped liberate Frankfurt, Germany, during the war, was invited to take part in the 80th anniversary celebration. His daughter, Linda, raised funds to return him to Europe for the first time since the war. The celebrations marked 80 years since Pattons troops, supported by Belgian forces, marched through adjacent streets in Pilsen alongside the 16th Armored Division. Located about 40 miles from the German border, Pilsen was subjugated by the Nazis in March 1939. In the years that followed, its Skoda factories produced arms and ammunition for the German war effort, while the citys Jewish population was interned and sent to concentration camps. On the morning of May 6, 1945, the 16th Armored Division under Patton entered the city, encountering light resistance. World War II reenactors roll down the street in a tank May 4, 2025, during a parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the World War II liberation of Pilsen, Czech Republic. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) That initial freedom for the Czechs was short-lived, however. Three years later, Czechoslovakia fell under repressive communist control and became a Cold War satellite of the Soviet Union. In Sundays parade, Sgt. Mason McDaniel, who serves as acting squadron adjutant for the 2nd Cavalry Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany, led the U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, calling cadence as the formation marched through the streets. They were greeted with loud cheers and enthusiastic praise from the crowds. Its really interesting to see, especially for young soldiers, McDaniel said. They come in and theyre like Are we really that good of a force? and then they see people all around the world (who) love what we do and the security we bring. The Pilsen Liberation Festival is set to conclude Tuesday with a commemorative ceremony at the Thank You, America monument. To see what remaining festivities are on tap, check out the online schedule at https://www.slavnostisvobody.cz/en/. (Joseph Giordono/Stars and Stripes) Near Karbala, Iraq, March 30, 2003: PFC Cory Willis inspects a series of rock quarries near Karbala. Forces from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry spent a day fighting Iraqi armored forces hiding in the quarries. Read the story on the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry here. Wreckage and debris fill Frankfurter Allee near Lasdehner Strasse in a working district in the eastern section of Berlin on July 31, 1945, following an allied aerial attack on Feb. 26, 1945, prior to the fall of the city. (AP) BERLIN Central Berlin was in ruins after the Red Army completed the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in an intense fight for the capital in May 1945. After decades of division and its revival as the capital of a reunited, democratic Germany, the city is now transformed, blending painstakingly restored buildings with modern architecture. But the scars of the past remain visible in many places: facades riddled with holes from bullets and shrapnel, or gaps in rows of houses sometimes plugged by new buildings. An Associated Press story from May 9, 1945, painted a stark picture. It read: This town is a city of the dead. As a metropolis it has simply ceased to exist. Every house within miles of the center seems to have had its own bomb. Berlin, the epicenter of Adolf Hitlers power, was the ultimate prize as the Allies closed in from east and west on the disintegrating German defenses in the final stage of World War II. We all had a little case next to the bed, even the children, recalled Eva-Maria Kolb, now 89, of the constant aerial bombing in the last six months of the war. When there was an air raid warning you had to pull something on quickly and then go down to the basement. A view of the burned-out ruins of the German Reichstag in Berlin in this photo from August 1945, three months after the Nazis surrendered to the Allied Powers on May 8, 1945. (AP) People walk in front of the Reichtag Building, in Berlin, Germany, Friday, May 2, 2025. (Markus Schreiber/AP) The final Battle of Berlin in late April and early May 1945 reduced much of what was left of the city to rubble. The Soviet military attacked from several directions with an enormous concentration of troops, who faced a struggle to cross rivers and canals and an intensifying street fight as they moved deeper and deeper into the city. On April 25, Berlin was encircled. Hitler killed himself in his bunker on April 30; and on May 2, the commander of German military forces in Berlin, Gen. Helmuth Weidling, capitulated to Soviet forces. Berlin was a heap of rubble because of these last 10 days, almost everything in the center was ruined, said Jorg Morre, the director of the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst, located in the building where Germanys final surrender was signed. But the infrastructure could be repaired relatively quickly the sewerage system wasnt so badly damaged. They managed to get the water supply and pipes going again. A lot of old Berliners are still familiar with hand pumps ... electricity came, so that the trams starting running again, and the commuter trains. Kolb said: It was, of course, a great relief in 45 that the war was over and Hitler was no longer alive ... everyone who wasnt a Nazi was very, very grateful that the war was over. She recalled that parts of the city were rubble, but she went to a school in the Tempelhof district, south of the center, that was only half-ruined. It no longer had a roof and the second or third floor was missing but we had lessons. Only when it rained were lessons canceled. A view taken from a Cub artillery observation plane on July 10, 1945, shows vast areas of destruction in Berlin, after repeated Anglo-American air raids on the German capital. (AP) This marked the end Post-war Berlin was divided into sectors controlled by the wartime allies. That hardened into a Cold War division that saw two separate German states founded in 1949 and ultimately led to the building in 1961 of the Berlin Wall, which fell 28 years later as communist rule collapsed in East Germany. Germany was reunited in 1990 and the national government moved to Berlin in 1999. Parliament now meets in the restored Reichstag, where the raising of the Soviet Unions red flag in 1945 was emblematic of the victory over Nazi Germany. Graffiti left by Soviet troops at the Reichstag has been preserved at several places in the building. The military surrender of Berlin on May 2, 1945, wasnt quite the end of the war. Hitlers successor, Grand Adm. Karl Donitz, tried to fight on but was quickly forced to negotiate Germanys surrender. Eighty years after the end of World War II, holes from artillery fire are still visible on the facade of a house in the city center of Berlin, Germany, Friday, May 2, 2025. (Markus Schreiber/AP) Germanys unconditional capitulation was signed at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, on May 7 and came into effect the following day. But the Soviet Union had only a liaison officer at the ceremony and fighting against the Red Army continued in the east, so a second ceremony was agreed at Soviet headquarters in Berlin on May 8, Morre said. As a result, the West and Russia mark the end of the war in Europe on May 8 and May 9, respectively. In this room, World War II ended in Europe, he said, in the preserved hall where the capitulation was signed in Berlin. This marked the end. Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. Progress continues on the new military hospital being constructed at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Germany, as seen on Feb. 10, 2025. About $23,000 worth of tools and equipment was stolen sometime last week from the construction site. (Hannah Mitchell/U.S. Army) KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany German police are investigating a string of recent thefts from the construction site of the future U.S. military hospital being built near Ramstein Air Base. The latest occurred last week when about $23,000 worth of tools and equipment were taken from a container that had been pried open, said Landstuhl police chief Siegfried Ranzinger, whose department is investigating the crimes. It was the seventh time since January that items have been stolen from the gated site, which is supposed to be accessible only with access authorization, Ranzinger said Monday. All the missing goods are pieces of construction equipment belonging to contractors and valued at a total of around $74,000, he said. Police have stepped up security measures around the construction area, Ranzinger said. No U.S. government property has been stolen or reported missing, Richard Puckett, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, said Monday. The German Construction Administration is responsible for access and security on site, he said. Last weeks theft happened sometime between Wednesday and Friday, Landstuhl police said in a statement Saturday. Witnesses who may have information about the crimes are asked to call +49 631 369-14300 or email pilandstuhl@polizei.rlp.de. Construction is continuing on the project, Puckett said, with a targeted completion date of December 2027. The goal is to begin admitting patients in January 2029, he said. The facility will replace the Ramstein base medical clinic as well as Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, which was built in 1953. It will be the largest U.S. military hospital outside the United States when it opens. A $969 million contract for the bulk of the construction of the new hospital was signed in 2022, following years of delay. The German government is also contributing about $180 million to the project. An airman is in custody at Spangdahlem Air Base after driving the wrong way on autobahn A60, which resulted in a head-on collision early on May 3, 2025. One person was killed and three injured, including the airman, according to the Air Force and German police. (Jochen Tack/Mettman Police) KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany A U.S. airman who drove the wrong way on the autobahn near Spangdahlem Air Base collided with another car, killing its driver and seriously wounding two passengers, the Air Force and German police said Monday. The airman, who was not named, received minor injuries and is being held at Spangdahlem, the 52nd Fighter Wing said. The loss of life and serious injuries from this collision are heartbreaking, Col. Kevin Crofton, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, said in a statement Monday. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to those injured in this tragedy. The Trier police department said Saturday that the two people injured were riding in the car of the woman killed, and that the male driver was the lone occupant of the wrong-way vehicle. The crash occurred shortly after 2:55 a.m., when German police received several calls about a wrong-way driver on A60 between the Badem and Spangdahlem junctions, according to statements from the Trier and Wittlich police departments. The car was seen traveling southeast towards Wittlich on the opposite side of the divided autobahn, in the direction of Belgium, police said. Police were called immediately from several local stations and an advisory was issued over the radio; shortly thereafter, there was a report of a head-on collision, police said. Ambulances took everyone involved in the crash to local hospitals and the A60 was closed for several hours from the Landscheid junction in the direction of Belgium. Both vehicles were totaled and have been impounded as part of the investigation, according to Trier police. The Trier public prosecutors office ordered an expert reconstruction of the accident, Trier police said. The Air Force is supporting the ongoing investigation, the 52nd Fighter Wing said. Jacklyn Wilson, left, throws confetti to celebrate receiving her Master of Business Administration degree from Gregory Fowler, president of University of Maryland Global Campus, during the commencement ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 3, 2025. Wilson traveled from Saudi Arabia to attend in person. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes) RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany No more homework! one graduate of University of Maryland Global Campus Europe shouted as confetti flew and flowers changed hands outside the officers club over the weekend. Laughter, cheers and hugs punctuated the big day for the 293 students in the class of 2025 who walked the stage Saturday at commencement, with nearly 1,000 spectators on hand to bear witness. This years class is one of the largest in the universitys history, according to university president Gregory Fowler, and its members ranged from an 18-year-old earning an associate degree to a 61-year-old who was awarded both a bachelors degree and a masters degree. I was so nervous at this age to go back to school, but my kids motivated me, said Rasheeda Hall, 47, an Air Force veteran and Army civilian employee who received a bachelors degree in general studies. I have adult children as well as teenagers in high school, she said. We cant just tell them, You better go to school. We have to lead by example. Melissa Melton of the University of Maryland Global Campus class of 2025 walks through a balloon arch as onlookers throw confetti following a commencement ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 3, 2025. Melton was one of 293 graduates to walk the stage during the ceremony. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes) Rasheeda Hall, a member of the University of Maryland Global Campus class of 2025, prepares to walk the stage to receive her bachelor's degree in general studies during a commencement ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 3, 2025. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes) Rasheeda Hall, left, an Air Force veteran and member of the University of Maryland Global Campus class of 2025, accepts her degree from Gregory Fowler, the university president, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 3, 2025. Hall was one of 293 graduates to walk the stage during the ceremony. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes) It took mere minutes for some graduates living in the Kaiserslautern Military Community to get to the commencement site. Others traveled a long way, including one student who flew in from Saudi Arabia. This year, UMGC Europe is conferring 1,436 degrees across associate, bachelors and masters programs, a 29% increase from last year, according to Patricia Coopersmith, UMGC Europes vice president and director. More than 13,000 students completed coursework with UMGC this academic year either in person or online across more than 175 locations in over 20 countries. About 63% were active-duty service members and nearly all were employed while enrolled, Coopersmith said. The ceremony was livestreamed for friends and family watching from afar. For many of the graduates who made the trip to Ramstein, walking the stage in person marked a powerful moment of accomplishment and connection. Its a really unique experience to finally meet people who Ive only really seen on Zoom, said military spouse Dorissa Jenkins, who earned a bachelors degree in psychology and graduated summa cum laude. Jenkins said completing her degree overseas while away from extended family was difficult at times. This ceremony makes it feel like a big community, which we are, but were spread out, she said. Its really nice to have this opportunity to celebrate together. UMGC Europe held additional ceremonies in England, Spain, Italy, Bahrain and other locations to honor its overseas graduates. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei holds a weekly news conference in Tehran on Oct. 28, 2024. (Atta Kenare, AFP via Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) Iran said its waiting for Oman to confirm when there will be a new round of nuclear talks with the U.S., while also saying it had nothing to do with Houthi missile strikes on Israel. Iranian and U.S. officials were set to meet in Rome for a fourth round of negotiations last weekend, with Oman continuing its intermediary role. But the discussions were called off due to logistical reasons, Oman said, without adding when they might take place. The delay came amid conflicting comments from the U.S. over whether Iran should be forced to dismantle its atomic program completely, or be allowed to build nuclear power plants. Regarding the future of the talks, we will await Omans announcement, Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said at a press conference on Monday. Were confident the Omanis will inform us in due time about the continuation of the process, including timing and location. On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump told NBC News his administration was seeking the total dismantlement of Tehrans nuclear program, but added he was open to hearing Irans case for seeking civilian energy. Its a very simple deal, Trump said. I want Iran to be really successful, really great, really fantastic. The only thing they cant have is a nuclear weapon. Irans foreign minister addressed Trumps statements on Monday. If the goal is The only thing they cant have is a nuclear weapon as President Trump just said, a deal is achievable, Abbas Araghchi said in an X post. There is only ONE PATH to achieve it: DIPLOMACY based on MUTUAL RESPECT and MUTUAL INTERESTS. He also warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu whos sceptical about any deal with Iran was seeking to undermine Trumps diplomatic efforts. Netanyahu is attempting to brazenly DICTATE what President Trump can and cannot do in his diplomacy with Iran, Araghchi stated. The world has also learned how Netanyahu is directly MEDDLING within the U.S. Government to DRAG it into another DISASTER in our region. Houthi missile Earlier on Monday, Iran sought to distance itself from a Houthi missile strike on Israel on Sunday, which evaded Israeli air defenses and landed near Tel Avivs Ben Gurion airport, causing some injuries. The Yemen-based Houthis make independent decisions, the Iranian foreign ministry said on Telegram. The U.S. and Israel have long said Iran supplies the militants with funding and weapons. The U.S. has been striking the Houthis every day since mid-March in a bid to stop their attacks on ships in the Red Sea and on Israel. Trump has said that Iran bears responsibility for the Houthis assaults. Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters, Netanyahu said on X. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. On April 19, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone and the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone jointly hosted an event to celebrate "International Chinese Language Day", attended by over 200 participants including faculty and students from the university and Chinese language enthusiasts in Sierra Leone. Zhang Dianbin, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy, stated in his speech that in 2024, President Bios two visits to China elevated China-Sierra Leone relations to a new historical height, and there is vast potential for cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. He expressed hope that Chinese language enthusiasts in Sierra Leone would contribute to deepening friendly cooperation and jointly write a new chapter in China-Sierra Leone friendship. The event featured a vibrant atmosphere, with attendees enthusiastically participating in cultural workshops such as paper-cutting, calligraphy, and sugar painting. Guests also enjoyed performances including skits, song and dance performances, and Chinese dubbing shows. Amidst laughter and joy, participants immersed themselves in the unique charm of Chinese culture and language. Guests were invited to a hard hat tour of the future Dominion Energy Coastal Virginia offshore wind operations and maintenance base in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 19, 2025. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot) (Tribune News Service) Service members looking to leave the military could fill an important space in their workforce, according to offshore wind labor leaders and developers. With more offshore wind units coming online over the next few years, more trade jobs will be necessary, according to a 2024 report from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Department of Energys National Renewable Energy Laboratory found the wind energy industry will likely have a deficit of about 124,000 workers by 2030, and much of the disconnect will come from a lack of workers trained to do certain trades. As part of this weeks offshore wind conference in Virginia Beach, Va., several union leaders and transition workforce advocates came together to talk about what the veteran community could bring to the industry and what the industry can do for veterans. Sultan Camp, director of the Hampton Roads Workforce Councils veterans employment center, said veterans could help bridge that gap in skilled trade workers for offshore wind developers and their supply chain partners. The center helps thousands transition from military service to civilian jobs each year, and with positions such as nuclear engineers, high-voltage electricians and mechanics available for civilian and commercial work, Camp said theres myriad options. Youve got a really diverse pool of skill sets (in Hampton Roads), said Camp, who is a Navy veteran. Robert Schwartz, another Navy veteran and senior program manager of the nonprofit Helmets to Hardhats, said veterans also have skills outside of specific job training that could be beneficial. (Veterans) tend to look at things as mission-oriented, Schwartz said. Looking at projects and construction projects, its like youre on a mission. Get the mission done. Theyre also really good at understanding rank structure. With apprenticeship, the way its set up is youre not in charge. Youre going to start as a day one, then day two, but eventually you might be in charge and might be leading the way. I think the biggest thing that service members bring to the table is were trainable. But employers also have to step up to the plate, Camp said. He said the center focuses its work with employers around The Four Cs candid conversations, commitment, community and code. First, he said employers should have a candid conversation about why they want to hire veterans and whether they fit within their companies or projects. Next, he said companies have to be committed to supporting their veteran staff after they are hired. Employers must also engage with the military community as a whole and potentially advocate for legislation or code that continues to support military employees and their families. Being military friendly isnt just a check mark in your marketing budget, he said. LS Greenlink USA broke ground Monday on its 750,000 square foot subsea cable facility, bringing hundreds of jobs into the region. Bill Wall, project director at LS Cable Systems America, said the building will create 300 to 400 construction jobs during development and 330 permanent jobs once the facility is built. Wall said the company now has a V3 certification, a state program that helps employers develop and implement successful long-term strategies to recruit, hire and retain Virginia veterans. eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com 2025 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Thirty-four-year-old Ferencz Nagy, of Phibsborough, Dublin 7 pleaded guilty at a sitting of Mullingar District Court A down on his luck chef who was caught tampering with a local authority parking meter in a midlands town late at night has walked free from court. Thirty-four-year-old Ferencz Nagy, Peter McVerry Trust, New Cabra Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 7 pleaded guilty at a sitting of Mullingar District Court to causing criminal damage to a pay and display parking machine belonging to Westmeath County Council at Church Avenue, Mullingar, Westmeath on April 30, 2023. Nagy, the court heard, had been part of a three man gang who had been spotted interfering and damaging the meter shortly after 11pm. Qualified chef Ferencz Nagy had "fallen on hard times" which culminated in his involvement in an incident that saw him and two other men attempt to interfere with a Westmeath County Council owned pay and display parking meter. Sgt Sheila Kenny, for the State, told of how Nagy together with his two accomplices were arrested a short time later after the trio had initially fled the scene. Judge Peter White was informed Nagys involvement in the episode caused 200 worth of damage as a result. Andrea Callan BL, in defence, revealed her client was a qualified chef who had, up until recently, fallen on harder times. She said those challenges had been aggravated by a very significant alcohol addiction which had left him effectively penniless and homeless. In terms of his involvement in the criminal damage incident, Ms Callan insisted Nagy had played more of a bystander role than that of a participant participant in the escapade. He was there and if the matter is being dealt with as a joint enterprise, he accepts what he did was wrong, she said. Ferencz Nagy was handed down the Probation Act by Judge Peter White. Ms Callan added that while Nagys work history was undeniable, his own personal circumstances had deteriorated significantly in the last 12 months to such an extent that he had also picked up a bench warrant for failing to turn up in court on February 14 this year. She said that no-show had been fuelled by her clients lifestyle which had now degenerated into something chaotic to such an extent he was no longer able to keep track of himself. Ferencz Nagy outside Mullingar Courthouse. Judge White, in having listened to those remarks said the court was cognisant to how Nagy had fallen on hard times, with the incident also coming at time when he had no previous convictions to his name. He subsequently applied section 1 (1) of the Probation Act and took the section 13 bench warrant into consideration. A judge told Brandon Hawthorn (19) supplying drugs was not something one friend should do to another and was a menace to residents of the flat complex Hawthorn was arrested in A young man caught with cannabis to provide to his friends has been told he was part of a system that destroys peoples lives. A judge told Brandon Hawthorn (19) supplying drugs was not something one friend should do to another and was a menace to residents of the flat complex Hawthorn was arrested in. Judge Catherine Ghent reluctantly applied the Probation Act, sparing him a conviction, after hearing he had no previous record and had donated 1,500 to charity. Hawthorn, of Ballintyre Downs, Ballinteer, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to sell or supply. Dublin District Court heard gardai were called to Michael Mallin House in the Liberties on March 29 last year after residents complained of persistent drug dealing. Gardai saw Hawthorn, who was not from the area, loitering there and got a strong smell of cannabis from him. When told he would be searched, he took five bags of the drug worth a combined 500 from his underclothes, saying they were for his use and for friends. Some friend you are, Judge Ghent said, telling the accused his activities were damaging for himself and others. I wouldnt regard you as a friend somebody should be lucky to have. She said the drugs trade caused huge devastation. Hawthorn, who was working in construction and had his whole life ahead of him, accepted he had made a foolish decision, his lawyer said. Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th The intruder, Weijin Pu (23) maintained he was there to ask the woman about their studies, but Judge John Hughes rejected his explanation, saying it doesnt add up A student was left terrified when a classmate turned up uninvited at her home, barged in and refused to leave even when a garda arrived, a court has heard. The intruder, Weijin Pu (23) maintained he was there to ask the woman about their studies, but Judge John Hughes rejected his explanation, saying it doesnt add up. The victim said she did not feel safe after the incident as she feared coming face to face with Pu again. Judge Hughes gave Pu a three-month suspended sentence, ordering him to have no contact with the victim for two years. He also fined him 500. Pu, of Talbot Hall, Talbot Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to trespassing in a manner likely to cause fear. Garda Aoife Moroney said Pu called to the womans home in central Dublin at around midday on April 16 last year. Her roommate answered the door and Pu pushed past her, then failed to leave after being asked a number of times. Gda Moroney arrived and identified herself but he continued to refuse to leave until a uniformed officer arrived. He had no previous convictions. The court heard Pu and the victim had been in English college together. She said in a victim-impact statement that she was terrified and had not attended college for some time after the incident for fear of crossing paths with Pu. She no longer felt safe in her home, in college or on the streets of Dublin, as she feared she would bump into him. Judge Hughes asked what the purpose of the visit was. Defence barrister Lydia Daly said Pu had intended to ask her some questions about their studies. Pu had been in Ireland for a year and had worked as a kitchen porter but was not currently in employment. He had been on a student visa but that had expired. Judge Hughes said he did not accept Pus explanation that he was there for some form of tuition. His first encounter with the garda did not have any effect on him until back-up arrived. The incident had a profound effect on the victim, he added. The quartet were remanded on continuing bail to a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on June 5 Four brothers have pleaded guilty to causing affray outside a church in Galway six years ago. Robert Hannifin (49) Corboy, Edgeworthstown. Longford, Patrick Hannifin (48), Tommy Hannifin (46), both of Dublin Road, Longford and Denis Hannifin (44) Curry, Athlone Road, Longford had been due to go on trial at a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday following an incident at the Holy Family Church, Mervue, Galway on January 13, 2019. Patrick and Robert Hannifin. All four had initially been charged with violent disorder and assault causing harm to Johnny, Patrick and Denis McGinley while Denis and Robert Hannifin were also charged with the possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence. A jury had been due to be sworn in before Judge Jonathan Dunphy in a trial that had been scheduled to last five weeks. However, following a morning of intense discussions, Vincent Heneghan SC and Barry White SC for Tommy and Patrick Hannifin said their clients could be arraigned on counts of affray. Denis Hannifin When both men were called before the court, the duo replied: Guilty, prompting the pair to be remanded on continuing bail for the purposes of sentencing in five weeks time. That was followed less than half an hour later by guilty pleas which were also entered by Denis and Robert Hannifin to the same charge of affray. Judge Dunphy also reserved strong words for Robert Hannifin when observing the accused leaning up against a bench moments before entering his guilty plea. Patrick Hannifin. In addressing Michael OHiggins SC, he told him: You might be able to work on his casual stance for the sentencing date. Denis Hannifin, meanwhile, in pleading guilty to affray entered a similar plea to assault causing harm to Denis McGinley on the same date. The quartet were remanded on continuing bail to a sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court on June 5. Dundon (47) appeared at Dublin Circuit Court for an arraignment hearing via videolink on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. Wayne Dundon will stand trial next year accused of violent disorder in Mountjoy Prison. Limerick man Dundon (47) appeared at Dublin Circuit Court for an arraignment hearing via videolink on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. The case relates to an alleged incident in Mountjoy Prison in July 2023 where eight inmates were alleged to have been involved. A person found guilty of the offence of violent disorder is liable on conviction in the Circuit Court to a fine and or imprisonment of up to 10 years in prison. The court heard Dundon, with an address at Mountjoy Prison, was pleading not guilty to the charge. He was remanded in custody and is due to stand trial on November 11, 2026. Dundon is charged that on July 7, 2023 at Mountjoy Prison on the North Circular Road, Dublin, he committed violent disorder in that he with other persons, namely Cian Fay, John Paul Maughan, Andrew Macken, Nasser Mossy, Stephen Coveney, Michael Quinn, Eamon Savage present together, used or threatened to use unlawful violence and such conduct, taken together, was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at said place to fear for his or another persons safety. Wayne Dundon faces trial next year Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th The charge is contrary to Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. Co-accused John Maughan, who also appeared by videolink, entered a guilty plea when he appeared in court on Tuesday. Maughan, whose address was given as the Skypacker Hostel on Little Lane, Dublin 1, will be sentenced on June 2. Four other men charged with the incident at Mountjoy on that day have pleaded not guilty. Andrew Macken, (32), from Forth Road, East Wall, Dublin, has been given a trial date of May 15, 2026. Michael Quinn (34) , with an address at Malone Flats, Market St, Ardee, Co Louth has been given a court date of May 13, 2026. Stephen Coveney (29) of St Finians Avenue, Ard Finnan Clonmel, Tipperary, will stand trial on Mary 13, 2026 Nasser Mossy (26) from Deerhaven View, Clonee, Dublin, was previously given a trial date of November 11, 2026 after also pleading not guilty. A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Eamon Savage (37) from Emmett Road, Inchicore, Dublin after he failed to appear in court on Tuesday. Cian Fay (29) from Empress Place in Dublin will be arraigned next Tuesday. Mark Kennedy appeared today before Ballymena Magistrates Court where a judge was told that the defendant breached his curfew by being in Portrush after 10pm A man accused of assaulting a pregnant nurse has been remanded into custody after breaching his bail conditions. Mark Kennedy appeared today before Ballymena Magistrates Court where a judge was told that the defendant breached his curfew by being in Portrush after 10pm. Police objected to further bail, pointing out that the 35-year-old, with an address at Sandymount in Magherafelt, has breached conditions four times now. Giving evidence to the court, a PSNI witness also queried how Kennedy managed to get to Portrush, because he is prohibited from entering Coleraine. Kennedy is on bail accused of assault and disorderly behaviour arising from an incident at Antrim Area Hospital last November. Today, the court was told how he had been at Antrim Area Hospital with his partner and that when she was being triaged, Kennedy was banging on the door and demanding to get in. Antrim Area Hospital Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th The staff nurse warned him about his behaviour, but he responded by squaring up to the nurse, who was six and a half months pregnant at the time. After Kennedy and his partner were sent back to the waiting room, Kennedy allegedly started kicking wheelchairs. When the nurse warned him he would be told to leave if he did not behave, he went right into her face in an aggressive manner. A short time later, the same nurse said she saw Kennedy push his partner against a wall and he tried to remove the cannula from her arm. The court, however, was told that Kennedys partner has refused to make a statement. Objecting to bail, the police officer said this was now the fourth time in as many months that Kennedy has breached conditions, revealing that one of those breaches related to him and another man being drunk and making a nuisance outside a school. Conceding that the bail application is an uphill struggle, Kennedys solicitor argued that his client could be freed again but with a tightening-up of conditions. District Judge Peter King said that if this had been the first breach I could have been persuaded otherwise, but there has been poor compliance to date. Kennedy was denied bail and remanded into custody. He is due to appear in court again on May 27. Graphic designer Oliver Etienne (44) and 34-year-old Christian Munoz Sanchez were arrested on May 2 Image of the heroin that was seized in north Dublin. Photo credit: An Garda Siochana/PA Wire Two men charged over a seizure of 1.6m worth of heroin in Dublin allegedly linked to "a transnational criminal organisation" have been remanded in custody. Graphic designer, Oliver Etienne, 44, from England, but living in Barcelona, Spain, for ten years and 34-year-old Christian Munoz Sanchez, from Barcelona, were arrested on May 2 during an operation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB). They appeared before Judge Aine Clancy at Dublin District Court today. Mr Etienne pleaded for bail on the grounds he came to Ireland on a trip with his co-accused, with whom he had shared a room at the Clayton Hotel in Liffey Valley, Dublin, and he denies the charge. However, Judge Clancy held he was a flight risk and denied his request. Mr Sanchez deferred his application to be released pending trial. In seeking bail, he will utilise an EU directive allowing defendants to sign on at police stations in their own countries. The two men were remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court, Mr Etienne on Wednesday and his co-accused two days later. GNDOCB detectives Tom McCarrick and Rioghnach O'Sullivan said the pair "made no reply" when charged with possessing heroin and having it for sale or supply at Junction 9 of the M50 on May 2. The offence can carry a life sentence. Objecting to bail, Detective Garda McCarrick said that on Friday, GNDOCB officers received confidential information about "a transnational organised crime group involved in drug trafficking". The court heard it suggested a Spanish national named Christian Munoz Sanchez and others had a large quantity of heroin in west Dublin. Detective Garda McCarrick told the court that Mr Etienne was stopped at Liffey Terrace, Lucan, County Dublin, and taken to Ballymun Garda station. The court heard gardai learned his co-accused was travelling in a taxi, which was stopped at the Coolock Slip Road, M1- South, Dublin. Searching the vehicle led to the recovery of 21 packages of heroin. Image of the heroin that was seized in north Dublin. Photo credit: An Garda Siochana/PA Wire The court heard the pair travelled by ferry to Ireland in a car with another man, his mother and their dog, by ferry from Cherbourg and arrived at Dublin Port on April 24. Garda enquiries and CCTV, were said to have established that Oliver Etienne and his co-accused arrived at the hotel on Thursday, shared a room, checked out at the same time and placed their luggage into secure storage in the hotel. It was claimed Mr Etienne later went in and collected these bags, including one containing the heroin later found in the taxi with Mr Sanchez. The court heard that encrypted messages were on Mr Sanchez's phone, but Mr Etienne's phone could not be accessed because he did not provide the correct PIN. Defence solicitor Kate McGhee disputed garda evidence her client was caught red-handed, describing it as "nonsensical". The solicitor stressed that her client had no previous convictions or warrant history and would abide by the condition, and he denies knowing what was in the bag. Judge Clancy held that the gardai had not established that he had been caught red-handed, but she refused bail on the grounds that it was reasonably probable that he would evade justice. Solicitor Tracey Horan, for Mr Sanchez, said her client, who listened with the aid of an interpreter, would move his bail application on Friday based on the Mutual Recognition of Decisions on Supervision EU directive. McGregor is attempting to introduce the testimony as new evidence in the Court of Appeal The woman who contacted Conor McGregor to claim she witnessed Nikita Hands former partner physically attacking her hours after she was allegedly raped by the MMA fighter has claimed Ms Hand was kicked by the man while she was on the floor. McGregor is attempting to introduce the testimony as new evidence in the Court of Appeal in a bid to overturn last Novembers High Court civil jury finding that he assaulted Nikita Hand. The ruling resulted in McGregor being ordered to pay Ms Hand almost 250,000 in compensation. He must pay her legal costs, which amount to 1.3m. Samantha OReilly, a carer with an address in Cherry Orchard, Dublin, has stated in an affidavit, signed on January 14 and seen by the Sunday World, that in 2018 she lived in a house in Drimnagh that directly faced the home owned by Ms Hand and her then partner Stephen Redmond. Ms OReilly said she remembers Sunday, December 9, 2018, as Ms Hands daughter was friends with her daughter and she was in her house. Ms Hands daughter was said to have been worried that her mother had not returned from her Christmas party the previous night. Ms OReilly said she told her not to worry and that she would be home soon. Ms OReilly wrote that later that night she was awoken by sounds of screaming and shouting from Ms Hands house. She said she could see directly into a bedroom in Ms Hands and Mr Redmonds home where a light was on. They were both shouting at each other, she said. Nikita was saying words to Ste [Stephen] to the effect that it was always about you. They were running in and out of the bedrooms. Nikita was pushing Ste. Samantha O'Reilly She said the couple eventually returned to the first bedroom and then claims she saw Mr Redmond push Ms Hand so that she fell down. I could see Stes arms moving up and down as if he was hitting Nikita, she said. I also saw him moving his hips in a way that indicated to me that he was kicking her. As Nikita was on the ground I did not see any blows land on her. She got up and started pushing her hair out of her face. Her hair covered all of her face. She then ran out of the room and Ste followed. I was extremely upset at this. Ms OReilly stated that by this point both her daughter and her partner Steven Cummins were awake. Her daughter was screaming at me to go help her friends mother, Ms Hand. She said her partner insisted they should not get involved in another persons domestic row. Ms OReilly said she then heard Mr Redmonds car taking off fast out of the cul-de-sac. Ms OReilly said she later went across the road and saw Ms Hand at her front door where she was screaming. She seemed in terrible pain and was walking like an old woman, she said. Ms OReilly said Ms Hand seemed embarrassed when she asked her if she was OK and ignored her. Conor McGregor outside court during the civil case taken against him by Nikita Hand. Photo: Collins Courts Ms Hand is said to have told Ms OReilly Im grand before slamming the door in her face. I noticed that her eyes seemed to be popping and she seemed angry, Ms OReilly said. She also stated that the first time she realised this incident had anything to do with the Conor McGregor case was when she saw reports on the TV. She realised this must have been the same night that I witnessed Ste and Nikita fighting and arguing. She felt it was very important to bring her information to McGregor. She sent messages to McGregor and his sister Erin on Instagram. She found Erin McGregors email address and wrote to her saying she had information if somebody reached out to me. Ms OReilly said she wanted to speak to Erin McGregor face to face or on the phone rather than put details in an email that might get into the wrong hands. Samantha OReilly with reporter Patrick OConnell Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th In his affidavit, Ms OReillys partner Steven Cummins, a plumber, said he remembers being awoken that night by screams from his daughter. He said it was obvious from screams and shouts there was a row in Ms Hands and Mr Redmonds house. I didnt want to get involved, he said, but his partner said they should go over and protect Nikita. He said it was none of our business. He was not even prepared to look over at was happening. Mr Cummins said he started getting his daughter back to bed and his partner gave out to him for not helping. After he returned to bed he heard a car screeching out of the cul-de-sac. In a responding affidavit signed on April 25, Ms Hand said Mr Redmond did not assault her that night and he never assaulted her through their relationship. I dont want to speculate on why Samantha and Steven are making up these lies She said an audio recording by Mr Redmond of their argument that took place downstairs in their house was played to the jury in the trial. She said the volume of the argument was not so loud that it could conceivably be heard in Samantha and Stevens house across the road. She said she did not come out of her house screaming after Mr Redmond left and did not interact with Ms OReilly that night. I dont want to speculate on why Samantha and Steven are making up these lies, she said. Details of the claims were outlined in the Court of Appeal on Friday by Mr Justice Seamus Noonan. Nikita Hand outside court during the civil case she took against Conor McGregor last November. Photo: PA The judge said a key part of Ms Hands successful civil action against the multi-millionaire former UFC champion McGregor is that he caused extensive bruising to her body when he allegedly raped her in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel on the afternoon of Sunday, December 9, 2018. The new affidavits from Ms OReilly and her partner give rise to an alternative theory as to how she sustained the bruising. Mr Justice Noonan said the affidavit of Ms OReilly was clearly relevant evidence, but there would need to be an assessment of its credibility. Ray Boland SC, for Ms Hand, told the court his side may need to get Mr Redmond to swear an affidavit to rebut the claims. Mr Justice Noonan set July 1 as the hearing date for McGregors appeal. Ms Hands side will be able to cross-examine Ms OReilly and Mr Cummins about the claims they have made. Judge Michele Finan adjourned the case for a probation report, ordering him to stay out of Dublin city centre under bail conditions A serial thief has admitted multiple shoplifting charges in what a judge described as a level of offending that was off the scale. Dean OBrien (28) had spiralled on drugs at the time, a court heard. Judge Michele Finan adjourned the case for a probation report, ordering him to stay out of Dublin city centre under bail conditions. The accused, with an address at Christchurch Apartments, pleaded guilty to theft and possession of stolen property on dates late last year and early this year. Dublin court. Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th Dublin District Court heard he stole 176 of groceries and two jackets worth 259 from Marks & Spencer. In other incidents, he was found in possession of breakdown assistance and first-aid kits, and 750 worth of stolen GHD products. Gardai found Apple AirPods worth 120 on him at St Jamess Hospital last November 16. OBrien had 71 previous convictions. The accused had a chaotic background and spiralled entirely out of control on drugs, but was now clean, his solicitor Kate McGhee said. He and his partner had been living in a tent, but now had accommodation. The level of offending before me is totally off the scale, Judge Finan said. Two people in the other car were brought to hospital for treatment after the crash A French tourist has vowed to never get behind the wheel of a car in Ireland again after his lack of motoring experience navigating the countrys left-handed driving laws left a man and woman in hospital with serious injuries following a head-on crash in county Monaghan last year. Thomas Peixoto (28) of Impasse Des Platanes, France escaped incurring a driving ban after he pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to his two victims at a sitting of Monaghan District Court . Peixoto had previously appeared five weeks earlier where he entered both pleas in connection to a road traffic collision at Carragartha, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan on April 20, 2024. Thomas Peixoto (28) left a man and a woman in a serious condition in hospital following a head on collision in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan in April last year. Peixoto, the court was told, had been visiting the area while on holidays and was at the wheel of a 241-registered rental car when he crossed into the path of his two victims on the outskirts of the county Monaghan town. The court had been told how Peixoto had been travelling from the Cullaville area to Castleblayney and was attempting to cross a major road when his car collided head on with the occupants of a 151-registered vehicle. Peixoto was subsequently being arrested and brought to a local garda station where he was fingerprinted and photographed. The man and woman who had been travelling in the opposite direction were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for treatment. In the wake of a garda investigation that followed, Peixoto was initially charged with dangerous driving, a count which was consequently withdrawn by the State and replaced by two careless driving charges. Thomas Peixoto outside Monaghan Courthouse. Peixotos following guilty pleas resulted in the case being adjourned to allow for victim impact statements to be taken from his two victims, the contents of which were handed into presiding Judge Raymond Finnegan. As they were handed in, Sgt McEntee told the court of their detailed nature while at the same time insisting the accuse had been very cooperative throughout. In light of her clients previously unblemished record, Sarah Brennan BL backed those assertions up by stressing how Peixoto have a full and candid account during a consequent interview with gardai. She said Peixoto had hired a car with his family and had been intent on taking responsibility for driving when the crash occurred just five minutes from their Airbnb accommodation in Castleblayney. Thomas Peixoto was fined a total of 1,500 following the incident in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan in April 2024. What he told gardai was he had to make a right hand turn across the road, she said. He was concentrating on his speed and the fact he had to stay on the left and he didnt see the vehicle coming. Ms Brennan said it was her firm belief the incident was purely borne out of Peixotos inexperience in driving on the left hand side of the road, something he pledged to desist from going forwards. It seems to have been a genuine error as this is a man who has never driven on the left before and what he tells gardai is that he never wants to do it again, she said. Judge Finnegan said in light of the way Peixoto had met the case, he would stop short of disqualifying him, but handed down fines of 750 for each of the charges. The court heard that the victim was completely shocked when Mr De Souza Seara licked her vagina 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, of 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 4, 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, the woman said in her statement. 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. Cork courthouse 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, she said. He [the defendant] said it was a misunderstanding. OK, so it was a misunderstanding. What does that mean to me? Is it somehow my fault? Did I not pick up on something earlier? Was he testing me all along? What was the motivation? How far was he going to go? How many times has he done this before? How did I not gauge it and stop it earlier? These questions I will never really know the answer to, but they are the ones that keep looping in my head. I feel so naive and stupid. How did I not know how to speak until it was too late? How far would it have gone? I feel like I cant trust my own observations and missed the danger signs. That makes me question myself as a person. I feel bad for what he is going through and wonder how he is supporting himself after his loss of earnings it also makes me mad that I feel responsible for that. I did nothing wrong. I was violated. I spoke up. I have to live with the unanswered questions. Defence barrister Elaine Audley BL said her client had co-operated with the Gardai 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 21 next. Judge Boyle indicated that the case merited a custodial sentence. No sentence can restore what was taken, but todays outcome delivers a necessary measure of justice A landlord in the US who killed a six-year-old Muslim boy and severely injured the boys mother in a brutal hate-crime attack, days after the war in Gaza began, was sentenced on Friday to 53 years in prison. Joseph Czuba, 73, of Illinois, was found guilty in February of murder, attempted murder and hate-crime charges over the death of Wadee Alfayoumi and the wounding of his mother, Hanan Shaheen. Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak sentenced Czuba to 30 years for the boys death and another 20 years consecutively for the attack on Ms Shaheen. The judge also sentenced him to three years imprisonment for hate crimes. The length of the sentence makes it all but certain he will die behind bars. No sentence can restore what was taken, but todays outcome delivers a necessary measure of justice, said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of not-for-profit Muslim civil rights organisation CAIR-Chicago. Wadee Alfayoumis father, Oday Al Fayoume, right, and his uncle Mahmoud Yousef attend a vigil for Wadee (Nam Y. Huh/AP) Wadee was an innocent child. He was targeted because of who he was, Muslim, Palestinian and loved. Czuba did not speak during the sentencing. His lawyer declined to comment. Will County states attorney James Glasgows office issued a statement calling Czuba a morally reprehensible killer and the impact of his actions truly unfathomable. The boys great-uncle, Mahmoud Yousef, was the only family member who spoke during the hearing. He said that no matter the sentence length it would not be enough. The boys parents had plans for him and Czuba robbed them of that, he said. Mr Yousef asked Czuba to explain why he attacked the boy and his mother, asking him what news he heard that provoked him, but Czuba did not respond, the Chicago Tribune reported. Czuba targeted them in October 2023 because of their Islamic faith and as a response to the war between Israel and Hamas, prosecutors said during the trial. Evidence included harrowing testimony from Ms Shaheen and her frantic 911 call, along with bloody crime scene photos and police video. Jurors deliberated less than 90 minutes before handing in a verdict. Mahmoud Yousef, grandfather of Wadee Al Fayoumi (Pat Nabong /Chicago Sun-Times/AP) The family had been renting rooms in Czubas home in Plainfield, about 40 miles from Chicago, when the attack happened. Central to prosecutors case was harrowing testimony from the boys mother, who said Czuba attacked her before moving on to her son, insisting they had to leave because they were Muslim. Prosecutors also played the 911 call and showed police footage. Czubas wife, Mary, whom he has since divorced, also gave evidence for the prosecution, saying he had become agitated about the Israel-Hamas war, which had erupted days earlier. Police said Czuba pulled a knife from a holder on a belt and stabbed the boy 26 times, leaving the knife in the childs body. Some of the bloody crime scene photos were so explicit that the judge agreed to turn television screens showing them away from the audience, which included Wadees relatives. He could not escape, Michael Fitzgerald, a Will County assistant states attorney, told jurors. If it wasnt enough that this defendant killed that little boy, he left the knife in the little boys body. The attack renewed fears of anti-Muslim discrimination and hit particularly hard in Plainfield and surrounding suburbs, which have a large and established Palestinian community. Odai Al Fayoumi, father of Wadee Al Fayoumi (Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times/AP) Wadees funeral drew large crowds and Plainfield officials have dedicated a park playground in his honour. Ms Shaheen had more than a dozen stab wounds and it took her weeks to recover. She said there were no prior issues in the two years she rented from the Czubas, even sharing a kitchen and a living room. Then after the start of the war, Czuba told her that they had to move out because Muslims were not welcome. He later confronted Ms Shaheen and attacked her, holding her down, stabbing her and trying to break her teeth. He told me You, as a Muslim, must die, said Ms Shaheen, who gave evidence in English and Arabic though a translator. Police said that officers found Czuba outside the house, sitting on the ground with blood on his body and hands. Separately, lawsuits have been filed over the boys death, including by his father, Odai Alfayoumi, who is divorced from Ms Shaheen and was not living with them. The US Department of Justice also launched a federal hate crimes investigation. Mr Yousef told reporters after the hearing that Czuba was a grandfather figure to Wadee and the family does not understand what fake news Czuba may have heard about the war in Gaza that caused him to attack the boy and his mother. People need to understand Muslims before judging them, he said. Some people are bringing this war to this country, Mr Yousef said. We cannot do that. We cant bring the war here. We cannot bring hatred to this country, we need that to stop. The teenager suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork Lauren OBriens school has paid tribute to the bubbly, fun-loving teenager who died following an accident at a race track in west Cork. McEgan College, Macroom, posted a photograph and tributes to Lauren (13) on social media as it extended its deepest sympathies to her family. The teenager suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork. A motor racing event was being staged at Enniskeane by the Cork Autograss Racing Club. Lauren was one of the participants in the event which was at the preliminary heat stage. Gardai commenced a forensic collision investigation at the scene of the incident this morning and into the afternoon. McEgan College today posted a statement online which said: Friends, It is quiet in McEgan College today. "The devastating news reached us yesterday afternoon that following a tragic accident, first year student Lauren OBrien had passed away. "Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue. Laurens vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College. "She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community. The school extended deepest sympathies to her family including parents Therese and Timmy, and her brother and sister. The school is open this afternoon to offer support to pupils and experts from the National Educational Psychological Service will be on hand. Tribute to Lauren O'Brien posted by McEgan College 13-year-old who died in Cork motor sport tragedy is named locally Sinn Fein Senator Nicole Ryan also posted online in tribute, saying that Laurens passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten. The accident occurred at around 3.30pm on Sunday. Emergency services were at the scene within minutes and desperate attempts were made to stabilise the teenager's condition. Tragically she had suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene before she could be rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH). Paramedics had fought desperately to save the girl at the scene. Friends and family of the teenager were at the scene and were comforted by race officials and emergency services. All competitions were immediately suspended and one local said there were very distressing scenes at the event when it was realised the incident had resulted in a fatality. The remains of the teenager were later transferred to CUH. The teenager was an avid motorsports enthusiast, a talented student and boasted a wide circle of friends. "Lauren was a remarkable young girl and everyone is devastated for the family. The entire community is numb with shock," one Macroom local said. Gardai are investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident but it is being described as a tragic accident. Gardai are liaising with the Cork Coroner's Office and the State Pathologist's Office over the tragedy. The Road Race Alliance of Ireland also posted a tribute online describing Lauren as a young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing. Tribute to Lauren O'Brien posted by McEgan College Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th It said that although the RRAI represents two and three wheeled motorsport, we are all part of one wider motorsport family and today, we grieve together. "When a tragedy like this happens, it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world. "No matter what we ride or drive, we all understand the love, the risk and the heartbreak that comes with the sport. A spokesperson for Kart Paddock, who covers Tullyallen Kart Club and Motorsport Ireland karting events, wrote on social media: Out of respect to the young girl who died in a motorsport event in Cork today, there wont be any winning posts. "Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock. Gardai are appealing for witnesses, with the scene currently preserved for technical examination. In statement gardai asked for anyone with dash cam footage who attended the event to make it available to investigating gardai. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving a vehicle at a sporting event, the garda statement read. A female teenager (13) who was driving the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her body has been removed to Cork University Hospital and a post-mortem will take place in due course. The scene is being preserved for technical examination. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Kiwi students returning for Term 2 will see major education reforms rolled out to boost achievement and close equity gaps. Education Minister Erica Stanford has unveiled a series of sweeping education reforms aimed at lifting student achievement and reducing inequities across the country. As students return to school for Term 2, schools are introducing structured daily literacy and numeracy lessons, a national ban on cell phones during school hours, and a new knowledge-rich curriculum in English and maths from Year 1 to Year 13. We are restoring ambition and achievement to the heart of our education system, Education Minister Erica Stanford said. Every Kiwi child deserves the skills and support to reach their full potential. The Governments new measures include daily reading, writing and maths for all primary and intermediate students, mandatory phonics instruction, and early reading checks at 20 and 40 weeks to track progress. Weve introduced phonics checks to catch issues early and provided over 836,000 maths resources to support our new curriculum, Stanford said. The Ministry of Education is rolling out $3.2 million in funding for tier 2 literacy support across 962 schools, and $3 million for tutoring support for 3,000 Year 7-8 students struggling with maths. Stanford said over 20,000 teachers have received professional development in structured literacy, while 15,000 have been trained in structured maths. The Education Review Office (ERO) has begun monitoring implementation, with early results showing strong uptake and engagement. ERO has found nearly two-thirds of teachers have significantly changed their teaching with structured literacy, and three-quarters are seeing improved student literacy, Stanford said. This shows that our teachers are doing an incredible job delivering these changes. Schools are also seeing the benefit of improved property delivery. Standardised classroom designs have increased by 35 percent, allowing for a 28 percent reduction in price per classroom and 137 more classrooms built in 2024 than in 2023. Through greater efficiency, weve freed up $100 million to invest in new schools and classrooms in areas with growing populations, Stanford said. She added that all changes in English-medium schools are also available in te reo Maori, so every student, regardless of location or language, benefits. I want to thank our hardworking principals, teachers and staff for embracing this transformation. Together, we are setting every child up for success, Stanford said. Three chart-topping homegrown talents are heading on tour. Hori Shaw and Shane Walker, with support from Te Wehi, are heading to 10 Kiwi towns and cities this winter, a statement on behalf of organisers said today. The Homegrown Road Trip will head to Gisborne, Whakatane, Tauranga, Kaitaia, Hamilton, Rotorua, Napier, Palmerston, New Plymouth and Wellington over four weekends in June, July and August. Opotikis Hori Shaw, Shane Walker from Auckland and Te Wehi from Whakatane have the top three spots on the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart. Hori Shaw, centre, Te Wehi, left and Shane Walker are touring the North Island as part of the Homegrown Road Trip. Te Wehis cover of Allen Stones Unaware, Shaws Back in My Arms and Walkers Coasty Girl have all reached number one on the charts and are currently charted at 1, 2 and 3. Shaw said he was excited to bring his iconic sounds to towns and cities across the North Island for his first headline tour in New Zealand. He has been a major part of New Zealands music scene since he released Country Roads in 2023 and his success has continued with further hits Back in My Arms; Shawfyah and One Day, all released last year. Hori Shaw. Back in My Arms is arguably his biggest release so far, securing a spot on NZs Official Top 40 Singles chart, and a number one spot on the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Singles chart. Shaw said he appreciated the love he has received for his music. He said he believed Country Roads had connected with people because of its reliability, and he was excited to perform on tour this winter. Everyone can relate to it. Since releasing FX*K You Too, Walker has been cementing his place as a powerhouse in todays music with Coasty Girl dominating airwaves and his subsequent single Waima Girl is also making its way up the charts. He said he was looking forward to connecting with fans on the Homegrown Road Trip, where he would be giving fans an engaging and entertaining set throughout. He said each set will be tailored to each stop on the tour. You never know what youre going to get. He said he had always been deeply connected to his Cook Island heritage but also had been reconnecting with his Maori roots in recent years, which had been enlightening. The tour announcement also coincided with the release of a new single this week a special single called Mama, which will be released on Friday in time for Mothers Day. Te Wehis cover of Unaware reached number one on the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Singles chart on April 4, where it still sits. Shane Walker. He said he had always been a fan of Allen Stone and the song Unaware was a song he had connected to and sang socially. Since releasing it as his own single, he said he had been blown away by the support he had received. Im looking forward to getting around New Zealand. Tickets go on sale on May 8 at 6pm. Tour dates: June 26: Gisborne Sugar Bar. June 27: Whakatane Boiler Room. June 28: Tauranga Rustys. July 3: Kaitaia Awanui Hotel. July 4: Auckland Darby St Station. July 5: Hamilton The Factory. July 31: Rotorua Social Club. August 1: Napier Cabana Bar. August 2: Palmerston North Royal Hotel. August 8: New Plymouth Crowded House August 9: Wellington The Grand Registrations for pre-sales are available here. Strains of cannabis, royal titles, and religious terms have made up 2024s list of declined baby names. An Official Information Act request shows Te Tari Taiwhenua Internal Affairs registered almost 60,000 births. The department reviews proposed names to ensure they are not offensive and do not resemble a rank or title without justification. Names also must not be unreasonably long, or include numbers of symbols. Internal Affairs said it had sought more information from the parents on some proposed names, and in 71 instances, an alternative name was registered. The Registrar-Generals staff reviews each application and makes a judgment on how acceptable it may be, considering how it would be perceived, how it is spelt and sounds, how the name may impact how a person is treated, and why the parents wanted to register that name. The Registrar-General makes the final call on whether to decline a names registration. Before that judgment, the Registrar-General communicates with the parent or parents to provide a chance to justify their chosen name. The justification is then considered against the aforementioned criteria. It is possible that a name is accepted, following the justification provided by the parent or parents of the child. Each name or combination of names is considered on its merits and will only be declined if the Registrar-General believes it does not meet the legislative criteria, the Department of Internal Affairs said in the Official Information Act response. Whether a name causes offence or not is a question of judgement and whether a name is potentially offensive changes over time. Department of Internal Affairs We continue to urge parents to think carefully about names. Names are a gift. Generally, the name registered will be with the individual for the rest of their lives, the agency added. Parents whose applications for name registration are declined can appeal to the Family Court within 28 working days. Hector Barbotta Seville Monday, 5 May 2025, 19:26 Compartir Last Monday's massive power outage in Spain has once again brought to the forefront all that is lacking in Andalucia's electricity transmission infrastructure, with four of the region's provinces being among the last to recover their power supply after the nationwide outage. The regional Junta government has long been calling for the modernisation of this power transmission grid, whose shortcomings hamper the possibility of developing all the electricity generation projects using renewable sources - especially solar and wind - that are in the pipeline, all because there is insufficient infrastructure to connect this energy to the rest of the country. Last Monday's power loss provided another weighty argument for this situation to be brought to the table and properly addressed, as the provinces with the least-developed electricity transmission grid took the longest to fully recover supply and return to normality - namely Jaen, Cordoba, Granada and Almeria. Andalucia as a region suffers from a notable deficit in the density of its electricity transmission grid. According to estimates by the regional energy ministry, it is 40% below the national average, and it is in these four provinces where the shortfall is most notable. To be precise, the region has some 742 kilometres of grid per million inhabitants compared to the Spanish average of 1,242 kilometres, according to latest data available at the end of 2022. The regional government had already developed a proposal for investment in the electricity transmission grid and was aiming to improve infrastructure in critical areas. Now, after last Monday's unfortunate event, the Junta has called for these investments to be speeded up, which should be included in the regional 2025-2030 energy plan, and for the development of the regulatory framework to be accelerated in order to promote storage systems in renewable generation plants. The aim is that these plants, in which Andalucia aspires to be a leader due to the climate and weather lending themselves to renewables, can be managed. Also, that their usefulness is not limited to feeding electricity into the grid only when there is sun or wind, which is currently the case, according to Jorge Paradela, the regional minister for this area. The 544 million euros claimed by the Junta for the period 2025-30 are in addition to the 282 million euros outstanding from the 2021-26 energy plan. Among the regulatory changes that the Junta de Andalucia is calling for are the elimination of the cap on investment in networks, both in transmission (0.065% of GDP) and distribution (0.13% of GDP), and the use of European funds to accelerate the development of the grid network without increasing electricity bills. Back in April the regional government submitted to the Ministry for ecological transition in Madrid and Red Electrica (the company responsible for the national grid) an investment proposal for the development of the electricity transmission grid in Andalucia for the period 2025-2030 based on four premises. The first is to take advantage of the abundant renewable resources available in the region, both in the two currently most developed - solar and wind - as well as those that are still less developed, but which have great potential, like solar thermal and biomass. Increasing electrification The second premise is to address the growing demands for electrification and electric mobility, the green hydrogen economy and industrial projects that require high consumption. The third seeks to strengthen interconnections with other Spanish regions for the deployment of renewable energy production and new industrial developments. The fourth premise, to which the Junta attaches great importance, is to achieve the location of investment and employment driving initiatives that help retain and even boost population, that also give structure to the region, thereby favouring its socio-economic development. Based on these objectives, the regional government requested that central government build six substations, 88 new positions (including substation extensions) and eight new double-circuit lines in the transmission grid as the key actions needing to be done to the electricity transmission grid. This would involve an investment of 544 million euros to be executed in the period between 2025 and 2030. Although the Junta's request includes investments in all eight Andalusian provinces, it has requested infrastructure projects that have a significant impact on four geographical areas with the greatest investment gap. These places, which account for 35% of Andalucia's surface area, cover 199 municipalities, including just one provincial capital city - Jaen - and 23 municipalities with over 15,000 inhabitants, thus affecting 18% of the regional population. Four target areas These four areas to be targeted for improvement include the Baza-Ubeda-Manzanares connection (Castilla-La Mancha) in the province of Jaen to support the distribution and generation of renewables in the south of Jaen (Mazuelos) as it is one of the areas with the least infrastructure. The second is the Lancha-Penarroya-Maguilla connection (Extremadura) in the province of Cordoba, where there are also requests for developments in Los Pedroches and Alto Guadiato as well as a new interconnection axis with Seville. Next is the Costa de la Luz-Puebla de Guzman-Brovales (Extremadura) connection in the province of Huelva for renewable energy exchange and to meet the demand of the Faja Piritica. Lastly, the Arcos-Cartuja connection and other actions to improve security of supply and to respond to industrial and renewable energy projects in Cadiz province. In addition to the aforementioned infrastructure projects, investment requests have also been made for the other provinces of Andalucia. In Malaga and Granada the Junta has requested a new line to improve system security and to meet the growth of the Axarquia and Costa Tropical areas. For Seville, a new 400 kV structural connection that will increase the grid meshing, unlock new renewable evacuation capacity and enable access to new industrial demands. In Almeria, the Junta is calling for implementation of the actions already committed to in the previous plan, actions to strengthen the grid in the province that have not yet been executed, in addition to the expansion of positions in several substations to serve renewable energy and industrial projects. These 544 million euros that the Junta deems a necessary investment are in addition to the value of the strategic infrastructures that the central ministry will undertake in the region, as with those required for railway development by Adif. Moreover, this money is not part of the actions contemplated for Andalucia in the current 2021-2026 energy planning that have not yet been implemented, which represents an estimated investment of 282 million euros. Decarbonisation As key new features to prioritise its actions in this new investment period of 2025-2030, the energy ministry in Spain has established a supply guarantee for new energy storage projects, for initiatives aimed at decarbonising industrial activity and those focused on developing the industrial value chain. It also establishes that new transmission grid developments must address territorial cohesion, the demographic challenge and a just transition, a criterion of particular relevance to Andalucia. These new developments are in addition to the priority established in the previous planning to evacuate renewable generation to advance the energy system transition. Consequently, the regional government has taken into account the Ministry's proposal, which is also aligned with Andalucia's energy industry policy with its commitment to the deployment of renewables. The region is the third in Spain for green energy generation with a total of 11,803 megawatts (MW). Lorena Cadiz Malaga Monday, 5 May 2025, 20:04 Compartir Contrary to what it may seem, the tattoo sector is not at its best. Despite having evolved to become a universal practice (there is rarely a person who does not have a tattoo), businesses are going through a period of slowdown, caused solely and exclusively by unfair competition: tattooists with hardly any training who tattoo at home, without complying with the strict health regulations that govern this activity. Without a studio to pay rent for, nor proper registration, which would require the materials used to comply with regulations, illegal 'artists' offer their services at much lower prices and their clientele grows. Of course, the risks for the clients are much greater in this case. Miguel Angel Galvez, artistically known as 'McCoy', is the president of the national union of professional tattooists and piercers (Untap). He is also the founder and owner of Tattoo Stone - the oldest studio in Malaga, which opened its doors in 1994. "When we opened, there was only one foreigner tattooing in Torremolinos and no one else. We were the first Spaniards to open a studio," he said. "It is true that the market has grown a lot: companies have been doing very well for a few years, but now the income is going down. All costs have gone up and we have a serious problem with illegal tattooists," he said. Untap has recently drawn up a report on this issue, concluding that in Malaga, for every legal studio that is open, there are five tattooists operating illegally in flats that do not meet the health and hygiene conditions required by the regulations. "This is very similar to the situation in Seville, while the one in Madrid is even worse," McCoy said. From 'marginal' beginnings to universality "Now everyone wants to get a tattoo," said Miguel Angel Galvez 'McCoy', adding that popular designs have also changed. "The current trend is fine lines and small pieces all over the body. In the old days, tattoos were bigger" and the practice was popular among underground communities. According to McCoy, the clientele in the 90s came from urban tribes, punk and rockabilly circles or even from army soldiers. "Now, the profile is very broad. In 1994, I couldn't have imagined that a surgeon or a judge would want a full arm sleeve, while now it's something normalised." It is a problem that starts at the grassroots. The oldest-serving tattoo professionals got a licence after a long training process, achieved through extensive courses that included teaching about the health regulations they must respect. All of them also went through an apprenticeship, guided by a more senior master, with at least two years of professional experience. In addition, all of them are people who have always been interested in drawing and who have demonstrated excellent skills in the field. Legal business "Now they do courses of just a few days and are told that it is not necessary to be able to draw in order to tattoo, that everything is done with a tablet. When they go out into the world of work, some try to open studios and see that they can't do it, so they go to flats. In a shop open to the public, everything has to be legal and it is compulsory to use sterilised products with every client. In a legal business, every time we sit down to tattoo, we certainly spend 40 euros on average in fixed costs, if everything is done correctly. In a flat, you depend on the ethics and knowledge of the tattooist. If they charge you a quarter, they are not using the materials that the Junta de Andalucia has determined as safe. The problem is that, in addition, those who work in flats promote themselves on social media and have the same marketing as any legal studio," said McCoy. The president of Untap also said that the professional organisation has brought this issue to the attention of local councils and regional authorities, but "they continue to operate with total impunity", while "those who are open to the public are still the ones undergoing health inspections". He also said that, by striving to save a few euros, a client could face a serious health problem. "Hepatitis can remain on the surface of the skin for up to 15 days or a month," he said, insisting on the importance of thorough disinfection after each client. Alberto Ramirez 'Fido' is the manager of Fido Tattoo - a studio that has been open in Mijas for 24 years. At the moment, there are three tattoo artists working there. "We have had better times, with more staff and more work. Now we have a reduced staff. It's true that we are considered a reference in this area, but there are many clients who don't think it through and get tattooed in an illegal flat to save money," he said. Quick course Fido stated that people who work from their home are people with hardly any training. "They are being told that they can become superstars after a quick course, which is actually just an initiation into the craft. You can't learn a profession in a week." He said that there are more and more such courses and less and less vocational training, which is offered by Untap. "There are different proper courses every year and the people who do them are serious - people who have been in the sector for years, going to conventions, seminars, giving conferences, very prestigious tattooists." Fido also took the opportunity to clarify the misinformation regarding the negative consequences of tattoos that appears from time to time. "In my 24 years of work, I have never met anyone who has had problems with pigments, and I have done 16,000 tattoos." Apprentice phase lost Tomy Loeb is the manager of TNT Marbella - a studio opened in 1999, where he arrived as an apprentice 15 years ago. He spent two years there, simply learning from a strict teacher. He barely earned any money during his training, but he knew the objective he was pursuing and always moved forward with conviction. "The apprentice phase has been lost, now kids want to know everything in a month," he said. TNT's clientele has a somewhat particular profile compared to the clients of the rest of the studios in Malaga province. "They are clients with very high purchasing power, who are not usually in Spain all year round. They tend to have a house here and book their appointments for the day before they return home, because it is much more expensive to get a tattoo in their country than here." One of the areas of this business that has experienced significant growth is tattoo removal. Tomy said that social media, fads and illegal artists have done a lot of damage and that there are many people who want to remove a tattoo they got years ago and now don't feel comfortable with. Syracuse, N.Y. A health food chain that got its start in Clay has agreed to pay about $7.8 million after making false statements to obtain a COVID-19 pandemic relief grant. CoreLife Eatery operated too many restaurants to be eligible for grants from the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund, according to a settlement agreement released Monday by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York. CoreLife leaders repeatedly said in a grant application that the company did not own or operate more than 20 locations in March 2020, according to the agreement. It had 29 stores in five states at the time. The company had sought to tap into a $28.5 billion fund designed to provide restaurants with grants equal to revenue losses caused by the pandemic. The fund was created in early 2021 as part of then-President Joe Bidens American Rescue Plan Act. CoreLife will now pay the government double the $3,904,687 it was given once as restitution, and again as a fine. The discrepancy was first reported to the government last year by Zachary Howitt as a whistleblower under the False Claims Act. He stands to get about $1.17 million under the settlement agreement. CoreLife opened its first location in May 2015 on Buckley Road in Clay. It now has 36 restaurants, according to the company website. Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. Former corrections officer Christopher Walrath is arraigned in the Dec. 9 fatal beating of the inmate, Robert L. Brooks, at Marcy Correctional Facility, at Oneida County Court Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Utica, N.Y.. (Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com) Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Utica, N.Y. One of the 10 New York state corrections officers indicted in the fatal beating of an inmate in a Central New York prison pleaded guilty Monday. The corrections officer, Christopher Walrath, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in exchange for a sentence of 15 years in state prison. TheHondaLover BHPian Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Delhi NCR Posts: 30 Thanked: 198 Times Re: Honda India : The Way Forward Quote: vattyboy Originally Posted by Also their cars are lacking in features compared to other brands, even Maruti-Suzuki cars are equipped than Honda today. Keeping in mind the paragraph above, which car offered by MSIL (in corresponding segment, of course) offers a better equipment list than a car offered by Honda? Quote: vattyboy Originally Posted by Back in 2010, Honda gave us the technology and good looks in thier cars like Civic , CRV, also City which were way ahead of it's time. Civic, which surely looked fantastic, grossly underperformed pertaining to equipment offered. SKODA SUPERB which was the equipment benchmark setting car in those times, posed significant danger to the diminishing dominance of the Civic at the turn of the decade. Not to mention the price, which is a common denominator which appears while examining failure of some Honda cars in India. Now, as for the Honda City 2009, you probably know better than me how dry and bare bones the car was. In fact, it was this complacency maintained by Honda which caused Honda City to suffer horrible cannibalization at the hands of Hyundai Verna 2011. Honda has a historical aversion to discounts and offers which further attenuated this crisis. Result? A drop in market share and declining performance in respect to other competitors which continuously improved their product line and listened to customer feedback. Conclusion of the post: Wouldn't you say Honda's decline is NOT a fairly recent phenomenon and in fact started as early as 2011, albeit slowly? There is nothing wrong they're doing today which they were not doing 15 years back. The company is not at a significant disadvantage SOLELY because of it's product line as you mention, and that multiple other factors are responsible for it's downfall, including but not limited to, the complacent acquiescence of Japanese businesses, which I'm sure Indian employees of Honda India can't do much about. My bad for the long paragraphs, it's been a long time since I've posted. Have a great day Hello, Vattyboy. Interesting post, and I do agree with a lot of it, however, I couldn't get my head around some of the things that you mentioned. Would you mind clearing my doubts?For me, the equipment list is a relatively minor factor in Honda's dying sales. If you open the portfolio, check the equipment list and then juxtapose it with rivals, you will notice how Honda India has offered most, if not, all of the benchmark equipment corresponding to segment level. Sure a couple things may be absent, but in such situations, examining an aggregate of the features in respect to competitors is important. Every car lacks a certain feature more or less, which competition offers.Keeping in mind the paragraph above, which car offered by MSIL (in corresponding segment, of course) offers a better equipment list than a car offered by Honda?This is where my state of confusion deepens. Is technology and good looks the only relevant factors deciding the competitiveness of a product line? What about the backlash-inducing pricing of CRV which crossed 30 lakhs OTR in Delhi NCR around 2011?Civic, which surely looked fantastic, grossly underperformed pertaining to equipment offered. SKODA SUPERB which was the equipment benchmark setting car in those times, posed significant danger to the diminishing dominance of the Civic at the turn of the decade. Not to mention the price, which is a common denominator which appears while examining failure of some Honda cars in India.Now, as for the Honda City 2009, you probably know better than me how dry and bare bones the car was. In fact, it was this complacency maintained by Honda which caused Honda City to suffer horrible cannibalization at the hands of Hyundai Verna 2011. Honda has a historical aversion to discounts and offers which further attenuated this crisis.Result? A drop in market share and declining performance in respect to other competitors which continuously improved their product line and listened to customer feedback.Wouldn't you say Honda's decline is NOT a fairly recent phenomenon and in fact started as early as 2011, albeit slowly?There is nothing wrong they're doing today which they were not doing 15 years back.The company is not at a significant disadvantage SOLELY because of it's product line as you mention, and that multiple other factors are responsible for it's downfall, including but not limited to, the complacent acquiescence of Japanese businesses, which I'm sure Indian employees of Honda India can't do much about.My bad for the long paragraphs, it's been a long time since I've posted. Have a great day Last edited by TheHondaLover : 5th May 2025 at 12:46 . Reason: Grammar The big picture: A breach at TeleMessage highlights a critical vulnerability in modifying end-to-end encrypted messaging apps to include archiving features. While TeleMessage claims it preserves Signal's encryption during communication, the process of capturing and storing decrypted messages for archival purposes inherently introduces new security risks. Once these messages are archived on external servers, they become susceptible to unauthorized access if those systems are not properly secured. An investigation by 404 Media has uncovered a major security breach at TeleMessage, an Israeli company that provides modified versions of encrypted messaging apps most notably Signal to US government agencies and private-sector clients for message archiving. The breach, which exposed sensitive communications, has raised urgent concerns about the security of high-level government and organizational messaging. The issue gained public attention after a Reuters photograph captured Mike Waltz, a former National Security Adviser to Donald Trump, using a Signal-like app during a cabinet meeting. The app, TeleMessage, closely mimics Signal's interface but is designed to retain and archive messages for compliance purposes unlike the original Signal, which is built for privacy and strict end-to-end encryption. Waltz's use of TeleMessage drew further scrutiny after it was revealed that he had created a Signal group chat to share live updates on US military operations in Yemen. That group chat was accidentally shared with a journalist. 404 Media reports that a hacker exploited a vulnerability in TeleMessage's backend system, gaining access to archived messages from some users. Alarmingly, the breach was relatively easy: the hacker claimed it took only 15 to 20 minutes to gain access, using credentials found in intercepted data to enter the backend panel, where they could view usernames, passwords, and message content. The hacker told 404 Media they were motivated by curiosity about the app's security and chose not to report the vulnerability to TeleMessage, fearing the company might attempt to cover it up. While the hacker did not access messages from Waltz or other Trump cabinet members, the incident revealed a critical flaw: archived chat logs are no longer protected by end-to-end encryption once they leave the user's device and are stored on TeleMessage's servers. The breach exposed direct messages and group chats not only from TeleMessage's Signal clone, but also from modified versions of WhatsApp, Telegram, and WeChat. Communications involving US Customs and Border Protection, the cryptocurrency firm Coinbase, financial institutions such as Scotiabank, and the Intelligence Branch of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police were among the compromised data. Screenshots and backend access shared with 404 Media also revealed a snippet of a conversation among Democratic lawmakers discussing their opposition to a cryptocurrency bill, highlighting the breadth of sensitive content potentially exposed. The investigation further found that Waltz's chats on the app included high-profile recipients who appear to be Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, and JD Vance, as evidenced in the Reuters photo. The server hosting the archived messages was confirmed to be an Amazon Web Services endpoint located in Northern Virginia. This was verified by analyzing the modified Signal app's source code and conducting HTTP requests to the server. TeleMessage's parent company, Smarsh, is currently rebranding the app as Capture Mobile. Tom Padgett, Smarsh's president of enterprise business, told NBC News that the company's role is to help clients comply with regulations by capturing and storing communications. Clients can choose from various archiving options, including storing messages in a Smarsh archive or forwarding them to a Gmail address. However, Smarsh claims it is not the archive of record for any government agency. Padgett declined to specify which options federal clients use and would not confirm whether the Reuters photo showed Waltz using TeleMessage. A Signal spokesperson emphasized that Signal has no agreement with TeleMessage, was unaware of the product before the Reuters photo surfaced, and cannot guarantee the privacy or security of unofficial versions of its app. Public procurement records show that TeleMessage holds contracts with several US government agencies, including the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These contracts span multiple administrations and are not limited to the Trump era. One active contract, awarded by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, allocates $2.1 million for mobile electronic message archiving and runs from February 2023 through August 2025. Since the breach and subsequent media coverage, TeleMessage has removed much of its website content, including previously available service details and app download links. Image credit: 404 Media Rumor mill: Despite rumors that Intel has canceled its Xe3 "Celestial" GPUs, the lineup is still expected to launch later this year. Recent reports indicate that the Celestial family is currently in the pre-silicon validation phase, while a new Battlemage card could debut at Computex 2025 later this month. As part of the pre-silicon validation stage, the graphics architecture is tested with OEMs and BIOS vendors using software emulators, allowing engineers to identify issues before fabricating actual silicon. The images appear to be taken from the LinkedIn profiles of several Intel engineers working on discrete Celestial GPUs. One engineer reportedly worked on "Celestial discrete GPU Pcode IP model development," while another claimed to have "developed low-level system software and device drivers in C++ for Intel's Nova Lake and Xeon6 (Diamond Rapids) CPUs and Celestial discrete GPU." The first developer's profile also mentioned work on "pre-silicon HW modeling for power management IP in Intel Xe3 architecture for discrete GPU Celestial team (C/C++)," suggesting that software models either already have power management features implemented or are currently being fine-tuned ahead of tapeout the final step before the GPU design is sent for manufacturing. The profiles also suggest that the GPU design including the Xe cores, XMX matrix engines, and ray tracing units has been completed, allowing Intel's board partners to virtually test the models and resolve any remaining issues. Intel Fellow Tom Petersen previously dismissed rumors about the cancellation of the company's fledgling discrete graphics business. Speaking on The Full Nerd podcast last December, Petersen confirmed that the Xe3 hardware was already "baked," with the software team focused on refinement while the hardware team had moved on to Xe4 "Druid." While Celestial GPUs are still in development, Intel doesn't appear to have abandoned Battlemage. According to Japanese media outlet Gazlog, the company is preparing to release a new discrete GPU based on BMG-G31 silicon, targeting the premium segment. The report, which cites shipping manifest data, suggests the card could be the long-rumored Arc B770. Although Intel has yet to officially confirm a new Battlemage card, rumors indicate that the B770 may be unveiled at Computex 2025 later this month. The GPU is expected to feature G31 silicon with up to 32 Xe cores and 16 GB of GDDR6 VRAM on a 256-bit memory bus. If accurate, this would position the B770 to compete with Nvidia's RTX 4070 Ti Super and RTX 4080. What just happened? Donald Trump has once again talked about having "a warm spot" in his heart for video-sharing platform TikTok. The president said the app will "be protected," adding that he was willing to give it another extension to allow more time for the sale of its US operations. At the start of last year, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was passed, defining TikTok as being a threat to national security and controlled by a foreign adversary China, in this case. The bill gave TikTok a deadline of January 20 to sell its US operations or be banned in the US. But Trump signed an executive order when he took office delaying the ban for 75 days into early April. He handed the app another 75-day extension last month, pushing the deadline to June 19. While that date is still several months away, Trump told NBC News that he was willing to extend the deadline for a third time. Despite attempting to ban TikTok during his first term, Trump has said he has a soft spot for TikTok because it helped him win the youth vote in last year's elections, something he reiterated in the interview at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. "I have a little sweet spot in my heart because, as you know, I won young people by 36 points," Trump said. "No Republican ever won young people, and I won it by 36 points, and I focused on TikTok. So perhaps I shouldn't say this, but I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok," he added. Speaking about the potential for another extension, the president said TikTok is "very interesting, but it'll be protected. It'll be very strongly protected. But if it needs an extension, I would be willing to give it an extension, might not need it." Trump revealed that a deal to sell TikTok's US operations is close and may happen before June 19. "We actually have a deal," he said. "We have a group of purchasers, very substantial people. They're going to pay a lot of money. It's a good thing for us." He also said the deal would be good for China. A deal for TikTok had been in the works that would have seen the company's US operations spun off into a new firm based in the United States and majority-owned and operated by US investors. ByteDance and the White House were reportedly finalizing the deal in April, but China said it would not approve anything after Trump introduced 145% tariffs on goods imported from the country. Trump talked about those tariffs on China during the interview. He said that he would lower them at some point, "otherwise, you could never do business with them. And they want to do business very much." He also said his trade policy had resulted in Apple's $500 billion investment in the US, and praised TSMC for also pledging to invest billions. What just happened? A newly identified object spotted in two infrared sky surveys may be the most substantial evidence for the elusive Planet Nine a potential Neptune-sized world orbiting hundreds of times farther from the sun than Earth. Its unusual orbit and surprising mass raise questions about its origin, but astronomers will need follow-up observations with powerful telescopes to track its motion and confirm its identity. Astronomers have long speculated about an unseen planet lurking in the solar system's outer edge. This hypothetical world, dubbed Planet Nine, could explain the unusual clustering of distant objects in the Kuiper Belt a region beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies like Pluto. A new study led by astronomer Terry Long Phan of National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan may have uncovered the most compelling candidate yet, based on infrared data collected more than two decades apart. Michael Brown and Konstantin Batygin of Caltech first proposed Planet Nine in 2016 to explain the peculiar orbits of several Kuiper Belt objects, including Sedna. Unlike the earlier concept of "Planet X" linked to theories about periodic mass extinctions Planet Nine is a massive body that likely follows a highly elongated orbit far beyond Neptune. Estimates place it hundreds of astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, with a mass exceeding Earth's. Its extreme distance makes direct detection an incredible challenge. Phan's team took a novel approach by mining archival data from two far-infrared all-sky surveys conducted 23 years apart: NASA's Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS), which launched in 1983, and Japan's AKARI satellite, active from 2006 to 2011. They looked for objects that appeared in the 1983 IRAS data but had shifted position in AKARI's later observations. At Planet Nine's expected distance, such movement would be slow about three arcminutes per year and further complicated by parallax effects from Earth's orbit around the sun. To account for parallax, Phan's team analyzed AKARI data taken on the same calendar date each year, ensuring that any detected object would appear in the same position annually if it were distant enough. They also ruled out fast-moving, nearby objects by checking for motion hourly. This careful process led them to a single promising candidate: a faint dot that appeared in one position in IRAS's 1983 images but had shifted approximately 47.4 arcminutes in AKARI's 2006 data, consistent with the expected orbital motion of Planet Nine over 23 years. However, the data alone are insufficient to determine the object's precise orbit, and more recent observations are needed to confirm its identity. "Once we know the position of the candidate, a longer exposure with the current large optical telescopes can detect it," Phan told Space. He noted that follow-up observations would need to cover about three square degrees of sky to account for the planet's potential movement since 2006 a task achievable with instruments like the Dark Energy Camera on the Blanco four-meter telescope in Chile. Based on the object's brightness in IRAS and AKARI data, Phan estimates it could be more massive than Neptune a surprising finding, as the team initially searched for a super-Earth-sized body. Previous surveys, such as NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), have ruled out Jupiter-sized planets out to 256,000 AU and Saturn-sized planets out to 10,000 AU, but a Neptune-sized planet could still have eluded detection. Phan argues that WISE data failed to identify a convincing counterpart because the candidate has moved since 2006, and without a well-defined orbit, its current position remains uncertain. If confirmed, the candidate's orbit would be highly unusual, swinging from about 280 AU to 1,120 AU from the Sun vastly farther than Neptune's 30 AU orbit. Such a distant path raises significant questions about its origin. "One possibility is that Planet Nine formed closer to the sun, perhaps near the region where Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune formed, and was later gravitationally scattered outward by one or more of these giant planets during the early days of the solar system," Phan said. Alternatively, it could be a rogue planet captured by the Sun early in the solar system's history. The identification of Planet Nine candidates from infrared data isn't new. In 2021, Michael Rowan-Robinson of Imperial College London pinpointed a potential object in IRAS data, estimating its mass at three to five Earth masses and its distance at about 225 AU. However, other surveys, including AKARI, have not confirmed that detection. Phan argues that his candidate is more convincing because it appears in both IRAS and AKARI datasets. Despite the excitement, the discovery remains tentative. Astronomers cannot fully determine the candidate's orbit, so further observations are necessary for confirmation. The upcoming launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, the recent commissioning of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and powerful instruments like the Dark Energy Camera promise to enhance the search for Planet Nine. For the first time in more than 50 years, the zones governing Charlottesville elementary schools attendance will officially be redrawn in the coming years. The monthslong, and occasionally controversial, process came to an end Thursday with little fanfare in the library of Charlottesville High School. The School Board voted unanimously to approve Superintendent Royal Gurleys proposal to change the zones for the all six of the citys elementary schools: Burnley-Moran, Greenbrier, Jackson-Via, Johnson, Summit and Trailblazer. While the matter took only a few minutes to settle at Thursdays meeting, rezoning was a hot topic at a School Board meeting back in February. Several Charlottesville parents voiced frustrations over the fact that Gurleys final recommendation differed from the four different rezoning options assembled by Dayton, Ohio-based Woolpert consulting firm that were presented to the public in the fall. They sought feedback on four proposals and at the last minute deliver a fifth unknown proposal, one Burnley-Moran Elementary School father told The Daily Progress after the February meeting. The feedback is kind of a black hole. Its not really transparent what theyre doing with it. However, the only comment that accompanied the School Boards Thursday vote came from one of its own, Chris Meyer, who thanked his colleagues for engaging in this very robust process. I think its a little anticlimactic to say the least, but I also want to thank the administration for what I thought was a very robust and transparent process that did a lot of outreach, said Meyer. I think this sets a model for us to do it in the future I dont want to do it in the future I think this will last us for a long time, he added. A comprehensive rezoning conversation has not been had in Charlottesville since Jackson-Via Elementary School was built in 1969. Under the rezoning, changes to all of the elementary school zones will begin to roll out at the earliest by August 2029: The section of the Rose Hill neighborhood along McIntire Road currently zoned for Greenbrier will be rezoned to Trailblazer. The area to the north of the U.S. 250 Bypass currently zoned for Burnley-Moran will be rezoned to Greenbrier. And the Starr Hill neighborhood and 5th Street area currently zoned for Summit would be rezoned to Burnley-Moran. One phase will be implemented earlier. Around August 2027, students living west of the downtown Kindlewood housing complex currently zoned to Summit will transition to Burnley-Moran. Students in grade 1 and older would finish out their years at the school before this change would be made. Current kindergarten students could apply to complete their fifth-grade year at their current school if the family can supply transportation that year, according to the Charlottesville City Schools website. Many of the outspoken parents from Februarys meeting hailed from the citys Locust Grove neighborhood. They pushed back against Gurleys proposal that would see their students move away from Burnley-Moran, which is within walking distance, to Greenbrier, some 4 miles away. The school division has stressed that rezoning the school zones is a necessity in order to proactively prevent overcrowding as well as balance the socioeconomic diversity across schools. Charlottesvilles public schools have recently reported an uptick in enrollment across the board and are expected to be asked to accommodate even more students as the city densifies under a new zoning ordinance and hundreds of new residential units come online. As of right now, Charlottesville City Schools reports that all six of its elementary schools are within their capacity limits. With 301 students, Summit is the closest to reaching its maximum of 388. The other five schools have a buffer of 100 to 225 students before they reach maximum capacity. With hundreds of new residential units under construction, Gurleys rezoning proposal shifts students in and around the citys urban center to schools with more capacity in more suburban neighborhoods to the north. During an interview with The Daily Progress back in February Gurley said his now-approved proposal lifts a portion of the burden off of Summit in the citys Downtown-adjacent Belmont neighborhood and our highest-needs school and redirects some Summit students north to Burnley-Moran in the citys Martha Jefferson neighborhood near Locust Grove. Burnley-Moran will then move some students even farther north to Greenbrier near Charlottesvilles northern boundary, which Gurley classified as underutilized. If no action is taken, Summit will reach 140% of its capacity while Greenbrier remains underutilized, Gurley told Charlottesville residents and School Board members at the conclusion of Februarys meeting. Summit is not only at risk of congested classrooms, but also a lack of adequate resources for its students 76% of whom are classified as economically disadvantaged, according to Charlottesville City Schools data. This demographic is under 60% at all other elementary schools, and only 34% at Burnley-Moran. Summit also has the largest achievement gaps of any school in the division. Data from the Virginia Department of Education shows that Black and Brown students at Summit fall behind the state average in both reading and math. Last year, Summit was the only elementary school in the city to be accredited with conditions, meaning the school failed to meet at least one of the school quality indicators set by the state Board of Education. Belgian mother and son die in Jordan floods: authorities Amman, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 Jordanian rescue teams have recovered the bodies of a Belgian tourist and her young son who went missing during flooding in the south of the kingdom, authorities said Monday. The rescuers found "the bodies of a woman and her son, both Belgian nationals, who had been missing after flooding in the Shubak region", about 200 kilometres (125 miles) south of Amman, the General Security Directorate said in a statement. Her two other children were found alive and well. "The bodies found after several hours of searching in difficult weather and terrain conditions have been evacuated," the statement said, without giving further details. The Belgian woman and her three children were part of a group of tourists -- including 14 Czechs -- on an unguided "adventure trip" on Sunday, according to Maan governor Hassan al-Jabur, as reported by the official Al-Mamlaka TV channel. Authorities evacuated most of the group, but the family went missing, he said, adding rescue teams later found two of the children in "good health". Jordanian authorities on Sunday evacuated nearly 1,800 tourists from flooding in Petra, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site. No casualties were reported after flooding hit the ancient site, according to an official. Jordan's meteorological authority published a video showing flash floods hitting the Petra, a major tourist attraction. It showed holidaymakers gathering at the entrance of the Treasury, one of the site's most iconic tombs, before being evacuated. Similar evacuations have occurred in the past, as the area witnesses increasing rains and storms which scientists say occur more frequently around the world due to climate change. Petra, famous for its stunning temples hewn from rose-pink cliff faces, was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a 2007 online poll. mah/tp/ysm/dv Athens vows tougher rules on e-scooter 'nuisance' Athens, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 The mayor of Athens vowed Monday to regulate rentals of electric scooters, saying their use had become a "terrible nuisance" in the Greek capital. "We are determined to set rules," Haris Doukas said in a statement after meeting with executives of the four companies offering e-scooter rentals in the city centre. Authorities plan to create around 70 obligatory parking locations for the scooters and will ban their operation in some areas altogether, Doukas added. Doukas said he wanted the new system "to begin immediately" in cooperation with operators in the city centre, home to around 640,000 people, without giving a timeframe. Authorities say traffic violations are increasing by users of the more than 4,000 e-scooters offered by Hoppy, Hop, Lime and RideMovi in central Athens. There were 197 violations in April compared to 88 in March, according to Athens municipal police. Pricing birdsong: EU mulls nature credits to help biodiversity Brussels, Belgium, May 5 (AFP) May 05, 2025 Could farmers get money for protecting birds or plants? That's the hope of the European Union, which is seeking to monetise biodiversity by creating a market for "nature credits". The European Commission last month launched a series of talks with financial, farming and green groups to ponder the idea, which has some environmentalists worried. "You can make good money by razing a forest to the ground, but not by planting a new one and letting it grow old," the EU's environment commissioner Jessika Roswall told a "Global Solutions" conference in Berlin on Monday, adding the bloc wanted to change that. The plan is still in its infancy and no concrete details have been put forward yet. But the idea is to replicate the financial success of carbon credits, which launched two decades ago to help finance efforts to tackle global warming and have developed into an almost trillion-dollar global market. Carbon credits allow a polluter to "offset" their emissions by paying for "avoided" emissions elsewhere. Nature credits on the other hand would see businesses brush up their green credentials by paying for initiatives that restore or protect nature -- something Roswall said cannot be financed by public coffers alone. At a UN biodiversity summit in 2022, world nations agreed to a target of protecting 30 percent of the planet's lands and oceans by 2030 and to provide $200 billion a year in finance. - Pricing nature - Under the EU plan, activities that protect or restore nature would be certified and the related certificate traded in a dedicated financial market. But things get more complicated in practice. "Putting a price tag on nature" is a "more complex" affair than pricing carbon emissions, said an EU official. How much CO2 is released into the atmosphere or sequestered by a specific activity is easily measurable, the official said. The same can not be said of biodiversity, which is by definition diverse, with many varieties of animal and plants making it tricky to measure and identify value. "Waking up to the song of birds, drinking water from a mountain spring, staring at the endless blue of the sea and of the ocean. How could you possibly put a price tag on any of this?" Roswall asked in Berlin. "We do put a price tag on nature, every second, every day, but only by taking resources away from their natural environment," she added. In Europe, several pilot projects have been launched to test the concept, including in Finland, France and Estonia, where an initiative is seeking to reward forest owners for sustainably managing their plots. The 27-nation EU is hoping these and other projects will provide farmers and foresters with an additional source of income. - 'No coincidence' - It is not alone. Similar schemes were discussed at the UN COP16 nature talks in Colombia last year, and more than a dozen countries, including the United States and Germany already have a nascent market or a project underway. Yet, striking a cautious note, pan-European farmers group Copa-Cogeca said it wanted to see a concrete proposal before commenting. Environmental groups on the other hand are worried about a possible repeat of the many scandals that have dogged carbon credit markets, from tax fraud to the certification of projects that did nothing for the environment. Nature credits could offer firms another opportunity for "greenwashing" -- pretending they are greener than they really are -- and authorities an excuse to cut back public funding for biodiversity, some warn. "Not even the commission knows what they want to do," Ioannis Agapakis, a lawyer with ClientEarth, an environmental group, said of the European Commission. Yet, it was "no coincidence" -- and "a concern" -- that the idea was being floated as the EU's executive body prepared to negotiate the future European budget, he added. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Star Wars fans have rushed to point out a crucial detail in the latest AI-generated image of Donald Trump posted by the White House. The computer-generated picture shows a heavily-muscled version of President Trump clutching a lightsaber in front of a backdrop featuring US flags and a pair of bald eagles. It was posted to mark Star Wars Day, celebrated on May 4th as a nod to the film series catchphrase: May the force be with you. The caption posted to the White Houses official X account reads: Happy May the 4th to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting so hard to to bring Sith Lords, Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, & well known MS-13 Gang Members, back into our Galaxy. Youre not the Rebellionyoure the Empire. May the 4th be with you. However, fans of the sci-fi film and television franchise pointed out that Trumps red lightsaber marks him out as a villainous Sith Lord himself. Ummm, Red is the color of the Sith wrote one X user. Another asked: Why are you holding a red lightsaber though. Donald Trump appears with a red Sith lightsaber in the latest AI generated image posted by the White House ( X/White House ) Another wrote: Lol at least you correctly portrayed him as a bad guy as only the Sith have red lightsabers. Fake nerds. A fourth added: The lack of self awareness and hypocrisy by calling the left the empire while showing trump with a Sith lightsaber. In the film series, the heroic characters use blue, green and purple lightsabers, as another user explained: The jedi have blue and green lightsabers except for Mace Windu who has purple because Samuel L Jackson wanted one, and the Sith have red lightsabers. So the White House is making Trump look a Sith because of the red lightsaber which are the bad guys. It is not the first time the White House has provoked controversy with an AI-generated image. Earlier today, JD Vance broke his silence on Trumps now-infamous AI image depicting himself as the Pope. The vice president, a Catholic, who was one of the last world leaders to meet with Pope Francis before his death on Easter Monday, said that he was fine with people telling jokes. Trump has received criticism both at home and abroad, including from former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi, as well as the Catholic bishops of New York state, over the image. In it, an unsmiling Trump is seated in an ornate chair, dressed in white papal vestments and headdress, with his right forefinger raised. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Handmaids Tale star Elisabeth Moss has broken down the shock return of a main character in the final season. Hulus hit dystopian series adapted from Margaret Atwoods best-selling 1985 novel is about a totalitarian society, Gilead, ruled by a fundamentalist regime that sees women as state property While the show is midway through season six in the US, it has only just started in the UK, with episode one arriving on Saturday (3 May) on Channel 4 and Prime Video. *Spoilers follow you have been warned* The premiere picked up where the previous left off with June Osborne (Moss) and Serena Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski) coming face-to-face on a train transporting Gilead refugees far away from the place thats caused them so much horror. At the end of the episode, June and her baby daughter arrived at a refugee camp in Alaska and to the surprise of viewers, she discovered that one of the facilitys medical staff was her mother, Holly (Cherry Jones). Holly has only appeared in flashbacks before, with June discovering in season two that her mother, a womens rights advocate, had been sent to the Colonies in Gilead a contaminated area where officials send the women it believes to be unfit for manual labour. However, her mum survived and escaped Gilead and the episodes final moments showed her finding her daughters name on the list of arrivals, and calling out: June Osborne? Sweetheart? Hearing her mothers voice, June emotionally ran into her arms and the pair embraced. Moss said that this moment really has to do with the ending and with where were going in the final episodes. open image in gallery June (Elisabeth Moss) reunited with her mother Holly (Cherry Jones) in The Handmaids Tale ( Hulu ) She told TVLine: The whole show is so much about Junes motherhood and Junes role as mother. But I feel like, in order to really, fully tell that story, youve got to bring her own mum into it. Moss revealed that, when they discovered Jones was open to coming back on the show, it was considered a no-brainer to get her back for this final season. The Independents Nick Hilton gave the new season four stars, writing: The shows bleak and uncompromising final chapter is yet another gripping demonstration of how fear metastasises into fascism. The Handmaids Tale showrunners previously expressed concern about the current state of America, saying that women in our country have fewer rights now than when we started production in 2016. The show premiered in April 2017, months after President Donald Trump became president for the first time. open image in gallery The Handmaids Tale is ending with season six ( Disney ) Since its debut, viewers have found some of the shows storylines eerily relevant to the U.S. political climate under the Trump administration and even more so now, eight years later. Speaking to ex-CNN reporter Oliver Darcy for his Status newsletter, showrunner Eric Tuchman admitted: No, I dont think any of us could have predicted how closely the show would maintain its relevance and continue to reflect real events. The series has been called a cautionary tale about what can happen when power is abused and peoples rights and freedoms are stripped away, he continued. But that warning was ignored, apparently, by the majority of voters, and Roe v Wade was overturned. Women in our country have fewer rights now than when we started production in 2016, Tuchman added. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Brazilian child actor Millena Brandao has died at the age of 11 after reportedly suffering multiple heart attacks. Brandao, who appeared in Netflixs Portuguese-language drama, Sintonia, died on May 2, her family announced in an Instagram post shared Sunday. On May 2nd we lost our little girl, but Im sure shes in the arms of our almighty father and in a beautiful place to play, the post read. The memories we spent together will stay in my memory and Ill never forget your joy that infected everyone around you, it added. My girl, Im already missing you more and more not having you here and I know Ill miss you even more in the days to come! You were the light in our lives and I know that from up there youll continue to watch over us and light up our lives. And Ill love you forever, and youll always be in my heart. The post included an edited image of Brandao as an angel. Brandao died at Granjau General Hospital in Sao Paulo, one of three hospitals she had been taken to after she started experiencing severe headaches, lack of appetite, and drowsiness in late April, according to local Brazilian news outlet G1. Doctors had initially thought Brandao had contracted dengue fever, her mother, Thays Brandao, told the outlet. However, after some tests, they soon ruled that out, and later found Brandao had a urinary tract infection. She was then sent home with antibiotics and pain relievers. The morning of April 29, Brandao suffered her first cardiac arrest. Her lip turned purple. Then they resuscitated her and intubated her. From that day on, she never woke up again, her mother remembered. It was then that Brandao was transferred from UPA Maria Antonieta to Granjau General Hospital. There was no neurologist there. They only did a CT scan, and the doctors said they saw a 5-centimeter mass in her brain, Thays said. But they dont know if this mass was a tumor, a cyst, an edema, a clot... because they couldnt open her head to see. And now that she died, theyre going to do a biopsy to find out what was in her brain. The doctors still havent said what really happened to my daughter and what killed her, she added. Its a question mark. Recalling the days spent in the hospital, Thays, who also has a two-year-old daughter, said: She got worse, with two to three cardiac arrests per day. She had 13 arrests in total. She had never had that before. There was one day when she had seven respiratory arrests. Sometimes they gave her massages and other times they gave her shocks [with a device called a defibrillator]. All three hospitals have since released separate statements, per G1, regarding Brandaos passing, with the first two locations The General Hospital of Pedreira and UPA Maria Antonieta expressing their regrets over her death, saying that an investigation will be launched into Brandaos treatment. Meanwhile, Grajau General Hospital, where Brandao was officially confirmed brain dead, said in a statement: Since her arrival, the patient received intensive care and the full commitment of the medical and assistance team, who spared no effort to preserve her life. The diagnosis was confirmed after strict compliance with the protocol established for these cases, it added. The family was present at each stage of the care, being kept informed with respect, acceptance and all the support necessary in this moment of deep pain. We stand in solidarity with the family and reaffirm our commitment to providing dignified and humane care. Brandao acted in a couple of Brazilian soap operas, A infancia de Romeu e Julieta and A Caverna Encantada, before later appearing in Netflixs Sintonia. Aside from acting, Brandao was also a child model. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Cinco de Mayo is not only a day of celebration, but also a day filled with free food and discounts. Every year on the fifth of May, Mexico celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. During the battle, the underdog Mexican soldiers defeated 6,000 French troops led by Napoleon III. Mexicos victory prevented the French from aiding the Confederacy in Americas Civil War. People across both Mexico and the United States celebrate the anniversary of this win yearly. Various restaurants around the country will be offering special discounts, free food, or other promotions to join in on the celebration. Here are the Cinco de Mayo 2025 deals this week: Chipotle From May 3 through May 5, the chain is offering free chips and queso when ordering through their app or website with the code CINCO25. Through Monday, customers can also receive free delivery using the chains app or website using the promotional code DELIVER. On Monday, Chipotle will be launching a game on Roblox at 6 p.m. ET, where people can earn a free burrito by playing the Ingredient Quest in the Burrito Builder experience on Roblox. Taco Bell The fast food chain is offering various deals throughout the month of May. From May 3 through 5, customers can get a free Nachos Bell Grande with an order of $20 or more when ordering through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Chilis The restaurant will be offering its Tequila Trifecta Margarita for $5 on Cinco de Mayo. Qdoba Free guacamole and queso will be given to customers with the purchase of any entree. This is offered year-round and not just on Cinco de Mayo. Moes Southwest Grill To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, participating locations will be offering a free side of queso for anyone who purchases an entree. The first 20 customers will also receive a free T-shirt with no purchase necessary. Red Lobster Customers who dine in can get a Cinco Rita drink for $5 on Monday. Red Robin For Cinco de Mayo, the burger chain will be serving its House Margaritas for $7.99. Jack in the Box From May 2 through May 5, customers can receive a free Meat Lovers Burrito or Tiny Tacos (any style) with a $5 minimum order. El Pollo Loco To celebrate the holiday, the restaurant will offer customers two free chicken tacos with a $15 purchase through its app or website. California Pizza Kitchen From May 1 through May 5, select locations will be offering $5 margaritas and a free order of white corn guacamole and chips. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice James Corden repeatedly asked the restauranteur Keith McNally to remove a withering Instagram post from his account in which he called the Gavin & Stacey star abusive and a tiny cretin of a man, McNally has claimed. In 2022, Corden was forced to publicly apologise on his US chat show after the notoriously blunt McNally the man behind legendary New York restaurants including Balthazar and Pastis lambasted his behaviour towards his staff. In the post, McNally claimed that Corden was extremely nasty to one manager, and on a second occasion screamed at a member of staff: you cant do your job! Maybe I should go into the kitchen and cook the omelette myself! McNally used the post to announce that Corden had been banned from the restaurant, something he reversed days later. Speaking to The Telegraph, McNally said that Corden texted many times asking me to take [the post] down, with McNally agreeing to remove it if Corden admitted to his behaviour. He added: I enjoyed the power I had over him too much. While Corden did hold his hands up to being poorly behaved at Balthazar, McNallys Instagram post is still online nearly three years later. In 2022, Corden initially dismissed McNallys post, telling The New York Times that barely anyone was aware of the allegations about his behaviour, saying: I havent done anything wrong, on any level I feel so Zen about the whole thing. Because I think its so silly. I just think its beneath all of us. Its beneath you. Its certainly beneath your publication. A few days later, however, Corden opened an episode of his chat show by admitting that hed made a mistake. Because I didnt shout or scream, I didnt get out of my seat, I didnt call anyone names or use derogatory language, Ive been walking around thinking that I havent done anything wrong, he said. But the truth is I have made a rude, rude comment. And it was wrong. It was an unnecessary comment, it was ungracious to the server. He also vowed to apologise in person to the staff affected. In conversation with The Telegraph, McNally said that no famous person had been rude to his staff since the Corden saga, and named Woody Allen as the most consistently charming person to dine at his restaurants. McNally also invokes Corden in his new memoir, I Regret Almost Everything, claiming that the musician Patti Smith reduced a waitress to tears in the Seventies when he ran the New York eatery One Fifth. McNally describes Smith in the book as the James Corden of her day. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sean Diddy Combs, the former music mogul, is headed to Manhattan federal court on Monday for his high-profile sex trafficking crimes trial. Prosecutors have charged Combs with racketeering, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation for prostitution purposes. The charges stem from allegations made by four unnamed people. Details of the accusations are related to freak offs or drug-fueled parties that Combs is said to have hosted with others, where victims were allegedly coerced into having sex with sex workers, sometimes filmed without consent, while Combs watched. Combs and his enterprise of associates allegedly threatened victims with extortion or sometimes physical violence to remain quiet about the freaks offs. open image in gallery Sean Diddy Combs will head to federal court in Manhattan on Monday to face the first day in his sex trafficking charges trial ( AFP via Getty Images ) Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, rejected a plea deal and maintained his innocence. Jury selection will begin Monday morning, and a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates will need to be seated in the case by the end of the week. Heres everything to know about the case. Who is Sean Diddy Combs? Combs, 55, better known by his stage names Diddy or Puff Daddy, is a rapper, music producer and executive of Bad Boy Records who has made a name for himself producing some of the biggest artists of the past two decades, such as Mary J. Blige, Usher, Notorious B.I.G. and more. Combs has faced various allegations of abuse and making threats against people. His legal disputes took a turn in 2023 when his ex-partner, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit against him alleging rape, sex trafficking and physical abuse. Combs claimed innocence, but the two settled the case out of court. But a slew of civil court cases brought by other people emerged after, many with allegations of abuse or coercion into sex acts. open image in gallery Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York while awaiting trial ( AP ) What are the charges against Combs? In September, Combs was arrested in New York on a three-count indictment brought by a grand jury. The indictment claimed he ran a decades-long criminal enterprise using the people around him to assist in abusing women and coercing them into lurid sex acts. That enterprise is central to prosecutors racketeering charge a crime also known as RICO that was initially created to go after mobsters. Using his power and influence, Combs allegedly lured people into his orbit with promises of career success or financial support and then became controlling over their lives, dictating everything from their housing to medical records. Prosecutors say he used drugs, such as ecstasy, to make victims compliant with his desires and then directed freak offs which were recorded sometimes unknowingly to the victim and later used for Combs pleasure. He allegedly used intimidation tactics such as brandishing an AR-15, threatening victims with financial consequences, claiming he would use embarrassing or incriminating footage in the freak offs against them and other methods to force women into doing what he wanted. open image in gallery Prosecutors claim Combs used his power and influence to force people into participating in the alleged freak offs ( AFP via Getty Images ) His arrest came six months after agents from the Department of Homeland Security raided two of the music moguls homes. During the raids, helicopters captured agents removing things from Combss home while two of his sons were detained a typical procedure. The sons were released after the raid was complete and have not been charged. Since the initial indictment, prosecutors have brought two superseding indictments that include more counts of the same crimes and further details of abuse. Combs could be facing life in prison if he is found guilty on the charges. What to expect from the trial The trial, overseen by District Judge Arun Subramanian, is expected to last eight weeks thought it could be longer or shorter. The prosecution is made up of several attorneys including Maurene Comey, the daughter of former FBI director James Comey and former lead prosecutor in Ghislaine Maxwells case. The lead attorneys for the government include Emily Johnson, Madison Smyser, Mary Slavik, Meredith Foster and Mitzi Steiner. open image in gallery Diddy, depicted alongside his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, in a courtroom sketch ( REUTERS ) Combss lead attorney is Marc Agnifilo, an experienced criminal defense attorney who previously represented NXIVM sex cult leader Keith Rainere, Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli, and more. Prosecutors will use evidence collected during the home raids to assist their case. In the indictments, attorneys for the government alleged Combs had more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant stocked in his home to use during freak offs, as well as narcotics, and AR-15-style firearms with defaced serial numbers. Agents said they also uncovered electronic devices that they say contain photos and videos of freak offs. The defense previously tried to get the 2016 video of Combs beating up Cassie declared inadmissible but the judge denied the request. Shocking footage shows Sean Diddy Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 Combss lawyer has asserted the videos will show adults having consensual sex and contain no evidence of violence, coercion, sex trafficking or other allegations. Its unclear who will testify in the case as the list is not publicly available but sources told CNN that Ventura is expected to serve as a central witness for the prosecution. Several other victims are expected to testify but they may remain unidentifiable to protect their identities. Agnifilo said the defense is prepared to have several of Combss former employees testify to his dedication, hard work, and inspiration. Although Combs is facing more than 30 other civil lawsuits, some containing sexual abuse allegations, those details are not permitted in court. Only allegations directly related to the charges in the indictment are allowed. What comes next? The trial will begin Monday, May 5, with jury selection. A group of potential jurors in New York will be asked questions about themselves and their background, known as voir dire, so attorneys for both sides and the judge can determine the best people to judge the case against Combs. Jurors identities are likely going to be kept confidential because some of the questions they will be asked will be about personal experiences with sexual assault or domestic abuse. Once a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates are seated, opening arguments can begin. Combs has been held in Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York while awaiting trial. The judge overseeing his case has denied his requests for bail. Close Diddy trial day 2: Jury selection continues The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The final round of jury selection will begin Monday in the trial of Sean Diddy Combs. The court must seat a panel of 18 New Yorkers 12 jurors and six alternates before opening statements are set to begin on May 12. On Monday, lawyers will use peremptory challenges to strike off some of the remaining 43 potential jurors they do not want at trial to narrow that number down to 18. Opening statements will start after. The music mogul is facing a five-count indictment accusing him of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. The rapper was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged Combs and his associates threatened, abused, and coerced victims to fulfill his sexual desires. This included Freak Offs, recorded sex performances that prosecutors say Diddy arranged and forced victims to participate in. During searches of his homes, authorities seized narcotics and 1,000 bottles of lubricant and baby oil. Two superseding indictments against the music mogul were added. In March, fresh allegations of forced labor, and in April, an additional charge of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy has denied any accusations of wrongdoing and has rejected the governments plea deal offer. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A manhunt is underway for an inmate who escaped custody at SeattleTacoma International Airport on Sunday. Sedrick T. Stevenson, 28, was being transported to Bowling Green, Kentucky, when he broke free from the contracted agent, according to the Port of Seattle Police. Stevenson and the agent were in the middle of the check-in process at the airport around 11 a.m. when the inmate fled the ticket counter and boarded a northbound light rail train. Agents chased after Stevenson, but were unable to catch up to him. open image in gallery Sedrick T. Stevenson, 28, was being transported to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he is wanted on warrants for second-degree escape, when he broke free ( Port of Seattle Police ) Sound Transit security footage reviewed by police confirmed that Stevenson had boarded the light rail train which departed the Capitol Hill station heading north. Stevenson, who is described as being 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with dreadlocks, was last seen wearing a white shirt, a white zip-up hoodie and grey pants, according to police. A photo provided by the Port of Seattle Police shows Stevenson's hands cuffed in front of him. His ankles are shackled. In another photo, which was captured on security footage after his escape, his hands were tucked into his shirt. open image in gallery A photo, which was captured on security footage after his escape, shows his hands were tucked into his shirt ( Port of Seattle Police ) Court records reveal Stevenson has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions in Tennessee for facilitating armed robberies, KING5 reported. He is wanted on warrants in Kentucky including second-degree escape. The Seattle Times reports that in 2022 Stevenson led police on a 100mph car chase when he was facing charges including driving on a suspended license and illegally possessing a firearm. Authorities urge anyone who sees him to call 911. Dana Territo is an Alzheimers advocate and author of What My Grandchildren Taught Me About Alzheimers Disease. She hosts "The Memory Whisperer." Email her at thememorywhisperer@gmail.com. Further drilling is interrogating the Victoria prospect area for holes seven and eight. Advance is planning a new diamond drilling campaign at Happy Valley to extend high-grade mineralisation along strike and down dip, with a strong focus on the area drilled by hole three (7.5m at 47.9g/t). It will also test targets such as Sheards Reef, 1500m along trend, subject to the necessary approvals. Further regional target generation work is planned. The results from the first four holes follow on from the previous extraordinary hit of 11.5m at 160.4g/t by a former project owner, which included a massive 2430g/t gold hit across 0.6m. Advance recently raised $2.55 million from a share placement and is fully funded to complete an expanded drilling program at the project site. Advance Metals managing director Adam McKinnon said: Our maiden drilling program at Myrtleford has been incredibly successful, providing significant confidence in the immense upside potential at Happy Valley and beyond. It is good to see all four of our initial holes producing zones of high to very high-grade gold mineralisation, with the typical variability in width and grade tenor that we expect from these types of deposits. The maiden eight-hole diamond drilling program kicked off in February at the 418 square kilometre site focussing primarily on the Happy Valley prospect in the southeastern portion of the project. Advance is onto a 13km-long trend of gold mineralisation, known as the Happy Valley trend, within the Myrtleford project. Management says less than 1 per cent of the 13km-long strike has been tested by drilling to date and it believes the area hosts many historic gold mines worked to only shallow depths, providing the project with substantial exploration upside. The overall project has a 45km strike length across historical workings and old gold mines, including the Happy Valley trend, the Twist Creek trend that extends for 7km and the Magpie trend running for 16km. It lies within the renowned Lachlan Fold belt, which is responsible for some of the countrys biggest gold deposits. Twist Creek sits at the northern end of the project and is now being tested after Advance finished its drilling program at Happy Valley. Twist Creek features multiple mined structures that previously averaged 31g/t gold. Advance recently signed a binding agreement with Serra Energy Metals Corporation to acquire 80 per cent of the Myrtleford and separate Beaufort gold projects via a joint venture. Under the deal, Advance will acquire 80 per cent of the fully paid shares in E79 Resources, the legal owner of the tenements comprising the two Victorian projects. The company is purchasing its stake in E79 via an initial issue of company shares, followed by three staged payments made by issuing further shares, plus a 1 per cent net smelter royalty from gold production. The highly prospective Beaufort project is in Victorias southwest, 145km west of Melbourne. The region has produced more than one million ounces of alluvial gold and is close to the world-class, 22M-ounce Bendigo goldfields and the renowned Fosterville underground gold mine that produced more than 300,000 ounces of high-grade gold in 2023. The Myrtleford and Beaufort projects are both within the historical Victorian goldfields, known for producing more than 80M ounces of gold. In other company news, Advance revealed it this week kicks off its maiden 3000m diamond drilling program at the high-grade Yoquivo silver-gold project in southwestern Chihuahua in Mexico. All requisite government and community approvals have been secured to begin drilling, with the focus on high-grade targets in the Pertenencia area. Site preparation is well advanced and drill pads have been completed to enable the first five holes to be drilled. Drilling is planned to test along strike and down dip from previous stunning intersections, which included hits such as 6.2m grading a monster 2404g/t silver and a 17.2g/t gold slice from 64.8m depth, 1.2m going 1895g/t silver and 34g/t gold from 47.3m and 1.5m at 1473g/t silver and 4g/t gold from 100.2m. A further impressive 3.05m hit returned 668g/t silver and 3.9g/t gold from 117.8m. Many of the planned holes are expected to pass through up to four epithermal vein systems. Advance expects to receive the assays in the second half of June. Yoquivo hosts a foreign estimate mineral resource of 937,000 tonnes grading 570g/t silver-equivalent for 17.23M ounces silver-equivalent from more than 16,500m of drilling. McKinnon said the company expects to see its first high-grade silver-gold mineralisation from the drill core, followed by assays shortly after. As Yoquivo is open in every direction, he believes the program has the near-term potential to add significant value to the company. Initial flotation and leaching testwork conducted by the previous owner indicates likely recovery levels of both metals at 85 per cent. Advance entered a binding sale agreement with Golden Minerals in October last year to acquire full ownership of the Mexican project. With the price of gold cruising above $5000 per ounce in Australian dollar terms and silver staying steadily above a solid US$30 (A$46) per ounce, the upcoming drilling programs at both projects may propel Advance into a group of seriously good exploration players, if the drill bit unearths some precious finds. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au The defense landscape continues evolving rapidly, with emerging technologies reshaping battlefield dynamics across domains. This weeks developments highlight cost-effective drone proliferation, increased artillery autonomy, extended-range strike capabilities, enhanced vehicle protection systems, and significant procurement decisions affecting naval aviation forces. U.S. Army Restructuring 2025: Strategic Shifts and Industry Fallout This weeks DefenseTech Brief explores the U.S. Armys sweeping transformation plancanceling legacy ground systems, accelerating missile and drone capabilities, and consolidating command structures. The move signals a shift toward high-end conflict readiness, with profound implications for defense manufacturers, suppliers, and investors. Our feature breaks down key winners and at-risk contractors, including the rise of missile production, drone integration, and the industrial challenges ahead. Featured: Armys pivot to long-range precision fires, drone warfare, and next-gen platforms Impacted: Legacy platforms like Stryker, Booker, Apache, and MQ-1C Grey Eagle (Read the updated analysis) Recent conflicts show a fundamental shift in how air power works. Mass-produced, affordable drones and loitering munitions are creating significant advantages for both state and non-state actors while imposing challenging cost-exchange ratios on defenders using expensive interceptors. (read the article) Key Technologies Driving Change: 3D printing enables faster component manufacturing AI systems allow autonomous operation and coordinated swarming Modular architectures provide adaptability for different missions Ukraines distributed manufacturing approach demonstrates the importance of production scale and operational resilience against countermeasures. Impact Assessment: This shift is forcing a rethink of traditional air defense doctrines. Military planners are moving toward multi-layered defenses combining electronic warfare, directed energy weapons, and specialized counter-drone capabilities. The economic imbalance in these engagements creates urgency for cost-effective countermeasures. Market Outlook: Companies specializing in low-cost UAS manufacturing, AI for autonomous functions (Anduril, Helsing, Stark Defence, Xtend Defense), counter-drone technologies, and modular subsystems are well-positioned. Established players like IAI, Rafael, AeroVironment, and KNDS are adapting their portfolios, while newer entrants like Firestorm Labs and Cummings Aerospace focus on innovative manufacturing approaches. Artillery crews vulnerability on modern battlefields is accelerating the shift toward automated and autonomous fire support systems. This trend aligns with emerging operational concepts requiring distributed, resilient firepower delivery. (Read the article) Current Developments: Automated turret systems reducing crew sizes (Hanwha K9A2, KNDS RCH155) Fully unmanned platforms (USMC NMESIS, Army AML) Integration of robotics, AI navigation, and secure communications Manned-Unmanned Teaming frameworks Ammunition resupply automation remains a key area for future development. Impact Assessment: Autonomy in artillery is moving rapidly from concept to implementation, driven by operational lessons from modern conflicts. The ability to deploy significant firepower in contested areas with minimal human exposure could transform land warfare doctrine. While full autonomy presents challenges in command and control, cybersecurity, and logistics, even partial automation is already improving survivability and potentially enhancing fire rates. Market Outlook: Companies developing unmanned ground vehicles (Oshkosh), autonomous control systems (Lockheed Martin), advanced artillery platforms with automation features (Hanwha Defense, KNDS, Elbit Systems, Norinco), and robotic ammunition handling systems are central to this trend. AI integration for targeting assistance and autonomous execution represents a key value proposition. Following the INF Treatys termination, the US is developing new conventional theater-range missile systems to counter adversary A2/AD strategies. (Read the article) Program Portfolio: Army: Long-Range Precision Fires initiative including fielded Typhon system, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), and hypersonic Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW/Dark Eagle) Long-Range Precision Fires initiative including fielded Typhon system, Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), and hypersonic Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW/Dark Eagle) Navy: Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic program for Zumwalt-class destroyers and Virginia-class submarines Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic program for Zumwalt-class destroyers and Virginia-class submarines Air Force: Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) These programs support broader operational concepts like Multi-Domain Operations, with Multi-Domain Task Forces and planned Theater Fires Commands as implementation vehicles. Impact Assessment: The US is undertaking a comprehensive, multi-service approach to restore and enhance conventional long-range strike capabilities. The strategy combines the rapid fielding of adapted systems (Typhon) with the longer-term development of advanced hypersonic technologies. While hypersonic programs promise unique operational advantages, they continue to face technical challenges and potential schedule delays. Market Outlook: Major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman, maintain significant involvement in missile development, hypersonic research, and C4ISR systems. L3Harris leads in space-based sensors, while multiple primes contribute to missile defense programs. Investment considerations should account for extended development timelines and inherent technological risks in advanced programs. Evolving anti-armor threats drive widespread adoption of Hard-Kill Active Protection Systems (APS) for vehicle survivability. (Read the article) Mature Systems Entering Service: Rafaels Trophy: Using EFP interceptors, combat-proven in multiple conflicts Using EFP interceptors, combat-proven in multiple conflicts Elbits Iron Fist: Employing blast-fragmentation interceptors for reduced collateral effects Employing blast-fragmentation interceptors for reduced collateral effects Russias Arena-M: Focused on defending against top-attack threats Focused on defending against top-attack threats Turkeys AKKOR/PULAT systems: Domestic capability development Domestic capability development Chinas GL-6: Features high-elevation intercept capability Features high-elevation intercept capability Rheinmetalls StrikeShield: Integrating components within hybrid armor National development programs are also advancing in South Korea (KAPS) and India (DRDO). Impact Assessment: APS technology has reached significant maturity and has been influenced by observations from Ukraine and other conflicts. System diversity reflects different operational philosophies and threat priorities. Challenges remain in integration complexity, cost considerations, size/weight/power constraints, and effectiveness against evolving threats like coordinated swarms and hypersonic weapons. Market Outlook: Key industry participants include Rafael (partnered with Leonardo DRS and EuroTrophy), Elbit Systems, Rheinmetall, Aselsan, KBM, Norinco, and Hanwha Systems. The APS market is experiencing rapid growth as nations equip new and existing vehicle fleets. Companies providing advanced sensors, high-speed processors, novel interceptor technologies, and systems integration expertise are well-positioned. India has concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement with France for 26 Dassault Rafale M fighter aircraft (22 single-seat, 4 trainer variants) for the Indian Navy. The aircraft will primarily serve aboard the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, replacing the aging MiG-29K fleet. (Read the article) Deal Highlights: Comprehensive package including weaponry, training, and logistical support Provisions for upgrading Indias existing Air Force Rafale fleet Deliveries scheduled between mid-2028 and 2031 Engineering challenges with Rafale M dimensions relative to Indian carrier elevator systems Transfer of Technology provisions supporting Indias self-reliance objectives Impact Assessment: This acquisition provides the Indian Navy with a necessary capability enhancement while awaiting the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF). The Rafale M offers substantial improvements over the MiG-29K in sensors, electronic warfare, and armament capabilities, with additional logistical benefits from commonality with the IAF fleet. The elevator compatibility issue presents a notable operational constraint requiring effective mitigation strategies. Market Implications: Dassault Aviation is the primary beneficiary, alongside key suppliers Thales, Safran, and MBDA. Local MRO and production capabilities will benefit Indian industrial partners like HAL and private sector firms. Indigenous weapon developers such as BDL will participate in integration efforts. The Israeli Ministry of Defence is evaluating proposals for integrating loitering munition systems onto Merkava 4 main battle tanks, responding to operational lessons from urban combat. (Read the article) Program Objectives: Provide tank crews with organic beyond-line-of-sight reconnaissance Enable immediate engagement of concealed threats Enhance situational awareness without external assets Deliver precise firepower inherent to the platform Impact Assessment: This integration represents a logical evolution for armored warfare, particularly in complex urban environments. By providing autonomous reconnaissance and strike capabilities, it reduces dependence on external assets and shortens the engagement cycle for proximate threats. Market Outlook: Israeli firms specializing in loitering munitions (UVision, Aeronautics Group, potentially Rafael and Elbit) are considered likely candidates. This initiative may drive further innovation in miniaturized, ruggedized systems optimized for vehicular integration, potentially creating export opportunities. India Tests Barak MRSAM Air Defense System India has successfully conducted operational tests of the Barak MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) system from both naval (INS Surat) and land-based platforms. The system represents a joint development between Israels IAI and Indias DRDO. System Capabilities: Integrated defense against various aerial threats Operational range up to approximately 70 kilometers Advanced radar and command & control systems Mobile launcher configurations Impact Assessment: These successful trials confirm the operational readiness of the MRSAM system across multiple branches of the Indian military, establishing it as a crucial component of Indias layered air defense architecture. The joint development nature highlights the strategic defense partnership between India and Israel. Market Implications: IAI serves as the lead Israeli partner, while Indian collaborators include DRDO and manufacturers under the Make in India initiative (BEL, BDL). Continued program success and potential follow-on orders would benefit these participating entities. Conclusion: The Evolving Defense Landscape The defense technology sector continues its rapid transformation, driven by conflict observations and strategic competition. Low-cost autonomous systems are reshaping battlefield dynamics across domains while autonomy increasingly becomes essential for survivability and effectiveness. Major powers invest heavily in next-generation strike capabilities, particularly hypersonic technologies, while protection systems evolve to counter increasingly sophisticated threats. The prevailing trend points toward systems characterized by greater intelligence, numerosity, autonomy, and resilience across all operational domainspresenting both challenges and opportunities for defense planners and industry participants alike. 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 To most, theyre pancakes but to Torrey Peters, theyre monkey blankets. Eggs are cackleberries, chewing tobacco is Scandihoovian dynamite, and women are skooches and strumpets. Peters immersed herself so deeply in woodcutter slang while writing her remarkable new novella Stag Dance, set in a 19th-century illegal logging camp, that after a day of writing, shed amuse (and/or annoy) her family and friends by slipping into her lumberjack voice. And she doesnt just talk the talk. Peters can walk the walk, or in this case, fell the trees. The story was inspired by the time she spent living in her off-grid, 12-by-12, log cabin in rugged Vermont, in the New England region. Theres no running water, just a stream for bathing. Theres an outdoor kitchen and outhouse; a wood stove heats a sauna. Novelist Torrey Peters. Credit: Leonardo Cendamo I was learning to use a chainsaw because I had to cut the trees for firewood and build a bridge on the logs. Nothing super impressive, but I had to be like This is a spruce, this is a balsam fir. We have beech and maple. I learnt all the different trees and what they do, Peters says, now safely ensconced in her Brooklyn apartment, flashing mint green nails as she talks. Its a real 1880s lifestyle out there, which means that Ill go there for a week at a time, but I think some part of my mind would break if I were there super long. As she worked, Peters wondered about the people who lived such hard and isolated lives, and the experience of the self while alone in the woods, with only the trees to affirm, challenge or question you. Im from the Midwest, and I was raised a boy. If you told my 17-year-old self that when you turn 40, youre going to be in the woods with a chainsaw struggling to build something but feeling grimly pleased with your proficiency, I would have been like, Oh, yeah, that makes sense, Peters says. Advertisement I never would have thought Id have transitioned, but I would have been like, thats a masculine model of being. Well, what does it mean that I did transition and I ended up exactly where my 17-year-old self expected? She had no answer, but those questions laid the first axe-blow for a novel set in a logging camp. During her research, Peters discovered a historical tradition in American frontier camps where dances were held, and some loggers would attend as women. To signify their role, they would attach an inverted brown triangle of fabric over their crotch a practice that becomes a central motif in Stag Dance. Vermont, in the United States, where Torrey Peters owns a tiny cabin. The story follows Babe Bunyan, a large, rugged lumberjack who decides to attend the camps stag dance as a woman, placing him in a rivalry with the younger, more feminine Lisen. Set against the grit and grime of an illegal logging camp, the story evokes the poetic sensibilities of authors like Cormac McCarthy and Herman Melville. Loading The lumberjack vernacular for which Peters drew on a dictionary of logger slang allowed her to approach questions of trans identity through the side door. Phrases like gender dysphoria, she says, have had the life sucked out of them through academic, medical, and online discourse. A lumberjack, however, would never have used that phrase in the first place. This forced Peters to think, and write, about how gender dysphoria feels rather than relying on familiar terms. For Babe, its summed up in the description: No mirror has ever befriended me. I had to reinvent a lot of the trans language that, to me, feels ossified, Peters says. It ended up being quite magical for me that I had this new language to find out these things. They became defamilarised and new for me. Advertisement Stag Dance gives its name to Peters new collection of four stories, each of which deliciously twists familiar genres into unexpected shapes; full of surprises without sacrificing any emotional intensity. The collection also includes Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones, a post-apocalyptic tale where a pandemic renders humans unable to produce sex hormones; the boarding school romance The Chaser; and The Masker, a body horror story set at a cross-dressing convention. Only a few characters are explicitly trans, with Peters more interested in breaking down the binary between trans and cis people, revealing the categories as porous and complex. Peters says the gap between how a person feels in themselves or wants to be seen, and how the world sees them, isnt an experience unique to trans people. For me, coming at it with emotions was the point. Coming at it without identity, without heuristics, or this is how we break it down, is how I am interested in writing these days, Peters says. Its not that I am demanding empathy for trans people. Its actually more than Im demanding that readers have empathy for themselves, and I think in having empathy for themselves Oh yes, Ive felt that way before they can maybe then start to make maps of what other people are doing, they can make intellectual maps based on those emotions. Torrey Peters new collection is Stag Dance. Stag Dance is the final story in Torrey Peters collection and the only one written after her debut novel, Detransition, Baby, became a bestseller in 2021. That novel a comedy of manners about a trio who plan to raise a baby together was described by one critic as the first great trans realist novel. Its longlisting for the Womens Prize for Fiction made Peters the first openly trans woman nominated for the award. However, the nomination drew scrutiny, including an open letter condemning Torreys eligibility by a group called the Wild Woman Writing Club. Peters wrote at the time that she had received an outpouring of hate and expressed hope that the next trans woman to be on the list could at least enjoy the experience more. Peters knows some readers will be disappointed she didnt write another trans Sex in the City in the style of Detransition, Baby and she started work on a financial thriller set in contemporary Brooklyn. But the weight of the expectation felt restrictive, she found liberation a world away from the contemporary in the minds and language of lumberjacks. Advertisement Its not just unexpected for other people. Its very unexpected for myself. But I think thats like a really good place to write from, when youre surprising yourself, Peters says. Nobody was waiting for this. Nobody was like, What we want is a lumberjack novel. In a lot of ways, that freed me to do whatever I wanted. Trans people have increasingly found themselves at the centre of public debate and policymaking in the United States with the Trump administration targeting trans people with executive orders. Loading These include an order that the United States will recognise only a persons sex assigned at birth, and new restrictions on the National Endowment for the Arts, targeting efforts to promote diversity and so-called gender ideology. In a recent essay for New York Magazine, Peters described how under the Trump administration, her passport would be changed from F to M and the consequences that would have when she travelled to Colombia, where she owns an apartment. These policies, Peters says, are designed to intimidate and silence. Initially, she felt overwhelmed by the hostility, but over time, she has become more resolute. Im meant to be scared. Im meant to say home. I am meant not to go anywhere, and the M is meant to stop me from doing that sort of stuff, Peters says. Advertisement Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States, Trump said in his statement. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! Loading Speaking to media on the White House lawn after announcing the move, Trump claimed other nations have been stealing the movie-making capabilities from the United States were making very few movies now. Other nations, a lot of em, have stolen our movie industry. Theyre not willing to make a movie inside the United States. It is true that Hollywood studios have moved much of their production offshore, attracted by tax incentives that make filming cheaper than in California. Australia offers a 30 per cent incentive to foreign productions shooting here through the federal governments location incentive, with state governments typically offering between 10 and 15 per cent on top of that. Post-production and digital effects work is supported by a 30 per cent federal rebate, with some states also offering an additional 10 per cent. Loading Other countries offer incentives, though Australias are among the most generous. Numerous US states offer them as well. Hollywood studios have adopted a footloose approach to production, following the tax dollars and sound stage availability around the world. But Hollywood also still dominates. According to thenumbers.com, the US produced 1151 movies in 2024, and claimed almost 70 per cent of global box office. In 2023-24, Australia recorded a spend of $768 million by foreign (mostly Hollywood) film and television productions, including for post, digital and visual effects production work only. That was down 38 per cent on the year before, and 13 per cent below the five-year average. In response to questions from this masthead, federal Arts Minister Tony Burke indicated his government would not take the move lightly. Ive spoken to the CEO of Screen Australia, and were monitoring this closely, Burke said. Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry. Matthew Deaner, chief executive of lobby group Screen Producers Australia, said it was unclear what this announcement means in practice or how it will be applied and implemented, but predicted no doubt it will send shockwaves worldwide. Deaner added that the move reinforces the need for the government to focus immediately and swiftly on building a resilient local industry that can withstand global shocks like this. NSW and Queensland, where most Hollywood movies made in Australia are shot, and Western Australia, where a new $233 million studio facility is under construction to cater for foreign production, all decried the tariff proposal, while noting the lack of detail in it. Queensland is a powerhouse of film supporting thousands of Gold Coast jobs and businesses, and well be demanding the federal government take up the fight against any draconian tariffs that put this industry at risk, Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said. Wed rather that the US government did not make these sorts of decisions, but we know that our creative industries are very resilient, WA Premier Roger Cook said. This is a bad decision for films and movies whether theyre made in Australia or the United States, NSW Premier Chris Minns said. Its short-sighted and wont work. Though Trump framed it as a move for Hollywood, the proposal is likely to be met with a complex response there. For the studios, a 100 per cent tariff effectively wipes out any advantages afforded by shooting offshore, forcing them to bring work back to the US. For unions representing crew, the move could be popular. But it is already more expensive to film in the US than elsewhere, which is precisely why the studios opt for foreign locations. A flood of projects in the US would not only make productions more expensive, it would drive up the cost of crew, which could have a further inflationary impact and ultimately flow on to the cost of tickets at the cinema, which could reduce attendance. Trumps 100 per cent movie tariff may be designed to stave off Hollywoods fast death. But it just might hasten it instead. With Michael Koziol, Reuters Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles found his attention was divided on Saturday night. Thats because there was a co-main event taking place in Logan City, Greater Brisbane his 29-year-old son, Sam Marles, was the star of the Eternal 95 Mixed Martial Arts fight. We were going to make analogies about the brutalities of political bloodsport on election night, but thought that a little too obvious, even for us. Sam Marles overpowers opponent Nate Law in their Eternal MMA bout on election night. Credit: Eternal MMA The clash of events required some deft multimedia handling by Marles on perhaps the most politically important night of his career, but you cant be member for Corio, deputy prime minister and defence minister as well as a dad to four kids without mastering the juggle. Marles expected the fight in the welterweight division about 10.30pm, so joked with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the week that Labor had to claim victory well before then. But the fight was shifted earlier and took place as media outlets were calling victory for Labor. The felling of a century-old magnolia tree from the boundary of two multimillion-dollar Victorian-style homes has ignited fury among locals in Sydneys eastern suburbs. The towering tree sat directly between a five-bedroom villa and a semi-detached home in Waverley, the trunk bisecting the boundary fence. The large magnolia tree was estimated to have stood for a century. Credit: Now in its place remains a stump. The owner of the five-bedroom stately home, David Thompson, was infuriated to discover his beloved tree, which he believes to be 100 years old, was destroyed while he was away in January. The federal election result carries some hard-won lessons. The overarching lesson for the Liberals is to accept that theyre just not very good at politics. A fundamental failure: Theyve been suffering a shrinking share of womens votes since 1996. But the evidence shows they prefer to keep the boys club intact even if it pushes them into extinction. Illustration by Dionne Gain In their search for guidance after their crushing defeat on Saturday, Liberals and their media allies are turning to sources of conservative wisdom, including Margaret Thatcher. I havent seen any of them citing Thatchers 1975 observation: In politics if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman. The Liberals suffer male-pattern deafness on this wisdom. Women voters are not a minority to be tolerated. They are the majority. On Saturday, just as they did in 2022, female voters of every age preferred Labor. Tightening counts in several teal seats have put Liberal Party candidates squarely back in contention as some party insiders question whether the independent push may have peaked. Bucking the national trend by swinging towards the Liberal Party, the counts in Kooyong, held by teal Monique Ryan, and Goldstein, held by Zoe Daniel, in Melbourne were on a knife-edge late on Monday with postal votes delivering a post-election night surge to challengers Amelia Hamer and Tim Wilson. Independent Zoe Daniel speaking to her supporters on Saturday night. Credit: Penny Stephens Paul Fletchers former Sydney seat of Bradfield was also still in play, with independent Nicolette Boele battling to unseat the Liberal Party candidate, Gisele Kapterian. If Boele ultimately claims the seat, there would be just one Liberal MP between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Ku-ring-gai Chase on the north shore. The shattered Liberal Party is about to make a fateful choice about a new leader when the early frontrunner, Angus Taylor, is yet to convince his colleagues that he is the man for the job. The conservative side of the party is backing the shadow treasurer, putting a solid bloc of votes behind him, and he also has support from some moderates notably Jane Hume, the Victorian senator and finance spokeswoman. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor looms as a potential replacement for Peter Dutton. Credit: Oscar Colman But the secret ballot is unlikely to be decided on neat and tidy factional lines when Liberals admit they are in an existential crisis after their Saturday night smackdown. Taylor appeals to the right, but deputy leader Sussan Ley promises a more centrist approach to keep the party together. Dan Tehan, the immigration spokesman, has an outside chance as a compromise candidate. As election nights go, Saturday was up there at least for the political class. Apart from the counting and the race between the networks, there is the more nuanced study in body language, weasel words and outright wishful thinking. There are the commentators obliged to hide their emotions in the name of objectivity and the party panellists, wishing the night would either end quickly or last forever, depending on whether they were winning or losing. Defeated Coalition leader Peter Dutton concedes on Saturday night. Credit: James Brickwood Then there is the pious act of denial by Jim Chalmers with the occasional now is not the time to dance on Peter Duttons grave as if to signal that the ancient ritual of grave-dancing was about to commence. Then there are the notorious but hollow comfort words, its still early days yet, for those watching their fortunes disappear by the minute. Momentarily, the Liberal Party and the Greens were emotionally connected as storm clouds rolled into the Sunshine State. So voters can compare the candidates on hot-button issues in education, both locally and on a larger scale, Mid-Valley Media sent out questionnaires to all the candidates running in contested races for Sweet Home School District's school board on the May 20 ballot. Zones 7 and 8 are the seats with more than one candidate. Michael Adams, the city attorney for Toledo and incumbent school board member, is running for Zone 7, along with Robert Egner, a precinct committee person for the Linn County Republicans. Erin Barstad, who works for Murphy Veneer, and Matthew Bechtel, who was previously a commercial diver, restaurant manager and enlisted in the Army, are running for Zone 8. What experience, professionally, academically or from a volunteer basis, do you have that speaks specifically to K-12 education? Zone 7 Adams: I have spent six years on the Sweet Home School Board. My wife is an elementary reading teacher for the school district, and my two daughters graduated from Sweet Home. Egner: Currently, I have children enrolled in Sweet Home public schools. My wife and I are longtime volunteers for their sport activities and school events. I regularly speak on behalf of the community at school board and City Council meetings. Zone 8 Barstad: I was raised by a wonderful district employee. Graduated and worked for and have a current enrolled high school junior. I volunteer with Booster Club, FFA and cheer. Bechtel: I home-schooled two children for 10 years. One received the Exceptional Student Performance this Year award during the 2023-24 school year. I earned an associate's degree from Clackamas Community College. Are you happy with the direction the school district is heading? Zone 7 Adams: Yes. The district is generally headed in the right direction, regardless of state over-regulation and the politicization of schools. Being fiscally conservative, allowing teachers to teach, and preparing our children to be successful and good citizens are essential. We need to do what is best for our kids. Egner: This is a very broad question that has numerous answers. Future board members face a growing number of well-known challenges. Lack of public involvement in board meetings is deeply troubling. The failure to end bullying issues on campus is unacceptable. I will focus on correcting our course, rather than maintaining the status quo. Zone 8 Barstad: I think questioning the future is what pushed me to run for this position. I think we are headed further away from a safe and successful future for our youth of our community. Bechtel: Yes, though we can do more. Graduation rates have been rising since COVID-19. Sweet Home's graduation rate of 81% nearly matched the state average of 81.8%, however this was below the national average at 87.9%. Males only graduated at 77%, and this is a critical area that needs improvements. Which areas are room for improvement, both academically and facilities-wise? Zone 7 Adams: Our students need a well-rounded education and the skills necessary to be productive adults. This includes everything from beginning reading through college prep and CTE (vocational) courses. After completing safety and other upgrades to the elementary schools and junior high, we now need to focus on safety and other needed improvements at the high school. Egner: Regardless of high funding levels, Oregon schools are not delivering quality education. The complacency has led our schools into a crisis. The situation was dire before the pandemic occurred. At this time, the major focus must be investing in student outcomes rather than building new facilities. I do support maintaining and improving existing buildings. Zone 8 Barstad: I think it would be wise to invest in students before we invest in more new buildings. Bechtel: Morning meal reform. Students cannot be overloaded on sugar and then be expected to sit in a classroom. Introducing protein, such as eggs, while removing sugary, highly processed carbs. Teachers need more support, with strict disciplinary options for students disrupting the learning environment. An emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines. Focus on reading to improve literacy rates. What can the district do to support the improvement of English learners and special ed students? Zone 7 Adams: We need to meet the needs of ALL Sweet Home students, including students with unique needs. Necessary resources need to be allocated, including staff, to ensure student success. We need to make sure that staff have the necessary training. Students need to be provided with the opportunity to engage in the full range of curriculum and activities available. Egner: That's a really great question. It's imperative that we adequately fund staffing to support the individual needs of each student. Zone 8 Barstad: Staff support and the funding to make that happen. Smaller classes, more training. Bechtel: I believe English learners and special ed students need their own classroom. This is not to segregate these students but to ensure they get the personal attention they require to succeed, while not slowing the other students down. What can the district do to improve the graduation rate? Zone 7 Adams: Graduation rates have improved, including this last year exceeding the state average. A strong K-12 program is needed to impact graduation rates, as success begins in elementary school. Continuing to provide sports, activities and other opportunities will make students motivated to learn skills and develop a love of lifelong learning. Egner: Let's focus on the immediate crisis, which I stated in my previous answer. Zone 8 Barstad: We need to focus on current students and work for the future. Bechtel: Educators should recognize the early warning signs exhibited by students who are beginning to disengage from the school system; skipping class, missing assignments, etc. A proactive approach must be developed for students to ensure they have a pathway to success. This can be achieved through personal engagement with the student. What do you think of the Trump administrations dismantling of the U.S Department of Education? If youre glad to return education to the states, are you essentially on board with the states educational standards? Zone 7 Adams: Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and returning education to the states sounds appealing, but education is already mainly managed at the state and local levels. States establish standards, adopt curricula, set graduation requirements, license teachers, and primarily fund public education. Local school boards and communities decide how to implement those policies in their own classrooms. No, I am not completely on board with the states one-sided educational standards. The state has pushed to take away local control in recent legislative sessions. Increasing the number of laws and administrative rules will not fix our education system. Egner: This question is all about why I'm running. Our students and parents expect better. We deserve academic excellence while providing balanced opportunities for all kids in the district. Politicizing public school curriculum is doing a disservice to our children. The focus on misguided priorities has resulted in failure. This too must be corrected. Zone 8 Barstad: Didn't leave answer. Bechtel: The responsibilities of the Department of Education are being shifted to other U.S. departments. The goal is better efficiency and less waste. We should expect an adjustment period. I am dissatisfied with the state's educational standards. Oregon ranks in the mid-30s for overall quality of education in the U.S., yet Oregonians are among the most taxed in the nation. We would do better with a return to the three 'R's' of education (reading, writing, and 'rithmetic) and an emphasis on the STEM disciplines. Standardized testing, which Oregon opts out of, is a good metric to identifying student needs. The Trump administration has threatened to withhold funds from schools and universities that do not eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. What does DEI mean to you? Should K-12 schools have DEI programs? Zone 7 Adams: The administration has started withholding funds from many universities, and instructed agencies to remove anything related to diversity, equity and inclusion from its training and websites. He is the president. It is important that all children and staff in our schools feel safe and valued, regardless of any individual characteristic, sex, race or other protected class. I am not certain that we need a program to make it happen. At least in the military, I experienced too much repetitive DEI training. We, as a district, just need to care for kids, teach them and ensure they are safe Egner: Didn't leave an answer. Zone 8 Barstad: Did not leave an answer. Bechtel: "American exceptionalism" used to be a relevant ideology. DEI and affirmative action have only served to lower the standards across American institutions. We already provide equal opportunity through anti-discrimination laws, however, we cannot provide an equal outcome. As individuals, some people desire to raise the bar and set higher standards, while others are satisfied doing less. People should be hired based on merit, not gender or racial identification. Those who suffer the most from DEI programs are the children, as they learn their personal achievements matter less than their skin color. Given that many school districts are either experiencing or will experience a financial shortfall, how would you make strategic cuts to the budget? Zone 7 Adams: When considering cuts to a budget or a financial shortfall, public participation in the process is critical. We need to get input from parents, the public and staff. We need to think strategically and consider the long-term effects as we make these difficult decisions. Egner: I know what its like to make a budget work with less. If cuts become necessary, I will fight vigorously to maintain the current number of teachers. I am 100% supportive of our teachers. Zone 8 Barstad: If it was necessary to make budget cuts, I will fight to hold our current number of teachers! Bechtel: The No. 1 priority in the school is the students and their ability to learn. When making strategic cuts, it's vital to minimize negative impacts to student learning and safety. I would evaluate nonessential services and programs and consider removing them from the budget. Some services are protected by law. How much parental input should there be with respect to curriculum, facilities and library books, and how would you balance parents who disagree? Zone 7 Adams: Parental input is critical to the process. The district does try to get public input through surveys and providing opportunities for the public to review curriculum. If someone doesnt agree, you listen, objectively, and really try to understand what they are communicating. Dont assume that you know everything. Egner: The current level of parental participation is very low. I am an advocate for increased parental involvement. When elected, I will focus on removing restrictions to parental participation, while prioritizing a change in the order of agenda items at meetings. Zone 8 Barstad: I believe if a parent wants to be involved, they should be allowed. I do think more parents need to get involved. Bechtel: Parents must be involved in the education of their children through open communication with the educators and school board. Often the state goes against traditional family values and challenges social norms, particularly with unnecessarily controversial issues. I believe parents know what is best for their children, not the state. Are your district schools safe enough with respect to a potential shooter? What would you do to safeguard students more? Zone 7 Adams: Yes, but more work can always be done to improve safety. The district has secured entrances at schools and installed cameras. Previously, I have been a big supporter of ensuring there is a school resource officer. The high school needs more security, but the district is looking at creative solutions. Egner: This has come up in the past. I did attend meetings to hold our local police and boards accountable, regarding the safety of our kids when we had an issue at Foster. I stood up for the parents and the children, leading to a dramatically improved policy. I met the issue head-on. Our schools are safer because of my efforts. Zone 8 Barstad: I do believe they are safer than they were in the past. Bechtel: Monitor and engage students who display signs of anti-social behavior. Ensure their needs are being met. Improve counseling and mental health resources. Enforce a strict "no-bullying" policy. Foster a positive culture within the school through community engagement. Increase physical security and implement video surveillance in classrooms. Keep parents informed. Do you have eyes for higher office? Zone 7 Adams: No. I am focused on working to support our students and our community. Egner: Absolutely not. My involvement is all about schools and our community Zone 8 Barstad: NO. Bechtel: I will be running for a seat on the Sweet Home City Council in 2026. If you have one, whats your favorite podcast or book? Zone 7 Adams: I listen to a variety of legal and military podcasts, and read many books, but I cannot pinpoint my favorites. Egner: "Shawn Ryan Show" and "DarkHorse Podcast" with Bret Weinstein. Zone 8 Barstad: Anything by Nicholas Sparks. Bechtel: Although I do not have a favorite book, I enjoy reading non-fiction, survival stories. I am currently reading "Out of Captivity" by Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell, Tom Howes and Gary Brozek. Related stories: American polling guru Nate Silver calls it the first rule of interpreting survey results: almost all polling errors occur in the opposite direction to commentators predictions. Silver explained this rule in 2017, when many observers expected French far-right leader Marine Le Pen to do better than polls suggested in her countrys presidential election. Instead, it was the centrist Emmanuel Macron who outperformed the polls. Pollsters underestimated the level of support for Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party. Credit: James Brickwood This phenomenon struck again in Saturdays federal election. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton repeatedly told reporters that the Coalitions internal research was rosier than public polls as he forecast Coalition victories in seats that werent on anyones radar. Some believed him, perhaps persuaded by the Coalitions surprise victory in 2019 and Donald Trumps repeated ability to outperform his poll results. Trumps success has popularised the notion there are shy conservative voters who are not willing to share their political opinions with pollsters. The federal Liberals looked to tie Albanese to Allan in key federal seats with flyers and posters depicting both leaders under the title double trouble for Victorians. While the Albanese government did not campaign on the SRL it refused to commit federal funds to the $35 billion project beyond the $2.2 billion it had previously announced Allan said the project was implicitly on the ballot due to the Coalitions pledge to scrap it. I think if you spend any time out and about on the ground in local communities, the Suburban Rail Loop was being talked about, she said. It was being talked about on doors. It was being talked about on the streets. The communities understood. The Coalition advertising campaign which described Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan as Double Trouble. Credit: Michael Read When asked whether she accepted that her governments unpopularity was a genuine issue for her federal colleagues in the campaign, Allan did not address the question directly. She suggested every vote for federal Labor was, in effect, an endorsement of her government. What Victorians were focused on is what federal and state Labor governments are focused on. We share a value set in the Labor movement. We are on the side of working people, we are on the side of families. We understand, in a global, challenging economic environment, that families are looking to their government to do more. Steve Dimopoulos, one of the state MPs who applauded the arrival of his leader on Monday, took the argument one step further. Three-year-old kinder, womens health, infrastructure projects, employment, free TAFE they are all Labor values and, frankly, they are policy initiatives that the Victorian Labor government has come up with, and good governments, like [South Australian Premier Peter] Malinauskas and the prime minister have taken a leaf out of that book. Loading We are the powerhouse of Labor values in this country. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, during an interview with ABC Radio, was asked whether the SRL had helped the federal campaign. I think ultimately, this was an election which was decided on federal issues, he said. One of the things that is clear in Australian politics is that ultimately, Australians do know the tier of government they are voting for. Labors long-serving member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, put it more bluntly. He confirmed people had concerns about the state government but said they were over-ridden by those about what a Dutton government would mean. People were smart enough to know there was a difference, he told this masthead. There were plenty of people who said, Look, Im not overly happy with Labor, you havent fixed everything. But, particularly with women, if you said Do you want Peter Dutton as your prime minister? it was a pretty simple f--- no. Evidence of voters separating state and federal issues can be found in polling booths in Melbournes west, where voters cast ballots on Saturday only three months after having their say in the Werribee state byelection. In Manor Lakes and Wyndham Vale, the same polling places which returned primary votes of 30 and 27 per cent for state Labor MP John Lister endorsed federal MP Joanne Ryan with 45 per cent of the vote. At Manorvale Primary School in Werribee, the same electors who reduced Labors vote to just 24.4 per cent in the byelection gave Labor 42.6 per cent in the federal poll. Victoria played a critical role in the re-election of the Albanese government. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on election night that it was the state Labor needed to successfully defend to win. Depending on which way undecided electorates fall, it may end up delivering 27 of 38 Victorian seats to the federal government. The Albanese government committed only $2.2 billion towards the $35 billion Suburban Rail Loop. Credit: Justin McManus At the same time, the 1.4 per cent swing towards Labor recorded in Victoria on Saturday was half the strength of the national swing. In NSW, it was 3.2 per cent, South Australia 5 per cent, and in Tasmania, it was 8 per cent. Over the Christmas and new year break, ALP party polling warned of a very different outcome. Three party figures, not authorised to discuss internal research, suggested that Labor was at risk of losing Aston, Chisholm, Dunkley and Bruce in Melbournes east and south-east, Hawke and Gorton in the citys west, and McEwen in the north. Households struggling to buy a home or make mortgage repayments are being warned of the risks of choosing interest-only home loans, as a new product hits the market that would cut their repayments for a decade. The proportion of interest-only loans, which had been popular with buyers a decade ago, has halved in dollar terms over the past six years, and did not tick up as interest rates rose because home owners found other ways to manage rising repayments. Tighter lending criteria as the bank regulator cracked down on riskier loans, and higher interest rates, made them less popular, experts say. But this week AMP launched a new loan for owner-occupiers that offers a 10-year interest-only period, double the standard length of time. While James Packer was busy making real estate moves in America earlier this week, the head of his family office was busy preparing his own distinguished trophy home for the market back in Australia. Lawrence Myers, chief executive of James Packers family office Consolidated Press Holdings, and his wife Sylvia have listed their exquisite Rose Bay home with a price guide above $90 million. The picture-perfect views of the Myers familys house in Rose Bay. Credit: In what could be one of the top sales for the year and set to smash the suburb record by almost double, the waterfront estate in one of the most tightly held pockets of Sydney is a sight to behold. With gun barrel views of the harbour, the 1039-square-metre parcel of verdant land is almost unmatched. A hikers refuge Rifugio Coldai. My partner and I are experienced hikers we have hiked the multi-day remote Nadgee wilderness through southern NSW into northern Victoria, and prior to the Dolomites wed spent a week hiking in the Swiss Alps. So we went into the Alta Via 1 with confidence. We werent carrying days worth of food or camping equipment, and its a popular hike. How hard could it really be? On the first two days, the sheer beauty of our surroundings, coupled with the novel luxury of being able to sleep in a soft bed after a carb-laden dinner followed by cake and schnapps more than made up for the aching legs. It was day three that really tested us, as thanks to our late booking (a word of warning on that later), we had to stay in a rifugio (cabin) that was a decent detour from the main trail. But it was also the most spectacular day of the hike. We were treated to panoramic views of the Dolomites on the steep ascent to Forcella di Lago, one of the toughest mountain passes on the hike then the next section took us towards Mount Lagazuoi, a Mars-like gravel landscape of burnt umber and Dolomite grey with great jutting peaks and towers. Scattered about this landscape, more than 2000 metres above sea level, the landscape bore man-made scars. A sad history in a spectacular place The hike begins a stones throw from the Italian-Austrian border, and the Dolomites themselves sit largely within a region called Trentino-Alto Adige, also known as the South Tyrol. It was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire before World War I. During that war, the area formed part of the White War the improbable alpine battlegrounds, largely in the Dolomites, where tens of thousands of Italians and Austrians fought and died in bitter conditions. A cave frames a Dolomites view. Credit: iStock Trenches and ruined huts dot the landscape, and cutouts high up in the mountains and cliffs show the lengths the Austrian and Italian troops went to in creating kilometres of supply and stealth attack tunnels as well as high sentry positions. After more than 20 kilometres of hiking through the fierce mountainscapes and World War I trenches, up and over precipitous alpine passes and along hairy gravel paths (including a detour after vertigo got the better of both of us along a particularly narrow and dizzying gravel track), it was a view of the final climb to our nights accommodation that really pushed me. The so-called path to our next nights accommodation looked more like a goat track zig-zagging up what looked like a cliff. A quick call to our host confirmed that this was indeed the fastest way up. There were tears as a chamois, a species of goat-antelope, watched us slog up the final stretch in the rain. At least we had a hot meal to welcome us at the end of a very long day. Schnapps, sachertorte and speck: Austrian influence runs deep One of the highlights of the hike is the accommodation: mountain cabins called rifugios, many of which are family run, and all of which offer food, drink and a refuge for weary hikers to sleep. Thanks to the mixed history of the region, the food here is not what most people would traditionally expect of Italian fare: sure, there is plenty of spaghetti bolognaise, but speck with eggs and potatoes features on almost every menu, as does polenta, venison, schnitzel, and sauerkraut with sausages. Most rifugios offer a half-board option, which includes your bed, two to three courses for dinner, and breakfast the next morning. While stopping for a coffee and a hot lunch is always an option, many rifugios also offer a packet lunch. For about 10 ($16.50) you receive a sandwich, a snack and a drink to take with you. The more expensive rifugios have rather romantic mountain-style dining and sleeping settings (and a steeper price: a private room at Rifugio Fanes with a private bathroom set two of us back 220 for one night). What goes up, must eventually come down. Credit: Adobe Other rifugios are more basic, but still an enjoyable stay. Rifugio Citta di Fiume is a smaller hut that is part of the Italian Alpine Club network and at 75 per person a night provides miniature dormitories (hot showers cost extra), but the frittata at dinner is delightful and the hut has cracking views of Mount Civetta, one of the highest peaks in the Dolomites. However, thanks to the popularity of the hike and the short mid-July to mid-September hiking season, many of these providers book out early. I found this out the hard way when I went to book an August trip five months ahead, and ended up having to make inquiries with about 30 rifugios, and in some cases getting our third choice for a particular leg of the hike. We opted for a 10-day version of the trek, and the resulting plan meant we had some short days of six kilometres, but also a couple of large, tough days. Dolomite dogs and icy dips Despite the perks of the hike including regular coffee and strudel breaks and afternoon Aperol spritzes or maybe because of them the climbs did not get any easier. To add insult to injury, we were regularly overtaken by dachshunds and chihuahuas defying their stature to sprint over rocks and patches of mud with their owners, as we continued our uphill (and then downhill, then uphill) slog. Thats because while the hike is rugged, large swaths of it are extremely accessible, either via road or cable car. So among the through-hikers, there were many day-trippers in jeans. One man carried his French bulldog like a baby in a carrier strapped to his chest. Having planned for 10 days, we cut our hike at six, conveniently avoiding a 21-kilometre day with a knee-aching 1400 metres of ascent and 1800 metres of descent. An alpine lake along the trail. Credit: iStock Our final stop was Coldai, with a pristine but icy lake, huge helpings of soft potato gnocchi served with a classic bolognese at Rifugio Coldai, a couple of large beers, and the piercing warning calls of marmots echoing around the peaks. THE DETAILS TRAIN + BUS The hike begins at Lago di Braies near the alpine town of Dobbiaco/Toblach, and the closest international airport is Venice. From there, either train or bus is the best way to reach the alps. Companies such as Flixbus offer direct transfers from about $40. From Belluno, at the end of the hike, bus and train transfers to Venice are frequent, but try to book ahead in peak season. Loading STAY The rifugios vary in price, averaging roughly 89 ($150) a person including half board (bed and two meals). If the entire Alta Via 1 is too much, nearby resort town Cortina DAmpezzo is a good base for some of the highlights, including the spectacular Cinque Torri. HIKING Pack light. Use a small backpack (30 litres is ideal) as you wont have much to carry besides clothes and sunscreen and your legs will thank you for it. To avoid some huge hiking days and accommodation disappointment, book as early as possible. Building up your mountain hiking with and without a pack will stand you in good stead for the elevation gain on the Alta Via 1. MORE For those interested in having someone else do the hard work of booking, companies including Bookatrekking.com and Mont Trekking offer various guided or self-guided packages. See bookatrekking.com or monttrekking.com If you want to plan it yourself, apps such as The Hiking Club (membership from 89) help you plot the route, find contact details for rifugios and see just what sort of distance and terrain youll have to tackle between huts. See thehiking.club My mother was a wonderful knitter. In fact, Im named after a pattern from one of the books she regularly followed when knitting up a storm of jumpers and cardigans for the family. I was never much good at it myself. I was taught well, but it was a matter of patience. I mostly stuck to knitting long scarves because they gave me the quickest results. Knitting while in the airport or on a plane is a new trend. Credit: Getty Images Patience is a skill. And where these days do you need patience the most? Travelling, of course. Ive noticed an increase in people bringing their knitting along on their travels. Its not uncommon to see someone quietly working on a jumper during a flight or crocheting a blanket square while sitting at a departure gate. Washington: US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to congratulate him on his election victory, and the two men had a warm and positive conversation canvassing trade and the AUKUS security pact, Albanese said. The phone call paves the way for a future in-person meeting, possibly at next months G7 meeting in Canada, which Albanese confirmed he would attend as an invited guest, or in Washington. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he spoke to President Donald Trump from The Lodge a short while ago. Credit: James Brickwood I thanked him for his very warm message of congratulations, Albanese said. We talked about AUKUS and tariffs. Well continue to engage. Well engage with each other on a face-to-face basis at some time in the future ... I thanked him for reaching out in such a positive way. I wont go into all of the personal comments that he made. But he was very generous in his personal warmth and praise towards myself. He was fully aware of the outcome, and he expressed the desire to continue to work with me in the future. One district, One Registrationfor property commences in Mah MUMBAI : MAHARASHTRA Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday announced the launch of the OneDistrict,OneRegistration scheme, which will enable citizens to register their property at any sub-registrars office within their district. Currently, people have to go for registration to the sub-registrars office in the area where they buy property. This initiative will significantly ease the registration process by saving time and reducing paperwork for the public, Bawankule said. The BJP minister said the Government would soon implement theOne State,One Registration concept, which will allow property registration across districts regardless of theirlocation. Underthisplan, for example, a property in Nagpur could be registered from any district in the state, he said.Bawankule was speaking to reporters in Pune. He said strict action would be taken against those officials indulging in corruption in land records offices and taking bribes for property registrations. Likepoliticians,officials should also publicly declare their assets, he asserted. Bawankule said dismissal proceedingsagainstseniorrevenue department officials found guilty of corruption would be initiated soon. About the recent tensions over land acquisition for the Purandar airport project in Pune district, Bawankule said, It is completely unacceptable that farmers were subjected to lathicharge.Ifrequired,ameeting will be held under CM DevendraFadnavissleadership toresolvetheissue.Bawankule saidFadnavisstenurehasbeen successful and transparent. 39 held in Assam for defendingPakistan after J&K attack GUWAHATI : TWO more persons have been apprehended in Assam for defending Pakistan on Indian soil, taking the total number of arrested people to 39 since the Pahalgam terror attack last month, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Sarma also said the two were arrested from Hojai and South Salmara-Mankachar districts. #Update on Crackdown against traitors for defending Pakistan on Indian soil... A total of 39 Anti Nationals put behind bars till now, the Chief Minister said on X on Saturday night. Earlier, Opposition AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly defending Pakistan and its complicity in the Pahalgam terror attack. After Navy chief, IAF chiefA P Singh meets PM Modi NEW DELHI : CHIEF of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Sunday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is understood to have discussed the security situation arising out of the rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting came less than 24 hours after Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi apprised the Prime Minister on the overall situation in the critical sea lanes in the Arabian Sea. There is no official word on the Modi-Singh meeting yet. Citing cross-border linkages to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, India has promised severe punishment to those involved in the strike. In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass, Prime Minister Modi on last Tuesday gave the Armed Forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of the response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Modi also emphasised the national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. 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 land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties. In response, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended all trade with India, including through third countries. In fresh punitive measures, India imposed a complete ban on imports of goods from Pakistan on the grounds of national security and public policy. DRDO conducts maidentrials of stratosphericairship platform NEW DELHI : To boost militarys surveillance capabilities Can remain airborne for very long at stratospheric heights INDIA successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of a stratospheric airship platform which is being developed to boost the militarys surveillance capabilities. Very few countries in the world have developed such a complex platform, officials said. The flight trial was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Sheopur in Madhya Pradesh. DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat said the prototype flight is a milestone towards realisation of lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems that can remain airborne for very long endurance at stratospheric heights. The airship platform was launched with an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kms, according to the Defence Ministry. The successful flight trials of the platform came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO for the successful maiden flight-trial of the system. This system will uniquely enhance Indias Earth observation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities, he said. The DRDO successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of stratospheric airship platform from Sheopur trial site in MP on May 3, the Defence Ministry said. Data from onboard sensors was received and would be utilised for development of high-quality fidelity simulation models for future highaltitude airship flights, the Ministry said. Envelop pressure control and emergency deflation systems were deployed in flight for their performance evaluation,it said. Trial team recovered the system for further investigation. The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes, it said. Ganja smuggling attempt via air cargo foiled at Nagpur airport Staff Reporter ; Smugglers have found a new route for transporting illegal drugs - through flight cargo. A major attempt to smuggle ganja was uncovered at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport late Saturday night, when security staff discovered a suspicious parcel containing over 10 kg of the ganja (Marijuana) during routine checks at the cargo section. The parcel, which had arrived from Odisha via a courier company, was flagged during scanning around 11 pm. Security manager Yogendra Borikar noticed a multi-coloured rag bag inside a parcel that appeared unusual. Upon closer inspection, green plant material was seen inside and a strong smell was coming from the package. Borikar immediately informed Sonegaon Police. Soon after, Sonegaon Police station in-charge Nitin Magar, along with API Achal Kapoor, reached the spot with a team. The parcel was re-checked using the domestic screening machine which reveals green flowers, seeds and leaves. On opening the package, police recovered 10 kg and 28 grams of ganja. The parcel was addressed from Rahul Fitness Gym located in Indira Chowk, Odisha, and was intended for Rahul Fitness in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. However, when police contacted the gym operator, he denied sending any parcel and said his gym has no branch in Shahjahanpur. Investigation revealed that the parcel had reached Nagpur by road from Odisha and was supposed to be flown to Delhi. From there, it was to be transported to Shahjahanpur by road. No specific delivery address was mentioned - only a name, suggesting someone would collect it directly from the courier office. Sonegaon Police have registered a case under various sections of the NDPS Act. Police Inspector Nitin Magar stated that the police will first go to Odisha to question the delivery company involved in transporting the parcel. Since the senders name and phone number were mentioned, his statement will also be recorded. Police believe this method is designed to avoid direct links and detection to make probe more complicated. Houthi ballistic missile hitsnear Israels biggest airport TEL AVIV : A BALLISTIC missile launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen struck near Israels Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday after multiple interception attempts by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) failed, prompting a temporary halt in all takeoffs and landings at the countrys main international airport. However, the Israel Airport Authority confirmed the reopening of airspace following the temporary suspension of flight operations. The missile impacted a grove adjacent to an access road within the airports perimeter. However, a direct hit on terminal infrastructure was averted. In the area of Ben Gurion Airport, an impact was identified, said the IDF in a statement, confirming that several attempts to intercept the missile had failed. The Israeli Air Forces aerial defence units are now probing the reasons behind the unsuccessful interceptions. Following the missile strike, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning: Whoever harms us, we will strike them sevenfold. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the breach of Israels air defence and the missiles impact site near one of the countrys most sensitive zones. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israels national emergency service, reported that eight people were injured in the attack. A man in his 50s sustained light-to-moderate trauma injuries to his limbs. Two women, aged 54 and 38, were reported to be in good condition after being affected by the shockwave. A 64-year-old man was lightly injured by debris, while two more women, aged 22 and 34, suffered injuries while running for shelter. Two others were treated for acute anxiety. All the injured were transported to hospitals in central Israel. Air Indias flight diverted to Abu Dhabi NEW DELHI, May 4 (PTI) AN AIR India flight from the national capital to Tel Aviv was diverted to Abu Dhabi on Sunday as there was a missile attack near the airport in the Israeli city, according to sources. The attack happened less than an hour before the Air India flight AI139, operated with a Boeing 787 aircraft, was to land at Tel Aviv. They said the flight will be coming back to Delhi. By Laman Ismayilova From ancient patterns to global collaboration, Azerbaijan celebrates the enduring legacy of carpet weaving in its historic Old City. Beneath the ancient stone arches of Baku's Icherisheher, where each alley whispers tales of centuries past, the vibrant threads of global artistry came together in celebration. The International Carpet Festival, held at Gosha Gala Square, turned the walled city into a living tapestry of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural unity. The festival was organized by Azerkhalcha OJSC and the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve Administration with the support of the Economy Ministry and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency - AZPROMO. The large-scale event welcomed carpet makers, designers, and cultural figures from around the world. Countries such as Turkiye, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Tatarstan (Russian Federation) were represented, each contributing their unique approach to the ancient art of carpet weaving. The Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve, Rufat Mahmud, addressed the opening ceremony of the festival. "This is an event that unites many cultures, traditions, and arts. Holding a carpet festival in a place where these stone walls are witnesses to a thousand-year history is of particular importance. Because the streets, stones, alleys, and buildings of the Old City are interconnected, harmonious, and significant, like carpet patterns," he said. Chairman of the Board of Azerkhalcha OJSC, Honored Artist Emin Mammadov pointed out that this year the festival's geography has expanded. "We have already traditionally met in early May. Because according to the Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev in 2016, Azerbaijan celebrates Carpet Weaver's Day on May 5. We are very pleased that we are holding a traditional festival on the eve of such a holiday. Last year, we organized the National Carpet Festival. As a continuation of that remarkable success, this year we launched the International Carpet Festival. Guests from different countries have been invited to the festival. An interesting and rich festival program awaits each of you in Icherisheher," he stated. Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev emphasized that the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving has contributed to world culture for centuries: "Today, these traditions continue. We thank those who contributed to the organization of the festival," he noted. The event's centerpiece was a breathtaking performance inspired by Mir Jalal Pashayev's novel "Manifesto of a Young Man." Directed by Nigar Hasanzade and featuring the acclaimed pantomime artistry of People's Artist Parviz Mammadzayev, the performance emphasized the carpet's place as both a work of art and a symbol of family honor. Throughout the festival, attendees of all ages were treated to a vibrant schedule of activities, including open-air concerts, local artisan fairs, street performances, and a film screening series. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity, tradition, and cultural exchange. A standout attraction was the hands-on engagement offered by 28 master weavers from 14 workshops of Azerkhalcha OJSC. Guests enjoyed the magic of yarn spinning, dyeing, and knotting in real timeand even tried their hand at weaving under the guidance of seasoned professionals. This year's festival also carried deep cultural significance, commemorating two major milestones: the 25th anniversary of Icherisheher's inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the 15th anniversary of Azerbaijani carpet weaving's recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the end, the International Carpet Festival was more than a celebrationit was a declaration that tradition remains relevant, that artistry transcends borders, and that Azerbaijan's cultural legacy continues to be woven, thread by precious thread, into the fabric of world heritage. With its rich program, international flair, and reverence for tradition, the International Carpet Festival once again proved that the threads of culture are strongest when woven together. A reminder of the growing emphasis from governments on ensuring that local data stays within their borders comes from Azerbaijan, where edge AI, cloud, network, and security solutions provider Gcore has announced a strategic partnership with state-owned service provider AzInTelecom. The collaboration will focus on developing sovereign cloud services that offer advanced protection and full compliance with Azerbaijan's data regulations. The Gcore and AzInTelecom collaboration aims to roll out sovereign, low-latency cloud infrastructure across Azerbaijan. Through the strategic partnership, says Gcore, the sovereign cloud will accelerate digital transformation projects for both businesses and government institutions in Azerbaijan, supporting the country's vision for technological innovation and data sovereignty. Within the framework of this collaboration, the parties say they have recently started offering reliable cloud solutions to users. Under this partnership, the AzInCloud platform, as it is known, will provide an expanded suite of cloud services equipped with modern tools. The live platform will offer users easy management, a wide selection of operating systems, a cloud marketplace, real-time monitoring services, and other advantages. AzInCloud operates as a public cloud service based on a pay-as-you-use model. The portal is accessible to everyone, including legal entities, small and medium-sized businesses, individual entrepreneurs, and individuals. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Luxembourg, Gcore manages an extensive global network consisting of more than 180 edge nodes across six continents and including more than 50 cloud locations. The partnership with AzInTelecom in the field of cloud technologies marks a first for Gcore in the region. AzInTelecom is a state-owned company operating under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. It provides cloud services, data storage, and cybersecurity solutions to businesses, government bodies and individuals. Some years after Googles failed attempt to commercialise high altitude platform stations (HAPS), AALTO HAPS, a subsidiary of aerospace corporation Airbus based in the UK, says it is still on track for commercial HAPS services to begin in 2026 and that it has set a world record for global aviation with its solar-powered Zephyr HAPS. Designed, manufactured and operated by AALTO, Zephyr concluded 67 days, 6 hours and 52 minutes of continuous flight in the stratosphere on 28 April 2025. This, we are told, surpassed Zephyrs previous flight record of 64 days in 2022 and breaks the world record for longest flight duration that has stood for half a century. After launching from what it calls its AALTOPORT in Kenya on 20 February 2025, Zephyr conducted connectivity payload testing before transiting to Australian airspace. During this transit, Zephyr navigated seven different flight information regions, the most ever recorded by a HAPS. The aircraft also crossed the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) twice a demonstration of Zephyrs stability and performance during changing weather conditions in southern and northern hemispheres. The ITCZ is a low-pressure belt near the Earth's equator where the trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge, leading to frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain. The record-breaking flight terminated safely over a designated aviation sanctuary area in the Indian ocean. This flight was facilitated by a regulatory framework in Kenya, led by the Kenya Space Agency and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. With the support of its regulators, shareholders and partners, AALTO is preparing to commercialise HAPS services with initial targeted entry-into-service in Japan during 2026. As for what that service will be, as a payload-agnostic platform Zephyr can deliver several applications including targeted surveillance, disaster management, border protection, and precision agriculture. Its not clear how or whether Zephyr will also be used to support communications in remote areas or emerging markets, for which HAPS, if commercially feasible, could be ideal. However, recent AALTO news in these pages includes MoUs in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Yes Significant efforts are being made No Much more needs to be done Some progress But there are still critical gaps Vote View Results Hedra is a cutting-edge content creation platform designed to help users effortlessly generate high-quality videos, images, and audio. By harnessing the power of Character-3 technology and AI tools, Hedra simplifies the content creation process for creators, marketers, and businesses alike. Features With Hedra Studio, creating compelling content has never been easier. Users can quickly generate high-quality character videos for their projects in just three simple steps: Input dialogue or clone your voice Easily add the dialogue you want your character to say, or utilize the voice cloning feature to make it sound more authentic. Generate or upload an image Create a character using Hedras image generator, or upload your own image to personalize your content. Generate your video By clicking Generate, your video will be ready in a matter of minutes. Additionally, creating videos in Hedra is a seamless process. Users can follow these steps to generate videos effortlessly: Generate or upload an image Utilize Hedras image-to-video models or input a text prompt with text-to-video models. Choose video settings Customize animation styles, backgrounds, and other effects to enhance your video. Generate your video With a simple click, Hedra processes your video in just a few minutes. For those looking to create AI-generated images, Hedras platform supports this with ease. Users can follow these steps to generate their images: Enter a text description Describe the character or scene you envision. Choose an image model Select from Hedras available AI models to bring your vision to life. Refine details Adjust settings for style, quality, and aspect ratio to achieve the desired look. Generate With the click of a button, your image will be ready for use. Furthermore, Hedra offers support for a variety of video types, including general-purpose videos ideal for marketing, storytelling, social media, and business use. Users can also explore Character-3 powered videos that feature full-body animated characters, realistic expressions, and dynamic backgrounds, as well as lip-synced animated videos that seamlessly sync facial animations with voiceovers. Additionally, cartoon-style and artistic animations are available to cater to diverse visual preferences. In conclusion, Hedra is a versatile and user-friendly content creation tool that empowers creators to craft engaging and high-quality videos and images efficiently. Whether youre a marketer, storyteller, or business professional, Hedras innovative platform offers a plethora of features to enhance your content creation process. Pricing hedra offers pricing plans starting from Free with 400 credits per month, Basic at $10/month for 1,000 credits, Creator at $30/month for 3,600 credits, Professional at $75/month for 11,000 credits, and a customizable Enterprise plan with advanced features. Save 20% on annual billing. Visit hedra.com for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. Revitalise business, deliver tax reform, repair the Budget, says CPA Australia Culture shift needed to promote business growth through reduced regulation Australias largest accounting body CPA Australia today congratulated the Albanese Government on its re-election and urged it to seize the opportunity of its renewed mandate to revitalise, reform and repair the Australian economy. CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland says he looks forward to the government delivering a clear and optimistic vision for how it plans to improve business productivity, inspire innovation and deliver a culture-shift that promotes growth through reduced regulatory pressure. Amid so much global uncertainty, the government should implement a long-term strategic plan to improve Australias economic prospects, not just for this term but for future generations, Mr Freeland said. The Albanese Government should revitalise business through improved policy development and consultation, removing regulatory burdens and barriers to growth, while inspiring more Australians to have a go themselves. We are reassured by Treasurer Jim Chalmers statement on the ABC last night that making the economy more productive is part of the governments agenda. The government also has an opportunity to use the next parliament to reform tax policy, with a plan to reduce bracket creep and Australias dependence on personal income tax. The accounting profession has long called for a public discussion on substantive tax reform, free from the short-term political pressures that usually curtail any chances of genuine reform. We strongly advocate for a substantive and transparent review of all taxes at Commonwealth, state and local level. Further, the regulatory environment of recent years has made Australia a less attractive place to do business. A major contributor to this has been the increasing volume and complexity of regulation, and the uncertain it creates. Individual regulations are often well-intended, but the cumulative burden can overwhelm businesses, especially SMEs, and contributes to our productivity problem. A prolonged period of instability and uncertainty means the government should also now focus its efforts on repairing the national Budget and bringing the deficit under greater control. Mr Freeland says the accounting profession is set to play a crucial and collaborative role in this term of government as accountants are critical to Australias economic success, supporting the integrity of capital markets while promoting productivity and financial literacy. The accounting profession has a unique insight into the practical challenges created by our government policy, including our tax regime and a culture of red tape, he said. We look forward to working with the government to create a more business-friendly environment that delivers economic prosperity and benefits to Australia. We encourage the Albanese Government to commit to long-term plans that look beyond the next three years and deliver improvements to the lives of Australians not just today but long into the future. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, one of the 12 major ports in the country, has reported a remarkable 45.32 per cent year-on-year increase in cargo throughput for April 2025. SMP, Kolkata, known as the Kolkata Port Trust earlier, handled 5.967 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in April 2025 as compared to 4.106 MMT in April 2024. Advertisement This achievement positions SMP Kolkata as the fastest-growing major port in India for the month. This is considered a major achievement, given the global economic slowdown and disruptions to maritime trade due to global conflict. Advertisement Rathendra Raman, chairperson, SMP, Kolkata, said that this outstanding performance is a testament to the unwavering commitment and efficiency of the entire SMPK family. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, for its continued support and guidance. I am also thankful to all stakeholders, port users, and the supremely dynamic and dedicated team of SMP Kolkata, whose relentless efforts have made this growth possible, he said. SMP, Kolkata, has two dock systems under it. One of these is the Haldia Dock Complex or HDC. This complex handled 4.363 MMT of cargo in April 2025, up from 2.993 MMT in April 2024. This was an increase of 45.77 per cent. The other dock system, known as the Kolkata Dock System or KDS, handled 1.604 MMT of cargo. In April 2024, KDS had managed 1.113 MMT. This is a jump of nearly 44.12 per cent. The surge in cargo handling was driven by significant growth across various commodities. In April 2025, SMP, Kolkata handled a total of 75,716 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) containers. While 62,021 TEUs were handled at KDS, HDC managed the remaining 13,695 TEUs. This marks a 31.18 per cent increase from 57,717 TEUs in April 2024 (KDS: 48,495; HDC: 9,222). What is important is that KDS has emerged as a major container handling facility, an official said. HDC registered growth in respect of POL Product, LPG, Other Liquid, Vegetable Oil, coking coal, thermal coal, other coal, metallurgical coke, raw petroleum coke, manganese ore, other ore, fly ash, pulse, container tons and TEUs, while KDS attributes its growth to finished fertiliser, coking coal, other coal, pulses, metallurgical coke, foodgrain, container tons and TEUs. The West Bengal government failed to curb the communal violence in the state despite successfully handling the Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) terror in the past, observed West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose in a report that he recently forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The report was about the communal violence in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district last month during a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Advertisement His report has been penned on the basis of his on-field observations during his trip to Murshidabad district last month, an insider from Raj Bhavan in Kolkata said. Advertisement In the reports, sources said the Governor has also highlighted the shortcomings in the police infrastructure in West Bengal, shortage of manpower and that too inadequately equipped, which often prompts the deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in crisis-like situations like the one that erupted in Murshidabad. In his report, sources added, the Governor has especially stressed on immediate completion of the barbed fencing at the international borders in those districts of West Bengal that share borders with Bangladesh. In the report, sources added, the Governor has also expressed concerns over excessive polarisation, especially in those districts and pockets where the Hindus are now in the minority. According to him, the cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh is a major concern for the security of the state. In the reports, the Governor has called for establishing a statutory judicial commission of enquiry on the Murshidabad strife, as well as the intervention of the Union government in such cases where the state government fails to take prompt and effective action. He also called for the setting up of CAPF camps in sensitive areas, especially the minority-dominated and Bangladesh-bordering Murshidabad and Malda districts. Most importantly, he has suggested that the Union government consider the use of Article 356, if necessary, to maintain the law and order situation. Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh has described the Governors report as biased and meant to serve the political agenda of the BJP. Using leftover timber meant for Puris Jagannath Temple for carving deities in Jagannath Temple in Digha of East Midnapore district of West Bengal, officially referred to as Jagannath Dham Cultural Central Centre, is against ethics and morality, observed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday. The questionable involvement of Servitors, and the unauthorized use of surplus Sacred Wood (sacred Need wood from the Nabakalebara rituals) are directly affront to ethics and morality surrounding the Jagannath Culture and centuries long traditions, said Adhikari in a statement posted on his official X handle in the morning. Advertisement He also welcomed the move by the Odisha government directing the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, Puri, to initiate a probe into the matter. I welcome the steps taken by Shri Prithviraj Harichandan; Honble Minister of Law, Works & Excise; Govt of Odisha, for a thorough investigation into the controversies involving the disgraceful conduct of persons of interest associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri. Advertisement According to him, the West Bengal government under the leader of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stooped to a new low with their deceitful tactics, by officially referring the Digha structure as the Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre in state government documents and at the same time promoting that structure as a Jagannath Temple. This, according to Adhikari, was done deliberately to mislead devotees and exploit their faith. Legal brains are of the opinion that the Digha structure was deliberately referred to as Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre to avoid controversies over spending public money from the state exchequer to construct and develop a religious structure. Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has stressed addressing the controversies arising after referring to the structure as Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre, considering that the word Dham has bigger religious and historical connotations. As per Hindu belief, barring the temples at Badrinath, Rameswaram, Dwarka and Puri, no other religious structure can be referred to as Dham. Regarding the controversy of naming a newly constructed site as a Dham must be addressed, and the West Bengal governments duplicity should be exposed, Adhikaris post read. He pointed out that although there are Lord Jagannath Temples across India and the world, none of them are referred to as Dhams. Replicating the Puri Jagannath Shree Mandir and passing it off as Jagannath Dham with the intent to rival or replace Puris significance is deeply inappropriate. The roles played by Daitapati Nijog Secretary Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra and Radharaman Das aka Rahul Yadav also need to be looked into as their actions have caused blatant insult to Jagannath culture, and their involvement reeks of negligence, eroding the trust of devotees by misusing the position they hold and their association with the respected Institutions. A high-level Indian delegation is set to present its transformative SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform at the World Bank Land Conference 2025, taking place from May 5 to 8 at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, according to an official statement issued on Sunday. Led by Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj, and comprising of Joint Secretary, MoPR, Alok Prem Nagar, Additional Surveyor General, Survey of India Shailesh Kumar Sinha, the delegation will present its flagship SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme at two key sessions during the upcoming international forum on land governance. Advertisement This years World Bank Land Conference, themed Securing Land Tenure and Access for Climate Action: Moving from Awareness to Action, will bring together global leaders, policymakers, experts and development partners to explore strategies for securing land tenure, modernising land administration for sustainable development and climate-responsive governance, the statement said. Advertisement Under Indias flagship SVAMITVA Scheme that provides legal ownership of rural properties using drones and geospatial technology, property cards to over 24.4 million households across 1.6 lakh villages have been issued, mapping over 100 million property parcels and unlocking an estimated $1.162 trillion (approx Rs 100 crore) in land value. India will play a key role at the World Bank Land Conference 2025, wherein the SVAMITVA Scheme will be spotlighted as a transformative model of rural empowerment through drone mapping, high-accuracy geospatial data, and platforms like Gram Manchitra for climate-aligned planning. With applications in tax administration, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness, SVAMITVA exemplifies inclusive, tech-driven governance. Indias leadership in digital land reforms and its commitment to South-South collaboration will be central to the global dialogue on scalable and people-centric land solutions. The conference agenda includes high-level plenary sessions, regional workshops, thematic exchanges, and an innovation expo, all focused on accelerating secure land access, modernising land administration systems, and driving climate-responsive governance. Sessions will highlight best practices, operational strategies, and cutting-edge research to scale up reforms in land tenure, promote the use of geospatial technologies, and build resilience in the face of climate challenges. The Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will represent India as a Country Champion in the Plenary Session on Good Practices and Challenges in Land Tenure and Governance Reform, wherein the SVAMITVA Schemes impact on rural property rights, womens empowerment, and dispute resolution, will be shared, contributing to global discussions on SDG Target. Joint Secretary Nagar will lead a Technical Session on Establishing the Land Foundation for Climate Action and Disaster Risk Management, wherein Indias Gram Manchitra platform, which utilises SVAMITVAs high-resolution spatial data to support village-level planning, solar energy site selection, disaster mitigation and rural development will be showcased. Escalating tensions with India could pose a significant threat to Pakistans already strained economy. Comparatively, the macro-economic conditions in India would be stable with no expected disruptions to its economic activity, global ratings firm Moodys said on Monday. Escalating Pakistan-India tensions triggered by reported Indian military action, pose a significant threat to Pakistans already strained economy. Comparatively, the macro-economic conditions in India would be stable with no expected disruptions to its economic activity, Moodys said in its report Escalating Pakistan-India tensions would weigh on Pakistans growth. Advertisement The rating agency warned that rising tensions could hurt Pakistans access to external financing, putting pressure on already low forex reserves, well below whats needed to meet debt payments in the coming years. Escalating tensions with India would likely weigh on Pakistans growth and hamper the governments ongoing fiscal consolidation, setting back Pakistans progress in achieving macroeconomic stability, the agency stated. Advertisement It warned that a prolonged crisis could strain the countrys ability to secure vital external funding. A persistent increase in tensions could also impair Pakistans access to external financing and pressure its foreign exchange reserves, which remain well below what is required to meet its external debt payment needs for the next few years, the report anticipated. The warning comes at a delicate moment for Pakistans economy when the neighbouring country is seeking debt relief and further IMF assistance to manage a large external debt burden. On Indias side, Moodys said there would be a limited economic disruption due to minimal trade ties with Pakistan accounting for less than 0.5 per cent of Indias total exports in 2024. In a scenario of sustained escalation in localised tensions, we do not expect major disruptions to Indias economic activity, the report added. However, the rating agency cautioned that an extended standoff could have fiscal implications for India. Higher defence spending would potentially weigh on Indias fiscal strength and slow its fiscal consolidation, it said. Terrorists linked to Pakistani outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba had on April 22 opened fire in the picturesque Baisaran meadow on April 22, killing 26 innocent civilians. Following the attack, India has initiated a series of diplomatic offensives against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The same day, India revoked most visas issued to Pakistanis, including medical visas. The Wagah-Attari crossing was also closed, bringing trade with Pakistan to a grinding halt. Later India also banned imports as well as incoming mail and parcels from Pakistan and barred the docking of ships from the country at all Indian ports. Pakistani actor Fawad Khans Bollywood comeback, Abir Gulaal, with Vaani Kapoor, will not release in Indian theatres. Sources in the Centres Information and Broadcasting Ministry confirmed the news. The decision comes after the tragic Pahalgam attack, which claimed at least 26 innocent lives. Now, actor Prakash Raj, known for speaking his mind, has opened up on the issue. Speaking with Lallantop, Prakash Raj opened up on the bans and rampant criticism against films. He said, Im not for any banning of films, whether its right-wing or a propaganda film. Let people decide. People have the right. You cant ban films unless its pornography or about child abuse. But thought process? So what? Let them come, no. Advertisement Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vaani Kapoor (@vaanikapoor) He went on to add that lately, public sentiments are hurt over every little thing. As an example, he referenced the backlash against Deepika Padukone for Padmaavat and Pathaan. For the unversed, her orange bikini in Pathaan stirred a row of criticism. Today, anybody can get hurt. Ill cut the nose of Deepika Padukone! Ill behead her! Useey kya hoga (what effect would that have)?. Shah Rukh Khan just because of a colour? Besharam rang na they can make a hue and cry about anything they want and the present power are letting that happen, to create a fear in the society. Moreover, he also discussed Mohanlals L2: Empuraan controversy. Prakash Raj questioned the government. The Kashmir Files releases without trouble. Others? Not so lucky. He noted selective criticism, calling out the government. When too much power is given to anyone, they become intolerable. Meanwhile, amid the boycott calls against Abir Gulaal, two previously released songs, Khudaya Ishq and Angreji Rangrasiya, are no longer available on YouTube India. Initially, the production houses official channel uploaded both tracks. Moreover, users could also stream the tracks on Saregamas YouTube channel, which owns the music rights. However, both videos are no longer available on YouTube India. Also Read: Bengaluru Police summon Sonu Nigam over alleged Kannada remarks The Met Gala 2025 may just be graced by none other than Bollywood royalty himself Shah Rukh Khan. While theres been no official confirmation from the actors side, a cryptic post from celebrity designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has all but set the internet ablaze with speculation. On Monday morning, Sabyasachi took to Instagram Stories to drop what can only be a subtle bomb. Advertisement The first slide simply read: KING KHAN. That alone was enough to make fans sit up. Advertisement But just as hearts began racing, he followed it up with another post that read: KING KHAN BENGAL TIGERaccompanied by his brands iconic logo featuring the majestic tiger. Cue the collective gasp from the internet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabyasachi (@sabyasachiofficial) The Bengal Tiger isnt just a random phrase. For those familiar with Sabyasachis design language, the tiger is a recurring motif symbolizing power, grace, and, in this case, a larger-than-life persona that perfectly aligns with SRKs legacy. Fans now believe this is a hint at the red carpet outfit for the outfit of Shah Rukh Khan for the Met Gala. Could it be opulent? Traditional? A fusion of Indian royalty and modern flair? Knowing Sabyasachi, itll be unforgettable. Adding fuel to the speculation: Shah Rukh Khan has already landed in New York, just days before fashions biggest night out. Coincidence? Fans think not. The Met Gala, to take place on May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is popular for its dramatic themes and high-octane fashion moments. This years theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, will pay tribute to the influence of Black culture on global fashion. The exhibit is expected to explore how craftsmanship, individuality, and identity shape style across generations. With co-chairs like Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, A\$AP Rocky, and Lewis Hamilton, this years gala is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory. And if SRK walks the carpet for the first time, itll mark a monumental moment not just for Indian representation, but for fans whove waited years to see the megastar join the global fashion elite. While no official announcement is there (yet), the signs are hard to ignore. Even as tension with Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack continues to escalate, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, a source said. The meeting assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of the meetings the Prime Minister held with Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Sunday and with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Saturday. Advertisement The series of meetings is considered crucial as they took place amid conjectures as to what strategy India was planning as a counter-offensive in the backdrop of Indias national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. Advertisement It is learnt that during his meeting with the Defence Secretary, the Prime Minister was also briefed about the developments on the LoC where Pakistan has been resorting to unprovoked firing across the line for the 11th consecutive night. Reports said that on the adjoining night of May 4 and May 5, small arms firing was directed from posts in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded to the firing promptly. On Saturday, the Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi had also briefed the Prime Minister about the overall situation in the critical sea lanes in the Arabian Sea. PM Modi had last fortnight also had a meeting with the chief of all three armed forces, when he assured that the Indian armed forces have his full confidence and complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the terror attack at Pahalgam that left 26 people dead. The meetings with heads of armed forces are also considered crucial in the wake of Pakistans test of a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, known as the Abdali Weapon System, with a range of 450 km. The missile was tested on Saturday during Pakistans military drill Exercise INDUS. The Bihar Police have arrested two members of a gang who offered the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025 aspirants the option to pay to get a proxy candidate to appear for the exam in their place. The NEET-UG 2025, the prestigious examination held for admission to MBBS and BDS programmes in medical institutions across India, was held on Monday from 2pm to 5pm. Advertisement As the much-talked about NEET 2024 scam was originated from Bihar, the examination centres this year were being constantly monitored and the state police force was in alert mode to foil any such attempt. Advertisement Samastipur Superintendent of Police Ashok Mishra said his team got a tipoff that a few people were roaming around various examination centres in a car. A police team followed the car and detained two people. One was identified as Rambabu Mallik, a resident of Darbhanga, while the other was identified himself as Dr. Ranjit Kumar, a resident of Samastipur. During interrogation, the accused confessed to their crime and admitted that they cater to NEET aspirants who are willing to pay a hefty price for guaranteed success by providing proxy candidates to sit in the prestigious exam in place of the original candidate. They said they used to charge Rs 2 to Rs 5 lakh from each candidate to make the arrangement. The police recovered admit cards of several candidates as well as other documents saved in their mobile phones, including admit cards, Aadhaar cards, signatures, photographs of many candidates related to the NEET-UG 2025 exam. Sanjeev Mukhiya, who has been identified by police as a central figure in the NEET scam 2024, was arrested by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) team in Patna on 25 April, 2025. His son, Dr Shiv Kumar, an MBBS graduate from Patna Medical College & Hospital (PMCH), was arrested earlier in the same case. He is currently out on bail. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday continued with its persistent condemnation of the Congress following its Uttar Pradesh state wing president Ajay Rais remarks against the government on the Pahalgam terror attack. Briefing a press conference, party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said, On the one hand, Pakistan is continuously violating the ceasefire agreement on the border and on the other, the Congress and INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc leaders are making statements targeting the Army. Advertisement Opposition leaders are saying that they are with the government, but some Congress leaders are making statements which are against the country, Mr Trivedi alleged while accusing the opposition of trying to lower the morale of the Armed Forces. Advertisement Ajay Rais remarks made on Sunday, questioning as to when Rafale fighter aircraft, which India has purchased from France, would be put into service, had sparked a controversy with the BJP taking serious exception to his remarks. The ruling party wasted no time in slamming the Congress and its leaders for what it alleged was demoralising Indian forces. Mr Rai had scorned the government, showcasing a toy Rafale jet laced with lemon and chillies. In Hindu tradition, lemons and chillies are believed to ward off the evil eye and are used as a protective charm. BJP leaders condemned the remarks as disrespectful to the armed forces and accused the Congress of playing into anti-national narratives. In the meantime, Mr Rai has defended his toy Rafale remark while Congress general Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also clarified the partys position on the Pahalgam issue. Defending his remark, Mr Rai has since clarified that his intent was to urge Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to take decisive action against terrorism after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Separately, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, pointed out in a post on her social media handle X: Congress party in the CWC (Congress Working Committee)gave the statement, and we all stand by that statement and that is the official statement of the Congress. It clearly says that we support whatever action the government is going to take; in fact, we urge the government to take a very decisive, strong action and to take it fast. In a political face-off, the BJP had on Saturday also slammed the Congress for its stance on national security issues, questioning the 2019 surgical strikes and asking for proof. Former Punjab Chief Minister and party Member of Parliament Charanjit Singh Channi, in a press conference on Friday, had raised doubts about the 2019 surgical strike by India on Pakistan. If a bomb explodes in our nation, would we not know? There was no surgical strike I have always asked for proof [of surgical strike], Mr Channi had questioned. Several controversial statements were also made by other senior Congress leaders in the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Stirring a controversy, Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah, in response to a question about Indias reaction to the Pahalgam attack, had said that there was no need for war. Peace should prevail across the country. The Centre must strengthen security to protect the people, he had suggested. Former Union Minister and Congress leader Saifuddin Soz, while asserting that India and Pakistan were neighbours and nothing will work between the two countries except dialogue, had said that if Pakistan says that it is not involved in Pahalgam terror attack then lets accept that for a time and ultimately go by investigating agencies. Congress Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor had reacted to the Pahalgam terror attack, admitting an intelligence failure. He had, however, drawn a parallel with Hamas October 7 attack on Israel, saying even the best intelligence agencies can fail. He argued that the priority at the moment must be Indias security and should not indulge in political blame. This article is republished from a media release provided by Tereza Murray Franchising. In todays fast-moving business landscape, protecting a brand is more than just smartits essential. For small business owners, securing a trademark early could be the difference between long-term success and an unexpected rebrand. Trademarking a business name, logo, or slogan isnt just for big companies. In fact, small businesses are leading the charge. According to the 2024 Australian IP Report, trademark applications by Australian residents increased by 9.8% in 2023, reaching 49,0361. Sectors like advertising, education, and technologyindustries heavily populated by startups and small and medium enterprises (SME)are driving the trend. But despite the rise in awareness, many businesses are still unprotected. A common misconception is that registering a business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) gives you ownershipit doesnt, says Tereza Murray, Franchise Consultant and Founder of Tereza Murray Franchising (TMF). Only a registered trademark gives you the legal right to that name. And waiting can be costly. Real-world consequences One small Brisbane cafe owner spent three years growing a loyal customer base and was ready to franchise under their brand name Bloom & Brew. But just before expansion, they discovered a cafe in another state had trademarked the same name. Even though the cafe had been using the name first, challenging the trademark would have meant a lengthy and expensive legal battle. Instead, they made the painful decision to rebrandstarting over with a new identity, website, signage, and marketing. The financial impact was significant, and the emotional toll was even greater. This isnt an outlier, Murray adds. Small businesses assume theyre under the radar, but thats exactly what makes them vulnerable. If someone else registers your brand before you do, you could lose everything youve built, and its completely avoidable. Why small businesses are most at risk Many small business owners assume theyre too small to attract attention or be imitated. In reality, that makes them more vulnerable. Once a brand gains tractionespecially onlineit becomes visible to competitors, copycats, and opportunists. This risk is compounded by the rise of passing off, where others imitate a businesss branding closely enough to confuse customers. Without a registered trademark, it can be incredibly difficult (and expensive) to stop them. Rebranding is more than just a name change Rebranding after losing a name isnt just a hassleits a domino effect. Business owners must rebuild everything from their website and email addresses to signage, social media handles, SEO rankings, and customer recognition. In some cases, a rebrand can damage public perception and credibility. A trademark gives you the legal power to stay in control of your identity, says Murray. Without it, all that hard work can disappear overnight. The path to protection: Trademarking made simple Trademarking doesnt have to be complex. With the right tools and guidance, businesses can secure their brand early and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Key steps include: Start with research. Use IP Australias free TM Checker to see if a name or logo is already registered. Apply early. Once your name is clear, lodge your trademark with IP Australia and select the correct trademark classescategories that define where your protection applies. Monitor your brand. Trademarking isnt set and forget. Stay alert to potential infringements and be prepared to take action. Get expert advice. For businesses planning to scale, grow, or franchise, guidance from a trademark expert or consultant like TMF can make all the difference. One of the most effective strategies is reviewing the trademark classes your competitors use, Murray adds. Thats often where the risk and threat lie. Leaving gaps in coverage opens the door for others to exploit your brand and sneak in. Trademark early and grow with confidence A trademark is more than a legal checkboxits a business safeguard against confusion, conflict, and costly rebrands. It gives owners the confidence to scale, market, and innovate without the looming threat of brand conflict or confusion. Choosing a brand name should go hand-in-hand with securing a trademark, Murray explains. You dont need to wait until youve made it, thats when its too late. Trademarking early ensures your brand identity is protected from day one, giving your business the solid, secure foundation it needs to grow with confidence. Its absolutely worth it. For guidance on how to trademark your brand, or for support in scaling your business, visit http://www.terezamurrayfranchising.com.au. In a marked escalation of its campaign on national security and illegal immigration, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday held a series of coordinated protests across Jharkhand under the banner of Pakistanis Quit India, a slogan evoking pre-independence resistance but aimed now at what the party claims is unchecked infiltration by foreign nationals in the state. The central protest, held in Ranchi, was led by Leader of the Opposition and BJP State President Babulal Marandi, who along with senior leaders marched from the District School Ground to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, raising slogans and submitting a memorandum. The BJP alleged that several Pakistani citizens are residing illegally in Jharkhand, particularly in the state capital, but the state government has failed to identify or act against them. Advertisement Mr Marandi, addressing party workers and the press, asserted that despite specific information, including claims of Pakistani families residing in Ranchis Doranda locality with ties to Karachi, the state administration has taken no tangible steps to verify or deport them. Where there is an INDIA bloc government, there is hesitation, even paralysis, when it comes to acting against illegal foreign nationals, he remarked, sharpening the partys political attack. Advertisement Similar protests were held at district headquarters across Jharkhand. In Bokaro, BJP leaders, including former MLA Biranchi Narayan and district president Jaydev Rai, held a dharna outside the DC office, raising slogans such as Pakistanis and Bangladeshis Quit India. Mr Narayan said the people of Bokaro have long raised concerns over the presence of undocumented migrants, especially from Bangladesh. After the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the anger is nationwide and Bokaro is no exception, he said. The BJPs central demand was for the immediate identification and deportation of all Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals allegedly residing illegally in the state. The party also criticised the absence of the Deputy Commissioners at several protest sites, calling it symbolic of the administrative nonchalance under the current government. Prominent BJP figures present at the Ranchi protest included State in-charge Laxmikant Bajpai, General Secretary (Organisation) Karmveer Singh, Rajya Sabha MPs Deepak Prakash and Aditya Sahu, senior leader Pradeep Verma, and Ranchi MLA CP Singh. Mr. Bajpai termed it deeply ironic that while public sentiment is strongly aligned against Pakistan-sponsored terror, the state government has not even begun the process of identifying illegal foreign residents. The protests come in the backdrop of heightened political activity and growing concerns over national security following the Pahalgam incident. While the BJP has framed the issue as one of national interest, the state government is yet to formally respond. In a move with potential geopolitical ripples, the flow of the Chenab river was sharply truncated at Akhnoor on Monday following the closure of critical dam gates at Baglihar and Salal hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The border area of Akhnoor in the Jammu district is the last checkpoint before the river enters Pakistan. People were seen moving around on the riverbed as the flow of water dipped to a historic low. Advertisement Chenab River is one of the most turbulent and vital waterways in South Asia and is a lifeline for ecosystems and communities along its banks. Advertisement The sluice gates of the upstream 900 mws Baglihar hydroelectric project were shut on Sunday and those of the Salal project were lowered early Monday substantially reducing the flow of water. However, the water level of the river started rising in the afternoon as the Sluice Gates of the Baglihar project were reportedly reopened for generating electricity and protection of the aquatic life in the river. Areas upstream also had rainfall. Policemen were seen in a video removing people from the riverbed after the water level started gradually rising. In the aftermath of the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam which claimed the lives of 26 tourists from across the country, India has strengthened its countermeasures against Pakistan. Following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India has now stopped the flow of water from the Chenab River by shutting the dam gates at Salal and Baglihar which regulate the Rivers flow into Pakistan. The IWT has withstood three wars between India and Pakistan, in 1965, 1971 and 1999, but it has been suspended for the first time. Having shut the gates of the two projects in the Jammu region after flushing out the silt caused due to heavy rains in the beginning of the month, it might take two to three days to refill the dams of these projects. The flushing is an annual procedure and generally done during monsoons, but this time it has been done in the summers. This is considered a step towards penalising Pakistan for backing terrorist strikes in J&K. Such action is being contemplated also at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum in the Kashmir valley. Annoyed due to the Pakistan backed terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India decided to keep the IWT in abeyance. The Congress party has urged Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani to take suo motu cognisance of the conviction of ruling BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena in a criminal case. A delegation from the grand old party, led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Tika Ram Jully and state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra, visited the state assembly on Monday to submit a memorandum to Speaker Devnani, drawing his attention to the Rajasthan High Courts confirmation of a three-year jail term for Anta (Baran) MLA Meena. In the Speakers absence, the memorandum was submitted to the Assembly Secretary. It demanded the termination of Meenas membership from the assembly. Advertisement A Rajasthan High Court bench headed by Justice Umashankar Vyas recently upheld the Additional District Judge (ADJ) Aklera courts verdict, sentencing Meena to three years imprisonment in a 20-year-old case involving the criminal intimidation of an on-duty public servant at gunpoint. Advertisement According to the case records, on February 3, 2005, Meena allegedly threatened then SDM Ram Niwas Mehta at gunpoint, pressuring him to approve a re-polling for the post of Deputy Sarpanch in Khatakhedi village near Manohar Thana. While the trial court had initially acquitted Meena, the ADJ court in Aklera convicted him in 2020, imposing a three-year sentence and a fine of 3 lakh. State Congress president Dotasra said that, as per legal provisions, any MLA or MP convicted and sentenced to two years or more in prison stands disqualified from legislative membership. LoP Jully added, Therefore, the Assembly Speaker should act on the matter and declare Meena disqualified. Continuation of his membership may amount to contempt of court. Days after websites of multiple educational institutions under the Army Welfare Education Society were targeted in a series of cyber offensives, reports have surfaced about other Indian defence websites being hacked and sensitive details leaked. According to the sources, an X account, Pakistan Cyber Force, has claimed that the group has allegedly gained access to sensitive data from the Indian Military Engineering Service and Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis. Advertisement This claim suggests that the attackers may have compromised personnel information related to defense persons including the login credentials. In addition to this data breach, it has also been reported that the group also attempted to deface the official website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, a PSU company under MoD. The website has been defaced by using the Pakistan flag and Al Khalid tank, revealed the source. Advertisement As a precautionary measure, the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited has been taken offline for a thorough and deliberate audit to assess the extent of any potential damage caused by the defacement attempt and to ensure the integrity of the website. Furthermore, cybersecurity experts and agencies are actively monitoring cyberspace to detect any additional cyberattacks, particularly those that may be sponsored by threat actors linked to Pakistan. In response to the situation, appropriate and necessary measures are being taken to bolster the security infrastructure, strengthen digital defenses, and safeguard against further intrusion attempts, the source added. These efforts are focused on enhancing the overall resilience of online platforms and ensuring that forces are better prepared to defend against future cyber threats. Earlier, Pakistan-sponsored hacker groups Cyber Group HOAX1337 and National Cyber Crew had targeted the websites of Army Public School Nagrota and Sunjuwan and defaced with messages mocking the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. In another incident, a website catering to ex-servicemens healthcare services was defaced signaling Pakistans growing frustration. Earlier, the websites of the Army Institute of Hotel Management and Indian Air Force veterans were also hacked. There have been repeated attempts made by hackers operating from Pakistan to attack websites having linkages to children, old age veterans and other innocent people. Resorting to attacking veterans and families platforms reflects another low by Pakistan and their continuous attempt of unethical ways of operating, the source said, adding It appears that Pakistan is testing Indias restraint and patience. Terming climate change a global challenge, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has emphasized the urgent need to protect Indias forests and agriculture, describing them as the lungs and lifeline of the country. Forests are extremely important. They are our lungs. When a countrys forests are in good shape, its people enjoy good healthbecause forests regulate the climate, buffer disasters, and support livelihoods, especially for the poor and marginalized. Agriculture, too, is our lifeline, he said while delivering a lecture on the Role of Forestry in Nation Building at the College of Forestry in Sirsi, Karnataka. Advertisement We must pledge to protect our forests and contribute in every possible way, because climate change is a global menace. The situation is alarmingly precarious, and we have no other planet to live on apart from Mother Earth, he warned. Advertisement The Vice President also called for a deeper ecological consciousness to protect the planet, stating that humans are trustees, not mere consumers of natural resources. We are duty-bound to preserve the Earth and pass it on to future generations, he said. Environment is that aspect of life which touches every living being on Earth. When it is under threat, the impact goes beyond humanityit affects all life forms. We face a critical test: to protect and preserve the environment, and to find solutions to the grave crisis we are confronting, he added. Highlighting Indias civilizational wisdom, Dhankhar said the country is a confluence of spirituality and sustainability. Sustainability is not just vital for the economyit is essential for healthy living. Our Vedic culture has advocated sustainable practices for thousands of years. Reckless exploitation of natural resources must end. We must limit ourselves to what is minimally necessary, he urged. Stressing the role of education in promoting sustainability, he noted that with all streams of education becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, an inclusive approach to learning is essential for achieving better outcomes. The Vice President also praised the natural surroundings of the College of Forestry, calling the regions rich biodiversity an open classroom. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Monday, hurriedly held a meeting of his cabinet to discuss the queries raised by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on the proposed transaction of business rules drafted by the elected government for the day to day functioning of the administration. The meeting was held soon after the civil secretariat reopened in Srinagar for the summer after moving from Jammu. Advertisement Tanvir Sadiq, MLA and chief spokesperson of the ruling National Conference, told media persons that the LG hasnt rejected the Business Rules but has raised queries regarding some sections. Advertisement The cabinet has prepared a reply to these queries and it shall be submitted to the Raj Bhavan, he said. Drafting of the Business Rules in the Union Territory (UT) was a necessity to define the powers of the elected government led by Omar Abdullah. J&K was earlier a full-fledged state but was split and reduced to the status of a UT in 2019 after abrogation of Article 370. The Police and All India Service officers are under the control of the Lt. governor, but powers of the chief minister so far remain undefined. The Omar Abdullah ministry had in March forwarded the draft Business Rules to the LG for clearance. There were reports that the LG has raised queries and returned the draft rules that were contrary to the provisions of the J&K Reorganisation Act Section 53 that clearly states that the LG shall, in exercise of his functions, act in his discretion in matters related to All India Services and Anti Corruption Bureau, besides matters that fall outside the powers of legislative assembly or relate to exercise of any judicial functions. However, the draft rules wanted the powers of transferring IAS, IPS and other All India Services officers handed over to the cabinet as was the case when J&K was a state. The Business Rules seek to clarify the powers of the LG and the CM to run the administration. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and the Chief Justice of India on Monday attended a meeting of a three-member committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to decide on the appointment of the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI Director is appointed by the Centre based on the recommendation of this high-powered committee, which comprises the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India. Advertisement Notably, the tenure of the current CBI Director, Praveen Sood, ends later this month unless he is granted an extension. Advertisement A political firestorm has been ignited with Rahul Gandhi owning up the Congress mistakes made in the past, even as the BJP accused the grand old party of staging a drama and doing nothing against its leaders allegedly involved in the anti-Sikh 1984 riots. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, while answering a question of a Sikh person during a public interaction in the US, said, A lot of those things happened when I was not there, but I am more than happy to take responsibility for everything the Congress party has ever done wrong in its history. I have publicly stated that what happened in the 80s was wrong. I have been to the Golden Temple multiple times; I have extremely good relationships with the Sikh community in India. Advertisement The statement prompted the Congress and the INDIA bloc political parties rallying behind the LoP. Advertisement Rahul Gandhis politics is truly like Mahatma Gandhis. One needs a big heart to accept mistakes. During the UPA tenure, Dr Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi admitted the wrongs done to Sikhs. That statement changed the atmosphere in Punjab, and the Congress came to power, a news agency quoted senior Congress leader Husain Dalwai as saying. Many mistakes are made while running a government, but one needs to have a big heart to accept and correct them. We are not like the BJP, which says that they do not make any mistakes. Politics doesnt work like this. It is important to be generous in politics, the Congress leader said. Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT), which is a part of INDIA bloc, also backed Gandhi, saying, Rahul Gandhi is a politician with a clean heart. He accepts his mistakes. In politics, that is a big thing. PM Modi and Amit Shah should learn from him. Similar views were expressed by RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari, who termed Gandhis acceptance of Congress a mark of greatness and maturity. He did not blame others but took it upon himself. He has set an example, Tiwari was quoted as saying in the report. However, the BJP said it was Congress hypocrisy as it was giving shelter to those convicted in the court of law. Tarun Chugh, BJP National General Secretary, accused the Congress and the Gandhi family of shielding the perpetrators of the anti-Sikh riots. In 52 cities, Sikhs were selectively burnt alive, Gurudwaras were torched, and the Congress leaders behind it were awarded Padma awards and given political shelter, he said. Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed that Sajjan Kumar, convicted for the 1984 massacre, is still associated with the party. His comments are like rubbing salt in the wounds of the widows living just a short distance from his residence, Chugh was quoted as saying in the report. Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishwas Sarang termed Gandhis remarks a drama, and questioned why Gandhi made such a statement on the foreign soil. If he was sincere, he should have admitted this in India, not in America, Sarang told the news agency. The Congress does nothing but divide society based on religion and caste. Since coming to power after Independence, it has only spread anarchy and created divisions within the community. This party engages in politics solely in the name of religion, the BJP leader said. Another BJP leader Parinay Fuke made the similar allegations and questioned Gandhis intention. The massacre forced Sikh families to flee their homes. Rahul Gandhis admission shows Congress lied for 40 years, he said. Rahul Gandhi should learn from Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. If he is apologising for decisions taken in the 1980s, those who made those decisions must apologise too, Pratap Sarnaik, BJP minister in Maharashtra said. He also demanded LoPs apology for what happened in 1984, and said it shows his immaturity. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Condoling the deaths of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, Putin stressed that the perpetrators of the heinous Pahalgam terror attack should be brought to justice, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Advertisement Putin condoled the deaths of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre and expressed full support to India in its fight against terrorism, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Advertisement He said that the Russian President has expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi conveyed greetings to President Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him for the Annual Summit to be held in India later in the year, Jaiswal added. Mondays call between the two leaders took place before the Russian President hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will be on an official visit to the Russian Federation from May 7-10 and take part in the ceremonial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. PM Modi, who had also been invited by Putin for participation in the Victory Day ceremonial celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, will, however, not be travelling to Russia. Mr Putin is the latest leader to speak to Modi after the attacks. Earlier, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have extended full support to India in its fight against terrorism. The Russian President had even earlier condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a brutal crime, and also extended Russias support in fighting against terrorism with India. I would like to reiterate the readiness for further strengthening of cooperation with India partners in the fight against all forms and manifestation of terrorism. the Russian President had said in his earlier message. The Russian President had earlier even extended his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. BJP national spokesperson and north east in-charge Sambit Patra visited Churachandpur district in Manipur to meet Kuki community leaders, including two influential MLAs and civil society representatives. After arriving at Imphal airport on Sunday, Patra took a helicopter to the hill district of Churachandpur, one of the epicentres of the ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities that erupted in May 2023 and claimed over 260 lives. Advertisement In Churachandpur, Patra met Vungzagin Valte, the BJP MLA from Thanlon, who was gravely injured in a mob attack on May 4, 2023, in Imphal. Advertisement Now wheelchair-bound, Valte welcomed Patra warmly at his residence. The two held a 30-minute closed-door discussion, with Patra reportedly inquiring about Valtes health and current political concerns. Patra also met former IPS officer and Churachandpur MLA L M Khaute, along with representatives of the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF), who submitted a memorandum outlining their communitys demands and perspectives. Later, the BJP leader held a private meeting with key representatives from the Kuki Zo Council (KZC) and the Zomi Council (ZC), both influential tribal bodies in the region. While the discussions were not disclosed publicly, Patra described the trip as an unofficial visit when questioned by reporters. His visit comes at a politically sensitive timejust days after 21 MLAs from various parties in Manipur, including 13 from the BJP, submitted separate letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on April 29. The legislators urged the central leadership to reinstate an elected government in the violence-scarred state, which has been under Presidents Rule since February 13, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singhs resignation. The state assembly remains in suspended animation. This is Patras second visit to Manipur this year, the last being in February, shortly before the imposition of Presidents Rule. Malaysias 5 richest billionaires see combined net worth rise to nearly $39B The five richest individuals in Malaysia saw their combined net worth rising 8% to $38.6 billion this year despite sluggish stock market performance. While the benchmark Bursa Malaysia has remained mostly unchanged over a 12-month period, the stronger ringgit has risen 5%, which helped nudge up the wealth of the countrys top billionaires, with the ranking of the three wealthiest individuals unchanged from 2024, according to Forbes Worlds Billionaire List. Robert Kuok Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok attends a meeting in Fuzhou, Fujian province, China April, 18, 2005. Photo by China Daily via Reuters Robert Kuok, the 101-year-old owner of hotel operator and real estate developer Kuok Group, remains strong as the richest Malaysian with $12.1 billion in net worth, up 6% from a year ago. Most of Kuok's wealth comes from assets he manages via a web of closely held entities, such as Kuok (Singapore), Kuok Brothers in Malaysia, and Kerry Group in Hong Kong. Corporate records show up to a hundred shareholders within this network. As individual shares cannot be pinpointed, the wealth is treated as a family fortune and fully attributed to the billionaire, who is the founder and patriarch. Via these holding companies, the family holds a 51% stake in PPB Group, a conglomerate with interests spanning agriculture to real estate, as per its 2023 annual report. The family also owns 60% of Hong Kong-listed real estate developer Kerry Properties, and 53% of Shangri-La Asia. Quek Leng Chan Quek Leng Chan, co-founder of financial firm Hong Leong Group. Photo by Wikipedia/Encik Tekateki The second position was also unchanged with Quek Leng Chan, 83, boasting $9.9 billion in wealth, up 12.5%. Quek, executive chairman of the privately held Hong Leong Co., oversees a company with investments in finance, food, and property. He inherited a portion of his wealth from his father, one of three brothers who established a banking group in the 1920s. His cousin, Kwek Leng Beng, a fellow billionaire, chairs the Hong Leong Group in Singapore. Teh siblings Teh Hong Piow. Photo courtesy of Public Bank Berhad The wealth shared by the Teh siblings, heirs to the Public Bank fortune, rose 9% to $5.9 billion, keeping them at the third place. The siblings inherited their wealth from their late father, banker Teh Hong Piow, who led Malaysia's Public Bank as chairman for decades. Teh Hong Piow established the bank in 1966 and passed away in December 2022 at 92. Beyond Malaysia, Public Bank serves millions in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. In December 2024, Public Bank acquired the stake held by the late Teh Hong Piow's family in LPI Capital, an investment holding company. Koon Poh Keong & siblings Koon Poh Keong. Photo courtesy of Press Metal The fourth place was occupied by Koon Poh Keong and his four brothers, who collectively share a wealth of $5.4 billion, up nearly 2% from last year. Koon Poh Keong and his four brothers founded Press Metal Aluminium Holdings in 1986. They collectively invested $50,000 to launch the aluminum-extruding business during Malaysia's recession. Now, Press Metal is Southeast Asia's largest integrated aluminum producer, rivaling companies like Rio Tinto and China's Aluminum Corp. Poh Keong serves as group CEO, Poh Ming is executive vice chairman, and Poh Weng, Poh Tat, and Poh Kong are executive directors. Krishnan family Businessman Ananda Krishnan leaves for lunch at the annual Allen and Co. conference at the Sun Valley, Idaho Resort July 11, 2013. Photo by Reuters/Rick Wilkin The heirs of Ananda Krishnan rounded up the list with a net worth of $5.3 billion, up 10%. Ananda, a former oil trader who built a multi-billion dollar empire from the ground up, passed away in November 2024 at 86. Their key assets include stakes in telecom company Maxis, media group Astro Malaysia Holdings, and oilfield services provider Bumi Armada. The late patriarch also owned Kia Ora Stud farm in New South Wales, which merged with Vinery Stud in 2023 to form one of Australias largest thoroughbred operations. Krishnans only son is a Buddhist monk in Thailand. The Supreme Court is set to resume hearings Monday on a series of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, a contentious piece of legislation that has sparked nationwide debate and drawn over 70 legal challenges from across the country. The matter will be taken up by a bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan. Advertisement In the previous hearing, the top court directed the Central Government to respond within seven days on the issue of waqf by user,a key provision under scrutiny. Although the Court has not stayed the operation of the Act as a whole, it issued clear directions that no new appointments are to be made to the Waqf Boards and that the status quo will be maintained concerning properties registered under waqf by user. Advertisement During the course of the hearing, the Union government assured the Supreme Court that it would not de-notify provisions related to waqf by user or include non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board. The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, assured the court that no precipitative action would be taken during this interim period. He also emphasised that the Act was passed by Parliament following due deliberation and urged the bench not to impose a stay without first hearing the governments detailed stance. The Centre has also opposed the Courts suggestion to temporarily halt the denotification of Waqf properties and provisions allowing for the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf Boards. The Supreme Court noted the Centres submission and recorded that no previously notified or registered Waqf properties, including those under waqf by user, shall be altered or denotified until the next hearing. Earlier on April 28, 2025, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a fresh petition challenging the recent amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995. A bench, headed by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, told the petitioner that it cannot deal with hundreds of petitions on the same issue and that the petitioner may choose to file an intervention application in the petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, if so advised. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda on Monday in Milan. During the meeting, she emphasized that India offers opportunities for ADB to pilot new, innovative financing products and models, a finance ministry statement said. Sitharaman is currently in Milan to attend the four-day long 58th annual meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB). Advertisement During her meeting with the ADB president, Sitharaman reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem through bold initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Corporate Tax Rate Reduction and GST implementation, Production-Linked Incentives, National Infrastructure Pipeline, GatiShakti National Master Plan, and StartupIndia, among others, for greater Ease of Doing Business. Advertisement Responding to her offer, Kanda expressed ADBs full support to Indias development priorities, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The four-day meetings will be attended by official delegations of the Board of Governors of ADB, official delegations of ADB members and international financial institutions. The Finance Minister will participate in the Annual Meetings focal events including the Governors Business session, Governors Plenary Session and as a panellist in the ADB Governors Seminar on Cross-Border Collaboration for Future Resilience. On the sidelines of the event, the Finance Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with Finance Ministers of Italy, Japan, and Bhutan as well as heads of other international organisations, besides meeting global think-tanks, business leaders and CEOs in Milan. She is also scheduled to interact with the Indian diaspora in Milan and also address a plenary session at the Bocconi University on Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience. The Finance Minister also had a meeting with Italys Minster of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti on the sidelines of the ADB annual meet in Milan. During their meeting both leaders explored ways to strengthen India-Italy economic ties, and enhance cooperation in global and multilateral platforms on issues of mutual interest. The meeting highlighted implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in November 2024, which will add depth and momentum to our cooperation in priority domains. With bilateral trade between the two counties reaching $14.56B in FY2023-24, Ms Sitharaman emphasised on the huge potential in Renewable Energy, digital technologies, agri-food processing, and high-end manufacturing and invited Italian companies to Make in India through Government of Indias PLI schemes. The India Finance Minister shared Indias success with Digital Public Infrastructure DPI platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker, proposing collaboration on innovative fintech solutions. As G20 GPFI co-chairs, and are working together to advance financial inclusion globally. Both Finance Ministers also discussed the importance of reforming Multilateral Development Banks MDBs to make them more responsive to developing countries needs, adequately capitalised, and better aligned with SDGs . Ms Sitharaman underlined co-financing models and collaboration in green hydrogen, carbon capture, energy efficiency, and circular economy and stated that both nations can leverage their strengths to co-develop solutions for global markets, advancing our climate commitments. One of the most ambitious anti-Maoist offensives in recent years is underway in the rugged Karregutta hills of the Bijapur district, deep within the forested trijunction of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Now in its 14th day, the sweeping operation marks a significant push by security forces to reclaim long-held Maoist strongholds and dismantle the insurgencys inter-state network. Advertisement On Monday, the high stakes operation encountered resistance when two jawans of the Special Task Force (STF), identified as Thansingh and Amit Pandey, were injured by a pressure-activated improvised explosive device (IED) during a combing operation. The blast occurred in Karregutta, a densely forested section of Bijapur, where Maoists had planted explosives along patrol routes. Both jawans were swiftly evacuated to the district hospital and are reported to be in stable condition, with injuries to their legs. Advertisement More than 4,000 personnel from the Special Task Force (STF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG) are participating in the operation that has seen security forces encircle the Karregutta region, long regarded as a Maoist sanctuary. With boots on the ground and drones in the sky, the offensive marked a determined effort to dismantle what was once described as a liberated zone under Maoist control. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Home Minister Vijay Sharma are personally monitoring the operation. Speaking from Raipur, Sharma reiterated that there would be no rollback, no negotiations with insurgents. This operation will persist until Maoists surrender or are neutralized. Their appeal for a ceasefire is a tactical delay. We are determined to restore full sovereignty over these regions, he said. The timing of the offensive coincides with the Centres declared aim of eliminating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026, a target reaffirmed earlier this year by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Complementing the security push is a revised surrender and rehabilitation policy offering monetary incentives, vocational training, and assured employment to those renouncing violence and reintegrating into civilian life. Since the beginning of 2025, Chhattisgarh has recorded a noticeable increase in insurgent surrenders. According to police figures, at least 87 Maoists have surrendered in the first four months of the year, an increase of 34 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, 23 Maoists have been killed in encounters this year, reflecting growing momentum in counterinsurgency efforts. Bijapur alone accounts for nearly 41 per cent of all Maoist related violence in the state thus far. The terrain remains treacherous. The IED blast serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by concealed explosives, a signature tactic of Maoist guerrilla warfare. Over 62 per cent of security force casualties in Bastar this year have resulted from IED attacks. To counter these threats, security forces have deployed bomb disposal units equipped with terrain-adaptive tools capable of navigating the forest floor. The forest canopy continues to dry under the rising summer heat, increasing both visibility and vulnerability. Security forces remain focused on consolidating recent gains and minimizing civilian casualties in this fragile tribal region. The weeks ahead will reveal not only the outcome of the Karregutta offensive but also the time and resources required to bring an end to the Maoist insurgency in Indias tribal heartland. In a major breakthrough, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a long-absconding Naxal operative, Prashant Jalindar Kamble alias Laptop, from Pune who was on the run for the past 15 years. The 44-year-old was wanted in a 2011 case under serious charges, including those under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Advertisement According to the official press note released by the ATS Pune Unit on Sunday, The accused Prashant Jalindar Kamble alias Laptop was absconding since the crime occurred in 2011. He was declared absconding by the Hon. Court, and a non-bailable warrant and proclamation were issued against him. Advertisement Prashant Kamble was arrested on May 3, 2025, by the Pune unit of ATS and subsequently handed over to the Thane unit, which had been pursuing the case registered under UNIT CR NO 19/2011. He was produced before the Sessions Court in Mumbai, which remanded him to police custody until May 13. Kamble, who hails from Punes Tadiwala Road area, had reportedly been living in hiding in Khopoli under a changed identity. Once a promising student and graduate from a Pune college, Kamble was known for his expertise in computer and laptop repairs, a skill that earned him the code name Laptop within the Naxal ranks. In 2010, Kamble left home telling his family he was heading to Mumbai for work. Weeks later, he contacted them and revealed he had joined the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), saying: I have joined the Naxals, I am working with them in the jungles have taken weapons training and am using my computer skills for their work. Theres no turning back now. Police sources confirm that Kamble worked closely with the late Milind Teltumbde, a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist) who was killed in an encounter in Gadchiroli in 2021. Both Kamble and his associate Santosh Vasant Shelar (alias Vishwa), also a member of the radical cultural outfit Kabir Kala Manch (KKM), were radicalised by Teltumbde and his wife, Angela Sontakke, according to ATS. The ATS describes Kamble as a high-value target in the field of urban Naxalism and a hard-core follower of Naxal ideology. His arrest is considered a significant success in the ongoing fight against left-wing extremism in Maharashtra. Further investigations are currently underway. The April 22 terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam region, which claimed the lives of 26 Hindu tourists, marks a chilling escalation in the pattern of violence plaguing the Valley. The calculated nature of the assault ~ where militants segregated victims by religion before opening fire ~ has shaken the nations conscience. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar was right to convey to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the perpetrators, backers, and planners must be held accountable. Justice, not vengeance, must guide Indias course ~ but it must be firm and unflinching. India has identified the attackers, including two Pakistani nationals, confirming the cross-border nature of this terror operation. Pakistan, however, has dismissed any link and called for a neutral investigation. That call rings hollow when seen in the context of Pakistans long history of harbouring and enabling extremist elements. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs attempt to shift blame and its Army Chief General Asim Munirs aggressive warning of a swift, resolute, and notch-up response to any Indian action reflects the old playbook ~ denial, deflection, and deterrence by escalation. India cannot be browbeaten by such rhetoric. Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modis message to the service chiefs ~ granting them the freedom to decide on a suitable response ~ signals resolve. At the same time, the government is wisely applying calibrated pressure. By putting the Indus Waters Treaty under review and closing airspace to Pakistani carriers, India is using the levers of international law and bilateral agreements to send a strategic message without immediate military escalation. This attack also underscores the urgent need for intelligence modernisation and inter-agency coordination within India. Advertisement A proactive approach to tracking cross-border infiltration, digital propaganda, and sleeper cells can help prevent such tragedies. While diplomacy and deterrence unfold externally, internal preparedness must evolve into a formidable shield against future assaults. The closure of religious seminaries and the evacuation of tourists in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir suggest that even Islamabad anticipates Indian retaliation. While such measures indicate preparedness, they also reflect a state that has prioritized reaction over reflection. The involvement of the United States offers both opportunity and challenge. Mr Rubios call for de-escalation and support for Indias anti-terror stance is welcome, as is US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths affirmation of Indias right to defend itself. But the global community, including the US, must go further. Washington must press Pakistan to dismantle the terror infrastructure that continues to operate with impunity. China too, as a regional power, has urged restraint ~ an appeal that would carry more credibility if it addressed the root cause: Pakistans patronage of terrorists. As India mourns the victims of Pahalgam, we must act with both strength and sense. Retaliation for its own sake risks falling into the trap the terrorists set. But justice delayed or denied will only embolden the forces that seek to destabilise the region. The world must stand with India ~ not just in words, but in action. The Supreme Courts move on April 28, to examine obscenity regulations for OTT platforms and social media (in a PIL filed by Uday Mahurkar and others) is both urgent and necessary. However, the harm caused by each differs significantly: while OTT content typically involves willing actors and accountable creators, social media platforms enable the non-consensual sharing of images and videos of innocent individuals, often by anonymous or untraceable users who evade accountability. This makes social media a far more potent tool for privacy violations and direct harm, frequently facilitating crimes against unsuspecting victims. In Varanasi, a 19-year-old woman was allegedly taken to a hotel by an accused who raped her and recorded a video. This video was then used as leverage; she was reportedly told to stay in the hotel, or the video would be circulated on social media. This threat allegedly led to her being subsequently gang-raped by 22 others over the course of a week. This is just one example of cases involving a terrifying modus operandi: perpetrators not only assault victims but also film the act and use the threat of sharing these videos on social media to silence them and evade legal consequences. Advertisement This exploitation of technology smartphones, the internet and social media platforms constitutes a new and dangerous form of abuse Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Nonconsensual dissemination of objectionable images and videos of women and girls (image-based abuse) is becoming a crime more severe than sexual harassment itself. An iron fist must be brought down on this modus operandi to prevent such crimes. Role of Social Media Platforms: Platforms like YouTube have developed the capability to detect and remove objectionable videos even as they are being uploaded, using advanced AI tools and human oversight. Advertisement Proactive detection of harmful content is technically feasible and already in practice. However, other platforms- particularly those like WhatsApp, which use end-to-end encryption prioritize user privacy and action is taken only when a user files a complaint. As a result, if no complaint is made, harmful and abusive content can spread unchecked. All social media platforms have the technological capacity- like YouTube to deploy tools that can detect and prevent the spread of objectionable content. However, many have chosen not to implement such measures, for reasons that remain unclear. Society must now step up and build public pressure on these platforms to act responsibly. Protecting privacy should not come at the cost of enabling the spread of gender-based violence or systemic harm to women. Current Laws: According to Section 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, sharing obscene images or videos can lead to imprisonment for up to five years. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandate that social media platforms must take swift action to remove unlawful information. They must appoint a Grievance Officer for personal complaints and act within 24 hours. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (1930) handles complaints, but its focus on financial fraud may limit attention to TFGBV cases. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, through Section 12(3), grants citizens the right to request the removal of objectionable information, images and videos from the internet (the Right to be Forgotten). The Data Protection Board will have the authority to impose fines of up to Rs. 50 crore for violations. This Act is yet to come into force. Successful Best Practices: Actions taken by other countries to curb digital violence serve as a guide for us. Mexican Olimpia Law, achieved through the struggle of Olimpia Melo after her intimate video went viral, has become a strong weapon against digital violence. This law treats the sharing of private images and videos without consent as a serious crime. German Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) requires social media platforms to remove harmful content within 24 hours. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to 50 million. Australia has established the worlds first statutory eSafety Commissioner. This system works effectively for easily reporting objectionable content and getting it removed quickly. Britains Revenge Porn Helpline (StopNCII.org) has successfully removed lakhs of objectionable photos. South Korean Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center is researching ways to proactively detect and remove harmful content even before complaints are filed. Strategy: There is an urgent need for enacting specific and stringent laws like those in Mexico and Australia that can severely punish not only those who initially post objectionable content but also those who forward or circulate them further. Social media platforms must be held accountable and face hefty fines for non-compliance with legal obligations, as in Germanys NetzDG model. Further, it is worth considering a temporary ban on pornography to assess its potential to reduce incidents of image-based abuse and also protect children from exposure to harmful material. India has strong legislation like the POCSO Act to prohibit Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). However, little attention has been given to the growing problem of children accessing adult pornography and being exposed to it at a young age a serious gap. The Unprotected From Porn report (Carroll et al., 2025), published by the Wheatley Institute and the Institute for Family Studies, reveals that over 97 per cent of boys and 78 per cent of girls aged 1218 have viewed pornography. UNICEF cautions that exposure to pornography at a young age may lead to poor mental health, sexism and objectification, sexual violence, and other negative outcomes. Young people must be empowered with the knowledge that they are not helpless they have the right to report and get the harmful content removed. Technology should serve as a tool for empowerment, not exploitation. (The writer is a transparency advocate and author. Opinions are personal.) The new US-Ukraine minerals agreement, months in the making, marks a defining moment in the wars third year ~ not just for Kyiv, but for Washington and its global standing. With a blend of economic access and vague military reassurances, the deal exemplifies a uniquely American way of waging peace: profitdriven, calculated, and transactional. The deal grants American investors joint access to Ukraines considerable mineral, oil, and gas reserves, while officially preserving Ukrainian ownership. For a country ravaged by war, this influx of foreign capital ~ under the guise of reconstruction ~ is both a boon and a tight-rope. It signals hope for rebuilding, but also opens a new front: economic sovereignty in the shadow of geopolitical survival. There is no requirement for Ukraine to repay the hundreds of billions in aid it has received ~ an idea that had reportedly been floated by the Trump administration. Instead, Washingtons return is framed as long-term participation in Ukraines resource-driven recovery. Profits will be reinvested locally for the first decade, after which dividends may flow back to the United States. This is being pitched as a win-win, but it is hard to miss the imbalance in leverage. For Ukraine, the deal is both a lifeline and a gamble ~ a way to fund survival without surrendering too much autonomy, but also a reminder of how foreign aid often comes with strings attached. The new deal is cast as a triumph of transactional diplomacy ~ a promise of aid, not just out of solidarity, but in exchange for tangible economic footholds. The US, under President Donald Trump, has taken a tougher rhetorical stance on Russia, notably naming its invasion and promising to bar war profiteers from Ukraines reconstruction. Still, the deal contains no binding military commitments. That alone underscores its provisional nature. Should US interests shift, support could wane just as abruptly. What is at stake is not just Ukraines autonomy or Europes security, but the credibility of the Wests post-war order. Any perception of transactionalism in Washingtons support could undermine the moral clarity that democracies claim to uphold. And yet, the war grinds on. Russia remains entrenched, adapting its military strategy and deepening ties with China, North Korea, and Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin likely sees this US-Ukraine deal as a provocation, perhaps a confirmation of longstanding claims that the West is less interested in Ukrainian democracy than in controlling Eurasian resources. Advertisement That perception, accurate or not, will fuel Kremlin propaganda and prolong the wars diplomatic stalemate. This agreement should not be seen merely as a business contract. It is a test of resolve, not only for Ukraine but for the US itself. Will Washington stand by its partner if profits falter or domestic politics turns? Or is this partnership just a temporary alliance of mutual convenience? As the battle rages and negotiations remain distant, the future of Ukraine ~ and the credibility of American leadership ~ will hinge on whether this deal is the beginning of a true strategic partnership, or just another transaction in the ledger of global power. Advertisement The clearance of buildings damaged by the massive earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 is approximately 80 per cent complete in Mandalay and about 50 per cent complete in Sagaing, state media reported on Sunday. In Mandalay, major roads affected by the earthquake have been cleared of debris to prevent obstacles and ensure the safety of commuters, state-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported, citing the Myanmar Fire Brigade Headquarters. Advertisement Meanwhile, in Sagaing, cleanup operations continue with the use of heavy machinery to remove debris from large structures, including Buddhist learning centres and religious buildings located on higher ground, reports Xinhua news agency, citing The Global New Light of Myanmar. Advertisement These efforts have so far resulted in a 50 per cent completion rate, the report added. As of Tuesday, 52 people have been rescued, and 103 bodies have been recovered from the collapsed Sky Villa condo in Mandalay region, local media had reported. The Myanmar Rescue Team, Mandalay Region Fire Services Department, and the Mandalay Region government personnel have been carrying out rescue and clearance operations since March 28 at the collapsed site of Sky Villa, it added. The earthquake has caused the deaths of 3,759 people and injuries to 5,107 others, with 114 individuals still reported missing nationwide as of Tuesday, according to Global New Light of Myanmar. Meanwhile, atotal of 653 survivors have been rescued by emergency teams following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake, the state-owned daily Myanma Alinn reported on Friday. Both local and international rescue teams carried out search and rescue operations. They were also able to retrieve 779 bodies as of Thursday, the report added. Myanmar has experienced a total of 157 aftershocks following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28. The aftershocks ranged from magnitude 2.8 to 7.5, the department said. The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) on Monday strongly condemned the call by Khalistani extremists on Monday to send back 800,000 Hindus to India. An anti-Hindu parade took place during the Malton and Etobicoke Nagar Kirtan at the Malton Gurdwara in Toronto, Canada. Advertisement A video capturing the event is circulating widely on social media, featuring a large truck displaying a replica of a jail that included effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Advertisement The HCF said that such statements foster division and spread hate against Hindu Canadians. The silence of many political leaders in response to such hateful remarks must be recognised as implicit consent. It is the duty of all Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament, across party lines, to take a stand against this divisiveness and reaffirm Canadas commitment to religious harmony and inclusivity, the HCF said in a statement. A civilised society cannot tolerate hate-mongering and attempts to fracture our diverse communities. We urge Canadians to hold politicians accountable asking them what legacy they wish to leave for future generations, the statement added. The foundation further stated that the Nagar Kirtan is meant to unite people of all faiths, reflecting the teachings of Sikh Gurus, and should never be misused for political provocation or exclusionary rhetoric. Meanwhile, the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce also slammed the incident, demanding that Hindus leave Canada. There are 800,000 Hindus and over 1.86 million Indo-Canadians in Canada. The call at todays Nagar Kirtans in Malton & Etobicoke clearly targeted Hindus. History teaches us that calls for mass expulsion lead to unthinkable acts. This dangerous rhetoric must be denounced by all leaders, it said in a statement. The Khalistani extremism, especially against the Hindus, has been on the rise in Canada, with repeated cases of Hindu temple desecrations and vandalism. Last month, the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Surrey was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti, marking it as the third reported act of vandalism at the same site. Former Canadian MP Chandra Arya, addressed the incident strongly, in a post on X. The attacks on Hindu temples that began several years ago continue unabated today this latest graffiti on the Hindu temple is yet another chilling reminder of the growing influence of Khalistani extremism, he posted. Arya warned of a larger, coordinated effort behind such acts: Well-organised, well-funded, and backed by significant political clout, Khalistani elements are brazenly asserting their dominance and successfully silencing Hindu voices across Canada. He also referenced the targeting of the Khalsa Diwan Societys Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver, which was defaced with slogans like Khalistan Zindabad. The Gurdwara management condemned the actions, calling them part of an ongoing campaign by extremist forces that seek to instil fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community. It is time for the Hindu Canadians jointly with the vast majority of our Sikh-Canadian brothers and sisters to rise with urgency and demand immediate, decisive action from authorities at all levels of government. Silence is no longer an option, Arya concluded, calling for urgent action following the incident last month. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a tank factory and expressed satisfaction over the upgraded structural design of indigenous tanks, while emphasising the need to modernise the military with advanced tanks, the Norths state media reported on Sunday. Kim inspected the factorys production status, modernisation and progress in implementing research tasks related to core tank technology, Yonhap reported, quoting Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Advertisement It did not disclose the name or location of the factory or the date of his visit, describing it only as an important tank factory. Advertisement To replace the armoured weapons of the last century in our army with the latest tanks and armoured vehicles is the most important issue in the building of armed forces and modernisation of the army, the KCNA quoted Kim as saying during the field guidance. It is impossible to build the armoured force properly unless the military role and developmental direction of tanks in modern warfare are correctly defined and the viewpoint in tank design is reconsidered, Kim said as he presented the direction of tank modernisation and related tasks. He also emphasised the need to build large-scale capacity for producing cutting-edge tanks and self-propelled guns and to upgrade the overall armoured weapon systems in a short span of time, describing it as an important task for the governing party in bringing about the second revolution in armoured force. The KCNA reported that Kim expressed satisfaction with the upgraded structural design of indigenous tanks and the composition of their firepower system, saying that they demonstrated scientific accuracy and reliability for a high-thrust engine. Kim noted that a more development-oriented prospect has opened up in the tank industry, and the partys policy of further perfecting core technologies for the main battle tank is being pursued through steady development and production success, according to the KCNA. Last week, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it sent troops to Russia to support Moscows war on Ukraine, with South Koreas spy agency assessing that Pyongyang has gained real-world combat skills over the deployment. Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said North Korea appears to be focused on modernising its conventional weapons. The war in Ukraine has shown that nuclear weapons are primarily for deterrence and are difficult to use in practice, while conventional weapons such as artillery and missiles, along with advanced weapons like drones, determine the success or failure of modern warfare, Yang said. In 1987 Tran Van My, a man living in the southern An Giang Province, often saw a frail, ragged young man begging for food at a local market. Moved by his quiet, gentle demeanor, My took him home and gave him shelter. His wife, Huynh Thi Hang, initially protested, but relented after he explained the mans situation. From that day, the couple, who already had seven children, welcomed another into their home. The young man could recall only fragments of his identity. He said his name was Tong and he had served as a soldier in Cambodia. He believed he was from the central province of Thanh Hoa but could not remember his age, military unit or any of his relatives. When asked, he simply smiled or shook his head. Soon after settling in, he began suffering from recurring bouts of malaria, a condition he had developed during his military service in Cambodia. My treated him with traditional herbal remedies, and the fevers eventually subsided. Tongs memory remained unstable. He once lost the familys cow while herding it. Another time, he accidentally cut grass in a strangers field and was beaten. My had to step in and apologize on his behalf. Despite these difficulties, he was kind, hardworking, and quickly became liked by the family. "There were times he would go missing, and my father would search for him everywhere while we stayed at home crying, terrified we would lose our brother Tong," Kim Nam, the couples fourth daughter, recalls. Though the family lived in poverty, they shared what little they had with him. My tried several times to register Tong as a household member, but authorities rejected the requests due to his lack of identification. As the siblings grew up and married, Tong remained with his foster parents. When My passed away, Tong mourned silently for months. Tong at his adoptive parents home, April 2025. Photo courtesy of the family Years later, when his foster mother Hang moved to Binh Duong Province near HCMC for work, Tong stayed behind. He lived alone, earned a living doing odd jobs, and tended to Mys altar daily. "There was always incense burning on my fathers altar whenever Tong was home," Nam says. His foster family members offered to take him in or support him financially, but he always refused. He lived modestly, saved what little he earned, and occasionally sent gifts to nieces and nephews. Known for being tidy, disciplined and self-sufficient, he never asked for anything. Over time the stability of life with his foster family helped improve his health, and bits of memory began to return. But at times he would wake in the night thinking he needed to rush to the fields, or suddenly ride off on his bicycle without warning. Recently he began to express a longing to find his birth family. Then, one day, a wave of memory returned. He said his real name was Nguyen The Long. He remembered living near Dai Market, having a mother named Cuc and a brother named Kim, and being from Quang Hai Commune in Quang Xuong District, Thanh Hoa Province, near the sea. Determined to help, Minh Vuong, 19, Longs foster nephew, searched online and reached out to community groups and local authorities. "I messaged the commune police to ask for help to verify his identity," Vuong says. On April 9 Quang Hai Commune police chief Hoang Chien received Vuongs message and began investigating. After reviewing a video Vuong had sent of Long recounting his story, Chien found a match: Nguyen The Long was listed in local records as a fallen soldier. His family, still living in the area, had received a death notice in February 1980 stating he had died in action after serving in Cambodia since 1976. The family watched the video and immediately recognized him. "His family is preparing to travel to An Giang in the coming days to take him home," Chien says. "We will provide him with new ID papers and medical care so he can access all benefits." Longs nephew, The Hai, 41, who lives in Hanoi, says the family was stunned. "We spent years searching for his remains, never imagining he might still be alive." Huynh Thi Hang (far left), Tongs adoptive mother, speaks with his biological family visiting from central province of Thanh Hoa, evening of April 11, 2025. Photo courtesy of the family Family members from Hanoi, HCMC and Thanh Hoa quickly organized a trip south. On the morning of April 11 they met his foster mother in Binh Duong before continuing on to An Giang. After speaking with his biological relatives, more of Longs memories returned. He described in detail the wooden house near the beach where he grew up and named each of his siblings. When asked if he wanted to return home, he sometimes nodded but at other times said he would wait a few more months. He joked with his nieces and nephews that he planned to dismantle his bicycle and take it back to Thanh Hoa, prompting laughter from the entire family. Though he has not yet left, Longs foster family in An Giang already feels his absence. They are happy his birth family is overjoyed and grateful he survived. "Our nieces and nephews said they will accompany him back so he feels more comfortable," Nam says. "If life in Thanh Hoa does not suit him, we will always welcome him back to his home in An Giang." The terrorist attack of April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, which resulted in the death of 26 innocent tourists has tensions running high between India and Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has full confidence in the Indian armed forces and has given them complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing of Indias response to the attack. This was after two meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Security and a meeting between PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs. Modi has also reportedly met the Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi separately on Saturday (May 3). There have also been a slew of diplomatic and other measures by India which appear to be a part of a larger strategy to keep Pakistan on edge, until a firm decision can be taken on the way ahead, keeping the escalation matrix and nuclear thresholds in mind. Any military action would most probably be undertaken jointly by the three services, using kinetic and non-kinetic methods. Cyberattacks can achieve spectacular results, without a single shot being fired or borders being crossed. Israel, for example, had paralyzed operations, at Irans Port of Shahid Rajaee in 2020 for at least a week by hacking into the port computer network. Covert action offers deniability and could be used to support forces such as the Baloch Liberation Army in Pakistan, with weapons and equipment. Units of Indias Western and Eastern fleets, the two sword arms of the Indian Navy (IN), including the INS Vikrant Carrier Battle Group (CBG), have reportedly proceeded to sea to take up their assigned battle stations. These would naturally have been preceded by P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and Sea Guardian drones which are the eyes and ears of the fleet and would be scouring the seas to locate Pakistani units, including submarines. A task force of the Western fleet has been conducting multiple anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile firings within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the North Arabian sea to demonstrate combat readiness and deter potential threats in the region. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) too has also been deployed in coordination with the Navy along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) with Pakistan and elsewhere. Pakistan too is carrying out its own naval exercises on her side of the IMBL, not too far away. Indian submarines would rightly be on the prowl in the Arabian Sea at this critical time. These mean metallic sharks would be in a run silent, run deep mode, awaiting orders. They carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, land attack cruise missiles, and mines, and can launch marine commandos for special operations if and when required. INS Arihant and INS Arighat, the countrys indigenous nuclear-propelled submarines with their submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) capability are a part of Indias nuclear triad, sending a strong message in response to Pakistans nuclear saber-rattling. Pakistani Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, speaking a few days before the Pahalgam attack, described Kashmir as the jugular vein of his country. However, as far as India is concerned, Pakistan has a least two jugular veins. One is the flow of water facilitated by the Indus Water Treaty, which the Indian government has very rightly put in abeyance. The waters are critical for Pakistans agricultural sector and have the potential to create social tensions there. The other important jugular vein is her Sea Lines of Communication running from the Straits of Hormuz in the west to Karachi in the east along the 1,046 km long Makran coast, along which flows her imports of crude, petroleum products and other essential commodities. Targeting Pakistani ships off the Makran coast or the oil handling facilities in Karachi port could seriously affect Pakistans war-waging capability. The Navys battle-hardened Marine Commandos or MARCOS could be used to carry out clandestine attacks on offshore oil rigs and port infrastructure. While the Pakistan Navy cannot match the Indian Navys overall strength, it has ambitious plans to build a 50-ship force within the next decade to narrow the gap with India and has increasingly turned to China for this purpose. Pakistan has acquired four Type 054A/P frigates from China and contracted for procurement of eight Yuan class submarines fitted with Air Independent Propulsion. The Pakistan Navy has also inducted corvettes from Turkiye and the Netherlands. Pakistan has reportedly just tested an indigenously developed ship-launched ballistic missile, which would also need to be factored in. While China is not expected to provide direct help to Pakistan, it could provide covert support and intelligence, especially on the position and movement of our aircraft carrier and task forces. Chinese units entering the Indian Ocean through the Malacca, Lombok and Sunda Straits would be tracked by P-8I maritime aircraft and units of the Eastern Fleet. Closer home, a repeat of the 26/11 type of attack using a drone or unmanned surface or underwater vehicles is a distinct possibility. The 13 State Marine Police forces and the Customs Marine Wings would have to be on high alert to protect our valuable assets along our 11,098 km long coastline from such attacks. As our forces prepare to go in harms way, the people of this country would like to wish them happy hunting. The writer is a former Principal Director Naval Intelligence and has been a Director in the Cabinet Secretariat. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. India and Japan condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasised the need for global cooperation to fight terror during the meeting of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani, on Monday. Singh condemned Pakistans state policy of cross-border terrorism against India, perpetrated through state and non-state actors, and pointed out that such attacks destabilise regional peace and security. He called for a unified stand against terrorism and the state-sponsored actions that perpetuate it. The Japanese defense minister expressed his condolences for the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack and offered full support to India. It was a delight to meet Japans Defence Minister Gen Nakatani San in New Delhi. India shares a Special, Strategic and Global partnership with Japan. During the bilateral meeting we discussed defence cooperation and regional security. Both sides condemned terrorism in all forms pic.twitter.com/cqd7CWyxLS Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 5, 2025 The leaders reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening the bilateral ties and contributing towards regional peace. The defence ministers welcomed the growing diversity and frequency of defence exercises and exchanges between the two countries and agreed to increase the scope and complexity of these engagements. Singh outlined the capability of the Indian defence industry, particularly its potential to collaborate with the Japanese side on new areas including tank engines and aero engines. Both sides agreed to enhance industry cooperation, including exploring collaboration in niche domains such as automation, Artificial Intelligence, cyber and space. India and Japan share a long-term friendship, which has further gained qualitative momentum after the elevation of this collaboration to Special Strategic & Global Partnership in 2014. The dialogue ended with a commitment by both sides to enhance the bilateral defence cooperation. A Pakistani hacker group claimed that it breached the websites of Indian defence institutions Military Engineer Services and the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis, and gained access to sensitive information. Sources in the defence establishment have been quoted as saying that sensitive data, including the login details of defence personnel, may have been compromised, reports NDTV. Hackers have also tried to breach the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, a PSU under the defence ministry. The website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited has been taken down for audit to see if the hacking attempt caused any damage. ALSO READ: India thwarts fresh wave of cyberattacks by Pakistan hackers to breach Army websites The Pakistan Cyber Force X handle, which is banned in India, posted images of the webpage of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited. Another post in the handle reportedly had names of possibly defence personnel, with the message: "Hacked. Your security is illusion. MES data owned." In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, there have been a major escalation in cyberattacks against Indian institutions, particularly those linked to the military and critical infrastructure widely attributed to Pakistan-based hacker groups. According to media reports, steps have been initiated to strengthen cyber security infrastructure in the country and thwart any such attempts in the future. "Cybersecurity experts and agencies are actively monitoring cyberspace to detect any additional cyberattacks, particularly those that may be sponsored by threat actors linked to Pakistan," ANI quoted a source as saying. In a first of its kind, the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University has started a pilot study to assess the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease called NAFLD, among the tribal population in Tamil Nadu. The study which has begun as a pilot project in collaboration with the health department has been initiated in the Jawadhu Hills region of Tiruvannamalai district. The study aims to screen 50,000 people and identify high-risk individuals by checking for abdominal obesity, family history of diabetes and hypertension. Around 500 tribals have been screened and 120 blood samples have been analysed, so far. The pilot study among the tribals aims to assess the prevalence of NAFLD. The preliminary findings have revealed that 10 to 14 per cent fall under the high-risk or the FIB-4 category for liver fibrosis. Those who have been identified under the high-risk category will now undergo a fibro scan to confirm the extent of fibrosis. The medical camps organised in the areas will identify the individuals through initial screenings and those who require further assessment are being referred to primary health centres. Titled as Community Screening Programme for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), the pilot study will evaluate the feasibility, scalability and sustainability of interventions to reduce fatty liver disease in tribal areas. India is one of the countries where liver disease is a cause of death. At least one-fourth of the population is obese and is at risk of fatty liver. A recent study revealed that close to eight per cent of the rural population in Tamil Nadu have abnormal liver function tests and one per cent have cirrhosis. What is NAFLD? NAFLD is caused by excessive fat accumulation in the liver in individuals with little or no alcohol consumption. The union health ministry has included MASLD in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases emphasising early screening, lifestyle changes and health system integration. We want to focus on tribal populations and see whether they are at high risk for MASLD. Later, the study will be extended to rural and urban regions of Tiruvannamalai, says Dr K. Narayanasamy, vice-chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University and principal investigator of the study. The Karnataka governments proposal to set up an anti-communal force (ACF) in the communally-sensitive coastal Karnataka region has drawn flak from the BJP, after the police investigation into the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty revealed that Rs 5 lakh out of the Rs 25 lakh compensation paid to Mohammad Fazil (killed in 2022) had been paid to contract killers to kill Shetty. On May 1, 2025, Suhas Shetty, a Bajrang Dal member and prime accused in the 2022 murder of Mohammed Fazil, was himself murdered in Bajpe. The police who arrested eight persons including late Fazils brother (for Suhass murder) revealed that the compensation given to Fazils family had been misused to hire contract killers. Home Minister G Parameshwara, who visited Mangaluru, along with district incharge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, last Friday, to review the situation in the aftermath of Suhass murder and sporadic incidents of communal violence and protests, announced plans to establish a special ACF to rein in anti-social elements triggering communal violence in the coastal districts. Former minister and BJP leader V Sunil Kumar in a scathing attack on the state government said, As soon as the Congress government came to power in the state, it gave Rs 25 lakh as compensation to the Fazil family and they used this compensation money for murder. It has been proven by the police investigation that Fazil's brother gave Rs 5 lakh as compensation for the murder of Suhas Shetty, Kumar said. How many more murders should this government compensation be used for? First, this money should be recovered with interest. That should be the first act of the ACF. Otherwise, it will be proven that the ACF has been formed only to suppress Hindutva, added the Karkala MLA. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while speaking to reporters, claimed he was unaware of any misuse of the compensation given to Fazils family. Leader of the opposition in the Karnataka assembly R Ashok slammed Speaker UT Khader after the latter issued statement that Fazils family had nothing to do with Suhas Shetty murder. Khader who is one of the MLAs from the coastal district said Fazils family had spoken to him and denied their involvement in the murder. When did Speaker Khader Saheb become a judge? When was the law implemented to acquit a murder accused by considering the statement of his family members as evidence? Is this in the red constitution book that Rahul Gandhi recently demonstrated on the streets? What message does it send to the police if someone in an influential position like the Speaker gives a clean chit to the accused before the investigation? Looking at this attitude of the state government, it seems Siddaramaiah has decided to cover up the murder of Suhas Shetty, said Ashok. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, in his letter to Union Minister Amit Shah, has urged him to transfer the investigation of Suhas Shetty murder to the NIA. This tragic incident is not an isolated one it is part of a disturbing pattern of repeated murders of Hindu karyakartas in Karnataka under the Congress-led government. What is even more alarming is the continued appeasement & indirect support to radical elements & banned organisations like the PFI which also had a key role in the murder of Praveen Nettaru in 2022, said Surya. The Karnataka government on Monday launched a comprehensive caste survey of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the state to gather empirical data on 101 sub-castes to work out the internal reservation matrix for SCs. After Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka is now planning to introduce the internal quota following the Supreme Court's landmark judgement (dated August 1, 2024) that allows states to create sub-classifications within the SC reservation. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, said his government was committed to ensuring equitable distribution of reservation benefits and upholding social justice by implementing the internal quota. The 42-point survey covering socio, economic, political, educational and employment status of the 101 castes will be carried out in three phases door-to-door survey (May 7 to 17), special designated camps (May 19-21) and online self-declaration (May 19-23). Over 65,000 teachers have been deployed as enumerators, with one supervisor assigned to each group of 10-12 surveyors. Citizens are urged to provide correct sub-caste details. "The 2011 census lacked detailed sub-caste information, making this exercise necessary for fair policy decisions. The one-member commission headed by retired High Court Judge HN Nagamohan Das will oversee the process. Our government is committed to implementing internal reservation within SC communities based on accurate data," said Siddaramaiah. The survey costing Rs 100 crore will be carried out and a report will be submitted within 60 days to help the government finalise the final reservation matrix. A mobile app has been developed for the process and a dedicated helpline (94813/59000) has been set up for public queries. The internal quota was a long pending demand of the marginalised SC (Left) community to provide the sub-classification to prevent dominant SC castes from cornering all the benefits. In October last year, the Karnataka cabinet decided to set up a one-man commission to make recommendations and accordingly, the Justice H.N. Nagmohan Das committee submitted its interim report on March 27, this year. After the committee stressed the need for verified population data before implementing internal reservation. It may be recalled that the Justice AJ Sadashiva Commission, in 2012, had suggested a sub-quota by redistributing the 15 per cent SC reservation and the previous BJP government (in 2023) not only enhanced the SC and ST reservation by two percent each, but came up with a reservation matrix within the SC community. A subcommittee headed by then law minister J.C. Madhuswamy divided the SC community into four groups. Among the 'untouchables' in the SC (Left) - Madiga, Adi Dravida and Bambi, would get 6 % reservation and SC (Right) which includes Adi Karnataka Holeya and Chalavadi, 5.5 per cent. Among the 'touchables', the Banjara, Bhovi, Koracha and Korama would get 4.5 per cent and Are Alemari and Alemari (nomads) one percent. The Congress government has decided to conduct an independent survey to build the empirical data that can give the exact population of every sub caste. Also, traditionally the Congress enjoyed the support of SC right communities, and the saffron party favoured by SC left communities and internal quota is being opposed by the Sc right leaders within the Congress fearing a backlash from their respective communities. The BJP has accused the Siddaramaiah government of dragging its feet over the issue and questioned Siddaramaiahs commitment to social justice and the delay tactics of the ruling Congress. Social welfare minister Dr HC Mahadevappa, said, "This is a historical survey of Scheduled Castes, we have 101 sub-castes under SC. No Census has captured such data (of every sub caste). We cannot declare or determine the size of each caste. We have evolved a foolproof system and are collecting data at each panchayat level by setting up booths and involving the deputy commissioners. This will give us better clarity to fix the reservation as it is a transparent process." By Qabil Ashirov Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin has departed for an official visit to Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Turchin is expected to hold both restricted and extended-format meetings with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Prime Minister Ali Asadov. During the visit, a number of bilateral agreements are scheduled to be signed, reflecting the growing cooperation between the two nations. As part of the official agenda, the Belarusian delegation will tour several facilities restored by Azerbaijan in its liberated territories, underlining Belarus's interest in the regions post-conflict reconstruction efforts. The visit will also feature a business forum, bringing together leading representatives of Belaruss private sector. Companies from a wide range of industriesfrom manufacturing to food productionwill present their capabilities and explore opportunities for collaboration with Azerbaijani partners. This visit highlights the strengthening of economic and political ties between Minsk and Baku, especially in the context of regional development and international trade. Open Minds World is a school where there is no regimented routine, and students are not passive recipients of information but active participants in their development In preschool and lower grades, the focus is on building over 300 foundational skills, ranging from motor development to cognitive and linguistic capabilities. Montessori materials are used, but always in alignment with the schools unique philosophy of child-led discovery. In Grades 3 to 5, children explore nearly 100 subject concepts and 50 language topics, learning independently but under the constant, quiet observation of mentors who guide, not instruct.From Grade 6 onward, the model shifts subtly to incorporate collaborative group learning. Students engage in research-based projects, critical thinking exercises, and group presentations. NCERT textbooks serve as reference material, but the real learning takes place in conversations, reflections, and debates. In the senior most grades, students even take on the role of facilitators, teaching their peers and internalizing lessons through dialogue and demonstration, a method shown to boost retention by more than 90 percent.Each student is required to study ten subjects, including core disciplines like mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and languages, as well as electives in foreign languages, fine and performing arts, co-curricular activities, and sports. The aim is not to produce test takers, but well-rounded individuals capable of leading, collaborating, and creating.Open Minds World School maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, academic or otherwise. There are no competitive rankings, no winners or losers, no gold medals or last places. Every student is treated with equal respect, their progress measured not against peers but against personal growth milestones.The schools weekly credit-based evaluation system ensures consistency while avoiding the stress and stigma of traditional examinations, at least until Grade 5, when formal assessments are first introduced. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Indias National Education Policy 2020, which calls for a more holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary approach to learning.Open Minds World School presents a departure from conventional schooling rather than a modification of it. Rooting its practices to the constructivist philosophy, its approach is designed to foster leadership qualities in students. Students benefit from greater flexibility in learning and is ideal for parents who prioritize holistic education methods.The model aligns with the vision laid out in the National Education Policy, offering a practical example of how such principles can be implemented. In a landscape where educational innovation often faces institutional inertia, the school provides insight into the outcomes of a learner-centric model. By prioritizing student agency and adapting to individual needs, it can contribute to the ongoing discourse on the future of education in India. Groupism has long been like an evil Siamese twin to the Congress party in Kerala. Factionalism, rooted in personal loyalties and power struggles, has historically fragmented the party's unity. However, in the aftermath of electoral failure in 2021 assembly polls and after K. Sudhakaran became KPCC president and V.D. Satheeshan became opposition leader, the traditional dominant factions of I and A in the party became almost obsolete. The KPCC president has often claimed that the party remains united under his leadership and that factionalism is dead. Ironically, Sudhakaran himself recently alleged that a faction is attempting to sideline him, amid growing rumours of his impending replacement. A group within the Congress is trying to portray me as having health issues and label me as unfit and sideline me, he said. Notably, Sudhakaran made this move days after a meeting with Congress High Command last weeka meeting that led to rumours that Sudhakarans replacement will be declared soon. Reports suggest that AICC general secretary Deepa Das Munshi, in her feedback to the leadership, recommended that Sudhakaran be replaced. Interestingly, his bold public remarks about internal factionalism and his insistence on continuing as president have put the Congress leadership on the back foot. However, sources say the Congress High Command is likely to stick to its plan of replacing Sudhakaran and bringing in a revamped team, including new faces in key organisational positions. The AICC has already instructed the KPCC to immediately begin the reorganisation of District Congress Committees (DCCs). Many within the party believe the failure to follow up on the UDFs resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections with organisational reforms was a missed opportunity. Still, insiders suggest that those who held sway during Sudhakarans tenure are resisting a major shake-upand may have influenced the presidents defiant public posture. Yet, there are strong signals that the AICC will soon announce a new KPCC chief. While change may be imminent, removing Sudhakaranwho enjoys considerable grassroots supportrisks backlash. A forced exit could trigger tremors across the partys rank and file. Adding another layer of complexity, there are murmurs that the Congress may appoint a Christian leader as the new KPCC president to balance community equations. But questions remain: Can any such candidate match Sudhakarans mass appeal? And will a weak successor invite a resurgence of rampant factionalismespecially in a crucial election year? Russian President Valdimir Putin spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone on Monday and expressed Moscows full support to India in its fight against terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Putin emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice. Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed as terrorists sprayed bullets at them after verifying their religious identity in the scenic valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The talks between Modi and Putin assumes significance as it came shortly after Pakistan sought Moscows intervention to defuse the tension. "President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. He emphasised that the Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 5, 2025 Jaiswal said Putin conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. During their talks, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM conveyed greetings to President Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him for the Annual Summit to be held in India later in the year, the MEA sportsperson said. On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke to External Affairs Minister and urged both India and Pakistan to resolve their disagreements through direct political and diplomatic engagement. The deadly attack on civilians in Pahalgam has brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a war with New Delhi alleging cross-border linkage to the incident. New Delhi has already taken a slew of punitive actions against Islamabad including suspension of Indus Water Treaty and bilateral trade. India has also closed the land border crossing at Attari and cancelled short-term visas granted to Pakistani nationals. Security has been heightened in the national capital as India is weighing its options to response to the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. Senior officials of the Delhi Police have asked all DCPs to prepare detailed plans for the preparations of mock drills as directed by the Union home ministry. "We have already increased day and night patrolling in the city. We have deployed paramilitary forces, along with police personnel, at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Security has already been beefed up in the city, police sources were quoted as saying by PTI. The DCPs are personally monitoring the arrangements in their districts and are holding meetings with assistant commissioners of police (ACPs) and station house officers (SHOs). Senior officers of all the districts are coordinating with the ACPs and SHOs and guiding their teams to ensure optimum utilisation of resources at the police station level. Foot patrolling has been significantly enhanced to ensure round-the-clock vigilance. Special patrol units have been mobilised to cover key areas, including Connaught Place, India Gate, Janpath, Yashwant Palace, Gole Market and other vital installations, reported PTI. Beat officers have been engaging with shopkeepers, commuters and residents to address concerns and raise alertness. "During the mock drills, teams will ensure the deployment of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and dog squads, continuously conducting anti-sabotage checks in high-footfall areas, such as Palika Bazaar, Janpath, Khan Market, and near government buildings," an officer was quoted by the news agency. The Union home ministry has issued a directive to several states to conduct a mock drill on May 7 for effective civil defence. The order comes at a time when tension soared between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The last such drill was conducted in 1971, the year in which the two countries went to war. The death of 23-year-old Imtiaz Ahmad Magray from Tangmarg during a search operation by security forces has triggered fresh anger in Kashmir. His family and political leaders are demanding a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. According to the police, Magray a labourer suspected of being an overground worker (OGW) jumped into a river in Kulgam on May 4 allegedly to avoid arrest. They claim drone footage captured him leaping into the fast-flowing Vishaw Nallah. His body was later recovered by locals and handed over to the police for post-mortem. Indian Army zeroed in on Over Ground Worker Imtiaz Ahmad Magray of terrorists. He confessed that he knows the location of terrorist hideouts. He was guiding Army to the hideouts during search operations. He attempted to escape & jumped into Vishaw Nallah in Watoo Aharbal, pic.twitter.com/mHVmZL3ry7 Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) May 4, 2025 However, Magray's family disputes the police version. They allege that Magray was detained days earlier and accuse security forces of foul play. According to them, he was taken from his workplace, held in custody, and later returned dead. The family is calling for a judicial inquiry, demanding justice and transparency. The incident has sparked political outcry amid heightened tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 25 tourists and one local horse ride operator. Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, while strongly condemning the Pahalgam attack, warned the governments heavy-handed response including arrests, house demolitions, and civilian harassment was worsening public alienation. Allegations of misconduct, whether related to the Bandipora encounter or this latest incident in Kulgam, are alarming and demand an impartial and thorough probe. If a single act of violence is used to justify the erosion of civil rights, the perpetrators of terror have already won, she said. Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Itoo visited Magrays family and supported their demand for an inquiry. The elected government stands with the bereaved family. The truth must come out, she said. Magrays death is the latest in a string of troubling cases reported after the Pahalgam attack. In Kupwara, the brother of an imprisoned militant was recently killed in an encounter. In another case, a civilian, whose brother had crossed into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the 1990s, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen. Fear has gripped villages near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir as the Pakistani Army continued unprovoked firing for the eleventh night in a row. In Uri, residents said the shelling from across the border has been intense over the past two nights. The firing was so heavy at night that we couldnt sleep, said Farooq Ahmed, a resident of Balkote village. Bullets from Pakistani posts flew over our houses. It was terrifying, he said. Another local recalled earlier incidents when homes were damaged in a similar firing. We lost a few people in the past. Our houses are not safe, and we dont have bunkers, he said. Some of the villages that are in the direct line of Pakistani fire are Sikilote, Balnotel Churanda, Sultan Daki, Kanal Kote, etc. Despite the fear and danger, villagers living close to the LoC have not left their homes. A few are taking shelter in community bunkers at night, especially in areas worst hit by the shelling. Tension remained high throughout the night of May 3 and 4, with Pakistan opening fire in several areas. Incidents were reported in Kupwara and Baramulla in north Kashmir, and Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Nowshera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in the Jammu region. The Indian Army responded firmly to each provocation. A defence spokesperson said the troops also fired illumination rounds to light up the terrain and prevent any infiltration by terrorists under the cover of darkness. This is the tenth night of unprovoked firing, defence sources said. Our troops are responding promptly and are keeping a strict watch to stop any cross-border movement. Ceasefire violations were reported from at least eight places across five districts on the intertwining night of May 3 and 4. Thankfully, there were no casualties. The situation at the LoC has worsened since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. In response, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty on April 24 and recently banned Pakistani ships from using Indian ports. These recent developments have put a serious strain on the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the 2003 ceasefire in February 2021, which had largely held until now. But, the recent surge in hostilities has shattered over three years of relative calm. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing for the eleventh consecutive night on Sunday, targeting eight Indian sectors along the Line of Control. Pakistan has been resorting to unprovoked firing at Indian posts in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. According to Indian Army officials, Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing across LoC on Sunday night, prompting proportionate response from Indian forces. "During the night of 4-5 May 2025, Pakistan Army posts resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately," an Army spokesperson said. Pakistan's unprovoked firing comes amid heightened tensions between the neighbouring nations in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons were killed. Terrorists with alleged links with Pakistan killed a local horse rider, a Nepali citizen and 24 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. The firing was initiated by Pakistani troops across five border districts -- Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch in the south of the Pir Panjal ranges in the Jammu region, and Baramulla and Kupwara districts in the Kashmir valley --overnight, PTI reported. India announced a series of diplomatic measures against Pakistan in the wake of the attack. India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, suspended visas for Pakistani nationals, closed the Attari border and declared defence advisors at Pakistan's Embassy in Delhi as Persona Non Grata. Pakistani troops have been resorting to unprovoked firing at various places along the LoC since April 24 night. Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire despite a recent conversation over the hotline between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations. India reportedly warned Pakistan against the violations. In a major breakthrough, security forces busted a terror hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and recovered explosives on Monday. The development comes amid heightened security in the Union territory in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. According to Jammu and Kashmir police, in a joint security operation with the Army and SOG in Poonch, security forces busted a terror hideout in Hari Marote village in the Surankot sector of the district. The security personnel reportedly recovered wireless headsets, IEDs, clothes and tiffin boxes from the hideout. The major breakthrough comes as security forces are maintaining high vigil in the Union territory in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. As many as 26 persons including 24 tourists, a Nepali citizen and a local horse rider were killed in the attack on April 22, the worst since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Police had earlier released sketches of terrorists involved in the attack and security forces are conducting massive combing operation in the region to nab them. India reportedly possesses evidence to prove terrorists' alleged links with Pakistan. During the combing operation, houses of at least four persons with terror links were destroyed in blasts. India announced a series of diplomatic measures against Pakistan in the aftermath of the attack. India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, suspended visas for Pakistan nationals and closed the Attari border. India also declared defence advisors and their support staff at the Pakistan Embassy in Delhi as Persona Non Grata. Pakistan has resorted to unprovoked firing across the Line of Control violating the ceasefire in the aftermath of the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a key meeting with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna in Delhi. The meeting, which was held at the Prime Minister's Office, was related to the appointment of the next CBI director. The current CBI director, Praveen Sood, is set to complete his term on May 25. #WATCH | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrives at Prime Minister's Office, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/jnbsHbYcs8 ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 The committee for choosing the CBI chief comprises the PM, CJI and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The tenure of the appointed director is fixed for two years and it can be extended up to a maximum of five years. Sood, a 1986-batch IPS officer of Karnataka cadre, was director general of police (DGP) of the state prior to his appointment. He took over as the Director of the premier investigative agency on May 25, 2023. Earlier, Sood worked as an advisor to the Government of Mauritius. Rahul meets PM amid rising India-Pakistan tensions Rahul's meeting with PM Modi also comes in the wake of the rising India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack. Though it's unclear whether both the leaders have held discussions regarding the matter, Congress had urged the Centre to act with firmness and strategic clarity to isolate and penalise Pakistan for its continued export of terror to India. Congress Working Committee (CWC) in its resolution said, "The masterminds and perpetrators of this cowardly attack must face the full consequences of their actions." Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government for not having a clear strategy so far to deal with the Pahalgam terror attack situation. He slammed the Centre for serious "lapses in security and intelligence". Amid escalating tensions, the Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct a mock drill on May 7. Operationalisation of air raid warning sirens and training of civilians and students on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of an attack will be included in the drills. The International Saiva Siddhanta Conference organised by the Saiva Siddhantha Research of the Tirukayilaya Paramparai Dharmapuram Adheenam to promote Hindutva ideological thoughts seems to have turned into huge embarrassment for all the stake holders of the event. One of the Saivite spiritual leaders, while addressing the conference, stirred up a controversy alleging that he met with a car accident on the way to the event. The accident, he claimed, was a deliberate attempt to kill him by two men sporting skull cap and beard. The accident took place on May 2 at 9.45 am when the SUV of Sri La Sri Harihara Sri Gnanasambanda Desika Swamigal, head of the Madurai Adheenam, the most prominent 1500-year-old Saivite monastery in Tamil Nadu, collided with another vehicle at a four-way junction near the Ulundurpet signal in Salem. But neither the pontiff nor his car driver filed a police complaint. Asked about it, the pontiff told the media on May 3, They are the minorities. They enjoy the benefits from the government. However, a day later, the Kallakurichi district police released the CCTV footage of the car accident and ruled out any foul play. In a statement, the police also warned of strict action against those who post false information and spread rumours on social media regarding the accident. The police said that the SUV in which the pontiff was travelling to Chennai met with an accident with another car at the Salem roundabout near Ulundurpet. The CCTV footage revealed that the Adheenams SUV had taken the service road in Ajees Nagar in Ulundurpet instead of the flyover. The SUV was proceeding towards Ulundurpet at high speed when it brushed against a car that was passing through a barricade on the stretch, the police statement said. The police also said that thy did not receive any complaint from either by the pontiff or his mutt. A day later, a case was registered against the car driver for alleging that the accident was a conspiracy to kill him. The car accident, the pontiff's statement, and the CCTV footage have turned into a talking point in Tamil Nadu. The Madurai Adheenam is no new to sporting controversies. The pontiff is identified himself as a follower of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has expressed his support for Modi publicly during several events. During the inauguration of the new Parliament building, he praised Modi for promoting Tamil culture. He hailed Modi as the first prime minister to have invited the Adheenams for a significant national event. And when Modi decided to install the sengol inside the parliament, Madurai Adheenam was one among the pontiff's from Tamil Nadu to have been invited by the BJP government. Madurai Adheenam has been a vocal critic of the DMK in Tamil Nadu and has always spoken in favour of the Hindutva forces. Interestingly, the Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK), a right-wing organization, has sharply criticized the statement made by the Adheenam and appealed to the police to take stern action against him. The HMK has labelled his allegations as baseless and accused him of spoiling the sanctity of the Adheenam. The HMK also said that the Adheenam has fabricated the assassination to stir a religious controversy. The Union Home Ministry has asked several states to conduct a mock drill on May 7 for effective civil defence, reports said on Monday. The MHAs order comes at a time when tension soared between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The last such drill was conducted in 1971, the year in which the two countries went to war. The drills will include operationalisation of air raid warning sirens and training of civilians and students on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of an attack. MHA has asked several states to conduct mock drills in for items for effective civil defence on 7th May: Government of India Sources Following measures will be undertaken - 1.Operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens 2. Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 Provision of crash blackout measures, provision for early camouflaging of vital installations and updation of the evacuation plan and its rehearsal will also be part of the measures, ANI reported, quoting sources. On Sunday, a 30-minute blackout rehearsal was conducted at the Ferozepur Cantonment area in Punjab. All lights were turned off in the area after a siren went off at 9 pm. Tension has mounted between India and Pakistan after the April 22 attack in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed after terrorists sprayed bullets at them at Pahalgam in Anantnag district. India has alleged cross-border linkage to the attack and taken a slew of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. New Delhi has also downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended bilateral trade, closed its airspace for Pakistani airlines and cancelled short-term visas issued to Pakistani nationals. India also closed the land border crossing at Attari. The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty has sparked an outrage among the Pakistani leadership, with Islamabad saying any altering of the water flow would be considered an act of war. Carlin local Laura Pacini Wright turns 100 on May 7. Although she came to live in Carlin seven years ago, she was born and raised in Elko, where she attended kindergarten through high school. My parents were Italian immigrants. My mother never spoke any English. We always had to interpret for her, Laura Wright said. I was the youngest of three, I had a sister and a brother. It was rough for me. We were dirt poor, she said of her childhood. I lived across the tracks and that was considered the lower class of people. The uppers were up on the hill. My very first job was an usherette at the Hunter Theatre in Elko. Thats when you used to ask, how far down, please? You used to take your flashlight and usher them down to where they wanted to sit, she said. I did that for, I dont know how many years. Then, I graduated to cashier at the theater, she explained. I worked six nights a week and on Sunday, from matinee clear until the last guy was out of the upper where they rolled the film. My first big check was $6.25 and they withheld Social Security, she said. I remember, when I was a cashier, the booth was not in the building, Laura Wright explained. It was very cold. The top half was glass and the rest was wood. There was just a tall stool for me to sit on. I remember they had a rod there that I used to put my roll of tickets on. And I remember the prices of those tickets. The two rows upstairs had the cushion seats in back. They were the loges, and it was 55 cents. For the adults, the ticket was 44 cents. For students, it was 26 cents and kids were 11 cents, she said. From there, I went and worked at the First National Bank in Elko as a teller, and I was there for at least 11 years. Then, they hired this young man, a male just out of high school, she explained. I was training him as a teller, which he had no interest in at all. His first paycheck for one week was more than I was making after I had worked there 11 years. So, I grabbed a sheet of paper and put it in the typewriter and that was my resignation. The manager wanted to talk to me and he did raise my wages a little bit but not near what his was. So I just quit. Wright remarked about how much the city has transformed and grown. When I was going to school there, I could walk all over Elko in 20 minutes. She recognizes Anacabes Elko General Merchandise and Blohm Jewelers from when she was younger. She graduated from Elko High School in 1943, attending a graduation ceremony on the stage of the Hunter Theatre and then a reception in the Elks Lodge. We were wondering if any of her classmates are still alive. We have no way to trace that, Laura Wrights daughter-in-law Rachel Wright said. I wasnt very popular in high school because I lived on the other side of the tracks and that was low-class people, Laura Wright said. But youve made a success of your life, so that doesnt matter, Rachel Wright said. She was married to George Wright, and they were on several different ranches. He was a ranch manager but he also worked for the railroad some. So, her life was moving quite often, Rachel Wright explained. She has the strong backbone of the family. She has four children and lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild, Rachel Wright said. Shes very important to us, thats for sure. She used to show her love through cooking. If you were coming to her house to stay, you were going get your favorite meal. She loves to play cards. She still goes to the senior center every day, has lunch, plays bingo and plays cards all afternoon. Shes amazing for her age. I used to love to do crossword puzzles and read, but because of my macular I cant do that anymore. I used to love to dance, but thats past, too. I like to listen to good music, Laura Wright said. I like nice clothes. She watches Catholic Mass every day on television. She also enjoys The Price is Right. I think Im very blessed to be here in Carlin, rather than in the east, where theyre having so much trouble and flooding and everything, Laura Wright said. Laura and George Wright lived on the Hadley Ranch just outside Carlin during the severe winter of 1948 and 1949, when airplanes flew hay to stranded ranches. The two of them helped found the Carlin Riding Club, bringing equestrian recreation to the area. We used to hold our meetings down in the basement of the old Catholic church thats still standing here. And we used to have a lot of fun. We used to have dances in the old theater here in Carlin, Laura Wright said. Those dances were something else. Back in those days, Saturday nights were dances and they would come into town, Rachel Wright said. It was common to get together and do those kinds of things because they didnt have TV, they didnt have everything that we have now, just a totally different time. For her to be in Carlin, shes come back home kind of, in a way, Rachel Wright said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit riot-hit Murshidabad on Monday. This is the first time the Trinamool Congress leader is visiting the areas affected by violence that erupted during protests against the amended Waqf law in April. West Bengal Agriculture Minister Shobandeb Chatterjee said the chief minister will visit the place on Monday and added she could not visit the place because of the unrest. Speaking to the reporters, Chatterjee said, "Our leader, Mamata Banerjee has been saying this since day one that it has been very difficult for leaders to go to that area. Let the police do their job...There is peace there now, let them live in peace...What needs to be done is being done...she is going to tell everyone how they can live together," ANI reported. Violence broke out in various areas of Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act in April. The Central government passed the amended Waqf law on April 8 and widespread protests broke out across the country. Earlier, Banerjee said she would visit Murshidabad at the right time. Though peace has largely returned, the administration is currently focused on restoring public confidence. I could have gone, but I chose not to for a reason. Ill visit at the right time. I request the governor and others to wait for a few days more, she had said. However, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited the affected areas defying Banerjee's request. He also met affected families staying at relief camps and heard their grievances. National Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and a probe panel appointed by the Commission also visited Murshidabad and assessed the situation. The Commission took suo motu cognisance of the violence and formed a panel to probe crimes committed against women during the violent protest. The Supreme Court on Monday quashed a petition seeking a handover of the Red Fort to the descendant of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II. Sultana Begum is the widow of the great-grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar and demanded possession of Red Fort, claiming her late husband is a direct descendant of the original owners. She lives in Howrah, West Bengal. VIDEO | Bahadur Shah Zafars descendant Sultana Begums granddaughter Roushan Ara filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking royalty of Red Fort, which was dismissed by the apex court. Here is what she says, our plea was rejected by SC, without any consideration. Our plea was pic.twitter.com/OAiA9t0P4E Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 5, 2025 Responding to her plea, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna asked, "Why only Red Fort? Why not Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal?" Dismissing the petition as "misconceived", the CJI asked, "You want to argue this...?" The British East India Company took over the Red Fort from the Mughals in 1857 following the First War of Indian Independence. Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Burma and his properties were confiscated. Sultana Begum suggested that if she should give up her claim over Red Fort, the government should provide her compensation from 1857 to till date for illegally possessing the monument. In 2021, she had moved the Delhi High Court with the same demand. The woman claimed that the Centre had confirmed that her late husband, Mirza Mohammed Bedar Bakht, was the descendant and heir of Bahadur Shah Zafar in 1960. In line with this, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs began paying him pension. Following his death on May 22, 1980, the Centre started giving pensions to his widow, Sultana Begum, from August 1, 1980. She went on to claim that the Centre illegally took control of her lawful property, violating her fundamental rights and rights under Article 300A of the Constitution. Back then, the Delhi High Court had dismissed the petition and her appeal against that verdict was too rejected. A bench of Justice Rekha Palli scrapped the plea, saying there was a delay in filing the appeal. However, the woman's lawyer said the client is illiterate and ill, hence could not reach out. However, the judge said it was not a valid justification. Israel's top leadership on Monday approved a plan to capture the entire Gaza Strip and indefinitely remain in the area, according to an Associated Press report that quoted two Israeli officials. If implemented, the moveofficially titled 'Gideon Chariots'is expected to be a significant advancement of Israel's operations in Gaza, that is also likely to earn them stronger international backlash. "The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, moving the Gaza population south for their protection," the official statement said. Just two days after Israeli news outlets reported reservists being mobilised in the thousandsas a part of this escalationIsraeli Cabinet ministers approved the plan in a voting process conducted early this morning. ALSO READ | Was the mystery Gaza flotilla attacked off Malta coast a diversion for an Iranian weapon ship? The new plan, which Israeli officials have touted as a means to defeat Gaza and free hostages held there, also calls for thousands of Palestinians in the region to be displaced to southern Gaza, thereby worsening the humanitarian crisis in the entire region. According to Israel's public broadcaster Kan, the new plan was to be implemented gradually: over a period of a few months, with forces taking on Gaza in an area-by-area basis. According to a Reuters report, such a plan could potentially lead to a ceasefire and hostage negotiations, ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to Gaza next week, Cabinet security minister Zeev Elkin said. "There is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands we are serious," Elkin told Kan on Monday. "If there is no hostage deal, Operation 'Gideon Chariots' will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved," a senior Israeli defence official said. Currently, three Israel Defence Forces (IDF) divisions are operating inside Gaza. Although the military had claimed that the campaign was intended to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a hostage release deal, Israeli officials have readied themselves for the launch of powerful strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, with the aim of degrading Hamas military capabilities. The IDF said that pressure on Hamas would increase steadily, with the latest mobilisation forming part of a staged operational plan. However, the mobilised reservists may not be sent directly to Gaza. Instead, many are expected to reinforce Israels northern and eastern fronts, including Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, enabling active-duty soldiers to be redeployed to the Strip. The IDF insists the mobilisation is driven by operational needs, amid growing public pressure to resolve the hostage crisis. The new plan also explained that the displacement of Gaza's civilian population would help keep ongoing humanitarian aid to the region out of Hamas' hands, though the tw-month-old blockade would not be lifted yet. The United Nations on Sunday rejected the distribution of aid via what the plan described as Israeli military-designed hubs. After two months of devastating blockade and starvation of Gaza, Israeli officials demand that we shut down the universal aid distribution system run by the UN and NGOs like NRC. They want to manipulate and militarize all aid to civilians, forcing us to deliver supplies through Jan Egeland (@NRC_Egeland) May 5, 2025 On Monday, Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, highlighted this fact in a post on X, citing a statement by the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Meanwhile, dissent is growing within Israels own ranks. Thousands of reservistsmany of whom have served repeated tours during the conflicthave voiced frustration over the war being prolonged. A group of Air Force veterans and retired officers also recently signed a public letter urging the government to prioritise a deal to bring the hostages home, even if it means halting the fighting. Protests in Tel Aviv and other cities continue, with demonstrators demanding that saving lives takes precedence over military escalation. International mediation efforts involving Qatar, Egypt and the United States have so far failed. Israel demands Hamas disarm, while Hamas insists it will not release additional hostages without a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to hostilities. In that regard, Netanyahu, under pressure from his far-right coalition partners, has intensified criticism of Qatar, accusing it of siding with Hamas barbarism. President Donald Trump is preparing for a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia in a few days, with the United States having just granted initial approval for a $3.5 billion sale of weapons systems to the kingdom. The arms deal is headlined by 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range missiles and it shows the deepening strategic and economic ties between Washington and Riyadh. This will be Trumps first official foreign trip (except for a brief visit to Rome to attend Pope Franciss funeral) since returning to the White House and it shows the administrations commitment to improve ties with key Gulf allies. The missile sale is expected to be one of several announcements during Trumps visit, which will include a summit with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency described the sale as supporting Americas foreign policy and national security interests by enhancing the defence capabilities of a vital partner in the Gulf. The Saudi Air Force, which possesses the worlds second-largest fleet of F-15 fighter jets after the US, will benefit significantly from this upgrade. Saudi Arabia has already committed to investing $600 billion in the United States over the next four yearsa move widely seen as a strategy to court Trump and ensure continued favour from his administration. Trump, known for his transactional approach to foreign policy, is expected to frame the summit around investment opportunities, defence cooperation and technological partnerships, including in artificial intelligence. The summit, scheduled for May 14, will bring together leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. It will be the only leg of Trumps trip focused on regional matters; his other stops in Doha and Abu Dhabi are centred on bilateral issues. Notably, Trump does not plan to visit Israel on this trip, reflecting a more cautious approach amid heightened regional sensitivities. The question of normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel, a topic heavily promoted during Trumps first term, has been deliberately kept off the agenda. According to Arab officials, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan explicitly communicated this condition during his recent visit to Washington. The Saudis, wary of Trumps unpredictable public statements, fear any mention of Israeli ties could create diplomatic embarrassmentespecially given Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans recent denunciation of Israeli military actions in Gaza as genocide. While Trump has publicly supported Israels resumption of military operations, he has recently attempted to soften his rhetoric, acknowledging Palestinian suffering. Yet there is no indication that his administration will press for a ceasefire or renewed negotiations during this trip. The Biden-era vision of normalising Saudi-Israeli relations through the Abraham Accords has also faded. Despite significant progress on other Saudi demandssuch as a US defence treaty, access to advanced weaponry and a peaceful nuclear programmeRiyadh continues to insist on a commitment from Israel to a two-state solution as a precondition for diplomatic normalisation. As the Gaza war goes on endlessly, Saudi Arabia is left with no option, but to reiterate its longstanding policy on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Making matters worse for Riyadh is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus intransigence as he is not willing to make even a symbolic gesture towards Palestinian statehood, as he is worried that it would affect his fragile right-wing coalition. Trumps team appears to have accepted Saudi red lines, at least for now. The current Saudi leadership, while ambitious and assertive, still regards the United States as its most reliable security and investment partner. This remains true despite global shifts in power and increased scrutiny from some corners of the US Congress. Riyadh has traditionally preferred Republican administrations, seeing them as more aligned with its defence and economic priorities. Democratic presidents, by contrast, have often taken a more critical stance on human rights and have been perceived as too conciliatory toward Iran. During his first term, Trumps embrace of Saudi Arabia was symbolised by his unprecedented decision to make Riyadh his first foreign destination as president in 2017. That visit yielded massive arms deals and paved the way for closer ties between Crown Prince MbS and key figures in Trumps inner circle, most notably his son-in-law Jared Kushner. In his second administration, Trump has shifted his reliance from Kushner to real estate magnate Steve Witkoff, now serving as an unofficial envoy to the kingdom. Despite periodic Congressional backlashparticularly over the Yemen war and the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal KhashoggiTrump has never wavered in his support for the Gulf monarchies. Trump has also greenlighted a sale of armed drones worth $2 billion to Qatar, demonstrating a broader effort to strengthen ties across the GCC. The president is expected to use his upcoming summit as a platform for his regional agenda and to reinforce longstanding security partnerships. However, Riyadhs insistence on avoiding any public discussion on Israel clearly shows the fragile nature of security partnerships in the region and also the enduring significance of the Palestinian issue. Ahead of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Islamabad, Pakistan is seemingly going all out to woo Tehran, repeatedly reiterating that it welcomed Iran's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan. The Shehbaz Sharif government's relentless bid to appease Tehran comes despite New Delhi ruling out the possibility of mediation by any third country. On the eve of Araghchi's visit to Islamabad on Monday, the Pakistani ambassador to Tehran heaped praise on Araghchi for his visit to Islamabad, stating "the constructive and wise approach of Iranian leaders for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution of South Asian issues". Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif too had welcomed Iran's stance that it was willing to mediate between India and Pakistan. This is when India chose not to respond to it. More Pakistani politicians too are publicly stressing how Iran can play a key role in the peace efforts. Sardar Fateh Ullah Khan Miankhel, chairman of the Standing Committee on Defense of the National Assembly of Pakistan, was one senior leader who conveyed his interest in Iran's overtures. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on an official visit. He was received by Additional Secretary West Asia , Syed Asad Gillani, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan and other senior officials. He will hold important meetings with the Pakistani leadership pic.twitter.com/QdFx8BXR1J Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 4, 2025 Miankhel, in an exclusive interview with Iranian state media IRNA, said Araghchi's visit would be a significant step towards fostering peace in the region. "Unfortunately, the recent tensions in South Asia have once again strained relations between Pakistan and India. We are pleased that our close neighbour and brother, Iran, has expressed its willingness to assist in these matters," he said. He also stressed how Araghchis visit presents an opportunity for Pakistani leaders to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East and most importantly India. "We are a peace-loving people, and we welcome initiatives from our Iranian brothers to help resolve differences," he added. These public statements of Pakistani leaders come despite India's lack of deep-rooted ties with Iran. Unlike the Gulf countries, including the UAE, which earlier had held mediations between the nations, Iran doesn't enjoy a close rapport with India in its internal matters. However, Araghchi maintained a neutral stance while talking to reporters before leaving for Islamabad. Araghchi said that the relations between Iran and Pakistan were of great importance, "just as Iran's relations with other countries in the region, including India, are also important." "The situation in the region is very important for Iran, and while Tehran emphasises reducing tensions, the Islamic Republic calls on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent escalation," he added. Vanishing. This is the frequent and inevitable expression when discussing the Christians of the Middle East. The number of Christians in the birthplace of the faith has dwindled over centuries. According to a Pew report from December 2011, there were 4.07 million Christians in the Middle East in 1910, growing to 12.84 million by 2010. However, this figure is misleading; the devil lies in the details. It includes the large Christian expatriate population in the Gulf Arab countries. According to Pew, Saudi Arabia has 1.2 million Christians, including 1.05 million Catholics. It is well known that non-Muslim expatriates in the Gulf cannot obtain citizenship through marriage or residency. They remain residents and are citizens of third countries outside the region. Despite these numbers, Christians make up only 3.8 per cent of the regional population and account for a mere 0.6 per cent of the global Christian population. Looking specifically at Catholics, the figures are even smaller. Of the estimated 2.18 billion Christians worldwide in 2010, 50.1 per cent identified as Catholic. Of the 12.84 million Christians in the Middle East, only 5.58 million, or 43.5 per cent, identified as Catholic. Lebanon, with 1.2 million Catholics, accounts for 38 per cent of Middle Eastern Catholics. While Egypt has around 4.29 million Christians, only 140,000 are Catholic. Thus, even within the regional Christian community, Catholics form a small minority. This relatively small number of Middle Eastern Catholics is gaining greater significance in the Conclave beginning on May 7 to select the next Pope. Of the 252 cardinals representing 94 countries and territories, 135 are eligible to vote for the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday. The remaining cardinals are ineligible, having turned 80 before the papacy became vacant. Much to the relief of the broader Catholic community, Cardinal Angelo Becciuconvicted by Francis in 2023 for fraud and embezzlementhas announced he will not attend the Conclave. Of the 135 voting cardinals, 108 (including Becciu) were appointed by Francis. The remainder includes 22 appointed by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, and five by Pope John Paul II. The geographic and national diversity of those appointed by Francis will influence the selection of the next pontiff. Italy has the largest number of electors with 17, followed by the United States with 10 and Brazil with seven. Four of the six Indian cardinals are electors, including two from Keralite churches. Currently, five Middle Eastern cardinals will participate in the election. They hail from Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, and Jerusalem. Notably, all were appointed by Pope Francis, who is credited with broadening the geographic diversity of the College of Cardinals. For example, while John Paul II created 41 cardinals and Benedict XVI appointed 62, Francis appointed 149 cardinals during his twelve-year tenurethe most in recent history. Viewed in this light, the five electors represent a small population of Middle Eastern Catholics. Based on 2010 estimates, Iraq, with 110,000 Catholics, has the largest such population in the region. Algeria and Iran each have fewer than 10,000 Catholics, while Morocco has around 10,000. Countries with larger Catholic populationsLebanon (1.2 million), Egypt (140,000), and Israel (90,000)currently have no representation in the College of Cardinals. Due to historical animosity, Israelrecognised by the Vatican only in December 1993has never had a cardinal, though Jerusalem has held a special status. Given the citys religious centrality, particularly the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, nine patriarchs of Jerusalem have previously served as cardinals. The 10th, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, is Italian. He has served in Jerusalem since 2004 and became its Patriarch in 2020. The Latin Church in the city has fewer than 5,000 adherents. Cardinal-elector Dominique Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan, is the first cardinal from Iran. Neighbouring Iraq has had two cardinals in the past. The current cardinal, Louis Raphael Sako, is the Patriarch of Baghdad and heads the Chaldean Church, which represents most Iraqi Christians. Morocco's cardinal-elector is Cristobal Lopez Romero, Archbishop of Rabat. Over the centuries, countries like Egypt and Syria, which have substantial Christian populations, have had cardinals who participated in papal elections. Lebanon has had seven cardinals since its founding. The current Maronite Patriarch, Bechara Boutros al-Ra'i, is over the age limit and ineligible to vote. Thus, the five voting cardinals represent about 140,000 Middle Eastern Catholics. They will speak not only for the diminishing Catholic presence in the region but also for globally smaller communities such as the Chaldeans. However, the absence of cardinals from more populous Catholic communities in Egypt, Lebanon, and Israel will be keenly felt. Tradition holds that the next Pope must secure over two-thirds of the votesat least 90to be elected. In short, every vote counts. Prof P. R. Kumaraswamy teaches contemporary Middle East studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. An aid ship bound for Gaza was attacked by UAVs, suspected to be from Israel, last week off the coast of Malta in the early hours of Friday. Now, speculations are rife that the vessel 'Conscience', which is still stranded after sustaining damages, was merely a diversion for another vessel on the same routean Iranian cargo ship allegedly transporting weapons and ammunition to Lebanon. The vessel, belonging to the NGO Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was attacked on Friday just after midnight. Though Israel did not confirm it was behind the attack, Maltas government said the attack left the ship ablaze. The vessel was 68-foot-long and was carrying 16 people 12 crew members and four civilian passengers. Maltas government said a tug boat had been sent to assist the vessel but the crew refused to board the tug. Malta Prime Minister Robert Abela offered to send a team to assess the damage and even proposed covering all repair costs so the ship could resume its journey to Gaza but people on board rejected it. A ship carrying aid to Gaza in a bid to break Israels blockade has been hit by drones in international waters off Malta. The vessel, now located 14 nautical miles (25km) from Malta, was the target of two drone strikes while on its way to Gaza, Palestine. pic.twitter.com/JniDiikEse Mete Sohtaoglu (@metesohtaoglu) May 2, 2025 The pro-Palestinian activists onboard 'Conscience' claim they did not want to accept the offer after Malta set criteria: it would only support repairs if the mission was indeed humanitarian. "Theres no chance well accept the Maltese governments offer, which favours collaboration with the criminal Israeli government over providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza or to civilians stranded at sea," Tiago, an activist from Barcelona who joined the flotilla was quoted by Tel Aviv-based newspaper Ynet. On the speculations, Maltese security officials acknowledged the rumours, stating "they were dealing with a situation where much remains unclear." "The Maltese government is holding intense discussions on the matter, and were examining every possible lead, including that theory." A senior official was quoted by Ynet. He added that investigators were exploring the possibility that the explosion was not caused by an external factor. However, the pro-Palestine officials onboard the ship have rubbished the rumours, calling it "classic Israeli tactics." "Instead of addressing their criminal attack on innocent people undertaking a humanitarian mission, they spin a story in which everyone but Israel is to blame," Tiago told Ynet. India blocked all direct and indirect import of goods from Pakistan on May 3 in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. However, it has emerged that Pakistan is attempting to export goods via other countries with whom India has strong trade relations. Indian authorities are now taking measures to stop the entry of $500 million worth of Pakistani goods. The customs department is tracking and identifying goods that have undergone origin manipulation. It should be noted that imports from Pakistan before the Centre's ban was just $0.42 million from April 2024 to January 2025. Compared to this, Pakistani imports to India in 2020-21 was worth $2.39 million. India's exports to Pakistan during the first 10 months of FY25 was $447.65 million, including essential medicines, chemicals, sugar, auto components and petroleum products. An official who spoke to news agency PTI said a large part of the Pakistani goods like dry fruits and chemicals exported to India previous is now being dispatched via countries like the UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The Confederation of All India Traders wholeheartedly welcomes PM @narendramodi jis resolute decision to prohibit the import and transit of all goods from Pakistan a powerful message that India will not tolerate trade with those who fuel terror and hostility. Secretary pic.twitter.com/zqsZtfXvp7 Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) (@CAITIndia) May 3, 2025 Dry dates, fruits, textiles and leather from Pakistan are generally relabelled in the UAE before they are sent to India. Singapore serves as the intermediary for Pakistani chemicals and Sri Lanka transports salt, dried fruits and leather from Islamabad. Cement, textile raw materials and soda ash exported by Pakistan are diverted to India via Indonesia. In 2019, India withdrew its most favoured nation (MFN) status for Pakistan following the deadly Pulwama terror attack. It also imposed 200 per cent customs duty on Pakistani imports. In FY 2019, India had exported $2.07 billion worth of goods to Pakistan while importing $495 million worth of products. However, after the Pulawama shocker, exports to Pakistan tanked by more than 60 per cent to $817 million while imports slumped to $14 million, which translates to over 97 per cent. US President Donald Trump said he is planning to reopen the notorious Alcatraz prison to hold violent criminals. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, REBUILD, AND OPEN AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!, calling vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders as the dregs of society". Located on a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, the prison is often referred to as "The Rock". Alcatraz Island was a fort since the mid-1800s and the main prison building on premises was built in 1910-12 to hold military prisoners. The Department of Justice took over the Disciplinary Barracks, Pacific Branch, on Alcatraz on October 12, 1933, and a year later, the island was used as a federal prison. It continued operating until 1963, when it was shut down due to maintenance costs. With Trump reopening the infamous prison, here is a look at some of the most notorious Alcatraz prisoners. Al Capone The most infamous inmate of Alcatraz was Al Capone, the Chicago mob boss who was nicknamed Scarface over the scars on his face. Though the federal authorities could not indict him in the St Valentine's Day Massacre, he was eventually pinned down for income tax evasion in 1931. Initially held at prisons in Atlanta and elsewhere, Al Capone was caught bribing guards for home-cooked meals and comfortable bed. Later, he was moved to the Alcatraz. 'Machine Gun' Kelly George Kelly was better known by his nickname, Machine Gun, because of his favourite weapon: the Thompson submachine gun. He took to crime as a bootlegger during the Prohibition era in Memphis, Tennessee. Though arrested for smuggling liquor, he was released early for being a model inmate. His wife, Kathryn Thorne, encouraged him to rob banks and bought him his first machine gun. It was Thorne who made all-out efforts to ensure Kelly is a familiar name in the criminal world. In 1933, he kidnapped wealthy oil tycoon, Charles F Urschel and his friend Walter R Jarrett. Soon Kelly and his wife Kathryn were convicted and sentenced for life. Kelly spent the remaining 21 years of his life in prison and of these, 17 years were spent on Alcatraz. In 1951, he was sent to Leavenworth where he died of heart attack three years later. Robert Stroud Robert Stroud, known as the Birdman of Alcatraz, was a convicted murderer. However, reports suggest that he actually reared birds in the Leavenworth prison and not in Alcatraz because of strict regulations at the island prison. He was imprisoned from 1909 till his death in 1963. Initially, he was sentenced to 12 years for shooting dead a bartender. He was put behind bars at the federal prison on McNeil Island in Puget Sound. In 1916, he stabbed a prison guard to death, following which he was sentenced to death by hanging. Later, it was commuted to life imprisonment in solitary confinement. He was transferred to Alcatraz in 1942 after he was found making alcohol using some equipment in his cell. In 1959, Stroud was moved to the Medical Centre for Federal Prisoners in Missouri. Alvin Karpis Nicknamed Creepy Karpis, Alvin Karpis is the prisoner who spent the longest time on Alcatraz, ie 26 years. He was convicted in 10 murders, six kidnappings and one robbery. As a teenager, Karpis spent a decade in jail for burglary in 1926. He escaped prison but was caught and transferred to Kansas State Penitentiary. It was here that he first met Fred Barker. After his release in 1931, Karpis joined Fred and Arthur "Doc" Barker to form the infamous Barker-Karpis Gang. FBI nabbed Doc in January 1935 while Fred and his mother Ma Barker were killed in a shootout the following week. Karpis was caught more than a year later in May 1936. Roy G Gardner Roy G Gardner was known as the Mail Train Bandit and often referred to as the King of the Escape Artists. He was infamous for his escape attempts and has stolen more than $350,000 in cash. Gardner was arrested for gunrunning during the Mexican Revolution and sentenced to death by firing squad. He broke out of the Mexico City jail in 1909 with three other Americans. After robbing a US Mail truck of $80,000 worth of goods on April 16, 1920, he was arrested again, this times within three days. However, on June 5, 1920, he escaped from a train by grabbing a lawman's gun and disarming another. He then handcuffed them and jumped off the train before escaping to Canada. He later returned to the US and committed several crimes in Arizona. But was again captured during a train robbery in 1921 and sent to Leavenworth prison with additional 25 years. In 1925, he was moved to Atlanta Federal Prison but the next year he tried to tunnel under a wall. In 1927, he again tried break prison but in vain. Gardner was moved to Alcatraz in 1934, when Al Capone was also imprisoned on the island. He was later paroled and released in 1938 after his clemency appeal got approved. Amid escalating tensionsboth diplomatic and otherwisebetween nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan over the terrifying Pahalgam attack of April 22, numerous global airlines have decided to go around Pakistani airspace, according to various airline statements and data from flight-tracking websites on Monday. Both nations have closed their airspaces to each other, while permitting international airlines to continue using them. While some carriers have chosen to issue statements about circumventing Pakistan's airspace, others already do so without official statements. One such airline is the German-origin Lufthansa, which claimed to be "avoiding Pakistani airspace until further notice", despite the extra miles contributing to longer flight times in certain flights to Asia, according to a statement it gave to Reuters. A Lufthansa flight LH760 from Frankfurt to New Delhi had to fly for nearly an hour longer than usual on Sunday because it took a longer route around Pakistan, as per data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24. In another statement to Reuters, Air France said it would suspend overflight of Pakistan until further notice", citing an evolution of tensions" between India and Pakistan. As a result, flights to cities like Delhi, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh will now take longer, which in turn may result in increased ticket prices to these destinations. Flight-tracking data also showed some flights of British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines and Emirates travelling over the Arabian Sea (parallel to Pakistan) and then making a northward turn at Delhi in order to avoid Pakistani airspace. These airlines, have, however, not released any official statements communicating these intentions. This development might also lead to a decline in Pakistan's earnings from overflight fees, the Reuters report said, which could go as high as hundreds of dollars per flight, depending on aircraft weight as well as the distance covered. Airlines have also been reacting to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with European and US carriers cancelling flights for several days after a missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels landed near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday. Days after a Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft from Ankara landed in Karachi setting tongues wagging amid India-Pakistan tensions, a warship of Turkish Navy called at Karachi port on Sunday. TCG Buyukada, the second ship of the Ada-class ASW corvettes of the Turkish Navy, is expected to stay in Karachi till May 7. The arrival of the ship comes a day after Turkish Ambassador Dr Irfan Neziroglu met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express "Ankaras solidarity with Pakistan", according to Pakistani media. The official version of the Pakistani Navy is that TCG Buyukada's visit is aimed at strengthening the maritime cooperation between the two countries. It aims to increase mutual understanding between the navies of the two countries and strengthen maritime cooperation, the statement added. Turkish Naval Ship TCG BUYUKADA arrives at Karachi Port in Pakistan. Turkish Foreign Policy Experts want to play it down calling it a usual port visit after similar visit to Oman. Pakistan calls it a goodwill visit by Turkish Navy. The timing makes people question the motive. pic.twitter.com/YcFWrUSgSs Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 4, 2025 However, the Pakistani media were quick to interpret the visit of TCG Buyukada as a symbol of deep defence cooperation between the two countries in the wake of the India-Pakistan tensions. The ship had made a port visit to Oman between April 29 and May 1 before it called on Karachi. Before that, the ship had sailed to Malaysia. Turkish authorities had earlier stated that the visit was just a "goodwill" one. Both nations had deep defence ties with them recently holding a joint military drill 'Ataturk-XIII' which saw combat teams from the two special forces practice interoperability. Pakistan has also signed a pact with Turkey in 2022 which will see Turkey manufacture four MILGEM Corvettes for the Pakistani Navy. While two ships will be built at Istanbul, the remaining two will be made at the Karachi Shipyard in Pakistan. The construction activities of the first ship, PNS Babur, have been completed. Also read: Why did Turkish Airforce C-130 Hercules transport plane land in Karachi? Ankara responds to rumours Earlier, the landing of Turkish Air Force C-130 aircraft in Karachi had stoked rumours that the aircraft was carrying "military cargo", hinting that Turkey could be supplying weapons to Islamabad against India. However, Ankara issued a swift statement wherein it said the news was not true while slamming the disinformation in social media. "A cargo plane from Turkiye landed in Pakistan for refuelling. It then continued on its route," the statement said, adding that "speculative news made outside of the statements of authorised persons and institutions should not be relied upon." Billionaire investor Warren Buffett said Saturday that he wants to step down as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year. The revelation came as a surprise because the 94-year-old had previously said he did not plan to retire. Buffett, one of the worlds richest people and most accomplished investors, took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965 when it was a textiles manufacturer. He turned the company into a conglomerate by finding other businesses and stocks to buy that were selling for less than they were worth. His success made him a Wall Street icon. It also earned him the nickname Oracle of Omaha, a reference to the Nebraska city where Buffett was born and chose to live and work. Here are some of his best and worst investments over the years: Buffetts Best National Indemnity and National Fire & Marine: Purchased in 1967, the company was one of Buffetts first insurance investments. Insurance float the premium money insurers can invest between the time when policies are bought and when claims are made provided the capital for many of Berkshires investments over the years and helped fuel the companys growth. Berkshires insurance division has grown to include Geico, General Reinsurance and several other insurers. The float totaled $173 billion at the end of the first quarter. Buying blocks of stock in American Express, Coca-Cola Co. and Bank of America at times when the companies were out of favor because of scandals or market conditions. Collectively, the shares are worth over $100 billion more than what Buffett paid for them, and that doesnt count all the dividends he has collected over the years. Apple: Buffett long said that he didnt understand tech companies well enough to value them and pick the long-term winners, but he started buying Apple shares in 2016. He later explained that he bought more than $31 billion worth because he understood the iPhone maker as a consumer products company with extremely loyal customers. The value of his investment grew to more than $174 billion before Buffett started selling Berkshire Hathaways shares. BYD: On the advice of his late investing partner Charlie Munger, Buffett bet big on the genius of BYD founder Wang Chanfu in 2008 with a $232 million investment in the Chinese electric vehicle maker. The value of that stake soared to more than $9 billion before Buffett began selling it off. Berkshires remaining stake is still worth about $1.8 billion. Sees Candy: Buffett repeatedly pointed to his 1972 purchase as a turning point in his career. Buffett said Munger persuaded him that it made sense to buy great businesses at good prices as long as they had enduring competitive advantages. Previously, Buffett had primarily invested in companies of any quality as long as they were selling for less than he thought they were worth. Berkshire paid $25 million for Sees and recorded pretax earnings of $1.65 billion from the candy company through 2011. The amount continued to grow but Buffett didnt routinely highlight it. Berkshire Hathaway Energy: Utilities provide a large and steady stream of profits for Berkshire. The conglomerate paid $2.1 billion, or about $35.05 per share, for Des Moines-based MidAmerican Energy in 2000. The utility unit subsequently was renamed and made several acquisitions, including PacifiCorp and NV Energy. The utilities added more than $3.7 billion to Berkshires profit in 2024, although Buffett has said they are now worth less than they used to be because of the liability they face related to wildfires. Buffetts Worst Berkshire Hathaway: Buffett had said his investment in the Berkshire Hathaway textile mills was probably his worst investment ever. The textile company he took over in 1965 bled money for many years before Buffett finally shut it down in 1985, though Berkshire did provide cash for some of Buffetts early acquisitions. Of course, the Berkshire shares Buffett began buying for $7 and $8 a share in 1962 are now worth $809,350 per share, so even Buffetts worst investment turned out OK. Dexter Shoe Co.: Buffett said he made an awful blunder by buying Dexter in 1993 for $433 million, a mistake made even worse because he used Berkshire stock for the deal. Buffett says he essentially gave away 1.6% of Berkshire for a worthless business. Missed opportunities. Buffett said that some of his worst mistakes over the years were the investments and deals that he didnt make. Berkshire easily could have made billions if Buffett had been comfortable investing in Amazon, Google or Microsoft early on. But it wasnt just tech companies he missed out on. Buffett told shareholders he was caught sucking his thumb when he failed to follow through on a plan to buy 100 million Walmart shares that would be worth nearly $10 billion today. Selling banks too soon. Not long before the COVID pandemic, Buffett seemed to sour on most of his bank stocks. Repeated scandals involving Wells Fargo gave him a reason to start unloading his 500 million shares, many of them for around $30 per share. But he also sold off his JP Morgan stake at prices less than $100. Both stocks have more than doubled since then. Blue Chip Stamps: Buffett and Munger, Berkshires former vice chairman, took control of Blue Chip in 1970 when the customer rewards program was generating $126 million in sales. But as trading stamps fell out of favor with retailers and consumers, sales steadily declined; in 2006, they totaled a mere $25,920. However, Buffett and Munger used the float that Blue Chip generated to acquire Sees Candy, Wesco Financial and Precision Castparts, which are all steady contributors to Berkshire. (AP) President Donald Trumps 2026 federal budget proposal includes sweeping cuts across domestic agencies and so-called woke programs, but one area is set for a major expansion: the creation of a Golden Dome missile defense system a massive, U.S.-based version of Israels Iron Dome. The proposal, which outlines a staggering $113 billion increase to the Department of Defense budget a 13% jump includes a down payment on what the document calls a next-generation missile defense shield that would protect the U.S. from missile threats coming from any adversary. Israel has it, other places have it, and the United States should have it, too, Trump declared during his March address to Congress, in which he formally asked lawmakers to fund the initiative. Modeled after Israels Iron Dome, which intercepts incoming rockets mid-air and has been credited with saving countless lives from Hamas and Hezbollah attacks, the Golden Dome has long been a pet project of Trumps. He signed an executive order on the concept shortly after retaking office in January and has since pushed the Pentagon to fast-track development. Yet serious questions remain not least among them how such a system could be implemented across a country the size of the United States, which does not face the same kind of short-range missile threats from neighboring countries as Israel does. Critics are also questioning who might benefit. According to a New York Times report, SpaceX, the aerospace company helmed by Trump ally Elon Musk, is poised to be a major contractor in the program. The company manufactures both rocket interceptors and surveillance technology, key components for any missile shield. The news has triggered backlash on Capitol Hill. Dozens of House Democrats have demanded an investigation into Musks involvement in the procurement process, raising concerns about favoritism, transparency, and conflicts of interest. We cannot allow our defense contracts to become a political payback scheme, one Democratic lawmaker said. This is about national security not lining the pockets of the presidents billionaire friends. Despite these objections, the Golden Dome initiative is gaining traction among defense hawks, who argue that an American missile shield is long overdue given the rise of hypersonic and ballistic missile technology in China, Russia, and North Korea. The Trump administration insists the budget proposal represents a strategic shift toward hard power and homeland protection, even as it slashes funding for agencies including the EPA, Department of Education, and State Department. Whether the plan moves forward depends on Congress, which must approve the presidents budget. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) In a revelation that may reshape historians understanding of the Holocausts origins, nearly 800 newly unearthed recordings and transcripts of post-World War II interrogations have been published, including a staggering confession from one of the Nazis most notorious war criminals. Among the digital files released Saturday by the Hoover Institution is a recording of SS officer Bruno Streckenbach, a man long suspected of overseeing some of the most gruesome crimes of the Third Reich. In the tape, Streckenbach admits that Adolf Hitler himself issued the explicit order for the Final Solution a grim confirmation in what has long been a contested historical debate. This is the order from the Fuhrer, Streckenbach recalled being told by Reinhard Heydrich, the architect of the Nazi killing machine. He chose the SS to carry out this order. The confession not only places Hitler at the center of the genocide but also lifts the veil on the internal horror and moral breakdown among SS officers as the killing escalated. Streckenbach, who commanded the Einsatzgruppen Nazi death squads that executed hundreds of thousands of Jews across Eastern Europe recounts an early encounter with fellow officer Erwin Schulz, who had grown visibly shaken by the mass executions in Ukraine. Schulz trembled, trembled like Im trembling now. He said, What are we doing? And I said, We cant do anything there was an order. The testimony is especially damning because Streckenbach was never tried or imprisoned, despite his suspected involvement in the murder of over one million people. He died a free man, evading justice even as prosecutors attempted for decades to bring him to trial. The release of the recordings, which also detail escape routes used by Nazi fugitives, offers a grim window into both the operational mechanics of the Holocaust and the bureaucratic coldness with which genocide was executed. Thomas Weber, professor of history at the University of Aberdeen and the researcher who uncovered the materials, emphasized the historic weight of the confession. This recording decisively alters the historical record, Weber said. For decades, the defense of many Nazi officers hinged on the claim that they were following broad directives not a direct order from Hitler. This tape destroys that narrative. The recordings address the long-disputed origins of the Holocaust by bullets the early stage of the genocide where mass shootings replaced gas chambers and clarify the chilling chain of command. Though much of the Holocausts horror has long been documented, this cache of firsthand, unfiltered testimony sheds new light on the psychological toll, the inner workings of SS command, and the deliberate misrepresentation of responsibility by Nazi officers during post-war trials. The evidence now made public represents what historians are calling one of the most important archival releases of the last decade, and a sobering reminder that even decades later, the full truth of the Holocaust is still coming to light. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) President Donald Trump firmly shut down growing speculation about a potential third term, telling NBCs Meet the Press that he has no intention of seeking office beyond 2028, despite flirtations with the idea in recent months. This is not something Im looking to do, Trump told host Kristen Welker in the Sunday broadcast. Im looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebodyideally a great Republicanto carry it forward. Trumps comments appear to contradict his previous musings about a possible third term. In March, he claimed he wasnt joking when referencing a 2028 run and hinted there were methods around the constitutional ban established by the 22nd Amendment. His campaign store even began selling Trump 2028 hats, fueling speculation among loyal MAGA supporters. Despite walking back any third-term ambitions, Trump remained cagey about whom he might endorse as his successor. He named Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as standouts, calling Vance a fantastic, brilliant guy, and praising Rubio as great, but declined to rank potential picks. The interview covered a broad array of controversial issues. When pressed on his administrations refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling involving Kilmar Abrego Garciaan illegal immigrant deported and imprisoned in El SalvadorTrump repeatedly deflected. Asked whether due process applied to citizens and non-citizens, and whether he was obligated to follow the Constitution, Trump answered, I dont know. On the trafe war, Trump suggested that tariffs imported goods could become a permanent fixture of his economic agenda, even at the expense of small businesses. If somebody thought they were going to come off the table, why would they build in the United States? he asked. He also dismissed calls for exemptions to help struggling small businesses, despite warnings from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce about potential irreparable harm. After weeks of signaling that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powells job was at risk, Trump reversed course, saying he would not remove Powell before his term expires in 2026. Why would I do that? he said. I get to replace the person in another short period of time. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) India and Pakistan are scrambling resources both military and diplomatic to respond to a crisis triggered by a massacre in Indian-controlled Kashmir that has heightened fears of a conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. India blames Pakistan for backing the gunmen behind the April 22 killing of 26 people, most of them Indian Hindu tourists, and has described it as a terror attack. Islamabad denies the charge. Both countries have expelled each others diplomats and nationals, as well as closed their borders and shuttered airspace. India has also suspended a critical water-sharing treaty with Pakistan. A Pakistani minister last week said his country had credible intelligence that an Indian strike was imminent. There has been no military action from India so far. Heres where the situation stands since the attack: World leaders urge de-escalation After an initial wave of condemnations of the attack on tourists, world leaders are calling for both sides to avoid escalation. The U.N. Security Council is expected to hold closed consultations on Monday to discuss the situation. International pressure has been piling on both New Delhi and Islamabad which fought two of their three wars over disputed Kashmir to ease tensions. Senior officials from the U.S., China, Russia and Saudi Arabia have urged both sides to exercise restraint. Iran has offered to mediate. Meanwhile, both nations have launched an aggressive diplomatic campaign to shore up support for their positions. India has made efforts to highlight what it called the cross-border link to the attack by briefing diplomats of dozens of countries. The diplomatic outreach this time has been quite extensive and the idea for India would be to showcase whatever evidence it has to its partners and to make a case that whatever actions might be coming from its side has the support of its partners and allies, said Harsh Pant, foreign policy head at the Observer Research Foundation think tank in New Delhi. Pakistan has offered to cooperate with an international investigation into the attack and reached out to dozens of foreign diplomats. Islamabad, however, said that it will match or exceed any military action by India. Tensions on the border, fears in Kashmir Indian army has said its troops have exchanged gunfire with Pakistani soldiers along the de facto border, the Line of Control, in Kashmir, blaming the neighbour for unprovoked firing for 10 straight nights. Islamabad, meanwhile, has accused India of violating a ceasefire. In Kashmir, Indian forces have launched a huge operation to hunt the April 22 attackers. At least 2,000 people have been detained and questioned. Some have been arrested under anti-terrorism laws that allow authorities to detain people without formal charges. Indian forces also blew off at least nine family homes of suspected rebels, who have been fighting for independence or merger with Pakistan. The crackdown has led to fear and anxiety in Kashmir, stirring traumatic memories of the regions decades-long insurgency and Indias brutal response. Praveen Donthi, senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, said Kashmiris are always the first to bear the brunt of any political or military tensions between India and Pakistan. The collective punishment imposed on Kashmiris and the state violence unleashed against them further inflames the conflict, Donthi said. India and Pakistan are flexing military might On Monday, Pakistans military test-fired a short-range missile, the second test launch since a medium-range ballistic missile on Saturday. Indias navy also test-fired missiles last week. In 2019, a skirmish between the two countries almost spiralled out of control, before U.S. intervention eased tensions. (AP) Central Berlin was in ruins after the Red Army completed the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in an intense fight for the capital in May 1945. After decades of division and its revival as the capital of a reunited, democratic Germany, the city is now transformed, blending painstakingly restored buildings with modern architecture. But the scars of the past remain visible in many places: facades riddled with holes from bullets and shrapnel, or gaps in rows of houses sometimes plugged by new buildings. An Associated Press story from May 9, 1945, painted a stark picture. It read: This town is a city of the dead. As a metropolis it has simply ceased to exist. Every house within miles of the center seems to have had its own bomb. Berlin, the epicenter of Adolf Hitlers power, was the ultimate prize as the Allies closed in from east and west on the disintegrating German defenses in the final stage of World War II. We all had a little case next to the bed, even the children, recalled Eva-Maria Kolb, now 89, of the constant aerial bombing in the last six months of the war. When there was an air raid warning you had to pull something on quickly and then go down to the basement. The final Battle of Berlin in late April and early May 1945 reduced much of what was left of the city to rubble. The Soviet military attacked from several directions with an enormous concentration of troops, who faced a struggle to cross rivers and canals and an intensifying street fight as they moved deeper and deeper into the city. On April 25, Berlin was encircled. Hitler killed himself in his bunker on April 30; and on May 2, the commander of German military forces in Berlin, Gen. Helmuth Weidling, capitulated to Soviet forces. Berlin was a heap of rubble because of these last 10 days, almost everything in the center was ruined, said Jorg Morre, the director of the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst, located in the building where Germanys final surrender was signed. But the infrastructure could be repaired relatively quickly the sewerage system wasnt so badly damaged. They managed to get the water supply and pipes going again. A lot of old Berliners are still familiar with hand pumps electricity came, so that the trams starting running again, and the commuter trains. Kolb said: It was, of course, a great relief in 45 that the war was over and Hitler was no longer alive everyone who wasnt a Nazi was very, very grateful that the war was over. She recalled that parts of the city were rubble, but she went to a school in the Tempelhof district, south of the center, that was only half-ruined. It no longer had a roof and the second or third floor was missing but we had lessons. Only when it rained were lessons canceled. This marked the end Post-war Berlin was divided into sectors controlled by the wartime allies. That hardened into a Cold War division that saw two separate German states founded in 1949 and ultimately led to the building in 1961 of the Berlin Wall, which fell 28 years later as communist rule collapsed in East Germany. Germany was reunited in 1990 and the national government moved to Berlin in 1999. Parliament now meets in the restored Reichstag, where the raising of the Soviet Unions red flag in 1945 was emblematic of the victory over Nazi Germany. Graffiti left by Soviet troops at the Reichstag has been preserved at several places in the building. The military surrender of Berlin on May 2, 1945, wasnt quite the end of the war. Hitlers successor, Grand Adm. Karl Donitz, tried to fight on but was quickly forced to negotiate Germanys surrender. Germanys unconditional capitulation was signed at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, on May 7 and came into effect the following day. But the Soviet Union had only a liaison officer at the ceremony and fighting against the Red Army continued in the east, so a second ceremony was agreed at Soviet headquarters in Berlin on May 8, Morre said. As a result, the West and Russia mark the end of the war in Europe on May 8 and May 9, respectively. In this room, World War II ended in Europe, he said, in the preserved hall where the capitulation was signed in Berlin. This marked the end. (AP) Channel 14 commentator Yaakov Bardugo, who is considered a close confidant of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, revealed on Sunday evening that a deal to release about ten Israeli hostages that was already closed was thwarted by Qatar. The time has come to declare Qatar as an enemy state of the Jewish people, Bardugo said. These remarks follow the Prime Ministers Offices unusual statements against Qatar in recent days. The Prime Ministers Office published a rare official statement on Motzei Shabbos, saying: The time has come for Qatar to stop playing both sides with its double talk and decide if its on the side of civilization or if its on the side of Hamas barbarism. Israel will win this just war with just means. Netanyahus office chose to publish the message in English and publicly for the first time, hinting that Qatar is undermining the efforts to release the hostages. The attack sparked a strong response from the Qatari Foreign Ministry, which strongly condemned the remarks. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari called Netanyahus statements inflammatory and far from meeting the basic standards of political responsibility. He claimed that Qatar is working in coordination with its partners to end the fighting and return the hostages, and asked sarcastically whether the release of 138 hostages so far was thanks to mediation or thanks to bombings. Bardugos words echo the message of the Prime Ministers Office and exacerbate the tone: Qatar is not only not helpful as a mediator with Hamas but actively sabotages possible understandings with the terror group. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) In a recent episode of his widely shared Q&A sessions, Harav Gershon Ribner shlita, addressed a question posed by a group of bochurim deeply concerned about their role in resolving the ongoing shidduch crisis. The bochurim, who identified themselves as a group not eager to leave their American yeshiva early, asked a straightforward yet loaded question: We want to stay in our current yeshiva, but we also feel an achrayus to help solve the shidduch crisis. What should we do? Rav Gershons answer was equally straightforward and striking: The best way to help solve the shidduch crisis is to stay in your American yeshiva through fourth-year beis medrash and then go straight to BMG or another yeshiva where you can begin shidduchim. Skip Eretz Yisroel entirely. The statement comes in the wake of an initiative, slowly being implemented in various yeshivos across the U.S., which encourages bochurim to head to Eretz Yisroel during their third year of beis medrash. The goal behind this movement, supported by many gedolei Yisroel and rabbanim across the U.S., is to have bochurim enter the shidduchim market earlier while simultaneously encouraging girls to wait longer before entering shidduchim, thereby narrowing the age gap and easing the current shidduch crisis. But Rav Gershon offered a dissenting view, voicing skepticism over the benefits of even including learning in Eretz Yisroel yeshivos as the model for bochurims aliyah. Rav Gershon argues that the pathway forward for responsible bochurim is to maximize their learning and aliyah bTorah in their American yeshivos and then transition directly into the shidduch parsha at the appropriate age not to insert an overseas detour that might delay, distract, or further complicate the dating process. Your browser does not support the video tag. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Serhiy Kaplin, MP of the VII-VIII convocations, Secretary General of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Ukraine Ninety percent of people worldwide are unaware of the text, historical context, or subtext of the Subsurface Agreement between the United States and Ukraine. This must change. The very existence of the Ukrainian state, the prevention of a third world war, and the fate of millions of Ukrainians may hinge on what is effectively the Agreement of the Millennium. This agreement affects your lifethe life of every European, American, every community, and every continent. Ultimately, these few pages hold the potential to transform into an instrument for positive global change in the international order and the balance of power. I aim to share my vision of how the seeds of this agreement will germinate, evolve into a prototype for new international relations, and lay the groundwork for institutions of partnership beyond, or in parallel with, traditional organizations like the UN and NATO. We will also examine how Russia and other actors will respond within Ukraines domestic politics: from co-opting leftist movements and trade unions, to establishing a full-fledged political incubator designed to rotate elitesfrom local communities, through Kyiv, and up to Parliament and the presidency. They will craft a factory and a herd of Trojan horses to seize political power. Russia understands very well that the cost of a national campaign for a political party in Ukraine equals that of a single fighter jet; a parliamentary seat in a single-member districtone tank; a mayoral raceone helicopter. All the players in this war have learned this arithmetic. The next twelve years will be twelve rounds of heavyweight battle, and every missed blow could be fatalnot just for Ukraine, but for the world. First, nothing in international politics comes for free. Behind every leaderbe it Trump or Zelenskystand millions of people and the interests of their nations, of the companies that pay taxes. The world, and Ukraine especially, must shed the naive belief that countries simply spread values like bees carry pollen, that they protect the weak, or form alliances solely for the sake of abstract freedoms or human rights. There is no such thing as pure charity, purposeless friendship, or irrational affection between nations. Accepting this old-new reality will make it easier to both conclude and comprehend agreements that become the core constructive tools of politics in the coming years. Conversely, we must accept the rules of the new world: the price of freedom and independence is measured in the lives of nations and the competence of highly trained elitescapable of forging partnerships and playing the political game on par with other global powers. History follows a pragmatic script. The real mistake is not in speaking frankly with the people and dismantling comforting myths, but in maintaining the illusion that nations are protected by some hollow geopolitical mythology or false security. Every nation must know the price of peace, the cost of prosperity and happiness, and its foreseeable future. War stood at the gates of Kyiv, but due to outdated political ethics, millions refused to see it until the final hour before the full-scale invasion. Even politicians and the media became hostages to this culture of denial. The world, we must acknowledge, is in extraordinary dangerand profoundly unprepared to accept political reality. Second, Ukraine needs a partner to defend its territory and people. The United States holds a natural monopoly on such strategic partnershipsa fact proven by two world wars. Europe and other alliances, no matter how strong, cannot work with Ukraine in a consolidated and self-sufficient manner without the involvement of the United States. The U.S. is reconfiguring its foreign policy paradigmfrom being a democracy donor and a geopolitical maximalist promoting color revolutions, endless cold wars, and doctrines of escalationto a new model: pragmatic and dynamic diplomacy based on strategic agreements, tariff policy, and the creation of new institutions and alliances. The United States no longer has time for long projects, and the restoration of its axis of responsible and pragmatic leadership has become a matter of planetary survival. This shift toward dynamic diplomacy is driven by the global ascent of China and other players. The choice is stark: either the U.S. acts swiftly and decisively, or the world may soon wake up to a reality of total technological and geopolitical dominance by Communist China. The U.S. is now working to recover lost time, leadership opportunities, and competitive advantages by rapidly expanding its sphere of influence and replicating new strategic ideas. There is no time to spareAmericas democratic hegemony and global credibility currently rest on the inertia of past achievements. The new U.S. administration is injecting energy into a course of swift decisions and strategy-making. In essence, the United States is decomposing the old world orderand this is precisely why it is interested in ending the war in Ukraine: to remove internal political obstacles and free itself to pursue other pragmatic partnerships and strategic alliances. That is why the United States has, in effect, accommodated Ukraine in this Agreementchoosing not to impose rigid debt obligations or burdensome conditions. Ukraine has attuned itself to this strategic logic. Third, attention must now shift to the three potential seasons of this Agreementshort-term, mid-term, and long-term. The mission of the first phase for Ukraine is to ensure a full-fledged presence of American business within Ukrainian territories and specifically in sectors categorized as high military risk. These include regions like Poltava, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Following a comprehensive audit of Ukraines resource capabilities, precise locations will be identifiedthese, in turn, will become de facto security red lines for the aggressor. In those territories, America will be physically present, and by definition and according to the Agreement, peace will prevail. For the United States, the first phase is about compensating for defense expenditures in Ukraine, establishing a new logic of partnership, and communicating clearly to the American public the justification for continued financial support to Ukraine. Defense funding will require time and considerable resources. Americans concerned with the rising costsmany of whom are themselves struggling with domestic criseswill no longer criticize their government as fiercely. The political opposition will lose one of its most potent cards. The U.S. administration will consolidate public opinion and secure bipartisan support. In the second phase, we will witness Russias realization of symmetrical U.S. support for Ukraine, rooted in a long-term economic and strategic presence. Ukraine will proceed with reprivatization of factories and industrial assets, the reclamation of land and natural resource deposits, andas a consequencethe attraction of American investment. Some major enterprises will be nationalized. This will amount to a full reset of property rights and control over assets stolen by oligarchs during the 2000s. Thus, a broader partnership base between the U.S. and Ukraine will be establisheddealing a devastating blow to Ukraines oligarchic class. This integration of the two nations will require enhancements to Ukraines institutional superstructure: judicial reform, public administration reform, decentralization, and of course, the development of infrastructure. The central task will be strengthening Ukraines defense capabilities. The third phase of this transformationthe Agreement of the Millenniumwill unfold in parallel with the first two. It involves a fundamental reconfiguration of U.S. relations with both Russia and Europe. It is already evident that within the next decade, the United States will seek strategic partnerships with Russia across a range of critical areas. Over time, Europe will come to accept this cooperation. This poses a tremendous challenge for Ukraine, as the anticipated partnership will be both foundational and deepreflecting Russias need to reintegrate into global political and economic systems. It will touch upon energy, logistics, natural resources, food security, defense, and technology. But this is the U.S.s long game: a strategic course of political transformation aimed at weakening Russianot through force, but by shifting its political DNA. Each successive Russian leader will become less Chinese and incrementally closer to the United States and Europe. Russias paradoxical strengthborn from war and the projection of external threatswill be quietly eroded. This third phase will be Ukraines most difficult test. During this period, both the West and Russia will move toward reconciliation and pragmatism. The United States will need to balance its interest in preserving the sovereignty of its ally Ukraine with the emerging imperative of strategic detente with Russia. Washington will seek a new model for relations with the Kremlinone that bypasses European skepticism and pessimism. At the same time, Europe will begin to lose influence in the region. Its reactive stance and domestic political turbulence will place it in a secondary role. Ukraine, therefore, must not rely solely on European support. In this context, the Agreement becomes Ukraines strategic compass. It will serve as a roadmap for navigating not only its bilateral relationship with the United States, but also its broader geopolitical orientation. Ukraine will have to demonstrate institutional maturity, economic flexibility, and political will. The country must internalize the logic of long-term deterrence and strategic patience. Any internal political instability, resurgence of oligarchic influence, or erosion of anti-corruption efforts will jeopardize the entire transformation. The stakes are existential: Ukraine is not merely defending its sovereigntyit is constructing a new model of statehood in the post-Soviet space. If successful, it will become a precedent, a model, and a magnet for the region. But this success will depend on Ukraines ability to align its internal political culture with the logic of the Agreement. American support is not unconditional; it presumes progress on reforms, transparency, and accountability. Only under these conditions will the Agreement evolve from a political pact into a true strategic alliance. The fourth and most crucial component of the Agreement is Ukraines homework in the context of these three phases. First, Ukraine must secure accession to the European Union and assume a leadership role within it. The personal qualities and popularity of the next head of state will be of paramount importance, as will the development of strategic partnership with the United States and synchronized domestic reforms. Public trust in Ukraines new political elite will be a decisive factor. Second, there must be a comprehensive cleanup of the domestic political landscape. Pro-Russian forces must be prevented from establishing new elite structuressuch as labor unions or left-wing populist movementsthat could eventually undermine state authority. A new political culture must be nurtured, one rooted in democratic accountability and free of endemic corruption. Social challenges must be addressed proactivelyespecially in terms of comprehensive support for war veterans, including the implementation of best-in-class rehabilitation, reintegration, and employment policies. Following the Agreement and the end of the war, Ukraine must fully embrace a value-based path aligned with American principles: democracy, liberty, justice, and above all, a pragmatic and rational approach to both domestic and foreign policy. Ukraine will be expected to operate at the level of a global partner. Its internal strength and leadership role in the EU must serve as a safeguard against geopolitical turbulence and military threats. Ukraines elites must act with restraint and avoid swinging the geopolitical pendulum. In this context, post-war elections will be of immense significance. At present, the United States has credible partners within Ukraines political leadership, as evidenced by the high-level dialogue and the Agreement itself. After the war, elections must be conducted at the highest democratic standard to maintain the confidence of Ukrainian citizens, European partners, and the international communityespecially those in uniform. It is critical that no candidates or parties be lost to sanctions or political pressure; all legitimate actors must be given a fair chance to compete. A major reform of the electoral law is necessary, as is the completion of decentralization and modernization of public administration and the political system. Even the smallest elements that obstruct national progress or contribute to political instability must be removed. This is key to ensuring post-war unity and trust in the new governments strategic direction. The Parliament must become a true legislative bodynot a marketplace dominated by five factional power brokers. The government must be policy-oriented and not consumed by defending itself from meaningless party initiatives. The President must act as a true guarantor of national unity. Local communities must gain institutional representation, potentially through a second legislative chamberas seen in the U.S. and several European states. Control over the media must end. De-oligarchization must continue. Economic monopolies must be dismantled. Feudal remnants in local governance must be eliminated. A genuine system of meritocratic promotion must be restoredbringing the best public managers into positions of responsibility. Most importantly, following the Agreement, Ukraineeffectively granted the status of a hybrid U.S. statemust adopt a 50-year national development strategy, fully synchronized with American and allied priorities. The implementation of such a strategy will define the outcome of the warnot only for Ukraine, but for the world at large. The defeat of Russia and the full restoration of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, including Crimea, will be recognized as one of the greatest geopolitical victories of the West in the 21st century. For Ukraine, this will mark the final dismantling of the post-Soviet model and the rise of a new nation-state. For the United States, it will confirm its global leadership and strategic clarity, demonstrating that democracy and allied cooperation can prevail against authoritarian aggression. The Agreement is not just a bilateral pact; it is a global statement of intent. It signals a long-term shift in the international order, in which Ukraine emerges as a central pillar of European and transatlantic security. The strategic partnership enshrined in this Agreement will shape not only the outcome of this war but the architecture of peace for decades to come. Therefore, it is imperative that Ukrainian society understands the depth and magnitude of what is at stakeand what is required. The next few years will demand discipline, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment from every branch of government and every sector of society. Victory will not come solely through military means. It will come through resilience, reform, and a shared belief in the values that unite Ukraine and the United States. This Agreement is the foundation. What is built upon it will determine the future. Two suspects were arrested next to Ben Shemen Forest on suspicion of arson on Sunday The suspects, a minor and a 19-year-old, both residents of East Jerusalem, were arrested after an Israeli citizen called the police and reported seeing the two suspects on the side of the road, lighting something and throwing it into a wooded area. The suspects were arrested on the spot. Later on Sunday, Modiin police officers brought them to a hearing in court, where the judge agreed to extend their detention for two days. Ben Shemen Forest, near Modiin, is the largest forest in central Israel and one of the largest in the entire country. Most of the secondary fires that broke out last week in Israel in the wake of the massive fire in the Jerusalem Hills are believed to have been the result of arson. The Hamas terror group published posts on social media calling for Palestinians to Light fires in forests near Jewish settlements and Ignite rage and flames of revenge in their homes and vehicles. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Some intelligence analysts believe that the attack on the so-called Gaza freedom flotilla overnight Thursday was a self-inflicted attack designed to divert attention from another vessel on the same routean Iranian cargo ship en route to Lebanon to deliver weapons and ammunition, Ynet reported. According to the theory, the Conscience ship was not attacked by Israeli drones, as the organizers alluded to, but instead suffered self-inflicted explosions. Regardless of the origin of the attack, the behavior of the ships crew following the incident was highly suspicious, choosing to be stuck at sea on a damaged ship rather than allow representatives of the Maltese government to board the ship to confirm that it is carrying humanitarian aid as they claimed. Ynet reached out to the Maltese government regarding the report. As noted, Malta, which is considered pro-Palestinian and emphasizes its commitment to humanitarian aid to Gaza, said that it offered assistance to the ship and even sent a tugboat to help extinguish the fire, but the captain refused to allow the entry of a surveyor and police representatives to verify the contents of the cargo. Were dealing with a situation where much remains unclear, the official acknowledged to Ynet. The Maltese government is holding intense discussions on the matter, and were examining every possible lead, including that theory. He added that investigators are exploring the possibility that the explosions were self-inflicted. According to a Saudi report, Hamas is behind the ship, and the crew members and passengers intended to engage in combat with IDF forces as they neared the Gaza coast. For this reason, Malta, Greece, and Turkey refused entry for the ship, threatening to seize it if it came to port. In addition, the island country of Palau revoked its flag from the ship prior to the incident. Organizers of the ship contacted CNN overnight Thursday and reported that their ship was attacked by drones off the coast of Malta, adding that they believe that Israel was behind the attack. The organizers lied from the outset, claiming that 30 international activists were left aboard the sinking ship for hours. However, the Maltese government said that it promptly responded to the ships SOS call and offered to evacuate the 12 crew members and 4 civilians found on the ship, but they refused. The Maltese government also offered to pay for the ships repairs if its mission was indeed humanitarian, but the crew and passengers refused to allow authorities to board the ship. Theres no chance well accept the Maltese governments offer, which clearly favors collaboration with the criminal Israeli government over providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza or to civilians stranded at sea, said Tiago, an activist from Barcelona who joined the flotilla. There are injured people onboard, suffering both physically and psychologically. We demand that the Maltese government allow the ship to dock at one of its ports. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Four of the eight suspects, including seven Iranians, who were arrested over the weekend in the UK for an alleged plot to attack an unspecified target in London, were hours away from committing a major attack, UK media outlets reported on Monday. According to the reports, speculation is rising that the target was a shul or another Jewish target. The government called the suspects the biggest counter-state threat and counterterrorism operations for years. It said the premises were being given advice and support. The Israel-based IntelliTimes blog reported that the UK confirmed that the attack was planned against a major Jewish target, adding that in such a case, Israeli intelligence agents were likely involved in helping to foil the plot. Locals witnessed Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers raiding one of the locations, the Daily Mail reported. There was a massive explosion and flame. It was officers using explosives to blow open the door, one local said. The eight suspects were arrested on Saturday in two separate raids, three in London and five in various parts of the country, including in the Greater Manchester area, London, and Swindon. Forensic officers in blue overalls were photographed at a house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, where one of the men was detained Rochdale resident Kyle Warren told Sky News he heard a massive bang and saw 20 or 30 police with guns drag a man from a neighboring house. Weve seen a man getting pulled out from the back, basically got dragged down the side entry and thrown into all the bushes and then handcuffed, he said. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A senior defense official said on Monday afternoon that the IDF will begin preparing for the expanded military operation in Gaza but will not launch it until after US President Donald Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East. Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the US from May 13-16. The new operation has been named Operation Gideons Chariots. Operation Gideons Chariots, with the goal of defeating Hamas in Gaza and the release of all hostages, was unanimously approved by the security cabinet, the official told the press. He added that a key part of the plan is the evacuation of the entire Gazan population from combat zones, including from northern Gaza, to southern Gaza, while differentiating between civilians and Hamas terrorists, in order to allow the IDF operational freedom of action. Unlike in the past, the IDF will remain in any area it captures to prevent the return of terrorism, and will operate in each cleared area according to the Rafah model, where all threats were neutralized and the area became part of the security buffer zone. He added that Israel will bring humanitarian aid into Gaza after the start of operational activity and a large-scale evacuation of civilians to the south. A humanitarian plan will be implemented, as presented yesterday by the IDF and approved by the cabinet, by using civilian companies and designating areas that will be secured by the IDF. This includes a sterile zone in the Rafah area beyond the Morag route, where entrants will be screened by the IDF to prevent Hamas operatives from gaining access. The militarys preparations ahead of the ground operation will create a window of opportunityuntil the end of the U.S. Presidents visitfor a hostage deal under the Witkoff model. In such a case, Israel will seek to retain territory that has been cleared and incorporated into the buffer zone beyond the March lines. Under any temporary or permanent arrangement, Israel will not withdraw from the security buffer zone around Gaza, which is intended to protect Israeli communities and prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas. If no hostage deal is reached, Operation Gideons Chariots will begin with great force and will not stop until all its objectives are achieved, he concluded. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Warren Buffett has been hailed as 'everything that is good about American capitalism' after announcing his retirement after six decades. The billionaire investor, 94, said he would hand over the reins as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway to vice chairman Greg Abel at the end of this year. And his announcement came as he rebuked Donald Trump over his tariff war on America's trading partners, saying: 'Trade should not be a weapon.' Buffett took over Berkshire then a failing textile company in 1965 before turning it into a $1.16trillion conglomerate with nearly 200 businesses across the US economy. The billionaire became known as the 'Sage of Omaha', combining investment success with homespun wisdom and a modest lifestyle. While Berkshire stock rose 5,502,284 per cent from 1965 to 2024, Buffett never moved from a home he paid $31,500 for in 1958. His investment approach stressed the importance of company fundamentals and not overpaying for assets. 'Sage of Omaha': Warren Buffett said he would hand over the reins as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway to vice chairman Greg Abel at the end of this year His best-known investment of recent years was buying shares in Apple in 2016 in what turned out to be a lucrative bet that it would recover from a dip in fortunes. Buffett's own fortune totals $168.2billion according to Forbes magazine, nearly all of which is in Berkshire stock. Apple boss Tim Cook was among the chief executives paying tribute to Buffett. He said in a social media post: 'There's never been someone like Warren, and countless people, myself included, have been inspired by his wisdom. It's been one of the great privileges of my life to know him.' JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon, the world's most powerful banker, said: 'Warren Buffett represents everything that is good about American capitalism and America itself investing in the growth of our nation and its businesses with integrity, optimism and common sense.' Buffett's announcement came at Berkshire's annual shareholder meeting at its HQ in Omaha, Nebraska. The company's share price has risen 19 per cent this year, compared with a 3 per cent drop in the S&P 500 stock index as it has been seen as a safe haven from economic uncertainty. But Cathy Seifert, an analyst at CFRA Research, questioned whether it could continue to attract a premium now holding Berkshire stock no longer means 'getting the investing prowess of a legend'. Moving home can be one of life's most stressful events. Some people describe it as up there with death and divorce. It is a notoriously lengthy process with setbacks and delays par for the course. The house buying process takes 41 per cent longer than most people expect, according to research from the Open Property Data Association. On average, people expect it to take 88 days to exchange contracts once their offer on a property is accepted. The reality is that it takes 124 days, according to OPDA. In total, the typical home takes six months to sell from when it is first listed, according to Zoopla data. However, for many people it can take even longer than that. Most property transactions are in a chain and, if one sale collapses or is delayed, all the others are impacted. This was the case for Steven Cryer, 43, and his family, who recently moved into their new house on the Wirral. Never again: Steven Cryer, 43, and his family endured 18 months in limbo trying to move home In total, it took the Cryers a staggering 18 months from putting their house on the market to finally getting the keys to the new home they are in today. After two aborted purchases, lost buyers, broken property chains and thousands of pounds down the drain, Steven has vowed to never move again. He describes the whole experience as an emotional whirlwind of dashed dreams, negotiations, changing plans, spiralling costs, paperwork and endless frustration. 'I think the system is completely broken,' he says. 'Its been stressful and very hard on the family, hard on the kids. 'We felt stuck in this up and down roller coaster. Ultimately our life went on hold for 18 months but you keep having to remake plans. 'We wont ever move again now. Not after this experience. I've lost faith in the industry. I think the system is completely broken.' Steven had two buyers pull out of buying his former home, and then had to pull out of two purchases himself due to unforeseen problems. 'At one moment, we were selling our house, then the person who was buying our house lost their buyer, so we had to re-list the property,' he explains. 'Then we had another buyer, but they eventually pulled out because they saw something else they preferred. The next buyer luckily stuck with us. 'But then we had endless problems with the properties we were trying to buy because the surveys picked up major problems, so we had to withdraw twice.' Uncovering expensive property problems Steven would like the whole sales system flipped on its head, with sellers having to provide and pay for a survey of their own home before the legal process begins. If this had been the case, he says, he could have avoided wasting time on the first two homes he made offers to buy - both of which had hidden nasties. The first was due to structural issues, and the second needed a full roof replacement. By the time he had discovered this, he had already paid hundreds for a mortgage valuation and for the survey itself. Even the property he went on to buy has cost him much more than expected, due to issues not disclosed by the seller or contained within any sales pack. He estimated a budget of around 22,000 for work needed post-move. So far it has cost in excess of 62,000. > What type of survey to choose when buying a home Expensive problem: Steven had to pull out of one property purchase because the surveyor said it needed a full roof replacement When the final searches were undertaken on the property an entry on the Land Registry had been made by the family of the seller to prevent the sale, which meant a further delay and cost. 'There should be some policy that protects the buyer,' said Steven. 'Sellers pull the wool over your eyes. Everyone does their house up to make it look good to sell, but when you get behind what's been done, often nothing has been done to a good quality. 'This cost us a lot of money. Every time we had a mortgage valuation we lost around 600. Our own personal surveys were 1,200 each time. Having to go through that three times over cost us 5,400 and that's before legal fees.' 'Even the house we ended up buying has had so many issues. All the tiles fell off the bathroom wall after we moved in. There was damp everywhere. We had a rat infestation. Weve had to re-wire the whole house. The boiler didnt work 'There was damp everywhere. We had a rat infestation. Weve had to re-wire the whole house. The boiler didnt work. 'You've got no comeback, unless you want to go through a small claims court - but how many people have the time or money to do that?' Aside from all the expenses, stress and disappointment, the whole moving process has also cost Steven valuable time. 'You have to do so much paperwork and fill and refill the same documents,' adds Steven. 'Multiple mortgage applications, each time with a very different mortgage rate. That was very stressful as well. 'You wouldn't believe the amount of times I had to send bank statements and other documents to all the mortgage providers. 'Then I had to catalogue all the fixtures and fittings, and sign all the legal paperwork with the solicitors over and over again.' Responsibility switch: Steven would like to see sellers having to organise a survey on their own homes prior to going on the market, to avoid them 'pulling the wool' over buyers' eyes Is home buying admin about to get easier? The repetition inherent in document collection is something highlighted by the research from the Open Property Data Association. It found that close to two thirds of home movers have been asked to provide the same information or documents two to three times during a home move. Last month, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government announced that it wants to modernise the property transaction process through digitisation and secure data sharing. But for Steven and his family, any change is too little, too late. 'Over the past 18 months, I kept thinking we were going to get our dream house. We had our removal company ready to go. We were imagining what we're going to do,' he says. 'The stress on our family life, the time it's taken, the emotional stress - you just have to put your life on hold.' The development company Alliance Novobud has already concluded 100 agreements within the framework of the state program of preferential mortgages eOselia, the company's press service reports. "The eOselia program plays an extremely important role both for the primary real estate market and for the socio-political situation in the country. It helps thousands of Ukrainians primarily those who defend the state or were forced to leave their homes to purchase their own housing on preferential terms. Already 100 families have become owners of apartments in our residential complexes thanks to this program, and most of them are military personnel and Ukrainians with IDP status. The demand for the program is growing every day, so we are convinced that it is worth developing and supporting in the future," comments Iryna Mikhaliova, CMO of Alliance Novobud. The largest number of agreements 48 were concluded with the participation of the partner bank SkyBank. The remaining agreements were with six other financial institutions (Oschadbank, Ukrgasbank, PrivatBank, Sense Bank, Ukreximbank and Radabank). The most popular object among the participants of eOselia was building No. 3 of the Krona Park II residential complex, where 13 deals were concluded. In total, 16 objects of the developer participate in the program. Two-room apartments are in the greatest demand - 45 of them have already been sold. The second most popular are one-room apartments. The average area of an apartment purchased under the program is 71 sq m. Deals at preferential rates of 3% and 7% were distributed almost equally. At the same time, buyers prefer ready-made housing, although apartments in new buildings under construction also have a high share of sales - the difference in demand is only a few percent. According to the new buildings portal LUN, Alliance Novobud was founded in 2006, since 2010 the company has commissioned 37 buildings and parking lots, in the process of implementing are nine buildings of the Krona Park II residential complex in Brovary and the Montreal House premium class project in the capital. First Deputy Minister of Economy Oleksiy Soboliev and the chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian-Korean Business Council signed a memorandum on coordinating cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Korea on May 2, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine said on Monday. "The signing of today's memorandum is an important stage for coordinating our cooperation with the Republic of Korea on the principle of a 'single window.' We want to form long-term institutional cooperation through the Ukraine-Korea Economic Development and Cooperation Fund, develop it as much as possible, and integrate the Korean private sector into strategic state initiatives. The intergovernmental partnership between Ukraine and the Republic of Korea allows us to attract credit funds from the Korean Economic Development and Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to the Ukrainian economy," the ministry said, citing Soboliev. The deputy minister said last year a five-year framework agreement for $2.1 billion was signed for projects to restore Ukraine, which launched the practical implementation of our agreements, but Ukraine is still interested in expanding cooperation. The memorandum provides for maximum assistance to economic development and strengthening relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Korea. This concerns the formation of a favorable climate for attracting investors, establishing direct contacts between businesses, government agencies and scientific organizations of the countries, and creating a single platform for coordinating cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Korea. It is noted that the parties agreed on cooperation in the field of promoting investment in key sectors of the economy, in particular, industry, infrastructure, agrarian and energy sectors; supporting Korean companies in entering the Ukrainian market and Ukrainian companies in entering the market of the Republic of Korea; introducing innovative technologies into production and management; developing joint projects in strategically important industries and areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence and green energy. It was also agreed to support an increase in bilateral trade volumes by facilitating access to the markets of both countries; providing logistical support and creating conditions for the export and import of goods; supporting joint research projects and scientific conferences; supporting joint projects of small and medium-sized businesses with a focus on innovative approaches and sustainable development; organization of business forums and business meetings to expand networking contacts. In the near future, the Economy Ministry of Ukraine, together with the Ukrainian Development Cooperation Agency, should compile a complete list of projects that can be implemented in cooperation between the countries, both in cooperation with the EDCF and outside it, in particular in the private sector. The parties agreed to jointly monitor the implementation of each initiative. In addition, it is also planned to create a dashboard with the most promising projects and develop a roadmap for key areas of interaction. A bit of a tradition on this blog . . . Just for Sunday we share more than a a few nicer news links so that locals won't forget that this Kansas City is home to a lot of great people doing wonderful things to help this community. Despite it all, it really isn't so bad out there . . . Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City businesses donate to Graham Hoffman Scholarship Fund Participating businesses donated 10% of all sales Saturday to the scholarship fund in honor of fallen KCFD firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman. Kansas City-area mom breaks ground on first home thanks to community partnerships Ebony Moore, a longtime renter in the Kansas City area, is set to become a homeowner through a collaboration. Independence Fire captain seriously burned heads back to work even more determined An Independence Fire captain is heading back to work even more determined after suffering serious burns in late December. Youth Chess Tournaments are underway this spring "LINC wants our students using their mind in productive ways. This helps them improve in their school studies, too." New eye-tracking technology gives paralyzed Raytown man hope for voice The cause of his paralysis is due to "locked-in syndrome", a rare neurological disorder. Kansas veteran's resource clinic helps vets access benefits they may not know they earned A Kansas veteran's clinic helps veterans access benefits many don't realize they've earned and get connected with resources in KC. Ms. Wheelchair Kansas celebrates 20 years, crowns University of Kansas student as 2025 role model Autumn Bertels, a University of Kansas student, smiles after being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2025 at a March 16 ceremony in Lawrence. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector) LAWRENCE - Autumn Bertels is an accomplished, wheelchair-mobile biology student at the University of Kansas who will graduate this May. Start the ignition: These Operation Breakthrough students just designed MADE MOBB's latest drop - Startland News Vu Radley wants students at Operation Breakthrough's Ignition Lab to have opportunities he wishes he would have been offered in high school, shared the co-owner of Crossroads-based streetwear brand MADE MOBB. 'Practice what you preach': Students with American Public Square host discussion on homelessness Every year, American Public Square, an organization that brings people together for civil dialogue, has students research and produce a program around one topic. Jewish Community Foundation seeking applications for new scholarship fund Since 1920, the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle has provided its readers with Jewish news and opinion from a variety of perspectives - local, regional, national and international. The paper is mailed to subscribers each week and also is available for purchase at The Chronicle's office. Court Appointed Special Advocates call for 150 more volunteers to meet need The Jackson County Family Court requested CASA to find an advocate for every child in the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. Veterans give back to Kansas City. Get out and volunteer with them | Opinion Veterans lead with the VFW Day of Service 2025, including more than 1,600 community projects, including high-impact Kansas City initiatives this May. Kansas City pet food pantry in need of donations as demand rises The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City (PRCKC) is asking for both pet food donations and new volunteers. KC Veteran honored with Quilt of Valor Don Green served in the Vietnam War and as an officer at Fort Benning Developing . . . According to insiders, behind the scenes there is a political movement of both biz leaders & politicos working in opposition to the Jackson County Executive. The basics . . . JACKSON COUNTY EXEC FRANK WHITE'S RESISTANCE AGAINST PROPERTY TAX ROLLBACK SPARKS POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES!!! Last week a Jeff City action occurred under the radar but it deserves better context and reporting. The basics . . . The Missouri House on Thursday voted unanimously to place a question on the ballot asking voters across the state whether Jackson County should elect its assessor. The question will either appear on the November 2026 ballot or at an earlier election called by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe. However, that doesn't tell the whole story . . . Trusted insiders make it plain for us . . . JACKSON COUNTY ISN'T GETTING ANYTHING FROM MISSOURI UNTIL FRANK WHITE COMPLIES WITH THE TAX COMMISH & ROLLS BACK PROPERTY TAXES!!! Special thanks to an insider for sharing this word . . . "Look at the big picture behind decision on an elected assessor. It's Missouri showing no confidence in the Frank White administration. Just talk to your state rep., Missouri isn't going to touch anything from the Executive until the property tax issues is resolved. Taxes are a big deal to the Republican super-majority even if local media downplays it. The Republicans in Jeff City aren't going to allow a County, even a charter county, to set their own taxing rules without state compliance. So I think the message is clear to the executive and voters need to understand it as well: No stadium money, no favors and VERY REAL consequences until Jackson County comes into compliance." www.TonysKansasCity.com checked this comment with a few local sources and it holds up . . . Call it "dysfunction" or partisan reality . . . Here's the reality . . . As the end of the session approaches, it seems the Missouri General Assembly is sending a strong message to Jackson County that the courthouse MUST play by the rules. Developing . . . EasyDarshan brings you the most trusted Char Dham Yatra packages covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Plan your pilgrimage with ease, backed by expert support and comfortable travel arrangements. (TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - May 2nd, 2025 - Char Dham Yatra is a holy pilgrimage to the four sacred sites of Uttarakhand. These holy sites need to be visited in a sequence starting from Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath. It is one of the most revered holy journeys for devotees seeking salvation. The Char Dham Yatra is a highly revered event in Hinduism, and devotees gather in huge numbers for this pilgrimage. The belief behind embarking on this yatra is said to facilitate spiritual growth, wash away sins and most of all help attain 'Moksha'. Which is the liberation of oneself from the cycle of birth and death. Before the beginning of this pilgrimage, Char Dham Yatra bookings are at an all-time high, with devotees flocking to Online Travel Agencies (OTA) like EasyDarshan, for organising travel options well in advance. Significance of the Char Dham Yatra The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is an important event for Hindus, as they are required to make this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. The historical and religious significance of the four sites is of great relevance to understanding why these destinations became a part of the yatra. Yamunotri: It is the source of the sacred Yamuna River, considered a goddess in Hinduism. The religious aspect is owing to the temple built here in the goddesses's reverence. Visiting the temple is said to bring purity and prosperity. Gangotri: Similar to Yamunotri, Gangotri is the site with a temple built to revere Goddess Ganga. It is believed that taking a dip in the Ganga River at Gangotri helps in cleansing of sins and bestowing liberation. Kedarnath: This site is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (sacred shrines of Shiva) and part of the Panch Kedar (five kedar) pilgrimage. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be a place for seeking liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Badrinath: The temple at this site is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is believed to help seek blessings for a fulfilling life, liberation, and spiritual awakening. A spiritual Char Dham yatra package helps pilgrims achieve a state of spiritual well-being and peace. A Char Dham tour is the perfect way of exploring the unique pilgrim options devotees are made available with. EasyDarshan's Char Dham itinerary is the perfect well-planned package devotees need to make the journey easier. Char Dham Yatra Tour Package Options Booking a Char Dham tour package makes life easy and convenient. It allows devotees to not worry about inconvenience in searching for transfers and accommodations online or offline. A Chardham yatra tour package offers a complete deal, including organised transport, guided tours and accommodation options. You may choose from a range of Char Dham package options with EasyDarshan, which suit every devotee's budget and travel preferences. Some of the packages that we recommend you can look into are: Kedarnath (Ex-Haridwar) Do-Dham (Ex-Haridwar) Chardham Yatra - (Ex-Haridwar) Badrinath (Ex-Haridwar), and Do-Dham (Ex-Delhi) to name a few. Ranging from the basic Char Dham package, EasyDarshan offer the best Char Dham Yatra package, for the most prompt darshan that you may have ever experienced. Some of these are: Do Dham Heli Yatra by Mi 17 Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Chardham Heli Yatra (Premium Stay), and Chardham Heli Yatra Char Dham Yatra Itinerary A typical itinerary for a Chardham yatra includes a visit to all four religious sites namely Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The flow of the visits follows the above-mentioned sequence, with the tour generally starting either from Rishikesh or Haridwar. The best time to embark on the Chota Char Dham yatra itinerary is during April and May. The ideal journey generally takes 10-12 days to complete. But may take more if you wish to stay at the Dhams for a longer duration. A few key activities to indulge on a Char Dham tour are: Taking a dip at the Surya Kund hot springs at Yamunotri Exploring the Pandava Gufa at Gangotri Offering prayers in Bhairavnath Temple at Kedarnath Taking a holy dip in the Tapt Kund thermal spring at Badrinath. Char Dham Yatra Booking Process To avoid any Char Dham yatra booking hassles the best time to make bookings is during the summer months of April and May. There are several websites that provide this offer, EasyDarshan makes your booking process a hassle free experience. Some booking tips to keep in mind when doing a Char Dham Yatra booking with EasyDarshan are: Devotees will be shown two options 'Book Now' and 'Enquire Now' when you click on any package. Devotees can click on 'Enquire Now', and the customer support team will call back. If pilgrims wish to go ahead with the booking they can click on 'Book Now'. After that devotees will be re-directed to the next steps required in making the booking, and finally the payment. Conclusion The Char Dham Yatra is not just a pilgrimage, it is a deep spiritual journey that offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and liberation. This yatra not only allows devotees to spiritually cleanse themselves but also provide them with an enriching and fulfilling experience in the heart of the 'Devbhoomi'. With well-organized Char Dham tour packages, easy booking options, and comprehensive itineraries, the Char Dham Yatra is accessible to all. Whether you are seeking to fulfil a lifelong dream or just embark on a journey of spiritual revival, the Char Dham Yatra offers an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Choose the best Char Dham Yatra package today and explore the available options to book a seamless and enriching experience. ### President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine and the Czech Republic intend to cooperate in creating a Ukrainian-Czech center for training pilots and technicians for F16. Zelenskyy wrote about this on Telegram following his visit to the Czech Republic and talks with President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel. "Today, President Pavel and I, as well as representatives at the government and military levels, are discussing the next steps in the development of our aviation coalition, namely the creation of a Ukrainian-Czech F-16 school. It is obvious that as of now, for security reasons, we cannot open such a base in Ukraine: Russian strikes continue daily. And that is why we are working with partners so that such schools can open outside Ukraine. And it will happen. We agreed that the Czech Republic will be with us in implementing relevant decisions," Zelenskyy wrote. By Alex Greenwood, May 5, 2025 Hazmat Safety Specialists receiving their certificates at the recent UCM Missouri Innovation Campus ceremony. The University of Central Missouri (UCM) is celebrating the achievements of more than 80 students who completed professional certificate programs through the universitys Workforce and Professional Education division this spring. The programs, which include in-demand fields such as medical billing, sterile processing and clinical medical assistant, are conducted at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lees Summit, Missouri. UCM's certificate courses are immersive, and the graduates, many who have families and full-time jobs, were really dedicated to their career aspirations, said Clarinda Dir, program manager for Workforce and Professional Education. The graduations are emotional with many proud statements about what their family members accomplished, especially the younger members of the family that have watched mom and dad work so hard for so many hours to get this achievement. Certificate programs completed this term include: Clinical Medical Assistant Twelve students completed this program, which prepares individuals to assist physicians with clinical duties in medical offices. Training includes preparing patients for exams, conducting lab procedures and diagnostic testing, performing phlebotomy, and understanding the cardiac life cycle. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Medical Assistant exam. Clinical Medical Assistant graduates. Clinical Medical Assistant graduates. Medical Billing with Remote Worker Certification Thirty-seven students in two cohorts learned how to file insurance claims, address billing issues, navigate payer guidelines, appeal denials, and use coding manuals such as CPT and ICD-10. The program also prepares graduates for remote work opportunities in the medical billing field. Medical billing graduates (above and below). Medical billing graduates (above and below). Certified Nursing Assistant Mental Health Six students completed this course, which combines classroom instruction and clinical experience to prepare graduates for hands-on care in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Graduates earned Missouri CNA certification and American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification. Certified Nursing Assistant Mental Health graduates. Certified Nursing Assistant Mental Health graduates. Sterile Processing Technician Twenty students earned credentials in this program, which trains individuals to clean, sterilize, assemble and distribute surgical tools and equipment. These technicians play a critical role in supporting patient care in hospitals, surgical centers and other healthcare facilities. Sterile Processing Technician graduates. Hazmat Safety Specialist Eight students completed this course, gaining skills to identify and remove hazardous materials such as mold, asbestos and lead. The curriculum also covered developing exposure control and abatement plans. Graduates earned OSHA 7200 and OSHA 7205 certifications. These programs are hard, our students have families and jobs, so all of us in Workforce are extremely proud of our students accomplishments, Dir said. Countdown to Commencement The University of Central Missouri offers a community of support, allowing students to redefine whats possible as they forge a path to their future. With help from faculty and staff, UCM students are empowered to be the heroes of their own stories and as we prepare for 2025 Spring Commencement, the News Bureau is shining a spotlight on some of those stories. For Debra Deb Demel, a lifelong educator with more than 30 years of classroom experience, learning has never stopped its just evolved. A junior high teacher with a passion for making science and life lessons stick, Demel is preparing to cross the commencement stage this spring at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), where shell receive a masters degree in Human Development and Family Science. At an age when many are planning retirement, Demel is expanding her toolkit not for a promotion or a change of scenery, but for the simple joy of growth. Ive always wanted to get my masters, Demel said. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. It wasnt about anyone else it was unfinished business. Demel's journey back to higher education was sparked by a conversation with her husband, Ken, a longtime UCM employee and recent departmental Employee of the Month. When the university offered tuition benefits to spouses, Ken encouraged her without hesitation. Before long, she was enrolled. He just said, Do it, Demel recalled. And so I did. The return to school wasnt without hurdles. From navigating online systems to producing Instagram videos for class projects despite not being a regular social media user Demel pushed through the technical challenges with persistence, humility and a lot of late nights. At first, I thought, what did I just do? Im a 60-year-old woman going back to school! she laughs. But Ive always believed in lifelong learning. It keeps your brain active and your heart in the right place. Her commitment to continued learning is more than personal. As a middle school science teacher at Trinity Lutheran in Alma, Missouri, Demel brings what she learns straight into her classroom, whether through a student-led STEM expo or simply by modeling what it means to be curious, open and determined. I dont mind telling my students when I dont know something. We look it up together, she said. That teaches them how to be independent learners, and thats as important as anything in a textbook. Her students know shes been in school, too. In fact, when she struggled with a technology assignment, an eighth grader eagerly stepped in to help. They love teaching me things, she said. And I think it gives them confidence, seeing that Im learning right alongside them. Demel credits her UCM professors, particularly Dr. Joyce Chang and Dr. Jaimee Hartenstein, for their support and responsiveness. They truly want you to learn, Demel said. They care about who you are, not just your assignments. Deb is the kind of student who reminds you why you teach, Chang said. Her resilience, intellect and deep kindness not only elevate the classroom experience but also ripple outward into the lives of the children and families she works with. Shes genuinely curious, relentlessly committed and deeply compassionate, Chang added. In every interaction, she brings strength and heart, and our world would be better with more Debs in it. Deb Demel celebrating commencement with her husband, Ken, and stepson Landon. Even with a full teaching load and the demands of graduate coursework, Demel found time to master skills she never thought she would, like grant writing. After taking Dr. Likcanis class, I feel like I can competently write grants for my school, she said. Thats huge in education, where funding can make a real difference. Beyond the classroom, her journey has inspired her family. Her husband remains her biggest cheerleader, so much so that he insisted she participate in commencement ceremonies. Her stepson, Landon, a UCM Biology graduate, served as an indirect role model, especially during the pandemic when his online learning piqued her curiosity. And in a meaningful twist, she and her son, who is serving in the Air Force, are both earning masters degrees at the same time. So whats next? Im not planning on going further formally, she said with a smile. But I might take a geology class just for fun. I love learning. Always have. Debra Demels story is a reminder that its never too late to chase what youve always wanted not for a title or the applause, but because education, at its best, is a lifelong act of hope. And in the process, shes done more than just learn. Shes redefined whats possible for herself as well as her students, her family, and anyone whos ever wondered if its too late to begin again. Three Maryland General Assembly bills of interest to social workers and health care practitioners are poised to become laws this year, with two helping more Marylanders access help for mental health. Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C, examines key bills impacting social workers that passed in the Maryland General Assembly. University of Maryland School of Social Work Dean Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW, testified in favor of House Bill 345 this session, which is the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact. This enables licensed social workers in participating states of the compact to practice in other states without the need to be licensed in each state. Other advantages to participating in an interstate compact include: elimination of barriers to practice and increased access to care (especially in areas that are underserved, geographically isolated or lack specialty care); improved continuity of care when clients travel or relocate; support for spouses of relocating active-duty military personnel; elimination of the necessity for licenses in multiple states; employment opportunities for interstate practice for social workers; and enhanced interstate teletherapy, Postmus said in her submitted testimony. Gov. Wes Moore signed the bill April 8, and the law will take effect Oct. 1. The two other bills of interest are: Preserve Telehealth Access Act of 2025 (takes effect June 1) Health Occupations Structural Racism Training Requirement (takes effect Oct. 1) Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C, manager of training, Office of Field Education, and director, public affairs, University of Maryland School of Social Work, provided analysis of those bills and more in a Q&A recapping this years legislative session: Why are these bills significant to the social work practice? Well, these three bills specifically are significant to social work practice because they're really responding to some dramatic changes that we have seen in behavioral health in general, especially during these last five years. For example, we've seen an increase in need for behavioral health services. Along all populations, telehealth care has significantly grown since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and telehealth is here and will remain an integral part of behavioral health services. Do these bills change how the University of Maryland School of Social Work educates and prepare future social workers? When you think about the primary goal of any graduate program is to really prepare students for professional practice. And at the School of Social Work, we teach ethical evidence-based approaches that strengthen individuals and families, agencies and communities at the local, national, and global levels. So, this education really develops this, the knowledge, the values, the skills necessary to practice. And this includes keeping current on policy changes as well as advancing policy changes to address any gaps and improve conditions impacting individuals and communities. Now that the legislative session is over, what remains to be addressed for the future of social work? That question is best answered by explaining a bill that did not pass this past session, which was Senate Bill 379 and House Bill 1521, the State Board of Social Work Examiners Membership and Examination. And that bill, which did not pass, proposed the removal of the requirement to pass a licensing test for entry-level social work licensure, either the licensed Bachelor of Social Work or the licensed Master of Social Work license. And this bill was important because it was in response to the National Association of Social Work Board's release of national data in 2022 that revealed troubling disparities in exam pass rates among racial groups. Particularly for Black test takers, other groups, including older adults, and those for whom English is not their primary language, also face lower pass rates. These disparities were found across the state and the country and highlighted systemic inequities in the exam. And so, even though this bill did not pass during this session, the School of Social Work is committed to continued advocacy efforts at the state and national level to address these concerns. What is the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact and why is it important? Any interstate compact is a legal contract between states, territories that enable professionals to practice across state lines and each other's jurisdiction, and it gives members of that profession more licensed mobility. With the passage of Senate Bill 174, House Bill 345, Maryland is now the 25th state to join the national Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. And in the future, social workers will be eligible to apply for inclusion into a compact with other participating states. How does the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact help Maryland social workers? Currently, social workers must seek a separate license in every state or territory in which they wish to practice. Each jurisdiction has their own licensing requirements for continuing education, their own renewal fees, which are often complicated and expensive. So, an interstate compact will expand the employment opportunities for social workers who continue to reside in Maryland and are able to provide services to individuals residing in multiple states or territories. And so the Interstate Social Work Compact also provides flexibility and support for spouses of relocating active-duty military personnel. Who else benefits from the Interstate Social Worker Licensure Compact? Those individuals receiving services from social workers will benefit from the flexibility offered by an interstate compact. These include an increase in access of care for individuals in need of social work services, especially in areas that are underserved, geographically isolated, or lack specialty care. The social work interstate compact will also enhance interstate teletherapy services. In addition, the interstate compact will improve continuity of care when clients are traveling or relocate. Currently a client must be located in Maryland to receive services if the social worker is licensed in Maryland. An easy example is a student that is attending a college out of state is unable to continue their behavioral health services with their social worker who is licensed in Maryland. And so, this change when the interstate compact is operationalized will allow for this continuity of service. What does the Preserve Telehealth Act do? What does it mean for social workers? This is extremely significant, not just for social workers, but really for any health care professional providing telehealth services. So, with the passing of the Preserved Telehealth Access Act of 2025, the state laws related to the coverage and reimbursement of health care services delivered through telehealth will be permanent, and without this significant change in the law, they were set to expire on June 30, 2025. And so, while this bill addresses all health care services delivered through telehealth, it will benefit social work practice because it includes social work telehealth services. This legislation to preserve telehealth in Maryland is critical because it ensures continued access to health care services, particularly for vulnerable populations. There are lots of benefits of telehealth services that we learned especially during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But some of these benefits include equitable access to care, expanded behavioral health support, crisis intervention, flexibility for families and caregivers, and keeping telehealth in place ensures that Maryland remains prepared for any future public health crisis. Why is telehealth especially important in social work? Social workers are often cited as the largest group of behavioral health service providers, and the popularity and availability of telehealth services has extended our reach and the availability of behavioral health services provided by social workers. What's new about the training requirement for social workers contained in the Structural Racism Training Bill? Many social workers and health care practitioners will remember in 2021 that a law required all licensed health professionals, including social workers, to complete a training in implicit bias approved by the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. And so, House Bill 783 amended that 2021 law by adding a new structural racism training requirement for all health professionals in addition to the implicit bias training requirement that was established in 2021. What does structural racism mean in this context? Maryland law will now define structural racism. That definition can be located in Health General Article (Title) 201301 (f). And it describes structural racism as the totality of ways in which societies foster racial discrimination by mutually reinforcing systems of housing, education, employment, earnings, benefits, credit, media, health care, and criminal justice. Why is structural racism training important for the social work profession? The National Association of Social Workers guides the profession through a national Social Work Code of Ethics, and in this code of ethics, it defines social justice and service and dignity and worth of each person. And the social work community is deeply committed to these values and this training requirement will support those efforts. And their training requirement to complete structural racism training is very much aligned with our current social work licensing requirements because in Maryland, the continuing education regulations were changed in 2023 for social workers, and they added a requirement for social workers each licensing renewal to complete three continuing education units on the topic of anti-oppressive social work practice. How often are social workers in Maryland required to take this training? Under House Bill 783, this new requirement for structural racism training will be a requirement for all health practitioners, including social workers, and it will be required once in a professional's career. These training opportunities will be approved by the Cultural and Linguistic Health Care Professional Competency Program, the same program that approves the implicit bias training opportunities. And so, to further clarify, they say that an applicant will attest to the completion of an implicit bias and structural racism training program only on the applicant's first license or renewal after April 1, 2026. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home ICJ rejects Sudanese plea against UAE over funding of RSF rebels The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Monday May 05, 2025 has rejected a plea file by Sudan alleging the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was breaching the genocide convention by arming and funding the rebel paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Monday May 5, 2025 11:29 PM , ummid.com News Network The Hague: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Monday May 05, 2025 has rejected a plea file by Sudan alleging the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was breaching the genocide convention by arming and funding the rebel paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan in its application at the ICJ cited violations by the UAE of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, popularly known as Genocide Convention, in relation to the Masalit group in Sudan, most notably in West Darfur. The petition however has now been rejected by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ cited a manifest lack of jurisdiction while rejecting the Sudanese petition. "The Court, by 14 votes to 02, rejects the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by the Republic of the Sudan on 5 March 2025", the ICJ said. The Court noted that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), when acceding to the Genocide Convention, formulated a reservation to Article IX, seeking to exclude the jurisdiction of the Court. The ICJ also ordered that the case be removed from the General List. The decision was taken by 9 votes to 7. UAE welcomes ICJ ruling The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling to dismiss the Sudanese petition. In a statement, Reem Ketait, Deputy Assistant Minister of Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Co-Agent, said, "The decision is a clear and decisive affirmation of the fact that this case was utterly baseless. Quite simply, todays decision represents a resounding rejection of SAFs attempt to instrumentalise the Court for its campaign of misinformation and to distract from its own responsibility." At the same time the UAE also called for immediate end to Sudan war. "As Sudans devastating civil war enters its third year, the UAE calls on the SAF and RSF to end the war without preconditions, commit to negotiations, and allow unhindered humanitarian access. The international community must act decisively to help facilitate a civilian-led political process, independent from military control, and hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable", Ketait said. "We will continue to work with regional and international partners to advance collective action to build a peaceful and prosperous future for the Sudanese people," Ketait said. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Maharashtra 12th HSC Result 2025 Out, Konkan Topper Again The Konkan region topped again whereas the state registered an overall pass percentage of 91.88% in the 12th HSC exam 2025 result of which was declared by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) today Monday May 5, 2025 12:51 PM , Team ummid.com Maharashtra HSC 12th Result 2025: The Konkan region topped again whereas the state registered an overall pass percentage of 91.88% in the 12th HSC exam 2025 result of which was declared by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) today. The board declared the result at a press conference a little while ago. But, the students will be able to check their result at 01:00 PM following the steps given below and using the direct link here. Maharashtra HSC 12th Pass Percentage The pass percentage of 91.88% this year is 1.49% less than 2024 when the board had registered a scoreof 93.37%. The board said, a total of 14,27,085 registered for the Maharashtra HSC 2025 Exams, and 14,17,969 appeared whereas 13,02,873 passed the exam. The pass percentage of girl students is 94.54% whereas that of boys is 89.51%. Out of the total 10,496 colleges in the state, 1,929 colleges recorded 100 percent pass percentage whereas 38 colleges have 0 percent pass percentage. A total of 42,388 repeaters had registered for the exam. Out of them 42,024 appeared and 15,823 passed the Maharashtra 12th board exam this year recording a passing percentage of 37.65%. There were a total of 36,133 private candidates registered for the exam out of them 35,697 appeared and 29,892 passed with a pass percentage of 83.73%. Maharashtra 2025 HSC 12th Toppers The Maharashtra board has not released the 12th HSC Merit List and Toppers Details. The board, however, said as many as 4,500 students have scored more than 90% marks. No student has scored 100% marks this year the board said. This is unlike last year when a girl student from Aurangabad (Sambhaji Nagar) scored 100% marks i.e. 600 out of 600 and was the state topper. The board said 1,49,932 passed with 75% and above, 4,07,438 passed with 60% 74.99%,, 5,80,902 passed with 45% 59.99% and 1,64,601 passed with 35% 44.99% pass percentage. Maha HSC 2025 Stream wise Result Stream wise, Science students scored the highest pass rate whereas the pass percentage of Arts stream is the lowest. Science 97.35% Arts 80.53% Commerce - 92.68% Vocational - 83.3% Maharashtra HSC Division wise result 2025 Analysing the toppers details, Konkan district remains the best performing district in the 2025 Maha HSC board exam as well. Latus region is the lowest performer. Konkan 96.74 Kolhapur 93.64 Mumbai 92.93 Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) 92.24 Amravati 91.43 Pune - 91.32 Nashik 91.31 Nagpur 90.52 Latur 89.46 Maha 12th Result of Special Students A total of 7,310 differently-abled students from all branches across the 09 divisional boards registered for the exam. Out of them, 7,258 appeared in the exam, and 6,705 students passed registering an overall pass percentage of 92.38%. Earlier, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) had officially confirmed to announce the Maharashtra HSC 12th result 2025 today i.e. Monday May 5, 2025. According to the official announcement, the Maha HSC result will be declared at 01:00 pm Monday May 05 on the official as well as affiliate websites. The result data will be shared with the media at a press conference held at 11:00 AM Monday. The Maharashtra board said 12th result of Art, Science and Commerce, all three streams, will be declared on Monday. The Maharshtra board announces HSC board exam result of all nine divisions on its official website "mahresult.nic.in". List of websites to check Maharashtra 12th result mahresult.nic.in hscresult.mkcl.org www.mahahsscboard.in results.digilocker.gov.in Candidates can also check their 12th result via Digilocker app. Steps to check Maha 12th Result 2025 Students can follow the steps given below to check Maharashtra 12th Result 2025. Click here to go to result website: " mahresult.nic.in ". ". Click on HSC Examination March 2025 Result Enter Exam Seat Number, Date of Birth and Mother's name. Click on Get Result button to check your score. Along with the 12th result, Maharashtra board has also released overall pass percentage and other result related data. Students should note that the Maharashtra board does not release Merit and Toppers list. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) had conducted the 12th HSC theory exams this year from February 11 to March 11, 2025. Class Improvement Scheme The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) will conduct three more exams under the Class Improvement Scheme. The first Improvement or Supplementary exam will be held in June-July 2025, second in February-March 2026 and June-July 2026. Online registration for June-July 2025 Improvement Exam will start from May 07, 2025. The supplementary or improvement exams are held for students who fail in few subject, or pass in all subjects but want to improve their marks and score. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) is divided in nine Divisional Boards located in Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Latur, Nagpu, Amravati and Ratnagiri. The Maharashtra board declares the 12th results of all the nine dvisional boards on the same day and at the same time. Maharashtra 12th Result of Past Few Years The Maharashtra board had recorded a pass percentage of 93.37% in the 2024 12th board exam 2024 result of which was declared on May 21, 2024 . In 2023 , the Maharashtra board had recorded a pass percentage of 91.25% - a decrease by about 3% as compared to 2022 when the 12th HSC Pass Percentage was 94.22%. In 2022, the Maharashtra state had recorded a pass percentage of 94.22% - a decrease by 5.41% as compared to last year when the 12th HSC Pass Percentage was 99.63%. The board had recorded overall pass percentage of 99.63 in 2021 HSC board exam that was cancelled due to Covid 19 and result was prepared on internal assessment. In 2020, the Maharashtra board had recorded 90.66 overall pass percentage . On the other hand in 2019, the Maharashtra state had recorded a pass percentage of 85.88% - a drop by around 03% as compared to 2018 when the 12th HSC Pass Percentage was 88.41%. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not rule out that during the temporary ceasefire announced by Russia, the Russians will resort to provocations. Zelenskyy stated this while answering journalists' questions at a joint press conference with the President of the Czech Republic, Peter Pavel. "We understand... what they are ready to do for the sake of some radical political dividends within their state, first of all. And this is not the first challenge. And it is not the first time that Russia has made certain promises about a ceasefire, and then we understand that even during Easter, during all their signals and promises - not even to us - because we understand who we are dealing with and we do not believe them, but their promises to the United States of America, public promises, and we understand that they have carried out more than 100 assaults," Zelenskyy told reporters. The Ukrainian president cited the statistics of clashes in recent days as the basis for such fears. "For example, today - all these days - they say that they want some kind of partial ceasefire, but you should know: the number of assaults today is the largest in recent months. In these days. They show more than 200 assaults. I had a report from General Syrsky, the commander-in-chief. He told me: yesterday - more than 200 assaults. That is, there is no faith, there may be provocations, but it depends on the Russians and if anyone still believes them - well, let them try it on themselves," Zelenskyy noted. SC hearing on Waqf Act 2025 deferred till May 15 The hearing on a batch of pleas challenging the controversial Waqf Amendment Act 2025 in the Supreme Court of India has been deferred till Thursday May 15, 2025 Monday May 5, 2025 7:34 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies New Delhi: The hearing on a batch of pleas challenging the controversial Waqf Amendment Act 2025 in the Supreme Court of India has been deferred till Thursday May 15, 2025. While deferring the hearing on Waqf Act 2025 today, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna said the case will be heard by Chief Justice of India-designate Justice B R Gavai. "There are certain aspects which you (Centre) dealt with, but that require clarification. I do not want to reserve any judgment or order at this interim stage. This matter will have to be heard on a reasonably early date and this will not be before me," CJI Khanna, who is set to retire on May 13, 2025, said. SC Interim Order As many as 72 petitions have been filed against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. Besides raising other objections, the petitioners have also said the new act is against the Indian constitution. During the hearing on these petitions, CJI Sanjiv Khanna led SC bench selected 5 petitions from the 72 and said hearing of the case will be based on them. The petitioners requested the SC to stay the Waqf Act 2025. The SC, however, on April 17, 2025 while declining a stay of the entire act issued an interim order asking the government to stay away from taking any action on some contentious clauses of the act. A day before issuing the interim order, the Supreme Court of India had on April 16, 2025 taken the Narendra Modi government to task over the contentious provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. During the hearing, the Supreme Court of India was especially harsh on the provision allowing non-Muslims as member of the Waqf boards and revoking the practice of 'waqf by user'. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, meanwhile, assured the Supreme Court that it would neither denotify waqf properties, including "waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the Central Waqf Council and boards till further hearing on May 15. Centre, AIMPLB Affidavits The Centre had on April 25 defended the Wakf Act as a valid, lawful exercise of legislative power, in an affidavit filed before the top court. "It is a settled position in law that the constitutional courts would not stay a statutory provision, either directly or indirectly, and will decide the matter finally," the Centre said, in its reply filed before the top court. The Centre submitted that after 2013, there were "an addition of over 20 lakh hectares" (precisely 20,92,072.536) in waqf land. "Right before even Mughal era, pre-independence era and post-independence era, the total of waqfs created was 18,29,163.896 acres of land in India," the Centre said. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) in a counter affidavit termed the Centre's claim of the addition of over 20 lakh hectares of Wakf land as untrue. In its affidavit, the Muslim Panel also accused the Centre of misleading the apex court. The Muslim panel also demanded action against the officers concerned. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Ukraine will receive one American Patriot air defense system from Israel by summer, and may also receive another one from Germany or Greece, The New York Times wrote on Sunday. A Patriot air-defense system that was based in Israel will be sent to Ukraine after it is refurbished, four current and former U.S. officials said in recent days, and Western allies are discussing the logistics of Germany or Greece giving another one, the publication reports. The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions, declined to describe President Trumps view of the decision to transfer more Patriot systems to Ukraine and whether this decision was made before he took office, during the Joe Biden administration. The newspaper writes that European allies have about 40 systems, including eight that are currently in Ukraine, but according to one of the officials, two of the eight air defense systems that Kyiv currently has are currently undergoing repairs. According to two American officials, the ninth Patriot, which will arrive from Israel and be overhauled for Ukraine, is an old model. It is expected to be delivered to Ukraine this summer. According to an international institute, Germany and Greece together have about 15 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems. The United States first sent the Patriot system to Ukraine in April 2023. By January 2024, there was already a shortage of missiles. On May 4, 2025, the University of Michigan and the University of Florida announced a major leadership transition: Santa J. Ono, Ph.D., president of the University of Michigan since October 2022, has been unanimously recommended by the University of Florida's Presidential Search Committee as the sole finalist to become UF's 14th president. The decision, marks the end of Ono's tenure at Michigan and the beginning of a new chapter for both prestigious institutions. Ono expressed gratitude for his time at Michigan, stating, "Serving as your president over these past three academic years has been a distinct honor. Every day, I have been inspired beyond words by the vibrancy, brilliance, and dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni..." He highlighted Michigan's momentum and expressed confidence in its future, noting, "I have every confidence that our exceptional leadership team, our deans and directors, and our Board of Regents will come together behind a new leader, ensuring that Michigan's extraordinary momentum continues to serve the people of Michigan and the world." The University of Florida's announcement praised Ono's track record and qualifications, stating "proven record of academic excellence, innovation and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions made him our unanimous choice." Interim UF President Kent Fuchs added, "If I could select a dream candidate for the University's next president, it would be Santa Ono," citing his approachable leadership style and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Ono's tenure at Michigan was marked by significant achievements, including navigating the university through post-pandemic challenges, advancing research initiatives, and strengthening community engagement. His departure comes at a time when Michigan is riding high, recently named one of Forbes' "New Ivies" for 2025, reflecting its rising prestige among public universities. However, his time at Michigan was not without controversy, as recent reports highlighted tensions over campus protests and vandalism investigations involving student activists, though these were unrelated to Ono's departure. At Florida, Ono is expected to bring his expertise in academic leadership and public health, drawing on his experience at institutions like the University of British Columbia and the University of Cincinnati. The UF announcement noted that Ono's appointment aligns with the university's goal of maintaining its trajectory as a leading public research institution. The UF Board of Trustees is set to finalize the decision, with Ono expected to assume the presidency this summer. The University of Michigan has not yet announced plans for an interim president or the search for Ono's successor. The university's Board of Regents is expected to provide updates in the coming weeks as it prepares for this transition. This move represents a pivotal moment for both universities. Michigan faces the challenge of sustaining its momentum under new leadership, while Florida anticipates a transformative era under Ono's guidance. As Ono prepares to leave Ann Arbor for Gainesville, the higher education community will be watching closely to see how these institutions navigate their next chapters. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. The Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine shot down two multi-role Su-30 (Flanker) fighters with AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missiles launched from Magura-7 unmanned aerial vehicles, The War Zone reports, citing the head of the Agency, Kyrylo Budanov. Budanov said in an exclusive interview with The War Zone that this was the first time a fighter was shot down by a drone, and the first time an AIM-9 was used from a drone to destroy it. Its a historical moment, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov told us. The War Zone cannot independently verify this claim. The incident took place in the Black Sea on Friday, said Budanov, who offered new details about what happened. Previous reporting from the Intelligence Agency, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and Russian Telegram channels stated that one Flanker was shot down by an adapted infrared-guided R-73 (AA-11 Archer) short-range air-to-air missile. Video emerged on social media showing the first Flanker downing. Budanov said there were no videos or images of the second engagement. The Agency used three Magura-7 drone boats in the attack, with two of them firing on the jets, according to Budanov. The Magura-7 is an air defense variant of the Magura-5, he explained, declining to elaborate on the difference between the two. The Russian Federation, according to Russian sources, has captured an intact Ukrainian Magura V drone. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that he did "not believe" Russia would adhere to a three-day truce to coincide with Moscow's Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a three-day truce during commemorations for the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, saying it would test Kyiv's readiness for a long-term ceasefire. "This is not the first challenge, nor are these the first promises made by Russia to cease fire," Zelensky said at a news conference with Czech President Petr Pavel. "We understand who we are dealing with, we do not believe them," said Zelensky, who arrived in Prague Sunday for a two-day visit accompanied by his wife. "Today and all these days they are talking about wanting some kind of partial ceasefire, but you should know, for example, that the number of assaults today is the highest in recent months," Zelensky said. Citing a military report, he said that Russia had carried out more than 200 attacks on Saturday. "So there is no faith (in them)," Zelensky said. In a statement issued later Sunday, Zelensky summarised his meeting with Pavel. Discussions were underway for a Ukrainian-Czech pilot training school for American F-16 jets, which could not be established in Ukraine "due to current security concerns", he added. Zelensky also said there would be a meeting Monday with "Czech defence companies", with details to be announced later. Pavel, a former NATO general, said that "Putin can end the war with a single decision, but he has not shown any willingness so far". The Czech Republic, a member of the European Union and NATO, has provided Ukraine with substantial humanitarian and military support since Russia's invasion began in February 2022. It has received more than half a million war refugees and supplied the Ukrainian army with equipment including tanks, armoured vehicles and helicopters. Prague also steers a European drive to supply artillery ammunition to Ukraine, financed largely by NATO allies. "The Czech artillery initiative is working brilliantly," said Zelensky. The initiative is designed to make up in part for the EU's inability to meet its promise to supply one million shells to Ukraine. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the speakers of both parliament chambers said they would meet Zelensky in Prague on Monday. cad-frj/js/jj Vehicle being refitted to respond to dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. A popemobile used by Pope Francis is being converted into a mobile healthcare unit for children in Gaza, in line with the late pontiff's final wishes. The vehicle, used by Francis during his 2014 trip to the Holy Land, has been entrusted to the Catholic aid network Caritas Jerusalem, Vatican News reports. Francis requested that the "Popemobile of Peace" be repurposed to provide primary care to injured and malnourished children in the Palestinian territory devastated by Israeli airstrikes. "The goal is to deliver medical care directly to those whove been cut off from essential services and to protect their basic rights and dignity", according to Caritas Sweden, which is supporting the project. Caritas is retrofitting the popemobile with life-saving medical supplies and equipment for the diagnosis, examination and treatment of children. A team of medics will run the mobile clinic which is currently in Jerusalem and will enter Gaza if and when Israel opens a humanitarian corridor. "This is a concrete, life-saving intervention at a time when the health system in Gaza has almost completely collapsed - Peter Brune, secretary general of Caritas Sweden, said in a statement - Its not just a vehicle, its a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza. Up until a few days before his death, Pope Francis telephoned the Holy Family Church in Gaza almost every night for 19 months to speak to church leaders and members of the tiny Christian population in the besieged territory. Photo credit: giulio napolitano / Shutterstock.com. Conclave to begin in the Sistine Chapel on 7 May. Rome police authorities have drawn up a security plan ahead of the conclave when 133 cardinals will convene in the Vatican to elect a successor to Pope Francis. Checkpoints will be set up in streets around St Peter's Square from 07.00 on Wednesday morning as pilgrims and the faithful flock towards the Vatican. Security chiefs said the plan will be "open to modification" and would remain in place until the first official celebration by the new pontiff. There will also be extra security measures at papal basilicas in Rome, in particular Santa Maria Maggiore or St Mary Major's where Pope Francis is buried. The conclave will begin on Wednesday when the 133 cardinal-electors gather in the Sistine Chapel to take part in the highly secretive process to elect the 267th pope. Vatican officials involved in the conclave were obliged to take an oath of secrecy, under penalty of excommunication, in a solemn ceremony that took place in the Pauline Chapel on Monday. For the duration of the conclave, the cardinal-electors will reside in the Casa Santa Marta guest house in Vatican City, the former residence of Pope Francis. The cardinals will also be sworn to secrecy and will be banned from communicating with the outside world. This means no phones, newspapers, television or internet. To ensure there is no external contact or outside influence, the Vatican will use jammers to disrupt phone signals for the duration of the conclave. Cardinals will vote a maximum of four times per day - twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon - until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The new pope will need the backing of at least 89 cardinals to be elected. As part of an ancient custom, the cardinals will use smoke from a chimney installed in the Sistine Chapel to signal to the world whether the round of voting has been decisive or not. If the vote is inconclusive the smoke will be black. If a pope has been elected, the smoke will be white and the Vatican's bells will ring out. Photo credit: Gennaro Leonardi / Shutterstock.com. The Armenians are losing. And he already understands it. Many of the tools that used to pay dividends no longer work. Previously, one appeal was enough to unleash the flywheel of anti-Azerbaijani hysteria. Now we have to make great efforts to get at least a couple of encouraging words from Western officials. In this case, we are talking only about the West, because it is there that the main base of Armenian-centric interests is concentrated. The East has always been wiser. Even Russia, whose interests have been served by the Armenians for almost two hundred years, tried to keep a certain distance. The Armenians have not managed to form an effective lobby that would dictate to Moscow what to do, as it happens, for example, in France or Canada. Simply put, Armenians in Russia have money, but they have no influence. In the West, they have both. A conference entitled "Armenian Heritage" is planned in Bern (Switzerland) at the end of May. The appeal release on this occasion states that the event is organized by the World Council of Churches in cooperation with the Protestant Church of Switzerland. Such an entourage is necessary to show the power of Christian organizations' support for the dirty Armenian cause, while both the initiative and the money for the event belong to the Armenians. Although we will not deny that Christian organizations, without bothering to delve into the real essence of the matter, sometimes really go along with the diaspora. As follows from the message posted in the Armenian media, about 150 lobbyists will gather to discuss how to more effectively protect the rights of Armenians, which for some reason differ from the rights of Azerbaijanis, how to return the separatist mass to Azerbaijan in the wake of religious hysteria, stop the return of the historical appearance of the Albanian heritage and how to release war criminals on trial. in Baku. All this is gathered under the slogan of "ensuring justice and sustainable peace in the region." In general, if we follow the development of the situation in recent months, we can see that in order to achieve a "sustainable and just peace", as the Diaspora and the lobby see it for the region, Armenians are increasingly resorting to manipulating religious feelings. Other propaganda tools have stopped working, but here you can count on something, because Azerbaijan is a Muslim country, and this is a great success for chauvinists. According to Armenian advisers, in conditions when Islamophobia is on the rise in the West, operating on the religious factor can have a greater effect than talking about human rights in the case of Ruben Vardanyan. Stories about the alleged persecution of Armenian criminals for their religious affiliation and the presentation of the 44-day liberation war as a war against Christian Armenians can arouse great hatred and irritation towards Baku. Unfortunately, there is a basis for this in the West. The aftershocks of the earthquake that befell the Armenians after the conference on the history of Christianity in Azerbaijan, held in April in the Vatican, do not subside. The forgers collect signatures, make statements, bombard various instances of the Catholic Church with slanders, and publish article after article in the Catholic media. All sympathetic forces and adherents of the so-called "Christian brotherhood", which is essentially an Islamophobic club, were involved in the attack. Signatures are being collected on a petition calling for the condemnation and demotion of the Vatican's high officials for providing a platform for a conference where the truth about the Albanian Church was heard. The XII International Scientific Conference dedicated to the heritage of Caucasian Albania was held on April 10 at the Vatican Gregorian Pontifical University of the Holy See. Scientists from Azerbaijan, Russia, Italy, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Poland, Georgia, Germany, France, Malta, Canada, the USA and Lithuania participated in its work. Albanian studies is not such a widespread science in the world. We would not be mistaken if we connect this fact with the geopolitical interests of the powers and the tricks of the Armenians. Thanks to Azerbaijan, the process of reviving the Albanian Church is currently underway, and this topic is increasingly on the agenda of international scientific meetings. This, of course, cannot but worry our neighbors, whose claims to Azerbaijani lands are based solely on the Armenized Albanian spiritual heritage. So, the petition, signed by three hundred representatives of the Diaspora and the very "Christian" club, contains attacks not so much on Azerbaijan as on the Vatican. The Armenians are furious that friendly relations have been established between the Holy See and Baku. In their hysteria, the authors of the slur agreed to declare Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Father Mark Lewis and Bishop Vladimir Fekete persona non grata (!) for participating in "an act of historical falsification and moral betrayal." Who, interestingly, was "morally betrayed" by these respected figures of the Catholic Church? "Armenians continue to use the old techniques, petty, backward, slanderous variants that were well-received at the time of the collapse of the USSR. But today they don't go away. Today, these tools can only give temporary positional "victories"," said historian and political scientist Rizvan Huseynov. In the old days, the Armenians managed to achieve something by throwing complaints at various authorities, he noted. They are trying to continue this practice today, not taking into account how much the geopolitical situation and conjuncture have changed. "Now such slanders no longer work. There are, of course, negative nuances, but I don't think that anyone, anywhere, will indulge Armenian interests today. Everything that the Armenian figures wrote, collecting three hundred signatures, is a lie, and it is well known to everyone. The legs of all these petitions and complaints are growing out of Etchmiadzin. This heresy resembles the texts that were written to all authorities, including international ones, when the Armenian Church initiated the "Karabakh movement." But it's 2025, and I don't think these complaints will have any effect. These tantrums from the Armenian side indicate that Azerbaijan is doing everything right, working with the Vatican on the topic of studying Caucasian Albania, the Albanian Church, and the real history of temples in Karabakh. The Armenian side is furious that their old curator and patron in the person of the Vatican suddenly changed his position on the Albanian Church and stopped supporting the Armenian claims. Although there's nothing to be surprised about. Armenia and the Armenian Church have long turned into a suitcase without a handle, which is difficult to carry and a pity to throw away. If earlier Armenians were used against Azerbaijan and Turkey, today the Armenian issue is no longer relevant. The so-called "Armenian question" has not brought any benefit and it is being archived. No matter what anyone says, the situation has changed, we live in completely different geopolitical conditions. And the diaspora, the church and Yerevan will not be able to achieve anything. It is becoming more and more difficult for the Armenian agitprop to "work," said Rizvan Huseynov. Having been defeated in their attempts to influence the secular authorities of the powers, the Armenians are now trying to act through religious organizations and institutions. In connection with the conference held in the Vatican, the Armenians once again remembered Archimandrite Alexy Nikanorov. Father Alexy is a scientist who studies the history of Caucasian Albania. A few years ago, with tantrums and complaints to the Russian Orthodox Church, the Armenians obtained his transfer from Azerbaijan. Although the slanderers, of course, hoped that the archimandrite would be defrocked or punished in some other way, they were disappointed - he was transferred to an Orthodox parish in Malta, where he continued his scientific research. At the Vatican conference, Alexy moderated the section "Azerbaijan: Historical Geography and Statehood" and again came to the attention of the Armenians. Complaints flew to the Pontifical Oriental Institute, pressure began on the dean, and the dean became afraid. Earlier, Nikanorov received a doctoral assignment here, and now the leadership of the institution, having put on an Armenian leash, declared him an "impostor." While he has in his hands all the diplomas and documents on awarding him a doctorate with the necessary seals and signatures. In fact, after complaints from Armenians, the leadership of the Pontifical Oriental Institute is trying to deprive Archimandrite Alexy of his academic titles. In their provocations, the Armenians manipulate international Christian structures. In particular, the World Council of Churches (WCC) has repeatedly been seen indulging in Armenian provocations. So, a couple of days before the start of SOR29 in Baku, a prayer service was held in Geneva on behalf of the WCC for the release of war criminals under investigation in Azerbaijan. Moreover, the provocative event was announced on behalf of the WCC as an initiative of this worldwide Christian organization. Although it is clear that everything was organized and paid for by the diaspora. The action was advertised as a prayer service with the participation of church representatives from all over the world, but in the end it turned out poorly - there was a regular service, during which the separatists and war criminals were simply mentioned. The World Council of Churches is going to support the Armenian provocation in May this year, again providing a platform for aggressive Armenian propaganda and historical falsifications. At the same time, the WCC tries not to recall that the first action of the ASALA terrorist organization was an explosion in the Lebanese office of the World Council of Churches. It happened on January 20, 1975. According to Armenian sources, the terrorist attack in the WCC office is explained as follows: "The World Council of Churches has historically facilitated the emigration of Armenians from Armenia and prevented the return of their historical homeland to the Armenians - "western Armenia"." It seems that today the WCC decided to make amends and make amends. Not only the World Council of Churches, but also the so-called International Christian Concern (ICC) actively cooperates with the Armenians. The ICC became more active on the Armenian front after the 44-day war. Last year, the ICC included Azerbaijan in the top ten countries where Christians are "persecuted." The Christian communities of Azerbaijan were extremely outraged by such falsifications and issued statements. Because if there is a country in the world that cannot be accused of religious chauvinism, it is Azerbaijan. And everyone knows that. Both the World Council of Churches and the obscure International Christian Concern are aware of this, and they are well aware that they are sinning against the truth in Etchmiadzin. Returning to the event planned in Bern, we note that it is intended as a response to the Vatican conference. They will talk about the "Armenian heritage" in Azerbaijan, which in reality is the Albanian heritage, reinterpreted during the years of the Armenian occupation. The Armenians hastened to declare the Albanian shrines the "cradle" of Armenian Christianity, thinking that these lands would remain under occupation forever and, eventually, would be assigned to Armenia. Now the AAC has been left without a "cradle". Etchmiadzin understands today that he has lost, but hope, as we know, is the last to die. However, this process should not be allowed to take its course, because Armenian hopes, even when they are dying, can bring a lot of evil. The Air Force struck the command post of the enemy's sixth motorized rifle division in the Bakhmut area, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "Struck! It is confirmed that the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recently dealt a devastating blow to the command post of the enemy's sixth motorized rifle division in the Bakhmut area, temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region," the message on Facebook said. The General Staff emphasized that as a result of the strike, the ability of the occupation forces of the Russian Federation to exercise control in the Pokrovsk direction was significantly reduced. Currently, data on enemy losses are being clarified. A student in Abbey Community College in Ferrybank has won a major national writing competition. Patrick Galvin was announced as the overall winner in the third Oireachtas Essay Competition and received his prize in Leinster House. The talented teenager received his prize from the competition founding patron and former Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail TD, at a ceremony attended by the winning students, their parents, guardians and teachers, in addition to the competition judges and sponsors. The prizegiving ceremony was followed by lunch and tour of Leinster House. The judges praised Patrick for writing with an excellent level of analysis of the meaning of liberty. His essay was described as being constructed very well" with references to the writings of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, liberty in practice and Patrick was praised for relating that back to the life and career of Daniel OConnell. The prize-giving event was attended by Mr Eamonn Crowley, CEO of PTSB and Mr Brian Gilsenan, CEO of CJ Fallon. PTSB has begun a three-year commitment to the competition as Principal Sponsor and CJ Fallon is Associate Sponsor for the third year running. The competition was devised by Independent NUI Senator Ronan Mullen, with the support of the Ceann Comhairles Office and the Oireachtas Education Unit. This year, hundreds of senior cycle and AS/A Level students across the island of Ireland submitted essays in Irish and English on the theme Parliamentary Politics Liberates / An tSaoirse agus an Pholaitiocht Pharlaiminteach reflecting the 250th Anniversary of the birth of The Liberator, Daniel OConnell. Over 6,000 in prizemoney was awarded in the competition and winners were determined by an expert panel of judges that included DCU Professor of Politics, Gary Murphy and journalist, writer and academic, Alan Titley MRIA. Professor Patrick Geoghegan of TCD, author of a two-part biography of OConnell, also provided expert input to this years competition. Presenting the prizes, Deputy O Fearghail said that greater engagement by young people with the political system was vital for the health of our democracy and for our ability to overcome the many challenges we face at home and abroad. We are delighted with the growing support for Aiste an Oireachtais - with a significant increase this year in the number of entries received, said Senator Mullen, the Competition Convenor. Since Aiste an Oireachtais began in 2022, we have had registrations and entries from almost half the secondary schools on the island of Ireland ," he added. It is clear that schools recognise the importance of getting students to think about our democracy and the need to work it for the common good. However, it wasn't the first national award that Patrick received as he also won the National Law Society Grainne O'Neill Memorial Legacy Essay competition last year. The Ferrybank school borders Counties Kilkenny and Waterford and has students attending from both counties. While procrastinating over a deadline recently, I turned on ABC TV and watched an episode of Long Lost Family the British documentary where families are reunited by the heavenly Davina McCall, who, lets face it, is probably not faking those tears when she witnesses parents meeting their long-lost (now adult) children because the reunions are so incredibly moving. As someone who grew up with an absent father, I adore a good bit of TV reunion action. It provides a comfortably distant, yet vaguely resonant, happy-ever-after. I had the opportunity to meet my own father when I was in my mid-20s. Until then, he had been the ghost my mother never spoke of (If you cant say something nice and all that). What I did glean about Dad during my childhood was that he was some sort of genius, and that he drank too much. I also knew we had a silent phone number because of him but wasnt sure why. Back in the 80s you didnt question your parents (hark, the chortling of my grown Gen Z children). Weve seen the tear-soaked TV reunions on windy beaches, but my reality was different. Credit: iStock (posed by model) Fast-forward through childhood and university; I was working in the Queensland District Court as a judges associate. Criminal court provided a birds-eye view of family dramas playing out like endless cinematic tragedies; stunning stories involving flailing parents and damaged kids. Then one day, I received a phone call from a paternal aunt I had never met: Would you like to meet your father? Hed like to meet you. Twenty-three years of silence, then my own personal episode of Long Lost Family? Yes! I was ready. Will we look alike? Laugh alike? Will I, too, gain the happiness that only a handheld professional camera shoved in a snot-teary face after decades of absence can capture? On telly at least, this moment is the truth laid bare. Hearts beating through vulnerable rib cages; first hellos muffled by mouths buried into down coats (think breathtaking windy Devon coastlines or in my case, a Hobart parkland). Would it be overwhelmingly wonderful and validating? Or disappointing and downright strange? My sister and I were agog with curiosity she, a clinical psychologist, me, a wannabe novelist and obsessed with the tapestry of human motivations that wove together a life. We were all in. Anthony Albaneses stunning victory on Saturday night propels him into the empyrean of all-time Labor heroes. Since World War II, Australians have voted to change the government eight times. While every new government was re-elected, it always lost ground at the subsequent election. Albaneses first-term government not only increased its majority; it won in a landslide. Albanese is only the fourth Labor prime minister to have won two elections: he is now in the company of Andrew Fisher, Gough Whitlam and Bob Hawke (who won four). But this win was bigger than any of theirs: Labors majority over the Coalition will be about 50 seats. Anthony Albaneses election win is bigger than any of Bob Hawkes four victories. Credit: Marija Ercegovac By the end of the new parliament, Albanese will have become Labors second-longest serving prime minister one election away from overtaking Hawke as its longest. After this win, his authority within his party will be greater than that of any prime minister since John Howard. In the zero-sum game of politics, the magnitude of Labors success is the measure of the Liberal Partys failure. Senior Labor senator Murray Watt has praised the leadership of Anthony Albanese and the success of the party in Queensland, as the government is on track to gain at least seven seats in the state. Loading Labor beat the Greens in the electorates of Brisbane and Griffith, with Stephen Bates and Max Chandler-Mather expected to lose their positions. Challenger Ali France unseated Peter Dutton in his home seat of Dickson too. People did really focus on the federal issues and the federal leaders we recognised that we needed to make a bigger contribution to the federal caucus, and frankly to retain government federally we needed to win seats in Queensland, Watt said on ABCs Afternoon Briefing. Watt compared Labors success on Saturday to the 2007 win under Kevin Rudd, saying there are probably even more seats to be added to the governments majority. I think this is the best federal campaign Labor has run since 2007, and it looks like the result might be stronger still than then, Watt said. A terrific result. Full credit to the prime minister for his leadership. Its taken a lot of hard work. It hasnt been an overnight success. Well continue to engage. We will engage with each other on a face-to-face basis at some time in the future, but it was very warm, and I thank him for reaching out in such a positive way. Former Labor opposition leader Rebecca White retained a marginal federal seat for her party and could be elevated straight to the ministry. Credit: Joe Armao Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will host the G7 Leaders Summit from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. Asked if he would visit the United States in June as well, Albanese said: Well wait and see. He said his first international visit in this term would be to Indonesia to meet President Prabowo Subianto. Before he tackles international meetings, Albanese will have to decide on his cabinet for the coming term of parliament. White, the former Tasmanian state Labor leader, is likely to be elevated straight into the 30-member ministry and would join Julie Collins as the second Tasmanian on the frontbench. Albanese backed White to run for federal parliament, and as the state has added two lower house MPs and potentially an extra senator, party rules would grant the state more ministerial posts. Loading The New South Wales Right faction may lose a spot in the ministry because of the same rules about proportionality, while the Victorian Left will ask for an extra spot as ministerial promotions are being parcelled out, with Kate Thwaites, Julian Hill and former unionist Ged Kearney all in line for promotion. And while South Australia is well in the ministry, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Health Minister Mark Butler, Trade Minister Don Farrell and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth who all hail from the state are among his close advisers. West Australian and Queensland MPs will both also push for greater representation of their states in the ministry, given the swings in those states to Labor. While the international calls dominated the prime ministers time on Monday morning, he turned to his domestic agenda at Parliament House after a short walk from The Lodge. The prime minister made a show of walking to work on Monday, shadowed by his security detail and reporters. Credit: James Brickwood Albanese said he wanted to set up Environment Protection Australia, a key reform that Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek had sought in the last parliament, and that it was nonsense to say she was being moved out of the job to become the minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. I want a federal EPA that supports industry but also supports sustainability, he said. I think that can be achieved and thats my objective. The Coalition blocked the EPA passing in its original form, and Labor could not reach a compromise with the Greens in the last parliament. The draft law lapsed, so it needs to be brought back in the new parliament. Albanese named housing as another key agenda and blamed the Greens and the Coalition for blocking the government on changes such as the Help to Buy scheme to guarantee deposits for first home buyers and the Build to Rent tax concessions for property developers. Without naming former Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather and former Liberal MP Michael Sukkar, the housing spokespeople for their parties, he made a clear reference to the defeats in their electorates on Saturday night. I note that both the Coalition and the Greens housing spokespeople wont be in the parliament. I think part of the reason why theyre not in the parliament is that they held up public housing, he said. Labor needs parliament to back policies including environmental law, a cut to student debt, a law to safeguard penalty rates and the creation of a strategic reserve with critical minerals. Most of the housing policies have been legislated. The latest count shows that Labor is on track to gain at least 87 seats and probably more in the House of Representatives, giving it a clear majority and mandate for its election pledges. I do want to thank the Australian people for the very clear mandate that theyve given my government, Albanese said in his opening remarks in the prime ministers courtyard of Parliament House. The government will have to work with the Greens and other crossbenchers in the Senate, although the final count for the upper house may take some time. Loading Albanese played down the prospect of putting anything to parliament that conflicted with his promises to voters when asked if he would go beyond what he took to the election. Were not getting carried away. Weve been an orderly government. Weve been a reform government, he said. Albanese said he would consult with all sides of parliament and would show respect to all. As proof of this, he cited his invitation to independent MPs to join him for drinks at The Lodge last February. I came out of the womb Labor, Ill go in the ground Labor when its all over, he said. Im loyal, but I also treat people with respect. Brazilian police say they thwarted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gagas historic weekend concert that drew more than 2 million people to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Two people had been arrested over a plot orchestrated by a group promoting hate speech and the radicalisation of teenagers, the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro state said on Sunday, Brazil time. According to the Rio city hall, 2.1 million people attended the American pop icons free concert on Saturday. The suspects were recruiting participants, including minors, to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails, the police said in a statement. The state fundraising platform United24 has raised over UAH 56 billion in support of Ukraine over the three years of its work, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "This is not just a number - it is proof that in pursuit of a common goal, millions of people are capable of the incredible. We are not united by geography, language or origin - we are united by faith. Faith that leads forward and helps hold on in the face of cruel and unprovoked aggression. Every contribution, regardless of size, is a step towards justice, a step towards a secure future for Ukraine, which we are creating together," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Monday. At the end of last year, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology - Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov reported that in 2024, United24 raised over UAH 13 billion, donated by people from 137 countries. "Thanks to you, our defenders received air and sea drones, robotic platforms and vehicles, medics - ambulances and life-saving equipment. You helped us restore homes, schools, bridges and shelters. You helped save thousands of lives. You are changing the world for the better and allowing us to move forward," he noted. From 20 to 24 April 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO), with financial support from the Customs Cooperation Fund/Japan (CCF/Japan), successfully conducted the first WCO National Workshop on Rules of Origin for the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in Dhaka. This activity represented a pivotal step in enhancing the technical knowledge and operational competencies of Bangladesh Customs in correctly applying rules of origin, especially as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026. The workshop was designed to ensure that Bangladesh is well-equipped to navigate ongoing and future trade negotiations with its partner states. In his opening remarks, Mr. Kazi Mostafizur Rahman, Member (Customs Audit, Modernization, and International Trade) of the NBR, underscored the strategic importance of efficient origin procedures. He emphasized that effective origin management is vital to supporting trade competitiveness, preserving preferential market access, and facilitating Bangladeshs seamless integration into the global economy post-LDC graduation. Mr. Rahman expressed sincere gratitude to the WCO and the CCF/Japan for their continued support and commitment to the success of this initiative. Over five intensive days, 25 mid- to senior-level Customs officials from across Bangladesh participated in an engaging, hands-on training programme. Designed to bridge technical expertise with real-world application, the workshop addressed key topics, including origin determination, preferential and non-preferential rules of origin, advance rulings, certification and verification procedures, and best practices for addressing origin irregularities. It also emphasized the importance of optimizing the use of preferential trade arrangements by the private sector. Through expert-led presentations, practical case studies, scenario-based simulations, and interactive group discussions, participants deepened their understanding and built the confidence to manage complex origin-related tasks effectively. At the close of the workshop, Mr. Kazi Mostafizur Rahman praised the participants for their dedication, professionalism, and active engagement, and reaffirmed the countrys commitment to continuing the modernization of Customs infrastructure, particularly in rules of origin. Reflecting on the achievements of the five-day workshop, he encouraged participants to share their experiences, challenge approaches, and build collaboration across units. A key goal of the workshop was to strengthen these officials to disseminate the knowledge gained during the workshop to a broader group of Bangladesh Customs staff, promoting the consistent and effective implementation of origin procedures within their respective Customs units. For more information, please contact: ori@wcoomd.org Former Deputy Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Smyrnov, who was previously suspected of receiving illegal benefits and legalizing illegally acquired funds, was taken into custody by decision of the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine (HACU) with the option of bail, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) reported on Monday on the Telegram channel. "On May 5, 2025, the investigating judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court supported the position of the SAPO prosecutor and changed the preventive measure to the former Deputy Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine, suspected of accepting an offer of an illegal benefit in the amount of $100,000 and legalization of property obtained by criminal means [Part 1 of Article 368-5, Part 1, Part 2 of Article 209 and Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine]. The court partially satisfied the motion of the NABU detectives, agreed to by the SAPO prosecutor, and changed the preventive measure to detention for the suspect with the alternative of paying a bail of UAH 18 million. The person was also assigned relevant procedural obligations," the report says. The Anti-Corruption Center (ACC) reports that the former official is suspected of "illegal enrichment of UAH 15.7 million, legalization of illegally acquired funds, and acceptance of an offer of illegal benefit in the form of construction work for $100,000." According to the investigation, Smyrnov acquired real estate and movable property worth over UAH 17 million, which is UAH 15.7 million more than his legal income. In addition, in 20192021, he illegally acquired funds that he decided to legalize by building private houses with a total area of over 300 square meters in Odesa region. To cover up such actions, he turned to the beneficiary of the company that owned land on the seashore and transferred almost UAH 6.5 million for the construction of the facilities. As reported, Smyrnov held the position of Deputy Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine in 2019-2024. On April 16, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) informed him of a new suspicion of receiving an illegal benefit in the amount of $100,000 and legalization of illegally acquired funds. The SAPO found out that Smyrnov turned to the beneficiary of a company that owned land on the seashore and transferred almost UAH 6.5 million for the construction of facilities. "Despite the fact that the specified facilities were actually used by a high-ranking official, their ownership was registered in the company, and after he was notified of the suspicion, it was re-registered in the name of a trusted person," the report notes. In addition, according to the prosecutor's office, the SAPO and NABU found out that in 2022, the top official was approached by the owner of a construction company with a request to assist in the adoption by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine of a decision to cancel the results of the tender, in which another company won, and to ensure the victory of his company. "In return, he promised the high-ranking official to provide services and work for the construction of one of the houses on the coast for a total amount of $100,000. The high-ranking official agreed to the proposal and, using his official position, fulfilled the obligations assumed. The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine subsequently adopted the necessary decision," the prosecutor's office emphasizes. Thus, as noted in the SAPO, today the former deputy head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine is charged with receiving illegal benefits in the amount of $100,000 and legalization of illegally acquired funds, that is, committing crimes under Part 1 of Article 368-5, Part 1, Part 2 of Article 209 and Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The owner of the construction company has been notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The pretrial investigation into the case is ongoing, other persons who are likely involved in the commission of the crime are being identified. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (MAY 6 EDITION) Bus Eireann is considering expanding the bus service connecting Ballyhaunis to Galway, according to the company. In response to a query submitted by Minister Dara Calleary, after coverage of the service in this column, the company said: [Our] Expressway team [is] actively considering Ballyhaunis for enhanced services beyond what is currently available on Route 64, but it is still being reviewed by our operations planning team. The last bus for Ballyhaunis leaves Galway at 4pm on weekdays, making it difficult for college students to commute if theyre in class till evening time. One local man studying at the Atlantic Technological University detailed how hes forced to ride a motorbike even in winter weather because accommodation in Galway remains prohibitively expensive, and classes some days run to 5pm, after the last bus has departed. Thrice welcome, darling of the Spring! Even yet thou art to me No bird, but an invisible thing, A voice, a mystery. - To the Cuckoo by William Wordsworth When the swallows arrive in spring, we encounter something tangible; we get close to them and get to enjoy their initial twittering as they frequent age-old nesting places. We see them in their goings on and so the mysteries of their lives are easy enough to figure out. The cuckoo, however, who also heralds the arrival of longer days, is much more secretive about the business of summer. In the Ox Mountains, while the call of the cuckoo is one of our most familiar spring sounds, we know very little about what it does and how it goes about doing it. If we dig a little deeper, we soon see that the cuckoo has instincts attached to its survival that make it appear cunning and calculating at best and almost cruel at worst. Just as well the cuckoo has an endearing call. Gone to the Moon Cuckoos, about the size of a dove, have a grey head with a thin, bright yellow ring around their eye, yellow feet and a black beak. They have dark grey plumage on their upper parts and barred plumage below which resembles the markings of the sparrowhawk. Some females are a rusty-brown colour. In flight, the cuckoo looks very similar to a sparrowhawk which gave rise to an old theory that the cuckoo transformed into a hawk in winter. The cuckoo arrives among us in April onwards but they do not spend long here, with many having flown south to Africa by the end of June. The old people said that the cuckoo leaves at the first sight of a cock of hay. In ancient times, and indeed right up until the 18th century, people came up with all sorts of fantastical theories to explain why certain birds disappeared in winter. It was a reasonable question given peoples limited concept of climate and the wider world. Some of the theories put forward seemed reasonable enough, among them were that some birds simply changed into other birds who wintered here. Swallows were thought to bury themselves in mud to survive the winter while other birds were thought to have simply flown to the moon. Breeding The cuckoo doesnt build its own nest or rear its own young. Instead, the female lays her eggs in the nests of other birds. The unfortunate foster mother then spends her summer feeding a ravenous cuckoo chick to the detriment of her own brood. This trick of nature is known as Brood Parasitism. Certain birds only reproduce in this unique way and, of course, the best-known example of this is the cuckoo. Woodland Trust explains that cuckoos court multiple mates during the mating period in April. The nests of meadow pipits and reed warblers are among their favourite nest sites. Females wait until the host has left the nest, sometimes spooking the bird away, then swoop in to lay a single egg. Different cuckoos prefer different host species, even laying similar-looking eggs to their preferred hosts! The cuckoo egg hatches earlier than the host eggs (at about 11 days), and the cuckoo chick grows faster. In most cases, the chick evicts the eggs and the young of the host species. The chick has no time to learn this behaviour, nor does any parent stay around to teach it, so it must be an instinct passed on genetically. One reason for the cuckoo egg's hatching sooner is that the female cuckoo holds it in her oviduct prior to laying. This means that the egg has already been partially incubated by the time it is laid, giving it a head start on the host birds eggs. When hatched, the chick encourages the host to keep pace with its high growth rate with its rapid begging call and the chick's open mouth which serves as a sign stimulus. When fully reared, the young cuckoo eventually flies to Africa a few weeks after their parents. Another amazing instinctive trick of nature given they had no parental involvement at any stage up to this point. Folklore The cuckoo holds a special place in Irish folklore, serving as a weather forecaster, a predictor of farming fortunes, and bearer of good and bad luck. According to tradition, the luckiest date on which to hear the cuckoo for the first time is April 28th. Irish Heritage News has some interesting information in this regard. Another well-known cuckoo saying in Ireland seems to caution against staying up late at night: 'Cuckoo oats and woodcock hay, up all night and down all day.' However, a similar rhyme, known in Scotland, was recorded by James Hardy in 1879: 'Cuckoo oats and woodcock hay, make a farmer run away.' This, Hardy explained, means that if adverse weather in spring prevents the sowing of oats until the cuckoo is heard or if heavy autumn rains prevent the gathering of the last of the hay until after the arrival of the woodcock, both circumstances will lead to substantial losses for the farmer. It may also warn against laziness and delaying tasks. Even today, in some parts of Ireland, a farmer who postpones sowing his crops might be labelled a 'cuckoo farmer'. Kathleen Moore, from Carrowcanada near Swinford, writing in the National Folklore Collection in 1938, has left us some local cuckoo folklore to muse over. There are many superstitions about the cuckoo. If she comes early it is a bad sign and people say sell your cattle and buy corn. When you hear the cuckoo for the first time and have money in your pocket you should take it out and spit on it. (The Schools Collection, Volume 0123C, Page 46, National Folklore Collection, UCD). Current status The dwindling number of cuckoos visiting Ireland in recent times highlights the urgent need to conserve these unique birds. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has reported a substantial decline in the cuckoo population across Ireland, with breeding numbers down almost 30% over the past half century. Thankfully, efforts are being made to retain the call of the cuckoo. Last May, the cross-channel Cuckoo Tracking Project, conducted by the NPWS and the British Trust for Ornithology, satellite-tagged three cuckoos in Killarney National Park in Co Kerry. This collaborative effort aims to determine the factors contributing to the decline in the cuckoo population by closely monitoring migration patterns. By the autumn, the three Killarney cuckoos had made it to Central Africa - proof, if proof is still needed, that the cuckoo doesnt really go to the moon for winter after all. If we saw a bird like our Ox Mountain cuckoo, with the same instincts and clever reproductive abilities described on David Attenboroughs Living Planet, we would be fascinated, and rightly so. Keep an ear out for the cuckoo this spring and let's hope it will remain a familiar sound of spring. US Charge dAffaires ad interim to Ukraine Julie Davis has arrived in Ukraine, the U.S. Embassy reported on Monday. We are pleased to welcome new Charge dAffaires a.i. Julie S. Davis to Kyiv. Following the historic Ukraine Reconstruction Fund Agreement signing, Ambassador Davis arrives in Ukraine at a critical time to carry forward President Trumps policy to end the war and ensure lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine, the Telegram message states. As previously reported, Ambassador Davis will serve as the Charge d'Affaires ad interim until the President of the United States appoints a new U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. Davis currently serves as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus. Prior to her appointment as Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Davis served as the Special Envoy for Belarus in Vilnius, Lithuania. In 2020, she was confirmed as the first U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Belarus since 2008. Previously, Ms. Davis served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western European and European Union Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, and as the Deputy Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to NATO. The European Solidarity faction insists on a meeting with the ministers participating in the negotiations with the USA on the signed agreement on mineral resources, said faction co-chair Iryna Gerashchenko. "European Solidarity insists on a meeting with the ministers - participants in the negotiating group to inform our deputies about the agreement and technical annexes with details to it, so that we make an informed decision both in the committee and during the vote in the Verkhovna Rada," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook on Monday. According to her, the faction sent a letter to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal demanding such a meeting. "Our voters want to know the details of the agreement and demand that we vote consciously. Our faction advocates a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership with the United States. Ukraine is vitally dependent on American aid. Ukrainians have the right to know how the agreement will help the Ukrainian Armed Forces and end the war," the MP emphasized. As the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People faction), told the Interfax-Ukraine agency, the committee will consider the issue of ratifying the agreement on mineral resources between the United States and Ukraine on Tuesday. As reported, the Foreign Policy Committee is the main one preparing for consideration at the plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada of the draft law No. 0309 on the ratification of the agreement between the governments of Ukraine and the United States on the creation of the American-Ukrainian investment fund. Ukraine and the Czech Republic will sign two memorandums on strengthening cooperation between medical institutions, wife of the president of Ukraine Olena Zelenska said on Monday, Radio Svoboda reports. "Two memorandums will be signed between our countries... In fact, this is direct cooperation in the "clinic-clinic" format between medical institutions of Ukraine and the world without unnecessary bureaucracy," she said during the international conference "Global Healthcare Initiative for Ukraine" in Prague. An important area of cooperation, according to Zelenska, will be mental health. The memorandum between the Coordination Center for Mental Health of the Cabinet of Ministers and the National Institute of Mental Health of the Czech Republic was signed by Minister of Health Viktor Liashko and Head of the Coordination Center for Mental Health Oksana Zbitneva. "The death of one person can mentally traumatize dozens and hundreds of people from their circle. Therefore, we can only imagine the state of Ukrainians today. After all, after the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, there is probably no person who has not had someone close to them suffer from Russian attacks or at the front. This applies to both children and adults. The burden on the psyche of Ukrainians is unprecedented," Zelenska said at the conference. Israel fails to intercept Houthi missile targeting its main airport, showing the limits of US efforts to weaken the group Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the heads of leading defense enterprises in the Czech Republic and discussed cooperation in the defense industry with them, the presidential website reported on Monday. Close cooperation has created opportunities for a productive dialogue between our defense agencies and companies. Ukraines security is Europes security. By strengthening Ukraine, you are ensuring future peace and stability across our entire Europe, Zelenskyy emphasized. According to him, Ukrainian-Czech cooperation and joint production can guarantee security and prevent a repeat of aggression in Europe, and the unification of the defense industrial capabilities of European countries is a significant contribution to achieving a just and lasting peace. The President noted the participation of Czech companies in the initiative to supply 155 mm ammunition. As reported, Zelenskyy arrived in the Czech Republic with the first lady on Sunday. DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi [Photo by Raimond Spekking / wikimedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 At this weekends May Day rallies, the German Trade Union Federation (DGB) and its affiliated unions declared their full support for the new right-wing coalition governmentcomprising the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU)and its insane policy of rearmament. While workers responded to this spectacle with widespread disgust and largely stayed away, various pseudo-left groups turned out to cheer on the trade union bureaucratswhich did nothing to change the minimal participation at the rallies. DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi, a former secretary general of the SPD, spoke at the Karl Marx monument in the city of Chemnitz to an audience of fewer than a thousand union officials and retirees. She explicitly welcomed the new governments special fund, aimed at making Germany fit for war. The decision to amend the countrys Basic Law in order to create financial leeway for this was right and necessary, Fahimi declared. The 500 billion special fund for infrastructure, along with unlimited sums for war and rearmament, will not create jobs or improve workers lives, as the DGB chairwoman claims. Rather, these funds are aimed at transforming Germany once again into a major military power, capable of waging war against Russia within three to five years, as Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has announced. Workers will pay for these plans with their jobs, wages and ultimately their lives. The trade unions are among the principal driving forces behind trade war and militarism, transforming the International Working Class Day of Struggle into a nationalist spectacle. In the United States, the unions are backing Trumps tariff policies, while in Germany they are calling for retaliatory measures from the government and demanding loyalty to specific locations from corporations, as Fahimi put it. The answer to America First can only be Europe United! she told her audience. The trade union bureaucrats were not content merely to pledge their support for the new federal government, led by former BlackRock manager Friedrich Merz (CDU); they also provided a platform for numerous representatives of the two ruling parties. Federal Development Minister Svenja Schulze (SPD) spoke in Hamm; Potsdams Minister of Economic Affairs Jorg Steinbach (SPD) in Potsdam; SPD Mayor Mike Josef in Frankfurt; Minister-President Mario Voigt (CDU) in Erfurt; and Minister-President Hendrik Wust (CDU) in Siegburg. In recent days, the SPD and CDU have agreed on a coalition committed to waging war on the working class. To claw back more than a trillion euros in war credits, they are preparing sweeping attacks on jobs, wages and social benefits. The trade unions stand ready to enforce this austerity program against workers. They have already demonstrated this through the destruction of tens of thousands of jobs in the auto and supplier industries and through the betrayal of contract struggles in the public sector and postal service. These aims were reaffirmed at the May Day rallies. Workers are rightly turning their backs on this reactionary spectacle. According to the DGB, just 310,000 people attended all 420 rallies and eventsa figure that is clearly inflated. What were once powerful May Day demonstrations bringing millions into the streets to fight for their rights and against capitalism have long since degenerated into bratwurst feasts for union bureaucrats. The trade unions are receiving support from the Left Party and the various pseudo-left groups within and around their ranks. Left Party leader Ines Schwerdtner appeared alongside Fahimi at the central rally in Chemnitz, while Left Party figurehead Gregor Gysi spoke in Solingen. The Left Party itself bears direct responsibility for sweeping social cuts at the state level and has approved the trillion-euro war credits in the Bundesrat. Beginning on May 2, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, which is affiliated with the Left Party, is hosting a three-day conference in Berlin titled Trade Union Struggles as a Response to the Shift to the Right, Transformation and Austerity Policies. At this event, union-affiliated representatives of the Left Party and various pseudo-left groups will gather to strategize on how to keep the bureaucracy intact, provide it with left-wing cover and prevent workers from organizing independently. Several dozen working groups will discuss topics under headings such as: Become visible! How to stage impressive actions, Why unions? Upswing despite headwinds: The renewal of US unions, Shaping transformation with (future) contracts? Putting pressure on politics, and Sustainable development of workplace groups and shop steward structures. The various pseudo-left groups within and around the Left Party play a particularly duplicitous role, cloaking the right-wing spectacle in left-wing rhetoric. The Revolutionary Internationalist Organisation (RIO) calls on workers and youth to participate in the DGB rallies, listen to the speeches of government officials and union bureaucrats, and claims this is the way to fight against rearmament, racism and cuts. The RIO is the German affiliate of the Morenoite Trotskyist Fraction, which broke with Trotskyism decades ago. The Socialist Alternative (SAV), affiliated with the Committee for a Workers International (CWI), even claims that the trade unions could, like the Bolsheviks in the October Revolution, stop war and overthrow capitalism. According to the SAV, the key to this is for workers to rejoin the unions. In the current situation, organising the unorganised is a central task of the trade unions, it writes, adding that full-time organisers in key companies could play an important role in this effort. The Socialist Organisation Solidarity (SOL) has likewise made it its goal to stem the decline in trade union membership. It argues that the Left Party must play a key role in this effort by criticizing the social partnership orientation of the top union bureaucracy. Only in this way, SOL claims, is it possible to prevent more and more members from turning their backs on the trade unions out of disappointment. In this process, it falls to the Left Party to carry out the dirty work. The same party that oversaw the restoration of capitalism in eastern Germany, defends Israels so-called right to self-defense and supports the war against Russia, is now presented as the force that will transform the pro-war, pro-austerity trade unions into organs of class struggle! In reality, the alliance between the trade unions and the government is not simply the result of the undeniable corruption of top bureaucrats. The unions have always stood on the right wing of the labour movement, responding to the crisis of capitalism by aligning themselves with the ruling class. In 1914, they declared a civil peace to suppress working-class opposition to the First World War and sent their own members to the front lines. On May 1, 1933, they even marched under the swastika and offered their collaboration to Hitlerwho, emboldened by their cowardice, ordered the storming of union headquarters the very next day. Since the 1980s, the globalization of production has stripped the trade unions of their former basis of operationcompromises with capital within the national framework. In response, they have transformed from reformist, pro-capitalist workers organizations into co-managers and enforcers for corporations and governments. As a result, they are increasingly despised by broad sections of the working class. To defend their basic rights and stop the drive to war, workers must break with the trade union apparatus and build their own independent action committees. These committees must be unified internationally through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), to oppose growing nationalism and trade war policies with the international unity of the working class. But this is not merely an organizational question. Breaking with the trade unions and pro-capitalist parties such as the Left Party requires a political clarification and a socialist perspective. 25 years ago: Irish Republican Army vows to hand over its weapons On Saturday, May 6, 2000 the Irish Republican Army (IRA) vowed to relinquish its weapons completely and verifiably beyond use and to allow international inspectors to oversee the disposal of arms. This was a sharp reversal, since only months before, the IRA had decided to keep its weapons, prompting the British government to reimpose direct rule over Northern Ireland on February 11, 2000, sequestering the power-sharing Northern Ireland Assembly until the IRA backed down. After further backroom talks, British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced that the Assembly would reconvene on May 22 but only after the IRA started the decommissioning of weapons. London and Dublin followed with a joint statement extending the deadline for power-sharing and decommissioning from May 22, 2000 to June 2001. The IRA then signed on to the deal. The third parties selected to dismantle the cache of weapons were former African National Congress Secretary General Cyril Ramaphosa and retired Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, both of whom were members of the International Crisis Group, led by former US Senator George Mitchell, the architect of the Good Friday Agreement signed on April 10, 1998. Caoimhghin O Caolain, Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams at the annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration, Bodenstown on 22 June 1997 [Photo by Sinn Fein / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 The heads of state of Britain, Ireland and the US, along with Northern Irelands nationalist Social Democratic Labour Party, applauded the IRAs decision. British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Mandelson, claimed that initially identifying the weapons but not destroying them gave the IRA an aura of renouncing violence but not surrendering to the British. US President Bill Clinton called it a truly historic step. The leader of the political wing of the IRA, Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein, acknowledged the IRAs effort to offer more than anticipated to ensure the continuity of the peace process. He stated, The IRA doesnt have to do this. It is only doing it to try and give some assurance to those who are nervous or genuinely concerned. Some hard-liners in Continuity IRA and Real IRA on the one side and in the ultra-right pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) on the other attempted to tear apart the weapons agreement. Economic considerations extinguished any opposition, however. The bourgeoisie in Northern Ireland, together with the capitalist class in London, hoped to transform the six northern counties along the lines of the Irish Republic in the south, which had attracted tens of billions in foreign investment from corporations using Ireland as a base for operations in the European Union. In these endeavors, the IRA and Sinn Fein were direct accomplices in bargaining with the imperialist powers for both a share of the spoils and seats at the head of a capitalist government. 50 years ago: Soviet talks with Arab leaders break down On May 5, 1975, a series of meetings in Moscow between Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko and the foreign ministers of Syria, Egypt, and Iraq concluded without substantive agreements. Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), also was in the USSR at the time and met with Soviet leaders. Arafat and Brezhnev in Moscow [Photo: Vyasheslav Runov] The talks were organized by the Soviet government to convince the Arab nations to participate in a US-Soviet sponsored conference in Geneva. The Geneva conference was initially to be held in December 1973 following the conclusion of the Yom Kippur War but broke down after the US and Israel refused to allow the PLO to participate. The 1973 Yom Kippur War, in which a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria recaptured significant territory from Israel, demonstrated the weakness of US imperialisms control over the oil-rich Middle East. The prior prevailing conception that US-armed Israel was an unstoppable military force was shaken, leading to a broader radicalization among the Arab masses in the region. This realization sent both the US and the Stalinist leadership in Moscow scrambling to prevent such a movement from developing. By refusing to allow Palestinian representation at the conference the US hoped to drive a wedge between nations like Syria and Egypt, who at the time still expressed a commitment to the defense of Palestine, and nations who were willing to abandon Palestinian rights to cut deals with imperialism, like Saudi Arabia and the USSR itself. During talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Abdel Halim Khaddam, Gromyko proposed that the USSR would provide the strictest guarantees for Israels security if it withdrew from territories occupied since 1967. During another meeting, Gromyko stated that such guarantees could be formalized with the participation of the Soviet Union to ensure peaceful conditions for all states in the Middle East. The Stalinist proposal was essentially aligned with US demands for the permanent existence of Israel and thus the permanent expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland. Officially, the Soviet Union too did not recognize the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people despite its recognition by the Arab states. Arafats visit to Moscow during the May meetings, which included appearances at the May Day parade, was purely symbolic and was not accompanied by any change to Soviet policy. The meetings revealed other strains between the USSR and the Arab countries. Egyptian President Anwar Sadats request for relief from its Soviet debt was rejected, despite ongoing economic struggles. Soviet military aid to Egypt since the end of the war had been minimal, with Sadat noting receipt of no more than a few tanks by early 1975. The Soviet stance expressed the bureaucratic regimes willingness to make trade and security deals with US imperialism in exchange for ceasing support to the Arab anti-imperialist resistance struggles. 75 years ago: Schuman Plan announced for European coal and steel production On May 9, 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman announced a proposal to place French and West German coal and steel production under the control of a single authoritative body. Declared one day after Victory in Europe Daymarking five years since Nazi Germanys unconditional surrender in World War IIthe Schuman Plan aimed to ease relations between France and West Germany and deepen their alignment. In Schumans words, the solidarity in production thus established will make it plain that any war between France and Germany becomes not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible. Robert Schuman The plan was later expanded to include other European countries, including Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. It led directly to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in April 1951 and the formation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). This institution laid the groundwork for further European integration through the European Economic Community (EEC) and, eventually, the European Union (EU). Today, the Schuman Declaration is regarded as one of the founding documents of the EU, and May 9 is commemorated each year as Europe Day. The Schuman Plan emerged out of the post-war reconstruction of European capitalism, which required dismantling barriers to trade and production across national borders. US support for the plan was bound up with its effortsthrough measures such as the Marshall Planto stimulate the economic recovery of Europe and enable the free flow of capital and commodities. It took place under the conditions of the emerging Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. The United States saw the Schuman Plan and European integration more broadly as a means of consolidating a Western bloc against the Soviet Union, including East Germany. Billions of dollars in Marshall Plan aid had already been pumped into Europe, to rebuild its shattered economies, so as to stabilize capitalism and construct a political and economic barrier to contain the Soviet Union. 100 years: Teacher charged in Tennessee for teaching evolution On May 5, 1925, John T. Scopes, a 25-year-old teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, was charged with violating the states Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in schools. In the lead-up to the charge and the trial that followed, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) had announced that it was prepared to run a test case against the Butler Act if it could find a teacher who had violated it. Several businessmen in Dayton, sensing an opportunity to get publicity for the town, approached Scopes and asked him to teach a class with George William Hunters Civic Biology (1914), which had a chapter on evolution. The book was required by the state of Tennessee, thus imposing on teachers the risk of breaking the law by using it. Scopes was initially reluctant, but the group persuaded him to use the book, although years later he admitted that he had skipped the evolution chapter in instructing students. John T. Scopes The ACLU backed Scopes and what followed was one of the most famous legal battles in American history, widely called the Scopes Monkey Trial, that set up the teaching of science against religious dogmatism. Clarence Darrow, the leading progressive attorney of the day, was a part of the defense team and the prosecution featured William Jennings Bryan, the three-time presidential candidate of the Democratic Party and former Secretary of State in the Wilson administration. Scopes was found guilty and fined $100 (about $1,790 today). The fine was later overturned by the Tennessee Supreme Court on a technicality, although it found the Butler Law to be constitutional. The law remained on the books until 1967. Scopes teaching career was essentially ruined, and he returned to school, ran for Congress in Kentucky as a member of the Socialist Party, and worked in the energy industry for most of his life. A fictionalized account of the Scopes trial was the subject of the important 1955 play Inherit the Wind, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. Written during the McCarthy period, the play, according to the authors, is about the right to think. The play was made into a classic film by Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, in 1960. Max Schreiber (right) and the art piece (left) that had to be removed under threat of police violence. [Photo: Max Schreiber] On April 7, Max Schreiber, a third-year student at Washington University in St. Louis, was forced to relocate an open-air art display off campus under threat of arrest by campus police. Schreiber had erected a white-painted canvas tent that morning, inviting passersby to write messages in solidarity with the people of Palestine. After several confrontations with both campus police and university administrators, he ultimately moved the display across the street to Forest Park to avoid arrest. Max is a member of Jewish Students for Palestine (JSP), a student organization at Washington University formed shortly before last years wave of nonviolent protests, which were violently suppressed on campuses across the country. JSP was formed in opposition to the pro-Zionist Hillel and Chabad organizations on campus, by Jewish students who reported being ostracized for their political views despite sharing the same faith. Members of JSP were present in support of Schreiber and the art display. Julie Flory, vice chancellor for marketing and communication at Washington University, claimed, (Max) did not have prior approval for this structure, so they were advised to remove it, which they did There was no need for police to respond. These are weasel words. Schreiber and those supporting him understood clearly the real consequences of openly expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and opposing the extermination campaign of the Netanyahu regime: violent suppression, the threat of arrest and potential expulsion from campus. Schreiber acknowledged that the display did not have prior approval, but noted that a similar installation he erected the previous semesterone that made no mention of Palestinewas allowed to remain without incident. This selective enforcement is emblematic of the broader regime of thought control being imposed on college campuses nationwide in response to last years protests against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Students, faculty and staff are left in the dark about where the university administration draws the linewhat speech or activity might land them in jail, abruptly end their education or employment or even result in abduction and disappearance at the hands of masked agents. One thing is clear: there is a double standard. Those who express solidarity with Palestinians face repression, while those jeering at them from the other side, espousing the most virulent, far-right forms of Zionism, are given free rein. April 27 marked one year since the violent police crackdown on protesters in Tisch Park at Washington University. Among those arrested was thenGreen Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, who, at 74 years old, was absurdly accused of assaulting a police officer with a bicycle. More than 80 people were detained as campus and local police dismantled the protest encampments. Demonstrators had demanded that the university cut financial ties with Boeing, a key arms supplier to the Israeli military, which uses its weaponry in the ongoing bombardment of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. Just prior to the 2024 encampments and mass arrests, members of Jewish Students for Palestine (JSP) supported a successful resolution by the Washington University Student Union calling for full divestment from Boeing. The measure passed by a vote of 155 in the student senate. Today, students who speak out in defense of Palestinian lives face severe repression. The Trump administration arrested Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil without a warrant, a blatant violation of his constitutional rights. Cornell graduate student Momodou Taal was forced to flee the country after being ordered to surrender to ICE agents in March. Across the country, those opposing the genocide in Gaza do so under the constant threat of arrest, detention and deportationregardless of whether this is legal or not. State and university authorities have colluded to create a climate of fear on campuses across the country. In many cases, there is no need for a visible police presencestudents, faculty and staff already understand the consequences. Recent events have made clear the lengths to which the state will go to intimidate, silence and punish those who speak out. This culture of silence and the ever-present threat of repression must be opposed both on and off campus. But such a fight can only succeed if it is rooted in a political orientation to the working class. The program advanced by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) was outlined in the 2025 International May Day Online Rally, which all students should watch and study. The defense of democratic rights, including freedom of expression, requires building a mass movement to confront and overthrow their root cause: the capitalist system. Students at Washington University should join the IYSSE and take up the fight by building a chapter on campus. Dash camera video shows the moment before deputy Shane Iversen opened fire on Timothy Randall. [Photo: Rusk County Sheriffs Office] In response to a graphic report on NBC News on the police killing of an unarmed man in east Texas, the Rusk County Sheriffs Office continues to reject any responsibility for the execution-style murder. The NBC report featured the first national television broadcast of dashcam footage showing the fatal September 14, 2022, shooting of Timothy Michael Randall by Sgt. Shane Iversen, then employed at the sheriffs station in Turnertown, Texas, a small town about two hours east of Dallas. The chilling dashcam video of the fatal traffic stop, released to the public in June 2024, clearly shows that Iversen killed Randall in cold blood. Additionally, the video makes clear that Randall was cooperative with Iversens demands and that at no point during the traffic stop did he act in a threatening manner. The statement from the sheriffs office declared: We are disappointed by NBCs portrayal of the incident involving Deputy Iversen. The story, in our view, failed to provide a balanced or complete account of the facts and omitted essential context that shaped the deputys response. The statement repeated the usual excuses for police killings: that it involved a split-second decision made by a deputy operating alone, that the dash camera video captures only one angle of an evolving situation and that the victim of the shooting supposedly initiated the violence, although the video shows the opposite. Randalls mother, Wendy Tippitt, filed a civil suit against Rusk County and Iversen, who took retirement from the sheriffs office shortly after the killing. Rusk County was eventually dismissed as a defendant, but in January 2025, a federal magistrate ruled that Iversen was not protected under the Supreme Court doctrine of qualified immunity. Federal District Judge Jeremy Kernodle has been considering this ruling and could render a decision at any point, leading either to a public trial or dismissal of the case. The public release of the video set off protests in mostly rural Rusk County and residents flooded the Rusk County Sheriffs Office Facebook page with outraged posts. Both the sheriffs deputy and the 29-year-old construction worker he killed were white, underscoring the reality that class and not race is the fundamental factor in police violence. An additional issue is the impact of decades of continual warfare on the part of American imperialism. Iversen enlisted in the Marines in 1986, later shifting to the Army and becoming a Special Forces soldier, doing combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and rising to the rank of senior sergeant. After retirement in 2009, he became a police officer in Texas, first in Dallas and then, since 2020, in Rusk County. At the time of the traffic stop, Randall had just left a night club when he was stopped by the Rusk County deputy at approximately 12:30 a.m. Concurrent to the traffic stop, Randall was speaking to his mother on his phone. As Iversen walked to his car on the drivers side. Randall bid her goodbye, telling her hed be home soon. Iversen claimed that Randall had failed to stop at an intersection. Randall denied the allegation and told Iversen that he came to a complete stop. Iversen then ordered Randall to exit his vehicle and he complied, asking the deputy if he could see evidence of the alleged traffic violation. As Randall exited his car, he placed his wallet in his back pocket and adjusted his belt. Iversen then belligerently ordered Randall to get his hands out of his pockets and to turn around and place his hands atop the cars roof to which Randall acceded. Iversen attempted to force Randalls hands behind him, making clear he intended to handcuff him. Randall asked the deputy why he was being arrested. Iversen then grabbed Randall forcibly and threw him to the ground, and Randall scrambled to his feet. Iversen struck him and knocked Randall down again. In clear panic, Randall got up and begged, Officer, please. Iversen pulled his gun and pointed it at him, shouting, Get down! and shot Randall once in the chest. Randall yelled with pain and ran 100 feet down the street before he collapsed, dying moments later. After calling for an ambulance, Iversen phoned a colleague and told him in a hushed voice, I just smoked a dude. A grand jury failed to indict Iversen, and the Rusk County Sheriffs Office recommended that he retire, with no additional charges. Speaking to the Austin-American Statesman, Wendy Tippitt said that after repeated inquiries into her sons killing, nobody was telling us anything. After asking to see the dashcam footage she was refused, and Tippitt filed a lawsuit to release it, to which she obtained nearly two years after her sons death. Tippitt, a housekeeper, told NBC News that she was outraged when the grand jury returned a no bill and refused to indict Iversen for shooting an unarmed man. Tippitt stated, The only person that was attacking anybody was Sgt. Iversen attacking my son. Speaking to the working class character of the majority of the victims of murders committed by the police, Randalls older brother Douglas told NBC News, Me and my family, we dont come from money. He added, No one has said an apology in Rusk County. No one has shown remorse. Tippitts attorney Joseph Oxman told NBC News, I think its the worst police shooting Ive ever seen. It looks like an execution. The police shooting of Randall is just one of over 1,000 victims killed by the police every year. In 2024, the number of victims rose to a record 1,365, according to Mapping Police Violence. The extraordinarily high numbers of killings by police is a part of the ruling class repression against the working class, who are increasingly entering into class struggle against capitalist barbarism. As the World Socialist Web Site wrote in 2018, The steady rise in police killings in the United States is the manifestation of an ongoing civil war between the ruling elite, the top one-tenth of one percent, and the working class. It is not white cops vs. black youth, as portrayed by the media and groups like Black Lives Matter and the pseudo-left, anxious to elevate race over class. It is the armed representatives of the capitalist state (frequently black and Hispanic, as well as white) against the most impoverished sections of the working class, white, black, Hispanic and Native American. A two-story-high mural, The Struggle Against Terrorismalternatively known as The Struggle against Fascism and Warby the well-known Canadian-American painter Philip Guston (born Philip Goldstein in Montreal, 1913-1980) has recently been restored to public view at the Regional Museum of Michoacan, about 200 miles west of Mexico City. The Struggle Against Terrorism, 1935 [Photo: philipguston.org] The Guston Foundation, in collaboration with Mexicos Ministry of Culture and the National Center for the Conservation of Artistic and Architectural Heritage, undertook a painstaking renovation of the work, censored and left to decay behind a false wall for nearly a century. In addition to the murals historic and artistic significance, its pressing relevance in todays political context is unmistakable. The newly restored 1,000-square-foot mural, unveiled in January 2025, now looks much as it did when it was completed in 1934. A kaleidoscopic depiction of the struggle against repression throughout historyfrom the persecution of Jesus in Biblical times, through the Inquisition of the 15th century up to the rise of Nazism and the Ku Klux Klan in the 20thit abounds with tumbling bodies, instruments of torture and symbols of oppression, including crucifixes, swastikas, nude bound figures and hooded tormentors. It was an extraordinary accomplishment for the 21-year-old Guston and his friend and fellow artist Reuben Kadish (born Chicago, 1913-1992). Commissioned by their mentor, the Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, the pair drove the 1,700 miles from Los Angeles to western Mexico in an old car and completed the mural in six months. The mention of Siqueiros, later involved in a dastardly assassination attempt on exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky in May 1940 in the Coyoacan area of Mexico City, should indicate that Gustons life and career were inextricably bound up with some of the principal triumphs, tragedies and traumas of the 20th century: the 1917 October Revolution in Russia (and the Mexican Revolution 1910-1920), the rise of fascism and Nazism, the emergence of Stalinism and the bureaucratic degeneration of the Soviet workers state and the Communist Parties. Philip Guston, 1940 Using Siqueiros technique of polyangularity [a multifaceted perspective where a scene or figure is depicted from multiple angles and viewpoints] to simulate a cinematic effect, the restored mural bears the hallmarks of Mexican muralism, as pioneered not only by Siqueiros (1896-1974), but, above all, by Diego Rivera (1886 1957) and Jose Clemente Orozco (1883-1949), known as the Big Three. Influenced by Surrealism, Futurism, and the frescos of European Renaissance, the Mexican muralists employed national iconography to tell the story of Mexicos indigenous past, colonial oppression and anticipated its revolutionary future. Nor was it accidental that the Mexican Secretary of Education commissioned a mural decrying authoritarian oppression in the 18th-century Baroque summer palace that once belonged to Emperor Maximilian. This Austrian archduke had been installed in 1864 with the backing of French Emperor Napoleon III to prop up the weak Mexican monarchy in a short-lived Second Mexican Empire. Maximillian's reign lasted only three years till the restored Mexican Republic executed him by firing squad in 1867, a key incident in Mexicos struggle for full independence, famously depicted in a series of paintings by French painter Edouard Manet at the time. In its heyday in the 1920s and 30s, Mexican muralism was an inspiration to many, particularly left-wing artists and movements. Several of the Mexican artists were commissioned to create murals in the United States. In 1932-33, Rivera painted his masterful work devoted to the auto industry, Detroit Industry Murals, which remains central to the Detroit Institute of Arts. The series of frescos comprise one of the most powerful, evocative works of art created in the 20th century. Rivera was at the time sympathetic to Trotsky and cause of the future Fourth International. With its most overt political content toned down, Mexican muralism influenced the Works Progress Administrations public art projects in the US, resulting in murals in post offices and municipal buildings across the country. It continues to inspire Chicano and other public art projects to this day. The heightened relevance of the restored Guston mural in the present political context has been underscored by many, including by the artists daughter Musa Mayer, who said, I am deeply grateful to all those whose diligent work has brought this extraordinary early work back to life. Its message is as relevant today as it was 90 years ago. The Execution of Emperor Maximilian, Edouard Manet (1868-69) Then as now, fascism is the response of the ruling elite to its ever deepening economic and social disaster, the rising opposition of the working class and the prospect of socialist revolution. It is an an attempt to perpetuate its existence by means of the most bestial and monstrous measures, as Trotsky wrote in his last essay, Bonapartism, Fascism and War, found on his desk when he was murdered on August 20, 1940, in Coyoacan by the Stalinist assassin Ramon Mercader. The victory of fascism was not at all the inevitable product of capitalisms death agony. The policies of the reformist Social Democratic parties and the Stalinized Communist Parties paralyzed the insurgent working class in country after country (China, Britain, Germany, France, Spain) in the 1920s and 1930s, opening the door to Hitlerite and other forms of barbarism. From 1923, Trotsky led the Marxist opposition in the Soviet Union to Stalin and later internationally. Only the struggle for the international unity and independence of the working class against imperialism, on the one hand, and counter-revolutionary Stalinism, on the other, represented the continuity of Bolshevism and a progressive, socialist solution. The river of blood between Marxism and Stalinism was a central political and cultural question of the 20th century, as the complex history of Gustons mural reveals. In addition to painting murals, Gustons mentor Siqueiros helped found the Syndicate of Revolutionary Mexican Painters, Sculptors and Engravers. Differences between Siqueiros and Rivera led to the latter leaving the Syndicate over Siqueiros attempt to subordinate artists to reactionary Stalinist policies. Detroit Industry Murals, Diego Rivera The Syndicates criticism of the bourgeois nationalist Obregon government resulted in Siqueiros' arrest and exile to Los Angeles in the 1930s, where he encouraged the young Guston and his radical artist circle. Deported from the US in 1932 upon the completion of murals that were more politically explicit than his sponsors had anticipated, Siqueiros subsequently went to Spain, where he defended the Popular Front strategy during the Spanish Civil War. Stalin and the Spanish Communist Party shamelessly and murderously opposed the socialist strivings of the working class and strangled the revolution. Back in Mexico, as a loyal member of its Stalinist party, Siqueiros violently opposed the asylum given to Trotsky by the Cardenas government in 1937, whereas Rivera initially offered the Russian revolutionary and his family refuge at his studio until they moved to a guarded compound in Coyoacan in 1939. Stalin and his international network of gangsters, determined to eliminate the leader of the Fourth International and the voice of genuine Marxism, made several attempts before they succeeded in assassinating Trotsky in August 1940. As noted above, Siqueiros had led a failed attempt three months earlier. Stalinism, which falsely claimed the mantle of Lenin and the Russian Revolution, gravely damaged and disoriented generations of artists, as evidenced by Gustons own development. Upon his return to Los Angeles after painting the mural in question, he moved away from the Communist Party into left-liberal circles, in part a reaction to the unprincipled and cynical zig-zags of Stalinist policy. Reuben Kadish As the WSWS has noted: Marxism, or some version of it, gave way to psychoanalysis and not Freudian psychoanalysis at that, but Jungian, with its reactionary collective unconscious, mythologizing and universal archetypes. There took place, as one commentator put it, a rush inward. Interestingly, like a handful of other radical artists who had succumbed to the Cold War atmosphere but experienced a political revival in response to the upheavals of the Civil Rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s, Guston later rejected abstraction as too rarified to express contemporary reality. What kind of man am I, he notably asked, sitting at home, reading magazines, going into a frustrated fury about everythingand then going into my studio to adjust a red to a blue? In response, Guston developed the unique iconography for which he is best known. His blunt, cartoonish heads, feet, fists, bricks, shoes and other bizarre objects communicate something of the violent and thuggish character of the American ruling class epitomized by the cigar-chomping, hooded figures crammed into cars like Keystone cops. Gustons travails did not end, so to speak, with his death in 1980 at the age of 66. In 2020 a planned Guston retrospective was postponed in a cowardly act of self-censorship by four major museums that apparently anticipated a storm of protest from identity politics and racialist critics objecting to a white painters depictions of Black pain, i.e., his anti-KKK, anti-lynching paintings from the 1930s. The museums asserted that Gustons work could not be shown until a time at which we think that the powerful message of social and racial justice can be more clearly interpreted. The touring exhibition finally opened in 2022 in Boston before traveling to Houston, Washington, DC and London. The restoration of The Struggle Against Terrorism is a vindication of Gustons (and Kadishs) artistic integrity and anti-capitalist sentiments. In 1935, Roosevelts New Deal programs were being implemented, possible only in a country, as Trotsky observed, where the bourgeoisie [had] succeeded in accumulating incalculable wealth. Today, bankrupt American capitalism has turned to Trump, a swindler, pathological liar and fascist, as it declares open war on its own heritage and the rights and conditions of broad masses of the population. Six killed, six wounded, incl two children, in Donetsk region due to enemy shelling authorities Photo: https://www.facebook.com/vadym.filashkin/ Six civilians were killed and six were wounded, including two children, in Donetsk region as a result of Russian shelling on May 4 and May 5, said Vadym Filashkin, head of the Regional Military Administration. "New victims of Russian shelling: six dead, six wounded," he wrote on Telegram on Monday. Filashkin noted that "today we managed to establish information about five people whom the Russians killed yesterday: in Rih of Pokrovsk community, four people aged 47 to 68 died, and another person who died yesterday was a 40-year-old resident of Myrnohrad." In addition, according to his data, already on May 5, Russians killed one person in Novo-Ekonomichne of Hrodivska community, wounded three people in Myrnohrad and three more in Novo-Donetske. "Among those wounded in Novo-Donetsk are a 2-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy," the head of the Administration specified. Around 200 people rallied outside the Old Bailey on Friday to defend Palestine Action members, the Filton 18, being held on remand over a protest last August at Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems in Filton, near Bristol. Relatives, friends and supporters of the Filton 18 held placards displaying the names and photos of those in prison on remand, nearly all of them young, who are still being investigated under counter-terror laws despite being charged with non-terror related offences. Supporters holding placards of the Filton 18 outside the court All 18 were initially arrested and detained for one week under the Terrorism Act (2000). A speaker from Palestine Action said the Filton 18 were only trying to do what our government, under international law, has totally failed to do, to stop the flow of arms to Israel being used to commit a genocide. A speaker from the Palestinian Youth Movement said, The British state is using counter-terrorism laws to silence those who dare to stand in the way of genocide by disrupting a weapons factory that manufactures the very same drones, bullets and bombs used by the Zionist entity to murder our people and to destroy our land to make way for more illegal settlements. While the Zionist entity continues to carry out mass murder with these British made weapons, this government dares to call those who disrupt the supply chain terrorists. This is not about law and order but about political repression. It is about criminalising resistance, it is about protecting the arms industry and defending genocide. Maria, a schoolteacher and colleague of one of the Filton 18, Leona Kamio, told World Socialist Web Site reporters outside the court that Kamio has been on remand at Eastwood Park Prison near Bristol since last August. She described conditions there as very harsh and difficult for her and that she has been suffering quite a lot. Kamio is a very caring and loving person. I think she saw the injustice going on in Gaza and really, she just wanted to do all that she can to try and stop this genocide. Maria explained that counter-terrorism police also raided the home of Kamios mother--who was not involved with Palestine Action or with protesting at Elbit Systems--arresting and detaining her under the Terrorism Act, They didnt know where she was for five days nobody in the family knew where she was. Among those protesting was a large delegation from Defend Our Juries (DoJ) opposing attacks on the jury system, including moves by the British government to do away with jury trials for certain types of crimes. Anne Richards from the group explained, It is a cornerstone of British law that if you are charged then you have the right to be tried by 12 of your own peers. The group was founded after Trudi Warner, a retired social worker, was arrested for holding a placard outside a court hearing for climate activists in March 2023, reminding jurors of their right to refuse to convict for reasons of conscience. Englands Solicitor General had threatened Warner with prison for contempt of court, but she won a High Court victory in August 2024. A broader assault on the rights of jurors and defendants at trial is underway, including forbidding pro-Palestinian and climate activists from speaking about their political motivations in court. Anne Richards explained, The same issues are relevant for the Filton 18 as they are for climate activists, so [being here] its really showing our solidarity for those who have been arrested and charged. Fridays rally was met by a large and aggressive police presence. Specialist police vans with cameras surveyed the area around the court, while police spotters marched around checking the wording of posters and placards. They threatened protesters if they did not take down Palestinian flags tied to street furniture. At one point, around 30 City of London police marched in formation charging through protesters on the Old Bailey side of the road, to arrest a speaker on the opposite side. A clear pathway was available to police without forcing their way through protesters, but they chose to wade in with force, pushing people aside and even throwing one protester by the collar out of the way. Police also moved in from the opposite side of the road, effectively kettling protesters. The arrested protester was bundled into a police van behind a line of City of London officers, while protesters chanted Let her go! Members of the Socialist Equality Party attended the rally to defend the Filton 18, distributing a statement demanding the dropping of all charges. SEP members insisted that defeating imperialist war and genocide could be achieved only through the mobilisation of the working class against capitalism. SEP Assistant National Secretary Thomas Scripps covered the hearing for the World Socialist Web Site. People wait outside a closed metro station, during a major power outage in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, April 28, 2025 [AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti] On April 28, a massive blackout plunged nearly the entire Iberian Peninsula, including mainland Spain, Portugal, Andorra and parts of southern France, into darkness. It was the most extensive power outage in the history of the European Union, affecting more than 60 million people. Public life came to a standstill: trains stopped, communication networks failed, hospitals switched to emergency power and entire cities were paralysed as traffic lights stopped working. At least five people are known to have died. Three family members perished in Ourense from fumes from a generator powering a fan. A woman in Valencia, reliant on an oxygen machine, suffocated. Another died in a fire in Madrid. Power was not fully restored for 10 hours. Although initial speculation pointed to a cyberattack or sabotage, government cybersecurity agencies have now ruled these out. A fairly clear picture has emerged of what caused the blackout. At exactly 12:33 p.m., 15 gigawatts of generation, over 60 percent of the peninsulas load, detached from the grid in five seconds, causing a total system collapse. Voltage surged past 470,000 volts, and frequency hit 50.2 hertz, triggering automatic disconnections and disabling the grids balancing mechanisms. Experts have pointed to a critical shortage of synchronous generation, particularly hydraulic and gas-fired turbines, which could have stabilised the grid in seconds. Of the 26 gigawatts scheduled for that day, only 5 gigawatts were synchronous. Three of Spains five major hydroelectric plants were offline for maintenance, and all nuclear reactors except one were shut down. These decisions were authorised by Red Electrica Espanola (REE), the utility responsible for operating Spains national electricity transmission system. Although the Spanish state owns 20 percent of REE through the public investment agency SEPI, the remaining 80 percent is held by private shareholders and global investment funds, including BlackRock and the holding company of billionaire Amancio Ortega. In practice, this structure ensures that REE operates according to private profit imperatives, not public need. Despite the states minority stake, oversight is negligible. REE functions as a nominally public utility managed in the interests of private capital. According to comments made in El Pais by Jorge Sanz, former Director of Energy and former President of the Commission for the Energy Transition, the theory that explains 99% of what happened is that there was an overvoltage and the system suddenly disconnected because REE had not scheduled enough hydroelectric and gas (synchronous) generation, which would have allowed the supply to be reducedsince these plants can cut production in just one second. This is what the energy sector refers to as spinning reserves. The result was a preventable overvoltage, which disconnected all generation and plunged the entire grid to zero. The French grid briefly decoupled, averting a wider European failure. Portugal, more deeply interconnected with Spain, went down entirely. Spains energy sector is controlled by a handful of conglomeratesEndesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy, Repsol and Accionathat dominate both generation and distribution. Behind them stand financial giants like BlackRock, Norges Bank, Vanguard and the Qatar Investment Authority, alongside Pontegadea, the asset management firm of billionaire Amancio Ortega. In 2024 alone, they earned over 11 billion in profits. These firms have repeatedly blocked grid modernisation, delayed investment in battery storage and refused to maintain reserve capacity in combined cycle gas plantsall to maximise shareholder returns. Warnings about the risks of inadequate infrastructure to support renewable energy have been voiced for years. Engineers, grid operators and researchers have warned that Spains rapid growth in solar and wind generation, while essential, has not been matched by investment in battery storage, grid reinforcement, or system inertia solutions. In California, battery storage has increased from 500 megawatts to over 13,000 megawatts between 2018 and 2024. Spain, in contrast, has allowed its energy system to become a giant with feet of clay, as CSIC expert Fernando Valladares aptly described it in an interview with Publico. Security has a cost that companies dont want to pay, he explained, warning that we are doing an energy transition in a capitalist system that has not socially or economically transformed. Antonio Turiel of the CSIC accused the energy companies Iberdrola, Endesa and Naturgy of criminal responsibility, stating that if the combined-cycle gas plants had been ready to take over, the blackout would have been much smaller. But they had them shut down. Political responsibility lies with successive governments, led not only by right-wing parties, but also by social democratic, pseudo-left and Stalinist parties. This includes the current PSOESumar coalition, and its predecessor the PSOEPodemos government (20192023). These forces have administered years of energy liberalisation, refused to reverse privatization, protected corporate profiteering, and systematically dismantled public oversight, leaving the electricity system exposed to collapse. After initially praising the recovery effort, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez abruptly blamed private operators and called for accountability, claiming he only learned of REEs internal investigation through the media. He then announced the formation of an independent commission to investigate the blackout. This is little more than an attempt to deflect public anger from his own governments complicity in decades of privatisation and deregulation. Tensions have exploded between the government, REE and private firms. Government sources have criticised REEs president, former PSOE minister Beatriz Corredor, for failing to lead during the crisis and evading public explanation. REE and the operators are accused of stonewalling the governments demand for detailed telemetry and legal accountability. While the government now insists on transparency, its priority remains political damage control. This farce extends to Sumar, PSOEs pseudo-left coalition partner. Sumars leader and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz first urged the public not to get tangled up in partisan disputes, then, amid mass outrage, she demanded, The electrical grid must be in public hands. It is a strategic sector and today it is privatised and operates not as an oligopoly, but as a monopoly. But neither the social democrats nor its Left Populist allies oppose the system that enabled the blackout. They have acted as its administrators for years. Without a doubt, private operators are not being transparent, shielding themselves from billion-euro lawsuits. Corredor, president of Redeia (REEs parent company) insisted in interviews that our grid did not fail and blamed an unknown disruption beyond REEs control. She rejected any responsibility for the failure to schedule sufficient stabilising capacity, refused to resign and dismissed the idea that greater use of nuclear power would have helped. While some media outlets have suggested solar plants in Extremadura triggered the cascade, REE itself admitted that the Spanish grid depends heavily on variable renewables, which disconnect under instability and lack physical inertia reserves. The day after the blackout, under identical conditions of supply and temperature, no failure occurred. This confirmed the blackout was not caused by renewables, but by how the grid was configured, which directly points to disinvestment in critical infrastructure. To avoid further disruption, REE has since programmed massive activation of combined cycle gas plants, causing electricity prices to soar by 500 percent, from 35 per megawatt-hour on April 29 to 117 on April 30. The blackout occurred during a period of negative electricity prices, when producers lost money on every megawatt-hour generated. Under Spains market design, they are compensated through subsidies and backup contracts. Now, with REEs programme, energy companies are now making a killing of profits. The blackout has also exposed the grotesque priorities of Sanchezs government. While enabling private energy monopolies to loot the national grid and refusing to invest in critical infrastructure, the PSOE-Sumar government is diverting more than 10 billion to military spending. The debate over this vast increase in the defence budget was already scheduled for his May 7 congressional appearance, now to be shared with an explanation of the blackout. Rather than being subjected to a vote, the military budget is being pushed through by decree to avoid defeat in parliament, laying bare the governments contempt for democratic oversight. The convergence of the blackout and the weapons spending debate has laid bare the character of the PSOE-Sumar regime: a government of imperialist rearmament for war abroad while attacking workers at home with blackouts, price shocks and corporate impunity. A US Postal Service letter carrier delivers mail in Atlanta. [AP Photo/David Goldman] Witnesses and TV crews reported a chaotic scene and a close call for workers when dozens were inside a USPS distribution center in Tampa, Florida when the structure collapsed, sending them scrambling for safety. Local TV stations reported that code enforcement inspectors had said, It was miraculous that nobody was injured or killed. Reports said those in the building at the time of the collapse believed they were saved by a mezzanine structure that prevented the wall from collapsing entirely to the ground. Ryan Brown, a worker whose shift had ended about an hour before the incident, got a frantic text from a co-worker at the facility when the incident happened: Its scary; they were running to their cars, trying to get out of here. He added, Its not as heavily populated as in the back there. So, I think were fortunate that nobody was having a meeting or doing anything there. Employees told local reporters that the affected building section contained management offices, meeting spaces, storage areas, concessions and employee locker rooms. A USPS spokesperson said it prompted an immediate response from inspectors and code enforcement officials who remained on site the following day. There has been no definitive report on what caused the collapse, but videos circulating show water spraying inside the building moments before the incident. In 2019, a US Postal Service mail distribution centers roof collapsed after major flooding, injuring three people. Don Barron, president of the American Postal Workers Union, suggested that water issues may have triggered the collapse. This couldve been a buildup. I dont know, the engineers will be able to tell you that. A buildup of water and possibly the second floor or the infrastructure that just welded up to the point that you have a collapse. The collapse takes place amid deep attacks on the post office, with the Trump administration openly declaring privatization its goal. However, this would be the culmination of decades of bipartisan cuts to the Post Office, beginning with its demotion to an independent agency under Richard Nixon. A 1970 Postal Strike provoked the actions of the Nixon Administration and brought the agency to its knees with over 200,000 workers in over 30 cities. After that, it was reorganized into the US Postal Service, and stopped receiving any taxpayer funding and forced to rely entirely on revenue. Since then, the ruling class has been systematic in its effort to privatize the Post Office. Congress exploited the requirement to balance the books in 2006 when it passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA), requiring USPS to pre-fund pension and healthcare obligations 50 years in advance to help the Bush Administration balance its books. By 2022, the retirement obligation was $135 billion, resulting in Congress passing the Postal Reform Act. This act eliminated the postal worker healthcare system, forcing workers onto Medicare. Now, the Trump Administration is working with Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to gut Medicare. Constructed approximately five years ago, the affected facility had supposedly undergone recent inspections, raising questions about its thoroughness. While there were no injuries, the collapse of this building recalls other recent building collapses due to cost-cutting measures. Recently, on April 8th, the Jet Set nightclub roof in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, suddenly caved in. Rescuers have retrieved 233 people who have been found dead and 225 others injured. When the disaster struck, the venue had over 1,000 attendees, while some reports indicate that it had reached full capacity of over 2,000. The structure was once a cinema in the 1970s and was refurbished in 2010 and 2015, but these renovations didnt adhere to modern safety standards. Another example of neglect is the Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida that collapsed, killing 98 people on June 24, 2021. In this case, a New York Times article said they created a 3-D tower model based on the original design drawings. That model, combined with a review of documents and interviews with structural experts, reveals how design errors, last-minute changes, dubious construction practices, and years of worsening deterioration could have all contributed to the collapse. In 2017, the Grenfell Tower in London, England incinerated. Profit-driven cost-cutting measures have been directly attributed to the fire that killed 72 people. Andrew Nixon, spokesman for Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced on Thursday that moving forward, all new vaccines will undergo safety testing in placebo-controlled trials prior to licensurea radical departure from past practices. This announcement signals a significant shift in the approach to vaccine regulation in the United States, prompting alarm among medical experts. The statement itself is another bald-faced lie in a slew of disinformation from the HHS. All vaccines for new pathogens are tested against a placebo, that is, with a randomized control group receiving no vaccine. However, for previously well-researched pathogens like polio and measles, it would be unethical to leave groups of patients untreated when proven vaccines exist, and the disease carries significant potential for harm, including death. Typically, such decisions are made by vaccine scientists at the FDA. The announcement by Nixon, as such, is considered an extraordinary abuse of Kennedys position as secretary of HHS. That this move comes on his earlier statement to parents of newborns to do their own research is telling. 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] Fundamentally, the announcement functions to sow deep mistrust and divide in vaccines and the research behind them, which has been the primary stated goal of the unhinged health secretary. It will have untold consequences for the life and well-being of public health. The tragedy of the measles epidemic in Samoa in 2019, a byproduct of Kennedys anti-vaccine propaganda, is instructive in the present circumstance. Historically, placebo-controlled trials have indeed been a cornerstone of vaccine development for novel immunizations. Many groundbreaking vaccines were initially tested using this methodology. For example, the Salk polio vaccine field trial in the 1950s employed a randomized, placebo-controlled design. Measles vaccines underwent placebo-controlled testing in the 1960s, and the hepatitis B surface antigen vaccine was assessed through randomized placebo-controlled trials in the 1970s. Dr. Peter Hotez, vaccine researcher at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, provided a comprehensive list of these studies in a recent social media post. Importantly, the original COVID-19 vaccines that received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) were also evaluated in large, well-designed placebo-controlled trials that demonstrated their safety and effectiveness. Participants in these trials received either the vaccine or an inert substance, such as saline, before results were compared. Given this history, many vaccine experts contest Secretary Kennedys characterization of the new policy as a radical departure. Dr. Peter Marks, former FDA vaccine official who was essentially fired for not condoning Kennedys prerogatives, clarified that the FDA has mandated placebo-controlled trials for most vaccines, using either an inert placebo or sometimes an irrelevant vaccine. Dr. Jesse Goodman, a former FDA official, similarly stated, The blanket statement that none of the routine vaccines were ever tested against placebo is incorrect. Placebo trials have been done. The proposed policy raises significant ethical concerns among medical and public health experts. At the core of justifying the use of placebos in research is the principle of clinical equipoise. Clinical equipoise refers to a state of uncertainty within the scientific community about the merits of the interventions being assessed in a trial. Ethical randomized controlled trials must allocate participants to an intervention that is not known to be inferior to any available alternative. Testing updated versions of established vaccines The shift introduced by this policy to all new vaccines potentially includes updated versions of established vaccines, particularly those for COVID-19. Although the media has completely abandoned its reporting on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 continues to infect people at alarming numbers, with more than 44,000 people dying in 2024 and many more suffering long-term consequences to their health. To force a placebo trial with new iterations of the vaccine would not only be cost-prohibitive and lengthy, but it would also place in peril the lives of the most frail and vulnerable. Historically, for minor modifications or updates to established vaccine platforms (like annual flu shots), regulatory agencies have recognized that the same level of testing as entirely new vaccines is not always necessary. This distinction is critical and lies at the heart of the controversy. Experts argue that including a placebo group in trials for new vaccines or updates becomes ethically unacceptable when there is already a well-established standard of prevention in the form of an available, effective vaccine. In such situations, providing a placebo to a control group would mean withholding a proven effective intervention, thereby exposing them to avoidable harm and the risk of contracting a preventable disease, which the World Health Organization deems unethical when effective interventions exist. For diseases like polio, experts warn this could mean exposing children to a virus that can cause death, but also, in many cases, causes permanent, irreversible disability. Similarly, for COVID-19, it would be unethical to deprive even a small group of patients of effective vaccines against a potentially deadly pathogen. A man holds his 10-month-old baby daughter who suffers from polio, in Suleiman Khel, Pakistan, May 6, 2020 (AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad) The new HHS policy challenges the ethical framework that has guided vaccine development for decades. Paul Offitt, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, stated that making people acquire a disease because they receive a placebo is not ethical. Experts also express dismay that the change could make studies costlier and potentially limit production and access to vaccines, leaving more Americans at risk of preventable diseases. They suggest the policy could be interpreted as an effort to make vaccines costlier, scarcer and more distrusted. Furthermore, requiring placebo-controlled trials for updates could lead to difficulties in recruiting participants, as individuals may refuse enrollment if they know they might be assigned to a placebo without access to established vaccines. WHO analysis of ethical issues in placebo testing These issues have been addressed by the WHO in recent history. A 2013 WHO expert consultation specifically addressed the challenging ethical questions raised by using placebos in vaccine clinical trials, when an effective or partially effective vaccine already exists. While current ethics guidelines generally recommend against using placebos in such cases, the expert panel acknowledged that these guidelines do not always fully account for the specific nuances of vaccine research. The report clarifies that the use of placebos is clearly unacceptable when an effective and safe vaccine exists, is currently accessible in the public health system of the trial country, and the risk to participants of not receiving the current vaccine cannot be adequately mitigated. However, the panel identified five specific situations where the conduct of a placebo-controlled trial may be justified, even in the presence of an efficacious vaccine. These situations require that the risks of using placebos are mitigated and justified by the scientific and social value of the research, the research is responsive to local health needs, and general research ethics principles are respected. The five situations are: 1. Resource Constraints: A new, potentially lower-cost vaccine is tested against a placebo in a setting where the existing vaccine is inaccessible to most of the population due to cost and is likely to remain so. (Researchers must provide evidence that these barriers are unlikely to be overcome, and that the new vaccine would not face the same barriers.) 2. Confirming Local Efficacy: An existing vaccine is tested against a placebo to confirm its efficacy in the specific trial country, as there may be insufficient information or consensus about its safety and efficacy in that particular setting. 3. Doubt About Existing Vaccines Local Effectiveness: A new vaccine is tested against a placebo because there is a legitimate reason to doubt the efficacy or effectiveness of the existing vaccine in the local population. (Researchers should consult relevant experts for evidence supporting this doubt.) 4. Clearer Public Health Impact Data: Using a placebo yields clearer information on whether the introduction of the new vaccine would have a public health impact. (This is often linked to Situation 3.) 5. Existing Vaccine Unacceptable: The existing vaccine is unacceptable to potential study participants in the trial country (e.g., due to ingredient concerns or administration method). The goal of the WHO recommendations is twofold: to assure that participants are protected from unjustifiable risks, and to facilitate the conduct of beneficial and urgently needed vaccine research. The proposed HHS policy, by broadly requiring placebo trials even for updates, appears to contradict the nuanced, risk-mitigating approach outlined by the WHO for situations where effective vaccines exist. Scientific advances in vaccine testing and development Vaccine trial design and statistical analysis methods have evolved significantly. While traditional designs were fixed, modern trials increasingly benefit from innovative approaches like adaptive designs, which allow for planned modifications based on accumulating data, offering ethical advantages and enabling early termination if indicated (e.g., due to overwhelming evidence of efficacy or futility). These advancements are particularly important for vaccines requiring frequent updates, such as those for influenza or COVID-19, where circulating strains evolve rapidly. For well-understood diseases or updated vaccines, scientists can often assess effectiveness by looking for evidence that the vaccine induces a biological response (correlate of protection) that is scientifically known to protect against the disease, rather than waiting for participants to become ill. This allows for quicker assessment without compromising safety standards. Experts warn that requiring large, time-consuming placebo-controlled trials for updated vaccines would significantly delay their availability. For rapidly evolving pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, by the time a large placebo-controlled trial for an updated vaccine targeting a specific strain is completed, the dominant strain might have already changed, rendering the study results less relevant and potentially leading to the use of less optimal vaccines for no reason, or even paralyzing the public health system entirely. Secretary Kennedy has a long history of skepticism towards vaccines and particularly towards the mRNA vaccines used for COVID-19. He has publicly questioned their safety and efficacy, promoted discredited theories and has actively challenged their regulatory approval. He has claimed, contrary to scientific consensus and evidence, that mRNA vaccines dont stop infection, dont block transmission, dont block mutants, dont last, dont work at all. In May 2021, his organization, Childrens Health Defense, petitioned the FDA to revoke the authorization for all COVID-19 vaccines, claiming risks outweighed benefits and citing ineffective alternative treatments. While the new policy is framed as applying to all new vaccines, statements from HHS indicate a specific focus on COVID-19 vaccine updates. Despite using the same mRNA platform since 2020, updates are seemingly being targeted by this new requirement. This suggests that, unlike annual flu vaccine updates which HHS stated would be exempt, COVID-19 booster shots could face new, extensive testing requirements. The requirement for lengthy placebo-controlled trials, particularly for updated vaccines, could severely hamper the response to future infectious disease threats. This approach might impact preparedness for potential pandemics, such as bird flu, where the rapid development and deployment of vaccines would be urgent. Delays in evaluating and approving vaccines during an outbreak could cost lives and exacerbate the public health crisis. Median number of daily COVID-19 deaths based on excess mortality estimates. The black line is the actual estimates. The red line is model estimates without vaccines. The blue shaded area represents deaths averted by vaccines (direct) and pale green shaded area deaths averted by vaccines (indirect). [Photo: National Institutes of Health] Despite skepticism and misinformation, the COVID-19 vaccines have had a substantial positive impact. Estimates released in early 2024 found that COVID-19 vaccines and mitigation measures saved about 800,000 lives in the United States. Earlier estimates from May 2021 indicated that the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines had already saved about 140,000 lives in the US by that time. A Commonwealth Fund study from December 2022 estimated vaccinations in the US averted over 3.2 million deaths, 18.6 million hospitalizations and 120 million infections. While vaccines can have side effects, these are rare, and public health officials weigh the harms against the potential to save lives. Existing surveillance systems have proven capable of rapidly identifying side effects, such as myocarditis or rare blood clots. Looking more broadly, the impact of vaccination on global health is immense. A modeling study assessing 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) between 1974 and 2024 provides the most comprehensive assessment of historical vaccine program impact. The study estimated that vaccines against 14 pathogens have saved 154 million lives since 1974, with 95 percent of these being children younger than 5 years. This equates to 9.0 billion life-years saved and, when accounting for reduced morbidity as well, 10.2 billion healthy years of life gained. The measles vaccination has been the single greatest contributor to these gains, estimated to have averted 93.7 million deaths and saved 5.7 billion years of life. Other diseases for which vaccination has averted millions of deaths include tetanus (27.9 million), pertussis (13.2 million), and tuberculosis (10.9 million). Vaccination has accounted for close to half of the total global reduction in infant mortality. As a result of 50 years of vaccination, a child born today has a 40 percent increase in survival for each year of infancy and childhood. The claims made by HHS that none of the vaccines on the CDCs childhood recommended schedule was tested against an inert placebo, meaning we know very little about the actual risk profiles of these products is directly disputed by health experts and historical evidence. Secretary Kennedy has a documented history of making baseless claims about vaccine safety, including linking vaccines to autism despite overwhelming scientific consensus to the contrary, questioning the safety monitoring systems and making unfounded comments about race-based vaccine schedules. Experts note that Kennedy tends to ignore or cherry-pick science, citing flawed or tangential research to support his views. As Dr. Hotez commented: He appears to be on full-on attack mode when it comes to vaccines. And its so self-defeating for our country and globally as well. Its absolutely dangerous. Coming from the chief public health official in the United States, this irrational and anti-scientific approach has the potential to significantly damage public confidence in the entire immunization infrastructure. The risks of declining vaccination coverage are well-documented. Another modeling study, looking at potential scenarios in the US under declining vaccination rates, estimated the increased risks of outbreaks, total cases, and the chance of re-establishing endemicity for vaccine-preventable infections. Recent data shows a decline in vaccination coverage among young children, and localized outbreaks of diseases like measles have been occurring, and not just in the US. Experts warn that damaged confidence could lead to a return of diseases that have been largely controlled, resulting in suffering and preventable deaths, particularly among children. Kennedys stated policy requiring placebo-controlled trials for all new vaccines is framed by HHS as a radical departure aimed at increasing safety and transparency. However, this framing is misleading, as placebo or appropriate comparator trials have historically been standard for genuinely novel vaccines, including the initial COVID-19 shots. Experts widely dispute the claims that established childhood vaccines were not adequately tested. Ultimately, this policy, coupled with the dissemination of misleading information about the testing of existing vaccines, appears to be a dangerous approach dressed as a concern for safety and transparency. By undermining public trust in proven, life-saving interventions and hindering the efficient development and deployment of new and updated vaccines, it carries the potential for tremendous damage to public health, both domestically and globally, risking a resurgence of preventable diseases and leaving populations vulnerable to future outbreaks. Saturdays Australian federal election was another indication of mass hostility on a global scale to the fascistic US President Donald Trump, and the agenda with which he is associated of trade war, militarism, an onslaught on democratic rights and the open rule of an oligarchy. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after his re-election on May 3, 2025. [AP Photo/Rick Rycroft] The election resulted in a victory for the incumbent Labor Party and a wipeout of the opposition Liberal-National Coalition to a near rump. Vote counting is still underway, but Labor will hold more than 86 positions in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, giving it a majority government, while the Coalition is likely to secure fewer than 45 seats. Coalition leader Peter Dutton was among as many as 14 Liberal-National MPs to lose their seat. With support from the Greens, Labor will also probably control the Senate, the upper house of parliament. The outcome defied the predictions of most media commentators, as well as the opinion polls, both of which had been forecasting a hung parliament and a minority Labor or Coalition government. It did, however, follow a similar result to the Canadian election where the Liberal Party retained office despite poor polling, because of opposition to the Conservative Partys identification with Trump. Similarly, the fundamental change that occurred in Australia was a growing popular anxiety and hostility to Trump. When he won the US election in November, polling indicated that around 40 percent of the population was fearful of Trump. By mid-way through the Australian election campaign that figure approached 70 percent, with respondents expressing fear that the global trade war unleashed by Trump would result in economic crisis, as well as concerns that his militarist policies heightened the threat of geopolitical conflict and war. Already an attempt is underway by Labor and the corporate media to present the result as the outcome of a masterful campaign led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The reality is that Labor ran a small target campaign, outlining hardly any new policies. Those that it did unveil, such as a $5 a week tax cut, were pitiful amid the deepest cost-of-living crisis in decades. Together with the Coalition, Labor sought to exclude the global upheavals from the official campaign, absurdly claiming that Australia was uniquely placed to deal with their fallout. But Labor did nod to popular anti-Trump sentiment, depicting Dutton as an aggressive and unreliable figure, who would seek to Americanise the already crisis-ridden public health system with cuts and who would be erratic on foreign policy. This was despite Albaneses public declarations that he would not comment on anything Trump did or said. The Coalition campaign was shambolic. Trump loomed large, with some commentators noting that there were three candidates in the race, Albanese, Dutton and Trump, with the latters shadow damaging the Coalition. In the lead-up to the election, Dutton had hailed Trump as a a big thinker and deal maker. He had declared that he would be better placed to work with Trump due to shared ideological affinities. But Coalition policies that smelt of Trumpism were widely unpopular and were either openly shelved or tacitly abandoned. The Coalition withdrew a promise to slash over 40,000 federal jobs, which was modelled on Trump and Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. It scuttled threats to force public servants to end working-from-home arrangements. Media reports indicated the Coalition was planning to unveil a Trumpian referendum on stripping the citizenship of dual citizens convicted of criminal offences, but no announcement was made. Dutton sought to avoid mention of his program to build an Australian nuclear power sector, which was associated with an attack on renewable energies and raised the spectre of eventual domestic nuclear weapons production. The backflips meant that the Coalition campaign was incoherent. Even as Dutton sought to distance himself from Trump, leading National MP Jacinta Price declared at a campaign event standing alongside Dutton that together they would make Australia great again. Popular antipathy to Trump intersected with and deepened an existential crisis of the Coalition that was evident in its 2022 federal election defeat. The Coalition 2025 election vote was even lower than in that historic loss. At around 32 percent of primary votes, it is the worst result in the Coalitions history extending back to the 1940s. The Liberals, the urban contingent of the Coalition and the traditional conservative party of the ruling elite, now have virtually no presence in the capital cities. They are set to secure only four, possibly five seats in Sydney, the most populous city in the country, as few as three in Melbourne and no seats in Tasmania or Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. The Teal independents appear to have consolidated their hold over blue-ribbon seats in Sydney and Melbourne, which the Liberals had historically dominated prior to 2022. The Teals combine genuflections to environmental concerns and identity politics, with vehement support for pro-business free market policies. The result underscores the collapse of the Coalition as a broad church conservative party. Due to the Liberal wipeout, the regional Nationals, who often tend towards right-wing populism, will have a greater preponderance. What were once the moderate Liberals are essentially outside the Coalition in the form of the Teals. The strengthening of the right-wing in the Coalition occurs under conditions of a massive rejection of its program. Not only the Coalition, but far-right parties, such as One Nation, either received negligible gains in the election or went backwards. The Coalition debacle has been used to cover up the fact that Labors primary vote remains near historic lows. The Labor primary vote was only 2 percent higher than in 2022, its lowest result since the 1930s. In this election, the combined vote of Labor and the Coalition was the lowest ever. The dominant tendency has not been a mass shift to Labor, but the disintegration of the Coalition. In addition to the Coalition crisis, Labor was the beneficiary of support from the official left. The Greens campaigned for a coalition government with Labor, which they absurdly claimed would begin a golden era of progressive reforms. The Greens have lost at least two of their four lower house seats, with that of party leader Adam Bandt still in jeopardy. The party has blamed Liberal-Labor preferencing arrangements. But, to the extent that the Greens were almost exclusively campaigning for a Labor government, there was little appeal for people to vote for them rather than directly for Labor. Their decline also reflected their rightward lurch which saw them promote a war policy and drop almost all criticism of the Labor government for its support for the genocide in Gaza. The pseudo-left groups trailed behind, calling for a Labor vote on the bogus grounds that it was a lesser evil. The corporatised union bureaucracy sought to cover up Labors imposition of the biggest reversal to working-class living standards in decades over the past three years, calling for its re-election. Much of the corporate media joined this lineup. Speaking for the ruling class, they increasingly swung behind Labor as the party most likely to avoid the instability of a minority government. That was combined with a continuous discussion in the financial press, of the need for the next government to implement sweeping cuts to social services, to pay for the budget deficit and for a massive increase in military spending. The necessity for Labor to proceed with this onslaught on the working class is already the dominant theme of the official coverage. Labor has signalled its intent to deliver. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has declared that productivity, a codeword for intensified exploitation of the working class, will be the administrations overwhelming policy. Albanese is predicted to meet with Trump in the coming weeks, where he will deepen Australias commitment to the US war drive against China, which was a central focus of Labors first term. Despite the confected media hype, this is a government on a collision course with the working class. To the extent that broad sections of the population had illusions that repudiating Dutton and the Coalition might spare them major attacks on social conditions and stepped-up militarism, they are in for a sharp shock. That underscores the crucial importance of the campaign waged by the Socialist Equality Party. Against the bogus lesser-evilism peddled by the Greens and the pseudo-left, the SEP exposed the pro-war and pro-business programs of Labor and the Coalition. Against the lies of Australian exceptionalism, it explained that developments in this country would be determined by the deepest breakdown of global capitalism since the 1930s. And it insisted that the decisive task was building the SEP as the revolutionary leadership in the working class for the massive social struggles that are on the agenda. That task is the urgent order of the day. Nurses picket in Long Beach, California, March 19, 2025. In balloting held between April 24 and the 26, nurses at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Childrens & Womens Hospital (MCWH) voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. Just days later, on May 1May Day, also known as International Workers DayMemorialCare provocatively responded by announcing even more layoffs. While this should have triggered an immediate response, the bureaucracy of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United have refused thus far to call a strike. Last weeks layoffstargeting vital departments such as outpatient clinics, the blood donor center, general pediatrics, and radiology diagnosticscomes on the heels of previous attacks. In February 2024, 72 employees were axed, and the outpatient pharmacy was shuttered. In March of this year, another 60 layoffs were announced, set to take effect from April 14. Now, just weeks later, MemorialCare is slashing deeper into departments that are essential to patient flow and safety, paving the way for catastrophic backups in care delivery. Compounding the crisis, expected cuts from the Trump administration at the VA will funnel even more patients into MemorialCares already strained system, magnifying pressure on an exhausted nursing staff. This crisis is part of a broader attack on public health, spearheaded by the Trump administration and anti-science quacks like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Under the guise of health freedom, these figures have fronted policies that slash public health funding, dismantle regulations, and push hospitals toward ever more ruthless cost-cutting. The firing of 20,000 federal science employees has accelerated the erosion of healthcare infrastructure, leaving frontline workers and the public dangerously exposed. MemorialCare brands itself as a nonprofit integrated health system, but in practice, it and other nonprofit hospital networks operate no differently than profit-driven corporations. With four major hospitals, a network of award-winning medical groups spanning more than 200 sites and a medical staff of over 2,000 physicians, MemorialCares reach is vast across Southern California, particularly in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Its flagship Long Beach Medical Center and MCWH are critical pillars of care for the Long Beach community and surrounding region, underscoring that any significant labor action at these facilities would ripple throughout the entire system. In 2017, Beckers Hospital Review even lauded MemorialCare as one of the 50 Great Health Systems to Know in the United States. In other words, nurses are fighting against a significant player in the American profit-dominated healthcare system. Massive job cuts and facility closures are taking place throughout the country. Recently, a hospital network in southeast Pennsylvania closed two hospitals after its private equity firm owners declared bankruptcy. Over 2,600 jobs and 75,000 patients are affected. The nurses grievances are well-documented: demands for safe staffing levels, protection from workplace violence, and basic workplace safety have been consistently ignored. Understaffing is a systemic assault on both patient care and nurses well-being. Repeated submissions of assignment despite objection forms shows that nurses are constantly forced under protest to work in unsafe situations, and are stretched thin across too many patients without adequate support. Poor equipment, lack of supplies, and broken systems deepen the hazard, and nurses face an increasingly violent workplace. Last December, a patient brought a gun into Long Beach Memorial. Rather than confront these escalating dangers, the CNA/NNU bureaucracy has once again sought to defuse rank-and-file militancy instead of seriously challenging hospital management. The unions response to MemorialCares determination to quash workers was a meek Facebook post declaring, We dont want to strike but, if necessary, we will. This is not the language of an organization prepared to wage a serious fight. It is the language of surrender and collusiona strategy aimed at placating angry members while carefully avoiding any meaningful confrontation with corporate power. The nurses strike vote was treated by the union leadership as little more than a pressure valve, designed to let off steam while continuing backroom negotiations. In March, a month before the vote, CNA/NNU was already boasting about tentative agreements on procedural matters such as grievance meetings, unpaid leave, and expedited arbitrator selectiontrivial concessions that do nothing to address the core demands of nurses. The emphasis on arbitration is especially telling: instead of empowering nurses to decide their fate, the union is laying the groundwork for yet another sellout contract to be dictated by a state-appointed arbitrator, just as has happened in this years postal workers struggle. After USPS workers rejected a contract by 70 percent, the same deal with tiny changes was rammed down their throats through arbitration, robbing them of even the right to vote on their own contract. In 2022, when Long Beach nurses courageously struck against unsafe conditions, the CNA/NNU leadership moved swiftly to sabotage their efforts, calling a vote on a sellout agreement just as the strike was building strength. Time and again, this bureaucracy has proven its loyalty to hospital administrators, not its members. At Kaiser Permanente, for instance, CNA/NNU has overseen the restructuring of the workforce, replacing registered nurses with lower-paid, less-trained telehealth staff while imposing new burdens on remaining nurseseffectively turning them into supervisors of an underqualified, overworked generic workforce. The recent 48-hour strike by 55,000 Los Angeles County workersincluding many healthcare staffoffers a revealing parallel. Though these workers showed immense determination to confront unsafe staffing, low wages and austerity measures, their struggle was curtailed by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) bureaucracy. SEIU limited the action to a tightly-controlled, symbolic strike, ensuring minimal disruption and quickly steering workers back to work without real gains. Meanwhile, Californias Democratic Party-controlled state government has gutted safe staffing laws and prioritized hospital profits over worker protections. The CNA/NNU, deeply tied to the Democrats, has done nothing to oppose these attacks, leaving nurses to fend for themselves. The same political forces that gut healthcare at home also wage war abroad. Nurses at MemorialCare have shown solidarity with their brothers and sisters of Gaza, recognizing that the fight for health and safety is global. There is a deep connection between the ruling class profit-driven attacks on the working class at home and its wars of conquest abroad. Nurses must break free from the dead-end strategy of the CNA/NNU, whose overriding goal is to secure its place at the bargaining table and preserve the status quo, not to win a real victory for its members. Independent rank-and-file committees are essential to wrest control of this struggle from the bureaucracy and transform it into a genuine political fight against war and authoritarian rule. These committees must reach out to all sections of the working classhospital technicians, service workers, teachers, transit workers, and beyondto carry out a united struggle against austerity and corporate greed. On April 25, the New Zealand Herald marked Anzac Daythe annual militarist holiday that celebrates the countrys participation in World War Iby publishing an article by right-wing commentator Matthew Hooton calling for the reintroduction of compulsory military training (CMT) for young people. Army Reserves recruits at a graduation parade. [Photo: Facebook/New Zealand Army, January 16, 2025] Pointing to the far-right governments recent commitment to double military spending from 1 to 2 percent of gross domestic product, Hooton said New Zealands alliesAustralia, the US and the NATO imperialist powerswould expect it to be raised to 3 percent of GDP. This will be paid for with even deeper cuts to hospitals, public education and other essential services that workers rely on. If New Zealand really plans to spend billions more on defence, why not invest it in universal military training, Hooton declared. He said this would teach young people critical skills and allow the country to better respond to humanitarian crises in the Pacific and take part in peacekeeping operations around the world. It would also help with nation-building and social cohesion in an age of social-media addiction and political polarisation. Hootons call for conscription was echoed by talkback radio hosts on Newstalk ZB, who presented it as a means to address unemployment and help directionless young people. At the end of last year, with the country in recession and corporations slashing jobs, 13.2 percent of under-25-year-olds were not in employment, education or training. All of this is a smokescreen. The real purpose of CMT, as with the record increase in military spending, is to prepare for imperialist war to redivide the world. The ruling class is seeking to instil young people with nationalism and unquestioning obedience to authority, so they can be used as cannon fodder. Governments in the US and across Europe, which are pumping trillions of dollars into the war against Russia over Ukraine and Israels genocide in Gaza, are also actively discussing how to bring back the draft. As a minor imperialist power, New Zealand is a member of the US-led Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance and has sent military personnel to Britain to help train Ukrainian conscripts, and to the Middle East to assist in the US bombing of Yemen. New Zealand is also integrated into the far-advanced US war plans targeting China, which are accelerating alongside the Trump administrations devastating trade warfare. The governments recent Defence Capability Plan made clear that the increased military spending is aimed against China. Some form of CMT existed for young men during most of the 20th century in New Zealand. It played a major role in the militarisation of society in the lead-up to the First World War, in which about 100,000 New Zealanders served in the armed forces, almost one tenth of the population at the time. More than 16,600 were killed and 41,317 wounded. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently glorified New Zealands participation in the disastrous 1915 British invasion of Gallipoli in WWI, telling a media conference on May 4 that the troops went to fight for the Kiwi way of life that we all enjoy today. In fact, New Zealands ruling class joined the war to defend the British Empire and to seize more colonies in the Pacific. CMT was abolished with the repeal of the Military Service Act in 1973. This followed mass protests against New Zealands involvement in the US imperialist war in Vietnam. Now, with an even more catastrophic war being prepared involving nuclear-armed powers, the ruling class is seeking to overcome deeply ingrained opposition to war and militarism in the population. This is the purpose of Hootons column and the broader media propaganda campaign, which was likely coordinated with the government. Hooton is well-connected, having been employed as an advisor to the conservative National Party and the far-right ACT Party, which are both in the coalition government. A frothing militarist, Hooton regularly paints China as a threat to New Zealands interests. He recently suggested that special forces be deployed to invade the Cook Islands and overturn its governments economic agreements with China. Hooton is also one of New Zealands most vehement supporters of the Zionist regime in Israel and has repeatedly smeared opponents of the Gaza genocide as antisemitic supporters of terrorism. When the New Zealand Herald boosted Hootons call for conscription on Facebook, the response was divided. While many supporters of the government and the military commented in favour of the idea, Hooton was angrily denounced by hundreds of people. Terri wrote: Absolutely not. We [are] not making human shields for [Prime Minister] Luxons mates. Toni similarly said: Heck no, we dont need to be sending our youth off to fight billionaires wars. Merania called the idea stupid, adding that war only feeds the rich. Ed commented: We are on the brink of ww3. Thats why they want to start training up the kiddos again not for any other bs reason. Some pointed to the hypocrisy of the government and its supporters claiming to care about young people while imposing brutal austerity measures, including cuts to school and university funding. Buster asked: Why should we lay down our lives for our crappiest government ever, who only want to take from the people? Ivy wrote: What has this country done [for] us besides causing us stress from the high cost of living and lack of jobs. Not worth fighting for. Karen stated: No way am I going to let my sons become cannon fodder for fascist, illegal conflicts overseas sent by gutless, self serving, corrupt politicians. NO WAY. These anti-war sentiments are widely shared, as seen at the protests against the Gaza genocide. One survey last year found that 68 percent of New Zealand respondents opposed greater spending on the armed forces, while only 28 percent said it should increase. Yet this sentiment finds no expression in the capitalist political establishment. The opposition Labour Party fully supports the governments military build-up. The last Labour-led government, which included the Green Party, strengthened New Zealands alliance with the US. Previous Labour governments have also sent troops to support the illegal and barbaric US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The only way to stop the world from descending into barbarism is through revolutionary struggle to abolish the capitalist system. The urgent task is to build socialist parties, in New Zealand and in all countries, as part of the world Trotskyist movement, to provide political leadership for the fight against war, fascism and mass poverty. This was the central message of the International May Day Online Rally hosted by the World Socialist Web Site last weekend, which featured speakers from the Socialist Equality Parties around the world and the Socialist Equality Group (SEG) in New Zealand. We urge those who agree with this perspective to contact the SEG today. South Korea will hold its presidential election on June 3 to replace impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from office by the Constitutional Court last month for imposing martial law in a December coup attempt. South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party's former leader Lee Jae-myung wins nomination as party's presidential election candidate, April 27, 2025. [AP Photo/Lee Jin-man] The current frontrunner is Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), who won the partys primary on April 27. He served as the partys head until last month when he resigned his position to campaign for presidency. He also ran for president in 2017 but lost in the primary to eventual winner Moon Jae-in; and again in 2022 when he narrowly lost to Yoon. A National Assembly lawmaker, Lee is expected to capitalize on widespread anger towards Yoon and his right-wing People Power Party (PPP) for the failed martial law declaration as well as over Yoons anti-working-class policies. The PPP is the party most closely associated with the military and the US alliance, as popular anti-war sentiment grows. During Yoons presidency, real wages for workers stagnated or declined. In 2024, the gap between the annual average income of the top 10 percent and bottom 10 percent reached a record high of 200.32 million won ($US143,101). Moreover, the wealthiest layer held assets on average totalling over 1.5 billion won ($US1.1 million) more than the poorest layer. South Korea faces the potential imposition of 25 percent tariffs from the United States, which would negatively impact its export-driven economy. The Bank of Korea in April predicted that GDP growth this year will be lower than its previous estimates of just 1.5 percent. Lee does not offer a progressive way forward. The DP candidate was once described as the South Korean Bernie Sanders who had vowed to break up the family-owned chaebol conglomerates that dominate the economy, such as Samsung and Hyundai Motors, while pushing through welfare reform. However, like Sanders in the US, Lees rhetoric is designed to trap workers and youth within the Democratic Party, one of the two main parties of big business in South Korea. As he did during his 2022 presidential run, Lee has made overtures to big business to demonstrate he has no intention of carrying out even moderate reforms that infringe on big business profits. Lee declared in February for example while visiting a Hyundai Motors plant, The growth of a corporation is ultimately everything for a country. Lee has also praised South Koreas military alliance with the US and Japan, indicating his support for the Washington-led war drive against China. Last month he stated: Realistically speaking, the South Korea-US alliance is important, and South Korea, US, Japan cooperation is important. Within that, the consistent principle is that the national interest of the Republic of Korea is the top priority. Complicating matters, however, Lee faces a criminal trial stemming from accusations that he violated the election law by making false statements during the 2022 presidential campaign. The Supreme Court on May 1 overturned an acquittal from the Seoul High Court in the case and ordered a retrial. If found guilty and fined more than one million won ($US715), Lee would be stripped of his seat in the National Assembly and barred from running for office for five years. The process, including a potential appeal, is not likely to conclude before the election. It is unclear what would happen if Lee is elected president while the trial continues, though it would certainly contribute to South Koreas political instability. Lee will be opposed by the PPPs Kim Moon-soo, who was selected as the partys presidential candidate on May 3. Kim is an extreme right-wing figure, who was appointed labor minister in Yoon Suk-yeols cabinet last August. Kim is viciously anti-working class, denouncing the act of striking as illegal. He has previously called for bombarding the laborers with damage claims [as] the most effective remedy for illegal strikes. Kims last election race was in 2018 when he unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Seoul. The previous year, he aligned himself with the so-called Taegeukgi rallies, far-right demonstrations launched in support of former President Park Geun-hye, who was removed from office in 2017 for corruption. Taegeukgi is the name for the South Korean flag. This far-right movement includes fascistic elements and has continued as supporters of Yoon. While lacking any popular support, they staged protests during Yoons impeachment, waving South Korean and US flags and appealing to Trump in the US for support. These rallies have for years been marked by calls for violence against political opponents, who are denounced as communists and North Korean sympathizers. In 2019, Kim declared that then-President Moon Jae-in deserves to be executed by a firing squad. Kim gained popularity within the PPP for his refusal to apologize for Yoons declaration of martial law while other cabinet members did so. He also opposed Yoons impeachment. That such a candidate could run for president so soon after Yoons attempted coup and the mass protests that erupted against his government is ultimately a result of the perfidy of the Democratic Party. The Democrats demobilized the protest movement in December, which at their height, involved two million people demonstrating in Seoul alone. The DP was afraid that this movement would grow and participants, particularly workers, would begin putting forward demands that went beyond Yoons removal from office. Lee Jae-myung also personally intervened with the Korean Railway Workers Union to shut down a strike. The DP presented Yoons initial suspension from office in December as a victory for democracy and claimed his removal from office was all but ensured, though this was far from clear at the time. This provided Yoon and the PPP with breathing space to rally their supporters on the far-right. Kim Moon-soo is not the only candidate associated with Yoons government running for election. Han Duck-soo, the prime minister and acting president, last week resigned from office and announced his own plans to run on May 2. He is a career bureaucrat and nominally an independent. He is popular among PPP members and his campaign stated Sunday that he would allow the PPP to set the terms for fielding a unified candidacy with Kim. As the acting president, Han protected Yoon during the impeachment process by refusing to appoint judges to vacancies on the Constitutional Court, thereby increasing the probability of Yoons acquittal. Han has declared that if elected he would resign three years into his five-year term after pushing through a constitutional revision to limit the power of the National Assembly. His goal would be for the president and the National Assembly to share power amid checks and balancesin reality, to restrict parliaments ability to counter the presidents actions. Yoon justified his coup attempt by claiming the DP majority in the National Assembly blocked key aspects of his agenda, necessitating martial law. Regardless which of the three candidates wins the election, he will be tasked with suppressing growing working-class opposition. The political crisis in South Korea has not been resolved with Yoons removal from office but rather is amid growing political and economic instability around the globe. Trucks line up to enter a Port of Oakland shipping terminal on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, in Oakland, California. [AP Photo/Noah Berger] In a barrage of executive orders issued last week, including one late Monday afternoon targeting so-called sanctuary cities, President Donald Trump launched a naked attack on the democratic rights of immigrants and the working class as a whole. Among these decrees was a second executive order directly aimed at the nations transportation industry, requiring strict English proficiency for commercial truck drivers and mandating that those who fail to meet the standard be immediately placed out of service. The order, framed by the White House and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy as a commonsense safety requirement and an effort to protect Americas truck drivers, drivers, passengers, and others, is nothing of the sort. It is a discriminatory measure that weaponizes a decades-old regulation against immigrant workers, exacerbating an existing labor shortage and ignoring the real, pressing safety issues plaguing the trucking industry. While the core requirement for commercial drivers to read and speak English has existed since the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) introduced Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in 1936 and established Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) in 1937, its enforcement has varied significantly over time. The original regulations stipulated the ability to converse, understand signs, respond to inquiries, and make report entries. By 1970, the focus was refined to reading and speaking, acknowledging strict writing rules could unfairly disqualify drivers. Enforcement saw a significant shift during the Obama administration. In 2014 and 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued guidance that effectively relaxed the strict application of this rule. While the regulation remained law, inspectors were advised not to place drivers out of service solely for lacking English proficiency during roadside inspections. This allowed for the use of interpreters or translation apps and focused enforcement on safety-critical communication rather than conversational fluency. This change led to a sharp drop in Out of Service (OOS) orders for English violations. Trumps latest executive order directly reverses this policy. It instructs the Department of Transportation (DOT) and FMCSA to rescind the 2016 guidance and revise OOS criteria so that failing the English proficiency requirement will result in a driver being placed out of service. The stated rationale is safety concerns due to communication barriers. However, this claim collapses under scrutiny. As far back as 2008, a preliminary study by the U.S. Department of Transportations Volpe Center highlighted the lack of a nationwide standard or test for English proficiency, noting that the breadth of the regulation could conflict with civil rights protections. More recently, the FMCSA itself acknowledged in 2018 the absence of comprehensive data directly linking English proficiency levels to commercial motor vehicle safety outcomes. This fundamental lack of evidence exposes the orders true purpose: it is not about road safety, but about targeting immigrant workers as part of Trumps broader, fascistic assault on the democratic rights of the whole working class. The order follows an earlier executive order designating English as the official language of the United States, a move with no constitutional foundation. Advances in technology have significantly bridged the language barrier for workers across industries, particularly in transportation and logistics. Real-time translation apps, voice-to-text software, and multilingual GPS navigation systems now enable non-English-speaking workers to communicate effectively, follow safety protocols, and complete tasks with accuracy. These accessibility tools are widely available across many platforms and reduce the reliance on conversational fluency by offering immediate language support. The impact on the trucking workforce will be significant. There are 3.5 million truck drivers in the US. Approximately 18 percent of employed truck drivers, or about 630,000, are foreign-born, according to the National Association of Truckstop Operators. The industry is already grappling with a substantial shortage of drivers, estimated at around 60,000. Implementing strict, potentially subjective, English proficiency testing and immediately placing drivers out of service based on these criteria risks removing a significant portion of the workforce, worsening the shortage and impacting the supply chain. Eduardo Delgado, civic and advocacy coordinator for Migrant Equity Southeast, states, This executive order is essentially going more towards anti-foreign sentiment. This administration, rather than making language and information more accessible to everyone in the country, they prioritize this English-only narrative. He adds that removing drivers will exacerbate the shortage, noting that Immigrant workers benefit in our country, interstate. And they take up a lot of the jobs that are needed...At any rate, less CDL drivers means that were worsening the shortage. While focusing on language proficiency, the Trump administration deliberately ignores systemic issues that genuinely undermine road safety. Industry experts and advocates emphasize that failures in training, oversight, and risk management within trucking companies remain primary contributors to preventable tragedies on the highway, highlighted by recent crashes. Furthermore, the subjectivity inherent in roadside determination of sufficient English proficiency itself raises concerns about consistent enforcement and the potential for discriminatory application across different jurisdictions. Advocates argue that broader challenges like improved driver training and real-time compliance monitoring have a greater impact on safety than English proficiency. This attack on truck drivers is not an isolated incident. It is part of the criminal attack on democracy and the working class set in motion during Trumps first 100 days. The trucking EO was issued concurrently with orders threatening legal and financial consequences for sanctuary cities and states that Trump deemed to be engaged in insurrection against federal immigration laws. This administration has fraudulently characterized immigrants as an invasion, invoked the Alien Enemies Act, conducted mass roundups, and launched an unprecedented assault on the judiciary, including the arrest of a Milwaukee County judge for allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement. Trumps policies, including this trucking order, represent the brutal agenda of the criminal financial oligarchy that rules the United States. This ruling class is waging a massive social counterrevolution against the working class, cutting social safety nets, attacking public health and education, and dismantling environmental protections. Democratic forms of rule are incompatible with the extreme concentration of wealth and the policies needed to maintain it. The fight for genuine road safety is inseparable from the fight for decent wages, regulated working hours, comprehensive training and the full democratic rights of all workers, regardless of origin or language. This latest executive order must be met with determined opposition from the entire working class. The actions of the Trump administration over the past 100 days have profoundly shocked working people and youth across the United States and around the world. But no section of the political establishment or union bureaucracies offers a way forward. The Democratic Party is not a force for resistance to dictatorship, rather it is a facilitator. They, no less than Trump, serve the ruling oligarchy. There is no future without a ruthless break with the Democratic Party and the entire framework of bourgeois rule. There is no future outside of the struggle for socialism. Massive battles are on the horizon: against dictatorship, against war, against social inequality. The urgent tasks are the mobilization of the entire working class and the building of a revolutionary leadership to guide these struggles. This is the central aim of the International Workers Alliance of Rank and File Committees. Crozer Hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania Two major Pennsylvania hospitals, Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, have now closed their doors to Delaware County and its half a million residents. The closures destroy a vital resource in the community and have caused one of the largest mass layoffs in recent Pennsylvania history, with 2,651 workers losing their jobs. The sell-off of Crozer assets and the subsequent closures were approved by Judge Stacey Jernigan on April, 23, 2025, in a bankruptcy proceeding in Texas involving the California-based parent company of Crozer, Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. The company had been seeking bankruptcy protections since January. Prospect, a for-profit firm, acquired Crozer in 2016 and proceeded to strip its assets and saddle it with an estimated $400 million in debt. Private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners controlled a majority stake in Prospect until 2021. CBS News reported that the firms leadership handed itself $457 million in dividends in the year 2018 alone. That year, Prospect Medicals CEO Sam Lee took home $90 million, and Leonard Green shareholders gobbled up $257 million. Almost immediately after the court finalized the bankruptcy sell-off plan, the Pennsylvania hospitals closed their doors. Within just one week of the order almost all of the patients in both hospitals had been packed up and shipped like cargo to a different locationmere commodities in Americas for-profit health care system. Eight facilities closed in all: Crozer-Chester Medical Center; Crozer-Taylor Hospital; Crozer-Chester Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit; Crozer Health Corporate Offices; Crozer-Springfield Hospital; Crozer Springfield Hospital Offices; Crozer-West 15th Street Offices; Crozer-West 15th Street Offices Behavioral Health Unit. Crozer Hospitals, Taylor campus The consequences of the closures will be far-reaching for this historic working-class community southwest of Philadelphia, once a major manufacturing area. It is openly admitted that lives will be lost in emergency room visits, owing to commute times to the nearest hospitals of at least one half-houror much longer in metropolitan Philadelphia, currently ranked the fifth-most congested city in the US. The absorption of tens of thousands of patients from the Chester area in other hospitals will stretch these already overburdened and understaffed facilities to the breaking point. Despite these warnings, neither the state government headed up by Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, nor the state legislature, where party control is divided, took any action that would have prevented the closures. Meanwhile, at the national level, Republican and Democratic parties spend trillions of dollars on war, corporate bailouts and tax breaks for the super-rich, while the working class is told that it must pay with austerity and the loss of vital resources. WSWS reporters spoke to local residents to learn how the closures will impact their lives. Maureen, a longtime resident of the area, said: I have a 17-year-old son now, and we live right across the street in the apartments, and I remember I could just walk him to the emergency room if I needed to. My ex-husband and his elderly mother live right up the street and have been to this hospital many times for emergency reasons. My ex-husband once had a blood clot, and had he not had a hospital this close he could have been killed. Maureen said several other family members and friends have used both hospitals. I am so disheartened that these hospitals have closed, she said. We need them. There are just so many more sickly people now since COVID, and having underlying issues. Another lifelong resident, Donna, said: My heart goes out to the people who will be hurt by these closures. The owner company should be held accountable. My taxes will have to go up now because they didnt want to pay theirs, she added. Ray, another resident, echoed Donna, adding that taxes keep going up for regular people, while the rich pay less in taxes and keep getting richer. Ray told reporters that very morning he had returned after a 45-minute drive to take his elderly mother to the nearest hospital. Ray was standing just one block from the recently-closed Taylor hospital, picking up a prescription for his mother. Mary, 74, a lifelong resident, told the WSWS that she was scared to death for her grandchildren. I wonder where some of my elderly family members will go, all of our medical needs were met by these hospitals. I blame the local and state government at fault for not doing enough to keep the hospitals open and for not taking the action required to keep these facilities operating. When a WSWS reporter noted that the federal government finds $1 trillion for the Pentagons war machine and nothing to keep open hospitals on which hundreds of thousands defend, Mary said, I agree with you completely. Mary added that her grandmother once served on the board of the hospital, whose roots stretch back well over a century. This hospital was the heart and soul of our community, she said. And what will happen to the laid-off workers? How will they put food on the table? Crozer Theological Seminary was historically connected to the hospital. The main building, known as "Old Main," had multiple uses over time: it was originally built as a school, served as a hospital during the Civil War, and then became the Crozer Theological Seminary (where Martin Luther King Jr. studied from 1948 to 1951) Larry, a former resident, explained to the WSWS said that his friend, who worked in the Crozer finance office, said that the word had gotten out that Prospect Holdings was stripping the hospital for its assets. The closure is going to devastate the community, Larry said. It was its center. Himself a former worker at Crozer, Larry pointed out that Martin Luther King Jr completed his undergraduate studies at Crozer Theological Seminary, which was once attached to the hospital. One resident thanked the WSWS for reporting on the closure but, he said, Youre too late. Our hospitals are gone. The reporters told the man that what has been done can be undone, and that the alarm must be raised for the whole working class. What has been done to Chester and Ridley Park can be done everywhere. Zelenskyy in Czech Republic: Russia rejects many proposals for real long-term ceasefire, sanctions need to be tightened Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for increased sanctions against Russia, given the Russian side's refusal to agree to a long-term ceasefire. "We discussed Russia's absolutely clear rejection of many proposals for a real, long-term ceasefire. We discussed the need for further pressure on Russia, this primarily concerns sanctions. Sanctions against Russia for the war must remain and be strengthened constantly, as long as Russia drags out and as long as they increase their aggression," Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in Prague on Monday. Stellantis Warren Truck workers leaving the plant on July 9, 2024 Anxiety over their jobs is increasing among autoworkers as the impact of Trumps trade war policies spread throughout the global auto industry. On Friday, General Motors announced it would lay off 750 workers at its Oshawa Assembly plant in Canada in the fall due to US tariffs. The factory, which employs 3,000 workers, will reduce operations from three to two shifts. Another 1,500 workers will lose their jobs at suppliers and other related industries, according to the Canadian auto union Unifor. Production is also being temporarily halted this week at the Stellantis minvan assembly plant in Windsor, Canada, affecting 3,800 workers. The one-week shutdown is second time in just over a month that production has been halted at the facility. It was previously shut two weeks in April as Stellantis evaluated the impact of 25 percent US tariffs on imported vehicles. Amid warnings that the tariffs could trigger a wave of bankruptcies, closures and mass layoffs in the North American parts industry, car seat supplier Adient announced it will close two plants in Tennessee by June 27 after GM cancelled its contract to produce seats for Cadillacs built at a factory in Spring Hill. The closures in Maury and Henderson Counties will hit 400 workers, who are members of the United Auto Workers. In early April, 900 workers were temporarily laid off at five Stellantis plants, including the Sterling and Warren Stamping plants in metro Detroit, and two transmission and one casting plant in Kokomo, Indiana. The plants supply Stellantis assembly plants in Windsor, Canada and Toluca, Mexico, where the automaker temporary halted production after Trump imposed 25 percent duties on all auto imports on April 3. In addition, Volvo Group North America has announced that 1,000 out of its 7,000 workers at Volvo and Mack Trucks plant in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia will be temporarily laid off in the coming months due to the impact of the tariffs. A veteran Sterling Stamping worker told the WSWS over the weekend: Word went around the plant that we were going to be off starting on Monday. Even a lot of the guys who voted for Trump are now saying cut the damn tariffs. No one is going to spend $5,000 on top of the regular price for a SUV or car. We didnt get layoff slips but everybody is worried about it. She denounced UAW President Shawn Fains endorsement of Trumps trade war measures, saying: Fain really flipped the script. He backed Biden and Harris, and now hes backing Trump. Inside the plants, were through with Fain. With opposition mounting against increasing layoffs and the dictatorial measures of the fascist president, Trump has looked to the longtime proponents of economic nationalism in the labor bureaucracy for support. Thus, he chose to hold a rally marking the first 100 days of his presidency last week in Warren, Michigan, an auto industry hub, just north of Detroit. But this backfired, with anti-Trump protesters outside the venue outnumbering his supporters inside. In an interview aired Sunday on NBC-TVs Meet the Press program, Trump singled out Fain: Do you know that the union, the head of the union, who was no fan of mine, Fain. He didnt endorse me. The Teamsters did. A lot of people did. A lot of unions did. But he didnt. He couldnt stand me. Now hes saying, Wow, what Trumps done for the automobile [industry], I cant believe it. I assume hes going to probably now saythe next thing he can say is, I endorse this guy. Hes the greatest Ive ever seen. He cant believe its happened. He said, Weve been waiting 40 years for somebody to do what Trump is doing. Far from opposing the mounting attack on jobs and the threat of a major economic downturn, the UAW bureaucracy is joining Trumps efforts to divide US workers from their brothers in Canada, Mexico, China and other countries engaged in struggles against the same global automakers. Fain has also echoed Trumps argument that re-shoring US manufacturing is critical for national defense, i.e., preparing for war against China. At the nearby Warren Truck assembly plant, the UAW bureaucracy sanctioned the layoff of more than 1,500 workers last October. Stellantis executives, with the backing of local union officials, had consistently threatened to close the 90-year-old plant, if workers did not increase productivity and reduce absenteeismthe latter largely caused by exhausting workhours and workloads and the lack of any time off. Last month, Stellantis put 1,000 workers on a one-month layoff, reportedly due to production disruptions of engines being shipped from Saltillo, Mexico. The only model currently being produced at the plant is the slow-selling and highly expensive Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which sells for $85,000-$121,000. A veteran Warren Truck worker told the WSWS: We have no future promise of anything else right now until maybe next year. Im on second, limited shift but have been laid off or getting short work week for three months. The first shift is off until May 12. We were already told they might not be back. All this year, the first shift has not gotten a full week work or full 8 hours. Its worrying me, we cant get engines. After doing nothing to oppose the Warren Truck layoffs, the UAW bureaucracy is trying to whip up anti-Mexican chauvinism by demanding that Stellantis cancel plans to expand production of the new 1500 Ram pickup at the Saltillo plant. The bulk of Ram pickups are built at the nearby Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, with overflow production done at Warren Truck until last year. According to the UAW bureaucracy, the only way to defend American autoworkers jobs is by destroying the jobs of workers in Mexico, Canada, China and other countries. In opposition to this, Will Lehman, a Mack Trucks worker who ran as a socialist candidate for UAW president against Fain in 2022, is calling for the expansion of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committee (IWA-RFC) to unite workers across borders, abolish the pro-capitalist and nationalist union bureaucracies and transfer power to workers on the shopfloor. Only in this way can workers fight to defend their jobs, including at Volvo-Mack Trucks plants in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, where 1,000 of the 7,000 workers face tariff-driven layoffs over the next few months, Speaking at the international online May Day rally Saturday, May 3, Lehman said: President Shawn Fain has spent months cozying up to Trump and endorsing his nationalist tariffs. It is nothing new for a union leader in the US to promote the dead end of nationalism. For decades, the unions have pushed it without saving a single job. Nationalism is a poison for workers. It has only led to the destruction of jobs. Divisions among workers and deeper exploitation in the race to the bottom. Nationalism pits worker against worker, distracting from the real class war, the war of the corporate oligarchy against the working class. Opposing trade war and the drive to war against China, Lehman declared: In the immensely powerful Chinese working class, we share the same class interests. Just like workers in in the US, Chinese workers have demonstrated an immense desire to fight in recent strikes. If we are to win in the struggles ahead, we cannot be divided from our co-workers in or from any country. Instead, need to build bonds of unity that transcend national borders. The collective labor of autoworkers all over the world are linked together in a process of synchronized global production, which makes absurd any references to American-made vehicles or cars and trucks of any other nationality. Automotive News provided a description of the byzantine and largely arbitrary system set up by the Trump administration to determine the value of the non-American content of car components that travel multiple times across the borders of the US, Mexico and Canada. The journey of a piston for a pickup: 1)Raw aluminum from Quebec 2)Melted and cast in Toronto 3)Machined and finished in Detroit 4)Installed in engine in Windsor, Canada 5) "Canadian-built" engine sent to US or Mexican assembly plant [Photo: Automotive News] The industry publication takes the example the journey of a piston and the various tariffs it will be subjected to depending on whether it is installed in a pickup truck whose final assembly is in a US or Mexican plant. Starting as raw aluminum from Quebec, it is melted and cast into a piston in Toronto, crosses the Canada-US border to be machined and finished in Detroit, where it is subject to a 25 percent tariff on pistons value set to go into effect by May 3. The finished piston is then shipped from Detroit to Windsor for engine installation where it is not subjected to a tariff because auto parts are exempt from Canadas tariffs. If the Canadian-built engine goes to a pickup assembly plant in Mexico, there will be no tariff because the engine is traveling through the US to get to Mexico, and Canada and Mexico are following free trade policies under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). Finally, the assembled pickup crosses the Mexico-US border bound for delivery at a dealership. In this case, it will be subjected to a 25 percent tariff on the vehicles non-US content. If the Canadian-built engine returns to the US for installation in a pickup assembled in the US, it will be subjected to a 25 percent tariff on its value, because an engine is a designated powertrain component. Automotive News reports: While the vehicle itself has avoided a tariff, it now has input materials that may have been tariffed multiple times. After intense lobbying by the automakers, which announced reduced earnings projections due to the tariffs, Trump signed orders April 29 that gives partial relief, at least for now, to automakers compliant with the terms of the North American trade pact, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These companies will now be able to apply for an offset against parts tariffs for two years, according to the executive order. At the same time, the order ends the stacking of tariffs on auto parts that were subject to both the 25 percent tariff on the transaction value of the part, as well as the 25 percent tariff on the value of the steel or aluminum in the component. Trump wrote in the order: To the extent these tariffs apply to the same article, these tariffs should not all have a cumulative effect (or stack on top of one another) because the rate of duty resulting from such stacking exceeds what is necessary to achieve the intended policy goals. But imported vehicles will continue to face a 25 percent levy, as do components from most other countries. According to Bloomberg, these tariffs are expected to substantially increase costs for automakers, upend supply chains and could drive up car prices that are already approaching $50,000 on average. General Motors Co. on Thursday said it expects as much as a $5 billion hit from Trumps tariff regime, even after the president softened some aspects of the levies. Join the fight to build rank-and-file committees by filling out the form below. Donald Trump and Kristin Welker on Meet the Press on May 4, 2025 [Photo: NBC News] In an hour-long interview aired Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press, US President Donald Trump questioned whether all individuals in the United States are entitled to constitutional protections, including the right to due process. He complained that allowing immigrants to appear in court would obstruct his plans to deport millions as part of a sweeping crackdown, which includes sending them to foreign gulags. When NBCs Kristen Welker asked whether he believed all people in the US are entitled to due process, Trump replied, I dont know. Im notIm not a lawyer. I dont know. Welker retorted, Well, the Fifth Amendment says as much. Trump replied: I dont know. It seemsit might say that, but if youre talking about that, then wed have to have a million or 2 million or 3 million trials. As he does in every public appearance, Trump slandered all immigrants as violent criminals. He said: We have thousands of people that are some murderers and some drug dealers and some of the worst people on Earth. Trump argued that he was elected to get them the hell out of here, and the courts are holding me from doing it. Welker then asked: Dont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? Trump replied: I dont know. I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said. The oath of office, mandated by Article II, Section 1, Clause 8 of the US Constitution requires the president to state before assuming the office of presidency: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Later on, Trump complained: If the courts dont allow us to take people out, if we had to have a court case every singlethink of it. Every single person, we have millions of people. If you tried millions of court cases it would be 300 years. In fact, Trump is directly defying the courts, including the US Supreme Court, which ordered that the administration facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador. Asked by Welker if anyone in the administration was in contact with El Salvador about returning Abrego Garcia, Trump again replied, I dont know. Youd have to ask the attorney general that question. Pressed again later on in the interview if he had the power to bring Abrego Garcia back as the Supreme Court has ordered? Trump replied: Well, I have the power to ask for him to come back, if Im instructed by the attorney general that its legal to do so. But the decision as to whether or not he should come back will be the head of El Salvador. Trump praised the US-backed dictator as a very capable man. Trumps open repudiation of the Supreme Court, the US Constitution and its core protections is not merely the ranting of an increasingly unhinged reactionary. It is the bluntest expression of the political outlook of the American ruling class. As the World Socialist Web Site has previously explained, Trumps election marks the violent realignment of the American political superstructure to correspond with the real social relations that exist in the United States. Trump heads a government of the oligarchy, responding to growing opposition with the methods of dictatorship. Democratic rights are incompatible with a society in which the 19 wealthiest families in the United States control $2.6 trillion, while hospitals and school programs that serve tens of thousands of workers and their families are shut down. This violent realignment is further expressed in Trumps budget request, released last Friday. The administration boasted that the so-called skinny budget delivers unprecedented increases for defense and border security, while slashing social programs, scientific research and education by an equally unprecedented $163 billion. His proposal calls for increasing the war budget by over 13 percent, from the already astronomical sum of $848.3 billion in 2025 to a $1 trillion. Billions are set to be wasted on F-47 fighter jets and Trumps proposed Golden Dome missile defense system. The largest percentage increase in Trumps budget request is reserved for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), whose agents are currently disappearing and deporting immigrants and US citizens without due process. He has proposed increasing the DHS budget from $65.1 billion in 2025 to $107.4 billion in 2026. These funds would go to expanding the infrastructure of mass deportation and dictatorship, including the hiring of additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and the construction of new detention centers. The budget calls for sweeping cuts to science, health, education and other vital social programs. It includes a proposed $35 billion reduction to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with $27 billion slashed from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)gutting disease researchand an additional $4 billion in cuts targeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Trumps proposal slashes the Environmental Protection Agencys budget by more than 50 percent, cutting it from $9.1 billion to $4.2 billion$500 million less than its 1980 funding level. The cuts include $254 million from the Superfund program for toxic waste cleanup and $235 million from the Office of Research and Development, which investigates the environmental impact of hazardous chemicals. NASAs budget is set to be slashed by nearly 25 percent, amounting to a $6 billion cut. As part of the administrations broader effort to eliminate the Department of Education (ED), the proposal includes $12 billion in cutsprimarily targeting Title I funding that supports low-income students. The budget calls for the elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), along with more than 4,000 associated jobs. In 2024, LIHEAP provided energy bill relief to approximately 6.7 million low-income households across the country, including seniors, families with young children and people with disabilities. Trumps budget proposal is a declaration of war against the working class. His contempt for democratic rights expresses the ongoing and terminal decay of American democracy. Less than 25 years after the stolen election of 2000, Trumpfreely running again after the failed coup of January 6, 2021, thanks to the complicity of the Democratic Partyis now openly declaring his intent to destroy what remains of democratic rights in the United States. In the same interview with Welker, Trump repeated the big lie that the 2020 election was rigged: Theres no question about it. The election was rigged. The facts are in. And its still being litigated. His election lies culminated in the storming of the US Capitol by Trump-aligned militia groups and fascists. On Saturday, Trump held a fundraiser at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where former Proud Boys leader and government informant Henry Enrique Tarrio made an appearance. Tarrio later posted on social media that he had personally thanked Trump for the full and unconditional pardon he received from the president earlier this year, ending Tarrios 22-year prison sentence for his role in the January 6 Capitol siege. Tarrio wrote: He knew how many times they moved me. And he said he is working on making things right. I thanked him for giving me [my] life back. He replied with I Love You guys. Tarrio said that Trump recognized him and other top Proud Boy leaders previously convicted in the seditious conspiracy case, including Joseph Biggs, Ethan Nordean, Zachary Rehl and Dominic Pezzola. A senior administration official confirmed to the New York Times that Trump spoke with the fascist militia leader for about 10 minutes on Saturday. Trumps embrace of Tarrio at Mar-a-Lago came one day after the Justice Department announced it had reached an undisclosed settlement with the family of Ashli Babbit, a QAnon supporter shot and killed while storming the Capitol on January 6. The family, along with high-profile conservative activist group Judicial Watch, had filed a $30 million civil suit against the government. In Prague, Sybiha discusses with his Czech counterpart prospects for just peace, increased pressure on Russia Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua/ Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met in Prague with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky to discuss the implementation of the results of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the Czech Republic. As Sybiha wrote on the social network X, he and Lipavsky, in particular, discussed the prospects for a just peace and increased pressure on Russia, including sanctions and continued military aid to Ukraine. I thanked the Czech Republic for its important and effective artillery ammunition initiative. I am grateful to all partners who joined it. The initiative is expected to be expanded to provide Ukraine with 1.8 million shells this year, the minister noted. He added that with allies like Czechia, we are confident that we have the necessary support to strengthen Ukraine and bring a just and lasting peace closer. On May 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Czech Republic to discuss diplomatic efforts and joint pressure on Russia for a lasting ceasefire and end to the war. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine expects to receive three million artillery shells in 2025, of which 1.8 million are within the framework of the implementation of the Czech Initiative. Zelenskyy also announced the creation of a Ukrainian-Czech F-16 school within the framework of the aviation coalition, it will be located outside of Ukraine. The statements were made during Zelenskyy's answers to journalists' questions at a joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel. During her official visit to Azerbaijan, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa of the Kingdom of Morocco visited the Alley of Honor on May 5 to pay respects to the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. According to Azernews, Princess Lalla Hasnaa honored the memory of the late leader with deep reverence by laying a wreath at his grave. The visit underscored the importance of bilateral ties between Morocco and Azerbaijan, while also reflecting the shared respect for historical legacies and national leadership. Princess Lalla Hasnaa, known for her environmental and humanitarian initiatives, is currently in Azerbaijan on a diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening cultural and bilateral cooperation. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/14095 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Senate of the Czech Parliament Milos Vystrcil discussed the need for a complete and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days and additional pressure on Russia to achieve long-term ceasefire, the head of the Ukrainian state said. I held a meeting with the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, Vystrcil Milos, his deputies, and committee chairs. We are grateful for the support of our European integration () We discussed durable peace, the need for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, and additional pressure on Russia until lasting silence begins. We are counting on Czechia, he said on X Monday. At the meeting, Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is ready to open the first negotiating clusters as part of negotiations on accession to the EU. We hope that the unity and determination of EU countries will help make this happen as soon as possible, he stressed. I thank the Senate for adopting 9 resolutions in support of Ukraine and for its contribution to advancing the International Crimea Platform, the President of Ukraine added. Hawk-eyed fans spotted Bad Bunnys signature white plastic chairs from Debi Tirar Mas Fotos in different cities across the world over the weekend (May 3-4), leading many to believe that hes set to announce a world tour soon. Although the Puerto Rican superstar has not posted on his socials or officially announced a stint, the chairs were spotted outside of venues and stadiums across Latin America and Europe, including in Peru, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Poland, France, England, Spain and Costa Rica. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not totally surprising that hed eventually announce a world tour. In fact, he hinted at it earlier this year when he announced his residency at El Choli. Thanks to music and the love you give me through my music, Ive had the privilege of traveling to sing in different places of the world. I appreciate and love to do it, Bad Bunny said in January. There are places I for sure will return to, like Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia. And some Ive never been to but would like to visit, like Brazil and Japan. And there are places I havent been to in a long time, like Italy, London, Spain, I know, and I promise before the year ends, Ill tell you the date and time I will be visiting. The tour would follow other Bad Bunny mega tours, including Worlds Hottest Tour and, most recently, the Most Wanted Tour. The former set the record in 2022 for the highest grossing Latin tour in Boxscore history, and the latter grossed more than $207.8 million, selling 703,000 tickets across 30 concerts. Bad Bunnys Debi Tirar Mas Fotos was released Jan. 5 on Dia de Reyes. The set which scored the artist his fourth Billboard 200 leader is a celebration of Puerto Rico and the sonic heritage that has soundtracked the island for generations, including plena and jibara. Bad Bunnys unprecedented 30-day residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico is set to draw an estimated 250,000 visitors to the island over the summer. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Blue's Clues former host, Steve Burns, is a treasure to millennials who grew up with the Nickelodeon personality. Kids had merchandise with his show's logo and that beloved puppy, Blue, but Burns didn't get to cash in on that success. On the May 1 episode of Rainn Wilson's Soul Boom podcast, the 51-year-old actor described the show as his "side hustle forever." Burns also made a shocking claim about his salary, sharing, "Every waiter I ever knew made more money than I did for the first many seasons of that show." Instead of making his fortune from this TV fame, he was fortunate to also have a successful voice-over career. It was commercials that "kind of sustained" Burns during those years. "But man, it was grim," he added. Steve Burns attends 90s Con held at Connecticut Convention Center on March 18, 2023 in Hartford, Connecticut. Getty Images He was also living a stereotypical struggling actor's life in this Nickelodeon years with his housing accommodations. Burns said he "lived in a hallway [in a NYC apartment]. I built like a little shelf in a hallway between two tiny bedrooms." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burns exited the show in 2002 amid privately suffering with clinical depression. It was a diagnosis that he didn't share with fans until 20 years later. "I didn't know it yet, but I was the happiest depressed person in North America," he told Variety. "I was struggling with severe clinical depression the whole time I was on that show. It was my job to be utterly and completely full of joy and wonder at all times, and that became impossible." Burns now stays in touch with fans on his popular TikTok account. My favorite thing about TikTok is that what Im doing is incredibly simple. Everyone else is doing all the work. And what really gets me is when someone posts something dark, simple, something grim, and everyone else comments to support them, Burns shared with The New York Times in September 2024. I think thats really beautiful. And its happening just because some middle-aged bald dude in glasses is paying attention. Related: 'Blues Clues' Host Posts Reassuring Post-Election Message to Fans, Without Saying a Word Greece has no plans to hand over Patriot system to Ukraine Greece does not intend to participate in the initiative to supply Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems, Reuters reports, citing Greek officials. According to the publication, Ukraine's Western allies are negotiating the supply of additional Patriot air defense systems to Kyiv and intend to reach an agreement before the NATO summit at the end of June. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the United States and Greece were among the potential suppliers of additional systems. Two US sources, familiar with the situation, said the program to supply additional Patriot systems to Ukraine was approved under former US President Joe Biden and was not stopped by President Donald Trump. Athens later ruled out any involvement in the plan. "There can be no talk of deliveries of Patriot systems from Greece to Ukraine," the official told Reuters. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: YouTube/Island Records Its incredible to think that Addicted to Love while obviously a surefire smash once it was in the can was actually the third single to be released from Robert Palmers 1986 album Riptide. Following a disappointing UK number 95 for lead-off single Discipline of Love and the number 85 hit of its title track, Palmer had gone from the top of his game to being on his uppers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early projections for the new album his eighth werent looking good and yet, just a year earlier Palmer had been flying high. Following his quirky new wave early eighties hits Clues and certified '80s classic Some Guys Have All The Luck, the established solo artist (following his time with Vinegar Joe) had, in 1985, landed the lucrative gig fronting The Power Station, the rockier Duran Duran side project featuring the bands Andy Taylor and John Taylor. The project would be a sure-fire winner and play a huge part in boosting Palmers quirky soul/new wave profile in a new pop direction. Whats not to like? Plus, the band would also bring in not one but two members of Chic, with their bassist Bernard Edwards in the producers chair (alongside his regular engineering collaborator Jason Corsaro) and Chics inimitable Tony Thompson on drums. The Duran/Edwards/Corsaro combination had already been put together to devastating effect for Duran Durans global hit bond theme A View To A Kill in early 85. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the Duran members hook-up with Edwards would be a natural progression for the band after working with his Chic bandmate Nile Rogers for The Reflex and Wild Boys the year before. After the projects predictable success (with lead single Some Like It Hot becoming a US Billboard number six) Palmer departed after a job well done to consider his new direction and newfound fame, with label Island cleverly able to score the services of that same Power Station production dream team for his next solo album. With Edwards and Corsaro in the bag, getting Thompson in on drums once more was a formality, effectively putting the Power Station band and their producer and engineer back together sans the (now reformed) Duran Duran contingent. The subsequent recording sessions would be financed by Island Records and take place at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, The Bahamas, which conveniently was where Palmer was living at the time. What could go wrong? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, there was the small matter of those two flop singles. Perhaps by the end of 85 the post-Power Station new pop/rock Palmer wasnt such a bankable prospect? Turning the 'Tide By this point, Palmers managements relationship with Island Records had grown rather fractious with the company willing to indulge the obvious star-power and potential of Palmer (top producers session musicians and financing his stay in The Bahamas) while seemingly unable to obtain the hits required to keep the entire enterprise afloat. It looked like his off-beat early 80s charm and fortuitous hook-up with two-fifths of Duran Duran were now far behind him, with the fate of the yet-to-be-released 86 album Riptide album now in limbo. Nevertheless, at Compass Point, Palmer and team had been successful in capturing magic. It was just that Island and the record-buying public didnt know it yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tony Thompson set the scene for Riptides turnaround track to Modern Drummer : We did Addicted To Love in a recording studio in the Bahamas called Compass Point. At the time Robert lived across from the studio. So Bernard Edwards, one of my favorite guitarists, Eddie Martinez, keyboardist Jeff Bova, Andy Taylor, who also played guitar on that track and me went down to do Roberts record. "[Palmer] had such eclectic tastes," Martinez told UCR . "He'd listen to Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and then have Sepultura and Husker Du on the same cassette. It was great music, irrespective of the genre. "I remember hearing Addicted to Love for the first time. He told me he dreamt the song and then wrote the lyrics. We recorded the tracks with Bernard Edwards producing, Jason Corsaro engineering and printing all of the stuff. "He brought down a Sony 24 track digital machine to the sessions, which as you know, this is pretty early on. People were still hanging with analog, but Jason was such a brilliant engineer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a member of Chic and the Power Station, Tony was a powerhouse drummer that put together a style which transcended the styles of rock, funk, and pop, explained The Legends of Music . When you celebrate hits such as Good Times and Le Freak by Chic, everyone cant talk enough about how infectious the groove is. Who do you think invented that? Tony really had a talent for creating tight, danceable beats and that is what made him stand out in a rhythm-driven disco era. However, where he really came into his element was on Robert Palmers Addicted To Love. His performance on that track was conclusive proof that Tony was a master at blending rocks intensity with funk grooves. Elaborating on that Addicted To Love drum sound, Everyone always assumed that there was some kind of special knobs turned when we did that first Power Station record, explained Thompson. All it basically was, was a brand-new Yamaha kit in a very live, brick, recording studio in London called Mason Rouge. I hit the drums very hard. Thats it! [laughs] We did Some Like It Hot, and everyone had all these stories, saying all kinds of things, about tricks that were going on. Samples werent even around back then. So, bottom line, the sound came from a good kit, hit hard, in a nice live room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Addicted to Love would take that idea and Thompsons hard-hitting playing to the next level. That was the first time anyone ever spent time to get a drum sound like that, Thompson explained. I remember my drums were set up in the room, and there was a door that led to a hallway. The engineer, Jason Casaro, took a tube the size of my bass drum and built this tunnel from my bass drum all the way out into the hall and up the stairs. It was this weird thing he hooked up. And it worked. "Jason [Corsaro] had created a scenario where Tony Thompson's drum set was facing out of the room, recalls Martinez. The doorway to the studio was kept open, and he set up Tony's drum set right at the opening of that door. Then outside that door there was a long hallway, I'd say, easily, 30 feet, if not longer. He set up microphones, respectively, at different distances and through his madness, came up with [that sound]. I mean, the drum sounds on that album, and Addicted in particular, I just listened to an isolated track of Tony playing on that and was just blown away." And, of course, its not just the drums that makes Addicted magical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[Riptide] enabled me to go into everything that I know, or everything I knew at that time as a guitarist, relative to harmony and things like that, in terms of chord voicings," says Martinez. "I think that was really important for that record to be able to have that kind of background and apply it to the music. It was like a blank canvas and whatever you heard, you were allowed to explore. To me that's heaven for a guitarist working on a record." Then of course theres the music video. Directed by English photographer Terence Donovan, it features a set of rouge-lipsticked expressionless mono models miming as Palmers backing bands while Palmer goes through his frontman motions as if this kind of thing happens every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to Q magazine, Mak Gilchrist (on bass) said: We were meant to look and act like showroom mannequins. Director Terence Donovan got us tipsy on a bottle of wine and as we were having our make-up retouched I lost balance on my heels and knocked the top of my guitar into the back of Robert's head, and his face hit the microphone. The video proved to be such a hit that Palmer would recycle its stoney-faced model concept for I Didn't Mean to Turn You On (also from Riptide), and follow-up album Heavy Novas Simply Irresistible, and the animated Change His Ways. But well leave it to Thompson to sum up Addicteds magic: The groove in the house was so thick, and what am I playing? A simple, Boom-Bop-Tish-Bop-Boom-Bop. It was unbelievable. I locked into that with everyone else swinging, and it brought the walls down. That song was a masterpiece. You might've heard speculation that some of The White Lotus costars have fallen out based on comments from some of the series' stars. Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic for HBO It's fair to say the beef might not apply to Jason Isaacs and Walton Goggins, despite these two actors seemingly being the cause of the gossip train. Ivan Apfel / Getty Images, MICHAEL TRAN / AFP via Getty Images Jason played the wealthy hot-mess patriarch and North Carolina financier Timothy Ratliff in Season 3 of The White Lotus. Courtesy of HBO Walton played the vengeful and not-so-inquisitive boyfriend Rick Hatchett in the same season. Courtesy of HBO Funny enough, the endless speculation surrounding beef between The White Lotus cast came about from the internet over-investigating interview comments from these two actors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: The 2024 Met Gala Was Filled With Awkward Moments Here Are 9 Of Them In an interview with the Guardian, Jason described filming The White Lotus as a "theater camp, but to some extent an open prison camp," adding, "You couldn't avoid one other. There are tensions and difficulties, I don't know if they spilled from on-screen to off-screen, or if it would have happened anyway. There were alliances that formed and broke, romances that formed and broke, friendships that formed and broke." Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic for HBO "I can't pretend I wasn't involved in some off-screen drama" Jason continued. "There were times when things were not quite so fond. I was in some ways used to it, but within a couple of weeks my wife [who was with him on set and used to be an actor] went, 'Some of these people are fucking mad.' I said, 'No, it's just a bunch of actors away on location, love. You've forgotten what it's like.'" Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic for HBO In March, Jason also told Vulture, "All the things you would imagine with a group of people unanchored from their home lives on the other side of the world, in the intense pressure cooker of the working environment with eye-melting heat and insects and late nights. They say in the show, 'What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand,' but there's an offscreen White Lotus as well, with fewer deaths but just as much drama." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Walton talked about his experience for Cultured, saying, "Someone I worked with on The White Lotus didn't fully understand my process," he admitted. "My character Rick Hatchett he's isolated. So during filming, I was isolated. I liked mirroring that, but it was emotionally difficult." Santiago Felipe / Getty Images Related: 15 Celebs Who Went From Wait, They Did WHAT?! Normal Jobs To Massive Fame "Then, a few months into The White Lotus, Fallout premiered and started to take off. One day, this actor I was working with nice guy, good actor came up to me and said, 'You're brilliant in Fallout. Please tell me you had a good time making that.'" Amazon / Courtesy Everett Collection In Prime Video's Fallout series, Walton also starred as Cooper Howard, aka Ghoul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just stared at him," Walton continued. "Because he didn't get it. I don't care how good you are if you don't understand that there's a world beyond the script, if you don't give yourself over to it, then you're missing something profound in this work. This is the drug. I said: 'No. I play a guy who's lived for 200 years and seen the worst of humanity. Every day was fucking horrible.' He just stared back at me like: 'OK, wow.'" Jamie McCarthy / WireImage "So, I lean into that. The people I look up to lean into that. And this guy again, great actor just couldn't understand. 'Why would someone do that?' I thought, Why wouldn't you?" Walton finished. "I bring that level of seriousness to everything I do. Comedy, drama I take it all seriously. How many of these chances will I have? I want to squeeze as much life experience as I possibly can out of each one." However, on May 3, Jason shared two photos on Instagram to put the speculation to rest that there's any beef between him and Walton at least. Theo Wargo / WireImage "Guess who was on my plane?" the Harry Potter actor wrote in the Instagram caption. Jason also called out the internet rumor mill, writing, "Hey, all you genius online sleuths see any beef?!! #RicksAlive!!!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walton shared the same photo on his Instagram story, writing, "Got to hug Timothy Ratliff yesterday." In Jason's Instagram post, he also tagged the official account for Duke University, where his character, Timothy, went to college and wore a T-shirt with the school's logo. After his character imagined a murder-suicide while wearing the Duke shirt, the university released a statement condemning the episode. The university told CNN, "Duke appreciates artistic expression and creative storytelling, but characters prominently wearing apparel bearing Duke's federally registered trademarks creates confusion and mistakenly suggests an endorsement or affiliation where none exists." Jason told Rob Lowe on the Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast that he was "pretty sure they got it cleared because, as you know, you don't ever go on television without getting all the logos cleared." Ivan Apfel / Getty Images He added, "Someone at Duke decided that was really untoward and was not happy with the association. Other people online were pointing out that there are real-life alumni of Duke to be far more worried about than a fictional alumni." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm living for Jason and Walton's cheeky era! Also in Celebrity: Amidst His Legal Battle With Blake Lively, A New Interview With Justin Baldoni Just Dropped And His Comments Are Raising Some Eyebrows Also in Celebrity: 16 Celebrities Who Are So Freaking Talented, They Could Be Famous For Something Entirely Different Than What You Know Them From Also in Celebrity: 13 Celebs Whose Awful Met Gala Experiences Low-Key Make Me Glad I'm Too Irrelevant To Ever Be Invited A well-known actor has floated a major change for James Bond now that Daniel Craig has left the franchise. He mentioned making the iconic British agent Swedish in an interview with The Times of London. According to a May 3, 2025, article in The Times of London, the idea was floated by Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgard. Skarsgard and the interviewer veered into James Bond territory when the actor discussed serving in the Swedish military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now its mandatory, but it wasnt then and I didnt do it for patriotic reasons to defend my country, to keep the Russians from invading Sweden, because that wasnt even on the radar at the time," he told The Times of London. "I did it because I was 19, I didnt know what I wanted to do, and I wanted to be James Bond for 18 months," he added. Asked whether serving in the Swedish national military was like being James Bond, he joked to The Times of London, Definitely less champagne and models. It was quite bleak. But it was also a really good experience for me because I was a team leader, and when we were out on missions it was mostly me and three other guys, which was a lot of responsibility for an idiot teenager." The publication cut to the chase, asking him whether he "would like to be James Bond?" Alexander Skarsgard attends Apple TV+'s "Murderbot" New York Premiere at Regal Union Square on April 28, 2025 in New York City. Marleen Moise/Getty Images Im way too Swedish for that, the actor initially said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the author then noted that the Bond franchise's owners had just sold the franchise to Amazon, so "everything's up for grabs," floating a Scandinavian Bond "spinoff." The actor was born in Stockholm, Sweden, according to IMDb. He is the son of the famous Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard. Yeah. I could be a very polite, diplomatic Swedish James Bond, who negotiates," Skarsgard said. "Couldnt he show off his gun-wielding military service skills? 'Oh no, therell be no violence at all. Itll just be boardroom meetings where people try to find consensus, everyones stressed out and desperately tries to avoid an argument or complications, thats very Swedish.' Ill pitch it! Although the spinoff could intrigue fans of James Bond, DailyMail.com previously reported that an internal memo circulated at Amazon indicating that the new James Bond should remain male and British. That report has not been officially confirmed, however. A number of British actors' names have been floated for the role, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Theo James. Related: James Bond Candidate Touted as Daniel Craig Replacement In the May 4 episode of Sister Wives, the Brown family shares the heartbreaking details behind Garrison Brown's death Garrison, the son of Janelle and Kody Brown, died of suicide in March 2024 His older sister Madison Brush said that she'd been trying to convince him to move near her in North Carolina prior to his death Garrison Browns loved ones wanted a different future for him prior to his death. The son of Janelle Brown and her ex Kody Brown died by suicide in March 2024 and on Sundays episode of Sister Wives, the family opened up about the painful experience of learning of Garrisons death and the events leading up to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garrisons older sister, Madison Brush, and her husband, Caleb Brush, shared that theyd urged Garrison to move out of Flagstaff, Ariz., across the country to where they live in North Carolina. I was trying to get him to move out here, Madison shared during her confessional interview. And so every step that we get closer to it, we talked a lot about that. Related: Sister Wives Star Garrison Brown's Cause of Death Confirmed 2 Months After He Died at 25 Madison Brown/Instagram Sister Wives' Madison Brush and her late brother Garrison Brown. Sister Wives' Madison Brush and her late brother Garrison Brown. We almost had him here too, Caleb said of his brother-in-law. He was almost coming. Madison concluded, I think he was just so deep in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family recalled learning the news that Garrison had taken his own life after his younger brother Gabriel Brown found him dead in his apartment. Janelle called Maddie to tell her, and she recounted the horrifying experience of sharing the news with her siblings. There's a few moments in your life that I feel like alter your brain chemistry, and I definitely feel like calling siblings that a sibling had died definitely alters your brain chemistry, Maddie said. 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. Janelle now lives in North Carolina to be close to Maddie and her four children. Together, the two are opening the Taeda Farms flower farm in North Carolina. Janelle Brown/Instagram Caleb Brush, Madison Brush and Janelle Brown announce the launch of Taeda Farms. Caleb Brush, Madison Brush and Janelle Brown announce the launch of Taeda Farms. Related: Sister Wives Star Janelle Brown Marks 1 Year Since Son Garrison's Death: 'You Are First and Foremost in My Thoughts' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She shared that she had been in touch with Garrison on the day of his death, opening up about his struggles with alcohol toward the end of his life. I dont know what happened, Janelle said through tears. He was never a drinking kid. He didnt like the taste of it. And he started to drink during COVID and something happened in this last year and it really just got him. The TLC star said that she and others in their family had reached out to Garrison to help amid his struggles. Janelle Brown/Instagram Janelle Brown poses with kids (from left) Hunter Brown, Garrison Brown, Madison Brush, Savanah Brown, Logan Brown and Gabriel Brown. Janelle Brown poses with kids (from left) Hunter Brown, Garrison Brown, Madison Brush, Savanah Brown, Logan Brown and Gabriel Brown. We had offered him all the love, all the support, all the help, all the resources, she shared. I don't know what happened that night he did that because he's had other nights like this where he would drink and then pass out and he would go kind of radio silent, but he'd be back in the morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for the fifth of May, is always a party in the United States, with lots of Mexican food served. The holiday celebrates the day a small Mexican army defeated a much larger French Army in the Battle of Puebla. Over the years, it's also become a big holiday in the United States where people in the country enjoy celebrating by mixing up margaritas, eating Mexican food and participating in community events. Advertisement Advertisement However, Cinco de Mayo is not the biggest Mexican holiday and some Mexicans feel the holiday has been "Americanized." Here's what to know about Cinco de Mayo. What is the history of Cinco de Mayo? Cinco De Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla when Mexico defeated the French army. In 1862, French Emperor Napoleon III wanted to claim Mexican territory for himself, so he sent his troops to force Mexico's President Benito Juarez and his government out of Veracruz. On May 5, in Puebla de Los Angeles located in central Mexico 6,000 French troops faced 2,000 Mexican soldiers at daybreak, according to History.com. Despite the overwhelming odds, by that night Mexico had claimed victory. Advertisement Advertisement A few days later, Juarez designated May 5 as a holiday. When did Cinco de Mayo become popular in America? Mario Garcia, a Chicanx historian from UC Santa Barbara, told USA Today in a past interview that the victory wasn't celebrated in Mexico at first, but rather by Mexican Americans as a form of resistance to the effects of the Mexican-American War. The holiday then picked up more traction during the Chicano Movement during the 1960s and 1970s. "It becomes a Chicano holiday, in many ways, linked to the Chicano movement, because we discover Mexicans resisting a foreign invader," Garcia said. "They link the struggle of the Chicano movement to Cinco de Mayo." It was late in the Chicano Movement when companies began to sell the idea of Cinco De Mayo. In the 1980s, Garcia said companies began commercializing the holiday. How is Cinco De Mayo celebrated in the U.S. versus Mexico now? Cinco De Mayo is now celebrated more widely in America than in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement "Our most important celebration is Sept. 16 - that is our Independence Day," said Silvia Lugo Garcia, who has lived in Mexico her whole life. "The fifth of May is not the biggest celebration in Mexico - for us it only a (routine) celebration." She added that Cinco de Mayo "is not a public holiday" for a lot of Mexico. She explained the celebrations mainly take place in Puebla, because of the historic battle which occurred there. As the holiday has become more commercialized in the U.S., some have taken issue with the Americanization of the holiday. Garcia said he has no problem with going out to Mexican restaurants to eat and drink as a way to celebrate. He views it as a "two-way sword," in that commercialization does take away from Cinco de Mayo, but there's a push to educate people on the holiday's meaning. It's fine to celebrate, as long as they get the message of the day and how it's still relevant to today. Advertisement Advertisement "If people understand the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo, they might think about, well, how is it applicable to the Hispanic and Latino population today?" he said. Folklorico dancers from Pittman Charter School perform in El Concilios annual Cinco De Mayo Parade in downtown Stockton on May 4, 2025. What is Mexican Independence Day? Mexican Independence Day is celebrated each year to remember the end of the 300 year Spanish rule over Mexico. "The native population was oppressed, farmland and personal wealth were confiscated and only Spaniards were allowed to hold political posts," according to National Today. "Finally, a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla had enough." On Sept. 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang his churchs bell and called for the end of Spanish rule. This started the Mexican War of Independence, which lasted over a decade, according to National Today. Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 24, 1821, Spain recognized Mexico as an independent country. The country celebrates by lighting off fireworks, according to Britannica.com, which added the celebrations are also based in eating delicious food. USA Today contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What is Cinco de Mayo? Here's the meaning behind the holiday Before Cinco de Mayo became associated with tacos and margaritas, the day served as a reminder of Mexico's triumph over the French. Celebrated annually, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the Second French Empire, led by Napoleon III, at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, hence the name. The holiday is celebrated across the U.S. and in parts of Mexico, particularly in the City of Puebla, where the epic battle took place. Americans, including people of Mexican American heritage, along with our neighbors in Mexico, celebrate with parades, festivals, music and food. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on Monday, May 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Cinco de Mayo honors Mexico's resilience and bravery in the face of strife, the holiday has also become, for some, an excuse to party. "Everyone thinks that it's just party time, it's Corona time," Mario Garcia, a Chicanx historian from the University of California at Santa Barbara, shared in a May 2023 interview with USA TODAY. "It's OK for people to go out and have a good time on a holiday like Cinco de Mayo -- at least they have some sense that it's some kind of a Mexican holiday," Garcia said. "But we should go beyond that. We should have Cinco de Mayo events that go beyond partying and drinking, where we call attention to what the history is." Here's what to know about the origins of Cinco de Mayo, and how it's celebrated in the U.S. today. Why is Cinco de Mayo often confused with Mexico's Independence Day? Though many might know the lore behind Cinco de Mayo, it is often confused with Mexico's Independence Day, which falls on Sept. 16. It is known as the Dia de la Independencia in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the confusion about what Cinco de Mayo celebrates likely stems from the names of the two holidays, which might be harder for some English speakers to say. Cinco de Mayo is much catchier than the day of Mexico's independence (Diez y seis de Septiembre), Garcia said. Another issue is that not enough American schools teach the importance of Chicanx history and its peoples' contributions to the U.S. "When you study the history of Chicanos and Latinos, of course, they've been history makers," Garcia said. "They've been involved in all aspects of American history, not to mention the wars ... In World War II alone, almost half a million Latinos mostly Mexican Americans fought in the war. And they won a disproportionate number of congressional Medals of Honor." A young boy hits a pinata during a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at a local park Sioux Falls, South Dakota on May 11, 2024. The Battle at Puebla also occurred more than 50 years after the country broke free of Spanish rule. The reason the battle happened in the first place was because French Emperor Charles-Louis Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to claim Mexico for himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French sent troops to force President Benito Juarez and the government out of Veracruz, Mexico. An outnumbered band of Mexican soldiers faced 6,000 French troops at daybreak in Puebla, a city in east-central Mexico, on May 5, 1862. Mexico, miraculously, was able to claim victory by the evening, at which time Juarez declared May 5 a national holiday. The victory also helped prevent the French from settling in and helping the American Confederacy in the Civil War, according to History.com. Why is Cinco de Mayo more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico? Cinco de Mayo celebrations do occur in Mexico, most notably in the City of Puebla; those events don't compare to Dia de la Independencia celebrations, Garcia said. Meanwhile, in the U.S, it's become an annual celebration of Mexican American culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It began as a form of resistance to the effects of the Mexican-American War in the late 19th century. The holiday gained popularity during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. "It becomes a Chicano holiday, in many ways, linked to the Chicano movement, because we discover Mexicans resisting a foreign invader," Garcia said. "They link the struggle of the Chicano movement to Cinco de Mayo." Companies, especially beer companies and restaurants, began commercializing the holiday in the 1980s, offering customers "Cinco de Mayo" specials and cocktails. The holiday is now known to some as Cinco de Drinko, and to Garcia as "Corona Day." This Cinco de Mayo, Garcia hopes everyone enjoys their Coronas, but perhaps with a little history lesson to wash it down. Cinco de Mayo celebrated around the U.S. Christian Gonzalez, 9, and Jayliah Villa, 7 perform Mexican folk dance with Baile Folklorico Raices Mexicanas in Passaic, New Jersey, on Cinco de Mayo May 5, 2019. San Diego: San Diego's Cinco de Mayo celebrations were held May 3 and 4 in Old Town San Diego. Activities included live music, folklorico, dining and drink specials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denver: The Mile High City hosted several holiday-related activities over the weekend of May 3 for Cinco de Mayo Denver, from a community parade to chihuahua races. Events were held May 3-4 at Denver Civic Center Park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. St. Paul, Minnesota: St. Paul's annual Cinco de Mayo celebration was in the city's West Side neighborhood and was one of Minnesota's largest Latino events. This year, festivities were held May 3 and included live performances, a car show and pro wrestling. San Antonio, Texas: Fiesta San Antonio is a 10-day celebration of state history and culture with parades, fairs, art shows, music and food. Festivities continued until Sunday, May 4. Los Angeles: Fiesta Broadway, one of the largest Latino and Cinco de Mayo festivals in the world, runs down four blocks in downtown Los Angeles. The annual festival happened this year on April 27, according to event organizers. Contributing: Emily DeLetter, Jordan Mendoza and Maria Jimenez Moya, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cinco de Mayo 2025: Mexican holiday's meaning, origin explained In a press release on Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it would provide travel assistance and a stipend for any immigrant living in the country illegally who self-deported through the CBP Home App. Once DHS could confirm that the migrant had moved back to their home country, a compensation of $1,000 would be given, emphasizing this as a much more dignified way to leave the United States than being forcibly removed via U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Trump administration said self-deportation would be cost-efficient, as it currently costs on average $17,121 to arrest, detain and deport a single immigrant. Utilizing the program would apparently decrease President Donald Trumps deportation crackdown costs by 70%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border czar Tom Homan told reporters on the White House lawn Monday morning that hes hopeful immigrants will take advantage of the program, knowing if they do so, they can return legally and without any mandatory bars if deported by ICE. Do things the right way, he said. Theres millions of people standing in line right now, doing things the right way: Taking the test, doing the background investigations, paying their fees. Homan added that most people who crossed the border and gained asylum under the Biden administration will likely lose their claim, and because of the significant backlog in immigration code that he said was purposefully done by the Biden administration, many people who are fleeing to the U.S. due to homeland persecution will have to wait because of it. Cinco de Mayo celebrations canceled The self-deportation program was announced on Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo, and according to Newsweek, several of the nations largest celebrations have been canceled due to fears of ICE arrests, including in Chicago and Philadelphia, where thousands typically attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers of the celebration in Chicago said the cancellation was due to the Trump administrations treatment of the Mexican community. Our community has faced bullying and prosecution and are not indulging in community activities, therefore we feel that there is nothing to celebrate, Hector Escobar, president of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla, said, per Chicago-based WGN9. He added that people are nervous about attending with their family members who could possibly be arrested and that any money raised is not worth the risk. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) One person is in custody after an officer-involved shooting in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on Saturday night. There is no active threat to the public. The Kane County Sheriffs Office reportedly issued an alert for a potentially dangerous suspect, after which law enforcement rangers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Highway 89, according to the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an attempt to stop the subject, the subject drove their vehicle into the patrol vehicle and rangers subsequently discharged their firearms, NPS said in a Sunday press release. West Valley police offering $10K reward in 2022 cold case murder The incident occurred near the junction to the Lone Rock Beach Campground road around 8 p.m. on May 3, officials said. The park service said no rangers were seriously injured. The suspect was treated at an Arizona hospital before being released with non-critical injuries. As of Sunday evening, the suspect was in custody. Officials said a joint investigation into the incident is underway, with Kane County, the NPS, and the FBI investigating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no further information at this time. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One person died and 14 others were injured after a shooting broke out at a family barbecue in Texas The Houston Police Department said that an "uninvited guest" showed up and was asked to leave before the shooting started "It's still very complicated. It was chaotic from the get-go, said Patricia Cantu, the departments assistant police chief One person is dead and more than a dozen others were injured after a shooting broke out during a party in Texas. During a press conference on Sunday, May 4, Houston Police Department (HPD) Assistant Police Chief Patricia Cantu said that multiple people called 911 at around 12:50 a.m. local time to report that a shooting had broken out at a family gathering inside a home on Cherry Hills Road on the city's southeast side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An "uninvited guest" who has not been publicly identified arrived at the house party and was asked to leave, but then began shooting a gun, which prompted other guests to draw weapons and return fire, Cantu said. ABC7/YouTube Police tape near the shooting on May 4, 2025 Police tape near the shooting on May 4, 2025 As police arrived, Cantu said that gunshots could still be heard, and officers saw injured people in various locations around the property. According to the assistant chief, officers at the scene then devised a plan to bring any injured people to a nearby Jack in the Box restaurant parking lot to treat them. Paramedics from the Houston Fire Department also responded to the scene to treat victims, but police officers were still receiving calls about ongoing gunfire. Cantu added that several people were taken to a nearby hospital and others drove themselves to area hospitals for treatment. Fourteen total people were injured and one person whose age and identity have not been made public died. Multiple people received critical injuries and are in surgery, and others are stable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's still very complicated," Cantu told reporters. "It was chaotic from the get-go." 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. One person who was at the party when the gunshots rang out was Brandon Angel, who told local outlet ABC 13 he feared for his life. "You just see a lot of people start scattering, people on the floor, everybody trying to get cover, people pushing other people," Angel said, recalling police stopped him after he got away from the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We tried to get out as fast as we could, and whenever I got to the corner store to wait for my brother, I got detained," Angel added. Police spokesperson Jodi Silva also told ABC 13 that while multiple people have been detained, no arrest had been made nearly 12 hours after the shooting. Cantu added that anyone with knowledge of what happened at the party or anyone who self-reported to a hospital should contact Houston police's homicide division at 713-308-3600 or call Crimestoppers at 713-222-5237 (TIPS). Read the original article on People SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) A man was shot and killed Sunday night by a deputy in Greenville County. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said the agency was called to investigate the shooting near Simpsonville. Around 9:50 p.m., Greenville County Communications received a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance on the 100 block of Bryson Heights Drive. When responding, deputies arrived at the scene, the sheriffs office said they encountered an armed individual, and a shooting occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the suspect was shot and killed. The Greenville County Coroners Office identified the individual as 34-year-old James Daniel Webster Jr., of Simpsonville. One deputy was involved in the shooting, according to the sheriffs office. As a part of standard protocol, the deputy was placed on administrative leave. All responding deputies were reported to be okay and SLED was requested to investigate the incident. The sheriffs office will share video of the shooting on June 18. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. MILAN, Italy, May 5. Azerbaijan will contribute a total of $2 million towards Asian Development Fund (ADF) 14, Sahil Babayev, ADB governor from Azerbaijan, finance minister, said, in his address to the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. I would like to stress the crucial role the Asian Development Fund (ADF) plays in fighting against climate change and supporting the regions poorest and most vulnerable countries. It provides the necessary financial resources needed to address pressing environmental challenges, he said. The minister noted that Azerbaijan supports activities of ADF, recognizing its importance in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development across the region. And to this end, I would like to inform the Board of Governors that we have taken necessary steps to contribute a total of $2 million towards ADF 14, the minister. KANSAS CITY, Mo. One person died and another was critically injured in a crash Sunday night in southeast Kansas City, according to police. The crash was reported just after 8:30 p.m. on 63rd Street near Winchester Avenue. News Multiple dead in Franklin Co. crash, Kansas Highway Patrol investigating According to Kansas City police, a driver in a Dodge Challenger was speeding west on 63rd Street when the car missed a curve, went off the road and overturned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver and front seat passenger were thrown from the vehicle. Both were taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police have not released the victims name. The passenger remained in critical condition Monday morning. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. One person was rushed to the hospital after following a carbon monoxide incident at a home in southern New Hampshire on Sunday night, officials said. Emergency crews responding to a report of a man down at 24 West Shore Road in Windham just before 8:45 p.m. detected high levels of carbon monoxide at the door of the home and had to wait for the arrival of personnel equipped with a special breathing apparatus, according to the Windham Fire Department and Emergency Management. A male was later found inside the home and moved outside for CPR. They were ultimately taken to Parkland Medical Center. As of Sunday night, there was no word on their condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A female was also evaluated at the scene, but she declined transport to the hospital and remained at the home. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshals Office is investigating the cause of the incident. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) For 31 years, Rhode Island Kids Count has been using available research and data to create a statistical portrait of children and families in Rhode Island. On Monday, Rhode Island Kids Count released its most recent factbook, delving into a variety of topics including housing, education and poverty. The states congressional delegation was at an event on Monday morning where the findings were revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are 10 takeaways from the report: 1. Rents are rising This finding likely doesnt come as a surprise to many people living in Rhode Island. According to the factbook, rents have increased by 17% from 2020 to 2024. Im just trying to survive: RI renters struggle as cost of typical apartment nears $2,000 2. More children are experiencing homelessness The number of children identified by Rhode Island public schools as living in a hotel, in a shelter, unsheltered or doubled up has steadily increased in recent years. In the 2021-2022 school year, the total was 1,461 children. In the 2022-2023 school year, the number jumped to 1,739 children. That number went up again in the 2023-2024 school year, rising to 1,966 children. (Courtesy of Rhode Island Kids Count) 3. Rhode Islanders live in old homes Between 2019 and 2023, Rhode Islanders reportedly had the highest percentage of low-income children living in older housing in the country. The state also had the second-highest percentage of children of all income levels living in older housing. These types of homes can pose a risk to children when it comes to lead exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Rhode Island launches Rental Registry database 4. A positive sign for opioid use disorder The rate of newborns who were diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) decreased from 2022 to 2023. According to a source from the National Library of Medicine, NAS happens when a baby has withdrawal symptoms after intrauterine drug exposure. The factbook noted that the rate of NAS will decrease when opioid use disorder decreases. 5. More girls are interacting with the justice system The factbook said the number of girls who have passed through the Rhode Island Training School almost doubled from 19 individuals in 2021 to 35 individuals in 2024. Nationally, a growing number of girls are interacting with the justice system. 6. Fewer Rhode Island kids are getting adopted In 2024, 118 children in the care of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) were adopted in Rhode Island. The factbook noted that this figure is down 21% from 2023. 7. Head Start is effective According to the factbook, the federally funded program Early Head Start is helping both children and their caregivers. The factbook said the program has been shown to produce cognitive, language, and social-emotional gains in participating children and more positive interactions with their parents. In October 2024, there were 553 individuals enrolled in Early Head Start. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House proposes eliminating Head Start funding as part of sweeping budget cuts 8. Learning is increasing Students are catching up to certain pre-pandemic learning levels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of Rhode Island third graders meeting expectations in math declined from 36% in 2019 to 25% in 2021 and then increased to 39% in 2024, the factbook explained. 9. Multilingual learners doubled The factbook reported that the rate of multilingual learners has increased by 92% from the 2013-2014 school year to the 2023-2024 school year. 10. High school graduation rate holds steady The four-year graduation rate for the class of 2024 was 84%. The factbook said the four-year graduation rate for the class of 2014 was also 84%. The lowest graduation rates were among students in foster care, students experiencing homelessness and those receiving special education services. The graduation rate for students in foster care in 2024 was just 43%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can check out the full report here. RI Kids Count: 2025 Factbook 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. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Someone won a $100,00 lottery prize from a ticket they bought at a grocery store in Boston on Sunday. The $100,000 prize was from the daily Mass Cash drawing. The winning numbers for the drawing were 1, 12, 20, 26 and 30. A player bought a ticket that matched all five numbers from Casa Cuong, a corner mart located in Boston. Mass Cash drawings are held at 9 p.m. every day, and tickets cost $1 to play. Players must choose five numbers between 1-35, and will win $100,000 if all numbers drawn match their ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, at least 179 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Sunday, including seven in Springfield, five in Worcester and eight in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. The two largest lottery prizes won so far in 2025 were each worth $15 million. One of the prizes was from a winning Diamond Deluxe scratch ticket sold in Holyoke, and the other was from a 300X scratch ticket sold on Cape Cod. Massachusetts State Lottery GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - MARCH 30: Billionaire businessman Elon Musk arrives for a town hall meeting wearing a cheesehead hat at the KI Convention Center on March 30, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The town hall is being held in front of the states high-profile Supreme Court election between Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel, who has been financially backed by Musk and endorsed by President Donald Trump, and Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) On April 1 Wisconsin voters decisively voted against unprecedented, massive outside interference in our state Supreme Court election by the nearly $30 million from the richest and second (to Donald Trump) most egotistical person in the world Elon Musk. In handing Musks endorsed candidate, Brad Schimel, a more than 10 percentage point, 269,000-vote drubbing, Wisconsinites rendered the nation a great service by humiliating Musk here and thereby driving him from the corridors of power and influence in Washington D.C. where he has been savaging vital U.S. government services and programs that helped the poorest people in our nation and in the world. Wisconsin also opted to preserve recent democracy reforms in our state by maintaining the current 4-3 progressive majority on the Court. Fairer and more representative state legislative voting maps and the restoration of the use of secure ballot drop boxes for voters will be preserved and the possibility of new and enhanced political reform is possible in the years immediately ahead either through upholding reforms passed legislatively, through court action, or both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what can be done about the obscene amount of political money raised and spent to elect a new Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice in 2025 as much if not more than $105 million by far the most amount ever spent in a judicial election in the history of the United States? Wisconsin faces new state supreme court elections every April for the next four years and a continuation of such frenzied and out of control spending for the foreseeable future seems both unbearable and unsustainable. Voluntary spending limits for Supreme Court candidates with the incentive of providing them with full public financing if they agree to statutory spending limits is a possibility. Wisconsin actually had such a law in place for exactly one Supreme Court election in 2011. The Impartial Justice Act was made possible by passage with overwhelming bipartisan majorities in the Wisconsin Legislature and enactment into law in 2009. In 2011, both candidates for a seat on the high court agreed to the voluntary spending limits of $400,000 each and received full public financing. That campaign was robust, competitive and the result was close, which is what you would expect in Wisconsin. And it cost just a tiny fraction of the more than $100 million that was spent in 2025. Unfortunately, later in 2011, then-Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature defunded the Impartial Justice Act and all other public financing for elections, Four years later, Walker and the GOP completely eviscerated and deformed Wisconsins campaign finance laws. They did away with limits on what political parties and outside groups can raise and spend in elections, increased individual campaign contribution limits and, most alarmingly, legalized previously illegal campaign coordination between so-called issue ad spending groups and candidates, which greatly increased opportunities for corruption and undue influence through campaign spending. Disclosure requirements were weakened and, in some instances, dismantled altogether. In just four short years, Wisconsin was transformed from one of the most transparent, low spending and highly regarded election states in the nation to one of the worst, least regulated special interest-controlled political backwaters in the nation, akin to Texas, Louisiana or Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This current corrupt status quo will remain in place for the upcoming state Supreme Court elections in 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 unless the governor, Legislature and the Wisconsin Supreme Court take action and do the following: Re-establish an impartial justice law for the public financing of state Supreme Court elections modeled after the 2009 law which was in place for only one election before it was repealed. Update and revise it to better fit current times and circumstances including more realistic spending limits and higher public financing grants. Establish clear recusal rules for judges at all levels in Wisconsin that clearly decree that if a certain campaign contribution is reached or surpassed beyond a certain threshold amount, then the beneficiary of that contribution (or of the expenditure against her/his opponent) must recuse from any case in which the contributor is a party before the court. Restore sensible limitations on the transfer of and acceptance of campaign funds and make illegal again campaign coordination between outside special interest groups engaged in issue advocacy with all candidates for public office particularly judges. Petition the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the disastrous 2010 Citizens United vs F.E.C. decision which ended over 100 years of sensible regulation of unlimited corporate, union and other outside special interest money in federal and by extension state elections, unleashing the torrential flood of campaign cash drowning democracy today. These are common-sense, achievable reforms that, if enacted into law, would go a long way toward restoring desperately needed public confidence in the fairness, impartiality and trust in Wisconsins courts and in particular, our Wisconsin Supreme Court which was regarded as the model for the nation and the best anywhere a quarter century ago. But it will take determined action by all three branches of Wisconsins state government working together with the voters to uphold election integrity and curb corruption in a way all of us can embrace. Ultimately, of course, its up to us, the voters, to hold our governmental institutions accountable and ensure that they work for us instead of for their own narrow interests and those of the donor class. In this critical season of resistance and defiance against tyranny speak up, make noise and ensure that your voice is heard. Demand real reform and an end to the corruption of our representative government. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) The Service Capital Area Regional Task Force said multiple people have been arrested after a warrant roundup in the City of Roanoke that was conducted from April 28 through the 30. During the three-day operation, there were 37 served felony warrants, 17 misdemeanor warrants and two protective orders. Along with the warrants there were three firearms and 12 grams of suspected methamphetamine allegedly seized. The following have been arrested Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 58-year-old Jessie Perdue of Roanoke, wanted for malicious wounding by RPD. 45-year-old Johnnica Likens of Roanoke, wanted for three counts of distributing controlled substances by RPD. 21-year-old Alexus Edmonds of Roanoke, wanted for malicious wounding by RPD. 61-year-old Barry Moyer of Roanoke, wanted for felony fail to appear by RPD. During his arrest, officers seized a firearm. 29-year-old Megan Johnson of Rocky Mount, wanted on a probation violation for distribution of narcotics and RPD for failure to appear by the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. 18-year-old Amari Jackson of Roanoke, wanted for disorderly conduct by the Salem Police Department. During his arrest, officers found and seized two firearms, one had been reported stolen. Jackson was additionally charged with concealed carry. 42-year-old Paul Clement of Salem, wanted by the West Virginia State Police for a probation violation on the underlying charge of two counts of sexual assault on a child less than 13 years of age. 39-year-old Ashly Armstead of Salem, wanted for three counts of distributing controlled substances by the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. 43-year-old Shaheer Saunders of Roanoke, wanted for unauthorized use and felony assault and battery by the Roanoke County Police Department. 19-year-old Caleb Howard of Elliston, wanted for larceny of a firearm by the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office. 49-year-old Gerald Blum of Roanoke, wanted for two counts of failure to register as a sex offender by the Virginia State Police. Agencies involved in this investigation include Virginia State Police, Botetourt County Sheriffs Office, Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, Bedford Police Department, and the Roanoke City Sheriffs 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 WFXRtv. The Peninsula Community Foundation announces its 12th annual Give Local 757 on Tuesday. The 24-hour online event offers a chance to be a part of supporting the work of local nonprofits across Hampton Roads. Participating in Give Local 757 is easy to do. On Tuesday, visit givelocal757.org to explore participating nonprofits and make a donation online. Contributions, no matter the size, will help organizations to continue delivering services and programs throughout the 757 region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enhance the impact: Cities all over the world, including on the US East and Gulf Coasts, are sinking. This phenomenon, called subsidence, can make extreme flooding worse and damage infrastructure. From New York to Houston, these 13 cities are losing height each year. Cities are sinking across the US, some at a few fractions of a millimeter each year, while others lose up to six millimeters a year. This phenomenon, called subsidence, is a "slow-moving yet widespread hazard," said Manoochehr Shirzaei, a geophysicist at Virginia Tech who co-authored a study published in Nature in March that measured subsidence in 32 coastal cities in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sinking can come from the sheer weight of skyscrapers and infrastructure, or from people drawing water from underground. Some of it is leftover from the last Ice Age. Coastal cities worldwide are already prone to catastrophic flooding as sea levels rise because of the climate crisis. Factor in sinking, and the world's vulnerability to future coastal flooding triples, according to a 2019 study. In the US, sea-level rise combined with subsidence could expose $109 billion of coastal property to high-tide flooding by 2050, according to Shirzaei's calculations. The good news is that there are relatively inexpensive solutions to subsidence, Shirzaei told Business Insider in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The key takeaway is that we still have sufficient time to manage this hazard," he said. Here are the biggest cities that are sinking the most, according to his new study, in geographical order starting from the northern East Coast. Boston, Massachusetts The Esplanade, the Charles River, and the skyline in Boston. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer Shirzaei and his co-authors have found that there's a lot of variation in subsidence throughout Boston. When sinking occurs at different rates like that, it can put extra strain on infrastructure. For example, some areas of Boston are sinking about 1 millimeter per year, give or take. Others sink nearly 4 millimeters a year which translates to almost 4 centimeters per decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York City A man wades through the Morris Canal Outlet as the sun sets on the lower Manhattan skyline behind him. AP Photo/J. David Ake, File The Big Apple is losing about 1.5 millimeters of height each year. All three airports in the NYC area are sinking, too, according to a study Shirzaei co-authored in 2024. JFK is sinking about 1.7 mm per year, LaGuardia at 1.5 mm per year, and Newark's airport is clocking 1.4 mm per year. LaGuardia, for one, has already installed water pumps, berms, flood walls, and flood doors. Previous estimates had Laguardia flooding monthly by 2050 and fully underwater by 2100 and that's without subsidence. Jersey City, New Jersey Shipping containers sit on the container ship One Manhattan at Port Jersey in Jersey City, New Jersey. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson Just across the Hudson River, Jersey City is matching NYC's pace of about 1.5 millimeters per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To measure sinking at such a granular level, Shirzaei and his co-authors mapped ground deformations using a satellite-based radar technique called InSAR (short for Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar). Atlantic City, New Jersey A beach replenishment project near the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. AP Photo/Wayne Parry A little further south, Atlantic City has its neighbors beat with a subsidence of about 2.8 millimeters per year. A portion of the East Coast's subsidence is a leftover reaction from the disappearance of the Laurentide ice sheet, which covered much of North America during the last Ice Age. The ice sheet's bulk caused the exposed land around its edges to bulge upward and the mid-Atlantic region is still settling down from the ice sheet's retreat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach resident Ellen Ughetto prepares her home ahead of Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Steve Helber/AP Virginia Beach, Virginia, is sinking 2.2 millimeters per year. Meanwhile, sea level rise has become a growing concern for locals. In 2021, residents voted in favor of a $568 million program to build infrastructure that guards against rising sea level, according to PBS news. Charleston, South Carolina A car drives through a flooded Charleston street. Mic Smith/AP Charleston is the most populous city in South Carolina and its downtown sits on a peninsula flanked by the Ashley River and Cooper River. The city overall is sinking at a median rate of 2.2 millimeters per year, though in some areas its more dramatic at a rate of 6 millimeters per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savannah, Georgia Firefighters Ron Strauss, right, and Andrew Stevenson, left, carry food to stranded Savannah residents in 2024. AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton Savannah is losing almost 2 millimeters per year, though some areas are sinking as much as 5 millimeters per year. Over 13,000 properties in Savannah are at risk of flooding over the next 30 years, according to the climate risk analysis group First Street. That's over 23% of all homes in the city. Miami High-rises on barrier islands near Miami are sinking, too. Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Last year, a study found that luxury high-rises were slowly sinking on the barrier islands surrounding Miami, possibly due to vibration from nearby construction. Shirzaei found the mainland is sinking, too, by about half a millimeter each year. Mobile, Alabama The downtown of Mobile, Alabama located along the Mobile Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico. Getty Images. Mobile is losing 1.87 millimeters per year. The Gulf Coast city experiences some of the highest volume of rain in the US, according to the city's official website, and encourages all residents to have disaster survival kits, including canned foods and flashlights, on hand in the event of a flooding emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biloxi, Mississippi Courtney Green installs supports for hurricane boards on the front door of his home in Biloxi, Mississippi, as a hurricane approaches. Steve Helber/AP Photo Biloxi has the most drastic subsidence of all the US cities Shirzaei's team assessed. On the whole, Biloxi is sinking about 5.6 millimeters per year, with a lot of variation. Some parts of the city may be sinking as much as 10 millimeters per year. New Orleans The popular party destination Bourbon Street in New Orleans during a heavy rain storm in 2023. Adam McCullough/Shutterstock New Orleans is losing 1.3 millimeters per year. First Street reports that 99.6% of all properties in the city are at risk of flooding in the next 30 years. Houston and Galveston, Texas A shop owner piles sandbags around the entrance as street flooding approaches the building after Hurricane Beryl in Galveston, Texas. AP Photo/Michael Wyke Shirzaei found that Galveston, Texas, is sinking more than 4 millimeters a year, but inland parts of Houston have also been sinking for decades due to groundwater extraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corpus Christi, Texas A group of onlookers gather on Corpus Christi roads during Hurricane Hanna flooding in 2020. Eric Gay/AP Corpus Christi is sinking almost 3 millimeters per year. Some researchers think local oil and gas drilling has contributed to subsidence, reported local ABC outlet KIIV "Extraction, generally, we believe it initiates and activates movement around faults and those could initiate land subsidence in some areas," Mohamed Ahmed, a geophysics professor at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, told the outlet. What about the West Coast? People sit in a park in front of the historic Painted Ladies houses in San Francisco. Carmen Martinez Torron/Getty Images Shirzaei's team didn't find much subsidence in California's coastal cities, although the state's inland Central Valley is sinking due to groundwater extraction. As for Oregon and Washington, the researchers simply don't have good enough data yet to say what's happening to the ground there. Read the original article on Business Insider SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. (DC News Now) A teenage boy has died and another teen is hurt after a Saturday shooting in Spotsylvania County, according to the Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office. Deputies responded to reports of a home burglary in progress at 3 a.m. in the area of McKenzie Lane, where the resident fired shots at the burglars. Nearly 50 cars broken into in Laurel overnight, police say Deputies say two teens were shot and another was unharmed. One of the teens sustained minor injuries, but Michael Bosworth, Jr., 18, later died in the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The names of the other two teens involved in the incident have not been released. According to deputies, the incident remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) Authorities in Union County have pronounced a toddler dead after reports were received Sunday evening of an unresponsive child. According to the Union County Sheriffs Office, a 911 call was received at around 7:23 p.m. after a 19-month-old girl was found in a pond behind a home in the 19000 block of Paver Barnes Road in Paris Township, just northwest of Marysville. The childs mother began CPR treatment until deputies arrived about eight minutes later. Trial to start for truck driver charged in I-70 bus crash that killed six Medics from the Marysville Fire Department arrived shortly afterward and took the girl to Memorial Hospital, where the girl was pronounced dead at 9:03 p.m. It is believed the girl was in the pond for approximately 10 minutes before she was found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said the child is being evaluated by the Montgomery County Crime Lab for a preliminary autopsy and the incident 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Azerbaijan sincerely seeks normalization with Armenia and long-term security in our region, said Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijans Ambassador to the United Kingdom, in a recent op-ed for The Telegraph, Trend reports. Suleymanov offered a candid assessment of the evolving peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, underscoring Bakus consistent push for stability in the South Caucasus and warning against ideological distortions from abroad. Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2020 conflict, the ambassador highlighted that having secured a decisive military advantage, Azerbaijan offered a peace treaty and normalisation of relations with Armenia, including the reopening of transport and communications. Yet, he argued, Armenia has repeatedly stalled the process, only recently agreeing to terms that Azerbaijan had proposed years earlier. The ambassador welcomed the finalization of the peace agreement text as a milestone, emphasizing that it was reached through direct bilateral talks without outside interference. The ineffectiveness of external mediation, he noted, was exemplified by the dysfunctional OSCE Minsk Group, now defunct in all but name. However, Suleymanov pointed out that a signed agreement alone is not enough. Drawing a parallel with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum that failed to prevent war in Ukraine, he cautioned: The text of an agreement is not alone sufficient to engender lasting peace. One of the key obstacles to real normalization, he argued, lies within Armenias own Constitution, which still essentially calls for the annexation of Azerbaijani lands. This, he said, directly contradicts the very principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the peace agreement. Vocal Armenian political forces opposed to any peace with Azerbaijan whatsoever continue to make territorial claims to our internationally recognised land and point to their constitution as justification. Still, Suleymanov noted signs of changing attitudes inside Armenia. Even the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has acknowledged that Azerbaijans liberation of its lands has given Armenia the opportunity to now focus on its own sovereignty as well as greater room for manoeuvre on foreign policy. He also suggested that even the most zealous Armenian nationalists seem to be finally recognising that this narrow, ethnicity-driven political agenda has been the root cause of the constant conflict. The article also took aim at diaspora groups and Western politicians who, in Suleymanovs view, choose ideology over facts. He singled out British peer Lord Alton for frequently criticizing Azerbaijan and backing controversial figures such as Ruben Vardanyan, the Russian-linked oligarch who led separatist forces in Karabakh. Suleymanov noted that Vardanyan had been parachuted illegally into Azerbaijani territory from Moscow and has been sanctioned by Ukraine for supporting war. Concluding on a more conciliatory note, Suleymanov referenced the late Pope Francis, who during a visit to Azerbaijan praised its culture of inclusivity and called for a genuine peace. A peace free from double standards and dividing narratives, the ambassador echoed, urging all parties to move beyond ideology toward lasting reconciliation. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) Comeaux High Schools commencement activities will feature fewer participants than scheduled, due to their participation in a school prank at the school April 9. Nineteen seniors will be barred from walking at graduation, or participating in any other graduation activities, according to a Lafayette Parish School System spokesperson. 25 students were involved, but not all of them are seniors or students at the high school, officials said. Tracy Wirtz, a communication specialist for LPSS, said it is a school board policy, that if a student commits certain infractions, they are not allowed to walk at graduation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said a group of individuals broke into the school at approximately 10:30 p.m. April 9 and vandalized the facility with spray paint and other items that were not specified. Classes were briefly interrupted due to the cleanup when the vandalism was discovered the next morning. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest The infractions include: Criminal damage to property and defacing or injuring any part of public school buildings or property. Vandalism of $100 or more requires restitution. Comeaux High Schools commencement ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 21 at the Cajundome. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Two people are facing charges related to a string of thefts at various Target locations in Utah, according to arrest documents. Mercedesa Kvec, 22, and Sergiu Kvec, 23, are each facing one count of retail theft of $5,000 or more, which is a second-degree felony. According to arrest documents, both suspects are in the custody of Utah County Jail, and Sergiu has an active NCIC warrant out of California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergiu is said to be personally responsible for roughly $6,400 in losses, while Mercedesa is reportedly responsible for $6,000 in losses. Arrest documents allege that the suspects were involved in quick change thefts across Utah at nearly 10 different Target locations. West Valley police offering $10K reward in 2022 cold case murder Documents describe quick change thefts as a process where a suspect attempts to pay for a large purchase in cash, but uses sleight of hand and confusion to keep a portion of the cash and the merchandise. That process creates a theft or loss from the retailers, arrest documents explain. After that initial theft, a quick change thief typically returns the items at another location and gets a return of the full value of the item, creating a second theft or loss, documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mercedesa and Sergiu have reportedly been linked to thefts from September 2024, in addition to thefts in March and April of 2025. The pair is accused of being involved in incidents at Target locations in Provo, Orem, American Fork, South Jordan, Sandy, Taylorsville, Centerville, and two different locations in Salt Lake City. These incidents comprised a mix of quick change thefts, attempted thefts, and returns of property obtained [through] these thefts, arrest documents read. Mercedesa and Sergiu have been ordered to be held without bail, pending a review hearing, documents said. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Two people were hospitalized late Sunday after a motorcycle crashed into an SUV on Highway 20 in Sioux City. According to a release from the Sioux City Police Department, the motorcycle was occupied by a man and a woman and heading east on Highway 20 between the I-29 and S. Lakeport exit. At around 10:52 p.m., the motorcycle crashed into the rear-end of an SUV. Folks gather for another McCook Lake clean-up Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that the two people on the motorcycle were taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV was uninjured. This crash is still being investigated, and the names of those involved in the crash are not being released by police at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Two men were sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to straw-purchase a firearm. The criminal act often occurs when a firearm is purchased by one person on behalf of another who is not legally allowed to make the purchase themselves. Evidence collected during an investigation found that one of the men, 26-year-old Noah Fowler, of Moncks Corner, bought a firearm for 25-year-old Joshua Turner, of Summerville, who was prohibited from possessing or purchasing a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina, Fowler falsely certified on the ATF Form 4473 that he was purchasing the firearm for himself. Evident also found that Turner sent Fowler information on which firearm to buy and paid him for the gun via CashApp. Officials said Fowler was employed as a correctional officer at the Berkeley County Detention Center at the time the gun was purchased. Straw purchases undermine our efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of those legally prohibited from possessing them, said U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling for the District of South Carolina. Well continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who attempt to circumnavigate the proper procedure to purchase firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner was sentenced to 20 months in prison to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Fowler was given a time-served sentence to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Two people were taken to the hospital Sunday night after a three-car crash in Youngstown. It happened just before 10 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Route 422 and Superior Street. Police say wet roads contributed to the accident. Wilson Corbisello 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. Attorneys general in 19 states and Washington, D.C., are challenging cuts to the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, saying the Trump administrations massive restructuring has destroyed life-saving programs and left states to pick up the bill for mounting health crises. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Rhode Island on Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James said. The attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia signed onto the complaint. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restructured the agency in March, eliminating more than 10,000 employees and collapsing 28 agencies under the sprawling HHS umbrella into 15, the attorneys general said. An additional 10,000 employees had already been let go by President Donald Trumps administration, according to the lawsuit, and combined the cuts stripped 25% of the HHS workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its first three months, Secretary Kennedy and this administration deprived HHS of the resources necessary to do its job, the attorneys general wrote. Kennedy has said he is seeking to streamline the nations public health agencies and reduce redundancies across them with the layoffs. The cuts were made as part of a directive the administration has dubbed, Make America Healthy Again. HHS is one of the governments costliest federal agencies, with an annual budget of about $1.7 trillion that is mostly spent on health care coverage for millions of people enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. James, who is leading the lawsuit, called the restructuring a sweeping and unlawful assault that would endanger lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not government reform. This is not efficiency, James said during a press conference Monday. The cuts have resulted in laboratories having limited testing for some infectious diseases, the federal government not tracking cancer risks among U.S. firefighters, early childhood learning programs left unsure of future funds and programs aimed at monitoring cancer and maternal health closing, the attorneys general say. Cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have hampered states ability to respond to one of the largest measles outbreaks in recent years, the lawsuit says. This chaos and abandonment of the Departments core functions was not an unintended side effect, but rather the intended result, of the MAHA Directive, they said. They want a judge to vacate the directive because they say the administration cant unilaterally eliminate programs and funding that have been created by Congress. The restructuring eliminated the entire team of people who maintain the federal poverty guidelines used by states to determine whether residents are eligible for Medicaid, nutrition assistance and other programs. A tobacco prevention agency was gutted. Staff losses also were significant at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is already facing other legal challenges over cuts to public health agencies and research organizations. A coalition of 23 states filed a federal lawsuit in Rhode Island last month over the administrations decision to cut $11 billion in federal funds for COVID-19 initiatives and various public health projects across the country. Since day one, this president and his administration have attempted to illegally decimate agencies across the federal government upon which the American people rely, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said. In a world where the next pandemic could be right around the corner, and cases of measles are on the rise, taking an axe to the agency responsible for the health and safety of Americans is wildly irresponsible. Americans across the country are already experiencing the detrimental effects of this attack on HHS including new mothers, workers, 9/11 first responders, and those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorder, he continued. Think about that for a minute: American heroes, pregnant women, workers, those in need of mental health treatment; all left to fend for themselves by these reckless cuts. This attack on HHS tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of this Administration; and they dont include the health of you or your family. NEXT: States sue Trump for blocking wind energy development 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. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. More than 16 million people in Florida, 82% of the state, are suffering from drought conditions ranging from moderate to extreme, according to NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System. Two areas of extreme drought exist in the state, with the largest in South Florida extending from coast to coast. Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drought is keeping the number of wildfires burning in the state high, with 88 burning Monday, May 5, according to the Florida Fire Service. There are 23 counties under burn bans, almost one-third of the state's 67 counties. The mean statewide drought index is at 478. Extreme drought conditions expand across Florida Drought conditions expand across Florida, with 82.2% of the state experiencing conditions ranging from moderate to extreme drought. NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System said 82.2 percent of Florida is under drought conditions, ranging from moderate to extreme. '80% of homes lost to wildfires could have been saved.' Here's what you can do The breakdown of drought conditions in the state, which affects 16.6 million residents, is: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abnormally dry: 16.5% Moderate drought: 35.5% Severe drought: 29.9% Extreme drought: 16.9% Exceptional drought: 0% Maps: See drought conditions by county See the map: Active wildfires reported across Florida Will it rain today in Florida? Florida weather forecast for Monday, May 5: Western Panhandle, Pensacola: Sunny. High 78. Low 68. Central Panhandle, Tallahassee: Sunny. High 85. Low 60. Northeast Florida, Jacksonville: Sunny. High 88. Low 65. East Coast, Central Florida from Daytona Beach to Stuart: Sunny, chance for showers. High 87. Low 70. South Florida, West Palm Beach, Naples: Chance for showers and thunderstorms. High 81. Low 76. Southwest Florida, Fort Myers to Sarasota: Sunny. High 84. Low 69. Interactive map: Enter your address to find closest wildfire risks Current drought conditions in Florida The Keetch-Byram Drought Index mean for Florida was 478 on May 5. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of May 1, there were 16 counties with a drought index over 600, which means severe drought conditions with an increased risk for wildfires: Broward Charlotte Collier DeSoto Glades Hardee Hendry Highlands Lake Lee Manatee Miami-Dade Monroe Palm Beach Sarasota Volusia 23 counties in Florida under burn bans There were 23 counties under a burn ban May 1, 2025. According to the Florida Forest Service, as of May 2, 23 burn bans are in place for the following counties: Brevard Charlotte Citrus Collier DeSoto Flagler Glades Hardee Hendry Hernando Highlands Lake Lee Manatee Okeechobee Orange Osceola Pasco Polk Sarasota Seminole Sumter Volusia The open burning of yard debris is always prohibited in these counties: Duval Hillsborough Orange Pinellas NWS radar: How close is needed rain to Florida? Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And subscribe here. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida drought. See list driest counties, rain forecast, burn bans Genetic testing company 23andMe, once valued at $6 billion, has filed for bankruptcy. State attorneys general are urging concerned customers to delete their data, while experts warn that state and federal laws may not fully protect their privacy. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) The fate of more than 15 million customers genetic data remains in limbo after popular DNA testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March. The data is up for sale, stoking fears about how it might be used and prompting attorneys general from more than a dozen states to warn 23andMe users: Delete your data. Your genetic data is your most personal, confidential data, and you should be able to protect who has access to it, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, a Democrat, said in a March statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have the power to delete your data now please act quickly. Dr. Adam Brown, a Washington, D.C.-based emergency physician and the founder of a health care strategy firm, deleted his information on 23andMe as soon as he learned of the bankruptcy filing, he told Stateline. For him, the bankruptcy begs a vital question that federal and state laws dont fully address: What happens to your genetic data when the company holding it collapses? Federal protections are flimsy. States have beefed up their genetic privacy laws in recent years, but many experts say they dont go far enough. There actually are not a lot of data privacy protections for consumers, especially for these direct-to-customer-type businesses. Dr. Adam Brown, emergency physician and founder of a health care strategy company 23andMe has said the bankruptcy will not change how it stores, manages or protects its trove of sensitive customer information. In a news release issued shortly after the bankruptcy announcement, the company said any potential buyers would have to agree to comply with 23andMes consumer privacy policy and all applicable laws. When contacted by Stateline, the company declined to comment beyond what it has published in news releases and information it posted for customers on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But once the data is in the hands of another company, that company could change its privacy policy at any time, experts noted. Once you get to the point of bankruptcy court, there may not be those same guarantees or the same ethos a new company may have around privacy protections for consumers, Brown said. I want people to understand there actually are not a lot of data privacy protections for consumers, especially for these direct-to-customer-type businesses. HIPAA doesnt help Companies such as 23andMe offer their users potentially game-changing revelations about their health and ancestry. The process is simple: Mail in a saliva sample and the company uses it to build an individual genetic profile that can reveal not only a persons family connections, but also health insights such as their risk of developing a disease like cancer or Alzheimers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This valuable personal data underpins a direct-to-customer genetic testing market that was valued at $1.93 billion globally in 2023 and is expected to grow, according to market research firm Grand View Research. 23andMe was an industry giant until its stock price plummeted following a massive 2023 data breach that affected the accounts of nearly 7 million customers. Then came the $30 million class-action lawsuit settlement. The company declared bankruptcy in late March of this year, and announced its up for sale. A flurry of alerts from state attorneys general around the country soon followed. AGs from states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Texas issued similar press releases that recommended customers ask the company to delete their genetic profile and destroy the saliva sample used to create it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have robust state privacy laws that include data deletion rights, and I would encourage any Texan concerned about their data to exercise the right to have their data securely deleted, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, said in an April statement. The fear is that a new 23andMe owner could choose to use or share sensitive personal genetic data in ways the companys current privacy policy doesnt allow. Theres worry it could be used, for example, to inflate peoples life insurance premiums or expose them to employment discrimination. And there arent many guardrails to prevent that from happening. HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, doesnt apply to companies like 23andMe. The landmark federal law protects patients sensitive health information when its handled by doctors, hospitals and health insurers. But direct-to-customer companies such as 23andMe or Ancestry arent considered health care providers, and their non-invasive saliva collection kit isnt considered a medical test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main federal law that protects people from discrimination based on their genetic information is nearly 20 years old. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was passed in 2008, long before the rise of at-home testing kits. It applies to employers and health insurers, but not to life insurance companies, mortgage lenders and other non-health entities. And it doesnt explicitly protect epigenetic information, which is information about the way a persons genes and by extension, health are affected by outside factors such as smoking, disease or stress. What states are doing In the past five years, at least 14 states have passed laws regulating direct-to-consumer genetic testing offered by companies like Ancestry and 23andMe. Theres variation, but generally the laws require companies to get customers express consent before using or sharing their data, and allow customers to request their genetic data be deleted and biological samples destroyed. Its a good start, but doesnt go far enough, said Anya Prince, a University of Iowa law professor whose research focuses on health and genetic privacy. Many of those state efforts were built around a model law developed by the Coalition for Genetic Data Protection, an industry group with two member companies: 23andMe and Ancestry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As DNA testing kits exploded in popularity and attracted increased scrutiny from lawmakers, the coalition pushed to influence legislation and set industry standards. The privacy protections in the laws mirror what 23andMe and Ancestry were already doing with their own privacy policies, experts say. They do have some really sensible privacy protections, said Prince. Its great that people can delete their genetic data, and its great that law enforcement needs a warrant to access it. But if a privacy advocate had written a model law, there would be the potential for more and broader protections. For example, she said, many of the state laws address privacy requirements just for direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies. If 23andMes data is bought by, say, a pharmaceutical company, those state laws no longer apply. The coalition now appears to be inactive, its website defunct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, more than a dozen states have passed some version of a genetic information privacy law, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming, based on a Stateline analysis. This year, the Indiana legislature passed a bill thats now headed to the governors desk. Bills have been introduced this year in other states, including West Virginia. Prince said state laws rely too heavily on consumers to self-manage their data privacy. Theyre expected to understand a companys policy, when studies have shown the public often doesnt read privacy notices nor fully understand how companies use their data. Further, many state laws dont address how third parties, such as law enforcement, can access and use consumer genetic data. Its also not always clear how the laws will be enforced, or whos responsible for oversight. In general, I think theres a disconnect between how people think their privacy is protected and how its actually protected, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a few states have enacted laws that are more robust. California, for example, has a genetic information privacy law, but also has a general data protection law, as well as a state version of the federal GINA law that extends genetic anti-discrimination protections into areas including housing, education and licensing. Florida has beefed up its DNA privacy laws in recent years, making the using or selling of an individuals DNA without informed consent a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Florida was also the first state to prohibit life, disability and long-term care insurance companies from using genetic information to determine coverage. How to delete your 23andMe data Log in to your 23andMe account on 23andme.com.Under your profile, click Settings.Scroll to the 23andMe Data section.Click the View button.If you want a copy of your genetic data, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.Scroll to the Delete Data section.Click Permanently Delete Data.Check your email for a confirmation email from 23andMe, then follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request. If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe but want to change that preference, you can do so from your account settings page, under Preferences. If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers using your genetic data and sample for research purposes, you can withdraw that consent from your account settings page, under the Research and Product Contents section. If you have concerns, you can contact your state attorney generals office. Find yours at www.naag.org/find-my-ag/. Source: Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@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. Genetic testing company 23andMe, once valued at $6 billion, has filed for bankruptcy. State attorneys general are urging concerned customers to delete their data, while experts warn that state and federal laws may not fully protect their privacy. (Justin Sullivan | Getty Images) The fate of more than 15 million customers genetic data remains in limbo after popular DNA testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March. The data is up for sale, stoking fears about how it might be used and prompting attorneys general from more than a dozen states to warn 23andMe users: Delete your data. Your genetic data is your most personal, confidential data, and you should be able to protect who has access to it, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, a Democrat, said in a March statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have the power to delete your data now please act quickly. Dr. Adam Brown, a Washington, D.C.-based emergency physician and the founder of a health care strategy firm, deleted his information on 23andMe as soon as he learned of the bankruptcy filing, he told Stateline. For him, the bankruptcy begs a vital question that federal and state laws dont fully address: What happens to your genetic data when the company holding it collapses? Federal protections are flimsy. States have beefed up their genetic privacy laws in recent years, but many experts say they dont go far enough. There actually are not a lot of data privacy protections for consumers, especially for these direct-to-customer-type businesses. Dr. Adam Brown, emergency physician and founder of a health care strategy company 23andMe has said the bankruptcy will not change how it stores, manages or protects its trove of sensitive customer information. In a news release issued shortly after the bankruptcy announcement, the company said any potential buyers would have to agree to comply with 23andMes consumer privacy policy and all applicable laws. When contacted by Stateline, the company declined to comment beyond what it has published in news releases and information it posted for customers on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But once the data is in the hands of another company, that company could change its privacy policy at any time, experts noted. Once you get to the point of bankruptcy court, there may not be those same guarantees or the same ethos a new company may have around privacy protections for consumers, Brown said. I want people to understand there actually are not a lot of data privacy protections for consumers, especially for these direct-to-customer-type businesses. HIPAA doesnt help Companies such as 23andMe offer their users potentially game-changing revelations about their health and ancestry. The process is simple: Mail in a saliva sample and the company uses it to build an individual genetic profile that can reveal not only a persons family connections, but also health insights such as their risk of developing a disease like cancer or Alzheimers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This valuable personal data underpins a direct-to-customer genetic testing market that was valued at $1.93 billion globally in 2023 and is expected to grow, according to market research firm Grand View Research. 23andMe was an industry giant until its stock price plummeted following a massive 2023 data breach that affected the accounts of nearly 7 million customers. Then came the $30 million class-action lawsuit settlement. The company declared bankruptcy in late March of this year, and announced its up for sale. A flurry of alerts from state attorneys general around the country soon followed. AGs from states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Texas issued similar press releases that recommended customers ask the company to delete their genetic profile and destroy the saliva sample used to create it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have robust state privacy laws that include data deletion rights, and I would encourage any Texan concerned about their data to exercise the right to have their data securely deleted, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, said in an April statement. The fear is that a new 23andMe owner could choose to use or share sensitive personal genetic data in ways the companys current privacy policy doesnt allow. Theres worry it could be used, for example, to inflate peoples life insurance premiums or expose them to employment discrimination. And there arent many guardrails to prevent that from happening. HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, doesnt apply to companies like 23andMe. The landmark federal law protects patients sensitive health information when its handled by doctors, hospitals and health insurers. But direct-to-customer companies such as 23andMe or Ancestry arent considered health care providers, and their non-invasive saliva collection kit isnt considered a medical test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main federal law that protects people from discrimination based on their genetic information is nearly 20 years old. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was passed in 2008, long before the rise of at-home testing kits. It applies to employers and health insurers, but not to life insurance companies, mortgage lenders and other non-health entities. And it doesnt explicitly protect epigenetic information, which is information about the way a persons genes and by extension, health are affected by outside factors such as smoking, disease or stress. What states are doing In the past five years, at least 14 states have passed laws regulating direct-to-consumer genetic testing offered by companies like Ancestry and 23andMe. Theres variation, but generally the laws require companies to get customers express consent before using or sharing their data, and allow customers to request their genetic data be deleted and biological samples destroyed. Its a good start, but doesnt go far enough, said Anya Prince, a University of Iowa law professor whose research focuses on health and genetic privacy. Many of those state efforts were built around a model law developed by the Coalition for Genetic Data Protection, an industry group with two member companies: 23andMe and Ancestry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As DNA testing kits exploded in popularity and attracted increased scrutiny from lawmakers, the coalition pushed to influence legislation and set industry standards. The privacy protections in the laws mirror what 23andMe and Ancestry were already doing with their own privacy policies, experts say. They do have some really sensible privacy protections, said Prince. Its great that people can delete their genetic data, and its great that law enforcement needs a warrant to access it. But if a privacy advocate had written a model law, there would be the potential for more and broader protections. For example, she said, many of the state laws address privacy requirements just for direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies. If 23andMes data is bought by, say, a pharmaceutical company, those state laws no longer apply. The coalition now appears to be inactive, its website defunct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, more than a dozen states have passed some version of a genetic information privacy law, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming, based on a Stateline analysis. This year, the Indiana legislature passed a bill thats now headed to the governors desk. Bills have been introduced this year in other states, including West Virginia. Prince said state laws rely too heavily on consumers to self-manage their data privacy. Theyre expected to understand a companys policy, when studies have shown the public often doesnt read privacy notices nor fully understand how companies use their data. Further, many state laws dont address how third parties, such as law enforcement, can access and use consumer genetic data. Its also not always clear how the laws will be enforced, or whos responsible for oversight. In general, I think theres a disconnect between how people think their privacy is protected and how its actually protected, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a few states have enacted laws that are more robust. California, for example, has a genetic information privacy law, but also has a general data protection law, as well as a state version of the federal GINA law that extends genetic anti-discrimination protections into areas including housing, education and licensing. Florida has beefed up its DNA privacy laws in recent years, making the using or selling of an individuals DNA without informed consent a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Florida was also the first state to prohibit life, disability and long-term care insurance companies from using genetic information to determine coverage. How to delete your 23andMe data Log in to your 23andMe account on 23andme.com.Under your profile, click Settings.Scroll to the 23andMe Data section.Click the View button.If you want a copy of your genetic data, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.Scroll to the Delete Data section.Click Permanently Delete Data.Check your email for a confirmation email from 23andMe, then follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request. If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe but want to change that preference, you can do so from your account settings page, under Preferences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers using your genetic data and sample for research purposes, you can withdraw that consent from your account settings page, under the Research and Product Contents section. If you have concerns, you can contact your state attorney generals office. Find yours at www.naag.org/find-my-ag/. Source: Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@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. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Azerbaijan has allocated funds for the restoration and renovation of the Imam Mosque located in the Amirjan settlement of the Surakhani district in Baku, Trend reports. The decision was formalized through a decree signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. According to the decree, 600,000 manat ($352,941) will be allocated from the Presidential Reserve Fund, as outlined in the state budget for the year 2025, to the State Committee for Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the restoration works at the Imam Mosque. The Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan is responsible for ensuring the allocation of these funds, while the Cabinet of Ministers will address any related matters arising from this decree. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A 29-year-old woman was found dead in Oregon nearly a month after she vanished during a cross-country solo trip, deputies said. Kaylee Birts remains were discovered by volunteer search teams May 3, the Harney County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. The sheriffs office did not say where her remains were found, and they have not responded to McClatchy News request for more information as of Monday, May 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Birt was last seen April 4 leaving The Fields Station in her gold 2008 Chevy Malibu, McClatchy News reported from authorities. The Fields Station is a burger joint, store, motel and gas station in Fields, which is a remote and unincorporated community in southeastern Oregon. She was headed to Iowa, deputies said, but her vehicle was discovered abandoned April 6 in a remote part of Harney County in Oregon. Deputies said they determined a location where her cell phone last pinged, and they searched the area but couldnt find her. Search teams looked for her for seven days by air, ground, UTV, drone, foot and horseback, deputies said. However, authority-led search efforts ended April 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her friends and family are grieving her death and sharing the experiences they had with her. I met Kaylee in Peru. She could always light up a room. You knew as long as Kaylee was there you would never feel alone. She was truly one of a kind and her laugh was too, her friend Tara Timmerman wrote on Facebook. Was neighbors in essex for years! All the sleepovers, sporting events, Halloween parties at her house and countless fun nights in Maryville after we graduated high school! Kaylee was always the life of any party and such a great friend, Koreen Johnson said in a post. Kaylee was my best friend our freshman year of college. She lived across the hall from me. We instantly hit it off. Throughout the years, we stayed in touch off and on. She had the BEST personality. She was hilarious and always down for a good time, Leah Phillips wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Body found weeks after 20-year-old kayaker vanished over waterfall, OR cops say 14-year-old killed in Wisconsin shooting, police say. He loved his family Body identified as man who texted wife as Helene flood engulfed him, TN cops say DENVER (KDVR) Three people have been charged in connection to a mans death in Weld County after he was shot and his body was later set on fire in a Larimer County canyon, the Weld County District Attorneys office announced Monday morning. Before 5 a.m. on April 11, Larimer County sheriffs deputies were called to the Stevens Gulch Picnic Site in Poudre Canyon northwest of Fort Collins for reports of a fire, according to the DAs office. The sheriffs office had said the fire was under a bridge in the area. 4 injured in downtown Denver Market Street shooting: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews had found a body on fire, according to the DAs office. That person was later identified as Gerardo Hernandez-Lucio, and the coroners office said he died of a gunshot wound to the head. Officials believe the shooting happened in Weld County several days prior to the fire, and Hernandez-Lucios body was then taken to Larimer County and set on fire. Last month, investigators identified and arrested Isaac Valdez-Salvador of Fort Collins as the murder suspect and Juana Espino as co-conspirator in the murder weapon purchase and homicide, the Larimer County Sheriffs Office said. The Weld County Sheriffs Office on Monday said a third person, identified by the DAs office as Monica Lopez-Silva, was identified and arrested as well. All three have been charged in Weld County in connection with the homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isaac Valdez-Salvador is charged with: Count 1: murder in the first degree (f1) Count 2: conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree (f2) Count 3: tampering with a deceased human body (f3) Count 4: motor vehicle theft in the second degree (f4) Count 5: vehicular eluding (f5) Count 6: tampering with physical evidence (f6) Juana Espino is charged with: Count 1: murder in the first degree (f1) Count 2: conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree (f2) Count 3: unlawful purchase of firearms (f4) Count 4: tampering with physical evidence (f6) Monica Lopez-Silva is charged with: Count 1: accessory to crime (f4) Count 2: tampering with physical evidence (f6) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valdez-Salvador was arrested on April 14 after a deputy pursuit in which he was hit by a vehicle on Interstate 25 in Mead after fleeing from a traffic stop, according to the Larimer County Sheriffs office. Espino was arrested on April 18. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Valdez-Salvador is scheduled to appear in court on July 1, and Espino and Lopez-Silva have court appearances scheduled for June 20. Anyone with additional information related to this homicide can contact Larimer County Sheriffs Office Investigator Ryan Gebhardt at (970) 498-5586. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Police in Glendale, Arizona, said three people are dead and five injured after a shooting at a restaurant Sunday night. No one has been arrested, but investigators believe multiple shooters were involved. Jose Miguel Santiago, a spokesperson for the Glendale Police Department, said Monday the shooting stemmed from a fight that broke out between at least two groups of people at El Camaron Gigante, a steakhouse and venue in the city's downtown area that's located a block from police headquarters. It happened at around 7:45 p.m., as a Cinco de Mayo event was wrapping up. Officials repeatedly said Monday that they consider the shooting to be an isolated incident between people known to one another and there does not appear to be any lingering danger to members of the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasn't clear exactly what led up to the fight or the gunfire, police said. Santiago identified the individuals killed as three men who were 17, 21 and 29 years old. The teenager and the 21-year-old are brothers, Santiago clarified on Monday, after initially saying the 29-year-old man was one of the brothers. Police said they would not release their names until their families have been notified. Some of those injured in the shooting were hit by shrapnel, according to police. They have been identified as a 20-year-old woman, a 21-year-old woman, a 20-year-old man, a 23-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy. Santiago said the teenager was in surgery overnight to treat his injuries and was expected to fully recover. In this image made from video footage provided by AZFamily.com, first responders work the scene of a shooting in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, May 4, 2025. / Credit: AZFamily.com via AP Lupe Rodriguez, a bystander during the shooting, told CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV that he had to run to safety when the gunfire began. He was shaken by the experience but grateful he and his friends made it out alive. "I heard people yelling out names. There was a man on the ground and it didn't look like he made it," Rodriguez told the station. "His father was yelling out his name. It was pretty bad." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Cinco de Mayo party took place at El Camaron Gigante on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Facebook page for the brand On A Sunday Afternoon, which hosted it. The brand had advertised the event as a "family-friendly celebration" that would include "music, lowriders, and good vibes all day long." Its Instagram story featured dozens of video clips and images that appeared to show crowds of attendees eating and dancing at the party throughout the day and into the early evening. Santiago said the fight initially started between people standing near the stage at the event, during a concert. They were escorted into the parking lot, where the fight escalated and led to the shooting. El Camaron Gigante addressed the shooting in a statement shared Monday on social media. "We are devastated by the tragic shooting that occurred in the parking lot outside our restaurant on May 4th. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all affected by this senseless violence," the statement said. "We are working closely with law enforcement and supporting our team as we process this heartbreaking event. Thank you for your patience and respect as we grieve together and hold our community close during this incredibly difficult time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On A Sunday Afternoon has not yet publicly addressed the shooting. CBS News contacted the brand for comment. 19 states and D.C. sue Trump administration over HHS cuts Sen. Ruben Gallego on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Trump supporters and the Democratic Party Trump deportations stoking fears about violations of children's rights DENVER (KDVR) Police are investigating a shooting that sent four people to the hospital Sunday night. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The shooting was reported at 9:24 p.m. on X by the Denver Police Department, which said the shooting took place in the 1900 block of Market Street. The area is only a couple of blocks away from Coors Field and has many nightclubs, bars and other establishments. Denver police originally said three people were transported with unknown injuries, but a police spokesperson on Monday morning said there was a fourth victim injured. Police on X Monday morning said that person self-transported to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police spokesperson on Monday said the four victims appeared to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. One man walking past the scene told FOX31s Shaul Turner that he heard 10 gunshots and at first, thought it was a car backfiring. The 19th and Market Street intersection was largely closed as officers worked to develop suspect information related to the shooting. Jacob Factor 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. SAN DIEGO (AP) A small boat believed to be carrying migrants capsized early Monday off San Diego's coast and left three people dead and four injured, while U.S. Coast Guard crews were searching for seven others, officials said. Initially nine people were reported missing but later two were found and detained, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Hunter Schnabel said. He did not know which agency detained the individuals or why. The U.S. Border Patrol did not immediately respond to an email asking if they were involved. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey said it was unclear where the boat was coming from before it flipped shortly after sunrise about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of the Mexico border. He described the vessel as a panga, single or twin-engine open fishing boats commonly used by smugglers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were not tourists, Sappey said. They are believed to be migrants. Migrants are increasingly turning to the risky alternative offered by smugglers to travel by sea to avoid heavily guarded land borders, including off California's coast. Pangas leave the Mexican coast in the dead of night, sometimes charting hundreds of miles north. The four injured people were taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, the hospital said in an email. All were being treated for respiratory related issues after arriving by ambulance. Three were in their 30s and one was a teen. No other details were provided. The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and boat to search for the missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hikers and others at Torrey Pines State Beach reported seeing a boat capsize near the shore at about 6:30 a.m., said Lt. Nick Backouris of the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. A doctor hiking nearby called in and said, I see people doing CPR on the beach, Im running that way,' Backouris said. Winds were light in the area, with slow-rolling waves reaching about 6 feet (1.8 meters), according to Sebastian Westerink, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in San Diego. The water temperature was 63 degrees (17 Celsius), he said. A bulldozer moved the panga on the beach as the search was underway. The wooden skiff that was over 20 feet long (6 meters) had scuffed blue paint and wooden planks for seats. Inside the boat were a pair of running shoes, more than a dozen life vests, an empty waterproof cell phone bag and various water bottles. Its engine was visibly damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, eight people were killed when two migrant smuggling boats approached a San Diego beach in heavy fog. One boat capsized in the surf. It was one of the deadliest maritime smuggling cases in waters off the U.S. coast. A federal judge sentenced a San Diego man to 18 years in prison in 2022 for piloting a small vessel overloaded with 32 migrants that smashed apart in powerful surf off San Diegos coast, killing three people and injuring more than two dozen others. Prosecutors said Antonio Hurtado was high on drugs when he drove the migrants into rough, stormy seas in the dark in May 2021. As 5-to-8-foot (1.5-2.4-meter) waves pounded the vessel, he jumped overboard and swam to shore, abandoning the passengers he had told to hide in the cabin and under deck. The boat capsized and broke apart as they were hurled into the early morning waters. Worldwide, nearly 9,000 people died last year attempting to cross borders, the UN agency for migration said last month. The death toll set a record for the fifth year in a row. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.N. Missing Migrant Project puts the number of the dead and missing in the central Mediterranean at over 24,506 from 2014 to 2024, many of them lost at sea. The project says the number may be greater as many deaths go unrecorded. ___ Weber reported from Los Angeles. Morning Memo comes to you today from Pittsburgh, where my son whose harrowing path through his college years Ive previously shared with you graduated yesterday. Not Normal Three career prosecutors resigned from the Justice Department over a highly unusual post-verdict plea agreement struck by the Trump-appointed acting U.S. attorney in Los Angeles. The plea agreement comes in a case where a sheriffs deputy was convicted back in February of using excessive force against a Black woman. A plea agreement filed late Thursday says if Trevor Kirk pleads guilty to misdemeanor deprivation of rights under color of law, the U.S. Attorneys Office will move to strike the jurys finding that he injured his victim, which made his crime a felony, Meghann Cuniff first reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the four federal prosecutors who handled the case and did not sign the plea agreement withdrew from the case. It was signed on behalf of acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli by an assistant U.S. attorney not previously involved in the case. On Saturday, the LA Times reported that three of the prosecutors assistant U.S. Attorneys Eli A. Alcaraz, Brian R. Faerstein, and section chief Cassie Palmer had resigned from the Justice Department entirely. The plea deal sets up a dramatic downward departure in sentencing from what Kirk faced with the felony conviction, Cuniff reports: Kirk faced about nine years in prison under U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines for his felony conviction, but his misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum of one year. However, Essayli and Keenan agreed to recommend only one year of probation. They also arent barring him from working in law enforcement. A judge must still approve the plea agreement. Judges Skeptical Of Trump DOJ The rapid deterioration of the quality of the Justice Departments work under President Trump has not been lost on federal judges, the WaPo reports. Judge Strikes Down Trump EO Against Perkins Coie U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell declared null and void the Trump executive order targeting Perkins Coie, the first time a judge has permanently enjoined enforcement of one of President Trumps executive orders targeting law firms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 102-page opinion clearly written to be judged by history, Howell invoked Shakespeare, John Adams, and Alexis de Tocqueville in finding the executive order sent a constitutionally impermissible message: lawyers must stick to the party line, or else. In an important footnote, Howell was critical of the law firms who struck deals with President Trump rather than risk being targeted by an executive order: [S]ome clients may harbor reservations about the implications of such deals for the vigorous and zealous representation to which they are entitled from ethically responsible counsel, since at least the publicized deal terms appear only to forestall, rather than eliminate, the threat of being targeted in an Executive Order. Only when lawyers make the choice to challenge rather than back down when confronted with government action raising non-trivial constitutional issues can a case be brought to court for judicial review of the legal merits, as was done in this case If the founding history of this country is any guide, those who stood up in court to vindicate constitutional rights and, by so doing, served to promote the rule of law, will be the models lauded when this period of American history is written. TPM Exclusive: A New Attack On Judicial Branch TPMs Josh Kovensky reports on the implications of a lawsuit by the Stephen Miller-founded America First Legal Foundation against Chief Justice John Roberts and the head of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts. While ostensibly a FOIA lawsuit, it is asking a federal judge to declare that the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Judicial Conference of the United States are independent agencies of the executive branch. Its a troll-ish argument but seems designed to lay the legal groundwork for President Trump to assert control over the administration of the federal judiciary. Second Amendment Trumps Everything The Trump administration has removed a memorial at ATF headquarters honoring victims of gun violence. Jan. 6 Revisionism Alert In a remarkable encounter over the weekend at Mar-a-Lago, former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in Jan. 6. personally thanked President Trump for pardoning him. In a reversal of the Justice Departments legal position, the Trump administration has reached a settlement in principle in the $30 million wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of Ashli Babbit, the Jan. 6 rioter who Trump has turned into a martyr. Terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. Senate Judiciary Democrats are blasting the Trump DOJ for taking the position that the government must refund the restitution paid by Trump-pardoned Jan. 6 defendants. Good Read Greg Sargent: How Trump Inadvertently Sabotaged His Own Case Against Abrego Garcia Quote Of The Day In this country, the federal government doesnt get to arrest American citizens who have not committed a crime. In this country, we dont threaten to persecute people just because they belong to a different political party.Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D), after border czar Tom Homan alluded to criminal charges over a memo issued to state employees confronted by federal immigration authorities IMPORTANT While President Trump backed away in recent days from targeting the tax-exempt status of nonprofits beyond Harvard, Trump administration officials at the IRS continue to explore whether to alter the rules governing how nonprofit groups can be denied tax-exempt status, the WSJ reports. The Destruction: LGBTQ Health Edition NYT: Of the 669 grants that the National Institutes of Health had canceled in whole or in part as of early May, at least 323 nearly half of them related to L.G.B.T.Q. health, according to a review by The Times of every terminated grant. The Destruction: Arts And Humanities Edition NEA : On Friday night, the National Endowment for the Arts sent out notifications cancelling grants nationwide. NEH: A lawsuit reveals new details of DOGEs role in mass termination of grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. For The Record Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Derrek Brave Heart, 30, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2024 shooting death of Jonathan Odom, 43, in Rapid City. Brave Heart was sentenced by Judge Joshua Hendrickson. Darrian L. Johnson convicted of 2022 shooting death The Pennington County States Attorney said in a news release that Brave Heart shot Odom after an argument in the Family Dollar parking lot on Haines Avenue in February 2024. The two men did not know each other based on trial testimony. the states attorney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jury found Brave Heart guilty first-degree manslaughter in March. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. A set of historic 300-year-old guns have finally returned to their Scottish hometown after years spent in a private collection. According to a recent announcement, 10 Doune flintlock pistols are now on permanent public display at the tiny city in eastern Scotlands Information and Heritage Center. Crafted by six different hammermen (gunsmiths) during the 1700s, the weapons also showcase well-preserved examples of makers intricate artistry techniques such as finely engraved Celtic patterns and silver wire inlays. A brief history of Doune pistols Doune pistols are remarkable pieces of firearm history. The recognizable curvehandled flintlock weapons date back to 1646, when blacksmith Thomas Caddell began repurposing discarded horseshoe nails due to the scarcity of iron. Apart from their comparative reliability for the era, the pistols were soon also sought after for their decorative adornments. While expensive and often favored by wealthier English customers, Highland locals were often known to save their funds in order to also purchase the weapons. Doune pistol decorative designs evolved as their reputation grew in the ensuing decades, while their popularity extended across mainland England and even over the Atlantic to the British colonies. Although never confirmed, it has long been suggested that a Doune pistol fired the shot heard around the world at the American Revolutions outset in 1775. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, the British had already banned Highlanders from owning firearms for almost three decades by the time of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The 1746 Act of Proscription was part of a wider attempt to break apart the Scottish clan system following the prior years failed Jacobite rising. Punishment for violators included fines, imprisonment for late payments, and even as long as seven years at any of his Majestys plantations beyond the seas. A lasting legacy The Doune pistols influence had already begun to wane by the time the Act of Proscription was repealed in 1782. By the end of the 18th century, customers began opting for cheaper imports as well as weaponry made in other regions across England. Today, only a few hundred examples of genuine Doune pistols are known to exist. While having a practical function, the pistols really are fine works of art and would have taken countless hours of craftsmanship by candlelight to bring to fruition, Kilmadock Development Trust chair Karen Ross said in a statement. We are thrilled that such a unique part of Dounes history is now on display in the village where they were made. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The Baku Military Court today reviewed newly presented video evidence in the ongoing trial related to the occupation of Azerbaijans Khojavend district, Trend reports. The footage, filmed by Armenian forces in April 1993, depicts a group of armed servicemen in the Khojavend district, which was then under Armenian military occupation. Among those featured in the video are Serzh Sargsyan, who later served as President of Armenia from 2008 to 2018, and David Ishkhanyan, currently standing trial. During court proceedings, the Armenian-language video was translated, revealing that Sargsyan had visited the area to inspect military units. In the footage, Monte Melkonyan is seen reporting directly to Sargsyan, who states: We are not talking about stopping the fire right now. We are talking about offensive operations and capturing more territory. Sargsyan is also shown touring the area and engaging in discussions with Ishkhanyan, who provides updates on military operations in the Aghdam district, specifically the Abdal-Gulabli direction. Their conversations touch on operational conditions, troop logistics, and supply lines. The video concludes with Sargsyan briefly addressing soldiers on the ground. Following the screening, prosecutors questioned David Ishkhanyan about the video. He confirmed his recollection of the footage and explained the context of Sargsyans visit: They came to my battalion. They were familiarizing themselves with the situation at the battalions positions. Ishkhanyan identified several individuals in the video, including Serzh Sargsyan, Monte Melkonyan, and Movses HakobyanMelkonyans deputy at the time and later Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces. He also mentioned Aramayiz Karapetyan, his former Chief of Staff. The trial of Armenian nationals accused of war crimes, terrorism, preparation of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws of war, and financing of terrorism is ongoing. Authorities said 32 people were rescued from a sinking boat off the Miami coast on May 3. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a vessel taking on water near Monument Island around 5 p.m. ET, the Guard said in an X post. The 32 people rescued from the scene of the sinking 63-foot boat were recovered without injuries, the Guard said. The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to request for comment from USA TODAY on May 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses told CBS Miami that the boat went vertical as it took on water. "Yeah, it was straight up in the water. It definitely didn't look ordinary, and it's just very concerning," Rachael Miller told the station. The Guard said May 3 that commercial salvage was working to recover the boat and that it was not hazardous to navigation. 'Lamborghini' yacht sinks near wealthy Hibiscus, Star and Palm Island enclaves in Miami Dispatch audio obtained by CBS Miami described the boat as a "Lamborghini vessel." The boat was identified by Yachts Worldwide, a yacht-dedicated social media account, as a Lamborghini Tecnomar in a video of the rescue scene it posted. Monument Island, near where the boat sank, is small man-made island that is home to a 110 foot-tall obelisk that honors Henry Flagler, a developer of Floridas east coast, according to the Miami Herald. The newspaper notes that the island is near the wealthy Hibiscus, Star and Palm Island enclaves. It is currently unclear why the boat sank, according to CBS Miami. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lamborghini yacht sinks in Miami: 32 people rescued by Coast Guard WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Wichita firefighters rushed to an apartment fire in north Wichita Monday morning and found smoke coming from the chimney and door of a second-floor apartment. The fire was called in around 10:15 a.m. from the 2700 block of North Amidon. The first Wichita Fire Department crew to arrive found evidence that the fire had spread to the attic, and a second alarm was called to get more firefighters to the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firefighters quickly made sure people were out of the building and got the fire under control. They say it was confined to the kitchen of an apartment. No one was in that apartment, but firefighters rescued four dogs. Sheriffs office says wanted felon caused multiple crashes After the dogs got some fresh air, they were reunited with their owner. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Sunday, May 4, was the 55th anniversary of the Kent State University shootings. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Stephen Adams is a survivor of the shooting and he shared his story with News Center 7 at 11. Adams says that May 4th can be a hard day. He says it all could have been avoided. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government had its agenda, and we young people were just their tools, Adams said. Among the tensions of the Vietnam War, Adams and his friends were feeling angry, confused and disappointed. General feeling among young people was guys, males particularly, you didnt want to be the last person to die in a useless war, Adams said. Adams was in his senior year at the time, studying business. Protests were springing up at college campuses across the country. Outsiders that had come into Kent, Ohio, with the idea that they were going to drum up some additional protests, Adams said. A group started several bonfires in the street near the bars. The fires were put out by police, who then closed the bars, resulting in a larger upset crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next Saturday, the protests began. Adams says someone threw a road flare into a nearby building, causing a fire. According to Kent State, the building completely burned down. By Sunday, the National Guard was called in. Freaky, a freaky time as I remember it, Adams said. Students planned a peaceful protest for Monday, but the school had banned it. Photos from that day show students at the top of Blanket Hill. The National Guard was patrolling the area, telling students they needed to return to their dorms, but the protest continued. The National Guard shot tear gas into the crowd to force them to leave. As the students started retreating, the National Guard advanced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were running away, okay, when the National Guard opened fire, Adams said. A total of 13 students were shot that day. Four of them died. Adams says that the State Highway Patrolmen stopped the protest. Got their batons in the right hand, and theyre striking their left hand, marching towards the students. And guess what happened? Everybody went home, Adams said. Adams says, after 55 years, he hopes we have learned from that day. He finds comfort in the fact that we, as a country, still have the freedom to protest peacefully. For more information on the Kent State shootings, Kent State University has a full account available on their website. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] "What category is it?" "What's the wind speed?" Those are the basic elements asked about when it comes to hurricane forecasts. But last year's destructive season provided several reminders that we must pull back the curtains even more when getting informed about a storm. Those reminders and more were presented recently by National Hurricane Center warning coordination meteorologist Robbie Berg in a hurricane awareness webinar on these six lessons learned from the 2024 season: 1. Water Is Deadliest, Not Wind -85%: That's the percentage of deaths from tropical cyclones in the U.S. caused by rainfall flooding, storm surge, rip currents/surf and marine incidents, based on 2013-23 statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -Last year followed suit: Water accounted for 127 U.S. deaths that were directly tied to last year's hurricanes, which is about 59% of the total for all hazards last year. Hurricane Helene's flooding rainfall caused 95 of those deaths. -Deadliest water threats can happen far from landfall: Helene made a Category 4 landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, but all nine storm surge deaths were much farther south in Pinellas County, or in the Tampa Bay region. And a majority of its rainfall flood fatalities happened hundreds of miles inland in North Carolina and Tennessee. Thats a lesson to keep in mind both the water from rainfall and the water from storm surge does not have a direct linkage to exactly where landfall occurs," Berg said. 2. Tornadoes Can Be Intense -Last season had the third-most on record: Tropical storms and hurricanes can vary greatly when it comes to how many tornadoes they produce, so this threat is sometimes overlooked. Last year's hurricanes were prolific, with a combined 185 tornadoes from Beryl, Debby, Helene and Milton. Only the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons had more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death toll from those tornadoes was 10, which was the second-most behind 2004. -Several intense twisters: Most tornadoes from tropical storms and hurricanes are on the weaker end of the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF0 to EF1), but last year was unusual with six that were rated EF3 from four different storms, with Milton accounting for three of those in Florida. Berg said these tornadoes can sometimes arrive long before a hurricane makes landfall, so those making last-minute preparations sometimes have to contend with this threat. 3. Wind Gusts Can Be Deadly Far Inland -79 U.S. wind fatalities: That was the combined toll from Beryl, Debby, Helene and Milton, which is the most in a year since at least 1963. Helene accounted for 62 of those deaths, with a majority of them in Georgia and South Carolina (50 total). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -Forward speed matters: Helene's winds were so damaging and deadly because the hurricane was moving inland at 28 mph, which is about double what's typically seen in storms making landfall on the Gulf Coast. In general, the faster a hurricane is moving, the farther inland its damaging wind gusts can spread. That's especially the case when a hurricane makes landfall at high-end intensity like Category 4 Helene, since it takes those winds longer to wind down. Wind gusts reached 80 to 100 mph in the Augusta, Georgia, area, and gusts hit 100-plus mph in western North Carolina's mountains. 4. Rapid Intensification Is Difficult To Forecast, But Progress Has Been Made -34: That's how many times rapid intensification happened in Atlantic storms last year, nearly twice the number of an average season. This at least 35 mph increase in wind intensity in 24 hours or less can happen multiple times in the same storm. It's important, especially when it happens close to the U.S. like we saw in Helene and Milton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reinforcing this is the fact that the nation's 10 strongest hurricane strikes were all tropical storms three days before landfall. -Improvement In Recent Years: "Rapid intensification is and will likely continue to be a problem but theres at least hope that were getting better at forecasting these events," Berg said in reference to improved intensity forecast statistics over the past five years when compared to 15 years ago. 5. Unexpected Storm Development Can Still Happen That was the case in 2024 with Hurricane Oscar, which hit Grand Turk Island as a Category 1 less than 24 hours after it was first deemed a tropical storm. It then struck Cuba as a hurricane a day later. Oscar never had a high chance of development given there was very little signal in the model guidance. Its tiny size likely played a role in the tepid development signals, which provides another example of how small storms are notoriously difficult to forecast. 6. Forecast Consistency Is Key Berg emphasized the NHC's continued philosophy of not lurching the forecast path from one direction to another based on model changes that can happen run-to-run multiple times a day, or what he called the "windshield wiper effect." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On the whole, NHCs forecasts are more accurate and more consistent than the models we use to make the forecasts," he added. He mentioned that flip-flopping the forecast with each model run "causes people to lose faith and trust in the forecast itself." Instead, the better approach is to follow longer-term trends in the models and massage the direction of the forecast path as those trends evolve. Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for nearly 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s. A week after calling out CBS parent Paramount Global over the shows journalistic independence, 60 Minutes on Sunday ran another hard-hitting segment on Donald Trump, this time over the presidents attacks on law firms. Trumps executive orders have threatened to prohibit some of the nations largest firms from security clearances, federal agencies and even courthouses, as the president cited their work on behalf of his perceived enemies. The orders even threatened to cancel the government contracts of the firms clients. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shows correspondent Scott Pelley noted at the outset of the segment that it was nearly impossible to get anyone on camera for this story because of the fear now running through our system of justice. One who did was Marc Elias, a attorney for Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign and then, in 2020, someone who successfully challenged Trumps claims of election rigging. Nine firms either named in an executive order or under threat of one have reached agreements with the White House to provide pro bono legal services, estimated at nearly $1 billion. Elias told 60 Minutes, It is trying to intimidate them the way in which a mob boss intimidates people in the neighborhood that he is seeking to either exact protection money from or engage in other nefarious conduct. I mean, the fact is that these law firms are being told, If you dont play ball with us, maybe somethin really bad will happen to you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously lashed out at 60 Minutes, while hes sued CBS over the shows interview last year with Kamala Harris. Trumps lawsuit claims that the show was deceptive, and violated Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. 60 Minutes has denied that, while many legal experts see the lawsuit as frivolous. At the same time, Paramount Global needs administration approval for its merger with Skydance, and CBS lawyers have entered into settlement talks with Trumps team. That has led to a great deal of consternation at CBS News. Last month, the shows executive producer, Bill Owens, resigned, saying that he no longer felt that he could make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience. Last week, Pelley told viewers about Owens resignation, telling viewers that as Paramount has sought merger approval, it began to supervise our content in new ways. None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he had lost the independence that honest journalism requires. In the latest segment, 60 Minutes featured Trumps defense of his EOs on law firms. The show also spotlighted legal arguments made by the administration as some firms have challenged the presidents attacks in court. Trump was shown saying of the firms, Theyre not babies. Theyre very sophisticated people. Those law firms did bad things, bad things. They went after me for years, Russia, Russia, Russia, hoax, all a hoax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pelley asked Elias, If lawyers give up their independence, what is lost? Elias said, The rule of law. And this is why the business community ought to care. Today, it might be that, you know, Donald Trump thinks he can take over the election system through one of his executive orders. Tomorrow maybe its the banking system. After that, maybe its contracts. Maybe he decrees Im gonna decide which contracts are binding and which contracts arent binding. So, the legal system is fundamental to how our society operates, how capitalism operates, and everyone should have a stake in that. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 60 Minutes aired a segment on Sunday evening scrutinizing President Trumps attacking of a number of top law firms he feels have wrong him or resisted his agenda as its parent company wades through its own legal saga with the president. Trump last year sued Paramount, the parent company of CBS News, over an interview it aired with former Vice President Harris he argues was edited to cast her in a positive light. Paramount executives are reportedly eager to settle the suit, a development that has roiled staffers at the network and led to the resignation of top 60 Minutes producer Bill Owens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, the show aired a story featuring interviews with a number of prominent attorneys who were sharply critical of the president over an executive order targeting firms he says have wronged him. Two firms have asked a judge for decisive relief from Trumps executive orders, with the judge ruling it is unconstitutional for Trump to target firm Perkins Coie late Friday. Last week, 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, who also reported on Trumps attacks on the law firms, called out Paramount over rumors of a potential settlement between the two sides. It was nearly impossible to get anyone on camera for this story because of the fear now running through our system of justice, Pelley said as he opened Sundays segment. In recent weeks, President Trump has signed orders against several law firms orders with the power to destroy them. That matters because lawsuits have been a check on the presidents power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the piece, Marc Elias, a prominent attorney who Trump has called out by name, told Pelley Id be an idiot not to be worried. The question though is what do you do? Right, do you just cower in the corner? Do you just try to disappear? Do you just leave democracy to fend for itself? he asked. Or do you stand tall and do the best you can every day to represent your clients and try to preserve the rule of 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 The Hill. "60 Minutes" is not going easy on President Trump. The CBS newsmagazine is embroiled in a legal battle with the president over its October interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which Trump claims was deceptively edited to help her presidential campaign. The lawsuit is an obstacle to CBS News parent Paramount Global's proposed $8 billion sale to Skydance Media. But since the suit was filed last fall, "60 Minutes" has remained dogged in its coverage of the Trump administration's policies. This past Sunday was no different as correspondent Scott Pelley reported on how Trump is using executive orders to target law firms that he accuses of weaponizing the justice system against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The orders threatened to bar attorneys from courthouses and federal agencies and cancel government contracts held by the law firms and their clients. Several law firms agreed to provide free legal services for initiatives backed by the president to avoid the order. "Targeted firms say what the president signed amounted to a corporate death penalty," Pelley said in the report. Marc Elias, a lawyer who successfully fought one of Trump's court challenges of the 2020 election results, told Pelley the White House's actions are akin to "the way in which a mob boss intimidates people in the neighborhood that he is seeking to either exact protection money from or engage in other nefarious conduct." Pelley also spoke with attorney Brenna Frey, who resigned in protest from her former firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom after it cut a deal with Trump to escape the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think the message it sends to the country is, power is what matters," Frey said. "If you have power, you can exercise that power however you want. And if that's true, why have a legal system at all? Why have law firms or lawyers at all?" Trump did not post a reaction to the Sunday segment on Truth Social, where in recent weeks he has delivered missives blasting "60 Minutes" coverage of his administration's handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, cuts to the federal government and the president's desire to annex Greenland. Trump had an otherwise busy night on Truth, presenting plans to put a 100% tariff on films made overseas and reopening Alcatraz prison to "house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders." Trump has encouraged his Federal Communications Chief Brendan Carr to punish CBS and its corporate parent over his long-running beef with "60 Minutes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue has also ratcheted up the pressure on controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, who has pushed for a settlement to facilitate Paramounts sale to the family headed by billionaire tech mogul Larry Ellison. Redstones apparent willingness to appease Trump has sparked sharp protests within the company. Read more: '60 Minutes' calls out Paramount Global over executive producer departure Early this year, the president doubled the amount of damages he was seeking in the "60 Minutes" lawsuit to $20 billion. His legal filing attempted to steer the case away from 1st Amendment issues and instead claim 60 Minutes was a fraudulent product that harmed viewers in Texas. Paramounts board, during an April 18 meeting, agreed on parameters for a possible settlement with Trump, according to two people familiar with the discussions who were not authorized to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Owens recently resigned as executive producer of 60 Minutes, citing increased corporate pressure over coverage. Pelley told 60 Minutes viewers about Owens resignation, noting that journalists had been facing increased corporate oversight because of Paramounts desire to win the Trump administrations approval of the Skydance deal. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When asked his opinion on a proposed $5,000 baby bonus to save money for new parents and incentivize higher birth rates, President Donald Trump responded, Sounds like a good idea to me. Learn More: Trumps Baby Bonus: How New Mothers Could Soon Get $5K Try This: The New Retirement Problem Boomers Are Facing The U.S. has had declining birth rates for decades. According to the CDC, birth rates have remained below the replacement rate since 2007. That raises serious questions about the future workforce and the ratio of workers paying taxes to retirees receiving benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That said, not everyone is cheering on the presidents endorsement of a baby bonus. Whoopi Goldberg on The View Whoopi Goldberg slammed the proposal on talk show The View. I am incredibly insulted by this. Because, clearly, they dont know how womens bodies work, and they dont know what it costs to raise a child or just have a child. Be Aware: Trump Isnt Ruling Out a Recession This Year What Could That Mean for Your Wallet? Alyssa Farah Griffin on The View Another panelist on the segment which had over 90,000 views on Youtube alone, as of May 5 pushed back against her fellow panelists shredding the proposal. I actually generally support this policy, that may surprise you guys, said Alyssa Farah Griffin. The number one concern I hear from young people is that they want to have kids, but they dont think they can afford it. And we could argue over whether or not its enough, the $5000, but both Italy and France do this. You get a one-time payment when you have a child. Bethany Mandel on The New York Post Writing an opinion piece for the right-leaning New York Post, Bethany Mandel argued against the policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother of six asked, I cant help but wonder will that be retroactive? She wrote, American families dont need a flashy push present. We need durable policy change. We need tax reform rooted in research, reflecting the real needs of modern mothers and fathers, and support that empowers families to dream bigger, not just survive. Richard Angwin on X Self-proclaimed progressive political junkie Richard Angwin posted on X: Trumps $5,000 baby bonus only kicks in at birth, but they scream a fetus is a baby to ban abortion. Hypocrisy much? GOP cares more about control than actual life. Look at their Medicaid cuts, 5 million could lose coverage. Pure madness. Evan DiSimone on X Writer Evan DiSimone didnt like it either: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incredibly funny to anyone whos been alive long enough to remember when Republicans used to accuse women of having extra babies to extend their welfare benefits. Special Situations Research Newsletter on X Taking a lighter approach, Special Situations posted an animated GIF of Elon Musk jumping up and down in celebration. President Trump considering $5,000 baby bonus to boost declining U.S. birth rates. Elon :) The tech billionaire has famously fathered 14 children with four different women. Editors note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com. More From GOBankingRates Sources This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Viral Reactions to Trumps $5K Baby Bonus TALLAHASSEE A group behind a petition drive to expand Medicaid is suing the state over a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that erects even more barriers to getting citizen initiatives on the ballot. Florida Decides HealthCare said in a press release that the new law is unconstitutional and significantly undermines Floridas citizen-led constitutional amendment process by enacting sweeping restrictions that make it harder to gather the petitions needed to get amendments on the ballot. The political committee filed the lawsuit Sunday in federal court in the Northern District of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis signed the ballot measure overhaul bill into law late Friday night without fanfare, several hours after the Legislature approved it on the last day of the regular session. Supporters said it was needed to eliminate the instances of fraud uncovered by the Secretary of States elections crimes unit involving a ballot initiative to overturn the states strict abortion laws. The purpose of this bill is to have citizen initiative amendments that are valid, that are not corrupt and properly show the will of the people of Florida, said Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, the measures sponsor. But Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, said the laws intent is to kill any future chances for citizens to directly influence the Legislature by passing constitutional amendments lawmakers refuse to tackle during legislative sessions. Past initiatives have led to legalized medical marijuana, restoring felons voting rights, clean water and imposing school class size limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, ballot initiatives seeking to overturn the states six-week abortion ban and legalize recreational pot narrowly failed despite the millions of dollars raised to collect petition signatures and drum up voter support. Pro-Amendment 4 forces raised and spent over $112 million to get voters to approve an amendment that would protect womens right to abortion for up to 22 weeks. Amendment 3 supporters for legalizing marijuana raised more than $150 million, almost all of it from Trulieve, the states largest medical marijuana company. The DeSantis administration spent millions of public dollars on ads targeting last years marijuana and abortion initiatives. State officials defended them as educational messages. At least two committees run by the governors then-chief of staff, James Uthmeier, raised millions more to fight both ballot initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new law imposes several new regulations, including tighter deadlines, penalties and potential fines on the petition process. Anyone who doesnt register with the state as a signature-gatherer and possesses more than 25 signed petitions beyond their own and immediate family members faces a third-degree felony charge punishable by up to five years in prison. There is no restriction on distributing blank petition forms. The new regulations bar people from out of state, noncitizens and felons who have not had their voting rights restored from collecting petitions. Registered petition circulators will be required to undergo a two-hour online training with the state. The law signed by DeSantis Friday also bars state funds from being used for political communications related to ballot initiatives. May 5One driver was cited Thursday in a two-vehicle accident in Creston. According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 4:34 p.m. a 2019 Cadillac XT5, driven by Phyllis D. Kimball, 76, of Creston, was southbound on Sumner Avenue waiting to turn east onto Taylor Street when it was hit by a 2005 Ford Escape, driven by Christopher J. Perry, 25, of Creston. The Ford was traveling behind the Escape, also preparing to turn east. Perry told officers he looked down at his cell phone and hit the back of the Cadillac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry did not have insurance on the Ford and was issued a citation for failure to provide proof of financial liability. Damage to the vehicles was estimated at $1,500 each. No injuries were reported Thursday in a two-vehicle accident in Union County. According to a Union County report, at approximately 2:30 p.m. a 1998 International tractor trailer, driven by Justin R. Cook, 43, of Diagonal, was northbound on Highway 25, turning into 2332 Highway 25. Cook moved into the southbound lane in order to navigate the turn with the long trailer. A 2011 GMC Sierra, driven by Charles R. Lancaster, 38, of Memphis, Nebraska, was traveling behind the semi and thought the semi had changed lanes to allow him to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GMC continued northbound at the same time the semi proceeded to turn and the two vehicles hit each other at the driveway entrance. Damage to the semi was estimated at $10,000 and damage to the GMC was estimated at $15,000. No injuries were reported after a parked car was hit Friday in Creston. According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 10:56 p.m. a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Barbara A. Hudson, 61, of Kent, was backing out of a spot in a private parking lot at Mills and Elm streets. Hudson believed she was backing directly onto Mills Street and was focused on not hitting the vehicles parked next to her and individuals in the lot. As Hudson was backing out she backed into a 2025 Toyota Camry that was legally parked, adjacent to the curb along Mills Street, facing west. Damage to the Suburban was estimated at $1,500 and damage to the Camry was estimated at $3,000. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Head of the working group of the Azerbaijani Parliament on interparliamentary relations with Luxembourg, Nigar Mammadova, and group member Elchin Mirzabeyli will visit Luxembourg on May 6, the parliamentary Press and Public Relations Department told Trend. The department noted that the Azerbaijani MPs will engage in a succession of deliberative sessions within the legislative assembly of Luxembourg throughout the duration of their visit. The Azerbaijan-Luxembourg working group on interparliamentary cooperation was formed in the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 13, 2005. To date, the parties have executed several documents, including the Joint Statement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the BelgiumLuxembourg Economic Union on April 13, 1998; the Agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the BelgiumLuxembourg Economic Union on May 18, 2004; and the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion concerning Taxes on Income and Capital Gains between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on June 16, 2006. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Julie S. Davis, Acting US Charge dAffaires to Ukraine, arrived in Kyiv on 5 May. Source: European Pravda, citing the US Embassy in Ukraine Quote: "We are pleased to welcome new Charge dAffaires a.i. Julie S. Davis to Kyiv. Following the historic Ukraine Reconstruction Fund Agreement signing, Ambassador Davis arrives in Ukraine at a critical time to carry forward President Trumps policy to end the war and ensure lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: As indicated in her official biography on the embassys website, Ambassador Davis assumed her duties as Acting Charge dAffaires at the US Embassy in Kyiv on 5 May. Since 2023, she has served as the US Ambassador to Cyprus and will remain accredited there during her stay in Kyiv. Davis previously served as Ambassador to Belarus and as Special Envoy to Lithuania and has experience working in Georgia, Russia and Ukraine. She also held the post of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Europe and the EU in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and served as Deputy Permanent Representative to NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Pravda notes that Davis is only temporarily heading the US Embassy in Ukraine, as ambassadorial appointments require Senate confirmation, while the role of charge daffaires is made by presidential administration decision. Background: Davis replaces former US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, whose resignation was reported in April. Media reports indicate that Brink decided to leave the post amid growing disagreements with the Trump administration. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Active-duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve, and their families can receive free admission to any of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs eight museums and eight historic sites this summer. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free admission extends to up to five family members and will be available through the Blue Star Museums program from Armed Forces Day, May 17, through Labor Day, Sept. 1. Qualified members must show a valid military ID. For more information about Blue Star Museums, including a map of participating museums, click here. The eight New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) museums offering free admission include: Museum of International Folk Art (Santa Fe) Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (Santa Fe) National Hispanic Cultural Center (Albuquerque) New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (Albuquerque) New Mexico History Museum (Santa Fe) New Mexico Museum of Space History (Alamogordo) New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum (Las Cruces) New Mexico Museum of Art Plaza Building and Vladem Contemporary (Santa Fe) The eight NMDCA historic sites offering free admission include: Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site (Fort Sumner) Coronado Historic Site (Bernalillo) Jemez Historic Site (Jemez Springs) Fort Stanton Historic Site (Capitan/Fort Stanton) Lincoln Historic Site (Lincoln) Fort Selden Historic Site (Radium Springs) Los Luceros Historic Site (Alcalde) Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site (Mesilla) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. ADAIR COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) A sixth-grader at Adair County Middle School has died and his organs have been donated after a crash in mid-April. Davids life was tragically cut short in an accident involving a drunk driver. Last night, via social media, his mother has shared that Davids organs were donated, Superintendent Jason Faulkner wrote in an announcement on Sunday. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faulkner confirmed that David King is the third Adair County student to be lost in a crash related to drunk driving this year. FOX 56 previously reported that Skyler Huckaby was also killed in a crash involving 31-year-old David King. These tragedies are a painful reminder of how critical it is for all of us to make responsible choices. We extend our deepest condolences to Davids family and loved ones during this unimaginable time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead, Faulkner continued. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Adair County schools announced that grief counselors and support staff will be available at ACMS, and no memorial service announcements have been made for David at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. (Reuters) -Representatives for Indian billionaire Gautam Adani met officials from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to seek dismissal of criminal charges in an overseas bribery probe, with a resolution possible in a month, Bloomberg News reported. In November, U.S. authorities indicted Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, alleging they paid bribes to secure power supply contracts, and misled U.S. investors during fund raises there. The U.S. financial regulator summoned the duo, alleging they misled investors on compliance during a $750 million Adani Green bond sale in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The billionaire's aides are trying to make the case that his prosecution does not align with Trump's priorities and should be reconsidered, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The discussions began earlier this year and have picked up in recent weeks, with a resolution possible within a month if the momentum continues, the report said. Adani Green, in a statement on Monday, reiterated it was not part of any proceedings, but it did not directly comment on the report about the meetings. It had recently said its review of the indictment found no non-compliance or irregularities. The Justice Department and White House declined comment to Bloomberg on the report and did not respond to Reuters for comment outside business hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adani Enterprises, the group's flagship firm, also did not respond to a request for comment. The group has previously denied any wrongdoing. Shares of Adani Group's nine Indian listed companies rose between 1.7% and 10.5% on Monday, amid a 0.6% increase in the broader market. The indictment has erased about $13 billion in market value from Adani Group's nine listed firms. (Reporting by Bipasha Dey, Nandan Mandayam and Kashish Tandon in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee and Mrigank Dhaniwala) HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) More than 2,000 demonstrators flooded the halls of the Legislative Office Building at the Connecticut State Capitol in a show of force to dissuade lawmakers from changing the states homeschooling regulations. The pro-homeschooling demonstrators were drawn to the Capitol by an informational hearing on homeschooling convened by the Education and Childrens Committees of the state legislature. The hearing comes on the heels of headline-grabbing revelations in Waterbury, where police say a man was held captive by his stepmom for two decades after being pulled out of the public school system. Gov. Lamont eyes state homeschooling reforms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The format of Mondays hearing was different from the public hearings utilized by the legislature to gather feedback on proposed legislation. There was no bill under consideration and members of the public were not given the opportunity to sign up to testify. Instead, lawmakers had heard from the heads of the Connecticut Department of Education and Department of Children and Families (DCF), the head of the statewide association representing school superintendents, and pro-homeschool policy experts. Homeschool advocates and leading Republicans largely characterized the hearing as an effort to scapegoat homeschooling families. To respond [to the Waterbury case] by targeting the 40,000 law-abiding families who successfully educate their children at home is misguided, unjust and unfair, State Sen. Jeff Gordon, a Republican from Woodstock, said. State Sen. Ceci Maher, the leading Democratic senator on the legislatures Committee on Children, pushed back on the accusation that Democrats were unfairly targeting homeschoolers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were looking at is, how do we thread this needle of keeping children safe and supporting homeschooling, Maher said. Maher would not say whether or not she expected any legislation to come as a result of the hearing, but her suggestion that there is a needle to thread between the interests of homeschoolers and the desire to have strong child welfare laws echoes some of what other Democrats, including Gov. Ned Lamont, have said in response to the allegations in the Waterbury captive case. Id like to talk with the legislature about ways we can stay in better communication make sure those kids are being well protected, not just in school, but at homeschool as well, Lamont said back in March. That concern that the state does not have adequate monitoring of homeschooled children has also been expressed by the states Office of the Child Advocate (OCA). A 2018 report compiled by the OCA surveyed six school districts and found that over a span of three academic years, 2013 through 2016, there were 380 students withdrawn from the six districts to be homeschooled, and that 138 of these children (36%) lived in families that were the subject of at least one prior accepted report to DCF for suspected abuse or neglect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report was conducted in the wake of the 2017 death of Matthew Tirado, an autistic teenager who died after years of neglect at the hands of his mother, who pleaded guilty to first degree manslaughter and is currently in prison. Republicans unveil two-year state budget proposal The OCA memo went on to say none of the six districts had protocols to conduct follow up with the withdrawn student or his/her family. The OCA released an additional report on Monday which listed a number of policy recommendations, including that the parent and child appear annually to provide enrollment documentation, that the child be independently evaluated annually for academic progress, and that the parent provide initial and periodic assurances that the child is in good health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Steve Harding, the Republican Senate Minority Leader, criticized the proposal and the manner by which it was introduced. They sent a proposal out at 9 a.m. this morning to be discussed at 2 oclock this afternoon, Harding said. What a disgrace, what a disgrace what a spit in the face it is to people in this room. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Friederike Heine BERLIN (Reuters) -Far-right party Alternative for Germany filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging a decision last week by Germany's domestic intelligence agency to classify the party as an extremist organisation. A spokesperson for the administrative court in Cologne said the lawsuit and a corresponding emergency petition had been submitted, both of which would be reviewed once the BfV domestic intelligence agency had confirmed that it had been notified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extremist classification announced on Friday allows the spy agency to step up monitoring of the AfD, for example by recruiting informants and intercepting party communications. The agency's 1,100-page experts' report, which is not to be released to the public, found the AfD to be a racist and anti-Muslim organisation. The AfD placed second in a parliamentary election in February with nearly 21% of the vote, making it the biggest opposition party in parliament. Centre-right leader Friedrich Merz is due to take office as chancellor on Tuesday at the helm of a coalition including the centre-left SPD. Germany has strong laws against political extremism, under what the authorities have long viewed as a particular responsibility, arising from the country's Nazi past, to safeguard democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AfD says its designation as extremist is a politically motivated attempt to discredit and criminalize it. The incoming government will review whether to launch an attempt at an outright ban of the party, Lars Klingbeil, leader of the SPD said last week. Senior members of the Trump administration in the U.S. have denounced the AfD's classification as extremist, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying Germany should reverse course. President Donald Trump's close ally Tesla billionaire Elon Musk has campaigned vocally in support of the AfD. Moscow on Monday joined Washington in criticising the extremist classification of the AfD, which opposes German military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The European political landscape itself is now full of various restrictive measures against those political forces and individuals whose world view does not fit into the dominant mainstream," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. He said the classification of the AfD as extremist was a domestic affair and Russia had no intention to interfere. (Reporting by Friederike Heine and Dmitry AntonovEditing by Ludwig Burger) BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, Brooklyn (PIX11) An affordable housing lottery with 110 available units has opened in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The lottery is for the 77 Kosciuszko Street Apartments. More Local News The building has 4 studios, 41 one-bedroom, and 65 two-bedroom apartments listed. Some of the building amenities include security cameras, intercommunication devices, an elevator, and an accessible entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The property is listed on the NYC Housing Connect website, an online portal where people can find and apply for affordable housing opportunities in New York City. The eligible income range is $75,840 $140,000. Applications will remain open until July 2. You can either apply online or by mail. To request an application by mail, send a self-addressed envelope to: 77 Kosciuszko Street C/O Reside Affordable 349, Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11211. Learn more about how to improve your chances of winning affordable housing in New York City here. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) The president of the nations largest union for federal workers said Monday the organizations ongoing staff downsizing will devastate the services it provides members and threatens the groups survival. Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March removed over 200,000 of its dues-paying members, or about two-thirds of the total. The order stripped union rights from employees in several executive branch agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFGE and other unions are fighting the order in court as illegal and retaliatory. But Kelley said the order has already taken a very direct hit on the groups finances because agencies stopped collecting union dues from paychecks. Saying it had lost over half of its dues revenue and faced a major budget shortfall, AFGEs National Executive Council last month approved a plan to slash its staffing levels from 355 to 151. The union has offered early retirements and buyouts to some staff, and employees are anticipating layoffs in the coming days. Its going to be devastating, Kelley told reporters on a Zoom conference celebrating Public Service Recognition Week. I dont know if well overcome it, to be honest with you, because members have joined this union because they expect us to provide a certain amount of services. Local unions have already been warned that they will face longer response times from national staff members and less legal help on non-essential matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley said AFGE is pushing its remaining members to sign up to have their dues withdrawn automatically from their bank accounts. The union said Monday that about 120,000 of its members have signed up. In all, the union represents about 820,000 federal workers. Kelley said the group had been successful in pushing back against Trump's dramatic downsizing and reshaping of the federal government, filing nine lawsuits and rallying the public to its cause. We've been beating him in the court of law and also in the court of public opinion, he said. But he wants AFGE silent. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump issued the order to cancel collective bargaining agreements that he believed risked national security interests. He will always prioritize public safety for the American people, she said. The Attorney Generals Office has released the name of a Keene Police officer involved in an officer-involved shooting last month. A man identified as Cullen Costa, 25, was shot during an incident near the intersection of Baker and Colby streets, the Attorney Generals Office said. The incident reportedly occurred as members of the Keene Police Department were responding to the area after receiving a 911 call reporting a person in distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers arrived to find Costa outside with a weapon, the Attorney Generals Office said in a statement. During that incident, Keene Police Officer Jake Dube fired once, hitting Costa in the chest area, the Attorney Generals Office said. Dube has approximately three years of law enforcement experience, all with the Keene Police Department, officials said. Costa was treated for the gunshot wound and remains hospitalized in stable condition, the AGs office said. No officers were hurt during the incident, officials said. The incident remains under investigation. No further information is expected to be released until a report regarding the incident and Dubes use of force is completed by the AGs office. pfeely@unionleader.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Princess Lalla Hasnaa of the Kingdom of Morocco visited the Alley of Martyrs in Baku on Monday, Trend reports. The Princess paid tribute to the Azerbaijani martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the countrys independence and territorial integrity, and laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument. She subsequently engaged in an expansive visual assessment of Baku and received a comprehensive briefing on the historical significance of the Alley of Martyrs, alongside an overview of the urban redevelopment initiatives within the city. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Four drones were intercepted overnight as they approached Moscow just days before Russias annual Victory Day parade and proposed temporary ceasefire, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and the Russian Defense Ministry said on May 5. Sobyanin said the drones were shot down near the town of Podolsk, south of the capital, and reported no casualties or damage. The strikes, which occurred early May 5, reportedly disrupted operations at Moscows airports. Videos shared on Russian social media appeared to capture the sound of air defense systems in the area. Russias Defense Ministry claimed the downing of four drones over the Moscow region. It also reported intercepting 17 drones over Bryansk Oblast and five more over Kaluga Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian government has not commented on the reported attack. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the Russian claims. The attack comes ahead of Russias May 9 Victory Day celebrations, which mark the Soviet Unions role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. Drone attacks on Moscow. Moscow Mayor Sobyanin reported that four drones were shot down over Podolsk. Russia activated the Carpet (Kover) emergency air defence plan at both Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports. So is this a rehearsal for Victory Day? pic.twitter.com/wd09OvXD7m Maria Drutska (@maria_drutska) May 5, 2025 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on May 3 that Russia could stage provocations, such as "arsons, explosions, or other actions," around the event and attempt to blame Ukraine. Victory Day, one of Russias most symbolic holidays, is expected to feature a military parade in Moscows Red Square. The Kremlin has invited foreign guests to attend, though many Western officials have declined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine, along with most European nations, observes Victory in Europe Day on May 8 and has invited senior EU officials to Kyiv that day in a symbolic counter to Moscows display. The drone strike also follows Russias announcement of a unilateral "humanitarian truce" from May 8 to May 11. Zelensky dismissed the move as a "theatrical performance," accusing Russia of using brief ceasefires to manipulate international perception while continuing its attacks before and after. The Victory Day ceasefire is the latest in a series of truce initiatives announced by Moscow, all of which Russia has violated. Earlier this month, Russia declared a ceasefire over the Easter holiday, though President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of nearly 3,000 violations between April 19 and April 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has also said that Russian forces repeatedly breached a partial truce on attacks against energy facilities brokered on March 25. Russia has repeatedly proclaimed its supposed readiness for peace talks while simultaneously pushing for maximalist demands. Kyiv has dismissed these declarations as a propaganda stunt, noting that Russian forces have only intensified their attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns. Read also: Indias Modi declines Putins invitation to Moscow Victory Day parade Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has officially shared the first picture of a Magura-7 drone boat armed with a pair of AIM-9M Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missiles for use as surface-to-air interceptors. This also appears to be the first look at the Magura-7 in any configuration. TWZ was the first to report on the claimed use of AIM-9-toting Magura-7s to shoot down a pair of Russian Su-30 Flanker fighters flying over the Black Sea in an exclusive interview with GUR head Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, which you can read here. GUR included the picture of the surface-to-air configured Magura-7 (also sometimes written Magura V7) in recent social media posts, including on X and Facebook, which also highlighted Budanovs interview with TWZs Howard Altman. Naval News first published the picture on Sunday. How many Magura-7s GUR has at present is unknown. In an exclusive interview with Howard Altman for The War Zone, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, revealed new details about the Black Sea's May 2, 2025 operation. https://t.co/zOxE1X82LVpic.twitter.com/ThJi6h0Nhf Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) May 5, 2025 The picture notably shows the AIM-9s with protective caps over their seekers. The caps may be left in place to help keep the seekers protected from the elements, but some mechanism would then be required to remotely remove them before launch. The possibility has also been raised that the caps could point to the image showing an initial test of the platform, which is also very possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Magura-7 in the picture we now have has at least three rectangular satellite communications antennas, one at the bow end and two toward the stern, as well as various other fairings that could contain additional sensors or other equipment. Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (USV) have typically been observed with a mix of communications antennas and electro-optical and/or infrared cameras to help with navigation and targeting. A closer look at the Magura-7s missiles and launch rails, as well as its rectangular communication antennas and other fairings. GUR When engaging aerial threats with AIM-9Ms, the Magura-7 would require sensors capable of scanning the skies to provide initial cueing for the missiles. GUR released the video below, which it says shows the view from an infrared camera during one of the recent claimed Su-30 shootdowns, but a sensor of this kind is not plainly visible in the image we now have in hand. One possibility is that it could be absent in the picture for operational security reasons, and that it was not mounted during tests, if the picture shown was taken early in the development of this drone boat-missile combination. GUR has already fielded another type of drone boat armed with Soviet-era R-73 air-to-air missiles for use in the anti-air role that uses an infrared camera for target acquisition and cueing, as seen in the video below. This could be the same sensor used in conjunction with the AIM-9M on the Magura-7. Infrared cameras are also a common feature on other improvised air defense systems in service in Ukraine and elsewhere globally that use repurposed infrared-guided air-to-air missiles as surface-to-air interceptors. The AIM-9Ms on the Magura-7 are loaded on aircraft-style launch rails that would be elevated before launch, but do not appear to provide any lateral traverse. This is significant since, as TWZ has pointed out previously, the M variant of the Sidewinder lacks the high-off-boresight (HOBS) capabilities of the aforementioned R-73. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missiles with HOBS engagement capability feature articulating seekers that make it easier for them to lock onto dynamic targets when loaded on a fixed launch rail. As such, the AIM-9M-armed Magura-7 looks as if it would have to be physically pointed relatively precisely in the direction of the target before launch. Meeting the parameters for a successful intercept from this platform could be very challenging, especially with the added factor of the drone boat bouncing up and down on the waves. Getting the targeted aircraft at the right height and distance to enter into the seekers more limited viewing envelope wouldnt be that easy and it may require some amount of luck, at least based on the general launcher configuration we are seeing. It is worth pointing out here that the United States developed ground-based and naval air defense systems called Chaparral and Sea Chaparral during the Cold War that were armed with derivatives of fixed-seeker AIM-9 variants called MIM-72s. Both of those systems featured turreted launchers to help with target acquisition and cuing. When it comes to the Magura-7 itself, based on the AIM-9Ms length of just over nine feet (2.85 meters), it looks to be around 23 to 26 feet (seven to eight meters) long. This would make it distinctly larger than the Magura-5 (or Magura V5) drone boat also in GUR service, which has a reported length of 18 feet (5.5 meters). How the Magura-7 performance compares to the Magura-5, which reportedly has a top speed of 42 knots, a cruising speed of 22 knots, and a range of 450 nautical miles, is unknown. It is not known whether Magura-7s exist in any other configurations, including as kamikaze drone boats. An example of a Magura-5 that was captured by the Russians in 2023. via X The Magura-5 was originally developed for kamikaze attacks, but has also been used as the aforementioned launch platform for adapted R-73 air-to-air missiles in the surface-to-air role. In December, GUR also claimed to have shot down a Russian Mi-8 Hip-series helicopter with a drone boat-launched R-73. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magura-5s may also be configured to launch first-person-view (FPV) type kamikaze drones for attacks ashore. For years now, Ukraine has been using a steadily growing array of uncrewed surface vessels (USV) configured as kamikaze drone boats and armed with other weapons against Russian warships, as well as bridges and coastal infrastructure. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU, also known by its Ukrainian abbreviation SBU) has also fielded a version of its Sea Baby series of USVs armed with a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun in a remote weapon station, which it claims it has used to engage Russian combat jets and helicopters, as well as patrol boats, as seen in the video below. Though it is unclear how wide a capability AIM-9M-armed Magura-7s might be at present, they do represent a new threat to fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters operating over and around the Black Sea that Russian forces now have to take into account. For fast jets, the new anti-air drone boats would have to first catch the aircraft at lower altitudes. For context, Chaparral/Sea Chaparrals maximum engagement altitude is reportedly around 10,000 feet. At the same time, as Ukrainian drone boat capabilities have grown, Russian fighters and helicopters have been increasingly employed on counter-USV missions involving direct attacks using guns and other unguided munitions, which require flying at lower altitudes. USVs armed with AIM-9Ms (and R-73s) could leverage this dynamic to bait enemies into range. The new anti-air drone boats offer a useful addition to Ukraines air defense arsenal overall, and one that opens up a use for an additional source of interceptors. Ukraine was previously known to have received an unknown number of AIM-9Ms from the United States and potentially other foreign partners, but this is the first confirmed instance of those missiles being utilized in any way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sidewinders could also be used as part of Ukraines array of so-called FrankenSAM ground-based air defense systems or as armament for its new F-16 Viper fighters. Ukrainian forces have already publicly fielded a number of FrankenSAM systems that use R-73 air-to-air missiles as their interceptors. With GUR having now officially released a picture of an AIM-9M-toting Magura-7 after having disclosed its existence to TWZ, more details about the drone boat may now begin to emerge. Contact the author: joe@twz.com The U.S. Air Force is looking for a new air-to-air missile that will be relatively cheap, high speed, and small enough to arm its new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones. The development comes as the U.S. military in general assesses its future requirements for air-to-air missiles, including a focus on smaller weapons for internal carriage, although this appears to be the first effort to include a specific requirement to arm CCAs. A request for information (RFI) published on May 2nd by the Armament Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, provides details of what the Air Force is interested in. Specifically, the RFI is exploring industry potential for delivering a Low-Cost High-Speed Air-to-Air Missile, in two different sizes. One of these will have a form factor similar to the in-service AIM-120 AMRAAM to provide a low-cost solution with maximum range. This will be expected to arm the F-16 and F-15E and reflects the U.S. militarys wider ambition to field longer-range AAMs, especially in view of the threat posed by China in this regard. Air Force personnel prepare AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for loading onto F-15 fighters at Kadena Air Base in Japan during an exercise. U.S. Air Force More interesting, perhaps, is the second missile outlined in the RFI, which is also a low-cost weapon, but at half the size of an AMRAAM, to double aircraft loadout while maximizing range in the design. The reference to increased loadout speaks to another current concern, namely the magazine depth of fighters, i.e., the relatively small number of AAMs they can carry, which may well fall short of requirements in a conflict with a more capable adversary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the smaller missile would be suitable to arm CCAs, although the RFI notes that other launch platforms would also be considered, including the LongShot drone, which is being developed specifically as an air-launchable uncrewed aircraft capable of firing AAMs. Ground launch of these missiles is also being considered. A LongShot rendering that General Atomics released in 2021. GA-ASI In terms of targets, the RFI defines these primarily as fourth-generation aircraft with moderate maneuvers, as well as large aircraft such as airborne early warning and control platforms, bombers, and tankers. This indicates that the missiles the Air Force is seeking will prioritize range (as well as low cost) rather than the highest level of agility. The RFI specifies a production capacity of 1,000 all-up rounds (AURs), no later than 24 months from contractor award. An AUR refers to a missile delivered in completely assembled form, except perhaps for some rapidly attached components such as wings and fins. The target cost for an AUR is no more than $250,000. This contrasts with a little over $1 million for a single AIM-120D AMRAAM, or around $450,000 for a short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder. An F-15E Strike Eagle weapons load crew team lifts an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile to attach it to a pylon on July 15, 2019, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury Staff Sgt. Chris Thornbury Should a design be chosen and make its way to the manufacturing phase, the U.S. government proposes a schedule that would include two six-month design cycles, followed by a 12-month follow-on for production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RFI also states that the proposed missile designs should include open system architecture, mature hardware where possible, including their seeker technology, with the possibility of a datalink to communicate with the launch aircraft, if needed. For an extended-range missile, a two-way datalink would seem like a prerequisite, allowing the weapon to receive mid-course targeting updates or be redirected altogether. An F-16C assigned to the 85th Test Evaluation Squadron fires an AIM-120 AMRAAM over testing ranges near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, March 19, 2019. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hoskins A USAF F-16C Viper fires an AIM-120 AMRAAM. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hoskins) The Air Force also desires the maximize reuse of existing components, where possible. In some respects, the least surprising aspect of the RFI is the Air Forces requirement for a long-range AAM, although the parameters of this are not explicitly set out. For the latest AIM-120D-3 variant of the AMRAAM, the range is classified, but believed to be around 100 miles, depending on the launch envelope and other factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, the Air Force and Navy are jointly developing the AIM-260, a new AAM that is intended to offer much greater range than the current AMRAAM, as well as other new and improved capabilities. Critically, the AIM-260 will result in a missile with similar dimensions to the AIM-120. In the meantime, perhaps as a gap-filler pending the arrival of the AIM-260, there are signs that a new AIM-120E variant of AMRAAM may now be in development, again with extended range. The Navy also chose another route to fielding a very long-range AAM, with the recent introduction, at least on a limited level, of an air-launched version of the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) under the AIM-174B designation. The range of this missile is classified but should be far in excess of that of the AIM-120D, probably in the hundreds of miles, as discussed in the video below. A U.S. Navy F/A-18F and F-35 fly over the Point Mugu Sea Range in Southern California with a U.S. Air Force F-15 during Gray Flag 2024 in September 2024. The F/A-18F carries four AIM-174B missiles. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Kory Hughs Meanwhile, there are concerns now that adversary anti-air missiles with ranges of up to 1,000 miles could be part of the threat ecosystem facing U.S. forces by 2050. One way of bringing down the size of an AAM would be to use a hit-to-kill concept, removing the warhead to maximize the propellant in an otherwise small package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RFIs call for a low-cost AAM is also in keeping with current concerns around missile availability and the ability to rapidly spin up production, affordably, especially to meet the demands of a future conflict fought against China in the Pacific. So far, the Air Force has focused much of its attention on low-cost air vehicles that could evolve into relatively cheap cruise missiles, including plans to scale up production of selected designs, with the help of the Pentagons Replicator initiative. Overall, the U.S. military is seeing growing demand for less-expensive standoff munitions, and it makes sense that this would also be a key factor for future AAMs. The growing problem of missile cost per engagement is something highlighted by recent drone and cruise missile intercepts in and around the Red Sea. For these kinds of targets, a highly agile, high-end AAM is not required. As to the required form factor, at least for the smaller missile design, this is, in many ways, the most interesting part of the requirement. As previously mentioned, concerns around magazine depth on Air Force combat aircraft have been around for a while, although recent experience in Middle East combat operations has provided more impetus for developments in this direction. The crew of at least one Air Force F-15E was forced to switch to guns after running out of missiles while responding to Irans missile and drone barrage in April 2024, but was unsuccessful in bringing anything down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The F-35 stealth fighter has frequently been at the forefront of discussions about magazine depth, due to its being limited to carrying four AMRAAMs internally. As air combat has evolved, this is increasingly seen as insufficient, leading to the development of the Sidekick weapons bay adapter for the F-35A and C variants, which will increase the number of AMRAAMs the jets can carry internally to six. A Dutch F-35 armed with two AIM-120 AMRAAMs during a NATO air policing drill. Bartek Bera However, neither the F-35 nor the F-22 is mentioned in the RFI, with the only fighters specified for carriage of the new missiles being the F-16 and the F-15E. However, bearing in mind that even the larger of the two missiles will be the same size as the AMRAAM, it would seem likely that the weapons would have the potential, at least, to be carried internally in stealth fighters, too. For stealth jets, their ability to get far closer to targeted threat aircraft and survive, combined with greater magazine depth, would be attractive, even if it means sacrificing missile range. Also not mentioned in the RFI is the F-15EX, but with its prodigious load-carrying capacity, the option of carrying twice the AAMs at half the cost would likely be very tempting indeed. CUDA mini AAM for F-35 pic.twitter.com/mEF5bCwVd3 Caesar (@Ninja998998) September 12, 2018 Indeed, Air Force interest in smaller-sized AAMs goes back a while. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2019, Raytheon unveiled a new medium-range missile design, the Peregrine, that is roughly half the size of its AMRAAM. The Peregrine is said to have equivalent and in some cases superior performance to the older missile. Just as importantly, the new weapon offered the potential to effectively double the number of missiles that fighter jets such as the F-35 or F-22 could carry internally. An artists concept of the Peregrine missile, here launched in salvo by an F-22. Raytheon Even before that, Lockheed Martin touted a very similar miniaturized beyond-visual-range AAM called Cuda in the early 2010s, though it had largely disappeared from the companys marketing by the end of that decade. Concept art of Cuda. Lockheed Martin More recently, in 2022, the Air Force revealed that it was planning to test-fire a Modular Advanced Missile from a fighter. Before that, it was confirmed that Boeing had received a contract for work related to the development of both compact and very long-range air-to-air missile designs derived from the same modular missile concept, which TWZ was first to report on. A mockup of a Boeing concept for a modular air-to-air missile. Joseph Trevithick Since these developments, there has been a flurry of work on loyal wingman drones, including the Air Forces current CCA program, at least some of which are based around drones that can carry AAMs, as well as other munitions and stores. In an air-to-air context, the CCAs will work closely with crewed aircraft, significantly extending their reach while enhancing lethality and survivability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it stands, the primary mission of the first increment of CCAs will be acting as flying missile trucks supporting crewed combat jets, a fact reflected by the FQ (Fighter Drone) designations, for the General Atomics YFQ-42A and the Anduril YFQ-44A. A head-on look at the YFQ-44A production representative test vehicle. Courtesy photo via U.S. Air Force Interestingly, however, the Air Force in 2023 said that it was looking to accelerate the production of the future AIM-260, in part to help ensure there will be enough of these missiles to arm its coming fleets of CCAs. Its not clear whether that plan has now changed or if priorities have shifted. Perhaps, the AIM-260 will be earmarked for the F-35 and F-22 that are expected to be among the first to be armed with this missile, which might require an additional weapon for CCAs and other platforms. A rendering showing F-22 Raptors with various upgrades and one launching an advanced missile, possibly meant to represent the AIM-260. U.S. Air Force It could also be that the price point is especially critical here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Air Force expects to buy between 100 and 150 Increment 1 CCAs, but has said in the past that it could ultimately acquire at least a thousand CCA drones across all of the programs increments. That is before taking into account arming of the Longshot drone, which is being developed specifically as an air-to-air missile truck. A LongShot rendering that General Atomics released in 2023 after it won the contract for this program. GA-ASI Providing all these drones with sufficient air-to-air armament is a big ask, even if each might have only a relatively limited weapons-carrying capacity. While it remains to be seen what the Air Force will learn from this RFI and whether it will lead to any prototypes, let alone production missiles, it does at least underscore the services vision for CCAs as weapons platforms to support fighters, including the future F-47, in aerial combat. A rendering of the Boeing F-47. U.S. Air Force At the same time, the RFIs focus on AAMs with long range, reduced dimensions, and low cost also points very much to the services vision of future weapons in this class. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com Air traffic controllers temporarily lost communication with aircraft flying in and out of Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey last week, an incident that has continued to cause major delays at the travel hub. Last Monday, a ground stop was issued at Newark airport because of a Federal Aviation Administration equipment malfunction. The administration has still not clarified what the malfunction was. During the incident, air traffic controllers in Area C of the Philadelphia TRACON, a traffic control facility that guides flights in and out of Newark, lost communication with aircraft traveling to and from the airport, making them unable to see, hear or talk to them, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). The air traffic controllers are in charge of "separating and sequencing aircraft in and out of Newark Airport." It's not clear how long the air traffic controllers lost communication with the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event led the air traffic controllers to take leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which covers federal employees who are physically injured or experience traumatic events on the job, according to NATCA, a union that represents around 20,000 aviation professionals. While the union did not elaborate on what caused the communication loss, it said it supports Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's "efforts to upgrade and modernize our nations air traffic control systems and infrastructure." Since the incident, delays and cancellations of flights traveling into and out of Newark airport have been constant. Airlines, including United, have had to cancel hundreds of flights, and dozens of others have been diverted to other airports. A line for a delayed flight at Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday. Many issues contributed to the disruptions, including understaffing, construction and several instances of technical equipment failure. On Monday afternoon, over 300 flights traveling to and from Newark were delayed, and more than 150 were canceled, according to FlightAware.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Walker was one of the passengers whose flight was delayed Monday. "We were delayed almost three hours in Seattle because they couldnt get air clearance to come into Newark," Walker told NBC News. Other travelers werent as lucky. Ireland Hernandez, who was trying to get back home to Mexico, had an afternoon flight to Houston that got canceled. "We came here just for the weekend and vacation, and we were planning to go back to Los Angeles," Hernandez said. "But we have this connection flight from Newark to Dallas, and then we were driving to Mexico." She was traveling with her friend Sarah Arce. They said they struggled to get answers or support from airline staff members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said, We cant give you a voucher, Arce said. United CEO Scott Kirby said the Philadelphia TRACON "has been chronically understaffed for years," adding that "Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead." A shortage in air traffic controllers is an ongoing, nationwide problem. Duffy said that there are 3,000 vacant positions nationwide and that he plans to roll out a strategy to offer incentives to the labor force. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday in a letter to Duffy that there has been neglect in maintaining the air traffic control system, and he praised Duffy for working to hire more controllers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decades of underinvestment in the maintenance of critical air traffic control infrastructure, delays in upgrading to modern 21st century air traffic control technology, and inadequate air traffic control staffing have resulted in a frail system nationwide, said Murphy, a Democrat. Murphy said thousands of passengers at Newark's airport have been affected. He said he was asking Duffy for more investment in New Jersey. The FAA said in a statement Monday that "our antiquated air traffic control system is affecting our workforce" and that it is working to improve the reliability of communications in the New York City area. The FAA said that when there are staffing or equipment problems, it will slow arrivals in the interest of safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will keep the public updated as we work through these issues. The FAA will continue to be transparent with the public about the status of Newark and every airport," it said, directing people to its website. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A woman is reportedly in critical condition after falling 16 feet from an aerobridge at Sydney Airport on Saturday, May 3 The Qantas worker suffered serious head injuries in the incident, according to reports Our focus is on supporting them at this time. Sydney Airport and Qantas will be assisting Safe Work NSW with their investigation," Qantas Airlines said in a statement, per reports A woman has been hospitalized in critical condition after sustaining head injuries in a 16-foot fall from an aerobridge at an airport in Australia, according to reports. The Qantas Airlines employee suffered serious injuries after she fell from a bridge in the T3 Domestic Terminal at Sydney Airport at around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 7 News Australia and 9 News Australia reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency services were called to the airport after the woman, who is believed to be in her 40s, was reported to have fallen onto the tarmac, per the outlets. She was rushed to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, per News.com.au, 9 News Australia reported that the woman was placed in an induced coma. A spokeswoman for Sydney Airport said in a statement, per 7 News Australia and News.com.au, They were attended to by first-aid responders and transferred by ambulance to the hospital for further treatment. Safe Work NSW has also been notified. Our focus is on the welfare of the injured staff member and assisting Safe Work NSW with their inquiries. Related: Flight Attendant Hospitalized After Falling from Plane Moments Before Takeoff The airport explained that aerobridges "are subject to frequent inspections and are serviced as part of a scheduled systematic preventative maintenance program," per Australian Aviation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have also made our Employee Assistance Program available to all precinct workers for counselling and support services," they added to the outlet. The woman works on the customer service team at Qantas, News.com.au reported. Her identity has not been revealed by authorities at this time. A spokesperson for the airline told PEOPLE in statement: A Qantas airport customer service team member was injured in an incident at Sydney Airport on Saturday and our focus is on supporting them at this time. Sydney Airport and Qantas will be assisting Safe Work NSW with their investigation." Robert Alexander/Getty Quantas Airways passenger jet Quantas Airways passenger jet Related: Plane Ceiling Collapses Mid-Flight as Passengers Hold It Up with Their Hands Before Fixing It on Their Own 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. PEOPLE has contacted Qantas and Sydney Airport for comment. Read the original article on People The long-awaited Real ID deadline takes effect on Wednesday, May 7. As of April, 81% of flyers were already prepared for the new requirements, the TSA said. It's still possible to fly if you don't have a Real ID yet. Here's what airlines are saying. Are you one of the many Americans still without a Real ID? You can likely still fly, but you should probably plan for security delays, and don't count on your airline for much help. Business Insider has reached out to 12 of the biggest US airlines about how they plan to manage long waits at security checkpoints or confusion at check-in counters. While they can't help you get around federal ID rules, your ticket may offer free changes or a refund if you need to delay your trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of April 11, 81% of flyers were already presenting compliant IDs, the Transportation Security Administration said. That means hundreds of thousands more have not yet upgraded their state driver's license or obtained another form of acceptable federal identification. No airlines have announced across-the-board flexibility for those who cannot fly or miss their flights due to security delays or Real ID issues. Long DMV lines have been reported in some large cities around the country, but they may shorten after the deadline passes. Depending on the airline, you can opt to move your flight until after you've secured a new state ID. Luckily, many tickets are now cancellable for credit or changeable with no added fees. What you can use instead of a Real ID, according to the TSA: US passport US passport card A US Department of Defense ID, including those issued to dependents DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) State-issued Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID Border crossing card Permanent resident card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) US Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TSA said a temporary driver's license is not accepted. It also warned that this list can change at any time and said travelers should check the agency's website before traveling to verify that their form of ID is still accepted. You can also get through security without an updated ID, but you will need to answer questions like your name and current address to verify your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you can enter the checkpoint, but you could be subject to extra screening. This has always been the case (as people who have forgotten their wallets have learned the hard way), but the TSA said this will likely cause delays as more passengers require the alternative method. Here's what airlines have told us so far about what they're doing in anticipation of Wednesday: Delta Air Lines "As we do today, Delta people will work on a case-by-case basis to rebook customers who miss flights due to extenuating circumstances once at the airport," the airline told Business Insider. American Airlines An American Airlines spokesperson told BI that it continues to remind customers about TSA's Real ID rules through pre-departure emails, customer newsletters, and its website, and it encourages people to arrive at the airport with the correct documentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those that cannot get a Real ID in time to travel, American's change and cancel options are the same as its published policies for any situation. There is no fee to change or cancel a nonrefundable ticket, but customers may pay a fare difference. Refunds are issued as a travel credit. Basic economy tickets cannot be changed and have a cancel fee, but the remaining balance will be a travel credit. Avelo Airlines Budget carrier Avelo Airlines told BI that it cannot offer a waiver for missed flights due to Real ID requirements, as the new rule has been communicated to customers via email for "a while now." Customers can pay a fare difference to change or cancel their flights for a travel credit. Southwest Airlines Southwest referred BI to Airlines for America or the TSA because Real ID is a government-mandated program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have REAL ID reminders on southwest.com, the app, and throughout the booking process," a spokesperson said. Sun Country Airlines A Sun Country spokesperson told BI it would not offer flight waivers if travelers arrive without a Real ID and that its standard change and cancellation policies would apply. Depending on how far out a flight is, changing your Sun Country booking can cost up to $99 per direction, and customers are responsible for any fare difference. Flights can be canceled for a fee, and balances from qualified changed or canceled bookings will be issued as a future travel credit. Alaska Airlines Alaska told BI it has taken steps to keep passengers informed of the new requirements. It said those without acceptable ID can rebook or cancel through Alaska's regular published policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airline said there are no change fees for changes to main cabin and first class fares, but it may charge a fare difference. This does not apply to its discounted "Saver" fares that cannot be changed day of. Read the original article on Business Insider Protestors hold a flag in New Orleans on March 31, 2023 as part of the International Transgender Day of Visibility. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) The high-profile lawsuit challenging Alabamas 2022 law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth under 19 has been dismissed by all parties involved. Neither the plaintiffs transgender youth and families challenging the ban or the Alabama attorneys office filed an official explanation for the move or a suggestion of a settlement with the court. In separate statements, the plaintiffs said they would continue to fight for access to the care, while Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall declared it a total victory for the state and a vindication of their position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shutting down of medical care in Alabama has forced our plaintiffs and other Alabama families to make heart wrenching decisions that no family should ever have to make, and they are each making the decisions they need to make that are right for them, said Scott McCoy, deputy legal director of inclusion and anti-extremism litigation team at the Southern Poverty Law Center, in a joint statement from organizations representing the plaintiffs. We salute the courage of these plaintiffs and we will continue fighting to ensure families across the country have the freedom to get their transgender children the proven medical care that enables them to thrive. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Marshall declared the dismissal a decisive victory for the state and claimed in a statement that a court-ordered discovery uncovered what he described as medical, legal, and political scandal that will be studied for decades. We uncovered the truth, the statement said. We exposed the scandal. We won. Alabama led the way, and now all families are safer for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Messages were left with the Attorney Generals office seeking clarification. According to the statement, the discovery process in the case revealed that key medical organizations misled parents, promoted unproven treatments as settled science, and ignored growing international concern over the use of sex-change procedures to treat gender dysphoria in minors, but does not state how. The statement also alleged that internal communications showed the standards of care were legally and politically crafted but does not provide specifics. The law, known as the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, made it a felony for medical providers to prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to transgender minors, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. The law did not ban the use of puberty blockers to treat precocious puberty in cisgender children. It also prohibited gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 19, though health care providers have repeatedly testified such surgeries are not performed on minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation led to immediate legal action after being signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in April 2022. Initially, a federal judge blocked the ban on medications, citing interference with parental rights and a lack of evidence demonstrating harm from the treatments. But that decision was overturned in August 2023 by a three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which stated that there was no fundamental right to gender-affirming care. U.S. Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa, writing for the majority, cited the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which struck down federal abortion protections and ruled that abortion was not a right deeply rooted in the nations history and tradition. Lagoa wrote that gender-affirming care had no historic grounding in the law. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Protesters hold a flag in New Orleans on March 31, 2023, as part of the International Transgender Day of Visibility. (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) The high-profile lawsuit challenging Alabamas 2022 law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth under 19 has been dismissed by all parties involved. Neither the plaintiffs transgender youth and families challenging the ban or the Alabama attorneys office filed an official explanation for the move or a suggestion of a settlement with the court. In separate statements, the plaintiffs said they would continue to fight for access to the care, while Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall declared it a total victory for the state and a vindication of their position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shutting down of medical care in Alabama has forced our plaintiffs and other Alabama families to make heart wrenching decisions that no family should ever have to make, and they are each making the decisions they need to make that are right for them, said Scott McCoy, deputy legal director of inclusion and anti-extremism litigation team at the Southern Poverty Law Center, in a joint statement from organizations representing the plaintiffs. We salute the courage of these plaintiffs and we will continue fighting to ensure families across the country have the freedom to get their transgender children the proven medical care that enables them to thrive. Marshall declared the dismissal a decisive victory for the state and claimed in a statement that a court-ordered discovery uncovered what he described as medical, legal, and political scandal that will be studied for decades. We uncovered the truth, the statement said. We exposed the scandal. We won. Alabama led the way, and now all families are safer for it. Messages were left with the Attorney Generals office seeking clarification. According to the statement, the discovery process in the case revealed that key medical organizations misled parents, promoted unproven treatments as settled science, and ignored growing international concern over the use of sex-change procedures to treat gender dysphoria in minors, but does not state how. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement also alleged that internal communications showed the standards of care were legally and politically crafted but does not provide specifics. Felony The law, known as the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, made it a felony for medical providers to prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to transgender minors, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. The law did not ban the use of puberty blockers to treat precocious puberty in cisgender children. It also prohibited gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 19, though health care providers have repeatedly testified such surgeries are not performed on minors. The legislation led to immediate legal action after being signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey in April 2022. Initially, a federal judge blocked the ban on medications, citing interference with parental rights and a lack of evidence demonstrating harm from the treatments. But that decision was overturned in August 2023 by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which stated that there was no fundamental right to gender-affirming care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa, writing for the majority, cited the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which struck down federal abortion protections and ruled that abortion was not a right deeply rooted in the nations history and tradition. Lagoa wrote that gender-affirming care had no historic grounding in the law. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Albuquerque City Council is scheduled to meet Monday evening, and one of the items up for a vote is how to spend millions of dollars awarded to the city from major opioid companies. Over the last several years, billions of dollars have been awarded to cities, states, and counties around the country. Millions in funding for housing projects approved by Albuquerque city council It comes from drug manufacturers and distributors, settling lawsuits for their role in the opioid epidemic. Millions have come into New Mexico, and millions more are likely to come in the future, but on Monday, city councilors will vote on what to do with $4.5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the legislation as it stands today, $2.3 million is going to first responders and housing for recovery. The rest of the $2.25 million will help fund a medical sobering center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trump wants to convert Alcatraz back into a federal prison, decades after the California island fortress was converted into a U.S. tourist destination because it had become too costly to house America's worst criminals. The prison off the coast of San Francisco is where the government sent notorious gangsters Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly as well as lesser-known men who were considered too dangerous to lock up elsewhere. Circled by herons and gulls and often shrouded in fog, Alcatraz has been the setting for movies featuring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage and Clint Eastwood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says Alcatraz, now part of the National Park Service, suddenly is needed to house Americas most ruthless and violent criminals. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be, Trump said Sunday on his Truth Social site. California Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener criticized Trump, saying he wants to create a domestic gulag right in the middle of San Francisco Bay. What is Alcatraz? Alcatraz is in the bay and visible from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. It is best known for its years as a federal prison, from 1934-63, but its history is much longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Millard Fillmore in 1850 declared the island for public purposes, according to the park service, and it soon became a military site. Confederates were housed there during the Civil War. By the 1930s, the government decided that it needed a place to hold the worst criminals, and Alcatraz became the choice for a prison. A remote site was sought, one that would prohibit constant communication with the outside world by those confined within its walls, the park service said. Although land in Alaska was being considered, the availability of Alcatraz Island conveniently coincided with the governments perceived need for a high security prison. Why did it close? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remoteness eventually made it impractical. Everything from food to fuel had to arrive by boat. The island had no source of fresh water, according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, so nearly one million gallons of water had to be barged to the island each week. The cost to house someone there in 1959 was $10.10 a day compared with $3 at a federal prison in Atlanta, the government said. It was cheaper to build a new prison from scratch. Why is Alcatraz notorious? Despite the location, many prisoners tried to get out: 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes into the bay, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or didnt survive the cold water and swift current. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escape from Alcatraz, a 1979 movie starring Eastwood, told the story of John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris, who all escaped in 1962, leaving behind handmade plaster heads with real hair in their beds to fool guards. For the 17 years we worked on the case, no credible evidence emerged to suggest the men were still alive, either in the U.S. or overseas, the FBI said. The Rock, a 1996 fictional thriller with Connery and Cage, centers on an effort to rescue hostages from rogue Marines on Alcatraz. A national park Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and was opened to the public in 1973, a decade after it was closed as a prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The park service says the island gets more than 1 million visitors a year who arrive by ferry. A ticket for an adult costs $47.95, and visitors can see the cells where prisoners were held. Rob Frank, 55, of Springfield, Missouri, said he toured Alcatraz about a decade ago. He said it's hard to imagine the millions of dollars that would be needed to reopen the prison. It didnt seem very humane to me, Frank said. They had the cells stacked on top of each other. Small cells. Everything's concrete. It was kind of a dark place. In 1969, a group of Native Americans, mostly college students, claimed to have a historical right to Alcatraz and began an occupation that lasted for 19 months until federal authorities intervened in 1971. The underlying goals of the Indians on Alcatraz were to awaken the American public to the reality of the plight of the first Americans and to assert the need for Indian self-determination, late historian Troy Johnson wrote. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Azerbaijan and Belarus are united by strategic partnership, Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin said during an extended meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ali Asadov, Trend reports. According to him, the partnership stood the test of time, and the mutual relationship between the leaders of the two countries is a clear confirmation of this. "The cornerstone of our relations is economic and trade cooperation, which covers the widest range of areas and is distinguished by its high intensity. Last year, large figures were recorded in our trade turnover. We cannot but rejoice at this, since, I think, there are still goals to which we will strive together. We focused on the issue of restoration of territories, and today we are ready to think together over proposals for a comprehensive solution to the problem. This is both housing construction and, most importantly, the production sector, because, of course, first of all, people need work and wages. These are also topics that we are ready to discuss more closely with the Azerbaijani side today. Of course, there are also the development of industrial corporations, new directions of cooperation, firefighting equipment, special utility equipment, and other areas," Turchin added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel President Donald Trump made a series of increasingly erratic posts throughout his weekend at his Palm Beach estate. The first one came late Friday evening when he posted an AI image of himself as the Pope after he had previously joked that he would like to replace the late Pope Francis. Then on Sunday, Trump threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on foreign films, supposedly to save the American film industry and address an unexpected security threat. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda, Trump said on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lastly, late in the evening, Trump entertained the idea of re-opening Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on an island off the coast of San Francisco, which closed in 1963 largely because it was too expensive to operate, according to the Bureau of Prisons. Alcatraz closed as a prison in 1963, partly because it was too expensive to run. It is now a popular tourist attraction (AP2011) When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be, he said on Truth Social. Alcatraz is now a national park managed by the National Park Service and would likely be preserved by the National Historic Preservation Act. It later emerged that a local TV station in Florida, where Trump was at the time, had broadcast the Clint Eastwood movie Escape From Alcatraz, shortly before the presidents statement about the famous prison. As if that werent enough, the official White House X account commemorated May 4th, Star Wars Day, with an image of Trump with a lightsaber, though, tellingly with a red blade, the color of the villainous Sith lords. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This came the same weekend that Trump had a largely disastrous interview with Meet The Presss Kristen Welker, wherein he said he did not know if he had to uphold the US Constitution as his administration conducts its mass deportation strategy. In the same interview, Trump repeated his threat to annex Greenland through military force. He also brushed off fears about a recession ignited by his trade war with China. Anything can happen. But I think we're going to have the greatest economy in the history of our country. I think we're going have the greatest economic boom in history, he said. This came despite the fact that many economic indicators show warning signs of a recession. Last week, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas showed that 58.9 percent of Texas business executives said that the tariffs would have a negative effect on business. Trump in Star Wars mode with a red light saber, the color of the villainous Sith lords (X/White House) By contrast, only 5.5 percent of them said that in response to tariffs, they would relocate their business to the United States, compared to 54.7 percent who said they would pass the cost onto consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this comes as Trumps approval rating has taken a significant nosedive amid his global trade war. A CNN/SSRS poll showed he had a 41 percent approval rating after his first 100 days, while a poll from The Washington Post and ABC News showed he had a 39 percent approval rating. Overall, Trump has the worst showing for a president after the first 100 days at least since the end of the Second World War. For his part, Vice President JD Vance defended the president during an interview with Fox Newss Bret Baier amid the negative numbers. Im a firm believer that in the modern era, 2025, opinion pollsters dont know how to capture most Americans, Vance said on Fox, saying that many pollsters showed that Kamala Harris, Vances predecessor in the job, would beat Trump in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has taken it a step further, even saying that pollsters should be investigated for election fraud. 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 said. It is true that many pollsters missed Trumps strength during election years. But polls during election years and general approval ratings are quite different. In fact, with Trump off the ballot, Republicans might find themselves in a worse spot in the 2026 midterms. On Monday, Georgias popular Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced that he would not run against Democratic incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff, likely knowing the environment would be tough should Kemp want to eventually run for president in the future. Trumps increasingly erratic behavior and posts are not a distraction. As anyone who has covered him knows, they are often the point. But at a certain moment, they show that Trump sees fewer options to win over persuadable voters and will instead seek to appeal to his most faithful. This is an adapted excerpt from the May 4 episode of "Velshi." Chaos and turbulence have been hallmarks of the early days of Donald Trumps second administration, but it seems the president has landed on his messaging strategy. In a recent interview with NBC News Kristen Welker, Trump clarified who he thinks should get the credit for things that are going well and who should get the blame for things that are going poorly. Following disappointing economic numbers, which Trump tried to pin on his predecessor, Joe Biden, Welker asked the president when would it become the Trump economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It partially is right now, Trump said. And I really mean this. I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy because hes done a terrible job. He did a terrible job on everything. The president is being remarkably transparent there, admitting to a core part of Trumpian dogma: Whatever he does is good and right, and whatever his perceived political enemies do is bad and wrong. Its one of the reasons its so hard to fight the disinformation that comes from Trump and his acolytes, and why my colleague Rachel Maddow has always urged us all, when it comes to Trump, to watch what he does and not what he says. One of the most impactful things Trump has done in his first 100 days back in power is to cut a path of retribution designed to scare political opponents, lawyers, former government officials, schools and universities, and even just regular people away from speaking up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its also important to acknowledge the flip side of Trumps first 100 days: The first 100 days of a new resistance thats been building. The courage to stand up against an emboldened second Trump administration seemed in short supply in the earliest days. But we are seeing it more and more, and, as we know, courage is contagious. There are people like Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and legal permanent resident, whom the federal government is trying to deport on national security grounds due to his participation in protests against Israels war in Gaza. Addressing a crowd after a judge ordered his release from a federal immigration detention facility where he was held for weeks, Mahdawi spoke to the president directly, telling Trump, I am not afraid of you. While multiple schools have given in to Trumps demands, and others appeared to be deer caught in headlights, unsure of what to do, some in higher education are starting to fight back. Harvard University seems poised to be in the most powerful position, with its massive financial resources and backing. The university is suing the government after it froze $2.2 billion in federal funding for failing to meet a list of the administrations demands. Trump now says he is revoking the schools tax-exempt status as well because its what they deserve! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this newfound fight isnt just focused on elite East Coast institutions. The Washington Post reports there is a burgeoning movement among the faculty and student senates at more than half a dozen schools that have passed resolutions urging their leaders to join a NATO-like pact, which would allow them to share attorneys and pool financial resources should Trump target one of its members. There are also judges across the country, and across the ideological spectrum, who continue to do their jobs in the face of Trump and his administrations unrelenting public attacks. Those attacks drew a strong and highly unusual public condemnation from a Supreme Court justice on Thursday. Without mentioning Trump by name, but saying she was addressing the elephant in the room, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson told a conference for judges, The attacks are not random. They seem designed to intimidate those of us who serve in this critical capacity. The threats and harassment are attacks on our democracy, on our system of government. And they ultimately risk undermining our Constitution and the rule of law. Jackson went on to urge her colleagues in the room to show raw courage to dispense justice without fear, and told them that history will vindicate your service. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com By Sabine Siebold BERLIN (Reuters) - Ukraine's Western allies are in discussions about supplying additional Patriot air defence systems to Kyiv and aim to reach an agreement before a NATO summit at the end of June, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday. Ukraine is increasingly desperate to get more Patriots, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy telling CBS news last month his government was ready to buy 10 of the U.S.-made air defence systems that are vital for shooting down Russian ballistic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ukrainian Defence Express military analysts, as of April this year, Ukraine had seven fully operational Patriot systems. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. and Greece were among potential suppliers of the additional systems. Two U.S. sources familiar with the matter said the effort to provide more Patriots to Ukraine was a program approved under former President Joe Biden, a Democrat, which President Donald Trump, a Republican, had not halted. Athens later ruled out its involvement in the plan. "There is no question of supplying Ukraine with Patriot systems from Greece," a government official told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defence is a sensitive issue for Greece due to long-standing disputes with its neighbour and NATO ally Turkey. Athens, which has previously sent thousands of rockets, explosives, infantry-fighting vehicles, or IFVs, high explosive incendiaries, ammunition and anti-tank rockets to Ukraine, reiterated last year that it could not provide the country with Patriots. Quoting U.S. officials, the New York Times reported on Sunday that Washington was planning to send a Patriot system that was based in Israel to Ukraine after it is refurbished. It added that allies were talking about "the logistics of Germany or Greece" giving another one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskiy said he had discussed air defence systems with Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral in the Vatican, in what he called the best meeting the two ever had. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold and Elizabeth Piper in Kyiv; Additional reporting by Renee Maltezou in Athens and Phil Stewart and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Andrew Gray, Sudip Kar-Gupta, Hugh Lawson and Nia Williams) CUMBERLAND Dallas Bazewicz has found himself immersed in agriculture his entire life. Agriculture has always been a part of who I am, said Bazewicz in a recent interview. I went to school away from the farm and missed it, and ended up transferring. Ive always known Ive wanted a farm, and its something I could never get away from. Its just one of those things where its who I am and who Im going to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bazewicz recalled his involvement with 4-H when he was young. While in the program he was involved in a horse project in Barron County with his grandfather. I kind of didnt have a choice to hop on a horse before I could walk, he said with a laugh. That was first nature; walking came second, just about. He said that, during his ventures in 4-H, he learned about the market and self-promotion, with one project involving a sale of beef steer. I talked to local businesses, trying to get them to come to the sale at the fair and try to get them to buy my steer. That entrepreneurial spirit continued with Bazewicz, who currently farms part-time with his parents as well as farms on a small plot of land that he runs himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im primarily helping my parents with their beef cattle operation and feeding, making hay, and doing a little bit of crop farming on the side. Im trying to be a beginning farmer in a world where its not too friendly for beginning farmers. While farm loss slowed in Wisconsin last year, the number of family farms suffered a quick decline between 2017 and 2022 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Studies by UW-Madison agricultural and applied economics professor Steve Deller also noted that small farms are now turning to off-farm employment to help pay bills, as their own farms do not generate sufficient income. However, in the face of such difficulties, Bazewicz has faith that newer technologies can be a game-changer for those operating small farms. Personally, I think technology is going to be more important than ever, he said. I think we are already seeing stuff like that being integrated [in things like] tractor and planter technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel that farmers are going to have to either adapt to some sorts of technologies or fight them, and thats just going to be a losing battle. Bazewicz is looking forward to starting his new business, Sun Valley Aerial Acres, a business that utilizes drone technology to aid farmers in everyday tasks. His current business focuses on custom chemical applications via drone work rather than traditional application methods. Theyre really gaining traction drones five years ago compared to what they are today its astronomical with how fast the technology changes, he explained. Drones just keep getting better and better and more efficient. Its a healthier way to go across the fields. Applying solutions from above presents advantages over traditional ground-based methods, as Bazewicz illustrated with the example of a heavy, water-filled ground rig. The significant weight of such vehicles can contribute to soil compaction, among other issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre running over less of your potential yields, theres less chances of getting stuck, youre not damaging the crops if everything goes right, he said. It will help save the soil by not making the ground harder or making ruts if its too wet. Youre not putting more stress on the ground by driving across it. Beyond chemical application, Bazewicz mentioned further drone uses, such as assisting with mapping field borders, counting plants per acre, identifying weed locations, and others. As he continues to farm on his parcel of land, he knows that he is not alone as a younger individual wanting to pursue his dreams of going into agriculture, and he hopes that others take notice as well. Its biased, but maybe dont always go to a big guy, he said. Maybe think of giving younger farmers a chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dusty Bazewicz, Dallas Bazewiczs father, has seen his sons ambition and success, and stated his continued pride in everything that his son does. We are so proud of Dallas in addition to all of his accomplishments. We are proud of his heart, eagerness to help others, and strive to succeed, said Dusty. Dallas is a country boy at heart, from being a grand champion horseman to an entrepreneur that wants to do his part to make sure agriculture stays strong. Years ago, I taught the history and philosophy of crime and punishment. I used a book by Michael Ignatieff in which he remarks that the moral measure of a society can be found in how it treats the most vulnerable. If that is true, we are failing abysmally. Institutionalized cruelty springs to mind. Factory farming, driven by greed, is the cruelest form of animal abuse the world has ever seen. Chickens are crowded into spaces where they can barely move; baby pigs have their tails cut off without anesthesia; sows are confined to horrific gestation crates; calves are murdered between two and 12 weeks for veal; and, as The New York Times reported in a 2020 article, The typical dairy cow in the United States will spend its entire life inside a concrete-floored enclosure, and although they can live 20 years, most are sent to slaughter after four or five years when their milk production wanes. Many people dont know about this, or know but dont care. Consider homelessness. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development: The number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024 was the highest ever recorded. A total of 771,480 people or about 23 of every 10,000 people in the United States experienced homelessness .) On April 27, The New York Times reported on people who work and are homeless. Without doubt, homelessness is getting worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Oklahoma voters Is this the Trump you had in mind? | Opinion Turn now to the deportation of allegedly illegal immigrants. I say allegedly, because of mistakes. Officials were ready to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. until President Donald Trump intervened. The deportation of a 2-year-old and her mother to Honduras without due process made the news recently. Its less well known that Trump has deported U.S. citizen children suffering from cancer. One 4-year-old has a rare form of metastatic cancer and was deported without medication or consultation with physicians. And lets not forget student arrests: Mahmoud Khalil, of Columbia University, was detained without a warrant. Video footage shows Rumeysa Ozturk, a student at Tufts University, being grabbed by masked ICE agents and hustled into an unmarked car. She was then taken to an ICE detention center in Louisiana in violation of a federal court order. Factory farming and homelessness are not new; illegal deportations are. These seemingly unrelated issues are connected. They reveal our society to be one of cruelty and contempt. People do not care about factory farming as long as they can enjoy meat. They do not care about the unhoused, who are often treated with contempt. They want immigrants out of the U.S. whether or not the rule of law is respected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Time for Ryan Walters to drop the 'culture wars' and improve our schools | Opinion Are we a cruel nation? I ask you not to rest content with complacency or thoughtless cruelty to seek solutions. Support compassionate farming, respect due process and lobby for affordable housing. Let us be a pervasively compassionate nation and reject cruelty. Nancy E. Snow Nancy E. Snow is a professor of philosophy at the University of Kansas. She formerly was a philosophy professor at the University of Oklahoma and director of the Institute for the Study of Human Flourishing. More from this columnist To read previous columns by Nancy E. Snow, go https://www.oklahoman.com/search/?q=nancy+snow. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Three ways we can all help America become a kinder nation | Opinion A 47-year-old American tourist accidentally impaled himself on a metal fence at the iconic Colosseum in Rome and was left dangling in agony for several minutes. According to multipleItalianmediaoutlets, the man climbed onto the railing but then slipped and fell onto its iron spikes below. He screamed in pain before passing out. Witnesses called paramedics who took the man, who lives in Taiwan and was visiting the Italian capital with relatives, to a nearby hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He needed 80 stitches and remains in a stable condition. The mans motive in mounting the railings is unclear. Il Messaggero newspaper suggested it was to either take a selfie or so that he could get a better view. Police in Rome have opened an investigation into the incident and the man has been questioned by officers. Related... (Stock photo from Getty Images) My partner is a 10th-grade geometry teacher at Mifflin High School, a Columbus City Schools secondary school on the northeast side. For the past three years, she has had an assistant from the City Year program. This is an AmeriCorps program that places qualified full-time volunteers in schools to support teachers and the development of children. Her City Year volunteer was a kind person who supported children and helped with her workload of teaching math to high school-age children. It wasnt rare for her to come home telling me she didnt know what she would do without her City Year volunteer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She will have to figure that out soon. Earlier this week, she arrived at school to find her City Year volunteer was gone. By the end of the day, an announcement was made to the school: Columbus City Schools 30-year relationship with the City Year program was over. This was a direct result of the federal Department of Government Efficiencys decision last week to cut 41% of the AmeriCorps program budget. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX AmeriCorps was the beginning of my career. I enrolled as a full-time volunteer a few months after graduating from Denison University and was selected to serve as a community organizer supporting neighborhood associations for the mayor of Omaha, Nebraska. At the same time, my mother, back in the workforce with her three children out of high school, enrolled in AmeriCorps to evaluate literacy instruction programs for young children. In 2020, my firm Scioto Analysis conducted a cost-benefit analysis of AmeriCorps programs in Ohio. We found that the programs have significant impacts on the trajectory of participants. People who enroll in the program have much higher future earnings and lower chances of criminal justice involvement. The best evidence available tells us cutting AmeriCorps will result in lower wages and higher crime rates for Ohio. We found that the net benefits of the program in Ohio range somewhere from from $1 million to $30 million and that expansions of the program could push net benefits into the nine-figure range. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems that the decisions being made at the federal level are blind to one side of the accounting ledger. In the fervor to reduce spending and cut administrative offices at the federal level, DOGE leader Elon Musk and other decision makers are failing to consider the benefits of programs they eliminate. I have no doubt in my mind that there are reasonable cuts that can be made to federal programs. The problem is that the current approach is not reasonable: it is the public finance equivalent of conducting open-heart surgery with a chainsaw. The sad thing about this from the perspective of the fiscal hawk is that these cuts will have very little effect on the federal debt. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, even a spending cut 1,000 times the size of the AmeriCorps cut last week would only reduce the federal-debt-to-GDP ratio by one percentage point in the next decade. Cutting AmeriCorps is a drop in the bucket in the context of U.S. debt. The benefits of cutting Americorps funds are hard to divine. Its costs are clear. In the meantime, volunteers will be lost and children from low-income families in a high-poverty school district will have one less resource available to them in their already under-resourced classrooms. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As Texas faces a housing affordability crunch, state lawmakers sent a signal Monday to residents who try to stop new homes from being built near them: It may get a lot harder to do so. The Texas House voted Monday to advance a bill that defangs an obscure state law that property owners use to stop new homes from going up near them. House members gave preliminary approval to House Bill 24, a key priority of House Speaker Dustin Burrows. The bill, which must clear a final vote, is part of a Republican slate of bills aimed at tackling the states high housing costs chiefly by making it easier to build homes. Texas needs about 320,000 more homes than it has, according to one estimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That shortage of homes, housing advocates and experts say, has played a key role in driving up home prices and rents amid the states economic boom. Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have made tackling the states affordability crunch among their top priorities this legislative session. Lawmakers have advanced bills to relax local restrictions on what kinds of homes can be built and where and make it easier for housing developers to obtain city building permits. HB 24 authored by state Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Angelina tackles a Jim Crow-era state law that makes it more difficult for cities to allow new development if enough neighbors object. If a builder seeks to rezone a property and 20% of neighboring landowners object, the city council needs a supermajority to approve the zoning change. A group of Austin homeowners used the law a few years ago to convince a judge to kill a citywide zoning plan intended to allow more homes to be built. The law drew renewed ire this year when neighbors near a proposed affordable housing development in San Antonio a development touted by Gov. Greg Abbott used the law to help stop the development. The project then failed to get enough votes on the City Council to move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics of the law have argued the law deters developers from building much needed housing for fear that pushback from neighbors will kill their projects. Opposition to the law has created unlikely alliances with the Texas Municipal League, a lobbying group that represents more than 1,200 cities, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the influential conservative think tank, as each call for the law to be changed. HB 24 would raise the petition threshold for objecting property owners to 60%. Even then, it would only take a simple majority of city council members to approve the rezoning. The bill also prevents property owners from using the law to block citywide zoning changes. For example, if a city council sought to change zoning rules to allow more homes in existing single-family neighborhoods, opponents couldnt use state law to stop the change. State Rep. John Bryant, a Dallas Democrat, argued the bill would eliminate homeowners ability to stop commercial and industrial uses from going up next door to their homes. A simple majority vote could take away the zoning that they relied on when they made their biggest investment in their home, Bryant said Monday. Suddenly, they have an industrial or commercial use right next door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orr said she thinks its highly unlikely that cities will enact citywide zoning plans that put industrial uses next to neighborhoods as a result of the bill which is intended to allow more affordable housing and multifamily housing development. A city council, she noted, already makes a multitude of decisions based on a simple majority. Mondays vote was a crucial test of how the broader Texas House would approach the housing affordability crisis this session. House members last week approved a bill House Bill 23, another Burrows priority that intends to make it easier for developers to secure building permits if cities dont approve them quickly enough. Its unclear how House members will handle a slate of potentially more controversial bills that would relax local zoning rules to allow more homes to be built. The Texas Senate has advanced bills to allow smaller homes on smaller lots, additional dwelling units in the backyards of single-family homes and homes and apartments in places they arent currently allowed. Those bills havent come up for a vote on the House floor yet, and similar proposals died in the House two years ago. Tickets are on sale now for the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. University of Michigan President Santa Ono speaks at the Mackinac Policy Conference, May 30, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols In an announcement Sunday, Santa J. Ono, the president for the University of Michigan informed students and faculty he would be taking a new position as the president of the University of Florida, after the colleges presidential search committee named Ono its sole finalist for the position. Serving as your president over these past three academic years has been a distinct honor. Every day, I have been inspired beyond words by the vibrancy, brilliance, and dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, Ono said in his statement. I will miss the extraordinary intellectual vitality that fills our classrooms and laboratories, the sublime sounds of our musical and theatrical performances, and the roar of fans cheering on the Wolverines or singing Mr. Brightside together in joyful unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rahul Patel, chair of the University of Floridas Presidential Search Committee, said members sought a leader who could match UFs extraordinary momentum, understand its role as the flagship university of one of the most dynamic states in the country, and inspire our community to reach even greater heights. In his announcement to the University of Michigan, Ono highlighted several developments under his leadership, including forging partnerships with OpenAI and Los Alamos National Laboratory to launch a $1.2B artificial intelligence research ecosystem, expanding universitys Go Blue Guarantee to provide free tuition to in-state students from families earning up to $125,000 and beginning efforts to rethink the campuss physical space with the Campus Plan 2050. However Onos two-and-a-half year tenure was not without controversy. In March the University abruptly closed its diversity, equity and inclusion office and ended its strategic plan to promote diversity following executive orders from President Donald Trump ending all DEI mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the federal government, and forbidding federal contractors from considering race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, or national origin in employment, procurement and contracting practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ono also presided over the university amid continued protests of Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, prompting policy changes from the university on how it handles protests and free speech on campus. Both students and faculty members have accused university leadership of targeting and discriminating against individuals participating in pro-Palestinian protests, while several members of university leadership have had their homes vandalized with messages in support of Palestine. Ono began his tenure as U of Ms president on Oct. 14, 2022, succeeding former President Mark Schlissel after he was removed by the Universitys Board of Regents following investigation into an anonymous complaint that Schlissel may have been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a University employee with the board releasing more than 100 pages of email transcripts which appeared to show an improper relationship with a subordinate. According to the University of Florida, Ono is set to visit on Tuesday for a series of public forums with students, faculty and administrators. Ann Telneas, who quit the Washington Post earlier this year after the publication rejected a cartoon depicting tech and media executives trying to curry favor with Donald Trump, was among the recipients of a Pulitzer Prize on Monday. Telneas was recognized for delivering piercing commentary on powerful people and institutions with deftness, creativity and a fearlessness that led to her departure from the news organization after 17 years. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Post also won a Pulitzer for breaking news reporting, for its coverage of the assassination attempt on the life of Trump last year. At the time she left the Post, Telnaes wrote, The cartoon that was killed criticizes the billionaire tech and media chief executives who have been doing their best to curry favor with incoming President-elect Trump. The New York Times won four Pulitzers including in breaking news photography for Doug Mills for his photos of the assassination attempt. One image captured the bullet whizzing through the air. The New Yorker won three prizes, including for commentary for Mosab Abu Toha for essays on the carnage in Gaza. The Wall Street Journal staff won for their coverage of Elon Musk, including his turn to conservative politics, his use of legal and illegal drugs and his private conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the drama category, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins was recognized for Purpose. The judges wrote that the play, about the complex dynamics and legacy of an upper middle class African-American family whose patriarch was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, was a skillful blend of drama and comedy that probes how different generations define heritage. Read the list of Pulitzer winners here. Meanwhile, a special citation was awarded to Chuck Stone for his work covering the civil rights movement and as the first Black columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News. Stone, who died in 2014, was co-founder of the National Association of Black Journalists. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Turchin as a part of his official visit to the country on May 5, a source in the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. Asadov congratulated Turchin on his appointment as Prime Minister of Belarus and wished him success in the work of his government. The two heads of government discussed current issues of Azerbaijani-Belarusian trade and economic cooperation during a one-on-one conversation. Afterwards, the prime ministers continued the negotiations in an expanded format, with the participation of delegations from both countries. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of Azerbaijani-Belarusian intergovernmental relations and highlighted the dynamic development of mutually beneficial partnership in various fields, thanks to the joint efforts of the presidents of the two countries. Trade and economic cooperation was noted as a priority area of Azerbaijani-Belarusian relations. Noting the significant growth in the volume of mutual trade in the past year, both sides expressed confidence that the trend of increasing trade turnover would continue. It was emphasized that special attention is being given to the diversification of mutual trade and the enhancement of investment cooperation. The co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission were tasked with prioritizing this issue. It was also noted that the joint business forum organized during the visit would serve these goals, with several agreements expected to be signed on mutually beneficial projects in various areas. Special attention was placed on the implementation of agreements and instructions from the presidents of both countries. In particular, satisfaction was expressed with the successful development of several projects that have been brought to a logical conclusion. Pointing out the fruitful cooperation in industrial cooperation, both sides paid particular attention to the interaction between the Ganja Automobile Plant and leading Belarusian machine-building enterprises to continue and expand the work on the assembly of both agricultural and municipal machinery. Both sides welcomed the productive collaboration on the joint assembly of firefighting equipment at the Ganja Automobile Plant for the needs of Azerbaijans Ministry of Emergency Situations, which was used to ensure fire safety during the COP29 climate conference in November last year. The successful implementation of the project to create a joint assembly plant for elevator production in Azerbaijan, which the Prime Minister of Belarus will visit during his trip, was also highlighted. The sides noted the positive dynamics of cooperation in agriculture and expressed mutual readiness to diversify and increase mutual supplies of agricultural products. In this regard, the role of the Azerbaijan Trading House in Minsk in expanding the export of Azerbaijani products to the Belarusian market was emphasized. A promising area for cooperation was identified in the social sphere, including in the provision of public services, and the importance of signing bilateral documents in this area at the conclusion of the meeting was emphasized. Both sides welcomed successful cooperation in the field of production of pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations. Satisfaction was expressed with the traditionally high level of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The heads of government welcomed the resumption of the tradition of holding mutual Culture Days, the activation of scientific, student, and youth exchanges, and the expansion of interregional cooperation. The implementation of measures to develop cooperation in vocational and technical education through the exchange of scientific and technical expertise was also noted. During the meeting, there was a detailed exchange of opinions on the prospects for further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation. The readiness for continued joint work on the implementation of the heads of states instructions was reaffirmed. Following the meeting, several documents related to cooperation in social security, veterinary and industry were signed. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Radical Israel-bashing Squad Rep. Rashida Tlaib is doing a text blast to raise funds for a super PAC backing Zohran Mamdani for mayor but not everyone is pleased with the solicitation. Tlaibs pitch recently showed up on the mobile phones of prospective donors courtesy of the pro-Mamdani group New Yorkers for Lower Costs. Mamdani, as with the Michigan congresswoman, is an ardent foe of Israel and supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against the Jewish state. Rep. Rashida Tlaib is helping raise funds for a super PAC supporting mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Tlaibs message of support for Mamdani was sent out as a text to potential donors by New Yorkers for Lower Costs. Robert Miller Zohran, whos led hunger strikes for a cease-fire [in Gaza] and workers rights, isnt raising any more money for his campaign under New York Citys public financing system, Tlaib said in the solicitation. The Mamdani campaign has already hit the maximum fundraising cap under the system after raising thousands of small donations that qualified it for the 8 to 1 in public matching funds. New Yorkers for Lower Costs has raised about $60,000 in its efforts to date, although thats a pittance compared to the more than $4 million secured by the Fix The City super Pac supporting Democratic mayoral front-runner and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Andrew Cuomo, whos on the legal team defending [Israel] Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu for war crimes in Gaza, has millions pouring in from his billionaire-backed super Pac, Tlaib complained in the ad for Mamdani. Tlaib participated in a Democratic Socialists of America virtual organizing call for Mamdani last month. Zohran is getting drowned out on the airwaves. Thats why Im supporting the official Zohran Mamdani support PAC to run the ads Zohran cant, said the congresswoman who has been openly supportive of the Palestinian terror group Hamas and called for the destruction of Israel. A Jewish donor who is a staunch backer of Israel and requested anonymity told The Post they were appalled at receiving a text message from Tlaib on behalf of Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooklyn state Assemblyman Kalman Yeger, a strong ally of Israel, also said he is not surprised that Tlaib is being used as a fundraising tool by the pro-Mamdani camp. Unfortunately, in New York City, there are antisemites out there who would be receptive to her message, and Mamdani is the most antisemitic candidate New York has ever seen, Yeger said. Mamdani, a state assemblyman from western Queens, is running second behind Cuomo in recent Democratic primary polls. Last month, Tlaib participated in a Democratic Socialists of America virtual organizing call for Mamdani, where she urged comrades to back him for mayor. Tlaib, a member of the US House of Representatives far-left Squad alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx-Queens) and others, is known for her disdain of her own partys support for Israel. As the only Palestinian American in Congress, she has been openly supportive of Hamas during her time in office and has even been censured by colleagues for defending it and for calling for the destruction of the Jewish state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Netanyahus address to Congress last spring, Tlaib was widely ripped for brandishing a sign accusing the Israeli leader of being a war criminal and guilty of genocide. She also repeatedly berated then-President Joe Biden as an enabler over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war and even declined to endorse Kamala Harris as her partys 2024 presidential pick. Branded by some Republicans as the poster child for Trump derangement syndrome, Tlaib most recently held up real-time signs during President Trumps joint session of Congress last month declaring him a liar. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Iran is talking tough while still wanting to talk more with the United States over a possible nuclear deal. In the last days, Tehran has backed an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels that slipped through Israel's missile defenses to strike near Ben-Gurion International Airport. It aired footage of its own ballistic missile test while defense minister called out threats by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth against the Islamic Republic. And an organization linked to its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard unveiled a new mural with a map of Israel overlaid by possible missile targets in the shape of a Yemeni jambiyya, an ornamental dagger worn by Yemeni men. But all the while, Iran maintains it wants to reach a nuclear deal with the U.S. after talks scheduled to take place last weekend in Rome didn't happen. That's even as Trump administration officials continue to insist that Tehran must give up all its ability to enrich uranium in order to receive sanction relief something Iran repeatedly has said is a nonstarter for the negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel-Hamas war changes equation for Iran All this together can feel contradictory. But this is the position where Iran now finds itself after having been ascendant in the Mideast with its self-described Axis of Resistance, countries and militant groups finding common cause against Israel and the U.S. That changed with the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage back to the Gaza Strip. Israel launched a devastating war on Hamas in Gaza that rages on even today and may be further escalating after Israel approved plans Monday to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain there for an unspecified amount of time. Israels war has killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza, many of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials, who do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count. In the course of the war, Hamas, Lebanon's Hezbollah and other Iran-backed militants have been beaten back by Israeli attacks. Syrian President Bashar Assad, long backed by Iran, saw his family's over 50-year rule end in December as rebels swept the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's left Iran with just Yemen's Houthi rebels, though they too now face an intensified campaign of strikes by the Trump administration. Iran carefully applauds Houthi strike on Israel The strike Sunday on Ben-Gurion repeatedly earned highlights in Iranian state media. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry made a point to insist that the attack had been an independent decision by the group. Expert opinion varies on just how much influence Iran wields over the Houthis. However, Tehran has been instrumental in arming the Houthis over Yemen's decadelong war in spite of a United Nations arms embargo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Yemeni people, out of their human feelings and religious solidarity with the Palestinians, and also to defend themselves in the face of continuous aggression by America, have taken some measures," Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday. Meanwhile, Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh called out comments by his American counterpart who had warned that Iran would pay the CONSEQUENCE for arming the Houthis with weapons. I advise the American threatening officials, especially the newcomer defense minister of the country, to read the history of Iran in the recent four decades," the general said. "If they read, they will notice that they should not speak to Iran using the language of threats. Iran has not, however, responded to Israeli airstrikes targeting its air defenses and ballistic missile program in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nuclear deal remains a top Iranian priority But getting to a new nuclear deal with the U.S., which could see Tehran limit its enrichment and stockpile of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, remains a priority for Iran. Its troubled rial currency, once over 1 million to $1, has strengthened dramatically on just the talks alone to 840,000 to $1. The two sides still appear a long way from any deal, however, even as time ticks away. Iranian media broadly described a two-month deadline imposed by President Donald Trump in his initial letter sent to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump said he wrote the letter on March 5, which made it to Iran via an Emirati diplomat on March 12. Meanwhile, the U.S. campaign on Yemen and Israel's escalation in Gaza continues to squeeze Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's on top of American officials including Trump threatening sanctions on anyone who buys Iranian crude oil, as well as following a new, harder line saying Iran shouldn't be able to enrich uranium at all. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who strongly encouraged Trump to unilaterally withdraw American in 2018 from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers, also has been pushing for the same. Iran likely has been trying to get messages to America despite last weekend's planned talks in Rome being postponed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi flew to Islamabad to meet his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar. A readout from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry acknowledged the men discussed the nuclear negotiations. Araghchi got a colder reception from Kaja Kallas, the foreign policy chief of the European Union. While European nations have had warmer ties to Iran in the past, Tehran's arming of Russia in its war on Ukraine has angered many in the EU. I called on Iran to stop military support to Russia and raised concerns over detained EU citizens and human rights," Kallas wrote Monday on the social platform X. EU-Iran ties hinge on progress in all areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi and Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, and Riazat Butt in Islamabad contributed to this report. ___ EDITORS NOTE Jon Gambrell, the news director for the Gulf and Iran for The Associated Press, has reported from each of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iran and other locations across the Mideast and wider world since joining the AP in 2006. Britain's William, Prince of Wales, left, Prince George, second left, Prince Louis, center, Kate, Princess of Wales, second right, and Princess Charlotte, right, as they appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the flypast during the V-E Day 80th anniversary parade in London, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) ASSOCIATED PRESS RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) The Village of Ruidoso is in critical need of housing after devastating fires and flooding destroyed hundreds of homes last year. Fortunately, some relief is on the way. The village broke ground this week on a new apartment complex, Elk Meadows on Mechem, marking it as the fifth complex in Ruidoso and its neighboring community, Ruidoso Downs. With limited multi-family housing options in the area, the mayor believes this development is essential for the community. We need approximately 400 plus right now. And so, thats why so many of our citizens and people that work in our community live in the surrounding communities and have a long drive. We still have a few folks that are living in hotels, said Mayor Lynn Crawford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Revisiting Ruidoso: Residents remain optimistic after devastating fires, flooding The new building will consist of 72 units, including 27 single-bedroom units, 36 two-bedroom units, and eight three-bedroom units. The complex aims to provide affordable housing and workforce housing. Last year, the Salt and South Fork fires, along with severe burn scar flooding, destroyed more than 700 homes in the Ruidoso area. While the mayor acknowledges that this complex will not completely solve the villages housing crisis, he views it as a significant step in the right direction. What were meaning is, you know, we want people that are; we have a lot of folks that are working here, living here, retired folks thats having a hard time because the cost of living is so expensive. And everybody in New Mexico, and anybody that pays attention, understands its expensive these days, Mayor Crawford added. Once tenants are able to move in, the apartment complex will also participate in housing voucher programs. In addition to the apartment complex, the village expects to have 10 modular homes ready for occupancy by the end of June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The village anticipates that the complex will take 18 months to complete. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTIN (KXAN) Four people were arrested in connection with a proactive criminal enforcement operation conducted by the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety at a north Austin apartment complex last week, per a news release from APD. The operation happened May 1 at the Thurmond Heights Apartment Complex, located on Thurmond Street and North Lamar Boulevard, according to APD. Police said law enforcement focused on this area, because it is statistically identified as a high-crime zone, particularly those with elevated rates of violent offenses, narcotics activity, and other quality-of-life concerns. Thurmond Heights Apartment on North Lamar Boulevard (KXAN Photo: Frank Martinez) Police said while observing the apartment complex, officers saw multiple individuals involved in illegal activity, as well as the specific apartment unit being used in connection with these offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APD identified four individuals who were involved in the operation and arrested on various charges: Neshea Harper, 30 Possession of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F2 Request to Apprehend Obstructing Highway Passage; Class B Misdemeanor Chaz Young, 39 Delivery of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F1 Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon F2 (Stolen Revolver) Evading Detention or Arrest with Prior Conviction; State Jail Felony Edwin Middleton, 34 Possession of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F3 Felon in Possession of a Firearm F3 Kevin Abraham, 30 Request to Apprehend Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon F2 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the arrest of the four individuals, police said officers obtained a search warrant for Harpers apartment at Thurmond Heights. The search resulted in officers seizing five handguns, around 1.5 ounces of crack cocaine and nine grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to police. APD said there will be additional charges pursued in this investigation. No other details were released Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 4An Albuquerque police officer was arrested at a DWI checkpoint on Saturday night in Northwest Albuquerque. Jonathan Franco, 38, of Albuquerque, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a minor in the vehicle and DWI. He was released on personal recognizance, according to court records. A bond arraignment is scheduled for June 5. It is unclear if he has an attorney. The Albuquerque police chief said he was "disappointed" with the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are disappointed that this officer made a bad choice," Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina said in a news release Sunday. "There are many rideshare options for people to avoid drinking and driving." At 11:30 p.m., the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office was conducting a DWI checkpoint at Unser and Rainbow NW when deputies saw a truck approach orange cones, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. While talking to Franco, deputies said they smelled a "strong odor" of alcohol on his breath and saw his eyes were bloodshot and watery, deputies said. Franco told deputies he had "one or two beers" about an hour earlier, the complaint states. When Franco got out of the truck, deputies saw a six-year-old girl in the backseat, deputies said. Franco performed "poorly" on the standardized field sobriety tests then told deputies he had three or four Modelos, according to the complaint. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) For the second time in the last few days, a police officer in New Mexico was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Albuquerque Police Officer Jonathan Franco was arrested at a Bernalillo County Sheriffs checkpoint. I have nothing to hide: APD Chief says he never worked in DWI unit, talks building trust He has been placed on administrative leave. Police Chief Harold Medina released a brief statement, saying, We are disappointed that this officer made a bad choice. There are many rideshare options for people to avoid drinking and driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just two days ago, New Mexico State Officer Hugo Diaz Amaya was arrested for DWI, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Cook Countys property tax appeal process shifted $1.91 billion in taxes from businesses onto homeowners over the last three years, exacerbating inequities in the city and suburbs, a new report found. Homeowners bills grew by a total of about 7% over that span as a result of the shift, according to the latest report from the Cook County treasurers office, the first to calculate how much shifting burdens have cost on property tax bills. Those increases fell more on lower-income Black and Latino taxpayers, the report found. The report does not draw conclusions about whether those appeals were correct, but does show that the countys assessment appeal system works far more to the advantage of business property owners than homeowners, and at the same time favors wealthier white homeowners over lower-income minority homeowners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looked at the impact of appeals at the county assessors office and the three-member Board of Review during the 2021 and 2023 tax years. Though those years corresponded with much of the pandemic, its conclusions echoed similar findings from a Chicago Tribune and ProPublica investigation in 2017 about appeals impact on assessments. Properties are reassessed every three years. Every year, owners have two chances to knock down their assessments via appeals before the value is finalized: once at the assessor, next at the Board of Review. If theyre dissatisfied with those results, they can take their case to the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board or to circuit court. Owners of businesses have historically been far more likely to appeal. In the span of the study, nearly 64% of commercial building owners appealed, representing more than $100 billion in value. More than 46% of all businesses were serial filers, appealing every year, according to the report. Business appeals were particularly successful in the period of the study, the report found, lowering their taxes through appeals by a total of 12.5%, or about $3.3 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owners that didnt appeal wound up paying for it: Any reduction in assessed value for one property owner shifts the burden onto others. Successful appeals for valuable commercial buildings have a much bigger impact and shift millions in tax burden onto homeowners and other businesses. While overall 27% of homeowners appealed, the study found wide variations in which homeowners filed their own appeals. Just 3.4% of homeowners in West Englewood, a majority-Black and low-income neighborhood on Chicagos South Side, disputed their assessment during 2021 city cycle, while nearly all Loop homeowners 96% did so. That could be because assessments dropped in Englewood and went up in the Loop that year as Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi rejiggered the offices methodology. In the suburbs, just 22% of south suburban homeowners appealed during that reassessment year, compared with 60% of those in the north suburbs. Homeowners and businesses in lower-income areas were hit the hardest, the study found. Homeowners in those neighborhoods were less likely to appeal, less likely to win and, when they did win, received lower overall dollar reductions in their homes assessed values, the report said. Appeals led to bills increasing by about 5% for homeowners in high-income areas and about 10% in low-income areas, most of which had predominantly minority populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assessors office said a major reason for appeal rate disparities by neighborhood could be that median bills in wealthier neighborhoods are much higher. In some Chicago neighborhoods, the treasurer highlighted particularly sharp hikes where residents could least afford it. The South Deering neighborhood, which is majority Black and has a median household income below $35,000, saw overall tax bills go up 24.3% following appeals during the 2021 Chicago cycle. So did the majority-Latino Gage Park neighborhood, where median household income is about $50,000. It saw bills go up by 23% that year after appeals. But while all property owners have the right to appeal, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said the answer isnt necessarily for everyone to do so. Rather, the assessors office and Board of Review need to get on the same page about their data and methodologies so owners trust the assessments in the first place and so reductions for businesses arent as dramatic, she said. Both offices pledged to do just that in December, after a county report concluded decades of communication failures had helped fuel gaps in how each office approached assessments. That study, commissioned by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, found suburban businesses were assessed too low compared with their actual sale prices and that appeals to the Board of Review made assessments less accurate. It also found Kaegi initially assessed Chicago commercial properties too high in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the political reality of reaching consensus is thorny. Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele and two board employees with ties to Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr. are running to replace Kaegi in the March primary. Steele and Rogers, meanwhile, are also rivals. These two offices are in a war zone, and if they dont stop their war zone, this is going to go on, Pappas said. Can we get to the middle to get to a solution that doesnt hurt people? Assessments for commercial buildings have been a hot button issue since Kaegi took office. The previous Tribune investigation found high-end downtown businesses had been under-assessed. For thousands of those properties, the investigation found, their assessment did not change even by a single dollar, while for others, their assessments were so riddled with errors that they created deep inequities. Kaegi pledged to fix those issues. The first commercial assessments he mailed were 82.5% higher in the north suburbs in 2019, 55.6% higher in the south suburbs the following year, and up 76.5% in Chicago in 2021. Business owners, believing Kaegi overcorrected, filed appeals, and the countys Board of Review, which disagreed with Kaegis methodology, often granted reductions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaegis office, in a statement, said the latest report backs up its long-held contention that outsized reductions granted by the Board of Review to big commercial appellants are what is driving the shift. By comparison, the tax bill changes due to differences in residential appeal rates are relatively minor. We dont believe the problem of property tax unfairness is solved by pitting homeowners against each other, distracting us from the much more consequential inequities at play, the statement continued, noting that independent analyses found Kaegis assessments are more accurate than past years. Rogers, the chairman of the three-member Board of Review, said the assessors flawed valuations are to blame. The buck starts and stops with Fritz Kaegi. Pappas study suggests if the two offices standardized their data, they might grant smaller business breaks and reduce the massive shifts from the appeals process. The two previously promised to work together, and she said she hoped the report would help nudge them to collaborate. Until then, the report said low-income homeowners should also be given tools to help appeal their assessments. Kaegis office, the statement said, participated in more than 200 outreach events for homeowners to help with appeals and exemptions last year. DENVER (KDVR) A storm is bringing heavy rain and snow to parts of Colorado during the first week of May. A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day has been issued for Tuesday for heavy rain along the Front Range and snow in the foothills and mountains starting as early as mid-morning and lasting into the night. Denver weather: Rain and mountain snow Tuesday on a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day While Denver wont see snow, it could get a good amount of rain almost an inch, equivalent to nearly 10 inches of snow if it were cold enough in the city. Colorado areas that could see the heaviest rain Heres which areas will see the most rain from Tuesday morning through Wednesday night: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estes Park: 1.2 inches Georgetown: 1.2 inches Conifer: 1.2 inches Castle Rock: 1.2 inches Monument Hill: 1.1 inches Parker: 0.8 inches Boulder: 0.7 inches Denver: 0.7 inches Limon: 0.7 inches Pinpoint Weather: Rainfall accumulation by May 7 Pinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels said Denvers average rainfall in May is 2.16 inches. If it rains nearly an inch in Denver, that would be about half of Mays total in a day, which isnt necessarily a bad thing. Michels said that from the beginning of the year through Sunday, Denver was short 0.93 inches of rain, so an inch would put Denver back to where it should be for the year. What is severe weather season in Colorado? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On average, 1 inch of rain amounts to 10 to 12 inches of snow. While there will be a lot of rain in the area, its nothing out of the ordinary during the severe weather season. Michels said its a decent amount of rain for a day, but the rainfall record for May 6 is 3.27 inches. Many areas across Colorado will receive rain, but theres also snow in the forecast. Dillon could see as much as half a foot of snow, with flakes falling across western Colorado. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Arizona man from Cochise County was sentenced to 4 years in prison plus 3 years of supervised release for filing false tax returns and loan applications for COVID-19 relief funding, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Roy Layne, 44, pled guilty in August 2024 to two counts of wire fraud and one count of filing a false claim. Layne, from St. David, a small census-designated place south of Tucson, had claimed over $7.4 million in false tax refunds and received more than $300,000 in COVID-19 loans that he was not entitled to, the Justice Department said. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker also ordered Layne to pay $856,692.91 in restitution to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to attorneys and investigators for the government, Layne had filed paperwork claiming he operated a "wholesale" business. He "filed paperwork with the IRS, applied for a business license from the City of Tucson, opened business bank accounts, and filed false employment-related tax returns." But details of his operations varied. One year, he claimed 17 employees and revenue of more than half a million dollars a year. Then, in a false application for a Paycheck Protection Act loan, he claimed 31 employees and $1.2 million in revenue. "Layne also used the personal identifying information and identities of other people to file false claims for refunds with the IRS," the DOJ said. IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona man guilty of claiming fake employees, revenue on tax returns By Qabil Ashirov The trial at the Baku Military Court continued today with the presentation of new video evidence relating to the 1992 occupation of Azerbaijans Lachin district by Armenian armed forces. According to Azernews, the footage, recorded by Armenian forces on May 18, 1992, depicts scenes of burning homes and armed Armenian soldiers in Lachin. In one segment, an Armenian soldier can be heard saying to another, Ashot, look how it burns, while pointing at a house engulfed in flames. Following the video screening, the court proceeded with witness testimonies from victims of the occupation. One of the victims, Jamal Mammadov, a native of Cicimli village in Lachin, stated that his village was occupied by Armenian forces in May 1992. He recalled that his father, Mehti Mammadov, was killed by Armenian soldiers on August 12, 1989. According to Russian soldiers who were present, my father was shot by an Armenian named Kamo, he said. I was 18 years old at the time. Another witness, Agali Ibrahimov, born in 1961 in the village of Cagazur, testified that his village was also attacked and occupied on May 18, 1992. He recounted frequent shelling from Armenias Goris district prior to the occupation, particularly from the direction of the village of Digh. Before May 8, their attacks were disorganized, he noted. But starting May 8, the assaults became systematic and appeared to be under centralized command. They used Grad and Alazan rockets, as well as long-range artillery. Ibrahimov described the extent of his losses: a two-story home with six rooms, outbuildings, fruit trees, livestock, poultry, household goods, and personal propertyall left behind in the wake of the invasion. The damage to me and my family was immense, he added. This court case is part of ongoing proceedings against Armenian nationals accused of committing numerous crimes during Armenias military aggression, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, and the financing of terrorism. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The Baku Military Court on Monday screened video footage related to the occupation of Azerbaijans Lachin district by Armenian armed forces, Trend reports. The footage, filmed by Armenian militants on May 18, 1992, shows burning houses and armed fighters. In one scene, a militant points to a burning house and says, Ashot, Ashot, watch it burn. The hearing continued with testimonies from victims. Jamal Mammadov, a resident of the Jijimli village in Lachin district, testified that the village was occupied by Armenian forces in May 1992. He also recalled that his father, Mehdi Mammadov, was killed by Armenian soldiers on August 12, 1989. According to Russian soldiers, my father was killed by an Armenian named Kamo. I was 18 years old at the time, he stated. Another victim, Aghali Ibrahimov, born in 1961 in the Jaghazur village of Lachin district, confirmed the occupation date as May 18, 1992. He described how, prior to the occupation, the villagelocated on the border with Armeniawas repeatedly shelled from Armenias Gorus district and Digh village. "Until May 8, 1992, the attacks appeared fragmented. But from May 8 onward, they were clearly carried out under a single command. They used 'Grad' and 'Alazan' missiles and long-range artillery, he said. Ibrahimov added that his family lost significant property in the village, including a two-story house with six rooms, auxiliary structures, fruit trees, livestock, poultry, and household items, resulting in extensive material damage. The trial of Armenian nationals charged with war crimes, terrorism, preparation of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws of war, and financing terrorism is ongoing. The Arkansas Capitol on Nov. 14, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate) The Arkansas House and Senate adjourned sine die Monday morning, marking the end of the nearly four-month 2025 legislative session. Sine die a Latin phrase for without day means the Legislature isnt scheduled to convene again this year unless Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders calls for a special session. The next scheduled session will be the 2026 fiscal session early next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature ended the business portion of the session on April 16 after considering more than 1,600 bills. Sanders signed 1,026 bills into law and vetoed four others. Lawmakers can override the governors vetoes with a simple majority vote in both chambers before sine die adjournment. Both chambers convened briefly Monday but did not vote to override Sanders vetoes; leaders in both chambers said there was not enough support for this option. House Speaker Brian Evans, R-Cabot, said after adjournment that he spoke with the sponsors of two of vetoed bills, Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, and Rep. Brandon Achor, R-Maumelle. He said neither indicated they wished to attempt a veto override. Evans said Achor had been in communication with the constituents involved with House Bill 1961, which would have allowed medical providers to temporarily withhold medical records if they had a reasonable belief patients would misinterpret the records in a way that could endanger their health, safety or mental state. Evans said Achor and his constituents were already working on an interim plan and believe there will be a good collaborative agreement on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 1961 passed the House with 75 votes and the Senate with 18 votes, the minimum needed to advance out of the upper chamber. House Speaker Brian Evans and Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge presided over a joint session of the Arkansas House and Senate on Jan. 14, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) Meanwhile, Evans said Pilkington did not feel he had the votes for an override for his bill that would have allowed delivery of marijuana and drive-thru window pickup. House Bill 1889 narrowly passed the House and Senate with 51 votes and 19 votes, respectively. Prior to adjournment, Evans told his colleagues that legislation passed this year will shape our state for years to come. He reiterated both on the House floor and after adjournment that members of his chamber should take pride in the work they did during the session. We worked late into the night, we debated, we disagreed, we discussed; the most important thing, we collaborated, he said. We thoroughly vetted legislation, we brought diverse perspectives to the table and we made good bills through that debate even better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Senate President and Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge told senators they should leave here today proud of their work during the session and that they zealously and respectfully advocated for their constituents. Judd Deere (Courtesy photo) The House conducted no business in addition to the adjournment, while the Senate confirmed a batch of five gubernatorial appointments to state boards and commissions in a voice vote after no debate. Sen. Matt Stone, R-Camden, was the only audible dissenting vote. The appointments included Sanders deputy chief of staff, Judd Deere, to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Deere was appointed in March and will retain his position in the governors office. Deere is replacing Sheffield Nelson and his term on the board expires March 1, 2035. Additionally, Larry Walther, former state Treasurer and Secretary of Finance and Administration, was confirmed to the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement Systems board of trustees. Walther is replacing Candace Franks and his term expires March 9, 2031. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finance and Administration officials announced last week that the states income tax revenue in April dropped 15.5% compared to a year earlier. Sanders also extended Arkansas tax filing deadline in light of recent severe weather across the state. Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs ( John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate) The state has reduced individual and corporate income tax rates four times in the past three years, most recently in June 2024. Three of those instances have been since Sanders took office in 2023, and she supports phasing out the income tax entirely. Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, said Monday that he hopes the Legislature will cut taxes again in a special session later this year. The fiscal year ends June 30, and state officials should take the years revenue into account before convening for a special session, he said. Hester also said he anticipates no other reasons for a special session, including the ongoing controversy over Sanders plans to build a 3,000-bed prison on 815 acres of land the state purchased in Franklin County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A $750 million appropriation bill to support the prisons construction died after five failed votes in the Senate in April. State officials, including Republican Sen. Bryan King of Green Forest, and Franklin County residents have fought against the project, citing concerns about transparency, infrastructure and staffing. The appropriation would have covered the remainder of the projected $825 million cost of the project. An additional $75 million appropriated in 2022 for prison expansion has already been allocated to the Arkansas Department of Corrections, which can use the funding to move the project forward. The Legislature also set aside another $330 million for the project in 2023 that hasnt been appropriated yet. Hester said the state has a clear path forward and plenty of money to complete the prison project. The state has already hired a construction management company, Vanir Construction Management Inc., and started seeking proposals from architectural firms and contractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once we have the architecture and engineering done, hopefully we can get a hard bid, and I think that will bring a comfort level to a lot of members and ultimately get us the vote were needing for the Senate to approve the rest of the funding for the project, Hester said. Kings request to Sanders King, who represents part of Franklin County, sent Sanders office a letter Monday asking for the 2022 appropriation funds to be used for their original purpose, which would add 525 beds to the state prison in Calico Rock. Sanders has pushed for the new penitentiary to alleviate overcrowding in county jails, but King said Monday morning in a news conference that the Calico Rock expansion would be much faster and much more economical. He criticized the possibility of building water and sewer lines between the prison and the city of Fort Smith, saying it would be a waste of money. Evans told the Advocate there were existing issues with Calico Rocks infrastructure that impacted its expansion previously, adding that he was not aware of any new developments on that front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like if that had been a reasonable option early on in the Sanders administration then it already would have been acted upon, he said. Kings letter also calls for the expansion of smaller regional facilities in Benton, Sebastian and Washington counties, which are among the states most populous, since they already have basic infrastructure in place to house more inmates. About 20 opponents of the prison joined King at the news conference at the state Capitol, including members of the Chickamauga Nation, an Indigenous tribe with a presence in Franklin County. King letter to Sanders If youre going to put a megaprison in a community, its certainly going to change their DNA The fact that the governor went ahead and just tried to railroad the people without doing a basic needs infrastructure [assessment] is wrong, King said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chickamauga burial sites and a ceremonial stone structure surround the property designated for the prison, and building the prison would have a negative impact on those sites, said Justin Flanagan, a chief with the tribe. Were here today providing pamphlets with this information to the House and the Senate so that all deniability is removed, Flanagan told the Advocate. With all the evidence were providing, there should be no reason not to do a three-phase archaeological study and cultural environmental impact study [of the land]. King said he is willing to meet with Sanders and discuss ways to reduce prison overcrowding, and he added that addressing the issue probably doesnt need to wait until next years fiscal session. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Ahmed Kingimi MAIDUGURI (Reuters) - At least 19 people were killed in a suspected bandit ambush and livestock rustling operation in Bauchi state, northeast Nigeria, the police and residents said on Monday. Bauchi police command said in a statement that the attack took place early on Sunday morning when a local security patrol in Gwana district was ambushed. The police said civilians from a nearby village were also killed while attempting to flee the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A team of operational tactical teams was dispatched to the scene, where they recovered bodies of casualties," Bauchi police commissioner Sani-Omolori Aliyu said in the statement. Gangs of heavily armed men, known locally as bandits, have wreaked havoc across northwest Nigeria in recent years, kidnapping thousands, killing hundreds and making it unsafe to travel by road or farm in some areas. Ibrahim Hussaini, an eyewitness, said a gun battle ensued between the security team and the bandits which caused multiple fatalities among the vigilante team and some residents. The attackers rustled a large number of cattle and sheep from the district after overpowering the local security team, Mohammed Umar, a vigilante from the Alkaleri local government area that includes Gwana, told Reuters by phone. (Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi in Maiduguri; Writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Ros Russell) Emma Paterson Cronkite News WASHINGTON Some Arizona border officials have welcomed President Donald Trumps order for a military takeover at the U.S-Mexico border. But migrant advocates fear that by sealing hundreds of miles of border in the Southwest, the troops will effectively funnel migrants to far more dangerous crossing points. And environmentalists warn of damage to habitats that support nearly two dozen endangered species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Militarizing the border has historically only ramped up deaths, said James Holeman, founder of Battalion Search and Rescue, a group of volunteers who hike through desolate regions of Arizona and New Mexico searching for remains of migrants who couldnt survive the desert. Youre talking about vulnerable people that are making very deadly choices, he said. On April 11, Trump ordered the military to take control of the Roosevelt Reservation a 60-foot wide strip of federal land along the border from the Pacific Ocean to New Mexico. Turning the border into a military base would get around the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from engaging directly in civilian law enforcement. Migrants would be subject to military arrest for trespassing within the federal zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That zone and Trumps order cover Arizonas four border counties Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise except for a 62 mile stretch of Pima County controlled by the Tohono OOdham Nation. A Customs and Border Protection helicopter casts a shadow in the desert on the Tohono Oodham Nation as it searches for people illegally crossing the border, in coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on the ground in this February 2023 photo. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement photo) Holeman, among others, expects that gap to become an even bigger magnet for human trafficking. The tribes ancestral lands span the border, and roughly 2,000 of 34,000 members live on the Mexican side. Tribal leaders declined opportunities to discuss the situation. Even before the military build-up to the east and west, the reservation was a hot spot for illegal crossings. The tribes stretch of border is relatively flat. And its secured with vehicle barriers and large-gapped cattle fencing that dont impede people, because the tribe refused to allow wall construction during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Border Patrol operates from offices just outside the reservation. Tribal police work with federal authorities when they catch migrants, Mennell said, but response times can be long. As the military seals other parts of the border, the reservation will become a more attractive option, Holeman said, and smugglers will demand higher prices. Cartels have really taken over human trafficking, he said. Crossing here is going to be more expensive. If you have thousands and thousands of dollars, they can drive you right in. As of April 22, there were 10,281 troops assigned to the Southwest border up from 2,500 before Trumps order, according to U.S. Northern Command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I welcome it. Anything that can reduce the impact on taxpayer dollars in this county, said Frank Antenori, a Cochise County supervisor. Its about time the federal government got serious about securing the border and protecting the citizens of this county. Cochise, in Arizonas southeast corner, has a population of about 124,000, and its law enforcement and health resources have been stretched thin by illegal immigration, Antenori said. The day he was sworn in for a second term, Trump declared a national emergency at the border and ordered more military personnel and surveillance aircraft there. He expanded the effort with the April 11 order assigning the military missions of repelling the invasion and sealing the United States southern border from unlawful entry to maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four days later, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that his department would transfer control of 109,651 acres of federal land along the border to the Army for three years. The American people gave President Trump a mandate to make America safe and strong again, he said in his announcement. Having more troops at the border will allow faster expansion of the border wall, along with more roads, lights and surveillance systems, according to John Mennell, acting branch chief for the Tucson sector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Whatever hasnt been done in the first term is getting done now, he said in a phone interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are critics in southern Arizona. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, whose department patrols Tucson and a vast stretch of borderland, said hes concerned that the expanded troop presence along with Trumps immigration crackdown will deter migrants from asking for help. Theres fear out there that if I call 911, my family member or someone is going to be deported, he said. Nanos would prefer reform of immigration policies such as providing an easier and more orderly way to become a citizen. Although officials elsewhere say undocumented migrants squeeze their budgets, Nanos said he hasnt seen that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if it did, isnt that our job? Nanos said. We are here to protect people in this county. Thats what were here to do, no matter their status. Environmentalists are concerned about the impact the extra troops and their equipment will have on Sonoran Desert ecosystems that are home to thousands of plant and animal species, of which 23 are endangered. The interior secretary said the troops presence will actually help preserve delicate habitats and sites of archaeological importance. High-traffic illegal crossings can lead to soil erosion, damage to fragile desert vegetation and critical wildlife habitat, loss and damage to cultural resources, increased fire risk and pollution from trash and human waste, Burgum said when he announced the land transfer to Army control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Trumps first term, the federal government installed tall fencing along roughly a third of the U.S.-Mexico border. Before that, any barriers generally allowed animals to pass freely. Jaguars, ocelots, mountain lions, bears and other species whose ranges span the border have all been impacted, said Russ McSpadden, who leads campaigns for the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. Surveillance lights and increased vehicle patrols also disrupt species that call the region home, he said, and military vehicles will surely inflict more harm. The devastation was on a grand scale the first time around, he said. These walls are being built in really sensitive ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Defenders of Wildlife, the Sonoran pronghorn, the fastest mammal in North America, is endangered partly due to fencing. Only 160 remain in the U.S., plus 240 in Mexico. Trumps efforts to seal much of the border with troops comes despite big drops in illegal crossings. Arizona has seen a huge decrease since last fall. The drop has been especially sharp since Trump took office three months ago. At the current rate of decline, the total for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30 could be down 80 percent from the previous year. Even so, Battalion Search and Rescue found nearly 20 sets of human remains last winter. The entrance to the 516-square-mile Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, which is adjacent to the Tohono Oodham Reservation and to tribal cultural sites. (Photo by Annabella Piunti/Cronkite News) Much of the groups work is along the poor mans route through the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, west of the Tohono OOdham reservation a trek through desolate and rugged terrain that avoids populated areas but claims many lives. This is where people go when they have the least amount of money, the least amount of options, Holeman said. There is basically no water and it has the highest rate of apprehension. It has the highest risk and the lowest price. For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org. Helicopter flights near a Washington, D.C. airport have been put on pause after two commercial airliners had to abort landings to avoid colliding with an Army Black Hawk helicopter last week. All helicopter operations near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were halted following Thursdays two close calls, two Army officials told the Associated Press Monday. The stoppage also comes months after 64 passengers and three crew members were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter collided with a passenger jet at the same airport on January 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Army officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the unit is continuing to fly in the greater Washington, D.C., region. The unit had planned to gradually increase the number of flights over the next four weeks, according to an Army document viewed by AP - but now has paused them. Helicopter operations near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were paused after two commercial planes had to abort landings last week. (Getty Images) The two close calls on Thursday unfolded as air traffic control directed a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and a Republic Airways Embraer E170 to conduct a go-around to allow a priority air transport. Both commercial airlines were forced to abort their planned landings to make way for an Army helicopter to head to the Pentagon Army Hospital, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the latest close call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the deadly January crash, the FAA imposed restrictions on helicopter traffic in the area, including permanently banning non-essential helicopter operations, eliminating helicopter and fixed-wing mixed traffic and permanently closing a route along the Potomac River to helicopter traffic, among others. Exceptions are allowed for life-saving medical support, active law enforcement operations, active air defense, and presidential and vice presidential helicopter travel. It was not immediately clear whether the Black Hawk involved in Thursdays incident was operating under those guidelines. With contributions from the Associated Press. The Army on Monday said it has suspended helicopter flights into the Pentagon, following an incident last week involving a military helicopter flying near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that prompted air traffic controllers to divert two commercial flights that had been attempting to land. The suspension affects helicopter operations out of the 12th Aviation Battalion, which is tasked with evacuating political VIPs during an emergency, pending an internal inquiry, said Lt. Col. Patrick Husted, spokesperson for the unit that oversees Army operations within the nations capital. A Black Hawk helicopter from that same battalion collided with an airliner near Reagan National earlier this year, killing all 67 people on board both aircraft. According to an email sent by an FAA official Friday, an Army helicopter also a Black Hawk took a scenic route around the Pentagon versus proceeding directly from the west to the heliport on Thursday, prompting controllers at Reagan National to call for passenger planes to twice abort their landings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident sparked the the ire of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who on Friday took to social media to call the flight "unacceptable" and said hed be talking to the Defense Department to ask why the hell our rules were disregarded. Operations at the airport have been under intense scrutiny since the January crash, and its cause remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. At Duffy's direction, DOT has already shuttered some helicopter flight routes near the airport, and managers in the control tower at the airport have been reassigned. Last weeks incident additionally sparked bipartisan outrage among lawmakers who are also probing the disaster, among other close calls concerning the airport. The Army is once again putting the traveling public at risk, Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in an X post Friday. He added that hes committed to crafting legislation that would protect Reagan National travelers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA on Monday did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Army decision to suspend Pentagon flights. Following the incident, the Army said it had conducted the Thursday helicopter flight in accordance with published FAA flight routes. Capt. Victoria Goldfedib, U.S. Army spokesperson, said that Pentagon controllers directed the helicopter to perform a go-around, flying over the helipad which then prompted Reagan National controllers to take action to ensure the appropriate deconfliction of airspace. Goldfedib said the Army remains committed to aviation safety and conducting flight operations within all approved guidelines and procedures as the incident remains under investigation. Starting May 7, everyone 18 and older will be required to have a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. But what if you've recently moved? Even if you have a REAL ID from another state, you'll still need to start over resubmitting identity documents like your birth certificate, proof of residency, and any records of name changes to get one in Wisconsin. Rita McCauley said she learned that the hard way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After moving to Wisconsin from Nevada where McCauley said she already completed the REAL ID application process she assumed she would automatically qualify for the same status on her new license. But during a recent trip to the DMV, McCauley said she learned she'd have to reapply from scratch. "It's a federal requirement. Why can't we transfer the info that's been verified and update the address?" McCauley asked Public Investigator. As someone who's been married a few times before, McCauley said it's not easy for her to gather all of the documentation required to provide proof of her name changes. Wisconsin DMV spokesperson Terry Walsh told Public Investigator that, due to federal law, there's no way to work around reapplying for REAL ID credentials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates point out that these stringent policies from applying for a REAL ID to registering to vote are particularly challenging for women and transgender people, who often change their names or other information on their identity documents. What is REAL ID? According to the Department of Homeland Security, the requirement comes from the REAL ID Act passed in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses. More: You have until May 7 to get a Real ID in Wisconsin. Here's what happens if you miss the deadline Why can't REAL ID credentials transfer between states? Walsh, the DMV spokesperson, said the REAL ID Act outlines how states must collect and verify identity documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though McCauley was issued a REAL ID in Nevada, she still has to prove she meets the requirements like proof of residency in Wisconsin. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is a nonprofit organization that supports and connects DMVs across the United States and Canada. The association's CEO Ian Grossman told Public Investigator that the organization's state-to-state verification system helps DMV workers check whether someone has obtained REAL ID status in another state. For example, in McCauley's case, Grossman said the system would allow Wisconsin to notify Nevada that she shouldn't be registered with REAL ID credentials there anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, due to federal law, the system stops short of allowing people to transfer their REAL ID status to other states. Grossman said the association is prepared to update its technology if federal policy ever changes. Women and trans people face disproportionate barriers, National Women's Law Center says Alison Gill, director of nominations and democracy at the National Women's Law Center, told Public Investigator that the "deeply personal" choice to change one's name after marriage shouldn't make life more difficult. But from the REAL ID application to registering to vote, Gill said women who have changed their last name are facing far too many unnecessary challenges that lawmakers should take notice of. "This isnt an isolated issue its part of a broader pattern of systemic inequality," said Gill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Women's Law Center is closely following the SAVE Act, she added, a bill that, if passed, would require anyone registering to vote to present documentation of not only their identity but also their citizenship status. The SAVE Act requires that, when registering to vote, the name on your ID or passport matches the name on your birth certificate or naturalization card. However, it doesn't specify what the 69 million American women who took their partner's last name after marriage should do to comply with this rule. "Trans people, who also frequently change their name and information on their identity documents, are also impacted by these measures," Gill said. Women already grapple with wage gaps and health care disparities, Gill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The last thing they need to worry about is whether a name change will jeopardize their right to vote or access legal identification," she said. Quinn Clark is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be emailed at QClark@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Why moving to a new state can force you to restart the REAL ID process Lawmakers are moving to defray the impact of surging electricity costs expected to raise monthly bills by about 20% beginning this June. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) An Assembly panel on Monday will consider a spate of bills meant to ease the impact of electricity prices set to surge in June. Among the bills are measures that would alter how state regulators set profit margins for utilities, create training requirements for those regulators, and require the Board of Public Utilities to study the impact data centers have on electricity prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not going to find a one-fix silver bullet thats going to solve the entire issue. Its going to need to be piecemeal, said Assemblyman Avi Schnall (D-Ocean), a sponsor of one of the bills. Were going to have to find a little bit here and a little bit there and a little bit over there. The hearing comes about a month before electricity prices are set to surge upward by roughly 20% as a result of price-setting auctions held in July and February. The increase could add approximately $25 to an average customers monthly bill. Schnalls bill would require the Board of Public Utilities to use a stricter standard when setting utilities return on equity rates the rate at which they are allowed to profit on infrastructure and other investments. At present, most New Jersey utilities return on equity rates hovers around 9.6%. Utility providers are not permitted to profit off the sale of electricity itself they sell it to customers at cost but they can recoup costs for other investments, including capital costs, that are typically passed directly along to consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would require the BPU to approve the lowest reasonable return on equity, rather than the fair and reasonable standard used under existing regulations. Its not clear how much the change would affect utility bills (parts of the measure would take effect months after being signed into law). More money going back to customers is more money going back to customers, Schnall said. Other bills in the package would require utilities to return excess profits to ratepayers as a direct credit to future bills or through direct payments to customers who have unpaid bills or are enrolled in utility assistance programs. The BPU also sets revenue requirements for New Jersey utilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican officials have blamed Gov. Phil Murphys ambitious clean energy goals and his focus on offshore wind projects that are now stalled under the Trump administration for growing rates. Assemblyman Christian Barranco (R-Morris), an electrician by trade, panned most of the bills on the committees Monday agenda, warning measures to limit utilities profitability would limit their ability to attract the investment needed to upgrade their infrastructure. Barrancos comments echo concerns utility operators voiced at a legislative hearing on electricity prices in late April. He noted Jersey Central Power and Light had recently pared down a $930.5 million infrastructure investment plan by nearly 80% in a bid to keep rates down. Thats whats going to be affected, that sort of investment that sort of keeping up with the reliability of the infrastructure that wed like to see in a first-world country like ours, Barranco said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He praised a separate bill that would appropriate $5 million for the BPU to study the feasibility of small modular nuclear reactors statewide. One Republican member expressed cautious support for the bill package but warned that, while the bills could help control the cost of electricity in the long run, they would do little to relieve the short-term impact of surging prices. I think its a package that is not going to help ratepayers anytime soon, said Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-Ocean). He said Republican proposals to lower or suspend the societal benefits charge a 3% surcharge on all New Jersey electricity bills or exempt utility services from the states sales tax would deliver more immediate relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have said that PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for New Jersey, 12 other states, and the District of Columbia, is to blame for the rate spikes because the interconnector has been slow to add some renewable projects to its grid. Utility prices may become an even more pressing concern for low-income New Jerseyans in the next federal fiscal year. President Donald Trump has proposed zeroing out just over $4 billion in funding for a low-income home energy assistance program. The Budget proposes to end this program and to instead support low-income individuals through energy dominance, lower prices, and an America First economic platform, the Trump administration said in a budget document released Friday. New Jersey received nearly $133 million in awards under the program, which is meant to provide heating and cooling assistance to households making no more than 60% of the states median income. That cutoff was $92,108 for a four-person household in the current federal fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez told state Senate lawmakers last week that she expected New Jersey to receive federal funds for the program approved for the current federal fiscal year, which runs through Sept. 30, but her department had not been told that the program would not be funded in the following federal fiscal year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Atlanta City Council passed a resolution Monday urging Georgia State Patrol to reform its pursuit policies. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Cooper Schoenke, an innocent driver, died when officials say another driver, identified as Faduma Mohamed, crashed into his car in Little Five Points. Channel 2s Candace McCowan was outside City Hall where his heartbroken mother spoke about trying to spare others her pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three weeks ago, Katie Schoenkes son was struck and killed by a driver being chased by Georgia State Patrol in Little 5 Points. Gone, its just gone the life we knew, its just gone, she said. The city council wants to prevent what happened to Cooper Schoenke from happening again, voting on a resolution that urges the state to change the policy around pursuits. They are asking GSP to only pursue those wanted for violent felonies, or get supervisor approval, as well as limiting PIT maneuvers. GSP said previously after Cooper Schoenkes death that if the law is not enforced, those who break it will go unchecked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saying of the driver who hit him, the importance of a drivers responsibility to stop cannot be overlooked or overstated. Its a community acknowledging GSP has a job to do and asking it to be done in a way that is safer, said Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari. Georgia State Patrol said a trooper tried to pull Mohamed over for speeding on Interstate 20. Investigators said she sped away and got off at Moreland Avenue. She then ran a red light and crashed into Schoenkes car. Since the crash, a group of Georgia lawmakers and advocates have urged Georgia State Patrol to update its chase policy. The city council does not have the power to force the changes, only request them through a resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution references the changes Atlanta Police Department implemented regarding chases in the city. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The jury in the murder trial of former Grand Rapids Police Department Officer Christopher Schurr has begun deliberating his fate in the April 2022 killing of Patrick Lyoya. The 12-member jury 10 whites, one Hispanic and a woman who identified herself as biracial started deliberations at 12:40 p.m. Monday. They broke for the day before 5 p.m. and were expected to be back to work Tuesday morning. Jurors were given three choices: Guilty of second-degree murder, guilty of voluntary manslaughter or not guilty of anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge allowed the manslaughter option over the objection of the defense. The difference between second-degree murder and manslaughter is that, in manslaughter, the killing is the result of emotional excitement, the judge told the jury. Second-degree murder carries a term of up to life with parole; manslaughter carries up to 15 years in prison. In both cases, the prosecution must prove the killing was not justified. In the five and a half-day trial, jurors heard from 23 witnesses, including Schurr. Schurr on shooting Lyoya: If I didnt respond at that time, I wouldnt be here They are focused on a 2.5-minute struggle on April 4, 2022, that started with a traffic stop and ended with Schurr shooting Lyoya in the back of the head as they fought over the officers Taser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting led to marches, protests and visits from civil rights leaders. An undated photo of Patrick Lyoya courtesy family. Patrick is no saint, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said in his closing argument. Im not going to sit here and argue Patrick was a saint. He was drunk driving. He was resisting. He was driving without a drivers license. None of those are executable offenses. Yes, he was drinking and driving, defense attorney Matt Borgula said in his closing. Is that a bad thing? Yes. But nobodys saying they deserve to be executed, and nothing like that happened. The issue is whether or not he was in fear after Patrick Lyoya later on took his Taser. In 46 minutes of closing arguments, Prosecutor Chris Becker told the jury Schurr made mistakes that led to the shooting: chasing him in the first place, pulling his taser within arms reach of Lyoya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He bit off more than he could chew, which is essentially what happened here, Becker said of Schurr. Patricks not threatening him, Patricks not taking a swing at him, Patricks trying to get away, he said. Witness in murder trial: Schurr created jeopardy that led to shooting of Lyoya The prosecutor argued the Taser was no longer a threat. Theres no intent to harm, theres no assault going on here. Hes trying to get away. You dont get to shoot somebody because theyre trying to get away. Thats not a justification; thats not an excuse. The defendant had control; the defendant was on top of him the entire time. Why would he think he would need to use deadly force under these circumstances? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his 52-minute closing argument, defense attorney Borgula argued Schurr was doing his job. Its his job to arrest people who are committing crimes. He cant just decide, Well, Ive got to let him go now,' Borgula said. Patrick Lyoya decides to walk away from police. Why? We dont know. Officer Schurr is trained, though, that failure to comply, ask yourself why? GRPD training officer: Shot to back of Lyoyas head not unreasonable Schurr, he argued, was right to give chase after Lyoya started to flee, then to pull his Taser during their struggle. The defense argued the Taser, even after both cartridges had been fired during the struggle, was still a threat, or that Schurr rightfully perceived it as a threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the fight is on, Borgula said. They both want the Taser; thats what theyre fighting over, and Officer Schurr has a right to it and Patrick Lyoya does not. Lyoya, he argued, had control of the Taser. Video showed Schurr was on top of him. Patrick Lyoya has got it, holding it in his right hand. Holding it like a gun, he argued. Officer Schurr is being lifted up. Is he jumping up? No. Hes being lifted up by Mr. Lyoya. This is no longer about an arrest. This is the decision you have to judge, whether in moment of the threat he was afraid of that Taser, incapacitation or great bodily harm, whether it was reasonable for him to make the decision he never wanted to make that morning. Christopher Schurr was at work and he was faced with the toughest decision of his life in half a second. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not murder; its not manslaughter. This man (Schurr) did not commit a crime. Inside woodtv.com: The Patrick Lyoya case After the trial, Judge Christina Mims denied a motion for a mistrial by the defense, which claimed she had rolled her eyes during some testimony. For the record, she said, I dont know the defendant. I dont know where that implication of bias comes from. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARREN, Ohio, (WKBN) Trumbull County Auditor Martha Yoder is appealing a county judges decision that her office pay Bazetta Township over $80,000 it lost when the townships tax fund was mistakenly deposited into a fraudulent bank account. Read next: Ohio primary election: Whats on the ballot, and where can I vote? Yoder filed an appeal late last week in the 11th District Court of Appeals, taking issue with Judge Sarah Thomas Kovoors decision. A notice of appeal was filed, but briefs stating Yoders claim have not been filed yet on the public docket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bazetta Township trustees were quick to respond to the appeal and posted the following message on the townships Facebook page: We regret to inform our hard-working, tax-paying residents of Bazetta Township the Trumbull County Auditor, Martha Yoder has filed an Appeal to the 11th District Court of Appeals from the law suit we filed and were awarded by the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas. To date, we have been forced to spend $11,191.00 to recover your tax dollars she (Yoder) is statutorily required to deposit to Bazetta Township. Unfortunately, this process could drag out from six months to a year and will cost the taxpayers of our township and county even more money in legal fees. Bazetta Township The ruling follows a cyberattack in August 2024, when hackers infiltrated the townships fiscal officers email and posed as officials to redirect where the townships tax revenue should be sent. The auditors office failed to verify the request and sent the money to a fraudulent account at Green Dot Bank. Yoder previously stated that the townships fiscal officer admitted to asking for the multifactor authentication (MFA) to be turned off for the email account. MFA is an electronic authentication security method that allows access to an application only after a user successfully presents two or more pieces of evidence to authenticate identity. The amount ordered to be repaid was $80,857.19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nadine Grimley and Lindsey Watson 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Sustainable and Operational Social Security Agency of Azerbaijan and the Republican Unitary Enterprise "National Electronic Services Center" of Belarus during a broad meeting between Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin at the Cabinet of Ministers on May 5, Trend reports. The document was signed by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Azerbaijan Anar Aliyev and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus Dmitry Pinevich. During the meeting, an Action Plan for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the relevant ministries of Azerbaijan and Belarus for 2025-2026 was also signed. The document was signed by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Azerbaijan Anar Aliyev and the First Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Belarus Tatiana Astreiko. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel AUSTIN (KXAN) Thursday, Austin City Council is expected to vote on three separate loan applications that would bring in as much as $120 million to the city of Austin for several major water infrastructure projects. There are three pretty good sized items on the agendaall three of them relate to the city of Austin asking the Water Development Board for low interest loans, in some instances zero interest loans, so that we can make certain improvements to our system, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. The first asks the city manager to file an application with the Texas Water Development Board for an up to $45 million loan so that Austin Water can replace polybutylene pipes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know from work that weve done both with the water utility and with the Auditors Office that one of the biggest areas of where we have leaks which, of course, we dont want to have, because that loses valuable, precious water is in the piping that goes from the city water main to the meter people use their homes, Watson said of that item. Another would ask the city manager to request up to $10 million for a project that would allow additional re-use of water through the Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main, which services near downtown Austin. Thats important for a couple things, because were capable of using, and want to use non-potable water, non-drinkable water for things like irrigation, things like how you cool buildings. And so that would allow us to upgrade that system significantly, Watson explained. The third is for up to $65 million that would allow the city to create flood protections at Austin Waters Walnut Creek wastewater treatment plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In at least two of the three instances that Im talking about, a big part of what were doing is were also addressing extreme weather conditions, you know, things like flooding that could impact the Walnut Creek wastewater treatment facility. And its been because weve seen changes in those flood maps, Watson 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 KXAN Austin. AUSTIN (KXAN) Austins young leaders and mentors will be honored for their community impact this Saturday during the 26th annual Austin Under 40 Awards. A group of 90 finalists across 18 categories is looking to win in their category as well as take home the Austinite of the Year title. A panel of more than 70 judges, who are both past leaders and prominent in their industry, helps determine who qualifies and ultimately wins. Austin Under 40 Awards finalists mingle before the 2024 ceremony. (Courtesy: Austin Under 40 Awards) Event Co-Chair Travis Reiter said the evening is about both honoring the winners and raising money for charity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to amplify the stories of our winners, because their work has more of an impact if the word can get out there and inspire other leaders, Reiter said. Also from a fundraising perspective, the awards benefit the Austin Sunshine Camps. The Sunshine Camps help send more than 500 children from disadvantaged backgrounds to free overnight summer camp at Zilker Park and Lake Travis. The mission of the Austin Sunshine Camps is to provide the magic of overnight camp without the barrier of cost, said Austin Young Mens Business League Member Nathan Martinez. Since 1928, the Austin Young Mens Business League has put on the Sunshine Camps, sending more than 56,000 kids to camp in Central Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KXAN evening anchor Jennifer Sanders is among the finalists in the Journalism, Media, and Content Creation category. Tickets to the event at the JW Marriott are still on sale to the public and start at $350. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) From big band to rock and country and more, Austintown Township has planned a summer lineup of music that appeals to all tastes. Read next: Ohio primary election: Whats on the ballot, and where can I vote? The 2025 Summer Concerts in the Park are from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings beginning June 3 at Austintown Township Park, 6000 Kirk Rd. The concerts are sponsored by First National Bank, Charlys Restaurant, Superior Auto Body, Send it Packin Plus, Armstrong, Woodland Senior Living Center, Hollywood Gaming and On Demand Drug Testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first concert is set for June 3 and will feature Cin City and the Saints, a classic rock band. The rest of the lineup appears below: June 10 Blue Siren Classic rock and modern country June 17 Youngstown Area Community Concert Band June 24 Train Wreck Modern country July 1 Canfield Community Concert Band July 8 Hair Supply 70s-90s rock and country July 15 The Vegas Reunion Top 40 July 22 Leanne Binder, Greg Horvat and Friends Classic rock, rhythm and blues July 29 Davis and Henner 0 Acoustic rock and roll August 5 Jim Frank Combo Big band, polka and waltzes August 12 Vintage Vinyl 60s and 70s August 19 Sweet Sounds by Randy and Jack Classic rock, 50s and country August 26 Girard Swing Time Band Kristen Hephner 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. By Alasdair Pal and Christine Chen SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia and New Zealand vowed to advocate for their film industries on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies. Australia and New Zealand have emerged as popular filming locations for Hollywood movies in recent years, given lower costs and tax incentives from federal and state governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, Trump said in a post on Truth Social that it was due to incentives offered by other countries to lure filmmakers that the American movie industry was dying a "very fast death". He said he was authorizing the relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States. Australia's home affairs minister, Tony Burke, said he had spoken to the head of government body Screen Australia, which offers funding to support the development, production and marketing of screen content, about the proposed tariffs. "Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry," Burke said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the government was awaiting further details on the proposed tariffs. "We'll have to see the detail of what actually ultimately emerges. But we'll be obviously a great advocate, great champion of that sector and that industry," he said. The Australian film and television sector was worth over A$4 billion ($2.58 billion) in 2022, according to the countrys statistics bureau. Australia was the filming location for the Matrix franchise and is a permanent base for studios including Marvel, while New Zealand is best known as the filming location of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Australian government has committed A$540 million in tax incentives since 2019 to attract international productions, with the bulk going to Hollywood movies such as Marvel's "Thor: Love and Thunder", Universal's "The Fall Guy" and Legendary Pictures' "Godzilla vs Kong". In New Zealand, the film sector generates NZ$3.5 billion ($2 billion) annually, with around a third of revenue coming from the U.S., its foreign ministry said in a March 2025 report. ($1 = 1.5475 Australian dollars) ($1 = 1.6753 New Zealand dollars) (Reporting by Alasdair Pal and Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Himani Sarkar) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies in January at his Senate confirmation hearing for his nomination to be secretary of Health and Human Services. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Recently, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., made some of his most callous remarks to date about the autistic community. This is particularly offensive because April was Autism Acceptance Month. Among other things, he claimed that autistic people like me will never pay taxes, never hold jobs, never go on dates comments that boil down to one message: That we are tragedies to be pitied, in desperate need of a cure. He also repeated the thoroughly debunked claim that autism is caused by toxins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others have already addressed the scientific reality: Study after study has shown there is no evidence to support these assertions. The so-called experts backing them are widely discredited. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Views of writers are their own. And many of us will continue to point out the truth supported by decades of research: The rise in autism diagnoses stems from a better understanding of what autism looks like and improved diagnostic standards just as has occurred with many other conditions as medicine has advanced over the centuries. But what I want to speak to, as an autistic person, is how this rhetoric affects us. I am autistic, and I am proud of it. My neurodiversity is not a tragedy it is an integral part of who I am and the path Ive taken in life. Im a Truman Scholar, an honors graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, where I served in student government, and a graduate of the University of Maine School of Law. Over the past decade, Ive worked as a policy advocate and lobbyist, led a national disability justice project and directed policy for another major organization. My writing has been published in academic journals and books. Today, I serve as Marylands coordinator of State Autism Strategy, a position Ive proudly held since 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, to address one of Secretary Kennedys claims directly: I pay taxes every year. In my 36 years, Ive had the privilege of meeting incredible autistic people across Maryland and the country people who give their hearts to their communities, build fulfilling careers, and live lives of purpose and pride. Our lives are not tragedies. We dont need a cure we need acceptance. Secretary Kennedys comments are harmful. They reinforce stigma, discourage inclusion, and send the wrong message to every parent of a newly diagnosed child. That message isnt just falseits damaging to all of us. In contrast, here in Maryland, we believe that people with disabilities deserve to thrive in their chosen communities and live full, self-determined lives. Thats why on April 23, we released a statewide strategic plan to address autism-related needs one grounded in the values of acceptance, inclusion, and independence. This month, the first bill Gov. Wes Moore signed following this legislation session was the Model Employer Act, improving access to state employment for people with disabilities, including autism. I am proud to live and work in a state that celebrates all of who I am, including being autistic. Newark airport faces ongoing travel chaos amid ATC issues and runway construction. It's unlikely the problems will subside anytime soon, with United forced to axe 35 daily flights. Experts advise considering alternative airports or other United hubs to avoid disruptions. A week of compounding crises at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport has some travelers questioning if they should change their travel plans to avoid the airport altogether. Travel chaos has been ongoing at Newark since April 28, when air traffic issues first forced dozens of delays and more than 100 cancellations. Those delays have now stretched into their second week, disrupting thousands more flights and leaving plane loads of passengers stranded at one of the busiest US airports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has ultimately forced United, the airport's biggest airline, to pull 35 daily flights, or about 10% of its Newark schedule, until further notice. The airport has long dealt with delays caused by a shortage of air traffic control staff. But now, its main runway is closed for construction until at least June, and classic April rain showers have only made things worse. As of Tuesday afternoon, the trifecta of staffing, construction, and weather had flights inbound to Newark delayed an average of more than four hours the airport's 9th straight day of issues. Atmosphere Research Group travel analyst Henry Harteveldt told Business Insider that those stuck in chaos should keep their wits, and those traveling in the near future may want to consider the New York City area's other airports or another United hub. Avoid Newark or brace for inevitable disruptions New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are the most obvious alternatives to Newark, but Harteveldt said there's also Long Island MacArthur Airport and Westchester Airport in White Plains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These suburban options are further from the city, and they won't have the same plethora of flight connections. The same goes for LaGuardia, which has a perimeter rule that only allows flights longer than 1,500 miles, like United's flight to Denver, on Saturdays. NerdWallet travel analyst Sally French told BI to allow plenty of extra time for your connection if Newark is your only option. She added that customers should avoid checking a bag as carry-on only allows for more flexibility to switch flights or airports. Flight disruptions at Newark Airport have left thousands of passengers waiting hours for their flights. Spencer Platt/Getty Images If you want to stick with United but still avoid Newark as a layover, you could travel via United's hubs in Houston, Washington, DC, Denver, and Chicago instead. You could also use these hubs as a connection to LaGuardia if you still need to get to the New York City area, but without the added risk of flying to Newark. The airline says fees and fare differences are waived for flight changes from May 6 to May 17 for tickets purchased before May 4, so long as the origin and destination cities remain the same, or one of LaGuardia or Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you need a long-haul international connection, however, Newark may be your only choice, as United doesn't fly to New York-JFK. Some loyalty customers may prefer to deal with Newark, and Harteveldt said customers should ask to be booked on one of United's partner airlines if their original flight is disrupted. "If Newark is your only option, gird your loins and pack your patience," Harteveldt said, adding that customers should not vent their frustrations at the airline's employees. How things got so bad at Newark It's not uncommon for major airports to experience days of disruptions due to weather and equipment, like the January winter storms or the CrowdStrike fiasco in 2024. When a combination of factors coexist, things can get extra chaotic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration moved the ATC arrivals operation that handles Newark from New York to Philadelphia to address staffing issues, though the same problem has appeared regardless of where the traffic flows. Equipment failures at the facility have only added to the backups. The closure of the airport's busiest runway is expected to last until at least June as planes wait to use alternates. Many carriers beyond United are affected by the staffing and construction issues at Newark. Spencer Platt/Getty Images United CEO Scott Kirby said in a letter to customers on Friday that the compounding problems were exacerbated by 20% of controllers "walking off the job." He added that the facility has been "chronically understaffed for years." It's unlikely things will change anytime soon until capacity is under control. Kirby urged the government to reclassify Newark as a "Level 3" airport, meaning it would use a slot system to manage capacity by limiting the number of planes that can take off and land at certain times. Both New York-JFK and LaGuardia are slot-controlled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey also blamed the FAA for the chaos, telling BI it has invested billions of dollars to modernize Newark but that those improvements rely on a "fully-staffed and modern federal air traffic system." "We continue to urge the FAA to address ongoing staffing shortages and accelerate long-overdue technology upgrades that continue to cause delays in the nation's busiest air corridor," a spokesperson said. The federal government has long tried to get a grip on air traffic control staffing. The FAA said in May 2024 that it was about 3,000 controllers short. The Trump Administration in February announced an effort to "supercharge" ATC hiring. This includes upping trainee pay, offering up to $15,000 in incentives to new hires, reducing the hiring process by five months, and providing new opportunities to veteran controllers. Read the original article on Business Insider Updated at 1:53 p.m. ET on May 5, 2025 One Friday in April, Metas chief global affairs officer, Joel Kaplan, announced that the process of removing fact-checking from the American versions of Facebook, Threads, and Instagram was nearly complete. By the following Monday, there would be no new fact checks and no fact checkers working across these platforms in the U.S.no professionals marking disinformation about vaccines or stolen elections. Elon Musk, owner of Xa rival platform with an infamously permissive approach to content moderationreplied to Kaplan, writing, Cool. Meta, then just called Facebook, began its fact-checking program in December 2016, after President Donald Trump was first elected and the social network was criticized for allowing the rampant spread of fake news. The company will still take action against many kinds of problematic contentthreats of violence, for example. But it has left the job of patrolling many kinds of misinformation to users themselves. Now, if users are so compelled, they can turn to a Community Notes program, which allows regular people to officially contradict one anothers posts with clarifying or corrective supplementary text. A Facebook post stating that the sun has changed color might receive a useful correction, but only if someone decided to write one and submit it for consideration. Almost anyone can sign up for the program (Meta says users must be over 18 and have accounts in good standing), making it, in theory, an egalitarian approach to content moderation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has called the pivot on misinformation a return to the companys roots, with Facebook and Instagram as sites of free expression. He announced the decision to adopt Community Notes back in January, and explicitly framed the move as a response to the 2024 elections, which he described as a cultural tipping point towards once again prioritizing speech. Less explicitly, Metas shift to Community Notes is a response to years of being criticized from both sides of the aisle over the companys approach to misinformation. Near the end of his last term, Trump targeted Facebook and other online platforms with an executive order accusing them of selective censorship that is harming our national discourse, and during the Biden administration, Zuckerberg said he was pressured to take down more posts about COVID than he wanted to. Metas abandonment of traditional fact-checking may be cynical, but misinformation is also an intractable problem. Fact-checking assumes that if you can get a trustworthy source to provide better information, you can save people from believing false claims. But people have different ideas of what makes a trustworthy source, and there are times when people want to believe wrong things. How can you stop them? And, the second question that platforms are now asking themselves: How hard should you try? Community Notes programsoriginally invented in 2021 by a team at X, back when it was still called Twitterare a somewhat perplexing attempt at solving the problem. It seems to rely on a quaint, naive idea of how people behave online: Lets just talk it out! Reasonable debate will prevail! But, to the credit of social-media platforms, the approach is not as starry-eyed as it seems. The chief innovation of Community Notes is that the annotations are generated by consensus among people who might otherwise see things differently. Not every note that is written actually appears under a given post; instead, they are assessed using bridging algorithms, which are meant to bridge divides by accounting for whats called diverse positive feedback. This means that a potential note is valued more highly and is more likely to appear on a post if it is rated helpful by a wide array of people who have demonstrated different biases at other times. The basics of this system have quickly become a new industry standard. Shortly after Metas announcement about the end of fact-checking, TikTok said that it would be testing its own version of Community Notes, called Footnotesthough unlike Meta and X, TikTok will keep using a formal fact-checking program as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These tools are a good idea and do more good than harm, Paul Friedl, a researcher at Humboldt University, in Berlin, told me. Friedl co-authored a 2024 paper on decentralized content moderation for Internet Policy Review, which discussed Xs Community Notes among other examples, including Reddits forums and old Usenet messaging threads. A major benefit he and his co-author cited was that these programs may help create a culture of responsibility by encouraging communities to reflect, debate, and agree on the purpose of whatever online space theyre using. Platforms certainly have good reasons to embrace the model. The first, according to Friedl, is the cost. Rather than employing fact-checkers around the world, these programs require only a simple algorithm. Users do the work for free. The second is that people like themthey often find the context added to posts by fellow users to be helpful and interesting. The third is politics. For the past decade, platformsand Meta in particularhave been highly reactive to political events, moving from crisis to crisis and angering critics in the process. When Facebook first started flagging fake news, it was perceived as too little, too late by Democrats and reckless censorship by Republicans. It significantly expanded its fact-checking program in 2020 to deal with rampant misinformation (often spread by Trump) about the coronavirus pandemic and that years election. From March 1, 2020, to Election Day that year, according to Facebooks self-reporting, the company displayed fact-checking labels on more than 180 million pieces of content. Again, this was perceived as both too much and not enough. With a notes-based system, platforms can sidestep the hassle of public scrutiny over what is or isnt fact-checked and why and cleanly remove themselves from drama. They avoid making contentious decisions, Friedl said, which helps in an effort not to lose cultural capital with any user bases. John Stoll, the recently hired head of news at X, told me something similar about Community Notes. The tool is the best solution to misinformation, he said, because it takes a sledgehammer to a black box. Xs program allows users to download all notes and their voting history in enormous spreadsheets. By making moderation visible and collaborative, instead of secretive and unaccountable, he argued, X has discovered how to do things in the most equitable, fair, and most pro-free-speech way. (Free speech on X, it should be noted, has also meant platforming white supremacists and other hateful users who were previously banned under Twitters old rules.) [Read: X is a white-supremacist site] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People across the political spectrum do seem to trust notes more than they do standard misinformation flags. That may be because notes feel more organic and tend to be more detailed. In the 2024 paper, Friedl and his co-author wrote that Community Notes give responsibilities to those most intimately aware of the intricacies of specific online communities. Those people may also be able to work faster than traditional fact-checkersX claims that notes usually appear in a matter of hours, while a complicated independent fact-check can take days. Yet all of these advantages have their limits. Community Notes is really best suited to nitpicking individual instances of people lying or just being wrong. It cannot counter sophisticated, large-scale disinformation campaigns or penalize repeated bad actors (as the old fact-checking regime did). When Twitters early version of Community Notes, then called Birdwatch, debuted, the details of the mechanism were made public in a paper that acknowledged another important limitation: The algorithm needs some cross-partisan agreement to function, which may, at times, be impossible to find. If there is no consensus, there are no notes. Musk himself has provided a good case study for this issue. A few Community Notes have vanished from Musks posts. Its possible that he had them removedat times, he has seemed to resent the power that X has given its users through the program, suggesting that the system is being gamed and chiding users for citing legacy mediabut the disappearances could instead be an algorithmic issue. An influx of either Elon haters or Elon fans could ruin the consensus and the notes helpfulness ratings, leading them to disappear. (When I asked about this problem, Stoll told me, Were, as a company, 100 percent committed to and in love with Community Notes, but he did not comment on what had happened to the notes removed from Musks posts.) The early Birdwatch paper also noted that the system might get really, really good at moderating trivial topics. That is the tools core weakness and its core strength. Notes, because they are written and voted on by people with numerous niche interests and fixations, can appear on anything. While youll see them on something classically wrong and dangerous, such as conspiracy theories about Barack Obamas birth certificate, youll also see them on things that are ridiculous and harmless, such as a cute video of a hedgehog. (The caption for a hedgehog video I saw last week suggested that a stumbling hedgehog was being helped across a street by a crow; the Community Note clarified that the crow was probably trying to kill it, and the original poster deleted the post.) At times, the disputes can be wildly annoying or pedantic and underscore just how severe a waste of your one life it is to be online at all. I laughed recently at an X post: People really log on here to get upset at posts and spend their time writing entire community notes that amount to katy perry isnt an astronaut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: The perfect pop star for a dumb stunt] The upside, though, is that when anything can be annotated, it feels like less of a big deal or a grand conspiracy when something is. Formal fact-checking programs can feel punitive and draconian, and they give people something to rally against; notes come from peers. This makes receiving one potentially more embarrassing than receiving a traditional fact-check as well; early research has shown that people are likely to delete their misleading posts when they receive Community Notes. The optimistic take on notes-type systems is that they make use of material that already exists and with which everyone is already acquainted. People already correct each other online all the time: On nearly any TikTok in which someone is saying something obviously wrong, the top comment will be from another person pointing this out. It becomes the top comment because other users like it, which bumps it up. I already instinctively look to the comment section whenever I hear something on TikTok and think, That cant be true, right? For better or worse, the idea of letting the crowd decide what needs correcting is a throwback to the era of internet forums, where actually culture got its start. But this era of content moderation will not last forever, just as the previous one didnt. By outright saying that a cultural and political vibe, of sorts, inspired the change, Meta has already suggested as much. We live on the actually internet for now. Whenever the climate shiftsor whenever the heads of the platforms perceive it to shiftwell find ourselves someplace else. This article has been updated to clarify that Meta is ending fact-checking operations only in the United States. Article originally published at The Atlantic MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The father of one of four people killed in a mass shooting that shook the Native American community in Minneapolis said Monday that it will take a long time to heal. Les Robinson said his 28-year-old son, LeRas Francis Rainey, seemed happy when he and some friends went to see James Duane Ortley last Tuesday. But prosecutors allege that Ortley, 34, shot Rainey and four other people in a car, killing all but one of them, in what investigators believe was a gang-related attack that later led to a retaliatory killing. The charges against Ortley, of Minneapolis, were updated Monday to four counts of second-degree murder, one count of second-degree attempted murder, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortley, who was wearing a green suicide-prevention suit, said little during a hearing in which his bail was set at $2 million. The judge scheduled his next hearing for June 25. His lawyer didn't immediately return a call seeking comment. Prosecutors allege that Ortley was in the vehicle with the five victims late Tuesday when he shot each in the head. Investigators believe someone else killed a fifth person about 13 hours later and a few blocks away. According to the criminal complaint, Ortley and members of his family are associated with the Native Mob gang, which operates in Minneapolis and other parts of Minnesota. Authorities identified the three who died at the scene of the first shooting as Evan Ramon Denny, 27, of St. Paul; Joseph Douglas Goodwin, 17, of Minneapolis; and Merelle Joan White, 20, of Red Lake. Rainey died at a hospital Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 20-year-old woman who was shot in the face survived and helped police identify Ortley as a suspect. Authorities have given no details of a possible motive. But they allege in the complaint that Ortley was a friend or associate of at least one or more of the victims, who were at a family friends Minneapolis home on the night of the shootings before they left with plans to pick up Ortley. Robinson, of Minneapolis, told reporters he was there when his son and the others went out that night. He said his son left the house real happy. Like hes going to go visit his friends, and told us hell be home in a couple hours. Never came back. Robinson said he had heard nothing more solid than rumors about what led to the shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say all of the victims were Native American. Robinson, a member of the Red Lake Nation, said there's a lot of sorrow now in the local Native community. Its a lot of frustration and all that, he said. "Its just (going to) take a long time to heal this situation. Asked what justice would look like for Ortley, Robinson replied: What hes going through now, I know hes never going to get out of there." After law enforcement arrested Ortley at a Minneapolis apartment Thursday, a search turned up a .380-caliber firearm that was concealed under a sweatshirt and hidden under a coffee table, the updated complaint said. The gun matched multiple bullets and shell casings found at the scene, it said. The medical examiner identified the victim of the second shooting as Tiago Antonio Gilbert, 34, of Minneapolis. Police Chief Brian O'Hara said Thursday it was entirely probable that Wednesday's shooting was revenge for the first. But investigators were still working Monday to determine a link. BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) is offering a reward for information after multiple people were shot in Woodlawn early Friday morning. Around 12:30 a.m. on May 2, officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Woodlawn Drive following reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Detectives later learned that three more people arrived at the hospital with injuries, and two had been shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commanders are hosting the 2027 NFL draft in Washington, AP source says As the search continues for suspects and a person of interest, investigators encourage anyone with information to call 410-887-4636. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-756-2587. The department noted that information submitted online through Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has approved the law on amendments to the country's law "On social service", Trend reports. According to the document, a social worker, within 10 working days from the date of submission of the application to him, carries out an assessment and determination of the need of a person (family) for social services and prepares a report reflecting the form, type of social service, place and duration of social service provision. Semi-stationary (day) social service consists of providing social-household, medical-social, socio-cultural and other services specified in this law to persons in difficult living conditions, including the elderly who can independently provide for their basic vital needs and have active mobility, and persons with disabilities over the age of 18, during the day or at night, and involving them in appropriate labor activities. Socio-cultural services are aimed at adapting individuals to socio-cultural life and effectively organizing their leisure time. The procedure for monitoring the quality and efficiency of services provided in social service institutions is determined by the body (institution) designated by the relevant executive authority. The head of state also signed a decree on the aforementioned document. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A Baton Rouge man convicted for possession of child porn was sentenced to four years in federal prison. The court ordered James Burland, 70, to pay a $5,000 special assessment to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and register as a sex offender after his release from prison. According to the Department of Justice, Burland had 565 images of child porn in his possession. Officials said he uploaded a file containing child porn to his internet-based cloud storage account on Nov. 11, 2022. Investigators found over 170 more files from November 2022 to April 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Supreme Court suspended Burland from practicing law in the state indefinitely after his guilty plea in January 2025. Prairieville man faces 10 years in prison, charged with enticement of minor 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. Bavarian Premier Markus Soder on Monday said Germany is "ready to take responsibility" under its incoming administration. "Germany has more strength than many people believe," he added at a ceremony to formally seal a coalition between his Christian Social Union (CSU), the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Berlin. The new government is set to take office on Tuesday after Friedrich Merz is elected chancellor. Soder said he is confident that the incoming administration understands the signs of the times. "It can and will become a strong team," he argued. WESTFIELD Baystate Health has appointed Brandon Okezie as the new president and chief operating officer of Baystate Noble Hospital. Most recently, Okezie served as associate administrator at the George Washington University Hospital, a 385-bed, tertiary care, academic medical center in Washington, D.C. Baystate Noble is a 65-bed hospital. Peter D. Banko, president and CEO of Baystate Health, called Okezie an approachable, relationship-driven leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new leader, he said in a statement, will ... elevate clinical excellence, advance a seamlessly accessible care model, and build coordinated care and service line networks to grow and expand care for our neighbors and patients. Before working at George Washington, Okezie held leadership roles within Centura Health, serving as director of hospital operations at St. Anthony North Hospital in Westminster, Colorado. There, he played a role in managing the development of an $89 million patient care tower and a $27 million cancer center. Banko served as president and CEO of Centura Health, in Centennial, Colorado, before being hired at Baystate last year. Okezie earned a bachelor of health care administration from Texas State University and a master of health administration from Cornell University. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. Three Bulgarians who have been convicted of spying for Russia in the UK attended events at Parliament at least once in the past, including a Brexit-related debate in 2016. Source: European Pravda; BBC investigation Details: BBC journalists found out from photos posted on social media that Orlin Roussev, Biser Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova were present at a Brexit debate in a committee room in May 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people who knew Roussev at the time have confirmed that he is in the photo. The BBC journalists visually identified Dzhambazov and Ivanova. The latter was also found on a list of people who confirmed they would be attending the event. The event was organised by representatives of European political parties (the parties are not specified), including the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), which Dzhambazov and Ivanova joined in early 2016. The same event was attended by BSP politician Georgi Pirinski (at that time a member of the European Parliament for his party), Roberto Sperenza, who served as Italy's Minister of Health under Prime Minister Guiseppe Conte, and representatives of the Romanian Social Democrats. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former leader of the UKs Conservative Party, said that following these revelations, Parliament should look into whether there were other cases when members of the spy ring had been in the building. Background: A total of six Bulgarian citizens were accused of spying. Three were convicted in March 2025 and the others pleaded guilty. They are expected to be sentenced later this week. Earlier, BBC journalists identified two women believed to be members of the spy network who are still at large. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A new BBC Gaza documentary is facing an indefinite delay until a review into a controversial film with links to Hamas has been completed. The programme, provisionally titled Gaza: Medics Under Fire, follows Palestinian doctors and health-care workers in the war zone, and had been due to air in February. However, it was pulled after a previous film on Gaza was found to have been narrated by the son of a Hamas government minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contentious documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, featured Abdullah al-Yazouri as its teenage narrator, but did not disclose his familys links to the proscribed terror group. The BBC removed the film from iPlayer amid a backlash, admitting serious flaws in its production, and announced an internal investigation. The review will look at errors including the payment of 790 by an independent production company, Hoyo Films, to the boys family. It has now emerged that the investigation has led to a separate documentary, Gaza: Medics Under Fire, being put on hold. The films production company, Basement Films, expressed frustration that its work could be affected by the scandal. Indefinite delays The company, which is not linked to the film under investigation, said it was deeply disappointed with the repeated and indefinite delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documentary includes interviews with Palestinian doctors who survived attacks on hospitals, with some claiming to have been detained and tortured. We are desperate for a confirmed release date in order to be able to tell the surviving doctors and medics when their stories will be told, the production company added. The BBC said that it would show the film as soon as possible after its review into Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone had finished, but it has not set a date. A spokesman for the corporation said: This documentary is a powerful piece of reporting and we will broadcast it as soon as possible. We have taken an editorial decision not to do so while we have an ongoing review into a previous documentary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basement Films is run by Ben de Pear, a former editor at Channel 4 News, who has won Emmy and Bafta awards for his work. The Times reported that one BBC insider claimed the fallout from the first film had left bosses terrified of showing anything about Gaza, but that others were reportedly relieved that it had been held back. The BBC has already done a lot about the suffering of Gazans because of Israels actions, the insider told The Times. The review is being led by Peter Johnston, the BBCs editorial complaints chief. He has interviewed staff and the team behind Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, but The Times reported that legal issues have slowed its progress. Regulator could get involved Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, has told Dr Samir Shah, the BBC chairman, that it will step in if not satisfied with the internal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes after The Telegraph revealed that the BBC is to appoint an independent figure to investigate allegations of anti-Semitism on its Arabic channel. On Saturday, Dr Shah also suggested the corporations wider reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict would now be reviewed. Speaking to Times Radio, he said: The Arabic service, we are looking at it, weve been examining it. I think this whole business of how weve covered Israel-Gaza is a proper thing to examine thoroughly, which is why were going to identify... were going to get hold of an independent figure to look at our coverage. BBC sources said a thematic review of its reporting on the Middle East conflict will be independent and published in full for presentation to the board. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is decades in the making, and is humanitys leading effort to harness the energy that powers the Sun. ITER announced this week that the Central Solenoidthe worlds most powerful magnet and beating heart of the tokamakis finally complete, and will begin assembly soon. ITERs first plasma is expected sometime in 2035, so we still have a decade of waiting before we can (hopefully) glimpse the future of green energy. The typical tagline youll often hear about fusion energy is the idea that scientists are trying to bottle the Sun. While technically correcthumanity is attempting to harness the power of the Suns proton-proton fusion chain reaction using isotopes of hydrogentokamaks like the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) are more an exercise in extreme engineering. ITER is a decades-long effort involving 35 countries, and the stats of the machine highlight the cooperation and expertise of that talent pool. When completer, ITER will be able to withstand temperatures 10 times hotter than the core of the Sun (150 million degrees Celsius) while also keeping certain components of itself near absolute zero (-273.15 degrees Celsius). At the heart of this engineering miracle is a 3,000-ton magnet system central to creating an invisible shield that keeps superheated plasma contained long enough to kickstart a fusion reaction. On Wednesday, the ITER team announced that the last piece of this magnetic puzzlethe Central Solenoidhas been built and tested in the U.S. and is now ready for assembly at the ITER facility in France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once assembled, this solenoid will be the worlds most powerful magnet. The magnet is so powerful, in fact, that its capable of completely levitating an aircraft carrier, according to an ITER press release . It will be contained inside an exoskeletonmade of 9,000 individual parts from eight U.S. supplierswhich will support the Central Solenoid as it generates extreme forces capable of kickstarting a fusion reaction. Although ITER is fundamentally different from our Sun (of course), it does work in a somewhat similar fashion. The Sun uses a too big to fail fusion regimeits transparent mass (330,000 times more than that of the Earth) is enough to fuse hydrogen nuclei into helium. On Earth, however, scientists need to compensate for this lack of mass with even more heat. At a certain temperature threshold, deuterium, and tritiumisotopes of hydrogen that will be used as fuel in ITERovercome electromagnetic repulsion via quantum tunneling and fuse. Some quick calculations using everyones favorite equation e=mc2 show that converting a little mass can give you tons of energy. ITERs 10,000 tons worth of superconducting magnets (with a combined energy of 51 gigajoules) will maintain the plasma for long enough at high enough temperatures for this fusion reaction to take place. By the scientists estimates, ITER should produce 500 megawatts of power for only 50 megawatts of input heating powera 10 fold increase. However, thats still a long ways off, as recent ITER estimates place the reactors first plasma date at around 2035. But once this gargantuan machine of human ingenuity is completely, we will have truly bottled a staror, at least, a close approximation of it. You Might Also Like CENTERTON, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Three students from Bentonville West High School are being recognized on the national stage for transforming a smartphone into a potential life-saving device one that could help detect cancer with just a photo. The team was named the National Winner of the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, securing a $100,000 prize package for their innovation. On April 28, the winning team traveled to Washington, D.C., to present their AI-powered mobile app, which detects oral cancer from a simple image of a users mouth via smartphone, to a panel of judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team earned an additional $10,000 as the Employee Choice Winner, a special distinction voted on by Samsung employees from the 10 national finalists. Inaugural Diamond Awards honor top high school theater talent Our main inspiration came from our roots in India, said Veera Unnam, junior at Bentonville West. We saw a lot of close family friends struggling with diagnoses for different types of diseases, specifically oral cancer. Weve had some close scares with people we know. When we saw that there isnt much research on it, we decided to take it into our own hands and see what we can do. Oral cancer causes 170,000 deaths annually, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students aim to make oral cancer detection more affordable and accessible through self-screening. With their competition success, the Bentonville West team plans further data testing and hopes to pitch the app to medical professionals nationwide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERLIN (AP) Central Berlin was in ruins after the Red Army completed the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in an intense fight for the capital in May 1945. After decades of division and its revival as the capital of a reunited, democratic Germany, the city is now transformed, blending painstakingly restored buildings with modern architecture. But the scars of the past remain visible in many places: facades riddled with holes from bullets and shrapnel, or gaps in rows of houses sometimes plugged by new buildings. An Associated Press story from May 9, 1945, painted a stark picture. It read: This town is a city of the dead. As a metropolis it has simply ceased to exist. Every house within miles of the center seems to have had its own bomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berlin, the epicenter of Adolf Hitler's power, was the ultimate prize as the Allies closed in from east and west on the disintegrating German defenses in the final stage of World War II. We all had a little case next to the bed, even the children," recalled Eva-Maria Kolb, now 89, of the constant aerial bombing in the last six months of the war. When there was an air raid warning you had to pull something on quickly and then go down to the basement. The final Battle of Berlin in late April and early May 1945 reduced much of what was left of the city to rubble. The Soviet military attacked from several directions with an enormous concentration of troops, who faced a struggle to cross rivers and canals and an intensifying street fight as they moved deeper and deeper into the city. On April 25, Berlin was encircled. Hitler killed himself in his bunker on April 30; and on May 2, the commander of German military forces in Berlin, Gen. Helmuth Weidling, capitulated to Soviet forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berlin was a heap of rubble because of these last 10 days, almost everything in the center was ruined, said Jorg Morre, the director of the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst, located in the building where Germany's final surrender was signed. But the infrastructure could be repaired relatively quickly the sewerage system wasn't so badly damaged. They managed to get the water supply and pipes going again. A lot of old Berliners are still familiar with hand pumps ... electricity came, so that the trams starting running again, and the commuter trains. Kolb said: It was, of course, a great relief in 45 that the war was over and Hitler was no longer alive ... everyone who wasn't a Nazi was very, very grateful that the war was over. She recalled that parts of the city were rubble, but she went to a school in the Tempelhof district, south of the center, that was only half-ruined. It no longer had a roof and the second or third floor was missing but we had lessons. Only when it rained were lessons canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marked the end Post-war Berlin was divided into sectors controlled by the wartime allies. That hardened into a Cold War division that saw two separate German states founded in 1949 and ultimately led to the building in 1961 of the Berlin Wall, which fell 28 years later as communist rule collapsed in East Germany. Germany was reunited in 1990 and the national government moved to Berlin in 1999. Parliament now meets in the restored Reichstag, where the raising of the Soviet Union's red flag in 1945 was emblematic of the victory over Nazi Germany. Graffiti left by Soviet troops at the Reichstag has been preserved at several places in the building. The military surrender of Berlin on May 2, 1945, wasn't quite the end of the war. Hitler's successor, Grand Adm. Karl Donitz, tried to fight on but was quickly forced to negotiate Germany's surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany's unconditional capitulation was signed at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, on May 7 and came into effect the following day. But the Soviet Union had only a liaison officer at the ceremony and fighting against the Red Army continued in the east, so a second ceremony was agreed at Soviet headquarters in Berlin on May 8, Morre said. As a result, the West and Russia mark the end of the war in Europe on May 8 and May 9, respectively. In this room, World War II ended in Europe, he said, in the preserved hall where the capitulation was signed in Berlin. This marked the end. ___ Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a decree aimed at strengthening the operational framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA) on May 5, Trend reports. Under the decree, the "Regulation on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan" was approved, alongside the "Structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan." The decree mandates that the Cabinet of Ministers prepare new drafts for regulations related to Azerbaijans embassies, permanent representations, consulates, and honorary consuls, as stipulated by the "Diplomatic Service Law," and submit them to the President within three months. Additionally, the decree tasks the MFA with preparing proposals regarding diplomatic staff salaries, allowances based on diplomatic rank, service length, representation, and other provisions, to be presented to the President within a month. The decree also calls for the creation of a relevant department under the MFAs apparatus in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to streamline the ministrys operations in the region. Further actions will be taken to address other issues arising from this decree. As a result of this move, the MFAs structure will now include the ministrys apparatusdepartments and sectionsas well as Azerbaijan's diplomatic missions and consulates. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The mayors of Berlin and Tel Aviv are to sign an agreement on Monday on becoming partner cities. Kai Wegner from the German capital and his colleague Ron Huldai from the Israeli metropolis plan to hold a ceremony to finalize the partnership at 2:45 pm (1245 GMT) in Berlin's City Hall. Wegner said the two cities want to expand their "outstanding cooperation" and are linked by their common status as attractive hubs for young people, artists and company founders from across the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With our partnership, Berlin and Tel Aviv are setting an example for tolerance, diversity, cohesion and humanity despite their very different historical backgrounds," said Wegner. The mayor argued that Berlin, as the city where the Holocaust was planned, has a special responsibility and obligation towards Israel and protecting Jewish life. The partnership with Tel Aviv is being agreed in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Berlin already has 18 partnerships with cities across the world, including European capitals such as London, Paris and Warsaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Berlin mayor's office website, the partnerships "provide institutional support for the internationalization of Berlin's economy and its scientific and academic institutions." "Exchanges are currently concentrated on business, science and academics, culture, youth exchanges and the judiciary," the website adds. Other partner cities include Beijing, Istanbul, Buenos Aires and Los Angeles, as well as Moscow and Kiev. Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, shakes hands with Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv, ahead of the signing of a city partnership between Berlin and Tel Aviv in front of the Rotes Rathaus in Berlin. Sebastian Gollnow/dpa It's been less than six months since the 2024 presidential election, but for some Democrats and Republicans, it's not too early to plan for the race for the White House in 2028. Three high-profile Democratic governors, one former Democratic Cabinet member and one Republican Cabinet member weighed in last week when questioned if they will run for president in 2028. Some did not rule out a run. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, said on Thursday that he would consider running for president if he felt he was someone who could successfully unite the country. PHOTO: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear talks about the gains in the economic growth f the state during the past year in Frankfort, Ky., on Dec. 18, 2024. (Timothy D. Easley/AP, FILE) "If you'd asked me a couple years ago if this is something I'd consider, I probably wouldn't have. But I don't want to leave a broken country to my kids. And so if I'm somebody that can bring this nation together, hopefully find some common ground, it's something I'll consider," Beshear told local station WDRB on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beshear rose to national prominence after his statewide gubernatorial wins in a Republican-leaning state and was among those considered to become Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in 2024. MORE: Trumps first 100 days tests future of both Republican and Democratic parties: ANALYSIS However, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, another Democrat who was considered a potential Harris running mate and who has received praise from some as a rising star within the party, said he's "not running" for president when asked on ABC's "The View" on Thursday. "I am not running," Moore said, adding that he is "really excited about the work that's happening right now in the state of Maryland." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore's term as governor ends in 2026, and he could opt to run for a second term. PHOTO: In this Oct. 9, 2024, file photo, Governor Wes Moore speaks during the 2024 TIME100 Next at Current at Pier 59 in New York. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images for TIME) Moore, Maryland's first Black governor, had previously said he was not running, including in an interview with the Baltimore Sun in April. However, Moore's statement comes as he makes more national media and event appearances. He is set to headline the South Carolina Democratic Party's high-profile Blue Palmetto Dinner at the end of May. Last week, former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who served under President Joe Biden, said she would consider running for president, responding with a direct "yes" when asked by political analyst David Axelrod at an event at the University of Chicago. "The Democratic Party has a huge amount of work to do," she said. "Introspection ... where did we go wrong, what are our policies going to be, what is our platform going to be, what will our tactics be." PHOTO: In this Oct. 26, 2021, file photo, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is shown at an event in New York. (Lev Radin/Shutterstock, FILE) Raimondo, a former venture capitalist, said she has served the country for 15 years and that if there is a "big way" for her to serve again, "including running, I'll do it." But she offered a caveat: "If I thought somebody else would be better or better able to win, I'd get behind that person in a minute. ... For us to have a chance, it has to be just that right person at that right moment to make it happen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was Vice President Kamala Harriss running mate, recently said he was not thinking about a 2028 presidential run, and reiterated that position Im not at an event last Monday at the Harvard Institute of Politics. Asked why, Walz did not offer any specifics about his own decision but pointed again to his ethos of the teamwork he thinks should be shown among Democrats. I think we, collectively as a party, and those elected officials, should be running this campaign, kind of like the old school mountain climbing expeditions, Walz said. You never knew who was going to summit. It was whoever was ready at the last moment. And on summit day, if somebody was in the best shape, push them to the top, and the whole team gets credit. PHOTO: Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a campaign stop at Laborfest, Sept. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee. (Morry Gash/AP) Walz, however, recently went on a national town hall tour which has sparked speculation about his political future-- and has spoken openly about reflections on his 2024 run. On the Republican side, fewer names have been floated so far as 2028 presidential contenders. President Donald Trump has speculated about finding a way to run for a third term in office, which scholars say is barred by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. But in an interview with NBC News aired Sunday, he said he would be "a two-term president" and said he is not looking to run in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump Store offers 'Trump 2028' hat amid tease that the president could again run for office However, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who joined the Republican Party in 2024 after serving as a Democrat in Congress for several years, said in a podcast episode published Thursday that she would not rule out a future presidential bid. Conservative journalist Megyn Kelly asked Gabbard if she has ruled out ever running again for president after her unsuccessful 2020 Democratic presidential bid, saying, "Could we potentially see a Tulsi 2028 try?" PHOTO: Tulsi Gabbard, director of National Intelligence, arrives to testify during the House Select Intelligence Committee hearing titled 'Worldwide Threats Assessment,' in Longworth building, on March 26, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP) "I will never rule out any opportunity to serve my country. ... 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," Gabbard said. "And that is what has led me here. I'm grateful for this opportunity, and I will continue to chase those opportunities where I can make the most positive impact and be of service." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her remarks echoed some previous statements she made when under consideration for a presidential ticket. Gabbard, who is Samoan American, in 2020 became the first woman of color to win a delegate to the Democratic National Convention since Shirley Chisholm in 1972. Four years later, though, in 2024, Gabbard was under consideration to become Trump's running mate. PHOTO: President Donald Trump arrives at a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, May 1, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) The buzz around 2028 contenders continues as some other figures floated as potential 2028 presidential candidates, including Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, ramp up their public appearances and remarks. Pritzker and Harris delivered high-profile speeches on Sunday and Wednesday, respectively, and Buttigieg is set to headline a town hall in Iowa later in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Kamala Harris steps back into limelight with speech criticizing Trump as he celebrates his first 100 days At the same time, some Democrats say the party's focus, as it regroups after its losses in 2024, needs to be on the 2026 midterm elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate -- not on 2028. The Republican Party currently has a trifecta with majorities in the House and the Senate and Trump in the White House. "I mean, everybody is sort of out there trying to get the touch and the feel [of] like what is actually happening in the country and are the things that Trump is doing, which is now dropping his approval rating, really registering with people," 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said at a book talk in New York City on Thursday. But she added later, "I think that there is going to be a lot of testing of the waters, but we won't know, really, who decides to run until probably after the midterms, which really underscores the most important message: We have to win the midterms." ABC News' Brittany Shepherd contributed to this report. Who's running for president in 2028 and who's not? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) Its May 5th, which means that many people will be celebrating the Mexican holiday of Cinco De Mayo! What is Cinco De Mayo? The day honors the Mexican armys win during a battle with France back in 1862. Nearly 2,000 Mexican soldiers fended off over 6,000 French soldiers. The battle that took place in Puebla allowed Mexico to keep a part of its territory. It declared a national holiday going forward. Cinco de Mayo, also known as the Battle of Puebla Day, is not Mexicos independence day, which is a popular misconception; that day is instead September 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cinco de Mayo celebrates resilience and culture of Mexican people The holiday has since become popular in the United States and is widely celebrated by people of Mexican heritage. How can you celebrate? Cities around the United States are expected to celebrate with parades, festivals, music, food, and more. Some celebrations include displaying banners and events highlighting Mexican culture, music, and regional dancing. School districts also hold special events to educate students about their historical significance. Restaurants and bars have also gotten in on the action, with most offering food and drink specials. But where can one go for the best Mexican food in western Massachusetts to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Yelp has put together a list of the best Mexican restaurants in western Massachusetts. Top 10 best Mexican food near western Massachusetts, according to Yelp Although not in western Massachusetts, the #1 restaurant was Las Potras Mexican Restaurant in Granby, Connecticut. They were rated 4.8 stars on Yelp with 23 reviews and are offering Corona and house margarita specials on Cinco de Mayo. My family truly cherishes this place. The Margaritas are fantastic, but what we always look forward to is the mole burritoits absolutely incredible. The warmth of the staff really adds to the experience, making us feel welcome every time we visit. Its a special spot for us, said Amanda R. from Agawam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Las Potras, J&J Brothers Tacos is located on 41 Russell Street in Hadley with 4.8 stars and 42 reviews. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Based on the reviews, its more of a Mexican market that offers tacos and authentic family recipes. With 4.5 stars and 99 reviews, Agaves Mexican Grill is located in the Berkshires. They have a full bar, outside dining, and serve traditional dishes from their hometown in Oaxaca, Mexico. The empanadas and the enchiladas are a must-try. No one Ive been with has ever been disappointed by any of the tacos or burritos either. They have a pineapple margarita that pairs well with all the pork dishes, and a lot of other fun cocktails, said Sally on Yelp. Las Potras Mexican Restaurant in Granby, Conn. J&J Brothers Tacos in Hadley Agaves Mexican Grill in Great Barrington Placita Latina Restaurant & Market in Pittsfield Posada Grill in Greenfield Mi Ranchito Tex Mex in Westfield El Comalito in Amherst Frontera Grill in Chicopee El Comalito in Easthampton Mission Cantina in Amherst 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. School options are proliferating, with the Trump administration and some state and federal policymakers encouraging choice-friendly policies. But choice isnt magic. Simply having options isnt enough to help families they need to know whether a school is good. At the most basic level, it matters that schools effectively teach children to read and do math. Policymakers and parents should push states to communicate this information transparently, even though at the federal level accountability is being weakened and testing deemphasized. But, as parents know from experience, theres a lot more that makes a school a good place to learn and grow. What information about quality can complement test scores or replace them, if testing recedes? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We asked 186 forward-thinking school leaders in the Canopy project, a collaborative effort to share information about K-12 innovation, about the information they use to determine whether their schools are doing a good job. participating schools were nominated for using new methods to achieve more equitable student outcomes by a diverse group of experts at education-related organizations. In this cohort, 44% are district schools, 35% are public charters and 21% are independent schools (you can view the projects school database, showing 276 schools from the last two years of Canopy surveys). These examples provide glimpses into how school can be different and, as our most recent survey shows, their educators judge their own success in ways that go beyond test scores. Canopy schools value demonstrations of learning, not just test scores Nearly all (92%) of the school leaders surveyed said they value data from performance assessments a lot. Unlike traditional tests, this approach has students demonstrate what they know through presentations, portfolios and real-world problem solving. They help capture not just academic knowledge, but skills like collaboration, communication and creative thinking that are difficult to measure through standardized tests. Its no surprise that so many innovative schools use performance assessments, which let students show what theyve learned by giving a presentation or assembling a portfolio of their work instead of taking a test. Performance assessments also align with the instructional practices common in Canopy schools, like project-based learning and competency-based education (where students move forward by mastering specific skills). These approaches emphasize hands-on learning and prioritize skills like communication and critical thinking, which performance assessments are better at capturing than traditional written exams. How do schools bring these assessments to life? At The Innovation School, a microschool in Bismarck, North Dakota, students choose their own way of showing what theyve learned and present their work to others in the school. At Gibson Ek High School in Issaquah, Washington, students give presentations about their accomplishments, including insights from internships, three times a year to peers, teachers and families. Students at Gibson Ek apply to colleges using a mastery transcript to show what skills theyve developed, instead of relying on traditional grades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related 189 Innovative School Leaders: Teacher Staffing, AI, Mental Health Top Ed Issues Canopy schools care about school culture and invest in it When judging their own quality, most Canopy schools reported relying on information about school climate (80% said they depend on this a lot) and students social and emotional development (69% said they rely on this a lot, and 22% a little.) Such attention to school culture and student well-being aligns with what leaders prioritize in their school design. The majority of Canopy schools (76%) reported that they integrate social and emotional learning throughout the school, including in core academics. Canopy schools pay attention when families and students vote with their feet Leaders at all types of Canopy schools said knowing that students and families want to be there is important. Around three-quarters of leaders said they value attendance and enrollment data a lot when gauging whether their school is doing a good job, and another quarter value it a little. More public school leaders than private school leaders said enrollment is an important indicator but more private school leaders said they value family feedback surveys than public district and charter leaders. Canopy schools make sure students and parents have a say in what happens. For instance, about half of schools (53%) said they involve students, families or both in decision-making. High schools especially prioritize students future opportunities Especially in high schools, Canopy school leaders consider information about students future opportunities important when judging whether their schools are doing a good job. In Canopy, 83% of high schools value college and career readiness a lot. Information about students long-term outcomes, like earnings and life satisfaction, is also important. However, some schools lack access to essential information: 14% of high schools said they cant get data about long-term outcomes even if they could value it highly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some elementary and middle school leaders are also keeping an eye on information about students future opportunities. About a quarter of them said they value information about postsecondary readiness and long-term outcomes a lot when gauging their own performance. A third valued information about graduation rates, even if the school doesnt issue diplomas. But most elementary and middle schools reported they dont have access to this kind of information. What kinds of information do Canopy schools value less? Those that tend to loom largest at dinner tables and on school rating sites: grades and test scores. Many leaders responding to our survey said they value these types of information a little, but less than half value them a lot. In an era when school choice is expanding, its more important than ever to understand what truly makes a school effective. The Canopy project offers a window into how forward-thinking schools are redefining success. Instead of looking mainly at test scores, these schools prioritize a wide range of measures, from performance assessments and school culture to student voice and career readiness, to help them determine whether their schools are delivering a quality education. But sharing this information has proven to be a hurdle for Canopy schools. Policymakers should incentivize schools to share richer data especially when schools are already collecting it. Performance assessment information, for example, could be a hidden treasure that families would find meaningful, just as nearly all Canopy school leaders do. As policymakers and parents navigate an evolving educational landscape, they would do well to ensure that every family has access not just to options, but to meaningful information about what makes a school good. May 5BIDDEFORD A 19-year-old woman pleaded guilty to nearly killing her older brother's fiancee after he was arrested in a separate shooting. Ariana Tito, of Biddeford, was sentenced to eight years in prison during a hearing in York County Superior Court on Monday afternoon. Tito originally faced charges of attempted murder, elevated aggravated assault and tampering with a witness after police say she shot then-32-year-old Kayla Grant at her apartment in Saco on Nov. 28, 2023 one day after her brother, Lorenze Labonte, was arrested at the same apartment for allegedly killing his sister's boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors agreed to drop the attempted murder charge in exchange for her guilty plea. She was sentenced Monday to 15 years, with all but eight suspended, and four years of probation. Tito addressed the courtroom before she was sentenced, saying her time at York County Jail has given her an opportunity to learn and mature. She said she prays for Grant and her family and that what she did was inexcusable. "If I could take my actions back, I would," Tito said. "That being said, I know I can't take back any of Kayla's pain or trauma, and anything concerning her family that I have caused." Labonte is accused of shooting and killing Tito's boyfriend, Ahmed Sharif, that same month. Prosecutors have said that Tito believed Grant had led police to arrest her brother after the shooting. Labonte has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say Tito witnessed Sharif's death and spoke with police before Labonte was arrested on Nov. 27. The day after Labonte's arrest, court records state, Tito was attempting to acquire a recording of Grant telling a friend that Labonte had told her that he shot Sharif. An affidavit for Tito's arrest states that she was wearing a hood and mask when she shot Grant just after 7 a.m. Investigators said they identified Tito on surveillance camera footage during her walk from an apartment in Biddeford to Grant's apartment in Saco. Multiple 911 callers reported the shooting outside of the apartment that morning. When police arrived, Grant was taken to the hospital with "life-threatening injuries" from a gunshot wound to the face, which fractured her vertebrae, caused her face to be permanently disfigured and led to a long recovery process, Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Ackerman said during Monday's hearing. Ackerman said she believes the shooting was retribution and Tito was trying to silence Grant. She said Tito also tried to convince her then 10-year-old sister, who also witnessed the shooting, to lie to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Tito's attorney, Darius Wadia, said the shooting was an unfortunate consequence of a confrontation where both women weren't in their right state of mind. He said Tito has since gotten sober and participated in educational classes at the jail. She plans to open a beauty salon after she finishes her sentence, he said. Wadia had asked that his client receive a sentence of five years behind bars, while the state asked for 10 years. Superior Court Justice Richard Mulhern said he agrees with the state that the shooting was premeditated, and that Tito went to Grant's apartment with bad intentions. But while the shooting was serious, he said Tito's age, lack of criminal history and efforts toward education slightly outweighed the aggravating factors in the case. "You can repay your debt to society by doing well and giving back to others after your release," Mulhern told Tito. "Good luck." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Charlotte residents will get their first peek at the citys proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year on Monday night. City Manager Marcus D. Jones is set to present the budget during a City Council meeting at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center. Mondays presentation follows a series of community input sessions where folks shared their thoughts on affordable housing, safer neighborhoods, and better public transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Charlotte road to close Monday for weeks-long pipe installation: NCDOT The proposed budget will lay out how the city plans to spend its money next year, including funding priorities for everything from public safety to street repairs. It could also give insight into potential tax rates, new city projects, and continued investments in economic development. City leaders say their focus remains on building a Charlotte where everyone has access to a good job, an affordable place to live, and reliable ways to get around. Monday nights meeting is open to the public. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Charlotte Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two Pennsylvania lawmakers have once again introduced a bill that would legalize marijuana in the commonwealth. State Rep. Dan Frankel, a democrat from Allegheny County, co-sponsored the bill, along with Rep. Rick Krajewski, a democrat from Philadelphia. By legalizing and regulating cannabis thoughtfully, we can avoid pitfalls that have marred roll outs in other states, Frankel said. Our plan will create clear rules that protect consumers, educate the public, and ensure that Pennsylvania small businesses and taxpayers not out-of-state corporations -- benefit from the profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time is now for Pennsylvania, said Krajewski, who spent the last legislative session leading six hearings to study the successes and shortcomings of cannabis programs nationwide. We have listened carefully to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates and community leaders. Our bill reflects what weve learned that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians. According to a release, key priorities of the bill include: Automatically clearing criminal records and advancing restorative justice for those impacted by cannabis-related offenses. Reinvesting tax revenue into communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs. Implementing critical public health protections, including THC limits, marketing restrictions and child safety measures. Creating pathways for diverse and local entrepreneurs to participate in the regulated cannabis market, with priority on licensing and contracting. Maximizing state revenue and accountability with publicly owned and accountable retail stores Lack of support in the state Senate could once again shut down the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY (WIVT/WBGH) The Trump administration is targeting dozens of universities and colleges across the country, accusing them of antisemitic harassment and discrimination. Binghamton University was among 60 schools listed in a news release sent out by the U.S. Department of Education last month, warning of potential enforcement actions if Jewish students are not protected on campus. News 34 spoke with several students who are active on campus from both the pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli points of view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accusation of antisemitism appears to stem from a complaint filed with the Education Departments Office of Civil Rights more than a year ago. While neither the university nor the federal government has provided News 34 with a copy of the complaint, its presumed that its related to the rallies and encampment on campus during the 2023-2024 school year protesting the War in Gaza. Nationally, there has been a debate over whether protests such as these create an atmosphere that makes Jewish students feel targeted and unsafe. Travis, one of the organizers of such demonstrations, thoroughly rejects that assertion. If you even protest or show any inkling of support for them, that youre automatically labeled as hateful and dangerous. I fail to see how that makes the students here unsafe. I think its a lot more unsafe to completely dehumanize and erase a peoples entire identity in the midst of a widespread massacre of tens of thousands of people, half of whom are children, Travis said. News 34 agreed to obscure the pro-Palestinian students full identities as they fear retaliation from the Trump administration. They believe the accusation of antisemitism is a cynical smoke screen for an effort by the White House to stifle dissent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the attempts to label Binghamton University as such are more of an attempt to influence the administration here to crack down more on anyone who might be speaking up for Palestinian rights. I agree that if Binghamton University is anything, its discriminatory against Palestinian and Muslim students, J said. The university says its confident that it has met its responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and that it provides a rich and supportive environment for all of its students. Outgoing President Harvey Stenger recently acknowledged some of the challenges posed by the ongoing debate over the War in Gaza which was prompted by the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks. To respect others freedoms and respect others free speech, is critical to higher education. Its been tough over the last year and a half to make sure that we maintain that strong commitment to free speech, but at the same time, making sure that our students, faculty and staff are safe. Its a tough act to balance, Stenger said. For many politically active Jewish students on campus, they strongly disagree with the pro-Palestinian protestors accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Many argue that Israel must defend itself in the face of the horrific atrocities committed by Hamas. But when it comes to the question of whether BU is a welcoming place for Jews, there is agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eytan Saenger is active in Hillel at Binghamton and the Binghamton University Zionist Organization. Saenger says antisemitism is a complicated and nuanced issue, with instances of prejudice happening everywhere and on the rise since October 7th. But overall, Saenger says the school is safe, supportive, and secure for Jewish students. I can confidently say that Binghamton University is a campus where Jewish students can walk around feeling safe, where Jewish students can walk around practicing their traditions, practicing their beliefs, and doing so with pride and with joy and with a desire to continue doing that in a public way, Saenger said. BU is one of the few universities in the country that provides students days off for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover. Its academic programs include majors in Judaic Studies and Hebrew Studies, and the Center for Israel Studies offers interdisciplinary scholarship. Mackenzie Cooper is the student representative on the Binghamton University Council. Cooper says she was subjected to heinous antisemitic comments and taunts when she was in high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I came here, I just found such a welcoming, all-encompassing Jewish community. It really is such a wonderful place for Jewish students to be able to not only just exist as Jews, but to be able to thrive and really find how they want to proceed on their Jewish journey here at Binghamton. We have such wonderful avenues to be able to explore that in such a strong foundation of other students and Jewish professionals and faculty and staff to be able to really support you, Cooper said. Cooper established a diverse committee of students with different political points of view to assist her with crafting her monthly report to Council. She says the university needs more avenues for civil discourse. Meanwhile, the pro-Palestinian students say they will not be bullied by the federal government into stopping their protests. This accusation of antisemitism really is an intimidation tactic. But it is an intimidation tactic that will not work. Kent State did not kill the fire of Vietnam War protests, it breathed new life into it. Were going to see that same type of reaction with these attempts to punish and beat into submission students in order to follow these pro-Israel lines, Nathan said. Nathan is one of many Jewish students taking part in anti-war protests. His grandfather helped to liberate the Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Nathan says the importance of learning about the Holocaust is so that the people of today can take steps to make certain such genocide doesnt happen again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Binghamton University spokesman says the school never received the warning letter that the Department of Education said was going out in its news release. The Department of Education did not respond to our request for comment. More than 1,200 Israelis were killed on October 7th, and 59 hostages remain held by Hamas. More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel invaded Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. An investigation is underway in Southwest Florida after one person and a dog were killed in a reported bear attack on May 5. It was the second reported bear attack in Florida this year, and it isn't the first time bears have been spotted in Collier County this year. A mother bear and her three cubs were spotted Jan. 31. What to do if a Florida black bear comes into your neighborhood One bear even closed a portion of Disney World's Magic Kingdom in September 2023. Bear attack southeast of Naples, Florida The Collier County Sheriffs Office received a call at 7:07 a.m. Monday, May 5, in reference to a possible bear encounter in Jerome in a secluded area within the edge of the woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person and a dog were found dead at the scene. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials warned the bear may remain in the area and urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid the area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating. Where is Jerome, Florida? Jerome a small, unincorporated rural area about 30 miles east of Naples and about 10 miles north of Everglades City, along State Road 29 in Southwest Florida. The highway cuts through Fakahatachee Strand Preserve State Park to the west and Big Cypress National Preserve to the east. Second bear attack in Florida in 2025 According to data from the Florida Fish and and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Monday's was the second Florida bear attack in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first happened Feb. 15 in Silver Springs, located in Marion County in Northeast Florida. It involved an adult female with young. Man injured in January bear attack in Collier County in 2018 In January 2018, a Collier County man was injured when another female bear with young surprised him and his dog about 11 p.m. Jan. 9. Andrew Meunier was taking his dog outside when the dog growled and ran back inside. Meunier spotted three bears standing a few feet from his back door. He said a massive paw came down on the right side of his face before he finished turning his back on the animals. It took 41 stitches to repair the 8-inch scar that goes from his hairline, then crosses his temple down to his cheek. Bears can be found almost anywhere in Florida Frequent areas are those with the highest density of bear locations, indicating bears are spending a considerable amount of time in these areas. Wild bears are found in almost half of Florida, according to the FWC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwest Florida is among the "frequent" locations the FWC classifies where Florida black bears can be seen. "Frequent areas are those with the highest density of bear locations, indicating bears are spending a considerable amount of time in these areas. These areas are the core of the bear population where evidence of reproduction is consistent." Other frequent locations also include Central and South Central portions of Florida and the Panhandle. FWC maintains an interactive public bear map, where you can filter by several categories, including a specific county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FWC interactive bear map displaying bear calls, mortality and bear captures How many bears are there in Florida? The FWC estimated there are approximately 4,050 bears statewide. 'Fed bear is a dead bear': Dos and don'ts on living with Florida black bears Bears can be found throughout Florida and sometimes visit neighborhoods. If bears can't find food, they will move on. "A fed bear is a dead bear," the FWC said. "Bears are driven by their need to eat and with a sense of smell that can detect odors over a mile away, problems arise when bears gain access to food sources such as pet foods, garbage, barbecue grills, bird seed or even livestock feed. A new black bear hunt in Florida? FWC seeking public feedback, comments. Here's when "Bears are found throughout Florida and sometimes visit neighborhoods," the FWC said. "If bears can't find food, they will move on." Here are some suggestions, along with what is illegal, on living with black bears in Florida from the FWC: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feeding bears is illegal Secure garbage, pet food, and birdseed Secure livestock with electric fencing Be aware of surroundings and walk dogs on a short leash If you are having conflicts with bears, contact your local FWC office. MyFWC.com/About What can you do if a bear comes into your yard? If a bear comes into your yard, first make sure you are in a safe area and the bear has a clear escape route, the FWC said. Then "SCARE THAT BEAR." "You want to let the bear know it is not welcome in your yard, so from a safe location, scare it away by yelling, banging pots and pans, using an air horn, or anything else that makes a lot of noise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The use of paintballs, bear spray, and sling shots are also allowed under FWC guidelines," the FWC said. What if you encounter a bear in person? "If you encounter a bear at close range, remain standing upright, back up slowly and speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice," the FWC said. Be sure the bear has an obvious escape route. Do NOT turn your back, play dead, climb a tree or run. Back away slowly into the house or secure area. Avoid direct eye contact. Bears and many other animals may view this as aggressive behavior. If the bear paws the ground, huffs and puffs, clacks and snorts, or runs directly at you, they are trying to scare you off. If you stand your ground, the bear will likely stop and move away. Do not play dead Do not climb a tree. Bears are excellent climbers and often climb trees when they are frightened. Can you shoot a Florida black bear in self defense? Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill saying Florida residents can stand their ground and kill threatening bears. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Self Defense Act of 2024 went into effect July 1, 2024. The law: Allows the use of lethal force to kill a bear if the person "reasonably believed that his or her action was necessary to avoid an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to himself or herself, a pet, or substantial damage to a dwelling ..." Notification is provided to the FWC within 24 hours. One may not "possess, sell, or dispose" the dead bear or its parts. FWC disposes of the bear. Fines for violations can be $5,000. If a bear does attack, defend yourself If a black bear makes contact with you, fight back aggressively. "People have successfully fended off black bears using rocks, sticks, or even their bare hands," the FWC said. FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline If you encounter an injured, orphaned or dead bear, or someone who is harming bears or feeding them, call the FWCs Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Contributing: Tayeba Hussein, Tomas Rodriguez, Naples Daily News This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida bear attack: How common are bears in Florida, range The Scoop Lynne Patton, the highest-ranking Black official in Donald Trumps White House, is returning to work this week after fully serving out a suspension from federal employment related to a past Hatch Act violation. After she was appointed as deputy assistant to the president and director of minority outreach in late January, Patton stepped aside for two months to comply with a 2021 sanction by the US Office of Special Counsel, Semafor has learned. Shes expected to return this week in the same dual roles. The special counsels office settled with Patton after alleging that she improperly used her Department of Housing and Urban Development position during Trumps first term for political purposes. Patton acknowledged violations of the Hatch Act, which is meant to bar federal employees from partisan political activity on the job. The White House did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Know More During the presidents first term, OSC singled out more than a dozen members of his administration as violating the Hatch Act. Kellyanne Conway was reprimanded twice for using her position to promote Ivanka Trumps clothing line. Stephanie Grisham, Nikki Haley, and Dan Scavino were reprimanded for using their government social media accounts for political activity. The OSC also found that then-Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue unlawfully promoted Trumps reelection in 2020 while delivering an official speech in North Carolina and ordered him to repay costs associated with the trip. None of those offenses rose to the level of Pattons violation, according to the watchdog group that filed multiple complaints against her between 2018 and 2019. I think Ms. Patton served the harsh penalty for violations, in part because what OSC found with respect to her violations is that she misled citizens about what they were being asked to be a part of, Donald Sherman, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, told Semafor. The Office of Special Counsel found that Patton, while serving as a HUD regional administrator, filmed New York City Housing Authority residents and later used the footage in a video shown at the Republican National Convention. She was fined $1,000 and barred from federal service for 48 months as part of the settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tim Murtagh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, defended the handling of the video at the time. All interview subjects were fully aware of the purpose of the interviews, he told The New York Times in August. Lynne Patton was acting in her own personal capacity. Not everyone thought the penalty matched the crime. The Project on Government Oversight criticized the special counsels office for singling out Patton the only Black woman among the 17 Trump administration officials it found to have violated the Hatch Act during Trumps first term. Notable BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The Charter of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA) has been officially approved, Trend reports. The relevant document was signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Under the newly approved Charter, the MFA is defined as the central executive authority responsible for coordinating Azerbaijans foreign policy and state regulation in the area of international relations. It also leads the unified system of diplomatic service organs. The MFAs activities will be guided by the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, international agreements that the country has signed, the "Diplomatic Service Law," the Consular Regulations of Azerbaijan, and other national laws, decrees, and orders issued by the President and the Cabinet of Ministers. In carrying out its duties and exercising its rights, the MFA will work in cooperation with other state agencies, local self-government bodies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, as well as legal and natural persons. The MFA will have its own independent balance, state property, treasury and bank accounts, seals engraved with its name and the State Emblem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as various stamps and forms for official correspondence. The Ministrys operational costs will be financed through the state budget and other sources specified in the law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is based in the capital Baku. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A body has been found weeks after a 20-year-old kayaker vanished over an Oregon waterfall, deputies said. Authorities responded after 1 p.m. Sunday, May 4, to the Willamette River near Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. They found a body in a difficult to reach location along the shoreline, deputies said. Its believed the body belongs to Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez, who was last seen April 12 in Oregon City, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez had been kayaking on the river at about 10:50 p.m. that night when onlookers saw him in distress, McClatchy News reported. Bystanders then watched as he went over the falls and disappeared, deputies said. His blue hard-shell kayak was found during search efforts at about 7:15 a.m. the next day, deputies said. Search teams looked for the missing kayaker on the Willamette River. Deputies said Rodriguez may not have known the waterfall was there when he went to kayak on the river. He had been on vacation with his family from Porterville, California, and had gotten to the area the evening he went missing, deputies said. We, the family of Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez, are truly devastated by the tragic event that unfolded this past Saturday in the Willamette Falls area, and we would not wish this experience on anyone. Our family is making every effort to heal and come to terms with our loss, his family previously said in a statement to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MARCELUS you were a man of faith. I love you and miss you. You have made a huge impact on everyone you come in contact with, Tabbie Butler, Rodriguezs cousin, said in a Facebook post. He was the life of the party. so fearless. everyone needs to know Jesus and the freedom that he has for us. thats what marcelus would want, his mother, Angela Butler-Rodriguez, wrote. Willamette Falls is a 42-foot-tall horseshoe-shaped waterfall that is surrounded by a multi-lift lock and canal system, according to Oregon.com. Gladstone is about 2 miles north from Oregon City and about a 10-mile drive southeast from Portland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5-year-old on family trip swept away by river, CA searchers say. Heartbreaking 79-year-old woman vanishes on family hike, California cops say. Search continues 18-year-olds body found along river leads to arrest 40 years later, ME cops say DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Following the retirement of Chief Ken Riggsby, the Xenia Fire and EMS Division has sworn-in their new head of staff. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bogan was sworn-in recently and brings over 30 years of fire service experience to the position. Bogans time as deputy chief saw him supervise daily operations, coordinate the divisions shift commanders, manage fleet maintenance and was a system administrator for Greene Countys Computer-aided dispatch system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Bogan has demonstrated the leadership, integrity, and professionalism that define the values of our Fire & EMS Division, said Xenia City Manager Brent Merriman. His passion and commitment to service make him the right leader to guide the Fire & EMS Division into the future. Bogan began his career back in 1990 as a volunteer firefighter with the Spring Valley Township before serving with the U.S. Marine Corps for four years (1990-94). When he returned to Spring Valley, he worked his way up to fire chief. Bogans career with the Xenia Fire Division began in 1999, when he joined as a firefighter-paramedic. Since then hes progressed from roles including lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former national security adviser John Bolton said he thinks President Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is a disaster in the making. Bolton joined CNNs Kasie Hunt over the weekend to discuss former national security Mike Waltzs ouster from the position, Trump tapping Secretary of State Marco Rubio to do the job in the interim and Witkoff handling foreign negotiations. What is your understanding of how the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is interacting with Steve Witkoff? Hunt asked, noting that Witkoff has been leading negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Whos really in charge here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think its Marco Rubio, Bolton replied. If I were in his shoes, Id be extraordinarily frustrated. I think Witkoff reports directly to Trump. Thats the advantage he has. He will do exactly what Trump says, and I think this is a disaster in the making, a disaster on the Ukraine-Russia front, a potential disaster on the Iran front, he continued. Bolton, who served under the first Trump administration and has since become a vocal critic of the president, argued that Witkoff doesnt know anything about Russia, Ukraine or Iran. He doesnt know anything about nuclear weapons. He doesnt know anything about arms control, about state-to-state negotiation, he said. Really, its hard to imagine a less qualified person, and yet, he is Trumps personal envoy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton said he thinks Witkoff leading the U.S. negotiations is a huge risk, particularly as the Secretary of State or a national security adviser have not had much involvement. His remarks come just days after the administration shuffle and it was announced Rubio would be taking on Waltzs duties as national security adviser for the time being. Witkoff has been holding meetings since the start of the administration, looking to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. It has proven to be a more difficult task than Trump had anticipated, with the U.S. and Ukraine officially signing a long-awaited mineral deal last week. Witkoff is a longtime friend of Trumps and a real estate investor. Hes been a largely unknown figure until he expanded his Middle East profile to include handling the Russia-Ukraine war. Witkoff has taken on more responsibility as a result of his strong personal relationship with Trump, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement to The Hill that its a badge of honor to be a target of Boltons tantrum. Steve Witkoff has done incredible work securing the release of Americans detained abroad, like Marc Fogel and Ksenia Karelina, 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, Kellys statement said. Updated at 3:32 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. Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty to two of the six federal corruption charges in federal court on Monday, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said. She pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft involving federal funds, Foleys office said in a statement. She appeared at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in Boston, the Boston Globe reported. Andersons sentencing is scheduled for July 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously in April, Fernandes Anderson admitted to some of the corruption charges against her, according to a signed plea agreement filed in federal court. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop four of the charges against her and recommended that she serve one year and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and pay $13,000. Councilor Fernandes Anderson abused her position of trust for personal gain and turned a public checkbook into her own private slush fund, Foley said in her statement. Her constituents deserve better than this. They deserve a city representative who respects the role of public service and does not use the power and position to line her own pockets. Fernandes Anderson was arrested in December on charges that she ran a kickback scheme with a family member whom she employed in her City Hall office, using public funds to help with her own financial struggles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Fernandes Anderson previously told her District 7 constituents that she would resign, she has not stepped down. I would like to apologize to my constituents, supporters, and all who have been impacted, she said. Please forgive me. I will be resigning. It is the right thing to do. In [the] coming days, I will evaluate transition plans and timeline with the District 7 Advisory Council. I will do everything possible to make an orderly exit to ensure my constituents needs are met. In 2022, Fernandes Anderson hired two family members as City Council employees, an act thats prohibited by law, Foleys office said. She was required to terminate their employment in August 2022. Months later, in November, she emailed a Boston city employee about her hiring of one staffer who was a relative and wrote in an email that the person for the record [was] not related to me, the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a year later, in May 2023, the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission told her that it would seek a $5,000 civil penalty payment from her. Fernandes Anderson had gone through her own financial difficulties, including the civil penalty payment. She told the staffer she would give them extra pay in the form of a large bonus, but the staffer would give a portion back to her. On May 3, 2023, Fernandes Anderson emailed one city employee telling them to process a $13,000 bonus for her relative without disclosing the repayment arrangement, Foleys office said. The staffer followed the city councilors instructions and deposited the check later that month and made three separate cash withdrawals. It was after the final withdrawal that the staffer and Fernandes Anderson met in a City Hall bathroom, where she was given $7,000 in cash. More local crime stories Embattled Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty Monday to federal public corruption charges. Fernandes Anderson will now likely face one year and one day in prison after she reached an agreement to plead guilty to charges of one count of wire fraud and one count of theft involving public funds. In exchange, prosecutors dropped four charges, including falsifying tax returns. The 46-year-old was looking at up to 20 years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines if she was found guilty at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her sentencing has been set for July. BREAKING Boston federal judge accepts Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Andersons guilty plea in federal corruption case @boston25 Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) May 5, 2025 Under terms of plea deal, Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson,46, is expected to get a sentence of 1 yr and 1 day, plus $13k restitution. @boston25 Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) May 5, 2025 Fernandes Anderson will also have to pay restitution of $13,000. That is the same amount in public funds Fernandes Anderson is accused of awarding as a bonus to a relative working in her city council office -- with the understanding that $7,000 would come back to Fernandes Anderson to pay an ethics fine. That ethics fine, $5,000, was imposed on Fernandes Anderson in 2023 as a penalty for hiring two immediate family members to her city council staff. She was also required to terminate their employment. That was in August 2022. A few months later, the Department of Justice alleged that Fernandes Anderson informed the city of a new hire -- with an assurance that the person was not related to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charging documents refer to that new hire as Staff Member A -- and describe that person as a relative of Fernandes Anderson, but not an immediate family member. Staff Member A is the person who received the $13,000 in early May 2023. By June 9, the DOJ alleged Staff Member A had paid $7,000 in cash to Fernandes Anderson. A federal grand jury indicted Fernandes Anderson last December. Calls for her resignation have been growing since then. In early April, she agreed to the plea deal and said she would resign. Among those opposed to holding a special election: Secretary of State William Galvin. He put Bostons elections department under receivership after the city ran out of ballots during last Novembers election. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BOSTON (AP) A Boston city councilor on Monday pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges after prosecutors accused her of taking most of an inflated bonus that she paid to a relative who worked for her. Tania Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and theft concerning a program receiving federal funds. In exchange, prosecutors dropped four wire fraud counts against the 46-year-old lawmaker, who in 2021 became the first African immigrant and Muslim-American elected to the council. Anderson was going through financial difficulties in 2023, partly because the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission told her it would fine her $5,000 for hiring immediate family members, according to prosecutors. Council members arent permitted to hire immediate family members as paid staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councilor Fernandes Anderson abused her position of trust for personal gain and turned a public checkbook into her own private slush fund, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said in a statement. Her constituents deserve better than this. They deserve a city representative who respects the role of public service and does not use the power and position to line her own pockets ... Ms. Fernandes Anderson leaves a legacy not of a selfless trailblazer, but one of fraud, greed, and deceit. According to prosecutors, Anderson told her relative that she would give her a $13,000 bonus, which was more than twice as much as the combined bonuses she gave to the rest of the staff. After taxes, the staffer received about $10,000. She withdrew the money in several bank transactions in May and June of 2023 before exchanging texts to meet Anderson in a City Hall bathroom that June 9, where she gave Anderson $7,000 of the money. The government is seeking a sentence of one year and one day in prison followed by three years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $13,000 when she is sentenced on July 29. Anderson could have faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the fraud charges. The theft count carried a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Outside of court, Anderson didn't directly address the allegations that led to her guilty plea. She said she loved her constituents and would remain focused on putting together a transitional plan for whomever replaces her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I knew or decided that I needed to agree to a plea, Ive been planning to make sure that my staff was OK, that my constituents were OK so that theres a softer landing, that my family, my children are secure and OK, she said, adding that she hoped the media would forget her in the weeks ahead. When the plea deal was announced in April, Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said Anderson had agreed to resign. Anderson indicated she planned to do that this summer. Our residents look to elected officials to lead with integrity, and the Boston City Council must continue to do just that, Louijeune said. I am coordinating with counsel and staff to ensure that the rule of law and the rules of the body are executed effectively as we continue to receive information. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the plea deal was announced in April. Boston has joined seven other cities and counties in a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration after $3.6 billion in housing and homelessness prevention grants was cut unless the communities comply with a slew of executive orders and conditions from the president. Boston would lose $48 million in previously-awarded funding to combat homelessness unless the city complies with the executive orders, which the City administration called unrelated to housing and likely unconstitutional. Boston will not back down on making our city a home for everyone, said Mayor Michelle Wu in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are joining other cities and counties across the country to protect critical funding to prevent homelessness and house families in need, Wu said. The requirements from the federal government would force the city to make legal promises that conflict with local laws, values, and long-standing efforts to support residents and connect them with stable housing, the city said. This includes conditions on immigration enforcement, health care, practices around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and how the cities support transgender and gender-diverse people. The conditions appear to require federal grant recipients to agree to promote the political agenda President Trump campaigned on during his run for office and has continued espousing since, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit listed several Executive Orders, such as Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders, and Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens. The Executive Orders: Federal agency heads are to ensure that grant recipients do not operate any programs promoting DEI, yet the order does not define DEI. Federal agency heads must ensure that federal payments go to states and municipalities that do not promote sanctuary policies. Direct the Attorney General, along with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to identify sanctuary jurisdictions to take steps to withhold federal funding from such places. The EO Condition is unconstitutionally vague, the lawsuit states. Executive orders are the Presidents directive to federal agencies. These orders are unintelligible as applied to grant recipients. Further, the directives as implemented in the unlawful conditions at issue are vague and unintelligible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grants being withheld are part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which is the single largest source of federal funding used by Boston and other cities to combat homelessness, the city said. In Boston, the CoC program annually funds more than 18 nonprofit organizations with over 125 employees for their work in permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, rapid re-housing for those exiting homelessness and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and others in crisis. Boston joined seven other jurisdictions the suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court through the federal Western District of Washington on Friday. The other communities include including King County, Washington; New York, New York; Columbus, Ohio; the City and County of San Francisco, California; and Pierce County and Snohomish County in Washington. More Boston stories Read the original article on MassLive. A Boston man is facing charges in connection with groping multiple womens buttocks in public Sunday afternoon, including in front of police officers, according to Boston police. Mattapan resident Anthony Hamilton, 39, has been charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, one count of resisting arrest and five firearms charges, according to court records. Shortly before 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, officers were patrolling on Blue Hill Avenue near Fairway Street in Bostons Mattapan neighborhood when they saw Hamilton grab the buttocks of an unsuspecting woman with his right hand as she passed by him, police said in a press release. The woman appeared visibly shocked by the unprovoked contact, prompting officers to approach Hamilton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the officers got out of their vehicle to investigate, another man approached and reported that his girlfriend had also been assaulted by Hamilton, police said. Officers then tried to arrest Hamilton, but he ignored their commands and began to violently resist. During the struggle, officers got ahold of a fanny pack Hamilton was carrying and found a gun inside, police said. He continued to kick and fight the officers as they tried to get him into a marked cruiser. The officers requested backup and were ultimately able to gain control of Hamilton and place him in handcuffs, police said. With the aid of additional restraints, they managed to get him into the back of the cruiser without further incident. Detectives soon determined that the firearm was black Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun, police said. The 10-round magazine contained six bullets, and an additional round was already in the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamilton pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted money from the court to hire a private investigator during his arraignment in Dorchester District Court on Monday, according to court records. The judge ordered him held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Wednesday. More local crime stories A former preschool teacher has been charged with child abuse after police in Florida say she forcefully grabbed and dragged a 4-year-old boy with autism to the ground. The incident took place last Tuesday, according to local CBS 12, WPBF, and Treasure Coast Newspapers. Citing an arrest affidavit, the outlets reported that 48-year-old Alice Wood was taken into custody after allegedly admitting her actions were excessive and claiming she regretted doing it" but not before she initially blamed the 4-year-old boy for throwing one too many crayons at her. Wood was later fired from her position at Kid City USA, according to Treasure Coast Newspapers, who spoke with the daycare centers owner Jessica Perkinson. After careful thought, we made the decision to part ways with Miss Alice out of our desire to provide only the best care for our little learners, Perkinson told the newspaper in a statement. We want to assure you that this decision was made with the best interest of the children and the overall school environment in mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS 12 reported that the boys behavioral technician at the school had left the classroom to use the bathroom when the alleged assault took place. The technician returned to find the 4-year-old boy laying on the ground and visibly upset. Detectives arrived at the scene to interview the technician and review security footage, which allegedly showed Wood grabbing the boys arms and dragging him at least three feet before forcing him to the ground, CBS 12 reported, citing the arrest affidavit. Security video allegedly showed the boy trying to get up as Wood allegedly held him down by his head, using her hand, according to CBS 12. The outlet reported that the boys behavioral technician told police the boy never posed any danger to anyone else. 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. Police interviewed Wood at her home the next day, according to CBS 12 and WPBF. The outlets reported that Wood told a detective the 4-year-old boy punched her in the stomach and threw crayons at her. She also initially denied dragging the boy and claimed he tripped, the outlets reported, citing the arrest affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood allegedly later confessed her actions went too far and she was arrested on one count of child abuse, according to the outlets. PEOPLE has reached out to the Indian River County Sheriffs Office for more information. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. On May 5, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and her daughter Leyla Aliyeva met with Princess Lalla Hasnaa of the Kingdom of Morocco, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. During the conversation, the sides praised the development of bilateral relations in various fields and emphasized the sincere ties of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Morocco, rooted in shared historical, cultural, and religious values. The meeting highlighted the successful cooperation between the two countries within international organizations, including the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Both sides noted the significant potential for expanding relations in the humanitarian and cultural spheres, along with other sectors. In this context, the hosting of the Culture Days of Azerbaijan in Morocco and the Culture Days of Morocco in Azerbaijan was fondly recalled, with both sides emphasizing the value of such events in promoting mutual understanding of the nations rich cultures. They also discussed cooperation with ICESCO, headquartered in Morocco, and noted the opening of a regional ICESCO office in Baku this year. Azerbaijans commitment to strengthening Islamic solidarity and promoting collaboration among Muslim countries in education, science, and culture was particularly underlined. The meeting also recalled the visit of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva to Morocco and the meetings held there, which focused on the Foundations social initiatives and child welfare. Princess Lalla Hasnaas visit was viewed as a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insight into Azerbaijan and to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. COLDWATER, Mich. (WOOD) The Branch County Sheriffs Office has recently implemented surveillance cameras for its deputies, including body-worn cameras and dash-mounted cameras within vehicles. Ottawa County deputies begin using dashboard cameras The BCSO says the County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase and implementation back in January. They have a five-year contract in place with Motorola Solutions valued at more than $500,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Fred Blankenship has indicated that the deployment of these cameras aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the Office of Sheriff, the BCSO said in a social media post. While the introduction of this technology may lead to an increase in Freedom of Information Act requests, it is expected to provide valuable documentation of law enforcement interactions, thereby supporting both public trust and officer safety. The BCSO also expects the footage will help them prosecute criminals. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter As of March of 2024, the Branch County Sheriffs Office was one of five county departments in West Michigan that had not adopted body-worn cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office also adopted body-worn cameras and dashcams in recent months. Sheriff Eric DeBoer said in addition to transparency and prosecution, footage recorded by these cameras can also show all of the good deeds that deputies and first responders do for the community. There was a situation (recently) where two deputies saved a womans life by performing CPR. It enabled us to showcase to our deputies, This is the work were doing out here every day, these are two of your co-workers saving a life, DeBoer told News 8 last month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. In Auckland, New Zealand, police officer Morne de Lange was convicted for carelessly driving and assaulting a motorcyclist after a chaotic incident at a gas station in April 2024. De Lange, responding to a report of a helmetless rider, approached the motorcyclist without activating his patrol car's lights or siren and didn't indicate he was stopping him until after he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, crashing into the motorbike and pinning it against a bollard. When the rider fled, de Lange unlawfully declared him under arrest, commandeered a bystander's vehicle to chase him about 1,000 feet, and used pepper spray and a Taser to subdue him. Despite his lawyer's plea for no conviction to save his job, Judge Stephen Bonnar noted that de Lange's serious misconduct would likely impact his employment regardless; he sentenced de Lange to 100 hours of community service and ordered him to pay the victim $1,000 (U.S. $596) in restitution for emotional harm. The post Brickbat: Stop and Go appeared first on Reason.com. Editors note: This story has been updated with a statement from City Councilor Clayton Rice. BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) Bridgeport Mayor Andy Lang says hes pursuing his own legal action after former city manager Patrick Ford filed a civil suit against the city late last week. Fords civil complaint, filed Friday, claimed malicious, oppressive, secretive, corrupt and retaliatory actions against him. It also claimed that Lang specifically asked Ford to purchase property on behalf of the city that belonged to Lang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bridgeport City Council voted 5-1 to fire Ford in a special meeting on April 3. In addition to compensation from the city, Fords lawsuit also calls for Mayor Lang to be removed. Harrison County mom heads to Guantanamo for USS Cole suspects pretrial In a written statement issued to 12 News Monday afternoon, Lang said: As a lifelong resident and business owner in Bridgeport, I pride myself on being a fair and honest individual. I raised my family here, and I have given back to my community, including serving as mayor for the past eight years. My reputation is important to me, and I cannot sit idly by while others attempt to tarnish the goodwill and respect I have hopefully built within my community. The recent lawsuit filed by the Past City Manager of the City of Bridgeport has insinuated, that I have acted in vengeful and inappropriate ways in the handling of City business, most of all in pursuit of personal gain. I will not stand for this. While the City follows their own standards of protocol, I fully intend to pursue legal action by me to set the record straight and restore my reputation. I am dedicated to showing my community that I am the trustworthy official, neighbor, and friend you voted into office eight years ago. Mayor Andy Lang City Councilor Clayton Rices lawyer also released a statement to 12 News on his behalf, which said in part: Though Im disappointed that Mr. Ford chose to file what I believe to be a frivolous lawsuit against the City of Bridgeport, I cant say that Im totally surprised. It is not uncommon for terminated employees to lash out and retaliate against those who were responsible for terminating their employment. Hurting and angry people try to hurt other people, and its clear thats what is going on here Mr. Fords allegations dont reveal corruption; they reveal his attempt at retaliation. I have nothing to hide and welcome any investigation into the truth. Though Ive now had to retain an attorney at my own expense, I remain focused on the integrity of our city government and the future of Bridgeport. The residents of Bridgeport deserve leadership rooted in facts, not fiction. We owe it to our community to stand firm in the face of falsehoods. I remain committed to accountability and service to the people of Bridgeport who elected me. This is my hometown. We are a special community, and our city deserves better than this. Clayton Rice Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Every year, in December and in May, Susan Morice prepares a special project for her preschool class. I do it as a thank you to my parents, she says. This past year for Mothers Day, Morice purchased flower pots and flowers to plant. For Christmas, she purchased rainbow candy canes and supplies to make Christmas ornaments. Since these projects are outside the preschool curriculum at the Meadows Elementary School near Omaha, Nebraska, where she works, she pays for these items out of pocket. Morice has been a teacher for over 30 years, 16 of which she has been teaching pre-K; she estimates that she spends around $450 a year of her own money on non-reimbursed supplies like crafts, games, puzzles, books and toys for her classroom. She doesnt have access to a color printer at school, so she uses one at home to print out pages for her class. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Its not uncommon for educators to spend their own money on classroom supplies, which is why the U.S. tax code includes an educator expense deduction, allowing teachers in K-12 classrooms to deduct up to $300 a year on expenses that were not reimbursed. But Morice, like so many other early childhood educators, doesnt qualify to take the deduction. Though she works alongside other teachers in her school, doing virtually identical teaching work, she and other pre-K teachers arent able to deduct their expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, early childhood educators earn, on average, less than half what their elementary school counterparts make, with a median hourly wage of $13.07. Thirteen percent earn below the poverty line, and almost half (43%) rely on public assistance. While policy debates about raising the wages of child care workers often center on bringing in more state or federal assistance, another option exists to shore up the industry using the tax code. The education expense deduction is a federal income tax deduction of up to $300 annually for unreimbursed expenses (or $600 if two married educators are filing jointly). The teacher who buys poster board and markers for her classroom, or who enrolls in a continuing education class, can deduct those expenses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, qualified expenses also included PPE and disinfectant. A new brief released by the Buffett Early Childhood Institute this month recommends allowing early childhood educators to take the deduction, arguing that the move would help retain workers by easing a portion of their financial burden and demonstrating they are respected for the important work they do. The brief also points to the problems with the existing recruitment and retention of early childhood educators: Because of the very low pay, there are significant employment challenges for businesses and families, resulting in billions of dollars of lost economic activity. Evidence supports this without access to child care, many people, especially women, cannot work for pay. Walter Gilliam, executive director of the Buffett institute and a co-author of the report, believes the discrepancy caused by the tax laws contributes to early educators feeling there isnt sufficient respect in the field. Gilliam runs an ongoing survey of early educators, and of the 25,000 who responded, he estimated that over 90% would be able to take the tax deduction if it were available to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They feel neglected, because they often are, he said of early educators. He pointed to another example during the COVID-19 pandemic, when K-12 teachers were given priority for vaccinations and PPE supplies. Many early educators were skipped entirely, even though, in many cases, they were the ones showing up to work while many K-12 teachers were staying home. These kinds of things have huge implications for early childhood educators, Gilliam said. The brief recommends that Congress extend the federal tax deduction to early educators, and that states consider providing their own tax deduction until a federal version is passed. But could a $300 tax deduction make a meaningful difference? Josh McCabe, the director of social policy at the Niskanen Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, doesnt think so. Im relatively confident this deduction wouldnt make a dent in the problem for a few reasons, he said. Its unclear to me how many ECE workers are 1) spending out of pocket on non reimbursed supplies, 2) are in tax brackets that make a deduction like this more than nominally valuable, and 3) would have their retention decision impacted by this on the margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Gary Romano, the chief strategy advisor at Civitas Strategies, LLC, a group that provides tax education and business support, estimates that even with the tax deduction, the maximum amount that early educators would take home is an extra $66 a year. Romano explains that most child care providers max out at the 12% or 22% marginal tax rate, which would be the percentage theyd recoup on the $300 deduction, assuming they spent the maximum amount. He also noted that this is a personal deduction, not a business deduction, and many child care providers who work out of their homes already deduct supplies as a business expense. Gilliam acknowledges that even though its not a lot of money, showing early educators they are valued may go a long way toward supporting retention efforts. Do I believe that double digit savings in the pockets of early educators is going to keep them in their seats? Probably not. Do I think showing them a little bit of respect might help? Absolutely. Expanding the deduction would require Congressional approval, its not a rule the Internal Revenue Service could expand on its own. Gilliam points to another survey he conducted about people who left the early education field. The top reason for leaving was compensation (54%), followed by not enough respect (39%). Other reasons included lack of benefits, lack of support for challenging behaviors, poor working conditions, and the need for more flexibility of hours. Morice, the preschool teacher, has even greater confidence: She knows teachers who could take advantage of this deduction, and believes some need to count every penny. And for her, its a basic issue of fairness that allows her to do her job well. I feel truly that if you want the best for these kids and start them out strong and give them a foundation, you have to give them the supplies to do that, she said. We cant do it with one set of blocks all year. An international volunteer who fought in Ukraine said his unit vowed never to be taken alive by Russia. Macer Gifford told BI that Putin sees this as a "war of annihilation," with tactics taken from ISIS. Gifford gave a stark warning to onlookers who view it as just a "war on the edge of Europe." An international volunteer who fought in Ukraine told Business Insider that Russia's armed forces have such a reputation for brutality that his unit agreed never to be captured alive. Russian forces are "incredibly dangerous, oftentimes fanatical or desperate people that would torture you and kill you if they caught you," said Macer Gifford, the nom de guerre of British former trader Harry Rowe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A veteran of the Ukrainian army, who previously volunteered to fight in Syria, Gifford fought in key locations in Ukraine, including in Kherson and Lyman. He spoke to BI's Authorized Account about the realities of fighting Russia, and the tough decisions his unit had to take. 'Every depth of depravity' While some Russians have reported torture and ill-treatment at the hands of Ukrainian captors, it has largely happened at the point of capture and "stopped when prisoners arrived at official places of internment," a UN investigation found last year. Not so Russia. The investigation said that there is "widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment" of prisoners of war throughout Russia's entire system of internment. This includes beatings, electric shocks, sexual violence, suffocation, sleep deprivation, and mock executions, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have also been killings: Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Matsievsky became a cause celebre after he was forced to dig his own grave before being shot in captivity, the BBC reported. "Russia has gone to every depth of depravity you could possibly imagine," Gifford said. That's why his unit entered into a pact even expelling one member who tried to surrender during a firefight, he said. There was an agreement that "no one in the unit was allowed to be taken alive." Acknowledging that all wars are violent, Gifford said he was nonetheless "genuinely shocked" by what he saw fighting against Russia. Learning from ISIS Gifford believes that Russian forces learned many of their more brutal tactics in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin gave military support to Syria's then-president, Bashar Assad, starting in 2015, supplying military equipment and air strikes to push back rebel groups, including the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. But it's the jihadist group that appears to have provided a model for Russian troops in Ukraine, Gifford said. The "level and scope" of Russia's barbarity on civilians, he said, reminded him "of the same tactics that the Islamic State used." Macer Gifford in Syria. Courtesy Harry Rowe/Macer Gifford Gifford recalled how, during his time fighting in Syria, he would find cages, torture instruments, and mattresses with chains next to them for holding female captives in Islamic State-controlled areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thought that the Islamic State was a fringe, that it was a unique thing," he said, but in his view, "many of their brutal practices have been adopted by Russia mainly, I suppose, because they were so effective in Syria," he added. Russia's war machine Gifford described Russia's war machine as "incredibly big and incredibly dangerous." But while Russia leads in scale its army is on track to grow to 1.5 million active troops its forces have been "decimated" in Ukraine, he said. Ukrainian soldiers carrying small drones. Courtesy of Harry Rowe Russia's approach to war is about scale and "meat wave" attacks in which astonishing numbers of casualties are tolerated, Gifford said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "real differences" between the countries come down to "the way they value life," he added. "The Ukrainians are fighting for their lives. Russia is just fighting for more territory, and that's the difference." But Gifford stressed that Ukraine's allies need to stop seeing the war as "a conflict on the edge of Europe," and that for Putin it means much more. For him, it's "a war of annihilation," Gifford said. It's "the war to end all wars in the eyes of Vladimir Putin." Russia has routinely denied allegations of war crimes. The Russian Ministry of Defence didn't respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider The arrest of eight people allegedly associated with an Iranian-directed terror plot is further evidence of the malign intentions of Tehran. Police feared that a potential attack was just hours away when they moved in on homes in London, Manchester and Swindon. While their inquiries continue it is not yet known what was being planned or whether others were involved. But what we do know is that Iran is involved in targeting dissidents and critics around the world, with even Donald Trump reportedly on the list of its assassins. Matt Jukes, the head of Counter Terror Policing, warned in August that Iranian diaspora communities were clearly at risk of kidnapping or assassination. He disclosed that since 2020, police and MI5 have responded to 15 plots backed by Iran. In March last year, Pouria Zeraati, an Iranian journalist, was stabbed outside his London home by mercenaries hired from Eastern Europe by Tehran. In 2022, two British-Iranian broadcasters were warned of a possible risk to their lives and armed police were stationed outside the channels studios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This latest episode may have involved another attack on dissidents or a wider threat to the country but it raises the same question: why are we putting up with this proxy terror war on our soil? These activities are organised by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) which is banned in many countries but not here. Sanctions were imposed on several IRGC commanders last year after they were exposed in a TV investigation into an assassination plot. Yet the Government continues to resist calls to proscribe the IRGC even though the Home Office wanted it added to a list of banned terrorist groups.The argument is that maintaining some links offers a back channel to Tehran considered important in times of tension. But as evidence grows of the impact of the IRGCs activities on the security of this country and to exiled critics of the Iranian regime, this obduracy is increasingly hard to justify. The IRGC and its intelligence agency have been placed in the highest category of a new foreign influence register while Jonathan Hall, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, is looking at a new proscription mechanism for hostile states like Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But why would that work any better than the current ban on terrorist groups, which the IRGC most assuredly is? The time has come for the Government to show that it is treating the Iranian threat with due seriousness. 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. Britain faces a higher rate of US tariff than the European Union despite Donald Trumps hatred of Brussels, new analysis shows. The UKs effective tariff rate the average charged on British goods exported to the US is 11.6pc, compared with 9.5pc for the EU, according to Capital Economics. British imports also face a higher average rate than Mexico, Canada, India, Thailand and Vietnam. The figures reflect the mix of products being exported to the US. Despite the UK facing just the minimum 10pc tariff introduced by Mr Trump, compared with 20pc for the EU, many British exports are subject to extra sector-specific levies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump has also introduced 25pc tariffs on steel and cars, which is particularly costly to Britain as cars are our largest single export to the US. UK car manufacturers, including brands such as Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover, sold 9bn worth of vehicles to the US last year. By contrast, a larger share of the EUs exports are shielded by a carve-out for pharmaceutical exports. The tariff-free status of drugs means the effective rate paid by EU exporters is well below the 20pc headline level. Vietnam and India similarly benefit from a carve-out for electronic goods, while Mr Trump has issued exemptions for goods arriving from Canada and Mexico that comply with the terms of the pre-existing United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). Higher charges are imposed on products from British companies despite the fact that Mr Trump is deeply critical of the EU, which he has claimed was formed to screw the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, he has praised Sir Keir Starmers lobbying to try to secure a trade deal for the UK. After the Prime Minister met with the president in February, Mr Trump said there was a good chance of a deal where tariffs wouldnt be necessary and said Sir Keir had earned whatever the hell they pay him over there. Mr Trump has threatened to make the tariff burden on Britain even higher after suggesting that he could impose a 100pc levy on foreign-made films in a bid to revive Hollywood. Britains film industry is worth 1.4bn to the economy and employs more than 195,000 people. Hollywood giants including Netflix, Amazon and Warner Bros have all invested heavily in the UK in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philippa Childs, head of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union, said the tariffs could deal a knock-out blow to an industry that is only just recovering and will be really worrying news for tens of thousands of skilled freelancers who make films in the UK. Capital Economics analysis underlines the importance of striking a trade deal with America to protect Britains economy from the worst of Mr Trumps tariffs. British officials are racing to negotiate an agreement, with Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, meeting her counterpart Scott Bessent in Washington at the end of last month. However, reports suggest the Trump administration has made Britain a second-order priority with Asian nations such as South Korea given greater focus. Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, on Friday said all options remain on the table after the Government closed its consultation on the impact of US tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Reynolds said: We are now in a new era for trade and the economy, and that means going further and faster to strengthen the UKs economy. While we analyse responses, this Governments priority will be to build on the strength of our relationship with the US and continue talks to find a resolution for UK businesses. Paul Dans, the architect of Project 2025, the Right-wing policy blueprint that is now considered to be the US presidents play-book, said Britain should be able to strike a good deal with America. Mr Dans, who served in the first Trump administration, said: Long-term, President Trump ultimately wants to get to a yes on deals and now is the time. Now is the time [for the UK] to make a good deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that Britons have suffered a lot of the same fate that we have, and there should be some recognition of the shared experience. The deindustrialisation, the mass immigration, the disorder in society we feel that on this side of the pond as well. Project 2025 was a 900-page document drawn up by the Right-wing Heritage Foundation that made radical policy recommendations such as abolishing the department of education. Many of its ideas have been taken on by the president and several of its authors now serve in his administration, including Peter Navarro, Mr Trumps trade advisor. 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. UK film bodies are planning to sit down with the government to discuss Donald Trumps shock plans to slap a 100% tariff on any and all movies produced in foreign lands. The British Film Commission), which helps promote international film and television production in the UK, said it would hold talks with ministers in the coming days. The British Film Institute also said it would discuss the matter with the government. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK would be particularly vulnerable to any tariff imposed by the White House, given that the country has established itself as one of Hollywoods top destinations for offshoring shoots, thanks to tax incentives, a skilled workforce and a shared language. Avengers: Doomsday and Enola Holmes 3 are among the major studio movies currently shooting in UK facilities after U.S. companies spent close to 1.4B ($1.9B) making films in Britain last year. That figure equated to 64% of all UK film production, per BFI data. RELATED: Media Stocks Hit After Trumps Bombshell Plan To Tax Films Produced Outside U.S. Studios Carry A Significant Amount Of Risk The UK industry heaved a collective groan of disbelief at Trumps Truth Social pronouncement, in which he claimed that foreign productions are a national security threat and said they bring messaging and propaganda into America. Its insane, one producer told Deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the BFC, said: While this announcement is clearly concerning, we need to understand the detail surrounding the proposed tariffs. We will be meeting with government and our industry policy group in the coming days to discuss further. The UK and U.S. have long enjoyed a strong, shared history of film-making, recently celebrating 100 years of creative collaboration and production. We look forward to continuing that for years to come, to our mutual benefit. RELATED: Jon Voight Has A Plan To Save Hollywood: Will Trump Or Anyone Else Care? A BFI spokesperson added: The BFI is working closely with the UK government, and industry partners in the UK and U.S. while we understand the detail of the proposal. We want to keep collaboration at the heart of our sectors, so we remain a constructive partner to our friends in the US and internationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UKs Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has not responded to Deadlines request for comment. Monday is a national holiday in the UK as it celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day that ended World War II on the continent. RELATED: SAG-AFTRAs Duncan Crabtree-Ireland Says Union Open To Advancing A Dialogue With White House On U.S. Film Production After Trump Tariff Proposal Caroline Dinenage, chair of UK Parliaments influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said the government must urgently prioritise the film industry as part of trade talks with Trump. Making it more difficult to make films in the UK is not in the interests of American businesses. Their investment in facilities and talent in the UK, based on U.S.-owned IP, is showing fantastic returns on both sides of the Atlantic, she said. RELATED: Trump Celebrity Supporters: Famous Folks In Favor Of The 47th President At the same time, the governments forthcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan needs to meet the challenge we set down of incentivising inward investment while also growing our domestic sector so British film and high-end TV can thrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Keir Starmer has walked a careful line over Trumps tariffs. He has resisted any temptation to retaliate, preferring to focus on the prospect of a trade deal. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The Young Beekeeper project, which aims to promote employment among young families and support eco-entrepreneurship, will next be implemented in the Khizi district, Trend reports. Launched in 2021 at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, the project has already been successfully carried out across various regions of Azerbaijan. 20 young families will be selected to participate in the project, who will first attend theoretical and practical training. Upon completion, participants will receive bee families, hives, beekeeping clothing, honey extractors, and necessary accessories. The program will provide the young beekeepers with the necessary conditions to effectively manage honey production and will also offer methodological and professional support in areas such as product certification, branding, design, and sales strategy development. Since 2021, over 60 young families in various regions of the country have been supported as part of the "Young Beekeeper" project, initiated by IDEA Public Union and co-organized with the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Employment Agency, and the "ABAD" public legal entity. The project aims to protect biodiversity, promote beekeeping as an eco-entrepreneurial activity, support natural honey production, and enhance the financial well-being of young families. Young people aged 18 to 35 residing in the Khizi district who wish to participate in the project are invited to submit their applications by May 18. Applications can be submitted via the IDEA Public Unions 1113 hotline, by email at [email protected], or in person at the Khizi district office of the State Employment Agency. During the selection process, applicants will be evaluated based on their knowledge and experience in beekeeping, social status, and whether they have a suitable backyard plot for establishing a beekeeping farm. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel LEETSDALE, Pa. (AP) Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush was charged with harassment and misdemeanor simple assault over the weekend after allegedly chasing a woman through his house in suburban Pittsburgh and smashing her cellphone. Officers said they responded to a 911 call on Sunday from the home in Sewickley, where a woman identified only as Bush's girlfriend alleged he assaulted her, took her car keys and broke the phone to prevent her from calling for help. Bush, 26, is a former first-round draft pick who spent four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one in Seattle before signing with the Browns last year. Messages seeking comment were left for Bush and with agent Drew Rosenhaus. Court officials said Bush did not have a defense attorney on record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Browns spokesman told The Associated Press in a text message that the team is aware and gathering more information. A Bell Acres Borough Police Department officer wrote in charging documents that the woman said they had argued Sunday morning about a friend of Bush's and a mess in the kitchen. As Bush became more aggressive, the woman began recording him on her phone, police said. Bush chased her and pinned her against a massage table, the woman told investigators. She said Bush put his full body weight on to her to grab her phone, police said. Bush grabbed the phone and smashed it so that she could not call for help and also sought her iPad, she told police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She and her daughter fled to a neighbor's home. There were visible injuries on her right wrist and right foot, according to a police affidavit. The woman told investigators that both injuries occurred while Bush was trying to take her phone. Bush told police he did not want to be video recorded in his home. Bush did admit to smashing the cellphone but denied getting physical with the woman, police wrote. The former University of Michigan player started 10 games for the Browns last year and was fourth on the team with 76 tackles. He signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal in March to remain with Cleveland. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 20. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) The Buffalo Police Department and the wider community are mourning the loss of C-District Officer Daniel Candelario, who died last Thursday due to complications from the flu. He was 34 years old. Officer Candelario is remembered not only as a dedicated law enforcement officer but as a loving husband, father, and community protector. He was so kind. I always told him I did not deserve him, said his wife, Dariana Candelario, who described her husband as selfless and devoted. The two had been together since they were 15 years old and married since 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serving with the Buffalo Police Department for over three years, Candelario had long dreamed of a career in law enforcement. Dariana shared that it took nearly a decade of education and academy training for Daniel to fulfill his goal. I was so proud. Everyone was proud of him. It was 10 years, and thats all he talked about. That was his dream, and we all made it happen, she said. In a statement, the Buffalo Police Department expressed its condolences: We send our deepest condolences to the family of Officer Candelario, sending our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and those who worked alongside him. Dariana emphasized her husbands commitment to his job, saying he rarely called off work and always volunteered for extra shifts and community events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was in his heart. Anytime the lieutenant would call, he was there. They needed help with parades, extra shifts he would take them, she said. According to Dariana, Daniel had been in good health and rarely got sick. But after returning from a vacation in Las Vegas, he began feeling sick with flu symptoms last Monday. His condition quickly deteriorated. Going to bed was tough. That evening, he was not himself anymore. I couldnt bring his fever down. He kept coughing, Dariana said. Despite being admitted to the hospital and receiving treatment, Daniel passed away several days later. He was so sweet, and for him to go because of his heart giving out almost makes sense. Because it was so big, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of his work, Daniel was passionate about fitness, motorcycles, and he was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan. He had even taught his wife to ride motorcycles. He is survived by Dariana and their three children a 17-year-old son, a 10-year-old son, and a 2-year-old daughter. They adored him so much. Our 10-year-old wants to be a cop. My husband told them, If I retire by the time youre on the force, then you could have my badge, Dariana said. Funeral services for Officer Candelario are expected to take place later this week. The family extended heartfelt thanks to the community for their overwhelming support and kind words during this difficult time. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. JOHNSON CITY, NY (WIVT/WBGH) Warehouse Carpet and Flooring Outlets is the Greater Binghamton Chamber Business of the Week. Warehouse Carpet is a 3rd generation business that started in 1973. In the 80s, the company added other locations in Elmira and Ithaca, before moving into its current home in Johnson City in the early 2000s. Warehouse Carpet offers all types of flooring whether it be for inside or outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes hardwood, laminate, vinyl, turf, and more. Sales Advisor, Yihua Lee says the business offers lifetime warranties and interest free financing options. And theres a lot of new product on the market coming out. So were always, constantly learning new things, new technology, where we can offer it to our customers. We try to do better for our customers constantly, says Lee. Lee says recently, some of the hottest products are pet-friendly carpeting and waterproof laminate. The company employs 20 to 25 people and is open 7 days a week. Browse products online at WarehouseCPT.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 WIVT - News 34. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- The funeral procession begins at Thomas Poteet and Son funeral home on Davis Road at 11:20am. It will travel down Davis Road then turn left onto Washington Road. The procession will continue almost five miles to Ronald Reagan Drive. It will arrive at the Performing Arts Center at Evans Towne Center Boulevard for the funeral. Washington Road, which is usually very busy that time of day will be blocked off for the procession from 11 AM until Noon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the community are welcome to line the route to show their respect. The owner of Marc Younts Tire Pros will be showing his support for the fallen deputy. It means a lot to us and our company, to our neighborhood, to our business. Its just very important that all of us respect and take part in whats going on. Well be shut down during that time. And we invite because we know there may be crowds about by the anyone that wants to park in our parking lot for a bit thatd be fine, said Marc Yount. The Sikes family is asking any memorial contributions to be made to Tunnel to Towers foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here 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 WJBF. A grand jury has indicted a Butler County man accused of making threats against President Donald Trump. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the eight-count indictment against Shawn Monper on Friday. Monper was arrested and federally charged back in April. >>> Butler County man accused of threatening to assault, murder President Trump, other US officials Investigators say Monper threatened to kill President Trump, members of his administration and immigration agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monper is being held in the Butler County Prison. For each charge, he faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Several builders are making promises they cant keepor never intended toleaving buyers in the lurch and thousands of dollars poorer. A few months ago, Vanessa Gibbons contacted Meka Modular, a San Jose, California, prefab builder, only to discover that something seemed off. She and her dad were planning on having an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) built in Joshua Tree, and Mekas designs "were simple and affordable, so I reached out," she told us via email. But after an initial phone call with the business owner, Gibbons received "an informal email saying he could have his accounting reach out for payment if I was ready to move forward. I replied asking for photos of projects built in the past year and have not received a response." Eventually, she did hear back. "As we changed all our models last year with a new line up [sic] we have none installed yet. We have numerous under permit currently and they should be installed in the field in the next few month [sic]," he wrote. The company "is not listed on the Better Business Bureau," Gibbons says, and "has no pictures of actual houses, just renderings." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reddit threads echo her bewildering experience, including this comment from "jupiteroot" three years ago: "I had my 15 minute call with them 3 weeks ago and have not been able to get a single question answered since. My impression is that they will not go any further unless you pay the $2750 feasibility study fee." Supply, Demand, and Disorder Over much of the last decade, ADU production has exploded, especially in California, in response to the housing crisis. (Dwell even built one of its own.) But with it has come countless ambitious small startups with big plans, many of which are exposing industry pitfalls that signal caution for consumers like Gibbons. As with Meka, which Dwell featured online in 2019, some provide eye-catching renderings that seemingly never materialize, while others have left a trail of unrefunded deposits on unproduced projects, financial falters, and even criminal fraud accusations. Sometimes, too, startups that belly up end up liquidating their assets or filing a type of bankruptcy that pays off investors first, leaving customers in the lurch. Last year, for example, Multitaskr, an ADU builder formed in 2020 in Chula Vista, California, abruptly closed after its license was revoked and it was accused of bilking customers out of more than $15 million. Allegations posted on LinkedIn by a former employee, Anna Zuniga, offer a rare glimpse into the companys operating conditions. "Twenty active projects had been stalled for over a year, with homeowners growing increasingly frustrated," she wrote. "The problems ran deep: thirty projects from early 2020 didnt have their plans submitted for permits within the originally provided timelinea fact hidden from customers. Our construction team was too small to handle the workload, and cash flow problems prevented hiring additional staff." In January, Los Angeles, California, modular builder Connect Homes (who has advertised with Dwell and whose projects Dwell has covered) filed for liquidation after grappling with mounting debt, supply-chain issues, and an assembly line process that was too hard to continue financing. A family in Northern California who had paid more than $400,000 for an ADU, planned for delivery last June, said the company had "completely ghosted them" in November. (Connect has not responded to requests for comment.) Connect Homes installs a home in Malibu after the Woolsey Fires. Courtesy of Connect Homes Before the company liquidated, Connect Homes cofounder Jared Levy gave a revealing interview early last year with Builder commenting on the future of prefab: "Right now, we are an industry that is uncomfortably stuck somewhere between the construction process and an industrialized process," he said. "If we want prefab to skew more toward being an industrialized product we wont get there through automation and robots. We will get there by changing the regulatory environment for building prefab homes. And when we do, someone can do their research, pick their manufacturer, order a house, and have it delivered the next week." Venturing Too Far Too Fast? But its not that simple, yet. Permitting processes remain time-consuming, and can be especially challenging for ambitious new ADU builders. While venture capital can help get a company off the ground, many new prefab ADU builders borne by it are beholden to investors to scale up quickly to achieve returns, before they gain experience with the unique challenges of ADU development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Building the local relationships needed for efficient permitting and installation is critical," says Noerena Limon, CEO of Casita Coalition, a California multisector nonprofit that works to advance middle housing. "The successful prefab builders understand this part of the work and set realistic expectations with investors on timelines for returns and the need for factory capacity to keep pace with customer commitments." One cautionary tale from the mid-2010s is that of Kasita, an Austin, Texas, start-up founded by environmental science professor turned entrepreneur Jeff Wilson that courted venture capital, raising $11.5 million in the process to fund its idea for affordable plug-and-play micro-housing. The concept was widely celebrated by the design community, and many expected it to "disrupt the urban landscape" and possibly revolutionize the housing industry. Eventually, Kasita was sold, and it never produced a single ADU. Prefabricated and stackable, Kasitas units promised a solution to Americas affordable housing crisis. Photo by Susannah Haddad As Levy pointed out, the industrys inherent challenges are already considerable; and through their lack of experience, venture capital backed home building start-ups might not be the best way to deliver prefab homes at scale to consumers because of the vagaries of the industry itself. "The idea of a construction company raising money from venture capital investors is relatively new," says Liz Young, getting at the idea that this is still uncharted territory. Young is the founder of Realm, a, yes, venture-backed company, one that uses advanced technology and data analysis to help guide clients through construction processes, but does not build homes. Regardless, "modular and prefab is extremely promising and is one of the most affordable housing options, but we still need to mature the ADU ecosystem," adds Limon. Small Scale Dan Fitzpatrick serves as president of the nonprofit Tiny Home Industry Association, whose members include owners of small traditional construction businesses in each state. The group advocates to legitimize tiny homes (which are sometimes prefab, and used as ADUs) as viable housing and promotes best practices. "If we hear of issues with bad actors, we try to get the word out," says Fitzpatrick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One notable "bad actor" in Colorado, Holy Ground Tiny Homes shuttered after filing for bankruptcy in 2022, leaving almost 200 former customers on the hook for $6 million. The company, which enjoyed status as a Christian nonprofit, had convinced them " to pay full or partial deposits for tiny homes, delayed building those homes for months or years, and refused to refund the deposits," according to Business Den. "Some Holy Ground victims, who are spread across the country, lost their life savings." You can almost hear Fitzpatrick shake his head over the phone. In any case, he says more of his association members are getting into modular construction instead, " for multiple reasons, including better acceptance of the product theyre creating by local building officials, and more efficient use of labor. Also, more and more, the ability to re-use modules when deconstructing a home is a plus." "Modular and prefab is extremely promising and is one of the most affordable housing options, but we still need to mature the ADU ecosystem." Noerena Limon, housing advocate ADU Due Diligence Like many of his peers, Fitzpatrick has noticed a proliferation of dubious online advertising through third-party vendors, including Amazon, hawking ADU and tiny house kits. For example, the Las Vegas, Nevada, company Boxabl advertises, solicits investment, and even promotes an "affiliate program" that rewards online user engagementall through social media platforms. Lauded by the likes of Elon Musk, who purchased one of its "casitas" in 2022, the company has faced much scrutiny since first delivering 156 of its units to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2020. Last year, the SEC charged a former employee for fraudulently offering securities in the company. (Boxabl has not responded to a request for comment.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What consumers need to ascertain before they click the buy button isare they getting a shed in a box or a unit that meets the building code requirements in their municipality?" says Fitzpatrick. That applies in the real world, too: "They need to ask up front, to what standard are they being built and what independent firm is certifying it? That separates the wheat from the chaff." While navigating the ADU market may seem fraught with risk, prospective consumers can do much to educate and protect themselves. "People should attend some sort of workshop to understand costs, contracts and timelines," says Limon, of Casita Coalition. "Vet builders carefully, make sure they have experience in your local jurisdiction; avoid all-in pricing before site evaluation; request to see local completed projects [as Vanessa Gibbons did]; read contracts thoroughly and look for clear scope milestones and refund policies; avoid large up-front payments." Project Name: ALP 320 See the full story on Dwell.com: Buying a Prefab ADU Was Supposed to Be Easier Than This Related stories: California and a coalition of other states sued the Trump administration Monday to block sweeping cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, arguing they are unconstitutional and endanger Americans. The lawsuit specifically challenges Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s March 27 directive firing 10,000 full-time employees, consolidating 28 department divisions into 15 and shutting down five of 10 regional offices, including one in San Francisco. The moves have upended an array of crucial services, the states argue, including by closing laboratories monitoring the nation's current measles outbreak. The lawsuit brought by California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and the attorneys general of 18 other states and the District of Columbia argues the cuts are "arbitrary and capricious" and unconstitutional, violating the Administrative Procedure Act and going "beyond the scope of presidential power" by usurping the authority of Congress to appropriate funding toward certain government services, Bonta's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Trump Administration does not have the power to incapacitate a department that Congress created, nor can it decline to spend funds that were appropriated by Congress for that department," Bonta said in a statement. "That's why my fellow attorneys general and I are taking the Trump Administration to court HHS is under attack, and we wont stand for it." The lawsuit asks the courts to declare the cuts illegal, block or reverse their implementation and undo the firings, Bonta's office said. It was one of two lawsuits filed by Bonta's office against the Trump administration Monday the second challenging new federal restrictions on wind energy. Read more: California has sued Trump 15 times in his first 100 days. Where do those cases stand? A Health and Human Services spokesperson defended the agency's actions Monday, saying they have been carried out in accordance with the law and other federal employee protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health and Human Services previously characterized the changes as a "dramatic restructuring" of the agency in line with an executive order by President Trump in February that tasked advisor Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency with "eliminating waste, bloat, and insularity" in the federal workforce, including through mass firings. Health and Human Services said the overhaul also would help it focus on Kennedy's priorities of "ending America's epidemic of chronic illness by focusing on safe, wholesome food, clean water, and the elimination of environmental toxins." "We aren't just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic," Kennedy said in a statement. "This Department will do more a lot more at a lower cost to the taxpayer." Kennedy said that "bureaucracies like HHS become wasteful and inefficient" over time, "even when most of their staff are dedicated and competent civil servants," and that the overhaul would "be a win-win for taxpayers and for those that HHS serves." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thats the entire American public, because our goal is to Make America Healthy Again," he said, repeating a slogan the Trump campaign took up after Kennedy suspended his own presidential bid to back Trump in August. Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate as Health and Human Services secretary in February amid sharp criticism from Democrats, who lambasted the eccentric scion of the politically storied Kennedy family as an antivaccine conspiracy theorist who for years has spread dangerous, unscientific beliefs about a host of health issues and viruses, including HIV and COVID-19. Kennedy has continued to cause alarm since, including through his handling of the nation's measles outbreak, which in recent months has swept through large parts of the Southwest where vaccination rates have lagged. Rather than push for greater vaccination, which has proved highly effective and safe, Kennedy has directed his department to look for new treatment options. Scientists have derided the move as a foolish and likely ineffective diversion of resources in the face of a serious and deadly threat and one that is unnecessary, given the effectiveness of the measles vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their lawsuit, the states refer to Kennedy's "history of spinning conspiracy theories" and advocating for the dismantling of Health and Human Services, Bonta's office said. Already, his directive downsizing the agency is causing harm, crippling support for programs such as Head Start, ending production of N95 masks and shutting down laboratories that monitor infectious diseases such as measles, Bonta's office said. Read more: California's high-speed rail leaders sound alarm over project's financial future The Associated Press has reported that cuts under Kennedy appear to have eliminated more than a dozen data-gathering programs that tracked deaths and diseases across the nation. Congress provided Health and Human Services with a budget of $1.8 trillion in 2024 and has passed various laws that outline its mission, Bonta's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Including departures from an earlier buyout, the department has lost about 20,000 of its 82,000 employees since the start of the Trump administration, Bonta's office said. The states argue in their lawsuit that Health and Human Services fell into disarray after termination notices went out April 1, thousands of employees were "immediately expelled from their work email, laptops, and offices," and work across the department "came to a sudden halt." "Throughout HHS, critical offices were left unable to perform statutory functions. There was no one to answer the phone, factories went into shutdown mode, experiments were abandoned, trainings were cancelled, site visits were postponed, application portals were closed, laboratories stopped testing for infectious diseases such as hepatitis, and partnerships were immediately suspended," the states say. Joining Bonta in the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was the 17th filed by Bonta's office against the Trump administration. The 18th came Monday too as California joined 16 other states and the District of Columbia in suing the administration over its halting of federal approvals for offshore and onshore wind energy projects a move that the states argue violates the Administrative Procedure Act and their right to pursue clean energy sources. California has separately sued the Trump administration over Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to cut billions of dollars in federal public health grants aimed at increasing state resilience to infectious disease, based on similar arguments about the administration overreaching its authority to contradict decisions by Congress on federal spending. California leaders also have raised concerns about the planned closure of the Health and Human Services office in San Francisco. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said the move was "shortsighted" and would have "detrimental impacts to our public health response capabilities," and that she was "examining all possible avenues to fight back" against the cuts. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. During the hearing at the Baku Military Court on Monday, protocols related to the massacre committed in the village of Balligaya of the Goranboy district on August 28, 1992, were announced and examined, Trend reports. According to the documents, residents of the Naghdali village of the Lachin district, who were temporarily resettled in the shacks nearby the Gulustan forest in the Balligaya village of the Goranboy district following the occupation of the Lachin district, were shot at by firearms by the Armenian armed forces on August 28, 1992, at approximately 05:00, as a result of which 24 people were killed and 9 were wounded. Of those killed during the massacre, 7 were under 18, and 4 were persons over 60 years old. In total, 13 were women and 11 were men. According to the crime scene inspection report, it was determined that internally displaced persons from the Lachin district were resettled in a building called the Finnish house and 4 shacks in the mountainous part of the Balligaya village. They were killed that night by approximately 9 Armenian servicemen using firearms in a generally dangerous manner, and their shacks were set on fire. The Finnish house was completely burnt out, and the bodies of a woman and 6 children were found inside, while 6 bodies were retrieved from the 1st shack, 4 bodies from the 2nd shack, 1 wounded child and 2 bodies from the 3rd shack, 2 bodies from the 4th shack and 2 wounded children, and 3 bodies were found near the Belarus tractor. The trial continues for Armenian nationals accused of crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, acts of terrorism, waging and preparing for an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, forcible seizure and retention of power, and financing terrorism, among other offenses related to Armenias military aggression. The next court hearing is scheduled for May 8. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) A Cambodian court on Monday convicted a prominent opposition politician of incitement and sentenced him to four years in prison, in the latest legal move to stifle criticism of the government of Prime Minister Hun Manet. Rong Chhun, a top advisor to the newly formed Nation Power Party, was found guilty of inciting social unrest related to his political activity for meeting with villagers displaced by government construction projects, including the new Phnom Penh International Airport. In addition to the prison term, he was barred from running for office and from voting. The 56-year-old had denied the incitement charge, saying all he did was post photos of himself with the villagers and comments on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a law enforcement issue, Rong Chhun told reporters after the verdict. "It's about politics." He remains free for a month with the opportunity to file an appeal during that time and said he would do so. The U.S. Embassy, which has been critical of Cambodia's human rights record, had an observer at the hearing but did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Incitement allegations are frequently used by authorities in Cambodia against opponents. Rong Chhun was already sentenced to two years for incitement in 2021, on accusations he spread false information about Cambodia's border with Vietnam after meeting with farmers in the area. He was released later the same year by an appeals court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cambodias government has long been accused of using the judicial system to persecute critics and political opponents. It insists it promotes the rule of law under an electoral democracy, but political parties seen as mounting strong challenges to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party have been dissolved by the courts or had their leaders jailed or harassed. Under almost four decades of autocratic former Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodia was widely criticized for human rights abuses that included suppression of freedom of speech and association. He was succeeded in August 2023 by his American-educated son, Hun Manet, but there have been few signs of political liberalization. Late last year, the president of the Nation Power Party, Sun Chanthy, was himself convicted of inciting social disorder and sentenced to two years. Sun Chanthy had been a top leader of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party, which had been expected to present a strong challenge to Hun Sen's ruling party in 2018 elections, but was dissolved by the high court as part of a sweeping crackdown on opposition. Sun Chanthy then joined the Candlelight Party, the successor to the Cambodia National Rescue Party, but it in turn was barred from competing in the 2023 general election on a technicality. He then helped form the Nation Power Party at the end of 2023, along with Rong Chhun and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his conviction Monday, Rong Chhun said he was not surprised by the verdict and vowed to continue actively to protect the constitution. We must hold to a path that is based on the truth, he said. He urged members of the Nation Power Party to stay the course while he serves his sentence. Let's not lose heart, he said. We must all be strong. _____ Rising reported from Bangkok. CAMDEN, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) The Camden Central School District announced on Friday night that their search for a new superintendent is nearing an end. The district announced on Friday, May 2 that Mr. Brent Suddaby and Mr. Jason Evangelist are the final two candidates for the position. The Board was ecstatic about the interest that our District and our communities received from such a highly qualified pool of candidates, Camden Board of Education President Katherine Stone said in a statement. We had many exceptional applicants, and we are pleased to be considering two student-driven, talented, and committed leaders for the opportunity to be our next Superintendent of Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the district, the process for their new superintendent began in January. Interviews of nine different candidates began in February, and four candidates were invited to interview with the Board of Education. Suddaby is the current superintendent at the Candor Central School District in Tioga County. Highlights of Suddabys career includes enhancements to the districts programming in literacy, including the adoption of a Science of Reading initiative and establishing a Parent-Teacher-Student Association. During his career, Suddaby has worked in the Westhill, Mexico, Tully and West Genesee School Districts. He is in his 28th year working in education, with four of those being as Candors superintendent. Brent Suddaby, the current Candor Superintendent. (Photo provided by the Candor Central School District) Evangelist is the current Interim Superintendent at Camden, and also serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his time at Camden, Evangelist has helped the district develop early childhood programming for students between the ages of two and three, including the introduction of Dolly Partons Imagination Library. He also helped introduce a school-to-work program for students with International Wire in Camden. Evangelist has also spent time in the following school districts: Whitesboro, Westmoreland, Oriskany, The Rome City School District, and Holland Patent. Evangelist has also spent 28 years working in education, and has spent four years in the Camden School District. Jason Evangelist, the interim superintendent at the Camden Central School District. (Photo provided by the Camden Central School District) Suddaby and Evangelist will interview with the districts Stakeholder Advisory Committees over the next week. Those committees will report back to the Board of Education with their assessment of both candidates, who will determine their next steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board anticipates the chosen candidate entering their new role this 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. PITTSBURG, Texas (KETK) The Camp County Commissioners Court declared the county as a Sanctuary County for the Unborn in a unanimous vote on Wednesday. East Texas Reps bill to classify abortions as murder withdrawn The passed ordinance outlaws abortion at the county level in Camp County and prohibits travelling from or through Camp County on the way to get an abortion, according to a post from East Texas State Rep. Cole Hefner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I commend Judge A.J. Mason and the entire Commissioners Court for their courage and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us, said Hefner. This isnt just a symbolic statementits a legally enforceable action that honors the sanctity of life and strengthens Texas stance as a leader in the fight for the unborn. According to Hefner, Camp County is the first county in East Texas to pass such an ordinance, making it one of ten such counties in the United States. Texas made abortion illegal in Texas in 2022 after the states trigger law took effect when the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Roe V. Wade. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RICHTON PARK, Ill. (WGN) Cannabis owners and advocates are demanding a change to state laws and regulations that they said are holding them back from staying afloat and making a profit. Several years ago, husband and wife combo Rick and Michelle Ringold got into the cannabis business after state lawmakers passed legislation making recreational cannabis legal. Now, the Ringolds own Galaxy in south suburban Richton Park and hold Cannabis Social Equity Licenses to grow, distribute and transport cannabis, but said strict state regulations, high taxes, and limited capital are making it challenging to stay afloat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really believed in this vision of truly creating economic growth and empowerment within our organizations, Michelle Ringold said. [But] nobody sleeps at night when everything you own is tied up into uncertainty, and thats where we are, Rick Ringold said. On Sunday morning, the Ringolds stood in unity with several other entrepreneurs who have the same cannabis licenses they hold, hoping to pressure state lawmakers into following through on promises those gathered said the state has yet to make good on. Ted Parks, Chairman of the Independent Third Party Carriers Association, told WGN News the Cannabis Social Equity Program (CSEP), adopted by Illinois on Jan. 1, 2020, was meant to right some of the wrongs caused by decades of criminalization and systemic exclusion from the cannabis industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ambrose Jackson, CEO of the 1937 Group, said businesses hes worked with have had to throw out various financial projections based on assumptions made before opening due to discrepancies in the CSEP. To get into the market craft growing 10 million dollars, weve mortgaged our home. We liquidated our 401k. We have went to family and friends to get money, Michelle Ringold said. More from Jewell Fulton Market welcomes SVNGRN: An art center promoting cultural unity for all There are funding mechanisms available through the state, according to State Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-8th District), but those levers have yet to be set in motion. He said Illinois promised Social Equity Business Grants to help offset costs as a part of the CSEP, but the state has not awarded those grants to recreational cannabis businesses in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure that we pass legislation to provide grants, not loans to these social equity companies, Ford said. We also want to pass legislation to allow these social equity dispensaries to allow medical patients to use their dispensaries at the same rate they are paid at medical dispensaries. That would help out a great deal. In the days to come, cannabis advocates are headed to Springfield to demand a series of actions they want from state lawmakers: Impose a moratorium on licensing fees and provide a credit for fees paid before businesses were operating. Allow equitable access to capital and grant funding. Amend regulations and reduce taxes. Allow medical patients to use medical cards at any licensed dispensary. A lot of things that we thought would happen from a legislative standpoint really didnt happen, and we dont know when its going to happen, Rick Ringold said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A Trotwood apartment complex was structurally compromised after a vehicle crashed into it Sunday afternoon. According to the Trotwood Fire Department, the crash occurred on the 1500 block of Shiloh Springs Road. Fire crews were dispatched on report of the crash, but upon arrival found a moderately damaged vehicle parked in a lot nearby. It was determined that the vehicle backed away from the building prior to crews arrival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported from the crash, but the driver of the vehicle was checked out at the scene as a precautionary measure. Crews then placed their attention of the structure and its residents. Those on the upper floor were evacuated temporarily, but those in the impacted unit declined to leave. The Montgomery County Building Department was contacted to assist and evaluate the structure, as was a property manager and the building inspector. The inspector noted that a struck wall required reinforcement, which prompted the property manager to leave to gather materials, before returning to fix up the impacted wall. There will be another inspection of the structure soon to maintain its safety for residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is sometimes called the "Asian Francis" because of his infectious smile, easy laugh, and spontaneity with words. Like the late Argentine pope, he hails from a country far from the Catholic Church's traditional power base of Europe and came to Rome with an outsider's view. Some who have put Tagle on unofficial short lists for the next pope say he would be a shoo-in to succeed Francis if cardinal electors who enter the secret conclave on Wednesday are looking for as close a similarity as possible in order to assertively continue Francis' progressive streak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Tagle were elected, it would also likely signal to the world's 1.4 billion Catholics that the cardinals want to go forward with Francis' vision of generally opening up the Church to the modern world by not choosing a man who might roll back some of the late pope's reforms. It would also mean his fellow cardinals had shrugged off question marks over his management abilities. "He would represent a continuity of what Pope Francis has been doing," said Rev. Emmanuel Alfonso, a former student of Tagle's who has known him for decades. "He's really like Pope Francis in terms of his love for the poor, his approachability and so on." Tagle, the former archbishop of Manila, would be the first pope from what is now considered Asia, although in the early Church some popes hailed from what is now called the Middle East, technically part of Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tagle, who looks younger than his 67 years and likes to be called by his diminutive nickname "Chito", has headed the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization, effectively the Church's missionary arm, for the past five years. That position gave him enormous influence over national churches in developing countries. As archbishop of Manila, and before as bishop of the Philippine city of Imus, Tagle gained pastoral experience in running dioceses in Asia's largest Catholic country. By bringing him to the Vatican in 2020, Francis gave him one more notch in experiences seen as helpful to papal candidates. Tagle's move to Rome brought criticism from then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who oversaw a bloody "war on drugs" that killed thousands of Filipinos during his 2016-2022 administration. Duterte said Tagle had been removed from Manila for meddling in national politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philippine Catholic bishops' conference denied those accusations forcefully. Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, a conference official made a cardinal in 2024, called Duterte's claim "unbelievably ludicrous". Many cardinals already know Tagle personally, and many may see an attraction in having a pope from Asia, viewed by Church leaders as an important region of growth for the faith. Young people feel comfortable with him. When Tagle hosted Francis for a visit to the Philippines in 2014, the visit drew the largest crowds in the history of papal travel, including a Mass that attracted up to 7 million people. DOCTRINAL BACKGROUND Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tagle, who speaks Italian, English, and Spanish as well as his native Tagalog, now has five years of experience with the Vatican's arcane bureaucracy, although some cardinals may think even that is not enough to run the global Church. One possible weakness in Tagle's candidacy is that he was involved in a management scandal three years ago. In 2022, Francis removed him from a second job as titular head of a Vatican-based confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social services organisations working in more than 200 countries. Francis fired the entire leadership of the group, called Caritas Internationalis, following allegations of bullying by top management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tagle's role, akin to a chancellor of the organisation, was mostly symbolic and ceremonial. He was not directly involved in day-to-day running and was generally admired by staffers. Unlike Francis, Tagle enjoys a global reputation as a theologian, which could help him gain votes from moderate cardinals concerned by some of Francis' off the cuff utterances, which led to what some called confusion about Church teachings. In the 1990s, he served on the Vatican's International Theological Commission under German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was known as a strict adherent to traditional doctrine and would later become Pope Benedict XVI. Rev. Joseph Komonchak, Tagle's professor at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., said the cardinal was one of his best students in 45 years of teaching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Not the least of Chito's virtues was the joy that he radiated on everyone who encountered him," said Komonchak. "He had a fine sense of humor, which endeared him to his fellow students." Rev. Robert Reyes, a seminary classmate who has known Tagle for more than 50 years, said Tagle has an ability to connect with people and a simple style of living. When he first became a bishop in 2001, he didn't own a car. "He preferred to take rides, to hitch a ride with someone driving to a place that perhaps both of them were going to," said Reyes. While 67 is sunset age in many organisations, it is considered young in the Vatican, because few cardinals want a very long pontificate. (Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Additional reporting by Karen Lema and Adrian Portugal in Manila; Editing by Frances Kerry) By Joshua McElwee and Crispian Balmer VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - All of the 133 cardinals expected to take part in the secret conclave to elect a new pope have arrived in Rome, the Vatican said on Monday, with the race to succeed Pope Francis seen as wide open. The conclave will start behind the closed, wooden doors of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, with all cardinals aged under 80 entitled to take part to choose a successor to Francis, who died last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some cardinals are looking for a new pope who will continue with Francis' push for a more transparent, welcoming Church, while others are seeking retrenchment to more traditional roots that put a premium on doctrine. Conclaves are often spread out over several days, with multiple votes held before a contender wins the necessary three-quarters majority to become pope. The world's Catholic cardinals have been meeting on a near daily basis since the day after Francis' death on April 21 to discuss the state of the 1.4-billion-member Church, with the numbers of participating clerics gradually swelling. The Vatican said 180 cardinals, including 132 electors, took part in a meeting on Monday morning. The 133rd elector is also in Rome, but did not take part in the discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two cardinals, one from Spain and one from Kenya, will not be joining the conclave for health reasons, the Vatican said. Among the questions addressed on Monday were "strong concern" about divisions within the Church, said the Vatican spokesman -- a possible reference to splits over Francis' decision to allow blessings for same-sex partners and to open discussion about the role of women in the Church. Cardinals also talked about the profile of a future pope -- "a figure who must be present, close, capable of being a bridge and a guide ... a shepherd close to the real life of the people," the spokesman said. CHANGING LISTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are a few cardinals seen as potential front-runners to succeed Francis -- two often mentioned are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle -- many of the voting clerics have not made up their minds. "My list is changing, and I think it will continue to change over the next few days," British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, participating in his first conclave, told Reuters. "It's a process which for me is far from concluded, far from concluded." The cardinals will hold a second session of talks on Monday afternoon, with a final round expected on Tuesday. Two Vatican guest houses will house the cardinals during the conclave, when they will be barred from contact with the outside world. German Cardinal Walter Kasper, who is 92 and cannot take part in the vote, said he was sure the electors would choose someone to pursue Francis' progressive agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe that there is a very clear expectation. People want a pope to follow Francis. A pastor who knows the language of the heart, who does not close himself in palaces," Kasper told La Stampa newspaper. "Of course, there are also cardinals who hope for a change of direction with respect to Francis. But my impression ... is that the majority of cardinals are in favour of continuity." (Reporting by Joshua McElwee and Crispian Balmer; Editing by Ros Russell) Rome It's been called "holy smoke." And it's color coded. Black and white plumes puffed from canisters over the weekend as pyrotechnics expert Massimiliano De Sanctis tested the mechanism that will signal the fate of the Catholic Church, and who will be the next man to lead its 1.4 billion followers. If the smoke that emerges from the chimney at the Sistine Chapel is black, it will mean the 133 cardinal electors inside for the papal conclave will continue voting. When it is white, it means they have elected the heir to St. Peter and more recently, to Pope Francis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ''Until the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the smoke was carried out in the traditional way," explained De Sanctis, who owns the FD Group Fireworks company. "Ballots were burned to make black smoke and ballots were burned together with wet straw to make white smoke. But the Vatican realized that the smoke was not particularly intense, so it had an electrical control unit designed that controlled the classic pyrotechnic smoke.'' A March 9, 2013, photo taken just before the conclave that saw Pope Francis elected shows the stoves in the Sistine Chapel in which cardinals' ballots are burned and from which black or white smoke is emitted during a conclave. / Credit: Grzegorz Galazka/Archivio Grzegorz Galazka/Mondadori Portfolio/Getty The nine-day mourning period for the late Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on April 21 after 12 years leading the Catholic Church, officially came to an end Monday. As that period, known by its Latin name Novemdiales, came to an end, dozens of cardinals, carpenters and pyrotechnics experts were already at work preparing for the conclave to elect Francis' successor. Vatican firefighters installed the chimney at the Sistine Chapel over the weekend, along with the small stove in which the cardinals will burn their crumpled up ballots after each vote. The voting continues, with one round on the first day of the conclave and then up to four daily until one proves conclusive, with a new pontiff being chosen by a majority of two-thirds plus one of the 133 electors. Different ideologies at play as cardinals mull next Catholic leader Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That secretive process begins Wednesday, with the first vote, but the cardinal electors have already begun descending on Vatican City from across the world. And with them, comes the intrigue of the political campaign-like process of selecting one of their own to lead the church forward. A cardinal arrives at the Vatican for a College of Cardinals' meeting on May 5, 2025. / Credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Some of the believed front-runners among the cardinals would be expected to align with the policies and philosophies of Pope Francis if they were to get the Catholic Church's top job, including newly-minted Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius. He told CBS News over the weekend about meeting with many of his fellow cardinals for the first time. "I must say, I'm surprised that it's so peaceful and such a friendly atmosphere," he said. "If you read the papers, you get the idea that there are two parties fighting for power." "Of course there are different points of view," acknowledged Arborelius, who is attending his first conclave. "It's natural." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much like Francis was, Arborelius is a strong supporter of immigrants' rights. He said migrants to Europe have helped to keep Catholicism alive and well on the continent, making them "very important for the church." "I know there are exceptions, but still, we live in a global time, and it's nearly impossible to stop migration. And we need it also, I mean, in healthcare, care for elderly people, taxi drivers," he said, adding that, "of course, there has to be some kind of order, some kind of harmonious migration and integration" to ensure immigrant populations can thrive. Swedish cardinal Anders Arborelius arrives for a congregation meeting at the Vatican before the papal conclave, May 3, 2025. / Credit: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty The Swedish cardinal also hopes Francis' successor will push to integrate women to a limited degree more into the church's operations. "Some people are very eager to have female priests," acknowledged Arborelius. "But we cannot have that. So, it's important to show and to help women to find the positions and the work that they can do in the church." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked why he, like Francis, backed more roles for women, but not priesthood, the cardinal said that, "according to our faith, Christ as a man is the icon of what it is to be a priest. Mary is the icon of what a woman can be in the church." "Of course, nowadays it's not easy to explain that," he said, noting the example of the Lutheran Church in Sweden, which he said now has "more female ministers than male." "So that's one of our tasks to show that women have a very important place in the church, but we have to show what they can do and how they can do it. And I think Pope Francis has started this. For instance, now they always say in the Vatican state they have a prime minister who is a sister, Sister Rafaela. And on many issues, for instance I'm also a member of the Council of Economy, we have six ... experts in economy, all women, who help us to clear up the mess of the economy in the Vatican. So, I think there are many important tasks where a woman could do very much in order to help the church in the society of today." Others among the senior prelates gathering at the Vatican, however, have been openly critical of Francis, including German Cardinal Gerhard Muller, who has been a staunch defender of traditional Catholic doctrine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Gay marriage is not possible, it's absolutely against the word of God," he told CBS News, adding that in his view, that impossibility extends to the practice of priests blessing same-sex unions which Francis green-lighted in a landmark decision almost two years ago. German Cardinal Gerhard Muller (left) in a Nov. 22, 2024 file photo taken at the Vatican. / Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty "We cannot have a blessing in the sense of justifying of a behavior or of a lifestyle which is against the reason God Himself gave," Muller told CBS News, adding that he believes the next pope must bring more clarity to interpreting Catholic doctrine, "I think not only for me, but for all the Catholics in the world." It's possible that that diversity in viewpoints among the cardinal electors inside the Sistine Chapel could lead to a drawn-out conclave. In recent times, cardinals have decided on a new pope in just two to three days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The longest-ever conclave took place during the 13th century, in the nearby city of Viterbo. It lasted for nearly three years, and locals became so frustrated with the dithering that they removed the roof from the building where the cardinals were staying. They eventually elected Pope Gregory X. Hollywood reacts to Trump's movie tariff announcement How Trump's made money off his crypto meme coin Trump offering some migrants $1,000, free plane tickets to "self-deport" WASHINGTON Small businesses are unfairly burdened by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration due to the agencys oversight of medium-size trucks, a group representing such carriers has told the agency. In comments filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a nonprofit group that advocates for policies supporting small companies, asserted that FMCSA specializes in regulating long-distance trucking, a sector in which relatively few small business owners are involved. Small business owners who own one or two medium trucks are wrapped up in a regulatory regime designed for long-distance trucking, NFIB stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of NFIBs members use medium trucks for short-range deliveries, hauling tools and materials to and from worksites. Regulating medium trucks as commercial motor vehicles currently places a significant and unnecessary regulatory burden on small businesses. DOT can ease that burden, NFIB argues, by changing the definition of commercial motor vehicle as part of the Trump administrations effort to eliminate what it considers to be duplicative and unnecessary regulations. The deadline for submitting suggestions and comments towards that effort is Monday. In its deregulation request, NFIB points out that DOT, through FMCSA, currently regulates commercial vehicles used in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 10,001 pounds or greater. But many vehicles weighing 10,001-26,000 pounds classified as medium trucks are owned and operated by smaller business owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group therefore proposes eliminating this class of truck from the definition of commercial motor vehicle in federal regulations, with exceptions for those used to transport hazardous materials that have warning placard requirements, 16 or more passengers (including the driver), and passengers for hire. To support its argument, NFIB stressed that under the current regulations, businesses that operate medium trucks must comply with many confusing technical requirements, including: Health cards for each driver. USDOT number. Hours-of-service records. Vehicle inspection sticker. Accident register. Drivers application for employment. Inquiry to previous employers. Annual driving record. Annual drivers certification of violations. Drivers road test certificate. These requirements are extremely time-consuming and expensive for a small business, which typically does not employ a compliance officer, the group told DOT. Being out of compliance with the regulations could place the business owner and driver at risk of civil and criminal penalties. DOT costs exceed benefits? NFIB also said the current regulation of medium trucks is a drain on DOT resources, noting that the majority of FMCSAs roadside inspections are of vehicles 26,001 pounds or greater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It cited FMCSA data showing that since 2021, just over 500,000 of its more than 3 million roadside inspections are trucks in the 10,000-to-26,000-pound range. That represents both a small percentage of the agencys overall number of inspections just over 16% and a large expenditure of resources, as 500,000 inspections, not to mention the monitoring of medium trucks, surely comes at a cost, the group said. It would be a better use of DOTs resources to monitor the behavior of a smaller number of companies that operate heavy trucks rather than attempting to sustain compliance from hundreds of thousands of individual businesses that operate medium trucks. By eliminating the need to regulate medium trucks, FMCSA will more effectively regulate the industry. Related articles: Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher. The post Carriers with mainly medium-size trucks want out from under FMCSA oversight appeared first on FreightWaves. A version of this article originally appeared in Quartzs members-only Weekend Brief newsletter. Quartz members get access to exclusive newsletters and more. Sign up here. The government is finally moving to break up Googles search monopoly just as the real battle has shifted to artificial intelligence. In a Washington courtroom, the Justice Department is laying out its case for dismantling parts of Googles empire, the culmination of an antitrust lawsuit first filed in 2020. But in the years since the original complaint focused on search engine dominance, the technological landscape has dramatically transformed. What began as a case about Googles grip on search is now equally about preventing the tech giant from leveraging that position to control the next frontier: AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This courts remedy should be forward-looking and not ignore what is on the horizon, David Dahlquist, the DOJs acting deputy director of antitrust civil litigation, said in his opening statement. The argument underscored that regulators fear theyre fighting yesterdays war even as a new one unfolds. Officials intend to seek a range of other remedies discussed in a court filing last month, including imposing data licensing requirements and requiring more transparency for advertisers on where their ads appear. The DOJ is also expected to demand measures related to artificial intelligence and its Android smartphone operating system that would likely stop Google from hoarding user data for both search results and AI products. That could pave the way for more users to opt their content out of AI training. Bloomberg reports that in addition to banning Googles exclusive default deals, the government might force Google to sell off Chrome, the worlds most popular browser. Tech rivals have quickly positioned themselves for the potential aftermath. An OpenAI executive said the company would be interested in buying Chrome, giving the company an easy path to building an AI-first browsing experience that could transform how users navigate the web. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OpenAI isnt alone. Perplexity, an AI company barely three years old, has entered the Chrome conversation. Even Yahoo, a former internet giant seeking relevance again, has reportedly shown interest in acquiring Chrome, adding another layer to the competition. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has mounted a vigorous defense against the government. Testifying in federal court on Wednesday, Pichai warned that the DOJs proposal to force Google to share its search data would amount to a de facto divestiture of the companys search engine, which took decades of investment to build. AI is one of the most profound technologies humans will ever work on, Pichai told the court, pointing out that Google has invested approximately $49 billion in AI research and development. He characterized the governments demands as so far-reaching, so extraordinary that they effectively ask Google to give away its core intellectual property. Asked by Judge Mehta how AI might transform search in the coming years, Pichai acknowledged that AI will deeply transform Google search in very profound ways. Yet he maintained that competition in AI remains fierce, pointing to what he called a big gap between Googles Gemini and market leader ChatGPT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, court testimony revealed Google is already replicating its search playbook in the AI realm, paying Samsung substantial sums to make Gemini the default AI assistant on its devices a strategy remarkably similar to what triggered its current legal troubles. The governments theory is straightforward: Google has created a self-reinforcing cycle where its control of search helps improve its AI products, which in turn sends more users back to Google search, maintaining the companys dominance and blocking competitors in both markets. At the heart of this argument is data specifically, Googles massive search index, containing hundreds of billions of websites across more than 100 million gigabytes, according to court documents. This vast trove of information gives Google an immense advantage in training AI models, a point the DOJ has hammered home by calling executives from competing AI companies to testify. For media companies and publishers, the implications are significant. Unlike OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta, Google has generally avoided paying publishers for content used by its AI systems. The exception is Reddit, which reportedly receives $60 million annually for access to its user-generated content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be the worst of both worlds, Pete Pachal, an industry analyst, said in his Substack, warning about a Google-dominated AI future. No licensing checks and no search referrals, because user queries never leave the on-device chatbox. Google denies that it could monopolize AI, pointing to strong competition in the space. Internal documents presented in court showed that while Gemini reached 35 million daily active users by March, it still trails behind what it estimates is ChatGPTs 160 million daily users. The irony isnt lost on industry veterans: Google itself rose to prominence in the aftermath of the original browser wars of the 1990s, when Microsofts Internet Explorer faced antitrust action. That intervention created space for innovation, allowing upstarts like Google to flourish in a more open internet ecosystem. Now Google finds itself cast as the monopolist, while a new generation of AI companies hopes regulatory action will give them the same opportunity Google once had the chance to compete on a level playing field. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The event entitled Azerbaijan's Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow was held in the Baku, Trend reports. Held at the Heydar Aliyev Center, the event brought together senior government figures and representatives from European pharmaceutical companies. Speaking at the event, Azerbaijani Health Minister Teymur Musayev noted that in accordance with the amendments made to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Medicines, the term of specialized expertise conducted for the purpose of state registration of medicines has been reduced to 90 calendar days. According to him, with the addition of a new article to the law the procedure of recognition of foreign registration has been defined. He noted that reforms of national legislation carried out in recent years, favorable business environment created, attractive investment conditions open wide opportunities for development of pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical enterprises equipped with modern technologies and equipment are being established in special economic zones created in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and cooperation agreements are being signed with foreign partners to establish joint pharmaceutical enterprises, the minister noted. The Minister underlined that from 2025/2026 academic year the training of specialists at master's level on 6 new specializations will start. According to him, last year the working group established in the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan developed the concept of development of pharmaceutical education: in accordance with the action plan of the Concept, training of specialists at the master's level on 6 new specializations will start from 2025/2026 academic year. In turn, Chairman of the Board of the State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance Zaur Aliyev said that currently the work on insurance of outpatient drug provision is carried out within the envelope of services. He noted that the pharmaceutical industry is a key strategic partner in the development of healthcare and protection of public health. The main goal of compulsory health insurance is to protect the health of the population, to ensure equal and sustainable access to quality medical services. If we talk about the quality of medical care, here the key role is played not only by a doctor, a medical worker, but also by the availability, accessibility and effectiveness of the drug. You know that following the introduction of compulsory medical insurance in all regions of the country, the availability of medical services to the population has increased, citizens' access to a choice of doctors has increased, and the rates of preventive examinations and early diagnosis have risen. Drug provision is part of this large system, and at this stage we are consistently moving in this direction. One of our top priorities from day one in this area has been to have a constant stock of medicines, especially for chronic and widespread diseases, so that the patient's treatment process is not incomplete. According to him, currently within the service envelope, along with a number of medical services, drugs, anesthesiology services and medical consumables used in emergency and urgent medical care, in the process of inpatient treatment, as well as medical procedures in outpatient settings are covered by compulsory health insurance: At the same time, work is underway to provide outpatient prescription drugs at the expense of compulsory health insurance funds. In this regard, a phased approach will be applied: at the first stage insurance coverage of medicines for diseases of the cardiovascular system is envisaged, and at the next stage - for diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems on the basis of a prescription. In parallel, a positive list defining the list of medicines is being developed. Work will be done to conclude contracts with pharmacies for medicines included in this list. This step is aimed not only at reducing the financial burden of citizens in the process of treatment, but also at ensuring their uninterrupted and sustainable access to medical services. In conclusion, I would like to say that the development of the pharmaceutical industry is not just a technical or logistical issue for us, it is a direct guarantee of a healthy future for society. Unity, cooperation and mutual understanding are very important in every sphere of service to the citizen. I am confident that this event will expand the opportunities for public-private cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry and pave the way for future joint initiatives. We, in our turn, as the State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance are always open for cooperation and joint initiatives, Zaur Aliyev added. Hungarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Tamas Torma noted in his speech that today 49 percent of Hungary's exports to Azerbaijan fall precisely on the pharmaceutical sector. Hungary has been supplying medicines to Azerbaijan since 1993. In 1997, Gedeon Richter became the first foreign pharmaceutical company to open a representative office in Azerbaijan, the ambassador said. He also recalled that the Hungarian company Egis donated medicines to Azerbaijani soldiers during the Karabakh war in 2020. Over the years, Hungarian pharmaceutical companies have gained trust and confidence in the health care system of Azerbaijan precisely with their high-quality, reliable and effective medicines, the diplomat emphasized. T. Torma emphasized that Hungary is the largest exporter of pharmaceutical products in central and eastern Europe and ranks 20th in the world in terms of pharmaceutical exports. Today, 60 percent of all R&D investments in Hungary go to the life sciences sector. Nine of the world's ten largest biotechnology companies have either a research center or a production facility, or both, in Hungary, the ambassador noted. First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev stated that Pirallahi Industrial Park with an area of 30 hectares, specializing in production of pharmaceutical products, was established in our country by the order of the head of state: Pirallahi Industrial Park is equipped with necessary infrastructure for entrepreneurial activity. The realization of these projects is aimed at developing the pharmaceutical industry and increasing local production. Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency, noted that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the main pillars of the modern health care system. It was noted that during the years of leadership of the republic by national leader Heydar Aliyev special attention was paid to the development of health care and pharmaceutical industry, and today this sphere is covered by state support at the highest level. In turn, Head of the Department of the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary Akos Karsay, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Pecs University Andras Fittler and Commercial Director of Egis Company Csaba Pacz noted that the pharmaceutical industry is in the forefront of meeting the challenges of the time, as the demand for effective solutions in the field of health care is growing worldwide. Extensive discussions were then held around the presentations and questions on the topic were answered. An image shared by President Donald Trump depicting himself as the next pope is drawing condemnation among Catholic officials, with it being dismissed as deeply offensive, sad and unfortunate. The AI-generated image, which shows Trump wearing a white cassock, papal headpiece and gold crucifix while gesturing with his right hand, was posted online Friday by the president and the official White House social media accounts. It follows Trump joking to the media that hed like to be pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Its sad both for the White House and for the president, Cardinal Anders Arborelius, the bishop of Stockholm, told The Washington Post. I mean, he makes themselves ridiculous, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan also told reporters following a Mass in Rome on Sunday that the post wasnt good. I hope he didnt have anything to do with that, Dolan said. The archbishop of Milwaukee, Jeffrey S. Grob, similarly called the post an unfortunate thing and disrespectful, particularly given the Catholic Churchs state of mourning. The image of President Donald Trump dressed as pope was printed on the front page of an Italian newspaper Sunday in Rome. via Associated Press The church, Catholic Church, is in a period of mourning over the death of Pope Francis, and now its a pivotal moment, looking into the future, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. And so, its a very serious time. And whoever it is, wants to quip and make fun, be it Christianity, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam. ... Weve lost great respect for moments like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Bishop Thomas John Paprocki also condemned the imagery as deeply offensive to Catholics and said Trump owes Catholics and all people of good will an apology. By publishing a picture of himself masquerading as the Pope, President Trump mocks God, the Catholic Church, and the Papacy, he posted on social media. President Donald Trump, seen center in blue, attends the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square on April 26. Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images The New York State Catholic Conference also spoke out, saying theres nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us, the organization said on X, formerly Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult and met with Pope Francis in Rome the day before his death, acknowledged some of the criticism Saturday by waving the imagery off as a harmless joke. As a general rule, Im fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen, Vance responded to criticism by Bill Kristol, who called the image disrespectful and a mockery. Kristol served as chief of staff to the vice president in the George H.W. Bush administration and later was an advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Related... The US president posted the fake image of himself dressed in papal regalia to his Truth Social platform Donald Trump has said the Catholics loved it when he shared an AI image of himself dressed as the Pope. The US president on Friday posted the fake image of himself dressed in papal regalia to his Truth Social platform. The picture depicted the president draped in white robes while wearing a gold crucifix and mitre hat and pointing his right index finger to the sky. The post was branded insulting by some Catholics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump defended his actions on Monday, blaming the fake news media for whipping up a furore and saying the first lady, Melania Trump, thought it was cute. He said at the White House: You mean they cant take a joke? You dont mean the Catholics, you mean the fake news media. Not the Catholics, they loved it. Some Catholics branded the AI picture insulting In an attempt to distance himself from the image, he added: I had nothing to do with it. Somebody made up a picture of me dressed like the Pope, and they put it out on the internet. Thats not me that did it. I have no idea where it came from. Maybe it was AI, but I know nothing about it. I just saw it last evening. Actually, my wife thought it was cute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to joke that could not be Pope because he is married. Mr Trump said: Actually, I would not be able to be married though. That would be a lot. To the best of my knowledge, Popes arent big on getting married, are they. Asked whether sharing the post on social media diminishes the integrity of the White House account, Mr Trump said: Give me a break. It was just, somebody did it in fun. Its fine. Have a little fun, dont you? The presidents social media post comes ahead of the Conclave, where cardinals at the Vatican will elect the successor of Pope Francis, who died on April 21. When asked last week who he would like to succeed Pope Francis, he said: Id like to be pope, that would be my number one choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior Catholics have hit back at the presidents quip, including the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops in the state. There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr President, the group posted on X. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. The post continued: Do not mock us. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor-at-large for the Jesuit publication America Magazine, said: Even though I find this deeply offensive, I will presume that Mr Trump meant this light-heartedly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But imagine the incandescent outrage, the swift condemnation, and the individual and joint protests from the US bishops if this had been done by Joe Biden or Barack Obama. Timothy Doland, the New York Cardinal, said the image wasnt good, adding: I hope he didnt have anything to do with that. JD Vance, the vice-president, who is himself Catholic, on Sunday backed Mr Trump claiming the post was a joke. As a general rule, Im fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen, Mr Vance wrote on X. His comments came in response to a senior Bush administration staffers question on whether he was fine with this disrespect and mocking of the Holy Father. 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. Donald Trump might be in the running with God for most important entity in the minds of American Evangelicals, but he's still got quite a bit to learn about religion. The president, who isn't above holding a Bible like a dead rat to goose his polling numbers, seemed genuinely taken aback that people reacted poorly to a post where he imagined himself as the new pope. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said that Catholic leaders railing against Trump's post "can't take a joke" and accused "the fake news media" of lying about reactions from the church. "The Catholics loved it," Trump asserted. "Give me a break!... Its fine. Have to have a little fun, dont you?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump went on to wash his hands of the controversy, saying he had no part in the making or posting of the image. I had nothing to do with it, Trump said. Somebody made up a picture of me dressed like the pope, and they put it out on the internet. Thats not me that did it. I have no idea where it came from." Reporter: Some Catholics are not happy about the image of you looking like the Pope Trump: You mean they cant take a joke? You mean the fake news. The Catholics loved it. I had nothing to do with it. Maybe it was AI. My wife thought it was cute. Ha ha Reporter: It was put out pic.twitter.com/eo80ACv6OQ Acyn (@Acyn) May 5, 2025 Trump has repeatedly joked that he should be the next pope since Pope Francis died last month. The mockup of himself in papal vestments crossed a line with many Catholic leaders in the United States and Rome, however. Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois told the Jesuit magazine America that Trump's post was "deeply offensive." "Make no mistake: God is not mocked," he shared. "By publishing a picture of himself masquerading as the pope, President Trump mocks God, the Catholic Church, and the papacy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan, a notably pro-Trump figure in the church, said that the president's post "wasn't good." "As Italians say, it was brutta figura (embarrassing)," he told reporters in Rome. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition and tased a man who refused to comply with instructions last week during an incident at the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso, CBP said. The incident happened at 9 p.m. on May 1 at the Bridge of the Americas. More than $1,200 in U.S. currency and $900 in Mexican pesos were also seized during the incident involving a southbound driver, CBP said. Courtesy of CBP Courtesy of CBP The seizure was made by CBP officers working in the Mobile Enforcement Team while performing southbound inspections at the BOTA international crossing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 33-year-old male U.S. citizen was tased and then arrested after he refused to comply with instructions from CBP officers, the agency said. CBP officers will conduct intermittent pulse-and-surge southbound operations at area ports to target the smuggling of weapons, ammunition, unreported currency and other violations, CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio said. This is a significant seizure and will help keep our shared international community safer. CBP MET members directed the driver to shut off the engine so they could safely conduct an inspection. The driver ignored the request and continued driving forward, CBP said. MET officers successfully deployed tire deflation devices to prevent the vehicle from fleeing, CBP said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBP MET officers deployed a taser to gain control of the noncompliant driver after he attempted to roll up the windows and reach for an unknown item in the vehicle, CBP said. The driver was secured, and MET officers located three boxes in the rear seat containing 4,000 rounds of 7.62 x 39 ammunition and 30 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition. CBP officers seized the vehicle, ammunition, and currency. The driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt, CBP 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 KTSM 9 News. President Trump posted Sunday on his Truth Social platform that he's ordered various government agencies to reopen Alcatraz to serve as a symbol of law, order and justice. "For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering," he wrote. As he is a 34-count felon himself, it's strange that the president does not seem to believe in rehabilitation or second chances. And it's easy, as many quickly did, to write off this push to spruce up and fill up America's most notorious prison-turned-national park as just bloviating or distraction. But like the sharks that circle that island in the Bay, the real danger of the idea lurks beneath the surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump in recent weeks has moved to undo years of criminal justice reform. He is making changes that increase police power, signaling a push to refill federal prisons and detention centers with Black and brown people and curbing the ability of those impacted to seek redress in courts. None of that is about justice or safety most violent crime rates are actually declining, despite what the president would like us to believe. It's about empowering authorities to act without fear of consequence, and undoing the changes in culture and law set in motion by the killing of George Floyd. Read more: L.A. federal prosecutors resign over plea deal for convicted sheriff's deputy, sources say The real-time results of those moves can already be seen in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My colleagues Brittny Mejia , James Queally and Keri Blakinger reported last week that the office of Trump's newly appointed U.S. attorney for Los Angeles, Bill Essayli, made the extraordinary move of offering a plea deal to a sheriff's deputy who had already been found guilty by a jury of using excessive force. Yes, he is asking a judge to throw out a jury's decision. The idea that the new U.S. attorney would basically tell a jury to stuff it isn't just arrogant. It's alarming. It sends the message that if the people want to hold local authorities accountable for brutality, the federal authorities will simply override them. This is what Trump promised law enforcement during his campaign, and he is delivering. Do you remember in 2017 when, to cheers, he requested officers "don't be too nice" when making arrests? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case in question feels spot-on for Trump's plea. The incident that landed former Deputy Trevor Kirk in court stemmed from an arrest at a Lancaster grocery store in June 2023. Responding to a possible robbery call, Kirk grabbed a Black woman who matched the description of a suspect, threw her face-first to the ground while she filmed him and pepper-sprayed her. The woman was later treated for blunt force trauma to her head, and was never charged with a crime. The case was investigated by the FBI, and in April, Kirk was convicted of one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The judge has yet to sentence him, but Kirk could face up to 10 years in prison. Unless the judge accepts the dubious plea deal, in which case Kirk would plead guilty to a misdemeanor, which could result in probation rather than time behind bars. It would also mean Kirk would not be prevented from working in law enforcement again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An organization that that represents some sheriff's deputies and which contacted Trump about the case, the Los Angeles Sheriffs Professional Assn., has long contended that the prosecution was "politically charged" and Kirk did nothing beyond the bounds of training or law. Many of his former fellow officers agree. But prosecutors saw it differently, arguing in a three-day trial that the deputy had gone too far. The jury agreed. Read more: Trump administration says it will pay immigrants in the U.S. illegally $1,000 to go home Occasionally, and I do mean rarely, a prosecutor may move to undo a conviction if new evidence pops up post-trial. But that does not appear to be the case here, as The Times noted. This really looks like a Trump-appointed prosecutor trying to undo the will of the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like any other defendant, Kirk has the right to appeal his conviction. By his stepping in now, it's hard to see Essayli's actions as anything other than political. Three attorneys resigned from his office in the wake of his unusual request. To drive home the point, also last week, Trump signed an executive order on policing that promised to "unleash" U.S. law enforcement to "firmly police" criminal activity. "When local leaders demonize law enforcement and impose legal and political handcuffs that make aggressively enforcing the law impossible, crime thrives and innocent citizens and small business owners suffer," Trump wrote. That same executive order promised to provide new legal protections for law enforcement and even help cover costs if an officer is sued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So when we talk about Alcatraz, don't write it off as a joke or another empty decree. Alcatraz closed in 1963, one year before the Civil Rights Act passed. Reopening it is nostalgia for an America where power ran roughshod over true justice, and police were an authority not to be questioned or restrained. 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. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) A bar in Champaign has temporarily closed its doors after multiple public safety concerns, according to city officials. City officials said The Park Bar and Grill was ordered to close on May 3 because the business repeatedly failing to report disorderly conduct and/or ordinance violations on their property. In a statement on Facebook, The Park Bar and Grill said the closure is in response to several recent incidents, including videos that are circulating on social media, which have raised safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champaign Park District gearing up for annual pickleball tournament The Park Bar and Grill ownership said their security team works to keep everyone safe, and asks that customers looking to create conflict refrain from attending the business. They added that this closure will have a profound impact on both owners and staff. The Park Bar and Grill will remain closed until city officials meet with the business owners to discuss this matter, or until May 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Recruits for the Nebraska State Patrol in a 2022 class photo. (Courtesy of the Nebraska State Patrol) LINCOLN One state lawmakers continued efforts to boost benefits for Nebraska State Patrol troopers, a largely consensus issue, ignited a rare fight among legislative allies. The fight flared up last week in the Nebraska Legislature after State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and his ally, State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, struck a deal to add a proposal to increase survivors benefits in the case of a troopers death from 75% up to 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of dependent children without a surviving parent, it would bump benefits up to 100% until the child turns 19 years old. State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, center, is flanked by State Sens. Carolyn Bosn and Beau Ballard, from left to right, both of Lincoln. April 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Bostar has said the measure addresses a fairly cruel reality when an officer dies and families are hurt again. He pointed to collegiate research out of Iowa and New York that troopers, because of the line of work, can have shorter life spans than spouses in different fields of work. It seems wrong to ask folks to do a job that will reduce their longevity while then punishing their family financially, Bostar told the Nebraska Examiner last week. Piece of that puzzle Ballard, who chairs the Legislatures Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee, called the measure common sense and said it was weird that public safety officials werent fully compensated for their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ballard said Bostars measure is a piece of that puzzle to recruitment and retention. The State Trooper Association of Nebraska and multiple retired troopers supported the measure. Bostars Legislative Bill 76, as introduced, would also have raised maximum annual cost-of-living adjustments for Patrol members retirement benefits. A narrower version, just related to survivors benefits, was amended into Ballards Legislative Bill 645, related to school retirement, on April 24 in a 39-0 vote, without issue. At that time, the increased benefits would have taken effect this July 1. The headquarters of the Nebraska State Patrol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner) But four days later, Ballard filed an amendment struck with Bostar to kick the benefits bump two years out, moving it out of this already difficult budget cycle. An actuarial study estimated a $3.3 million annual cost, which Bostar has denied is the true amount and is the largest estimate hes ever gotten in pushing similar legislation. Even so, the amendment was adopted 41-0, and LB 645 moved on once again. It doesnt add up The flare-up came last Wednesday after Ballard rose on a procedural motion to say that, absent any other legal changes, the provisions of Bostars measure could not apply retroactively to existing spouses. He cited his committee legal counsel, the legal counsel of the related retirement state agency and the actuarial report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any surviving spouse currently receiving 75% survivors benefits will continue to receive 75% survivors benefits, Ballard said, withdrawing his motion, thus ending debate on LB 645. Without an immediate chance for anyone to respond, LB 645 passed 45-2. Bostar confronted Ballard after the vote, saying it was bull that an average loss of four troopers a year could lead to such a high price tag. How much you think their pensions are? $10 million? Bostar told Ballard off the side of the floor near a table where reporters regularly sit. It doesnt add up. State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln, left, talks with State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Bostar told his colleague that it was the legal counsel or actuaries lying to your f face, and it means you lied on the mic, and Im going to say that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Retirement Committee legal counsel, Ballard and Bostar moved a few feet away to a side corner off the legislative floor where a reporter could hear the counsel tell Bostar that the state could be f sued if Bostar rebuffed Ballard and said his interpretation was the law was retroactive, possibly muddying the waters on the legislative intent if later challenged in court. A wrong we need to right But Bostar got on the microphone 10 minutes later and told his colleagues that he fundamentally disagreed with the legal interpretation that Ballard cited. Because there is no other way for the math to work on the numbers that were handed down by the actuaries, by NPERS [Nebraska Public Employee Retirement Systems], it must apply retroactively, Bostar said. Otherwise, the number wouldnt be $3 million. There is no other mathematical way for this to make sense. While were putting things on the record, Bostar continued, he said he believes that all surviving spouses should rightfully have their benefits increased to 100% Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is what we paid for. That is what the actuaries clearly calculated, Bostar said. A state trooper and a Lincoln County deputy jumped into this icy slough on Thanksgiving night to rescue a 1-year-old girl trapped in her car seat. (Courtesy of the Nebraska State Patrol) The actuaries wrote that their understanding of legislative intent is that the changes would not apply retroactively, to which Bostar said the math still didnt pan out and that it was text on a page. He said if the law wasnt retroactive, he could have made the change to do so, but that it has always 100% been his intent and understanding for the change to apply to all families. An average of four troopers will unfortunately die in a year, Bostar said, but at least one wont be married, and another might die after their spouse has already passed. That would require annual retirement benefits for the remaining two troopers to be more than $6 million each year, Bostar said, but theyre just not that generous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, who has not always seen eye-to-eye with Bostar or Ballard, praised Bostar as debate continued on a different underlying measure. She said she could not express her gratitude sufficiently for Bostars leadership in helping first responders not only have fair wages but also a dignified and appropriate retirement. Ballard had no immediate comment on the disagreement with Bostar, though both indicated they would continue to work on the measure. Im committed to doing everything that I can to ensure that this gets implemented, Bostar said. Its a wrong that we need to right. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX North Carolina senators on the chamber floor during debate on the state budget on April 16, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline) Like many seemingly inexplicable practices that just sort of happened over time, designers of our state government could probably never have imagined something like crossover week at the North Carolina legislature. Crossover is an artificial semi-annual deadline by which bills must be approved by at least one body the Senate or the House in order to remain eligible for passage that year. This years deadline is this Thursday May 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the reasoning behind crossover deadline to cull hundreds of bills and spur lawmakers to action probably makes some sense, the practical result is that scores of bills will be approved this week in an absurdly rushed fashion. Indeed, large numbers of dramatic state law changes will be brought closer to enactment with, quite literally, just a few minutes of discussion and scarce if any public input. The bottom line: The crossover deadline has become obsolete. In a large, diverse and fast growing state of 10 million people, lawmakers ought to be serious and disciplined enough to get their work done without having to cram like college students. For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield. CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) A Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) K9 Team has won top honors at a national event for law enforcement K9s and their handlers. Corporal Jovante Spivey and K9 officer Neo Chatham County Police Department Corporal Jovante Spivey and K9 officer Neo were awarded the Top Apprehension Award in the K9 Law & Order training and competition held in Decatur, Maryland. The training event brings together law enforcement officers and their K9 partners from around the United States for comprehensive and specialized training. Cpl. Spivey and K9 Neo were judged against 70 other teams from around the country. In a social media post about the competition, K9 Law & Order said, This team stood out for their exceptional control, courage, and commitment during high-risk deployments. K9 Neo demonstrated unmatched skill in apprehensions, responding with precision, strength, and discipline in every situation. Their teamwork, training, and trust in one another made them a clear standout among a competitive field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cpl. Spivey and K9 Neo are part of the Chatham County Police Department K9 Unit established in 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Recent reforms in national legislation, along with the creation of a favorable business environment and attractive investment conditions, have opened up vast opportunities for the development of Azerbaijans pharmaceutical industry, the country's Health Minister Teymur Musayev said, Trend reports. Speaking at the ongoing international conference Azerbaijans Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow in Baku, Musayev emphasized that pharmaceutical enterprises equipped with modern technologies and machinery are being established within special economic zones in Azerbaijan. Additionally, cooperation agreements with foreign partners are being signed to set up joint pharmaceutical ventures. CHICAGO (WGN) As progressive protests persist in Chicago and across the country against cuts to federally funded programs, a voice on Chicagos West Side brought focus to two specific programs SundayMedicaid and Social Security. People are at a point where theyre scared to death, State Rep. Danny Davis said. We are saying to President Trump and all the Trumpeteers, hands off social security leave our social security alone.' Davis was among those gathered in the Austin neighborhood Sunday, helping launch an online petition against potential budget cuts to the programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday on NBCs Meet The Press, Trump was asked if he would veto cuts to Social Security. The sitting U.S. President said yes, but with a caveat. I would if they were cutting it, but theyre not cutting it. Theyre looking at fraud, waste and abuse. And nobody minds that, Trump said. If people that arent supposed to be there, people that are non-citizens are in the mix, nobody minds that. Waste, fraud and abuse. But were not cutting Medicaid, were not cutting Medicare, and were not cutting Social Security. More from Sean Thousands honor fallen police officers at 21st-annual Run to Remember in Chicago An analysis by the non-partisan Economic Policy Institute looked at potential Elon Musk-led DOGE cuts to Social Security, calling it sabotage, saying in part, The only way that slashing the number of workers will save large sums money is by making it hard for people to access benefits theyve earned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EPIs full analysis can be read by clicking here. Healthcare is not Republican nor Democrat, it is the need of life survival, activist Cherita Logan said. Activists like Logan said they will continue to pressure Democratic leaders to block budgets that gut federal programs relied on by millions. We cannot turn our backs on our seniors we cannot turn our backs on our poor, Logan said. We should not be putting the spirit of fear into a person, but of hope. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The documentary streaming boom is officially over, according to Academy Award-winning producer and Impact Partners co-founder Geralyn Dreyfous. The market for streamers is not coming back, Dreyfous said during a panel discussion at Chicagos Doc10 film festival over the weekend. To go into these film festivals like Sundance and think that you are going to get a big sale is la la land (thinking). The numbers are just not there. One of 20 films is being bought out of Sundance. When we started Impact Partners, eight out of 10 of our films were being bought. Thats gone. Gone! We have to create new distribution models. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dreyfous, whose credits include The Invisible War, Wont You Be My Neighbor? and Navalny, helped launch Jolt, an AI-driven, direct-to-consumer streaming platform, in 2024. Meant to give a literal jolt to indie docs that might have been a success at festivals across the world but have not found traditional distribution, Jolt was created as a result of the doc distribution crisis. Recent Jolt titles include Hollywoodgate, Zurawsksi v Texas, and The Bibi Files, a documentary from Oscar-winners Alex Gibney and Alexis Bloom. Submarine co-president Josh Braun and Red Owl co-founder Alice Quinlan joined Dreyfous on the May 3 panel discussion titled 6 Radical Ideas: Disrupting the Documentary Landscape to discuss the current state of the nonfiction marketplace. Braun admitted that sales are taking longer than expected to make. Submarine went to Sundance this year with eight films, and we left without selling a single film, said Braun. Thats the first time that that ever happened. Now we have sold four of the eight. If those four had sold in February, we would have felt really great. Now that they are selling, and its May, and we are afraid to feel really great because its sort of like, was that evidence of anything? We dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to creating a highly curated viable mechanism that will give audiences the docs they want to see, Dreyfous also suggested the creation of an Angel Studios for the left. The studio that often releases faith-based movies lets members of its Angel Guild choose which film and television projects the company will market and distribute. Why cant we have our own guild? asked Greyfous. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Heidi Ewing, whose doc Folktales screened at Doc10 and recently sold to Magnolia, commented on the state of the industry. From a filmmakers perspective, going to these festivals is a lead-up tour to a theatrical, Ewing said. They actually become your evangelists. People will see the movie (at Doc10) and will tell their friends to come see it when it opens (theatrically) in Chicago. Im not being an optimistic, pie in the sky, naivete, but people are really lonely and they want to gather. We have to reach them directly. So, I do believe in the theatrical. There is a way to get people to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ewing was one of several filmmakers with high-profile docs that attended the tenth edition of Doc10. Geeta Gandbhir (The Perfect Neighbor), David Osit (Predators), and Academy Award winner Mstyslav Chernov (2000 Meters to Andriivka) were also in attendance. All three films debuted at Sundance 2025. Chernovs 20 Days in Mariupol offered audiences a visceral view of the first days of Russias invasion of Ukraine and its civilian toll. In 2000 Meters to Andriivka, Chernov turns his lens toward Ukrainian soldiers who they are, where they came from, and the impossible decisions they face in the trenches as they fight for every inch of land. During a Q&A with Doc10 head programmer Anthony Kaufman, the director explained why he made another film about Ukraine. When Im going around the world, I keep hearing questions What is going to happen next to Ukraine? How do the Ukrainians feel? How do they feel about the land? Chernov said. I always want to give an answer, but I never know what to say, so I try to make a film about it. I really want those numbers of casualties, those kilometers that are just statistics, those names that are just names on the map to have meaning to them. Thats why this film exists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-day festival concluded on May 4 with a screening of Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utzs Prime Minister. The doc about former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern won rave reviews after premiering at Sundance in January. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker introduced the film and the guest of honor, Jacinda Ardern. What you will see in this documentary is a thoughtful and compassionate person navigating the complexities of her private life while facing the tension and the pressure of public office, Governor Pritzker said. Its the type of empathetic leadership that I truly admire, and we should demand it from all of our public servants. (Arden) should remind us of the enormous contrast between the hero of this tale and the politicians who choose to approach public service with cruelty and ignorance. Those elected officials go about their daily lives, facing the challenges that we all do. But instead of choosing empathy as a response, they decide to make those burdens heavier for other people. He added, We are seeing autocrats exploit those who struggle to make ends meet. They think that showing strength means punching down on the most vulnerable. They are convinced that those who look or live or love differently from you dont experience the same joy or the same pain that you have. In this documentary and throughout (Ardens) premiership, we see that strong and effective leadership is founded upon empathy and kindness, especially in times of crisis. She shows us that strength comes from recognizing and acting on behalf of our shared humanity. Doc10 fest was hosted by Chicago Media Project. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. What do you do if your city promises to pay you, but fails to do so? Thats precisely what happened to the owners of a vacant lot in Brighton Park, a neighborhood in Chicago. NBC 5 reports that Barnacres Corporation filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago in 2024 for a breach of contract. The city allegedly failed to pay monthly lease payments to use the land it had intended to place thousands of migrants in winterized tents. The lawsuit settlement was finalized in early April this year at a significant cost to Chicago taxpayers. So what happened, and how much are taxpayers on the hook for? Don't miss How much did the City of Chicago pay Barnacres Corporation? Including the $816,506.67 settlement and the nearly $1 million already spent getting the land ready to house migrants, the City of Chicago will pay over $1.8 million all set to come from taxpayer dollars. The original lease was for the City of Chicago to rent the vacant lot for $91,400 per month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither the City of Chicago nor Barnacres Corporation admitted any fault or liability in the settlement. However, the city has agreed to build a wheelchair ramp on a warehouse on the vacant lot and cap off water and sewer lines added previously to anticipate housing migrants. Why did the plan to house migrants in Brighton Park fall through? The vacant lot was meant to house around 2,000 migrants to help curb some of the crisis caused partly by an influx of asylum-seekers settling in Chicago. According to the City of Chicago official government website, thats over 51,000 new arrivals from the southern border, between August 31, 2022 and December 18, 2024 alone. However, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scrapped the citys plans following an 800-page report outlining the lands condition, including excessive levels of toxic metals and mercury in the soil and air around the lot. This was even after attempts to remediate some of the environmental concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anthony Moser, a member of FOIA Bakery, an advocacy group, told reporters at NBC 5 that at the very least, the report highlighted the environmental issues that exist in the neighborhood. He added that there may have been people who had been living here already and didn't really understand some of the risks that they might be facing. Read more: Here are 5 must have items that Americans (almost) always overpay for and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Despite the scrapped plans, the City of Chicago is seeking ways to combat the continuing challenges with housing migrants. In late 2024, Chicago announced its plans to unify its system for migrants with its homeless shelter system, as the process to house asylum seekers was set to end in December. Called the One System Initiative (OSI), Mayor Brandon Johnson stated this initiative is intended to help everyone who needs assistance in the City of Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, these shelters may already be at capacity, furthering the need for winterized tents. Last years data by the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH) found that over 68,000 residents were experiencing homelessness this is roughly 2.55% of the population, according to the 2023 Census data for Chicago. By contrast, around 37,000 accessed services for the homeless (about 1.4% of the population). These numbers dont include the large number of migrants arriving in the city. Now that the vacant lot project has been scrapped, it's unclear what future plans exist for the area or those seeking shelter. In the meantime, taxpayers must pay for what some deemed a controversial project to begin with. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Brazilian child actor Millena Brandao has died at the age of 11 after reportedly suffering multiple heart attacks. Brandao, who appeared in Netflixs Portuguese-language drama, Sintonia, died on May 2, her family announced in an Instagram post shared Sunday. On May 2nd we lost our little girl, but Im sure shes in the arms of our almighty father and in a beautiful place to play, the post read. The memories we spent together will stay in my memory and Ill never forget your joy that infected everyone around you, it added. My girl, Im already missing you more and more not having you here and I know Ill miss you even more in the days to come! You were the light in our lives and I know that from up there youll continue to watch over us and light up our lives. And Ill love you forever, and youll always be in my heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post included an edited image of Brandao as an angel. Brandao died at Granjau General Hospital in Sao Paulo, one of three hospitals she had been taken to after she started experiencing severe headaches, lack of appetite, and drowsiness in late April, according to local Brazilian news outlet G1. Doctors had initially thought Brandao had contracted dengue fever, her mother, Thays Brandao, told the outlet. However, after some tests, they soon ruled that out, and later found Brandao had a urinary tract infection. She was then sent home with antibiotics and pain relievers. The morning of April 29, Brandao suffered her first cardiac arrest. Her lip turned purple. Then they resuscitated her and intubated her. From that day on, she never woke up again, her mother remembered. It was then that Brandao was transferred from UPA Maria Antonieta to Granjau General Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no neurologist there. They only did a CT scan, and the doctors said they saw a 5-centimeter mass in her brain, Thays said. But they dont know if this mass was a tumor, a cyst, an edema, a clot... because they couldnt open her head to see. And now that she died, theyre going to do a biopsy to find out what was in her brain. The doctors still havent said what really happened to my daughter and what killed her, she added. Its a question mark. Recalling the days spent in the hospital, Thays, who also has a two-year-old daughter, said: She got worse, with two to three cardiac arrests per day. She had 13 arrests in total. She had never had that before. There was one day when she had seven respiratory arrests. Sometimes they gave her massages and other times they gave her shocks [with a device called a defibrillator]. All three hospitals have since released separate statements, per G1, regarding Brandaos passing, with the first two locations The General Hospital of Pedreira and UPA Maria Antonieta expressing their regrets over her death, saying that an investigation will be launched into Brandaos treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Grajau General Hospital, where Brandao was officially confirmed brain dead, said in a statement: Since her arrival, the patient received intensive care and the full commitment of the medical and assistance team, who spared no effort to preserve her life. The diagnosis was confirmed after strict compliance with the protocol established for these cases, it added. The family was present at each stage of the care, being kept informed with respect, acceptance and all the support necessary in this moment of deep pain. We stand in solidarity with the family and reaffirm our commitment to providing dignified and humane care. Brandao acted in a couple of Brazilian soap operas, A infancia de Romeu e Julieta and A Caverna Encantada, before later appearing in Netflixs Sintonia. Aside from acting, Brandao was also a child model. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A 5-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder got an out-of-this world experience when characters from a galaxy far, far away gave him a proper Star Wars day sendoff at Portland International Airport Sunday morning. At 17 months old, Raiden Pham was diagnosed with UBA5, an ultra-rare progressive and life-threatening genetic disorder. It can lead to severe movement disability, cognitive impairment, seizures, as well as complications affecting breathing, vision and the gastrointestinal system. Portland chef honored as Asian Pacific leader alongside Wicked director, Bruno Mars Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to OHSU, only 40 children in the entire world have been officially diagnosed. In a gift made possible by Make-A-Wish Oregon, Raiden and his family received a trip to Disney Aulani in Hawaii. But as they were making their way to the gate, in-costume volunteers from Star Wars Oregon and the Concordia Clan greeted him in a sendoff fit for a Jedi knight. Raiden Pham, 5, was given a proper sendoff by volunteers dressed as Star Wars characters at PDX on May 4, 2025. (Courtesy: Molly Ishkanian) Raiden Pham (center) was given a proper sendoff by volunteers dressed as Star Wars characters at PDX on May 4, 2025. (Courtesy: Molly Ishkanian) Raiden Pham (center) was given a proper sendoff by volunteers dressed as Star Wars characters at PDX on May 4, 2025. (Courtesy: Molly Ishkanian) Raiden Pham was given a proper sendoff by volunteers at PDX on Star Wars Day, May 4, 2025. (Courtesy: Molly Ishkanian) Raiden Pham (center) was given a proper sendoff by volunteers dressed as Star Wars characters at PDX on May 4, 2025. (Courtesy: Molly Ishkanian) Raiden Pham (center) was given a proper sendoff by volunteers dressed as Star Wars characters at PDX on May 4, 2025. (Courtesy: Molly Ishkanian) Tommy Pham, Raidens father, thanked the crowd for being a part of such a special moment. Were built on hope, he said. Were on this journey to fight against this rare disease, to raise awareness, to fundraise for research and make the impossible, possible. May the Force be with you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, Raidens family also launched the Raiden Science Foundation, which spearheads privately funded research efforts to develop the first-ever clinical trial for UBA5 gene therapy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The most highly acclaimed male revue show in the world is coming to Bossier City. The Chippendales are coming to Northwest Louisiana as part of their All Night Long Tour. Known for their high-energy dance performances and interactive elements, the Chippendales have been entertaining audiences for more than 45 years. According to their website, the show is an ideal way to unwind, whether youre celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a fun night out with friends. Academy-award winner Billy Bob Thornton coming to Bossier City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The show will feature male dancers performing routines that include stripping and acrobatics. The All Night Long Tour will have two performances on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, at the Margaritaville Resort Casino, starting at 8:00 p.m. on both nights. To purchase your tickets, visit ticketmaster.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 KTALnews.com. (KRON) A 28-year-old man from Berkeley was arrested Friday after he allegedly threw a live grenade from a moving car while attempting to flee from California Highway Patrol officers. CHP officers attempted to stop the suspect, Carlos Kuceja, near 38th Street and Cerrito Avenue in Oakland around 3:30 p.m. Friday, after he was allegedly seen driving a stolen car. When the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Kuceja fled, and a pursuit ensued, CHP said. The pursuit proceeded at slow speeds through Oakland and entered the city of Berkeley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 22 pounds of meth, cocaine seized, two arrested in San Jose drug bust A live grenade thrown from a car during a police chase in Berkeley on May 2, 2025. (CHP) During the chase, Kuceja was seen throwing a bag from the drivers side window near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Rose Street in Berkeley, CHP said. A nearby officer stopped to check the bag and found the grenade. Upon looking inside, the officer observed what appeared to be a grenade with the safety pin partially removed, CHP said. Officers immediately notified the Berkeley Police Department of their discovery and requested assistance in securing the area. Officers diverted traffic from the area and homes were evacuated as authorities worked to secure the grenade. The University of California Berkeley Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded to the area and secured the grenade and cleared the area by 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuceja ultimately turned onto a dead-end street and tried to escape officers on foot. Officers caught up with Kuceja and brought him into custody. After taking Kuceja into custody, officers secured the vehicle and began evacuating residents from the area, Kuceja said. The UCPD Bomb Team responded to the pursuits termination point and determined there were no additional explosives in the vehicle. Residents were allowed to return to their homes just after 5 p.m. Woman claiming to be with the government robbed gas station: PD Investigators searched a multi-unit home on California Street where Kuceja was living illegally, CHP said. No other explosives were found. Other homes in the building were evacuated and California Street was closed in front of the residence until the search was completed. Residents were allowed to return to their homes around 10:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuceja was booked into the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin for felony charges of possession and transportation of a destructive device, possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing police and resisting arrest, the California Highway Patrol 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 KRON4. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Chris McDonald has been appointed by the Trump Administration to serve as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director for Mississippi. McDonald served as the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerces (MDAC) director of Federal and Environmental Affairs. Former Mississippi governor joins FEMA Review Council As State Executive Director, officials said McDonald will execute USDA policies in planning, organizing and administering FSA programs in the state. He will assume his duties on June 2, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to joining MDAC under former Commissioner Cindy Hyde-Smith in 2016, McDonald was employed with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) for nearly 13 years where he served within the Wildlife Bureau as an Administrator and Field Biologist assisting landowners with conservation management. McDonald is a graduate of Mississippi State University (MSU). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Master of Science degrees in Animal Physiology and Wildlife Ecology. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. LAWERENCE COUNTY, Mo. A Christian County man has been charged with first-degree murder in Lawrence County. According to online court dockets, Austin Michael Stone, born in 2000, has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. The probable cause statement says the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office received a call on March 30, 2025, from a witness saying someone was shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrived on the scene to find the victim dead from a possible gunshot to the chest. Two witnesses told police that the suspect drove up next to the victims vehicle and stopped in a ditch. Car crash in McDonald County claims life of one-year-old baby The witnesses said the victim got out of his car and walked to the suspects vehicle. After the victim walked over, thats when the suspect shot the victim and sped away. Both witnesses told police they knew the suspect, identified in the court documents as Austin Stone. Stone was arrested by police and chose not to speak to detectives. According to the court documents, Stone is a convicted felon in the state of Missouri and had a warrant in Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is set for an arraignment on May 13, 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Yemen's Houthis claim missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport, Israel vows strong response Xinhua) 09:20, May 05, 2025 This video grab shows smoke rising after a missile hit Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 4, 2025. (Xinhua) SANAA/JERUSALEM, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group on Sunday claimed responsibility for a missile attack near Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel in the morning. "We targeted Ben Gurion Airport, using a hypersonic ballistic missile that successfully hit its target," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired live on Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. "American and Israeli defense systems failed to intercept the missile," he said. Sarea warned international airlines against sending flights to the Israeli airport, declaring it "no longer safe for air navigation." In the statement, Sarea noted the group also launched a drone attack Saturday night aimed at a "vital target" in the city of Ashkelon, southern Israel. He stressed that the Houthi group would launch more attacks against Israel until "the war against the Gaza Strip stops, and the humanitarian aid is allowed back into the Palestinian enclave." Police officers operate in a missile-hit area near Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 4, 2025. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces said on the social media platform X that sirens sounded across central Israel after a projectile was fired from Yemen. The attack prompted millions of residents to flee to shelters and safe rooms in the morning hours. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service reported that a man sustained moderate-to-light injuries in his limbs during the incident, while two women and another man suffered light injuries. According to a video released by the Israeli police, the explosion caused by the Houthi missile left a crater measuring several meters in depth and width in the vicinity of Ben Gurion Airport. Israel's Airports Authority said takeoffs and landings were suspended for about an hour before operations resumed. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to retaliate strongly shortly after the attack, warning in a statement, "Whoever strikes us will be struck sevenfold," without elaborating. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a security assessment meeting to discuss the attack, his office said. Senior security officials told Israel's state-owned Kan TV News that following the Houthi strike near Tel Aviv, Israel intends to respond with force, adding that Israel had refrained from attacking the Houthis at the request of its ally, the United States, which has been leading intense airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since mid-March. "After the strike on Ben Gurion Airport, we no longer consider ourselves under any limitations," an unnamed Israeli official said. This photo taken on May 4, 2025 shows a cordoned-off area near Ben Gurion Airport after a missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Yemen has conducted a series of missile and drone launches toward Israel over the weekend, most of them intercepted. However, Israeli and American missile defense systems failed to intercept the missile fired at Ben Gurion, the busiest airport in the country. Several international airlines canceled or diverted flights following the incident. Air Europa, SWISS, Lufthansa, ITA Airways, and Brussels Airlines have canceled all inbound and outbound flights to and from Israel. The Houthis have intensified missile and drone launches toward Israel in recent weeks, amid renewed U.S. airstrikes on their positions in Yemen. The Houthi forces, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel since November 2023 in what they describe as an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. The group has repeatedly said it would halt its attacks if the U.S. hostilities cease and Israel ends its military campaign and blockade against Gaza. Damaged vehicles are seen near the Ben Gurion Airport following a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, May 4, 2025. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed a new US-Ukraine mineral resources agreement as a win-win that could help secure vital air defense systems and deepen strategic ties, following talks with US President Donald Trump, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak. Zelenskyy said the agreement, which creates a joint investment fund for mineral extraction and processing, opens the Ukrainian market to American investment and offers a long-term economic and security partnership. This mineral resources deal is beneficial for both sides, he told journalists Saturday in Kyiv. I told President Trump I believe our teams will make every effort to move forward constructively and set a firm date for signing, he was cited by Interfax-Ukraine. He said the fund would help protect US investments and build trust in Ukraine's economic future. In particular, we aim to defend our territory and our people with air defense systems. That's why we're ready for these systems to be part of the deal, he added. Kyiv has already shared its required number of air defense systems with Washington, and Trump expressed a readiness to work on the request, according to Zelenskyy. He emphasized that these things are not free and called for access to purchase US-made weapons. Zelenskyy referenced a $15 billion US military aid package for 2025 and a separate $15 billion for 2026, approved by Congress. He suggested both tranches could be advanced and delivered in 2025, under the new fund's framework, with Ukraine gradually repaying its share. This would be a $30 billion US contribution, and Ukraine would repay its share gradually. That's the kind of deal we're discussing, he noted. Describing the agreement as historic, Zelenskyy said it allows reinvestment into Ukraine's economy and envisions long-term cooperation beyond exporting raw materials. He explained that profits could later support Ukrainian infrastructure, provided both sides agree. He stressed the duty-free export of raw materials to the US while expressing a desire to move toward value-added manufacturing in Ukraine. One of the strategic mineral sites noted is near Pokrovsk in Donetsk, an area close to front-line conflict zones with Russia. For American businesses, this mineral agreement is the best form of insurance available right now, said Zelenskyy. Trump told me personally, and I consider it a very serious guarantee, that Russia won't touch Ukraine, because we're partners now. He also disclosed that he raised the issue of expanded US sanctions on Russia during his meeting with Trump, calling the American president's response very powerful, though he did not elaborate. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The next graduation ceremony for the Marine Commando Basic Course was held in the Azerbaijan Naval Forces' military unit, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The event was attended by Naval Forces leadership and servicemen. First, flowers were laid in front of the monument erected in memory of Martyrs within the military unit's territory. At the graduation ceremony, the memory of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was commemorated with a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republics of Azerbaijan was performed. The Acting Commander of the Naval Forces, 1st grade Captain Shahin Mammadov welcomed the servicemen, conveyed congratulations from the leadership of the Ministry of Defense to graduates who successfully completed the course and wished them success in their future service. 1st grade Captain Sh.Mammadov spoke about the successful reforms carried out under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev in the Azerbaijan Army, formed by National Leader Heydar Aliyev as a regular army, about the activities of the Naval Forces, about the participation of Naval Forces personnel in the historic victory in the 44-day Second Karabakh War. Then, the course top graduate attached the emblem to the symbolic stump, followed by the presentation of certificates to the graduates and the awarding of honorary certificates and valuable gifts to distinguished servicemen and instructors. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Cinco de Mayo festivities are taking place across the U.S. with music, tacos, tequila and colorful displays of Mexican culture even if they're not always the most authentic. The day falls on a Monday this year, meaning the bulk of the celebrations took place over the weekend. In California, a state with a large Mexican American population, there was a mix of art displays, classic car shows, parades and food truck offerings. In Austin, Texas, events included an opportunity for children to get their photo taken with characters from the Disney animated musical Encanto," which was inspired by Colombian culture but celebrates broader Latino cultures. A luncheon with speakers talking about the significance of the Mexican holiday and Mexican Americans in Austin was planned for Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at the celebration and its roots: What the day celebrates Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla. The triumph over the better-equipped and much larger French troops was an enormous emotional boost for Mexican soldiers led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. In Mexico, historical reenactments are held annually in the central city of Puebla to commemorate the victory. Participants dress as Mexican and French troops, and as Zacapoaxtlas the Indigenous and farmer contingent that helped Mexican troops win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the United States the date is seen as a celebration of Mexican American culture, stretching back to the 1800s in California. Festivities typically include parades, street food, block parties, mariachi competitions and baile folklorico, or folkloric ballet, with whirling dancers wearing bright, ruffled dresses and their hair tied with shiny ribbons. Latino activists and scholars say that disconnect in the U.S. is bolstered by the hazy history of Cinco de Mayo, and marketing that plays on stereotypes that include fake, droopy mustaches and gigantic, colorful sombreros. The day often is mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, which is in September. It's not all about tequila and tacos For many Americans with or without Mexican ancestry, the day is an excuse to toss back tequila shots and gorge on tortilla chips, nachos and tacos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebrations in the U.S. started as a way for Mexican Americans to preserve their cultural identity, said Sehila Mota Casper, director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation. Since then weve seen a shift to more commercialization and commodification and mockery over the years," Mota Casper said. "I think that has a lot to do with the commercialization of products and especially Latino heritage. Mota Casper encourages people to learn about that day in history and its importance in Mexico. Jacob Troncoza, 49, said he celebrates Cinco de Mayo in his household because he's proud of his Mexican ancestry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I try to make sure that the kids understand what its about, which was the revolution, the war, and the battles that our grandfathers fought on, said Troncoza, who was born in east Los Angeles. Others, like Andrea Ruiz don't because her Mexican dad never did. But she noted what she deemed the irony in widespread celebrations. I think its funny Trump and all of his supporters want to get Mexicans out, call them criminals, but then on Cinco de Mayo, they want to go and eat tacos and drink tequila, the 23-year-old Ruiz said. Political rhetoric Since returning to the White House, Trump has continued to label Mexican immigrants as criminals and gang members. He's also sought to end birthright citizenship, renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and ended the federal government's diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump acknowledged Cinco de Mayo during his first term, posting on X, Happy #CincoDeMayo! and I love Hispanics! as he sat with a taco bowl. In the last presidential election, data showed more young Hispanic men moved to the right and voted for Trump. It's unclear if the current administration will acknowledge Cinco de Mayo designated a holiday in Mexico but not in the United States. The Associated Press sent an email to the White House Press Office late Friday seeking comment. Trump's handling of immigration remains a point of strength as he ramps up deportations and targets people living in the U.S. without legal status, according to a recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. While Trumps actions remain divisive, theres less of a consensus that the Republican president has overstepped on immigration than on other issues, the poll found. Organizers of Chicago's Cinco de Mayo parade said they canceled it because the city has become a target for immigration agents. ___ Associated Press writer Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed to this report. (NewsNation) Cinco de Mayo festivities were taking place across the U.S. on Monday, but some cities canceled their parades due to increasing fears over President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. The cancellations come as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement increases deportation efforts to carry out stricter immigration policies nationwide. Which cities canceled Cinco de Mayo parades? The annual Cinco De Mayo parade on Chicagos West Side was canceled because organizers expressed concerns over how the Trump administration is treating the Mexican community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our community is very frightened because of the raids and the threat that ICE has imposed on the families that work tirelessly to provide a better future for their kids, Hector Escobar, the president of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla, said in a statement obtained by NewsNation affiliate WGN. Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz. Why did it close? Organizers said the community is afraid to put their familys safety at risk. They added that any money that would have been raised from the event was not worth the risk. In South Philadelphia, the annual Carnaval de Puebla parade was canceled due to concerns about heightened immigration enforcement. Which cities are hosting Cinco de Mayo parades? Meanwhile, Detroit has stood firm against pressure to cancel its Cinco de Mayo parade. Organizers said the celebration would go on in southwest Detroit, a traditionally Latino neighborhood, highlighting the importance of cultural pride and community unity, according to WXYZ-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, planned to hold their Cinco de Mayo events as scheduled. Despite ongoing fears of deportation raids, organizers in both cities are implementing extra safety precautions to protect attendees. Trump immigration crackdown Trump made securing the U.S.-Mexico border and ending illegal immigration the hallmark of his campaign. Since signing the executive orders designating such gangs as Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as criminal terrorist organizations, Trump has enacted the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 wartime act, to fly more than 130 men accused of being part of Tren de Aragua to El Salvador. Trump to pay immigrants in US illegally $1K to self-deport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE detention centers reached full capacity in March, leaving some to wonder if the number of migrant arrests being made falls in line with deportations, which are not as high as some expected under Trump. Homan told NewsNation that the numbers will get there as the focus shifts from migrants with criminal convictions to those who were given due process and have disregarded orders to leave the country. DHS officials announced that at the 100-day mark of the Trump presidency, more than 135,000 migrants had been deported, including 600 alleged members of international terrorist organizations. However, ICE, which is required to publicly release information about detention and deportations every two weeks, has reported that only about 57,000 migrants have been removed from the country since Trump took office. What is Cinco de Mayo? Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla. The triumph over the better-equipped and more numerous French troops was an enormous emotional boost for the Mexican soldiers led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza. Historical reenactments and parades are held annually in the Central Mexican city of Puebla to commemorate the inspirational victory, with participants dressed in historical French and Mexican army uniforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNations Jeff Arnold and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A year after the first Citi Bike e-bike charging docks were installed, New York City is expanding the number of bike-share charging hubs to keep pace with growing demand for electric cycles. Expanding our network of charging stations means riders will have better access to fully charged bikes, with fewer delays and faster service, city Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement. The demand for Citi Bike e-bikes has never been higher, and we are proud to deliver new infrastructure that meets the needs of riders. This spring, Lyft the rideshare giant that operates the bike-share program under contract to the city will be electrifying 13 additional existing Citi Bike dock locations, three in Brooklyn, 10 in Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately 15,000 of the Citi Bike programs 35,000 bicycles are e-bikes. But with the exception of two charging docks opened last year one in Midtown and one in Williamsburg, Brooklyn all Citi e-bikes must have their batteries manually swapped by Lyft. The bulk of the batteries are charged in a warehouse and installed by hand by technicians who travel throughout the five boroughs in vans. In addition to removing the need for extra van trips, dock-based charging allows bikes to charge on demand, meaning less downtime for the rental cycles. The docks to be electrified in Brooklyn are at Graham Ave. and Grand St. in Williamsburg, Metropolitan and Bedford Aves. in Williamsburg, and Clinton and Tillary Sts. in Brooklyn Heights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Manhattan, the jolt of power is coming to the docks at Clinton and Grand Sts., Amsterdam Ave. and W. 116th St., York Ave. and E. 72nd St., First Ave. and E. 14th St., Kenmare and Elizabeth Sts., Amsterdam Ave. and W. 66th St., 11th Ave. and W. 59th St., Broadway and W. 92nd St., First Ave. and E. 30th St., and Sixth Ave. and W. 42nd St. According to data provided to the Daily News by the citys Department of Transportation, there were 7,891,166 electric Citi Bike rides between the start of the year and April 30 up roughly 20% from the 6,553,084 electric Citi Bike rides made in the same period in 2024. The 7.9 million electric rides accounted for 70% of all Citi Bike rides citywide despite the fact that just 43% of the Citi BIke fleet is made up of e-bikes. With Citi Bike e-bike ridership continuing to break records, this investment will directly benefit riders by increasing availability of the Citi Bike e-bike that New Yorkers know and love, Lyft spokeswoman Caroline Samponaro said in a statement. There were just very interesting comments on the Senate side that I felt were just very classism, Sen. Dina Neal said on Friday during the Assembly Judiciary hearing. (Photo: Richard Bednarski/Nevada Current) A legislative hearing on a bill intended to give homeowners some wiggle room and avoid the onerous fines imposed by homeowners associations exposed what state Sen. Dina Neal called classism on the part of HOA industry representatives and opponents. Senate Bill 121 would, among other things, afford cash-strapped new homeowners three years rather than 180 days to landscape their backyards. An HOA could require that owners put down a single layer of rocks after 18 months, to prevent blowing dust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people have spent most of their money on the refrigerator, the blinds, the furniture, and they actually dont have the funds to spend within six months on landscaping, Neal, a Democrat from North Las Vegas, said while presenting SB 121 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Friday. Home ownership is very important. Achieving the American Dream is very important. But not all people are walking into a home with the same amount of money in their bank account. New homebuyers are fully informed of their obligations, HOA attorney Adam Clarkson had earlier testified in opposition to the bill before the Senate Judiciary Committee in April on its way to passage in the Senate. When they purchase a home, they know whether or not they can do it. The bright line test is dont purchase these homes if you dont want to have to do this. However, finding a home thats not in a HOA is a challenge in Nevada, where HOAs represent the owners of 623,917 housing units half of the states 1.3 million homes, according to the state. Youre protecting people that bought something they couldnt afford in the first place, knowing that they couldnt afford it, while at the same time youre harming their neighbors, Clarkson said. Now theyre not going to be in this beautiful community, because youve taken that away from them, because now people dont have to do the landscaping, and theyre going to have those blights in the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Leon, president of the Mountains Edge Master Association, agreed with Clarkson while testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in April. If landscaping your backyard is too much of a burden for you to handle, then buy a house that was already landscaped, Leon suggested, adding the provision only has the effect of pandering to homeowners too lazy or too unwilling to follow through on their obligation to the community, and that directly affects the property values of their neighbors who are working hard to build their new home. There were just very interesting comments on the Senate side that I felt were just very classism, Neal said on Friday during the Assembly Judiciary hearing. At the hearing in April, Neal said she slightly took offense to the idea that you shouldnt buy the home if you cant afford to landscape your backyard, adding she doesnt believe that a homeowner should be labeled as lazy or told to find another home if they dont like the rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Failing to comply with HOA rules can be costly. The boards wield powers generally reserved for government tribunals. They can assess fines, deny property rights, and even foreclose. Neals bill is intended to take the sting out of common complaints from homeowners. Current regulations permit an HOA to require a resident whose vehicle has a commercial logo or ad to cover it with a magnet. SB 121 would eliminate the requirement for all vehicles, with the exception of those with a sexual portrayal or depicting an image relating to the sale of a controlled substance. The bill would prohibit an association from assessing late fees sooner than 30 days after an obligation becomes past due, and from reporting any past due obligation to a credit agency. There was no opposition to that provision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation would also curtail an HOA from assessing a fine for an oil stain that is entirely on a homeowners driveway, however, a homeowner could still be responsible for oil stains on the asphalt in front of their property. My vehicles do not leak but my neighbors do, testified Tanya Bates, an HOA community manager in Washoe County. I still clean the oil stains on my street to prevent oil from being tracked into my home. Its a maintenance obligation for homeowners. An amendment offered by the HOA industry would, among other things, reduce the proposed landscaping deadline to 12 months to lay down rocks and 24 months to complete landscaping. I havent decided if it is friendly or not, Neal said when asked if shed accepted it. There are provisions I appreciate and there are provisions I do not. The committee did not take any action on the measure. POLAND, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) A 47-year-old Poland, Indiana, man was arrested and charged after he was shot by a police officer while in an allegedly stolen U-Haul. Dale L. Evans is charged with battery on a public official, intimidation with a deadly weapon, auto theft, criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, and criminal mischief. UPDATE: Suspect shot by police following chase and ramming of officers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 15, Evans was driving a stolen U-Haul and being pursued by Clay County Sheriffs deputies. Police say Evans struck sheriffs vehicles with the U-Haul, injured a trooper and was shot by police. Evans was taken to an Indianapolis hospital and treated for his injuries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. President Donald Trumps plan to expand and reopen Alcatraz as a prison to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders caused the island to trend on X and other social media platforms on Sunday. And not many people were on board with the idea. Alcatraz is currently part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and has about 1.2 million visitors per year. Those who tour the island in San Francisco Bay see facilities in various states of decay. The prison was crumbling even as it was still in operation, and the high cost of maintaining it was a key reason it was shuttered in 1963. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given those realities, restoring Alcatraz and then expanding it, as Trump called for on his Truth Social platform, would likely cost a fortune and then another pile of cash would be needed to maintain it. Reopening it as a prison would also mean the loss of the tourism revenue the island currently generates as well as a loss of habitat for its thriving bird population. The president, however, said Alcatrazs return to use as a prison would serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. His critics fired back that the idea would be an expensive boondoggle: Who has been to Alcatraz tour? Its absolutely asinine after its been closed longer than Ive been alive to get it up to speed the sheer amount of money and resources. Absolutely insane. Truly. pic.twitter.com/GIsBglJI3B Sarasota Freedom (@dontdemdownsrq) May 4, 2025 Was Donald Trump watching a movie about Alcatraz when he came up with the idea of reopening it and putting tariffs on movies? This guy is clearly unhinged. Art Candee (@ArtCandee) May 5, 2025 Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one. https://t.co/ALKXZLWlzO Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 5, 2025 100% tariffs on foreign films (maybe shutting off China market for US films?) Re-open Alcatraz (closed for 60+ years)? I really do not think it is a good idea to leave President Trump alone on Sunday nights. Jeff Greenfield (@greenfield64) May 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wanting to reopen Alcatraz, check if the gold is still in Fort Knox, and release the JFK files are exactly the sort of actions that someone who hasn't read anything since high school would want to do. Surprised that he hasn't demanded that the Pony Express be reinstated. Luke Epplin (@LukeEpplin) May 5, 2025 Trump is an incredibly surrealist, postmodern figure. His whole worldview seems to be informed by urban legends and mid-20th century movie references that he then tries to turn into actual policy. There are too many examples to count. His fixation on the Fort Knox gold is another https://t.co/Bmxu0krXj8 Bobby Miller (@realBobbyMil) May 5, 2025 Wanna bet he watched The Rock this weekend? https://t.co/eCRuVqjKXw Amy Smith (@watchkeep) May 4, 2025 Great movie. Dumb place to reopen a prison. https://t.co/VeeKOt7eGWpic.twitter.com/3FUmo3JHvo Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) May 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebuilding Alcatraz to imprison more Americans seems like a great use of tax dollars, doesnt it? If youve been on a tour there then you know this is a terrible idea. Its likely just red meat for the base that wont happen, but its hard to tell these days. Pete Hegseth pic.twitter.com/GKpHUn69ua Ryan Shead (@RyanShead) May 5, 2025 Watches The Rock once https://t.co/qcP0r1Ho1l Liam Donovan (@LPDonovan) May 5, 2025 Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy ordered Alcatraz to close in 1962: It "was much more expensive to operate than other facilities; it housed a startlingly small number of prisoners; it was deemed vulnerable to future escape attempts." https://t.co/OE4y5PFXSn via @sfchronicle Carla Bluechecked Marinucci (@cmarinucci) May 5, 2025 I toured Alcatraz not too long ago. The place is a full on museum, on the top of a really steep hill. Rebuilt? Enlarged? Does this mean hes scrapping the El Salvador gulag plans? What is this potato even talking about? pic.twitter.com/f8FLQGxdQG Sara McGee for Texas HD 132 (@SaraForTexLege) May 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wait until they figure out how expensive it will be to remodel, modernize and operate Alcatraz. The plumbing alone would take years to upgrade and Im not even sure if its possible. It will never happen. pic.twitter.com/LGqQyRa4uf Turnbull (@cturnbull1968) May 4, 2025 Alcatraz Island contributes significantly to the economy, generating about $60 million in annual revenue for park partners. This revenue comes from the 1.6 million visitors who tour the island each year. This revenue helps fund park projects and supports local businesses. It's Artem Russakovskii (@ArtemR) May 4, 2025 Reopening and rebuilding Alcatraz as a prison would cost approximately $235370 million upfront and $4060 million annually to operate. Where you at @DOGE? pic.twitter.com/Af9WzhYT2x Maine (@TheMaineWonk) May 4, 2025 I had the honor of visiting Alcatraz last year. It was eye-opening. One of the most haunting exhibits was a map of the world with black balls to help you visualize the prison populations of each country Perhaps President Trump should visit. He might learn something https://t.co/vVnGxhcQ67pic.twitter.com/QTQhSEp6ip Rachel Coyle (@RachelCoyleOhio) May 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLIVE, Iowa The Clive Public Library will be closed till June for renovations, the library plans to offer extended services at another location in the meantime. The City of Clive announced the closure of the Public Library on Friday, saying from Monday, May 5th, through Sunday, June 1st, the library would be closed. The library is being closed due to ongoing construction at the City Hall, according to the city. Community-backed petition fails to save Insect Zoo from closure Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closure is part of the City Hall renovation project that will improve accessibility, security, and departmental effectiveness, part of the City of Clive post read. Clive residents are encouraged to make use of the Harbach Public Library, located at 8505 Harbach Boulevard, in the meantime. To compensate, the Harbach Library will have extended hours through the renovation period. Harbach Public Library Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The city asks that all books and materials be returned to the Harbach Public Library. Any reserved titles can be picked up at the Harbach Library. Finally, programs scheduled during the closure will be held at the Harbach Public Library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The clock is ticking for House Bill 2144 to be heard on the senate floor with less than three weeks left in this years legislative session. If signed into law, the bill would give patients and their doctors the right to sue medical companies who deny or delay care in bad faith. The Insurance Consumers Protection Act passed the house floor in March. It was then stalled, but because of News 4s reporting, it was put on the agenda for the Senate Rules Committee Meeting, passing with overwhelming support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pat Hall is a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Medical Association, saying It would make the health insurance companies wake up and realize that deny and delay of a medical benefit could lead to harm. Homeland Security backtracks, KFOR uncovers new information on ICE raid Lacy Cornelius-Boyd has been fighting for her life and fighting against her insurance company after being in a devastating car crash. Cornelius-Boyd needs an intestinal transplant, but her insurance company has denied it more than once, adding to health challenges. Shes now in kidney and liver failure. Since my car accident, Ive been saying, like, something good has to come from this, Cornelius-Boyd said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes chosen to use her tragic experience to do something good, putting the issue on the radar of state lawmakers. However, the bill still has a long way to go. The legislation now has to be heard on the senate floor in a matter of weeks. What were asking is for the public to continue putting pressure to pass House Bill 2144, said Hall. Cornelius-Boyd is also urging Oklahomans to act. I feel like its so important for everyone to stay invested. Keep calling. So that this bill can move forward, said Cornelius-Boyd. If the bill isnt heard on the senate floor, it will not complete the full legal process to make it to the Governors desk, which would be the final step getting the bill signed into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. May 5LIMA Diller Road will be closed between Cable Road and North Eastown Road beginning Monday, according to a press release from the City of Lima. The closure is necessary to allow crews to safely complete repairs to underground utility lines in the area. There is currently no estimated time for reopening. City officials will provide updates as repair work progresses. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and use caution in surrounding areas. Featured Local Savings Donie OSullivan has heard all sorts of conspiracy theories as a senior correspondent for CNN, but only one takes the cake. In an episode of his Persuadable podcast, the misinformation reporter said the craziest thing anyone has ever said to him had to do with former President Joe Biden. That when Biden was in the White House, that he wasnt really there. That, in fact, he was actually dead, OSullivan said with a chuckle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that Im hearing this backkernel of truth in there, he added jokingly. Why its time we change how we talk about conspiracy theorieshttps://t.co/LGgmLMWDQ3 Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) May 3, 2025 The conspiracy theory, OSullivan said, was that the White House was actually empty and everything from the Oval Office to the media briefing room was just a green screen. That one was definitely out there, he said. Despite having to deal with people who push wild theories, OSullivan said he finds it really annoying when he gets asked: Why are you humanizing this person? Part of covering misinformation, he said, is accepting that his interviewees dont believe facts like the 2020 election was fair and the COVID-19 vaccine doesnt contain a microchip that tracks people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I get hung up on that, like if I say, Well no, youre wrong, and heres why. And Im going to convince you now. Im going to change your mind. Then thats the end of the conversation. Last month, OSullivan spoke with three MAGA journalists who were granted access to the White Houses media briefing room as part of the administrations push to promote new media. OSullivan spoke with Brian Glenn of Real Americas Voice, Cara Castronuova of LindellTV, and Natalie Winters of Bannons War Room for a CNN segment. Do you consider yourself a journalist? he asked the three bluntly. Winters said yes: Im pretty sure the group of people in there spent, what was it, four years, covering for someone who was essentially deadand thats being charitable in my description of hima president by the name of Joe Biden. So to all those people who are apoplectic over having new media voices, you guys failed, and thats why were here. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Nearly half (49 percent) of Hungary's exports to Azerbaijan are in the pharmaceutical sector, said Tamas Torma, Hungary's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Speaking at the ongoing international conference in Baku titled "Azerbaijan's Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," Ambassador Torma highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries in the pharmaceutical field. "Hungary began supplying medicines to Azerbaijan as early as 1993, and in 1997, the company Gedeon Richter became the first foreign pharmaceutical company to open a representative office in Azerbaijan," said Torma. The Ambassador also noted that in 2020, the Hungarian company Egis made a significant donation of medicines to Azerbaijani soldiers during the Karabakh war. "Over the years, Hungarian pharmaceutical companies have earned the trust and recognition of Azerbaijan's healthcare system thanks to their high-quality, reliable, and effective products," he added. Torma emphasized Hungary's leading role in pharmaceutical exports, noting that the country is the largest exporter of pharmaceutical products in Central and Eastern Europe and ranks 20th globally in terms of pharmaceutical export volume. "Today, 60 percent of all investments in research and development (R&D) in Hungary are directed towards the biosciences sector, with 9 out of 10 global biotechnology companies having research centers, production sites, or both in Hungary," the ambassador said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Co-op has been left with empty shelves as it battles a devastating cyber attack that has forced it to shut off some computer systems. The supermarket said sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access our systems had prompted it to shutdown delivery systems, meaning some of our stores might not have all of their usual products available. Pictures shared with The Telegraph show stocks of most fresh fruit and vegetables had run out in one Co-op store, while supplies of milk, dairy and fresh meat and fish were also low. Staff had pinned a notices to fridges stating: Sorry, were having some availability issues which will be resolved shortly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Co-op, which owns more than 2,000 grocery stores, has been battling hackers since last week and admitted on Friday that attackers had stolen personal data on a substantial number of customers. Pictured: Stocks of most fresh fruit and vegetables have run out at a Co-op store On Monday, Shirine Khoury-Haq, the Co-ops chief executive, wrote to members of the mutual confirming that a limited amount of their data had been stolen by hackers. This is obviously extremely distressing for our colleagues and members, and I am very sorry this happened, she said. The retailer warned customers and members to be cautious of suspicious emails or phone calls. The Co-op hack follows a damaging attack on Marks & Spencer, which has been forced to halt online sales for more than a fortnight as it struggles to rebuild its technology. A third attack was apparently halted by IT staff at Harrods on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement M&S shoppers have also faced shortages of popular products, such as its Colin the Caterpillar cake, and lunch-time meal deals. Like Co-op, M&S has shut down down ordering systems as it battles to contain the fallout, which has disrupted deliveries to its shops. Hackers operating under the name Dragonforce are believed to be responsible for the attacks on M&S and Co-op. Dragonforce is known for its ransomware, a type of cyber attack that encrypts a companys systems, with hackers demanding a payment in order to unlock them. The attacks have also been linked to a gang known as Scattered Spider, a group of hackers believed to be made up of British and American teenagers. Hackers gained access to both the M&S and Co-op systems by tricking employees into resetting their passwords, according to cyber security website BleepingComputer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement M&S and Co-op have turned to the National Cyber Security Centre, an arm of GCHQ, and the polices National Crime Agency for help. On Sunday, the NCSC urged retailers to review their IT helpdesk procedures. The blog post noted press speculation that hackers had been targeting IT helpdesks to perform password and MFA (multi-factor authentication) resets in an attempt to trick them into giving up access to their internal systems. The BBC reported on Friday that hackers had reportedly messaged Co-ops head of cyber security in an internal Microsoft Teams chat on April 25, telling them: Hello, we exfiltrated the data from your company. A Co-op spokesman said: All our stores are open and trading however, due to the sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access our systems, we have taken proactive steps to keep our systems safe, which is temporarily impacting our colleagues ability to perform their roles and how many deliveries we can make to our stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means that some of our stores might not have all of their usual products available and we would like to say sorry to our members and customers if this is the case in their local store. We are working around the clock to reduce disruption and resume deliveries. 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. Attorneys general in 19 states and Washington, D.C., are challenging cuts to the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, saying the Trump administration's massive restructuring has destroyed life-saving programs and left states to pick up the bill for mounting health crises. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Rhode Island on Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James said. The attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia signed onto the complaint. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restructured the agency in March, eliminating more than 10,000 employees and collapsing 28 agencies under the sprawling HHS umbrella into 15, the attorneys general said. An additional 10,000 employees had already been let go by President Donald Trump's administration, according to the lawsuit, and combined the cuts stripped 25% of the HHS workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its first three months, Secretary Kennedy and this administration deprived HHS of the resources necessary to do its job, the attorneys general wrote. Kennedy has said he is seeking to streamline the nation's public health agencies and reduce redundancies across them with the layoffs. The cuts were made as part of a directive the administration has dubbed, Make America Healthy Again. HHS is one of the government's costliest federal agencies, with an annual budget of about $1.7 trillion that is mostly spent on health care coverage for millions of people enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. James, who is leading the lawsuit, called the restructuring a sweeping and unlawful assault that would endanger lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not government reform. This is not efficiency, James said during a press conference Monday. The cuts have resulted in laboratories having limited testing for some infectious diseases, the federal government not tracking cancer risks among U.S. firefighters, early childhood learning programs left unsure of future funds and programs aimed at monitoring cancer and maternal health closing, the attorneys general say. Cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have hampered states' ability to respond to one of the largest measles outbreaks in recent years, the lawsuit says. This chaos and abandonment of the Departments core functions was not an unintended side effect, but rather the intended result, of the MAHA Directive, they said. They want a judge to vacate the directive because they say the administration can't unilaterally eliminate programs and funding that have been created by Congress. The restructuring eliminated the entire team of people who maintain the federal poverty guidelines used by states to determine whether residents are eligible for Medicaid, nutrition assistance and other programs. A tobacco prevention agency was gutted. Staff losses also were significant at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is already facing other legal challenges over cuts to public health agencies and research organizations. A coalition of 23 states filed a federal lawsuit in Rhode Island last month over the administration's decision to cut $11 billion in federal funds for COVID-19 initiatives and various public health projects across the country. ___ This story has been updated to correct that the lawsuit is filed in federal court in Rhode Island. ___ Boone reported from Boise, Idaho and Seitz reported from Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump just gave a completely incoherent explanation for his impromptu plan to reopen Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay. How will you use it? How did you come up with the idea? a reporter asked the president on Monday. Well, I guess I was supposed to be a moviemaker. Were talkingwe started with the moviemaking, and it will end, Trump replied. It represents something very strong, very powerful, in terms of law and order. Our country needs law and order. Alcatraz is, I would say, the ultimate, right? Alcatraz, Sing Sing, and Alcatraz, the movies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But uh, its right now a museum, believe it or not. Lotta people go there. It housed the most violent criminals in the world, and nobody ever escaped. One person almost got there, but they, as you know the story, they found his clothing rather badly ripped up, and uh, it was a lot of shark bites, a lot of problems. Nobodys ever escaped from Alcatraz, and just represented something strong having to do with law and order; we need law and order in this country. Trump said he hoped to bring [Alcatraz] back in large form, add a lot. It sort of represents something thats both horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable, weak, he added. Its got a lot of qualities that are interesting. Despite his surplus of adjectives, Trumps response didnt quite answer the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some have suggested that Trump was inspired by Escape From Alcatraz, the 1979 film that aired on South Floridas WLRN on Saturday night (Trump was staying in Palm Beach). Shortly after announcing plans to reopen Alcatraz, Trump also posted on Truth Social that he was planning to place tariffs on foreign-made movies. This is certainly not the first time the president has had trouble answering questions. Just last week, when asked about his administrations punitive measures against Harvard University, Trump began ranting about fictional riots of Trump supporters in Harlem. A former Emmanuel College admissions worker has been charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor after allegedly offering to pay a 17-year-old prospective student for sex Jacob Henriques, 29, allegedly began anonymously texting the minor "within hours" of her completing her campus tour The Boston-based college terminated Henriques' position after the allegations came to light, and the FBI is currently seeking information on other potential victims An admissions worker for a college in Boston has been charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor after allegedly offering to pay an underage college applicant for sex. Jacob Henriques, 29, was an Assistant Admissions Director at Emmanuel College when he allegedly sent inappropriate sexual messages to a 17-year-old female applicant after a campus tour, per a press release issued by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts on Friday, May 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the charging document, Henriques allegedly used his position as a school administrator to gain access to the personal information of various admitted or prospective students whom he later contacted anonymously to solicit sex for money, per the release. The release further states that on or around April 25, Henriques contacted a 17-year-old prospective student within hours of completing her campus tour. He then allegedly began texting her on the phone number provided on her campus form and offered to pay her $400 for some fun and also told her that he had pornographic images and videos for her. Getty Man texting (stock image) Man texting (stock image) He then allegedly sent the minor five pornographic videos and asked her if she wanted to participate in a gang bang all while refusing to tell her who he was or how he attained her number. The minor blocked the incoming messages and phone number, at which point Henriques allegedly began soliciting her via email. The U.S. Attorneys Office said that Henriques allegedly accessed the victims digital school profile 47 times between April 25 and April 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Henriques allegedly sent at least several other admitted and prospective students inappropriate messages on April 25, per the release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently seeking information regarding more potential victims. In a statement to PEOPLE, Emmanuel College said it took strong action once administrators became aware of the allegations and immediately contacted law enforcement. The college said that the ensuing investigation led to the prompt termination of the individual though it did not mention Henriques by name. Getty Man sending a message via text (stock image) Man sending a message via text (stock image) We have cooperated fully with authorities from the moment this matter came to our attention and will continue to do so, the college added in its statement, further explaining that the safety and well-being of all is our highest priority. The Catholic college additionally stated that it is saddened, angered and shocked by the serious federal allegations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are an affront to our core values, and we stand with anyone victimized by this incident," the college said. PEOPLE reached out to the FBIs Boston field office, as well as to the prosecuting attorney on the case, but did not receive an immediate response. It is not immediately clear if Henriques has retained a lawyer to comment on his behalf. 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. If convicted, Henriques faces up to life in prison with a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, with at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, per the U.S. Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henriques is set to appear in the U.S. District Court in Boston on Monday, May 5. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. Read the original article on People This years new college graduates are heading into a tougher job market than last years who had it worse off than the class before that just as the Trump administration cracks down on student loan repayments. Recent grads unemployment rate was 5.8% as of March, up from 4.6% a year earlier, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported last week. The share of new graduates working jobs that dont require their degrees a situation known as underemployment hit 41.2% in March, rising from 40.6% that same month in 2024. Right now things are pretty frozen, Allison Shrivastava, an economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, said of entry-level prospects. A lot of employers and job seekers are both kind of deer-in-headlights, not sure what to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That squares with Julia Abbotts experience. I just feel pretty screwed as it is right now, said the psychology major whos graduating this month from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She said shes applied to over 200 roles in social media and marketing, but minimal interviews come out of it. Internship postings typically rise sharply in early spring, but theyre lagging 11 percentage points behind last years levels, Indeed said in April. The hiring platform sees demand for interns as a stronger gauge of new grads job prospects than entry-level postings, which increasingly target people with at least a few years experience. In a worrying sign for the class of 2025, internship openings are far below where they were in 2023 and 2022, when the labor market was exceptionally competitive, Shrivastava said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young college grads have historically seen lower unemployment levels than the labor force overall, and they still do. But as The Atlantic pointed out Wednesday, this gap has narrowed to a record low, taking some of the shine off the traditional benefits of a bachelors degree. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is restarting the involuntary repayment of federal student loans in default, a move that could sap money from paychecks, tax refunds, Social Security payments and disability and retirement benefits from millions of borrowers. Repayments were paused during President Donald Trumps first term in 2020 in response to Covid-19. The pandemic-era reprieve from forced collections ends Monday, just as a new TransUnion report finds a record share of federal student loan borrowers are 90 days or more past due and at risk of default at 20.5% as of February, up 10 percentage points from five years earlier. The debt crackdown comes as workers across the labor force confront a tougher hiring landscape. Employers added a better-than-expected 177,000 jobs in April, government data showed Friday, but analysts were quick to flag warning signs ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Average pay growth has slowed to a crawl, and unemployment metrics indicate its taking longer for people looking for work to secure it. While the latest jobs numbers point to a resilient labor market, we should curb our enthusiasm going forward given the backdrop of trade policies that will likely be a drag on the economy, Olu Sonola, head of U.S. economic research at Fitch Ratings, said in a statement Friday. The outlook remains very uncertain. The murky jobs forecast coincides with broader economic turbulence fueled by Trumps ongoing trade war. A slew of major companies have warned about tariff impacts in recent days. All but the wealthiest households are tightening their budgets, and consumer outlooks plunged to a 13-year low in a closely watched Conference Board survey released Tuesday. Some of the spending that is taking place reflects shoppers and businesses racing to make purchases before tariffs drive up costs for everything from cars to frozen fish and fireworks. These headwinds are making many employers increasingly cautious about hiring young graduates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employers have pulled back plans to hire more new grads over just the last six months, according to a February and March survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which polled major companies including Chevron, PepsiCo and Southwest Airlines. While most said their new-grad recruitment plans are holding steady, the share of respondents planning to expand entry-level hiring dipped to 24.6% this spring. Thats down from 27% last fall and the lowest rate since autumn 2020, during the depths of the pandemic. In March, NACE released salary projections showing a mixed picture for the class of 2025, with social sciences graduates set to see a 3.6% drop in pay since last year, while agriculture and natural resources majors were on track for a 2.8% bump over their 24 predecessors. The estimates, however, were based on employer survey data from last fall, weeks before Trump took office. Im not surprised that new hiring is being restricted, said Andy West, a senior partner at the consulting firm McKinsey who advises CEOs on corporate strategy and finance. He said some clients are increasingly discussing ways to reallocate resources amid tariffs and other macroeconomic worries, he said. As employers hunt for cost cuts and stability, many tend to zero in on expenses that fluctuate over time, including payrolls. When it comes to hiring and talent, often these are very short-term decisions around slowing down, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Class of 25 job seekers are adjusting their expectations to the tighter market. More than half have ditched the dream job plans they entered college with, according to a February survey by the grads-focused hiring platform Handshake. And 56% of current seniors are somewhat or very pessimistic about launching into the workforce right now. Thats about the same share as last year, but outlooks are down more sharply in fields like computer science, where over a quarter of seniors with that major voiced extreme pessimism. Anxiety around landing a first full-time job is common among college students, but the deep uncertainty this year threatens to put a damper on commencement season. I cant really celebrate my past four years, said Abbott, the JMU senior. It just feels really scary, like walking into this world and not having something set out for me. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Holding a sword once owned by independence hero Simon Bolivar, Colombian President Gustavo Petro used the May 1 holiday last week to officially announce his referendum for labor reforms. With the Congress having killed his labor reform bill in early 2025, Petro believes taking the issue directly to the voters is a win-win gambit for him: Either it will score him a big policy victory now or it will set the political stage for his side to do well in the 2026 election, which Petro cannot contest due to constitutional term limits. The dozen questions Petro announced, including populist measures to allow more overtime pay and health care for gig economy workers, still face roadblocks in Congress and the courts before they can go to voters. But Petro relishes the fight to come with the other institutions, seeing it as fuel he can use to rally support for himself and his proposals. However, as occurred two years ago when he initially launched his labor reform proposal, drama within Petros Cabinet once again threatens to derail his reform agenda. Back in March 2023, the labor reform package was one of a series of bills Petro sent to Congress in an attempt to reshape Colombian law to match his own center-left economic vision. However, Congress never got around to debating the law before controversy struck, in the form of leaked audio recordings of a phone call between Colombias then-ambassador to Venezuela, Armando Benedetti, and Petros then-chief of staff, Laura Sarabia. In the recordings, Benedetti made veiled references to illegal campaign funds he had raised for Petro during the latters 2022 election bid, and threatened to bring down the government by revealing them if not given a higher-profile political position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That first labor reform was withdrawn before it received a single formal debate in Congress, and while the Benedetti-Sarabia controversy was not the only reason for the bills withdrawal, it clearly played a role. Petro attempted to distance himself from the scandal, but its political damage was profound, forcing both Benedetti and Sarabia to resign their positions. It also signaled that Petros team was divided, vulnerable and potentially compromised. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. Petros Cabinet has never been particularly stable, but that 2023 controversy was its worst momentuntil the current one. Despite their history of scandal and in-fighting, both Sarabia and Benedetti returned to powerful positions within Petros government when he once again shook up his Cabinet earlier this year, with Sarabia taking over as foreign minister and Benedetti becoming interior minister. Petro has staked his presidency on transformative reforms, yet his administration has repeatedly sabotaged itself through internal conflicts. The fact that almost nobody within Petros government or coalition likes or trusts Benedetti, an opportunist who began his political career as a center-right senator, became obvious during a publicly televised Cabinet meeting in early February following the reshuffle. Vice President Francia Marquez lamented that there was so much corruption within the government, while Environment Minister Susana Muhamad directly accused Benedetti of graft. Several more ministers were forced out following that meeting, but Benedetti and Sarabia remained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things got worse in late April, when Benedetti held a press conference to set the stage for the labor reform referendum that Petro officially announced last week. It should have been a moment to get the presidents agenda on track. Instead, the following day, former Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva published a letter on social media accusing Benedetti of being addicted to drugs. That same letter lamented that Petro also has a history of drug and alcohol abuse, which Leyva claimed had derailed a presidential visit to France earlier in Petros term. Similar allegations, including rumors that Benedetti and Petro had engaged in drug use together, had surfaced previously in the media. But having a former foreign minister publicly raise them further undermined the president. Then last week before the official referendum announcement by Petro, Sarabia held a press conference with her lawyers, while prominently displaying folders labeled criminal case against Armando Benedetti, violence against women and illicit enrichment. Benedetti, the person now tasked with shepherding the labor reform referendum through the Senate, responded with a truly weird press conference that included him holding his hands over his mouth while giving a contemptuous dismissal, before asking reporters, Who is Laura? To have two Cabinet members who are among Petros top political allies publicly at war like this is a stunning display of government dysfunction. Petro has staked his presidency on transformative reforms, yet his administration has repeatedly sabotaged itself through internal conflicts like these. Rather than debating the merits of increased overtime pay or protections against short-term contracts, Colombian voters and politicians are now once again focused on the soap opera of Benedettis actions and Sarabias counterattacks. The public feud reinforces the oppositions narrative that Petros administration is chaotic and untrustworthy. When the Senate debates whether to approve the referendum, lawmakers who are eager to sink the proposal for economic reasons will point to the current drama as evidence that Petro cannot be trusted with expanded labor regulations. Even if the reform somehow makes it through the Senate and past the constitutional court to go before the voters, Petros tainted brand could still play a role. While the measures included in the referendum should be popular, Petros approval rating remains far below the 50 percent mark. For the results to be binding, at least 13 million Colombians must participatemore than the number who voted for Petro in 2022. To mobilize not only participation but also a majority will requires unified messaging and focused campaigning, not Cabinet ministers undermining each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before, Petro could have used the Senate fight and subsequent referendum campaign as a boost for organizing his side ahead of next years presidential race to succeed him in office. Now, after all the recent controversies, if the labor reform referendum fails in either the Senate oreven worseamong voters, Petro risks entering the election year as not only a lame-duck president, but one who couldnt deliver on core promises. It should be obvious to anyone watching Colombian politics that Petro would be well served by removing Benedetti from the Cabinet. Despite Benedettis backroom political connections, his presence has been an enormous distraction that has proven to be counterproductive to the presidents agenda. Petro denied the allegations of drug use in an interview over the weekend. But the fact that he cant seem to remove Benedetti and has instead promoted him to a key position gives credence to the 2023 recordings suggesting that Bendetti is blackmailing the president using information about Petros 2022 campaign financing or personal dealings that could sink the government. At the same time, his presence seems to be sinking the government anyway. James Bosworth is the founder of Hxagon, a firm that does political risk analysis and bespoke research in emerging and frontier markets, as well as a global fellow at the Wilson Centers Latin America Program. He has two decades of experience analyzing politics, economics and security in Latin America and the Caribbean. The post In Colombia, Cabinet Drama Is Derailing Petros Reform AgendaAgain appeared first on World Politics Review. Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, a Denver Democrat, speaks about a labor rights bill at the Colorado Capitol on Nov. 19, 2024. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) The Colorado House of Representatives on Monday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would eliminate a second election requirement, unique to the state, for union formation, four months after the legislation was introduced and two days before the end of the lawmaking term. After months of negotiation between labor and business groups, there was no deal reached among groups on opposing sides of debate around the measure, and the bill is the same as it was in January. That will set up a likely clash with Gov. Jared Polis, who has signaled opposition to the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 25-5 was a priority for progressive Democrats this year. It would alter union law in the state by removing a second election requirement to negotiate union security, the term used when everyone in a workplace is required to pay into the representation a union provides, regardless of membership. In Colorado, a 50% vote is necessary to form a union, as is federal law, but a second election requiring a 75% vote is required to negotiate union security in a contract. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Unions negotiate compensation, benefits and workplace conditions for all workers, not just members. That second election does not automatically require union security but allows it to be on the negotiating table. And workers could still decline to ratify a contract that includes union security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is nothing in this bill that is requiring anything other than to be allowed to collectively bargain. And that is a decision and a choice that employees can make, and then that is a decision and a choice that everyone in that workplace can bargain over as well, said bill sponsor Rep. Jennifer Bacon, a Denver Democrat. Bill supporters say the second election creates a massive barrier for strong union formation in the state and leads to Colorados low unionization rate. Something is happening between that first and second election. We heard stories of whats happening between those elections. Workers are being dissuaded. Workers are being tantamount to intimidation, Bacon said. That second vote has demonstrated that it is a tangible barrier to being able to collectively bargain. The bill is also sponsored by Rep. Javier Mabrey, a Denver Democrat. It was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, a Denver Democrat, and Sen. Jessie Danielson, a Wheat Ridge Democrat, in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill is about empowering Coloradans to stand up for better workplaces and to stand up for higher wages in an economy that is increasingly rigged against them, Mabrey said, framing the vote in the context of growing wealth inequality and elimination of some workers rights and consumer protection efforts and the federal level. The bill was previewed last year and introduced on the first day of the legislative session. From the start, Polis expressed wariness of signing a bill that didnt reflect a compromise between labor and business. Representing workers who are ready for change, we came to the table in good faith but business walked away from a meaningful compromise that would have made our system fairer and safer for working people. Dennis Dougherty, executive director of Colorado AFL-CIO The Senate passed an unamended version of the bill in February. It languished on the House calendar for about a month after moving through its committees, as sponsors and stakeholders continued to discuss potential compromises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That deal never came. Representing workers who are ready for change, we came to the table in good faith but business walked away from a meaningful compromise that would have made our system fairer and safer for working people, Dennis Dougherty, the executive director of Colorado AFL-CIO, said in a statement over the weekend. Loren Furman, the president of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, rejected that characterization. Business groups including Colorado Concern and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce were also involved in talks. She said the chamber offered three ideas that labor interests didnt agree to, and that chambers members couldnt agree to the creative proposals that the governors office came up with, one of which she said would have bifurcated small and large businesses in the matter. At the end of the day, its disappointing. I take this process very seriously and we have always tried to find a common ground or consensus on issues down here at the Capitol. This is a policy thats been in place for 83 years, and yet we still came to the table and offered significant compromises that wouldve helped labor unions be more successful, she said. At the end of the day, it was really important to us that all employees have a say over whether or not these fees get withdrawn from their paychecks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House sponsors moved forward on the bill despite the absence of a negotiation. The bill needs a final, recorded vote in the House before it heads to the governor to either sign or veto. The Governor is disappointed in this outcome but appreciates the robust conversation between sponsors, business, and labor on this bill, and he hopes both sides find a way forward in the future that reflects our shared goals of prosperity, fairness, and opportunities for workers. The Governors Office tried to help bridge the gap on this issue, but unfortunately agreement was not reached, spokesperson Shelby Wieman wrote in an email. But Bacon urged Polis, as the figurehead of the Democratic Party in the state, to sign the bill. Last year, Polis vetoed two labor-related bills, which drew frustration and sharp criticism from unions and Democrats. Republicans are uniformly against the bill. They generally agree with the Labor Peace Act, which established the second election, and view the 80-year-old law as a functioning compromise between labor and business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This (bill) is about forcing workers to pay union dues against their will, even if they want nothing to do with the union. Its mandatory, compulsory fees, said Rep. Chris Richardson, an Elizabeth Republican. Its about compelling association and compelling speech, and thats wrong. On Monday, Democratic Rep. Bob Marshall of Highlands Ranch tried to run an amendment to get rid of the second election and allow union security negotiations if at least 60% of workers voted for the union formation. A similar amendment was determined to not fit under the title of the bill during committee, and his amendment on Monday was also ruled out of the scope of the bills title. The legislative session ends Wednesday. Editors note: This story was updated at 4:10 p.m. on May 5 to include a statement from the governors office. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DENVER (KDVR) Colorados Democratic lawmakers are pushing ahead on immigration bills despite the U.S. Department of Justice filing a lawsuit Friday to challenge those laws. One of those measures, SB25-276, Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status, that lawmakers are pushing forward on, focuses on protecting civil rights and immigrant communities in Colorado and was passed by the House on Saturday after amendments were made. The vote was made along party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. DOJ sues Colorado, Denver for so-called sanctuary laws Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed measure includes a slew of actions that are designed to protect the civil rights of immigrants, including: Repealing the requirement for an affidavit stating that an undocumented person has applied for lawful presence or will apply for lawful presence as soon as they are eligible when an undocumented person is applying for in-state student tuition or an identification document Prohibiting jail custodians from delaying the release of a defendant for the purpose of an immigration enforcement operation Extends the ability to petition a court to vacate a guilty plea to class 3 misdemeanors as classified at the time of plea if the defendant was not adequately advised of the adverse immigration consequences of a guilty plea or if the guilty plea was constitutionally infirm Extends the prohibition on local law enforcement from enforcing a civil immigration detainer to also include peace officers Prevents probation officers and departments from sharing personal information about a person with pretrial officers or pretrial services employees Prevents employees of a detention facility from allowing federal immigration authorities into the non-public portions of a detention facility unless they are investigating a federal crime or as required by a federal warrant to transfer an inmate to or from federal custody Colorado is stronger when we all can contribute to our economy without fear, said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, a Democrat representing Glenwood Springs, in a Colorado House Majority Office release. The Trump administrations attacks on our civil liberties have sparked chaos among our immigrant communities parents are afraid to pick up their children from daycare, workers are scared to show up to their jobs. This fear doesnt just hurt our families, but our entire community and Colorados economy. Were taking steps today to strengthen Colorado laws around personal data sharing and reaffirm our existing protections to ensure due process for all, regardless of immigration status, Velasco added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 27, federal and local officials conducted a major operation at what they are calling an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs. Officials detained over 100 people during the operation and said many had entered the U.S. without going through proper channels. As of the time of publication, FOX31 knew of only one person facing drug charges related to the operation, but is aware of several local law enforcement agencies that aided in the operation. FOX31 has not learned of any specific immigration cases related to the raid, and the U.S. Army staff sergeant charged with drug offenses appears to be a U.S. citizen. Colorado sheriff: Executive order an attempt to federalize, by intimidation local law enforcement Our bill safeguards the civil and constitutional rights of everyone in Colorado, said Rep. Lorena Garcia, a Democrat who represents unincorporated Adams County, in a release. Between carrying out sweeping, untargeted deportations that have included American citizens and defying federal court orders, the Trump administrations immigration overreach has struck fear in Colorado communities. To help protect everyone, were limiting the sharing of personal data while clarifying protections in public spaces so we all can participate in our economy and communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents say the measure would build on existing data privacy laws, and repeal outdated affidavit requirements to obtain a Colorado drivers license or in-state tuition, which the sponsors said would protect data from unwarranted collection by federal agencies. Rep. Ty Winter, a Republican representing House District 47, posted to X that he believes this solidifies Colorado as a sanctuary state, a title Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, has repeatedly denied. Doubling down on policies like this diverts taxpayer dollars to non-citizens while turning their backs on hardworking Coloradans, Winter wrote. Ill keep fighting to put public safety and our citizens first. Because the House passed amendments on the bill, it will return to the Senate for another vote before heading to the governors desk for consideration to be signed into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Colorado state senators listen as Colorado Senate President James Coleman, a Denver Democrat, delivers opening remarks on the first day of the 2025 session of the Colorado Legislature on Jan. 8, 2025, at the Colorado Capitol. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline) Both chambers of the Colorado Legislature approved a bill that would give incarcerated people the right to see their families and community, ending the current policy under which visitation can be withheld as a form of punishment. Current Colorado Department of Corrections policy says inmate social visiting is a privilege that can be approved, denied, suspended, or revoked by the head of a facility. House Bill 25-1013 would still allow the department to adopt rules to govern the administration of social visitation, but it cannot restrict visitation beyond what is necessary for routine facility operations or safety purposes. In-person visits, phone calls and video visits would become a right that cannot be taken away as punishment for an incarcerated persons actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Colorado Senate gave final approval to an amended version of the bill Friday in a 22-12 vote along party lines, with Democrats in support of the measure. The House later voted 43-19 to accept the Senates amendments, sending the bill to Colorado Gov. Jared Polis desk to be signed into law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Families are where we find strength, healing, and support. But for too many families, the criminal justice system creates barriers that fracture these bonds, Senate President James Coleman, who sponsored the bill, said in a statement. Regular visits, phone calls, and moments of connection empower families to support their loved ones journey toward rehabilitation. This bill helps to make our justice system a tool for repair and recovery, not a weapon of division. Coleman sponsored the measure alongside fellow Denver Democrat House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, as well as Rep. Regina English and Sen. Tony Exum, both Colorado Springs Democrats. All visitors and incarcerated people must still comply with department rules related to visitation. People in CDOC custody could file a grievance with the department if they are prevented from visitation under the requirements of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill sponsors offered an amendment in the Senate on Thursday to make changes negotiated with CDOC, clarifying that the department can limit visitation for people confined in restrictive housing with certain high-level violations. CDOC will be able to limit visitation to comply with court orders related to victim safety and to prevent communication between co-defendants. The amendment also said the department will take reasonable measures to increase access to telephone calls and non-contact visits for people in restrictive housing. Those in support of the measure have said it will help incarcerated people maintain relationships with loved ones and ensure they have a better chance of stability once they are released. Ensuring that people who are incarcerated have the right to connect with their loved ones makes all Coloradans safer, Exum said in a statement. It reduces recidivism, supports rehabilitation, and eases the transition back into our communities after incarceration. Democrats control strong majorities in both chambers of the Legislature. The 2025 legislative session ends on May 7. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office will not charge the five Columbus, Ohio, police officers involved in the shooting death of a Milwaukee man during the week of the Republican National Convention, an expected decision that still outrages his family. "We expected the same decision to be used that has justified the actions of killer cops that have stolen the lives of thousands of Black people before Sam," said Angelique Sharpe, in reference to the DA's decision not to charge the officers in her brother Sam Sharpe Jr.'s death. Angelique said the country's record of failing to find officers guilty in addition to state statutes cited by District Attorney Kent Lovern during a meeting April 8 with her and local activists kept their expectations low prior to Lovern making his decision public nearly a month later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He at least let us share our sentiments, even though our sentiments had no bearing on the decision that was made regarding his death," Angelique told the Journal Sentinel. Sam Sharpe, 43, was shot and killed July 16 by the five officers, who were part of a bicycle patrol unit, who were among the roughly 4,000 officers who agreed to assist in policing the four-day political event. The officers had biked to an area by two tent encampments near West Vliet and North 14th streets, roughly a mile from the RNC's secure perimeter, to debrief. The situation unfolded rapidly, with 15 seconds passing from when officers first noticed Sharpe was armed with a knife and moving toward another man to when they fired shots. Sam was shot 23 times by the five officers, with 34 entry and exit wounds on his body, according to his sister who was given access to crime scene photos, videos and reports, most of which have yet to be made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He had gunshot wounds from head to toe, on the front and back of his body," Angelique told the Journal Sentinel. The evidence suggested the Columbus officers had "reasonable concern for the safety" of the other man, rendering the shooting legal, according to Lovern's letter outlining the decision to not charge officers. The letter was sent to Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant. "The five officers who fired shots at Sharpe indicated they did so out of concern that (the other man) would be seriously harmed or killed by Sharpe," Lovern's four-page letter said. "The officers use of force, under the circumstances presented to them at the time, was permissible under Wisconsin law in order to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm." The Columbus police have launched an internal investigation of the shooting now that the criminal investigation is completed, said Sgt. Joe Albert, the Columbus Division of Police's public information officer, in an email. Sharpe's death was a "tragic loss," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicholas Mason, Adam Groves, Austin Enos, Canaan Dick and Karl Eiginger were the five officers with the Columbus Police Department who shot and killed Sharpe. Fourteen Columbus officers responded in total, according to Lovern's letter. Two of the five police officers who fired their guns Mason and Groves have previously been investigated for uses of force. Mason, who has been with the department since 2007, was cleared of criminal wrongdoing after fatally shooting a driver who accelerated during a traffic stop and dragged Mason along the car in 2017, the Columbus Dispatch first reported. Groves was one of six officers sued in 2016 on allegations of wrongful arrest and excessive use of force, which resulted in a settlement of $45,000 in 2020, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminal charges are a unicorn when it comes to these kinds of charges, said Alan Chavoya, a member of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression who attended the meeting with Lovern. We try to temper our expectations. Samuel Sharpe Jr. and his dog, Ices Policing the RNC Following the meeting with Lovern earlier this month, Angelique and three members of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression expressed concern that protocols have yet to be put in place to prevent something similar from happening if another large event is held in Milwaukee that requires out-of-state police officers. In the case of the RNC, the five Ohio officers were among 4,000 non-Milwaukee law enforcement officers who arrived in Milwaukee to assist in security, traffic and public safety. When the city won the bid to host the event, activists immediately raised questions about policing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milwaukee police officials said they did not intend to use outside officers for "forward-facing" roles, and they wanted Milwaukee officers to be the ones interacting with local residents. The agreements signed by the outside agencies reflected those goals, too. The officers involved in Sam's death were part of a bicycle patrol unit, which were not considered forward-facing, the department later acknowledged. Consequently, no MPD officers were accompanying their unit. In September, two months after Sam's death, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman met with the Milwaukee Common Council's Steering and Rules Committee. Committee members had questions. Norman subsequently took responsibility for local officers not accompanying out-of-state police during the Republican National Convention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lo Cross, also a member of the alliance, said city officials, not just activists, had questions concerning the mutual aid agreements that were put in place with out-of-state police departments. I am still hearing concerns over how we can prevent this from happening again, Cross said. Sam Sharpe Jr. remembered by family, friends Ten months prior to his death, Sharpe decided to live among other people in the community without permanent housing. Robert Camacho, a street pastor who ministers to roughly 4,500 of the city's men and women who call the streets home, told the Journal Sentinel in the days following Sam's death that Sam chose to live among the homeless to spread the message of God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He didn't want them to feel hopeless, Camacho said. Because of his religious beliefs, he always carried a Bible. He was known by most not as Sam, but as Jehovah, a name he had tattooed on his chest. Angelique said her brother had multiple sclerosis, a degenerative muscle disease that impacted his mobility. She said if police had known that, they would have known he was stumbling, not lunging forward in an attempt to stab anyone. Angelique points to the knives her brother was holding. They were not butcher knives, she said, but more like paring knives that you would use to eat or open cans. "If I was planning to kill someone with a knife, I'm going to make sure I get knives that are guaranteed to do the job," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the man her brother was fighting with was a known instigator in the encampment, who had threatened to kill her brother's dog, Ices, and had stolen his phone earlier that morning. "This isn't over," Angelique Sharpe said. "We will still seek justice for Sam." Jessica Van Egeren is a general assignment reporter and assistant breaking news editor with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at jvanegeren@gannett.com. David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He contributed reporting to this story. This story was updated to correct a misspelled name. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ohio police in Republican National Convention shooting of man cleared BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Azerbaijani students will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive pharmacy training program at the University of Pecs in Hungary, said Andras Fittler, Associate Professor at the University of Pecs' Department of Pharmacy, Trend reports. Speaking at the international conference titled "Azerbaijan's Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" in Baku, Fittler highlighted that Azerbaijan has significant potential for training specialists at both the undergraduate and master's levels, with a strong emphasis on expanding their knowledge and practical skills in industrial pharmacy. "Together with industry experts and the PanoPharma pharmaceutical factory, we have developed a special program that will provide students and graduates with intensive training, focusing on the practical aspects of pharmacy. This will undoubtedly contribute to the development of Azerbaijan's pharmaceutical sector," he said. Fittler also noted that the University of Pecs' Faculty of Pharmacy offers a five-year master's program in pharmacy, along with an undergraduate program in biotechnology, which is implemented in collaboration with the medical faculty. "The university also operates clinics and research centers, which play a key role in training specialists and conducting relevant research in medicine, biotechnology, and pharmacy," said the professor. Currently, nearly 30 Azerbaijani students are studying at the university. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Legislatures in 16 states, Florida prominent among them, have been deliberating rolling back child labor laws. In some cases, major steps have already been taken to loosen restrictions on work by kids as young as 14. The erasures, almost exclusively promoted by Republicans, target legal prohibitions against child exploitation that have been in place for nearly a century. Here's a surprise: Radical transformations in photography are one primary reason the threatened rollbacks have gotten traction. In the first decade of the 20th century, sociologist Lewis W. Hine (1874-1940) picked up a camera and trained it on the cheap labor performed by children, which had become commonplace everywhere from Pittsburgh steel mills to Carolina textile factories, from an Alabama canning company for shucked oysters to West Virginia factories for glass. When published, Hines haunting pictures scandalized America, and laws to protect kids emerged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An entire modern artistic genre documentary photography was weaned on the growing social effort to rein in the abusive practice of forcing children to toil in sweatshops and on farms in the wake of the Gilded Age. Emblematic is Hines luminous picture of a young girl called a spinner at North Carolinas Whitnel Cotton Mfg. Co. He positioned the shabbily dressed child between a seemingly unending row of whirling textile bobbins, where her job was to patrol the interminable line and speedily repair broken threads, and a row of factory windows where light streams in from outdoors to illuminate the interior scene. She has stopped her work to face the camera, clearly at the photographers instruction. Her right hand, fingers curled, rests on the infernal machine, while her left hand is open on the windowsill. Shes a juvenile hostage, an innocent trapped between captivity and freedom. A spinners toil in a textile mill was not especially dangerous, although loss of a finger was certainly a risk. However, as Stanford art historian Alexander Nemerov has sharply observed, the damage recorded in Hines entrancing photograph was inflicted at least as much on the young girls soul as on her body. An aura of entrapment is evoked. A repetitive, tedious, mechanically determined routine is her present and her future, stretching into infinity. When her focused gaze meets yours, a coiled look of resignation stiffens her soft face, and it is painful to see. You might move on. But for her, this is it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transformation in photography today is not that artists have abandoned a productive interest in the state of the world, including these sorts of cruel labor conditions, which social documentary photographs explore. They havent. LaToya Ruby Frazier is one impressive example. The Last Cruze, her moving exhibition at Exposition Parks California African American Museum in 2021, registered the lives of union workers at the General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio workers displaced and disrupted when the factory was shuttered two years earlier. Fraziers installation of 67 black-and-white photographs and one color video told an unflattering story of the human aftermath, and it did so in fascinating ways. But it is also fair to say that her soulful installation did not could not generate the same sort of outrage that Hines photographs did. In 1908, when he began to publish his images of young children working under bleak conditions in factories and on farms, the context in which the pictures appeared was radically different from todays visual environment. Simply put, photographs were still scarce, relatively speaking, but they were on their way to replacing woodblock illustrations in newspapers and periodicals to become the dominant form of visual media. Camera pictures were disruptive. They connected straight to the world in front of the lens, and they had the capacity to grab eyeballs, pulling minds along with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, living in a media-saturated landscape, theres no escape from them. Only rarely do they disrupt. Wake up in the morning, check your phone, and scores maybe even hundreds of pictures flash by before breakfast. In such a milieu, Hines troubling 1908 photographs would easily disappear, perhaps seizing a moment but soon evaporating into the visual miasma that floods the zone daily. And now, with the advent of artificial intelligence, assumption of a direct connection to reality unravels. Skepticism about photographic authenticity arises. Hine, then in his early 30s, was part of a growing Progressive movement that sought large-scale social and political reform following the collapse of post-Civil War Reconstruction and the explosion of the grasping Gilded Age. John Spargo, a self-educated British stonemason who emigrated to New York in 1901, became an unlikely political theorist of the movement. His book The Bitter Cry of the Children fiercely condemned child labor practices, arguing in part that interrupting school with work caused lifelong impairment. Novelists as different as Jack London and H.G. Wells agreed, and they said so in short stories and magazine essays. A private, nonprofit National Child Labor Committee formed to lobby state and federal officials, while embarking on public education. The NCLC hired Hine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His research experience as a sociologist had led him to the pioneering photographs of Jacob Riis, a police reporter for the New York Tribune. Riis exposed Lower East Side slum conditions in tenement photographs that would form the basis for his renowned book, How the Other Half Lives. Hine, recognizing the power of photographs as visual evidence, soon picked up the camera too. His pictorial documents of child labor began to appear in weekly magazines, like Charities and the Commons, and in widely distributed NCLC pamphlets with such dry if explanatory titles as Child Labor in Virginia and Farmwork and Schools in Kentucky. The publications might have had limited circulation, but their poignant photographs seeped into the popular press. For readers who did not spend their days walking the factory floor or supervising the sorting of coal chunks sliding down a chute, an incisive picture would stand out. Witnessing a photograph of a naive child climbing up barefoot into massive machinery or shadowed beneath big tobacco leaves sprayed with pesticides could easily stick in the mind. Hines 1917 picture of a 10-year-old boy working Connecticuts Gildersleeve tobacco farm, south of Hartford, shows him on his knees in an irrigation ditch between rows of what is probably the tough tobacco used for cigar wrappers. (More tender tobacco, shredded for the filling, was grown in the South, not New England.) Its the first picking, when three fully grown leaves near the bottom of the stalk are cut and stacked. First one sides plant, then the other's, would be picked and on the child would go, plant by plant in the humid, late-summer heat down lengthy rows covering acres of farmland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, the second tier of leaves would mature and the process repeated. Then the third tier was ready, picked while reaching up, and so on until, standing, the plant was fully harvested. The labors grueling tedium is stifling. My own first summer job as a kid in search of after-school pocket money was picking cigar tobacco on a Connecticut farm just north of Hartford. I was 14. I lasted less than a week. Hines tousled little boy, who looks forlornly into the camera with scowling dark eyes beneath a furrowed brow, likely had no such liberating choice. Read more: In Don Bachardy's vivid portraits at the Huntington, show business isn't what you think Todays drive to roll back state child labor laws is being pushed by conservative groups like the Foundation for Government Accountability in Naples, Fla., a well-funded anti-welfare organization. (Ironically, according to its 2023 tax filing, the CEO of the FGA, a nonprofit seeking to loosen child labor restrictions, received more than $498,000 in salary and other compensation.) In that tourism-dependent state, the Orlando Weekly reported that Gov. Ron DeSantis office wrote his states bill, saying changes made by the legislature last year to loosen working restrictions for minors did not go far enough. If passed, teenagers as young as 14 could work overnight hours on school nights or long shifts without a meal break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Miami Herald reported that, in defense of his plan, the governor explained to the Trump administrations border czar that a younger workforce could be part of the solution to replacing dirt cheap labor from migrants in the country illegally. The bill, he added, would allow families to decide what is in the best interest of their child. DeSantis asked, Why do we say we need to import foreigners, even import them illegally, when you know, teenagers used to work at these resorts; college students should be able to do this stuff. College students, of course, are adults, not children, their average age between 18 and 25. And the Child Welfare League of America notes that, in 2022, parents committed 71% of reported child abuse in Florida, so an appeal to family decision-making as a replacement for laws regulating child labor is fraught. The historical example of Lewis Hines exceptional documentary photographs and their beneficial impact on childrens lives would help illuminate the current, highly contentious subject. His work is found in many public collections. The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, N.Y., are two that hold thousands of prints and negatives. The Getty Museum in L.A. has more than 100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But theres a hitch: However much art museums today express a commitment to social relevance, their programming is the opposite of nimble. It takes years to produce and schedule an exhibition. Today's child labor fight might be over. If ever there were a vital reason for a virtual show on an art museums website to be presented and vigorously promoted, this is it. During the first Trump administration, the popular digital magazine Bored Panda did just that, mounting an extensive anthology of Hines riveting child labor photographs. Demand for cheap labor never goes away, but sometimes it crests. Were there again. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. For economists, Americas organ shortage is a perplexing public health problem. About 37 million Americans suffer from kidney disease, and more than 800,000 live with kidney failure. At this advanced stage, patients either receive a kidney transplant or remain on dialysis an expensive and often debilitating treatment for the rest of their lives. Of the more than 90,000 Americans placed on the kidney transplant waitlist, only about 1 in 4 in 2024 received a kidney. There are simple steps we can take to radically increase the number of kidneys available for transplant, but political and institutional inertia has stood in the way of these changes. By changing incentives for prospective donors and transplant centers, we could save thousands of lives every year. The first and best step toward this goal is passage of the End Kidney Deaths Act, or EKDA, a piece of legislation just reintroduced in Congress that would secure $50,000 in refundable tax credits for living kidney donors who donate to someone they dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, advocacy efforts have focused on increasing organ donation by encouraging people to register to be donors upon death. This is a noble cause, but not one that will ultimately address our nations kidney shortage: Fewer than 2% of people die in a way that allows their kidneys to be recovered for transplant. Fortunately, there is a better option. The gold standard treatment for end-stage kidney disease is a transplant from a living donor, which can last its recipient up to twice as long as one from a deceased source. Kidney donation is remarkably safe and getting safer donors have the same life expectancy as nondonors, and the operation has better outcomes on average than childbirth and appendectomies. Whats more, tens of thousands of brave people are willing to donate one of their kidneys in order to save the life of a loved one or stranger. Today, however, only a third of transplanted kidneys come from living donors. Why is that? One barrier to widespread living donation is a lack of willing donors. Despite the low level of risk associated with kidney donation, it remains an intensive process with a recovery time that can vary from four weeks to several months. Donation can also be expensive: Donors miss weeks of work during the evaluation, donation and recovery process on top of transportation and caretaking costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One 2019 paper by university researchers estimated that donors face financial disincentives in the range of $38,000. Programs that nominally reimburse donors for incidental costs are either means-tested against recipients or only offer reimbursement after donation, meaning donors must be able to afford lost wages and other costs upfront. In the United States, it remains illegal to provide donors with any valuable consideration for kidney donation. This not only prohibits financial compensation, but also prevents donors from receiving health care coverage or other benefits following donation. At the policy level, we can bring living organ donation to an all-time high by revisiting the National Organ Transplant Act, or NOTA, the legislation that makes compensation for kidney donation illegal. The EKDA, a 10-year pilot program proposed by the Coalition to Modify NOTA, offers a sensible, moderate approach to valuable consideration in the form of refundable tax credits of $50,000 for nondirected living donors. The credit would be paid out over the course of five years, at $10,000 each year, and mirror the support we already extend to other public servants, such as veterans, firefighters and adoptive parents. If the act passes, the coalition estimates that 100,000 Americans would receive healthy kidneys from living donors over the course of 10 years. Taxpayers would save $10 billion to $37 billion in averted dialysis costs over the same time period. Meanwhile, such policy reform would also help tackle a persistent disparity: the disproportionate impact of kidney disease on low-income Americans, who are significantly less likely to receive a kidney from a loved one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Importantly, this effort is being led not just by politicians or social engineers, but also by living donors and transplant surgeons people who are intimately familiar with the process of kidney donation and the struggles faced by donors and recipients alike. Often, we dont know how to solve big problems in health care. In the case of kidney disease, we already have some of the answers. By implementing commonsense reforms, voters, policymakers and medical institutions can team up to radically reduce death and suffering as a result of this devastating disease. ____ Steven Levitt, an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Chicago and co-author of the book Freakonomics, is co-founder and faculty director of the universitys Center for Radical Innovation for Social Change, known as RISC. Ruby Rorty is a senior analyst at the center. Together, they lead the initiative Project Donor, which draws on behavioral science insights to support living organ donors in Chicago and nationwide. ___ LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline will hold a hearing Friday to determine the future of Nye County Justice Court judge Michele Fiore, the disgraced politician pardoned by President Trump after a jury found her guilty of using fundraising money to pay for her own rent, cosmetic procedures and a daughters wedding. At this hearing, the Commission will determine whether its Suspension Order, entered April 14, 2025, is still warranted following the presidential pardon and, if not, to determine whether Respondent poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the public or to the administration of justice, the Commission wrote Friday. Fiore, suspended in July 2024 from her position as justice court judge in Pahrump, asked the federal court to grant her either an acquittal or a new trial after a jury deliberated for two hours and convicted her on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud in October 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court denied that request, saying her claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and insufficient evidence to convict her were not enough to undo the jurys verdict, which took two hours to reach. In sum, Fiores attempts to set aside the jurys verdicts are unavailing, federal court judge Jennifer Dorsey wrote in her opinion. Fiore also argued in her motion that her trial attorney was ineffective, and that the trial judge should have stricken controversial testimony from Fiores daughter, Sheena Siegel. Siegel ultimately testified in court, invoking her constitutional right not to incriminate herself for any role she might have played in Fiores criminal wrongdoing. Fiore promised a return to the bench on Monday, April 28, in the immediate aftermath of the presidential pardon but did not appear, telling the 8 News Now Investigators, who attended court that morning in Pahrump, that she would return to the bench once the procedural formalities are concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fridays hearing, it seems, would be among those formalities to which Fiore referred in her message. Her pardon allowed her to take a virtual victory lap, which Fiore did on social media and in a statement and further communication and criticism to the news media. When the facts dont fit their narrative, they simply ignore them, Fiore said of news reporters in a text message to the 8 News Now Investigators, claiming she was never convicted. Thats exactly why I no longer trust the press to tell the truth. Fiore was charged with and a jury found her guilty of wire fraud for raising money for statues for the fallen officers, and some of the high-profile citizens from whom she collected donations were Local 872 union boss Tommy White and Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, both of whom testified at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Connecticut state troopers and sergeants would receive 2.5% wage increases on July 1 under a deal approved Monday by a key legislative committee. The budget-writing appropriations committee voted overwhelmingly for two separate resolutions as lawmakers in the state House of Representatives and Senate voted separately. The Senate tally was unanimous as four Republicans voted with their Democratic colleagues in favor of the salary increase. House Republicans, however, largely voted against the package as they have called for a two-year wage freeze for state employees in order to balance the two-year state budget that is currently being negotiated as the regular legislative sessions June 4 end approaches. When the House Republicans unveiled their budget plan recently with multiple spending cuts, the Senate Republicans did not attend the news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police deal, reached with Gov. Ned Lamonts administration, covers about 880 troopers, sergeants and master sergeants who are in the troopers union. The total cost of the deal is about $4.4 million in each of the next two fiscal years, and the money has already been set aside in the reserve for salary account. A key point, officials said, is that better salaries help recruitment of high-quality troopers. Public safety Commissioner Ronnell Higgins said that the state police currently compete with local municipal departments on salaries, adding that candidates from as far away as Georgia have come to Connecticut to work in law enforcement. Compensation is a way to attract qualified candidates, Higgins told the budget committee in Hartford. It is also a way to keep those candidates as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, Higgins said, Connecticut state troopers are the most highly trained law enforcement officers in the state. This agreement between the state of Connecticut and the Connecticut State Police Union is another step forward in our effort to recruit and retain members of the states largest police force. Rep. Tammy Nuccio of Tolland, the committees ranking House Republican whose daughter is a state trooper, voted against the package as she was the primary writer of the Republican budget that calls for wage freezes for two years. At the same time, Nuccio said there are times when there is only one trooper in rural northeastern Connecticut, which can lead to long response times when the trooper is far away from an accident or emergency. One trooper, 74 square miles is not good enough for me, said Nuccio. In the northeast corner, youre risking it every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discussion of the contract spilled over into staffing levels, which has been an issue for more than 15 years. The state police peaked at 1,283 troopers under Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell in 2009, and the force has dropped by about 400 troopers as the numbers constantly fluctuate with retirements and new additions. With a class of 21 troopers that recently graduated from the police academy, the state now has 919 troopers with another 66 potentially on the way as they accept offers for the next training class of troopers. By July 2027, 147 troopers would be eligible for retirement, even though many continue working after the minimum retirement plateau, officials said. Retired Sgt. Andrew Matthews, who serves as the executive director of the troopers union, said troopers undergo severe stress at times in a dangerous occupation that can lead to post-traumatic stress injuries. Officials cited the death of Trooper Aaron Pelletier, who was struck on Interstate 84 in Southington while conducting a traffic stop on the side of the highway. The driver was recently sentenced to 18 years in prison as part of a plea bargain agreement, which generated criticism by members of law enforcement as a sentence that was too lenient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a dangerous job, Matthews told lawmakers. PTSD, PTSI post traumatic injury to the brain is a real thing. We have tried to reduce the stigma of asking for help. We dont punish people for coming and asking for help. At the peak, thousands of candidates would apply for the state police, Matthews said. Now, about 900 people might apply initially and eventually a class at the police academy might lead to 30 new troopers actually joining the force. Some lawmakers say the 2.5% increase could set a pattern for other state employees for future contracts. I think everybody knows this is an emotional contract for me, said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, a Newtown Republican who supported the contract. Were setting a pretty high bar for expectations. Overtime A key factor in the state police budget is the amount of money spent on overtime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest statistics from the state comptrollers office show that the state spent $378 million for overtime during the 2024 calendar year across nearly 50 departments in state government. The highest amounts were in the state prison system with $113 million in overtime, followed by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at $62 million and the state police at $60 million, according to the records. Among the top 25 individuals with the most overtime, 17 work for the state police, while six work in mental health facilities. The highest-paid was a state police dog handler, who received $439,000 overall, including the highest amount of overtime at $303,000. Through the years, he has handled dogs who search for fleeing suspects and missing persons at all hours of the day and night. Lawmakers were surprised to learn that nearly 1,700 state employees in all departments were paid more than $50,000 in overtime alone in the 2024 calendar year, while nearly 2,600 employees earned more than $40,000 in overtime in addition to their salaries. The state legislature voted in 2023 for a new, four-year contract that provides annual pay raises for troopers because many would-be troopers have been recruited by municipal police departments. With the state police lagging behind some other departments, the trooper trainee salaries were increased by 35% over several years. The trainees are now earning $67,279, up from $50,000 in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overtime has been an issue for years. While police and legislators often focus on starting pay for rookies, the amount earned by veteran officers is far higher. With overtime, more than 10 troopers were paid more than $300,000 in 2021, according to state records. More than 100 union members were paid more than $200,000 each, and a sergeant was paid more than $350,000 that year. Police recruiting has been difficult, advocates say, after anti-police rallies were held nationwide following the May 2020 death of George Floyd while handcuffed in police custody in Minneapolis. Scrutiny of police increased with bills passed around the country, including Connecticut, that many police officers said made their jobs more difficult on issues like police chases and searches. If we have the best troopers and officers, then we should be paying them, said Col. Daniel Loughman, the highest-ranking uniformed officer. A lot of these police departments are going back to 20-year retirements. The good, talented people are going to go where the money is. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com WEBSTER CITY, Iowa The Webster Theater in Hamilton County welcomed audiences back last week for the first time in 18 months after a fire next door caused extensive damage. Since 1906, the historic theater has been a staple in Webster Citys downtown square, and the community has shown its support many times. In the early 2010s, a difficult economy plagued Webster City. A washing machine factory, Electrolux, closed its doors in 2011 and moved to Mexico, taking away 500 jobs in the city. Many local businesses closed shortly after, including the Webster Theater in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the public soon rallied behind the theater, proving its importance to the community. Residents created the Help Entertain and Restore Organization, or HERO. The nonprofits purpose was to reopen the theater and operate it moving forward. Community-backed petition fails to save Insect Zoo from closure Community donations helped save the theater then, and now, over a decade later, the community pulled through yet again for this beloved, historic theater. In November 2023, a fire in Webster Citys downtown brought multiple crews to the area. The blaze took place next door to the theater, and it took crews over three hours to extinguish. Extensive damage was left behind, and standing water even flooded the theater floors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HEROs board president, Jeff Pingel, said the restoration process was met with a lot of waiting until they were able to begin. Thats why it took 18 months for the curtains to rise again at the theater. Pingel said the total restoration process cost was close to $2 million. While insurance helped, community donations are the reason they were able to reopen. The theaters front entrance still has a poster with QR codes that link to ways community members can donate to the restoration process. Another banner by the entrance lists the names of people who have contributed to saving the theater. At the bottom, it reads, Thank you to all the stars whove contributed to the Webster Theater! Without you, wed be closed. HERO wasnt sure how collecting donations again would turn out since they had asked for the communitys help only one decade before, but they were overwhelmed by the outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worlds changed a lot in a decade, streaming [has] really become a thing and you kind of wonder, would people still want to donate and to help out, and weve come to find out real fast that people want it back, said Pingel. The theaters soft launch was held on Thursday, May 1st, with a showing of Thunderbolts by Marvel Studios. Of their 100 seats, 52 were occupied. Audiences also came out to the theater throughout the weekend. Pingel said many were shocked by the theaters upgrades. While the buildings structure is the same, there are many changes. Upon entering the theater, there is a new color scheme and wall art. A design by the entrance highlights photos from the theaters history, connecting all different generations of movie-goers. Theres also a new light-up popcorn sign above their concessions stand. HERO also wrote the names of different donors on stars and posted them along the doorways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looks dramatically different, but still comfortably the same, said Pingel about the entrance. But then when you walk into the auditorium, thats like 100-percent different than what it was like in the past. Theres a new walkway in the auditorium, and the seats no longer split down the center. The seats were also upgraded to heated, reclining seats. Theres also a new screen in the theater that the board is calling one of the largest single screens in North Central Iowa. Diesel fuel spill reaches Little Walnut Creek near Waukee While plenty has changed, some has stayed the same, including their popcorn, which Pingel said is the best in Iowa because of their secret recipe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also kept their family-friendly prices. 2D tickets for adults cost $5 and childrens tickets cost $4. The price for all of the concessions is between $2.50 and $5.50, and theres even free small popcorn provided every Wednesday. The Webster Theater has a screening every night at 7 p.m., but according to its website, some movie times are subject to change. They have additional screenings at 2 p.m. on Sundays and 1 p.m. on Thursdays. New movies start screening every Friday. There will be a reopening celebration for the community on Friday, May 23rd, with the screening of Disneys Lilo and Stitch. Iowa news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) From Torrey Pines High School to the Northwestern Police Station in Carmel Valley, dozens of concerned families walked in protest with their children Sunday afternoon rain or shine, one foot in front of the other, sharing their fears surrounding the citys proposal to shut down the San Diego Police Departments Northwestern Division located in Carmel Valley. This proposal snuck into the budget, we found out about this two weeks ago. It was shocking when we found out, its not something we ever imagined that they would be proposing to close a police station, especially since the mayor has been very clear that his top priority in this budget was to preserve public safety, said Michelle Strauss, Carmel Valley Community Planning Board. In an effort to close a more than a $250 million budget deficit, Mayor Todd Gloria is proposing decommissioning the Northwestern Station that serves Carmel Valley, Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Hills, Del Mar Mesa, and Del Mar Heights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrol officers would be re-assigned to the University City and Rancho Penasquitos stations. This area covers 40 square miles, its huge. It starts over in Del Mar Heights and goes out to Black Mountain Ranch, and south to Sorrento Valley and up to Villa de la Valle, its a huge district. Northwestern was opened in 2007 because they didnt have enough coverage in this area, said Strauss. San Diego Police Department pitches closing Northwestern Division Its unacceptable. There have to be other options for budget cuts, this is not the answer, said Kerry Schlossberg, concerned parent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, some positions, including a captain, a lieutenant and one sergeant, would also be eliminated with the consolidation, according to the mayors budget draft. We already have some of the slowest response times in the city. When we call 911, we expected police to respond and respond fast, and thatll be a greater problem if we dont have that station open and patrol officers are reassigned to other precincts, said Strauss. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl maintains response times will remain a priority, saying the decision protects frontline services and helps the department to focus resources on where theyre needed most. City of San Diegos preliminary budget proposes cuts to arts funding, library hours and more Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These families arent accepting that as an answer. My biggest fear is that an incident would happen and response time would be too slow. We need to make sure police can respond and get there in time, Schlossberg. The San Diego Police Officers Association told FOX 5/KUSI in a statement on the proposed consolidation of the Northwestern Division, The communities in Northwestern Division and the surrounding communities will see service level reductions as officers are spread thin on an already understaffed police department. In San Diego it takes on average over 30 minutes for police to respond to a Priority 911 call. Cutting a police station and other patrol operations to achieve a few million in cuts is dangerous and irresponsible. Even the City of Los Angeles, facing an even worse budget deficit is taking the opposite approach and preserving sworn police positions. The Northwestern Division fields about 1,000 calls per month one of the lowest loads in the city. In comparison, the Eastern Division receives about 4,000 calls per month, while the Mid-City division gets about 8,500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group is also planning to protest outside City Hall on Monday as city council discusses the budget and makes any changes ahead of the revision that will be released in the next few weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KINSHASA (Reuters) - Congo and Rwanda have submitted a draft peace proposal as part of a process meant to end fighting in eastern Congo and attract billions of dollars of Western investment, U.S. President Donald Trump's senior adviser for Africa said on Monday. It is the latest step in an ambitious bid by the Trump administration to end a decades-long conflict in a region rich in minerals including tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium. The two countries' foreign ministers agreed last month, at a ceremony in Washington alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to submit the draft proposal by May 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But neither Kinshasa nor Kigali has publicly confirmed doing so, and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said on Saturday on X that the two sides' contributions "have not yet been consolidated." Massad Boulos, who is Trump's senior adviser for Africa and the Middle East, said on X on Monday that he welcomed "the draft text on a peace proposal received from both DRC and Rwanda," describing it as "an important step" towards peace. Washington wants to move quickly. In an interview with Reuters last week, Boulos said the plan was for Rubio to meet in mid-May in Washington with his Rwandan and Congolese counterparts in an effort to agree on a final draft peace accord. Before that accord can be signed, Boulos said, Rwanda and Congo must finalise bilateral economic agreements with Washington that will see U.S. and Western companies invest billions of dollars in Congolese mines and infrastructure projects to support mining in both countries, including the processing of minerals in Rwanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hope is that all three agreements can be signed in about two months, and on the same day, at a ceremony attended by Trump, Boulos said. FIGHTING CONTINUES The diplomacy comes amid an advance by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more. The United Nations and Western governments say Rwanda has provided arms and troops to M23. Rwanda denies backing M23 and says its military has acted in self-defence against Congo's army and a militia founded by perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi's government is engaged in separate talks with M23 facilitated by Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month Congo and the rebels agreed to work towards peace, but sources in the two delegations have expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations. M23 is not involved in the talks in Washington, though Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the rebel alliance that includes M23, told Reuters last week that "we encourage any peace initiative." Meanwhile, fighting in eastern Congo continues. Mak Hazukay, a spokesperson for Congo's army, on Saturday accused M23 of seizing the town of Lunyasenge on Lake Edward and said Congo "reserves the right to retaliate". (Reporting by Congo newsroom, Ange Adihe Kasongo in Kinshasa and Sonia Rolley in Paris; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Ros Russell) HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is celebrating National Bike Month this May by encouraging residents to go for a ride. CTDOT is participating in National Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 7. CTDOT is also participating in Bike to Work Week from May 11 to 17, with various activities planned. Connecticut wants you to drive less. Heres why Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State leaders said many communities participating in the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program have shown improved safety and accessibility for all students since its inception in 2005. A few updates from the SRTS team include: Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day incentives that registered schools can request online. SRTS expanded their bike and pedestrian safety and skills trainings to include an on-bike component. Communities and schools can request these services online. An interactive online map highlights all SRTS activities across the state Those riding bikes are also encouraged to participate in the 2025 Drive Less Connecticut Challenge through May 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) State lawmakers discussed Connecticuts youth and mental health crisis on Monday, a timely conversation marking the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon met with teachers, students, and public health experts to discuss what they are calling a crisis, not only in Connecticut but nationwide. Lawmakers look into rising insurance costs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre citing a 2024 report from the Office of the Child Advocate, which revealed that youth suicide rates are staggering and that the age of children dying by suicide in Connecticut is getting younger and younger. Weve had two suicides in the last month in Fairfield County, Gillian Anderson with the organization My Friend Abby said. This generation of students faces a unique challenge that generations before have not faced. Young people today are facing social media and academic pressures, along with anxiety and depression. This conversation comes after the Trump administration recently announced it will not renew Biden-era grants aimed at boosting mental health services in schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $1 billion grants were created under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Connecticut receives over $8 million in funding from that program, using the money to hire psychologists, counselors and mental health workers. The anti-gun violence law was signed after the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Officials claim the cuts are because the grants are not being used to improve students mental health, but rather have been used to fund race-based actions. Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers president is calling this a direct attack on the safety and well-being of children. Blumenthal said that Meta is using AI powered chatbots, simulating celebrities to have sexually explicit conversations with young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the Wheeler Clinic, a behavioral health provider, received nearly 12,000 calls from students in need of help, leaving counselors with the question what would help someone make that call earlier? Students at the conference at Farmington High School said that while theyre grateful for school counselors, their concern rises as they approach the end of the school year, as summer can be an isolating time for young people. Watch the full video in the player 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 WTNH.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Strong ties were established between Azerbaijan and Hungary, the Hungarian Ambassador Tamas Torma told reporters on the sidelines of the international conference Azerbaijan's pharmaceutical industry: yesterday, today, tomorrow in Baku, Trend reports. "This partnership is felt at every level I hear it in every conversation with the citizens of Azerbaijan. Our relations are truly strong and friendly, and the pharmaceutical sector clearly reflects this multifaceted connection," said the ambassador. He pointed out that it was the Hungarian pharmaceutical company that first supplied medicines to independent Azerbaijan in 1993. Besides, the company Gedeon Richter was the first to open its representative office in the country. "I'm proud that the Hungarian Egis company once provided medications for the needs of the Azerbaijani society and military personnel during the Karabakh war," Torma mentioned. The diplomat also emphasized that the current conference was unique in its format. One of the key areas was the development of cooperation with the company Pannon Pharma, which unites small and medium-sized Hungarian pharmaceutical enterprises that engage not only in manufacturing but also in scientific research. "This model of interaction between small and medium-sized businesses is particularly interesting. Currently, Scandens Pharmaceuticals, Azerbaijan Medical University, Pannon Pharma, and the University of Pecs one of Hungary's oldest universities with a history of over 650 years are planning to launch a joint educational program to train specialists for the pharmaceutical industry," the ambassador added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Conservative Republicans have spent more than a decade working toward a wholesale rollback of federal regulations and now they think they have the legislative battle plan to make it happen. Advocates of the rule-shredding proposal are seeking to give their legislation a coveted spot in the GOPs party-line energy, tax and border security megabill, a maneuver that would defuse the filibuster threat that has repeatedly thwarted their dreams. They say they have spent the better part of the past year crafting ways to ensure their latest iteration can pass muster in the Senate. The proposal would turn Congress into a gatekeeper for certain major rules and allow lawmakers to roll back countless regulations for the remainder of President Donald Trumps term, drastically transforming the way the federal government oversees everything from businesses and banks to health care and energy development. The House Judiciary Committee advanced it last week as part of the Republicans broader budget reconciliation package a potentially major step toward finally catapulting the deregulatory proposal to Trumps desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For those who say it would make a radical change, a radical departure from the status quo of rulemaking, Id say, Thank heaven above for that, said Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee (R-Utah). The language moving forward is based on the REINS Act short for "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny" which has become a rallying cry for the Republican base. But even though it's popular with conservatives, the provision's biggest challenges are yet to come. Moderates could balk at the proposal. It could also run afoul of strict Senate rules governing the reconciliation process, which allows the majority party to bypass the filibuster on fiscal-related matters. When asked by POLITICO's E&E News on Wednesday whether he expects the REINS Act to be in the final budget package, House Speaker Mike Johnson said simply, "I sure hope so!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moderate Republicans with the power to sink the bill such as Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine declined to weigh in on whether they would back it. And Democrats didn't put up much of a fight during the House Judiciary deliberations. The proposal would require any major rule that increases revenue to be approved via a joint resolution of the House and Senate before taking effect. It would also allow lawmakers to retroactively terminate countless rules that federal agencies have already implemented by requiring them to submit them to Congress for review. Rules that Congress does not approve would automatically sunset. The legislation would also allow Congress to repeal numerous recently finalized regulations through the use of a single resolution rather than repealing them one by one, as is current practice. It would be a war on regulations," said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the minority whip. To take that authority away from the executive branch would be a serious mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats and progressive advocates argue that the REINS Act could empower congressional majorities to reject regulations they oppose, allowing partisan divisions to effectively sideline rules crafted by dedicated experts across federal agencies. Supporters say lawmakers need to be able to sign off on certain agency regulations in order to check the executive branchs broad powers and ensure increased congressional oversight over rules that have significant impacts on individuals and industry. 'Countless meetings' The House has passed the REINS Act a number of times in recent years, but the threat of the Senate filibuster has tanked the legislation each time. That's why backers think the reconciliation package is their best shot for the foreseeable future. Lee, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) and other conservatives have met numerous times over the better part of the past year, holding countless meetings, running hypothetical scenarios to make the provision palatable to the Senate parliamentarian, Cammack said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trick with this is to get it through the Byrd bath, Cammack said, referring to lawmakers' shorthand for the reconciliation rules developed by the late Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd. The House is its own animal, Cammack said. The Senate is subject to [other] tests and so it really was just about rearranging the language to make it so that it could survive the Byrd tests. Paul, who introduced the Senate version of the REINS Act earlier this year, said Republicans are prepared to defend the provision before the Senate parliamentarian, if needed. "Our hope is to make that argument," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cammack and Lee, who voices support for the bill in the bio ofhis personal X account, declined to discuss the specifics of the defense strategy before having to deploy it. But they said they expect some version of the REINS Act even if heavily modified to make it into the final package. Moderate Republicans like Murkowski and Collins, who bucked their party on reconciliation-related votes earlier this year, declined to say Wednesday whether they would support the inclusion of the proposed language in the final bill. Murkowski said she is familiar with the REINS Act but declined to answer questions about it. Collins said she did not want to speculate about provisions that may or may not be in the final product. Other Republicans have said they will back the provision, even if it remains unclear that it will stay in in the end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know if it would survive Byrd, but I support the effort, said Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who first introduced the legislation in the House over a decade ago. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) called the push to get it into the GOP megabill a splendid idea. But Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, said during the markup that Republicans are trying to handcuff the agencies that work to make sure that our food and drugs are safe and our air and water are clean." Raskin also blasted the provision that would allow Congress to repeal numerous regulations through the use of a single resolution, asserting that such action would be used to hide the most destructive deregulatory votes among dozens of others, completely burying it in darkness. This is not what the American people are looking for, he said. Trump seen as on board REINS Act backers in Congress expect Trump to be on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, as the Senate was preparing to vote on Congressional Review Act resolutions to overturn Biden administration rulemakings on vehicle emissions, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said regulatory rollbacks would continue under his leadership. Weve made progress on reining in excessive regulation, and the American people can count on Republicans to continue our efforts, he said. We believe that regulatory power should be used judiciously, he added, and its why were committed to eliminating rules that impose unjustified burdens. Trump has not explicitly endorsed the REINS Act. But Cammack said the proposal has been brought to him multiple times and suggested that the presidents deregulatory zeal all but guarantees his support. President Trump is one of the most aggressive regulatory reform advocates out there if not the most, she said. I would say I'm pretty damn aggressive, but I'll take No. 2 after President Trump. The text of the Constitution is clear and so is the Supreme Court: All non-citizens on U.S. soil must be afforded "due process of law." "There are literally millions of aliens within the jurisdiction of the United States. The Fifth Amendment, as well as the Fourteenth Amendment, protects every one of these persons from deprivation of life, liberty, or property without due process of law," the late Justice John Paul Stevens wrote in a unanimous 1976 opinion. So, what does that mean in practice? Not necessarily a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump professes that he "does not know" the specifics but insists that it cannot mean "a million or 2 million or 3 million trials" for each person in the country unlawfully. Legal experts say Trump is right that the Constitution does not guarantee a "trial" for every migrant detained and ordered deported at the border or inside the country. In fact, migrants in the country illegally do not have extensive procedural protections from removal. (If they did, it wouldn't have been possible for ICE to deport more than 270,000 last year.) PHOTO: President Donald Trump during a meeting with Norway's prime minister Jonas Gahr Store in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, April 24, 2025. (Al Drago/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) MORE: 'Shocking': Experts question Trump claiming 'I don't know' about upholding Constitution But in every case, the law does require that the government take certain steps to ensure fairness and the safety of vulnerable individuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Detainees are entitled to notice and opportunity to be heard appropriate to the nature of the case," the Supreme Court unanimously stated last month in a per curiam (unsigned) opinion. The specifics, however, remain contested. Legal scholars say the type of "notice" and "hearing" historically afforded depends on an immigrant's status and circumstance, such as whether they had been lawfully admitted to the country in the first place, have deep ties to the community, or are seeking asylum. Anyone claiming refuge in the U.S. out of fear of persecution in their home country must be given a hearing before an Immigration judge and provided a chance to appeal an adverse decision. PHOTO: The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, Jan. 10, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) MORE: Trump says 'I could' get Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court also ruled last month that anyone detained under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 must be given a chance to seek habeas relief -- or, to challenge their detention -- "within a reasonable time and in such a manner as will allow them to before removal occurs." Similarly, immigrants that the U.S. plans to deport to third countries -- rather than their home countries -- must be given a "meaningful opportunity" to raise concerns about their safety, including at least 15 days to reopen their immigration proceedings, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Murphy, a Trump appointee, ruled last month. The administration revealed last month in a federal district court filing that it was providing detainees a one-page form in English that informed them of a right to make a phone call and that they had "no less than 12 hours" to "express an intent" to challenge their detention by asking for a hearing. The ACLU says that's far too unreasonable a timeline. PHOTO: Salvadoran prison guards escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the MS-13 gang recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the CECOT prison, in Tecoluca, El Salvador April 12, 2025. (Secom via Reuters) MORE: Judge says Maryland man's erroneous deportation to El Salvador prison 'shocks the conscience' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many cases, however, due process does not mean any opportunity to appear before a judge. Under the "expedited removal" program, which Congress created in 1996, the government is authorized to swiftly deport any migrants in the country illegally for less than two years and detained within 100 miles of the border without a hearing. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, anyone arriving at a U.S. port of entry without valid legal documents (i.e. a passport or visa) may be summarily removed without a hearing or review. PHOTO: Salvadoran prison guards escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the MS-13 gang recently deported by the U.S. government to be imprisoned in the CECOT prison, in Tecoluca, El Salvador April 12, 2025. (Secom via Reuters) The Trump administration has not been invoking the expedited removal program in the recent high-profile cases of Venezuelan migrants. Many of those deportations, including that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran man from Maryland sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador, occurred much farther than 100 miles from the border and involved migrants living in the U.S. for two years or longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrants who are afforded a hearing before an administrative law judge typically do not enjoy the same procedural guarantees as they might receive in state or federal court. "[A]n alien in civil removal proceedings is not entitled to the same bundle of constitutional rights afforded defendants in criminal proceedings," explained Circuit Judge Lawrence Van Dyke in a 2021 decision by the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. "Various protections that apply in the context of a criminal trial do not apply in a deportation hearing." The constitutional right to counsel, for example, does not apply to civil removal proceedings. The standards of evidence are much more lax, and most final rulings by immigration judges cannot be reviewed in federal court. The bottom line: Due process means some degree of notice and hearing in most cases, though the specifics vary widely and remain up for debate. With a number of legal challenges underway, the justices will very likely be weighing in in greater detail. And President Trump says administration lawyers are "going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said." What the Constitution, Supreme Court say about 'due process' for Trump deportees: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Pope Francis version of diversity, equity and inclusion had special importance for me as a Black man and a devotional Catholic. When he traveled to Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands, I shouted in joy. It was blunt recognition that the Catholic Church could no longer treat nonwhite nations as an afterthought. He sent that message again when he included Asians and Africans among the 21 priests and prelates he elevated in his 12-year papacy. As the New York Times pointed out this week, when Francis was elected, the voting cardinals represented 48 countries. Now as the conclave to replace him opens in Rome, 133 voting cardinals from 70 countries can cast votes in the Sistine Chapel. Will they take the next step and fill Francis shoes with a pope of color? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Dinner parties, listening and lobbying. What goes on behind closed doors to elect a pope Its hardly the first time such a question has been raised. In 2005, Desmond Tutu, then the retired Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, very loudly and very publicly demanded that the successor to Pope John Paul II, who had been born in Poland, be an African or Latin American. There was little chance of that happening. Pope Benedict XVI was German. But times and Catholics have changed. Francis, Benedicts successor, was the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years . Since Tutus call for diversity, the number of Catholics in the nonwhite, non-European world has skyrocketed. Now Europe and North America account for less than 30% of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, with Africa logging the highest increases in the Vatican's latest Pontifical Yearbook and Europe's "demographic dynamic" deemed "stagnant." Tallying Catholics by race and nation, though, doesnt tell the whole story of the radical shifts and hurdles facing the church today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catholicism is fiercely challenged in what were once rock-solid Catholic countries by a proselytizing evangelical movement and spirit that flatly rejects the dogma, teaching and practices of the church. That translates to money and power as well as mission. John Paul and Francis traveled tirelessly to shore up the flock, recognizing that millions of Catholics or converts could be lost to evangelicalism, or to Islam or other faiths, especially in nonwhite countries. Benedict tried to do the same, but as became increasingly apparent was physically not up to the demanding task. Read more: Trump draws criticism with AI image of himself as the pope ahead of the papal conclave And competing globally is only one of the problems that will test the next pope. Catholics remain racked by ideological, theological and philosophical battles over the issues of abortion, gay marriage, women in the priesthood and celibacy. The church has seen ever-declining numbers of priests and nuns, and shelled out more than $1 billion to settle sexual abuse lawsuits in Los Angeles alone, and not all the suits are settled yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis did not believe the church could simply stand pat on entrenched dogma and past practices. The word reformer headlined the announcements of his death around the world. And now the names of African, Asian and Latin American cardinals are among those bandied about as having the right stuff to head the church. The top non-European contenders could bring unique assets to the fierce competition with other religious faiths in developing nations. Read more: Conclave to elect a new pope will begin May 7 as cardinals get to know one another Some have experience bridging the Muslim and Christian divide, or in battling poverty, interethnic and religious violence and the damaging economic side effects of rampaging globalization. They could place strong emphasis on social and economic reforms in countries beyond Europe and the United States, and help the church atone for shamefully cheerleading colonial rule in these nations in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of all, an African, Latin American or Asian pope would send the strong message to practicing Catholics and prospective converts in all those regions that the church is committed to making them not only members, but policymakers of the Catholic Church. But simply changing the face of the pope without tackling needed change will not repair the churchs tattered image or park it in the 21st century rather than the 11th. Since Francis death, one question has dominated the talk of his successor will he continue to follow a path of reform or not? In my view, modernization is the only way to heal my still-ailing church. The conclave can do itself and the tens of million of nonwhite Catholics in the U.S. and worldwide justice by putting the right man of color in the top papal spot. Earl Ofari Hutchisons latest book is President Trumps America. His commentaries can be found at thehutchinsonreport.net. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. We humans, if we are to live intentional and thoughtful lives, almost always return to a series of timeless questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going? To answer those questions some turn to religion. Some to psychology. Some to literature. And others to history, philosophy or the arts. I have spent 30 years as a professor of history trying to answer fundamental questions about the history of California and its peoples. That work has largely been made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities, a small, underfunded government agency gutted by President Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency. It is impossible to quantify the vital role that the NEH has played in our national search for meaning and self-knowledge, but the endowments website begins to tell the story. Since its inception in 1965 by Congress, the NEH has funded more than 70,000 projects in all 50 states. It has made possible the research and publication of 9,000 books including 20 Pulitzer Prize winners, the creation of 500 film and media programs, and the editing and publication of the papers of 12 U.S. presidents as well as such towering figures as Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Willa Cather, Martin Luther King Jr. and Ernest Hemingway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In creating the organization, Congress sought to affirm and acknowledge that a healthy democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens and that the federal government must give full value and support to the humanities in order to achieve a better understanding of the past, a better analysis of the present, and a better view of the future. While it would be hard to argue that Congress has ever lived up to those words, the money that it has allocated has been vital to the humanities across the country. In what now appears to have been a Golden Age of federally funded humanities projects, over its 60 years of existence the NEH disbursed about $6.5 billion, all of it administered through a rigorous peer-review process. This averages out to about $100 million per year over three generations. Most of that funding has been parceled out in grants of $50,000 or less, and more than half of that funding flowed directly to individual states humanities councils. Funding the NEH has been a tremendously successful investment in our nation's cultural fabric that has enriched the lives of countless individuals and strengthened our union. Some of the projects, such as the publication of the papers of presidents, go to the heart of the ideas of those who founded the United States and have informed generations of scholars. Others, such as the creation of a database of the transatlantic slave trade , have touched the lives of millions and changed how the history of the U.S. and its peoples is understood. My own studies of colonial California have had a more regional impact, with a little bit of money going a very long way. In 1993 I was a graduate student struggling to write a dissertation on colonial California. Out of money and facing dwindling support, I was fortunate to receive a dissertation fellowship from the NEH that allowed me a final year to complete my thesis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was one of the first studies of colonial California anchored in Spanish-language sources and the experiences of Indigenous Californians. The fellowship allowed me to take chances, and in the book that the thesis became whose writing was also in part funded by the NEH I argued that California had its own colonial history that for reasons of chronology, geography, and teleology had been left out of our national narrative, one historically focused on the Founding Fathers and the 13 British colonies. It may just have been a few words in the books introduction, but that one statement and the book that it introduced were an early call for historians of colonial America to look beyond Virginia and Massachusetts and to work collectively toward a more comparative and continental vision of early America, one that today is widely embraced as Vast Early America. In the early 2000s I worked with the Huntington Library Research Division to secure a large NEH grant to help create an online database of all people Natives, soldiers, settlers, missionaries who were in one way or another affiliated with the California missions before 1850. The database has informed dozens of articles and books on early California and has allowed thousands of people to trace their own ancestry back to 18th century California pueblos, presidios and Native villages. In a real and life-changing way, that NEH-funded database helps people today understand who they are, where they came from and how they fit into contemporary California. In the 2010s, again with NEH support, I worked with a team of researchers to create visualizations of the movements of Natives to the California missions that have been featured in museums across Southern California and that allow us to see how California was transformed by Spanish colonization. And in 2022, I received an NEH-supported grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation that made possible the creation and installation of a new gallery exhibition at Mission San Gabriel that centers the history of the mission on Native experiences and helped decolonize the collection by inviting Native voices and Native practitioners into the curatorial process. Visited by 1,000 people a month, the exhibit again helps Southern Californians understand their place in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These projects of mine are just a small fraction of the NEHs contributions to the cultural fabric of Southern California. NEH funding in 2024 amounted to about $200,000,000, or 0.0029% of the $6.8-trillion federal budget. The savings in zeroing out the endowment are trivial, but the loss to our society today and to future generations will be incalculable. When each day brings new challenges to the constitutional order, the economy and the fabric of our society, and education and science are singled out for budget cuts and ideological conformity, more than ever, we need a robust humanities sector as we strive to understand and live up to the nations motto, out of many, one. As the congressional legislation creating the National Endowment for the Humanities articulated, the federal government has a necessary and appropriate role to help create and sustain not only a climate encouraging freedom of thought, imagination, and inquiry but also the material conditions facilitating humanistic inquiry. Wise words worth heeding then and now. Steven W. Hackel, chair of the Department of History at UC Riverside, is the author of, among other books, Junipero Serra : California's Founding Father. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Senate lawmakers on Tuesday will consider the controversial nomination of retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata to oversee military personnel policies, a key leadership post which has been open through the first 100 days of President Donald Trumps second term in office. Tata was originally nominated for the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness role in 2020 but withdrew his name from consideration after numerous inflammatory comments became public. Among them were Tatas labeling of former President Barack Obama as a terrorist leader and a secret Muslim believer. He also posted anti-Islamic comments on social media, drawing condemnation from military leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump later appointed Tata as Pentagon policy chief, getting around the Senate confirmation process. Upon his return to the Oval Office, Trump opted to nominate Tata again for the Pentagon personnel leadership role, a decision that will bring the fight again before the politically divided Senate Armed Services Committee. Monday, May 5 House Veterans' Affairs 3 p.m. 360 Cannon External VA Care Department officials will testify on medical care options outside the VA system and technology to help with scheduling those appointments. Tuesday, May 6 Senate Armed Services 9:30 a.m. G-50 Dirksen Nominations The committee will consider the nominations of Anthony Tata to be Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and Katherine Sutton to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy. House Homeland Security 10 a.m. 310 Cannon China Outside experts will testify on Chinese surveillance efforts in Cuba. House Veterans' Affairs 10:15 a.m. 360 Cannon Pending Legislation The committee will consider several pending bills, including the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. Senate Veterans' Affairs 11:30 a.m. 106 Dirksen Veterans Affairs Reforms VA Secretary Doug Collins will testify on proposed VA workforce reforms and cuts. House Appropriations 2 p.m. Capitol H-140 Air Force/Space Force Acting Air Force Secretary Gary Ashworth, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman will testify on the fiscal 2026 budget request. House Foreign Affairs 2 p.m. 2172 Rayburn Counterterrorism State Department officials will testify on counterterrorism efforts and future budget requests. House Armed Services 3 p.m. 2118 Rayburn Military Readiness Service officials will discuss force readiness issues and the fiscal 2026 budget request. House Armed Services 3:30 p.m. 2212 Rayburn Science and Technology Innovation Defense officials will testify on innovation efforts within the services. Wednesday, May 7 House Appropriations 10 a.m. Capitol H-140 Army Oversight Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George will testify on the fiscal 2026 budget request. House Armed Services 3 p.m. 2118 Rayburn Nuclear Forces Defense officials will discuss the state of nuclear forces and the fiscal 2026 budget request. House Armed Services 3:30 p.m. 2212 Rayburn Bldg. Air Force Projection Forces Service officials will testify on projection forces and the fiscal 2026 budget request. Thursday, May 8 House Armed Services 9 a.m. 2212 Rayburn Defense Information Technology Defense officials will testify on IT systems and areas in need of improvement. Senate Foreign Relations 10:30 a.m. 419 Dirksen Nominations The committee will consider the nomination of Caleb Orr to be Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs. After officials at Georgia's Clayton County Jail realized during a headcount that convicted murderer Julian Brooks Deloach was missing, they put the jail on "lockdown" and searched for him all night, according to Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen Deloach was found the next morning in a holding cell in the courthouse attached to the jail. He spent approximately 12 hours in the cell, which is unsupervised after 6 p.m. and has no bed A "mix-up" led officers to unknowingly leave Deloach there after he appeared in court, said Allen, who has proposed demotions and suspensions for the four cops at fault A Georgia jail went into lockdown after cops realized they had lost track of a convicted murderer only to realize that a severe mix-up had led to his so-called disappearance. One night in April, officials at Clayton County Jail in Jonesboro did a headcount and realized that Julian Brooks Deloach who was convicted of murder in 1984 was missing, prompting them to shut down the jail as officials searched for him, according to a report from ABC affiliate WSB-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After officers realized they could not locate Deloach, who was on loan at the jail from the state prison due to a recent misdemeanor, there was a jail lockdown, Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen told the Atlanta outlet. They searched every cell, every area of the jail, the sheriff said, adding that officers continued scouring the premises all night. Google Maps Clayton County Jail in Jonesboro, Ga. Clayton County Jail in Jonesboro, Ga. The following morning at around 7 a.m. local time, officials located Deloach. He had been left overnight in a courtroom holding cell following an appearance in court for his recent misdemeanor case, Allen told WSB-TV. The convict was alone in the cell for roughly around 12, 13 hours, the sheriff said, adding, Ultimately, by the time we reviewed cameras and backtracked and took us back into the courtroom where he was at, of course, hours had passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clayton County Jail did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Sunday, May 4. The Clayton County Sheriffs Office was unavailable for comment. The courthouse, which is attached to the jail, closes every day at 6 p.m., Allen said, and the holding cells are not intended to hold anyone overnight. And though the cells are secure, they are unsupervised when court is not in session, Allen told the outlet. There is no one actually monitoring that particular cell if there was a distress call, he said. Additionally, there are no beds, though Deloach had access to sinks, toilets and benches, the sheriff told WSB-TV. Clayton County Sheriff's Office Julian Brooks Deloach Julian Brooks Deloach Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. According to Allen, Deloach was left in the cell due to the errors of four officers: two correctional sergeants at the jail and two deputies who are assigned to the court division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was a mix-up of who was going to take the inmate down, the sheriff said, and ultimately, he was left inside the holding cell. Allen has proposed plans to demote the correctional sergeants and suspend the deputies, and though all four are allowed a hearing, three of the four officers have decided to waive that right, according to WSB-TV. Following his 1984 murder conviction, Deloach was released on parole in 2010, though it was eventually revoked, the outlet reported. Read the original article on People Dozens of officers across North Carolina will meet in Shelby along the Road to Hope starting on Monday. Officers are set to take a 280-mile bike ride through western North Carolina to honor fallen heroes along the way. The ride also includes a stop at the Kings Mountain Police Department around 10 a.m. Monday. The entire ride will last six days, and it will end in Washington, D.C. during National Police Week. (VIDEO: Bike Charlotte encourages commuters to give cycling a try this May) COLUMBIA, S.C. (WBTW) Conway Police Chief Dale Long will be the master of ceremonies at the 2025 South Carolina Law Enforcement Memorial, set to take place Wednesday in Columbia. The annual ceremony honors the officers who have died in the line of duty and officers that were still active or retired that died in 2024. It is set to take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. We encourage all citizens to attend this memorial as we remember those who dedicated their lives to guarantee safety and liberty for others, JJ Jones, executive director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, said. Their devotion and ultimate sacrifices to the citizens of this great state will never be forgotten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Long, who is also President of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, will be the master of ceremonies. Richard Edwards, also of the Conway Police Department, will take part in the tolling of the bell. Prayer, bagpipes and a memorial message are just a few things that will take place during the ceremony, a news release said. Members of the community are invited to attend to the event. * * * Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. HERMITAGE, Tenn. (WKRN) Hermitage residents will soon have another dining option available to them. North Carolina-based restaurant Cook Out will be opening a location along Old Hickory Boulevard on the site where a Fazolis once stood. The restaurant, which boasts an affordable tray of food offerings, including hamburgers, quesadillas, hot dogs, corndogs, barbecue sandwiches and chicken sandwiches, has four Davidson County locations, with three on the horizon including the Hermitage location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro Councilman for District 14 Jordan Huffman celebrated the upcoming location. Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More Its an exciting add to the OHB/Lebanon Pike corridor, he told News 2. Cook Out provides a very versatile menu. Theyve got everything from corn dogs to quesadillas to milkshakes, and I think its going to be an overall hit with the Donelson/Hermitage/Old Hickory community. The addition will be a welcome one, according to Huffman, as that area of town took a couple hits with the closure of the Hermitage Big Lots due to economic issues and the closure of the Hooters restaurant, which shared the same parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Cook Out location is very close to that, and its the first of a few new businesses that are going to be coming to the Hermitage area that I think people are going to be very excited about, Huffman said. I think that a good company like Cook Out seeing the potential is really exciting and it should give everybody in Donelson and Hermitage a lot of optimism about what is coming in the future. While a fan of the food himself, Huffman said he was also excited to see another late-night offering coming to the area, particularly for those who may work later hours, like those at TriStar Summit Hospital or first responders in the area working the shifts that conclude later at night. Increased DUI enforcement planned by Franklin Police Cook Out is only one step toward the future growth of the business and residential landscape, according to Huffman, as a little bit of everything is in the works to be added to his district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nearest announcement will come in the form of an exciting new restaurant addition, Huffman told News 2. We definitely need new restaurants in Hermitage. My district in specific really is lagging behind when it comes to restaurant options. Thats one thing that I ran on, was bringing new options for the area, and Im really excited to announce that in the coming weeks. A firm timeline for the construction has not yet been confirmed, but News 2 has reached out to Cook Out for comment. The restaurant website also lists an upcoming location in Antioch on Hickory Hollow Parkway and a South Nashville location on Harding Place as in the works. Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The Turkic Investment Fund (TIF Fund) is closely monitoring opportunities linked to the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route or TITR), sources at TIF told Trend. The Turkic Investment Fund, the first joint financial institution of the Turkic world, has officially launched operations following the enforcement of its Host Country Agreement with the Republic of Turkiye in November 2024. Since then, the Fund has been focusing on establishing a strong institutional structure and assembling a skilled team of professionals from across its Member States, the Fund noted. According to sources, TIF is currently progressing with its comprehensive investment policy, which will serve as the foundation for all financing activities. Once endorsed by the Funds Board of Directors, this policy will guide the TIFs investment framework, enabling the rolling out of its operations via different channels and products all aimed at facilitating trade and investment flows, supporting entrepreneurship across the region, enhancing connectivity and economic integration within the Turkic world and beyond. It was emphasized that while the Fund has yet to formally begin its investment activities, engagement with Member States is already underway. In Azerbaijan, discussions have centered on investment opportunities aligned with the national development strategies, including infrastructure, energy, sustainable agriculture, regional cooperation, and reconstruction in Karabakh, including through co-financing mechanisms. Similar dialogue is ongoing with all other Member States, including Hungary, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan. TIF is working on mapping potential intervention opportunities and priority sectors, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and green economy transition. In particular, the Fund is closely monitoring opportunities linked to the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route), which is gaining strategic significance as a key trade route between Asia and Europe, sources said. As was noted, the fund's authorized capital base, recently raised to $600 million, is seen as a strong starting point for a newly operationalized institution. TIF expects this figure to grow further through future accessions and capital mobilization, including via co-financing partnerships with national and international financial institutions. These partnerships will allow the Fund to scale its impact and deliver on its mission of fostering integrated Turkic prosperity. According to sources, sustainability will be at the core of TIFs strategic outlook. The Fund is committed to promoting projects that advance environmental resilience, economic inclusion, and responsible development. From renewable energy to cross-regional trade and logistics, climate-smart agriculture, and efficient water management, TIF prioritizes long-term value creation. It also supports regional initiatives such as the Organization of Turkic States' Drought Prevention Institute and actively participates in multilateral forums on climate action. Although there are no immediate plans for expanding membership, the Fund remains open to cooperation with other countries and institutions that share its principles. In the meantime, the focus remains on delivering tangible socio-economic results across current Member States. Representing a tangible example of economic partnerships, TIF and the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a business forum in Baku on 14 February 2025, the Fund said. Sources noted that international collaboration will remain among the top priorities of the fund. By partnering with trade unions, chambers of commerce, and development agencies, TIF aims to amplify regional economic integration and promote cross-border investment In the long term, TIF aspires to become a flagship institution of economic cooperation in the Turkic worlda platform that not only supports development within its member countries but also strengthens the regions global economic presence. With its strategic mandate, growing capital base, and commitment to sustainability, the Fund is poised to become a key driver of prosperity and integration in the Turkic region, the Fund concluded. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating two different police shootings that occurred Monday morning, both of which happened about 3 a.m. One of the shootings was fatal. The first shooting occurred about 2:50 a.m. at the Grand Regency of Jackson Park, an assisted living facility in the 1400 block of East 75th Street, where Chicago police said they responded to calls of a man with a knife threatening other residents in the building. Police said they went to the unit where the man lived in and attempted to speak with him. The officers said they then tased the man, who had a knife, but the tasers failed to subdue him. The man advanced toward the officers with a knife, which led officers to shoot the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A knife was recovered at the scene. A second police shooting happened in the Roseland neighborhood near the 10600 block of South LaSalle Street, according to COPA. At about 3:05 a.m., police officers said that they were responding to a call of a domestic disturbance at a residence. During the incident, police said an off-duty officer who was in the basement of the residence was alerted to the domestic disturbance. That officer went upstairs and confronted and shot at the suspect. The suspect was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition. No other injuries were reported and two firearms were recovered at the scene. The Police Department said it is cooperating with COPA to investigate both shootings. The officers involved in the shooting at the assisted living facility and at the residence in Roseland will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum of 30 days. MADRID (AP) Thousands of rail passengers in Spain were hit with delays after copper cables used in the signaling system of a high-speed line traveling south from Madrid to Seville were stolen at five locations, authorities said Monday. The theft, which happened late Sunday, affected dozens of trains traveling between Madrid and the southern Andalusian cities of Seville, Malaga and Granada as many people were returning home to Spain's capital after a holiday weekend. Copper prices are high on global markets, meaning criminals stand to collect big sums of cash from selling the material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transport Minister Oscar Puente said in an X post that he expected the rail line would fully return to its normal schedule between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. local time (1200 GMT and 1400 GMT). Droves of travelers crowded Madrid's Atocha station Monday seeking information about their trains from rail employees and screens with updated departure times. By 9 a.m, Alberto Valero and his family had spent hours at the station because of delays on services to Seville, where they were headed. Valero was on vacation in Spain from Mexico, and expressed frustration about the lack of information. We're here with tourists from everywhere France, Portugal, Valero said. Everyone is at a loss for what to do because of the total disarray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cable theft took place at five points on the high-speed line in Toledo in central Spain, Puente said on X, adding that Spain's national police force was investigating the incident. Spain's high-speed rail network has expanded rapidly and travels through large stretches of the country's little-populated countryside. The incident came a week after a blackout in Spain and Portugal grounded high-speed train traffic in Spain to a halt, stranding many passengers for several hours. Multiple people were removed from Rep. Mike Lawlers town hall in Westchester County during the chaotic meeting on Sunday night. Lawler, a self-styled moderate Republican and potential candidate for governor, spoke to about 600 constituents in Somers. It was the second in a planned series of town halls hosted by the Republican representative for New Yorks 17th District. This is what democracy looks like, Lawler said at the beginning of the event, which was met by groans from the audience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During one question about tariffs, a group of uniformed officers surrounded a woman in the seats. The crowd chanted Let her stay! Let her stay! during the standoff. Video obtained by NBC News showed the officers physically picking the woman up from her seat and carrying her out of the building. The woman was one of three people removed from the town hall by officers. A photographer with the Rockland/Westchester Journal News captured her flashing two peace signs as she was carried out. Lawler faced boos, jeers and groans throughout the contentious night, as he attempted to defend President Trumps policies in a moderate district. At another town hall last week in Rockland County, Lawler clashed with residents who criticized his support for a Republican budget that will likely force deep cuts to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawlers district was one of three nationwide that elected a Republican representative despite preferring Kamala Harris to Trump in the November election. Democrats consider the district a key target in the 2026 elections. With News Wire Services ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A local healthy restaurant chain is on the hook for over $7.8 million in restitution after admitting to falsely certifying its eligibility for a restaurant relief fund during the pandemic in 2021, the Department of Justice announced Monday. CoreLife Eatery, LLC, which has locations throughout New York, Pennsylvania and other states, including a Vestal location, will pay $7,809,373 for violating the False Claims Act. In 2021, Congress enacted the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying restaurants would be eligible for grants to subsidize their pandemic-related losses and stay in business. Under the program, any restaurant thattogether with its affiliated businessesowned or operated more than 20 locations as of March 13, 2020, was ineligible for RRF funding, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CoreLife, as part of the settlement for $7.8 million, admitted to owning and operating 29 locations as of the March 13, 2020, deadline. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund was created to support certain small businesses facing the economic hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, said United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. By submitting false information about its size to obtain a grant, CoreLife not only diverted funds from eligible recipients but also eroded public trust in critical relief efforts. Our office remains committed to enforcing the False Claims Act and holding accountable those who misrepresent their eligibility for federal funding, Sarcone III added. The relator in the settlement will receive nearly $1.2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34. (FOX40.COM) California is one of only five states in the U.S. that allow conjugal visits within the prison system, but after two recent deaths, could that soon be a thing of the past? Video Above: What are the most reported crimes in America? Conjugal visits, also known as family visits, are for incarcerated persons and occur in private, apartment-like facilities on prison grounds. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, they last about 30 to 40 hours and allow inmates to spend time with their parents, children, siblings, and most commonly, legal spouses. During visits with spouses, sexual relations are allowed. Camping World location closes amid controversy over flying American flag Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Department of Justice, besides California, the only states in the country that allow conjugal visits are New York, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Minnesota. However, with two recent deaths of women during the specialized visits, talks of putting an end to them in the Golden State are underway. This bad policy has led to the death of 2 women killed while visiting unsupervised, said Assemblymember David Tangipa. My office is committed to fight for normal, protect lives, and get rid of insane laws in California. Popular Sacramento brewery abruptly closes all three of its area locations amid lawsuit The two women Tangipa referred to are 47-year-old Tania Thomas and 62-year-old Stephanie Brinson, who died during conjugal visits in Northern California. Both of them were allegedly strangled to death. Thomas died in July 2024, and Brinson died in November 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Thomas domestic partner, Anthony Curry, 48, was already serving a life sentence for attempted second-degree murder. Brinsons husband, David Brinson, 54, was also serving a life sentence for murder. Prisoners serving life without parole get date nights, condoms, and up to four days unsupervisedOn Your Dime, Tangipa said. He is working on legislation to put an end to conjugal visits in California. If you are a murderer, why would you get the option to visit with your family? When I think about the victims family who will never get the option to see their family member again, Tangipa said in an interview with CBS47/KSEE 24. I think this is irresponsible. I think murderers need 24-hour supervision. I think they should not have conjugal visits. They have not earned it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Counselors will join students and staff on campus Monday at Osceola High School in Kissimmee, district officials say. The measure comes after a shooting left three students hurt over the weekend. According to the Polk County Sheriffs Office, the incident happened around 3:40 a.m. Sunday in Davenport. Investigators said a large group was involved in some sort of altercation. More than 100 people and multiple vehicles were along Famagusta Drive when gunfire rang out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PCSO reported three people were injured and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The agency said those hurt included: Female, 17 - Grazed on forehead by bullet Male, 18 - Grazed on shoulder by bullet Male, 17 - Debris in eye Later Sunday, Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, principal at Osceola High School, shared a statement on Facebook informing the Kowboy family about a tragic incident involving students at Osceola High. Channel 9 confirmed with the School District of Osceola County that the incident Kennedy referred to was the shooting in Davenport. While a normal class schedule is planned Monday for students, counselors will be on hand to help those who feel they need to talk to a professional about the incident, Kennedy said. We are mindful that tomorrow [Monday] begins both state and Advanced Placement testing, so please reach out to administration if your student has been affected by the events that took place so we can seek to make arrangements to ensure they are also supported academically by our team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PCSO said several proms and after-parties were happening around the area Saturday night and Sunday morning prior to the shooting incident. The victims names have not been released. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Opposition in rural counties is a major reason behind the lack of solar progress in the state. (Getty Images) Misinformation, myths and politics have contributed to Indianas lack of a cohesive, statewide policy on renewable energy. Seventy-two of 92 counties have moratoriums or bans on such installations, according to legislative energy head Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso. Several attempts this year to intervene against blockages died, but lawmakers are starting to recognize the need for diversification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as theres demand for renewables, if we cant have them here, well buy it from somewhere else our folks will be paying the transmission costs plus the possibility of more, said Soliday. He said organized anti-renewable energy movements travel the state, attending county commissioners meetings, adding that they can be quite unkind, threatening and so forth. While debate continues, the price of electricity is rising in Indiana. Once among the lowest in the United States, the state now ranks 28th for cost. Locals see things differently Decatur County resident and farm owner Albert Armand emphasized hes not against solar, but concerned about preserving valuable farmland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My view on these solar installations is that theres a place for them and the best place is not a corn field, he said. We have a lot of ground we could use. We can put solar panels on roofs, over parking lots if we install these on farm ground were going to eliminate a lot of crop acres. Larry Heger is another Decatur County resident who helps manage a Facebook group Decatur County Citizens Stop Industrial Solar & Wind alongside his wife. He described himself as against solar taking out good-quality farm ground. As an elected Republican in a conservative area that votes 78% Republican, we dont want the green energy stuff in our county. Ripley County Commissioner Mark Horstman Hegers group is primarily local landowners who, he said would live across the road from one of the projects and are very concerned about their landscape, how it affects their home value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claims hes encountered like, less than a dozen people supportive of renewable energy in Decatur County. Heger believes theyre the landowners who signed the lease. While Decatur County has discussed a solar-specific ordinance, its currently under a moratorium. County Commissioner Jeremy Pasel, a Republican, declined to be interviewed. Nearby Ripley County approved solar energy regulations last year. County Commission President Mark Horstman said the three-person body felt their county needed its own standards. We had caught wind that some landowners had signed up for commercial solar and some neighbors were opposed. We realized we were set to have the state solar rules in place, because we didnt have our own, he said. He said the area eyed for solar expansion was in the north part of the county, with a farm and housing development nearby. Horstman is among those who believe such installations lower property values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an elected Republican in a conservative area that votes 78% Republican, we dont want the green energy stuff in our county, Horstman continued. The people that elected me do not want it in our county. On the other side we dont have the demographics or topographies for it. We dont have vast lots of land in our area. So, youre basically telling somebody your biggest investment youre ever going to make, your home, now youre going to look at solar panels across the street, he said, citing a belief that the panels lower surrounding property values. Im not opposed if they want to put a 1,000 acre solar farm in the middle of 5,000 acres and two people live there, thats fine, but we dont have that type of area in Ripley County. Ripley Countys ordinance, Horstman believes, gives landowners room to negotiate while still requiring specific setback distances. I understand people have rights to do what they want on their land, but you dont have a right to put confined feeding in a residential area, theres rules in place, and renewable energy should be handled similarly, he said. He said he personally felt the ordinance should be more stringent but the three commissioners negotiated a compromise. Future of renewables Indiana Citizens Action Coalition Executive Director Kerwin Olson thinks these types of ordinances are holding Indiana back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cant seem to get legislation passed in any way, shape or form to encourage or incentivize clean, renewable energy, he said. Economics and technology are certainly not standing in the way. The barriers are political, and the barriers are the will to move away from non-renewables. Of course, the utilities themselves and the fossil fuel industry they have enormous influence in Congress and statehouses across the country, he continued. Citizens Action Coalition Executive Director Kerwin Olson testifies in committee on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Olson and other renewable advocates say Indiana needs to diversify its energy portfolio to both reduce prices and eliminate fossil fuels. Several have pointed to White County as a leader. The county currently has commercial wind and solar facilities, plus hydroelectric dams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its exploration of commercial wind began in 2007. Leaders reviewed ordinances and added language where needed. But, it wasnt really the county that was pursuing this, Republican Commission President Mike Smolek said. It was the local farmers that were pursuing this. The commissioners before me did their due diligence, continued Smolek. They went to California, Arizona, Texas to see how renewable energy worked in those areas and what could be done to enhance road use agreements and other items. My biggest fight these last couple years has been fear and Facebook. White County Commissioner Mike Smolek The countys first commercial wind facility launched in 2008. The county approved the construction of a large-scale commercial solar facility in September 2024, according to WFLI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But resistance to commercial solar and battery storage plus, plenty of myths and misconceptions has surged in recent years, per Smolek. My biggest fight these last couple years has been fear and Facebook, he said. You dont, as a normal, general citizen, get to see these things in operation, dont understand it they dont know whats going on, he added. And then you get people on Facebook that talk about stuff they dont really know about. Trying to get everybody on the same page, (give them) the knowledge that you know and teach them about it is a big thing. The prospect of small modular nuclear reactors have also prompted anxiety, Smolek said. White County Commissioner Mike Smolek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its human nature to be afraid, Smolek said. All we can do is educate ourselves and figure out whats best for us. The deciding factor is, we know we need power. Everybody depends on it. Every manufacturer, every household, every business all depends on this same grid. Thats among Olsons top two reasons why he says rural communities should consider renewable installations: Indianas currently an energy importer. Theres absolutely no reason we dont want to build more energy in-state and be energy independent. Thats good for everybody it brings down prices, and lowers consumers electric bills, he continued. With renewable energy, Olson said, you get an energy source that is not reliant on a fuel source and all the additional costs and volatility that come along with purchasing coal, purchasing gas, purchasing oil in the markets, operation and maintenance on the fossil fuel power plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But number one is the revenue. Renewable energy, he said, provides income for schools, roads, parks and more. It brings jobs to the community. The other main reason: We are an importer of energy right now, Olson said. Theres absolutely no reason we dont want to build more energy in-state and be energy independent. Thats good for everybody it brings down prices, and lowers consumers electric bills, he continued. With renewable energy, Olson said, you get an energy source that is not reliant on a fuel source and all the additional costs and volatility that come along with purchasing coal, purchasing gas, purchasing oil in the markets, operation and maintenance on the fossil fuel power plants. He acknowledged that studies on the impact to property values havent been conclusive. But he dismissed concerns about soil and farmland as completely junk science if you talk to Farm Bureau, the Purdue (University) agriculture folks. Nobody is saying were going to be 100% wind or 100% solar, he continued. When you invest you want a diverse portfolio. We (similarly) want a combination of all resources to ensure reliability, ensure resiliency to shelter ratepayers from the risk of being reliant on one source alone. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE As South Koreans prepare to elect a successor to ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, a court ruling against front-runner Lee Jae-myung has thrust the country which has been under interim leadership for the last five months into further uncertainty. Yoon, who was impeached for declaring martial law in December, was removed from office last month, triggering a snap election that will be held June 3. Since then, the country has been led by a descending order of deputies, including the prime minister, the finance minister and, now, the education minister. Lee, who until declaring his candidacy last month was the leader of South Koreas liberal opposition party, has been the clear favorite in polls. But his candidacy has been complicated by several criminal trials he has decried as politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These troubles came to a head Thursday, when South Koreas Supreme Court overturned a lower courts acquittal of Lee on charges he had violated the countrys election law which prohibits candidates from making false statements and ordered the appeals court to issue a sentence. Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office last month. (Associated Press) If the appeals court rules on Lees case before the presidential election next month, Lee may be forced out of the running. The Supreme Court ruling probably will also sway moderate voters who may prove crucial in clinching the presidency. It is a surprising turn that has drawn fire from Lees supporters, who say the Supreme Court is inappropriately putting its finger on the election scale. Of the 12 justices, all but two who both issued dissenting opinions were nominated by Yoon, a conservative. In the wake of the ruling, Lees opponents have called for his withdrawal from the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: South Koreas Constitutional Court removes President Yoon Suk Yeol from office Although the sentence has yet to be confirmed, Lees disqualification from the election is only a matter of time, wrote Lee Jun-seok, a conservative candidate. The Democratic Party should respect the Supreme Courts decision and immediately replace him as the party candidate. Many legal experts have expressed skepticism at the Supreme Courts decision, which was unusually swift. Lees first trial took just over two years, and the second took around four months. The Supreme Court, however, issued its decision after just eight days of deliberation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am doubtful whether there was enough time for the 12 justices to sufficiently review and debate the vast number of trial documents, wrote Hong Sung-soo, a law professor at Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul, in a social media post Friday. Even with help from research judges, there is still a minimum amount of time that this will take. South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo speaks during a press conference at the Government Complex in Seoul on Thursday. The presidential election will take place June 3. (Hong Hae-in / Associated Press) Under South Korean election law, candidates are prohibited from lying about themselves or their opponents and can face up to seven years in prison for doing so. Those found guilty are barred from running for public office for five years if their penalty is 1 million won ($717) in fines or greater. The two false statements Lee is accused of making date back to his second presidential run he lost to Yoon in the 2022 race and involve a controversial real estate development project in the city of Seongnam, where Lee was mayor from 2010-18. During his campaign, Lee claimed that a photograph showing him with a municipal official implicated in the project was doctored and that he didnt know the official. He also stated that he made a rezoning decision at the time under pressure from the central government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors indicted Lee, arguing the two statements were false. Read more: Will South Koreas sensitive country designation impair cooperation with the U.S.? The first court found Lee guilty in November. But the appeals court disagreed four months later, saying that Lees claims should be understood as subjective viewpoints, rather than factual statements. Many legal scholars have argued that this provision in the countrys election law which politicians from both sides have weaponized against their opponents violates both the spirit of free political expression and the prerogative of citizens to judge the truthfulness of their leaders statements on their own terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the warning issued by the two Supreme Court justices who voted against the ruling against Lee. The various statements that are made during the course of an election are a mixture of facts, opinions and judgments that, existing within the context of political interests, cannot always be clearly defined as true or false, they wrote. But the judiciary is nonetheless still responsible for maintaining political impartiality, and for it to intervene in this mixed-up realm of politics and sort truth from falsehood is itself an act that compromises its political impartiality. 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. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 5. KazMunayGas (KMG) is implementing an ambitious gas strategy for the period 20242030, aimed at significantly increasing natural gas production and processing in Kazakhstan, Trend reports. This information is outlined in KMGs latest company report. "The plan is to increase gas production from the current 3.2 billion cubic meters to 8.9 billion cubic meters per year. To achieve this, the Company intends to develop gas infrastructure, modernize gas processing plants, and create a unified gas accounting system. One of the key objectives is also to boost the volume of associated gas processed into commercial and liquefied natural gas," the company stated. KMG also noted that a detailed action plan was developed in 2024, which includes geological exploration of new fields and the construction of necessary facilities. To stimulate gas production and improve the profitability of gas extraction and processing projects, new pricing mechanisms have been introduced, taking into account both domestic and export gas prices. Additionally, Kazakhstans Ministry of Energy has supported KMGs proposals to raise prices for commercial gas. The Coweta County School System announced that its computer network had been targeted in an apparent cyberattack on Friday night. According to the district, the incident is now under investigation by its security partners and was reported to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. As a result of the intrusion, the district said some of its network processes will be hampered in the coming days, and school system employees have been advised not to access desktop devices while the matter is being investigated. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Despite the impact on the school system, district officials said school will continue as normal this week, including Advanced Placement testing, which starts Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milestones Testing will also proceed as planned on Tuesday, officials said. TRENDING STORIES: Many basic school operations - including student Chromebook access and use, Wi-Fi access and phones - have not been impeded by this situation, the district said. Officials added that it did not appear any personal information was compromised during the reported intrusion, though the investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the system was alerted to unauthorized network activity on Friday night around 7 p.m. When the intrusion was found, the IT department and security partners immediately took the system offline to stop the activity and find the source. Now, access to the school systems internal network will be restricted as authorities investigate and monitor the situation. Coweta County School officials said they will provide updates to parents and employees as more information becomes available. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CHICAGO A man armed with a knife was fatally shot by police early Monday morning at a center for adults living with disabilities on the citys South Side, according to the Chicago Police Departments latest report. CPD had confirmed earlier to WGN-TV that an officer-involved shooting happened just before 3 a.m. on the upper level inside the Grand Regency of Jackson Park Supportive Living facility in the 1400 block of East 75th Street. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) also confirmed that it responded to an officer-involved shooting at the location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 19-year-old from Edgewater faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault In its latest update confirming the shooting was fatal, CPD said officers responded to the facility just before 3 a.m. Monday to a call of a person with a knife threatening residents. Officers located the unit where the offender resided and attempted to speak with him. Police say the man was a resident of the facility. After gaining access, police say the officers were confronted by the man, still armed with a knife. Officers deployed their Tasers, but the offender was not subdued, according to police. The offender remained armed with a knife and advanced at officers, at which time they shot him, according to police. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and police say a knife was recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPD earlier told WGN that no officers were injured in the incident, and the incident was captured on body-camera video. The identity of the man shot and killed by police has not yet been released. Well get the full scope of what went down and my number one priority is not just creating constitutional policing, but making sure we ensure absolute confidence between out local law enforcement and the community, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said. These cases will be investigated thoroughly by all of the respective bodies. Ill have a deeper conversation with the superintendent to get a better understanding of what went on. Visitors told WGN they were denied access to the facility Monday morning and couldnt visit residents. A manager with the facility declined to discuss the incident with WGN. Several squad cars and a van that detectives were working out of remained on scene up to about eight hours after the incident before clearing it late Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The specifics of the incident, including the comprehensive use-of-force investigation, are being investigated by COPA, with the full cooperation of CPD. The officer(s) involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum period of 30 days. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Four years ago, Sherry Nicholas was found dead inside her apartment at the same facility where Monday mornings incident happened. That case remains unsolved. The Nicholas family told WGN-TV they have a cousin who still lives at the Grand Regency of Jackson Park Supportive Living facility that has reportedly told family members he feels unsafe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has said theyve jumped on him. I asked, How can I help you report it to the police? The police didnt do anything about it, Jerry Nicholas, Sherrys cousin, said. I feel kind of sorry for them. I feel like they need extra security and if not, they should close the facility down so this wont keep happening, Wendy Nicholas said. A spokesperson for the facility issued the following statement in light of Mondays incident: Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this event. The wellbeing and safety of our residents, staff, and community remain our highest priority. We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation, and we are committed to supporting our residents and staff throughout this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COPA also confirmed that officers responded to a different officer-involved shooting early Monday morning, this one involving an off-duty officer in Roseland. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CRESTON, Iowa The Creston Police Department is searching for a driver involved in a hit-and-run with a motorcycle on Saturday. The accident happened at approximately, 9:01 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 34 and Wyoming Street in southern Creston, according to the Creston Fire Department. The incident involved a motorcycle that was down in the roadway. Diesel fuel spill reaches Little Walnut Creek near Waukee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creston Emergency Medical Services treated the motorcyclist, who was transported to the hospitals heliport before being airlifted to a Des Moines hospital. Authorities are searching for another vehicle, described as a dark pickup truck, believed to be involved in the accident. The highway was closed for a time after the accident while the CFD cleaned up debris and local law enforcement investigated. Greater Regional Healths Medic 1 and 2, Creston Police Department, Union County Sheriffs Office, and Creston Fire Department all 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 who13.com. Ohio U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan stands with dozens of people calling for stopping the vote count in Pennsylvania on Nov. 5, 2020 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio wanted to slip a sweeping measure into a spending bill that would gut the Federal Trade Commission. Critics say its no coincidence that the FTC is suing mammoth health care conglomerates and tech giants like Amazon. Jordan is chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee. Last week, it released a version of a bill that included tax cuts, federal spending cuts and more spending at the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also contained provisions that would give Trump sweeping new powers to gut government regulations. It would also transfer funds and personnel currently controlled by the FTC to the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department without the FTCs unique enforcement authority going with them. The measure was abruptly nixed, but it would have effectively killed antitrust powers Congress created more than a century ago. The FTC history Amid abuses to consumers by big corporations, the Federal Trade Commission Act was passed in 1914. Antitrust enforcement by the Department of Justice dates back further, to 1903. But the Justice Department is overseen by the attorney general, a presidential appointee. Attorneys general traditionally have had a high degree of independence, but Trump is said to be politicizing the Justice Department at a breakneck pace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FTC was created in part to be more independent. Its governed by commissioners from both parties who are appointed to fixed terms that can be renewed. Earlier this year, Trump tried to fire the two Democratic commissioners, but they say the move was illegal, and theyre fighting it in court. Antitrust advocates said Trump was doing that as a favor to his billionaire supporters such as Elon Musk. The two Democratic commissioners, Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter, acted to block the Kroger-Albertsons mega-merger, and they voted to sue Amazon, saying it is illegally maintaining monopoly power. Under Jordans leadership, the Judiciary Committee in 2023 attacked the FTC on behalf of Musk. Hes the worlds richest man, whom Trump is allowing to make deep cuts to federal programs for the elderly, veterans, the poor, and agencies that promote science and health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THE WEAPONIZATION OF THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION: AN AGENCYS OVERREACH TO HARASS ELON MUSKS TWITTER, read the all-caps title of the Jordan-led committees report. A year earlier, the FTC had charged Twitter with using deceptively gathered data from users to target ads at them. If true, it would be added to the fact that an unofficial, Musk-run entity is now collecting much more sensitive government data. Its raised concerns among several federal judges who said such collections invite abuse and likely violate the law. One of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency lieutenants working in the Social Security Administration has been pushing dubious claims about noncitizens voting, apparently using access to data that court records suggest (the so-called Department of Government Efficiency) isnt supposed to have, NPR reported earlier this month. The proposal from Jordan to gut the FTC could have halted major initiatives to regulate giant health conglomerates that own powerful pharmacy middlemen, said Bedoya, one of the commissioners Trump is trying to fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordans office didnt respond to a request for comment on this story. PBMs Each of the three conglomerates UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health and Cigna-Express Scripts is among the 15 largest corporations in the United States. Each owns a top-ten health insurer and each owns a pharmacy middleman known as a pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM. Combined, the PBMs control nearly 80% of the insured drug transactions in the United States. They decide which drugs are covered and use that power to extract rebates from drugmakers. They also determine varying reimbursements to pharmacies including ones owned by their parent companies as well as the pharmacies with which they compete. Critics including four-fifths of state attorneys general say they have a conflict of interest under the arrangement, and that they abuse it. Last October, the FTC sued the conglomerates, saying they used their dominance in multiple parts of the marketplace to illegally jack up the price of insulin a drug millions of diabetics need to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit comes after the agency in 2022 undertook a major investigation of the health conglomerates. In January, it released an interim report accusing the PBMs of using their dominance to instigate wild price hikes and possibly steer business to affiliated pharmacies. Politico recently reported that Jordan said his move to consolidate the FTC into the Justice Department was meant to address the cost of over-regulation. Part of our jurisdiction in Judiciary deals with regulatory concerns and so we are looking at spending and costs associated with certain regulations. Thats why that language is written the way it was, Politico reported him as saying. Many businesses facing regulation and their advocates in government have long focused only on the costs. But government regulation can also protect health, safety, the environment, economic stability and competition. Some researchers have said regulation can always be smarter, but its benefits far outweigh the costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post last week, Bedoya, the FTC commissioner, said Jordans proposed changes to the agency served another agenda. This will gut the FTC, Bedoya wrote. FTC is trying to finish a study that already showed how pharmacy middlemen mark up cancer drugs by up to 4,000%. Its also suing them for allegedly competing to raise insulin prices. If this passes I have no idea whatll happen to that study and lawsuit. Bedoya added, Take the lawsuit. The draft bill purports to transfer FTC lawyers and lawsuits to DOJ but it doesnt transfer the laws that FTC enforces, or authority to enforce those laws. Look (at) page 98 employees, assets, funding but no authorities. Bedoya also said that when it created the FTC, Congress meant to augment the governments antitrust powers. Jordans changes would remove the governments ability to police unfair methods of competition, Bedoya said, implying that Jordan was trying to slash the governments power to police wealthy corporations in an era when the political influence of the mega-rich is exploding and the wealth gap is yawning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose behind the FTCs creation in 1914 was to supplement the existing enforcement mechanism (and enforcement gap created by) the Department of Justice, Bedoya said on X. When FTC was created in 1914, it alone was authorized to stop something called unfair methods of competition. DOJ did not get this under Jordans proposal. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE May 4ROCHESTER A crowdfunding campaign raised more than $340,000 for the family of a 5-year-old child who had racial slurs directed toward him at the local park. The Rochester Branch of the NAACP announced in a press release on Saturday night, May 3, that the GoFundMe campaign was stopped at the request of the boy's family . The campaign, which had a goal of $250,000, garnered $341,484. "From the beginning, this campaign was rooted in a powerful truth: no child should ever be dehumanized, and love must always be louder than hate," the release said. "People from across the country and around the world responded, sending a clear message that this child, this family, and this moment matter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowdfunding effort comes after a viral video in Rochester depicted a man confronting a woman for calling a Black child a racial slur at the Soldiers Field Park playground. Though the original video was taken down, Michael McWhorter, known online as TizzyEnt, reposted it Wednesday, April 30, to his more than 9.5 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube. The video had more than 10.1 million views as of Friday morning. Wale Elegbede, president of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, called the video "deeply disturbing," and the local NAACP branch has requested that the incident be investigated. The Rochester Police Department is aware of the video and is "gathering information and actively looking into the matter," Amanda Grayson, communications coordinator for the department, told the Post Bulletin on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funds from the campaign are going to "legal redress and social justice efforts" and "legal advocacy, accountability, and restorative efforts" for the child and his family, according to the GoFundMe page. The NAACP said all of the money, minus standard GoFundMe fees, will be given to the family in a trust account with the parents serving as executors. "The responsibility of the trust account will rest solely with the family," the release said. "We want to be clear: No member of the Rochester Branch of the NAACP has received or will receive funds from these donations," the release said. "We stand in full solidarity with the child and his family and with all those who believe in building a community where dignity, justice, and love prevail. We are united in saying 'Not In Our Town.' " Another crowdfunding campaign Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement was created by the woman who claims to be in the video. In the crowdfunding campaign created by the user "Shiloh Hendrix," she claims her Social Security number, home address, phone number and place where she works out have all been leaked to the public. Hendrix alleges the child stole from her son's diaper bag. She also claims the individual who stepped in to film the video proceeded to follow her to her car and that the man has a criminal history. The Post Bulletin has attempted to reach out to the individual who recorded the video. Hendrix has upped her goal to $1 million. As of Saturday night, more than $500,000 has been given to her campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate crowdfunding fundraiser in response to Hendrix's campaign was created Friday morning, May 2, by Non-Profit Wrench Inc. The Kasson-based business aims to raise money for "local BIPOC clients of Non-Profit Wrench Inc. dealing with poverty," the fundraiser said. The GoFundMe campaign, called "Stand Against Racism: Help Rochester BIPOC Thrive," set a goal of $25,000. The viral video marks the third prominent incident involving race to happen in Rochester over the past year. In April 2024, a racial slur was spelled out using plastic cups in the chain-link fence on the pedestrian bridge over East Circle Drive near Century High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After RPD learned the identities of the four teenagers responsible for the act, former Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem said his office would not file charges in the case . While the incident was offensive, Ostrem wrote at the time, it has protection under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Four months later, in August, Rep. Kim Hicks, a first-term DFL member of the Minnesota House, found racist graffiti painted on her shed , a swastika on a window of her home, and paint over all but one of the surveillance cameras around her house. For Americans planning cruise ship vacations this spring or summer, there could be reason to worry about more than rough seas, experts say. Recent government cuts included top staff at the Vessel Sanitation Program, which is run by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and conducts inspections and investigates illnesses. The reductions, part of larger Trump administration cuts, come amid a surge in cruise ship outbreaks fueled by a new strain of norovirus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far this year, there have been 16 illness outbreaks reported on cruise ships in the CDC's jurisdiction, mostly from norovirus, compared with 18 outbreaks in all of 2024 and 14 in 2023, VSP reports show. U.S. officials conducted nearly 200 inspections of 150 ships last year. Certainly its something that would be on my mind if was getting ready to get on that cruise ship, said Donald Schaffner, a food science expert at Rutgers University. Here's what you need to know about staying safe on board: What happened to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program? U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched a broad restructuring of the nations health agencies in April. The move eliminated the CDCs Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, which housed the cruise ship vessel program, along with others focused on asthma, air quality, lead exposure in children and other issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four full-time CDC staff, including scientists, were dismissed, said Erik Svendsen, the divisions fired former director. The program also employed 12 U.S. Public Health Service commissioned officers, who remain. The officers, however, lack the expertise of the scientists who were let go, Svendsen said. In addition, the program was already understaffed, he said. Its going to put them back many months before theyre really functional again, he said. A CDC spokesperson said in a statement that the VSP work has not stopped. Critical programs in the CDC will continue under Secretary Kennedys vision to streamline HHS to better serve Americans, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How often do cruise passengers get sick? About 18 million people board cruises in North America each year, part of nearly 32 million passengers worldwide, according to the Cruise Lines International Association, an industry trade group. Cruise industry officials say the chance of contracting a gastrointestinal illness is far greater on land than on a ship. Norovirus is the most common ailment tracked on ships, though other outbreaks do occur. Of the 19 million to 21 million norovirus illnesses that occur each year in the U.S., less than 1% are tied to cruises, said Lee-Ann Jaykus, a North Carolina State University food microbiologist and virologist who has studied norovirus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even that fraction of cases can mean misery for many hundreds of people on ships who come down with symptoms that include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain that can last three days, according to the CDC. Norovirus is highly contagious, often spread by food or on surfaces, particularly in crowded conditions. It is a short-lived illness for many people, but it can be dangerous for people with underlying health conditions, young children and those aged 65 and older. What about this new strain of norovirus? There are many different types of norovirus, but typically one dominant strain causes illness outbreaks, Jaykus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, a new epidemic strain has emerged, called GII.17. This version has circulated at low levels for years, but it was behind a surge in U.S. norovirus outbreaks this past winter. Between Aug. 1 and April 9, more than 2,400 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks were reported to a CDC monitoring system, roughly double for the same period a year earlier. The GII.17 strain has been responsible for nearly 80% of them, the CDC reported. Its new to the population, Jaykus said, which means most people don't have immunity to the germ, so it can spread more widely. I booked a cruise! How can I keep from getting sick? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People infected with norovirus typically shed literally billions of viral particles, said Schaffner, the food safety expert. And it only takes a few viral particles to make someone sick. The first rule should be for sick people to stay home, he said. That's not possible on a cruise. If people get sick on a cruise ship, theyre required to report the illness and isolate themselves, but many fail to do so. You spent all this money for a fancy cruise and youre feeling a little bit under the weather, so you tough it out, Schaffner said. But in the meantime, now you spread the virus." Passengers should be alert for signs of illness, even in other travelers. Vomit, for instance, can spread norovirus particles into the air, Schaffner noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre in a situation where you see someone vomit, immediately walk away from them, ideally into the wind, he said. Washing hands frequently is key, especially after using the bathroom or before eating and drinking. Using soap and water is best; wash for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing well. Hand sanitizer alone doesnt work well against norovirus, the CDC notes. Cruise lines have extensive sanitation protocols in place that are monitored through the CDCs vessel program, which is paid for by industry through inspection and other fees that total tens of thousands of dollars per ship per year. It remains to be seen how cuts to the program will affect inspections and outbreak investigations in the future, Schaffner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to have no disease outbreaks, all you have to do is fire all the epidemiologists, he said. And there'll be no one there to investigate. ___ 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. A man wanted as a fugitive in multiple states who was arrested last week has been charged in two stabbings in Bridgeport. Nicholas Allwood, 27, was charged Monday with attempted murder and two counts each of first-degree assault and carrying a dangerous weapon, according to the Bridgeport Police Department. Police said Allwood has been accused of stabbing the same man twice. The first incident was reported at the intersection of Iranistan Avenue and State Street on Feb. 10. The second was reported last Wednesday on Hanover Street about two hours before Allwood was apprehended. The victim, a Bridgeport resident, suffered serious injuries during both attacks, police said, declining to release the motive for the alleged assaults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, Allwood calls himself Hot Head and used an alias when he was shot on Gregory Street on Easter morning. He was identified with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Authorities found that he had multiple warrants out for his arrest and conducted a two-hour manhunt for him, which led authorities to a home on Gregory Street where they saw a woman who was allegedly being held captive run from the home. Police said Allwood was armed with a knife as he chased the woman, who was not injured. Authorities were preparing to enter the home in search of Allwood and said they were not aware that he had a woman hostage. Police were able to wrestle away the knife from Allwood, who has been in custody since. He was arrested on charges of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, carrying a dangerous weapon, first-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree threatening, assault on a public safety officer and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. Allwood has several extraditable felony warrants from numerous states, including one charging him with attempted murder out of New York, according to police. He also has a federal warrant issued by the U.S. Marshals Service charging him with felon in possession of a weapon and is wanted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencys New York Field Office Allwood was also charged with four counts of being a fugitive from justice, police said. A man who tried eluding state troopers during a pursuit that began in East Hartford struck a trooper and lost control of his vehicle before crashing into a guardrail on Sunday, state police said. The incident began unfolding at 12:50 a.m. when a trooper on Interstate 84 East spotted a driver in a black Acura MDX SUV fail to stay in one lane as he took the exit ramp to Route 2, according to Connecticut State Police. The driver was allegedly seen sharply swerving over the solid white line of the shoulder before overcorrecting into the right and left lanes, state police said. The trooper then allegedly saw the driver on Route 2 continuously drifting from its lane, at which point they tried to pull the vehicle over, state police said. The driver initially appeared as though he was going to stop, slowing down and moving to the right, before allegedly speeding up and continuing, according to state police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trooper alerted other units of the situation and continued following the Acura as he reportedly went between 60-70 mph, state police said. The driver then got off Route 2 and cut across Route 3 South, disregarding a red light, state police said. The vehicle was later seen getting onto Interstate 91 South. Two additional troopers joined the pursuit in the area of Exit 24 where they tried to box the driver in. Dashboard camera video released by state police shows the Acura driver attempting to get around a trooper who was able to get in front of him and start slowing down. Both vehicles move from side to side across all three lanes before the Acura driver can be seen passing the trooper on the right side using the shoulder, the video shows. As he does, the Acura strikes a troopers cruiser and the driver loses control, spinning from the right side of the highway all the way to the left and into a wire rope guardrail in the center median, the video shows. According to state police, the driver was identified as 28-year-old Daniel Henderson of Vernon. He initially did not report any injuries and surrendered to authorities, state police said. Troopers allegedly saw what they believed were clear signs of impairment, including pinpoint pupils and profuse sweating consistent with narcotics use, state police said. Troopers also found that Hendersons license was suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson was taken into custody and, as he was being brought to the Troop H state police barracks, he reported being injured, state police said. According to state police, he allegedly admitted to using his cell phone and not wearing a seatbelt. Henderson was taken in an ambulance to a hospital. He was later charged with failure to wear seatbelt, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to maintain the proper lane on a limited access highway, failure to stop on the right side of the road, operation of a motor vehicle using handheld electronic device, failure to obey a traffic control signal, operating a motor vehicle without a license, operating a motor vehicle with unsafe tires, tinted auto glass requirements, interfering with an officer/resisting, assault on public safety personnel and first-degree reckless endangerment Henderson was held on a $50,000 bond and was expected to appear in Manchester Superior Court on Monday. Czech President Petr Pavel has stated that the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine is not currently being discussed, as there is no peace agreement. Source: Pavel during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Prague Quote: "As for the deployment of peacekeeping forces on the territory of Ukraine, we cannot speak about this yet, as no peace agreement has been concluded. It is hard to say anything specific about the mandate as it will be decided by individual states, such as who and how many they will send. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have now spoken about the guarantees we can achieve. I am convinced that a combination of economic, political and military guarantees will be sufficient. Without security guarantees for Ukraine, no specific discussions are currently taking place about which troops will be deployed in Ukraine and from which countries." Details: In addition, Pavel commented on Russian leader Vladimir Putin's proposal for a short-term ceasefire. He pointed out that one-day or three-day pauses are meaningless and do not create conditions for the beginning of real peace talks. He added that what matters is not the ceasefire itself but its actual observance. Meanwhile, Pavel stressed that it was Ukraine that had proposed a 30-day ceasefire without additional conditions. He believes that Putin holds the real levers to end the war. Background: The coalition of the willing, which is laying the groundwork for a future post-war settlement, met in London in early March. Since then, several coalition meetings have been held in various formats. In particular, on 15 March, military leaders met on the outskirts of London to discuss plans to deploy international forces to Ukraine. According to Bloomberg, France and the UK are negotiating with 37 countries to form the coalition of the willing for Ukraine in the event of a peaceful settlement. On 4 April, the chiefs of the French and UK general staff visited Kyiv, where they met with Ukraine's top leadership. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the Ukrainian forces' needs and tasks with a view to providing long-term support. At the end of April, The Telegraph reported that in private conversations over the past few weeks, the United States had expressed its willingness to provide security guarantees for a military contingent from the coalition of the willing that could be deployed in Ukraine after a peace agreement with Russia is reached. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 5. Uzbekistan produced 304,300 tons of motor gasoline in the first quarter of 2025. Data obtained by Trend from the National Statistics Committee reveals that this indicates a downturn relative to the 360,600 tons generated in the corresponding timeframe of 2024. Concurrently, the aggregate output of motor gasoline in Uzbekistan reached a substantial 1.28 million tons in the fiscal year 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, the enterprises within the republic achieved an industrial output valuation of 211.3 trillion soums ($17.55 billion). The physical volume index for industrial production, when juxtaposed with the corresponding timeframe in 2024, registered a notable increase of 106.5 percent. The Czech Republic is ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters and L-39 training aircraft in cooperation with its partners from "the coalition of the willing," Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on May 5 during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The day prior, Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in the Czech Republic for an official visit. One of the goals of the Ukrainian president's visit was to discuss further cooperation with Prague on artillery supplies and assistance with the Ukrainian fleet of F-16s. "We are ready to deepen our contribution to the training of the Ukrainian military. We have agreed that together with our partners from the 'coalition of the willing' we will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and L-39s," Fiala said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the press conference, Fiala said that Ukrainian pilots will be trained at bases in the Czech Republic. The Czech prime minister added that Ukrainian pilots are already training on Czech models supplied to Ukraine. He did not specify which aircraft models he was talking about. Earlier, Zelensky said that Ukraine is working with the Czech Republic to launch a Ukrainian-Czech school to train pilots on F-16 fighter jets. "Obviously, as of now, for security reasons, we cannot open such a base in Ukraine, and Russian strikes continue every day. Therefore, we are working with partners so that such schools can open outside of Ukraine, and this will happen," Zelensky said. In 2023, Ukraine and its allies created an aviation coalition to provide Ukraine with F-16 combat aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first batch of F-16s was delivered to Ukraine by the Netherlands, which was announced in October 2024. Denmark sent the second batch of aircraft, which arrived in Ukraine in December 2024. Four countries the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway agreed to provide F-16s to Kyiv. Read also: Can Ukraine sustain its F-16 fleet if Trump halts US aid? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Czech Republic is ready to train Ukrainian fighter pilots in addition to its ongoing supply of heavy artillery shells to Kiev, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Prague on Monday. The training could take place at the Namest military airfield, around 155 kilometers south-east of the Czech capital, Fiala proposed. It could also be organized together with partner states on Aero L-159 training aircraft or F-16 fighter jets, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has been fighting to repel a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three years with Western help. Ukrainian pilots are already practising with Czech-made flight simulators, according to the prime minister. "Ukraine can rely on us," Fiala emphasized. Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the Czech ammunition initiative, which he said was working effectively. As part of the initiative, which is financially supported by almost a dozen countries, the Czech Republic organizes the delivery of artillery ammunition from third countries. Around half a million rounds of large-caliber ammunition were already delivered to Ukraine this year, said Fiala, who assumed that the target of 1.8 million rounds would be reached by the end of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An agreement was also signed on the establishment of a so-called Unity Hub in the Czech Republic. Zelensky said the aim of the centre is to prevent ties to Ukrainians abroad from being severed. In addition, Ukrainians who want to return home will be offered legal advice and assistance with finding a job, for example. Further Unity Hubs are to be set up in Germany, Britain and Spain. Kaylah Farmers mother and two sisters provided an emotional message to her killer in court last week, telling the ex-husband who stalked and shot her at an Indiana gas station that he will be forever erased from their lives and forgotten. Joshua Farmer was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the June 2023 murder, according to local WTHR. Farmer, 32, pleaded guilty to the murder in March, according to The Current. Local Fox 59 had reported that Hamilton County prosecutors originally sought the death sentence against Farmer for killing the mother of three. "No sentence will ever bring her back or erase the pain we live with every single day, Tracey Walser, the mother of Kaylah Farmer, told the court last week, according to WTHR. But a just sentence can help us begin to heal. It can allow us to finally take a step forward knowing that the person responsible has been held accountable." Kaylahs sister Kassie Adkins testified that her sisters children will live with the reality that their father killed their mother, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That will be the defining truth of their lives, Adkins said. Their story will forever start with tragedy that they did not choose and didn't deserve." Alisha Landis, Kaylahs other sister, addressed Farmer directly, according to WTHR. "This is the last time you will be acknowledged by me or by anyone in our family, Landis said. Once this hearing is over, you will be erased from our lives. You have no children. You have no legacy. The boys you once knew do not speak your name and they never will. I will spend the rest of my life making sure you are forgotten. Gone. Bye bye. You will have no power here, not over me, not over Kaylah's children." A month prior to the June 2023 killing, prosecutors said Farmer punched and choked his ex-wife in front of their children. During the incident, Farmer held a gun to his ex-wifes head and demanded she choose between herself and her child, WTHR previously reported, citing court documents. The child also told police that their mother attempted to call 911 but their father had taken her phone from her. One month later, Farmer followed his ex-wife to a local gas station and shot her 15 times through her car window while she waited at a gas pump. His sentencing last week reflected charges from both incidents, according to WTHR. 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. Farmer did not provide a statement in court last week with his ex-wifes family and friends sitting in the courtroom, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't have anything to say, he said. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.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 DAKOTA CITY, Nebraska (KCAU) Bells could be heard across the U.S. Sunday, in honor of firefighters who gave their lives while saving others. Every year, Bells Across America honors the firefighters who didnt get to come home. In 2024, roughly 70 people lost their lives saving others. Sioux City Railroad Museum holds Grand Re-Opening The Dakota City Fire Department not only honored those who died last year, but also remembers the three brave men who gave their lives for their community. Andy Zalme in April 2015, Eric Speck in June of 2016, and Lowell Satterwhite in September of 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They made the ultimate sacrifice, so its why were here today. So we have to keep their legacy going to make sure that we honor them, said Fire Chief Clint Rasmussen, with the Dakota City Fire Department. The ringing of the bell signifies that a firefighter has died. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 5 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1821, Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile on the island of St. Helena. In 1847, the American Medical Association was founded in Philadelphia. In 1862, Mexican troops, outnumbered 3-1, defeated invading French forces of Napoleon III. In 1925, biology teacher John Scopes was arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in violation of Tennessee state laws. U.S. troops surrender to the Japanese at Corregidor, Philippines, on May 6, 1942, one day after an attack by the latter. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration UPI File Photo In 1930, British and Indian troops were put on alert in the major cities throughout India following the arrest and incarceration of Mahatma Gandhi. President Nixon honored the Apollo 14 Astronauts with a White House dinner on March 1, 1971, and presented them with NASA's distinguished Service Medal. Astronaut Alan Shepard (L), after receiving his medal, jokes wth the president, causing Nixon to cover his face with laughter. On May 5, 1961, Shepard became the United States' first man in space in a brief sub-orbital flight. File Photo by John Full/UPI In 1932, Sen. George W. Norris, R-Neb., leader of the western insurgent Republicans, bolted the party and threw his support behind Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt for president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1942, Japanese forces stormed the Philippine island of Corregidor in a bid to capture a strategic access point to Manila Bay. By 9:30 a.m. on May 6, the Japanese had taken control of the island fortress. Mahatma Gandhi stands with his arms around two female relatives in New Delhi, India, ca. 1947. On May 5, 1930, British and Indian troops were put on alert in the major cities throughout India following the arrest and incarceration of Gandhi. File Photo by Bert Brandt/Acme Newspictures/UPI In 1945, Elsie Mitchell and five neighborhood children were killed in Lakeview, Ore., when a Japanese balloon they had found in the woods exploded. They were listed as the only known World War II civilian fatalities in the continental United States. In 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the United States' first man in space in a brief sub-orbital flight from Cape Canaveral. Darrell Roderick of Kansas City, Mo., helped salvage items from his mother-in-law's property May 5, 2003, after a tornado tore through the area the night before. File Photo by Todd Feeback/UPI In 1981, imprisoned Irish-Catholic militant Bobby Sands died after refusing food for 66 days in protest of his imprisonment by British authorities as a criminal rather than a political prisoner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1995, a surprise hail storm and flash flooding in Dallas left 17 people dead. It was the worst recorded hail storm in the United States in the 20th century. Umaru Yar'Adua, president of Nigeria, addresses the 62nd General Assembly at the United Nations on September 26, 2007 in New York City. On May 5, Yar'Adua died after a long illness and Goodluck Jonathan, the vice president, assumed the presidency. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI In 1996, Jose Maria Aznar became prime minister of Spain. File Photo by Michael Kleinfeld/UPI British Prime Minister Tony Blair stands with his family (L-R) Nicky, Euan, Cherie, Leo and Katherine, at No.10 Downing St. after winning a record third term in power on May 6, 2005. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI In 2003, authorities said a two-day wave of tornadoes killed about 40 people in Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee. About 400 tornadoes would go on to strike several Southern states over a nine-day period, killing 42 people and causing nearly $1 billion in damage. In 2010, Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua died after a long illness and Goodluck Jonathan, the vice president, assumed the presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, Thailand crowned a new king for the first time in nearly seven decades -- Maha Vajiralongkorn. In 2022, President Joe Biden announced Karine Jean-Pierre would replace Jen Psaki, making her the first Black and first openly LGBTQI White House press secretary in U.S. history. Time is running out to think of the perfect Mother's Day gift. Mothers Day, which is celebrated on different dates around the world, always falls on the second Sunday of May in the U.S. And if you're not paying attention to the calendar date, that's this weekend. Heres when Mothers Day 2025 is, why the date changes each year and a quick breakdown of the origins of the holiday. When is Mother's Day 2025 in the U.S.? Mothers Day always falls on the second Sunday of May. This year, Mothers Day in the U.S. falls on Sunday, May 11, which is this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mother's Day deal: Cheers to mom with up to 82% off premium wine from Naked Wines with this Groupon deal Do Mother's Day and Father's Day change every year? Mother's Day origins According to History.com, the commercialized Mothers Day we know and celebrate in the U.S. today began in 1908, but its origins can be traced all the way back to the mid-1800s. The Mothers Day we celebrate today has its origins in the peace-and-reconciliation campaigns of the post-Civil War era. During the 1860s, at the urging of activist Ann Reeves Jarvis, one divided West Virginia town celebrated Mothers Work Days that brought together the mothers of Confederate and Union soldiers History.com says. In 1909, 45 states observed the day, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson approved a resolution that made the second Sunday in May a holiday in honor of that tender, gentle army, the mothers of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fathers Day is similar in nature, always landing on the third Sunday in June. Since both holidays are designated to a particular week in their respective months, the date shifts each year. Mothers Day 2024 fell on Sunday, May 12. This year, the calendar date for Mothers Day will move up one, to Sunday, May 11. What date is mother's day in the UK? Mother's Day around the world The origin of Mothers Day, or Mothering Sunday, in the UK reaches back even further than the U.S. version of the holiday and its origins are actually tied to Easter, which is this weekend. But the commercialization that led to the modern, secular version of the holiday came later in the UK than in the U.S., in 1950, and was influenced by the U.S. Mothers Day traditions. Mothers Day 2025 in the UK already passed, on Sunday, March 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mothers Day in the United Kingdom takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent, a date that varies each year, History.com says. The celebration originated in the Middle Ages as a religious holiday known as Mothering Sunday, when people in domestic service were allowed to return to their home, or mother, church and often visited family. According to TimeandDate.com, the earliest known observance of Mother's Day is Norways version of the holiday, which always falls on the second Sunday in February. Mothers Day 2025 in Norway passed on Sunday, February 9. More than 100 countries celebrate Mothers Day and 77 of them observe it in May, 13 observe it in March, and 14 during other months, according to TimeandDate. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Mother's Day 2025: When and what to know about the holiday WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested a suspect in connection with a Saturday hate/bias-related knife assault in Northwest D.C. Police say a delivery driver flagged down officers shortly before 10 p.m. in the 800 block of P Street, NW, and said they had been threatened by two people. No one hurt after 40 shots fired in Northwest DC, police say According to police, the victim claimed they were approached by two unknown people, with one suspect chasing them with a knife and the other person puncturing the tires on their bike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim stated the two suspects had made derogatory remarks towards them as they were committing the acts. Officers arrested Pedro Sanmayoa-Garcia, 29, at the scene and charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon. According to police, the second suspect is still being sought. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (202) 727-9099 or text the tipline at 50411. MPD currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) DCFS is hiring, and theyre hosting a job fair in Decatur to meet interested candidates on Tuesday. Recruiters will be at the Work for the State of Illinois Workshop from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshop will take place at Workforce Investment Solutions, located at 757 W Pershing Road. Is my car seat installed safely? Macon Co. Health Dept. has answers: DCFS is interested in recruiting child protection specialists, child welfare specialists and day care licensing representatives. Other open roles include office associates, regional and senior counsel, public service administrators, child development aides and social service aides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most roles require a bachelors or a masters degree, but there are entry-level opportunities available as well. DCFS said that candidates who can speak both English and Spanish are needed, and encouraged to speak with recruiters. Click here to learn more about the positions available in the state of Illinois. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Holstein milking cows . (Photo by Kirsten Strough/USDA) Since March, Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Trump administration have been sparring over the cancellation of a program that provides millions in funding for Pennsylvania farmers who provide products for local food banks. There have been threats of a lawsuit, letters and public comments by state and federal officials. This isnt some hope of mine that we would fund our farmers and our food banks, Shapiro said during a press conference on April 21. We had a three-year contract that the federal government broke in month four. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), was established in 2021 under President Joe Bidens administration in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The latest contract was renewed in the final months of Bidens term. However, Trumps administration confirmed in March that the program was ending, impacting farmers and food banks across the nation. Shapiro described LFPA as a really successful program through the Department of Agriculture that supported nearly 190 farms and 13 regional food banks across the state. On March 25, the governor said his administration sent an appeal to get the money they were supposed to be awarded, as well as a letter to the Trump administration. He reiterated that stance late last month and said the state is waiting on a response from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I know Im a former (state) attorney general and a lawyer, but you dont need a law degree to know the ancient legal doctrine of a deal is a deal, Shapiro said. They made a deal with Pennsylvania. Theyve got to honor that deal. And Im fighting for every dollar thats owed to Pennsylvania. Shapiros comments on April 21 were the latest in the back-and-forth between his administration and the federal government as farmers and food banks wait for a resolution. Amy Brickner is a third-generation dairy farmer in Carlisle, Cumberland County, who provides produce for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program. (Courtesy of PAcast.) How have farms and food banks been impacted? A letter from the Shapiro administration lists all of the farms and products that are made available through the program. Feeding PA, which partners with farmers, released a sheet detailing LFPAs impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be able to continue the impact that Ive already had, said Amy Brickner, a third-generation dairy farmer in Cumberland County who has participated in the LFPA program, during a press conference on March 25. And that is from these grant programs for dairy farmers to help me cover the expenses and give back to my community. Logan Brace, owner of Braces Orchard, is a ninth-generation farmer in Luzerne County. He highlighted the relationship theyve had with the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg NEPA Regional Food Bank as a result of the program, saying it has been a tremendous help for our business. Since LFPA funds have been available, we have worked together the past three seasons and look forward to continuing the relationship in 2025, Brace wrote. The food bank places regular orders and purchases some extra skids when we have surplus. These orders help cover the costs for harvesting and storing produce throughout the winter and spring. Food banks are also concerned their shelves will take a hit, and hurt people who rely on their services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, which serves 27 counties and more than 253,000 people each month, was appreciative of the Shapiro administration for bringing the issue to the public. For our food bank alone, that cut means losing $1.8 million over 15 months thats $120,000 a month and 500,000 meals that wont reach the children and adults who rely on us, Arthur said. It also means fewer resources for our local farmers, who supply the fresh, nutritious food that makes this program so impactful. This isnt just about mealsits about families, communities, and our local economy. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins walking towards Talview Dairy Farms in Lebanon, Pennsylvania on April 14, 2025. (John Cole/Capital-Star) Rollins: They dont have their facts right U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made a trip to central Pennsylvania on April 14 to tour multiple farms. She promoted the Trump administrations focus on agriculture and defended the tariffs recently put in place on foreign products as a move to save America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While speaking with reporters, she appeared to take issue with the statement from Shapiros administration that the USDA was canceling $13 million over the next three years in funding for that program. Rollins said she respects Shapiro, but claimed that they dont have their facts right, or theyre playing games. Theyre trying to make this a political issue, Rollins said to reporters at Martins Family Farm in Myerstown, Lebanon County. The money is there. Rollins claimed that USDA has released almost $1 billion dollars to food banks nationally since she became secretary and added there was money sitting in state accounts to support food banks. Gov. Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding speak to reporters after addressing members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Peter Hall/Capital-Star) Pa. agriculture secretary disagrees: This is incorrect Just a few days after Rollins claim, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding penned a letter to her and the states congressional delegation refuting that claim that there are tens of millions in a bank account anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the contrary, Pennsylvania uses its own funds to operate the program, and seeks reimbursement from the USDA after those funds have been spent, Redding wrote. Redding said the previous rounds of funding via the LFPA program, prior to the cancelled contract, had totaled nearly $30 million in Pennsylvania and said that the states agriculture department has been proud to partner with USDA on the initiative. Of that $30 million, he noted the state has received reimbursements of $17.8 million for money it has spent under the program thus far, and has already submitted a reimbursement request for an additional $9.1 million, which was approved for payment recently. This means that approximately $2.9 million is the remaining balance from the previous agreement. The funding represented as much as 15% of the food banks purchasing budget, a significant amount that provides millions of meals to hungry Pennsylvanians, according to Redding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commonwealth looked forward to building on the success of these prior rounds of funding, and was grateful when the USDA committed an additional $13 million to Pennsylvania through the LFPA25 allocation, Redding said, referring to the money that was slated to be allotted to the state under the most recent contract signed in December. Through the end of July, we will continue to spend all remaining program dollars under the second round of funding, as required by the terms of our cooperative agreement, Redding wrote. Redding said he has still not received a response from the USDA from his initial letter on March 25 and asked that the USDA reconsider its decision to terminate the most recent contract, which would provide $13 million for the program over the next three years. Pennsylvania has held up its end of the bargain. LFPA funds have been used by food banks across the Commonwealth to buy food directly from Pennsylvania farmers, in furtherance of the programs essential goals, Redding wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA did not respond to a request for comment from the Capital-Star about Reddings letter. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Food banks hold out hope As food banks wait to see the outcome in the ongoing saga, they tell the Capital-Star that they are already being impacted by this decision. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank said they are leaning heavily into getting as much help as possible from donors right now. There is no way to make up the gap, but we are working harder than ever to do what we can, Lisa Rashid, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Senior Development Manager said. Our neighbors looking for assistance will also likely get less, as we try to stretch what we have among even more people needing our help during this difficult hunger crisis we are in, with the cost of food rising and people struggling to make tough financial choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank said the LFPA funding and TEFAP CCC bonus helped them source 6.3 million pounds of food annually, which accounts for 13% of the total food they are currently distributing. The reduction in USDA commodities, combined with potential cuts to SNAP, could make it more challenging for the Food Bank to get food to our neighbors who need it most, said Colleen Young, Director of Government Affairs for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. Both food banks arent giving up hope just yet though and offered a few potential solutions, in addition to reversing the decision to cancel the LFPA program, that would assist them. One would be for the legislature to pass Shapiros funding proposal for both the State Food Purchase Program, also known as SFPP, and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, referred to as PASS. SFPP provides cash grants to counties for the purchase and distribution of food to low income individuals and is intended to supplement the efforts of food banks and other similar organizations aiming to reduce hunger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PASS allows the states agriculture industry to donate food products to the non-profit sector who assist Pennsylvanians at risk of hunger. Through this program, the agricultural industry is reimbursed for the costs associated with donating these foods. The other suggestion from the food banks would be for people to reach out to their elected representative. To make sure they understand the severity of food insecurity in our region and the importance of food resource programs, Young said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The 18th Judicial Circuit has filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against David Barber. Barber is facing murder and kidnapping charges in the death of 72-year-old Jessie Kirk. Kirks remains were found burned in a vehicle around State Road 520 and State Road 50 on March 4. Barber was suspected early in the investigation after she was reported missing. He was charged with homicide after further infestation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a motive is not clear, investigators say Barber, who used to be a corrections deputy in Brevard County, is Kirks nieces ex-boyfriend. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. whats at stake The courts may get the last word on the Trump administrations high-profile feud with Harvard University. Last month, the administration moved to freeze more than $2 billion in federal dollars promised to the school in the form of grants and contracts, accusing Harvard of failing to uphold civil rights laws and to prevent the mistreatment of Jewish students. The university quickly sued, alleging that the move represents a violation of the First Amendment. The case landed in Massachusetts federal court, where a judge scheduled oral arguments for July 21. That means the dispute wont be resolved until at least the summer, and whatever the ruling, it will more likely than not be appealed to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump is raising the stakes in the meantime, declaring on Friday that he would also take away the universitys tax-exempt status. whos making the case David Pozen, a Columbia Law School professor, argues that Trump acted unlawfully, accusing him of a brazen and authoritarian move: The Trump administrations punitive actions against Harvard are unlawful, just as its actions against Columbia are unlawful. In both cases, the administration invoked Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as the basis for terminating grants and contracts, yet the administration did not even make an effort to comply with the statutes procedural or substantive requirements for such terminations. The attempt to control universities internal governance arrangements and academic programs also violates a slew of constitutional guarantees, from free speech and due process to the separation of powers and limits on coercive spending conditions. The illegality here is not subtle; it is brazen and authoritarian. For this reason, I expect that the Supreme Court would rule in favor of Harvard (and Columbia), if an appropriate challenge were to come before it. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who served as a lawyer and federal prosecutor before getting elected, argued to Semafor that Trump generally has broad discretion over federal funding and can withhold it when he decides recipients are not meeting the necessary requirements: When we appropriate something, we hand it over to the executive. The executive has not only the power but the responsibility to make sure that the law is administered faithfully. And insofar as he sees an entity otherwise entitled to receive federal funding not meeting the requirements for that funding, hes got discretion to make adjustments to that, to withhold the funding. Those adjustments tend to be sort of in the moment. If there were large swaths of funds in the abstract that he just didnt spend, then you get into a possible violation of the Impoundment Control Act. Ive become less and less enamored with the Impoundment Control Act over time, in part because of the fact that I think it runs into conflict with what I understand had always been the practice prior to [its passage], which was presidents viewed appropriated sums as a ceiling, not a floor. And presidents were not only allowed, but sort of expected, to look for ways to bring spending down, if they could spend less than that sum they were permitted to. So thats why I think wed be better off without the Impoundment Control Act. But its still law. Germany's new conservative-led coalition takes office on Tuesday under the leadership of incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz, less than three months after February's parliamentary election. The partnership - made up of Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) - is set to govern Germany for the next four years. The three parties outlined a programme for government in their coalition agreement in April, promising to revive the sluggish economy, tighten migration rules and cut government spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have argued that the 144-page document is light on concrete commitments, and even those pledges that are in the deal are constrained by what has been termed a "financing proviso." However, Merz is set to enjoy more budgetary flexibility than his predecessor Olaf Scholz after the parties rushed a landmark package through parliament, tweaking constitutional rules to allow for a hike in defence spending and passing a 500 billion ($575 billion) pot for infrastructure and climate protection measures. So what have the coalition partners committed to achieving in office? Boosting the economy The new government's main task will be to kickstart the German economic engine, which has suffered two consecutive years of recession in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To encourage investment, the coalition is set to allow companies to exclude 30% of their investments from being taxed for the next three years, while corporate income tax is to be gradually reduced from 2028. The partners also want to cut red tape, targeting Germany's Supply Chain Act, which came into force in 2023 and monitors human rights and environmental risks across a product's supply chain. Instead, German companies will be subject to the EU Supply Chain Directive, avoiding additional paperwork. The coalition also wants to tackle high energy costs and bring in an electricity price cap for energy-intensive industries. Restricting migration The most contentious theme in Germany's election campaign was restricting migration, following a series of attacks attributed to refugees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition has pledged to maintain border controls and turn back illegal migrants at the border, even if they apply for asylum. But the move will be taken "in coordination with our European neighbours," the deal states. No new voluntary resettlement programmes for refugees are to be approved, while refugees with limited protection status will no longer be allowed to bring family members to Germany for an initial period of two years. The new government also plans to amend rules on citizenship, abolishing a path to gain German nationality after just three years of residence for particularly well-integrated immigrants. However, the previous administration's reduction of the standard residence requirement for citizenship from eight years to five is to be maintained, as is the possibility of gaining dual nationality for residents from non-EU countries. Defence, security and foreign policy Merz's incoming administration is set to face a world in flux, with Europe reeling from US President Donald Trump's return to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition deal reaffirms the parties' commitment to the European Union, NATO and the trans-Atlantic economic partnership with the United States, despite Trump's aggressive trade policies. On defence, the new administration wants to create a voluntary military service programme based on the Swedish model, almost 15 years after the country suspended conscription. Also included in the coalition programme is a new National Security Council, which will pool information and enable faster decision-making in response to domestic and international crises. Budget and social spending The coalition wants to save on government spending with major cuts to the federal budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the civil service, 8% of jobs are to be cut in four years with an exception for security forces. The number of federal commissioners - independent experts who advise the government on specific issues - is to be halved, while a total of 1 billion is to be saved on development programmes and contributions to international organizations. The previous administration's wholesale reform of unemployment benefit, known as the citizens' income, is to be renamed "basic security for jobseekers" and tightened. In extreme cases, a "complete withdrawal of benefits" will be possible if jobseekers repeatedly refuse reasonable work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition could also reform regulations governing the 8-hour working day, replacing it with a weekly framework for working hours. In a win for the Social Democrats, the agreement includes a commitment to achieving a 15 per hour minimum wage. Taxation and subsidies The two sides differed heavily on taxation during the election campaign, with the conservative CDU/CSU bloc promising to cut taxes while the SPD sought to raise them on high earners. The coalition deal is a compromise, with a target for income tax to be reduced in around two years' time for low and medium earners. The controversial 5.5% "solidarity" surcharge, used to help finance the continuing costs of German reunification, will remain in place for high-earning citizens and companies, while subsidies for commuters are to be extended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to transport, the Deutschlandticket - which allows unlimited access to regional public transport for a monthly charge of 58 - will remain in place after 2025. However, users will have to prepare for price increases from 2029. Other campaign promises in the deal include a legal entitlement to maternity leave for self-employed women and an extension to the so-called mothers' pension, which compensates parents for years spent raising children, while the standard pension level is to be fixed at 48% of average income until 2031. Cash payments, cannabis and coronavirus The 144-page document includes further commitments across a broad range of issues, from cash payments to cannabis policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many visitors to Germany are surprised by the continuing prevalence of payment by cash in small shops. According to the agreement, the coalition intends for at least one digital payment option to be offered to consumers. Elsewhere, the previous administration's partial legalization of cannabis for adults is to be reviewed, and an official commission of inquiry is to be set up to review the stringent government measures taken during the coronavirus pandemic. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Chairman and candidate for Chancellor Friedrich Merz (C), Christian Social Union Chairman Markus Soeder (L) and Social Democratic Party (SPD) Chairman Lars Klingbeil, designated German Minister of Finance and Vice-Chancellor, shake hands after signing the coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD to form a new federal government. Michael Kappeler/dpa JOHNSTOWN, Pa. In a photo of a U.S. Marine Corps amphibious combat vehicle produced by BAE Systems in York County, the 35-ton machine looks like a crocodile moving through salty water to shore. It moves through waves and swells, showing only its eyes and teeth an integrated medium caliber remote turret system manufactured in Johnstown. BAE Systems recently won contracts to build the vehicles, and the U.S. government is separately procuring the turret systems from Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Inc., a Norwegian company with a manufacturing location in Johnstown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, BAE Systems announced it had been awarded two contract sublots with a combined value of $360 million to deliver 60 vehicles for the U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm program. The awarded sublots are part of a larger contract that holds the potential for up to 150 vehicle orders in the future, BAE officials said. The ACV is tested and proven to be incredibly adaptable it not only swims, but its also optimized for ship-to-shore, island-hopping and advanced land operations, Rebecca McGrane, vice president of Amphibious programs at BAE Systems, said in a press release. With enhanced direct-fire lethality of 30mm cannons through a fully stabilized weapon system built by Kongsberg, the ACV-30 helps to ensure Marines are ready for any mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With present and future orders from the government coming, Kongsberg announced expansion plans last September for its local production facility, Kongsberg Protech Systems USA, at the Johnstown Industrial Park in Richland Township. The increased ACV-30 production has resulted in a workforce expansion of up to 30 new employees surpassing initial expectations for 20 new workers, Kongsberg Protech Systems USA Vice President Dave Zucco said last week. The addition is set to bring Kongsbergs Johnstown workforce to a total of about 250 employees, Zucco said. More work will be performed locally with parts supplied by long-term Johnstown supply partner, JWF Defense Systems, among other U.S. suppliers, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kongsbergs expansion plans also includes a 10-year lease extension, as well as a $10 million investment for facility improvements and infrastructure upgrades all directly tied to ACV-30 production. Kongsberg officials said the company would make an announcement this fall when the upgrades and renovations are completed. The increase in order volume for our ACV-30 Remote Turret System validates the Marine Corps need for these vehicles and our weapon systems, as well as their commitment to provide the warfighter with the most advanced systems available in the market today, Heather Armentrout, president of Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Inc., said last Friday in an emailed statement. We are especially proud of our Johnstown workforce, which has continued to deliver time and time again, and their commitment to providing this leading-edge technology in support of our military. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) Delta Sigma Theta sisters and several supports are honoring those who fought for womens suffrage and march the River City streets to commemorate the movement. From the downtown Civic Center to the Evansville African American Museum, its a reenactment of the March 1913 Womens Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C., which marked the sororitys first act of service. At the time, Deltas founding was at Howard University, and its where several of the Evansville sisters today also reenact at the museum what the founders said 100 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The procession organizers told Black women to stay in the back, but Black women 100 years ago and the Delta founders were not settling for that either. My sisters, democracy was never built for us. But if we wait for them to make space, well be waiting til the end if time, says Elexica McAlister who is portraying of the Delta founders. They want to silence us, erase our contributions and diminish our impact. But silence is a luxury we cannot afford. We will march, not because they allow us, but because we demand our place in history. If history has taught us anything, its efforts like the Delta founders and countless other women and allies marching on Washington which changed the status quo. At the same time, the Delta sisters say they believe what happened back in 1913 is still relevant in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sundays march is also a call of action to fight back against abortion bans and the laws which some call voter suppression, like I.D. laws, closing polling places and gerrymandering. Its also a call of action to support Black entrepreneurs and other leadership positions and for economic equality, since some say Black Americans are pushed into debt and denied access to capital. They tried to silence us then, but marched anyway. And now, in 2025, we will do what we must do, says McAlister. We will organize when they attack our rights. We will mobilize when they silence our voices, says Delta Sigma Theta Evansville Alumnae Chapter President Dr. Ena Winfield. We will amplify them and educate our public. This is who we are. So, again, dont agonize, strategize. More from Ben Walls Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). **Editors note: This article contains graphic descriptions and events that may be disturbing to some. DEMING, N.M. (KRQE) A Deming father accused of sexually and physically abusing his children, whose ages range from 16 years old to 6 months, entered a not guilty plea and waived his arraignment Monday. Melvin Cordell, 50, is facing 24 charges, including criminal sexual penetration, criminal sexual contact of a minor, abuse of a child, aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence. His wife, Valerie Cordell, 41, is also facing charges for child abuse and criminal sexual penetration and pleaded not guilty last week. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Cordells 16-year-old child told investigators that she and her siblings were forced by their parents to participate in sexual acts with each other in front of adults. The teen said she also had unwanted sex with her father and two other adult relatives who live in Las Vegas, Nevada, and had been pregnant twice, once at the age of 13 and second at her current age. Melvin Cordell reportedly performed two at-home non-consensual abortions on the 16-year-old and is accused of destroying, changing, or hiding the two aborted fetuses, court documents stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the alleged 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. That 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. The teen told investigators her parents also starved the kids as punishment, recalling instances where they were not fed after they called 911 and CYFD visited the property. New Mexico State Police began investigating the Cordells in October 2024, and the two parents were arrested on Feb. 21, 2025. Officials believe the abuse took place between 2014 and 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MILAN, Italy, May 5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) needs to analyze the possibility of supporting the nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, Country Director of the ADB for Uzbekistan, told reporters on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, Trend reports. In terms of nuclear energy, of course it is a new area in ADB. We have to reconsider it because there are also some risks, she said, answering a question about the small nuclear power plant project in Jizzakh, Uzbekistan. The country director noted that the ADB hasnt been supporting any member country in nuclear energy. So it is still under the study. We will have to do the cost-benefit analysis and then review it together with the government, Lao-Araya explained. The construction of the first production facilities for Uzbekistans small nuclear power plant project in the Jizzakh district is now underway. Work officially began on April 15 with the development of a key infrastructure base that will support the construction of the plants power units. The site will house administrative offices, production workshops, storage depots, and large-scale assembly facilities essential for the projects implementation. Under an agreement signed between Uzbekistan and Russia on May 27, 2024, a small-scale nuclear power plant with a total capacity of 330 MW will be built in the district. The plant will consist of six reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. Rhode Island is co-leading a federal lawsuit against U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the agency he leads to halt mass layoffs and reverse the reorganization under the Trump administrations Make America Healthy Again initiative. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Twenty attorneys general filed a lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island in Providence to stop U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the agency he leads from dismantling key public health programs. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha is one of three co-leaders challenging the Trump administrations mass layoff of 10,000 HHS employees under its Make America Healthy Again initiative. The 101-page complaint claims the mass layoff has left HHS unable to perform its statutory functions of protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined 19 other attorneys general in filing the lawsuit. He was also part of a coalition of 23 attorneys general that sued in April to stop Kennedy and the Trump administration from slashing billions of dollars for state health funding. You cant just shut down public health programs and fire the experts who run them without consequences, Rayfield said in a statement. That kind of chaos puts Oregonians at risk whether its tracking disease outbreaks or making sure our communities have clean water. It crosses both legal lines and basic standards of decency. The other co-leaders are New York Attorney General Letitia James and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. They are joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. After termination notices went out to HHS employees on April 1, the complaint states employees were immediately expelled from their work email, laptops, and offices. Five of HHSs 10 regional offices were closed, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, San Francisco and Seattle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no one to answer the phone, factories went into shutdown mode, experiments were abandoned, trainings were cancelled, site visits were postponed, application portals were closed, laboratories stopped testing for infectious diseases such as hepatitis, and partnerships were immediately suspended, the complaint states. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration missed a vaccine application deadline and canceled a critical test for the bird flu virus. The World Trade Center Health Program had no doctors to certify new illnesses for coverage, a necessary part of caring for the responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks under the Zadroga Act. Programs aimed at monitoring maternal and newborn health were shuttered. Office closures and layoffs at Head Start and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program left grantees abandoned with no one to answer their questions. The World Trade Center Health Program had no doctors to certify new illnesses for coverage, a necessary part of caring for the responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks. Programs aimed at monitoring maternal and newborn health were abruptly shuttered. Americans across the country are already experiencing the detrimental effects of this attack on HHS including new mothers, workers, 9/11 first responders, and those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorder, Neronha said in a statement. Think about that for a minute: American heroes, pregnant women, workers, those in need of mental health treatment; all left to fend for themselves by these reckless cuts. This attack on HHS tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of this Administration; and they dont include the health of you or your family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island has already lost over $1.9 million in grants, staff, programs and data, according to Neronhas office, and stands to lose more in grants, staff, programs, and data. State health programs and initiatives already eliminated or negatively impacted without the support of HHS funding and staff include maternal mortality studies and prevention; treatment for nicotine and alcohol addiction; air quality monitoring. The 20 attorneys general argue that the sweeping actions at HHS violated hundreds of federal statutes and regulations. They argued that by taking these actions without congressional approval, the administration disregarded the constitutional separation of powers and undermined the laws and budgets enacted by Congress. The coalition is asking the court to halt the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services serving millions of Americans. The case has been assigned to District Judge Melissa R. DuBose and Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neronha also joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing an April 1 lawsuit in Providence federal court against Kennedy and the Trump administration for abruptly and unlawfully slashing billions of dollars in vital state health funding. District Judge Mary S. McElroy issued a temporary restraining order against the administration on April 5, temporarily reinstating the funding. Rhode Island Current, 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. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com. By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -A group of Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit on Monday to challenge the Trump administration's decision to gut the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by firing 10,000 of its employees and shuttering entire agencies within the department. Attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Providence, Rhode Island, said the job cuts and agency consolidations U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced in late March unconstitutionally stripped the department of the resources necessary to do its job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The layoffs, in addition to earlier buyout offers and firings of probationary employees, reduced the number of full-time HHS employees to 62,000 from 82,000 and left key offices unable to perform statutory functions, the lawsuit said. As part of the restructuring plan, HHS said it was also collapsing 28 divisions into 15 and closing half of its 10 regional offices. After the announcement, employees at agencies under HHS including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were abruptly put on administrative leave on April 1 and told they would be formally terminated on June 2. The states argue that the intended effect of the restructuring is to dismantle key HHS programs and that the layoffs have led to infectious disease labs being closed, experiments being abandoned and partnerships being suspended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They argue Kennedy lacked the authority to launch the widespread layoffs and restructuring and that the administration violated the U.S. Constitution by usurping Congress' authority to create and fund agencies' operations. The states have asked a judge to block HHS from implementing Kennedy's plan announced on March 27, prevent the department from being dismantled and force the administration to restore health programs and reopen gutted infectious disease labs. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat involved with leading the litigation, said that by firing infectious disease researchers and closing key health agencies, "you are not making America healthy you are putting countless lives at risk. An HHS spokesperson said it was confident the process will withstand legal scrutiny. The agency has said restructuring was necessary to streamline its functions and that the layoffs would save taxpayers $1.8 billion annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The reforms are designed to strengthen the agencys capacity to serve the American public, not weaken it," the spokesperson said in a statement. The job cuts and agency restructurings were carried out as part of the vast government cost-cutting initiative spearheaded by billionaire Trump ally Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. The states said the job cuts at HHS left CDC unable to meet statutory mandates to investigate diseases due to lab shutterings, put Head Start centers that support early childhood programs at risk of closing, and had jeopardized work on mental health and addiction treatment. Following the job cuts, the FDA missed a deadline to approve a new vaccine for COVID-19 and canceled a key test for the bird flu virus as a result of staff terminations at an Illinois food safety lab, the lawsuit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC's entire maternal health team was fired, along with much of its division focused on sexual assault and domestic violence prevention and scientists focused on HIV and AIDS, the lawsuit said. The Democratic-led states argued the cuts will impede their ability to secure resources for their communities and may force them to absorb many of the costs of providing public health services. For example, they said the gutting of CDC infectious disease labs has resulted in many states sending samples to a New York state-run laboratory. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Jan Harvey and Stephen Coates) Three Democratic U.S. senators are asking the Trump administration to explain how it analyzed a proposed rule to eliminate habitat protections for endangered and threatened species and whether industry had a hand in drafting it. Senators Adam Schiff, Sheldon Whitehouse and Cory Booker sent a letter Monday to the departments of Interior and Commerce that also asks how the administration plans to protect species if the rule is changed. At issue is a long-standing definition of harm in the Endangered Species Act, which has included altering or destroying the places those species live the No. 1 cause of extinction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service proposed a rule that says habitat modification shouldn't be considered harm because it isn't the same as intentionally targeting a species, called take. Environmentalists argue that the definition of take has always included actions that harm species, and the definition of harm has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Under the new interpretation, industry, developers and others could simply say they didnt intend to harm an endangered species, environmentalists say, which could lead to the extinction of critically endangered species like the Florida panther and spotted owl. The proposal could threaten progress made to save species that once were endangered, including bald eagles, gray wolves, Florida manatees and humpback whales, they said. The senators said it represents an end run around the Endangered Species Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is widely understood that a species cannot live without a safe place to call home, the letter reads. They also asked the administration to explain how it could enforce the act at all amid efforts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to fire federal staff and cut agencies' funding. The proposal is in the middle of a 30-day public comment period. Environmentalists have vowed to challenge it in court if it's adopted. The Department of Interior said in an email that it would not comment on the letter but carefully reviews all correspondence from Congress. The Department of Commerce did not respond to an email sent Monday seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ 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. DENVER (KDVR) According to a new annual report, the 16th Street Mall is still struggling to fill vacancies, and its also dealing with decreased foot traffic. This has been a spot that has struggled to keep businesses for several years, but as construction wraps up by the end of May, representatives at the Downtown Denver Partnership remain optimistic. These colorful monoliths are made to yell into at the 16th Street Mall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Downtown Denver Partnership said the retail vacancy rate is about 30%. Empty storefronts still line 16th Street Mall, and the vacancy rate is twice as much as the rest of downtowns average of 15%. There are 45 spaces that are empty right now along the mall. Were working really closely with the City and County of Denver to provide incentives to provide things like facade and patio grants. We even worked really hard on business retention. Weve provided grants to businesses to ensure that they could sustain operations through construction, said Kourtny Garrett, CEO and president of the Downtown Denver Partnership. And then, as new businesses are coming in, we also have leasing incentives and different packages, again, through the city, that were able to provide to make businesses viable through a little bit of a growing pain. The Downtown Denver Partnership attributes some of that to ongoing construction and some to stagnant foot traffic post-pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This area relied heavily on the 100,000 people who used to commute into downtown and work Monday through Friday pre-pandemic, and the return-to-office rate is still hanging between 60 and 70%. Through the city, the Downtown Denver Partnership provided nearly $644,000 in grants to 60 businesses in 2024 to help keep them afloat during the multi-year construction projects. Two of our biggest challenges to business, we know, are both the perception and reality of public safety, as well as the ability to do business and get your permits and move through the city. We know this, and its challenging for the entire city. So, on the security side, weve worked closely with the mayors office, with Denver Police Department to create more robust resources for this moment in time for downtown. And then on the permitting side, the city has also recently announced significant permit reform so that we can make it easier for businesses to not only do business in downtown, but for the entire city, said Garrett. Climbable birds nest art exhibit coming to Denvers 16th Street Mall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They rely heavily on planned events downtown, but they know its not enough. So, they will use art installations and other planned events that will help bring 16th Street out of the rut and encourage people to get downtown. Ten of the 13 blocks of 16th Street Mall are expected to open by May 31. Intersections of Tremont, Court and Cleveland are set to open later this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The federal government will resume aggressive efforts to collect defaulted student loans, marking the end of pandemic-era leniency. Millions of borrowers will soon receive notices as the Department of Education begins sending delinquent accounts to collections. More than 5 million borrowers havent made a payment in over a year. While the Biden administration allowed a penalty-free grace period after pandemic forbearance ended in 2023, that cushion has now expired. The Trump administration argues that continued nonpayment is unfair to taxpayers, as 42.7 million borrowers carry more than $1.6 trillion in debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bowser proposes repealing Initiative 82 in upcoming budget For those in default, consequences are steep: the government can garnish tax refunds, wages, Social Security benefits and even pensions, up to 15%. It can impact your ability to buy a home, get any sort of government loan. It can even impact your ability to start a business. Its a really strong deterrent for not falling into default and making sure you pay your student loans back, said Jennifer Streaks of Business Insider. Consumer advocates warn that collections could worsen financial hardship for struggling families already facing rent, food, and medical costs. Borrowers may also qualify for deferment or loan consolidation options to reduce the impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Streaks said borrowers can contact their student loan servicers to bring loans back into good standing. They have to understand that youre trying to get your loan out of default, that there will be more payments after this, that youre going to be on a payment plan, and then that will take you out of default once you get into agreement with them, she 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The Department of Justice (DOJ) will stop monitoring how Worcester Public Schools (WPS) provides English as a Second Language, the school district announced Monday. In a notification received on April 30 by WPS, the DOJ announced it would end the monitoring of the district, citing that WPS substantially complied with its obligations as outlined in a 2016 legal agreement, according to WPS. For the past nine years, WPS has been overseen by the DOJ over how the district offers English as a Second Language, according to the press release from Worcester Public Schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, the district entered an agreement with the federal government to address the concerns about the adequacy of the WPS instruction and services for English Learner students, according to the letter from the DOJ. This agreement was an update to a previous agreement the school signed with the DOJ in 2008. English learners students are classified as students who are learning English or have limited to no proficiency in English, according to the DOJ in the 2016 agreement. WPS had to provide reports to the federal government to demonstrate its efforts to comply with the agreement. The Worcester Public Schools has demonstrated that it has strong systems in place to ensure we are effectively providing English as a Second Language instruction for our scholars, said Dr. Rachel H. Monarrez, superintendent of WPS, in the press release. Systems have been enhanced over the past three years specifically to not only provide required instructional services but to monitor them in a systematic and timely manner. I express my deep thanks to the many educators and administrators who have worked tirelessly to ensure our scholars are getting the education for which they are entitled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the news that the DOJ would cease its monitoring efforts, WPS announced there were increases in English Learner students who have proven mastery in the language. These students are known as former English Learner students. A total of 10.9% of the student body in the 2024-25 school year are former English Learner students, according to the district an increase from 9.4% from the 2021-22 school year. The largest increase in students who became former English Learners is those in middle school, increasing from 4.9% to 8.4% in the same period. In total, 32.2% of Worcesters student body are classified as English Learners, while 58.4% are labeled as having English not as their first language, according to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking, reading and writing in more than one language is an asset to be celebrated, Monarrez said. When children move on from English learner status, by demonstrating proficiency in English, they have access to more opportunities and courses while possessing the gift of multilingualism. This is a benefit to our scholars, community and future workforce advancement. More Worcester Stories Read the original article on MassLive. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) A new department may be taking over the Knox County Schools Clothing and Resource Center as the Board of Education is set to consider their proposal. In February, the board sought proposals from groups looking to take over the operations of the clothing center, which distributes clothes to more than 2,000 students each year. The proposals were considered by the Clothing Center Committee, which recommended the proposal from the Knox County Schools School Culture Department to the board. Without them, I wouldnt be here Survivor reunites with heroes who saved his life Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board will discuss the proposal during the May 5 work session and consider it during the regular meeting on May 8. The School Culture Department focuses on the social and emotional well-being of students and looks for ways to eliminate disparities in both academic achievement and discipline. Under the proposal, school social workers would take over the clothing center. Under the proposal, KCS will work with community partners to provide clothing to students identified by a school social worker as having a need. The social worker will then complete the online referral form, and the order will be sent to the student within 24 hours. Students will receive five outfits, one pack of underwear, and one pack of socks per semester. Items like personal hygiene products and kitchen supplies will be available as donations come in. $700M Knox County Schools budget proposal includes additional $19.7M for staff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KCS social workers will choose the community partners. The proposal lays out that they will make 10 contacts each year to request support for the clothing center. For the 2025-2026 school year, KCS will partner with 865 Academies, Project SEARCH, and National Honor Society students to help with clothing drives and to help wash donated clothing. In addition, the proposal says that KCS will employ two full-time employees to ensure orders are filled within 24 hours. They anticipate needing more than 10 volunteers each week, although the exact number is still being determined. To read the full proposal, click here. READ: More top stories on WATE.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center was created in 1935 during the Great Depression and has maintained operations for decades. Roughly 20% of KCS students are considered economically disadvantaged by the state of Tennessee. In October 2024, center volunteers said they were moved from their longtime location to a facility at Cedar Bluff Preschool without warning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. In a dilapidated home on the outskirts of Havana, Heidy Sanchez shows off photos from a past life. She flips though images on her iPhone of visits to Sea World with her husband and 17-month-old daughter and the couple dressing up in Santa attire for Christmas. I dont know if it was the American dream, Sanchez said. But it was my dream, my family. That dream and family were ripped away in late April when Sanchez was deported from Florida to her native Cuba, even though both her daughter and husband are US citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez crossed into the US from Mexico in 2019 when the first Trump administration required asylum seekers to wait on the other side of the border for immigration appointments as part of the Remain in Mexico program. But Claudia said threats from cartels, which often target Cubans for kidnappings and extortion, prevented her from making her appointment. When she finally did cross the border again she told immigration agents her life was at risk in Mexico and she was allowed to stay. After nine months in immigration custody, she was released and able to join her family in Tampa. There she studied to become a nursing assistant, met her husband, a naturalized US citizen also from Cuba, and after several in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, finally realized her dream of becoming a mom. Sanchez maintains she hardly fits the stereotype of the dangerous undocumented immigrants that the Trump administration says it is taking off US streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I never had so much as a ticket, she said. Still, with the immigration hearing she had missed in 2019 and the changing political fortunes for Cuban immigrants who previously had residency in the US all but guaranteed, Sanchezs time in the US was running out. In April, Sanchez was contacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that an appointment she had with officers was being moved up to the next day. Still, her attorneys told her it was likely a routine check-in. Instead, when she showed up for the appointment with her daughter Kailyn and an attorney, ICE agents told her she was being taken into custody and to hand over her daughter to relatives. Call the father to come get her, you are staying here, Sanchez said the agents informed her. Heidy Sanchez with her daughter. - Patrick Oppmann/CNN Dont take away my daughter I told them, dont take away my daughter, Sanchez told CNN. They never said if I could take her or not with me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security denied Sanchez and her attorneys accounts that she was not given the option to take her daughter with her. We take our responsibility to protect children seriously and will continue to work with federal law enforcement to ensure that children are safe and protected, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. The Trump administration is giving parents in this country illegally the opportunity to self deport and take control of their departure process with the potential ability to return the legal, right way and come back to live the American dream, the statement continued. Sanchezs attorney said they tried to stop her deportation by arguing that her removal would hurt her daughter, who she was breast feeding and has suffered seizures. But two days later, as Sanchezs attorneys were requesting a hearing in the case, she was already in the air on a deportation flight to Havana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In cases like this (there are) very strong humanitarian factors, and (Heidy) did not deserve to be removed the way she was, Sanchezs attorney Claudia Canizares told CNN. Canizares said the manner in which Sanchez was repeatedly moved from different ICE facilities making it impossible to see her client before her fast-track deportation was shady. Now any possible legal avenue for Sanchez to return to the US could likely take years, Canizares said. Sanchez and her family are hoping that backlash to her story could lead to enough public support particularly among the Cuban-American community that supported Trump in the 2024 presidential race to enable a reunification. The Trump administration is ripping families apart for political games, US Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) posted on X along with a photo of her meeting Sanchezs husband Carlos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are pursuing every action to reunite this family and unfortunately are still waiting for a response from the White House to explain their illegal actions, she posted. Heidy Sanchez in Havana, Cuba. - Patrick Oppmann/CNN As controversy swirls around her case, Sanchez is struggling to adapt to the dire situation in Cuba where daily power outages and increasing scarcities have made life even tougher on the island than when she left six years ago. She lives in a house with relatives where parts of the ceiling are caving in and electricity is cut for hours each day. The cell reception from the one state-run provider is so spotty in the area she either has to walk several blocks away or scale up to the roof of the house to call her husband and daughter. Her family is only a 90-minute flight away but for the immediate future remains agonizingly out of reach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have to pump milk which should feed my daughter and throw it in the trash, Sanchez said. That hurts me so much to do. She worries constantly about her young daughter who has trouble sleeping and has suffered convulsions again following her mothers deportation. Her father puts recordings of me singing to her so that she can sleep, Sanchez said. I am suffering but I know my girl is suffering more. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Yorley Inciarte, the Venezuelan mother who was deported last week to her home country without her 2-year-old daughter and whose partner was sent to El Salvador, is accusing the U.S. government of "kidnapping" her child. "My daughter was born in Venezuela, not in the United States," Inciarte told ABC News in Spanish. "They are criminals, because they are kidnapping Venezuelans, a 2-year-old girl." After being in detention for nearly 10 months, Inciarte was deported last week to Venezuela without her daughter Maikelys Antonella Espinoza, who is not a U.S. citizen. Her partner, Maiker Espinoza Escalona, was sent to the CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador on March 30 under Title 8, which covers the deportation of migrants deemed to be removable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: He was sent to El Salvador; she was sent to Venezuela. Their 2-year-old is still in the US The Department of Homeland Security has labeled Inciarte and Escalona as "Tren de Aragua parents," alleging the two are members of the Venezuelan criminal gang. "The child's father, Maiker Espinoza-Escalona is a lieutenant of Tren De Aragua who oversees homicides, drug sales, kidnappings, extortion, sex trafficking and operates a torture house," DHS said in a statement last week. "The child's mother, Yorely Escarleth Bernal Inciarte oversees recruitment of young women for drug smuggling and prostitution." The statement by DHS was posted online in response to claims from Venezuelan government officials also accusing the Trump administration of kidnapping the 2-year old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everything is false," Inciarte told ABC News in response to DHS characterizations. "Here I am waiting for the evidence they have because if they are accusing me, it's because they have proof of what they are saying -- but here I am waiting." PHOTO: Yorley Inciarte is seen in an interview with ABC News, March 4, 2025. (ABC News) DHS officials did not provide any evidence of the allegations against Inciarte and Escalona. When asked for comment, the agency sent ABC News a statement they published last week listing the allegations against the couple. An ABC News review of county and federal records in the U.S. found no cases associated with Escalona. ABC News located a federal criminal case against Inciarte for improper entry into the U.S. in 2024; according to the documents, Inciarte pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served and one business day. Venezuelan documents provided by their family appear to show the two do not have criminal records in their home country Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't want any mother to go through what I'm being accused of," Inciarte told ABC News. Inciarte, Escalona and their child entered the U.S. last year seeking asylum, and surrendered to authorities who separated the three of them, Inciarte told ABC News. Inciarte and Escalona were placed in separate detention centers in Texas and their daughter was placed in government custody, said Inciarte, who told ABC News that she was able to speak with her daughter on video calls and with Escalona over the phone. PHOTO: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks to supporters, alongside Yorely Bernal, the mother of Maikelys Espinoza, a 2-year-old in US custody whose parents were deported separately, at a May Day rally in Caracas, Venezuela, May 1, 2025. (Miguel Gutierrez/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) The two adults were placed in asylum proceedings but they eventually asked for a deportation order so they could be reunited with their child, one of their attorneys told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since arriving back in Venezuela, Inciarte said she has received support from her country's government, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. "Her husband was unjustly sent to a concentration camp in El Salvador," Maduro said on Thursday during a speech alongside Inciarte. "There he has no contact with lawyers, or a judge and he has committed no crime in that country." "Sooner rather than later, we are going to rescue our girl Maikelys Espinoza and the 253 kidnapped in El Salvador safe and sound," Maduro said, referring to more than 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members who were send to CECOT by the Trump administration under the Alien Enemies Act. "When my partner and my daughter arrive here, the only thing I think about is staying here in my country, because the only one who supported me and fought alongside me was my country, no one else," Inciarte told ABC News. "And I will never, ever abandon my homeland. I won't even mention the United States, it will never come up. Because what I experienced in that country was so horrible, I don't even want to talk about how bad it is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador despite order barring removal to third countries Inciarte told ABC News that before she was deported, she was told her daughter was going to be deported with her. "An officer came to me with a document saying that my daughter was going to be sent to Venezuela with me," Inciarte said. "But it was all a lie because when the plane arrived, my daughter wasn't there. I asked ICE, and they didn't say anything. I got upset." "I was begging them to please let me off and that I would wait at the [detention] center, no matter how long it took, but I wanted to leave with my child." Inciarte said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inciarte said that if she could give a message to her daughter, who is under the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services in Texas, she would tell her that they will never be separated again. "What I would say to her is that we will never, ever be separated again," Inciarte said. "Never ever, my daughter, I assure you. We will fight for your dad. And we will be united as a family in love, just like before." Deported Venezuelan mother accuses US government of 'kidnapping' her child originally appeared on abcnews.go.com MILAN, Italy, May 5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will focus on enhancing food security in Uzbekistan, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, Country Director of the ADB for Uzbekistan, told reporters on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, Trend reports. In Uzbekistan, the government has been supporting the private sector to invest in various horticulture and diversifying the agriculture. There are some areas in Uzbekistan that can grow high-value agricultural products in Fergana Valley, such as fruits and vegetables. So we support the government to invest in these areas and find the export destination to gain currency. ADB will focus on food security in Uzbekistan, as it is a very central area for producing horticulture, she said. Lao-Araya pointed out that in Fergana Valley in particular, Uzbekistan produces a lot of vegetables, fruits, enough to export. But the problem is that Uzbekistan is a double landlocked country. And there's still some area that we can help the government improve in terms of trade, logistics, facilitation, something maybe not directly related to agriculture per se, but we have been putting our program in water saving technology in terms of water resource management. So this is important also to find a value addition instead of just exporting directly. And also there are some other areas that we will help the government in terms of meet the standard so that we can export to various destinations through the WTO accession, the country director added. LEROY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Calhoun County deputies are asking the community to help identify a man whose body was found in February. His body was found on Feb. 15 in the area of 6 Mile Road and H-Drive S in Leroy Township, according to the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office. Deputies determined he had died from exposure. Earlier that month, the man had been admitted to a medical facility in Kalamazoo as Misael Sanchez, according to the sheriffs office. A few years earlier in December 2022, fingerprint records place him in Georgia under the name Missla Lopez. At the time, he had been with a Rolando Sanchez and Orlando Lopez, the latter of whom may be the dead mans brother, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies believe the man was from Guatemala. They described him as having silver caps on both front teeth, each marked with a star. Anyone who may be able to identify the man, knows if he has any family members in the area or any other information should contact Lt. Chris Bacik at 269.781.0880 or Silent Observer at 269.964.3888. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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? The Clark County Lands Bill would open 25,000 acres of public land in Southern Nevada to development. (Photo courtesy Kyle Roerink) Housing developers and conservation advocates clashed over a bill Thursday that would encourage the federal government to open thousands of acres of public land in Clark County for development, a move critics say will encourage sprawl and supporters argue would lower housing costs. Assembly Joint Resolution 10, a non-binding statement of support sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui of Las Vegas, urges the federal government to prioritize the passage of the Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, colloquially known as the Clark County Lands Bill, which would open 25,000 acres of public land in Southern Nevada to development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal legislation is sponsored by Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto in the Senate and Democrat Susie Lee and Republican Mark Amodei in the House. Thursday was the first time state lawmakers held a public hearing for the resolution, which drew criticism from conservation groups and Nevada residents who spoke in opposition of the measure. Despite forgoing a public hearing, the bill passed the Assembly in April with only six members opposing it, all Democrats. During the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections hearing Thursday, supporters of the measure told lawmakers the release of public land would spur the construction of affordable housing, but critics argued the measure does not guarantee housing affordability and would only encourage unsustainable urban sprawl and exacerbate water scarcity. Jauregui said there is a severe housing shortage in Nevada, leading to skyrocketing rents and home prices. Jauregui pointed to a 2022 report from Applied Analysis put together for the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association that found the region could exhaust all available land for development in seven years if current construction trends continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This housing epidemic isnt just about a housing supply shortage, but also a land shortage, Jauregui said. Several housing developers and business interests spoke in support of the resolution Thursday, including the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, Builders Association of Northern Nevada, Nevada State Apartment Association, and the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The Nevada Republican Party, City of Henderson, Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority and the Nevada Rural Housing Authority also spoke in support of the resolution. Nevada faces a shortage of 80,000 affordable rental homes for extremely low-income residents, according to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about unchecked expansion. Its about strategic, responsible growth that allows our communities to meet the real needs of families, seniors and essential workers, said Mindy Elliot, a lobbyist speaking on behalf of the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority and the Nevada Rural Housing Authority. Jauregui acknowledged that just opening public land to development would not be enough to address rising housing costs in southern Nevada. She advocated for the resolution in combination with other housing bills she is sponsoring, including Assembly Bill 241, which would encourage more infill development in urban areas. For nearly an hour, advocates and Nevada residents spoke in opposition to the resolution during public comments. Several took the opportunity to castigate Democrats in the Assembly for failing to hold a public hearing before passing the resolution. The Senate panel also came under criticism for scheduling the Thursday hearing at the last minute. The resolutions opponents cited concerns about water scarcity, utility costs, urban sprawl, and the urban heat island effect a phenomenon that creates higher temperatures in cities due to an abundance of superheating man-made surfaces like roads and pavement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some residents expressed concern about the financial burden on taxpayers to fund new infrastructure, services, and roads in low-density suburbs if the resolution passed. During the hearing, critics of the resolution also pointed out that the Clark County Lands Bill does not specifically set aside any land for affordable housing, meaning there is no guarantee any of the released land will result in lower housing costs. Jauregui refuted arguments that the Clark County Lands Bill would not create affordable housing, pointing to Ovation Development Corps affordable senior housing project being built on land that had belonged to the federal government before it was released to the City of Las Vegas. It took five years for this land to transfer from the [Bureau of Land Management]. This new act will streamline the process that allows for these types of affordable housing developments to happen and to happen faster, Jauregui said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizations opposed to the resolution included the Great Basin Water Network, Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition, Sierra Club, Make the Road Nevada, and the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada. Conservation groups argued that infill development of existing neighborhoods is a better solution than development on parcels sprawling along the metro areas edges where federal land would be privatized. Development would exacerbate water scarcity, increase urban sprawl, and worsen housing inequities. Housing, or warehousing? An analysis by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada found that around 80,000 acres of vacant or underused land in Southern Nevadas urban core more acreage than the entire City of Henderson could be developed for housing near public transit and existing infrastructure. Olivia Tanager, the director of the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter, argued the resolution would undermine attempts to promote infill and public transportation development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Folks dont want housing out in Jean. They dont want resources taken away from their communities in East Las Vegas when folks already struggle to get around on public transportation, Tanager said. She argued much of the public land released by the Clark County Lands Bill would likely be sold for warehouses and manufacturing rather than housing. Kyle Roerink, the executive director of the Great Basin Water Network, highlighted the cost of urban sprawl on water resources in the state. Roerink pointed to research that the Colorado Rivers flow has shrunk by about 20% since 2000, with further declines projected due to climate change. Are you willing to tell your constituents that you support inviting another 800,000 people to the region with Lake Mead sitting at 33 percent full? Thats what you need to consider with this legislation, Roerink said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A joint study by Clark County and the City of Henderson found that development under the Clark County Lands Bill could increase daily water demand by 49 million gallons, or about 18% of Nevadas total allocation from the Colorado River. Democratic Rep. Dina Titus, who represents much of east Las Vegas and Henderson along with the Las Vegas Strip, spoke out against the Clark County Lands Bill to state legislators last month. No action was taken on the resolution. The resolution will need to pass in the State Senate by May 23 before being sent to the governors desk for final approval. Unlike bills, Nevada resolutions dont require approval from the governor. But Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo has repeatedly advocated the sale of federally managed lands to developers. Last month, Lombardo signed a data sharing agreement with the Bureau of Land Management to help facilitate the privatization of federal land. Editors Note: This article was updated to correctly spell Olivia Tanager, the director of the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter. It also corrected Sandra Jaureguis title. She is an Assemblymember. May 4CANTON The Midtown Plaza redevelopment project is moving forward with plans for a three-story mixed-use building in downtown Canton, the project developer revealed last week. Rob Holzman, vice president of planning and acquisitions with the Vecino Group, presented an update on the project at a joint meeting of the town and village boards Tuesday. The project will feature 55 one and two-bedroom residential units, a 10,000-square-foot SUNY Canton Entrepreneurial Center, and approximately 2,500 square feet of retail space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project will feature affordable housing units targeting residents at 30 to 80% of the area median income. Holzman noted that a significant step in the process was the recent hiring of LaBella Associates, a civil engineering firm, to lead the site plan development. LaBella Associates' Regional Business Development Manager Anastasia Thomas will be a key partner in navigating the site plan review and approval process. The development team aims to secure site plan approval from the Village Planning Board by July or August. First up for LaBella is a site survey to identify any potential issues, such as hidden infrastructure. Geotechnical work will follow to determine the type of material beneath the paved area that extends from Miner Street to the old Jubilee Supermarket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holzman said they are seeking 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Vecino will submit the tax credit application in September or October. It is foundational to making the project financially feasible, Holzman said. Factors working for a successful application are that the project is for mixed-income housing including market rate and affordable units, it is located in the downtown core, the partnership with SUNY Canton, the village's prior work preparing the site, and it being named a priority project in New York Forward Strategic Investment Plan and Restore New York funding for demolition of the existing structures. Construction timelines will depend on securing the state tax credits, Holzman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Midtown Plaza, anchored by the Jubilee supermarket, has been vacant for 20 years. Since 2019, it has been the center of a plan to build housing, retail spaces, and an entrepreneurial center and incubator hosted by SUNY Canton. In 2023, the village paid $1.28 million for the properties owned by Gary M. Cohen and Vernon L. Green. Cohen, a New York City businessman, had owned the plaza and its parking lot since 1980. Green owned a separate property adjacent to Cohen's five parcels. Once completed, the Vecino Group will be the owner and property manager. Holzman said Vecino has created an in-house property management company in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This approach, he said, allows for more direct control over property management staff and avoids challenges associated with third-party management. Holzman said that finding good property managers can be difficult when outsourcing, so their internal management company provides better oversight and quality control. This approach allows the Vecino Group to maintain consistent standards across its affordable housing developments and ensure proper maintenance and tenant services, he said. The Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday that undocumented immigrants who self-deport from the U.S. will receive a $1,000 stipend a measure that seeks to add an incentive to falling in line with the Trump administrations deportation efforts. The department framed the move as a historic opportunity for undocumented immigrants to receive both financial and travel assistance when using the Customs and Border Protections Home app to facilitate their deportation, according to a statement announcing the initiative. If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in the statement. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Migrants are expected to receive the stipend once its confirmed through the app that theyve arrived in their country of origin. The CBP Home app was previously known as CBP One and used by the administration of former President Joe Biden to allow migrants seeking asylum to set up appointments for screening. But in March, the Trump administration relaunched and repurposed the app to help streamline its mass deportation agenda. The department claims that the use of CBP Home even with the new stipend is expected to decrease deportation costs for the federal government by around 70 percent. Toward the end of the announcement, the department emphasized that participation in CBP Home Self-Deportation may help preserve the option for an illegal alien to re-enter the United States legally in the future. The initiative comes as Trump administration officials repeatedly urge migrants to self-deport, threatening to prosecute those who seek to evade immigration law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegal border crossings in the U.S. have plunged to the lowest level in decades since President Donald Trump returned to office in January. Trump has also pushed for a new gold card that allows wealthy people who want to obtain a U.S. visa to pay $5 million to get a pathway to citizenship. White House officials have said it would replace the EB-5 visa program, which offers a route for permanent residency for rich foreign investors. LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)As prices continue to rise, some of the most basic baby essentials, like diapers and wipes, are becoming harder for families to afford. Julianne Pease, a local mom of two, says her family of four is constantly adjusting her budget just to adjust. We look at our budget a little more each month and see where we need to cut costs, she said. Weve definitely experienced some challenges. The team at the CNY Diaper Bank says that this happens more than you think here in Central New York, stating that one out of two children in the area is impoverished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a tremendous amount of stress on families, said Michaela Hugo, the founder of the nonprofit. All moms want to do is take care of their babies, and diapers are an absolute essential need. No baby can go without them. To meet the rising demand, the organization offers a unique way to give back this Mothers Day. Thanks to a $10,000 matching grant from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, every monthly donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If you donate $10, thats $20 we can use toward a diaper purchase, Hugo said. We think about the moms who are really having a hard time and we just want to help them feel their best and help take care of their babies. The CNY Diaper Bank encourages people to make a gift in honor of a special mom in their life. Donors can download a card to share with the person theyre celebrating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information or to donate, visit cnydiaperbank.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 WSYR. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) In the event of an emergency or a safety threat, educational institutions can take a number of actions to protect students and teachers. Depending on the severity of the potential threat, the actions taken by the schools may vary. In Utah, there are five protocols that schools may enact as part of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Heres a quick explanation of the difference between the different protocols, according to school districts in Utah: Hold Students and staff remain in classrooms; keep hallways clear Secure (potential threat from off-campus) Students and staff brought inside; all exterior doors locked Lockdown (direct, on-campus threat to students) Students and staff lock the door of the nearest room; take cover out of sight Evacuate (school building is compromised) Everyone must leave the building; may be an on-site evacuation or an off-site evacuation Shelter (Outside hazard) Students and staff remain inside the school building Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protocols are initiated by police or school administration in the event of a potential or direct threat to student safety, the Granite School District explains. What to do during a Hold protocol When a Hold is in effect, the doors should be closed and locked, and everyone should remain in their room or area until given the all clear. The Canyons School District advises that students and adults clear the halls and do business as usual. It is advised to keep hallways clear when a Hold is in place, in the event that medical personnel need to enter the building, according to the Ogden School District. What to do during a Secure protocol A secure alert is called when there is a threat or hazard outside of the building, the Salt Lake City School District explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a secure protocol, school is expected to continue as usual inside the building, but everyone is brought inside, and the outside doors are locked. What to do during a Lockdown protocol During a lockdown, everyone must remain inside classrooms or offices with the lights off, and remain as quiet as possible. A lockdown is called when there is a threat or hazard inside the building, SLC School District said. This protocol should be initiated as quickly as possible when officials perceive a direct threat to students and staff, Granite explains. What to do during an evacuation In the event of an evacuation, students and staff will vacate the school building. There may be an on-site or off-site location for students and staff to meet at. Students are encouraged to leave their things behind, but bring their phones, if possibe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most often, evacuations will be necessary when theres a heating/ventilation system failure, nearby gas leak, or other potential danger, Ogden School District says. An evacuation drill is very similar to a fire drill. On-site evacuations may be initiated if weather permits people to be outside for extended periods of time. The Granite School District says each school has a designated off-site evacuation area that can be used if students are unable to remain on school property. What to do during a shelter-in-place A shelter-in-place may be initiated in the event of an outside hazard, such as a severe weather event or hazardous materials situation. School activities are allowed to continue as normal, but parents and visitors are not allowed on campus until the protocol is lifted. Parents and guardians are encouraged to make sure their contact information is up-to-date with the appropriate schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A couple fights at the South Dakota mens prison in Sioux Falls over the weekend resulted in some injuries to offenders, said Michael Winder of DOC communications. Correctional staff were able to quell the incident within minutes, Winder said in a Monday email to KELOLAND News. There were non-life threatening injuries to the offenders, and no staff were injured. 2 vehicle crash ends in Lewis Garden Center Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winder said his email that the east hall of the prison is on lockdown after the fights in the housing unit on the tiers of east hall. The hall is on lockdown until the DOC investigation is completed, Winder said. The DOC did a lockdown at the mens prison on Feb. 18 but while it did not release the reason, it had it was not in response to a disturbance or assault. That lockdown involved the prison and Jameson Annex. The DOC had a lockdown from Sept. 15 through Oct. 2 as a proactive security measure, which included searches for dangerous contraband and illicit substances. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trump said he was going to work with federal law enforcement agencies to reopen the famed Alcatraz as a fully functioning prison, but it could be an expensive project given that high costs were the reason the prison closed in the first place. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! he added. Alcatraz Island is seen in a view from a tour boat Monday, May 5, 2025, in San Francisco. | Jed Jacobsohn In Sundays announcement, the president said he instructed the Bureau of Prisons, the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to work on his idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcatraz, the former maximum security prison located on an island in the San Francisco Bay about a mile north of the city, is now a National Historic Landmark that serves as a tourist destination. This announcement is the latest in the string of initiatives from Trump that he says will protect public safety as well as crack down on unlawful immigration. Reopening Alcatraz would not be a simple task According to Newsweek, several obstacles would have to be navigated in order to reopen Alcatraz; this includes transferring management from the National Park Service, securing congressional funding and addressing logistical problems that led to the prisons original closure. William K. Marshall III, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons director, said on Monday that his agency will pursue all avenues to implement Trumps proposal for reopening the prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have ordered an immediate assessment to determine our needs and the next steps, he said, according to CNN. USP Alcatraz has a rich history. We look forward to restoring this powerful symbol of law, order, and justice. We will be actively working with our law enforcement and other federal partners to reinstate this very important mission. According to The New York Times, turning the facility back into a fully-operational prison would take multiple years and significant federal investment, during a time when the president said he wants to cut down spending. Visitors tour the prison cells on Alcatraz Island Monday, May 5, 2025, in San Francisco. | Jed Jacobsohn Alcatraz originally closed because of high costs Alcatrazs closure in 1963 came because of the high costs necessary to operate the prison and to renovate it. The buildings walls had corroded from salty sea air and authorities estimated it would cost $3 million to $5 million to restore and maintain the facility, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. This number did not include daily operational costs. Operating Alcatraz was around three times more expensive than operating any other federal prison. The daily per capita cost at Alcatraz in 1959 was $10.10 compared to $3.00 at the federal prison in Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high cost was due to the physical isolation of the island. The isolation meant that everything food, supplies, water, fuel had to be brought to the prison by boat, per the Bureau of Prisons. One example of this is that the island had no source of fresh water, so each week, around 1 million gallons of water had to be carried over to the island. The federal government closed the facility because it was more cost effective to build a new institution inland than to keep operating Alcatraz. Alcatraz operated as a maximum security prison from 1934 to 1963, dealing with the most incorrigible inmates in federal prisons, per the Bureau of Prisons. During its almost 30 years of operation there were 14 different escape attempts at Alcatraz, involving 36 men; 23 were caught, six were shot and killed, and two drowned, according to CBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison is also well known for the escape of three men in 1962. The three were never found, per The New York Times. It is unknown if they survived the over a mile-long swim from the island with strong currents and cold water. The current federal super-maximum security prison in Florence, Colorado, has never had someone escape. Alcatraz as a tourist attraction Currently, Alcatraz serves as a tourist destination, operated by the National Park Service. As a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz welcomes around 1.6 million visitors per year, per USA Today. The Alcatraz museum takes in $60 million in revenue annually for its park partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison was first designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, but that designation can be considered for withdrawal either at the request of the owner or on the initiative of the Secretary of the Interior, according to the National Park Service. In a historical context, the National Park Service says Alcatraz represents the federal governments response to post-Prohibition, post-Depression America. Both the institution and the men confined within its walls reflect our society during this era. Reactions to Trumps Alcatraz proposal Since Trumps post about Alcatraz on Sunday evening, many people on the internet have been reacting to the proposal, both positively and negatively. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is a California Democrat, posted on X sharing her thoughts on the proposal to reopen Alcatraz. She said the presidents proposal is not a serious one. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one. https://t.co/ALKXZLWlzO Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 5, 2025 One X user, @Turnbull, shared that he questions whether its possible to update and reopen the facility. Wait until they figure out how expensive it will be to remodel, modernize and operate Alcatraz. The plumbing alone would take years to upgrade and Im not even sure if its possible. It will never happen. pic.twitter.com/LGqQyRa4uf Turnbull (@cturnbull1968) May 4, 2025 Heres a look at some other reactions from users on X: Cant reopen Alcatraz if I sink it first The San Andreas Fault (@sanandreafault) May 5, 2025 Within 30 minutes last night, Donald Trump ordered the reopening of Alcatraz and a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies. We get it, man. You were watching The Rock. pic.twitter.com/B9YRntxpNB Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) May 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Alimat Aliyeva In a dramatic escalation of bilateral tensions, the Indian government has announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring it will not allow even a drop of water to flow into Pakistan. The move comes in the wake of a recent ballistic missile test conducted by Pakistan on May 3. As part of this aggressive posture, India has also closed its ports to Pakistani vessels, Azernews reports. Islamabad has reacted strongly, labeling the Indian decision as a declaration of war. Analysts warn that a water blockade could lead to a severe drought in Pakistan, where nearly 80% of agricultural land relies on irrigation from the Baglihar reservoir on the Chenab River. India is also reportedly planning to reduce the water flow from the Kishanganga reservoir, which feeds the Jhelum Riverfurther heightening fears of a humanitarian and ecological crisis. The Pakistani newspaper Dawn noted that, although the Indus Waters Treaty does not allow for unilateral termination or suspension, Indias decision to effectively end the 64-year-old agreementbrokered by the World Bank in 1960signals a readiness to weaponize water as a geopolitical tool. The decision follows a deadly militant attack on a tourist center in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blames on Pakistan-based groups. This is not the first time India has hinted at exiting the treaty. After the 2016 attack on the Indian army headquarters in Uri, New Delhi began revisiting its water policy toward Pakistan. However, experts in Pakistan warn that using water as a tool of coercion will only deepen hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations. In a show of defiance, Pakistan successfully test-fired its Fatah surface-to-surface missile on May 5, with a range of 120 kilometers. While relatively short-ranged, the missile adds to Islamabad's growing tactical arsenal and underscores the fragile balance in South Asia. What makes the current situation particularly volatile is the convergence of strategic, environmental, and humanitarian stakes. The Indus Waters Treaty is considered one of the most successful water-sharing agreements in the world and has survived multiple wars between the two nations. Its collapse would set a dangerous precedent for transboundary water disputes globally. MILAN, Italy, May 5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will continue supporting the government of Uzbekistan in attracting investors to state-owned enterprises, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, Country Director of the ADB for Uzbekistan, told reporters on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, Trend reports. On privatization, ADB has supported the government on reforms for a long time. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has a master plan to do this. And we have been helping state-owned banks strengthen their capacity and ability to find a strategic investor, she said. Lao-Araya noted that ADB invested in a senior loan for the Uzbek Industrial and Construction Bank (SQB). At the moment, they are trying to find a strategic investor to invest in the bank. The country director went on to add that ADB invested in the senior convertible loan to encourage the government to find a partner. And in terms of other state-owned enterprises, we will continue supporting the government. First thing is to promote transparency, so that the investor can come and invest in this state-owned enterprise and make it more commercial, viable, she said. President Donald Trump argued in an interview with NBC News Meet the Press that fulfilling his ambitious campaign promise to rapidly carry out mass deportations may take precedence over giving immigrants the right to due process under the Constitution, as required by courts. When asked by Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker asked if he felt the need to "uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? Trump replied I dont know, Trump replied. I have to In a May 4 post on social media, President Donald Trump signaled plans to impose a 100% tariff on all films made outside of the United States. He described foreign-made films as "messaging and propaganda," saying that the threat to Hollywood made foreign-made films "a national security threat." The proposal has raised some questions as people wonder how tariffs on the film industry could be imposed. President Donald Trump has set his sights on a new industry amid his ongoing trade war with the rest of the world Hollywood. The 78-year-old politician took to his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, May 4, to announce plans to implement a "100% tariff on any and all movies coming into our country that are produced in foreign lands." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death," Trump wrote. "Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated." He described the situation as "a concerted effort by other Nations," declaring that it was thus "a National Security threat." "It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda," he continued before concluding, "WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!" Related: Donald Trump Shares Fake Photo of Himself as the Pope Days After Saying He's His 'Number One Choice' for Pontiffs Replacement Andrew Harnik/Getty Donald Trump walks across the White House South Lawn on May 1, 2025 Donald Trump walks across the White House South Lawn on May 1, 2025 Trump claimed that he would work with the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to implement the tariffs, saying that they would begin "immediately." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite his announcement, the White House implied that there were no instant plans to act on the directive. Although no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made, the Administration is exploring all options to deliver on President Trumps directive to safeguard our countrys national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement shared with CNN. The outlet noted that these proposed tariffs would be a first as movies are "intellectual property, not goods." Related: Donald Trump Says Declaration of Independence Is About 'Love and Respect' Watch Reporter's Viral Reaction Anna Moneymaker/Getty Donald Trump in May 2025 Donald Trump in May 2025 Financial Times reported that there have been concerns about the impact that tariffs would have on the film industry in the United States and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement London-based media analyst Claire Enders described the plan as beyond devastating to the outlet, saying, These are key services for the U.K. We have been making movies in tandem with the US for 100 years," Enders continued. Related: Mel Gibson 'Surprised' by Trump Naming Him Hollywood Ambassador: I Got the Tweet at the Same Time as All of You An analyst at Barclays also proposed that the tariffs might simply result in studios "freezing activity" on projects while they wait for "some clarity on actual policy." PEOPLE reached out to the White House, the Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative for a comment on the proposed tariffs but did not hear back at the time of publication. 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. His comments come shortly after the president said that he was unsure if he had to uphold the U.S. Constitution during an interview with Meet the Press' Kristen Welker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know. I'm not, Im not a lawyer. I don't know," he said when asked about if everyone in the United States deserves due process, which is set out in the Constitution. He expressed hesitancy about whether he needed to listen to America's founding document in terms of deportations without due process, saying, "I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said. What you said is not what I heard the Supreme Court said. They have a different interpretation." Read the original article on People Great news, my fellow Americans! Tariff revenue last month was way up. The government took in $17.4 billion from tariffs in April, nearly double the March haul of $9.6 billion. So far this year, the government has collected around $70 billion in tariff revenue. In 2024, with Sleepy Joe at the helm, it took in only about $77 billion for the whole year. Today, under the beautiful leadership of Pope Donald, were on pace for $210 billion in revenues. Maybe more! Could Trump be right, then, that tariffs will pay for everything and one day replace the income tax? No. Not even close. Not even kinda-sorta-maybe-in-dreamland close. This is a very under-discussed aspect of this whole tariff debate. Commentary typically focuses on whether the tariffs will really reduce the trade deficit and bring manufacturing back to the United States. Far too little attention is paid to one of Donald Trumps chief claims, which he makes constantly: He fervently believes, or sure seems to, that the revenue from tariffs will be so great as to allow for the shutting down of the IRS and the end of income taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Permit me to arm you with the answers to three fundamental questions. How much does the federal government spend every year? How much revenue does the federal government take in every year? And how much revenue might Trumps tariffs generate once his plan is really up and running? Answers to the first two questions: In 2024, the government spent about $6.75 trillion. In the same year, federal government revenues totaled $4.9 trillion. Yes, that made for a hefty budget deficit of $1.8 trillion, give or take, and that is certainly on the very high side, but that isnt what were here to discuss today. Nowlets break down that revenue figure into its constituent categories. The largest chunk of that $4.9 trillion, about $2.4 trillionor essentially halfcame from income taxes. Another $1.7 trillion came from payroll taxes. About $530 billion came from corporate taxes (which Trump wants to lower again, so dont expect that number to stay that high). Finally, $253 billion came from our old friend Other. The largest piece of the Other pie was excise taxes ($101 billion), which are taxes on things like airline tickets and so forth. Other also included the aforementioned $77 billion in tariff revenue, also known as customs duties. In other words: To vaporize the IRS, Trumps tariffs would need to produce $2.4 trillion in revenue. So, hows that looking? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its looking insane is how its looking. As noted, the government is on pace to generate something north of $200 billion in tariff revenue this year. But lets imagine that Trumps wildest dreams are met or even exceeded. Will customs duties produce anywhere near $2.4 trillion? No. Theyll come about as close as Publisher came to winning the Kentucky Derby Saturday (he finished fourteenth out of 19; my dream exacta of Journalism-Publisher went up in smoke around the first turn). Heres a good report from USA Today that covers all the bases. The Yale Budget Lab estimates that the tariffs will bring in, wouldnt you know it, exactly $2.4 trillion. But oopsthats over the next 10 years, not one, so its not even going to cover the first year of this wild experiment. Other estimates are similar. Even Peter Navarro, Trumps tariffs adviser who made his small contribution to the 2024 deficit by forcing you and me to pay his housing tab for four months (in a federal prison in Miami, that is), estimates theyll only bring in $600 billion a year. And thats from the most passionate tariff evangelist in the country, in some ways even more ardent than Trump himself. So, doing the math, we find that $2.4 trillion (income tax revenue) minus $600 billion (the most optimistic projection of tariff revenue) would leave the country $1.8 trillion short of current revenues. Or, using the Yale Budget Lab number ($240 billion a year in tariff revenue), the country would be left $2.16 billion in the hole. So no: Tariff revenues wont make up for income tax revenue. Not even anywhere near close. Yet Trump says this and says it and says it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is, as you probably know, a running debate about Trumps lies: Does he actually believe X, or does he know X isnt true but just says it anyway? Usually, consensus tends toward the latter explanation. But on this one, one suspects that hes actually ill-informed enough to believe it. Somebody told him about how under William McKinley, tariffs paid for everything, and he liked the sound of that, without stopping to think that the federal government of the 1890s needed very little money because it did virtually nothing (federal spending today as a percentage of gross domestic product hovers somewhere around 20 percent; in the 1890s, it was more like 2 percent). This brings us to a further wrinkle in this debate. Maybe Trump has no intention of replacing the whole $2.4 trillion. Maybe he and the Heritage Foundation and his Project 2025 operatives intend to shrink the government down to the size where a few hundred billion in revenue is plenty. That would involve laying off the majority of the federal workforce and ending most of what the federal government does. The public already disapproves of what Elon Musk and DOGE are up to. Trying to take the government back to what it was in the 1890s would be an act of political suicide. Some red-hot ideologues of the right may want to do this, but I sincerely doubt Trump does. He probably doesnt care that much, and he surely doesnt want to see his approval rating hit a number thats lower than the age of Bill Belichicks girlfriend. I get why people support Trump. If youre angry at the system, youll vote for someone who is anti-system. If youre enraged about the border, well, hes your guy, and it is true that border crossings are down dramatically, although needless to say he and his people are doing some funny counting. And finally, lets not forget that millions of Americans are getting their news from outlets that never utter a cross syllable about the man and regurgitate every word he says as biblical truth, so of course they support him since theres nothing theyve heard about to oppose. But really. If you believe his nonsense about tariffs and the IRS, youre drinking some Kool-Aid that even Ken Kesey wouldnt have served. Or put it this way: If Trump really does fancy himself pope, well, hes peddling a truckload of papal bull. President Donald Trump urged Fox News host Howard Kurtz to retire and called Fox News contributor Karl Rove a loser despite support from the two on Sunday. Trumps tolerance for even mild media dissent, especially from mostly friendly Fox News, appears to be wafer-thin at this point. Rove, appearing on host Trey Gowdys Fox News show, praised Trumps border security push as a great success. However, he urged the president to visit border towns to publicize it. He also advised Trump to cooperate with the courts in the deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and to forge positive trade agreements with countries instead of provoking them with large tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont need to have Karl Rove of Fox News to tell me what to do, Trump wrote about the former deputy chief of staff under President George W. Bush. The guys a total Loser whos been wrong about almost everything! Kurtzs crime appeared to be not praising Trump enough in defending the president against comments from mainstream journalists. That Kurtz merely played clips from MSNBC contributor Charlie Sykes and CNNs Kaitlan Collins and Abby Phillip as a counterpoint to conservative compliments for Trump appeared to rile the president. The MediaBuzz host even said the remarks against Trump were quite personal. He predicted that, if the economy bounces back in six months, Who will care about Trumps currently low approval rating? Yet Trump bashed him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is time for Howie Kurtz to retire! he wrote. Every Woke Anchor in the Business, people that no one watched from CNN, MSDNC, and others, are plastered all over his show, with all really negative and fake statements, and then I am weakly defended by Howie and his group (although Ben Domenech has been strong!). The case Howie makes for me is so pathetic that it would be a lot better if he didnt say anything. Anyway, thats the way it is! Trumps escalating feud with the Fourth Estate also took to the skies on Air Force One Sunday. After a Wall Street Journal reporter asked about peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, the president attempted to discredit the outlet instead of answering the question. Fox News and Donald Trump Getty Related... Donald Trump flipped out at a journalist for The Wall Street Journal on board Air Force One on Sunday. The journalist drew Trumps ire after asking about talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the U.S. presidents effort to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine over the formers invasion of the latter. Trump asked which outlet the reporter worked for, a tactic hes resorted to frequently during his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When told the Journal, he then railed: Thats what I thought. Boy, you people treat us so badly. Wall Street Journal has truly gone to hell. Go ahead, yeah. Rotten newspaper. You hear me? What I said? Its a rotten newspaper. Trump then told the journalist to go ahead with the question, but refused to answer. I wouldnt tell The Wall Street Journal because itd be wasting my time. There are talks, but I dont want to talk to The Wall Street Journal. Look, Wall Street Journal is China-oriented, and theyre really bad for this country. Trump turned to take a question from another journalist. Its the latest flashpoint between Trump and the Rupert Murdoch-owned publication, which despite its conservative leaning has in recent months flamed Trump on multiple occasions most notably over his trade policies and market-spooking tariffs, which it dubbed The Dumbest Trade War In History. Trump: Who you with? Reporter: Wall Street Journal Trump: Wall Street Journal has truly gone to hell. Rotten newspaper. You hear me, what I said It's a rotten newspaper.. pic.twitter.com/w81IMLJFah Acyn (@Acyn) May 5, 2025 Related... A woman from Dorchester has been arrested in connection with a shoplifting incident that happened last September in Nashua, NH. On May 2, police arrested 47-year-old Brandi Osgood of Dorchester, Massachusetts, on a felony warrant for theft by unauthorized taking or transfer. Police say on September 25, 2024, officers responded to a theft at BJs Wholesale Club. Employees reported that a female, identified as Osgood, distracted them by faking a medical event while a male accomplice stole merchandise valued at over $1,501. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Osgood was released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on June 3 in Nashua Court. Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact them at (603) 589-1665. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW MISSOURI The Take it Down Act heads to President Donald Trumps desk, after passing the U.S. House by a vote of 409-2. The bill, when signed, would outlaw posting intimate or inappropriate photos of someone without their consent, or as many refer to it as revenge porn. It will also outlaw A.I. deepfakes, which is similar to intimate/inappropriate content, but computer-generated. A summary of the bill says, Violators are subject to mandatory restitution and criminal penalties, including prison, a fine, or both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also require platforms to remove the content in 48 hours when notified. As mentioned, the U.S. House passed this bill 409-2, a showing of bipartisan support on the issue. Of the two who voted no, one is Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison. Ozarks First reached out to Burlisons team and was given this statement. Sharing non-consensual intimate imagery is abhorrent, but this bill unnecessarily federalizes the criminalization of conduct that states already have laws against, and many of them already have laws tailored to address AI-generated deepfakes. As such, creating a new federal offense is both redundant and constitutionally problematic. The further federalization of criminal law in this way undermines state authority, blurs lines of accountability, and risks duplicative prosecutions. Furthermore, while the bill attempts to safeguard free speech with a reasonable person test, I remain concerned about its impact on First Amendment rights and the unchecked growth of federal power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozarks First checked into Missouris passing laws about this issue on a state level, and at the time of this story being published, found two that are making their way through the legislative process. Missouri House Bill 362 would establish the disclosure of intimate digital depictions in an attempt to harass, annoy, threaten, alarm, or cause harm to the individual depicted, and outlines what a person can seek in terms of civil action if material was posted online without consent. A summary for the bill says it Creates the offense of and civil penalties for disclosure of intimate digital depictions, but according to the Missouri House website, its out of committee but has not made it out of the Missouri House. Missouri Senate Bill 411 is centered around the Taylor Swift Act, which establishes a cause of action by an individual who is the subject of an intimate digital depiction against a person who discloses such depiction and who knows or recklessly disregards the fact that the individual has not consented to such disclosure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, it would make it a Class E felony for a first offense, and a Class C felony for any offense after. According to the Missouri Senate Website, Missouri Senate Bill 411 was last discussed on March 26, 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Authorities uncovered a shocking and disgusting scene, including more than 100 cats, both dead and alive, at a home in Long Island on Saturday. Firefighters were summoned to the house on Westminster Drive in Bohemia around 3 p.m. Saturday after neighbors complained about a foul odor emanating from the property. According to Newsday, the Suffolk County SPCA said they found 61 "very sick" cats and eight newborn kittens that were removed from the home. Two dozen dead cats were found in the freezer, the New York Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres kittens and Chewy boxes throughout the house, Tammy Gatto, a volunteer with Long Island Cat and Kitten Solutions, told the New York Post. It was crazy. There had to be like a hundred Chewy boxes in the entire house. They were scattered in every room, and there were little bodies, dead bodies, inside." Police tape surrounds the scene of a shooting near the student union at Florida State University on April 17, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images Gatto added that the stench was so overwhelming, she had to take several breaks throughout the day. One animal rescue worker vomited after entering the home and had to be hospitalized. "We were wearing protective suits like hazmat suits and we had respirators and it was still really tough," Gatto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to property records, the home is owned by Stephen Glantz. Neighbors told the Post that stray cats had been seen throughout the neighborhood for years, and they often gathered at the home, where Glantz and his wife would put out food for them. However, after Glantz's wife died recently, the situation became out of control. He was feeding the cats in the backyard for years, one neighbor told The Post. I mean, I would smell the urine, but I like cats. But we never smelled anything like this. I mean, I feel sick to my stomach right now. They kept the windows closed. Now with the windows open, Oh my God! ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Local community members react and respond to President Trumps immigration polices Sunday afternoon. The Trump administration said the U.S. Postal Service is now aiding the Department of Homeland Secuity in finding, detaining and deporting unauthorized immigrants in the country. The president recently signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to assist with immigration probes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to these actions and other polices, those in Rockford held a protest Sunday at East State and Buckley Drive. Dozens of protestors rallied with signs and synchronized chants, expressing their concerns and frustrations with the administration. One protestor said he was there peacefully, but to make a point. Theres a lot going on right now, and I feel like we require a lot of changes with Trump getting into office, protestor Antonio Aguilera said. Things need to change and people need to know about it. Were using our First Amendment right to be out here to protest, and its not violent. We stay peaceful, but people need to know whats going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group plans to organize two more protests in the next few weeks. They will be on May 18th and June 7th at 1 p.m. at the intersection of East State Street and Mulford Road in Rockford. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. One of the key mechanisms implemented to support the activities of entrepreneurs is the investment incentive mechanism, which includes tax and customs exemptions, said Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Speaking at the event "Azerbaijan's Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," at the Heydar Aliyev Center, Aliyev further explained that, in order to encourage local production, investment incentive certificates were issued for two projects worth a total of 50 million manat ($29.4 million). Ukraine will have to incorporate approximately 170,000 pages of EU laws, regulations, and directives into its national framework in a very short time. This is a task that has the potential to overwhelm legislative processes and Verkhovna Rada might be the biggest bottleneck in the accession process, particularly because Ukraine needs to transpose not only the directives but also the regulations, which in the EU enter into force bypassing the national parliaments. This is not only because of the complicated and lengthy procedure of adopting the primary laws but also because of post-Soviet tradition in legal technique, where laws are often very detailed. An additional reason is a mistrust of the Members of the Parliament towards the Government and judiciary system to prescribe more details in the secondary legislation or interpretation. The difference in legal drafting techniques between post-Soviet countries and some EU Member States (where laws are more general, with details left to secondary legislation) reflects legal traditions and approaches to governance. This difference can be attributed to the legal systems and legislative traditions of these regions, and it is often discussed in terms of legal formalism versus legal pragmatism, civil law versus common law traditions, or codification versus delegation. Post-Soviet countries typically follow a civil law tradition, inherited from the Soviet legal system, which itself was influenced by the German and French civil law systems. In this tradition, laws are often drafted in a highly detailed and prescriptive manner. Post-Soviet detailed laws reflect a formalistic approach, while the general framework approach reflects a pragmatic, flexible style nowadays used also in some civil law countries (e.g.Germany). The EU acquis with the needed transposition of directives and direct enforcement of regulations is pushing the Member States to align the legal technique with common law tradition, at least in the areas where the directives exist. Areas, where no acquis exist (tax law, administrative law, etc.) in the countries with civil law tradition, remain precisely prescribed in the primary legislation. Laws usually transpose one or a few directives together. Ukraine, which on top of directives has to transpose thousands of regulations, has a bad practice of transposing one directive by several primary laws. The Renewables Directive No 1, for example, was transposed by three laws and No 2 only partially transposed into 2 laws (the Green Transformation Law and the Law on Alternative Fuels). More need to be still adopted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post-Soviet legal technique characteristics: Codification: Laws are comprehensive and attempt to cover every possible scenario within the text of the primary legislation. Formalism: There is a strong emphasis on strict adherence to the letter of the law, with less discretion left to judges or administrative bodies. Centralized Control: Detailed laws reflect a historical preference for centralized control and predictability, minimizing the need for interpretation or delegation. Contrary to the civil law traditional technique is the one in countries with common law traditions, practiced nowadays even in the countries where civil law tradition was born. In common law legal technique, the drafting of the primary law has a more flexible approach. Laws are drafted in a general framework style, with details filled in by secondary legislation (regulations, decrees, or statutory instruments). Common law legal technique characteristics: Framework Legislation: Primary laws set out broad principles and objectives, while secondary legislation provides specific rules and procedures. Delegation of Authority: This approach allows for greater flexibility and adaptability, as the executive or regulatory bodies can update rules without requiring new primary legislation. Judicial Discretion: Common law systems, in particular, rely heavily on judicial interpretation to fill in gaps and adapt the law to new circumstances. While the EU promotes a more flexible, principles-based approach to legislation, some Member Statesparticularly those with a civil law tradition and a post-Soviet legacy (Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania)still use detailed, prescriptive drafting techniques. However, even in these countries, the influence of EU law has led to some convergence toward more flexible approaches in areas covered by the acquis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian post-Soviet primary laws have predictability and clarity but they are inflexible and have difficulty in adapting to new circumstances, potential for overly complex and rigid systems, and need a lengthy procedure for the adoption. Just to mention two gloomy illustrations. First, feed-in tariffs for renewable electricity generation were for years designed in the primary law. There is no other country on the globe having feed-in tariffs fixed in the law. Lack of political will prolonged unrealistically high tariffs for ever cheaper solar panels and wind turbines to the extent of millions of euros of unpaid debt to investors. Second, thank god cheaper example was a law transposing some provisions of the REMIT regulation. The Members of the Parliament registered 2 different draft laws. The relevant parliamentary committee discussed the draft law(s) in 4 meetings. Verkhovna Rada discussed the draft law in 4 meetings. The whole process lasted from 01 April 2021 till 10 June 2023 when the law was adopted. The law envisaged 4 secondary legal acts, which took a further 18 months to draft and adopt. All this was done in the EU by one move. The first law drafted in the common law tradition adopted in Ukraine was the Law of Ukraine No. 329-VIII; On the Natural Gas Market; (adopted on 9 April 2015). It was drafted by the Energy Community Secretariat and mainly copied the provisions of the Directive 2009/73/EC. I remember it was strongly opposed by the Ministry of Justice which is responsible for monitoring the consistency of legislative drafting and compliance with the legal framework. Only strong pressure of the IMF conditionality to adopt that particular draft law helped to make its way to Verkhovna Rada and through it. It was a test that it is possible in Ukraine as well. Another, almost anecdotal example was a transposition of EU gas Network Codes, which Gazprom put as a condition to prolong the gas transport deal in 2019. Regulator NEURC with a short one-page decision (no. 2586) on 29 November 2019 transposed all five gas Network Codes at once. Implementation was indeed limping for years after that but if there is a will there is a way. Ukraine will have to change its legal technique of drafting the laws. Otherwise, it risks catching the expected entry year 2030 only several years later. Janez Kopac Video above: This FOX 5/KUSI video from May 3, 2025, shows the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on San Diegos 805 freeway. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A San Diego man was ultimately arrested on Saturday following a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 805 that left one person dead and several others injured, authorities said. The incident forced a full closure of the southbound freeway, gridlocking traffic for hours. The pile-up collision occurred around 8:50 a.m., just north of 43rd Street. According to California Highway Patrol, 27-year-old Markus Eugene Turner was driving a black Honda sedan when, for reasons still under investigation, he collided with a silver Toyota sedan that was stopped on the right shoulder of the freeway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a mass casualty incident: Boat washes up at Torrey Pines State Beach The crash triggered a chain reaction, with Turners vehicle also striking a blue Honda sedan and a white Toyota sedan. A nearby silver Nissan SUV was also damaged by flying glass debris, CHP explained in a press release on Monday. The scene of a major crash on I-805 southbound on Saturday, May 3, 2025.(KSWB) Turner, along with two passengers in his vehicle and the driver of the blue Honda sedan, was transported to a local hospitaltheir injuries ranged from minor to major. Meanwhile, the driver of the silver Toyota sedan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, CHP confirmed. San Diego-based Aya Healthcare announces death of founder Alan Braynin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once medically cleared, authorities said Turner was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was booked into the San Diego County Jail on multiple charges. The identity of the deceased individual has not yet been released. CHP investigators are continuing to examine the cause and sequence of the multi-vehicle crash. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact the CHP San Diego Area office at 858-293-6000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A motorist involved in a crash that left two people dead in the Vermont-Slauson neighborhood of Los Angeles Monday was traveling over 100 mph and running red lights, according to witnesses. The two-vehicle collision was reported shortly after 5:45 a.m. on Vermont Avenue near West 66th Street. Arriving officers found two deceased victims at the scene, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Cervantes confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LAPD Detective Moreno later said the deceased were traveling eastbound in a silver vehicle and had a green light when they were struck by a Toyota Rav4 being driven southbound. Witnesses said the suspect was speeding in excess of 100 mph and running red lights. Police investigate a deadly hit-and-run crash in Los Angeles on May 5, 2025. (KTLA) Both occupants, the driver and a female, were killed on impact, Moreno said. He added that the driver was a male in his 40s and the passenger was a woman in her 20s. Witnesses said the female victim may have been pregnant. Were still waiting to confirm that, Moreno said. Video from the scene showed debris scattered across the roadway, which was blocked off by yellow caution tape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identities of the victims have not been released. Police initially believed that someone had fled the scene, but Moreno later said investigators were still working to determine how many people were in the suspects vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle was actually transported to a local hospital along with the front passenger. Were hearing that there might have been a third passenger in the rear passenger seat, Moreno said. The drivers injuries were described as severe but not life-threatening. KTLAs Nancy Fontan 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 KTLA. A semi-truck driver was rescued after a crash left the cab hanging over an overpass. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Louisville Metro Police responded to a crash around 9:50 a.m. on Sunday. An initial investigation revealed that the semi was traveling south on Interstate 65 when the driver lost control and hit the rail of the bridge, according to CBS affiliate WLKY TV in Louisville. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash caused the cab to hang over the rail, and the driver was inside. Youve got a precarious situation where the cab of a truck is dangling off an interstate. It could possibly separate and fall, said Brian ONeill, fire chief. He said the incident was like a semi crash in 2024. The last one was dangling over water. This one was over, you know, everybody around here is familiar with Spaghetti Junction. Theres just more interstate underneath, said ONeill. He told WLKY that crews used a high point rope system, with a rescuer lowered into the cab. You basically, lower a person down there into the cab, explained ONeill. One of our firefighters was there to then hook him up into a system, make sure that he was safe, pull him up out of the cab and back down to safety. The Louisville Mayor shared rescue photos on social media. The rescue took almost 30 minutes. Medics transported the driver to a Louisville hospital. Photo contributed by Mayor Craig Greenberg (via Facebook) [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WAGENINGEN, Netherlands (Reuters) - Dutch police arrested five pro-Palestine protesters on Monday during a World War Two anniversary event in Wageningen, central Netherlands. A police spokesperson said the arrests were for disturbing public order. As the city marked the 80th anniversary of Dutch liberation at the end of World War Two in Europe, around 250 to 300 protesters, according to local media estimates, gathered to voice opposition to the Israel-Gaza war and demand the Dutch government speak out against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They held signs reading "Not then, not now, never again" and "Don't give hate power," a Reuters witness saw. They also held an 80-metre (262 ft) long red banner, with an accompanying text that described it as a symbol of "the red line the government refuses to draw," referring to the Dutch government. During a speech by Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Dutch media reported a protester threw a smoke bomb onto the stage, where visiting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was also present. The police spokesperson was unable to clarify whether the protester was among those arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his speech, Tusk referenced the war in Ukraine, saying that Europe's era of comfort and freedom was over, and that the lesson of 80 years ago was that nations had to be united to overcome the challenges they face. Several World War Two veterans also attended the event. They included Mervyn Kersh, aged 100, from Britain, and Nick Janicki, 101, from Canada, who lit the National Liberation Fire just after midnight on Monday. The public greeted them with a loud cry of "thank you". (Reporting by Piroschka van de Wouw and Charlotte Van Campenhout, Editing by Barbara Lewis) COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Lonney Stokes moved to the Near East Side of Columbus in 2013. Hes bought several properties and now lives on Berkeley Road. The neighborhood today is much different from it was when he moved in. It was, well, vacant pretty much and really violent, he said. Half the neighborhood was boarded up. To put it in perspective, when we first moved in here, you couldnt get a pizza delivered here. Stokes is a builder. He used his skills to turn a neighborhood with overgrown sidewalks, crumbling fences, and boarded-up homes into a neighborhood hes proud of. He started by cleaning up Blackburn Park, where he would go to teach a free yoga class every Sunday for about a year. He noticed the conditions children had to play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre playing in the dirt, you know, basically and its just bottles, you know, cap, bottle caps and glass and cigarette butts and little blunt tips, Stokes said. We have a really good neighborhood that we fought really hard for. I mean, it was, you know, a lot of gang violence. Now, a once-struggling neighborhood has several newly renovated homes with homeowners and tenants becoming a part of the neighborhood fabric. There are still several abandoned and boarded-up homes with several others being renovated. There isnt much green space in the neighborhood. Theres no park nearby, with the closest being a 15-minute walk away. Stokes saw this and turned the empty lot next to his home into a small oasis with a big honeysuckle tree and a small pond. I always have to back the underdog for some reason and this, this neighborhood is the underdog, Stokes said. Its the only way to make change, you know, if I dont do it, then whos going to do it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Columbus has a well-documented affordable housing crisis. One way the city is trying to make a dent in the issue is through the Franklin County Land Bank and the Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT), which is building ten single-family homes in the Near East, including one home next to Stokes on Berkeley Road. The green space Stokes created is now dirt. The trees have been removed, and a new home will soon stand in that space. Stokes and neighbor Sheriff Benson are well aware of the housing needs of the neighborhood and what is needed to keep an upward trajectory. Part of that is density, which can bring business and other issues, Benson, who serves on the citys Near East Side Area Commission, said. So thats one of the pros is if we get denser neighborhoods, we can get more amenities, more businesses can come in and potentially thrive because they can have higher foot traffic. Speaking from a personal standpoint, Benson said he will miss the green space between his and Stokes homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I first moved in, there was actually a pond there that Lonney had put in himself with some trees that he was taking care of, and it was really gorgeous, he said. Benson pointed out that there are pros and cons to a development like the one the COCLT is doing in their neighborhood. There are empty houses right next to Lonney is actually a home that looks to me to be abandoned and it would be nice to see some of those homes being fixed up, being, and, you know, being sold and/or rented by the folks, because that also increases density, he said. The space between the homes is now blocked on one side after Stokes put up a privacy fence recently along his property line. Hes frustrated that nobody on the development team sought input from residents before they found out this home was being built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time that they came and presented was, you know, as the projects were pretty far along, so not a lot of room for any neighborhood feedback in that, Benson said. Stokes and Benson would both like to see the existing homes and duplexes in the neighborhood get rehabbed before building new homes. They may be building a new home, they may be new neighbors and new people, but were losing one of the few green spaces that was here, Benson 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. TYLER, Texas (KETK) An East Texas mom of eight and a beloved school bus driver will be earning her associates degree at Tyler Junior College (TJC) on Friday after she watched nurses help save her husband, who experienced a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for several weeks. According to TJC, Ronda Knight will graduate from TJC with an associates degree in psychology and sociology and will begin TJCs 16-month associate degree nursing program the following week on April 12. Longview High School honors seniors at first-ever Lobo decision day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The junior college said Knight works full time as a school bus driver at Lindale ISD, waking up at 3:30 a.m. each morning for 17 years, and is a mom of eight kids, ages 18 to 29, but still maintains a near-perfect GPA. Photo of Ronda Knight, courtesy of Tyler Junior College Knights TJC story started in 2022 when she decided to go back to school at 46-years-old and hasnt slowed down since. One of my co-workers at Lindale High School was about to graduate from TJC, and she convinced me to just go for it, Knight said. I said, Okay, walk me through the process and help me apply, and she did. That was it. I originally chose TJC because it was close to home and offered the courses I needed but I stayed because I found a place where I was accepted and feel at home, Knight said. College officials said that in addition to Knights TJC degrees, she also has two credits from earning her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from UT Tyler and is applying to their Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knight explained that she chose the healthcare track for personal reasons. In 2021, my husband was in an accident at work and had a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for several weeks, plus my daughter was in a high-risk pregnancy at the same time, she said. It was a lot, and there was this group of nurses who helped my husband and also helped me walk that path. That was what made me decide to go back to school. Knight also credits a group of six TJC women who have been mentors and encouraged her through college: Biology Lab Specialist, Kim Chastain Professor and Phi Theta Kappa Sponsor, Gigi Delk Professor and Phi Theta Kappa Sponsor, Nancy Carter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Processing Analyst, Kassie Garcia Office Coordinator and Phi Theta Kappa Sponsor, Marie Davis Psychology and Sociology Professor, Dr. Deb Kelley This group of ladies keeps me going, she said. If it had not been for them, I would not still be here and thriving in the way that I am. Tyler Junior College recognizes longtime supporters at board meeting Knight is also an active member of TJCs Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), serving as chapter president and is the incoming district vice president for the Texas region. The junior college said she has also been involved with numerous community service events and volunteers at the student resource center on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knight explains that eventually she wants to earn a doctorate in psychology and nursing, maybe even become a professor at TJC. Ive thought about coming back here to teach someday, she said. To anyone thinking about going back to school, I would just say to do it. If you have questions, dont be afraid to reach out to your professors or advisors because they are here to help. Most of all, get involved on campus. This is a great place, and Ive enjoyed every minute of it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Eaton man learned his punishment on Monday after taking a plea deal. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Ernest Hatmaker walked into a Preble County courtroom on Monday and was asked by a judge if he had anything to say before his sentencing. I just want to thank you and the court for all its time and energy, Hatmaker said. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sentenced to probation, a $1,000 fine, and payment of court costs. As previously reported, Hatmaker was convicted of a felony charge of possessing criminal tools. Last month, he was in court taking a plea deal. In it, prosecutors dismissed the original six counts in this case, all of which were related to child pornography. Hatmaker then pleaded no contest to a reduced charge, and the court found him guilty. On Monday, the Preble County prosecutor released the following written statement: Now that State v. (Ernest) Hatmaker has concluded I am able to make an official statement regarding its resolution. I will start by sharing that I too join in the community dissatisfaction with the resolution. No prosecutor ever wants to resolve a case of this nature as we had to in this instance. However, we are sometimes hampered by the rules of evidence, the facts as presented, witness cooperation, and rulings of the Court. From the outset, we knew the case would be a difficult one to prove at trial. After the federal authorities declined to prosecute the defendant, it was assigned by my predecessor to a very experienced sex crimes prosecutor. He knew that the case would be extremely difficult to prove. This case involved a small number of images likely downloaded from the internet. The images were maintained in an online application, not on any device owned by the defendant. Historically, these types of cases are quite difficult to prove, but we took on the challenge. Criminal cases rarely stay the same from beginning to end. Some cases get better with time, others get worse. This case unfortunately was the latter. As time went on the case became plagued with witness availability and cooperation issues as well as adverse rulings from the court. Those things, coupled with an extremely technical and difficult set of facts from the beginning, made the likelihood of success at trial dwindle. As such, securing a felony conviction via plea agreement, even if less than desirable, was the best option in light of the circumstances. This position became even more palatable when the Court suggested that the defendant would not be receiving a prison sentence even if convicted on all charges. This office prosecutes hundreds of cases each year and works tirelessly to seek justice. I share in the community concern over the resolution of this case. That said, we dont create the facts, evidence, and witnesses, they are presented to us as is. Simply stated, this case fell apart. What the public generally believes should be admissible in court, isnt always admissible. What the public generally believes to be true isnt always provable in Court. It is for all of these reasons that the case was resolved via plea agreement. Eric E. Marit, Preble County Prosecuting Attorney Hatmaker and his lawyer declined to speak on camera but released the following statement: There is a lot of misinformation surrounding this case. The charges against Mr. Hatmaker were dropped. There was great risk in going to trial on these types of allegations which were never more than allegations, and which the State dismissed. Mr. Hatmaker has been harshly judged in the court of public opinion without any justification or basis in reality. Simply, Mr. Hatmaker was not convicted of any of the charges filed against him, because he was not guilty of those offenses. The truth is this was about only six images of alleged pornographic material that a) were never in the possession of Mr. Hatmaker they were not contained on his cell phone, and there was no evidence that they ever existed there; and b) the State could not prove were illegal. Mr. Hatmaker and his family look forward to putting this four-year nightmare and these baseless allegations behind them. James P. Fleisher, Ernest Hatmakers defense lawyer News Center 7 has been following this case ever since the FBI and Preble County deputies raided Hatmakers home near Eaton with a search warrant in June 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a Preble County grand jury handed up an indictment in the case in May 2024, we learned the FBI was no longer involved. They did not feel that it met the threshold for federal charges, so it was turned back over to our investigators, Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said at the time. News Center 7s John Bedell has gotten questions about why this case had a visiting judge. As explained on News Center 7 at 5:30, Preble County is one of the communities that has one Common Pleas Court judge. Right now, that is Judge Martin Votel. Votel was the county prosecutor when this case was first being investigated and when it was indicted. Because of that conflict of interest, Votel recused himself and the Ohio Supreme Court appointed a visiting judge. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) Theres a nuisance in Eau Claire that isnt flying. With ruffled feathers and feisty feet, some birds are looking to get face to face with those in the city. Eau Claire Community Services Director, Lane Berg, explains, Weve received a few calls from people stating that theyve had a few aggressive turkeys chase them as theyre navigating our trails system. Specifically on Old Wells Road between Domer Park and Highway 312. There are multiple videos online showing some of these aggressive birds. Berg says, The turkeys are not an imminent danger to people. Theyre kind of a nuisance and like to chase people. The city, the DNR and other experts say the aggression comes as turkeys are in the midst of mating season and 3 local turkeys are roosting up the commotion as they try to get their dating lives in motion. Turkey hunter Scott Deutscher says, Youre going to see turkeys show mating activity, even as early as the middle of March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city reports that humane removal of the birds wouldve cost about $1,300. Harvesting the birds was also considered, but according to Berg, We certainly dont want to go down that route. We consider the turkeys residents of Eau Claire, just like people. That leaves just one option. Returned aggression. Berg says, The DNR did indicate the one thing thats usually successful is harassment. Deutscher explains, Theyre probably not used to aggression from an individual. Try to keep your distance from them. If they do approach you, stand your ground and match that aggression. No matter what you decide to do, stand your ground or run away, it could be a while before the turkeys settle down. The mating season could stretch to the end of May, and there is no release valve for the problem until then. But at least we have Thanksgiving to look forward to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud. KazMunayGas spurs industrial gains with polypropylene output rise in early 2025 Photo: KazMunayGas At a recent government meeting in Kazakhstan, the Chairman of the Board of "KazMunayGas," Askhat Khassenov, reported a significant rise in polypropylene production, reaching 126,000 tons in the first quarter of this year. This marks a substantial increase compared to previous years, with a forecast of 486,000 tons by the end of the year. The boost in production is linked to the operation of a new polypropylene plant utilizing raw materials from the Tengiz field, which began at the end of 2022. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Ukraine's Economy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will meet with each faction of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, before the government votes to ratify the minerals agreement with the United States, the news outlet Suspilne reported on May 5. Svyrydenko signed the much-anticipated minerals deal in Washington D.C. on April 30 alongside U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The agreement establishes a joint investment fund between Kyiv and Washington and grants the U.S. special access to projects developing Ukraine's natural resources. Before parliament votes to ratify the minerals deal, Svyrydenko will hold separate meetings with members of the Verkhovna Rada from each faction, Serhii Sobolev, an MP from the Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) party, told Suspilne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPs will be able to ask questions and learn more about the details of the agreement during these meetings, Sobolev said. "So far we have not had the opportunity to read the appendices, perhaps because they contain documents that represent state or commercial secrets and this cannot be announced publicly," he said. The meetings with Svyrydenko will take place on May 6 and 7, according to Sobolev. The Verkhovna Rada has scheduled the ratification vote for May 8. The signing of the minerals deal followed months of negotiations that at times became contentious and strained the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine. The nations first planned to ink the deal in late February, but the agreement fell apart in the wake of the infamous White House argument between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final deal avoids many elements in the earlier drafts that experts viewed as exploiting Ukraine, but still provides no concrete security guarantees from the U.S. The finalized agreement does prevent counting previously delivered U.S. military aid as a contribution to the joint fund. Read also: A minerals deal wont stop Russias war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. EDGEFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged 38-year-old Quenell Marquis Anderson on Thursday, May 1st, with Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. Anderson has been incarcerated since March 20th, 2024, after SLED charged him with the murder of Ricky Martin, Jr., 35, of Sumter, SC. The Johnston Police Department requested the SLED investigation. Anderson is being held at the Edgefield County Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Should a blatantly sectarian educational institution qualify for public funding as a charter school? The Supreme Court wrestled with the question Wednesday. The answer must be no. Charter schools are public schools; weve said this many times, as have fellow advocates for the innovative instructional models they deliver. They are free and open to all, with limited seats typically distributed by random lottery. What distinguishes them from district-run schools is simply that they are privately managed, which means out from under the local education bureaucracy, including the teachers union. That gives them flexibility and the ability to take risks that cant be made in more hidebound traditional schools. Their quality, like the quality of other public schools, is uneven but the model as a whole has been a success. Kids in charters tend to score higher in core subjects than in district schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with flexibility comes responsibility and accountability, and for charters, that means living up to the terms of their agreement with the government, lest they get shut down. Its a common boast that charters must perform or else. The same cannot be said of many lackluster district schools. St. Isidore of Seville is a virtual charter school looking to open in Oklahoma. Its a Catholic school. Its mission statement is explicitly religious, which is to say teaching students about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit is every bit as important to its educators as imbuing them with knowledge and skills in science, history, math and English. Its the schools right to teach religion, but not to get taxpayer money in order to do that. To allow such a school to function as a public school would be to endorse state-funded religious indoctrination of children. That is directly contrary to the American way. We arent among those who say there must be a hard, high, impenetrable barrier between church and state. We were OK with faith-based institutions doing some essential secular work under President George W. Bush. Its fine for a town square to be decked out in Christmas and Chanukah symbols. All Americans must take care not to turn the First Amendments ban on establishment of religion from becoming a license to discriminate against religion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the schooling context, this means that when and if the government runs a constitutional voucher program, in which the government makes funding available to parents to direct as they see fit, its difficult if not impossible to exclude religious schools. But charters are different. They are state funded. If they can proselytize, theres essentially no meaningful prohibition of the state using its power to indoctrinate in religious faith. As Justice Elena Kagan pointed out in oral argument, a religious public school might well find it contrary to its core mission to teach the scientific fact of evolution. As Justice Sonia Sotomayor (a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School and Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx) pointed out, government would have a hell of a time letting Catholics or Protestants set up a school but saying no to Jews or Muslims. Oklahomas attorney general had it exactly right: When an institution is a direct extension of the state, it cannot also serve as an agent of a religious faith. Many nations formally commingle religious faith and public schooling. America, thank God, has always been different. _____ Whatever you think of the National Endowment for the Arts, or federal funding of the arts more generally, surely reasonable Americans all can agree that government agencies should not claw back previously approved grants when struggling nonprofit organizations had already started their projects after being told they could count on that money. But thats exactly what happened late Friday night when the NEA sent letters to a variety of grantees informing them their grants were being nixed. The after-hours emails, sent from inboxes unwilling to accept replies, followed the release of Trumps budget Friday, wherein he proposed defunding the NEA and the National Endowment for the Humanities, two entities he long has targeted. (Trump also issued an executive order late Thursday cutting off federal funding for NPR and PBS, claiming ideological bias. Court challenges are underway.) In the case of the NEA on Friday night, theaters and other arts groups were told their grants no longer aligned with NEA priorities and were being either rescinded or immediately terminated, depending on the circumstances. Many affected groups contacted reporters and took to social media. In one example, the Portland Playhouse in Oregon said it had received a email from the endowment on the very eve of its opening a production of August Wilsons Joe Turners Come and Gone, theoretically with $25,000 already promised from the NEA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets stipulate for the sake of argument that Trump is within his executive rights as duly elected president to change the priorities of the NEA, although the new NEA criteria listed in the emails weve been shown are bizarre indeed, even including fostering A.I. competency, which sure as heck is not why we attend the live arts in Chicago. Even if they sought change or elimination, any decent president would honor previous commitments, not rescind the funding when the recipient already was in a hole dug in good faith. Trump could have started his new vision, if thats the word, with the next funding cycle, if there is to be any funding cycle. He did not have to destroy the trusted word of an agency long known for empathetic staffers. And lets add here that, in the world of DOGE, $25,000 is not exactly a massive amount of money. The NEA hasnt been a major source of arts funding for years. On the one hand, that means its actions arent likely to be catastrophic for most grantees. On the other, it makes these actions seem all the more cruel and petty. Perhaps that was Trumps point. If so, its un-American, unbecoming to his office and, frankly, pathetic. Were aware many nonprofit constituencies are in the same unmoored boat as arts groups, but Friday nights actions were especially sleazy and egregious. At a bare minimum, Trump should direct the NEA to deliver the previously promised checks for projects already underway. And whatever they think of these agencies and their priorities, Republicans in Congress should ensure these matters get a full and fair debate in the light of day. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) One person has tragically lost their life after a fire near the state line, according to the Union County Sheriffs Office. Around 10 a.m. on Monday, May 5, first responders were called to a fire at a home on Whispering Hollow Road. This is between Cane Creek Park and the state line with South Carolina. Sadly, an elderly resident of the home was found dead inside. Another resident was able to escape through a window. That person was taken to a hospital but is expected to recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12-year-old pleads guilty to arson in Lancaster Walmart fire: SC Solicitor Investigators say they are working to find out what started the fire. The area will remain restricted for several hours during the investigation. All of us in Union Countys emergency services community are keeping this family in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time, the UCSO wrote. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 911 or the UCSOs main office at 704-283-3789. You can also submit information anonymously through the UCSO app. The Union County Sheriffs Office, Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, Waxhaw Volunteer Fire Department and Union County Fire Marshals Office all responded to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Wanda Barzee, 79, was arrested by the Salt Lake City Police Department on May 1 after an investigation determined she violated restrictions placed on her as a sex offender. A probable cause affidavit alleges that Wanda visited a park despite being banned from entering the public spaces because "she was commanded to by the Lord." Barzee served 15 years in prison after she and her husband kidnapped Elizabeth Smart and held the 14-year-old captive for nine months The woman who helped kidnap Elizabeth Smart and then held her captive for nine months allegedly spoke with police officers about why she violated the conditions of her release as a sex offender by visiting two parks in Salt Lake City. Wanda Barzee, 79, allegedly said "she was commanded to by the Lord" to visit Liberty Park on April 9, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Salt Lake City District Court and obtained by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that she was again "commanded" to visit Sugarhouse Park as well while speaking with officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department. Barzee also allegedly told officers that she sat on benches and fed ducks during her trips to the park. The affidavit notes that because Barzee is a convicted felon who kidnapped a person under the age of 18, she is "prohibited from going to any community parks." After seeing the affidavit, a judge ruled that the arresting officer was justified in taking Barzee into custody without a warrant on May 1. Judge Amber Mettler signed off on releasing Barzee from custody later that same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her case is not yet listed on the court docket so it is unclear when her first hearing will take place. Getty; David Livingston/Getty Elizabeth Smart Elizabeth Smart Brent Weisberg, a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department, previously told PEOPLE that Barzee's arrest came after detectives "developed information" about her through an investigation which led to her arrest. Since this is her first violation as a sex offender, Barzee is charged with a class A misdemeanor, which can carry a sentence of up to 364 days in prison. Further violations could land her a felony charge. 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. Barzee held Smart captive and both physically and sexually abused the then-14-year-old after the girl was abducted from her bedroom at knifepoint by Barzee's husband, Brian David Mitchell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transient couple and their victim managed to move between campgrounds and rundown homes in the Utah and San Diego areas for close to a year despite a nationwide manhunt for Smart. Smart said she was sexually abused on a near daily basis over those nine months, and on the first night in captivity she was forced to marry Mitchell. It was Smart's sister who cracked open the case when she identified the man whose voice she heard the night of the abduction as belonging to someone who had briefly done handiwork around the family's home - Mitchell. Sketches and then actual photos of Mitchell and Barzee then ran on the popular television program America's Most Wanted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time the show aired, Smart had started to appear in public with Mitchell and Barzee, though she was often heavily disguised by her captors. It would still be months though until someone recognized Mitchell and contacted authorities, noting that a woman and young girl were also with him at the time. That tip resulted in Smart's rescue on March 12, 2003. She then returned home for the first time since she was taken from her bedroom on June 5, 2002. Mitchell would eventually be convicted and sentenced to life in prison while Barzee received a sentence of 15 years for her role in the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, a judge approved Barzee's release over the objections of Smart. In comments she made at that time, Smart plainly stated that she viewed Barzee to be just as culpable for what happened to her as her husband and a threat to society. She also said in multiple interviews around that time that Barzee was an "evil woman." Read the original article on People (FOX40.COM) The Cosumnes Fire Department is responding to a vegetation fire in Elk Grove on Sunday afternoon. Video above: How to report a public safety threat The fire began in the area of Carroll Road at around 1:20 p.m., has continued to burn as of 3:40 p.m. Two people found dead in Stanislaus County home, one a sheriffs employee Winds in the Sacramento region gusted to near 30 mph Sunday, according to National Weather Service data. These dry north winds contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage from ALTERTCalifornia shows that smoke keeps rising from a grassy area. FOX40 has reached out to the fire department for more information. This is a developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. After a Falcon 9 rocket exploded violently and unexpectedly on the launch pad in 2016, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk became suspicious that the cause was something almost unimaginably dramatic: a "sniper" on the roof of a rival's building. Footage of the event shows the rocket erupting into a gigantic ball of fire in an instant, reducing the mounted Amos-6 Israeli communications satellite into scorched debris. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed with the Federal Aviation Administration by Ars Technica's Eric Berger around two years ago has now revealed that SpaceX engineers thoroughly investigated whether a shooter could've caused the rocket to rupture and explode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Berger, Musk who was asleep at his home in California when the blast occurred immediately gravitated toward the theory himself, perhaps giving a glimpse of what's now become his dominantly paranoid worldview. The space firm investigated whether the round could've been shot by a sniper from the roof of a building which belonged to rival United Launch Alliance (ULA) roughly a mile away from the launch pad. Engineers even tried to shoot tanks themselves to see if they could recreate the incident. And per Berger's FOIA, even the FBI got involved, highlighting the significance of SpaceX's second rocket failure in a little more than a year, around the time when NASA made big investments in the company to establish a new way to deliver its astronauts to the International Space Station. The incident also underlines how far Musk is willing to go to blame anyone except himself and his penchant for embracing outlandish conspiracy theories, something for which he has garnered an increasing reputation in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the investigation ultimately concluded that no gunman was involved and that SpaceX had loaded the rocket's pressurized tanks with super-chilled helium too quickly. Regardless, the timing of the explosion couldn't have been worse. In 2016, SpaceX's rivalry with the ULA, which at the time was launching far more rockets, was extremely heated. Musk sued the US Air Force in April 2014, accusing it of acting anti-competitively and awarding the ULA launch contracts unfairly. All eyes were on SpaceX, which was furiously working on its Crew Dragon spacecraft. The optics weren't great, with NASA naming four astronauts to its "commercial crew" weeks after the first Falcon 9 explosion in the summer of 2015. The massive blast the following year likely didn't help matters. To seemingly try to clear his and SpaceX's name, Musk had personally directed the company to make a big fuss out of the since-discredited "sniper" theory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, even the FBI found "no indications to suggest that sabotage or any other criminal activity played a role in the September 1 Falcon 9 explosion," according to an October 2016 letter obtained by Berger. In the end SpaceX had the last laugh, though, surpassing the ULA's yearly number of rocket launches in 2017 and becoming the first private company to transport astronauts to the Space Station in 2019. More on SpaceX: Elon Musk Is Getting Huge New Government Deals While Everything Else Is Getting Slashed TEA, S.D. (KELO) The Trump administration has reportedly proposed a $56 million cut to grant funding for naloxone, which is also known by the brand name Narcan. Its a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Emilys Hope recently announced plans to distribute 20,000 naloxone kits across South Dakota. While the non-profits founder Angela Kennecke says Trumps proposed cuts wont impact that program, she worries the progress that has been made on stopping the opioid crisis could slow down. Burbank, SD mom runs all 6 World Marathon Majors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a good thing that the Trump administration renewed the opioid crisis as a public health emergency because it is, and it continues to be, but one of the reasons that we saw overdose deaths go down by about 25% nationwide is because of the mass distribution of naloxone and because every first responder has it. We dont want to go backwards on that. We just want to move forward, and we want to make naloxone widely available, Kennecke said. Jaime Bartell, EMS Lieutenant for Tea, says the possible cuts would directly affect the department. Bartell also says that along with combating overdoses, Narcan can be used for allergic reactions to opioids. We use Narcan multiple times a year to help save lives in the community, Bartell said. And both Bartell and Kennecke say its crucial for naloxone to be widely distributed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Narcan is one of those drugs that are able to be utilized in a dire situation. If we didnt have access to it, like when we didnt have access to epi (epinephrine), its a very big scary thing for the community, Bartell said. Lets make naloxone as available as possible, Kennecke said. Its a simple life saving tool. Emilys Hope currently has 10 naloxone dispensers placed throughout South Dakota, including two at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. For a full list on where you can find naloxone kits, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. MILAN, Italy, May 5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to help Uzbekistan in improving energy production efficiency, Kanokpan Lao-Araya, Country Director of the ADB for Uzbekistan, told reporters on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, Trend reports. Talking about the rise in tariffs for gas and electricity in Uzbekistan, the increase of tariff rates depends on the sustainability of production of energy. I believe that there is a problem with leakages. On ADB side, we would help the government in terms of improving the efficiency of production, reduce the leakages, so that would reduce the burden to the consumer, she said. Lao-Araya noted that right now the reason why the tariff rate has to be increased, because the cost of production is higher than the tariff rate, so it has to be corrected. Because if not, then the ministry of finance or the government budget have to subsidize the cost of production. It is good, but it is not sustainable. We can help the government through our grant technical assistance to support, involve or use new technologies and find out ways to reduce leakages. But at the same time, I think the citizens of Uzbekistan also have to understand that the tariff increase also has to match with the cost of the production, she said. The country director went on to add that over the next three years, and even beyond that, ADB will continue support the government of Uzbekistan to invest in renewable energy. And this includes wind and solar, renewable energy. This year, in 2025, we will invest in Samarkand wind project and also Guzar Solar PV project. Then we have Kungrad wind project for the next year. So there are a lot of opportunities for ADB to collaborate with the government in this sector, she added. BOSTON (WWLP) A man from Boston who was working as an Assistant Admissions Director at Emmanuel College is accused of offering to pay an underage girl who applied there for sex. Former Mass. State Police Sergeant convicted of extortion in CDL scheme Federal authorities say 29-year-old Jacob Henriques was arrested over the weekend and charged with soliciting an underage college applicant to engage in commercial sex with him. The charging documents indicate that on April 25th Henriques met with multiple admitted or prospective students. He then allegedly gained access to at least three of their personal information and began contacting them, offering to pay them for some fun, offering to provide them with pornography, and, in some instances, sending them pornographic videos or images. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release from the Department of Justice in Boston, Henriques allegedly contacted a fourth victim after she formally committed to attend the college on April 25th. He allegedly offered to pay her for some fun and began sending pornographic videos to her. Henriques is charged with attempting to traffic a 17-year-old victim, who was a prospective student. If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to life in prison, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. CAPE VINCENT, N.Y. (WWTI) For over 25 years, the Cape Vincent Arts Council (CVAC) has offered arts opportunities to residents and visitors. With two new funds, the Dr. William James Grant Fund and the Cape Vincent Arts Council Endowment Fund, to support the CVAC annual arts programs and to plan for their future. CVACs 2024 Piano Competition Winners The funds ensure that we can continue providing exciting art and music programs for the community with the confidence that our future is financially secure, said Liz Brennan, president of the CVAC. We are extremely grateful to the donors who made the funds possible and hope their confidence in the Arts Council and its mission will inspire others to invest in our future. Senior Division winners of the 2024 Thousand Islands International Piano Competition (from left):Xiaolong Liu (First Place/Audience Prize); Benjamin Daly (Audience Prize); Meihui An (Hon. Mention);Ruoyu Ni (Third Place); Hanxiao Lai (Second Place) (WWTI/CVAC) Junior Division winners of the 2024 Thousand Islands International Piano Competition (from left): Olivia Li (Audience Prize); Wilson Liu, (First Place/Audience Prize); Leping Ho (Hon. Mention); Mayu Kanai (Third Place); Silvia Nicholson (Third Place); Claire Li (Second Place). (WWTI/CVAC) CVAC says the Dr. William James Grant Fund was created by the Dr. William James Grant Trust with $57,000. The restricted fund supports the Thousand Islands International Piano Competition for Young People. Founded by Dr. Grant in 2004 with CVAC, the competition invites talented young pianists worldwide to Cape Vincent. It features three rounds of performances, focusing on works by composers like Chopin and J. S. Bach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year marks the 22nd event, scheduled for September 5-7 at Maple Grove Estate, Cape Vincent. The competition is free for the public and takes place outdoors by the St. Lawrence River. Dr. Grant, who loved the piano and Chopin, wanted to inspire young pianists and promote classical music in the region. 4 Local School Districts receive grants from NNYCF The Cape Vincent Arts Council Endowment Fund was created with a $25,000 grant from The Lily Fund. Additionally, the Community Foundation and The Lily Fund, in partnership with the CVAC, each pledged an additional $15,000 as a matching challenge to raise more funds. Donors can contribute to the CVACs endowment at the Foundation, with matching funds available up to $30,000. According to CVAC, this endowment fund gives them long-term financial stability and helps manage unexpected economic issues. Donations will provide a continuous source of income to support the CVACs mission in perpetuity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cape Vincent Arts Council is also grateful for the generous support of the Northern New York Community Foundation, said Liz Brennan. It boosts our organizations reputation, attracting new donors and partners. Its support is an endorsement that the CVAC is secure in its mission for generations to come. As donors contribute to these funds, we can grow our arts programs, positively impacting the health of our community and the vibrancy of local businesses. Donations to the Dr. William James Grant Fund can be made online HERE. Gifts to the Cape Vincent Arts Council Endowment Fund can be made online HERE. If you would like to donate to either fund by check, you can make your check payable and mail it to: Northern New York Community Foundation 131 Washington Street Watertown, New York 13601 Donations to both funds are 100% tax-deductible. For more information, you can contact the Northern New York Community Foundation online or call 315-782-7110. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com. Lisa Mills had been working as an Erie County corrections officer for over 25 years, when just weeks ago, she was met with the unthinkable. I had to spend my 57th birthday in the hospital in St. Vincents from March 11th to the 18th, and they told me the day that I got discharged that I had pancreatic adenocarcinoma stage 4 aggressive terminal, so that just blew me out of the water, said Lisa Mills, Erie County Prison Correctional Officer. Mills, also known as Big Momma, said shes keeping a positive mind about the situation. On Sunday, the Erie community came to the Perry Hiway Hose Company on Oliver Road to raise money for her treatment and support the Big Momma thats always looked out for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second Harvest Food Bank hosts 34th annual Break Box Awards Everybody calls me Big Momma at work because Im everybodys big momma. Everybody loves me, and everybody comes to me with all their problems, and I try to help solve them. So, we have a good time at work some days, but some days are crazy, but all in all, I wouldnt trade it for anything, said Mills. The fundraiser gave supporters a variety of ways to donate to Mills, such as basket raffles, t-shirt sales, 50/50 raffles, food and drink sales, and a pie-in-the-face competition, where Mills coworkers faced off to raise the most money with the winner getting a pie to the face. She makes a difference because she loves her job. I have never seen her upset at work, she likes to help out the inmates, and its a very tough job to be in, said Douglas Patterson, event organizer and Mills co-worker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erie Cancer Wellness Center brings attention to Colon Cancer Awareness Month Patterson said the fundraiser couldnt have been possible without all of their sponsors, raffle donations and overall support from the Erie community. Coming up next Big Momma will be heading to Texas to try and qualify for clinical trials, and she says she is beyond grateful for the love and support. I know God has the last say, and hey, I think Im going to be alright, said Mills. If you would like to donate to Mills and her battle against cancer, you can contact Douglas Patterson at 814-806-4618 or dpatterson004@hotmail.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also use Cashapp to pay Mills directly at $blackjackdiva. Patterson said you can also send donations in lieu of Mills to the Erie County Prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged 500 million ($566 million) in research funding on Monday to incentivize scientists to move to Europe. "We want scientists, researchers, academics and highly skilled workers to choose Europe," von der Leyen said, speaking at an event at the Sorbonne University in Paris. "Europe has everything that is needed for science to thrive. We have the stable and sustained investment. We have the infrastructure. We have the commitment to open and collaborative research," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new funding package for the years 2025-27 is "to make Europe a magnet for researchers," von der Leyen said. Scientists who settle in Europe are to receive more money and longer grants with a particular focus on early career scientists, and bringing research results to market is to be sped up. The announcement comes as US research institutions are faced with budget and job cuts. US President Donald Trump has accused his country's elite universities of pursuing a left-wing ideology and allowing anti-Semitism on campus. "We can all agree that science has no passport, no gender, no ethnicity, no political party," von der Leyen said in her speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The role of science and investment in fundamental research is being called into question in today's world, she stated, speaking in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. "What a gigantic miscalculation," von der Leyen stressed. European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has stated that the EU can significantly strengthen military support for Ukraine by purchasing weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers. Source: Kubilius on X (Twitter) Details: Kubilius said the US and the EU allocate around 40 billion annually for military assistance to Ukraine. However, he said these funds could be used more efficiently by directly procuring weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Putin isn't convinced by Trump to make peace, we could bring forward more convincing arguments for peace very quickly by greatly increasing our military support to Ukraine," he said. Kubilius explained that the cost of weapons produced in Ukraine is approximately half the price of similar weapons from the EU or the US. Thus, the volume of weapons provided to Ukraine could effectively be doubled without increasing spending. "Our support's real value would rise to 80 billion," he concluded. Kubilius paid particular attention to a new instrument Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loans which allows member states to finance military purchases for Ukraine. In his view, this opens the way to implementing a "peace through strength" strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "SAFE loans mean strength for Ukraine!" he emphasised. For reference: Ukrainian high-ranking officials have repeatedly called on European governments to join the so-called Danish model of assistance to Ukraine. This model involves funding military support through dedicated funds, focusing on the purchase of weapons directly from Ukraine. The Netherlands, Norway and Czechia have supported the initiative. The EU considers this scheme to be the basis of a long-term strategy for military aid to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The EU "would effectively double the volume of weapons Ukraine receives" by investing in domestic weapons production, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said on May 4. "If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin isnt convinced by (U.S. President Donald) Trump to make peace, we could bring forward more convincing arguments for peace very quickly by greatly increasing our military support to Ukraine," Kubilius said. Investment in Ukraine's domestic defense industry has gained popularity among EU leaders as Europe struggles to meet demand for Ukraine's defense needs. The so-called "Danish model" invests in Ukraine's defense industry rather than providing materiel deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Until now, the EU and U.S. (have) provided around 40 billion euros ($45 billion) a year of military aid to Ukraine. But we can spend that same amount procuring modern weapons in Ukraine, which would cost about half as much as those made in the EU or U.S.," Kubilius said. The commissioner called for EU members to utilize the bloc's new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative to strengthen Ukraine in its fight against Russia's war. SAFE is an EU loan instrument meant to prop up key defense industries by financing countries in the bloc upon request. "This would effectively double the volume of weapons Ukraine receives for the same 40 billion euros ($45 billion). Our supports real value would rise to 80 billion euros ($91 billion)," Kubilius said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen on April 8 said the Danish model has proven that Ukraine is capable of producing its own weapons and called for allies to follow the model. "The Danish model has shown that there is a Ukrainian capacity to produce and deliver equipment for the Ukrainian fight for freedom. Denmark must continue to invest in this, and I hope that other countries will follow our example to an even greater extent," Poulsen said. In January, Denmark set aside 135 million euros ($153 million) for further purchases for Ukraine under the Danish model in 2025. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Zelensky rejects Putins 3-day ceasefire proposal as theatrical; US sanctions depend on whether Russia is behaving on peace deal, Trump says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On 8 May, the European Parliament will vote on introducing a preferential export regime for steel and iron from Ukraine after the general autonomous trade preferences for Ukrainian exports to the EU (the so-called trade visa-free regime) expire on 6 June 2025. Source: draft European Parliament Legislative Resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council suspending certain parts of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 as regards imports of Ukrainian products into the European Union Details: The draft legislative resolution of the European Parliament, which will be put to a vote on 8 May, provides for the continuation of the simplified import regime for Ukrainian steel and iron after 5 June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine is still a major exporter of iron and steel, despite the fact that the war has caused the destruction or occupation of many production facilities. It therefore remains necessary to maintain the suspension of Regulation (EU) 2015/478 on common rules for imports. This suspension is and would remain the legal basis for the suspension of the Unions current safeguard measure on steel products (vis-a-vis such imports from Ukraine) as part of the Unions support," an explanatory note of the European Commission to the draft document says. The European Commission stressed that the proposed Regulation must enter into force on 6 June 2025 to ensure the continuation of trade liberalisation measures for Ukraine after the expiry of the autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine on 5 June 2025. It is proposed to introduce preferences for Ukrainian iron and steel for a period of three years. If the European Parliament's vote is successful, the legislative resolution must be approved by the EU Council and will enter into force after its official publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: As reported, during the plenary session on 5-8 May, the European Parliament will also discuss peace in Ukraine and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The European Commission does not plan to extend Ukraine's autonomous trade measures regime, which is valid until 5 June. However, it plans to ensure a smooth transition to a new scheme where all conditions for trade liberalisation will be enshrined in a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The News French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced Monday an initiative aimed at attracting US researchers fleeing funding cuts and restrictions on academic freedom under US President Donald Trump. The plan will see half a billion euros in funding between 2025 and 2027. The role of science in todays world is questioned. The investment in fundamental, free and open research is questioned. What a gigantic miscalculation, von der Leyen said. The announcement followed one made by Frances flagship scientific research center Sunday. The president of the French National Center for Scientific Research, Antoine Petit, said the program was designed to attract foreign scientists whose work is under threat, as well as French researchers who dont want to live and raise their children in Trumps United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK is also considering a similar scheme, which will be supported by 50 million in government funding, the Financial Times reported. Europe is keen to lure American researchers. Petit said Frances strong welfare state, as well as the lower cost of education and health care, would make up for any pay gap with the US. PARIS (AP) The European Union launched a drive on Monday to attract scientists and researchers to Europe with offers of grants and new policy plans, after the Trump administration froze U.S. government funding linked to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. A few years ago, no one would have imagined that one of the biggest democracies in the world would cancel research programs under the pretext that the word diversity was in this program," French President Emmanuel Macron said at the Choose Europe for Science event in Paris. No one would have thought that one of the biggest democracies in the world would delete with a stroke the ability of one researcher or another to obtain visas, Macron said. But here we are." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taking the same stage at the Sorbonne University, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EUs executive branch would set up a super grant program aimed at offering a longer-term perspective to the very best in the field. She said that 500 million euros ($566 million) will be put forward in 2025-2027 to make Europe a magnet for researchers. It would be injected into the European Research Council, which already has a budget of more than 16 billion euros ($18 billion) for 2021-2027. Von der Leyen said that the 27-nation EU intends to enshrine freedom of scientific research into law with a new legal act. As the threats rise across the world, Europe will not compromise on its principles, she said. The White House responded by describing DEI as an inherently discriminatory policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the European Union wants to embrace policies that divide, rather than focus on real scientific discovery, they should not be surprised when U.S. innovation continues to outpace Europe, said spokesperson Anna Kelly. "America will continue to attract and cultivate the best talent in science, research, and beyond. Macron said that the French government would also soon make new proposals to beef up investment in science and research. Last month, hundreds of university researchers in the United States had National Science Foundation funding canceled to comply with U.S. President Donald Trumps order to end support to research on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as the study of misinformation. More than 380 grant projects have been cut so far, including work to combat internet censorship in China and Iran and a project consulting with Indigenous communities to understand environmental changes in Alaskas Arctic region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some terminated grants that sought to broaden the diversity of people studying science, technology and engineering. Scientists, researchers and doctors have taken to the streets in protest. While not mentioning the Trump administration by name, von der Leyen said that it was a gigantic miscalculation to undermine free and open research. We can all agree that science has no passport, no gender, no ethnicity, no political party, she said. We believe that diversity is an asset of humanity and the lifeblood of science. It is one of the most valuable global assets and it must be protected. Von der Leyen's drive to promote opportunities in Europe in the field of science and take advantage of U.S. policy shifts dovetails with the way that she has played up the potential for trade deals with other countries since Trump took office in January and sparked a tariff war last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former German defense minister, and trained doctor, vowed that the EU would also address some of the roadblocks that scientists and researchers face, notably excessive red tape and access to businesses. Macron said that science and research must not "be based on the diktats of the few. Macron said that Europe must become a refuge for scientists and researchers, and he said to those who feel under threat elsewhere: The message is simple. If you like freedom, come and help us to remain free, to do research here, to help us become better, to invest in our future. ___ Lorne Cook reported from Brussels. Associated Press writer Chris Megerian contributed from Washington. PARIS The six European countries cooperating on a conventional long-range, ground-launched strike capability may announce the lead companies for the project in June, according to one of the co-authors on a French parliamentary report on the state of artillery. The European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA) coalition has identified 13 development pillars, and in June is expected to define who is responsible for what, said Jean-Louis Thieriot, a French deputy who sits on the National Assemblys defense committee, in a hearing here last week. The lead on each segment will be determined based on a best athlete approach, Thieriot said. France will play a major role through rocket builder Ariane Group for the ballistics segment, according to the lawmaker, who struck an optimistic tone about progress on ELSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is very interesting about this project is that it is indeed a coalition of volunteers and sovereign states, and it has been achieved without getting bogged down in the bureaucratic red tape that can often be encountered in more bureaucratic forms of cooperation, Thieriot said. We are really at the beginning, but something is working, he added. France, Germany, Poland and Italy signed a letter of intent on the long-range strike initiative at a NATO summit in Washington in July 2024, with Sweden and the U.K. joining in October. European NATO members have a capability gap in long-ranged strike compared with Russia, which operates several ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of between 500 kilometers and 2,500 kilometers, and capable of hitting targets across Europe, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frances current lack of a land-based, deep-strike capability creates a risk of nuclear deterrence being circumvented, with a gap between the lower threshold of nuclear deterrence and the maximum of what the conventional forces can do, according to the parliamentary report. ELSA could address that gap, with a capability separate from Frances plans to replace its rocket artillery . Thieriot said there is political will to move forward on ELSA, combined with manufacturers who will not get involved in cumbersome mechanisms such as the European Defence Fund, where you have to find the necessary number of partners, which means that you end up taking the SME that makes bolts to make ailerons. There is a real desire for efficiency, the deputy said. Its something that can work, both in the French interest and in the European interest, so it really seems like a good model to me. Well talk about it again in a year. Ariane Group, MBDA, Safran and Thales all either didnt immediately respond to requests for comment, or had no immediate comment. MBDA has proposed its Land Cruise Missile, a land-based version of the companys Missile de Croisiere Naval, as a short-term solution for ELSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ballistic and cruise-missile technologies each have comparative advantages, and ideally both technologies would be developed for strike capability in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 kilometers, the report said. Ballistic tech primarily focuses on fixed targets, while cruise missiles allow for precision strikes on fixed or mobile targets. The ground-based, long-range strike capability would be a useful complement to existing air and sea-launched cruise missiles, according to the report. Diversifying delivery systems would significantly increase options available to political decision makers and provide an additional offensive vector for possible escalation management. The commitment of all joint strike assets at great depth would make it possible to combine trajectories and saturate the enemys defenses at specific points, forcing them into dilemmas, the French artillery report said. The deep strike capabilities of the French Navy and Air Force face constraints due to air defenses and access denial. A land-based system could offer greater flexibility, including for opportunistic targeting, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feedback from hearings and visits to Ukraine suggests interception of ground-based ballistic missiles by air defenses remains very low, significantly lower than for cruise missiles, according to Thieriot. If one technology were to be chosen due to budgetary constraints, developing ground-based ballistic technology for land-based long-range strike is more important, the report stated. I would add that the ideal solution would be to do both, Thieriot said. Frances work on nuclear deterrence and ballistic strike capability means it has companies such as Ariane Group able to quickly master these capabilities, Thieriot said. Meanwhile, French defense manufacturer Turgis Gaillard on Wednesday announced a truck-mounted long-range strike system dubbed Foudre, able to fire both French and allied munitions, with the company saying it will present the system at the Paris Air Show in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frances Directorate General for Armament is already working with a consortium of Safran and MBDA and another of Ariane Group and Thales to develop a tactical strike capability in the 150-kilometer range to replace the French Armys remaining fleet of decades-old rocket launchers. Turgis Gaillard has presented its system as complementary to what is being developed with the DGA, as the launcher would be able to fire the munitions developed by the two consortiums, according to Matthieu Bloch, a member of parliament and co-author of the artillery report. Bloch said fire control and missiles for the launcher are critical and require a sovereign solution, whereas chassis and launch pods are non-critical elements. MILAN, Italy, May 5. The Opening Session of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors was held in Milan, Italy, Trend correspondent reports. The event marked the official commencement of the 58th Annual Meeting. In the afternoon, the Governors' Business Session will follow, where the Board of Governors can adopt resolutions, review documents, approve ADB's financial statements and annual report, and hear member statements. The 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors is being held at Allianz MiCo - Milano Convention Centre. With the theme "Sharing Experience, Building Tomorrow", it is be the first time for Italy to host the Annual Meeting. Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from ADB member countries, officials from international organizations, representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and the media, are participating at the event. The Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors is an opportunity to provide guidance on ADB administrative, financial, and operational directions. The meetings provide opportunities for member governments to interact with ADB staff, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), media, and representatives of observer countries, international organizations, academe, and the private sector. ADBs annual meetings have become a premier forum for the discussion of economic and social development issues in Asia and the Pacific. By Tim Hepher PARIS (Reuters) -The European Space Agency said on Monday it was studying the impact of U.S. budget proposals that include cuts to NASA moon programmes in which it has a role, and said it remained open to cooperation with the U.S. space agency. Ministers from ESA's governing council will discuss "potential actions and alternative scenarios" at a meeting in June, the 22-nation European agency said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. budget outlines released on Friday called for phasing out NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and its Orion crew vehicle, which includes a key service module supplied by Europe's Airbus on behalf of ESA. The White House has called SLS and Orion "grossly expensive" and says they have far exceeded their budgets. The budget summary also called for halting the planned Gateway lunar-orbit platform, which would play a key part in future Artemis moon missions and includes elements to be built by Franco-Italian Thales Alenia Space. ESA said the U.S. budget proposals were a "work in progress," but it has begun discussing the implications with NASA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "ESA remains open to cooperation with NASA on the programmes earmarked for a reduction or termination, but is nevertheless assessing the impact with our member states in preparation for ESAs June Council," the statement said. In that meeting, on June 11-12, ESA and its member states will assess "potential actions and alternative scenarios" for the relevant ESA programmes and European industry, it added, without elaborating on other possible options. The Artemis program, launched during President Donald Trump's first administration, aims to return humans to the moon and use the exercise as a testbed for later Mars missions. It involves dozens of private companies and countries, including European countries. The cuts would affect Orion's European Space Module, which manoeuvres the spacecraft and supplies water and oxygen. According to manufacturer Airbus, it is the first time NASA has granted a non-U.S. firm such a critical role in human spaceflight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European contributions to Gateway include an inhabited module known as Lunar I-Hab built by Thales Alenia Space, the Lunar View observation and logistics module led by the same company, and a communications set-up called Lunar Link. The U.S. and ESA signed a Gateway agreement in 2020 outlining Europe's contributions to the project, modeled largely on the U.S. agreement with Europe on the International Space Station. Airbus and Thales did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; Additional reporting by Joey Roulette;Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Leslie Adler) The plenary session of the European Parliament to be held in Strasbourg from 5 to 8 May will address the issue of establishing a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine, as well as return of children unlawfully deported by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories. Source: the European Parliaments final draft agenda, obtained by European Pravda Details: During the 5-8 May session, the European Parliament will discuss Russias illegal transfer of Ukrainian children. A resolution on the issue is expected to be put to a vote, along with discussions on ways to achieve peace in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine will be the focus of the Parliaments key debate this week, usually held on Wednesday mornings. The debate on peace in Ukraine will begin at 10:00 Kyiv time on 7 May. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to present the EUs position on this matter to members of the European Parliament. A debate entitled "The return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia" will take place late in the evening on 7 May, listed as one of the final items on the agenda for that day. On Thursday 8 May, MEPs will vote on a resolution concerning Ukrainian children, with the text to be drafted based on the outcome of the debate. Background: In September 2023, the European Parliament called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Belaruss self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko over the deportation of Ukrainian children. In April 2025, Austrias parliament adopted a resolution calling for the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Sometimes, the U.S. government fails. Fortunately for us, these failures resulted in some strange, unusual, and even helpful inventions. From the microwave to cargo pants, to GPS navigation, we have all of this and more thanks to the research of our country. Take a look at how they advance life as we know it today with their ongoing efforts. The microwave How many days go by that you dont heat something up in the loud kitchen box? Gaining popularity in the 70s, they are now commonplace in every household kitchen, dorm room and office break room. They are so popular that some locations even have multiple microwaves for the masses to employ. However, the original intent wasnt for lunchtime leftovers, it was actually an attempt to monitor the skies. When scientists were working on electromagnetic waves for a scanner, Percy Spencer noticed his candy bar had melted. Curious about the revelation, he soon tested the concentrated energy on an egg, which subsequently blew up in his face, then on popcorn kernels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the revelation, microwave ovens as we know them today were invented and sold to the masses. Who knows where we would be today if Spencer hadnt kept a treat in his pocket for safekeeping. Cargo pants For anyone who enjoys baggy pants AND the ability to carry lots of gear, cargo pants were the perfect military invention. This one is credited to the British, who made their battle uniform with extra pockets in the late 1930s. The original pants had just two storage pockets: one on the thigh for ammunition or a medical kit, and one on the hip for other gear. During WWII, the pants were replicated in the U.S., but this time, even more pockets were included. The idea was to make paratroopers lives easier, while still keeping essential gear like a map, compass, and radio, on them at all times. This called for bigger pockets to hold all the necessary items. After the war, cargo pants were picked up by laborers, who recognized the perks of carrying items on their body. Then the pants became a fashion trend and underwent all types of style changes, including different colors and shapes. Stainless steel Though the scientific breakthroughs that led to stainless steel date back to 1798, the first U.S. patent wasnt released until 1869, when chromium-containing steel was used for bridges by Chrome Steel Works out of Brooklyn. Soon after, the material was adjusted to be resistant of corrosion by adding tungsten. The latter was then patented by the British as Weather-Resistant Alloys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toward the end of the century, more research was done and several types of metals were created and patented in the U.S., Britain, and France. It was the need for rust-resistant gun barrels that eventually led to stainless steel as we know it today. A British metallurgist, Harry Brearley, found that adding chromium to iron would keep the barrels from rusting. Soon realizing this meant longer-lasting guns with less maintenance, the U.S. military also began using the material for its own military weapons. Walkie-talkie Prior to the small, handheld radios we know today, soldiers carried large backpack models that they used for communication. Seen as heavy, clunky, and inefficient, it was preferred to find a smaller form of communication. Initial models were called packset after hitting the market in 1937. (Prior to this, communication radios were not portable.) By the early 1940s, the packset inventor, Donald Hings, was hired for a secret research and development project, The Handie-Talkie. It was in use by the military by 1942. As technology advanced, the handheld radios were made smaller and more clear, while extending their communication range. THey are still used by the military today, as well as civilians. Penicillin Penicillin is a naturally occurring substance, but was isolated and discovered for its bacteria-killing properties in 1928. Research continued by its founder, Alexander Fleming, who continued to work on penicillin as a drug. However, during WWII, the U.S. took over and found a way to mass-produce and distribute the antibiotic. This was in large part due to war injuries, whether actual battle wounds, or widespread sickness from soldiers who were in close quarters with one another. The production stuck and penicillin was able to be prescribed to the masses even after the war had ended. By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday ordered a 20% reduction in the number of four-star officers, deepening cuts at the Pentagon that have shaken the Department of Defense at the start of President Donald Trump's second term in office. Hegseth has long been vocal about how he views the senior-most ranks of the military as too big. The former Fox News host has moved with stunning speed to reshape the department, firing top generals and admirals as he seeks to implement Trump's national security agenda and root out diversity initiatives he calls discriminatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a memo, the contents of which were first reported by Reuters, Hegseth said there will also be a minimum 20% reduction in the number of general officers in the National Guard and an additional 10% reduction among general and flag officers across the military. "More generals and admirals does not lead to more success," Hegseth said in a video posted on X. "This is not a slash and burn exercise meant to punish high ranking officers, nothing could be further from the truth," he said. He added that he worked with the Joint Chiefs of Staff on this and the goal was "maximizing strategic readiness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his confirmation hearing, he stated there was "an inverse relationship between the size of staffs and victory on the battlefield." At the time, he said there were 44 four-star positions in the military. He has since removed the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Navy's top admiral and the director of the National Security Agency. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island said he was skeptical of the plans, accusing Hegseth of having a track record of firing military leaders without cause. "I have always advocated for efficiency at the Department of Defense, but tough personnel decisions should be based on facts and analysis, not arbitrary percentages," said Reed, who is the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Eliminating the positions of many of our most skilled and experienced officers without sound justification would not create efficiency in the military it could cripple it." CAREFUL BUT EXPEDITIOUS CUTS In his video on Monday, Hegseth said the cuts would be done carefully but "expeditiously." It was unclear which positions would be cut. The Pentagon has been carrying out a review of its global footprint and Hegseth has been considering whether to merge some combatant commands, which carry out operations in different parts of the world and are led by four-star officers. Some potential options could include U.S. African Command merging with U.S. European Command, which would reduce one four-star position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could also mean combining U.S. Southern Command, in charge of operations in Central and South America, with U.S. Northern Command. Other four-star positions Hegseth might look at include the head of U.S. Army forces in the Pacific and head of U.S. forces in Korea. The upheaval at the Pentagon in the last few months has not been limited to uniformed officials. Three top officials have been fired in recent weeks, triggered by a leak investigation ordered by Hegseth's chief of staff on March 21. The dismissed aides include Dan Caldwell, a longtime colleague of Hegseth's who became one of his most trusted advisors. He was escorted out of the Pentagon last week over leaks for which he denies responsibility. Also dismissed was Hegseth's deputy chief of staff, Darin Selnick. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Chris Reese, David Gregorio and Lincoln Feast.) By Kate Abnett and Simon Jessop BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) -The United States is seeking to weaken a global deal aimed at helping developing countries struggling with the impacts of climate change and other issues, an internal United Nations document seen by Reuters showed. The Trump administration opposes draft reforms of the world's financial system intended to help developing countries, including around taxation, credit ratings and fossil fuel subsidies. It also wants mentions of "climate," "gender equality" and "sustainability" stripped out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previously unreported document sheds light on how the Trump administration is seeking to imprint an "America First" agenda, including opposition to efforts to slow climate change and promote diversity, on the institutions at the heart of fixing global systemic crises. The once-a-decade, 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, Spain, in June aims to influence the strategic direction of the world's development finance institutions. Countries agreed at FFD3, for example, to broaden tax cooperation efforts so that developing countries could help set the rules and as of last May more than 140 countries were involved. "This conference is about bringing the world's leaders together and setting the underlying rules and priorities for financing development goals over the next decade," Tom Mitchell, executive director of the International Institute for Environment and Development, told Reuters. Compiled by the permanent representatives to the U.N. of Mexico, Nepal, Norway, and Zambia, with help from the U.N. secretariat, the April 11 negotiating draft is annotated with the positions of the 193 nations involved in the discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At U.N. negotiations over the FFD4 document in March, the U.S. mission said the draft at that time was too long and prescriptive and denounced "the ever-widening definition of sustainable development." "The international financial institutions have independent mandates and authorities, and we do not support attempts in the U.N. system to dictate their priorities or activities," the U.S. statement from acting U.N. Economic and Social Council representative Jonathan Shrier said. The U.N. does not hold direct authority over the multilateral development finance institutions. With ongoing changes at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in the fight against climate change already facing pushback from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the document showed it was seeking to water down the U.N.'s reform prescriptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among specific points in the text that refer to the systemic reform, the document shows the U.S. wants to remove a reference to a "package of reforms" for sustainable development. It wants to replace a line promising to "commit to reform the international financial architecture" with a pledge to "recognize the need to enhance its resilience and effectiveness in responding to present and future challenges and crises." Such changes in language signal the degree of shared commitment that can then be used as support for action or inaction in future talks. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has acknowledged the need to overcome multiple challenges ahead of the conference, but urged "all countries to be at the table in Sevilla focused on solutions," spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino said in an email to Reuters. The Treasury Department and State Department both declined to comment. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the U.S.' position on development has become tougher under Trump, the negotiating document shows it remains supportive of efforts that include developing countries working more closely with the private sector, and fostering innovation and financial literacy. CLIMATE CHANGE A key goal of the global reforms is to better help poorer nations cope with weather disasters, which are worsening due to climate change, and to boost economic development using low-carbon energy rather than traditional fossil fuels. President Donald Trump has quit the UN Paris climate agreement, slashed U.S. foreign development aid by more than 80% as part of a government overhaul led by billionaire Elon Musk and embarked on a trade war that is hurting many poorer nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among areas of the FFD4 document that the U.S. objects to is a call for countries to explore "global solidarity levies" that could include taxes on highly polluting activities or on the super-rich to finance sustainable development. If included, the levies could be taken up in U.N. negotiations on taxes this year and would bolster a task force led by France, Kenya and Barbados that aims to develop such taxes among smaller groups of countries. Other countries to object include Russia, Saudi Arabia and China. The U.S. is also seeking to delete a paragraph calling for companies to pay tax to the countries where economic activity occurs; a paragraph on helping developing countries bolster tax transparency; and another on phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, the document shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the world's poorest countries struggle with high debt and the costs of rebuilding after disastrous storms, but the FFD4 document shows the U.S. wants to strike a paragraph on reforming the credit-rating system. That includes a push for raters to take a more forgiving approach to poorer nations that voluntarily restructure their debt to invest in green projects, it showed. The U.S. also opposes a commitment to ensure countries receive "adequate and uninterrupted funding on appropriate terms of social protection and other essential social spending during shocks and crises," the document shows. While the U.S. has considerable influence as the biggest shareholder in both the World Bank, which provides loans and grants to developing countries, and the IMF, and is currently reviewing its role in both, the draft deal is likely to change further as countries continue negotiations in May, before reaching consensus on a final document in mid-June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. position puts pressure on other countries to accept a weaker deal, since the talks aim to adopt a deal by consensus. (Reporting by Kate Abnett and Simon Jessop in LondonAdditional reporting by David Lawder and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington Editing by Dawn Kopecki, Rod Nickel and Stephen Coates) When it comes to conservation efforts, a cool epithet can only help. Operation Turtle Dove not only has a fantastic name, but it has also been a smashing success. A ban on hunting turtle doves in western Europe was introduced in 2021. In just four years, the region's population has recovered by 40%. Senior project manager for Operation Turtle Dove Rick Bayne told the Independent, "This excellent news from the wider western European breeding population is compelling evidence that our conservation strategy for turtle doves is working." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) describes the turtle dove as a "dainty dove." Though their plumage is dark and resembles a tortoiseshell, their name actually comes from their distinctive, "turr turr" call. These gentle creatures have long been a cultural symbol of love and devotion in Western culture. They mate for life, and the male takes an active role in incubating eggs. As granivores, they play a useful role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers, which helps maintain biodiversity in the region. Turtle doves wisely avoid British winters by spending the time in Africa before migrating through western Europe in the summer months. But their numbers have plummeted dramatically, by around 98% (per the Woodland Trust) from 1970s levels. The chief causes were changes to agriculture that deprived them of food sources, and overhunting. Millions of birds en route to southeast England were trapped and shot by hunters in France, Spain, and Portugal before the hunting ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operation Turtle Dove works with farmers and landowners in Britain to help create habitats that enable turtle doves to thrive once again. This collaborative approach has been a cornerstone of the project's success. Nature is resilient, and conservation efforts worldwide demonstrate that endangered species can recover from the brink if they're given the chance. Of course, it's important not to get complacent, especially with the news that the European Union will lift the hunting ban on turtle doves. Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use? Definitely Only during major droughts No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Dr. Guy Anderson, the RSPB's Migratory Birds Programme manager, explained that Operation Turtle Dove's success "does not diminish the need to ensure that unsustainable levels of hunting do not return." 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. Overfishing and warming oceans in the South China Sea are threatening stocks of a key staple food in Vietnamese cuisine. A dwindling anchovy population isn't just bad news for the local population it's also a dire situation for the ocean's ecosystem. What's happening? The South China Sea is one of the most overfished seas in the world; around half of the world's fishing vessels operate in it, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The organization noted that once-abundant fish stocks have plummeted by 70-95% since the 1950s, and catch rates have dropped heavily since around the turn of the century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most significant issues is the territorial disputes between the countries in the region. Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Brunei all have competing claims. China claims the bulk of the sea, referring to an 80-year-old claim that experts call the "nine-dash line." The rise in the sea's temperature which reached record highs earlier this year, according to the Asia News Network compounds the thorny diplomatic issues. Warmer seas mean lower oxygen levels, and that could lead to migrations and fish becoming smaller and less nutritious. For anchovies and the people who rely on them, this is a notable problem. According to the Associated Press, fishermen are reporting decreased catches of this species, while market sellers are left with "bait-size" anchovies to sell. Why are anchovy stocks important? Anchovies are little fish that play a big role in the health of the ocean's ecosystem. They're a key food source for numerous species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the northern anchovy, found in coastal waters on the west coast of North America, is a food source for more than 50 marine animals, per The Pew Charitable Trusts. It is also a common ingredient in fishmeal used to feed the fish reared on fish farms. The species has been essential to the way of life for many people in Vietnam for generations as a key ingredient in fish sauce. Bui Van Phu, a fourth-generation fish sauce maker, told the Associated Press: "Fish sauce to me is not just a condiment for cooking. But it is our craft, our culture, our tradition that need to be preserved, safeguarded, and inherited." As Phu detailed, many families who have historically produced fish sauce are considering "getting out of the business" because of increasingly high anchovy prices due to dwindling stock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, it could impact the broader Vietnamese economy. Vietnam and Thailand are the world's largest exporters of fish sauce, and the market is expected to increase in value to $29 billion by 2032, according to an Introspective Market Research report shared by the AP. If supply, size, and standard issues regarding anchovies continue, Vietnam and its fish sauce producers could miss out on this lucrative business. What's being done about lower anchovy stocks? A 2021 report commissioned by the ADM Capital Foundation made three key recommendations for sustaining fish populations in the South China Sea. Even in the best-case scenario, the situation had degraded too far to avoid heavy losses by the time of the report. Still, a 50% reduction in fishing, along with other actions, could allow for a partial recovery. The main recommendations are encouraging regional dialogue between the main parties to ease simmering tensions, finding a more sustainable form of fishmeal for aquaculture, and integrating climate policy with fishing practices. Fortunately, promising developments, such as using microalgae for more sustainable fishmeal, could also help solve the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The broader issue is that rising sea temperatures due to a warming planet are harming fish species. Human-caused pollution is one of the main drivers of warmer weather, so reducing our production of planet-warming gases that trap heat in the atmosphere is essential. To help, individuals can look to reduce waste, switch to electric vehicles, install rooftop solar panels, and use more efficient heating methods in their homes. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. What began as a well-intentioned effort to restore green cover in northern India is now drawing concern from local conservationists. In the Aravalli Hills, an ecologically sensitive region southwest of New Delhi, piles of discarded polythene bags have been found littering the forest floors after a government-run tree-planting campaign, according to the Hindustan Times. Conservationists warn that the plastic waste poses a serious risk to both public health and wildlife. What's happening? The plastic bags, used to transport saplings during annual monsoon planting drives, were supposed to be removed once the planting was done. Instead, they were left behind in wooded areas across Rewari, a district in Haryana that borders rural communities and wildlife zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "During my visit to the Aravallis in Rewari on Tuesday, I saw polythene bags at several locations," Rakesh Ahlawat, a birdwatcher from a nearby village, told Hindustan Times. "It is disturbing because these plastics not only harm the soil quality but also end up being eaten by grazing animals. It could lead to intestinal blockages or even death." Beyond animal welfare, the leftover plastic poses a threat to the health of local residents. Microplastics from the bags can seep into the soil and water, contaminating food and water supplies. In a region where communities depend on nearby land for farming and daily use, that's a real and growing concern. Forest officials acknowledged the lapse. "We received information about the issue on Tuesday morning and directed our teams to clear the sites immediately," deputy conservator of forests Deepak Patil Prabhakar told Hindustan Times. Why is this plastic pollution concerning? The Aravalli Hills, one of India's oldest mountain ranges, play a crucial role in regulating air quality, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity. The area is already under pressure from illegal mining and rapid urbanization, particularly from neighboring cities like Gurugram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When conservation efforts generate plastic waste, it undermines trust in environmental programs and delays progress toward a cleaner, safer future. "Leaving plastic in forest areas defeats the purpose of plantation drives," environmental activist Vaishali Rana told Hindustan Times. What's being done about the remaining plastic bags? The Haryana Forest Department has launched cleanup efforts and pledged to strengthen oversight. Forest minister Rao Narbir Singh has requested a formal report and directed senior officials to prevent similar incidents. Residents can help by reporting plastic waste, volunteering in cleanup efforts, and advocating for biodegradable materials in future projects. Lasting progress depends on treating restoration not as a one-time act, but as an ongoing responsibility. 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. President Donald Trump, a little more than 100 days after taking the oath of office, questioned whether he had a duty to uphold the Constitution and the Fifth Amendment right to due process as he expressed frustration on judicial pushback to his mass deportation effort. During a wide-ranging interview with NBC News "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker, Trump was asked if he agreed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio that citizens and noncitizens alike are entitled to due process. "I don't know," Trump responded. "I'm not a lawyer. I don't know." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 'Unprecedented': How Trump has pushed the limits of presidential power in his first 100 days Welker noted that the Fifth Amendment, which states in part that "no person" shall be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law," says as much. "I don't know," Trump repeated. "It seems it might say that, but if you're talking about that, then we'd have to have a million or 2 million or 3 million trials. We have thousands of people that are some murders and some drug dealers and some of the worst people on earth, some of the worst most dangerous people on earth, and I was elected to get them the hell out of here and the courts are holding me from doing it." Asked a final time if, as president, he needed to uphold the Constitution, Trump again deflected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know. I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are obviously going to follow what the Supreme Court said," in what's become a new standard answer in interviews when confronted with similar questions about what the law requires him to do. Legal experts told ABC News that the Fifth Amendment does not make any distinction between citizens and noncitizens. The Supreme Court has held that illegal immigrants are afforded due process rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the south lawn of the White House, May 4, 2025 in Washington. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) "Even Justice Scalia, for whom President Trump has expressed great admiration, acknowledged that the plain language of the Fifth Amendment clearly provides every 'person,' not just American citizens, are entitled to the protections of due process," Michael Gerhardt, a constitutional law expert at the University of North Carolina, told ABC News. Scalia's 1993 ruling in which he wrote it was well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law in deportation proceedings" was referenced in a recent Supreme Court order mandating detained migrants be given "reasonable time" to challenge their removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trumps failure to acknowledge that he swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution is unprecedented in American history," Gerhardt said. "Most presidents have not been lawyers, but every president, other than Trump, has acknowledged that every federal official, including the president, has the duty to uphold the Constitution." Trump, with his right hand raised, took the oath of office on Jan. 20 as prescribed by Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution. "I Donald John Trump do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States," Trump said during his inauguration. In another escalation of his standoff with the courts, Trump later on Sunday told reporters that he would seek to appoint judges who won't challenge his deportation plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I mean, we need judges that are not going to be demanding trials for every single illegal immigrant," Trump said while taking questions on Air Force One. "We have millions of people that have come in here illegally, and we can't have a trial for every single person. That would be millions of trials." Immigration matters are routinely dealt with in a limited hearing or other court proceedings before an immigration judge, not a full-blown trial as Trump suggests, experts say. Those administrative judges are employees of the Department of Justice. "It's a minimal due process hearing, but it does provide due process," said David Leopold, an attorney and former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. MORE: Trump says 'can't have a trial' for all migrants he wants to deport Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's comments on Sunday were quickly criticized by Democrats and other critics, who pointed to it as what they said was another example of Trump's disregard for constitutional boundaries. "This is as un-American as it gets," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X. Republican Sen. Rand Paul also pushed back that "following the Constitution is not a suggestion." "It is a guiding force for all of us who work on behalf of the American people. Do you agree? Paul wrote on X. "It is shocking that a sitting president would treat the Constitution as if it's an inconvenience," said Leopold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can't just assume that the government is judge, jury and executioner," said Leopold. "That's not what this country was founded on. That's what an authoritarian country is. We are not an authoritarian country. We are a constitutional republic." 'Shocking': Experts question Trump claiming 'I don't know' about upholding Constitution originally appeared on abcnews.go.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The construction of an airport within the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) is underway, said Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the AFEZ Authorized Body, Trend reports. Speaking at the event "Azerbaijan's Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" at the Heydar Aliyev Center, Alaskerov explained that while the airport was originally envisioned as a cargo hub, it will now be developed as a multifunctional airport. "It was initially planned as a cargo airport, but the decision has been made to turn it into a multifunctional airport," he added. By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) - President Donald Trump recently ordered federal agencies not to enforce laws that prohibit policies and practices with discriminatory impacts that are often unintended. Curbing so-called "disparate impact" liability, which is common in employment-related cases, removes a critical tool the government has used for decades to also police discrimination in housing, education, lending and other areas. WHAT IS DISPARATE IMPACT LIABILITY? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numerous federal laws, some dating to the years after the Civil War, prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, religion and other protected traits. Courts long understood discrimination to be an intentional act, but that began to change after the adoption of the landmark Civil Rights Act in 1964. The U.S. Supreme Court created a new path to hold employers liable for discrimination in the 1971 case Griggs v. Duke Power. The court said that otherwise neutral employment practices can violate the Civil Rights Act when they disproportionately affect a protected group and are not demonstrably related to job performance. Congress in 1991 amended the Civil Rights Act to explicitly prohibit the practices covered by the Supreme Court decision. Many experts have credited those changes for helping to spur companies to track the impact of their employment policies on protected groups, a now commonplace practice. WHY DOES TRUMP OPPOSE DISPARATE IMPACT LIABILITY? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump in an April 23 executive order said disparate impact litigation is one of the tools used by a "pernicious movement" to replace merit-based decisionmaking with a focus on diversity. The Republican president has been a vocal critic of workplace diversity, equity and inclusion policies and has launched an aggressive effort to eradicate them from the government and the private sector. During Trump's first term, some federal agencies considered rolling back disparate impact regulations. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2020 eliminated Obama-era rules barring housing practices with disparate impacts on protected groups, but that was paused by a court and later reversed by the Biden administration. Trump in April's executive order said the threat of disparate impact litigation prevents businesses from making decisions based on merit and skill, and that the legal theory wrongly presumes that unlawful discrimination exists "where there are any differences in outcomes" among different groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT DO LEGAL ADVOCATES SAY? Legal advocates point out that plaintiffs using disparate impact analysis are generally required to show statistically significant differences that cannot be explained by legitimate, non-discriminatory factors in order to win disparate impact lawsuits. Many legal experts and civil rights advocates say disparate impact liability is a crucial tool for uncovering systemic discrimination that may be unintentional but affects workers and communities. They say it holds employers and others accountable when they fail to change their practices and that the latest order risks exacerbating disparities. WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF DISPARATE IMPACT? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the most routine policies can have disparate impacts on specific groups. Many companies stopped administering physical fitness tests or changed eligibility requirements for jobs after a surge in lawsuits during the Obama administration claiming such policies discriminated against women and older or disabled workers. Other employers have been sued for refusing to hire people with criminal records, which can have a disparate impact on Black and Hispanic job applicants. Advocates argue that Black and Hispanic people are disproportionately convicted of crimes due to inequities in the criminal justice system. A policy with a disparate impact can be legal when it is necessary to operate a business. For example, law firms can require applicants for jobs as lawyers to have law degrees and banks can deny loans to people with low credit scores even if those policies disproportionately exclude members of certain groups. WHAT DOES TRUMP'S ORDER DO? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump declared a government-wide policy "to eliminate the use of disparate-impact liability in all contexts to the maximum degree possible" and directed federal agencies to deprioritize enforcement of disparate impact laws. Trump told the heads of federal agencies, including the Attorney General, the chairs of the Equal Employment Opportunity and Federal Trade commissions, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, not to pursue cases attempting to hold businesses and others liable for disparate impact discrimination. Trump also told federal agencies to evaluate whether existing cases and settlements that rely on disparate impact claims comport with his order. That means some employers, schools, banks and others could be released from settlements they entered into years ago, including requirements to adopt anti-discrimination policies and submit to outside monitoring. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's order will likely lead the agencies to drop some existing cases and settlements, and deter them from bringing any lawsuits or brokering settlements involving disparate impact claims. Trump's order may face legal challenges by groups and individuals who have filed discrimination complaints with federal agencies, likely claiming that Trump exceeded his authority by issuing it. Many of the more than 140 executive orders issued by Trump since January have been challenged in court by nonprofits, unions, workers and Democratic state officials, among others. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Aurora Ellis) This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Suddenly, I hear it: a rush of air and water so powerful that it sounds like a waterfall. Its the unmistakable exhalation of a whale explosive, resonant and coming from somewhere behind my kayak. Tentatively, I turn my head. I spot it immediately: its a humpback, rising from the water like a shadowy wave about to crest. Its massive, slate-coloured body glitters briefly in the morning light, before it sinks back into the depths, just as quickly as it had emerged. Soon, the ripples left behind by its mighty flukes fade, and its like it was never there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a moment, Im too stunned to paddle. Compared to the whale, which stretches roughly 40 feet from tip to tail, I am tiny a speck bobbing in an orange kayak in the chilly waters of the Johnstone Strait, off the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Id arrived by water taxi from Port McNeill on Vancouver Island a couple of days earlier, having signed up for a four-day kayaking expedition with Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures. The trip promised a front-row seat to one of the worlds most incredible wildlife shows: orcas (sometimes called killer whales, but actually members of the dolphin family) and humpbacks, viewed from eye level. Sometimes, theres so much activity out here, its hard to know where to look, says Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures guide Jen Ray. Photograph by Sofia Hsin While larger vessels cover more ground, kayaking adventures allow for a more intimate experience, bringing kayakers face-to-face with the creatures of the deep. Photograph by Sofia Hsin The nutrient-rich waters of the Johnstone Strait, fed by strong tidal currents, are a grazing corridor for dolphins, sea lions, whales and orcas. Sometimes, theres so much activity out here, its hard to know where to look, says my guide Jen Ray, a woollen beanie pulled down over her tumble of brown curls, her eyes scanning the water with practised ease. As we paddle onwards, right on cue a pod of sleek black-and-white orcas glides past on the watery horizon, their dorsal fins slicing through the waves. Its a sight that would have been unimaginable just two decades ago, Jen explains as we drift further into the strait. The population is bouncing back from the whaling era; the last whaling station on Vancouver Island closed in the 1960s. The humpbacks are returning in serious numbers now because, well, theres just so much food here. Its a buffet for them, she says. The peak season for sightings is between May and October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That evening, we arrive at base camp on Hanson Island, which sits in the middle of the waterway that separates Vancouver Island from the mainland of British Columbia. Its a simple affair: raised canvas tents, an al fresco shower and a kitchen hut strung with glowing light bulbs. Our small group including three outdoorsy twentysomething Australians and a couple of middle-aged women gathers for an evening meal of freshly caught salmon, roast potatoes and garlicky green beans. The island is covered with rocky outcrops, sandy coves and a dense forest canopy of old-growth fir, cedar and pine trees. As night falls, we gather around a crackling campfire under a starlit sky, passing around laminated maps of the archipelago, plotting our paddling routes for the days ahead. Wolves and grizzly bears are known to roam the island, Jen says, quickly reassuring us that the animals are just swimming through and generally keep to the far end of the outpost. As night falls, campers gather around a crackling campfire under a starlit sky, passing around laminated maps of the archipelago and plotting paddling routes for the days ahead. Photograph by Sofia Hsin A small group gathers for an evening meal of freshly caught salmon, roast potatoes and garlicky green beans. Photograph by Sofia Hsin At daybreak the following morning, its not a hungry bear, or an alarm clock, that wakes me but a series of sharp, reverberating thuds like a gun being fired. I unzip my tent and take a few paces to the shoreline, my steps crunching on pebbles, the world still shrouded in morning haze. Across the water I spot the cause of the noise: a humpback is breaching, propelling itself vertically from the water and crashing back down with a resounding slap. The sound stays with me as we push off from the shore shortly after, kayaks cutting through the fog-drenched waters. Todays adventure will take us on a 12-mile route along the coastline of the Discovery Islands. Within hours, were passing a posse of around 30 young male sea lions, a boisterous bunch who are belly-flopping into the water from a craggy outcrop and filling the air with loud dog-like barks. Theyre like the teenage boys of the animal kingdom, showing off to each other as they slip in and out of the water with joyful abandon. Jen chuckles. Dont worry, she says as we bounce on the current. Its like passing a group of kids outside a 7-Eleven store. Theyre harmless. In the distance, the engine of a whale-watching boat hums across the waters. While that vessel can certainly cover more ground, Im fast discovering that our kayaking adventure allows for a more intimate experience, bringing us face-to-face with the creatures of the deep. You have to work harder for it in a kayak, but when you do spot wildlife its more rewarding, Jen says as we paddle down a narrow waterway, the branches of the surrounding trees draped in a thread-like lichen known as witchs hair. Take the scenic route back to Vancouver Island with Sea Wolf Adventures, a First Nations Kwakwaka'wakw-owned company. Photograph by Sofia Hsin On our final day, we opt for the scenic route back to Vancouver Island, hopping aboard a boat with Sea Wolf Adventures a First Nations Kwakwakawakw-owned company. As we glide along the edges of northern Vancouver Island, skimming the Great Bear Rainforest, all binoculars are glued to the shoreline to spot bears lumbering through the dense woodland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over to your left are some of my favourite locals, our guide, Danielle Dawson, a member of the Kwakwakawakw community, says with a laugh as we cruise past a raft of sea otters drifting lazily on their backs, looking like a group of retirees lounging on pool floats. Above them, the calls of bald eagles pierce the air, their cries echoing across the water as they circle overhead. Its moments like these that draw visitors here, Danielle says, zipping her grey windbreaker to her chin as the wind whistles across the deck. As the mist lifts and the boat chugs into port, I realise that visiting this part of British Columbia isnt just about adventure. Its about connection to the untamed beauty thats been here for millennia. Published in the May 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). Claim: U.S. President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that his administration would reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz to house Americas most ruthless and violent offenders. Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution Posts sharing a screenshot of a purported Truth Social post by U.S. President Donald Trump in which he said he was directing various agencies to reopen the federal prison on Alcatraz Island in California's San Francisco Bay circulated online in early May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was a maximum-security prison situated on an island over a mile from the mainland that operated from 1934 to 1963. The claim spread widely across social media, circulating heavily on platforms like Facebook (archived), X (archived), Instagram (archived) and Threads (archived). The screenshot being shared online was authentic. Trump posted the message about reopening Alcatraz as a prison to his Truth Social account (archived) on May 4, 2025. The post reads in full: REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That's the way it's supposed to be. No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets. That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America's most ruthless and violent Offenders. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump made the claim in the midst of his administration's ongoing mass deportation efforts, which they allege is focused on "violent criminals" such as purported MS-13 gang members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Trump's plan would likely face an uphill battle, given that Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was closed on March 21, 1963, specifically because it was "nearly three times more expensive to operate than any other Federal prison" and was in need of millions of dollars in repairs, according to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Further, Alcatraz was explored as an option during the Ronald Reagan administration as an alternative site for "relocating the 950 Cubans detained at Fort Chaffee" in Arkansas that at the time housed Cuban refugees. According to a July 6, 1981, report from Attorney General William French Smith, if the Reagan administration wanted to pursue a proposed "policy of detaining illegal aliens pending deportation facilities with additional capacity of up to 10,000 will be required." The same report filed Alcatraz under "facilities considered and found inadequate," citing "essentially no utilities; historic site; popular tourist attraction." In addition, the BOP said that during its operation as a penitentiary, the prison had a maximum capacity of 336 and typically held "260 - 275" prisoners and noted that "at any given time, Alcatraz held less than 1 percent of the total Federal prison population." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following its closure as a federal prison, the island opened to the public in 1973 operating under the National Park Service. As of 2025, Alcatraz has been a national park longer (52 years) than it was a federal prison (29 years). It brings in approximately 1.2 million visitors a year, according to CNN and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Sources: BOP: Alcatraz. https://www.bop.gov/about/history/alcatraz.jsp. Accessed 5 May 2025. Donald Trump. Truth Social, 4 May 2025, https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114452025916969327. MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT . Office of the Attorney General, 6 July 1981, https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/public/digitallibrary/smof/counsel/luttig/oa10020/40-340-71969430-OA10020-006-2018.pdf. Reagan Library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Office of the Attorney General | Attorney General: William French Smith | United States Department of Justice. 23 Oct. 2014, https://www.justice.gov/ag/bio/smith-william-french. Staff, Arkansas Times. "1980 - Crisis at Ft. Chaffee." Arkansas Times, 23 Sept. 2004, http://arktimes.com/news/cover-stories/2004/09/23/1980-crisis-at-ft-chaffee. "Trump Says He's Going to Reopen Alcatraz Prison. Doing so Would Be Difficult and Costly." AP News, 4 May 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-alcatraz-prison-fabe3385415ae03829d44e50efb3c1fb. Waldenberg, Samantha. "Trump Says He Is Directing Bureau of Prisons to Reopen Alcatraz to House 'Ruthless and Violent Offenders' | CNN Politics." CNN, 5 May 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/04/politics/trump-alcatraz-prisons-reopen. Claim: Former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "We must especially beware of that small group of selfish men who would clip the wings of the American eagle in order to feather their own nests." Rating: Rating: Correct Attribution A rumor that circulated online in early 2025 claimed former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "We must especially beware of that small group of selfish men who would clip the wings of the American eagle in order to feather their own nests." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, on Feb. 15, author, professor and former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich posted the quote on Bluesky. The next day, he shared it on Facebook, Threads and X. Days later, in a Feb. 21 Instagram post, he posted it once more, adding a caption referencing President Donald Trump's second administration. The caption read, "A warning that sadly rings as true today as it did back then." In past years, Snopes readers also asked in emails about the authenticity of the quote. According to numerous historical records, Roosevelt indeed once warned, "We must especially beware of that small group of selfish men who would clip the wings of the American eagle in order to feather their own nests." Reich published the quote on his social media accounts after railing against Trump, his government efficiency adviser, tech billionaire Elon Musk, and Vice President JD Vance, in a series of Substack articles. Reich asserted that Trump, Musk, Vance and other members of the administration had participated in a coup to enrich themselves financially in the pursuit of an oligarchy. Weeks later, Reich marked the end of Trump's first 100 days with an article The Guardian published, reading, "If leaders stay silent, the U.S. won't survive Trump's next 100 days." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reich had not yet responded to an emailed request for comment as of the time of publication, including additional thoughts he might have both on Roosevelt's usage of the quote and what the words meant to him more than two-and-a-half months later. The White House had also not yet replied to an email asking for comment on Reich's usage of the quote and the outlined claims from Reich's articles. The context and meaning of Roosevelt's remark Roosevelt delivered the in-question quote just days before beginning his third term, during his now-famous "Four Freedoms" speech, originally a State of the Union address, on Jan. 6, 1941. As proof of the quote's authenticity, at least dozens of newspapers published on the same day featured the line from his speech. The U.S. National Archives hosts a webpage with a transcript of Roosevelt's full address, including the following introduction: In his 1941 State of the Union address to Congress, with World War II underway in Europe and the Pacific, FDR asked the American people to work hard to produce armaments for the democracies of Europe, to pay higher taxes, and to make other wartime sacrifices. Roosevelt presented his reasons for American involvement, making the case for continued aid to Great Britain and greater production of war industries at home. In helping Britain, President Roosevelt stated, the United States was fighting for the universal freedoms that all people deserved. At a time when Western Europe lay under Nazi domination, Roosevelt presented a vision in which the American ideals of individual liberties should be extended throughout the world. Alerting Congress and the nation to the necessity of war, Roosevelt articulated the ideological aims of the war, and appealed to Americans' most profound beliefs about freedom. In his "Four Freedoms" speech, Roosevelt proposed four fundamental freedoms that all people should have. His "four essential human freedoms" included some phrases already familiar to Americans from the Bill of Rights, as well as some new phrases: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. These symbolized America's war aims and gave the American people a mantra to hold onto during the war. Roosevelt's speech forcefully opposed isolationism and proposed a "swift and driving increase in our armament production" to support British forces. Later in the address, he voiced his opposition to dictators the moment Reich would highlight more than 84 years later: Therefore, as your President, performing my constitutional duty to "give to the Congress information of the state of the Union," I find it, unhappily, necessary to report that the future and the safety of our country and of our democracy are overwhelmingly involved in events far beyond our borders. Armed defense of democratic existence is now being gallantly waged in four continents. If that defense fails, all the population and all the resources of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia will be dominated by the conquerors. Let us remember that the total of those populations and their resources in those four continents greatly exceeds the sum total of the population and the resources of the whole of the Western Hemisphere-many times over. In times like these it is immature--and incidentally, untrue--for anybody to brag that an unprepared America, single-handed, and with one hand tied behind its back, can hold off the whole world. No realistic American can expect from a dictator's peace international generosity, or return of true independence, or world disarmament, or freedom of expression, or freedom of religion -or even good business. Such a peace would bring no security for us or for our neighbors. "Those, who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." As a nation, we may take pride in the fact that we are softhearted; but we cannot afford to be soft-headed. We must always be wary of those who with sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal preach the "ism" of appeasement. We must especially beware of that small group of selfish men who would clip the wings of the American eagle in order to feather their own nests. I have recently pointed out how quickly the tempo of modern warfare could bring into our very midst the physical attack which we must eventually expect if the dictator nations win this war. Eleven months and one day later on Dec. 7, 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, then a U.S. territory. On the next day, Roosevelt delivered a speech before Congress in which he famously called the attacks "a day which will live in infamy" and declared war on Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress approved Roosevelt's request by a vote of 388-1 in the House and 82-0 in the Senate. U.S. Rep. Jeannette Rankin, R-Mont., a dedicated pacifist and the first woman elected to Congress, cast the only vote against the declaration of war. Sources: "About." Robert Reich, https://rbreich.com/about. "Driving Increase in Armaments Demanded by President." Reno Evening Gazette via The Associated Press, 6 Jan. 1941, p. 6, https://www.newspapers.com/image/147116315/. "Full Text of President's Address." Brooklyn Eagle, 6 Jan. 1941, p. 2, https://www.newspapers.com/image/52627608/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Jeannette Rankin." U.S. House of Representatives, History, Art & Archives, https://history.house.gov/People/Listing/R/RANKIN,-Jeannette-(R000055)/. "On This Day, Jeannette Rankin's History-Making Moment." National Constitution Center, 2 Apr. 2024, https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/on-this-day-jeanette-rankins-history-making-moment. "Pearl Harbor Attack | Date, History, Map, Casualties, Timeline, & Facts." Britannica, 21 Apr. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/event/Pearl-Harbor-attack. "President Franklin Roosevelt's Annual Message (Four Freedoms) to Congress (1941)." National Archives, Milestone Documents, 6 Jan. 1941, https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/president-franklin-roosevelts-annual-message-to-congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Says U.S. Must Give More British Aid." Stockton Daily Evening Record via The Associated Press, 6 Jan. 1941, p. 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/843777184/. Reich, Robert. "Fraud and Musk." Robert Reich, 12 Feb. 2025, https://robertreich.substack.com/p/fraud. ---. "If Leaders Stay Silent, the US Won't Survive Trump's next 100 Days." The Guardian, 30 Apr. 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/30/trump-next-100-days. ---. "Say What This Is: A Coup." Robert Reich, 14 Feb. 2025, https://robertreich.substack.com/p/say-what-it-is-a-coup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Robert B. Reich." University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy, https://gspp.berkeley.edu/research-and-impact/faculty/robert-reich. "Senate Count Is 82-0, House 388 to 1 after Roosevelt's Message." Buffalo Evening News via The Associated Press, 8 Dec. 1941, p. 1, https://www.newspapers.com/image/841261940/. "S.J. Res. 116, Declaration of War on Japan, December 8, 1941." U.S. Capitol - Visitor Center, https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/artifact/sj-res-116-declaration-war-japan-december-8-1941. Accessed 1 May 2025. "Text of Roosevelt's Message to Congress." Des Moines Tribune, 6 Jan. 1941, p. 4, https://www.newspapers.com/image/323240060/. "World War II Facts." FDR Presidential Library & Museum, https://www.fdrlibrary.org/wwii-facts. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The community gathered with members of the Syracuse Police Department on Monday to honor 12 Syracuse Police officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, including Officer Michael Jensen. Even though all the years have passed, the memory of these heroes and their courageous acts have not been forgotten, said Joseph Moran, president of the Syracuse Police Benevolent Association. Last month marked one year since Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriffs Lieutenant Michael Hoosock were killed in the line of duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just one year ago, we added Michael Jensens name to that stone monument. Let us pledge today to never forget the debt of gratitude that we owe Michael and the other heroes names, said Sgt. Tom Blake with the Syracuse Police Department. I think its just so critically important that we dont forget officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice because they took the oath seriously and they gave the ultimate sacrifice, said Chief Joe Cecile, Syracuse Police Department. Syracuse Police will also be heading to Albany on Tuesday and Washington, D.C., next week, where officer Jensen will be honored. Were going to go there to honor Officer Jensen and Lt. Hoosock as well and all the others. I think 163 officers died in the line of duty in 2024, said Chief Cecile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said it also recognized those who are still with us and are putting their lives on the line to protect the community. The ceremony was held at Forman Park in Syracuse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AURORA, Mo. On Saturday, May 3, the family of Kadence Harris held a car show to honor her and the other victims of a motor crash in June 2023. A lot of them drove all the way from Arkansas, from Mohawk Lake, came all the way from Arkansas to help us out and show it. Says LJ Harris, the father of Kadence, And theyve actually shown up the last two years for the car show just to show support for Kadence. On June 3, 2023, in Aurora, a suspected drunk driver crashed and killed Kadence Harris, as well as James Olmstead, Linda Anderson and Kameron Hale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Harris, the event had a good turnout, with 51 cars registered and around 20 unregistered cars that came unexpectedly. The Harris family says they fell short of their goal of $25,000. When the goal is reached, it will be used to either provide scholarships to college students in her name or fund a toy drive in memory of Kadence. Christian County man charged for first-degree murder Harris says their community has continued to support them. Kadence had a truck here that she was trying to build; we wouldnt have been able to finish it, but the community actually helped. Luckily, Kadence left a note on how she wanted it. So, the community came together and put it helped us put it the way she wanted it finished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family is glad that the memories of the motorcycle crash victims continue to live on two years later. Its nice to know people still remember and know that they dont forget Kadence or any of the other victims that passed that day, because everybodys still going through all of it and trying to make over it. Harris hopes people continue to come to the car shows to both enjoy themselves and remember the crash 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SANTAQUIN, Utah (ABC4) On Sunday, May 4, family and friends of Sgt. Bill Hooser gathered at his gravesite at the Santaquin Cemetery. It was a beautiful sunny morning with clouds on the horizon a sign of more gloomy weather to mark the anniversary of his passing on May 5. The group that gathered was wearing matching shirts with the thin blue line, a symbol representing support for law enforcement. The mission? To tie blue ribbons throughout the city to celebrate Hoosers life and legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We kid that Bill would have loved every second of it, said Lynn Starley, Hoosers sister. Hes here with us today. Hes still here with us, just not in person. Santaquin officer to be honored at Utah Capitol on first anniversary of his death Hes soaking it all in, joked Courtney Jones, his daughter. One year ago, Sgt. Bill Hooser was killed in the line of duty. He was performing a traffic stop on a semi-truck that later attempted to flee the scene. The suspect behind the wheel struck Hooser, taking his life on that stormy May day. To see this weather, one year later, its hard, said Kinder Hooser, Sgt. Bill Hoosers wife. Because its how it was that morning of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the rainy and cloudy weather didnt stop Hoosers family and friends from completing their mission. You can see Sgt. Hoosers presence now all along Main Street in Santaquin. Blue ribbons line the road, tied around every light post. All the memories, you know, just flood me, and I miss him so much. I miss him, said Kinder. But as bright as Bill Hoosers granddaughters smile, who joins the other kids in running and playing, his family says that the sun, however cloudy, does shine again after that rain on a May morning in Santaquin. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The family of a man who died after being restrained in an Ohio jail said Monday that the deputies who piled on him stood by for several minutes without trying to save his life after he became unresponsive. Attorneys for the family said the deputies and jail medical staff members who looked on as Christian Black sat slumped in a restraint chair should be criminally charged in his death. There was no sense of urgency, said his father, Kenya Black. You could clearly see he was unconscious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black, 25, of Zanesville, died on March 26, two days after he was taken from the Montgomery County jail to a hospital in Dayton. He was in the jail after police said he crashed a stolen car. The county coroners office said last week that Black likely died from positional asphyxia, which happens when the chest cant expand, starving the body of oxygen. His death, which is still under investigation, was ruled a homicide by the coroner. Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said on Thursday after the coroner's report was released that 10 employees had been put on paid administrative leave. The sheriff called it a procedural step, adding it wasn't an indication of any wrongdoing. A message seeking comment Monday from the sheriff's office was not immediately returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video from inside the jail released Monday by the family and its attorneys showed Black inside a cell, yelling and repeatedly banging his fist and head against a glass door. Nine deputies gathered outside the cell, with some rushing in and bringing him to the ground. They pinned Black to the floor and put handcuffs on him before wrestling him into a restraint chair, the video showed. Black's head flopped and slumped while he was in the restraint chair, which law enforcement agencies sometimes use to secure combative people who are in custody. The video showed that jail staff checked Black's eyes, took his blood pressure and rubbed his chest while he was unresponsive in the chair. About nine minutes passed between the time he was put in the chair and when the jail staff started CPR, the family's attorneys said. He's dead because of how they handled him, said Michael Wright, one of the attorneys. No one did anything to help. CHESTER COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A 13-year-old is accused of fatally stabbing another minor. Now, the victims family is suing the Chester County School District (CCSD) and the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) for negligence that led to the death. According to the court documents, on or about February 11, the 13-year-old identified as John Doe was a passenger in the backseat of a vehicle driven by his sister, Jane Doe. A person by the initials of A.E., believed to be Jane Does boyfriend, was seated in the front passenger seat of the car. The complaint states John Doe had a knife and used it to fatally stab A.E. from the backseat of the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit alleges that CCDS, DSS, as well as the guardians of John Doe, his grandfather Arthur Bell and his mother Marquetta Bell, knew or should have known that the 13-year-old showed concerning behaviors that indicated a propensity for violence. It claims that those accused failed to take action to address John Does behavioral issues and provide mental health services. The negligence claim against CCSD and DSS accuses the organizations of failing to report John Does behavior, not properly documenting incidents involving John Doe, and failing to establish protocols for suspected abuse or neglect. On top of filing the wrongful death lawsuit against CCSD and DSS, the complaint also accuses John Does guardians of failing to supervise him and preventing foreseeable harm to others. The plaintiff in this case is seeking compensation for their physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish before A.E.s death, as well as an amount for punitive damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The effects of the changing climate are wreaking havoc on one country's bean supply, according to the Krone. What's happening? Farmers across Austria are reporting record-low harvests of scarlet runner beans, and the changing climate is likely to blame. Farmers are calling it their "worst year ever" and suffering from "up to 80 percent crop failure." The planet's warmest year on record was 2024, and Austria is no exception. Temperatures were nearly four degrees Celsius (7.2 degrees Fahrenheit) above the yearly average, per the International. Warm temperatures prevented flowering, and heavy rainfall caused rot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board members of Alwera Group, an Austrian agricultural organization, told the Krone that this year's "harvest eclipses everything we have experienced so far. Never before have the challenges posed by extreme weather been so massive." They're not the only ones struggling with the impact of a changing climate. Farmers in Madagascar reported increased difficulty in harvesting vanilla beans due to rising temperatures, and India's mango harvest saw a significant decrease from heavy rainfall. Why is this important? The changing climate continues to impact weather, like prolonged heat waves, flash floods, and stronger storms. Understanding how different crops adapt or don't to rapidly changing conditions is essential to preserving species and maintaining harvests. It's not just fruits and veggies the changes will affect livestock, too. One study estimates that climbing emissions "could force 31% of the global food crop and 34% of livestock production beyond the [safe climatic space] by 20812100." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing or harvesting outside of the safe climatic space becomes dangerous, unsustainable, or impossible, and production will suffer. Reduced supply results in higher grocery prices, and the global hunger crisis will inevitably worsen. What's being done to prevent food loss? Austrian farmers are testing heat-resistant alternatives, like edamame, but this is only a short-term solution. Addressing food loss due to the changing climate means addressing the changes themselves reducing heat-trapping gas emissions, developing sustainable agricultural technology, and improving resource management. 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. Uzbekneftegaz gains major int'l backing in strategic funding move Photo: Uzbekneftegaz Uzbekneftegaz JSC has secured a $207 million club loan from three international banks to support its investment and ESG initiatives. The agreement was finalized during a business trip to London, with financing provided by Standard Chartered, MUFG Bank, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grists weekly newsletter here. Around the world, farmers are retooling their land to harvest the hottest new commodity: sunlight. As the price of renewable energy technology has plummeted and water has gotten more scarce, growers are fallowing acreage and installing solar panels. Some are even growing crops beneath them, which is great for plants stressed by too many rays. Still others are letting that shaded land go wild, providing habitat for pollinators and fodder for grazing livestock. According to a new study, this practice of agrisolar has been quite lucrative for farmers in Californias Central Valley over the last 25 years and for the environment. Researchers looked at producers who had idled land and installed solar, using the electricity to run equipment like water pumps and selling the excess power to utilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On average, that energy savings and revenue added up to $124,000 per hectare (about 2.5 acres) each year, 25 times the value of using the land to grow crops. Collectively, the juice generated in the Central Valley could power around 500,000 households while saving enough water to hydrate 27 million people annually. If a farmer owns 10 acres of land, and they choose to convert 1 or 2 acres to a solar array, that could produce enough income for them to feel security for their whole operation, said Jake Stid, a renewable energy landscape scientist at Michigan State University and lead author of the paper, published in the journal Nature Sustainability. The Central Valley is among the most productive agricultural regions in the world: It makes up just 1% of all farmland acreage in the United States yet generates a third of the nations fruits and vegetables. But its also extremely water-stressed as California whiplashes between years of significant rainfall and drought. To irrigate all those crops, farmers have drawn so much groundwater that aquifers collapse like empty water bottles, making the earth itself sink by many feet. Farmers cant make their crops less thirsty, so many have been converting some of their acreage to solar. The Central Valley is ideal for this, being mostly flat and very sunny, hence the agricultural productivity. At the same time, farmers have been getting good rates for the electricity that they offset and that they send back to the grid. Now, though, California has adopted standards that reduce those rates by 75% on average. For a farmer investing in panels, the investment looks less enticing. The algebra or calculus or whatever math discipline you want to reference it just doesnt work out the same way, said Karen Norene Mills, vice president of legal advocacy at the California Farm Bureau, which promotes the states agricultural community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, the study found that by fallowing land for solar panels, food production in the Central Valley dropped by enough calories to feed 86,000 people a year. But, Stid said, markets can adjust, as crops are grown elsewhere to make up the deficit. By tapping the sun instead, Stid added, growers can simultaneously help California reach its goals of deploying renewable and reducing groundwater usage. The tension, though, is meeting those objectives while still producing incredible quantities of food. That is always our concern about some of these pressures, Mills said. But this isnt an either-or proposition: Many farmers are finding ways to grow some crops, like leafy greens and berries, under the panels. The shade reduces evaporation from the soil, allowing growers to water less often. In turn, a wetted landscape cools the panels, which improves their efficiency. This is the compromise thats going to allow for both energy independence and food security, said horticulturalist Jennifer Bousselot, who studies agrisolar at Colorado State University but wasnt involved in the new study. Farmers are also turning livestock loose to graze under their panels. Their droppings fertilize the soil, leading to more plant growth and more flowers that support native pollinators. The grass, its so much more lush under the panels, its amazing, said Ryan Romack, founder of Virginia-based AgriSolar Ranch, which provides grazing services. Especially when the sheep have been on site long-term, you can really see the added benefits of the manure load. Then, if a farmer decides not to replace the solar panels at the end of their lifespan usually around 25 or 30 years the soil will be refreshed with nutrients and ready to grow more crops. Even if a grower simply lets them sit for decades without any management, the fallowing can restore the soils health. We really see solar as a collective landscape, Stid said, that can be sited, managed, and designed in a way to benefit both people and the planet and ecosystems as well. The father of a crypto entrepreneur was rescued by French police on Saturday after being kidnapped late last week, according to Paris prosecutors, marking the latest in a string of high-profile crypto-related attacks in recent years. The unnamed victim was abducted from a street in Paris and held for ransom at a home in Essonne, 35 miles away, the French authorities said in a statement. The kidnappers sent a video of the mutilated victim to his sonwho had made his fortune in cryptodemanding millions of euros in ransom, according to CNN. The victim was freed after two days by French police but not before having one of his fingers severed by his assailants, CNN reported. French police arrested seven people in relation to the abduction, according to the prosecutors statement. The perpetrators were not identified, but are between the ages of 18 and 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This kidnapping follows a similar violent incident in which the cofounder of crypto company Ledger, David Balland, and his wife were abducted in January from central France and held for ransom. After the couple was separated and detained in different locations, the assailants contacted another one of the companys co-founders to demand a ransom in cryptocurrency. The couple was eventually rescued by police, but Balland suffered mutilation to his hand. Then, in November, the CEO of Canadas largest crypto company WonderFi, Dean Skurka, was kidnapped on the streets of Toronto and held for ransom. After being forced to pay $1 million in Canadian dollars, Skurka was dropped off in a park near Toronto, uninjured. In recent years, crypto executives and their families have increasingly become targets for these attacks, also known as wrench attacks. Jameson Lopp, a famous early Bitcoiner, has kept track of the growing trend since he was extorted in 2017 by logging publicized crypto-related incidents in a list on GitHub. According to his tally, there were 24 attacks in 2023, 31 attacks in 2024, n and 21 crypto-related attacks in the first five months of this year. The growing threat of violence against crypto executives and Bitcoin holders has spurred AnchorWatch, a Bitcoin insurance company, to offer a policy that insures a holders crypto in the event of a wrench attack. While the policy will allow holders to recoup up to $100 million of their stolen crypto, it wont protect holders from being kidnapped or attacked. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Cobblestone Farms held a plant sale on April 4, with proceeds from the vegetables, herbs and flowers benefiting its mission to fight food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas. The sale took place on the farms grounds in Fayetteville and also featured local vendors selling handmade goods. According to Cobblestone Farms, all funds raised will help sustain its ongoing programs aimed at providing fresh produce to families in need. Qualifying seniors in Northwest Arkansas can receive free produce coupons Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of our work, since were a nonprofit, is supported by our community, said Jordan Lanning, executive director of Cobblestone Farms. When we have an event like this and the community comes out to support us, we feel really supported in our work. Lanning said that Cobblestone Farms hopes to bring the event back next 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 KNWA FOX24. I recently reached out to the local sheriff's office and did something I hadn't previously expected would ever be on my radar: I asked that, if they ever receive a call regarding my residence that requires an emergency response, they keep in mind the high likelihood that it's a hoax. I was assured that the word would be passed to the local commander and deputies. There was no surprise on their part at what would have been a weird request just a few years ago, for good reason. The director of the FBI and other government officials have been sounding the alarm about an uptick in swatting attacks, many of them targeted at people whose political opinions rub somebody the wrong way. Swatting on the Rise "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is aware of multiple recent 'swatting' incidents," according to an April 29 alert. "Swatting is the malicious tactic of making hoax calls or reports to emergency services, typically feigning an immediate threat to life. Swatting is intended to draw a large response from SWAT teams or other law enforcement resources to an unsuspecting victim's location, causing chaos and the potential for injury or violence." The alert doesn't go into political targeting. But on March 14, FBI Director Kash Patel posted, "I want to address the alarming rise in 'Swatting' incidents targeting media figures. The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few days later, Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, similarly posted, "The recent surge in 'swatting' attacks against conservatives is a dangerous form of political violence. I've been in touch with law enforcement to ensure they have access to the trace back resources that locate a call's originating point." Swatting has been a problem for years, with the term perhaps first used by the FBI in 2008. Even then, swatters were using technology to disguise their voices and make it look like calls originated at victims' homes. In 2018, with swatting attacks occurring frequently enough to be a serious problem, the Seattle Police Department launched a voluntary registry to which people could add their names and addresses if they thought they might be targets. Other communities, including Wichita, Kansas, implemented similar systems. A Cheap Form of Terrorism More recently, swatting has become a political weapon through which activists use the emergency reporting system and the police on the other end to threaten and intimidate people they don't like. "When men arrive at your home heavily armed, body armor, tiptoeing around the perimeter of your home, that's a serious situation," conservative writer Larry Taunton told his local CBS channel in Alabama after his family was swatted one night in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They put me against my garage and handcuffed me in my front yard in my boxers," South Carolina conservative media personality Chad Caton commented to a local ABC affiliate after his home was swatted. "I'm watching a weapon in my wife's face as she's coming out of my house and I'm watching the end of his rifle shake because of his own anxiety." Because Caton knew of others with similar experiences, he and his wife were as prepared as you can be for such situations. Perhaps unsurprisingly given how cops often interact with dogs, "they both agreed to put their dog Diesel into their primary bedroom to protect him." On March 20, CNN's Hadas Gold reported that "at least a dozen influencers" had been swatted in the previous two weeks. "Almost all the influencers who have publicized their recent swattings are conservative supporters of President Donald Trump." In the article, one victim referred to swatting as a "cheap form of terrorism." As terrorism goes, swatting isn't as overtly dangerous as shooting political offices, torching Teslas and Tesla dealerships, firebombing a governor's house, attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, or murdering the CEO of a healthcare company. But there's peril any time police are sent into potentially violent confrontations with the public. Andrew Finch was killed by police during one swatting incident in 2017 involving squabbling gamers (he had nothing to do with the dispute). Mark Herring died of a heart attack during another incident in 2020 caused by somebody who wanted his Twitter handle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's enough to say that swatting has become a risky means of harassing people at a time of rising political violence across the United States. Last year, believing that Trump supporters were the greatest threat, former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade referred to swatting incidents as "signs of a troubling escalation in political violence." Part of a Surge in Political Violence But Republicans won the 2024 elections and now are the ones being targeted by those who didn't like the outcome. Increasing incidents of swatting occur in an environment in which the Network Contagion Research Institute and the Rutgers University Social Perception Lab noted in an April report that "tolerance and even advocacy for political violence appears to have surged, especially among politically left-leaning segments of the population." All that said, do I have any real reason to fear being targeted? I'm libertarian, not conservative, and write as many critical pieces about the current administration as positive ones. Theoretically that sets me apart from the people on the receiving end of most recent terrorist attacks. But, to judge by the angry correspondence I get (some of you need to work on your grammar and spelling), those pieces get noticed. And some swatting victims report less serious harassment, such as deliveries of food they never ordered, and multiple attempts to hack into accounts. That's a more familiar experience for me. One recent day, I fielded around a dozen bogus "account recovery" attempts and several phishing phone calls. My colleagues are on the receiving end of much the same. I guess we all annoyed somebody who wasn't satisfied with illiterate nastygrams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, out of an abundance of caution, I reached out to the sheriff's office and advised my colleagues to do the same with their own police departments. I guess I'd rather be a potential swatting target than on an arsonist's or an assassin's to-do list for. It would be better yet if the current state of the country didn't make any of these concerns necessary. The post FBI Warns of Swatting Amid a Wave of Politically Motivated Attacks appeared first on Reason.com. FCC chairman Brendan Carr has already got Hollywood in a lather over his aggressive pursuit of specious complaints involving the editorial content of 60 Minutes, NPR, PBS and other major media platforms. Hes also pursuing probes of Disney and Comcast for what he has described as promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination actions that are widely seen as politically motivated and extending far beyond the commissions regulatory reach. Now Carr is hinting that the FCC also plans to dig into broadcast network affiliation agreements the contracts between ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox with the 150-plus TV stations around the country that carry each network. Carr said he has been spurred to act amid what he said were growing complaints from station owners that national networks are forcing them to air programs that they would not otherwise carry. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hear directly from local broadcasters and say, Look, Id like to do something different. Id like to serve the needs of my local community. Id like more localism, but I have to take this national program in cases where they dont even want to. So we hear a lot of complaints about that, Carr told CNBC anchor David Faber on Monday during a Q&A at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills. What I want to do is empower those local broadcasters actually serve their local communities. Theres lots of ways we can do that. FCC probes of network-affiliate relations could be an arduous process for all involved. Carr did offer one olive branch to station owners. He once again suggested that the FCC should reform what he called arcane artificial limits on TV station ownership. As broadcasters have stressed for more than a decade, their ownership of TV stations is tightly regulated but tech giants such as Google, Meta, Amazon and Apple are able to have to global footprints and increasing influence across politics, media and culture. That is one area that the major networks all of which have strong O&O groups and local broadcasters may agree with Carr on the need for action. Looking at ownership reform might be one way to do it, Carr said. We have these arcane artificial limits on how many TV stations any one company can own. And of course, that doesnt apply to Big Tech. So you have relatively small TV station groups that are competing with Google and Facebook and others in the advertising market. So I want to ultimately empower those local stations and, frankly, constrain some of the power of those national programmers. Carr and Faber spent most of the 20-minute session in the weeds of the FCCs approach to spectrum auctions which also matter to broadcasters. Faber did press the FCC boss on his handling of the 60 Minutes complaint as well as the commissions review of the pending sale of CBS parent Paramount Global to Skydance Media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FCCs approval of CBS-owned TV stations license transfer is holding up the closing of the $8 billion sale. President Donald Trump also has a pending $20 billion lawsuit against 60 Minutes over its October 2024 interview of then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The suit has been decried as baseless and an unvarnished example of the most powerful political figure in the country trying to punish a media outlet for coverage he didnt like. Carr once again strained credulity by insisting that the FCC probe of 60 Minutes, the commissions review of the larger Paramount Global sale and Trump lawsuit are unconnected. He maintained that he hasnt read Trumps complaint. That case, filed in federal court in Texas, makes the novel legal argument that he was damaged as a political candidate and as an owner of social media outlet Truth Social because of CBS handling of the Harris interview. Were staying in our lane and just reviewing it. Were running our normal course of review, Carr said of the Paramount Global transaction. Carr, who was an attorney for the FCC before being named a commissioner in 2017 by Trump in his first term, closed by praising the work of the commission staff during Trump 2.0s whirlwind first 100 days in office. Carr assured Faber that he is just having the time of my life right now. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tomatoes sold in 14 states have been recalled over the risk of Salmonella contamination, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration Tomatoes sold by the wholesaler companies, Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC were recalled earlier this month The states that the tomatoes were sold in include Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina Tomatoes sold across 14 states are facing two separate recalls from the wholesaler companies, Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC. On Saturday, May 3, the Food and Drug Administration announced in a press release that the company, Ray & Mascari Inc, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was recalling 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in clam shell containers due to the possibility of salmonella contamination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Mayo Clinic, Salmonella is a bacterial disease that can cause problems in the intestinal tract. Infection can occur through contaminated food and water. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, the company announcement read, per the FDA. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Getty Stock image of person holding tomatoes Stock image of person holding tomatoes Related: Target Brand Baby Food Recalled for Containing Elevated Levels of Lead Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the release, the tomatoes that were recalled were sold by Gordon Food Service Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. According to the FDA, Hanshaw & Capling Farms of Immokalee, Florida notified Ray & Mascari Inc. to inform them that the tomatoes from the company were being recalled. Getty Stock image of tomatoes Stock image of tomatoes The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! The tomatoes were sent to be repackaged into 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers who received the recalled lots have been notied and provided information to further contact their customers and distribution centers with recall instructions, the release read. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Related: Cat Food Product Recalled Due to Potential Bird Flu Contamination After 1 Pet Death Is Confirmed Currently, there have been no reports of illnesses and customers are encouraged to throw away the product and to not consume them if bought. Consumers with questions or reports of any illness may contact Ray & Mascari Inc. at 1-317-637-0234, Monday- Saturday, 6am-5pm EST, the company announcement stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Williams Farms Repack LLC tomatoes sold in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina were recalled on May 2. In a company announcement, released on May 2 via the FDA, On April 29, 2025, the firm was notified via telephone by Southeast Tomato Distributors that tomatoes supplied from H&C Farms may be contaminated with Salmonella, the release read. According to the announcement, no illnesses were reported after the tomatoes were distributed between April 23 and April 28. Read the original article on People "That is the president's call alone; the federal courts have no role to play." So argued the Trump administration in a recent legal filing. To call the administration's position a naked assertion of unchecked executive power would be a severe understatement. To understand why, let's review how we got here. On April 7, the Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that if President Donald Trump wants to deport an alleged "alien enemy" under the terms of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA), then the deportee is first "entitled to 'judicial review' as to 'questions of interpretation and constitutionality of the Act.'" It is that same judicial review that is now at issue in the administration's recent legal filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Trump administration, the president has properly interpreted the Alien Enemies Act to allow him to deport aliens who are alleged to be members of the Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua. Yet Trump's interpretation of the AEA is laughable on its face. According to the plain text of the Alien Enemies Act, it may only be invoked by the president "whenever there shall be a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion shall be perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States, by any foreign nation or government." None of those textually mandated prerequisites have been satisfied here. There is no "declared war" with Venezuela and there is no "invasion or predatory incursion" by any "foreign state or government." The gang is not a foreign state and the gang's alleged crimes do not qualify as acts of war by a foreign state. There is zero textual support for Trump's use of the AEA. Trump's lawyers likely understand this, which is probably why they are so desperate to avoid judicial review in the first place. After all, the administration is not exactly striding forth here with confident legal arguments on its side; rather, it is trying to dodge the courts by asserting that Trump's decision to invoke the AEA "is the president's call alone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such avoidance does make a certain sort of sense. The Trump administration has good reason to fear judicial review because when the courts have examined the text of the AEA alongside Trump's shady interpretation of it, Trump has lost big. In fact, that very thing happened just last week, when U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ruled that Trump's use of the AEA "exceeds the scope of the statute and is contrary to the plain, ordinary meaning of the statute's terms." And in case you're wondering, Rodriguez is no "Marxist judge." He was appointed to the federal bench in 2018 by none other than Trump himself. In Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Supreme Court observed that it is "the province and duty of the judicial department, to say what the law is." Yet Trump is now asking the Supreme Court to shirk that duty so that Trump may interpret a federal law to mean something that it plainly does not mean. No self-respecting jurist should take him up on the offer. *This article originally misstated the court in which the legal filing was submitted. It is the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The post 'Federal Courts Have No Role To Play,' Trump Tells SCOTUS in Latest Deportation Case Filing appeared first on Reason.com. VIRGINIA (WJHL) The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Monday that supplemental disaster assistance funding is now available to Southwest Virginians who were impacted by flooding in February. The flooding event took place across several Southwest Virginia counties from Feb. 10 to 18. States of emergency were declared by local governments, many roadways were overtaken by water and dozens of both human and animal rescues were conducted. Mondays announcement of released federal funding came one month after President Donald Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia on April 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: Steven Cloyds brother speaks on familys closure News Channel 11 previously spoke with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin days after Trump approved the disaster declaration, and he said the funding will help flood-impacted Southwest Virginians. The severe weather caused major flooding in Buchanan Countysomething residents have become too familiar with. Buchanan County schools were closed for more than a week following Februarys flooding so families could regroup. I am grateful to President Trump and the entire Administration for approving federal disaster assistance for the Commonwealth of Virginia. These resources aid recovery efforts in the areas of Southwest Virginia affected by Hurricane Helene last fall along with the severe flooding brought on by Februarys winter storms, Gov. Youngkin said in a HUD release. Thank you to Secretary Turner and his team for their strong partnership supporting Virginians adversely impacted by these storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the release, HUD is providing the following supplemental resources to Southwest Virginia February flood victims: Providing financial flexibility A 90-day moratorium is issued on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). There is also a 90-day extension granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. The moratorium and extension are effective as of the Presidents disaster declaration date. Homeowners affected by the disaster should contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately for assistance. Conventional mortgage holders may also be eligible for additional relief through their mortgage holder. Call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 for additional information. To learn more about disaster relief options for FHA homeowners, visit the FHA Disaster Relief site . Making mortgage insurance available - When homes are destroyed or damaged to an extent that requires reconstruction or complete replacement, HUDs Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs. Making financing available for both mortgage and home rehabilitation - HUDs Section 203(k) loan program enables individuals to finance the purchase or refinance of a house, along with its repair, through a single mortgage. Homeowners can also finance the rehabilitation of their existing homes if damaged. Sharing information on housing providers and HUD programs - Information will be shared with FEMA and the State on housing providers that may have available units in the impacted counties, including Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners. The Department will also connect FEMA and the State to subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers. Providing flexibility to Community Planning and Development Grantees - Recipients of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS/HIV (HOPWA) Program, Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Program funds can apply for needed administrative flexibility in response to Presidentially Declared Major Disaster for Virginia (DR-4863-VA). For more information on applying for a waiver or suspension of program requirements, contact the Richmond, VA Community Planning and Development (CPD) Field Office here . Providing flexibility to Public Housing Agencies - Public Housing Agencies can apply for needed waivers and flexibilities for disaster relief and recovery. For detailed information on applying for a waiver, click here for the latest Federal Register Disaster Relief Notice guidance . The Department also released PIH Notice 2021-34 , which advises the public of HUDs expedited process for waivers and flexibilities from HUD regulatory and administrative requirements for various Public Housing and Voucher Programs. As a reminder, to be eligible to receive a disaster waiver, the PHA must be located in an active Presidentially declared Major Disaster Declaration area and submitted within four months of an MDD. Ensuring HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are ready to assist - HUD-approved housing counseling agencies have counselors available to assist those impacted by natural disasters to determine assistance needs and available resources. Find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency online or use our telephone look-up tool by calling 1-800-569-4287. Telephone look-up includes access to information in more than 200 different languages. You do not have to have an FHA-insured mortgage to meet with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. There is never a fee for foreclosure prevention counseling. Assisting with housing discrimination - Housing discrimination can occur when people attempt to find and access housing following a disaster. HUDs Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is available to assist people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, you should file a fair housing complaint with HUD. You can file a complaint by calling HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or visiting How to File a Complaint on HUDs website . Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the Department using the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. HUD may not help you if your complaint is filed more than one year after the last discriminatory act. You may also be able to file a complaint with a state or local fair housing agency. A list of the State and local fair housing agencies funded by HUD is available on HUDs website here . Parts of Southwest Virginia faced intense flooding during a wave of February winter storms, said U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (VA-09). The resulting damage to businesses and homes impacted many people in Southwest Virginia who were in the middle of recovering from Hurricane Helene. Secretary Turners announcement to extend natural disaster aid and financial flexibility resources to Southwest Virginia will help our communities access vital recovery services. More information about the funding announcement can be found on HUD.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. VILLA CALETA, Panama (AP) For centuries, the Comarca Embera people have fished and bathed in the Turquesa River, a jungle waterway flowing out of the Darien Gap. They've long been accustomed to changes in the water rainy season brings mud and sediment in the faster-flowing river. But now, they're seeing unprecedented change in the wake of a migratory crisis: Trash, gasoline and fecal matter have been left behind from the 1.2 million vulnerable people who trekked through one of the Earth's most biodiverse rainforests. Migration through the Darien Gap a remote area along the Colombia-Panama that sat largely untouched until it became the epicenter of 2021's crush of migration has virtually vanished, but families in the small community of Villa Caleta still fear bathing in the winding river. Fish, their main food source, reek of fuel from boats that carried people down the Turquesa. And deeper in the jungle, criminal groups that pushed into the region to profit off the migratory route are part of illegal gold mining and deforestation operations. Panamanian authorities and residents say that with the humanitarian crisis came an environmental crisis that will take years to reverse, while local communities suffer the consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water is polluted with garbage, said Militza Olea, 43, eyeing the red sores still dotting the skin of her 3-year-old nephew days after he bathed in the Turquesa. We have to be careful. Everyone climbs out of the river with hives on their skin, especially the children. 2,500 tons of trash with a $12 million cleanup cost It's been months since migration in the once-untouched jungles and rivers plummeted, but authorities say pollution and other environmental concerns are at a high. They estimate that 2,500 tons of trash were left in the Darien Gap and that just cleaning it up along the migratory route will cost around $12 million. At the height of migration, as many as 3,000 people a day floated down the Turquesa past Villa Caleta and other communities on their way out of the jungle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, floating in the water and tangled in trees are foam mats migrants used to sleep, tattered shirts plastered with dirt, backpacks, plastic bottles and more. Panamanian Environmental Minister Juan Carlos Navarro blames the American government. He said the Trump administration should foot the bill for cleaning because the vast majority of migrants traversing the Darien Gap were headed to the U.S. Navarro noted Panama's lack of money and resources and said the government was promised $3 million by the outgoing Biden administration in January, but that under President Donald Trump the promised funds havent arrived. Theyre not cleaning up their mess, he said. "If the United States is responsible because it opened its borders, then the United States should pay for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House didn't respond to an emailed request for comment. Fecal matter and other contaminants Beyond the trash that can be seen floating in the river, officials say tests show dangerous levels of contamination. The most recent test by government hydrologists, in August, showed high amounts of fecal coliform bacteria in the Turquesa River, typically indicating human waste. Communities also found decomposing bodies floating past their homes, leaders said. Officials said they need to carry out more tests on the water's current state. But they believe the issues likely remain, as most of what's leftover from migration remains farther upstream, where border police blocked Associated Press journalists despite permission granted by Panamanian environmental authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olea and others in the Indigenous Comarca Embera community consisting of about 12,000 people who long lived off fertile lands deep in Panamas southern jungle, until their territory intersected with the migratory route running from Colombia attribute the rashes appearing on residents' arms to the pollution. While doctors and officials have made no medical diagnosis, residents say symptoms appeared only when migration began to surge, around 2021. Olea said her family spends money from its plantain crops for expensive antibiotic creams, brought by family members who travel hours by boat from the closest towns. Not everyone can afford it, and they say their rashes spread. Olea also worries about water supply. There's fresh drinking water for now, thanks to a small plant installed by an aid organization, but she said their small water stores wont be enough during the summer dry season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the time comes, the people here are going to need that water, she said. The river has to be clean. Food scarcity was already an issue, with the economy suffering from the disappearance of the migrants. Many say environmental effects are exacerbating the problem. The fish we catch, they still smell of gasoline, community leader Cholino de Gracia said. We cant fish anymore because youd practically be eating a fish full of gasoline. Deforestation and criminal activity With the flow of migrants, the Colombian criminal group known as the Gulf Clan pushed into the region, seizing control of the migration route, said Henry Shuldiner, a researcher with Insight Crime investigating organized crime in the Darien Gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group has long cultivated coca, the plant used to produce cocaine, and illegally mined gold a process that uses mercury to extract gold from ore, poisoning lands and waters around the mines. On the Colombian side of the Darien Gap, Shuldiner said, the group has taken advantage of its control of large swathes of jungle to expand operations and rake in money from environmental crimes. In some cases, thats included taking a cut from existing illegal logging operations. In others, they've sliced and burnt through dense jungle to replace with fields of coca. Were seeing increased land clearings around these municipalities that bordered the Darien, mostly for coca cultivation, Shuldiner said. Along the former migrant trail, there are environmental crimes happening, and the (Gulf Clan) is profiting directly. In some cases, that criminal activity has trickled into Panama as groups set up illegal mining operations in federally protected national parks. In January, authorities said they had dismantled an illegal gold mining network and detained 10 Colombians and Panamanians who left the jungle contaminated with mercury and cyanide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other places, Environmental Minister Navarro and residents said, criminals rent land on Indigenous reservations to launder money earned during the economic boom from migration, and they burn and chop down dense jungle to make way for cattle ranches. In 2023, deforestation in the Darien shot up after years of decline, according to the latest data from Global Forest Watch, which monitors deforestation using satellites. Local leaders say that will deal a long-term blow to the communities that have lived off the land for centuries. A state of environmental anarchy Navarro said Panama's government must try to rescue the jungle from a state of environmental anarchy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a treasure trove of biodiversity, Navarro said. Theyve disrupted the whole system of life in this community and damaged some of them forever. ... Now that this disaster has ended, were going to be able to conserve our forests. But community leader De Gracia and others in the region say the area has long been neglected. They blame Panama's government for not doing more to clean their waters or develop the region in a way that would allow them to bounce back faster. Olea, watching her nephew play even with the rash running along his arms, worries most for the children in places like Villa Caleta. Without water, there's no life here, she said. Latest: Kyiv responds to Ficos 'anti-Ukrainian' remarks. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on May 4 condemned President Volodymyr Zelensky for warning "foreign delegations not to come" to Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9. Zelensky on May 3 said Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign officials planning to attend Russias Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, warning Russia could orchestrate provocations, including "arsons, explosions, or other actions," and attempt to blame Ukraine. Russia is responsible for ensuring safety and security on its territory, Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I reject such threats for security reasons. I fully respect that the safety of participants is an internal matter of the Russian Federation. But if Mr. Zelensky believes that his statements will force foreign delegations not to come, then he is deeply mistaken," Fico said. The leader called for an "armistice" amid the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, adding that Zelensky should of "remain silent." "It is a great disrespect when someone says to a country that made the greatest contribution to the victory over fascism and suffered the absolute greatest sacrifices we can imagine: 'Well, celebrate, we might drop a drone or something like that on you.' For me, these are unacceptable things," Fico said. Moscow often situates victory in World War II as a sole Russian achievement and not a multinational one, Jonathan Brunstedt, an assistant professor of history at Texas A&M University, focusing on nationalism and historical memory in the Soviet Union, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are responsible for your safety. We will not provide any guarantees, because we do not know what Russia might do on those dates," Zelensky said on May 3. Fico, a proponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, will attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations, despite Russia's war against Ukraine. On May 9, Russia holds grandiose military parades in celebration of the end of World War II in Europe. Ukraine and most European nations mark May 8 as Victory in Europe Day. Ukraine has invited senior EU leaders and officials to Kyiv on May 9 to counter Russia's celebration. The EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, on April 15 warned European leaders against attending Russias Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What was also discussed very clearly, and said by different member states, is that any participation in the 9th May parades or celebrations in Moscow will not be taken lightly on the European side, considering that Russia is really waging a full-scale war in Europe," she said. Kallas said the EU does not want to see any country aspiring to join the bloc participating in celebrations hosted by Putins government. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed on April 16 that he intends to travel to Moscow for Russian President Vladimir Putin's May 9 Victory Parade despite the EU's pressure. Serbia is a candidate country to join the EU, and has undergone accession negotiations with the bloc for several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vucic has reportedly fallen ill, jeopardizing the Serbian president's ability to participate in Russia's celebration, Newsweek reported on May 4. Read also: I just hate the Russians Kyiv district recovers from drone strike as ceasefire remains elusive Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Kazakhstan sets bold investment goals for petrochemical industry by 2035 Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan plans to attract 4.8 trillion tenge (around $9.12 billion) in investments to its chemical and petrochemical industries by 2035, according to Minister of Industry and Construction Yersaiyn Nagaspayev. He highlighted ongoing projects, particularly in producing chemical products for the oil and metallurgy sectors. The countrys abundant natural resources are expected to support the growth of new chemical production facilities. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register A woman was found dead and two other people were hospitalized in two separate outdoor fires in Minnesota on Sunday. The fatal incident happened in the 6400 block of Wetherbee Road in Crow Wing Township, about ten miles south of Brainerd, around 12:15 p.m. The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office said responders were called to a field on fire near a residence and found the homeowner, a 65-year-old woman, dead near a lawn mower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources assisted the Brainerd Fire Department in extinguishing the blaze, the sheriff's office said. No structures were impacted. A second outdoor fire on Sunday broke out shortly before 5 p.m. in northern Minnesota, at the Lakeland Mobile Home Park in Biwabik Township. The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said two people were taken by ambulance to the hospital in what's believed to be non-life-threatening condition. "It was reported that the reporting party was burning grass when the fire spread to an area underneath a mobile home," the agency said. "Fire crews were able to contain the fire and it is believed that the trailer home suffered minimal damage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the Northland is abnormally dry, creating conditions for fires to start and spread easily. As of Monday, a red flag warning is in effect in Clay, Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. Fire danger and burning restrictions statewide can be found on the DNR's website here. A photo taken at 3 a.m. on March 29, 2024, shows interior lights in the South Dakota State Penitentiary's East Hall. The lights stayed on overnight after a second night of unrest. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Another round of violence erupted Sunday on the campus of the South Dakota State Penitentiary, the Department of Corrections has confirmed. The fight between inmates came a little more than a month after two other incidents on the penitentiary campus, one of which injured a female correctional officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those earlier events occurred shortly before the first meeting of a state work group debating the future of the oldest portions of the 144-year-old prison grounds in Sioux Falls. The female correctional officer was injured in the penitentiary, while the other fight took place between inmates in the maximum security Jameson Annex. The work group toured both the penitentiary and Jameson Annex on April 2. Michael Winder, spokesman for the department, did not say how many people were involved in Sundays violence, which he described via email as a fight. There were no life-threatening injuries, he wrote, and no correctional officers were injured. It is an ongoing investigation, Winder wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winder did not reply to questions on the location of the violence or how it may have been quelled, but the family member of one inmate told South Dakota Searchlight that the event involved inmates in East Hall. East Hall was the location of two nights of unrest just over a year ago at the penitentiary, which followed a temporary shutdown of tablet communications. Eleven inmates were charged with crimes for those incidents. Most of those inmates, prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney Generals Office, have since taken plea deals for intentional damage to property. A man charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and another charged with reckless burning await trial, court records show. One inmate was acquitted of intentional damage to property at trial after raising questions about the security footage upon which the charge was based. As of last week, no charges had been filed by the Attorney Generals Office for the violence that took place just before the first prison work group meeting in Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loved ones behind bars told Nicole Lloyd of Sioux Falls that Sundays violence involved more than a dozen people, originated in the chow hall and resulted in the use of pepper spray and a lockdown of inmates across the penitentiary. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A man is behind bars after a fight escalated to a barrage of gunfire near Key Wests most famous tourist area early Sunday morning, police say. Shortly before 4 a.m., Key West police responded to the area just outside Tattoo and Scars Saloon, 512 Greene Street, where they found two men with gunshot wounds, according to a warrant obtained by the Miami Herald. A witness had called 911, saying she heard six gunshots and saw a large group of people fighting in front of the bar. Alijah Alihikaua Helmar, a 25-year-old Key West resident, is jailed in connection to the shooting, records show. Witnesses, according to police, directed officers to the suspected gunman. The shooting occurred near Duval Street, an area renowned for its nightlife, restaurants and shopping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helmar, the warrant says, was captured on surveillance footage shooting a pistol during the argument. Its unclear what charges Helmar faces, though the warrant lists the offense as aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. In an interview with police, Helmar denied being drunk and claimed he had only one drink, according to the warrant. Officers, however, noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Helmars person and also found a Glock 10mm pistol tucked into his waistband. In 2022, Helmar was previously convicted of disorderly conduct for brawling, a misdemeanor, court records indicate. One of the victims, a 25-year-old man was shot four times, once in the face, twice in the abdomen and once in the thigh, the warrant says. He was airlifted to Jackson South. The other victim, a 33-year-old man, was struck by a bullet in the ankle. Their identities and conditions werent released publicly as of Sunday morning. Detectives are investigating the shooting. This information will be updated as more information becomes available Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Monday revealed its ministerial line-up for the country's new Cabinet under incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz. Only Defence Minister Boris Pistorius remains in his position from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's outgoing administration, with the SPD team set to be fronted by party co-leader Lars Klingbeil as vice chancellor and finance minister. Here is a selection of the names to know from the SPD leadership. Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister: Lars Klingbeil Klingbeil cemented his position as the effective leader of the SPD in the hours after the party's crushing defeat in February's elections, moving to have himself nominated as the head of the SPD's parliamentary group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 47-year-old has formed an effective partnership with Merz and led negotiations to form a coalition following the election. Hailing from the northern state of Lower Saxony, Klingbeil is the son of a soldier and is widely seen as interested in foreign policy. However, with the Foreign Office going to Merz's Christian Democrats, Klingbeil is set to take on the finance portfolio in the new administration, ahead of a potential run for chancellor in the next election, scheduled for 2029. Defence Minister: Boris Pistorius The only holdover from Scholz's Cabinet, Boris Pistorius has become Germany's most popular politician since taking over the Defence Ministry in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 65-year-old, also from Lower Saxony, was picked from relative obscurity by Scholz after serving as the state's interior minister for 10 years. Previously, he was mayor of his home town of Osnabruck. Pistorius took over as defence minister less than one year after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and quickly earned the approval of Germany's military and its partners. Labour Minister: Barbel Bas Barbel Bas is to become labour minister, having served for three years as the president of the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. Bas, from the western city of Duisburg, was not previously known to the German public but is seen to have performed well in the prominent position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawmaker since 2009, the 57-year-old was previously responsible for health policy for the SPD. Development Minister: Reem Alabali-Radovan The youngest member of Friedrich Merz's Cabinet will be 35-year-old Reem Alabali-Radovan, who served as a federal commissioner for integration under the Scholz administration. Born in Moscow in 1990 to a family of Iraqi origin, she moved to the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at the age of 6. She has been a prominent campaigner against racial profiling and is now set to take over the Development Ministry for the SPD. Justice, Construction and Environment Elsewhere, Verena Hubertz takes over the construction portfolio, while Stefanie Hubig takes on the justice portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carsten Schneider is to be the SPD's new environment minister, but there is no place in the Cabinet for Klingbeil's colleague as co-leader, Saskia Esken. With Klingbeil stepping up to become vice chancellor, his position as SPD parliamentary group leader is set to be filled by Matthias Miersch, curerntly the party's general secretary. GRAND HAVEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Two fire departments met on opposite sides of a river in the Grand Haven area Sunday to double-team a wildfire that had spread along its banks. Just after 4 p.m., the Grand Haven Township Fire Department was called to a fire in the area of Mercury Drive and 164th Avenue at the townships border with Grand Haven. The fire had that started in a lawn tractor and had spread to become a significant wildfire along the Grand River, according to the fire department. Arriving firefighters found flames spreading across several homes backyards. With Grand Haven Township firefighters on one side and Grand Haven crews on the other, the fast-spreading fire was contained, the townships fire department said. A fire near the Grand River in the Grand Haven area. (May 4, 2025) A fire near the Grand River in the Grand Haven area. (May 4, 2025) A fire near the Grand River in the Grand Haven area. (May 4, 2025) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear what caused the lawn tractor 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 WOODTV.com. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Thursday fire in Rapid City destroyed eight of 16 garage units at Lacrosse Estates Apartments, said Tessa Jaeger, the public information officer for the Rapid City Fire Department. Jaeger said the fire is under investigation as a standard procedure. DOC: Fights stopped in minutes at state prison It was reported at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday in the single-story garage unit. There was only one vehicle in the eight units and it was damaged. Photo courtesy of Cassandra Dooley Photo courtesy of Cassandra Dooley Photo courtesy of Cassandra Dooley Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo courtesy of Cassandra Dooley Jaeger said firefighters prepare for scenarios such as a fire that could involve multiple vehicles and fuel in them. (Firefighters) were able to get control of it fairly quickly, Jaeger said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. BENICIA, Calif. (KRON) A fire ignited Monday morning at an oil refinery owned by Valero in Benicia. Flames sent large plumes of black smoke into the air. Wind advisory, warm temperatures bring fire concerns The Benicia Fire Department wrote at 9 a.m., Units are currently responding to an active fire at the Benicia Valero Refinery. If you can smell or see smoke in your area, close doors and windows and stay inside. Motorists on Interstate 680 in Concord reported seeing the smoke column. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before 11 a.m., Solano County emergency officials lifted a shelter in place for Benicia residents and firefighters reported that the fire was under control. No injuries were reported. May, 5, 2025 (KRON4 Photo) Bay Area Air District officials are monitoring air quality and issued an air quality advisory for smoke in southern Solano County, northern Contra Costa County, and communities between the I-80 and I-680 bridges. May, 5, 2025 (KRON4 Photo) Localized impacts near the fire and in downwind neighborhoods are possible, including smoky skies, the smell of smoke and elevated levels of particulate pollution and other harmful pollutants. This is based on current meteorological conditions which can change depending on the duration of the fire, officials wrote. Exposure to smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure, officials wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the oil refinery fire is under investigation. I am deeply concerned about the fire at the Valero refinery, Rep. Garamendi (D-CA-08) said in a statement to KRON4. We are still gathering information about the cause of the fire and its impacts, but working with the local government officials, we will find out how this accident occurred and ensure that it is not repeated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) Halleys Comet may not be set to pass through the solar system for another 36 years, but broken bits have been passing through Earths atmosphere. According to NASA, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower will peak overnight as the comet has shed a layer of ice and dust into space. The best time to view the meteors will be around 2 a.m., on May 6, NASA noted. An Eta Aquariid meteor streaks over north Georgia on April 29, 2012. (NASA) The Aquariids are known as earthgrazers in the northern hemisphere and can most easily be seen skimming the horizon. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They pass through Earths atmosphere beginning in the middle of April and last for roughly a calendar month. In 2025, the meteor shower is expected to last until May 21. NASA confirmed that the moonlight might limit visibility of some of the fainter meteors. The light from the waxing Moon will wash out the fainter meteors this yearexpect to see at most 10-15 meteors per hour just before dawn on the morning of the 6th, said Bill Cooke, who leads NASAs Meteoroid Environments Office in Alabama. To track the meteors, search the skies for the constellation Aquarius, which can be found by looking toward the south, according to space.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latest central Kentucky weather forecast Halleys Comet is not due to re-enter the solar system until 2061, after dazzling skywatchers in 1986 before leaving on its 76-year journey, NASA noted. The Weather Authority is not ruling out being able to catch a few meteors, as a mix of sun and clouds is expected overnight. Anyone attempting to catch a glimpse of the meteors should wear a jacket, as temperatures are expected to fall into the upper 40s before dawn. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Supporters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention demonstrate outside the centers entrance in Atlanta during a rally in April. (Photo by Jill Nolin/ Georgia Recorder) Shelby Hutton was a biologist studying sexually transmitted diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who was planning to expand her gonorrhea research by starting doctoral studies in the fall. But in early April, Hutton found herself suddenly unemployed and applying for a job at Starbucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a scientist, Hutton said she had not expected to find herself among the legions of federal workers abruptly fired as part of the Trump administrations plan to shrink the federal government through mass firings. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to slash 10,000 job in late March, including 2,400 jobs at the CDC. Hundreds of good scientists and subject matter experts were among the cuts to federal employees, Hutton said while standing outside the CDC in Atlanta. This is the exact opposite of what RFK said would happen. Ill be the first to say that there is a lot of improvement to be had in terms of government efficiency, but I really cant picture a functional CDC without laboratorians. Hutton said she was in the middle of validating tests her team had developed for the molecular surveillance of gonorrhea that is resistant to antibiotics work she said she doesnt know of other labs doing when she received the email dismissing her and her entire laboratory branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They didnt have time to properly store specimens that Hutton described as priceless. To Hutton, it feels like the deep cuts at the CDC are part of a backlash to the COVID-19 pandemic and lingering anger among some over shutdowns and other safety measures taken to control the spread of the virus. It absolutely feels like were the scapegoats. It feels like were being attacked, Hutton said. And I dont think people realize how important the work that we do is and how much we care about the work we do in public health. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Office of Personnel Management and the CDC did not respond to questions about the actual number of dismissals since February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday marked Trumps 100th day in office, but the president has already seen his approval rating suffer in Georgia a state he won last year after narrowly losing here in 2020. Trumps approval rating among Georgia voters is at 43%, according to a poll released Wednesday by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and conducted by the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs. Anger over the cuts to the CDC has shown up at town halls, protests, press conferences and rallies outside the centers Atlanta campus. Navy blue signs saying Save the CDC and Save Public Health can be seen in Atlanta front yards. And signs of dissatisfaction with the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiencys efforts to reduce the size of the federal government are also reflected in the AJCs poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A slight majority of the polls respondents 51.5% said they disapprove of those efforts to reduce the size of the government, many of them saying they strongly disapprove. Only 44% said they approved, with 4.5% unsure. The cuts were not popular with the independent voters polled, with about 55% of them frowning on the efforts. But 74% of Republican voters surveyed said they enthusiastically back the cuts. Everybody knows that you need CDC Sarah Boim, a former communication specialist at the CDC, says she is trying to remain hopeful that the wave of legal challenges in response to the cuts to the federal workforce will lead to her and many of her colleagues getting their jobs back. But Boim is also not waiting around to see if that happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She and other CDC workers who lost their jobs have formed a group called Fired But Fighting. What started out as a newsletter to disseminate accurate information to workers trying to figure out their next steps has quickly evolved into a broader effort to push back on the cuts through spirited advocacy. We just need people to know how important it is to have public health managed at a federal level, Boim said. You cannot privatize public health. You need the money that a government has. You need the money of a country were talking about B with billions and you also need to be able to coordinate across the states. And you just cant do that in a private company or an organization. Fired But Fighting made a splash at Sen. Jon Ossoffs recent town hall in Marietta, where they pressed the senator to do more to push back on the Trump administration. The Democrat responded by saying the future of the nations public health infrastructure ultimately hinges on whether the American people see and understand that theyre being put at risk and vote accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican state leaders have expressed at least tepid support for the cuts, though one said he was uneasy about the pace. After the first round in February, Gov. Brian Kemp said government can stand a little right-sizing. Suwanee Republican U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick said he asked the White House to slow the pace of the firings after being caught in the crosshairs of an angry town hall, telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in February that I think were just moving a little too fast. Congressman Mike Collins, a Jackson Republican, told WABE in February that the fired workers could go find other work in Georgia. Boim, who was fired in February, said she is trying to find another job, broadening the search to even health adjacent roles. I have applied to 127 jobs, she said. I keep a spreadsheet. Ive had two canceled interviews, both because theyre worried about federal funding, and a lot of thanks, but no thanks, because the job market is just saturated with people like me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she hopes the states Republican leaders will come around. I think theyre scared. If youre not on Trumps side, youre against him, and I think that theyre scared of getting on his bad side, Boim said. Im sorry, but people need to start being brave. I feel like CDC is a bipartisan issue. Everybody knows that you need CDC. Not going quietly Jill Daugherty said she knew the CDCs injury center she worked at was likely poised to lose staffers, but the extent of the cuts left her stunned. The injury center was gutted after last months round of cuts, with Daughertys traumatic brain injury team wiped out. She thinks the goal is to dismantle the CDC. We really didnt know which teams were going to get cut, so we were just kind of waiting around the whole week before, like, Is it gonna be us? Is it gonna be us? And then it was everybody, Daugherty said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats how Daugherty found herself on the other side of the CDCs entrance on a recent Tuesday afternoon holding a sign that said, Firing experts Ignoring science CDC deserves better. She stood on the curb as the passing vehicles including her former colleagues leaving work for the day honked their horns at the group of demonstrators. The Tuesday rallies, organized by retired CDC staffers, have become a ritual since the mass firings started. Youre not just standing up for yourselves. Youre standing up for our country and the best that America represents, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, told fired CDC workers during a visit to one of the rallies in April. Even when facing the prospect of unemployment and an uncertain future, many of the fired CDC workers still focus on the loss to the programs they had dedicated their careers to advancing when they talk about the mass firings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aryn Backus was a health communication specialist at the CDCs Office on Smoking and Health until Valentines Day, when hundreds of workers were swept up in the first round of dismissals. She said she remained hopeful that the firing would be reversed until her entire office was cut in April. So, I knew that even if I were to get my termination rescinded, there would be no job to go back to, said Backus, who is the mother of a 1-year-old. But even then, when standing at a microphone in front of reporters recently, Backus wanted to talk about the work her office did to curb smoking rates and all the work left to do. The impact of these CDC cuts will be felt in public health for years to come. Theyre not going to help make America healthy but will decrease public health programs that help save lives, said Backus, who is also part of Fired But Fighting. Thats why the CDC employees are not going quietly. We are fighting back to not only protect civil service, but to protect public health. Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Fire crews responded to an apartment fire in northwest Oklahoma City Monday morning. Officials say crews responded to an apartment complex near Wilshire Blvd. and Rockwell Ave. just after 7 a.m. LOCAL NEWS: One injured in shooting in SE Oklahoma City Upon arrival, firefighters could see flames coming from the building. The fire started in a downstairs unit and spread upstairs. The units surrounding were evacuated. NW OKC apartment fire. Image KFOR. NW OKC apartment fire. Image KFOR. NW OKC apartment fire. Image KFOR. It is unclear what caused the fire. No injuries have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No more information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Work has begun on the construction of a heavy industry zone in the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) as part of ongoing developments, said Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the AFEZ Authority, Trend reports. In his speech at the "Azerbaijans Pharmaceutical Industry: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" conference in Baku, Alasgarov stated that the first 60-hectare area was officially opened to investors in June of last year, with necessary infrastructure already established for their operations. Alaskerov pointed out that nearly all of the 60-hectare area is already occupied by investors, adding that construction work has now begun for the heavy industry sector on a 364-hectare plot. "When we were preparing the legislation for the AFEZ, we took the experience of countries like Ireland, Singapore, and China into account. The legislation designates the AFEZ as an extraterritorial area, with an independent governing body. This means that investors are provided with favorable conditions without bureaucratic hurdles, in line with our interests and requirements," he said. Alasgarov went on to highlight two key aspects of the AFEZs success: tax incentives and simplified customs procedures. "The customs clearance procedures here offer reduced processes, and authorized agencies follow approved guidelines when conducting operations. As I mentioned, we are actively working to attract investors to the Free Economic Zone. But what kind of investors are we looking to attract? The primary focus is on those engaged in high-value-added, export-oriented production activities. Export-oriented production means that at least 75 percent of the produced goods must be exported. This model is not our invention; it is based on the practices of countries like Ireland and Singapore. Experience has shown that without this requirement, hundreds of small enterprises may form, which create problems for companies engaged in the core economy of the Free Economic Zones. For this reason, we prioritize these criteria when selecting investors. Special emphasis is placed on quality, safety, and environmental protection. Regarding environmental standards, all efforts are aligned with European Union regulations. Furthermore, an airport is currently under construction in the Alat Free Economic Zone. Initially, it was planned as a cargo airport, but it has now been decided to develop it into an international airport. Why is this important? Because it is crucial for investors. The Alat Free Economic Zone is strategically located at the crossroads of international transport corridors. Once the airport is completed, all transport and logistics issues for our investors will be streamlined and more accessible. Additionally, the Transport and Logistics Center within the Alat Free Economic Zone is already operational and providing essential services to our investors. The goal of my meeting today is to invite both local and foreign entrepreneurs, already operating in Azerbaijan, to join this initiative in the Alat Free Economic Zone. It is vital to support the production of pharmaceutical products in Azerbaijan. There is a high demand, but we also need to address the packaging aspect, as the packaging process is relatively short. Therefore, this initiative should be carefully considered," he said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Members of the Boston Fire Department battled flames earlier Sunday morning atop the roof of a warehouse in South Boston. Around 10:30 a.m., crews were dispatched to 647 Summer Street for reports of a fire developing on the roof of a WB Mason warehouse. Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy smoke with a developing fire, which prompted firefighters to issue a 2nd alarm. Firefighters used aggressive interior and exterior measures to attack to stop the further spread of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters believe that the damages are estimated to be $1 million. Some crews remain on scene to survey for hot spots. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A laboratory fire at a General Electric (GE) facility in Dayton caused a large fire response Monday afternoon. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] >>PHOTOS: Large Fire Response at GE Aerospace near UD The fire was reported at the GE EPISCenter at 111 Riverpark Drive, near the University of Dayton, at approximately 4:43 p.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Fire Department District Chief Nick Judge said initial reports indicated that the fire was inside one of the laboratories. Hazmat crews were called to the scene as a precaution, according to Judge. Everyone safely evacuated the building before firefighters arrived. This building provides a lot of unique challenges to us. Theres a lot of higher voltage and a lot of machinery that crews are not very familiar with that could present a lot of dangers to us, Judge said. AES Ohio had to shut off power before firefighters could go inside the building. Judge said his crews had to rely on the building staff because they know more information about the processes and testing that happen here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was contained to one of the labs and the sprinkler system put out most of the flames. Once firefighters were able to get inside, they extinguished the remaining flames, according to Judge. No one was injured in this incident. Judge said the fire started in a piece of machinery, but the cause remains under investigation. It is unclear how much damage this fire caused. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach joins Nicolle Wallace on Deadline White House to discuss the impact that tariff policy initiated by Donald Trump have had on imports to his port which is one of the largest container ports in the United States and the impact that it will have on jobs that depend on an active flow of shipping and the price increases it will have on all American consumers. The Department of Justice wants Google (GOOGL) to clear more than just its cache. In a pair of antitrust lawsuits happening right now, the federal government is looking to spin off key pillars of the tech giants empire namely its ad tech business and Chrome browser. In one federal courtroom, the DOJ is arguing that Google illegally maintained its monopoly in online search by paying billions to become the default engine on smartphones and browsers. In another, the federal government is pushing to dismantle the companys ad tech empire where it controls the software and infrastructure that powers much of the webs automated advertising auctions. Together, these two markets account for the vast majority of revenue at Alphabet, Googles $2 trillion parent company. And now, after years of regulatory scrutiny, both are under legal siege that strike at the heart of the companys business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stakes are high. If the DOJ gets its way, the result would be the most aggressive corporate breakup ordered by the U.S. government since that of AT&T (T) in the 1980s. An ad tech empire under serious fire The ad tech lawsuit, filed in 2023, took a critical turn last month when Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that Google had illegally tied together key parts of its advertising stack specifically its publisher ad server and its ad exchange (AdX). That allowed Google to box out any potential competitors and control the flow of digital ad dollars across the open web. Essentially, Google designed a system where publishers had little choice but to use its tools to list and auction off ad space and where the buyers, also on Googles platforms, were funneled through its exchange. The DOJ has said that this vertical integration allowed the company to quietly tilt the rules in its favor, manipulating auctions and undermining competition while pocketing a larger share of the ad market. At a hearing Friday in Virginia, the DOJ revealed its plan: force Google to divest both its publisher ad server and AdX, saying these businesses must be separated to restore competition and break Googles dominance. The government also wants Google to open its real-time bidding infrastructure to rival firms, calling the status quo too dangerous for the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julia Tarver Wood, the DOJs lead lawyer, warned that if 90% of publishers remain tied to Googles infrastructure, the market cannot function fairly. Google, unsurprisingly, has rejected the governments approach, arguing that such a breakup would be extreme, legally unprecedented, and potentially harmful to internet users. The company also emphasized that it competes for ad spending with rivals such as Meta (META), Amazon (AMZN), and TikTok. Karen Dunn, the companys lead counsel, said the DOJs proposal is very likely completely impossible without causing serious issues citing concerns about privacy, security, and a lack of credible buyers. The companys lawyers say Google is willing to implement behavioral changes such as sharing real-time ad exchange data and increasing auction transparency with rivals but not sell any parts of its business. Dunn said that the only companies that could afford to buy its ad tech are enormous tech companies and that, in such a sale, Googles security and privacy could disappear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DoJs additional proposals to force a divestiture of our ad tech tools go well beyond the courts findings, have no basis in law, and would harm publishers and advertisers, said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Googles head of regulatory affairs. Brinkema has scheduled a trial for September 22 to hear the proposals and Googles rebuttals and to rule on any potential remedies. A threat to Chrome and search The ad tech case is only half the battle. Google is defending itself against a separate antitrust ruling going back to 2020 that found the company illegally maintained a monopoly in online search. The key tactic? Exclusive deals. For years, Google paid companies such as Apple (AAPL), Samsung, and Mozilla more than $20 billion annually to make its search engine the default option on their devices and browsers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That tactic, Judge Amit Mehta ruled in 2o24, helped entrench Googles dominance and shut out competition So what remedy is the DOJ is proposing? For one thing, a forced sale of Chrome, the worlds most-used browser. That browser, the government argues, is a linchpin in Googles dominance. The DOJ says its more than just a browser its an access point that defaults to Google Search and collects enormous troves of data. Forcing Google to sell Chrome, the DOJ claims, would break the companys feedback loop among search, ads, and AI and open space for competitors to play catch-up. Mehta hasnt ruled yet on remedies in that case, but the proposal to spin off Chrome is already making waves. Tech companies including OpenAI, Perplexity, and even Yahoo (APO) have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the browser if its put up for sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ has asked for other heavy penalties, such as making the company provide rivals with some of its data about what terms people search for and what websites they click on. The government also asked that Mehta preserves the ability to force Google to sell its smartphone operating system, Android, if the proposed remedies dont restore search competition. Your honor, we are not here for a Pyrrhic victory, DOJ lawyer David Dahlquist said in court in late April. This is the time for the court to tell Google and all other monopolists who are out there listening and they are listening that there are consequences when you break the antitrust laws. But Google CEO Sundar Pichai appeared Wednesday in a Washington court in the search remedies trial and argued the proposals were far-reaching, so extraordinary that they would effectively give competitors the ability to reverse-engineer our search engine for free. He also said sharing data would jeopardize users privacy. Whats at stake for Google and Silicon Valley The stakes for Google and the broader tech industry are enormous. The ad tech trial is scheduled to resume in September. Remedies in the search case are expected near the end of the summer. Meanwhile, regulators around the world are watching closely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a Q1 earnings call that an antitrust lawsuit his company is facing and Googles monopoly suits cast a specter over the tech industry. Responding to a question on the call about the mounting legal risk, Cook said, Were monitoring these closely, but as you point out, theres risk associated with them, and the the outcome is unclear. If the courts side with the DOJ, it could signal an impending era of aggressive antitrust enforcement one that doesnt just slap fines on monopolistic platforms but forces them to break apart. For Google, that would mean a dramatic unbundling of the ecosystem it has spent decades building: one where search feeds ads and Chrome ties everything together. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Beginning on May 7, United States citizens will be required to have a new Real ID to fly domestically and enter federal buildings. However, the TSA has recently confirmed that some states will not require the Real ID after the May 7, 2025 deadline. The new Real ID has been in the works since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, meeting stricter identification requirements. It can be recognized by a gold star located in the upper right corner of the identification card. However, residents of five different states in the United States have a different option besides getting the Real ID. Residents of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont can instead opt for an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants," the Department of Homeland Security said, according to The Lansing State Journal. The biggest difference between the Enhanced Driver's License and the Real ID is that the EDL allows some international travel, permitting residents to pass through the land borders between the United States and both Mexico and Canada. The Real ID, meanwhile, only allows for domestic travel. So if you are a resident of one of those five states and already have an EDL, there is not need for you to get a Real ID the EDL will work just fine and fulfills all the same requirements as the Real ID. If you do not live in one of those five states or do not have an EDL, you will still be required to have a Real ID or another approved form of identification to board a domestic flight. The deadline for Americans to obtain a Real ID is set to arrive Wednesday after years of delays. Starting Wednesday, drivers licenses that are not Real ID compliant will not be adequate identification to travel on domestic flights and access certain federal facilities, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The policy change comes from recommendations made in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. But with the policy about to be in place, many are still without these IDs and are scrambling to quickly secure one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what you need to know about the Real ID deadline: What is a Real ID? The Real ID, unlike other forms of identification that people may carry such as some drivers licenses, has certain security features that better help the federal government detect fraudulent identities. One defining feature of these IDs that can tell people if theirs is a Real ID is a star in the upper right corner of the card. Otherwise, these IDs will mostly look the same as a drivers license. Being able to easily board a commercial domestic flight is the most widespread use that people will have for these IDs, as a non-Real ID drivers license will no longer be enough to have access starting Wednesday. They would also grant access to certain federal facilities such as those for federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But activities such as accessing museums that dont require identification or hospitals and participating in law enforcement proceedings are excluded from this requirement. Why is the government requiring them? After 9/11, the 9/11 Commission crafted a report with a range of recommendations for the federal government to implement to prevent similar attacks from happening in the future. Former President George W. Bush signed the bipartisan Real ID Act into law in 2005, following the commissions recommendation. The legislation set requirements for what information a person must provide to their state before being issued a drivers license or another form of identification and what information must be included on the card they receive. States are also required to verify the information that an applicant gives them before issuing the card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government is not forming any national database based on this information, as states, territories and districts still issue their own licenses, maintain their own records and determine who has access to those records. But the Real ID requirements make the publics identification documents more consistent nationwide and secure, according to the DHS. How do I get a new ID? All 50 states, five U.S. territories and Washington, D.C., are issuing Real ID cards. People can apply for and claim them at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices near where they live. The DHS says people should visit their DMV website to learn what documentation is required to receive a Real ID. At minimum, applicants will need to show documentation of their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two pieces of proof of their principal address and lawful status in the country. A persons first application for a Real ID must be done in person, but subsequent renewals later will be allowed to be done online. What happens if I dont have one? While people are not actually required to obtain a Real ID for their daily lives, having one will make commercial domestic air travel and accessing those federal facilities considerably easier. Still, work-arounds do exist for those who are unable to receive one before the deadline or who choose not to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A passport, already required for international flights, will continue to also be accepted on domestic flights. Other accepted forms of identification include permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports and Enhanced Drivers Licenses that Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont issue, even though most do not contain the star. The DHS warns that those who dont have a Real ID or an acceptable alternative starting Wednesday could face additional delays and screenings and possibly not be permitted past a security checkpoint. How many people currently have one? States have offered Real IDs at DMV offices for years, but many still dont have them. The deadline was repeatedly delayed, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A CBS News analysis conducted last month found less than 50 percent of IDs in at least 17 states were compliant with the requirements. Thirty states were less than 70 percent compliant, the outlet reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey had the lowest compliance rate, at just 17 percent of all IDs. The state also has one of the highest percentages of residents with passports, so many have an alternative, but it is rolling out additional appointment availabilities this month to give more people an opportunity to obtain a real ID. The Transportation Security Administration reported last month that 81 percent of travelers at its checkpoints present an acceptable form of identification, including Real IDs. The agency said it expects the number of passengers obtaining these IDs to steadily increase and plans to continue additional security measures for those without them until it is no longer considered a security vulnerability. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) U.S. and Ohio flags will be flown at half-staff in Columbus and Hamilton County in memory of a Hamilton County Sheriffs deputy killed in the line of duty late last week. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued the order Sunday, stating the flags on all public buildings and grounds in Hamilton County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower will remain at half-staff following Sundays National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. DeWine issued the order in memory of Deputy Larry Henderson, who was struck and killed Friday, allegedly driven by the father of a teenager shot and killed by Cincinnati police the day before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daughter graduates with father at Ohio State spring commencement In a social media post Sunday, the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office identified Henderson as the victim in Fridays crash for the first time, saying he was a 33-year veteran of the department. In Deputy Hendersons early tenure as a Sheriffs Deputy, I recognized his talent for teaching and presentation, Henderson County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey said in the post. Larry began his journey as a Sheriffs Office trainer early in his career. He developed an expertise and became an excellent trainer. Subsequently, he trained divisions of the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office that included hundreds of deputy sheriffs. His ability to relate to and touch officers lives was extraordinary. We will continue to honor Larrys life of service. Flags will remain at half staff until sunset on the day of Hendersons funeral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All public buildings and grounds across Ohio may fly the flags at half-staff at their discretion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kazakhstan aims for self-sufficiency in fertilizer production by 2030 Photo: KazMunayGas Kazakhstan aims to fully meet its agricultural fertilizer needs through domestic production by 2030, announced Yersaiyn Nagaspayev, Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development. Speaking at a government meeting led by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektanov, Nagaspayev outlined plans to increase fertilizer production to 4 million tons by 2030, with new types like urea, potassium chloride, and dicalcium phosphate also being developed. The strategy is part of broader efforts to strengthen the country's agrochemical industry. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register In 2023, Brightline completed an 11-year plan to run high-speed train service from Miami to Orlando. How's it doing? According to the privately run passenger train company, Brightline lost about $549 million in 2024, even though its revenue more than doubled compared to 2023. A big chunk of that, more than $214 million, happened in May 2024 when Brightline refinanced its debt of about $4.6 billion. The Miami-based company also paid $178 million in interest on its debt, it said in its financial statement for 2024. But even without counting debt-related payments, the South Florida-Orlando train still spent more money than it made last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brightline booked 3 million trips in 2024. Here's what to know. What is Brightline? Brightline is a high-speed train service running between Miami and Orlando. Originally proposed in 2012, what was first called All Aboard Florida spent years confirming stations, calming fears of noise in local communities, battling lawsuits, dealing with the pandemic, and making agreements to link the Beachline Expressway railroad with Orlando International Airport and connect tracks between the airport and Cocoa Beach. New stations were built in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. "We hope to take people out of cars and put them on trains between cities in this country," Mike Cegelis, Brightline executive vice president of infrastructure, said in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free WiFi is offered to all riders, with leather seats and multiple power and USB outlets at every seat. Premium ticket holders get complimentary drinks and snacks and access to the Premium Lounge. Passengers get one free carry-on bag; checked bags cost, although Premium members get the first one free. Small cats and dogs are allowed (for a fee). Brightline timeline: Brightline service from Miami to Orlando International Airport How many people rode Brightline in 2024? Passengers booked nearly 2.8 million trips on Brightline in 2024, up from 2 million in 2023. More than 1.6 million of those rides went to and from Orlando, a big jump from 306,000 in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those might have been Swifties. In October, Taylor Swift fans arrived at the final leg of the mega popstar's Eras Tour in Aventura on a special Brightline Swift Sing-Along train How much are Brightline tickets? A trip from Orlando to Miami (about 3 hours) starts at $49 per guest for the Smart Saver business class and $89 for the Premium first-class experience. Brightline hiked ticket costs for passengers going between Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties in June 2024 when it killed its South Florida pass that let riders pay $10 per ride for 30 trips, replacing it with a 10-trip package costing $35 per ride. The company did this to reduce the number of South Florida-only passengers in favor of those going to and from Orlando, it has said. Currently, the company is offering a $15 Saturday fare for rides within South Florida during May. Where are the Brightline stops? Brightline passenger rail service currently has six station stops: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miami Aventura Fort Lauderdale Boca Raton West Palm Beach Orlando More stations are planned for Stuart and Cocoa. How many people have been killed in a Brightline incident? Brightline has faced concerns over its safety measures due to the number of fatal accidents at crossings. At least 127 people have been killed by Brightline trains since 2018 as of February 2025, according to an analysis by ABC 25 WPBF News. In 2019, the Associated Press called Brightline "the Deadliest Train in America," citing its death rate per mile, which the AP said was three times higher than the second-deadliest railway in the country. Brightline trains are much quieter than freight trains and move much faster, increasing the chances of people near the tracks getting caught off guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A TC Palm analysis in 2023 revealed that about half of the train-related deaths in Florida from 2017 to 2023 involved people walking or running on or along the tracks. Some of the deaths have been documented as suicides, but some rail safety experts believe that suicides by train are undercounted. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration labels the cause of most Brightline deaths as "trespassing." Brightline has enhanced safety measures at crossings along its service route, including the installation of exit gates and increased safety outreach efforts. The company also began working with the Florida Department of Transportation to eliminate train-crossing deaths. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida Brightline train lost more than half a billion in 2024 TALLAHASSEE A group behind an effort to expand Medicaid is taking Florida to court over a law Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis approved Friday that changes the states ballot initiative process. The campaign, Florida Decides Healthcare, is pushing for a proposed constitutional amendment in 2026. To get on the ballot, it first needs to collect nearly 900,000 petitions from Florida citizens. The group said in its lawsuit that the law DeSantis signed imposes vague, punitive, and excessive requirements and violates the First Amendment protection for political speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill sponsors in the Legislature said the changes were necessary to protect Floridas system from abuse. They pointed to a state report that alleged widespread fraud in an amendment campaign last year. But Florida Decides Healthcare said in its lawsuit that the bills provisions werent narrowly tailored to fraud. In practice, the laws overly broad and indiscriminate restrictions suggest that its true purpose is not to safeguard against fraud or promote transparency, but to suppress citizen-led ballot initiatives that may conflict with the policy preferences of the current legislative majority, the lawsuit says. When asked for comment on the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the governor pointed to DeSantis social media post from over the weekend where he applauded the bill, saying he signed the legislation to combat petition fraud and prevent the special interest-abuse of our constitutional amendment process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, said in a statement that its not a surprise that left wing advocacy groups who are trying to buy their way into the State Constitution would sue to stop the Legislatures common sense ballot initiative reform. The legislation includes hefty fines and a threat of felony prosecution for petition circulators who do not register with the state, whether theyre paid or not. Unregistered volunteers can collect up to 25 petitions beyond their immediate family, but past that point, it would be a third-degree felony. The bill also shortens the required turnaround time for petitions, requiring sponsors to submit them within 10 days instead of within 30 days. And it prohibits people with felony records who havent had their rights restored, people who are not U.S. citizens and people who are not Florida residents from collecting petitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitch Emerson, the executive director of Florida Decides Healthcare, said the law has already impacted their campaign and has volunteers second-guessing their participation. Complying with the laws requirements could cost millions of additional dollars, he said. DeSantis made changing the ballot initiative process a top priority headed into this years legislative session following his battle against two 2024 proposed constitutional amendments. (Both those amendments, one to legalize recreational marijuana and the other to protect abortion access, failed.) Florida voters have long used the ballot initiative process to amend the constitution in support of policies otherwise stymied in Tallahassee, including approving a $15 minimum wage, medical marijuana access and the restoration of voting rights for people with felony records. Florida Decides Healthcare, in its lawsuit, said changes like the ban on people with felony records who havent had their rights restored from collecting petitions create unconstitutional burdens. It said those restrictions would render some of its existing contractors ineligible and would have a broader chilling effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit is filed in Floridas federal Northern District Court. The petition group is being represented by attorneys from the Southern Poverty Law Center and the progressive law firm Elias Law Group. An attorney representing the group said it will also seek a temporary order stopping the law as the case moves along. A spokesperson for Secretary of State Cord Byrd did not immediately return a request for comment as of midday Monday. Florida state lawmakers will return to Tallahassee next week to try again to pass a budget. The legislative session ended without one on Friday, but state House and Senate leaders say they have agreed on a framework for a budget deal. It includes $2.8 billion in tax cuts. Lawmakers must pass a budget before the start of the fiscal year on July 1. Gov. Ron DeSantis has line item veto power before any budget takes effect. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) This mother duck was in luck last week when her cries for help were answered by concerned citizens and Jacksonville patrol officers. Her duckling had become trapped in a storm drain, and she desperately needed assistance from someone with opposable thumbs. Fortunately, two officers jumped in to help while mom waited anxiously nearby. Body-worn cameras captured the rescue, and the sweet moment when mom flapped over to check on her baby once it was free from the drain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) With hurricane season less than a month away, over a quarter of Floridians are more concerned about the upcoming season than they were last year, according to survey data released by AAA. This comes on a heels of a 2024 season that hammered the states Gulf Coast with three hurricane landfalls. Hurricane season is just a month away. Are you prepared? 28% of Florida residents surveyed reported feeling more concerned about the upcoming season, while 69% said they feel the same level of concern as last year. Those results are nearly identical to the survey conducted by AAA at this time in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slightly more Floridians said they would evacuate their homes if ordered to do so this year 77%, compared to 73% ahead of the 2024 season. Nearly a third of those surveyed said they would evacuate for any major hurricane. Experts are predicting another above-average hurricane season, so now is the time to get prepared. The severity of the 2024 hurricane season was a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are to natural disasters, Jennifer Pintacuda, President of AAAs Florida-based insurance companies, said in a statement. Now more than ever, its crucial for residents to revisit their insurance policies and ensure they are fully protected before the next storm approaches. You can find more tips on preparing your home, gathering supplies and making a storm plan by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) A man was sentenced last week to three years in prison after misleading victims into loaning him money by acting as a financial advisor, costing them millions in losses. Andrew Corbman, 53, had a history of poor financial trading performance, the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) detailed. In 2016, he was barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority from acting as a financial advisor, and the previous year, he filed for bankruptcy. Despite his financial woes, Corbman gained access to individuals interested in estate planning, trusts and more through a national estate planning company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police: Man arrested in Fairfax after CVS employee, three officers assaulted Through this affiliation, Corbman was able to convince six people to use him to invest their money, with hopes that he would gain them a large return. While boasting of his financial success, Corbman misrepresented his investment results, providing a fraudulent document of what he claimed were his 2021 investment results. The document boasted 112 wins, 82% win history and a 90% average return. Corbmans trading history for each year from 2019 onward resulted in substantial losses. Altogether, Corbman lost over $4 million of his clients money, and returned only $120,000 to one victim late in the scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing his financial risks were causing significant losses to his clients, he misreported the funds and created trading win histories. In late 2022 and early 2023, when Corbmans creditors demanded repayment of their expired loan agreements, Corbman indicated to his clients that he was unable to repay the loans due to unanticipated trading losses. Corbman ultimately filed for bankruptcy, seeking to discharge more than $4 million in losses he had inflicted on his clients. As a result, at least one victim incurred substantial financial hardship, including having to mortgage a home, postpone retirement and seek employment late in their life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to his term of imprisonment, Corbman must pay $4.15 million in restitution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) More than a year after being convicted by a Middle Tennessee jury, a former FBI employee has been sentenced to serve more than two decades in federal prison for multiple child exploitation charges. In March 2024, a jury reportedly found Justin Carrol guilty on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and three counts of transferring obscene material on an individual under the age of sixteen. PREVIOUS | FBI electronics technician found guilty of child exploitation offenses by Middle TN jury Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, Carroll engaged in sexually explicit chats and exchanged sexually explicit images with three 14-year-old girls over various social media platforms between June 2020 and April 2021. Officials said Carrolls activities were discovered after one of the victims mailed a Valentines Day package to the FBIs office in Nashville. In addition to the explicit images of minors found on Carrolls social media accounts and cell phone, authorities said sexual images of Carroll were discovered on one of the girls social media accounts and on another minors cell phone. APRIL 2021 | New details in arrest of Nashville FBI employee on child porn charges Carroll continued to communicate with the 14-year-old victim who mailed the package, even after he received an email from her mother, asking why her daughter mailed him a package and notifying him of her daughters age, the DOJ reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When someone in law enforcement dishonors their responsibilities by committing criminal acts, we will seek the most serious penalties in order to restore the publics trust, said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. Justin Carroll dishonored the men and women of the FBI by his deplorable actions and now, thanks to the prosecution team and our law enforcement partners, he faces the consequences of those actions. Todays sentencing underscores that no matter who you are, you will be brought to justice if you are found guilty of such criminal behavior, said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to protect children from exploitation and hold accountable those who exploit or endanger them. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee HSI is committed to justice by working with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable for misconduct, reaffirming our dedication to upholding the trust the American people place in us daily, said Homeland Security Investigations Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud. We will pursue these investigations vigorously as it is paramount that we maintain the trust and integrity of those we swore an oath to protect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his 22 year sentence, Carroll will reportedly be on supervised release for at least 10 years. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office and Providence Field Office, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A former United States Department of Agriculture program director pleaded guilty on April 29 after he and his nephew conspired to bill the government nearly $400,000 for work the nephew didnt do. 60-year-old Kirk Perry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money, property and honest services wire fraud. Perry and his nephew, 31-year-old Jamarea Grant who also pleaded guilty admitted that from August 2015 through November 2022, the two conspired while Perry was working as a USDA program director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration asks Supreme Court to let DOGE access Social Security systems Perry arranged for his nephew to be hired by two companies under contract with the USDA Office for Civil Rights and Grant reported directly to his uncle. Perry also approved the invoices billing for Grants time, and the two of them conspired to bill the government. Grant received nearly $400,000 for work he did not do. Perry also had access to Grants bank account. As part of the criminal scheme, Perry transferred approximately $125,000 of the USDA payments from Grants account to his own account. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OCALA, Fla. (WFLA) A former Florida deputy is accused of robbing a bank over the weekend. The Ocala Police Department said officers were called to a robbery at the TD Bank on Southeast 17th Street around 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Police said the suspect, identified as Christina Gates Thagard, had handed a note to the bank teller, telling them that this was a robbery and that she was armed with a gun. Investigators said Thaggard fled the bank with more than $5,000 before officers arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pinellas Prep teacher accused of attempting to transfer obscene material to child Within 11 minutes, officers said they located Thagard driving westbound on Southwest College Road near the College of Central Florida. The stolen money, a medical glove and other evidence tied to the robbery were found in Thagards car, according to Ocala police. Thagard was charged with robbery with a firearm and taken to the Marion County Jail. The Marion County Sheriffs Office told WESH that Thagard had previously worked for them as a deputy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 5. Franklin Templeton has commenced its role as the manager and trustee of the National Investment Fund of Uzbekistan and has opened a representative office in Tashkent, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan. The National Investment Fund of Uzbekistan was created to stimulate economic growth and attract international investors by enhancing the efficiency, profitability, and governance of major state-owned enterprises (SOEs). As part of its mandate, Franklin Templeton will work toward listing the Fund through an initial public offering (IPO) on the Tashkent Stock Exchange as well as a leading international exchange. The Fund was established as a joint-stock company by a presidential decree issued on August 27, 2024. It currently holds minority stakes of 20 to 40 percent in 18 major SOEs across the country, with the Government of Uzbekistan serving as its sole shareholder. Marius Dan, Franklin Templetons General Director for Central Asia, has been appointed head of the Tashkent representative office, in addition to his current role. Franklin Templeton brings decades of experience in managing strategic investment mandates in emerging and frontier markets. A notable example is its leadership of Fondul Proprietatea a dual-listed fund focused on Romanias privatization and capital market development which achieved a peak market capitalization of over $3 billion. The next phase for Uzbekistans National Investment Fund will focus on preparing for IPOs, driving the transformation of the SOEs in its portfolio, and attracting international capital through roadshows and promotional initiatives. Former Maine Governor Paul LePage listens to U.S. President Donald Trump during meeting with state and local officials in the State Dining Room at the White House February 12, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/ Getty Images) Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage has officially signaled his intent to run for Congress. The Republican filed paperwork Sunday with the Federal Election Commission as a candidate for Maines 2nd Congressional District. Last November, Jared Golden, a Democrat who often crosses party lines, was reelected to a fourth term in the district that covers a large swath of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LePage became governor of Maine in 2011 and served until 2019. The New York Times described him as one of the most unfiltered politicians pre-President Donald Trump; however, he prided himself on lowering taxes and cutting regulations while chief executive. While the paperwork filed with the Federal Election Commission lists a P.O. Box for LePage in Augusta, he became a permanent resident of Florida after leaving office in 2020 and again after losing to current Gov. Janet Mills in the 2022 gubernatorial election. He was said to have benefited from tax breaks reserved for permanent residents for property he owned in the state while living in the Maine governors mansion. In 2018, LePage was sued for refusing to implement voter-approved Medicaid expansion. He has also been called out for racist remarks and left a voicemail laden with obscenities for a state lawmaker who criticized him. President Trump needs a fighter who will stand with him and increase the Republican majority in the U.S. House, said Maine GOP Chairman Jim Deyermond, in a Facebook post Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about LePages candidacy, Golden responded, I thought Paul was doing his best work in retirement. Golden is said to be considering a run for governor. Asked about his plan, a spokesperson for the representative said hes busy fighting the GOPs health care cuts and working through his committees to secure jobs for Bath Iron Works and protect Maines fishing communities. The next election is the furthest thing from his mind. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Former Harrisburg Concertmaster Odin Rathnam will appear in a Dauphin County Court today to decide whether to take plea deal on child rape charges. Rathnam, 59, of Ohio, is charged with rape of an underage girl, which allegedly occurred over span of a decade. If he accepts the deal, he would serve 15 to 30 years in state prison. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts He previously denied the allegations brought against him, claiming he had a drinking problem. The allegations claim Rathnam raped and sexually abused a girl for more than a decade, beginning when she was between the ages of six and nine. According to the Dauphin County District Attorneys Office, Rathnams appearance on Monday was delayed until Thursday after his attorney indicated a prison lockdown over the weekend prevented them from meeting. The former Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster was a member of the organization during the alleged crimes. However, he left the group in 2012 and has not been affiliated with them since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rathnam is scheduled to appear in court this 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 ABC27. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) A former Huntsville City Schools employee who entered a guilty plea for engaging in a sexual act with a student was sentenced in a Madison County Circuit Court Monday. On May 5, court records show that Duane Edward Yarbrough was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Yarbrough entered a guilty plea for a school employee engaging in a sexual act with a student on April 22. He was indicted on the charge in January 2024 and arrested in February 2024. Jail records showed Yarbrough was released from the Madison County Jail three hours after he was booked with a bond set at $15,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the plea agreement, he also agreed to pay a fine of $1,000 in each case, as well as pay compensation to the family in the amount of $100. He is also ordered to have no contact with the victim, submit to DNA testing, and comply with all the provisions of the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. A Huntsville City Schools spokesperson confirmed to News 19 that Yarbrough was employed by the school system from 2016-2022 and was a JROTC instructor for Lee/New Century High School. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) An employee with the Michigan Department of Corrections has filed a lawsuit against Chris Gautz, a former longtime spokesperson, of sexual harassment. Court records confirm Lisa Gass filed a lawsuit Monday in Wayne County Circuit Court. Gautz, the MDOC and MDOC Director Heidi Washington are named as the defendants. According to the Detroit Free Press, Gass, a former journalist, joined the MDOC in September of 2021 as a social media coordinator. Gautz was her direct supervisor and allegedly made frequent and unwanted sexual comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Free Press reported that Gautz would regularly send sexually explicit videos to her using Snapchat, which allowed the messages to disappear after a set time. Gass, however, reportedly saved several screenshots on a separate device. Gass told the Free Press that Gautz eventually coerced her into having sex with him, believing she would be fired if she refused. Sign up for breaking news alert emails Gautz was a reporter for several years before taking over as the public information officer for MDOC in 2014. He held that job until he joined Byrum & Fisk, an East Lansing-based public relations firm, in August of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 8 reached out to Gautz for comment on the lawsuit. He has yet to respond. Mark Fisk, of Byrum & Fisk, did respond to News 8. He said the company is shocked and disappointed by these allegations. At no time were these allegations disclosed to Byrum & Fisk. Mr. Gautz has been placed on leave effective immediately. News 8 will update this story if we learn more details or if Gautz responds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) A former Mexican federal officer who survived a 2015 attack on a military helicopter has been shot and killed a decade later. According to multiple Mexican news outlets, Ivan Morales Corrales and a woman he was traveling with were shot to death April 30. He was believed to have escaped the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion once before, during a secret military operation to take down the groups leader known as El Mencho. The pair were reportedly traveling in a black pickup truck in Temixco, Mexico, about 60 miles south of Mexico City, when a white pickup truck hit their vehicle. El Universal reported that several armed men fired at least 15 rounds, killing Morales Corrales and his companion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEA nominee alleges cartels control Mexican government The gunmen ran toward the main street, where getaway drivers were waiting on motorcycles, according to reports. No arrests have been made. Sources with the State Attorney Generals Office told El Universal that revenge was a possible motive. Morales Corrales had been known for his anti-drug efforts as a federal police officer before being badly injured and burned in a helicopter crash, believed to have been commissioned by CJNG, on May 1, 2015. The missions goal was to arrest Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or El Mencho. In 2019, Morales Corrales shared his survival story with the Louisville Courier Journal, which reported a nine-month investigation on CJNGs drug reach across the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. WASHINGTON (AP) Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who was pardoned by Donald Trump for his conviction related to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, said he met with the president over the weekend in Florida. Tarrio posted about the meeting on his X account Sunday morning. Yesterday, I had the honor of meeting the President of the United States, a moment I never could have imagined in my darkest days, Tarrio wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other posts, he said he was at Mar-a-Lago, the president's club, and that he had a great conversation with the president after Trump called him and his mother over during dinner. A White House official said the meeting was not planned; rather, Tarrio had been at the club to dine with a member, who introduced him to Trump. The two had a brief exchange as the president walked to his table for dinner, said the official who was granted anonymity to discuss a private encounter. Tarrio responded to messages seeking comment about the meeting. A federal jury convicted Tarrio and three lieutenants of seditious conspiracy for a failed plot to keep Trump in the White House after he lost the 2020 presidential election. Tarrio was serving a 22-year prison sentence, the longest of any Capitol riot case, before Trump pardoned him. He was in prison for about three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarrio wasnt in Washington, D.C, when Proud Boys members stormed the Capitol with a mob of Trump supporters. But prosecutors said the Miami resident organized and led the far-right extremist groups assault from afar. Trump has defended the clemency actions he took on his first day returning to office. He pardoned roughly 1,500 people who were involved in the siege at the Capitol by his angry supporters. He also suggested there could be a place in American politics for the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, the extremists groups whose leaders were convicted of seditious conspiracy against the U.S. Before the Capitol attack, the Proud Boys were best known for street fights with anti-fascist activists at time when Trump told the group to stand back and stand by during his first debate in 2020 with then-presidential candidate Biden. ___ Associated Press writer Michael Kunzelman contributed to this report. President Donald Trumps recent post on Truth Social threatening 100% tariffs on movies produced by foreign countries has a former Trump insider questioning the presidents mental health. George Conway, the former husband of Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway, reposted Trumps post on Sunday on X and questioned whether the 47th president would be put into a mental institution. So I think its time for Ladbrokes to start running a line on whether Donald Trump can make it to January 20, 2026 without being committed to a mental institution, Conway posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conway supported Trump in 2016 but has become one of the presidents most outspoken critics, according to the Huffington Post. The American lawyer has previously questioned Trumps mental fitness, launching a Political Action Committee in 2024 that targeted Trumps speaking gaffes. In his post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump claimed that the American film industry is dying and that foreign nations are attracting filmmakers and studios away from the United States talent. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Trump wrote. Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conway isnt the only one worried about Trumps mental health. On Sunday, Republican former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh wrote on X that there must be more coverage of what he sees as cognitive decline from Trump. Walsh, a former representative from Illinois, said he voted for Trump in 2016 but has since become a Never Trumper, calling the president a jackass and a dictator in 2024, according to WTTW. There should be coverage of Trumps cognitive decline, Walsh wrote on X. Massive coverage. Because its an issue. A huge issue. Trump also wrote on Sunday that he was directing the reopening of Alcatraz to house criminals. The prison in California closed in 1963 as it was too expensive to operate, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering, Trump wrote. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. During an interview with Kristen Welker on NBCs Meet The Press, Trump said he did not know whether if everyone in the United States was entitled to due process a right ensured by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. I dont know. It seems it might say that, but if youre talking about that, then wed have to have a million or 2 million or 3 million trials, Trump said. We have thousands of people that are some murderers and some drug dealers and some of the worst people on Earth." When asked whether he needs to uphold the Constitution, Trump again responded, I dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said. What you said is not what I heard the Supreme Court said. They have a different interpretation. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. Former Vice President Mike Pence received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power on the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In his remarks at the May 4 ceremony in Boston, Pence described that winter day as starting out "tragic" but ending as a "triumph for freedom." Pence, the former Indiana governor, who served as President Donald Trump's first vice president, publicly split with Trump after refusing to block the certification of the 2020 election, which former President Joe Biden won. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After leaving Washington, D.C., Pence launched and ended his own campaign for president in 2023 and has not hesitated to criticize the policies of the current Trump administration. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award has been given out annually since 1989 to "public servants for making a courageous decision of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences." Past winners include former U.S. Sen. John McCain and former President Barack Obama. Here is what Pence said at the 2025 Profile in Courage Award ceremony on May 4. On his actions on Jan. 6, 2021 Pence said he felt "profoundly unworthy" to be associated with the award for his actions on Jan. 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I think of that fateful day four years ago, the only heroes I saw were wearing uniforms," he said. Pence told the room at the ceremony that he "will always believe" he did his duty that day "to support the peaceful transfer of power under the constitution." "January 6 was a tragic day," Pence said. "But it became a triumph of freedom, and history will record that our institutions held when, after law enforcement secured the Capitol, leaders in both chambers, in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracy's work under the Constitution." On the impact of his family and staff Pence during his remarks thanked members of his family and staff who stood behind him during his career and on Jan. 6, 2021. He highlighted his wife, former Second Lady Karen Pence, and his children and their spouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also pointed out "three men who stood by me through that fateful day," his brother and former U.S. Rep. Greg Pence, his former chief of staff Marc Short and his former general counsel Greg Jacob. "If history remembers any of our service, I pray history will remember your indispensable counsel and courage during those fateful days in the life of our nation," Pence said. On David Letterman's presence at the award ceremony Pence joked early in his speech that he and Karen Pence felt some anxiety about the award ceremony, but knowing fellow Hoosier and comedian David Letterman was in the audience helped ease any concerns. "Karen and I thought we might just be a category of two," Pence said. "But then we heard that David Letterman would be here and so there'd be three Hoosiers in the room." On "words of encouragement" since January 6, 2021 Pence thanked both Hoosiers and Americans for "the honor to serve you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The words of encouragement over the last four years in airports and diners, stopping me on the street, people speaking a word of gratitude from every political background and I've heard over and over again, including through this special evening," Pence said. "Thank you all." Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Former VP Mike Pence received JFK Profile in Courage Award. What he said SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Forsyth Farmers Market is hosting Family Fest to help support local programs around Savannah. The Family Feast will feature delicious casual bites from Savannahs favorite eateries, interactive kids activities and live music by local favorites. The event will take place on Sunday, May 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It will he held at 2500 Tennessee Ave, Savannah, GA 31404, USA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To purchase tickets now, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Fort Smith couple facing multiple charges after a toddler reportedly overdosed on THC earlier this year will be tried in court together, according to court documents. Kelli Casey, 31, and Roy Casey, 31, were arrested on April 8 on first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and maintaining a premises for drug activity charges. Both have pleaded not guilty to those charges. Kelli Casey, 31 (Courtesy: Sebastian County Detention Center) Roy Casey, 31 (Courtesy: Sebastian County Detention Center) Prosecutors requested, and the judge ordered that the two be tried together for three reasons: purposes of judicial economy, the allegation that they participated in a common scheme, plan or occurrence, and assertions that the criminal counts would be difficult to separate proof of one charge from proof of the other charges, according to a filing dated April 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas firefighters honored at National Memorial in Maryland A probable cause affidavit said that on Feb. 7, Fort Smith police officers were contacted by a hospital regarding an unresponsive toddler who was flown to Arkansas Childrens Hospital in Little Rock. Hospital staff determined the child had acute respiratory failure and secondary THC poisoning due to overdosing on THC, according to the affidavit. THC is the main ingredient in marijuana that produces the psychoactive effect, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. FSPD later interviewed the Caseys. Kelli Casey said she was getting ready for work on Feb. 7 when she noticed something was wrong with her toddler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the child was acting lethargic and bleeding from his nose, so she took him to the hospital. Man arrested in connection with Fort Smith late-night home invasion Kelli Casey told FSPD that she and her husband consume THC, but [there] was no way the child couldve gotten into it because they keep it locked up in a closet. Roy Casey said there was no THC in the home when the child was taken to the hospital. The affidavit said officers searched the home and found 11 grams of marijuana, 20 THC liquid vape cartridges and two bongs with THC wax residue on the kitchen counter. There was also a film of wax residue on multiple items in the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS investigated the case and did follicle tests on the five children in the home. Four of them tested positive for THC in their systems. The Caseys were released from the Sebastian County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. Their trial is set for the week of Sept. 2 and has a plea deadline on Aug. 13. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kazakhstan plots to boost high-tech chemical sector with private investment Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has called for creating conditions to attract private investments in high-tech raw material processing projects. During a government meeting on May 5, Bektenov highlighted that nearly 45 percent of raw materials for chemical production are exported without deep processing, including 800,000 tons of phosphate raw materials annually. The Ministry of Industry has been tasked with facilitating investment in this sector. Additionally, the Ministry of National Economy, in collaboration with other ministries, must propose tax and customs incentives for chemical and oil and gas chemical projects by July 1. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register For the second time in a month, Fox News Peter Doocy found himself the target of an angry bird that decided itd had enough of the reporters live on-air report from the White House lawn. Standing in the same spot where a feathered friend dive-bombed him during a Fox & Friends dispatch last month, the networks senior White House correspondent appeared on Americas Newsroom to discuss the presidents recent demand that the notorious prison at Alcatraz be reopened. Towards the end of Doocys segment, anchor Dana Perino noticed that the reporter was hunching over at times, prompting her to wonder if he was once again the victim of a Hitchcockian plot come to life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter, are you dodging birds again?! Perino exclaimed while a small brown winged creature suddenly came into frame. Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy was attacked by a bird during a live on-air report for the second time in a month. (Fox News) There is a bird, Doocy screamed as he continued to duck and dodge. Yes! I am. I dont know. I need to shave my head. Whats going on?! Cracking up over her colleague being the victim of yet another White House bird attack, Perino noted that the birds were probably attracted to Doocy because youre so tall and so cute. Doocy, for his part, signed off his report by offering up a news-related pun: Send the birds to Alcatraz! Perinos co-anchor Bill Hemmer, meanwhile, urged Doocy to consider wearing a hat during his future dispatches from the lawn. Peter Doocy ducks and dodges his second bird in the past month while reporting for Fox News. (Fox News) During a similar situation on April 11, Doocy was the victim of fowl play when a bird landed directly on his head while he discussed Trumps comments about the growing trade war between China and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bird just landed on my head! That is probably so dirty, Doocy shouted while the hosts of Fox & Friends erupted in laughter. Once the bird flew away, Doocy then implored the president to do something about the feathered menaces circling the White House. President Trump, if you are watching upstairs, we've got to do something about these birds, he exclaimed. Where is the park service?! In a boon for Kyiv's offensive capabilities, France has announced it will manufacture 1,200 AASM Hammer bombs for Ukraine in 2025. Glide bombs have become an integral part of both Russia and Ukraine's arsenals, allowing the delivery of powerful payloads for relatively little cost. The AASM Hammer is one of several modern Western models and has already been used by Ukraine to great effect. "The pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force speak very positively about this weapon," Viktor Kevliuk, a retired military officer and defense expert, told the Kyiv Independent. What is a glide bomb? A glide bomb is a standard air-dropped bomb modified with wings and a navigation system that allows it to be launched from a distance rather than directly over the target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're far from a new technology and date back to World War II the German Fritz X bomb was the first of its type, a 1,560 kg armor-piercing bomb fitted with a radio receiver and designed for use against armored ships. Other nations developed their own versions, and they've been used for decades in conflicts, including Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Converting a "dumb bomb," an unguided one, into a smart bomb can cost as little as $20,000, making it a much cheaper alternative to cruise and ballistic missiles that cost millions of dollars to produce. "They're really basic," Fabian Hoffmann, a defense expert and doctoral research fellow at the University of Oslo, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All you need is the glide system that allows the bomb to fly for some distance and then integrate that with a satellite navigation receiver. And that's pretty straightforward," he added. Russia began using glide bombs to devastating effect in Ukraine in early 2023 to compensate for dwindling numbers of smart munitions and used them against cities near the front lines, causing hundreds of civilian deaths in 2024. An AASM Hammer displayed at the Eurosatory Defense and Security Expo in Villepinte, France, on June 21, 2024. (Artur Widak / NurPhoto via Getty Images) Russia mainly uses Soviet-era FAB-family bombs, upgraded with a Unified Gliding and Correction Module, which includes wings that flip out as the weapon is released by the aircraft and a satellite navigation system. Despite being one of the most primitive and numerous weapons in the Russian Air Force's arsenal, Ukraine's Western-supplied air defense systems were more geared towards protecting Russia's sophisticated and expensive cruise and ballistic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Glide bombs, unlike missiles, do not have a propulsion system, so they don't generate much heat and are therefore largely immune to interception by infrared homing missiles, like the AIM-9 Sidewinder, or the FIM-92 Stinger," Jacob Parakilas, research leader in RAND Europe's Defense, Security and Justice Research Group, told the Kyiv Independent earlier this year. The range of the weapons also allows the Russian fighter jets that launch them to stay out of range of Ukraine's advanced air defense systems such as the U.S.-supplied Patriot. Ukraine has instead developed electronic warfare methods to jam the navigation systems of glide bombs, something it has done to great effect in recent months. Ukraine also has glide bombs supplied by Western allies, including the U.S. Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are more accurate and sophisticated than their Russian counterparts, but Ukraine's arsenal is much more limited, and Russian forces have developed their own electronic countermeasures designed to specifically disrupt their accuracy, rendering them largely ineffective. What makes the AASM Hammer bomb so effective? The AASM Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) bomb is, in essence, the same as all other glide bombs wings attached to a dumb bomb and a navigation system. Developed by French company Safran, it has become a weapon of choice for Ukraine's air force thanks to its high accuracy and resistance to Russian electronic warfare, according to Le Parisien. Its GPS navigation system can be enhanced with infrared and laser guidance and is specifically designed to function in "GPS-denied" environments in other words, it's incredibly difficult to jam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this makes them more expensive than the cheapest glide bombs each unit can cost upwards of $300,000, though they're still cheaper than a Storm Shadow cruise missile (around $1m) for example, and are easier to produce. How is Ukraine using Hammer bombs? "The AASM Hammer's extended range and high accuracy make it suitable for targeting logistics hubs, command posts, and high-value assets located beyond the front line," Kevliuk said. Safran has adapted the bomb so that it can be used by Ukrainian MiG and Su aircraft, something it did "in less than four months in the fall of 2023," according to the company's CEO Franck Saudo. The weapon entered service with the French military in 2008 and became standard for the Dassault Rafale, a French twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft. It has since been adapted for use on other aircraft, including the F-16 and Mirage 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France hopes to supply Ukraine with around 50 AASM bombs each month. They have a maximum range of around 70 kilometers, meaning Ukrainian fighter jets typically launch the bombs near the front line. This requires a fast and low approach to avoid Russian radars before banking sharply upwards to provide the bombs with lift. Remarkable footage of a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum conducting a bombing run with French-supplied AASM Hammer guided bombs. The Ukrainian MiG screams just a few dozen feet off the ground, pitches up, and lobs the pair of French extended-range bombs at a Russian target. pic.twitter.com/tOQJYfHbiA OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 23, 2025 According to Hoffmann, the weapons range is somewhat limited by launching in this way, but once launched, there's very little its target can do, even if it manages to see it coming. "The really nice thing about the munition is that it is quite fast so that makes it difficult to intercept for the Russians as it comes down," he told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is also equipped with a fairly large payload, which means that it can penetrate fortified structures, and then as it explodes, it can cause some really significant damage," he added. Kherson Oblast, a French-supplied AASM Hammer guided bomb, launched by a Ukrainian MiG-29, slams through the roof of a Russian-occupied warehouse. pic.twitter.com/m0qeA7ECo7 OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 19, 2025 In recent months, Ukraine's armed forces have released several videos showing strikes on Russian forces using Hammer bombs. They've been used against command posts, warehouses, and heavy artillery, and in February, a group of Russian soldiers sheltering under a road bridge was reportedly wiped out using the weapon. "This is a system for front-line use to really pressure the Russians," Hoffman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A popemobile used by Pope Francis is to be transformed into a mobile health unit and sent to the Gaza Strip. Before his death at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, Pope Francis ordered that the vehicle be modified into a clinic on wheels and sent to the war-torn territory to help wounded, sick and malnourished children. About a million Palestinian children have been displaced as a result of fighting between Hamas and Israeli forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis used the popemobile on an apostolic visit to the Holy Land in 2014. Work on modifying the vehicle is already underway. However, a near-total blockade by Israel has meant no aid is being allowed into the Strip. Pope Franciss concern for the plight of the Palestinians antagonised the Israeli government during his papacy. In November, the Pope said the international community should examine if the Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip amounted to genocide. He described the humanitarian situation inside the enclave as shameful. The office of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, offered a muted response to the death of Francis, sending condolences four days after his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There had been a warmer message of condolences posted by the official state account of Israel but it was later deleted, without explanation. Israel sent a low-level delegation to Franciss funeral in St Peters Square. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening by the day, according to aid organisations. In March, Israel stopped all humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, including food, fresh water and fuel. Levels of hunger are reportedly at their worst since the war began 19 months ago. It is not clear when, or if, the Israelis would allow the modified popemobile into the enclave. Once its refurbishment is complete, the vehicle will be staffed by doctors and packed with emergency medical equipment including vaccines, suture kits, oxygen supplies, syringes and other life-giving supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Brune, the secretary general of the Swedish branch of the Catholic charity Caritas, which is supporting the project, said: Its not just a vehicle, its a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza. We will be able to reach children who today have no access to health care children who are injured and malnourished. This is a concrete, life-saving intervention at a time when the health system in Gaza has almost completely collapsed. Francis had a particular concern for Gaza and made regular phone calls to a priest who runs the only Catholic church in the enclave. Vatican News, the Holy Sees official news outlet, said: Pope Franciss legacy of peace continues to shine in our conflict-ridden world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closeness he showed to the most vulnerable during his earthly mission is radiating even after his death, and this most recent surprise is no exception: his popemobile, the very vehicle from which he waved and was close to millions of faithful all around the world, is being transformed into a mobile health unit for the children of Gaza. The announcement came as 133 Catholic cardinals from around the world prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on Wednesday to elect a successor to Francis. Since the Popes death, they have been holding daily meetings called general congregations to discuss the issues facing the Catholic Church, from financial problems to the scourge of sexual abuse against children by priests. On Monday, for the first time, they will hold two such meetings an indication that there is still much to discuss and that they may be struggling to reach consensus on who should be the next leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will be sequestered inside the Sistine Chapel for the conclave the centuries-old process by which a new pope is elected. There will be one round of voting on Wednesday, but four a day after that. 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. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Franklin County leaders will be hosting a flood recovery town hall on Monday, May 5. The Franklin County Fiscal Court announced that the town hall will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Frankfort Plant Board conference room at 151 Flynn Avenue. The town hall is being held in response to Aprils devastating floods, which left behind damage to thousands of homes as well as other city infrastructure. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town hall organizers said representatives from FEMA, Frankfort planning and zoning officials, and electrical inspectors will accompany Mayor Layne Wilkerson and Judge Executive Michael Mueller. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) The Franklin County father accused of setting fire to a Flat Creek Road home pleaded not guilty in court on Monday morning. Dustin Fields, 43, appeared before a judge just after 10 a.m. on May 5. Fields was arrested and charged with arson after the bodies of his two teen sons and a dog were found among what remained of the Franklin County home. RELATED | Father charged in connection with Franklin County house fire that killed 2 teen sons Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe that Fields set the home on fire. Court documents noted that accelerant was found throughout the house and on Fields shoes. When Judge Chris Olds asked Fields if he owned any real estate, Fields said, I do, but it just went up in a ball of flames, so theres nothing but grass and a garage at the moment. Franklin County officials initially wouldnt confirm if Fields owned the property hes accused of burning. According to the Franklin County Circuit Clerks Office, Fields pleaded not guilty and was appointed a public defender. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commonwealth asked that his bond remain at $2 million. Fields can be heard saying, Jeez, in response. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for 1 p.m. on May 13. Is there any chance of me furloughing out for the kids funeral? Fields asked. When Judge Olds asked for the Commonwealths position, Moira Wingate said, At this point, your honor, I would object. Thats my boys, Fields said. Judge Olds emphasized that Fields lawyer could file a motion for furlough. The boys identities have yet to be released. But a GoFundMe organized by a friend of the family said they were 13 and 15. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The freight and logistics industry is facing a critical issue: Many drivers are under-qualified, skirting regulations and avoiding responsibility. Industry stakeholders are asking, Are our roads less safe due to these drivers? and conversation across various groups has raised additional questions about the validity of non-domiciled CDL holders. The problems This issue is complex and multifaceted and comes down to a handful of points worthy of investigation: There has been a significant influx of non-domiciled CDL holders across multiple states in the past three years. What is driving that and why is it happening despite a weak freight market that has driven dozens of companies out of business? There are stark discrepancies among state regulation, federal regulation and enforcement: Why do states differ from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on guidance for road rules, and how do lawmakers find alignment on the regulations? Is it possible to truly enforce interstate regulation when the FMCSA is understaffed and underfunded? Transportation companies are not held accountable to a uniform standard for training and hiring drivers: How do so many unqualified drivers make it through training programs and behind the wheel of a truck? There are other forces at play, including things like black market CDL sales, identity fraud and loopholes. What do we do? So where do we go from here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Addressing this issue will require more than a single law or FMCSA rulemaking or state DOT enforcement protocol; real, systemic changes in the way carriers target drivers and source labor are needed. A reliance on outsourced labor provided by various visa programs should be examined and assessed for necessity. Links between an assumed decrease in roadway safety and the influx of non-domiciled CDL holders should be evaluated and assessed for validity. Deeper analysis is needed, so thats what will happen. Read more Keep reading for more on this incredibly complex issue, including stories like: How Arkansas learned about fraudulent CDL holders from Texas, by Thomas Wasson. How some Mexican CDL holders are skirting proper training by bribing people for a license, by Noi Mahoney. What a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump could mean for companies looking to crack down on inadequate English proficiency, by John Gallagher. The post The freight industry has a CDL issue, and its deeper than it seems appeared first on FreightWaves. Uzbekistan posts significant growth in small business sector As of April 1, 2025, Uzbekistan hosts 372,887 small business entities, reflecting a 4.1 percent increase since the beginning of the year. The trade sector remains the largest contributor, while significant growth is also seen in industries such as agriculture, construction, and services. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) Following the deadly mass shooting at Florida State University weeks ago, students flip a page over the weekend, as they turn their tassels heading into the next phase of their lives. Graduation weekend was about celebrating the next chapter in these students lives, as well as reflecting on the tragedy that just occurred a few weeks ago. A miracle: Cat survives fall in Utah national park that killed 2 Florida hikers A historic weekend at Florida State University, this years graduating class is the largest in FSUs history. Students walked the stage, turned their tassels, and celebrated with loved ones as they now prepare to embark on a new journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no other group of people that had to go through what you had to. You are tough, said Richard McCullough, FSU President. Graduation weekend comes two weeks after the devastating campus shooting that killed two and injured six others, some of them students at FSU. The tragic act of senseless violence was hard to understand. We lost Robert Morales, a dedicated FSU employee, Tiru Chabba a visitor from South Carolina, multiple people were injured and many were shaken, said McCullough. Ever since the devasting incident, the Seminole community has united, holding vigils, leaning on one another for support, and healing together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We lost members of our FSU family, we are still mourning, we are still healing. In the days and weeks that followed I have seen something truly remarkable, Ive seen students checking in on one another, reaching out when they need support, Ive seen strangers and community members attending vigils, and members and staff holding space for our community. In our hardest moments, we choose to stand together. That is what unconquered means, said Jackson Boisvert, Student Body President. Unconqured, a word that students now say has taken a much deeper meaning in the past several weeks. Students and members of the FSU community left this weekend with their heads held high, taking with them years worth of memories and lessons learned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A Brazilian fugitive convicted of homicide and other crimes in his native country has been arrested in Marlboro, federal officials said. Jomar Henrique Souza-Santos, 33, a Brazilian national who is in the United States illegally, was arrested in Marlboro on March 20, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement on Friday. Souza-Santos failed to serve time in prison after being convicted of homicide and illegal possession of a firearm in Brazil, ICE officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers from ICE Boston and agents from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration New England made the arrest. Jomar Henrique Souza-Santos murdered a person in his native country and attempted to subvert justice by hiding out in Massachusetts, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde said in a statement. By his own selfish refusal to repay his debt to society, he presented a threat to the residents of New England, Hyde said. ICE Boston will not allow our communities to become safe havens for the worlds reprobates. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by removing criminal alien threats from our neighborhoods. Brazilian authorities issued a criminal arrest warrant for Souza-Santos on Oct. 27, 2023, for failure to serve a sentence after his convictions for homicide and illegal possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Border Patrol arrested Souza-Santos July 23, 2022, after he illegally entered the United States near El Paso, Texas. On Sept. 23, 2022, ICE Boston issued Souza-Santos a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge and released him on an order of recognizance. Marlboro is a city in Middlesex County, northeast of Worcester. The citys population was 41,793 at the 2020 census. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW *Editors note: The video in the player above is from previous reporting after the former governors death. KANKAKEE, Ill. (WGN) Funeral arrangements have been announced for former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, who died Friday at the age of 91. According to the former governors obituary, visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at Schreffer Funeral Home in Kankakee. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who served time for corruption, dies at 91 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A memorial service will be held at noon Thursday, May 8 at Asbury United Methodist Church, also in Kankakee. Ryan, a Republican, served as the 39th governor of Illinois from 1999 to 2003. Alongside his time as Governor, Ryan also served as Illinois Secretary of State from 1991 to 1999 and as the states Lieutenant Governor from 1983 to 1991. WATCH: Family, friends remember Former Illinois Governor George Ryan After his time in office, Ryan was convicted on fraud and racketeering charges in 2006 and later served over five years in federal prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is heading to Pennsylvania this week to participate in a town hall in the swing county of Bucks County, according to the Democratic National Committee, driving speculation over whether he might be harboring presidential ambitions. Gallego will appear at a state party-hosted town hall Saturday as a part of a broader Fight to Save Medicaid initiative as Democrats ramp up pressure on Republicans over the reconciliation package. Medicaid is one of the key issues in the debate over the reconciliation bill. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has been tasked with finding cuts that would save $880 billion that are part of GOP efforts to achieve their budget priorities. The panel has jurisdiction over Medicaid, which is likely to be impacted in the spending cuts and has become a source of Democrat-led attacks on the party and has put Republicans in swing districts on the defensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallego will be visiting Rep. Brian Fitzpatricks (R-Pa.) district, which is in Pennsylvanias 1st Congressional District. The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates his seat as likely Republican. DNC Chair Ken Martin called Gallego a critical voice for the party in a statement. Were thrilled that he will headline the Bucks County Peoples Town Hall during our Fight to Save Medicaid month of action, Martin said. Brian Fitzpatrick has the opportunity to do the right thing and vote no to save Medicaid for millions of Americans, including those in his district. As Fitzpatrick continues to bow down to Trump and the billionaire class, Democrats like Senator Gallego are taking the fight directly to their districts across the country. But Gallegos visit is also raising questions around whether the Arizona Democrat may be considering a presidential bid as he visits a key swing county in a battleground state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallego was elected to the Senate in November, defeating Republican Kari Lake. His election was seen as a bright spot for Democrats in the state given former Vice President Kamala Harriss loss in Arizona. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Michigan gas prices jumped up in the past week, landing at $3.21 a gallon, an average increase of 17 cents. The gas prices went up as oil prices went down and the president repeated a claim in a "Meet the Press" interview that aired on Sunday that he had brought gas prices "down to $1.98 in many states." Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswoman for the AAA auto club, which tracks prices, said Monday that "drivers across Michigan are seeing higher prices at the pump as we enter the month of May." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the price was 5 cents less than a month ago and 40 cents less than a year ago. Metro Detroits gas price average was $3.17 a gallon, with the highest gas price averages in Lansing, $3.27; Saginaw, $3.26 and Grand Rapids, $3.25; and the lowest in Traverse City, $3.02; Marquette, $3.16 and Jackson, $3.16. About half the retail cost of gasoline is made up by crude oil prices, the American Petroleum Institute estimates; and crude oil prices have been trading down as gas demand in the United States has decreased. Other factors that affect gasoline prices are: refining costs, about 25%; distribution and marketing costs, 11%; and federal and state taxes, 14%, according to the oil and natural gas industry trade group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Texas Intermediate, a benchmark representing oil produced in the United States, has been trading below $60 a gallon, a $ 4-a-barrel drop from a week ago. But some analysts have said that could be a sign of looming economic trouble. While low oil prices tend to translate to lower gas prices, in countries that produce and export oil, like the United States, it also, OilPrice.com noted, can "lead to job losses, reduced tax revenues and broader economic consequences." The energy publication added that falling oil prices also could "worsen the U.S. trade deficit the very thing that tariffs are supposedly being used to fix," and it added, "the loudest advocates for tariffs arguing theyll fix our trade imbalance are also cheering falling oil prices." President Donald Trump has largely dismissed concerns on "Meet the Press," telling moderator Kristen Welker in an interview from his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, that "many businesses are being helped" by the tariffs. Meet the Fake Press: "Prices are already going up..."@POTUS: "This is such a dishonest interview already. Prices are down on groceries. Prices are down for oil. Prices are down for all energy. Prices are down at tremendous numbers for gasoline." pic.twitter.com/gy5dxQb39Q Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 4, 2025 He said gas prices are falling, repeatedly claiming throughout the broadcast that the prices "are down at tremendous numbers for gasoline," and are "down to $1.98 in many states right now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Gas prices fall below $3 a gallon in Michigan, but analysts warn drop may not last Later in the NBC show, one of the shows roundtable guests, Democratic strategist Symone Townsend, challenged Trump's remarks, noting that "nowhere in this country is gas $1.98." The average price of gas on Sunday was $3.17 a gallon nationally, according to AAA, and GasBuddy, which tracks prices at more than 150,000 stations, told CBS News in late April that it was aware of no station in the nation selling gas at $1.98 a gallon. Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gas prices in Michigan rise as oil prices fall Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis joined their parents Kate Middleton and Prince William for a surprise appearance on May 5. The event at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside of Buckingham Palace honored World War II veterans and kicked off four days worth of commemorations in tribute of VE Day on May 8. The three kids hadnt been seen together in a public capacity since Christmas Day, after the Wales family of five skipped the traditional royal family Easter service on April 20 in favor of marking the holiday privately. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louisthe three children of Kate Middleton and Prince Williamwere seen in a rare appearance Monday, the first time theyd been seen together on royal duty since the royal familys annual Christmas Day appearance at St. Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George, Charlotte, and Louis helped kick off four days of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, otherwise known as Victory in Europe Day, marked on May 8 and honoring the end of World War II in Europe. It is believed that this will likely be the last major anniversary that many veterans of World War II will be able to be honored, so its an extra special occasion. Getty Prince Edward, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Prince William on May 5, 2025 Prince Edward, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Prince William on May 5, 2025 The family of five joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other members of the royal family at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside of Buckingham Palace, according to People. The kids appearance had not been announced in advance, according to the outlet, and George, Charlotte, and Louis walked alongside their parents as they observed the parade, each taking a moment to meet a veteran before the family settled in their seats. As they observed the festivities, the kids were full of energy, with Charlottewho just celebrated her milestone 10th birthday on Fridayleaning over at one point to whisper something that made Louis smile, People reported. Getty Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Prince William on May 5, 2025 Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Prince William on May 5, 2025 Getty Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Prince William on May 5, 2025 Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Prince William on May 5, 2025 The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to attend a tea party hosted by Charles and Camilla and honoring veterans later in the day on Monday, but will do so without George, Charlotte, and Louis. Kate and William will appear later in the week on May 8 at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, and the whole family is expected to take part in a Buckingham Palace balcony appearance Thursday, as well. Read the original article on InStyle PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) A ribbon cutting will be held Monday for a new restaurant and bar on the Hammock Coast. Tide to Table and Tide Beach Bar opened its doors at the start of the year on Norris Drive; however, the Georgetown County Chamber will celebrate the new business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at noon. The restaurant and bar are located at The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn on Pawleys Island, offering ocean views and coastal cuisine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come meet the team, take in the views, and help us welcome them to the Chamber family, the Georgetown County Chamber 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 WCBD News 2. A 10-year-old Georgia girl died on Saturday, May 3, after a tree fell on her family's Atlanta home The family has since identified her as Aerica Shukai Dixon, with a GoFundMe description referring to her as a "very happy child" who loved TikTok, cheerleading and playing with her toys The Dixon family has since raised more than $18,000 toward a current $28,000 goal A 10-year-old Georgia girl has died after a tree fell on her family's home during a storm. Aerica Shukai Dixon was killed on Saturday, May 3, at around 3 a.m. local time when a tree fell on her family's home in Atlanta, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by a cousin, who identified the girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Aerica who lived in the home with her mom, two sisters and brother was lying in bed with her grandmother, who sustained a broken pelvis and is "now paralyzed in one leg," according to the fundraiser. The home is located in the Mozley Park neighborhood, a spokesperson for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD) told PEOPLE in a statement. Crews responded to the scene for a "possible entrapment," before learning that a 10-year-old girl succumbed to injuries from the tree's impact. Both the girl's mother and grandmother were taken to a local hospital in stable condition, per the AFRD, and the American Red Cross has since been contacted to provide support to the family. The house just started shaking. Everything just crashed, and I see my mama running through the hallway to get to my grandma, Aerica's 14-year-old sister, Akiylah, told Atlanta News First. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I broke down really bad because that wasnt just my little sister. That was my best friend," she added. Related: Father and Son Spent Their Last Moments Together in Golf Outing Before a Tree Fell on Them, Killing Them Both GoFundMe A'erica Shukai Dixon A'erica Shukai Dixon According to the outlet, police, firefighters and the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office remained at the scene for multiple hours as crews attempted to remove the tree. Anare Holmes, a spokesperson for the AFRD, told Atlanta News First that the 10-year-old's death was a "tragedy" with "no other way to see 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. "This morning, were saddened by the tragic passing of this young girl as a result of last nights storms," Georgia Governor Brian Kemp wrote in a post on X. "We ask that all Georgians join us in praying for her loved ones during this difficult time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage from the scene, shared by NBC affiliate WXIA, showed caution tape surrounding the large tree. According to the outlet, a portion of the tree previously fell during Hurricane Helene last year and smashed into the family's white SUV. Related: 21-Year-Old Man Dies After Tree Falls on Home While He Slept "The landlord was informed about it, and they were supposed to cut the whole inside of the tree down so that this wouldn't happen again," a family member told WXIA. "And no one ever came back to cut it down." The relative added that the tragedy "feels like a dream that we need to be woken up from" and that Aerica's mother had to be sedated in the hospital given the circumstances. "Because every time she wakes up, she is flipping out about her baby," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A'erica, whose family referred to her as Tink, lost her father two years ago, per the GoFundMe. Her family remembered her as "a very happy child," a cheerleader and someone who loved to dance, film TikToks and play with her toys. 11Alive/YouTube Scene of the fatal tree crash in Atlanta Scene of the fatal tree crash in Atlanta "We are trying to raise money at this hard time to help bury my lil cousin. Unfortunately, her mother cant afford to bury Aerica at this time. Her death was unexpected, now we have to ask for help," the fundraiser message said. "The family would appreciate any donations for the funeral costs of Aerica," the message continued. Anything is greatly appreciated. Thank you." The Dixon family has since raised more than $18,000 toward a current goal of $28,000 as of Sunday, May 4. Read the original article on People MILAN, Italy, May 5. Asian Development Bank plays a valuable role in inclusive and sustainable development. reads a message from President of Italy Sergio Mattarella to participants of the opening session of the ADB Board of Governors in Milan, Italy, Trend correspondent reports. Greetings to the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank, which is being held for the first time in the Italian Republic. Strengthening international cooperation is an objective enshrined in the Constitutional Charter of our country and is even more valuable when promoted by multilateral bodies such as the Asian Development Bank, a strategic financial institution that plays a valuable role in inclusive and sustainable development in the area concerned, he said. Mattarella said that the challenges facing the international community in different continents are many, from combating climate change, the cause of crises and impoverishment, to inequalities and various forms of vulnerability. The Asian Development Bank has proven to be an effective tool for addressing them. It is certain that the Union of Milan will be able to produce useful results, reads the message. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has decided not to run for the Senate next year, dealing a blow to Republicans who viewed him as a top recruit. The state is a major target for Republicans as they look to expand their three-seat Senate majority. Georgia is one of two states, along with Michigan, where Democrats are defending a seat in a state that President Donald Trump won in November. Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is running for re-election in Georgia, while Sen. Gary Peters is retiring in Michigan. Kemp, who is in his second term and cannot run for re-election as governor because of term limits, said in a statement on X that a Senate run is "not the right decision for me and my family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I spoke with President Trump and Senate leadership earlier today and expressed my commitment to work alongside them to ensure we have a strong Republican nominee who can win next November," Kemp wrote, "and ultimately be a conservative voice in the US Senate who will put hardworking Georgians first." Kemp's decision could spark a competitive GOP primary to take on Ossoff, who won his seat in a dramatic Jan. 5, 2021, runoff following the 2020 general election. Multiple members of Georgia's congressional delegation including Reps. Buddy Carter, Rich McCormick, Mike Collins and Marjorie Taylor Greene have suggested they would consider a bid if Kemp did not run. Greene, the far-right congresswoman, indicated to NBC News last week that she is considering a Senate run. I have just a lot of options open to me, she said, without engaging on whether she is being encouraged to run or actively making calls about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not really discussing it at this time, she said. Among other statewide elected Republicans, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper posted on X in February that he met with the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and Insurance Commissioner John King told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution late last year that he would take a hard look at a Senate run if Kemp stayed out. Republicans expressed confidence that they were in a strong position to flip the seat, even without Kemp as their nominee. "While Jon Ossoff is running to impeach President Trump, Republicans have a number of strong candidates who can build a winning coalition to add this seat to President Trump's Senate Majority," NRSC spokeswoman Joanna Rodriguez said in a statement, referring to Ossoff's recent comments that Trump has already exceeded any prior standard for impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokeswoman Maeve Coyle said Kemp's decision is "yet another embarrassing Republican Senate recruitment failure as they face a building midterm backlash where every GOP candidate will be forced to answer for Trumps harmful agenda. Senate Republicans toxic agenda and recruitment failures put their majority at risk in 2026." Republicans had viewed Kemp as a top contender if he ran against Ossoff, with the NRSC chair, Sen. Tim Scott, of South Carolina, openly calling him his party's "No. 1 recruit" in an interview with Semafor in January. Kemp won his second term in 2022 by nearly 8 percentage points, winning more than 53% of the vote in a race against Democrat Stacey Abrams two years after President Joe Biden narrowly carried the state. Kemp also easily fended off a primary challenge in 2022 from GOP former Sen. David Perdue, who had Trump's endorsement. Trump targeted Kemp for opposing Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, vowing to campaign against him and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who also defeated a Trump-backed challenger in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kemp's strong performance in that primary showed that he was able to maintain support from the party's conservative base of supporters. After Kemp endorsed Trump's presidential run last year, Trump thanked him "for all of your help and support in Georgia." Kemp was first elected governor in 2018, beating Abrams by around 1 point in a banner year for Democrats. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Georgia State Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Sandy Springs Democrat, announced May 5 the start of his lieutenant governor campaign for whats expected to be a heavily contested race in 2026. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (file) State Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Sandy Springs Democrat, announced Monday that he is entering the 2026 race for lieutenant governor. McLaurin is serving his fourth term in the Georgia Legislature, where hes become known as an outspoken opponent of Republican lawmakers who he says rubber stamp President Donald Trumps policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 100 days in, the Trump administration is tanking the economy and ignoring court orders. But the Republicans running the State of Georgia are silent about Trumps needless tariffs and his violations of Americans basic legal rights, McLaurin said. McLaurin is scheduled to hold a campaign launch event at 3 p.m. Monday at Rousakis Riverfront Plaza in Savannah. Vidalia Republican Sen. Blake Tillery and Conyers Republican Takosha Swan, a board member of the Georgia Department of Veterans Services, have also filed paperwork to fundraise for whats expected to be a heavily contested lieutenant governor race next year. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Butts County Republican, has not announced whether he will seek a second term in office or seek to replace the term-limited GOP Gov. Brian Kemp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaurin said in a statement announcing his decision that if elected as lieutenant governor, he will continue standing up for hard working Georgians. Its time to elect state leaders who understand how crazy this moment in history is and are ready to stand up and do something about it, McLaurin said. Georgia is my home and my heart. Weve got amazing people and culture. Weve got Waffle House. We could be a national example of how best to live, work, and raise a family. But our state is run by Republicans who cant find the spine to tell the truth about Trumps chaos or do anything at all to fight back. Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Sandy Springs Democrat, held up a photo of the Doge meme that became popular in 2013 and is the namesake of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder McLaurin has a reputation as a lawmaker who likes to make jokes. During this years session, he held up a picture of the internet doge meme to mock the DOGE government agency named after the meme. He would regularly take to the Senate well and adopt the persona of a newscaster to satirically report the news about the Trump administration. Rep. Scott Holcomb, an Atlanta Democrat who served alongside McLaurin in the House, said his jokes belie a sharp intellect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive known Josh for a very long time, he said. Im fully supportive of his run for lieutenant governor. Josh is substantive. Hes extraordinarily smart and hardworking. He also has a terrific sense of humor. I think the people of our state will really enjoy getting to know him. Sen. Elena Parent, an Atlanta Democrat and Chair of the Senate Minority Caucus, said she thinks McLaurins sense of humor could be a boon for his campaign and for his potential time as lieutenant governor, presiding over the state Senate. Definitely with some of his you know, shtick and hes been well known for a long time for having some good impersonations, I think that is found refreshing by a lot of people when a lot of the time in politics, it all just seems so dour and toxic, to have that bit of laughter brought in, she said. I think its great just for voters that might be interested, and also, were he to be presiding over a majority Republican chamber, I think its kind of a good way to keep, to make sure that we can all work together a little better. Because district lines are drawn by the party in power, it could be easier to flip a statewide race like lieutenant governor that to flip enough Senate seats to make the body majority Democratic, which means if he pulls off a win, McLaurin would likely have to deal with a Senate comprised mostly of Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would not be a sort of game changer in the sense of what bills ultimately pass, because the lieutenant governor has limited powers, Parent said. But it would be, I think, a very important sign of the transition thats occurring across Georgia, and I think that Senator McLaurins kind of verve and personality would help him be able to navigate a divided chamber. Sen. Jason Esteves, an Atlanta Democrat, is the first Democrat to throw his hat in the ring to run for governor, but others could soon join him former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has said she hopes to make an announcement soon, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond is seen as another likely candidate. State Rep. Ruwa Romman, a Duluth Democrat and ally of McLaurin, quickly endorsed his bid. We need people who are willing to fight, do the hard work, and stand up for Georgians because the reality is that a lot of people feel left behind and this is the moment to show them who has actually been fighting for them and who hasnt. This post was updated at 5 p.m. on May 5. Georgia Recorder reporter Ross Williams contributed to this report. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is to retain his post in the new Cabinet, his Social Democratic Party (SPD) said on Monday, as the party unveiled its picks for ministerial positions. The SPD is set to enter the new German government as the junior partner in coalition with Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc, made up of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU). The partners are to sign off on the 144-page coalition agreement at 12 pm (1000 GMT) on Monday, before Merz can be elected Germany's new chancellor by parliament on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservatives emerged as the winner from February's parliamentary elections, followed by the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), which was designated as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" organization by domestic intelligence last week. The SPD, traditionally one of the two main political forces in Germany, fell to third place after a difficult period in office under the leadership of outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz. With centrist parties ruling out cooperation with the AfD, a policy known as the "firewall," a coalition between the CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD became inevitable despite clashes on issues such as migration and the economy during the election campaign. SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil is to become vice chancellor and finance minister after striking up a strong partnership with Merz during negotiations to form a coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four of the incoming SPD ministers are women: Barbel Bas as labour minister, Verena Hubertz for construction, Reem Alabali-Radovan as development minister and Stefanie Hubig taking on the justice portfolio. Carsten Schneider is to be the SPD's new environment minister, but there is no place in the Cabinet for Klingbeil's colleague as co-leader, Saskia Esken. Pistorius, widely seen as the SPD's most popular politician, is the only member of the outgoing Cabinet to keep his position. "The SPD is putting together a team that is ready to boldly shape our country," the party's leadership said in a joint statement on Monday. "Experienced personalities from federal and state politics meet new faces who stand for the generational change in the SPD." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservatives outlined their choices last week, with Katherina Reiche as economy minister and the CSU's Alexander Dobrindt taking the interior portfolio. Once Merz is elected and his Cabinet sworn in, the new administration can get to work, exactly six months after Scholz's centre-left coalition imploded amid in-fighting, triggering early elections. It faces a long list of pressing challenges, from Germany's ailing economy and crumbling infrastructure to the threat to European security from Russia and an ever-more abrasive US president. Scholz, meanwhile, is to receive an official send-off later on Monday, with a special military ceremony - known as a tattoo - to be held in his honour in Berlin. Party leaders from Germany's incoming government signed a coalition agreement in Berlin on Monday, paving the way for the new administration under chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz to take office. Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU), the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU), and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) signed the 144-page agreement, which sets out a programme for government. The three parties face their first joint test on Tuesday, as Merz bids to be elected to succeed outgoing Chancellor Olaf Schoz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He needs an absolute majority of at least 316 votes in the 630-seat lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, with the coalition parties holding a narrow majority with 328 members. SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil is set to become vice chancellor and finance minister. Once Merz is elected and his Cabinet is sworn in, the new administration can get to work, exactly six months after Scholz's centre-left coalition imploded in early November. It faces a long list of challenges, from Germany's ailing economy and crumbling infrastructure, to the threat to European security from Russia and an ever-more abrasive US president. The News Germanys centrist parties have signed a coalition agreement, setting the stage for the new government to take office Tuesday. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union, pledged a slew of defense and infrastructure policies and new investments as the final members of his cabinet were unveiled. Merz joined with the center-left party of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz to form the new government. Yet the incoming chancellor faces a slate of immediate domestic and international challenges, including an ascendant German far right, economic malaise, and an adversarial Washington. SIGNALS Merz looks to the private sector to revive slumping economy Sources: Handelsblatt, Suddeutsche Zeitung Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz used the outgoing parliament to unlock billions of euros for defense and infrastructure spending, bolstering business sentiment but US tariffs cast fresh doubt on Germanys economic trajectory. Merz has tapped some private-sector leaders to head key economic and modernization ministries, leading to some criticism that corporate interests could overtake policy. But an entrepreneurial spirit is welcome after years of sluggish digitalization, bureaucratic overburden, and growing international competition, a Handelsblatt journalist wrote. Merzs government is structured to essentially have 2.5 economics ministries, mainly led by former executives: Since the full-blooded politicians havent performed miracles in the digital world so far, why not try using business methods? It cant get any worse, a Suddeutsche Zeitung columnist wrote. Mainstream parties grapple with ascendent AfD Sources: The Guardian, The German Review Germanys establishment parties want to blunt the rise of the Alternative fur Deutschland party, which finished second in Februarys election. The AfD was designated an extremist endeavor by Germanys domestic intelligence agency on Friday, prompting a rebuke from US leaders. The move reflects a wider debate about how to treat the AfD: Some politicians have called for approaching it as any other party, while others have cautioned against normalizing the far right. The German political center controls its destiny, the German Review newsletter argued, and it must govern effectively to keep voters from defecting to the extremes. The AfDs future has more to do with something much harder to put a finger upon: [an] imperceptible shift in the stories German society is telling itself. Scholz departs with a mediocre legacy, but it wasnt all bad Sources: Die Zeit, Der Spiegel Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, elected in 2021, leaves lonely and unpopular, Die Zeit wrote: His coalition fell apart, the far right proliferated while the economy slumped, and his term is seen as a leaden period full of missed opportunities. But a review of Scholzs coalition presents a more mixed picture: Researchers found that more than half of the coalitions planned projects went ahead, accomplishing more in three years than previous governments achieved in four. For his farewell ceremony on Tuesday, Scholz has requested that Aretha Franklins be played: Scholz has never made a secret of the fact that, in his view, he was not shown enough respect by the public, the media, and even his coalition partners, Der Spiegel wrote. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on Monday said it has taken legal action after Germany's domestic intelligence agency officially classified the party as right-wing extremist. A spokesman for party co-leader Alice Weidel confirmed that the AfD has submitted a complaint to an administrative court in the western city of Cologne, where the intelligence service - formally known as the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) - is based. The party filed a lawsuit and an urgent motion and wants the domestic intelligence service to be prohibited by court order from classifying and treating it in this way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move came after the BfV on Friday released a lengthy report confirming the extremist nature of the AfD, which came in second in February's parliamentary elections. Intelligence officials said there was concrete evidence that the anti-immigrant party pursued efforts that threaten Germany's democratic order, and that its understanding of the German nation as based on ethnicity and descent was incompatible with the country's free democratic order. AfD'sWeidel sees 'breach of law' AfD co-leader Alice Weidel sharply criticized classification of her party as right-wing extremist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the AfD's point of view, this is "a blatant breach of the law and an attack on democracy that shakes the foundations of the constitutional order," Weidel told journalists in Berlin on Monday. She addressed reporters for the first time since the story broke on Friday. Weidel spoke of a defamation of the AfD by the domestic intelligence service, which she charged had been "completely instrumentalized by party politics." The party would defend itself with all legal means at its disposal, Weidel asserted. The classification of the party as right-wing extremist, which gives the intelligence service broader surveillance powers over the AfD, has sparked renewed debate on whether the German parliament should move to ban the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case will be heard by the Cologne Administrative Court, which is responsible for lawsuits against the BfV. A court in Munster ruled last year, in an appeal, that the BfV was correct to classify the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist organization. Merz declines to comment Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz declined comment, saying it is up to the next government to evaluate and assess the report. "And until such an evaluation has been carried out, I personally do not want to make any recommendations for further conclusions on the part of the government," Merz added. Incoming justice minister Stefanie Hubig, a Social Democrat, said she wants to discuss the AfD quickly after taking office. New report led to re-classification The basis for the authorities' reclassification of the party from a suspected to a confirmed right-wing extremist organization is a new report by the intelligence service, which has not yet been published. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to information obtained by the German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel, the 1,100-page paper also quotes Weidel from an interview in Compact magazine, which is classified as right-wing extremist by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Knife crime is "completely unknown in our culture," Weidel was quoted as saying in that magazine last July. She asserted that it was brought to Germany from what she called "violent cultures" in Africa and the Middle East. When asked if she regretted these statements, Weidel said, "No, I personally do not regret anything." "We all know that knife crime in our country has gone through the roof, and this is confirmed by police crime statistics. And accordingly, it is our and my job to discuss precisely these abuses in our country," she asserted. Russia will be closely tracking the outcome of Tuesday's chancellor election in Germany, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman said ahead of the vote set to install conservative politician Friedrich Merz as new leader. "We will be looking at deeds - and words, but above all the deeds of the next chancellor," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Russian state news agency TASS on Monday. He also recalled previous statements by Merz, saying that they "did not signal his desire or willingness to take the path of normalizing bilateral relations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz is likely to be elected as chancellor in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, less than three months after his centre-right alliance - made up of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) - won February's parliamentary elections. In the past, the 69-year-old has shown himself open to supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia more than three years ago, in coordination with European partners. Moscow warns that this could make Germany a party to the war. TROY, Pa. (WETM) A Gillett man was arrested in April on numerous felony charges after troopers said he took units on a vehicle chase that crossed state lines. Brandon Joseph McClain, 33, was arrested on April 23, on an unrelated warrant, and charged on the following: Theft by unlawful taking-movable prop, a grade one felony. Theft by unlawful taking-movable prop, a grade three felony. Receiving stolen property, a grade one felony. Receiving stolen property, a grade three felony. Criminal mischief-damage property, a grade three felony. Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a grade two misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulteney woman charged after deputies say she tried to kill someone with a knife McClains arrest stems from an incident initially starting back in January when a white Chevy pickup truck was stolen from the Western Alliance Ambulance service in Troy. When troopers spoke with the victim they described the vehicle and noted that a .22 caliber rifle with a scope was in the back seat and was stolen as well. In February, troopers questioned a witness who claimed to see McClain driving around the 1993 pickup when he parked it at his home. The witness was able to look at the engine bay of the truck where after-market parts were noticed on the engine. These details were told to troopers and then relayed to the victim, who confirmed with troopers they had those parts on the truck. In March, the witnesses told troopers that McClain had spray-painted the truck black and was hiding it outside of Pennsylvania under a tarp. The witness also told troopers that McClain had stopped driving the truck and switched to a gray SUV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 11, troopers said units got into a chase with a gray SUV in Troy after trying to stop it for traffic violations. Troopers cut off the pursuit at the PA/NY border but later found the vehicle abandoned shortly across state lines in New York. A search warrant was done for the SUV where troopers found a rifle scope, similar to the one belonging to the stolen rifle from the white Chevy, the complaint said. Bradford County man sentenced prison time for drug-related charges On April 18, the white Chevy pickup truck, now spray-painted black, was found abandoned in South Creek Township in Bradford County. A former acquaintance of McClain came forward to troopers and said they witnessed McClain covering the truck with a tarp in Elmira. McClain was located on April 23 and brought into the trooper barracks for questioning on an unrelated warrant. During the interview, McClain confessed to stealing the Chevy pickup truck and the rifle in the back along with being the person in the SUV during the pursuit in Troy on April 11. McClain told troopers he ditched the Chevy truck in South Creek Township because it ran out of gas, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Belarus multiplies non-oil imports from Azerbaijan in 1Q2025 Azerbaijan's non-oil exports to Belarus hit the roof with $7.8 million (82.8 percent) year-on-year surge from January through March 2025, reaching $17.2 million. However, trade transactions between the countries decreased by $2.9 million (2.7 percent), landing at $101.6 million. Overall, in the reporting period Belarus ranked 8th among the top importers of Azerbaijan's non-oil products. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register An area on the edge of historic downtown Glendale erupted into a cacophony of gunshots the evening of May 4 after a fight that broke out during a crowded dance party at a mariscos and steak restaurant escalated into a shootout in the parking lot, killing three people and injuring five others. Security at El Camaron Gigante, located near North 57th Drive and West Lamar Road, kicked out people who started fighting inside the venue, a Glendale police spokesperson said during a May 5 news conference. Once in the parking lot, the individuals started firing gunshots at around 7:45 p.m., police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police detained multiple people after arriving at the scene, which police spokesperson Jose Santiago said took only three minutes. Who were the victims? The three people who died were brothers Damien Anthony Sproule, 17, and Christopher Juaquin Sproule, 21, as well as Milo Christopher Suniga, 21, police said. The brothers who were killed attended the event to try and make friends, said Roberta Villarreal, a friend of their father, the morning after the violence. "They were good kids. They didnt deserve this," said Villarreal, 52, as she began sobbing about a block from the deadly shooting. Just moments earlier, she stood with the victims' father as he wept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Villarreal, of north Phoenix, said she thought of the brothers as her own nephews. A 16-year-old boy was critically injured, requiring surgery, though police said he was expected to recover. Two women, 20 and 21, and two men, 20 and 23, were also injured, police said. What started the fight? Santiago said the incident was isolated and stemmed from the individuals having a history of bad blood between them. He said it was unknown how those feuding knew each other. Were thankful it didnt escalate even further, Santiago said. What is El Camaron Gigante? Here's what to know about the Glendale restaurant where a shooting left 3 dead What was happening at the restaurant before the fight? A local group called On a Sunday Afternoon" was hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration at the restaurant when the shooting happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On its Facebook page, the group described itself as "a lifestyle brand staying true to the culture and all things Chicano." A promotional post for the event promised a family-friendly celebration with music, lowriders and good vibes all day long. After the event, the group's leadership said its events were intended to create a safe space for families and children, but that safety was taken from them. "What was meant to be a beautiful day of culture, joy, and connection ended in heartbreak," a statement on Instagram said. "We wont let this define us, but we wont ignore it either." Santiago said there were 200-300 people at the event. Have police arrested any suspects? As of midafternoon on May 5, police were still looking for suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said officers detained multiple people after they arrived at the scene. Everyone the police talked with at the scene was cooperative, Santiago said. Has the management of El Camaron Gigante said anything? The restaurant's management posted on Instagram early on May 5 that they were working closely with law enforcement. We are devastated by the tragic shooting that occurred in the parking lot outside our restaurant on May 4th, the post said. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all affected by this senseless violence. Have police been called to the restaurant before? There have been 30 police calls for service to the restaurant since it first opened May 8, 2024, according to records obtained by The Arizona Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the calls, six were categorized as alleged liquor violations, another six were for suspicious or disturbing people and five were for noise complaints. A fight was reported at the establishment in October 2024. In March, three calls reported violence that police categorized as assault with a deadly weapon, a stabbing and simple assault. Most calls were made between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. What are elected leaders saying? U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Arizona, issued a statement the morning after the shooting, decrying the violence and calling for greater gun control. She represents the congressional district where the shooting occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, Americans have been forced to watch as gun violence affects every corner of our communitiesschools, movie theaters, places of worship, and local restaurants like El Camaron Gigante," Ansari said. Commonsense policy reform to regulate guns has broad, bipartisan support. Its long past time we stand up and do something." Glendale Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro, who represents Glendales Ocotillo District, which includes the downtown corridor where El Camaron Gigante is located, said that while he respects the rights of gun owners and Second Amendment protections, firearms dont belong in the streets. You just don't pull a gun out over an argument or whatever. I mean, guns should belong in wars and battles, but not in the streets, he said. And if you're protecting yourself, well, thats one thing, but if you're just creating or inciting an incident, that's another thing. Republic reporters Richard Ruelas and Jose R. Gonzalez contributed to this article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@gannett.com or 602-444-2474. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell. (The story has been updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Glendale shooting near concert shakes historic downtown. What to know The Russians are intensifying the militarisation of children and increasing funding for propaganda organisations in the temporarily occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Source: Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, on the national joint 24/7 newscast Details: "If earlier the enemy's goal was to make people love Russia, now it is to make them hate Ukraine," Fedorov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stated that the Russians are doing everything to achieve this goal. In particular, they have increased funding for propagandistic militarised organisations such as Yunarmiya (Young Army) and Voyin (Warrior). This year, the Russians plan to allocate billions of roubles for these organisations. Fedorov noted that this is "two or even three times" more than in 2024. He also added that the Russians are constructing a network of so-called "military-patriotic" centres where children are trained in military strategy and tactics. One such centre is already being launched in the occupied city of Berdiansk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. In addition, the Russians are strengthening the Movement of the First initiative by involving children in political life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of specialised cadet classes in schools is also increasing. Their pupils are expected to join the security forces after leaving the school. "Ukrainian children in the temporarily occupied territories are having their psyches broken so that in 5-10 years, Russia will have an army ready to kill anyone on the Kremlins orders," Fedorov said. Background: Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets previously reported that last year, around 1,000 children from the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia Oblast were recruited into the militarised propaganda movement Yunarmiya. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Don't want a tech conglomerate to train its AI model on your website? Too bad Google will do it anyway, thanks to a very convenient workaround. At least, that's more or less what the Silicon Valley behemoth just admitted to in court. As Bloomberg reports, Google said that while it does give publishers the option to opt out of large language model training done by its AI lab, DeepMind, it doesn't extend to AI efforts by other parts of the company including the unit in charge of its dominant search engine, which has its own AI products like the much-maligned AI Overviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The admission was made by Eli Collins, a vice president at DeepMind, when he was called as a witness during a federal antitrust trial in Washington. Diana Aguilar, a Department of Justice lawyer, grilled Collins about the glaring loophole being used to develop the company's chatbot, Gemini. "Once you take the Gemini and put it inside the search org, the search org has the ability to train on the data that publishers had opted out of training, correct?" Aguilar asked, per Bloomberg. "Correct for use in search," Collins confirmed. The scale of this scraping is staggering. An internal document from 2024 cited by Aguilar showed that Google had collected a total of 160 billion tokens short units of text in AI training data. Half of the tokens were stated to have been removed since they came from publishers who opted out of AI training. But based on Collin's new testimony, those 80 billion tokens are still being used to train AI at Google, just not at DeepMind itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another example of Google slipperiness, there actually is one way to opt-out of having your website trawled by an AI: by opting out of being indexed in Google's search engine entirely. That's a death sentence for any website, a choice that's really no choice at all. Google implies this is merely a consequence of how the widely used "robots.txt" file works, which instructs web crawlers the bots that collect data for search engines and now AI training efforts on what parts of a website they can access. "Google has a separate way for publishers to manage their content in Search via the well-established robots.txt web standard," a Google spokesperson said in a statement, per Bloomberg. Last year, a federal judge ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly over the search engine market, abusing its dominance to shut out competitors like by paying companies billions of dollars to set Google as the default search engine on their devices and services and unfairly raising ad prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US regulators are still deciding how to break up the monopoly. Some of the options being considered include forcing Google to sell its popular Chrome browser with its AI competitor OpenAI circling like a vulture or banning the default search engine agreements made with other companies, or forcing Google to share some of its data. Now, the federal suit is also highlighting how Google leverages its search engine dominance constantly maintaining a roughly 90 percent market share in the US to get what it wants with its AI initiatives. If by telling websites the only way to avoid its AI data scraping is by not showing up in a Google search, cutting them off from that 90 percent of web traffic, that might be evidence of a monopoly. The education website Chegg argued as much in a recent lawsuit, claiming that Google was using its monopoly to pressure it to let Google train its AI tools on its content for free. More on Google: "You Cant Lick a Badger Twice": Google's AI Is Making Up Explanations for Nonexistent Folksy Sayings A Pride flag flies in front of Boise City Hall, just blocks from the Idaho Capitol. The flag flies below the city's own banner and in April shared the flagpole with a flag honoring organ donation. The city also displays the U.S. flag, a POW/MIA flag and a state of Idaho flag. (Erika Bolstad/Stateline) BOISE, Idaho The day the flag bill came up for a vote in the Idaho Senate this spring, state Sen. Melissa Wintrow had no plans to speak against it. As the top Democratic leader in her chamber, she had already spent the legislative session in constant, vocal opposition to the Republican-dominated legislative agenda. I thought: Oh, this stupid flag bill once again, Wintrow said. Ill just vote no quietly because Ive just really been in peoples grille about things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then the bills sponsor, Republican state Sen. Ben Toews, began passing out flyers about the legislation, one of two proposed bills to limit which flags can be flown at schools and on state and local government property. The only photos on the handout were of rainbow-striped Pride flags flying in Boise: one on a flagpole in front of City Hall, and then others on light poles along Harrison Boulevard, two blocks from Wintrows home. When he sat that picture in front of me on that desk, I thought: Thats enough. Just always picking and bullying, Wintrow said. The states going to tell us what to do, when they cant even address the larger problems like affordable housing? Thats whats on peoples minds. A good working wage, health care. Its as if they dont know how to govern. So they just pick these culture war things. In recent weeks, both Idaho and Utah have enacted bans that prohibit Pride flags from being displayed on government property, pitting lawmakers in the Republican-dominated legislatures against the more progressive capitals of Boise and Salt Lake City, where the flags are often flown at city hall. Its as if they dont know how to govern. So they just pick these culture war things. Idaho Democratic state Sen. Melissa Wintrow In Utah, the law allows the state flag, the U.S. flag, U.S. military flags, the POW/MIA flag, local government flags, tribal nation flags, university and school flags and Olympic flags. Idahos list is similar, but includes a provision in the school flag law that prohibits flags with political viewpoints, including but not limited to flags or banners regarding a political party, race, sexual orientation, gender, or a political ideology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in Florida, Texas and at least 13 other states are considering similar flag prohibitions, said Logan Casey, director of policy research with the Movement Advancement Project, which studies LGBTQ+ rights. The flag bills go beyond symbolism, Casey said. Rather, they are part of a broad and coordinated legislative attack on LGBTQ+ people that seeks to strip them of rights and erase or make difficult their participation in public life. Sometimes those attacks are very material, like denying access to health care or the ability to participate safely in public life and activities, Casey said. Sometimes theyre a little more symbolic, like these flag bills. Get rid of everything The rainbow-colored Pride flag was conjured up by artist and drag queen Gilbert Baker in 1978, at the suggestion of San Francisco politician Harvey Milk, as a symbol of progress and pride for that years San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. Since then, the rainbow-colored flag and its many design iterations have grown into worldwide emblems of solidarity with LGBTQ+ rights. Although the laws in Idaho and Utah dont ban Pride flags specifically, bill sponsors and their supporters made it clear they want to see such flags removed from city halls, schools and state buildings. Idaho state Rep. Ted Hill, a Republican who sponsored the bill limiting which flags can fly at schools, said in an interview that Pride flags are disruptive to classroom learning because discussion about them takes up an amazing amount of political bandwidth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best way to do it is to get rid of everything, said Hill, who represents Eagle, a suburb northwest of Boise. So the only thing you have in the classroom is the American flag, the state flag. And people will say inclusivity and all this. Well, the American flag is as inclusive as it can get. Despite the new law, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, a Democrat, continues to fly a Pride flag in front of City Hall, just below the citys own and adjacent to poles flying the U.S. and state of Idaho flags. The Pride flags presence, within view of the state Capitol, elicited a sternly worded letter from Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, a Republican. Idahos law, which went into effect April 3, has no penalty for local governments or officials who fly flags in defiance of the ban, an oversight lawmakers told Labrador theyll rectify in subsequent legislative sessions. Instead, the law relies on the good will of elected officials for its enforcement, Labrador wrote, warning McLean that she should comply with the law out of a sense of duty to your oath of office. He threatened, too, that lawmakers could deny state tax revenues and other appropriations to the City of Boise or any other governmental entity that does not follow state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLean countered that the new law is unconstitutional, and that the city will challenge threats to withhold funding. Pride flags have flown in Boise for a decade, she told Labrador, and represent a commitment to a safe and welcoming city where everyone means just that everyone. The Constitutional rights of our residents are not subject to cannot be subject to the political whims of legislative disapproval, McLean wrote, and we will not step back from them simply because the principles our community cherishes make some in state government uncomfortable. Boises city council is considering a resolution confirming that any flags it flies, including Pride flags, are official city flags a move the council says will ensure it is complying with state law. In the meantime, the city will continue to fly the flags on City Hall Plaza that represent our community and speak to our values of caring for people and welcoming all, McLean said in a statement. Early on Easter morning, several people climbed a ladder propped up next to the citys flagpole to cover the Pride flag and a separate flag (honoring organ and tissue donation) with trash bags. They also raised the Appeal to Heaven flag, a Revolutionary War-era flag that has come to represent sympathy to the Christian nationalist movement and to President Donald Trumps false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. A few hours later, the mayor lowered the flags, which are on a locked halyard, to remove the trash bags and the Appeal to Heaven flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It capped a challenging sequence of events in Boise and nearby Meridian, which drew national attention this spring when school officials ordered a middle school teacher to take down a sign with the phrase Everyone is welcome here from her classroom. Amid the backlash, people in Boise printed T-shirts and yard signs in support of the teacher and the signs message. The Egyptian Theatre in downtown Boise displays an Everyone is Welcome! message on its marquee. Similar signs emerged in Boise and surrounding communities this spring after school officials told a middle school teacher to take down a sign in her classroom containing the phrase. (Erika Bolstad/Stateline) The mayors response to the flag law and the support for the classroom message arent directly connected, but both reflect how many in the community insist on sending a welcoming message at this moment in American history, said Christina Bruce-Bennion, executive director of Boises Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, which helped coordinate support for the teacher. It is very targeted In Salt Lake City, the flag ban threatens to end a long-standing annual tradition. Typically, the mayors office kicks off Pride Month festivities in June with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, said Chad Call, executive director of the Utah Pride Center, which puts on the states annual Pride festivities. Events include a parade through the streets of Salt Lake City with a 200-foot Pride flag which remains a legal form of First Amendment expression and has taken place most years since 1997. We have a city council that wants to celebrate Pride month, Call said. They want to celebrate the queer community in the month of June. And then we have a state government that does not want that happening in our capital city. And so it is very targeted. One of the flag bills sponsors, state Rep. Trevor Lee, said in an interview that his legislation was prompted by constituents who told him theyre sick and tired of seeing a political agenda being pushed in their face on government property, particularly with flags featuring transgender representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes people feel uncomfortable if its something they dont agree with, said Lee, who represents a district north of Salt Lake City. And so were trying to keep it very specific and let schools focus on teaching the things that they need to, and let government buildings just fly their city flag for heavens sakes, or the state flag or the American flag. One Utah parent, Republican activist Aaron Bullen, said he began objecting to Pride flags several years ago after one of his children, then a fifth grader, was visibly upset after school one day. Bullen said his son told him hed seen whats known as a Progress Pride flag, a newer iteration of the original rainbow-striped flag. It includes an arrow on the left side composed of pink, blue and white stripes to represent transgender people, as well as brown and black stripes to represent queer people of color. The flag was in the schools computer lab. Bullen said he complained to school leaders at the district, south of Salt Lake City, and the flag came down. But Bullen felt as though the flags presence undermined what he and his wife teach at home and model to their children as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, particularly how they interpret the churchs stance on transgender people and marriage for same-sex couples. It says, basically, we approve of gay marriage when that flag is up, Bullen said. And thats something that my religion is explicitly against. And so you have a teacher of my son, a person in authority that theyd like to be able to trust and to follow the instructions of, but theyre saying, your parents who taught you this other thing, theyre wrong. Your religion is wrong. Thats what that flag means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the job of a school to try to teach morals differently than parents would. Aaron Bullen, a Utah parent and Republican activist He added: Its not the job of a school to try to teach morals differently than parents would. Parents have the fundamental right and responsibility to rear their children. And its not a schools place to oppose the religion of the parents or the teachings of the parents. Unlike in Idaho, Utahs flag ban carries a $500 fine per day for failure to comply with the law. But in Utah, the law took effect without Republican Gov. Spencer Coxs signature. The governor declined to sign the bill into law, saying the states residents are tired of culture war bills that dont solve the problems they intend to fix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call, of the Utah Pride Center, said that while its discouraging for LGBTQ+ people to witness their representation further erased in public spaces, they refuse in Utah to allow the flag law to diminish the spirit of their Pride events, among the largest in the nation. Our counterculture here is really, really strong, Call said. And I think the thing that probably defines our Utah Pride as being kind of unique is the incredibly strong community that it brings together. Theres tens, hundreds of thousands of people that come out to support it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Representative Cory Mills, a MAGA Republican from Florida, was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroism in Iraq in 2003 but those he allegedly saved dont remember him being there, a new report reveals. Mills was honored after he administered life-saving care to fellow soldiers Joe Heit and Alan Babin at great risk to his own life while under intense enemy fire in Iraq, NOTUS reports, citing the document recommending Mills receive the award. Mills enlisted in the Army in July 1999 at 19 years old and was honorably discharged in August 2003. But Heit told NOTUS that Mills didnt save his life, and that he didnt even suffer life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont recall him being there either, he added. Henry Barbe, a medic who flew in via helicopter to help evacuate Babin, also told NOTUS he doesnt remember Mills being there. From what I understand about Mills is he might have been in the unit. I dont remember him being involved in the medevac, Barbe said. To be fair, I was worried about the patients. I dont remember him, and from what I understand, other people dont remember him. Representative Cory Mills earned his Bronze Star for reportedly saving his fellow soldiers in Iraq, but those present say they don't remember the lawmaker being there (Getty Images) Chris Painter, the platoon sergeant, said he can pretty much confirm 100% Cory Mills was not up at the bridges at the location of everything. Now, if he came to the company position to assist in escorting Babin to the BN aid station, I dont know...but he wasnt at the bridge [where] it all happened I do know that, Painter told NOTUS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army documents recommending Mills for the award also state he saved Joe Ferrand, a sergeant who had been grabbed by an enemy insurgent in a separate incident, according to NOTUS. But Ferrand previously claimed Mills involvement in the incident was a fabrication and said that the act never took place, in a written statement to government officials. In response to these claims, Mills told NOTUS that no soldier writes their own DA Form 638, referring to the document used to recommend soldiers for awards. It is a recommendation for award and soldiers cannot recommend themselves, Mills said. The form must be reviewed and signed by commanding officers. Mills also conceded that it was true that Heit did not have life-threatening injuries and attributed the discrepancies to how chaotic the day was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was on the ground, Mills said. It was a chaotic day and understandable that others may have different recollections of events. Representative Cory Mills speaks outside of President Donald Trump's hush money trial last year (Getty Images) The questions around his Bronze Star have been relayed to the Office of Congressional Ethics, Department of Justice, a U.S. attorneys office in Florida and the FBI, the source told NOTUS. This isnt the first time Millss military accomplishments have been questioned. Last year, Millss Republican challenger Michael Johnson handed out flyers accusing him of lying about his military service and committing stolen valor, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. Mills denied the claims at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im tired of the slander and the defamation," Mills told the News-Journal. "I ran for office to be able to serve the American people, not to defend something I did 20 years ago over and over and over. Mills was elected to Congress in 2022 and has since proven a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. Mills even attended his hush money trial last summer alongside fellow lawmakers including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Representative Byron Donalds. The Republican lawmaker also made headlines February after his romantic partner Sarah Raviani filed a police report claiming she had been assaulted by Mills at his Washington, D.C. apartment. (Her significant other for over a year) grabbed her, shoved her, and pushed her out of the door, the police report obtained by NBC Washington states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raviani, a cofounder of the group Iranians for Trump, then allowed police to listen in on a phone call between her and the congressman in which he allegedly instructed her to lie about the origin of her bruises. Mills vehemently denies any wrongdoing whatsoever. The Independent has contacted Millss office for comment. Frustrated voters turned out Sunday to voice their complaints against President Donald Trumps administration during Republican Congressman Mike Lawlers town hall meeting in his swing district just north of New York City. At one point, as uniformed security carried the limp body of a middle-age woman out of the venue, the crowd turned to chanting, Shame! Shame! Shame! The woman dragged away was identified by The Journal News as Emily Feiner of Nyack, New York, whose Bluesky profile describes her as a Jewish retired social worker and mother of two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was certainly no threat, Feiner wrote on Bluesky. I asked my congressperson what his red line was to finally, vocally oppose the lawless administration and he didnt answer the question, so I called out for him to answer it and he had me removed. This is what the [U]SA has come to. The constitution is in shreds. Other attendees were removed as the event wore on. The Journal News, a Gannett newspaper serving the Hudson River Valley, reported that the congressman covered his positions on topics ranging from Trumps war on immigration to Russias war in Ukraine. Around 600 people turned out for the event, the paper noted. A woman is carried out by law enforcement at a town hall held by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) on May 4 in Somers, New York. Jessica Hill via Associated Press Republican representatives in other districts around the country have shied from such public interactions with constituents since Trumps second term began, wary of seeing voters angry outbursts go viral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawler, pitched as a moderate Republican, has been representing the suburban district along New Yorks Hudson River since 2023. He has other constituent events planned for the coming weeks. NY-17 social worker forcibly dragged out of Rep. Mike Lawler's town hall. Afterwards, Lawler told the crowd to "behave." Elected officials are supposed to listen to their constituentsnot silence and remove them. This is not democracy. pic.twitter.com/dXYkoPivsX NY Working Families Party (@NYWFP) May 5, 2025 The congressmans staff had asked attendees who gathered in a local Catholic school auditorium on Sunday to refrain from shouting or standing and not record the event, according to The Associated Press. But the event started going off the rails almost immediately, the AP said, when a comment from Lawler at the start This is what democracy looks like sparked laughter. Lawler reportedly drew jeers with a line defending Trumps health secretary, the conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feiners removal came as the congressman talked about Trumps tariffs and the trade war that threatens to plunge the U.S. economy into a recession. Video from the event showed security personnel trying to convince her to leave on her own, but Feiner can be seen shaking her head and saying, Im not leaving. Let her stay! Let her stay! the crowd chants at one point, before a pack of armed New York State Police troopers hoist Feiner by the arms and carry her down the aisle toward the exit. She does not resist or help them in any way. Everybody has been shouting! one woman can be heard telling the security officials, in apparent response to their reason for ejecting Feiner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd loudly booed. Other video showed at least one man, wearing a red Make America Great Again hat, calling for Feiner to be jailed. A 74-year-old attendee, Jeanette Spoor, told the AP that she wanted to ask Lawler about Social Security and Medicaid but wasnt called on, even though the event lasted for nearly two hours. I have no hopes for this guy, Spoor told the AP. Related... RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed May 4-10 as State Employee Recognition Week and Wednesday, May 7 as State Employee Appreciation Day. One of the many reasons North Carolina is a great place to live is the state employees who dedicate their lives to service to our people, Governor Josh Stein said. I am grateful for their commitment to making our state safer and stronger. More than 77,000 people are employed by the State of North Carolina. They work daily to help improve the lives of those in North Carolina by serving agencies, public universities, and community colleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to thank all our state employees for their ongoing commitment to making North Carolina an incredible place to live, work, and play, North Carolina Office of State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer said. This loyal and skilled workforce helps make our great state one of the best places to live in the nation. Governor Stein launched a website back in March to welcome people to apply to work for the state of N.C. Also known as Join NC, its a way to encourage people who were displaced due to Hurricane Helene or recent federal cuts to join state government. It also provides resources for servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans to apply for positions in North Carolina state government. People interested in careers with the State of North Carolina can visit the Office of State Human Resources website and create customized job alerts for state government positions. Click here to read Governor Steins full proclamation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. Key points Bird flu (H5N1) continues to pose a serious public health risk, with recent infections in livestock and humans, despite the lack of federal testing and updates. The CDC and FDA have ended national surveillance programs, including milk testing, which experts say increases the risk of missing an outbreak. Public health professionals warn that the rollback of testing undermines pandemic preparedness, urging local engagement and continued monitoring at the state level. In late 2024 and into early 2025, headlines were everywhereincluding many on FoodandWine.comdiscussing the potential dangers of H5N1, otherwise known as avian influenza, or more simply, the bird flu. Hundreds of millions of birds, including millions of egg-laying hens, needed to be culled, resulting in a massive egg shortage that caused the price of a dozen eggs to skyrocket. One variant was later found in dairy cows, leading the U.S. government to implement a national milk testing strategy. Several humans (mostly dairy or farm workers) were also infected, including a Louisiana farmer who died after contracting it from his backyard flock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, following Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped publishing updates on the bird flu situation. In late April, the Food and Drug Administration ended the national milk testing program. All this raises the question: is bird flu over, or should we still be concerned? According to several experts, the answer is a resounding "yes." "Yes bird flu remains a serious public health concern," Dr. Tyler B. Evans, the CEO and cofounder of Wellness and Equity Alliance, a national alliance of public health clinicians committed to transforming health care delivery to vulnerable communities, shared with Food & Wine. "Pulling back on surveillance only heightens the risk, especially for rural communities and those with close contact to livestock. This is not the time to take our foot off the gas when it comes to monitoring zoonotic threats." Evans is far from alone in this assessment. Dotsie Bausch, a public health advocate who has worked with the USDA on food policy in the past and is the founder of Switch4Good, a non-profit that advocates for a plant-based lifestyle, additionally shared, "The lack of ongoing testing by federal agencies like the USDA and FDA raises serious public health red flags." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, as veterinarian Dr. Kay Russo recently told "60 Minutes," with the lack of information from the government, it's like "we're given a stick, and they put a blindfold on us, and we're sent into a gunfight, and we're losing. We are losing." Specifically, experts are also calling out the decision to roll back the milk supply testing as potentially the most dangerous act of all. "The decision not to test the milk supply signals a broader erosion of foundational public health protections," Evans added. "Pasteurization, sanitation, and routine quality control in dairy production have long been pillars of U.S. food safety, among the most robust in the world. Without systematic testing, we increase the risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter." Milk testing is crucial because it enables officials and farmers to swiftly determine if a dairy herd is infected and, more importantly, to identify the specific strain of bird flu present. This process is vital for tracking and preventing its spread between livestock and humans. Experts warn that without this testing, we risk failing to detect its pandemic potential before it's too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Is It Safe to Eat Eggs During a Bird Flu Outbreak? Heres What to Know "[There is] pandemic potential for a virus like this one," Russo told "60 Minutes." "And you know that is the worst-case scenario, right? And ultimately, one we want to avoid. I can't say that that's gonna happen, but we don't want to play with fire." Bauch agreed, noting that the situation remains "dire," and adding that without data, we cant "properly trace outbreaks or provide transparency to consumers that they deserve." And while the FDA isn't providing the data right now, Evans says there is at least one way consumers can take control. That begins by staying in "close contact" with their local public health departments and primary care providers for "up-to-date information on local outbreaks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most local and state health data are funneled to federal agencies for broader analysis and response coordination. As that pipeline weakens, the insights available to the public become less timely, less accurate, and far less actionable," he said. Some states, however, are keeping their testing robust. That includes Massachusetts. At a recent Q&A with Harvard Medical School, Robert Goldstein, the state's Department of Public Health Commissioner, and a member of the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, shared that the state is continuing its "ongoing collaboration with our agricultural partners" to "institute dairy farm testing across the state." Goldstein added, "We were the first state to do so, and we remain the only state to do it at scale. We are testing all farms in Massachusetts monthly for H5N1, and to date, no dairy farm has tested positive. We need continued collaboration with agriculture, public health, and academia to make sure that our surveillance network is as broad as possible." Related: The Bird Flu Could Be Way Worse Than We Know, According to Experts Jacob Lemieux, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an infectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, additionally shared in the Q&A that on a scale of one to 10, he'd rate his concerns about the bird flu turning into a pandemic at "a six or a seven." Lemieux added, "In infectious diseases, we have a saying that resistance is a function of time and titer, meaning that the ability for a pathogen to evolve depends on time under pressure and size of the reservoir. The virus has been with us for several years in multiple species, and the reservoir is large. I think we are living next to a volcano, and it may erupt or it may not. But we need to prepare for the possibility of a pandemic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, as Evans and the other experts noted, testing and transparency are critical to that preparedness, which the U.S. isn't receiving anymore. "We're entering a dangerous era where access to basic health data is no longer guaranteed," Evans said. "Its a reminder that health outcomes are shaped as much by political and social decisions as by pathogens themselves." Read the original article on Food & Wine MILAN, Italy, May 5. Protectionism threatens to weaken fabric of global prosperity, Fabio Panetta, governor of ADB from Italy said, addressing the opening session of the ADB Board of Governors held today in Milan, Italy, Trend correspondent reports. In Asia and the Pacific, remarkable progress in poverty reduction has been achieved through greater participation in international trade and a gradual move up the value-added ladder within global value chains. Reflecting this dynamism, the region contributed approximately 60% to global growth in 2024. Europe, for its part, has made great strides over the years in regional integration, the development of the welfare state, the establishment of common regulatory standards and the construction of cross-border infrastructure, including in the field of payments, which is essential for trade, growth, and financial inclusion, he said. Panetta noted that these achievements are the result of decades of unprecedented progress in international cooperation and economic integration that fostered prosperity, stability, and development across the globe. In a time of rising geopolitical tensions and conflicts, we must guard against dangerous steps backwards that could jeopardize the hard-won gains of recent decades. Peace remains the indispensable foundation for progress. Modern economies are deeply interconnected, and openness to trade has benefited both advanced and developing nations, reducing inequality and lifting hundreds of millions of people out of extreme poverty, said the governor. He noted that protectionism now threatens to undo these achievements and to weaken the very fabric of global prosperity. Geopolitical tensions are, unsurprisingly, also a central concern for the governing council of the European Central Bank, on which I have the honour to serve as a voting member. Trade barriers and heightened uncertainty are key variables we must closely assess when formulating monetary policy in the Euro area, as they affect both economic growth and the transmission of policy decisions. In this context, preserving economic integration and reinforcing international cooperation are not optional, but essential, said Panetta. He pointed out that multilateral institutions play a pivotal role in safeguarding openness, stability and the shared rules that underpin global prosperity. The Asian Development Bank stands as a pillar of the multilateral system, with its deep reservoir of development expertise, robust carrier-based and broad-based membership. It brings together regional and non-regional partners, united by shared development goals and a commitment to inclusive growth. Italy is fully committed to this mission, noted the ADB governor from Italy. The Israeli security Cabinet has approved a plan to take over the Gaza Strip and for the army to control the territory for an unspecified amount of time, government sources said on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the armed forces would move from carrying out raids to conquering the Gaza Strip and a becoming a permanent presence there. The plan involves moving the population from the north to the south, according to the government statement. Israel's aim is to defeat the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and secure the release of the hostages Hamas is still holding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas should also be prevented from intercepting humanitarian aid supplies, according to the statement. Netanyahu said he continues to support US President Donald Trump's plan for a "voluntary emigration of Gaza residents," and that discussions are under way with several countries. Trump's plan, that the United States would "take over" and "own" the Gaza Strip, was met with strong international criticism. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said last month that Israeli soldiers should retain permanent control in all areas conquered in the Gaza Strip. The army would remain in the "security zones" and act as a buffer between the enemy and the Israeli communities "in any temporary or permanent reality," Katz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in the past, the army would no longer evacuate areas, Katz said. If Hamas does not release the hostages, the operations would be expanded, he added. Katz previously said the armed forces would conquer large areas in the Gaza Strip to serve as Israeli-controlled "security zones." The Israeli security Cabinet has approved a plan to take over the Gaza Strip and for the army to control the territory for an unspecified amount of time, government sources said on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the armed forces would move from carrying out raids to conquering the Gaza Strip and a becoming a permanent presence there. The plan involves moving the population from the north to the south, according to the government statement. Israel's aim is to defeat the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and secure the release of the hostages Hamas is still holding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas should also be prevented from intercepting humanitarian aid supplies, according to the statement. Netanyahu said he continues to support US President Donald Trump's plan for a "voluntary emigration of Gaza residents," and that discussions are under way with several countries. Trump's plan, that the United States would "take over" and "own" the Gaza Strip, was met with strong international criticism. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said last month that Israeli soldiers should retain permanent control in all areas conquered in the Gaza Strip. The army would remain in the "security zones" and act as a buffer between the enemy and the Israeli communities "in any temporary or permanent reality," Katz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in the past, the army would no longer evacuate areas, Katz said. If Hamas does not release the hostages, the operations would be expanded, he added. Katz previously said the armed forces would conquer large areas in the Gaza Strip to serve as Israeli-controlled "security zones." Hamas triggered the Gaza war by launching the unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250. More than 52,400 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities, including some 2,300 since fighting resumed on March 18. Hamas does not distinguish between its fighters and civilians in the death toll. Row in security Cabinet Meanwhile a dispute arose at the nightly meeting of the Israeli security Cabinet over the resumption of blocked aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, several media reports said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has been preventing aid deliveries from reaching Gaza for more than two months, with catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza. The security Cabinet eventually agreed in the end to distribute aid using private security companies, an approach the United Nations has condemned as violating core humanitarian principles. The Times of Israel reported that there had been a "heated discussion" between far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir. Ben-Gvir had said that it was "not necessary" to resume aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. The people there have enough, he claimed. "The Hamas food depots should be bombed," Ben-Gvir said. "I don't understand why someone who is fighting against us should automatically receive help." Another minister agreed with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Zamir said such ideas were jeopardizing Israel. Ben-Gvir does not understand what he is talking about, he said. "There is international law to which we are bound," said Zamir. "We cannot starve the Gaza Strip to death." At the Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Ben-Gvir had the right to express his opinion. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara meanwhile underlined that Israel is legally obliged to allow aid supplies into the Gaza Strip. Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs stated for the record that no minister intends to violate international law. Row over aid deliveries Israel faces growing international condemnation as people face starvation. But the government accuses Hamas of intercepting aid supplies and selling them to the civilian population for profit in order to finance its fighters and weapons. Israel also seeks to put more pressure on Hamas to release the last hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN criticized the Israeli plan to deliver aid into Gaza under military-controlled conditions, saying the proposal appeared "designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic as part of a military strategy." Houthis threaten to hit airport again Meanwhile after an attack near Tel Aviv airport, the Houthi militia in Yemen threatened to further disrupt air traffic to Israel. Yemen's Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels said they fired the a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv on Sunday. Houthi military spokesman Yehya Saree spoke of a "comprehensive air blockade" on Israel late on Sunday evening, saying Ben Gurion International Airport would be the main target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He repeated the call for international airlines to "cancel all flights" to Israeli airports in order to protect their aircraft and personnel. The Lufthansa Group, among others, cancelled its flights to and from Israel, initially until Tuesday. Eight people suffered injuries after the airport attack, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service. Iran denied responsibility for the attack. The Israeli security Cabinet has approved a plan to take over the Gaza Strip and for the army to control the territory for an unspecified amount of time, government sources said on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the armed forces would move from carrying out raids to conquering the Gaza Strip and becoming a permanent presence there. The plan involves moving the population from the north to the south, according to the sources. Israel's aim is to defeat the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and secure the release of the hostages Hamas is still holding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas should also be prevented from intercepting humanitarian aid supplies, according to the sources. Netanyahu said he continues to support US President Donald Trump's plan for a "voluntary emigration of Gaza residents," and that discussions are under way with several countries. Trump's plan, that the United States would "take over" and "own" the Gaza Strip, was met with strong international criticism. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said last month that Israeli soldiers should retain permanent control in all areas conquered in the Gaza Strip. The army would remain in the "security zones" and act as a buffer between the enemy and the Israeli communities "in any temporary or permanent reality," Katz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in the past, the army would no longer evacuate areas, Katz said. If Hamas does not release the hostages, the operations would be expanded, he added. Katz previously said the armed forces would conquer large areas in the Gaza Strip to serve as Israeli-controlled "security zones." Hamas triggered the Gaza war by launching the unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250. More than 52,400 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities, including some 2,300 since fighting resumed on March 18. Hamas does not distinguish between its fighters and civilians in the death toll. EU 'concerned' about Israel's plans to take over Gaza "The European Union is concerned about the extension of these operations in Gaza, which will lead to further casualties and additional suffering for the Palestinian population," an EU spokesman told journalists in response to the Israeli plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The EU urges for Israel to hold back," he added, reiterating the bloc's position "that negotiation is the only method, the only way forward for the return of hostages and the ceasing of all hostilities." The EU also urged Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and to allow "immediate access to and the distribution of humanitarian aid, as well as the restoration of electricity to Gaza and the restoration of critical services." "The Palestinian population has suffered enough in recent years and that it's time to put an end to the violence and suffering." Those concerns were echoed in Berlin. "Gaza belongs to the Palestinians," a government spokesman said, calling the reports of the Israeli decision "worrying." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrial nations - including Germany, France and the United States - outlined their rejection of the "occupation, colonization and reduction of the territory of Gaza" in 2023, he said. Row over aid in security Cabinet Meanwhile a dispute arose within the Israeli security Cabinet over resuming blocked aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, according to reports. Israel has been preventing aid deliveries from reaching Gaza for more than two months, with catastrophic consequences for Gazans. The security Cabinet eventually agreed to distribute aid using private security companies, an approach the UN condemned as violating core humanitarian principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times of Israel reported that there had been a "heated discussion" between far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir. Ben-Gvir had said that it was "not necessary" to resume aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip. The people there have enough, he claimed. "The Hamas food depots should be bombed," Ben-Gvir said. Another minister agreed with him. Zamir said such ideas were jeopardizing Israel. "There is international law to which we are bound," he said. "We cannot starve the Gaza Strip to death." Israel faces growing international condemnation as people face starvation. But the government accuses Hamas of intercepting aid supplies and selling them to the civilian population for profit in order to finance its fighters and weapons. Israel also seeks to put more pressure on Hamas to release the last hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN criticized the Israeli plan to deliver aid into Gaza under military-controlled conditions, saying the proposal appeared "designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic as part of a military strategy." Houthis threaten to hit airport again Meanwhile after an attack near Tel Aviv airport, the Houthi militia in Yemen threatened to further disrupt air traffic to Israel. Yemen's Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels said they fired the a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv on Sunday. Israel confirmed a strike near the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houthi military spokesman Yehya Saree repeated the call for international airlines to "cancel all flights" to Israeli airports in order to protect their aircraft and personnel. The Lufthansa Group, among others, cancelled its flights to and from Israel, initially until Tuesday. Major investments in solar power could be coming to Tunisia after the local government granted building licenses to multiple international solar companies. The North African country awarded more than $386 million worth of licenses to solar firms from France, Norway, and Japan. The projects will be the first of their kind in Tunisia, according to a report from Reuters. It's unclear how quickly these new solar farms and power plants will be built, but they have the potential for a total capacity of 1,700 megawatts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tunisia is making these moves to reduce its heavy reliance on natural gas power and hopefully save $200 million each year. It also aims to generate 35% of the country's electricity from renewable energy by 2030. The geography and conditions of Tunisia give it great potential for harnessing solar and wind energy, according to the Global Forum on Sustainable Energy. "Up to 2000, Tunisia was mostly self-sufficient when it came to energy. It was only after the fossil reserves of fossil fuels started to run dry that the country had to up its import," the GFSE said. "The amounts and the money spent on imports have been rising, posing a significant motivating factor in Tunisia's path of regaining energy independence," the GFSE added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's encouraging to see governments begin to prioritize efficient, alternative energy sources in new laws and policies. Investments in environmentally friendly infrastructure benefit both the climate and people by reducing energy costs and decreasing pollution. Programs in Africa use solar power to aid rural communities with unstable power supplies. Startups are helping tackle Africa's energy crisis by supplying clean energy solutions such as solar-powered water pumps, sustainable cooking products, and residential solar systems. In Kenya, public transportation is undergoing an overhaul with the introduction of new electric buses to appeal to more riders. The country also plans to reduce its overall emissions by 32% by 2030. 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. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) One of the men being replaced says he likes the governors two new choices for the South Dakota Board of Education Standards because they have public school experience. One of Gov. Larry Rhodens appointees is Tonia Warzecha. She currently is superintendent for Dakota Valley school district in North Sioux City, South Dakota, and will soon be joining the Tea school district as its new superintendent. Incredibly distasteful says TenHaken to Trumps AI Pope photo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second new member is Greg Von Wald. He currently lives in Rapid City after serving seven years as president of Mitchell Technical Institute. Before that, he was CEO for Golden West Technologies in Rapid City. They succeed Terry Nebelsick, a retired superintendent for the Huron school district, and Justin Zajic, who is superintendent for the Chamberlain school district. Former Gov. Kristi Noem announced in March 2021 that she had appointed Nebelsick to the board, which oversees South Dakotas public K-12 schools. Nebelsick was elected as the boards president for 2023. But, in a secret ballot, he lost the presidency a year later to Steve Meyers of Sioux Falls, another Noem appointee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men had taken opposite sides during a bitter fight over new social studies standards that Noem supported but the major education groups opposed. Meyers voted yes, while Nebelsick said no. In 2024, Nebelsick was a candidate for a District 22 seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives, but he lost in the Republican primary. State law says board members can serve three consecutive four-year terms, but Nebelsick wasnt reappointed after his first term expired on Dec. 31. Contacted for comment about the new appointees, Nebelsick stated, Im very glad to see that Governor Rhoden chose two professional education leaders to join the Board of Education Standards. I wish them the very best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem announced Zajics appointment last year, but he never attended a board meeting. He hasnt responded to a request for comment. With the appointments of Warzecha and Von Wald, the board is now back to a full seven members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Renata Birkenbuel Special to ICT More Native students than ever before will graduate this year with regalia on their traditional caps and gowns as a growing number of states pass laws that allow beadwork, feathers, painting and other cultural adornments. After years of facing possible removal from graduation ceremonies or confiscation of their caps or gowns, students in at least 20 states have now received official approval from their lawmakers to celebrate their heritage while they collect their diploma. SUPPORT INDIGENOUS JOURNALISM. CONTRIBUTE TODAY. Graduation is a hard-won, major life accomplishment, said Matthew L. Campbell, deputy director of the Native American Rights Fund. No Native student should have to choose between their right to wear tribal regalia and attending their high school graduation ceremony. New Mexico is the latest state to enact graduation protections for Native students. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law Senate Bill 163 on March 19, granting leeway for students to express their cultural and spiritual heritage at school ceremonies. Both chambers of the New Mexico Legislature gave unanimous support to the new legislation, which specifically prohibits school boards and charter schools from preventing Native students from wearing culturally significant clothing, accessories and objects during graduation events. Related: Degrees of Excellence: A Celebration of Native Students The new law went into effect immediately, just in time for this years graduation ceremonies. This legislation represents our commitment to honoring and respecting the rich cultural heritage of New Mexicos Native communities, Grisham said at the signing. Every student deserves to celebrate their academic achievements in a way that honors their identity and traditions. Nineteen other states now have similar laws, according to the Native American Rights Fund, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington. Regalia bills are also pending in Wisconsin. Whether an eagle feather or plume, beadwork, sealskin cap, moccasins, or other forms of traditional dress, tribal regalia plays a unique role, spiritually and culturally, for graduating Indigenous students, according to a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union. Disruptions The legislative victories have come after long-fought battles to allow regalia at graduations. Bestowing an eagle feather or plume on graduate graduation caps, for example, can represent honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage, wisdom, power, and freedom among many of the 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Some school officials, however, have maintained the adornments cause disruptions for graduation ceremonies, or violate dress codes. In this file photo, Brailyn Jake wears an eagle feather at her graduation from Cedar City High School in Cedar City, Utah, on May 25, 2022. Utah is among 11 states with laws that specifically protect the right of Indigenous students to wear regalia at graduation ceremonies. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) In 2024, several incidents upended graduation for Indigenous students. In Tacoma, Washington, a public school student was told she couldnt collect her diploma wearing a sacred button blanket that she had been given by her tribe. The student filed suit in late 2024. And in Farmington, New Mexico, a school official confiscated a students graduation cap that had been beaded around the rim and included an eagle feather. The incident sparked outrage from the Navajo Nation. A Native student in Oklahoma also sued after officials tried to take an eagle plume from her cap during the ceremony. And in Liberty Hill, Texas, near Austin, a Navajo student was told she could not graduate with purple beading and a feather on her graduation cap. Two school principals last year in southern Utah tried to bar two Native students from wearing forms of tribal regalia at their graduation ceremonies, and in Montana, a school administrator prevented a student from wearing a graduation cap that had been painted with a Native design by his grandmother. The turmoil can cause unnecessary stresses for Native students who should be celebrating their big day. Sarah Adams-Cornell, a Choctaw Nation parent and a board member of the ACLU Oklahoma, said in a national 2023 ACLU video on tribal regalia that the first time she tried on her own Choctaw dress was pivotal to her identity. I feel the gravity as an Indigenous person to have all those things stripped from us, to have assimilation policies and boarding schools, Adams-Cornell says in the video. And there is this incredible time that we get to live in right now to reclaim and restore Indigeneity. I feel that if people understood the meaning behind these items, they can understand why its important that our kids have the opportunity to wear them at graduation. Her daughter, college graduate Isabella Blu Aiukli Cornell, connects regalia to storytelling. Representing yourself and your culture is an honor and everybody should be able to do it, Cornell said in the video. Our regalia has stories in it. It tells us who we are as people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resources abound Resources are available for students to learn about their rights in their state or local community. The Native American Rights Fund posts a guide for wearing eagle feathers at graduation, and school personnel may also access a Native American Rights Fund guide on how to handle the wearing of regalia. NARF often advises students and their families on regalia questions, especially as commencements approach. Every year, concerned families inquire about possible bans on wearing eagle feathers or traditional outfits at graduation ceremonies. The American Civil Liberties Union also provides guidance on the issue of regalia, with a Know Your Rights: Tribal Regalia guide on its website. Angelique Albert, Native Forward Scholars Fund chief executive and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, said wearing regalia is one way to increase visibility of Natives in higher education. Since its founding 50 years ago, Native Forward Scholars Fund has awarded $400 million in scholarships and provided follow-up services for more than 22,000 students from more than 500 tribes in all 50 states. Recipients include those studying in undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees programs. Education remains key Education remains key to broadening the understanding of public displays of Native pride and recognition, said Cheryl Crazy Bull, Sicangu Lakota and president of the American Indian College Fund. Laws such as those passed by the New Mexico legislature affirm Native students' right to celebrate their cultural identities during events graduations, convocations, ceremonies that are also a time when Native people reclaim education, said Crazy Bull, otherwise known as Wacinyanpi Win, translated as They Depend on Her. Our historical experience with boarding schools and removal from our communities means we are still striving for that reclamation, Crazy Bull said. For Native people, education is an opportunity and a celebration. As the coalition of pro-regalia states has increased, so has school recognition. In May 2024, a feather-tying ceremony at a joint commencement of Bismarck Public Schools and Mandan Public Schools celebrated Indigenous graduates achievements and their protected rights to wear eagle feathers and tribal regalia. The College Fund joins with Native Scholars Fund, AISES, and Cobell Scholarships to also celebrate students' education achievements through our online graduation walk, added Crazy Bull, who encourages recipients to share their experiences. All graduates can join the celebration by posting their photos and videos to their social media channels with the hashtags #NativePathways and #EducationIsTheAnswer. Josett Monette, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and secretary of New Mexico Indian Affairs, wants the New Mexico law to ease student fears. She is also the mother of three public school graduates. I'm hopeful that this just makes one of those steps a little bit easier for students. Monette said. To be able to say, I know I get to wear my moccasins if I want to. I know I can wear my traditional dress if I want to, or I can wear my traditional slacks or a ribbon or whatever it may be if I want to. Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte port of entry in El Paso seized more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine from a grandmother traveling with family on Sunday, May 4, CBP said in a news release. The drugs were hidden in a vehicle being driven by a 55-year-old female U.S. citizen. The woman was traveling with her teen grandchild at the time of the encounter, CBP said. Photos courtesy of CBP Photos courtesy of CBP This is not the first time CBP has encountered grandparents smuggling drugs while traveling with family members, CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio said. Smugglers will employ any and all forms of deception in an effort to blend in with legitimate traffic in an attempt to decrease suspicion that they are involved in illicit activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seizure was made just before noon Sunday when a 2006 Honda Accord with two passengers arrived from Mexico. A CBP officer working at the primary inspection booth selected the vehicle for a secondary exam after spotting a bundle in the rear quarter panel. A CBP drug-sniffing dog searched the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics, CBP said. An X-ray scan confirmed anomalies in the appearance of the vehicle, CBP said. CBP officers continued the exam and located 57 drug-filled bundles inside the car. CBP officers arrested the driver. She was turned over to the Texas Department of Public Safety to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt, CBP said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A pair of siblings were found dead following a welfare check The incident happened in the Australian state of New South Wales A 66-year-old woman has been arrested Police in southeastern Australia are investigating the deaths of two young boys who were found deceased following a welfare check. The boys, ages 6 and 7, were found dead in the town of Coonabarabran in the state of New South Wales on Monday, May 4, The Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Broadcasting Company and news.com.au reported, citing NSW police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 66-year-old woman was arrested from the scene and taken to the hospital, authorities said, per the outlets. Police say the woman allegedly called the Department of Communities and Justice and told them the children were dead, The Sydney Morning Herald reported, citing anonymous police sources. Responding officers found the boys deceased inside the home. Police have said there is no threat to the greater community, per the Australian Broadcasting Company and news.com.au. 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. The woman, who was not named in the reports, has been identified by The Sydney Morning Herald and news.com.au as the childrens grandmother. The identities of the boys were not revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has not been charged. What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabrans grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them, NSW Premier Chris Minns said, per news.com.au. Read the original article on People The freedom many associate with travelling in a motorhome will soon be significantly restricted in Greece, as authorities plan to crack down on roadside and beach camping in a new harsh law, according to the daily newspaper Kathimerini. Under the new rules, parking a motorhome or camper van for more than 24 hours will be prohibited unless it is on a campsite or a parking area designated for motorhomes by the local municipality. The law (numbered 5170/2025) stipulates that setting up tents or parking caravans near archaeological sites, coastal areas, beaches, forest edges, in forests, or in public spaces for longer than 24 hours is forbidden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, parking for more than 24 hours is now also banned in regular public parking zones meant for cars. The fines for violations are steep: 300 per person. If a camper disputes the fine or flees the scene and the case goes to court, penalties can rise to 3,000 and even up to three months in prison. The new regulations also affect private property owners, who are now allowed to host only one motorhome on their land. The aim of the regulation is, among other things, to ensure that legally operated campsites are not being disadvantaged by camper van owners who park anywhere they like, the Tourism Ministry told Greek media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law is also intended to promote public order and the safety of citizens and visitors to the country, while also preventing the misuse of public spaces to the detriment of the environment and cultural heritage. The Greek Motorhome Club, which has 530 members, has already announced its opposition to the law and is even considering protesting with a motorhome convoy, Kathimerini reports. "We were surprised," said board member Georgia Karlou to the newspaper, who believes this law is already "wiping out motorhome tourism." "No one invited us to participate in consultations on this regulation." She added that no one had been informed about the law being passed, which already took place in January. The new rules only gained attention at the end of April when it became known that three members of the Greek Motorhome Club had each been fined 300 by police for parking their motorhomes for too long. "The law represents a disproportionate limit on personal freedom," Karlou criticised. This week, the City of Green Cove Springs is having the first of two meetings to decide whether or not to raise your electric bill this year. Action News Jax first told you in March about the citys meeting with the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA), which supplies the citys utility company with its power, to first go over the plan to possibly raise power prices. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] If it happens, the city would raise rates for Green Cove Springs Electric customers by 14% at the start of June and then another 6% at the start of October, a total 20% increase by the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People like Sherry Adair, who pays for electricity through the city and has been living in Green Cove Springs for the last six years, are worried about the shock it would bring to their wallets. Its going to hurt, especially because its in the summertime, said Adair, who tells Action News Jax that electricity costs her $200 per month on average, its already going to be $300 by then. So this increase would put it up probably to $400. Read: Surveillance video shows confrontation that led police to shoot, kill man during a domestic call Adair tells Action News Jax shes especially concerned about how an electric rate increase would affect people on a fixed income, like Beth Wrigley, whos retired and worried about whether or not raising the power bill would force her to go back to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If prices continue to go up, yeah, a lot of people are coming out of retirement to go back to work, which is really sad. Shouldnt be that way, Wrigley said. The FMPA, in its most recent proposal of the plan, said the higher costs are needed to fill a gap of about $3 million in revenue it says is needed by the end of 2026. Before this plan to raise rates, the city had approved a plan to raise rates twice last year. The city tells Action News Jax, before then, it had been years since a rate increase was approved. The city is having a public meeting Tuesday night starting at 6:00 PM inside City Hall to go over the plan. The next meeting will be held on May 20th, when a final decision is expected to be made. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. MILAN, Italy, May 5. We are at a critical juncture in history and there is no textbook for this situation, said President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda, addressing the opening session of the ADB Board of Governors in Milan, Italy, today, Trend correspondent reports. We must recognize that we don't have all the answers. But we are not starting from zero. Growth remains solid, driven by strong domestic demand. Trade and economic integration are deepening, not only within the region but with key partners here in Europe and around the world. Supply chains are diversifying. Digital connectivity is accelerating. And innovation is thriving, he said. Kanda noted that Asia and the Pacific is rich with potential. With the right actions, we can ensure that this potential translates into lasting progress. Uncertainty is not a reason for retreat. It is a call for action. It challenges us to be bolder, to move faster, and to work more closely than ever before. We must seize the opportunity to transform lives and build a brighter future for the next generation. To chart a path forward, we must solve these challenges with clarity and determination, noted the ADB president. He said ADB sees four areas as being key to driving transformational change. First, the vulnerability of our food systems demands urgent action. The pandemic, droughts, floods, and global disruptions threaten food security and have pushed millions of people toward poverty and hunger. Second, the digital divide is leaving millions behind. While technology can improve access to education, finance, markets, and public services, too many people remain disconnected from the digital economy. Third, the need for sustainable energy systems is more urgent than ever. Growing economies require stable, clean, and affordable energy to power their development. Fourth, the impacts of rising sea levels, water scarcity, extreme heat, and severe weather conditions are reversing hard-won development gains. Building resilience to the changing climate requires developing new approaches, solutions and financial products, to protect women, the poor, and the most vulnerable, he said. Malik Khadims lips tremble, his voice chokes and his head dips as he raises a hand to his grief-stricken face. Its a vain effort to stem the tears gushing down his gaunt and weatherbeaten cheeks. Khadim is a farmer who lives on the Pakistani side of the de-facto border in the disputed Kashmir region known as the Line of Control, or LoC, between India and Pakistan. As so many civilians on both sides of this conflict have done, he is currently grieving the loss of a loved one. In this case, his brother. Two weeks ago, gunmen stormed a mountain resort in the Indian controlled part of Kashmir killing 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. The killings sparked widespread public revulsion across India and this already heavily militarized remote border region has been on edge ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day after the April 22 massacre, Indian officials announced that two Pakistanis planning a terror attack had been shot dead near Khadims village on the Indian side of the LoC. That day, when Malik Farouk, Khadims brother, didnt show up after taking out cattle the family reported him as missing, later identifying him from images of the two men released by Indian authorities, a Pakistani security source told CNN. Both Khadim and Farouks son deny that allegation, saying that he was, like them, an impoverished farmer, chasing cattle who strayed toward the unmarked and unfenced LoC in the nearby forest. Malik Farouk's sons stand outside their home in Sharjiwal village, in Pakistani-administered Kashmir. - Javed Iqbal/CNN In response to the tourist massacre, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to chase the terrorists to the ends of the earth. India was quick to blame Pakistan, Pakistan denied involvement, and tensions have mounted since. Both sides have expelled each others diplomats and civilians, as well as closed airspace to each others airlines. India has also withdrawn from the 1960 Indus Water Treaty that has tempered the tempestuous relations here for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials on the Pakistani side of the border have said they expect India to attack and vow, as a matter of military doctrine, to respond. The current language in Islamabad is tougher than this reporter remembers when here covering the Kargil War of 1999. That high-altitude, monthslong border battle, just one of several wars and skirmishes over Kashmir, killed more than a thousand troops, according to the most conservative calculations, the year after Pakistan joined India in becoming a nuclear armed nation. In the words of a senior Pakistani security official, now is the moment to change the dynamic in relations with India, as political relations with New Delhi have at times improved but military attitudes have toughened in recent decades. A soldier stands guard at the Hajir Pir pass close to the Line of Control on May 4, 2025. - Javed Iqbal/CNN Alongside skirmishes with India, Pakistans military also has fought and still fights an intense Islamist militant insurgency along the countrys western border. And the candid conversations that CNN has had with both senior and lower-level security officials suggested that Pakistans army is both mentally and militarily more hardened than before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military-facilitated trip that CNN took over the remote and rugged Himalayan mountains to Khadims village of Sarjiwar was both beautiful and terrifying. Boulder-strewn tracks at altitudes of more than 10,000 feet threaded through snowfields, around fresh rock falls and through forests of the towering native Deodar cedar tree. At times, their giant trunks appeared to offer the only potential salvation from one wrong move and a plunge over terrifyingly precipitous drops into raging rivers below. Just a few hours of this bone-jarring journey are enough to understand why neither Pakistan nor India have ever claimed a decisive victory here. It is just too rugged for an easy win. Yet both nations want this region, to control all the water that torrents down from its snowcapped peaks. And, despite the challenging terrain, several million people split across the LoC call this disputed land home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life is hard here: Elderly women and children haul huge bundles of sticks off the vertiginous slopes; rudimentary farms elbow for room among the mighty Deodar; and meager villages cling to the hillsides where skinny water buffalo, a prized procession here, scavenge for grass. By comparison, the village of Sarjiwar, which lies lower down the mountain and is populated with roughhewn wood and rock houses, has a sense of permanence. But living at the LoC has put its residents at the sharp end of the rising tensions. Khadim told CNN that Indian troops on front-line posts a few hundred meters from the villagers houses shoot at them at night. Another villager told us that his extended family has taken to living in one house, adding that: (the) elderly, children and women are incredibly scared we want to take our livestock to pasture but the Indians shoot its our only livelihood and we have nowhere else to go. No shots were fired over the two hours that this CNN team was in Sarjiwar, but both India and Pakistan have reported near daily exchanges of fire across the LoC since last months attack on tourists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khadim, who is 55 and was born in Sarjiwar, said the whole village is increasingly on edge, adding that residents want to take their few cattle to summer pastures as they normally would at this time of year but cant because they fear being shot by Indian troops. His biggest fear, however, is that his brothers death is only a harbinger of a worse fate to come, and that hell lose not just beloved family members but his lifelong home and livelihood. Indias done a great cruelty to us, he told CNN. If they want me to leave, put a bullet in my head, thats the only way Ill go. India has long accused Pakistan of harbouring militant groups who have conducted attacks inside its territory and not doing enough to crack down on them. And there is significant public pressure on Prime Minister Modi to respond to the latest massacre with force. After a major insurgent attack on paramilitary personnel inside Indian-administered Kashmir in 2019, Modi did just that with India conducting airstrikes inside Pakistan for the first time in decades and both sides fighting a brief dogfight in the skies above Kashmir. After frantic international diplomacy, a full-scale war was ultimately averted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civilians here fear that todays war of words between Islamabad and New Delhi will soon erupt into real conflict. On both sides of Kashmirs line of control, people feel powerless as their politicians rehash old arguments, potentially reigniting decades of smoldering resentment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A pregnant Guatemalan woman wandered the Arizona desert alone for two days before she was detained by immigration authorities. She was immediately taken to the hospital, where she gave birth, and federal authorities waited outside her room to detain her. The woman, identified by her attorney as Erika, gave birth to a six-pound girl on April 30. She named her Emily. She gave birth under supervision, according to a spokesperson with the Department of Homeland Security, and she was swiftly transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, separated from her newborn, drawing outrage from immigrants advocacy groups and state and local officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that public outcry appeared to lead to a quick reversal, ending her seemingly immediate deportation. After two days in custody, Erika and her baby are now in Tennessee, awaiting a first appearance in front of an immigration judge. She is expected to make her case for asylum after feeling violence and instability in her home country, her attorney Luis Campos told The Independent. Border agents apprehended Erika in stretch of desert in Arizona near the U.S. Mexico border where she had wandered alone for two days (REUTERS) Federal authorities as well as the Tucson Medical Center and local officials were flooded with calls, and a protest march outside the hospital demanded her release from ICE custody, Campos said. In the end, it was a grassroots effort that turned the tide, he told The Independent. I think Tucson served as a good model for what the people can do on the ground level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erikas case follows Donald Trumps aggressive anti-immigration agenda and the end of long-standing ICE policy that prohibited enforcement actions in places such as schools and hospitals, opening the possibility for immigrant mothers to be separated from their mixed-status families or swiftly deported with their natural-born citizen children. Campos was denied entry at the hospital after learning about his client going into labor, he told The Independent. He scrambled to reach her, but messages to federal law enforcement were just completely ignored, he said. Erika was denied a Fifth Amendment right to counsel and could not sign paperwork notifying immigration authorities that he was representing her, he said. Was she going to be separated from her child? We had posed a lot of important questions that went unheeded, Campos said. Erika was initially placed under expedited removal a process to swiftly remove her, and her U.S.-born child from the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was then given a notice to appear, allowing her to leave ICE custody before she appears in front of an immigration judge, where she is expected to make her case for asylum. So there was a complete reversal, Campos said. I think that the community had a significant, if not probably more than significant, part in securing that reversal. Arizonas Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs reportedly intervened to support Erikas release. While Gov. Hobbs supports securing the border, she has been clear in her opposition to inhumane immigration enforcement practices, according to her spokesperson Liliana Soto. The governor will continue fighting to protect the constitutional rights of every Arizonan and keep our communities safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is exactly the kind of circumstance that humanitarian exceptions to the law are meant for, Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said in a statement. In a statement on May 3, Customs and Border Patrol said agents apprehended a pregnant Guatemalan woman who illegally crossed into the United States from Mexico between ports of entry near Tres Bellotas Ranch, federal land just north of the southern border along the Sonoran Desert and roughly 70 miles from Tucson. Under U.S. law, there is no statutory right to an attorney in immigration proceedings until a Notice to Appear has been issued, the statement said. At all times, agents followed the law and adhered to CBP procedures. No entitlements were denied." A spokesperson for Tucson Medical Center told The Independent that law enforcement is not allowed on the hospitals property absent an invitation, in conjunction with care for a person in police custody or taking action pursuant to an appropriately documented warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will comply with lawful orders or warrants, but our property (since it is private) will not be used for random sweeps or other general investigative purposes, the statement said. Tucson Medical Center does not collect or require documented status to receive care at our hospital or clinics, the spokesperson added. It is not our role or responsibility to collect or share information about immigration status. Erika was detained near federal land north of the southern border along the Sonoran Desert, roughly 70 miles from Tucson. She has been released from ICE custody after public outcry. (AFP via Getty Images) After she was discharged on May 3, Erika was moved to Phoenix, more than 100 miles away. There, she received support from the International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian aid group, which helped her into a nearby hotel before a friend helped move her to Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erika was extraordinarily composed but clearly exhausted, Campos said. Her ordeal follows several high-profile cases involving the rapid removal of young U.S. citizen children with their mothers while the Trump administration is pushing the Supreme Court for permission to unilaterally redefine the 14th Amendments provision for birthright citizenship to which Erikas newborn is entitled. Earlier this month, despite attempts from lawyers and family members to intervene, immigration authorities deported a two-year-old U.S. citizen alongside their pregnant mother without any meaningful process, according to a federal judge. At least two other children, ages four and seven, were also recently removed from the country with their mother. One of those children is diagnosed with cancer and is now separated from treatment in the United States. In his executive order signed on his first day in office, Trump is seeking to deny citizenship to children born in the United States if their parents are unlawfully present or have lawful but temporary status in the country. Several federal judges have paused the order nationwide, and the administration is calling on the Supreme Court to limit the scope of those rulings to apply only to the states that sued and won. The justices are scheduled to hear oral arguments May 15. HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) A Hagerstown man is facing a minimum of 25 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting two young children. The United States Attorneys Office for the District of Maryland announced Friday that Harrison James Miller pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and the commission of a felony crime involving a minor by a registered sex offender. Man sentenced to 35 years for fatal DC row house fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents and the guilty plea detailed that Miller was ordered to register as a sex offender after a conviction in Pennsylvania that involved an 8-year-old. However, after he was released from prison in August 2022, the 32-year-old moved to Hagerstown but did not register as a sex offender. During this time, he sexually abused two children, aged four and five, over several months. Miller was taken into custody after one of the children told an adult about the abuse. Throughout the investigation, detectives learned that Miller took pictures of the children and stored them in a folder on his cell phone. While searching his phone, investigators discovered the hidden images and other evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the DOJ, Miller is facing a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years and a maximum of 80 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. His sentencing is scheduled for July 25 at 2 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. About a year before his bar mitzvah in 1977, Jeffrey Seller was in Hebrew class at Temple Israel synagogue when the teacher, in the midst of talking about the history of the Warsaw Ghetto, asked whether anyone knew a place in America that had similarly poor conditions. Nobody spoke up, so the teacher gave the example of a nearby Oak Park neighborhood behind an A&P grocery story on 9 Mile, where the houses were small, not made of bricks and had no basements and garages. Theres a colloquial name for it, he said. They call it Cardboard Village. "Hamilton" producer Jeffrey Seller at a Fisher Theatre event during the show's first trip to Detroit in March 2019. As Seller describes in his new memoir, Theater Kids, he was afraid that someone would find out he lived there. I stayed still and silent, holding my breath, trying to resist the formation of tears behind my eyes, hoping that this discussion would pass, hoping I would not be discovered, he writes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, speaking by phone, Seller says that this was one of the most difficult vignettes to put down on paper for the book, which officially debuts May 6. That story is so painful to me, I wish I made it up, he says. At the same time, Seller has empathy for the teacher, who would be sad to know about Sellers reaction. "This is how poor we were and how it was. The idea that any of the students at Temple Israel could possibly have lived in that neighborhood was so far beyond his comprehension. Seller is scheduled to kick off his book tour May 6 at the Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield as part of the Detroit Jewish Film Festival. He will be in conversation that evening with another Detroit native, Tony nominee Douglas Sills of HBO's "The Gilded Age." Seller says it is fitting for him to return to the suburbs of Detroit for the event because that is "the place in which the whole book starts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theater Kid (subtitled "A Broadway Memoir"), is the coming-of-age and career success story of Sellers, who grew up to become an icon of contemporary musical theater as a producer of the Tony Award-winning shows Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights and Hamilton. The productions that Sellers has overseen have accumulated 22 Tony wins, earned a gross of $4.6 billion from the Broadway productions and subsequent tours and drawn more 43 million audience members. "Theater Kid," a memoir by "Rent" and "Hamilton" producer Jeffrey Seller, makes its official debut on May 6, 2025. Seller is recognized as the only producer with two Pulitzer Prize-winning musicals to his credit, Rent and Hamilton, both of which were groundbreaking cultural achievements. With "Rent," he also helped create a discounted ticket lottery to make his musicals more affordable for a wider audience. As described by its publisher, Simon & Schuster," "Theater Kid" reveals Seller's early years as a kid coming to terms with his adoption, trying to understand his sexuality, and determined to escape his dysfunctional household in a poor neighborhood just outside Detroit. What sets the memoir apart from other works about a difficult childhood that fuels a determination for better future is Sellers approach. He writes "Theater Kid" with the vividness of a graphic novel, the immediacy of a play, the intensity of a big-screen movie. Candid, sometimes explicit about his sexual awakening, fearless about revealing his family's chaos and conflicts and yet filled with love for even his volatile father, Theater Kid reads like the autobiography of someone who has lived with hard truths and made peace with them through his artistry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know that the world needed another memoir about being poor, gay, adopted, coming to New York, realizing the American dream. Weve had a lot of those, says Seller during a phone interview. What I thought the world needed at this moment was, if I was going to do this, the only way that I thought to justify it is to go all the way into the core of my insecurities, shame, and deepest feelings and expose me as nakedly as I could. Because I thought that would illuminate the story in a way that makes it, hopefully, pertinent and essential. Seller, 60, an alumnus of Oak Park High School and the University of Michigan, divides the book into three acts, which is fitting given how many of the anecdotes seem like scenes from one of his Broadway hits. Act One is mostly about his family and his school years. Act Two covers his move to New York City and his experiences with Rent. Act Three includes the journey of Hamilton and Sellers search for his biological parents, a quest that wouldnt stop chasing me as I passed forty years old and became a parent of two beautiful adopted children. Growing up, Seller was captivated by theater and absorbed everything he could about it, from the Tony Awards on TV to touring productions at the Fisher Theatre and cast albums of Broadway hits. He was a sponge for learning the process of creating and staging shows, whether he was acting with Royal Oaks Stagecrafters youth troupe, singing in the childrens chorus of Carmen with Michigan Opera Theatre or working as the drama director at Camp Tamarack in northern Oakland County during summer college breaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An early chapter recalls his pivotal moment of winning a role in fourth grade as a sailor in the annual Purim play at Temple Israel (then located in Detroit, now in West Bloomfield), which was a mashup of the story of Queen Esther and the musical South Pacific." Recalling the magical process of rehearsing and performing, he writes: Being in a play for the first time makes me happy. Wait. Thats not good enough. Being in a play changes my life; I am filled with purpose for the first time. From then on, Seller was devoted to learning more about the basics of the craft that would make him famous. He recalls appearing in eighth grade in a Stagecrafters production of a childrens play called Popcorn Pete and noticing that one, the title was no good, two the play wasnt very good and three, the audiences were very small. Seller asked who chose Popcorn Pete and found out that there was a play-reading committee, I said, 'I want to be on the play-reading committee.' That was my first leap into producing," he notes. Seller is generous about thanking his various teachers and mentors for their support. (He titles one chapter Miss Shively after a Frost Middle School teacher.) But while his world was opening up on the stage, he faced problems at home. His father, left with brain damage after a devastating motorcycle accident, occasionally served court papers and summonses and later took up a side gig performing as a clown. His mother worked steadily at a drugstore to support them. When his father lost his temper at their Cardboard Village house with no basement for tornado protection, Seller writes, "he is like another tornado from which we cannot hide." Seller looks back on his dad's bad choices with compassion. My fathers presence was gigantic, both physically, vocally, emotionally and behaviorally. Here I was a twig, and he was a 6-foot-3, 250-pound man with a booming, sometimes scary, often times loving voice," he says. "My father was a man not in control of himself, a man out of control. The consequences of which resulted in two bankruptcies, one motorcycle accident, a family on welfare, and a tremendous amount of pain and suffering" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continues: "And yet, this was also the man who said the same four words to me over and over any time I asked if I could go to an audition or rehearsal or a new place, which was, 'Get in the car.' He drove me to every one of those auditions and every one of those rehearsals. Asked how long it took to write the memoir, Seller says it was somewhere between five and 30 years. He elaborates by explaining that he struggled with putting his memories on the page. It took about five years to complete the book, but two of the childhood tales it includes are from a writing class he attended at New York City's New School in the 1990s. He says he followed one guide while writing the book and that was being truthful. "I was always guided first by the truth and I thought, well deal with everybody elses feelings later. Such transparency was essential to the existence of the book, according to Seller, because he wrote it "in so many ways for younger people, particularly for young gay men who dont know anything about what theyre about to encounter. He adds, I thought if I show how it went for me, it will affirm their feelings and show them that theyre going to figure it out, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sellers father died 10 years ago, long before there even was a memoir. He says he deeply wanted to share "Theater Kid" with his mother, who passed away about a year ago from pancreatic cancer. Because of her fast-moving illness, he never told her about the book. I really, really looked forward to sharing it with my mom, knowing that it would be painful for her, it would stir up a lot of painful memories for her and that it would stir up her own sense of shame and guilt, but it would also activate her pride and her love, he says. In all the years I was writing it, I didnt talk about it because I didnt know if it would ever be published anyway. I wrote it for me without regard to its ultimate destiny. Seller dedicates the book to the memory of his mother and father. Jeffrey Seller, center, and "Hamilton" director Tommy Kail spoke with Mitch Albom for the broadcast of a VIP event at the Fisher Theatre during the Detroit opening of "Hamilton" in March 2019. These days, Seller, who calls southeast Michigan an essential part of American arts, is spending a lot of time in the Motor City with my new partner in life and love, Yuval Sharon, the acclaimed artistic director of Detroit Opera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How lucky am I that my own hometown of Detroit helped me come together with the new love of my life, he says, crediting Mary Kramer, a Detroit Opera board of directors vice chair and former publisher of Crain's Detroit Business, with introducing him to Sharon. He says he also has a standing date, for the fourth year in a row, to teach a course in politics and theater at the University of Michigan once a week during the fall semester. Speaking of politics, Seller is still immersed in the intersection between it and "Hamilton." Recounted in "Theater Kid" is the behind-the-scenes story of the time Vice President-elect Mike Pence attended the show in 2016. It was Seller who wrote the first draft of a short speech that actor Brandon Victor Dixon ended up reading from the stage to Pence at the end of the performance. It addressed concerns regarding the Trump administration's commitment to upholding "our inalienable rights" and shared the hope that "this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, plans for "Hamilton" to be performed at the Kennedy Center as part of the 250th anniversary commemoration of the Declaration of Independence were canceled as a result of President Donald Trump removing Democratic members from the centers formerly bipartisan board and making himself its chairman. Says Seller: "We were not going to let that now deeply politicized, right-wing organization use the profits from 'Hamilton' to further its agenda. Making the decision was easy. Implementing it required care and thought. Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller, whose groundbreaking productions include "Rent" and "Hamilton," is the author of a new memoir, "Theater Kid." Given the imprint that "Hamilton" and "Rent" have made on the evolution of theater, it's fair to ask: Does Seller have some sort of zeitgeist meter that can sense when musicals are going to be transformative? I am just following my heart and hoping that others are affected by my shows in the same way I am, he insists I dont know what the zeitgeist will be tomorrow. I only know what thrills me, surprises me and pleases me. I just try to make the show that will please me the most and then am lucky when it pleases thousands, or tens of thousands, or in the case of 'Hamilton' or 'Rent,' millions of others as well. Seller says his faith in the future of art is steadfast. I always have faith in the next generation to innovate and to bring forth, ingenuity and creativity and new ways of looking at the confusing world in which we live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being a producer seeps into everything that Seller does, he concedes, from planning an impromptu brunch to making decisions for the audio version of Theater Kid. Although the custom for authors is to read their memoirs in their entiretly, he says he didn't want to just hear his own voice. Instead, he gathered a cast that includes Seller, "Hamilton" star and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and actors Darren Criss, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Renee Elise Goldsberry, among several others, to play different characters. Says Seller, The audiobook is kind of like a stage reading. I couldn't resist." Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Hamilton' producer's memoir is candid about turbulent metro Detroit years "At the state and federal level, anti-public education politicians are trying to turn public funding into blank checks for private schools." (Photo by Dave Cummings/New Hampshire Bulletin) Every day, teachers are nurturing and supporting our precious students in classrooms across New Hampshire. Teachers dedicate their careers and their lives to providing young Granite Staters with the tools they need to build bright futures and live out their dreams. May 5-9 marks Teacher Appreciation Week nationwide an important moment to ensure the teachers in our lives know how much they mean to us and our communities. Its important to show and tell our gratitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am so grateful for every New Hampshire teacher. To those who taught me how to teach, to my colleagues in the classroom who supported me and guided me throughout my career, to the dedicated professionals who I trust to teach my three sons thank you! You inspire me every day, and you inspire the next generation to be their best selves. This year, I hope youll join me to show your appreciation and show up for teachers. We can drop off a gift card and we can drop by a school board meeting. We can tell teachers how much we care about their work. And we can tell our policy makers to protect our neighborhood public schools. At the state and federal level, anti-public education politicians are trying to turn public funding into blank checks for private schools. They want to give more handouts and tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires while breaking our public schools and taking resources away from teachers and students. We cant afford to let them turn funding for public school students and teachers into private school vouchers. We cant afford to let them slash programs like Medicaid and childrens health insurance that keep students healthy and ready to learn. We cant afford to let them cut programs that keep our kids safe, like the Office of the Child Advocate. These harmful proposals and more are all contained in the current state budget draft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know what appreciation would look like in action. Teachers would have classrooms that are stocked with supplies they need and full of the joy that students deserve. Teachers would come to work at schools that are safe, welcoming, and well-funded. Teachers would have the careers they deserve that can support their families and support our communities in every corner of this state. Whether you speak out on your social media accounts or call your lawmakers, when we transform our appreciation into support for teachers we protect and strengthen public schools. Teachers go above and beyond for their students every day even in the face of anti-public education politicians attacks on their profession and their school. They bring joy and determination to their work to ensure every student no matter the color of their skin or the ZIP code they live in has the resources they need to succeed. We know the overwhelming majority of Granite Staters support the teachers at their community public schools, which are attended by nearly 90% of students and 95% of students with a disability. Now its time for us to go above and beyond for teachers and turn our appreciation into actions that will protect our public schools and help teachers get the support and resources they deserve. A New Hampshire woman is facing drug charges in connection with an investigation into a fentanyl overdose involving a child, authorities announced over the weekend. Karrie McMurray, 45, of Nashua, is slated to be arraigned later this month in Nashuas 9th Circuit Court on charges of possesion of a Class B drug and four counts of dealing in or possessing a prescription drug, according to the Nashua Police Department. Officers responding to a home in the city on June 27, 2024, found an unconscious juvenile who had overdosed on Fentanyl, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child regained consciousness after receiving life-saving measures at the scene and was taken to a local hospital. Police didnt mention if McMurray is related to the child. McMurray was released on $250 cash bail. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Nashua police at 603-589-1665. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW ST. LOUIS It was another Sunday morning of sometimes heated but always civil political debate on Hancock and Kelley for Sunday, May 4, 2025. Republican consultant John Hancock and Democratic consultant Michael Kelley discussed the following topics: As St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer hits her third week in office heads are starting to roll as her shake up of city staff hits another gear. The Missouri Supreme Court backs voters and gives a legal slap to GOP lawmakers when it comes to guaranteed sick pay and the minimum wage. U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri takes a not-so-subtle jab at the former House Speaker with a new bill hes named the PELOSI Act, a legislative push to ban lawmakers from trading stocks. Our Quote of the Week is from the Trump Store, advertising what it claims will be your new go-to headwear for the summer the new Trump in 28 cap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. HANOVER, Pa. (WHTM) Emergency crews found themselves in a unique situation when a gas leak and a fire both happened Monday afternoon near each other, causing an evacuation for some Hanover residents. Hanover Area Fire & Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Wysocki said crews were dispatched for a gas leak in the 10 block of Baltimore Street, and also found a fire in the rear of a property, also on Baltimore Street. Because of the gas leak and fire being close together, crews were in a unique situation, Wysocki said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It presents a unique situation for firefighters to be able to mitigate a situation like that, Wysocki said. But thankfully, they rely on their trainings and make sure that they can handle any situation arises for the people. Residents were able to return to their homes, the fire company said in an update on Facebook just before 9 p.m. Crews were able to isolate and stop the leak and fire. No injuries were reported. Pennsylvania lawmakers advance marijuana legalization bill Residents who live on Baltimore Street, Broadway, York Street, or East Walnut Street were asked to evacuate and to report to the municipal building at 33 E. Frederick St. A shelter-in-place was also issued for anyone who could smell gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before anyone could return, crews had to ventilate buildings in the southeast area of the square by Hanover Hotel and Aldus Brewing, Hanover Area Fire & Rescue said in a post a little before 7 p.m. High levels of natural gas were metered in some basements in the area. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts A list of residents who evacuated was compiled by Hanover Regional Emergency Management in order to notify them when they can return, the post reads. Residents of York County have been given the ok to return to their homes. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Today is Cinco de Mayo, and we're here with plenty of food deals to enjoy the day. Often confused with Mexicos Independence Day, May 5 isn't equivalent to July Fourth in the United States. The day actually marks an important battle against the French in 1862 when an undermanned Mexican army of enlisted soldiers and volunteers defeated 6,000 French troops, according to History.com. The Mexican victory helped the American Confederacy in the Civil War, according to History.com. Newspapers reported Mexican-Americans and Latinos in California celebrating the Cinco de Mayo victory that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we've been celebrating ever since. Nearly one in five Americans (17%) plans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, according to research firm Numerator. Most of the celebrators said they were planning to go out to eat (38%), gathering with family and friends (35%) or going out for drinks (33%), the firm's survey found. For those looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, here's a roundup of deals and specials. Remember to check in with your nearest location to make sure it's participating before heading out. Chipotle's Cinco de Mayo 'Ingredient Quest' in Roblox For Cinco de Mayo, the fast-casual chain is launching a game on Roblox. Starting at 6 p.m. ET on May 5, you can win a free burrito by playing the "Ingredient Quest" in the Burrito Builder experience on Roblox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Go to roblox.com/chipotle and the first 50,000 players to collect all 53 unique ingredient cards will be able to unlock a free entree offer. More Chipotle deals: Through May 5, there's no delivery fee when you order on the Chipotle app and on Chipotle.com (use the code DELIVER). May 5 get free chips and Queso Blanco with your order on the Chipotle app and on Chipotle.com (use code CINCO25). Amazon shopping: Celebrate Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo with margaritas and birria tacos Taco Bell Cinco de Mayo deals Taco Bell has several deals leading up to Cinco de Mayo and beyond: May 5: Get a free Nachos Bell Grande with an order of $20 or more on DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub. Through May 31: 5% off every order on Uber One Student delivery service ($4.99 monthly after free trial month); maximum discount of $9. May 6: Taco Bell Rewards Members can find some deals in the Taco Bell app including $1 five-piece Crispy Chicken Nuggets for the first 20,000 Rewards members (offer becomes available at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. ET); an hour later, the first 20,000 rewards members can claim a $1 Soft Taco Supreme; and at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, the first 20,0000 rewards members can claim either a $1 five-piece Crispy Chicken Nuggets or Taco Supreme. May 6: Free Seasoned Beef Soft Taco with order of $15 or more on Uber One Student deliveries. 'Guac on the Rock' deal expands to appetizers for Cinco de Mayo Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and his Teremana Tequila want to help you celebrate Cinco de Mayo for the fifth consecutive year. Just purchase any cocktail made with Teremana Tequila and the brand will give you a rebate for any appetizer for $10 via Venmo (the deal is good through May 31; and up to $1 million in rebates). In the past, the deal has only been for guacamole hence the name "Guac on the Rock" but this year the deal includes all appetizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there's a delivery deal this year, too. When you buy one bottle of more of Teremana Tequila from any off-premise DoorDash retail location through May 12, you get a $10 discount code that can be used to purchase guac or any appetizer during the promotion period. Chuy's Cinco de Mayo specials, appetizer deal The Austin, Texas-founded Tex-Mex chain Chuy's has some Cinco de Mayo specials all day on May 5 including an appetizer special: $5 Queso Bowls including the Boom-Boom Pow, which is layered with refried beans, Boom-Boom Sauce, lettuce, pico, and topped with sour cream, guacamole and jalapenos. Drink specials include $6 regular or $9 Grande signature House Ritas, served frozen or on the rocks (Grande Ritas com in a keepsake giveaway cup), plus $1 floaters, and $1 off Corona, Modelo and Dos Equis beers. Cinco de Mayo also coincides with some limited time menu offerings including Pork Boom-Boom Enchiladas and Macho Burritos (available through June 8). 5-hour Energy and Taco John's Cinco de Mayo hot sauce collaboration The energy shot brand teamed with the Mexican fast-food chain on some hot shots just in time for Cinco de Mayo. When you buy a pack of the limited edition Cinco de Mango 5-hour Energy Shots online, you will get a free bottle of Taco John's Energizing Hot Sauce, a mango habanero sauce infused with 200 milligrams of caffeine per bottle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow 5-Hour Energy on Instagram to know when the next supply of the shots and sauce hits the 5-Hour Energy online store. Separate drops are scheduled for May 5 and May 8. More Cinco de Mayo deals Abuelo's: The Mexican restaurant chain on May 5 has $5 specials all day. The $5 deals include Mexican draft beers served in a 22oz. stadium cup (while supplies last); Frozen Mexican Flag Margaritas, La Grandeza Margaritas, Mexican Candy Shots, and Chile con Queso Appetizer. Barberitos: In a deal in partnership with Land 'O Lakes, the burrito restaurant chain is giving customers a free small order of queso with any purchase all day on May 5. Beef 'O'Brady's: Get a free side order of queso when you purchase chips and salsa (at participating locations). Bonefish Grill: Get a "Green Jeans" matcha margarita made with Matthew & Camila McConaugheys Pantalones Organic Tequila for just $5. The Brass Tap: Get free chips and salsa with your purchase on May 5 at participating locations. Bubbakoos Burritos: The Mexican-fusion restaurant is giving members of its loyalty program a buy one, get one free deal on entrees on May 5. Purchase a regular entree at full price and get a coupon for a free one in your account on May 6, redeemable through May 11. Also on May 5, get 10% off all catering orders with the code CINCO10. Checkers & Rallys: The fast food chain has a $4 special on May 5 for Cinco de Mayo a combo with the choice of a Cheese Double or Spicy Chicken Sandwich, a side of seasoned fries, a 12-ounce drink and a Cinnamon Apple Pie. Cointreau: Making margaritas at home? The orange liqueur, which is an ingredient in most original or classic margaritas, wants to reward margarita lovers this Cinco de Mayo with a Lime of Credit (up to $500). Just go to cointreau.com/LimeofCredit through 11:59 p.m. ET on May 5 to sign up for a chance to win. Dos Toros Taqueria: The fast-casual chain has Cinco de Mayo catering specials through May 7 including the Ultimate Taco Bar, starting at about $25 per person. El Pollo Loco: Get any two Chicken Tacos free with a purchase of $15 or more on May 5. Get the deal online and in the El Pollo Loco app. Moes Southwest Grill: Get a free side of queso with any entree purchase on May 5. And members of the Moe Rewards loyalty program can also get the Moe Monday offer (a burrito or bowl for $7.99, including chips and salsa). The first 20 customers on May 5 at participating Moes locations get a free Moes T-shirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gopuff: The delivery service is offering GoPuff FAM subscribers ($7.99 monthly, free deliveries and more) 40% off a holiday-themed collection of products including Delimex Taquitos and Siete Mexican Wedding Cookies. Pancheros: For Cinco de Mayo, members of the Pancheros Rewards loyalty program will get a deal for a $5 burritos or any entree on May 5. The deal will appear in the app; new loyalty members who sign up on May 5 will get the deal, too. Pedro Furtivo Tequila: Get free nationwide shipping through May 5 with the code CINCO2025. QDOBA Mexican Eats: It's not Cinco de Mayo-specific, but QDOBA has free dips and topping including guacamole and queso free daily. Red Robin: On May 5, get a House Margarita (frozen or on the rocks) or just $7.99; flavors vary by location, but may include lime, strawberry, desert pear, jalapeno, mango or passionfruit. You can also add a Red's Beaker of Patron Silver or Casamigos to any margarita for $3 (limit one per drink). Tijuana Flats: The Florida-based Tex-Mex restaurant chain has a special Cinco de Mayo $5 menu including two Street Tacos with chips ($5 menu good for dine-in, carry-out, app/online and delivery orders). Other $5 options: chips and queso, chips and guacamole, or the Tijuana Trio (chips and three sauces). Drink specials include two for $5 beers. Have a big party? Taco Meal Kits are 15% off all weekend; and get free delivery on orders of $35 or more. Another deal: members of the Flatheads Rewards loyalty program who order an adult entree twice or more during Cinco weekend will get $5 their next order of $15 or more May 12-31. Contributing: Maria Jimenez Moya, Amanda Lee Myers and Jordan Mendoza. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: What is Cinco de Mayo? Food deals list deals tacos, drinks May 5 MILAN, Italy, May 5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to commit up to $10B to make the ASEAN Power Grid vision a reality, said ADB President Masato Kanda, addressing the opening ceremony of the Board of Governors in Milan today, Trend correspondent reports. We are working at the frontiers of the energy revolution through initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid, which will modernize and interconnect energy systems across fast-growing Southeast Asian economies. ADB stands ready to commit up to $10 billion to make the ASEAN Power Grid vision a reality, he said. Kanda noted that ADB is deepening its investments to build greater resilience by strengthening infrastructure, restoring and protecting ecosystems, and helping vulnerable communities adapt to a world of intensifying climate and environmental risks. We are investing deeply in digitalization. Access to reliable, affordable, and secure digital services is a foundation for opportunity. ADBs support for digital technologies is helping millions access formal financial services, modernizing payment platforms, and introducing national digital IDs in the Pacific and beyond to reduce costs, improve transparency, and strengthen trust, he said. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The president of Michigan State University says, We will need to make hard decisions that will impact people we care about as the school adjusts its budget in the wake of federal changes. Kevin Guskiewicz made the statement in a letter to the faculty and staff on Monday, the first business day following most of MSUs graduation ceremonies. MSU approves Spartan Stadium upgrades Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guskiewicz says hes proud of what he school has accomplished in his first full year as leader of the university, but he also calls it a challenging year, especially these last four months as he says changes at the federal level undercut our ability to advance our land-grant mission and continue essential research projects that make life better. He says those changes, along with the rising cost of health care, are making it harder for the Big Ten university to balance its budget. After exploring short, medium, and long-term savings, Guskiewicz said, After careful deliberation, we have reached the difficult conclusion that we must adjust our financial path. Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz recognizes MSUs endowed faculty. March 4, 2024 by Sydney Hawkins He says university officials will share action steps and appropriate measures to tackle the budget in the coming days. It did not specify whether there will be cuts to staffing or programs. The next few months of financial planning will be demanding and difficult for some in our community, and we will need to make hard decisions that will impact people we care about. MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz Guskiewicz acknowledges that his letter will raise questions and concerns but says that more information will come out in the weeks ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter to the campus community comes out less than two months after MSU announced the launch of a $4 billion fundraising campaign, of which it has already raised $1 billion. The campaign, which the school says kicked off in 2022, is expected to run through 2032. The school sent the message out a few hours after Guskiewicz left East Lansing for the Detroit Spartan Bus Tour a two-day trip to the Detroit area with some 50 faculty members and administrators to show how the school is working to improve life in the city and the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. The News An anti-immigration hardliner who wants to halt military aid to Ukraine won the first round of Romanias presidential election. In a resounding defeat for Romanias pro-European governing coalition, George Simion, a firm supporter of US President Donald Trump who rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for pushing back against mass vaccination, garnered 41% of the vote. The results represent a major setback for the European Union and Ukraine: A Simion presidency would likely position Romania alongside Hungary and Slovakia as EU member-states skeptical of supporting Kyiv. Simion will now face the centrist mayor of Bucharest in the final round, in two weeks time. WASHINGTON (AP) Harvard University will receive no new federal grants until it meets White House's demands, Trump administration says. Hawkeye Community College received more than $250,000 through state registered apprenticeship grants. (Photo courtesy of Hawkeye Community College) Hawkeye Community College will use more than $250,000 in state dollars to expand its apprenticeship programs alongside schools and businesses throughout the state. According to a news release, the Waterloo community college received $262,326 from Iowa Workforce Development, managed by the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship. As a registered apprenticeship partner, the college stated in the release it will put the grant funding toward its offered apprenticeship programs in electric work, carpentry, HVAC, flooring installation and plumbing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This grant supports Hawkeye Community Colleges apprenticeship training helping employers meet workforce demands, strengthening the local economy, and giving individuals a clear path to rewarding, high-wage careers, said Todd Holcomb, president of Hawkeye Community College, in the release. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hawkeye Community College was one of five community colleges to receive grant funding, including Des Moines Area Community College, Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Lakes Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College. Funding in 2025 for the Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Act provided $2.94 million to 59 programs, according to the release, contributing to 5,133 apprentices. A separate $427,800 was awarded to newly developed registered apprenticeship programs in 19 high-demand career fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa continues to see returns on investment from its commitment to supporting registered apprentice programs more than 10 years ago, said Beth Townsend, executive director of Iowa Workforce Development, in the release. Both program and apprenticeship numbers have increased, she said in the release, and in 2024, Iowa became a State Apprenticeship Agency, which allowed for better oversight and expanding reach across the state. I applaud the program sponsors receiving grant funds today who are committed to preparing the workers of tomorrow using the Registered Apprenticeship model, said Gov. Kim Reynolds in the release. Registered Apprenticeship programs play a critical role in our overall workforce strategy. As we demonstrated in the Teacher-Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship program, using a tried and true model in a nontraditional field is a win-win for Iowans and employers, and I am pleased to see a number of our schools receive funding under this program. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Davyd Arakhamiia, Head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament), expects that his MPs will support the ratification of the agreement between the governments of Ukraine and the United States on the establishment of the US-Ukraine Investment Fund when this issue is considered in parliament. Source: Interfax-Ukraine with reference to Davyd Arakhamiias words Quote from Arakhamiia: "In the coming days, we will discuss all the details at the faction. We have invited our negotiators for this purpose. My preliminary forecast is that everything will be fine. And we will ratify this agreement in the near future in order to continue our effective cooperation with the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: He assessed the mood within the faction on this issue as positive and added that MPs from the faction would support President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "And we understand that today the main negotiator with the United States is President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and of course, we will support his efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of these negotiations, and the economic cooperation agreement is a logical continuation of such efforts," Arakhamiia stressed. Read also: Natural resources deal details: 57 minerals and US military aid to Ukraine Background: Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hopes that the Verkhovna Rada will ratify the mineral deal signed with the US by 8 May. On 1 May, Ukraine's Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed an agreement on minerals. The Ukrainian government submitted for ratification by the Verkhovna Rada an agreement between Ukraine and the United States on the establishment of the Investment Fund for Reconstruction. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! HELVETIA, W.Va. (WBOY) The Helvetia Restoration and Development Organization, along with the Pickens Historical Society, is warning residents of leases they describe as misleading or potentially predatory. According to a Facebook post from the Helvetia Restoration and Development Organization, landowners in Helvetia and Pickens are being approached with offers to lease their property for wind turbine development. The offers have concerned some community members, who have have already described their interactions at a meeting on May 3. On Sunday, the Helvetia Restoration and Development Organization posted a list of its concerns on Facebook, along with a list of signs that a lease may be predatory to inform residents: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High-pressure tactics and rushed decisions Vague or unclear language in the lease Unrealistic promises or guarantees of income Lack of transparency about project details No guarantees of turbine maintenance, decommissioning, or property restoration More NIOSH layoffs reported Friday evening The communities also discussed problems with the project in general, citing issues such as visual impact on the landscape, noise pollution, possible harm to wildlife, potential changes to property value, construction traffic and lifestyle disruption. The organization is encouraging residents in both Helvetia and Pickens to do research and attend community meetings, as well as consult with a lawyer and not sign anything they may not fully understand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, you can email info@helvetiawv.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 WBOY.com. A leading expert on fascism claims the United States slide towards authoritarianism is unlike anything seen in modern times. Donald Trumps attempt to consolidate power has been carried out with such speed and ruthlessness that it outpaces the likes of Vladimir Putin and Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the historian contends, with the current U.S. political climate more closely resembling the aftermath of a coup than a democratic transition of power. Speaking to Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat on Sunday evening, MSNBCs Catherine Rampell asked if the current gutting of government programmes and social services by the Trump administration bore any resemblance to the democratic backsliding seen when countries transition into authoritarianism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben-Ghiat, the author of Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present, responded: Honestly, the speed at which this is happening and the kind of concentrated push to do this, it doesnt have any parallel in situations where leaders came to power through elections. If you look at the early Putin or the early Orban or Erdogan, they didnt move at this speed. This resembles more after theres been a coup. Trump's slide into authoritarianism has outpaced even Vladimir Putin during his rise to power. / MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images Ben-Ghiat, who teaches history at New York University and wrote several books on Benito Mussolini, also drew parallels between RFK Jr.s MAHA movement and the authoritarian tendency to distort science to fit an ideology. She added: And the other thing thats interesting, I was thinking about this the other day, is that eventually regimes make science and medicine bow to their ideology. So the communists would, you know, use psychiatrists to say that dissidents or journalists who didnt agree with the regime had to go to psychiatric hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to do this so quickly, to have a war on science, on welfare, on knowledge of every kind, so immediately, and to have somebody like RFK Jr. there, thats very unusual, even in the history of autocracy. Elon Musk gestures in a move that looks like a Nazi salute as he speaks during the inaugural parade inside Capitol One Arena, in Washington, DC. / ANGELA WEISS / Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images In a previous interview prior to Trumps re-election, Ben-Ghiat drew comparisons to Nazi Germany to demonstrate the speed with which an advanced nation can succumb to authoritarianism. For example, Germany was one of the most sophisticated nations in the world in the late 20s and early 30s; it had one of the highest rates of literacy, it was known for science, technology, graphic designit was so advanced, and people didnt think in Germany that this ranting lunatic, Hitler, could possibly do the damage he did. And then he came in, and he did things very quickly, she told the Guardian last July. After January's devastating wildfires, California homeowners are facing more than just damage to their homes they're navigating delays, rising insurance costs, and a system that's struggling to keep up. Over $6.9 billion has already been paid out and more than 33,000 insurance claims filed, per the California Department of Insurance. According to Bankrate, experts say this disaster may become the most expensive in U.S. history, outpacing even Hurricane Katrina. What's happening? The wildfires that tore through Los Angeles and Ventura counties triggered an unprecedented volume of home insurance claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many large insurance providers have deployed catastrophe-specific "CAT" teams to help with processing, as Bankrate explained, delays are still widespread. Homeowners with pre-existing claims are finding themselves pushed further back in the line. According to a 2023 J.D. Power study, the average claim cycle had already stretched to nearly 24 days. For catastrophic events like the wildfires, the timeline often extends to 34 days or longer, per Bankrate. Why are the delays concerning? The wildfires have exposed cracks in the insurance system. As Bankrate observed, California's FAIR Plan, the state's insurer of last resort, has run out of money and is now leaning on private insurers and homeowners for support. Meanwhile, roughly 40% of wildfire-affected households reportedly receive up to $300,000 less than they're owed under state law, according to a 2023 study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This situation isn't just a short-term setback, either. With major carriers like State Farm raising rates and limiting new policies, and with billions in losses still being tallied, homeowners across the state may soon face skyrocketing premiums and fewer options. What's being done about insurance claims? The planet's rising temperatures are directly tied to human activity, especially the burning of dirty energy sources like gas and oil, as NASA explained. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This heat-trapping pollution creates conditions that allow extreme weather events, such as wildfires, to thrive, which puts our homes and communities at risk. As a result, insurance companies are backing out of high-risk areas, per NPR, leaving many homeowners without coverage. Supporting cleaner, less expensive energy and building more resilient homes can help cool things down and keep our neighborhoods safer in the long run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have an open insurance claim, know your rights under California law. You have the right to timely updates, to choose your own licensed contractor, and to request a full copy of your claim file, per Bankrate. You're also entitled to actual cash value payouts before any rebuild begins, if your policy includes replacement coverage. On a broader scale, supporting less expensive, clean energy options and smart home upgrades like fire-resistant features and energy-efficient retrofits can make homes more resilient and reduce air pollution linked to these extreme events. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Azerbaijan's Digital Academy made another visit to Saudi Arabia by the initiative of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) in partnership with Germany's Hertie School University, a source in IDDA told Trend. Representatives of Azerbaijani state institutions and leading experts in digitalization from Saudi Arabia participated in the session titled Digital transformation and efficiency in the public sector. The visit focused on learning Saudi Arabias experience regarding its digital transformation strategy and the activities carried out in developing a competitive digital ecosystem. During the meetings, detailed information was provided about Azerbaijans digital development approach and solutions, and discussions were held on the prospects of cooperation that would involve applying Azerbaijans experience in Saudi Arabia. As part of the two-day program, a familiarization tour was conducted to the newly established Innovation Hub under the Digital Government Authority (DGA) of Saudi Arabia. At the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), research and innovation initiatives were discussed, as well as regulatory frameworks, policy, and decision-making mechanisms. Additionally, meetings were held at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). The meeting at KAPSARC was attended by the center's president, Fahad Alajlan, and Shahin Abdullayev, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Saudi Arabia. Discussions were also held with sector experts and executives at KAPSARC. The discussions focused extensively on topics such as digital transformation in the energy sector, digitalization policies in state-owned companies, and the application of artificial intelligence. During the visit, Deputy Chairman of IDDA, Shahin Aliyev, said that result-oriented discussions had been conducted to promote digital experience exchange between the two countries. He also emphasized that Saudi Arabia had shown interest in several of Azerbaijan's digital solutions, particularly Digital Document Circulation. We had productive discussions with our Saudi counterparts. There is great interest in our digital solutions, especially in Digital Document Circulation. We will continue our cooperation in this direction going forward, Aliyev added. To note, 70 senior personnel from 43 state institutions including deputy ministers, deputy heads of state bodies, and advisers have participated so far in the strategic sessions and visits of the Digital Academy. As a continuation of this initiative, a number of visits have been carried out under the program. Visits were made to Germany (Berlin) on January 2728, 2025, and to Singapore on April 1011, 2025, with the participation of senior officials. DES MOINES, Iowa On this weeks episode of Homewi$e Amanda Krenz and mortgage expert Tyler Osby discuss what happens when you have a mortgage and go through a divorce. Osby gives advice for couples before, during, and after the process. Past Episodes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. CALUMET CITY, Ill. (WGN) A Homewood-Flossmoor High School senior died following a crash early Sunday morning on the Bishop Ford Freeway. Illinois State Police (ISP) responded to the Sibley ramp on the northbound side of the Bishop Ford just after 4:30 a.m. for a fatal single-vehicle crash. A woman, later identified as 18-year-old TomMya Lyons (pronounced Ta-maya), was reportedly ejected from her vehicle during the crash. She was taken to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ISP said a 16-year-old boy was driving the vehicle Lyons was in at the time of the crash. No information was provided on whether he suffered any injuries or was taken to a local hospital after the crash. Man shes just got a few weeks until she graduates. Just to see that shes gone is just hard, said Charles Parker, Lyons stepfather. I dont even have words to say. Its just so difficult right now. TomMya Lyons, courtesy Homewood-Flossmoor High School Lyons was a senior at Homewood-Flossmoor High school and a member of the schools step team. TomMya was more than just a studentshe was a vibrant member of our community, a loyal friend, a dedicated classmate, a committed teammate, and a positive presence throughout Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Her energy, kindness, and spirit touched the lives of many, and her absence will be deeply felt by us all, HFHS Principal Clinton Alexander said. Let this time of sorrow bring us even closer as a school community. In moments like these, it is more important than ever to take care of ourselves and one another. Grief looks different for everyoneplease be gentle with yourselves and extend grace to those around you. Im holding each of you in my thoughts today. Lets carry on in Viking fashion, with strength, compassion, and unityin honor of TomMya Lyons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grief counselors are available for students Monday. The school held their prom Saturday night at the Field Museum. Homewood-Flossmoor sent the following message to students and parents on Sunday. Dear HF Family, Today is a very sad day for the HF community as we grieve the loss of senior TomMya Lyons who died early this morning in a car crash. With permission from TomMyas mother, we are sharing this news with the HF family to assure you are aware of this tragic loss as well as the support available for students and staff. Each of us will react to TomMyas death in our own way, and we need to be respectful of each other. Feeling sad is a normal response to any loss. Some of us may not have known her very well and may not be as affected, while others may experience a great deal of sadness. Her death may also bring about feelings in those who have lost loved ones. These feelings of sadness, confusion, even possibly anger may come in waves now and moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have members of the Crisis Team available to help our students and stafff deal with this sad loss. Support will be available in each of Tom Myas classes on Monday and Tuesday. There also will be designated spaces in north and south buildings for crisis team members to meet with students. Its important for us all to look out for one another during a time of loss. Please share the following recommendations with students on coping with grief. Talking with a trusted adult can help you process your emotions a parent, family member, school counselor or social worker. Taking care of yourself is very important during a time like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paying close attention to personal wellness like eating, drinking and sleeping are essential in keeping both our bodies and minds healthy. Keeping as normal of a routine as best as we can is also a very good coping mechanism. We extend our deepest condolences to TomMyas family. Our hearts go out to them as they cope with this tragic loss. It is in difficult times like this that the HF family comes together to support each other. We are here for you. Sincerely, Dr. Scott Wakeley, Superintendent Dr. Clinton Alexander, Principal Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office have proved fatal for seven people who were detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, as part of the presidents massive deportation efforts. Of the seven immigrants who have died in ICE custody over the past three months, the agency has only published reports on three of the deaths, which were all reviewed by the Spanish newspaper El Pais. According to the outlet, all three individuals arrived in detention in good condition, and saw their health rapidly decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Makysm Chernyak, a 44 year-old Ukrainian man, was arrested in January on assault charges and transferred to ICE detention in Miami where he was found to be totally healthy, with the exception of an elevated heart rate. For a week in mid-February he was in and out of the clinic, after reporting nasal congestion and a cough. On February 18, he was found vomiting and trembling in his cell, and while awaiting transfer to the hospital he suffered six seizures, and vomited blood. Doctors shortly discovered hed had a hemorrhagic stroke and was determined to be brain dead. He was declared dead two days later. Marie Blaise, a 44 year-old Haitian woman was detained on February 12 in the U.S. Virgin Islands when she tried to board a flight to North Carolina without a valid immigration visa. Another woman detained in Deerfield Beach detention center told the Miami Herald that Blaise began to complain of chest pains on April 25. She was given some pills and told to rest, but hours later she awoke screaming in pain. Later that night she was announced dead, and her cause of death is still under investigation, according to El Pais. Last week, Florida Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the only Haitian American member of Congress, slammed ICE over Blaises death. Marie had been complaining about chest pain for hours, she said on the House floor. They gave her some pills and told her to go lie down. Unfortunately, Marie never woke up. ICE is required to report on all in-custody deaths within 90 days, but Cherfilus-McCormick called for a full, independent investigation into Blaises death. Chernyak and Blaise are two of three immigrants who died in detention in Florida. The other was Genry Ruiz Guillen, a 29-year-old Honduran detained at the Krome center in Florida who died on January 23. Others died in custody in Texas, Arizona, Puerto Rico, and Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, ICE insisted that it was providing proper care to detainees. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health screening and 24-hour emergency care at each detention facility, it said. A 2024 report from the American Civil Liberties Union found that 95 percent of deaths at ICE-operated facilities between 2017 and 2021 could have been prevented if appropriate medical care had been provided. In a whopping 88 percent of the deaths reviewed as part of the report, medical staff at the ICE detention centers had made incorrect, inappropriate, or incomplete diagnoses. (Reuters) -A House of Representatives panel this week will consider sweeping changes to the nation's oil and gas drilling programs, including requiring dozens of lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, that could be passed in an impending budget bill. WHY IT MATTERS The proposal is designed to bolster President Donald Trump's goal to increase U.S. fossil fuel production by making it easier and cheaper to drill for oil and gas and mine for coal on federally-owned lands and waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT'S NEXT The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a markup hearing on energy provisions in the budget reconciliation bill on Tuesday. The hearing is a key step before legislation can advance to the Republican-controlled House floor for a vote. The reconciliation process will allow Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition and pass tax cut legislation along party lines later this year. KEY QUOTE "The House Committee on Natural Resources is answering President Trump's call to unleash American energy dominance through commonsense, science-based, and economically sound provisions in budget reconciliation," the committee's Republican staff said in a memo dated May 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BY THE NUMBERS The proposal, unveiled last week, would mandate 30 oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, which President Donald Trump has renamed the Gulf of America, over 15 years. That provision would effectively replace the schedule the Interior Department has developed every five years for decades. It would also require six offshore auctions in Alaska's Cook Inlet and four onshore auctions in the state's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the next decade, as well as lease sales every other year in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve. It also proposes that after 2035, 90% of the revenues from leasing in Alaska go to the state, with the state sharing revenue with the federal government prior to that date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has held just a handful of lease sales in Alaska in recent years, largely due to a dearth of industry interest. The staff memo estimated that the proposals would generate $15 billion in savings and new revenue for the federal government, mainly from changes to onshore oil and gas leasing. The legislation would also lower royalty rates for drillers to 12.5% both offshore and onshore. REACTION An oil industry executive told Reuters that the House oil measures will largely remain intact in the final bill because of the sector's strong support in Congress, though some provisions could face legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenny Rowland-Shea, director of public lands at the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, said the bill "would upend the use of our public lands as we know it, putting President Trump's oil and mining industry donors in the drivers seat." (Reporting by Nichola Groom in San Marino, California and Jarrett Renshaw in Washington; editing by Edward Tobin) The May Day march and rally was led by Immigrant Connexion Empowerment, Community Response Network and LULAC Oklahoma Chapter on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Oklahoma City's Scissortail Park on May 4, demanding immigration and workforce reform through an event called "Marcha hasta que nos escuchen," Spanish for "March until they hear us." The event was one of many May Day 2025 protests across the country held over the past week against the Trump administration and its policies. More than 1,000 demonstrations and rallies were scheduled in every state most of them on May 1, historically known as May Day or International Workers' Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Show me what democracy looks like," an Oklahoma City protest organizer shouted in a megaphone. "This is what democracy looks like," protesters chanted back. People march May 4 during the May Day rally led by Immigrant Connexion Empowerment, Community Response Network and LULAC Oklahoma Chapter, from lower Scissortail Park to the Love's Travel Stop Stage in the upper park. National protest organizers told USA TODAY the events were centered on opposition to President Donald Trump and his supporters, like Elon Musk, who has led the Department of Government Efficiency's slashing of the federal workforce. According to USA TODAY, organizers said Trump, Musk and their supporters were attempting to "erase labor rights, break our unions, and silence immigrant voices." Protesters in Oklahoma City marched over the bridge from the southernmost part of Scissortail Park to the stage on "the northside," which represented a "symbolic march that represents many of our journeys," according to an Instagram invitation for the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really just organized to come together, to give our community a voice, to fight back against the hateful rhetoric that weve been seeing in the last 100 days, said Fernando Baquera Ochoa, the lead organizer of the local event and cofounder of the Community Response Network. Were obviously not advocating for criminals, but were advocating for families with values similar to American citizens. Were not going to submit to fear. Were not going to bow down to a rhetoric of hatred and racism. Led by Immigrant Connexion Empowerment, Community Response Network and League of United Latin American Citizens' Oklahoma chapter, several organizations came together to make the event possible. "Initially, the reason we decided to create this protest ... is because we saw a lot of movements across the country that focused on immigrant rights, and what is happening right now with the immigrant community is very cruel," said Nicole Maldonado, president of LULAC's Oklahoma City chapter. "It's very dehumanizing." Maldonado said over 400 people signed up for the protest and she hoped the event would make the community stronger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People have to come together and be disruptive in a peaceful way. You can make changes," she said. People march May 4 during the May Day event led by Immigrant Connexion Empowerment, Community Response Network and LULAC Oklahoma Chapter, from lower Scissortail Park to the Love's Travel Stop Stage in the upper park. Protesters marched with anti-Trump signs reading, "Pro-America, Anti-Trump" and "This all ends when enough of us say no." Cynthia Hernandez, a 34-year-old mother who attended the protest with her two children and her husband, said she wanted to support the her community. "I'm an immigrant. I have DACA," she said. "I'm a mixed family ... a mix of citizens and a mix of Dreamers." Hernandez said the immigration crackdowns felt like abuse. "It's just like being in an abusive relationship, but a mentally abusive relationship where you're working, you're following the law, you're doing everything you can to be a member of society, and then, you just hear all this negativity," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She hoped that the protest, and other similar events, would inspire others in the future. Cyndy Hosler, 68, and Phyllis Gordon, 75, march with a Canadian flag May 4 during the May Day march and rally in Oklahoma City. Cyndy Hosler, 67, a Canadian citizen with a U.S. green card, and Phyllis Gordon, 75, each held the end of a Canadian flag and marched with it throughout the protest. They both expressed frustration over immigration policies. "I just want to protest, period," said Gordon. The 2-hour rally started at 1 p.m. and ended with keynote speakers, such as Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez (D-Oklahoma City), Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval (D-Oklahoma City) and House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson (D-Oklahoma City). Also presenting on the stage were: American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Executive Director Tamya Cox-Toure; Lesly Fraire, LULAC member and vice president of the Hispanic Student Association; Community Response Network member Bre Almaguer; and Destiny Villalobos, Immigrant Connexion Empowerment's Youth Empowerment Initiative leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some speakers focused on issues under attack other than immigration, such as women's health and workers' rights, including Women's March Executive Director Rachel O'Leary Carmona. Others spoke about workers' rights, such as Starbucks Workers United Oklahoma City member Collin Pollitt, who spoke about the union's fight against corporate leadership, and Central Oklahoma Labor Federation President Tim O'Connor, who spoke on labor. "Everybody knows the situation that we're in," O'Connor said. "Everybody's under attack. Unions are under attack. Seniors are under attack. Immigrants are under attack. Union members are under attack. We're all under attack, and it can feel overwhelming. ... But I'd like to leave you with this message: There will be days when things feel stacked against you, when the road looks too long, the weight too heavy, and the progress too slow. But hear me now, this is not the end of our story. Every great victory was once impossible. Every strong soul was once broken, but they kept going." Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez speaks May 4 as Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval listens during the May Day march and rally in Oklahoma City. Contributing: USA TODAY Network reporters Christopher Cann, Karissa Waddick (This story was updated to add new information and because a previous version had inaccuracies.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC protesters march against Trump, Musk in May Day march The National Hurricane Centers forecasts in 2024 were its most accurate on record, from its one-day forecasts, as tropical cyclones neared the coast, to its forecasts five days into the future, when storms were only beginning to come together. Thanks to federally funded research, forecasts of tropical cyclone tracks today are up to 75% more accurate than they were in 1990. A National Hurricane Center forecast three days out today is about as accurate as a one-day forecast in 2002, giving people in the storms path more time to prepare and reducing the size of evacuations. Accuracy will be crucial again in 2025, as meteorologists predict another active Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, cuts in staffing and threats to funding at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which includes the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service are diminishing operations that forecasters rely on. I am a meteorologist who studies lightning in hurricanes and helps train other meteorologists to monitor and forecast tropical cyclones. Here are three of the essential components of weather forecasting that have been targeted for cuts to funding and staff at NOAA. Tracking the wind To understand how a hurricane is likely to behave, forecasters need to know whats going on in the atmosphere far from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Hurricanes are steered by the winds around them. Wind patterns detected today over the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains places like Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota give forecasters clues to the winds that will be likely along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in the days ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Satellites cant take direct measurements, so to measure these winds, scientists rely on weather balloons. That data is essential both for forecasts and to calibrate the complicated formulas forecasters use to make estimates from satellite data. A meteorologist prepares to launch a weather balloon at Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyo. Data collected by the balloons radiosonde will help predict local weather that can influence fire behavior. Neal Herbert/National Park Service However, in early 2025, the Trump administration terminated or suspended weather balloon launches at more than a dozen locations. That move and other cuts and threatened cuts at NOAA have raised red flags for forecasters across the country and around the world. Forecasters everywhere, from TV to private companies, rely on NOAAs data to do their jobs. Much of that data would be extremely expensive if not impossible to replicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under normal circumstances, weather balloons are released from around 900 locations around the world at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time every day. While the loss of just 12 of these profiles may not seem significant, small amounts of missing data can lead to big forecast errors. This is an example of chaos theory, more popularly known as the butterfly effect. The balloons carry a small instrument called a radiosonde, which records data as it rises from the surface of the Earth to around 120,000 feet above ground. The radiosonde acts like an all-in-one weather station, beaming back details of the temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and air pressure every 15 feet through its flight. Together, all these measurements help meteorologists interpret the atmosphere overhead and feed into computer models used to help forecast weather around the country, including hurricanes. Hurricane Hunters For more than 80 years, scientists have been flying planes into hurricanes to measure each storms strength and help forecast its path and potential for damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known as Hurricane Hunters, these crews from the U.S. Air Force Reserve and NOAA routinely conduct reconnaissance missions throughout hurricane season using a variety of instruments. Similar to weather balloons, these flights are making measurements that satellites cant. Hurricane Hunters use Doppler radar to gauge how the wind is blowing and LiDAR to measure temperature and humidity changes. They drop probes to measure the ocean temperature down several hundred feet to tell how much warm water might be there to fuel the storm. They also release 20 to 30 dropsondes, measuring devices with parachutes. As the dropsondes fall through the storm, they transmit data about the temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction and air pressure every 15 feet or so from the plane to the ocean. Dropsondes from Hurricane Hunter flights are the only way to directly measure what is occurring inside the storm. Although satellites and radars can see inside hurricanes, these are indirect measurements that do not have the fine-scale resolution of dropsonde data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That data tells National Hurricane Center forecasters how intense the storm is and whether the atmosphere around the storm is favorable for strengthening. Dropsonde data also helps computer models forecast the track and intensity of storms days into the future. Two NOAA Hurricane Hunter flight directors were laid off in February 2025, leaving only six when 10 are preferred. Directors are the flight meteorologists aboard each flight who oversee operations and ensure the planes stay away from the most dangerous conditions. Having fewer directors limits the number of flights that can be sent out during busy times when Hurricane Hunters are monitoring multiple storms. And that would limit the accurate data the National Hurricane Center would have for forecasting storms. Eyes in the sky Weather satellites that monitor tropical storms from space provide continuous views of each storms track and intensity changes. The equipment on these satellites and software used to analyze it make increasingly accurate hurricane forecasts possible. Much of that equipment is developed by federally funded researchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, the Cooperative Institutes in Wisconsin and Colorado have developed software and methods that help meteorologists better understand the current state of tropical cyclones and forecast future intensity when aircraft reconnaissance isnt immediately available. Forecasting rapid intensification is one of the great challenges for hurricane scientists. Its the dangerous shift when a tropical cyclones wind speeds jump by at least 35 mph (56 kilometers per hour) in 24 hours. For example, in 2018, Hurricane Michaels rapid intensification caught the Florida Panhandle by surprise. The Category 5 storm caused billions of dollars in damage across the region, including at Tyndall Air Force Base, where several F-22 Stealth Fighters were still in hangars. Under the federal budget proposal details released so far, including a draft of agencies budget plans marked up by Trumps Office of Management and Budget, known as the passback, there is no funding for Cooperative Institutes. There is also no funding for aircraft recapitalization. A 2022 NOAA plan sought to purchase up to six new aircraft that would be used by Hurricane Hunters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The passback budget also cut funding for some technology from future satellites, including lightning mappers that are used in hurricane intensity forecasting and to warn airplanes of risks. It only takes one Tropical storms and hurricanes can have devastating effects, as Hurricanes Helene and Milton reminded the country in 2024. These storms, while well forecast, resulted in billions of dollars of damage and hundreds of fatalities. The U.S. has been facing more intense storms, and the coastal population and value of property in harms way are growing. As five former directors of the National Weather Service wrote in an open letter, cutting funding and staff from NOAAs work that is improving forecasting and warnings ultimately threatens to leave more lives at risk. 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: Chris Vagasky, University of Wisconsin-Madison Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Chris Vagasky is a member of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. A former White House adviser who pushed malaria drugs as a treatment for COVID-19 long after the FDA had ruled them out has been tapped to join the Department of Health and Human Services pandemic response team. Virologist Steven J. Hatfill has been brought on as a special adviser in the directors office at the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the agency that prepares for disasters such as pandemics and biological and chemical attacks, The Washington Post reported. During the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, Hatfill, a former Army biodefense researcher, teamed up with President Donald Trumps then-trade representative Peter Navarro, who also worked on the pandemic response team, to promote hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for treating COVID-19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the Food and Drug Administration allowed emergency use of the drugs and began tracking the health of people taking the medicines. But already by April 2020, the FDA had warned health care professionals to avoid using them because patients taking the drugs experienced higher rates of potentially fatal heart problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Two months later, the agency revoked its emergency approval altogether, saying the benefits did not outweigh the risks. Subsequent studies found that hydroxychloroquine did not prevent infection or effectively treat COVID-19, according to Mayo. Hatfill, however, still maintains that the drugs work. Steven Hatfill was previously an adviser to Trump aide Peter Navarro, who also pushed hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19. / Brian Snyder / REUTERS In early 2020, the White House ordered the government to fill federal stockpiles with millions of doses of hydroxychloroquine, which is also used to treat lupus and other autoimmune disorders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even after the FDA had withdrawn its approval, officials distributed hydroxychloroquine to hospitals and pharmacies, according to the Post. When Anthony Fauci, who at the time was head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said there was no evidence the drug fought the coronavirus, Navarro and Hatfill teamed up to attack him in a series of angry emails. Now Hatfill is joining HHS to help get us ready for the next pandemic, he told the Post. He still believes hydroxychloroquine is safe and effective against the coronavirus, based on 5,000 controlled, randomized studies that were peer-reviewed, he said. Dr. Anthony Fauci (left) coordinated the governments coronavirus response during President Donald Trumps first term. Steven J. Hatfill attacked Fauci for saying malaria drugs didnt effectively treat the coronavirus. / Drew Angerer / Getty Images He is also a proponent of the parasite drug ivermectin, another debunked remedy for the coronavirus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hatfills role involves developing complete awareness of the scientific literature, not just for influenza, bird flu or covid but other global diseases that could represent a threat to the U.S., he said. The HHS did not respond to the Posts request for comment. Before he worked for the Trump administration, Hatfill was investigated for years as a person of interest in the anthrax attacks that began soon after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Steven J. Hatfill was investigated but exonerated during the investigations into deadly anthrax attacks in September 2001. / Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images Over several weeks, letters containing anthrax spores were sent to the offices of three Democratic senators, killing five people and sickening 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hatfills home was raided repeatedly by the FBI, his phone was tapped, and he was surveilled for more than two years. Eventually he was cleared, and the government paid him $4.6 million to settle a lawsuit stemming from the case. In November 2020, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, he helped spearhead the effort in Arizona and Nevada to overturn former President Joe Bidens election victory. At that point, election stuff took precedence over COVID-19, which was relegated to the back seat, he wrote in an email to a colleague. Newark (N.J.) Mayor Ras Baraka on Monday said that an immigrant detention facility in his city is open and housing migrants as his administration is trying to block it from operating. The Democratic mayor said he learned of Delaney Hall opening by word of mouth and that fire inspectors were not allowed into the building on Monday. A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the status of the facility, run by the private prison company GEO Group, but ICE told the New Jersey Globe that it started housing detainees on Thursday. The Baraka administration is suing the GEO Group, alleging the detention center does not have the proper inspections and permits a claim the group denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're following the pattern of the president of the United States, who believes that he can just do whatever he wants to do and obscure the laws and they think they can do the same thing in the state of New Jersey, Baraka said at a press conference. Baraka, who is running for governor, said he would double down on the legal fight. "We will go back to court again, this is [a] blatant disregard for the courts, blatant disregard for the laws," he said. In an email to POLITICO, a spokesperson for the GEO Group said the facility would create "hundreds of unionized jobs" and underscored the economic impact to the Newark community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This attempt by the Mayors Office to stop the operation of a lawful federal immigration processing center at the Delaney Hall facility in Newark is another unfortunate example of a politicized campaign by sanctuary city and open borders politicians in New Jersey to interfere with the federal governments efforts to arrest, detain, and deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens in accordance with established federal law," the company said. The new immigrant detention facility is just miles from New York City and close to Newark Liberty International Airport. The 1,000-bed facility could play a key role in the Trump administrations mass deportation initiatives. Baraka said that city officials were allowed to do an initial tour of the building and found inspection violations. They weren't grave violations, but they were in fact violations, Baraka said. And violations that put first responders at risk, violations that put detainees or workers that are there at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baraka said he was ready to put a red sticker and barricades around the building but was waiting on advice and consent from the Murphy administration's Department of Community Affairs. Everybody is obviously moving slower than we are, Baraka said. A spokesperson for the governor declined to comment. The legal action from Baraka has made him appear more prominently in the Democratic primary for governor. Baraka denied that he is politicizing the issue. The reality is this is not a Republican or Democratic issue, it's an issue of human rights, he said. It's an issue of due process. It's an issue of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. During a May 5 news conference, Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell said the city is working to determine exactly how many people were swept up as part of a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation conducted in Nashville. As previously reported by the Tennessean the agency partnered with Tennessee Highway Patrol to make 150 traffic stops as part of a "public safety operation" in Nashville, focusing on "areas with a history of serious traffic crashes and suspected gang activity." The operation, which occurred in the Antioch area surrounding Nolensville Pike and Harding Place during the early morning hours of May 4, led to 84 arrests since May 3, sparking outcry from impacted families as well as community leaders. Targeted operations are specifically focused on individuals who "threaten public safety or national security" said a statement from ERO New Orleans Field Office Director Mellissa Harper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE said in a statement to The Tennessean the agency is focused on apprehending removable criminal illegal immigrants who pose a threat to public safety. Arrests include those with prior criminal convictions and pending criminal charges. ICE has not released the names of any of the 84 arrested as part of their operation. According to O'Connell, the city's hands may be tied when it comes to preventing similar operations in the future. This is a tough one, because what we saw over the weekend was actions that happened on state routes with no coordination with local officials, OConnell said. So yes, I continue to be concerned about the mechanism for these actions, and I think what theyve demonstrated is that they can occur at times and locations of their choosing without our involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 5, two state representatives and two Metro Nashville Council members sent an official inquiry to Gov. Bill Lee, Commissioner Jeff Long of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Colonel Matt Perry of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The inquiry addressed concerns about recent immigration arrests, which they described as racially targeted stops. The letter was signed by Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, Rep. Shaundelle Brooks, D-Nashville, Metro Nashville Council member Zulfat Suara, and Council member Terry Vo, who also chairs the Immigrant Caucus. The inquiry highlighted six specific demands which include detailed demographic breakdown of those detained, an explanation of the stops and information on the facilities where detainees were taken. Community organizations launch 'Belonging Fund,' fundraising campaign to support immigrants During the news conference, OConnell also announced the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessees new Belonging Fund, which launched the same afternoon at cfmt.org/belonging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hal Cato, the CEO of the Community Foundation, said the new fund is a partnership with nonprofits including Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors, Conexion Americas and the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. Funds could go toward addressing child care and transportation costs, housing assistance and food insecurity. But crucially, OConnell clarified, the fund wont be intended to support immigration legal services. OConnell said its not yet certain whether the city itself will be able to donate to the new Community Foundation fund. The Remix TN, an immigrant advocacy group, launched a fundraising campaign to provide support to the families affected by the operation. As of May 6. the campaign has raised over $19,000, meeting 66% of it's 30,000 goal. "When our neighbors are under attack, we organize and fight back," read a statement online. "Help us ensure family separation does not continue to affect our communities and that we can do as much as we can to reunite families as much as possible." How many people were detained during the ICE operation in Nashville? According to a statement, THP troopers made approximately 150 traffic stops in which several drivers were found without valid licenses. It is currently unclear how many people were detained as a result of the traffic stops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro Director of Law Wally Dietz said hes sent a letter to THP asking the agency to identify all of the individuals arrested over the weekend and to provide a list of their pending charges. Dietz said he also planned to send a letter to ICE asking for the same information by the end of the day on May 5. What agencies were involved during the ICE operation in Nashville? Mayor maintains MNPD was not involved The Nashville operation included involvement from ICE, THP and Homeland Security Investigations. The Nashville Mayor's office has denied involvement from Metro Nashville Police, though some protesters who demonstrated during the operation contend there were MNPD officers on site. According to a May 4 statement from the mayor's office , MNPD officers were relieved from the protest at Nashville's ICE office by state law enforcement officers. O'Connell said events like what happened over the weekend are completely federally driven. He also called the arrests a really tough moment for the city, and expressed that he was heartbroken on behalf of any families who were affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trauma inflicted on families is long-lasting, and Im doing everything in my power consistent with applicable law to protect anyone who calls Nashville home, OConnell said. Whats clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm. "No MNPD personnel was involved in last night's enforcement action," read O'Connell's statement. "MNPD has no federal immigration authority, is not trained to conduct immigration enforcement, and lacks access to federal immigration databases." The mayor's office is seeking the names of those detained in the operation. Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition: 'Unlike anything we've ever seen in Nashville' Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition on Monday said she was shocked by Sundays operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherman Luna said her organization saw some ICE enforcement in collaboration with local law enforcement pulling over a handful of cars at a time in Jackson and rural parts of Tennessee under the first Trump Administration, but nothing like this. The scale of this is unlike anything we've ever seen in Nashville, she said. We are continuing to try and identify everyone who's been impacted and ensure that they have the right legal representation. Sherman Luna said TIRRC was able to identify about 40 people who were either arrested and released or arrested and detained and transferred to a detention center in Louisiana, but dozens more are unaccounted for. Our most educated guess is that there's probably over 100 people in Nashville that have been picked up over the last two days for minor traffic incidences and arrested under civil immigration charges, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the traffic incidents were all for minor infractions like tinted windows or broken tail lights. She said some were questioned about their tattoos. We've heard of mothers who were just trying to get to work who were picked up, she said. Asylum seekers who hadnt had a chance yet to get a license. It absolutely reeks of racial profiling, the fact that they were at the heart of the immigrant and refugee community. She said many families have not yet been able to locate their loved ones and that her team is working around the clock to identify those arrested. There is a lot of fear, but there's also a lot of resiliency and determination to fight back, she said. Nashville ICE operation follows passage of controversial immigration bill The May 4 ICE operation in Nashville aligns with President Donald Trump's efforts to crack down on immigration since being re-elected. In January 2025, Tennessee Republicans gave swift passage to an immigration enforcement bill which introduced a statewide immigration enforcement office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov Bill Lee and GOP leadership said the measures were necessary to help Trump enforce his immigration policies. The legislation outlined the plans for a $5 million office within the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, allowing Lee to tap an enforcement director and incentivize local law enforcement entities to enter into a contract program with federal immigration authorities. This story has been updated to include new information. Contributing: Reporter Molly Davis, Melissa Brown and photojournalist Nicole Hester 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: ICE in Nashville: How many people were detained? What we know U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday rejected assessments made by U.S. Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Frederica Wilson after they visited a Broward ICE facility to investigate the death of a detainee. Juan Agudelo, interim field office director for ICE in Miami, said statements from Cherfilus-McCormick and Wilson were categorically false. These allegations are deliberate attempts to discredit ICE. ICE is at the forefront of President Donald Trumps efforts to round up and deport people who arent in the country legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cherfilus-McCormick and Wilson said Monday afternoon that theyre not deterred by the ICE response to what they reported after visiting the Broward Transitional Center in Deerfield Beach. This statement is nothing more than a distraction from the egregious issues we found at the facility, from detainees sleeping on the floor to the fact that a single doctor was on call caring for hundreds of individuals. Instead of exerting all of its resources on petty personal attacks through the media, ICE should be more focused on providing transparency to the American people, Cherfilus-McCormick said via email. Separately, Wilson said via email that her objective was to uncover the truth, and as a member of Congress, I cannot and will not sit idly as reports keep coming out of inhumane conditions at different ICE facilities. ICE must stop wasting its time attacking members of Congress for simply conducting oversight. Instead, they should be worried about following the law, treating immigrants with dignity, and providing honest answers to the American people. Cherfilus-McCormick and Wilson visited the Broward Transitional Center on Friday to try to learn more about the death of Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian woman who was being detained there. On April 29, ICE announced Blaise had died at the center on April 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cherfilus-McCormick said Friday that detainees told the congresswoman Blaise had complained of chest pain for quite a few days and was given medication the morning of her death, but the chest pains continued. From the beginning of the visit, we were met with open hostility and evasiveness by staff. This tour was a complete departure from my visit to the facility in March 2022, in which personnel talked with me and were transparent. You have to ask yourself why, Cherfilus-McCormick said. Marie Blaise should be alive today. I will not stop until her loved ones get the justice they deserve, and all those in ICE custody are treated with basic dignity, she said. ICE didnt immediately respond to questions about the congressional visit on Friday. On Monday, it provided the statement from Agudelo, who focused on Wilson. She visited another ICE site, the Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade County, on April 24 to investigate conditions there. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Miami field office is responsible for Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Agudelo said that during their visit to the Deerfield Beach facility on Friday the congressional delegation immediately met ICE leadership with hostile intentions, not caring to see any other part of the facility, except the medical area. Congresswoman Wilson demanded answers that are part of an ongoing investigation into the recent death of a detainee. She was informed repeatedly that her questions would be answered at the conclusion of the investigation, however, she unprofessionally persisted in peppering every member present with questions. Later in the statement, Agudelo added: To suggest that ICE attempted to mislead these elected officials is offensive and slanders to the professionalism of our personnel. This delegation met our team with hostile intentions during the visit, and carried that attitude to their impromptu press conference outside the facility. ICE is committed to transparency and fully supports congressional oversight. We take our responsibility to provide accurate information to both Congress and the public very seriously. Wilson was equally strong in her response to Agudelo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My goal in questioning ICE officials was simple: to get the answers the American people deserve. ICE didnt appreciate that we werent here to take a casual tour and nod our heads at everything they said. We ask tough questions because there are real concerns about these facilities that are funded through taxpayer dollars, Wilson said. And this isnt my first rodeo I know ICE officials clean up the facility beforehand and present a polished narrative of the facility to us, hoping I wont see the full story. Cherfilus-McCormick and Wilson said on Friday that ICE staff at the Broward Transitional Center stopped answering questions when they pressed for information about health care staffing and procedures. ICE said its staff provided lots of information to the congresswoman, including living conditions, recreational facilities, and medical care. In fact, ICE leadership detailed the medical care detainees receive from the time they step into the facility and throughout their stay. All aliens in ICE custody receive medical, dental, and mental health screening, including 24-hour emergency care. At no time during detention is a detained illegal alien denied medical care. Cherfilus-McCormick, who represents most of the African American and Caribbean American communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties, is the only Haitian American member of Congress. Wilson, who represents South Broward and Miami-Dade counties, represents Miamis Little Haiti community. Both are Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blaise was stopped by Customs at Border Protection in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Feb. 12, and eventually transferred to ICE custody. She spent six weeks in a Louisiana correctional facility and in early April was transferred to ICEs Miami Division, and the Broward Transitional Center, the agency said previously. The Broward Transitional Center, located near the Monarch Hill landfill widely known as Mount Trashmore, is operated by the GEO Group, the national private prison company based in Boca Raton. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon. The top United Nations court has dismissed a case brought by Sudan accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of breaching the UN Genocide Convention by arming and funding the rebel paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudans deadly civil war. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said on Monday that it manifestly lacked the authority to continue the proceedings and threw out the case. While both Sudan and the UAE are signatories to the 1948 Genocide Convention, the UAE has a carveout to the part of the treaty that gives The Hague-based court jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Sudan asked the ICJ for several orders, known as provisional measures, including telling the UAE to do all it can to prevent the killing and other crimes targeting the Masalit people in Darfur. The UAE called the filing a publicity stunt and, in a hearing last month, argued the court had no jurisdiction. The court on Monday agreed with the UAEs arguments, rejected Sudans request for emergency measures and ordered the case be removed from its docket. Due to the lack of jurisdiction, the court is precluded by its statute from taking any position on the merits of the claims made by Sudan, a summary of the ruling said. The UAE hailed it as a legal victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision is a clear and decisive affirmation of the fact that this case was utterly baseless. The courts finding that it is without jurisdiction confirms that this case should never have been brought, Reem Ketait, deputy assistant minister for political affairs at the UAEs Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement. The facts speak for themselves: the UAE bears no responsibility for the conflict in Sudan. On the contrary, the atrocities committed by the warring parties are well-documented. In an earlier statement, Ketait insisted the UAE is not involved in the war. By a 14-to-two vote, the court threw out Sudans request for emergency measures to prevent genocidal acts against the Masalit tribe, which has been the focus of intense ethnic-based attacks by the RSF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan descended into a deadly conflict in mid-April 2023 when long-simmering tensions between its military and rival paramilitary forces broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions. Both the Rapid Support Forces and Sudans military have been accused of abuses as they battle each other. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and an ally of the United States, has been repeatedly accused of arming the RSF, something it has strenuously denied despite evidence to the contrary. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) For nearly two centuries, Americas love affair with the railroad has symbolized more than just transportation. Its been a powerful metaphor for progress and innovation. One popular locomotive, housed right here in Roanoke, is a proud reminder of that rich history. Now, its getting the recognition it deserves. That familiar sound, the clank of the wheels, the puffs of smoke, and of course, that iconic whistle. This is the 1218, a giant of the rails built in 1943 by the Norfolk and Western Railway right here in Roanoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Norfolk & Western J Class 611 returns home to Virginias Blue Ridge Its the ultimate steam locomotive because it brings, it checks all the boxes for what steam power was. Zac McGinnis, Railroad Exhibit Historian Norfolk and Western later became Norfolk Southern. According to railroad historian Zac McGinnis, they built the Cadillac of locomotives. The one thing is the sheer size of it. Its everything that you can think of a steam locomotive. Its big, its powerful, it ran fast, it was loud, its articulated. The 1218 boasts quite a journey. Before Norfolk and Western retired it in 1959, it transported troops and other equipment during World War II, among other duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one thing seeing a picture of it, but seeing this locomotive in person, you know, over 120 feet long, 16 feet high, a million pounds that used to run 70 miles an hour Queen of Steam, No. 611 Locomotive now officially a historic Virginia landmark The coal-burning Class A locomotive could pull up to 150 cars at that speed. You get awe by looking at the size of this thing and thinking, wow! Thats what boiling water can do! After its retirement, 1218 took a detour. First used for its boiler in West Virginia, then spared from scrapping. It eventually landed in a Vermont museum before returning to Roanoke in the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the story doesnt end there. Robert Claytor was the president of Norfolk Southern, and he wanted to see it run. So, in 1986, the locomotive left Roanoke and headed to Alabama. And they restored it and operated excursions all over the Norfolk Southern system from 87 until 1991 with it. It was retired for good in 1991 and came back home to the Virginia Museum of Transportation (VMT) in 1996, where it still resides today. New 611 train mural brightens Campbell Avenue, brings Star City history to life Id encourage people to come down to the museum, check it out. And when they do check it out, theyll see its been recently designated as a Virginia historic landmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the only survivor of its type in the world, and lets give it a shot and get it the recognition that it deserves as well. McGinnis got to work last summer making his case for historic landmark status. I gave them statistics on the locomotive, the locomotives history, then you have to like pretty much sell them on why you think its a landmark and its role to the state of Virginia. When the designation came through, lets just say McGinnis was whistling much like 1218 used to. PHOTOS: Inside look of 611 Steam trains fall excursion Yeah, its pretty exciting. And personally, this one means a little more to me because 1218 is my all-time favorite locomotive ever since I saw it as a kid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGinnis calls the locomotive a showpiece, and a big reason is that many people chug their way down to the museum. The Virginia Museum of Transportation invites the community to come celebrate the 75th anniversary of locomotive 611 on May 30 and May 31. As part of the festivities, both 611 and 1218 will be officially recognized for their landmark status. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to step inside the cabs with crew members and share stories and ask questions about these legendary workhorses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Despite a more narrow intent in the Idaho Legislature, two child welfare attorneys worry that broad language in Senate Bill 1181 could have far-reaching effects in legal cases for parental rights termination, which some attorneys call the civil death penalty. (Getty Images) A new public defender workload law might inadvertently end the right to legal counsel in Idaho court cases that could result in parents permanently losing their kids. Despite a more narrow intent in the Idaho Legislature, two child welfare attorneys worry that broad language in Senate Bill 1181 could have far-reaching effects in legal cases for parental rights termination, which some attorneys call the civil death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two ways parental rights termination cases can be brought: By the state often initiated by a state health department, or by a private party, such as one parent wanting to end the rights of another parent. The law could make Idaho one of only four states in the U.S. that dont guarantee a right to counsel in state-initiated parental rights termination cases, according to the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel. Weve not really seen a state go backwards on this before Idaho, John Pollock, an attorney and coordinator with the coalition, told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. But Idaho lawmakers who sponsored the bill say they believe the bill wont work that way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the lawmakers say the laws impact will be more narrow: It would just revoke the automatic right to counsel in parental right termination cases brought by private parties, as opposed to the state. And they say the new law outlines a process for the court to grant counsel rights to certain parents under what is called a legal indigency test, which is commonly used to appoint public defense attorneys in criminal cases. Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, cosponsored the bill in the House. He says the bill was widely negotiated and narrowly crafted. We were careful to make sure that we said that that counsel can still be provided if constitutionally required. And thats how several states do it right now, Manwaring told the Sun in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX How public defense rights work in parental rights termination cases. And how this new Idaho law changes it. The law takes effect July 1. The new law makes two changes to how public defenders work on parental rights termination cases: The bill amends an Idaho law around parental rights termination, to specify counsel shall be provided only if such representation is constitutionally required. That is in addition to existing language in the law that allows the right to legal counsel in those cases, if requested and the parent or guardian is financially unable to employ counsel. The bill also amends an Idaho law about broader right to legal counsel that guarantees the right to an attorney in cases brought under Idahos Child Protective Act. The new bill adds language excluding actions brought exclusively under Idahos parental rights termination law, found in Idaho Code Title 16 Chapter 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those two changes are what worries Mary Shea, an Idaho child welfare attorney and previous Democratic candidate for the Idaho Legislature in Pocatello. First, theres no constitutional requirement for counsel in parental rights termination cases, she said. The U.S. Constitutions Sixth Amendment right to counsel applies in criminal cases, not civil cases like parental right termination cases. In a 1981 ruling, the United States Supreme Court clarified that indigent parents didnt have a constitutional right to counsel in parental rights termination cases. Mary Shea, an Idaho child welfare attorney and previous Democratic candidate for the Idaho Legislature in Pocatello. (Courtesy of Mary Shea) In that ruling, the court said it would not force states to provide counsel for termination of parental rights cases except on a case-by-case basis, Shea said. And nobody really knows what that means. But basically that the court said if the case was sufficiently complex or complicated, that a parents parental due process rights would be violated. Only in the most difficult cases where without an attorney, it just is not a fair process, would counsel be required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Idaho, attorneys will now have to go before judges in every parental rights termination case to make the case for right to counsel, Shea said. The new laws second change also effectively eliminates the right to a state-appointed public defender in all parental rights cases, she said. I personally believe that there should be a right to counsel in every termination of parental rights cases because the rights at stake are so important, Shea said. Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, stands to debate on the Idaho Senate floor on March 25, 2024. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) Bill meant to require legal indigency test in private parental rights termination cases Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, the bills original cosponsor, said when he was a prosecutor, judges would ask defendants requesting a public defender about their financial circumstances. If they met the criteria, then an attorney was appointed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats the sort of vetting process he sought to bring in privately initiated parental rights termination cases through his bill. Asked if he agreed with the concern the bill would revoke all right to counsel in these cases, Lakey said we can see how it goes, but I dont think so. In 2024, when the state took over the management of the public defense system from Idaho counties, Manwaring said officials didnt expect theyd be providing legal counsel in private parental termination cases. He said theres always been an indigency test in these cases, but Manwaring didnt know if it was happening. I think the reason it is is because a lot of times in these cases, the majority of them probably are indigent, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In privately initiated termination cases, Manwaring said lawmakers believe counsel shouldnt be automatically provided. By instead allowing a judge to determine if counsel should be provided, he argued the state can analyze the scope of how many private cases get counsel appointments. Because these are taxpayer funds, Manwaring said. This is a state agency. We want to be careful that were not overstepping the bounds of what the state should be paying for. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Idaho State Public Defender Office spokesperson Patrick Orr said the office believes its public defenders should not be representing parents in privately brought cases. If a court appoints legal counsel in a privately initiated case, he said it will be up to others to decide how to find, assign, and pay attorneys to represent clients in private termination cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our office, which provides indigent criminal defense representation and representation for parents in Child Protective Act cases where the state seeks to interfere with the parent-child relationship, should not be providing legal representation in disputes between private parties, Orr told the Sun in an email. Parents representing themselves face difficult prospect, attorney says Parents would have a tough time representing themselves, Shea said. John Pollock, an attorney and coordinator for the the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel. (Courtesy of the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel) If you dont understand the rules of civil procedure or the rules of evidence, if you dont know how to get your questions about the other sides case answered in the discovery process of litigation, and if you dont know how to argue your case to a judge it would be very difficult for a parent to go against an attorney on the other side and succeed, she said. But even if lawmakers had fixed the bill to just end the right to counsel in privately brought parental termination cases, Pollock said his legal advocacy group would still have an issue with the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several courts have struck down that distinction to only remove the right to counsel only in privately initiated cases, ruling those moves violate equal protection, he said. Bill attempts to clarify public defense roles, amid rocky new system The bill is an attempt to clarify public defender roles months into Idahos troubled switch from county-level public defenders to a state-managed public defense office. In October 2024, Idaho officially transferred public defense from Idahos 44 counties into the new statewide agency, called the Office of the State Public Defender. During that transition, some public defenders quit, citing new pay cuts. The ACLU of Idaho, which sued the state in 2015 alleging Idahos public defense system violated low-income peoples constitutional right to counsel, in January asked the Idaho Supreme Court to intervene in the new public defense system. The organization alleged countless indigent defendants have appeared in courts across Idaho without representation from the State Public Defenders Office, the Sun previously reported. Rep. Dustin Manwaring. R, Pocatello, at the Idaho Capitol on April 6, 2021. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun) Manwaring said the bill was meant to be a first step to smooth out kinks in the transition. And he expects more tweaks in the years ahead. We know were going to continue to look at this carefully and make adjustments going forward that need to happen, including in this lane of termination of parental rights cases, Manwaring said. If we dont have this right, were going to make sure were going to continue to review this and make those amendments going forward if we need to. In March, lawmakers introduced the bill. Within two weeks, it passed both chambers of the Legislature one day before this years legislative session ended. In the Houses committee hearing on the bill, Shea testified about her concern that the bill would end all right to counsel in parental termination cases. Then the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee slated the bill for amendments. But in the final days of the Legislature, the House passed the bill without amendments. Asked why the bill wasnt amended, Manwaring said lawmakers were able to address concerns among committee members about the bill in the meantime. Less than two weeks after it passed the House and Senate, Gov. Brad Little signed it into law. The governors office could not be immediately reached for comment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE May 5MIDLAND IDEA Public Schools in the Permian Basin will honor its employees at the annual Staff of the Year Dinner at 6:30 p.m. May 7 at the Bush Convention Center. The dinner recognizes the hard work and dedication of educators and staff members from IDEA Travis Academy and College Preparatory and IDEA Yukon Academy and College Preparatory. The event will recognize 14 outstanding team members from across the region for their excellence in education and commitment to student success. Awards will be given in multiple categories, including Teacher of the Year, Co-Teacher of the Year, and Staff Member of the Year, among others. Each honoree will receive a certificate and award and will be nominated for IDEA Public Schools' national Staff of the Year honors. "Our teachers and staff are the heart of everything we do," Annette Macias, Executive Director of IDEA Permian Basin, said in a news release. "This celebration is a moment to recognize their unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and the positive impact they make in the lives of our students every day. We are proud to shine a spotlight on their achievements." The Staff of the Year Dinner is an annual tradition that highlights IDEA Permian Basin's commitment to recognizing excellence across its schools and fostering a culture of appreciation and high performance. The event will also feature a special speech from one of the region's advisory board members, Becca Myers. She currently serves as the government and external affairs specialist for Coterra Energy in the Permian Basin where she works to align the oil and gas industry with community priorities across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. With a strong background in education and public engagement, she brings years of experience supporting initiatives in community development, agriculture, veterans, first responders, and education. KazMunayGas clarifies stance on Atyrau oil refinery privatization Photo: KazMunayGas During a government briefing in Astana, Asset Magauov, Deputy Chairman of KazMunayGas, addressed the potential privatization of the Atyrau Oil Refinery. While no final decision has been made, recommendations suggest reducing state involvement to foster market competition. Magauov also highlighted the need for further investment in the refinery's modernization, noting that any funding required could come from internal or borrowed sources, unrelated to attracting investors. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register CHICAGO (AP) U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced Monday that she wont seek reelection next year after 14 terms, making her the latest longtime Illinois Democrat to announce a retirement from Congress. For the remainder of my term, and beyond, I vow to continue taking every opportunity possible to fight for my community and my country, Schakowsky, 80, said in a statement. I will do everything in my power to secure equal rights for all, an economy that works for everyone, not just the rich, universal health care, reproductive rights, environmental protections and climate security, and so much more. Her announcement comes less than two weeks after Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senates No. 2 Democrat, announced he wont seek a sixth term in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schakowsky announced the news Monday during an annual luncheon she hosts in Chicago. Attendees included Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who lost a Democratic congressional primary to Schakowsky in 1998. A former Illinois state legislator and onetime public school teacher, Schakowsky became a congresswoman in 1999. She has been easily reelected in contests since then, including in November when she defeated Republican Seth Allen Cohen, who served in the U.S. Marines. In recent years, Schakowsky has focused on health care, immigration and issues affecting senior citizens. She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. She's also been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and skipped both of his inaugurations. Schakowsky said Monday that she's most proud of her work to help draft the Affordable Care Act, consumer protections and legislation to help senior citizens. Her term ends in January 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The heavily Democratic 9th District includes Chicago neighborhoods along Lake Michigan and a mix of wealthy and middle-class suburbs north and northwest of the city. Before Schakowsky's announcement, one person had already declared a 2026 run. Kat Abughazaleh, 26, is a progressive political influencer and journalist who raised more money than Schakowsky in the quarter that ended in March, bringing in $379,000 to Schakowskys roughly $213,000, according to Federal Election Commission filings. However, Schakowsky still has more than double the cash on hand with $877,000. Other potential candidates are Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, a former state lawmaker, and two state legislators, Rep. Kelly Cassidy and Sen. Laura Fine. CHICAGO (WGN) Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky on Monday announced that she would not seek another term. She has served the states 9th Congressional District, which covers parts of Cook and McHenry counties, since 1999. The 80-year-olds announcement at her annual Ultimate Womens Power Lunch was quickly followed by an official statement from her congressional office. It is now time for me to pass the baton, a portion of her statement read. We are so fortunate in the 9th District that there are dozens of talented leaders, advocates, and organizers who know our community and who are ready to lead the charge as we fight back against the extreme MAGA agenda and President Donald Trumps shameful policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schakowsky touted the Affordable Care Act, consumer protection bills, and efforts to block the privatization of Social Security among her legislative wins. Schakowsky, who serves as a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, already faced a challenge for the Democratic nomination. Progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh announced in March her intention to seek the nomination. In a statement, Abughazaleh thanked Schakowsky for her decades of exceptional public service. While I dont agree with any politician completely, I applaud Rep. Schakowskys track record on key issues from Social Security to Palestinian human rights, she said in a statement that accompanied a video message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicagoan Justin Ford, who describes himself as a father, union organizer, public health official and neighbor, announced his campaign last week. Statement from Ill. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton I commend Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on her decades of service to Illinois families. She fought hard for us in Washington and championed a future that works better for all. I congratulate her on a well-earned retirement and I wish nothing but joy for her and Robert as they welcome this new chapter. Jan delivered real change for Illinois its time for us to carry her legacy forward. Statement from Ill. Rep. Robin Kelly For over 25 years, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a powerful advocate for her constituents and the people of Illinois. Im incredibly grateful for her partnership in the Illinois Delegation and the Energy and Commerce Committee as weve fought together for access to high-quality healthcare. Congresswoman Schakowskys legacy, including her leadership in passing the Affordable Care Act, will continue to improve American lives. I wish her and her family all the best in a well-earned retirement. Statement from Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia Jan Schakowsky is a legend in Illinois politics and the progressive movement nationwide. She has devoted herself to standing up for women, workers, seniors, immigrants, and people pushed to the marginsalways with clarity, conviction, heart, and strategic smarts. Her retirement is a big loss for Congress, but her impact will be felt for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive known Jan for many years, long before we served together in Congress, we served in the Illinois General Assembly. Shes always had my back, and Ive always looked up to her, not just for what shes fought for, but for how shes done it: with integrity, courage, and deep love for community. Jan and Bob are part of a long tradition of organizing in Chicago that shaped my political journey. Their commitment has moved the needle on many issues and lifted a generation of activists and leaders. Im proud to call Jan a friend and mentor, and I wish her and Bob all the best in this next chapter. If I know Jan, shell continue to lead by example. Statement from Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Throughout her career in public service, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a fearless champion for working families, women, and seniors, and a tireless advocate for justice. She has also been a dear friend and trusted colleague whose leadership will be deeply missed in Congress. Her legacy of principled service and progressive action has improved the lives of millions. Im grateful to have worked alongside her, and I look forward to continuing that fight alongside her through the end of this term. I wish Jan and her family all the best in this next chapter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An image of himself as pope, a proposal to reopen Alcatraz prison and a call for tariffs on movies produced on foreign film sets marked President Donald Trump's 10th visit to Palm Beach this term. The AI-generated visual of the president in papal attire was posted May 3 while global Catholics are still mourning the April 21 death of Pope Francis. Cardinals from around the world are scheduled to open a conclave to choose the next pontiff on May 7. Trump's post on Truth Social with the image did not have accompanying text, but it drew a rebuke from New York bishops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President," the Catholic Bishops of New York State wrote on X. "We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us." A screen shot of an image President Donald Trump posted on social media. Trump: Rebuild, reopen Alcatraz for criminals in U.S. illegally In another post as the president was departing for Washington on May 4, he demanded a rebuilding and reopening of the former federal prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. "When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm," he wrote. "Thats the way its supposed to be." President Donald Trump arrives at Palm Beach International Airport on May 1, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump is spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence. Alcatraz served as a high-security prison from the Great Depression until the early 1960s, when it was closed by order of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, the father of current Trump Cabinet member and health czar Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. It housed some of the country's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, most of the site is decayed except for the main cell block building and other structures that are a national historic site open to tourists. The president said he was "directing" the Bureau of Prisons, along with the departments of Justice and Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, "to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders." He said the United States would not be "held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally." President Trump called on May 4 for turning Alcatraz back into a federal prison. The notorious penitentiary in San Francisco Bay has been a national park and tourist attraction for decades. Alcatraz call follows scrutiny, challenges to Trump deportation policy Trump's Alcatraz order followed a posting earlier in the weekend expressing frustration that federal judges have blocked some of his efforts to "Deport Criminals, including Murderers, out of our Country and back to" their home countries. "If this is so, our Country, as we know it, is finished! Americans will have to get used to a very different, crime filled, LIFE. This is not what our Founders had in mind!!!" he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court orders Trump railed against have come as arguments have been presented before federal judges that the administration has removed people from the United States who did not have criminal records. Those cases include a Cuban woman from Tampa who is married to a naturalized U.S. citizen and is the mother of a 1-year-old daughter and was reportedly deported to the communist island last month. The focus on deporting foreign nationals extends well beyond just those with criminal records. Last month, Florida International University revealed it has joined the federal-state partnership and its security officers will participate in efforts to detain people on campus they suspect are simply in the country without permission. The police department at Florida Atlantic University has applied to become part of the partnership as well. The Trump administration has allowed the Temporary Protected Status for tens of thousands of Venezuelans to expire, making them eligible for deportation. A federal judge has, for the moment, blocked the decision by Homeland Security, which also has indicated TPS for other holders, including Haitians, will come to an end this year. The administration has acknowledged its intention is to also deport people with no criminal background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison Sheahan, the deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, said May 1 the priority is to remove individuals who pose a safety or security threat to the general population. But she made clear the definition of criminality is much broader saying "everybody that is in this country illegally is a criminal." Trump's Alcatraz directive also comes as immigration advocates and the families of those being held at a southern Miami-Dade County detention center have decried what they allege are deadly overcrowding conditions. And as the shipment of people to a prison in El Salvador continues to draw scrutiny and criticism. A Trump tariff on movies too? On May 3, while the president was in town, a 25% tariff on imported auto parts began. But it was a duty on movies filmed abroad that was also on the president's agenda this weekend. Trump said he was "authorizing" the Department of Commerce and the U.S. trade representative to "immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff" on movies "produced in Foreign Lands," saying they pose a national security threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death," he wrote. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat." Trump arrived late on May 1 and attended a Republican National Committee spring gala held at Mar-a-Lago on May 2. Trump has traveled to the Winter White House 10 times this term, spending part or all of 35 days. Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump in Palm Beach: Image as pope, Alcatraz and movie tariff mark visit Immigrant rights groups and community members gathered at Nashville's Immigration and Customs Enforcement office May 4 after the agency partnered with Tennessee Highway Patrol to make dozens of arrests over the weekend. According to a statement from the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security, the Tennessee Highway Patrol partnered with ICE and Homeland Security Investigations for a "public safety operation" in Nashville, focusing on "areas with a history of serious traffic crashes and suspected gang activity." The statement said troopers made approximately 150 traffic stops. In several cases, drivers were found without valid licenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Federal agents handled those situations, including immigration-related matters," the statement said. "Troopers made a few arrests for outstanding warrants. Illegal guns and drugs were also recovered, including from individuals suspected of gang affiliation." Immigration and Customs Enforcement New Orleans Field Office Director Mellissa Harper said in a statement May 5 that its operations are "specifically focued on individuals who threaten public safety or national security." "Our officers are highly trained professionals who carry out their duties with diligence, respect, and integrity," she said. "We are committed to smart, strategic enforcement that prioritizes the well-being of the public while maintaining the trust of the communities we serve. ICE will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to keep our communities secure and uphold the rule of law. Ashley Warbington told The Tennessean she saw Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers collaborate with ICE agents to pull over vehicles and detain the drivers during the early morning hours of May 4. The arrests happened in the Antioch area surrounding Nolensville Pike and Harding Place. Ashley Warrington walks with other protesters alongside a bus being escorted by Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers (ICE) and Homeland Security officers at the DHS field office in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Multiple immigrant rights groups gathered to protest what they believed to be a multi-agency operation to detain noncitizens overnight. "I did see a stop on Harding Place by Tennessee Highway Patrol," Warbington said. "Behind them was two unmarked vehicles. A little bit up further, at the exact same time, was another stop that looked to be the same. ... I saw someone get detained, put in an unmarked vehicle and driven away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how many people were detained as a result of the traffic stops. Immigrant advocates protest the operation Members of immigrant rights groups stayed outside the Nashville ICE office for at least four hours on the afternoon of May 4 awaiting more information from officials about who was detained, where they were being held and when they would be released. Multiple family members of those detained were among that group. Metro Council member Sean Parker was also at a noon news conference hosted by the advocacy groups demanding answers about the operation. Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, said in a phone call May 5 that the actions taken over the weekend by authorities shocked her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherman Luna said her organization saw some ICE enforcement in collaboration with local law enforcement pulling over a handful of cars at a time in Jackson and rural parts of Tennessee under the first Trump administration, but nothing like this. The scale of this is unlike anything we've ever seen in Nashville, she said. We are continuing to try and identify everyone who's been impacted and ensure that they have the right legal representation. The coalition was able to identify about 40 people either arrested and released, or arrested, detained and then transferred to a detention center in Louisiana. Dozens more are unaccounted for, Sherman Luna said. "Our most educated guess is that there's probably over 100 people in Nashville that have been picked up over the last two days for minor traffic incidences and arrested under civil immigration charges, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the people were pulled over for what Sherman Luna said were minor infractions, like tinted windows or broken taillights. Some people were questioned about their tattoos, she said. We've heard of mothers who were just trying to get to work who were picked up, Sherman Luna said. Asylum seekers who hadnt had a chance yet to get a license. It absolutely reeks of racial profiling, the fact that they were at the heart of the immigrant and refugee community. She said that many families have not yet been able to locate their loved ones and that her team is working around the clock to identify those arrested. The coalition asked anyone affected by the situation to call the resource hotline at 615-414-1030. There is a lot of fear, but there's also a lot of resiliency and determination to fight back, she said. Public officials denounce actions taken by federal, state authorities Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell urged people to contact their state and federal representatives in a statement on social media May 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our top priority is keeping people safe, and we're deeply concerned that what appears to be federal actions are making that harder," O'Connell said. O'Connell said Metro Nashville Police were not involved in the traffic stops. "MNPD has no federal immigration authority, is not trained to conduct immigration enforcement, and lacks access to federal immigration databases," he said. "They do respond to calls for service and help ensure public safety during protest events anywhere in the city, including the one Sunday just off the property of the federal ICE office. MNPD officers were relieved from the protest by state law enforcement members." State Rep. Aftyn Behn released a statement about the reports of ICE activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What I've heard anecdotally is deeply disturbing," Behn said. "If THP's involvement is confirmed, it raises urgent and serious questions about THP's role and authority in detaining Nashvillians for ICE." "Dragnet operations like this do nothing to improve public safety," the statement continued. "What they do is terrorize families, disrupt lives and shatter trust between law enforcement and the communities they are supposed to serve." Reporter Kirsten Fiscus and photojournalist Nicole Hester contributed to this report. This story has been corrected to reflect that a statement about the operation came from the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville ICE, THP traffic stops draw protests after several arrested Donald Trumps administration is promising $1,000 to undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country, but only good people and industrious people that could love our country will be allowed to return, according to the president. The Department of Homeland Security on Monday announced that illegal aliens who use the CBP Home app to self-deport will receive financial and travel assistance including $1,000 paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app. If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and administration officials contend that people who use the app to report their own removal will be provided an opportunity to return to the country legally. But under current law, anyone living in the United States for more than six months without permission cannot return as an immigrant for at least three years. Immigrants who were in the country for more than a year could be blocked from reentering for at least 10 years. Immigrants with a record of deportation also are more likely to face lengthy waiting periods, or outright denials, when applying for visas. Were gonna pay each one a certain amount of money and get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from, and they have a period of time, and if they make it, were gonna work with them so that maybe someday, with a little work, they can come back in, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. Trump promises beautiful flights out of the country for people who self-deport, but only good and industrious people will be allowed to return, he says (REUTERS) If theyre good people, if theyre the kind of people we want in our company, industrious people that could love our country. And if not they, wont. But it will give them a path to you know coming back into the country, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they miss that limit, theyre gonna be taken out of our country, and they never have, and they have never, they will never get a path to come back in, and itll be a much tougher process. And its called self-deportation, he said. The proposal follows stagnant deportation numbers within the first few months of Trumps presidency despite his anti-immigration agenda promising sweeping removals. The administration shut down the Joe Biden-era CBP One app, which granted immigrants a legal pathway to enter the United States, and relaunched the app as CBP Home so users can notify the government their intent to leave the country. At least 5,000 immigrants have reportedly used CBP Home to announce they were voluntarily leaving the country, according to the Migration Policy Institute, an immigration think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is now battling in courtrooms across the country to summarily remove dozens of alleged Tren de Aragua gang members, labelled alien enemies who can be summarily deported from the country under his invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a centuries-old wartime law most recently used to detain Japanese Americans during the Second World War. The law grants authority to the president to remove targeted immigrants during a declared war or if there is an invasion or predatory incursion. Last week, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas delivered yet another blow to the presidents so-called mass deportation operation with a ruling that found the government does not possess the lawful authority to summarily deport alleged Venezuelan gang members under his use of the Alien Enemies Act. Trumps border czar Tom Homan and administration officials claim immigrants who self-deport through the CBP Home app can begin a legal process for returning, but they face years-long waiting periods and obstacles for approval (EPA) Federal judges across the ideological spectrum have also rebuked the administration for failing to retrieve a Salvadoran father living in Maryland who the administration admitted was wrongly deported to a notorious jail in his home country by error despite a court order preventing that from happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A unanimous Supreme Court agreed that the government must facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcias return, and that the United States acknowledges that Abrego Garcia was subject to a withholding order forbidding his removal to El Salvador, and that the removal to El Salvador was therefore illegal. The president and his allies have raged at court decisions blocking his agenda, accusing judges of obstructing what he calls a mandate from voters to remove millions of undocumented immigrants. Trump and his allies have accused judges of demanding trials for targeted immigrants, despite the fact that immigration courts do not have juries or witnesses and serve under the Department of Justice and at the direction of the attorney general. Its a very difficult thing with the courts. The courts have all of a sudden out of nowhere have said maybe you have to have trials. Were gonna have 5 million trials? Doesnt work. Doesnt work, he said Monday. You wouldn't have a country left. But hopefully the Supreme Court will save it. Brenda Peres, far right, of Nashville, yells "Shame on you!" at law enforcement officials as a bus with immigrants detained on May 3 leaves a Nashville Department of Homeland Security facility. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) (This story has been updated.) An apparent immigration enforcement action by agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency early Sunday morning in Nashville resulted in the detentions of area immigrants, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a press release from state Rep. Aftyn Behn, a Nashville Democrat, Witnesses reported multiple drivers pulled over and detained, including mothers driving to work, allegedly leaving children in vehicles by themselves. Videos, photos, and firsthand accounts point to ICE working in tandem with the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) to carry out what can only be described as a dragnet. A Tennessee Lookout photojournalist on Sunday documented buses leaving a U.S. Department of Homeland Security facility in Nashville. Family members of the alleged detainees were also present, protesting the alleged detentions. In a statement, Mellissa Harper, Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans Field Office Director, did not specifically confirm the Nashville action but said, Protecting the safety and security of our communities remains a top priority for ICE. As part of our ongoing mission to uphold U.S. immigration laws, our targeted enforcement operations are specifically focused on individuals who threaten public safety or national security. These efforts help ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe and that immigration laws are enforced. Raquel Bueno's husband was detained in a Sunday morning immigration enforcement action in Nashville. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement walk back to the agency's North Nashville facility after escorting a bus filled with immigrants out of the parking lot. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) From left, Betzbet Rojas, 25, and Unimare Estrada, 24, protest the detention of their husbands, thought to be on Immigration and Customs Enforcement buses after a May 4 dragnet by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Sarah Shoop Neumann, center, joins the protest. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) A bus, reportedly filled with Nashville immigrants detained on Sunday morning, prepares to leave the Department of Homeland Security and ICE facility on North Nashville. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Family members of immigrants and community advocates protest beside an ICE bus. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arbitrarily rounding up parents on their way home and workers traveling to their jobs does not make Nashville safer or stronger, said Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition in a statement. Instead it shatters families, erodes trust in law enforcement, and leads to fear, trauma and isolation that weakens the collective fabric of our community. This is yet another unconscionable act of cruelty and abuse of power by ICE collaborating with state law enforcement that will have a devastating impact on families throughout Nashville and beyond, Luna said. In a statement posted on social media, Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell said, This type of federal enforcement action is not focused on making us safer and leaves people in our community fearing any interaction with law enforcement when there is a crime occurring. We will be seeking the names of those detained. At publication time, the Lookout had not received a response to requests for comment from the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The detention comes amid a federal and state focus on immigrants and moves to deport them. In a January special legislative session, the Tennessee General Assembly passed sweeping immigration legislation to create a new state enforcement office as a liaison with the Trump administration, provide grants to law enforcement agencies that agree to participate in the federal 287(g) program, which allows local police and sheriff deputies to enforce federal immigration laws and criminalize public officials who vote for sanctuary city policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press announcement calling for the special session, Gov. Bill Lee said his aim ensuring our state is ready to assist President Trump in carrying out his immigration enforcement agenda. Several other bills targeting immigrants were taken up during the regular legislative session. A measure to hold churches and charitable organizations liable for providing housing aid to immigrants without legal status who then go on to commit a crime passed, as did a human smuggling bill, which creates a new crime for harboring or hiding immigrants without permanent legal status. A spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department said the agency was not involved in the detention action but sent officers to the DHS facility to monitor a public protest before they were relieved by highway patrol officers. This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX India and Pakistan have traded blows to each others supply chains as tensions between the south Asian countries rise in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in the historically disputed Kashmir region. On Saturday, Indias government announced a ban on imported goods originating from or transiting through Pakistan and a prohibition on Pakistani-flagged ships entering Indian ports. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes days after India first closed the Attari land port situated on its border with Pakistan. This prompted Pakistan to suspend all trade with India. including routes through third countries. Both countries have since closed airspace to the opposite nations airlines. April 22s militant attack in Pahalgam, a resort town in India-administered Kashmir, resulted in the death of 26 people. India has accused the Pakistani government of supporting the militants. Pakistan has denied the accusations. Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders, said a May 2 notification by Indias directorate general of foreign trade, an arm of the commerce ministry. This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. The ban also suspends all mail and parcel exchanges into India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order to turn away Pakistani ships from Indian ports was issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping, according to the countrys directorate general of shipping. Any exemption from the order would have to be examined and decided on a case-to-case basis. In retaliation, Pakistans ministry of maritime affairs prohibited Indian-flagged ships from docking at any of its ports and barred Pakistani ships from accessing Indian ports. Ryan Petersen, CEO and founder of Flexport, said in a post on X Monday morning that ocean shipping is seeing some disruptions due to the rising tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pakistan to India feeder route has gained popularity due to limited direct shipping options from Pakistan, longer transit times to Colombo and persistent congestion, said Petersen. Carriers are now adjusting their services, with some vessels being redirected back to Pakistan to unload cargo, while others are rerouting to Colombo. Despite the ban, Petersen said there are no confirmed restrictions on Pakistan cargo yet, with a port call in India remaining on board for its final destination. The trade relationship between the apparel producers and exporters has deteriorated in recent years. Even before the cutoff, any benefits have been one-sided in favor of India. The move is largely symbolic, said Ajay Srivastava, co-founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative, in a research note. India doesnt depend on Pakistani goods, so the economic impact is minimal. On the other hand, Pakistan still needs Indian products and may continue accessing them through third countries using recoded or unrecorded routes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sharp decline in bilateral trade between India and Pakistan came after a previous attacka suicide bombing in 2019 that killed 40 Indian police officers. In response to the attack, India levied a 200 percent tariff on all Pakistani goods and withdrew the countrys most favored nation status. In 2019, Indias exports to Pakistan had once peaked at $2.1 billion, while imports stood at $495 million. In between April 2024 and February 2025, the export total decreased substantially to just $491 million. Imports have cratered to roughly $420,000, and are niche items like figs, Himalayan pink salt and select herbs such as basil and rosemary, according to Srivastava. Indias supply chain squabbles extend beyond its neighbor to the west, with the country engaging in another tit-for tat with Bangladesh over the past month. Bangladesh first restricted land imports of cotton yarn from India after a request from local textile mills that the raw materials should only be allowed via seaports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India then revoked Bangladeshs access to its transshipment hubs, which the latters exporters had previously used to ship goods out of the country via Indian customs stations, ports and airports. Indian exporters had urged the government to end the service for Bangladeshi businesses, citing backlogs seen at airports and ports due to the cargo from both countries. Relations between both countries have soured in the wake of the ousting of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A Washington man is in custody after police say he drove a bus with 38 children while intoxicated. Authorities say this happened Monday around 9 a.m. in Daviess County, Indiana. Deputies say a Catholic Diocese of Evansville bus was being used for a Washington Catholic School field trip. They say the bus got stuck in mud in the median at US 50 and County Road 300 in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, the driver, 55-year-old Steven Truelove, was taken to a nearby hospital for a drug and alcohol screen when it was determined his BAC was 0.221. Were told 38 kids and 4 adults were safely removed from the incident and no injuries were reported. Truelove was arrested, booked in the Daviess County Security Center and charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Endangering. Officials with the Diocese of Evansville Catholic Schools released the following statement in response to the incident: The Diocese of Evansville Catholic Schools Office is thankful no one was injured during a transportation incident that occurred on the morning of May 5. The safety of students and staff is of utmost importance, and were grateful everyone returned to school safely. We express our gratitude to the local safety personnel who quickly responded and swiftly controlled the situation. Catholic Diocese of Evansville Steven Truelove (Courtesy: Daviess County Sheriff) Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Indianas 2025 legislative session offered a valuable pair of economic lessons. The first is that there are no perfectly good or bad policies, only trade-offs. The second is that the cost of anything is measured by what you relinquish to obtain it its opportunity cost. Indianas new property tax law gifted me with a new, and pristine, example of both lessons. The session began with Senate Bill 1, a version of Gov. Mike Brauns property tax cuts. This legislation provides modest tax cuts to about half of Hoosier families and less than $300 per year for that lucky half. It also provided the largest business tax cuts in state history by exempting business personal property tax payments and eliminating the 30% floor on depreciated tax payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive already described how this bill will result in large income tax increases, probably in the range of $1,250 for the typical family. The unhappiness of this trade-off should be increasingly obvious to many folks. But that isnt the big lesson. The bigger lesson is what these business tax cuts do to employment in todays tariff-burdened economy. Trump's tariffs collide with business tax cuts Before the April 2 tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, taxes on Indianas manufacturing firms, and their imported goods, was roughly $2.76 billion (in 2023). That was the fourth-lowest rate in the country. After the tariffs, that tax jumps an astonishing $22.37 billion. The cost of producing anything is much higher maybe 15% for a Hoosier automobile. This leaves Hoosier firms with a dilemma. Most businesses will raise prices, cut production, reduce staff and see lower profits the side effects of a recession. Nearly all manufacturers will do that in the short run. Hicks: Braun's plan for Indiana's small towns will only hasten their decline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the long run, they can onshore production of the tariffed products, but that costs money. In fact, the reason the product was imported in the first place is that someone else can produce it more efficiently. So, that leaves them with a more expensive product that fewer Americans will buy and is less profitable. But vanishingly few businesses will make capital expenditure decisions under the Trump tariff regime. Who knows what theyll be in an hour or so, and capex decisions are long-term, multi-year choices. Congress will remove these tariffs; the only question is how bad the pain will be before it does. Businesses have incentive to automate, slash jobs In the meantime, Indianas business property tax cuts give businesses a good, reliable, high-probability opportunity to remain profitable without worrying about tariffs. You see, the goal is to cut production costs to remain competitive. Why bother fixing tariffs, which will go away, when the legislature slashed your property taxes? Before this legislative session, a business investing $1 billion would have a 25-year personal property tax liability of about $221.4 million dollars. Thats among the lowest in the country, but it is still a big number. With abatements, the cost would drop to about $86.6 million over 25 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Indianas new property tax law, that tax liability drops from $221.4 million to $122.5 million and, with tax abatements, to effectively zero. The quickest and easiest way for a business to cut its long-term production costs is to automate its workforce. Manufacturing labor accounts for roughly 39% of manufacturing costs, but in an automated factory theyd be down to under 5%. Theres no risk that such a move will backfire once tariffs are cut. Hicks: Running Indiana like a business has failed This decision has benefits and costs. The labor share of production will drop, and the capital share will spike. This flows more business revenue to owners individuals, retirement accounts and pension funds. It will also grow demand for electrical and mechanical engineers, workers with advanced training in manufacturing technology, as well as AI developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will trim far, far more jobs than itll create. Well see substantial declines in traditional factory employment (which already are highly, but not fully, automated). This will cut demand for labor in factories across the state and reduce local income tax revenues because there will be fewer jobs for fewer workers. We may be on the cusp of a hyper-automation wave. Indiana should have targeted hospitals, not taxes That is a good lesson on trade-offs. We economists have plenty of examples of these, but what about opportunity costs? Senate Enrolled Act 1 will take Indiana from the seventh-lowest residential property tax state to, well, uhm, the seventh-lowest residential property tax state. But we pay the fourth-highest share of our family budget on hospitals a whopping $2,356 per family more than the average American household. Thats the opportunity cost lesson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What if Senate Bill 1 addressed the hospital monopolization that is strangling Hoosier families? What if, instead of spending a long and tedious budget session struggling to find piddling property tax savings, we focused on reversing two decades of hospital monopolization? What might we have achieved? If Indianas elected leaders had spent the session working through antitrust enforcement, they might have made some progress. If they hadnt been distracted by an anti-tax hysteria, which made some sense 25 years ago, they might have made progress on health care. Hicks: How to create equal opportunities in post-DEI Indiana Lets just imagine what wouldve happened if theyd passed legislation that moves us from paying a whopping 10.5% of the average household budget on hospitals to 9.5%. That would have saved the average Hoosier family $1,081 this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It bears repeating that SEA 1 isnt all good or bad, just like any legislation. There are winners and losers. Business owners, including stockholders, are big winners. The losers are people who earn income, whose taxes are going to be more than offset by income tax increases, or who lose their jobs to new labor-saving capital investment. The opportunity cost to fixing a problem we didnt really have was that we failed to fully address a much larger, more imminent and far more fixable problem that has festered for yearsmonopolized hospitals. Thats what happens when you react to know-nothing candidates and radio show hosts for your public policy agenda. This is also why, in every economics class, from high school to the doctoral level, we remind students of two things. First, every policy has trade-offs. Second, that the cost of everything is what you give up to get it. In this case, the cost was real progress on our worsening hospital monopolies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael J. Hicks is the director of the Center for Business and Economic Research and the George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of economics in the Miller College of Business at Ball State University. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: SB 1, tariffs will bring manufacturing layoffs to Indiana | Opinion BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The European Commission, Germanys KfW and DEG have signed a 300 million joint guarantee agreement to support sustainable urban development and green hydrogen investments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Trend reports. According to the European Commission, the initiative is backed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+). The agreement aims to strengthen KfW and DEGs capacity to finance projects that improve energy efficiency, expand renewable energy use, and reinforce urban infrastructure resilience. It will also support the production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen in the region. The initiative contributes to the EUs broader strategic goals, including the Global Gateway and the European Green Deal, and is expected to generate economic opportunities while addressing energy and climate priorities across MENA. Meredith Sharp moved to a three-acre rural property on Indys southeast side seven years ago so she could farm her own plants and build a small business. Since incorporating her herbal skincare business, she has weathered the economic turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, suffered through dry seasons, rained-out farmers markets and container shortages. But all of that seems small compared to the new threat she says she faces: a proposed data center on nearly 500 acres of agricultural land in Franklin Township near her home. Ive worked my entire life to finally get out here to have this little slice of country that I can farm, and now its like I am fighting for everything I worked for, Sharp said. And theres a lot of people up and down this area that have the same circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharp joins a growing cohort of Hoosiers raising their voices against the state's rush to embrace energy-hungry data centers meant to fuel the artificial intelligence craze and the environmental impacts that come with them. Data Centers spreading in Central Indiana There already are more than 60 data centers across Indiana, according to datacentermap.com. That includes two dozen in Marion County. An additional six proposals to build centers are pending in Central Indiana including for Greenfield, Lebanon, Monrovia and Pittsboro with about 20 more proposed across the state. Like Sharp in Marion County, the family behind Tuttle Orchard in Hancock County is facing a devastating proposal to develop a 775-acre site adjacent to the orchard. The project would include a new data center. The orchard's owners expressed concerns that the environment and public appeal of their business would be degraded if the proposed site is given the green light. Northwest of Indianapolis in Pittsboro, residents are concerned about a different tech company proposing a data center. The company recently issued a two-page handout explains how the owners and operators will be good neighbors and community partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vantage Data Centers submitted the document to the Town of Pittsboro in February after residents voiced concerns over the project. Vantages mission, according to the document, is to achieve sustainability by minimizing water and energy use. The Vantage document says it is committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The company did not respond to IndyStars request for comment. But Vantage's claims point to the heart of the debate over the rapid rise of data centers in Indiana and the potential environmental impacts they will bring with them issues environmental advocates in Virginia's "data center alley" say Hoosiers should be aware of and concerned about. Data centers require massive amounts of electricity to operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just 10 of the new data centers proposed in the state will require nearly 9,700 megawatts of electricity, according to data collected by Citizens Action Coalition. That equals about one-third of Indianas entire electricity generating capacity during the summer months, when energy demand is already high, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This large demand for power, advocates say, will continue Indiana's heavy reliance on burning fossil fuels for energy and exacerbate the growing effects of climate change. They say the process also has the potential to negatively affect the state's water availability and quality. Coal has already polluted Indiana's waterways from the improperly stored impoundments of ash left behind after burning, and the emissions from burning coal that spew into Indiana's skies exacerbates the effects of climate change. Burning coal also pollutes the air Hoosiers breathe. Burning fossil fuels for Artificial Intelligence Ben Inskeep, with Citizens Action Coalition, said the swelling energy demand is the biggest environmental impact these centers will have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really hard for folks to understand the magnitude of energy consumption at these centers, Inskeep said. Its so far beyond any comparison point we have today. An Amazon data center in northern Indiana, for instance, will require 2,000 megawatts of electricity. Inskeep said thats 10 times greater than the very large industrial facilities such as the steel manufacturers and concrete plants in the state. The potential environmental impacts of this immense energy requirement also are extraordinarily large, Inskeep said. Utilities looking to meet the load will use natural gas and other fossil fuels, extending the life of existing coal-fired plants that were otherwise set to retire, Inskeep said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sweeping set of recent state and federal laws and executive orders have already set the stage to keep coal burning in Indiana, where ash ponds already leech toxic pollution into waterways. Indiana waterways were the most polluted in the U.S., according to a 2022 report. Inskeep said he questions the wisdom of further degrading the environment for the benefit of artificial intelligence and for an industry that likely won't supply a large number of jobs compared to its demand for energy. I think we really need to have a serious conversation about how much power we want to use on artificial intelligence, Inskeep said. Its increasingly apparent this creates very little value to society. If Indiana wants to attract large power customers, Inskeep said, it should focus on industries that provide Hoosiers with good jobs and help the state move in the right direction toward meeting climate goals rather than taking giant leaps in the wrong direction with data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our decarbonization challenge is already extremely difficult," Inskeep said, "and now it's pushing it to the verge of impossible." Indiana utilities prepare for power hungry customers Duke Energy Indiana, the states largest energy generator, currently has one data center in its territory but wont be generating power for the project. But more are being proposed in its service area. Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, currently is building an $800 million facility in Jeffersonville and plans to supply its own energy. The company did not respond to IndyStars request for comment. Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana, told IndyStar the utility will provide the infrastructure to serve Meta. Work on that project already is underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is the only data center we have announced in our service territory, Pinegar said. But Dukes service territory is attractive for data centers, Pinegar said, and people are finding Indiana a good place to invest. A 2019 state law provides enormous tax breaks specifically for data centers, and local towns and counties also can provide their own tax incentives to bring data centers into their borders. Some of the larger centers coming online in Indiana could require up to 1,000 megawatts of power per site, a huge load for a single customer. That is about 15% of Dukes current generating 6,500 megawatts. Pinegar said the utility will have to ramp up to try and meet the demands for one of the large single customers, but that takes time. What we do is work very closely with these prospects to understand their ramp schedules, Pinegar said. Its imperative developers and data center operators come to understand they have to work closely with utilities to understand how quickly new generation can be provided, but also the infrastructure to serve these loads. Its a little different than preparing to serve a new neighborhood theres a substantial transmission build-out and long lead times associated with a lot of this work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The large energy requirements also appear to rule out solar and wind generation as viable options, at least for now in Indiana. Supplying data centers with a renewable source of energy is not easy Pinegar said. Compounding the problem, many county governments across the state have created roadblocks to building large-scale renewable projects. Theyve basically written ordinances that have made it very difficult to site those projects within counties, Pinegar said. This is one reason Duke has focused on burning gas at its Cayuga plant. It takes a lot of land and a lot of wind and solar to equal the capacity of a gas-fired plant, Pinegar said, and on top of that there needs to be a welcoming community. Its something that were all working through, and the General Assembly has tried a couple times to provide more standardized requirements for these facilities, but its not made its way through the assembly, Pinegar said. So that is something everyone is still focused on and trying to figure out the best path forward. Hoosiers stay steadfast against data center build outs In Pittsboro, where Vantage Data Centers is working to rezone agricultural land, CACs Bryce Gustafson said residents have a list about as long as my arm about different issues theyre worried about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of those immediate concerns are the impact the building will have on their quality of life, including light and noise pollution. Franklin Township residents in Marion County and nearby neighbors like Sharp are organizing against a corporation known on documents only as Deep Meadow Ventures. The company is based out of Delaware and is hoping to build a data center on 465 acres. A lawyer representing the company said he was unable to speak with IndyStar about the rezoning process. Andrew Filler, a resident near the proposed Deep Meadow Ventures, site said representatives of the company would not adequately answer questions during a public meeting earlier in April. They were not transparent at all, Filler said. We left with a lot more questions than answers. The Franklin Township data center would need a new substation for its power consumption, and AES Indiana would be the utility serving the area. Mallory Duncan, spokesperson for AES Indiana, said the utility has adequate capacity and energy to meet customer demand, but taking on new large-load customers would require additional generation. One possible tool may include the creation of an expedited generation resource plan for large-volume customers with 150+ (megawatts) of projected load, Duncan wrote in an email to IndyStar. AES Indiana, and all utilities in the state, submit resource plans every three years with state regulators. This process is used to evaluate the utilitys mix of energy generation to meet ratepayer needs. As AES prepares for the 2025 resource plan, Duncan said the utility is looking over the responses to its request for up to 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy to potentially serve data centers or other forecasted load growth. AES will evaluate all resource attributes, including energy value, seasonal capacity accreditation, production profiles, environmental impacts, and cost as part of a comprehensive power supply analysis to meet new customer load, Duncan wrote. Sharp said AES and the states other investor-owned, for-profit utilities should have more regard for the people living close to these sites rather than seemingly valuing profits over people. Virginia advocates issue warning to Hoosiers The concerns cropping up across Indiana are not new for Julie Bolthouse at the Piedmont Environmental Council in Virginia. The council is part of a coalition of advocacy groups in the state fighting against the environmental impacts of data centers. Data centers started popping up in what is now called "Data Center Alley" in the 1990s. This area near Ashburn, Virginia, about 35 miles from Washington, D.C., has the largest concentration of data centers in the world. What started as smaller buildings, often integrated into business parks with walking trails and food courts, has turned into massive warehouses filled with computer equipment. Data centers were historically located in hip places to work, Bolthouse said, but these new warehouse-sized centers have changed the dynamics significantly. These massive structures are now impacting Virginias environment, prompting Bolthouse and the environmental coalition to raise the alarm. In addition to electricity, the centers require massive amounts of water for cooling the equipment and there is more air pollution from the large diesel generators that act as backups during power outages. And, of course, the energy demand has been very difficult to meet, Bolthouse said. Investor-owned utilities have an obligation to serve customers, Bolthouse said, and there is a strong profit motive to provide power to large customers. Utilities also make money building out all the infrastructure like transmission lines to serve the data centers. After a data center is approved at the local level, Bolthouse said the utility responsible for providing the electricity will then say it has an obligation to serve that customer no matter how much power it need or how much infrastructure it requires. She said it sets up a what's been dubbed a crisis by contract. It creates a situation where the Virginia General Assembly, they dont have a role in any of this and costs are pushed down to the ratepayer, Bolthouse said. The cumulative impacts on water resources, air quality, the states electricity grid and the growing impacts of climate change are not being considered as these data centers are being built in Indiana. Gov. Mike Braun has started to pull back state regulations meant to alleviate the effects of climate change Hoosiers face, potentially exacerbating the severity for Indiana's vulnerable communities. These are some of the impacts Inskeep and the Citizens Action Coalition are trying to warn Hoosiers about. Continuing to rely on burning more fossil fuels to serve large-load data centers will emit more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Often times when folks first learn about data centers they care about backyard impacts, Inskeep said. I would really emphasize the impact is so much bigger beyond what you can see. The impacts at power plants are so much larger. IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on BlueSky @karlstartswithk.bsky.social This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Advocates: Data center boom makes climate change goals nearly impossible OKEMOS, Mich. (WLNS) Activists are raising awareness for missing and murdered indigenous people as they prepare for Red Dress Day. (WLNS) Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Day, also known as Red Dress Day, brings attention to the violence that native women and girls face throughout the country, including Michigan. And red is the color in our teachings that is most recognizable by the spirit. Those in the spirit realm whove walked on. The awareness that we needed is that there is so much of a scourge in our community of women and girls and people and relatives who go missing, says Tribal Citizen Nichole Keway Biber. Nichole Keway Biber (WLNS) Biber, of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa, says she is focused on fighting for indigenous women who she says have been wronged by corporations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says oil companies play a big role in the loss of indigenous people. Often when theres pipelines going into communities or even to expand them or move them. They come with something called man camps, and that puts indigenous women in particular in a vulnerable space. Theres not a lot of law enforcement looking out for our women. Thats very much connected to those oil pipelines is why our people go missing, said Biber. She says these companies employ out-of-town labor to work in rural communities that are home to many native people, There was an encampment of Indigenous water protectors looking to stop that oil pipeline. She says theres a worry of sexual violence that comes with these workers, They were found out that there was human trafficking that occurred with that, and then in a very small span of time there were breaches in the aquifer. People were taken, and the water was damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A study in the Northwestern University Law Review found that these kinds of construction projects can make the problem of sexual violence in indigenous communities drastically worse. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, cases of missing or murdered indigenous women are under-reported, under-investigated and often remain unsolved. Biber says Red Dress Day brings awareness and remembrance to the countless native women who go missing without a trace. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIMOJOVEL, Mexico (AP) At a recent service in the remote southern Mexican community of Simojovel, Catholic and Mayan symbolism mingled at the altar as the deacon his wife beside him read the gospel in his native Tsotsil and recalled Pope Francis' teachings: work together for human rights, justice and Mother Earth. The scene in the small church in Mexico's poorest state, Chiapas, conveyed much of the message Francis delivered during his 2016 trip to the region and his other visits to far-flung locales, including the Amazon, Congo and the jungles of Papua New Guinea. It also illustrated what the world's Indigenous Catholics dont want to lose with the death of the first pontiff from the Southern Hemisphere: their relatively newfound voice in an institution that once debated whether Indians had souls while backing European powers as they plundered the Americas and Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ask God that the work (Francis) did for us not be in vain, Deacon Juan Perez Gomez told his small congregation. We ask you to choose a new pope, a new servant, who hopefully Lord thinks the same way. Empowering Indigenous believers Francis was the first Latin American pope and the first from the order of the Jesuits, who are known for, among other things, their frontline work with society's most marginalized groups. Although some feel Francis could have done more for their people during his 12 years as pontiff, Indigenous Catholics widely praise him for championing their causes, asking forgiveness for the church's historical wrongs, and allowing them to incorporate aspects of their Native cultures into practicing their faith. Among the places where his death has hit particularly hard are the lowlands of the Bolivian Amazon, which was home to Jesuit missions centuries ago that Francis praised for bringing Christianity and European-style education and economic organization to Indigenous people in a more humane way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marcial Fabricano, a 73-year-old leader of the Indigenous Mojeno people, remembers crying during Francis 2015 visit to Bolivia when the pope sought forgiveness for crimes the church committed against Indigenous people during the colonial-era conquest of the Americas. Before the visit, his and other Indigenous groups sent Francis a message asking him to push the authorities to respect them. I believe that Pope Francis read our message and it moved him, he said. We are the last bastion of the missions. We cant be ignored. That South American tour came shortly after the publication of one of Francis most important encyclicals in which he called for a revolution to fix a structurally perverse global economic system that allows the rich to exploit the poor and turns the Earth into immense pile of filth. He also encouraged the church to support movements defending the territory of marginalized people and financing their initiatives. For the first time, (a pope) felt like us, thought like us and was our great ally, said Anitalia Pijachi Kuyuedo, a Colombian member of the Okaira-Muina Murui people who participated in the 2019 Amazon Synod in Rome, where Francis showed interest in everything related to the Amazon, including the roles of women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pijachi Kuyuendo, 45, said she hopes the next pope also works closely with Native people. With his death, we face huge challenges. A wider path for the church Perez Gomez, 57, is able to help tend to his small Tsotsil Catholic community in Mexico because the church restarted a deaconship program under Francis. Facing a priest shortage in the 1960s, the church pushed the idea of deacons married men who can perform some priestly rituals, such as baptisms, but not others, such as conducting Mass and hearing confession. Samuel Ruiz, who spent four decades as bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas trying to improve the lives of Chiapas' Indigenous people, saw deaconships as a way to promote the faith among them and form what he called a Native church. The deaconship initiative was such a hit in Ruiz's diocese, though, that the Vatican halted it there in 2002, worried that Ruiz was using it as a step toward allowing married priests and female deacons. The halt was lifted in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez Gomez, who waited 20 years before he was finally ordained a deacon in 2022, said he was inspired by Ruiz's vision for a Native church. He said Francis reminded him of Ruiz, who died in 2011 and whom he credits with explaining the church's true purpose to him as "liberator and evangelizer. Francis also talked about liberation, Perez Gomez said, adding that he hopes the next pope shares that view. New ways to celebrate Mass It had been a half-century since the Vatican allowed Mass to be held in languages other than Latin when Francis visited Chiapas in 2016 and went a step further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Mass that was the highlight of his visit, the Lord's Prayer was sung in Tsotsil, readings were conducted in two other Mayan languages, Tseltal and Ch'ol, congregants danced while praying and Indigenous women stood at the altar. Chiapas was a politically sensitive choice for the Popes visit, which wasnt easily negotiated with the Vatican or Mexican government, according to Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi, who was then bishop of San Cristobal. In 1994, it saw an armed uprising by the Zapatistas, who demanded rights for Indigenous peoples. Getting the Vatican to allow Mayan rituals in the Mass was also tricky, but Arizmendi recalled that there was a helpful precedent: Congo. In 1988, the Vatican approved the first cultural innovation in a Mass, the so-called Zaire rite, which is a source of national pride and continental inclusion, said the Rev. Abbe Paul Agustin Madimba, a priest in Kinshasa. It shows the value the church gives Africans." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis cited the Zaire rite, which allowed some local music and dance to be incorporated into Mass, to argue for such accommodations with other Indigenous Catholics around the world. The decision was made not only to expand Catholicism, which is in retreat in many places, but also a theological act of deep listening and conversion, where the church recognizes that it is not the owner of cultural truth, but rather servant of the gospel for each people," said Arturo Lomeli, a Mexican social anthropologist. It was the Vatican's way to see Indigenous rituals not as threats, but rather as legitimate ways to express and live the faith, he said. No longer objects Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Saturday after Francis' death, Perez Gomez stopped by a church in the town near his village to pick up the Communion wafers he would give out during his service the next day. Because he's a deacon, he needs a priest to consecrate them for him ahead of time. He and his wife, Crecencia Lopez, don't know who the next pope will be, but they hope he's someone who shares Francis' respect for Indigenous people. And they smile at the thought that perhaps one day, he could become a priest and she a deacon. We are no longer objects, but rather people and that is thanks to God and his envoys, jtatik Samuel (Ruiz)" and jtatik Francis, Perez Gomez said, using a paternal term of great respect in Tseltal. ___ Associated Press writers Carlos Valdez in La Paz, Bolivia, Fabiano Maisonnave in Brasilia, Brazil, and Jen-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo contributed to this report. The U.S. and international film sectors are reeling after Donald Trumps announcement last night that he is authorizing the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to impose a 100% tariff on any and all movies produced in foreign lands. In a message posted to Truth Social, Trump described foreign productions as a national security threat to the U.S. industry, adding that they draw filmmakers overseas but also bring messaging and propaganda into the country. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threat, while seemingly embryonic and lacking in any detail, has sent shockwaves through the U.S. and international film sectors. The impact, should anything close to this come to pass, would be seismic on the global film sector. What a bombshell, one leading German producer and distributor simply replied this morning. Its insane, a veteran UK producer told us. So U.S. companies can only make U.S. films? James Cameron cant make Avatar overseas? Who pays the tariffs? Leading independent distributors would all be out of business if its them. In what may prove to be the get-out clause for industry, the same producer noted: You cant impose on creatives what stories they can tell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Studios and streamers would also take a massive hit from any such move. This also greatly impacts the streamers, whose model is to produce locally and exploit globally, including in the core U.S. market, added a veteran international seller. Would a foreign-shot production ever see the light of day in America? Would it be taken off U.S. streaming services? All of the leading studios make movies overseas, including many of the major tentpole franchises such as Avatar, Mission Impossible, James Bond and countless others. The MPA in America has yet to comment on behalf of the studios. In his second term, many of Hollywoods leading players have shied away from publicly criticizing the President. Others have cozied up to him. Will this move prompt some to raise their heads above the parapet? Sowing anxiety and confusion are usually first steps from Trump ahead of negotiation. A leading U.S. distribution exec told us: I cant see his target here other than confusion and distraction. Lets hope this only encourages desperately needed increases in U.S. state tax incentives being implemented asap. One US film financier noted: I actually agree with the goal here, as I think many U.S. film execs would. Its crazy how much production has moved overseas due to the absence of rebates here. But obviously the need is for rebates, not tariffs. Tariffs will just choke the remaining life out of the business. Volume would drop to historic low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A French distribution vet posited: He will kill the U.S. industry quicker as this will increase the cost of U.S. films that already werent selling well internationally. Creating an incentive for shooting in the U.S. would have been smarter but Im not sure he has that much intelligence. One film vet pointed us back to a comment made on Deadline overnight, which pours cold water on the notion that the move would strengthen the U.S. production business (more on that below): All of you cheering this as bringing jobs to U.S. production need to understand that this is NOT the effect this is going to have. It will make low and mid level productions completely unproducable, hence destroying many jobs from producer assistants to writers to post-production. Further, it will lessen the amount of big budget content created because the studios wont be able to make as much because the cost of production will be more. The studios dollars currently go further overseas due to various lucrative tax incentives. Screen Producers Australia posted to its website: At this stage, it is unclear what this announcement means in practice or how it will be applied and implemented, said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner. There are many unknowns for our industry, but until we know more, theres no doubt it will send shockwaves worldwide. For the Australian industry, it reinforces the need for the Government to focus immediately and swiftly on building a resilient local industry that can withstand global shocks like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Zealand producer John Barnett (The Whale Rider) told NZ outlet The Spinoff: Not unlike everything else Trump has done, it is totally lacking in logic, he says. If theres one thing weve learned in the first 100 days, is that what he says today isnt necessarily what hell say tomorrow. Theres honestly not much that has shaken our industry in this way, Evelyne Snow, head of communications for the Quebec Alliance of Image and Sound Technicians (AQTIS), told Canadian outlet La Presse after Trumps announcement. AQTIS reps 8,000 local production professionals and is part of IATSE. According to La Presse, the two groups are scheduled to meet on Monday in the wake of Trumps comments. Foreign-language films are more prevalent than ever before at the U.S. box office, on streaming services and in the U.S. awards race. Recent awards seasons have seen major success for foreign language films (both made by U.S. and international producers) including Emila Perez, Anatomy Of A Fall, All Quiet On The Western Front and Parasite. Cannes Market This wouldnt be the first saber rattle from Trump that doesnt come to pass as first mooted. But with the Cannes Film Market just around the corner, industry are suddenly on red alert and the impact is already being felt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One leading U.S. film company who works on domestic and international productions told us: Trumps moves are already affecting sales in China but this would reduce the entire global market with buyers not wanting to pay minimum guarantees if there will be a tax on films in the Cannes market or on films theyve already acquired. It affects domestic distribution deals but it also impacts equity players who have money in movies because their films will suddenly be worth less money. We wont be able to make movies for the same budgets, actors wont get paid the same fees and the list goes on. Simply, it would destroy the independent sector. This is not great [for Cannes] at all, said one leading U.S. packaging agent. Another Euro seller noted: What a bombshell on the eve of Cannes. It might not come into effect but just the possibility of such a tariff creates unnecessary uncertainty towards the U.S. market which was just starting to show positive signs of recovery after the strikes. A veteran international distributor echoed a common sentiment this morning: Its too early to say but this will definitely be the talk of Cannes. An Italian buyer urged caution: Lets see the detail. This guy changes his mind every day. Foreign Government Reaction Foreign governments are starting to react to the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As quoted in The Guardian, Australias home affairs minister Tony Burke said he had spoken to the head of the government body Screen Australia about the proposed tariffs. Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the Australian screen industry, he said in a statement. New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon noted: Well have to see the detail of what actually ultimately emerges. But well be obviously a great advocate, great champion of that sector in that industry, he said. Caroline Dinenage, chair of UK Parliaments influential Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said: Last month the Culture, Media and Sport Committee warned against complacency on our status as the Hollywood of Europe. President Trumps announcement has made that warning all too real. Making it more difficult to make films in the UK is not in the interests of American businesses. Their investment in facilities and talent in the UK, based on US-owned IP, is showing fantastic returns on both sides of the Atlantic. Ministers must urgently prioritise this as part of the trade negotiations currently underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the governments forthcoming Creative Industries Sector Plan needs to meet the challenge we set down of incentivising inward investment while also growing our domestic sector so British film and high-end TV can thrive. As we reported, California Governor Gavin Newsom is among those set to resist the move. Trump said last night: The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! He later claimed to reporters: Other nations have been stealing the movie-making capability of the United States. I said to a couple of people, What do you think? I have done some very strong research over the last week, and we are making very few movies now. Hollywood is being destroyed. Now you have a grossly incompetent governor that allowed that to happen, so I am not just blaming other nations, but other nations, a lot of them, have stolen our movie industry. If they are not willing to make a movie inside the United States, and we should have a tariff on movies that come in. And not only that, governments are actually giving big money. They are supporting them financially. So that is sort of a threat to our country in a sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has complained about trade deficits as he has imposed tariffs on other countries, but the movie industry has been a bright spot. According to the Motion Picture Association, the industry generated a positive balance of trade in every major market in the world, with exports 3.1 times that of imports. The industry produced $22.6 billion in exports, and $15.3 billion in trade surplus. More as we have it Jake Kanter, Nancy Tartaglione and Ted Johnson contributed to this report. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. People given infected blood in one of the worst treatment disasters in NHS history are scared they wont live to see compensation, campaigners have warned. The inquiry into the infected blood scandal will reopen later this week amid concerns surrounding compensation for victims. Officials said the hearings, to be held on May 7 and 8, will examine the timeliness and adequacy of the Governments response to compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary Webster, who was infected with HIV and hepatitis C when he attended Lord Mayor Treloar School in Hampshire in the 1970s and 80s, said he felt things have gone downhill since the inquiry published its main report in May last year. He told the PA news agency: Things arent going the way they should be going its too slow and there seems to be a random system of who they pick. We fought for so many years to get to this stage and now theyre saying they hope to pay all the infected by the end of 2027 and they hope to pay the affected by the end of 2029. Well, theres two people dying a week you only have to do the sums yourself to work out thats a lot of people that arent going to get paid, arent going to get the justice and will die not knowing what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just compounds the injury, the 60-year-old added. I think people are scared now that theyre not going to survive until they get compensation. Gary Webster was one of the many people infected with HIV and hepatitis C - Christopher Pledger The Haemophilia Society said peoples lives were ruined by the scandal and delays to the compensation scheme have added to their suffering. Kate Burt, the chief executive of the charity, said: Far from supporting this deeply damaged community, the delays and uncertainty created by the Government have added to their suffering. We hope the inquirys new investigation will identify the urgent actions needed to fix this compensation scheme so that payments can be delivered quickly to everyone whose lives were ruined by this scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood transfusions and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. Some 3,000 people died as a result, and some survivors are living with ongoing health implications. What was the effect on victims? Justine Gordon-Smith, whose father died after being infected with hepatitis C, said that those affected by the scandal feel as though they are at the back of the queue. Randolph Peter Gordon-Smith, her father, who had haemophilia, died in 2018. Ms Gordon-Smith, from Edinburgh, told PA: I think that the affected are at the back of the queue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, the infected should be prioritised because they are the ones who are directly injured I think what were concerned about is the degree of elderly affected people the widows that are in their 80s, the ageing parents. She added: I would like there to be more recognition of secondary impact on people family members, including parents, widows, children, such as myself, have been forced to make huge sacrifices in our lives. Des Collins, a senior partner at Collins Solicitors, which represents a significant number of those affected by the scandal, told PA: People are dying as they wait for justice. They havent seen it. In some cases, the claims die with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the hearings, he said: They are relieved that at last, something appears to be happening, but there is a sense of weve been here before, and nothing ever seems to change. Rachel Halford, the chief executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said: A year on from the Infected Blood Inquiry report, the community is alienated, the compensation system is beset with problems, and almost nothing has been done to action the other 11 inquiry recommendations. Government must stop ignoring their concerns about the compensation system, its serious inadequacies, IBCAs (Infected Blood Compensation Authority) complete lack of independence, and the glacial rate at which people are being invited to claim. After 50 years, this is the least people deserve. They just want to move on with their lives. Yet for too many people, this last year has exacerbated decades of suffering. Tens of thousands of people are estimated to have received contaminated blood through medical products in the 1970s and 1980s - Jack Taylor/Getty Images Groups representing people infected and affected by the scandal and people infected themselves will give evidence during the latest hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Cabinet Office minister, will also give evidence along with senior officials from the IBCA. In April, Mr Thomas-Symonds said he is restless for progress in issuing payments to the infected blood scandal victims. The Infected Blood Inquiry published its main report on the scandal in May last year, and a compensation scheme was announced a day later. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, allocated 11.8 billion in her October Budget to compensate victims, administered by the IBCA. But campaigners and victims have since contacted the inquiry with concerns about the way compensation is being implemented and how long it is taking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Brian Langstaff, the Inquiry chairman, has said the victims and families of those affected by the scandal have been left feeling distressed and powerless by the Governments approach to compensation. He said that people infected and affected by the scandal do not have time on their side. The Government has allocated 11.8 billion in to compensate victims but campaigners are worried about the timeliness of the payouts - Jack Taylor/Getty Images As of April 24, some 475 people have been invited to make a claim and 77 payments have been made, totalling more than 78 million, according to IBCA figures. A spokesman for the IBCA said: Those impacted by the infected blood scandal have waited decades for recognition and compensation, and that is why our priority remains paying as many people as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have learned from every claim we have supported since we started to open our service in October 2024. Now we are using everything we have learned to increase the number of claims each week. At the end of April, we opened our service to 200 more people and from May 5 we will open our service to another 200 people. From then on, we will ask for an average of 100 people to start their claims each and every week. A Government spokesman said: The victims of this scandal have suffered unspeakably. We remain fully committed to co-operating with the inquiry, are acting on its recommendations, and are grateful for its work to date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have paid nearly 80 million in compensation so far, and have set aside 11.8 billion to deliver what is one of the most comprehensive compensation schemes in modern history. 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. State officials, in announcing the appointment of James Saunders to be the next chief information security officer for the Maryland Department of Information Technology, said cybersecurity is "more important than ever" in the face of evolving threats. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) named a former U.S. Office of Personnel Management information officer Monday as its next chief information security officer. The department said James Saunders started in an acting capacity on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement announcing the appointment, the department said Saunders will lead DoITs Office of Security Management, which is responsible for securing the states IT systems, infrastructure and private data. Administration officials called Saunders a highly sought-after candidate, who brings more than 15 years of cybersecurity leadership experience across the federal government and private sector. Im a big believer in partnership, Saunders said in the anouncement. Whether they are part of my security team or not, I will work hand in hand with those across the State of Maryland to ensure we keep our people and our assets safe, together. James Saunders was named acting chief information security officer Monday for the Department of Information Technology. (Photo courtesy DoIT) The department said Saunders served as CISO and deputy chief information officer at OPM, where he helped implement zero-trust programs and drove a cultural transformation within the agencys security team to enhance inter-agency collaboration. He also served as CISO for the U.S. Small Business Administration when it was called on to develop secure systems to distribute nearly $700 billion in funds to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As public and private organizations face new threats like agentic AI, strong cybersecurity is more important than ever, said DoIT Secretary Katie Savage. James Saunders is an experienced cybersecurity expert who has helped secure some of our nations most important systems. We are thrilled he is bringing his expertise and leadership to the State of Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saunders is the latest federal official to shift into high-ranking state job, as the new administration in Washington brings uncertainty about the future of the federal workforce. He follows the appointments of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr., who previously worked as White House cyber security director; Health Secretary Meena Seshamani, the former administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and former Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz, who is now deputy secretary for external relations at the Department of the Environment. Saunders will serve in an acting capacity until he is formally appointed by the governor and his appointment is approved by the Senate. Gov. Wes Moore called the appointment a big deal, since it is coming at a time when Maryland is choosing to bet big on the cybersecurity industry. He said in the departments statement that with Saunders, we will continue to ensure our people are protected, our state is secure, and Maryland sets the standard for leadership in cyber. An inmate with warrants from Kentucky was being transported at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport when he escaped custody on Sunday, according to our sister station KIRO in Seattle. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD) told KIRO that 28-year-old Sedrick T. Stevenson escaped custody and ran to the light rail station, boarded a train heading north, and was last seen getting off at the Capitol Hill station. He has not been caught. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A contracted agent was attempting to transport Stevenson, and while at a SeaTac ticketing counter, agents lost control of him and he ran toward the train station. Stevenson is wanted on multiple warrants from Bowling Green, Kentucky. Hes 5 feet 8 inches tall with dreadlocks, KIRO reported. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A California transit official has been convicted of embezzling public funds Joseph Navarro reportedly embezzled thousands to build himself an apartment in a historic train station Navarro faces up to 4 years in prison A jury in California found a former Caltrain deputy director guilty last week of embezzling public funds to build himself a "crash pad" inside a historic train station. The San Mateo County District Attorneys Office announced that Joseph Navarro, 67, was convicted of using $42,000 of public funds disguised as repairs to turn a section of the Burlingame train station into his private residence, complete with a bedroom, living room and even a gym. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy District Attorney Joseph Cannon said in court that Navarro redirected taxpayer funds he was in charge of to build the apartment between 2019 and 2021, and that he kept the invoices under $3,000 so they did not need further approval, The Mercury News reported. Navarros lawyers argued that he had been given permission to put the funds toward renovating the apartment and residing there while working 80-hour weeks, the outlet reported. This is a case about abuse of power and abuse of authority Mr. Navarro abused his authority as rail operations director in multiple ways, multiple times, affecting multiple people, Cannon told the jury in his closing arguments, according to local outlets. His abuse of power did not just affect him. Navarro lived at the Burlingame train station until 2022, when an anonymous person tipped off Caltrain, according to reporting from the Palo Alto Daily Post. Gary Flemming, a former Caltrain Deputy Chief of Rail Development, and Hubert Chan, a Project Manager, both testified that they didnt know about any of the changes made to the station. 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. Turning a historic train station into your personal crash pad is 100% a conflict of interest, Cannon said in court, according to the outlets. Thats just common sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navarro was convicted on one count of felony embezzlement of public funds, according to the district attorneys office. He is set to be sentenced on Jun 11 and could face up to four years in state prison, the Mercury News reported, noting that the judge has a range of discretion and could also choose to give Navarro probation. Read the original article on People Julie S. Davis, the new U.S. Charge dAffaires to Ukraine, arrived in Kyiv, the U.S. Embassy announced on May 5. Her arrival follows the resignation of Ambassador Bridget Brink, who had served as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine since 2022. Diplomats in Kyiv said that Brinks exit was primarily due to fundamental disagreements with the direction of U.S. policy under U.S. President Donald Trump. Davis currently serves as U.S. ambassador to Cyprus and previously held posts as ambassador and special representative for Belarus, deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Europe and the European Union, and deputy permanent representative to NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis will serve as Washingtons top diplomatic representative in Kyiv until a new ambassador is appointed. In a statement, the embassy said Davis arrives "at a critical moment to advance President Trumps policy focused on ending the war and securing lasting peace and prosperity for Ukraine." During his 2024 election campaign, Trump repeatedly pledged to end Russias war against Ukraine. While his administration has made efforts to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table, progress has been limited. Trump's team has pressured Kyiv to make concessions to Russia, without applying visible pressure on Moscow to halt its aggression. The U.S. has been Kyiv's leading military supporter throughout the full-scale war, though Trump has yet to approve any new aid packages. A possible exit from the peace efforts raises concerns that the U.S. might also cease all backing for Ukraine, including intelligence support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brink initially attempted to align with Trumps shift in policy toward rapprochement with Russia, though her cautious messaging, especially after deadly Russian attack on Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people, drew public criticism from Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky. Brinks departure followed that of another embassy official, Foreign Service Officer Kraig Cook, who resigned in February in protest over what he called the administrations "parroting of Kremlin talking points." In his resignation letter, seen by the Kyiv Independent, Cook condemned the U.S. approach to Ukraine as predatory and accused embassy leadership of silence in the face of Russian aggression. The statement also highlights the signing of a long-awaited agreement to establish a Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine and the U.S. on April 30 signed a minerals agreement that establishes a joint investment fund in Ukraine. The deal was negotiated over several months and led to a low point in bilateral relations following the infamous White House argument between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 28. Read also: As tensions mount in US embassy in Kyiv, former official breaks silence Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Public School Transparency Index is a tool that will allow taxpayers and officials to compare and contrast key data from the states school districts, writes guest columnist Chris Cargill. (Getty Images) School district budgets are a maze of numbers and jargon that most citizens cannot understand. Even some lawmakers have difficulty concluding if a school district is spending money properly. Idahos largest school district, the West Ada School District, has a budget that can be found online, but it is hundreds of pages long and includes six different funds and 36 different programs. In Montana, the Billings Public School district is the states largest. Finding its budget on the districts website is nearly impossible. Thats why Mountain States Policy Center is proud to release the nations first Public School Transparency Index. This tool available online, via download or even print on Amazon will allow citizens, taxpayers, elected officials and more the opportunity to compare and contrast key data from school districts in the state of Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other versions featuring data from school districts in Montana, Wyoming and Washington will also be released. Transparency doesnt mean much if its not understandable. Parents and taxpayers may see this data and conclude their school districts need more resources. Others may see it and believe that not enough is being done to spend money in the classroom. Regardless, the community will have a broader sense of the results being achieved, and what if any changes need to be made. One of Mountain States Policy Centers key recommendations is for lawmakers to adopt a Public School Transparency Act a law that would require all public school districts, both on the first page of their budget and also on the front page of the districts main website, report key financial data, including: Amount of total dollars (all funds local, state and federal) spent by the district that year; Amount of total dollars spent per student, per year; Amount and percentage of total dollars allocated to average classroom; Average administrator salary and benefits; Average teacher salary and benefits; and Ratio of administrators to teachers to students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education leaders, including Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, have told Mountain States Policy Center they support the concept of a Public School Transparency Act. Its a positive for our schools if the communities they serve understand how tax dollars are being spent, Critchfield said. Lets face it, school budgets tend to be complex and this is a step that helps simplify the way theyre communicated publicly. MSPCs Public School Transparency Index can be found online here. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. A Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in the field of veterinary services was signed during a broad meeting between Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin at the Cabinet of Ministers on May 5, Trend reports. The document titled "Action Plan for Veterinary Cooperation between the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus for 20252027" was signed by Goshgar Tahmazli, Chairman of the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Aleksandr Lomsky, First Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus. [Source] President Donald Trumps 145% tariffs on Chinese imports are causing significant supply disruptions and threatening higher prices for U.S. consumers as retailers warn of impending inventory shortages. What you need to know: U.S. shipments from China have dropped since Trumps tariffs took effect in early April. The Port of Los Angeles, for one, reported a 10% decrease in shipments last week compared to the same period one year earlier, with Executive Director Eugene Seroka predicting that arrivals will drop by 35% in two weeks. Major retailers such as Home Depot, Walmart and Target have reportedly cautioned Trump in private that his sweeping tariffs could lead to gaps on store shelves if it remains in effect. On Wednesday, the Commerce Department reported that the economy contracted at an annual rate of 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What China is saying: Beijing has been approached by U.S. officials seeking talks over the tariffs, according to state media outlet Yuyuan Tantian. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated on Wednesday that there have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the U.S. on tariffs, echoing previous positions. Still, sources told Reuters that China has quietly listed U.S. products it will exempt from its retaliatory 125% tariffs, including select pharmaceuticals, microchips and jet engines. Palpable impact: The tariffs are starting to affect seasonal industries particularly hard, with fireworks companies reportedly canceling shipments for this years Fourth of July celebrations and ceasing manufacturing for the U.S. 250th anniversary next year. Consumers will likely face higher prices and limited selection for imported goods in the coming months, with retailers warning they may need to implement price increases once tariff surcharges are applied to products that manage to reach store shelves. Trending on NextShark: Inventory shortages, rising prices expected as Trumps China tariffs continue This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: LA Times big financial, subscriber losses in 2024 coincided with conservative shift Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! RJ Breen - KITV KTIV weekend morning anchor RJ Breen is moving to a new position with the Sioux City, Iowa NBC affiliate. After nearly three years as an anchor, Breen will move into the sales department as a media executive. While we are sad he won't be starting your weekends with Owen Basselman anymore, we are glad he will continue to be apart of the KTIV family, the station said. Breen rejoined the KTIV Team in February 2023 as a photographer. He first worked there as an editor and videographer. In August 2023, Breen moved to a full-time position as a producer/MMJ and in July 2024, Breen was promoted to weekend morning anchor. Forest Service public information officers pictured during the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Fire in the Gila National Forest. A 900-acre fire known as the Iron Fire erupted Sunday in the Whitewater-Baldy Fire's burn scar, though conditions have improved Monday, a spokesperson said. (Photo courtesy Gila NF) A 900-acre wildfire broke out Sunday in an area that forecasters have warned for months would experience above-normal wildfire risk. Witnesses reported the Iron Fire around noon Sunday in the Iron Mesa area of the Gila Wilderness. It occurred amid a Red Flag Warning in the area due to dry conditions and wind gusts exceeding 40 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire ignited in a remote area within the 2012 Whitewater Baldy Fire burn scar and is burning in grass, heavy dead and downed fuel and timber, according to an update from the Gila National Forest. A spokesperson for the Gila National Forest said Monday afternoon no formal update on the fire was expected until Monday evening, but the conditions are improving. We havent seen significant growth today, under cloudy skies, cooler temps, and much lighter winds. We even had some snow over the fire this morning, spokesperson Maribeth Pecotte wrote via email. No homes are under evacuation orders, Gila forest officials said in an update, though those at recreational facilities at Snow Lake are ordered to leave. Also, crews are assessing whether structures in the Willow Creek area need to be protected, Pecotte said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 50 people are responding to the fire, including two helicopters, two engines and two Hotshot teams. Two more teams are on their way, along with four additional engines. High winds Sunday prevented helicopters from collecting water at nearby Snow Lake, according to the Forest Service. As of Monday morning, the last update given, the fire was 0% contained. Its cause has not been determined. The fire occurs in an area where snowpack is far below normal, including some areas in Southwestern New Mexico where it is 0% of the median snowpack that accumulated there between 1991 and 2020. According to the May national wildfire outlook from the National Interagency Fire Center, citing drought and other factors, all of Southwestern New Mexico should expect above-normal fire conditions. The outlook for much of the rest of the state has improved to normal, however, according to the outlook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the dangerous conditions, more than 25 people who work in the Gila National Forest were fired earlier this year as part of federal cost-cutting measures. Its not clear how many of them returned to work due to federal orders or how many are on administrative leave. The Silver City Interagency Dispatch Center, which responded to the Iron Fire and handled communications and resource orders, is housed in a building on a list of federal lease terminations identified by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrichs office previously told Source New Mexico hed received assurances that the dispatch centers would stay open, but he has not yet received official word. See a map below of the fire start location. More updates can be found here. Israel plans to seize the whole of Gaza for the first time in an operation likely to last months. The security cabinet approved an expanded military offensive in the Strip which will force hundreds of thousands of Palestinians south as part of a new strategy of conquering Gaza in order to defeat Hamas, officials said. It follows a decision to issue a widespread call-up of reservists to bolster troop numbers, in a tacit admission that the current approach was not working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Gen Eyal Zamir, the chief of Israel Defense Forces (IDF), reportedly warned ministers that the new strategy could lose the hostages. Since October 2023, Israels tactics in Gaza have largely involved heavy bombardments followed by intensive ground activity to clear areas, before troops move on to other regions. It led to criticism that the IDF was allowing Hamas to regroup in zones that had been declared cleared. However, in the fighting since the ceasefire broke down in mid-March the Israeli forces have made a greater effort to hold on to ground. The new plan which the officials said was meant to help Israel achieve its war aims of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages would push hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into southern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said on Monday that the new offensive will be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas, but stopped short of detailing just how much of the enclaves territory would be seized. Population will be moved, for its own protection, Mr Netanyahu said in a video. He said Israeli soldiers wont go into Gaza, launch raids and then retreat. The intention is the opposite of that, he said. Allowing for the conquering of Gaza and retaining territory, according to an official, the strategy would be scaled up incrementally. It is likely that this would begin after an expected visit to the Middle East by Donald Trump, the US president, next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli officials have previously briefed journalists that a large increase in military activity was imminent, only for it not to transpire, in what subsequently appeared to be attempts to pressure Hamas into agreeing a favourable hostage deal. Israeli reservists soldiers arrive to go on duty in an army base in northern Israel the new plan would likely require more troops - Reuters/Avi Ohayon The call-up of reservists and the formal vote by the security cabinet, however, indicates a settled plan to step up the fighting. On Monday, an Israeli official suggested that the time window created by the announcement of the operation which is named Gideon Charity and the visit of the US president, was intended to pressure Hamas into a deal. The EU warned Israel to adopt utmost restraint in its actions in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, said that the bodies of 32 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. According to Israels Channel 13, Gen Zamir has warned ministers: In a plan for a full-scale manoeuvre, we wont necessarily reach the hostages. Keep in mind that we could lose them. Israel is keen to pressure Hamas into accepting a version of a deal put forward by Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, involving a ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners and an influx of aid in return for the return of hostages. Hamas, however, has demanded that Israel completely withdraw from the Strip and set out a plan to end the war permanently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Netanyahu and his allies argue that military pressure is the best way to recover the hostages. A statement by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, however, said: The chief of staffs warning should keep every Israeli awake at night. An overwhelming majority of the nation is united around the understanding that an Israeli victory cannot be achieved without bringing the hostages home. Losing the hostages would mean an Israeli defeat. National security and social stability depend on the return of all the hostages every last one. Growing catastrophe An escalation of fighting, in particular a forced displacement of the population to the south, would escalate a humanitarian situation that the UN described as a growing catastrophe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has cut off all aid to Gaza for more than two months, amid increasing reports of food shortages and a dearth of medicines. Sundays security cabinet meeting also approved the resumption of aid shipments. However, these are to take a different form to those allowed before March, whereby, according to Israeli critics, food and other supplies fell easily into Hamas hands, allowing the terror group to rebuild. Under a new plan, US contractors would oversee the delivery of aid directly to the population, under a wider security umbrella provided by the IDF. Israeli generals are believed to be unhappy about their involvement in distributing aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Gen Zamir was reported to have rowed with Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-Right national security minister, when the latter reportedly advocated for bombing food warehouses. Gen Zamir was reported to have told him that Israel was committed to upholding international law and could not allow Palestinians to starve. The UN signalled that it opposed the new proposed method of distribution, saying it would contravene fundamental humanitarian principles and deepen the suffering of civilians. On Monday night an IDF official spokesman, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, said the plan was to move the majority of the population of Gaza and to replicate the tactics used so far in Rafah, where the Israeli destruction of buildings in order both to kill Hamas and protect advancing soldiers has been widescale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the offensive will include a wide-scale attack and the movement of the majority of the Strips population. This is to protect them in an area sterile of Hamas and continued air strikes, elimination of terrorists and dismantling of infrastructure. The officer added that the mass call-up of tens of thousands of reservists would be difficult and complicated, but that the military needs everyone to mobilise, including the ultra-orthodox sections of society who have previously not served in the IDF. 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. Israeli Cabinet ministers approved a plan early Monday to take over the Gaza Strip for an unspecified period of time, a move that dampens hopes of a ceasefire with Hamas in the near term. Israeli officials suggested the plans, which would mark a sharp turn away from talks proposing an Arab-led transition in Gaza, would not be put into action until after President Trumps planned Middle East visit later this month. Two Israeli officials confirmed the plans to The Associated Press, as well as other outlets, saying the goal is to increase pressure on Hamas to free hostages held in Gaza and to isolate the militant group from civilian populations to aid in Israels goal in destroying Hamas entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli officials also said it would also facilitate aid to civilians, which has been halted for two months under an Israeli siege. Critics are calling the new plans an occupation, saying theres little hope for the surviving hostages if Israel follows through. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called on Israeli officials to prioritize the hostages and secure a deal quickly, the AP reported. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held hostage, spoke at a Knesset committee meeting Monday and called on soldiers not to report for reserve duty for moral and ethical reasons, the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid in a radio interview questioned Netanyahus plan to mobilize tens of thousands of reservists without a clear goal for the operation, according to Al Jazeera. The European Union also expressed concern over what it called an extension of the operation by Israeli forces in Gaza, which it said would result in further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population. We urge Israel to exercise the utmost restraint, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said during a Monday press briefing. Israel National News cited a senior security source who reportedly stated that, under the plan, the Israeli military will increase its forces and act forcefully to defeat and subdue Hamas and destroy its military and governmental capabilities, while creating strong pressure for the release of all the hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A central component of the plan is the broad evacuation of the entire Gazan population from the fighting zones, including northern Gaza, to areas in southern Gaza, while creating a separation between them and Hamas terrorists in order to allow the IDF [Israeli military] operational freedom of action, the security source added. The plan approved by the Cabinet, according to the official, would use civilian companies to distribute humanitarian aid, seeking to bypass and undermine Hamas as the governing authority in the territory. It would move more than a million Palestinians into one southern pocket of the already densely packed strip. A defense official told the AP that the plan would not take place until after Trump wraps up his visit to the region later this month, a timeline likely meant to ramp up pressure on Hamas to strike a ceasefire agreement. There is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands we are serious, security Cabinet Minister Zeev Elkin told Israels Kan news outlet Monday, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the Isreali plan, the White House said Trump remains committed to securing the immediate release of hostages and an end to Hamas rule in Gaza. The President has made clear the consequences Hamas will face if it continues to hold hostages, including American Edan Alexander, and the bodies of four Americans. Hamas bears sole responsibility for this conflict, and for the resumption of hostilities, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) Israel approved plans Monday to seize the Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said, a move that, if implemented, would vastly expand Israels operations there and likely draw fierce international opposition. The new plan, which was approved in an early morning vote by Israeli Cabinet ministers, also calls for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to move to Gazas south. That would likely amount to their forcible displacement and exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis. Details of the plan were not formally announced, and its exact timing and implementation were not clear. Its approval came hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. The plan may be another measure by Israel to try to pressure Hamas into making concessions in ceasefire negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third person, a defense official, said the new plan would not begin until after U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up his expected visit to the Middle East this month, allowing for the possibility that Israel might agree to a ceasefire in the meantime. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing military plans. Later Monday, the Israeli military targeted Houthi rebels in Yemens Red Sea city of Hodeida with a punishing round of airstrikes. The strikes came a day after the Iranian-backed rebels launched a missile that hit Israels main airport. The rebels media office said at least six strikes hit the Hodeida port. Other strikes hit a cement factory, the rebels said. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 after a decades-long occupation and then imposed a blockade on the territory along with Egypt. Capturing and potentially occupying the territory again for an indefinite period would not only further dash hopes for Palestinian statehood, it would embed Israel inside a population that is deeply hostile to it and raise questions about how Israel plans to govern the territory, especially at a time when it is considering how to implement Trumps vision to take over Gaza. Since Israel ended a ceasefire with the Hamas militant group in mid-March, Israel has unleashed fierce strikes on the territory that have killed hundreds. It has captured swaths of territory and now controls roughly 50% of Gaza. Before the truce ended, Israel halted all humanitarian aid into the territory, including food, fuel and water, setting off what is believed to the be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel says 59 captives remain in Gaza, although about 35 are believed to be dead. Israels offensive has displaced more than 90% of Gazas population and, Palestinian health officials say, killed more than 52,000 people there, many of them women and children. The officials do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count. At least 42 people were killed by Israeli strikes from Sunday through Monday afternoon, according to hospitals and the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. The Israeli military offered no immediate comment on the strikes. Israel is trying to ratchet up pressure on Hamas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday cabinet ministers had decided on a powerful operation in Gaza," including a movement of the population to protect it. The plan also imposes Israeli control over aid distribution. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its own use or to distribute to strengthen its rule in Gaza, though Israel has not provided evidence. A spokesman for the U.N. humanitarian office, Jens Laerke, denied there was significant diversion of aid, saying the U.N. employs a solid system to monitor and prevent such theft. The officials said Israel was in touch with several countries about Trump's plan to take over Gaza and relocate its population, under what Israel has termed voluntary emigration." That proposal has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Israel's allies in Europe, and rights groups have warned it could be a war crime under international law. For weeks, Israel has been trying to ratchet up pressure on Hamas to get the group to agree to its terms in ceasefire negotiations. But the measures do not appear to have moved Hamas away from its negotiating positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previous ceasefire was meant to lead the sides to negotiate an end to the war, but that has remained elusive. Israel says it will not agree to end the war until Hamas' governing and military capabilities are dismantled. Hamas, meanwhile, has sought an agreement that winds down the war without agreeing to disarm. Israel's expansion announcement angered families of hostages who fear that any extension of the conflict endangers their loved ones. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which supports families, urged Israel's decision-makers to prioritize the hostages and secure a deal quickly. At a Knesset committee meeting Monday, Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held hostage, called on soldiers not to report for reserve duty for moral and ethical reasons." Some reservists have indicated they will refuse to serve in a war they increasingly view as politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel wants to prevent Hamas from handling aid The defense official said the plan would separate Hamas from the aid by using private firms and by using specified areas secured by the Israeli military. The official added that Palestinians would be screened to prevent Hamas from accessing the aid. According to a memo circulated among aid groups and seen by The Associated Press, Israel told the United Nations that it will use private security companies to control aid distribution in Gaza. The U.N., in a statement Sunday, said it would not participate in the plan as presented, saying it violates its core principles. The memo summarized a meeting between the Israeli defense body in charge of coordinating aid to Gaza, called COGAT, and the U.N. It was written by a group briefed on the meeting and sent Sunday to aid organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the memo, under COGATs plan, all aid will enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, on approximately 60 trucks daily, and be distributed directly to people. Some 500 trucks entered Gaza every day before the war. The memo said that facial-recognition technology will be used to identify Palestinians at logistics hubs and text message alerts will notify people in the area that they can collect aid. COGAT did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The UN accuses Israel of wanting to control aid as a pressure tactic After Israel said it was going to assert more control over aid distribution in Gaza, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs sent an email to aid groups, urging them to reject any draconian restrictions on humanitarian work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email, which OCHA sent Monday to aid groups and was shared with the AP, further stated that there are mechanisms in place to ensure aid is not diverted. Earlier, OCHA said in a statement that the plan would leave large parts of the population, including the most vulnerable, without supplies. It said the plan appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic as part of a military strategy. Aid groups have said they are opposed to using any armed or uniformed personnel to distribute aid that could potentially intimidate Palestinians or put them at risk. Hamas decried Israels efforts to control distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza as a violation of international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Monday, the militant group said the effort is an extension of the starvation policy adopted by the Israeli government in Gaza. ___ Mednick reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem, and Josef Federman contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war The Israeli military says it has carried out air strikes on Yemens Hodeidah port and a cement factory, claiming the sites were used to support Houthi operations against Israel. The strikes on Monday injured at least 21 people, the Houthi-run health ministry spokesman Anees al-Asbahi said. According to the Israeli army, fighter jets struck infrastructure linked to the Houthis, including a cement factory east of Hodeidah that it described as an important economic resource used in building tunnels and military infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hodeidah seaport serves as a hub for the transfer of Iranian weapons and equipment for military needs, the Israeli army said in a statement. The claim could not be independently verified. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that six Israeli strikes hit Hodeidahs port and blamed both Israel and the United States. Axios quoted a senior US official who said the air raids were coordinated between Israel and the US. A US defence source told Al Jazeera that US forces did not participate in the Israeli strikes on Yemen today but did not deny nonlethal support may have been provided. The attack was carried out after a ballistic missile fired from Yemen on Sunday struck close to Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pledged retaliation for the Houthi attack, the first known missile to avoid interception since the Yemeni group began targeting Israel in November 2023. New phase in Israeli attacks on Yemen Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem reported that about 30 Israeli warplanes took part in Mondays operation, which was overseen by Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz from a command centre in Tel Aviv. Hashem said the strikes mark a new phase in Israeli attacks on Yemen. Since President Donald Trump returned to power in January, the US has embarked on a more aggressive assault on Yemen which is related directly to Israeli interests, Hashem added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time Israel has bombed targets in Yemen. In December, air raids struck the Ras Isa oil terminal and other sites in Hodeidah province, killing at least nine people. While most Houthi-launched projectiles have been intercepted, Sundays attack was the most significant strike, Hashem said, since the group launched its campaign in November 2023, which it said is in response to Israels war on Gaza and to show solidarity with Palestinians. A drone had previously hit a building in Tel Aviv last year. Since November 2023, the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have launched more than 100 drone and missile attacks targeting vessels they said are linked to Israel in the Red Sea. Although the Houthis paused attacks during a frail ceasefire in Gaza this year, they resumed their operations after Israel cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza and resumed its offensive in March. Germany and Israel will this month celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations 60 years ago, with reciprocal visits by the presidents of both countries to mark the occasion. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is due to pay an official visit to Berlin on May 12, reflecting the commencement date of the first formal ties decades ago, his office announced on Monday. He will return to Israel the following day together with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other things, Herzog is scheduled to hold talks in Berlin with incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz and other senior government representatives. Merz is set to be sworn in on Tuesday. The 64-year-old Israeli president will also attend a state banquet at Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the German president. Together with 69-year-old Steinmeier, he will then visit the Platform 17 Holocaust memorial in the capital's Grunewald district. The site commemorates around 10,000 Jews who were deported from there by train to concentration camps during the Nazi era. Herzog will also meet more than 100 young Germans and Israelis for a dialogue about their shared past and future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The state visit marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries and reflects their mutual commitment to deepening their friendship and strategic alliance," his office said. "It also carries historic significance, highlighting the long-term development of ties between Israel and Germany." The meetings between the heads of state will additionally focus on efforts to release the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. They also plan to talk about deepening bilateral cooperation and developing new joint initiatives. During his stay in Israel, Steinmeier will revisit Kibbutz Beeri on the border with the Gaza Strip, having been there with Herzog a few weeks after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jerusalem, a visit to the new National Library is planned as well as the presentation to his counterpart of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour at an official ceremony. Germany and Israel established diplomatic relations on May 12, 1965, two decades after the end of World War II. Germany and Israel will this month celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations 60 years ago, with reciprocal visits by the presidents of both countries to mark the occasion. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is due to pay an official visit to Berlin on May 12, reflecting the commencement date of the first formal ties decades ago, his office announced on Monday. He will return to Israel the following day together with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other things, Herzog is scheduled to hold talks in Berlin with incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz and other senior government representatives. Merz is set to be sworn in on Tuesday. The 64-year-old Israeli president will also attend a state banquet at Bellevue Palace, the official residence of the German president. Together with 69-year-old Steinmeier, he will then visit the Platform 17 Holocaust memorial in the capital's Grunewald district. The site commemorates around 10,000 Jews who were deported from there by train to concentration camps during the Nazi era. Herzog will also meet more than 100 young Germans and Israelis for a dialogue about their shared past and future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his stay in Israel, Steinmeier will revisit Kibbutz Beeri on the border with the Gaza Strip, having been there with Herzog a few weeks after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In Jerusalem, a visit to the new National Library is planned as well as the presentation to his counterpart of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour at an official ceremony. Germany and Israel established diplomatic relations on May 12, 1965, two decades after the end of World War II. MILAN, Italy, May 5. Governor for Uzbekistan elected Chair of ADB Board of Governors for 2025-2026, Fabio Panetta, governor of ADB from Italy, said, addressing the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. Moving on to Agenda Item 8, the Committee has recommended that the Governor for Uzbekistan be elected Chair of the Board of Governors for 2025-2026 and that the Governors for Norway and Thailand be elected Vice-Chairs to hold office from the end of this Annual Meeting to the end of the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, he declared. Uzbekistan will host the 59th Annual Meeting in 2026. The event is scheduled for May 3-6, 2026. The Business Session of the Board of Governors is the main meeting of the Governors that takes place at each ADB Annual Meeting. Governors adopt resolutions; take note of and approve documents related to the business, finance, administration, and operations of ADB; and provide guidance to the institution through their statements. This session also provides an opportunity for the ADB President to report on progress since the previous meeting and to share key organizational messages from ADB Management. Israel said on Monday that it retaliated for repeated attacks from Yemen's Houthis by striking multiple targets belonging to the "Houthi terrorist regime." Israel said it struck infrastructure sites in the Hudaydah port that serve as a "central supply source" for the Iran-backed Houthis and also hit the Bajil Concrete Plant east of the city. The port is used to transfer Iranian weapons and other military equipment for "terrorist purposes," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Telegram. The plant, the IDF wrote, is a "significant" source of income for the Houthis and also manufactures products used to build underground tunnels and "terrorist infrastructure" for the regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 21 people were injured in Israeli strikes targeting the Bajil cement plant, the Houthis' Health Ministry said. Witnesses told dpa that violent explosions shook the city, and smoke and flames were seen rising from the port of Hudaydah and the Bajil factory. Ambulances were heard rushing towards the factory, they added. The strikes come one day after eight people were injured when the Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv. Since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Houthi militia has repeatedly attacked Israel and international merchant ships in support of its ally, Hamas. After Israel's army resumed attacks in the Gaza Strip on March 18 after a ceasefire broke down, the Houthis have resumed regularly firing projectiles towards Israel. Israel said on Monday that it retaliated for repeated attacks from Yemen's Houthis by striking multiple targets belonging to the "Houthi terrorist regime." Israel said it struck infrastructure sites in the Hudaydah port that serve as a "central supply source" for the Iran-backed Houthis and also hit the Bajil Concrete Plant east of the city. The port is used to transfer Iranian weapons and other military equipment for "terrorist purposes," the Israeli military said on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plant, it wrote, is a "significant" source of income for the Houthis and also manufactures products used to build underground tunnels and "terrorist infrastructure" for the regime. Israeli news website ynet reported that that the large-scale attack was carried out in coordination with the US. The Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah TV reported attacks by the US and Israel on Hudaydah port and the concrete plant, which is located about 50 kilometres east of Hudaydah. At least two people were killed and 42 people were injured in US-Israeli strikes targeting the Bajil cement plant, the Houthis' Health Ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses told dpa that violent explosions shook the city, and smoke and flames were seen rising from the port of Hudaydah and the Bajil factory. Ambulances were heard rushing towards the factory, they added. The strikes come one day after eight people were injured when the Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv. Since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, the Houthi militia has repeatedly attacked Israel and international merchant ships in support of its ally, Palestinian militant organization Hamas. Since Israel's military resumed attacks in the Gaza Strip on March 18 after a ceasefire broke down, the Houthis have resumed regularly firing projectiles towards Israel. Israel carried out air strikes on Yemens Hodeidah port on Monday, a day after Houthi rebels fired a missile that struck near Israels main airport. In a statement, the Israeli military said that it attacked what it called Houthi terrorist targets in Hodeidah and its vicinity. The attack was carried out in response to repeated attacks carried out by the Houthi terrorist regime against the state of Israel, in which surface-to-surface missiles and unmanned aircraft were launched at the territory of the state and its citizens, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 10 strikes targeted Hodeidah port and the neighbourhoods of al-Salakhanah and al-Hawak in Hodeidah city, five residents told Reuters. Four strikes also targeted a cement factory east of Hodeidah. The port is the second largest in the Red Sea after Aden and is the entry point for about 80 per cent of Yemens food imports. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, had vowed to retaliate for Sundays missile attack, which was the first known to have escaped interception by Israels air defences in a series of attacks since March. The Houthis, who control Yemen, have been firing at Israel and shipping in the Red Sea since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, in what they say is solidarity with the Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that US forces were not actively involved in Mondays strikes, but there is general coordination between the two allies. Meanwhile, an oil company operated by the Houthis announced that it had begun operating an emergency system to supply cars with fuel, after difficulties in unloading cargo at the oil port of Ras Isa. In a statement, the company attributed the decision to US strikes on the country, including the port. In March, Donald Trump, the US president, ordered large-scale strikes against the Houthis, saying that it was meant to reduce their capabilities and deter them from targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The strikes have killed hundreds of people in Yemen. 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. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that a new offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip will be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas, but stopped short of detailing just how much of the enclaves territory would be seized. In a Hebrew-language video message on X, addressing the Security Cabinet-approved plan to expand the Gaza offensive, Netanyahu said on Monday that Gazas Palestinian population will be moved, for its own protection. Eighteen months of Israeli attacks have killed more than 52,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including thousands of children, and wounded nearly 120,000 others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu also said Israeli soldiers would not go into Gaza, launch raids and then retreat. The intention is the opposite of that, he said. His remarks come as Israels political and military leaders approved plans to expand the Gaza offensive and take over aid deliveries to the devastated and starving enclave. Netanyahus cabinet unanimously approved plans to call up reservists and put the Israeli military in charge of food and other vital supplies to the 2.3 million people suffering under its blockade of the Palestinian territory. Newswires reported unnamed Israeli officials suggesting that the plans include the conquest and full military occupation of the entire Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expanded offensive could go as far as seizing the entire enclave, the Reuters news agency reported. The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, moving the Gaza population south for their protection, a source told the AFP news agency. The source added that Netanyahu continues to promote United States President Donald Trumps plan for the departure of Palestinians from the enclave. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told Al Jazeera the group would only accept a deal with Israel that includes a comprehensive ceasefire and the complete withdrawal from Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our people have no choice but to achieve a comprehensive deal that guarantees security and safety for our people, he said, adding that any Israeli efforts to achieve concessions through threats or mass killings would fail. A United Nations spokesman said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was alarmed by the Israeli plan that will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state, said spokesman Farhan Haq. The plans have stirred significant tension inside Israel as well. While Netanyahu again asserted that the goal was to defeat Hamas and bring back several dozen captives held in Gaza, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an Israeli campaign group, said in a statement on Monday that the plan is sacrificing those still held in the Palestinian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heated disagreements also reportedly erupted during the cabinet meeting between the political and military figures. Army chief Eyal Zamir reportedly warned that Israel could lose the captives in Gaza if it pushed ahead with a full-blown military offensive. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that, as Israel has done in the past two months, it should continue to block all food, water, medicine, fuel and other aid from entering Gaza to starve the population. He also advocated for bombing food warehouses and generators so there are no more supplies and electricity is fully cut off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Zamir warned this would endanger Israel as it would expose the country to even more allegations of violations of international law. You dont understand what you are saying. You are endangering us all. There is an international law, we are committed to it. We cannot starve the Strip, your statements are dangerous, Zamir said, according to Israels national broadcaster, Kan. In an interview with Israeli Army Radio, opposition leader Yair Lapid questioned Netanyahus decision to mobilise tens of thousands of reservists, saying the prime minister was calling up troops and extending their service without setting a goal for the operation. Another opposition figure, Yair Golan, said Netanyahu was only trying to save his government from collapsing as the plan serves no security purpose and does not bring the release of the hostages closer. Israeli aid plan contravenes humanitarian principles Ben-Gvir was reportedly the only member of the Security Cabinet who opposed the plan for Israel to bypass existing aid routes by international organisations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel, which has blocked the entrance of all supplies into Gaza since March 2, reportedly plans to use US security contractors to control the flow of aid into Gaza. However, the plan is not expected to come into effect immediately, as Israeli officials believe there is enough food in Gaza for now, even as Palestinians are starving to death. The Israeli plans also envisage the establishment of a new humanitarian zone in southern Gaza that would work as a base for aid. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), a forum that includes United Nations agencies, said on Sunday that Israeli officials were seeking its consent to deliver aid through what it described as Israeli hubs under conditions set by the Israeli military, once the government agrees to re-open crossings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the HCT said such a plan would be dangerous and would contravene fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic as part of a military strategy. The coalition said the UN would not participate in this scheme as it does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality. Palestinian children queue for a meal at a charity kitchen at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on May 4, 2025 [Eyad Baba/AFP] Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, told Al Jazeera the Israeli government wanted to militarise, manipulate, politicise the aid by allowing only aid to a few concentration hubs in the south, a scheme where people will be screened where its a completely inoperable system. That would force people to move to get aid, and it would continue the starvation of the civilian population, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Hamas branded Israels plans to take over aid provision political blackmail. We reject the use of aid as a tool of political blackmail and support the UNs stance against any arrangements that violate humanitarian principles, the armed group said in a statement, insisting that Israel is fully responsible for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The News Israels security cabinet unanimously approved a plan to seize territory in the Gaza Strip Sunday, setting the stage for what would be a huge military operation to expand Israels presence in the Palestinian territory for an indeterminate period. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was on the eve of a forceful entry to Gaza, recommending an intensive escalation in the war. One Israeli defense official said there is a window of opportunity to possibly avert such an escalation if a new hostage deal can be agreed while US President Donald Trump visits the Middle East in mid-May. SIGNALS Intensifying conflict in Gaza could appease Netanyahus far-right allies Sources: The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, NBC News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escalating the conflict could help Benjamin Netanyahu keep his coalition together: The governments far-right elements have repeatedly threatened to upend it if there is a ceasefire in Gaza before Hamas is eliminated. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stressed that Israel should not retreat from occupied territories, even in exchange for hostages. But the military operation in Gaza has also faced growing criticism. What is the goal? Why are they calling up reservists? Extending regular service and all without defining a goal thats not how you win a war, opposition leader Yair Lapid said, while an organization representing hostages families said expanding operations in Gaza would put every hostage at grave risk. Trump has given Netanyahu more room to maneuver Sources: Bloomberg, Axios, The New York Times, Arab American Institute Donald Trumps trip to the Middle East next week, as well as the US defense secretarys travel to Israel, could provide an opportunity for Washington to reengage on Gaza, which has fallen down the list of priorities in recent weeks. So far, Trump has given Israel increased room to maneuver, allowing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to be more assertive at home and ramp up his campaign in Gaza, The New York Times reported. The President has made clear the consequences Hamas will face if it continues to hold hostages, US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said in a statement to Semafor Monday when asked about Israels plan. A slim majority of Republicans believe that Trump should push Israel to end the war in Gaza, a recent poll found. Israel plans to further restrict aid in Gaza Sources: The Washington Post, The Times of Israel Israel has blocked all deliveries of humanitarian supplies into Gaza since early March, and is now planning to implement a system to take control of aid distribution in a move that international organizations have warned is untenable. The plan would see roughly 60 trucks carrying food and household items enter Gaza each day about 10% of what was allowed to enter the Strip during an earlier two-month ceasefire that would be sent to distribution hubs in southern Gaza, The Washington Post reported. Its a joke, the head of one aid group working in the war-torn territory told the outlet. Aid workers fear that having limited food and goods available at just a few locations could lead to heightened security risks, as desperate crowds gather outside the hubs, The Times of Israel reported. JERUSALEM (AP) Israel's Cabinet voted Monday to seize the Gaza Strip for an unspecified amount of time in a move that could see Israel reestablish control over a territory it vacated two decades ago. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 after a decades-long occupation and then imposed a blockade on the territory along with Egypt. Israeli officials did not clarify Monday what a reoccupation of Gaza would entail, but the announcement raises the potential for the reestablishment of Israeli settlements inside the territory. Israel's settler movement has been emboldened under its current ultranationalist government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details were not formally announced, and Israeli leaders have said the expansion of operations will not begin until after President Donald Trumps visit. The plan may be another measure by Israel to try to pressure Hamas into making concessions in ceasefire negotiations. Seizing Gaza would further dim hopes for Palestinian statehood, embed Israel inside a population deeply hostile to it and raise questions about how Israel plans to govern the territory, especially as it considers how to implement President Donald Trumps vision to take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere. Palestinians see Gaza as an integral part of their future state, even if the rulers have changed over decades. Palestinian statehood on land that would include the territory has broad international support. Heres a look at the troubled modern history of the Gaza Strip: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1967 1993: Israel seizes control of Gaza from Egypt Israel seized control of Gaza from Egypt during the 1967 Mideast war, when it also captured the West Bank and east Jerusalem areas that remain under Israeli control. The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which administers semi-autonomous areas of the occupied West Bank, seeks all three areas for a hoped-for future Palestinian state. Israel built more than 20 Jewish settlements in Gaza during this period. It also signed a peace treaty with Egypt at Camp David a pact negotiated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi referenced this 40-year-old treaty when he declined to permit Palestinian refugees from Gaza into Egypt, saying the potential entrance of militants into Egypt would threaten longstanding peace between Israel and Egypt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation erupted in Gaza in December 1987, kicking off more than five years of sustained protests and bloody violence. It was also during this time that the Islamic militant group Hamas was established in Gaza. 1993 2005: The Palestinian Authority takes charge For a time, promising peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders made the future of Gaza look somewhat hopeful. Following the Oslo accords, a set of agreements between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat that laid the groundwork for a two-state solution, control of Gaza was handed to the fledgling Palestinian Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the optimism was short lived. A series of Palestinian suicide attacks by Hamas militants, the 1995 assassination of Rabin by a Jewish ultranationalist opposed to his peacemaking, and the election of Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister the following year all hindered U.S.-led peace efforts. Another peace push collapsed in late 2000 with the eruption of the second Palestinian uprising. As the uprising fizzled in 2005, then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon led a unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, uprooting all of Israels troops and roughly 9,000 settlers in a move that bitterly divided Israel. 2005 2023: Hamas seizes power Just months after Israels withdrawal, Hamas won parliamentary elections over Fatah, the long-dominant Palestinian political party. In 2007 after months of infighting, Hamas violently seized control of Gaza from the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel and Egypt imposed a crippling blockade on the territory, monitoring the flow of goods and people in and out. For nearly two decades, the closure has crippled the local economy, sent unemployment skyrocketing, and emboldened militancy in Gaza, which is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. Through previous wars and countless smaller battles with Israel that devastated Gaza, Hamas grew more powerful. In each subsequent conflict, Hamas had more rockets that traveled farther and the group displayed a growing array of weapons. Its top leaders survived and ceasefires were secured. It built a government, including a police force, ministries and border terminals equipped with metal detectors and passport control. 2023 Hamas attack sparks the Israel-Hamas war The Oct. 7, 2023, a Hamas attack on Israel killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 250 people taken hostage. Israel says 59 captives remain in Gaza, although about 35 are believed to be dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Israel ended a ceasefire with the Hamas militant group in mid-March, Israel has unleashed fierce strikes on the territory that have killed hundreds. It has captured swaths of territory and now controls roughly 50% of Gaza. Before the truce ended, Israel halted all humanitarian aid into the territory, including food, fuel and water, setting off what is believed to the be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war. Israels offensive has displaced more than 90% of Gazas population and killed more than 52,000 people there, many of them women and children, Palestinian health officials say. They do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count. Unlike past wars, in this conflict Israel has acknowledged killing top Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, the believed masterminds of the Oct. 7 attack, and Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas political bureau. Still, some of the groups militants survived and were quick to emerge from hiding following the ceasefire. They were visible policing the streets and organizing sometimes-chaotic handovers of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the population of Gaza will be displaced to the south after his security cabinet approved an expanded military operation in the enclave that a minister described as a plan to conquer the territory. The vote on Sunday came hours after the military said it would mobilize tens of thousands of reservists, strengthening its capacity to operate in the besieged Palestinian territory. One thing will be clear: there will be no in-and-out, Netanyahu said in a Monday video message posted on X. Well call up reserves to come, hold territory were not going to enter and then exit the area, only to carry out raids afterward. Thats not the plan. The intention is the opposite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be a movement of the population to protect them, Netanyahu said of the intensified operation. Less than 24 hours later, an Israeli strike on a school compound housing displaced people in central Gaza killed at least 20 people, according to officials at the nearby Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital. The Israeli military said they struck a Hamas command and control center on Tuesday, saying that numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming uninvolved civilians. A senior Israeli security official earlier said the operation in Gaza, called Gideons Chariots, was unanimously approved by the security cabinet with the aim of subduing Hamas and securing the release of all hostages. The plan would be implemented after US President Donald Trumps visit to the Middle East next week to provide a window of opportunity for a hostage deal, the official added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If no hostage deal is reached, Operation Gideons Chariots will begin with full force and will not stop until all its objectives are achieved. The plan then, is to displace Gazas entire population to the south of the enclave, following which the total the blockade of humanitarian aid may be lifted, the official said, adding that the military will remain in every area it captures. In any temporary or permanent agreement, Israel will not evacuate the security buffer zone around Gaza, which is intended to protect Israeli communities and prevent arms smuggling to Hamas, the official said. We are on the eve of a major entry into Gaza based on the recommendation of the General Staff, Netanyahu said in his video message, adding that military officials told him it was time to start the final moves. Highest goal The highest goal of the expanding operation in Gaza, according to the militarys top spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, is returning the hostages, not defeating Hamas. His comments come just a week after Netanyahu said the wars supreme goal is the defeat of Israels enemies, not the return of hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top goal of the operation is the return of the hostages. After that the collapse of Hamas rule, its defeat and subjugation but first and foremost, the return of the hostages, Defrin said responding to a question about his message to hostage families. The military spokesman faced swift condemnation from Israels national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, who said Defrin was confused into thinking that the army is above the political echelon. Hostage families were quick to condemn the announcement of the expansion of the war, fearing that the Israeli government is prioritizing the defeat of Hamas over securing a deal to return Israeli hostages and endangering them through the expanded military operations. Asked if the US approves of the new Israeli plan, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes told CNN: The President has made clear the consequences Hamas will face if it continues to hold hostages, including American Edan Alexander, and the bodies of four Americans. Hamas bears sole responsibility for this conflict, and for the resumption of hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas said on Tuesday that Israels plan represents a clear decision to sacrifice hostages in the strip. It also reproduces the cycle of failure (Israel) began eighteen months ago, without achieving any of its declared goals, the militant group said in a statement, adding that Hamas will not be intimidated by the Israeli militarys threats and plans. Gaza annexation not ruled out Meanwhile, Israels far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Monday that we are finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip. Annexing Gaza is a possibility, and once the military expands its operations in the enclave, it will not pull back even if Hamas agrees to a new hostage deal, he said at a conference in Jerusalem, referring to the security cabinet decision on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once we conquer and stay we can talk about sovereignty (over Gaza). But I didnt demand that it be included in the wars objectives, he added. Once the maneuver begins there will be no withdrawal from the territories weve captured, not even in exchange for hostages. Smotrich primarily handles the countrys finances, but he sits on the security cabinet and holds significant sway over Netanyahu, who relies on his support to keep the government from collapsing. More than 2,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since mid-March when Israel launched a wave of deadly strikes, shattering a ceasefire, which had been in place for nearly two months. More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The expansion of the fighting will be gradual to give a chance for a renewed ceasefire and hostage release deal before US President Donald Trumps visit to the region in mid-May, the officials said. Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar next week, but there is currently no stop planned in Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN raised concern with the latest expansion plan, saying it would lead to more civilians being killed. I can tell you that the Secretary General is alarmed by these reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq told reporters on Monday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot strongly criticized Israels plan, calling it not acceptable in a radio interview Tuesday morning. The urgent need is obviously the ceasefire. But its also unhindered access for humanitarian aid. The Palestinians living there are massively lacking humanitarian aid from the Gaza Strip. And then theres the release of the Hamas hostages, of course, Barrot said on RTL Radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China also said Tuesday it was highly concerned about the developments. China opposes Israels ongoing military actions in Gaza and hopes all parties continuously and effectively implement the ceasefire agreement and return to the right track for a political resolution of the issue, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news briefing New aid mechanism An Israeli blockade of all humanitarian aid into the strip is now in its ninth week. Israel says it cut off the entry of humanitarian aid to pressure Hamas to release hostages. But international organizations say its actions violate international law and risks creating a man-made famine, with some accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war a war crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cabinet also discussed allowing the resumption of aid deliveries into Gaza under a new framework which was approved, but has not yet been implemented, according to one of the sources. Israels public broadcaster, Kan 11, reported that a confrontation had broken out during Sundays meeting over the resumption of aid deliveries with two far-right members of the cabinet, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and settlements minister Orit Strook opposed to any resumption of aid and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir arguing Israel was obligated to facilitate them under international law. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip on Monday. - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP According to one of the source who spoke to CNN, the Israeli media reports about the arguments over the aid are not wrong. United States and Israeli officials are discussing a mechanism to deliver aid to Gaza that bypasses Hamas, an Israeli source familiar with the matter and a State Department official told CNN. The official said an announcement could be made in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delivery mechanism in the works is intended to allow aid to reach the Palestinian population with safeguards to ensure it is not diverted by Hamas or Islamic Jihad, according to a State Department spokesperson. An unnamed private foundation would manage the aid mechanism and the delivery of the humanitarian supplies into Gaza, the spokesperson said. The US expects the United Nations and international aid organizations to work with the framework of the foundations mechanism to ensure that supplies do not reach Hamas, the spokesperson said. In a statement on Monday, Hamas criticized the new framework, saying: We reject turning aid into a tool for political blackmail and support the international position that rejects any arrangements that do not respect humanitarian principles. Aid agencies working in the occupied Palestinian territory also rejected the new framework on Sunday, saying the plan appeared designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items and would fail to ensure aid reached Gazas most vulnerable residents. The UN Secretary-General and the Emergency Relief Coordinator have made clear that we will not participate in any scheme that does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality, the groups said in a joint statement. This story has been updated. CNNs Jennifer Hansler, Kareem Khadder, Abeer Salman and Kara Fox contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israel has approved plans to completely seize the Gaza strip and install soldiers there indefinitely. This is yet another clear and obvious human rights violation that aligns with Israels greater plan to ethnically cleanse the Gaza strip. Palestinians will be forcibly moved to Gazas south under the plan, which Israels ministers voted to approve on Monday morning. Israel will also take control of how food and supplies are distributed to the roughly two million people in Gaza. Israel will shut down hundreds of community kitchens and food depots across the region and instead install its own distribution centers run by a private security company. Israel has blocked all food from coming into Gaza for eight weeks, purposely starving civilians. Israel also plans to insert Gazans into a facial recognition software to dole out food from its distribution centers. This plan will begin after Trump visits the Middle East next week. Both the United Nations and the European Union have come out against the plan, opposing anything that would result in Israel taking full control of Gaza, an EU spokesperson told the Associated Press. Israel controls about 50 percent of Gaza at the moment. MILAN, Italy, May 5. Italy encourages the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to take more active part in deploying risk-sharing mechanisms, Fabio Panetta, governor of ADB from Italy, said, addressing the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. We encourage the ADB to take more active part in advancing policy reforms and deploying financial instruments such as blended finance guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms to unlock greater private sector participation. Building on the experience of its G7 Presidency, Italy highlights the importance of understanding the economic implications of artificial intelligence and advancing policy recommendations that strike a balance between innovation and risk management, he said. Panetta noted that digital transformation is increasingly shaping productivity and growth across the globe. Italy supports the ADB's commitment to harness digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance internal efficiency and address development challenges. Efficient cross-border payment systems remain a strategic priority for Italy and Europe as they are essential to facilitating trade, enabling remittances, advancing financial inclusion, and sustaining economic growth, he noted. Panetta said that as a founding member of the ADB, Italy sees this event not only as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among nations, but also as a platform to promote inclusive and forward-looking global growth. Italy welcomes the ADB's increased focus on non-sovereign operations in 2024, recognizing the vital contribution of the private sector in delivering innovative and scalable solutions for development. Italian companies, with their renowned expertise in engineering, design, industrial innovation, and many other sectors, are uniquely equipped to contribute meaningfully and enduringly to the region's development priorities, he said. JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli military bulldozers demolished most of a Palestinian Bedouin village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Monday, taking out the hamlets infrastructure and leaving residents wandering amid the rubble of their homes. The bulldozers rolled into Khalet Al-Dab in the morning, taking down most of the villages structures, said Basel Adra, a filmmaker, journalist and activist from the area. Nine homes, five tents and five animal pens were demolished, said Mohammed Rabia, head of the village council in the area. COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for administrative affairs in the occupied West Bank, said it demolished the buildings because they were built illegally in an area designated as a closed firing zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians have long said that securing Israeli permission to build in the West Bank is nearly impossible. Ali Dababsa, 87, a shepherd who watched the forces demolish his home, looked aghast. "We want to die under this soil, this land is precious to us and we are the owners of this land, he said, as he and other villagers gathered on a hilltop. The demolitions took place in an area of the West Bank known as Masafer Yatta, where radical Israeli settlers are expanding a network of outposts in the area. Palestinians say the settlers operate with the tacit consent of the Israeli state, which carries out home demolitions and rarely prosecutes settlers for instances of violence against Palestinians. Since Oct. 7, the Israeli army with the settlers established three illegal outposts around this community and now erasing this village to create more and more Israeli illegal settlements in the area, said Adra, who co-directed the Oscar-award winning film No Other Land, about Palestinian expulsion and settler violence in the area. The destruction comes as Israeli forces are set to demolish over 100 homes across two northern refugee camps in the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet approved an operational plan for the expansion of the war in Gaza in a meeting late Sunday, a senior Israeli political source confirmed to ABC News. The plan includes the occupation of more parts of Gaza paving the way for a full occupation of the strip, plus "moving" Palestinians to the south of Gaza, the source said. It also approves the "possibility" of allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza while "denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian supplies," the source added. The blueprint differs from its predecessor in that the Israel Defense Forces "is moving from the method of raids to the occupation of the territories and remaining in them," the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government, they added, will also continue to promote the plan set out by President Donald Trump "to enable the voluntary departure of Gazans" from the strip, the source said -- a proposal that Palestinian and human rights groups have equated to ethnic cleansing. Trump said in February that displaced Palestinians would have no right to return to Gaza once resettled elsewhere. Also in February, the president suggested the U.S. would subsequently "take over" and "own" the Palestinian territory and oversee its reconstruction. PHOTO: A Palestinian girl ferries water containers back from a distribution point at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on May 5, 2025. (Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images) The United Nations and foreign governments pushed back on Trump's proposal. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, for example, said "it is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing." U.S. allies in Europe and the Middle East -- including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia -- were among those to reject any Palestinian displacement from Gaza as "unacceptable." Israel's new battle plan for Gaza was approved shortly after the IDF announced a major call up of reservists to support the expected broadening of military operations there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian territory has been devastated by more than 18 months of warfare, which began after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people and saw 253 others abducted as hostages. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in the strip said Sunday that 52,535 people have been killed by Israeli action there since the war began, with another 118,491 people injured. The ministry's figures do not distinguish between combatants affiliated with Hamas and civilians. MORE: Israel PM says Houthis threaten the 'whole world' after strike near Tel Aviv airport A short-lived ceasefire -- which allowed for the release of 33 hostages from Gaza and nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons -- collapsed in March when Israeli forces resumed their bombardment of Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel imposed a block on all humanitarian aid and other supplies entering Gaza on March 2 -- two weeks before resuming its offensive. On March 18, Netanyahu said Israel would return to operations with "full force," adding, "From now on, negotiations will only take place under fire." Fifty-nine hostages -- 58 of whom were seized on Oct. 7 -- are believed to remain in Gaza, 24 of whom are presumed to be alive. Edan Alexander is the last American-Israeli hostage still thought to be alive. The plan approved by the security cabinet on Sunday is intended "to defeat Hamas in Gaza and return the hostages," the senior political source told ABC News. But the Hostages and Missing Families Forum -- made up of relatives of the hostages -- condemned the new plan "for giving up on the kidnapped and abandoning national and security resilience." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The government admits this morning that it is choosing territories over kidnapped people, and this is against the will of over 70% of the people," the forum said in a statement. "This choice will be remembered as shameful for generations." PHOTO: Israeli tanks operate at the Israel-Gaza Strip border, as seen from Israel on May 3, 2025. (Amir Cohen/Reuters) ABC News' Victoria Beaule contributed to this report. Israeli security cabinet approves plan to occupy parts of Gaza, source says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com PARIS (AP) Fearful that the kidnappers might sever another finger from their hostage or worse, the French police commander ordered his officers with a radioed Go command to raid the house where he suspected that the father of a wealthy cryptocurrency entrepreneur was being held. Fabrice Gardon, director of Paris' judicial police, then waited anxiously in his unit's headquarters in the north of the French capital for the code word they use to signal that a hostage has been freed. Finally, it came: Jackpot! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With seven suspects in custody, the police commander detailed in radio interviews Monday 58 hours of drama, mutilation and finally relief that marked the latest kidnapping in France of people working in the cryptocurrency business. The victim was the father of a man who made his fortune in cryptocurrencies, the prosecutor's office said. Attackers wearing balaclavas bundled him into a van as he was coming out of his Paris house to walk his dog last Thursday morning, Gardon said. He said bystanders alerted police. Speaking to RTL radio, he confirmed French media reports that the kidnappers severed one of the hostage's fingers. He said they sent a video to his son of the mutilation and other video of his father tied up, and demanded millions of euros (dollars) in ransom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday night, police tracked the gang to a house in the Essonne region south of Paris, where investigators believed the man was being held. We got there a few minutes before a new ultimatum where the victim might again have suffered another mutilation, Gardon said. He gave the go-ahead for an assault by a police Search and Intervention Brigade, known by its French initials, BRI. He then followed its progress over the radio from the judicial police headquarters. After a few moments, the head of the BRI said over the radio using whats our code Jackpot! In our jargon that means, All good. We have freed the hostage,' he said on France Info radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, it was a big relief, he said. The prosecutor's office said police detained four people in or close to the house where the man was held captive, and a fifth person at the wheel of a vehicle thought to have been used for the alleged abduction. Another two suspects were detained Sunday, it said. It said the police investigation is looking at an array of possible criminal charges, including kidnapping with torture or a barbaric act. In January, police said a co-founder of French crypto-wallet firm Ledger, David Balland, was also kidnapped with his wife from their home in the Cher region of central France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they made 10 arrests and that the alleged kidnappers demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency from another of Ledgers co-founders. A raid by Frances elite National Gendarmerie Intervention Group unit that specializes in hostage situations freed Balland the next day, followed the day after that by the liberation, again by the GIGN, of his wife, found tied up in a vehicle, police said. UPDATE: The scene of a suspicious package investigation at a shopping center in Jacksonville Beach has concluded. END UPDATE: Jacksonville Beach police closed the parking lot of a shopping center Monday morning to investigate a suspicious package. Police posted on social media just before 9 a.m. that the parking lot to the Pablo Village Shopping Center is closed. Officers are working an active investigation reference a suspicious item in the 1200 block of 3rd Street South, the post states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said there are no threats to the public and will give an update when they conclude the investigation. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. By Makiko Yamazaki (Reuters) -Japan, China, South Korea and the 10 ASEAN countries agreed to enhance their regional financial safety net by launching a new lending facility aimed at swiftly responding to crises caused by pandemics and natural disasters. The finance leaders of the so-called ASEAN Plus Three group agreed at their meeting in Milan, Italy, on Sunday to establish the new facility under their currency swap arrangement known as the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization (CMIM). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CMIM, created after the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, is designed to support regional financial stability by allowing members to tap currency swap lines. The new rapid financing facility will enable members to access emergency financing without conditions in case of financial crises arising from sudden shocks. "We believe that this new CMIM facility will enhance regional resilience," the group said in a joint statement. The CMIM pool currently amounts to $240 billion in foreign exchange reserves, with Japan and China each contributing $76.8 billion, South Korea $38.4 billion and the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations members a combined $48 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CMIM's two existing facilities - a crisis resolution instrument and a precautionary line - have never been utilised as members have turned to other resources with simpler decision-making processes such as bilateral swap lines. (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Sharon Singleton) ST. LOUIS A Jennings man facing an upcoming trial for a 2023 fatal road rage shooting reached a plea agreement Monday with the St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office and was sentenced. Angelo McNeal, 52, was initially charged with second-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, shooting a firearm at/from a motor vehicle, and two counts of armed criminal action. The shooting happened on Interstate 70 in the citys Walnut Park West neighborhood, just before 10 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. Homicide detectives with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said McNeal and a passenger, Barry Martin, were shooting at another car on the interstate. A bullet from McNeals gun struck Martin in the leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Police arrived in the 5900 block of Lillian Avenue and found Martin suffering from a serious gunshot wound. Paramedics rushed Martin to the hospital, where was pronounced dead. Martin was 45. McNeal was taken into custody. McNeal, who had a prior felony conviction in Missouri, was prohibited from owning or possessing a gun. McNeal agreed to plead guilty to unlawful possession of a gun for eight years in prison in exchange for a dismissal of the other charges. The judge overseeing the case accepted the terms of the plea agreement and sentenced McNeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. President Jimmy Carter fought during his presidency to champion equal rights, a mission that was shaped by his special bonds with important women in his early life, including one key figure: a woman named Rachel Clark, or "Miss Rachel." Jimmy's grandson, Jason Carter, reflects on the early influences that fueled his grandfather's tireless fight for women's rights in a letter shared exclusively with PEOPLE. Jason, a former Georgia state senator who now serves as chair of The Carter Center, honors the late president's legacy of advocating for women as part of "Letters to the Daughters of the World by the Leaders of the World," a project founded by activist, journalist and author Supriya Vani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Jimmy Carter's Life in Photos Jason is one of many public figures who contributed inspiring stories to Vani's project at her request, including the Dalai Lama, Ireland's first woman president Mary Robinson, and business magnate Richard Branson. The initiative is a call to action aimed to inspire leadership and compassion in future generations of women across the globe, and it will provide a foundation for Vani's upcoming book. In his contribution to Vani's "moral archive," Jason tells the story of how Jimmy's early life as a child in the Deep South influenced his work on equal rights initiatives and how women made an indelible impact on the future president's worldview. Read Jason Carter's full letter about the late President Jimmy Carter below, from "Letters to the Daughters of the World." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: All About Jimmy Carters Humble Life Before Politics, Which Set the Stage for His Decades of Public Service PhotoQuest/Getty Soon-to-be President Jimmy Carter smiles at his mother, Lillian Carter, in 1976 Soon-to-be President Jimmy Carter smiles at his mother, Lillian Carter, in 1976 Imagine growing up in the Deep South of the United States at a time when racial apartheid was the law of the land and the edict of most Christian churches. This was the world that my great-grandmother Lillian Carter knew as a child and young adult. Despite her husbands seeming acceptance of racist attitudes, Miss Lillian, as she was known, believed and behaved as if all people were equal in Gods eyes. As a nurse, she treated all her patients with the same high level of care. She interacted with Black neighbors and Black workers on the family farm with kindness and generosity. Later in life, she became a Peace Corps volunteer in India, serving as a nurse to some of the most disadvantaged people in that country. This defiance of racist social norms planted in the heart and mind of my grandfather Jimmy Carter, Miss Lillians eldest son, a love for justice and equality toward all. He adopted his mothers belief that every person is a noble child of God. Vern Richey/Peace Corps/National Archives and Records Administration/PhotoQuest/Getty Lillian Carter serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in India in 1968 Lillian Carter serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in India in 1968 Growing up, he spent more time in the home of Rachel Clark, a Black woman who worked and lived on the family farm, than with his own mother who worked long hours tending to the sick. He cherished Miss Rachel as a second mother and took her instruction on many life lessons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miss Julia Coleman, his high school superintendent, also influenced his worldview, impressing upon him the idea that, even in changing times, we must hold fast to the principles of truthfulness and justice. He went on to marry Rosalynn Smith, a fiercely independent woman who also carried these values, later becoming one of the worlds great advocates for mental health care. All these women shaped the man who would become the 39th President of the United States. During those years, he championed womens rights and appointed more women to the federal judiciary and to top-level positions than any previous President. Related: In One of His Final Interviews, Jimmy Carter Looked Back at His Life's Work and Having Rosalynn by His Side (Exclusive) Glasshouse Images / Alamy Jimmy Carter waves to a crowd behind his wife, Rosalynn, and daughter, Amy, at the 1976 DNC Jimmy Carter waves to a crowd behind his wife, Rosalynn, and daughter, Amy, at the 1976 DNC Throughout the following decades, my grandfather would use every opportunity through books and speeches to point out how the oppression of women, especially through the edicts of male religious authorities, continues to plague humanity. He called on his fellow men to change attitudes, conduct, and policies and encouraged women and girls to take leadership in the fight for equality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am the proud father of two wonderful boys, Henry and Thomas, the great-grandsons of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. My wife Kate and I know that educating our boys to become the best men they can be is our most important responsibility. My grandfather taught us that our duty is to use our power and influence to work for equal rights and opportunities for all. We cannot be bystanders when violence against women persists in all societies or when women are excluded from the decision-making bodies that affect their lives. Related: All About Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's Children and Grandchildren In recent years, we have seen a renewed movement led by women and girls to confront sexual violence and assert their rightful role as leaders in all fields of endeavor. This has been incredibly encouraging. While there have been heartbreaking setbacks in womens rights, from Afghanistan to our own country, I know that my grandparents would urge us to not be discouraged but to keep advancing. They would remind us that every worthy fight for freedom experiences setbacks. No matter what, this movement will surely continue to grow until every girl born into this world can imagine and then achieve the future that she dreams for herself. All humanity will benefit from the realization of this great potential in human talent that has for too long gone suppressed. Read the original article on People John Brantley, the former longtime director of Raleigh-Durham International Airport who helped guide the operation into the modern era, has died. Brantley, 82, died unexpectedly on Friday at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, according to his obituary. Brantley was director of RDU Airport from 1982 to 2011 during a period of tremendous growth Johns legacy is woven into the very fabric of RDU, the airport said Sunday on a post on its website. He helped guide its evolution from a modest airport with World War II roots into the modern, world-class gateway to the Research Triangle region that it is today. Oversaw major expansion of RDU Brantley was a lifelong resident of Raleigh. He graduated from Broughton High School in 1960 and N.C. State University in 1964. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his obituary, Brantley began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1966. He was hired to manage development of a long-range plan at RDU in 1977. Brantley became airport director in October 1982. During his 29-year tenure, he led construction of a 10,000-foot runway and new American Airlines hub facilities. Improvements included a new air cargo and general aviation developments, roadways and parking garages, Terminal 2, and redevelopment of Terminal 1. Following his retirement from RDU, Brantley served as a trustee of Barton College and on the board of directors of the Research Triangle Foundation. In lieu of flowers, Brantleys family is asking that donations be made in his honor to the Raleigh Rescue Mission or the American Heart Association. No plans have been announced yet for his memorial service. As the Trump administration continues to find ways to revoke migrants legal status in the United States and deport them, John Oliver is starting to worry for some celebrities including Henry Winkler. On Sunday nights episode of Last Week Tonight, the HBO host launched straight into his main story, which picked apart how the Trump administration has been determining who in the country is a criminal and deserves to be deported. One case Oliver zeroed in on was that of grad student Suguru Onda. Onda had his legal status revoked after a criminal records check, but according to his lawyer, Onda didnt actually have any criminal charges on his record. Apparently, Onda simply had two speeding tickets and a citation for catching one too many fish. That is ridiculous, Oliver said. If you can be flagged for deportation for catching one too many fish, then I truly fear for Henry Winkler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that, several images that Winkler has posted of himself proudly holding a fish hes caught at some time or another were flashed onscreen. The actor is known to take an annual fishing trip, and fans love his pride in his catches. We could be just days away from seeing him in an El Salvador prison, which Im sure the White House will then justify by badly photoshopping an MS-13 tattoo onto his neck, Oliver joked. The late night host also brought up the case of Venezuelan migrant Jerce Reyes Barrios, who had 14-year-old photos on social media used as evidence to deport him, including a photo of him wearing sunglasses and holding his hands up with just his index finger, pinky and thumb extended, similar to the ASL sign for I love you (though his hands were facing the opposite direction). His girlfriend told 60 Minutes that the gesture was all about rock and roll, but immigration officers declared it a gang sign, and said it linked Barrios to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that were true, Rihanna, Fergie and former President George W. Bush are all Tren de Aragua, too! Oliver retorted, bringing up images of each celebrity making a similar sign with their hands. You can watch John Olivers full story on Trumps deportations in the video above. The post John Oliver Worries for Henry Winkler, Rihanna Over Trump Admins Evidence of Crime and Gang Ties | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Azerbaijans carpet production declines in 1Q2025 The article reveals output of carpets and carpet products in Azerbaijan during the first quarter of this year. According to the State Statistics Committee, this figure amounted to 700 square meters, meaning a year-on-year decrease by 100 square meters (12.5 percent) Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Jon Voight and Donald Trump in 2020. - Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trumps plan to slap movies made outside the United States with a 100 percent tariff was apparently the brain child of actor Jon Voight. According to Politico, a source close to the White House credited the policy to the actor, who was earlier this year named one of Trumps special ambassadors to Hollywood (alongside Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone). Ben Allen, a California state senator from the Los Angeles area whos active in the world of Hollywood tax credits, also said he heard from Voight about the possibility of tariffs several days before Trumps announcement. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, NBC News reported late last month that Voight and his manager, Steven Paul, had put together a proposal for Trump to reinvigorate the American film and TV industries. Details at the time, however, were slim, with one potential suggestion being federal tax incentives to keep productions in the U.S. A rep for Voight did not immediately return Rolling Stones request for comment. When Trump announced that Voight, Gibson, and Stallone would serve as his Special Envoys to Hollywood in January, the president flagged the issue of productions leaving the United States which the tariffs are allegedly supposed to address. These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest, Trump said at the time. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood! Those themes were echoed in Trumps announcement of the murky film tariff plan on Sunday. The president said he was authorizing the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to enact the tariff on films produced in foreign lands, also known as runaway productions. Trump called these productions a national security threat and claimed theyre causing the film industry to die a very fast death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States, Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! It is true that film jobs, especially in California, have declined significantly in recent years because of high production costs and fewer incentives. While many productions have moved to other parts of the United States (like Atlanta), theyve also gone abroad thanks to lucrative incentives offered by countries like the U.K. and Canada. But many films also shoot overseas for creative, not economic, reasons, and ostensibly these films would also be hit with the 100 percent if implemented. In classic Trump administration fashion, the actual plan for implementation remains up in the air. On Monday, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said that no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made, per Variety. Still, Desai continued, the Trump administration is exploring all options to deliver on President Trumps directive to safeguard our countrys national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again whatever that possibly means. The Motion Picture Association, the lobbying arm of the film industry, has yet to comment on Trumps tariff plan. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Mr. Joseph E. Keller, 67, of Austintown, died early Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, at the Hospice House in Poland, following a brief illness. He was born October 6, 1957, in Youngstown, the son of Jacob E. and Janet (Snyder) Keller. Find obituaries from your high school Joe was a 1976 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. He worked as a cement mason for several years. He also worked for Austintown Township for more than 20 years, retiring in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He married the former, Laurie S. Mallory on January 31, 1987, they shared 38 years of marriage and happy memories. She survives him. Joe was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3298 in Austintown. He enjoyed animals, being in nature, fishing, hunting and camping. He particularly enjoyed taking trips to his camp in Marienville, Pennsylvania. Joes greatest joy was spending time with his beloved family. He married into a large family and made lasting relationships with his extended family and many friends. Besides his wife, Joe is survived by four children, Jacob (Kaitlin) Keller, of Austintown, Katie (Jay Warnock) Keller, of Youngstown and Cassie (Nicholas) Bowlen and Magie Keller, both of Austintown. He also leaves behind two beloved granddaughters, Stevie Mae and Lucy Jo and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Lane Family Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Avenue in Austintown, with Pastor Mark Nelson officiating, friends may call from 2:00 5:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Wednesday, May 7 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Photo by Peter Dazeley/Getty Images) A federal judge has extended a temporary restraining order barring the Department of Homeland Security from deporting four international students at the University of Iowa while she considers whether to convert that order into a preliminary injunction. The students are suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for revoking their status as students. While the students have been pursuing their case under a series of John Doe pseudonyms, U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger ruled Monday that the students will have to publicly identify themselves or drop out of the case within the next 24 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students identities have already been revealed to Homeland Security, but lawyers for the four had argued their clients shouldnt be forced to publicly reveal their identities in order to pursue their lawsuit against the government. Ebinger found the students generalized fear of harassment didnt meet the very high standard for granting them anonymity, citing past court rulings that say court proceedings are only truly public when the public knows the identities of the litigants. Also on Monday, Ebinger agreed to extend, for 14 days, her temporary restraining order protecting the four international students from being detained or deported by ICE or Homeland Security. She said she plans to rule on whether to grant a preliminary injunction to that effect before the restraining order expires. According to the lawsuit, each of the plaintiffs was admitted to the United States on an F-1 student visa. The students 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In granting the students initial request for a temporary restraining order, 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. At Mondays hearing, Ebinger asked Homeland Securitys lawyers whether they opposed the students request for an extension of the temporary restraining order. Ive been instructed by my client not to agree to an extension of the temporary restraining order, Department of Justice attorney Rachel J. Scherle replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. DHS: Students status signifies only a red flag 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 System database. Four days later, the lawsuit claims, three of the plaintiffs 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. At Mondays hearing, Ebinger questioned Homeland Securitys position that terminating the plaintiffs status as students isnt a precursor to deportation and merely indicates there is some sort of red flag that called for additional investigation by the federal government. You keep saying its a red flag for further investigation, Ebinger said, and then asked where such a characterization was documented and whether that information was ever communicated to the students or their school. Lawyers for Homeland Security acknowledged the red flag status wasnt communicated directly to the students, but also noted that the warnings of detention and deportation, while based on DHS action, came from the embassies, not from DHS itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group from Iowa City attended Mondays hearing as a show of a support for the plaintiffs. UI graduate student Miranda Schene said she felt it was important to show that the students have people behind them. I just think that this is an incredibly important issue for all of the University of Iowa students, said Schene, a doctoral student in molecular physiology and biophysics, because this is one of those cases thats determining whether or not students who come here internationally actually have the freedom to stay and finish their degrees without fear of arbitrary punishment by the government. Marie Krebs said while she supports the plaintiffs desire to keep their identities from being made public, having their names out could help garner additional support. I cant imagine the trauma that theyre enduring behind this, she said. Theyve got to be really scared. Oliver Weilein, a member of Iowa Citys city council, also attended the proceedings and said he was concerned that disclosure of the students names might make them a target of bigots. Homeland Securitys actions, he said, does not come out of concern for our community. This doesnt come out of concern for criminals being in our country. This comes out of racism. This comes out of wanting to make immigrants go back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Yeager of the Campaign to Organize Graduate Students said the case is one of many attacks on public education now taking place. There are so many students right now who cant sleep at night, Yeager said. The loss of community benefit and good and incredible scholarly work is there, and well never fully know the impact of that. Brooklyn Draisey contributed to this report. Judge: Due process is important At Mondays hearing, attorneys for the four international students at UI noted that Homeland Security provided new and relevant testimony last week in a District of Columbia court hearing surrounding the federal governments efforts to terminate thousands of student records within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. In that hearing, Homeland Securitys assistant director for national security, Andre Watson, discussed ICEs student criminal alien initiative. He described how 10 to 20 ICE employees spent several weeks combing through the records of 1.3 million holders of student visas to determine whether any of them might have had some form of interaction with law enforcement, such as a traffic violation that was later dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An exasperated D.C. District Court Judge Ana C. Reyes asked Watson, Are you telling me that with all of the cost cutting that we have going on right now because apparently were spending too much money in the federal government doing things like, oh, I dont know, funding cancer research, cant afford to do that that we had, not we, but someone, had 10 to 20 federal employees spend their time going name by name in a database to see what hits they got for 1.3 million people? Is that what happened? Yes or no. Yes, Watson replied. He explained that of the 1.3 million student names, less than half of 1%, or roughly 6,400 student names, were passed on to the State Department. The State Department then revoked visas to travel into the United States for 3,000 of those students, and then told Homeland Security to terminate those students status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. After hearing from Watson, Judge Reyes cited what she called the federal governments utter lack of concern for human individuals who we have invited into our country and who have communities richer by being students who have contributed to our colleges and who have paid our colleges. She then went on to explain the concept of due process for all those in the courtroom. OK, lets do a quiz today, she said. Anyone know where the due process clause from the Fifth Amendment comes from? Anybody? Nobody knows where the due process clause or the Fifth Amendment comes from? Not my clerks? Were going to have discussions afterwards. It comes from Article chapter, article, whatever you want to the call it Article 39 of the Magna Carta. Thats where it first appeared. It appeared as the law of the land. It was amended in the 1300s to be due process, but the due process comes from the Magna Carta. Anyone want to remind me what century the Magna Carta was in? It was in the 1200s. So when I say, or when the courts say, Due process is important, were not unhinged. Were not radicals. We are literally trying to enforce a process embodied in probably the most significant document with respect to peoples rights against tyrannical government oppression. Thats what were doing here, OK? In a win for Abbott Laboratories, a federal judge in Chicago sided with the company Friday in the case of a woman who alleged that Abbotts formula for preterm infants led to her daughters death. The case had been scheduled to go to trial this week, and was supposed to be the first to be heard in federal court in Chicago over the issue of whether Abbotts specialized cows milk-based formula for preterm babies causes a life-threatening intestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). North suburban-based Abbott and formula-maker Mead Johnson are facing hundreds of lawsuits in federal court in Chicago over the issue, and Abbott is facing more than 1,400 lawsuits total in courts across the country. The case resolved Friday was a bellwether case, meaning its outcome was meant to help determine how the hundreds of other cases in federal court in Chicago proceeded, and/or how to settle those cases. The court is scheduled to hear three additional bellwether cases about the issue, with the next trial slated to begin in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jose Rojas, an attorney for the plaintiff in the case that was thrown out Friday, said he was disappointed by the decision. Were exploring all our options at the moment, said Rojas, who is also co-lead counsel in the multidistrict litigation, meaning hes helping to lead litigation for all the cases over the issue in federal court in Chicago. I think it goes without saying that were devastated by the ruling. This is a family that is really destroyed by the death of their daughter. An Abbott spokesperson declined to comment Monday. In the case, Kentucky woman Ericka Mar contended that her daughter RaiLee, who was born at 28 weeks gestation in 2014, died when she was about 2 weeks old after being fed a cows milk-based product made by Abbott. Mar alleges in her lawsuit that the formula was defective or unreasonably dangerous, that Abbott was negligent in selling it and that Abbott failed to warn health care providers and consumers of its dangers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer granted Abbotts request for summary judgment and sided with the company. In her order, Pallmeyer wrote that Mar had not been able to present evidence that Abbott could have designed the formula differently to be safer, nor that her daughters illness would have been prevented if Abbott had provided warnings about the higher risk of NEC in preterm babies who consume cows milk-based formulas. Pallmeyer wrote that her decision in the case has limited direct application to the hundreds of other cases against the formula-makers in federal court in Chicago. She wrote that its possible plaintiffs in those other cases will be able to overcome the issues that led her to rule in favor of Abbott, depending on what evidence and testimony they provide. In a bright spot for the other cases, Pallmeyer also decided Friday to deny Abbotts request to exclude from those cases testimony from two expert witnesses on the link between cows milk-based formulas and NEC. And she denied Abbotts motion for summary judgment in the other cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wells Fargo analysts said in a note Sunday that their legal consultant believes that it is likely that most, if not all, of the pending cases will fail on these same theories, though its possible different state laws might give other plaintiffs more breathing room, the analysts wrote. Rojas said he vehemently disagrees that the other cases against Abbott and Mead Johnson will fail. The ruling on Friday was the latest twist in a yearslong legal battle between Abbott and families of babies who became ill after consuming the companys specialized formula for preterm infants a battle that has potential implications for both Abbott and families with babies born very prematurely. Research has shown that formula feeding is associated with higher rates of NEC for premature infants, but thats not to say that cows milk-based formulas cause the disease. Some premature babies who are fed only breast milk also develop NEC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, three major federal agencies the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health released a statement saying, There is no conclusive evidence that preterm infant formula causes NEC. Some medical professionals are concerned about the many cases against Abbott and Mead Johnson, saying juries should not be deciding questions that scientists cant even answer. They also worry that large verdicts against Abbott could lead the company to pull its cows milk-based products for preterm infants off the market, leaving some families who depend on the products in a bind. Though neonatologists agree that mothers breast milk should always be the first choice of nutrition for babies born very prematurely, its not always available, and donated breast milk is not always an option. Abbott Chairman and CEO Robert Ford warned in an earnings call last year, If the regulatory process is disregarded, if the science is disregarded, its going to be very difficult for any company to remain on the market with these products, taking on that indefinite liability here, at least in the United States. The specialized formulas, which are generally given in hospitals, represent a very small portion of Abbotts overall sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Mars case was supposed to be the first one to go to trial in federal court, three other cases about the issue have already been heard in state courts. One of those cases resulted in a verdict of $60 million against Mead Johnson and another ended with a $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories an outcome Abbott is appealing. In the third case, Abbott initially prevailed, with a jury deciding Abbott and Mead Johnson were not liable for a boy developing NEC after he was fed the companies cows milk-based products for premature infants. But in a setback for Abbott and Mead Johnson, a St. Louis judge in March granted a motion for a new trial citing errors and misconduct in the original trial. SCRANTON Jurors began deliberations Monday afternoon in the homicide trial of Shelton Miles, accused of shooting a man during a robbery of the Sunoco on North Main Avenue in March of 2024. The victim later died. During a weeklong trial, prosecution witnesses focused on the facts of the case which were mainly undisputed by both sides. Prosecutors showed jurors a video of Miles shooting Jose Miguel Tatis-Camilo as he steps into the convenience store, stepping over his body, shooting cashier Gopi Soni in the thigh, filling his pockets with cash and then fleeing the scene. Conversely, in support of their not guilty by reason of insanity plea, the defense centered its argument on expert witnesses who said Miles was incapable of clear judgment and didnt understand what he was doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miles, 65, of 401 W. Market St., is charged with first-, second-, and third-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and theft. He sat attentively through Mondays proceedings. During his closing argument, defense attorney Curt Parkins said his case was predicated on the science of the case, rather than the facts. A combination of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, bouts of diabetes and substance abuse resulted in Miles suffering from dementia, he said. He showed the jury a video of Miles being transported to the police station after he was arrested two hours after he shot Tatis-Camilo. That video shows him asking out loud, What did I do? and Why am I here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized that defense expert Jeffrey Fremont, a psychologist, did extensive cognitive testing of Miles and concluded that he was cognitively impaired and a reduced intellectual capacity. But, Deputy District Attorney Sara Varela told jurors that they should focus on the facts of the case. The facts of the case, the evidence, is the only reason that were here, she said. The facts are absolutely relevant. She showed the jury another piece of video of Miles being transported to the police station after his arrest. In that part of the video, he says to himself, Its over. Its done. Its death. Its over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told jurors Miles had spent hours gambling at a convenience store, before deciding he wanted to go to the casino and do some real gambling. The robbery, she said, was his effort to get money to fund that trip to the casino. She described Miles actions on the night of the murder as planned, prepared and premeditated. The jury composed of six men and six women began deliberating just after 1 p.m. Check back for updates For the first time in Karen Reads second murder trial for the death of John OKeefe, jurors were able to see a key piece of evidence. Retired Canton Police Lieutenant Paul Gallagher displayed a broken cocktail glass from where John OKeefes body was found outside 34 Fairview Road on January 29, 2022. Gallagher, one of six people who took the witness stand Monday, says he found the glass and several drops of blood in the snow with a leaf blower. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blood was collected in red Solo cups and placed in a paper Stop & Shop bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canton firefighter Katie McLaughlin testified she heard Karen Read incriminate herself at the scene. She repeated. I hit him. I hit him, McLaughlin detailed How do you remember she made those statements? special prosecutor Hank Brennan asked. I wont ever forget those statements, McLaughlin replied. Defense attorney Alan Jackson asked why McLaughlin failed to document the alleged confession. Youre also aware that not a single police officer out at the scene wrote that down either? Jackson asked before Brennan objected. Ryan Nagel told the jury he saw a woman believed to be Read parked outside 34 Fairview when he drove by around 12:35 am. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hannah Knowles, a forensic scientist and toxicologist at the Massachusetts State Police crime lab, testified that Read was still intoxicated the morning after OKeefe was killed. She analyzed a blood sample Read gave around 9 in the morning. She says the reading was right around the legal limit of .08 at that time. In addition, she calculated that Read would have been 2 to 3 times the legal limit after midnight, when police allege she struck John OKeefe with her SUV. The defense asked Knowles if she was asked to test anyone elses blood: Were you ever asked to determine the blood alcohol level of Brian Albert? asked David Yanetti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, Knowles replied. Were you ever asked to determine the blood alcohol level of Brian Higgins? No, said Knowles. My only involvement with this case in my unit, was the request to perform these calculations on this individual. Read has not denied drinking vodka sodas that night. None of the six people who testified remembered seeing John OKeefe on the lawn or entering the home. Read did not speak to reporters at the end of court today but her father called it a good day for the defense. A full day of testimony is scheduled for Tuesday. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW On the first day of Sean Diddy Combs trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, 12 jurors are being selected to hear the case against the rap mogul and his defense. In a process known as voir dire (to speak the truth), Judge Arun Subramanian is asking a set of questions submitted from both sides of prospective jurors at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse in Lower Manhattan this week. One by one, jurors are being asked questions by the judge as the pool is gradually whittled down to 45 potentials, who can then be dismissed by the defense or the prosecution, with no reason given. These include whether they had heard news about allegations against the hip-hop mogul, seen the CNN video of Combs assaulting a woman in a hotel hallway or even heard any of the baby oil jokes after feds raided his homes and removed evidence (one potential juror said he had). More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another potential juror was dismissed Monday by Subramanian when she indicated that an image of Combs standing above a woman on the floor could be damning evidence. However, another remained when she said shed seen a clip of that incident but told the judge shed be a blank slate going into the trial, according to reporting from inside the courtroom from MSN. Heres a look at what the defense sought to ask potential jurors, followed by what the prosecution sought that the judge ask the jury pool as he selects the 12 men and women and six alternates. Pursuant to the Courts scheduling order (ECF 125), the defenses proposed voir dire questions on behalf of defendant Sean Combs are listed below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1. What is your age? 2. What is your sex? 3. What is your gender identity? 4. In what city and county do you live? 5. Who, if anyone, do you live with? 6. If you are married or in a relationship, what is your spouse or partners occupation and employer? a. How long have they worked for that employer or been in that occupation? b. What are their job responsibilities? 7. Do you have children? a. If so, what are their ages? b. If you have adult children, what, if anything, do they do for work? 8. Are you currently working? a. Who is your current (or most recent) employer and what is your job title? b. If not, when was the last time you worked and please describe your most recent employment? What were your specific duties at your job? c. If you are working, what do you do for a living? What are your specific duties at your job? d. How would you describe your job responsibilities? e. Do you manage or supervise others as a part of your job? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9. What is the highest level of education you have completed, and if you have any college or postgraduate degrees, what was your degree or area of study? 10. I am going to read you a list of occupational areas. Please tell me if you or someone you are very close to has any training, experience, or specialized knowledge in that area, and explain your/their experience: a. Business b. Sexual Assault Training c. Sexual Harassment Training d. Domestic Violence Training e. Case Psychiatry/Psychology f. Security Services g. Addiction Treatment or Counseling h. Finance i. Law or Law Enforcement 11. What clubs, groups, or organizations do you belong to or regularly participate in (for example, church groups, professional organizations, volunteer activities, victims rights groups, etc.):? a. If you have a spouse or partner, what clubs, groups, or organizations does your spouse or partner belong to or regularly participate in? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12. What do you do in your free time? What are your hobbies or interests outside of work and family? 13. Do you use any social media platforms? If yes, which ones? 14. How do you get your news? a. What, if any, newspapers, magazines, websites, online news services or publications do you read most often? b. Do you listen to any podcasts? If so, which ones? 15. I am going to read three group-decision-making styles, and Id like you to tell me which one comes closest to the way you make decisions: Strongly express your views to get the outcome you believe is best Participate in the discussion and try to help build a consensus. Listen and follow what you think the majority favors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 16. Do you believe you make most decisions based on intuition or the examination of facts? 17. Do you have any personal experiences or opinions about drug or alcohol use or addiction? a. If yes, what is that experience? b. You are going to hear about drug and illegal alcohol use in this trial. Is that going to be difficult for you based on your experience? 18. The defendant in this case is a wealthy celebrity. Do you have any opinions regarding wealthy individuals that would affect your ability to serve as a fair and impartial juror in this case? a. Do you believe that wealthy people get away with things that the less wealthy do not? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 19. What kind of music do you like? a. How often do you listen to music? b. Do you have an opinion about the hip-hop rap music industry or artists in that genre? c. If so, please tell us what it is. A. The Charges This is a criminal case. To help you understand the reason for the questions Ill be asking you, I want to tell you briefly about the charges. The defendant, Sean Combs, a/k/a Puff Daddy,a/k/a P. Diddy, a/k/a Diddy, a/k/a PD, a/k/a Love, has been charged with the commissionof certain federal crimes in a document called an Indictment filed by a grand jury sitting in this District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indictment is not evidence itself. It simply contains the charges that the Government is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. I will briefly summarize the charges in this casein order to give you a legal framework as you listen to the evidence for what you will ultimatelybe asked to do at the end of the trial. The Indictment contains five counts or charges: Count One charges that, from at least in or about 2004 through in or about 2024, the defendant participated in a racketeering conspiracy during which he agreed with other employees and associates of his businesses to commit kidnapping, arson, bribery of a witness, obstruction ofjustice, drug distribution, forced labor, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of engaging in prostitution. Count Two charges the defendant with sex trafficking an adult female victim through force,fraud, and coercion between in or about 2009 and in or about 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Count Three charges the defendant with transporting that female victim and malecommercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between in or about 2009 and in or about 2018. Count Four charges the defendant with sex trafficking a second adult female victim throughforce, fraud, and coercion between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024. Count Five charges the defendant with transporting that second female victim and male commercial sex workers to engage in prostitution between in or about 2021 and in or about 2024. B. General Ability to Serve 1. Would you have any difficulty following my instructions with respect to thefundamental principles I have just outlined? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. Do you have any personal knowledge of the charges in the Indictment as I have just described them beyond what you have already noted in your questionnaire? 3. It is not a particularly pleasant duty to find another individual guilty of committinga crime. If the evidence established a defendants guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, would you be willing to share 4. unable to render a guilty verdict for reasons unrelated to the law and the evidence? And if theevidence failed to establish a defendants guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, would you be unableto render a not guilty verdict for reasons unrelated to the law and the evidence? 5. Is there any reason you could not view and decide fairly and impartially a caseinvolving the charges as I have described it that you have not already noted in your questionnaire? C. Knowledge of the Trial Participants 6. As noted in your questionnaire, the defendant, Sean Combs, is represented by Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, Anna Estevao, Alexandra Shapiro, Jason Driscoll, and Brian Steel [They will be assisted by the list here]. [ Please ask them to stand.] Seeing them here today, do you know any of these individuals? 7. Similarly, as noted in your questionnaire, the prosecution, referred to here as the Government, is represented here, as in all cases where it is a party before this Court, by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton. The conduct of the trial will be in the immediate charge of Assistant United States Attorneys Maurene Comey, Meredith Foster, Emily Johnson, Christy Slavik, Madison Smyser, and Mitzi Steiner. They will be assisted by HSI Special Agent Sean Quinn, HSI Special Agent Kiera Murphy, and HSI Task Force Officer Phil Adaszewski, as well as Shannon Becker, Lucy Gavin, and Chanel Foster, paralegal specialists in the U.S. Attorneys Office. [Please ask them to stand]. Seeing them here today, do you know any of those individuals? 8. Are you familiar with anyone else present in the courtroom, including all court personnel or myself? Did you recognize any of your fellow jurors in the jury assembly room? 9. I will now hand you a list of names of individuals who may be mentioned during the trial, or who may be witnesses in this case. Please read this list to yourself, and please do not say any of the names out loud: [Numbered list of names to be supplied, including true names of victims testifying under pseudonym] Please answer the following questions referring only to the number next to the relevant name without saying any name out loud. 10. Do any of you know any of the people on that list personally? Have you had any dealings, directly or indirectly, with any of these individuals? To your knowledge, have any of your relatives, friends, or associates had any dealings with any of these individuals? D. Knowledge of Locations Do you have any familiarity with any of the following places that may be mentioned during the course of the trial? (The government will submit a list of places in advance of trial.) E. Relationship With and Views Regarding Government and Defense 11. Have you ever studied or practiced law or worked in any capacity for a law office? 12. Have you or has a relative or close friend worked for or with any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, such as the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York or the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), or the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in any capacity, including as a contractor? 13. Have you or has a relative or close friend done work for or been associated with a criminal defense lawyer or private investigator? 14. Have you ever been involved, or do you expect to become involved, in any legal action or dispute with the United States or any agency, officer, or employee of the United States? 15. Do you have any views about the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, HSI, the NYPD, or any other law enforcement agency that would interfere with your ability to be fair and impartial? 16. Do you have any views about criminal defense attorneys that would interfere with your ability to be fair and impartial? F. Experience With and Opinions of Legal Proceedings and Relevant Topics 17. Have you, or has any relative or close friend, ever participated in a state or federal court case, whether criminal or civil, as a witness, plaintiff, or defendant? If so, what kind of case? If so, what was your role in that case? If so, is there anything about that experience that would prevent you from acting as a fair and impartial juror in this case? 18. Have you or any relative or close friend ever been involved or appeared as a witness in any investigation by a federal or state grand jury or by a congressional or state legislative committee, licensing authority, or governmental agency, or been questioned in any matter by any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency? If so, is there anything about that experience that would prevent you from acting as a fair and impartial juror in this case? 19. Have you, or has any relative or close friend, ever been subpoenaed for any inquiry or investigation? If so, is there anything about that experience that would prevent you from acting as a fair and impartial juror in this case? 20. Have you, or has any relative or close friend, ever been the subject of any investigation or accusation by any grand jury, state or federal, or any other investigation? If so, is there anything about that experience that would prevent you from acting as a fair and impartial juror in this case? 21. Have you, or any of your relatives or close friends, ever been a victim of a crime? If yes, please describe the circumstances, including the type of crime, when it happened, and the outcome of any law enforcement action. Is there anything about that experience that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? 22. You may hear evidence in this case relating to acts of violence, including intimate partner violence and other assaults. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to that aspect of the case that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? 23. You may hear evidence in this case relating to sexual assault, including rape. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to that aspect of the case that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? 24. You may hear evidence in this case relating to the payment of commercial sex workers in exchange for sex. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences relating to prostitution and the enforcement of laws around prostitution that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? 25. [The Government notes that this question may be omitted depending on the outcome of pending motion practices] 26. You may hear evidence relating to firearms. Do you have any feelings, beliefs, or experiences about guns and the enforcement of gun laws that could affect your ability to be fair and impartial in this case? Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ROCK HILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the federal case of former Rock Hill Police Det. Daniel Shealy, who is facing multiple child pornography charges. Shealy once served as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at South Pointe High School and later worked in the departments Criminal Investigations Division. He was fired in September 2023 after authorities uncovered disturbing allegations that he used a social media account to receive and share child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: SC task force: Internet sex crimes cases have skyrocketed in recent years According to federal court documents, investigators found at least 18 explicit files linked to Shealys account and cellphone across several dates in June and September of 2023. Shealys arrest in 2023 followed a joint investigation involving the SC Attorney Generals Office, the York County Sheriffs Office, Rock Hill Police, and a Crimes Against Children Task Force. PREVIOUS: Rock Hill officer who had child pornography fired, arrested Mondays proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Rock Hill Division, begin with jury selection at 9:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rock Hill Police Chief Chris Watts issued a public statement after Shealys 2023 arrest, stating, We are troubled by the details of the allegations These allegations do not represent the vision, mission, and values of our department or the law enforcement community. Shealy had been with the department since 2011. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Crime & Public Safety Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nearly three dozen New Yorkers were questioned Monday about what they knew about the federal sex trafficking case against Sean Diddy Combs as jury selection got underway in a Manhattan courtroom. Prospective jurors were also shown a list of more than 100 places and people whose names may come up at trial and were asked whether they knew any of the people and whether it would affect their ability to be impartial. The list included celebrities such as Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers and Kanye West, none of whom are implicated in the case. The names of women who have filed civil lawsuits against Combs also appeared on the list, including his former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, whose suit paved the way for the sex trafficking and racketeering charges, and Dawn Richard, a member of two now-defunct musical groups Combs had formed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard alleged in a suit filed last year that he had groped and threatened her and that she had witnessed him assaulting Ventura. Combs has denied her allegations, and her suit is pending. The attorneys did not provide an explanation for the list, and representatives for Jordan, Myers and West did not immediately return requests for comment. Also Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey said prosecutors have had trouble getting in touch with the attorney for a woman identified only as Victim-3 in the indictment against Combs and that they were unsure whether she would show up to court even if they tried to enforce a subpoena. Twelve jurors will ultimately decide whether Combs used his power and influence to sexually exploit women for more than two decades, as federal prosecutors allege in the five-count indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sporting a goatee, Combs, who has been detained at a federal prison in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest, arrived for the first day of jury selection dressed in a white collared shirt, black crewneck sweater and charcoal-colored pants. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian gave Combs permission to wear his own clothes during the trial. He hugged and shook hands with his attorneys before Subramanian issued various rulings, including that Dr. Elie Aoun, a clinical psychiatrist, can testify as an expert for the defense about drugs Combs may have taken and their combined effects. Subramanian said Aoun could also testify about blackouts and other episodes in which Combs may have been intoxicated. At the heart of the governments case are allegations that Combs forced women including his former girlfriend Ventura to participate in drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers that Combs directed and filmed and called freak offs. The indictment does not name any victims, but the allegations of Victim-1 closely align with those Ventura made in a 2023 civil lawsuit that she and Combs settled within a day without him admitting any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public first learned about the alleged sexual encounters from her lawsuit, which alleged Combs had abused her for years. Combs has vehemently denied the allegations, and his attorneys have said the sex was consensual. But prosecutors say those encounters amounted to sex trafficking and allege Combs kept recordings of the encounters and silenced victims through blackmail and violence. Sean "Diddy" Combs before the start of jury selection at Manhattan federal court today. (Elizabeth Williams / AP) Central to the prosecutions case is a video from March 5, 2016, showing Combs attacking and dragging Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Prosecutors have said that Ventura, who was signed to Combs music label as Cassie, had been trying to escape the hotel room and that the events of that day are powerful evidence of trafficking and of Combs use of force in connection with a freak off, which they allege preceded the assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs was wearing only a towel in the video and Ventura did not have shoes on. After CNN aired the video last year, Combs apologized publicly, saying his behavior in it was inexcusable and that he took full responsibility for his actions. According to prosecutors, Combs bribed hotel security with $100,000 to obtain the footage and cover up what he had done. Combs attorneys had sought to exclude the video from evidence, arguing it is wholly inaccurate, having been altered, manipulated, sped-up, and edited to be out of sequence claims CNN has forcefully denied. When questioned by Subramanian on Monday, a number of prospective jurors said they had seen the video, with one woman referring to it as damning. The woman was excused. Another woman, who said she works for HBO, said she found the video disturbing and upsetting but that she could be impartial. Combs lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed concern because HBO released a documentary about Combs titled The Fall of Diddy that the woman said she was unaware of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After another prospective juror said she had been caught stealing a wand from a Harry Potter store, Combs nodded in apparent approval to his attorneys. Throughout the day, as potential jurors were questioned, he appeared to express his approval or disapproval, either with a nod or by shaking his head no. Another woman disclosed she had liked a video on social media of a comedian who made a joke about Combs and baby oil because she thought it was funny. Prosecutors have said that when Combs homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach, Florida, were raided last year, federal agents seized more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. Both women were allowed to stay. When the defense asked for a quick bathroom break, Subramanian suggested they wait and continue questioning jurors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a machine, Subramanian said, to which Combs responded: Im sorry, your honor, Im a little nervous today. Subramanian granted the break. Subramanian said last week that he hoped to seat a jury of 12 people and six alternates in three days for the trial, which is expected to last eight weeks. High-profile defense lawyer Mark Geragos, whose daughter Teny Geragos is on Combs legal team, was in court Monday. Cant I just watch my daughter? Im a helicopter parent, he said jokingly as he entered court. A source familiar with the case told NBC News that Mark Geragos will help throughout the trial in an unofficial role and will advise Combs legal team this week on which jurors to choose. He was seen Monday in court conferring with the defenses jury consultant. Mark Geragos had no further comment, and Combs legal team did not respond to a request for comment. The jurors will remain anonymous. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com May 5 (UPI) -- The criminal trial for Sean "Diddy" Combs began Monday as potential jurors are set to be selected to decide if Combs will remain in prison for life. Combs arrived in court in Manhattan shortly after 9 a.m. EDT from his cell in a Brooklyn federal facility where he is being held. At around 10:30 a.m. EDT, Judge Arun Subramanian began to question the over 150 people brought into the courtroom to determine who was best suited to serve on a 12-juror panel in Combs' trial. The prosecution and defense will also decide which among them is acceptable. The identities of the 12 jurors, as well as six alternates, will be kept anonymous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs faces federal charges in relation to sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded "not guilty" to all charges. If convicted, Combs could spend the rest of his life behind bars. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Belarus exceeded $100 million in the first quarter of 2025, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev said during the AzerbaijanBelarus business forum being held in Baku, Trend reports. According to him, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries is showing a steady positive dynamics. Exports of Azerbaijani products to Belarus increased by 82 percent, reaching $18 million, he noted. Abdullayev also emphasized the active promotion of Azerbaijani alcoholic beverages in the Belarusian capital: We are witnessing growing interest in Azerbaijani wines in Minsk. This is one of the indicators of strengthening economic ties, he explained. He also highlighted the successful cooperation between the Ganja Automobile Plant and the Minsk Tractor Plant. Since 2007, more than 14,000 tractors and over 3,000 trucks have been produced under this cooperation. We are confident that our investment and trade relations will only continue to grow in the coming years, Abdullayev added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A 12-year-old arson suspect pleaded guilty Monday after police said he started a fire inside a Walmart on Sunday afternoon. It happened at the Walmart location on Highway 9 Bypass in Lancaster, South Carolina. The Lancaster Fire Department was called to the store around 4:35 p.m. and the building was evacuated. ALSO READ: 2 shot inside Lancaster Walmart A viewer shared video with Channel 9 showing the fire engulfing an endcap of merchandise in the crafts and sewing section, and smoke quickly filled the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire, and nobody was reported to be hurt. The boy, who is said to have mental issues, was in custody by Sunday night. He pleaded guilty to second-degree arson the next day. He will be in custody while a mental evaluation is completed, which should be within 45 days. There will be a disposition hearing after that is complete. His attorney said resources from the Department of Mental Health wont be available for the child until he is sentenced, which could take 30 days. We need better resources, better ways for kids to find those resources, said Solicitor Randy Newman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys on both sides spoke generally about child mental health cases saying more resources are needed to help kids before they get in trouble with the law. By the time I get a case, the family is at their wits end, Newman said. Hinson said young people also need more community support. I think with help, his life can change forever, and I would rather be a part of that change than not doing nothing at all, Hinson said. A local pastor called the boys actions a cry for help. My first reaction was total shock, said the Rev. Keith Hinson, the pastor with Woodward Baptist Chester County. I did not see this young man doing that at all. I really didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinson added, My second feeling is, What can we do? Its done, but what can we do now? Hinson knows the boy and went to the Lancaster County Courthouse to show support. I believe as bad as this was, it was just a loud cry, Hinson said. The maximum sentence possible would be for him to be held until his 22nd birthday. This is the same Walmart location where police investigated an alleged gang-related shootout a little over a month ago. Multiple people were arrested, including at least one teenager. Department of Mental Health services SCDMH provides mental health services to approximately 30,000 children/adolescents each year, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agencys service array includes 16 community-based, outpatient mental health centers, which serve all 46 counties. Each includes a division dedicated to Children, Adolescents, and their Families (CAF Services), as well, as a division of School Mental Health and offers school mental health services in districts across the state. In addition, SCDMH operates an inpatient hospital for children in Columbia for children in need of acute psychiatric care. This is only a description of the PUBLIC mental health system, agency officials said. SCDMH cannot speak to the number of private clinicians or practices that provide mental health services to youth in South Carolina, nor can it speak to the number of school districts that elect to hire non-SCDMH school mental health clinicians. The Department of Mental Health explained care related to pending criminal cases. Youth do not need to have charges of any kind pending in order to receive services from SCDMH, the agency said. However, youth who have been charged with crimes can and do receive services from SCDMH if they are in their homes. Circumstances are different for youth who are in the custody of law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here for more information. Statement from a Walmart spokesperson: Were thankful no one was injured and appreciate the swift action from first responders. (VIDEO: 3rd suspect arrested in Walmart shooting) Kaiser Permanente, union settle strike with tentative deal SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Kaiser Permanente and the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) have reached a tentative agreement, ending a six month strike in Southern California. Nearly a year after negotiations began between Kaiser Permanente and the union representing thousands of mental health workers in Southern California, the health care company and union announced the agreement was reached on Sunday. Southern California Kaiser Permanente mental health workers set to strike Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaiser Permanente strike enters 11th week A tentative agreement has been made on a new contract covering 2,400 mental health and addiction medicine employees from Bakersfield to San Diego, ending the open-ended strike that began on October 21, 2024. Union members were picketing into the new year as negotiations continued. NUHW will next review the tentative agreement with its members, with a ratification vote set for May 8. Both parties stated details of the agreement will be available upon ratification. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 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) TOPEKA As the ranking Democrat on a Kansas Senate committee modeled after Elon Musks supposed efforts to make federal government more efficient, Sen. Cindy Holscher was a little bit suspicious of what GOP leaders in the Legislature really had in mind. Instead of looking for waste, she said on the Kansas Reflector podcast, Republicans at both the federal and state level have hurt people by eliminating critical services and jobs. In Kansas, the Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE, took its cues from out-of-state lobbyists who promoted extremist legislation, she said. Much of the committees work resulted in adding red tape to public assistance programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, everyday Kansans from all corners of the state responded in real time throughout the legislative session with suggestions and comments that showed the ruling party was at odds with the people they serve but the committee chairwoman, Republican Sen. Renee Erickson, of Wichita, kept those voices hidden until the session was over, in defiance of state open records law. For Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, the comments showed how frustrated Kansans are with Republican leadership. I do think theres been an awakening to some degree and respect that whats happened on the federal level is hitting people in the pocketbook, and so I think people are taking more notice, Holscher said. She added: The thing I think that is very important is that, you know, people need to connect the dots in terms of, then, whats happening on the state level thats coming, thats going to affect them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among her concerns: a looming budget crisis that could imperil public school funding. She appeared in a red I (heart) public schools T-shirt at a May 1 rally at the Statehouse, where hundreds of Kansans protested Musks work with DOGE. When Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, announced the formation of COGE before the session launched in January, he said he wanted to explore ways to make government more efficient. The committee launched an online portal where Kansans were invited to submit their ideas. Those who navigated the portal were informed that their comments would be subject to open records law and could be made public. Kansas Reflector submitted a formal request for those comments in early February, and the request bounced around for three weeks before landing in Ericksons inbox. Erickson initially said it would take two months to comply with the request, ostensibly to allow time to redact comments that revealed personal information. She then agreed to release the emails on April 9 two weeks after the Legislature had concluded almost all of its work. Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, appears at an April 9, 2025, legislative hearing. As the chairwoman of COGE, Erickson blocked the lease of public records until after the legislative session ended. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) But Kansas Reflector independently obtained copies of more than 1,500 of the public comments in advance of their official release. Nearly all of the comments were antithetical to the committees work, and some of the comments questioned the committees existence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are you doing? Have you not, as an elected representative, practiced efficiency in all the bills you have introduced and votes you have taken? Give me a break. COGE is not necessary bureaucracy, wrote Christopher Berg, of Kansas City, Kansas. Kansas Reflector didnt verify the names provided with submissions. Max Kautsch, a First Amendment attorney, wrote in a column for Kansas Reflector that Erickson had make a mockery of open records law by delaying the release of public comments. The real reason for her delay became clear: The portal was a repository for criticism of the supermajoritys legislative agenda, and it was in the supermajoritys interest to keep that fact from the public for as long as possible, Kautsch wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erickson told the Committee to Protect Journalists that allegations she mishandled open records requests were patently false, but Holscher said theres no doubt Erickson violated the Kansas Open Records Act by not turning the comments over in a reasonable amount of time. Holscher said she didnt even get access to the records, which could have informed the committees work, until the end of March, in the final days of the session. I think they were just trying to run out the clock of session, honestly, Holscher said. And really, I think its because the suggestions that were received showed that this Legislature is very much out of step with the will of the people. The comments included complaints about Republican lawmakers attacks on transgender Kansans and reproductive rights, as well as their failure to expand Medicaid or legalize marijuana. Holscher declined to identify her favorite public comments, as so many were shockingly profane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, its a family podcast, she said. I dont know if I can share some of those. I will say there were some that were very pointed in terms of their feelings about this Legislature and the direction that this committee was going. A multitude of people who submitted comments through the portal took aim at Masterson, the Senate president who created the committee. They questioned Mastersons lucrative Koch-funded post at Wichita State University, his generous use of hair gel, and blockage of medicinal marijuana bills. Get Ty Masterson to quit being a chode and allow legalized marijuana to be grown and sold in Kansas, wrote an individual who identified themself as Blake F, of Wichita. Its like printing money, but that d*** tickler keeps c***blocking a slam dunk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Young, of Lawrence, directed his comment to Masterson and other GOP leaders: Quit swinging from Trumps nuts and spending all of our hard earned Kansans money on election denying lawsuits and worrying about who f***ing uses what restroom. Numerous comments to the online COGE portal made fun of Senate President Ty Masterson, seen here during the April 10, 2025, veto session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Other comments submitted through the online portal directly addressed the existence of COGE and the work Musk is doing through the federal counterpart, known as DOGE. Seriously, government would be more efficient if it didnt waste its time and our money on things as obviously stupid as this portal, wrote Matt Paul, of Wichita. Noreen Carrocci, also of Wichita, said the Legislature shouldnt do what Musk and DOGE were doing, which she described as dismantling the government in a chaotic fashion with NO strategic thinking or planning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you decide you want to legally audit departments then do so transparently and thoughtfully, and consult the professionals in the respective departments, she wrote. What is happening at the federal level is illegal, immoral, and tragic. Lets not follow that kind of leadership here in Kansas. Holscher said the Legislature should pay attention to comments that complained about the legislative process. Several people said committees should provide a three-day window to submit testimony on bills, or complained about the gut and go process, in which lawmakers at the end of the session amend a bill by inserting the contents of other bills, sometimes including ones that received no hearing. And she noted that Republicans failed to deliver on their campaign promises to provide property tax relief. Instead, they passed another plan to lower income taxes. They have a supermajority, Holscher said. They can pass whatever they want. If they really wanted to get property tax relief, they could have. An interim COGE meeting is scheduled for May 13. TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas Democrat Governor Laura Kelly is taking a stand this week amid the possibility of federal cuts to Medicaid. Kelly announced in a press release on May 5 that she has sent a letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation asking that it protect Kansans from possible Medicaid cuts. The delegation consists of Kansas representatives in Congress including its two senators and four representatives. Politicians in Congress are currently debating possible controversial cuts to the Medicaid program. She said these cuts threaten the quality and affordability of health care access for some of the Sunflower States residents along with up to $1 billion in federal funding for Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Significant cuts to the Medicaid program will directly affect Kansans across the state, regardless of their political views. These cuts would be particularly detrimental to our rural hospitals and providers, Kelly said. We must stand up against these changes to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Kansans covered under Medicaid can continue to receive quality, affordable care. Why legalizing weed in Kansas isnt working Kelly said Kansas Medicaid program, known as KanCare, provides assistance to more than 443,000 people. Low-income older adults, children, pregnant mothers and those with disabilities rely on the program, according to the Office of the Governor. Republican Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins issued a response to the governors letter on May 5. He accused Kelly of fearmongering and not understanding how Medicaid Expansion and Medicaid work. The truth is, President Trump is talking about righting the ship on Medicaid and ensuring its sustainable for years to come. Currently, Medicaid incentivizes providers to see able-bodied adults before the truly needy, that Medicaid was intended for- the frail, elderly, and disabled as well as kids in the CHIPS program. For years, we have said that expanding Medicaid beyond those who truly need it will jeopardize the program and now here we are. Our country cannot continue spending money like drunken sailors, and while Governor Kelly would like to turn Medicaid into taxpayer-funded coverage for anyone who wants it, thats simply not sustainable. I applaud the Trump administration and those in our federal delegation for their efforts to preserve Medicaid. Thats done by cutting out waste, fraud, and abuse and implementing real work requirements. These are all simple fixes that can help ensure Medicaid remains available to those who need it while not bankrupting our country and state. Governor Kelly should be less concerned about leading the DGA resistance to President Trump and focus more on the best interests of the country, the people of Kansas, and the long-term future of Medicaid. Republican Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins statement excerpt You can read through Kellys letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation by clicking here or by looking at it below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CODEL Letter Mediciad Cuts 5.5.25 by Matthew Self on Scribd What new Kansas laws go into effect on July 1, 2025? For more Capitol Bureau 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. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Doug Billings, a conservative podcaster and MAGA champion, stands as the only formal candidate for the Kansas Republican Party's nomination to find a replacement for term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly in 2026. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Billings' podcast) TOPEKA Conservative podcaster and MAGA enthusiast Doug Billings is the lone person to formally file as a candidate for the Kansas Republican Partys nomination for governor in 2026. Billings, not a household name in Kansas politics, said in an interview Monday that he was a reluctant candidate in a GOP field that could grow substantially as Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Senate President Ty Masterson, state Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, former Gov. Jeff Colyer, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte OHara and others made decisions to join the ballot or stay on the sideline. No Democrat has officially entered the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truth is, honest to God, I dont want to run, Billings said. We need a strong conservative governor in that office. We need a politician whos going to tell the truth. Billings, who worked in human resources before starting The Right Side podcast five years ago in Olathe, said he would implement at the state level the federal DOGE framework embraced by President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk. He said the states economy would flourish by cutting unnecessary spending and by diminishing income and businesses taxes, including the potentially unconstitutional property tax. Through the Kansas Department of Government Efficiency, I will root out fraud, waste and bureaucracy across state agencies, he said. Targets of his budget ax would include administrative costs in public schools, fraud in poverty and unemployment benefit programs, transportation project cost overruns, ill-advised economic development incentives and operational inefficiency in prisons. He vowed to scan state agencies large and small for waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Billings said his Catholic values required that he provide leadership in the movement to curtail abortion rights in Kansas. He would expand the states support for anti-abortion pregnancy resource centers and faith-based adoption agencies as well as enact policies reflecting a shared commitment to the dignity of every human life. At minimum, he said, the state ought to enact and enforce a law forbidding abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat. The Kansas Supreme Court declared a womans decision to terminate a pregnancy a fundamental right anchored in the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution. In 2022, voters in Kansas rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have nullified the state Supreme Courts opinion on abortion. Abortion remains legal in Kansas despite the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. God, guns, voting Billings said he would strive as governor to restore Christian values that inspired the nations Founding Fathers and to breath new life into founding documents written by those men. He said school classes would start with a moment of private prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, which would reinforce our unity under God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas must return to its roots as a society grounded in faith, morality and reverence for God, he said. Not as a theocracy, but as a republic that honors its Christian heritage with pride and conviction. He said his administration would be a bulwark against attempts to erode the God-given right to bear arms. He would oppose burdensome regulations, excessive fees and bureaucratic red tape that infringed on the ability of law-abiding citizens to possess firearms. Diversity, equity and inclusion programs or woke agendas in K-12 schools would be eliminated to avoid advocacy for divisive ideologies, Billings said. The state should invest tax dollars in ways that supported decisions of parents to send their children to public, private or home schools, he said. In terms of election security, Billings said he would order the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to launch inquiries into past election irregularities and decisions that undercut election fraud investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Schwab, who said he would run for the GOP nomination for governor, has repeatedly contended Kansas elections were fair and accurate. However, Billings said anyone telling you that we dont have election integrity issues in Kansas is either vastly uninformed or is lying to you. I will work to eliminate electronic voting machines, which are vulnerable to manipulation and erode public confidence, Billings said. In their place, I will implement watermarked paper ballots. Schwab, OHara In January, Schwab was the first Republican to confirm plans to seek the August 2026 nomination for governor. He was elected the states top election official in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. He served 14 years in the Kansas House representing an Olathe district. In March, Schwab said he had been diagnosed with cancer in the lung. He said the cancer was detected at an early stage and surgery would be relied on to combat the health threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwab said his campaign would concentrate on necessity of the state to bring property assessments and taxation under control. He expressed alarm the 2025 Legislature did little to moderate state property tax collections, despite bipartisan promises after the 2024 session to tackle the issue. When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short, he said. OHara, a former Johnson County Commission member and one-term Kansas House member, said in February that she would campaign for governor because it was time to have a true, proven conservative leading the Republican supermajority in the Legislature. She vowed to deal with wasteful state spending and ludicrous corporate welfare in the form of business subsidies, ban DEI in government institutions and get schools back on track. I cannot stand silent and watch small businesses and homeowners be destroyed through high property taxes or watch our children drown in the sewer of wokeism in our schools, she said. OHara lost a 2024 reelection campaign for county commission to a Democrat after objecting to COVID-19 restrictions and opposing vaccination mandates. Kansans rally at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) In an alternate universe, an unnamed news weekly runs the following, laudatory op-ed from a Kansas politician. As a humble U.S. senator from Kansas who is definitely not Roger Marshall or Jerry Moran, it fills me with ecstasy to write a column commemorating the first 100 days of President Donald Trumps second, but hopefully not last, administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, I understand that more than 40% of Kansans supposedly voted for Joe Biden and then Kamala Harris. Im assuming that was fraud. The actual residents of our state knew what they were supporting in November 2024: using tariffs to choke off world agriculture markets and plunge the economy into a recession! Wait, did I get that right? Let me check. I am being told I did. Rest assured, we here in Congress are 100% behind the presidents agenda, whatever that might be at the moment of this writing. Sure, its hitting folks back home. Institutions they depend on from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to higher education are being gutted by the worlds richest man. Again, though, thats definitely what Kansans wanted from our president. I support every bit of it, so please dont criticize me on X, Elon. Sure, some sticks-in-the-mud claimed that wasnt what they wanted. They showed up en masse at a town hall to tell me so. Dont worry, we fixed that problem. My staff declared they arent real Kansans. We cant open the detention centers soon enough! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Real Kansans crave poverty. I mean, think about it. What do you think about when you think of Kansas? The Wizard of Oz. The movie version was filmed during the Great Depression and portrayed Kansas as a sepia-toned hellhole. Thats what folks want for our great state! Child labor, a gutted National Weather Service that cant warn us about tornadoes, the Dust Bowl. Classic Kansas. Again, let me check my notes on this. I just want to triple-check Im getting it right because it sounds like political suicide. No? This is really what Im supposed to be suggesting? Hoo boy. Now, you might wonder about the point of vast economic and societal disruption. I think I speak for everyone in Congress when I say enthusiastically: I dont know! Neither does anyone in the White House. However, the president has informed us that its all going to work out great as everything hes ever done has always worked out great and that doesnt make me nervous at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are we worried about broken promises? Of course not! This president has always delivered on his promises. Remember the amazing Obamacare replacement plan? Remember infrastructure week? Remember how he ended the Russia-Ukraine war on day one of his second term? Remember how he said that Mexico would pay for a border wall, and Americans would never pay the cost of tariffs? I rest my case. Promises made, results delivered. A few in the chattering class have said otherwise. They point out that the U.S. Congress actually has the power to levy or lift tariffs. They point out that the U.S. Congress actually has control of how the government spends money. They point out that the president can be restrained by Congress if we just get off our duffs. But do they realize how boring that sounds? Its all going to be fine! Folks need to realize they can go work in the new factories that are sure to dot the landscape in just a few months, or possibly weeks, if the president has suggested that. Because thats definitely how big business and industry works the president enacts incomprehensible, quickly reversed policies and reality changes around us. Instantly! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These same communist critics say that as a U.S. senator I should be spending more time sticking up for Kansans rather than licking the boots of a would-be tyrant. But I ask you, have you actually tasted the boots? Theyre quite delicious! Plus, this means I wont get yelled at online by Elon, who I dont mind telling you is A LOT. I can refuse to meet with the people who yelled at me in Kansas. Have you tried ditching Elon? Even Trump cant get rid of him. Please remember that anyone who says or thinks otherwise has Trump Derangement Syndrome. TDS! Theyre the ones who are totally deranged and have no idea whats going on, not the administration that accidentally texted war plans to a journalist. Weve all butt-dialed someone whos not our spouse with secret war plans, right? All in all, I would say this has been an amazing first 1,000 days. Whoops! I mean 100 days. Im absolutely not at all anxious about what the president is doing trashing export markets that farmers depend upon, slashing services that Kansans at home expect, and generally turning our economy into smoldering wreckage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I were you, Id be worried! But Ill be fine. My seat is guaranteed! Sometimes I wonder why I even campaign. In conclusion, Trump has been fantastic! And Im sure that after the second 100 days his total mastery of our political system will be even clearer. That, or well be in some sort of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome situation. If not, at least I wont have debased myself quite as badly as Roger Marshall did. Did you see his Newsweek op-ed? He didnt mention tariffs once. Ill be fine, though. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. STARK, Kan. (KSNW) A Kansas woman has died, and a Missouri man was hurt in a head-on crash near Chanute. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, it happened around 6 a.m. Monday on K39/59 Highway, at Udall Road near Stark, about 15 miles east of Chanute. Teresa Phillips, 47, of Chanute, was driving northbound on the Highway in a Dodge Durango, while a 38-year-old Deerfield, Missouri, man was traveling southbound in a Chevy Silverado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple dead in Franklin Co. crash, KHP investigating Troopers say both vehicles collided head-on at the center line. Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene. The Missouri man was airlifted to a Kansas City hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported. The Neosho County Sheriffs Office assisted with the accident. 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. The retrial of Karen Read is shaping up to be altogether similar to her first murder trial, but there are several differences that could influence whether the jury reaches a verdict this time around. After the first trial last year ended in a hung jury and mistrial, Read again pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. Prosecutors say Read, 45, drunkenly drove a Lexus vehicle into John OKeefe, her off-duty Boston Police officer boyfriend, and then left him to die in a blizzard outside a home in Canton, Massachusetts, on the night of January 29, 2022. Her defense has argued that fellow law enforcement officers in that home killed OKeefe, dumped his body on the lawn and conspired to pin the blame on Read in a vast cover-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that familiar backdrop, several new attorneys, Reads media interviews and the firing of the lead investigator have combined to change the dynamics of the case. Heres a closer look at how her retrial has differed from the first trial and what those changes could mean. New legal teams for each side The lead prosecutor in the first trial was assistant district attorney Adam Lally, but the retrial has been led by special prosecutor Hank Brennan. Brennan is best known for defending mob boss James Whitey Bulger during his federal racketeering trial over 10 years ago. He was appointed to retry the Read case by Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey, who described Brennan as a highly respected and skilled former prosecutor and long-time defense attorney who has expertise handling complex law enforcement matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lally remains on the prosecution team but did not deliver opening statements, as he did in the first trial, and has taken a backseat to Brennan. Special prosecutor Hank Brennan was added to the prosecution's team for Karen Read's second trial. - Charles Krupa/AP The defense, too, has changed its legal team since the last trial. Robert Alessi, a New York-based attorney who did not participate in the first trial, has handled the cross-examination of some expert witnesses and argued motions outside the presence of the jury. His website notes his scientific and technical background, particularly in questioning experts. Further, attorney Victoria George, who served as an alternate juror in the first trial, was added to Reads defense team. As an alternate, George did not participate in deliberations, but her perspective could help the defense better understand the jurys perspective. Reads media interviews used in court One of the clearest differences from the first trial is Reads own words and commentary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read did not testify in the first trial, but she has since spoken publicly about her case in interviews with TV reporters, in Vanity Fair and in an Investigation Discovery documentary series. (Investigation Discovery, like CNN, is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.) This is my version of testifying. Doing this film is my testimony, she said in the documentary series, A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read. At her second trial, prosecutors have already presented some of that testimony to the jury as evidence against her. Youre gonna hear from her own lips, and many of her statements, her admissions to extraordinary intoxication, her admissions to driving the Lexus, her admissions to being angry at John that night, and I dare say, her admissions that she told (others) that she had hit him, Brennan said in opening statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brennan then played a video of Read speaking to Dateline in which she raised the possibility that she hit OKeefe with her vehicle. I didnt think I hit him hit him, but could I have clipped him, could I have tagged him in the knee and incapacitated him? Read said in the clip from the October 2024 interview. He didnt look mortally wounded, as far as I could see but could I have done something that knocked him out and in drunkenness and in the cold, he didnt come to again? Reads statement seemingly reinforced witnesses who say they heard her similarly wonder aloud whether she hit OKeefe the morning his body was found. Kerry Roberts and Jennifer McCabe, both of whom helped look for the victim, testified Read pointed out she had broken her SUVs taillight that night, and asked them, Could I have hit him? and Do you think I hit him? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors during the retrial have used other clips of Read to bolster witness testimony and refute defense arguments. For example, prosecutors played a clip from the documentary series in which Read said after OKeefes death, His mother leans over the kitchen island and says to me, I think it looks like he got hit by a car. However, Peggy OKeefe testified she was never in the kitchen with Read that day. In another instance, prosecutors played a clip of Read telling journalist Gretchen Voss in June 2023 that she personally picked pieces of the vehicles broken taillight and dropped them onto OKeefes driveway. That appeared to contradict the defenses argument that this evidence was tampered with by corrupt investigators. Its not clear if Read will testify in the second trial. Lead investigator has been fired Another major change from the first trial is the employment status of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator of Reads case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her first trial, Proctor admitted under oath that he sent a series of sexist and offensive texts about Read in a private group chat, calling her a whack job c*nt, mocking her medical issues and commenting to coworkers that he had found no nudes while searching her phone for evidence, according to CNN affiliate WCVB. Proctor apologized for the unprofessional comments on the stand, but the vulgar texts undermined his testimony and the prosecutions case. Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor was fired in the period between Karen Read's first trial and her second. - Kayla Bartkowski/Pool/The Boston Globe/AP Proctor was relieved of duty on the same day the mistrial was announced last July. He was then fired in March for violating four department policies, including for sending those messages. In opening statements of the retrial, the defense announced plans to focus on Proctor, saying he lied and fabricated evidence in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youll see from the evidence in this case that this case carries a malignancy a cancer that cannot be cut out, a cancer that cannot be cured, attorney Alan Jackson said. And that cancer has a name. His name is Michael Proctor. Its unclear if he will testify in this trial but his name is included on a list of potential witnesses. CNNs Elise Hammond, Dakin Andone and Jean Casarez contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, continues on Monday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone. Read more: Here are the biggest takeaways from week 2 of the Karen Read retrial On Monday, the jury is expected to hear additional testimony from a forensic scientist with the Massachusetts State Police who testified about Reads blood alcohol content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People to know: Hank Brennan, special prosecutor for the Norfolk County District Attorneys office Alan Jackson, lawyer for Read Hannah Knowles, forensic scientist at the Massachusetts State Police crime lab Ryan Nagel, his sister, Julie, was inside 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022 David Yannetti, lawyer for Read 12 p.m. - McLaughlin describes conversation with Read at 34 Fairview McLaughlin described Read as really concerned and involved with OKeefe at the scene. At the scene, McLaughlin spoke to Read to try and get basic information about OKeefe, including his medical history. When McLaughlin asked Read if OKeefe had sustained any significant trauma before he was found in the snow. At that point, Read said, I hit him, I hit him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police officer replied, you what? and Read again said I hit him, McLaughlin said. But she testified she didnt ask any follow-up questions because Read was very upset and she didnt feel comfortable pushing and asking for more. 11:44 a.m. - Brennan calls Katie McLaughlin After Sarah Levinsons testimony concluded, Katie McLaughlin, a Canton firefighter/paramedic, took the stand. McLaughlin is one of several first responders who testified that she heard Read say I hit him on the morning of OKeefes death. On the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, McLaughlin was inside the fire station when they got a call for a man unresponsive in the snow. That morning, McLaughlin said, she didnt know who lived at 34 Fairview Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She described seeing OKeefe lying supine face-up when paramedics arrived. 11:30 a.m. - Jackson begins cross-examination of Sarah Levinson Jacksons cross-examination of Levinson began with a review of her connections to the Albert family. She confirmed she had been friends with Brian Albert Jr. since high school and she knew his extended family. When Levinson left 34 Fairview Road, she didnt see anything unusual, she confirmed. Jackson asked her a series of questions about her interview with former State Police trooper Michael Proctor in October 2022. She confirmed she spoke to Julie Nagel before her interview with Proctor. 11:07 a.m. - Levinson takes the stand When the trial resumed, Brennan called Levinson to the stand. No explanation was given for why Levinson was called instead of Katie McLaughlin, whom Brennan called before the break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levinson is friends with Julie Nagel and was inside 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022 to celebrate Brian Albert Jr.s birthday. As the night wore on, many of Alberts adult relatives, including his father, mother and aunt, Jennifer McCabe, returned to the house. Levinson said there were no problems inside. McCabe encouraged her and Julie Nagel to stay and continue celebrating Brian Albert Jr.s birthday. Anything extraordinary or remarkable happen inside that house? Brennan asked. Levinson said there wasnt. She confirmed that after Julie Nagel went outside to speak to her brother, then returned inside, she never saw anyone enter the home. Both she and Nagel later left the home with the McCabes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levinson confirmed McCabes testimony that the group was joking about a loaf of bread they saw in the third row of the car. 10:40 a.m. - Cannone calls morning recess Before Canton paramedic Katie McLaughlin took the stand, Cannone sent the jury out for a 20-minute recess. McLaughlins testimony under direct examination should begin around 11 a.m. 10:37 a.m. - Maxon never saw OKeefe on Fairview Road Under cross-examination from Yannetti, Maxon confirmed she never saw OKeefe inside the SUV while on Fairview Road. She also testified that she wasnt concerned about what was going on inside the SUV at the time. 10:32 a.m. - Heather Maxon testifies Brennans next witness, Heather Maxon, was with Nagel when they arrived to 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She and Nagel dated a few years back, she said. Maxon said Julie Nagel was the only person she saw in the driveway that night. Maxon said she saw a woman sitting on the drivers side of an SUV as the truck drove by. She never saw anyone else. Did you see anybody lying on the front lawn? Brennan asked. Maxon said she didnt. 10:24 a.m. - Nagel never saw broken taillight During his re-direct, Brennan asked Nagel if he ever saw damage to the SUVs taillight or if he ever saw OKeefe walk up to the house. He said he didnt. Yannetti asked only one question of Nagel on his re-cross examination. 10:19 a.m. - Yannetti cross-examines Nagel Yannettis cross-examination of Nagel drilled down on his recollection of seeing Read inside the SUV. Nagel confirmed he was the closest person in the truck to the SUV and he never saw a person in the passenger seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nagel confirmed the SUV was not driving erratically when it arrived to Fairview Road. 10 a.m. - Nagel describes seeing Reads SUV at Fairview With Knowles off the stand, Brennan called Nagel, whose sister, Julie, was inside 34 Fairview Road on Jan. 29, 2022, to testify. Nagel said he went to the home to pick up his sister. He had no reason to go there other than to pick her up. He went there after leaving C.F. McCarthys with a friend and his ex-girlfriend, and testified he saw a black SUV pull up to the house ahead of his truck. The truck was parked at the foot of the driveway. The SUV was a car length away from a flagpole on the left side of the house as the truck drove by, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw there was a woman inside the SUV in the drivers seat with her hands at 10 and 2, Nagel said. He said he could see the woman inside because the cars dome light was on. Nagel did not see anyone else inside the vehicle. He said he never saw anyone else enter the home, other than his sister. 9:48 a.m. - Knowles explains range in blood alcohol test results Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally, the lead prosecutor during Reads first trial, began his re-direct of Knowles by having her re-explain much of the basis for her testing. Knowles explained that the wide range of results she calculated for Reads blood alcohol at 12:45 a.m., between 0.14 and 0.28, was to account for many of the factors she was asked about on cross examination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those factors include a persons age, the medication they were taking and how quickly their body processes alcohol. At 9:08 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, Reads blood alcohol was between 0.078 and 0.082, Knowles said. The legal limit is 0.08. 9:32 a.m. - Cross-examination of State Police expert continues Yannettis cross-examination focused primarily on the differences between the testing at the crime lab and Good Samaritan Hospital, where Reads blood was drawn. Knowles said she had no direct knowledge of the accuracy or reliability of the hospitals testing. She confirmed her calculations, which showed Reads blood-alcohol content well above the legal limit around 12:45 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, were based largely on the hospitals results. Yannetti also asked Knowles a series of questions where he essentially sought to undermine the reliability of her results in the view of the jury. Knowles said the foundations of her calculations would be incorrect if Read continued drinking after 12:45 a.m. that morning. She also confirmed she was never asked to test the blood alcohol content for anyone else in the case. 9:07 a.m. - Court opens With the jury out of the courtroom, Cannone called the lawyers up to sidebar. Read has joined the lawyers at sidebar conferences throughout the trial. When jurors arrived, Cannone asked the panel if they had been able to follow her instructions about discussing the case and avoiding media coverage. Each juror said they had. Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer on Jan. 29, 2022. Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorneys say her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death. Karen Read murder case Read the original article on MassLive. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The visit of the Prime Minister of Belarus has given a fresh impetus to relations between Baku and Minsk, said Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), Trend reports. Speaking at the Azerbaijan-Belarus business forum in Baku, Abdullayev noted that the visit of the Azerbaijani Prime Minister to Belarus in the autumn of the previous year marked an important stage in the development of bilateral ties. "The visit to Minsk last October was a significant event that gave a powerful boost to the further expansion of cooperation," he stated, highlighting that the agreements reached at that time are already yielding concrete results. Abdullayev emphasized that during the current visit of the Belarusian delegation to Azerbaijan, large-scale activities are taking place, including business meetings and B2B sessions aimed at strengthening economic relations. "We are pleased to see such a representative delegation from Belarus and to discuss issues that open up new opportunities for cooperation between our countries," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Just a few days after celebrating her 10th birthday, Princess Charlotte joined the royal family for historic festivities at Buckingham Palace. The young princess and her brothers, Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 7, joined their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, to watch a military procession and a patriotic flypast on Monday, May 5. Charlotte and Kate shared a heartwarming display of mother-daughter bonding during the outing, their closeness shining through as they marked the milestone together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: King Charles and Queen Camilla Share Sweet Birthday Wishes for Princess Charlotte as She Turns 10 While Princess Kate was seen leaning down to speak with George and laughing at Louis' comical reactions to the planes, it was her shared moments with Charlotte that sparked the biggest smiles. ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte watch the Red Arrows flypast from Buckingham Palace balcony on May 5, 2025 Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte watch the Red Arrows flypast from Buckingham Palace balcony on May 5, 2025 The mother-daughter duo spoke animatedly as they exited the Buckingham Palace balcony after observing the red, white and blue flyover by the Royal Air Force's Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. Neil Mockford/GC Images Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton at VE Day Celebration on May 5, 2025 Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton at VE Day Celebration on May 5, 2025 Related: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Step Onto Palace Balcony for Powerful Tribute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Princess of Wales was also photographed reaching out to readjust Charlotte's hair, which she wore with her favored long braid. Along with the Wales family, other royals in attendance included King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence and Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent. The displays kicked off a week of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, marking the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe in 1945. Chris Jackson/Getty Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte The King, Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Sir Timothy Laurence all wore military dress for the event, during which they also met with World War II veterans. The royal family's official social media account shared several posts commemorating the occasion and emphasizing the significance of the week's festivities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We remember and pay tribute to all those who served during the Second World War," read one post, which included multiple pictures of the royal family. "The King and Queen, alongside other Members of the Royal Family, joined extraordinary veterans (@RoyalBritishLegion) on the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace to observe military units processing down The Mall." Another tribute featured a side-by-side picture of the current royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, alongside a flashback to the first VE Day, in 1945. In the sepia-toned photo stands then-Princess Elizabeth in her own military uniform, with her father, King George VI, her mother, Queen Elizabeth, and her sister, Princess Margaret. 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! Following festive flypast, the royals retreated back into the palace. Prince George joined his parents for a tea party hosted by the King and Queen for veterans and members of the World War II generation. As second in line to the throne, it was a big move for the young royal. The royal family will be out and about for a series of meaningful events throughout the week, leading up to the 80th anniversary of VE Day. On May 8, William and Kate are expected at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey highlighting the sacrifice of the World War II generation. Read the original article on People Kate Middleton joined members of her family and the House of Windsor for a special V-E Day commemoration on Monday in London. The British royal family marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which marks the formal end of World War II. For the special, historic occasion, the Princess of Wales rewore a dress from her royal wardrobe, a mostly monochrome attire. The bespoke coatdress was created by British designer Emilia Wickstead in an aubergine hue. More from WWD From front: Princess Anne, Prince Louis, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William , Princess of Wales and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence at Buckingham Palace. The dress featured long sleeves and a flowing skirt with subtle pleating. A cinched waist added definition to the ensemble. The dress also took inspiration from suited attire with sinuous lapels with sharp angles. Kate coordinated the dress with her pillbox hat courtesy of Sean Barrett Millinery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To complete the ensemble, the Princess of Wales wore a pair of neutral pumps by Ralph Lauren. The American designer is one the British royal gravitated toward during her recent excursion to Scotland alongside husband Prince William at the end of April. From left: Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the 80th anniversary of V-E Day. To accessorize her look, Kate opted for pieces of jewelry with certain significance for the occasion, as well as pieces that coordinated with her ensemble. The Princess of Wales wore a Royal Navy Air Fleet Pin, a way to honor the veterans who attended the special ceremony. She also wore a ruby necklace, which coordinated seamlessly with her ruby and diamond earrings. As for the rest of the Wales family, Prince William donned military garb for his attire. The Prince and Princess of Waless children wore mostly muted tones in navy, with 10-year-old Princess Charlotte wearing the same ensemble she styled for 2024 Christmas Day celebrations. Kate Middleton during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of V-E Day. Members of the British royal family, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla (wearing a sapphire blue Fiona Clare ensemble), assembled on Buckingham Palaces iconic balcony for a special military flyover to commemorate V-E Day. View Gallery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Launch Gallery: Kate Middleton's Style Through the Years: Burberry Suits, Alexander McQueen Dresses & More Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War. Kansas Citians gathered Sunday at the Don Bosco Community Center for a local commemoration for the soldiers and civilians who survived and those who lost their lives during the war. The event was hosted by the Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City and local nonprofit Hella Good Deeds. The end of the Vietnam War resulted in a mass exodus of South Vietnamese people seeking safety from the new communist government of North Vietnam, who captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. Many refugees ended up in the Kansas City area. It was one of several events throughout May marking Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month. A Battlefield Cross, a symbolic memorial used by military personnel to honor fallen comrades displayed flags of the United States and of South Vietnam during Remembering Saigon. Members of the Vietnamese community sang Viet Nam Viet Nam during Remembering Saigon, a remembrance event marking of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The hat of Ty Bui, 77, of Overland Park, rests on a chair during Remembering Saigon The event marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the resulting mass exodus of South Vietnamese individuals, many of whom, including Bui, who found a new home in Kansas City. Sponsorship for the remembrance was provided by the Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City and Hella Good Deeds. Bui, Chairman of the Vietnamese Officers Club, was a former captain in the South Vietnamese Navy. Ty Bui, 77, center, of Overland Park, a former Navy Captain for the South Vietnamese, carries meal boxes for family members during a reception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tina Le embraces her granddaughter, Mia Le Shackelford, 3, during Remembering Saigon. Many of the people in attendance fled South Vietnam, including Le. A U.S. veteran, left, shared the stage with veterans from South Vietnam for recognition. Sponsorship for the remembrance was provided by the Vietnamese American Community of Greater Kansas City and Hella Good Deeds. Members of the Vietnamese community were on hand. Lauri Pham smooths a wrinkle from a flag of South Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement NAIROBI (Reuters) - A Kenyan court on Monday charged four police officers with crimes against humanity over accusations of killing a baby during a crackdown on protests after a disputed election in 2017, according to court documents, media and rights groups. Charges against eight other officers were dropped due to what the prosecutor's office said was insufficient evidence, Citizen Television reported, in a move that was condemned by rights campaigners including Amnesty's Kenya chapter. The four officers pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to local media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police in the East African nation frequently face accusations of brutality and extrajudicial killings from civilians and rights groups, but officers are rarely charged and almost never convicted. Six-month-old Samantha Pendo died in August 2017 in the western city of Kisumu after officers threw tear gas into her home, suffocating and beating her, according to her mother's . An inquest into the incident was opened in November that year. The prosecutor's office recommended that 12 officers be charged with the deaths of Pendo and 39 other protesters during countrywide protests challenging the outcome of the 2017 presidential vote. Thirty Kenyan rights groups, including Amnesty, condemned the prosecutor's decision to drop the charges against eight of the officers, saying it was done without the involvement of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, which investigated the case. (Reporting by Humphrey Malalo and Ammu Kannampilly; writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Sharon Singleton) The Department of Justice website has removed at least two key reports about violence against Indigenous people, including one prompted by legislation signed by President Donald Trump in his first term, as many groups that work to combat intimate partner violence worry about the future of federal funding. The Bureau of Indian Affairs did not respond to requests for comment about the administrations commitment to combating violence ahead of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Womens Day of Awareness, designed to draw attention to the disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous women. May 5 is a day of mourning and action for the Indigenous people who have been murdered or remain missing. Many cases remain unsolved, leaving justice out of reach for families of victims. The day has traditionally focused on the crisis of violence against Native American women, girls and two-spirit people, but in recent years has expanded to acknowledge heightened rates of violence across all genders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The date marks the birthday of Hanna Harris, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who was sexually assaulted and murdered in 2013. Her family was originally brushed off by law enforcement when they reported her missing. In 2018, the Montana legislature passed a law bearing Harriss name that would make it easier for jurisdictional collaboration in missing persons cases. Last month, a Trump administration official touted the presidents commitment to delivering justice to Native Americans. The last eight years have seen bipartisan support for legislation aimed at addressing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people, and both Trump and President Joe Biden signed executive orders specifically on this issue. A widely cited 2016 study funded by the National Institute of Justice showing that Native American women were more likely than White women to experience a slew of different types of violence is no longer accessible. The announcement summarizing the study has been removed from the Department of Justices website and now redirects to the National Institute of Justices home page. The Internet Archive shows the page has been inaccessible since at least February 1. President Trump signed the Not Invisible Act in 2020 to increase federal coordination between agencies to better address violence against Native Americans. The final report of the commission created by the law is no longer available on the Department of Justices website. The Huffington Post reported the missing link on February 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump signed the Not Invisible Act into law, much of the work was undertaken during the Biden administration. Deb Haaland, the first Indigenous member of a presidential Cabinet, oversaw its implementation during the Biden administration. The removed report, a copy of which is available via the National Indian Womens Resource Center, included recommendations for law enforcement, victims services and data tracking in order to better tackle cases of missing or murdered Indigenous people. The documents disappeared after Trump signed executive orders eradicating what he terms gender ideology in the federal government and removing funding of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that he characterized as illegal and immoral discrimination programs. When asked about the 2016 report, an official from the Department of Justice said some pages may be unavailable as the Office of Justice Programs is currently reviewing its websites and materials in accordance with recent Executive Orders and related guidance. Taking down these resources pushes back against assurances by Edward Heartney, the U.S. counselor on economic and social affairs to the United Nations, at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on April 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a panel on the global rights of Indigenous women, Heartney said the United States is committed to promoting the rights and well-being of Indigenous women and girls. He called economic empowerment the cornerstone of the Trump administrations support. On the topic of violence, Heartney cited Trumps support of Operation Not Forgotten, an initiative launched in 2023 to provide Federal Bureau of Investigation support to field offices with large tribal communities. The resources are specifically focused on addressing unsolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Heartneys remarks were met with silence, as reported by High Country News, and he slipped out of the panel after delivering them. There are many avenues to address the missing and murdered Indigenous people crisis. Provisions in the 2022 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act gave tribal authorities greater latitude to pursue justice against non-tribal perpetrators. Nonprofits focused on providing services to victims of domestic violence are necessary to support victims seeking to escape violence in their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office on Violence Against Women at the Department of Justice was created to allocate funding provided by the Violence Against Women Act, first passed in 1994. On February 6, notices of funding opportunities for 2025 were taken down and have not been restored in the nearly three months since. One of the funding opportunities removed was for the Tribal Governments Program, which in fiscal 2024 distributed over $45 million to 48 grantees. The original grant application for 2025 was due on April 10. The 19th reached out to numerous organizations focused on supporting Indigenous survivors of domestic violence to ask about how they are navigating challenges with federal funding. All either did not respond to requests for comment or declined to speak on the record. Domestic violence services remain operational throughout the United States. Confidential, anonymous help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and The StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post Key reports addressing violence against Indigenous women are gone from federal sites appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. WILSON, Kan. (KSNW) The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal small plane crash that occurred near Wilson on Sunday afternoon. Authorities were notified of the crash around 1:30 p.m. near the intersection of 4th Road and Avenue D. A witness told the Kansas Highway Patrol the plane went down for no apparent reason. When troopers arrived, they found a 1946 Piper J3C-65, a fixed-wing aircraft, overturned. Photos of a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub plane crash near Wilson on May 4, 2025 (Courtesy: Matthew Fulkerson) Photos of a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub plane crash near Wilson on May 4, 2025 (Courtesy: Matthew Fulkerson) Photos of a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub plane crash near Wilson on May 4, 2025 (Courtesy: Matthew Fulkerson) Photos of a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub plane crash near Wilson on May 4, 2025 (Courtesy: Matthew Fulkerson) The pilot has been identified as 77-year-old Ronnie D. Thompson of Goddard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KHP said it is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. 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. French police rescued the father of a crypto billionaire who they say was abducted by people seeking ransom. CNN and France 24 reported that police rescued the man, who was not identified by authorities, from a home in a Paris suburb on Saturday, May 3. BFM TV reported that while the man was rescued alive, the kidnappers allegedly severed his finger. The outlet further reported that the kidnappers contacted the victims son, who has made billions in cryptocurrency, and sent him a video of his father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France 24 reported that the man was abducted in Paris on Thursday, May 1. Citing a police source, AFP reported that four men wearing ski masks took the victim in a delivery van. The kidnappers allegedly demanded between 5 million and 7 million euros, Le Parisien reported. 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. CNN reported that the Paris prosecutors office announced that five people between the ages of 23 and 27 were taken into custody. Le Parisien reported that the kidnapping bore similarity to the January kidnapping of David Balland, cofounder of a crypto company. Balland and his partner were released after 48 hours and the former was found with a mutilated hand. Read the original article on People The tension surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's feud with the United Kingdom's monarchy has only grown more dramatic in recent months. In a recent interview with BBC News, the 40-year-old Harry spoke candidly about the estranged relationship he holds with his family, telling the news outlet that Charles "wont speak to me" owing to their past personal differences. The interview came hours after the U.K. courts upheld their decision to decrease Harry's level of security when the prince is visiting his native country. The United Kingdom chose to cut down on Harry's protective measures after he and his wife Meghan Markle moved to the U.S. in 2020 -- a decision Harry has been hard at work trying to reverse for the past five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking with the BBC, Harry shed light on his immediate response to the court's ruling, as well as his current relationship to the royal family. In light of the legal development, the Duke of Sussex specifically said the decision lessens any possibility of his returning to the U.K. "For the time being, it's impossible to bring my family back to the U.K.," the Duke of Sussex said. "I can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point." In spite of the highly publicized feud between himself and his family, Harry has said that he would love to reconcile with Charles, remarking, "I would love reconciliation with my family. Theres no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I dont know how much longer my father has." In a recent announcement from Buckingham Palace, the 76-year-old Charles addressed the upcoming festivities surrounding VE Day: an annual celebration marking the historical conclusion of World War II. Most noticeably, the royal representatives left out any mention of Harry's interview, encouraging everyone to instead pay their respects to the sacrifices made by veterans within the nation's military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The King, Queen and other members of the royal family are much looking forward to all the weeks VE Day events," a Buckingham Palace aide said this past Sunday. "They will unite with the rest of the nation and the Commonwealth in celebrating and giving thanks to the wartime generation, whose selfless devotion to duty should stand as an enduring example to us all." KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) On Sunday, Jewish organizations in Knoxville and Oak Ridge gathered at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center for the eighth annual Knoshville festival. The festivals name is a pun on the Yiddish word nosh which means to snack or nibble a fitting name for an event which brought traditional Jewish and Israeli foods to Knoxville. Food at the event included blintzes, bagels, soups from Algeria and different types of baked goods. Judith Rosenberg, president of the Knoxville Jewish Alliance explained that the festival was an opportunity for different Jewish community organizations to come together. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon spoke at the festival, honoring Jewish-American heritage. She said Knoxville remains committed to combating antisemitism and celebrating diversity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, May 5. Turkmenistan and Etihad Rail, the national railway operator of the United Arab Emirates, have held discussions on enhancing cooperation in transport and logistics, with a focus on joint infrastructure projects, Trend reports. The talks took place in Ashgabat, during a meeting between Mammethan Chakiyev, Director General of the Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, UAEs Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ahmed Al Hameli, and a delegation from Etihad Rail. On the same day, Turkmenistans Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with Tariq Mohammed Al Falahi, Executive Director of International Relations at Etihad Rail, to explore further opportunities for collaboration in railway, maritime, and air transport, as well as port infrastructure. The discussions emphasized strengthening bilateral and multilateral transport and communication links between the two countries. Etihad Rail is the UAEs national railway project aimed at creating a modern, sustainable, and efficient transport network that connects all seven emirates and extends beyond the countrys borders. NEWARK, N.J. (AP) Flight delays and cancellations persisted at Newark Liberty International Airport Monday, and the Federal Aviation Administration says some air traffic controllers were taking time off to destress from recent equipment and telecommunications outages. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for an investigation into the "chaos sparked by an air traffic controller shortage and thick cloud cover. Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said he wants an inspector general's investigation into the delays and cancellations to prevent them from getting worse or spreading. New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy called the delays completely and utterly unacceptable" in a post on X, and said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is committed to hiring more air traffic controllers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delays at the busy airport outside New York City made headlines over the weekend as United Airlines said it was cutting 35 daily flights from its schedule. As of Monday, the FAA attributed arriving flight delays of nearly four hours to a combination of staffing and cloud cover. Here's a closer look at what to know about the delays. What's behind the delays at Newark? The airport faced disruptions last week as well. United CEO Scott Kirby said in a letter to customers over the weekend that the technology used to manage planes at the New Jersey airport failed more than once in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight delays, cancellations and diversions that the equipment problems caused were compounded when more than one-fifth of Newarks traffic controllers walked off the job, he said. The FAA issued a statement Monday saying some controllers who work on flight arrivals and departures from Newark have taken time off to recover from stress associated with recent outages. Our antiquated air traffic control system is affecting our workforce, the FAA said. Faulting the Federal Aviation Administrations alleged failure to address long-simmering challenges related to the air-traffic control system, United Airlines cut 35 daily flights from its Newark schedule starting Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Messages seeking comment were left with the air traffic controllers labor union and the federal Transportation Department, which oversees the FAA. What's the broader issue with air traffic control? The Trump administration has said an obsolete air traffic control system needs to be fixed. The administration says its been trying to supercharge the air traffic controller workforce and address the nations shortage of controllers. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy last week announced a program to recruit new controllers and give existing ones incentives not to retire. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, a workers union, said at the time that those moves could help address staffing shortages, but it also said the system is long overdue for technology and infrastructure upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uncertainty at play? Uniteds decision to pare back its flight schedule in Newark comes at an already uncertain period for U.S. airlines. Potential customers across the industry are reconsidering whether to fly for work or for vacation given all the unknowns about what President Donald Trumps trade war will do to the economy. Uncertainty is so high that United recently made the unusual move of offering two separate forecasts for how it could perform financially this year: one if there were a recession and one if not. United flies to 76 U.S. cities and 81 international destinations from Newark. This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information. The jury in the murder trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr has received the case and is now considering a verdict, as attorneys wrapped closing arguments May 5. Throughout the trial in Kent County's 17th Circuit Court, Schurrs defense attorneys have argued self-defense, saying Schurr followed his police training and was justified in fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya in 2022. Prosecutors, however, say Schurr used excessive force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schurr faces a single charge of second-degree murder. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. Schurr was patrolling the southeast side of Grand Rapids on the morning of April 4, 2022, when he pulled over Lyoya for a traffic stop. Lyoya later tried to run away from Schurr, who chased after him and tackled him in a nearby front lawn. As the two struggled, Lyoya attempted to grab Schurr's Taser, footage released by the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) and played in court shows. Just before Schurr fatally shot Lyoya in the back of the head, he yelled, Let go of the Taser, footage shows. Footage from the shooting of Patrick Lyoya by Grand Rapids Police is released during a press conference Wednesday, April 13, 2022, in downtown Grand Rapids. Lyoya was shot and killed by a city police officer April 4 after a traffic stop. Jurors heard hours of testimony from witnesses, including investigators, police officers, law enforcement policy experts and Schurr himself, since the trial began April 28. Its not clear how long the jury could take to deliver a verdict. The jury instructions provided by Circuit Judge Christina Mims also include the definition of voluntary manslaughter. If the jury were to convict Schurr of voluntary manslaughter, he would face up to 15 years in prison. His defense attorneys say self-defense is a defense to both murder and manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a recap of some of the key points from the trial. Verdict may hinge on how the jury views the Taser Schurrs Taser, which he had attempted to deploy on Lyoya, has been the focus of much of the defenses argument. In his testimony, Schurr said Lyoya grabbing the Taser made him fear Lyoya could deploy it on him, which prompted him to shoot Lyoya. But prosecutors have disagreed. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, throughout the trial, has noted both the Taser's cartridges were deployed, meaning that its effects could only be used in a "drive stun" manner, where the end of the Taser is pressed up against a person. Prosecutors argued that Lyoya would not have known how to perform a drive stun without training. Schurr testified his training, both with the GRPD and in a police academy prior to joining the department in 2015, indicated that being disarmed of a weapon meant a subject could deploy it against the officer. Schurr said he feared Lyoya would have access to his firearm if the officer was incapacitated by the Taser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schurr also testified he only remembered deploying the Taser once, and didnt know the second probe had been deployed. How jurors view the Taser could play a significant role in their ultimate verdict. Schurrs testimony Schurr, legally, was under no obligation to testify in his own defense, but said he chose to do so anyway. I feel like its important to get my side of the story out, he said when he took the stand May 2. Schurr testified he had followed the training he received upon joining the Grand Rapids Police Department in 2015 when he pulled Lyoya over radioing in a traffic stop to dispatchers, radioing again when Lyoya took off on foot and then attempting to use knee strikes to subdue Lyoya after tackling him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the knee strikes were ineffective, Schurr testified, he decided to escalate the amount of force he was using to try and subdue Lyoya, and deployed his Taser. It was after the Taser was ineffective that he shot Lyoya in the back of the head, he said. I believed that if I hadnt done it at that time, I wasnt going to go home, Schurr said. Schurrs defense has largely centered around self-defense. Attorneys for the Lyoya family have disagreed outside the courtroom, attorney Ben Crump told reporters May 5 the shooting was unnecessary. It is so important that you look at the video, you look at the actions of Patrick, always trying to get away, never posing any kind of aggressive action toward the officer, Crump said. The whole time, hes trying to go away. The media room display shows Christopher Schurr taking the stand to testify in 17th Circuit Court on Friday, May 2, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Schurr, 34, is charged with second-degree murder stemming from the April 2022 fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya. Expert witnesses reach different conclusions Both the prosecution and defense called witnesses to testify on policing practices, although each sides policing experts reached different conclusions on Schurrs conduct during his interaction with Lyoya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seth Stoughton, a professor of criminal justice at the University of South Carolina, called by the prosecution, said Schurr put himself in officer-created jeopardy when he chased after Lyoya. He also said Lyoya, who was facedown at the time of the shooting, was not in a position at the time to threaten Schurr. In terms of attack, there's very, very little that Mr. Lyoya could do to threaten the officer in this position, Stoughton said. Prosecutors also called Nicholas Bloomfield, a retired police officer from New Mexico, who compiled a report with Stoughton on the shooting. Not in any time in any of the evidence we reviewed did we (determine) Patrick Lyoya attempted to harm the officer in this instance, Bloomfield testified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But witnesses called by the defense testified Schurr had followed his GRPD training (six defense witnesses called to testify were either current or retired Grand Rapids police officers). It was reasonable. A reasonable officer could perform in the same way in that situation, said Capt. David Siver, a GRPD officer who testified April 30 and May 1. Jury has seen the video numerous times Since the trial began April 28, members of the jury have been shown footage of the shooting, from the time Schurr left his patrol car to the moments after Lyoya was killed, several times, including from multiple angles, and at multiple speeds. Footage of Lyoyas shooting had been publicly released in April 2022 by the Grand Rapids Police Department, days after it occurred. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jury now considering verdict in Christopher Schurr trial Since its closure in 1963, Alcatraz Prison has become the stuff of legend. The seemingly inescapable federal penitentiary on a California island surrounded by frigid and powerful currents gained notoriety for housing some of historys most famous prisoners, from Al Scarface Capone to George Machine Gun Kelly. But now, decades since the island was purchased by the National Park Service and turned into a popular tourist destination, Donald Trump wants to convert it back into a prison. What Trump said about Alcatraz REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! the President posted on Truth Social on Sunday evening, announcing that he has directed the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt prison on Alcatraz Island to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes as Trump has pursued more aggressively punitive policies in his second term, including signing orders that encourage the use of extreme sentences and the death penalty, that target incarcerated trans women, and that expand police powers. Trump has also been criticized for eschewing the rule of law in carrying out a mass deportation campaign, detaining and deporting both undocumented immigrants as well as people legally in the U.S. without due process. At an April meeting between Trump and El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele, Trump said hed be all for deporting Americans to El Salvador next. In January, Trump ordered the opening of a detention center in Guantanamo Bay, where the U.S. has long leased a site from Cuba, to which his Administration would send the worst criminal aliens. Read More: Trump Set to Ratchet Up His Immigration Crackdown During Next 100 Days When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be, Trump added in his Truth Social post. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally. Trump told reporters on Sunday night while returning to the White House from Florida that his Alcatraz plan was just an idea Ive had to counter the radicalized judges [that] want to have trials for every singlethink of itevery single person thats in our country illegally. Alcatraz is a symbol of law and order, he said. Its got quite a history, frankly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts, however, say Trump misunderstands the history and functionality of Alcatraz. So many of his policies sound goodat least to those with the same politicsas long as you dont think about them too seriously, Ashley Rubin, an associate professor in the Sociology Department at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, tells TIME. If you do, you realize all the practical problems and holes in the reasoning and how if we actually do these things, it will just make us worse off. Reopening Alcatraz is like that. It would be much safer for Americans and punitive toward criminals to use our current prison system than to reopen a tourist attraction. The history of Alcatraz and why it closed Long before Alcatraz became the site of a prison, it was a military fortress. Originally the land of the Ohlone people indigenous to the San Francisco Bay Area, the island was named La Isla de las Alcatraces after its large pelicans that a Spanish Navy officer who arrived in 1775 thought were gannets, called alactraces in Spanish. Later, the island became a U.S. naval defense fort after the Mexican-American War of 1848. The U.S. military also used the island to hold prisoners, including confederate sympathizers during the Civil War and Hopi Native Americans who resisted the governments land decrees and mandatory education programs in 1895. By 1912, it was rebuilt as an official military prison. In 1933, the Justice Department took over the island and made it a maximum-security federal penitentiary, partly in response to a rise in organized crime during prohibition. If the surrounding conditions didnt make escape a hard enough prospect, the prison was retrofitted so that each prisoner was kept to one cell, and one guard was on duty for every three prisoners. Thirty-six men attempted 14 different escapes over the 29 years that the prison was open, and nearly all were caught or died in the attempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the prison closed in March 1963. Its facilities were crumbling and would have cost $3 to $5 million to restore, and its isolated location made operating costs too expensive to maintainnearly three times higher than any other federal prison, according to the Bureau of Prisonsbecause everything, including potable water, had to be shipped in. The prison has long been a site of public fascination. It was featured in the 1962 film Birdman of Alcatraz about Robert Stroud, a convicted felon who studied the birds he saw while incarcerated and became an ornithologist, even finding a cure to a common avian hemorrhagic disease. It was also featured in the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood, and based on the real-life 1962 attempted escape of three prisoners who were never found, as well as in the 1996 fictional action thriller The Rock, starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. After its purchase by the NPS in 1972, the island has become a major tourist attraction and brings in more than a million visitors each year, according to the agency. How the Bureau of Prisons and others have respondedand what experts tell TIME of Trumps proposal A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told the Associated Press that the BOP will comply with all Presidential Orders, but did not explain how it would restore or reopen the prison while it is under the jurisdiction of the NPS, whose staff and funding have been threatened by Trump cuts, particularly while the BOP is struggling to keep its own facilities open amid deteriorating infrastructure and staffing shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Presidents proposal is not a serious one, former House Speaker and California Democrat Rep. Nancy Pelosi posted on X. David Ward, professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Minnesota who interviewed and wrote about prisoners at Alcatraz, tells TIME that theres little practical use to try to reopen Alcatraz as a prison, but Trump may be more interested in its name and legacy than practicality. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE, Trump said in his Truth Social announcement. Rubin says that even historically, Alcatraz was not the most efficient or most punitive maximum-security prison. Rather, it served more as a public relations piece and administrative salve. For one, its capacity is limited by the islands size. When the prison was functioning, it could hold at maximum around 300 peopleor up to about 1,000 if overcrowded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while it was billed to hold the worst of the worst, in reality, says Rubin, it held just a handful of notorious criminals along with some prisoners who had previously managed to escape or who were difficult at other prisons: People like to talk about the Hannibal Lecters of the world, but they usually dont end up in these types of facilities. Its usually people who are just a thorn in the side of administrators. If the BOP were to go ahead with rebuilding Alcatraz, however, the old prison facility is significantly deteriorated and would have to be entirely rebuilt, Rubin says, which would likely take years and could go beyond Trumps term. Another possibility, Rubin suggests, would be for Alcatraz to become a rapid turnover facility, where the Administration might send people without due process before deporting them, in which case it would mostly serve as a photo-op for Trump. The publicity of Alcatraz Island is what [Trump] wants: a bastion where inmates are treated inhumanely because they deserve it, says Ward. Its a monument to punishment and brutality. Given the challenges restoring the island prison presents, Trump could even pursue his goal of reopening Alcatraz by transplanting the name elsewhere, such as El Salvador. It wouldnt be the first time its been done: After Alcatraz closed, it was succeeded by two supermax prisons: New Alcatraz in Marion, Illinois, and the Alcatraz of the Rockies in Florence, Colorado. The name Alcatraz always goes with the prisons because it conveys the message the government likes to have, says Ward, which is, were doing real punishment for the bad guys. Contact us at letters@time.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) If youre headed to Kroger on Wednesday, you could receive a discount and some freebies. Shoppers at least 55-years-old are eligible to receive a 5 percent discount on their total in-store purchase anytime on May 7. From 9 to 11 a.m., coffee and pastries will be available to eligible customers for free. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kroger Pharmacy will hold senior vaccine clinics for the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COVID-19 Pneumonia RSV Shingles At Kroger, were proud to support our senior customers with meaningful ways to save, said Jenifer Moore, corporate affairs manager for Kroger. From personalized digital deals to trusted everyday low prices, were always working to help customers stretch their dollars and this special discount is one more way were doing just that. Customers that would like to take advantage of the discount should either use their Kroger loyalty card, their Kroger alternate ID or telling the cashier that they are eligible for the offer. The total purchase discount will not be applied to purchases of alcohol, fuel, gift cards, prescriptions, tobacco and other restricted items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kroger says the offer is valid throughout its Cincinnati/Dayton division stores. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has stated that the operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast, ongoing for nine months, has achieved most of its objectives and the buffer zone established by Ukrainian forces remains relevant. Source: Syrskyi on Facebook Quote: "This [Kursk] operation, which has been underway for nine months, has achieved most of its objectives. Thanks to our active operations in Kursk Oblast, we prevented the Russians from launching an offensive campaign in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts. The buffer zone established by Ukraines defence forces in the border areas remains relevant today." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The commander-in-chief stated that a numerically superior opponent can only be defeated through unconventional actions. "The Kursk operation was exactly that. It came as a surprise to the Russians. Ukraine has shown that it is capable of counterattacking, striking and pushing the Russians back, including on their own territory," Syrskyi said. He noted that this success was made possible thanks to specific military units and soldiers. Syrskyi said that during his working visit, he presented awards to servicemen who distinguished themselves in the Kursk operation. He named the 225th Separate Assault Regiment as one of the units that performed its tasks in Kursk Oblast with quality and efficiency. "And now, when we talk about successful active defence in northern Ukraine and the border areas of Russia, thats primarily about the 225th," Syrskyi added. Background: On 26 April, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin was informed that the last settlement in Kursk Oblast, Gornal, had been "liberated from Ukrainian forces". Ukraines General Staff stressed that statements by Russian senior leadership claiming the fighting in Russias Kursk Oblast had ended do not reflect reality. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian troops continue to conduct active defensive operations in Russias Kursk and Belgorod oblasts. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraines Embassy in Slovakia on May 4 condemned what it called "anti-Ukrainian" remarks by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskys warning that Russia could stage provocations during its May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow. In a statement, the Ukrainian Embassy said it regretted Ficos accusations and urged Slovak officials to "more carefully study, rewatch, and analyze" Zelenskys statements. Zelensky on May 3 said Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign officials planning to attend Russias Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, warning Russia could orchestrate provocations, including "arsons, explosions, or other actions," and attempt to blame Ukraine. Russia is responsible for ensuring safety and security on its territory, Zelensky added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fico, who plans to attend Russias Victory Day celebrations, had earlier denounced Zelensky for "threatening" foreign delegations, calling the remarks "unacceptable" and accusing the Ukrainian leader of disrespecting Russias role in defeating fascism in World War II. The embassy said that Zelensky had only warned that Russia might exploit the parade to stage provocations and blame Ukraine, and therefore could not guarantee the safety of visiting foreign officials. In its response, the Ukrainian Embassy said it viewed Ficos remarks as "deeply regrettable," particularly amid ongoing Russian aggression. "Regarding the need not to mix history with the present, the Embassy regrets to note that the current Russian aggression against Ukraine has returned to the scale of atrocities unseen since World War II, which Russia is now using solely to justify the war against our country," the embassy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It should be remembered that during the Second World War, Ukrainian soldiers made a huge contribution to the victory over Nazism, having distinguished themselves with extraordinary heroism, bravery and self-sacrifice on all fronts," the statement read. Highlighting Ukraines contribution to the Allied war effort, the embassy noted that six million Ukrainians fought against Nazism, both in the Soviet army and other Allied forces. The war, it said, claimed over eight million Ukrainian lives. The embassy also pushed back against Ficos calls for a ceasefire timed with the WWII anniversary, noting that Ukraine had already agreed to a full ceasefire on March 11, while Russia "constantly rejects this option and puts forward new demands, manipulates, escalates terror, and now offers a short truce for 3 days, which is not a serious path to peace." Fico, a populist with pro-Russian leanings, is one of few European leaders set to attend Russias Victory Day amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 9, Russia holds grandiose military parades in celebration of the end of World War II in Europe. Ukraine and most European nations mark May 8 as Victory in Europe Day. Ukraine has invited senior EU leaders and officials to Kyiv on May 9 to counter Russia's celebration. The EUs top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, on April 15 warned European leaders against attending Russias Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. Read also: Ahead of Putins Victory Day Parade, Ukrainian drones reportedly target Moscow, Russian officials claim Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A 31-year-old man from Los Angeles County is accused of posing as an Internal Revenue Service agent and stealing thousands of dollars from a victim, officials announced Sunday. The investigation into the incident began on May 1 when deputies with the Riverside County Sheriffs Departments Norco Station responded to the 2300 block of Kips Korner on reports of the fraud. The victim told deputies that an unknown suspect was posing as an Internal Revenue Service Officer and had extorted approximately $20,000 by fraudulently advising them that their financial accounts had been compromised, RCSD investigators said in a news release. Ziquan Ou, 31, a resident of Arcadia. (RCSD) A firearm, multiple IDs and narcotics found in Ziquan Ous vehicle, according to RCSD on May 1, 2025. (RCSD) The suspect, later identified as Arcadia resident Ziquan Ou, contacted the victim once again, claiming they needed to pay additional funds and that he would come to pick up the money himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 31-year-old reportedly arrived while deputies were at the location and took him into custody. Bizarre rescue of naked inmate in L.A. County jail A search of his vehicle, according to officials, revealed a firearm, multiple identification cards and narcotics. Investigators believe there may be additional victims of Ous scheme and encourage anyone with additional information about the investigation to contact Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Acost at the Norco Sheriffs Station at 951-270-5673. The 31-year-old suspect was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center on numerous fraud-related charges and possession of narcotics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles County in January were the most catastrophic in its history. Made worse by climate change, the disaster caused as much as $131 billion worth of damage and destroyed more than 16,000 homes and other properties. In the name of a speedy recovery, LA Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, issued a broad executive order that same month, exempting replacement structures from a city ordinance that requires new buildings to be all-electric. (The waived code only applies to communities within the city boundaries, not to the entirety of LA County.) The order effectively swept aside one of the citys most important tools for eliminating its reliance on planet-warming fossil fuels, the continued use of which makes such climate-related disasters more likely in the future. Buildings accounted for more than 40% of LAs carbon pollution in 2022 more than any other sector and are estimated to contribute a quarter of Californias total emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayors move reflects a tacit assumption that has been echoed even in the State Assembly: that rebuilding with gas, which many of the affected buildings had used, must be the easiest path for recovering communities. But a new report flips that premise on its head. Citing available research and expert interviews, a team at the University of California, Berkeleys Center for Law, Energy, & the Environment argues that all-electric construction is likely to be the fastest and most cost-effective way to rebuild after the LA fires. A key reason is that two systems are more complicated to rebuild than one. We're going to install electricity infrastructure in all buildings regardless, said Kasia Kosmala-Dahlbeck, climate research fellow at the UC Berkeley center. So it's really about whether you also install a second system that delivers fracked gas, also commonly known as natural gas. Such dual-fuel construction has historically been the norm in California, but all-electric construction avoids the added time and cost of hooking up gas infrastructure. That often requires property owners to submit a separate service request to the gas utility; install gas meters, pipes, and ductwork; and coordinate gas safety checks, according to the authors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team expects all-electric rebuilds to not only deliver better indoor air quality for occupants but to be easier on peoples wallets. Their report cites a 2019 study that estimates building a new all-electric home in most parts of California costs about $3,000 to $10,000 less than building a home thats also equipped with gas. The UC Berkeley team notes, though, that potential savings for LA Countys wildfire-hit neighborhoods are likely lower since existing gas infrastructure, much of it underground, was largely unscathed. All-electric new homes in California that skip gas-burning appliances for much more efficient electric heat-pump heaters and ACs, water heaters, and clothes dryers, as well as induction stoves, are also likely to slash energy bills, per the report. An April analysis by climate think tank RMI provides support, finding that single-family households switching from gas furnaces and conventional air conditioners to heat pumps would save about $300 per year on average in LA County. Kosmala-Dahlbeck points out that people going the all-electric route now will be able to avoid costly and complex retrofits in the future. We've seen repeatedly that retrofitting later down the line is more expensive than constructing all-electric to begin with, she said. Upgrading a homes electrical service alone can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000 and take two months to two years, according to California-based all-electric home developer Redwood Energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the near future, installing a new gas appliance when the old one conks out could be less of an option. Air regulators for the state are developing standards that could bar the sale of new gas furnaces and water heaters starting in 2030. Regulators covering LA County are poised to adopt rules that would discourage new installations of these polluting appliances as soon as 2027. The report authors recommend that policymakers including city council members, county supervisors, the mayors office, and state legislators and agencies support an all-electric recovery. Mayor Bass has already moved in that direction. While her office confirmed that the first executive order waiving all-electric standards remains in effect, she issued another directive on March 21: By later this month, LA departments must develop suggestions to streamline permitting for owners who rebuild with all-electric equipment. Construction has begun in LAs Pacific Palisades neighborhood, one of the areas hit hardest by the wildfires. According to the mayors office, 20 addresses in the Palisades have been issued permits for rebuilding efforts. Staff noted that the permits dont have to specify whether a project is all-electric. But some affected residents do plan to rebuild without gas appliances, NPR recently reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All-electric new buildings are on the rise across California, according to the California Energy Commission. In 2023, 80% of line extension requests by builders to utilities Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric were electric-only. In general, outside of the fire recovery process, the financial case for building all-electric homes in the state is getting stronger. Weve heard from California builders that recent updates to infrastructure rules combined with a statewide energy code that strongly encourages heat pumps have shifted the economics of building all-electric new construction, said Will Vicent, deputy director of the Energy Commissions building standards efficiency division. The UC Berkeley team is also encouraging policymakers to bolster incentives and resources that make all-electric rebuilding more affordable. That could look like expanding the Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric Homes program and the electrification resource and rebate hub The Switch is On. Such investments would line up with LA County and the states climate goals to become carbon neutral by 2045. Jonathan Parfrey, executive director of LA-based nonprofit Climate Resolve and an appointed member of a county commission focused on rebuilding sustainably after the fires, said the reports findings are important for policymakers to consider as they help people who lost their homes navigate the potentially yearslong process of recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an enormously traumatic experience, and the first impulse that you have after that terrible loss is a return to normalcy by trying to rebuild what you once had, said Parfrey, who reviewed the UC Berkeley report before it was publicly released. But it's impossible to recapture that home once it's gone. Instead, theres the possibility for creating something even superior to what you had before. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A family in La Mesa is displaced after a fire broke out in their garage Sunday night. San Miguel Fire responded to calls at 9:16 p.m. for a fire in the 3500 block of Via Palma in La Mesa. The fire department said the fire was controlled in 10 minutes to the garage. Driver found dead after fleeing solo crash in Vista: sheriffs office A jeep in the driveway did catch fire and was damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The residents of the home were displaced from smoke damage through the house. No injuries were reported. SDG&E was called to the home. Heartland Fire and the San Diego Sheriffs Office assisted at 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Labour is at risk of taxing British high streets out of existence, Rachel Reeves has been warned. Alex Reilley, the chairman of the newly formed High Street Regeneration Group, said the Chancellors raid on employers was harming job creation and risked triggering more closures of shops and restaurants. Mr Reilley, the co-founder of bar and restaurant group Loungers, said there was an acute danger of taxing our high streets out of existence after the Government raised employers National Insurance (NI) contributions and lowered the threshold at which it is paid. A rise in the minimum wage and a cut to business rates relief for smaller businesses has only added to the pressure on shops and restaurants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week the 144-year-old retailer Beales, one of Britains oldest department stores, closed its final shop. It blamed punitive taxes brought in by the Chancellor and branded its stock clearance exercise a Rachel Reeves closing down sale. Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: The closure of Beales is not the first, and will not be the last retailer crushed under the weight of the 7bn in additional costs on retail confirmed in last Octobers Budget. Other retailers are pulling back on local investment in new shops, reducing hiring plans or announcing job cuts. The High Street Regeneration Group, which is part of the Hospitality Sector Council (HSC), met with ministers last week to discuss how the private sector can assist the revival of British towns. A key gripe is the tax burden on the industry. Mr Reilley said: I get that the public services are in need of additional funding. I get that the NHS is this sacred cow in the United Kingdom, but at some stage there has to be a conversation about how much value we place on our high streets and town centres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are not just somewhere where you go and transact and shop and dwell, there are undeniable social benefits to a healthy high street and town centre. Theres an undeniable sense of pride if youve got a really nice high street. Britains high streets lost 3,802 businesses last year, following almost 5,000 closures in 2023 according to PwC data. Visits to high streets, shopping centres and retail parks were as much as 20pc lower than pre-pandemic levels last year. Mr Reilley said: Frankly, the private sector is in a better place to understand how to help and assist high streets. What the public sector needs to realise is the only way that were going to enjoy any kind of success is through collaboration. The Chancellor is facing a growing outcry over the damage done by her tax raid. Mr Reilley, whose company runs 252 Loungers restaurants, 37 Cosy Club bars and a handful of Brightside roadside diners across the UK, faces paying an extra 5.7m per year as a result of the tax changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: The cost of creating an extra 1,000 jobs, which we are effectively doing by opening an extra 35 sites a year, has increased by 500,000. Mr Reilley argued that the barrage of recent tax rises had put many British businesses at a disadvantage compared with foreign companies. He said: The thing that I cant really get my head around is that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor and every Tom, Dick and Harry in Government talk really enthusiastically about having attracted billions of pounds of investment from foreign businesses. Why are they making it so difficult for British businesses to thrive? Why are we not trying to encourage British success? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Reeves has fiercely defended the tax rises, arguing they are necessary to help fund the NHS and bring down waiting lists. They were announced after the Labour Government said it needed to plug an alleged 40bn black hole in the nations finances left by the former Conservative administration. The Treasury was contacted for comment. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Important trade-oriented documents were signed today, said Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev to reporters on the sidelines of the Azerbaijan-Belarus business forum in Baku, Trend reports. According to him, at the same time, the document signed by Azerbaijan's KOBIA (Small and Medium Business Development Agency) and the Belarusian Commodity Exchange is also of particular importance. He mentioned that this exchange is the only unified platform for state procurement and other important purchases by the Belarusian state. "Through KOBIA and with the support of AZPROMO, we believe that our companies will be able to participate in tenders and large purchases held in Barus. This is a practical step and will greatly contribute to the growth of bilateral trade relations," Abdullayev added. AZPROMO was founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan to facilitate foreign investment in the non-oil industry and promote exports of non-oil products. The agency's primary objective is to enhance the nation's economy by soliciting international investment and fostering exports in the non-oil sector. To date, the agency has conducted 33 export trips to international destinations under the "Made in Azerbaijan" initiative. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Lady Gaga had no idea there was an alleged plan to detonate explosives at her Brazil concert. A spokesperson for the pop star said her team worked closely with local law enforcement in planning and executing the free concert, which drew 2.5 million fans to the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. But nobody bothered to tell her when there was a threat to the eventwhich she found out about via media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We learned about this alleged threat via media reports this morning, her team said, according to Variety. Prior to and during the show, there were no known safety concerns, nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks... All parties were confident in the safety measures in place. Over 2.5 million people flocked to the Copacabana beach on Saturday to watch Lady Gaga perform in a concert paid for the local government to promote tourism. / DANIEL RAMALHO / AFP via Getty Images Brazilian police said in a press conference on Sunday that it kept mum about the alleged bombing plot to avoid panic and the distortion of information. The Associated Press reported that two people were arrested in connection with the plan to set off improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails at the concert. A group that aligned itself with Lady Gagas fanbase, who call themselves Little Monsters, reportedly tried to recruit and radicalize participants for a coordinated attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rio police secretary Felipe Cury said authorities believe that the suspects wanted to target the LGBTQ community, many of whom hail Lady Gagas songs as their anthem. They were clearly saying that they were planning an attack at Lady Gagas concert motivated by sexual orientation, Cury said. Lady Gaga effusively thanked her fans in a lengthy Instagram post after the concert. Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last nights showthe absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil, she wrote. The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away. Your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special, I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you. WEST MONROE, La. (KLFY) One Lafayette man was killed and another is charged with attempted murder after a prostitution transaction in West Monroe led to a shooting, authorities said. Braylen Newton, of Lafayette, was pronounced dead at a Ouachita Parish hospital on April 30. According to officials, the incident stemmed from a disagreement related to a prostitution arrangement. Keton Dugas, of Lafayette, is charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second degree murder Attempted second degree murder Armed robbery Armed robbery with a firearm Brandi Michaela Frosch-Farr, of Bellmead, Texas, is charged with: Attempted second degree murder Armed robbery Criminal conspiracy Wellestey Daniel Madurie III, of Florida, is charged with solicitation of prostitution. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Investigators said Farr told authorities that she traveled from Lafayette to a home in West Monroe to meet Madurie April 30 for a sexual encounter. Madurie allegedly promised to pay Farr $1,500 for sex. Authorities said Dugas drove Farr to the home, and she agreed to pay a portion of the money to him. Newton was also with Dugas and Farr. Upon arrival, Farr and Madurie engaged in sex while Dugas and Newton remained in the vehicle outside the residence. Investigators said Farr told them that Madurie said he would not be able to pay her for her services. After Madurie informed Farr about not being able to pay her, a botched armed robbery occurred, and he was shot, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Madurie was shot in the leg and taken to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Newton was also taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to the torso. Bond details for those in custody in the Ouachita Parish jail were not released. 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 KLFY.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) In the afternoon of May 5, a social media post was made about a man who was armed with a rifle that was near Lake View High School. According to the San Angelo Police Department, SAPD officers were dispatched to the area because a man was in the vicinity of Lake View High School with what appeared to be a shotgun or a rifle. Officers investigated the area and didnt find the man. More officers were placed in the area as a precaution. SAPD said the man never walked towards the school or made threats to anyone or the school and was within his rights. SAPD explained since the man didnt break any laws theres not a lot we can really do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High School was placed on hold as a precaution, but not on lockdown. SAPD stressed for citizens not to sharing unverified information in group chats or online because it can cause panic. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A 12-year-old boy appeared before a judge Monday and pleaded guilty to setting a fire that evacuated the Lancaster Walmart over the weekend. The child, whose name is not being released due to his age, pleaded guilty during a detention hearing Monday morning in Lancaster County Family Court. After meeting with his attorney, the child admitted to second-degree arson in connection with the large fire that broke out around 4:35 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at the Walmart on Hwy 9 Bypass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lancaster Police Chief Don Roper said he was thankful for a quick response by everyone. While the fire was raging luckily no one was injured, Roper said. It was a pretty scary event, but the employees there at Walmart very quickly evacuated the building. The store was evacuated, and firefighters controlled the blaze, which broke out in the back of the Walmart, within ten minutes. Fire Chief Justin McLellan said the sprinkler system helped to contain it, but because the employees were able to act quickly, firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading. [Our crews] were able to make entry real quick and contain that fire right to the origin of where it was, so it did not spread any further than where it was located, McLellan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Judge Matthews ordered a secure mental health evaluation Monday, meaning the child will remain in custody while undergoing assessment. 15-year-old suspect in Lancaster Walmart shooting to stay in jail, judge rules Officials said the evaluation should happen within the next 45 days. A final decision on his sentencing will follow once the results are reviewed. If given the maximum penalty, the 12-year-old boy could remain in juvenile custody until his 22nd birthday, according to court officials. Authorities said the young suspect was identified with the help of surveillance footage and coordination among Lancaster Police, Lancaster Fire, SLED, and the Solicitors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A vehicle related to the incident was located the same evening, police said. Chief Don Roper commended the fast investigative work, stating, We will not tolerate anyone placing the community in danger with criminal behavior. Fire Chief Justin McLellan praised firefighters and Walmart staff for their quick action in minimizing damage and ensuring safety. In a statement to Queen City News, a Walmart spokesperson said, Were thankful no one was injured and appreciate the swift action from first responders. Walmart remains closed until further notice. In the meantime, anyone with pharmacy needs is being directed to the Indian Land location at 10048 Charlotte Hwy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have upped patrols in the area and are working with Walmart to help it reopen. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Lancaster Police at 803-283-3313. This is the same Walmart where multiple people were charged for a shooting there on April 1. This is a Developing Story . Check back 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 Queen City News. Larry Summers, former president of Harvard University, said in an interview that President Trump wont end the war with Harvard until the Ivy League bows to the administrations demands. I think [Trumps] end game is to try to get the university to bend the knee, Summers said in an interview with CBS News that aired Sunday. Trump has taken away $2 billion from the university, opened up investigations into the schools foreign donation and has threatened to take away its tax-exempt status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump took away the $2 billion after the university refused to cave to demands that it changes policies on admissions and hiring practices, as well as eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The Trump administration has said it is going after Harvard for alleged inaction on antisemitism and has criticized the school for its woke ideology. Harvards has a big problem with antisemitism. Its got a big problem with too many progressives relative to the number of conservatives. Its got a big problem with paying too much attention to identity politics, said Summers, who served as a Treasury secretary under former President Clinton. But Trump is not acting in good faith to want to correct these issues at the university, Summers added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The laws say you have to have hearings. The laws say you have to give notice. The laws dont say you can engage in extortion, and when you simply cut off all funding based on a set of conditions, thats extortion, he said. Harvard has been fighting back, suing the administration for cutting off funding and saying it would be illegal for its tax-exempt status to be taken away. The university has admitted to problems with antisemitism and has said it will be creating programs to help students of differing viewpoints come together to engage in dialogue. While Harvard said it is willing to work with the Trump administration, many of its demands are nonstarters in negotiations and the tactics it is using to try to make the university cave will harm medical research and advancement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summers was asked what he would say people who think Harvard is biased and why they should care about the pressure by the Trump administration. I would say theyre right to worry about Harvard being a little tilted to the left, but I would also tell them that if we cut off funding for cancer research, cancer cures are going to come more slowly, Summers responded. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The driver accused of killing a Las Vegas high school senior was more than three times the legal limit, according to a preliminary test taken after the fatal crash. Keenan Jackson, 37, faces felony charges for DUI resulting in death, reckless driving, and a misdemeanor for driving without a valid license, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. Jackson is accused of driving impaired and hitting and killing McKenzie Scott on Friday, May 2, on Buffalo Drive near Arbor View High School, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A witness told police she spoke to Jackson after the crash. He said he had just gone to Starbucks and lived around the corner, police said. Keenan Jackson, 37, faces felony charges for DUI resulting in death, reckless driving, and a misdemeanor for driving without a valid license, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. (Tiffany Reynolds) The first officer to arrive at the crash site contacted Jackson, noticing he smelled of alcohol with an unsteady gait, slurred, mumbled and slow speech. The officer also noted Jackson was falling over while walking, documents said. Jackson told officers he does not drink and last smoked marijuana two weeks ago, documents said. His preliminary breath test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.29 more than three times the legal limit of 0.08. During Jacksons first court appearance, Jacksons public defender said Jackson moved to Las Vegas in December and recently started a new job. The prosecutor recognized Jacksons lack of criminal history but said he could be a danger to the community and a flight risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Daniel Westmeyer set Jacksons bail at $500,000. Jackson remained in custody as of Monday. Scotts mother created a GoFundMe for funeral costs. As of Monday, it had raised nearly $30,000 of its $50,000 goal. Jacksons blood test results were not in court documents. They, not the preliminary blood screening, are admissible in court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A worker installs siding on Pillsbury Ridge, an affordable housing development in Burnsville, in April 2025. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer) A legislative effort to make it easier and cheaper to build houses and apartments is all but dead for the year. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and advocates entered the legislative session with an ambitious but carefully-crafted set of bills to remake Minnesotas zoning and land use rules, opening up construction of more homes and apartments across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalitions chances of passing meaningful zoning reform likely ended Thursday when four Democrats and two Republicans in a Senate committee voted against an amendment that contained a bare-bones version of the package. We really brought what we felt was the bare minimum of what we needed to do to help people we hear them, we understand that theyre asking for more housing options, that theyre asking for more affordable housing, said state Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, who chairs the Senate housing committee. This was our opportunity to do a small fraction of that. Minnesota is facing a housing shortage, and low supply means higher prices for buyers and renters. The Yes to Homes coalition says local government regulations are restricting building. Cities often dictate minimum square footage, garage sizes, parking spots and lot sizes, for instance, driving up costs and incentivizing developers to focus on expensive single-family home construction. New apartments, even if proposed in an area zoned for multi-family development, often face long permitting processes, contentious public hearings and negotiations with city planners that result in fewer units and higher costs for future residents, developers say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last years attempt to pass legislation rolling back city control over where housing is built and what it looks like failed after intense opposition from city leaders. In the leadup to the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers met with lobbyists for city governments to hash out their differences. The result was a more incremental approach to zoning reform, with four bills targeting different aspects of the interaction between housing developers and municipal governments. Despite lengthy negotiations, city governments still werent on board with the legislation, and city government leaders and their lobbyists turned out to committee hearings this year to voice their concerns. The bills passed their respective housing committees with overwhelming bipartisan support despite city opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the bills never made it to their next stop: the state and local government committees. They stalled out as cities lobbied in opposition and the bill authors failed to secure the necessary votes. As a last-ditch effort to get some significant housing policy passed in the Senate, Port brought an amendment Thursday to a bill in the Senate State and Local Government Committee that contained a few of the key policies. The language would have allowed cities to require up to one parking spot per residential unit; prohibited cities from requiring the establishment of an HOA as a condition of development; barred cities from imposing aesthetic mandates, like the type of siding or features like columns, decks, balconies or porches; and required cities to establish and follow an administrative review process for housing construction permits in areas zoned to allow that type of development i.e. not forcing developers into a protracted negotiation process, or requiring city council approval, for developments that follow existing zoning rules. It did not incorporate some of the more controversial policies endorsed by the coalition, such as ending single-family zoning statewide, or requiring cities to allow apartment buildings along transit corridors and in commercial areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers voiced support for city leaders and were reluctant to take power from their constituent cities against their will. This shifts power towards developers, not communities, said Sen. Heather Gustafson, DFL-Vadnais Heights, who voted against the amendment. She also cited the bills one-size-fits-all approach, and its failure to guarantee the creation of more affordable housing, as reasons for voting no. The cities in her district, where the average rent is over $2,000 per month, are already doing good work on housing affordability and should retain control over housing development, Gustafson said. Port said she and other bill authors will bring similar legislation again next year. I think these bills, in some version, are inevitable, Port said. It is really up to the cities and the city lobbying groups to decide how much fight they want to put into this how much reputational damage, or how much they want to put their reputations on the line fighting this. When Rachel Cohen took a job as an associate at Skadden Arps in Chicago three years ago, she expected long hours, some tedious work, and extremely good pay. What she wasnt expecting was to be thrust into the middle of a crisis involving her white-shoe firm and the president of the United States. In the first few months of his administration, Donald Trump has taken aim at policies he disagrees with in both the public and private sector. But law firms as a category have come under special scrutiny: Trump has signed a number of executive orders targeting specific major legal practices by name. Trump accuses these firms of things like undermining elections, unlawful hiring practices, and attempting to limit constitutional freedoms through certain pro bono work. But the firms that he has targeted all have one thing in common: They have previously butted heads with Trump or supported Democrats. The increased and unprecedented scrutiny have prompted nine firms, including Paul Weiss, Willkie Farr, and Skadden Arps, to preemptively strike deals with the president, pledging a total of $940 million in free legal work thus far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skadden is pleased to have achieved a successful agreement with President Trump and his Administration," executive partner Jeremy London said in a March 28 statement posted by Trump on the president's social media platform, Truth Social. We firmly believe that this outcome is in the best interests of our clients, our people, and our Firm. Cohen could not have felt more strongly that the firm was taking a wrong turn. I felt the firm was on the wrong side of history, she says. Ethical concerns Cohen was brought into the firm as a financial specialist to work on large M&A transactions and had been there a little under three years when Skadden made the announcement. Cohen said she first started noticing a slight shift in attitude at the firm after the president began taking aim at other major legal practices. When Trump started coming for law firms based on past representation, it was so outside the bounds of the normal and a clear intimidation technique, so I was shocked when there was no immediate response from the company; it struck me as strange, she says. Skadden did not reply to Fortunes request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 17 the firm was among many hit with a demand letter from acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Andrea Lucas, requesting information about the firm's DEI-related employment practices, alleging a potential violation of the Civil Rights Act. With many associates, including herself, seeing the letter as a clear intimidation tactic, Cohen assumed at this point that Skadden would speak up and strike back, but that didnt happen. We knew nothing because the firm wouldnt talk about it, she says. Feeling concerned about the firms future and what she saw as its lackadaisical approach to the presidents demands, Cohen went to the press to address her concerns. She expected to be disciplined by management for her actions, which she says were clearly against company policy. But besides a couple of lighthearted warnings, the company did nothing. Cohen says that she believes that was because it was looking to mitigate bad press on the issue. They were going to just let me stomp my feet and tucker myself out like a toddler and then push me out at the end of the year once the media attention died off, Cohen says. Skadden did not reply to Fortunes repeated requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, in addition to committing at least $100 million in pro bono legal work for causes the administration supports, Skadden has also made efforts to dismantle DEI programs by overhauling its current hiring strategy and putting an end to employee resource groups, Bloomberg Law reports. Cohen wasnt the only one who was outraged. Earlier this month, a group of more than 80 alumni from Skadden sent a letter to London protesting the firms deal with Trump. In light of Skaddens position, it is outrageous and self-interested that rather than fulfilling the legal professions oath and standing in solidarity with fellow law firms that were fighting to uphold the Constitution, Skadden caved to bullying tactics instead, the letter states. Concerned that the firm was moving in a direction that violated her own ethics, Cohen quit Skadden on March 20. In doing so, she left behind a compensation package that she estimates would be more than $300,000 this year. Rising resentment Cohen isnt the only one to leave her job at a major law firm over its arrangements with the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A leading federal contracts lawyer at Perkins Coie has reportedly left the firm during its battle with Trump, and more than half-a-dozen associates at other firms have quit publicly due to their companys deals with the president. This includes lawyers who previously worked at Kirkland, Latham, Simpson Thacher, and Willkie Farr, which have all made deals with the administration to offer pro bono services as well as commitments to not engage in illegal DEI discrimination, the president announced on Truth Social last month. None of these firms responded to Fortunes repeated requests for comment. Some law student organizations are also taking a stance. One current JD student at Georgetown Law, Caleb Frye, says the student group he helps run, which works to place top graduates at major energy-focused law firms, recently sent a letter to Skadden canceling a networking event with the company becuase of its deal with Trump. We go to big firms like Skadden because we think that we're going to get the best training opportunities, the best career development, Frye, student and copresident of the Georgetown Energy Law Group, tells Fortune. But now, I cant look people in my group in the eye and tell them that they're going to get the best training opportunities at a firm that isn't even willing to litigate on behalf of its own constitutional rights. Earlier this month, the National Institute for Workers Rights filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Skadden. The group alleges that the firm engaged in unfair labor practices by making efforts to restrict the email access of employees expressing concerns, submitting resignations, and planning coordinated rejections of recruitment activities over its Trump agreement. Skadden did not reply to Fortunes repeated request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some law firms that were targeted by Trump are pushing back on the administration. After the president issued an executive order against Susman Godfrey, accusing the firm of weaponizing the American legal system and degrading the quality of American elections, the firm sued him. On April 15, a federal judge granted the firms request for temporary relief from the order, the New York Times reported. As for Cohen, shes unsure of her future, but says it will likely be outside of the legal profession. She says she feels what Skadden is doing is much larger than just promising free legal work to the president, adding the companys actions have led her to question the ethics of management and reduced her faith in the entire legal system. I don't know if there's a law after this, says Cohen. It seems like the country is moving toward kangaroo courts, and I'm certainly not going to commit myself to the practice of law as a full-time job until I see how things unfold. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com A group backing a 2026 proposed constitutional amendment to expand Medicaid has filed a challenge to Floridas new law restricting the publics ability to amend the state constitution. Florida Decides HealthCare filed the lawsuit in federal court in the Northern District of Florida Sunday night, May 4, arguing provisions of the elections reform measure unconstitutionally restricts First Amendment rights. Backed by attorneys from the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Elias Law Group, a national firm known for representing Democratic campaigns and nonprofit organizations, Florida Decides argues HB 1205 suppresses speech by turning the citizens initiative process into a bureaucratic nightmare. A stock image of a gavel. The group is working to meet a Feb. 1 deadline to submit nearly 900,000 signatures for a Medicaid Expansion initiative to qualify for the 2026 ballot. Now, in the middle of the petition drive organizers suddenly face up to $50,000 fines for violations of rules that didnt exist in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill Friday, May 2; the same afternoon the Legislature approved and sent it to him. This bill is a calculated and cowardly attempt by politicians in Tallahassee to rewrite the rules not to serve the people, but to protect their own power. This is not reform. This is repression, Mitch Emerson of Florida Decides said. Florida Decides HealthCare has a Tallahassee post office box, an office in Coral Gables, and affiliated hubs throughout the state. It is organized to promote a constitutional amendment for the 2026 election to require the state to provide Medicaid insurance to those over the age of 18 whose income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level less than $22,000. Florida is one of the 10 states that have not exercised a Medicaid expansion option under the Affordable Care Act, with the House famously adjourning without taking up a Senate proposal backed by then-Gov. Rick Scott in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emerson said they have collected about 100,000 signatures with a deadline eight months away to collect nearly another 800,000. How those names are gathered is the focus of HB 1205. Citizen initiatives in recent years have set a cap on the number of students in classrooms, mandate a $15 minimum wage, legalize medical marijuana, and restore voting rights to felons. All policy changes the Florida Legislature failed to act on. DeSantis had called for tougher regulation of the initiative process after last Novembers election which included citizen initiatives to expand abortion access and to allow for the recreational use of marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis campaigned against both, but voters overwhelmingly supported the initiatives by margins of 57.2% and 55.9% but short of the 60% needed for adoption. But the DeSantis-led Office of Election Crimes and Security issued a report later finding rampant fraud by backers of an abortion-rights initiative in 2024. The pro-initiative Floridians Protecting Freedom political committee paid a $164,000 settlement over alleged fraudulent signatures, and DeSantis called on the Legislature to adopt tougher regulations to amend the Constitution. Gov. Ron DeSantis gives his State of the State Address on opening day of the Florida legislative session, Tuesday,March 4, 2025. Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, said the House wrote a measure that targets petition collectors who engage in forgery and identity theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe in ensuring integrity in the process, Persons-Mulicka, one of the bills main sponsors, said. Among other things, the new law includes fines of up to $50,000 for petition organizers and also: Requires a petition sponsor to post a $1 million bond payable to the Division of Elections once the sponsor has collected 25% of signatures needed to be placed on ballot. Requires all petition circulators to be Florida residents. Levies a $50,000 fine for allowing a non-citizen or convicted felon to collect or handle initiative petitions. Lowers the amount of time to submit signature to supervisor of elections from 30 days to 10 days. Revises penalties for late submission from a flat fine of $50 to a daily fine of $50 up to $2,500. Triggers an Office of Election Crimes and Security investigation when a supervisor of elections reports more than 10% of voters revoked their petition signature. Emerson said the regulations are restrictive and the punishment severe enough to strangle the petition process with red tape and intimidation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the new law a direct assault on Article XI Section 3 of the Florida Constitution, which reserved the power to amend the Constitution to the people. Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka talks with other representatives during the opening day of the 2024 Legislative Session on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. Souther Poverty Law Centers Matletha Bennette said lawyers worked through the weekend to prepare the challenge because many of the provisions went into effect with DeSantis signature. Challenging this law is very critical to the sustainability of Florida Decides HealthCare and their ability to continue collecting petitions, Bennette said. The group filed the challenge, less than 48 hours after DeSantis signed the bill into law. Emerson said DeSantis signature had an immediate effect on the Florida Decides petition drive. Volunteers and financial backers began backing away, questioning whether they want the legal risk of being involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fear is very real, Emerson said. Thats exactly what the law was designed to do, to sow confusion and try to shut down engagement before it starts. Florida Decides attorneys also said they intend to file a temporary restraining order, shortly to block enforcement of the laws provisions. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and is on X as @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Lawsuit: DeSantis signed law 'strangles' Florida amendment process Passersby observe the floodwaters at Veterans Memorial Park on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Lewiston on Dec. 20, 2023. (Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Although Maine often prides itself on living out its motto to be a leader, especially with environmental policy, state leaders are encouraging lawmakers to pause efforts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim acknowledged that Maine will need billions of dollars to address the impacts of climate change, but she said now is not the time to move forward with a proposal for fossil fuel companies to cover those costs, citing the legal battles miring states that have already taken such action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balancing that need and timing, Loyzim told the Legislatures Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Monday that the department is neither for nor against two bills seeking to establish a superfund for large fossil fuel companies to pay for infrastructure repairs, resiliency efforts and other costs in the rural and low-income communities disproportionately affected by flooding and other disasters. The fossil fuel industry created a mess in Maine and its high time they are responsible for cleaning it up, said Sen. Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland), who sponsored one of the bills. LD 1870 would establish the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program, which would be funded by payments from fossil fuel businesses responsible for more than one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 1995 and 2024. The legislation stipulates that at least 35% of the funds would need to be used for climate change adaptation projects that benefit low-income households. Brenner said her bill, with one Republican cosponsor, is a natural extension of the bipartisan efforts behind LD 1 that was signed into law last month. That symbolic first bill of the session created funding opportunities to make Maine homes more resilient and established a new State Resilience Office to address flooding and other impacts of extreme weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That legislation was in response to the series of severe storms that caused an estimated $90 million in damage to public infrastructure across Maine last winter and builds upon $60 million for storm relief that was included in the states supplemental budget last year. Instead of needing to pass a bill like LD 1 every single legislative session, we can establish a climate superfund to better prepare for and respond to storms, said Jackson Chadwick, advocacy director for Maine Youth for Climate Justice, testifying in support. During the public hearing, Rep. Grayson Lookner (D-Portland) introduced LD 1808 that similarly seeks to establish a superfund to hold fossil fuel companies accountable, especially since research has shown that companies including Exxon knew of the harm decades ago and actively sought to suppress those findings. Though there is a lot of overlap between the two bills, Lookner said his bill provides a more robust definition around an environmental justice focus populations that could better direct superfund dollars to communities hit hardest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the hearing, many of the proponents said they prefer LD 1870, but Lookner and others encouraged the committee to take the best components of each bill when streamlining the proposals. Maine Lobsters Union Local 207 submitted testimony in support of Lookners bill, saying that Maine needs a plan for the future so heritage industries that rely on the waterfront, like lobster fishing, arent left with debilitating damage from extreme weather and little means to make the repairs. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce opposed the measures, arguing that they pose risks to Maine business by retroactively assigning financial liability to companies that were lawfully engaging in business. It fears such legislation would signal that Maine is an unpredictable place to do business. Sen. Denise Tepler (D-Sagadahoc), who co-chairs the committee, asked Brenner if the superfund would pay for damages in the five areas of her district that are being impacted by sea level rise. Brenner reminded her that costs to repair roads and other public infrastructure in those areas are currently being paid for by taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some committee members questioned whether the model would increase prices at the gas pump or on energy bills, but Brenner said she believes existing financial regulatory processes would prevent costs from being pushed on to consumers. Legal battles against superfunds in other states Maine isnt the first state to explore the idea of a climate superfund, as Vermont and New York have already passed similar legislation. However, those states, as well as Hawaii and Michigan, have subsequently been sued for those policies, including by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Justice Department said the lawsuit is also meant to advance an executive order from President Donald Trump that targets state and local policies involving climate change, environmental justice and carbon emissions reductions. Rachel Rothschild, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan Law School, told the committee it is unprecedented for the DOJ to bring that type of lawsuit and she is skeptical of the viability of the claims. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi argues these policies threaten the countrys energy independence, while the lawsuit claims they are unconstitutional and preempted by the federal Clean Air Act. However, Rothschild said the Clean Air Act addresses future pollution, whereas the superfund looks at pollution retroactively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate superfunds, like the one proposed in Maine, build upon a long-standing principle in environmental law known as polluter pays. That is the same principle that requires identifiable polluters to foot the bill to clean up hazardous waste sites. Cathy Breen, who testified on behalf of the Environmental Priorities Coalition, said the state has adopted other uses of that principle through policies such as the beverage container redemption program, as well as the recently extended producer responsibility program for packaging. LD 1870 is a priority for the coalition of 40 conservation, climate and public health organizations this legislative session. Loyzim said it would be helpful for Maine to wait and see how that litigation plays out in other states before creating a superfund of its own. She recommended the state wait until next year to dig into this topic and what it could look like in Maine. This would also allow the state to determine how best to implement the policy, including details like whether it would share data with other states, to better estimate the cost of such a policy. Rep. Dan Ankeles (D-Brunswick) asked Loyzim how to ensure that the department continues to lay the groundwork for that conversation if the committee chooses to defer it until next year. Loyzim said they will already be tracking those legal challenges but also suggested the committee could convert one of the bills into a directive for the department to work on a report to inform future discussion. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. We are looking for partners for Belarusian companies, and if we are in Azerbaijan today, then we are also looking for partners among Belarusian companies for Azerbaijani ones, Chairman of the Board of the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange (BUCE) Alexander Osmolovsky told Trend. He first provided information about BUCE. We are a trading platform. It is an electronic platform that facilitates the trade of various goods. We help businesses find each other, conduct sales and purchase operations, and conclude contracts. The goal of our exchange is to support the promotion and sale of goods. We are looking for partners for Belarusian companies, and if we are in Azerbaijan today, it means we are also seeking partners among Azerbaijani companies for Belarusian firms. That is why I came here today. Of course, my interest is to see as many Azerbaijani companies as possible join our exchange including those from Karabakh. For me, it doesnt matter where they come from. The more companies there are, the greater the trade turnover between our countries, he emphasized. Osmolovsky also invited representatives from Karabakh to participate in official trade operations in Belarus. Goods will be coming from Belarus, and goods will be sent from Azerbaijan to Belarus, correct? Thats why Im here today were talking about our exchange and trying to make more companies aware of it. I dont know whether there were representatives from Karabakh here today. If there were, I would be very pleased. Maybe today, through you, through your media outlet, I am taking the opportunity to extend an invitation to those companies as well: let them come to Belarus, make use of our exchange, and establish business with Belarus. Today, we signed an agreement with the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan. This agency supports business development and helps increase trade turnover between our countries. Therefore, I believe that our joint cooperation will contribute to increasing trade volume, mutual business recognition, and partner discovery in both countries. We'll develop joint projects and implement them. I believe we'll succeed, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel City officials and community leaders shared their condolences with the victims and their families after a fatal shooting on the evening of May 4 outside a downtown Glendale restaurant. Three people were killed and five others injured after multiple people opened fire in the parking lot outside El Camaron Gigante, a mariscos and steak restaurant. Police said the violence was an isolated incident tied to "bad blood" between the parties. A Glendale police spokesperson said the restaurant's security kicked out several people fighting inside the venue, where a dance party was taking place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several local and state officials said they wanted to see increased efforts to prevent gun violence. U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Arizona, issued a statement the morning after the shooting, decrying the violence and calling for greater gun control. She represents the congressional district where the shooting occurred. "For too long, Americans have been forced to watch as gun violence affects every corner of our communities schools, movie theaters, places of worship, and local restaurants like El Camaron Gigante," Ansari shared in a statement on May 5 in response to the Glendale shooting. Commonsense policy reform to regulate guns has broad, bipartisan support. Its long past time we stand up and do something." In her earlier role as a member of the Phoenix City Council, Ansari pushed against a state law that requires agencies to resell confiscated and forfeited guns. She has also expressed support for an assault weapons ban. US Sen. Mark Kelly and wife Gabrielle Giffords U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, issued a statement on X at about noon May 5. He has been outspoken about gun control and gun violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No community should have to experience this, but far too many do," his statement said. Im keeping the victims of last nights shooting in Glendale and their families in my thoughts." His wife, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, also posted a statement on X. She nearly died in a mass shooting near Tucson in 2011. "Another celebration devastated by gun violence, this time in our home state, at a Cinco de Mayo party in Glendale, Arizona," her X post read. "My heart breaks for the Arizonans impacted. It does not have to be this way." Giffords' organization, which focuses on gun violence, also released a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Only in America do days of celebration so often turn into tragedy," the organization said. "Our hearts are with all those impacted." State Sen. Analise Ortiz State Sen. Analise Ortiz, D-Phoenix, said she supported gun control measures in the wake of the shooting. Ortiz represents Legislative District 24, which includes downtown Glendale. "My heart is with each of you," Ortiz said in a statement May 5. "Gun violence continues to ravage our communities and every tragedy is unacceptable. I am committed to the continued fight for common-sense policy change to end it. Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims from last nights senseless shooting that took place at a local establishment near Grand Avenue and 57th Drive, Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers said in a statement. We want to thank our Glendale Police Department for responding so swiftly to the incident and for securing the area. No officers or security personnel fired their guns, and our police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. Glendale Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro Glendale Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro represents Glendales Ocotillo District, which includes the downtown corridor, where El Camaron Gigante is located. He said that while he respects the rights of gun owners and Second Amendment protections, firearms dont belong in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You just don't pull a gun out over an argument or whatever. I mean, guns should belong in wars and battles, but not in the streets, he said. And if you're protecting yourself, well, thats one thing, but if you're just creating or inciting an incident, that's another thing. As far as how to prevent gun violence, Baldenegro emphasized education, but not regarding gun safety. Rather, he said, there should be more public outreach to educate young adults about making better choices and the consequences of escalating confrontations. Talking to them, say, Man, you guys need to not do this anymore. You guys need to knock this off. It's just going to get worse, he said. Anything retaliatory, that's just dumb, it's just a waste of time, and you're putting other people in jeopardy. Former Glendale Councilmember Jamie Aldama Jamie Aldama, Baldenegros predecessor, who represented Glendales downtown district from 2014 to 2024, said the shooting was noteworthy because it occurred so close to home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hear about these in other states in our nation, and then it lands at home, its pretty significant, Aldama said. It is scary that such a thing can happen so quickly and unfold so quickly. Aldama was reassured by the police departments finding that the shooting was an isolated incident. We are a safe city, we are safe community, we are safe district, he said. Those things happen, but it's a reminder that they can happen anywhere, at any time, and gratefully, we have a great public safety team that can respond so rapidly. But it is scary. It really is when it strikes home. Republic reporters Lauren De Young and Richard Ruelas contributed to this article. (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Leaders call for gun policy change following deadly Glendale shooting WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The Learjet 36A that took off from Wichita last Wednesday evening made it to the Arctic Circle early morning and returned to Wichita Monday afternoon. It appears the Learjet Polar Mission plane and crew accomplished a polar circumnavigation. First, they had to cross over 75 degrees south latitude, which they did on Friday. Then they had to head north, crossing the equator more than 90 degrees from where they crossed it when heading south. Rain returns and will stick around through the week Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, at 2:30 a.m. on Monday, the Learjet crossed over 75 degrees north latitude, into the northern polar region. We worked like a tight-knit crew. And when I say tight-knit crew, I mean tight-knit crew. We had two pilots flying at all times and two pilots in the back resting. We had a small mattress in the back that wed unfold every time we get up to altitude, wed unfold this mattress. Two of us would crash almost immediately for the duration of the flight, pilot Josh Podlich said. (Courtesy Classic Lear Jet Foundation) (Courtesy Classic Lear Jet Foundation) (Courtesy Classic Lear Jet Foundation) (Courtesy Classic Lear Jet Foundation) Captain Bart Gray posted the update on social media: Snowy mountains, icy airstrips, and that unreal Arctic light, what a moment. From the bottom of the world to the top, the Polar Mission is officially in the Arctic Circle! Captain Bart Gray, Learjet Polar Mission The final element of a successful polar circumnavigation was to return to Bombardier Building 14 in Wichita, where they started the journey. The plane arrived around 2:15 p.m. on Monday. (Courtesy Classic Lear Jet Foundation) The Polar Mission initially aimed to fly over the South and North Poles in three days, but weather conditions made that impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight was to raise funds for the restoration of Lear Jet 23-003, the first Lear Jet ever sold in the Air Capital, back when the company was called Lear Jet instead of Learjet. Rowe says the Lear Jet 23-003 started the business jet industry in Wichita. Global Jetcare, an air ambulance service in Florida, volunteered its plane, and four of the companys pilots took turns flying the mission. The details are at PolarMission.org and on the Classic Lear Jet Foundation Facebook page. 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. FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) At least one person was hurt after a shooting in Florence, police said on Monday. It happened in the 1000 block of Royal Street, according to police, who said there was at least one victim with a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates. * * * 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. May 5 (UPI) -- Three people are dead after a "panga" boat washed ashore Monday morning in southern California. Based on survivors' reports, the craft seems to have been a vessel used for migrant travel. "It is a suspected migrant smuggling boat," said Petty Officer Chris Sappey, a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson. At least nine other people are still missing. "Human smuggling, no drugs -- the ones coming up from south of the border," he specified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Sappey, at least two children were on board. However, the exact number of people allegedly on board the vessel was not immediately clear. Four survivors were given medical care in the morning hours after a boat came ashore at Torrey Pines State Park near San Diego, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Multiple local agencies -- including the San Diego Police Department, nearby fire departments, Del Mar Lifeguards and U.S. border patrol agents -- aided in the search that authorities had described as a "mass casualty incident." The emergency response began when the vessel was spotted near the 12000 block of North Torrey Pines Road after it reportedly capsized at around 6:30 a.m. local time near Del Mar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There were estimated to be about 18 people on the beach, so we upgraded this to a major medical response due the number of potential victims that we had on the beach with this boat," confirmed Jorge Sanchez, deputy fire chief with the Encinitas Fire Department. Sanchez said earlier it was unclear if it was a suspected case of human smuggling, adding that "several resources" were walking up and down the beach as well to making sure "that no one is missed." Three people died and nine are missing after a panga boat with 16 people capsized near Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego on May 5, the Coast Guard tells PEOPLE Four had been rescued from the disaster Officials reportedly believe the boat was carrying migrants as part of a smuggling operation At least three people have died and nine people remain missing after a panga boat carrying about 16 people overturned off the coast of San Diego, authorities said. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the incident to PEOPLE that authorities were notified on Monday, May 5, at 6:30 a.m., local time, of a boat capsizing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from the three dead, four people were rescued and needed medical attention, according to the agency. Related: She Helped Plan a Deadly Smuggling Voyage. Now 16 People Are Dead and Shes Headed to Prison The Coast Gaurd added that authorities were still searching for the nine unaccounted for. A Coast Guard official told CBS News that the panga overturned near Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego. In an X post, the San Diego County Sheriffs Office said its deputies were assisting the @USCG with providing life saving measures related to a maritime event on the beach near the 200 block of Stratford Court in @CityDelMar. Look for increased law enforcement activity in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities believe the people aboard the panga were migrants, NBC News reported. Related: At Least 10 Dead and 70 Hospitalized After 4 Tourist Boats Capsize Due to Strong Winds: Reports "It is a suspected migrant smuggling boat human smuggling no drugs the ones coming up from south of the border," Coast Guard spokesperson Petty Officer Chris Sappey said, per the outlet. Authorities told CBS affiliate KFMB that at least two people aboard the panga were minors. At the time the panga capsized on Monday morning, KFMB reported that the waves were rocky and harsh amid rainy weather. Officials later found several items in the boat, including towels, life vests and shoes. 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. PEOPLE contacted the San Diego County Sheriffs Office for additional information on Monday. Lt. Nick Backouris of the department said their agency will oversee the death investigations, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Read the original article on People A small boat believed to be carrying migrants capsized early Monday off the coast of San Diego, leaving at least three people dead and four others injured. The U.S. Coast Guard said early Tuesday that crews has suspended a search for at least seven others who were missing. The panga-style boat a small, open, outboard-powered fishing vessel overturned near Torrey Pines State Beach with at least 16 people on board, a U.S. Coast Guard official told CBS News. Among them were at least two children, according to San Diego CBS affiliate KFMB, which also reported that four people were hospitalized in the aftermath of the incident. The Coast Guard official told CBS News that it is treating it as a suspected human smuggling incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey told The Associated Press that it was unclear where the boat was coming from before it flipped about 35 miles north of the Mexico border. He said similar vessels were commonly used by smugglers. "They were not tourists," Sappey said. "They are believed to be migrants." Officials had no other details about those on board, including the three people who died. It was also unclear if anyone made it to shore on their own and left the area, The AP reported. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office said its deputies were assisting. The sheriff told KFMB that no one had been detained in connection with the incident. A boat that capsized sits on the beach Monday, May. 5, 2025, in at Torrey Pines State beach in San Diego, Calif. / Credit: Denis Poroy / AP Video published by the station showed the empty boat near the shoreline at Torrey Pines State Beach, while lifeguards patrolled the water and law enforcement vehicles parked on the sand. A Coast Guard helicopter surveyed the area from above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses reported seeing a boat capsize near the shore at about 6:30 a.m. local time, Lt. Nick Backouris of the San Diego Sheriff's Department told The Associated Press. "A doctor hiking nearby called in and said, 'I see people doing CPR on the beach, I'm running that way,'" Backouris said. The wooden boat was more than 20 feet long, and had scuffed blue paint and wooden planks for seats, The AP reported. Inside the boat were a pair of running shoes, more than a dozen life vests, an empty waterproof cellphone bag and various water bottles. In addition to sheriff's deputies and Coast Guard, officials with the Encinitas Fire Department and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol were also at the scene, KFMB reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The immigration status of those on board was "not known at the moment," Jorge Sanchez, the deputy fire chief, said during an interview at the scene. Sanchez said multiple people were found on the beach after the boat overturned, and confirmed it was considered a "mass casualty incident." The rise of "Barstool Conservatism" Student loan borrower shares her story as collections resume for those in default What to expect on Day 1 of the papal conclave At least three people were killed when a boat overturned near San Diego on Monday as the Coast Guard, lifeguards and sheriff's deputies launched a search for more victims, authorities said. The travelers appeared to be migrants, officials said. The exact number of people on board wasn't immediately clear. "It is a suspected migrant smuggling boat human smuggling, no drugs the ones coming up from south of the border," said Petty Officer Chris Sappey, a Coast Guard spokesperson. The Pacific Ocean coastline in Del Mar, Calif., on Aug. 16. At least two children were on board, Sappey added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the three who died, at least four other people "were transported to our local hospitals by ambulances," Encinitas Deputy Fire Chief Jorge Sanchez said. A person on the panga boat typically a smaller, open, outboard-motor-powered craft told rescuers 18 people were on board, Sanchez said. It wasn't immediately clear how many are missing or whether any made it to the shores of Torrey Pines State Beach on their own, he said. "We're just doing our due diligence by checking if there's anybody else in the waters," Sanchez said. "And to this point, I don't have anything else to report as far as missing or accounted for." The Coast Guard said in a statement that there are nine "missing individuals" following "a report of an overturned vessel" in the waters off Del Mar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Diego County sheriff's deputies are also assisting in the "maritime event on the beach near the 200 block of Stratford Court, the sheriff's office said. The search for possible victims included first responders in helicopters, lifeguards on boats and jet skis and others on foot going up and down the sand looking for anyone in need of medical attention, Sanchez said. A panga boat capsized in nearby Imperial Beach on Thanksgiving weekend 2002, killing three people. The captain and co-captain of that vessel were sentenced to 54 and 50 months in federal prison, respectively. They were trying to smuggle seven adults and an unaccompanied minor into the United States, officials said. The victims were a 39-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man, both from Mexico, and an unidentified young woman, believed to be from Guatemala. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Three people -- including a teenage boy and his older brother -- were killed and five others were injured in a shooting outside a restaurant in Glendale, Arizona, according to police. Suspects are still outstanding, Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago told reporters on Monday. The Sunday evening shooting stemmed from a fight during a concert at the restaurant El Camaron Gigante, according to Glendale police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 3 victims in unknown condition after a shooting at a wilderness park in California The individuals -- who had a "history" of "bad blood" -- were escorted outside, and their fight escalated in the parking lot, Santiago said. Around 7:45 p.m., they began firing shots at each other, he said. Three people died at the scene: a 17-year-old boy, his 29-year-old brother and a 21-year-old man, Santiago said. Five others were injured: a 20-year-old woman, a 21-year-old woman, a 16-year-old boy, a 20-year-old man and a 23-year-old man, he said. PHOTO: Multiple people were killed in a shooting at a restaurant in Glendale, Arizona, on May 4, 2025. (KNXV) The 16-year-old boy was the most critically hurt; he underwent surgery overnight and is expected to recover, Santiago said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of shooters was not clear but Santiago said there was more than one. Santiago called the shooting an isolated incident and said there's no threat to the public. ABC News' Jeffrey Cook and Erica Morris contributed to this report. 2 brothers among 3 killed in shooting outside Glendale, Arizona, restaurant: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A panga boat believed to be carrying migrants overturned near the San Diego coast Monday, killing three people and sending at least four to the hospital. Now, nine people are unaccounted for as authorities are searching for other victims who were on board the 12-foot panga boat. Officials found 18 people on the beach, Encinitas Deputy Fire Chief Jorge Sanchez told Fox 5 San Diego. The boat overturned off the coast of Del Mar, about 15 miles north of downtown San Diego. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Chris Sappey told ABC 7 the boat, which overturned about 35 miles from the Mexican border, was likely carrying migrants. Panga boats are small vessels designed for fishing but typically used by smugglers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They were not tourists," Sappey said. "They are believed to be migrants." A lifeguard overlooks the boat that overturned off the coast of Del Mar, California on Monday morning. At least three people are dead and four were injured in the incident. (AP) Those injured were taken to the nearby Scripps La Jolla Hospital, KGTV reported. There were estimated to be about 18 people on the beach, so we upgraded this to a major medical response due to the number of potential victims that we had on the beach with this boat, Sanchez said. The boat overturned near Torrey Pines State Beach around 6:30 a.m. A passerby spotted people doing CPR on the beach and called the police. A doctor hiking nearby called in and said, I see people doing CPR on the beach, Im running that way, Nick Backouris from the San Diego Sheriffs Department told the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One or two children were among those on board, Coast Guard spokesperson Hunter Schnabel told The San Diego Union-Tribune. Several agencies, including the Coast Guard and San Diego Sheriffs Department, were helping with the search efforts. San Diego Fire-Rescue sent helicopters to aid the response, while the Coast Guard is using a 45-foot response boat, the Union-Tribune reports. Crews are also combing the beach on foot. A Coast Guard boat searches the waters where a panga boat overturned Monday morning. A doctor passing through the area called the police after seeing people administering CPR on the beach (AP) "We're just doing our due diligence by checking if there's anybody else in the waters," Sanchez told NBC News. "And to this point, I don't have anything else to report, as far as missing or accounted for." We have several resources walking up and down the beach as well, making sure that no one is missed, Sanchez also told Fox 5. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Uzbekistans Centrum Air company commenced regular direct flights on the BakuTashkent route today, Trend reports. The flights are operated every Monday using modern and comfortable Airbus A320 aircraft. Centrum Air flight schedule: Baku Tashkent: departure at 19:20, arrival at 22:50 (GMT +4) Tashkent Baku: departure at 16:15, arrival at 18:20 (GMT +4) We welcome Centrum Air's launch of operations at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The entry of a new carrier on this high-demand route reflects growing market interest and strengthens transport connectivity between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Expanding our route network remains a strategic priority, and we are open to further partnerships with international airlines, said Director of Heydar Aliyev International Airport Teymur Hasanov. The airline's Founder and Chairman of the Board, Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov also highly appreciated the event. "For Centrum Air, strengthening air links with our closest partners is of utmost importance. Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan share not only economic interests but also deep historical, cultural, and family ties. The BakuTashkent route will serve as another bridge between our nations, making travel easier, he stressed. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is the countrys largest city and one of Central Asias key economic, cultural, and transportation hubs. It combines rich historical heritage with modern infrastructure. Baku, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, continues to strengthen its role as a major air transport hub and contributes to the expansion of international connectivity. The direct air link between the capitals opens up new opportunities for passengers in tourism, business, and humanitarian cooperation. To note, the BakuTashkent route is already part of Heydar Aliyev International Airports route network, and the addition of Centrum Air to this route offers passengers greater frequency and more travel options. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A veteran attends a county fair. (Jena Ardell/Getty Images) LINCOLN For-profit consultants make millions each year charging veterans for help in filing benefits claims. Nebraska is moving to crack down on what some call predatory claim sharks. It is already against federal law for companies not accredited with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to charge veterans fees for help in claiming benefits. But in 2006, a clear enforcement method vanished from federal law, State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst told the Nebraska Legislatures Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York, New Jersey and Maine are among states that recently passed protections against claim sharks, who McKeon said use aggressive tactics and false promises. Our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation deserve better than this, McKeon, a veteran, said at the hearing for his Legislative Bill 693. We owe them a duty to protect them from being defrauded. Broad state support LB 693 would change state law so that anyone receiving compensation for preparing, advising or consulting someone for earned veterans benefits or making referrals for such services would commit a deceptive trade practice unless otherwise allowed by state or federal law. Attorneys, agents or companies properly accredited by the federal VA, for instance, would not be impacted by LB 693, according to the Nebraska chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars. State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst. (Courtesy of Nebraska Unicameral Information Office) A previous version of the bill was introduced in 2024 by former State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska, a decorated veteran and former Government Committee chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brewers bill did not move forward. This time, McKeons LB 693 has advanced unanimously from the Government Committee but hasnt yet been scheduled for debate. It is McKeons personal 2025 priority bill, increasing the likelihood it could be scheduled. Attempts to regulate the for-profit industry have stalled in Congress. Among those supporting the Nebraska legislation are major veterans service offices that offer free services, including: AMVETS. The American Legion. Marine Corps League. Veterans of Foreign Wars. Nebraska Veterans Council. Disabled American Veterans. Paralyzed Veterans of America. Military Order of the Purple Heart. County Veterans Service Officers Association of Nebraska (including those from Lancaster, Dawes and Sioux Counties). Choice or exploitation? At the bills hearing, Ray Colas of Veterans Benefits Guide and John Blomstrom of Veterans Guardian opposed LB 693. Neither service is accredited with the VA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colas said LB 693 could create unintended consequences. He said many veterans are unaware of free services that exist but Veterans Benefits Guide tries to publicize those options. They still sign on the dotted line because they know they need help or, for purposes of convenience, prefer to use our services fully, Colas testified. Blomstrom, a Marine Corps veteran for Veterans Guardian, said he was concerned LB 693 would limit an option that he said should be protected under the First Amendment. He said his organization ensures veterans have an option amid the VAs very archaic, broken system. Colas said his organization could support LB 693 if it more closely mirrored federal law for accreditation. Blomstrom said consumer protections were a better route than accreditation. Gov. Jim Pillen celebrates the passage of four bills in spring 2024 to help with Nebraska National Guard recruitment and retention. Dec. 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Ken Yount, state commander for the Nebraska chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars, said in a statement to the Nebraska Examiner that organizations like his have met with lobbyists for the out-of-state companies in good faith. However, such companies have refused to be held to the same ethical standards of VA accreditation or accept a reasonable fee cap, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They claim to give veterans another choice, but what theyre really offering is exploitation, Yount said. Veterans deserve better and Nebraska has the chance to stand up for them. Our heroes deserve better Mike Sheets, on behalf of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Nebraska and the Great Plains Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, said his organizations provide services at no charge while still advocating for veterans beyond one-on-one services Sheets said veterans swear their oath to protect the country, knowing that we would be protected by lawmakers, ensuring that we are not preyed upon by for-profit companies. Spike Jordan, a county veterans service officer in Dawes and Sioux Counties, said veterans who put life and limb on the line for the county often exit with physical and mental wounds that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We owe our heroes more than the symbolic debt of our gratitude, Jordan said in a statement. McKeon, one of three veterans on the Government Committee, said the status quo is unacceptable and that LB 693 is about doing the right thing. Protecting our veterans must be our top priority that shouldnt be delayed, McKeon said last month. Our heroes deserve better than to be continued to be taken advantage of by the scammers. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MADISON Republican lawmakers are circulating proposed bills that would protect and aid handlers of search and rescue dogs, in hopes of supporting the volunteers who often spend large amounts of their own money to aid in natural disasters and wilderness searches. Here's what you should know about the bills. A penalty for harassing search and rescue dogs The first of the bills would classify search and rescue dogs on the same level as all other public service dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, the bill would make any action to frighten, intimidate, threaten, abuse or harass a search and rescue dog a felony, and could require the person responsible for the harassment to pay restitution, including veterinary care expenses or the value of a replacement animal. "Extending existing protections to include search and rescue dogs acknowledges their vital role in public safety," the co-sponsorship memo said. "It ensures that anyone who intentionally injures or threatens them is held accountable." Search and rescue dogs would be permitted in hotels Another bill in the package would prohibit hotels, motels and inns from turning away search and rescue handlers because they have a dog with them. The bill would afford the same accommodations that are currently afforded to service animals, and recognizes that search and rescue dogs provide an essential service, the co-sponsorship memo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Handlers would still be accountable for any damage caused by their dog during the stay. Tax exemptions for search and rescue gear Another proposed bill would offer a tax exemption for equipment purchased to aid in search and rescue missions involving dogs, including GPS collars and safety gear. "By providing a sales and use tax exemption for these essential tools, the bill helps ease the financial burden on volunteer handlers, nonprofit search and rescue organizations, and local agencies that often operate on tight budgets and donations," said the co-sponsorship memo circulated with the proposed bill. To claim the exemption, the purchaser of the gear would have to provide certification. Bills build on a law signed into effect last year Rep. Chanz Green, R-Grand View, said the three bills build on legislation that was signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That bill allowed donations of anatomical gifts to search and rescue organizations, so the dogs had the proper tools to train with. The groups involved in search and rescue in his district aided Green's work on the new bills. Those groups train and travel all over the Midwest using their own money, Green said in an emailed statement, and often operate in tense situations. "It is time to recognize how essential these groups are to Wisconsin and try to help with some of the burdens they incur when volunteering," he said. "Hopefully, if these bills get signed into law, it will create an incentive to allow more volunteer search and rescue K9 groups to be developed and recognized throughout the state. Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Wisconsin egislation seeks to protect search and rescue dogs To the editor: If the Supreme Court justices decide to override the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment of the Constitution, the question then becomes: Which church will run the schools? Or temple, mosque, gurdwara, wat or basadi ( Supreme Court may allow church-run, publicly funded charter schools across the nation, April 30)? The founding fathers wisely did not establish a state religion because history shows us the limitations and divisiveness that arise when politics and religion are mixed together. And now the Supreme Court wants to violate their wishes and open up a Pandora's box of religion into our public schools. Bob Hoffman, Long Beach .. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the editor: So the Catholic majority on the Supreme Court appears to favor public funding of religious charter schools. I just cant wait to hear how they are going to react when Hasidic schools apply for funding their Torah-based studies with minimal traditional academic classes. And Im sure they will welcome madrasas as well. Beware of what you wish for, SCOTUS. Barbara Rosen, Fullerton .. To the editor: If the conservatives on the Supreme Court give the OK for tax-exempt churches to have us taxpayers pay for religious schools, does that mean that the law could be changed and all churches can now be taxed? Shouldnt be able to have it both ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fred Mandel, Encino .. To the editor: Why is the Supreme Court even considering the funding of religious charter schools with taxpayer dollars? We should be promoting and funding science and math schools to compete with China and other nations. Will religious studies develop new medicines and cure cancer, improve agriculture production to feed the poor or save the planet from climate change? Larry Naritomi, Monterey Park This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A cow from a local farm needs your vote to be crowned the happiest cow. Photo/Organic Valley Organic Valley, a dairy company, is holding Happy Cow Showdown to identify the happiest cow from its company in America. Daisy the Holstein cow is one of eight contenders, and is from Settlage Family Farm in St. Marys. Why are porch lights blue in Ohio? The Auglaize County cow is described as having a peaceful lifestyle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like her namesake flower, she can often be found planted in lush organic pastures swaying in the breeze, said Organic Valley. Three rounds of voting will be active for the contest. Voting Timeline Number Advancing May 1-11 Top Four May 12-28 Top Two May 19-27 Most Votes Wins One tree will be planted by the company for every 10 votes cast, up to 1,000 votes. To vote for your favorite cow, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. GREECE, N.Y. (WROC) A local Fire House Subs restaurant celebrated International Firefighters Day with an interactive event for families on Sunday. The food chains Touch-the-Truck event provides attendees a unique experience of exploring a fire truck and meeting first responders. Touch-the-Truck was held at the Street of Shoppes location at 1600 West Ridge Road in Greece from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. While there is also a West Henrietta location that serves the Greater Rochester area, the Greece location was the only one to participate in the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firehouse Subs is a business founded by firefighters that supports responders who serve the communities where restaurants are located. Rochester Renaissance Festivus returns for sixth year Proceeds from FireHouse Subs go directly to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has provided over $96 million of necessary equipment to first responders and various public safety organizations to date. Restaurantgoers can donate to the cause by purchasing recycled pickle buckets for $3, donating spare change at the checkout register, or rounding their bill up to the nearest dollar when paying for their meal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Spencerport Fire District received close to $44,000 towards safety equipment equipment from Sundays event. Additional information on Firehouse Subs, locations, and hours of operation can be found on their 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 RochesterFirst. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. The Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland (GSMH) announced that they will be selling Camp Finbrooke, an outdoor program center that opened in 1963 near Rogersville. The sale is part of a plan by the GSMH council to expand and strengthen local Girl Scouts programming and experiences in the long term. GSMH also cites a gradual decline in traditional property usage in the last decade and a focus on community-based programs as to why they decided to sell the camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision was made with careful consideration of both our mission and long-term goals, said CEO Brigitte Scott in a news release. We recognize the deep personal and historical connection many members and alumnae have with Finbrooke. Ultimately, we are making this decision to ensure more girls in more communities have access to meaningful, mission-aligned programming especially in areas where growth and engagement are most needed. Springfield Public Schools names teacher of the year Three Girl Scout outdoor program centers will still be in operation, and GSMH says they do not currently plan to sell any of their other properties. This is not the end of outdoor experiences for Girl Scouts in our region its a shift in how we deliver them, Scott said. Our commitment to outdoor leadership, adventure, and community remains strong and we are aligning our efforts to offer those experiences in the most effective and accessible ways possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process of selling Camp Pinbrooke is expected to start in the Spring. The council says it will invite community members to share their memories, questions and reflections of the camp. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Welding isnt usually considered a job for teenagers, and its even more rare to see a young woman in the role. One Harris County High School senior is defying expectations, thanks to a work-based learning program that combines classrooms and careers. Mary Rehrauer works in a male-dominated field, but shes not just holding her own, shes excelling. As soon as I got into the Metals class, I knew that was what I wanted to do, she said, So as soon as I got this job, I applied for the work based learning program and that has helped me tremendously because I would not be here where I am right now without the work-based learning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program allows high schools students to leave campus and work part-time jobs in the field theyre studying. For Mary, this was the perfect opportunity, after she had already completed all the welding and art classes offered by the high school. She said those were her only interests and she didnt want to take filler classes for the rest of high school. She admits theres judgement surrounding her interest, Its definitely been a wild road, getting over a lot of judgment with not only kids my age but adults. Especially here, [they] see that Im a female worker and I fix their stuff and theyre like, wow, you did that. A lot of people will take you for granted because youre just like youre a woman doing this. Mary continued, I try to do my absolute best to prove everybody that has their doubts about me wrong. Most people have been very encouraging, including my family. They have been nothing but supportive. Her determination hasnt gone unnoticed, Todd Sibert, co-owner of Sail Trailer, said her work ethic sets her apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She lifts her share just like the guys do, Sibert said, Shes polite, She does the work, she doesnt hesitate and I dont need to tell her anything twice, which is wonderful. Across Harris County, the work-based learning program connects students with employers in trades like healthcare, construction, engineering, and welding. The goal is to prepare students for life after high school, whether that means college or a career. Georgia House Bill 402, gives employers a discount on workers compensation premiums, making it easier to hire students like Mary. The program gives students a head start and helps employers find young, local talent. Students can explore careers, find out what they like and dont like, said Gary Johannes, the HCHS work based learning coordinator. Moving into college whether thats two or four years, they can also save college debt because they can learn a trade early and not get into a career and come to find out they wanna switch later on. It allows them to learn soft skills, maybe work locally and just have a great work experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Mary, welding is more than a class or a job; its her passion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) A local Mexican restaurant that started in a small home over 50 years ago expanded to another location in the Denver metro. On Monday, La Loma is hosting a grand opening for its newest location in Parker at 9355 Crown Crest Boulevard. While this marks one of several locations in the metro, it all started in a small home in 1973 with the Mendoza family. Popular local Mexican restaurant opens new location in Denver Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the restaurants website, the Mexican restaurant started with grandmother Savina Mendoza and the familys original recipes. After the restaurant sat inside the family home for years, La Loma finally opened a flagship location on 26th Avenue in Denver in 1981. The menu consisted of Tex-Mex and Mexican favorites like green chili, margaritas, barrel-aged tequila and fresh tortillas, which are still served today. The restaurant said it still offers the same menu with decades-old decorations like stained-glass windows and a photo of Savina Mendoza in the front entrance. The restaurant expanded into a small franchise with a location in Castle Rock and two locations on Broadway Street and at McGregor Square in Denver. Now, theres a fourth opening in Parker, but that wont be the end for the family-owned restaurant. La Loma restaurant owners said theyre opening another Denver location at the Denver Tech Center on East Belleview Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Many Wichitans filled the streets of downtown at the Loco For Cinco festival to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and local art and culture. The annual event not only brings Wichitans in but also people from Dallas-Fort Worth. Artists Juan Velazquez and Armando Aguirre were selected as this years artists for the Loco for Cinco mural project, and the two painted their murals live during the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguirre painted a Catrina, which is usually a female figure dressed as a skeleton or skull-faced. Its an iconic symbol of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). I was happy they chose this design because it was one that had been rejected for other clients, other opportunities. I kept holding on to it because Im like, I know one day Ill be able to paint it, Aguirre said. Aguirres art has taken him not only across Texas but also California and Tennessee. In his first visit to Wichita Falls, he said seeing the culture and art come alive shows the citys identity. I feel like this is the perfect piece to do for today for Cinco de Mayo. Something that is celebrating our culture and our heritage, Aguirre said. It makes me feel good because one of the things that Ive been wanting to do is go out and paint in other places, travel, and paint. Im doing that today, and it makes me feel really good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To check out Aguirres work, click here for his Instagram. You can find Velazquezs work 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 Texomashomepage.com. GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) After serving Green Bay, Brown County, and the country for more than six decades, Tom Hinz passed away Saturday at his home, surrounded by family members, at the age of 83. Hinz grew up in Merrill and went on to fight in the Vietnam War, eventually rising to the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Army. Back on home soil, he spent 31 years with the Green Bay Police Department and became assistant chief. Volunteers unite at 70 sites for Fox-Wolf watershed cleanup, restoring quality to water Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He left the department to be Brown County Sheriff, a role he held for three terms from 1997 to 2003. A return to office later followed, this time as Brown County executive, from 2007 to 2011. It was in this capacity that he spearheaded the move of the sheriffs office from downtown Green Bay to Bellevue, decreasing both costs and response time. One of Hinzs most notable contributions to the community came in 2010, when he created the Brown County Veterans Treatment Court to aid in the recovery of veterans facing criminal charges and substance abuse problems. Hinz will also be remembered for his dedication to the Packers, serving as an original member on the board of directors for the Packers Heritage Trail and playing a key role in expanding it and taking it to a higher level to include the more than two dozen sites featured today. He would be up there every game, and made it a point of talking to all the veterans and service members and interact with them and talk about their experiences and his experience. Just a super nice guy, Army veteran of 31 years John Craemer said. We need to remember those folks and honor their commitment to our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veterans, in particular, will remember fellow comrade Hinz well because, during nearly every home game, he made it a point to visit Ted Thompsons skybox, which was usually filled with veterans. There, he greeted and spoke to each of them on an individual level. Its a shared experience, being a veteran, and its easier talking to another veteran about veteran stuff. For him and for us, Craemer said. It was just awesome to see him up there and taking the time to talk to each individual veteran that was up there, it wasnt just talking to me. Community Spirit: Appleton PD and FD hit the ice for charity For as much as Hinz appreciated veterans, they appreciated his dedication just as much, and maybe even more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a Vietnam veteran, so its always nice to have a chance to interact with them, because they didnt receive the welcome home that some of us did. So any chance to chat with those guys and let them know how much we appreciate with them, you got to take advantage of that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. MILAN, Italy, May 5. Switzerland expects the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to stay the course on its climate ambition, Dominique Paravicini, Governor of ADB from Switzerland said, addressing the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. Building climate resilience and supporting countries in their energy transition is crucial to drive sustainable development in the region. We commend ADB on its achievements to date as the regions climate bank. The bank must now deploy its additional lending headroom towards high-quality, impactful and environmental, social and governance-compliant projects that support the climate transition, he said. Further, Paravicini said Switzerland supports ADBs private sector shift. We welcome ADBs efforts to scale up private capital mobilization through non-sovereign operations serving the changing client landscape in the Asia and Pacific region, while ensuring additionality of its interventions. This needs to go hand in hand with a strong commitment to improve the enabling environment for private investments, adopt a One ADB approach and deepen the synergies between sovereign and non-sovereign operations. Switzerland welcomes the ADBs ambition to deliver faster, better and bolder against the backdrop of high uncertainty and persistent global and regional challenges. We appreciate ADBs enhanced strategic focus under Strategy 2030 and increased lending headroom, he noted. May 4"Somewhere in Korea" was the dateline of an Associated Press story published in the Times Leader Evening News on June 4, 1951, that involved U.S. Army Sgt. Maurice William Mosher and his heroic actions that killed an estimated 300 enemy soldiers in 15 minutes in a battle during the Korean War. Mosher was 15-years-old in 1943 when he left an orphanage in New Jersey to live with his sister, Ruth Mosher Namowicz, at 37 Engle St., Glen Lyon. Mosher became employed as a laborer for a coal mine where he earned the nickname, "Bud," but enlisted in the Merchant Marines at 17 and served four months before World War II ended. Having the brief experience in the military at the end of World War II, Mosher enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949, naming Glen Lyon as his home, and made the military his career, serving during the Korean War and Vietnam War, where he was killed in action on May 25, 1965. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For his heroic bravery during the Korean War battle where he was credited with killing hundreds, he was awarded three Bronze Stars and the Silver Star, the third highest combat medal in the U.S. Armed Services. "Sgt. Maurice Mosher, 23, a resident of Glen Lyon, yesterday was recommended for the Silver Star for killing 300 Chinese Reds in 15 minutes in Korea," reported the Times Leader Evening News on May 25, 1951. The story reported Mosher was alone when he secretly entered a town surrounded by communist North Korean and Chinese soldiers and destroyed tanks and ammunition dumps before he retreated. As hundreds of enemy soldiers pursued him through a narrow path guided by high cliffs, Mosher took cover and fired back. "Only one could come through the pass at a time, Mosher said, and that was where my gun was mowing them down. As one Red would go down, another would take his place and meet the same end," the Associated Press story on June 4, 1951, reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mosher's machine gun burned out and he picked up another firearm he found near him. "While Mosher was firing upon the enemy, the rest of his platoon covered his retreat with deadly rifle fire but the Chinese kept coming but could not overrun the Yankee positions," reported the AP story. One Army private was hit by enemy fire and Mosher used his field jacket as a stretcher to pull the injured solider to safety. Mosher continued to serve during the Korean War and was one of the first U.S. combat ground troops to enter Vietnam in early 1965, where at this time, he was an Infantry and Intelligence Specialist with the Special Forces (Green Beret) serving as an advisor with the Vietnamese Army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an accumulation of reports from military websites, Mosher gathered a small team of U.S. soldiers and Cambodian troops in response to a U.S. Army supply truck being fired upon near Tay Ninh. It was learned a Viet Cong sniper fired three shots at the supply truck, striking a solider. Mosher and a small team boarded several trucks and drove to the area where the sniper was believed to be, and as they disembarked the trucks and began a slow march through rice paddies to a tree line, they took fire from the Viet Cong. Mosher charged at a Viet Cong machine gunner firing his AR-15 in return but was struck and killed. Mosher was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., with an interment date listed as May 23, 1985. Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for a three-day ceasefire is a significant step towards a peace settlement, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on May 5. "As you know, President Putin just announced a three-day ceasefire, which doesn't sound like much, but it's a lot, if you know where we started from," Trump told reporters in an Oval Office briefing. Putin on April 28 announced a so-called "humanitarian truce" from May 7-9, during Moscow's Victory Day celebrations. The offer comes as Russia continues to reject Kyiv and Washington's calls for a complete 30-day ceasefire on all hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Putin's announcement as a "theatrical performance" rather than a serious move towards peace. Trump nevertheless expressed optimism about prospects for a peace agreement in the new future. "I think Russia, with the price of oil right now, oil's gone down, I think we're in a good position to settle," he told reporters. "They want to settle, Ukraine wants to settle. If I weren't president, nobody would be settling." Putin's proposal for a Victory Day truce came shortly after Trump expressed frustration with Russia's lack of cooperation in peace negotiations. Trump on April 26 said that Putin may not be genuinely interested in ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(H)e's just tapping me along," Trump wrote on social media, adding that the U.S. may need to escalate by imposing additional sanctions against Russia. Two days later, Putin announced the three-day truce. Similarly, Putin called for a temporary Easter truce shortly after Trump threatened to withdraw from peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The move was widely dismissed by world leaders as a media stunt to appease Trump. Ukraine accused Russia of violating its own ceasefire nearly 3,000 times in 30 hours. Ukraine has been willing to begin a full 30-day ceasefire with Russia since early March, when the U.S. first proposed an interim truce. Kyiv's only requirement is that Moscow abide by the same terms, while Russia has refused to impose a full ceasefire unless Ukraine makes extraordinary concessions, such as refusing all foreign military aid. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed on May 5 that a meeting between Putin and Trump is "on the radar" but has not yet been scheduled. Putin has already met several times with Trump's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has played a key role in the Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv reportedly targets Moscow, destroys drone control center in Kursk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Voters talk outside a polling place at Edward Hynes Charter School in New Orleans' Lakeview neighborhood on Nov. 8, 2022. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) Louisiana lawmakers might eliminate requirements that political donations and spending on constitutional amendments, tax millages and other election propositions be made available to the public. The change would result in voters knowing less about who is working to pass or defeat ballot measures they are asked to consider. Rep. Mark Wright, R- Covington, chairman of the House Republican Caucus, has sponsored House Bill 596. It would make dozens of changes to Louisiana campaign finance reporting laws, including one to end finance reporting requirements for a proposition or question to be submitted to the voters. Should his bill pass, campaign contributions and political spending in an election that doesnt involve a candidate would not have to be made public. The change would apply to proposed state constitutional amendments, property tax measures, local government charter changes and gambling legalization initiatives, among other referenda. The fundraising and spending for Gov. Jeff Landrys failed constitutional amendments on taxes, spending and criminal justice would have been kept secret if these law changes had been in place. Political advertising buys for a controversial ballot measure that established the city of St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish also would have been unknown. Transparency about campaign spending on property tax hikes and renewals such as one that failed Saturday for the East Baton Rouge District Attorneys Office and one that narrowly passed for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office also wouldnt be required anymore. Stephen Gele, a private attorney who handles campaign finance and ethics reports for the governor, helped write the legislation. Onerous campaign finance reporting requirements for ballot measures outweigh the good they provide, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The minimal benefits of mandating the reporting of spending on ballot measures considering the difficulty in enforcement and lack of significant risk of corruption from such spending is outweighed by the cost of the heavy burden imposed on the constitutional right to free speech by such mandates, Gele said in a written statement Sunday. Individuals and business interests might be less likely to contribute to a particular ballot measure campaign if they know their identity will be disclosed, according to Gele. Allowing citizens to remain anonymous encourages more participation in the political process, he said. The reasons for mandating transparency on political contributions and spending on candidates also dont necessarily apply to ballot measures, Gele said, because a ballot measure cant be corrupted or bribed like a candidate. Advocates for government transparency are concerned, however. Steven Procopio with the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, said his organization opposes the change and believes it would be a step back for the state, which has been trying to ditch its reputation for sleazy politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I not only think it is a bad idea, I cant believe the citizens wont be angry when they find out about it, Procopio said in an interview Friday. Louisianas campaign finance reporting laws for ballot measures are already weak and make it nearly impossible to figure out who is funding the campaigns surrounding those propositions. For example, the groups opposing and supporting the four constitutional amendments on the March 29 ballot spent more than $1 million combined. Who provided the money for the campaigns wasnt clear, however, because the requirements for donor disclosure for ballot propositions are easy to skirt. The two largest spenders on the March amendments did not reveal who was paying for their amendment campaign efforts. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Vera Institute of Justice spent at least $400,000 on a campaign to defeat Amendment 3, which would have made it easier to send more minors to adult prisons. Based in New York City, Vera took in more than $260 million over the past two years but is not required, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit under the federal tax code, to disclose its contributors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, a social welfare organization called Protect Louisiana Values that was set up to support Landry spent $300,000 to back Amendment 2, which would have made dozens of tax and budget changes to the Louisiana Constitution. It is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit sometimes referred to as a dark money political organization by critics and also doesnt have to reveal its donors. Should Wrights legislation pass, not only would donors for proposition campaigns no longer be disclosed, but the amount of money being spent and the campaign vendors being paid for advertising and other organization efforts also wouldnt be known. Landry is pushing for the proposal right after he spent weeks trying to blame billionaire philanthropist George Soros for the March amendments failure. The governor has repeatedly claimed Soros funded the opposition campaign, though Landry hasnt provided evidence to support the assertion. Public finance records are also too vague to determine whether Soros was involved. A Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor, Soros is a major donor to liberal causes and has served as a bogeyman for conservatives for years. He never claimed to be involved in the Louisiana election, though he openly spent millions on a Wisconsin Supreme Court race that took place just a few days later in April. There was a lot of misinformation and straight-up lies about where the money for the Amendment 3 campaign came from, Sarah Omojola with the Vera Institute said. So I find it interesting that this [bill] is coming forward now. Republican leaders in the Legislature are attempting to put another proposal to change the states tax and budget structure back on the ballot within the next year. In its new iteration, it consists of multiple constitutional amendments. Should Wrights legislation pass, the campaign operations surrounding those new constitutional amendments would be largely a secret. His bill is expected to come up for an initial vote Wednesday in the Louisiana House and Governmental Affairs Committee. LUCEDALE, Miss. (WKRG) A Lucedale, Miss., man has been arrested after police say he shot and killed another man. 3 new stores to open in the Eastern Shore Centre According to a George County Sheriffs Office news release, officers were called to the 200 block of CF Ward Road at about 7 p.m. Friday in response to a shooting. LOCATION: Dante Anderson (Photo courtesy: George County Sheriffs Office) When officers arrived, they found a man dead from a gunshot wound. George County Coroner Deann Murrah identified the victim as 38-year-old George Buckley of Lucedale, Miss, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dante Anderson, 20, also of Lucedale, was arrested and charged with manslaughter, the release said. He was taken to the George County Regional Correctional Facility and given a $300,000 bond, the release said. He is still in jail. The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information about this case is asked to call the George County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division at 601-947-4811. Theodore family shocked after lightning strike leads to surprise discovery Anonymous tips can be called in to Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898 or the Crime Stoppers or George County Sheriffs Office websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. CUMBERLAND For the past couple of months, something sweet has been missing on Baltimore Street. Even with rain in the forecast, the community came out in droves Saturday to celebrate the memories of the beloved M&M Bake Shop, which closed in March. Roger Lantz, a longtime member of the Cumberland community and owner of the shop, closed it to focus on his health and retirement. Now known as M&M Bake Shop Roger Lantz Day, a celebration was held right outside the store Saturday afternoon, with hundreds of residents stopping by to pay tribute to Lantz and the baked delicacies that they enjoyed for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public was invited to sign an oversized thank-you card and share a slice of cake with Lantz. Almost 400 residents came to see Lantz and wish him well. Everything went so well, Lantz said at the celebration Saturday. Just after Lantz announced the shops closure, thousands of dollars were donated to a retirement fund set up by the public to allow him to turn to the next chapter of his life. If you grew up and moved away, one of the first places you would come back to is M&M, said Becky McClarran, who has lived in Cumberland for more than 40 years. McClarran, owner at McClarran and Williams Inc., is the marketing chair of the Downtown Cumberland Business Association, and sits on various boards of other community organizations such as the Allegany County Animal Shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whenever I would need something, I would go to Roger and he was the first person to say absolutely, McClarran said. To McClarran, Lantz was someone who was low key about helping everyone in the community, and not just with his delicious baked goods, either. Having a bakery like that, its really special for a small town, she said. Ed Mullaney, who grew up in Cumberland and has seen the area change for decades, has always known Lantz and the bake shop as the place to go. He impacted me because I thought that he had the best cream fills in the state of Maryland, Mullaney said. He just personalized everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mullaney said that he would decorate cookies elaborately, something that remained unchanged and distinct for decades. He just does things and you dont even realize, you know, Mullaney said. We just wanted to honor (Lantz) a little bit and let him know how beloved he really is, McClarran concluded. Europe is looking to attract Americas academic researchers as President Trump cuts funding to multiple top U.S. universities and wages war against international professors and students. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Monday that the Sorbonne University is going to invest millions of dollars to lure scientists to its institutions. The program, called Choose Europe for Science, will invest 500 million euros, or $566 million, to help support the best and the brightest researchers and scientists from Europe and around the world from 2025-27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody could imagine a few years ago that one of the great democracies of the world would eliminate research programs on the pretext that the word diversity appeared in its program, Macron said at the announcement, according to a translation provided by a French official. While he did not directly call out the U.S., the Department of Education under Trump has been canceling contracts with universities due to alleged focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion in the programs. Trump has also cut off billions of dollars in research funding from the countrys top universities, including Harvard and Princeton, and is calling for Harvards tax-exempt status to be revoked. Hundreds of international students and faculty have also seen their visas revoked since the start of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What a gigantic miscalculation! von der Leyen said, according to the Times, regarding an environment where fundamental, free and open research is questioned. Without calling out the leaders by name, the White House said the U.S. is by far the largest funder of scientific research and is home to the worlds largest ecosystem for innovation and research. White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in response that The Trump administration spending its first few months to review the previous administrations projects, identify waste, and realign our research spending to the suit the priorities of the American people is not going to upend Americas innovative dominance. Updated at 2:50 a.m. EDT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (The Hill) Europe is looking to attract Americas academic researchers as President Donald Trump cuts funding to multiple top U.S. universities and wages war against international professors and students. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Monday that the Sorbonne University is going to invest millions of dollars to lure scientists to its institutions, according to media reports. The program, called Choose Europe for Science, will invest 500 million euros, or $566 million, to help support the best and the brightest researchers and scientists from Europe and around the world from 2025 to 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody could imagine a few years ago that one of the great democracies of the world would eliminate research programs on the pretext that the word diversity appeared in its program, Macron said at the announcement, The New York Times reported. Larry Summers says Trump wants Harvard to bend the knee While he did not directly call out the U.S., the Department of Education under Trump has been canceling contracts with universities due to the alleged focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the programs. Trump has also cut off billions of dollars in research funding from the countrys top universities, including Harvard and Princeton, and is calling for Harvards tax exempt status to be revoked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of international students and faculty have also seen their visas revoked since the start of the Trump administration. What a gigantic miscalculation! von der Leyen said, according to The Times, regarding an environment where fundamental, free and open research is questioned. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The more Americans have confronted evidence of economic turmoil, the more Donald Trump has tried to blame discouraging news on Joe Biden, despite the inconvenient fact that the Republicans claims have been demonstrably ridiculous. The incumbent president effectively reached the point at which he asked the public to believe that he deserves all of the credit when theres good news, and Biden deserves all of the blame when theres bad news. When Trump sat down with NBC News Kristen Welker for his latest Meet the Press interview, he stopped implicitly making this argument and started explicitly making this argument. I really mean this, he declared. I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a heads I win, tails you lose approach to political rhetoric thats become a staple of Trumps perspective. Polls that look flattering to the president are to be believed; polls that look discouraging to Trump are to be discarded as fake results resulting from an elaborate conspiracy. Economic data that tells the White House what it wants to hear must be seen as proof of the presidents genius; economic data that offers bad news should be attributed entirely to his Democratic predecessor. Its a profoundly cynical perspective, rooted in the idea that Americans are easily fooled. Meanwhile, in the same interview, Trump appeared to suggest that the United States might soon face a recession and hes all right with that. NBC News reported: Trump told Welker that the U.S. would be OK in the event of a short-term recession on the way to what he predicts, long term, will be a rollicking economy when his policies take full effect. Look, yeah. Everythings OK, he said, adding: I said, this is a transition period. The on-air comments came nearly a month after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the administrations agenda is so worthwhile that itd be worth it if the United States economy slid into a recession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evidently, the president agrees. Memories can be short when it comes to political rhetoric, but before the election, Trump was only too pleased to tell the electorate that hed deliver results on day one. A vote for the Republican was a vote for immediate prosperity. There were no caveats. No references to eventual prosperity. Nothing about periods of economic transition. The idea that there might be a recession that would be OK and worth it wasnt part of the pitch. Its precisely why the president has been so eager of late to rewrite recent history. I said all of these things during my campaign, Trump told ABC News last week. I said, Youre going to have a transition period. He added that his supporters did sign up for economic pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Washington Post fact-check report added soon after, Thats false. We can find no evidence he ever even hinted this. Our search of campaign transcripts finds he used the word transition only when referring to the transition period between administrations or men transitioning to women. Attacking transgender people was a big part of his campaign but thats not the same thing. If there is a recession, it appears Trump will likely tell Americans, Well, this is what you voted for. If recent history is any guide, Republicans will eagerly tout the talking point, but the repetition wont turn fiction into fact. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As Donald Trumps third year as president neared its end, he appeared at one of the religious right movements biggest annual events and declared, I will never allow the IRS to be used as a political weapon. Even at the time, the declaration was unfortunate: Former White House chief of staff John Kelly claimed that Trump repeatedly tried to get the Internal Revenue Service to go after his perceived political enemies. As Trumps fifth year as president gets underway, the presidents 2019 quote looks even worse. Its been a few weeks since Trump, crossing a dangerous line, sicced the IRS on Harvard University, putting the future of the schools tax-exempt status in doubt. Late last week, the president went a step further, declaring by way of his social media platform, We are going to be taking away Harvards Tax Exempt Status. Its what they deserve! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was some ambiguity in the phrasing. Was Trump making a prediction about an IRS investigation? Was he telling the IRS what to do with the universitys tax exemption? Was he making an announcement about a decision that had already been made? The answers to these questions were far from clear, but as The New York Times reported, the rhetoric did not go unnoticed in Cambridge. Harvard University signaled Friday that it would resist President Trumps renewed threat to revoke the schools tax-exempt status, a move for which it said there was no legal basis as the president escalated his bitter dispute with the nations oldest university. Harvard stopped short of explicitly pledging a legal challenge to a revocation of its tax status, a change that would upend the universitys finances. But a spokesperson for the university said in a statement that there was no legal basis to rescind Harvards tax-exempt status. Similarly, Harvard University President Alan Garber told The Wall Street Journal that such a move would be highly illegal. Thats true. As the Times report noted, federal law prohibits the president from directing the I.R.S. to conduct tax investigations a line Trump has already apparently crossed and a Bloomberg News report added that the IRS code prevents presidents from interfering with the federal tax agencys decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether there will be any accountability for the presidents apparent indifference to these restrictions remains to be seen. But just as important is the fact that Harvard isnt the only target. A few weeks ago, in response to a question about other entities tax-exempt status, Trump told reporters were looking at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). Over the weekend, The Wall Street Journal, relying on multiple sources, also reported that administration officials are exploring ways of challenging the tax-exempt status of nonprofits. In case anyones forgotten, when Richard Nixon tried to sic the IRS on his perceived political opponents, it was seen by members of Congress as an impeachable offense. Indeed, it was literally included in the articles of impeachment. Nixon, however, took these steps in private. Trumps public posturing is far more brazen. As a recent analysis from The New York Times explained: In the years after President Richard Nixon enlisted the Internal Revenue Service to investigate his political opponents, Congress passed a series of laws to make sure the agency would focus on collecting taxes and not use its vast powers to carry out political vendettas. But President Trump has moved swiftly to suppress that independence in the first few months of his second term and, tax experts and former agency officials warn, return the I.R.S. to darker days when it was used as a political tool of the president. Before he became vice president, JD Vance told a national television audience, If the IRS can go after you because of what you think or what you believe or what you do, wed no longer live in a free country. Expect to hear that quote quite a bit in the coming weeks and months. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A couple of weeks ago, when reporters from Time magazine sat down with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, the interview wrapped up on a surprisingly interesting note. One of the reporters noted that the president put up a portrait of John Adams on the wall, adding, John Adams said were a government ruled by laws, not by men. Do you agree with that? After apparently inquiring as to which of his paintings showed the second president, Trump replied, Were a government ruled by laws, not by men? Well, I think were a government ruled by law, but you know, somebody has to administer the law. So, therefore, men certainly, men and women certainly play a role in it. I wouldnt agree with it 100%. It was a timely reminder that the Republican has no meaningful background in political science or American civics. If he were more familiar with the subject matter, Trump would be far more familiar with the underlying concept. As University of Pennsylvania law professor Kate Shaw recently explained in a New York Times op-ed, The basic proposition of the rule of law is that we are a society of laws, not of men. Government actors must wield their power consistent with rules that are known in advance, so people understand whats expected of them and what consequences will attach to particular actions.All of this, of course, came to mind watching the president reflect anew on his constitutional responsibilities. NBC News reported: President Donald Trump argued in an interview with NBC News Meet the Press that fulfilling his ambitious campaign promise to rapidly carry out mass deportations may take precedence over giving immigrants the right to due process under the Constitution, as required by courts. A month earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio also appeared on Meet the Press and was asked whether every person in the United States is entitled to due process. Yes, of course, he replied.When host Kristen Welker pressed Trump on whether he agreed with his own secretary of state for the Meet the Press episode that aired this past Sunday, the president replied, I dont know. Im not, Im not a lawyer. I dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welker noted, Well, the Fifth Amendment says as much. Again, Trump replied, I dont know. When the back and forth continued, and the host asked, Dont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? Trump responded, I dont know. I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said. What you said is not what I heard the Supreme Court said. They have a different interpretation. In case this isnt obvious, Trump has twice taken the presidential oath of office, vowing to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.There is no fine print. There are no nuances or ambiguities to exploit. The apparent fact that Trump doesnt know whether he needs to uphold the Constitution of the United States tells the public a great deal about his indifference to the rule of law. Later in the interview, Welker asked, Let me ask you big picture. People who have lived in countries like the Philippines, Hungary, Russia, they look at some of your actions going after civil service, going after universities, law firms, the media they say its out of an authoritarian playbook. What do you say to those who believe you are taking the country down an authoritarian path? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president replied, Many people love Trump. I won the election. They didnt win the election. I got a lot more votes than they did. I won the popular vote. I won all seven swing states by a lot. A lot of people were surprised. They said, I think he could win four, maybe five. No, I won all seven, and I won by a lot. And I won. This question has come up quite a bit lately, with reporters from ABC News and The Atlantic similarly asking about Trump and authoritarianism. In each instance, instead of responding with incredulity about the underlying concern or better yet, with categorical rejections of tyranny the Republican has responded by pointing to his election victory. With each passing day, Trumps authoritarian ambitions become less subtle. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MILAN, Italy, May 5. Israel looks forward to building strong partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Shmuel Abramzon, Alternate Governor of ADB from Israel said, addressing the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. This is a landmark moment for us. Israel is honored to join this community of nations working together to promote sustainable, inclusive growth across Asia and the Pacific. We commend the banks efforts to shape a forward-looking digital agenda, and we are thrilled to be part of this journey, he said. Abramzon said that Israel has witnessed firsthand how digital innovation and technology can transform an economy. From our thriving startup ecosystem to breakthroughs in cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health, we know that innovation is not only a source of growthit is a foundation for resilience, competitiveness, and opportunity. We believe that ADB is uniquely positioned to help its members harness the power of digitalization. To do so, the bank should continue to leverage the collective know-how of its members, encourage deeper knowledge-sharing, and embed digital components into the design of its projectsfrom infrastructure to education to finance. If done thoughtfully, digitalization can help developing countries leapfrog traditional development paths, he said. The governor noted that Israel is eager to contribute its experience, talent, and technologies to this important endeavor. We look forward to building a strong partnership with ADB and, through it, deepening our collaboration with governments and private sectors across the region, Abramzon noted. About a week ago, just days after Pope Francis funeral, a reporter asked Donald Trump for his thoughts on the Roman Catholic churchs next leader. Id like to be pope, the president told reporters. That would be my number one choice. It seemed rather obvious that he was kidding. In fact, as part of the same exchange, Trump went on to say, No, I dont know. I have no preference. In apparent reference to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the president added, I must say, we have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York whos very good, so well see what happens. The comments raised a few eyebrows and generated a weird tweet from Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, but the story quickly faded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is, until Trump and the White House started leaning into the joke. The New York Times reported: He took the joke a step further on Saturday, sharing on social media what appeared to be an A.I.-generated photo of himself wearing the traditional vestments of the pope. The photo depicts him in a white cassock with a cross around his neck, his face solemn as he raises a pointed finger. The origins of the photo were not immediately clear, and Mr. Trump did not include any commentary in his post. He shared the image on Truth Social, Instagram and X, and the White House reposted it on its official Instagram and X accounts. Just so were all clear, Trump isnt Catholic. Even if he were, there is no scenario in which hed be considered for a leadership position at the Vatican. Given the circumstances, this is a deeply strange attempt at humor, which hasnt been well received among many in the church. There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President, the New York State Catholic Conference said in an online statement. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us. Cardinal Dolan, after being touted a week earlier by the president, told NBC News that the image Trump and the White House promoted wasnt good. Dolan added in Italian that the image made a bad impression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News went on to note that former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi wrote online that the image posted by the president offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown. Similarly, La Repubblica, a prominent left-leaning publication in Italy, featured the image on its homepage, alongside commentary accusing Trump of pathological megalomania. Meanwhile, James Martin, a Jesuit priest who is editor-at-large for the Jesuit publication America Magazine, added that even though I find this deeply offensive, I will presume that Mr. Trump meant this light-heartedly. Martin went on to note, however, But imagine the incandescent outrage, the swift condemnation, and the individual and joint protests from the US bishops if this had been done by Joe Biden or Barack Obama. For his part, JD Vance who is Catholic and who met with the pope shortly before his passing was quick to defend Trump, saying hes fine with people telling jokes. Last fall, however, when Michigans Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, promoted a joke related to communion, the vice president condemned the humor as sacrilegious and offensive. Perhaps when Vance said hes fine with people telling jokes, he meant hes fine with Republicans telling jokes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way, Trump occasionally likes to present himself as leading some kind of religious revival in the United States, but the fact remains that when hes not using faith as a sword against his perceived political foes, hes using it as a punch line to an unnecessary joke. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country. * In Virginia, John Reid insists that he will move forward with his Republican campaign for lieutenant governor, despite pressure from his own party including Gov. Glenn Youngkin to end his candidacy. Reid, the Virginia GOPs first openly gay candidate to seek statewide office, was accused of sharing pornographic material online, claims the candidate has denied. * Three years after his failed re-election bid, former Gov. Paul LePage is apparently launching a comeback bid: The Maine Republican has filed the paperwork to run for Congress next year, setting up a possible showdown against incumbent Democratic Rep. Jared Golden in a red-leaning district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * In Georgia, the latest Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll found Republican Gov. Brian Kemp with a narrow lead over Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in a hypothetical matchup, 49% to 46%. In a hypothetical matchup against Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ossoff leads by 17 points. (Click the link for more information on the polls methodology and margin of error.) * On a related note, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll also found Donald Trumps approval rating in the state down to 43%. Last fall, the president won Georgia with 51% support. * Looking ahead to next years midterm elections, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters last week that he and his fellow Republicans will of course try to exploit some Democrats interest in trying to impeach Trump if they retake the majority in the chamber. * Remember a few weeks ago, when John Bash, best known for his work representing Elon Musk, launched a Republican campaign in Texas attorney general race? Bash announced last week that he had a family health scare and decided to end his candidacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * On Capitol Hill, in the race to serve as Senate Democratic whip in the next Congress, Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii continues to pick up endorsements, even as others including Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Patty Murray of Washington are rumored to be interested in the leadership position. * And in Kentucky, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, to the surprise of no one, confirmed last week that hes considering a 2028 presidential bid. The governor, who was on the short list for his partys vice presidential nomination last fall, made the acknowledgement during an interview with WDRB in Louisville. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com When Donald Trump reflected on the results of Canadas latest elections, the American president, referring to himself in third person, told reporters: It was the one who hated Trump the least who won. That wasnt even close to being true. Canadas Liberals were, as recently as January, struggling badly against Conservatives right up until Trump returned to the White House, took steps to shatter the relationship between the United States and its allied neighbor, announced plans to try to acquire Canada and make it Americas 51st state, and launched a damaging trade war for reasons that have never made sense. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, was seen as overtly aligned with Trump, and not only did his party suffer as Liberals held on to power, Poilievre also managed to lose his own seat in Parliament, a seat he had held for over 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a week later, an eerily similar set of circumstances unfolded nearly 9,000 miles away. Politico reported: Incumbent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a come-from-behind win for his center-left Labor Party in Australias election Saturday while his right-wing challenger lost his seat. The Labor landslide came after Albaneses government spent months trailing the opposition in polling, but gained support rapidly in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trumps clash with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his Liberation Day tariffs. As was the case in the Canadian elections, the center-left Labor Party was faring poorly in national polls up until quite recently. As was the case in the Canadian elections, Labor started gaining ground as part of an anti-Trump backlash. As was the case in the Canadian elections, the candidate most closely associated with the American Republican Peter Dutton, the hard-right candidate who embraced MAGA-style politics not only fell short of his goal of becoming prime minister, he also appears to have lost his own seat. The New York Times reported that theres a Trump factor ... shaping global politics, but its not a trend the White House will like. In major votes in Canada and Australia over the past two weeks, centrists saw their fortunes revived, while parties that had borrowed from the MAGA playbook lost out. President Trump has been back in power for only three months, but already his policies, including imposing tariffs and upending alliances, have rippled into domestic political battles around the world. While it is too soon to say that anti-Trump forces are on the rise globally, it is clear that voters have Mr. Trump somewhere on their mind as they make decisions. The Washington Posts E.J. Dionne Jr. noted in his latest column, The president hoped his dominance of the world stage would inspire an international swing toward the nationalist far right. Instead, Australians angry and mystified by Trumps tariffs gifted their center-left prime minister, Anthony Albanese, whose Labor Party trailed in the polls only a few months ago, a landslide victory few predicted. When this happens twice in five days, its a safe bet other leaders in democracies around the world took note. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com For Star Wars fans, May 4 is an unofficial holiday of sorts, and as Variety noted, the White House apparently wanted to get in on the fun in the most Trumpian way possible. The official White House X and Instagram accounts on Sunday posted an AI-generated image of Donald Trump as a beefed-up Jedi in celebration of Star Wars day. The post read, Happy May the 4th to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting so hard to bring Sith Lords, Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, & well known MS-13 Gang Members, back into our Galaxy. Youre not the Rebellion youre the Empire. May the 4th be with you. (In case this isnt obvious, characters in the film franchise say, May The Force be with you. With this in mind, May the Fourth be with you is a pun.) The fact that Team Trump used the opportunity to lash out at Radical Left Lunatics was not surprising: Two weeks earlier, the president also wrote online, Happy Easter to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in this case, what stood out was not the predictable palaver, but rather, the seemingly AI-generated image of the Republican wielding a red lightsaber and as fans of the Star Wars franchise know, its the Sith villains who use red lightsabers, not the Jedi heroes. (New York magazines Chas Danner took an even deeper dive into all of the nerdy missteps in the White House-backed image.) With this in mind, actor Mark Hamill, best known for playing Luke Skywalker, turned to Bluesky to have a little fun at Trumps expense. Stepping back, I can appreciate why Trump and his team want to try to appropriate pop culture to advance their message, but its hard not to notice just how frequently they flub these efforts. In 2019, for example, the Republican White House tried to use Game of Thrones as part of a clumsy argument about the presidents border-wall project, and the whole thing fell apart rather quickly. A year later, Trump talked about the Captain William Bligh character from Mutiny on the Bounty, though it wasnt altogether clear whether the president realized that Bligh was the villain of the story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his defeat in 2020, Trump talked obsessively about Hannibal Lecter, a fictional character, including a weird instance in which he referred to the infamous cannibal from The Silence of the Lambs, as the late, great Hannibal Lecter and a wonderful man. Soon after, Trumps 2024 running mate, future Vice President JD Vance, pointed to Martin Scorseses Gangs of New York as an example of immigration leading to higher crime rates which was wrong on the policy details as well as the artistic narrative. It fell to The Washington Posts Philip Bump to note, [T]he most brutal, vicious killer in that movie is the nativist who loathes immigrants. Maybe these guys should just steer clear of making pop culture references? Theyre clearly not good at it. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com When it comes to prisons, the White Houses recent focus has been on El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). But as it turns out, thats not the only notorious facility on the presidents mind. NBC News reported: President Donald Trump said Sunday he will direct several federal agencies to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz, a facility that for decades was a federal prison and is now a national park. To the extent that the Republicans weird online statements reflect the administrations actual plans, Trump published a 175-word missive that began, "REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. He added that he was directing a variety of federal agencies to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a reporter asked the president hours later about the origins of such a move, he replied, Just an idea Ive had, before complaining anew about radicalized judges who believe people are entitled to due process. For now, lets not dwell on the fact that the judges in question are not afraid to do their jobs, and their interest in the Fifth Amendment does not make them radicals. Lets instead focus on why this is such a ridiculous idea. Right off the bat, there is no practical need to start housing prisoners at Alcatraz. The United States already has maximum-security prisons for the nations most ruthless and violent felons. Theyre in operation right now, and no one has ever escaped such a facility. (A few prisoners did, however, escape Alcatraz.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relatedly, if federal officials came to believe it was time to build another maximum-security prison, they probably wouldnt choose a small island in San Francisco Bay for such a venue. But Trumps online statement hinted at a deeper problem: The president seemed to suggest that we locked up the worst criminals in prisons such as Alcatraz when we were a more serious nation as if the decision to turn the facility into a park for tourists somehow reflected a turn toward American weakness. Except, thats not what happened: Alcatraz was closed, not because federal officials were soft or eager to coddle felons, but because the place was falling apart. As a HuffPost report noted, Those who tour the island in San Francisco Bay see facilities in various states of decay. The prison was crumbling even as it was still in operation, and the high cost of maintaining it was a key reason it was shuttered in 1963. With this in mind, Trumps directive to rebuild and substantially enlarge the prison, preparing it to house dangerous felons again, isn't just pointless. It would also be, as The New York Times put it, extraordinarily expensive even as the administration plans to cut billions of dollars from federal law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why make enormous investments of time and resources into renovating an unnecessary prison? Apparently because the incumbent president himself, a convicted felon thinks it would be cool to use this as a symbol. When looking for evidence of Trumps fundamental lack of seriousness on matters of public policy, keep this high on the list. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com After being recorded last week apparently admitting that she had hurled a racist slur at a 5-year-old Black child in a park, a white woman in Minnesota is being handsomely rewarded after conservatives turned her into a cause celebre. The woman is just the latest person to receive a groundswell of financial support via the MAGA-friendly crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo after facing widespread backlash. A GiveSendGo page, which identifies her as Shiloh Hendrix, says shes trying to raise $1 million to deal with what she calls great turmoil in her life following the incident. As of Monday afternoon, the page showed her as having raised more than $670,000. According to an NBC News report, the incident in Rochester, Minnesota, appears to revolve around the womans claim that the 5-year-old took my sons stuff. A man recording the woman asks whether she thinks the child deserved being called the N-word, and she replies: If thats what hes going to act like. The man, Sharmake Omar, told NBC News that the 5-year-old has autism spectrum disorder and that his parents are from Somalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, local police said they have forwarded the findings of their investigation to city attorneys for possible charges. (NBC News reported that attempts to reach the woman in the video and verify her name have been unsuccessful.) Meanwhile, a combination of bigoted conservative influencers and some coverage in right-wing media have helped portray the woman as a sympathetic figure. And shes just one of several people to garner sympathy and ample donations through GiveSendGo. (Although the platform is known for its popularity among conservatives, its not exclusively used by them other controversial figures not linked to the MAGA movement, such as Luigi Mangione, have had pages made on their behalf.) I previously wrote about pro-insurrection lawyer John Eastman using the platform to raise money to help fight charges related to his role in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. (Eastman has pleaded not guilty.) Ive also written about Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly benefiting from GiveSendGo donations after he was accused in the killing of an undocumented immigrant. (Kelly denied any wrongdoing, and a mistrial was declared.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Daniel Penny, a white man who was accused of killing Jordan Neely, a Black man, on a New York City subway train in 2023, also raked in GiveSendGo donations en route to his acquittal in the case. The idea of doling out money, particularly in an economy as unstable as ours, to support a woman accused of blatant racism may seem absurd to some and I certainly wont argue against that framing but the fact that conservatives are rallying around her speaks to the victimhood mindset thats gripping todays Republican Party. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The New York Times Maggie Haberman noted to CNNs Kaitlan Collins a rare instance of blowback against Donald Trump from the usually loyal supporters who use his Truth Social platform. Trump recently falsely claimed on the site, Gasoline just broke $1.98 a gallon, lowest in years. Collins noted the national average for gas is actually currently about $3.18 per gallon. Haberman acknowledged that while recent job numbers and stock market gains offer some legitimate good news for the Trump White House, some of the presidents statements on lowered prices just dont comport with reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And what is interesting, she continued in a video shared online, is how a bunch of replies to a similar post from Trump about prices said essentially, Not where I live, Not where I live, Not where I live. The posts on the presidents platform are normally very praising of Trump, she noted. So there is actually a limit to how much he can keep saying that and have his own voters believe him but he right now seems to believe himself. Collins agreed, telling Haberman: Thats actually really interesting because I have a Truth Social account to obviously monitor what the president says but people who get Truth Social accounts typically are supporters of the president. Haberman responded: I had never seen pushback on something he was saying before and there was still some praise in response but there were a number of comments of people saying, Thats not happening where I am. Related... May 5Maine has joined 18 other states and Washington, D.C., in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's staffing and program cuts in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Cuts to the federal DHHS under the direction of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have destroyed life-saving programs and left states to pick up the bill for mounting health crises, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Rhode Island on Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced. In addition to James and Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, the attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia signed onto the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy restructured the agency in March, eliminating more than 10,000 employees and collapsing 28 agencies under the sprawling HHS umbrella into 15, the attorneys general said. An additional 10,000 employees had already been let go by President Donald Trump's administration, according to the lawsuit, and combined the cuts stripped 25% of the HHS workforce. "In its first three months, Secretary Kennedy and this administration deprived HHS of the resources necessary to do its job," the attorneys general wrote. Kennedy has said he is seeking to streamline the nation's public health agencies and reduce redundant staffing. The cuts were made as part of a directive the administration has dubbed, "Make America Healthy Again." The cuts have resulted in laboratories having limited testing for some infectious diseases, the federal government not tracking cancer risks among U.S. firefighters, early childhood learning programs left unsure of future funds, and programs aimed at monitoring cancer and maternal health closing, the attorneys general say. Cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have hampered states' ability to respond to one of the largest measles outbreaks in recent years, the lawsuit says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restructuring eliminated the entire team of people who maintain the federal poverty guidelines used by states to determine whether residents are eligible for Medicaid, nutrition assistance and other programs. A tobacco prevention agency was gutted. Staff losses also were significant at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The attorneys general want a judge to reverse the cuts because they say the administration can't unilaterally eliminate programs and funding that have been created by Congress. The Trump administration is already facing other legal challenges over cuts to public health agencies and research organizations. A coalition of 23 states, including Maine, filed a federal lawsuit in Rhode Island last month over the administration's decision to cut $11 billion in federal funds for COVID-19 initiatives and various public health projects across the country. Copy the Story Link Mainers worry about repaying student loans as Education Department resumes collection Medical cannabis industry organizes against Maine proposals to test for mold, track plants May 5For the first time in five years, the federal government on Monday restarted collections on overdue student loan payments a process that could impact millions of borrowers across the country and in Maine. The return follows years of lenient COVID-era policies meant to provide relief for borrowers and ever-changing options and rules around payment plans and forgiveness, all as Biden-era affordability plans met court challenges. "Repayment has started at this really confusing time for borrowers, when there are a lot of things already going on in the federal student loan system," said Sophie Laing, a student loan and consumer attorney at Pine Tree Legal Assistance, a nonprofit that offers civil legal assistance to low-income Mainers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Department of Education, which announced in April that it would resume collections, more than 5 million borrowers haven't made a payment in a year and are in default, and only 38% nationally are current on their payments. Mainers hold a collective $6.5 billion in student loan debt, spread between about 186,700 people (or 13% of people in the state), according to data from the Federal Student Aid office and the Education Data Initiative. The average student loan debt in Maine is $34,280. Maine borrowers say they are anxious about the possibility of their tax refunds or disability benefits being seized, and the end of forgiving Biden-era payment plans. "I want to continue to live and work in Portland, and if things change, $500 a month could be the reason that I have to move away, find a new job and move away from my parents, who I need to take care of," a 2010 University of Maine graduate said. "That's really, really weighing on me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A CHANGING LANDSCAPE Laing at Pine Tree Legal said borrowers in Maine right now are struggling to access accurate information and are concerned about the future of payment plans that they rely on. For three years after the start of the pandemic, she said, borrowers didn't have to make federal student loan payments and couldn't go into default or suffer the consequences. Even when required payments resumed in 2023, there was a yearlong "on-ramp" during which repayment had restarted, but the government wouldn't put people into default for falling behind. But starting last September, Laing said, required payments have restarted in earnest, and now the department has marked a new step by beginning to seize funds from defaulted borrowers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are several ways the government can collect on defaulted loans, including through tax refunds, Social Security retirement and disability payments and wage garnishing. "So that means they can take your tax refund before it ever gets to you and apply it to your student loan," Laing said. "And that can be really difficult. ... A lot of people rely on their tax refund, or earned income tax credit or child tax credit, as an important source of income through the year, to pay for necessities or unexpected expenses that come up." Right now, the government is only focusing on tax refunds and Social Security benefits, but Laing said she expects the department to begin garnishing paychecks by the summer (up to 15% of your disposable pay). At the same time, the status of several income-driven repayment plans has been uncertain because of court challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millions of people had signed up for the Biden administration's SAVE Plan, which offered low monthly payments based on income and family size. However, in February, a U.S. appeals court blocked the plan, siding with Republican-led states that challenged it. Many of the individuals using the plan will now have to apply for another that will increase their monthly payment. Laing said her message for federal student loan borrowers in default is that there are ways to get out of it, like loan consolidation and loan rehabilitation. And she said there are ways to get some or all of your debt canceled, like for borrowers with a disability, or someone who attended a for-profit college that misled students, or Public Service Loan Forgiveness for government and nonprofit employees. "There are steps people can take to prevent the consequences," Laing said. The state of Maine offers its own relief. Since 2022, Maine has offered a Student Loan Repayment Tax Credit program, which provides a tax credit of $2,500 a year and $25,000 total to anyone living and working at least part time in Maine who is paying off students loans from a college degree program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BORROWERS' REGRET A University of Maine alumna, who agreed to talk to the Press Herald on the condition of anonymity out of concern for her employment, said she graduated in 2010 with about $48,000 in student loans and her final two years covered by federal Pell Grants. Now, she said, she regrets the decision. "I didn't understand what I was signing up for. I was really, really young, and it was just, 'Get into college and sign on the dotted line so that you can be accepted,"' she said. "Obviously, we can't know exactly how things would play out, but if I could have the lifestyle that I have now, without a degree, absolutely, I would have not taken out loans." She wanted to be a teacher, but couldn't afford to work in the field, pay off loans and live in southern Maine, so she switched industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the process of paying off her loans has been incredibly confusing, and has had to constantly reapply to income-based repayment plans. But in 2022, then-President Joe Biden announced up to $20,000 of debt cancellation for Pell Grant recipients. "I was ready to go out and buy a bottle of Champagne. I also knew it was probably too good to be true," the UMaine grad said. She applied, and received notice that her application for debt forgiveness had been accepted. "And then it was not even a week before the court said, 'Nope, just kidding, we're not going to forgive that debt.'" Today, she has a job she's happy with in a field unrelated to her degree, but her Portland rent takes up 35% to 40% of her income, and she's the sole caretaker for her parents, who have high medical needs. If an income-based repayment plan is no longer an option, she said, that might be the final straw. Fifteen years after graduation, she still has over $30,000 in debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denver Vandrey took out about $5,500 in loans to attend the University of Southern Maine. He said the path from high school straight to college seemed like the only choice. But he didn't graduate, ended up transferring to Southern Maine Community College, and said he has regrets about signing up for loans. "They seem to make it way too easy for you to apply and acquire, but are not really giving you enough information to effectively pay off," he said. "They asked for a lot of trust, and unfortunately, that is something that many people just cannot afford to do." When it came time to pay off his loans, Vandrey said he received an inaccurate number from a payment calculator that led him to pay just barely above interest, so his debt wasn't really moving. Then when he was between jobs, the calculator told him to pay just $64 a month, which resulted in his debt actually increasing. But once he landed a solid job, he paid off most of his debts in one fell swoop. Today he works as a commercial painter. He said he's lucky that he noticed the problem, and that he has a family support system, but said many of his friends with four years worth of student loans are under enormous stress. Vandrey said the normalization of the high school to college pipeline, and a lack of economics education, are leading to regrettable student loan decisions. If you're interested in talking with the Press Herald about your experiences with student loan default, please email rboard@pressherald.com. Copy the Story Link Air traffic controllers directing planes into Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey early Friday morning lost radar for the second time in two weeks, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The radar went down for about 90 seconds starting at 3:55 a.m. The FAA attributed the issue to a communication outage at Terminal Radar Approach Control station in Philadelphia, which guides planes in and out of Newark Airport. A similar outage occurred on April 28, which, along with staffing shortages, has led to hundreds of flights being canceled or delayed over the past two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newarks situation has reportedly been so bad over the last few days that one air traffic controller told MSNBC on Monday that travelers should avoid Newark at all costs because it is not a safe situation right now for the flying public. Newark was the U.S.s 14th-busiest airport in 2024, in terms of departing flights, according to OAG Aviation, a flight analysis database. FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, reported that Newark had the most canceled and delayed arrivals and departures in the world, with 273 delays (both within the U.S. and internationally) and 151 cancellations on Monday alone. On Monday, the FAA implemented a Ground Delay Program at Newark Airport, which caused all flights to be delayed an average of almost four hours. While New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy called the delays and cancellations completely and utterly unacceptable in a post on X, the FAA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have been dealing with similar issues, particularly air traffic control staffing shortages, across the country over the last few years. What is happening at Newark Airport right now? While air traffic control staffing shortages have been a longtime issue, the recent delays and cancellations at Newark were reportedly caused by the loss of radar and communication with the aircraft under their control due to outdated technology, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said in a statement to CNN. The NATCA is a union that represents air traffic controllers throughout the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source told CNN that controllers in Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control, which coordinates planes arriving at Newark, lost connectivity on April 28 between the FAA radar and the frequencies air traffic controllers use to manage their assigned planes. CNN reported that five FAA employees at Newark took 45 days off due to the stress of temporarily losing radar and communications with the aircraft under their control, unable to see, hear or talk to them. The FAA allows employees to take up to 45 days off, with continuation of pay, if they go through traumatic events. Since Newark is already understaffed with air traffic controllers, the absence of these five additional employees triggered a week of daily flight cancellations and delays. The National Airspace System is long overdue for technology and infrastructure upgrades, the NATCA said in a statement. The nations air traffic controllers, other aviation safety professionals, and all participating in the United States aviation system deserve the worlds best air traffic control system. In addition to the staffing shortage and the tech equipment, Newark announced that, starting on April 15, it would be closing its Runway 4L-22R, one of the airports busiest runways for departing flights, as part of a $121 million rehabilitation project. Newarks website says that the construction is expected to be done by mid-June. United Airlines temporarily cancels all Newark flights A United Airlines Boeing 747-451. (Getty Images) Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, announced last week that the airline would be canceling its 35 daily round-trip flights to and from Newark for the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past few days, on more than one occasion, technology that FAA air traffic controllers rely on to manage the airplanes coming in and out of Newark airport failed resulting in dozens of diverted flights, hundreds of delayed and canceled flights and worst of all, thousands of customers with disrupted travel plans, Kirby wrote in a letter to United customers on May 2. Kirby said that 20% of air traffic controllers at Newark joined in a walkout protest in response to the outdated technology. NATCA has not announced a planned walkout at Newark on its website but has previously expressed concerns over staffing shortages. Kirby went on to compliment Newark, which has had a strong relationship with United Airlines for over 60 years. But he noted that it did not seem like the FAA or Newark would be able to resolve these problems anytime soon. These challenges are not new to Newark, Kirby wrote. United has been urging the US government for *years* to use its authority to effectively limit the number of flights to what the airport can realistically handle. Past failure to make those changes had led to the circumstances that United and, most importantly, our customers now face. Air traffic control shortages are a problem across the U.S. The air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va. (Jose Luis Magana/AP) Newark Airport is not alone. The FAA commissioned an independent safety review of the U.S. airspace system in 2023, which resulted in a report that found air traffic control staffing was very low and, when combined with outdated equipment and technology, was causing a lot of the problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DOT report from 2023 found that the FAA may be facing air traffic control staffing issues because the COVID-19 pandemic paused training. The report says that the FAA lacks a plan to fix staffing shortages, which poses a risk to the continuity of air traffic operations. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, there is a national shortage of around 3,000 air traffic controllers. At a May 1 press conference, Duffy said while the Department of Transportation is working to resolve the issue, it cant be fixed overnight. Duffy said the FAA and DOT have come up with a list of incentives to increase the number of certified air traffic controllers, including a 30% salary increase for new hires, extra resources for students in the academy studying to pass the air traffic control exam and a $5,000 bonus for anyone who graduates from the academy. It takes a long time to train an air traffic controller, Mary Schiavo, a former Department of Transportation inspector general, told CNN in January after an American Airlines flight fatally collided with a helicopter near Reagan National Airport. Its very expensive. And about a third of them wash out because its very rigorous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air traffic controllers have a mandatory retirement age of 56, but Duffy has argued that many people are taking early retirement, so the DOT is also offering financial bonuses for controllers who agree serve until theyre 56. The FAA is now accepting applications only from people under the age of 31. This new recruitment award and retention incentive program is a meaningful step toward addressing the ongoing staffing shortages in air traffic control across the National Airspace System, NATCA president Nick Daniels said in response to Duffys press conference. Addressing air traffic controller staffing is just one of the critical issues facing the air traffic control system. The National Airspace System is also long overdue for technology and infrastructure upgrades. MILAN, Italy, May 5. Middle Corridor is not just a physical link but, a stabilizing force, Sahil Babayev, Governor of ADB from Azerbaijan, Minister of Finance, said, in his address to the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. Recent global and regional developments have underscored the critical importance of the Middle Corridor initiative, in which Azerbaijan occupies an important position. Against a backdrop of heightened tensions and uncertainties, the strategic significance of this corridor as an alternative and dependable route has become increasingly apparent. It offers a means to diversify economic dependencies and mitigate vulnerabilities associated with geopolitical shifts, he said. Babayev pointed out that the comprehensive analysis and strategic roadmap unveiled in the latest update are paramount, as they aim to enhance the Middle Corridors performance, ensuring its resilience as a vital conduit for commerce and collaboration, even amidst regional or global instability. Azerbaijan, strategically situated at the crossroads of East and West, recognizes its pivotal role in advancing the Middle Corridors development. The initiatives and timelines outlined today closely align with our national objectives of enhancing infrastructure, boosting efficiency, and fostering sustainable economic growth. As Azerbaijan commits to this initiative, we underscore the Middle Corridors role not just as a physical link but as a stabilizing force. It transcends mere logistics and trade; it epitomizes the forging of enduring partnerships capable of withstanding geopolitical pressures, he noted. TOWN OF BRASHER, N.Y. (WWTI) A 50-year-old Malone man is facing grand larceny and other charges after allegedly stealing another persons mule. Just after 11:10 p.m. May 1, New York State Troopers responded to a report of a burglary in progress on State Route 37C in the town of Brasher. Driver flips $400,000 Lamborghini on California highway An investigation revealed that Mark Darby had entered the victims property and stolen the victims mule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was seen walking down State Route 37C with the stolen animal. Darby was apprehended and transported to the state police headquarters in Massena for processing. The mule was the subsequently returned to the victim. Darby was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and third-degree criminal tresspass. He was issued appearance tickets to appear in the Town of Brasher Court for a later date in 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 WWTI - InformNNY.com. Less than one week after the official opening of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, one of the protesters appeared in court. John Mazurek is accused of setting fire at a police precinct in 2023. Channel 2s Steve Gehlbach was at the Fulton County Courthouse, where there were around a dozen demonstrators outside while Mazurek was in court. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Based on the proceedings, it doesnt look like Mazurek will be going to trial any time soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An attorney for Mazurek and a prosecutor told the judge theyre still negotiating a plea deal and need more time. Prosecutors said a jury trial is a last resort. TRENDING STORIES: So were not going anywhere, the defendants on bond, an attorney said. Mazurek, 30, was arrested for first-degree arson. While hes out of jail, hes wearing an ankle monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested for the 2023 attack on an Atlanta police precinct where multiple APD motorcycles were set on fire. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said when he was arrested that the fires were more than just a harmless property crime. We are very fortunate that we did not stand in front of you in July to note the passing of an Atlanta police officer due to an arson attack, Schierbaum said previously. Outside of the courthouse on Monday, a small group chanted and held up a banner reading Free Jack. Even after the official opening of the training center last week, the Stop Cop City protesters said theyre not going away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can still push back on the general militarization of the police, one protester said. Butch, who didnt want to give his full name, said the legal process is the punishment for Mazurek but wouldnt address if they thought torching police vehicles was appropriate or not. We think theyre making extravagant charges, dont think they have a clear idea who the suspect is, Butch said. So theyre pinning it on one person. Mazureks defense attorney told Channel 2 Action News that theyre still waiting on a ruling from the judge about motions argued in 2024. She said those should be done in the next two weeks and reset the next hearing in the case for the last week in June. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) The NYPD is searching for a suspect accused of trying to shoot a 41-year-old man in East Harlem on April 29. The incident happened around 10:45 a.m. near East 116th Street and Pleasant Avenue. More Local News The suspect, described as a man around 55 to 65 years old, allegedly fired a gun multiple times at the victim before fleeing on foot, police say. The victim was not injured during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was last seen wearing a blue sweater, black pants, sneakers, a black hat, and pulling a cart. The NYPD released the following surveillance video. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. 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). 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A 51-year-old man was taken into custody early Monday morning after allegedly stealing a tool set from a home improvement store and punching a security guard on his way out, according to court documents. Jay Frank Hemphill, 51, is facing a second-degree felony robbery charge after allegedly stealing a $30 tool set on Sunday, May 4. Documents say Hemphill was attempting to walk out of a store near 1330 S 300 W in Salt Lake City without paying for a tool kit when he was approached by a security guard. Buildings damaged in explosion at Salt Lake City gas station, investigation underway Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guard tried to stop him from stealing the product when Hemphill allegedly punched him in the face, breaking his glasses. Police said he took off running after the incident and boarded a Trax train. The Salt Lake City officer gave dispatch the suspects information after reviewing video footage of the incident. The Utah Transit Authority was then able to confirm that Hemphill boarded the train and UTA police took him into custody. He was booked in the Salt Lake County Jail at approximately 1:10 a.m. on Monday. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- A man is facing several charges after a three-year-old child was shot in an Evansville apartment on Sunday. Former Ohio County deputy accused of having illegal sex acts with a minor According to police records, 26-year-old Antonio Harrell was taken into custody following an incident in the 1400 Block of Dresden Street. Police say Harrell had been staying at a home and slept on a sofa with a firearm. Police say Harrell had left the gun on the couch, partially covered by a blanket, when he got up in the morning and went into another room. A short time later, Harrell told police he heard a gunshot from the living room. He says that he returned to the living room to find a three-year-old child with a gunshot wound to the arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say that Harrell and the childs mother then rushed the child to a local hospital, where he dropped the mother and child off. Harrell then reportedly returned to the home to retrieve the firearm. Police say later in the day, Harrell reached out to the childs mother via text message to inform authorities that he was in the 200 block of South Grand Avenue. Harrell was taken into custody without incident, and the firearm was recovered. Harrell is now being held without bond at the Vanderburgh County Jail and faces charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, unlawful carrying of a handgun with a prior felony conviction, neglect of a dependent, and obstruction of justice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). A Brazilian man suspected of fatally stabbing a person 30 times in his home country was arrested in Milford last week, the police department said. Following the attack, Fernando Vieira Martins came to the United States in 2023 and was the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by Brazilian authorities, Milford police said in a statement on Thursday. With the help of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, Milford police arrested Martins that same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extradition proceedings are pending while Martins is held on immigration-related charges, police said. Thanks to the collaborative work between our department and HSI, another dangerous individual has been apprehended and will now face justice, Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino said in the statement. The arrest underscores the harsh reality of the current state of our community. This is the second known killer hiding amongst the people of Milford to be captured in the last 45 days. More local crime stories SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A man was arrested for a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child in Tyler on Thursday, Smith County Jail records show. AFFIDAVIT: Parent arrested for giving vodka-laced Jell-O shots to kids at Tyler elementary Christmas party The Tyler Police Department began looking into the case on April 16 after they were dispatched to the UT Health ER in Tyler in regard to a sexual assault call they received. Once at the ER, officers reported that they spoke with a nurse who informed them that an underage girl from a group home was brought in by her caregiver and believed to have had sexual relationships with an adult man, an arrest affidavit showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While at the ER, the victims caregiver informed detectives that the victim had run away on Monday, April 14 and did not return until the morning of April 15. Once the victim returned to the group home, she informed her caregiver that she had sexual intercourse with an unknown man while she was away, according to an arrest affidavit. Detectives later spoke with the victim about the alleged incident while at the ER. During the discussion, the victim stated that she had left the group home on April 14 and walked to the Walmart across the street from the home, where she encountered a Hispanic man in the parking lot driving a gray truck. According to officials, the victim stated that the man asked her to have sex with him in exchange for money and the two subsequently had sex inside his truck and the victim claimed she was not paid. On April 17, the victim was taken to the Smith County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) for a medical exam. During the exam, the doctor assigned to the victim stated that the victim was reluctant to discuss the reason for her visit and provided very little information about the incident. The victim did, however, restate that she did have sexual relations with the suspect inside his truck, according to the affidavit. The victim later had a forensic interview at the CAC on April 22 where she offered more information about what occurred. During the interview, the victim described the suspect as a bald Hispanic male who was wearing a yellow vest. The victim also stated that she could smell marijuana coming from his truck while he stopped to talk to her, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nacogdoches man arrested after stabbing, killing relative during argument, police say Later, the victim said the man picked her up near Jucys Tacos before he drove the truck to a convenience store where the affidavit said he bought condoms. Then the man drove the victim to the Planet Fitness parking lot where the victim stated they had sex. After checking camera footage, detectives were able to identify the suspects vehicle as a 2009 Ford F150. Detectives were later able to discover that the truck belonged to Ernesto Lopez-Ramirez, an affidavit revealed. Photo of Ernesto Lopez-Ramirez, courtesy of Smith County Jail records. After reviewing footage from the Wal-Mart and Planet Fitness parking lots on the day of the incident, officers began to believe Ramirez was responsible for sexually assaulting the victim, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footage obtained lined up with the statements the victim made during her forensic interview and a warrant was issued for Ramirezs arrest. Ramirez was then arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child on Thursday and hes currently being held at the Smith County 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. MILAN, Italy, May 5. Zangazur Corridor serves as vital link between Asia and Europe, Sahil Babayev, ADB governor from Azerbaijan, finance minister, said, in his address to the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. The Zangazur Corridor is a strategic initiative that will enhance regional connectivity and economic integration. This corridor serves as a vital link between Asia and Europe, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people across the region. By investing in this corridor, Azerbaijan aims to unlock new economic opportunities, promote sustainable development, and foster greater cooperation among neighboring countries, he said. Babayev noted that the Zangazur Corridor is not just a physical infrastructure project; it represents a commitment to building enduring partnerships and ensuring stability and prosperity for the entire region. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A man has been charged with murder after investigators say he killed a 75-year-old Olathe woman. Court records say that Dartanan Hudgens has been charged with first-degree murder after Karen Peterson was found dead inside her home on Wednesday, April 30. Multiple dead in Franklin Co. crash, Kansas Highway Patrol investigating Previous coverage reported that, on the day Peterson was found, police were called to a home on North Persimmon Drive near West Santa Fe Street just after 11 a.m. to check on a woman at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they reported finding the 75-year-old dead inside. According to law enforcement, her cause of death has still not been revealed. Two days after Peterson was found dead, Olathe police announced that a suspect had been taken into custody. Charges were filed against Hudgens soon after. Charging documents indicate that the killing took place sometime between March 11 and March 21. FOX4 has requested a copy of the affidavit to learn more. 1 killed, 1 critically injured in southeast Kansas City crash Sunday Hudgens is currently being held in the Johnson County jail with bond set at $1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is set for his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Johnson County District Court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ATLANTA (AP) The man charged in a slaying in suburban Atlanta that the Trump administration highlighted in support of its tough immigration stance pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of murder and rape, according to a court filing. Hector David Sagastume Rivas was scheduled to appear in a Cobb County courtroom on Tuesday. But in the filing signed by his attorney, A. Lee Fudger, he waived formal arraignment and entered the plea. A message for Fudger was not immediately returned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rivas also pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault, aggravated sexual battery and necrophilia in the attack on 52-year-old Camillia Williams, who was strangled in Marietta some time late on the night of March 11 or in the early morning hours of March 12. Marietta is about 20 miles (32 km) north of Atlanta. Authorities have not disclosed any motive. Rivas, a 21-year-old from Honduras, entered the U.S. illegally in March 2021 and was arrested by border patrol agents before being released with a notice to appear in court, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The agency said a judge had ordered his removal in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on X in March, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Rivas should have never been in our country in the first place, and she and President Donald Trump were putting the safety of Americans FIRST. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the slaying horrific at a news conference in April and said it reflected the Biden administration's lax border enforcement policies. Williams was a mother and grandmother whose family said she had moved to metro Atlanta from Louisiana. Her brother, Arsene Williams, told WAGA-TV he believes his sister would still be alive if Rivas had been deported. ___ Associated Press writer Jeff Martin contributed to this report. CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) A man has been convicted and is facing life without parole for the rape of a college student in 2019, officials announced Monday. According to the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), on June 1, 2019, a woman was sleeping in her Colonial Grand apartment when a stranger broke in and woke her up by sexually assaulting her. The victim testified that she had never met the assailant, Kasey Levi Lyons Dyak, before the assault. He reportedly entered her apartment by cutting the screen door while she was sleeping, the Chatham County District Attorneys (DA) Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dyak had thrown her phone into a nearby marsh, so she was not able to call 911 but did use Facebook Messenger to contact friends to call for her after the assault. She was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and a rape kit after help arrive, officials said. Dyak was identified as the suspect in 2023 after he was being investigated for another sexual assault in Florida where his DNA was uploaded from the Florida investigation into CODIS, (Combined DNA Index System). It matched DNA taken from the Chatham County victim taken in 2019. Officials found that Dyak was in town working at a local carnival being held approximately 2 miles from her Whitemarsh Island apartment. He was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary, false imprisonment, rape and aggravated sodomy in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DA Jones wanted to highlight the bravery of the survivor who waited six years for justice and who with poise and grace testified emotionally during the trial facing her attacker in court. Dyak will be sentenced at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. A suspected gang member has been convicted on gun charges for his involvement in a series of crimes in Minneapolis over the course of three years. A federal jury convicted Clenest Demon Wells, 28, of three counts of illegal possession of firearms as a felon and one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun on Thursday. Wells has multiple prior felony convictions, making it illegal for him to possess firearms or ammunition. According to court documents, Wells who is linked to the Lows gang and Stick Up Boys threatened a fellow passenger with a gun on a Metro Transit bus on April 6, 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police boarded the bus at the intersection of Penn and Lowry Avenue North and identified Wells, and found him in possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Just over two years later, on May 23, 2022, police stopped Wells as he was speeding through a residential area. After observing marijuana in his car, they searched the vehicle and found another semi-automatic pistol. Then on July 30, 2023, police responded to a fight involving a suspect with a gun in a parking lot at Hennepin Avenue and 5th Street in downtown Minneapolis. At the scene, officers identified Wells as the suspect with the gun. As officers approached, Wells ignored orders to stop and turned to walk away. He was found to be in possession of a handgun equipped with an auto-sear, or switch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Testing on the gun later showed the switch allowed it to fire ten rounds in less than one second. "Possession of a firearm modified to function as a machine gun in a public space could have had tragic consequences," FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. said in a statement. "Protecting our communities from violence is a top priority, and we are committed to working with our partners to stop those who put innocent lives at risk." EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 19-year-old man is dead after an off-roading motor vehicle crash Sunday morning, May 4, at Red Sands, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPCSO). Minutes before 5 a.m. on May 4, deputies with the Sheriffs Office were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash at Red Sands, located at 15600 Montana Ave. According to EPCSO, the Special Traffic Investigators took over the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary information found that a white SUV was off-roading in the area when it struck a 19-year-old man, according to the Sheriffs Office. The Sheriffs Office identified the man as Eduardo Salas. According to the Sheriffs Office, Salas was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been notified, EPCSO said. The Sheriffs Office did not say what led up to the crash. With warmer weather ahead, we know Red Sands will continue to draw large crowds, El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. We want everyone to enjoy the area responsibly, look out for one another, drive safely and help us prevent further tragedies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. An 89-year-old man and a dog were killed in apparently separate bear attacks near the victim's home in Florida, officials said. The Collier County Sheriffs Office said it received a call shortly after 7 a.m. Monday involving a "bear encounter." The incident was reported in the area of State Road 29 and U.S. 41 near Jerome, just south of the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, a conservation area, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the attacks, FWC personnel killed three bears in the area, the agency said Tuesday. The bears' DNA will be tested to confirm if any were involved in the incident. MORE: 35-year-old man survives grizzly bear attack after encountering 2 of them at national park The attacks occurred "some time apart" on Monday, and the man and the dog were found within a couple of hundred yards of the area, according to FWC spokesperson George Reynaud. The victim was identified as Robert Markel, a longtime resident of the Jerome area. Officials believe his daughter called 911 to report the attack, Reynaud said. FWC previously said the Markel was 88, though updated on Tuesday that he was 89. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His daughter saw a bear attack the dog and then went looking for her father, who is believed to have been attacked earlier on Monday, Reynaud said. PHOTO: Authorities respond to the scene of a deadly bear attack near Jerome in Collier County, Florida, May 5, 2025. (WZVN) "We do know it was a bear attack. We don't know if it was the same bear or multiple bears," Reynaud said at a press briefing Monday evening. Once the investigation is confirmed, this would mark the first documented fatal bear attack in the state's history, Reynaud said. The animal would most likely be a Florida black bear, based on the region, FWC spokesperson Tyson Matthews said at a press briefing earlier Monday. MORE: 35-year-old speaks out after grizzly bear attack: 'Insane how fast it all happens' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Markel had been alone with the dog at the residence, and there are several other residences within the property, FWC officials said. The FWC warned residents and visitors to continue to avoid the area "out of an abundance of caution." "Do not approach or attempt to track wildlife," the FWC said in a statement on Tuesday. "Law enforcement and FWC personnel are continuing to monitor bear activity and ensure public safety." The FWC is investigating the incident. 89-year-old man and dog killed in bear attacks in Florida: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com JEROME, Fla. (WFLA) A man and his dog were found dead in what officials are referring to as a bear encounter near Jerome, according to the Collier County Sheriffs Office. Just after 7 a.m. on Monday, officials received a call regarding a bear encounter at 22777 SR-29, just south of Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area in Jerome. Seminole boater shares his encounter with Clearwater Ferry days before fatal crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the attack resulted in the death of a man and a dog, which occurred around 100 yards apart. FWC officials are unsure if the same bear attacked or if it was from multiple bears, as the deaths happened at different times. Officials identified the victim as Robert Markel, of Collier County. They believe the first 911 call came from the victims daughter, who reported the encounter after seeing the dead dog. The bear involved may still be in the area, as FWC crews continue to secure the perimeter and locate the animal. Four live bear traps were deployed late Monday afternoon. Out of an abundance of caution, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant, and avoid the area. Do not approach or attempt to track wildlife, authorities told WFLA.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FWC is taking over the investigation. More details are expected to be released Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) After moving in with a friend in 2020, David Eric Aney betrayed his trust in the worst way he sexually abused the friends 9-year-old son over the next two years. Aney, who has prior convictions for child molestation and possession of child pornography, was sentenced Monday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 115 years to life. He sat with his head down throughout the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Centennial Park tennis courts to close for 2 months for rehab The 60-year-old Aney pleaded no contest last month to all charges continuous sexual abuse of a child and two counts of engaging in lewd or lascivious acts with a child. In his other cases, Aney in 2021 was convicted of engaging in lewd or lascivious acts with a child, according to court records, and in 2012 he was convicted of possessing child porn. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PHOENIX (AP) The key to cracking a series of fatal shootings in the Phoenix area in 2017 came when police were called to a blood-spattered apartment where they arrested a man who was suspected of killing his mother and stepfather. Authorities say evidence found there linked Cleophus Cooksey Jr. to four other killings. Police found a gun used in several of them, a necklace belonging to a victim and the vehicle keys of a woman whose partially nude body was found in an alley. Cooksey's trial opened Monday, more than seven years later, after repeated delays due to the pandemic. The 43-year-old is accused of murder and other charges stemming from a total of eight killings in Phoenix and nearby Glendale over a three-week span. If he is convicted, prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. Cooksey has said the allegations against him are false and pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In opening statements to a jury of 22 10 of whom are alternates prosecutor Josh Maxwell said the victims had in common that they were all vulnerable at the time they were killed. The focus of this trial is one of those classic whodunits, and the evidence will show the person whodunit, if you will, is this individual over here, the defendant, Cleophus Emmanuel Cooksey, Maxwell said pointing to Cooksey. Defense attorney Robert Reinhardt began his opening statement telling jurors of their duty to be fair and impartial and said the prosecution did not point out a motive, calling the offenses random and unrelated. You didnt hear anything about premeditation either. The state made statements that in incident No. 1, Mr. Cooksey just went up and shot them, but theres no rhyme or reason to any of that, Reinhardt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In earlier years, two other serial shooting cases sparked fear in metro Phoenix, prompting some people to stay indoors after dark or stay off freeways where they occurred. Unlike those cases, the killings Cooksey is accused of did not occur over a matter of months and generated no publicity until his arrest. Cookseys trial is expected to last more than eight months, said Vincent Funari, a Maricopa County Superior Court spokesperson. The victims The first of the eight killings happened Nov. 27, 2017. By that point Cooksey had been out of prison for four months after serving time for his role in a 2001 strip club robbery that turned deadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooksey knew some of the victims intimately, but others were strangers. Most of the shootings happened in the evening and overnight. Police never released a motive but said Cooksey was responsible. Parker Smith and Andrew Remillard were the first victims, shot while sitting inside a vehicle in a parking lot. Five days later security guard Salim Richards was fatally shot on the way to his girlfriends apartment. Prosecutors say Cooksey and Richards fought physically and Cooksey walked away with Richards' gun and necklace. Latorrie Beckford and Kristopher Cameron were killed in separate shootings at apartment complexes in Glendale. Maria Villanueva was expected at her boyfriends apartment in Glendale, but police say Cooksey drove away with her in her vehicle. The next day her body, naked from the waist down, was found in a Phoenix alley. Authorities say she had been sexually assaulted and Cookseys DNA was found on her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, on Dec. 17, 2017, Cooksey answered the door when officers acting on a report of gunshots showed up at his mother's apartment. Officers noticed a lot of blood. Cooksey said he had cut his hand and was the only one home, according to police. Cookseys mother, Rene Cooksey, and stepfather, Edward Nunn, were found dead. Before he was detained, police say, Cooksey threatened to slit an officers throat. The evidence against Cooksey On the sofa in the living room, investigators found Richards gun, which was later linked to the killings of Beckford, Cameron and Villanueva. The keys to Villanuevas vehicle also were found there, and police say Cooksey was wearing Richards' necklace when he was arrested. In a January 2020 handwritten letter to a judge over the impending postponement of his trial, Cooksey said he was in an upmost hurry to prove my charges are no more than false accusations and what better way to do so than a not-guilty verdict. An aspiring musician, he said he was not a rapist or murderer: I am a music artist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite wanting to exercise his right to a speedy trial, Cooksey's case encountered postponements due to the pandemic, which interfered with preparation including the ability of experts to evaluate Cooksey. Earlier in the case, his lawyers raised questions about a claim police made around the time of his arrest that Cooksey was suspected of a ninth killing. But prosecutors ultimately declined to charge Cooksey in the December 2017 shooting death of Jesus Real at his home in Avondale. According to police, Reals sister and Cooksey had broken up the night before. Prosecutors said they had no reasonable likelihood of winning a conviction. Serial shooting cases in the Phoenix area Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cookseys arrest came after two serial shooting cases in recent years. From late August to early September 2015, a total of 11 shootings occurred on freeways. No one was seriously hurt when eight vehicles were hit with bullets and three others with projectiles such as BBs or pellets. But a 13-year-old was cut by glass. Charges were later dismissed against the only person charged in the shootings, who went on to win a rare court order declaring him officially cleared of the allegations. The next serial shooting case came over nearly a one-year period that ended in July 2016. Aaron Juan Saucedo, a bus driver, has been charged with first-degree murder and other charges in the attacks, which killed nine people. He was arrested in April 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Saucedo, who has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled for December. ___ Associated Press writer Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix contributed to this report. MILAN, Italy, May 5. We must be prepared for possible economic downturn, said President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda, addressing the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. Trade tensions and market volatility present uncertainties. I am deeply concerned about the potential impact on the economies of our developing member countries and, most of all, on the poor and most vulnerable. We must be prepared for a possible economic downturn and heightened vulnerabilities. We recognize the urgency to act swiftly and support our developing member countries through the effective and efficient use of our financial and technical resources. Maintaining macro-financial stability and deepening regional cooperation and integration are especially critical at this juncture, he said. Kanda noted that ADB is prepared to help its clients navigate current challenges and respond to shocks with assistance ranging from timely financing to debt management support and stability mechanisms. In addition to existing instruments and resources, such as countercyclical support financing, we are exploring new options to ease liquidity pressures and support countries financial stability. Furthermore, to meet the rising demand for assistance from our developing member countries, our recent capital management reforms have increased our lending capacity by up to $100 billion in the next decade, equipping us with the financial firepower to scale up our operations by 50% over the next decade. In parallel, as challenges continue to grow in scope and complexity, we are implementing enhanced measures to amplify our development impact, without requiring additional resources from our donors, ADB president said. Kanda pointed out that it is now more important than ever to protect the poor and vulnerable. The historic $5 billion replenishment of the Asian Development Fund (ADF 14) and the Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF 8) marks a powerful vote of confidence in our collective mission. We are very grateful for the generous support and trust granted to us, he said. A man was indicted on a federal criminal charge of abusive sexual contact after he allegedly "engaged in inappropriate conduct with two flight attendants, both of whom were male," on a JetBlue Airways flight on April 13 Dennis Woodbury, 49, allegedly slapped a male flight attendant on his backside and exposed himself twice to another during a flight to Los Angeles He could face a statutory maximum sentence of up to two years in federal prison A man has been charged after allegedly slapping a male flight attendants butt and exposing himself to another crew member on a JetBlue Airways flight. Dennis Woodbury, 49, from Azusa, Calif., was indicted on a felony charge of one count of abusive sexual contact after his alleged misconduct with two male flight attendants on an April 13 flight from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Los Angeles, prosecutors announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former California Highway Patrol captain was allegedly drinking heavily on the flight and slapped one male flight attendant on the buttocks and showed a male crew member pornographic imagery. While in the air, he allegedly exposed his genitalia, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California said in a press release. Woodbury showed one of the flight attendants a photograph of a dog. The picture contained pornographic imagery in the background. Woodbury later told one of the flight attendants that he should go on a cruise with him then made a crude hand gesture, the federal attorneys office said. The release continued, alleging: Just after meal service and while the plane was still in the air, the second flight attendant collected passengers meal trays and walked past Woodbury. Woodbury, who had been drinking heavily, then used his left hand to slap the victims buttocks. Woodbury then yelled that he loved him. AVI stock/Getty A male flight attendant A male flight attendant Related: Southwest Airlines Sued After Minor Was Allegedly Sexually Assaulted by Another Passenger Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woodbury also allegedly pulled down his trousers and underwear, exposing his genitalia. He then requested some wine, which was denied, and he allegedly exposed himself a second time prompting the flight attendant to tell him, "Enough, go back to your seat," according to the authorities. The two flight attendants targeted by Woodbury told law enforcement that neither of them consented to his behavior. At JetBlue, the safety of our customers and crewmembers is our top priority," JetBlue said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "The incident occurred on April 13, and we took immediate action at that time by notifying law enforcement. We have zero tolerance for the behavior alleged and continue to assist and cooperate fully with authorities in this case. 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. Kevin Carter/Getty A JetBlue plane departs Los Angeles International Airport A JetBlue plane departs Los Angeles International Airport Related: JetBlue Pilot Arrested on Child Sex Charge Before Beginning Boston-to-Paris Flight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woodbury made his first court appearance in April. He was released on a $50,000 bond and, if convicted, faces a statutory maximum sentence of two years in federal prison. The FBI and the Los Angeles Airport Police are investigating the incident. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Larsen of the Criminal Appeals Section is prosecuting this case. Woodbury is scheduled to be arraigned in the U.S. District Court in L.A. on May 12. PEOPLE has reached out to JetBlue for comment. Read the original article on People (FOX40.COM) One person was injured in a shooting in Sacramento Monday morning, the Sacramento Police Department said. According to police, around 10:30 a.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting near the train overpass on Del Paso Boulevard just north of the American River. Officers found a man with at least one gunshot wound, police said. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. Officials said a man, 34, drowned in Texas Lake Conroe during a family outing on Sunday, May 4 The Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable's Office said the victim dropped the anchor of a boat he rented then jumped into the water for a swim However, authorities said the anchor didnt hold and when the wind pushed the boat away, the man wasn't able to catch back up with it The body of a 34-year-old man was recovered after he drowned in a Texas lake over the weekend, according to local officials. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 4, on Lake Conroe in Montgomery County, according to CBS affiliate KHOU, NBC affiliate KPRC and Fox affiliate KRIV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that the man, who has not been publicly identified, was with family members from different parts of the U.S. for an outing and rented a boat before 5 p.m. local time, reported KHOU. The Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable's Office said the victim dropped the boats anchor and then jumped into the water for a swim. However, according to authorities, the man didnt realize the water was 35 deep, and the anchor didnt take hold. When the wind pushed the boat away, the man attempted to swim back, but he went under and didnt reemerge from the water, per KRIV. Related: At Least 10 Dead and 70 Hospitalized After 4 Tourist Boats Capsize Due to Strong Winds: Reports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His body was located by divers around 7 p.m., according to KPRC. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The 22,000-acre Lake Conroe is described as the City of Conroes centerpiece, according to a tourism website as well as a place for fishing, boating and water sports. Related: 10-Year-Old Missing After Being Swept Away While Playing in River, Officials Fear She May Have Gone Over Dam KRIV reported that Sundays incident is the first drowning in Lake Conroe of 2025. The Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable's Office forwarded PEOPLE's request for information to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on Monday, May 5. Read the original article on People MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police are asking the public for tips after a man was shot to death in Raleigh on Sunday morning. At 5:23 a.m., officers responded to a shots fired call in the 2500 block of Northumberland Lane. A male victim was found and pronounced dead on the scene. Police said at this time, there is no suspect information. If you have any information about this incident, youre encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH with tips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A former Citadel cadet agreed to plead guilty Monday to reckless homicide in a DUI crash that killed a 23-year-old woman on Valentines Day in 2021. Anthony Troiani, 22 at the time, was driving on King Street on the night of February 14, 2021, when he struck and killed 23-year-old Hannah Carpenter while she attempted to cross the street in front of The Recovery Room. Documents revealed Troianis blood alcohol level was 0.14 at the time of the crash. The limit in South Carolina is 0.8%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carpenters family, to avoid trial and having to relive the event, helped craft an outcome that would require Troiani to spend time behind bars and offer something to the community. RELATED: Wrongful death suit filed against Citadel cadet charged with Valentines Day DUI death Troiani pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and will serve 90 days at the Al Cannon Detention Center, to be followed by five years of probation. He must also complete 100 hours of community service per year for a total of 500 hours with the Lowcountry Food Bank. He also lost his drivers license for five years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man who pleaded guilty in January in federal court to selling drugs in Warren was sentenced Monday to more than nine years in prison. Read next: 1 killed in crash on Route 422 at Ohio-PA border Eric Rivers, 51, received a sentence of 117 months from U.S. Judge Christopher A. Boyko in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio following Jan. 21 guilty pleas to an 11-count indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment in the case charges Rivers with selling drugs from September through November of 2021 from a house on Charles Avenue in Warren. He is also accused of having a 9mm semiautomatic pistol on Nov. 10, 2021, despite a 2003 conviction in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court for aggravated robbery and kidnapping. A federal grand jury indicted him March 6, 2024. The indictment in the case said that Rivers was selling cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl. He was one of four men accused of robbing a Hubbard Township credit union in 2002 and leading police on a chase to Howland. Police found the money that was taken, about $13,000, several weeks later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in that case after pleading 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 WKBN.com. NORFOLK, Neb. (KCAU) A man was shot during a dispute that took place a Norfolk residence early Sunday morning. The Norfolk Police Division said in a release that officers were called to the 400 block of Blain Street just after 2 a.m. on Sunday for the report of a man being shot. Police said that they found a man with a gunshot wound to the abdomen in the area of the 700 block of Logan Avenue. Norfolk Rescue was called to the scene, and the man was taken to a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another responding officer made contact with the man who reported the incident. The man was identified by officials as Jose Luis Lopes Jr., 23, of Norfolk. 2 hospitalized after crash on Highway 20 in Sioux City Police received video of the incident that took place and learned that the victim of the shooting had knocked on the door, and Lopes fired a gunshot above the victims head after opening the door. This was followed by an argument that ended when Lopes shot the victim in the abdomen. Lopes has been charged with first-degree assault and using a weapon to commit a felony. Lopes is being held in the Madison County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Norfolk Police Department was assisted by the Madison County Sheriffs Office and the Nebraska State Patrol. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) A man was left with non life-threatening injuries following a shooting in the 2100 block of Columbus Ave Monday, according to Portsmouth police. The call came in around 3:31 p.m. and the man was transported to the hospital for treatment. If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. BROWNSVILLE, Texas (Texas Tribune) Little is publicly known about the three people poised to lead Texas next city, Starbase, which includes the launch site for Elon Musks SpaceX. However, one of the three choices is a man with a history of working for SpaceX in McGregor. The Texas Tribune says Robert Bobby Peden, 36, has worked for SpaceX for twelve years. He started out as a ground support equipment engineer in 2013 at Spaces Rocket Development Facility in McGregor. His job location changed to Starbase in December 2023 where he now works as the vice president of Texas Test and Launch. Peden has a degree in mechanical engineering from Arkansas Tech University and a masters degree in engineering mechanics from the University of Texas. He resides at Boca Chica Village with his wife and three children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribune says there have been no signs of a traditional campaign along the Boca Chica Beach region in South Texas, where the proposed town is located about 20 miles east of Brownsville. No yard signs. No campaign websites. No candidate forums. In fact, each candidate signed a pledge not to accept more than $1,110 in political contributions for this election. The Tribune says the dearth of campaigning stems in part from the fact all three are running unopposed. If a majority of the nearly 300 eligible voters many SpaceX employees approve the citys incorporation Saturday, the three candidates win automatically. And theyll be tasked with creating the city from the ground up. While their priorities remain unknown, the entire purpose of the city is to help SpaceX grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribune says what is known about the candidates comes from public records and social media sites, reviewed by The Texas Tribune and Sunlight Research Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization. Each candidate was contacted multiple times by the Tribune. They did not return interview requests. Heres what the Tribune found. Additional information on Robert Bobby Peden, mayor candidate His home, according to property records, is owned by the Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX. Peden has worked in Texas since 2011. And he owned property in Texas between 2016 and 2024. First in McGregor and then in Lorena. He also owns property in Arkansas. The Tribune says Peden contributed $5,000 to SpaceXs political action committee in December. Campaign finance filings list his residence as Hawthorne, California, where SpaceX headquarters are located. Musk has announced he plans to move SpaceX headquarters to Texas. Jenna Petrzelka, commissioner candidate Jenna Petrzelka, 39, is running for one of the two city commissioner positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to LInkedIn, she started working at SpaceX in 2012 as an avionics process engineer in Hawthorne and her last position there was manager of operations engineering at Starbase, a position she held from August 2023 to July 2024. The Tribune says her husband, Joseph Edward Petrzelkakla is a SpaceX vice president, according to LinkedIn. Both obtained degrees from Iowa State University. Together they have two children. According to the Tribune, Petrzelkas listed occupation on her candidate application is philanthropist. She previously owned an Etsy store that touted donating its profits to charity and, in 2022, volunteered at Good Neighbor Settlement House, a Brownsville nonprofit that assists migrants and people experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petrzelkas declared on her candidate form that her permanent residence address is 41356 Tarpon Bend Drive in Brownsville, which is about 3 miles southwest of Boca Chica Village. While no structures are visible through Google Earth, a few gated homes have sprung up there as well as a street sign that reads Mars-A-Lago Ave, a reference to President Donald Trumps Florida home and beach club. Jordan Buss, commissioner Jordan Buss, 40, is a senior director of Environmental Health and Safety for SpaceX. He has worked at SpaceX since 2023, according to LinkedIn. He previously worked for an energy company in the Houston area. The Tribune says Buss studied at Purdue University from 2004 to 2008 and now lives at Boca Chica Village with his wife who is a masters student studying industrial/organizational psychology at Purdue Global, according to his LinkedInN account. In 2023, Buss made a $600 political contribution to the SpaceX PAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man was stabbed to death in a southeast Las Vegas valley apartment Sunday morning, police said. On Sunday, May 4, at around 11:24 a.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to a stabbing in the 3200 block of East Desert Inn Road, near South Mojave Road. Officers found a man suffering from apparent stab wounds inside an apartment. Medical personnel responded and took the man to a local hospital, where staff pronounced him dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homicide detectives took over the scene. Through the investigation, police learned the victim was in a verbal fight with another person. At some point the fight turned physical and the suspect stabbed the victim before leaving the scene. The identification of the victim, as well as the cause and manner of death, can be obtained through the Clark County coroners office. Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the Crime Stoppers 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 KLAS. MILAN, Italy, May 5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is amending its Charter for the first time to remove the lending limitation, said ADBA President Masato Kanda, addressing the business session of Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. He noted that this is essential for ADB to support the priorities in the most efficient and effective way possible. ADB will continue its reform efforts to optimize human resources, streamline processes, and enhance the efficiency of budget utilization. We are also advancing operational agility, by decentralizing our operations to deliver more tailored and effective solutions for our clients. We will continue to explore and implement measures to further augment our lending capacity and ensure ADBs financial sustainability, said Kanda. He pointed out that the ADB will scale up its operations with increased strategic focus in areas like resilience and adaptation, private sector development, regional cooperation, and digital transformation. These priorities reflect the regions most pressing and complex development challenges. Our financing, knowledge, and advisory support will help to drive growth through jobs and human development, he explained. (FOX40.COM) A man is in police custody following an overnight standoff in Sacramento, the Sacramento Police Department said. According to police, officers responded to a report of a person negligently shooting a gun around 8 p.m. near the 5300 Block of Scarborough Way. The suspect barricaded themselves inside a home, leading to a several-hours-long standoff. Around 5 a.m., police said the man was detained after surrendering peacefully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, there are no victims connected with the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Wendarius Lytavious AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The Richmond County Sheriffs Office is looking to talk to a man about Sundays deadly shooting on Riverfront Drive. They want to question 23-year-old Wendarius Lytavious Harris. Harris is known to frequent the E. Boundary Area and Batesburg, S.C. If you know anything about Saturdays shooting or the whereabouts of Wendarius Harris, youre asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriffs Office at (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WFRV) Authorities in Illinois arrested a man wanted in Wisconsin on homicide charges stemming from a fatal New Years Eve crash in 2023. According to officials, the Cook County Fugitive Apprehension Unit and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force took 28-year-old Basilio Garcia-Jarquin into custody in Chicago. A felony arrest warrant had been issued for him in Milwaukee on Aug. 6, 2025. Wisconsin woman arrested after five unsecured children, marijuana found during traffic stop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia-Jarquin is facing multiple felony charges, including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle related to the deadly crash. Waupun man convicted of reckless homicide in 2023 fentanyl overdose death Investigators received information indicating Garcia-Jarquin was hiding in the Chicagoland area. He was located at a residence in the 4100 block of W. 25th Place in Chicagos Pilsen neighborhood, where he was arrested without incident. He is currently being held in the Cook County Jail awaiting extradition to Wisconsin. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Video note: Despite this articles time stamp, the above video is the latest forecast from The Weather Authority. MANCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56) The Manchester Fire Department was awarded for the lifesaving actions performed by rescue crews who responded to extreme flooding in February. Around 5 p.m. on Sunday, Manchester fire officials posted on Facebook that Clay County Judge Executive Tommy Harmon went above and beyond to thank the department for the work the crews did less than three months ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would like to extend our utmost gratitude to Harmon and the Clay County Fiscal Court for presenting us with these certificates and continuing to support all fire departments in Clay County, Manchester fire officials wrote. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: On Feb. 15, the Manchester Fire Department, along with the Locards Creek Fire Department, reportedly served as leading responders for flood rescue efforts across Clay County. Officials said department staff worked for over 12 hours to evacuate flood victims from their homes. 14 residents, including children, and eight animals were reportedly rescued from flooding that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims impacted by the February floods in Clay County have until May 25 to apply for assistance with FEMA. To find a disaster recovery center or apply for aid, visit the FEMA 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 FOX 56 News. Throughout both of his presidential campaigns, Donald Trump said he would crack down on immigration. JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images In an interview before his reelection, Trump asserted his approach to deportations for "mixed-status families," meaning some members are US citizens and others aren't. "I dont want to be breaking up families, so the only way you dont break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back, he told NBC. Now, one mixed-status family that faced deportation during Trump's first term is going viral on Instagram for sharing their journey to establish a new life in Mexico. Courtesy of Candice Garcia-Sanchez Candice Garcia-Sanchez, known as @_laguerita70 on Instagram, is a 36-year-old project manager living in Puebla, Mexico. A video of a typical day as her husband and community build their "forever home" in Mexico recently went viral with almost 4 million views. Text over the video reads, "Building your forever home in Mexico after your husband's deportation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video shows people working inside and outside of the home. Including her husband, Fidel. And Candice visiting the home with her 5-month-old son Daemon. The work goes on for so long that you can see the transition from daytime to sunset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several people were incredibly supportive of Candice and her family in the comments. "Took those lemons & made lemonade," this person applauded. "Baby, that house is solid!" this person said. "I know how hard it is leaving everything behind to be thrown into the unknown. God bless your family and your home and I hope that you and your family are happy for the remainder of your days," this person encouraged. Several people criticized the US government. "Australian here. We changed our holiday plans from going to the US in October to going to Mexico instead. Refuse to spend a single cent in the US with this administration in power," this person shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Well, at least Mexico has a woman president. The U.S. needs to catch up instead of taking a hundred years back," this person suggested. "Honestly, I'm American but I want to be deported at this point," this person joked. Additionally, a lot of people had questions about the circumstances that led Candice's family to Mexico. "Respectfully curious, if he's your husband why was he deported? Wouldn't that make him a citizen by marriage?" this person asked. In an interview with BuzzFeed, Candice addressed this question. "We fought his case for over a year," she said. "Contrary to popular belief, being married to a US citizen doesn't guarantee any protection for an undocumented spouse," she said. "It varies case by case depending on a variety of factors, and once a person enters without inspection, like Fidel did when he was 17, it makes it substantially more difficult to obtain legal status." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When he was deported, we met him in Puebla one to two days after he arrived there, and he moved there three months later," she said. She and her family have been in Mexico for eight years now, and have been sharing their story online for five years. "I was at work when I received a call from his coworker telling me he had been detained. In that moment it felt like all of the air had been sucked out of the universe. My first thought was our son Diego and how I was going to tell him his dad wasnt coming home," she said. Courtesy of Candice Garcia-Sanchez Candice and Fidel have three children: Diego is now 15 years old, Dominic is 5 years old, and Daemon is 5 months old. "We have always been open and honest with our kids, mostly Diego because he is the oldest, but as Dominic gets older, we have started to talk to him about our situation as he asks questions like, 'Why cant dad go with us to visit the US?'" she said. Courtesy of Candice Garcia-Sanchez "For us, it was better not to sugarcoat or hide the truth from them because we can answer their questions, versus them seeking those answers elsewhere and being confused." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though sharing their story online does attract hateful comments, Candice shared that it has brought more positivity into their lives than negativity. "We had been saving money prior to [being on] social media, but after being on TikTok for a little bit, our audience asked for a YouTube channel. We started one and added revenue from it to our savings. [As a result,] we could begin our build before our initial goal, which was to start after 10 years of living here." "We also offer free assistance to anyone in this situation via email, and the emails have significantly increased. Just this past week, I edited 200 resumes, for example, for individuals or families affected by deportation," she said. This is their third and final year building their home. "Fidel is incredibly proud of the build, and we are proud of him. He has built our dreams with his bare hands and has focused on making sure every detail of this house is perfect and will be in our family for generations." Candice said this journey has taught her a lot. "Its changed my perspective on many things, including Mexico. I only ever knew Mexico from what the news told me, and its so much more. Its beautiful and full of rich culture and some of the most amazing people I have ever met." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ive often seen people say I romanticize our life here, which isnt true. I just show our life." Courtesy of Candice Garcia-Sanchez "Yes, we have stress, and no, it isnt perfect, but our family made it through deportation, and we are together, and when you get through something like that, I think it gives you a more positive perspective on lifes obstacles because you have survived worse. I wouldnt wish what we went through on my worst enemy. I hope our journey gives others hope." If you want to learn more about how Candice and her family are building their forever home in Mexico, you can visit Candice's YouTube channel, TikTok, or Instagram accounts. GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) The Berkshire South Regional Community Center has announced the appointment of marketing executive and community advocate Nick Papachristou to its Board of Trustees. Pittsfield to undergo street improvement projects throughout the week Papachristou, who brings more than three decades of experience to marketing and strategic consulting, recently relocated to Sheffield to be closer to family. He currently works as a sales and marketing consultant, advising both for-profit and nonprofit organizations on growth strategies, performance marketing, and organizational development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were thrilled to welcome Nick to our Board of Trustees, said Jenise Lucey, executive director of the Community Center. Theres important work ahead, and Nick immediately jumped in with heart, energy, and a clear commitment to furthering our mission. Nick Papachristou (Courtesy of Berkshire South Regional Community Center) Throughout his career, Papachristou has also been involved in civic and cultural life, having served on regional and national nonprofit boards across the arts, media, and health sectors. His past board service includes roles with the National MS Society, Louisville Ballet, Louisville Orchestra, Kentucky Educational Television, and Positive Recovery Centers in Houston. Papachristou expressed enthusiasm about joining the board and deepening his commitment to the region. I am truly excited to serve on the Board of Trustees for Berkshire South Regional Community Center and have the chance to support the critical services theyve provided the community for nearly 23 years, he said. This area has been a second home for me and my family, and now that its become our primary residence, Im doubly committed to contributing to the growth and well-being of the region. Founded in 2002, the Berkshire South Regional Community Center provides year-round programming and services aimed at strengthening individuals and families throughout southern Berkshire County. Its offerings range from fitness and wellness classes to youth programming, senior support, and community outreach initiatives. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. MARTIN COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) Martin County Schools plans to introduce a new level of learning: The Operation Game 2.0. In the fall of this year, learning in several health, science, and anatomy-related courses will take on a new look with the Anatomage Table thanks to the Martin County Schools Career and Technical Education department. We are excited to make this amazing learning tool available to our Health Science 1 and 2 classes, Nursing Fundamentals, and Biomedical Technology classes, CTE Director for Martin County Schools, Jason Wynne said. There are also opportunities to utilize the table in Animal Science and Vet Tech courses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Anatomage is an operating-bed-sized table that will provide a highly accurate, three-dimensional, and high-resolution view of anatomical structures. During a demonstration, students were able to see the depth and detail the table brings. The Anatomage Table bridges the gap between textbook learning and real-world application, preparing our students for future careers in healthcare with cutting-edge technology right here in our classroom, Health Science instructor, Rebecca Revels said. Students in Health Science will have increased opportunities for engaged learning and are excited to get started. Veteran Nursing Fundamentals teacher and Registered Nurse Vinya Ward said, The Anatomage Table will offer students in all areas of our Health Science program an incredible opportunity to virtually study human anatomy content being taught in the classroom. This will allow students to become more engaged and interactive by seeing organs in 3-D and have the opportunity to dissect nine different cadavers. There will be training for instructors who will soon utilize the table. In the fall, the Career and Technical Education team hopes to use the Anatomage Table in many CTE classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. BOSTON (SHNS) A union survey found the vast majority of registered nurses in Massachusetts feel the quality of hospital care is declining, continuing a post-pandemic trend that most nurses feel Beacon Hill has failed to address. In a Beacon Research survey of 505 registered nurses commissioned by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, nearly eight in 10 respondents said hospital care has worsened in the past two years, and roughly half said care has gotten much worse. The 78% of nurses dismayed by care quality actually reflects improvement the rate peaked at 85% in the spring of 2023 but remains above pre-pandemic levels. In April 2019, 39% of nurses said they felt hospital care had gotten worse over the past two years. The rate was 27% in 2018, according to Beacon Research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Survey authors said understaffing and excessive caseloads remain a problem for many nurses, describing a 22-point jump compared to before the pandemic in the share of nurses who say they do not have enough time to provide quality care (now 67%). Nearly seven in 10 nurses described workplace violence and abuse as a serious problem, up five percentage points from last years survey and 27 points above March 2021. Health care reforms are a tricky arena for lawmakers to navigate. The Legislature and Gov. Maura Healey last year enacted hospital oversight and financial reporting laws and a prescription drug cost control measure. Pollsters said 77% of survey respondents feel that Beacon Hill is not hearing and acting on staffing concerns raised by nurses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post-pandemic, nurses are experiencing acute problems with the Massachusetts healthcare system unsafe staffing, workplace violence, and care access that have grown worse, threatening patient safety and the health of the nursing profession, MNA President Katie Murphy said in a statement alongside the survey results. The Mass. Nurses Association continues to push for legislation (H 2448 / S 1522) that would limit the number of patients for which a single nurse could care at one time. Voters resoundingly rejected a similar idea in a 2018 ballot question, with 70% opposed. In 2014, the threat of a ballot question led to the Legislature and Gov. Deval Patrick agreeing on a law setting nurse staffing levels inside intensive care units at one nurse per one patient, depending on the stability of the patient. The union will host a virtual event Tuesday to discuss its 2025 State of Nursing in Massachusetts survey. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Video above: Sargassum is booming Heres the science behind the blooms (2023 report) TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The amount of sargassum seaweed moving through the Atlantic and Caribbean reached record levels in April, according to researchers at the University of South Florida. The universitys Optical Oceanography Laboratory uses satellite data to track sargassum as it drifts in a large mat between the Atlantic coast of Africa and the Gulf, occasionally washing up on Florida beaches in massive amounts and emitting a foul stench as it decomposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sargassum is booming: Heres the science behind the blooms The thick blanket of sargassum provides habitat for marine life, but can wreak havoc as winds push it ashore. In addition to turning away beachgoers, it can block light from reaching coral and negatively impact air and water quality as it decomposes. USF researchers predicted earlier this year that 2025 would be a major year for sargassum abundance. Total amounts in the eastern Caribbean and western Atlantic have reached surprisingly high levels, according to USF researchers. They were 200% higher than their historical records in April. The total amount for all regions combined was 40% higher than the all-time high in June 2022, which makes 2025 a new record year, researchers wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Optical Oceanography Laboratory has been tracking sargassum since 2011, when the seaweed became so abundant that it could be observed by satellite. Researchers arent sure what triggered the 2011 event past a threshold, attributing it to a confluence of environmental factors. Studies point to excess nutrients pouring into the ocean from rivers across the Atlantic basin, fueling the massive algae bloom. The take home is this: whether its sargassum, red tide, blue-green algae, oxygen dead zones or dying sea grass and manatees, its all related to the endless flow of nutrient pollution into our waters. Until we fix that, algae blooms will continue to boom, WFLA Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli concluded in his deep-dive into the science behind sargassum blooms. Looking ahead, USF researchers said they expect more sargassum to accumulate in the Caribbean and Atlantic. Sargassum inundation will continue to occur in most of the Caribbean nations and islands as well as along the southeast coast of Florida, researchers wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the Tampa Bay area, we typically dont see large amounts of sargassum washing ashore, thanks to ocean currents. The Loop Current, which carries the seaweed north from the Caribbean into the Gulf, typically remains well offshore. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Employees at a Norwegian fruit distributor were stunned when they discovered a packet of cocaine in a box of bananas, alerting customs officials who found a stash of 147 kilos, they said Monday. The seizure marked the latest in a string of incidents involving cocaine being found hidden in a shipment containing the fruit. The haul, found in nine boxes of bananas on April 3, is believed to have a street value of 170 million kroner ($16.4 million) and is the biggest in the Scandinavian country since 2023, when a total of 2.3 tons were found, Norwegian Customs said in a statement. A dozen pallets of bananas had recently arrived at the warehouse and were being inspected with scanning equipment, and the scanned image "showed irregularities in some of the boxes on the pallet," officials said, noting that customs officers also conducted a dog search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drugs were smuggled by sea from South America and then on a trailer through Sweden, though they were probably not intended for the Norwegian market. "There is concrete information that suggests the cocaine was to be picked up at the Antwerp port, based on information through international cooperation with Europol and Belgian authorities," the statement said. Customs officials found a stash of 147 kilos of cocaine in a box of bananas at a fruit distributor in Norway, officials said. / Credit: Norway Customs Customs official Tim Gurrik said a large criminal network was likely behind the attempted smuggling. "A seizure of such magnitude requires a great deal of financial and organizational muscle that only larger criminal networks have the ability to carry out," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We see that the criminal networks behind the smuggling are willing to take risks and are adaptable." Cocaine has been found concealed in banana shipments many times across the globe in recent months. Last December, authorities in the Dominican Republic confiscated nearly 9.5 tons of cocaine from a banana shipment at the country's most important seaport. In August 2024, customs agents seized more than 200 pounds of cocaine at the port in Greece from a ship carrying the fruit. The month before that, police dogs in Ecuador helped find more than six tons of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment headed to Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March last year, Bulgarian customs officials confiscated about 170 kilograms of cocaine from a ship transporting bananas from Ecuador. The month before that, British authorities said they found more than 12,500 pounds of cocaine hidden in a shipment of the fruit, breaking the record for the biggest single seizure of hard drugs in the country. In August 2023, customs agents in the Netherlands seized 17,600 pounds of cocaine found hidden inside crates of bananas in Rotterdam's port. Three months before that, a police dog found 3 tons of cocaine stashed in a case of bananas in the Italian port of Gioia Tauro. Trump offering some migrants $1,000, free plane tickets to "self-deport" Trump says there could be trade deals announced this week Details on Trump's targeting of law firms ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 5. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan held a brief meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, upon his arrival at the Astana airport, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Kazakhstan. President Tokayev welcomed Lam, noting the historic nature of his visit and expressing confidence that it would give a new impetus to the comprehensive development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Vietnam. Tokayev highlighted the strong impression left by his recent visit to Vietnam and emphasized the importance of strengthening ties across various sectors, citing significant potential for expanded partnership. Lam, in turn, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and underscored the longstanding friendship between the two nations. He noted that President Tokayev's personal presence at the airport was a sign of deep hospitality, appreciated by both the Vietnamese delegation and people. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Trump administration turned the offshore wind industry on its head last month when it slapped a stop-work order on New Yorks Empire Wind 1 project. The move launched local protests, and Empires developer is considering a lawsuit. But the dream of offshore wind is still alive for now in the warm waters off Virginias coast. Dominion Energy resumed turbine installation at sunrise on Thursday last week, after the end of a federally mandated seasonal hiatus to protect migrating whales. The renewed construction marked the start of the second installation phase for a project that company executives said is 55% complete. Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW), a 2.6-gigawatt project, has already installed 78 foundations for its 176 turbines and is generating 2,000 direct and indirect jobs for the local economy. Dominion has so far spent $6 billion on the monumental effort, which is 12 years in the making. The state-regulated utility in 2013 purchased the lease for the site about 30 miles offshore of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and overcame anti-wind opponents that sought to thwart the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant speak for [Empire Wind], but weve been through a thorough permitting process, G.T. Hollett, a director of offshore wind at Dominion Energy, told Canary Media on Wednesday at an annual industry meeting hosted by the Oceantic Network. We feel reasonably sound that we are just going to continue keeping our head down, do the job, and bring this in on time. So far, the project hasnt drawn President Donald Trumps ire. But the company is wasting no time completing it. Finishing CVOW on schedule was a major theme of Dominions earnings call on Thursday. This project is consistent with the goal of securing American energy dominance, said Bob Blue, the utilitys CEO, echoing rhetoric voiced by Trump. Blue reported that CVOW is months away from first delivery of electricity to customers in early 2026 and on schedule for full completion by the end of next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of CVOWs success stems from the fact that it has garnered bipartisan support, including that of the states governor, Glenn Youngkin, a Republican. Despite all the progress, challenges still lurk, said Blue: It's difficult to fully assess the impact tariffs may have to the project's final cost." The company estimates the projects costs could rise about $120 million by the end of June due to tariffs. Cumulatively, the company could lose $500 million if tariffs remain in place until the end of 2026. Right now, everything is very slow not just offshore wind, said Justin Slater, an executive at Fincantieri Marine Group, which serves the shipyard industry. He believes the vessel builders that serve offshore wind and passenger ferrying could feel the impact of tariffs very soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That the Trump administrations animosity toward wind is taking a toll on the sector was clear at last weeks industry meeting in Virginia Beach, which was sponsored, in part, by CVOW. A lot of people are holding their breath right now, said Gordon Videll, CEO of Sea Services North America, a co-op of fishermen that provide vessel services to wind developers. The company could lose millions of dollars if Empire Winds developer Equinor cant continue construction. But the Virginia project ramping back up feels like a bright spot, Videll said. Nationwide, there were 5,487 cases of missing Indigenous women and girls reported missing in 2024. That number is just reported cases and is likely much higher. Today, May 5, marks Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Day. Washington state launched its Missing Indigenous Person Alert (MIPA) system in July of 2022. It adds a specific designation to missing people alerts, like an AMBER Alert (missing children), SILVER Alert (missing seniors) and Endangered Missing Person Alert (missing vulnerable adults). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This alert system was the first of its kind in Washington state. According to Washington State Patrol (WSP), since the MIPA was introduced, WSP has issued 154 at the request of law enforcement agencies. Of those 154, five people were found dead and 139 were located alive. It should be noted that since MIPA is such a new alert, its hard to put that statistic into perspective for 2025 since it wasnt a number that was always tracked officially, WSP said in an email to KIRO 7. The best thing to come from the MIPA has been the awareness it has brought to this situation, said Mary Jo Margeson, the program manager for the Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit with WSP. What is MIPA Not every missing person qualifies for the various missing persons alerts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, WSPs website indicated that a MIPA was issued if the person is missing due to unexplained, involuntary, or suspicious circumstances and/or is believed to be in danger because of age, health, adverse weather, or other circumstances and is believed to be unable to return to safety without assistance. However, Margeson clarified to KIRO 7 that when the law passed, the Legislature determined that being Indigenous is itself an endangerment factor. There is no additional endangerment required to be eligible for a MIPA, Margeson clarified. These alerts try to have enough descriptive information that could reasonably assist with the safe recovery of the person such as: photos, height, weight, age, hair color, distinguishing physical characteristics, clothing, etc. They need to be reported missing to law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is a vehicle associated with the disappearance, the information on make, model, color, license plate number, etc., will allow the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to post the information on electronic signs along highways. Once an MIPA is activated, all Washington law enforcement will be notified of the missing person. News outlets are notified and can disseminate the information, too. Why the designation? Both federal and tribal statistics found that Indigenous women are two times more likely to be raped and three times more likely to be murdered compared to Caucasian woman. The National Criminal Justice Training Center found that Indigenous women are 10 times more likely to be murdered than all other ethnicities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of those statistics, there have historically been obstacles in the way of getting justice for this group of people. There are frequently issues of jurisdiction involving tribal land and municipal locations, and oftentimes, crimes against these women are not prosecuted for one reason or another. Another challenge, according to the Urban Indian Health Institute, a division of the Seattle Indian Health Board, is lack of records/access to records and racial misclassification regarding missing Indigenous women. Though there are critical issues regarding jurisdiction of MMIWG cases on reservation and village lands, lack of prosecution, lack of proper data collection, prejudice, and institutional racism are factors that also occur in urban areas, according to a 2018 report from the UIHI. That same report also found that Seattle had the highest number of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls cases of 71 cities studied across the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find a list of all reported missing Indigenous people in Washington state here. In the 2023 legislative session, the Washington Legislature extended the work of the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force after it was established in 2021. The Task Force aims to address issues like collecting data, law enforcement training, and executing actionable changes. A final report is due by June 1, 2025. Dancers, musicians, and puppeteers perform in the Tree of Life ceremony during the 50th annual Mayday Parade to Powderhorn Park Sunday, May 4, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Mayday Parade in south Minneapolis, which drew thousands of celebrants who enjoyed puppetry, avante garde music and worker solidarity on a pitch-perfect spring day. It has always been about welcoming spring, but always about potent things like workers rights. Its about community solidarity from the community, said Andrew Bendzick, a mechanic with a Southside artist collective known as Battletrain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He helps make sure the heavy, complex metalwork art installations can move smoothly on the parade route, which runs along Bloomington Ave. from E. 28th St. to Powderhorn Park. A puppeteer flies a starling over the audience during the 50th annual Mayday Parade to Powderhorn Park Sunday, May 4, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Celebrants came dressed in flowers and animal masks. Many brought their instruments and played in impromptu ensembles. Bikes were locked several deep on every fence and railing. People shouted happy Mayday. They sprayed bubbles and threw fistfuls of flower petals. Mayday helps Minnesotans remember why we live here, why we love this community, and trying to take it back, take it back to community, and make it safe for everybody, Bendzick said. The parade comes at a perilous time, as workers face increasing threats from the Trump administration and an opportunistic corporate sector committed to rolling back labor rights. Dancers, musicians, and puppeteers perform in the Tree of Life ceremony during the 50th annual Mayday Parade to Powderhorn Park Sunday, May 4, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) The parade and event, which carries on a long European tradition of May Day that welcomes spring and commemorates International Workers Day, has no central leadership nor funding. Instead, a decentralized collective of puppet workshops, neighborhood groups, arts organizations and other volunteers create the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liz Zinsli, an artist with Battletrain, said shes been watching the parade since she was a teenager, and contributing to Battletrains massive Mayday projects for 10 years. We always need those reminders of beauty and fun, and of what we can really do together on this very grassroots level, said Zinsli. And remembering that, I think thats really important. Remembering how much can really be done in a decentralized way and in a collaborative way is really powerful. Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre started the original Mayday celebration in 1974, but released it to the community in 2023. The celebration continued this year, with huge crowds lining the street to watch the parade and later filling Powderhorn Park for the Tree of Life ceremony, in which colorful boats bring the sun across Powderhorn Lake as musicians and puppeteers perform. Mayor Brandon Johnson tapped a former City Hall official and executive at a design and engineering firm to be the next leader of the Chicago Department of Aviation, the mayors office announced Monday. Michael McMurray, president of transportation and infrastructure at Wight & Company, will be the Aviation commissioner, according to a news release. He would need City Council approval to assume the post, which is currently helmed by acting head Tracey Payne. McMurrays ascension to the post caps off the search process to replace Jamie Rhee, who stepped down in February days after the mayor delivered a warning about purging city officials who lacked loyalty to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also fuels the ongoing speculation that John Roberson, the citys chief operating officer, is in line to be the mayors pick to lead the Chicago Transit Authority rather than return to CDA, where he served as commissioner under Mayor Richard M. Daley and was also floated as Rhees replacement. Amid the Roberson to CTA rumors, transit activist groups sought to flex their muscle in a letter last month calling for transparency and a nationwide search, without naming anyone. Johnson declined to answer when asked earlier in April if he had spoken to CTA board members about the potential appointment of Roberson and dodged questions about it by saying he and the city are blessed to have the longtime bureaucrat at City Hall. Meanwhile, McMurray served as a deputy commissioner at Aviation under Daley before moving over to leadership roles in the city procurement and general services departments. Before that, his government experience included working as a senior counsel at the Chicago Housing Authority and as an assistant counsel at the U.S. Social Security Administration. His private sector experience includes serving as president of the Globetrotters Engineering Corporation before heading to Wight & Company, the latter of which has a portfolio that includes design and construction projects for local, county, and state roadway and bridges; highway interchanges, tollways and tollway facilities; commuter rail, freight rail, transit systems and stations, per McMurrays LinkedIn page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhee, who was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, oversaw OHare and Midway airports, key drivers of the citys economy. More recently, she has helped lead an effort to overhaul large parts of OHare that has at times pitted Johnson against the Illinois congressional delegation. Another major OHare construction project during Rhees tenure has yet to take off. Work to replace Terminal 2 with a new Global Terminal and add two satellite concourses is set to be the centerpiece of an overhaul of the airports terminals. May 5Midland College students earned top honors at the 3rd Annual Warren CAT Future Tech Challenge, taking home 1st place overall and securing the title of Top Performing College in a field of competitive regional programs. The Warren CAT Future Tech Challenge is a prestigious, invite-only event that mirrors the company's internal technician competition. Designed to spotlight top-performing diesel technology students, the challenge brought together elite teams from Midland College, Odessa College, South Plains College, Texas State Technical College, and Amarillo College. Each school fielded five of its most skilled students to compete in a rigorous series of hands-on challenges simulating real-world diagnostic and repair scenarios. Competition events tested students' mechanical expertise and critical thinking skills across multiple stations, including hydraulics, engine performance, electrical systems, failure analysis, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representing Midland College were Felix Campos, Fidel Gardea, Royce Knight, Rene Velazquez, and Raul Velazquez. Not only did MC's team outperform the competition, but all five Midland College students placed in the top 10 for cumulative scores an outstanding testament to the program's strength. Felix Campos claimed 1st place overall, and Rene Velazquez followed with an impressive 5th place finish. Both students received professional-grade tool sets as prizes, awarded based on final placement. "We're incredibly proud of these students and what they've accomplished," said Erick Gutierrez, Department Chair of Applied Technology. "Their performance in this high-pressure environment reflects the hands-on preparation they receive every day in our diesel technology program. This win also highlights the demand for well-trained technicians in today's workforce, and Midland College is proud to be a part of that pipeline." ST. LOUIS State health officials have issued a warning after a person with measles visited the St. Louis Aquarium on April 30. The infected individual, an adult from out of state, was at the aquarium between 1 and 6 p.m. and also dined at a local restaurant, though details about the restaurant remain limited. Because measles is highly contagious, people who were at the aquarium on the afternoon of April 30th and who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised should consider getting treatment, state health officials advised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles typically begins with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by red spots that can spread rapidly across the body. The usual time interval for treatment to be effective is six days from exposure, and anyone exposed should watch for symptoms for 21 days. There has been one other measles case in Missouri this year, reported in Taney County last month, and four cases in Illinois. Nationally, there have been 935 measles cases this year, including many in Texas. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Youd be forgiven for believing that the most influential figure in the lives of impressionable young boys today is a cigar-smoking former boxer named Andrew Tate, who is covered incessantly as the premier instructor in the dark arts of toxic masculinity, the Voldemort of the manosphere. You see it in the headlines: Barking at women, blocking doors: Teachers reveal Andrew Tates chilling influence on boys; Tate-pilled boys are a problem for schools; The Andrew Tate problem; Southport attack parents share Andrew Tate radicalisation fears. And you see it in the media at large: Educators are outing students for running informal Tate fan clubs, parents are vigilantly checking little Timmys internet history, and politicians are inviting Netflix showrunners to their office to speak about our dysfunctional young boys in search of Tate inoculations. Tate is certainly a grotesque figure. Hes an alleged sex trafficker and peddler of Stone Age views about women. Yet, the media meltdown over Tates supposed hypnotism of young boys is misplaced. For all the recent controversy about Tate, theres some evidence that fewer men genuinely respect him than media reports would have you think. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early April, a Discord server called Mens Human Rights ran a poll for its members to gauge support for Tate. Perhaps surprisingly, nearly half of the 75 respondents said he was a scumbag harming boys, an additional 12 percent said they lean negative on him and 14 percent called him evil, citing sex trafficking charges brought against him. Just 6 per cent said they viewed Tate as really helpful or lean positive. The vast majority had seen just a few clips of Tates, and just 3 percent said they watched several hours of his content. But while these admittedly informal numbersand some more formal numberspoint to lukewarm support for Tate, Denis Sharov, a university student in the United Kingdom who is a member of the server, noted that Tates support would likely be even lower if not for media bias against masculinity. Andrew Tate would not be nearly as appealing or prevalent as he is if mainstream media treated boys [better], Sharov said. Both Tate and the whole incel hysteria in general could be easily solved if men get more sympathy and fair coverage from the media and stop demonizing masculinity. Indeed, the hysteria over Tate is emblematic of the mainstream medias broader treatment of men and masculinity, which tends to fixate on fringe fears rather than robust conversation. This is a disservice given the massive changes reshaping manhood in the last two generations. Heartland jobs in iron mills and manufacturing have evaporated. Blue-collar incomes have stagnated. Men fill our jails and live on our streets. They end their lives at four times the rate as women and die years earlier. There are so many desperately important stories to be told, but across the Anglosphere, the public conversation about gender politics remains mired in the trenches of our culture warspushing men deeper online in search of alternative media. Like most moral panics, its left us with a bewildering cocktail of cause and effect; a bitter aftertaste with few answers. Justin MacPherson grew up on a farm in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island alongside red sand beaches and lighthouses. The fog rolls in quickly here, and driving over the only bridge connecting the island with the mainland can feel like flying through the clouds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was quintessentially the stereotypical potato farm. I was probably one of the last generations to be picked out of school in the spring or the fall to either help with harvesting or planning or clearing the fields of stones, he said. A very stereotypical masculine upbringing by a dad from the 80s. MacPherson says he was a terrible student throughout high school. I couldnt figure out why I couldnt sit still and listen and be attentive and catch all the information. I knew that I wasnt unintelligent, he said. Throughout those early years, he was drilled that to succeed, you need a degree or youre gonna be useless to everybody. He eschewed a degree, spent two decades in the Canadian militarycrawled my way up the special forces ladderand proved that narrative wrong. After retiring from the military, he worked in construction. He gained a new appreciation for the disproportionately male workforce that risks life and limb to build the creature comforts of our modern world. I see how difficult it is, even the amount of hardships that Ive endured in the military, its comparable in the sense that every single day you are outside. No matter what the weather is. Every single day, youre enduring the heat of the sun in the middle of the summer or the freezing cold winter. These guys are on top of these skyscrapers, and these guys are just eating the wind, eating the cold, he said, speaking about the building up of Ottawa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quote-unquote hyper-masculine traits are whats keeping them up there: that sense of pride, the sense of camaraderie, and working with other men and trying not to show weakness even though its negative 20 degrees, he added. But MacPhersons defense of masculinity is rarely heard in media todayand indeed, masculinity is much more often a punching bag, with men a favored target of headlines across the English-speaking world. Why I hate men, proclaims the Guardian. Is toxic masculinity driving climate change? asks Reuters. Theres nothing more frightening in America today than an angry White man, says CNN. Why cant we hate men? contemplates the Washington Post. Masculinity is also a major target of certain professional groups. More than forty years of research, the American Psychological Association pronounced in 2019, shows that traditional masculinity is psychologically harmful and that socializing boys to suppress their emotions causes damage that echoes both inwardly and outwardly. Researchers even developed a scale to measure problematic men who subscribe to traditional masculine ideology (TMI), which supposedly reflects white, Western, heterosexual values like achievement, emotional control, antifemininity, and homophobia. Part of the problem seems to be that gender issues are third rails in the culture war. Ive been saying for over a decadealmost two decadesthat mens issues are not properly treated in society, McGill University psychiatry professor Rob Whitley said. What I dont really like is its been used as a bit of a culture war issue when it actually benefits the whole of society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitley has written extensively about the distressingly high male suicide rate and gender bias among health providers to bring greater understanding to the conversation of mens mental health. Still, hed been warned repeatedly by colleagues to avoid the topic altogether. Its so good that you do it, Whitley recalled one colleague saying. But I would never do it because Im afraid it will rile up the wrong people and then the higher-ups will think thank youre a misogynist or some reprobate who wants to go back to the stone age. Who exactly is commenting on masculinity today? One such author is the feminist writer Caitlin Moran. Modern masculinity is broken. She knows how to fix it, a glamorous New York Times Magazine profile of her proclaims. In the profile, Moran makes the obligatory reference to Tate before explaining how the failure of men to mentor the coming generation of boys has left her in a position to fill in the gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the women that I know on similar platforms, Moran says, were out there mentoring young girls and signing petitions and looking after the younglings. The men of my generation with the same platforms have not done that. They are not having a conversation about young men. So given that none of them have written a book that addresses this, muggins here is going to do it. Moran isnt alone. Susan Faludi, Barbara Ehrenreich, Camille Paglia, Jill Filipovic, Niobe Way, Ruth Whippman, Christina Hoff Sommers, Kay Hymowitz, Hanna Rosin, Norah Vincent, Thomas Page McBee and Christine Emba are all writers with recent commentaries, negative and more measured, on masculinity. And all of themsave for Paglia and McBee, who identify as transgenderare women. So, where are the men? Some male commentators proudly score on their own nets. Men are hopeless, but dont worry, Michael Tomasky wrote in The New Republic last November. Women will save America. As usual. The following month, Bernd Reiter argued in Salon: Aggrieved white men are a threat to democracyhistory tells us we cant ignore them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren Farrell might be one of the voices wed expect to hear. He went to grad school in New York City during the Summer of Love and got swept up in the cresting tide of second-wave feminism, rubbing shoulders with Gloria Steinem. However, his commitment to the cause waned when he began to feel his fellow activists abandoning the promise of gender egalitarianism that first inspired him, in favor of solely advocating for girls and women. For example, Farrell butted heads with feminist friends over their opposition to reforming family courts to help both parents, particularly fathers, preserve access to their children following divorce. As long as I was writing from a feminist perspective, The New York Times published everything I wrote, he wrote in a 2019 essay. Once I began questioning the feminist perspective, The New York Times published nothing I wrote for a quarter century. Farrell became one of the earliest and most prominent American voices speaking about the importance of fatherhood, gender bias within the family court system, and the emotional straitjacket of old school masculinity. Jordan Peterson, perhaps the most influential public thinker for boys and men in the last two decades, has also been locked out. To date, he has apparently not authored anything in elite outlets. The coverage of him, however, has been rough: the Times dubbed him the Custodian of the Patriarchy and The New Yorker claimed he was an inheritor of the professional pickup artists who proliferated in the aughts with a slight twist. Farrell and Peterson have effectively been barred from expressing themselves in mainstream media. They are not allowed to take up pens in their own defense; to share countervailing views about men and masculinity without the filter of a reporters lens or a reviewers critique. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same goes for Mike Rowe, the TV host who came to prominence on shows like Dirty Jobs and Somebodys Gotta Do It. Although hes spoken passionately about the importance of blue-collar work and men dropping out of the workforce, youll mostly find his views aired by places like Fox Newswhich, at least implicitly, ties mens problems even tighter to the political right. And that seems like a solvable problem for a mainstream media that is highly concerned about gender polarization. The lack of constructive voices about mens issues in the mainstream media has pulled at least some young men away from that mediaand toward alternative sources. David Foerster Jr. was raised in a liberal household in Maryland rooted in the belief there are no gender roles and anybody can do anything. But when his wife confided she was more interested in being a mother and a homemaker, he began to rethink his politics. He became interested in evolutionary psychology, sex differences between men and women, and began listening to podcasters like Chris Williamson, who hosts conversations often geared toward younger guys and men. The 32-year-olds political shift from Bernie Bro to a more conservative mindset opened his eyes to the mostly negative coverage of men in the mainstream media. I tend to steer away from mainstream news, he said, acknowledging hes pulled to more alternative media. They perceive it (masculinity) as a threat and they try to squash it and get the worst representation possible of the manosphere or red pill environments, he said. So, what would I get there except: boys bad, girls awesome? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew, an American college student in Missouri and self-declared left-wing male advocate, feels the same about the general messaging of elite media. He admitted to rarely reading mainstream news because it is often biased against males. It often blames men as a whole for their own problems without making good suggestions. He also felt it belittles the problems men experience or it puts it through a feminist lens that only values the well-being of males as it relates to females. Writer and social scientist Richard Reeves represents the rare male voice that has established a small foothold in mainstream media. Reeves, whose 2022 book Of Boys and Men was widely covered and well-regarded, succeeded likely because he speaks and writes in the cadence of data-driven policy recommendations. He sticks to generally uncontroversial points most Americans approve of: encouraging men to enter HEAL fields (health care, education, administration, literacy) and advocating for equal paid parental leave. Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, believes the disconnect between guys and mainstream media stems from a matter of substance and style. I think it is fair to say that mainstream media has not engaged with a lot of the issues many men, especially young men, are interested in, he said. He recalled his efforts during the pandemic to pitch a story to an American newspaper about COVID-19s disproportionate felling of men compared to women, but the reporter passed. Mens health doesnt get any readers, the journalist confided. Reeves disagreed and pointed to mens interest in fitness, nutrition, and well-being as prime examples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coding those topics, and others like education and dating, as female-oriented, Reeves feels, is drawing men away from mainstream outlets. On a lot of podcasts, youre talking aboutalternative mediathose are central concerns quite often; theyre just more directly addressing the issues and questions that men are currently interested in and asking. Podcasts, and their longform, unstructured nature, he believes, also appeals to guys more. It turns out that actually guys really like sitting around shooting the shit, he joked, referencing the comedian Theo Vons podcast conversation with then-vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Reeves believes that journalists are warming up to the idea of compassionate and robust reporting about boys and men, but still sees a danger, particularly within, I guess, the liberal media, mainstream media, that the permission space to write about men is in that more kind of negative way, he said. I think that writing about men as the problem has quite a bit of space in these kinds of outlets, but talking about men having problems is something of a narrative violation, he added. It pushes up against the edges of whats more acceptable in those spaces. Part of the problem, Reeves believes, is that men are not attuned to thinking about gender. Women, by contrast, who historically organized and struggled for equal rights, are more likely to engage and weigh in on such topics. Women are more, historically, much more interested in issues around gender, because gender has generally been seen through the prism of women and girls, for obvious and good reasons, he explained. What that means is journalists and writers who have a track record of thinking about gender are overwhelmingly women who might now be turning their attention to men, and thats not necessarily a bad thing. Hes been heartened by recent developments: Melinda French Gates recently appointed Reeves to oversee a $20 million fund to help initiatives aimed at boys and men. Mark Brooks, a policy adviser with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mens and Boys Issues in the U.K., is also seeing minds slowly changing in this space. Awareness about the male loneliness epidemic, for example, is growingbut there are still institutional holdouts. Whats lagged behind has been what I would call establishment and political support, he said, speaking about governments across the United Kingdom. [Government has] been really lagging behind in producing policies and actions to actually support men and boys in their community. Brooks spoke highly about Reeves approach in this space and characterized it as: We can think two thoughts at once. More specifically: We need to challenge that (mainstream) narrative about all women have problems, all men are problems. We need to challenge it from the media perspective, a political perspective, a policy perspective. Denigrating masculinity is so routine that we have become desensitized to it. A recent article in New York Magazine, Masculinity will not save men, encapsulates why men like MacPherson, Foerster Jr., and Sharov have withdrawn from the mainstream marketplace of ideas and are looking elsewhere. It ritualistically references Tate six times and warns that Republicans are nefariously appealing to masculine desires for hierarchy, freedom and heroism. The crisis is real, to an extent, journalist Sarah Jones writes of the struggles of boys and men, before quickly backpedalling to ensure our sympathy doesnt overshadow her real concern. Men are in trouble, and that means everyone else is in trouble too. The return of Trump and the growth of misogyny are real political problems for women, for the economy, and for democracy itself. The goal isnt to help men, but to minimize damage to women, Foerster Jr. said when I asked him what he thought about Jones story. Throughout the entire piece about men, she cant even list a single thing that men are good at which society requires. For all the changes men have undergone over two generations, there should be a flourishing conversation about how to help them navigate those changes. Unfortunately, mainstream narratives remain simplistic and stereotyped. Piece after piece about a toxic manosphere seem like they might tell us more about the fears of elite America rather than the actual state of men on the ground. Its time to drop some of the Tate chatter, and begin earnestly addressing the issues of your Average Joe. A good place to start would be to broaden the public square of debate to include more menfigures such as Peterson, Farrell and Roweon their own terms. Speaking to men and boys compassionatelyand regarding them as equally deserving of representation in the public squarewould also likely bring them off TikTok and Reddit and into mainstream discourse, creating a space for them to engage and feel heard. From my reporting, it seems that boys and men are hungry to grapple with the changing frontiers of masculinity. Opening up the public commons to earnest and fair conversations about manhood will bring guys out of the shadows, away from the likes of extremist voices like Tate, and into a compassionate mainstreama mainstream where the problems facing men today could actually start to be fixed. The key is that whilst we need to keep talking and researching, we need to start doing, Brooks said. That is the final piece of the jigsaw that is now urgent. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. From left, Megan Hufton, Laurel Burns and Abigail Tessman take part in a roundtable discussion about Medicaid with Sen. Tammy Baldwin, right. The discussion was held Friday, May 2, 2025, at Common Threads, a Madison agency that provides Medicaid-supported services for people with autism and people with disabilities. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) Update: GOP leaders in Congress have postponed the release of their proposals for Medicaid, originally scheduled for the week of May 5. Ahead of action on Congressional legislation that could provide the first hard details on proposed cuts to Medicaid, Wisconsin lawmakers are urging constituents to push back against cutting health care coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most powerful things we can do right now is to elevate stories and talk about how compelling a need there is for robust investment in the Medicaid program, Sen. Tammy Baldwin told a group of Medicaid recipients at a roundtable discussion in Madison on Friday. 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 Republicans in Congress are trying to extend federal tax cuts enacted in 2017, during President Donald Trumps first term. Unless renewed, the 2017 tax cuts will expire at the end of 2025. Congressional Republicans want to offset $4.5 trillion that extending the 2017 tax cuts will add to the federal deficit over 10 years. Based on their original blueprint, Medicaid has been in the spotlight as a likely target, and this week GOP leaders in the U.S. House are expected to release their first concrete proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid covers about 1.3 million Wisconsin residents roughly one in five people in the state, according to the state Department of Health Services (DHS). Those include nearly 900,000 low-income people who have primary health care and hospital services though BadgerCare Plus. More than 260,000 people who are elderly, blind, or have other disabilities have coverage through Medicaid, including for long-term care in nursing homes or in their own homes or the community. And another 244,000 Wisconsinites have Medicaid coverage through a variety of other special programs. Extending the 2017 tax cuts will benefit the richest 1% of the population most, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) found. In order to give tax breaks for the rich, what do they want to cut? Medicaid. Its one of the biggest targets, Baldwin, a Democrat, told participants in the Madison roundtable. So from the folks who are most vulnerable, to transfer money to those who are billionaires and millionaires and multi-millionaires it is criminal in my mind. Its immoral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldwins event was one of two held Friday to highlight Medicaids importance in Wisconsin. In Eau Claire, state Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) convened a discussion that included providers and Medicaid recipients. Emersons discussion was joined via Zoom by Chiquita Brooks-LaSure administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under former President Joe Biden These attacks on the Medicaid program can be devastating if they go through, Brooks-LaSure told the Wisconsin Examiner in a phone interview. Not just for the millions of low-income people who need help, not just for the millions of middle-class families who depend on Medicaid particularly for nursing home care, care in the home to keep you out of the nursing home, and children with special needs, whether it be autism services, whether it be developmental disabilities or physical disabilities. The existence of Medicaid helps the overall health care economy in the long run, Brooks-LaSure said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under federal law, hospitals must ensure that patients who show up in their emergency rooms are stable before they leave. But if a persons care isnt covered, the entire health care system pays for that. Medicaid recipients who met with Baldwin described their anxiety over the prospect of losing coverage. For Laurel Burns, who was born with no arms, Medicaid has enabled her to have health care for herself and for her two sons, now teens, whom shes raised as a single mother after their father left. Being disabled has been a struggle my whole life. Its like every twist and turn is up a steep hill, Burns told Baldwin. Medicaid support, however, has enabled her to have health care at home, including needed assistance with grocery shopping and housekeeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has been able to get a college degree and landed a part-time job working for an insurance agent. I would love to work full time, but the job market and being disabled is really difficult to navigate, Burns said. With all these cuts and threats to the program, its really scary for somebody like me who doesnt have a large family. Megan Hufton, the single mother of two teenage boys who have autism and dont speak, said that in addition to the support Medicaid has provided her sons as part of the programs disability services, schools get Medicaid support to help pay for services such as occupational therapy. Im very nervous about the future, Hufton said. Baldwins discussion was held at Common Threads, a Medicaid-funded agency in Madison that provides mental health, rehab and alternative education services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liv Lacayo, who works with Common Threads clients and their families, said Medicaid enables them to get routine care so they dont have to use emergency services as they might have to otherwise. Without Medicaid, she said, she worries that families would be struggling for support. Brett Maki, who must use a motorized wheelchair to get around, said Medicaid has made it possible for him to live independently, getting daily help with cooking, cleaning and laundry all of the basic necessities that I would need to live my life to the fullest. Without that, I dont even want to think about what that means, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A national initiative used by 1,350 universities and academic medical centers to allow urgent clinical trials to move forward with speed, efficiency, and proper oversight has been handed a stop work order from the Trump administration. The move threatens to delay thousands of human studies on everything from cancer to dementia. We were told to cease all workimmediately, an April 22 statement on its website reads, in part. The order did not include a reason or explanation. The stop work order came around the same time that other ordersending contracts on grants looking into conditions ranging from ALS to acute radiation syndromebegan rolling into Harvard. That was just hours after Harvard rejected government demands that included changes to governance and hiring practices and audits of viewpoints, noted the Harvard Gazette. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the stop work order, Dr. Barbara Bierer, director of the system known as SMART IRB (streamlined, multisite, accelerated resources for trials institutional review board), tells Fortune, People were really shocked. We were, I have to say, not anticipating this at all. The system, funded by a $2 million annual federal contract from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was created by researchers at Harvard University 15 years ago to tackle two issues: to ensure proper protections for the human patients participating in large clinical trials, and to make sure those oversights did not slow down the study from getting underway. Typically, without SMART IRB, it could take many months to get a large clinical study up and running; with the system in place, it can happen as quickly as within 20 minutes. We want to bring new treatments to people that need them as quickly as possible, says Bierer. In a not-yet-published op-ed shared with Fortune, she wrote of the stop work order, "We had taken 15 years to build what was destroyed with a single email, halting vital research across the country." Plus, Bierer told the Gazette, "Studies halted midstream risk significant harms to participants and communities and can reinforce public skepticism and mistrust for the research enterprise and inhibit the commitment of researchers and institutions to fully, honestly, and collaboratively work with the communities they serve." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the height of the pandemic, SMART IRB enabled more than 300 COVID studies to quickly get off the ground. The numbers are remarkable considering that when the COVID-19 pandemic began, science and medicine needed to pivot at lightning speed to meet the challenge, and thats not something biomedical science is known for, especially when it comes to translating hot-off-the-bench scientific discoveries into evidence-based clinical tools at the bedside, explained a 2023 Harvard Medical School article. One big obstacle when it comes to multisite clinical trials getting underway quickly is that institutional review boards (IRBs) must take due diligence to make sure human research participants are protected, a process that could take nine months or longer. But at the height of the pandemic, the news release notes, the science needed to advance knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 couldnt wait that long. Luckily, SMART IRB meant it didnt have to. But now, because of the inexplicable stop work order, says Bierer, instead of a coordinated system that advances research, we are taking a giant step backward and compromising the very research that would improve the health of all Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its further baffling, she says, as the people that we work with at NIH have been the best collaborators you can imagine. They're responsive, they're helpful. They took over the IT side of this, because they could do it more effectively and integrate it with other systems that they have goingThey were very enthusiastic about this and, you'd have to speak to them, but I think equally surprised. The NIH responded to Fortunes request for comment simply by noting, In accordance with the Presidential Memo Radical Transparency About Wasteful Spending, information on NIHs terminated grants may be accessed through this website, also including a link to a chart of all grants terminated thus far. In the meantime, as the system itself remains available, Bierer says employees of Harvardwhich doesnt own the collaborative system, but administers ithave been lending support temporarily, in lieu of NIH funding, to keep it going, answering help desk questions and assisting researchers as they move through SMART IRB process to keep trials up and running. Though its uncertain how long theyll be able to keep it up. What the Trump administration says it wants to do is to make the government more efficient, and get rid of challenges that don't necessarily improve the lives of Americans, Bierer says. But this really does exactly that. It does make the government more efficient and does improve the lives of all Americans. It takes away these months of delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More on medical research: This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump is necessary in many ways, but has not been scheduled yet, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on May 5. Peskov's statement comes as the Trump administration has been attempting to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table. Yet, progress has been limited. Trump's team has pressured Kyiv to make concessions to Russia without applying visible pressure on Moscow to halt its aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Such a meeting is clearly on the radar, and in many ways, we believe that it is certainly necessary. It must be prepared appropriately, and this requires efforts at a variety of expert levels," Peskov said. "It requires the continuation of contacts between Moscow and Washington, which have been launched and are now ongoing," the spokesperson added. Peskov added that Putin's schedule for mid-May does not currently include a trip to the Middle East, where he could potentially meet with Trump. Trump has reportedly grown frustrated with the slow progression of peace negotiations, claiming on April 26 that Putin may be "tapping me along," and that he may not be interested in ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also reportedly been wavering over his commitment to continue to serve as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia. A possible exit from the peace efforts raises concerns that the U.S. might also cease all backing for Ukraine, including intelligence support. Despite recent disagreements, Ukraine and the U.S. signed a minerals agreement that establishes a joint investment fund in Ukraine on April 30. The deal was negotiated over several months and led to a low point in bilateral relations following the infamous White House argument between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump on Feb. 28. Read also: A minerals deal wont stop Russias war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MILAN, Italy, May 5. Kazakhstan is interested in expanding cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on mutually beneficial terms in the modernization and development of its energy, engineering, and public utility infrastructure, Dauren Kengbeil, Kazakhstans Vice Minister of Finance, Alternate Governor of ADB, said in his message to the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. A number of projects on the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan are being successfully implemented by the banks active participation and assistance, he said. Kengbeil noted that Kazakhstan highly appreciates ADBs role as a reliable partner in promoting sustainable development in the Asia and Pacific region. In 2024, the bank launched the 20242030 Environment Action Plan and the 20242030 Disaster Risk Management Action Plan, focusing on biodiversity, pollution control, climate solutions, and resilient recovery. ADB is making significant efforts to ensure inclusive growth, including supporting infrastructure projects and expanding access to social protection. The bank integrates environmental priorities into country partnership strategies and helps implement projects that address socio-economic challenges. ADB is an important and strategic partner for the Republic of Kazakhstan, he noted. Walleye are found in South Dakota's large streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. (Courtesy of SD GF&P) State officials have added two more South Dakota lakes to the fish consumption advisory list after testing found elevated mercury levels in large walleye. The state announced Monday that Dry Lake #1 in Clark County and Lake Henry in Kingsbury County have been added to the list. For Dry Lake #1, health officials recommend limiting consumption of walleye over 21 inches in length. At Lake Henry, the advisory applies to walleye over 24 inches. Walleye in South Dakota can grow to more than 30 inches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guidance is based on mercury concentrations detected in fish tissue samples collected through the states annual monitoring program. Our commitment to public health and safety drives the annual fish sampling program, said Department of Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt in a news release. Mercury, a toxic heavy metal, ends up in fish across the United States largely due to atmospheric deposition. Coal-fired power plants release mercury into the air before it settles into lakes and rivers. Bacteria convert it into methylmercury and fish absorb it. Fish consumption advisories are not enforceable bans but are issued to help people make informed choices to reduce health risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We encourage everyone to check the DOH website for the latest advisories and take necessary precautions when enjoying locally caught fish, Magstadt said. Fish consumption advisories In addition to Dry Lake #1 and Lake Henry, these lakes are on the states fish consumption advisory list: Bitter Lake: Limit consumption of northern pike (over 30) and any size walleye, particularly for children under age 7 and women who are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Coal Springs Reservoir: Limit consumption of northern pike (over 25). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Cottonwood Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 21). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Dry Lake Number 2: Limit consumption of walleye (over 22). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Elm Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 25). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Hazeldon Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 21). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Horseshoe Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 18). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Kiesz Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 16). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Lake Hurley: Limit consumption of Largemouth Bass (over 18). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Lake Isabel: Limit consumption of northern pike (over 25) and Largemouth Bass (over 17). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Lake Minnewasta: Limit consumption of walleye (over 18). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Lardy Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 18). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Little Moreau Lake: Limit consumption of northern pike (over 26). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Long Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 17). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Lynn Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 25). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Middle Lynn Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 18). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. New Wall Lake: Limit consumption of black and white crappie (over 13) and Largemouth Bass (over 16). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Newell Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 18) and northern pike (over 18). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. North Buffalo Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 21). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. North Island Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 18) and Smallmouth Bass (over 19). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Opitz Lake: Limit consumption of northern pike (over 26). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Pickerel Lake: Limit consumption of white bass (over 16), particularly for children under age 7 and women who are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Pudwell Dam: Limit consumption of walleye (over 18) and Black Crappie (over 12). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Reid Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 23) and northern pike (over 32). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Roosevelt Lake: Limit consumption of largemouth bass (over 18) and northern pike (over 24). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Scott Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 25). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. South Buffalo Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 21). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Swan Lake: Limit consumption of walleye (over 21). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Twin Lakes (Minnehaha County): Limit consumption of any size walleye, particularly for children under age 7 and women who are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Walleye tested above recommended limits for mercury. Twin Lakes (Brookings/Kingsbury counties): Limit consumption of walleye (over 18) and northern pike (over 19). These tested above recommended limits for mercury. Source: South Dakota Department of Health Designated chancellor Friedrich Merz expects to be elected chancellor in the first round of voting Tuesday in Germany's Bundestag. Merz said that all members of the conservative CDU/CSU faction are expected to be at Tuesday's parliament session for the vote. "Everyone will be on board tomorrow. Without exception," Merz added. On Monday, a few members of parliament were out sick when the the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), chose Jens Spahn as their parliamentary faction leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The election of the chancellor requires an absolute majority of 316 votes from the total of 630 members of the Bundestag. Merz said he assumes "that firstly, everyone will be present, both among the Social Democrats and among us, and secondly, that everyone will vote in favour." The coalition of the conservative CDU/CSU and the Social Democrats (SPD) has a majority of 12 votes for Merz's election as chancellor. When Helmut Kohl was elected in 1994, there was a majority of four votes and the vote that made him chancellor went off without a hitch. "I assume that this will also be the case tomorrow," Merz said. "In this respect, I do not need to consider alternatives," Merz said when asked what he would do if the majority in the first ballot was not sufficient. Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday pledged to turn the country's fortunes around as he signed a coalition agreement in Berlin, paving the way for his government to take office. "I am very confident that we will succeed in governing our country from tomorrow with strength, planning and trust," Merz said at a ceremony to ratify the deal between his conservative bloc and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). Merz is set to be elected as chancellor on Tuesday in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, less than three months after his centre-right alliance - made up of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) - won February's parliamentary elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 69-year-old said his incoming administration will implement the policies outlined in the 144-page coalition deal in order to "turn things around in Germany for the good." SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil, who is set to become vice chancellor and finance minister, promised the new government would get to work quickly to kick-start economic growth, invest in the future and improve security. In the face of a changing world order, Germany's new administration will "react with responsibility, with clarity, with achievement and with a coalition agreement that will take [Germany] forward," Klingbeil said. The comments were echoed by CSU chief Markus Soder, the premier of Bavaria, who said the country's partners should know that Germany is "ready to take responsibility" under its new leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, the three parties hold 328 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag, with Merz requiring an absolute majority of 316 votes to replace outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday. Once Merz is elected and his Cabinet sworn in, the new administration can get to work, exactly six months after Scholz's three-party coalition imploded, triggering early elections. The incoming government faces a long list of pressing challenges, from Germany's ailing economy and crumbling infrastructure to the threat to European security from Russia and an ever-more abrasive US president. It must also deal with the sensitive question of how to deal with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which finished second in February's vote and was designated last week as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" organization by a domestic intelligence agency. SPD presents ministerial line-up Also on Monday, the SPD revealed its ministerial line-up for the incoming Cabinet, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius the only person to retain his position from Scholz's team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The centre-left party, traditionally one of the two main political forces in Germany, fell to third place in February's election after a difficult period in office under Scholz's unhappy three-way coalition. But with centrist parties ruling out cooperation with the AfD - a policy known as the "firewall" - a coalition between the CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD became inevitable despite clashes during the election campaign on issues such as migration and the economy. After a coalition deal was struck in April, the SPD has emerged with seven of the 17 ministerial positions in the new Cabinet, led by Klingbeil. "The SPD is putting together a team that is ready to boldly shape our country," the party's leadership said in a joint statement on Monday. "Experienced personalities from federal and state politics meet new faces who stand for the generational change in the SPD." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four of the incoming SPD ministers are women: Barbel Bas as labour minister, Verena Hubertz for construction, Reem Alabali-Radovan as development minister and Stefanie Hubig taking on the justice portfolio. Carsten Schneider is to be the SPD's new environment minister, but there is no place in the Cabinet for Klingbeil's colleague as co-leader, Saskia Esken. The conservatives outlined their choices last week, with Katherina Reiche as economy minister and the CSU's Alexander Dobrindt taking the interior portfolio. Scholz: 'Not going to get rich' Scholz, meanwhile, is to receive an official send-off later on Monday, with a special military ceremony - known as a tattoo - to be held in his honour in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at an event with schoolchildren in the eastern state of Brandenburg on Monday, the outgoing chancellor said he will not interfere in the work of the incoming administration once he leaves the government. "I'm not going to get rich. I'm not going to lobby. I'm not going to constantly say on the radio in the morning what the government is doing wrong," said Scholz, who intends to remain in the Bundestag as a lawmaker. Instead, he said he wanted to contribute to ensuring that the country "continues to do well." Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday pledged to turn the country's fortunes around as he signed a coalition agreement in Berlin, paving the way for his government to take office. "I am very confident that we will succeed in governing our country from tomorrow with strength, planning and trust," Merz said at a ceremony to ratify the deal between his conservative bloc and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). Merz is set to be elected as chancellor on Tuesday in the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, less than three months after his centre-right alliance - made up of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) - won February's parliamentary elections. Merz expects win in first round of voting On Monday, Merz predicted that he would be elected chancellor in the first round of voting, noting that all members of the conservative CDU/CSU faction are expected to be at Tuesday's parliament session for the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone will be on board tomorrow. Without exception," Merz added. On Monday, a few members of parliament were out sick when the the CDU/CSU bloc chose Jens Spahn as their parliamentary faction leader. The election of the chancellor requires an absolute majority of 316 votes from the total of 630 members of the Bundestag. Merz said he assumes "that firstly, everyone will be present, both among the Social Democrats and among us, and secondly, that everyone will vote in favour." The coalition of the conservative CDU/CSU and the Social Democrats (SPD) has a majority of 12 votes for Merz's election as chancellor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Helmut Kohl was elected in 1994, there was a majority of four votes and the vote that made him chancellor went without a hitch. "I assume that this will also be the case tomorrow," Merz said. "In this respect, I do not need to consider alternatives," Merz said when asked what he would do if the majority in the first ballot was not sufficient. New government's plans The 69-year-old said his incoming administration will implement the policies outlined in the 144-page coalition deal in order to "turn things around in Germany for the good." SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil, who is set to become vice chancellor and finance minister, promised the new government would get to work quickly to kick-start economic growth, invest in the future and improve security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments were echoed by CSU chief Markus Soder, the premier of Bavaria, who said the country's partners should know that Germany is "ready to take responsibility" under its new leadership. Once Merz is elected and his Cabinet sworn in, the new administration can get to work, exactly six months after Scholz's three-party coalition imploded triggering early elections. The incoming government faces a long list of pressing challenges, from Germany's ailing economy and crumbling infrastructure to the threat to European security from Russia and an ever-more abrasive US president. It must also deal with the sensitive question of how to deal with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which finished second in February's vote and was designated last week as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" organization by a domestic intelligence agency. SPD presents ministerial line-up Also on Monday, the SPD revealed its ministerial line-up for the incoming Cabinet, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius the only person to retain his position from Scholz's team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The centre-left party, traditionally one of the two main political forces in Germany, fell to third place in February's election after a difficult period in office under Scholz's unhappy three-way coalition. But with centrist parties ruling out cooperation with the AfD - a policy known as the "firewall" - a coalition between the CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD became inevitable despite clashes during the election campaign on issues such as migration and the economy. After a coalition deal was struck in April, the SPD has emerged with seven of the 17 ministerial positions in the new Cabinet, led by Klingbeil. Four of the incoming SPD ministers are women: Barbel Bas will be labour minister, Verena Hubertz got the not as minister for housing, urban development and building, Reem Alabali-Radovan will take over the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development while Stefanie Hubig is taking on the justice portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carsten Schneider is to be the SPD's new environment minister, but there is no place in the Cabinet for Klingbeil's co-leader Saskia Esken. The conservatives outlined their choices last week, with Katherina Reiche as economy minister and the CSU's Alexander Dobrindt taking over the interior portfolio. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Chairman and candidate for Chancellor Friedrich Merz signs the coalition agreement between the CDU, Christian Social Union and Social Democratic Party. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa A 17-year-old boy and another juvenile are facing charges after a fight turned deadly Sunday evening. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 6:30 p.m., Powder Springs police were called to a fight happening in the Kroger parking lot on Brownsville Road. When officers arrived, they found a crowd of mostly teenagers at the front door of the Zaxbys restaurant. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they found two boys with stab wounds from the fight. According to Powder Springs police, a group of mostly teenagers came to the parking lot to fight. During the fight, three people were stabbed and taken to local hospitals. Officials said William Renfro, of Dallas, Ga., died from his injuries at the hospital. The other teens are being treated at local hospitals. Their identities, ages and current conditions were not released. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The PSPD arrested Markevon Williams, 17, of Powder Springs and another juvenile. Williams and the other juvenile are charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the other juveniles age, their age and identity were not released. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests could be forthcoming. Anyone with information is urged to call the PSPD Criminal Investigations Unit at 770-943-1616. BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WSAV) A jury convicted Ismael Delgado-Celis, a Mexican national illegally living in Hazlehurst, for receiving a package from Jalisco, Mexico containing over two kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine. Delgado-Celis, 37, was convicted of possession and attempt to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and up to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. During the trial, evidence presented established Delgado-Celis attempted to receive a package containing what was described as a horse saddle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the package was delivered, law enforcement agents removed the saddle and discovered over two kilograms of pure methamphetamine hidden inside. The law enforcement agents delivered the package to Delgado-Celis under the guise of a United States Postal delivery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Bob Perls, left, addresses a small crowd inside a church in Corrales on April 15, 2025, as former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman looks on. Both are leaders of the Forward Party, a political party launching in New Mexico. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) Alaska U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski is one of the few Republicans standing up to President Trump and expressing fear that key strategic alliances, our democracy, civil liberties and the rule of law are being under-mind. She also was one of the few Republicans to vote to impeach him. What makes her different? What allows her to feel free to make those statements and take that action that are nearly unheard of right now within the Republican MAGA party? It is the structure within which she was elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska has non-partisan primaries that allow all voters to vote for all candidates. Primaries are no longer controlled by the parties. Then the top four vote getters go to the general election where ranked choice voting is used. She can move through the primary without fear of being primaried in a race in which only the party base, the most MAGA, can vote. Rather, she is incentivized to reach out to all voters, and the majority of voters want her to be independent and vote her conscience, not tow the party line. This is what democracy reform at all levels is about: Creating a representative government that works for all of us all the time. This is the opposite of what Wyoming has, which is a closed primary system. Remember how brave Congresswoman Liz Chaney was to buck her party and vote to impeach President Trump because he incited the Capitol riots through his election denialism? Well, she lost her Republican primary election in Wyoming by a huge margin because only Republicans could vote. But, so what? Why is that important today here in New Mexico? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Mexico Legislature recently passed SB16, which allows independent voters to choose one major party ballot. This is one small step toward that ideal where all voters can vote for all candidates. I spent 10 years as founder and president of NM Open Elections working on its passage. It will set up a situation in which partisan candidates have to reach out to independent voters who will not have the same feelings about party discipline as the party base, and I mean with both the Republicans and the Democrats. It means candidates and incumbents alike will have to do a better job of spreading their message and listening to a broader cross section of the voting public. And it means there is a better chance that incumbents can vote their conscience, rather than bending to a party line that they may or may not agree with all the time. And the outcome of this freedom will be better policies representing a broader cross section of voters. I know that we are years away from being able to pass the next steps in democracy reform here in New Mexico, but we have taken the first step by ending our closed primary system. But make no mistake there have to be next steps. Step one: Educate independents that they can vote in the 2026 primary and make sure large majorities do. Lets prove the pundits wrong and show that independent voters will come out to vote when given the chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Step two: Support candidates who will prioritize reaching out to those independent voters and teach them how to communicate with these non-aligned voters. Step three: Plan for the next steps in reform including finally passing an independent redistricting commission, paying our Legislature, placing term limits on our Legislature to match the term limits we have on nearly every other office and moving to a truly open primary system in which all voters can vote for all candidates in first round public elections. To be sure, Democrats supported SB16 in greater numbers than Republicans and I deeply appreciate that. But Democrats oppose nearly every reform in step three above as do Republicans. The other states that have adopted these reforms, and there are many, all have legislative by-pass through ballot initiate where a voter can gather signatures and place an issue on the ballot. We dont have that here. Unfortunately, both major parties play politics with the law to game the system. When President Biden declined to seek re-election, why did the Democratic Party refuse to hold a primary or even an open convention so that many candidates could be heard and vetted? Its time for a party to put voters first and that is why I am now working with others to found the New Mexico Forward Party. We support all the democracy reform issues listed above and will be running candidates in 2026 for the State House of Representatives against those law makers who voted against open primaries. Stay tuned. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, May 5. An aircraft made a technical landing at Kolkata Airport (India) while on its way from Vietnam's Nha Trang to Bishkek, carrying 163 citizens of Kyrgyzstan among its passengers, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the ministry, the landing, carried out by Air Nomad, was made for refueling and to ensure flight safety. The passengers were put up in a hotel, treated to two square meals a day, and given all the bells and whistles they needed during their stay. An additional aircraft has been arranged by the airline, with a planned departure for Bishkek later today. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan is closely monitoring the situation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel (NewsNation) Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum should rethink her opposition to the idea of United States troops operating in her country to fight drug traffickers, a federal official said. Over the weekend, Sheinbaum said she declined U.S. President Donald Trumps offer to send in the American military. She said her country is willing to collaborate but that U.S. boots on the ground in Mexico would go too far. The territory cannot be violated. Sovereignty cannot be sold. Sovereignty is cherished and defended, she said, speaking in Spanish, during an appearance Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump confirmed the offer and Sheinbaums refusal as he spoke with reporters Sunday, saying, The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she cant even think straight. Mexico will let US land planes to help eradicate screwworm threatening livestock Ron Vitiello, senior adviser for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, told NewsNation that the Mexican president should reconsider, given the pervasive hold that cartels have across Mexico. Hard-working people in Mexico dont want the cartels to control things, he said Sunday. If she needs that help, she should ask for it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She should lean in, Vitiello added. If that includes (U.S.) troops, so be it. Since taking office in January, Trump has sent a variety of law enforcement agencies to the southern border to stem illegal immigration and drug smuggling, including deadly fentanyl. The American military has even placed forces on federal land along the border on the U.S. side. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 5MIDLAND Spectrum of Solutions is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Midland High School Students in Philanthropy (SIP) organization. The grant, presented May 2, will support its ongoing operational needs and strengthen their efforts to provide resources, support, and aid to members of the intellectual and developmentally disabled community. The SIP students thoughtfully reviewed dozens of grant applications and selected Spectrum of Solutions as one of their recipients after a competitive process. Checks were awarded during a formal presentation this spring. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has dropped all charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters arrested last year on the University of Michigan Diag. The seven were facing misdemeanor charges of trespassing as well as felony charges of resisting and obstructing police. The defendants in the cases were: Oliver Kozler, Samantha Lewis, Henry MacKeen-Shapiro, Michael Mueller, Asad Siddiqui, Avi Tachna-Fram and Rhiannon Willow. All had pleaded not guilty. The group hugged each other, smiled and posed for a photo with their attorneys in the courtroom after learning the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I told you, 'it's a great day,' " Lewis said to the others, when their lawyers entered the courtroom from a meeting in the judge's chambers. Henry MacKeen-Shapiro, left, is stunned as his lawyer, Lauren Askew, right, informs him on Monday, May 5, 2025, that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel was dropping all charges against him and six other protesters arrested last year on the University of Michigan Diag. Outside the courthouse before the proceedings began, about 50 demonstrators rallied in front of a sign reading "Drop the charges." Speakers used an amplifier to address the crowd decrying the war in Gaza as genocide. Inside the courthouse, the decision to drop the charges stunned defense lawyers, who were prepared to offer closing arguments in a preliminary exam that began in February. Last month, Nessel faced calls for her to recuse herself for what critics describe as bias in the case. In a statement issued after the court hearing, Nessel defended herself and her decision to seek the felony charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did so based on the evidence and facts of the case," the statement said. "I stand by those charges and that determination." Nessel criticized Ann Arbor District Judge Cedric Simpson for the slow pace of the case, saying there'd been "months and months" of court hearings without a ruling on whether there was enough evidence to send the case to circuit court for trial. "During this time, the case has become a lightning rod of contention," Nessel's statement said. Baseless and absurd allegations of bias have only furthered this divide. The motion for recusal has been a diversionary tactic which has only served to further delay the proceedings." Another factor in her decision, Nessel said, was a letter from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, defending Nessel from accusations of bias. The letter was submitted to the court May 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The notion that AG Nessel is biased against Muslims and Americans of Arab descent is unfounded and deeply offensive," the letter said. "Nessel has a strong history of uplifting those in both the Muslim and Arab American communities." Nessel said the letter was inappropriate. The Free Press has asked her office to elaborate, but didn't receive an immediate response. "We have learned that a public statement in support of my office from a local nonprofit has been directly communicated to the court," Nessel's statement said. "The impropriety of this action has led us to the difficult decision to drop these charges." Nessel did not attend the hearing. Inside the courtroom, one of her deputies, Robyn Liddell, made the motion to dismiss the case. When none of the defense attorneys objected, Simpson agreed to the dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courtroom was packed with spectators, many of them wearing keffiyehs. They burst into applause at the decision and began chants of "Free Palestine." Amir Makled, who represented Lewis, said the charges never should have been brought. "This was not about trespass, this was not about a felony conduct," Makled said. "This was the criminalization of free speech, and today, the state of Michigan agrees." John Minock, who represented Tachna-Fram, said his client was relieved. "This was a difficult prosecution, given the First Amendment implications, and I'm glad the state finally saw fit to dismiss it," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the hearing, the group moved outside where a small celebration started. Spectators enjoyed coffee and bagels while the defendants and their lawyers addressed the group. Lewis blasted Nessel. "I think that the possibility of recusal was going to be so embarrassing for Nessel that she just couldn't bear it," Lewis said. "And so while all of us, and that includes all of you, refused to cower, she did. And that just goes to show that the bullies and badges and the top pig are just cowards." Lewis acknowledged she still faces charges in a separate case involving a protest at Festifall, the school's annual student organizing fair. A hearing in that case is scheduled for next month and she hopes to see those charges dismissed as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't want to speak too soon, but I think that this is a really good sign," she said. Lauren Askew represents MacKeen-Shapiro and gave him the news before the hearing, after an earlier meeting among the attorneys. MacKeen-Shapiro appeared speechless at the news. "I thought she was just happy to see me but then I'm like, 'why are my parents crying?' " he said. MacKeen-Shapiro appeared in court wearing an ankle tether to monitor his movements. He was ordered to wear it after being charged with a bond violation for an incident in March when he was seen hanging posters in an area known as the Fish Bowl inside Mason Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His bond allowed him on campus, but only to attend class. According to a police report on the incident, MacKeen-Shapiro was photographed by private security agents. They turned their photographs over to police, who identified MacKeen-Shapiro in them. MacKeen-Shapiro said he wore the tether to graduation over the weekend and was looking forward to getting it removed now that the case had been dropped. Like many protesters at U-M, these defendants faced misdemeanor trespassing charges, but Nessel decided to seek felony charges in September for resisting and obstructing police, punishable by up to two years in prison. Nessel said at the time that they used "physical force to counter" the police officers who were trying to clear them from an encampment they had established on the Diag. Assistant Michigan Attorney General Shawn Ryan, left, speaks to various defense attorneys including John Minock, Lauren Askew, Stacie Greskowiak McNulty and Jamil Kamel Khuja as defendants, arrested and charged from a pro-Palestinian protest that occurred on the University of Michigan campus last May, show for a preliminary exam in the Washtenaw 14A-1 District Courtroom of Judge Cedric Simpson in Ann Arbor, on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Defense attorneys said they were offered plea deals before the exam began, but their clients turned them down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They don't feel like they've done anything wrong," Makled said. The decision to drop the charges came after two full days of testimony spread out over three months. It included testimony from several U-M police officers who took the stand to describe their interactions with the defendants. Police were trying to clear an encampment established on the Diag to protest the war in Gaza and the universitys refusal to divest its endowment holdings in companies connected to Israel. Fire Marshal Andrew Box also testified that the tents and other parts of the encampment posed a fire hazard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers described the protesters' conduct such as ignoring police commands to move back, throwing tables and chairs in the path of police and linking arms and refusing to move. The officers body cameras captured video of the confrontations that were played in court, often with the officers narrating what the court was seeing. (This story has been updated with additional information and to correct the spelling of attorney John Minock's name.) Contact John Wisely: jwisely@freepress.com. On X: @jwisely This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan AG drops charges against U-M pro-Palestinian protesters March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 3, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) Monday is Murdered and Missing Indigenous Persons Day and Michigan leaders and agencies are calling for awareness for the crisis of Indigenous communities being disproportionately affected by violence and their cases being historically overlooked. The Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates that around 4,200 missing and murdered Indigenous peoples cases are currently unsolved as law enforcement agencies are not responding effectively or urgently to violence faced by the indigenous and culturally competent resources are scarce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX And while Michigan made strides last legislative session to expand funding for resources for indigenous violence victims and connecting indigenous stakeholders to lawmakers, leaders in Michigan must holdfast to the commitment to end the crisis of violence, Melissa Pope, chief judge of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court, chief justice of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court and member of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board said in a statement on Friday. In addition to the full enactment of the laws addressing this crisis, we must commit the resources necessary for immediate and ongoing searches when Indigenous People go missing until they are found, Pope said. We must also commit the resources to provide safety to victims while offering culturally honoring services to heal the trauma of survivors, support the families of the missing, and honor those who have been murdered while supporting the loved ones whose lives will be forever changed. Of crucial importance is the prosecution of those who murder and commit violence against Indigenous People. It is only through these combined efforts that Indigenous People will be safe from violence. The majority of indigenous people will experience violence in their life, with the National Institute of Justice reporting that 83% of men and women in the community will experience violence in their lifetime, a rate 52% higher than the general population. And women and girls are almost twice as likely to experience sexual violence than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized tribes and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted a video on X Monday calling violence against indigenous Michiganders unacceptable, and applauding the Michigan Attorney Generals Office for creating a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Task Force late last year to investigate long-overlooked cases. Governor Gretchen Whitmer at a March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 3, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) We all need to do more to raise awareness and pursue justice. Since taking office, Ive been committed to working closely with tribal governments so we can address historic traumas and develop specific policies and protocols to investigate and reduce all incidents of violence against indigenous women and girls, Whitmer said. The bottom line is, no one should live in fear, and every victim deserves justice. But lets keep working together to make it happen. In recognizing May 5 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) addressed violence against Indigenous Michiganders in a news release as a crisis that the department is urgently addressing. In the interest of raising awareness and honoring the lives that have been lost in Michigan, the state health department is calling attention to the Division of Victim Services (DVS) which provides grant funding to Michigan tribes to address sexual violence, domestic violence and other victim services in a culturally honoring manner. Elizabeth Hertel, Director of the state health department, in a news release said the state health department is not simply committed to raising awareness, but partnering with tribal communities to best address violence and the impact it has on the entire community. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at May 4, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from May 4 drawing Midday: 4-5-2 Evening: 1-1-6 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from May 4 drawing Midday: 2-9-5-0 Evening: 8-2-4-0 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from May 4 drawing 12-26-31-35-43, Lucky Ball: 14 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from May 4 drawing JS-KS-10D-5S-9S Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from May 4 drawing 06-11-15-17-19 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 08-13-23-24-36 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from May 4 drawing 02-10-13-14-17-20-22-28-29-35-36-38-43-50-58-59-60-61-71-78-79-80 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. Our News Automation and AI team would love to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for May 4, 2025 Several Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were called to Randolph Middle School at around noon on Monday because of inappropriate parent behavior. Parents share thoughts on new schools at CMS community sessions There was a brief lockdown, and classes continued, the principal said. Chopper 9 Skyzoom was over the school, where there were several police cruisers and an ambulance at the scene. According to court documents, Mariah Hector assaulted a school employee. She is facing several charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trinity Nixon was arrested and charged with second-degree trespassing because she allegedly remained at the school when she was told not to enter. There was additional security at the campus on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Full statement from Randolph Middle on Tuesday: Good Afternoon Randolph Middle families. This is Principal Schroeder. I am reaching out to let you know that during yesterdays lockdown law enforcement made two arrests. While I cannot discuss details of this incident, please know that students and staff were kept safe throughout the day. I wanted to let you know this additional information about this incident as you may see this in the media. Today, out of an abundance of caution, we do have additional security on campus. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain my number one priority. I encourage students to report any issues or concerns either to me directly or anonymously through our Say Something app. Thank you for your continued support of Randolph Middle. Full statement from Randolph Middle on Monday: Good Afternoon Randolph Middle families, this is Principal Schroeder reaching out to let you know about a situation that impacted our campus. Earlier today our school was placed on lockdown due to inappropriate parent behavior. The lockdown was brief; there was police presence on campus to ensure the safety of students and staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lockdown has been lifted and all teaching and learning has continued as normal. Dismissal will also take place as normal. Thank you for your support of Randolph Middle. No additional details have been made available. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates. VIDEO: Former CMS employee accused of recording himself having sex with student, police records say By Diego Ore (Reuters) - Migrant children crossing Mexico in hopes of reaching the United States face alarming levels of violence, exclusion and prolonged uncertainty before, during and after their journey, according to a study published on Monday by Save the Children and Plan International. The report, based on 155 interviews conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, found that children fleeing danger at home often do not find the safety and international protection to which they are entitled, but rather new forms of vulnerability that continue to deprive them of their rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interviewees were aged between 7 and 16 years old. They came mostly from Mexico, Honduras and Venezuela, but also from Colombia, Guatemala and more distant locations such as Afghanistan and Haiti. The number of unaccompanied children traveling through Mexico to reach the United States has more than doubled in recent years, increasing from 69,488 in 2019 to 137,275 in 2023, driven by rising violence, deepening poverty and climate change-related displacement. "Migrant children are not finding safety when they cross the border into Mexico; they're finding more fear, more waiting, and more lost time," said Reena Ghelani, chief executive of Plan International, a UK-based humanitarian and development organization, in a press release. "No child should find themselves in this situation, especially after enduring such a perilous journey to find safety. They need support now including protection, access to safe shelter, education and mental health care. We are seeing families so desperate that children are being forced to consider returning to the very places they fled from. That should never be their only option," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plan International and Save the Children called for an immediate, coordinated response stating that authorities should strengthen child protection systems in border areas, improve access to education and mental health services, and provide adequate housing that prioritizes children's needs. The recent deportation of three U.S. citizen children including one with cancer to Honduras with their mothers has sparked criticism from human rights advocates. They accuse the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump of deporting children without due process, endangering their lives. (Reporting by Diego Ore in Mexico City; Editing by Leslie Adler) Delaney Hall in Newark, which is the largest immigrant detention center on the east coast, last held migrant detainees for about six years starting in 2011. (Photo by New Jersey Monitor) A 1,100-bed immigrant detention facility located near the Essex County jail in Newark has started housing migrant detainees despite a legal challenge by Newark officials who sued to prevent the building from opening. The facility called Delaney Hall and operated by private prison company Geo Group under a 15-year contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the largest migrant jail on the east coast. Newark officials have argued that Geo Group did not secure the city permits needed for it to open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the first immigrant detention facility to open under the second term of President Donald Trump, who has pledged a mass detention and deportation effort. And its the first to open in New Jersey after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a 2021 law banning private and public entities from contracting to detain immigrants. A federal judge struck down the portion of the law that pertains to private companies in 2023, though a panel of federal judges heard the states appeal of that ruling last week. ICE officials said statistics on how many people are detained at Delaney Hall will be available in the coming weeks. The news was first reported by the New Jersey Globe. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat running to become our next governor, said during a press conference Monday morning that the city will go back to court for the blatant disregard for laws. The city fire inspector was at Delaney Hall Monday and was not allowed in, according to Baraka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor said he doesnt know how many people are jailed inside the facility. Geo Group spokesman Christopher Ferreira said Delany Hall has a valid certificate of occupancy issued by the city and complies with all health and safety requirements. This attempt by the Mayors Office to stop the operation of a lawful federal immigration processing center at the Delaney Hall facility in Newark is another unfortunate example of a politicized campaign by sanctuary city and open borders politicians in New Jersey to interfere with the federal governments efforts to arrest, detain, and deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens in accordance with established federal law, he said in a statement. The U.S. Department of Justice in an April legal filing called Newarks move to prevent the reopening of Delaney Hall an admitted, aggressive, and legally unjustified push to interfere with federal immigration enforcement. Delaney Hall previously held immigrant detainees from 2011 to 2017. Theres another privately run immigrant jail located in Elizabeth. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Why are Britains accountants often South African, many of our care workers from Zimbabwe, and UK paramedics regularly to be heard with an Aussie twang? New data compiled by The Telegraph reveals the top British occupations bolstered by migrants today, but also highlights exactly where theyre travelling from in the world, pinpointing the individual countries providing the greatest numbers of workers to particular fields. Migrant workers are most prolific within care working, with 111,559 work visas granted overall between 2021 and 2024. A closer look reveals these are most likely to be handed to applicants from Nigeria and Zimbabwe, with more than 22,000 awarded to each African country. Nursing follows closely, with 33,046 visas granted to workers from the top provider, India, alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In horticulture, visas are allocated in high numbers to workers from beyond the EUs borders in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, with over 19,000 between them. Within chartered accountancy its South Africans who relocate here the most they were given 1,449 visas. Meanwhile, nearly 500 visas were granted to Australian paramedics. So why are people from these nations choosing to work in these particular roles, and coming to Britain to do so? We spoke to five of them who offered insights into both the historic and current push and pull factors. Paramedic Harry Reeves, 28, from Sydney, Australia Of course theres the personal draw to travel the cheap flights to Europe are fantastic. But theres better progression here, too - David Rose Theres no doubt demand on UK ambulance trusts is higher than back home. In Australia, population density is lower, but thats actually why I, and so many Australian paramedics, come. Demand brings more opportunity, and actually, better structure and conditions. At the same time, because of the demand, the UK needs us. Ever since high school I wanted to do this: youre out and about, its a stable job and youre helping people. Culturally, its well regarded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But being a paramedic wasnt a registered profession in Australia like it is here until 2018, and you trained on the job. When that changed and a proliferation of undergraduate paramedicine courses opened, the result was more grads than jobs available. British ambulance trusts began to come to Australian universities to recruit. I worked as a paramedic for six years in Australia, but saw friends positive online posts about the UK. I answered a recruitment call, attended an interview, and in around 10 months joined an induction class last November, although Ive known people get here in a month. There are incentives like reimbursed flights and the first month of accommodation. Of course theres the personal draw to travel the cheap flights to Europe are fantastic. But theres better progression here, too. Back home, this means promotion, which is highly competitive with fewer jobs, people stay in them longer. Here, there are lateral moves. You can work on a single response unit, get exposure to critical care work or mental health care. And because demand is higher, I find theyve made really good systems to manage staff fatigue and breaks. In Australia we havent quite developed those systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sponsored on a health and care worker visa, which initially has a three-year expiry but can be extended. Nurse Pearl Cruz, 43, from Mumbai, India I was curious to understand what I could learn from the NHS and take back to my country, says Pearl - John Lawrence Theres a long history of nursing in India, dating back to the colonial period when English nursing superintendents were posted to south India to establish services. It came to be seen as a socially acceptable profession for Indian women. Around 30 or 40 years ago, Indian nurses began going to America to work, but as the nursing shortage got worse in Britain, there was a greater collaboration between our countries. In the past 10 years theres been a huge movement of Indian nurses here, most coming through recruitment agencies. In my case, I independently registered with the Nursing Midwifery Council and passed my language and competency tests in India, before securing a job and sitting more competency tests here to secure a three-year sponsored visa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I moved to Birmingham in July 2023 with my husband and daughters and now work as a research sister in haematology, although I was a chief of quality in my Mumbai hospital. I was curious to understand what I could learn from the NHS and take back to my country. I had many students moving here who told me it wasnt just about the money although the salary is better, even with the cost of living. Its about the quality of work, and the greater empowerment nurses have. Theyre more respected, less overworked. Youre not at the bottom of the pyramid which can sometimes happen in India. There are also many more roles for nurses, who can become master of their speciality. Patient outcomes are so much better when this kind of nursing is delivered compared to back in India. Care worker Alvin Mpinyuri, 34, from Gweru, Zimbabwe Culturally in Zimbabwe we tend to take care of our elderly within families perhaps this is why we feel passionate about it - Andrew Fox I see any elderly lady like I see my own grandmother I want to treat her in the same way. Culturally in Zimbabwe we tend to take care of our elderly within families, and perhaps this is why we have experience of care from a young age and feel passionate about it. It is easier for us to help people we dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I took care of my grandparents and a young sister, and grew passionate about the care sector. I think while there are a good number of people in the UK who are passionate, maybe the majority dont put the same value on it. However in Zimbabwe, because we do care within families, it is only in the last six or seven years care work has become a respected profession, especially for men. This is why I wanted to work in Britain, and why many from Zimbabwe come. Because we see an opportunity for professional growth. In the UK there are a lot of facilities and equipment we dont have, qualifications are more accessible I am doing my NVQs. And while living costs are high, theres a career ladder. UK healthcare companies advertise online in Zimbabwe. I had been working in an elderly persons home in Zimbabwe for two and a half years when I applied. I went through a vigorous recruitment process but once I was successful they gave me a certificate of sponsorship, met all my travelling costs, and gave me accommodation. Eight or 10 of us went through the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My wife and children have now joined me. After a year I moved jobs, and now care for people with health and learning difficulties in Kidderminster, Worcestershire. I would love to stay longer. Im on a three-year skilled worker visa and my sponsor will renew it. Horticultural worker Bakhtovar Davlatov, 24, from Dushanbe, Tajikistan We can earn approximately three, four, or even five times more than we earn at home - Jay Williams This is my fourth time working in the UK since 2022 on a seasonal, six-month visa. I do six months on a farm or nursery. Im currently working in Herefordshire, preparing plant pots for distribution, working eight or 10 hours a day. Then I return home for six months. Theres nothing unusual about this. Two million Taji people work abroad because of the economic situation. Its become traditional in the past 20 or 30 years. Every family has a member who works abroad so they can support them. Because people at home grow up doing agricultural work, its familiar to us. Most people live in a village, some with cows, goats, and sheep. Many grow cotton, wheat, rice, apples, grapes and apricots, too. I would go to my grandpas to pick cotton. Most people work by hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people worked in Russia because of the language and historic ties, but since the war in Ukraine started people feel less safe and welcome so try and find work in Europe or the UK. I picked the UK because of the nice people and the high wage. Its a place lots of people from all over the world come to. Friends were working here and I feel welcome. We can earn approximately three, four, or even five times more than we earn at home. Its possible to save for a flat or car, or pay for siblings who want to study. We come here through agencies. First I had an online meeting, then four offline. Accommodation is provided on a campsite, which makes it easier for us. All the people I work with are from central Asia. Its interesting to learn something new and take that to our own countries. I will come once or twice more, then Id like to start a business at home. Chartered accountant David Jones, 30, from Cape Town, South Africa The South African chartered accountant is recognised quite highly internationally because of our more technical background - Eddie Mulholland Its difficult to compare London, New York, Singapore any of these huge international hubs to anything thats in Africa. So for me, working in a multicultural, international-type environment was an experience I was always looking for. Thats why I came to London for my first chartered accountancy job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an English speaker, settling from a work and life perspective felt a bit easier, coupled with having a number of friends based here whod probably moved for very similar reasons. International offices do recruitment in South Africa; a lot of the tax havens do, too. But I reached out to a couple of the bigger firms, had a bunch of interviews before I chose an employer, and they sponsored me on a skilled worker visa. The setup in South Africa is really strong. The South African chartered accountant is recognised quite highly internationally because of our more technical background. In the UK, the chartered accountancy qualification is the ACA, and theres no requirement to do a full accountancy-focused undergraduate degree at university. Whereas in South Africa, the only way to get an accountancy qualification is to do this first. When I came here in 2021 following my degree and three years of training at an accountancy firm I knew complicated technical concepts that a lot of my colleagues, especially the newer staff, didnt. Id been studying them for four or five years before my first day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And theres not an oversupply of accountants here. There are large international organisations requiring financial accountancy, together with professional services firms which all have a presence here. And because the regulatory landscape is always changing, this all means more work. 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. Tajikistan anticipates moderate budget deficit in 2025 IMF The 2025 budget for Tajikistan is looking at a fiscal deficit of up to 2.5 percent of GDP, depending on the financing that comes in, as stated by the IMF. The country posted a fiscal surplus of 0.3 percent in 2024, aided by steady revenue collection, despite a VAT rate cut and lower-than-expected capital spending. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Former Vice President Mike Pence decided not to mention his old boss when he went to pick up a courage award for defying him. Pence received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award at the JFK Library in Boston Sunday for his refusal to endorse false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trumpwhich made him the No. 1 target for Trumps supporters during the Jan. 6 riots. The JFK Library Foundation lauded Pence for putting his life and career on the line to ensure the constitutional transfer of presidential power on Jan. 6, 2021. Despite this, Pence failed to mention Trump in his 10-minute acceptance speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Trumps former deputy made references to the importance of the Constitutionhours after the president refused to say, in a jaw-dropping NBC interview, whether he himself should have to abide by it. To forge a future together, we have to find common ground, Pence said, after receiving the awardwhich is named after a book written by Kennedy while still a U.S. senator. I hope in some small way my presence here tonight is a reminder that whatever differences we may have as Americans, the Constitution is the common ground on which we stand. Its what binds us across time and generations. Its what makes us one people. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg and her son Jack Schlossberg present the 2025 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award to former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. / Faith Ninivaggi / REUTERS He also touched on these divided times, in these anxious days, and obliquely criticized Trump for his tariffs and his stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America is the leader of the free world and must stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured, he said, touching on Trumps clear preference for Russias Vladimir Putin over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The comments come after Pence called on Trump to stop believing Putins lies in a Wall Street Journal op-ed last week. Only renewed American military support for our close partner provides any hope for a just and lasting peace, he wrote, urging him to support Ukraine. Pence also called Trumps tariffs a massive policy misstep. Trumps attitude on Meet the Press Sunday, meanwhile, showed a different level of regard for the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Host Kristen Welker asked him, Dont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? His answer came through gritted teeth. I dont know. I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said, he said. The Supreme Court has ordered him to facilitate the return of wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia and provide due process to migrants generally. Due process, for citizens and non-citizens, is protected under the Fifth Amendment. Pence shakes hands with Trump before a State Funeral Service for former US President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. / MANDEL NGAN / POOL/AFP via Getty Images Asked whether he agreed with this element of the Constitution, he answered: I dont know, Im not a lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence became the target of MAGA anger after standing firm against Trumps claims that Joe Biden had stolen the 2020 election. Those claims ultimately led to the fatal insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol to prevent Congress confirming the election result. Pence defied the advice of Secret Service agents to flee, and instead hunkered down in the building as it was stormed. He later presided over the certification of the election result after the Capitol was cleared. As Pence hid with his family and aides in the building and protesters funneled through the corridors chanting Hang Mike Pence! Trump fueled the fire by railing against his lack of courage in a Twitter post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, he wrote on the site, now called X. Pence had a different telling of events. Speaking to the audience at the JFK Library on Sunday, he said: By Gods grace, I did my duty that day to support the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States of America. Jan. 6 was a tragic day but it became a triumph of freedom. History will record that our institutions held. Leaders in both chambers, in both political parties reconvened the very same day and finished democracys work under the Constitution. The award was presented by JFKs daughter, Caroline Kennedy, along with his grandson Jack Schlossberg. Previous recipients include former presidents Barack Obama, Gerald Ford, and George H. W. Bush; Ukraines Zelensky; former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; and Trump nemesis and former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney. National Weather Service offices around the country are on guard after recent threats to agency infrastructure specifically Doppler weather radars from a violent militia-style group, emails from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations security office show. The group Veterans on Patrol, which the Southern Poverty Law Center defines as an anti-government militia organization, views the NWS network of Doppler radars as weather weapons, according to an internal NOAA email sent Monday and seen by CNN. A previous email informing the NWS workforce of general, non-specific threats was sent May 1. Mondays email was more action-oriented, with the NOAA security office noting they are aware of several encounters, physically or virtually, with Veterans on Patrol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This group is advocating for anyone and everyone to join them in conducting penetration drills on NEXRAD sites to identify weaknesses which can be used to ultimately destroy the sites, the email stated, using an acronym for the weather radar network. The group referred to the NEXRAD system towers as weather weapons, and claimed there were no laws preventing American citizens from destroying the weapons, the email states. Its unclear what the group believes the radars are doing. The NEXRAD, or next generation radar, network has been in place since the 1990s and detects precipitation in the atmosphere. It can also help pinpoint tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, prompting timely, life-saving warnings. The system is also used by the Federal Aviation Administration and the US Air Force. Among other actions, NOAAs security office advises that the NWS implement a buddy system when working at remote sites and be alert for suspicious activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do not engage with anyone suspicious; instead, notify local law enforcement, Mondays email states. The National Weather Service in Sterling, Virginia, uses a Doppler radar to help forecast the area's weather. - Jahi Chikwendiu/The The Washington Post/Getty Images/File The NOAA emails indicate the FBI and other law enforcement authorities are aware of the militia-style groups activities and are tracking them, and have issued bulletins about the NEXRAD threat. CNN could not independently confirm the FBIs involvement. The security threat comes at a time of turmoil for the NWS, with many offices short-staffed due to hundreds of Trump administration layoffs and early retirements. Nobody likes federal employees being demeaned by the administration, but when it escalates to violence or threats of it, it starts to become really demoralizing, said one NWS employee who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We obviously deal with some fringe folks every now and then (chemtrails mostly), but specific threats to target facilities is pretty rare, the NWS staff member said. Given the general temperature of the country right now, this is stuff is especially concerning. Now would be a particularly inauspicious time for NWS radars to fail, whether due to mechanical issues or deliberate acts, since the agency has more than 90 vacancies for the technicians that normally repair them. That number is unlikely to change soon, since a hiring freeze is in place at the agency. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Maine Gov. Janet Mills enters the House chamber for the annual joint State of the Judiciary address on Feb. 25, 2025. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Gov. Janet Mills and the leaders of five other northeast states extended an invitation to Canadian leaders Monday to discuss the importance of cross-border relationships amid actions from the Trump administration that have threatened them. While additional details regarding the time and date of the meeting were not available, the leaders proposed to meet in Boston in the near future, according to a news release from Mills office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our economies and our cultures have enjoyed strong relationships for generations, which is now strained by the presidents haphazard tariffs and harmful rhetoric targeting our northern neighbors, Mills said. She added that she looks forward to telling her Eastern Canada counterparts that Maine values their partnerships and will work to ensure our historic friendship and deeply intertwined economies endure for generations to come. The invite came from Mills, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee, and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott the only Republican in the group. It was sent to the premiers of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. As President Donald Trump has gone back and forth on imposing tariffs, some as high as 25%, on Maines northern neighbor, Mills, along with Maines business community, has warned that any new tax would have a significant negative impact on the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In radio addresses and other statements, she has also underscored how vital Canada is to the states economy, especially as a trade partner. Every year, Maine exports $1.4 billion in goods to Canada and in turn imports more than $5 billion worth of goods. Mills specifically said that any new tax could increase costs for daily essentials such as gasoline and food. The most heating oil dependent state in the nation, Maine imports more than 80% of its heating fuel and gasoline from Canada, the release said. Similarly, the agriculture sector said in early April that the tariffs could incite a trade war that would increase costs for consumers and eat away at already thin profit margins. Mills is also concerned that Trump rhetoric about Canada could harm Maines summer tourism season. Last year, Canadian visitors spent nearly half a billion dollars in Maine, but Mills office said estimates show that the state could see Canadian tourists drop by about 25%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether Canadians decide to visit this summer (and we truly hope they do) or at a later time, they will always find a warm welcome in Maine, said Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Tourism. While its not clear whether or how much the tariffs will directly impact electricity, the Maine Office of Public Advocate has raised concern about the potential impact on customers, especially 58,000 ratepayers in Aroostook and Washington counties who live along the border and have little choice but to rely on Canadian energy to keep their lights on. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Milwaukee Journal Sentinel journalists have been recognized with six National Headliner Awards for their work in investigative, enterprise and digital journalism. The competition is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic excellence. Reporter Jessica Van Egeren won first place for health and science writing for her investigation into the death of Baby Amillianna, who was born with a treatable condition at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's hospital in Milwaukee but died 30 hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Egeren, who is also an assistant breaking news editor, revealed gaps in care and communication and how Wisconsins malpractice laws can leave grieving families without recourse to address negligence in the health care system. Judges called her reporting a "searing look at pregnancies where poor expected outcomes interact with legal issues." Jessica Van Egeren Other Journal Sentinel reporters honored at the National Headliner Awards include: Reporter Rick Barrett and photojournalist Mark Hoffman won third place in the newspaper series category for "Bringing It Home," an in-depth look at the resurgence of American manufacturing. Reporter Mary Spicuzza won third place in the investigative reporting category for "My Cousin Augie," an investigation into the decades-old car bombing murder of her cousin. Spicuzza, multimedia producer Bill Schulz and USA TODAY reporter Gina Barton also won third place in the digital narrative podcast category for "My Cousin Augie." Reporter Cleo Krejci won third place in the public service category for for "The Gray Zone," an investigation into Wisconsin's assisted living industry. Reporters Tamia Fowlkes, Quinn Clark and Gina Castro won second place in the journalistic innovation category for Public Investigator, a watchdog reporting team at the Journal Sentinel specializing in chasing readers' tips and questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Every day our team at the Journal Sentinel, our team sets out to tell the most important story of the day -- and to tell it in a way that makes a difference," said Executive Editor Greg Borowski. "This recognition, which covers the work of journalists from across our newsroom, underlines that commitment." Meanwhile, several Journal Sentinel reporters have also been honored in other contests in 2025 for their remarkable work. Reporter Natalie Eilbert won second place in the Katherine Schneider Award, which recognizes excellence in disability coverage, for her series about the denial of long-term disability benefits for those with mental health conditions. The award is administered by the National Center on Disability and Journalism, which is part of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Barrett and Hoffman, along with Milwaukee PBS, also won honorable mention in the explanatory division of the prestigious SABEW Best in Business awards for their "Bringing it Home" project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journal Sentinel reporters Vanessa Swales, Drake Bentley, Laura Schulte and Ashley Luthern and Appleton Post-Crescent reporter Kelli Arseneau also won first place in the Wisconsin News Association's inaugural A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism for their coverage of Wisconsin's prison crisis. Krejci won second place for her reporting on assisted living facilities. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Journal Sentinel reporters take top honors in journalism contests The minerals deal signed between Ukraine and the U.S. is "an important part of... future security guarantees," Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, said on May 4 in an interview with CBS News. "So this economic partnership deal in itself is a very important part of the broader security... architecture... frankly, that fund will be successful if Ukraine is stable and peaceful. So in a way, it's an important part of... future security guarantees," Markarova said. "(T)his is an economic partnership agreement to create an investment fund... for both of our nations to benefit from amazing investment opportunities that Ukraine has," Markarova added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine and the U.S. on April 30 signed a minerals agreement that establishes a joint investment fund in Ukraine. The deal was negotiated over several months and led to a low point in bilateral relations following the infamous White House argument between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 28. Markarova noted the minerals agreement is an "economic partnership agreement" beyond just rare earths. "(I)t's a true partnership where we would be able to put resources together in order to invest into a wide range of projects, including infrastructure, including rare earths, including critical minerals, and both of our nations will benefit from it," Markarova said. "Ukraine has agricultural land and black soil... even during the war, we feed more than 400 million people. We have energy, we have... critical mineral deposits. We have so much, including... human talent, and we can develop it together," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Markarova noted the minerals deal builds on U.S. support for Ukraine throughout Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. "(W)e might have some disagreements... in some areas, but Ukraine is committed to peace. Ukraine wants peace more than anyone. We are defending freedom in Ukraine. We are not the ones who started this war," Markarova said. Markarova described the relationship between Ukraine and the U.S. as a "strategic partnership." "Look, our partnership with the U.S. is very important... We are really grateful to (the) American people for all the support that we are getting from the U.S. It would not be possible for us to defend ourselves without those Javelins, without those weapons that (the) U.S. has provided us," Markarova said Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed the minerals deal in Washington on April 30. The joint investment fund could begin operating within months of its ratification by the Verkhovna Rada, Svyrydenko said on May 1. Read also: I just hate the Russians Kyiv district recovers from drone strike as ceasefire remains elusive Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. News of Victoria Roshchynas brutal death at the hands of Russian captors shocked Ukraine and the world last week. Her body was returned mutilated eyes gouged out, brain removed bearing evidence of unspeakable brutality. It wasnt an accident of war. It was a signature of it. This is what Russia does and has done since its 2014 invasion of Ukraine. A day after the world discovered what had happened to Roshchyna, the White House celebrated a long-awaited minerals deal signed with Kyiv. As diplomacy took center stage in Washington, the killing on the ground continued, unrelenting and unpunished. This disconnect between gestures in D.C. and violence in Ukraine speaks to a deeper problem: the U.S. still treats Russias criminal war of choice like a policy dilemma to be managed, not a strategic threat to be dealt with decisively before it spreads further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since President Donald Trump took office, the policy of carrots for the victim and sticks for the aggressor has morphed into a cold shoulder for Ukraine and olive branches for Russia. The Kremlin has torched every one of them, treating overtures from the White House not as goodwill to reciprocate but as weakness to exploit. In March, Ukrainian civilian casualties surged by 50% compared to February and by 70% compared to March 2024. A missile strike on a playground in April killed 18 people, including nine children. The UN now reports near-daily attacks on civilian areas. This isnt peacemaking its sadism in slow motion. For eleven years since Russia first invaded, successive U.S. Administrations have failed to grasp that there is no conflict in Ukraine no tension between two sides with competing claims. Such framing is deeply flawed. Just as there wasnt a conflict in Poland in 1939 when the Nazis invaded from the west and the Soviets from the east. Poland didnt need mediation between Warsaw and Berlin. It required help driving out the invaders. Eighty years ago, the world learned and then promptly forgot a hard lesson: Unchecked aggression only grows stronger with time. America tried to stay out of the war. At the time, that seemed wise, even noble. But history proved otherwise: Wishing for peace isnt enough. The war came to Europe first, and eventually reached American shores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unchecked aggression only grows stronger with time. Not our war, some say. Quite right its Russias war: soaked in the blood of innocents, justified by lies, and led by a venal thug. But Ukraines dogged refusal to surrender reminds us what a fight for freedom actually looks like. And when we choose comfort over courage, dont be surprised when the revanchist dictators come knocking closer to home. The United States can and must stop signaling weakness and start acting with resolve arming Ukraine, isolating Moscow, and demanding that war criminals be held accountable. Then it can once again claim to be the leader of the free world. But instead, Washington is taking the bait, sending envoys to shake hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and falling for the same Soviet-era tactics it spent half a century trying to contain. Meanwhile, Moscow is drawing Americas rivals and enemies into its criminal war effort. It began with artillery from Pyongyang. Now, thousands of North Korean troops have been spotted in Russian trenches. Iranian drones continue to rain on Ukrainian cities. Chinese nationals have been captured on the battlefield, fighting for Moscow. Alliances are being forged, and every one of them pulls Americas adversaries deeper into a war Russia claims to want to end. If this isnt a provocation, what is? North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C-R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) walk past children during a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 19, 2024. (Vladimir Smirnov / Pool / AFP) In the United States, we judge new presidents by what they accomplish in their first 100 days. In Russia, the yardstick is a little different: how much a newly minted despot can destroy in his first twenty years. Given the dismal standards set by tsars and commissars, Putin is a resounding mediocrity, yet a danger to the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of pressuring the aggressor, Washington is threatening to walk away from negotiations altogether. What kind of ultimatum is that? Ukraine wants peace more than we will ever know. It agreed to an unconditional ceasefire within 24 hours and accepted the minerals deal. All Ukraine wants is to be left in peace, not in pieces. Russia, meanwhile, has spent nearly two months dodging that same unconditional truce that the White House put on the table. Even an agreement that heavily favors Russia, while offering Ukraine little, has been met with silence and bad faith. Moscows objectives remain unchanged: domination through violence, imperial expansion, and erasure of Ukraine. And yet the White House treats Ukraine as an unreliable partner. This is self-sabotage wrapped with a bow as diplomacy is a flashing signal of American weakness for the whole world to see. The minerals deal was originally conceived as a mechanism to collect repayment for aid, and looked more like a shakedown than a strategic partnership. The final version, stripped of its worst elements, may have merit as a long-term investment. But its timing and prominence, set against fresh atrocities and Americas ceasefire efforts rejected by Russia, make it more of a distraction than a deterrent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not ending a war we are indulging a war criminal. And the longer we pretend this is a conflict to be negotiated, rather than a criminal aggression to be terminated, the more respect and security we will lose. Submit an Opinion Read also: As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Senate president Bobby Joe Champion talks to members of the public before a Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct meeting for an advisory opinion regarding a possible conflict of interest concerning legal work Senate president Bobby Joe Champion did for Rev. Jerry McAfee Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) The Senate ethics committee on Monday took no action on a complaint against Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis. A GOP complaint alleged he violated Senate rules when he spearheaded state funds to an organization run by a former legal client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans filed the complaint against Champion after Reformer reporting found that he advocated for a $3 million grant to violence prevention nonprofit 21 Days of Peace, run by north Minneapolis Rev. Jerry McAfee, but didnt disclose that McAfee had been his legal client. Champion says he did the work pro bono. Last month, the Senate Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct found that Champion had no financial conflict of interest when he advocated for an additional $1 million in funding for 21 Days of Peace earlier this year, but didnt make any findings about his 2023 actions. The committee, evenly split between Republican and Democratic members, on Monday voted on four related motions, which failed 2-2, on party-line votes. Because the committee deadlocked on taking action, the complaint will likely die and not be relitigated again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Zoll, Champions attorney, argued that Champion followed Senate rules, which state that senators only need to disclose a conflict of interest if an action were to benefit them financially. Champion represented McAfee pro bono, so he followed Senate rules even though he didnt disclose it, Zoll argued. Champion at the hearing criticized the media, arguing that the GOP senators in their ethics complaint relied on articles that presented a misinterpretation of the Senate ethics rules. A reporter can say that any of us have done something and whether theyre right or wrong we would find ourselves sitting in this seat, because we dont have the power of the pen, Champion said. Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, echoed Champions criticism of the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its really important to recognize the role that media plays in making or breaking an individual, not just here in the Senate, but also bringing in information that perhaps is going to influence the general public one way or another without knowing the full bit of information, Kunesh said. Champion has never disputed the facts of the Reformers reporting. In a statement after the hearing, Champion said he was grateful the ethics committee didnt issue a finding of probable cause and is eager to get back to work. Elected officials have a responsibility to act with integrity, and to earn the trust and confidence of the public, Champion said. I am proud of my record, and of my work as both a legislator and an attorney, particularly the pro bono legal services I have provided to churches and nonprofits. NAIROBI (Reuters) - A missing Ugandan opposition activist whom the president's son said he was holding in his basement was brought to court limping on Monday, charged with robbery and remanded to prison, opposition leader Bobi Wine and his lawyer said. Eddie Mutwe, whose real name is Edward Ssebuufu, and who also acts as the chief bodyguard for Bobi Wine, went missing on April 27 after being grabbed close to the capital Kampala by armed men, according to his party, the National Unity Platform. In a series of posts on X last week, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's military chief and son of Uganda's long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, said he had captured Mutwe "like a grasshopper", was holding him in his basement and threatened violence against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kainerugaba is widely seen as being groomed to succeed his 80-year-old father who has ruled Uganda since 1986. In a video posted by Uganda's largest independent newspaper, Daily Monitor, Mutwe's lawyer Magellan Kazibwe said his client had been produced in a chief magistrate's court in Masaka city, 140 km (87 miles) south of the capital Kampala and charged with simple robbery and aggravated robbery. "He (Mutwe) has told me and my colleague that he was tortured every day ... they were electrocuting him," Kazibwe said. "He is in great pain, he has not been receiving medication, he has not accessed any doctor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacqueline Okui, the spokesperson for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Rusoke Kituuma, the police spokesperson, did not pick up calls when sought for comment. The government did not respond to requests for comment on reports of Kainerugaba's detention of Mutwe last week. A video posted by local broadcaster NTV Uganda on the X platform showed who it said was Eddie Mutwe limping and supported by two people as they walked him to court. He was remanded to prison after he was charged, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, said in a post on X. On Friday the Uganda Human Rights Commission, a government body, ordered Kainerugaba to release Mutwe, who they said had been unlawfully detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Museveni is expected to stand for re-election next January. His opponents and human rights activists have regularly accused his government of wide-ranging abuses including abductions and illegal detentions. Officials deny the accusations. (Reporting by Nairobi Newsroom; Editing by George Obulutsa and Ros Russell) ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) Missouri House Bill 328, sponsored by Rep. Tim Taylor, R-Bunceton, would allow people with concealed carry permits to bring firearms onto public transit. HB 328 passed in the Missouri House on Thursday, April 1, and has moved to the Senate, where the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee held a hearing on Tuesday, April 22. The bill confirms that eligibility for a concealed carry permit is based on consistently passing required background checks, as well as meeting age and residency criteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it would reduce the minimum age to obtain a permit from 19 years old to 18 years old. Rep. Taylor said in an email statement: It's time we allow our citizens who use public transportation to exercise the same rights as everyone else in our state. For many gun rights advocates, the current law forces permit holders to disarm just because they choose to ride the bus or train." There's a lot of pushback for HB 328, statewide and locally, with opponents claiming it could lead to more dangerous situations, even for those intended to use a firearm defensively. "This is far from a good decision we have kids riding these buses and bullets don't have names," said resident Dianna Kelly, who frequents the St. Joseph transit bus service. "And if you're going to carry a weapon, let people see it instead of hiding it, because anything can happen and someone could get killed for no reason. It all needs to be handled transparently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News-Press NOW spoke with other bus riders in St. Joseph, many of whom shared similar concerns, saying that lowering the permit age is only making the problem worse. "My nephew lost his life over gun," said resident Dale Cee. "He's doing 23 years in prison because he wanted to pull a gun out and shoot someone. 18 years old and his life is gone." "It could especially be unsafe if someone has a mental illness and gets mad about something that was said to them," said Emmitt Southwick. Supporters agree with Sen. Taylor that the bill broadens Second Amendment protections, though they acknowledge and empathize with concerns about public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I see this as a good thing because people need to be able to protect themselves," said resident Ronald Smith. "I can definitely see the concern with people who may not know how to conduct themselves because things can go south real quick, but I'm more in support of people being able to have protection." "Shootings have been happening way too much in the world today and even in this town," said Frankie Thompson, another resident. "If this bill passes, we're going to see the impact quickly." "Of course it's concerning when guns are in the hands of people who are criminal minded but you have to weigh out the pros and cons," said James Britton. "The world is crazy right now and when you're in a situation where you need to protect yourself, a firearm could determine the outcome of life or death for you." Some believe that individuals should have the right to carry any type of weapon in public areas, including on public transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whether it's a gun, a knife, or any form of protection, every individual needs it especially when it comes to protecting our women and children," said resident Ryan Vaughn. "It's a last-resort option and should be used only when there are no alternatives, and if someone reaches that point, it's likely because they really felt threatened." "As long as it's concealed, I don't see anything wrong with carrying a weapon," said resident Michael Miljavac. "I've been in situations where I felt I could've been harmed if I didn't let someone know I was armed. I'm not saying that's how things should be, but that's the reality of the world we live in now. A similar bill, HB 1708, passed through the Missouri House last year but was abandoned following the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade. The latest action on HB 328 came on Thursday, April 24, when a Senate committee voted during an executive session to advance the bill to the full Senate for further consideration. The state's ongoing legislative session runs through May 16. MILAN, Italy, May 5. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) makes valuable contribution to various areas of national transformation in Turkmenistan, Myratdurdy Orazdurdyyev, Temporary Alternate Governor of ADB from Turkmenistan, said in his statement for the business session of ADB Governors, Trends special correspondent reports from Milan. According to the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for Socioeconomic Development of the Country in 2022-2028, Turkmenistan continues to implement large-scale consistent activities related to a number of key priorities, he said. Orazdurdyyev noted that today, the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates reach over 6 percent due to positive dynamics in all sectors. Work is underway to implement the principles of the Global Methane Commitment to which our country joined at the COP29 climate summit on 11 November 2024. All the necessary conditions are being created for growth of the private sector, the share of which in GDP without the fuel and energy complex amounted to 71 percent at the end of last year. By assisting Turkmenistan in implementing the above-mentioned medium-term reform agenda, the Asian Development Bank, as the long-standing, reliable partner of the country, makes a valuable contribution to various areas of the national transformation, he said. Orazdurdyyev pointed out that also, Turkmenistan joins efforts with ADB on multilateral platforms to have productive discussions on exchange of experience in the field of Turkmenistans accession to the World Trade Organization and concerning regional climate change initiatives. Based on these opportunities for cooperation with ADB, in the future we plan to move together along a Regional Integration in Asia and the Pacific through Digital Transformation to promote both national and regional reforms and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth of all countries in the region, he said. At least 32 people were injured Saturday after a commercial bus crashed into a ditch about 70 miles west of St. Louis, Missouri, according to authorities. The bus was traveling along Missouri Highway 100 west of Hermann when the driver veered off the road to the right, Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a crash report. The driver then overcorrected and the bus careened off the road to the left, according to investigators. None of the crash victims have been publicly identified, including the driver. They range in age from 27 to 68; the driver was a 45-year-old man from Hermann, according to the crash report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four people, including the driver, suffered serious injuries, MSHP said. One person was airlifted to a hospital from the crash scene, according to Hermanns volunteer fire department. Eleven crash victims suffered moderate injuries, and 17 others suffered minor injuries, according to MSHP. A 60-year-old woman was taken to a nearby hospital but listed with no injuries in the crash report. All patients had been extricated and transported within 40 minutes of units arriving on scene, Hermanns fire department wrote in a Facebook post. We would like to thank our surrounding agencies for their help in providing exceptional care. The closed section of Highway 100 reopened about three hours after it was shut down for the accident. May 5District 1 Councilmember Eddie Mitchell will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, at Odessa City Hall, Council Chamber (5th Floor) 411 W. 8th St., regarding mobile and manufactured homes within the community. Councilmember Mitchell will lead the discussion, provide key information, and be available to answer questions from the media. On behalf of Councilmember Mitchell, the City invites members of the media and the public to attend and stay informed on this important topic. May 5MOSES LAKE On Thursday, the Moses Lake Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Moses Lake Tactical Response Team, executed a search warrant at 10032 Road N.4 NE in Moses Lake. The operation, initially focused on methamphetamine sales and illegal firearm possession, unearthed an extensive illegal rooster fighting operation on the premises, according to MLPD. During the execution of the search warrant, SCU detectives seized a cache of evidence that included six firearms, seven ounces of heroin, two ounces of methamphetamine and $30,000 in cash. In addition, authorities documented 71 modified fighting roosters housed on the property, with estimates suggesting the total number of birds could exceed 400, according to MLPD Cpt. Jeff Sursely, the department's public information officer. The findings led to the booking of six individuals into the Grant County Jail, facing charges that encompass illegal gambling, animal fighting, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The individuals arrested include Pedro Noriega, 75; Victor Noriega, 45; Reynalda Noriega-Chavez, 70; Hilda Matus, 51; Blas Ante-Rodriguez, 42; and Ricardo Ante-Rodriguez, 35, all from Moses Lake or nearby Yakima. "Our investigation into meth sales led us to this shocking discovery of an illegal rooster fighting operation," Sursely said. According to Sursely, the nature of the evidence found during the search was unmistakable. "We discovered an arena built into one of the sheds, complete with a gambling board," he said. "This was not a small operation; it covered a large portion of the property and indicated a significant scale of animal fighting activities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The modifications made to the roosters intended for fighting were also an obvious sign of the crime, Sursely said. While specific details about these practices were withheld, Captain Sursely noted the existence of multiple methods employed to enhance the birds' fighting capabilities. "There are three types of modifications that they make for fighting, although I cannot elaborate specifically," he said. This incident marks the first time MLPD has dealt with an illegal animal fighting operation of this magnitude, he added. "We were fortunate to work in tandem with the Grant County Sheriff's Department's animal control unit, who provided valuable guidance and resources based on their experience with similar cases," Sursely said. "We also collaborated with the Washington State Gambling Commission to ensure each aspect of this operation was thoroughly addressed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCU handled the investigation while the TRT was responsible for securing the residence to ensure there was a safe environment for the search to proceed, Sursely said. As the investigation continues, law enforcement hopes to deter similar activities in the future. "This is a clear message that our community will not tolerate animal cruelty and the intertwining of such acts with drug trafficking," Sursely said. "We will continue to address these issues decisively." Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the United States' top public health official, recently claimed some religious groups avoid the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine because it contains "aborted fetus debris" and "DNA particles." The United States is facing its worst measles outbreaks in years, with some 900 cases across the country and active outbreaks in several states. At the same time, Kennedy, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, continues to erode trust in vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what can we make of his latest claims? No fetal debris in MMR vaccine Kennedy said "aborted fetus debris" in MMR vaccines is the reason many religious people refuse vaccination. He referred specifically to the Mennonites in Texas, a deeply religious community, who have been among the hardest hit by the current measles outbreaks. Many vaccines work by using a small amount of an attenuated (weakened) form of a virus, or in the case of the MMR vaccine, attenuated forms of the viruses that cause measles, mumps and rubella. This gives the immune system a safe opportunity to learn how to recognize and respond to these viruses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, if a person is later exposed to the actual infection, their immune system can react swiftly and effectively, preventing serious illness. Kennedy's claim about fetal debris specifically refers to the rubella component of the MMR vaccine. The rubella virus is generally grown in a human cell line known as WI-38, which was originally derived from lung tissue of a single elective abortion in the 1960s. This cell line has been used for decades, and no new fetal tissue has been used since. Certain vaccines for other diseases, such as chickenpox, hepatitis A and rabies, also have been made by growing the viruses in fetal cells. These cells are used not because of their origin, but because they provide a stable, safe and reliable environment for growing the attenuated virus. They serve only as a growth medium for the virus and they are not part of the final product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might think of the cells as virus-producing factories. Once the virus is grown, it's extracted and purified as part of a rigorous process to meet strict safety and quality standards. What remains in the final vaccine is the virus itself and stabilizing agents, but not human cells, nor fetal tissue. So claims about "fetal debris" in the vaccine are false. It's also worth noting the world's major religions permit the use of vaccines developed from cells originally derived from fetal tissue when there are no alternative products available. Are there fragments of DNA in the MMR vaccine? Kennedy claimed the Mennonites' reluctance to vaccinate stems from "religious objections" to what he described as "a lot of aborted fetus debris and DNA particles" in the MMR vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latter claim, about the vaccine containing DNA particles, is technically true. Trace amounts of DNA fragments from the human cell lines used to produce the rubella component of the MMR vaccine may remain even after purification. However, with this claim, there's an implication these fragments pose a health risk. This is false. Any DNA that may be present in this vaccine exists in extremely small amounts, is highly fragmented and degraded, and is biologically inert -- that is, it cannot cause harm. Even if, hypothetically, intact DNA were present in the vaccine (which it's not), it would not have the capacity to cause harm. One common (but unfounded) concern is that foreign DNA could integrate with a person's own DNA and alter their genome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Introducing DNA into human cells in a way that leads to integration is very difficult. Even when scientists are deliberately trying to do this, for example, in gene therapy, it requires precise tools, special viral delivery systems and controlled conditions. It's also important to remember our bodies are exposed to foreign DNA constantly, through food, bacteria and even our own microbiome. Our immune system routinely digests and disposes of this material without incorporating it into our genome. This question has been extensively studied over decades. Multiple health authorities, including Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, have addressed the misinformation regarding perceived harm from residual DNA in vaccines. Ultimately, the idea that fragmented DNA in a vaccine could cause genetic harm is false. The bottom line Despite what Kennedy would have you believe, there's no fetal debris in the MMR vaccine, and the trace amounts of DNA fragments that may remain pose no health risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the evidence does show, however, is that vaccines like the MMR vaccine offer excellent protection against deadly and preventable diseases, and have saved millions of lives around the world. Hassan Vally is an associate professor of epidemiology at Deakin University in Australia. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. A bipartisan majority of the Texas House is seeking to crack down on social media use by minors. House Bill 186 filed by Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, would prohibit Texas children from using social media and would require platforms to delete accounts of children at the request of a parent. It would also mandate social media companies to verify that new users are over 18. The House passed the bill by a 116-25 vote Wednesday. The bill's author cited a recent Pew study linking social media use to rising rates of mental health issues among teens, and he has called social media "the most dangerous product legally accessible to Texas kids." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe that this is the modern-day cigarette," Patterson said during debate on the bill. "I think that we're going to wake up at some point in this country and realize what we have done to an entire generation of kids that are on this highly addictive product called social media." Under the proposal, social media companies such as Instagram, TikTok and X could face penalties under Texas' deceptive trade practices statutes if they fail to comply. Critics of the bill said its requirement for companies to verify social media users' ages likely through uploading a photo ID would affect adults in addition to minors. Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, said privacy concerns and fears of data breaches could chill online political discourse. Rep. Jared Patterson, shown talking to House Speaker Dustin Burrows, is author of a bill that would ban social media use by minors in Texas. "If somebody wants to, let's say for the purposes of political speech, they want to create an anonymous account or a parody account they would not be able to create those accounts unless they put in their personal information and verify it," Wu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patterson argued that social media companies already know more about their users than is contained on a driver's license and noted that the bill requires companies to delete data after verifying users' ages. Other opponents, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a free speech advocacy group, argue that the bill infringes on the rights of children and their parents. "Minors have First Amendment rights, including the right to receive the vast majority of content on social media, as well as the right to use it for speech of their own," Ari Cohn, FIRE's lead counsel for tech policy, said in a statement. "And not only does the bill violate the First Amendment rights of minors, but it may well infringe on parental rights to raise their own children as they see fit." The House on Tuesday also passed HB 499 by Rep. Mary Gonzales, D-Clint, which would require social platforms to display a warning about the links between social media use and mental health concerns in children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both bills have been advanced to the Senate, where they are expected to garner support. If passed in the upper chamber and signed by the governor, HB 186 would take effect Jan. 1, 2026. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas House bill would ban kids from social media Ryan Hintons family distanced themselves from the actions of his father, who is accused of killing a sheriffs deputy the day after his son was shot, and instead said they are seeking answers about the fatal police shooting. Surrounded by Hintons relatives, the familys attorney, Michael Wright, called the body camera footage of the May 1 shooting disturbing and said it is not clear whether the officer who shot Hinton was in imminent danger. "This is not as cut and dry as this officer should have pulled out his gun and shot at Ryan," Wright said during the May 5 press conference. "Its not that cut and dry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Frame-by-frame review of body cam video from fatal East Price Hill police shooting Ryan Hinton, 18, was shot twice by Cincinnati police during a stolen car investigation and died shortly after. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge has described the shooting as six quick seconds and said the officer who fired at Hinton believed the man pointed the gun at him during the quick encounter. He felt threatened for his life, Theetge said. The department has not released the name of the officer who shot Hinton, citing Marsy's Law, legislation meant to protect victims of crimes. The next day, May 2, police say Hintons father, Rodney Hinton Jr., killed Hamilton County Sheriffs Deputy Larry Henderson by striking him with a car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright called the episode a tragedy and offered his condolences to the deputy but made clear he is not representing Hintons father, who is charged with murder. Were trying to get the family some answers, Wright said. Officials say parallel investigations into the shooting are underway by the Cincinnati Police Department and the Citizen Complaint Authority. As the investigations continue, Wright asked people to "relax" and not rush to judgment. Please try to forgive, says Ryans grandfather Rodney Hinton Sr., Ryans grandfather and Rodneys father, called on the community to forgive the Cincinnati police officer who shot Ryan. Ryan Hinton, 18, was shot by Cincinnati police during a stolen car investigation on May 1. I saw the officer scared and I saw my grandson scared, Hinton said of the body camera footage. What I saw was two people who made a mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four days after Ryans death, his family remembered the man as a jokester and a loving person. He was a student at Dohn Community High School before the charter schools sudden closure in March. "Ryan was a sweet, gentle giant that played with everybody all the time," Hinton's grandmother, Tonya Larkin, said. "Were a very close family. This is killing us. Larkin also called for more diversity training in police departments. "We as Black people don't deserve to be killed just because we're running away from the police," she said. "We're scared just as much as they are." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funeral arrangements for Ryan have not yet been made, the family said. More: Father accused of killing sheriff's deputy after police fatally shot son. What we know This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ryan Hinton's family seeks answers, forgiveness after police shooting Beautiful weekend weather will carry into today! Sunshine, 70s, and light winds will define the start to the work week, but unfortunately it wont last all week. Clouds and periods of rain return as early as Tuesday evening. Download our KOLR 10 weather app Tonight will be chilly and quiet with temperatures dipping into the upper 40s. This will make for a calm morning on Tuesday. Temperatures on Tuesday will rise into the low 70s by early afternoon. Clouds will increase later Tuesday afternoon and a few scattered showers will be crossing out of Oklahoma into Southwest Missouri by evening into Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scattered showers are likely into Wednesday. Wednesday wont be an all-day rain, but periods of scattered showers may occasionally interrupt plans. Temperatures will be cooler in the upper 60s and winds will gradually shift to be from the northeast by Wednesday night. Rainy periods will linger through Thursday before we slowly clear rain chances on Friday. Severe weather isnt expected any day this week and rainfall amounts will be low between 0.25 and 0.50, with generally more in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weekend looks great. Skies should begin to thin out by Friday evening and well keep the sun out Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures this weekend will be mild in the low to mid-70s during the daytime and in the mid-40s overnight. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Heath Druzin (center) is applauded by panelists on Dec. 17, 2024, at the "United Against Hate Summit." (Photo by Tracy Simmons/FaVS News) This story was first published by FaVS News on April 30, 2025. In May Palouse organizations will be hosting United in Community: Coming Together for Our Community and Democracy, a follow-up event to the recent United Against Hate Summit with podcaster Heath Druzin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The May 17 event requires registration as attendance is limited. Those interested can register at online. Scot Nakagawa is a political strategist, organizer and co-founder and director of the 22nd Century Initiative. (Contributed photo courtesy of FaVS News) Keynote speaker will be Scot Nakagawa, who brings 42 years of experience in social justice advocacy and has worked extensively against authoritarianism and for inclusive democracy since 1988. Nakagawa has collaborated with organizations including the National Anti-Klan Network and the Highlander Research and Education Center. He co-founded ChangeLab, addressing Asian American leadership in social justice, and previously served as Senior Fellow on Nationalism, Authoritarianism, and Race at Race Forward. The previous event, which drew nearly 200 Moscow residents, focused on combating Christian nationalism and featured Druzin, host of the Extremely American podcast. Druzins investigation into Christ Church and its leader Doug Wilsons growing influence in the community was highlighted in his podcasts second season, Onward Christian Soldiers, which has reached over 1 million downloads. According to Druzin, Wilson runs the Community of Reformed Evangelical Churches, a nationwide Calvinist church group, along with an education network of 500 classical Christian schools. While Wilson has gained national attention in Christian nationalist circles, his church members have not found success in local political offices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upcoming United in Community event will include organizational presentations, discussion groups and collaborative planning for community action. It will be from 1-4 p.m. at the 1912 Center in Moscow. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Two mother-daughter pairs crossed the commencement stage at Youngstown State University this weekend, celebrating their degrees and the journeys that brought them there together. Read next: Ohio primary election: Whats on the ballot, and where can I vote? Both pairs graduated with an MBA in organizational leadership. Lauryn Todd and her mother, Beth Todd, began the program in May 2024. Lauryn had previously applied to the program but postponed starting due to work demands until a call from her mother reignited the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mom just called me out of the blue and said she was doing it, Lauryn said. That kind of brought it back to life for me. At the same time, Kiara Jones and her mother, Michele Greene, were embarking on their own MBA journey at YSU. For Greene, a 30-year veteran of the manufacturing industry and Middle Tennessee State University graduate, the timing finally felt right. I was a single mom balancing a career and raising kids, and I just never saw a clear path forward, Greene said. When Kiara started looking into MBA programs, she gave me the push I needed. For all four women, the YSU MBA was not only an academic milestone but also a shared experience that deepened their family bonds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We havent always had one-on-one experiences like this, Greene said. With Kiara being a twin and having a younger brother, we havent always had one-on-one experiences like this, and doing this together made it even more special. Looking ahead, all four graduates hope their stories inspire others to invest in themselves. Theres no time like the present, Beth said. YSU made it affordable and doable. I did it while working full time. If I can do it, others can, too, Lauryn 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 WKBN.com. Welcome to 5 Things PM! A woman who vanished more than 60 years ago in Wisconsin has been discovered alive. But in a twist worthy of an Alfred Hitchcock movie, authorities say she didnt actually want to be found. Heres what else you might have missed during your busy day: 5 things AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images 1 Hollywood angst: Movie studio and streaming industry executives are up in arms after President Donald Trump said he wants to slap a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States. They warn that his proposal could decimate an iconic industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 Cancer treatment: A new study found that immunotherapy harnessing a persons own immune system to target and fight disease worked against some types of cancers. It allows patients to avoid surgery and other types of more invasive treatment. 3 Hazing scandal: The case involving 11 lacrosse players at a high school in Syracuse, New York, shows that it can happen even in the most tight-knit communities. Experts say preventing hazing is harder than you might think because its a practice that thrives on secrecy. 4 Zombie volcano: When Uturuncu a lofty peak in Bolivias Andes Mountains started stirring after hundreds of thousands of years, scientists wondered if an eruption was imminent. They used satellite data and computer models to piece together whats happening. 5 Wash your hands: Its a pretty basic concept, right? Plus, we all just went through a global pandemic not too long ago. But a new survey found that nearly half of Americans still dont know how and when to lather, scrub and rinse. Watch this It became a lifestyle: Tim Friede, a self-taught snake expert, injected himself with venom more than 650 times over the course of nearly two decades. Scientists hope his experiments can help them develop a new antivenom. Top headlines Homeland Security says it will pay undocumented migrants to leave the US 3 dead, 4 hurt, 9 missing after panga boat capsizes off San Diego, authorities say Pence rebuffs Trump on tariffs, Russia and January 6 pardons in CNN interview Check this out The spies have it: The CIA rolled out sleek new videos aimed at recruiting Chinese officials to spy for the United States. Its hoping to tap into disillusion with the communist countrys vast bureaucracy and fear of President Xi Jinpings anti-corruption purge. CIA Quotable High alert: Some US cities canceled cultural events for Cinco de Mayo because theyre worried about Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and deportations. Quiz time Angus Mordant/Bloomberg/Getty Images Which US airport has been experiencing serious delays for more than a week? A. Chicago OHare B. Newark Liberty C. Houston Hobby D. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Scroll down for the answer. Looking ahead Met Gala: In preparation for tonights festivities, CNNs Style editors weigh in on some of the events memorable fashion moments. Good vibes Support system: Bill Hader was filming a Volkswagen commercial with some of his former Saturday Night Live co-stars when a wildfire tore through his neighborhood in Pacific Palisades, California. On a recent podcast, Hader talked about the shocking devastation. His home was still standing but unlivable. He said the support from his girlfriend, comedian Ali Wong, meant a lot to me, and he was inspired by the resiliency of his three daughters. Thanks for reading Well see you tomorrow. Quiz answer: B. Newark Liberty International Airport has been plagued by an air traffic control staffing shortage for more than a week. Check out all of CNNs newsletters. 5 Things PM is produced by CNNs Chris Good, Meghan Pryce, Kimberly Richardson and Morgan Severson. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas held talks with Iranian FM Seyyed Abbas Araghchi to stress EU support for diplomacy on the nuclear issue and regional de-escalation, the publication of EU's official on X said, Trend reports. ''I called on Iran to stop military support to Russia and raised concerns over detained EU citizens and human rights. EU-Iran ties hinge on progress in all areas, '' the publication reads. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." First came emails. Then a flurry of phone calls and emergency meetings. For many doctors, scientists, and other researchers, the news that their funding was being cut didnt feel real. Over the past few months, some people specializing in womens health issues across the country received jarring news: Their research projects, clinical trials, and even jobs in some cases would be grinding to a halt. Effective immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after taking office in January, President Donald Trump froze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans, specifically flagging projects that included keywords like women, women and underrepresented, female, females, and feminism in an effort to do away with woke initiatives. As The New York Times explains, The presence of some terms was used to automatically flag for review some grant proposals and contracts that could conflict with Mr. Trumps executive orders. This put essential studies looking into female conditions like pregnancy complications, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids, as well as Alzheimers, heart disease, substance use disorder, and other issues, at risk. In response, a federal judge in Massachusetts recently ruled that the Trump administration could not limit National Institutes of Health funding that goes toward research at universities and academic medical centers, but the decision is likely to be appealed, per the Times . That same day, 16 states sued the Trump administration to restore this type of funding. Then, in late April, the administration cut funding to the largest womens health study in the U.S.the Womens Health Initiativebefore announcing just a few days later that they'd restore it. Notably, the researchers say they have not yet received any confirmation from the NIH that funding would indeed be restored. "This leaves us in a place of uncertainty," they write. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative , founded by the NIH and active for over three decades, focuses on researching conditions in postmenopausal women. It has been instrumental in our understanding of diseases like breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. The data it produces not only helps develop key insights and therapeutics, but its frequently used by early-career scientists in their training, according to Science . For most of history, women were not part of the medical conversation: Textbooks portrayed male body parts, medical students learned to look for symptomatologies that appear in men, menopause and childbirth were hush-hush topics, and, up until 1993, women were rarely included in clinical trials. Thankfully, the past few decades have seen science take some big steps forward. Its been able to do things like establish protocols for treating heart attacks in women, develop more effective (and less uncomfortable) forms of birth control, and even start to study the ways menopause can impact every part of womens bodies and lives. But theres still work to be done to close the gap. And right now, that crucial work is being stymied. Below, some powerhouses in the medical world share their thoughts on the future of womens health research, shedding light on the major chasms that funding cuts create in their fields of study and how to keep pushing forwardand finding the lightamidst these obstacles. Sharonne N. Hayes, MD Dr. Hayes is a cardiologist, a professor of medicine, and the founder of the Womens Heart Clinic at the Mayo Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the mid-90s, when I had just started practicing cardiology, the male patients I treated would respond to the tests I orderedand the drugs I prescribedthe way Id read about in scientific journals. But when I gave those same medications or did those same tests on women, it was different. Why was that? Because there had been no cardiovascular research performed on this entire populationwomen. I know now that I was caring for women with inexplicable symptoms from two conditions that didnt even have names back then. One is heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which is the number one cause of heart failure in women, and the other is microvascular coronary disease, or microvascular dysfunction, which is a very common and disproportionate cause of chest pain and heart attack in women. Since then weve made a lot of progress in including women and other groups in research so that we can better care for them. So its concerning when I hear about pulling back funding and support for sex- and gender-based research. It takes me back 30 years ago, when we were just starting to recognize our ignorance about sex and gender differences in disease and outcomes. Weve made amazing progress, but honestly, were still playing catch-up. We cant be stepping back now. Someone might say, Well, why do we need to study different groups? We could just treat everybody the same. Studying all types of peopleparticularly around sex and genderis not wasted money. It is a way to learn about things that might actually enhance care and our understanding of the diseasefor both men and women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its good stewardship of health care dollars! We invest a lot of money in research, drugs, Medicare, and our insurance companies. And we personally invest a lot of money in medical tests and seeing doctors. If there was a higher likelihood that the prescribed drug or test I was being sent for had been tested on people like me, and I could trust the results, I would not only get better care but would ultimately save money. Understanding womens biology can also improve everyones health. For instance, women have the capacity to do something called neovascularizationa fancy word for making new blood vesselsthat men do not. (We know this because when they create a baby, their uterus goes from the size of a fist to this big thing, and a placenta grows.) So, when somebody has a blocked artery and we cant fix it with a stent or a bypass, its tempting to say, What if we put some stem cells down in there to grow some more vessels? In other words, what if we were able to discover the secret sauce that made women better at growing new blood vessels, which might help the heart or other organs in other people too? Wouldnt it be worth studying women? Thats why I worry quite a bit. I worry about lack of funding for current research. I worry about the chilling effect on the scientific workforce, particularly those who are early in their careers. People are going to need jobs to support their families, and they will go into another industry or sector altogether if they cant get funding. We may be losing this little slice of really important, talented peoplea brain trustthat will take us way more than four to eight years to get back. I worry were going to lose even more ground and may never catch up. The foundational, scientific reasons for us to explore sex and gender medicineand particularly womens healthhave not changed. For instance, its pretty impossible to talk about studying heart failure with preserved ejection fraction without at least talking about sex differences, which are key to our understanding of the condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of hand-wringing and a lot of people who are really sad, disappointed, and possibly checked out for many, many reasons right now. I dont blame them. I feel their pain. I also feel that those of us who have a little more history, who are a little more established, can help carry the torch forward while others are laying low. As hard as that might be, the young researchers and students going into womens health may need to sit back and watch and learn from those of us with experience and privilege while we fight these regressive policies and funding rollbacks. As Eldrin Lewis, MD, a renowned cardiologist and researcher at Stanford, said during a recent panel at the American College of Cardiology conference, The pride must protect its lion cubs. So for now, focus on supporting each other. Dont burn bridges or networks. Talk about the projects that youre going to do when theres a future funding opportunity. Learn something. Martha Gulati, MD Dr. Gulati is a cardiologist, cardiology professor, immediate past president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology, director of preventive cardiology and associate director of the Barbra Streisand Womens Heart Center, associate director of the Preventive and Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, and the Anita Dann Friedman Endowed Chair in Womens Cardiovascular Medicine & Research at Cedars-Sinai. I think health is the most nonpolitical thing you could ever discuss. It really shouldnt be political to know how to take care of everyone. I never thought wed be where we are right now. Everybody deserves good care, good outcomes, and good health. We need to knowfor both men and womenwhat works. Yet the threat to grants has already started. Many of my colleagues have already received notices saying their research is no longer funded. Literally, if your grant says woman in it, theres a high probability that the government might pull its funding. Its forcing academics and researchers to play a word game. Many of my colleagues who routinely apply for grants and funding have removed the word woman from their proposals, even when theyre studying something very sex-specific. Everyone is scrambling right now. Its too early to know where the dust is going to settle, but what we can say is this: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont study women, which we havent in a meaningful way for many, many, many, many, many decades, we will remain ill-equipped to take care of more than 50 percent of the population. We know a lot about mens hearts because we have studied them. But until recently, we had a lack of knowledge about how best to care for women, and specifically their hearts. I want to make sure the medications that women are given actually work for them. In the past, weve learned only after a medication has been released that it doesnt work as well in women or causes a side effect. Devices are highly understudied in women. Yet we implant them in women and then are surprised when they bleed or have a rupture or a complication. We shouldnt want that for anyone. I dont want it for men. I dont want it for women. We need to know about women and men so that we can best treat them in a personalized way. We need to be able to treat people appropriately. Health care is a human right, and thats the way that I look at medicine. Its why I went into this field. Monica Christmas, MD Dr. Christmas is an ob-gyn, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and director of the Menopause Program and the Center for Womens Integrated Health at the University of Chicago. She is also the associate medical director of The Menopause Society. One of the reasons I wanted to become a doctor was because I loved the ever-changing aspect of itof being a perpetual learner. And so many things have changed since I graduated from medical school over 20 years ago. When I was in residency, I had never done a robotic (laparoscopic) surgery before. Thats 90 percent of the surgery that I do now. The way we treat cancer now is so vastly different. Were able to use genetics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Im reading a study, seeing that a medication or treatment was looked at across a wide array of individuals and that the results are not just applicable to one group is really important information. It gives me more meaningful insight about that intervention or disease process. There are so many layers to how these funding and grant cuts impact people. At a higher level, doctors wont be able to find new and novel treatments, equipment, or instruments. Then there are also people at the ground level wondering if their access will be impacted. Are patients going to be able to access much-needed treatment? And who is the gatekeeper for these treatments? Who is saying whether something is efficacious, if its needed, whether its going to be covered by insurance? We are moving backwards, which is hard to fathom. I never thought this would happen in science and medicine. These funding freezes are hard for many of us to wrap our minds aroundto now look at your grant proposals and papers and feel afraid to put things in them that fundamentally should be there? Depending on the area of research, a lot of people are also questioning their specialty or research focus, which is really heartbreaking to me. But hardship and adversity always teach us things and make us stronger and more resilient. I think this is making people realize the impact of their vote. Its making people want to be more informed and more engaged. Theres no way you advance medicine if you dont study womens health issues. Theres no way you can advance the care of human beings without research and without the ability to fund the dynamic minds that can create new things and find new treatments. Yes, its about money, but its also about stimulating new, innovative, and novel ideas, bringing inquisitive, brilliant people together, through research groups, government entities, conferences, and publications. This is how grant funding advances modern medicine and science, by transforming mystical ideas to medical breakthroughs. Carolyn M. Mazure, PhD Mazure is a professor of psychiatry and psychology and the Spungen Bildner Professor in Womens Health Research at Yale University. She is also the director of Womens Health Research at Yale. Despite the fact that women have been historically understudied and underrepresented in research, theres been tremendous progressmeaningful progresson advancing the health of women through research in the last two decades. This is made possible, in part, because universities all over the nation have received federal funds to pursue important conditions that women experience, ranging from heart attack to cancers to endometriosis to maternal mortality to autoimmune disorders to Alzheimers disease. The list goes on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal is to advance everyones health through science. Right now, women in our country are more likely to suffer chronic and co-occurring disorders, so a primary focus needs to be how we can improve those statistics and, with that, improve womens lives and advance the lives of everyone in the nation. In the work that we have done over the last year and a half through the White House Initiative on Womens Health Research, its been clear that federal funding plays a key role in generating important discoveries that will have practical benefit in peoples lives. We also worked very intentionally to ensure that contemporary research involves the private sector, which includes philanthropy, industry, and foundations across the nation. It was always our hopeand reflected in our effortthat the nation would unite behind improving the health of women, because as womens health improves, families health improves, and the nation thrives. Reduced funding from the federal government for health research will affect everyones health: women and men and children. The United States has built the most productive system of health research in the world, and the goal of all of that research is to treat disorders and promote health. Abrupt and broad reduction in federal money for health research will have an adverse impact on everyone. And it calls into question what the structure of research will look like in our country and how we can train the next generation of scientists to uncover the causes of illness and mechanisms to treat those illnesses. You Might Also Like As MSNBC prepares to split off from the Comcast mothership later this year, a new daytime lineup debuts Monday that will look quite similar to the news-driven approach it has had with NBC News as a sister network. That is the point, as MSNBC for the first time builds out its own news division, a rarity for linear TV these days, while retaining a lineup of primetime progressive hosts. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the daytime changes, Ana Cabreras 10 a.m. ET show is expanding to two hours, followed by Chris Jansing Reports at noon ET and then Katy Tur Reports at 2 p.m. ET. On the weekend, Alex Witt will continue at 1 p.m. ET for three hours. Gone are shows hosted by Andrea Mitchell and Jose Diaz-Balart, who are remaining with the broadcast network. Other decisions are TBA. In recent months, some reporters and anchors have been waiting a bit anxiously to see where they land. Other announcements have drawn headlines, like when data guru Steve Kornacki signed a contract that will see him wind down his MSNBC role for NBC News and sports. Antonia Hylton, an NBC News correspondent, will become an MSNBC correspondent in addition to her role as co-host of The Weekend: Primetime. Chris Jansing In an interview, Jansing compared this moment to the early days of MSNBC in the late 1990s, when she joined the NBC News networks from local news. There was something very creative and exciting about being a part of something that was new and fresh and felt like it was full of opportunity, Jansing said. I would also argue that at its heart, nothing changes maybe a format changes, or you pick up another hour and that changes. But were journalists, and we are serious about what we do, and these are serious times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest shakeup that viewers will see will be in the nighttime hours, which leans heavily on analysis and opinion, or perspective as the network has called it. Tonight will see the debut of The Weeknight, a 7 p.m. ET show hosted by Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele and Symone Sanders-Townsend, followed by Rachel Maddow as she returns to a one-night-a-week schedule. On Tuesday, Jen Psaki will move to the 9 p.m. ET slot for the remainder of the week. As it is now, the daytime hours will continue to be a newsier contrast to primetime. Scott Matthews, who was hired in March as SVP Newsgathering, is in the midst of building up the newsroom, with plans to hire around 100 journalists. Matthews said the goal is to be sort of nimble, scrappy, multiplatform, as he sees his job as building an operation literally starting from scratch. You only get the opportunity to launch once, so we are trying to be as thoughtful about that as possible, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthews said that the network will have two hubs of operation in New York and Washington, and the goal is to be extremely competitive in the D.C. space and basically flood the zone with great journalists and all the places we need to be. Katy Tur He also said that they plan to have a national footprint, saying its very possible and likely we will have folks who dont have a brick-and-mortar bureau to go to but will have the resources to go gather news and send it back. Were really trying to be as nimble and detached as possible from too many harnesses so we can hop on planes and get to places where we need to tell the best stories as quickly as we possibly can, he said. The differences in news coverage may be subtle, but there will be more alignment to MSNBC programs, he said. NBC News services a lot of other platforms, or a lot of other distribution channels so they are a little more generalized on the things that they do, which makes a lot of sense. The experience [on MSNBC] should be a lot more bespoke to the shows and the hosts, which I think will provide a better experience to the viewer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthews left open the possibility of appearances of CNBC figures, as that network also will be part of the Comcast spinoff. He also said that they are looking at some kind of sharing arrangement with NBC News, even though it will no longer be a sister network, along with other kinds of partnerships. Ana Cabrera Tur said that the changes will allow her to have longer conversations, given her extra hour, while were going to have access to different reporters as we build out this newsroom, but I believe it is going to be very hard to discern, in terms of the viewer. Were still going to have the same cameras. Were going to have the same eyes on Capitol Hill and Washington. Were going to have reporters around the country and I believe in some key places around the world. Cabrera said, Theres obviously a ton of news out of Washington, but theres also news happening all around the country that does not have anything to do with politics, but its still worth covering. Im excited to have more time to explore some different stories, different issues, but it doesnt change the way we approach it. It just gives us more opportunity to serve our viewers in a broader way. That is now I am looking at it. In April, MSNBC averaged 656,000 total viewers, down 24% from a year earlier, compared to Fox News, which averaged 1.62 million, up 28%, and CNN, which averaged 411,000, down 18%, according to Nielsen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSNBC, though, has seen viewership recovery after a post-election plunge. In April, total-day viewership was up 44% since Trumps inauguration compared to the post-election transition period, the network noted. Alex Witt The flood of Trump-generated news has helped drive up the numbers for MSNBC primetime shows in particular, as a kind of haven for viewers disaffected and dispirited by what is happening in D.C. Maddow, for instance, has provided regular updates on protests happening across the country. But the MSNBC daytime hosts say that there has been no directive to change their news coverage. We have a very clear mandate, which is cover the news as its happening. Having a personality doesnt mean you are partisan, but we are encouraged to be ourselves, to bring our own expertise, our own backgrounds, to be curious in the way that we are individually curious, Tur said. The bend of my show, the way I ask questions, its not going to change. She said that the only thing that they have gotten from [MSNBC president] Rebecca Kutler and other top executives is to keep doing what we are doing and experiment, to try new things, to give us the freedom to do TV as we believe it can be done best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has meant, as Witt says, a constant firehose of news. That puts even greater pressure on MSNBC to keep apace once the spinoff is complete. One thing I have noticed that has been different, that I dont expect to change certainly for the next three and a half years, is the work load in terms of the research and we have to do, keeping up with this administration, and the ramifications of the presidents actions or that of the Department of Justice of Health and Human Services of immigration, she said. Witt said that because of where I am placed on the weekends, we certainly cover hard news, with a Saturday look-back review of the week and on Sunday a look ahead. Jansing said, Thats our job to be immersed in it. Talk to the smartest people. When people say, How do you do it? I say, Every day, I get to go in, and be curious about things and ask some of the smartest people on the planet about that topic. Cabrera said, I come from a general assignment reporter background. I started my career in local news, so I really come to it from the perspective of what we do as a public service. Certainly being a government watchdog is a very big part of that, holding people in power accountable. But I also am curious about a lot of different things, and there are so many stories across the country and around the world, frankly, to cover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There also is a bit of a risk as to how MSNBC will fare on its own. There is not just linear viewership but how the network will provide streaming options, given that its programming is now part of the subscription Peacock platform, which will remain a part of Comcast. Jane Hall, professor in the School of Communication at American University in D.C., said that for MSNBC there is real potential, especially in this news environment, almost to be a startup focusing on New York and Washington and covering the news here. A challenge, she noted, will be how they will cover international news, where NBC News will have far more resources. Hall, the author of Politics and the Media: Intersections and New Directions, said that the idea of creating a separate news division could be a way to further differentiate themselves. With its conservative bent, Fox News thrives with its opinion hosts, but it also is distinguished from rivals on the right with its news operation. Matthews said that in hiring what he is trying to do is to find people with expertise in coverage areas but who also have the ability to cover relevant things whenever that beat or that specialty isnt the most important thing at the moment.We want active journalists who are constantly engaged and aggressive, trying to find ways to get on any platform at anytime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My philosophy is the news is the news, he said. The facts are the facts. We are going to call balls and strikes and provide the vest, most accurate information for our programs to utilize. And no one has even hinted to me that we want to look at things through a certain bend or a certain lens. My mission has been clear: Just go out and get the news, and that is what we are going to do. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. DENVER (KDVR) Two men are facing robbery and bias-motivated crime charges after the Steamboat Springs Police Department received multiple reports of people who were scammed through fake jewelry sales. According to the department, the first report was made on April 30 by a man who said he was approached in the 1600 block of Sunlight Drive by another man. He said the suspect claimed his family needed money for food and gas and was trying to sell gold jewelry for $600. Officials investigating body found secured to overturned boat in Steamboat Lake Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the transaction, the victim discovered the jewelry was not gold. On May 1, another man reported to police that he had pulled over to use his phone in the 700 block of South Lincoln Avenue when he was also approached. He said the man was in a silver Ford Expedition with Utah license plates, and asked the victim if he was Peruvian, then requested gas money, according to Steamboat Springs police. The victim reportedly gave the suspect a small amount of cash, but the suspect noticed there was more money in the victims wallet and pressured him to buy a necklace that the suspect said was worth $5,000. Police said when the victim refused to pay that, the suspect leaned through the vehicle window, and demanded more funds. Eventually, the victim gave the suspect $500, according to police, and the suspect left a necklace. During the same incident, a second man reportedly also approached the vehicle to demand money. The victim told the second man he had no more cash, but ultimately handed over another $500 under pressure. The second suspect did not leave any jewelry in return, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third incident has been reported and officers are investigating. However, police arrested two people in connection with the incidents. The Routt County Sheriffs Office and Steamboat Springs Police Department located the Ford Expedition and interviewed both men, who reportedly admitted to knowingly selling fake jewelry. The pair told officers that they had never said the jewelry was real, and one suspect told officers they were targeting Hispanic individuals, according to a press release. Colorado House passes immigration protections after DOJ sues for sanctuary policies After searching the vehicle, police uncovered several other fake jewelry items and over $2,500 in cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of this, Nikolaj Huh, 27, and David Alexandru, 31, both reporting New York residences, have been arrested. Charges are not yet listed on the Colorado Courts website, but the records show that both men were scheduled to appear in court on Friday, May 2. Both men were given $8,000 cash or surety bonds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WOODRIDGE, Ill. (WGN) The Woodridge Police Department is investigating after several businesses were burglarized early Sunday morning. Police said just before 5 a.m. Sunday, officers were sent to the 1000 block of West 75th Street to investigate a burglar alarm. 2 women killed, infant critically injured in Winnetka crash When officers arrived, they discovered the following businesses had been burglarized: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hair Cuttery iboba Bubble Tea Yankee Candle Company Elements Massage Bath and Body Works Then just before 5:15 a.m., police said officers found other businesses in the 1900 block of West 75th Street that had apparently been burglarized. Those businesses were: New Chinese Kitchen FMB Grocery Shanahans (an attempted burglary) No arrests have been made and anyone with information is asked to call the Woodridge Police Department at 630-719-4740. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A British woman killed outside her gite in the Dordogne was filmed dancing with her secret French lover months before her death. Karen Carter, 65, was found dead near the front porch of the home she rented to holidaymakers in the village of Tremolat, east of Bordeaux. The mother-of-four was found on the ground next to her car on Tuesday evening by Jean-Francois Guerrier, a 74-year-old retired Fujitsu executive, with whom she had attended a wine-tasting earlier. She had suffered eight stab wounds to her chest, groin, arm and leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French prosecutors leading the murder investigation said the pair were in a relationship at the time of her death. Her death has been described as a crime of passion. Mrs Carters husband, Alan Carter, who is in South Africa, said he was unaware of the relationship until it was publicly announced by French authorities and has described a feeling of complete betrayal. Police are pursuing the theory that the killer may have harboured a grudge against either the couple or Mrs Carter individually. Alan Carter, Karen Carters husband, will be arriving in Tremolat with her four children on Tuesday - Facebook The Telegraph has found footage of Mrs Carter and Mr Guerrier dancing with each other at a party hosted outside the Cafe Village, an eatery and community hub in Tremolat where they regularly volunteered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video posted on Dec 13 2024, onto the Cafe Village Facebook page, Mrs Carter, wearing a black top and cream trousers, can be seen singing along to Gloria Gaynors I Will Survive with Mr Guerrier next to a dozen or so locals. The video suggests their relationship may have been publicly known among locals despite Mrs Carters husband being unaware. In a video from a separate party hosted at the Cafe Village in October 2022, Mrs Carter can be seen swaying to music behind the bar with Mr Guerrier. She is seen holding a glass of white wine next to Mr Guerrier as they dance and sing along to Nancy Sinatras 1966 classic These Boots Are Made for Walkin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrs Carter was of dual South African and British nationality. Speaking from his home in East London on South Africas south-eastern coast, Mr Carter told The Times: What has come out of this investigation has confirmed a relationship I did not want to believe and that had been denied to me repeatedly by my wife. Mr Carter, who has three children with Mrs Carter, said he had recently challenged her about the amount of time she was spending with Mr Guerrier, who had hosted both of them several times at his farmhouse on the edge of the village. Mrs Carters death has been described as a crime of passion I told her that the gossip was tarnishing her reputation but she batted it away and said there was nothing in it, he told the newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph understands that Mr Carter will be arriving in Tremolat with her four children on Tuesday. Having found Mrs Carter as she lay dying from stab wounds, Mr Guerrier attempted CPR and alerted emergency services. He was questioned by police and quickly released without charge. There is no suggestion he was responsible for her death. He has declined to comment on the case. A 69-year-old woman, who lives near Mrs Carters farmhouse, was arrested by police but released two days later when investigators examined her schedule. Neighbours and close friends have maintained the suspected murder was a crime of passion and not the work of a random killer drifting through the village of 600 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph was told that Mrs Carters family knew nothing of her death until they came across online messages of condolences written by local friends on the Facebook page of Cafe Village Tremolat. A distressed cousin of Mrs Carter had rang a British expatriate in Tremolat, who had helped run the gite for 13 years, the day after the murder to find out what had occurred on that fateful evening. The gardener and property manager shared how he had to break the news of the death to Mrs Carters family as they had not been informed by French police. I just said I am very sorry, I dont know if you have heard but its Karen who unfortunately passed away, he explained to journalists from the driveway of his farmhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then they asked me if I knew what happened, and I said I didnt know anything about it. 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. A woman from Muscatine who pled guilty to charges of criminal mischief and terrorism after a graffiti and vandalism spree using slurs has been sentenced. The sentencing order entered in Muscatine County District Court on May 2 says that Alisa Staats, 30, entered guilty pleas in three related cases and was sentenced on counts of: Alisa Staats (Muscatine Police Department) First degree harassment a period not to exceed 100 days in the Muscatine County Jail, with credit for time served. The court imposed a fine of $855 and 15% criminal surcharge. The court suspended the fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fourth degree criminal mischief a period not to exceed two years in the Iowa Department of Corrections, with credit for time served, plus a fine of $855 and a 15% criminal surcharge. The court also suspended that fine. Second degree criminal mischief a period not to exceed five years in the Iowa Department of Corrections, with credit for time served, plus a fine of $1,025 and a 15% criminal surcharge. The court suspended that fine. Fourth degree criminal mischief a period not to exceed two years in the Iowa Department of Corrections, with credit for time served, along with a $855 fine and a 15% criminal surcharge. The court suspended that fine. 7 counts of fifth degree criminal mischief a period not to exceed one year on each count, with credit for time served, along with a $420 fine on each count and a 15% criminal surcharge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Threat of terrorism a period not to exceed five years in the Iowa Department of Corrections, with credit for time served, along with a $1,025 fine and a 15% criminal surcharge. The court suspended the fine. The sentences will be served concurrently, or at the same time. Staats was also ordered to pay $100 in victim restitution to The Merrill Hotel. She pled guilty to leaving two swastikas at the hotel. Staats lost her firearm rights due to being a convicted felon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) As the grass begins to grow, many folks statewide are filling up the gas tanks on their traditional lawn mowers to trim it down. However, some state lawmakers are encouraging folks to consider a different way to cut the lawn. State Senate Bill S5358A would incentivize New Yorkers who choose to purchase electric-powered landscaping equipment. This includes but is not limited to lawn mowers, weed whackers and chain saws. The bill passed in the Senate and has been sent to the Assembly for review. If passed, the Electric Landscaping Equipment Rebate Program would be established, offering folks up to 70% off the purchase price of a piece of equipment with certain restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Halligan, who has an electric lawn mower and lives in Rochester, shared what his experience has been like using it to cut his grass. This is the first time im mowing this season, last season it worked really well for me, Halligan said. I didnt have any issues with battery power. Over 2,500 volunteers gather for 2025 Clean Sweep Initiative Floor Manager at Weider Ace Hardware of Perinton Jack Hyla explained how hes seen more folks interested in electric outdoor equipment this year than ever before. Todays electric mowers are really as powerful as any gas one on the market, Hyla said. Its a lot less maintenance. You dont have to worry about spark plugs, buying gas, changing the oil, all that stuff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halligan said he made the decision to switch given the recent discussion about electric outdoor equipment becoming the new normal in New York. It just seemed like this is the future, so might as well get on board, Halligan said. The full senate bill 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 RochesterFirst. May 5 (UPI) -- A New York prison guard pleaded guilty Monday as one of 10 corrections officers charged in the December killing of inmate Robert L. Brooks. Christopher Walrath, 36, pleaded guilty to a first-degree manslaughter charge and will spend the next 15 years in a state prison after he and nine other co-workers allegedly beat, kicked and punched Brooks in his face, groin area and abdomen in the infirmary on December 9 at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County. Brooks died hours later at a hospital in Utica. He is the only one of the 10 indicted guards to plead guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walrath originally was indicted for second-degree murder but had the charge dropped to a lesser first-degree manslaughter charge as part of the guilty plea agreement. Onondaga County's District Attorney William Fitzpatrick called the guilty plea a "very important step." In January, Fitzpatrick was appointed as special prosecutor after the New York attorney general's office recused itself and jurors in Oneida County viewed evidence by Fitzpatrick's office. He said in court that the Brooks family, who were present Monday in court, accepted the plea offer. Walrath reportedly left his post to participate in the beating, put Brooks in a chokehold and struck him in the groin, with body cam footage depicting a large part of the brutality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks, 43, was later seen bloodied and stripped to his underwear. Brooks was originally from Greece in Monroe County and had a parole hearing next year. In 2017, he was sentenced to 12 years in jail on a first-degree assault charge after he was arrested for stabbing his girlfriend multiple times. His death was ruled as a homicide, with the cause listed as a "compression of the neck and multiple blunt-impact injuries," according to the autopsy report, with preliminary findings showing extensive bruising, a broken nose and bleeding in the neck and genitals. Meanwhile, the Brooks family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in a federal court, calling New York's prison system "dangerously broken." A group of more than 100 ex-Marcy prison inmates in 2022 claimed widespread abuse and a "pervasive culture of fear and retaliation" in a report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nine other co-workers of Walrath are due in court this month between May 13 through the 19th. Walrath is scheduled to be officially sentenced August 4 in front of Oneida County Court Judge Robert Bauer. He faces five years of post-release supervision after his 15-year prison sentence. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Iran's stance on the peaceful use of nuclear energy is grounded in international law, said the Spokesman of Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baghaei, Trend reports. Speaking at a press conference held today in Tehran, Baghaei emphasized that Irans nuclear program dates back to the 1970s. He noted that Iran's membership in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the commitment to fulfill obligations without a nuclear program would be meaningless. Baghaei stressed that Iran has the right, as a member of the NPT, to enrich uranium. Regarding US President Donald Trump's stance on the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, Baghaei added that indirect discussions between Iran and the US on this matter are conducted within Iran's position and principles, which remain unchanged. He further clarified that Iran does not engage in discussions on the nuclear program in public or media forums. 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 May 4ROCHESTER Concerns about the potential for fraudulent fundraising activity or public statements on behalf of a Rochester family have prompted an announcement from the Rochester Branch of the NAACP . The NAACP has closed a fundraising campaign to benefit the family of a 5-year-old boy who was addressed with racial slurs by a woman at a Rochester park. The aftermath of that incident was captured on video, shared online, and circulated widely over social media, seen by millions of viewers. The woman in the video, who identified herself in an online fundraiser as Shiloh Hendrix, continues to raise money in that fundraiser that has so far collected more than $600,000. The NAACP created its own fundraiser for the family, collected about $340,000, and closed the fundraiser today at the family's request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family told the NAACP that no one has been authorized to speak on their behalf. Updates related to the incident will come from the NAACP, the Rochester Police Department, the city attorney's office, and other appropriate government authorities, according to a written statement by the NAACP. In that statement, the NAACP went on to state that the family "wanted us to express that they are unaware and have not authorized any other GoFundMe that has been created in their name." The family expressed gratitude for people's support of the fundraiser that it did authorize. "The family kindly requests privacy at this time as they navigate this difficult period," the NAACP said. "An official statement from the family will be shared during the Rochester Branch of the NAACP's Our Children are Sacred- Accountability and Justice Townhall , held in collaboration with Barbershop Talk Services and the Rochester Civic Theatre on Wednesday, May 7, from 4 -5:30 p.m." UPDATE: The Nacogdoches Police Department said Donnell was found safe and in good spirits on Sunday. On behalf of the Nacogdoches Police Department, Donnell, and his family, thank you to everyone who shared the post or helped in the search, Nacogdoches PD said. NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) The Nacogdoches Police Department is currently searching for 15-year-old non-verbal autistic boy named Donnell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE: Nacogdoches mayor Johnson wins reelection against challenger Kozash Photo of Donnell, courtesy of Nacogdoches PD. Donnell, a Black 15-year-old boy, was last seen at around 3 p.m. on Sunday near the 1200 block of East Main Street in Nacogdoches. He was last seen wearing a green shirt and blue pajama pants. Donnell is a non-verbal autistic child who likes to take walks on sunny days, the Nacogdoches Police Department said. Due to the length of time he has been gone, he could have made it quite a distance. Please be on the look out. Nacogdoches Police Department and Nacogdoches Fire Department staff are currently searching for Donnell in the area of 1200 East Main Street. Anyone who sees Donnell is asked to call 911 or Nacogdoches Police Department at 936-559-2607. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. The National Endowment for the Arts is the federal agency that funds the arts and art education across the country Credit - Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the largest funder of the arts in the United States, is under renewed threat, as President Donald Trump moves to target cultural institutions in a sweeping bid to shrink the federal government. The agency was founded by Congress in 1965 in order to encourage arts participation and practice, but could be shut down after Trump proposed slashing the agency in a budget proposal released Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NEA did not immediately respond to TIMEs request for comment. Several arts organizations received notice of NEA grant cancellations last week, where the agency outlined an update to NEAs grantmaking policy that is being allocated in furtherance of the Administrations agenda, an email sent to the San Francisco Jazz Organization reviewed by TIME, says. The NEA says they would focus on elevating projects for the 250th anniversary of American independence, making America healthy again, and elevating historically Black colleges and universities. Your project, as noted below, unfortunately does not align with these priorities, the email read. We are incredibly disappointed to receive notice that the NEA is changing funding priorities mid-year. The arts build stronger communities through developing empathy, social cohesion, and economic impact. These changes not only hurt A.C.T. but also have far-reaching consequences for arts organizations throughout the country, Jennifer Bielstein, Executive Director, American Conservatory Theater, which lost a $40,000 grant for a musical, told TIME in a statement. The budget cuts are part of a larger Administration policy to reduce the U.S. federal deficit, which stands at $1.3 trillion for fiscal year 2025, according to the Treasury Department. While the future of the agency is unclear, Trump may do good on the undoing of the NEA. In March, the President issued an Executive Order seeking to eliminate as much of the Department of Education as it could, moving some of its functions to other agencies and laying off nearly half of its workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks the second time Trump attempts to eliminate the NEA. Congressional Republicans worked with Democrats to save the agency during the Presidents last term. The National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute for Museum and Library Services are also at risk for termination under the 2026 budget proposal. Heres what to know. What does NEA actually do? The NEA is the federal agency that funds the arts and art education across the country. It provides grants to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, colleges and universities, and individual writers for projects. It also has research grants and funds fellowships for translation and creative writing in prose and poetry. What was it funding? Prior to the start of the new Administration, the NEA allowed organizations to apply for three different types of grants. One program, which provided funding for projects that reach underserved communities, was cut earlier this year as part of the agencys pivot to comply with Executive Orders. The NEA temporarily asked applicants to commit to not promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as gender ideology. But the agency changed that request after a lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, National Queer Theater, and others in response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEA funding spans all 50 states, including rural and urban communities. For fiscal year 2022, the NEA issued more than 2,300 grants totalling at least $117 million, according to the NEA annual performance report issued in February 2023. In order to receive a grant, organizations must outline the project they are working on, project budget, and plan to match funding with nonfederal sources. Grants to organizations are matched one-to-one with nonfederal sources. A panel of experts, who are not NEA staff, review and discuss the artistic merit of the project, including the impact the project has in its respective field, and the communities it will serve. The panel then passes their recommendations to the National Council on the Arts, made up of leading artists, which sends submissions to the NEA chairman. The chairman makes the final decision regarding which entities receive funding. The NEA sent at least two different types of emails to grant recipients on Friday, saying that it would be updating its policies to focus on funding projects that reflect the nations rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency claimed that it would prioritize projects serving historically Black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions. Additionally, NEA says it is looking to support arts that celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster A.I. competency, empower houses of worship to serve communities, assist with disaster recovery, foster skilled trade jobs, make America healthy again, support the military and veterans, support Tribal communities, make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful, and support the economic development of Asian American communities. What artists and groups receive these grants? Several theaters, art groups, individuals, and others receive NEA grants. Some recipients may seem like nontraditional grantees, as NPR reportedly receives two grants from the agency totaling $65,000. Numerous groups, including the Berkeley Repertory Theater, American Conservatory Theatre Foundation, and San Francisco Jazz Organization, are now seeing their funding be rescinded. New York Citys Central Park Summer Stage, and Open Studio Project, an education nonprofit in Illinois have also seen cuts, NPR reports. Contact us at letters@time.com. In a Sunday posting to Truth Social, President Donald Trump suggested subsidies paid by other countries to lure film and TV production projects represent a national security threat and directed the U.S. Commerce Department to pursue a new, 100% tariff on foreign-made films. The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death, Trump wrote. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! Its not clear how a tariff targeting film and TV content produced in other countries would work, whether or not it would apply to streaming content and how it would address a common aspect of big-budget productions which often include content created from a mix of domestic and international locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governments around the world and individual U.S. states have had incentive and tax break programs in place for years seeking to leverage the economic boost of visiting film and television production crews. In 2023, about half the spending on U.S.-produced movie and TV projects with budgets in excess of $40 million went outside the U.S., according to data from ProdPro. I think the most likely consequence is not that more productions will be done outside of America, or more productions would be done in America, but probably that just fewer productions will (be made), Scott Roxborough, Europe bureau chief of the Hollywood Reporter, told CNBC. Where movies are made The Utah Film Commission offers refundable tax credits of up to 25% on in-state spending for film and TV projects and touts the Beehive State as having many unique locations, studio space, and thousands of professional local talent, crew and vendors. Last month, the Utah Board of Tourism Development officials approved a little more than $5.4 million in various incentives toward five new productions scattered across Summit, Salt Lake and Utah counties this year. Projects receiving incentive awards included a new movie starring Steve Carell and the sixth season of The Chosen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. film and television production has been hampered in recent years, with setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hollywood guild strikes of 2023 and the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, per the Associated Press. Overall production in the U.S. was down 26% last year compared with 2021, according to data from ProdPro, which tracks production. Ampere Analysis predicts some $248 billion will be spent globally in 2025 to produce film and television content. According to a survey of film and television production company executives, Toronto, the U.K., Vancouver, Central Europe and Australia are the top locations for shooting content, with California placing sixth, Georgia seventh, New Jersey eighth and New York ninth, per AP. Other nations have been stealing the movie-making capabilities from the United States, Trump told reporters at the White House on Sunday night after returning from a weekend in Florida. If theyre not willing to make a movie inside the United States we should have a tariff on movies that come in. The tariff tumult Foreign-made films are the presidents latest target for taxation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced a raft of country-specific reciprocal tariffs last month along with a blanket 10% levy on foreign imports. On April 9, the president declared a 90-day pause on the reciprocal trade fees but kept the 10% assessment in place. That same day, Trump also announced an increase on imports from China that raised the effective levy on most imports from the country to 145%. Heres where new U.S. tariffs stand for the moment: A paedophile Royal Navy officer with hundreds of child abuse images on his phone and laptop has been spared jail. Lieut Samuel Wyatt had 310 indecent and extreme images, including 71 photos in the most serious category of child abuse material. Judge Advocate General Alan Large criticised the 28-year-old sailor, warning that the offence was all the more serious because of Lt Wyatts senior rank. Bulford Military Court was told that some of the images contained children as young as five and others involved bestiality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt Wyatt, based at HMS Nelson in Portsmouth, Hants, previously pleaded guilty to one count of making indecent images and one count of possessing extreme pornographic images. He has been handed a 14-month sentence suspended for two years, and dismissed from the Royal Navy. Children as young as five Sentencing, Judge Advocate General Large said: On 26 April 2023 your cabin on your ship was searched as was your home address, following analysis of a laptop the following indecent images were found: 71 Category A images, involving penetrative sexual activity with a child, 36 Category B images, non-penetrative activity, and 179 Category C images, other images not covered by Categories A or B. We are told some of the images involved children as young as five. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also found on that laptop were 13 extreme images of bestiality and on another device, a Samsung, another 11 extreme images. You are 28 years old, at the time that you committed these offences you had served in the Royal Navy for a little under four years, you are a single man although you have a long standing partner, currently living with your parents and you have no children. We have to remind ourselves that this type of offending is not a victimless crime, there are real children in those images, real children being abused, and being abused in order to provide images to feed the illegal trade in the type of material which you were viewing, and which you knew it was illegal to view. You know that dismissal is inevitable in a case such as this. The fact is you are a commissioned officer and can expect to be sentenced more severely. Lt Wyatt outside Bulford Military Court in Salisbury - Solent News Reading from the sentencing guidelines, Judge Advocate General Large said: Greater responsibilities are placed upon commissioned officers who are expected to lead by example, officers benefit from higher levels of pay, accommodation and prospects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers are expected to uphold the law, when officers do commit offences they are likely to receive sentences which reflect their enhanced role. Returning to his own remarks, he continued: We have to consider if we can suspend the sentence. There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. You can be properly punished within the community, suspending your sentence and imposing the pre-sentence report requirements will provide the best chance of reducing further offending and thereby reducing the risk of reoffending. It is a sad fact that if you were sent to prison today you would serve half that sentence and no-one would do work with you to prevent reoffending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, a suspended sentence with a requirement is, it seems to us, the best way of marking the seriousness of your offending whilst reflecting the need to ensure that you do not offend again. Alongside the suspended sentence, Lieut Wyatt was ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work and attend 30 rehabilitation activity days. He will also be on the sex offenders register for the next 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the next five years. 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. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is taking further legal action against the CEO of MV Realty. Jackson filed a motion for summary judgment against the real estate company that Action 9s Jason Stoogenke has been covering for years. The CEO, Antony Mitchell, runs another company, Stone Brook Partners. Jackson is seeking a court order to force Mitchell to turn over documents tied to an investigation into that business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Embattled real estate company withdraws from bankruptcy process Both Stone Brooke Partners and MV Realty allegedly offered homeowners fast cash in exchange for long-term agreements. Stoogenke participated in a nationwide investigation exposing MV Realty in 2022. His reporting led to Jacksons lawsuit as well as a new law in North Carolina, protecting homeowners. Channel 9 reached out to Stone Brook Partners and is waiting to hear back. No additional details have been made available. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates. WATCH: Embattled real estate company withdraws from bankruptcy process NC Conservation Network's Grady McCallie and Luna Homsi (Courtesy photos) Few issues on the public policy agenda in 2025 are more urgently important than the health of the environment. Whether its global challenges like climate change and the rise in weather disasters or hyperlocal matters like land use planning and access to clean drinking water, elected leaders undoubtedly have their work cut out for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of experts at the North Carolina Conservation Network, we now have a wonderfully comprehensive and data rich report that details exactly where things stand. The report entitled simply enough, North Carolina State of the Environment is based on the analysis of data from 114 different source indicators over a period of five years. And recently NC Newsline caught up with the Conservation Networks Policy Director Grady McCallie and Campaigns Data Manager Luna Homsi, for a special two-part conversation to learn more. In Part One of our recent extended conversation, we commenced discussing their organizations new and remarkably comprehensive report on the state of the environment in North Carolina. In Part Two of our chat, we took a closer look at some of the many specific environmental challenges confronting our state including some encouraging news on air pollution, the importance of rapidly transitioning to a sustainable energy grid, the huge challenges posed by the spread of so-called forever chemicals, and the reports inclusion of dozens of specific policy recommendations. Click here for the full interview with the NC Conservation Networks Grady McCallie and Luna Homsi. Read the full report: North Carolina State of the Environment 2025. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) A Forest City man has been arrested on child abuse charges in Greenville. Law enforcement officers with the Greenville Police Department arrested Kobie Ethen Parker, 22 years old, on May 2 on charges of felony child abuse with serious physical injury. Parker allegedly broke ten of his four week old sons ribs along with his right fibia, tibia and left tibia. The offense allegedly occurred on March 2, in Greenville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Iran's position on the nuclear program remains firmly grounded in international law, while France's stance on the matter is not only inconsistent with international law but is also deemed logically unacceptable by Iran, said Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Affairs Ministry, Trend reports. Speaking at a press conference today in Tehran, Baghaei noted that introducing issues unrelated to the nuclear program into the negotiations will never contribute to the process. He further added that Frances recent statements regarding Iran are merely a repetition of previous remarks made against Iran, and such statements are not constructive. Baghaei emphasized that indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States are solely focused on the removal of sanctions against Iran and the nuclear program. He assured that Iran has kept all parties informed about its nuclear program at every stage and is ready to continue dialogue with all sides. On May 4, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that any potential agreement with Iran should also address Iran's missile program and regional activities. 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 More than 70 cats 28 of them dead were found in a house in Bohemia, N.Y., on Saturday, May 3 Bohemia Fire Department officials discovered the animals while investigating reports of an ammonia smell emanating from the two-story home The surviving cats are now receiving veterinary care after being removed from the home, according to the Suffolk County SPCA Firefighters responding to reports of an unpleasant odor emanating from a New York home made a dismaying discovery. According to The New York Post and local outlets Newsday and News 12, the Bohemia Fire Department (BFD) in Bohemia responded to reports of an ammonia smell coming from the two-story home on Saturday, May 3. Inside, they found more than 60 cats, many of which were dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Suffolk County SPCA and the Town of Islip HazMat team were then called to the scene. SPCA investigators entered the residence at around 7:30 p.m. local time, officials told Newsday. There was no electricity in the house, so investigators searched for surviving cats using flashlights. Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, told the Post that they found "28 deceased cats, over 50 cats alive." Those cats are right now with volunteer veterinarians, and they have a long road ahead of recovery," Gross added. "Theyre all very sick three of the cats had to be euthanized last night." Suffolk County SPCA Cats being rescued from the Bohemia home Cats being rescued from the Bohemia home Related: Over 150 Dogs Rescued from 'Extremely Poor' Conditions in Utah Home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BFD told the Post that the dead cats were found inside a freezer and all around the home, which was condemned. 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. Neighbors told the Post that the couple who owned the home would put food out, attracting numerous stray cats that were eventually brought inside. When the wife died several weeks ago, leaving her 75-year-old husband to care for the many animals, the situation worsened, according to the outlet. The Suffolk County SPCA said in a press release that 61 surviving cats were removed from the home on May 3 and are now receiving treatment. "Many of the cats require urgent medical attention," the organization wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cats are being housed and treated at the animal rescue organization's mobile clinic, with assistance from the Town of Islip Animal Shelter. The SPCA is seeking $10,000 in donations to help care for the sick felines. According to News 12, the homeowner is not facing charges. PEOPLE reached out to the Suffolk County SPCA, the Suffolk County Police Department and the Bohemia Fire Department for additional information, but did not receive an immediate response on Sunday, May 4. Read the original article on People Corn has begun to emerge in parts of Iowa. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Despite another week of rainy conditions, which left an average of just over three days suitable for field work, Iowa farmers have more corn and soybeans in the ground than this time last year. Corn planted in the state reached 49%, which is three days ahead of 2024 planting but two days behind the average. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said the drier and warmer conditions expected in the coming week will likely lead to significant planting progress across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farmers in some parts of the state have been dealing with wet field conditions after a rainy end to April, Naig said in a statement. The first few days of May have been more favorable for farmers to get back into the fields. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Crop emergence for corn is ahead of last year and the five-year average, with 10% emerged statewide, and southern regions of the state seeing more than 20% emerged according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture crop progress and condition report for April 28 through May 4. Northeastern regions of the state have the lowest percentage of corn acres planted, at just 19%, while the northwest region has over 70% planted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soybean acres planted reached 38% in the reporting period and 5% emerged. Less than 10% of oat acres remain to be planted and 58% of the crop has emerged. Oats rated 79% good or excellent. Soil moisture conditions stayed fairly consistent with the week prior. Nearly 80% of topsoil moisture and 71% of subsoil moisture rated adequate for the period. Eastern regions of the state had some soggy areas, with more than 20% of topsoil moisture rated surplus. State Climatologist Justin Glisan reported precipitation was slightly below the normal measurement for the reporting period, with an average of just over half an inch for the state. The average temperature was 54.8 for the reporting period, which is less than one degree above normal temperatures. Soil continued to warm up, with four inch soil temperatures reaching between 50 and 60 degrees across the state. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Nebraska State Auditor's Office is located in the State Capitol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN State government is paying about 37% more to lease commercial office space for employees today than five years ago a hike from $16 million to $22 million that the Nebraska state auditor described Monday as far more than necessary. It is important to note that this ongoing acceleration in the cost of renting government office space has occurred despite the number of state employees remaining relatively unchanged, State Auditor Mike Foley said in a statement. Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner) Foley, saying that he doubted that the rising costs would abate any time soon, outlined his offices concerns in a letter Monday to the Legislatures Legislative Performance Audit Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he was surprised to learn during the review that the state leases 1.5 million square feet in 193 commercially owned buildings in 37 Nebraska counties. His team offered recommendations to avoid throwing taxpayer dollars down the drain in excessive rental payments including a possible study on whether the state should consider the purchase or lease-purchase of additional buildings and whether another state office building should be constructed in Lincoln. There is a lot of space around town we could pick up at a very good price, he said. Omaha building in focus Foley pointed out specific situations, such as an abandoned multimillion dollar office building site in Lincoln that could make a difference. He also questioned the financial responsibility of selling a well-known, nearly full state-owned office and parking complex in downtown Omaha. Downtown Omaha fixture could change hands A state office building with a long history in the developing downtown Omaha business district and riverfront redevelopment area may be changing hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee Will, director of the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, said in a letter to a legislative committee that his team is pursuing a possible sale of the state-owned office building at 13th and Farnam Streets. Will noted that the complex is in a high-interest area for Omaha development. The complex has 175,706 square feet of above-grade square footage and an attached five-story parking garage. It is near the rising $600 million Mutual of Omaha office tower, the recently completed, multimillion-dollar overhaul of the downtown public park system and is along the Omaha streetcar route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will stated in the letter that a sale would not happen unless the state found a larger facility to fit other state employees based in the area that could be bought from the proceeds of the existing building. Attached to Foleys six-page letter is a three-page response from Lee Will, director of the Department of Administrative Services, which manages state-owned facilities and serves as administrator for property leased by the state. Lee addressed his missive to the same Performance Audit Review Committee, chaired by State Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, clarifying or rebutting what the auditing team laid out. Of the 37% rent increase, Lee said several significant operational changes have shifted costs from other places to leased space. Those included the end of a child welfare contract in the Omaha area, which had the state reabsorb leased space to support the new staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among other shifts, he said, was the opening of the Lincoln Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center, multiple leases for swing space to accommodate a Capitol HVAC project, and rental shifts from the county to the state for three Department of Motor Vehicle Centers. Also, Will said, the Omaha State Office Building, which houses about 450 employees at 13th and Farnam Streets, would not be sold unless a replacement is found to buy and consolidate other area state employees. Critical asset To the auditors recommendation on possible construction of another state office building in the Capital City, Lee said that would be cost prohibitive compared to currently available buildings. In its report, Foleys team offered background on a state-owned property centered at 17th and K Streets in Lincoln, noting that the state spent more than $2.2 million on architectural work for the proposed construction of a state office building at that site, which in 2019 was estimated to cost about $56 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auditor cited a news story of that era that said the state projected a $35 million savings over 30 years compared to leasing. Even with such significant anticipated savings, DAS did not proceed with the construction of the building, and the land at that location remains vacant and is still owned by the State of Nebraska, the auditors letter said. Lee, in his counter letter, acknowledged that the intent originally was to construct an office building and parking garage through a public-private partnership. But he said the 2019 estimate was $92 million, including the $56 million construction cost plus interest on a 30-year loan not significant cost savings for a building built with no tenants. Meanwhile, he said, the property remains a critical asset to the state, as the site of the State Capitol buildings geothermal well field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foley, in an interview Monday, appeared to soften the stance on that project. He said the state made the right decision to pass on construction at the uncertain time of COVID-19. Now, he said, he believes it could be more financially smart to buy underused office property to save precious taxpayer dollars in the long run. As budget gap looms His comments come as the state struggles with closing a budget gap. Just three weeks ago, Foley detailed the staggering impact of corporate tax incentives on state budget options. In a 20-page letter to state senators, he wrote that over the next four fiscal years, Nebraska companies stand poised to call in more than $1.5 billion in corporate tax incentives, an expense he said would reduce state general funds. He also highlighted the states steadily increasing delinquent tax balances, which could constitute hundreds of millions of tax dollars owed but not collected by the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding his latest red flag to lawmakers, Foley acknowledged that the initial cost of buying office buildings to replace commercial leases would be pricey. But he believes that the long-term savings to the state should prove well worth the investment. Foley said the Auditors Office is prohibited from conducting unauthorized performance audits of state agencies, so the letter to the Legislatures Performance Audit Committee was intended as an alert. He said a 2024 occupancy report provided by DAS showed an overall occupancy rate of 97% for seven state office buildings controlled by the department. Additional state-owned buildings are occupied by state workers, but are controlled by individual agencies, such as the Department of Transportation. Foley said his study was limited to the properties managed by DAS and suggested that his office could assist in an expanded study if warranted. According to Foleys review: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the past two fiscal years, the state paid $20.3 million and nearly $22 million, respectively, for commercially leased space. Compared to five years earlier, in 2018 and 2019, those costs now are about 37% higher. Renting space at one of the largest, priciest commercial office buildings used by state workers at 1010 Lincoln Mall costs $33.43 per square foot, compared to $8.33 in a state-owned building at 301 Centennial Mall. Parking facilities The review also looked at state parking facilities and noted that state employees who work at certain locations in commercially rented space in Lincoln are not charged for parking. The Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln. (Rebecca S. Gratz for the Nebraska Examiner) Foley recommended that the legislative committee consider a study to determine if state parking charges are necessary in garages that are fully paid off, and whether rates charged for state employee parking are reasonable. In response, Will said parking rates for state employees range from $24 in surface lots to $50 a month in garages, compared to $85 in City of Lincoln parking garages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will said his department overall works to keep lease rates low, and noted that rent that is collected also helps pay for maintenance workers, building utilities and equipment repairs. He said the department actively looks for potential ownership opportunities and that several locations currently are under consideration. As an example, Will said, his department bought real estate for the Nebraska State Patrol last year, saving more than $12 million compared to new construction. He said he looks forward to working with the auditor on increased government efficiencies. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Gil Simmons went to Washington, DC over the weekend to attend the Honor Flight, representing Connecticut. Honor Flight Connecticut celebrates veterans by taking them to Washington, DC to visit memorials. To learn more, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WTNH) News 8s Kathryn Hauser was at the Ladies Liberation Luncheon hosted by Woman to Woman panelist Rev. Shevalle Kimber. Its an event thats part of Connecticut Missionary Baptist Convention. There were about 50 women in attendance who came together to talk about what it means to be liberated in 2025, and what theyve been liberated from. In Your Neighborhood: Gil Simmons heads to Washington, DC for Honor Flight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the activities was liberation bingo. Even those who didnt win felt liberated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rhode Island is co-leading a federal lawsuit against U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the agency he leads to halt mass layoffs and reverse the reorganization under the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Twenty attorneys general filed a lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island in Providence to stop U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the agency he leads from dismantling key public health programs. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha is one of three co-leaders challenging the Trump administrations mass layoff of 10,000 HHS employees under its Make America Healthy Again initiative. The 101-page complaint claims the mass layoff has left HHS unable to perform its statutory functions of protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other co-leaders are New York Attorney General Letitia James and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. They are joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. After termination notices went out to HHS employees on April 1, the complaint states employees were immediately expelled from their work email, laptops, and offices. Five of HHSs 10 regional offices were closed, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, San Francisco and Seattle. There was no one to answer the phone, factories went into shutdown mode, experiments were abandoned, trainings were cancelled, site visits were postponed, application portals were closed, laboratories stopped testing for infectious diseases such as hepatitis, and partnerships were immediately suspended, the complaint states. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration missed a vaccine application deadline and canceled a critical test for the bird flu virus. The World Trade Center Health Program had no doctors to certify new illnesses for coverage, a necessary part of caring for the responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks under the Zadroga Act. Programs aimed at monitoring maternal and newborn health were shuttered. Office closures and layoffs at Head Start and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program left grantees abandoned with no one to answer their questions. The World Trade Center Health Program had no doctors to certify new illnesses for coverage, a necessary part of caring for the responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks. Programs aimed at monitoring maternal and newborn health were abruptly shuttered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans across the country are already experiencing the detrimental effects of this attack on HHS including new mothers, workers, 9/11 first responders, and those suffering from mental illness and substance use disorder, Neronha said in a statement. Think about that for a minute: American heroes, pregnant women, workers, those in need of mental health treatment; all left to fend for themselves by these reckless cuts. This attack on HHS tells you everything you need to know about the priorities of this Administration; and they dont include the health of you or your family. Rhode Island has already lost over $1.9 million in grants, staff, programs and data, according to Neronhas office, and stands to lose more in grants, staff, programs, and data. State health programs and initiatives already eliminated or negatively impacted without the support of HHS funding and staff include maternal mortality studies and prevention; treatment for nicotine and alcohol addiction; air quality monitoring. The 20 attorneys general argue that the sweeping actions at HHS violated hundreds of federal statutes and regulations. They argued that by taking these actions without congressional approval, the administration disregarded the constitutional separation of powers and undermined the laws and budgets enacted by Congress. The coalition is asking the court to halt the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services serving millions of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case has been assigned to District Judge Melissa R. DuBose and Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan. Neronha also joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing an April 1 lawsuit in Providence federal court against Kennedy and the Trump administration for abruptly and unlawfully slashing billions of dollars in vital state health funding. District Judge Mary S. McElroy issued a temporary restraining order against the administration on April 5, temporarily reinstating the funding. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rhiannon Willow, a PhD student and research assistant in the Physics Department, speaks at TAHRIR Coalition "Call to Action". July 1, 2024. Willow was one of seven people whose charges for trespassing and resisting and/or obstructing a police officer during campus protests were dropped Monday by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. | Photo by Jon King Updated at 5:19 p.m. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Monday that her office was dropping charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seven individuals; Oliver Kozler, Samantha Lewis, Henry MacKeen-Shapiro, Michael Mueller, Asad Siddiqui, Avi Tachna-Fram and Rhiannon Willow, were charged last September with trespassing and resisting and/or obstructing a police officer after an encampment by pro-Palestinian protestors on the universitys Diag on the Ann Arbor campus was broken up by police in May 2024. The student encampment on the University of Michigan campus. April 26, 2024. Photo by Jon King. All seven previously pleaded not guilty and were in Ann Arbor District Court Monday morning awaiting a decision on a motion for Nessel to recuse herself from the case when they learned of the dismissals. In announcing the decision to drop the charges, Nessel called the recusal motion a diversionary tactic, and that because the case had become a lightning rod of contention, it was no longer in the publics best interest to proceed. These distractions and ongoing delays have created a circus-like atmosphere to these proceedings, Nessel said. While I stand by my charging decisions, and believe, based on the evidence, a reasonable jury would find the defendants guilty of the crimes alleged, I no longer believe these cases to be a prudent use of my departments resources, and, as such, I have decided to dismiss the cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another factor in Nessels decision was a letter the Detroit Free Press reported was sent to the court last week by the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, defending Nessel against accusations that she was biased against the Muslim and Arab American communities. We have learned that a public statement in support of my office from a local non-profit has been directly communicated to the court, Nessel said in her statement. The impropriety of this action has led us to the difficult decision to drop these charges. When contacted by Michigan Advance, Rabbi Asher Lopatin, the director of community relations for the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, said that while they had made a public statement in support of the Attorney Generals offices prosecution, it had also been shared with a court administrator in order that appropriate communications personnel were aware of it. It was not intended in any way as a communication to the judge nor to influence the court. We regret any misunderstanding, Lopatin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the news, the TAHRIR Coalition, made up of dozens of pro-Palestinian student groups at the University of Michigan, said on social media that the decision is what happens when we resist and refuse to cower. The protests were part of a wave of demonstrations at college campuses across the nation that began in the aftermath of Israeli military strikes in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. Meanwhile, Nessels office continues to carry out an investigation of pro-Palestinian protesters accused of causing approximately $100,000 of damage at up to a dozen locations, including at the homes of University of Michigan President Santa Ono and University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker. A warrant sweep in conjunction with that investigation was carried out last month at locations in Ann Arbor, Canton and Ypsilanti. Charges have yet to be filed in those incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Ono announced he would leave the university later this summer to become the president at the University of Florida. This story was updated with comment from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Newark airport has been branded unsafe for travellers after air traffic controllers apparently lost contact with planes for more than a minute. The New Jersey airport has been hit by days worth of flight delays and cancellations, which officials have blamed on staffing shortages and outdated technology. Last week, air traffic controllers were reportedly unable to see, hear or talk to planes heading into and out of Newark for approximately 90 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One air traffic control worker warned travellers to avoid Newark at all costs, while United Airlines is cutting dozens of Newark flights per day to protect customers. The US has faced a series of aviation disasters in recent months, including a crash involving an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter that killed 67 people as it approached a Washington DC airport. Newark Liberty International Airport, which is one of the busiest travel hubs in the US and handles millions of passengers a year, had 163 flight cancellations in 24 hours as of Monday afternoon, according to FlightAware. On April 28, air traffic controllers responsible for sequencing aircraft in and out of Newark airport are said to have lost contact with planes for 90 seconds, Bloomberg reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They temporarily lost radar and communications with the aircraft under their control, unable to see, hear, or talk to them, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association union said in a statement to The Telegraph. It is unclear what specifically caused the blackout, but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) appeared to suggest that the antiquated air traffic control system could be to blame. Air traffic controllers subsequently took a leave of absence after experiencing the traumatic event, the union said. The airport has been beset with disruptions due to staffing shortages and outdated technology - Spencer Platt Scott Kirby, the chief executive of United Airlines, claimed last week 20 per cent of air traffic controllers had walked off the job, compounding the airports chronic staff shortages and delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United, which uses Newark as its primary hub on the East Coast, revealed on Friday it would cut 35 round trip flights every day. This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years and without these controllers, its now clear that Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead, Mr Kirby said. One air traffic controller reportedly told NBC News last week: It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public. They added: Dont fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs. A woman sleeps during flight delays and cancellations - Spencer Platt Chuck Schumer, the Democrat Senate leader, on Monday called for a probe at the airport, warning it could prove a harbinger of issues that could spread to other US airports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Schumer blamed mismanagement at the FAA and cuts by the Trump administration for causing staffing issues. The FAA said in a statement that some air traffic controllers at Newark had taken time off to recover from the stress of multiple recent outages. While we cannot quickly replace them due to this highly specialised profession, we continue to train controllers who will eventually be assigned to this busy airspace, it said. The FAA added: When staffing or equipment issues occur, the FAA will ensure safety by slowing the rate of arrivals into the airport. We will keep the public updated as we work through these issues. The FAA will continue to be transparent with the public about the status of Newark and every airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The port authority of New York and New Jersey said in a statement it had invested billions to modernise Newark Liberty, but those improvements depend on a fully staffed and modern federal air traffic system. We continue to urge the FAA to address ongoing staffing shortages and accelerate long-overdue technology upgrades that continue to cause delays in the nations busiest air corridor, it added. 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. A Guatemalan woman who gave birth to an American baby less than a week ago is being held along with her newborn as she faces deportation, U.S. officials said. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Sunday that the woman was apprehended by Customs and Border Patrol agents and hospitalized after she crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally while she was eight months pregnant. She gave birth in the hospital "under supervision," the spokesperson said. She was discharged by the medical staff and transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement as she awaits a court date, the spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A CBP spokesperson said in a separate statement Saturday that the woman "illegally crossed into the United States from Mexico between ports of entry near Tres Bellotas Ranch" in Arizona last week. The location is on federal land just north of the U.S.-Mexico border along a desolate stretch of the Sonoran Desert about 72 miles south-southwest of Tucson. Following hospitalization, the CBP spokesperson said, "processing" was completed and the unnamed mother was given a notice to appear before an immigration judge. Upon completion of the processing, the spokesperson said, she was given the opportunity to contact a lawyer. "This morning, custody of the woman was transferred to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations with a court date to appear before an immigration judge," the CBP spokesperson said Saturday. "The child remains with the mother." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer for the woman, Luis Campos, told NBC affiliate KVOA of Tucson on Friday that his client gave birth Wednesday and that he had been denied access to her during her time under hospital care at Tucson Medical Center. A spokesperson for the medical center did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday. Reuters reported Saturday that the mother avoided fast-track deportation after intervention by" Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, who the publication said had intervened. While Gov. Hobbs supports securing the border, she has been clear in her opposition to inhumane immigration enforcement practices," Hobbs' spokesperson, Liliana Soto, said Friday on X. "The governor will continue fighting to protect the constitutional rights of every Arizonan and keep our communities safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hobbs press office did not immediately respond to a request for more information Sunday. The CBP spokesperson said Saturday that the mother had no right to legal representation until processing was completed and she had a court date. The spokesperson's statement mentioned the woman has a child, but it did not mention she had just given birth in custody. It described her as "eight months pregnant" when she was apprehended north of the border. "She was immediately given the opportunity to contact an attorney" following processing and the establishment of a notice to appear, the spokesperson said. "At all times, agents followed the law and adhered to CBP procedures. No entitlements were denied." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DHS spokesperson's statement Sunday confirmed that the woman had crossed into the United States with an "unborn child." It characterized her as having been "rescued" by CBP agents. Both DHS and CBP said the child has remained with her. Campos said he believes the woman will be deported and her child will be removed with her, despite the newborn's status as a natural-born U.S. citizen. "The child will probably go with her," he told KVOA. He said he hopes to apply for asylum for the woman because she feared for her life in Guatemala. Experts have said growing violence in Mexico along its border with Guatemala where Guatemalans are known to work seasonal jobs in agriculture along with a lack of job opportunities in their homeland have inspired tens of thousands of Guatemalans to trek north to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump's early second term in the White House has brought a promised crackdown on those in the United States illegally. Three other U.S. citizen children from two families were removed from the country with their mothers in late April under what representatives and critics have characterized as rapid deportation that aims to circumvent their right to due process, an allegation federal border agencies have denied. One of the recently removed children is a 4-year-old with Stage 4 cancer and a treatment regimen in the United States, representatives of his family have said. Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, said April 28 that the mothers requested that their citizen children depart with them. This was a parental decision," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mothers, however, said they were given no choice but to keep their young ones with them while they were being deported, according to a lawyer representing one of the families. Under an executive order, the Trump administration has also sought to end the kind of birthright citizenship automatic U.S. nationality granted to almost anyone born in the country and its territories to which the Guatemalan mother's newborn is otherwise entitled. Federal courts paused the order, and the administration has requested emergency intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court, which is scheduled to hear the matter May 15. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Charlie Bailey won election to chair Georgias Democratic Party on Saturday, pledging hell raise the money to help the party win elections in 2025 and 2026. Bailey was the Democratic nominee in 2018 for attorney general and in 2022 for lieutenant governor, losing both times to Republicans. He replaces U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, who stepped down after Kamala Harris loss to Donald Trump in the Southern swing state spotlighted discontent with her leadership. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The party voted earlier to change its bylaws to say that its chair would be paid and full time, instead of the volunteer post it traditionally has been. Williams agreed to the change and stepped down after it was made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey told the more than 200 state committee members who gathered at a Teamsters union hall south of downtown Atlanta that he would focus on the partys one job, to elect as many Democrats to as many offices across this great state as humanly possible. TRENDING STORIES: Bailey promised to raise a whole heap of money and to be a strong messenger for Democratic values while holding Republicans accountable. He takes office at a time when many Democrats are alarmed about the early actions of the second administration of President Donald Trump and are pressing for their party to provide forceful opposition before the 2026 election, even though they are in the minority in the U.S. House and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey said that Democrats have not been fighting enough and that he would begin by clearly communicating what his party stands for. The first thing is youve got to be clear about what your values are, which were going to do, and then weve got to win races, he said. I mean, the only way to change this stuff is to take back power. You got to beat these Republicans. He said his narrow losses in 2018 and 2022 can help him show other Democrats how to beat GOP candidates and that the party will seek to identify the best targets to make gains. While Georgia has two Democratic U.S. senators, its governor and all other statewide officials are Republicans. I know what it takes to run effective campaigns and cut into those margins, Bailey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven candidates competed for the chairs position Saturday, including state Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes of Duluth, former Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis and former Chatham County Commissioner Jay Jones. After no one won a majority in the first round of voting, Bailey defeated former Rome City Commissioner and longtime Democratic activist Wendy Davis in a runoff. Bailey was nominated Saturday by U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath and was endorsed by U.S. Sen Jon Ossoff, among many others. But some who supported Davis and other candidates said they wanted a more grassroots approach. There is no knight on a white horse whos going to ride in and save the DPG or our democracy, Davis told committee members, saying she would focus on building up county parties and leverage her long relationships. There was also discomfort with electing Bailey, a white man, after Democrats pushed out Williams, a Black woman. The state party amended its bylaws Saturday to allow the top two offices to be held by men temporarily, allowing First Vice Chair Matthew Wilson to remain in that role. Normally if the chair is a man, bylaws require the first vice chair to be a woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams exit was one of several among Democratic parties as disgruntled partisans seek change after the electorate embraced Trumps return to the presidency. As a sitting member of Congress, she was legally barred from raising money for the partys state campaign account. Raising money and recruiting candidates are two of the top jobs of any party chair. There were also questions about how much time Williams could devote to being a party chair while also attending to congressional duties. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Iran has reiterated its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, expressing readiness to resume negotiations regarding its nuclear program, said Esmail Baghaei, the country's spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trend reports. Speaking at a press conference today in Tehran, Baghaei affirmed that Iran has fully demonstrated its dedication to diplomacy by participating in several rounds of talks in recent times. He explained that any changes to the timing or delays of the talks were based on the suggestion of Oman's Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi, and the agreement of both parties involved. "Iran is waiting for Oman to announce its position regarding the future of the talks. Since the negotiations between Iran and the US are not direct, the timing and location of the talks are coordinated by Oman," Baghaei stated. 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 May 5A Newton retailer had its application for a downtown improvement grant put on hold after the city council decided the owners needed to be at the meeting to receive their funds, even though that same night a similar grant was awarded to another local business owner who did not have to show up. Betty J's Mercantile was set to receive a $500 grant to assist the replacement of two dormer windows. Council member Randy Ervin said he could not support this request, which he admitted seemed "a little out of character" for him. He stressed the need for applicants to come before the council when requesting grant money. "Unfortunately, I've had some negative connotations towards this location," he said. "And so I'd really like for them to come in front of us and say, 'Hey, we'd like to be a part of this program and part of this downtown.' I don't think we need to support somebody that can't come in front of this group and talk to us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that didn't stop the Newton City Council from approving another local business's downtown improvement grant a minute earlier. TurnKey Realty received a $720 grant to repaint the front of the signage area, the entry door and sides of its new office inside the Allfree Building in downtown Newton. These details were included in the city council agenda. The applicant did not come in front of council members and talk to them about their project. Council member Mark Hallam asked the city's attorney if a motion could be made to table the resolution awarding the grant to Betty J's Mercantile. After being given the go-ahead by legal counsel, Hallam was encouraged by Ervin to make the motion so he would second it. The motion to table passed in a 4-2 vote. Officials were hesitant but did not explain why. Melissa Dalton paused before casting her vote, as did Joel Mills. Dalton said she was only voting yes so long as the item would return on a future agenda. It is included on the May 5 agenda. But council members Steve Mullan and Stacy Simbro outright voted against tabling it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carl Hentsch, the grant applicant and co-owner of Betty J's Mercantile, was taken aback by the vote and questioned council's motives. He felt targeted. "I think it's very unfair," Hentsch said to Newton News. "They've been approved before. We've been approved three or four times and there was no need to go in ... It came out of the blue all of a sudden. Why us? I think it's pure discrimination on part of the city council." PAST MEETINGS SHOW APPEARING BEFORE COUNCIL IS NOT COMMON Over the past few years, very little discussion has taken place when the city council considers approving downtown improvement grants for various businesses and properties. The city offers a number of grant opportunities to individuals in town, from building restorations to promoting local tourism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Betty J's Mercantile has received three grants from the city council since 2023. The retailer opened up shop in the former Lemon Tree Tea House building, which has historical value and is located along the highly traveled U.S. Highway 6/First Avenue. The retailer was awarded its improvement grants without issue. Newton News found only two instances where discussions surrounding downtown improvement grants were noted in the minutes: once in February 2023 by a resident asking about the maximum funding allowed, and again in August 2023 when city staff provided clarification on funding sources for the grants. Occasionally, property owners or business owners have attended the meetings when a grant was up for consideration, but they have never been called upon to speak. Some individuals like the developer of Gray Moon Public Market have indirectly spoken through other agenda items or presentations. However, even the Gray Moon Public Market example is an outlier since the developer has been provided tax rebates by the city for its extensive remodel. Still, the owners of Betty J's Mercantile told Newton News they have invested around $100,000 into their property since joining the community two years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the instances where downtown improvement grants were considered before the council since 2023: Feb. 20, 2023: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 118 N. Second Ave. E. was approved in a 5-0 vote. Newton resident inquired about the maximum grant amounts. Ervin was absent from this meeting. June 5, 2023: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 105 W. Second St. N. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. June 5, 2023: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 120 N. Second Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. Aug. 21, 2023: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 309 1st Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. This was the first grant approved for Betty J's Mercantile. No discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aug. 21, 2023: Downtown housing grant for the property at 309 1st Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. This was the second grant approved for Betty J's Mercantile. Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers confirmed the grant funding comes from bonding and requires a one-to-one match, and that improvements made to the building increase its property valuations. Oct. 2, 2023: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 309 1st Ave. W. approved in a 6-0 vote. This is the third grant approved for Betty J's Mercantile. No discussion. Oct. 2, 2023: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 114 E. Second St. S. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. March 4, 2024: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 118 N. Second Ave. E. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May 6, 2024: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 110 First Ave. E. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. May 6, 2024: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 312 First Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. May 6, 2024: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 209-211 N. Second Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No Discussion. Aug. 5, 2024: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 306 First Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. Nov. 4, 2024: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 211 First Ave. W. approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 4, 2024: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 209-211 N. Second Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No Discussion. Dec. 16, 2024: Downtown improvement grant for the property at 111 Second St. S. was approved in a 4-0 vote. Ervin was present while two other council members were absent. No discussion. Jan. 20, 2025: Downtown improvement grant for 107 First Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. April 7, 2025: Downtown improvement grant for 211 First Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. April 7, 2025: Downtown improvement grant for 207 First Ave. W. was approved in a 6-0 vote. No discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ERVIN STANDS BY HIS DEMANDS In a followup with Newton News, Ervin claimed he had made statements in the past about wanting property owners to appear before the council when being awarded grants. Ervin said it would be nice to see the people behind the grants rather than just acting on it. He acknowledged the city has a grant review board. "I'm just saying sometimes it would be nice," Ervin said. "Even in the Hotel Maytag thing last night to have Mike (Hansen) and Jack (Hatch) there in-person rather than sending a note. I actually made that comment a couple of times now ... It's nice to see people come to our council meetings and ask." When pressed about not bringing that point up during the grant request from TurnKey Realty, Ervin said it was not the first time Betty J's Mercantile has asked for a grant but would not explain further. He also mentioned the business had an issue with the neighboring VFW Post 1655. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not saying that did or did not have anything to do with it," Ervin said. In a Feb. 11 post on Facebook, Betty J's Mercantile complained of "alley and parking complications." Owners said customers were blocked by vehicles in the alley when trying to park and shop at the retailer. Police got involved and the owners said it was made clear the alley would be for vendor unloading only. Ervin said, "I'm just saying, you know, I think in this case these people need to come to the city council and explain who they are ... In this situation it struck me as odd that here's another group that's asking not for the first time for some grants, yet they've never come in front of the city council." The council member reiterated that if people are going ask the city for grants "they should show up at the city council." When pressed again about not raising objections to TurnKey Realty that same night, Ervin said he was trying make a point that "some people, I feel, need to come in front of us." NEWTON, Kan. (KSNW) A Newton man has received a life prison sentence for child sex crimes. Hunter Miller was convicted on April 11, 2024 of rape of a child under the age of 14 and aggravated criminal sodomy. The crimes occurred in December 2021 while the victim was under the age of 10. Sheriffs office says wanted felon caused multiple crashes After his conviction, Miller sought a new trial, which was denied. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 25 years and will be on lifetime parole with electronic monitoring and lifetime registration as a sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was prosecuted with assistance from the Newton Police Department, Heart 2 Heart Child Advocacy Center, and USD 373. 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. NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) May 4 is recognized as International Firefighters Day, and people across the country honored those who have given their lives to protect their communities from harm. The Nicholasville Fire Department posted on Facebook on Sunday that officials visited the National Fallen Firefighters memorial ceremony in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where former Chief Charles Brumfields name was added. Members of the Nicholasville Fire Department visited the National Fallen Firefighters memorial ceremony on Sunday in Maryland to represent the family of former Chief Charles E. Brumfield. (Nicholasville Fire Department) The names of 12 Kentucky firefighters were added to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial for 2025. (Nicholasville Fire Department) (Nicholasville Fire Department) (Nicholasville Fire Department) Nicholasville fire officials said the names of 12 Kentucky firefighters were added to the memorial wall this year. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the NFD said they attended the memorial ceremony to support former Chief Brumfields family and represent the department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONG KONG (Reuters) -Ten people died when "sudden strong winds" capsized four boats carrying tourists, plunging 84 people into a river in Southwestern China on Sunday, state media reported. The last missing person was found around noon on Monday but showed no vital signs, China Central Television said. The Xinhua News Agency said 74 people had been rescued in the accident which occurred in Guizhou province. Authorities sent 70 people to hospital to be treated for "non-life-threatening conditions", state media said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 500 rescue workers were mobilised to deal with the accident as Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed provincial authorities to "do everything possible", Xinhua said. Xi also said authorities should enhance safety measures to curb the growing number of accidents at tourist attractions and major public places. (Reporting by Clare Jim; Editing by Saad Sayeed and Michael Perry) Jarold Walters was outside a gas station trying to figure out how he was going to eat and where he was going to sleep when a man wearing a Go Army lanyard approached and asked if he was a veteran. Navy, said Walters, who served during the Gulf War. I can help you, Michael Bailey said. I told him, I dont believe you, said Walters who had been homeless for a year, sleeping in an unairconditioned car with his girlfriend and, after losing the car, in the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four weeks later, Bailey handed Walters the key to his new apartment. Bailey works for Pathlight HOMEs new No Buddy Left Behind program, which aims to find and then house homeless veterans in Orlando. The initiative, paid for by a $150,000 grant from the Cigna Foundation, started in February and has helped 24 veterans, eight of whom are now in permanent housing. Most of the others are in temporary places while case managers work to find them long-term homes. Bailey was homeless for many years after his 1984 discharge from the U.S. Army. Now, with his lanyard around his neck and a clipboard at the ready, he drives up and down Orange Blossom Trail and other areas where he knows hes likely to find homeless people. When he spots someone, he rolls down his window and says, You wouldnt happen to be a veteran? If the person says yes, he asks for their MOS, meaning their military occupational specialty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And after they tell me they are 51 November, 76 Bravo, 12 Charlie, then I know they served in the military. And thats when we start our assessments, Bailey said. The Veterans Administration and other agencies offer services to help homeless veterans, but experts say many are reluctant to seek out that aid. Theyre resistant to asking for help because theyve been taught and theyve been trained that you can do these things yourself. You can make it on your own, said Carl Falconer, CEO of Pathlight HOME and an Army veteran. Pathlight, founded in 1992 to help the homeless and low-income individuals, owns two housing complexes in Orlando, where rent is $725 a month and includes access to a job center, food pantry and donation closet, where residents can get clothing and other household items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once weve got them here, we get them stabilized, we help them increase their income, and a lot of times, theyll move to a bigger and better situation, Falconer said. Florida has the second highest population of homeless veterans in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, second only to California. In Central Florida, there are more than 200 homeless veterans, according to the Homeless Services Network, accounting for nearly 10% of the regions homeless population. The new program has been successful, Falconer added, because the outreach is done by people whove faced the same challenges: Theyve served in the military and been homeless. Bailey said navigating the VA can be frustrating, and he knows veterans who get angry with the system and give up. He encourages them to try again, telling them he applied three times before the VA approved disability payments for injuries he suffered in the Army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You served your country, now your country is ready to serve you, Bailey said. If a veteran is eligible for disability income, a case manager at Pathlight will work with the VA to get them their benefits and then offer them one of Pathlights affordable housing units. If a veteran is not eligible for disability, Pathlight works with the Homeless Services Network, which has grant funding from the VA to help homeless veterans find housing and get other needed services. Bailey, who said he suffered from post-traumatic stress because of his Army service, did not initially try to get any benefits. He wanted to distance himself from the military. He began drinking and using drugs and his addictions eventually meant he could not hold down a job, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of veterans are medicating feelings and reality, Bailey said. Its sad in a lot of ways, they just dont want to remember certain things. The substance abuse part is not wanting to feel. At his lowest, Bailey was living behind a dumpster in a Pizza Hut parking lot in Perry, a small city south of Tallahassee, relying on a sympathetic employee to bring him leftover food and, occasionally, a change of clothes or a fresh blanket. In 2006, he was arrested on drug charges and spent 30 months in prison. That was a catalyst for him to get clean, Bailey said, and he has not used drugs or alcohol since 2007. Bailey moved to Orlando in 2014 when he got a job at the Coalition for the Homeless, where he worked as a manager for 10 years. When Pathlight received its grant to do veteran outreach, Bailey took that new post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im still overwhelmed that I got hired on for this position to reach out to my veteran brothers and share my experience, Bailey said. Walters receives Social Security disability payments due to cirrhosis of the liver. With that income, Pathlight was able to get him and his girlfriend, Marta Kimera, into one of its apartments, where they have been living since mid-April. But even with the Social Security income, the couple struggles financially. So Pathlight is now helping Walters apply for additional disability income and other benefits through the VA for a back injury he suffered while on duty. Kimera said she is thrilled about the new apartment and a chance to finally sleep well, which she could never do when they were on the street or in their hot car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was scary. It was very scary, she said. Because you just have to watch your back. The big payoff of his job, Bailey said, is handing a fellow veteran a set of apartment keys. He also presents them a certificate with a photo of the American flag. Welcome Home, Veteran, it reads. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has not yet made any final decisions on foreign film tariffs, but is exploring all options to deliver on the president's directive concerning Hollywood, White House spokesman Kush Desai said on Monday. Trump on Sunday announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the country, saying the American movie industry was dying a "very fast death" due to the incentives that other countries were offering to lure filmmakers. A White House official noted that Hollywood film production saw a sharp decline in the first quarter of 2025, logging just 451 "shoot days" for feature films in the region - a drop of nearly 30% from a year earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his Truth Social post announcing the new tariff, Trump said he was authorizing the relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States. The White House released no details on the legal basis for the move, or how it would be implemented, leaving many in the film industry flummoxed. Although no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made, the administration is exploring all options to deliver on President Trumps directive to safeguard our countrys national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again," Desai said. The U.S. Trade Representative's office had no immediate comment. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said simply, "We're on it." (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Writing by Ismail Shakil; editing by Susan Heavey and Doina Chiacu) Los Angeles County detectives and family members are entering their third day of searching for a missing teenager who suffers from depression, begging him to come home. A family in our community is deeply concerned about their son, Noah Joseph and so are we, said Ryan A. Vienna, acting captain for the county sheriffs department. Noah, youre not in trouble we just want you to get home safely. According to LASD, the missing teen, Noah Joseph, is described as a 14-year-old white male and county resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing person fliers for Joseph have been circulating on social media, many of which point to a TikTok account purportedly run by Josephs mother. My son Noah Joseph is still missing; its going on day three right now, said Josephs mother in a TikTok video posted Sunday afternoon. In the video, she thanks her sons friends whove reached out to her, asking her questions about Joseph and trying to help her find him. I dont want you guys to stop, I want you to continue to ask and continue to share, she said. If maybe some kids are scared to say something, please say it, no ones in trouble. I just want to make sure hes safe. Noah Joseph, 14, is seen here in this photo taken in April of 2025. (LASD) Joseph was last seen around 3 p.m. on Friday, May 2, on the 2200 block of Del Mar Road in the city of Montrose, near La Crescenta and Tujunga. But he could be anywhere now, said his mothers TikTok caption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a TikTok video the teens mother posted on Saturday, she said Joseph had already missed three doses of his medicine, which LASD said he requires daily to manage his depression. Hes super charismatic, sweet, polite, the mother explained in the video between tears. Please help me. Joseph is about 5 feet and 6 inches tall, weighs about 190 pounds and has black hair, brown eyes and glasses. He was last seen wearing a green and white striped sweater and blue jeans. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Crescenta Valley Station Detective Ponce or the on-duty Watch Commander at 818-248-3464. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To provide information anonymously, you may call Crime Stoppers by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.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 KTLA. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Iran's nuclear program has not deviated towards the production of nuclear weapons, said the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, Trend reports. Speaking at a press conference today in Tehran, Baghaei stated that Iran's nuclear program operates under the strict supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Baghaei responded to allegations regarding the violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), emphasizing that such claims do not reflect reality. He pointed out that the IAEA has confirmed the presence of over 120 inspectors, who regularly and sometimes unexpectedly visit Iran's nuclear facilities as part of an agreed-upon program. On January 16, 2016, the JCPOA came into force between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany) regarding Irans nuclear program. However, on May 8, 2018, the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions on Iran starting from November 2018 By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement. Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent. Iran has officially affirmed that its strategy is not to pursue the development of an atomic bomb and that it does not support the production of weapons of mass destruction. RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A bill aimed at limiting minors access to social media platforms is up for discussion in the North Carolina House of Representatives on Monday. The House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee members will consider HB 301. Its one of several measures lawmakers considered this session concerning rules around internet usage and children. The bill would require social media platforms to purge accounts run by people younger than 14 years old. It allows 14- and 15-year-old users to join the networks with express consent from a parent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wings For All takes children with intellectual disabilities through Charlotte Airport Supporters, including the bills primary sponsor, State Rep. Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth), said their primary objective is safety. Predators have access to our kids at unprecedented levels at this time, more than ever in our history, and one of their number one tools is social media, Zenger said. The legislation outlines paths for platforms to be held accountable through lawsuits. Officials with the Department of Justice could fine site operators up to $50,000 if a child or young teen successfully sets up an account. Family members could sue for $10,000 if the companies violate the rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill is getting some pushback. Reighlah Collins with the American Civil Liberties Union said the measure is too broad and would take away many childrens access to information. While protecting children online is imperative, this bill would undermine child safety and impose likely unconstitutional restrictions on young peoples ability to engage online, she said. Zenger said the bill intends to help parents of children and young teens navigate multiple internet-related challenges. As a parent who has fought the battle of screen time with four kids who are now all in their 20s, it is a raging battle, he said. The idea was to put something up to be a backstop for parents so that they can help regulate this and help stand with this battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SC social media bill would require parent consent for minors South Carolina lawmakers are considering a similar set of regulations on age verification. People younger than 18 years old must have parental consent to join social media sites. The committee is scheduled to convene at 4 p.m. on Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter at a Walgreens Pharmacy on Jan. 26, 2015. (Photo by Illustration Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) North Dakota now has four confirmed measles cases, the Department of Health and Human Services said Monday. All four cases are in Williams County in northwest North Dakota involving people who were not vaccinated, said Molly Howell, immunization director for the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department announced Friday the first confirmed case, a Williams County child who is believed to have contracted measles from an out-of-state visitor. The three additional cases are people who had contact with the child, Howell said. The cases are the first reemergence of measles in North Dakota since 2011, Howell said. A North Dakotan tested positive for measles in 2018, but after additional testing, the department confirmed that person did not have the illness, Howell said. Our advice to anyone in North Dakota is to be up to date with your immunizations, especially the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, Howell said. Everyone starting at 12 to 15 months of age should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine and the second dose is recommended at 4 to 6 years of age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of May 1, 935 people have contracted measles across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those cases, 68% are people age 19 and younger. The federal health organization also said 121 people have been hospitalized and three deaths have resulted from the disease this year. Howell said infant vaccination rates in North Dakota are at about 81% and school-aged children have about a 90% rate, but those rates differ depending on location. She added there are no immediate plans to roll out mobile vaccination clinics because the vaccines are readily available at local health care providers. Its more concerning in areas where there are lower vaccination rates, so ideally, were hoping parents have a conversation with their trusted health care provider, she said. With measles being a highly contagious illness, Howell said a 95% vaccination rate is recommended to contain the spread of the disease locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howell said North Dakota public health agencies did lose some COVID-19 pandemic-related funding from the federal government in recent weeks, but she doesnt believe the cuts will affect the states ability to respond to the measles cases. Well continue to ensure that North Dakotans across the state have access to MMR vaccines, and other vaccines, she said. Howell said people should not downplay the seriousness of measles, but she did not want people to panic either. What we want is for people to be informed of the benefits of vaccination versus the risks of the disease, she said. We used to have 5,000 to 6,000 cases per year before the vaccine was available, but people died and were hospitalized. And now we have a way to prevent it and theres no reason for anyone to have to deal with this terrible disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howell said the department will continue to update its measles-dedicated website as more information becomes available. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, the prime sponsor of a bill to raise North Dakota's interstate speed limit to 80 mph, sits at his desk May 2, 2025. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong made the states jump to an 80 mph speed limit official Monday, signing a bill that also raises fines for speeding. This bill strikes a reasonable balance by aligning North Dakotas interstate speed limit with two of our three neighboring states and increasing fines as a deterrent to speeding, Armstrong said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 1, North Dakota will join neighbors South Dakota and Montana at 80 mph on interstate highways. The top speed limit in Minnesota is 70 mph. Then-Gov. Doug Burgum in 2023 vetoed a bill to increase the speed limit to 80 mph. This years version of the bill, House Bill 1298, creates a new system of calculating speeding fines on all roads. 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 for speeding or $3 for every mile per hour over the limit, whichever is greater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For both road categories, going more than 16 mph over the limit adds $20 to the fine. Speeding in a construction zone with workers present jumps from an extra $80 fine to $150. The bill passed Friday as the North Dakota Legislature wrapped up its session. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX North Korea sent about 15,000 labor migrants to Russia to cover the labor market shortage in the country, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on May 5, citing South Korean intelligence. The move represents an apparent violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions passed in the wake of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests. North Korea has been one of Russia's staunchest supporters since the start of the full-scale war. The economic and military cooperation has only deepened, and the two countries ratified a mutual defense treaty in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of workers in Russia is due to heavy losses in the country's war against Ukraine, low birth rates, and the fleeing of citizens abroad, the WSJ reported, citing Western estimates. By 2030, the country's labor shortage could reach 2.4 million people, compared to the current 1.5 million, according to the Russian Labor Ministry. To compensate, Russia has begun to attract workers from the allied country, who are now mostly working in the Far East. In the meantime, the Russian authorities hope that North Korean workers will soon appear in large cities in other regions. Russian employers value North Korean workers because they are willing to work 12 hours for low wages and do not complain about working conditions, according to the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many North Korean workers came to Russia on student visas. In 2024, North Korean nationals crossed the Russian border 7,887 times, allegedly to study, the Russian independent outlet Mediazona reported on Feb. 4, citing the Border Services of the Russian Federal Security Service. This is the largest number since 2019. The number of students from North Korea began to grow in the third quarter of 2024, according to Mediazona. Meanwhile, in April 2024, the Russian Education Ministry reported that nearly 130 students from North Korea were studying in the country at that time. Apart from workers, North Korea sends its military and weapons to Russia. In 2024, 12,000 North Korean troops arrived in Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine, and in 2025, another 3,000 arrived, according to South Korean intelligence. Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed while fighting alongside Russian forces, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun said on April 30, citing briefings from the country's National Intelligence Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Northeastern governors are looking to bolster their economic ties with Americas northern neighbor and counteract the Trump administrations combative trade policies. In a letter sent Monday, governors from six states, including Massachusetts and New York, invited the premiers of six Canadian provinces for a meeting in Boston in the coming weeks. As Governors of New England, we want to keep open lines of communication and cooperation and identify avenues to overcome the hardship of these uninvited tariffs and help our economies endure, the letter, led by Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, reads. As we continue to navigate this period of great uncertainty, we are committed to preserving cross border travel, encouraging tourism in our respective jurisdictions, and promoting each others advantages and amenities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump threatened 25 percent tariffs on a broad swath of imports from Canada, before pausing those in March, though the specter of implementation could be used as leverage in negotiations. Canada was spared from so-called reciprocal tariffs because of its inclusion in the revised North American trade deal, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Five of the six New England governors signed onto the letter, including Janet Mills of Maine, Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Dan McKee of Rhode Island and Phil Scott of Vermont, as did Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York. Scott is the lone Republican in the group. Republican New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte, the only New England governor not to sign on, was invited to join the letter and the meeting but declined, according to Healeys office. The six Canadian provinces sent the letter are Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Its not the first time individual states have reached out to other countries in an effort to avoid getting caught in a standoff between the Trump administration and key trade partners. California Gov. Gavin Newsom made a direct appeal last month to other countries to spare his state from retaliation over Trumps trade policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter comes as newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to the White House Tuesday to meet with Trump. The tariff whiplash and Trumps repeated talk of annexing Canada has strained the relationship between the neighboring countries. Tourism from Canada to the U.S. is already lagging, and businesses are bracing for an even steeper drop. And the threat of a trade war is cause for concern among New England leaders, whose states rely heavily on Canadian trade. President Trumps tariffs are the largest tax hike in American history and theyre devastating to the small businesses, family farms, and local manufacturers, Hochul said in a statement. New York and Canada have a $50 billion trade relationship, and Trumps tariffs are hurting our businesses hard. Staff at Highgate Mens Pond have been told not to discuss the Supreme Courts transgender ruling with swimmers, The Telegraph can reveal. In a move described as draconian by womens rights activists, the City of London Corporation responsible for the Hampstead Heath ponds told staff they must not get drawn into any conversations with swimmers about the ruling. Last week, the London authority announced that transgender people could continue to access the single-sex bathing ponds, despite the courts unanimous judgement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authority confirmed its gender self-ID policy would remain in effect at this time at both the Mens Pond and Kenwood Ladies Pond. Campaigners described the decision as unlawful and said a third, unisex pond was available. It has now emerged that corporation staff at the Mens Pond have been ordered not to speak about the ruling or their employers stance. A notice in the staff hut states: Until further notices from our senior management team we must not get drawn into any conversations with swimmers or visitors about the ruling. The notice on the staff hut at Highgate Mens Pond If asked about the issue, staff are instructed to reply: We are continuing as we are until we hear further from our senior management team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also told to refer questions to the press office and report any swimmer who raises concerns over the lack of single-sex provision to their line manager. The notice ends: Please make sure you report any issues or inappropriate behaviour related to the above, using our incident reporting form and let your Team Leader know so we can escalate accordingly. It comes as campaigners prepare to stage a protest at the Mens Pond on Monday, dubbed Bank Holiday Man-Day. Venice Allan, 49, a feminist activist leading efforts to restore Kenwood Ladies Pond as a female-only space, said campaigners plan to take over the male bathing spot to demonstrate against the London authoritys failure to ban trans women from the womens pond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a similar 2018 protest, women in fake beards and swimsuits were removed by police. Dragging staff into complicity She said: There are three ponds and people with gender identities are safe and welcome at the mixed-sex pond. We will continue to invade the mens space until ours is female-only again. Ms Allan also criticised the decision by council chiefs to limit what swimming staff can say about the ruling, saying they are being made complicit. She said: Not content with breaking the law, the City of London Corporation is now dragging its own staff into complicity. This draconian order appears to gag workers from even acknowledging their employers unlawful conduct to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also instructs staff to report any instance of a swimmer having the temerity to question the breach effectively encouraging them to inform on concerned members of the public to senior Corporation bosses. Its chilling. Last week, a prominent barrister told The Telegraph that continuing to label the ponds as mens and ladies could now expose the corporation to legal challenge. Result in de facto single-sex facility for men Sarah Vine KC said that if the City of London Corporation wished to maintain its gender self-ID stance, it should not describe the ponds as anything other than mixed-sex. She said: Any continued description of two of the ponds as mens and ladies will expose the Corporation to discrimination claims; the practical effect of doing so is far more likely to result in a de facto single-sex facility for men, who can enjoy the consequential privacy, with no corresponding provision for women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added: This is despite the fact that womens overall need for safety and privacy is generally higher than that of men. Responding to criticism of their stance last week, the City of London Corporation told The Telegraph that accusations their policy was unlawful were completely false. A spokesman said: The City Corporation is compliant with existing UK law. In line with other affected organisations we are carefully considering the judgement and awaiting statutory guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission which service providers must take into account. They added that a carefully considered decision will be taken on the issue in due course. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The city will spend $1.6 million to put panic buttons in hundreds of bodegas after a string of recent violent deli incidents, Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday. Up to 500 of the devices will be installed in stores in hotspot crime areas throughout the five boroughs in the coming weeks, said Adams and members of the United Bodega Association at a Sunday press conference outside Pamela Green Deli in The Bronx. The buttons will connect directly to the NYPDs central command center, bypassing traditional 911 dispatchers to reduce response times, the mayor said. Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday joins bodega advocates to announce city funding for panic buttons in up to 500 shops. TOMAS E. GASTON Instead of just having the cats keeping away the rats, were going to have a direct connection with the police to keep away those dangerous cats that try to rob our stores, Adams told the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delis receiving the buttons, which will be installed by the company Silent Shield, wont be revealed to the public, he said. No one knows who would actually have a device or not. That adds to the omnipresent and the element of surprise that were looking for, Adams told The Post after the presser. The bodegas are important, and what this is going to do is add an extra layer of safety, he said. Number one, for those who actually have the panic buttons and the direct communication to the police. But second, the element of surprise 500 of these devices throughout the entire city. The new buttons will connect store workers under threat directly to the NYPDs central command center, bypassing traditional 911 dispatchers to reduce response times. TOMAS E. GASTON Last month, the UBA lobbied for extra help after two back-to-back deadly deli skirmishes in The Bronx. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pilot program launched in June by the UBA and public-safety tech company SaferWatch had installed 50 panic buttons in bodegas in designated high-crime areas. But response times were still inconsistent because of poor integration with police headquarters, critics argued. This mayor has made this the safest city in the world, but there are always pockets where criminals take advantage those pockets, we all know, the trains, taxis, and bodegas were the easy target, said UBA spokesman Fernando Mateo. For so long, weve been asking for a panic button. We have gotten promises from council members, from Congress members, from assembly members and from the governor. Guess what? The killings are still there, the stabbings, the shootings, the robberies, the attempt, the assaults, theyre all still there, Mateo said. Eli Soto (right), a worker at Pamelas Green Deli, says panic buttons are necessary to keep him safe. Dorian Geiger Panic buttons is whats going to save the lives of so many, not just the lives of bodega owners and workers, but the lives of so many that have run into a bodega seeking safe shelter and theyve been killed, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eli Soto, a 51-year-old bodega worker at Pamelas Green Deli, said a panic button is necessary to keep him and customers safe. The neighborhood, theres a lot of crime. Theyre killing people, theyre stealing, Soto told The Post. Aassim Kadeem, 26, who works at nearby Knockout Stop N Shop Grocery on Tremont Avenue, called the initiative smart as hell. Over here, its a little scary, Kadeem told The Post, saying the neighborhood is notorious for gang violence. Anybody can come in there and be a thief. Anybody can go in there be a killer, like you dont know. Hopefully, it works, he said the panic buttons. Thats the main thing just time, time, time. Ive never personally had to make [911] calls myself, but Ive been in situations that involve people having to call, and its usually anywhere from 10 to like 15 minutes [for cops to arrive], and its like, anything can happen within that time because somebody can die, you know what Im saying? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soto said the NYPDs response times in the 49th Precinct, where his bodega is, are dangerously slow in his experience and hopes the panic buttons can help improve emergency response times. Sometimes the police take a lot of time to come. So the panic [button] is good. When you hit the panic button, the police come, Soto said. Jahmeik Modlin slowly starved to death in a squalid Harlem apartment one of more than a half dozen neglected and abused kids who died under the lax supervision of the citys Administration for Childrens Services in just the past year, a review by The Post has found. The tragic 4-year-olds parents allegedly kept his food locked in kitchen cabinets for up to two years, leaving Jahmeik so malnourished that he died weighing just 19 pounds with his grieving family blaming ACS for abandoning the children in its care. ACS failed the kids, Jahmeiks aunt, Nyisha Ragsdale, told The Post. They could have done something. They need to fix the system, their rules, their regulations the whole thing. Nytavia Ragsdale with her son Jahmeik Modlin. Modlin was found starved to death in a Harlem apartment last year. Why are these things happening? You dont know whats going on until something happens and thats the sad part. It doesnt have to come to this, she said. He was still a baby. He didnt get a chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The toddler is just one of the innocent victims of an agency stubbornly committed to a progressive ideology that considers removing children from a troubled home no matter how abusive to be cruel and even racist, leaving too many children to fend for themselves, a review by The Post found. Caseworkers are taught at their academy to keep the nucleus of the family together, one frustrated ACS worker said. Inexperienced workers do not want to upset their supervisors so they recommend to keep the family together, asking for counseling. However, there have been numerous times when a caseworker wrote in the report that the child should be put with another family member or foster care and the supervisor and our manager overruled them and said the child should be kept with the family after counseling, the staffer said. Of more than 18,000 reports of neglect filed with the 7,000-employee agency last year, 44% ended with no services being provided with at least seven children dying under ACS supervision since the start of last year and dozens of others suffering horrific abuse, data reviewed by The Post shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency also struggles to keep staffers on the payroll, with 30% of ACS workers with no more than a year on the job. Sources told The Post that the overtaxed caseworkers are even pressured to rubber stamp some of the Big Apples most heartbreaking child abuse cases to lighten the workload. And yet, it is the last line of defense for battered children. Naytavia Ragsdale was charged with second degree murder for the starvation death of her son JahMeik Modlin. Pool photo by Gregory P. Mango Jahmeiks starvation death on Oct. 13 led to murder charges against his parents, Laron Modlin and Nytavia Ragsdale, who were the subject of no less than four ACS neglect reports since 2019 yet were allowed to retain custody of the boy and his three siblings, records show. The boy and his siblings were left to starve because food was either locked away or kept in a stocked refrigerator turned to the wall making it too heavy for the malnourished youngsters to get inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They blame everybody except themselves, Nyisha Ragsdale said of the child services agency. Because the agencys records are largely sealed, it is unclear exactly how many children have died under ACS supervision since last year, but The Post is highlighting seven high-profile cases. In the most recent ACS fail, 8-year-old Nazir Millien and his mother lay dead in their Bronx apartment for at least two weeks while his kid sister, Promise Cotton, 4, was left trapped next to their decomposing bodies, surviving only on whatever chocolate she could find. In the days before Promise was finally rescued, NYPD cops and ACS caseworkers both knocked on the familys door but simply walked away, leaving the traumatized girl to fend for herself, sources said. Nazir Millien, 8, and his mother were both dead in their apartment for two weeks while his 4-year-old sister was trapped inside. Obtained by NY Post Her mother, 38-year-old Lisa Cotton, had a history of unhinged behavior and an open ACS case for alleged child neglect, but was somehow allowed to keep custody of Promise and Nazir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whoever signed off and gave this child back to his mother should be arrested, an ACS source told The Post. One innocent childs death is too many. When someone dies in police custody there are protests outside the precinct and an investigation by the attorney general. You never see a protest outside an ACS office, the source said. Nobody talks about this problem. Last year Sharlene Santiago and her 10-year-old disabled son, Brian, were found dead in their apartment at a public housing project in Marble Hill after neighbors reported a stench coming from the home. Santiago, 39, was under investigation by ACS and had temporarily lost custody of the boy, only to have him returned to the home where he is believed to have starved to death next to his mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They could have done more, Santiagos cousin, Jose Zayas, said of the agency. Her son needed help. He needed special care, so she needed extra help, definitely a hand. If that happened to my cousin Im sure something similar happens to others, he added. I think the system could be worked on. They are there to help but these things happen, so I dont think they are doing a good job. In another tragic case, Jazeli Mirabal, an 11-month-old Bronx boy, drowned in the familys bathtub on Aug. 14, with sources reporting that both of his parents had been under ACS scrutiny. Ariel Gonzalez, a 4-month-old Bronx boy, died after being taken to the hospital with acute cocaine intoxication on Aug. 10, with the case ruled a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 16, DeNeil Timberlake, 5, overdosed on methadone in the Bronx while his father, Darrell Timberlake who had a previous bust for acting in a manner injurious to a child was under ACS investigation, police sources said. DeNeil Timberlake, 5, died of a methadone overdose last July in the Bronx. When ACS gets involved it complicates things, DeNeils grandfather said last week. Had they kept a closer eye on the father, maybe it would have worked out a little better. If you see a person or parent is not healthy for them, remove them. The boys death came less than a week after one-month-old Joseph Heben, Jr., died at his home on Staten Island from severe malnutrition, according to police. Yet another fatal ACS fail made headlines last year, when Bronx mom Lynija Eason was charged in the May 2023 death of her 6-year-old daughter, Jalayah Eason Branch, whose torturous young life allegedly included being beaten while she hung by her wrists in a bedroom closet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report by NY1, ACS determined neglect and abuse claims months earlier were unfounded, and in the weeks before the tragedy made one virtual visit and failed home and school visits. Jalayah Eason Branch, 6, was allegedly beaten to death by her own mother in 2023. Mayor Eric Adams backed the agency, which provides services to about 30,000 children every year, following the grisly Bronx discovery in Lisa Cottons home and has been lax to criticize ACS. In recent years, the agency has altered how it responds to child welfare reports, in many cases offering services to troubled families instead of launching abuse or neglect investigations an initiative called Collaborative Assessment, Response, Engagement and Support, or CARES. However, because the agency routinely cites its mandate to keep its records from public scrutiny, it is unclear how effective the approach has been other than by the all too often fatal results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the City Council reported that more than half of the children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect were sent back to their families within six months. An ACS audit by city Comptroller Brad Lander last year also found a series of shortcomings by the child services agency but the review focused on its handling of kids in foster care. The audit did expose glaring shortcomings in foster kid cases, reporting that more than 3% of children in foster care in 2023 suffered substantial neglect and/or abuse after being placed in the homes. More troubling, the audit found that 76% of the abuse suffered by foster children happened after they were visiting their biological families with ACS authorization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city comptrollers office is tasked with auditing all Big Apple departments at least once every four years, while the state comptroller has no such mandate despite occasionally including ACS operations in local government reviews. The most recent audit of ACS came in 2018, and also focused on children in foster care. ACS is the biggest cause of child deaths in the city and the DOI should be investigating them, one frustrated law enforcement source snapped. In a statement to The Post, an agency spokesperson said the safety of children in its care is our top priority, and is working with the NYPD to investigate the Lisa Cotton case. New York City has taken many steps to prioritize the hiring of child protection specialists and, as a result, our average caseloads are less than eight [per staffer] well below the national standard of twelve, they said. Our frontline child protective specialists undergo extensive training, including on-the-job training. However, under state Social Service Law ACS information about the families it deals with are confidential. Additional reporting by Craig McCarthy NEW YORK Attorneys for Mayor Eric Adams are appealing a court decision thats temporarily blocking his administration from taking any steps to let federal immigration authorities operate on Rikers Island. In papers filed Monday with the appellate division of Manhattan Supreme Court, attorneys representing Adams, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro and the city Department of Correction asked for the expunging of a temporary restraining order preventing the administration from taking any steps to let ICE agents on Rikers at least through a May 29 hearing. The April 25 restraining order, which also prohibits the administration from engaging in negotiations with the feds about letting them on Rikers, was issued by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Mary Rosado in response to a lawsuit brought by the City Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit alleges the Adams administrations executive order to allow ICE on Rikers is the poisonous fruit of a corrupt deal the mayor entered into with President Trump whereby the mayors federal corruption indictment was dropped in exchange for a commitment to assist in Trumps effort to targeted undocumented New Yorkers for mass deportations. According to the Councils suit, the order violated local ethics law that bar city officials from taking official actions to benefit themselves. On a more technical note, the suit also charges the order itself isnt valid because it was signed by Mastro instead of the mayor. The Monday filing from the lawyers representing Mastro and Adams dismissed the Councils technical argument, alleging the order complies with the city administrative code. The attorneys also wrote in the court papers that the Councils attorneys unequivocally failed to demonstrate the imminent, concrete harm that would warrant the type of temporary restraining order issued by Rosado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespeople for the mayor didnt immediately return requests for comment on the filing. Reps for Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, whos spearheading the lawsuit, didnt immediately return messages seeking comment, either. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents used to maintain an office on Rikers where they coordinated deportation actions until 2014, when the city strengthened local sanctuary laws to bar the feds from the island. The overwhelming majority of inmates held on Rikers are awaiting trial and havent been convicted of any crimes. Critics of the mayor fear his administrations push to let ICE back on Rikers will result in immigrant New Yorkers accused of minor offenses being swept up in Trumps hard-line immigration crackdown. They have pointed in particular to the Trump administrations willingness to bend the rules, and even outright defy court orders, as part of its aggressive efforts to target undocumented immigrants for deportations. Mastro and Adams office have countered that the executive order would only allow the feds to engage in criminal enforcement on the island, as opposed to civil deportation proceedings. Mastro has said there would be consequences if ICE engaged in civil enforcement anyway, though he hasnt detailed what those might be. _____ BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. There is no justification for the activation of the "snapback" mechanism against Iran, the country's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, Trend reports. Baghaei emphasized that certain parties were attempting to exploit this issue, a stance Iran categorically rejects. He further warned that any move to activate the "snapback" mechanism would result in responsibility for those taking such actions. "Regarding military threats against Iran and differing positions in the discussions, Iran is proceeding with utmost professionalism and caution, fully adhering to the negotiation process. The key focus for Iran is the decisions made at the negotiating table. In response to any threats, Iran will deliver the strongest possible retaliation," he added. Under Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a series of stages are triggered if one member state complains about another's violation of the agreement. If these stages fail to resolve the issue, the complaining country can bring the matter before the UN Security Council. Should Irans complaint be raised and accepted by the Security Council, international sanctions could be reinstated. Furthermore, the Security Council may authorize military action against Iran. 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 New York City is opening seven new public schools to expand access to career and technical education and dyslexia support. The latest schools will add more than 3,800 seats in all boroughs but Manhattan. Top education officials say the new schools are part of a broader strategy to create more high-quality programs closer to where families live. These are the school choices that our families deserve, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said Monday at the school systems lower Manhattan headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent cohort includes two schools in Brooklyn focused on artificial intelligence and students with reading challenges, respectively. The Middle School of Innovation in Bensonhurst has plans to use AI to help students learn, support teachers and teach ethical use, according to Principal Eileen Herusso. Virtual reality will be part of core subjects, such as math and science, engaging students through immersive, real-world scenarios. For example, with systems of equations, the students may be placed in an airport setting, and theres two planes. Theyre about to crash, and they have to figure out how to stop them from crashing. Really, theyre finding a point of intersection, Herusso said. Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy is modeled after a newly launched school in the Bronx and will feature a level of specialized services typically reserved for private schools. The school in Crown Heights will open with 72 students in the second and third grade, eventually expanding through middle school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to things like phonics, theyre going to get more time, more practice, more support in those areas, said Jason Borges, the founding principal, who previously oversaw the Adams administrations sweeping literacy overhaul. Another school is expected to enroll newly arrived immigrant students who speak limited English, Queens International High School. Staten Island Rise Academy is the first District 75 school for students with significant challenges to open in the borough for more than three decades. In the Bronx, a new STEAM center will encompass high schools from three districts. Some others previously covered by The News are finally opening HBCU Early College Prep and a health care career school, backed by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Northwell School of Health Sciences. The HBCU prep school has seen more than 1,000 applications for just 100 seats in its first year. The opening of new schools comes as New York City is dealing with major enrollment declines that, though have leveled off in recent years, continue to threaten the school system. While dwindling numbers of students have forced some schools to close or merge with those nearby, city education officials insisted that is not a reason to stop launching new programs. Our new school strategy is designed to directly address that challenge, said First Deputy Chancellor Dan Weisberg. We can use the space in less responsive ways, and thats going to make our enrollment issue worse. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is keeping Democrats in suspense as speculation swirls about her next career move. The star progressive launched a video last month reminiscent of a presidential pitch, stoking new questions about her political ambitions with some wondering about a 2028 bid for the White House and others suggesting she could challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that same year. Ocasio-Cortez has dodged questions about either possibility, stressing a focus on the current political moment, but anticipation is building as she tours the country alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), revving up her base and reaching out to voters across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would not be out of the realm of possibility that she would want to be a presidential candidate. Shes very ambitious. Shes very smart. She has an uncanny ability to raise money. She understands social media. Shes incredibly popular with younger voters, and shes got the right issues, said Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic strategist based in the Empire State. Its a question of timing. When is best? When is the most opportune time for her to take advantage of all that? The campaignlike clip released last month includes parts of Ocasio-Cortezs remarks during a stop with Sanders in Idaho, showing footage of her interacting with rallygoers during their Fighting Oligarchy tour across the country. Idaho, I am so touched being here. Im a girl from the Bronx. To be welcomed here in this state, all of us together, seeing our common cause this is what this country is all about, Ocasio-Cortez says in the clip. And from the waitress who is now speaking to you today from this podium, I can tell you: Impossible is nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the video points to her House campaign in New Yorks 14th Congressional District, some observers saw it as leaning toward a more national audience. Because of my Instagram post? Ocasio-Cortez told reporters last week, when asked about a potential presidential or Senate bid. Listen, Im its a video. And frankly, I think what people should be most concerned about is the fact that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid right now and peoples health care is in danger. When a Fox News reporter pressed her about polling suggesting shed be a top contender, Ocasio-Cortez replied, To me, this moment isnt about campaigns or elections or politics. She offered a similar answer when Politico asked her about a possible Senate bid in late March, saying her central focus is on making sure Democrats stand up to the GOP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early numbers on a possible 2028 field find former Vice President Kamala Harris as the clear favorite for the next cycle, though she hasnt signaled her plans either. But Ocasio-Cortez has cropped up in several recent surveys as another potential favorite, alongside the likes of former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). In Morning Consult data this week, Harris had a little more than a third of support from Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, followed by Buttigieg at 10 percent. Ocasio-Cortez, Newsom and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) were tied at 5 percent each. Roughly 3 in 10 listed Harris as their ideal candidate for 2028 in YouGov/The Economist polling last month, followed by Buttigieg with 9 percent, Newsom with 8 percent and Ocasio-Cortez with 7 percent, a hair above Sanders. Ocasio-Cortez also raked in nearly $10 million in the first quarter of the year, her strongest fundraising quarter yet, according to her campaign. And the rallies with fellow populist progressive Sanders have pulled in tens of thousands of attendees, fueling grassroots enthusiasm and exciting young voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), said last week that Ocasio-Cortez is going to run and that her message of economic populism is more powerful than people are giving her credit for. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) forecast that shes on the rise and could be the next party leader soon. Pollster Nate Silver and former 538 podcast host Galen Druke last month both gave early predictions that the 35-year-old is the Democrats likely 2028 pick. The chatter is that shes feeling out running for president in 2028, or at least forcing the discussion to be that way, California-based Democratic strategist Steven Maviglio said. But the 2028 cycle is light-years away in political time, he noted. Shes got all kinds of time to figure out what shes going to do, what our opportunities are going to be, how the ground has shifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And since Democrats already have a deep bench of potential contenders heading into the next White House race, it may be kind of silly for Ocasio-Cortez to commit early on. My sense is that therell be a few [candidates] that jump the gun, because thatll get them attention they otherwise may not have. But the wiser, bigger, more formidable candidates will wait a while just to take the temperature on what their chances are. Its going to be all over the map. Its going to be a competitive, expensive clash of ideas, Maviglio said. Some see Ocasio-Cortez as a potential contender for the upper chamber. Schumer, a 74-year-old who has held his seat representing New York since 1999, is up for reelection in 2028, and hes facing criticism over his leadership and Democrats response to the Trump administration. Ocasio-Cortez strongly pushed back against him for voting to advance the recent GOP-crafted funding bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A survey from the liberal firm Data for Progress, reported by Politico last month, found Ocasio-Cortez the favorite over Schumer by double digits in a hypothetical primary. Democratic strategist Fred Hicks suggested shes laying the groundwork for the Senate, through the recent moves that appear to some as presidential hints. Amid party tensions, Hicks said, it may be a better move for her to generate chatter about a possible presidential run and then pivot to the Senate. He pointed to the recent conflict after Democratic National Committee (DNC) Vice Chair David Hoggs group launched an effort to spend big on primary challenges against House Democrats in safe blue seats. The DNC and Democratic power structure has outright stated its opposition to incumbents being Primaried. With that in mind, if AOC is considering a run against Schumer, at THIS time, it is best for her to create chatter for another office, get her footing, and then pivot, Hicks said in a text message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also appears to be weighing a run for the top Democratic position on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, a position she tried for against Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) last year. Connolly announced this week he would step aside due to health issues, though Ocasio-Cortez has yet to confirm her intentions. Regardless of her next steps, observers largely see Ocasio-Cortez, who was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress when she assumed the office at 29, with a bright future in the party as it undergoes a period of soul-searching following Novembers losses. When we dont have a clear, articulate message from the party leadership and AOC is talking about making sure that we have a living wage, canceling student debt, building out green infrastructure, people understand that thats the future of the party, said Angelo Greco, a progressive operative who worked on Sanderss presidential campaign. She bridges the gap when theres a vacuum from the leadership in place today, Greco said, though he declined to speculate on her specific next steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the future is bright for AOC. She has a number of options. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Key West, Florida, is a major cruise town. Huge ships full of thousands of people regularly dock at the famous port. Unfortunately, the city is removing water testing devices after reports showed that those ships can have a harmful impact on the surrounding water quality, according to NPR. What's happening? Some changes have happened in Key West in the last five years. The city tried to ban all cruise ships, but the state wouldn't let that happen, so it settled for a deal that permits just one ship to dock per day, NPR reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the outlet explained, a law mandating water quality monitoring was also passed. The College of the Florida Keys offered to run the tests and installed sensors at the surface and another near the bottom of the bay to measure the levels of various metrics and pollutants. After a year of data collection, the devices showed 32 instances of cruise ships increasing the water's turbidity above what the Environmental Protection Agency allows. Turbidity is the amount of mud and sediment kicked up from the floor and dispersed throughout the water. The impact of the cruise ships on this data point was on par with when hurricanes hit the area. "We're a tourist destination and our lifeblood is the water," Key West Commissioner Sam Kaufman told NPR. However, after the turbidity results were reported to city officials, they voted to repeal the school's testing contract and made it remove the devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In doing so, some local leaders voiced support for the cruise industry, while Mayor Dee-Dee Henriquez tried to deflect any controversy. "We are fully transparent," she said on local radio, per NPR. "We have nothing to hide. And we remain committed to ensuring water quality for our community." Why is turbidity important? While kicked-up silt from the sea floor may sound harmless, it can disrupt the entire ocean ecosystem. Cloudier water lets in less light, which is crucial for seagrasses and coral reefs. It can also clog the gills and alter the development of many types of fish, according to the EPA. Plus, the local government's backslide after water testing was mandated shows signs of greenwashing and favors corporate interests over a healthy planet. What's being done about water testing in Key West? Luckily, the law still stands, and the city must find another way to test the bay. However, the process could take many months. In the meantime, the College of the Florida Keys will still conduct quality testing outside the city-funded program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want to do more for the oceans? Consider ways to vacation with the planet in mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. New Hampshire officials have identified a man found dead following an RV fire over the weekend. David Browall, 25, of Concord, was found dead inside the RV early Saturday morning, state Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said in a statement on Monday. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Browalls cause of death was smoke inhalation and his manner of death was accidental, Toomey said. At 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Concord Fire responded to a report of an RV on fire at 277 Sheep Davis Road in Concord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first arriving crews reported heavy fire coming from the RV and began efforts to extinguish the flames, Toomey said. The fire was determined to be under control within half an hour. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshals Office, Concord Fire and Concord Police are actively investigating the origin and cause of the fire. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshals Office at 603-223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW DENVER (KDVR) Colorado Parks and Wildlife investigated a possible drowning in Steamboat Lake State Park that happened Saturday. Park rangers responded just after 3 p.m. on Saturday to a call about an overturned watercraft in the lake, according to a CPW press release. The rangers found a bellyboat, a U-shaped inflatable tube used for fishing, upside down in the water. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While investigating, they found a submerged person secured to the bellyboat with a safety strap. The rangers removed the person from the water, and they were pronounced dead at the scene. The person was not wearing a life vest, according to CPW. The incident yesterday is tragic, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the victims family and friends, said David Goff, Park Ranger at Steamboat Lake State Park. We continue to urge everyone to pay close attention to weather conditions and to wear a (personal flotation device) while recreating on the water. Witness reported the victim was fishing near the Rainbow Ridge day use area on the west side of the park and strong gusty winds at the time of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials are still investigating, and the Routt County Coroner will release the persons identity and cause of death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An unexpected catch in the Columbia River has Oregon wildlife officials on high alert and for good reason. A commercial fisherman recently pulled in a Chinese mitten crab, a species banned in the Pacific Northwest due to its destructive history. This marks the first confirmed sighting of the invasive crustacean in the region and it could spell trouble for the local ecosystem and the economy. What's happening? On April 22, a fisherman caught a large male Chinese mitten crab in the Lower Columbia River and delivered it to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The crab is recognizable by its furry, mitten-like claws and a carapace with four spines on each side. Native to East Asia, the crabs likely arrived as larvae via ballast water from ships or possibly through illegal human introduction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discovery has raised concerns among state agencies about the potential for a repeat of past infestations. In the late 1990s, the species "caused significant infrastructure and ecological damage in and around San Francisco Bay when the population was at its height," according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. ODFW is asking the public to keep an eye out. If you spot a mitten crab, don't release it. Instead, snap photos, note the location, and report the sighting to the Oregon Invasive Species Council or the State Police TIPS Line. Why is this discovery concerning? Chinese mitten crabs are more than just a curious sight they're a major ecological threat. These burrowing crabs can destabilize riverbanks, clog irrigation systems, and compete with native species for food and habitat. Their presence could disrupt the delicate balance of the Columbia River's ecosystem, threatening fish populations and increasing maintenance costs for local infrastructure. If left unchecked, this single catch could signal the start of a wider infestation one that's both expensive and hard to reverse. What's being done about it? Agencies like ODFW and the Oregon Invasive Species Council are already mobilizing public awareness efforts and monitoring programs. The U.S. Geological Survey also tracks invasive species to aid in early detection and rapid response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a national level, the federal Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act helps coordinate actions to manage and prevent the spread of aquatic invaders like the mitten crab. And individuals can make a difference too by reporting sightings, avoiding the release of non-native species, and learning how ballast water and aquarium dumping contribute to the spread of invasive marine life. Because when it comes to keeping rivers healthy and thriving, every set of eyes helps. 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. CANTON, Ohio (WJW) A Stark County sheriffs deputy fatally shot two loose dogs after investigators said they charged at him while he was responding to a call. The incident occurred on Sunday in the 2200 block of 22nd Street NE in Canton. According to the sheriffs office, residents who lived there called for help after two loose dogs they were feeding became aggressive toward them. Firefighters extinguish Medina house fire; roadway reopens Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sheriffs deputy responded to the call. When he got there, the deputy spoke with the homeowners through their Ring doorbell camera, investigators said. During the interaction, the dogs charged at the deputy, cornering him between the home and the homeowners vehicle, the sheriffs office said in a Sunday evening statement. Rescue: Man rushed to hospital after falling down hill near Tinkers Creek Investigators said the deputy discharged his weapon, killing both dogs. Through the dogs microchips, authorities identified the owner who lived several miles away. According to the sheriffs office, the owner said the dogs had been running loose since Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner was cited for letting the dogs be at large, the sheriffs office said. The deputy was not placed on leave and the incident remains under investigation at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. (WKBN) Ohios primary election is Tuesday, May 6. What time are the polls open in Ohio, and where can I vote? Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place on the Secretary of States website. A valid photo ID is required to vote. Read next: 4 people hurt in shooting at party in Sharon: Police Early voting information: Early in-person absentee voting began last month. Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed must have been received by the boards of elections by April 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absentee ballots, returned in person or via a method other than U.S. Mail, must be received by the boards of elections by the close of polls. Absentee ballots returned by U.S. Mail must be postmarked no later than May 5 and received by the boards of elections by May 10 to be counted. Am I registered to vote in Ohio? The deadline to register to vote in Ohio has already passed that deadline was April 7. You can check your voter registration online. What is on my ballot? There is one statewide issue on the ballot. Issue 2 would allow the state to continue issuing bonds to fund major infrastructure projects at the local level. The program itself is not new. Ohio voters first approved it in 1987 and re-approved it through three separate constitutional amendments since then the most recent in 2014. The last amendment will sunset on July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Issue 2 would amend the Ohio Constitution to allow the state to issue general obligation bonds to help local governments pay for capital improvement projects through the State Capital Improvement Program. Read next: 1 killed in crash on Route 422 at Ohio-PA border The issue does not levy a new tax on Ohioans, since bonds are part of state budget planning, according to the sponsoring lawmakers. But Ohioans tax dollars would continue to pay down the debts incurred by local governments that take advantage of the program, according to the Ohio Ballot Board. The new debts could take up to 30 years to repay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locally, there are several candidates running for positions in the primary. In Youngstown, incumbent Mayor Tito Brown is being challenged by City Councilwoman Samantha Turner for the Democratic nomination. The winner will be on the November ballot to face the Republican and Independent candidates. Read next: Browns linebacker arrested in Pittsburgh suburb There are also candidates running for Youngstown City Council. Poland Schools is trying to pass an emergency renewal levy, while Lowellville has an income tax increase of 2.5% on the ballot. In Trumbull County, several candidates are running for spots on the Warren and Niles city councils. Girard and Newton Falls also have city council races on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vienna Township Fire and EMS has a five-year, 3.5 mills additional levy on the ballot. Vienna is trying to build its fire departments ambulance service back up while the township remains in fiscal emergency. The levy would generate $480,000 a year for the fire department, allowing it to bring back part-time personnel. Read next: 19-month-old girl found dead in pond near Marysville Champion Township Police also put a five-year, 1.6-mill additional levy on the ballot. The police department said its expenses have exceeded tax revenue every year since 2021. The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $56 per year and generate $413,000 a year for the department. In Columbiana County, Kelly Linger and Danielle Menning are running for Municipal Court Judge in a race that has become contentious at times. Menning was hired in the prosecutors office in 2020 and is now assigned to juvenile court. Linger was hired as an assistant prosecutor a year later but was appointed last July by Governor Mike DeWine to fill a vacancy on the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also several renewal levies and a Salem City Council race. You can see all of the issues and races on the ballot on the local boards of elections websites here: Columbiana County Board of Elections Mahoning County Board of Elections Trumbull County Board of Elections Justin Dennis 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. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) On Monday, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond renewed his call for Governor Stitt to remove Allie Friesen, Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Friesen was in the hot seat at the Capitol last week answering questions about millions in unused pandemic dollars, and the possibility that the agency wont make payroll. , House Committee grills ODMHSAS Commissioner on missing $43 million Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Friesen offered no satisfactory answers for the agencys ability or inability to meet payroll obligations. The commissioner is simply not equipped for the job and she never was, Drummond said. Gov. Stitt hired a counselor who doesnt have a license to run our Mental Health Department, nor does she have the leadership experience. Is it any wonder the department is in financial meltdown? The Oklahoma Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) previously released its findings concerning the finances of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in April 2025. LOFT shares findings of Dept. of Mental Health investigation with lawmakers Drummond continued, saying vulnerable Oklahomans will suffer the consequences without placement of new leadership at the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahomans who are suffering from mental health challenges and substance abuse are the ones who stand to lose the most while this fiasco continues to play out, Drummond said. The buck stops with the commissioner and the governor. It is past time for Gov. Stitt to take action and correct course. On Friday of last week, Stitt announced a series of actions to address ODMHSAS in a letter to House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Senator Lonnie Paxton. See part of the letter below. The troubling issues that have continued to emerge at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are the result of years of mismanagementthese challenges did not arise overnight. When I appointed Commissioner Allie Friesen, I specifically charged her with shining a light on the agency, rooting out longstanding problems, and building a more accountable and transparent department. What we are seeing now is the necessary, if painful, result of that mission being carried out with integrity and urgency. Governor Kevin Stitt The governor has also outlined three immediate actions to stabilize ODMHSAS operations to ensure long-term reform: A nationally respected, independent financial expert will be brought in to take temporary control of the departments finances. This expert will assess the agencys financial shortfall and produce an accurate and credible supplemental budget request for the Legislature. As previously announced, the Governor will name a well-regarded attorney with experience in complex investigations to conduct a full and independent review of ODMHSAS. The investigator will report directly to the Governors Office and will have full authority to follow the facts wherever they lead. The Governor has directed Oklahoma Healthcare Authority CEO Ellen Buettner, along with ODMHSAS officials, to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all Medicaid and federally funded functions within the agency. This effort will evaluate whether these responsibilities should be administered by a different agency or in a different manner to ensure greater accountability and efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. US President Donald Trump's recent remarks on Iran's oil sales will not facilitate the ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the US, said Esmail Baghaei, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson,Trend reports. Speaking at a press conference today in Tehran, Baghaei noted that conflicting remarks from US officials will not influence Iran's principled stance. "The Iranian side has put forward its principled position. If the US remains committed to its demand that Iran not possess nuclear weapons, many issues can be resolved," he noted. In his statement, US President Donald Trump noted that Iran possesses abundant energy resources and does not require a nuclear program. In recent days, severe sanctions, particularly targeting Iran's oil sector, have been enforced. 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 Legislative leaders are still uncertain how much money Oklahoma's mental health agency needs to keep its employees paid through June and cover its expenses for the next year. The Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is seeking at least $23 million to pay its staff through the rest of the fiscal year, though agency officials told lawmakers they aren't fully confident in that figure. The department's commissioner, Allie Friesen, presented the number alongside Michael Rupke, who works in the agency's Operational Excellence Division, to a special legislative committee on May 5. Dozens of lawmakers from both the Senate and House of Representatives attended the meeting, which at times became intense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, asked whether Friesen requested an audit of her agency, which is at the center of multiple state inquiries into its fraught financial condition. Friesen said she had asked for help from a financial expert. Gollihare then asked if the commissioner had budget experience. "Yes, sir, I did," Friesen responded. "It was not my primary function, and with all due respect, I am here to answer questions related to this current financial crisis, because every moment we're sitting in here answering questions, we are delaying solutions for you all." More: Oklahoma lawmakers one step closer to abandoning state-of-the-art mental health hospital project Rupke told lawmakers he believed the mental health agency has the funds to pay its employees on May 7. But he said the following May 21 payroll date creates a cash flow issue for the agency, meaning it won't have enough funds to pay its staff through June 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without 100% uncertainty on that number, the $23 million does seem to be the most accurate number that we can come to based on looking at what we believe to be factual out of our people, soft accounting software and the reporting that is pulled out of that and compiled, but there are underlying concerns based on personnel and vacancy issues and things that have been done in practice to create those budgets that gives me uncertainty to how accurate the budgeted numbers are," he said. The exact amount of money the agency needs has been a moving target for months. Friesen had told lawmakers in April that the agency faced a $43 million deficit, but asked for a $6.2 million special appropriation. It's unclear how the agency reached those numbers. It wasn't until May 1 that lawmakers learned the extent of the agency's immediate cash flow crisis. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said in a late-night email to House members that he was told the agency could not make payroll. Allie Friesen, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services commissioner, listens to a question May 5 during a meeting of a legislative special committee that has opened an investigation into agency. Oklahoma mental health agency asks the Legislature for financial help Friesen and Rupke spent over an hour on May 5 going back and forth with legislators, as lawmakers tried to get exact answers about how much financial help the mental health agency needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, asked Friesen whether the agency had outstanding invoices, delayed purchase orders or contracts that might add to the $23 million department officials are requesting from the Legislature. Sen. Julia Kirt listens to a response to her question May 5 during the special committee meeting. "The fact of the matter is, I don't think we have a confident understanding of that yet," Friesen answered. The exact figure could change as agency leaders continue to find financial irregularities, Rupke said. He said he recently discovered agency employees were purposefully manipulating vacancy rates as a budget-balancing tool. Friesen said she's been uncovering abuse, negligence and corruption within the agency, which she has led for more than a year. She blamed an internal finance staff member for withholding the information surrounding the agency's payroll deficit, adding that person has since resigned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Individuals who operated within a closed culture created and protected information that was crucial for leadership to have access to, and certainly, as a Legislature, as the primary investor in our organization, you need access to that data, as well," Friesen said. "That culture didn't just hide financial data. It actively excluded accountability. Information was safeguarded among a select circle, and it left the rest of us, including myself, until very recently, navigating in the dark because of this." Neither Rupke nor Friesen identified the employees they believed to be at fault by name. Friesen asked to work with House and Senate budget staffers to compare notes and reach a consensus as to how much financial help the agency needs. Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who co-chairs the committee looking into the mental health agency, said he couldn't guarantee that staff members will be able to give the department a complete answer. He said it's the agency's job to create its budget and present it to the Legislature. Oklahoma attorney general reiterates call to Gov. Kevin Stitt to terminate Friesen While questions mount around the agency's finances, Gov. Kevin Stitt has continued to back Friesen, whom he appointed as commissioner in January 2024. Stitt said May 2 that he was bringing in an outside expert to go over the agency's finances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the legislative meeting, Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond renewed his previous call to Stitt to remove Friesen from her position, saying she's not equipped for the job. "Gov. Stitt hired a counselor who doesnt have a license to run our mental health department, nor does she have the leadership experience," said Drummond, who is running to succeed Stitt as governor. "Is it any wonder the department is in financial meltdown? During her opening remarks of the May 5 meeting, Friesen reiterated that she is the one trying to root out issues that existed before she took office. She said that when the rhetoric shifts to blame people who are "brave enough to confront years of likely fraudulent and grossly unethical behavior, it causes internal chaos." "It demoralizes our workforce," she said. "It sends a chilling message to our clinicians, to our case managers, our front line staff, and the people that are holding our system together that telling the truth gets punished." Questions around the mental health department's financial needs remain unanswered The meeting ultimately adjourned after just over an hour without a resolution. Legislative leaders remained frustrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm at a point where I don't think we're getting down to any significant number," Rosino said after the meeting. "We've been doing this for months and months and months, and the taxpayers of Oklahoma, the people who need services, the people who we provide services for, [are] not getting those answers either. If we continue down this path, then the people of Oklahoma, they're the ones who suffer." House Majority Leader Mark Lawson and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, are pictured during a May 5 special committee meeting. He added that he doesn't believe the department needs supplemental funds, but they lack the sophistication to figure it out. It would be irresponsible of the Legislature to approve a larger budget without knowing what the agency really needs, the senator said. "The supplemental piece for payroll matters, because people suffer there, and they're the ones who are providing services to the people of Oklahoma," Rosino said. "But after that, we need to have a real, serious conversation on what they need and how they need it, and who's going to give us those numbers." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma mental health agency says it can't meet payroll needs Demonstrators stand outside the Oklahoma State Department of Education on Jan. 28 to protest proposed rules that would require schools to check students' immigration status. Republican lawmakers have filed a resolution to reject the immigration rule. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Republican lawmakers have suggested rejecting a controversial proposal to have Oklahoma public schools ask for proof of U.S. citizenship during enrollment. The rule has drawn opposition from Gov. Kevin Stitt, advocates within Oklahomas Latino community and residents who spoke up against requiring schools to check students immigration status. If the rule passes, schools would have to report to the state the number of students they enroll who couldnt verify their U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Superintendent Ryan Walters said he suggested the rule to better account for school resources needed to serve immigrant students, like English learner programs. He said his administration would turn over the collected information to federal authorities, if asked, and would support immigration raids in schools. Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, filed a resolution that would reject a proposal from the Oklahoma State Department of Education to have schools check students citizenship status. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, filed Senate Joint Resolution 22 on Thursday to make several line-item disapprovals of Walters proposed administrative rules from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, including a rejection of the entire immigration measure. Bergstrom leads the Senate Administrative Rules Committee, and his House counterpart, Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, is a co-author of the resolution. During a committee meeting Monday, Kendrix said he and Bergstrom worked together to draft the language. He said SJR 22 is one of three Senate resolutions that should reach the House committee in short order, I hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each would have to pass a vote by the Senate committee and the full Senate before migrating to the House. Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, speaks during a House Administrative Rules Committee meeting April 23 at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) The Senate Administrative Rules Committee is scheduled to meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Bergstrom could not be reached for comment. Bergstrom and Kendrixs resolution also would reject a rule that would require all public school teachers to pass a written version of the U.S. Naturalization Test. Both Republicans and Democrats in the House expressed concerns about the rule potentially driving away qualified teachers. Walters office did not return a request for comment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) applauded President Trumps order to reopen the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, saying he doesnt believe in keeping prisoners comfortable. Mullin joined Fox News on Monday, just after Trump declared the historic prison off the shore of San Francisco should be reopened. The Oklahoma senator called for Alcatraz and Rikers Island in New York to be East and West Coast hubs for prisoners. Lets have [Rikers] and lets have Alcatraz both open. So, weve got the East Coast and the West Coast both covered and put our most notorious criminals in both of them, Mullin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued that putting the countrys most notorious criminals in the two prisons would help people understand were a nation of laws again, unlike what we had underneath former President Bidens administration. Im all about it, Mullin reiterated. When we want to start talking about criminals being punished, I dont believe in keeping them comfortable. I want them to regret the crime that they have committed, he continued. And President Trump is committed to making sure that we enforce our nations laws again. While Alcatraz has been closed for more than 60 years, Trump announced on Sunday that America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he was directing the FBI, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Prisons to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz to house the countrys most ruthless and violent offenders. The infamous prison sits less than 2 miles offshore of San Francisco and was first built in the mid-19th century. It was a federal prison from 1934-64 and is now overseen by the National Park Service. The Bureau of Prisons notes that Alcatraz closed due to soaring costs. It was estimated $3 million to $5 million was needed for restoration and maintenance to keep the prison open, not including daily operating costs. It was nearly three times more expensive than other federal prisons. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News Oman is increasing its bets on cleaner energy, with another green hydrogen auction round and a low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering project. The latest hydrogen auction is focused on Duqm, where 300 square km is available for solar and wind plants needed to produce the fuel. Formal bids are due early next year. Its big business: two previous rounds drew pledges of $49 billion to develop 30 gigawatts of renewable power and 1 million tons per year of hydrogen capacity. OQ Gas Networks is planning a national hydrogen pipeline network to support the projects. Further north, TotalEnergies and OQ Exploration and Production broke ground on the $1.6 billion Marsa LNG project. This will produce up to 1 million tons per year of fuel for ships and will be powered by a 300 megawatt solar plant, which the partners say will make it the worlds lowest-emission LNG plant. BOKCHITO, Okla. (KFOR) According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, one person has been taken into custody after a fatal shooting in Bryan County. Officials say deputies with the Bryan County Sheriffs Office responded to a property along State Highway 70 on May 3 regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, they found 34-year-old Michael Jay Bragg dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Michael David Bragg. Image courtesy OSBI. LOCAL NEWS: One injured in shooting in SE Oklahoma City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation led OSBI special agents to 52-year-old Michael David Bragg, who is the father of the victim. Investigators determined that they were involved in an altercation when the shooting occurred. The OSBI says the evidence led to the arrest of Bragg. He was booked into the Bryan County Jail on a complaint of First Degree Murder. The investigation is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) One person was injured in a shooting in southeast Oklahoma City Sunday night, police say. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to the area of SE 15th St. and Santa Fe Ave. around 11 p.m. LOCAL NEWS: BBB warns Oklahomans of REAL ID scams as deadline approaches Upon arrival, they learned one person had been shot at a party. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say no arrests have been made as the investigation continues. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This article will update. A man was fatally shot by deputies in Danville outside the Hendricks County Courthouse. Just before 1 p.m., May 5, 2025, two Hendricks County deputies were transporting a group of inmates in their custody from jail to the courthouse for different court proceedings. Once they arrived, deputies parked their van when a man who was already outside at the courthouse pulled out a firearm, and those deputies opened fired on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He died at the scene. It's unclear if the man pointed the firearm at the deputies, the inmates, or anyone else. A gun was found near his body, according to Indiana State Police public information officer Sgt. John Perrine. The deputies transported the inmates to a different location. The Hendricks County Courthouse was closed for the day. Dozens of residents stood outside businesses and drove by slowly, with the scene of yellow tape stretched across the courthouse yard and multiple police vehicles with lights flashing. Destiny Anderson, who's lived in the area since she was 14, said she's "never seen anything like this happen" in Danville. She was on her way to the clerk's office to file some paperwork when she made a pit stop before heading into the courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While walking blocks away, she heard gunshots. "This is definitely scary, because I was supposed to just be getting here when all of this happened," Anderson said. "I was on the other side of the courthouse when I heard gunshots. When I went inside, they said everything was closed, and we came outside to this." Law enforcement work the scene of a shooting Monday, May 5, 2025, near the Hendricks County Courthouse in Danville. More: Indianapolis police shoot man suspected of double shooting on city's east side Indiana State Police will lead the investigation into the shooting. Cameras in the area captured the entirety of the shooting, Perrine said. Danville is located approximately 25 miles west of Indianapolis on U.S. Highway 36 and has a population of fewer than 12,000 residents. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Man dies in police shooting at Hendricks Co. courthouse in Danville TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) Interstate 57 was briefly shut down Monday morning after a semi-truck and passenger vehicle collided near Tolono, leaving one person hurt. The crash happened at milepost 232, close to the Curtis Road exit. Officials from the Illinois State Police said the crash happened around 2:24 a.m. and it resulted in the driver of the passenger vehicle being taken to an area hospital with injuries. Champaign firefighters put out small house fire Monday morning Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One lane of the highway was shut down, but it has since reopened. State Police said there was no further information they could provide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) A late-night shooting in Opelika has left one man dead and his cousin behind bars, according to the Opelika Police Department. A motive has not been released for the shooting. On Sunday, May 4, 2025, at approximately 11:38 p.m., Opelika Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 1200 block of Samford Place. Officers arrived on scene to find a 38-year-old male lying inside a residence with a fatal gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton says Quintaveious Johnson, 38, of Opelika, was pronounced dead at 10:48 p.m. on scene. His body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for a postmortem examination. Police arrested the victims cousin, 41-year-old Jamarlo Johnson, at the scene. Johnson has been charged with murder and taken into custody. Police say the shooting was domestic and nature, but have not shared the reason the cousins may have been fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or call the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Opelika Police Mobile App. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Utah took a bold step toward leading the nation in energy innovation last week at Gov. Spencer Coxs Built Here nuclear summit, where Utah signed a historic agreement with global nuclear firms Hi Tech Solutions and Holtec International. The landmark memorandum of understanding lays the groundwork for the Beehive State to become the Western hub for advanced nuclear technology development, manufacturing and deployment. Hi Tech, based in Washington state, is bringing its next-generation energy vision to the Mountain West. With deep roots in Utah where its co-founder has lived for more than a decade the company is establishing its regional headquarters here, not just to build power plants, but to create a full nuclear ecosystem. This includes research partnerships, training centers, and advanced manufacturing and deployment of nimble small modular nuclear reactors, which allow for faster, more secure and scalable energy to be deployed across the region. Unlike other nuclear initiatives that focus primarily on electricity generation, this partnership takes a comprehensive approach. Through the agreement, Hi Tech and Holtec will launch the regional nuclear operations training center, beginning with an interim facility by 2026 and followed by a $35 million advanced energy training campus starting construction in 2028. These centers will prepare Utahns for careers in a rapidly reemerging industry with high-paying, long-term jobs in clean energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to this investment in training a new generation of nuclear workers, Holtec, a proven world leader in nuclear innovation, has selected Utah as the preferred Western location to manufacture its small reactor technology, currently scheduled for deployment at the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan. This means Utah will become a key player in the national and global nuclear supply chain, providing the critical small reactors that deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy well-suited for the states growing communities, industry and demand for data centers. This initiative reflects Gov. Coxs strategy found in Operation Gigawatt, the call to double Utahs power capacity in ten years. But the vision isnt just about infrastructure. Its about people. Establishing a nuclear industry biome in the Beehive State requires input from Utahns. The engagement strategy will include public forums; educational initiatives in local schools; and transparent communication around safety, environmental benefits and economic opportunities. For Utahns, the economic upside is immense. This partnership is expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs while attracting a network of suppliers and partners that will further expand our states advanced manufacturing base. The agreement sends a clear signal: Utah is leading now. While other regions debate the path forward, we are forging ahead with partnerships between government, industry and local communities that accelerate real solutions. Of course, building a nuclear ecosystem comes with obstacles regulatory coordination, infrastructure investment and long-term planning. But strong state leadership and vision around energy, such as the recently passed bipartisan House Bill 249, are already working and contributed to attracting this historic partnership. The states willingness to explore permitting support, workforce training programs and research partnerships further demonstrates the holistic thinking necessary to succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Economic development professionals and city and state leaders in Utah recognize that nuclear energy innovation and economic development go hand-in-hand. By investing in clean energy technologies built right here in Utah, we are shaping a future of energy abundance, sustained industrial growth, technological leadership and lasting prosperity. The momentum is real. Shovels will soon break ground. Training programs will launch. Manufacturing will scale. Together, were building a new era of energy powered by innovation, rooted in community and proudly Built in Utah. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and BRICS are playing a significant role in enhancing Iran's trade volume, said the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baghaei,Trend reports. Speaking at a press conference today in Tehran, Baghaei stated that in recent days, Iranian officials attended a meeting in Brazil with BRICS member countries and held several discussions with them. This engagement could contribute to the development of Irans trade relations with these nations. He also emphasized the importance of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for Iran, noting that final steps are being taken for the implementation of a free trade agreement with the union. Once this agreement is enacted, over 80 percent of the products Iran exports to EAEU member countries will be exempt from tariffs. This will simplify trade relations and significantly boost trade turnover between Iran and the EAEU countries, Baghaei added. BRICS, a multilateral governmental organization established in 2006, currently includes Russia, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. On December 25, 2023, a free trade agreement was signed between Iran and the EAEU in Saint Petersburg, Russia. After the agreement comes into force, it's predicted that trade turnover will reach $18-20 billion within five to seven years. President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has announced the law on a free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union to various circles in Iran for implementation on March 15, 2025. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Editors note: This story was updated to remove the name of a pharmaceutical company that was identified incorrectly. We regret the error. President Trumps liberation day, with its imposition of arbitrary tariffs on friend and foe alike, ended the post-Cold War era of free trade. In the 80 years following the end of World War II, international commerce not only expanded Americas global reach but also earned the respect and friendship of many people. But with his arbitrary tariffs, Trump has alienated and alarmed our friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ireland is a case in point. As a member of the European Union, Ireland became a flashpoint for Trumps anger, saying the European Union treats us very badly. Meeting with Irish prime minister Micheal Martin in March to commemorate Irish American Heritage Month, Trump directed his ire at Irelands pharmaceutical industries that account for most of Irelands $96.4 billion in U.S. exports. Pfizer, Boston Scientific and Eli Lilly have their headquarters in Ireland, causing Trump to complain, This beautiful island of 5 million people has got the entire U.S. pharmaceutical industry in its grasps. In an interview with me, the Irish ambassador to the U.S., Geraldine Byrne Nason, noted that those pharmaceutical companies produce ingredients that go into the final production of their products within the U.S., making it mutually advantageous for consumers and taxpayers in both jurisdictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the economic relationship between Ireland and the U.S. goes far beyond the pharmaceutical industry. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Ireland is the sixth largest source of U.S. direct foreign investment, making it the number one country on a per capita basis for its U.S. investments. Today, more than 700 Irish companies operate in all 50 states. As Byrne Nason told me, Over 200,000 Americans lock their front doors and go to a job created by an Irish investor. Byrne Nason described Ireland as a small island in the middle of the Atlantic. As a member of the European Union, that small island is strategically located as an entry point into the European market with its 447,000,000 consumers. But the U.S.-Irish relationship involves far more than economics. As Byrne Nason observes, Ireland has a forever love affair with the United States. Yet the current dispute over tariffs is akin to a lovers quarrel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meeting with the Irish prime minister last month, Trump said he didnt want to do anything to hurt Ireland, but told reporters that fairness might force his hand. Responding to Trumps warnings, Byrne Nason says: We dont believe tariffs are good for U.S. consumers, U.S. taxpayers, or the U.S. economy. And theyre certainly not good for an open global trading economy such as the one we have in Ireland. The histories of Ireland and the U.S. are woven together into one tightly knit fabric laced with the green of the Emerald Isle. For example, nine signatories to the Declaration of Independence had Irish roots. When Ireland gained its independence in the early 20th century, the U.S. was among the first to recognize the new nation. And in the 21st century, former President Barack Obama said that you can stand on the corner of 79th Street in Chicago and hear the brogue of every Irish county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to that fabrics textures, eight U.S. presidents have visited Ireland in the last 65 years. Each rekindled the American love affair with Ireland. In 1963, John F. Kennedy traveled to Ireland, turning out thousands of well-wishers. Byrne Nason told me that visit was a moment of epiphany for the Irish people as the country began its debut on the international stage. In 1984, Ronald Reagan visited his ancestral village of Ballyporeen, an encounter, Reagan said, gave his soul a new contentment. In 2011, Obama went to his ancestral home of Moneygall, birthplace of his great-great-great-grandfather Falmouth Kearney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A dozen years later, Joe Biden visited the Irish counties of Louth and Mayo, home to his ancestors. When asked how he felt upon returning, Biden said, Its like coming home. Today, there are 31.2 million Americans of Irish heritage. While Irish Americans continue to celebrate their ethnicity, many have little understanding of the contemporary country their forebears left behind. No longer a land of farmers and fishermen, Ireland has become an economic powerhouse, and this year was an invited observer of the G-20. In July 2026, Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Declaring March to be Irish American Heritage Month, Trump celebrated the role Irish Americans have played in our great American story courageously overcoming adversity and hardship to embolden our culture, enliven our spirit, and fortify our way of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is right. Irish men and women helped build the United States. Today, Irish culture continues to permeate every aspect of American life. In 2023, there were 14 Academy Award nominations for Irish filmmakers and production crews, including the first Irish movie ever nominated. Visual effects studios located in Ireland have worked on Marvel Studios WandaVision, Netflixs The Irishman and HBOs Game of Thrones. Riverdance continues to dazzle American audiences. And the Irish musician Hozier has topped the Billboard music charts. But while waging his tariff wars on Ireland, the European Union and other nations, Trump should recall the words of another U.S. president who, upon leaving his ancestral homeland, told his fellow Irishmen: If you ever come to America . . . the word will be cead mile failte, which means 100,000 welcomes! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In todays interdependent and interconnected world, the words of John F. Kennedy should remain a guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy. As an old Irish saying has it, There is no strength without unity. John Kenneth White is a professor emeritus at the Catholic University of America. His latest book is titled Grand Old Unraveling: The Republican Party, Donald Trump, and the Rise of Authoritarianism. He can be reached at johnkennethwhite.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 The Hill. After decades of debating private school choice, Texas has delivered a monumental victory for its students and families. With the passage of a $1 billion education savings account (ESA) program, Texas joins a growing list of states giving parents real power to customize their childrens education. But this is more than just a win for Texas families it is a moment of national significance that can reshape how ESA programs work across the country. Over the past few years, the education choice movement has taken off, with states from Arizona to Florida to Iowa launching or expanding ESA programs that allow parents to direct funding for their childrens education toward schooling environments, services or products that meet their needs. Texas program, which will launch in the 2026-27 school year, is the largest new investment in this idea to date. It couldnt come at a more critical time. Related Private School Vouchers Are Now Texas Law. Heres What to Know. The strength of Texas new program lies not just in its size, but in its potential to drive innovation. Managing ESAs at scale is no small task. As more families gain access to these accounts, states are realizing that approving every expenditure on educational products, services and vendors one by one may not be sustainable. Parents need programs that are efficient, transparent and flexible more like managing a health savings account than applying for a grant every time they want to buy a math workbook. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Texas has the chance to lead the way by adopting a debit card model where parents use secure accounts linked to approved expense categories instead of an endless string of applications and approvals. Think about how a health savings account debit card works to pay for everything from a doctors visit to a pharmacy prescription. On the back end, that system uses codes to categorize eligible purchases. A similar system for education that categorizes tutoring, curriculum, therapies, classes and more would make it dramatically easier for parents to navigate their options without compromising accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Building a modern, intuitive ESA system in Texas would do more than serve families in the Lone Star State. It would create a blueprint for every other state in the country. Instead of reinventing the wheel, states could adopt common standards for educational expense categories and fraud prevention, all of which would lead to faster program launches, improved oversight and better experiences for families nationwide. The country is standing at the brink of an era when education funding finally and truly follows students. Parents in the nearly 20 states that have adopted ESAs are empowered not just to access a quality school for their kids, but to customize that educational experience in a way that felt unattainable just a decade ago. Related GOP Victories in Texas House Give Abbott a Path to Universal ESA As weve learned in Florida over the past quarter-century, expanded choice must go hand in hand with thoughtful design. Parents deserve the freedom to personalize their childs education without unnecessary red tape. Taxpayers deserve programs that are transparent and accountable. And states deserve solutions that scale as participation grows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott have shown they are willing to lead on education freedom. As this program moves from legislation to reality, they also can lead by building a model ESA program that operates efficiently, is easy to use and sets a high bar for excellence. If they succeed, the ripple effects will extend far beyond Texas borders. Related Final Showdown Over ESAs in Texas as Abbott Looks to Oust Conservative Opponents Advocates should celebrate the incredible progress that school choice has made in recent years and recognize that how these programs are built matters just as much as generating the support to create them. The passage of Texas ESA program marks a new chapter, not just for Texas students, but for the future of education choice across America. If policymakers get this right, the next generation of ESA programs will be faster, smarter and more parent-friendly than ever before guaranteeing that every family, no matter where they live, can access a customized education that unlocks their childs full potential. Americans tend to associate crime prevention with Democrats and accountability for criminals with Republicans. Democrats want government to invest in crime prevention because theyre worried we have too many people behind bars; Republicans should also be lining up behind that idea, but for the exact opposite reason: It will never be possible to put enough people behind bars to solve the crime problem. Impunity for most crimes is inevitable. This is not a political or ideological argument. Nor is it about the underlying causes of crime, or your view of human nature, or what you believe is the right punishment or moral response for different crimes. This is just about math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imagine that you, dear reader, were God forbid held up and robbed at gun point. What are the chances the person who robs you will wind up serving any time in prison? Today, only about half of the robberies that take place are even reported to the police, according to crime victimization surveys. Of robberies reported, only about one-third result in arrest, and about one-fifth result in some prison time. This implies that just three out of 100 robbery offenders wind up in prison. And Im not cherry-picking the robbery data, either. I did not. The figures are around 1 percent for burglaries, 1 percent for motor vehicle theft (harmful to low-income victims and the source of many cars used in other crimes such as drive-by shootings and gun robberies), and 2 percent for rapes and sexual assaults. Even for murder, the share who actually do time is still just 38 percent. I understand that there may be a directional debate within America about these numbers. Prison abolitionists will even argue they should be lower. I imagine everyone else will be shocked that the numbers are so low and wish they were higher. But the key point is that the math just doesnt work for trying to solve crime through imprisonment alone. The math suggests that even a doubling of law enforcement, criminal courts, and prison beds, at a cost of billions of dollars, would still result in prison time for six out of 100 robberies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We might be able to increase that number a bit further by focusing on giving more short sentences and fewer long ones, but theres only so far that will take us, given the publics view that most prison sentences are currently about right or if anything too short. Even tripling the prison population, as unimaginable as that might be, wouldnt much change the basic math here. But wait, you might say we must recognize that prison doesnt just incapacitate offenders, it also deters crime. One goal of prisons may be to prevent crime from occurring in the first place. Once we recognize that deterrence is a key (if not the key) way prison affects crime, weve gotten ourselves on the right path to a more viable solution. We need both the left and right to start asking the same question: What is the best way to prevent crime? Once everyone is on team crime prevention, we can all look at the same data together to figure out what prevents the most crimes possible at the lowest possible cost to society: prisons or something else? My math is a version of a calculation carried out in 1975 by Harvard Professor James Q. Wilson, then one of the nations leading crime experts. He, too, could see the daunting prison math. He nevertheless pushed for more prisons, partly because, at the time, social scientists thought prevention wasnt possible through non-prison means. But we have learned a lot since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanford law Professor John Donohue argues that current evidence shows early childhood education prevents more crime per dollar than prison does. The same seems to be true for behavioral economics programs that help teens and young adults to avoid engaging in impulsive violence; changes in urban planning that get us more eyes on the street; and hiring more police and nonprofit violence interrupters, targeting where they work using predictive models of crime patterns. Prevention, besides its potential for effectiveness, should hold bipartisan appeal. It gets us out of our usual partisan fights about the right punishment after a crime has happened with effective prevention, theres no crime victim in the first place. With respect to crime and violence in America: Impunity is inevitable, but thankfully, prevention is possible. Jens Ludwig is the Edwin A. and Betty L. Bergman Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, Pritzker Director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab, and author of Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sometimes, a plea of not guilty is worse than a simple admission of guilt. The latest round of defenses and explanations for the presss abject failure to cover Joe Bidens mental and physical decline represents such an instance. Former CNN analyst Chris Cillizza volunteered some very thin gruel last week, suggesting the political presss subconscious partisan biases primed it to be too trusting of the Biden White House. This is hardly a satisfying or comforting defense for why the media didnt report sooner on Bidens struggles, and in some cases actively harangued and shouted down those who raised the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one thing, any reporter who takes the worlds most powerful office at its word is hardly doing his job. Second, anyone who genuinely trusts that Biden is telling the truth is too incompetent to be left alone around sharp objects, let alone cover the White House. Any study that you ever see about who reporters vote for, they vote for Democrats much more than Republicans, said Cillizza, who has been hard on his colleagues for the industry-wide failure to account for the former presidents deterioration. And I think what was going on here is, I think it was an inherent and sort of unconscious bias more than a conscious bias. But I think the reporters covering this White House were too willing to take the Biden teams word for it. Anytime you asked about Joe Biden they would say I mean, hes 80, moves a little bit more stiffly than he did before, but man he is totally with it, he outworks our 20-something staffers. And I think reporters were too willing to just say Okay that makes sense. They were too credulous. Cillizza then stated the obvious: Had the president been a Republican, no one in the political press would have uncritically accepted the White Houses assurances about the chief executives mental and physical capabilities (or lack thereof). They didnt ask enough questions, he said. Their skepticism meter was not honed turned up high enough. And I think that had it been a Republican in that office, particularly if that Republican had been Donald Trump, there would have been less credulity. There would have been less willingness to just go along with what the Trump White House was saying like, Oh hes fine, you dont see him in his great times. Hes amazing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, I think there would have been more hard questions asked, and I think there should have been more hard questions asked by the media of Joe Biden and Joe Bidens staff about his health. I absolutely think thats true. Its bad enough, the idea of reporters taking the president at his word. (Hold the powerful to account? Not to the point that its uncomfortable!) However, the thought of reporters trusting Joe Biden specifically to play it straight with the facts is much worse, given everything we know about Bidens decades-long struggle with telling the truth. Indeed, if there were ever a president to rival Donald Trump in terms of sheer dishonesty, it is Biden, a man with a long history of brazen falsehoods and dishonest behavior. Biden famously claimed that he had been arrested in South Africa after demanding a meeting with the then-imprisoned Nelson Mandela. Biden was never arrested in South Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president said he had met with the leaders of the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh after an antisemitic terrorist attack in October 2018 left 11 worshipers dead. Biden did not meet with the synagogue leaders. Biden once asserted, Immediately, the moment [the Iraq War] started, I came out against the war at that moment. Biden did not do that. Biden has said on several occasions that he marched with civil rights protesters. He did not. He has said on several occasions that he was arrested with civil rights protesters. He was not. Biden said the NAACP supported each of his campaigns for office. It did not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden said he was appointed to the Naval Academy in 1965 by the late U.S. Sen. J. Caleb Boggs (R-Del.), but the late senators archives show nothing of the sort. Biden claimed he was once in a helicopter that was forced down into the superhighway of terror between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He was not. He said he was shot at during trips to the Green Zone in Iraq. This did not happen. (He later clarified: I was near where a shot landed). Biden bragged that he had led the charge against the war criminal Slobodan Milosevic. He had not. Biden said he had been the first in his family to go to university. He was not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Biden first ran for president in the late 1980s, he told voters he attended law school at Syracuse University on a full academic scholarship. This was not true. He told the same audience that he had finished in the top half of his class, that he was named the outstanding student in the political science department as an undergraduate at the University of Delaware, and that he graduated from Delaware with three undergraduate degrees. All three of those claims were false. Bidens first run for president imploded spectacularly after he was caught in a plagiarism scandal. And then, of course, theres Bidens most psychotic trait, which is his seeming compulsion to embellish the details of family deaths. He has said that his eldest son, Beau, died while serving in Iraq, which is not true. Beau died of brain cancer in the U.S., nearly six years after returning from deployment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden has said that as vice president, he had awarded his late uncle a Purple Heart at his fathers urging. Bidens father passed away in 2002, seven years before Biden became vice President. Speaking of Bidens late uncles, Biden once claimed that cannibals had eaten one of them after he was shot down during World War II. No one knows what Biden was talking about, least of all the U.S. Department of Defense. Perhaps worst of all, Biden said a drunk driver killed his daughter and first wife. There is no evidence the other driver was intoxicated in the crash that devastated the former presidents family. The other drivers family has vigorously disputed this claim ever since Biden first casually asserted it. If you can believe it, there is a lot more where this comes from, but you get the picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What defense excuse besides inexcusable incompetence or malice could there be for a reporter to accept Biden and his White Houses say-so regarding his health, when he was nearly incapable of telling the truth about anything else? Anyone who believes the president any president without question is not a reporter but a stenographer. Anyone who believes a word Biden says without first verifying is probably his press secretary. Becket Adams is a writer in Washington and program director for the National Journalism Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As we raise our margarita glasses and dip into guacamole this Cinco de Mayo, its worth remembering why this celebration exists at all. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a Mexican victory over French invaders, but May 5, 1862, is also an important day for the United States. On this day, our country was in the throes of the Civil War. Battles raged in Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. If Napoleon IIIs French army had been successful in Mexico, it might have spelled doom for the Union and their efforts to abolish slavery. The Confederates were actively seeking a European ally on their southern border, and some historians believe that Napoleon III would have advanced to the United States after taking Mexico. So when the Mexicans defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla (what we now call Cinco de Mayo), the Union celebrated. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter This related history is rarely taught in schools, but as a childrens author and historian, I knew I had to bring this moment alive for todays students. Through a trio of time-traveling children and their intrepid quest to find a magic sword, my latest book tells the story of Cinco de Mayo as it needs to be told: as a triumph for freedom in all the Americas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What students learn from Cinco de Mayo is that our democracy depends on other countries. When they know that history, they know that isolating our nation doesnt put America first it leaves us behind. We are all connected, and history teaches that the U.S. does best when we work with, and not against, our neighbors. By designating English as the official language and renaming the Gulf of Mexico, the current administration makes Latin America seem distant and unfamiliar. But Cinco de Mayo reminds us that we shared a common vision of freedom with this region. My young protagonists have a time-traveling aunt, who after the Battle of Puebla tells them about the victorys layered meaning: America can be a land of republics, she says. It means Latinos can govern themselves. It means the underdog can win. As my characters witness the strife unfolding in the United States and Mexico, one of them muses on her admiration for those who fought for a world where kings and queens live in fairy tales, not in government houses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we take a hemispheric approach to history meaning when we study what was happening throughout the Americas and not just in one country it makes sense why Cinco de Mayo is perennially popular. Early Cinco de Mayo parties in the United States displayed the flags of Mexico, the United States, Chile, and Peru, which were the leading republics at that time. It is clear that we owe our freedom today to the soldiers and leaders who stood up to the threats of wealthy planters and a self-declared emperor from overseas. The Union army included many immigrants and children of immigrants as well as Black and Native American soldiers. And the Mexican army had soldiers of mixed heritage mestizos as well as Indigenous peoples. Those who fought for liberty were not a monolith, but they shared a democratic ideal. The upper elementary and middle school years are the perfect time to learn about democracy. Kids this age generally feel restricted by grown-ups, so they intuitively understand the worth of independence. They get that monarchies are bad, and given how eager the students are to make their small voices heard, they understand that living in a democracy is precious. Related History Lessons Matter, Even in Preschool In my recent trips to schools to read the book, I try to build on childrens instinctive sense of justice. When teaching them about France trying to recolonize Mexico, I remind them that the country had already become independent at the time of the incursion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not fair! at least one or two students in every school group shout. Exactly, I say, reinforcing the importance of the rule of law. We cannot expect children to care about democracy if we never teach them about it in more than just an abstract way. But through fiction, we can take young readers to the most critical moments in history and show them the turning points that shaped the United States and nations around us. They will learn that wherever we are in the Americas, we depend on one another for our freedom. President Trump has repeatedly cited as an asset his very good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, that very good relationship has delivered nothing in terms of a more accommodating Kremlin approach to settling the Russia-Ukraine war. Putin has taken no serious steps in response to Trumps calls to halt the fighting. Trump should therefore back his words with actions. In 2024, Trump claimed he could end the war in 24 hours. On Jan. 22, just two days after returning to the presidency, Trump addressed the conflict on Truth Social: I love the Russian people, and always had a very good relationship with President Putin. All of that being said, Im going to do Russia, whose Economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! ITS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. If we dont make a deal, and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several days later, Putin praised Trump as clever and pragmatic. The Russian president did not, however, suggest any change in approach to his war against Ukraine. Trump took no action. On Mar. 11, the Trump administration secured Ukraines agreement to a 30-day ceasefire. Steve Witkoff, a businessman who leads the negotiating with Moscow, conveyed the ceasefire proposal directly to Putin three days later. Putin did not accept it but offered instead a much narrower agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. Trump took no action. The fighting raged on. On Mar. 30 with Russia still rejecting the U.S.-proposed full ceasefire Trump said Putins questioning of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys credibility made him very angry, pissed off. But Trump took no action. During the night of Apr. 23 to 24, the Russian military struck Kyiv with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, killing 12 civilians and wounding more than 90. Trump wrote that he was not happy and continued, Vladimir, STOP! Lets [sic] get the Peace Deal DONE! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putins response? Russian drones mocked Trumps call, killing another eight Ukrainians the following night. Again, Trump took no action, not even to delay Witkoffs fourth visit to Moscow. On Apr. 25, his envoy greeted Putin with a broad, friendly smile. Putin has been playing Trump. Does the U.S. president now understand this? On Apr. 26, he posted on Truth Social a rant attacking Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden for not doing enough for Ukraine failing to mention that, during Trumps first term, he did nothing to return Crimea to Ukraine or end the fighting in Donbas. His post went on: With all of that being said, 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? Will Trump finally take action? Putin has learned from experience to expect no real measures, only words, from the U.S. president. And those words look increasingly impotent and weak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were Trump to choose to act, he has lots of potential leverage. Western sanctions have impacted Putins economy, but less than hoped, due in large part to loopholes. Trump could work with the European Union and other U.S. partners to close the sanction loopholes and raise the economic costs to Russia of continuing the war. Trump could ask Congress for more money for military assistance for Ukraine. Just asking would force the Kremlin to consider Russias prospects on the battlefield if the United States continued to provide arms to the Ukrainian military. Trump also could work with the G7 and European Union to seize frozen Russian Central Bank assets and convert them to a fund on which Kyiv could draw to fund weapons purchases and reconstruction. Actions such as these would confront Putin with the reality that, if he continues the war and does not pursue negotiations seriously, the military, economic and political costs to Russia will rise. On Apr. 27, Trump told the press, I want him [Putin] to stop shooting, sit down and make a deal, but if Russian attacks continued, I have a lot of things that I can do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump indeed has many things he could do to get the Russians to take a more serious approach to end the war. If he wants to get Putins attention, he should start doing them. Steven Pifer, an affiliate with Stanfords Center for International Security and Cooperation, is a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trumps new executive order attempting to end public funding of National Public Radio and PBS could badly damage the reach of two vital American media networks. Its a move straight out of the authoritarian playbook and comes at a time of acute distress in the media market. As NBC News reports, the executive order directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS. The order could be challenged in court on First Amendment grounds, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting put out a statement saying that Congress directly authorized and funded CPB to be a private nonprofit corporation wholly independent of the federal government. The CEOs of NPR and PBS also say they're exploring their options for challenging the administration. Trump has long sought avenues to cut off support to public broadcasting, which is actually a time-tested Republican culture war target. Shortly after he took office this year, his new head of the Federal Communications Commission launched dubious probes into NPR and PBS. The CPB is already suing the administration over its attempt to fire its board members. Now, in accordance with the authoritarian checklist sketched out in Project 2025, Trump is escalating this campaign by trying to starve the networks of funds while calling them left-wing propaganda.NPR and PBS have vast reach: NPR stations collectively broadcast to more than 40 million listeners a week, and PBS has more than 130 million viewers on traditional television a year. While most of their funding doesnt come from the federal government, losing access to that money would have a transformative effect on them and their tens of millions of listeners and viewers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PBS chief executive Paula Kerger recently said in an interview that about 15% of the networks budget comes from federal funds, while the rest comes from viewers. But she emphasized the reach that the federal funding enables. The idea behind this public-private partnership is that there are many stations in communities that, without the federal support, the stations would not exist, Kerger said. I have been to really extraordinary stations in small parts of the country in places like Granite Falls and in Cookeville, Tennessee, where you just see that the public media stations are such an important part of the fabric of those communities. According to NPR, it receives about 1% of its funding directly from the federal government, and a slightly greater amount indirectly; its 246 member institutions, operating more than 1,000 stations, receive on average 8% to 10% of their funds from CPB.NPR put together a document in 2011 that outlined the significant consequences of being cut off from federal funding. The New York Times, which obtained the report written as a secret plan for the worst notes, Most NPR member stations operate at, or barely above, break-even. The report estimated that about a fifth of member stations would close and up to 30% of listeners would lose access to NPR programming. As the Times notes, in some rural areas where populations dont have access to broadband internet, those stations serve as one of the few reliable ways to get emergency information. Trumps executive order states, Unlike in 1967, when the CPB was established, today the media landscape is filled with abundant, diverse, and innovative news options. While its true that todays media landscape is diverse, its also experiencing a funding crisis that has killed jobs and outlets across the industry, ravaged local news coverage and made many surviving media operations incredibly unstable. Economic strains on the media sector are precisely why the latest World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, described U.S. press freedom as having hit a historic low. In other words, at a time when the country should be experimenting with more ways to publicly subsidize independent media, Trump is trying to torpedo them. Trumps executive action against PBS and NPR is just one more plank of his authoritarian agenda. As he bullies universities, law firms and nonprofits on various flimsy pretexts, Trump is likewise pursuing a litigious agenda against the media sector to devastate independent news and education for the American public. As with his other actions, this attack even if unsuccessful legally seems engineered to discourage NPR and PBS from pursuing the kind of accurate, fact-based coverage of his administration that could make it look bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its common for presidents to verbally attack the press for what they view as unfair coverage. But trying to defund the media is the conduct of an autocrat. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com What more is it going to take before Congress realizes that the scandals of congressional insider trading are not going away. The public overwhelmingly wants Congress to stop playing on the stock market. President Trump has declared that he would absolutely sign into law a ban on congressional stock trading. Who, then, is causing the delay? As long as members of Congress and their spouses continue to wheel and deal in the stock market, the window of opportunity for self-dealing and corruption will raise questions whether these trades are being influenced by inside information about pending federal contracts or new economic policies that could affect the market. From their committee perches overseeing federal regulation of business interests, members of Congress frequently may find themselves in a position of knowing non-public information that could affect the stock market. The window of opportunity whether acted upon or not is ripe for whispers and allegations. The scandals are not likely to subside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waves of congressional insider trading scandals have kept washing onto the political terrain since a 2009 report found that U.S. senators beat the stock market by an average of 12 percent per year in the 1990s. It rose again following a 2011 report by 60 Minutes that suggested many members of Congress are actively playing the stock market involving businesses that they oversee in their official duties. Years later, during the course of the pandemic, members of Congress were routinely briefed on its potential economic impact. Following one such confidential briefing, Sens. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and others were engulfed in charges of dumping their stock based on non-public information and each ended up losing their jobs (though none were prosecuted). And just weeks ago, President Trump mysteriously wrote on Truth Social THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! just hours before he was expected to levy stiff new tariffs on the world economy. Instead, Trump announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs and stocks soared in value. Whether the most recent episode involved trading by public officials on the inside of the Trump administration or Congress, significant evidence suggests this may be the case, the lesson is how elected officials in their official capacity may sway markets, and how important it is to prevent any pretense of self-enrichment by banning public officials and their spouses from trading on the stock market at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large bloc of senators crafted the ETHICS Act to do precisely that, which will soon be reintroduced by Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), the very choice by Georgia voters to replace the tainted Perdue. On the House side, a companion Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act has emerged the most likely House prospect to ban congressional trading, led by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Legislation has been drafted, refined and introduced to ban congressional stock trading. Bipartisan congressional support for the critical ethics reform is developing, and poll after poll show public demand for prohibiting members of Congress and their spouses from playing in the stock market is strong among Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike and remains unwavering. It has grown increasingly difficult for a majority of Congress to avoid doing the right thing on this measure. The political environment is going to be unrelenting. The actuality or even threat of tariffs imposed at-will by the president is going to be a large part of the nations economic agenda for some time to come and, with it, brazen yet unverifiable allegations of insider trading by public officials in the know will litter every hiccup. Congress, be good to yourself. Pass the ban on congressional stock trading and close the window on all the whispers and public scandals of congressional insider trading. Youve got more important matters that need tending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig Holman, Ph.D., is government affairs lobbyist at Public Citizen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said during a parliamentary session that Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants to see a "Ukraine-friendly" government in Hungary, but this will not happen. Source: European Pravda, citing Orbans words as quoted by Zoltan Kovacs, a spokesman for the Hungarian government Details: The Hungarian PM said during a parliamentary debate that Ukraine has agreed with Brussels on "accelerated EU accession" and now expects Hungary to ratify it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Zelenskyy wants a Ukraine-friendly government in Hungary. Those who are agents of Brussels are also friends of Zelenskyy," Orban said. Orban added that these expectations will not be met. "There will never be a situation where Kyiv or Brussels dictates how Hungarians exercise their rightful sovereignty," Orban said, repeating his frequent claim that Ukraine's accession to the EU would lead to Hungary's bankruptcy. Orban has also called on Hungarians to express their opinion on Ukraine's EU accession during the "Voks 2025 vote". Background: The Ukrainian government and the European Commission had ambitious plans for the pace of accession negotiations in 2025, but the Hungarian veto stood in the way. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto claimed that Zelenskyy "has to come to terms with the fact that Hungarians have every right to express their opinion on Ukraines fast-track EU accession". On 4 May, Zelenskyy and Orban made mutually critical statements on the issue. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Cheyenne Fite made a quick appearance in court Monday morning in Osceola County. Fite has been charged with aggravated manslaughter in connection with the October drowning death of her 5-year-old stepson, Riley Hogeback. Investigators said the child was found in a ditch filled with dirty water, naked and covered in mud. Mondays court hearing lasted only about five minutes. Fites lawyer told the judge that one doctor had finished checking Fites mental state, but he was still waiting for a report from another doctor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the judge scheduled a follow-up hearing for June 9. It is expected theyll further discuss whether Fite is mentally fit to understand the court process. Fite remains in jail and currently cannot be released on bond. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. Iranian authorities have detained two individuals in connection with a deadly explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, located in the countrys southern Hormozgan Province, Trend reports. The committee overseeing the investigation into the incident has revealed that one of the detained individuals is the head of a state-owned company, while the other manages a private sector firm. Both are under initial investigation. In addition, authorities have identified individuals who provided false statements about the explosion, and investigations into their actions are ongoing. The committee emphasized that efforts to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation are continuing. The explosion, which occurred on April 26 at one of the container terminals, has led to significant casualties, with at least 57 people confirmed dead and over 1,200 injured, according to official reports. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Georgia U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has introduced a bill to protect consumers from their online data being collected and sold. The bill would also create a Do Not Track List to prohibit companies from collecting these users data in the future. The reality is that corporate America is spying on all of us every day and collecting vast troves of data that we would expect to be private and confidential and then selling it, Ossoff told Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Action News Investigates in recent days has reported how some online retailers are using data collected by third-party companies for surveillance pricing. We also showed you how apps that consumers use to find the cheapest price for gas or keep their family safe are tracking their driving and selling that data to insurance companies. The bipartisan Ossoff bill, cosponsored by Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy, would allow consumers to opt out of that data tracking. Youd be able to log on to one website, click a button that says delete, and voila, these data brokers will no longer have these vast troves of data about each of us, our kids, our families, Ossoff said. Otis College of Art and Design hosted its annual Otis Atelier scholarship benefit this week alongside fashion A-listers and celebrities in Beverly Hills where students showcased their work. Fashion celebrity Joe Zee served as the evenings emcee for the fourth annual event, hosted by, among others, Angeleno restaurateur and fashion icon Patti Rockenwager, who is part of the prestigious Otis Atelier Host Committee that organizes the annual fashion show and dinner party, now in its fourth year. The event raises money for first-generation college students at Otis, where a staggering 30% of students are the first in their families to attend a four-year college or university. This year, Florida native Madison Bigger was the recipient of the Mandy Einstein Fashion Scholarship, which recognized "her boundary-pushing designs and passion for sustainability," according to the Host Committee, who added that Bigger embodied the creativity that the award honored. "Mandy Einstein believed in the power of creativity and resilience to shape the future of fashion. Madison embodies that spirit, says Jill Zeleznik, Chair of the Fashion Design program at Otis. We look forward to witnessing her positive impact on the fashion industry and the world. There's year's extravaganza saw nearly 200 guests like Sharon Stone, Ann Philbin, podcaster and politician Jason Lee, Katherine Ross and Michael Govan, stylist Elizabeth Stewart, designer Michael Schmidt, music executive Luke Wood, TV personality Tai Beauchamp, designer Rod Beattie, stylist Nevena Borissova, and others who mingled among the well-heeled throngs to take in the work of Fashion Design students. The students work alongside industry giants who participated in the 2025 Fashion Design Mentors program at Otis, which included AGOLDE, Jonathan Cohen, David Meister, and others. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in his farewell speech on Monday evening, praised Germany's imminent change of government as an "expression of democratic normality." In these times, "it is by no means normal for such a transition to take place so civilly, so collegially and so decently, as we are experiencing here in Germany these days," the Social Democratic politician said ahead of a military ceremony honouring him before the planned transfer of power to his expected successor, Friedrich Merz, a conservative. Scholz emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving this civilized interaction among democrats. "Because it is precious," he said. Democracy, he noted, does not mean that everyone must always agree, but it requires a fundamental understanding of solidarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An understanding of unity that we share in our country despite our differing views, origins and convictions - and which makes Germany strong only when we hold it together." Scholz wishes Merz"a steady hand" Addressing his designated successor Merz, who was seated in the front row along with Merz's wife Charlotte, Scholz wished him "much success, good fortune and a steady hand" for all the tasks and challenges ahead. "In difficult moments, which will certainly come as well, I wish you encounters that give you strength and confidence," he said. Scholz added that he himself had often drawn strength from meetings with citizens "who prioritize unity over division...A country with such citizens has no reason to fear the future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military ceremony, known as the Grand Tattoo, is traditionally held to bid farewell to chancellors, presidents, defence ministers and senior military officials. Those being honoured are allowed to choose three pieces of music. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, attends the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo for his farewell ceremony, in front of the Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaks at the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo for his farewell ceremony, in front of the Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Michael Kappeler/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaks at the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo for his farewell ceremony, in front of the Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Michael Kappeler/dpa Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defense, speaks at the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo to bid farewell for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in front of the Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Michael Kappeler/dpa Advertisement Advertisement Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in his farewell speech on Monday evening, praised Germany's imminent change of government as an "expression of democratic normality." In these times, "it is by no means normal for such a transition to take place so civilly, so collegially and so decently, as we are experiencing here in Germany these days," the Social Democratic politician said ahead of a military ceremony honouring him before the planned transfer of power to his expected successor, Friedrich Merz, a conservative. Scholz emphasized the importance of protecting and preserving this civilized interaction among democrats. "Because it is precious," he said. Democracy, he noted, does not mean that everyone must always agree, but it requires a fundamental understanding of solidarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An understanding of unity that we share in our country despite our differing views, origins and convictions - and which makes Germany strong only when we hold it together." Last official call with Zelensky Prior to the ceremony, Scholz called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and thanked him for a close and trusting cooperation, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said in Berlin. The outgoing chancellor also stressed that Zelensky's willingness to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire demonstrated that no one desires peace more than Ukraine. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin must "finally reciprocate, abandon his cynical delaying tactics and end his ruthless campaign." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky, for his part, thanked the outgoing chancellor for "Germany's key role in supporting Ukraine throughout all the years of war." He recalled significant milestones of this support, such as Scholz's declaration of a "Zeitenwende," or turning point, in Germany's view of its need for defence and its position in the world and also an important coffee break for Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at an EU summit that secured Ukraine's candidate status. The Ukrainian leader also mentioned Germany's deliveries of Patriot and other air defence systems. Praise from current and future defence minister In a speech ahead of the military ceremony honouring Scholz, his party colleague Defence Minister Boris Pistorius praised the outgoing chancellor as a "statesman" who led Germany with determination, wisdom and composure through turbulent times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In difficult moments, you held your course," Pistorius said in Berlin. Russia invaded Ukraine just three months after Scholz took office, said Pistorius, the only current Cabinet member who will keep his job in the next administration. "During this time, you had to grapple with difficult decisions - decisions that needed to address the disruptive changes. Decisions that were not always popular, but which were always made with foresight for the good of our country," Pistorius said. The defence minister also said that Scholz "responsibly drew a line" under the ruling coalition that was wrecked with conflict and broke up the three-party group when that needed to be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A decision that was certainly not easy and one that deserves all of our respect," Pistorius added. Later in the evening, at the ceremony, Scholz was gracious and wished his designated successor Merz "a steady hand." Addressing Merz, who was seated in the front row along with Merz's wife Charlotte, Scholz wished him "much success, good fortune and a steady hand" for all the tasks and challenges ahead. "In difficult moments, which will certainly come as well, I wish you encounters that give you strength and confidence," he said. Scholz added that he himself had often drawn strength from meetings with citizens "who prioritize unity over division ... A country with such citizens has no reason to fear the future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military ceremony, known as the Grand Tattoo, is traditionally held to bid farewell to chancellors, presidents, defence ministers and senior military officials. Those being honoured are allowed to choose three pieces of music. Respect was the central slogan of Scholz's successful Bundestag election campaign in 2021. Scholz will remain a member of the Bundestag after stepping down as chancellor, having won a direct mandate in Potsdam, which he plans to hold until the end of the legislative period. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, attends the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo for his farewell ceremony, in front of the Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, attends the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo for his farewell ceremony, in front of the Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaks at the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo for his farewell ceremony, in front of the Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Michael Kappeler/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaks at the Bundeswehr's Grand Tattoo for his farewell ceremony, in front of the Ministry of Defence in Berlin. Michael Kappeler/dpa Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservationists fear that a change to Peruvian law will cause irreparable damage to the country's rainforests. What's happening? Peru's Forestry and Wildlife Law, enacted in 2011, required environmental studies and governmental approval before any change to forest land, as The Associated Press reported. That law has been weakened in recent years, according to the news service. An amendment passed in March now allows landowners and companies to bypass such approval and even makes past deforestation retroactively legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters say the change will give Peru's farmers and agricultural businesses more economic opportunities. Critics believe it will effectively privatize the Amazon rainforest which the constitution says is public, national land giving carte blanche for deforestation. "To us, this is gravely concerning," Alvaro Masquez Salvador, a lawyer with Peru's Legal Defense Institute, told the AP. Why is the Amazon important? More than 60% of Peru's land is covered by tropical forests, nearly all of which is the Amazon rainforest, according to the Rainforest Foundation US. It has the fourth-largest amount of rainforest of any country, and only Brazil has more Amazonian territory. First, the Amazon and other rainforests are crucial to Indigenous people for their communities and ways of life, as the AP noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainforests also play a vital role in our environment, as trees absorb heat-trapping gases, release oxygen, and help keep the planet cool. The Amazon, in particular, is home to 10% of the world's known species. But experts say that deforestation, such as what is now permitted under Peruvian law, has led to "a tipping point." What's being done to protect the Amazon? Lawyers have already filed challenges to this amendment. Peru's Constitutional Court said Indigenous communities should have been consulted before the law was changed but still upheld most of the amendment, per the AP. Notably, it upheld the portion that retroactively declares legal past deforestation efforts. "The court admits the law violated Indigenous rights and [tribes] should have been consulted but it still endorses the most harmful part," environmental lawyer Cesar Ipenza told the news service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International court challenges are expected to come next in a last-ditch effort to protect not just the Amazon but also the Indigenous people who call it home. As for actions individuals can take, we can stay informed about issues involving the Amazon and speak up where we see a need. 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. BOSTON (SHNS) Thousands of Massachusetts residents gained a new tool in the search for stable housing Monday, as a law took effect allowing eligible tenants to have their past eviction records sealed. Sen. Lydia Edwards, a longtime advocate for the law, said she already helped a constituent file an eviction-sealing petition Monday morning with the support of community organization City Life/Vida Urbana. Edwards said they used a website to fill out the paperwork. I was nervous. We got to, it was CourtFormsOnline.org went to there, looked up housing, had the petition, just clicked on that. And then it literally walks you through: Whats your name, wheres your docket, your docket number which everyone will need to have their docket number and then whats your address, Edwards said at a press conference outside the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in downtown Boston, where the Eastern Housing Court is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then we just went through it together, and then filed it, the East Boston Democrat, who co-chaired the Joint Committee on Housing last session, continued. It was filed directly in the court that it needed to go to, and we did this all from the public library. Edwards, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Senate President Karen Spilka, Boston Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon and other officials joined advocates and housing attorneys outside the courthouse to raise awareness of the new law, which was embedded in the Affordable Homes Act that Gov. Maura Healey signed in August. The new law is intended to remove a major barrier to housing stability. Eviction records are publicly-accessible court records, which landlords can currently use to deny housing to prospective tenants. Records are public even if tenants won a case or reached an agreement with a landlord, advocates said. Eviction sealing is not an automatic process under the new law. Tenants who win their case, have a case dismissed or had a no-fault eviction case can petition to have their records sealed immediately after the appeal period ends, according to a fact sheet. Tenants will need to wait four years to petition after the end of a non-payment case, and seven years after a fault-eviction case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law also blocks credit and consumer reporting agencies from including information about sealed eviction records in their reports. Nearly 5,000 evictions are filed annually in Boston, with many submitted at the courthouse where officials and advocates had gathered, Dillon said. About 1,500 of those eviction filings turn into actual evictions, and it is really hard for those families to oftentimes move on because of the records that they have acquired along the way, Dillon said. She added, Its wonderful to have this new tool, but its also our work to make sure that less evictions happen every year by creating more affordable housing, providing more legal assistance, more rental relief. And so the work upstream needs to continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, said his organization initially opposed the eviction sealing law over safety concerns for tenants. Vasil said its important for building owners to know about certain past offenses when screening prospective tenants. GBREB eventually backed the law after years of dialogue with Edwards, including during her tenure as a city councilor, and with House Majority Leader Mike Moran of Brighton. There will be growing pains with the new law, Vasil told the News Service. Its going to be a learning process for a lot of people. A lot of our owners are large owners that may have dealt with this in other jurisdictions across the country, Vasil said. Its going to be a real sea change for the small owner, which a lot of us folks we dont represent. Its going to be very different for the mom and pops. They dont have a team, they dont necessarily have a legal staff that they can look at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts Trial Court launched an online tool Monday, called the Eviction Sealing Guided Interview, to help Bay Staters navigate the process and file petitions electronically. Annette Duke, senior housing staff attorney at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, also encouraged residents to visit SealMyEviction.org for resources about the process. Campbell called Monday a historic and amazing day for tenants. Black renters are 2.4 times more likely to have an eviction filed against them than their white counterparts, and Black women are at greatest risk of having an eviction record or case filed against them, the attorney general said. We want everyone today to know that if you have an eviction in the past, that starting today, this option may be available to us. So, it will be incumbent upon all of us to get this information out to the people across the commonwealth, Campbell said. I want to promise, and Im making a promise, that our office will do everything in its power to continue our trainings, Know Your Rights, providing legal clinics, materials, all the resources that we are able to provide to ensure that folks have access to this critical information. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) Low ceilings at Newark Liberty International Airport have led to more than 100 flight delays and cancellations on Monday, according to the airports website. Ground stops were called at both Newark and LaGuardia Airport, according to the FAA. Those have since been lifted, but delays are expected to continue at those airports, the agency said. More Local News Travelers can track their flight status by checking out Newark Airports tracker. It lists all flights arriving and departing, but can also be used to find specific flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A map that tracks air traffic and weather is also available on the airports website. Several major airlines also have their own flight trackers: The airport has been dealing with sweeping delays and cancellations since last week due to a range of issues, including staffing shortages and equipment, the FAA said. United Airlines canceled 35 round trips from Newark last week over mounting staffing issues. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. May 4While family members and friends of Central New Mexico Community College graduates filed into Tingley Coliseum on Saturday, in a small building just west of the auditorium, Marijke Ypma nervously mulled over the pages of the speech she was set to deliver just an hour later. Ypma was a clear choice to be the student speaker at a graduation event that coincided with CNM's 60th anniversary. She holds a 3.93 GPA, is a member of the honor society Phi Theta Kappa, has made the dean's list for two semesters and has bold aspirations for the future. But the path to speak at the largest community college in the state's graduation was full of adversity: childhood trauma from her parent's distressing divorce, a speech impediment, an autism diagnosis at age 11 and both her mother and her grandmother being diagnosed with cancer in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being accepted to multiple four-year universities, including the two largest in New Mexico the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University Ypma elected to attend CNM and ease into the post-secondary experience. "I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle a change or maybe properly communicate with my peers and professors. I would doubt myself, and thoughts would cross my mind: 'What if I'm alone again,' she said, speaking to the over 900 graduates and the thousands of attendees. "However, even through all of these challenges, CNM opened its doors to me." She would later walk the stage and receive her graduation certificates in American Sign Language and Early Childhood Development and is on track to receive her associate degree next May. During her speech, Ypma said her journey at CNM began when she was 4 years old, recalling laying in her mother's lap while she studied. "I totally started bawling there because it was so true," Francine Cala, Ypma's mother, told the Journal following the ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francine Cala did not want to discuss the divorce from Ypma's father, she acknowledged its impact on her daughter. She also suspected from an early age that Ypma might be on the autism spectrum, noting that she often played by herself and struggled to make friends. "It's just amazing how much she has progressed. I'm just amazed, and then to see her on the stage, oh my God, I'm even getting teary-eyed now because that wasn't her. She's just blossomed into this beautiful person," Francine Cala said. She credited her mother, Ypma's grandmother, Maureen Cala, with teaching her to become more independent and comfortable in social settings by taking her on trips to the grocery store and giving her lists of items to pick up. "She never could have done that without the help from my mom, (she) really provided a lot of help for her because I was in school, and then I was working," Francine Cala said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francine Cala herself received two associate degrees from CNM, which propelled her to work in her current role as a medical assistant at the UNM Cancer Center. But during Ypma's sophomore year of high school, Francine Cala was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer that eventually progressed to stage 4. "It was a constant battle of having a fear of waiting," Ypma told the Journal. "I remember having to shave her head as I was managing my high school classes and everything, and then having to deal with just that emotional weight of, 'Will I have a mother tomorrow?'" Her mother's battle with cancer lasted until Ypma was at CNM, when she eventually reached remission, but then Maureen Cala was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The chemo treatment kept her from being able to attend CNM's graduation, though she did watch a livestream. When she returned home from the graduation ceremony, Francine Cala said Ypma's grandmother told her she was amazed at the speech and how her granddaughter presented herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ypma plans to continue her studies over 700 miles away in College Station, Texas, at one of the largest public universities in the country: Texas A&M. She hopes to get her doctorate in urban education to improve the country's education so that "factors such as poverty, race and living situations do not prevent success and access to quality education." But she acknowledged it would be hard to leave behind her family and new-found friends. "I'm sad about it because I've had so many great teachers, especially in the education (department), and I made friends for the first time that are meaningful and long-lasting, and it hurts having to go," Ypma said. "But I know that if I'm successful in the Ph.D., I'm able to bring change to New Mexico that would benefit us for generations." Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir Shakeela remembers being upbeat and hopeful that evening. As officials in Indian-administered Kashmir counted votes cast in the regional assembly election in October last year, a quiet optimism settled over the 50-year-old mother, who had been waiting for more than three years for her only son, 24-year-old Faizyaab, to be freed from an Indian jail. Faizyaab is among thousands of Kashmiris who were thrown into prisons after Prime Minister Narendra Modis government unilaterally scrapped the regions special status in 2019 and brought it under New Delhis direct control. Most of the people behind bars are widely regarded as political prisoners in other words, people charged under anti-terror laws for allegedly working with armed Kashmiri rebels, or detained over other antinational activities such as speaking out or writing against the Indian rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the hopes many Kashmiri families held that the formation of a regional government would lead to the release of their loved ones have been crushed since the killing of 26 people in the scenic meadows of Pahalgam town by suspected rebels last month. The April 22 attack the worst in the disputed region in nearly 25 years has triggered a significant crackdown by Indian security forces, who have arrested dozens of suspects as part of their hunt for Pahalgam killers. The incident has also led to an escalation in military tensions with neighbouring Pakistan, which New Delhi accuses of backing the attack. Islamabad rejects the charge. Shakeela told Al Jazeera she has been overwhelmed with anxiety since she heard of the Pahalgam attack, fearing a new wave of detentions and an even harsher crackdown by the Indian forces. She thinks that chances of her sons release have been further diminished, especially since he is already booked under charges reserved for the rebels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The little hope I had after the elections for my sons release is quickly fading because of the Pahalgam attack. I fear things will only get worse and my son wont be released anytime soon, said Shakeela. The Himalayan region of Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan who control parts of it, has been a flashpoint between the South Asian nuclear powers since their independence from the British rule in 1947. Interactive_Kashmir_Territorial Control_April23_2025 The two nations have fought three of their four wars over the region. The conflict intensified after an armed rebellion against New Delhis rule began on the Indian side in 1989. Since then, more than 40,000 people have been killed there, including nearly 14,000 civilians, 5,000 Indian security personnel and 22,000 rebels. The assembly elections held last year in Indian-administered Kashmir were the first in a decade and the first since New Delhis controversial 2019 move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most parties opposed to Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) campaigned on a pledge to secure the release or transfer of political detainees to prisons within Kashmir an issue that resonates deeply in a region where mass arrests have shaped daily lives for decades. Hundreds of Kashmiri prisoners have been sent to prisons outside the region, with the authorities citing overcrowded jails as the reason. Kashmiris queue up at a polling station in Pulwama during last years elections [File: Mehran Firdous/Al Jazeera] Many in Kashmir saw last years elections as a means to reclaim the democratic rights they felt were eroded after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Voter turnout surged at about 64 percent, higher than the 58.5 percent turnout during the 2024 general elections. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), a pro-India political party that also promised the release of political prisoners, won 42 of the 90 assembly seats and formed government with the help of allies in early November. But there has been no clarity since on whether the Kashmiri political prisoners will be freed. Playing with emotions for votes Shakeela heard from her relatives that most political parties in Kashmir had pledged in their election manifestos to prioritise the release of political prisoners and young people who had been unjustly detained in jails in and outside the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She voted for the NC, hoping a regional government after a decade would bring her son home. But she has spent the past six months in a state of limbo, caught between fleeting optimism and relentless despair as the NC government has taken no action on the matter. It seems they were just playing with our emotions for their vote bank, she said. Shakeela sits with her brother at his home in downtown Srinagar [Mehran Firdous/Al Jazeera] Every night, her eyes linger on the houses wooden door, a knock on which on the night of November 7, 2022, disrupted their lives. It was past 10pm. Shakeela and Faizyaab were about to go to sleep when a loud knock shattered the silence around their house in downtown Srinagar, the regions main city. They had been living there with three other members of the family of Shakeelas brother since she separated from her husband a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As soon as Shakeela opened the door, a large contingent of policemen stormed inside, barely offering any explanation before detaining her son for allegedly associating with a rebel outfit a charge the family has contested in a court of law. They [police] told me he would be back in a few days, but days turned into months and months into years, Shakeela told Al Jazeera as she struggled to hold back her tears. Arrested under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), an anti-terror law that effectively allows people to be held without trial indefinitely, Faizyaab was first sent to a Srinagar jail before being transferred last year to another facility in Jammu, nearly 300km (186 miles) away from home. While Shakeela had her brothers house to stay, she depended on her college-going sons part-time job with a private company for financial support. She has been unable to see her son for the past eight months and does not have the money to travel to Jammu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have no source of income. My son was my only support, and even that was cruelly taken away, she told Al Jazeera. Another Eid [al-Fitr] came and went without my son, a time meant for joy and celebration, but for me, it felt like just another ordinary day. My son wasnt there to greet me. My Eid will only come the day he walks free, she said. Government has forgotten us Like Shakeela, many families with relatives imprisoned outside the Kashmir Valley struggle to visit them, mainly due to financial constraints. In southern Kashmirs Pulwama district, Ishrat (name changed), 29, waits for her 25-year-old brother to come home. She requested that Al Jazeera not disclose her brothers name worried that media attention might affect his chances of securing freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ishrats brother was booked under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA) in June 2023 for allegedly being an overground associate of the rebels. The PSA is an administrative law that allows the arrest and detention without trial of any individual, with no warrant or specific charge, for a period of up to two years. Since 2018, more than 1,100 people jailed under the PSA have been relocated to prisons outside Kashmir, marking a significant shift in the regions detention practices. That trend picked up particularly after 2019, with the government citing overcrowding in local jails as the reason behind the shift. Ishrats brother was initially jailed in Jammu and was soon transferred to a prison in Uttar Pradesh state, more than 1,000km (620 miles) away from home. Since then, his family has been unable to visit him due to the high travel costs involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ishrat told Al Jazeera her brother faces several hardships in prison, such as poor sanitation. During the month of Ramadan, she said her brother and other prisoners had to save the food provided at lunch for iftar (meal to break the fast) and conserve their dinner for suhoor (predawn meal). She said the only ceiling fan in his cell is mounted nearly 25 feet (7.6 metres) high, offering little relief during north Indias brutal summer. Every day in that prison cell feels like a day in the fires of hell, she said, describing her brothers condition. Meanwhile, the health of their mother, who is in her late 40s, has been deteriorating, Ishrat said. Consumed by grief, she longs for her sons return and spends most of her days in tears. Their only solace comes twice a week when Ishrats brother is allowed a brief five-minute phone call from jail barely enough to bridge the distance that separates them. A Kashmiri man rides his bicycle on election day in Kashmir [File: Mehran Firdous/Al Jazeera] Ishrat recalled that during the assembly elections last year, candidates from various political parties campaigned in her village, pledging in their speeches to secure the release of the detainees, or at least have them transferred to Kashmir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ishrat said that every member of her family voted, assured that a new government would take decisive action in the matter. But nothing of the sort has yet happened. It feels like the government has forgotten us after the elections, failing to fulfil its promises and leaving families like ours deeply disappointed, Ishrat said. She said if her brother had committed a crime, he should be punished as per the law, but held in a jail in Kashmir. Holding my brother in a prison far from home is a form of collective punishment for us. Al Jazeera reached out to officials in Kashmirs prison department for their comments on detentions and shifting of prisoners, but has not received a response. Challenging times for Kashmir NC spokesman Imran Nabi Dar defended the regional government, saying the removal of Kashmirs statehood and a New Delhi-appointed lieutenant governors control over security matters were impediments to the fulfilment of their promises. Only a few months have passed [since the regional government was formed] and the party has a full five-year term to serve the people, he told Al Jazeera. He said that the party remained committed to fulfilling every pledge made during the elections, and urged people to have faith and patience. We have consistently stated that individuals detained since 2019 who do not face serious charges and those held unjustly deserve to be released. We remain firm in our commitment to that promise, he said. I understand the pain and frustration these families are going through. We have not forgotten them, and we assure them that this issue will be resolved soon, said Dar, adding that the situation in Kashmir has changed after the Pahalgam attack, which has worsened the already fragile conditions. These are challenging times for Kashmir, he told Al Jazeera on Monday, highlighting a significant spike in security measures and a looming threat of war with Pakistan. Meanwhile, authorities in Kashmir have detained or questioned thousands of people in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. Local media reports, citing the police, say at least 90 people have been booked under PSA. Several homes of suspected rebels and their alleged associates have been demolished, deepening the anxiety among residents. Kashmiri academic and political analyst Sheikh Showkat Hussain told Al Jazeera that arrests have consistently been used to deprive individuals of their personal liberty in Kashmir, especially since the rise of mass uprisings and militancy [rebellion]. He said holding people in prisons outside the region makes their ordeal even harder, placing an immense burden on both the detainees and their families. The practice, he said, not only violates Indias constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, but also fuels further alienation among Kashmiris, worsening an already fragile situation. Dates are essential to guide us through the labyrinth of history; but they dont always reflect the whole truth. For some researchers, World War II didnt begin on September 1, 1939, nor did it end on May 8, 1945. The 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict, which is commemorated Thursday, comes at a particularly delicate time, in which many of the certainties on which the continents postwar history was based have been shattered. Military historian Antony Beevor believes that World War II began in 1937 with the Japanese aggression against China, and other scholars, such as Ian Kershaw, maintain that it continued until the end of the Greek Civil War, which ended in 1949, or the mass expulsion of ethnic Germans between 1945 and 1948, which produced 12 million refugees. Some historians even consider World Wars I and II to be part of a single, intense conflict. In Spain, we have been debating for months whether the end of Francos regime came in November 1975, with the dictators death, or in December 1978, with the approval of the Constitution as if the demise of the tyrant had nothing to do with the end of tyranny. We live in such volatile times that, when the massive blackout in Spain and Portugal occurred last Monday, many assumed a Russian cyberattack rather than a technical failure. Europes history provides us with the certainty that the past can be defeated, that a continent shaken by every imaginable war and conflict can become an oasis of democracy in an increasingly turbulent world. But Europes history also shows us the fragility of freedom. Red Army soldiers raise the Soviet flag on the Reichstag in Berlin on April 30, 1945, in an image taken by Vladimir Grebnev. Sovfoto (Universal Images Group / Getty I) Precisely for this reason, if theres one date to which historians have returned intensely in recent years, in search of possible lessons for the present, it is January 30, 1933, when Adolf Hitler came to power and, within a few months, the Nazis destroyed the Weimar Republic, one of the periods of greatest liberty in 20th-century Europe, symbolized by, among others, the painter George Grosz and his portrait of street life in 1920s Berlin. 1933 Syndrome, by Siegmund Ginzberg; Weimar. Uncertain Times, a graphic novel by Martin, Pedragosa, and Morata; or the magnificent recent exhibition at Madrids Caixa Forum on the ephemeral German Republic, Uncertain Times, are just a few examples of an avalanche of new releases about that sinister period. All of these, in one way or another, attempt to answer the same question: How could it have happened? How could one of the most cultured, civilized, and thriving countries in Europe have fallen, with the applause of the majority, into the hands of a savage, racist, and antisemitic tyrant, who would ultimately be responsible for the deaths of millions of people? In his latest book, Les irresponsables. Qui a porte Hitler au pouvoir? (The Irresponsibles. Who Brought Hitler to Power?), French expert on Nazism Johann Chapoutot reflects on the economic and political powers that brought the Nazis to power and underlines the enormous collective responsibility. But the chapter dedicated to that date by historian and journalist Volker Ullrich in his latest book, Fateful Hours: The Collapse of the Weimar Republic, is particularly disturbing, revealing the recklessness of many of those who lived through that moment, including some Jews, who trusted in institutions that proved incapable of stopping tyranny. Looking at the present, at the United States under Trump, Hungary under Viktor Orban, and all the countries threatened by the far right, reading the vision of contemporaries is chilling. 'The Rape of Europa,' Francisco de Goya, 1772. Private collection. WIKIPEDIA To fuss over Hitler becoming chancellor strikes me as so childish that it could be reserved for his followers, wrote Hamburg native Nikolaus Sieveking. Vice-Chancellor Ewald von Kleist-Schmenzin considered: In two months, we will have cornered Hitler to the extent that he will be unable to do anything but complain. Even Sebastian Haffner, author of History of a German, recounted that, faced with the feeling he had about Hitler a smell of blood and filth surrounding that man his father, a liberal educator, thought: He would certainly cause some misfortune, but it wouldnt last long. All this nonchalance contrasts with the Nazi dictators own words, who, as Ullrich recalls, had never hidden his intentions: To completely eliminate the Weimar system, exterminate Marxism, and expel the Jews from Germany, by whatever means necessary. Very few believed he was capable. But the continents history is also full of dates that look to the future. First and foremost, in the spring of 1945 when Nazi Germany was defeated which Ullrich himself analyzes in detail in Eight Days in May: The Final Collapse of the Third Reich. In a very short time, the great European powers decided to share economic resources instead of fighting over them in an endless cycle of war. Europe Day is celebrated on May 9, a date that commemorates the year 1950 in which the Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for cooperation on the continent. A civic demonstration has been called for May 11 in Madrid in defense of European values. No book chronicles that stellar moment for humanity when Europe overcame its past like Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945, the great classic by Tony Judt. The title of its final chapter, Europe as a Way of Life, encapsulates the sense of security many citizens feel knowing they belong to this continent, even though its very difficult to stop looking back. In Europe, the threat of history arose not from a deliberate distortion of the past for fallacious purposes, but from nostalgia, writes Judt in a book whose substance the reader never fully grasps. Soviet soldiers during the fall of Berlin, May 1945. Sovfoto (Universal Images Group / Getty Images) Its also inevitable to think of the night of November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell. However, in his excellent book Homelands: A Personal History of Europe, Timothy Garton Ash chooses another date in that push toward freedom that marked the end of the 20th century: March 11, 1985, when the USSR elected a new leader, a then-virtually unknown Mikhail Gorbachev. The decisive role of individual figures in history was demonstrated by a system whose ideology insisted that it was large, impersonal forces that made history, writes the British journalist and historian. In Free: Coming of Age at the End of History, Lea Ypi has crafted one of the most entertaining and moving though also harsh stories of what it meant to live in the communist world and of the end of the fault line that divided the continent in two. She describes the surprise she experienced on her first trip to the other side of the Iron Curtain: Some children laughed at me because I didnt know a mouse who, apparently, was very famous: Mickey. Looking back, there are other key dates on the long road to democracy. In her new book, Dou nous venons. Ce qui nous unit, ce qui nous divise (Where We Come From. What Unites Us, What Separates Us), Geraldine Schwarz, author of that wonderful essay on Europe entitled The Amnesiacs, travels back to June 15, 1215, when a group of English barons, tired of the kings abuses, particularly prosecutors, occupied London and forced the monarch to sign the Magna Carta, which limited his own powers. For the first time, the Magna Carta guaranteed something that Donald Trump is consistently flouting with his migrant deportations: habeas corpus, the right to contest ones own detention before a judge. The tree under which that document was signed still stands today, the thousand-year-old yew of Runnymede, on the banks of the Thames, which has become like Beethovens Ode to Joy, Cervantes Don Quixote, or Victor Hugos Les Miserables a symbol of the deep roots of the freedoms that European citizens have managed to wrest from tyrants over the centuries. Josef Hader plays the writer in Maria Schrader's 'Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe.' cordon press Between 1724 and 1725, Johann Sebastian Bach composed his cycle of chorale cantatas, the most ambitious of all his projects, writes Christoph Wolff in Bachs Musical Universe. This is not just one of the peaks of European culture; rather, to a large extent, the works that the Eisenach maestro composed for Lutheran worship may embody the definitive end of another sinister moment in European history: the Wars of Religion, which devastated the continent in the 16th and 17th centuries. Although the Peace of Westphalia was signed in 1648, a treaty that paved the way for religious freedom and multilateralism, the conflicts continued until the end of the 17th century. Jeremie Foa, an expert on the Wars of Religion, has published Survivre, a history of how the religious massacres that shook France affected every level of society, from Michel de Montaignes sleepless nights, when he thought he could be killed at any moment, to their influence on language. In civil wars, language becomes opaque, it loses its effectiveness as a transparent vehicle, he wrote. Under Bachs genius, that seemingly endless conflict became a form of beauty that the worlds greatest Baroque musicians continue to perform, and art once again flowed as a form of communication. They were naturally there on July 14, 1789, the day of the storming of the Bastille although, as Eric Vuillard recalls in July 14, the king wrote that day in his diary: Nothing or on March 18, 1871, with the explosion of freedom that the Paris Commune represented. Or on April 14, 1931, when Spaniards became citizens with the birth of the Second Republic. But most of these dates have a dark side: the French Revolution eventually mutated into the terror of Robespierre and the guillotine; the Paris Commune was overthrown by savage repression celebrated in one of Europes ugliest monuments, the Sacre Coeur basilica in Paris and the Second Republic was annihilated by a bloody fascist coup detat. It took Spaniards 40 years to recover lost freedoms. The French historian Olivier Wieviorka, a professor at the Ecole Normale Superieure, has just published the monumental The Total History of the Second World War, a volume of almost 1,000 pages in which he analyzes the conflict from all possible perspectives, in a manner as solid as it is original. For example, chapter 18, A Racial War, offers a profound and disturbing look at one of the concepts that unleashed the horror of horrors: the deeply rooted idea that some peoples are superior to others and, therefore, have the right to exterminate them. His conclusion is both optimistic and pessimistic, the never again of the Auschwitz survivors in the face of the harsh reality of Russian expansionism and the fact that a part of Europe remains trapped in the loop of war. The Second World War forces us to question humankind, our capacity for adhesion, submission, or rebellion. It forces us to reflect on humanity and its inhumanity, on the rationality of leaders and the true extent of their power, writes Wieviorka. The survivors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald responded with a never again. War had to be banished, if not from the world, then at least from Europe, and the horrors of the concentration camps would be nothing more than a horrifying memory. However, the Gulag flourished; armed conflicts returned to the Old Continent, first in Yugoslavia and then in Ukraine. No matter how much the great lessons of the interwar period were studied and debated, they never yielded the bitter fruit of experience, the historian continues. However, it is a fact that Europe managed to move forward into the future, without being swept away by the current into the past. The Berlin Wall on the day it fell. LUIS MAGAN In Homelands, Garton Ash chooses a book that symbolizes all those comings and goings between the Europe of freedoms and the Europe of tyrannies, between hope and terror, between a future both dazzling and dangerous and a past full of lessons we refuse to learn. It is, naturally, The World of Yesterday, by Stefan Zweig. Garton Ash recalls one of the crucial quotes from that masterpiece: I never loved that old earth more than in those last years before the First World War, never hoped more ardently for European unity, never had more faith in its future than then, when we thought we saw a new dawning. Along with Zweig, another author has become the symbol of European humanism and the will to build a better world with words: Albert Camus. In his Nobel Prize speech, the author of The Stranger declared: Each generation doubtless feels called upon to reform the world. Mine knows that it will not reform it, but its task is perhaps even greater. It consists in preventing the world from destroying itself. These words were spoken in 1957. Now, in this fearful year of 2025, they are more valid than ever. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam and Charlotte Greenfield ISLAMABAD/BELA NOOR SHAH, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan carried out a second missile test in three days on Monday and India said it ordered several states to conduct security drills, as fears mounted the neighbours could be heading to a confrontation over a deadly attack in Kashmir. Moody's warned that the standoff could set back Islamabad's economic reforms as world powers called for calm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relations between the nuclear-armed states have nosedived since gunmen killed 26 people on April 22 in an attack targeting Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir, the worst such assault on civilians in India in nearly two decades. India has accused Pakistan of involvement. Islamabad has denied the allegations but said it has intelligence that New Delhi intends to launch military action against it soon. The countries have shut their land borders, suspended trade, and closed their airspace to each other's airlines, and there have been exchanges of small arms fire across the frontier in Kashmir. India's interior ministry has asked several states to conduct mock security drills on May 7 to ensure civil preparedness, a government source told Reuters on Monday. They did not say which states or mention Pakistan or Kashmir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drills will include air raid warning sirens, evacuation plans and training people to respond in case of any attacks, added the source, who asked not to be named. Earlier, the Pakistani army said it had tested a Fatah series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 km (75 miles), two days after a successful launch of the Abdali surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 450 km. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the successful test launch "made it clear that Pakistan's defence is in strong hands". Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told journalists there was no communication channel open with India at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Himalayan region of Kashmir lies at the heart of decades of hostility between Hindu-majority India and Islamist Pakistan, both of which claim it in full but rule it in part. India has accused its neighbour of supporting Islamist separatists battling security forces in its part of the region. Pakistan says it only provides diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris seeking self-determination. ECONOMIC COST Moody's said the standoff could hurt Pakistan's $350 billion economy, which is on a path to recovery after securing a $7 billion bailout programme from the International Monetary Fund last year and staving off a default threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sustained escalation in tensions with India would likely weigh on Pakistans growth and hamper the governments ongoing fiscal consolidation, setting back Pakistans progress in achieving macroeconomic stability," Moody's said. "A persistent increase in tensions could also impair Pakistan's access to external financing and pressure its foreign-exchange reserves," it added. The report comes two days after Reuters reported that India has asked the IMF to review its loans to Pakistan. India's economy is not expected to see major disruptions since it has "minimal economic relations" with Pakistan - although higher defence spending could weigh on New Delhi's fiscal strength and slow fiscal consolidation, Moody's added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran's foreign minister, who earlier said his country was ready to help India and Pakistan "forge greater understanding" after the attack, was in Pakistan on Monday to meet leaders. He will visit India on Thursday. Russia said on Monday it was following the situation with great concern and that it valued its ties with both countries. President Vladimir Putin "strongly condemned" the Kashmir attack in a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed full support to India in its "fight against terrorism", India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X. Pakistan said on Monday it will "formally apprise" the United Nations Security Council of the situation and call upon it "to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security by taking appropriate measures". (Reporting by Gibran Peshimam, Asif Shahzad, Ariba Shahid, Charlotte Greenfield and Sarita Chaganti Singh; writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh and Andrew Heavens) Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip on Monday have resulted in dozens killed, the Hamas-controlled Civil Defence said. The agency reported that by Monday evening, at least 51 Palestinians had been killed across the territory. In a single attack in Gaza City, located in the northern part of the region, rescue workers recovered 15 bodies. Dozens of others were injured in the incident. The civil defence did not initially provide information on the identities of the victims and the report could not initially be independently verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military stated, upon request, that it would investigate the matter. Arab media reported further casualties in the evening following an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle in Nuseirat, located in central Gaza. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported six deaths. This report also could not be independently verified, and the Israeli military did not immediately comment on the matter when asked. MENOMONIE Amanda Palmer, the estranged wife of author Neil Gaiman, was dismissed from the suit filed by the former caretaker of the couples son. The filing, made at the behest of Scarlett Pavlovich, asks the case be dismissed without prejudice, which means it could be refiled later. But the judge in the case said its not as simple as the filing made by Pavlovichs attorneys. An order responding to the motion says that when a party wishes to dismiss less than the entire action, the proper course is to file an amended pleading rather than a notice of dismissal. Given that, the court interpreted the filing as a motion to amend the complaint, which it granted and dismissed Palmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pavlovich initially sued both Palmer and Gaiman, accusing the former of employing her so that she could be victimized by the latter. The suit includes extensive accusations of sexual and mental abuse over an extended time period, as well as efforts to keep her from voicing the accusations at the time. The dismissal was one of two significant filings in the case, with the other coming from a New Zealand attorney hired by Gaiman. Gaimans defense team has asked the court to dismiss the case and require it to be filed in New Zealand, where Gaiman and Pavlovich were at the time of the accusations. The entry of David Jones appears to be a bid to bolster Gaimans argument that New Zealand is the proper forum for the claims raised by Pavlovich. Her attorneys have argued otherwise, saying New Zealand law is sufficiently different to render it a non-viable alternative. A significant portion of Jones filing establishes his background, both as a prosecutor and an attorney for defendants. He leverages that to argue New Zealands options are largely similar to those in a U.S. court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One could be forgiven, after reading the statement of Mr. Wass, [for thinking] that a complainant in a sexual abuse case in New Zealand had no civil rights of redress in this country, Jones wrote. That is quite wrong. The motive in filing in the United States, Jones said, appears to be that the criminal complaint lodged by Pavlovich in New Zealand did not result in prosecution and conviction. That absence means her options for payments for emotional harm or reparations are exhausted. Put simply, she had redress by resort to the criminal process but that came to nothing. The result was a wholly strategic filing in the U.S. By filing suit in the US, Ms. Pavlovich is attempting to circumvent the legal process in this country and advance her complaint in what she undoubtedly considers is (for her) a more favorable jurisdiction in terms of financial reward, Jones wrote. The court has not ruled on Gaimans bid to have the case thrown out. A status conference is scheduled for May 28 via phone. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) A bi-annual tradition that sees businesses all across Downtown Panama City transform into pop-up art studios is making a return this weekend. Over 20 different shops are participating in this years Downtown ArtWalk all across the Downtown Panama City area. Throughout the afternoon, you will get the chance to speak with artists and view their artwork, purchase pieces, listen to live music, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This particular event has been around since 2016 and continuously makes a return because it provides local artists with the chance to showcase their talent to a wider audience. Free skin cancer screenings for Panhandle residents at Dermatology Specialists This is a way for businesses to bring in artists, and they can have that little umbrella safety net of being there and doing what they do in a friendly environment, said Gallery of Art 850 Owner Kim Griffin-White. The businesses have been so kind to these local artists, and then it gets them exposure. This years Downtown ArtWalk will be on Saturday, May 10th, from noon to 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admission is free, and you can walk between businesses as you please. If you visit at least seven of the participating businesses, you will be entered into a drawing for the chance to take home some prizes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - - If the Catholic cardinals entering the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis are looking for a steady administrator to run the Church and bring some calm after three consecutive papacies that were at times tempestuous, they may look no further than Pietro Parolin. On nearly every media shortlist of papal contenders, Parolin has been the Vatican's secretary of state for the last 12 years, effectively the number two position in the Church. He is also the Vatican's top diplomat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two roles mean Parolin - a 70-year-old from a small town in Italy's deeply Catholic northern Veneto region - is perhaps the candidate best known to the 133 cardinal electors who will enter the Sistine Chapel for the start of the secret conclave on Wednesday. Cardinals who have visited Rome from around the world on Church business have met him and he has visited most of their countries. Two cardinals from two African countries, for example, probably know Parolin just as well or even better than they know each other. Under Francis, who died on April 21, the number of occasions all the world's cardinals could meet altogether in Rome was limited. "We have to get to know each other" has been a common refrain to reporters from otherwise tight-lipped cardinals entering and leaving pre-conclave meetings known as "General Congregations". Parolin is seen as a quiet diplomat who is pragmatic more than conservative or progressive. He occasionally had to quietly put out fires caused by the late pope's remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis, an Argentine who was the first pope from the Americas, gave media interviews and sometimes spoke off the cuff in public. "He (Parolin) knows how to take a punch for the number one and for the institution," said one cleric currently based abroad who has worked with him and has known him for many years, who asked not to be identified because of the secretive nature of the conclave. One such recent occasion was when the late pope suggested last year that Israel's military campaign in Gaza might amount to genocide. Parolin agreed to meet with then-Israeli ambassador to the Vatican, Raphael Schutz, who told him that Israel wanted the pope to say more about Israel's right to defend itself. When Francis said Ukraine should have the "courage of the white flag" to end the war there, the comment drew widespread criticism from allies of Kyiv but was hailed by Russia. Parolin quietly told diplomats that the pope meant negotiations, not surrender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CAREER FOCUSED ON DIPLOMACY Parolin entered the minor seminary when he was 14 and was ordained in 1980. He has spent nearly all of his career in Vatican diplomacy, in Rome and around the world. He has never headed a Catholic diocese, which would have given him more pastoral experience. But those who know him say this is not a deficit because in running an organization as complex as the Vatican's central administration and representing the pope around the world, he has had many contacts with many members of the faithful. "He traveled to many places and dealt with all categories of people in diverse regional, cultural and linguistic environments. He knows the universal Church," the overseas cleric said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some conservative-leaning cardinals in the U.S. and Asia have expressed disagreement with Parolin because he is the main architect of a secret 2018 Vatican agreement with China. They call the deal, which gives Chinese authorities some say in who will serve as Catholic bishops, a sell-out to the Communist Party. Supporters say it is better than no dialogue at all between the Church and China and that even Pope Benedict, known as more conservative than Francis, favored it. Another criticism is that under Parolin's watch the Secretariat of State lost some $140 million in a botched investment in a London property. The deal led to a Vatican corruption trial in which Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was one of Parolin's top deputies, was convicted of embezzlement and fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parolin testified at the trial but was not among those accused. Becciu denies wrongdoing and is appealing the verdict. Parolin's personality is definitely not as charismatic as that of Francis, but some cardinals may see that as a plus. "Parolin is like Clark Kent without the superman part - mild-mannered, industrious, respected, but not flashy," said one person, a layman, who knows him well, referring to the famous comic book character with two personalities. (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Frances Kerry) The parents and grandmother of five children who were found living in squalid conditions in a Manchester apartment in 2021 now face additional charges. City police discovered the five children, ages 2 to 6, on Sept. 10, 2021, after being called to 190 Spruce St. by a maintenance worker. Parents Eddie King, 48, and Alicia Washok, 40 and maternal grandmother, Lori Harmon, 65, were indicted on additional charges of criminal restraint and reckless conduct. Each faces a total of 10 new charges, according to the indictments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three were previously charged with felony reckless conduct, second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Two of the children had lost teeth because their parents and grandmother allegedly did not provide adequate dental care. An arraignment on the new charges is set for 9 a.m. May 16 at Hillsborough County Superior Court, according to the court docket. The criminal restraint charges stem from confining the five children and exposing them to risk of serious bodily injury and a severely squalid environment. The reckless conduct charges are for placing the children under 13 in danger of serious bodily injury by exposing the children to trash, waste and vermin. King was also charged with one count of witness tampering after he knowingly attempted to induce (one child) to give false information about the investigation of endangering the welfare of children charges, according to the indictments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminal restraint carries a 3- to 7-year prison sentence while reckless conduct calls for 2 to 5 years. All three trials will be heard together, according to a ruling by Judge William Delker. King also faces a charge of first-degree assault for allegedly shooting his daughter in the chest with a pellet gun; the projectile became lodged in her body. This charge will be presented before a different jury. Jury selection is expected to begin Oct. 6. jphelps@unionleader.com HAMBURG, Iowa A pedestrian is dead after being hit by a semi-trailer truck on Interstate 29 in Fremont County early Saturday morning. According to a release from the Iowa State Patrol, the incident occurred early Saturday at approximately 1:30 a.m. near Hamburg. Stuart police arrest man in connection with a sexual abuse investigation A semi was traveling northbound on Interstate 29, near mile marker 1, when a pedestrian entered the roadway for an unknown reason. The semi struck the pedestrian in the travel portion of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pedestrian, 46-year-old David McClean of Kansas City, Missouri, was pronounced dead on the scene. The Fremont County Sheriffs Office and Hamburg Fire Department assisted at the scene. The Iowa State Patrol has opened an investigation into the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Morgan County Sheriffs office said one person was killed in an overnight 18-wheeler vs pedestrian incident. Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn identified the victim as 82-year-old Andrez Meandez Pedro from Somerville. Overnight, MCSO said deputies responded to a deadly 18-wheeler accident where a pedestrian was hit and killed. MCSO said Chunn responded to the scene and troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are investigating this incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 19 has reached out to ALEA to learn more about this incident and will provide updates as they come to us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. May 5 (UPI) -- Former Vice President Mike Pence credited leaders from both parties for coming together to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election amid the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol. Pence delivered the remarks Sunday as he was presented the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his rejection of the pressure placed upon him by President Donald Trump and the actions of the rioters to complete the process of certifying the election results. "Our institutions held that day, not because of any one person, but because leaders in both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, did their duties," Pence said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So I came tonight to give credit where credit is due, but also to say in these divided times, in these anxious days, I know in my heart that we will find our way forward as one nation." Pence also said he felt "profoundly unworthy" to receive the award and gave credit to two of his advisors at the time as well as his wife Karen and daughter Charlotte, who both remained in the Capitol with him. He further praised the U.S. Capitol Police for their actions amid the riots. "When I think of that fateful day four years ago, the only heroes I saw were wearing uniforms," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence didn't make mention of Trump's pardons of more than 1,000 people involved with the attack on the Capitol and decision to commute the sentences of some found guilty on related charges, but did briefly touch on what Trump has done since his return to power. "I believe in a strong defense, limited government, the right to life, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say that might put me in the minority in this room," Pence admitted to the crowd at Kennedy's presidential library in Boston. "But I also have differences with members of my own party, on spending and tariffs, and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must continue to stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured." "At the time, I thought Vice President Pence was just doing his job," said Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy at the presentation, "Only later did I realize that his act of courage saved our government and warned us about what could happen and is happening right now." Pence said in the past that former President Kennedy was a childhood hero of his who had helped inspire him to go into public service. "To be here tonight, bearing witness to a journey that Kennedy helped inspire in my small life is more meaningful than I can possibly express," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence oversaw Congress as it counted Electoral College votes to certify Joe Biden's victory when Trump supporters attacked the Capitol. He refused to submit to pressure from Trump overturn the results of the 2020 election. "Jan. 6 was a tragic day," Pence said. "But it became a triumph of freedom. And history will record that our institutions held." Former Vice President Mike Pence said Sunday while receiving the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award that January 6, 2021, became a triumph of freedom because Congress returned to do its constitutional duty after the attack on the Capitol. Our institutions held that day, not because of any one person, but because leaders in both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, did their duties, the former vice president said while receiving the award for putting his life and career on the line in rejecting President Donald Trumps pressure to overturn the 2020 election. So I came tonight to give credit where credit is due, but also to say in these divided times, in these anxious days, I know in my heart that we will find our way forward as one nation. Pence refused when Trump repeatedly pressured him to overturn the results of the 2020 election, fraying the relationship between the two men. Pence was presiding as Congress counted Electoral College votes to certify Joe Bidens victory when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The vice president, his wife, Karen; and his daughter, Charlotte, remained in the Capitol while police beat back the rioters, and Pence later oversaw the elections certification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January 6 was a tragic day, Pence said Sunday. But it became a triumph of freedom. And history will record that our institutions held. After leaving office, Pence ran against Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. The former vice president dropped out of the race about three months before the first votes were cast after struggling to gain traction in a party that had largely abandoned the Reagan-inspired conservative principles Pence represents and remained loyal to his former boss. Pence on Sunday didnt address Trumps decision, after returning to power earlier this year, to pardon more than 1,000 people charged in the Capitol attack and commute the sentences of others. Trump described those charged for their actions as hostages. The former vice president did briefly allude to differences with Trumps current administration on tariffs, its approach to Ukraine, and the presidents moves to withdraw from international organizations and downsize Americas role in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now people who know me know Im a conservative, but Im not in a bad mood about it. I believe in a strong defense, limited government, the right to life, and Im going to go out on a limb and say that might put me in the minority in this room, Pence told those gathered at Kennedys presidential library in Boston. But I also have differences with members of my own party, on spending and tariffs, and my belief that America is the leader of the free world and must continue to stand with Ukraine until the Russian invasion is repelled and a just and lasting peace is secured, Pence said. Kennedys daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and grandson Jack Schlossberg presented the award. At the time, I thought Vice President Pence was just doing his job, Caroline Kennedy said. Only later did I realize that his act of courage saved our government and warned us about what could happen and is happening right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schlossberg said Pence put the nations interests before his own and saved America that day. Pence has long said former President Kennedy was his childhood hero and his inspiration to go into public service. He said Kennedys funeral is one of his earliest memories. To be here tonight, bearing witness to a journey that President Kennedy helped inspire in my small life is more meaningful than I can possibly express, he said. Pence also said he felt profoundly unworthy to receive the award. He credited two aides who advised him in the lead-up to January 6, 2021, as well as his wife and daughter, who remained in the Capitol with him. And he praised the US Capitol Police. When I think of that fateful day four years ago, the only heroes I saw were wearing uniforms, Pence said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Venezuela is set to hold controversial elections on May 25 to choose new governors, mayors, and National Assembly representatives. The day is unprecedented due to the sheer number of positions being contested and controversial once again, as the country remains mired in the latest political crisis triggered by the disputed July 28 presidential elections. Nicolas Maduro held onto power despite the opposition claiming victory and presenting documentation to support their case something the government failed to do. Rival presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia now lives in exile in Spain, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado remains in hiding for security reasons, and hundreds of political prisoners continue to languish in Venezuelan jails. Amid this volatile landscape, and with no changes to the National Electoral Council (CNE) or the presence of international observers, the opposition has once again split over whether to participate or abstain in the May 25 elections. Machado and Gonzalez have backed a boycott, calling it unforgivable that some political figures are urging citizens to vote. Among those calling for participation is Henrique Capriles Radonski. The 52-year-old former presidential candidate and ex-governor of Miranda is running again after having been banned from holding public office by the Chavista-controlled judiciary in 2017 a ban that was supposed to last 15 years. Capriles says he was surprised to learn he had been reinstated and insists emphatically, during a Friday interview via videoconference, that he was not part of any backroom deal in exchange for legitimizing the government by running in the election. Its not popular to run in these elections, he admits, but its the right thing to do. You set an example with your actions. Question. You have maintained that Maduro stole last years July 28 elections. Answer. Absolutely. Its common knowledge in Venezuela that Maduro stole the elections. Q. So why vote on May 25 and endorse the elections if conditions havent changed? A. By voting, you dont recognize the dictatorship or legitimize it. Millions of Venezuelans elected Edmundo Gonzalez on July 28. Today, he should be in Miraflores [presidential palace], not Nicolas Maduro. For me, voting in Venezuela is an expression of resistance, of resilience, of not giving up. Q. But how can you tell people to go vote if the result wont be respected? A. Because I think its always worse for the regime to have to steal the result. The opposition has already used abstention as a way of doing politics, but in the end, it leads to nothing. What can you build from abstention? All youre doing is making things easier for the government. Maduro is happy once again with this debate between voting and not voting, but I assure you hes not at ease. Hes in power, but hes not at ease, because he knows his electoral base has been greatly diminished. Q. Do you feel there will be reliable results? A. Will it be a repeat of the July 28 elections? I dont know. What I do know is that its much harder for him to have to do that [steal victory] than to say the opposition didnt want to participate. For me, politics is action, and abstention is inaction. The election as a political event generates other political events. Furthermore, its the area where the government is weakest, and it has shown us this over the years. The government has so far maintained the call for elections; it has played with the dates, but it has maintained them. Its likely that it wants to do away with the elections as they are currently provided for in the Constitution, which is why its proposing to change it. How do you tell people not to vote now and instead vote for the constitutional reform, which will be very, very, very soon? Henrique Capriles. LEONARDO FERNANDEZ VILORIA (REUTERS) Q. After the July 28 elections, Edmundo Gonzalez is in exile; Maria Corina Machado is in hiding; and there are still hundreds of political prisoners. Is it possible to hold an election under these conditions? A. I think whats going to break the deadlock is if we try to bring politics back. Because if politics doesnt return, the government will just entrench itself. Q. That already happened in the July 28 elections. A. There was something that wasnt achieved. We thought an electoral defeat would open the door to negotiation, but that door didnt open. We believed the election would resolve the political conflict in Venezuela, but it didnt. Q. What would you have done differently before, during, and after July 28? A. I wouldnt want to say it because its very easy to come along now and say, I would have done this. What we need to do is remember that unity was formed to seek peaceful political change. We dont believe in solutions based on force, even though some talk about them. When they called for La Salida in 2014, with Leopoldo Lopez at the helm, it was done without the [opposition bloc] Democratic Unity Roundtable. What did that failure mean? It strengthened the Maduro government and weakened the democratic opposition. The [opposition] won the 2015 Assembly because there was perfect unity. After all the street protests in 2017, which we all took part in, there was an election and some comrades said we shouldnt run in them. Indeed we didnt even run in the 2018 presidential election. We gave Maduro six years. Then came the interim government in 2019 [led by Juan Guaido, who self-declared himself president of Venezuela]. That fantasy once again created fractures within the opposition, because it wasnt institutional. How many times have we said that Maduro was illegitimate, and yet the expectation created by Edmundo himself was that Maduro would hand over the presidency? Where was he supposed to be sworn in? In the National Assembly that [Maduro ally] Jorge Rodriguez presides over and that you said you didnt recognize. Contradictions end up being very costly for the democratic opposition itself. We cannot stray from what we are. Its Maduro who strayed from democracy, who violates the Constitution. Were at an impasse. Maduro in power, Edmundo Gonzalez in Madrid. What do we Venezuelans do? Do we give in to despair, resignation, or do we continue looking for a way to express the voice of the majority? Q. Edmundo Gonzalez didnt go into exile by choice. The situation has been at an impasse for many years. How much longer can it go on for? A. The government would have been more relaxed if Edmundo hadnt been a candidate, if Maria Corina, disqualified [from running], had said: Were not going to the elections. If I were Maria Corina or Edmundo, I would call on people to vote again. Its about using the vote as an instrument of struggle. If Maria Corina and Edmundo say today, Turn around, go vote, Maduro wont hold the elections on May 25. Maduro waited for Maria Corina to say that Venezuelans shouldnt go to vote to call the election and to include the election of the National Assembly with the governor and mayoral elections. The inauguration of the National Assembly is in January of next year, and Maduro is holding the election now because the opposition was going to fall into the trap of abstention again. Q. Most polls still show that Machado is the leader with the most support; she has a higher popularity rating and more support than you, for example. Why not continue to trust her strategy a little more? A. Thats the mistake. In politics, more than following people, you have to follow ideas and proposals. If you promote abstention, explain to people what youre going to do the next day. Its as I was told, that we are going to do with Edmundo Gonzalez the same thing we did with Guaido. The problem wasnt just the person, but the political idea. When I was the leader of the Democratic Unity Roundtable, I never asked people for loyalty or fanaticism toward me. Its one thing for people to use you as a symbol and become fanatical, and its another thing for you to promote fanaticism. Q. Your premise that Maduro shouldnt be given anything is useful for political parties. They continue to operate, they can be financed, but what about the people? If Henrique Capriles is a member of parliament, how does that change the reality of any Venezuelan? A. We need to put a face to this election because were electing governors, mayors, and representatives. Its not a referendum. Its always better to have a democrat in any position than to not to have one at all. I dont have a parliamentary vocation, but whats coming is an absolutely challenging constituent Parliament, where many issues regarding the countrys future will likely be discussed, such as constitutional reform. I believe I have to be there, being the voice of those who have no voice, being the voice of the Venezuelan people, who are the majority, who need an opposition and to be defended in every institutional space that exists. Q. Theres widespread criticism that the opposition leadership abandoned the people who protested the results of July 28. What responsibility do you take for that? A. I did everything I could to ensure we won on July 28, but I had no role in Maria Corinas campaign command. I wasnt the protagonist of July 28, nor did I want to be accused of taking the spotlight away from Maria Corina or Edmundo Gonzalez. Rather, I was always in the second, third, or fourth row. It wasnt my responsibility. Theres a sector of the opposition that has spent years investing resources in trying to discredit me. It must be because theyre worried that rationality will regain strength. Q. Do you still have open channels with the Maduro government? A. After July 28, Maduro and those around him went into war mode. After this election, Im going to try to open channels to think about the possibility of negotiation processes in the future. Q. Do you still believe that it is easier to talk to the Rodriguez siblings, Jorge and Delcy, than to Diosdado Cabello? A. Diosdado always seems to have an absolutely radical voice. And with me, a personal obsession stemming from his defeat in the 2008 gubernatorial elections. And with the Rodriguez siblings... In the end, theres a leadership that works in unison. Jorge Rodriguez has been Maduros negotiator, but its not because hes nicer, its because the leadership works in unison. Q. What did you think of Trumps first 100 days regarding Venezuela? A. Absolutely terrible. Picking people up based on their skin color, a tattoo... Being a suspect and ending up in a Salvadoran prison because of your nationality is terrible. Whats more, thinking again that applying economic pressure will cause a break in Venezuela and lead to Maduros exit is rehashing something we already lived through and that failed. Q. What do you think of Maduros defense of the migrants imprisoned in El Salvador when there are hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela? A. Its shameful, and it only shows how shameless Maduro is. Its a mockery for Maduro to come out and defend Venezuelan migrants when hes the one responsible for seven million Venezuelans being outside the country. Q. What do you think about the ambiguity of opposition leaders like Guaido, Maria Corina Machado, and Leopoldo Lopez regarding the policies of Trump and Bukele? A. That is also shameful. Its as if Trump were the boss. Regarding El Salvador, its known that some Venezuelans have been involved in the Bukele government. Its shameful. Q. What is your opinion of the role of former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in Venezuela? A. I know hes wanted to take on a role, to maintain himself as someone who has a channel of communication with the government. I dont judge that; Ive had my differences with him and Ive expressed them, but, in the end, anyone who wants to help Venezuela find a solution is welcome. Ive asked Zapatero for help in the release of political prisoners, and Zapatero has answered my call. He helped Edmundo Gonzalez. Not acknowledging that would be a pettiness I wont engage in. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition (The Hill) Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) argued that under President Donald Trumps tariff plan, it appears the United States is in a trade war with ourselves. Dean joined NewsNations The Hill Sunday, where she was asked by host Blake Burman about the administrations argument that tariffs are meant to intentionally draw manufacturing jobs to the U.S. Burman noted that there are several manufacturing plants in Deans state that will go idle this summer, meaning hundreds of jobs will be lost. As the Trump administration defends its tariff plan as a way to get jobs back to the U.S., some lawmakers are warning that jobs will just head elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know anybody who doesnt want to bring manufacturing back to the United States, she said. Thats, in part, why we passed the massive CHIPS and Science Act. So, I applaud the notion that we want to bring manufacturing back, but you cant do it this way. This is absolutely reckless, Dean continued, noting that businesses are hurting domestically and internationally. Macron hits Trumps funding cuts to universities, woos US scientists She highlighted a recent trip she took to Europe, where she said they are baffled by Trumps steep tariff agenda. This is not sensible policy. This is not going to drive manufacturing back here to the United States. It is a massive tax on Americans, and it so dissuades businesses from doing business with us, Dean said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like were in a trade war with ourselves. She noted that most people want manufacturing to happen in the U.S., but it will take years to bring it to the country. It has to be done through sensible policy implementation, she said. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) agrees with Dean. Last month, he argued that technology manufacturing will not head to the U.S. and instead go where there are lower tariff rates. Production could move away from China, which has a more than 100 percent tariff, but it would instead go to India, Malaysia or Vietnam. The lawmakers concern comes as U.S. businesses are troubled by market fluctuations and warn customers of increased prices due to the tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) The legalization of adult-use cannabis has just gotten one step closer to becoming a reality in Pennsylvania. On Monday, the Cannabis Health & Safety Act (House Bill 1200) was approved by the House Health Committee by a 14-12 party-line vote. The cannabis legalization bill now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania HB1200 was introduced by Reps. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) and Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) earlier this month. The proposed legislation would regulate cannabis, establish Pennsylvania Cannabis Stores and a Cannabis Revenue Fund, and more. Pennsylvanians are using cannabis. Weve got to be honest about that, said Rep. Krajewski. Think of something like a coffee shop, a consumption lounge, things like that. People where where people can purchase and consume small amounts of cannabis. RELATED: Pennsylvania legislators propose legalizing adult-use cannabis Furthermore, HB1200 would clear criminal records for those convicted of cannabis-related offenses, reinvest tax revenue into communities that legislators say were harmed by the War on Drugs, implement public health protections, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Charity Grimm Krupa (R-Fayette County) says for every dollar the state would make, theyd invite several more in societal ills like addiction, DUI, and lost productivity. I think it will be the downfall of society, said Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-Fayette County). The idea that were doing it to increase revenue is ridiculous. However, the bill passed out of committee 14-12 on a straight party line vote, even though members just got the 173-page bill Sunday night. This wasnt a hearing, said Rep. Krupa. It was it was an opportunity to rubber stamp this legislation through and push it through a house vote this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adult-use cannabis likely passes the House, which Democrats control. It likely goes nowhere in the Senate, which Republicans control, but intoxicating to Rep. Krajewski. His bill may be the first step in a longer journey. Thats how the negotiation process starts, where you send something over, we talk, and you figure out what makes sense. You come back, rinse, repeat, said the rep. Krajewski. Its negotiating one-on-one. You cant talk if you dont have something to discuss. To read the full bill, you can click here. The time is now for Pennsylvania, Rep. Krajewski previously said. We have listened carefully to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates, and community leaders. Our bill reflects what weve learned that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable, and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous legislation has passed in the Democrat-controlled State House, but has not advanced through the Republican-controlled State Senate. Governor Josh Shapiro has said he approves of legalizing and taxing adult-use cannabis. This is a developing story. abc27 news will keep you updated as we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. President Donald Trump recently celebrated his first 100 days in office a milestone severely tainted by a global tariff war, a shaking economy that appears prime for recession, and one of the lowest approval ratings seen for a president within their first few months since 1953. JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Well, despite any shortcomings, his most loyal base members appear to be holding strong. Or, at least, that's how it appears in this now-viral compilation of interviews between an MSNBC reporter and Michigan MAGA supporters. MSNBC / tiktok.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the clip, which has been viewed over 3.5 million times on TikTok, a series of MAGA voters are asked to react to Trump's first 100 days. And, well, it's very telling. Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Related: Everyone Is Absolutely Losing It Over This Canadian Newspaper Mocking Donald Trump "I know tariffs got everybody scared," one person said. "I'm willing, I think, to go through a little bit of initial pain." "Nobody likes to pay more for anything, I don't, but in the long run, I think it's gonna be good." MSNBC / tiktok.com "Tariffs, they don't scare me at all," another responded. "We have to have some pain to have the gain." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People are saying, 'Oh, well, prices are gonna go way up. We won't be able to do anything.' Well, how was the last four years? My grocery bills were ridiculous. [And] that was for no reason this is for good reason." Related: People's Jaws Dropped When AOC Shared Her Very Blunt Reason For Not Attending Donald Trump's Inauguration MSNBC / tiktok.com On immigration, an interviewee suggested Trump has added structure to the border crossing system. MSNBC / tiktok.com Meanwhile, this one said they "really believe [Trump is] the one God's chosen." However, when it comes to immigration, "It's just one of those things where you put yourself and you feel the empathy aspect of it... When you see a kid being pulled away and you're like, 'Man, is there another way we could have did that?' ... Some of the family stuff, I was wondering some ways we could handle that a little bit differently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSNBC / tiktok.com In the comment section of the video, viewers called out what they see as hypocrisy between how Biden's economic plan was viewed compared to Trump's. "Biden: MY BILLS ARE RIDICULOUS!!! Trump: im ready for a little pain! My bills are still crazy but this is for a good reason," one person wrote. Others simply called the justifications maddening. But what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments. Also in In the News: "I Immediately Hit The Floor And Turned Off The Light": People Are Sharing The Most Disturbing Text Messages They've Ever Received Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in In the News: Donald Trump Just Shared A Very Ominous Post, And People Are Calling It "One Of The Worst Statements Ever Made By A Sitting US President" Also in In the News: Everyone Is Applauding Olympian Ilona Maher After She Roasted A Body-Shamer In The Best Way SALISBURY, Conn. (WTNH) A person was struck by a car in Salisbury Sunday night, according to state police. Troop B personnel responded to reports of a man being hit by a car in the area of Main Street, according to state police. Officers said the person was taken to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, and the scene is active. Additional information was not immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Detectives said they were trying to find the person responsible for breaking into five businesses in Hybla Valley in less than two weeks. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said the first burglary took place at La Taza Panaderia, located at 7850 Richmond Hwy., on April 17. The person who contacted police said the burglar broke into the bakery with a rock, took money, and left. Police: Man arrested in Fairfax after CVS employee, three officers assaulted Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four similar burglaries in Hybla Valley followed. Detectives said the burglar used a rock to break the glass in the front door of these businesses: China 1 Restaurant 7700E Richmond Hwy. April 23 Skrimp Shack 7700F Richmond Hwy. April 23 Taco Lucas 8142 Richmond Hwy. April 29 K & A Auto Repair 8164 Richmond Hwy. April 30 Detectives released surveillance images showing the person they think is responsible for all five break-ins. The Fairfax County Police Department asked anyone who may have information about the burglaries to call its Mount Vernon District Station at 703-360-8400 and ask to speak with a detective. People also have the option to submit tips anonymously through Crime Solvers in three ways: 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477) Online P3 Tips App (Follow steps to Fairfax Co Crime Solvers) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The Greek storyteller Aesop is credited as the first to offer the insight, After all is said and done, more is said than done. He may have been offering a vision of our social media driven society of influencers and experts, or perhaps he just caught a future glimpse of the United States Senate. Having been a senator for a little over 100 days, I am attempting to listen and think first so that both what is said and what is done will indeed make a difference for the citizens of the nation. Its no secret that Utahns and for that matter, Americans across the country are uneasy. Economic uncertainties, financial stress, disruption to institutions, the heartbreaking loss of life in the Middle East and Ukraine, potential job loss facing federal workers, political polarization, and the unprecedented change emanating from the presidency have left many wondering: Whats next? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are searching not always for something they can put into words, but something they can feel something that reassures them that, despite it all, things will be okay. Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, walks through a corridor before meeting with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and other incoming Republicans, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. | J. Scott Applewhite As a United States senator serving in what some call the most prestigious and greatest deliberative body in the world I feel the weight of meeting this moment. It presses on my shoulders every single day. How do I play my part in ensuring our country remains that shining city on a hill, a beacon of hope not just for those overseas but for our own communities? How do I help the president bring peace and prosperity home? And how do I ensure that those who feel left out of this American promise know they are part of it? I wrestle with these questions continually. How can I follow my own convictions while fulfilling my duty in a way that brings me peace? How can I ensure I am doing all I can thinking harder, working smarter, finding better solutions, speaking for those who have no voice, standing up for those who cant and fighting for the vulnerable to be the leader my constituents, my family and my faith expect me to be? I dont have all the answers. I do have many questions. I know you do too. On May 14 I will deliver my maiden floor speech in the United States Senate. Much is said on the floor of the Senate. Much has been said there about differences in politics and approaches to policy. Not nearly enough time is spent talking about principles that lead to getting things done. Before I say anything to my colleagues and constituents from the well of what I revere as a vital institution in our constitutional republic, I am going to listen and reflect. Sen. John Curtis poses for a portrait during a hike on Lake Mary Trail in Brighton on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News For me, this will not be a traditional political listening tour it is actually more of a pilgrimage to places where American principles arent just spoken, but also felt. Places where principles are celebrated and venerated because of what was done, based on those principles. I am going to listen to the voices of the past that sparked and stirred our shared story. I am going to listen to your voices. I will visit four significant spots: the Holocaust Museum, The National Museum of African American History and Culture, Arlington National Cemetery, and Ensign Peak in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At each of these sites, I will listen and learn. I will reflect on the journey of those who have faced oppression, adversity and an uncertain future. I will look for commonalities between their struggles and the challenges we face today. And I will seek lessons that can guide me in my work lessons about resilience, about justice, about the pursuit of peace and prosperity for all. I plan to make these visits by myself. I want to walk alone, to listen, to feel, to seek inspiration. I want to be open to the kind of quiet promptings that come when we are truly present. I hope to hear the voices of the past speaking to me, guiding me toward a better understanding of what must be done today. I am also inviting you to join me, virtually. If you have had an experience at one of these hallowed places, or have been moved by the principles such places contain, I invite you to share them with me at experience@curtis.senate.gov. You will influence not only what I say in my maiden speech on the Senate floor, but will shape the way I work for our nation in the crucial days and months ahead. Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, poses for a portrait in a hallway of the Russell Senate Office Building Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in Washington, D.C. | John McDonnell, For the Deseret News I am also sending a personal invitation, asking my 99 colleagues in the Senate to share with me their thoughts, reflections and experiences in these places of profound American principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My commitment to Utahns and citizens everywhere is not that I will always get it right as a senator. Not that I will always have the perfect words. Not that I will always be in the right political or policy place they prefer. But I promise to never stop striving to be better, to do better, to think deeper, to elevate conversations, and to find the higher ground of common ground while serving the people of Utah and America in the U.S. Senate. And to the extent that these moments of reflection allow me to do this better, I know I will return not just with a greater understanding but with a renewed determination to lead with wisdom, compassion and conviction. I cant wait to experience this journey, learn from and with you, and share our shared experience with my colleagues in the senate. My season serving as a United States senator will be measured not by what was said, but by what was done. Results matter! I believe what will be done will be the result of applying timeless American principles, the very principles that have made and preserved us a nation, to the challenges of today. What will be done, together, will echo longer and louder than anything that could ever be said. LIMA (Reuters) -Mining in Peru's northern district of Pataz will be suspended for 30 days, President Dina Boluarte said on Monday, after 13 gold mine workers in the area were kidnapped and killed by illegal miners. Peru's government also plans to set up a military base and implement a curfew lasting from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the district. On Sunday, miner Poderosa said the bodies of 13 workers from a local firm, R&R, which held a mining contract with Poderosa, had been recovered by police after they were kidnapped last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The armed forces will take control of the area where Poderosa operates," Boluarte said, but did not provide details on how the mining pause would work. "We're clarifying the issue," Poderosa's manager of corporate affairs told Reuters, adding that the suspension should only apply to informal miners. Peru is the world's third-largest copper producer, but the deposits of the red metal are largely in the south. Gold and silver are mined in the north. Poderosa alleged that nearly 40 people - including contractors and artisanal miners - have been killed recently in Pataz at the hands of criminal gangs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, illegal miners have taken over several areas under Poderosa's control. The area had already been under a state of emergency, with heavy police and military presence, due to prior attacks on Poderosa's operations. Peru's mining and energy minister, Jorge Montoro, said the 30-day pause could be extended. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Gabriel Araujo, Alexander Villegas and Bill Berkrot) On a late summer day in 1906, a small group of newly arrived Jewish immigrants in Philadelphia took a streetcar across town to Fairmount Park. Several miles from the cramped row houses and oppressive sweatshops of the immigrant quarter of South Philly, the neighborhood now known as Queen Village, they enjoyed a sunny picnic. They werent there to make small talk, though. Instead, they wanted to write revolutionary articles that would spark the struggle against all that degrades and oppresses humanity, as one of the leaders of the group, Joseph Cohen, later wrote in his 1945 memoir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More specifically, the picnicgoers wanted to start a newspaper. It would be titled Broyt un Frayheyt Yiddish for Bread and Freedom the anarchist reminder that to live the good life, one needs both. Im a professor of media and politics at Temple University in Philadelphia. For the past year Ive been tracking the life and times of my great-grandfather Max, a radical Yiddish journalist in the early years of the 20th century. To my surprise, I found he had lived here in Philadelphia, and his story is part of a largely forgotten moment in U.S. history: when Philly was an epicenter of the national anarchist movement, heartily supported by the citys burgeoning Jewish immigrant community. Beyond the Russian pale By 1906, thousands of people like Max had made their way to Philadelphia from the Russian pale the only part of the Russian Empire where they could legally reside. They fled economic isolation and state-sanctioned persecution in search of a more stable life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Philly was better than where they had come from, but immigrant life then, as now, was by no means easy. They had escaped a legal regime of oppression and the perpetual threat of antisemitic mob violence. But in turn they found a world of dark alleys and dead ends. Their labor was exploited, their living conditions meager. For some, the American promise of freedom and prosperity seemed to ring hollow. They did, however, find one freedom they had not experienced before. They were able to speak, write and publish their ideas no matter how outlandish or against the grain. And they could do so in Yiddish, the vernacular of daily life but a language of exile one that in the old world had often been outlawed in print. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Yiddish press in the United States was experiencing extraordinary growth at the time. In New York, Philadelphia and other cities, newspapers quickly emerged and often disappeared month over month. Jewish anarchists in America Max moved to Philadelphia in 1906 to work with another immigrant named Joseph Cohen. Cohen had arrived in Philadelphia three years earlier. He earned a scant living making cigars, but his real work was advocating anarchism. At the dawn of the 20th century, anarchism was not the nihilistic chaos the term may bring to mind today. It was a heartfelt dream of a free and egalitarian society. The anarchists believed that man-made hierarchies political, economic and religious were illegitimate and limited the full expression of humanity. They rejected the authority of the state. That particularly appealed to many Jewish immigrants, for whom laws in the old country had long served as vehicles of oppression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cohen had studied this philosophy of local autonomy and communal life with the Philadelphia activist Voltairine de Cleyre. History may remember Emma Goldman, a Lithuanian-born New Yorker and perhaps the leading voice of American anarchism from that era. But de Cleyre was the heart and soul of Philadelphias anarchist scene. Goldman once described de Cleyre as a poet-rebel, a liberty-loving artist and the greatest woman anarchist of America. Voltairine de Cleyre in Philadelphia circa 1901. Wikimedia Commons A tireless critic of the inequities of the industrial age, de Cleyre had taught herself Yiddish to better serve as the apostle of anarchism in the Jewish ghetto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While de Cleyre could often be found speaking in front of city hall, Max, Cohen and their colleagues were more likely to gather at the corner of Fifth and South streets, the hub of Philadelphias Yiddish press and its culture of rambunctious street debate. By 1906, Cohen had co-founded the anarchist Radical Library in the upstairs rooms at 229 Pine St. This provided the Philadelphia anarchists a meeting space and reading room. But the Jewish newspaper men, the radicals and the tireless talkers, as the Philadelphia historian Harry Boonin wrote, still congregated in the ramshackle cafes lining the 600 block of South Fifth, where they would argue over anarchism and atheism deep into the night. Competition with NYC comrades Cohens goal was to publish a nationally influential anarchist paper that would give voice to the comrades from Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That meant direct competition with the New York Yiddish press and the influential weekly newspaper Freie Arbeiter Stimme, or The Free Voice of Labor. Edited by Saul Yanovksy on Manhattans Lower East Side, FAS was the center of the Jewish anarchist movement and of the Yiddish intelligentsia more broadly. To be able to say I have written for Yanovsky, wrote the sociologist Robert Park in 1922, is a literary passport for a Yiddish writer. Although the FAS masthead said the paper was located in New York and Philadelphia, Yanovksy controlled the operation from New York, much to Cohens dismay. The Philadelphia anarchists were also routinely disappointed in Yanovskys politics. He was too moderate for their tastes. Yanovsky favored organizing labor and voting in elections, while the Bread and Freedom group, according to Cohen, wanted to cultivate the militancy and fighting spirit which our young comrades brought with them from cold Russia. They advocated for more aggressive measures to counter the submissive indifference of the bourgeoisie and the slavish patience of the workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cohen had partnered with Yanovsky earlier in 1906 to publish a daily anarchist newspaper. He maintained a small office in the back of Finklers cigar store at Fifth and Bainbridge streets. But the paper was printed in New York and delivered back to Philadelphia each morning by courier train. Cohen wrote in his memoir that he suspected Yanovsky intentionally sabotaged the effort by insisting that he personally write the daily editorial, but then turning in his copy too late for the paper to make the train. After two months the partnership, and the paper, fell apart. For Cohen, the lesson was that to be the genuine voice of the anarchist movement, he had to print the paper locally in Philadelphia. A digest of anarchist argument Editions of the Bread and Freedom anarchist weekly list the Radical Library at 229 Pine St. as its headquarters. From the collection of the National Library of Israel, courtesy of Bread and Freedom Bread and Freedom published its first issue on Nov. 11, 1906. The date was symbolic. It was the anniversary of the execution of the Chicago martyrs the four men wrongly sentenced to death for the 1886 bombing at a labor rally at Chicagos Haymarket Square. The Haymarket affair galvanized the anarchist movement among immigrants, even as it accelerated the wider fear of foreign-born radicalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next three months, the newspaper offered a weekly digest of anarchist arguments. It translated into Yiddish Voltairine de Cleyres critique of capitalism and what she called its moral bankruptcy its hunger for wealth, power and material possessions. It attacked what de Cleyre called the dominant idea of the times the shameless, merciless exploitation of the worker, only to produce heaps and heaps of things things ugly, things harmful, things useless, and at the best largely unnecessary. In the strongest of terms bombastic, in the words of one local historian the paper echoed de Cleyres call for the restless, active, rebel souls of immigrant Philadelphia to rise up to oppose the great and lamentable error of industrial capitalism. Almost as soon as it began, however, Bread and Freedom ran out of money. Its rhetoric was exciting but ineffective. The paper offered no real solutions beyond an impossible demand to dismantle the capitalist state. Although two members of the group were briefly detained by the police in Baltimore for selling a radical newspaper, their fiery propaganda lit no revolutionary spark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, it disappeared quietly, folding in January 1907. Shifting tactics Even then, a different kind of immigrant was arriving in the U.S. from Russia. Their radical politics were coupled with organizational acumen. Many of the older anarchists would join forces with these newcomers, and the effort morphed into something more pragmatic. They helped build the foundations of the 20th-century labor movement, which successfully fought for once-radical ideals such as the eight-hour workday and paid sick leave. Cohen moved to New York and took over as editor of FAS in 1923. That was a tense period for the Jewish left, following the Russian revolution of 1917 and the Communist rise to power. In response, the U.S. government suppressed domestic radicalism, arresting and at times deporting foreign-born leftists, and anarchism fell out of favor. A few years earlier, though, the streets of South Philly had been home to a vibrant space of free speech and boundless political imagination. It would not last long, but it is a moment I believe is worth remembering. 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: Geoffrey Baym, Temple University Read more: Geoffrey Baym 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. Members of the British royal family including King Charles, Prince William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, along with their children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte were pictured on Monday watching a military procession and flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. VE Day is May 8, celebrating the official surrender of Nazi Germany to Allied forces to end World War II. Monday kicked off four days of events commemorating the end of most fighting in Europe 80 years ago. The royal family watched the procession of about 1,300 people including members of the British military from a raised platform outside Buckingham Palace. They later moved to the palace balcony to see a flypast that had been expected to include two dozen history and current military aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their public appearances came just three days after King Charles' youngest son, Prince Harry, said in an interview with CBS News partner network BBC News that he "would love reconciliation" with members of the royal family, and revealed that his father was not been speaking with him amid a legal dispute over security. Prince George, Prince Louis, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view the flypast at the end of the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, on May 5, 2025 in London. / Credit: Aaron Chown/Getty Images Britain's King Charles III attends the opening military parade of the four-day Victory in Europe (VE) Day celebrations in London on May 5, 2025. / Credit: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Prince Louis during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025 in London. / Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and veteran Joy Trew during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025 in London. / Credit: Neil Mockford/GC Images/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement L-R: Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh' Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh' Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence; Princess Anne, Princess Royal; King Charles III, Queen Camilla; Prince William, Prince of Wales; Prince George of Wales; Prince Louis of Wales; Catherine, Princess of Wales; and Princess Charlotte of Wales, on May 5, 2025 in London. / Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Red Arrows fly over Buckingham Palace during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025 in London. / Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after attending the armed forces procession on May 5, 2025. / Credit: AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William, Prince of Wales during the VE Day military procession on May 5, 2025 in London. / Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hollywood reacts to Trump's movie tariff announcement How Trump's made money off his crypto meme coin Trump offering some migrants $1,000, free plane tickets to "self-deport" It has been 21 years since Romania shut down Europes largest graphite deposit, citing unprofitability. Today, the site in Baia de Fier a commune 235 kilometers west of Bucharest is a desolate landscape of crumbling buildings, rusted machinery, and decaying metal structures. But this once-abandoned mine is now on the verge of being revived by the Romanian Salt Company thanks to shifting geopolitics. The graphite deposit, which once employed around 500 workers, will receive nearly 200 million ($227 million) to awaken from its long slumber, as it has been designated one of three strategic objectives in Romania announced by the European Commission at the end of March. The initiative aims to reduce Europes dependence on critical materials particularly from China amid the changing global geopolitical order. In total, Romania will receive 615 million ($698 million) from Brussels. Graphite extraction will boost technologies in the automotive industry, such as electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, as well as in electronics and machine manufacturing, explains Andreea Nestian, financial director at A3Build, a consulting firm specializing in mining. The two other valuable materials the EU has targeted for extraction in Romania are metallic magnesium, in Budureasa, and copper, in Rovina both also located in the western part of the country. Magnesium is a metal used in the production of lightweight alloys for the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, Nestian adds, emphasizing that the EU is almost entirely dependent on imports of the material. As for the copper deposit in Rovina, it is considered the second-largest in Europe, according to Euro Sun Mining, the Canadian company holding the exploitation license. However, its extraction project is the most controversial of the three. Environmentalists have secured favorable court rulings to halt certain investments. Although it is not a rare mineral, copper is in growing demand due to its importance in semiconductor manufacturing, wind turbines, and industries such as automotive, aerospace, and defense, the consultancy adds. In search of aid Romania offers countless resources that member states could leverage, but the local administration lacks the human and financial capacity to do so on its own, says Nestian. For this reason, Romanian authorities have already informed Brussels that the country has access to additional types of metals including titanium, boron, quartz, phosphorus, germanium, tungsten, gallium, and rare earth elements in a bid to secure further financial support. They are all important and cannot be separated, says Romanian Minister of Economy Bogdan Ivan. These minerals, he continues, can be used in many fields: from aerospace and aeronautics to electronics to medical equipment, as well as solar and laptop batteries. They also have applications in semiconductor technology, mobile communications, GPS, the internet, fiber optics, automation, and electronics, says Ivan. The Ministry of Economy highlights their role in the defense industry and emphasizes two especially critical categories of raw materials: rare earths and titanium. We extract and process tens of thousands of tons of raw materials essential for the industries of the future, says Ivan. Currently, there are 13 active licenses for the exploitation of metallic minerals and mining waste. A start date for mining operations has not yet been specified. The Romanian government plans to submit the mining project to the European Commission in the third quarter of this year. However, experts caution that external support will be essential. Many of the former workers are now retired or have emigrated in search of employment. Meanwhile, Romanias only faculty of mining is struggling to attract students due to widespread disinterest in an industry that has been in decline since the fall of the communist regime. It will require a lot of investment and skilled labor, Nestian concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition By Sarah Marsh and Andreas Rinke BERLIN (Reuters) - German conservative Friedrich Merz vowed on Monday to move swiftly to reform Europe's largest economy, a day before he is due to be sworn into office as chancellor and head of a coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). Merz, whose CDU/CSU conservative bloc won February's elections, and the leaders of the SPD signed off on their coalition treaty mapping out their plans for the next four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two parties aim to revive growth in Germany just as a global trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping import tariffs threatens another recession year, as well as to ramp up defence spending amid strains in the transatlantic NATO alliance. "As of tomorrow, you will have a government that is determined to move Germany forward through reforms and investments," Merz said. His government's voice would be "heard in Europe and in the world," he said, after the implosion last November of outgoing SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition left a political vacuum at the heart of Europe. SPD co-chief Lars Klingbeil said the incoming government must help shape the new world order, or risk being "shaped by it". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier on Monday the SPD unveiled its cabinet picks, a mix of fresh and well-known faces. The SPD had already said last week Klingbeil, 47, would take on the finance ministry. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, 65, is the only minister who will keep his job in the new coalition after the SPD scored its worst ever result in the Feb. 23 national election. Pistorius, defence minister since January 2023, is popular for his direct style and firm stance on national security. He has said Germany should be ready to face a war by 2029 due to threats from Russia - a bold statement in a country scarred by its own military aggression in the last century. The SPD also nominated ex-Bundestag president Baerbel Bas, 57, as labour minister, former commissioner for eastern Germany Carsten Schneider, 49, to lead a new ministry for environment and climate protection, and former state secretary for integration Reem Alabali-Radovan, 35, as development minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a consequence of the poor results in the federal election, we jointly announced a renewal in both personnel and policy direction. With our government team, we as the party leadership are now taking the next step," Klingbeil, co-leader Saskia Esken and General Secretary Matthias Miersch said in a statement. (Reporting by Sarah Marsh, Andreas Rinke and Markus Wacket, Editing by Friederike Heine, Alexandra Hudson, Peter Graff) A Cincinnati courtroom was flooded with members of the county sheriffs office as they all faced the man who is accused of killing one of their colleagues. However, authorities claim theres a connection the suspect has with the fallen officer that makes the killing seem more like a revenge plot. Saturday, 38-year-old Rodney Hinton Jr. is facing charges in connection to the killing of Hamilton County Sheriffs Deputy Larry Henderson. Authorities say the afternoon of Friday, May 2, the deputy was standing outside his patrol car doing traffic control at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods Drive, per FOX19. Suddenly, a vehicle drove right through the intersection and struck Henderson. Authorities said he died later at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The officer was with the department for 33 years, according to Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey. Police then identified the driver as Hinton. As officers investigated the incident, the motive for the seemingly random hit-and-run was unclear - that is until they discovered who the suspect was related to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinton is the father of 18-year-old Ryan Hinton, a Black teen who was shot and killed by police as he tried to flee arrest after being stopped on suspicion of stealing a car, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. Police say Ryan pointed a firearm at the police before fleeing. However, an attorney for the family said the blurred body camera footage doesnt clearly show a gun in Ryans hand nor him aiming at the cops. He also said the family reviewed the body camera footage hours before the deputy was fatally struck. Mr. Hinton couldnt bear to watch the whole video, the attorney said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. He couldnt finish watching the video. It was very difficult to watch for the family, said Cochran Law Firm attorney Michael Wright, per the report. For this reason, prosecutors believe Hintons actions were intentional. Though, its unclear if Henderson was one of the responding deputies involved in his sons shooting. Saturday, Hinton appeared in court to be arraigned on one count of aggravated murder. Hes being held in the Clermont County Jail without bond for his safety, the judge said, via FOX19. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Throughout history, there has been no shortage of outside attempts to influence the outcome of a conclave to elect a new pope, either by European monarchs, Italy's noble families or even Romans who rioted in the streets to stand by their man. Today's influencers use social media, television and newspaper interviews, news conferences, open letters, and even puffs of pink smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaigns to sway the outcome of a highly uncertain conclave started in earnest minutes after the announcement of Pope Francis' death on Easter Monday and must end by Wednesday afternoon when the cardinal electors will be cut off from the outside world until they choose a successor. Two episodes, in particular, have stood out as deliberate attempts to sabotage leading contenders for the papacy using underhand tactics. Last Thursday, reports circulated on right-wing U.S. Catholic social media and on the site of a conservative Italian newspaper that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is on most shortlists to become pope, had suffered a health scare and needed an hour of medical treatment. The Vatican spokesman said the reports were totally false. Italian media said it was an attempt to "poison" the 70-year-old cardinal's chances by implying that his body was not up to the job. "This was a clear attempt to penalise Parolin," Italian Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio told an Italian newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few days after Francis' death, a six-year-old video of Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle singing parts of John Lennon's "Imagine" in 2019 emerged on social media. American and Italian conservative Catholic social media accused him of heresy, with one Italian traditionalist site asking: "Is this who we want as pope?" Tagle's supporters countered that he had sung an abbreviated version that excluded the lyrics about no heaven and no religion. "From the right and from the left, fake news about possible popes is going wild," wrote Paolo Rodari, a Vatican commentator for RSI Swiss radio and television. PUSHING CONSERVATIVES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two well-known conservative journalists, Edward Pentin, a Briton, and Diane Montagna, an American, have prepared a 200-page, large format book in English and Italian called "The College of Cardinals Report". It includes profiles of 30 cardinals and their stand on key doctrinal and social issues. Montagna has been handing it to cardinals entering and leaving the pre-conclave meetings. Pentin told Reuters the book was "a service to the Church" and the inclusion of profiles of several ultra-conservative cardinals generally seen as having no chance of being elected was to give space to the possibility of "divine intervention" during the conclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other side of the spectrum, young, progressive Catholics from northern Europe have penned an open letter, urging the cardinals to pick a man who will continue with Francis' reforms, saying he "opened doors, broke taboos". Tapping into long-running anger over the Church's sexual abuse scandals, a number of groups have held news conferences in Rome to point out that the crisis is not over and rating the actions - or inactions - of some cardinal electors. After each round of voting in the conclave, white smoke will emerge from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel if a pope has been elected and black smoke if he has not. Perhaps the most colourful signal to the cardinals will come from the Women's Ordination Conference, which promotes a female priesthood. The group plans to release pink smoke from a hill near the Vatican hours before the conclave starts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The exclusion of women from the conclave, and from ordained ministry, is a sin and a scandal," executive director Kate McElwee said in a statement. "A group of ordained men meeting behind closed doors to make a consequential decision about the future of the church is textbook 'old boy's club'." (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Ros Russell) Polish President Andrzej Duda said Monday that he is pressing Donald Trump to ramp up sanctions on Russia to force an end to the war. Trump, Duda said, is the only one who can force Putin to come to the negotiating table. America can use various economic instruments to force Russia to respect certain actions, Duda told the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network, which POLITICO is part of. So if anyone is in a position to force Vladimir Putin to make peace, it is America, the president of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dudas comments reflect the hope of many European leaders who want to see Trump use American leverage with Putin after he has so far only pressured Ukraine to make concessions, including by saying Kyiv will never be part of NATO and advancing peace proposals that would see Ukraine cede control of Crimea. The U.S. and Ukraine signed a minerals deal last week that Trump hoped would be a signal to Putin to accept his terms for peace. Trump came to office promising to end the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours. Since then he has urged finding a solution quickly and has repeatedly dispatched his special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. So far the meetings havent resulted in Russia easing its demands. But Trump has suggested he may soon change course. After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome last month, Trump said he was considering sanctioning Moscow after Putin has continued to attack civilian areas. Duda said Trump has seen the reality after recent discussions with Putin and has the right tools to block Putin's fundamental interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He can see what his position is and to what extent he is ready to engage in serious talks about ending the war, Duda said. He added: The president of the United States has the means at his disposal to force Russia to comply. Some of these means may be very radical, very harsh, I believe, especially various economic instruments. But I believe that President Donald Trump is capable of implementing them. Trumps initial optimism about ending the conflict appears to be waning. In an NBC interview that aired Sunday, Trump said maybe its not possible to do. So far Trump said he is not walking away from the process, though he has said he could. Still, Trump insisted Monday that "we're in a good position to settle. They want to settle. Ukraine wants to settle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has been weighing doing more to pressure Russia, with sanctions being a possible next step, as POLITICO reported last week. Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has sponsored legislation that would impose new sanctions on Russia and 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, gas and aluminum. The measures have widespread bipartisan support. The Polish president also said he believes that Trump will continue to defend the NATO alliance, which will meet for its annual summit in June at The Hague. While Trump has called for increasing spending to 5 percent of GDP, Duda said he is advocating for 3 percent. There are different proposals, 3.5 percent, some say 5 percent. I say let's be calm: let's decide now for three percent, and all countries should act quickly and increase their levels, he said in the interview. Schwartz reported from Washington. Ronzheimer, of BILD, reported from Warsaw. Louisiana authorities on Monday charged a second suspect with murder in the death of a television reporter who had traveled to New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl. Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old reporter and anchor for Telemundo based in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead Feb. 5 in his hotel room in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner. A woman seen on security video leaving Manzano's room was later charged with second-degree murder and with stealing his credit cards and cellphone. Kenner police announced Monday that an accomplice, 34-year-old Rickey White, has also been charged with second-degree murder. White was arrested in Florida in March on robbery and fraud charges related to Manzano's death, then extradited to Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenner police said in a news release that the murder charge against White resulted from continued investigative efforts, but officials gave no further details. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said at a news conference March 18 that investigators had linked White to Danette Colbert, the first suspect charged in the case, based on correspondence and information where they were going back and forth. So we think they were working hand-in-hand in concert with each other. An attorney for White, Kevin Boshea, said he hadn't been informed of the murder charge before an Associated Press reporter called him Monday. I dont think hes guilty of the other crimes, Boshea said, so how can he be guilty of murder? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boshea said he pressed police during a preliminary hearing on the robbery and fraud charges last month to show evidence that White was in the New Orleans area when Manzano died, but they presented none. An attorney for Colbert had said that police were making assumptions and guesses to link her to Manzanos death. Under Louisiana law, a defendant can be charged with second-degree murder for distributing drugs that cause a death or for committing certain crimes, including robbery, that result in someone dying. An autopsy found Manzano died lying facedown on a pillow and unable to breathe after ingesting a combination of alcohol and the depressant Xanax, Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich told reporters in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said security video from Manzano's hotel showed him and Colbert entering his room together the day of his death. Footage showed Colbert leaving without him about an hour later. Authorities have said Colbert later used Manzanos credit card to make a purchase at a New Orleans gas station and at several stores in the area. Police have also said Manzanos medical records showed no prescriptions for Xanax or other depressants, and that they recovered the drug from Colberts home. ___ Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Two people suffered substantial injuries and another was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries Monday morning in a crash in the southeast valley that closed the intersection of Sahara Avenue and McLeod Drive, police said. The crash was reported shortly before 1:30 a.m. A driver, who was traveling east on Sahara, failed to stop for a red light at McLeod and crashed into the back of two vehicles that were stopped at the intersection, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan police. Two people in one of those struck vehicles were transported to a hospital with substantial injuries. The driver of the vehicle that hit the other vehicles was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also said the driver showed signs of impairment, police said. No other details on the crash were released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) Three flights headed to Reagan National Airport (DCA) were redirected Sunday morning as a police helicopter conducted an urgent mission in the airspace, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. All three flights landed safely after making second approaches to the airport. The FAA does not allow helicopters and airplanes to simultaneously operate in the airspace around Reagan Washington National Airport except in rare circumstances, the FAA said, in part, in a statement posted on X. Accordingly, air traffic control cancelled landing clearances for three flights earlier today while a police helicopter was on an urgent mission in that airspace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two flights abort landings at Reagan National Airport due to Black Hawk helicopter In a statement to DC News Now, the U.S. Park Police said its helicopter was requested to search for people reported missing following a crash on the George Washington Memorial Parkway near the Key Bridge at around 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 4. The mission was flown in coordination with the air traffic control tower and all proper procedures were followed, said Sgt. Thomas Twiname, a spokesperson for the agency. The change in landing plans for the three planes comes just days after two flights had to abort their landings at DCA due to a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk helicopter collided near DCA earlier this year, leaving 67 people dead, the FAA imposed restrictions on helicopter operations around the airport. However, the order allows a few exceptions for helicopter use, including presidential flights, law enforcement and lifesaving missions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) Police are looking for a man involved in a suspected gift card scam involving counterfeit bills. Read next: Woman accused of sharing photo of 17-year-old having sex Salem police were called to the Tractor Supply Co. at East State Street Saturday night after someone from the store reported discovering six fraudulent $100 bills in the register drawer at the end of the night. Reports state that earlier in the evening on Saturday, a man came into the store and purchased a $500 gift card, which he paid for using the fraudulent bills. Authorities say the same suspect also attempted to purchase another gift card at the Alliance Tractor Supply Co. but was turned away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No suspect description has been provided at the time of this report. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The Mexican political elite lined up, with then-president Enrique Pena Nieto in the middle, applauding with solemn gestures as a police officer in full dress uniform, his face deformed by fire, advanced toward them. Upon reaching Pena Nieto, the officer stopped, shook the leaders hand, and received a commemorative badge. On that December day in 2015, a former non-commissioned officer of the now-defunct Federal Police, Ivan Morales Corrales, was honored: months earlier, on May 1, he had fallen from the sky in a burning helicopter during a failed attempt to capture the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. Ivan Morales with President Enrique Pena Nieto at the Los Pinos residence in Mexico City. Isabel Mateos Hinojosa (Cuartoscuro) And I turned around and the entire staff started applauding. That was very emotional for me. And it also showed that despite everything and all the circumstances, I was still standing there, the police officer would later recall in an interview with Univision. His body burned, in CJNG territory and surrounded by hitmen, Morales Corrales barely escaped with his life. He deserved the honors the state gives to its most select heroes. And that day, Mexico learned his face: the open wound of the failed fight against crime. I wanted them to see my face. It wasnt because they felt sorry for me. On the contrary, I know Id been in an accident, an attack against us, and just seeing it shows that there are scars that hurt, that leave their mark, but you can move forward despite all that. On May 1, 2025, exactly a decade after the attack, Morales Corrales was gunned down in a neighborhood in the municipality of Temixco, in the state of Morelos. He had no security, not even an armored truck. The gunmen intercepted his black pickup truck and fired a dozen bullets at it. Both the former police officer and his companion, his wife, died instantly. The killers fled on a motorcycle toward Cuernavaca and have not yet been arrested. The underlying message: not even the national heroes honored by the president, those who risked their lives in the war on drugs and have returned to tell the tale, are safe from the reach of organized crime. The Mexican government failed to protect Morales Corrales on either of the two May Days that marked his life and death. On the first, in 2015, the then-police officer left the port of Manzanillo, in Colima. No one told him he was going to be part of an elite detachment sent to capture El Mencho: they feared leaks ahead of time. He only knew he was going to participate in a special mission. He boarded a Mexican army helicopter and headed for Jalisco. Near Villa Purificacion, they identified the convoy in which the CJNG leader was traveling, but before they could neutralize it, the hitmen opened fire with heavy machine guns. The only thing I remember is the impacts [] how you could hear the sounds, how they hit the sheet metal, how you could see the .50-caliber bullets passing through more because they were the ones that pierced the helicopters hull, the officer recalled. The first casualties occurred in the air. At one point, the CJNG men fired at them with a grenade launcher. The projectile crashed into the rotor and the helicopter began to fall. I grabbed onto something and felt the impact. Despite the collision, the pilot managed to maneuver the helicopter until it landed. If we had gone into free fall, it would have exploded, Morales Corrales said in the interview with Univision. I did think I was going to die there, because of all the weapons, everything thats happening outside, I mean, it was pretty loud. The police officer survived the fall, but the only exit from the helicopter was ablaze. At the time, my wife was pregnant with my first child, and that was the most important reason, that gave me the strength to be able to get out: my family, my son, meeting my son, seeing my wife, knowing that she was okay. I was thinking about that the whole time. So he threw himself into the flames to escape. His body caught fire. I started burning very quickly. As best he could, he removed his clothing and military equipment. I was wearing a [bulletproof] vest, and that was what saved me. The entire chest and back werent burned because of the vest I was wearing, but I had to take it off because it was on fire. He rolled on the ground to smother the flames consuming his body. He could still hear the shouts of the gunmen and the bullets all around him. Fueled by adrenaline, he fled the scene, jumped a fence, and took refuge behind a rock until, some time later, the army stormed in and found him with 70% of his skin burned. Nine of his companions died in the attack, which became one of the greatest disgraces of the Pena Nieto administration, already under fire after the disappearance of the 43 Ayotzinapa students a year earlier. A couple of months later, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman escaped from the Altiplano maximum-security prison through a mile-long tunnel, once again highlighting the states inability to combat organized crime. After the attack, Morales Corrales left the Federal Police, which was decommissioned years later by former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. He was haunted by nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder. The fire had permanently deformed his face, but he found solace in his newborn son and his partner. I think one of the things that helped me a lot with psychological issues, that helped me avoid going to extremes, getting depressed, thinking about other things, [was] the fact that my wife was there, the fact that I thought more about my son than about myself, about getting to know him. I knew at the time he was going to ask me, What happened to you? Why are you like this? But that was what helped me. Although he left the police force, he did not completely abandon the fight against organized crime. Last September, he participated as a witness in the trial of El Menchos son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez. El Menchito, as he is known, was sentenced to life in prison. Questions swirl around Mexico about whether Morales Corrales involvement in the case was related to his murder, fueled by the impunity of organized crime and El Menchos habitual policy of revenge. No one has claimed responsibility for the agents murder, but the date exactly 10 years after the attempted capture of the CJNG leader leaves few in doubt as to who was behind the attack. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition (WHTM) Police are investigating a report of shots fired outside the old William Penn School building in Harrisburg on Sunday. According to Harrisburg Police Lt. Kyle Gautsch, on Sunday, May 4, at around 6:30 a.m., a vehicle was traveling north on North 3rd Street before stopping near the old William Penn School building. Lt. Gautsch says two occupants got out of the unidentified vehicle, and at least eight pistol shots were fired at the security officers vehicle. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts Lt. Gatusch said the officer was not hit, but the cars front bumper was damaged. The occupants returned to the car and fled the scene. The shooting is currently under investigation. 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. Boston 25 News reported in early April that a black bear had been spotted wandering around Walpole, Massachusetts. Police took the opportunity to remind residents to take precautions in the event of such a sighting. What's happening? Authorities shared a report of a black bear spotted in a backyard. According to police, black bear sightings have become more common, not only in the region but nationally. According to the local outlet, the Walpole Police Department shared on social media, "While not totally unique to our area, black bears have been increasing in numbers and distribution since the 1970s." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The statewide population of bears is estimated to be over 4,500 animals and is growing and expanding eastward." Biologist Dave Wattles, who spoke to public radio station WGBH in the spring of 2023 about the increase in urban sightings, said the uptick could be attributed, at least in part, to mating season. Why are wildlife sightings in residential areas concerning? When larger animals appear in residential and urban neighborhoods, the primary concern is that people might interact with the wildlife, posing a safety concern for all involved. Human-wildlife interactions can end badly, so a black bear roaming around could be a considerable safety concern. And of course people can be hurt by animals in such encounters, but wildlife can often be harmed and are sometimes euthanized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, more and more wild animals are appearing in residential and commercial areas. Prime causes can include the building up of previously undeveloped land, habitat loss, and a lack of access to the natural resources that many animals require to survive. As housing and businesses push into wild spaces, these animals are brought into greater proximity to humans. Wildlife can even grow dependent on people for food and water as access to both can be hampered by construction and other human activity. Do you feel like the air quality is safe where you live? Always Usually Not in the summer Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What can be done? According to Boston 25 News, residents have been encouraged to "remove food sources and other attractants to prevent problems with bears." Rubbish bins can be bear-proofed as well as secured in a garage or shed until garbage day. Removing bird feeders from yards may also be advisable in some circumstances, although nurturing an environment that is still friendly to smaller wildlife can help to enrich biodiversity and support a healthy ecosystem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the event of a bear sighting, another biologist who spoke with local station WHDH said that keeping one's distance and letting the bear move on was the recommended course of action. Reporting the incident to authorities such as a fish and wildlife department can also help to ensure that neighbors are warned appropriately. To address the root causes of increased human-wildlife encounters, meanwhile, might take protecting some natural habitats from development. In some cases where areas have been frequently visited by larger animals, alarm systems have been implemented to try to keep both humans and wildlife safe which is the ultimate goal. 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. Police are investigating after interrupting a street takeover last Friday in Fairfield where a number of motorists gathered and started a fire. An officer spotted the takeover shortly before 11 p.m. in the parking lot of the Stop & Shop at 760 Villa Ave., according to Sgt. Jenna Wellington of the Fairfield Police Department. Wellington said police initially held off on sending backup officers to the area, as they were dealing with a number of other emergency calls at the time. The officer who first spotted the incident remained on scene to monitor the situation until additional officers were free to ensure a coordinated and safe approach, Wellington said, adding that there was no immediate threat to the public. She noted that takeovers often become more dangerous when drivers speed off while eluding law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once backup police arrived at the scene the crowd and motorists began dispersing quickly, Wellington said. Police also received the report of a possible fire at the scene, but officers found that it was no longer burning. Police tried to pull over one of the fleeing drivers, but the vehicle did not stop, Wellington said. The officer was not able to go after the driver under the states vehicle pursuit policy, according to Wellington. Police are investigating the incident and are attempting to identify anyone who was involved. Wellington said investigators will pursue criminal charges against any suspects they identify. Anyone from the public who has information or possible video footage related to the incident has been asked to contact Fairfield police at 203-254-4800. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Fairfield police mobile app or by texting the keyword FPDCT plus the message/tip to 847411 (Tip411). Tips can also be submitted online at fpdct.com/tips. Vehicle takeover events pose a serious threat not only to participants, but also to bystanders and first responders, Wellington said in a statement. The department remains committed to enforcing the law, protecting public safety, and holding those responsible accountable. A fire at a motel resulted in many emergency departments rushing to the south side of Goshen late Saturday night. Goshen police reported that the fire was called in at 10:48 p.m. Saturday at the Super 8 Motel, 2628 Lincolnway East. Occupants were evacuated and the departments were able to locate and extinguish the fire without injuries in just a few minutes. All 18 rooms with occupants were moved to other hotels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Goshen Fire Investigator Scott Thomas, the fire appeared to have originated at an exterior high voltage electrical box and was mostly contained to the outside of the building. Mutual aid was provided by Millersburg-Clinton, Jackson, Concord and Benton fire departments. South Bend woman hospitalized, arrested in Elkhart County crash A woman was arrested after she flipped her vehicle while reportedly under the influence early Sunday morning. Elkhart County deputies reported that at 2:08 a.m. Sunday, Aureliano Medina Pereira, 36, of South Bend, was traveling west on U.S. 20 west of C.R. 11 in a 2024 Toyota RAV4 when she made an unsafe lane movement and went right of the fog line and impacted the guard rail in a construction zone, flipping her vehicle onto its top. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina Pereira was transported to Elkhart General Hospital for chest pain, and arrested on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. HIT-AND-RUN A 61-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 11:46 a.m. Friday her vehicle was struck by another vehicle at an unknown location. A 45-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 3:54 p.m. Friday, someone hit her vehicle in the parking lot of Chalet Party Shop, 2703 Caragana Court. ARRESTS A 26-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies at 7:03 p.m. Friday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of cocaine after and driving without insurance after she drove off the roadway on C.R. 7 north of C.R. 26 and struck a speed limit sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 39-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 1:29 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of meth, a legend drug and paraphernalia after she was stopped for an infraction in the 200 block of Chicago Avenue. A 27-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 4:27 p.m. Friday on charges of possession of a false ID and driving without a license following a traffic stop near Lincolnway East and Madison Street. A 46-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 4:52 p.m. Friday on a charge of possession of a controlled substance after police were called to the 1600 block of Wilden Avenue for a possible burglary and instead found him there with an active warrant out of St. Joseph County. The man was taken into custody and transported to St. Joseph County, where he was transferred into the custody of a St. Joseph County deputy. A 15-year-old boy was arrested by Goshen police at 8:03 p.m. Friday at on charges of resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct in the 100 block of North Main Street after police were called to the area for a fight. The juvenile was released to his guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 40-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 12:09 a.m. Saturday on charges of possession of cocaine and operating a vehicle while intoxicated after he was stopped near Elkhart Road and Midway Road for moving violations. A 28-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 3:17 a.m. Saturday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated after she was stopped by police near South Third Street and West Lincoln Avenue for an equipment violation. A 31-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 2:15 a.m. Saturday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment after he was stopped for a moving violation near Elkhart Road and Midway Road. A 57-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 8:24 a.m. Saturday on charges of intimidation, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, public nudity, resisting law enforcement and malicious mischief after police were called to the area of Everwise Credit Union for a woman reportedly urinating on the sidewalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 69-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 10:51 p.m. Saturday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment after he was stopped for moving violations near C.R. 15 and C.R. 28. A 22-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 1:16 a.m. Sunday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and possession of marijuana following a vehicle crash near Goshen High School on Lincolnway East. An 18-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 6:30 a.m. Sunday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and illegal consumption of an alcoholic beverage as a minor after police were called to the 14000 block of C.R. 38 for a vehicle in a ditch. RESIDENTIAL ENTRY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 34-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 11:34 a.m. Saturday two women walking into his unlocked and open house in the 400 block of East Lincoln Avenue without his permission. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Goshen police were called to Snyders Mens Shop, 126 S. Main St., for a burglary alarm at 3:28 a.m. Saturday. Upon arriving on scene, officers observed damage to the front window of the business. EMBEZZLEMENT Goshen police arrested a 17-year-old Meijer employee at 8:48 p.m. April 30 for a series of thefts the store, 4522 Elkhart Road, claims he committed. He was arrested and released into the custody of his guardian, with charges sent to the prosecutor for review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THEFT Goshen police were called to the 400 block of Queen Street at 6:27 p.m. Thursday for a theft from a vehicle during the early morning hours. FRAUD Novedades Hernandez, 633 S Main St., reported to Goshen police at 1:33 p.m. Friday receiving fraudulent checks. A 34-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 1:08 p.m. Friday an identity deception in Goshen. A 73-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 3:15 p.m. Saturday fraudulent activity. A 72-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 6:05 p.m. Saturday being the victim of tax fraud. (FOX40.COM) The West Sacramento Police Department announced it will have an increased presence at local schools after two separate shootings left one teen boy dead and another teen boy in critical condition last week. Video Above: How to report a public safety threat The first shooting happened on April 30 during a marijuana deal gone wrong, according to WSPD. A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot. Two days later, on May 2, police said a retaliatory shooting left another 16-year-old boy in critical condition. It is not clear if he will survive. Teen shot multiple times in West Sacramento for suspected retaliation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of this, WSPD will patrol Washington Unified School District high schools on Monday. We recognize this has been a jarring and emotional week for our community, with violence hitting close to home and the tragic loss of a young life due to a shooting, WSPD said. While those involved are not current WUSD students, and there have been no threats to WUSD schools, we know the impact has been deeply felt. Officers are expected to be on and around high school campuses to help ensure a calm and safe environment. The school district said there are resources available for community members who need help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WUSD is deeply saddened by the recent tragic shootings that occurred in our city on Wednesday and Friday of this week, officials said on May 3. While these incidents did not take place on school property, both locations are near our schools and are places where many of our students and families often gather. The district added, Washington Unified has a strong network of support available to help students, staff, and families who may be struggling in the aftermath of these tragedies. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, please contact your schools main office, and our team will ensure you receive the help you need. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. West Sacramento high schools will have an increased police presence on Monday following two shootings in a neighborhood bordering Summerfield Park over the past week. One shooting, on Wednesday, resulted in the death of 16-year-old Adrian Carter of Sacramento. A second shooting on Friday, said by police to be in retaliation for the earlier incident, left another youth in critical condition. That victim, also 16, was described as a West Sacramento resident. Authorities have not yet released his identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrests have been made for each shooting, police said. In a statement released Sunday, the West Sacramento Police Department said officers will be present to start the week to help ensure a calm and safe environment. Carter was formerly a student in the district, the Washington Unified School District said in a statement. We recognize this has been a jarring and emotional week for our community, with violence hitting close to home and the tragic loss of a young life due to a shooting, the department said. While those involved are not current WUSD students, and there have been no threats to WUSD schools, we know the impact has been deeply felt. Police said the initial shooting likely resulted from a marijuana drug deal gone bad. A Sacramento man, Adrek Isacc Miramontes, 19, was arrested in connection with Wednesdays shooting. (NewsNation) Port of Seattle Police are searching for an inmate who escaped custody at the SeattleTacoma International Airport and fled north on a light rail train on Sunday morning. Sedrick T. Stevenson, who is wanted in Kentucky on unspecified warrants, reportedly escaped from a contracted agent at the airport around 11 a.m. on May 4. Sedrick T. Stevenson, who is wanted for warrants in Kentucky, escaped at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Sedrick T. Stevenson, who is wanted for warrants in Kentucky, escaped at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Police say the 28-year-old suspect escaped during the ticket-checking process. He ran, avoiding capture from security and agents, and boarded a light-rail train headed north, according to video cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stevenson was later seen leaving a light rail station in Seattles Capitol Hill neighborhood, local authorities confirmed. His escape did not affect travel at SEA, and police searched baggage claim, platforms and other airport areas Sunday. Watch: Man appears to be arrested in background of live news report Stevenson is now wanted for escape in the second degree, along with his previous warrants in Kentucky. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A DeKalb County grandmother and two of her grandchildren have been found safe after being reported missing earlier Monday afternoon. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators said DeLisa Williams, 52, left the 500 block of Rosemont Drive with her 9-year-old grandson and her 2-year-old granddaughter around 10 a.m. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members were concerned when they hadnt heard from Williams because she deals with cognitive challenges. DeKalb police said the three were found safe on Monday evening. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] UPDATE 11:31 A.M. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, the missing 10-year-old has been found safe. ORIGINAL STORY OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Police say theyre are searching for a missing 10-year-old in northwest Oklahoma City Monday morning. Missing 10-year-old. Image courtesy OKCPD. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers are searching in the area of NW Expressway and N. Piedmont Rd. It is believed the child wandered into the woods while playing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say he is a black male, 55 and 100 pounds. He was last seen wearing a green Minecraft outfit. If seen, 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. A young man was shot and killed in North Hills early Sunday morning, and police are still searching for answers. The shooting was initially reported as a death investigation at about 4:45 a.m. in the 8700 block of Parthenia Place, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. When officers arrived, they found a man on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. The man, identified only as a 24-year-old Hispanic man as of Monday morning, was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no suspect information available, the LAPD said. The department asked for help in providing information that could lead to an arrest. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Valley Bureau Homicide detectives at 818-374-9550. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Four months have passed since the murder of the four children in Las Malvinas, Guayaquil, was confirmed, and one thing is certain: they were tortured by members of the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE). Four of the 16 soldiers prosecuted in the case admitted that their victims were beaten, punched, and subjected to a mock execution before being abandoned naked in Taura, a rural parish south of Guayaquil, taken over, like so many others, by organized crime. From the beginning, the militarys version of events was that the children were criminals and had been left alive. But on April 27, during the second reconstruction of the events, four of the accused confessed to the extreme violence inflicted on the minors at the hands of a second lieutenant, a sergeant, a corporal, and a soldier. The confessions came as part of a plea agreement that reduced their sentences in exchange for information and saw the detainees transferred to Prison No. 4 in Quito, which is primarily used for politicians. It was a journey of death, where the children endured an ordeal full of threats, insults, torture, and a simulated execution to make them confess to a nonexistent crime, said Abraham Aguirre, the families lawyer. The reconstruction of events took place at three locations, according to Aguirre, who was present. The first was on the DuranTambo highway south of the coastal city of Guayaquil where the patrol pulled the children from the truck and threatened them. One version claims there is a video showing one of the officers stepping on the victims. People attend the funeral of four minors found dead in the Las Malvinas neighborhood in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Jan. 1, 2025. VICENTE GAIBOR The second location was the toll booth on the DuranTambo road, where the 11-year-old boy and the three teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were forcibly taken out of the vehicle. They were thrown from the bed of the pickup truck to the ground and forced to kneel with their hands behind their backs. It was there that one of the soldiers fired a shot at the ground near one of the minors, attempting to simulate an execution. According to one version recounted by Aguirre, a noncommissioned officer beat one of the teenagers. The same beating was repeated in Taura, the final location, where they were forced to strip in the dead of night and in the middle of nowhere. From that moment, the account of the four cooperating soldiers is consistent: they claim they left the minors alive. They distanced themselves, just like the other 12 military personnel, from the subsequent murder of the kids. They say that, after doing all of that, they left them safe and sound. That they drove away and dont know what happened next. Essentially, theyre saying: yes, we beat them, but they were still alive, Aguirre stated critically. The children were not seen again until December 31, 2024, when the Prosecutors Office confirmed that the burned remains found in a swampy area of Taura belonged to Steven Medina (11), Nehemias Arboleda (15), and brothers Ismael (15) and Josue Arroyo (14). The parents of the children learned about the soldiers confessions with the support of the psychological team from the Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDH) in Guayaquil, which has been providing assistance to the families since March. Nathalia Santos, one of the psychologists, explained that only those who were ready received the report. The soldiers testimony confirms what human rights organizations and the victims families had already asserted months earlier: the children were tortured. According to Aguirre, all these elements revealed in the reconstruction of events could increase the severity of the sentence. Forced disappearance in Ecuador is punishable by 22 to 26 years in prison, according to the Comprehensive Criminal Code. It is also a crime that, under Ecuadorian law, has no statute of limitations, adds Efren Guerrero, professor of public international law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. [The versions] reaffirm the existence of a scenario that could be considered forced disappearance, said Guerrero. The confessions show the participation of state agents, the deprivation of liberty of the minors, and then a refusal to acknowledge the facts or provide information for several days. Guerrero points out that all these elements strengthen the cases credibility and could facilitate its admissibility before the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances. Maria Dolores Mino, director of the Observatory of Rights and Justice, warns that the case could escalate to international courts if the Ecuadorian state fails to fulfill its obligations for full reparations. These include a proper investigation and punishment of those responsible, the families right to know the truth, and financial compensation. Ecuador has a history of human rights violations. Of the 553 rulings issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, 53 (9.58%) involve Ecuador. We are the country with the third-highest number of cases. There is a structural situation of impunity that is not being resolved, warned Guerrero. Two days after the soldiers confessions, on April 30, the investigation was closed, having gathered testimonies, expert analyses, and two reconstructions of the events on the day the children were intercepted by a military squad, beginning the nightmare for their families. On May 1, the prosecutor handling the case requested that the judge of the South Criminal Judicial Unit of Guayaquil set a date and time for the preliminary trial hearing against the 16 military personnel implicated in the childrens disappearance. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The West Springfield Police are seeking the publics help in locating a man who has been missing since last Tuesday. In a social media post, the police say Armand Lemieux lives in the area of Main and Bridge Streets and has been missing since the early morning of April 29. He is well known to the residents in that area, and some say that they havent seen him recently. Westfield begins two year project to replace aging pipes Armand Lemieux (West Springfield Police Department) Armand Lemieux (West Springfield Police Department) Armand is described as approximately 57 tall and weighing 160 pounds. If you have seen him or know of his whereabouts, you are asked to call West Springfield Police Detective Craig Nielson at 413-263-3210, extension 278. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. BERKSHIRE, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Vermont State Police say a 17-year-old Franklin County girl who was reported missing over the weekend has been found safe in the Lyndonville area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. A 23-year-old British nursing student was just days away from graduation when her life was brutally taken. Police suspect her roommate is behind her killing. The motive? A typical roommate disagreement that went way way left. Houston police say Elizabeth Tamilore Odunsi got into an argument with her roommate, 40-year-old man named Chester Grant, on April 26, per KHOU 11 News. Police said the two had only been living together for two months at the apartment on Goforth Street on the south side of the city. However, the two had recently got into an argument about their pet cats they both kept in the home. Somehow, police said the conflict escalated from a simple verbal disagreement into a heinous act. Police said they responded to the home to conduct a welfare check following the dispute. They told local reporters they entered the home and noticed blood on the rear patio. After tracing the blood, they found Odunsi dead with multiple stab wounds. They also found Grant with stab injuries as well. Detectives told KHOU the injuries came from Grant attempting to end his own life after allegedly killing Odunsi. He suffered six stab wounds but survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Odunsi, on the other hand, died on the scene, according to authorities. Police said she moved from England to Houston to study to become a nurse. She was set to graduate that very weekend she was killed, police said. She moved from the UK to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, dedicating herself to a life of care and service. Tami had a special love for children and always dreamed of making a difference in young lives through her future work in healthcare. Outside of her studies, she brought joy to others through her love for creating content and expressing her vibrant personality, wrote a relative on a GoFundMe post. After being hospitalized, Grant appeared for a probable cause hearing Saturday. Following court, the report says he was booked Saturday into Harris County Jail and charged with murder. Hes being held on a $500,000 bond. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Brentwood police closed its investigation after a grand jury declined to file charges against the neighbor who fatally shot a man during a domestic assault on Lost Hollow Drive Feb. 26. The agency responded to a report of a man stabbing a woman around 1:17 p.m. that day. Police said before they arrived, a neighbor armed with a gun confronted Julian Porter, 26, and tried to stop him from stabbing his mother, Nathalie Porter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighbor, in front of several witnesses, shot Julian Porter multiple times. Mother and son were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Julian Porter died of his injuries. Nathalie Porter was later discharged. The grand jury found that no crime was committed by the neighbor, who was not named by Brentwood police. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Brentwood man cleared by grand jury in fatal shooting of neighbor The Polk County Sheriffs Office is asking the public to come forward with information about a shooting at an after-prom gathering. The shooting happened around 3:30 A.M Sunday at Famagusta Drive in Davenport, according to deputies. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said three Osceola High School students were hurt in the shooting, though all were released from the hospital by Monday evening. A 17-year-old female was grazed in the forehead and shoulder by a bullet, an 18-year-old male was also grazed in the forehead, and a third 17-year-old male was hit in the eye by shrapnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sheriff, the 17-year-old male hit by shrapnel could face permanent vision loss as a result of his injury. Judd said at least two of the students were alive by the grace of God after they were caught in the crossfire of a shootout between two groups. According to the sheriff, investigators believe there were three shooters, though so far no arrests have been made. Judd said the incident is under investigation. However, Jones High School and Dr. Phillips High School had proms on Saturday evening. According to the Sheriff, several after-prom parties at short-term rentals in Osceola County were shut down. Still, investigators believe some students relocated to a Wawa parking lot and the Davenport condo complex on Famagusta Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriff voiced frustration as witnesses had seemingly remained silent about the crime. Were having to get our investigative leads from the videos because no one saw anything. How healthy is that? How smart is that, said Judd. Judd said at least 100 people were at the scene during the shooting. Deputies said, Several people immediately fled after this occurred and dont appear to want to cooperate with this investigation. Investigators are combing through tons of video evidence but need the communitys help to solve the crime. Judd asked parents to talk with their students about whether they witnessed the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will shoot again and they may have shot before, if nobodys telling on them and if nobody is helping us identify them, said Judd. The Sheriffs office encourages anyone with information to contact the Polk County Sheriffs Office at 863-298-6200 or anonymously reach out to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS or via their mobile app. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Most stories about Pope Francis mention that he made history as the first pontiff from Latin America. In fact, Francis was the first pope in centuries to be born outside Europe. But what impact did that actually have on the Catholic Church? The Conversation U.S. asked Neomi De Anda, a theologian at the University of Dayton, to explain the significance of having a pope from the Southern Hemisphere. Where do you see the influence of Pope Francis Latin American background? In reality, Francis is not only the first Latin American pope; hes the first American pope. Francis is Argentine, the child and grandchild of Italian immigrants, and the first to be born in America. Though geography divides it into two continents, North and South, it is one land one many Indigenous communities call Turtle Island or Abya Yala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the popes 2024 video message to the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, he called upon them to be bridge-builders between the Americas and to be a church that welcomes, accompanies, and integrates migrants. Speaking in Spanish, he invited the academy to do theology with your head, your hearts, and your hands and to integrate the richness of both cultures, North and South, at the service of a dignified life. Pope Francis arrives for a massive open-air Mass in a park just a few yards from the U.S. border in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Feb. 17, 2016. AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills This message emphasizes Francis view of synodality meaning a church that walks together and his understanding of the connection among all people in the Americas and the Caribbean. It also shows a recurring theme of his papacy: the connections between pastoral care and theology. The greeting also highlights his desire for all to have a life of well-being, or buen vivir, through Gods love. As Jesus says in the Gospel of John, I came so that they may have life and have it more abundantly. This is also a key theme in a 2007 document produced after a meeting of Latin American bishops, known as Aparecida. Francis, then a cardinal, was a primary drafter. Aparecida points out Latin Americas abundance of aquifers and forest lands, which are humanitys lungs. It laments economic factors leading to environmental destruction and climate change themes that would prove important to Francis papacy. The document stresses Gods care for people whose lands are being pillaged and who are forced to migrate. It claims nothing and no one can take away the strength, joy and peace God gives to the worlds most vulnerable. Francis repeatedly acknowledged the Catholic Churchs role in crimes against Indigenous people, and he apologized. How did ideas about colonialism shape his papacy? Francis spent much time and attention learning more about the experiences of Native communities: from his visit to Chiapas, Mexico, in 2016; to the Amazon Synod, a meeting of Catholic bishops from the Pan-Amazon Region, Indigenous leaders from this region, theologians and other subject matter experts in 2019; to his tour across Canada in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the synod, Francis released a letter titled Querida Amazonia, which includes a call for Catholic leaders to learn more about the lives of Native peoples from across the nine countries of the Amazon. During the papal Mass Francis celebrated in Chiapas, Mexico, in 2016, you can see the deep intermixing of local cultures and customs with the liturgy. For example, women spread incense across the altar using clay vessels, alongside deacons using a thurible, the metal burner typically used in services. Animal images at the front of the platform represented the integration of all of creation. Pope Francis delivers his message during Mass in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, on Feb. 15, 2016. AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia Throughout his trip to Canada in 2022 whose purpose, in part, was to apologize for the Catholic Churchs role in the Indigenous boarding school system Francis presented a disposition of listening and care. He spent more time meeting with people and hearing about their experiences than giving prepared speeches on the perspective of the church. For First Nations peoples, the popes visit was an opportunity for reconciliation but for some, it also reopened old wounds. One of their requests was that the church reject the Doctrine of Discovery: ideas about conversion to Christianity that colonial powers used to justify abuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking to reporters on the plane returning to Rome, Francis named what had been done to Indigenous children in boarding schools as genocide. The following year, the Vatican released a repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery and documents associated with those ideas. Are there other ways that the pope did or didnt make the church feel more inclusive? Francis papacy did less to change teachings on another topic shaped by colonialism: gender, sexuality and women. The Catholic Church maintains that there are two genders male and female which complement each other, a binary system that replaced more flexible ways of thinking about gender in some cultures. Members of a delegation of Indigenous peoples in Quebec await a meeting with Pope Francis on July 29, 2022. Ciro Fusco/Pool ANSA via AP The question of whether to ordain women as deacons arose from the Amazon Synod and continued at the churchs global Synod on Synodality, but without resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An emphasis on womens role as child-bearers is embedded in the theological understanding of Mary as mother of Christ and the mother of the church. Whether intentionally or not, however, I would argue Francis laid groundwork for teaching about women and gender to expand. Appointments of women to high Vatican positions point to small shifts in practice. The presence of trans people among the last people who paid respects to Francis at his funeral marks a sign of possibilities that hopefully will continue. Although of the church might make us think of clergy, all who are baptized are the church. Around the world, Catholic communities have developed in many ways, with multiple forms of leadership especially women lay leaders. The Vatican needs to continue to affirm that reality. The Catholic Church understands diversity as a gift of the Holy Spirit. My hope is for someone to continue in Francis vein of appreciating that pluralism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Neomi De Anda, University of Dayton Read more: Neomi De Anda consults for the Louisville Institute, funded by Lily Endowment Inc. She receives funding from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Religion and Theology. She is a past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States and is affiliated with the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative. One of Pope Franciss popemobiles is being transformed into a mobile healthcare unit for children and sent to the Gaza Strip, the Vaticans official media outlet said on Sunday. In one of his final wishes before his passing, Francis entrusted the popemobile used during his 2014 pilgrimage of the Holy Lands to the Catholic aid network Caritas Jerusalem, Vatican News said, to help respond to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Francis asked that the vehicle be used to help injured and malnourished children in the war-torn Palestinian enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caritas are converting the vehicle into a mobile health station by retrofitting it with medical equipment for diagnosis, examination, and treatment of children, and other life-saving supplies. Staffed with doctors and medics the new clinic on wheels will be sent to communities that lack access to functioning healthcare facilities, once safe access to Gaza is feasible, Caritas said. Its not just a vehicle, its a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza, Peter Brune, secretary general of Caritas Sweden, said in a statement. World peace was a core message throughout Francis pontificate, with him having called for ceasefires of both the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars on multiple occasions, the final of which was on Easter Sunday the day before his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis had been making near-nightly calls to the Holy Family Church Gazas only Catholic church which had been serving as a de facto shelter for its community of worshippers and some Muslims throughout Israeli military campaigns that followed the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas. He had also controversially installed a Nativity scene during Christmas festivities depicting a baby Jesus swaddled in a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian garment now heavily associated with pro-Palestine movements and activism, which the Vatican removed from display shortly after it was put on display. The Conclave that will vote for Francis successor assembles on Wednesday. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The popemobile is set to serve as a Gaza childrens health clinic in a final wish from the late Pope Francis, according to Vatican News. The News reported Monday that the conversion of the pontiffs popemobile was a final request from Francis for Gaza residents, who have faced dire conditions and mass death amid Israels military strikes. Francis, who was known for his human rights advocacy, died late April 21 after a long series of health complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press reported late last month that Gazas only Catholic church would receive frequent calls from Francis in the last year and a half of his life. During the calls, he would check in about the well-being of those in the church, according to the outlet. According to Vatican News, medical equipment such as rapid tests for infections and vaccines is being added to Franciss popemobile, which doctors and medics will staff. Last year, Francis pushed for a ceasefire in Gaza and the prompt release of every Israeli hostage during a traditional Easter message. My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions. In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, all for the sake of all, Francis said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. One of Pope Francis popemobiles is being turned into a mobile health clinic for Gazas wounded and starving children one of the pontiffs last wishes before he died and a symbol of his long-held dedication to the Palestinian people. Francis used the popemobile during his 2014 pilgrimage of the Holy Land, which includes Israel and the Palestinian territories. Before his April 21 death, the 88-year-old pope asked Catholic aid network Caritas to use that popemobile to aid Palestinian families struggling to survive in war-torn Gaza, the Vatican News reported Sunday. This vehicle represents the love, care and closeness that His Holiness Pope Francis showed to the most vulnerable, something he expressed throughout the crisis, Caritas Jerusalem Secretary General Anton Asfar said in a statement. Pope Francis waves from his popemobile as he leaves the Cathedral in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, in 2016. Eduardo Verdugo via Associated Press Israeli forces have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in ongoing military campaigns that follow the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel by Hamas. In addition to strikes, the Israeli military also has targeted health and aid workers, destroyed life-sustaining infrastructure and indefinitely blocked humanitarian assistance from entering the occupied territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result disease, starvation, infections, amputations, congenital disabilities and hypothermia has exacerbated the crisis, particularly for Gazas children, who make up roughly half the territorys population. Francis had specifically advocated for Gazas youth, saying in January that anyone who harms children will have to answer to God. With the vehicle, we will be able to reach children who currently lack access to care children who are injured and malnourished, Caritas Sweden Secretary General Peter Brune said in a statement. This is a concrete and lifesaving effort at a time when the health care system in Gaza has almost collapsed. Wedad Abdelaal poses in her tent with her malnourished children at the Mawasi refugee camp in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Friday. Abdel Kareem Hana via Associated Press Caritas Jerusalem, which has provided health care assistance in Gaza before, is converting the popemobile so that it can be used to conduct medical examinations, diagnostics and treatment. The mobile clinic renamed Vehicle of Hope will be staffed with drivers and medical personnel, and include supplies such as rapid sampling kits, suture kits, syringes, vaccines, oxygen and a medicine refrigerator. The converted popemobile is both a health care provider on wheels and a message of hope a vehicle that can show the world has not forgotten the children of Gaza, said Cardinal Anders Arborelius, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis progressive pontificate focused heavily on world peace, repeatedly calling for ceasefires in conflict zones like Gaza. The pope made phone calls almost every night to Gazas only Catholic church, which served as a shelter for Palestinian Christians and Muslims alike. He also made headlines for unveiling a Nativity scene last Christmas in Vatican City that featured baby Jesus in a keffiyeh, the patterned scarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian solidarity and liberation. A man holds up a phone for the Rev. Gabriel Romanelli of the Holy Family Catholic Church displaying a video conference call with Pope Francis as the latter blesses the congregation during Christmas Eve Mass at the church in Gaza City in 2024. Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, Francis said in his Easter speech, one day before he died. The growing climate of antisemitism throughout the world is worrisome. Yet at the same time, I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation, he continued. I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace. The new mobile clinic will be able to enter Gaza once Israel lifts the monthslong humanitarian blockade, though the government has signaled no intention to do such a thing. The bombing combined with the blockade has led some humanrights groups, activists, countriesand United Nationsexperts tolabel the crisis a genocide. The pope himself called for an investigation into the genocide allegations. The Conclave, where cardinals will vote on who will succeed Francis as pope, begins Wednesday. Marie Blaise was 44 years old. On April 25, the Haitian woman complained of chest pains, another woman detained at the same migrant center in Deerfield Beach, Florida, told the Miami Herald. Authorities at the Broward Transitional Center took her blood pressure and discovered she had hypertension. They gave her some pills and told her to rest. Hours later, she began shaking and screaming, My chest! My chest! At 8:35 p.m. that night, she was pronounced dead. Her life ended in an immigration detention center, just like the lives of six other people who have died in the custody of U.S. immigration authorities in the first three months of Donald Trumps presidency. Since the Republican began his second term in January, seven migrants have died while in the custody of immigration police or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Blaise and two other migrants died in Florida, while one died in Arizona, another in Missouri, one in Texas, and one more in Puerto Rico. The individuals ranged in age from 27 to 55, and came from different corners of the globe: Haiti, Honduras, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Ukraine, and Ethiopia. They embarked on the odyssey to the United States for various reasons and through various means, but ultimately ended up in the same place: imprisoned in an infamous network of migrant detention centers denounced for their mistreatment and conditions. The cause of Blaises death is still under investigation. ICE has 90 days from each death to investigate it and make all related reports public, as required by Congress since 2018. These reports include the deceaseds demographic data, their immigration and criminal history in the United States, and a synopsis of the events leading up to the death. Its a cold, technical snapshot that reduces a person, a life, to their last months or years as an immigrant. In Blaises case, it is known that she was detained on February 12 at the Saint Croix International Airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands when she tried to board a flight to North Carolina without a valid immigrant visa. Immigration authorities do not know when, where, or how the woman entered the United States without authorization, but on that same day, she was issued an expedited removal notice. She came into ICE custody on February 14 and was transferred from center to center as is common until she ended up at the Broward center in early April. She was there for 20 days until her death. The Bluebonnet Detention Center, where Venezuelan men are currently being held, in Anson, Texas. Charles Reed/U.S. Immigration an (via REUTERS) Preventable deaths In the midst of Trumps campaign of mass arrests and deportations, Democratic lawmakers are sounding the alarm over deaths like Blaises. This administrations deportation process has been sloppy and reckless since day one. No due process and no transparency, just families being illegally ripped apart and left to fend for themselves. In severe instances, innocent people have actually died, like Marie Blaise, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat and the only Haitian-American in Congress, said in a House address Wednesday. Cherfilus-McCormick suggested that Blaise had not received adequate medical care before her death and condemned the conditions in which detainees are held. Marie had been complaining of chest pain for hours. They gave her some pills and told her to go lie down. Unfortunately, Marie never woke up, she said. These conditions at ICE facilities are inhumane and unsanitary. Immigrants are being treated without basic dignity and being denied medical care. Cherfilus-McCormick concluded by calling for a full, transparent investigation into Blaises death and announced that she would visit the facility where she died. For its part, ICE maintained in a statement that it remains committed to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments. It added: Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health screening and 24-hour emergency care at each detention facility. At no time during detention is a detained illegal alien denied emergent care. ICE has long been accused of mistreating migrants. Migrants, lawyers, organizations, and experts have repeatedly accused the agency of being responsible for dozens of deaths in its custody, regardless of the party in the White House. Protesters outside the Krome Detention Center in Miami on March 29, 2025. Jose Iglesias (AP) Last year, an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) investigation found that between 2017 and 2021, during the first Trump administration and part of the Biden administration, 95% of deaths at ICE-operated facilities could have been prevented if appropriate medical care had been provided. Systemic failures in medical and mental health care have caused preventable deaths in ICE detention, the report stated. The investigation found that in 88% of the deaths reviewed, ICE detention medical staff made incorrect, inappropriate, or incomplete diagnoses. According to the report, medical staff provided incomplete, inappropriate, or delayed treatment or medication that caused or contributed to death Migrant advocates warn that conditions inside these prisons have significantly worsened since Trumps return to power. His administration has overwhelmed the detention centers, pushing them 17% over capacity, as it seeks to detain as many migrants as possible to meet Trumps target of one million deportations a year. Healthy on arrival, dead two weeks later Of the seven migrant deaths in ICE custody that have occurred since Trumps inauguration, the federal agency has only made the reports for three public so far. EL PAIS analyzed these three cases and found that, in all instances, the migrants were evaluated by a medical professional upon their arrival at their respective detention centers. None of the three men showed any abnormalities or medical issues at the time of their arrival, and were therefore allowed to remain in detention. However, their health deteriorated rapidly. Maksym Chernyak was one of the victims: the 44-year-old Ukrainian died in ICE custody on February 20. He had arrived at a Miami detention center earlier that month with no medical problems, except for slightly elevated blood pressure. Oksana Tarasiuk shows a photograph with her husband, Maksym Chernyak, a Ukrainian migrant who died in ICE custody at the Krome detention center. Rebecca Blackwell (AP) On February 8, he developed a cough with nasal congestion, for which he was evaluated and treated the following day. His symptoms persisted, and on February 15, he returned to the facilitys clinic. He was treated and once again returned to his cell. Three days later, he had a medical crisis: at 2:32 a.m. on February 18, he was found vomiting and trembling. Chernyak appeared intoxicated, diaphoretic, uncoordinated, and intermittently unresponsive, according to the ICE report. The centers doctor requested that he be sent to a hospital, but while awaiting his transfer, he suffered six seizures. The first occurred less than 30 minutes later, at 3:00 a.m. The rest followed every three to five minutes, as he vomited blood. Once at a local hospital, doctors discovered at 9:00 a.m. that he might have had a hemorrhagic stroke. By 3:00 p.m., he was placed under a brain death protocol. He was declared dead two days later. Chernyak had entered the United States legally in August 2024 under the humanitarian parole program launched in 2022 by former president Joe Biden for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. However, in January of this year, he was arrested for an assault charge and subsequently placed in ICE custody. The deceased These are the names of the migrants who have died in ICE custody during the first three months of Donald Trump's administration. Genry Ruiz Guillen. A 29-year-old Honduran, he was admitted to the Krome center in Florida and died on January 23. Serawit Gezahegn Dejene. The Ethiopian migrant was 45 years old when he died on January 29 in Arizona. Maksym Chernyak. Originally from Ukraine, he was pronounced dead on February 20 after being admitted to Krome. Juan Alexis Tineo-Martinez. The 44-year-old Dominican was taken into ICE custody in Puerto Rico following a maritime interdiction. He died on February 23. Brayan Rayo-Garzon. The 27-year-old hanged himself in a Missouri prison. Nhon Ngoc Nguyen. The 55-year-old Vietnamese man died of natural causes," according to ICE, on April 16. Marie Ange Blaise. The 44-year-old Haitian woman died on April 25 at a Florida center after complaining of chest pains. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition When Amy Feeley-Austin of Kona was going through a tough time, Medicaid was a lifesaver that provided health care for her two young children. Twelve years ago her husband died, leaving her and the children with no health insurance. It was a sudden and unexpected turn of events, and in a time of grief, she had to scramble to get health care insurance. Thanks to Medicaid, she was able to get coverage for her two children to continue their regular doctor visits, as well as specialized services her son needed for a disability. She worked for a social services organization at the time, but the cost of employer insurance was three-quarters of her salary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She worked her way to a higher-paying job, eventually, with employer-provided health coverage and no longer needed Medicaid after two years. She also went on to earn several advanced degrees and is now chief operating officer at Kona Community Hospital. Looking back, Feeley-Austin, 42, will never forget how Medicaid was there when she needed it. This was a very real need, she said. It was a way to make sure my kids were safe and healthy while I figured out how to address this horrible, traumatizing thing, and we were able to move forward from there. But Medicaid is under threat, with Republicans in Congress to the program as part of a wide-ranging budget package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress is targeting up to $880 billion in cuts over 10 years, according to KFF, a health policy think tank. Some possibilities include adding new work requirements for eligibility and scaling back the federal share of Medicaid costs. Although details remain up in the air, KFF said any reduction in federal Medicaid would leave states with tough choices on how to offset reductions. Nationally, Medicaid provides health care coverage for more than 80 million Americans. Gov. Josh Green ran through the numbers on his whiteboard in a recent social media post, saying federal cuts to Medicaid would result in increased medical debt for residents and potentially affect Hawaiis rural hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would mean fewer people getting their high blood pressure diagnosed or their medication for diabetes. A cut to Medicaid is a cut to all of our care in the country, basically, and we wont let that happen without a fight, said Green. Please know were going to continue to work hard to make sure all our people are well cared for. A safety net In Hawaii, Medicaid is administered as Med-QUEST, and provides health care coverage for more than 400, 000 residents. It provides health care for 1 in 3 keiki and covers 1 in 3 births in the state. It covers low-income children and adults, pregnant women and aged, blind and disabled people, among others, for doctor visits, inpatient hospital services, prescription drugs and more. It also provides nursing home coverage and home-based care to those who qualify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hawaii, federal funds cover 73 % of the $3 billion spent annually on Medicaid. At this time there have been no changes to Medicaid funding in Hawaii, according to the state Department of Human Services, which runs Med-QUEST. We continue to monitor the debate over Medicaid funding that is happening at the federal level, said DHS in an announcement posted to its website. Please be assured that no changes have been made at this time to Hawaiis Medicaid program, Med-QUEST. We encourage you to continue to access healthcare by making and keeping appointments with your health care professional and picking up any medications that are prescribed. Francoise Culley-Trotman, CEO of AlohaCare, is also watching developments closely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AlohaCare is nonprofit health plan that has provided coverage for QUEST beneficiaries since its founding in 1994. It is Hawaiis second-largest Medicaid health plan, behind HMSA, with more than 70, 000 members. Culley-Trotman said Medicaid serves as a vital safety net for individuals and families who cannot afford private health insurance or have limited access to employer-sponsored coverage. Any cuts to Medicaid funding would be very devastating for Hawaii, she said. The difficulty of thriving in an expensive state itself is a challenge, she said. When you remove those resources, youre challenging the household and peoples ability to take care of themselves. Theres going to be disruption in caregiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If access to health care is reduced, she said, the whole ecosystem of care is affected. Oftentimes, people without routine health care resort to using emergency rooms, which is costly and strains the hospital system. AlohaCare celebrated Medicaid Awareness Month in April by collecting stories such as Feeley-Austins, and will continue to do so until federal and state Medicaid budgets are finalized. She expects to know more this fall, when final decisions are made. But the uncertainty from not knowing the details is also extremely stressful, she said. Hospital strain All of Hawaiis hospitals would be affected by Medicaid cuts, as all care for Medicaid patients, according to Hilton Raethel, president and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reduction in Medicare reimbursements would increase the financial burden for hospitals, many of which are already struggling. Our hospitals already operate on very, very narrow margins, said Raethel. Its a very challenging health care environment, and labor costs are going up. Additionally, Medicaid covers about 60 % of patients at skilled nursing facilities in Hawaii and is the single largest payer for long-term care in the state. Raethel said he expects the state Legislature to address federal cuts during a special session in November and that by then Hawaii should know how much and where the cuts will be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now its a waiting game. The state has been very careful to put aside some dollars so if they do need to close some of these gaps, they have the ability to do that in the short term, he said, but they still have limited ability depending on how draconian these cuts might be. There also would be other cuts to address, including cuts to education. Hawaiis congressional delegation is aware of the pending threats, and advocating for their fellow Congress members, including Republicans, to think about the devastating impact to their states. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono condemned the impending cuts to a critical program such as Medicaid, warning that it could affect thousands of residents in Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump and Republicans are working to cut over $800 billion in Medicaid funding, which would impact hundreds of thousands of people in Hawaii, said Hiro no in a statement. As costs continue to rise for working families, Republicans are jeopardizing health care access for millions of Americans in order to pay for trillions in tax cuts for their billionaire buddies. Medicaid is an essential resource that helps rural communities, people with disabilities, keiki, and kupuna access health care, and I will do everything in my power to protect this crucial program. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz recently met with The Queens Medical Center to discuss growing demands for its emergency department and the potential impact of Med-QUEST cuts. A significant share of Queens patients are Med-QUEST recipients, he said. AlohaCares Culley-Trotman said part of her campaign is to battle the misconception that Medicaid recipients are lazy or unwilling to work. Nationally, nearly two-thirds of adult Medicaid enrollees work either part or full time, according to KFF, while the rest are students, caregivers, disabled or ill. AlohaCares Culley-Trotman said about 60 % of adults on Med-QUEST in Hawaii have a job, and in some cases multiple jobs. Some have jobs without consistent hours, which leaves them unqualified for health insurance coverage. Feeley-Austin says both her children are doing well now, with one about to graduate from high school and the other attending collegeand she is grateful Medicaid was there when she needed it. Its very humbling, she said. I keep going back to theres this concept, especially with everything happening at a national level, that people can just do it themselves. Thats not always what happens. Sometimes there are sudden job losses, she said, or accidents that result in disabilities and serious illnessesand Medicaid is a safety net, especially for children. Based on an earlier analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Hawaii would have to raise taxes or cut other parts of its budget by an estimated $3 billion over 10 years to maintain Med-QUEST, including the Medicaid expansion to low-income adults. Cutting Medicaid by taking away coverage and shifting costs to states will have long-term and expensive repercussions, including worse health outcomes, greater costs to hospital systems, and straining state and local economies, said the center. Cutting Medicaid is ill-advised and should be rejected. The cuts would be the most severe, the center said, to states like Hawaii that have expanded Medicaid to low-income adults. MEDICAID IN HAWAIIMedicaid is administered as Med-QUEST in Hawaii as a joint federal-state program.Provides health insurance for more than 400, 000 Hawaii residents.Covers 1 in 6 adults ages 19-64, and 1 in 3 keiki in Hawaii.Covers 1 in 3 births in Hawaii, and 4 in 7 nursing home residents.Hawaii is among 41 states that expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act.Hawaii spends about $3 billion annually on Med-icaid (federal share, 73 %; state share, 27 %). Most of it, 88 %, goes to managed care.Med-QUEST health plans are offered by managed-care organizations AlohaCare, HMSA, Kaiser Permanente, Ohana Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.The Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, implemented in 2000 in Hawaii, is part of the Med-icaid program. AlohaCare invites residents to share their stories following Medicaid Awareness Month in April at alohacare.org (share story at ). Sources : KFF, Med-QUEST CHICAGO (WGN) The president of the Art Institute of Chicago is on voluntary leave from the museum after an alleged incident on a United Airlines flight last month. On Friday, April 18, James Rondeau flew from Chicago to Germany. When the plane landed in Munich, police were called after he had allegedly taken off his clothes, CBS News first reported. Sources for the outlet claimed the incident occurred after Rondeau took prescription medication and drank alcohol. A spokeswoman for the Art Institute confirmed the report and issued the following statement to Nexstars WGN: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Art Institute takes this very seriously and has opened an independent investigation into the incident to gather all available information. And to clarify, James will voluntarily be taking time way from the office while the investigation is completed. 2 people, a dog dead after small plane crashes in Los Angeles-area neighborhood The Art Institute of Chicago was established in 1879 and houses such works as Edward Hoppers Nighthawks, Grant Woods American Gothic, and Georges Seurats A Sunday at La Grande Jatte. Rondeau has been the president and director of the museum since 2016, according to its official website. Both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune estimate his annual salary at over $1 million, citing recent tax records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. May 4 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump Sunday announced plans to reopen Alcatraz, the notorious prison in San Francisco that housed some of the nation's most infamous and dangerous criminals in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. "For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering," Trump posted Sunday on Truth Social. Trump said he has directed the federal Bureau of Prisons, the Justice Department, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to reopen a larger and rebuilt facility, equipping it to house the United States' most violent offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order and JUSTICE,' he continued in his social media post. The prison was closed in 1963 not long after the June, 1962 high profile escape of Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin who slipped away on a raft, leaving fake heads they created in a crafts class in their cell beds to fool prison guards. The men were never discovered, however, experts have said they likely drowned in the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay, though their bodies have never been found. "Despite the odds, from 1934 until the prison was closed in 1963, 36 men tried 14 separate escapes," the FBI said in a webpage about the history of the prison and the daring escape. "Nearly all were caught or didn't survive the attempt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the odds, from 1934 until the prison was closed in 1963, 36 men tried 14 separate escapes. Nearly all were caught or didn't survive the attempt. Since then, the former prison, isolated on a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, has been operated as a tourist site. Trump's announcement comes as the administration has been sending accused criminals to prisons in Guatemala and El Salvador, which has been fraught with logistical and diplomatic challenges. The president has said he aims to send foreign nationals, as well as criminal U.S. citizens, to the newly revamped Alcatraz. He did not release a timeline for construction or reopening. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump teased potential agreements this week with U.S. trading partners in his ongoing tariff war but likely not on the list, China. President Trump said on Air Force One Sunday night that he had no plans to speak with the Chinese president this week but administration officials are continuing their flurry of meetings with trading partners to try to reach a deal. I dont think a beautiful baby girl at 11 years old needs to have 30 dolls. I think they can have three dolls or four dolls because what we were doing with China was just unbelievable, said the president on Meet the Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% even as he paused others. Weve essentially cut off trade relationships by putting that much of a tariff on, and thats okay, he said. Republicans are starting to voice their concerns about the real harms of the presidents tariffs to certain U.S. industries. The ag community is very worried, said Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska.). Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon told The Hill the White House has to stick to a deadline for deals. We need to get this thing settled this summer or our farmers will be struggling. Well be in a recession here in the Midwest. Bottom line, said Bacon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Democrat Senator Tammy Duckworth said the tariffs are already impacting farmers. Hurting them with the products are trying to sell, the inputs that theyre trying to import in order to plan to grow, their crops are being priced out of range, said Duckworth. President Trump plans to swear in the new U.S. ambassador to China on Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEW YORK (AP) President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a hard-to-reach California island that has been closed for more than 60 years. In a post on his Truth Social site Sunday evening, Trump wrote that, For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders, he wrote, adding: The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it was known as the The Rock and housed some of the nations most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies, including The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. Still in the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or didnt survive the attempt. The fate of three particular inmates John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris is of some debate and was dramatized in the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz starring Clinton Eastwood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcatraz Island is now a major tourist site that is operate by the National Parks Service and is a designated National Historic Landmark. The closure of the federal prison in 1963 was attributed to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency will comply with all Presidential Orders. The spokesperson did not immediately answer questions from The Associated Press regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agencys role in the future of the former prison given the National Park Services control of the island. The island serves as a veritable time machine to a bygone era of corrections. The Bureau of Prisons currently has 16 penitentiaries performing the same high-security functions as Alcatraz, including its maximum security facility in Florence, Colorado, and the U.S. penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, which is home to the federal death chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order comes as Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador, without due process. Trump has also directed the opening of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labeled the worst criminal aliens. The Bureau of Prisons has faced myriad crises in recent years and has been subjected to increased scrutiny after Jeffrey Epsteins suicide at a federal jail in New York City in 2019. An AP investigation uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. AP reporting has disclosed widespread criminal activity by employees, dozens of escapes, chronic violence, deaths and severe staffing shortages that have hampered responses to emergencies, including assaults and suicides. The APs investigation also exposed rampant sexual abuse at a federal womens prison in Dublin, California. Last year, President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency after AP reporting spotlighted its many flaws. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Jill Colvin and Michael R. Sisak Associated Press Sisak reported from Philadelphia. Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report. Read the original article on MassLive. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trump promises more trade deals are on the horizon. Its been more than a month since the president announced and then paused reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, except China. The world is watching closely to see how and when this tariff fight will end. This week Canadas new prime minister will make his first visit to the White House. In the meantime, President Trump is standing firm on his tariff strategy and is even unleashing new threats this time targeting the movie industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not looking to hurt the industry, I want to help the industry, said Trump. Its the latest development in the presidents trade saga, as he threatens to unfreeze reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries. Despite some buckling on Wall Street, the president insists his strategy will empower American business, hinting Sunday new trade deals are on the way. At some point in the next two to three weeks, Im going to be setting the deal, said Trump. Democrats and even some Republicans acknowledge the escalating trade fight with China is already destabilizing markets for farmers. The tariffs are hurting them with the products they are trying to sell, said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins insists most farmers are in it for the long haul. Rollins previously said the administration would consider aid for struggling farmers, but the president says there are no plans to help small business owners, adding consumers of all ages, should be prepared. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Reading voters will get a chance to select candidates to serve in several City Council positions in the May 20 primary election. This year voters will cast ballots for candidates running for three council district seats. The openings are in Districts 1, 4 and 5. The winners of the primary will face off in the November general election. Candidates for the district seats will be elected to four-year terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incumbents are indicated by an asterisk. City councilors are paid $6,250 annually. We asked the candidates three questions: Question 1: In light of Readings designation as a city revitalization and improvement zone, or CRIZ, what strategies do you support to attract businesses and promote economic growth in Reading? Question 2: How do you plan to engage with residents to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making processes? Question 3: What do you see as the main issue in your district and how would you work to address it, if elected? City Council District 1 (Vote for one) Democrats *Vanessa Campos no response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denise Johnson no response. City Council District 4 (Vote for one) Democrats Ray Baker Age: 33 Education: Penn State Dickinson School of Law; bachelor of science in criminal justice, University of Baltimore. Work experience and community involvement: Assistant district attorney, Berks County, since 2017; Reading Charter Review Commission, 2019; Berks County Democratic Committeeman since 2018, and executive board member since 2022. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ray4reading/home?authuser=0&fbclid=IwY2xjawJvgq5leHRuA2Fl%20bQIxMABicmlkETFBWkZjQklqRDBhNmdneXFlAR40iYb92morgaFWPwMcTbX9Sd2WSbv0vyD%206Y96smP6HHuMavosPSnyvsAMadw_aem_sqOKR7JpujBoxgzcFh3s0w Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Answers: 1. I support working directly with developers to get the empty buildings on Penn Street into the market to attract businesses, restaurants and tenants, all of which will liven up the heart of the city. We need to create a more friendly downtown atmosphere by making Penn Street vibrant and safe, especially on weekends during the summer months to encourage festivals and business activity. We should reach out to Allentown and Lancaster, where CRIZ improvements were successful, and learn what specifically has worked there. Eliminating barriers to business startups, improving our marketing efforts for businesses and fast-tracking infrastructure improvements are all strategies that we should explore. If the downtown heart of the city isnt thriving, the rest of it will struggle, and the CRIZ designation should be the key to helping the city grow and thrive. 2. I intend to be available to residents for any concerns. Ive knocked on hundreds of doors this spring, and there are so many issues folks have that need attention. I have left my contact information at the doors Ive visited, and if elected, I will send all constituents my contact info so they have a way to reach me to have their voices heard. Additionally, I hope to hold quarterly town halls in the district to invite residents to hear what is happening at City Hall and to hear what their concerns are that I can work on in City Hall. Residents in District 4 can be assured that I will fight hard for the improvements they care about. 3. While I think District 4 has many unique issues from needing a Bad Dog Owner Ordinance to implementing traffic control devices on Hampden Boulevard, I believe the issue facing everyone from the 13th Ward all the way to Northmont is the cutting up of rowhomes into apartments. This creates poor apartments that cant be resold as single-family properties. This also creates a dearth of parking on our narrow streets. I plan to introduce an ordinance banning the further dividing of homes citywide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emmanuel Rodriguez Age: 36 Education: Graduate of Reading High School, 2007; associate degree in specialized technology in culinary arts, Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts, New York, 2011; bachelor of arts in business management and leadership, Bellevue University, Bellevue, Neb., 2023. Work experience and community involvement: Culinary chef instructor at Tec Centro Berks since October 2023; volunteer ordained chaplain at the Embassy of United Chaplains. Answers: 1. Here are some strategies I would support to attract businesses and promote economic growth, keeping in mind the specific needs and opportunities of our city by leveraging the CRIZ designation effectively by targeted marketing and recruitment. I would support it by highlighting the specific CRIZ benefits: Emphasize the tax benefits, streamlined permitting processes and other incentives the CRIZ offers to potential businesses. I would also support that we as a city establish a dedicated CRIZ office or online portal to guide businesses through the permitting and approval process efficiently. Promote mixed-use development by encouraging mixed-use development that combines residential, commercial and retail uses to create a vibrant and walkable community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. I plan to hold community engagement events, town halls, meetings, etc., to get everyone involved and ensure that they know that their voices are the ones that truly make a difference. 3. The main issue in District 4 is public safety, we can sit and talk about it for years but my main goal is to get involved to see what needs to be done to make the streets within my district safer for not only the residents in District 4 but all those that travel within District 4 whether it be to work, school or just taking a day to drive and enjoy the true beauty that lies within District 4. I will talk to whomever needs to be spoken to whether its at the city, state or even federal level so a change can be truly done. We can sit and talk about all the changes we want to see but public safety should be prioritized before all as it deals with everyone as a whole. Republican Gary D. Colby Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Age: 58 Education: Law degree, Georgetown University, 1996; Ph.D. in anaerobic microbiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va., 1993; bachelor of science in chemical engineering, Virginia Tech, 1988. Work experience and community involvement: General counsel for Clearly Clean Products LLC since 2019; partner at several full-service national and international law firms, 2006-19; associate attorney 1997-2005; technology commercialization professional, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 1995-97; law librarian, Georgetown University, 1994-95; microbiology researcher, Virginia Tech, 1988-93; member of board of directors, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce since 2023. Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garydcolby/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Answers: 1. CRIZ provides an opportunity to spend local, and later state, funds to reward commercial investors, perform certain infrastructure improvement projects and to thereby grow Readings tax base. Managed wisely, CRIZ funding can drive sustained growth in Reading and ultimately lower individual taxes. Managed unwisely, CRIZ funding can be squandered on projects selected to benefit selected individuals, contractors or businesses, without contributing significantly to the citys future. CRIZ funds are managed and spent by Readings CRIZ authority, a group of appointees whom Readings City Council oversees and manages. My experience overseeing and managing the growth of commercial companies enables me to help our City Council oversee and manage Readings CRIZ authority to direct CRIZ funding wisely and to our citys sustained benefit. My identity as a moderate Republican (think Reagan/Bush, not Trump) on a Democrat-dominated council will help to ensure that CRIZ funding is directed to public, rather than private, interests. 2. In addition to regular email group communications with District 4 residents who opt-in to receive such messages, I plan to meet regularly with community organizations, including church and school groups. I take my status as a representative of District 4 seriously and will actively reach out to district residents both to keep them informed about business before our City Council and to solicit their input and views regarding that business and how it ought to be conducted. My more than 40 years of experience as a servant leader of client companies, governments and other organizations has required that I develop and practice the art of keeping clients informed and soliciting their feedback and direction. I will continue those practices as a City Council member. 3. Readings City Council District 4 is a prime source of revenues for the city, but does not include a single square inch of CRIZ area. As a district which will be a primary funder of the citys CRIZ efforts early on, but which may see only limited return later, our districts City Council representative must strike a balance between using city revenues for early funding of CRIZ authority operations while continuing adequate delivery of city services and ensuring that our district benefits proportionally in the future, when city revenues increase as a result of the CRIZ program delivering development that is, that the CRIZ program lifts all boats in Reading, including our districts. My 40-year-plus background in long-term commercial development ensures that I can safeguard the investments that our district will make in the CRIZ program and ensure that our district shares the benefits that will arise from it. City Council District 5 (Vote for one) Democrats *Rafael A. Nunez no response. Sheila Perez no response. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A University Park man was indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple child exploitation charges, including producing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) announced Monday. According to authorities, 46-year-old Joel Thomas Biermann, the former mayor of the Town of University Park, victimized children for over a decade, making them engage in sexually explicit conduct from about Oct. 26, 2012, through Oct. 28, 2024. Hagerstown man faces 25 years in prison for sexually abusing two young children Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the children involved were younger than 12 years old, according to court documents. He was charged with two counts of producing CSAM, one count of distributing CSAM and one count of possessing CSAM. If convicted, Biermann faces between 15 and 30 years for producing CSAM and up to 20 years for distributing and possessing CSAM. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are back on the balcony. On May 5, the royal siblings joined their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a patriotic flypast. The British royals are kicking off a week of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, marking the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe in 1945. The children stood at attention on the palace balcony, joining King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence and Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent alongside their parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the aircrafts roared overhead, Kate leaned in to share a few words with George. She and William exchanged a brief conversation as the King turned to his sister, Princess Anne, with a smile, perhaps reminiscing about their late mother, Queen Elizabeths many appearances at flypasts just like this. George animatedly chatted with William, clearly caught up in the excitement, while Louis leaned forward, eager for a better view of the sky. ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty The royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day The royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day The flypast came to a rousing close as the iconic RAF Red Arrows streaked across the sky, trailing plumes of red, white and blue smoke as cheers erupted from the crowd below. George looked visibly thrilled, while Charlotte gazed upward with quiet composure. Moments later, the children turned to wave at the crowd just as the military bands below began playing the national anthem, "God Save The King." Instantly, all three children stood still, arms by their sides in a respectful stance. Kate beamed as the anthem ended and applause swelled. Charlotte glanced toward her elders before offering a final wave. As the family turned to leave the balcony, Kate gently placed a hand on her daughters back and gave her long braided hair an affectionate pat. Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. Monday marked a surprise appearance and the first public outing of the year for the Prince and Princess of Wales' children, whose attendance at the commemorations was not announced in advance. Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, first stepped alongside earlier in the afternoon, when they joined the royals at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace to watch a military procession honoring those who served during World War II. Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. Related: King Charles Leads Royal Family in VE Day Tribute Days After Prince Harrys Explosive Claims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince William and Princess Kate are introducing their children to royal responsibilities in a gradual way, and each kid met a veteran before settling into their seats. In a relatable way, George rubbed his eyes (perhaps due to spring pollen!) and Charlotte leaned to whispers something to Louis that made him grin showing off the gaptoothed smile that stole the show in the portrait celebrating his 7th birthday on April 23. ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. Princess Charlotte recently rang in a birthday of her own and turned 10 on May 2. 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! Chris Jackson/Getty Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 05, 2025 in London, England. Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William during the military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 05, 2025 in London, England. After the festive flypast soared overhead, the royals retreated back into the palace. Prince George joined his parents for a tea party hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla for veterans and members of the World War II generation. As second in line to the throne, it was a big move for the young royal. The royal family will be out and about for a series of meaningful events through the week leading up to the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8. On May 8, William and Kate are expected at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey highlighting the sacrifice of the World War II generation. Read the original article on People The Wales kids just made their first public appearance together in 2025, and it was an unexpected choice. For the first time, Prince George,11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, joined the royal family to honor the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day). On May 8, 1945, King George VI (Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis great-great-grandfather) announced via radio broadcast that World War II was over in Europe. The siblings joined their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, during this surprise public appearance on May 5. And by surprise, we mean surprise. Not only is this the first time any of the Wales kids have joined the VE Day celebrations, but Buckingham Palace did not announce the plan ahead of the events. The royal family watched a military procession starting at the Queen Victoria Memorial in London and a Royal Air Force flypast over the balcony at Buckingham Palace. More from SheKnows Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles III then hosted a tea party for some surviving veterans and their families, per People. In many of the photos, the kids seemed appropriately stoic and somber, considering all the lives lost in World War II. But at other times, Prince Louis was his normally cheeky self, or Princess Charlotte who rewore her stunning navy blue and emerald green coat from Christmas 2024 flashed a smile. (See more photos HERE.) Christmas was the siblings last public appearance together, as they notably did not attend the royal familys traditional Easter church outing last month. Its hard to say why the kids were invited to the VE Day celebrations this year. Perhaps its because Princess Charlotte turned 10 last week and Prince Louis turned 7 last month, and so their parents deemed them old enough. Or perhaps the historic anniversary just felt too significant to miss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, one royal expert guessed that the Wales siblings would only be seen four times in 2025. I dont think were going to see them in any way being shunted into the public eye more than is reasonably expected, royal biographer Robert Hardman reportedly said. If this was the first appearance, what might the other three be? They will likely come together for Trooping the Colour (the Kings birthday parade) next month, the Together at Christmas Carol Service in December, and their walk to and from church on Christmas Day. But we have our fingers crossed that this surprise appearance signals that there might be more than four appearances after all! Before you go, check out Prince Louis sassiest moments at Trooping the Colour over the years. Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Prince Louis stole the show in London Monday at an event commemorating the defeat of the Nazis, as Britains royals sought to erase all thoughts of troublesome exile Prince Harry. The 7-year-old Prince Louis, who has a reputation for alleviating the solemnity of official events by pulling funny faces, was on hand to keep the crowds entertained from the stands and later the Buckingham Palace balcony. He ducked, pointed, and waved at the crowds as the British aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, painted the gray London skies red, white, and blue to mark the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, he had helped his father, Prince William, stay smart by giving his uniform a quick brush down during the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which marks the fall of Berlin in 1945. Prince Louis pulling on the golden braid worn by his father, Prince William, at the VE Day event in London. / WPA Pool / Getty Images Prince Louis sticks out his tongue while seated alongside Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and Prince William. / WPA Pool / Getty Images The young royal joined his future king father, 43, and his siblings George and Charlotte at the palace ahead of the marquee event kicking off four days of celebrations for the 80th VE Day. Prince Harry, one of the few living royals to have seen active military service, was not invited to the event. He gave a scathing interview about his family to the BBC on Friday and the palace had briefed they didnt want his intervention to distract from todays celebrations. Prince Louis has a history of stealing the limelight at royal events. / WPA Pool / Getty Images Seated beside his father, who was dressed in full military regalia, Louis was seen cheekily brushing down the shoulder of Williams jacketan endearing moment that didnt go unnoticed by news cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior royals joined thousands of members of the public, watching a military procession through the streets of London. Prince Louis covering his face at the VE Day event. / WPA Pool / Getty Images Kate arrived with Charlotte and Louis, while King Charles and Queen Camilla followed shortly after, waving to the cheering crowds from their vehicle before joining the rest of the family. Palace sources had briefed the media that they didnt want any Harry-shaped distractions from the long-planned event, which included a Royal Air Force flypast and balcony appearance by palace big guns alongside Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and British news organizations, in general, tactfully complied. Prince Louis shares a joke with his dad, the Prince of Wales, while his brother Prince George looks on. / Jonathan Brady - PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images The young royals were surprise, last-minute attendees. It was their first official joint appearance since Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of Britons descended on the Mall and Buckingham Palace, in a recreation of the iconic scenes of May 1945, when jubilant crowds thronged the streets of London. Among the cheering masses back then were two young princesses: Margaret and her sister Elizabeth, later the queen, who slipped out of the palace to join the crowd and experience the jubilation. Prince Louis knew exactly how to get his father Prince William's attention during the VE Day celebrations. As Prince William and Kate Middleton's children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 made a surprise appearance at the royal familys first event of the week, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the youngest of the trio seized the moment. The royal family gathered at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace for a military procession down The Mall, where Louis decided to make his move. In a charming moment captured by cameras, Louis playfully tugged on the aiguillette (braid) of Prince Williams RAF No.1 uniform as they sat together. He also gave his fathers shoulder a few casual brushes. Despite his son's antics, the Prince of Wales, 42, carried on with his conversation, unfazed by the distraction. The royals were joined by veterans from the Royal British Legion and Prime Minister Keir Starmer to watch the procession, which featured 1,300 members of the Armed Forces. Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Prince Louis and Prince William in London on May 5, 2025. Prince Louis and Prince William in London on May 5, 2025. Related: King Charles Leads Royal Family in VE Day Tribute Days After Prince Harrys Explosive Claims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The playful exchange between father and son wasnt the only memorable moment they shared that day. According to The Sun's lip reader, Nicola Hickling, Prince Louis cheekily commented on the proceedings. "Wasn't this supposed to be fun?" Prince Louis reportedly said, prompting a calm response from William: "It is son." Hickling also observed that the Prince of Wales leaned in to explain the parade to his young son. "Youll never forget this," William told Louis before describing the route. They will come along here, then head towards there, and well make our way back, he said, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the event. Chris Jackson/Getty Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William in London on May 5, 2025. Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William in London on May 5, 2025. Related: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Step Onto Palace Balcony for Powerful Tribute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not going to be long and I want you to be taking an interest," William reportedly said. Prince Louis and his elder siblings made their first public appearance of the year for the military procession honoring those who served during World War II and stepped out soon after on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a tricolor flypast. George, Charlotte and Louis got a special day off from school to participate in the celebrations, where they joined their grandfather King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent and their parents. Samir Hussein/WireImage King Charles, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. King Charles, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2025. 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! May 8 will be the 80th anniversary of VE Day, signaling the end of World War II in Europe. The working royals are expected to attend several events through the week to commemorate the occasion, with Prince George stepping out in an important way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immediately after the procession and flypast on Monday, the royal family retreated back inside the palace for the next event. King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, are hosting a tea party for some of the last surviving members of the World War II generation and their families, with George joining William and Kate to tag along for the duty. The Prince and Princess of Wales are introducing their children to royal responsibilities in a gradual way and George's appearance at the tea party is the most formal royal duty he has taken on to date. Prince George is second in line of succession to the throne, following his father William. Read the original article on People Prince William will act immediately to strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles once he becomes king, according to sources close to the Prince of Wales, who spoke to The Daily Beast. One friend said Harry and Meghans behavior has been absolutely vile. They added that Harrys unhinged BBC interview made it clear he has no interest in reconciling. If he did, a period of silence would have been the right thing to do. The HRHs will go, the friend said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although such a dramatic move by William has reportedly been under consideration for some time, a former courtier said it has gained renewed urgency following Harrys Friday interview, which left the royal family stunned and frustrated. In the chat, Harry expressed doubts over King Charles health, saying he didnt know how long his father had left to live. Sources close to the king have been widely quoted in British media saying that Harrys comment was in very poor taste, especially considering the optimistic note the monarch has sought to strike amidst Charles ongoing cancer treatment. Despite the offense to His Majesty, insiders believe Charles is unlikely to take any further action against his younger son and daughter-in-law, preferring to avoid deepening the family rift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince William, however, has a different view. The former courtier told The Daily Beast that William now believes Harry and Meghan must be completely cut off from the Royal institution. They described the couple as loose ends that William is determined to tidy up by snipping off once he ascends the throne. The former courtier added: He has no direct contact with Harry anymore, so it will be a clean break. And the chaos of a royal succession is always a good moment to make decisive changes. It will be among the first things he will do. The courtier made it clear that Harry and Meghan are likely to lose their HRH styles, which is simply a matter of royal decree. However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles would remain intact, not least because the mechanism for stripping them of those titles would require Parliamentary action, a politically fraught prospect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norman Baker, a former government minister who has written extensively on royal and constitutional matters, previously told the Daily Beast, I have little doubt that as the bestowing of an HRH is in the gift of the monarch, the monarch could remove the HRH title. It would basically be the equivalent to an executive order in the U.S. Baker added, It was a mistake to not simply take it away at the time. People didnt want to up the ante and cause problems, so it was smudged overas so many things in the U.K. arebut as we can now see, it would have been useful to have had that clarity. The couple agreed not to use their HRH styles after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, but they technically retain the titles. Meghan has recently started publicly using the HRH style again. The issue was highlighted by the Daily Beast two weeks ago after Meghan published a letter she received, addressing her as Your Royal Highness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Meghan source said at the time: Harry and Meghan retain their HRH titles; however, by agreement, they do not use them for commercial purposes. While they do not publicly use HRH, this was a personal gift, and their titles remain. However the published agreement simply said that Meghan and Harry would stop using the tiles altogether, not only in a commercial context. The statement, which can still be seen on the official royal website, reads: The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family. Prince Harry could have been a powerful force for goodnow hes just a cautionary tale Watching Prince Harrys BBC interview, it was difficult to believe that this was the same man who was, until just five years ago, a consequential voice in global environmental advocacy and philanthropic leadership. For years, he was a leading campaigner on issues like conservation and mental health, and, together with Meghan, he had the potential to do real, tangible good. Instead, Harry appeared to be a significantly diminished figure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The whole thing was shocking to witnessnot just because of the tone, but because of the astonishing naivety on display. Harry genuinely seemed to believe that he could go to war with the entire British establishment, from the Palace to the government, and somehow emerge victorious. Typically, one person you dont want to pick a fight with is the king. Thats just not an adversary youre going to beat, not when the institution is so embedded in the fabric of the state. The interview itself was a mess, riddled with contradictions and misplaced delusions of his own importance. At one point, Harry claimed he had forgiven his family. Moments later, he was simmering with rage, complaining bitterly about his security arrangements and implying that the monarchy was colluding against him and that some people wanted him dead. He said he wanted reconciliation while claiming that he wouldnt bring his children to the U.K. because it wasnt safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankly, it beggars belief that Harry couldnt find a secure way to visit his home country if he actually wanted to. It seems more likely that hes backed himself into a corner, boxed in by a narrative he cant now escape without looking weak. Its a very Windsor trait, of course: pride so entrenched it becomes its own trap. And who the hell is doing media strategy for Harry? No one, by the looks of thingsor at least no one prepared to say, Maybe not, sir. Friday may have been one of the worst days of his life. He had just suffered a humiliating court lossestimated to be costing him upwards of $2 million. And yet, on that very day, he decided it was a good idea to put himself in front of a BBC camera. The result was exactly what youd expect: a visibly upset, defensive man oscillating between tears and fury. The idea, presumably, was to get his narrative out there. Yet it looked impulsive, badly timed, and catastrophically misjudged. Prince Harry tells BBC he wants reconciliation with Royal Family / BBC More than anything, the interview showed a man whose message is now so confused and muddled that its hard to know what he wants anymore, beside motorcycle outriders waiting for him at Heathrow Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Does he want peace with his family or does he want revenge? Has he accepted defeat, or is he still plotting legal retribution? He says hes moved on, but still drags the same old grievances into every public appearance. The emotional instability was palpablelike a souped-up, raw version of the tone of his memoir, Spare, which often read like a therapy transcript turned into a royal tell-all. Remember, this is the man who admitted to being hurt because his brother got the bigger bedroom as a child and the nicer house as an adult. That isnt the voice of someone ready to lead; its the voice of someone stuck in childhood hurt. Yes, it could be true that Harry has been treated very unfairly. The fact that a prime minister who served just 44 days receives lifetime security while he does not is absurd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to have not anticipated this outcometo have carried on in such a bull-headed fashion, demanding terms he was never going to getis a graphic display of the lack of realism that has defined Harrys trajectory for the last five years. What were witnessing now is not the rebellion of a bold prince, but the slow, painful decline of someone who could have been something truly remarkable. He had global visibility, access to unrivaled networks, and public goodwill by the boatload. He was well-placed to be a voice for progress and change. But that platform has been squanderedthrough impatience, through poor advice, through ego, and perhaps most tragically, through deep unresolved trauma. Meghan and Prince Harry have often made it clear that they feel they were not sufficiently protected by the royal family when they were part of the institution. / Karwai Tang/Getty Images The reaction to Fridays interview said it all. Where once every Harry and Meghan bombshell would dominate the headlines for days, this one barely made a ripple outside the U.K. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are tired of hearing a man with extraordinary privilege, wealth, and a mansion in California, complain endlessly about how unfair life has been. And so Harry now finds himself in a strange royal purgatoryno longer a working royal, sort of a celebrity, increasingly irrelevant. Hes starting to resemble a bizarre hybrid of Prince Andrew and Edward VIII: men who, having spurned duty and tradition, found themselves isolated, stuck, and increasingly defined by bitterness and regret. In the end, Harry will likely be remembered not for his potential, but for how he squandered itan enormous tragedy of a man who could have been anything had he only been able to get out of his own way. My daughter missed 18 therapy sessions. Her legs stopped moving. And when she lost her Medicaidinsurance, we took 10 steps back. These words from a Texas parent capture the devastating impact losing access to Medicaid coverage had for their child with complex medical needs. Children make up 74% of Texass 3.8 million Medicaid enrollees. As Texas pediatricians, we are privileged to witness the milestones and triumphs of infants, toddlers and teens, but we also carry the burden of knowing we will hear countless stories like this if proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) are not rejected. Medicaid is the cornerstone of childrens health care in Texas. It funds nearly half of all births, covers 46% of all Texas children and supports 40% of children with special health care needs children who depend on specialized medical, behavioral and/or developmental services to thrive. Medicaid also accounts for 57% of all federal dollars sent to Texas an investment of $31.8 billion annually with the federal government contributing $1.49 for every $1 Texans invest. The impact of this investment is clear: Children with Medicaid miss fewer school days, are more likely to graduate from high school, grow into healthier adults, and ultimately earn higher wages. A mother helps her daughter, who has a rare disease affecting her ability to move. Proposed cuts in Medicaid would be especially devastating for families of children with complex medical needs. However, Medicaid budget cuts are not just numbers on a page. They will have devastating real-world consequences for Texas families. For Texas families caring for children with special healthcare needs, these consequences are even more dire. For families such as those caring for a former 22-week preemie with severe heart disease and a feeding tube, a child who survived a heart transplant and lives with kidney disease, or a child with a brain injury dependent on a ventilator and 24-hour nursing Medicaid is not just insurance. Its a lifeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emotional toll on these families is profound. One mother described "just the emotional toll of being dependent on a system that really does keep your child alive." Families experience sleepless nights with the ever-present anxiety that even one missed treatment could undo months of progress for their medically fragile children. The physical and financial impacts are equally devastating. Parents reported losing access to Medicaid means losing access to vital medical treatments, specialized formula, nursing care and durable medical equipment during times of lapsed Medicaid coverage. Families will face choosing between paying for vital health care for their child or other essential needs for their families such as food, housing or car insurance. Medicaid budget cuts will bring Texas families close to collapse. The stakes for Texas families could not be higher. Nationally, Texas has the second largest population of children on Medicaid. Medicaid budget cuts would have devastating consequences for the most vulnerable Texans our children. More than 4 million kids in Texas depend on Medicaid and CHIP for essential healthcare services. Texas already has the highest uninsured rate in the country with 1 in 8 Texas children having no coverage, more than double the national average. Lets not make things worse for the children in our state. The proposed cuts would mean loss of access to needed care and critical therapies, as well as delayed diagnoses and significant harm to kids' long-term health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We urge members of Congress to reject proposed cuts to Medicaid and CHIP for the sake of their youngest constituents. Protecting Medicaid is not just a policy decision. It is an investment in the future of Texas. Dr. Maria C. Monge is an Austin-area pediatrician. Chinenye Ogbonnah is a third-year medical student also pursuing her master's in business administration at the University of Texas. Dr. Kimberly Avila-Edwards also contributed to this piece. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas children will pay the price for proposed Medicaid cuts | Opinion Sen. Raphael Warnock took questions from constituents at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Atlanta. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder In the latest Georgia town hall meeting turned heated, an event hosted by Sen. Raphael Warnock was twice disrupted by protests over a vote on weapons shipments to Israel. The first came during a response to a question about funding for Israel. Protesters call for an end to arm sales to Israel at a town hall for Sen. Raphael Warnock. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder I have to ask you about the way we spend our money, asked a constituent who declined to give his name. My voice is against using our money to fund what many people would consider a genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Warnock and fellow Georgia Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff were part of an overwhelming majority of senators who voted to reject a bid to block $8.8 billion in arms sales to Israel sponsored by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sanders said the proposal represented an effort to force Israel to take steps to protect civilians from bombing and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. In November, Warnock and Ossoff joined 16 other senators in supporting a failed resolution to block some weapon sales. Warnock told the constituent he had been working to support peace and humanitarian aid. Sen. Raphael Warnock takes questions from constituents at an Atlanta town hall. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder I believe in the humanity of all Gods children, and that you have to center the concerns of the most marginalized, he said. And thats why I was one of the first in the Senate to call for a ceasefire. In addition to that, I pressed the Biden administration, I pushed the Netanyahu administration around the ways in which humanitarian aid was not even getting into Gaza.I voted to get $10 billion in humanitarian aid to Gaza. My North Star in this conflict is a world that embraces the children on both sides of this conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the answer, several women stood up in the crowd and began shouting things like its our money and youre a liar. For a few awkward minutes, the women berated Warnock while staff members tried to continue with the programming and members of the crowd shouted for the demonstrators to sit down. Warnock told the protesters he would answer their questions but refused to shout over them. A protester shouts questions to Sen. Raphael Warnock over his April vote not to block arms sales to Israel. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder We have to decide, as somebody who is an activist myself and who comes from the activist community, you can come and express yourself, its a very passionate issue, or we can have a conversation, but we cant do both of those things, he said. We can do one or the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As incredibly important as this issue is, and its a matter of life and death, there are other issues here, and these folks deserve to be heard as well, he added. The women left after about six minutes. Several minutes after that, a man began shouting at Warnock over his vote while another audience member who had been called on by the moderator tried to ask a question about high health insurance costs. The man left after a brief period after being approached by Warnock staff. After several minutes of shouting over Warnock, the demonstrators left without further incident. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Other than the demonstrators, Warnock faced a mostly friendly crowd who largely expressed concerns over actions of the Trump administration, including levying increased tariffs, cutting federal jobs and dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The senator, who is up for re-election in 2028, pledged to oppose the administration and directed constituents with specific issues to follow up with his staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, support of Israel was a bipartisan issue, but the matter has become especially fraught for Democrats since Israels latest military campaign which began in October 2023 after the militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. According to the United Nations, as of April 22, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, including more than 8,000 women and 15,000 children. In addition, the UN finds nearly the entire population faces high levels of food insecurity as Israel has ordered a halt to all aid into Gaza, including food and medicine. A woman silently held up a sign during Sen. Raphael Warnocks town hall. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Jawahir Sharwany, one of the demonstrators who shouted at Warnock, said the demonstrations will continue until the policy changes. Were not going to stop protesting and talking about it until they stop sending shipments from all these billions of dollars of weapons bills, she said. Warnock is signing onto the deaths of Palestinian children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angry constituents have become a town hall hallmark for U.S. legislators from both parties this year. In February, Republican Congressman Rich McCormick faced a tough crowd at a town hall in Roswell over government cuts and layoffs. In April, multiple protesters were zapped with Tasers at an Acworth meeting with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Ossoff got an earful from fired federal workers who said he needed to do more to push back against the administration. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) The Decatur City Council President released a statement Monday about public comments at city council meetings. Council President Jacob Ladner said that following the events at last weeks City Council Work Session, all public comment periods have been paused for the next two weeks. This pause does not apply to public hearings that are legally required and will proceed as scheduled, Ladner said. My intention has always been to provide a space for the public to share feedbackboth on agenda items and non-agenda issues. I remain committed to finding the best way to hear from our residents while ensuring that meetings are orderly, respectful, and productive for all involved. Thank you for your understanding as we work toward improvements in this process. Council President Jacob Ladner Last week, six people were arrested following the April 28 meeting. The meeting ended abruptly after citizens shouted at council members for not holding police officers responsible regarding the deaths of John Scott Jr. and Stephen Perkins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decatur activist Terrance Adkins, the co-founder of the social justice group Standing In Power, was served with a warrant for trespassing and resisting arrest, but he said he was shocked to learn of the warrant because he claimed he never resisted and was not warned of the trespass warrant prior to Monday. I am not a criminal, I dont have a criminal record, and I dont do anything outside of protests and try to make sure that my community is safe, Adkins explained. Its just weird that Im trying to protect my community and the police are not. Adkins told News 19 that the arrest warrants are all part of tactics to silence their peaceful demonstrations. The fear tactics that they are trying to use are not working. We will still be out on the streets protesting, well still be calling for justice, well still have people at city hall and well still have meetings at Turner Surles Center, said Adkins. Well still have all these things in Decatur city because we are taxpaying citizens, and we are law-abiding citizens. Until we get what it is that we demand, were not changing direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) says a public meeting will be held Tuesday night to provide more details about a future KYTC project that is expected to improve traffic flow and safety at the US 431 interchange with the Western Kentucky Parkway in Central City. The KYTC explains improvements are needed in advance of upgrading the Western Kentucky Parkway to I-569. The meeting will provide an overview of the project and outline next steps. I-69 rehab project continues in Hopkins County on May 3 Improving Exit 58 The KYTC says Improving Future I-569 at Exit 58 will address safety, traffic flow and function at the US 431 interchange with the Western Kentucky Parkway in Central City. The goal is to reconstruct the interchange to interstate standards in advance of upgrading the Western Kentucky Parkway to I-569. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the Project Development Team is considering two alternatives to improve the interchange. Both alternatives provide additional space to safely merge onto and exit from the Western Kentucky Parkway and reduce weaving when using on and off ramps. The KYTC says in addition to improving the interchange of Future I-569 at Exit 58, the team is looking at access control improvements to the busy US 431 commercial corridor north of the interchange. Southbound U.S. 41 restricted to one lane The meeting Officials say the meeting will be in-person and on May 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Madisonville Community College: Muhlenberg Campus. The campus is located at 406 West Everly Brothers Boulevard in Central City. The KYTC says attendees will learn more detailed information about anticipated improvements. The in-person meeting will be open house format. It will offer an opportunity for one-on-one conversations with members of the Project Development Team and allow attendees to share their feedback. All meeting materials, including a questionnaire, will be posted on the project website following the meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KYTC says with advance notice, it can provide special accommodation for persons with disabilities and/or limited English speaking ability and persons needing auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters, signers, readers or large print. Should special accommodation be needed, please contact Berry Craig, public involvement specialist, at (270) 705-1640, or email berry.craig@parsons.com. Lane closures planned for I-69 in Evansville on May 12 Anticipated timeline The KYTC says the Improving Exit 58 project is in the environmental and preliminary design stage. Activities include traffic analysis, maintenance of traffic plans, road design and survey work. The Project Development Team is coordinating with local, state and federal officials throughout the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say construction is expected to begin in spring 2028. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). May 5When voters in Lawrence County go to the polls on Tuesday, they will see a lone item on their ballots. A proposed Ohio constitutional amendment is being voted on statewide. Issue 2 focuses on local governments in funding municipal projects and would renew a public work program that has been approved by voters three times since 1987. Proposed by a joint resolution of the Ohio General Assembly, a "Yes" vote" on Issue 2 would authorize the state to issue bonds or other obligations to finance or assist in financing public infrastructure capital improvements for local governments and other governmental entities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These capital improvement projects would be limited to roads and bridges, waste water treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities, storm water and sanitary collection, storage and treatment facilities. The total principal amount of the state general obligations issued under the amendment limited to $2.5 billion over a 10-year period. If the amendment passes, the General Assembly would be authorized to pass laws implementing the amendment, including laws establishing procedures for incurring and issuing obligations, and laws providing for the use of Ohio products, materials, services and labor to the extent possible. Passage of Issue 2 has been endorsed by labor unions, such as Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio, the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters and the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council. Organizations supporting passage include the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Farm Bureau, the Ohio Township Association, the Ohio Mayors Alliance, the Ohio Economic Development Association and Ohio Rural Development Alliance. Passage is opposed by the Libertarian Party of Ohio. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. It was a year ago that Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced she was writing a book, The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up For Whats Right When the Stakes are High, set for release on Tuesday. But much has changed since then: not least is her official entry into the race for the Democratic nomination for Michigan governor in 2026. Michigan Advance Editor Jon King spoke with Benson about the memoir, how her experiences including writing the book on secretaries of state and becoming the youngest woman ever to lead a U.S. law school led her to become Michigans top elections officer, as well as her campaign to become governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What follows is a conversation that has been edited for length and clarity. Advance questions are in bold, and Bensons responses are in regular type. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Until now, the book youre most associated with is 2010s State Secretaries of State, a literal textbook on administering elections. Your latest is a memoir centered on your time as Michigans secretary of state. After more than six years in that role, what would you change in how you approached that first book? Thats a great question. I think I certainly have found one of the key components of that first book, which was about the importance of being a professional, transparent secretary of state regardless of your party affiliation, regardless of whether youre appointed or elected. That was really the essence to me of the book, that the person can lead. That still holds true today and a lot of what I experienced has just reinforced how important it is for the chief election officers in states like ours to be secretaries of state first before anything else. Meaning theyre professional, bipartisan, making sure government works for everyone, regardless of how someone votes or who they vote for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cover image for Jocelyn Bensons new book, The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for Whats Right When the Stakes Are High In the Purposeful Warrior you talk about some of your personal heroes like Viola Liuzzo or Robert F. Kennedy, but you also mention [former Florida Secretary of State] Katherine Harris and [former Ohio Secretary of State] Kenneth Blackwell Not as heroes though (laughing). To me there are people who personified the stories of challenges, of turbulence, of things gone wrong. Its a part of the book talking about finding inspiration as we define who we are and finding power in the stories of others to figure out what we want to do to respond to uncertain moments and build a better world. But the second component of the book is seeing every challenge, every missed opportunity, every bad example of leadership, as an opportunity for growth, or to get better. A big theme of of me bringing up someone like Katherine Harris was her, in my view, misuse of her office. And interference in a presidential election is what spurred me to want to be better and to do better and to be a secretary of state who would instead work to instill faith and security in the elections process. So, we can take positive examples through history or life to embolden us on our path, but negative examples of what not to do can also provide us with an opportunity to do better and to also build resilience, and I try to take something that was broken and fix it and put it back better. There was a passage in your book where you talk about channeling rage into purpose, using the lemons into lemonade metaphor. How important of a philosophy is that for you? It is three steps of allowing yourself to be upset and angry, not trying to dismiss it or get past it, but staying in that state for as long as you need to and then finding eventually more of an objective take on a situation that enables you to make lemonade. Respond in such a way that is not just more powerful than otherwise mightve been had that rage not initiated, but also something that is more effective in furthering your own hopes or vision for the world. We can use these moments that enrage us to inspire us to do more than otherwise mightve been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You start The Purposeful Warrior recounting the night in December 2020 that armed protesters supporting President Trumps attempts to subvert the election results, showed up at your home in Detroit. Youre there alone with your young son. You describe obviously any parents fear and anxiety in that moment, and then finding a way forward. It was very similar to that three step process we were talking about. As it was happening it was scary. It was terrifying. I didnt know what was going to happen next. The uncertainty of that moment was really unnerving. The second step was to step back and say Wait. Theyre actually not protesting me. Theyre protesting the voice of the people, the will of the people, the results of this election. As soon as I made that connection, I found the strength to say, Not on my watch. You write about becoming the dean of the Wayne State University Law School, and your experience there, and then later when you became the Michigan secretary of state. Were they similar experiences in the sense of coming into a hidebound institution not necessarily welcome to change? And yet you brought change to both. When I became secretary of state I had two goals: to increase voter turnout in our state across the board and to reduce wait times in our office. Everything we do is aligned with that and it means also being willing to take things apart and build them back again in a better or different way, which we did with our branch offices to achieve those goals. Similarly, when I became the dean at Wayne State Law School, we were in the bottom tier among law schools. The goal was to get into that top 50 and to build a plan to do that based on metrics and data and best practice. Ultimately it got to 55 in recent years, which was a great success. It starts with clear goals of where were headed, and those goals need to be bold and crystal clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You came into the secretary of state position with a vision for how things could be done. Whats your vision for being Michigans governor? Why do you want to be governor? Im a mom who has an 8-year-old kid, who in 10 years is going to be making decisions about whether or not he wants to stay in Michigan and whether or not weve given him, as a state, a good childhood with quality education where he wants to put down his roots. I want him to see Michigan is the best place to build his future, and I want the same for every family in the state, and that means ensuring that government works well. It means investing in public education and ensuring needed funding and support actually reaches the teachers and students who need it. So, whether its driving down costs on things like housing and food and childcare, whether its investing in our education system to, in my view, make us in the top 10 instead of the bottom 10 of public school systems nationwide, or simply just making government work better and more efficiently, Ive done all of those things in other realms, and now Im ready to put that skill set and that track record to work for the people in Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Attorney General Dana Nessel, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at the Michigan Democratic Partys nominating convention in Lansing on Aug. 21, 2022. (Andrew Roth | Michigan Advance) In the book you talk about the lead up to the 2018 election. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan drafted a memo basically seeking to find somebody other than Gretchen Whitmer to run for governor, specifically a male Democrat like U.S. Sen. Gary Peters. Is that something you planned to include in the book before Duggan announced an independent bid for governor? Yes. I began writing this book in 2021 in the wake of everything we experienced in 2020, really with a goal of telling that story and telling the story of what it was like both to stand up to powerful people like the president of the United States and protect the vote of Michiganders in 2020, and a part of telling that story also involved telling about how the women of Michigan provided support for each other and got to those positions in 2020. That 2018 election was such a fascinating story about three women [Whitmer, Benson and Dana Nessel] running for office with very different paths and the headwinds we encountered in those respective paths and how we dealt with it. So, those efforts to recruit other candidates to run against Governor Whitmer were well documented efforts and I felt talking about them was really important to building the context of what we as individual candidates went through and women went through in 2018 on the path to becoming the sort of nationally recognized women of Michigan in 2020 and beyond. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the country, the Kremlin said on Monday. Putin and Modi emphasized during the call which took place on Monday that relations between Russia and India were not affected by external influence and continue to develop dynamically. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge) Credit: Telegram/TACC Russia has built a life-sized replica of the Reichstag building to hold Victory Day re-enactments of its capture by Soviet forces in the Second World War. Film-makers aligned with the Kremlin constructed the building in an amusement park in Moscow to hold a play retelling the moment the Soviet flag was hoisted above Germanys parliament building in the final days of the war. Vladimir Putin has justified its war in Ukraine as a denazification of the country and an effort to root out fascism on its doorstep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the irony is that Alexei Berest, who raised the banner when Russia captured the Reichstag building, was in fact a Ukrainian assisted by a Georgian. Despite negotiating with the SS officers defending the building, Berest was snubbed by authorities after the war, possibly owing to his heritage. The Soviet was flag raised over the Reichstag during the Second World War - Getty Images The re-enactment play to be held at the replica building marks a shift in tone on Victory Day from one of solemnity to militarisation. The performance, titled Victory! A banner over the Reichstag by Igor Ugolnikov, will take place twice daily in May alongside Moscows annual victory parade, which the Kremlin uses to show off its military hardware. Xi Jinping, the Chinese president and a Russian ally, is due to arrive in Moscow on Wednesday along with Robert Fico, the Slovakian prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The play is billed as an exciting reconstruction of the decisive battle for Berlin by Russian news agency TASS, featuring a martial poem written for the event, with the set due to be used later for a propaganda film. The re-enactment play is performed at the Reichstag replica - Maxim Shemetov/Reuters The 1:1 scale replica is complete with rubble, bullet holes and recreations of more than 30 historical military vehicles based on Second World War photographs. It will create an environment of realism, a complete immersion, according to the director, with Yak-3 and MiG-3 fighter jets, I-16 biplanes, and a Hanomag a German armoured personnel carrier. However, Russian-born Sergej Sumlenny, of the European Resilience Centre, called the reconstruction a snuff film that gives Russians the feeling of being an unstoppable, unlimited power. He also described Victory Day as a cult of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German politicians have remained quiet on the matter. But the Russian defence ministry said that somebody in Germany must have forgotten that from the burning Reichstag of February 27 1933, Hitler and his constructors of the Third Reich began their way of burning bloodshed into the world. The play is billed as an exciting reconstruction of the decisive battle for Berlin - Maxim Shemetov/Reuters Russia has made the capture of the Reichstag building a pillar of patriotism. In 2017, Sergei Shoigu, the then defence minister, attended the storming of a miniature Reichstag by the Russian cadet youth army at an event dubbed military Disneyland. Putin is known for his interest in history and shortly before his invasion of Ukraine, he published a lengthy historical treatise titled On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians. In it, he argued that Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians were the same nation. Kremlin-aligned newspapers have argued that Europe is supporting Ukraine out of bitterness for losing the Second World War. 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of trying to provoke him into using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, in comments in a Russian state television documentary film about his 25 years in power. "They wanted to provoke us, they wanted to make us make mistakes," he said in the film "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 years." However, there was no need to use nuclear weapons, he said. "And I hope that this will not be necessary in the future either." Russia has sufficient forces and means to achieve everything that was necessary for Moscow in the war that began in 2022, he said, of the year the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin and his leadership have repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine and its allies in the course of the war. The US government was under the impression that Moscow could be preparing to drop a nuclear bomb in the autumn of 2022, according to reports. Washington delivered a stern warning to Russia through diplomatic channels at the time. The test attack with a new Russian medium-range missile on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November 2024 is also considered a nuclear threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of trying to provoke him into using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, in comments in a Russian state television documentary film about his 25 years in power. "They wanted to provoke us, they wanted to make us make mistakes," he said in the film "Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 years." However, there was no need to use nuclear weapons, he said. "And I hope that this will not be necessary in the future either." Russia has sufficient forces and means to achieve everything that was necessary for Moscow in the military operation that began in 2022, he said of the year the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin and his leadership have repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine and its allies in the course of the war. The US government was under the impression that Moscow could be preparing to drop a nuclear bomb in the autumn of 2022, according to reports. Washington delivered a stern warning to Russia through diplomatic channels at the time. The test attack with a new Russian medium-range missile on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro in November 2024 is also considered a nuclear threat. Officials say drones shot down near Moscow, airport briefly closed Russian authorities reported a drone attack in the Moscow region early on Monday, with four unmanned aerial vehicles shot down over the city of Podolsk, south of the capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that the drones were destroyed by Russian air defences. There was no damage or injuries at the crash site, he said, citing initial information. Kiev: Over 200 clashes with Russian forces in eastern Ukraine Russia continues to press its offensive in eastern Ukraine with high intensity, Ukraine's General Staff said in a Facebook post on Sunday, reporting over 200 clashes in a single day. Fighting has intensified particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, where Ukrainian forces said they repelled 70 attacks over the course of Sunday, with 12 more ongoing. The city serves as a key transport hub and Russian forces are reportedly approaching from the east, south and south-west. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The information could initially not be independently verified. Attempts by Russia to break through to the west into the neighbouring industrial area of Dnipropetrovsk have so far been repelled by Ukraine. The attacks come despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev. US President Donald Trump recently proposed an unconditional 30-day truce, a plan Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accepted. However, Putin rejected the offer. Instead, Putin has declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with the annual Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square to mark the end of World War II, which is celebrated in Russia on May 9, which falls on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceasefire is scheduled to start at midnight Wednesday-Thursday in Moscow and end at midnight Saturday-Sunday (2100 GMT Wednesday-2100 GMT Saturday). Kiev has rejected the limited pause and demanded that the ceasefire be extended to 30 days. "The Russians are asking for a ceasefire on May 9 and are themselves firing at Ukraine every day. This is cynicism of the highest order," Zelensky wrote on Telegram on Sunday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that a meeting between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is necessary, though no concrete details are available at this stage. Source: Russian propaganda outlet RIA Novosti; Russian news agency Interfax Quote: "We have repeatedly said that such a meeting [between Putin and Trump ed.] is clearly on the radar, and in many ways we believe that it is certainly necessary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: He added that "there are no specifics yet" and noted that such a meeting would require proper preparation. "This requires continued contacts between Moscow and Washington, which have already begun and are ongoing," Peskov said. In response to a question about the possibility of a meeting in the Middle East with President Trump, who is planning a trip to the region from 13 to 16 May, Peskov stated that Putin has no plans to visit the Middle East in mid-May. Earlier, Trump had said he did not yet know whether a meeting with Putin could take place during his visit to Saudi Arabia. "I dont know," he told members of the presidential press pool in response to the question. Trump added: "Ill have to think about it. I havent thought about it yet." Background: Previously, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington would withdraw from its "mediator role" between Russia and Ukraine if there is no progress toward peace. The US State Department later stated that the country would "change its approach" and take on a less active role in attempts to stop the war. In an interview with NBC News, Trump suggested that reaching a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia might be undoable due to what he described as "tremendous hatred" between the two sides. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Coins are left as a symbol of respect and remembrance on a pair of boots with a placard for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Potts of Tiverton during the 'Boots on the Ground' installation at Fort Adams State Park in Newport over Memorial Day Weekend in 2021. Over 7,000 pairs of boots are displayed each year, each representing a U.S. service member killed in action since the post-9/11 global war on terror. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) Legislation to rename the Sakonnet River Bridge after a U.S. Army soldier from Tiverton killed in action in Iraq in 2004 has cleared the Rhode Island General Assembly. The Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts Sakonnet River Bridge would be the new name of the span connecting Tiverton and Portsmouth via Route 24 under the bill that passed the House on April 10 and the Senate version that passed in concurrence on May 1. Both chambers approved the legislation unanimously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Dan McKee, who plans to sign the legislation, according to his spokesperson Olivia DaRocha. Over the course of his life, RI National Guard Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts called Aquidneck Island and Tiverton home, so it is a fitting tribute that the bridge between these two communities be named in his honor, McKee said Monday. Rhode Island and America will always be indebted to him for his service and his sacrifice. Rep. Samuel Azzinaro, a Westerly Democrat and chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, said in a statement Thursday: To rename this major Rhode Island bridge in his honor is a worthy tribute to a true Rhode Island hero who gave his life so that we all may live in a world free of tyranny and persecution. And now, hopefully whenever someone drives over this bridge, they will be compelled to look up who Staff Sergeant Potts was and discover how his legacy will live on in the state that he loved so much, Azzinaro, a retired National Guardsman and former member of the Army Reserve, added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potts served in the Rhode Island National Guard for over 14 years. He deployed to Iraq in March 2004 and was killed in Taji, Iraq, on Oct. 3, 2004, his 38th birthday. Potts fellow servicemembers who testified on the bill during a February committee hearing said that Potts had found a stockpile of weapons with ammo, guns, rockets, mortars, artillery rounds and more, shortly before he and a medic were executed by insurgent groups. We think that by him finding this cache it was the largest cache in Iraq at the time it put a damper on the insurgents operations against us and saved a lot of lives, Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Viens, who served alongside Potts, said during the Feb. 6 Special Legislation committee hearing where Azzinaros bill was first heard. Potts posthumously received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V and the Purple Heart. Sen. Walter Felag, a Warren Democrat, sponsored the legislation in his chamber. Like Azzinaro, Felag chairs the veterans affairs committee in his chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renaming the Sakonnet Bridge in his honor will serve as a fitting reminder of what our service members sacrifice in order to protect the ideals and freedoms that we deeply cherish, Felag said in a statement Thursday. The bill underwent one minor revision since being introduced by Azzinaro on the House floor in January. The original version of the bill suggested naming the structure the Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts Sakonnet Bridge and the successful legislation simply retains the River in the current name. This article was updated Monday afternoon with a comment from Gov. Dan McKee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX TOKYO - Japan was likely the fourth-largest official development assistance provider last year among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with Britain reclaiming third place, according to the body's preliminary data. The United States remained the top ODA donor in 2024 among the 32 member countries of the OECD Development Assistance Committee, with $63.3 billion, down 4.4 percent from 2023 in real terms, the OECD said in a report released in April. Following Germany's $32.4 billion, down 17.2 percent, and Britain's $18.0 billion, down 10.8 percent, Japan's aid was estimated at $16.8 billion, down 10.3 percent, with France trailing at $15.4 billion, nearly unchanged from a year earlier, the report said. Japan had held the position of third-largest donor since surpassing Britain in 2021. The decline in its donations in 2024 was mainly due to the yen's depreciation, the Foreign Ministry said. A Foreign Ministry official said the decline also came in contrast to the sharp increases seen in 2022 and 2023 when many development projects backed by Japan resumed after being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The OECD will finalize the data, calculated by international standards under the grant equivalent system, around year-end, the official said. Japan views ODA as one of its "most important diplomatic tools" as it pursues a "free and open" Indo-Pacific amid China's growing military and economic clout, though it faces a tight fiscal situation with its public debt more than twice the size of gross domestic product. The report by the OECD, a Paris-based club of mostly wealthy nations, also showed that overall ODA by Development Assistance Committee members fell 7.1 percent in real terms in 2024 to $212.1 billion, marking the first decline after five consecutive years of growth. The result was because of "a reduction in contributions to international organizations, as well as a decrease in aid for Ukraine," the organization said, referring to the support for the Eastern European nation fighting a Russian invasion since 2022. The net ODA to Ukraine declined by 16.7 percent to $15.5 billion, accounting for 7.4 percent of the total aid, it said. Lower levels of humanitarian aid and reduced spending on hosting refugees in donor countries were also contributing factors, the OECD added. Related coverage: Japan seeks efficient use of official development aid with law change COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A long-lost Confederate flag, captured at the Battle of Gettysburg and among the rarest Civil War artifacts, sold for $468,000 at an Ohio auction house last month. Carried by the 11th Virginia Infantry during Picketts Charge, a failed Confederate assault in 1863 on the Gettysburg battles third day, the flag was acquired after heated bidding between four phone bidders on April 26 at Fleischers Auctions in Columbus. The charge, named after Gen. George Pickett, who led more than 12,500 soldiers that day, resulted in mass casualties and ultimately led to the Confederacys defeat. Columbus dispensary issued product alert for edible glitter in cannabis gummies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auction house, one of the nations leading purveyors of early American antiques and artifacts, previously estimated the flag could sell for $150,000 to $300,000. Its recognition as one of the most valuable Civil War artifacts sold in recent years rightfully reflects its importance, auction president Adam Fleischer said. We were honored to facilitate the sale and ensure it was preserved so that future generations can appreciate and learn from it. The flag was one of 564 lots in Fleischers premier spring auction, yielding a combined price realized of $2,326,440. Other items included a portrait of Revolutionary War artillerist Alexander Ramsey Thompson I, accompanied by his commission signed by President George Washington, which sold for $50,400. Carried by the 11th Virginia Infantry, the Confederate flag is one of several items open to bidders on April 25 and 26 in Columbus. (Courtesy Photo/Fleischers Auctions) Carried by the 11th Virginia Infantry, the Confederate flag is one of several items open to bidders on April 25 and 26 in Columbus. (Courtesy Photo/Fleischers Auctions) A high-grade sword presented by the 3rd Mississippi Infantry to Colonel Richard H. Ballinger sold for $90,000, and a cast of Gen. William Tecumseh Shermans bust portrait by Augustus Saint-Gaudens was acquired for $120,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While all Confederate battle flags are rare, the one sold by Fleischer is significant because its the only unaccounted-for flag that was captured from a regiment in Picketts division, Fleischer said. Other such flags are accounted for and reside in museums or institutions, which means this flag is the only one left thats privately owned. Several Virginia color bearers who carried the flag were wounded or killed before it was captured by Cyren B. Lawton, a Union lieutenant from the 16th Vermont Infantry who died shortly after in hand-to-hand combat. The flag was preserved by fellow Vermont officer Henry F. Dix, who quietly passed down the artifact through generations of his family. Central Ohio advocate says RFK Jr.s autism comments concerns families Still, the flags whereabouts were generally unknown for more than 150 years, Fleischer said. Dixs family held onto the artifact until about the 1940s or 50s, when it was given to a family friend who also passed it down. The flag didnt resurface until the owner brought it to a Georgia collector show in 2021, and the discovery was announced to the collecting community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The artifacts current owner turned to Fleischers, which also sold the sword of Civil War Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman last May, to list the flag for bidding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rare monkey twins have been born at Newquay Zoo in Cornwall. The cotton-top tamarins, native to the forests of northern Colombia, are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with fewer than 2,000 in the wild. The infants, born to first-time parents Febe, two, and Santiago, three, are each roughly the weight of a chicken egg at birth. They were delivered earlier this month and are being closely monitored by zoo staff, marking a significant step in the conservation of the species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cotton-top tamarins are distinguished by a distinctive crest of white hair, which stands on end when the animals are excited or alarmed. In their natural habitat, they live in close-knit social groups that share responsibility for raising young, with multiple group members assisting in the rearing of offspring a behaviour regarded as critical to infant survival. Emma Sweetland, a senior animal keeper, said: These twins are not just adorable additions to our zoo family, they represent a vital step forward in the fight against species extinction. Its incredibly special to see Febe and Santiago co-parenting so naturally. Their attentiveness is heart-warming, and these births are a significant milestone for the conservation of this critically endangered species. The twins were born to parents Febe, two, and Santiago, three - Jam Press/Newquay Zoo Cotton-top tamarins have been severely affected by habitat loss, driven by deforestation and urban expansion in Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservation efforts have focused on captive breeding programmes and habitat protection initiatives aimed at preserving the remaining wild populations. The twins are part of an international breeding programme designed to support the long-term survival of the species. Newquay Zoo participates in coordinated efforts across zoological institutions to maintain genetic diversity and raise awareness of the tamarins scarcity. Zoo visitors will be able to see the infants clinging to their parents over the coming weeks. The births are regarded as an important contribution to conservation work for one of the worlds most threatened primates. 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. We asked readers what grade they would you give President Donald Trump for his first 100 days during his second term in office. Most of those who responded, including some Republicans, were not pleased with his performance, but others said Trump is doing exactly what he was elected to do. Here's more of what readers said: 'Americans are worse off' As an American I am very concerned for this nation and its citizens. Instead of working for reduction of our national debt, high grocery prices, etc. he has a plan of retaliation which cuts essential programs and services and government workers. He is consumed with profiting off the office of the presidency which I thought was illegal. He defied the order of the Supreme Court. How is this man above the law? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My score: 0. Every indicator reflects that Americans are worse off, not to mention the loss of truth, (threats to) free speech, and freedom. Mary Brinkley, Oklahoma City President Donald Trump talks to the media April 29 before flying to Michigan for a rally celebrating his first 100 days in office. 'Promises kept!' Grade A+. He is fulfilling his campaign promises even with interference from opposition party. Promises made, promises kept! Linda Kay, Clinton 'Afraid for the future of America' President Trump's actions have been shocking and many are a direct assault on our Constitution. Deporting people without any hearing due process dates back to the Magna Carta and is the essence of liberty. Without it, America is not a democracy, as freedom itself is at the arbitrary whims of a malevolent ruler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Punishing members of the press for what they publish is a violation of the First Amendment; refusing to spend funds appropriated by Congress violates separation of powers in usurping Congress's spending power and violates the Impoundment Control Act; coercing state and local governments by imposing conditions not authorized by Congress. The president thinks he is not bound by federal statutes and does not have to obey federal court orders; he is violating the rule of law in this country. I think it is fair to conclude that the U.S. constitutional system is on the verge of an authoritarian takeover. I am deeply concerned and afraid for the future of America. Kandi Pate, Edmond More: What is President Donald Trump's approval rating right now? What polls say today 'Doing what he said he would do' I would give President Trump an A for his first 100 days. He is doing what he said he would do. Our borders are safer, our cities will hopefully be safer, and he is trying to save the taxpayers money! He is working his tail off trying to get done everything he promised the American people he would do! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diana McMurtry, Moore 'I have to give Trump an F' Unfortunately, I have to give Trump an F. The first task of a president of the U.S. is to preserve the Union. That's why Lincoln is considered our greatest president. Trump has worked against that goal, has undermined the Constitution, disrespected judges, disobeyed the Supreme Court, and taken power from the legislative branch and given it to himself. He is following the pattern of autocrat Victor Orban in Hungary. It took Orban about 10 years to move his country from democracy to authoritarianism. Trump is moving much faster. I grieve for our nation, and for our children, who I fear will not have the country or the freedoms we have had. Lindy Adams, Edmond Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest Viewpoints? Sign up for the Public Square newsletter. 'Grade F' Grade F, total chaos and stupid mistakes. Heartless and mean. Martin Hartmann, Edmond 'Let the man do his job!' President Trump has done a fabulous job and could do far more. ... Let the man do his job! Julie G. Workman 'America deserves better' As a concerned citizen, Im deeply disturbed by President Trumps first 100 days back in office. Hes ruled by executive order, gutted federal agencies under the guise of efficiency, and escalated deportations to inhumane levels. His economic policies are tanking markets and driving up prices, while his reckless foreign moves are isolating us from allies. I voted for accountability and strength not chaos, fear, and authoritarian overreach. If this is leadership, America deserves better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dustin White, a disappointed Oklahoman, Atoka 'Hope and pray that we can survive' Donald Trump was rated as the worst president ever by leading scholars after his first term. If things continue as theyve started, his second term will far exceed his first in terms of damage to this country. No economic plan that reduces spending while lowering costs for working class. No systemic reduction in the federal workforce while ensuring valuable programs and services continue. Complete disregard for the constitutional rights of American citizens and those here legally. Intentionally alienating American allies with outlandish and illegal talk of take over has isolated the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hiring senior staff and Cabinet leaders who are loyal ... rather than competent will harm us for years. I continue to hope and pray that we can survive and return to what were the core values this country was founded upon. Tom Rider, Edmond, a very sad and disgusted Republican. 'More like a dictator' I am very concerned that the man elected to serve the country is going about it in a very wrong way! I am amazed by his actions. His statements seem to me more like a dictator than the president of these United States. He is going out of his way to mock due process. He is pushing the boundaries of the judicial process; he is signing off on how this nation was built to serve the people. I know government has gotten too big, however it should be done within the structure of our Constitution. I wish now I had not voted for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clayton Abernathy, Edmond Remove him He should be removed. Tara Lewis, Edmond 'A very chaotic first 100 days' Before Trump my IRA grew almost every month. With Trump in control, my IRA has shrunk and this doesnt seem to bother him. Costs do not seem to be decreasing either. Many pieces of the American life are being taken away, including pollution control, publishing of a long-awaited weather impact report, support for food banks, and other cuts to social services. Its been a very chaotic first 100 days and what I long for is calm. Jim Martin, Norman, a frustrated retired Oklahoman 'Proud to be a Republican' He has worked so hard to clean up Biden & the Democrats' give-away program. We are in a lull right now but it takes awhile to install or eliminate programs. We will review when his second 100 day time arrives. So proud to be a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Josephine Armstrong 'No better than an F-' To date, what has Donald Trump accomplished?1. Through his tariffs, he has created economic chaos and alienated our allies. Warren Buffett once said, "Tariffs are actually ... an act of war, to some degree, and those who were our friends and allies have now become enemies. Alliances are important in maintaining order in the world, and Trump's tariff policies are isolating and making us a pariah.2. He has created a constitutional crisis, basically ignoring the order of the Supreme Court to expedite the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly abducted and imprisoned in El Salvador. Whatever happened to due process?3. He performed a mass pardoning of those convicted in the Trump-incited January 6, 2021, insurrection at the United States Capitol. Law and order? Who are you kidding?4. What about the unwavering support for our Ukrainian friends who valiantly fight against Russian aggression?5. He has appointed a cabinet of the biased, those willing to do whatever Trump desires, no matter the right or wrong of it.6. He has threatened to make Canada a 51st state and to take over Greenland. Trump certainly knows how to make friends, doesn't he?7. He is attacking our universities in order to bend them to his will, whatever that might be. Here's to Harvard for standing up to him.8. He has dismantled USAID, which functioned to end global poverty, provide life-saving medical aid, and promote democratic societies. Why?9. He has created a climate of fear for those who happen to disagree with him. Remember the old Buffalo Springfield song, "For What It's Worth," with the lyrics, "Step out of line, the men come and take you away." 10. Trump wants to gut Medicaid, dramatically decreasing health care to those who need it the most.11. He deported three children to Honduras who are U.S. citizens, one a four-year-old with cancer who was sent away without medications.12. While decreasing governmental waste is an admirable idea, Trump's DOGE, headed by unelected Elon Musk, will not only cut away fat, but also muscle and bone. As has been suggested by various publications, in this situation a scalpel is more appropriate than a chainsaw. Mass, indiscriminate firings have brutalized our federal workforce. I could go on, but I'll stop here. Because of Trump's blatantly fascist tendencies, as well as all of the above, I am afraid for the future of our country. I suspect that many others feel the same way, given his 100-day approval rating is the lowest of any president for the past 70 years. His grade is no better than an F-. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary Conrad, Edmond 'This president is a total ZERO' From a declining economy, a proposed $880 million cut to Medicaid, which would put many services (out of reach) to those without other means of surviving; laying off thousands of federal employees including at the Social Security Administration, which millions of older Americans paid into; jeopardizing our nation's rule of law; alienating foreign allies, worsening global warming ... where does one EVEN begin. This president doesn't deserve a grade because this president is a total ZERO. Trish Emig, Stillwater Trump grade: D I would give Trump a D. The firing and re-hiring of dedicated federal workers was abysmal and extremely unprofessional; it cost the government even more money in the long run. I am compelled to address the unacceptable working conditions in some federal buildings. The amenities at our workplace are severely lacking, and it is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. We are facing hazardous situations with black mold and asbestos in my office, which should not be tolerated. Moreover, the absence of proper breakrooms is a significant concern. Employees have nowhere to eat lunch, and we lack basic facilities like sinks. It is disgraceful that we must clean our own workspaces and take out our own trash due to the absence of a cleaning crew. The lack of gym facilities is another critical failure. On-site gyms are essential for maintaining both mental and physical health, reducing health insurance costs, and boosting productivity. These should be a standard offering in any modern workplace. Additionally, it is important that you consider allowing telework days. This would not only save the government money but also improve our work-life balance by minimizing overcrowding in our already inadequate office space. The current state of our workplace is harmful to our mental health, and the sight of cockroaches in the restroom is unacceptable. Federal buildings must meet a higher standard than this. I urge Trump to take swift action to address these issues. Jennifer Sims, Oklahoma City 'We need to elect younger politicians' F. Would you elect a president that promised to raise your taxes when he entered office 125%. Tariffs are TAXES! We need to elect younger politicians, instead of incredibly old people who think their way is the only way. Jerry Herron, Safety Harbor, Florida This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What are readers saying about Donald Trump's first 100 days? | Opinion If you haven't updated your drivers license at Texas Department of Public Safety office, you might want to consider getting it done soon. The deadline for REAL ID enforcement is just 2 days away. You might be asking what a REAL ID is. Is it just renewing your driver's license? Here's what you need to know before the May 2025 deadline. What is a REAL ID? The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, sets security standards for issuing sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. When is the REAL ID deadline? Beginning on May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will require REAL IDs for adult travelers flying domestically within the United States. What happens if I don't have a REAL ID by the May 7 deadline? If you show up at the airport without a REAL ID driver's license, a passport, or another acceptable document to present at the TSA checkpoint, you could face delays or even be prohibited from traveling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the TSA, there is an alternative compliance mechanism if you show up at the airport without a REAL ID. "The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity," the agency's website says. "If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening." What does a REAL ID look like in Texas? If you look at your current Texas driver's license, it should have a goldstar at the top-right corner of the ID. Your current Texas driver's license or ID is REAL ID-compliant if it has a gold star in the top right corner. If it doesnt have a gold star, youll get the gold star on your next renewal or request a replacement card. Texas REAL ID. By May 7, 2025, all states must comply by REAL ID standards. How to get a REAL ID in Texas According to Texas.Gov, you can apply for a new REAL ID-compliant Texas driver's license or ID in person at a Texas DPS office. You may be eligible to renew your existing Texas driver's license or ID online. You can still use your current, unexpired Texas driver's license or ID to drive and for non-federal ID purposes. When its time to renew your driver's license or ID, youll get a REAL ID-compliant one. REAL ID vs passport: Does a REAL ID replace a passport? REAL IDs work for domestic travel, but cant replace a passport for international flights. Passports are still required for venturing beyond U.S. borders. What are the alternatives to a REAL ID? TSA-approved alternatives include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. passport U.S. passport card DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial drivers license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) -USA TODAY contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: REAL ID Texas: What happens if you miss the May 7 deadline? Hailey reunites with her daughter, then 5 weeks old, as her familys dog, Belle, sniffs curiously, on April 1 at Haileys great-aunt Jodi Spradleys apartment in Cuba, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent). In the week since a teen mom in foster care went public about her struggles with Missouris social services agency to keep her baby, shes faced renewed threats of being separated from her 9-week-old daughter. The uncertainty is nothing new for Hailey, who has been in foster care since she was 2 and became pregnant at 15. After being told abortion wasnt an option, she was determined to be a mom in the hopes of keeping her daughter from repeating the traumatic childhood she experienced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hailey was taken from the home of her great-aunt, Jodi Spradley, with whom shed been living during her pregnancy, just days before going into labor. Postpartum, Hailey was shuffled between foster homes, hospitals and group homes across Missouri and occasionally separated from her daughter for long stretches. Her pleas to live with with Spradley who is just as eager to take her in largely went ignored. Haileys story, which was published by The Independent last week, drew immediate outrage from across the political spectrum and from all sides of the abortion debate, highlighting systemic issues advocates and lawmakers have spent years trying to fix. The workers at the Childrens Division probably meant well, said Richard Wexler, executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, after reading The Independents reporting. But if they had deliberately set out to emotionally torture three generations of a single family Hailey, her aunt and, most important, her infant they couldnt have done a more thorough, efficient job of it than they did and continue to do in this case. State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, called Haileys case an amalgamation of all of the horrible things that can happen to kids when theyre in care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This poor kid has just absolutely had the state fail her over and over and over again, said Coleman, who has long advocated for improvements to the states foster care system as well as increased resources for mothers and their children. And to then be portrayed as if the child is the problem is really horrifying. Haileys story is a checklist of the issues lawmakers have been trying to fix for years, Coleman said, from the failure to place Hailey with a family member, failure to get foster benefits to that family member and the confiscation of Haileys Social Security benefits, among others. The number of children in foster care in Missouri outpaces the national average. There is also scrutiny on how long these children remain in the system. In fiscal year 2024, roughly 44% of Missouri foster children were reunited with their family within a year of entering the system. The federal government wants to see 75% reunification rates. Hailey receives Social Security benefits because her mother died when she was a child. She is among the more than 1,200 foster kids who had those benefits seized by the state last year. Childrens Division told an advocate helping Hailey that her $400 a month in benefits was being put toward Medicaid expenses and the cost of her transportation to doctors appointments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, lawmakers passed an expansive child welfare bill. Included is a provision, if signed into law by the governor, that would ban the state from seizing Social Security benefits from foster kids. Former Republican state Rep. Hannah Kelly filed numerous pieces of legislation over the years seeking improvements to the child welfare system, including a version of the legislation that passed this year. She is calling for a major overhaul of Missouris Department of Social Services after reading Haileys story, blaming the systematic failures on inconsistent leadership. These are actual lives on the line, kids lives are on the line and we need a system that empowers families, both biological and foster, to do what is right for the children. Then everything else will work itself around that, said Kelly, who left the House last year due to term limits and is now running for state Senate. Haileys experience goes to show, Coleman said, that while fixing state law is important, its not enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The focus has to be on leadership in the department, Coleman said. In March, the Department of Social Services announced the appointment of Sara Smith as the new director of Childrens Division, which investigates child abuse allegations and overseas the foster care system. Smith in a recent interview with the Kansas City Star emphasized her focus on safety. The prior administrations public priorities centered on keeping more families together. Baylee Watts, a spokeswoman for the Department of Social Services, said in an email Friday said Smith wants to improve Childrens Divisions training and curriculum, as well as put a heightened emphasis on follow through support in response to Newborn Crisis Assessments, which involve calls concerning the well-being of children under one year of age made by medical professionals. Lack of resources Wexler, with the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, called the rampant confusion of poverty with neglect the largest problem in child welfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haileys story is a prime example of this, he said, and a look at how families attempt to cobble together a safety net only to have it torn apart by the state, including by seizing Haileys Social Security payments. But thats not the only tragedy, Wexler said. Think of all the time, money and effort devoted to destroying this family. All of it was, in effect, stolen from finding some child in real danger who really did need to be removed from her or his home. And thats almost always the reason for the tragic deaths that, rightly, make headlines. Haileys experience as a teen mom in foster care would have been vastly different if she lived in Illinois, said Amy Dworsky, a senior research fellow at Chapin Hall, a youth and families research and policy center in Chicago. For youth who choose to parent, the state has a Teen Parenting Services Network to help minors in foster care, Dworsky said. Hailey may even have been assigned a doula to help support her through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Missouri has funneled millions of dollars into pregnancy resource centers and Alternatives to Abortion programs, Spradley said Hailey was not informed of how they could have helped their family. The only program she and Hailey said they were told about was a maternity home in the St. Louis area that Hailey initially resisted going to, saying she instead wanted to stay with her great-aunt. Hailey and Spradley were often left to fend for themselves during Haileys pregnancy, Spradley said, forced to reach out to nonprofits to help them secure housing and calling on friends to help prepare and furnish their apartment for a baby. Their cabinets were stocked with items from local food pantries. Two nonprofits JustChoice, which helps people create abortion, adoption or parenting plans, and Right By You, an all options nonprofit focused on helping pregnant youth helped Hailey and Spradley secure stable housing and advocated for them in court. Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman enters the Missouri Senate on the first day of the 2023 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Sam Lee, a longtime anti-abortion lobbyist who has assisted with legislation that supports mothers and children, said he hopes Childrens Division can better work with the family to connect to resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the living situation of the three together might be less than perfect, its far better than the constant displacement and separation ordered by state workers, Lee said. A caring family even one living in poverty and with difficulties is far better than no permanent family at all. Kelley Fong, a sociology professor at the University of California, Irvine, said it was notable how much Hailey did to prepare for her daughters arrival. She enrolled in teen parenting classes and lined up transportation to prenatal appointments. Spradley and her friends helped purchase and gather baby gear. Its hard to imagine what else they could have been doing to convey to the state their commitment to caring for this baby, Fong said. The state seemed determined, Fong said, to take the baby and put the baby somewhere else, which may or may not be safer for them, instead of trying to address the underlying conditions that theyre concerned about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the state didnt seem to be paying attention to, she said, is the family member who continues expressing a desire to take Hailey in. Theres this person thats willing and interested and ready to help and support mom and baby however she can, and potentially, the only challenge shes facing is poverty, as she describes, Fong said of Spradley. So its really striking that rather than provide her with what she needs to provide a stable home for mom and baby, the response is just to separate everyone. That is extremely traumatic for the new mom, for the baby, for everyone involved. Spradley started fighting for Hailey to be with family immediately after Haileys mother died in 2011. Hailey was 4 years old at the time and living with a foster family. In an email to then-Gov. Jay Nixons office, Spradley said she was writing with concerns about Child Protective Services and what she saw as their unwillingness to reunite Hailey with family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hailey is all we have left of my niece and we love her very much, Spradley wrote in the email more than 13 years ago. She received an automated reply. not going to be passed around anymore Soon after the Department of Social Services responded to a request for comment to The Independent last month, Hailey and Spradley got good news for the first time in weeks. Haileys case worker called Spradley to inform her the state would allow Hailey and her daughter to return to Spradleys care, at least until a court made a more permanent placement decision. While they waited for Hailey to return to Spradleys home in Cuba, Hailey was authorized by the state to stay temporarily with a longtime friend of Spradleys in Illinois. By Friday morning, the smidge of calm that had settled over the family was again decimated when an email from the state indicated Hailey would be moved into a new foster home that wouldnt allow her to have her daughter with her. The state reversed course by Friday afternoon, and Hailey and her daughter were allowed to return to Spradleys home. Hailey remains in the custody of Childrens Division, but can live with Spradley for an indeterminate period until a judge decides on a permanent placement. When Hailey heard the news, she burst into a huge smile and started clapping, Spradley said. Earlier that day Hailey said shed been so nervous she had picked a spot on her skin until it bled. Now her voice was bright. Hailey said that she felt great. I know that were not going to be passed around anymore, she told The Independent. Spradley said despite the good news, their journey and her mission isnt over. We still want to protect other kids, Spradley said. We dont want to just stop with Hailey. We want other kids who dont have the support that Hailey has, we want to speak for them, too. Hailey can exhale and focus on being a mother. Hailey feeds her daughter while visiting her great-aunt Jodi Spradley on April 1, 2025, in Cuba (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent). Last week, Spradley reached out to Coleman, who has since been working with the family to get answers in a case she described as a litany of the scale of the human cost when these things are so badly handled. Coleman encourages anyone facing similar struggles to reach out to their state lawmakers. She believes in Haileys future as a successful adult because of her determination to advocate for herself and for her daughter in the face of all this tragedy. Shes going to be able to have a happy life, Coleman said. Im hopeful for her, but thats in spite of, not because of, any of the care that shes received. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) announced Monday registration for its Summer Food program has opened. The program will give more than 500 families with school-aged children a food box in June and July, according to a news release. TDEC warns against eating catfish from Sullivan Co. reservoir Registration is open for low-income families in the following counties: Carter Greene Hamblen Hancock Hawkins Johnson Sullivan Unicoi Washington Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Registration for the program is free and can be done online or by calling 423-928-1958. Each registered child in grades kindergarten through 12th will also receive a backpack filled with school supplies. Those interested in supporting GSM by hosting a food drive are asked to contact Brooke at 423-928-1958 for more information. Non-perishable items are needed, such as canned fruit, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti noodles, chicken ramen noodles, baked beans, peanut butter, jelly and mac & cheese. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MILAN - The finance chiefs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus Japan, China and South Korea warned Sunday of the potential global economic fallout of protectionist trade policies, following the announcement of higher import tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. "Escalating trade protectionism weighs on global trade, leading to economic fragmentation, affecting trade, investment and capital flows across the region," the finance ministers and central bank governors said in a statement adopted when they met on the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank's annual meeting in Milan, Italy. The statement of the ASEAN-plus-three countries, which did not mention the United States by name, also reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based, free, fair and "transparent multilateral trading system." In addition to sector-based tariffs, including on automobiles, Trump announced "reciprocal" tariffs in early April, which are set to deal a heavy blow to many export-reliant Asian economies. ASEAN members Cambodia and Vietnam are facing hefty U.S. levies of 49 percent and 46 percent, respectively, although Trump later announced a 90-day pause for most countries except China. Trump imposed tariffs of 24 percent on imports from Japan, including a baseline levy of 10 percent that remains in place as negotiations continue. Noting that the outlook is "subject to heightened uncertainties," the finance chiefs called for "enhanced regional unity and cooperation." "We reaffirmed the significance of collaboration to achieve economic stability," Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato told a news conference after the ASEAN-plus-three meeting. During the gathering, the finance chiefs also agreed to update the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization, launched in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis to provide liquidity in times of emergency, widening its scope to cover pandemics and natural disasters. Italy is a member of the Manila-based international lender, together with other European countries. Related coverage: Japan wants all tariffs reviewed to reach deal with U.S.: negotiator Trump's 25% auto part tariff takes effect, in latest blow to Japan President Trump announced on Sunday that hes directing the government to reopen Alcatraz, the notorious prison in the San Francisco Bay that stopped housing inmates more than 60 years ago. I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders, he wrote on Truth Social. The presidents order to reopen one of the most famous prisons in American history is the latest move in his aggressive and deeply controversial criminal justice agenda, which has been especially focused on cracking down on illegal immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his Truth Social post and in a later interview with reporters, Trump argued that reopening one of Americas most famous prisons would be a symbol of law and order. In reality, the impact would likely be minimal. Despite the prominent place Alcatraz has held in the countrys imagination, actually bringing inmates back to the island wouldn't do much to improve the governments prison capacity. A map showing the locations of prisons in the San Francisco Bay Area In 1934, the federal government established a prison on Alcatraz Island to house its most incorrigible" inmates. The location was chosen because the strong currents and frigid waters that surrounded it made it virtually inescapable. While in operation, it held some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history, including Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. The prison was shut down in 1963 after just 29 years in operation over cost concerns. Its isolated setting, excellent for preventing escapes, also created expensive logistical issues including the need to ship in 1 million gallons of fresh water per week that made operating Alcatraz much costlier than the typical prison at the time. In its final years, it cost three times as much to keep an inmate at Alcatraz than at any other federal prison, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Alcatraz was designed to house a maximum of 336 inmates, though it never reached that number at any point. Around the time of its closure, it was estimated that the prison needed $3 million to $5 million (as much as $52 million in todays dollars) in repairs just to keep it running. That proved to be too high of a price tag for such a small number of inmates. The island was virtually abandoned for nearly a decade before being converted into a national park in 1972. A chart showing the relative size of Alcatraz to current high security federal prisons. Alcatraz is significantly smaller than the others. Sixty years is a long time, but many of the issues that led to the prisons closure would still be problems today. Trump has called for the prison to be rebuilt and substantially enlarged for its reopening. But the island is only 22 acres in size, which means theres not much room to expand the existing prison facilities. For comparison, the nearby facility that until recently was known as San Quentin State Prison sits on 432 acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The islands isolation would also likely drive up the costs of rebuilding and expanding Alcatraz. Theres no reliable estimate for how much money or time it would take to bring the prison up to modern building standards. The best comparisons are recently built prisons elsewhere in the country, some of which have come with a price tag well over $1 billion. Those facilities are much larger than anything that could be built on Alcatraz, but they didn't have the excess costs of building on an island in famously turbulent seas. They also arent in San Francisco, a city where construction costs are so high that it famously spent $1.7 million on a single public toilet. Alcatraz is still on an island. So even with all the modern technology we have today, it would still be a massive additional expense to ship all of the water, food and other necessities to the prison every day. Any cost estimate of reopening Alcatraz would also have to account for the loss of $60 million that the prison brings in from tourists every year. Beyond the cost, the reality is that even a significantly larger prison on Alcatraz would have very little impact on Americas ability to house prisoners. There were more than 1.2 million people incarcerated in prisons and jails across the country in 2024, according to the Vera Institute of Justice. Overcrowding is a serious issue in Americas prisons, but reopening Alcatraz would make hardly a dent in solving the problem. If filled to double its old maximum capacity, Alcatraz would represent less than one-tenth of 1% of the total U.S. incarcerated population. A pie chart showing where the 1.8 million incacerated people in the U.S. were housed in 2022. Trump has also said that reopening Alcatraz could help his administration circumvent the courts, which have ruled repeatedly against his immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges, so many of these radicalized judges, want to have trials of every single think of it every single person thats in our country illegally, he told reporters. That would mean millions of trials. Trumps administration has claimed that the American courts have no power to force El Salvador to send deported migrants back to the U.S. because other countries arent bound by the American legal system. The administration has also sent migrants to Guantanamo Bay, an island near Cuba that has existed as a sort of legal gray zone for decades. Despite Trumps comments suggesting he views Alcatraz as potentially providing similar legal cover, the argument doesnt apply because the island is unquestionably part of the United States. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Family and friends of Tougaloo College graduates celebrated on Sunday during the Spring commencement ceremony. Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett delivered the keynote address. She said now is the time for graduates to self-reflect and understand from within what their purpose is from this point forward. You should take time to better understand yourself in this newly acquired alumni status and evaluate where the pull is coming from, that tug on your heart that you feel that bread crumb of the events that are leading you on your path to purpose, Crockett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the morning, the college hosted its Baccalaureate Ceremony in the Historic Woodworth Chapel, where Rev. Cassius L. Rudolph delivered a sermon. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily 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 WJTV. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Work has begun to repair to Gay Street Bridge for pedestrian traffic, a city spokesperson said. Crews are constructing the barge intended to serve as a platform for repairs on the 127-year-old bridge. Charles Blalock & Sons will lead the repairs, the city said. Last week, a contract was signed stating that the repairs need to be done by December 31, 2025, and cost no more than $1,944,929.50. The barge is being built near Governor Ned McWherter Park. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs presents budget I am relieved to finally see this work moving forward, said Mayor Indya Kincannon. Thank you to everyone for their patience during its closure. It will be a welcome sight to see people walking and biking across the historic span once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Engineers from the Tennessee Department of Transportation told the city in June 2024 that the bridge needed to close. During further assessments, cracked bolts, warped steel, and distorted elements were found. Due to the condition of the bridge and its old age, the city plans to reopen it as a pedestrian and cyclist bridge that will not allow cars. They plan to replace it in the next five to 10 years. According to the city, engineers estimated that it will cost between $60 and $200 million to fully replace the bridge. Woman accused of murdering partner she says cheated on her with another man In January, the Knoxville City Council approved additional funds for the repair. 6 News previously spoke to local business owners about the impact of the bridge closing. The city has more information on the repair project on their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. Reda and Joe Harrison (Photo provided) Before Reda Harrison was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease, she worked 10-hour days as a surgery coordinator in Lexington. Always an organized person, Harrison knew something was wrong when, in 2018, she started feeling confused and lost at work. Waking at 5 a.m. for work, the Nicholasville woman, 65, said she eventually made an index card to tell me every step I had to take every morning: brush my teeth, flossput your makeup on. I had to write it all out, because I would just stand in front of the mirror not knowing what to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrison is one of the more than 80,000 Kentuckians aged 65 and older living with an Alzheimers diagnosis as reported in the 2025 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures Report, released by the Alzheimers Association last week. Her husband, Joe, is one of the 160,000 Kentucky residents that the new report says provide unpaid care for a loved one with Alzheimers. Alzheimers disease, which falls under the umbrella of dementia, is characterized by memory loss and is incurable, though treatments exist. One of those treatments underwent clinical trials at the University of Kentucky, Lecanemab (brand name Leqembi). This is an antibody that targets and in some cases, removes amyloid plaques from the brain, and has shown some success in slowing cognitive decline. Amyloid plaques are proteins that formin the brain and are believed to be a significant driver of Alzheimers. Lecanemab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referring to lecanemab, Mackenzie Wallace, the director of public policy at the Alzheimers Association in Kentucky, told the Lantern that this is an exciting time for treating the disease. In March, Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, announced Kentucky invested $300,000 into space research that will allow the Louisville nonprofit National Stem Cell Foundation to continue researching the way brain cells behave in microgravity in the hopes of finding better treatments and cures for Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimers. The money which was allocated in the 2024 legislative sessions Senate Bill 1 is a 10% match for a $3.1 million NASA grant. Scientists hope that research can result in a cure. Meanwhile, this is the first time in more than 20 years that we actually have a treatment now that is effective at slowing the progression of the disease, and its also the first treatment that actually addresses the underlying biology of the disease, Wallace said of lecanemab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its key to start Lecanemab in the early stages of the disease, making it unsurprising that Tuesdays report showed most 79% of Americans surveyed want to know if they have Alzheimers early. I think Americans want to know now that its becoming less of a taboo or less of a stigma to talk about brain health, and Americans want to know about it, and they want to talk about it, Wallace said. Most 79% of Americans surveyed want to know if they have Alzheimers early. (Facts and Figures Report) By the numbers: what does the new report show? Shannon White, executive director of the Alzheimers Associations Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana chapter, called the Tuesday reports findings profound. Now more than ever, we need to work to advance disease research and treatments that can slow the current trajectory and help all Kentucky families affected by Alzheimers and other dementia, White said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures Report shows, among other things, a serious need for more geriatricians and more personal aides to care for the 80,500 senior Kentuckians who live with a diagnosis of Alzheimers. There were 48 providers with geriatric certificates in Kentucky in 2021, according to the Facts and Figures report. It estimates Kentucky will need 393 by 2050 to care for all Kentuckians 65 and older and at least 144 geriatricians to care only for those with Alzheimers or dementia. To meet the increased need and the demand by 2050 were going to need a 200% increase in geriatricians, Wallace said. And thats just almost unfathomable. The number of diagnoses are expected to increase as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age. Its also worth noting, Wallace said, that not everyone who has Alzheimers has a diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that, still, early detection and diagnosis is a challenge. Even disclosure of diagnosis is still a problem, stigma, denial, etcetera all of those still impact or affect the ability or desire of people to be able to get a diagnosis. And so the fact that were already at 7.2 million people with a diagnosis (nationally) definitely makes you wonder like, wow, how much would that number increase if we kind of thought or were able to measure the people that are at risk, or that have mild cognitive impairment but have not yet been diagnosed? Wallace said. I think thats pretty shocking. Mackenzie Wallace, the director of public policy at the Alzheimers Association. March 26, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) The report also showed: There are 80,500 Kentucky residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimers. 10% of adults 65 and older live with Alzheimers. In 2022, 1,509 Kentuckians died from Alzheimers. In 2024, there were 160,000 Kentucky residents serving as unpaid family caregivers. Those Kentuckians provided 307 million hours of unpaid care worth $4.9 billion. Among other policies Wallace wants Kentucky to implement, shed like to see an incentive program for caregivers, similar to the Credit for Caring Act that was introduced in Congress in 2024 that would give eligible caregivers a $5,000 tax credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost of this disease is really just staggering, Wallace said. When it comes to unpaid caregivers, she said, these are family members, friends, neighbors, loved ones, that are trying to provide care for individuals, for their loved ones. If those Kentuckians who are receiving unpaid care were to have to live in nursing homes, Wallace said, thats at a great cost to the state and its not as good for the patients. Meanwhile, Wallace said, unpaid caregivers carry an all consuming responsibility. If caregivers are out here providing care to their loved one in the home, what does that mean for their own financial well being? Are they dipping into their own retirement funds and savings? Are they having to leave the workforce entirely to provide more care? Are they having to drop down to part time? Wallace said. Its a huge economic toll on caregivers financially, and then on the other side of the coin, its a massive toll on our caregivers for their own well being. You cant see Alzheimers. Reda Harrison (Photo provided) It took Reda Harrison two years to wrap my arms around her Alzheimers diagnosis. She credits her Christian faith with helping her learn to cope with it and, ultimately, share her story with others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harrison, who no longer works, attends a support group in Louisville, founded one in Lexington and volunteers with the Alzheimers Association. Everybodys case is different. It affects you differently. For me, it was more confusion, Harrison said. Since I left work, what Ive noticed is my short term memory is really bad. I can do something and, a minute later, I cant remember if I did it or not. In addition to attending support groups and volunteering, Harrison fills her time with anything I can to improve my brain. She takes piano lessons, studies Spanish on Duolingo, a language learning app, practices yoga, quilts and does beadwork. Her service dog, Dolly Parton named after the musician and philanthropist because of the poodles poofy hair helps her cope with the depression that comes with her diagnosis. Dolly Parton, the dog, can also help direct her home if she goes for a walk and gets turned around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has really been a lifesaver for me, Harrison said. The way she helps me, mostly, is emotional. If Im having a tough day, she just knows. Shes very comforting, because with this disease, you have a tendency to get depressed. And she helps me. Poodle Dolly Parton runs all Harrisons errands with her as well and loves to be in the car. Shes just my companion, Harrison said. She keeps me independent. Harrison, who is taking Leqembi infusions now, isnt sure what the future holds for her, or how her Alzheimers will progress. Dolly Parton, Redas therapy dog.(Photo provided) People decline so differently. Some of the ones that I used to have conversations with cant even talk anymore. But for me, I really havent declined that much. I think its just my relationship with God, but I dont know theres no science behind that, she said. Im happy. I have learned to embrace my disease and I dont run from it. You cant run from it. You cant hide from it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She wants more people to research Alzheimers and educate themselves on it, she said. She believes thats the key to defeating societal stigma around it. People say, Oh, you dont look like you have Alzheimers. You look normal, Harrison said. They dont know what Alzheimer is. You cant see Alzheimers until youre far into it. Since her diagnosis, shes lost friends who just felt too uncomfortable with the disease to be around her, she said, saying it felt like leprosy in the Bible times. That hurts, and she wants to change negative perceptions of the disease. I am still Reda. I am the same person Ive always been. Im probably a nicer person now, more caring, she said. We still want to be treated for who we are. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Indiana 8th District Congressman Mark Messmer has scheduled a town hall to take place this week, but it will not take place face-to-face. A release from his office says the town hall will take place over telephone at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Before the town hall begins, participants will be able to call a toll free phone line in order to take part. Earlier this year, hundreds of protesters gathered in protest over Messmers refusal to hold a town hall and not engaging with constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indivisible Evansville, a group led by former Democrat City Council Member Wendy Bredhold, say they are not happy that the event is being held by phone. The group plans to hold an event at the McCollough Library to attempt to get through to the town hall. Constituents can sign up to be a part of the event by registering on Messmers 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Rep. Nate Gustafson said his bill would implement a net zero rule process. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Wisconsin Republican lawmakers are introducing bills to review every statewide administrative rule and impose new limits on the rulemaking process, saying there are too many regulations currently and they put operational obstacles and financial burdens on businesses. GOP Lawmakers have raised objections to agencies administrative rulemaking process and the power of the executive branch for many years and have taken action to exert more control over the process and to limit the authority of state agencies and the governor. The REINS Act, signed into law by former Gov. Scott Walker in 2017, for example, required lawmakers approval for regulations that might cost more than $10 million over a two-year period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of whats been done in the past has looked at when youre implementing new rules what is the process? Who is writing the rules? Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee), who introduced the bill that became 2017 Wisconsin Act 57, said at a press conference last week. What [the] REINS Act is not able to do is go back and reset it all, Neylon added. Were looking at the stack of rules that have accumulated over the years that are piling up We need a reset. One of four GOP bills would require agencies to make cuts to offset the cost associated with new regulations. Under the bill, coauthored by Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Fox Crossing) and Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), agencies with a new rule proposal would have to stop work on the process until theyve figured out how to eliminate the cost of a new regulation, or, alternatively, until a different rule reduces the costs to businesses, local governmental units and individuals over any two-year period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gustafson calls it a net zero rule process. So if theres an existing regulation or rule output that is of equal cost or greater, youre going to have to cut that rule if you want to implement a new one. Another of the four bills coauthored by Neylon and Sen. Steve Nass would put an expiration date on every administrative rule seven years after implementation. Currently, administrative rules are in effect indefinitely unless repealed, amended by the agency or suspended by the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR). JCRAR is a 10-member committee responsible for reviewing proposed administrative rules to ensure they align with state law. Lawmakers on the committee have the ability to approve, suspend, or request modifications to proposed rules. Under the new measure, the year before a rule expires an agency would need to send notice to JCRAR about its intention to readopt the rule. If there is no objection by a lawmaker on the committee, then the rule would be considered readopted, but if there is an objection, then the rule would expire unless the agency goes through the rulemaking process again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neylon said the point is to create a more modern process and do away with outdated or duplicative rules, creating unnecessary burdens on businesses. Another bill coauthored by Sen. Rob Hutton and Reps. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) and Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) would limit scope statements, the first step in the rulemaking process, so they could only be used for one proposed rule and would set a six month expiration date when a scope statement can be used for an emergency rule. Currently, people can challenge the validity of an administrative rule in court. The final bill coauthored by Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) and Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto) would award people who challenge a rule attorney fees and costs if a court declares a rule invalid. The bill package is based on a report from the right-wing Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), which also launched a webpage about the effort to cut red tape on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WILL states in the report that Wisconsin is the 13th most regulated state in the country and lays out proposals similar to the new GOP bills. WILL said the actions would build off steps taken in other states, including Idaho, Ohio, Nebraska and Oklahoma, to reduce regulations. Neylon said WILL provided research and worked with lawmakers offices on the legislation. But, he added, these are issues that weve all worked on for a lot of years, issues that we care deeply about. This is our initiative and nobody elses. Economist on the potential flaws Economist Michael Rosen told the Examiner that the bills come out of Republicans national playbook, and that the research from WILL is based on the idea that any regulation impedes economic growth. It has been a cornerstone of Republican policy since the election of Ronald Reagan to deregulate, get rid of regulation, and [to insist] that getting rid of regulation promotes economic growth, Rosen said. He calls that theory nonsense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosen points out that some of the most heavily regulated states including California and New York are also the most prosperous. He noted that the majority of the states cited in WILL s research are those with Republican-dominated government. All regulations really are the rules under which the market operates, Rosen said, adding, there have to be rules that govern the behavior of the buyers and sellers. Thats what regulation is. Its very simple, and what theyre arguing is to get rid of them. Rosen challenges broad assertions in WILLs research, including WILLs finding that a 36% cut to regulations across the board in Wisconsin could grow the economy by 1 percentage point annually. That analysis fails to take into account negative externalities, Rosen says actions by companies that impose a cost on people who are not directly involved. He pointed to environmental regulations as an example of how these costs are paid by the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In economic terms, companies that pollute part of the cost of production should be disposing of the waste that a company produces. If there arent any rules, the cheapest way to dispose of your waste is to release it into the atmosphere or release it into the rivers and streams, Rosen said. Thats what we had in this country at the beginning of the 20th century, when we didnt have any environmental regulations, and rivers, like the Milwaukee River, and streams and lakes were polluted by manufacturers because that was the cheapest way for them to dispose of their waste. Rosen said that some might argue that rules meant to protect the environment impede growth because they impose an additional cost on a company, however, he said that rules can ensure they arent passing on that cost to the public. Since passage in 2017, the REINS Act has posed an obstacle to proposed environmental protection rules in Wisconsin. Without the regulations, Rosen said, people would have no assurance about the products they buy whether its a can of tuna fish, whether its an automobile, whether its a ride on an airplane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is it impeding economic growth that we have regulations on air travel? No, because if we didnt have the regulation of the airline industry, we would have far more accidents and many fewer people would want to travel on airplanes, Rosen said. These are all regulations that we take for granted, but assure people they can trust the products and services they purchase, and we wont crash and die. A better way to address onerous or outdated rules, Rosen said, is to take them up one at a time, rather than through the sweeping anti-regulatory bill package Wisconsin Republicans are proposing. Are there some regulations that maybe are antiquated? Im not going to sit here and tell you there might not be, Rosen said. But rather than pass sweeping legislation, which is ideologically driven and could have catastrophic consequences, people should raise the particular regulation. Whats next for the bills Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) said that she is excited for the bills to go through the Assembly Government Operations, Accountability and Transparency (GOAT) committee, which she chairs. The committee was created this session, inspired by billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency project, which has sought to remake the federal government by unilaterally firing employees and making deep cuts to federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excessive regulations have serious economic consequences. They slow economic growth. They increase costs for businesses and consumers and they stifle innovation, all while the compliance costs put the greatest burden on our small businesses and working families, Nedweski said. Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) said the bills are another action from the tired Republican playbook and compared them to the actions being taken by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. These bills are an attempt at a power grab, akin to what we are seeing from the Trump-Musk administration, Hesselbein said. The bills would, among other things, undermine the fundamental democratic principle of separation of powers. They are unnecessary, anti-democratic, and wholly wrong for Wisconsin. Republicans in the Senate and Assembly, who hold majorities, could pass the bills without support from Democratic lawmakers, however, they would need Democratic Gov. Tony Evers sign-off to become law. Neylon conceded that its unlikely Evers will support them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately Gov. Evers makes a lot of mistakes, Neylon said. Hes showing to be a failure as a governor, and Im not optimistic hell make the right decision here, but I think that were doing the best we can to try to reform the regulatory process, and we think that its time for a reset. Evers office hasnt responded to a request for comment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sandra Smith and her daughter, Sarah Smith, rely on Medicaid to pay for a nurse to come to their home in Crestwood, Missouri, 13 hours a day because Sarah needs round-the-clock care (Bram Sable-Smith/KFF Health News). CRESTWOOD, Mo. The prospect of sweeping federal cuts to Medicaid is alarming to some Missourians who remember the last time the public medical insurance program for those with low incomes or disabilities was pressed for cash in the state. In 2005, Missouri adopted some of the strictest eligibility standards in the nation, reduced benefits, and increased patients copayments for the joint federal-state program due to state budget shortfalls totaling about $2.4 billion over several prior years. More than 100,000 Missourians lost coverage as a result, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reported that the changes led to increases in credit card borrowing and debt in third-party collections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman told NPR that year that her $6.70-an-hour McDonalds job put her over the new income limits and rendered her ineligible, even though she was supporting three children on about $300 a week. A woman receiving $865 a month in disability payments worried at a town hall meeting about not being able to raise her orphaned granddaughter as the state asked her to pay $167 a month to keep her health coverage. Now, Missouri could lose an estimated $2 billion a year in federal funding as congressional Republicans look to cut at least $880 billion over a decade from a pool of funding that includes Medicaid programs nationwide. Medicaid and the closely related Childrens Health Insurance Program together insure roughly 79 million people about 1 in 5 Americans. Were looking at a much more significant impact with the loss of federal funds even than what 2005 was, said Amy Blouin, president of the progressive Missouri Budget Project think tank. Were not going to be able to protect kids. Were not going to be able to protect people with disabilities from some sort of impact. At todays spending levels, a cut of $880 billion to Medicaid could lead to states losing federal funding ranging from $78 million a year in Wyoming to $13 billion a year in California, according to an analysis from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. State lawmakers nationwide would then be left to address the shortfalls, likely through some combination of slashing benefits or eligibility, raising taxes, or finding a different large budget item to cut, such as education spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers are floating various proposals to cut Medicaid, including one to reduce the money the federal government sends to states to help cover adults who gained access to the program under the Affordable Care Acts provision known as Medicaid expansion. The 2010 health care law allowed states to expand Medicaid eligibility to cover more adults with low incomes. The federal government is picking up 90% of the tab for that group. About 20 million people nationwide are now covered through that expansion. Missouri expanded Medicaid in 2021. That has meant that a single working-age adult in Missouri can now earn up to $21,597 a year and qualify for coverage, whereas before, nondisabled adults without children couldnt get Medicaid coverage. That portion of the program now covers over 329,000 Missourians, more than a quarter of the states Medicaid recipients. For every percentage point that the federal portion of the funding for that group decreases, Missouris Medicaid director estimated, the state could lose $30 million to $35 million a year. But the equation is even more complicated given that Missouri expanded access via a constitutional amendment. Voters approved the expansion in 2020 after the states Republican leadership resisted doing so for a decade. That means changes to Medicaid expansion in Missouri would require voters to amend the state constitution again. The same is true in South Dakota and Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So even if Congress attempted to narrowly target cuts to the nations Medicaid expansion population, Washington University in St. Louis health economist Timothy McBride said, Missouris expansion program would likely stay in place. Then you would just have to find the money elsewhere, which would be brutal in Missouri, McBride said. Im not ready to think that Congress is going to willingly put us on the path of making every state go cut their benefits for the most vulnerable. Elias Tsapelas, director of fiscal policy at the conservative Show-Me Institute In Crestwood, a suburb of St. Louis, Sandra Smith worries her daughters in-home nursing care would be on the chopping block. Nearly all in-home services are an optional part of Medicaid that states are not required to include in their programs. But the services have been critical for Sandra and her 24-year-old daughter, Sarah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Smith has been disabled for most of her life due to seizures from a rare genetic disorder called Dravet syndrome. She has been covered by Medicaid in various ways since she was 3. She needs intensive, 24-hour care, and Medicaid pays for a nurse to come to their home 13 hours a day. Her mother serves as the overnight caregiver and covers when the nurses are sick work Sandra Smith is not allowed to be compensated for and that doesnt count toward the 63-year-olds Social Security. Having nursing help allows Sandra Smith to work as an independent podcast producer and gives her a break from being the go-to-person for providing care 24 hours a day, day after day, year after year. I really and truly dont know what I would do if we lost the Medicaid home care. I have no plan whatsoever, Sandra Smith said. It is not sustainable for anyone to do infinite, 24-hour care without dire physical health, mental health, and financial consequences, especially as we parents get into our elder years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elias Tsapelas, director of fiscal policy at the conservative Show-Me Institute, said potential changes to Medicaid programs depend on the extent of any budget cuts that Congress ultimately passes and how much time states have to respond. A large cut implemented immediately, for example, would require state legislators to look for parts of the budget they have the discretion to cut quickly. But if states have time to absorb funding changes, he said, they would have more flexibility. Im not ready to think that Congress is going to willingly put us on the path of making every state go cut their benefits for the most vulnerable, Tsapelas said. Missouris congressional delegation split along party lines over the recent budget resolution calling for deep spending cuts, with the Republicans who control six of the eight House seats and both Senate seats all voting for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But 76% of the public, including 55% of Republicans, say they oppose major federal funding cuts to Medicaid, according to a national KFF poll conducted April 8-15. And Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican, has said that he does not support cutting Medicaid and posted on the social platform X that he was told by President Donald Trump that the House and Senate would not cut Medicaid benefits and that Trump wont sign any benefit cuts. I hope congressional leadership will get the message, Hawley posted. He declined to comment for this article. U.S. House Republicans are aiming to pass a budget by Memorial Day, after many state legislatures, including Missouris, will have adjourned for the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Missouri lawmakers are poised to pass a tax cut that is estimated to reduce state revenue by about $240 million in the first year. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Then-candidate Donald Trump and his Republican congressional allies fixated on the great threat of noncitizen voting in the 2024 campaigns. Despite copious research showing that this type of voter fraud is extremely rare, it was the election conspiracy theory du jour out with bamboo fibers, magical voting machines and ballots in dumpsters, in with the busloads of illegals. Things quieted after Trump won no immediate need for the scapegoating-immigrants backup plan in case of a loss. But theyve revved up again lately, as the 2026 midterms, which history and recent polling suggests could be a good cycle for Democrats, inch closer. The House passed the SAVE Act, a bundle of voter restrictions predicated on the specter of noncitizen voting, last month. It awaits a vote in the Senate, where it would almost certainly fail to win enough support to overcome a Democratic filibuster. Trump put out a version of the bill in executive order form earlier this year. Some red state officials hopped aboard the Trump campaigns fearmongering before the 2024 election and enacted proof-of-citizenship requirements one to self-admittedly disastrous effect and copycat bills are permeating other red and purple states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those state-level experiments, particularly in Kansas and Arizona, might have served as a warning to national Republicans that the citizenship requirements didnt really work, were extremely onerous for election officials to enforce and, perhaps most importantly for a gambit aimed at suppressing perceived unfriendly votes, netted an awful lot of Republicans. Kansas did that 10 years ago, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, a Republican who had spearheaded the proof of citizenship push as a legislator, said. It didnt work out so well. But, due to some combination of an unshakeable faith in voter restrictions, fear of running afoul of Trump and perhaps a concern that the much ballyhooed demographic shifts in the 2024 election arent as permanent as some believe, national Republicans are sticking to the script. State-Level Bungling The Kansas proof of citizenship requirement, enacted in 2013, was ultimately blocked by the courts as an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote and hasnt been enforced since 2018 but not before it blocked 31,000 U.S. citizens from the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Arizona, the partisan buffoonery was on even greater display. The state already had a two-track registration system, where voters without documentary proof of citizenship became federal only voters, barred from voting in state and local elections. The Republican trifecta passed additional proof of citizenship requirements in 2022 to block voters from voting in some federal elections as well, presumably leaning on data indicating that the voters least likely to have the required documents were younger, less white and located in lower-income and less-educated neighborhoods traditional Democrats, in other words. Cut to 2024 when Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a Republican, discovered a glitch in the voter database nearly 200,000 registered voters were not qualified to vote under the new citizenship requirements. This became a problem for the state GOP when it discovered that most of those voters were Republicans. Each of the affected voters currently have the right of suffrage and have regularly exercised that right in state elections, many multiple times for decades, Arizona Republicans railed in a brief, seeking to not enforce the law theyd championed. These recent experiences suggest proof-of-citizenship requirements which are much less intrusive than those in the SAVE Act, which would require trips to election offices with the required documents every time a voter updates or changes their registration, and not just once like the state models are hamfisted, inefficient and hurt Republican voters too. So why havent national Republicans given up the fantasy? A New Party The question becomes more pressing given that some traditionally Democratic groups young men, Latinos, Black voters have showed signs of a rightward shift, a trend intoxicating to Republicans who long feared that their aging white base would shrink out of electoral relevance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proof-of-citizenship requirements target those groups, creating a risk that Republicans are taking the air out of a trend sloping in their direction. Nonetheless, this push for such measures as the SAVE Act persists. Donald Trump has been obsessed with the idea of noncitizen voting in elections since his 2016 run and maybe even before then he had the citizenship obsession anyway since he was questioning Barack Obamas birth certificate, Jonathan Diaz, director of voting advocacy at the Campaign Legal Center, told TPM. I dont think the Republican Party of 15 years ago would have pursued the SAVE Act in its current form because it would have recognized that it prevents a lot of people who would vote Republican regularly from voting. But because Donald Trump is so focused on this issue, his gravitational pull on the party is so immense that everybody is going along with it. Diaz added that its become a kind of litmus test for Republican candidates. So far, the effect of such measures would likely still hurt Democrats more, the chaos in Arizona notwithstanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are reasons why the electorate is volatile and potentially prone to shifts, but keep in perspective that these shifts are relatively minor women, young people, Latinos, African Americans are still leaning Democratic, Ron Hayduk, an expert in immigrant voting at San Francisco State University, told TPM. Those groups might be more Republican-curious than they once were though Hayduk pointed to some early data showing that many of those voters are already souring on Trump but the majority of those voters are still safe bets as Democrats, he argues. The demographics havent shifted enough to warrant a change in the Republican playbook. Eliza Sweren-Becker, senior counsel for the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, confirmed to TPM that their data shows at a national level, Democrats are more likely to lack ready access to a passport or birth certificate. Experts point to other dynamics afoot too that might encourage Republican support of these measures, even if they take more a sledgehammer and less a scalpel to the electorate. Above all, theres also the messaging benefit. Unlike on the state level, for national Republicans, the efforts to impose a citizenship requirement arent going anywhere fast. Senate Democrats are adamantly against the bill, which would need their votes to overcome a filibuster; even Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) dismissed his voters fears at a town hall by saying that he doesnt expect the bill to come up for a vote since it wont get 60 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps executive order is tied up in court. A federal judge blocked pieces of it last week. So while the ramifications are locked behind 60 votes and judges gavels, they can crusade on the conspiracy theory. It keeps immigrants and immigration in the news, Hayduk said, adding that changing the subject helps displace peoples anxieties about the cost of eggs onto immigrants. Congressional Republicans are currently looking to slow the growth of federal Medicaid spending, which has surged from $161 billion to $616 billion over the past two decades. Although only 17% of Americans support reducing Medicaid spending; 62% support requiring most adults to work in order to gain eligibility. But, while work requirements command broad appeal among legislators, they are unlikely to greatly reduce the programs costs. Work requirements are generally sought as a way to mitigate the programs work disincentives. Medicaids expansion to able-bodied adults under the 2010 Affordable Care Act provides comprehensive healthcare benefits (worth an average of $7,711 in 2023), which individuals would lose if they earned more than $20,120 about the level of someone working full time at the minimum wage in most states. In 2017, when the House of Representatives sought to permit states to condition Medicaid benefits for nondisabled, nonelderly, nonpregnant adults on individuals participation in work activities; companion legislation was blocked in the Senate. But the first Trump administration approved 13 waivers for states to implement similar work requirements. These typically required Medicaid beneficiaries to dedicate 80 hours per month to work, volunteer activity, full-time education, or job training, while exempting those who were disabled, pregnant, medically frail, or personal caregivers. But such Medicaid work requirements were struck down by the courts for all states except Georgia (which used non-ACA expansion funding). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scholars at the liberal Center for Budget and Policy Priorities argue that work requirements have no upside. Noting that only 6,500 out of 240,000 potentially eligible for the program in Georgia enrolled, they suggest that the burden of compliance pushes people off benefits without increasing work. People cant live solely from healthcare benefits the way they can from cash. In some circumstances, providing medical care to those with serious health problems might actually help them return to work. The work disincentives resulting from Medicaids means test might also be mitigated by the ACAs subsidies for those with higher incomes to purchase health insurance. To assess the effect of Medicaid work requirements, Harvard economists examined Arkansass requirement for beneficiaries aged 30 to 49, which was in effect from 2018 to 2019. They found a 13.2 percentage point reduction in enrollment relative to other age groups, and a 7.1 point increase in the percentage of that cohort who were uninsured even though 95% of those effected by work requirements satisfied them or should have qualified for an exemption. The study found little impact on employment levels with the target population averaging 17.1 hours of work per week in Arkansas, compared with 18.2 hours in other similar states. Influenced by the Harvard study, the Congressional Budget Office estimate that permitting Medicaid work requirements nationwide would reduce Medicaid enrollment by 0.6 million and federal spending by $109 billion over 10 years. But CBO contrasts the minimal impact on employment of Medicaid work requirements with substantial increases in employment experienced following welfare reform, which established similar requirements for cash benefits in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the increased employment associated with TANF might be misleading. Welfare reform did not simply apply work requirements to TANF cash benefits, but largely shifted that programs funding away from means-tested cash benefits to employment support services. The number of beneficiaries of cash benefits fell by 85%, with many states now spending close to nothing on them. TANFs bigger lesson may be about how federalism distorts work requirements. Under block grants, TANF imposed only loose work targets, which states could easily satisfy by sanctioning token employment arrangements. Those states who desired to maintain the status quo ante, and hand out welfare benefits with little regard to work, could easily do so. The statutory work requirements proposed for Medicaid would be entirely optional and impose no obligations on states at all. That likely explains why the proposal has faced less political push-back than other proposed cuts to Medicaid. It should also call into question the idea that work requirements would reduce federal spending. CBOs estimate was based on the economic effects of work requirements implemented as in Arkansas. But it does not incorporate an assessment of the political question of whether other states will respond to a change in federal law by seeking to emulate Arkansas. In fact, even where states choose to implement arduous Medicaid work requirements, this may not generate substantial savings for federal taxpayers. The federal government currently provides $9 for every $1 that states spend on Medicaid services for beneficiaries under the ACAs expansion of the program. Rather than reducing states desire to take full advantage of an extraordinarily lucrative arrangement, work requirements may just make it easier for states to concentrate those funds on preferred constituents. In some cases, they might actually increase the programs cost by making it easier for red states to justify expanding the programs eligibility to able-bodied adults, where they had previously chosen against doing so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In practice, Medicaid work requirements are likely to be very loose, and to do little either to save taxpayers money or to oblige people to assume full-time employment. Time limits on eligibility would likely do a better job of deterring undue dependence on public funds by those who are able to work, while also providing more support for the receipt of medical care by those who have temporarily fallen on hard times. Chris Pope is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. NEW DELHI - The defense ministers of Japan and India agreed Monday to deepen cooperation between their forces, including starting discussions toward establishing a senior officer-level dialogue body, as China continues to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh also affirmed that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Indian military will increase their joint exercises, Nakatani told reporters after their talks in New Delhi. The envisaged dialogue body will be in charge of coordinating the overall collaborative work between their forces, according to Japanese government officials. At the outset of the meeting, which was open to the media, Nakatani said stronger ties between the two countries have become "more important" with the situation surrounding them becoming "growingly complicated and uncertain" at a time U.S. President Donald Trump's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region remains unclear. Singh told Nakatani that he hopes to continue bilateral defense equipment and technology collaboration with Japan. Japan has been stepping up security ties with India by increasing joint drills in recent years and reinforcing defense capabilities in the space and cyber domains. Japan and India have also been discussing a plan to transfer Unicorn communication antennas similar to those installed on a new Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer. The meeting came after Tokyo approached New Delhi about participating in the Global Combat Air Program, an initiative involving Japan, Britain and Italy to jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035, according to government sources. Japan and India are members of the Quad grouping of Indo-Pacific democracies that also includes the United States and Australia. The framework is widely seen as a counterweight to China. Nakatani is on a four-day trip from Saturday that has also taken him to Sri Lanka. Related coverage: Military spending in 2024 rises unprecedented 9.4% to $2.72 trillion While agrivoltaics the practice of splitting the land between solar power and agriculture isn't new, it could be the answer to U.S. farmer woes. According to CleanTechnica, adding solar power to farms could help generate needed income for farmers because they can sell the excess power. Solar power also decreases the need for watering because it provides shade and cooler temperatures, so the water doesn't evaporate. Additionally, it can help countries meet their environmental goals. Farmers are having a hard time because the administration has frozen funding, Farm Aid reported. With the expected funding vanishing, agrivoltaics could be a way for them to earn some extra income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it could be the answer, CleanTechnica said the benefits are complicated. That's where Cornell University researchers come in. They've published a study in Applied Energy using fractional programming, a method that has been used since the 20th century for agricultural systems. It confirmed the benefits of using agrivoltaics for irrigation. Economically speaking, the model indicated that using 90% of the land for agriculture and 10% for solar was best. However, for environmental benefits, the model showed that only 60% of the land should be used for agriculture. Researchers said, "Ultimately, site design choices should align with decision-makers' goals, whether prioritizing economic, environmental, or balanced system efficiencies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University of Cordoba researchers proposed fractional programming as early as 1999. Unfortunately, with few real applications, it was hard to pinpoint the benefits. On the other hand, the Cornell University researchers believe they have cracked the code. According to Clean Energy, farmers can save money on their farms by using solar energy for operations, including irrigation. Instead of relying on a standard irrigation system that uses dirty energy sources, they can use solar power. After the upfront costs, it costs them nothing. Agrivoltaics can also help with energy security. CleanTechnica noted that Harmony Energy, a UK-based firm, is building New Zealand's "biggest solar farm to date." The agrivoltaics project will be capable of supplying electricity to about 35,000 homes and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, according to Nonprofit Quarterly, agrivoltaics has several environmental benefits, including reducing reliance on dirty energy sources, reducing the need to cut down forests for solar farms, and preserving wildlife habitats. It allows for local food production while reducing polluting gases from food transportation. It also makes farmers more resilient because it diversifies their land use. As for the U.S.'s use of agrivoltaics, in March, California Governor Gavin Newsom fast-tracked a project in Fresno County that will have 300 megawatts. The governor's office said, "The site was carefully selected to be on non-prime agricultural land, ensuring it does not disrupt valuable farmland." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added, "The project will use a dual-use model, with sheep grazing alongside solar panels to help manage vegetation, reduce fire risks, and improve soil health." You can use your voice to advocate for your state to initiate similar projects. 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. Its a rare moment today in American politics that Donald Trumps West Wing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi are on the same side of an issue. And its rarer still that each of these parties is irritated at the same person. Yet as Jordans King Abdullah II returns to Washington on Monday, top Trump aides, Kennedy, and Pelosi are venting their frustration with one of the Middle Easts longest-serving monarchs. At issue: the commitment Abdullah made in February sitting by Trumps side in the Oval Office to accept 2,000 children from Gaza with cancer and other grave illnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdullah, say multiple high-ranking officials in both parties, is slow-walking his pledge, and Jordan has only accepted a fraction of sick children because of fears Israel will not let them and their families return to Gaza after treatment. They took 44, and then theyve cut us off, Kennedy told me over the weekend. Alluding to Abdullah, an adviser and ally to American presidents for over a quarter-century, Kennedy said: I would encourage him to put the welfare of these children first and put the politics aside. The health secretary pointedly recalled that the kings statements to President Trump were really unconditional. Kennedy repeatedly emphasized the life-and-death urgency of the patients. These kids are very, very fragile, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A top West Wing official involved in the discussions was even more to the point, calling Jordans reluctance to fully fulfill their pledge a sad commentary and that the war makes things difficult for obvious reasons. Pelosi, who has a longstanding friendship with Abdullah, took matters into her own hands last week and had a blunt, private conversation with Jordans ambassador to the U.S., Dina Kawar. Kawar told Pelosi that Abdullahs pledge was contingent on Israel allowing those children whove finished treatment to return to Gaza and suggested the former speaker talk to the king, Im told by a person familiar with the conversation. Pelosi has been closely monitoring the evacuation of the children since it began under former President Joe Biden, and one of her advisers emphasized that she has the highest regard for Abdullah and that other countries, including Israel, must do their part for the children. A spokesperson at the Jordanian embassy declined to comment. However, the line the ambassador conveyed to Pelosi that they cant continue admitting children without assurances that theyll be allowed back to their war-torn home has also been delivered to Trump aides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Israeli forces continue to pound Gaza and block humanitarian aid, the politics of even helping cancer-stricken children has grown complicated for Arab countries. The Gaza children some only holding on by a thread, as Kennedy said have sadly become pawns. This has only deepened the exasperation of American officials, who were already alarmed by how few Gazan children the Jordanians had taken and are now irritated about being told the original pledge was conditional. As Kennedy pointed out, the king was unambiguous when he made his pronouncement in the White House: One of the things that we can do right away is take 2,000 children that are either cancer children or in a very ill state to Jordan as quickly as possible, Abdullah said on Feb. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president immediately sought to highlight the pledge, quieting reporters in the Oval Office to underscore the moment with surprise and Trumpian flourish. I didnt know that, what you just said, 2,000 children with cancer or other problems and thats really a beautiful gesture, thats really good, and we appreciate it, said Trump, with a touch of wonder. The meeting between the two heads of state was mostly remembered for Trumps insistence that the U.S. should control Gaza after the war. Yet for the Americans whove been working on retrieving sick children from the devastated region, Abdullahs commitment was momentous. And the lack of follow-through has been maddening. There have been vanishingly few initiatives that have survived from Bidens administration to the Trump administration. Yet the multi-national, multi-agency effort by the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and the World Health Organization to move sick children from Gaza to hospitals in other parts of the world has continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats in part because of Kennedys behind-the-scenes work, which began before he was even confirmed to lead the Health and Human Services Department. The health secretary, who had no previous government experience, said after the election he first talked to Ron Dermer, one of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus closest advisers, about the sick children. It was very opaque because there were so many different institutions involved, said Kennedy, adding: It appeared that Egypt may take them, but then they cut it off. Matters were also complicated when Elon Musk decided to eviscerate USAID, the humanitarian agency, at the outset of Trumps administration. But Kennedy insisted that did not impede their progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I went to the president very early on, after the inauguration, and he said that he wanted to get involved and wanted to get the kids out, the secretary recalled. Trump linked Kennedy to Steve Witkoff, the developer and Trump confidante who has also become involved in this project while also attempting to forge peace agreements in the Middle East and Ukraine. Kennedy said he then contacted Secretary of State Marco Rubio to loop in State, which has absorbed what was USAID. I called Marco to make sure USAID people who were involved in this would not be terminated, said the health secretary. Rubio has been fully briefed on Jordans pledge and the lack of progress and, along with Witkoff, is expected to meet with Abdullah in Washington on Monday, Im told. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy is not in touch with Pelosi, but he said that a very beautiful part of this is were working together, Republicans and Democrats, to make this happen. And then, perhaps with an eye on Abdullahs meetings this week with Trump officials, Kennedy emphasized again that President Trump is really committed to evacuating the sick children. President Donald Trump hailed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a reformer when appointing him health and human services (HHS) secretary, declaring Kennedy would get the American people the facts and the answers that we deserve. Including about autism. Since taking office, Kennedy has made the study of autism and its causes a focal point of what he hopes to accomplish at HHS, announcing the launch of a study examining the disorders causes and expounding on what he calls an alarming rate of diagnoses. But many of his statements about autism conflict with established, mainstream scientific understanding. Diverse coalitions of autism scientists and advocates have mobilized to counter Kennedys assertions, noting his positions ignore decades of peer-reviewed research. Heres how Kennedys recent claims stack up with the latest scientific understanding of autism. On an autism epidemic. In an April 2025 press conference on autism rates in the U.S., Kennedy referred to an autism epidemic, calling the latest prevalence numbers shocking and relentless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autism, officially called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a condition that affects how the brain develops and works. Someone is diagnosed with autism when differences in the way they communicate, their range of interests, and their behavior create difficulties in their daily life, according to the diagnostic criteria laid out in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), the American Psychiatric Association guide for mental health professionals. Kennedy is correct that more children today are diagnosed with autism than in the past. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, released April 15, estimates that about 1 in 31 American kids born in 2014 were diagnosed with autism by age 8, up from 1 in 36 for those born in 2012 and 1 in 44 for those born in 2010. But experts say that these increases in recorded diagnoses should not be confused with an explosion in the real number of cases of autism. There has been, certainly an increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism, but its really the result of a whole variety or bureaucratic or systematic changes and how we look at autism, said David G. Amaral, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California at Davis and founding researcher of the MIND Institute, which studies autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism is a relatively new diagnostic category, introduced in the DSM-III in 1980. Since that time, the definition has broadened considerably. Autism used to be a much narrower diagnosis that excluded both individuals with more mild disability (who would have been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome, generally characterized by having poor social skills but good verbal ones) and those with more pronounced disability (who would have been diagnosed solely with an intellectual disability but now might be diagnosed with autism with an intellectual impairment thanks to changes in clinical practices and increased awareness of the condition). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Kennedy cites historical autism rates of 4.7 per 10,000 kids, he appears to be referencing 1975 data that predates modern diagnostic criteria by almost 50 yearswhen what we today call autism was considered a form of schizophrenia. Individuals who would qualify for an autism diagnosis today would not have been diagnosed as such in the 1950s and 1960s, when Kennedy grew up, simply because of how autism was defined at the time, said Amaral. Many other changes in the cultural and health care landscape contribute to what looks like an increase in autism diagnoses. For instance, even in the recent past, a family would have had little incentive for seeking out an autism diagnosis. Until about a decade ago, many autism therapies, which can be expensive, were paid for out of pocket. But in 2014, Medicaid began covering autism services. Today, all 50 states require state-regulated health plans to cover some form of autism treatment. Having a diagnosis now unlocks access to these covered services. When not everyone who is autistic receives a diagnosis, the official count will be lower than the actual number of cases. As access to accurate screening improves, more cases emerge accordingly. The state-level data within the CDC report support the idea that increased access to screening helps drive increased prevalence of autism. Of the 15 states used to generate the national estimate, California reported the highest prevalence, with approximately 1 in 19 8-year-olds diagnosed with autism, while a site in Texas had the lowest at roughly 1 in 103. I dont believe for a moment that the numbers are that different in California and Texas, said Amaral. The CDC report attributed Californias higher prevalence to the states push for early detection using the Get SET Early Model, a screening program without an equivalent in Texas. On the severity of autism cases. In his remarks about the new prevalence data, Kennedy claimed that most cases now are severe and characterized autism as a tragedy that destroys families, suggesting that autistic individuals would never hold a job, go out on a date, or use a toilet unassisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These statements swiftly drew criticism from autism experts and advocates, who called the remarks disrespectful and untrue. American Psychological Association CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr. countered: People with autism can and do lead rich, productive lives. While a HHS spokesperson later walked back some of Kennedys remarks, stating that Kennedy was only referring to severe cases, experts say his perspective is still out of step with current scientific thinking about autism. Autism varies widely among individuals, as does how disabling it is. A 2023 CDC report suggests that about one-quarter of cases could be classified as profound autism, while other research arrived at a number closer to 10 percent. No evidence supports Kennedys claim that most autism cases today involve severe disability, nor that the proportion of severe cases is increasing over time, noted Amaral. Today, researchers recognize that autisms impact on daily life can even change significantly across a persons lifespan. For example, Amaral and his colleagues at the MIND Institute assessed autistic childrens symptoms at age 3 and again at age 11. About one-third of the studys participants had less severe symptoms by the time they entered middle school, according to results published in 2022 in the journal Autism Research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in what is possible as an autistic child grows up. For instance, therapies that involve teaching parents how to support their autistic children result in improved social and communication skills and reduce problematic behaviors, a 2022 analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded. These gains could help autistic kids develop more rewarding friendships and reduce harm from self-injury. The brain is incredibly plastic, explains Amaral, Even with an issue [like autism] that potentially makes it more difficult, the potential for real change over time is always there. In contrast to Kennedys alarming interpretation, this view suggests that the CDCs rising prevalence statistics may actually represent good news: More children receiving accurate autism diagnoses could mean more kids accessing appropriate health care that helps them thrive. On the possibility of an environmental cause. Under Kennedys direction, HHS announced a plan to assemble a team of scientists to identify the cause of autism, pledging to begin to have answers by September. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer by trade, has been clear that he believes the cause is environmental. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know its an environmental exposure, he said at the April press conference. Kennedy has framed his position as contrary to mainstream thinking: Obviously, there are people who dont want us to look at environmental exposure. But researchers have already spent decades investigating autisms causes. I think Kennedy doesnt appreciate that literally thousands of researchers in the United States and around the world have been trying to figure out the causes of autism for the last 30 years, said Amaral. These studies have examined many environmental factors, including the toxins in air, water, medicine, and food that Kennedy claims havent been investigated. Some environmental exposures experienced during gestation appear to confer a small but real risk. For instance, a study in Southern California that included more than 300,000 children found that pregnant mothers who lived near the most heavily polluted local and arterial roads were about 19 percent more likely to have babies who were later diagnosed with autism compared to those living in areas with the least roadway air pollution. (Neither more moderate air pollution nor highway air pollution seemed to increase risk.) Given the latest autism rates, this would mean that roadway pollution might bump a given childs risk of having autism from 3.2 percent to 3.8 percent. Other research-supported potential environmental risk factors include older parents, prematurity, and prenatal toxic metal exposure. Importantly, All of the autism causes that have been determined thus far affect the development of the fetal brain, said Amaral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, none of these environmental exposures has the explanatory weight of genetics. Autism has long been observed to run in families, with dataincluding a study published in JAMA Psychiatry involving more than 2 million people in five countriessuggesting that autism may be up to 80 percent related to inherited genes. With the advent of genomic research, autism scientists have been able to directly examine the genetic profiles of individuals with autism. Twenty percent of the cases of autism are entirely linked to a genetic change, said Amaral. While air pollution might elevate someones autism risk by a fraction of a percent, certain genetic mutations will result in autism virtually 100 percent of the time. So far, over 185 gene mutations associated with autismsome inherited, some occurring spontaneously during conceptionhave been identified. While autism isnt believed to have a single cause, the current scientific evidence strongly suggests that genetics is the dominant factor, with environmental influences playing a much smaller role. Despite Kennedy claiming genetics is a dead end, any complete explanation of autisms cause would have to account for the substantial body of genetic evidence. On vaccines. Vaccines have been at the center of Kennedys public remarks about autism for at least 20 years. It was in 2005 that Kennedy penned a since-retracted story published jointly in Salon and Rolling Stone alleging a government cover-up involving a preservative common in the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at that time. Kennedy has repeated claims linking vaccines and autism across the decades, including to Fox News in 2023, when he told Jesse Watters, I do believe that autism does come from vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedys HHS reportedly hired vaccine skeptic David Geier to analyze data on autism and vaccines, suggesting his views remain unchanged. Kennedys position contradicts scientific consensus. There is absolutely no evidence that the MMR vaccinations that take place around 12 and 20 months after birth have any link whatsoever to the cause of autism, said Amaral. Theres a really strong consensus in the field that autism starts prenatally. Since Kennedy began voicing his views, research disproving any connection between vaccines and autism has amassed. For example, in a 2019 study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers reviewed medical records from all children born in Denmark between 1999 and 2010. When they compared autism rates in children who received MMR vaccination to those who were unvaccinated, researchers found that receiving the MMR shot did not increase the odds of a child being diagnosed with autism. One reason for the persistence of the debunked vaccine-autism link is that many parents start to notice symptoms of autism in their children after they begin to receive vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the first MMR vaccine be given between 12 and 18 months, just before it recommends screening for autism (between 18 and 24 months). As a consequence, cases of autism would naturally be uncovered after administration of the MMR vaccine based on the AAPs schedules alone. But research suggests the timing of observing autism symptoms may only reflect when they begin to interfere with daily life, rather than indicate a new onset condition. In fact, trained experts and brain imaging tools may be able to detect signs of autism much earlier, potentially within a babys first six months, according to an analysis of 25 studies. Autistic individuals are born with autism. They dont acquire it after birth, said Amaral. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) Rileys Army hosted a barbeque fundraiser to raise money to support local children with cancer and their families. The fundraiser was in partnership with Beekers Brisket & BBQ and Pirate Radio 92.7FM. All of the proceeds from the barbeque plates, as well as any monetary donations, go to Rileys Army to give back to the community. The fundraiser set a goal to raise $5,000 for families in need. So a Rileys Army family that is registered through the hospital here in Greenville will sign up, theyll be registered, and then we will allow them $2,000 and thats per family, Rileys Army Director Erin Barham said. So if they need help with a phone bill, light bill, Internet, any utilities or medical expenses, theyll contact our family liaison and then we will support them financially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on how to help Rileys Army reach families in need, visit their 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 WNCT. May 5On a dreary November evening in 1995, Richard Holbrooke, then an assistant U.S. secretary of state, had had enough. It was time to leave Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and end the attempt to hammer out peace accords between warring nations in the former Yugoslavia, Holbrooke had decided in frustration. Or at least, it was time to make it look that way. Holbrooke ordered his American delegation partners to pack their bags and place those bags outside the doors of their rooms at the Hope Hotel at Wright-Patterson, recalled John McCance, owner of McCance Consulting Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCance, then a spokesman for the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson, worked during the talks as an Air Force liaison to Nicholas Burns, a State Department spokesman. McCance had access to much of Wright-Patterson's Hope Hotel and the visiting officers quarters (VOQ), which had been transformed into diplomatic suites, home to the attempt to end a war between Croatia, the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. "The negotiations had broken down," McCance recalled. "It was a cold, wet, dreary November day. It was very disheartening to everybody the base personnel, the State Department personnel, the news media." "Everybody was very invested in getting a solution," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Holbrooke was a "master of theater," said Fran Leskovar, project manager for the Dayton Peace Accords Oral History project. Leskovar recalled how Holbrooke, an experienced diplomat, visited Belgrade during a NATO bombing campaign to show he wasn't afraid. He took steps intentionally, with an eye on how negotiators could be affected. "He was very good at controlling and producing a theater," he said. "That's who Richard Holbrooke was ... everything was just a theater setting." "It was very intentional," McCance said. "It was a tool to put pressure on the delegations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They were told to pack their bags and put their bags outside the door," he added. "And then I went to meet with Nick (Burns) in the American delegation building, and there they were all the bags were outside the doors of their rooms." The move had an impact. By Nov. 21, 1995, a draft agreement was finalized. It was signed less than a month later in Paris. Celebrating the talks and marking their approaching 30th anniversary are among the reasons the NATO Parliamentary Assembly's spring session will be held in downtown Dayton May 23 to 26. "As the birthplace of the Dayton Peace Accords, our city holds a special connection to Bosnia and the cause of lasting peace in the Balkans," U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, said in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner, who was mayor of Dayton during the talks, is a former president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and serves as vice-chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the assembly. 'A risky endeavor' Kevin Rusnak, chief historian for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson, said the base offered distinct strengths as a place to try to craft an agreement. "They thought that by isolating everyone and keeping the media, as it were, out of the negotiations, that would help the process," Rusnak said. Given the "relatively expeditious manner in which they reached an agreement, that part seemed to work pretty well," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holbrooke wanted negotiations to happen in the United States. The base's physical environment provided what the State Department wanted. Wright-Patterson was secure, quiet, relatively isolated, yet rich with symbols of American power wherever delegates turned. Rusnak said other host site possibilities initially jostled for attention. The Camp David presidential retreat in the mountains of Maryland were one option, but that site was perhaps most associated with the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. Rusnak said talks organizers wanted to avoid "historical muddying" of different moments. Paris, New York City, San Francisco or Washington, D.C. might have offered too many distractions. A relatively "austere" environment was felt to be right, Rusnak said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Physical sequestration of the parties was really critical," he said, adding moments later: "It worked, right?" Holbrooke and others wanted a location about an hour's flight from Washington, Rusnak said. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. was on the list of possible sites. Langley Air Force Base, in Virginia, was seen as a front-runner, at one point. But Wright-Patterson emerged as the top choice. Presidential aircraft operated out of Wright-Patt. It was a quick flight from D.C. Advance teams checked sites in early October. On Oct. 13, an advance team visited Wright-Patt and about five days later, the base was announced as the choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, the Hope Hotel on Wright-Patterson's Area A a "sort of off-base, but on-base" site, as Rusnak put it would host the talks, just a short walk from the base VOQ, where dignitaries and support staff could relax and sleep. There was some surprise that the accords were to be held in Dayton at all. Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic reportedly reacted to the choice by saying: "I am not a monk. You can't confine me to a military base." "The Europeans, used to negotiations in more opulent settings, literally had no idea where Dayton was, and expressed open unhappiness," Holbrooke wrote in his 1999 book on the talks, To End a War. There was skepticism, particularly among some of the Serbian and Bosnian leaders, said Fran Leskovar, project manager for the Dayton Peace Accords Oral History Project, which is collecting oral memories from retired and former diplomats who took part in those negotiations and implemented its terms. Leskovar and his colleagues plan to be in Dayton for the NATO parliamentary session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everybody expected it would happen in Geneva or Paris, and I think probably, I would argue, the Europeans were also not happy," Leskovar said of the peace talks. "So it was a risky endeavor." But the base was not an impediment. On the contrary, he said. "It was a strategic move to have it in Dayton," Leskovar said. "First of all, the base had capacity. All those buildings were easily available, and a lot of work was not required to convert them into a diplomatic headquarters." 'An American product' One message in holding the talks at an American military base was unmistakable, Leskovar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an American product," he said. "It has to happen here. We're involved. ... We're going to complete it." The ability to create "a base within a base" was "our biggest advantage there," Rusnak said. The base met the moment, he said. At a basic level, leaders wanted to fence off a secure area without making it seem that participants were imprisoned. Fences were raised. Sidewalks were built. Communications infrastructure in the VOQ and the Hope Hotel, for secure calls to D.C. and overseas, was provided, with participants gaining access to cell phones, typewriters, computer systems and more. "They could wander around," Rusnak said. "They could get to and from the negotiation facilities, which were primarily the Hope Hotel, and their own quarters, without interacting with anybody from the outside, whether that was people who work on base or the news media or the general public." Rusnak put the total cost of hosting the talks about $1.8 million. The talks spent $8,000 a day in food. Involved were 43 vehicles, with 84 drivers, many of them base employees, who volunteered to drive participants about. Some 450 hotel rooms were occupied, between the Hope Hotel and the VOQ. About 570 accredited journalists from 20 different nations covered the event. There were no security incidents. "We did the best that we could within those two weeks," before talks began, Rusnak said. The hard work paid off, advocates believe. "It was a success story," Leskovar said. "It provided diplomats with a setting they weren't able to get anywhere else." "We were committed," he added. "It was happening. We were going to get it to the end." "Ideally we wanted an area we could seal off from the press and all other outsiders, close enough to Washington so that senior administration officials could visit, yet sufficiently remote," Holbrooke later wrote. "The hard work, superior performance and cheerful enthusiasm which you and your colleagues brought to this effort were key elements in the successful conclusion of the talks," Secretary of State Warren Christopher wrote to the commander of the 88th Air Base Wing. "It was another kind of feather in our cap," Rusnak said. (WJET/WFXP) Rite Aid has now filed for its second bankruptcy, which comes less than one year after exiting its first, filed in 2023 and completed in June 2024. Rite Aid officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday afternoon in the District of New Jersey. The corporation currently holds an estimated $1 to $10 billion in assets and debts, indicating between 25,001 and 50,000 creditors. According to court documents, Rite Aid will sell its prescriptions, pharmacy, and front-end inventory, along with other assets. Any operations or assets the company does not sell will no longer be owned or operated by Rite Aid. A majority of stores will remain open over the next few months. In the interim, the company has secured $1.94 billion in new assets to aid the company during the sale process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rite Aid is aiming to close and sell all of its locations, saying that Following the sale of all or substantially all of their assets, Rite Aid expects to close all of its remaining, existing retail pharmacy store locations. Rite Aid currently owns and operates over 1,200 locations around the United States. In its previous Chapter 11 filing, 800 locations were either sold or closed in an effort to address operational issues and its unsustainable capital structure. Court documents reveal that, in pursuant to the current funding orders, auctions must be held, if any, no later than May 14, 2025, for Pharmacy assets and June 20, 2025, for the remaining assets. They must obtain entry of one or more sale orders no later than May 21, 2025, for Pharmacy Assets and June 25, 2025, for the remaining assets. As such, they are looking for a rapid sales process to ensure customer care. Seven interested parties have continued their talks to purchase certain Rite Aid assets. At least one party has indicated interest in the combined purchase of substantially all of the Debtors prescription files and certain parts of their inventory. The parties that have submitted such interest consist of a combination of national and regional retail pharmacies, grocery stores, and general retail companies. During the bankruptcy process, Rite Aid customers can continue to access pharmacy services and products in stores and online, including prescriptions and immunizations. At the same time, Rite Aid is working to facilitate a smooth transfer of customer prescriptions to other pharmacies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two ways you can initiate a transfer of your prescription(s) out of Rite Aid: In certain cases, Rite Aid may directly transfer prescriptions to a different pharmacy, which has to be done one at a time, and the receiving pharmacy must do the same. In other cases, including those involving controlled substances, customers must receive a new prescription from their doctor, which can then be sent to another pharmacy. At the time of filing, new gift cards will no longer be issued, and the Gift Card Program will begin to wind down. Gift cards and any other store credit will continue to be accepted until June 5, 2025. After this, all gift cards will no longer be valid and will have no value. The Refund and Exchange Program has also begun a wind-down process, with the program ending at the same time as the Gift Card Program. Within these 30 days, Rite Aid will continue to accept eligible returns of merchandise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signs will be placed throughout stores to inform customers about the ending of the Gift Card and Refund and Exchange programs, which will be posted until June 5, 2025. As part of the filing, the Rite Aid Rewards Program, the program where customers could earn points for each dollar spent, they plan to immediately cease the accrual of all points. Customers can continue to use all previously earned points and bonus cash as normal. Points will expire after 90 days, and Bonus Cash coupons expire 30 days after it is issued. The Rite Aid Rewards Program will be terminated entirely once all points and Bonus Cash expire. After successfully completing its previous restructuring plan, the company has been unable to secure funding to continue its operations. The Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Schroeder, cited that a dramatic downturn in the economy, with increased costs (including those caused by the recent tariffs) and possible litigations, has necessitated employee terminations, which, they say, were unforeseen. Rite Aid is currently looking for court authorization to sell any and all of the following assets: prescription files and records, pharmacy inventory, retail locations, intellectual property Thrifty Ice Cream Business, along with tech, and software assets Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, Rite Aid seeks protection under Chapter 11 for one reason: to protect the interests of its customers, employees, and other stakeholders by providing for a prompt and orderly sale of its business. In the letter sent to the associates, Schroeder says that the company will make employee separations in connection with the closing of three of the companys Pennsylvania Offices. The letter says that the first round of separation has already begun. He continues saying that Rite Aid recently received notice from a significant vendor that they would be shortening and restricting payment terms, accelerating its loans to its lenders. The lenders have also informed Rite Aid that no additional funding will be provided to cover payroll and employment-related expenses if it retains its current workforce. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Rivian, which is gearing up to launch its new midsize R2 electric SUV, is building a $120 million supplier park near its Normal plant to facilitate increased production. The announcement Monday will add a 1.2 million-square-foot supplier park and about 100 jobs to the expanding production operation of the California-based EV automaker, which manufactures its entire fleet in the college town about 130 miles south of Chicago. Construction on the supplier park is underway and expected to be completed in 2026, in time for the rollout of the much-anticipated R2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are excited to see this supplier park coming together so quickly, Rivian CEO and founder R.J. Scaringe said in a news release. This will be a key enabler to increasing production at the plant in 2026 when we start to build R2 in addition to R1 and our commercial vans. Rivian began building its full-size electric R1T pickup truck, the R1S SUV and its commercial delivery vans in September 2021 in a former Mitsubishi auto plant on the outskirts of Normal. Last year, Rivian revealed that the R2 also will be made in Illinois, putting plans to build a $5 billion Georgia plant on hold. Backed by $827 million in state incentives, Rivian is expanding its 4.3 million-square-foot auto plant by an additional 1.1 million square feet and creating more than 550 assembly jobs over five years to build the midsize R2 SUV, which is expected to begin rolling off the production line in 2026. Rivian is seeking to lure new buyers at price points well below its first-generation SUV and truck, which cost upward of $80,000. The R2 will be priced starting at $45,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plant had about 7,000 assembly workers in April 2024, when it streamlined operations and went from three to two shifts. Rivian had 14,861 employees across North America and Europe at the end of 2024, but declined Monday to provide the current number of employees in Normal. The new supplier park will allow Rivian to bring key component manufacturers to Normal to build and assemble parts needed to produce the EVs. Rivian will construct an underground tunnel between the supplier park and the main plant, which will ensure efficient operations while avoiding increased traffic on local roads, the automaker said. In addition to direct Rivian employees, the park is expected to bring hundreds of new supplier jobs to Normal. Rivians investment will attract suppliers from across the globe to invest in Illinois and continue to create good-paying jobs, providing Illinois with the competitive edge to thrive in the clean energy economy, Gov. JB Pritzker said in the news release. Last year, Rivian produced 49,476 and delivered 51,579 EVs from its Normal plant, with slightly lower production guidance for 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the first quarter, the automaker built 14,611 vehicles at its Normal plant and delivered 8,640, reflecting a challenging demand environment driven in part by the fires in Los Angeles, a key market for Rivian, the company said last month. EV sales hit a record 1.3 million units last year, accounting for 8.1% of total auto sales in the U.S., according to Cox Automotives Kelley Blue Book. Tesla remains the top-selling EV brand, although it showed the largest year-over-year volume decline of any manufacturer as legacy automakers increase their offerings and continue to gain traction. Total new vehicle sales reached nearly 16 million in 2024, according to Cox. The industry could face additional challenges this year from President Trumps auto tariffs, which are meant to stimulate domestic manufacturing. Economists say they will raise car prices and tamp down sales. On Saturday, a 25% tariff on imported auto parts kicked in, following last months 25% tariff on all imported vehicles. Although Rivian builds its vehicles in Normal, it will still be subject to the tariffs on parts such as batteries, which it imports from Asia. rchannick@chicagotribune.com Part of a busy road will be closed in Huber Heights starting later this week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Huber Heights Engineering Department said that part of Rip Rap Road along the Great Miami River will be closed starting Wednesday, according to a social media post. It is near the existing flood gates. The road closure is scheduled for May 7- May 21. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The road will be closed to install temporary piping across the road in order to perform an Ohio EPA water test on a new well being installed at the Citys wellfield, Huber Heights Police said on its Facebook page. Drivers will be detoured to Chambersburg and Bridgewater Roads. The city that Rip Rap Road could be reopened sooner if the test and cleanup are finished before the scheduled time. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] May 5Happy Monday. The New Mexico Department of Transportation is reminding people to follow the "Stop. Look. Lock." protocol to prevent hot car deaths. According to NMDOT: Temperatures inside a car can rise to 50 degrees above the outside air creating lethal conditions even on cool days.Cracking the windows or parking in the shade does little to protect a child.Children's bodies warm three to five times faster than adult bodies.A vehicle can reach a dangerous temperature in as little as 10 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a father to nine, I know just how hard it can be to keep track of your little ones 24/7," Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a news release. "But there is no excuse for leaving a child in a parked vehicle. Every parent, sibling, relative and babysitter needs to understand the severity of doing so it's the only way we can prevent more of these heartbreaking losses of life." To keep children safe, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, people should: Lock the car to prevent children from getting inside and minimizing the risk of them getting trapped.Never leave a child alone in a car.Make sure the child has been dropped off at daycare or with a caregiver and not left behind in the car.Keep an item in the back with the child to serve as a reminder.If someone sees a child left in a hot car, call 911. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SANTO DOMINGO BRIDGE PROJECT: Starting Monday, New Mexico Highway 22 will be closed at Indian Service Road 88 in Santo Domingo Pueblo so work to remove a concrete box and build a new bridge can begin. The $9.5 million project is expected to be completed at the end of September 2026, weather permitting, NMDOT District 5 spokesperson Jim Murray said in a news release. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. "Motorists should expect delays and are urged to plan travel accordingly," he said. "Drivers are reminded to exercise caution in the work zone, follow all posted signs and detours, reduce speed and stay alert for construction personnel and equipment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For updates, Murray said, people can visit www.nmroads.com or dial 511. 'AM I MISSING SOMETHING?': Reader Roger Assink said he is concerned about the pedestrian crosswalk by Guadalupe and Montano NW. "There's signage indicating a pedestrian crossing but in our hundreds of times crossing, exactly two cars have stopped for us," he said. "... The couple of times that a car stopped, the cars behind them were confused, braked suddenly and wildly changed lanes because, "Why would someone stop for a pedestrian crossing?" While the speed limit is 35 mph, cars typically go 40-50 mph "and occasionally faster," Assink said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It appears that the signage is ignored well over 99% of the time and does more harm than good," he said. "Am I missing something?" LONG LIGHT ON UNSER: Reader Racquel Leland said the light at Unser Boulevard and Bandelier Drive is "super long." "Each morning during rush hour (and some afternoons) traffic going north backs up down the hill while east(bound) and westbound cars on Bandelier are few and far in between," Leland said. "It's bad enough at Paradise, but worse at Bandelier." ARROW AND LIGHTS: Reader Karen Schindwolf wanted to know why there is a red light arrow going south on Unser to turn onto Dellyne and why there isn't a flashing yellow light to turn onto Dellyne from northbound Coors. "There were issues with cars pushing the red light and getting into crashes," Department of Municipal Development spokesperson Dan Mayfield said. "To prevent those crashes, we added a red arrow to hopefully prevent cars from running that light. A flashing yellow would not have solved the problem." May 5AUBURN Police ended a 10-hour standoff Sunday on Lake Street with the arrest of three juveniles, according to an Auburn Police Department Facebook post. Around 4:40 a.m., police responded to 133 Lake St. after receiving a call reporting a robbery and a pursuit involving weapons. The caller, also the victim, reported that a group brandishing a firearm and knife had robbed him of his clothing, shoes and other belongings, the post said. The group pursued the victim with the weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police arrived at the address, they located the suspects in a second-floor apartment at 133 Lake St. Initially refusing to comply with police, Auburn officers surrounded the building. Nine people eventually left the building without incident during the standoff, according to the post. However, a final suspect, a 17-year-old, remained barricaded in the building. Auburn officers requested assistance from Maine State Police Tactical team and mutual aid from nearby police departments. After police obtained a search warrant, state police attempted to enter the building. The suspect jumped from a second-story window and was quickly apprehended, according to the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three juveniles a 15-year-old and two 17-year-olds were charged with various crimes including robbery, theft, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, assault and creating a police standoff. All three were known to police. They were transported to Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland. One of the 17-year-olds was on juvenile probation and the other under house arrest, the post said. The rest who left the building during the standoff were questioned and released. Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are being considered. Lewiston and Mechanic Falls police and the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office provided mutual aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less US Border Patrol arrests 39 people over 10-day operation in Maine LIMA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The bodies of 13 mine company guards previously reported as kidnapped were found in north Peru's La Libertad department, local media said Sunday. "Sources from the Executive Branch" confirmed the discovery of the bodies in the Pataz province, reported private news network Radio Programas del Peru. Police reports said that the bodies were found bound, blindfolded and naked in a mineshaft, where they were reportedly shot. "Illegal miners colluding with criminals kidnapped 13 workers who were providing services to an artisanal miner," which "attests to the terrible deterioration of security conditions in Pataz," mining company La Poderosa said on Friday. "This unfortunate event occurred after criminals attacked the artisanal mining operation to take control of it," the company said. Family members of the victims said they lost contact with the guards on April 27 while they were on duty, and the kidnappers "demanded a large sum of money from the mining company in exchange for their release." The mining company urged authorities to act swiftly on a complaint filed by the victims' families. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) A Rochester man was arrested last week in connection with a child exploitation investigation. On December 5, 2023, New York State Police said they received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reporting child abuse material. On November 5, 2024, a search was conducted on Hillhurst Lane in Irondequoit. Investigators said they recovered multiple devices, at least one of which contained Child Sexual Abuse Material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the investigation, 43-year-old Kevin Burns was arrested on April 30, 2025, and charged with possessing a sexual performance by a child. He was issued an appearance ticket and must return to Irondequoit Town Court on June 9, 2025 at 5:30 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 RochesterFirst. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Rochester Renaissance Festivus celebrated its sixth year of medieval festivities for all ages on Sunday. The festival was held from 12 p.m. through 5 p.m. at Three Heads Brewing in Rochester. The event is held annually to raise awareness and provide donations for the Mended Little Hearts of Greater Rochester through activities and character fun. The nonprofit offers support and programming for individuals and their families impacted by heart conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Brouk to host 4th annual baby shower for new parents The event included The Sun and Snail Puppet Show, Tarot and Oracle Readings, a costume contest, portraits, axe throwing, The Guild of Rochester, performances by the Rochester Academy of Irish Dance, Merry Mischief, Jamison the Bagpiper, and other Renaissance-themed features. Attendees could also take home souvenirs and crafts from various vendors, including Rochester Renaissance merchandise offered for the first time. In addition to the festivities, food such as smoked turkey legs from Big Boys Eatery and businesses including Bewitched Coffee Co., Countertop Creamery, and Reservoir Dogz were available for festivalgoers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. By Luiza Ilie and Elizaveta Gladun BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu resigned on Monday, a day after a far-right opposition leader won the first round of the presidential election re-run and his own candidate crashed out of the race. Ciolacu said his centre-left Social Democrats would withdraw from the pro-Western coalition - effectively ending it - while cabinet ministers will stay on in an interim capacity until a new majority emerges after the presidential run-off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hard-right eurosceptic George Simion decisively swept the ballot on Sunday, with some 41% of votes, and will face Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, an independent centrist, in a May 18 run-off. Coalition candidate Crin Antonescu came third. Although Ciolacu's leftist Social Democrats (PSD) won the most seats in a December 1 parliamentary election, Simion's AUR and two other far-right groupings, one with overt pro-Russian sympathies, won more than a third of the seats to become a clear political force. The Social Democrats had formed a coalition government with the centrist Liberals and ethnic Hungarian UDMR to help keep the European Union and NATO state on a pro-Western course. A governing majority that cordons off the far right in the legislature cannot be formed without it. "This coalition is no longer legitimate," Ciolacu told reporters after a party meeting. "The next president was going to replace me anyway, that's what I've read." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romania's president has a semi-executive role that includes commanding the armed forces and chairing the security council that decides on military aid. The president can also veto important EU votes and appoints the prime minister, chief judges, prosecutors and secret service heads. Romania already has an interim president until the May 18 run-off. An interim government cannot issue decrees or introduce policies. The country has the EU's largest budget deficit and risks a ratings downgrade to below investment level unless it enforces a decisive fiscal correction. A Simion victory could isolate Romania, erode private investment and destabilise NATO's eastern flank, where Bucharest plays a key role in providing logistical support to Ukraine as it fights a three-year-old Russian invasion, political observers say. It would also expand a cohort of eurosceptic leaders in the European Union that already includes the Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers at a time when Europe is struggling to formulate its response to U.S. President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The problem now isn't that Romania is in a hard place, but that the European Union is should George Simion win," said Cristian Pirvulescu, a professor at the Bucharest National School of Political Science and Public Administration. "The anti-European group within the EU will become more substantial, which could even lead to a change of course for (Italy's PM) Giorgia Meloni. The group can become important and it could influence the May 18 Polish presidential election." SIMMERING ANGER Sunday's vote came five months after a first attempt to hold the election was cancelled because of alleged Russian interference in favour of far-right frontrunner Calin Georgescu, since banned from standing again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simion has said he could appoint Georgescu prime minister should he win. The vote underscores simmering anger among vast parts of the Romanian electorate over high living costs and worries over security. Prime Minister Ciolacu also said his party will not publicly endorse any of the two presidential candidates, urging people to follow their conscience. Analysts have said Dan will struggle to coalesce the pro-western vote as many Social Democrat voters shared more views with Simion. Romanian international dollar bonds tumbled, with the longest maturities taking the biggest hits. The 2053 maturity fell more than 3 cents to be last bid at 91.84 cents on the dollar, while the 2051 lost more than 2 cents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local bonds also fell in price, with the 10-year local note yield jumping to 8.0%, the highest in more than three months. "Political risk has increased "considerably," JPMorgan analysts said in a Monday note. "While Simion can be pragmatic, if the Georgescu plan is implemented, then markets are unlikely to react positively," the note said. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said on Monday the election had been "efficiently administered" but that a fragmented approach to eligibility rules, limited transparency in administrative decisions, and inconsistent oversight of the online campaign environment marred the overall process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OSCE said it was for the authorities to say whether there had been foreign interference. (Additional reporting by Rodrigo Campos in New York; Editing by Justyna Pawlak, Alexandra Hudson and Andrew Heavens) Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on May 5 and suggested that his party left the ruling coalition after the results of the first round of the presidential election were announced. The first round of the presidential election in Romania was held on May 4. Far-right Euroskeptic candidate George Simion, head of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), received nearly 41% of the votes. Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan placed second with 20.99% of the vote, and the candidate from the ruling coalition, Crin Antonescu, obtained 20.13%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simion is banned from entering Ukraine for his "anti-Ukrainian" stance. He is also banned from entering neighboring Moldova. "The ruling coalition was formed in December with two goals: to have a stable government, a majority in parliament, and a common candidate for the presidency of Romania. We have failed in one of these tasks. We saw the Romanian vote yesterday. This means that the ruling coalition has no legitimacy," Ciolacu said. Following Ciolacu's resignation, his government ministers will continue to serve for 45 days, and the acting president will appoint an interim prime minister from among the ministers. In the second round of the election on May 18, Simion will face Dan, an independent centrist. The vote follows the annulment of the previous round held in November 2024, when Romania's Constitutional Court canceled the outcome due to evidence of social media manipulation and foreign interference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That round had been won by populist Calin Georgescu, who openly promoted conspiracy theories and voiced strong support for Russia, calling Ukraine a "fictional state" and predicting its partition as "inevitable." Simion, who was banned from entering Ukraine in November 2024 over systematic anti-Ukrainian activities, is opposed to sending weapons to Ukraine, including Romanian Patriot air defense systems. Both Antonescu and Dan support continued membership in the EU and NATO, as well as aid to Ukraine. Despite Georgescu's controversies plaguing the election's first round held in 2024, Simion has sought to capitalize on Georgescu's popularity. Simion has said he will find Georgescu a position within his government, possibly as prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romania, a NATO member bordering Ukraine, has signed a bilateral security agreement with Kyiv, backed sanctions against Russia, sent a Patriot missile system to Ukraine, and facilitated the export of Ukrainian grain amid Russian threats in the Black Sea. Read also: Despite Russian-backed Georgescu barred from presidential race, Romanias far-right still aim to win Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced his resignation on Monday, a day after the governing coalitions joint candidate failed to advance to the runoff in the closely watched rerun of the presidential election. The coalitions candidate, Crin Antonescu, was third in Sundays first round, far behind top finisher hard-right nationalist George Simion and pro-Western reformist Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. Rather than let the future president replace me, I decided to resign myself, the prime minister told reporters after a meeting at the headquarters of his Social Democratic Party, or PSD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sundays rerun underscored strong anti-establishment sentiment among Romanians and signaled a power shift away from traditional mainstream parties. It also renewed the political turmoil that has gripped the European Union and NATO member country. The rerun took place months after a top court annulled the previous race following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied. The unprecedented decision plunged Romania into its worst political crisis in decades. The prime minister had said one aim of forming the coalition last December after the failed election was to field a common candidate to win the presidency. After Sunday's vote, he said, the coalition now lacks any credibility." It is made up of the leftist PSD, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. Ciolacu said his party would not officially support either candidate in the final presidential vote on May 18. Every PSD supporter will vote as they wish, according to their own conscience, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An interim prime minister will be selected from the current Cabinet of ministers and appointed by interim President Ilie Bolojan, who noted Ciolacu's resignation and is expected to make an appointment on Tuesday. Sundays vote was the second time in Romanias post-communist history, including the voided election cycle, that the PSD party did not have a candidate in the second round of a presidential race. As in many EU countries, anti-establishment sentiment is running high in Romania, fueled by high inflation, a large budget deficit and a sluggish economy. Observers say the malaise has bolstered support for nationalist and far-right figures like Calin Georgescu, who won the first round in the canceled presidential election. He is under investigation and barred from the rerun. Cristian Andrei, a Bucharest-based political consultant, says Ciolacu may have resigned to give his party negotiation options for a future coalition after the runoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision can defuse some anti-coalition sentiment before the presidential runoff, he said, but added that any negotiations to form a new Cabinet would "increase the sentiment that the older political parties are struggling to keep control of power. Simion, the 38-year-old frontrunner in Sunday's vote and the leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, will face Dan in a runoff that could reshape the country's geopolitical direction. In 2019, Simion founded the AUR party, which rose to prominence in a 2020 parliamentary election by proclaiming to stand for family, nation, faith, and freedom." It has since become Romanias second-largest party in the legislature. Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician and former anti-corruption activist who founded the Save Romania Union party in 2016, ran on a pro-EU ticket. He told the media early Monday that a difficult second round lies ahead, against an isolationist candidate. A group of Russian hackers attacked several Romanian government and presidential candidate websites on Sunday 4 May as the country voted for its next president in the first round. The attack was carried out by a group known as DDOSIA/NoName057. Source: Romanian news agency G4media, as reported by European Pravda Details: The attack hit the website of the Romanian Constitutional Court, the main government portal, the website of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the websites of presidential candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Cybersecurity Directorate said that the sites of the candidates under attack included those of Crin Antonescu, a candidate from the ruling coalition, and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, an independent candidate. The hackers claimed responsibility for the cyberattack on their Telegram channel, indicating that the websites of the ministries of interior and justice were among their targets. Romania's National Cybersecurity Directorate said that the websites listed by the hacker group were already up and running at 14:00 local time. Background: On 4 May, Romania held the first round of the presidential election, which resulted in the victory of pro-Russian far-right leader George Simion with 40.94% of the vote and liberal Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan receiving 20.99%. Dan expressed optimism about his future victory, although he acknowledged that the second round of elections would be difficult. Antonescu conceded his defeat in the election but avoided answering which candidate he would support in the second round. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Rochester Police Department is investigating an incident where a car was allegedly shot at on Aab Street on Sunday afternoon. RPD responded to reports of a motor vehicle accident on Aab Street around 4:15 p.m. Once at the scene, officers said their investigation led them to find that a 27-year-old womans car had crashed. According to the authorities, the victim said that as she was driving with her 3-year-old child in the backseat, an occupant inside another vehicle allegedly fired at least one gunshot towards her vehicle. While attempting to swerve her vehicle, she crashed into the side of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the vehicle was not struck by gunfire, and no injuries were reported. RPD said it appears that the encounter was a targeted incident. The investigation into the matter is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to 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 RochesterFirst. On April 11, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stormed the Zamzam displacement camp in Sudans North Darfur, burning huts and shops, executing medics, and firing at fleeing civilians. According to monitors, at least 500 people men, women, children and the elderly were killed, and hundreds of thousands were forcibly displaced. The attack provoked global outrage, prompting the RSF to double down on propaganda it had been spreading for months about Zamzam that it was actually a military barracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zamzam was a military zone so the RSF decided that we should evacuate civilians, RSF adviser Ali Musabel told Al Jazeera, without providing evidence for his claim. We didnt want civilians to get caught in the crossfire. By labelling Zamzam a military zone, the RSF was trying to apply the same model Israel uses to justify bombing hospitals and schools in the Gaza Strip, said Rifaat Makawi, a Sudanese human rights lawyer. This is not a coincidence: it is a deliberate practice aimed at stripping civilians of their legal protection by labelling them as combatants or instruments of war, he told Al Jazeera. A template for genocide Throughout Sudans civil war, the RSF has used human rights jargon and terms from international humanitarian law (IHL) the legal framework designed to protect civilians in times of war to carry out atrocities. For years, Israel employed this practice in an attempt to ward off criticism for killing and oppressing Palestinians, according to legal scholars. Since launching its genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, it has doubled down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It claims hospitals in Gaza are Hamas control-and-command centres trying to justify attacking health facilities, which are protected under IHL. It also claims Hamas hides among civilians to use them as human shields to justify disproportionate and intentional attacks against those same civilians. In addition, it has branded its mass expulsions of civilians as humanitarian evacuations, giving people hours to pack up their entire lives and get out of the way of Israeli bombs, if they can. Israel stands accused of genocide by rights groups and United Nations experts for its war that has killed at least 52,567 Palestinians. And the RSF is increasingly adopting Israels strategy, local monitors and legal experts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that the claims made by the RSF in Sudan resemble the claims Israel is making in Gaza reveals the emergence of a template to commit mass extermination and even genocide, said Luigi Daniele, a senior lecturer on IHL at Nottingham Law School. A satellite image shows burning buildings in the Zamzam camp for displaced people in Sudans North Darfur after it was taken over by the RSF, April 16, 2025 [Maxar Technologies via Reuters] The UN accuses both sides in Sudans war of committing grave crimes, such as killing and torturing prisoners of war, since a power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) erupted into an all-out civil war in April 2023. Human rights groups accuse the RSF of perpetrating additional atrocities, including carrying out a possible genocide against the non-Arab communities in Darfur. From Janjaweed to human rights language The RSF emerged from the nomadic Arab militias in Darfur, which became known as the Janjaweed (devils on horseback in Sudanese Arabic) for the countless atrocities they committed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The army used the Janjaweed to crush a rebellion by sedentary farming non-Arab communities that started in 2003. The sedentary communities were protesting against their political and economic marginalisation in Sudan. SAF and RSF were closely aligned until at least 2021, when they came together to overthrow the civilian administration with which they had been sharing power after a popular uprising toppled autocratic President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Shortly after the coup, the RSF signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) to receive human rights training. Now, the RSF and its political allies are using human rights terminology to try to whitewash their atrocities. On March 8, an RSF-backed political alliance, Tasis (Foundation), tweeted: We stand in solidarity with Sudanese women in their recent ordeal, where they have faced particularly tragic conditions and been subjected to horrific violations, as a result of the unjust war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tasis made no mention of the reports published by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which accuse the RSF of widespread sexual violence and rape throughout the war. During the raid on Zamzam, the RSF reportedly abducted 25 women and girls and raped others, according to the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, a local monitor documenting sexual violence in the region. What I see today in Darfur, and specifically in Zamzam, is not merely a violation of the IHL, but evidence of its distortion and transformation into a cover under which the gravest crimes are committed, human rights lawyer Makawi told Al Jazeera. Finishing the genocide? The Zamzam camp sprang up in 2003, 15km (9.3 miles) from North Darfurs capital, el-Fasher, to shelter non-Arab Zaghawa and Fur communities, which fled Popular Defence Forces violence during the first Darfur war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both communities suffered genocidal levels of violence and were expelled from their lands by the state-backed Janjaweed. Zamzam soon became a symbol of the atrocities they endured. A makeshift bunker dug by civilians in el-Fasher as a hideout from clashes between the RSF and the Sudanese army [File: Muammar Ibrahim/AFP] Some 350,000 people settled in the camp, swelling to more than half a million as the RSF and the army went to war and the paramilitary group captured South, East, West and Central Darfur states in late 2023. In April 2024, the RSF besieged el-Fasher and surrounding towns after the Joint Forces a coalition of non-Arab armed groups formed to fight the government in the past shed their neutrality and sided with the army. Given the RSFs track record of enmity towards non-Arab ethnic groups, the Joint Forces feared widespread ethnic killings if the RSF captured the entire state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RSF blocked aid from anyone not aligned with them, leading to famine in Zamzam. As civilians withered away from hunger, the RSF began claiming that Zamzam was a military base, revealing its intention to attack. This claim that there was a military base in Zamzam was never correct we had some people who acted as a police force, but there were no military leaders in the camp, said Mosab, a middle-aged man who survived the killing in Zamzam and now languishes in the nearby town of Tawila. Musabel, the RSF adviser, told Al Jazeera that the high civilian death toll was due to the Joint Forces using human shields, without providing evidence. Ethnic cleansing The RSF has also mimicked the Israeli tactic of carrying out mass expulsions under a humanitarian guise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since October 7, 2023, Israel has pushed 2.3 million Palestinians into smaller and smaller pockets of land, which it describes as safe zones in Gaza. Israel bombs or invades those areas, claiming they became military targets due to the ostensible presence of someone from Hamas there. What Israel has done in Gaza, in reality, has been issuing mass expulsion orders under threats of extermination, which is a declaration of intent to commit international crimes, Nottingham Law Schools Daniele said. On April 11, Tasis posted on Facebook, calling for civilians to flee Zamzam through what it called humanitarian corridors leading to nearby towns such as Tawila and Korma. Screengrab of the Tasis Facebook post claiming it was helping safe humanitarian evacuations [Screengrab/Facebook] Yet on April 27, an RSF commander was seen announcing the detention of a group of unarmed men who fled Zamzam through a supposed humanitarian corridor to Tawila, in a video verified by Al Jazeeras authentication unit, Sanad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the men had sided against their Darfuri brethren and with the traditional elite, represented in the Arab Jalaba tribes who live in central and northern Sudan and comprise much of Sudans military and political elite. He added that they might kill the detained men to serve as an example to others. The RSF has framed its war against the army as a fight on behalf of peripheral tribes against the central elite, while at the same time committing egregious abuses against the most marginalised tribes in Darfur. The detainees were relief workers, according to local monitors, who fear they were killed. Al Jazeera was unable to confirm their fate. Survivors told Al Jazeera that the RSF had carried out ethnic cleansing, possibly amounting to several war crimes. Some of us were executed [by the RSF] along [the road out of Zamzam] and others were violently displaced, said Mohamed Idriss*, who walked for 13 hours before arriving in el-Fasher. We were exposed to so many violations, [the RSF] committed massacres and ethnic cleansing, he told Al Jazeera. Ruben Gallego is setting off to a key battleground state to speak with voters this week, a sign the Arizona senator may have higher ambitions as some Democrats float him as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Gallego will headline a May 10 town hall in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a pivotal bellwether that President Donald Trump flipped in 2024, according to plans shared first with POLITICO. No one understands the struggles of working-class Americans like Ruben Gallego, said Gallegos chief of staff, Raphael Chavez-Fernandez. Hes heading to Pennsylvania to speak directly to voters about what it means to fight for working-class families because hes lived their fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gallego is visiting the district held by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), a perennial Democratic target, as part of an effort by the party to spotlight vulnerable Republicans over possible cuts to Medicaid and to pressure them to vote against Trumps budget bill. Gallego is the latest in a string of potential Democratic presidential candidates to hit the road in what is transforming into an all-out shadow primary years ahead of 2028. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is traveling to hold a town hall with a veterans group in Iowa this month , following his success in the presidential caucuses there in 2020 . Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is headed to the early primary state of South Carolina to appear at a top Democratic dinner. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker recently visited New Hampshire , another early primary state, to keynote a dinner. Gallego is a rising star in the Democratic Party who won a state in 2024 that Trump carried in part by overperforming among Latino voters compared to former Vice President Kamala Harris. He previously told POLITICO that one reason for his victory is that we rejected what people had assumed the Democratic position had been, which is a very loose, loose enforcement of the border. Gallegos allies have also argued his success stems from his ability to talk about his humble beginnings at a time when Democrats are struggling to win over working-class voters. Gallego grew up poor with a single mother, eventually making it to Harvard, where he worked part-time as a janitor, and enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the Iraq War. In a statement, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin called Gallego a critical voice for the Democratic Party. by Xinhua writers Zhang Zhaoqing, Chen Binjie BRUSSELS, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Fifty years ago, on May 6, 1975, China and the European Economic Community -- the precursor to today's European Union (EU) -- established diplomatic relations, marking a pivotal moment in modern international diplomacy. Over the decades, China-EU ties have become a central pillar of the global landscape, shaping developments in politics, security, trade, investment, technology and environmental cooperation. As the international order faces new headwinds -- from geopolitical tensions to economic fragmentation and disruptions in global supply chains -- the China-EU relationship stands out as a crucial stabilizing force. Reflecting on the development of China-EU bilateral relations over the past 50 years, the most valuable asset is mutual respect, the most powerful impetus is mutual benefit, the greatest unifying consensus is multilateralism, and the most accurate characterization is a cooperation partner. The China-EU partnership is particularly evident in economic and trade relations. China and the EU enjoy complementary strengths and mutual benefits in economic and trade cooperation, forging a synergy that speaks for itself. Official data showed that bilateral trade grew from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars to 780 billion dollars over the past five decades. Across numerous sectors, especially automotive and luxury industries, Europe contributes design expertise, regulatory rigor and innovation, while China brings high-quality manufacturing, skilled labor and a vast and dynamic consumer base. Together, they have created jobs, revitalized industries and boosted global growth. The China-EU freight train service has also become a vital artery for bilateral trade. A major milestone in this growing partnership was reached late last year, when the 100,000th China-Europe freight train arrived in Duisburg, Germany, underscoring the scale, resilience and growing relevance of this transcontinental link. China also leads in global green technology, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure, areas that strongly resonate with the EU's goals of carbon neutrality and digital transformation. With over 400 million middle-income earners, China is not only the world's factory, but also a fast-growing consumer market. According to the Rhodium Group, China's total consumption has kept pace with economies of similar size, and over the past two decades, its consumption growth has significantly outstripped countries with comparable GDP per capita levels. Beyond economic and trade cooperation, China and the EU share a deep commitment to global stability and multilateralism, which has guided their collaborative efforts on key international issues. With no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between the two sides, China and the EU champion the central role of the United Nations, resolve international issues through dialogue, and oppose unilateral bullying. Over the past five decades, China-EU relations have not only fostered mutual development but also contributed significantly to global peace and prosperity. From supporting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue to advancing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and opposing decoupling and supply chain disruptions, China and Europe have consistently reinforced their shared commitment to a multilateral and multipolar world. Calls for "decoupling" under the misleading label of "de-risking" represent a perilous gamble that could lead Europe toward self-sabotage. The real danger lies in turning away from one of the world's most dynamic economic powerhouses precisely when global stability and sustainable growth are urgently needed. As major economies in the world, China and Europe share the responsibility to jointly uphold economic globalization and a fair international trade environment, resist unilateral bullying practices, and defend their legitimate rights and interests while safeguarding international fairness and justice. As advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization and strong supporters of the World Trade Organization, the two sides should enhance coordination, expand mutual openness and jointly uphold free and open trade and investment, while ensuring stable global industrial and supply chains. After World War II, Europe rebuilt itself on the ideals of integration and mutual benefit. Visionaries like Robert Schuman believed that peace and prosperity were born from unity, not division. This same philosophy should underpin the future ties between Europe and China: prioritizing openness over protectionism, dialogue over distrust, and partnership over exaggerated notions of "competition and systemic rivalry" that could cloud the two-way relations. Russia has canceled this year's Victory Day parade in the occupied Crimean port city of Sevastopol, Russian state-controlled media reported on May 5. Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said the Victory Day parade, to be held on May 9 to commemorate the Soviet victory in World War II, would not take place due to safety risks. On May 9, Russia holds grandiose military parades in celebration of the end of World War II in Europe. Ukraine and most European nations mark May 8 as Victory in Europe Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 3 said Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign officials planning to attend Russias Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, warning Russia could orchestrate provocations, including "arsons, explosions, or other actions," and attempt to blame Ukraine. Russia is responsible for ensuring safety and security on its territory, Zelensky added. The cancellation follows a reported Ukrainian sea drone strike that destroyed a Russian Su-30 fighter jet near the port of Novorossiysk on May 2, an unprecedented operation described by Ukraines military intelligence as the first time a sea drone has downed a jet aircraft. The $50 million jet reportedly crashed into the sea. Sevastopol, a major naval base on the Black Sea, has been under Russian occupation since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Pro-Russian Immortal Regiment rally takes place in US capital, Ukrainian activists respond with counter-protest Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian troops launched two drone attacks on Kherson on Sunday 4 May, injuring two civilians. Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration Details: A Russian drone hit a 29-year-old man at around 16:30 on Sunday. He was diagnosed with a blast injury and concussion. Later, another attack occurred in the Korabelnyi district of Kherson: an explosive device was dropped on a car. A 40-year-old woman suffered a blast injury and shrapnel wounds to the spine and legs. She is currently in hospital in a moderate condition. Background: At least six civilians were injured in Donetsk Oblast on the morning of 4 May following a series of Russian strikes across several settlements. A man was killed and three more people injured as a result of Russian strikes on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Sunday 4 May. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 116 attack UAVs and other types of decoy drones on the night of 4-5 May. In addition, the Russians launched two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from Russias Kursk Oblast against Ukraines Sumy Oblast. Ukrainian air defence forces shot down 42 attack UAVs. Source: Air Force Command on Telegram Details: It is reported that the Iskander missiles targeting Sumy Oblast were launched from Russias Kursk Oblast, while the attack drones and decoy drones were launched from the Russian cities of Kursk, Oryol and Millerovo, as well as the temporarily occupied town of Primorsk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 09:00, 42 Shahed-type UAVs had been confirmed shot down in the east, north and south of Ukraine. Twenty-one decoy drones disappeared from radar (without causing adverse effects). Ukraines Sumy and Donetsk oblasts were affected by the Russian attack. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Around the world, abducting a child is a serious crime punishable by years behind bars. But when the kidnapper is Russia, justice remains a distant hope. So does the childs return home. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has identified over 19,500 children who have been forcibly deported to Russia, Belarus, or occupied territories. So far, only 1,300 of them have been safely brought back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During their time in Russia, the children are placed in Russian families or camps, often undergo military training, and are subjected to intense propaganda designed to erase their Ukrainian identity. Those who have returned report being punished for speaking Ukrainian and told that their homeland no longer wants them. That constitutes a calculated strategy aimed at completely severing their connection to Ukraine, says Daria Zarivna, director of the Bring Kids Back UA, an initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelensky to coordinate the return of abducted children. Zarivna is also an advisor to Zelenskys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. For Ukraine, returning all these children is a key condition for any future peace agreement with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also taken up the matter. In March 2023, it issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova over their involvement in abductions. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on March 9, 2022. (Mikhail Klimentyev / Sputnik / AFP via Getty Images) But with no access to the children and little ability to determine their current locations, Ukraine has struggled to bring them home. It now largely depends on its international allies to facilitate their return. In the meantime, Russias military offensive continues as does its kidnapping of children. Negotiations ongoing Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office in January, continued U.S. support for Ukraine has repeatedly come under question. Trump himself has even suggested Ukraine started the war with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that, experts say the U.S. remains committed to bringing Ukrainian children home. On March 11, Ukraine raised the issue in Saudi Arabia during talks with the U.S. The meeting also included discussions of potential "territorial concessions" as part of a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow. Despite the White Houses push to rapidly end the war, Zarivna says the humanitarian component was treated as a crucial element" in the talks. "We all agreed that it should never be excluded [from the agenda]," she told the Kyiv Independent. Trump and Zelensky also discussed the abductions during their March 19 phone call. Trump promised "to work closely with both parties to help make sure those children were returned home," the White House said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Children should not be treated as bargaining chips. That goes against humanity." Mike Walz, then the U.S. national security advisor, said in March that returning the children was among several "confidence-building measures" that were under discussion. Zarivna emphasizes that the goal is to make the issue "depoliticized," meaning the children should not be exchanged with Ukraine in return for "nuclear power plants or territory." A Ukrainian woman meets her son after he and over a dozen other Ukrainian children were brought back from Russian-held territory to Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 22, 2023. (Sergei Chuzavkov / AFP via Getty Images) "Doing so would only incentivize Russia to abduct even more children," she explains. "The children must be returned unconditionally, in accordance with international humanitarian law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Childrens Rights Commissioner Mykola Kuleba echoes her point. He now heads Save Ukraine, a charity that rescues children deported to Russia. "Children should not be treated as bargaining chips," Kuleba says. "That goes against humanity." Kateryna Rashevska, legal advisor at the Regional Center for Human Rights, says this issue radically changes how Ukrainians should view peace talks with Russia. How can we believe any promise from Russia, even one not to invade us again, if it won't return the children it abducted? she asked. If Russia can't follow through on obligations it already agreed to long ago, including those under the law of Geneva and the Hague, why should we trust it with new commitments?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Ukrainian official familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent that Trump aimed to achieve a victory in Ukraine to mark his first 100 days in office. It could potentially involve a ceasefire and the return of some civilians and children from Russia, but it has yet to materialize. Kuleba believes that Trump could play a key role in returning the children. That might also help the government uncover crucial details about them and establish a mechanism for their rescue. "In this way, we would establish the full scale of the catastrophe, identify all the affected children, both in Ukraine and in Belarus, and then we could help them," he suggests. Children from a local school's patriotic club examine Kalashnikov rifles and a Makarov pistol near a road sign reading "Volnovakha," stolen from Ukraine, during City Day celebrations in Lubertsy, Russia, on Sept. 2, 2023. The event promoted support for the Russian army fighting in Ukraine. (Contributor / Getty Images) The Ukrainian official familiar with the matter says that U.S. negotiations with Russia about returning the children were still ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happens next largely hinges on the pressure the U.S. and its allies can exert on Russia. So far, however, Russia has shown no signs of de-escalating its military offensive. And it continues to illegally deport Ukrainian children, despite international pressure. Training a new army While Ukraine has identified 19,546 abducted children, the actual number may be much higher. Russia claims to have brought over 700,000 children to its territory since Feb. 24, 2022. Measuring that number has only grown more difficult. After the ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova, Russia halted all public reporting on the number of deported Ukrainian children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abductions can also be concealed behind more benign-sounding activities: vacations, education, or medical treatment. For example, on March 19, Yevhen Balytskyi, head of the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhia Oblast, announced that his administration would use funding from the Russian Education Ministry to relocate 70 children to a government-run summer camp in occupied Crimea. He claimed the move would help the children "rest and recover" after living near the front line a common pretext for deportation. Identifying and tracking abducted Ukrainian children is also challenging because Moscow deliberately changes their names, provides them with new documents, and disperses them throughout its vast territory. Children hold Russian flags at the Artek children's center, run by the Russian government in occupied Crimea, Ukraine, in February 2023. The U.S. State Department sanctioned Artek and its director, Konstantin Fedorenko, for placing Ukrainian children in patriotic re-education programs and preventing their return to their families. (Artek's press center) An officer of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) teaches a boy to shoot a Kalashnikov assault rifle during the celebration of the second anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in Krasnogorsk, Russia, on Feb. 24, 2024. (Contributor / Getty Images) A study by the Yale School of Public Health found that Russia has implemented a "systematic, intentional, and widespread" program of forced adoption and Russification of deported Ukrainian children. The researchers also found that Russian child placement databases have falsely registered these children as born in Russia. One of the most striking cases occurred in 2023 when Russian lawmaker Sergei Mironov and his wife adopted a 10-month-old Ukrainian girl, Marharyta Prokopenko, who had been forcibly taken from an orphanage in the then-occupied Kherson. Her place of birth was changed to Russia, and she was given Russian citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, Marharyta Prokopenko "became Marina Mironova." Rashevska says that, now, the only way to prove the girl's identity is through a DNA test, which is impossible while she remains in Russia. Abducted children are also regularly subjected to military-style reeducation programs aimed at not only erasing their Ukrainian identity but also preparing them for future service in the Russian military. Rashevska says that these militarization efforts extend to both abducted children and the 1.6 million kids living in areas Russia has occupied. Russian President Vladimir Putin poses with children of Russian officers involved in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and with participants of youth and student organizations at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on Nov. 4, 2024. (Contributor / Getty Images) "This means they are being militarized, re-educated, and Russified, with Russian citizenship being forced upon them, she says. This group of children must also be (discussed during) negotiations, with guarantees that they will be treated as Ukrainians, she adds. According to Rashevska, Russia's militarization of children is evident in the expanding reach of Yunarmiya (Young Army), a state-funded organization that teaches children military skills and fosters loyalty to the Kremlin. Through presidential decree, Putin has also created the Warrior Center, which systematically prepares kids for service in the Russian military. Previously, there was one center in each occupied region except for Zaporizhia Oblast. Recently, however, Russia opened a new center in Mariupol, the second in the occupied Donetsk Oblast. Rashevska expects the number of centers to grow. "This way, Russia can rapidly achieve its goal of strengthening its mobilization reserve and military potential," she says. Kuleba warns that if these children aren't brought back soon, they risk becoming part of Russia's war machine in future conflicts against Ukraine and the West. "Through militarizing and brainwashing children, Russia could easily achieve an army of three million within five years," he says. Note from the author: Hi! Daria Shulzhenko here. I wrote this piece for you. Since the first day of Russia's all-out war, I have been working almost non-stop to tell the stories of those affected by Russias brutal aggression. By telling all those painful stories, we are helping to keep the world informed about the reality of Russias war against Ukraine. By becoming the Kyiv Independent's member, you can help us continue telling the world the truth about this war. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia attacked the Sumy Oblast border villages of Bilopillia and Vorozhba on May 5, killing three residents and injuring seven others, the regional military administration reported. Russia launched guided aerial bombs, mortars, and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) against the border area on May 5, the administration said. The strikes killed three people and injured at least seven others, including a 16-year-old boy. As of 9 p.m. local time, one of the adult victims was reported to be in critical condition. Another was said to be in serious condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks damaged civilian infrastructure facilities in both Bilopillia and Vorozhba, the administration said. Local authorities initiated an emergency evacuation due to the intensity of the attacks. The evacuation operation remains ongoing and authorities hope to evacuate more than 500 civilians over the next day, the administration said. Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, with Sumy Oblast residents often experiencing multiple attacks per day. More recently, Russia has been deploying small assault groups to infiltrate the region in a bid to expand the front line. Sumy Oblast borders Russia's Kursk Oblast as well as Bryansk and Belgorod oblasts, making it a critical front in the full-scale war. Read also: A minerals deal wont stop Russias war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PARIS (AP) Russian journalist Ekaterina Barabash resurfaced in Paris Monday following an escape from Moscow last month after being put under house arrest and facing a 10-year prison sentence for posts condemning Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Reporters Without Borders, also known by its French acronym RSF, said it helped Barabash orchestrate her getaway: She tore off her electronic monitoring tag and traveled over 2,800 kilometers (some 1,700 miles) using clandestine routes to evade surveillance. Her escape was one of the most perilous operations RSF has been involved in since Russias draconian laws of March 2022, said the group's director, Thibaut Bruttin, during a press conference with Barabash at RSF's Paris headquarters. At one point, we thought she might be dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after invading Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian authorities adopted legislation that outlawed any public expression about the war that went against the official government narrative. It's only war' Barabash, 63, condemned on Monday the lack of freedoms in Russia while detailing her escape. There is no culture in Russia there is no politics Its only war, she said, decrying state censorship. Barabash said the very concept of a Russian journalist no longer made sense. Journalism cannot exist under totalitarianism. The Facebook posts that landed her in legal jeopardy were written between 2022 and 2023, lambasting Russia's actions in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So you (expletive) bombed the country, razed entire cities to the ground, killed a hundred children, shot civilians for no reason, blockaded Mariupol, deprived millions of people of a normal life and forced them to leave for foreign countries? All for the sake of friendship with Ukraine? one post read. Russian authorities arrested the veteran journalist and film critic, born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, upon her return from the Berlinale film festival in February. She was charged with spreading false information about Russia's military, and branded a foreign agent. Barabash was then put under house arrest. On April 21, she disappeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The getaway begins Barabash said she crossed multiple borders, using covert channels coordinated by RSF, and spent two weeks in hiding and then she reached France on April 26, her birthday. The hardest part was her inability to contact her 96-year-old mother, whom she had to leave behind. I just understood that Id never see her, Barabash said, adding they both decided that not seeing her while being free was better than a Russian prison. Barabash's son and grandson remain in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. She hasn't been able to see them since the war started because I have a Russian passport, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barabash thanked many people and the RSF team for helping her gain freedom. Their identities were kept confidential for their protection. A new life in France? The former Radio France Internationale contributor, who later worked with independent outlet Republic, hopes to seek asylum and resume work with exiled Russian-language media. She does not yet have a French work permit, but RSF says she holds a six-month visa and is in the process of regularizing her status. Now Im here and I think it will not be (an) easy way to begin (a) new life. Im not very young," she said. The journalists' exodus from Russia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barabash joins a growing wave of Russian journalists in exile more than 90 media outlets have fled to the European Union and neighboring countries since the war began, according to RSF, which ranks Russia 171st out of 180 countries in its 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Barabash told The Associated Press that, for her, a Russian prison was worse than death. If you want to be a journalist, you have to (live in) exile," she said. If you want (to) stay in Russia as a journalist, you are not a journalist. That is it. At least 38 journalists remain imprisoned in Russia, said the media freedom group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of Russians have been swept up in Russia's crackdown against dissent over the war, including journalists. According to OVD-Info, a prominent rights group that tracks political arrests, 1,240 people in Russia and annexed Crimea have faced charges because of their antiwar stance, and 389 are in custody right now. ___ Associated Press journalists Jeffrey Schaeffer and Alex Turnbull in Paris and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report The Russians launched a combined missile and drone attack on the city of Konotop in Sumy Oblast on the night of 4-5 May, destroying an infrastructure facility. Source: Konotop Mayor Artem Semenikhin Quote: "It was a combined attack, using more than a dozen Shaheds and two ballistic missiles. The Russians struck at intervals deliberately to cause more damage, to kill rescue workers and medics. Cynical monsters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An infrastructure facility in our city was destroyed in the enemy strike." Details: Semenikhin reported that, according to early reports, no casualties had been recorded. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces shelled the village of Ivanopillia in the Kostiantynivka hromada in Donetsk Oblast using tubed artillery on the morning of 5 May, killing one man and injuring two others. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "One killed and two injured these are the initial consequences of the shelling of Ivanopillia in the Kostiantynivka hromada. This morning, Russians shelled the village with tubed artillery and killed a 44-year-old man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Filashkin added that at least four houses were damaged. The full aftermath of the attack is still being confirmed. Filashkin urged residents to evacuate from dangerous areas in a timely manner. The oblast military administration reported that as of the morning of 5 May, five people were injured in the city of Pokrovsk, two in Zarichne and three in Druzhkivka. Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces attacked settlements in Donetsk Oblast 55 times. A total of 107 people, including 12 children, have been evacuated from the frontline area. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces once again attacked Donetsk Oblast on Tuesday, injuring eight civilians, including two children. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office Details: At 11:45 on 5 May, the Russians struck a car in the city of Myrnohrad with an FPV drone. Three civilians aged 20, 24 and 25 sustained blast and shrapnel injuries. They received medical assistance. At 13:00, Myrnohrad came under attack again. This time, a drone targeted a motorcycle carrying two civilians. A 60-year-old woman suffered a traumatic brain injury, concussion and fracture. A 63-year-old man sustained shrapnel wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly afterwards, the village of Novodonetske in the Kramatorsk district was targeted. A Russian weapon hit an apartment building. A 37-year-old woman and her 2-year-old daughter sustained shrapnel wounds and an open fracture. Her 10-year-old son, who had been playing in the yard, suffered an acute stress reaction. Doctors assess the condition of the woman and the girl as moderate. The type of weapon used is being established. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! PHNOM PENH, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia exported 282,315 tonnes of milled rice in the first four months of 2025, earning a gross revenue of 209 million U.S. dollars, the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) said in a news release on Monday. Forty-eight companies had shipped the kingdom's milled rice to 59 countries and regions during the January-April period this year, the news release said, adding that China remained one of the major importers of the commodity. About 77.94 percent of the exported milled rice was fragrant rice, 17.15 percent was white rice, 2.47 percent was parboiled rice, 1.95 percent was organic rice, and 0.49 percent was other types of rice, the news release said. Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) had laid a solid foundation for Cambodia to export its agricultural items to China and other RCEP countries with tariff concessions. "Under these trade pacts, a number of Cambodian products, especially high-quality agricultural produce such as milled rice, yellow bananas, mangoes, longans, and peppercorn, as well as some wild aquatic products, have been exported to China with preferential tariffs," he told Xinhua. The Russians have attacked the Bilopillia and Vorozhba hromadas of Sumy Oblast with various types of weapons on Monday, killing three people. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Sumy Oblast Prosecutor's Office Quote: "The occupiers carried out artillery shelling and dropped guided aerial bombs on civilian and critical infrastructure of the Sumy district on 5 May 2025, using methods of warfare prohibited by international law, the investigation said. A 48-year-old civilian man was killed and another 34-year-old man was injured in the Bilopillia hromada as a result of the enemy's attack. Early reports indicate that two men sustained fatal injuries in the Vorozhb hromada, and three people were injured, including a 16-year-old boy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 5 May, Mykhailo Melnyk, Head of Sumy District State Administration, called for the immediate evacuation of residents of Bilopillia and Vorozhba, two settlements near the border with Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Mikhail Razvozhayev, the so-called governor of the temporarily occupied city of Sevastopol in Crimea, has stated that the military parade on 9 May will not take place and that this has been agreed upon with the Russian Ministry of Defence. Source: RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet Quote from Razvozhayev: "There will be no victory parade this year." Details: Razvozhayev said that the decision on this issue had been agreed upon with the Russian Ministry of Defence. The organisers will know the schedule of all events for 9 May, but it will not be published "for obvious reasons". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russians are planning to lay flowers and hold festive concerts in all municipalities, as well as an online Immortal Regiment march [a commemorative event held annually on 9 May in Russia to honour the memory of those who fought in World War II. Participants carry photographs of their relatives who served in the war, often marching in large processions. It began in 2012 ed.]. The Russians have not held military parades in Sevastopol on 9 May since 2023 "for security reasons". Background: The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that on the night of 1-2 May, Russian air defence supposedly destroyed 121 Ukrainian drones over the territory of occupied Crimea and several regions of the Russian Federation. Telegram channels reported explosions in a number of settlements in Crimea. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Four Russian ice-class LNG (liquefied natural gas) tankers have been re-registered under the Russian flag, abandoning their Panamanian registration. Source: The Moscow Times Details: The vessels were originally intended to transport LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 project, which is under US sanctions and was supposed to account for about 20% of Russias LNG production. The tankers formerly named North Sky, North Air, North Mountain and North Way were renamed Iris, Buran, Voskhod and Zarya in mid-April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These ships, launched in 2023 and 2024, were built by Samsung Heavy Industries for Japanese operator NYK under a contract with Novatek for the Arctic LNG 2 project. They were later transferred to Dubai-based White Fox Ship Management. All four vessels, as well as White Fox, were placed under US sanctions in August 2024. The tankers may follow the tactics of Russias shadow oil fleet and, while heading to the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, may engage in deceptive manoeuvres, including masking or falsifying their location data. "In Russian waters, ship-tracking requirements such as the Automatic Identification System (AIS) can be loosely enforced, and state insurance coverage can be used," suggested Kjell Eikland, managing director at data provider Eikland Energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preparation of these vessels indicates that Novatek is attempting to resume operations at Arctic LNG 2, which halted gas extraction and commercial liquefaction in 2024. All four vessels are classified as Arc4 a mid-level ice-class rating required to access the Morning terminal. "Its still cold there and the sea is covered with ice. By early June, its quite possible that two LNG lines at Arctic LNG will be operational," Eikland stated. Attempts to export liquefied gas from the plant are unlikely before sea ice in the Gulf of Ob begins to melt a process that typically starts in June. Background: The Arctic LNG 2 project drastically reduced gas production at its fields in November 2024 due to Western sanctions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) Rwanda confirmed on Monday that discussions were underway with the United States regarding a potential agreement to host deported migrants. Rwandas Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe on Sunday told state media that the talks were in the early stage. When asked by The Associated Press on Monday, he confirmed the talks. Nduhungirehe did not disclose the specifics of the potential deal for Rwanda, but previous local media reports suggest that the U.S would likely fund a program to have migrants integrated into the society through stipends and job assistance initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. State Department declined to comment on a potential deal with Rwanda, but said that engagement with foreign governments is an important part of the U.S. governments policy to deter illegal migration. This wouldn't be Rwanda's first time hosting deported migrants. The East African nation previously had an agreement with the U.K. to host migrants. Plans for the initiative, including prepared accommodations, were in the final stages but the deal collapsed after the Labour Party took office in 2024. Rwanda has faced allegations of human rights abuses and is currently in the process of brokering a peace deal with the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been behind attacks in the mineral rich eastern Congo region. Nduhungirehe told state media on Sunday that Rwanda and Congo had already submitted their respective draft proposals, which will form the basis of a final peace agreement document expected to be signed in the U.S next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister said the migrant deal between Rwanda and the U.S was consistent with Rwandas long-standing commitment to humanitarian cooperation and the pursuit of migration solutions. ____ Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa Rwandas foreign minister has confirmed his country has entered discussions to receive immigrants deported from the United States, less than a year after a similar plan with Britain fell through. It has not yet reached a stage where we can say exactly how things will proceed, but the talks are ongoing, Olivier Nduhungirehe told state broadcaster Rwanda TV in an interview late on Sunday. Still in the early stages. Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was searching for more countries to take in people as the administration of President Donald Trump steps up efforts to deport immigrants who entered the US without documents and other noncitizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 favour to us? And the farther away from America, the better, so they cant come back across the border, Rubio said during a televised cabinet meeting as he was seated next to Trump. Rwanda confirmed the talks after US media quoted unnamed officials from both countries as saying they were discussing the scheme. The US is also reportedly considering Libya as another destination. Reports said the US wants to pay Rwanda to accept migrants with criminal records who have served their sentences in the US and potentially integrate them into society with stipends and job assistance to discourage them from returning to the US. In March, the Trump administration deported an Iraqi national to Rwanda in a transfer that could serve as a model for the future, according to multiple US outlets quoting officials and citing documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The efforts are in line with Trumps crackdown on immigration, which started immediately after he took office for a second four-year term in January. His administration has been facing legal battles as it tries to continue sending accused gang members to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador without due process. Amid the ongoing controversy over the wrongful deportation of a Salvadoran citizen living in Maryland to El Salvador, Trump last month said he would also like to deport homegrown criminals to the country, meaning US citizens. He also directed the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 people whom he called the worst criminal aliens. In an interview that aired on Sunday, Trump said he didnt know whether people in the US are entitled to due process rights guaranteed by the countrys Constitution. Two inflatable dinghies carrying migrants pass a French navy vessel as they make their way towards England in the English Channel on May 4, 2024 [Chris J Ratcliffe/Reuters] The Rwandan and US governments have yet to officially confirm any of the details of their talks, but if an agreement is reached, it would not be the first time Rwanda would accept migrants expelled from the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country had an agreement with the United Kingdom to take in migrants expelled by the British government, but the plan faced numerous legal challenges and was deemed unlawful by the British Supreme Court in a November 2023 ruling. The then-newly elected Labour government scrapped the deal in July with Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelling it a gimmick. Rwanda is still seeking 50 million pounds ($66m) in payments from the UK over the cancelled deal. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has warned that some people sent to Rwanda could be returned to countries from which they had fled and could face dangers, including death. Rwanda has denied the allegations and accused the UNHCR of lying. NAIROBI (Reuters) -Rwanda is in the early stages of talks to receive immigrants deported from the United States, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said on television late on Sunday. Rwanda has in recent years positioned itself as a destination country for migrants that Western countries would like to remove, despite concerns by rights groups that Kigali does not respect some of the most fundamental human rights. Kigali signed an agreement with Britain in 2022 to take in thousands of asylum seekers from the UK before the deal was scrapped last year by then newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are in discussions with the United States," Nduhungirehe said in an interview with the state broadcaster Rwanda TV. "It has not yet reached a stage where we can say exactly how things will proceed, but the talks are ongoing...still in the early stages." Trump launched a sweeping crackdown on immigration and attempted to freeze the U.S. refugee resettlement program after the start of his second term in January. His administration has pushed aggressively to deport immigrants who are in the country illegally and other non-citizens. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) warned there was a risk some migrants sent to Rwanda could be returned to countries from which they had fled. Kigali denied the allegations and accused UNHCR of lying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month the U.S. deported to Rwanda a resettled Iraqi refugee whom it had long tried to extradite in response to Iraqi government claims that he worked for the Islamic State, according to a U.S. official and an internal email. The Supreme Court in April temporarily blocked Trump's administration - which has invoked a rarely used wartime law - from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants it accused of being gang members. (Reporting by Nairobi Newsroom; Writing by Hereward HollandEditing by William Maclean and Ros Russell) President Trumps administration is reportedly eyeing Rwanda as a potential deportation destination for migrants from countries that wont accept repatriates as officials carry out his sprawling immigration crackdown. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, the East African countrys foreign minister, told the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency on Sunday that the government is in early talks with the U.S. about the proposal, but he didnt provide details. It is true that we are in discussions with the United States, he said. These talks are still ongoing, and it would be premature to conclude how they will unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times reported Nduhungirehe hasnt said whether Rwanda would be seeking financial compensation in return for accepting other countries citizens. Speaking to reporters outside of the White House on Monday, Trump border czar Tom Homan acknowledged the administration is trying to hash out agreements with other countries to receive deported migrants, but he wouldnt identify which nations when asked if some in Africa could be included. Theres talks underway with other countries that are willing to take illegal aliens, Homan said. Their own countries wont take them, so well find a third safe country willing to take them. The U.S. State Department flagged Rwanda in 2023 for human rights concerns, including harsh and life-threatening prison conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has flown hundreds of migrants mostly from Venezuela to a prison in El Salvador, despite court orders that have attempted to halt the mass deportation program. Trump has argued the deportations are focused on criminals and gang members who are a threat to people in the country legally. Human rights advocates have voiced concerns about the deportations to El Salvador. We call on the Salvadoran Government to allow independent monitoring bodies immediate and unfettered access to prisons holding the deportees, experts from the United Nations Human Rights Council said in a statement last week. 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. Venezuela had refused to accept some repatriates from the U.S. prior to President Nicolas Maduro lifting a temporary moratorium in March, so they were sent to El Salvador instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is also urging people in the country illegally to voluntarily deport themselves. The Department of Homeland Security unveiled a program Monday to pay $1,000 apiece, plus travel expenses, to migrants lacking legal status who self deport. According to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement figures, there were nearly 1.5 million nondetained migrants with final orders of removal still living in the United States in November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 central African nation of Rwanda is in discussions with the Trump administration about a possible deal to accept deported migrants from the United States, the country's foreign minister said late Sunday. Olivier Nduhungirehe told state broadcaster Rwanda TV that early talks were under way, according to Reuters. The news followed multiple news reports that the United States was seeking an international partnership to deport people amid an ongoing crackdown on foreign visa holders, student activists and people suspected of being criminal gang members. "We are in discussions with the United States," Nduhungirehe said in the interview, according to Reuters. "It has not yet reached a stage where we can say exactly how things will proceed, but the talks are ongoing ... still in the early stages." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rwandan government in the capital, Kigali, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House was also asked for comment overnight. On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, and in office he has deported many to El Salvador and elsewhere, with ongoing legal action questioning the legality of some arrests, detentions and removals. The Rwandan capital, Kigali, seen from a room at Hope Hostel, where the former U.K. government planned to house migrants until the plan was scrapped last year. (Guillem Sartorio / AFP via Getty Images file) Trump said on NBC News' "Meet the Press" in an interview that aired Sunday that he didn't know whether he needed to uphold the Constitution in pursuing his goal of deporting what he called "some of the worst people on Earth." The Supreme Court has said in three recent rulings that the government has to allow basic due process rights for immigrants, such as appearing before immigration judges, before they can be deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the huge publicity his migrant crackdown has generated, Trump deported fewer immigrants in February than President Joe Bidens administration did in the same month last year. Rwanda has long offered to be a place for Western nations to send deported criminals and failed asylum-seekers, despite concerns from human rights groups about the 30-year rule of President Paul Kagame and his backing of a violent rebellion in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda signed a deal with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022 to accept deported foreign nationals but Johnson and two more prime ministers after him failed to make the deal work, as British and European courts stopped scheduled flights of deported migrants on human rights grounds. Hope Hostel, where the U.K. government planned a controversial bill to deport irregular migrants, pictured on April 25, 2024. (Cyrile Ndegeya / Anadolu via Getty Images) Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the arrangement after his Labour Party took power last year. Starmer said the scheme cost Britain about 700 million pounds ($929 million) and resulted in just four people being deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.K.'s Rwanda scheme was inspired in part by Australia's long-standing policy of deporting what it says are violent criminals to the island nation of Nauru. Other European nations have launched similar schemes, including Italy, whose far-right prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, signed a deal to send migrants to Albania. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com SUVA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Fiji kicked off the 2025 Tourism Super Week in Nadi, Fiji's third-largest city, on Monday as a key highlight of building a sustainable tourism sector. The move by Fiji's tourism industry is said to respond to a growing global demand for eco-conscious and wellness-focused travel experiences. Among the main features of the event is the Sustainability Expo, designed to promote environmentally responsible practices and unlock new opportunities across the tourism sector, bringing together businesses and organizations specializing in renewable energy, waste management, sustainable transport, and climate resilience. The expo aims to equip tourism operators, resort owners, and industry stakeholders with practical strategies to boost operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact -- ultimately aligning with the increasing consumer preference for sustainable travel. Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill emphasized the importance of sustainability for the industry's future. "Fiji's natural beauty is the cornerstone of our tourism appeal. Protecting it through sustainable practices is not only our responsibility but vital for the long-term viability of our businesses," Hill said. The Sustainability Expo will present an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to engage with experts and discover innovative solutions that can enhance operations while contributing to a greener future for Fiji, the CEO said. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) State Senator Sean Ryan on Sunday called for a stop to what he called Acting Mayor Chris Scanlons plans to sell off the citys cultural assets accusations that Scanlon later denied. In Sundays press conference, Ryan, a Buffalo mayoral candidate, cited an article by the Investigative Post that reported Scanlons consideration of privatizing Kleinhans Music Hall, a longstanding and historic music venue in Buffalo. These places enrich the City of Buffalo, Ryan said. People visit our city to go to Kleinhans, to learn about the city at the history museum, and to experience the Buffalo Zoo. We benefit from having these places in our community. Privatizing them, taking them away from the public, would be devastating for the City of Buffalo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a corresponding press conference, Scanlon called Ryans actions political theater. This is stuff that has been addressed in the past, thats been debunked, and here we are again talking about it, Scanlon said. Last month, Scanlon said that the institutions are financial liabilities to the city, but there are no plans to privatize them. He also said the city is reaching out to start conversations with Kleinhans, the Buffalo Zoo and Sheas Performing Arts Center to discuss ways to save the city money. Ryan also alleged that Buffalos Deputy Mayor Brian Gould is involved in the conversations and that his former employer, e3communications, could profit from the sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scanlon said he created the Buffalo Cultural Institutions Council to explore the feasibility of creating a public-private ownership model to preserve cultural assets and not overburden taxpayers with the cost of maintaining them. A spokesperson for Scanlon on Sunday also denied plans to sell any cultural assets and said it is not even remotely true. Ryan called the privatization of the citys cultural assets a gimmick to fill the budget gap. He alleged that Gould is a lobbyist who still works for e3communications and called it blatant corruption. Ryan had raised questions about the firm back in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gould was appointed as the citys deputy mayor in October and was previously the senior vice president of e3communications, which has clients around Western New York, for 19 years. The deputy mayor is leveraging his position to benefit his private gain, Ryan said. Deputy Mayor Gould needs to make a choice. He either has to work for the city solely or work for a private lobbying firm, he cant do both. He either has to resign from the city or resign from being a lobbyist, but either way, the deputy mayor must release his full list of clients. A spokesperson for Ryan cited a Buffalo News article from February where Gould said he is not involved in day-to-day operations at e3communications, but that he still does policy consulting and public relations work with some long-term clients which he declined to name who he said do not do business with the city. In March of last year, Earl Wells, the president of e3communications, said in a statement that Gould was inadvertently listed on the report to the lobbying commission and that he did not perform lobbying services for any e3communications clients since assuming the role of deputy mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scanlon and his spokesperson did not address Ryans accusations of Gould being a lobbyist. 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The New Creation Church in Albuquerque was the first to open a safe outdoor space in the International District, meant to give unhoused people a safe place to live while they work to turn their lives around. News 13 got a chance to speak with some of the people staying at the space about how its making it easier for them to find full-time housing. Theres not even words to say how great it is, said Benjamin Shand, a guest at the space. Being able to sleep through the night. Now that I have a living address, its opening doors for me, like unbelievable, said guest Sophia Cranmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernalillo County celebrates 25 years of open space with free event For Benjamin and Sophia, the new safe outdoor space at the church is a starting place to find more permanent housing. Being able to have a place to get your mail, to go to go, to wash up, to wash your hands, to be presentable, Shand said. Benjamin says hes lived at the space for several weeks now. Hes been able to secure a job offer just down the street and expects to start in a couple of days. While at the space, hes working with case workers to get identification documents he says he lost a few years ago. Theyre also taking steps to get him a housing voucher. Right now, were working on just getting the paperwork down, and getting everything set up, Shand said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sophia has also been staying on site for several weeks now. She says its a place where she not only feels safe but also has access to resources. Her goal is to have permanent housing in the next year. Youth Gateway Center steps closer to helping the community Its a safe haven for us, Cranmer said. Somewhere I dont have to worry about somebody coming in and yanking me out of bed in the morning and hurting me. Its safe. Just having that safety means a lot. Being able to stay at the space does come with some ground rules. Every person must go through a background check and interview process. Violent or sexual offenders are not allowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as theyre engaging with their community support worker, and theyre taking [the] steps, we welcome them, said Jesse Harden, Pastor of New Creation Albuquerque Church. There is also no drug use on the property. Reporter: Do you think its reasonable? Benjamin: Absolutely. Theres nothing they ask thats not doable. Respect yourself, respect others, respect the property. The property is also watched by someone 24 hours, seven days a week, and surrounded by a locked gate. Its wonderful, Shand said. I wouldnt trade it for the world. This is a great opportunity, and I dont want to do anything to screw it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. If you purchased some vine-ripened tomatoes recently in Tennessee, you'll want to double-check where they came from. Indian-based company Ray & Mascari Inc. recalled four-packs of vine-ripened tomatoes in plastic clamshell packaging, after concerns of possible salmonella contamination. The products were shipped to 11 different states, including Tennessee, according to the Food and Drug Administration. While the 4 packs of Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes came from the Indiana-based company, the issue came through the supply chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you need to know about salmonella and the recall. Where did the tomatoes being recalled come from? The recall comes from Ray & Mascari Inc. who was notified by Hanshaw & Capling Farms of Florida that the product shipped to Ray & Mascari Inc. could potentially be contaminated with salmonella. Where were the recalled tomatoes sent in the U.S.? The tomatoes covered by the recall were sent to Gordon Food Service Stores in: Illinois Indiana Kentucky Michigan Missouri Mississippi New York Ohio Pennsylvania Tennessee Wisconsin How can I identify which tomatoes may be affected? The tomatoes affecting the Tennessee market from Ray & Mascari are sold in plastic clamshells containing four tomatoes and have a VINE RIPE TOMATOES label with: Packed by Ray & Mascari Inc., Indianapolis, IN 46204. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UPC number on the label is 7 96553 20062 1. Where other tomatoes recalled in the United States? On May 2, Williams Farms Repack LLC recalled tomatoes sold and distributed in three states over similar salmonella concerns. The tomatoes were also sold to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina between April 23 and 28. What is salmonella? Salmonella is the most common type of food poisoning, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is a bacterium that causes diarrhea, fever and stomach pains, and only lasts a couple of days for most people. But for some, it can be fatal. What are the symptoms of salmonella? Salmonella affects your stomach and intestines (GI tract). Here are the symptoms of salmonella, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diarrhea (sometimes bloody) Fever Stomach pains or cramps Nausea and vomiting Headache What should I do if I have the recalled tomatoes? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises people to return the product to where they purchased it for a full refund or to discard the item. Stores that received the recalled tomatoes have been notied and provided recall instructions to further contact customers and distribution centers, according to the FDA. USA TODAY contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tomato recall in Tennessee: What to know about salmonella risk Despite potential headwinds from a new state law barring public collective bargaining agreements, which is now likely headed for the ballot, Salt Lake City librarians made Utah history this week by voting to unionize. A whopping 92% of Salt Lake City Public Library employees voted to unionize during a formal vote that wrapped up on Thursday, union officials said on Friday. They now join the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 1004, which represents many other Salt Lake City employees, setting up negotiations for what could be the first-of-its-kind collective bargaining agreement in the state should HB267 be overturned. We, as workers, are looking forward to negotiating our first contract. Weve always been here for our community, and we finally have the tools to advocate for ourselves and for each other, said Christina Ordonez, a Salt Lake City associate librarian, in a statement after the votes were tallied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city library system respects and affirms the election results, Noah Baskett, CEO of The Salt Lake City Public Library, said after the results were announced. This moment reflects a renewed and shared commitment by our employees and our leadership to continue to be a workplace rooted in dignity, fairness and respect. I deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness and care with which our staff have engaged in this process, he added in a statement. This weeks vote marked the end of a long process that first went public over two years ago. Over 60% of the citys workforce is represented by various unions, but city librarians were the largest department not unionized at the time staff revealed their intent to form one in April 2023. Employees said at the time they wanted to resolve long-standing issues related to the job, including safety concerns, below-average wages, inaccessible or expensive health care, and exclusion from decisions made by library system leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their request sparked lengthy negotiation efforts, which ended with the Salt Lake City Public Library board of directors voting in December 2024 to allow employees to unionize, and the Salt Lake City Council voting in February of this year to create a collective bargaining structure process should employees unionize. Theyre now the first public library union in the state, following the recent vote. This is a historic moment not just for Salt Lake City, but for the entire state of Utah, said Jerry Philpot, president of the local union chapter. Library workers have always served their community with dedication, and now they will finally have a voice at the table to ensure their workplace is fair, safe and sustainable. However, its unclear how those negotiations will play out because of HB267, which bans collective bargaining in the public sector, among other things related to public unions. It was slated to go into effect in July, but groups opposed to it collected enough signatures on a referendum to put it up for a public vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once finalized by the state, the legislation will be held before going on the 2026 ballot. Unionization may not factor into the librarys upcoming budget, but the system plans to pay employees equitably and competitively based on the results of a compensation study carried out by a third-party company, Baskett told Salt Lake City leaders last month. He added at the time that library staff had been in close conversation with union lawyers over the next steps. Next years likely referendum will ultimately play a role in the future steps. We are moving forward in the hopes that Utahns will vote in the best interests of their public workers, Philpot said. This isnt just about union rights. Its about protecting the people who serve our communities every single day. San Angelo man pleads guilty to being a party to murder SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A 20-year-old San Angelo man has plead guilty to being a party to a murder in 2023. RELATED: Two indicted for alleged murder of 19-year-old found on 34th Street Kristopher Lozano and Nicholas Martinez were both indicted for murder in Tom Green County in November 2023 in connection to a shooting on East 34th Street in August 2023 that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Jacob Hernandez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the 199th District Attorney John Best, the evidence in the case indicated that Lozano was not the one who murdered Jacob Hernandez. Best said the surveillance video from the scene, DNA evidence from the murder weapon and evidence from witnesses supported the conclusion that Martinez shot and killed Hernandez. In order to solidify our case against Martinez, the State entered into a plea agreement with Lozano, said Best. In exchange for Lozano agreeing to provide a complete and truthful statement to detectives with the San Angelo Police Department about what happened before, during, and after the Murder, his agreement to testify truthfully against Martinez if necessary, and his agreement to plead guilty as a party to the Murder of Hernandez, the State agreed to cap his punishment at 15 years confinement in the penitentiary. Under the agreement, 51st District Judge Carmen Dusek would determine Lozanos punishment within the 515-year range for First Degree Felony Murder agreed to by the parties. After all the evidence was presented, Dusek gave Lozano 15 years confinement in the penitentiary. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice will determine where Lozano will serve his time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lozano will be eligible for parole after he serves at least one-half of his sentence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jim LaMattery, a San Diego residential real estate agent, has been working tirelessly to fight against what he calls alligator projects. The projects are accessory dwelling units (ADU) built by developers, which LaMattery gave the nickname to because of the way alligators pop up unexpectedly as they arent legally required to give notice to neighbors that theyre coming, he wrote on his website. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One recent project on Almayo Avenue in the Clairemont neighborhood will house 17 ADUs in the backyard of a single-family home. LaMattery told CBS 8 reporters that each 441-square-foot unit will have one bedroom, one bath and will be rented for $2,600 per month. They're over-built, bloated monstrosities in the middle of our neighborhoods," LaMattery said. On his website, he argues that these projects thanks to the Complete Communities Program will lead to negative repercussions, like placing an unnecessary overload on resources and increasing the cost of housing for other residents. "My greatest joy in real estate was selling to young people a new home. That, to me, is what the American dream is. This ain't no American dream," LaMattery told CBS 8. "This is an American nightmare." A breakdown of the Complete Communities program The Complete Communities Housing Solutions program in San Diego was developed to help address the housing shortage and lack of affordable housing in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to meet the city's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) by increasing the number of housing units within the next eight years. Some of the strategies the program proposes include implementing affordable multi-family housing in areas near transit and for developers to invest in amenities in neighborhoods, like parks and plazas. However, residents dont have a say in any of these developer-led projects, as the program allows for streamlined processing and doesn't require any public input or notice, according to CBS 8. This is a cause for concern for LaMattery and other homeowners. Read more: Here are 5 must have items that Americans (almost) always overpay for and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Whats the big deal with ADUs? ADUs in general arent the problem for those against the alligator projects. Rather, its the fact that developers can come in and build them without addressing any potential concerns from others living in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Buchwald, a resident of the Clairemont neighborhood, told CBS 8 reporters he was surprised when one of these development projects popped up. Hes concerned about there being less access for emergency vehicles, more power lines overhead and overcrowding. "If you get high winds and they arc against the building, everything's going to go up, he said, referring to the power lines. Others, like John Schwartz, told reporters he was worried about more projects in the pipeline, saying that it's an exploitation of neighborhoods that shouldn't be happening. While these concerns are real, there are some potential benefits to increasing the amount of ADUs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one, it can increase much needed housing supply at a more affordable price for those who may find available options too cost prohibitive. Since the Complete Communities Housing Solutions program is prioritizing areas with close access to public transit, it could help people without cars find somewhere to live that allows them to travel throughout the city easily. Still, efforts are in place to repeal the program. Whats being done to repeal the program According to Fox 5, the San Diego City Council voted in March to start scaling back the program to prevent developers from taking advantage of neighborhoods. The council is currently reassessing its rules before updating the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LaMattery currently has a ballot initiative survey to collect the opinions of those who would like to repeal the program, too. He hopes to get 144,000 responses by the end of this summer. He is also encouraging San Diego residents to join his alligator tour to see the types of ADUs being built and file a complaint with city officials before the assessment period is over. Other states with similar laws Over the past several years, states throughout the country have implemented similar plans to address the housing shortage and to create more affordable housing. For instance, Oregon banned zoning designed only to house single-family homes. A law signed in 2019 requires cities with a population of over 1,000 to let duplexes be built, whereas areas with over 25,000 residents need to allow triplexes, four-unit homes and townhomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Massachusetts, the MBTA Communities law allows multifamily housing to be built close to transit stations. How homeowners can fight back Your best bet is to be aware of what is happening in your community and voice your concerns. Start by looking up any housing-related news in your local area and what types of housing is allowed there. Consider completing a public records request for any properties youre concerned about and contact your city council representative. Attending or staying up to date on city council meetings will give you the opportunity to be more informed of upcoming laws or housing projects before they happen. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. SANTAQUIN, Utah (ABC4) Today is an emotional day for the Santaquin Police Department. One year ago, on Monday, May 5, the department lost its first officer in the line of duty when Sgt. Bill Hooser was struck and killed by a suspect in a semi-truck during a traffic stop. Now, the friends he made on the force are remembering him as one of the most dedicated officers who took work seriously, but also made an emphasis to build relationships. Sgt. Austin Lerwill, who was trained and promoted alongside Sgt. Hooser, told ABC4.com he remembered the day he got the call confirming Hoosers passing. He recalled questioning the call, praying it wasnt true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its taken months for that to go away, said Lerwill. Every time I got a call, I would wake up in a panic, hoping that the words on the other end are not that something similar has happened as what happened to Bill. EXCLUSIVE: Wife of Sgt. Hooser speaks out for the first time Lerwill said he and Hooser had the brotherhood of law enforcement. He said that bond is a little bit different because its like having a best friend, but they would literally die for each other. That bond made it hard for Lerwill to return to the office that the two shared. On Hoosers desk were his glasses. Lerwill told ABC4.com that they served a daily reminder that he wasnt there anymore and it took him six months after his passing to move them. But if Hooser were here Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would probably tell him thank you for everything that he taught me. I am definitely the officer I am today single-handedly because of Bill, said Lerwill. So, I would tell him thanks for everything that he did for me, things that I didnt realize he did for me until he wasnt here. Sgt. Lerwill is not the only one in the Santaquin Police Department mourning. Detective Cody Tipler told ABC4.com that he has a special connection to Sgt. Bill Hooser. Buildings damaged in explosion at Salt Lake City gas station, investigation underway He did a lot for me, getting me out here. I started a whole new career with the Santaquin Police Department, said Tipler. He basically showed me a whole new area that I could introduce my family to, just to start a whole new life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tipler said Hooser left a legacy at the department, and that legacy has been felt and seen since the day he fell in the line of duty. Lt. Mike Wall said he wishes every day he could ask Sgt. Hooser for his advice, both in his career or as a person in general. And for those who never got the chance to ask Hooser for advice, they will have access to it during their field training. They will have an entire section dedicated to Bill, said Lerwill. They will learn about him, what he did, what he stood for, and that way, even though they didnt get to work with him, his legacy will live on. A year after Hoosers passing, officers at the Santaquin Police Department said May 5 will always be a day to come together and focus on the incredible impact Sgt. Hooser made during his seven years with the force. And Lt. Wall said, a year later, Hoosers lasting legacy has brought the department closer together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think were a lot more tight, a lot more together. We spend more time together, we spend a lot more time outside of work together, and a lot of times it has to do with functions that are Bill bringing us back together, said Lt. Wall. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GOP Sens. Chip Campsen, Majority Leader Shane Massey and Stephen Goldfinch chat in the Senate chamber during the first week of the 2024 session Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (File photo by Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA This week will decide the fate of a massive energy package in South Carolina, after the House removed measures meant to safeguard consumers and landowners in the push to meet power needs of the states rapidly growing industry and population. To produce enough energy to keep the lights on in the Palmetto State, utility executives told legislators, they needed guarantees that state regulators would review power-related permits in a timely manner and prevent years-long delays of new pipelines and power plants in the court system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In exchange, senators told the utility sector it must ensure residential customers werent bearing the brunt of industry-driven power needs, particularly those of energy-intensive data centers. They also said utilities must give landowners earlier notice when construction of power plants, power lines and pipelines impact their property and that more effort was needed to help customers conserve energy and lower their power bills. But last week, state House members quietly pulled those give-and-take protections for power customers and landowners, potentially putting passage at risk with just three days left in the legislative session. With a vote of 88-13 last Thursday, the House stripped out everything the Senate added related to data centers. Under the House version, center developers dont have to bear their share of costs for new power plants built to power them or disclose how much water they plan to use. And they can still earn sales tax credits for computer equipment bought for the centers. Rep. Gil Gatch, R-Summerville, told his colleagues the amendment was the result of a compromise between House and Senate negotiators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little else was said beyond Rep. Robert Reese asking what the amendment did about data centers, and Gatch pledging those concerns will be addressed in separate legislation next year. Reese, of rural Hopkins, was among the 13 Democrats who rejected the changes. Other items struck by the amendment received no mention at all on the floor: Gone are additional notice requirements for landowners impacted by eminent domain, which is the taking of private property for public use. It also scaled back energy efficiency efforts. Gatch, joined at the podium by other members of the House committee that has shepherded the bill, told the chamber it was the committees understanding the negotiated changes would pass in the Senate, allowing a bill two years in the making to head to Gov. Henry McMasters desk this week. But the Senate leaders who authored the provisions removed by the House told the SC Daily Gazette they were not part of negotiations. And they highly doubt the Legislature will revisit anything on data centers next year if the altered bill becomes law. Under the gun The amended bill could come up for a vote in the Senate as soon as Tuesday. A final decision must be made by 5 p.m. Thursday the end of the session, as per state law or negotiations will carry over until next year. Power company executives have said passage this year is essential to future projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of the bill, sponsored by GOP House Speaker Murrell Smith of Sumter, is permission for Dominion Energy and state-owned utility company Santee Cooper to partner on a possible 2,000-megawatt natural gas plant on the site of a former coal-fired power plant along the Edisto River in Colleton County. In its original form, the legislation saw significant pushback on its sweeping regulatory changes and rollback of consumer protections passed in the wake of South Carolinas failed nuclear expansion. Both bodies ultimately left those existing protections alone. The reason the House removed most provisions added by the Senate during its floor debate, according to Rep. Bill Herbkersman, was contract deadlines faced by Dominion and Santee Cooper. The deadlines involve an interstate natural gas pipeline needed to supply the proposed Lowcountry gas plant and other supplies related to the project. The House felt under the gun to pass something, and the new restrictions were not really part of what we were trying to do, in the energy bill aimed at speeding up the regulatory process for utilities as they make updates to the states power grid, Herberksman said, adding they hadnt been vetted by the House committee he chairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You wouldnt half bake a cake, said the Bluffton Republican. One change made in the Senate, however, did survive: The House kept a Senate-added section that would make it easier for utilities to raise power bills on an annual basis. Utility wish list The changes approved by the House last Thursday renewed criticism of the bill from environmental and consumer groups who say all thats left is a utility wish list. What is in this bill to protect customers? asked Kate Mixson, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. Whats left is just a list of things that make it easier for utilities and far fewer things to keep power companies from overbuilding and passing the cost on to consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With these changes, this legislation is basically like an open bar tab for utility company spending that the public will pay for on their electric bills, added Eddy Moore of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Herbkersman called that characterization a misnomer, arguing the gas plant at Canadys would allow Santee Cooper to replace parts of its coal-fired fleet with natural gas that emits fewer greenhouse gases. It would also guarantee the state has the energy it needs as it continues to grow. Senators who dont like the so-called compromise and werent involved in closed-door negotiations include the chambers GOP leader. The data center language was one of the few things I liked about the bill, and it was not very aggressive, said Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, who authored the data center provisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Edgefield Republican vowed to make his displeasure known when senators take up the bill on the floor. South Carolinians are going to pay more for energy generation, and citizens are going to pay more than they should for data centers which to me is completely unacceptable, Massey said. Frank Knapp, president of the SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce, encouraged senators to stick to their guns when it comes to the power-gobbling centers. It will not go easy While the Senate passed its version overwhelmingly last month, it will not go easy this time, even if the votes are there, Massey said. Everything added on the Senate floor was important to the members who voted for it, said Sen. Tom Davis. For the Beaufort Republican, it was requiring public utility companies to do more to help customers make their homes energy efficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of these programs, power companies send inspectors to peoples homes to check for gaps in windows, leaking ducts and outdated air conditioning systems that might contribute to higher energy usage. The companies offer rebates and discounts to customers who make home improvements, and in some cases, power companies cover the costs for low-income families. The savings rate the Senate was asking for is far below levels set across much of the country, Davis said. Duke Energy is already meeting what the Senate version would require, but Dominion Energy would have to step up its effort. The House, however, left it up to energy regulators to decide on an appropriate savings level. What it approved Thursday also took away penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under a provision authored by Sen. Shane Martin of Spartanburg County, developers would need to contact all landowners in the path of a pipeline, power line or power plant two months before filing for any state-level permits. The companies also would have to inform landowners about their neighbors who were impacted and whether there were alternative routes considered. Its unclear if the measure would have applied to the pipeline feeding Canadys, which crosses state lines, so its federally regulated. The fact the House would remove this says to me they dont want these affected landowners to know, Mixson said. My question is why. If these projects are really necessary if theyre not going to be dangerous then why not notify these communities and landowners. Davis said senators must now weigh the House changes against the importance of getting a bill across the finish line. Both he and Massey said taking up these provisions in standalone legislation next year will be hard to do. I have very little confidence that that will happen next year, Massey said. South Carolinas State Senate moved to remove state treasurer Curtis Loftis after a $1.8 billion accounting error. But the House did not follow. Now, Loftis office is under investigation by the states inspector general. The State Senate voted 33-8 to remove Loftis last month for willful neglect of duty, the Herald reports. But the House is looking for other ways to move foward. The Alix Partners report into South Carolinas $1.8 billion accounting error found that most of that money did not exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House told The State that its investigation will not replicate that report nor the Senates investigation. READ: South Carolina state auditor resigns after $1.8 billion accounting error Inspector General Brian Lamkin will begin an investigation focused on the treasurers office operations on Thursday. The State reported that Lamkin sent Loftis a letter informing him of the upcoming investigation. Lamkin advised he would be reviewing potential waste, use of funds, requirements for disclosures to the General Assembly and the public, and more. The Witch-Hunt Rolls On, Loftis posted on Facebook. Theyve ridiculed me, theyve ridiculed you, ignored my constitutional and statutory rights, and dragged the Treasurers Office through endless investigations all to score political points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loftis office issued a statement on Friday saying he welcomed the investigation. Following the March 27th Senate Finance Constitutional Subcommittee hearing, I proactively met with Inspector General Brian Lamkin and State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel and expressed a willingness to have them thoroughly investigate the State Treasurers Office regarding the reported $1.8 billion accounting discrepancy, Loftis said. Since taking office in 2010, I have consistently upheld the principles of accountability and transparency on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina. WATCH: South Carolina state auditor resigns after $1.8 billion accounting error TOKYO, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Foreign tourists visiting Japan have cited the shortage of public trash bins as a main challenge they faced during their trips, a government survey showed Monday. The Japan Tourism Agency conducted an online questionnaire in January targeting over 4,000 foreign tourists who had visited Japan. When asked about difficulties they encountered during their stay, 21.9 percent cited a lack of trash bins, making it one of the top concerns. Other notable complaints included language barriers when communicating with facility staff (15.2 percent), and overcrowding at tourist destinations (13.1 percent). Additionally, 8.6 percent pointed to long wait times at immigration, more than double the figure from the previous year, suggesting growing frustration over entry procedures. Despite the issues, the proportion of tourists who reported experiencing no problems at all rose significantly to 51.1 percent, up 21.4 percentage points from the previous survey. The tourism agency attributes improvements in communication and visitor infrastructure as factors behind the increase in satisfaction. The agency pledged to continue working with relevant ministries to address emerging concerns and further improve the travel experience for international visitors. In 2024, Japan welcomed a record-breaking 36.86 million foreign visitors, official data showed. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Graduating seniors will have the opportunity to network one-on-one with leading regional employers this week and explore potential career paths. SC Works Trident will hold its annual Your Next Step career fair on Wednesday for high school seniors in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. Companies set to attend include MUSC Health, Dominion Energy, and Hendrick Automotive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event, held on Wednesday at the Charleston Area Convention Center, will be open to high school seniors only from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., but will open to the public from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Attendees should dress professionally, bring an updated resume, and be prepared to interview, as some companies will provide on-site interviews and possible job offers. You are encouraged to register online before 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 WCBD News 2. The Supreme Court is considering what may be the most important religious liberty case it will review this term. In Mahmoud v. Taylor, religious parents representing various faiths are suing Maryland's Montgomery County Public School District (MCPS) to let them opt their children out of elementary school storybook discussions surrounding themes such as sexuality and gender. During oral arguments, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson questioned the plaintiffs' case. "I'm struggling to see how it burdens a parent's religious exercise if the school teaches something that the parent disagrees with," Jackson said. "You have a choice. You don't have to send your kid to that school. You can put them in another situation." Practically speaking, many families don't have a viable educational alternative in Maryland. Without robust school choice, families on the losing end of zero-sum culture war clashes in public schools have little recourse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Jackson's claims to the contrary, most families cannot just put their children in "another situation." Only low-income students are eligible to receive Maryland's voucher, valued at less than $3,000 during the 202425 school year. This would cover just a fraction of the $14,500 average private elementary school tuition in Maryland. The laws governing public school transfers in Maryland are some of the nation's weakest. Maryland is one of four statesalong with Alaska, Maine, and North Carolinathat score 0 out of 100 points on Reason Foundation's scoresheet ranking states' K-12 open enrollment laws. This means the right to transfer to other public schools that have space isn't codified in state law. Even if the school districts bordering MCPS let some of these students transfer, they could charge them out-of-pocket tuition, just like private schools. For instance, the neighboring Frederick County and Howard County Public Schools charged transfers $9,000 and $12,700, respectively, during the 202425 school year. Moreover, no charter schools currently operate in Montgomery County (although its first is set to launch in Fall 2025). The school board has long opposed them, sparking criticism from the Maryland Board of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the district told families they could no longer opt their elementary-aged children out of the controversial lessons at the beginning of the 202324 school year, some parents chose to withdraw their children from MCPS at great personal cost. One family gave up their home and moved in with grandparents so they could afford private school tuition. Another family chose to homeschool their daughter with Down syndrome, sacrificing $25,000 in special services provided by MCPS. Notably, plaintiffs in Mahmoud are asking only to opt out of specific lessons that violate their religious convictions. They aren't demanding that the district change its curriculum. Opt-out policies are a common practice in public education, and families in many states have long been able to withdraw their children from sex education classes. That said, the advocates on Justice Jackson's side of the argument have a point: Where does it stop? There are many other areas where public schools might potentially adopt a curriculum that conflicts with individual religious beliefs. There may be a point at which it becomes overly burdensome for schools to let families opt out of everything they object to while still being enrolled. Hence the need for school choice. When families don't have alternatives, public schools become a battleground for disputes. It becomes impossible to fully accommodate a diverse population with varying values and convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court should rule in the plaintiffs' favor and let the parents opt out. But families shouldn't have to wait for a high court decision to have access to choice in education. The post School Choice Could Defuse Culture War Fights appeared first on Reason.com. A local school district has paid tribute to a co-worker killed in a weekend crash on Interstate 75. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Tipp City Schools expressed its condolences to friends and family of Tippecanoe Middle School employee Jennifer Korleski, according to a social media post. Jennifer was known for her kindness, encouragement, and genuine care for students, the school district said on its Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As previously reported by News Center 7, Korleski died in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 southbound past State Route 571 early Sunday morning. TRENDING STORIES: An Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) preliminary investigation revealed that a 2021 Ford was traveling on I-75 SB when it slowed with traffic for a previous crash. A 2009 Saturn driven by Korleski was also on I-75 when it hit the Ford, causing it to overturn and travel off the right side of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Saturn came to a stop in the left lane but got hit by a 2021 Jeep, the investigation stated. Medics transported the drivers of both the Jeep and the Ford to area hospitals. Korelski was pronounced dead at the scene, OSHP said. Tipp City Schools said that Jennifer Korelski always supported students and helped strive to be their best. We are keeping her loved ones, students, and the Tippecanoe Middle School team in our thoughts during this difficult time, the school district concluded. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Faculty at Schoharie Junior/Senior High School in New York knew something had to change when students began texting during a history class presentation by a Holocaust survivor. This was an opportunity that the students were missing out on to check out whats on Instagram, said David Russell, principal of Schoharie, a school for grades six through 12 in upstate New York. These people werent going to be around forever. The phones werent just a distraction. Teachers were exhausted from constantly policing the phone use, cyberbullying cases were on the rise, and instead of talking to each other during recess, students were glued to their phones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the Schoharie Central School District began to take action. It surveyed teachers and parents, held community forums and after months of vibrant and sometimes heated discussions, reached a district-wide consensus to ban phones throughout the full school day bell to bell. During the 20222023 school year, when the school rolled out the policy, the school communicated the purpose behind the policy: Its not just about taking phones away, he said. Its about showing students what they gain when the phone isnt in their hand. Schoharie is part of a growing national movement to curb phone use during the school day. At least 17 states have passed policies to limit or ban cellphones in class. Some states Arkansas, Louisiana, Virginia and South Carolina have already implemented bell-to-bell phone bans, and others are considering similar policies. In January, New Yorks Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a statewide phone restriction plan, backed by $13.5 million in funding, proposing banning cellphones in schools bell to bell. Last week, she announced that shes come to an agreement with state lawmakers on the ban and expects it to go into effect next school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some states are opting for more flexible restrictions, allowing school districts to choose how they want to implement the restrictions. In April, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill prohibiting cellphone use during classroom hours in the states public schools as well as restricting smartwatches and other emerging technologies. Cox expressed hope that the state would continue working toward the full-day phone ban, including lunchtime and passing periods. Phones have become a major distraction, and this bill thoughtfully resets the default to encourage healthier, more connected learning environments while still leaving room for local decision-making, Cox said. The law is set to take effect this summer. While Americans across both blue and red states support phone restrictions in schools, opinions differ on how strict those limits should be. About 7 in 10 Americans favor a ban during class time, but only a third support a bell-to-bell ban, according to the Pew Research Center. As consensus builds around the need to limit phone use, educators and administrators are still figuring out what those rules should look like in practice and how to make sure theyre consistently enforced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a recent meeting on school phone policies in Florida, state Rep. Fiona McFarland described the need for effectively applying the policies this way: We can make the greatest law in the world, which is meaningless if its not executed and enforced properly. The underlying why The debate over phone use in schools and how to best regulate it has gained renewed urgency following last years release of Jonathan Haidts buzzed-about book The Anxious Generation, which links early smartphone use to rising mental health risks and advocates for a play-based, phone-free childhood. Public officials, too, have been sounding the alarm about the impact of phones and social media. In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a public advisory on social media and youth mental health, and the following year, called for warning labels on social media platforms drawing parallels to tobacco and firearms. The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency and social media has emerged as an important contributor, Murthy wrote in The New York Times. The movement is gaining traction beyond the U.S., too. In November of 2024, Australia enacted one of the strictest measures yet, banning social media access for children under 16. The first few days of the no-phone policy were rocky at New Yorks Schoharie Junior/Senior High School. In the mornings, students lined up at the schools entrance to receive their magnet-sealed pouches, where theyd lock up their phones for the day. For the first three days of the school week, it was a long line to get the kids in just to verify the process, Russell told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the younger kids adapted smoothly to the new rules, the transition was rougher for the older high school students. Some even tried to game the system, smuggling in burner phones, slicing pouches, or using magnets to break the locks. The school worked closely with social workers and counselors, and within a few weeks, the resistance from the students subsided. The transition turned out to be smoother than the administrators expected at Timber Creek High School in Orlando, Florida, where the school implemented a district-wide bell-to-bell policy in 2023 following the states legislation. Florida was the first state to pass the bill restricting phone use and Orange County District, which includes Timber Creek High School, was the first district to adopt a full-day ban. We were nervous at first, said Marc Wasko, principal of Timber Creek High School. The idea that a team of about 10 administrators could manage nearly 3,400 students during lunch and passing periods seemed impossible, he said. But to Waskos surprise, the students adapted quickly. The school had a six-week grace period filled with constant reminders about the new policy. To ease the adjustment, teachers offered games during lunch to help restless teens unplug: spikeball, cornhole, and two newly painted pickleball courts in the courtyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre starting to find other avenues to talk to each other, hit the library, read books, and begin to not be so preoccupied with their phones, said Wasko. Timber Creek opted not to use locking pouches. Instead, students are simply asked to keep phones out of sight. Some teachers, however, have adopted their own phone jails, as students call them everything from phone locker cases to wall-mounted shoe organizers for storing devices during class. If the phone makes an appearance, its confiscated. After four warnings, disciplinary consequences follow. Parents not always happy about it For districts considering stricter phone policies, much of the resistance comes from parents, who are often reluctant to lose a direct line of communication with their children. Since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 and the attacks of 9/11, theres been a growing sense that danger looms over children at all times, said Katey McPherson, a former educator who is now a director of community partnerships at Bark Technologies, a company that offers parental controls for families. The instinct to hand kids smartphones sometimes as early as third grade with the goal of keeping them safe, she argues, may do more harm than good. Its sort of a backwards message about safety, said McPherson, who travels around the country speaking to school communities and parents. Experts say that student phone use during emergencies can actually hinder crisis response efforts. Student use of cellphones during an unfolding emergency can distract their attention from safety and emergency response directions being given by school staff, according to the National School Safety and Security Services, a national school safety consulting firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Schoharie Junior/Senior High School in New York, each classroom is equipped with an internal phone system, and parents can contact their children through the main office at any time. The school also has a resource officer on-site for emergencies. We dont want the cellphone lines flooded with miscommunication about something thats taking place in the building, said David Russell. Still, some educators and advocates argue that banning phones outright may overlook a critical opportunity. For many students, especially in under-resourced schools, smartphones double as essential learning tools serving as calculators, translators and research aids, wrote Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, a former public school principal and education adviser, in Education Week. English language learners and students with disabilities may also rely on apps and translation tools to help them navigate schoolwork, raising questions about how blanket bans might unintentionally disadvantage certain groups. Schools that have implemented phone restrictions successfully, McPherson said, have done so by including students, teachers, administrators, parents and board members in the process. You need to have all the voices at the table so you have the buy-in and you dont have the backlash, she said. A grieving process Enforcing a no-phone policy was accompanied by a kind of grieving process for students at Riverton High School in Utah. They go through denial, then bargaining then into many stages, where the teacher has to have a little bit of a backbone in order to continue to maintain that policy throughout the school, Adrian Ramjoue, an English teacher at Riverton, said. Before the district-wide mandate took effect earlier this year, Ramjoue took a more hands-off approach, allowing students to self-manage their phone use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But once the rule was in place, he quickly noticed a shift: Students were more engaged, less anxious and better able to finish their work during class. It became a collective sentiment, rather than one person being punished or one teacher being stricter than another, he said. Still, Ramjoue believes a full-day ban would go even further freeing teachers from the role of daily enforcer. Russell, Schoharies principal, noticed a similar shift on his campus. I used to walk into the cafeteria and see everyone in headphones, he said. Now its loud with conversation, kids are talking again. Even so, some educators caution that schools are only one piece of a larger puzzle. Its easy to make schools the focal point, when the bigger problem is phone use outside of school hours, said Shari Camhi, superintendent of the Baldwin Union Free School District in New York. Some kids stay up late on their devices, which affects sleep and learning. Im not sure a pouch is going to help that, she said, while still acknowledging that a focused, phone-free classroom supports better learning. In her district, phones arent allowed from bell to bell for grades K8, but high schoolers have more flexibility. Camhi isnt firmly for or against school phone bans, but shed like the conversation to go deeper: What exactly are we trying to accomplish? Rather than focusing solely on schools, she advocates for stronger parental involvement and cultivating healthy media habits at home. Banning phones in schools or even passing a law isnt really dealing with the source of the problem, which is just being addicted to phones in the first place, she said. In Florida, Principal Marc Wasko says his schools success with phone restrictions comes down to clarity and consistency. I think its because its across the board and everybody knows the expectation, he said. There was no wavering in it. New York Dem Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand on Sunday blasted what they called a cruel effort by President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to dismantle the World Trade Center Health Program. The pols said at a press conference that 16 more doctors and staff tied to the program were abruptly fired Friday night. Schumer, the Senates minority leader, said the late-night firings of WTCHP nurses, scientists and administrative officials exposed the Trump administrations intent to gut the program, which provides medical treatment and research for more than 137,000 responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. New York Dem Sen. Chuck Schumer on Sunday slams President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program. LP Media Donald Trump and [his Health and Human Services Secretary] RFK revealed their true intentions Friday night when they fired another 16 [workers]. They seem to do these things late at night on weekends so nobody would know, Schumer said, standing beside Gillibrand and 9/11 advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This political chaos is jeopardizing the healthcare of heroes, he said. Fellow Empire State Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand argues that bipartisan work went into building the program that helps 137,000 9/11 survivors. LP Media Schumer said he spoke to two long-time WTCHP staffers a doctor and an intake worker who were booted in the latest round of recent program cuts. They did so much to help those who rushed to the Towers, and on Friday night, when they got home, they were told they were fired, Schumer said. The WTCHP, created in 2005, is now floundering because of staff cuts, leading to delayed cancer treatments for survivors, Schumer said. People who are in the middle of being treated for serious cancers are not getting the treatment anymore, he told reporters. The program is designed to aid first responders and survivors of the 2001 horror. Tamara Beckwith/NY Post Mariama James, 53, and her three children belong to the WTCHP program. She has already lost both of her parents to 9/11-related cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are being lied to constantly, she said about Trumps and RFK Jr.s response to the program. My 23-year-old has worn a heart monitor for the past two weeks. I dont have time for people to lie to me anymore, James said. She said 800 survivors and first responders could not get certified to join the program in April because of the issues. Trump and Health and Human Services secretary, RFK Jr., have taken heat over the cuts. Getty Images Gillibrand echoed the outrage, saying bipartisan work had gone into building the program based on scientific evidence that linked 9/11 survivors to cancer and lung conditions. This is not a political issue. Its about keeping people alive, she said. The lawmakers vowed not to vote for any federal budget that wouldnt fully fund the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schumer accused New York House Republicans of allowing themselves to be played and lied to by promises that the programs funding would be restored and demanded they use their leverage in upcoming budget negotiations to force the Trump administration to reverse course. Theyve got to up the ante, he said. Do not vote for a budget that doesnt restore this program. At a massive facility in Livermore, California, scientists are conducting experiments that they hope will one day realize the dream of boundless clean energy. With a laser reportedly 1,000 times more powerful than the U.S. electrical grid, researchers are working to make fusion energy a reality. In 2022, the National Ignition Facility achieved a historic breakthrough: a fusion reaction with a greater output than the energy used to trigger it. This crucial milestone came after 60 years of research, but it was only a tantalizing first step toward making fusion energy a reality. The work continues. As Tammy Ma, the leader of the Inertial Fusion Energy Initiative at NIF, explained to CBS News, they are essentially making miniature stars on Earth: "Every time we do a fusion experiment on the NIF, we are actually the hottest place in the entire solar system, hotter than the center of the sun." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In layperson's terms, nuclear fusion is the process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to make a single heavier one, releasing gigantic amounts of energy as the International Atomic Energy Agency details. In essence, the goal is to recreate the same process that powers the sun. Nuclear fusion could generate four times more energy per unit of fuel than nuclear fission, which splits atoms. Current nuclear power plants use nuclear fission. The advantage of fusion is that, unlike fission, it generates no long-lived radioactive waste. The IAEA estimates that just a few grams of deuterium and tritium (types of heavy hydrogen) would be enough to meet the average person's energy needs in a developed country for 60 years. Essentially unlimited clean energy would go a long way to solving problems such as food and water shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, desalination plants are incredibly expensive and require huge amounts of energy, but fusion energy could eliminate that problem. Similarly, vertical farming and lab-grown meat could also become more commercially viable if fusion energy becomes a reality. The big question is: When, if ever, will we have fusion reactors? The idea of nuclear fusion dates back to the 1920s, but it has proved so much harder to achieve than fission. One of the biggest issues is finding a way to contain the reaction. At the moment, there's no answer about how to essentially bottle a plasma that's many times hotter than the surface of the sun for a significant amount of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists are working on using magnetic fields to prevent the plasma from ever touching the walls of the fusion chamber, but challenges remain. An experimental fusion reactor in France successfully maintained a plasma reaction for a record 22 minutes in February. Other nations are investing heavily in the technology, but even optimistic predictions place fusion reactors in the 2050s at the earliest. The 20th century had the space race, and the 21st may well have the fusion race. Who will win? If it ever reaches the finish line, humanity. 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. Cliff Simmons, an oil and gas inspector supervisor for the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection, points a methane sensor at an abandoned well on the Murrysville property of Pamela and Ivan Schrank on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Simmons visited the well site with other DEP officials, journalists and Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12). (Steve Mellon/Pittsburgh Union Progress) This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. For the first time, scientists have mapped groundwater variables nationally to understand which aquifers are most vulnerable to contamination from orphan wells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oil and gas wells with no active owner that are no longer producing and have not been plugged are considered orphan wells. These unplugged wells can create pathways for contaminants like hydrocarbons and brine to migrate from the oil and gas formation into groundwater zones. Plugging a well seals off these potential pathways. USGS scientists Joshua Woda, Karl Haase, Nicholas Gianoutsos, Kalle Jahn and Kristina Gutchess published a geospatial analysis of water-quality threats from orphan wells this month in the journal Science of the Total Environment. They found that factors including large concentrations of orphaned wells and the advanced age of wells make aquifers in Appalachia, the Gulf Coast and California susceptible to contamination. Using a USGS dataset of 117,672 documented orphan wells nationwide, the researchers found that 54 percent of the wells are within aquifers that supply 94 percent of groundwater used nationally. No matter where you live across the nation, you can go look at whats happening in your backyard, how your aquifers compare to other aquifers and what the threats are, said Gianoutsos. Orphan wells pockmark major U.S. aquifers The researchers mapped the locations of orphaned wells over principal and secondary aquifers using Geographic Information Systems datasets. They then analyzed the aquifers based on factors that could contribute to vulnerability to groundwater contamination, such as the average age of the orphan wells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Older wells were subject to less regulation and are more prone to failure. The authors found that Pennsylvanian aquifers, which span several Appalachian states including Pennsylvania, present the maximum confluence of risk factors. The first oil wells in the country were drilled in Pennsylvania. Orphan wells can be over 100 years old and located near coal seams and residential water wells. The Gulf Coast aquifers, including the Coastal Lowlands aquifer system, which stretches from Texas to the Florida Panhandle, were found to be susceptible in part because wells are located in areas like wetlands and open water that are more prone to contamination. The analysis also considered the rates of pumping from each aquifer. That led them to the California Coastal aquifers and the Central Valley, where a high density of old orphan wells overlaps with highly urbanized areas and intensive groundwater use for agriculture. The researchers found that the Ada-Vamoosa aquifer, in central Oklahoma, has the highest concentration of orphan wells per square mile of any principal aquifer in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authors note the paper is not an analysis of the amount of groundwater contamination from orphan wells or the number of leaking orphan wells. But they suggest that policymakers and researchers could use it as a basis to target aquifers for additional investigation. This could be a good starting point if someone wanted to do a local investigation, said Woda. Gianoutsos noted that the active list of orphan wells is changing as research into orphan wells and well plugging advances. He said some 40,000 orphan wells have been added to the national list since their dataset was created. Another approximately 10,000 orphan wells have been plugged in that time. The threats are still there, he said. Just as we discover more wells, we discover additional threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research was part of the U.S. Department of the Interior Orphaned Wells Program Office through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Parts of Pennsylvania look like Swiss cheese from drilling Orphan wells have been linked to groundwater contamination in states including Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas. A 2011 Ground Water Protection Council study found that orphan wells caused 41 groundwater contamination incidents in Ohio between 1983 and 2007. The study found orphan wells and sites caused 30 groundwater contamination incidents in Texas between 1993 and 2008. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reported several recent cases of orphan wells contaminating groundwater. An orphan well in Vowinckel in Clarion County contaminated a familys drinking water before it was plugged last year, according to the DEP. Another orphan well in Shinglehouse, in Potter County, was plugged by DEP in 2024 with emergency funds after a homeowner reported contamination of their water well. John Stolz, a professor of environmental microbiology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, has researched how fluids from oil and gas wells can migrate underground with unintended consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stolz said some of the wells in Pennsylvania are so old they were cased with wood or metal, unlike the cement that has been standard for decades. He said the wooden casings have often deteriorated completely. He said conventional drilling and more recent fracking have left much of Pennsylvania looking like Swiss cheese. Its good to see a study that focuses on the water resources, he said in response to the USGS study. We are going to have greater periods of drought, and these water resources are going to become far more valuable. Stolz is studying a frack-out in the town of New Freeport in southwestern Pennsylvania. An unconventional well being fracked communicated with an orphan well over 3,000 feet away, forcing fluids to the surface. Residents of the town resorted to drinking bottled water, according to NBC News. The industry refuses to admit this stuff happens, he said. The reality is it happens on a somewhat regular basis. GREER, S.C. (WSPA) May 6 is the official launch of a financial program to assist hospitality workers in need. A la Heart is an emergency assistance fund for hospitality industry employees in Greenville County, accessible to those in times of personal crisis. Money will help with unexpected injury, illness, disaster, funeral, deaths and more. It was modeled after Hubitability, an emergency assistance program benefiting Spartanburg The countys hospitality industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These employees make it possible for people to visit the Upstate, and the hospitality industry supports many businesses and small businesses in the Upstate. 7News visited GSP airport hospitality workers to find out all the ways they impact the Upstate economy. To donate to the local hospitality fund, click here The Greenville Chapter of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, in partnership with VisitGreenvilleSC, will open the application for A la Heart GVL on June 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Sean "Diddy" Combs told the judge overseeing his sex trafficking case he was "a little nervous" as jury selection in his long-awaited trial began on Monday, May 5. Combs was in federal court in Manhattan Monday as prospective jurors began facing the disgraced rap mogul whose freedom they will deliberate on. More than 600 potential jurors filled out questionnaires. At one point, Combs asked Judge Arun Subramanian if he could have a quick bathroom break, which was initially denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs dressed in a blue blazer and bearing gray hair and beard then told the judge "I'm sorry, your honor, I'm a little nervous today." Subramanian then granted him a two-minute break to relieve himself. The Bad Boy Records founder is facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty, but if convicted, he could face up to life in prison. Combs was arrested in Manhattan in September and indicted by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. The indictment centers around alleged freak offs, which prosecutors claim were "elaborate and produced sex performances" involving coerced women and male sex workers that Combs allegedly orchestrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs defense team has maintained that the sexual encounters were consensual. 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. Cassie Ventura, Combs ex, is expected to testify during the trial, PEOPLE previously reported. In the indictment, prosecutors referenced surveillance video from a Los Angeles hotel appearing to show Combs assaulting Ventura. Jurors were also asked if they were familiar with people on a list of hundreds of names that included major celebrities, including Kanye West, Mike Myers, Michael B. Jordan and Kid Cudi. It's not clear how they will come up in the trial nor if any will be called as witnesses. Combs has been incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest. Read the original article on People GAZA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 29 Palestinians were killed, and dozens injured on Monday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Civil Defense said. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the authority, told Xinhua that 15 bodies were recovered and over 10 people were rescued following an Israeli strike on residential apartments in the Al-Karama neighborhood, north of Gaza City. Additional strikes in the city killed five more individuals and wounded at least 10 others. In Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, seven people were killed, while two others died in a strike west of Khan Younis in the south, according to Basal. The latest casualties have brought the death toll to 2,459, with 6,569 injured since Israel resumed military operations on Gaza on March 18. The total death toll since October 2023 has reached 52,567, Gaza-based health authorities said on Monday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Monday that the IDF on Sunday struck loaded and ready-to-fire Hamas rocket launchers in the area of Khan Younis, which were reportedly aimed at Israeli territory. Also on Monday, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said its fighters carried out an ambush targeting an Israeli engineering unit near the separation fence in the Al-Farahin area, east of Khan Younis. According to a statement released by the Brigades, its fighters launched an anti-personnel missile at the unit, followed by close-range gunfire. The Israeli army has not commented on the incident. Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that it facilitated the transfer of 10 Palestinian prisoners released at the Kissufim crossing in southern Gaza to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. The ICRC said in a press statement that its teams reunited the detainees with their families and supported the medical examination process in coordination with the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Israel halted the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2 following the expiration of the first phase of a January ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The second phase has yet to be implemented due to a lack of consensus between the parties. The trial of American music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who was accused of running a sprawling sex trafficking operation, has ended with two guilty verdicts and an acquittal on three others. The rapper was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution of his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, and another woman known as "Jane" who had testified in the trial. He was found not guilty of the most serious charge of racketeering conspiracy, as well as two charges of sex trafficking in relation to Ms Ventura and "Jane". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations against him. Here is a breakdown of the charges faced by the rapper and how the jury came to its decision. What is racketeering? Racketeering conspiracy, or directing an illegal enterprise under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (Rico), is the formal name for the charge. The law was created to take on mob bosses, but it has since been used in other trials, including for sex trafficking - such as in the case against disgraced R&B singer R Kelly. It is also sometimes used against a group of defendants. US President Donald Trump and his allies were accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia - charges that Trump denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To convict Combs on this charge, prosecutors had to prove that he used his loyal network of associates to run a criminal enterprise to commit crimes including sex trafficking, kidnapping, drugging and obstruction of justice. In this case, that network would include his employees, who prosecutors argued played a part in setting up the "freak-offs" at the centre of the case. These were prolonged sexual encounters at which the prosecution's key witnesses said they were coerced to have sex with male escorts while Combs watched. In a raid on his Los Angeles mansion, police found supplies that they said were intended for use in freak-offs, including drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil. [Getty Images] Why was Diddy acquitted of racketeering? Combs' acquittal on the most serious charge of racketeering will likely be seen as a big win by his legal team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers had sought to undermine the allegation by asking witnesses whether Combs' employees ever witnessed the freak-offs. Cassie Ventura, the star witness for the prosecution, said she did not think they were present. Defence lawyers argued that the case cannot be considered to be racketeering if members of Combs' staff were not knowingly complicit. "Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?" said defence attorney Marc Agnifilo. "Did any witness get on that witness stand and say 'yes, I was part of a racketeering enterprise, I engaged in racketeering'?" Robert Mintz, a criminal defence lawyer and former federal prosecutor, told the BBC that the racketeering charge was always going to be the most challenging one for prosecutors to prove to a jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To gain a conviction, lawyers needed to prove that Combs established a co-ordinated plan between himself and at least one other person to commit at least two crimes over a span of several years, Mr Mintz said. "It's a very complicated charge, used typically in the past in organized crime prosecution," Mr Mintz said, adding it is unsurprising that this charge gave the jury the most difficulty. What is Diddy found guilty of? Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution relating to Ms Ventura and an anonymous victim known as "Jane". In simple terms, it means the jury found Combs guilty of transporting the two women to places where they would participate in sex acts and prostitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The felony dates back to the Mann Act, which was enacted in 1910. What is the Mann Act? The Mann Act is a US federal law that was passed to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women. Initially referred to as the "White-Slave Traffic Act", the more than 100-year-old law prohibits the transportation of individuals across state lines for illegal sex acts or prostitution. Both Ms Ventura and "Jane", who had dated the rapper, separately testified about "freak-offs" or "hotel nights". They described these as sexual encounters in which the couple would hire male escorts to have sex with the female partner while Combs watched, at times recording or directing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its early days, the Mann Act was used by federal prosecutors as a way to criminalise some forms of consensual activity, including interracial relationships. Combs' lawyers referenced that history in an unsuccessful attempt to get one of the charges against the rapper dismissed, arguing that he was being unfairly persecuted because of his race. Combs has been held at this Brooklyn jail [Getty Images] How much prison time is Diddy facing? Transportation for purposes of prostitution - the charge that Combs was convicted of - carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. And Combs was convicted on two counts. After the verdict, his lawyer Marc Agnifilo immediately asked for his client to be released from federal detention until his sentencing hearing, and suggested a $1m bail. But a judge denied that request and said the hip-hop mogul will remain in jail until he is sentenced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutor Maurene Comey has said she will push for the full 20 years - a decade for each conviction. "It is clear that the defendant does pose a danger," she said. Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, since his arrest on 16 September 2024. Critics describe the prison as overcrowded and understaffed, with a culture of violence. His lawyers argued for his release in 2024, citing the jails horrific conditions, but a New York federal judge denied the bail request, describing Combs as a serious flight risk. When will Diddy be sentenced? Judge Arun Subramanian proposed 3 October as a sentencing date for Combs, but the defence asked for an expedited schedule. The lawyers will meet again on 8 July to further discuss the schedule. The judge said Combs would get 10 months credit for time served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the rapper faces a maximum sentence of 10 years on each count, it will be up to the judge to decide the length of time he will ultimately serve. What are the other allegations against Diddy? Separately, Combs faces a number of lawsuits accusing him of rape and assault. Tony Buzbee, a Texas lawyer handling some of these cases, said that more than 100 women and men from across the US had either filed lawsuits against the rap mogul or intended to do so. In December 2023, a woman known in court papers as Jane Doe alleged that she was "gang raped" by Combs and others in 2003, when she was 17. She said she was given "copious amounts of drugs and alcohol" before the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs's legal team dismissed the flurry of lawsuits as "clear attempts to garner publicity". Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura were in an on-and-off relationship for more than a decade [EPA] Combs' current legal issues began in late 2023 when he was sued by Ms Ventura, also known as Cassie, for violent abuse and rape. That lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount a day after it was filed, with Combs maintaining his innocence. Since then, dozens of other people have filed lawsuits accusing Combs of sexual assault, with accusations dating back to 1991. He denies all the claims. His controversial history with Ms Ventura resurfaced in 2024, when CNN published leaked CCTV footage from 2016 showing Combs kicking his ex-girlfriend as she lay on a hotel hallway floor. He apologised for his behaviour, saying: "I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I'm disgusted now." How were the New York jurors selected? Dozens of potential jurors were vetted by the court. The process included potential jurors looking through a long list of places and people that could be mentioned during trial, with names like Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Potential jurors also had to fill out questionnaires that asked whether they had "views about hip hop artists" or "feelings concerning violence, sexual assault". The judge reminded the court several times of the importance of choosing a fair and impartial jury. How did 'Sean 'Diddy' Combs become successful? Combs - who has also gone by the names Puffy, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Love, and Brother Love - emerged in the hip-hop scene in the 1990s. His early music career success included helping launch the careers of Mary J Blige and Christopher Wallace - aka Biggie Smalls, or The Notorious B.I.G. His music label Bad Boy Records became one of the most important labels in rap and expanded to include Faith Evans, Ma$e, 112, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. Combs also had a prolific business career outside of music, including a deal with British drinks company Diageo to promote the French vodka brand Ciroc. In 2023, he released his fifth record The Love Album: Off The Grid and earned his first solo nomination at the Grammy awards. He also was named a Global Icon at the MTV Awards. [BBC] Get all the latest trial updates on the BBC Sounds 'Diddy on Trial' podcast available wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Sean Penn appeared on Jim Acostas Substack podcast recently to talk about the new film Words of War, and the discussion ranged across several topics in world politics. The always-outspoken actor and activist didnt hold back his thoughts about the danger of President Trump and the direction the country is heading in. While talking about El Salvadors president Nayib Bukele and whether Trump will try to stay in the White House past his term limit, Penn said that we should consider worst cast scenarios and that Trump might try to destroy the world before he ages out of life. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do think its a reasonable theory that Donald Trump is not unlike the spouse of someone who leaves him, perhaps for another, who then murders their former partner because if they cant have her, nobody can, Penn said. I think Donald Trump and his solipsism may have that relationship with the world and that this destruction is in part a power play, and also a literal intention of his final out. Congressman Eric Swalwell, who is an executive producer on Words of War along with Penn and was also a guest on the podcast, said, What worries me is if he doesnt believe theres somebody who can protect him, you will see him ratchet up what hes willing to do to the country to protect himself. Our only hope is a Congress that will check it, a press that will report on it, a court thats independent to rule on it and a town square filled with Americans who say hell no,' Swalwell said. Maxine Peake and Jason Isaacs star in Words of War, about the late Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was assassinated outside the elevator of her Moscow apartment in 2005. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking about Russia and the subject of the film, Penn said, Those who think it cant happen here either have not studied the certain indications that it will, unless people are involved and theyre educated. We are tasting in our country what the Russians have gone through, Penn warned. Words of War is now playing in selected theaters. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sean Penn - Credit: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images Sean Penn is not holding back when it comes to his opinion of Donald Trumps second term as president. Speaking on Jim Acostas Substack podcast, the actor said he is concerned about whether Trump will attempt to remain in office. We should consider worst case scenarios, Penn said, after speaking about El Salvadors president Nayib Bukele. I do think its a reasonable theory that Donald Trump is not unlike the spouse of someone who leaves him, perhaps for another, who then murders their former partner because if they cant have her, nobody can. And I think Donald Trump and his solipsism may have that relationship with the world and that this destruction is in part a power play, and also a literal intention of his final out. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acosta then asked if Penn thought Donald would leave at the end of his term. I think he might try to destroy the world before he ages out of life, Penn replied. Congressman Eric Swalwell, who also appeared on the podcast and is an executive producer the new film Words of War alongside Penn, added that theres never a succession plan with wannabe dictators. Thats what worries me is if he doesnt believe theres somebody who can protect him, you will see him ratchet up what hes willing to do to the country to protect himself, Swalwell said. Our only hope is a Congress that will check it, a press that will report on it, a court thats independent to rule on it and a town square filled with Americans who say hell no.' Penn joined Acosta to promote Words of War, which stars Maxine Peake and Jason Isaacs and centers on Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was assassinated outside her Moscow apartment in 2005. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who think it cant happen here either have not studied the certain indications that it will, unless people are involved and theyre educated, Penn said. We are tasting in our country what the Russians have gone through. The actor also took aim at Trump during a recent interview with Forbes about Words of War saying that were absolutely there. Theres no denying it, Penn said. Sometimes, people are cautious or have performative sobriety when it is in the media, where they dont want to call it out for all that it is when this is a five-alarm fire. Lets keep in mind that we remember in President Trumps first campaign when he said he could shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue and nobody would do anything about it. The Supreme Court has now agreed with him. Joe Biden could have had him assassinated and faced no charges. I would not have been for that, and President Biden would never have done that, of course, but when things go as far as they do when society allows what is happening here now to continue, thats when you get Words of War. Penn has been a longtime critic of Trump. In 2018, he wrote a scathing op-ed for TIME calling Trump an enemy of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solution to our current divisiveness does not live in the White House, Penn wrote. Instead, we will find unity only when we recognize that in our current president we have elected, perhaps for the first time in our history, an enemy of compassion. Indeed, we can be unified not only with each other but with Africa, El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico, the Middle East, and beyond if we recognize President Donald Trump is an enemy of Americans, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and every new child born. An enemy of mankind. He is indeed an enemy of the state. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Two people were stabbed on Saturday night near Hing Hay Park in Seattles Chinatown-International District, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) said in a release. SPD responded to an altercation at around 8:40 p.m. and found a 32-year-old man stabbed in the neck, the release said. Witnesses told police he got into an altercation with the suspect before being stabbed. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say they also found a 37-year-old man with a laceration to his arm. He was treated at the scene and released with non-life-threatening injuries. SPD has not arrested any suspects but ask anyone with any information to call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. Video above from previous story: Passengers on Jeff Knights boat describe fatal ferry crash: Where the f*** were their lights? CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) A sworn statement was released from a Seminole boater that details his encounter with the Clearwater Ferry days before the fatal crash. A recreational boat, driven by Jeff Knight, slammed into the back of the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge on April 27, killing Jose Castro and injuring 10 others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boater, Ryan Smith, also known as Tug, said he has two boats and fishes 4 to 5 days a week. In the sworn statement, Smith stated that 10 days earlier, on a Thursday or Friday, he had finished fishing by the Clearwater Marine Hospital. Smith said in the statement, shortly after dark, he approached the ferry but he thought the ferry was a building in the distance because there were no stern lights. Damn, someone is going to run up the a** end of this boat and get killed! Smith said in the sworn statement. Smith slowed down and passed the ferry on the port side and continued to the Seminole boat ramp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement said until this incident, he had never heard of Jeff Knight. Passengers onboard the boat that struck the Clearwater Ferry also wrote sworn letters detailing their experience that night. No charges have been filed in connection to the ferry crash. Jeff Knight, the owner of Jannus Live, stepped down from the management team. From the sworn witness statements already in your possession, as well as from the video evidence, there is consistent and credible evidence that no stern light was visible at the time of the incident, attorney J. Kevin Hayslett wrote in the letter to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking anyone with video footage from the area of the fatal ferry crash to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Georgia U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock hosted a town hall on Sunday night to answer questions from his constituents. Hundreds attended the event at Zion Hill Baptist in Atlanta, where Warnock addressed several topics, including President Donald Trumps first 100 days of his second term. Let me be clear, Im not going to sugar coat it. These are tough times. And the obstacles seem overwhelming. We have witnessed devastating consequences of this new administration. This has been the longest 100 days of my life, Warnock said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The senator spoke on the recent firing of federal workers, Social Security concerns and Trumps tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This president is unserious, playing a reckless game of yo-yo with the American economy. Implementing sweeping and harmful tariff policies and putting some of our strongest global allies at odds with us, Warnock said. TRENDING STORIES At one point during the town hall, a group of Pro-Palestine protesters confronted Warnock with Free Palestine and No to Genocide chants. Several protesters were removed from the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can come and express yourself its a very passion issue or we could have a conversation. We cant do both things, Warnock said as one of the protesters was escorted out. Warnock said he is fighting is for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. You can watch the town hall below: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday called for a federal investigation of the FAA amid ongoing delays at Newark Airport. The chaos at Newark Airport could very well be a national harbinger if all these issues arent fixed, and if the FAA cant get real solutions to these problems off the ground, Schumer said. [I]t is quite clear that the FAA is just a mess right now. Delays at Newark have been mounting since the afternoon of April 28, when twin failures of the FAAs air traffic control network one affecting controllers radar screens and the other affecting their communications ground air traffic to a halt for two hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources told the Daily News that those issues have both been fixed albeit temporarily but in the days since, a shortage of air traffic controllers responsible for the airspace over northern New Jersey has led to persistent cancellations and delays. In a Monday letter to Mitch Behm, the acting inspector general for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Schumer demanded an inquest into last weeks dual outages as well as the shortage of air traffic controllers certified to guide planes across northern New Jersey home to Newark, Teterboro and Morristown airports. I am calling on you to investigate the FAAs administrative, operational and capital functions to deliver more for the American people, Schumer wrote. Specifically, Schumer said he was seeking answers as to why Philadelphias Terminal Radar Approach Control facility known as TRACON is tasked with guiding pilots to airports in Eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey but was not included in a May pay bump issued by the FAA in an effort to attract more employees to hard to staff locations. New York and Washington, D.C.s TRACONs were also omitted from the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schumer also asked Behm to dig into the FAAs plans to upgrade the infrastructure that relays radar and communication data to controllers the same radar and telecom networks that failed last week. Control of the airspace over northern Jersey was transferred from NYC TRACOM on Long Island to the Philadelphia control center last summer in an effort to lessen the load on the Nassau County facility. Sources told The News that while control of the airspace is now handled by the City of Brotherly Love, the radar feeds of the skies above Jersey are still sent to Long Island. The feeds must then be transmitted to controllers screens in Philly, a situation that is prone to latency and outages. That system, along with the telecommunications network that lets controllers talk to planes and local airport control towers, failed for at least two hours last Monday, according to sources familiar with the outage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 25 Philly-based air traffic controllers qualified to guide planes through the North Jersey airspace, at least five took contractually allowed leave following the radar and comms failure a move that some, including United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, have called an unofficial work action by the unionized controllers. United subsequently cut 35 daily flights from the airport on Sunday, about 10% of the carriers schedule. A spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association the controllers union pushed back Monday. The controllers did not walk off the job as it has been reported by the media, read a NATCA statement shared by spokesman Galen Munroe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Controllers, suddenly unable to see or talk with planes under their control, took leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, the union said. This program covers all federal employees that are physically injured or experience a traumatic event on the job. As of Monday night, more than 150 flights through Newark had been canceled and over 320 flights had been delayed. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that hed been personally caught in the delays while traveling through the airport Monday, and vowed the House would definitely look into the Newark woes. Jeffries laid the blame on the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has decimated the federal government, he said. They are breaking the FAA. In a statement, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns Newark, JFK and La Guardia airports, called on the FAA to do more. The Port Authority has invested billions to modernize Newark Liberty, but those improvements depend on a fully staffed and modern federal air traffic system, a spokesman for the bistate agency said. We continue to urge the FAA to address ongoing staffing shortages and accelerate long-overdue technology upgrades that continue to cause delays in the nations busiest air corridor. Aidan ODonnell, the Port Authoritys general manager for New Jersey airport operations, told The News Monday that he empathized with travelers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recognize that they have places to be, or they want to come home, he said. Nobody finds the level of delay that our customers have been subjected to in any way acceptable. With David Goldiner Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday called for a federal investigation of the FAA amid ongoing delays at Newark Airport. The chaos at Newark Airport could very well be a national harbinger if all these issues arent fixed, and if the FAA cant get real solutions to these problems off the ground, Schumer said. (I)t is quite clear that the FAA is just a mess right now. Delays at Newark have been mounting since the afternoon of April 28, when twin failures of the FAAs air traffic control network one affecting controllers radar screens and the other affecting their communications ground air traffic to a halt for two hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources told the Daily News that those issues have both been fixed albeit temporarily but in the days since, a shortage of air traffic controllers responsible for the airspace over northern New Jersey has led to persistent cancellations and delays. In a Monday letter to Mitch Behm, the acting inspector general for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Schumer demanded an inquest into last weeks dual outages as well as the shortage of air traffic controllers certified to guide planes across northern New Jersey home to Newark, Teterboro and Morristown airports. I am calling on you to investigate the FAAs administrative, operational and capital functions to deliver more for the American people, Schumer wrote. Specifically, Schumer said he was seeking answers as to why Philadelphias Terminal Radar Approach Control facility known as TRACON is tasked with guiding pilots to airports in Eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey but was not included in a May pay bump issued by the FAA in an effort to attract more employees to hard to staff locations. New York and Washington, D.C.s TRACONs were also omitted from the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schumer also asked Behm to dig into the FAAs plans to upgrade the infrastructure that relays radar and communication data to controllers the same radar and telcom networks that failed last week. Control of the airspace over northern Jersey was transferred from NYC TRACOM on Long Island to the Philadelphia control center last summer in an effort to lessen the load on the Nassau County facility. Sources told The News that while control of the airspace is now handled by the city of brotherly love, the radar feeds of the skies above Jersey are still sent to Long Island. The feeds must then be transmitted to controllers screens in Philly, a situation that is prone to latency and outages. That system, along with the telecommunications network that lets controllers talk to planes and local airport control towers, failed for at least two hours last Monday, according to sources familiar with the outage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 25 Philly-based air traffic controllers qualified to guide planes through the north Jersey airspace, at least five took contractually-allowed leave following the radar and comms failure a move that some, including United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, have called an unofficial work action by the unionized controllers. United subsequently cut 35 daily flights from the airport on Sunday, about 10% of the carriers schedule. A spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association the controllers union did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As of midday Monday, more than 150 flights through Newark had been canceled, and 265 flights had been delayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns Newark, JFK and La Guardia airports, called on the FAA to do more. The Port Authority has invested billions to modernize Newark Liberty, but those improvements depend on a fully staffed and modern federal air traffic system, a spokesperson for the bi-state agency said. We continue to urge the FAA to address ongoing staffing shortages and accelerate long-overdue technology upgrades that continue to cause delays in the nations busiest air corridor. Aidan ODonnell, the Port Authoritys general manager for New Jersey airport operations, told The News Monday that he empathized with travelers. We recognize that they have places to be, or they want to come home, he said. Nobody finds the level of delay that our customers have been subjected to in any way acceptable. _____ BOSTON (SHNS) The Senate Ways and Means Committee wants to keep its foot on the gas of ballooning financial aid with a 25% increase to the MASSGrant Plus program, according to someone with knowledge of the committees plans for next years state budget. The MASSGrant Plus program, which is meant to cover unmet costs of tuition and mandatory fees for low-income community college students attending public higher education institutions, was expanded to an $80 million investment last year. The committees fiscal year 2026 budget, set to be unveiled Tuesday, will recommend increasing that investment to $100 million. The goal is to make public higher education close to completely free for more lower income students, including those who also qualify for federal Pell grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The financial aid investment has grown rapidly in recent years. When it was launched under former Gov. Charlie Baker in 2018, the program had just $7.5 million to distribute to students in need. Under the $80 million invested in fiscal 2025, MASSGrant Plus covers the full cost of tuition and fees and an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies for full- or part-time students at public four-year colleges and universities from families earning up to about $85,000 per year. For families earning up to $100,000, the program covers about half of the out-of-pocket costs for tuition and fees for full-time students at the states community colleges and 15 state universities. Additionally, the University of Massachusetts announced last fall that through the expansion of MASSGrant Plus, any in-state student coming from a family who earns under $75,000 will be able to attend a UMass school for free by next school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current state budget included a number of other higher education financial aid investments as well, including making community college free for every Massachusetts resident and an additional $175.2 million for other scholarships awarded through the General Fund. The Board of Higher Education approved budget recommendations in December for fiscal 2026 which included, expanding the Massachusetts financial aid programs to make all public colleges and universities debt-free or nearly debt-free for almost all without an existing college degree. Gov. Maura Healey and the House proposed level-funding the program after years of rapid growth, keeping it steady at $80 million. The most recent big increases in financial aid have been mostly funded through a pot of revenues collected from a 4% income surtax on the states highest earners. That surtax was approved by voters in 2022, and may only be spent on education or transportation initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee plans to release its full annual budget bill Tuesday in advance of floor debate on it during the week before Memorial 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PHNOM PENH, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Fermented fish paste "Prahok" in northwestern Cambodia's Siem Reap province was recognized as a new Geographical Indication (GI) product on Monday, said a joint press release. Prahok is a key ingredient in Cambodian culinary traditions. Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul said the official recognition of Siem Reap Prahok as a GI product reflected efforts to protect and promote Cambodia's unique cultural assets through a strong intellectual property framework. "This milestone not only safeguards traditional knowledge but also enhances the marketability and competitiveness of local products at both national and international levels," she said. "The Ministry of Commerce remains committed to strengthening the GI system as a strategic instrument for inclusive economic growth and value-added trade," she added. Siem Reap Prahok joined other iconic Cambodian GI products like Kampot pepper, Kampong Speu palm sugar, and Mondulkiri wild honey. "Siem Reap Prahok symbolizes the linkage between our traditions and sustainable development, ensuring quality for consumers and bolstering the competitiveness of Cambodia's agricultural sector," said Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina. "As a newly recognized GI product, Siem Reap Prahok not only fosters economic growth but also protects traditional practices and the environment," he added. Siem Reap Prahok is a vibrant celebration of Cambodia's culinary traditions, deeply rooted in the history of the Angkor Empire, where local ingredients and flavors were cherished. With its GI status, Siem Reap Prahok will strengthen the livelihoods of local producers while enhancing Cambodia's visibility in the global market, allowing the world to appreciate its rich culinary heritage. This achievement resulted from dedicated collaboration among key national institutions through a European Union (EU)-funded project. "GIs are powerful tools for empowering smallholder producers, preserving traditions, and promoting responsible resource management, thus contributing to sustainable development," said Igor Driesmans, EU ambassador to Cambodia. He added that GIs played a vital role in Europe, with over 3,500 registered, and the EU had supported the development of Cambodia's GI system for over a decade by providing capacity building and technical assistance. Unlike a traditional trademark, a geographical indication emphasizes the origin of the product, as well as unique features, including its appearance, color, flavor, physical or chemical characteristics, or specific production process, thereby distinguishing it as a brand on the international market. A poll worker helps guide a voter at the Franklin County early voting center. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal.) Voting legislation is advancing in the Ohio Senate. Last week, a committee approved a measure prohibiting ranked choice voting and heard from proponents of a plan to require proof of citizenship for voting. Both bills are retreads of proposals that didnt make the cut last session. Ranked Choice The measure banning ranked choice voting, Senate Bill 63, has the backing of well-known conservative lobbying outfits like the Heritage Foundation and a few lesser-known ones, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honest Elections Project Action is one of a several a 501(c) organization connected with former Federalist Society leader Leonard Leo. The Opportunity Solutions Project is a Florida thinktank that lobbies state and federal governments on issues like restricting food assistance and loosening child labor laws. When state lawmakers proposed raising the threshold for approving constitutional amendments, OSP was the only group to show up. Opportunity Solutions Projects parent organization got more than $2 million from Leonard Leos Concord Fund. But for all that conservative backing, the measure itself is bipartisan. State Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, is co-sponsoring the bill, calling ranked choice a disaster waiting to happen. Supporters believe ranked choice will give voters more options, but thats precisely the problem for DeMora. He warned about races in Oregon with 50-plus candidates for city council and described a hypothetical four-person race where the top two finishers got 45% and 30% of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id expect each of us to agree that the first candidate with 45% of the vote won thats a clear victory, DeMora argued. No one here today would be upset if they won their next election by 15%, but using ranked choice voting, that candidate could very easily lose. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Denise Riley from the organization Rank the Vote Ohio, pushed back on DeMoras horror stories. Making an allusion to Baskin Robbins, she argued DeMora and other supporters want to reduce voting to a binary choice chocolate or vanilla. Im here to tell you that the public really wants and likes more choices and having more say in their government, she wrote. You should give them that say. It is your job to represent the people you serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure also got pushback from the conservative perspective as well. Marcell Strbich is a retired Air Force veteran and grassroots election integrity activist. He regularly testifies in favor more restrictive elections policies, and submitted testimony in opposition of the bill in March along with 60-plus others. He noted as several others have that lawmakers actually cant ban ranked choice voting. The state supreme court determined more than 70 years ago that local elections are a local matter. The sponsors attempt to sidestep that ruling by withholding state funding if a municipality approves a ranked choice voting system. If Ohios Republicans and Democrats want to ban RCV, amend the Ohio Constitution, Strbich argued. Thats the transparent, democratic way to respect our legal framework. Instead, S.B. 63 takes a shortcut, using state funds to coerce counties and granting the Secretary of State vague, unchecked power. This isnt reform its a power grab. Last week, though, the Senate committee approved the bill as-is. Its awaiting a floor vote. Proof of citizenship The Senate measure, S.B. 153, would require every voter to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. Under current law only citizens may vote, and officials regularly comb through the rolls looking for individuals improperly registered. The only deterrent against registering and voting illegally is the threat of prosecution. Thats worked remarkably well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly every registration flagged by the secretary of state has turned out to be a false positive. A rigorous review by the attorney general found just six cases of illegal voting. In an electorate of 8.1 million voters thats .00007%, or less than one ten thousandth of 1%. The bill, sponsored by state Sens. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, and Andrew Brenner, R-Delaware, tosses in a few other conservative wish list items alongside the citizenship provisions. They place new strictures on the petition process, including requiring paid canvassers wear a badge identifying themselves as such, and they eliminate the use of ballot drop boxes. The only group to show up in support of the idea was the Foundation for Government Accountability Action the new name for Opportunity Solutions Project. The organization submitted testimony under both names for the ranked choice measure. Rather than sending their own staffers, the organization hired local lobbyists like Harrison Siders. Siders praised the measure for closing a loophole when it comes to potentially illegal registrations already a felony offense and the requirement of monthly voter roll audits a likely violation of federal law prohibiting any systematic removal of a voter within 90 days of a federal election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued the bill respects the rights of lawful voters while putting in place practical, achievable safeguards that will fortify our election system against fraud. Notably, University of Maryland researchers have found more than 21.3 million Americans more than 9% of voting age citizens dont have ready access to the documents required under the bill. DeMora pressed Siders on the ballot drop boxes and he brought up highly publicized fire-bombings in the Portland, OR area, but acknowledged no ballots in Ohio have been compromised. If someone wants to fire-bomb a ballot drop off box, they can fire-bomb a post box, DeMora continued. How is this going to protect the integrity of ballots, of absentee ballots and stuff, when if someone wants to bomb something, theyre going to bomb something? Siders said a ballot drop box likely has more ballots he argued than a home or public post box and lawmakers should focus on critical points in the voting system. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Boycotting foreign countries is an American tradition older than the United States. The Boston Tea Party that preceded the American Revolution came at the tail end of a boycott campaign against British goods. But since the 1970s, the U.S. government has tried to stop Americans from participating in unauthorized foreign boycotts. This week, the House of Representatives was set to vote on the International Governmental Organization (IGO) Anti-Boycott Act, which would arguably be the most draconian measure of this kind to date: It would impose a maximum 20-year prison sentence or $1 million fine for complying with international human rights sanctions against a U.S. ally, including by "furnishing information." The bill's sponsors are bipartisan: Reps. Mike Lawler (RN.Y.) and Josh Gottheimer (DN.J.). So are its opponents. After running into unexpected Republican oppositionincluding from lawmakers who vehemently oppose boycotting Israel, such as Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (RGa.) and Anna Paulina Luna (RFla.)the vote was quietly postponed, the libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie (RKy.) revealed on X on Sunday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the bill is on ice for now, the antiboycott laws that it is built on are still on the books. In response to the Arab League embargo on Israel, the Carter administration adopted export regulations in 1977 banning American businesses from heeding an "agreement with, a requirement of, or a request from" a foreign government to boycott a "friendly" third party. Congress tightened the restrictions in 2018, imposing a maximum 20-year prison sentence or $1 million fine for violations. Complying with a boycott includes "furnishing information" to boycotting countries, or even failing to report a foreign boycott request to the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security. Last year, an American company was fined $151,875 after it didn't tell the U.S. government that its distributor in the United Arab Emirates wanted it to stop selling to Israel. The IGO Anti-Boycott Act would expand unauthorized boycotts to include campaigns by international institutions like the United Nations or European Union. The preamble to an earlier Democratic-sponsored version of the bill, which failed in 2018, specifically accused the United Nations Human Rights Council of sponsoring a "commercial boycott" of Israel by publishing a list of businesses that it considered complicit in Israeli rule over the Palestinian territories. "International organizations can't get away with targeting our key democratic ally, Israel. That's why we are introducing the bipartisan IGO Anti-Boycott Act to counter the blatant anti-Israel bias in international organizations like the United Nations," Gottheimer said in a January press release published by Lawler's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civil libertarians warn that treating the U.N. list as a foreign boycott would allow the U.S. government to prosecute Americans for political statements. The IGO Anti-Boycott Act "plainly extends to voluntary, politically-motivated speech seeking to support proscribed boycotts," the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) argued in a February 2024 letter to lawmakers. Although the U.N. resolution creating the list in 2016 does not specifically call for a boycott, it does urge nations to hold listed companies, such as Israeli security and surveillance contractors, responsible for violating Palestinians' rights. When the list was publicized in 2020, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called it a "discriminatory anti-Israeli policy" and a "shameful capitulation to pressure from countries and organisations that are interested in hurting Israel." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to "fight this with all our strength." An Israeli government strategy memo, written in February 2019 and revealed by the group Distributed Denial of Secrets in July 2024, recommends trying to get the U.N. list covered by "existing U.S. antiboycott regulations imposed by the Commerce and Treasury Departments," which "could be leveraged to limit the ability of any person subject to the U.S. rulesto undertake any [U.N.] Database-related activity." The memo continued: "The challenge is that, historically, both the Commerce and the Treasury Departments have taken a position that their regulations apply only to boycotts that are enforced by governments. They therefore have not applied those regulations to actions taken individually by companies to comply with non-governmental boycotts." It added that "new Congressional legislation" would be the "most difficult approach, but the one that would provide the most flexibility to implement new authorities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawler and Gottheimer's bill would do just that. Although it passed the House last year, that effort died in the Senate. Lawler and Gottheimer expected that a second attempt would be more successful now that Republicans control both houses of Congress, according to their January 2025 statement, filled with supportive quotes from Christians United for Israel, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the Republican Jewish Committee, and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. What they didn't take into account was how much Republican opposition they would run into within the House itself. "Americans have the right to boycott, and penalizing this risks free speech. I reject and vehemently condemn antisemitism but I cannot violate the first amendment," Luna wrote on X. Massie called it "a ridiculous bill that our leadership should have never scheduled for a vote." It's unclear if or when the bill will be brought up again. In the meantime, plenty of anti-boycott laws are already on the books. In addition to the federal antiboycott laws, at least 38 states have passed laws, executive orders, or resolutions targeting boycotts of Israel. In 2019, the Arkansas Times sued the state over a requirement that it sign an anti-boycott certification to continue doing business with the state university system. The 8th Circuit upheld the law, stating that "purely commercial, non-expressive conduct" was not protected speech. Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression senior attorney Jay Diaz has argued that this was the wrong decision, citing "a long U.S. tradition" of political boycotts, from the Boston Tea Party to the Civil Rights Movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the right to boycott is not the only First Amendment issue at play. The ban against "furnishing information" to foreign boycotters is already extremely broad. The law firm Watson Farley & Williams lists a company's certification "that they have not violated or will not violate the sanctions law of any country, without referring specifically to Israel or the Arab League Boycott," as a potential violation. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP mentions "a shipping certificate to an intermediate consignee in a third country certifying that a shipping vessel is allowed to call at Arabian ports" as another potential violation, because it implies "information about the vessel owner's business relationshipsor lack thereofwith Israel." Adding international human rights investigations to the antiboycott law would create a whole new legal minefieldand more opportunities to arrest or fine Americans, as the ACLU warned in its letter. After all, Israel isn't the only U.S. partner on the U.N. or E.U. radar for allegations of bad conduct. "While Congress has every right to oppose boycotts fostered or imposed by international governmental organizations, such opposition is not a sufficient ground to ban Americans from communicating accurate factual information to an international governmental body, nor may Congress obstruct Americans from exercising their own freedom to express their political beliefs in the form of a boycott," the ACLU wrote. The post Should Sharing Information About Israeli Businesses Get You 20 Years in Prison? appeared first on Reason.com. For years, the stabbing death of Ohio mother of three Aliza Sherman in downtown Cleveland remained a mystery Sherman was chased and stabbed to death in broad daylight while waiting to meet her attorney Her attorney, Gregory Moore, 51, had asked her to meet him at his office on a Sunday in March 2013, authorities allege An Ohio nurse was killed in broad daylight 12 years ago in downtown Cleveland while waiting for her divorce attorney to let her into his law office and now authorities have announced that the divorce attorney is accused of murdering her. On March 24, 2013, Aliza Sherman, a 53-year-old mother of three from Beachwood, was chased and fatally stabbed by a hooded figure near the office building where her attorney, Gregory Moore, 51, had told her to meet him, authorities allege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, the case went cold until now. On Friday, May 2, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley announced that Moore was arrested by U.S. Marshals that day in Austin, Texas. Moore has been indicted and charged with one count of aggravated murder, one count of conspiracy, six counts of murder and two counts of kidnapping. The Sherman family has waited over a decade for answers regarding their mothers homicide," OMalley said in the announcement. Moore allegedly plotted for months to kidnap and attack Sherman all to obstruct" the judge from trying her divorce case during the week of March 25, 2013, a date that had been set by the judge in December 2012, according to the indictment, reviewed by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His aim was to prevent Sherman from being available to attend the proceedings due to serious physical harm and/or death," it alleges. This isnt the first time he had tried to delay his trials, prosecutors claim. In 2012, Moore allegedly called in bomb threats on three different dates to court houses where he was scheduled to be in trial, according to the indictment. On Jan. 3, 2013, Moore and at least one other unnamed individual learned that the prosecutors office was investigating his cell phone usage around the time the bomb threats were made to the court houses. 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. Shortly after, Moore and at least one other unnamed person obtained a new phone on the law firms Verizon business account. Moore was also given control of the firms mobile hot spot, which enabled him to avoid detection by law enforcement, the indictment alleges. A Deadly Meeting On Sunday, March 24, 2013, Moore allegedly carried out his plan to kidnap and kill Sherman by texting her at 2:31 p.m. and telling her to meet him at the law offices at 4:30 p.m., according to the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore went to the law offices and swiped his pass to get into the building, but did not go in. Next he disconnected his cell phone from the network so the phone couldnt be tracked by cell towers, the indictment alleges. When Sherman got to the law office, she texted Moore saying the doors were locked and that she was heading back to her car to wait for him because it was too cold. "Text me when door is open tx, she wrote. At that moment, an assailant who was either Moore or an unknown co-conspirator approached Sherman and chased her down the street before stabbing her more than 10 times before fleeing, the indictment alleges. Lying on the ground, Sherman managed to call 911 before a Good Samaritan found her and also called for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Moore texted Sherman asking where she was. He snuck into the law offices through a back entrance to avoid the throng of police investigating in front, the indictment alleges. At 7:32 p.m., Moore connected his phone back to the cellular network and kept calling Shermans phone until 9:05 p.m. to make it look like he didnt know about Shermans deadly assault, it alleges. On March 29, 2013, Moore filed a motion notifying the court of Sherman's death. On April 2, 2013, the Shermans divorce case was dismissed. That same day, Moore transferred his law firm cellular phone number to a different cellular phone than the one he used on March 24, 2013. Moore is scheduled to be arraigned on May 16. Online court records do not show an attorney for him. Read the original article on People Update 5:05 p.m.: Ryan Hintons family distanced themselves from the actions of his father, who is accused of killing a sheriffs deputy the day after his son was shot, and instead said they are seeking answers about the fatal police shooting. Surrounded by Hintons relatives, the familys attorney, Michael Wright, called the body camera footage of the May 1 shooting disturbing and said it is not clear whether the officer who shot Hinton was in imminent danger. "This is not as cut and dry as this officer should have pulled out his gun and shot at Ryan," Wright said during the May 5 press conference. "Its not that cut and dry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 'Not that cut and dry': Family of Ryan Hinton, shot by Cincinnati police, seeks answers Update 12:35 p.m.: The mother and grandmother of Ryan Hinton are holding a press conference this afternoon with their legal team. Hinton's family will speak at the office of the law firm representing them, The Cochran Firm, at 3 p.m. The Cochran Firm was hired by the estate of Ryan Hinton to conduct an investigation into his shooting death, the firm said in a statement. Over the weekend, the family's attorneys offered condolences on their behalf for Henderson. "This is an unimaginable tragedy for this community. Ryan Hinton's family is heartbroken by this tragic turn of events and we are all devastated for the family of the officer who was killed," attorneys for the family said in a statement on May 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Update 10:45 a.m.: One of the teens accused of being in a stolen car alongside Ryan Hinton appeared in court Monday. Cynsere Grigsby is charged with receiving stolen property and obstruction of official business. His bond was set at $50,000. These are the same charges and the bond Jurell Austin and Deanthony Bullock received. Austin and Deanthony are also accused of being in the vehicle with Hinton before Hinton was fatally shot by a Cincinnati police officer. Original report: The father accused of killing a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office deputy with his car a day after a Cincinnati Police officer shot his son is due in court this week to determine whether he will be released on bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodney Hinton, Jr., will appear in Hamilton County Municipal Court on Tuesday, May 6. Hinton is accused of driving his car into and killing veteran Deputy Larry Henderson, who had been directing traffic May 2. The day before the crash, May 1, a Cincinnati police officer shot and killed Hinton's son, Ryan, 18, during a stolen car investigation. More: Hamilton County sheriff's deputy death: A timeline of events Here's what we know. What happened during the police shooting in East Price Hill? Cincinnati police released roughly 20 seconds of body camera video from two police officers involved in the shooting that occurred the morning of May 1. Officers had responded to an apartment complex in East Price Hill around 9:30 a.m. as part of a stolen car investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, four suspects, who police believed stole the car, took off running into the woods, some in different directions. One officer chased Ryan Hinton, who police said was holding a gun. The officer called out twice that Hinton had a gun. The suspect tripped but continued to run between two dumpsters with a gun in his hand before he encountered another officer, Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge said. The other officer caught up to Hinton and fired five consecutive shots at him. Two bullets struck Hinton: one in the chest and one in the arm, police said. Hinton died of his injuries. Theetge said the time between when the suspects ran from police to when the shooting happened was six quick seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested the other three suspects since the shooting. What happened during the fatal crash near UC's campus? Police say Rodney Hinton Jr., 38, crashed into Hamilton County sheriff's deputy Larry Henderson near the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods in Corryville. Henderson stood outside his vehicle to operate a traffic light near a University of Cincinnati commencement ceremony. More: A violent chain of events: Man accused of killing deputy day after police shot his son First responders took the deputy and the driver to UC Medical Center. Both were in critical condition, officials said. Police later arrested Rodney Hinton at the hospital. Cincinnati police officials did not give an exact time of the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson later died of his injuries. A car struck a Hamilton County deputy sheriff on Martin Luther King Drive near UC Friday, May 2, before crashing nearby. Who was Larry Henderson, the Hamilton County sheriff's deputy who was killed? Sheriff's deputy Larry Henderson retired in December after working 33 years with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, according to a Facebook post on Dec. 20. He worked as a bomb technician and was a member of the dive team that performed water rescues and searches. After retirement, he continued to serve as a special deputy. He still worked traffic details like the one outside a May 2 commencement ceremony at the University of Cincinnati, where he was fatally struck and killed. Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey described him as a tremendous person. Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Larry Henderson He was so well-liked and well-known, McGuffey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Deputy Hendersons early tenure as a Sheriffs Deputy, I recognized his talent for teaching and presentation," she said in a release. More: Community mourns retired sheriff's deputy Larry Henderson, killed while directing traffic Was the crash that killed the sheriff's deputy intentional? Michael Wright, the Hinton family's lawyer, said in an interview with The Enquirer that Hinton Jr. was very distraught watching body camera footage of the shooting hours before the crash. "The family, they're very distraught right now. They are sad for the police officer that lost his life, and they're also grieving the fact that, you know, they've lost a son. They've lost a grandchild. They've lost a brother," Wright said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich indicated she plans on aggressively pursuing the case against Hinton. "The investigation is ongoing, but if the facts show this act was intentional, as the charge suggests, I will throw the full force of the law at the perpetrator," Pillich said in a May 2 statement. More: Who are the Hintons? What we know about man charged with killing a Hamilton County deputy When is the man accused of killing a deputy expected in court next? Hinton Jr. is expected in court at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, for a bond hearing in front of Hamilton County Municipal Judge Tyrone Yates. Prosecutors are asking for no bond. Rodney Hinton, Jr., 38, is arraigned in Courtroom A at the Hamilton County Justice Center, Saturday, May 3, charged with aggravated murder. Police say he struck a Hamilton County Sheriff deputy who was out of his vehicle directing traffic for the University of Cincinnati afternoon commencement May 2. During his arraignment on May 3, Yates ordered Hinton to be held in the Clermont County Jail without bond pending his hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies solemnly flanked the Hamilton County courtroom as Hinton Jr. was arraigned on a charge of aggravated murder. Why is the man accused of killing a deputy being held in Clermont County? Hinton Jr. is being held in a different county's jail for his own protection, according to Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Tyrone Yates, who presided over his arraignment on May 3. Hinton Jr. is charged with aggravated murder in the death of Hamilton County sheriff's deputy Larry Henderson. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office runs the Hamilton County Justice Center. Hinton is being held in the jail in Clermont County, east of Cincinnati. Court documents listed his home in Middletown, in Butler County, north of Cincinnati. This was an agreement made between the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office and Clermont County for what I was described as the defendants safety," Yates told The Enquirer. "They did not want to have any questions about him being held in Hamilton County as a matter of safety, because the officer had been a Hamilton County deputy sheriff. Workers fix the traffic lights at Martin Luther King Drive and Burnet Woods in Corryville May 3, a day after a Hamilton County Sheriff's deputy was struck and killed while directing traffic for the University of Cincinnati commencement. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Father of man shot by police accused of killing deputy: What we know The planned live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) of a decommissioned warship at the Balikatan exercise in the Philippines was struck a blow after the ship in question sank before participants had a chance to pummel it with weapons. At the time of its sinking, the World War II-era corvette BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) was being positioned at the start of the exercise, which continued regardless, as part of the wider Balikatan 2025 maneuvers involving the United States, the Philippines, and Australia. The Miguel Malvar began taking on water in rough sea conditions in a location around 30 nautical miles west of San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines. It sank at 7:20 a.m. local time, shortly before the Maritime Strike (MARSTRIKE) exercise was scheduled to begin. Elements of Balikatan 40-2025 MARSTRIKE live fire cancelled The Balikatan 40-2025 Maritime Strike target vessel sank off the west coast of the Philippines prior to the event commencing today. The decommissioned BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) took on water while being positioned pic.twitter.com/ES5nriiCt1 Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) May 5, 2025 No personnel were injured in the incident, the Philippine Navy confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Philippine Navy spokesperson, the Miguel Malvar sank just four nautical miles from its intended position for MARSTRIKE. The decommissioned corvette had been selected as the target for the drills on account of its age. The vessel had also undergone environmental cleaning and preparation before it was towed out of its final harbor in Sangley Point, Cavite City. Towing was conducted at speeds of between two and five knots. Although saddened, Alcos said the sinking of the former BRP Miguel Malvar would be symbolic and would serve as a new chapter for the @Philippine_Navy. It will serve its purpose to showcase that we have transitioned from a legacy navy into a modern navy, he said. | via pic.twitter.com/YwWxdif6UE ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) April 29, 2025 The Philippine Navy spokesperson confirmed that the vessel hadnt been damaged while under tow, but due to rough sea conditions that we are currently experiencing in the exercise box and with its long service life, as is expected, she took on a significant amount of water and eventually sank. The vessel is much smaller than what we are accustomed to seeing in major SINKEX drills, but does represent the smaller military patrol boats and corvettes that call littorals in this area of the world home. The 914-ton displacement and 184.5-foot-long Miguel Malvar had a long and eventful history, having originally been launched and commissioned in 1944 as the USS Brattleboro (PCE(R)-852), a PCE(R)-848 class rescue patrol craft escort. The warship saw active duty in World War II, in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, including anti-submarine patrols during the invasion of the Philippines and later at Okinawa. After the war, Brattleboro went into the reserve before being converted for trials duty, testing infrared equipment, communications equipment, sonar, and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brattleboro was decommissioned in 1965 and then transferred to the South Vietnam Navy, serving as RVN Ngoc Hoi (HQ-12). With the fall of Saigon in 1975, the vessel escaped to the Philippines, was overhauled, and had armament reinstated. The warship was commissioned by the Philippine Navy in 1977 as the Miguel Malvar. The 1990s saw the vessel undergo a major overhaul, including refitting of weapons and sensors, but it was finally decommissioned in 2021. BRP Salvador Abcede (PG 114), BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19), PCG Pampanga (SARV 003), BRP IloIlo (PS 32), and USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) join USCGC Waesche (WMSL 751) for a photo exercise off the Philippines in 2012. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gregory A. Harden II/Released Gregory A. Harden II The MARSTRIKE remains unchanged as part of Balikatan 40-2025s command post exercise, where the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. joint task forces will rehearse virtual and constructive fire missions, the Philippine Navy said, in the wake of the incident. Despite the loss of the target ship, elements of the scheduled MARSTRIKE live-fire event will occur and the combined force will still achieve its training objectives, the Philippine Navy added. The Notice to Mariners and Notice to Airmen surrounding the MARSTRIKE location remains in effect. As part of the broader Balikatan 40-2025 exercises, the MARSTRIKE saw the integration of Philippine and U.S. ground, maritime, and air-based sensors and shooters into a combined, joint fires network. The Australian Defense Force was also involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the MARSTRIKE event, the U.S. Marine Corps had confirmed to TWZ that air and maritime-based kinetic fires would be used to target the decommissioned ship but didnt provide further details. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy provided a list of air assets, some or all of which were expected to take part in the MARSTRIKE. These comprised U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C/D Hornets and MV-22B Ospreys, and Philippine Air Force FA-50 light combat aircraft, A-29 Super Tucano light-attack turboprops, and T129 ATAK combat helicopters. Philippine Air Force pilots onboard a Philippine Air Force FA-50 land during the US-Philippines joint air force military exercise dubbed Cope Thunder at Basa Air Base in Pampanga on April 11, 2024. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP) JAM STA ROSA As you can read about here, Marine Hornets have an increasingly important maritime strike role in the Indo-Pacific area of operations, with their armament including AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles. On the maritime side, the Philippine Navy previously confirmed that it planned to fire its LIG Nex 1 C-Star anti-ship missiles during the MARSTRIKE. These South Korean-made subsonic sea-skimming missiles arm the Philippine Navy warships, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the most modern in that countrys fleet. The Philippine Navy previously employed the C-Star in the live-fire component of Balikatan last year, targeting a decommissioned tanker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Philippine Navy Mistral shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles would be fired for the first time from the same warships, part of the air defense component of the maneuvers. Other Philippine Navy missiles slated for live fire during Balikatan include the Spike NLOS, which arms its Acero class fast attack craft. Also included in Balikatan for the first time is the U.S. Marine Corps Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), armed with Naval Strike Missiles that are mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. During the exercise, NMESIS was deployed by U.S. Air Force C-130s to an operating position on Batan Island, although, from here, its range of around 110 nautical miles would have put it out of reach of the Miguel Malvar. You can read more about NMESIS and the significance of its deployment in the Philippines here. U.S. Marines load a NMESIS onto a U.S. Air Force C-130J during Exercise Balikatan 25 at Lal-lo, Philippines, April 26, 2025. U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl Maksim Masloboev Lance Cpl. Maksim Masloboev With China asserting its claims over the South China Sea with increasing aggression, including repeated clashes with Philippine maritime forces, the annual Balikatan drills are becoming more important in the context of U.S.-Philippine cooperation. Even without its main target, the MARSTRIKE will have provided a useful opportunity to practice integration between the U.S. military and two of its key allies in the Indo-Pacific region. Our Marines are taking part in the 40th iteration of Exercise Balikatan alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines. pic.twitter.com/VUqq4hqz1m 3d Marine Division (@3d_Marine_Div) April 28, 2025 Nevertheless, the premature sinking of the Miguel Malvar remains unfortunate, depriving those forces of a valuable chance to gather data about weapon effectiveness as part of an end-to-end live-fire exercise. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com If you see a Burmese python slithering across your Florida driveway, can you shoot it? Turns out, yes. Humanely. Burmese pythons large, nonvenomous constrictor snakes are native to South Asia, but since they were introduced to Florida, they have become one of the most destructive invasive species the state has ever seen. Burmese pythons reproduce in great numbers, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and eat anything from eggs to small deer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pythons can consume meals equivalent to 100% of their body mass and have few natural predators. A 2012 study suggested that in Everglades National Park, pythons were responsible for a decline of 85% to 100% of the population of medium-sized animals such as raccoons and rabbits. Burmese pythons also pose a threat to humans and pets. They were added to Florida's prohibited species list in 2021. Every August, the state encourages hunters to thin the Burmese snake population with a 10-day competition, The Florida Python Challenge, which offers prizes for the most killed and the longest python removed in different categories such as professionals, novices and the military. The big prize is $10,000 for the participant in any category who removes the most pythons. Firearms are not permitted in the Florida Python Challenge because there is no established firearm season at the time. Can I shoot a Burmese python in Florida? That restriction doesn't apply to your own property, however, provided that firing a firearm on your property (or someone else's, with permission) doesn't violate any local regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To keep the population down, Burmese pythons can be captured and humanely killed on private property or on FWC-managed lands all year round, with no bag limit, provided you follow area regulations on firearms. What does 'humanely killed' mean? Nonnative reptiles in Florida are not protected, except by anti-cruelty law. "There is an ethical and legal obligation to ensure nonnative reptiles are killed in a humane manner," the FWC said. The agency recommends a two-step process from the American Veterinary Medical Association: Step 1 : There must be immediate loss of consciousness. A captive bolt, firearm or air gun must be used to shoot directly to the brain. Step 2 : The brain must be destroyed. The python must be unconscious. A small rod, like a screwdriver, spike or pick, must be inserted into the cranial cavity and twisted to ensure the entire brain is destroyed. Burmese pythons must be killed in a humane two-step process that ends in the snake's brain and brainstem being destroyed after it is rendered unconscious. "The AVMA recommends a firearm with a muzzle energy of 300 FPE for animals weighing up to 400 lbs and 1,000 FPE for animals over 400 lbs," the FWC said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pythons must be humanely killed onsite at the time of capture. Live transport of pythons is not allowed. What do Burmese pythons look like? The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes in the world, the FWC said. Adults caught in Florida average between 6 and 9 feet, with the largest one measuring an amazing 18 feet long. They are tan, with dark blotches along the back and sides that look like puzzle pieces or giraffe markings. Burmese pythons have a pyramid-shaped head with a dark, arrowhead-shaped wedge extending toward the nose. What should I do if I see a Burmese python? If you spot a Burmese python, avoid it and report the sighting to the FWC. Take a photo and note your location before reporting one of three ways: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call the exotic Species Hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (888-483-4681) Use the free IveGot1 mobile app Online at IveGot1.org This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Burmese pythons an invasive Florida threat, what to know about killing A fight during a crowded dance party at a mariscos and steak restaurant near downtown Glendale on the evening of May 4 escalated into a gun battle in the parking lot, leading to the deaths of three people, including a minor, police said. Security at El Camaron Gigante, at North 57th Drive and West Lamar Road, kicked out people who started fighting inside the venue, a Glendale police spokesperson said during a May 5 morning news conference. Once in the parking lot, at about 7:45 p.m., they started firing gunshots, police said. The three people who died were brothers Damien Anthony Sproule, 17, and Christopher Juaquin Sproule, 21, as well as Milo Christopher Suniga, 21, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A local group called On a Sunday Afternoon" was hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration at the restaurant when the shooting happened. On its Facebook page, the group described itself as "a lifestyle brand staying true to the culture and all things Chicano." A promotional post for the event promised a family-friendly celebration with music, lowriders and good vibes all day long. After the event, the group's leadership said its events were intended to create a safe space for families and children, but that safety was taken from them. "What was meant to be a beautiful day of culture, joy, and connection ended in heartbreak," a statement on Instagram said. "We wont let this define us, but we wont ignore it either." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators were working to identify suspects, Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago said mid-afternoon on May 5. Family friend of slain brothers: 'They were good kids' The brothers who were killed attended the event to try and make friends, said Roberta Villarreal, a friend of their father, the morning after the violence. "They were good kids. They didnt deserve this," said Villarreal, 52, as she began sobbing about a block from the deadly shooting. Just moments earlier, she stood with the victims' father as he wept. Villarreal, of north Phoenix, said she thought of the brothers as her own nephews. A pair of uniformed officers stood nearby as overcast skies loomed above. People who said they were close to the brothers huddled under a tree near the shooting scene. The man who said he was the siblings' father knelt and embraced a young woman cloaked in a gray hoodie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yellow police tape cordoned off the area where gunfire took three lives and injured five others. A 16-year-old boy was critically injured, requiring surgery, though police said he was expected to recover. Two women, 20 and 21, and two men, 20 and 23, were also injured, police said. More to the story: Leaders call for gun policy change following deadly Glendale shooting Police: 'Bad blood' between individuals before the shooting People who attended the May 4 event said it was a day of music, food and dancing. "Everyone was having fun," said Glendale resident Laria Carbajal, 23. Then the crowd started leaving. Amy Jones, 23, also of Glendale, said she didnt hear any shots fired. But after leaving, "just saw my friend on the ground." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones showed up on the drizzly morning after because her car was still parked outside the restaurant. She hoped to retrieve it. Glendale police spokesperson Jose Santiago said the incident was isolated and stemmed from the individuals having a history of bad blood between them. He said it was unknown how those feuding knew each other. There were multiple shooters, he said, and some of the injured were potentially just bystanders. It was unclear whether those wounded were in the restaurant or in the parking lot when the shooting began, he said. Santiago said there were 200-300 people at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were on the scene within three minutes, Santiago said, and officers had the scene under control minutes after they arrived. Officers detained multiple people after arriving on the scene. The restaurant is located less than a block from Glendale police headquarters. Restaurant: 'Our hearts go out to the victims' The restaurant's management posted on social media that they were working closely with law enforcement. "Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all affected by this senseless violence," they posted early May 5 on Instagram. There have been 30 police calls for service to the restaurant since it first opened May 8, 2024, according to records obtained by The Arizona Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the calls, six were categorized as alleged liquor violations, another six were for suspicious or disturbing people and five were for noise complaints. A fight was reported at the establishment in October 2024. In March, three calls reported violence that police categorized as assault with a deadly weapon, a stabbing and simple assault. Most calls were made between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. District's US representative calls for gun reform U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Arizona, issued a statement the morning after the shooting, decrying the violence and calling for greater gun control. She represents the congressional district where the shooting occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For too long, Americans have been forced to watch as gun violence affects every corner of our communitiesschools, movie theaters, places of worship, and local restaurants like El Camaron Gigante," Ansari said. "Commonsense policy reform to regulate guns has broad, bipartisan support. Its long past time we stand up and do something." This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: El Camaron Gigante shooting leaves 3 dead, 5 wounded in Glendale WASHINGTON (DC News Now) An exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum gives a new perspective on the rich history and influence of Asian-Americans in the District and beyond. Prominent pastor notified books loaned to African American museum may be returned amid review Moving through time, space and place, the Sightlines exhibit sits just steps away from the iconic Friendship Archway in Chinatown, its a reminder that Asian-American history in the DMV goes far beyond what can be seen from the street. It just seemed so perfect to mount an exhibition talking not just about Chinatown, but just the ways that Asian Americans have contributed to the built and cultural environment of our nations capital, said Yao-Fen You, the acting director of the Asian Pacific American Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She helped bring the exhibit to life before its opening last fall. For us its about unearthing those facts that, really, people havent known about. I just like to think of it as telling a more fuller history, said You. Sightlines is designed to give a different perspective and something new to look at from every angle, highlighting the intersectionality of the city experience and the impact of Asian-American culture in the District. The exhibit is home to three main stories: Making Place, Transforming Tradition and Visualizing Identity. A lot of the highlighted history is very recent, with some pieces from the 21st century, and others back to the 1960s and 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think whats great is that we had people come in and theyre so excited, not only to see themselves, but to see their friends, said You of some of the photographs included in the exhibit. It also celebrates artists like Alfred H. Liu, who designed the iconic Friendship Arch, and takes a closer look at what could have been. A sketch shows a design for an unrealized project called the Far East Trade Center. This is something that was never built, said You, walking through the exhibit. He wanted it to be built on top of the Chinatown Metro station. The drawings, sculptures and artwork highlighted in Sightlines go far beyond whats on display within the exhibits walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It includes a map of street art and murals by Javanese-American artist MISS CHELOVE, Cita Sadeli, and how to find them across the District. I think with each exhibition, you can never explore something to the depth that a curator ever wants to, said You. Theres only so much visitors can handle. The idea is that you are invited to explore more to whet your appetite. Right. Were just so excited that we have had this opportunity to introduce, not only the DMV audience, but also tourists coming from all over America to sort of just looking at DC in a very different way. She and her team are also looking forward to another exhibit opening up at the American History Museum this fall, specifically highlighting the Filipino-American experience. Sightlines is expected to stay on display through Nov. 30, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Most companies listed on China's A-share market delivered robust performance last year, underscoring the vitality and resilience of the world's second-largest economy. As of Tuesday, 5,304 firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges had released their financial reports for 2024, with 66.42 percent achieving profits, according to financial information provider Wind Info. Notably, 19.21 percent posted a year-on-year net profit increase of over 20 percent. These reports reflect the underlying strength of the Chinese economy, buoyed by ongoing industrial transformation and a steady buildup in innovation capacity, said Zhu Keli, a researcher with the China Institute of New Economy. NEW ENGINES Financial disclosures showed emerging sectors, from artificial intelligence and new energy to advanced manufacturing, are becoming fresh growth engines driving China's economic development. According to data from the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, nearly half of China's top 50 listed firms by market capitalization in 2024 came from emerging industries, a marked increase in both number and proportion. The auto and electronics sectors stood out among emerging industries with stellar net profit growth. The auto industry posted an 11.16 percent year-on-year expansion in net profit while the electronics sector surged 35.18 percent from a year ago, underlining the strong momentum in tech-related manufacturing. Auto parts supplier Shuanglin Group, for instance, reported a more than fivefold increase in net profit last year, driven by rising demand from electric vehicle (EV) makers including BYD and Changan Auto. The company has also secured new orders from EV brands like AVATR. In the electronics sector, Will Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Shanghai, saw its business performance register marked growth last year, with operating revenue hitting a record high. The leading semiconductor producer credited its rapid expansion to a rebound in the semiconductor sector and surging demand for high-end smartphones and intelligent vehicles in the market. INNOVATION-DRIVEN GROWTH Technological innovation emerged as a notable feature of corporate performance last year. China's listed companies have been increasingly bets on frontier and disruptive technologies, playing a pivotal role in the country's broader push for innovation-driven growth. Data showed that in 2024, A-share firms accounted for more than half of corporate research and development (R&D) spending nationwide and held nearly one-third of all the country's patents. The R&D intensity, measured by R&D expenditure as a share of operating revenue, gained 0.1 percentage points from a year ago to 2.6 percent. Chongqing-based automaker Seres, which collaborates with Huawei on AITO cars, invested nearly 7 billion yuan (about 972 million U.S. dollars) in R&D last year, a surge of about 60 percent year on year. Its R&D crew also expanded by about a quarter from a year ago to over 6,200 people. By maintaining a strong focus on R&D, the firm has tapped global frontier technologies and innovation resources, facilitating the integration of software and automotive technologies, said Zhang Xinghai, chairman of the company. These financial reports underline the faster integration between traditional and emerging industries in the Chinese economy, with listed firms proactively sharpening competitive edges, Zhu said, adding that the country is fostering diversified growth engines amid the pursuit of high-quality development. In the annual government work report released in March, China's policymakers have pledged to make solid progress in high-quality development, outlining measures to modernize its industrial system and advance the integration of technological and industrial innovation, among others. Ohio college students and protesters rally at the Statehouse on March 19, 2025, against Senate Bill 1, a higher education overhaul that bans diversity efforts and faculty strikes, and sets rules around classroom discussion, among other things. (Photo by David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal.) The first major hurdle to get a referendum on the November ballot to repeal Ohios massive higher education law has been cleared. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost certified the title and summary language for a referendum that would repeal Senate Bill 1, set to take effect at the end of June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE S.B. 1 bans diversity efforts, regulates classroom discussion, prohibits faculty strikes, creates post-tenure reviews, puts diversity scholarships at risk, and creates a retrenchment provision that blocks unions from negotiating on tenure, among other things. The law affects Ohios public universities and community colleges. My certification of the title and summary should not be construed as an affirmation of the enforceability and constitutionality of the referendum petition, Attorney General Dave Yost said in a letter certifying the petition. Members of the Youngstown State Universitys chapter of the Ohio Education Association are behind efforts to get the referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the title and summary language approval, petitioners can now start gathering signatures. About 248,092 signatures are needed 6% of the total vote cast for governor during the last gubernatorial election. The signatures must be from at least 44 of Ohios 88 counties. The signatures would likely be due at the end of June. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose would then have to verify the signatures before the measure is referred to the Ohio Ballot Board to determine the language that would appear on the November ballot. The last time a referendum passed in Ohio was 2011 when voters overturned an anti-collective bargaining law. Some of Ohios public universities have started making decisions because of S.B. 1. Ohio University announced it will close the Pride Center, the Womens Center and the Multicultural Center. The University of Toledo is suspending nine undergraduate programs in response to a controversial new higher education law that is set to take effect this summer. Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City business is celebrating seven years in downtown in a unique way. Artists Scribe, out of Kansas City, and Revise, from Chicago, put up a mural in front of Park Avenue Tattoo in honor of the milestone, with the theme being the oceanside. Thousands of free comic books handed out for Free Comic book Day at ACME Comics and Collectibles The artists spent several hours working on their piece, all while spectators could stop by, talk with the creators, and admire their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, I think its great for the local community. I also think its great for the national community to also bring some artists of this caliber in to be able to show off whats capable to be done on a larger, grander scale and then bring that here to Sioux City, said Jeremy Boddy, the owner of Park Avenue Tattoo. Boddy said he might bring the artists back once he reaches 10 years in business and do something even bigger. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. News of son Garrison Brown's suicide blindsided the core cast of "Sister Wives." One by one, on Sunday's episode of the TLC reality show, father Kody Brown, his wife Robyn and the women who used to consider him their husband Meri, Janelle and Christine told how they found out about Garrison's death. Read more: Most of the 'Sister Wives' have left Kody Brown. What's next for the TLC show? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cameras were trained on Meri Brown as she sat on a couch and prepared to talk about her birthday. "That's weird. Kody's calling me," she said, looking toward her phone and mentioning the man she had called her husband until January 2023. "Do you want to take it?" a crew member asked. "Nope," she replied. "He can text me if he needs me." "He's calling again," she said later, appearing annoyed. "I already texted him." Then she said, "He said it's an emergency." The crew called cut and she got on the phone. "What?" she asked. Then the picture dissolved into text: "On March 5, 2024, Kody and Janelle's son Garrison passed away." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 'Sister Wives' star Janelle Brown said son Garrison's text prompted wellness check before death Garrison, who was 25 when he died, was one of the former family's 18 children. He was found by younger brother Gabriel, Meri said. It is with great sadness I confirm Mr. Robert Garrison Brown was located in his residence deceased, as a result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police told The Times last March. Garrisons roommates and his brother Gabriel told police that Garrison had been struggling with a drinking problem and possible mental health issues. But Gabriel said his brother had started a job at a medical facility and seemed OK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was just this weird, weird, surreal moment that's like, 'No ... not one of our kids. They're not going to do that,'" Meri said later in the episode. "And I'm like, 'Are you kidding me?' and he's like, 'No.'" Read more: Garrison Brown's 'Sister Wives' family gathers in Arizona for funeral Robyn, who was the last wife to join the previously polygamous group and is Kody's legal wife, said her husband looked "really shocked" when he came into the room where she was working. "I'm just trying to gather the details, trying to figure out what's going on, trying to be there for him, trying to register the shock myself. Trying to register what's going on myself," Robyn said. "And he just fell apart." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christine, meanwhile, said she "fell on the floor" after getting a rare phone call from son Hunter, whose biological mom is Janelle. "He just said, 'Garrison killed himself.' And I just fell on the floor in the office. ... We all knew that he was sad," she said, then trailed off, saying "and then we all hoped that he would just ... " before going silent. Biological mom Janelle shed tears throughout her testimony. "So Gabriel had found him," she said. "He's like, 'Mom, he's gone.' And I'm like, 'What do you mean?' And he's like, 'He's dead. He killed himself.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janelle said she didn't remember the next few minutes, but said through tears, "I got in the car and I drove." Garrison was introduced in 2010 during the debut season of the "Sister Wives" reality series, which chronicles the highs and lows of a polygamist family headed by Kody. The series has followed the family during its time living in Lehi, Utah, Las Vegas and Flagstaff. Janelle, Meri and Christine have ended their marriages to Kody, while Robyn remains his legal wife. Although marriage to more than one individual at a time is not legally recognized in the United States, Kody has called his relationships with the women spiritual unions." Read more: Fantasia Barrino talks 'The Color Purple,' facing her demons and surviving a suicide attempt Before his death, Garrison texted a group of people whom the family works with, writing, I want to hate you for sharing the good times. But I cant. I miss these days. According to a police report, hearing about that message prompted Janelle to text Garrison, who was estranged from dad Kody. They had a short conversation that ended abruptly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a bright spot in the lives of all who knew him," Janelle posted on Instagram at the time. "His loss will leave such a big hole in our lives that it takes our breath away." Kody had just that kind of visceral reaction, he said in Sunday's episode. Read more: An L.A. journalist's death by suicide still confounds years later. "Can we ever understand that?" "The first moment the grief really clobbered me was when I was sitting down with [daughter] Gwendlyn holding her hand," he said. "I look inside myself, I'm looking down my esophagus, in my imagination, and into my lungs. And I feel this sort of grief come up out of me. Everybody's silent. I think that Gwendolyn's sobbing and Robyn's trying to console her. This grief comes out of me and I wailed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And that's when I first I think became really aware that this situation has gone down and it's just sort of unreconcilable. I just don't know what to do. I'm lost in this." Former staff writer Nardine Saad contributed to this report. Sign up for Screen Gab, a free newsletter about the TV and movies everyones talking about from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) Six women from Illinois were honored for their professional achievement and public service on the University of Illinois campus over the weekend. The Order of Lincoln recognizes individuals whose contributions have led to the betterment of humanity in Illinois. The 2025 recipients were honored on Saturday, May 3, at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. PREVIOUSLY: Six Illinoisans to be honored as 2025 Order of Lincoln recipients Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years honorees include: Olympic speed skater Bonnie Blair, born in Champaign Poet Sandra Cisernos Architect Jeanne Gang, U of I graduate Emmy-award winning Chicago journalist Carol Marin, U of I graduate Julieanna Richardson, whose organization The HistoryMakers collects African-American oral histories former CEO of Chicago Public Schools Janice K. Jackson The six recipients are now among the more than 350 distinguished Illinois residents who have joined the Order of Lincoln over the last fifty years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champaign-born Bonnie Blair was the first American woman to win five gold medals at the Olympic Winter Games. Her first Olympic appearance was at the 1984 Sarajevo Games. Four years later in Calgary, Blair earned her first gold medal in the 500 meter speed skating event. In the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville Blair added two more gold medals, and in 1994, Blair stood atop the podium and received another two gold medals at the Olympic Games in Lillehammer. After retiring from speed skating, Blair became a motivational speaker and an advocate for the Alzheimers Association, the American Brain Tumor Association and the Leukemia Association, in honor of her family members that had been impacted. Remembering Jerry Schweighart: Bonnie Blairs story Jeanne Gang graduated from Illinois with a degree in architecture in 1986. Since then, shes founded international architecture and urban design practice Studio Gang and is known for designs across the Americas and Europe, including the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History; a new United States Embassy in Brazil; and an expansion of the Clinton Presidential Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gang is also a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and has been named one of TIME Magazines most influential people in the world. In 2024, she served as the U of Is commencement speaker. Carol Marin graduated from the University of Illinois and went on to become a journalist and Emmy Award-winning reporter. Shes worked at WMAQ-TV Chicago, CBS News, the Chicago Sun-Times, among others. Marin has won numerous awards, including multiple Peabody Awards, the Gracie Award, as well as two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Awards. In 2016, DePaul University launched the Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence with Marin as co-director. Pro-Palestine student protestors return to Alma Mater at U of I Sandra Cisernos is a poet and writer who explores the lives of the working-class. Her novel The House on Mango Street has sold over eight million copies, has been translated into over twenty-five languages, and is required reading in elementary, high school, and universities across the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julieanna Richardson is the founder and president of The HistoryMakers, a Chicago-based nonprofit, which is a nonpartisan, digital, archival collection of African-American oral histories. Richardson started her career as an attorney for a Chicago law firm. Later, she became a cable administrator for the City of Chicago Office of Cable Communications, founded Shop Chicago, and created a production company. In 1999 Richardson began compiling African American oral histories. Now, her archive contains over 348 Illinoisians, more than any other state on record. Janice Jackson, EdD, is the CEO of Hope Chicago and former CEO of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). She also founded and led two Chicago public high schools. Her 22-year career with CPS is most notable for the districts results in advancing equitable student outcomes. Now, her work with Hope Chicago seeks to create economic mobility for disinvested communities through scholarships. You can read more about the event and this years honorees 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 WCIA.com. After 30 years, Susan Riffle finally kicked her smoking habit. Three years later, her doctor suggested the now 63-year-old have a preventative CT scan. The test showed a grape-sized lesion on the left lung of the Augusta, Ga. florist. But it wasn't necessarily cancer; the lesion could have been histoplasmisis, an infection caused by bird droppings in the soil found near where she used to live . Her doctor entered Riffle's age, how many years she had smoked and her CT scan imaging into artificial intelligence software, which gives a predictive score between 1 and 10 as to the likelihood of cancer. The number 1 means the risk is 2%, while a 10 means the risk is 93%. Riffles result was an 8, meaning there was a 64% chance the lesion was cancer. It really surprised me, says Dr. Daniel Miller, 66, Director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at the Georgia Cancer Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the AI software, he ordered a PET scan. That's when Dr. Miller told Riffle it was probably lung cancer. On January 11, 2024, Riffle had surgery. A biopsy was done, and a pathologist confirmed the AIs diagnosis: She had stage 1B lung cancer. Miller performed a lobectomy, removing the lower lobe of her lung and all the lymph nodes. Lung cancer is still the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths in the United States since 1986 for both men and women," Miller says. "In Georgia, every two hours, someone dies of lung cancer. Without the AI software, Miller says he would have suggested a repeat scan in three to six months, but the software helped expedite diagnosis and treatment. Riffle was diagnosed at stage 1, whereas 75% of lung cancers are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, according to Miller. Riffle shares her story with PEOPLEs Wendy Grossman Kantor. Susan Riffle Susan Riffle developed lung cancer after smoking for 30 years Susan Riffle developed lung cancer after smoking for 30 years I was a smoker off and on almost 30 years. I started as a teenager. I stopped when I was pregnant with my children and then I would start again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hid it from my children always. I never smoked a cigarette in front of my children. I always stepped outside. I'm sure they knew I smoked. You can smell it. If I'm standing out in the garage and quickly put out a cigarette or hide it behind my back, they're not stupid. A few years ago, I decided I was ready to quit. I was tired of breathing heavily and I wasn't as active as I wanted to be, running on the beach or hiking in the woods. I would take trips with my girlfriends who were nonsmokers, and I'd be the one outside while everyone else was inside playing games and having fun. I wasn't a pack-a-day smoker, but after we'd go out to dinner, I'd be the one to step outside to have a cigarette before we headed back for the evening. I also felt like I had to plan the trip around cigarettes, make sure I have enough to go for a four-day trip, which is terrible. I was realizing these things and how smoking was occupying my time and my health. I was done. I just needed to stop and take better care of myself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breathing was also an issue. I wasnt able to breathe well. I could never take a deep breath. I was using an inhaler daily, and that's not good. I knew I could breathe well on my own by quitting smoking. I had become very aware of my lack of breathing capacity. I quit smoking in October 2020. After I quit, one of my girlfriends said, "Susan, you don't wheeze anymore. You sound great." And I was finally able to keep up with her quick pace when we went walking. I had been smoke-free for three years when my family physician suggested that it was time to do a CT scan for proactive health care. And of course I agreed. Susan Riffle Susan Riffle with her daughter Samantha Susan Riffle with her daughter Samantha Related: A Billboard Saved Me from Dying from Lung Cancer Before I Even Had Symptoms (Exclusive) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had a CT scan December 11, 2023. My lung doctor, Dr. MIller, ran my test through the AI software. I took notes every meeting that Dr. Miller and I had together. He said the nodule was the size of a green grape. I felt very well-informed. He said: These are your options. This is what it is. Let's make a decision together. Learning the AI said cancer was scary. But I'm a proactive person. I'm the type of person who says, "Well, let's just get in there, get it out, and be done with it. Let's treat it so we can move forward." I do not dwell and cry, "Oh, poor me." Tell me what we need to do, and I will do it. And that's what we did. Dr. Miller explained the surgery. We would do a biopsy once we got in there, which would determine how much would be removed. And that was all explained to me ahead of time. It was worrisome and concerning, but we had a plan. That, to me, is the most important thing. My surgery was January 11, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to do one surgery and biopsy at that time as opposed to doing a biopsy, closing me up, analyzing that, and then going back for more surgery if necessary it just made sense to me. Let's just try to do surgery once, as opposed to prolonging the procedure. When I came out of anesthesia, I had a wonderful nurse who was there to take care of me, and I remember her to this day. I was in a little pain, of course, but Dr. Miller and the many others on his team came to visit me and there was constant communication. The day after surgery, I was in my hospital bed and the sun was coming in and I just snapped a selfie and sent it to my family, and they were like, "Oh, you had surgery? Where are your wrinkles? How do you look so good?" Now, maybe they were all being nice, but it was uplifting and supportive. I'm fortunate. I just had a great network of friends and family around. Susan Riffle Susan Riffle sent a post-surgery selfie to her family Susan Riffle sent a post-surgery selfie to her family Related: ChatGPT Diagnosed a Woman with Blood Cancer a Year Before Her Doctors Found It Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I only spent two days in the hospital. The biggest thing my husband Randy, 64, and two daughters Kelsey Earnest, 31, and Samantha Riffle, 28, did, was just be there for me. Kelsey, a traveling radiation therapist, was out of state but came home and spent a full week helping me recover. Both daughters did the cooking, cleaning and bandage changes. Samantha, a beverage manager at a restaurant and pet portrait artist, lives just across the river in North Augusta, so she continued to come every day after Kelsey left for another two weeks. Randy took over in the evenings and after that. (He was actually the best at changing bandages.) Right away I made sure I was moving. Every day I changed my clothes and dressed and came downstairs and walked around the house. I don't like to be sedentary. I have trouble sitting through a manicure and pedicure. I like to get up and move I just know that's better for you. If you just sit and watch TV, or read a book for six or eight weeks, you're not going to feel well for a really long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have very minimal scars. As a matter of fact, when I went for a mammogram a few months after the surgery, the technician said, "Well, where are your scars? I expected a huge scar, you had lung surgery." And I have a few three-inch scars. I was fortunate enough to be back up and out at seven or eight weeks post-op, and I was back to work, being a productive person and walking and exercising and breathing air without any other treatments. The fact that I haven't had to have any radiation or chemotherapy is fantastic. It is amazing that we caught it and were able to remove enough to determine that I didn't have to have those treatments. Today I feel very well. I have no complaints and I have no limitations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Randy and I joined Kelsey and her husband on a trip to the Grand Canyon last summer. That was a real test because of the higher elevations and the thin air. I did have to take a few breaks. But you just stop and take few deep breaths and then keep going. It was wonderful. The fact that I am able to do that, that I'm still here, is because of Dr. Miller and the team and the hospital and AI. I have a normal life again after a relatively short time. Susan Riffle Susan Riffle with her daughter Kelsey Earnest in the Grand Canyon Susan Riffle with her daughter Kelsey Earnest in the Grand Canyon Randy is still a smoker. We have all been pressuring him, but you can't make anybody stop smoking. They have to be in the headspace to stop. You can read every book, you can read the literature, you can try cold turkey. You can do all kinds of things, but until you yourself are ready to commit and come up with a plan or two or three because it usually doesn't work the first time or first three times, you won't quit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes not ready to quit. He's not there. He did get a prescription for Chantix recently. And hes in the yearly screening program at the Georgia Cancer Center, and his doctor monitors him. I think he's close to retirement. I ask him, "So what are you going to do? Sit around and smoke cigarettes all day?" Hopefully, quitting will be one of his goals. I hope. My cancer was caught early. It was stage 1B. If we waited another six months, who knows what could have happened? I feel very fortunate to have had the advantage of the AI to look at my scans. It saved my life. It certainly saved me from what potentially could have been a horrible diagnosis down the road. I think a lot of people don't get scanned because they're afraid. What if? What if? But like I said, if you find something early and you make a plan, you can take care of it. I think education and trying to tell people it doesn't all have to be so fearful is important. Yes, it is a frightening diagnosis, but caught early, many cancers can be taken care of completely Get those screenings. If a medical professional suggests a screening, just do it. That would be my advice. Don't be afraid. Just do it and deal with whatever is found out. 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. Read the original article on People Cinco De Mayo felt a little different on social media this year. The mostly-celebrated-in-America holiday is an opportunity to celebrate the influence of Mexican culture in the U.S., but many people didnt feel like partying considering the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda. It didnt help that the president honored Cinco De Mayo by reposting a trollish tweet from May 5, 2016, that was basically an advertisement for the taco bowl sold at the Trump Tower Grill in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people on social media noted the paradox of celebrating the culture of another country under an administration that boasts about its deportations of migrants even those here legally and renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. I can already see it, nothing says secure the border like sipping on margaritas and munching on tacos made by the very people theyre voting against, one user wrote on Threads. The irony pairs well with Guacamole. Trump supporters shouldnt even be allowed to celebrate Cinco de Mayo meagan hood (@Taylaaasimone) May 5, 2025 no trump supporter better be celebrating Cinco de Mayo , yall wanna deport us all other 364 days you dont get that privilege karen (@groovskay) May 5, 2025 We are not posting about Cinco de Mayo. United Farm Workers (@UFWupdates) May 5, 2025 If you support Donald Trump or any Maga Republican put the tacos and margaritas down. You dont get to celebrate but you can go to Taco Bell. They do make white people tacos for you people. Dr. G (@GinnyMcDonald8) May 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cinco de Mayo: the one day a year republicans embrace Mexican culture and forget the go back to your country talksomewhere between their second taco and third margarita. Billifer (@billifer1973) May 5, 2025 Bluesky/tusk81 It's Cinco de Mayo If you cheer for the unconstitutional deportation of Hispanic people, fuck off pic.twitter.com/9Wgo8yJozC GingerSpice (@thedesertginger) May 5, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement reminder that Cinco de Mayo specials today aren't for Trump supporters who voted for deportations - sit at home and choke on your dry ass tacos made with Great Value taco seasoning while yelling into the void about gang members tay (@tayylorrmaee) May 5, 2025 Related... UPDATE: During a special meeting on Monday, May 5, the Socorro ISD board voted to not renew the contracts of 43 teachers as part of its efforts to deal with a budget deficit. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Socorro Independent School District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, May 5, to discuss the potential non-renewal and termination of dozens of teacher contracts for the 2024-2025 school year. According to the meeting agenda, trustees will consider recommendations from district administration to not renew term contracts and to terminate probationary contracts as part of a reduction in force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Socorro ISD board votes to not renew 43 teacher contracts amid $38M budget deficit The proposed changes are due to program adjustments, staffing formula changes and a continued decline in student enrollment, according the agenda for the meeting. Socorro ISD has estimated it needs to reduce its budget by $38 million for the 2025-26 school year, according to previous reporting done by KTSM. Among those affected are teachers in fine arts, core academic subjects and career and technical education programs across several middle and high schools. Affected staff also include elementary teachers impacted by an approved class size waiver that increases the student-teacher ratio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the District Service Center Board Room, 12440 Rojas Dr.. It will be open to the public and livestreamed following this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CORNING, N.Y. (WETM) A sold-out brunch fundraiser with more than 100 attendees helps raise money for CareFirstNY. Elmira Heights fundraiser supports high school student diagnosed with cancer The fundraiser, Brunch in Bloom, was held at The Pines event venue in Corning. It featured a brunch buffet and community-donated items from local businesses around Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties. Patrons purchased tickets in hopes of winning some of the raffled items and took part in a live auction which helped provide additional funding. Kate Fuller, Marketing and Communications Specialist of CareFirstNY, mentioned the event covering funding shortages for the organization. Types of events like this that fundraise help us support that care for people who may not be able to afford it are underinsured or uninsured, Fuller said. Its really about helping people live their remaining days to the absolute fullest. Its about building a community of care around people in our region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its wonderful that so many local businesses have been as generous as they have been so many people have purchased raffle tickets which will be more money to go toward CareFirst, said attendee Jane Fastiggi. According to Fuller, more than $10,000 has been raised, and the money will go towards hospice care, grief support, and mental health counseling services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Conflict of interest I agree with some of President Trumps decisions, but awarding contracts greater than $38 billion to Elon Musks companies is a blatant conflict of interest. Federal ethics laws (18 U.S.C. 208) prohibits government employees from participating in matters where they have a financial interest. Musk was a federal official with the title special government employee, and the de-facto leader of the federal initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Shouting fire Its hilarious how we must be told what our crises are. Now its DEI and tariffs. People, these are made up crisis to keep us distracting while our pockets are being picked. Weve always had tariffs; its called import taxes. We need to concentrate on billionaires not paying taxes. As for DEI, how are you going to not have diversity in the workplace. The country is made up of different races. Tariffs President Trump says that the government will get a lot of money from tariffs, implying that exporting nations like China will pay for them. But then he gets upset when Amazon intends to show the tariff portion on their bills that you (not the exporter) are paying. Then he says tariffs are so great that they could eliminate income taxes. This is crazy financial talk coming from the supposed Business President. Where are they? What happened to the fiddler crabs? At one time you could see them crawling everywhere, but I havent seen one in 20 years. Inappropriate The White House has posted an artificially generated image of our president dressed as the Pope. Earlier, President Trump had said hed like to be the Pope. I cant think of any logical or admirable reason for him to do this. Other Sound Offs have mentioned that Trump is just trolling liberals. Do we want a president who trolls people? Pope Donald the Orange I just saw President Trump dressed up like the late pope. Can you imagine the outrage from the Republicans if a Democrat did this? They would be writhing in the mud having convulsions. Cut away The Trump administration is considering cutting funding for National Public Radio and others. These outlets are in fact one sided, always 100% far-left anti-conservative. I say cut it right now. Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com. Mayor of Bucharest Nicusor Dan talks to the media after casting his ballot during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) BUCHAREST, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Exit polls showed that George Simion, chairman of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, took the lead in the first round of the Romanian presidential election rerun on Sunday. According to the exit polls conducted by the Center for Urban and Regional Sociology (CURS), Simion garnered 33.1 percent of the vote, followed by Crin Antonescu of the electoral alliance Romania Forward with 22.9 percent and Mayor of Bucharest Nicusor Dan, an independent candidate, with 20.9 percent. In another exit poll carried out by the AVANGARDE Socio-Behavioral Studies Group, Simion secured 30 percent of the vote while Antonescu and Dan both had 23 percent. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million voters registered for this election. Romania's president serves a five-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowed. Under the Romanian Constitution, if no candidate secures an outright majority in the first round, a runoff will be held between the top two contenders in two weeks. Romania's presidential election held last November was annulled following allegations of irregular campaigning practices and foreign interference. Mayor of Bucharest Nicusor Dan votes during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) A woman votes during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Presidential candidate Crin Antonescu votes during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) A woman votes during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Voters cast their ballots during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) A man votes during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Mayor of Bucharest Nicusor Dan votes during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) Voting announcements are seen at the entrance of a polling station during the first round of the presidential election rerun in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) A man votes during the first round of the presidential election rerun at a polling station in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday for the first round of the presidential election rerun contested by 11 candidates. According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at around 19,000 polling stations, including over 960 abroad, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400 to 1800 GMT). (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua) CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A busy road in south Charlotte is set to close for several weeks, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Weather permitting, both directions of Rea Road are set to close at 8 a.m. Monday, May 5, so that crews can install a pipe. This is near Providence Road. Track issues along your commute with the QCN Traffic Interactive Map The impact on traffic is expected to be high. Officials currently estimate that the work will be finished on May 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detours will be set up along Rea Road, Pineville-Matthews Road and Providence Road. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MADISON, S.D. (AP) Dakota State University hasn't experienced the student protests taking place at other U.S. colleges. Nestled in rural South Dakota, most of the nearly 4,000 students have been focused on their studies or job hunts, avoiding politics and partisan groups. Until now. The university administration decided to award an honorary doctorate to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and invited her to give a commencement speech May 10, bringing politics to the campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, students have planned a rally on graduation day opposing the former South Dakota governor and the Trump administration and expect protestors from across southeast South Dakota to join them. They want to speak out against the federal governments immigration policies, which are being implemented with Noem's oversight, on behalf of peers who fear for their legal status. They also are expected to protest Noem's anti-LGBT actions during her time as governor. Some students and faculty also said they thought the honorary degree was too high an honor to bestow upon her. Among DSU students, many are unsure if they should join the objections or stay quiet to avoid the kind of punishments suffered by students at more outspoken colleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The atmosphere is tense, humanities instructor Daniel Spencer said. Students are afraid of making their voices heard. Students studying in its renowned cybersecurity program have traditionally been hesitant to take political stances because they fear potential blowback when they later seek government and private sector jobs. DSUs location in Madison, a small town about an hours drive northwest of Sioux Falls, also is a factor. Many of our students are from rural South Dakota, and there's a bit of an unwillingness to confront authority, Professor Emeritus Dale Droge said. We don't have very many students in the political sciences or history where they might be thinking about these more civil rights kind of actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of international students who attend DSU and haven't yet been affected by recent DHS actions are weighing their participation options. The agency had terminated the legal status of more than 1,000 international students before reversing course and outlining a new policy for those terminations. I have international students coming to me from outside of the senate, across campus, who expressed to me that they dont want to get involved in any of this because they have fears of getting their visas revoked, said Anden Wieseler, a DSU junior and student senate vice president. Noem's support for DSU DSU selected Noem because she was an unwavering champion of Dakota State during her time as governor, university spokesperson Andrew Sogn said in a written statement to The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem, who received a political science degree from South Dakota State University, supported Dakota State's cybersecurity initiatives and helped secure millions of dollars in funding, cementing the school's standing as a national cybersecurity leader, Sogn said. She was asked to share remarks with DSUs graduates based on her distinguished and ground-breaking career in public service, and her many efforts to support the citizens of the state of South Dakota and the nation, Sogn said. Noem's office did not respond to a request for comment. DSU President Jose-Marie Griffiths nominated Noem to receive an honorary doctorate, though the university declined to provide details of the offer. The general faculty and student senate voted against the nomination, with only one of the 15 student senators voting in favor of the nomination, Wiesler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fear of speaking out There is a fear among a lot of the international student body on speaking on this matter, just a result of the current political climate, said Tyler Sprik, a freshman and student senator. That's part of the reason me and several other senators have become so involved it's because a lot of our colleagues can't." Faculty members also are apprehensive to share their opinions publicly. Some said the administration discouraged them from speaking to media and joining student rallies. Some cited President Donald Trump's heightened scrutiny on higher education as reason for caution. Other students said they feared reprisal from the administration and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they didnt want to jeopardize their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sogn said that faculty members are welcome to speak with the media. South Dakota faculty are afforded fewer protections than in other states due to a 2020 state law outlawing faculty unions at public colleges. Droge is troubled by the reluctance to speak out. It is very concerning to me that weve reached a point in not just Dakota State, but in so many institutions that people are afraid to speak freely even on issues like this of free speech and principles and ethics, Droge said. These things arent against the university in any way but its about allowing people to speak their minds freely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some faculty members also said having a high-profile figure at commencement may take attention away from the graduates. The biggest chatter I've heard from students and other faculty is first and foremost concern that there will be a disruption to the commencement, which we all feel is so important to the students that are there, said Stephen Krebsbach, a computer science professor. Still, many students are preparing for the rally. The students attitude is clear. No honor for Noem. Give commencement back to the graduates and listen to us, Sprik said. ___ This story corrects that Sogn did not address faculty protections in South Dakota. A potential SpaceX rocket launch is on the horizon and if all goes according to plan, it should be a pretty sight in the sky. Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a SpaceX rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast could be visible from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach to Vero Beach and West Palm Beach. When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo. Below is more information on rocket launches from NASA and Cape Canaveral and suggestions on where to watch them from this part of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocket launch tally: Here's a list of all the missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida (psst, there's a lot) For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space. When is the next Florida rocket launch? Tuesday, May 6: SpaceX Starlink 6-93 Mission: SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket on another mission deploying Starlink broadband satellites, a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory indicates. Launch window time and day: 8:22 p.m. EDT Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to 12:53 a.m. EDT Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Location of rocket launch : Launch complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida Sonic booms: No Trajectory : Southeast Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County: What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like? Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County. When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, theres an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles. What the views look like: Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral spotted in West Palm Beach Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north. Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way. If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: SpaceX rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida: When is liftoff? The Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and representatives of the Spanish company Escribano Mechanical and Engineering (EM&M) have recently discussed locating some of its equipment production in Ukraine. Source: press service for the Ministry of Strategic Industries Quote from Ukrainian Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin: "I was pleased to hear about the interest of EM&M representatives in doing business in Ukraine and their understanding of the prospects for cooperation with Ukrainian defence companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such cooperation will significantly improve Ukrainian military equipment, which will greatly strengthen our combat units." Details: The ministry said that EM&M's Guardian 30 remote-controlled turret modules are already being supplied to Ukraine. During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibilities and conditions for locating the maintenance and production of those modules at Ukrainian companies. Background: European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius is convinced that Spain will be forced to increase its defence spending to 3% of GDP. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A bus full of Michigan State University faculty and staff Spartans hit the road this morning just past 7 am on a whirlwind two-day trip throughout Metro Detroit. Kwesi Brookins, Vice Provost for Community Outreach and Engagement, says that part of the trips goal is to bookend a lot of what we can learn about Detroit and[what] our role as a University is in serving Michigan. Spartan bus tour hits the road. (WLNS) Spartan bus tour hits the road. (WLNS) Spartan bus tour hits the road. (WLNS) Spartan bus tour hits the road. (WLNS) Spartan bus tour hits the road. (WLNS) Spartan bus tour hits the road. (WLNS) The tour will include stops at the Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, the newly reopened Motown Museum, and the Detroit Institute of Arts. As MSU has provided decades of support to many of the locales, its a chance for everyone to see the outcome of the Universitys efforts up close and in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hard choices ahead as MSU President says we must adjust our financial path Sparty, the MSU mascot, made an appearance to send the group off on their education adventure. Right before the Spartan-branded bus pulled away from the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, MSU president Kevin M. Guskiewicz gave all 50 faculty and staff aboard a speech which concluded with a rousing call and response Go green and Go white! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Savannah Police Department (SPD) is investigating an incident that occurred Monday morning involving a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle According to SPD, a male juvenile was struck at Elgin St. and Pennsylvania Ave at around 7:24 a.m. while attempting to cross the street. He sustained a head injury and was transported to Memorial Hospital for treatment. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene. The SPD traffic investigation unit is investigating the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an ongoing story. Stay with WSAV for all updates as they are 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 WSAV-TV. The special tribunal on the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine is expected to start in 2026, Deputy Head of Ukrainian President's Office Iryna Mudra told Ukrinform on May 5. The tribunal, set to operate within the Council of Europe, will focus on Russia's political and military leaders, including President Vladimir Putin. "The special tribunal may start operating as early as next year. This year, we are finalizing the legal framework and forming the special tribunal: recruiting judges and the secretariat, implementing rules, regulations, and procedures," Mudra said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A draft charter for the special tribunal that fully regulates its work has already been created, according to Mudra. "A special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine has been created in basically two years. This is quite fast, given the very complex and sensitive issues on which we had to seek a compromise," she said. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a strong advocate for the tribunal, seeking to hold Putin accountable for launching the full-scale invasion nearly three years ago. Ukrainian authorities have documented thousands of war crimes by Russian forces, including deliberate attacks on civilians, cultural sites, and medical institutions, as well as cases of torture and forced deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian official overseeing the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. In March 2024, the ICC also issued warrants for two Russian military commanders for strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the winter of 2022-2023. Unlike war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide charges that apply to individuals at all levels of a military conflict the crime of aggression is a charge that can be brought exclusively against the top leadership of an aggressor state. Read also: I just hate the Russians Kyiv district recovers from drone strike as ceasefire remains elusive Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. If youre thinking about being in the woods this summer, experts are warning to stay alert for ticks, as this year may see a spike in tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease. The reason? Acorns. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is reporting a significant increase in acorn abundance that occurred last fall as compared to past years, a phenomenon referred to as either a mast year or bumper crop year, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 87% of all red oaks in the study were documented with acorns compared to a historical average of 57%. Recent bumper crop years occurred in red oaks in 2016 and 2019, and in 2015 for white oaks. A bumper crop can drive several ecological processes in our forests, such as the opportunity to help maintain and perpetuate declining oak populations while providing a nutritious food source to sustain wildlife populations throughout the winter months, said Joseph Barsky, the lead forest researcher for the study. While scientists arent quite sure why bumper crop years occur in oak trees, the phenomenon has a direct impact on wildlife such as rodents and deer. Mice, a common carrier of Lyme disease and a well-known host for ticks, can often see their populations multiply with an abundance of acorns. The acorns act as an important food source for them over winter, according to experts at the CAES. Some mice have been found to harbor over 200 ticks, with an average of about 23 ticks per mouse, according to experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Masting events can also lead to higher rodent populations, which serve as primary reservoir hosts for numerous human pathogens including the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, said Dr. Scott Williams, chief scientist for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Science and Forestry. Dr. Goudarz Molaei, head of the tick testing program at CAES, said that it is likely that the state will see a higher number of ticks infested with Lyme due to the increased acorn production. However, those numbers arent yet available to compare over previous years. The year after increased acorn production, we will see a lot of ticks feeding on rodents, Molaei said. Those ticks are in the larvae stage, as they dont yet feed on humans. So when they feed on those rodents, they will then be able to pick up more pathogen load including Lyme disease. We may see a higher prevalence this year, but we dont yet have the data. I would advise people to be cautious and if bitten by a tick, to get that tick tested. Molaei said current testing shows the black legged tick population, the most common vector of Lyme disease, to be around 50% infected with Lyme disease. Those numbers could climb as more tick larvae mature over the next few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mice are excellent vectors of disease, Molaei said. They are common carriers for multiple pathogens that the ticks then carry and spread. Thomas Worthley, UConn forestry and extension educator, said that scientists arent quite sure why mast years occur, but they seem to happen after extreme negative climate or environmental impacts. Mast year occurrences vary by species and seem to be common among oak trees. If you go back to 2015, 2016 time frame, we had the spongy moth that was contributing to widespread deforestation, Worthley said. Thats when we had the last bumper crop season and we saw an increased level of acorn production. So there is a theory that they can occur after some type of impact to trees. It is believed weather and soil play a role as well. Worthley said that mast seasons remain a poorly understood phenomenon because scientists cant replicate the amount of variables that may be responsible for them including weather, climate, soil, chemicals and external factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of reasons why they may occur, Worthley said. The most common are climate and weather changes and soil changes over time. They seem to occur more in red oaks than white oaks, but theres a lot of variability there. Some oaks produce a lot more acorns than other oaks, but there is a noticeable impact on animals including rodents and deer. Those populations often will increase due to the acorn abundance. In turn, you also see a growing population of predatory birds that feed on those populations. Molaei said that anyone who is going into the woods this summer should take precautions including wearing pants and long sleeved shirts and using protection including tick spray. Anyone who experiences a tick bite should monitor their symptoms and send it to their municipal health department. The CAES performs all tick testing in the state. Its important to get that tick tested if you begin to experience symptoms, so that we know exactly what you may have, Molaei said. Theres an increased prevalence of many different types of tick-borne diseases including babesiosis and other viral diseases. So its not just Lyme disease that we are seeing in higher prevalence. We urge everyone to take tick precautions seriously. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com. ST. LOUIS A heartbreaking loss for the St. Louis Fire Department as an off-duty St. Louis firefighter dies in a crash over the weekend. The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and Whittier Street in north St. Louis. Investigators said Corey McBride was driving a black Jeep Wrangler when it collided with a gray Chrysler 300 that was attempting a left turn. The Jeep flipped in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McBride died at the scene. He was 47. McBride worked in the St. Louis Fire Department for 20 years and earned the respect of fellow firefighters and the community he protected. Loved ones and colleagues are sharing memories of a man they described as a true public servant. Trial begins as Brentwood businesses fight to keep storefront To have a friend gone, as close are we were, its hard, long-time friend Sean Hubbard said. Hubbard and McBride attended school together at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. Corey was the life of the party. He was just an all-around good guy, Hubbard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Chrysler fled the scene but turned himself in to police the following morning at the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments North Patrol Division. When you hear something like that, it just jars you emotionally, Hubbard said. Just, yeah, it puts you in a place of I wish I just was lost. The fire department confirmed McBrides death Monday in a heartfelt message and offered thoughts and condolences to their colleagues family and friends. He was a hero. Because being a firefighter is putting your life on the line. It is making it so that people feel like they have someone to look up to, Hubbard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators are currently working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. Anyone with information about the crash are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477. 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 2. KABUL, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The development of poultry farms has been on a constant rise in Afghanistan as more than 100,000 people are directly engaged in the business, an official has said. "More than 100,000 people are directly working in poultry farms and more than 360,000 others are indirectly working in the sector," local media outlet Tolonews quoted Mawlawi Sadr Azam Osmani, deputy minister of agriculture, irrigation and livestock, on Monday as saying. The number of poultry farms has increased from 3,000 in the past years to 14,000 currently, the report said, adding that the post-war country is nearly achieving self-sufficiency in poultry meat production. The Afghan interim government, according to the official, will make every effort to help Afghanistan stand on its feet in all fields. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter faces two declared challengers in the November election, which also will feature a ballot question on giving city officials the authority to issue administrative citations. Meanwhile, a declared candidate has dropped out of this summers race for the Ward 4 seat on the city council. One thing St. Paul voters cant count on this summer? Political endorsements from the St. Paul DFL, which has no plans to host caucuses or a Ward 4 endorsing convention this year, according to party treasurer Rick Varco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The St. Paul DFL is in the midst of rebuilding its leadership roster and discussing how to adjust its constitution in advance of the citys upcoming shift to even-year municipal elections, a change that city voters approved at ballot last November, and wont be devoting resources to caucuses and conventions this summer. Other parties may weigh in. Twin Cities DSA, a chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, has already endorsed Cole Hanson in the Ward 4 race, well in advance of campaign filings. Carter announced in January he would seek a third term. The mayor, whose progressive agenda has included college savings accounts for St. Paul newborns and a new sales tax to support roads and parks, won both of his previous four-year terms on the first ballot of each ranked-choice election. In 2021, Carter received more than 61% of the vote in an eight-way race. Two mayoral challengers Those numbers havent stopped declared challengers Yan Chen, a biophysicist at the University of Minnesota, and Mike Hilborn, who runs a power-washing, Christmas tree lighting and snowplowing company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chen, who previously ran for the Ward 1 seat on the St. Paul City Council, released a series of videos on her campaign website, yanchenmn.com, analyzing what she describes as the unsustainable course of the citys finances and rising property taxes. She also plans videos criticizing the mayors decision to endorse rent control before the policy was approved at public ballot in 2021, as well as his handling of the citywide garbage contract. A landlord, she rents out five single-family homes in St. Paul. Hilborn, who previously ran for state representative representing the downtown area, lists a series of one-sentence campaign promises on his website, hilbornforstpaul.com, pledging without further elaboration that he can cut the citys property taxes by 50% while doubling the size of the citys police force. He also lists among his priorities no boys in girls sports and that he supports school choice/school vouchers. Hilborn, who works closely with nonprofits that create opportunities for the previously incarcerated and disabled, said he is a second chance employer, offering $25-per-hour jobs with benefits to men and women who have had brushes with the law or are in addiction recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing period for the mayoral election is July 29 to Aug. 12, and additional candidates may yet join the pool. The election will be ranked choice, meaning there will be no political primary to whittle down the field, and voters will be allowed to choose more than one candidate in order of preference. As a result of a petition drive led by financial analyst Peter Butler, the Nov. 4 ballot will also feature a question regarding amending the city charter to allow administrative citations, or non-criminal fines for violations of city ordinances. Carter and the city council have called for giving the council the power to create various fine schedules for ordinance infractions, as other cities in the metro already do to varying degrees. Butler and other critics have questioned whether the city will attempt to raise badly-needed revenue for the city budget through excess enforcement. Ward 4 race tightens The race for the open Ward 4 seat on the city council has already tightened, even though the filing period doesnt open until later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cristen Incitti, president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Minnesota, has pulled out of the Ward 4 contest and endorsed fellow candidate Molly Coleman, a nonprofit founder and daughter of former mayor Chris Coleman. Also running are school board member Chauntyll Allen and Hanson, a public health worker who previously served as chair of the Hamline-Midway Coalition. The ward, which centers around the Midway, spans all or parts of St. Anthony Park, Hamline-Midway, Como, Merriam Park and Macalester Groveland. The Ward 4 filing period is May 20 through June 2, and the special election will be held Aug. 12. Previous Ward 4 Council Member Mitra Jalali resigned her seat in February, and the mayor appointed Matt Privratsky as her interim replacement last month after the council failed to muster enough votes to choose someone on their own. Related Articles Law enforcement and St. Paul firefighters wait near Erick's Bar on E. Seventh St. in St. Paul on May 6, 2005, where police officer Sgt. Gerald Vick was shot early that morning in an alley across the street from the bar. Police said Vick and a fellow officer were working a prostitution investigation in the bar before the shooting. Vick, 41, was taken to Regions Hospital, but less than 30 minutes later, at 2:46 a.m., he was pronounced dead. (Craig Borck / Pioneer Press) A SWAT team stands by Friday, May 6. 2005 outside a home in the 900 block of Minnehaha Avenue as St. Paul police and other law enforcement personnel set up a perimeter and searched house-to-house for the killers of Sgt. Gerald Vick. (Craig Borck / Pioneer Press) St Paul Police Sgt. Shawn Campbell adds a snapshot of Sgt. Gerald Vick to the wall that carries Vick's newly-etched name at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 13, 2006. Campbell was part of a contingent of St. Paul Police officers who traveled to Washington to honor Vick, the first St. Paul police officer killed in the line of duty in 11 years, who was shot to death May 6, 2005. (John Doman / Pioneer Press) St. Paul Sgt. Gerald Vick's longtime police partner, Sgt. Matt Toupal, escorts Connie Vick back to her seat after she received her husband's posthumous Medal of Honor from the Fraternal Order of Police in Washington D.C. on Monday, May 15, 2006. (John Doman / Pioneer Press) Kevin Torgerson, of the Olmstead County Sheriff's Department, composes himself after playing "Taps" with other Law Enforcement Memorial Association buglers during the interment for Sgt. Gerald Vick at St. Mary's Cemetery in North St. Paul on May 11. 2005. (John Doman / Pioneer Press) Show Caption1 of 6Sgt. Gerald Vick was 41 when he was shot and killed Friday, May 6, 2005, in St. Paul, Minn., while working undercover with a vice unit. It was the department's first line-of-duty death since 1994. (Courtesy of the St. Paul Police Department)Expand St. Paul Police Sgt. Jerry Vick would be retired from the police department now and enjoying being a grandfather. He was 41 when he was fatally shot in the line of duty on May 6, 2005. His two children were 11 and 14 back then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 20 years, I still find it hard to believe that hes gone, Matt Toupal, who was Vicks long-time police partner, said recently. Its hard every year to reflect on that because his death was so violent. Theres scars his family, his wife, his children, the grandchildren that hes not able to see. The police department, which usually has roll call meetings in each patrol district before shifts start, will be holding a citywide roll call for current and retired officers to memorialize Vick on Tuesday. Vick had been working undercover with another officer, investigating prostitution in St. Pauls Daytons Bluff neighborhood, when there was a confrontation outside a bar and Vick was shot in an alley. Harry Jerome Evans, now 52, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving a life sentence in prison. Vicks death was the first line-of-duty death of a St. Paul police officer since Ron Ryan Jr. and Tim Jones in 1994, and he was the last St. Paul officer fatally shot in the line of duty, though there have been other tragedies. In the 20 years since, other officers have been shot in St. Paul and survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 1, 2010, Maplewood Sgt. Joe Bergeron was searching for carjacking suspects in St. Paul when he was killed in an ambush. Also during the last two decades, the St. Paul police department has recognized the deaths of two other officers, Josh Lynaugh and Felicia Reilly, as occurring in the line of duty. Rescued kids from fire, delivered baby in a living room Toupal, who retired as a St. Paul police deputy chief three years ago, met Vick in 1989 when they were in the St. Paul Police Department academy together. They had us in alphabetical order and Toupal is next to Vick, so we started talking and we connected, Toupal remembered. They were partnered for the following 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a night when they were in separate squad cars because of short-staffing, Toupal arrived at a house fire after Vick. I thought, Boy this is a bad fire. I looked a little closer and theres Jerry, up on the second floor, handing out a baby and saving lives. Vick pulled a 3-year-old boy from that burning house in 1990 and crawled back in to rescue a 15-month-old girl. The police department awarded Vick the Medal of Valor, its highest honor. He was later recognized with two more, the most at the time in the departments history. Jerry always had a knack for being at the right place at the right time, Toupal said. One time, Vick and Toupal were sent to what was reported as a violent domestic assault. From outside the house, the officers could hear arguing; they pounded on the door, but realized it wasnt an assault at all a woman was about to have a baby, and her husband was screaming for help, Toupal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the living room, Vick delivered the baby boy, whose umbilical cord was around his neck; he unwrapped the cord and was able to get the baby to start breathing. It was really remarkable because we werent trained in delivering babies, but Jerry was the man. Thats what he did all the time, Toupal said. Vicks mom died in 20 Vicks wife, Connie, never remarried, his friends say. The couples son and daughter each have children of their own now. Vicks father, Dennis, died the month after his son. His mother, Maggie Vick, died in 2020. When Toupal and Vick were partners, Toupal remembers that Vicks mother was really concerned that her son would get hurt as an officer. Toupal said he told Maggie hed make sure nothing happened to her son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, after Vick was killed and people poured into Maggies house, he knew what she would say to him. She was crying, and I can see her now pointing her finger at me, saying, You promised me,' Toupal said. What do you say to that? Other than just giving her a hug and saying youre sorry. Though the officers were working in different units and werent together when Vick was shot, Toupal said he understood Maggies pain. Bear of a guy with big heart At Vicks memorial service, then-Police Chief John Harrington said a young woman told him that Vick saved her life when she was 19. Vick, who was working in the vice unit when he was killed, was known for trying to rescue girls and women from prostitution. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was 64, a big bear of a guy but it didnt matter if you were a victim or a suspect, he had this big, loving heart, said retired St. Paul Sgt. Shawn Campbell last week. He met Vick and Toupal when he also patrolled in the Eastern District, and the three were later on the SWAT team together. The police department started the Gerald D. Vick Human Trafficking Task Force in 2005, after Vick was killed. The taskforce has since joined a state taskforce to have a bigger impact, according to a police spokeswoman. Each anniversary of Vicks death is a painful reminder, Campbell said. Theres always a hole in your heart and that doesnt heal, he added. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) On Saturday, letter carriers across the country will collect non-perishable food donations that will go to local pantries. This year marks 32 years since the start of this program and since then it has collected over 1.9 billion pounds of food around the nation, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Food banks and pantries typically collect more food during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday, meaning by springtime many pantries are in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, more than 44 million Americans are not sure where their next meal is coming from, with more than 14 million of them being children. To participate in the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, just leave non-perishable food in a bag by your mailbox on the day and your letter carrier will do the rest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. The Modesto Police Department is investigating the deaths of a couple in in Hughson, one of whom was an employee of the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office. According to a news release from the Sheriffs Office, Stanislaus Regional 911 received a call from a juvenile stating that his or her parents were dead. Deputies responded immediately to the 1700 block of Fontana Ranch Road. Two children were safely removed from the home, the release says. During a search of the premises, deputies found two deceased adults, one male and one female. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can confirm that one of the deceased adults is an employee of the Sheriffs Office, the release says. Due to the nature of the circumstances, the Modesto Police Department and the Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office are responding to take over the investigation. No further information will be released at this time, as this is an ongoing investigation. The Bee has asked which adult was the Sheriffs Office employee; if the case is being investigated as a murder-suicide, double homicide, or other; if the cause of death has been determined; what time the deaths are believed to have occurred; and if either or both of the children witnessed the deaths. None of that information was available. TOPEKA (KSNT) Astronomers are excitedly waiting for the arrival of a new light in the sky this year that appears once every 80 years. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared on May 1 a list of important astronomical events to keep an eye out for in the days ahead. Among the highlights was a notice for an eagerly anticipated nova event that will add just a little more light to the sky soon. 27 News reached out to Solar System Ambassador Brenda Culbertson with the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) for an explanation on this special event and how people can spot it in the night sky. She said the light is expected to appear in the Corona Borealis, also known as the Northern Crown, morning constellation. Sky chart showing constellation Corona Borealis with the location where nova T CrB is predicted to appear. The view depicts the constellation with the nova occurring, indicated by an arrow. (Photo Courtesy/NASA/JPL-Caltech) T Coronae Borealis (T CrB for short) is a binary system, two stars orbiting a central point of gravity, Culbertson said. One of the stars is a Red Giant, an older, larger, and relatively cooler star, and the other is a White Dwarf, a smaller (about the size of Earth), denser, and relatively hotter star. Gravity of the White Dwarf accumulates some of the gases from the Red Giant partner. As the gases from the Red Giant build up on the White Dwarf, pressure increases and causes a thermonuclear reaction, and an explosion occurs that blows the outer shell of the White Dwarf out into space. The explosion is called a nova. Only the outer shell of gases is blown off, and the star, itself, remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big sunspot appears, what this means for Earth Culbertson said the explosive process can happen multiple times with the last recorded nova from this binary star system appearing in 1946. NASA also reports that documented outbursts from T CrB have been reported in 1866, 1787 and possibly even in 1217. Astronomers now expect the same event to occur again in the near future. NASA has likened the event to a new star appearing in the night sky for casual observers. However, this nova will be a temporary brightening of a star system that will be visible for only a few nights. T CrB, also known as the Blaze Star, was expected to go nova in 2024, but we are still waiting for it to happen, Culbertson said. It is not what is being called a new star, but one that exists and will brighten at some point. If it happens when we are watching, and we see it go nova, that will be a nice sight to see, for sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People should be able to view the nova with the unaided eye once the sun goes down. You can learn more about T CrB and the nova process by clicking here. What new Kansas laws go into effect on July 1, 2025? 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. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Oklahoma's Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen testifies before a select committee investigating finances of the mental health department at the state Capitol Monday. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Lawmakers promised Monday that every employee would be paid on time after mental health officials admitted during a public hearing that they dont know if theres enough money in their budget to make payroll. But lawmakers warned that they were growing impatient with Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesens inability to explain specifics in her budget, and said that she shouldnt expect any additional aid from the Legislature until she gets a better handle on the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services overall financial situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friesen told lawmakers Monday that shes not confident in her agencys budget calculations and asked for help from the Legislature. She returned to the Capitol to testify before lawmakers for the second time in four weeks after her agency abruptly revealed last week it couldnt afford its more than $6 million payroll. But weeks after hearings began in the House, lawmakers said theyre frustrated and angry with the lack of answers from the agency as the deadline for legislators to finalize the upcoming state budget rapidly approaches. I think theres frustration levels on both sides of this, and theyre getting higher and higher and higher every single day, said Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, co-chair of the select committee. I appreciate that the department is saying that they are not confident in their numbers, but the Legislature stands ready to take care of our state employees, but at this time, probably not moving further with any other kind of budget requests until we really understand the financial situation. The agency is facing several probes following reports of a $43 million deficit and a still unexplained request for a $6.2 million supplemental appropriation to help the department make ends meet through the end of the current fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In previous hearings, Friesen and interim Chief Financial Officer Skip Leonard said they were confident that the deficit was $43 million and only a $6.2 million supplemental appropriation was needed. But neither could explain how those numbers were reached or how $6.2 million would be enough. A revised budget request for the 2026 fiscal year has yet to be delivered to lawmakers. Friesen again pointed some of the blame for these financial issues on previous leadership. Mark Rupke, who said he works in the mental health departments operational excellence division, testifies before a select committee investigating the agencys finances. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) These numbers are changing, not because were indecisive or disorganized, but because we are for the first time in a very long time, uncovering the full depth of financial instability that has been hidden under layers of dysfunction, Friesen said. Those who are attempting to paint our efforts as incompetence are conveniently ignoring the reality of the situation. What were discovering is not just poor accounting, it is abuse, negligence and likely corruption. And let us be honest, these patterns didnt develop overnight. They were tolerated, protected, and in some cases, fueled for the financial and political benefit of a select few. She said there is likely corruption, fraud and unethical behavior that occurred within the agency. Friesen said in the last week she learned that an unnamed member of the agencys internal finance staff intentionally withheld information and has since resigned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said Leonards contract expires this week and he no longer serves in the interim CFO role. The agency launched a search for a permanent chief finance officer months after the former CFO resigned and a day after lawmakers questioned Leonards qualifications when he couldnt answer basic budget questions. Leonard was not at Mondays hearing. Instead Friesen brought Mike Rupke, who said he started working in the agencys operational excellence division 35 days ago. Rupke said hes skeptical of every bucket of the agencys finances, but admitted he was still getting himself up-to-speed on the situation at hand and only recently gained full access to the agencys human resource management system. When pressed by lawmakers, mental health officials struggled to pin down the exact personnel costs per pay period, noting they range from $6 million to $6.2 million, depending on contract costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friesen asked for help from the Legislatures fiscal staff to find consensus on accurate numbers for what the agency needs as a supplemental appropriation and for its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Lawmakers said they need to be able to put together a budget by the Legislatures deadline. Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, left, and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, speak with reporters following Mondays hearing. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) Rosino joined the committee as co-chair Monday and said it is the Legislatures responsibility to appropriate dollars to state agencies, but not to figure out agency budgets. Im a little bit angry about today. I thought we were going to have some resolution, and it doesnt seem like we do, Rosino said. It seems like were still up in the air, and thats why were saying the House and the Senate will come together to take care of what we need to but after that, we are going to have to drill down these numbers deeper, and we are running out of time. The clock is ticking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, chair of the committee, said the Legislature will meet its required deadline to pass a budget with the best information available to lawmakers. Lawson said the Legislature and mental health department would be in a very different position if Friesen and agency staff had been more forthcoming about this uncertainty from the beginning. But he and Rosino said the Legislature will make sure state employees are taken care of. Numbers can change, and they can change quickly, and what hangs in the balance is certainty, Lawson said. And in this case, when it comes to payroll, its our state employees $23 million, thats a lot of money, its a lot of taxpayer money. So for that to be lobbed about left and right, that is uncertainty for us, its uncertainty for the employees there. Im certainly not happy about it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott speaks at the Celebrate Iowa's Outdoors Day March 20, 2025 in the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott announced Monday she will run as a Democratic candidate for Iowas 3rd Congressional District. Currently, the 3rd District is represented by U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican who has held the seat since defeating former U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, a Democrat, in the 2022 election. The Iowa House seat, covering much of the Des Moines metropolitan area and much of of central and southern Iowa, is expected to be one of the most competitive districts in the 2026 general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trone Garriott, currently representing West Des Moines in the Iowa Senate, said in a video announcing her campaign she was well-suited to run for the seat because of her track record winning in competitive state legislative races. Im no stranger to tough fights, Trone Garriott said. Im the only Iowa Democrat who flipped two seats from red to blue, then won a district that went to Trump in 2024. I know how to win, and I know how to deliver for Iowans. She was first elected to the Iowa Legislature in 2020, when she defeated Republican Scott Cirksena to represent Iowa State Senate District 22. In 2022, she defeated then-Senate President Jake Chapman to represent Senate District 14 after redistricting, and won a close race against GOP challenger Mark Hanson in 2024. Trone Garriott, a 46-year-old Lutheran pastor, said she would work in Congress to lower the costs of child care, health care and housing, as well as restoring the rights and freedoms lost in recent years. She also criticized Nunns time in Congress, saying Zach Nunn has failed us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Iowans struggle with higher costs, attacks on our personal freedoms and reckless cuts to our public schools, Zach Nunn is not showing up, Trone Garriott said. Hes not listening, and hes not working for us. Iowans know that I show up for all my constituents, and that I listen and that I speak out. Emily Tuttle, a spokesperson with the National Republican Congressional Committee, the House Republicans campaign arm, criticized Trone Garriott in a statement Monday. Out of touch Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott is another activist attempting to radicalize Iowa pushing a dangerous, extreme agenda that would raise costs, allow men in girls sports, and weaken public safety, Tuttle said. Iowans want leaders who deliver commonsense results, and thats exactly why theyll send Zach Nunn back to Congress. While Nunn has not officially announced a reelection campaign, he is expected to run for the seat again in 2026. He ruled out a run for governor last week in an interview on the WHO AM Simon Conway show, saying he is focused on his work in Washington, D.C., on issues like cutting taxes and securing the U.S. southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nunn won in 2024 against Democrat Lanon Baccam with roughly 52% of the vote. In the previous election, the race was rated as a tossup by some political forecasters Sabatos Crystal Ball now has the seat, alongside Iowas 1st Congressional District currently represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, listed as tossup races heading into 2026. House Democrats campaign arm, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, has highlighted Nunns seat, as well as Miller-Meeks and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinsons, as Districts in Play in the upcoming midterm elections, areas where Democrats plan to focus their efforts to flip seats and potentially regain control of the U.S. House. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Ashley Hinson, and Zach Nunn are running scared, and they should be, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said in an April statement. From tanking the economy, gutting Medicaid, abandoning our veterans, to making everything more expensive, theyve broken their promises to Iowans, and its going to cost them their seats. The DCCC is already working to recruit authentic and battle-ready candidates in Iowa who reflect these districts and will work to better Iowans lives, not line Elon Musk and their DC party bosses pockets. Trone Garriott is not the only Democrat expected to run in Iowas 3rd District. Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst and Rep. Austin Baeth, D-Des Moines, have also said they are considering running for the seat, though Trone Garriott is the first to officially launch her campaign. A coalition of state attorneys general filed a lawsuit Monday against President Donald Trumps attempt to stop the development of wind energy. Attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C., are challenging an executive order Trump signed during his first day in office, pausing approvals, permits and loans for all wind energy projects both onshore and offshore. They say Trump doesnt have the authority to unilaterally shut down the permitting process, and hes jeopardizing development of a power source critical to the states economic vitality, energy mix, public health and climate goals. Theyre asking a federal judge to declare the order unlawful and stop federal agencies from implementing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This arbitrary and unnecessary directive threatens the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs and billions in investments, and it is delaying our transition away from the fossil fuels that harm our health and our planet, New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is leading the coalition, said in a statement. SEE ALSO: SouthCoast Wind warns of four-year delay, blames Trump administration White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Democratic attorneys general are using lawfare to stop the presidents popular energy agenda, instead of working with him to unleash American energy and lower prices for families. The American people voted for the president to restore Americas energy dominance, and Americans in blue states should not have to pay the price of the Democrats radical climate agenda, Rogers said in a statement to The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump vowed during the campaign to end the offshore wind industry if he returned to the White House. His order said there were alleged legal deficiencies underlying the federal governments leasing and permitting of wind projects, and it directed the Interior secretary to review wind leasing and permitting practices for federal waters and lands. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Massachusetts. Trumps order targeted a priority of Bidens climate plan The Biden administration saw offshore wind as a climate change solution, setting national goals, holding lease sales and approving nearly a dozen commercial-scale projects. Trump is reversing those energy policies. Hes boosting fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal, which cause climate change, arguing its necessary for the U.S. to have the lowest-cost energy and electricity in the world. The Trump administration took a more aggressive step against wind in April when it ordered the Norwegian company Equinor to halt construction on Empire Wind, a fully permitted project located southeast of Long Island, New York, that is about 30% complete. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said it appeared the Biden administration rushed the approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Equinor went through a seven-year permitting process before starting to build Empire Wind last year to provide power to 500,000 New York homes. Equinor is considering legal options, which would be separate from the complaint filed Monday. The Norwegian government owns a majority stake in Equinor. Wind provides about 10% of the electricity generated in the United States, making it the nations largest source of renewable energy. The attorneys general argue that Trumps order is at odds with years of bipartisan support for wind energy and contradicts his own declaration of a national energy emergency, which called for expanding domestic energy production. States have already invested large sums to develop wind energy The coalition includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Washington, D.C. They say theyve invested hundreds of millions of dollars collectively to develop wind energy and even more on upgrading transmission lines to bring wind energy to the electrical grid. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the executive order sows chaos, when businesses need clear regulations to effectively operate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Large, ocean-based wind farms are the linchpin of state plans to shift to renewable energy, particularly in populous East Coast states with limited land. The nations first commercial-scale offshore wind farm opened a year ago, a 12-turbine wind farm east of Montauk Point, New York. A smaller wind farm operates near Block Island in waters controlled by the state of Rhode Island. Despite its affinity for hot air, this administrations attack on wind is not unexpected, Rhode Island Attorney General Neronha. Mere hours after taking office, this president issued an executive order reaffirming his commitment to dismantling substantial clean energy progress in this country. The development and implementation of renewable energy resources, including wind energy, is a crucial part of stabilizing energy prices at a time when Rhode Islanders are struggling to pay skyrocketing energy bills, he continued. Further, the continued development of wind energy will help us meet our states Act on Climate goals, provide quality jobs for Rhode Islanders, and help maintain a habitable planet for generations to come. We cant afford any setbacks when it comes to climate, and we will fight to make sure our progress isnt lost. Massachusetts has invested in offshore wind to ensure residents have access to well-paying green jobs and reliable, affordable energy, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell said. The state has three offshore wind projects in various stages of development, include Vineyard Wind. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday denied to hear a case brought by fishermens organizations challenging the approval of Vineyard Wind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has also suspended federal funding for floating offshore wind research in Maine and revoked a permit for a proposed offshore wind project in New Jersey. Elsewhere, political leaders are trying to rapidly increase wind energy. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a major investment in wind power in April while hosting an international summit on energy security. Nova Scotia plans to offer leases for five gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in Virginia last week at an Oceantic Network conference. NEXT: Neronha among 20 AGs looking to reverse HHS cuts 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. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. By Mohammed Ghobari, Jaidaa Taha and Menna AlaaElDin ADEN/CAIRO (Reuters) - The Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes against Yemen's Hodeidah Port on Monday, a day after the Iran-aligned Houthis fired a missile that struck near Israel's main airport. The military said in a statement that it attacked what it called Houthi terrorist targets in Hodeidah and its vicinity. The strikes killed at least one person and injured at least 35 people, the Houthi-run Saba news agency said citing the health ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis shut down the area around the port and cement factory following the strikes, three sources said. They said the extent of the damage at the port was unknown, yet the intensity of the strikes and fire caused severe damage to the containers' berth. Two other sources estimated the damage at 70% of the port's five docks, warehouses and customs area. The strikes occurred as two ships were unloading their cargo, with traffic at the port at a complete standstill, a worker at the port said. The port is the second-largest in the Red Sea after Aden and is the entry point for about 80% of Yemen's food imports.More than 10 strikes targeted Hodeidah Port and the Al Salakhanah and Al Hawak neighbourhoods in the city of Hodeidah, five residents told Reuters. Four strikes also targeted a cement factory east of Hodeidah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The attack was carried out in response to repeated attacks carried out by the Houthi terrorist regime against the State of Israel in which surface-to-surface missiles and unmanned aircraft were launched at the territory of the state and its citizens," the Israeli military said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate for Sunday's missile attack, which was the first known to have escaped interception by Israel's air defences in a series of attacks since March. Houthi official Abdul Qader al-Mortada said in an X post commenting on the attack that Israel should wait for the "unimaginable". The Yemeni group resumed its attacks on Israel and shipping lanes following a brief suspension after the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis, who control Yemen, have been firing at Israel and shipping in the Red Sea since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in what they say is solidarity with the Palestinians. A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said that U.S. forces were not actively involved in Monday's strikes, but there is general coordination between the two allies, the official said. Meanwhile, an oil company operated by the Houthis announced it has begun operating an emergency system for supplying cars with fuel, owing to difficulties in unloading cargo at the oil port of Ras Isa. The company, in a statement, attributed the decision to U.S. strikes on the country, including the port. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump in March ordered large-scale strikes against the Houthis. The strikes have killed hundreds of people in Yemen while Israel has largely limited its strikes on Yemen since December last year. Earlier on Monday, Israel approved a plan that may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid to the Palestinian enclave. The war in Gaza started after Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's offensive on Gaza has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, Gaza health officials have said, and destroyed much of the enclave. (Reporting by Jaidaa Taha, Menna Alaa El Din and Mohammed Ghobari, additional reporting by Idrees Ali and Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Peter Graff, Sharon Singleton and Michael Perry) Student with autism crowned prom king in Missouri PIKE COUNTY, Mo. With prom season underway for most schools in Missouri, one district is celebrating the tradition by honoring one of its beloved students in the community. Timmy Kirkpatrick, a student with autism, was unanimously voted as the prom king of Bowling Green High for the 2024-2025 school year in late April. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News A member of the community, Kirkpatrick is known for his kind personality. Deborah Curry, whose grandson is Kirkpatricks stepfather, shared with FOX 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curry is a longtime member of the Bowling Green School District, and she has two daughters and four grandchildren who also attended the schools. They all just take care of (Timmy) and love him, Curry shared. I guess thats why they (voted for him). But I just couldnt believe that they would do such a thing for him. Kirkpatrick has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old, and according to Curry, it creates challenges for him to function alone. But despite his disabilities, Timmy enjoys gaming and listening to music. He always has music in his head, and its one special gift, Curry said. He will always ask you, What is your birthday? And he will never forget it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curry shared that it means a lot for individualsmostly youngto choose Timmy as a representative for their class. I said to myself, What a special group of young people, she said. And the seniors, just what a special group they are to do that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JERUSALEM, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to escalate the offensive in Gaza, including the occupation of the Gaza Strip and continued control over captured areas, a senior Israeli official said Monday. The ministers "unanimously" approved the operational plan, the official said on condition of anonymity. The vote came hours after military chief Eyal Zamir announced that "tens of thousands" of call-up orders for reservists would be issued this week to intensify the offensive. The cabinet also approved a framework for the possible future entry of humanitarian aid to the devastated enclave, which Israel has completely blockaded since March 2 following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. It was not immediately clear when aid deliveries might resume. Israel has defended the blockade, saying it aims to prevent Hamas from seizing control of supplies and to pressure the group into accepting a deal on Israel's terms. However, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East warned Sunday that the blockade has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Gaza of catastrophic levels, describing the situation as "beyond imagination." During a meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the new plan marks a shift in strategy, "moving from tactical raids to the occupation and continued control of territory," according to a statement by his office. Netanyahu also said he continues to promote a plan to facilitate the "voluntary departure" of Gazans and that talks are underway with several countries to receive refugees. The plan will include, "occupying Gaza and holding the territories, moving the Gaza population southward for their protection, denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian aid, and launching powerful strikes on Hamas -- measures that will contribute to its defeat," the senior official said. Israel ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas in March and resumed its air and ground operations. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023. The Department of Education says federal student loan borrowers who do not pay on time could damage their credit scores and even have their wages garnished beginning today, May 5 causing challenges for some of the more than 5 million borrowers who are in default and struggling to get answers about their loans. "I don't think anyone takes out a loan with the intention of not paying it back. It's how easily you can pay it back, that's the problem," said Jana Heartwood, who owes more than $40,000 in student loans from her nursing degree. "We're kind of drowning as it is," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years ago, Heartwood's son was born with a medical condition, and to treat it, Heartwood exhausted her savings and took out money from her 401K. During the pandemic, student loan payments were put into forbearance, but when repayments resumed last year, Heartwood said she was never notified. After hearing of the agency's collection decision from a news report, Heartwood checked her account and said she was shocked. "I had no idea that my loans were delinquent at that point I checked every email. I got statements that had a zero on it," she said. Persis Yu, an expert in student loan law, said steep job cuts at the Education Department, and steps to dismantle it, have left the loan system in disarray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Borrowers cannot get answers from their servicers," said Yu. "Many of the services have hours-long call wait times in order to get just a simple answer about, 'How much do I owe? How do I pay my loan?'" After hours on the phone, Heartwood still had no clear answer on her loans, saying she can't afford to pay anything back right now. "It's not easy. Every week is hard," she said. "Every paycheck is immediately gone. It's gone before we even, you know, have it." The Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) is restarting collections on defaulted federal student loan on Monday, as a new analysis shows that delinquency rates are higher than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yu said there are no provisions that take into consideration when families have extraordinary circumstances, like having to pay for the medical care of a loved one. "It's an impossible standard for so many to meet and that's why so many borrowers do fall into default," she said. The Department of Education under President Trump blames the Biden administration. It told CBS News that because of "attempts to transfer student debt to every taxpayer, the student loan portfolio is in a dire financial state." Student loan pause and future payments Student loans payments and interest accruals were paused in March 2020 by President Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former President Joe Biden extended the halt of payments multiple times before they resumed in October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration sought to eliminate some student debt but faced multiple legal challenges from the courts, including a 2023 ruling from the Supreme Court. During the Biden administration, more than 5 million borrowers had their debt erased through various initiatives. GOP lawmakers recently introduced legislation to overhaul the student loan repayment program, which includes eliminating the SAVE plan, created by the Biden administration in 2023. "Going forward, the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Treasury, will shepherd the student loan program responsibly and according to the law, which means helping borrowers return to repayment both for the sake of their own financial health and our nation's economic outlook," Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement last month, adding, "There will not be any mass loan forgiveness." For impacted borrowers, experts advise taking detailed records and screenshots of their account status and payments. They also suggest reaching out to your representative in Congress and asking specifically for casework help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rise of "Barstool Conservatism" Student loan borrower shares her story as collections resume for those in default Bessent says there could be substantial progress on China trade talks in coming weeks (Refiles correcting day to Monday in first paragraph, changes keywords for media subscribers) PORT SUDAN (Reuters) -Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces launched a second drone strike in as many days on Port Sudan, targeting fuel depots in the eastern city early on Monday, security sources told Reuters, in a major escalation of a two-year-long conflict. Large plumes of smoke and fire rose from the facility well into the afternoon as civil defence teams worked to contain a blaze there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military sources told Reuters that the RSF used a drone at dawn to bomb the fuel storage facilities that they described as civilian infrastructure. "This attack reflects a deliberate attempt by these militias to paralyse life and target citizens' basic needs," Sudan's energy and petroleum minister Mohiedienn Naiem Mohamed Saied said. The sources labelled the strike part of a "criminal campaign by the militia." Speaking from the site, Saied condemned what he described as a "terrorist operation" aimed at crippling essential services. He said fires had engulfed major fuel storage facilities after the drone hit a diesel depot and the blaze spread to nearby tanks, according to a ministry statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were fears it could trigger a wider disaster in the densely populated area, Saied said. The RSF has not yet claimed responsibility for the strike. On Sunday, the RSF carried out a drone attack on a military base and other targets near Port Sudan Airport, the first time the group had reached the strategic Red Sea city, previously considered a government stronghold and humanitarian hub. No casualties were reported. The eastern expansion of hostilities threatens to upend the fragile stability of Port Sudan, which houses the country's main seaport, airport and the army's top command. Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by war between the army and RSF, triggered by a dispute over a transition to civilian rule. The conflict has displaced over 12 million people and pushed half the population into acute hunger, according to the United Nations. (Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz, Writing by Mohamed Ezz; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Peter Graff) Nearly two weeks after Cornell University retracted their decision to have Kehlani headline an end-of-year concert, Summerstage has chosen to follow suit due to looming pressure from Mayor Eric Adams office. We have been notified by the Mayors Office that they have concerns for security and safety issues regarding the June 26 Kehlani concert, produced and presented by Live Nation, the statement issued on Monday (May 5) via Instagram read. Those concerns are due to the controversy surrounding Cornell Universitys decision to cancel Kehlanis concert at the University, as well as security demands in Central Park and throughout the City for other Pride events during that same time period. Kehlani Summerstage concert According to a letter sent to City Parks Foundation from the Adams administration and obtained by the New York Post, the cancellation stemmed from growing security concerns about this event, given the controversy surrounding Kehlanis scheduled performance at Cornell University (causing University officials to cancel the appearance), the security precautions needed for an event like this in Central Park, and the security demands throughout the City for other Pride events during this same period of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summerstage responded, We strongly and emphatically believe in artistic expression of all kinds. However, the safety and security of our guests and artists is of the utmost importance and in light of these concerns, the concert has been cancelled [] While artists may choose to express their own opinions, their views may not necessarily be representative of the festival. Following Cornells decision to cancel, Kehlani denounced claims of being antisemitic. Im not antisemitic or anti-Jew. Im anti-genocide, anti-actions of the Israeli government, anti-extermination of entire people, anti-bombing of innocent children, men, women. Thats what Im anti, said the 30-year-old. Her political stance became the center of controversy after having several pro-Palestinian elements in the music video for her single, Next 2 U. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Residents of the towns of Bilopillia and Vorozhba, located near the Russian border in Sumy Oblast, were urged to evacuate urgently on 5 May. Source: Mykhailo Melnyk, Head of Sumy District State Administration, on Facebook Quote: "I urge the residents of Bilopillia and Vorozhba to evacuate to a safe place immediately! Evacuation buses leave every morning at 08:00." Details: Melnyk added that it is possible to register for evacuation at any time of day. Border area of Sumy Oblast on the map. Background: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that claims by the senior Russian command regarding the alleged end of hostilities in Russias Kursk Oblast are false. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian troops continue to conduct active defensive operations in Russias Kursk and Belgorod oblasts. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stated that the operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast, ongoing for nine months, had achieved most of its objectives and the buffer zone established by Ukrainian forces remains relevant. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Voters wait in line at Farley Community Church during on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Huntsville, Alabama. A survey of 11 counties by the Alabama League of Women Voters found significant differences in Alabama absentee ballot rejection rates from county to county. (Eric Schultz for Alabama Reflector) A recent survey found significant differences in individual counties absentee ballot rejection rates. The survey of 11 counties by the League of Women Voters found that almost 2,200 ballots about 3.6% of all absentee ballots cast were rejected in the counties on Election Day last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But those rates could vary considerably. In Madison County, the home of Huntsville, only about 1% of ballots were rejected. In Mobile, the number rose to 8%. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX It is a snapshot of what is really going on with the whole state, said Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama. When I look at the numbers, from purely a data perspective, my conclusion is that the system has some real flaws in the way that it operates. The survey excluded most counties in Alabama, so it is difficult to extrapolate the attrition rate to the rest of the state. The election officials from the various counties surveyed did not state why ballots were excluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State law outlines the rules over which absentee ballots must be set aside and not counted, but the Alabamas Secretary of States Office gives county boards of registrars wide latitude for setting policies related to absentee ballots, which can lead to disparities between counties in which absentee ballots get counted and which dont. Alabama is one of 17 states that does not allow voters to fix errors on their ballots prior to Election Day, according to Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit think tank based in Colorado. That, coupled with the states exacting rules pertaining to absentee ballots, can lead to voters getting rejected. Democrats introduced legislation to allow people to cure ballot affidavits that would allow election officials to be removed from the envelope and placed into the voting machine, but the bill did not move out of committee this year. In interviews, three ballot managers said that the decision for whether to reject or accept an absentee ballot envelope is made by a poll worker who observes each of the ballots, but that decision is not discretionary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You fill out the form and check boxes, and then you are supposed to sign, said Jimmy Bell, the absentee election manager for Conecuh County, where the rejection rate was about 3%. Then you have to put the right district. It was just some stuff that they did not do. Poll workers may not verify the identity of the person who signed the affidavit but check whether the person actually signed the affidavit envelope required by Alabama law. For most of the ballots, it is clear if the voter made an error, and they are unable to accept the ballot to be counted as part of the election. The registrar of voters for each county, however, may have individual process for dealing with ballots with discrepancies. Put the ballot that you dont have an objection to in this pile, put the ballot that you have an objection to in this other pile, Bell says to his poll workers. Then everybody has to rule on it. One person doesnt rule, the way I do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other places are slightly different. If there is ever any question, they get together and look at it, said Brian York, the absentee election manager for Talladega County, where the rejection rate was 2.7%. That is my office, I dont know about anywhere else. If one of the poll workers has a question, if it looks unusual, they are going to ask another poll worker. Messages seeking comment were left with the Mobile County Probate Office. Voting by absentee ballot in Alabama is difficult. The state requires voters to provide a reason for voting absentee. Voters must then navigate a series of rules and procedures that, should they miss even one, would invalidate their entire ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama also requires voters to finish ballot applications at least seven days before an election, and the ballots themselves must be received at the elections office by noon the day of the election. That is different from other states, according to Christian Grose, a professor of political science and international relations at the University of Southern California who studies the election process. Arizona allows you to mail in your absentee ballot., he said. As long as it is postmarked by the election, officials will count it even if it arrives a few days later. Arizonas acceptance and count rate was 99.6%. The rate for Massachusetts, a state largely dominated by Democrats, was 98.8% in the 2022 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers say ballot curing is the key difference between those states and Alabama. Curing a ballot is a two-step process in which voters submit their absentee ballots that are then reviewed by election officials to ensure the person voting is registered to vote and that person who cast the ballot is the same person who received the ballot. States like that, Arizona is one, California is one, a number of western states, that allow people to more actively say, Yes, that was my ballot, not fraud, allows you to still have election integrity to protect against fraud, but still gives people a chance to confirm that it was, in fact, their signature and it just changed, Grose said. This would help with younger voters who traditionally have lower rates of turnout than the rest of the electorate. A study published by the MIT election lab in 2021 found that ballot curing cuts rejection rates almost in half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several lawmakers introduced several bills aimed at increasing voter turnout and enhancing opportunities for voters to participate in elections within this cycle. HB 97, sponsored by Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, D-Montgomery, during the current session, would have introduced a system of ballot curing in Alabama. The bill did not advance during the session. People have been doing this for the past 10 years in the voting cycle, said Hassell, who has introduced the legislation in previous sessions. Their vote never counted because they didnt know they made those mistakes, of not signing one particular piece of paper, or not checking a box, or something, of whatever it could be to not have their absentee ballot count. Currently, when an election official receives an absentee ballot from a voter, the absentee ballot may not be removed from the affidavit envelope if it is defective. Hassells legislation would have required the absentee election manager to let a voter cure the ballot affidavit to address the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did a lot of campaigns, and we would count absentee ballots, Hassell said. We would say, This person voted by absentee, and the person said that he supported the candidate. So, we would count the vote. We counted absentee ballots, but then you turn around and you dont see the results, you dont see the correct number of absentee ballots cast. You say, Something is not right. There is a problem. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE [Source] A new report released at the beginning of AANHPI Heritage Month points to the enduring gap between the recognition and inclusion of Asian Americans. The Asian American Foundations fifth annual STAATUS Index reveals troubling trends: 40% of Americans now believe Asian Americans are more loyal to their countries of origin than to the United States a perception that has doubled since 2021. Perpetual foreigners The nationally representative survey of 4,909 Americans found that more than 1 in 4 Americans are concerned Chinese Americans could pose a national security threat. Meanwhile, public opinion remains divided on past injustices: only 44% of Americans strongly agree that the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was wrong. Trending on NextShark: Virginia school officials respond to middle schoolers bullying of 5-year-old Asian boy While nearly half of Americans (48%) believe Asian Americans are treated fairly a five-year high Asian American respondents reported a very different reality. Sixty-three percent said they feel unsafe in everyday spaces and nearly half said they had been insulted or called a derogatory name within the past year. Physical assaults were reported by 15% of respondents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S., only 23% of Asian Americans said they feel fully accepted and just 40% reported a strong sense of belonging. Many cited underrepresentation in leadership and media, as well as experiences with discrimination, as reasons for this disconnect. Our communities continue to be viewed through the lens of toxic stereotypes that invisibilize our lived realities like the model minority, yellow peril and perpetual foreigner myths, Chen tells The Rebel Yellow. Trending on NextShark: Bain says K-pop bandmates rallied behind him after he came out to them Why the data matters The perception that Asian Americans are not fully loyal Americans has historically led to exclusion, surveillance and incarceration. Today, 41% of Americans support proposals to ban land ownership by foreign nationals from countries like China even when those individuals live in the U.S. Political rhetoric and media narratives appear to be contributing factors, particularly as 1 in 4 Americans report having no personal relationships with Asian Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Survey: 40% of Americans say Asian Americans more loyal to other countries than US Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Vietnamese Gen Zers embrace shifting Vietnam War perspectives Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! STEPHENS COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A suspect is facing multiple Capital Murder charges for allegedly paying someone to kill his step-father. Jacob Wayne Spencer was booked into the Stephens County Jail Friday for two counts of Capital Murder with Remuneration and Unlawful Installation of Tracking Device in connection to the allegations. The victim of the alleged murder for hire plot, Jay Marcum, told KTAB and KRBC Spencer is his stepson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marcum is unable to comment on exactly what happened right now due to the ongoing investigation, but he does want to thank all of the agencies who assisted in this case, including the Stephens County Sheriffs Office and the Texas Rangers. Stephens County Sheriff Kevin Roach confirmed Spencer was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop. Spencer now remains held in the Stephens County Jail on bonds totaling $1,275,000. More information on this case is expected to be made public soon. Check back with BigCountryHomepage.com for any 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A newly released court document sheds light on why a rare Spanish-American War cannon was stolen from a Wichita park and cut into pieces last month. Law enforcement officers who interviewed the alleged suspect, Gordon Pierce, 38, said he was afraid his drug dealer was going to kill him if he did not find a way to pay back $20,000. Gordon Pierce III appears before a judge on April 8, 2025. (Courtroom pool image) Pierce allegedly told the officers he had been a meth user for 20 years and went to his drug dealer who gave him a pound of meth. Pierce was not comfortable with that amount because he would not be able to sell it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told the WPD that someone attacked him and stole the meth, but the dealer did not believe him and wanted $20,000 or he would shoot him and his family. Woman sucker punched in downtown Wichita Pierce allegedly told the officers that it made him start looking for copper statues to steal to make money. While driving around, he noticed the cannon in Central Riverside Park. According to the court document, around 4 a.m. on April 2, Pierce got a homeless person to help put a chain around the top of the cannon, then used a Tahoe to pull it off its concrete pedestal. Spanish-American War Memorial Cannon in Central Riverside Park (Courtesy Kevin L. Crockett) Spanish-American War Memorial Cannon in Central Riverside Park (Courtesy Kevin L. Crockett) The Spanish-American War Memorial Cannon is missing from Central Riverside Park. (KSN Photo) The Spanish-American War Memorial Cannon is missing from Central Riverside Park. (KSN Photo) Pierce allegedly told officers that he and the homeless man tried to lift the cannon into the Tahoe, but it was too heavy, so he dragged it behind the vehicle. The chain snapped multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the probable cause affidavit, Pierce went to a friends house to get more chains and then dragged the cannon to the friends house. The friend was freaking out about this, believing he was going to get in trouble, Pierce told officers. The document says that Pierce borrowed the friends tools, spent several hours cutting the cannon into four or five pieces, and took a couple of pieces to the drug dealer, to show that he was trying to pay for what he lost. Cannon chopped into pieces, believed to have ties to President Roosevelt The dealer called Pierce stupid, telling him he is going to bring heat to his house. According to the court document, the dealer told Pierce he was going to shoot him the next time he saw him. Pierce said it made him feel hopeless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly said he chose the cannon because it was in a dark area. The detective who wrote the affidavit said Pierce did not have a specific plan to sell the cannon pieces since he did not have an ID, which is typically required when someone wants to scrap metal. After his alleged meeting with the drug dealer, Pierce went to his mothers house and fell asleep. He woke when the police arrived. Police had followed gouges in the road to the friends house, and the friend told police where they could find Pierce. Police arrested Pierce. He remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of theft of property, aggravated criminal damage to property, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Pierce waived his preliminary hearing and is set for arraignment on May 22. His bail is set at $200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A city spokesperson said the 1794 cannon had been chopped into pieces. Historians have said the cannon is irreplaceable. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Three people are confirmed dead, and nine others are unaccounted for after a suspected smuggling boat capsized off Del Mar early Monday morning. Local fire crews, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security, responded to an area just north of Torrey Pines State Beach around 6:30 a.m., where the panga had washed ashore, officials told KTLA 5 News. It was estimated to be approximately 18 people on the beach, so we upgraded this to a major medical response due to the number of potential victims, said Jorge Sanchez, a deputy chief with the Encinitas Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three people were declared dead at the scene. Four survived and needed medical care, Coast Guard spokesperson Hunter Schnabel said. The panga overturned at Torrey Pines State Beach in Del Mar, California. May 5, 2025. (OnScene.TV) Crews frantically searched by boat, jet ski and helicopter for additional victims or survivors. Children are believed to be among the missing, Schnabel said. A doctor hiking nearby called in and said, I see people doing CPR on the beach, Im running that way,' said Lt. Nick Backouris of the San Diego County Sheriffs Department Winds were light in the area, with slow-rolling waves reaching about 6 feet (1.8 meters), according to Sebastian Westerink, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in San Diego. The water temperature was 63 degrees (17 Celsius), he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bulldozer moved the panga on the beach as the search was underway. The wooden dinghy that was over 20 feet long (6 meters) had scuffed blue paint and wooden planks for seats. Inside the boat were a pair of running shoes, more than a dozen life vests, an empty waterproof cell phone bag and various water bottles. Its engine was visibly damaged. Panga landings are relatively frequent in Southern California as immigrants risk their safety aboard these overcrowded boats to reach the United States from Mexico. Border Patrol arrests 9 people attempting to illegally enter U.S. in Dana Point Harbor Recently, the city of San Clemente has considered installing surveillance cameras along its coastline to help alert authorities when pangas are spotted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, eight people were killed when two migrant smuggling boats approached a San Diego beach in heavy fog. One boat capsized in the surf. It was one of the deadliest maritime smuggling cases in waters off the U.S. coast. A federal judge sentenced a San Diego man to 18 years in prison in 2022 for piloting a small vessel overloaded with 32 migrants that smashed apart in powerful surf off San Diegos coast, killing three people and injuring more than two dozen others. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) A suspicious package was found in a room at the Economy Inn on Highway 341, a Glynn County Police spokesperson announced Monday. The hotel and surrounding area are being evacuated by Glynn County Police, Fire Rescue, and Emergency Management personnel. Officials asked that people avoid the area as it is an active scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Bomb Disposal Unit has also been requested to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The device has reportedly been in the room for several days before it was discovered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Since arriving in China in 2013, Senegalese businessman Ababacar Niang has built a career by exploring China's industrial heartlands and learning from its development. Now, he's on a mission to bring that experience back to Senegal -- connecting continents and inspiring change. #GLOBALink Was the convenience of self-checkout worth the cost? For Target, the answer appears to be a resounding no. After massive theft losses, the retailer is making a dramatic U-turn on self-checkouts, pulling back from the automation trend that once promised faster lines and lower labor costs. Could this be the end of the DIY checkout era as retailers scramble to combat escalating shoplifting? Target Limits Self-Checkout Use in Storewide Shift Target is restricting self-checkout lanes to customers with 10 items or fewer, but the company maintains the change isnt driven by concerns over theft. Despite widespread speculation and the retailers history of significant shoplifting-related losses, Target says the move is meant to streamline the shopping experience. A company spokesperson told Fox News Digital the decision followed more than a year of planning and internal testing, which revealed improved customer satisfaction with the new system. However, retail analysts point to a different motivation. Experts believe rising theft, particularly through self-checkout lanes, is a key factor behind the shift. Target has faced mounting challenges with shrink, the retail industry term for losses tied to shoplifting and inventory discrepancies. In 2023 alone, the company reported an additional $500 million in shrink-related losses compared to the year before, according to Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A particularly striking case underscored the issue: a woman in California was convicted of stealing more than $60,000 worth of goods from Target over the course of 100 visits, exploiting the self-checkout system by scanning items and inserting small change before walking out. GlobalData retail analyst Neil Saunders told CBS News that self-checkout is an area of the store people can steal things and that retailers like Target are scaling it back to reduce theft-related losses. Target Shoppers Frustrated by Cutback on Self-Checkout Stations Many Target shoppers are frustrated by the stores decision to cut back on self-checkout, taking to social media to vent about longer lines and a less convenient shopping experience. One Reddit user shared a photo of their local store, showing the empty space where the self-checkout machines once stood, and mentioned that their Target had completely removed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another user on X (formerly Twitter) complained that Target is starting to resemble Walmart, with an abundance of checkout lanes but a shortage of cashiers, causing long waits even at the few remaining self-checkout stations. Customers have expressed a clear preference for the speed and autonomy that self-checkout offered. As one Redditor put it, Its a shame. I hate having to go through a manned register. I prefer self-checkout every time. Overall, shoppers are annoyed by the extra time and effort now required to check out, especially when they had grown accustomed to the convenience of self-checkout. Target Isnt Alone in Scaling Back Self-Checkout Target is not the only retailer retreating from self-checkout. Several major retailers are also hitting the brakes on DIY checkout as theft continues to plague their bottom lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walmart has already yanked self-checkout machines from select stores in Missouri and Ohio, explaining that the move is based on feedback indicating a preference for staffed lanes and improved service. Dollar General is taking even more drastic measures, eliminating self-checkout from 300 high-theft locations and restricting its use to five items or less elsewhere. Five Below is going even further, nearly eliminating self-checkout entirely. Former CEO Joel Anderson stated that most of their stores would shift to cashier-operated lanes, especially those with theft issues, and the company is also boosting staff, security, and receipt checks. The pressure to make these changes is significant, with the National Retail Federation estimating that U.S. retailers lost a staggering $112.1 billion to shrink in 2022. The problem is particularly acute in cities like New York, where shoplifting reports soared by 64% between 2019 and 2023, according to the Council on Criminal Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the issue is the rise of online platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, which, along with shady pawn operations, have created a lucrative market for stolen merchandise. The very self-checkout systems that boomed during the pandemic for their contactless convenience are now being scaled back as retailers prioritize stopping theft over the ease of DIY shopping. Is This the End of the Line for Self-Checkout at Retailers? Its difficult to say definitively, but the recent trend of retailers scaling back or limiting self-checkout suggests that concerns over theft, or shrink, are pushing many to reconsider the system. While self-checkout systems boomed during the pandemic for their contactless convenience, retailers are now prioritizing stopping theft over the ease of DIY shopping. However, its unlikely that self-checkout will completely disappear. Instead, shoppers may see a shift toward more controlled implementations or a balance between staffed lanes and self-checkout options to address both convenience and security. Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission. A shipping slowdown at West Coast ports is the latest in a series of dominoes that could lead to tariff-induced shortages in American stores. Import volume will be down by about a third this week, Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, told a Bloomberg panel on Friday. "The trucker hauling four or five containers today, next week she probably hauls two or three," he said. "The dockworkers are no longer going to see overtime and double-shifts, they're going to probably work less than a traditional work-week right off the bat." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seroka's port is an important bellwether for trade into the United States: About 40 percent of the shipping containers brought into the country arrive in Los Angeles. By comparison, container arrivals at the port dropped by about 30 percent in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. If Seroka's estimates are correctand data from websites that track shipping activity suggest they arethen the country may be headed for a supply chain disruption on par with the pandemic. The biggest difference is that this mess is a deliberate choice. The Trump administration has imposed a 10 percent universal tariff on nearly all imports to the U.S., with tariffs of 145 percent on goods from China. (Higher tariffs on dozens of other countries are currently on hold for 90 days but could be implemented at any time.) "Global trade is going to slow; economies will follow," predicted Seroka. So when will shortages begin hitting consumers, and what products will be most affected? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last month, the CEOs of Walmart, Target, and Home Depot reportedly met with President Donald Trump to deliver a stark warning: Store shelves could be noticeably emptier within a few weeks, as inventories vanish and cannot be restocked. "He was told that shelves will be empty," an anonymous Trump staffer told Axios after the meeting. Because of the extraordinarily high tariffs on China, those imports will likely be the first to disappear from stores. The 10 percent global tariff will likely increase prices for consumers but won't shift or eliminate supply chains for products from other countries, writes Ed Gresser, a former assistant U.S. Trade Representative who is now a vice president at the Progressive Policy Institute. It's a different story for goods from China, where the 145 percent tariff will be prohibitively expensive and may look more like an embargo. "As the prices of many foods, most clothing and shoes, back-to-school goods, and much else rise, a swathe of cheap and popular mid-range home goodsblenders and alarm clocks, umbrellas and strollers, sex toys and toastersmight vanish altogether," Gresser reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data Gresser compiled on Chinese imports suggests that you should add hair dryers and microwaves to that list. Other basic necessities, such as toothbrushes and vacuum cleaners, could see shortages as well. The next month (and possibly more) will be a real-world test of the administration's belief that Americans don't really need affordable and plentiful items like those on Gresser's list. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in March that "access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American dream." More recently, Trump has doubled down on his claim that American families can afford to pay more to buy things like dolls and children's toys. They may find themselves paying more for just about everything else that can be found in a modern American home too. "Americans will be deciding over the next months whether Bessent is right," wrote Gresser. "More personally and locally, if you're looking to restock your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, workbench, home office, etc. with small but useful things this year, do it now." The post When Tariff Shortages Arrive, Here's What Might Be Missing appeared first on Reason.com. SIDNEY, Ohio (WDTN) A local task force has received grant money to enhance its emergency response capabilities. The Shelby County Rescue Task Force recently received $25,000 from the Community Foundation of Shelby County. The funding comes from its Community Impact Fund, which supports local nonprofits through donations. Sidney seeking new tax increase to improve roads, infrastructure The RTF is composed of local firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement who help respond to high-risk incidents like active shooters and mass casualty events. The team ensures medical care is delivered quickly in chaotic and dangerous situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant funding will help the RTF purchase essential equipment, ensuring members stay mission-ready when needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. The moon hangs low over the Capitol in Frankfort. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) Missouri Republicans may take their tax-cutting efforts to new heights this year as lawmakers consider exempting profits from the sale of stocks, bonds and real estate from state income taxes. Part of a broader push to eliminate the state income tax altogether, legislation making its way through the Capitol would provide an unprecedented benefit to the wealthy by excluding capital gains, the long-term earnings from the sale of assets. If approved, tax experts say, the legislation would mark the first time a state with an income tax has eliminated capital gains tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican sponsors say the move would make the state more attractive for businesses and families. This bill is intended to energize Missouris economy, Republican Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins said upon introducing the measure. But state Democrats and even some of their GOP colleagues have criticized the measure as being overly favorable to the wealthy. Most states tax systems already put a higher tax burden on lower-income households. That trend only accelerated in this years legislative sessions, worrying advocates who want to see the rich pay a larger share. It is so egregious in just how grossly concentrated the benefits of the [Missouri] proposal would go to the richest people in the state and shift the states tax system to really privilege the owners of wealth over people who are earning a regular paycheck, said David Cooper, an analyst at the left-leaning think tank Economic Policy Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The institute advocates for progressive state taxes those that put the proportionately largest tax burdens on the highest earners. While Cooper advises against eliminating state income taxes, he said the Missouri move would be more harmful than eliminating the income tax outright. If youre wiping away the income tax altogether, theres at least some tax benefit going to lower-earning folks who are still paying income taxes, he said. If youre just eliminating capital gains income taxes, you are just giving away money to the wealthiest people in the state, period. Some Democratic-led states, including Maryland and Washington, have moved to increase taxes on the wealthy this year. But several states including Kansas, Kentucky and Mississippi have made more regressive tax changes. Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects at the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation, noted that states still prioritize progressive spending through social service programs aiding the most vulnerable residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said states compete against each other for business and residents in much more immediate ways than the federal government competes against other nations. So states are very focused on the competitive advantages associated with a pro-growth tax regime, he said, and that has led to less of an emphasis in many states on achieving progressivity through the tax code. Generational change to taxes While several states have enacted high-profile tax cuts this year, the momentum is actually slowing, Walczak said. With booming economies and an influx of federal cash in recent years, conservative and liberal states alike passed significant tax cuts. Of the 43 states that have some sort of income tax, 28 have made rate reductions since 2021, Walczak said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many states, lawmakers simply accomplished much of what they had set out to do, he said. Economic uncertainty and the prospect of reduced federal aid also have made many lawmakers more cautious this legislative season, he said. But lawmakers in several states including Oklahoma, South Carolina and West Virginia have continued their march to eliminate state income taxes. Taxing peoples wages is bad because it undermines liberty, Oklahoma state Sen. Dusty Deevers, a Republican, said this month in support of a proposed income tax cut, the Oklahoma Voice reported. It undermines peoples freedoms. If government controls income, then it controls your life. This session, Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear signed a bill cutting the state income tax rate from 4% to 3.5%. Republican lawmakers have been slashing rates for years with the ultimate aim of eliminating the income tax altogether, despite concerns that more reliance on sales tax would disproportionately burden the poor. To partially offset the income tax reduction, the legislature expanded sales taxes to more services in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Republican lawmakers in Kansas overrode a veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to move away from the states graduated income tax toward a flat tax of 4% that will mostly benefit the highest earners. Last month, Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves signed legislation granting another cut in the state income tax. Officials there aim to phase out the income tax altogether over the coming years with gradual rate reductions, which Reeves characterized as a generational change for the state. The Mississippi law also reduces the sales tax on groceries and increases the gas tax. Though the governor is already celebrating the end of state income tax, the law provides for incremental reductions in the coming years only if the state hits certain revenue targets. Republican state Rep. Trey Lamar, a legislative sponsor, said income taxes disincentivize work a particular problem for the state with the nations lowest workforce participation rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tax on work is a tax on productivity, he said. The left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy says the law will make the states tax system more inequitable. Its analysis found that when fully implemented, the top 1% of households, who have average annual incomes of $1.4 million, will receive an average cut of $41,420, or roughly 3% of their annual income. But the bottom 20% of earners, who have average annual incomes of $13,400, would realize a tax cut of just $42 per year. Lamar noted the legislation did not increase sales taxes across the board. With average sales tax burdens already lower than neighboring states like Alabama, he said the income tax elimination will only help Mississippi workers. We need more people working, he said. So if helping the working man is somehow seen as regressive, then Id have to say I dont fully understand that. Walczak, of the Tax Foundation, said the state can afford the initial rate reduction. But its unclear whether state revenues will hit the targets needed and whether lawmakers will reassess the aim of eliminating income taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As one of the nations poorest states, Mississippi is heavily reliant on federal funding and would be particularly vulnerable to an economic downturn. Theres not a guarantee that the state could afford that in the future, and Mississippi does not have a large budget to begin with, so that would be harder than in most other states if the economy slid, he said. It does require a willingness on lawmakers parts to be honest with themselves if the economy changes and decide whether a pause might be necessary. An uneven tax burden Economic uncertainty and slowing revenues have put many states into budget holes this year, forcing lawmakers to consider spending cuts or tax increases. To close budget gaps, some conservative and liberal states have considered new or higher taxes on marijuana, tobacco and soda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some liberal-led states are looking to taxes more focused on the wealthy. In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Daniel McKee has proposed a 10% tax on digital advertising revenue. In Washington state, lawmakers approved raising capital gains taxes and business taxes to close a looming deficit, though its unclear whether Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has voiced skepticism, will sign off on those measures. Maryland lawmakers, facing a $3 billion deficit, recently approved $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees. That includes two new high-income tax brackets and a new 3% sales tax on information technology and data services. Moves like those that ask more of the wealthy could make some state tax systems more progressive, said Aidan Davis, the state policy director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. But most state tax proposals approved this year have primarily benefited the highest earners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats particularly concerning because most state systems already favor the wealthy. In 41 states, the top 1% of earners pay a lower effective tax rate than any other group, according to an institute study. In Missouri, the fate of the first-of-its-kind capital gains tax elimination remains up in the air. Though versions of the proposal have passed both chambers, there are differences between the Senate and House legislation. That means the bill could go back to conference committee for further negotiation or go on to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who has identified capital gains among his tax cut priorities this year. Missouris Department of Revenue estimated the exemption could cost $111 million per year. But an Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy analysis of IRS data projects the change could cost $600 million or more. If approved, the top 5% of Missouri households those making more than $273,000 per year will receive more than 80% of the benefit from capital gains exemption, Davis said. Doing so would let wealthy people collect tax-free passive income while youre continuing to tax middle class workers and people with savings, Davis said. Its just a really extreme proposal. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@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. Amid falling approval ratings from New Yorks current governor, Kathy Hochul, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., told Fox News Sunday Morning Futures she is considering a run for New York governor on Sunday. President Donald Trump nominated Stefanik to serve as ambassador to the United Nations shortly after winning the presidential election last November, but he withdrew the nomination at the end of March to protect the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. If Stefanik can pull away from the gubernatorial election scheduled for November 2026 with a win, she will be the first Republican governor for New York in nearly two decades. Stefanik sees New York tax code in major need of reform Look at the crises that single party Democrats have brought to New York, Stefanik said Sunday morning. We have an economic crisis and an affordability crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stefanik claimed her state collects the most taxes from its citizens than anywhere else in the country, and in 2025, the Tax Foundation agreed that the taxation situation in New York is dire. The Tax Foundation takes into account five components: corporate taxes, individual income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes and unemployment insurance taxes. Given these measurements, New York fell 50th out of 50 states in their measurement, largely due to the states individual income tax. However, it also ranks poorly in terms of property tax and sales tax. We lead the nation in people who are leaving the state because its so unaffordable, Stefanik said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York was indeed the state with the fifth highest exodus rates in 2024, as the New York Post reported earlier this year. Hochul puts criminals first, Stefanik writes of current governor In a statement posted on X, Saturday, the current representative justified her potential campaign as a needed response to Hochuls failed leadership. The statement stemmed from news that Eddie Matos, who threw NYPD cop Anthony Dwyer off a Times Square roof in 1989, would have his fourth parole hearing in two years. This is a disgusting betrayal of law enforcement and law-abiding New Yorkers, Stefanik wrote. Only in Kathy Hochuls New York would such a vile criminal get another shot at freedom. Hochul puts criminals first and brave law enforcement and New Yorkers dead last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, New Yorkers deserve a governor who backs our police and locks up violent offenders not one who rolls out the red carpet for them. Stefanik polling competitively before an official campaign is announced A poll conducted by GrayHouse showed Stefanik leading the Republican primary by 37 percentage points and trailing the current governor in the general election by 6 percentage points, per City and State NY. Im honored to have the most robust, most significant donor base of any Republican ever in the state of New York, and it is time that we work together as a team to save this state from the catastrophic policies, Stefanik said of her support from the state on Fox News Sunday Morning Features on Sunday. State Assemblyman Chris Tague also told the New York Post that for a Republican to win the general election as governor, he or she would need to perform well in upstate New York, adding, I think that shes the candidate that could do that. Everybody that knows me, that sees me, the first thing they say to me, Please tell Elise to run for governor, please, Tague said. AUSTIN (KXAN) On Sunday, one Taylor ISD educator took home a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony. The Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience, ceremony organizers said. Vicki Rowe, an Advanced Placement English teacher at Taylor High School, received $25,000 in cash and a $25,000 grant for her school. The ceremony was held in downtown Austin, and hundreds of educators and community leaders were in attendance, according to organizers. Taylor ISD teacher takes home Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony (KXAN News/Aidan Boyd) Taylor ISD teacher takes home Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony (KXAN News/Aidan Boyd) Taylor ISD teacher takes home Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony (KXAN News/Aidan Boyd) Ceremony organizers said $480,000 in cash and grants were awarded to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six teachers Two counselors Two principals One early childhood facility One public school board Two school districts At a time when public school educators face many challenges, its critically important that we honor the extraordinary individuals who are inspiring the next generation of Texans. Their work not only changes livesit defines the future of our state, said Winell Herron, H-E-B Senior VP of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. Nominations for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open to all state-certified public school professionals currently working in Texas. Nominations will close on September 30, 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. If you know a teacher or have a loved one whos a teacher, it's the perfect time to show them you appreciate all they do. This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, which always falls on the first full week of May. And if youre a teacher that wants to enjoy more than just a pile of gift cards, mugs and candles cluttering your desk, there are some deals, freebies and discounts to be had. Heres how Teacher Appreciation Week started and some discounts for teachers this year. Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: When, what it is Teacher Appreciation Week has been around in the U.S. since 1986, but started as a single day in the 1950s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded Congress to set aside a day to recognize teachers. Back then, it was just a single day of recognition, according to Teachers of Tomorrow. However, due to the overwhelming support for honoring teachers, the National Education Association (NEA) successfully lobbied to turn it into a full week in 1986. Now, Teacher Appreciation Week always falls on the first full week of May, with Teacher Appreciation Day celebrated within that week. Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 starts today, Monday, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) and ends this Friday, May 9. Teacher Appreciation Week: Gift ideas for teachers, according to local teachers Is Teacher Appreciation Week the same every year? Teacher Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation Day always fall on the first full week of May, which means the calendar date changes every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teacher Appreciation Day is always celebrated on the Tuesday of that week, which is tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6. Teacher Appreciation Week freebies, deals, discounts, gifts: Here's a list This year there are more than 30 businesses offering deals for teachers on just about anything you can think of, from food, to office supplies, shoes and discounts on vacation packages. Some businesses even run deals for teachers all year long. Here's a list of some food deals and discounts for Teacher Appreciation Week 2025: Burger King: Enjoy free fries with any purchase. Teachers and all other customers can indulge in this freebie during Teachers Appreciation Week. Buffalo Wild Wings: Offering six boneless wings for just $1 with the purchase of any BBW Burger. Chipotle: Through May 13, teachers and healthcare workers (it's also National Nurse Appreciation Week) can sign up online to be among the 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers to be randomly selected to win a free burrito. Those selected will get an email to verify their employment status via ID.me; as long as they verify within 48 hours, they get a free burrito e-gift card. Smoothie King: Teachers get 20% off their in-store order May 6-8 when they show their valid working ID. Sonic Drive-in: For Teacher Appreciation Week, Sonic has three deals for Sonic Teachers Circle rewards program members a free Sonic Snack or side with purchase, buy one Sonic Blast, get one free, and a $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger. To join the free rewards program for teachers, download the Sonic app, create an account, go into Settings, tap the "profile" icon, tap "account" and select "I'm a Teacher." Tijuana Flats: Teachers get 20% off their entire dine-in or carryout order on Wednesday, May 7. Show your valid ID and use the discount code "NURTEA25" to get the deal. (Limit one discount per check, per ID or badge. Additional charges apply for steak and shrimp.) Whataburger: Teachers get a free breakfast menu item options include Taquito with cheese or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit May 5 through 9, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., with a valid teacher ID (offer good for dine-in, drive-thru and take out; not available in-app). The fast food chain is also giving 75 teachers each $1,000 for their schools. To nominate educators for future recognition, contact Whataburger Community Connections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a list of some other deals and promotions for Teacher Appreciation Week, from an April list published by Teachers of Tomorrow: Office Depot and OfficeMax: Offering 30% back in Bonus Rewards on a qualifying in-store purchase. This is a great opportunity to stock up on classroom essentials. Ford: Teachers who take a virtual test drive through May 7 will receive a $50 e-gift card that can be used to contribute to teacher requests on DonorsChoose. Caribbean Vacations for Teachers : Cheap Caribbean offers an exclusive Hero Discount for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and members of the military. This program allows them to save $150 on all-inclusive getaways of 5 nights or more. For more information about the Hero Discount offered by Cheap Caribbean, visit their website or check their social media. Cole Haan Shoes: By simply having a valid school email address, educators and learners alike get a 20% discount on online purchases from Cole Haan. Lenovo: Teachers and students can benefit from exclusive savings at Lenovo. By visiting Lenovos website, educators and learners can enjoy an extra 5% off sitewide. This discount covers laptops, tablets, desktops, accessories, and more. Visit the Lenovo website and explore the available products. During the checkout process, verify your status as a teacher or student to automatically apply the extra 5% discount to the purchase. National Education Association: The National Education Association (NEA) offers its members access to ongoing deals and discounts tailored specifically for educators. Members can enjoy discounted vacations, exclusive offers on products and services, and rewards programs. Samsungs Education Offers Program: Samsungs Education Offers Program presents an excellent opportunity for teachers to unlock extra savings on Samsung products ranging from smartphones and tablets to appliances and accessories. Complete the ID.me verification process to confirm your identity as a teacher and get access to the exclusive discounts and savings available through the program. Crayola: Crayola recognizes the contributions of teachers by offering a special discount of 20% off on all products listed on the Teacher Gift Ideas category page. Teachers can enjoy this discount by using the code EDUCATORS during checkout. J. Crew: Crew appreciates teachers by offering them a special discount of 15% off both in-store and online purchases. Teachers and students can easily access this discount by registering on the J. Crew website. Michaels Teacher Discount: Michaels supports educators by offering a 15% discount on all purchases, including sale items. Whether youre shopping for classroom supplies, crafts, or decor, this everyday savings opportunity makes creativity more affordable Does Chick-fil-A do anything for Teacher Appreciation Week? Yes, Chick-Fil-A usually celebrates Teacher Appreciation Day. But its up to each locations owner to participate in appreciation day deals, so check to see how the location closest to you will be celebrating before you go. According to the Human Capital Hub, different Chick-fil-A locations participate differently in Teacher Appreciation Week. Some locations give free entrees or meals, discounted items or run breakfast-specific promotions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starbucks and McDonald's locations often have Teacher Appreciation freebies and promotions, but it's also up to each location if they participate, like with Chick-Fil-A. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 deals, discounts, gifts: Here's a list SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) The T-shirts said it all. As Dagwoods Deli employees prepared the signature salads and sandwiches that made it famous, employees wore customized shirts emblazoned with a special message: Rekindle the Sprit. Rise from the Ashes. Four months after a fire broke out in its ventilation system, the 600 Highway 17 North restaurant was back in business on Monday after making it through a final round of inspections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today when we got the words it was OK to open, it was relief, happiness. The tears came. Its been an emotional, rollercoaster journey for our staff but now we are elated, general manager Maribeth Lamuraglia said. Since that January blaze, Dagwoods has kept active on its Facebook page with updates and continued to sponsor community events. We are so excited, and everyones coming in and it just feels normal that were open and back again, she said. The community support is overwhelming. Theres a lot of our regulars here and everyones just hanging out and having a good time. * * * 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. This article was originally published in States Newsroom. Education software experts say theyre cautiously optimistic about a Trump administration drive to incorporate AI into classrooms, but such a program needs clear goals, specific rules and enough money to fund the costly systems. AI is, inherently, really expensive, said Ryan Trattner, CEO of AI-assisted studying tool Study Fetch. Its not something that scales like a normal piece of software where it might be the same price for 1,000 people to use it as 100,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among a handful of education-related executive orders last week, President Donald Trump released an order to incorporate artificial intelligence education, training and literacy in K-12 schools for both students and teachers. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The move is in line with other actions Trump has taken to promote quick growth of artificial intelligence in the U.S., including rolling back the 2023 Biden administration executive order that aimed to promote competition within the AI industry while creating guidelines for responsible government use of the technology. Introducing AI to grade school children is meant to create an AI-ready workforce and the next generation of American AI innovators, the order said. A task force made up of members from various federal departments like the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Energy and Labor, as well as the directors of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation and other federal agency representatives will be developing the program over the next 120 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some makers of AI tools for students said they are cautiously optimistic about more widespread use of AI in schools, saying it would better prepare kids for the current workforce. But they say success with this program hinges on the ability to measure outcomes for AI learning, an understanding of how AI plays a role in society and a set of clear federal guidelines around AI, which the U.S. does not currently have. Many students, parents and teachers are already using AI in some portion of their learning, often through AI-powered tutoring, counseling, training, studying or tracking tools mostly available from private companies. Bill Salak, chief technology officer at AI learning and studying platform Brainly, said that many AI tools built for education right now aim to fill gaps in schools where teachers are often spread thin. They may be using AI tools to help them make lesson plans, presentations or study guides. Brainly was founded on the idea of simulating student-run study groups, and is a supplement to classroom learning, Salak said. Salak is happy to see an initiative that will prompt educators to incorporate AI literacy in schools, saying he feels were in a rapidly changing world that requires much of the workforce to have a baseline understanding of AI. But he says he hopes the task force gets specific about their goals, and develops the ability to measure outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do think there will be further mandates needed, especially one in which we revisit again, like, what are we teaching? he said. What are the standards that were holding our teachers to in terms of outcomes in the classroom? Specific objectives may come after the 120 day research period, but the executive order currently says that the initiative will develop online resources focused on teaching K-12 students foundational AI literacy and critical thinking skills, and identify ways for teachers to reduce time-intensive administrative tasks, improve evaluations and effectively teach AI in computer science and other classes. It also seeks to establish more AI-related apprenticeship programs targeted at young people. Trattner of Study Fetch said hes eager to see a green light from the administration for schools to invest in AI education. The Study Fetch platform allows students and teachers to upload course material from a class, and receive customized studying materials. Trattner said that initially many educators were worried that AI would allow students to cheat, or get through classes without actually learning the material. But he said in the last year or so, teachers are finding specific tasks that AI can help alleviate from their long to-do lists. Generative AI chatbots are probably not the best fit for classrooms, but specific AI tools, like platforms that help students learn their curriculum material in personalized ways, could be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody knows this, but teachers are extremely overworked, with multiple classes, Trattner said. I think AI can definitely help educators be substantially more productive. But cost is something the committee should consider, Trattner said. The executive order calls for the development of public-private partnerships, and said the committee may be able to tap discretionary grant funding earmarked for education, but it didnt outline a budget for this initiative. AI tools are often more expensive than other software that schools may be used to buying in bulk, Trattner said. Some AI tools are targeted toward other parts of the school experience, like College Guidance Networks Eva, an AI counseling assistant that helps users through the college application process, and helps parents with social and emotional dynamics with their children. Founder and CEO Jon Carson said hes not sure that this executive order will make a big impact on schools, because schools tend to follow state or local directives. He also feels like the current administration has damaged its authority on K-12 issues by attempting to shut down the Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another era, we might actually even bring it up if we were talking to a school district, Carson said. But I dont think we would bring this up, because the administration has lost a lot of credibility. Carson hopes the committee plans for security and privacy policies around AI in schools, and folds those principles into the curriculum. Federal guidance on AI privacy could help shape everyones use, but especially students who are at the beginning of their experience with the technology, he said. A successful version of this program would teach students not just how to interact with AI tools, but how theyre built, how they process information, and how to think critically about the results they receive, Salak said. Educators have a right to be critical of AI, and the accuracy of information it provides, he said. But critical thinking and validating information is a skill everyone needs, whether the information comes from a textbook or an algorithm. In a world where theres so much information readily accessible and misinformation that is so readily accessible, learning early on how to question what it is that AI is saying isnt a bad thing, Salak said. And so it doesnt need to be 100% accurate. But we need to develop skills in our students to be able to think critically and question what its saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The specific recommendations and programing stemming from the Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force likely wont come until next school year, but Salak said he feels the U.S. workforce has been behind on AI for a while. I really hope that were able to overhaul the agility at which the education institution in America changes and adapts, Salak said. Because the world is changing and adapting very, very fast, and we cant afford to have an education system that lags this far behind. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A teenager who shot a passenger while on a Metrobus in March will spend at least five years in prison after pleading guilty last week. The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said 19-year-old Javarry Peaks and the victim boarded the V2 Metrobus at the Anacostia Metro Station at around 9:30 p.m. on March 8. Multiple other people were on board the bus at the time. The victim began talking to Peaks while they were seated across from each other. When Peaks stood up to walk, the man momentarily blocked him from continuing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police: Man injured in shooting on Metrobus in Southeast DC After a few seconds, he walked toward the front of the bus, where Peaks was now standing. They continued to move around the bus for the next several minutes. At 9:45 p.m., the USAO said the victim tried pushing Peaks off the bus, at which point he got off before boarding again, walking past the man toward the back of the bus. Within the next minute, Peaks was standing at the front, near the Metrobus driver, while the victim was in the middle of the bus. Peaks asked the operator if he could get off. Then, as soon as the driver opened the doors, Peaks reached into his jacket pocket, spun around and shot the man once in the chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Peaks fled the area and was eventually arrested on March 25. He pleaded guilty on May 2 to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. His sentencing is scheduled for July 3, where Peaks faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, learns about the search and rescue operations on-site after a boat capsize accident in Qianxi City of Bijie in southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 5, 2025. Following General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping's instructions and Premier Li Qiang's request, Zhang led a team to the site on May 4 to guide the rescue and relief work. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) GUIYANG, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing on Monday urged all-out emergency rescue and medical treatment efforts following an accident involving the capsizing of multiple boats in southwest China's Guizhou Province. Sudden strong winds on Sunday afternoon caused four boats to capsize in a Qianxi City river, plunging 84 people into the water. All those involved in the accident had been found by 12:45 p.m. Monday, with 10 dead, 70 injured and four unharmed. Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, went to the accident site and later a local hospital to guide emergency rescue and medical assistance efforts. Medical experts and resources should be fully mobilized to treat those injured to reduce fatalities and disabilities, he said at a meeting early Monday morning, urging full support to be provided to grieving families. Regarding safety measures, he called for the reinforced implementation of safety management standards, including those related to accident prevention, hazard identification and issue rectification, with the aim of effectively preventing and curbing major safety incidents in the future. Focus should be directed toward critical areas such as tourist attractions, large public venues, residential communities and transportation sectors to identify and eliminate risks, he said. Severe weather monitoring and early warning systems should be strengthened, with clear response and emergency coordination processes, while measures to restrict access to tourist sites and limit passenger ship operations during severe weather conditions must be rigorously enforced to ensure public safety, Zhang said. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visits a person injured in a boat capsize accident at a hospital in Qianxi City of Bijie, southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 5, 2025. Following General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping's instructions and Premier Li Qiang's request, Zhang led a team to the site on May 4 to guide the rescue and relief work. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) After a five-year pause on student loan collections, the Trump Administration announced it would resume involuntary collections for borrowers with defaulted loans. After President Donald Trump returned to office, his administration announced that the U.S. Department of Education would start collecting payments for defaulted federal student loans beginning May 5. The administration said that while Congress ordered many borrowers to start making payments again in October 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration refused to lift the collections pause and kept borrowers in a confusing limbo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Department of Education, only 38% of borrowers are caught up on their student loans today. It is unclear what will happen with student loan collections if President Trump accomplishes his goal of dismantling the Education Department. Tennessee's average student loan borrower owed $36,886, according to data collected by the Education Data Initiative in 2024. According to the same data study, Tennessee had about 897,000 indebted student borrowers, with 49% being under age 35. Here is what to know about resuming student loans. When does the government resume collecting student loan payments? The Trump Administration announced the Department of Education would resume collecting on federal student loans on May 5, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the department, collecting payments again will ensure taxpayers are not "shouldering the cost of federal student loans that borrowers willingly undertook to finance their postsecondary education." Also, on May 5, the Treasury Offset Program will restart, which collects past-due debts such as child support payments. According to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, the program matches people and businesses who owe delinquent debts with money federal agencies pay for, allowing the government to withhold money to pay delinquent debts. According to the Trump administration, 42.7 million borrowers owe more than $1.6 trillion in student debt, and over 5 million borrowers have not paid in almost a year. Where can I learn more about my loan status? Those with student loans can access their account via the federal website, studentaid.gov. Here, borrowers can find their dashboard to see details on how much is owed, the status of the loans and if there are any issues with payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All federal borrowers in default will receive an email notice over the next two weeks, per the Department of Education. The notices will push borrowers to make loan payments, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan or sign up for loan rehabilitation or consolidation. How long have student loan payments been on pause? Student loans have been suspended since March 2020 when President Donald Trump first suspended them in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration extended the pause to Jan. 31, 2021, and former President Joe Biden issued multiple extensions during his term. The U.S. Department of Education said most borrowers were ordered to begin paying their loans back again in October 2023. The rules were relaxed for the first year of repayment, and borrowers werent penalized for falling behind on payments until last fall. What is a defaulted student loan, and what is deferment? According to Federal Student Aid, an office within the Department of Education, defaulted student loans start with delinquency. Student loans become past due or delinquent on the first day after borrowers miss a payment. Accounts remain delinquent until borrowers pay the past due amount, choose another repayment plan or get a deferment or forbearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said that if student loans are past due for more than 90 days, loan servicers will report the accounts to national credit bureaus, which can negatively impact credit scores. Some loans can also be listed as in deferment, meaning that borrowers dont have to make payments, per Federal Student Aid. With deferment, you wont have to make a payment, administrators said on the Federal Student Aid website. However, you probably wont be making any progress toward forgiveness or paying back your loan. Deferments may be granted for those currently enrolled in school, those undergoing cancer treatment, economic hardship, graduate fellowship, military service and post-active duty, Parent PLUS borrowers, rehabilitation training and those unemployed. How do bankruptcies impact student loans? Per Federal Student Aid, federal student loans may be canceled if borrowers: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have declared bankruptcy. Have a Direct Loan, Federal Family Education Loan Program loan or Federal Perkins Loan. File a separate action known as an "adversary proceeding." Borrowers filing for adversary proceedings ask a bankruptcy court to rule that repaying the loan would "impose undue hardship on you and your dependents." What if I have student loans through a private lender? While the government will begin collections for defaulted student loans on May 5 through the Treasury Offset Program, things work differently with private lenders. According to the National Consumer Law Center, or NCLC, private lenders may: Collect the funds themselves Send accounts to a collection agency Write off and sell debt to a third-party debt collector, and possibly work with borrowers to help them get out of default Sue borrowers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NCLC said that while the government legally has to offer borrowers "get out of default" programs, private lenders are not legally required to provide them with. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Student loan collection resumes: Here's what to know in Tennessee AUSTIN (KXAN) Veteran-owned businesses contribute $1.18 billion to Texas economy and Texas, in turn, has programs to support those entrepreneurs, according to the Texas Veterans Commission. Were a small team and our job is to assist all veteran entrepreneurs in the State of Texas no matter where theyre at in their journey to start, grow or even exit their business, said Megan Tamez, Texas Veterans Commission Entrepreneur Program director. KXAN News at Midday had the Army veteran, alongside Air Force veteran and business owner Robert Strong, join for an in-depth Q&A ahead of Small Business week, which runs from May 4 to 10. The week acknowledges the critical contributions of Americas entrepreneurs and small business owners, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin, recognized as the best city for veterans to live and among the top 10 for starting a business, according to WalletHub, is home to many veteran entrepreneurs. One such business is Strongs Pretty Thai Specialty Sauces & Spices, which launched the same year as The Texas Veterans Commissions Veteran Entrepreneur Program. That program plays a crucial role in assisting veterans like Strong in starting and developing their businesses. Read more stories about veterans making a difference I wish I knew about the commission when we started our business, Strong said, after describing his journey that most recently led to the launch of a line of hot sauces he described as a chef-crafted line of specialty sauces that gives your restaurant quality experience in the comfort of your kitchen. Strong, who served in the Air Force and was deployed to Fallujah, developed a passion for Thai food during his travels in Thailand. After leaving the military, he attended culinary school and started a food truck in Austin in 2013, which eventually evolved into Pretty Thai Specialty Sauces & Spices. Pretty Thai has products available in over 50 H-E-B locations and plans to launch in Walmart stores across Texas by October, Strong said. Robert Strong is an Air Force Veteran and the CEO of Pretty Thai Specialty Sauces & Spices (Courtesy Robert Strong) Robert Strongs business started as a food truck (Courtesy Robert Strong) Robert Strong is an Air Force Veteran and the CEO of Pretty Thai Specialty Sauces & Spices (Courtesy Robert Strong) Pretty Thai for a White Guy food truck at the Long Center (Courtesy Robert Strong) The TVC assists veteran entrepreneurs by providing resources such as business planning, marketing and connecting them with capital. It also offers a veteran verification letter that allows new veteran-owned businesses to waive certain fees and taxes. Veterans can learn more on the TVC website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All facts from this article were gathered by KXAN journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KXAN staff. Read about our approach to using AI tools. Please give us feedback about this disclosure through this survey: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lawmakers in the Texas House and Senate have brokered a deal on how to lower Texans property taxes, tax-cut proponents from each chamber said Monday. A group of legislators has agreed to a tax-cut package that would increase tax breaks for homeowners, provide bigger cuts for older and disabled Texans who own their homes, and increase an inventory tax exemption for businesses. The deal still has to be approved by both chambers. Still, the tentative agreement is a marked difference from the blowup between House and Senate lawmakers over tax cuts two years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the mood was more laudatory with each chambers chief tax-cut proponents state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, and state Rep. Morgan Meyer, a University Park Republican praising each others proposals and signaling their intent to pass them. In all, Texas lawmakers plan to spend $51 billion on cutting property taxes over the next two years though a final tally wasnt immediately available Monday. State budget watchers and even some Republican lawmakers worry that Texas lawmakers commitments to local tax cuts will not be affordable in the long term. Homeowners will see bigger exemptions Legislators appear on track to boost the states homestead exemption, which lowers the amount of a homes value that can be taxed to pay for public schools. Senate Bill 4 from state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, would raise the exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. When combined with $3 billion in cuts to school tax rates proposed in the states upcoming two-year budget, the owner of a home valued at $302,000 in 2024 would have saved more than $500 on their 2024 school taxes, a Tribune calculation shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Older Texans and Texans with disabilities would get additional breaks under Senate Bill 23, another Bettencourt proposal, which would raise a separate homestead exemption for those homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000. That means they would see a total homestead exemption of $200,000. Each proposal has passed out of the Senate. Lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee, which writes tax policy, voted Monday to advance the bills to the full House. Businesses will get a break May 5, 2025 at 2:23 p.m. Businesses could see bigger breaks on property taxes they pay on their inventory, often referred to as business personal property. House Bill 9, by state Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses inventory from taxation by any taxing entity, including school districts, cities and counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas is one of the only states that allows businesses inventory to be taxed, but its currently exempt from taxation if its worth $2,500 or less. House and Senate lawmakers each had sought to provide targeted tax relief for businesses but had disagreed on how to do it. Initially, Meyer proposed to raise the business personal property tax exemption to $250,000. The Senate wanted to raise it to $25,000 while also providing $500 million in franchise tax credits. They wound up somewhere in the middle. The Senate Local Government committee passed the House bill by a 6-0 vote May 5, advancing the bill to the full Senate. Under the proposal, the state would send hundreds of millions of dollars to school districts to offset the cost of raising the exemption. Other taxing entities including cities and counties will have to bear the brunt of the exemption raising the possibility that theyll have to adopt higher property tax rates than they otherwise would have to offset the cost of the exemption. What else is on the table? May 5, 2025 at 2:23 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear if lawmakers in both chambers have agreed on how much money to send to school districts, who make up the bulk of a property owners tax bill, so they can lower their tax rates a method known as compression. Decreasing the tax rate would lower property tax bills for homeowners and business owners alike. A draft of the states upcoming two-year budget includes $3 billion for compression. Meyer had sought an additional $2.8 billion to put toward compression. His proposal hasnt been scheduled for a vote on the House floor, and neither Meyer or Bettencourt mentioned it May 5. None of the proposals advancing through the Legislature would directly benefit the states 4.2 million renter households though tax-cut proponents argue renters benefit from cuts to tax rates. People who show material considered harmful to minors for educational or scientific reasons would no longer have a defense in court under legislation that the Texas House voted to send to the governors desk to become law. After a fiery debate Friday, all present House Republicans and six Democratic representatives voted to pass the measure by a 92-39 vote. The Texas Senate, with all Republicans and two Democrats, passed the measure March 19. Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston authored Senate Bill 412 to combat an increased amount of access to sexually explicit, obscene, and age-inappropriate content for Texas students in schools, he wrote in an intent statement. The proposal would take away an affirmative defense in Texas criminal law making the sale and distribution of those materials to minors a Class A misdemeanor, except when a person has an educational or scientific justification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Jared Patterson, the proposal's House sponsor, framed the bill as a common-sense measure to close a loophole that he believes allows educators, doctors and others to share harmful material to minors without consequences. The Frisco Republican emphasized that the law is more narrowly tailored than the READER Act, a 2023 law he authored that bans sexually explicit materials from school libraries. More: Georgetown school district defends book review process, says HB 900 caused changes Democratic House members like state Rep. Erin Zwiener argued that SB 412 is a solution in search of a problem that puts a target on the backs of school employees. This legislation is designed to make those librarians and educators more afraid, and it's designed to further the lie that our librarians and teachers are trying to harm our students, Zwiener said on the House floor Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill uses the Texas Penal Codes three-part definition of harmful material from 1973, which defines it as material whose dominant theme taken as a whole: appeals to the prurient interest of a minor, in sex, nudity, or excretion; is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for minors; and is utterly without redeeming social value for minors. Several members expressed concern that this definition is subjective and could ensnare award-winning literary works. In response to a question from state Rep. Lulu Flores, D-Austin, Patterson said he did not believe materials for sexual education would fit the definition of harmful materials. But he declined to give a definitive answer on whether it would apply to Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye," and he indicated that Maia Kobabes graphic novel Gender Queer could meet the laws definition of a harmful book. The book depicts two girls engaged in sexual activity. "I should have probably filed a criminal complaint when I found Gender Queer not only in my (school) district, but across the state, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said, What we're talking about here is perversion, and again, extreme content that's got to meet all three of the criteria laid out in this bill. Its got to be pretty extreme. And unfortunately, we have seen some extreme examples in our public schools. Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, argued that SB 412 "is designed to make those librarians and educators more afraid, and it's designed to further the lie that our librarians and teachers are trying to harm our students. Several Democratic members contended that the bill would harm young people who have experienced sexual violence, rather than preventing it. Zwiener argued that books about sexual assault are necessary to help students learn warning signs and avoid perpetuating it themselves. Being a minor did not protect me from being sexually assaulted when I was 17, and having access to material that shows that people get up the next day and continue with their lives is important for survivors, Zwiener said. Patterson responded, My heart aches for every single child that goes through that. But there are a number of resources and a number of books that deal with that and that can help children without ... opening them up to harmful explicit materials that would otherwise be banned under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Reps. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston, and Josey Garcia, D-San Antonio, both of whom said they experienced childhood sexual abuse, joined Zwiener in voting against the bill. Their comments explaining how this bill would not have helped them with their horrifying experiences might have swayed some of their Democratic colleagues a handful who voted yes to the bill in an initial vote Thursday switched to no on Fridays vote on final passage. If signed by the governor, the law will go into effect in September. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a work taken as a whole must lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value to be removed without violating the First Amendment, Patterson noted Friday, citing the 1973 case of Miller vs. California. But he also suggested that he disagrees with this precedent, saying a book with one single sentence of harmful material should not be allowed in schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The laws of this state, the laws in the United States follow the Supreme Court, he said, "Until they are challenged and overturned." More: Georgetown High School threatened to fire librarian who refused to remove 150 books This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas House sends bill on 'harmful material' for minors to governor A murder suspect is on the loose in north Texas after allegedly removing his ankle monitor before a court appearance, according to the Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office. Trevor McEuen was due in court on Monday for a murder charge in Kaufman County, the sheriff's office said in a statement. Kaufman County, which is east of Dallas, has an active warrant for bail revocation for capital murder for McEuen, officials said. PHOTO: Officials in Texas are searching for murder suspect Trevor McEuen, who removed his ankle monitor prior to a court appearance on May 5. (Van Zandt County Sheriff's Office ) "If you are aware of anything suspicious in the area, please contact 911. Do not attempt to apprehend McEuen," the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our number one priority is the safety of all citizens of Van Zandt County. We are working diligently with our partner agencies to ensure the safety of all our citizens," Sheriff Kevin Bridger said in a statement. MORE: Inmate on the run after escaping custody at Seattle-Tacoma Airport: Police McEuen is accused of shooting his neighbor to death in May 2023, according to Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA. Aaron Martinez, 35, was found dead in his truck, which had been riddled with bullets. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, had called for hate crime charges when the shooting happened, saying, "Three weeks ago, Aaron Martinez was murdered in cold blood by a man who wanted to drive Hispanics out of Kaufman County. ... If Kaufman County authorities continue to drag their feet on filing hate crimes charges against Trevor McEuen, federal prosecutors need to step in to ensure that justice is served." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McEuen was arrested again in September 2024 after he posted a photo of Martinez and Martinez's uncle on Instagram and threatened to shoot the uncle. The Kaufman County Sheriff's Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of McEuen. ABC News' Bonnie McLean contributed to this report. Texas murder suspect on the loose after escaping before court appearance originally appeared on abcnews.go.com ERIN, N.Y. (WETM) Another person was arrested on several charges on Friday following a standoff in the Village of Horseheads, where deputies said thousands of dollars worth of different items were stolen out of a home in Elmira Heights. Michael L. Lyon Jr., 41, of Erin, was arrested on Friday, May 2, on the charge of grand larceny in the third degree (class D felony). Two charged, released, on theft crimes after Horseheads standoff, stolen parrot recovered Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies learned of Lyons location and involvement in the thefts from a home in Elmira Heights before trying to arrest him at his home in Erin. On Friday night, deputies went to Lyons home in Erin to try to find him regarding several warrants he had out against him. Deputies further state that when they went to his front door, Lyon tried to run out the back of the house. Lyon was caught soon after leaving the house and was arrested. Multiple people in custody after police standoff in Horseheads The sheriffs office said in addition to his charge regarding the Matthews Circle search warrant, Lyon had three previous outstanding arrest warrants on charges from different incidents including petit larceny (class A misdemeanor), two separate warrants for grand larceny in the third degree (a class D felony), criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree (a class D felony). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyon was taken to the Chemung County Jail and is being held without bail. Lyon is the third person charged regarding a standoff and search warrant at 147 Matthews Circle in the Village of Horseheads on Friday, May 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As Germany prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, thousands of Germans are still trying to discover the fate of relatives who went missing during the conflict. In the last year alone, the Tracing Service at the German Red Cross (DRK) received around 7,000 enquiries in connection with the war, DRK President Gerda Hasselfeldt said on Monday. "The interest, the need, is still very high," she said, calling the search for the missing a "core humanitarian task." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enquiries are received from the parents, spouses, fiances/fiancees or siblings of the missing, but increasingly also from a generation of grandchildren wanting to know what happened to their grandparents. Some 47% of enquiries are resolved, and in the remaining 53% of cases it is often possible to provide information about the missing person - for example, where they were last seen. The Tracing Service, which also assists in the search for missing people in current conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Syria, receives a total of 12 million ($14 million) a year in government funding. Of the sum, 3 million per year goes to the site in Munich dealing with World War II enquiries, but the funding is only secure until 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasselfeldt said the DRK will seek dialogue with the incoming federal government about future funding as soon as possible. "It is part of our culture of remembrance," she argued. The work of the Tracing Service shows "the horrors associated with armed conflicts, including for family members," Hasselfeldt added. LONDON (AP) A 100-year-old Royal Air Force veteran accepted the thanks of a nation Monday as Britain paused to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and honor the men and women who fought to save the country during World War II. The day featured a procession by 1,300 members of the British armed forces, accompanied by troops from Ukraine and the U.K.s NATO allies. The parade didn't begin until Alan Kennett, who landed in northern France on D-Day, accepted the salute from Garrison Sgt. Major Andrew Stokes in front of an audience that included King Charles III. Thank you and your generation for securing our freedom 80 years ago, Stokes, in scarlet tunic and bearskin hat, said before saluting the RAF veteran, wearing a navy blue blazer with his medals pinned on the left breast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years V-E Day events have taken on increased significance because they are likely to be the last major observance to include significant numbers of World War II veterans. After Big Ben tolled at noon, actor Timothy Spall recited the victory speech wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered to a roaring crowd in central London on May 8, 1945. Britain started its V-E Day ceremonies three days early because Monday is a public holiday in the U.K. I think weve been very lucky that weve had 80 years of peace and weve got to think about all those that have (made) the ultimate sacrifice, and theres very few of them left now because theyre all over 100, said Michael Burn, 67, who wore a suit patterned after Britains red, white and blue Union flag. This is the last time we will celebrate the day in this sort of scale. Then it was time for the parade from the Houses of Parliament, through Trafalgar Square and down the Mall to Buckingham Palace. The Ukrainian contingent, though small, won a huge round of applause as their flag swept past the royal viewing platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event ended with a flyover by British military aircraft, including a wartime Lancaster bomber and the RAFs Red Arrows aerobatic team. In the down moments, the Princess of Wales chatted amiably with Bernard Morgan, 101, a veteran who worked as a code breaker during the conflict. Afterward, she introduced Morgan to her children, George, 11, Charlotte, 10 and Louis, 7. Their place in the front row was a reminder of the gulf between those who fought in World War II and the present generation. With even the youngest of those men and women nearing their 100th birthdays and their ranks dwindling rapidly, many have said they feel a special imperative to tell their stories and attend events that honor their fallen comrades. Kennett, a mechanic who landed in Normandy to set up an airfield, said he was proud to represent the veterans. I just remember those that didnt come back, he said. Thats the thing that sticks in my mind. Im lucky. I got out. Theres a lot that didnt, believe me. Luck of the draw. It shouldnt be forgotten. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) More than 3,800 checks will be mailed out to people in South Carolina in the coming weeks as the State Treasurers Office works to return hundreds of thousands of dollars in unclaimed property. The office has launched a new initiative called Palmetto Payback, which matches qualified unclaimed property to its owner and automatically generates checks without needing to file a claim. The first wave of payments, totaling more than $600,000, is expected to hit mailboxes in the coming days, according to the treasurers office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make it easier for South Carolinians to get their forgotten funds back, putting money directly into their hands, said Treasurer Curtis Loftis. This is about efficiency, accuracy, and ultimately, about serving the people of our state. The Treasurers Office, which acts as custodian of the funds until the rightful owners come forward, estimates that one in seven people in South Carolina have unclaimed property, averaging about $500. The office currently has over $950 million available to claim. The Treasurers Office, which acts as custodian of the funds until the rightful owners come forward, currently has over $950 million available to claim. Student loan default collections resume: What you need to know Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses transfer millions of dollars to the unclaimed property program each year when the owner of the funds cannot be located. The funds can come from dormant bank accounts, stock certificates, uncashed checks, unclaimed insurance proceeds, and forgotten utility deposits, for example. While we are excited to automatically return funds to thousands of South Carolinians, not all unclaimed property can be validated through this special initiative, Loftis said. All South Carolinians including those who receive automatic checks are encouraged to check the treasurers website to see if missing money might be waiting for them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ISLAMABAD, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Iran on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability and pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade, energy, border security, and regional connectivity. The reaffirmation came during a meeting between visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, according to a statement from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry. The two sides discussed a wide range of regional and international developments, emphasizing the importance of close coordination to address shared challenges and advance strategic cooperation. Araghchi reiterated Tehran's strong desire to expand bilateral ties with Pakistan across all domains. Dar highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two neighboring countries. Reaffirming Pakistan's principled stance against terrorism, Dar said Pakistan had made significant sacrifices in the global fight against terror and remained committed to combating extremism in all forms. Correction: This story has been updated to correct inaccuracies in information provided by the organization that released the study. The third-worst-rated store in the study is not in the Denver area. The information released also incorrectly identified the business located on East Exposition Avenue in Aurora. DENVER (KDVR) Spend enough time in Denver, and youll soon hear unflattering nicknames for some of the grocery stores in the metro area. And thanks to an analysis of 3,000 grocery stores across 100 U.S. cities, its easy to see why: Two Denver metro grocery stores are ranked among the top ten worst grocery stores in the nation, and six grocery stores in Denver alone are noted in the top 50. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024: Denver metro has some of the worst grocery stores in the US: Report Denvers grocery store woes have grown in the past year, according to the report published by Solitaired. Last year, there was only one store with a Denver address that ranked among the top 10 worst-rated grocery stores. This year, there are two in the top 10, and six in the top 50. According to Google reviews, the Safeway on 40th Street in Washington, D.C., was worse than the King Soopers on Green Valley Ranch Boulevard, with both locations earning 3.4-star ratings. Worst-rated grocery stores include some in Denver metro Heres where Denver ranked in the top 10 worst grocery stores in the U.S., Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Safeway 40th Street NE, Washington, D.C. King Soopers Green Valley Ranch Boulevard, Denver Kroger E. Main St, Columbus, Ohio TA Travel Center University Boulevard NW, Albuquerque Safeway South Othello Street, Seattle Giant Eagle Supermarket Cedar Avenue, Pittsburgh Safeway East 20th Avenue, Denver Walmart Supercenter South Robert Street, St. Paul, Minnesota Walmart Supercenter East Capitol Drive, Milwaukee Walmart Supercenter Steelyard Drive, Cleveland The analysis of the Google reviews also looked at the stores with the worst prices, food quality, lines and customer service. Colorado stores only appeared in one of those aspects: Customer service. The analysis listed four stores among the top 10 for the worst customer service. Here, Denvers grocery store woes continue past just the overall rating, the report stated. The city has the highest frequency of negative reviews about customer service, and 11 out of the 50 worst grocery stores for customer service are located in the city. Union accuses King Soopers in lawsuit of violating agreement ending strike Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ranking looked at reviews of 3 stars or less that included long line and unprofessional for customer service metrics. To quantify that number, the count of the keywords was calculated per store, then divided by the total number of reviews to find the frequency of mentions per total reviews percentage. Denver stores ranked among worst customer service The list of stores with the worst customer service included: TA Travel Center University Boulevard NE, Albuquerque 5.08% Kroger North MacArthur Boulevard, Irving, Texas 4.86% Tan A Supermarket West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 4.7% King Soopers Quebec Street, Denver 4.52% Kroger Caroline Street NE, Atlanta 4.31% King Soopers Green Valley Ranch Boulevard, Denver 4.07% King Soopers Speer Boulevard, Denver 3.92% King Soopers Chestnut Place, Denver 3.88% Kroger Gallatin Pike, Nashville 3.82% Safeway South Downing Street, Denver 3.76% However, Denver may be in a better boat than some others: The report found Jersey City, New Jersey, was the worst for both food quality and prices, with the highest frequency of negative reviews for both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Denver stores made it out OK in the ranking: The Denver Central Market on Larimer Street was Colorados highest-ranking grocery store on the list of best stores in the nation, per Google reviews. The store was ranked 14th best with a 4.7-star ranking, but was also the only Colorado store to make it into the top 50. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 man struck people with his vehicle Sunday at Canyon RV Park in Anaheim, shot at them and then turned the gun on himself, authorities said. Three people, including the gunman, were taken to a hospital with gunshot wounds and their conditions were unknown. A fourth victim sustained minor injuries and remained on scene. Orange County sheriff's public information officer Gerard McCann said it was "not believed to be a terrorist attack, but an isolated incident between people who knew each other." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video posted on the social media platform X, McCann said the suspect appears to have gotten into an altercation with people at the recreational vehicle park, left and then returned to assault them with his car and a firearm. At the time of the shooting, the park was hosting a four-day event for Volkswagen enthusiasts called "Air Cooled Mardi Gras Picnic Weekend." Andrea Montano told KTLA-TV that she had been attending the event for years with her family and had never seen anything like what occurred Sunday. 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 the wake of dire local election results, Keir Starmer has reached for his well-worn lexicon of managerial urgency. He now promises to go further and faster phrases that, by now, resemble vapid incantations more than actual policy direction. What precisely he intends to go further and faster towards remains characteristically unclear. However, we are told that a fresh package of migration controls is imminent, focused on international students. Specifically, Labour is reportedly considering new restrictions on the right of foreign graduates to remain in Britain unless they have secured work. This looks like ballast for a party desperate to rebuild its Red Wall. But such gestures are woefully insufficient, and wont address the profound demographic pressures we now face. Net migration peaked at 906,000 in the year to June 2023 a historic level. I was Home Secretary at the time, fighting an often lonely battle within Cabinet to apply the brakes. That battle was largely lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The subsequent year saw numbers fall to 728,000. But even this reduced figure is a crisis. When I arrived at the Home Office in September 2022, I was under no illusions. The system was out of control. By July 2022, the number of work and study visas issued had crossed the one million mark a staggering figure for a supposedly post-Brexit immigration regime. I had a plan, but only fragments were implemented before the election cycle reasserted its grip. The plan, however, still stands. If any government is truly serious about restoring public confidence, here is what must happen. First, abolish the Graduate Visa route. Since its introduction in 2020, this has become one of the largest drivers of net migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the year to June 2023, over 300,000 non-EU foreign students contributed to net migration up from 120,000 in 2019. The numbers speak for themselves. This route allows graduates to remain in Britain for two years with no requirement to work or continue studying a de facto extension of campus life, often supplemented by gig economy work. It is not immigration by necessity, but immigration by indulgence. Second, raise the salary threshold for work visas. In 2021, it was lowered from 30,000 to 25,600 a decision that coincided with an explosion in work visa numbers. This is not a coincidence. When you open the gates wider, more come through. The solution is obvious: increase the threshold significantly, ideally to something closer to 45,000. The migration system should not be a backdoor to low-wage, low-skill labour. Third, curb the influx of dependents. This is the silent multiplier in our migration equation. In 2019, 55,000 dependents arrived. By 2023, that number had soared to 277,000 a fivefold increase. This is not sustainable. Our infrastructure housing, schools, GPs is already creaking. This is not xenophobia. It is basic arithmetic. We must stop pretending that endless inflows are compatible with social cohesion or economic realism. Britons are tired of being told they are bigoted for wanting borders. Tired of the technocratic euphemisms. Tired of promises that evaporate the moment ministers are confronted by the Blob. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starmer may go further and faster. But in what direction and with what courage? 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. Context: Above vide aired July 16, 2024. KANSAS (KSNT) You should frequently check your body and clothes after outdoor activities as tick season gets underway in Kansas. Kansas is home to ticks that can sometimes carry life-threatening diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites transmitted through their bites. Common ticks in Kansas include the American dog tick, the blacklegged tick, the Lone Star tick and the Gulf Coast tick. Most breeds of ticks found in Kansas start their season in the spring, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple dead in Franklin Co. crash, Kansas Highway Patrol investigating Several common tick species in Kansas that can carry diseases include: Lone Star tick Found in woodlands, pastures and edge habitats. Can transmit ehrlichia chaffeensis and cause alpha-gal syndrome which can make people allergic to red meats. The American dog tick Found in pastures and edge habitats. Can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and cytauxzoonosis. Brown dog tick Found in woodlands. Prefers dogs, can infest human dwellings and kennels. Blacklegged tick Also known as the deer tick. The tick is a vector for Lyme disease. Gulf Coast tick map provided courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lone Star tick map provided courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Blacklegged tick map provided courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. American dog tick map provided courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When ticks are looking for a host, the process is called questing. Ticks that are questing will crawl onto low vegetation and wait for hosts to brush against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most ticks are active during the spring and summer, according to the KDHE. Some ticks must feed on different hosts for the larval, nymphal and adult stages of their lives. From never-ending fighting to sanctuary, Topeka cockfighting roosters have a new lease on life You can minimize your chances of contracting a tickborne disease with these steps: Wear long pants with socks tucked into pants and long sleeves when doing yardwork, hiking, camping or recreating in areas where ticks may be found. After being outdoors in tick habitats, take a shower to help wash off unattached ticks and identify any attached ticks. Always perform a thorough tick check after being outdoors. Reduce tick habitats in your yard by clearing brush, leaf litter and tall grasses around your home and at the edge of your lawn. Apply an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved repellent, such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, when enjoying the outdoors. If hunting or camping, consider treating gear and clothing with permethrin; always follow label directions for safe application of permethrin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 27 News spoke to Brian McCornack, head of entomology at Kansas State University, in 2024 who found himself in the ER after eating meat at a barbecue. The syndrome McCornack contracted from a Lone Star tick is called Alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS for short. He found that if he had a steak, within two hours, he would have shortness of breath and itchy hives and was at risk of going into shock. 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. NEW YORK The weekend Andrew Cuomo jumped into the mayors race, Brad Lander held an emergency press conference denouncing his record and he hasnt let up since. Scott Stringer cut a video of himself scoffing at the notion that anyone should be afraid of the fear-inducing former governor. Zellnor Myrie and Adrienne Adams are telling Black church attendees who are key to Cuomos path they should vote for candidates who come from their neighborhoods, rather than a New York City newcomer whose Albany record they attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And old foes formed a super PAC to take him on. But that PAC has reported raising a paltry $2,000 so far, compared to the $2.5 million thats flowed out of a pro-Cuomo one. And week after week, the candidates have failed to make a meaningful dent in Cuomos significant polling lead. Now, with seven weeks until the June 24 Democratic primary, Cuomos rivals are focusing their resources on the one thing they hope will alter the course of the race: TV ads. Zohran Mamdani and Myrie are already out with their first spots; Stringer and Lander will air theirs fairly soon, according to their representatives. And Adams, who entered the race late, has yet to raise enough money to afford a TV buy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It raises the question: Do these lesser-known candidates use precious air time to go after Cuomo, or simply introduce themselves to voters? Cuomo is about to be hit with a storm of reminders for New York voters who have very short memories and a kind of pandemic-memory distortion of all of the ways he screwed the city and mismanaged the city, a Lander official recently told New York Playbook. And those things will begin to unravel the mirage hes created for himself of competency and good management. Lander, who has $4.6 million in the bank, is planning to go after Cuomo. But his team wont say whether hell start with a biographical ad before one that laces into the ex-governor. Mamdani put about $100,000 a modest sum in the New York media market and a fraction of his $7.5 million behind five days of ads in which he blamed New Yorks problems on Cuomo. Myrie, who is polling in low single digits, recently dropped $500,000 on a TV and digital ad to introduce himself to voters. It had nary a mention of Cuomo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stringer is similarly not signaling any plans to ambush the front-runner, with an aide simply telling Playbook, Our TV strategy is one that allows us to robustly reach all the voters we need to, when we need to, and when theyre paying attention. One Cuomo rival, through a representative, said voters have little appetite for negative campaigning. They want someone who is seen solving the problems, taking this seriously, added the person, who was granted anonymity to freely talk strategy. Going against Cuomo would be detrimental to that. So for now, Cuomo is sitting comfortably at times facing more vitriol from the no-holds-barred, Republican-friendly New York Post than from his Democratic rivals. And one idea Lander floated to take Cuomo on hasnt materialized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city comptroller, whom supporters and some rivals believe will have a late-in-the-race rise, wanted candidates to pool campaign funds for negative ads against Cuomo, according to three people familiar with the matter who were granted anonymity to speak freely. Mamdani, the consistent runner-up to Cuomo in polls, pulled out of the talks and opted to go his own route, they said. Some on the political left have begun to privately bemoan what they describe as Mamdanis go-it-alone strategy, despite what initially seemed like a united front from most of Cuomos opponents. On Sunday night, Working Families Party leaders who've endorsed four candidates to block Cuomo were among the roughly 1,500 attending Mamdani's campaign rally at a music venue in Brooklyn. Mamdanis campaign said conversations about how to capitalize on ranked choice voting are ongoing. Campaign spokesperson Andrew Epstein said the campaign suggested Cuomo's rivals each commit the same percentage of their media budget to anti-Cuomo ads with a coordinated message, but others rebuffed that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are proud to be the only campaign who has spent a single dollar in paid media against Andrew Cuomo, Epstein added. Jason Beeferman contributed to this report. A version of this appeared in New York Playbook. Sign up for it here. CLARIFICATION: This was updated to clarify that the pro-Cuomo super PAC has spent $2.5 million so far, though it's raised more. Roughly two weeks after the most recent meteor shower of 2025, shooting stars will again streak across the skies over Ohio. And the peak night to view them is here. The third meteor shower of the year behind the Lyrids in April and the Quadrantids in January, the Eta Aquarids (also spelled "Aquariids") peak in early May each year. And they're spawned by perhaps the most famous comet of them all Halley's. While they're best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, according to NASA, the Eta Aquarids will still put on a show across the United States, if the weather cooperates. But with Ohio being Ohio, Mother Nature may not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know. The biggest astronomical events in 2025: Every eclipse, comet, meteor shower to see in Ohio When does the Halley's Comet meteor shower peak? What time can you see the Eta Aquarids? The Eta Aquarids will peak the evening of May 5 into the pre-dawn hours of May 6, according to NASA. According to NASA's Watch the Skies blog, the best time to view the peak starts at 2 a.m. May 6 and lasts until dawn. "Expect to see at most 1015 meteors per hour just before dawn on the morning of May 6, Bill Cooke, who leads NASAs Meteoroid Environments Office at the agencys Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, told the blog. The moon, however, will be about 60% full, and its light may block some of the show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The light from the waxing Moon will wash out the fainter meteors this year," Cooke said. What's the Akron, Columbus and Cincinnati weather forecast for the Eta Aquarids peak? The moon might not be the only thing to dampen the meteor shower during its peak. Rain is in the Ohio weather forecast for May 5 to 6. According to the National Weather Service forecast for Akron, there's an 80% chance of showers, and a 50% chance of thunderstorms on the evening of May 5, which continues into May 6, with a 40% chance of showers that morning. In Columbus, there's a 60% chance of showers the evening of May 5, which grows to an 80% chance of May 6. Cincinnati may have the best chance of cooperative weather, with only a 30% chance of showers overnight May 5 continuing into May 6. What are the Eta Aquarids? Active from April 20 to May 21, per NASA, the Eta Aquarids appear to originate from the constellation Aquarius, giving the meteor shower its name. The meteors are known for their speed, and they can leave glowing "trains" bits of debris in their wake that can last for up to a full minute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They originate from debris left behind by Halley's Comet, which returns every 76 years and was last seen in 1986. All about Halley's Comet, the source of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower Halley is often called the most famous comet because it marked the first time astronomers understood comets could be repeat visitors to the solar system, according to NASA. Scientists have now linked its appearances to observations dating back more than 2,000 years. Before Edmond Halley, an English astronomer who lived from 1656 to 1742, comets were believed to make only one pass through the solar system. In 1705, Halley used Isaac Newton's theories of gravitation and planetary motions to compute the orbits of several comets. He found similarities in the orbits of bright comets reported in 1531, 1607, and 1682. Halley suggested that they were a single comet making return trips. Halley correctly predicted the comet would return in 1758. History's first known "periodic" comet was later named in his honor. After Eta Aquarids, Perseid meteor shower not far behind The big show every year is the Perseid meteor shower, which this year will peak from Aug. 12 to 13 with 50 to 100 meteors per hour, according to NASA. What are the Perseids? The Perseids appear to originate from the constellation Perseus and are considered to be the best meteor shower of the year, according to NASA. At their peak, the Perseids can generate up to 100 meteors per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These meteors originate from comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 133 years and was last seen in 1992. Swift-Tuttle is large, with a nucleus measuring 16 miles wide. According to NASA, that's nearly twice the size of the object thought to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: When Eta Aquarids meteor shower 2025? Peak days, Ohio weather forecast Heres a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 5, according to the Tribunes archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican culture, not independence Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) High temperature: 94 degrees (1949) Low temperature: 32 degrees (1992) Precipitation: 1.66 inches (1892) Snowfall: None 1905: The Chicago Defender newspaper was founded. Robert Sengstacke Abbott started the newspaper he called The Worlds Greatest Weekly, encouraging Black Americans born and raised in the South like himself to move north during the Great Migration of the 20th century. More than two-thirds of the newspapers readership base was located outside of Chicago by the start of World War I, according to the Defender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evolving from a weekly into a daily newspaper, the Defender became a national voice for African Americans, documenting racial inequality and championing the Civil Rights movement. Abbott thanked the children who sold his newspaper on street corners by throwing a parade in their honor. Its known today as the Bud Billiken Parade. The Defender ceased print publication in 2019, but still exists in a digital format at chicagodefender.com. 1930: The Merchandise Mart opened. At 24 stories and 4.2 million square feet, the building was then the largest in the world, surpassed by the Pentagon a decade later. The space was developed by Marshall Field & Co. to house wholesale products for department store buyers. The massive building, which had its own 60654 ZIP code, was rebranded as the Mart as part of a $40 million renovation in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1970: After the fatal shootings that took place during a protest over U.S. military involvement in Vietnam and Cambodia at Kent State University in Ohio, classes were canceled for the rest of the week at Northwestern University. 2005: Podiatrist Ronald Mikos was found guilty in the death of Joyce Brannon, a nurse and church caretaker who was going to testify against him in a Medicare fraud investigation. Authorities alleged in a 25-count indictment that Mikos defrauded Medicare of more than $1.25 million by falsely claiming to have performed thousands of surgeries and that he obstructed justice by recruiting patients to lie to investigators about the fraud. In Brannons case, authorities said, Mikos fraudulently billed Medicare for 85 surgeries on her feet that had not been carried out. How many presidential pardons or sentence commutations have been granted to people from Illinois? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After deliberating for parts of three days during the punishment phase of the trial, some jurors told the Tribune the decision to impose the death penalty had been a difficult one. Mikos, who claims he is innocent, is incarcerated in the federal prison in Terre Haute. President Joe Biden commuted the federal death sentence for the former Chicago podiatrist to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Dec. 23, 2024. 2017: Ebony announced plans to move editorial operations to Los Angeles, cutting one-third of its staff. 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 Madison Marshall pleaded guilty on May 1 to neglect of a dependent resulting in death and neglect of a dependent, court records show Marshalls daughter, Oaklee Snow, was reported missing in January 2023 and found dead the next month in a dresser at an abandoned home in Morgan County, Ind. As part of her plea agreement, Marshall will testify against her ex-boyfriend Roan Waters, whom she claims carried out the killing The mother of an Indiana toddler found dead in a dresser two years ago has pleaded guilty to two charges related to her daughters death. On Thursday, May 1, Madison Marshall pleaded guilty to one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in death and one count of neglect of a dependent, according to court records reviewed by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall could face 25 years in prison for the former charge and two years for the latter, Fox 23 reports. Other neglect charges are expected to be dropped at sentencing. As part of her plea agreement, which was obtained by Fox 23, as well as WRTV and WTHR, Marshall will testify against her co-defendant and ex-boyfriend Roan Waters. Waters will stand trial in June on charges of murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, neglect of a dependent and battery, reports say. Marshall previously claimed to authorities that Waters killed her daughter, 1-year-old Oaklee Snow, in February 2023 and hid her body in a dresser drawer in an abandoned home in Morgantown, Ind., according to court documents obtained by KOCO 5. According to WRTV, authorities said Marshall also previously admitted to investigators that Waters regularly abused the toddler for minor things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Okla. Girl, 2, Last Seen 'Asleep or Unconscious' Being Carried by Mom from Drug House Is Likely Dead: Police Arapahoe County Sheriff Roan Waters Roan Waters Oaklee was last seen on Feb. 9, 2023, being motionlessly carried out of what witnesses described as a "crack house" by her mother in Indianapolis, PEOPLE previously reported, citing the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. 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. "They described that she was either asleep or unconscious. She wasn't moving," J.T. Palmer of the sheriff's office said at the time. "She was wrapped in a blanket and the mother made the comment, 'I got to get her to the hospital. She's been hurt.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Palmer said that authorities "know that [Oaklee] did not make it to the hospital that night." Seminole County Sheriff's Office Oaklee Snow Prior to that, on or about Jan. 19, 2023, Marshall left her home in Cromwell, Okla., with Oaklee and her 7-month-old son Coleton, along with her ex-boyfriend, 25-year-old Roan Waters, according to Palmer. Oaklees biological father had reported his daughter and son missing after telling authorities that "Marshall and Waters took his children from his home and were allegedly heading to Indianapolis," prosecutors said. Related: Missing Okla. Girl, 2, Was Carried Out of House by Mom While 'Asleep or Unconscious' Before Vanishing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palmer said that Coleton was allegedly abandoned on the couch of the house in Indianapolis. Someone at the house called authorities, and Coleton was reunited with his father. The Marion County Prosecutor's Office announced in March 2023 that multiple charges had been filed against Marshall and Waters in connection with Oaklee's death. 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 LOME (Reuters) - Togo leader Faure Gnassingbe has been given the powerful new role of President of the Council of Ministers which has no fixed term limit, parliament said - a move the opposition called a constitutional coup that could extend his rule for life. The new title for Gnassingbe, whose family has already ruled the West African nation since 1967, could raise further concerns about democratic backsliding in a region hit by a string of coups where some leaders have clung to power for decades. He got the job on Saturday as he was the leader of the majority party, the National Assembly said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parliament gave politician Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove Gnassingbe's former job as national president - a position that was downgraded and made largely ceremonial in constitutional reforms last year. Two opposition parties - the Democratic Forces for the Republic and the National Alliance for Change - who boycott parliament called the move a "constitutional coup" in a joint statement. "This process is neither legal nor legitimate. It is the result of an institutional hold-up orchestrated by a desperate regime, which fears more than anything the freely expressed will of the people," read the statement signed by the parties and a civil society group. Gnassingbe's UNIR party and Togo's National Assembly did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President of the Council is responsible for coordinating government action, setting the broad guidelines for policy and ensuring the implementation of the decisions of the Council of Ministers, according to the presidency's website. The presidency of the tiny phosphate-producing country on the West African coast had been a family affair since 1967, when Faure Gnassingbe's father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, seized power in a coup. Faure Gnassingbe succeeded him after his death in 2005. (Reporting by Alice Lawson; Writing by Ayen Deng Bior; Editing by Andrew Heavens) An aerial drone photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows rescuers carrying out search and rescue operations after the boat capsize accident took place in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Nine people died and one is missing in boat capsize accident in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) GUIYANG, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Nine people died and one is missing in boat capsize accident in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities. Four boats capsized in sudden strong winds, plunging 84 individuals into the water. So far, nine people have died, 70 are being treated and are in non-life-threatening conditions, and four people are uninjured, according to local rescue headquarters. The search continues for the last missing person. Provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders, including police, firefighters and medical personnel, to coordinate rescue efforts. An aerial drone photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows rescuers carrying out search and rescue operations after the boat capsize accident took place in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Nine people died and one is missing in boat capsize accident in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities. Four boats capsized in sudden strong winds, plunging 84 individuals into the water. So far, nine people have died, 70 are being treated and are in non-life-threatening conditions, and four people are uninjured, according to local rescue headquarters. The search continues for the last missing person. Provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders, including police, firefighters and medical personnel, to coordinate rescue efforts. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) An aerial drone photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows rescuers carrying out search and rescue operations after the boat capsize accident took place in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Nine people died and one is missing in boat capsize accident in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities. Four boats capsized in sudden strong winds, plunging 84 individuals into the water. So far, nine people have died, 70 are being treated and are in non-life-threatening conditions, and four people are uninjured, according to local rescue headquarters. The search continues for the last missing person. Provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders, including police, firefighters and medical personnel, to coordinate rescue efforts. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) An aerial drone photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows capsized boats in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Nine people died and one is missing in boat capsize accident in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities. Four boats capsized in sudden strong winds, plunging 84 individuals into the water. So far, nine people have died, 70 are being treated and are in non-life-threatening conditions, and four people are uninjured, according to local rescue headquarters. The search continues for the last missing person. Provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders, including police, firefighters and medical personnel, to coordinate rescue efforts. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) Rescuers carry out search and rescue operations after the boat capsize accident took place in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 5, 2025. Nine people died and one is missing in boat capsize accident in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities. Four boats capsized in sudden strong winds, plunging 84 individuals into the water. So far, nine people have died, 70 are being treated and are in non-life-threatening conditions, and four people are uninjured, according to local rescue headquarters. The search continues for the last missing person. Provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders, including police, firefighters and medical personnel, to coordinate rescue efforts. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) An aerial drone photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows rescuers carrying out search and rescue operations for the last missing person after a boat capsize accident in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last missing person in a boat capsize incident in southwest China's Guizhou Province has been confirmed dead, according to local rescue headquarters. All those involved in the boat capsize accident have been found as of 12:45 pm local time on Monday, with 10 people dead, 70 injured and 4 uninjured. Four boats capsized in sudden strong winds in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province on Sunday afternoon, plunging 84 individuals into the water. Provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders to coordinate rescue efforts. The aftermath handling of the accident is still proceeding. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) An aerial drone photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows rescuers carrying out search and rescue operations for the last missing person after a boat capsize accident in Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. The last missing person in a boat capsize incident in southwest China's Guizhou Province has been confirmed dead, according to local rescue headquarters. All those involved in the boat capsize accident have been found as of 12:45 pm local time on Monday, with 10 people dead, 70 injured and 4 uninjured. Four boats capsized in sudden strong winds in a river of Qianxi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province on Sunday afternoon, plunging 84 individuals into the water. Provincial authorities have deployed nearly 500 emergency responders to coordinate rescue efforts. The aftermath handling of the accident is still proceeding. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) We saw beneficial rainfall over the weekend, though not in every neighborhood. First Alert Meteorologist Corey Simma says well dry out and warm up to start the week. We see a return of showers and a few afternoon thunderstorms by Wednesday. The unsettled weather patter will linger into the weekend. RECALL ALERT: An Indiana company is recalling tomatoes sold by Gordon Food Service stores in eleven states due to a risk of salmonella. The FDA issued an alert for the produce distributed under the Ray & Mascari Inc. brand name on Saturday. The recall applies to four count clamshell packages of Vine Ripe tomatoes. Specific lot numbers for the impacted products are posted on the FDA website. Anyone who has purchased the tomatoes is advised to throw them out. Three Big Things to Know: Two deadly JSO shootings, two days apart. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office says they got a call yesterday morning about a domestic situation on the Westside. JSO Chief Alan Parker says Michael Lee Wright charged at an officer while holding something and told the officer, go ahead and kill me. The officer fired and hit Wright. The 39-year-old was taken to the hospital where he passed away. The JSO says scissors were found at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday night, an officer shot and killed a 58-year-old man who they say had two knives. An officer was flagged down on Jillian Drive off Ricker Road, and found a man and woman bleeding on the ground. He saw a man standing in front of him, holding knives. Chief Alan Parker says the suspect was shot when he threatened to stab the victims again. According to JSO, the man had been drinking all day, but the reason for the attack was unclear. These are the 7th and 8th officer-involved shootings of the year. Four have been deadly. Theres no doubt who the University of Florida wants to be its next president. The schools presidential search committee announced yesterday it made Dr. Santa Ono the sole finalist to be the next president. Hes currently president at the University of Michigan. If hired, he would replace Ben Sasse, who resigned last year. The chairman of the search committee says Dr. Ono has a proven record of academic excellence, innovation and collaborative leadership. Ono will be in Gainesville tomorrow to meet with the Board of Trustees, students, faculty and staff. LISTEN: Florida lawmakers are set to return to Tallahassee on May 12 to debate and finalize a spending plan before June 6. We spoke with John Kennedy, State Capitol reporter with the USA Today Florida Network, who reports the plan now calls for a $2.8 billion tax cut plan, including a $1.6 billion reduction in the states 6% sales tax. It would amount to a modest shaving of around one-quarter of a percent. Our Capitol Correspondent Ryan Schmelz with Fox News looks at a recissions proposal package before Congress that would cut funding to NPR, PBS, and USAID, among other agencies. This a smaller $20 billion package separate from President Trumps big, beautiful bill. Tomatoes from a Florida farm have been recalled in 14 states for possible Salmonella contamination, according to a Saturday release from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Hanshaw & Capling Farms of Immokalee, Florida, notified the Indianapolis-based distributor Ray & Mascari Inc. that it was recalling the lot of tomatoes that the company repacked into four-pack clamshell containers. The tomatoes were then sold by Gordon Food Service Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This came a day after Williams Farms Repack LLC recalled a variety of packages assembled with tomatoes from "H&C Farms," also of Immokalee. Those packages were distributed to wholesalers and distributors in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina "Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,' the FDA said. "Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. "In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis." No illnesses have been reported to date. the FDA said. What tomatoes were recalled for Salmonella? The Ray & Mascari Inc. recall was for plastic clamshells containing four tomatoes each: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Name: 4 Count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in clamshell containers [20 oz. (1 lb. 4 oz) 567g] UPC: 7 96553 20062 1 Lot: RM250424 15250B or RM250427 15250B (master case label) The Williams Farms Repack LLC was for the following size packages: 5x6, 20 lb: No UPC, Lot No. R4467 6x6 25 lb: No UPC, Lot No. R4467, R4470 Combo 25 lb: No UPC, Lot No. R4467 4x4 2 layer: No UPC, Lot No. R4467 4x5 2 layer: NO UPC, Lot No. R4467 60 count 2 layer: NO UPC, Lot No. R4467 60 count 18 lb loose: NO UPC, Lot No. R4467, R4470 XL 18 lb loose: NO UPC, Lot No. R4467 3 count trays: UPC 0 33383 65504 , Lot No. R4467 Were the recalled tomatoes sold or distributed in Florida? No. The tomatoes covered by the Ray & Mascari recall were sent to Gordon Food Service Stores in: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Indiana Kentucky Michigan Missouri Mississippi New York Ohio Pennsylvania Tennessee Wisconsin The tomatoes covered by the Williams Farms Repack recall were sent to: Georgia North Carolina South Carolina What if I bought some of the recalled tomatoes? Don't eat them, throw them out, the FDA said. Consumers with questions or reports of any illness may contact Ray & Mascari Inc. at 317-637-0234, Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m. ET. Consumers with questions about the Williams Farms Repack tomatoes may contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.5 p.m. ET. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Tomatoes recall for Salmonella come from Immokalee, Florida farm The New York jurors being selected on Monday to hear the sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean Diddy Combs are going to have to decide on one crucial question on which the prosecutors case seems to hinge: Did the rap mogul use his sizable staff over several decades to run a criminal enterprise, or is he a wealthy man with a dedicated team and some unique proclivities? According to prosecutors with the Southern District of New York, the jailed rap and fashion world mainstay used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women, as well as to commit other acts of violence and obstruction of justice. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial is expected to last eight weeks, starting from the May 12 opening statements, Judge Arun Subramanian told potential jurors as Mondays session opened for jury selection. The 12 men and women selected, who will be vetted thoroughly, will hear from four witnesses, only one of whom is currently known: Cassie Ventura, the defendants former romantic partner, who settled a civil case out of court last year, will be the first to take the stand; the three victims who will follow her are, at this point, unnamed publicly. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and maintains that he is innocent of any crimes. He was offered a plea deal with a reduced sentence, which he rejected, the rap mogul revealed in court late last week. All four witnesses are prepared to tell about their experiences with Combs as the prosecution tries to show how he allegedly coerced women into sex by manipulating and controlling them, and how his staff played allegedly key roles in cleaning up after his messes and assuring alleged victims stayed in line and kept quiet. All four witnesses will then face cross-examination from a tailored team of attorneys who are some of the best defense lawyers that money can buy. Heres a look at whos who in Combs defense team. Attorney Marc Agnifilo speaks outside U.S. District Court on Sept. 17, 2024, in New York City. Marc Agnifilo Theres a lifestyle, call it swingers, call it whatever you will many people think its appropriate. The reason he thought it was appropriate is because its so common. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lead defense attorney for Combs trial is a veteran criminal defense lawyer known for representing high-profile clients throughout his 30-year career. The founding partner of Agnifilo Intrater LLP worked as Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey from 1998 to 2006 as the lead of its Violent Crimes Unit. He has argued over 200 cases and secured acquittals in many complex trials involving accusations of assault, international tax fraud, political corruption and other crimes. One notable success in Agnifilos career was the dismissal of the rape case against former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn after an alleged sexual assault on a New York hotel maid in 2011. Hes gained a reputation over his career for challenging prosecutors head-on and making the case that his clients are being targeted unfairly, as was the defense strategy he presented for Turkish businessman Reza Zarrab, who was accused of evading U.S. sanctions on Iran through complex financial transactions. Hes already made a similar statement regarding the charges against Combs, calling it an unjust prosecution. His high-profile cases have not all been success stories for his clients, though. Agnifilo defended NXIVM founder Keith Raniere, who was convicted on multiple charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison after he was convicted of seven felonies related to what prosecutors described as a sex cult the organization he co-founded. Lawyers for Sean Combs, Marc Agnifilo (L) and Teny Geragos (R) leave U.S. District Court on September 17 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images) Teny Geragos Hes fighting. Hes innocent, and hes going to be able to show it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sharp daughter of L.A.-based lawyer to the stars Mark Geragos (more on him, below), Teny Geragos is a founding partner at Agnifilo Intrater LLP and has strong experience defending and investigating sexual misconduct allegations. Shes defended sexual assault and securities and wire fraud cases, as well as others involving public corruption, tax evasion and narcotics trafficking. Tenys experience with sexual misconduct defense strategy has been on display in social media videos and on News Nations Cuomo, where she made an appearance to discuss her clients innocence. Speaking with host Chris Cuomo following one of three bail denials for the rap mogul, Teny said that Diddys lifestyle is not criminal and noted that when discussing his alleged crimes, the notion of consent was never brought up by prosecutors; the defenses strategy, in terms of the sex trafficking charges and lurid freak off sex parties Combs threw, hinges on the assertion that all parties were consenting adults. What was notable today is they never once said that these women didnt consent to what happened, not once, she told Cuomo in September. Teny also took Diddys case to TikTok, where she adopted the format of shutting down an accusation in a civil case filed against Combs by speaking to the camera with various headline screengrabs, legal files and images on display in the backdrop. Brian Steel The more challenging the case is, the more likely Ill take it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent addition to the defense team, Brian Steel is famous not only for a recent New Yorker profile, but for defending a famous rapper against a RICO charge, as is the case with Combs. Steel previously represented rapper Young Thug in Georgias longest-running criminal trial. During the Young Thug YSL RICO trial, the presiding judge notably held Steel in contempt of court after an argument erupted over a meeting the judge took with a key state witness and prosecutors. Steel refused to reveal his source; he fought back and had the contempt charge overturned. The judge was recused from the trial after the incident. This must have impressed Agnifilo and company, as they brought him aboard last month. Steel attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate degree and then Fordham Law, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1990. After Young Thug pleaded out and managed to walk free after the 22-month trial, he had a Drake song named for him. Brian Steel, attorney for Sean Diddy Combs, arrives for a hearing on April 18 in New York City. Alexandra Shapiro The former clerk for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Shapiro has a rep for taking on cases that court controversy. Her recent notorious client, who happens to be spending time with Combs at the Brooklyn jail where he is being housed, is FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, whom she defeated on appeal of his fraud conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shapiros career successes include narrowing the scope of federal fraud statutes before the Supreme Court, where she also argued the first-ever insider trading case. Shes known for appeals, white collar defense and civil litigation. Before founding her firm, she worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and an attorney-adviser in the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice. There is, of course, more to Shapiro than her career. In 2022, she also penned a legal thriller, Presumed Guilty, to rave reviews. Xavier R. Donaldson A just society requires that the accused be accorded zealous counsel and, more importantly, can you imagine a just society without criminal defense attorneys? I cannot. On May 1, Combs defense team appeared at a Manhattan federal court hearing where an unnamed legal addition was listed among the prestigious group. Since then, court filings have shown that Xavier Donaldson, a former Bronx prosecutor who has run his practice since 2023, has been added to the high-powered team. Donaldson is a graduate of Howard University, the same school Combs attended before leaving to pursue his music industry dreams. Jason Driscoll The young blood on the defense team, Jason Driscoll, joined Shapiro Arato Bach in 2023 after working with individual and corporate clients at a different firm, with time spent on both civil and criminal proceedings. Before this private sector work, he clerked for a federal district judge in the Southern District of New York, the venue for Combs trial, and as a federal appellate judge in the Second Circuit. Anna Estevao With a focus on appeals, government investigations and white collar crime, Anna Estevano feels like a natural fit for Combs defense team, given the charges the mogul faces from federal prosecutors. According to her LinkedIn profile, she made partner in January at New York firm Sher Tremonte LLP after spending seven years there as counsel. Estavao has been part of Combs team since the fall of last year, joining shortly after his September arrest in Manhattan. Mark Geragos Race underscores everything in the criminal justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebrity defense attorney is busy with another headline-grabbing case with clients Erik and Lyle Menendez, but its rumored that he is going to play a major role in Coombs defense. The powerhouse lawyer has seen his share of big-with-a-capital-B trials, having defended Scott Peterson, Chris Brown, Jussie Smollett, and many more notable names facing some serious charges. Exactly what type of role he will play in Combs defense remains to be seen; as speculation has increased over the past three weeks since he appeared in court with Team Diddy, Gereagos has deflected questions about his involvement entirely. Mark Geragos talking to the press in front of the Van Nuys West Courthouse before attending to a resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez on April 17, 2025 in California. There is one notable, enduring mystery surrounding the Combs trial. In February, attorney Anthony Ricco suddenly filed a motion to withdraw from the case. No one has been able to say exactly why Ricco decided to step away from his client, and while making his exit, he wrote to the court, Under no circumstances can I continue to effectively serve as counsel. Ricco, who famously defended Osama bin Laden and Omar Rahman after the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, specializes in state and federal court hearings and has saved the lives of multiple death row inmates. Additionally, he famously defended Gescard Isnora, an undercover cop who shot and killed Sean Bell, an unarmed Black man, in 2006. Given this penchant for tough cases, his refusal to work on the Combs case has fueled a great deal of speculation and mystery as to what made him quit the high-profile case that many anticipate will reveal much more about Combs luxe and libidinous lifestyle. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday called for a probe into ongoing flight disruptions at Newark airport that began eight days ago due to outdated equipment and a shortage of air traffic controllers. "The FAA is really a mess," Schumer said. "We have a 1990 technology being used in 2025." Travelers at the New Jersey airport near Manhattan have faced flight delays of up to five hours and cancellations. That has rippled throughout the country as Newark Liberty International Airport is the 12th busiest U.S. airport based on passenger boarding data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schumer asked the Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General to investigate "what happened at Newark so these problems don't get worse, or spread to airports across the nation." The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said that air traffic controllers responsible for coordinating planes in Newark temporarily lost radar contact and communications with the aircraft under their control on April 28. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby on Friday said 20% of the FAA controllers for Newark had walked off the job. But on Monday, the controllers' union said they did not walk off the job but took absences under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which provides for absences for injuries or on-the-job trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA said Monday some controllers in Philadelphia who work Newark arrivals and departures "have taken time off to recover from the stress of multiple recent outages." Newark airport has also been undergoing runway construction this spring that has cut capacity, and the FAA has faced a persistent nationwide shortage of controllers. United said on Monday it was cancelling 35 more flights a day - or about 10% - at its Newark hub. United has been forced to divert dozens of flights to other airports while flight delays of five or more hours have occurred. United said it has historically flown 440 flights daily out of Newark but after cutting flights earlier this spring and the latest cuts, it is now down to 293. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA last year relocated control of the Newark airspace to Philadelphia to address staffing and congestion. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who intends to propose a plan this week to fix outdated air traffic control infrastructure, visited the FAA Terminal Radar Approach Control at Philadelphia on Friday. "The technology that we are using is old. Thats what is causing the outages and delays we are seeing at Newark," Duffy said. The FAA is about 3,500 controllers short of targeted staffing. A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed flights and, at many facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks. (Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Franklin Paul and Cynthia Osterman) The News The International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed and terminated Sudans case alleging that the UAE backed the Rapid Support Forces, a militant group accused of committing genocide during the African countrys civil war. The UAE a signatory to the Genocide Convention opted out in 2005 of an article granting the ICJ jurisdiction to decide on disputes between states. The court said it therefore lacks jurisdiction to hear Sudans case. This decision is a clear and decisive affirmation of the fact that this case was utterly baseless, said Reem Ketait, deputy assistant minister for political affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The facts speak for themselves: the UAE bears no responsibility for the conflict in Sudan. Know More Sudans civil war, which began after a power struggle between two former allies who staged a coup in 2021, entered its second year last month. Tens of thousands have been killed and millions displaced in what is now one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK, the European Union, and the African Union met in London in April without Sudans warring parties to discuss ways to increase humanitarian aid to the country. The UKs foreign secretary said the biggest obstacle to peace was not the lack of aid, but a lack of political will. For the UAE, the ICJ ruling follows an April 29 UN report that did not cite evidence of the country arming Sudans Rapid Support Forces. Notable It sounds like the origin story of a superhero, but there's nothing fictional about what Tim Friede's accomplished. Since 2001, the 57-year-old Wisconsin man has let himself be bitten by venomous snakes on an incredible 200 occasions, inuring his immune system to the serpents' deadly toxins. Cobras, black mambas, you name it: Friede has weathered them all. That's on top of injecting himself with over 650 doses of increasingly potent amounts of venom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They want to kill me," Friede told NPR. "I want to survive." And in building such a remarkable tolerance, Friede's badass quest may help save other people's lives, too. Scientists have identified the antibodies in Friede's blood responsible for neutralizing the toxins, in what they believe is a major milestone towards developing a universal antivenom a cure-all antidote for any lethal snakebite. As reported in a new study in the journal Cell, the researchers combined some of Friede's superpowered antibodies with an existing treatment for snake venom to create a "cocktail" that can protect against the venom of 19 different species of snakes found across the world. Around 138,000 people die each year from snakebites, according to the World Health Organization. Those who survive can suffer permanent disabilities, loss of limbs, stroke, and even blindness. Having access to the necessary antivenom, especially in poorer or difficult-to-access regions, is a tall order, especially when there are so many different kinds of deadly serpents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a bigger problem than the first world realizes," study lead author Jacob Glanville, CEO of the biotech company Centivax, told the New York Times. A universal cure could change the equation. The main challenge, however, is that venoms are very diverse in how they kill you. Some are neurotoxins that attack the nervous system, causing paralysis. Others, like hemotoxins, disrupt blood clotting, damage blood vessels, and cause hemorrhaging. Then there're cytotoxins, which will outright rot your flesh. Traditionally, antivenoms have been produced by exposing animals like a horse to small amounts of venom, and extracting the antibodies they create. But these antibodies can only treat the venom the animal was exposed to, and come with their own complications. Glanville had long believed you could produce a more effective version from a human exposed to lots of different snake bites. But for years, the ideal candidate evaded him. "I was calling vivariums hoping for a clumsy snake researcher," Glanville told NPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fate, thankfully, brought the two together. By studying Friede's blood, Glanville and his colleague Peter Kwong, a structural biologist at Columbia University, found an "ultra-broad antibody" that completely neutralized the neurotoxic venom of five snakes, including the black mamba and several cobras. The team added a molecule called varespladib, which has been studied as a snakebite treatment, to create a more powerful cocktail. Then they found another broadly-acting antibody in Friede's blood. "And so we added that in and that's when we suddenly saw this coherent protection that was happening across this large panel," Glanville told NPR. In all, their concoction fully protected mice against the venom from 13 different species of snakes, and offered partial protection against six more species. There're still significant challenges ahead before this can become a bona fide universal antivenom. Its efficacy still needs to be proven in humans. And the treatment currently doesn't protect against vipers, which account for roughly half of all venomous snakes, noted David Williams, a scientist who studies antivenoms for the WHO, to NPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for Friede, who endured his last snakebite in 2018, his work is finished. "I'm really proud that I can do something in life for humanity, to make a difference for people that are 8,000 miles away, that I'm never going to meet, never going to talk to, never going to see, probably," Friede told the NYT. More on cure-alls: Single Injection Appears to Prevent Virtually All Allergic Reactions CHESTER, N.Y. (PIX11) A New York man was arrested in connection with the shooting of a DoorDash delivery driver on May 2. The incident happened in the neighborhood of Valerie Drive in Chester. More Local News According to New York State Police, the victim, a DoorDash delivery driver, was trying to deliver food to a residence when he became lost. Unable to navigate using the app, the driver approached several homes to ask for directions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say one resident, identified as John J. Reilly III, told the driver to get off his property. As the victim attempted to leave in his vehicle, Reilly allegedly opened fire and shot him in the back. Police charged Reilly, the current Town of Chester Highway Superintendent, with assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and criminal possession of a firearm. Reilly was arraigned and remanded to the Orange County Jail. A preliminary hearing was set for May 9. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police Monroe at (845) 344-5300. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. YANGON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Zaw Min Htut, 53, lives in Dedaye, Ayeyarwady region in Myanmar. For the past seven months, his home has been fully powered by solar energy, from lighting to air-conditioning. He first learned about solar products a year ago and frequent power cuts finally pushed him to make the switch to the clean energy. "Before, it was impossible to cook or pump water on time," he told Xinhua during a recent interview. Now, life is much easier. "I pump water and cook using solar power. It's very convenient. No more waiting for electricity," he said wile smiling. His family of four now enjoys uninterrupted power day and night. "While others sweat during outages, we stay cool with air-conditioning," he added. "We can cook on time and live normally, even when the grid goes down." He spent under 10 million kyats on the setup. "It's not expensive for families with an average income," he explained. The solar product he uses is called Mizu, a Chinese brand. "More people are switching to solar, depending on what they can afford. Some use small systems, others go big. Even farmers now use solar for irrigation," he said. U Soe Win, 56, from Yangon's Bahan township, has relied on solar power for nearly ten years. Lighting, cooling, and cooking at his home depend on solar power. "When I started, solar panels weren't this modern," he said. "Now, they're more efficient." He believes solar energy is the future. "It's clean, with no carbon emissions. It's the best way to reduce pollution." "One major benefit is that we have power from the start of the day. No more waiting," he added. Today, he also sells and installs solar systems for locals. "Most solar products in Myanmar come from China," he noted. At his home, solar panels, batteries, and inverters are all China-made. Regarding quality and cost, he said, "If you use them properly, they last a long time. Prices have also come down. People think installing solar is expensive, but it's not." "With just two panels, a 12-volt battery, and a 3,000-watt inverter, you can power lights, pumps, and even cooking," he explained. He encourages others to switch to solar. "If more people use it, we can cut emissions and protect the planet," he said. Aung Moe, 50, from Hmawbi township in Yangon region, also relies on solar. Solar power runs refrigerators, computers, air-conditioners, and kitchen appliances at his home. "Without a reliable power supply, solar has become essential," he said. "Now I'm exploring options for my business," he said while touring the second Myanmar Power and Solar Energy Storage Lighting Expo 2025, which was held from May 1 to 4. Also uses a Chinese brand, he believes that more people will switch to solar as prices of those products continue to fall. Ko Thet Zin Min is the procurement manager at SEC Solar, the authorized distributor of China's Huawei solar products in Myanmar. "We've been working with Huawei for about six years," he said. "Our bestsellers include solar batteries and inverters." He confirmed the rising demand for solar products in Myanmar. "Our sales have grown year after year. More people and businesses are choosing solar," he said. HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) Trader Joes is opening its new store in Hoover on May 14. UABs ArtPlay program hosting Spring Family Day The Trader Joes location will be located at 1769 Montgomery Highway, across the street from the Riverchase Galleria. It will be the third Trader Joes store in Alabama, with the others located at The Summit in Birmingham, and on Mid City Drive in Huntsville. The store, through its Neighborhood Shares Program, will donate 100% of unsold products to a range of non-profit, community-based organizations, seven days a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be a ceremony for the opening at 8:55 a.m. The stores hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. HONOLULU (KHON2) Most people never expect to need a lawyer, until they do. Legal problems can hit anyone, from a traffic ticket to a landlord dispute or trouble sorting out a will. But not everyone has the money to hire an attorney. Thats where Law Week comes in. From May 4 to May 10, volunteer attorneys across Hawaii will be available to give free legal information to the public. 1. Call the Legal Line Hotline if you cant make it in person Each evening from Monday to Friday, volunteer lawyers will staff the Legal Line Hotline from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can ask general legal questions and get referred to non-profit groups that might help further. This is not full legal representation, but its a smart first step for anyone confused or overwhelmed by a legal issue. Call (808) 537-1868 to connect with a volunteer. 2. Catch live advice on TV through Ask-a-Lawyer For those up early, the Ask-a-Lawyer segment will air each weekday on KHON2s Wake Up 2day at 6:15 a.m. These short spots cover a different topic each day. Monday is the kickoff. Family law, traffic court, landlord-tenant problems, and estate planning follow later in the week. Its an easy way to hear real answers about common legal issues with no appointment needed. 3. Visit an Ask-a-Lawyer booth near you Volunteer lawyers will set up in-person booths on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. If you live near Kahului, Honolulu or Lihue, stop by to talk face-to-face with a lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The booths are casual and welcoming. You dont need to bring paperwork or make an appointment. Just come with your questions. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You People often ask about divorce, child custody, small businesses or rental issues. 4. Know your rights, even if youre not in trouble Understanding the law isnt just for people already in court. Sometimes, learning your rights early helps you avoid bigger problems later. The oath you reaffirmed today is a commitment to help people find justice, said Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, speaking to attorneys volunteering during Law Week. The goal is to connect people with legal information before theyre in crisis. 5. The schedule Ask-a-Lawyer on KHON2 Wake Up 2day: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, May 5, at 6:15 a.m.: Law Week kickoff. Tuesday, May 6, at 6:15 a.m.: Family law. Wednesday, May 7, at 6:15 a.m.: District Court Traffic. Thursday, May 8, at 6:15 a.m.: Landlord/Tenant disputes. Friday, May 9, at 6:15 a.m.: Estate Planning. Ask-a-Lawyer booths Maui Sunday Market will be taking place at 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului on Sunday, May 4 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kakaako Farmers Market beill be taking place in Honolulu at 919 Ala Moana Boulevard on Saturday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Grove Farm Market will be taking place at 4411 Kikowaena Street in Lihue on Saturday, May 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can click here to learn more. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 Everything you have to as a lawyer, you can. So, take advantage of this free service that will allow you to have access to how the law impacts you. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In a horrific conclusion, the bodies of 13 security guards who were kidnapped from a Peruvian gold mine over a week ago were discovered on Sunday, La Poderosa, the mining company, said a search-and-rescue team recovered the remains of all 13 guards in the mine earlier today. Their deaths were blamed on a group of "informal miners linked to criminal gangs" that allegedly ambushed the mine on April 26. The criminals held the 13 men hostage in the mine for a week while sending threatening messages to their families, according to BBC.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The spiral of uncontrolled violence in Pataz is occurring despite the declaration of a state of emergency and the presence of a large police contingent which, unfortunately, has not been able to halt the deterioration of security conditions in the area," La Poderosa said in a statement, via CBS Sports. According to the mining company, which is based out of Lima, Peru's capital city, criminal groups battling for control of the mine in the city of Pataz have killed 39 workers since the mine opened in 1980. Aerial picture of dredges at an illegal gold mining area in the Madre de Dios department, in Peru's southeastern Amazon region, on June 1, 2024. Illegal exploitation is ruthless, despite law enforcement prosecution in Madre de Dios, in southeastern Peru. Since 2017, this megadiverse department of 180,000 inhabitants has lost, on average, some 21,000 hectares of rainforest per year. (Photo by ERNESTO BENAVIDES / AFP) (Photo by ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images) ERNESTO BENAVIDES/Getty Images Peru's Interior Ministry said it has deployed special police forces to "locate and capture those responsible for these heinous crimes." Peru is one of the world's leaders in gold and copper mining, reportedly mining approximately 4% of the world's goal supply in a year. The country allows informal miners to operate as long as they pledge to legitimize their operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, illegal mining has become a major issue, with several recent brutal attacks in addition to the murder of the 13 security guards. In December 2023, the same Poderosa mine was attacked with explosives, injuring 15 and killing nine. In March of this year, criminals working with illegal miners killed two in an attack at a mine in the La Cienaga ravine in the Pataz district. Also in that month, illegal miners blew up a high-voltage tower and attempted to "invade" multiple mine sites before the government stepped in and stopped them. Key Point After a chaotic week filled with travel delays, travelers should brace themselves if they're flying into or out of Newark International Airport. Here's everything to know to make an informed decision about your travels. If youre flying through Newark International Airport (EWR), prepare yourself for potential delays and rescheduled flights. The New Jersey airport, which serves the broader New York City area, has been plagued by hundreds of flight delays and cancellations for the last weekand the woes continue. More than 20 percent of Federal Aviation Administration controllers have walked off the job, leading to delays and flight cancellations, as EWR is unequipped to handle the volume of usual flights with such staffing shortages. The problems have persisted, with air traffic control outages and thunderstorms over the weekend also contributing to the chaos at the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, construction on the runways has left EWR operating with only one functional runway, further adding to the delays and cancelled flights. The Department of Transportations Bureau of Transportation Statistics ranked Newark International Airport the 14th busiest airport in the U.S. in 2024. United Airlines, which has a hub at Newark, announced on May 2 that it would cancel 35 daily round-trip flightsrepresenting about 10 percent of the flights operated by United out of EWRdue to the delays in order to protect their customers. It's disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers, United CEO Scott Kirby wrote in a letter on the United website. United has been urging the US government for *years* to use its authority to effectively limit the number of flights to what the airport can realistically handle. Past failure to make those changes had led to the circumstances that United and, most importantly, our customers now face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travelers who already have plans to travel in and out of EWR should check for travel alerts both from the airport website and also through their airline. No matter what the advisories say, passengers should prepare themselves for potential delays and cancellations as the issue continues this week. Travelers should consider shuffling their flights to neighboring airports, as a federal air safety employee told MSNBC correspondent Tom Costello that safety is a concern. It is not safe. It is not a safe situation right now for the flying public, they reportedly said. Costello added: "Really an incredible statement, unsolicited. He just said that to me, and separately: Dont fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs. Travel + Leisure's request for comment from the FAA was not returned at the time of publish. NATCA, the air traffic controllers union, has warned for decades that infrastructure must be rebuilt and modernized, Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), said in a statement obtained by T+L. We call on all airlines operating out of Newark to cut planned flights at an equal percentage across airlines in order to support this work, aviation safety, and our jobs. Working together we can solve the problem faster and keep everyone safe. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure The Travis County attorney on Monday sued eight companies owned by the embattled former Austin real estate developer Nate Paul seeking to collect millions in unpaid property taxes. The lawsuits, filed against five limited liability companies and three limited partnerships, demand payment of about $2 million in delinquent property taxes, as well as about $300,000 in legal fees, according to a Monday news release from Travis County Tax Assessor Collector Celia Israel. Nate Paul has shown a disregard for playing by the rules that includes paying his property taxes, Israel said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel said in the news release that repeated attempts to contact Paul regarding the unpaid taxes were unsuccessful. Our local taxing units depend on property taxes to plan and build infrastructure like roads and bridges, pay our teachers and public employees and do the critical work of government," she said in a statement. The lawsuit comes less than a month after Paul was ordered by a federal judge to pay $1 million within two years in a long-running federal financial crimes case. Paul at that time was also sentenced to five years of supervised release, including four months of home confinement. Paul in 2023 was indicted in a dozen federal financial crimes cases. Federal investigators accused him of under-reporting his total liabilities and over-reporting his cash to financial institutions in the U.S. and Ireland, thus influencing mortgage lenders decisions to give to Paul to buy commercial properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of a deal with prosecutors, Paul in January pleaded guilty to a federal charge of making false statements to a financial institution, effectively ending the years-long legal battle. The rest of the charges were dropped as part of the deal. The case gained attention when Paul turned to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for help during the federal probe. Their relationship was at the center of the historic impeachment trial against Paxton in which his top aides accused him of receiving benefits from Paul in exchange for his help. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Travis County sues Nate Paul for $2M in unpaid property taxes The National Wild Turkey Federation, American Bird Conservancy, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry are collaborating on a project to enhance the habitat within Michaux State Forest, according to an announcement. The project aims to create a mosaic of habitats benefiting wild turkeys and other wildlife species, many of which are classified as species of great conservation concern. More than 1,000 acres of the southern Pennsylvania state forest are being monitored for management work set to begin this summer. Foresters plan to use various techniques, including non-commercial tree felling, forestry mulching, planting ecologically valuable trees, shrubs and forbs, and cut-and-leave treatment of trees that have died due to disease or insect infestation. These managed acres will contribute to the 100,000 acres of land conserved under the NWTFs Forests and Flocks Initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foresters plan to cut down more than 1,000 trees across the 205-acre project footprint. Strategically placing woody material directly into or near streams will improve habitat, enhance water quality, support diverse ecosystems and enhance forest composition and structural diversity at all vegetation layers. Trees will be strategically removed to create stream canopy gaps and increase downed woody materials along three miles of streams and adjacent forests. This increased structure in and around the stream will help reconnect the water table with the floodplain, slow down water velocity during high flow events, reduce erosive potential and improve water filtration and recharge through increased retention time within the watershed. The National Wild Turkey Federation, American Bird Conservancy, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry are collaborating on a project to enhance the habitat within Michaux State Forest. Foresters plan to cut down more than 1,000 trees across the 205-acre project footprint. Strategically placing woody material directly into or near streams will improve habitat, enhance water quality, support diverse ecosystems and enhance forest composition and structural diversity at all vegetation layers. Managers also plan to retire about three miles of poorly placed redundant road segments, which negatively impact streams and stream-side forests. The roads will be repurposed as shared-use trails and firebreaks, designed to prevent or slow the spread of wildfires and control prescribed burns. This project will increase the efficiency, predictability and safety of implementing prescribed fire and other managed disturbance regimes to sustain dynamic habitats at the upper tributary system level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Bird Conservancy, the projects grantee, is working in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program and South Mountain Partnership Conservation Network to advance all five of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) program pillars. The Pennsylvania NWTF State Chapter committed significant funds to the project via the state chapters Super Fund. Created in the NWTFs formative years, the Super Fund is a volunteer-driven program. NWTF volunteers in every state raise money at banquets and other types of fundraisers and then allocate a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects in their respective states. The project will directly benefit wild turkeys by creating early successional habitat. Indirectly, the project will improve ecosystem conditions for all species by increasing species and structural diversity on a landscape level, resulting in a healthier forest and a greater quantity and quality of nesting and brood-rearing habitat for wild turkeys. The Public Opinion, The Record Herald, Echo-Pilot are growing their local news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NFWF project on the Michaux is a continuation of the great restoration work that has occurred on the South Mountain ridge-tops, said Mitch Blake, NWTF district biologist. A fire-adapted landscape, long excluded from fire, is now being restored acre by acre through landscape-scale disturbance. It's great to see the habitats for species of the greatest conservation concern being addressed as well as upper tributary water quality concerns. This project is really the epitome of a landscape scale forest health collaborative. Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted more than 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested more than $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@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 or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: NWTF, partners to enhance habitat in Michaux State Forest A man accused of fatally shooting a Boston taxicab driver near the Prudential Center in 2019 will appear in court on Monday for his first day of trial. Phillip Foy, 40, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, has been charged in connection with the shooting death of Luckinson Oruma, 60, of Dorchester on June 4, 2019, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. Oruma was working as a taxicab driver in Boston the Tuesday he died, and had been parked in his cab near the Prudential Center in front of the Colonnade Hotel on Huntington Avenue, the office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foy got into Orumas cab that day, and asked for a ride to Mansfield, but Oruma declined the fare, the office said. A witness then saw Foy get out of the cab, open Orumas door and assault him. He took out a gun and shot Oruma at some point during the assault, after which Oruma fell to the ground outside the cab, the office said. Foy then stood directly over Oruma and fired at him, the office said. After, Foy got into Orumas cab, drove down Huntington Avenue, took a turn onto Ring Road and pulled over. Foy emptied and threw out the gun and magazine, took off his shoes and sat in front of a nearby Starbucks, the office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Boston police arrived, Foy grabbed a passerby tried to hold the person in front of him to shield himself, the office said. The officers diffused the situation and took Foy into custody. While under arrest, Foy confessed to shooting Oruma, but said it was in self-defense, the office said. Opening statements in Foys trial will begin on Monday morning in the Suffolk Superior Courthouse. More local crime stories A Tribeca jewelry store worker has been arrested for using two zip ties to choke his boss to death and then fleeing the country eight years ago, officials said Monday. Michael Patrick Desalles was extradited back to New York Friday to face murder charges in the slaying of 51-year-old Omid Gholian. We all had feelings that one day they would arrest him and bring him to justice, the victims brother, Jacob Gholian, told the Daily News Monday. A life that has been taken away will never come back, so it wont be real justice but at least some sort of relief will be for the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omid was found dead in the bathroom of World of Gold N Diamond, the cash-for-gold store he owned on Church St. and Duane St. in Tribeca, on Feb. 15, 2017, two days after his family last heard from him. He was a calm, quiet, caring person, Jacob said of his brother. He was a guy that, he would take lunch for himself and share the lunch with this guy who killed him. Desalles, 54, allegedly attacked his boss and tied two zip ties tightly around his neck the day before his body was discovered. Three hours later, according to court documents, Desalles bought a plane ticket to Mauritius, his native country, and flew out of JFK Airport that evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen him once or twice when I visited my brothers store, Jacob said of the suspect. I never expected that this guy would be capable of what he did. The brother said Desalles had been working at the store for close for a decade, first for their cousin and then for Omid after the victim took over the store. [Omid] considered him as part of the family, Jacob said. When they told me that night that hes a suspect, I said, It is impossible. The day after the murder took place, police and members of the victims worried family, including Jacob, went to the store, which was locked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were looking around because we hadnt heard from him, Jacob said of his slain brother. We decided maybe we should check the store, so we called the precinct to find out what was going on. I had extra keys at home. They [police] were waiting for me. I took the keys. Once we opened the store, they asked us to stay out. They went inside, and they found his body in the store. In addition to the zip ties around his neck, Omid suffered bruising to his eye and a gash on his head. Blood was found on the bathroom floor next to his body, officials said. His hands and feet were not bound. Cops found no evidence that the store was ransacked and could not tell whether any of the pricey jewelry usually bought and sold there had been taken, police sources said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three months after the shock slaying, Desalles told someone in a phone conversation secretly recorded by investigators that he left the U.S. take care of his mother who was in a coma, according to court documents. In the call, he claimed his boss was alive when Desalles left the store that day and insinuated the store owner had likely been killed by someone he knew, maybe another worker. He said a lawyer had advised him to return to the U.S. to clear his name. I hope the victims loved ones can take some measure of comfort that this defendant will finally face accountability, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Monday. I thank our prosecutors for never wavering from the investigation and doggedly seeking the return of this defendant. Jacob had long known Desalles was considered a suspect in his brothers death but was unaware he was overseas in the years since the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Desalles was ordered held without bail when he was arraigned on murder charges in Manhattan Supreme Court Friday. The victims father died of natural causes a year after Omids murder, with Jacob believing their father died of grief. The family gave up the jewelry store. We just let it go, Jacob said. It wasnt easy to be in this store after what happened and his memory and everything else. Three members of the Wisconsin Murdered, Missing, Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) Task Force who attended a May 4 commemoration in Ashland were (from left) Justine Rufus, chair of the task force and a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Rose Barber of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Rene Goodwich, a Bad River Tribal member. | Photo by Frank Zufall/Wisconsin Examiner The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation. Linda Dunbar, a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and marginalized Communities advocate for New Day Advocacy Centers, said when she was in foster care 50 years ago in St. Paul, Minnesota, her mother was murdered and her killer was never charged. Rose Barber, a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, a Wisconsin Murdered, Missing, Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) Task Force Member, and president of American Indians Against Abuse, said decades ago, an Alaskan Native friend went missing and his body was never found. Even today, nobody knows what happened to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a round dance performed by the Red Cliff Womens Hand Drum group, dozens of names were read of tribal members from Minnesota and Wisconsin who are officially listed as murdered or missing, names such as Melissa Beson of Lac du Flambeau, missing since March 17, Gene J. Cloud, Jr. of Black River Falls, Lisa Lynn Ninham of Menominee County and Nevaeh Leigh Kingbird of Bemidji, Minnesota. The Red Cliff Womens Hand Drum Group performed on May 4, 2025 in Ashland | Photo by Frank Zufall/Wisconsin Examiner And then more names were shouted out, names that had never been officially reported but who family members said had just disappeared and were never heard from again or who died a mysterious death. The names were honored at the No More MMWIR event, which was held Sunday, May 4, in Bayview Park in Ashland by the shore of Lake Superior. The event is one of several being held around the nation during the month of May to raise awareness of the MMIWR issue that has plagued tribal communities nationwide. On some tribal reservations, the murder rate for tribal women is ten times the national average. Tribal members face violence, both domestic and outside their families, at a higher rate than the general population. Several factors contribute to the MMIWR phenomenon including the fact that missing people belong to a vulnerable population that has suffered historical trauma and is disproportionately affected by poverty and substance abuse; exploitation associated with itinerant workers in mining and oil camps near reservations; and an inconsistent track record of law enforcement committing resources to solve murders or finding missing person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justine Rufus, co-chair of the Wisconsin MMIWR Task Force, rural coordinator of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and a Bad River member, spoke about the need for state funding to address the issue. Rufus said that since the task force was created five years ago, awareness of the MMIWR issue has grown, but the number of MMIWR cases has also risen. Tribal Chairs Robert Blanchard of Bad River and Nicole Boyd of Red Cliff | Photo by Frank Zufall/Wisconsin Examiner We can keep creating awareness and education, which is very important, she said. What we really need is actual action to address this crisis. Our relatives are going missing at higher rates now since we created this task force. We are being murdered at higher rates. We are being sex trafficked higher than weve ever seen, so it takes real action. Rufus said no state has designated dollars for the MMIWR issue in its budget. (Minnesota sends a percentage of license plate fees to underwrite its MMIWR Office, part of the Department of Public Safety.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted that Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers proposed budget includes $3.5 million to create 11 MMIWR liaison offices with the 11 tribes in the state, working with the Attorney general and the Department of Justice. I applaud Gov. Evers for putting this in the budget, she said. Hes the first governor in the nation to put any dollars towards this crisis. But now is the time of action. We need to call your legislators to tell them that we demand to continue this work. Rufus also called for more funding for law enforcement. Some of our communities dont even have law enforcement, she said. She noted the ongoing search for Melissa Beson in Vilas County has consumed many resources. Rufus encouraged the crowd to contact legislative Joint Finance Committee members to urge them to approve funding for MMIWR issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rene Ann Goodrich, a Bad River tribal member and MMIWR advocate for the last 10 years, who is a member of the Wisconsin MMIWR Task Force and a board member of the Minnesota MMIWR Office, a member of the Native Lives Matter Coalition and the No More MMIW and Relatives Movement, noted the local effort in the Twin Ports area of Superior and Duluth, Minnesota to raise awareness. She said MMIWR events feature important Native American elements. I wanted to share a little bit about some of the cultural practices that we bring as a people to the contemporary missing and murdered indigenous women and relatives movement that helps to promote the healing for our families and our communities. She noted the cultural practice of offering tobacco and prayers to request guidance. And she talked about how the red dress had become the official symbol of the MMIWR movement. For Native Americans, red represents a connection between the physical and spiritual world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The red dresses began with our sisters doing this work and advocacy for lost loved ones up in Canada, and so weve started the work down here about 10 years ago with the red dresses, she said, so were asking for communities from Minnesota to Wisconsin to please start hanging out those red dresses and hang out red shirts also, because our men, our boys, our two spirits people, they matter, too, and we want to honor them. For many tribal people who had dealt with historical trauma, including the legacy of family members being shipped to federal boarding schools, Goodrich said, it is difficult to talk about the MMIWR issue but the red dress or red shirt is a way to raise awareness. I understand that its a difficult topic, and its very difficult for many of us to be able to speak about this movement, this legacy of trauma, this intergenerational trauma that we do carry, she said. So the red dresses are a quiet form of advocacy. They speak for themselves. Hang out a red dress on your porch; hang it in your yard. Youre spreading awareness that way. You dont necessarily need to have all the data or the background, but this is a quiet, honoring form of advocacy that everyone can do. Goodrich noted that she and her granddaughter, Alexis, were gathering names family members wanted to honor, including those who have not been officially recognized as missing or murdered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we become more educated and more familiar about this epidemic and how it impacts us, Indigenous people disproportionately across Turtle Island (Earth), leaving us with this legacy, including the boarding school, the legacy from this colonization, how this violence disproportionately impacts our women and our girls were learning more each year about the broad spectrum of violence that is this movement, said Goodrich. Rep. Angela Stroud (D-Ashland) | Photo by Frank Zufall/Wisconsin Examiner Rep. Angela Stroud (D-Ashland) represents a district that includes the Bad River and Red Cliff bands of Lake Superior Chippewa. We know that part of what makes this such a major issue that has been so difficult to solve as a country, as a state, is that weve just failed to make missing and murdered Indigenous people a priority, said Stroud. My experience tells me that when native people are struggling, too often theres a tendency for systems of power to have an attitude that its not our problem, like its a problem of tribes or just the problem of local communities, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stroud said the legacy of state violence and the scourges of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, homicide and human trafficking are connected. She called on people living on ceded Native American land to recognize the moral responsibility of our government to prioritize missing and murdered Indigenous people. So as the state representative of this area of Bad River and Red Cliff and any other indigenous people who live in the 73rd, I want you to know that I care, that I see you, and I will do what I can to walk this journey with you of finding those who are missing and sitting together in the pain of those who are gone, she said. Linda Dunbar, a member of the Bad River tribe, speaking in Ashland | Photo by Frank Zufall/Wisconsin Examiner Dunbar noted that the Red Cliff Womens Hand Drum Group, performing for the event, had formed to support the community, and each woman had made her own hand drum as part of her spiritual quest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These women wanted to come today and sing songs for everyone here for healing and for their own healing, she said. Those who are left behind after a family member goes missing or is murdered have a need to heal, Dunbar said, and she recounted her own experience. People ask me why I am so motivated to work on the MMIWR issue, she said. When I was a little girl, my mother was killed in Saint Paul, Minnesota. They never, ever arrested the person who killed her. They took her body and placed it in a grave, and for some 50 years my family has been looking for her grave, and as the Creator would have it, this past fall we were able to find her grave. Most of my brothers have passed on. There are only three of us left out of nine. And so our nieces and our nephews and our grandchildren are going to journey to her grave this spring to do that ceremony to welcome her home. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DES MOINES, Iowa State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott has announced she is running for U.S. Congress. The Democrat from West Des Moines revealed Monday morning she is running for Iowas 3rd Congressional District. If she earns the partys nomination, shell likely face incumbent Republican Congressman Zach Nunn in the 2026 election. Trone Garriott was first elected to the Iowa Senate in November 2020, serving a term for the 22nd District. Because of redistricting, she and her family moved to the 14th District in 2022, and her bid was successful to oust then-Senate President Jake Chapman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Reynolds discusses decision not to run for office, role in the primary race In her announcement video, Trone Garriott said, Im the only Iowa Democrat who flipped two seats from red to blue then won a district that went to Trump in 2024. I know how to win and I know how to deliver for Iowans. She also took aim at her presumptive opponent, Rep. Zach Nunn. Zach Nunn has failed us as Iowa struggles with higher costs, attacks on our personal freedoms, and reckless cuts to our public schools. Zach Nunn is not showing up, hes not listening, and hes not working for us. Trone Garriott is the coordinator of interfaith engagement at the Des Moines Area Religious Council. Shes been with the organization since 2017. Shes also an ordained pastor through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trone Garriott is the mother of two sons, who attend public school in West Des Moines. She is married to William Garriott, a law professor at Drake University. The National Republican Congressional Committee issued a statement on Trone Garriotts decision to run: Out of touch Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott is another activist attempting to radicalize Iowa pushing a dangerous, extreme agenda that would raise costs, allow men in girls sports, and weaken public safety. Iowans want leaders who deliver commonsense results, and thats exactly why theyll send Zach Nunn back to Congress. NRCC Spokeswoman Emily Tuttle Iowa 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 who13.com. A merchant checks traditional clothes displayed at her stall at Beringharjo traditional market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, May 5, 2025. Indonesia posted an economic growth rate of 4.87 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Monday. (Photo by Agung Supriyanto/Xinhua) JAKARTA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia posted an economic growth rate of 4.87 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Monday. At a press conference in Jakarta, BPS Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti said the country's gross domestic product (GDP) reached 5,665.9 trillion rupiahs (340 billion U.S. dollars) at current prices and 3,264.5 trillion rupiahs (200 billion dollars) at constant 2010 prices in the first quarter of 2025. From the production side, the processing manufacturing sector emerged as the largest contributor to GDP, growing by 4.55 percent and contributing 19.25 percent to the national economy. She explained that the sector's performance was strongly supported by the food and beverage industry, which expanded by 6.04 percent. This growth aligned with seasonal demand during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, as well as increased activity in the rice milling and polishing industry. Meanwhile, the base metal manufacturing industry experienced significant growth of 14.47 percent, in line with rising external demand. "The leather goods and footwear industry grew by 6.95 percent, supported by increased domestic demand during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr as well as improved export performance," she added. Despite the year-on-year growth, the economy contracted by 0.98 percent on a quarterly basis. Spatially, Java Island continued to dominate Indonesia's economic structure, contributing 57.43 percent to the national GDP and recording a growth rate of 4.99 percent year-on-year in the first quarter. (250505) -- JAKARTA, May 5, 2025 (Xinhua) -- A pedestrian walks past a construction site in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 5, 2025. Indonesia posted an economic growth rate of 4.87 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Monday. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain) (250505) -- JAKARTA, May 5, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Vehicles run on Sudirman street in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 5, 2025. Indonesia posted an economic growth rate of 4.87 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Monday. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain) A merchant checks bags displayed at his stall at Beringharjo traditional market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, May 5, 2025. Indonesia posted an economic growth rate of 4.87 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Monday. (Photo by Agung Supriyanto/Xinhua) A 31-foot sperm whale at risk of death washed up on Hilton Head Island on Saturday evening, drawing a crowd of onlookers to South Forest Beach on Sunday. The whale, whose sex and age has not been determined, is not in good health, according to marine mammal biologist Clay George with the National Marine Fisheries Service. Its skinny, its emaciated, George said. Its health was poor before it got here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the whales poor health, it will be euthanized if it does not die on its own. A necropsy will be performed on the animal to probe deeper into the animals cause of death, which could take months to complete, George said. According to the town of Hilton Head Islands Facebook page from earlier Sunday. A beached sperm whale has been spotted on Hilton Head Island. The whale is still alive, and trained professionals, including NOAA and marine mammal experts, are on-site doing everything possible to keep it comfortable. Several local sea life advocates and residents have posted thoughts of hope for the stranded mammal. Why do whales beach themselves? When whales beach themselves, its often because they are already seriously ill or injured. In this case, euthanasia has been determined to be the most humane option. However, the specific type and amount of euthanasia medication required is not something thats readily available and is currently being transported from Florida. A highly experienced veterinarian from the Georgia Aquarium is also en route to perform the procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand how difficult this is to witness, and we appreciate the communitys compassion and patience. Please continue to respect the perimeter and give responders the space they need. History of whale beaching on Hilton Head Island In December of 2018 an 11-foot adult male pygmy sperm whale washed up on Mitchelville Beach near Hilton Head Plantation. In that case, the whale was badly decomposed. In January of 2019, a second pygmy sperm whale was discovered near Burkes Beach. More to come Monday with updates on new developments on the fate and future of the whale. Unlike most cities, especially in the south, Atlanta has consistently been run by Black politicians since 1974, and theres a secret to it all. The reign of Black mayors can be traced back to one man: Maynard Jackson, who the citys largest airport is partially named after. But even after his death in 2003, Black mayors have continued to shape Atlanta, making it one of the most talked about places on the map. In fact, they dont call Atlanta the Black Mecca for no reason. Nestled in the middle of the red state of Georgia, Atlanta is not only the capital, but it is a hub for all things Black culture. Known as the chicken wing capital, the history behind what makes Atlanta so special can be boiled down to just a few things: Black folks, good food, and complicated politics. This is the very true story of all of Atlantas Blackity-Black mayors. The good, the bad, and especially the ugly... The Year That Set the Tone Photo: Bettmann Archive (Getty Images) After the 1968 assassination of Atlanta native Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the city took a moral hit. But a new kid on the block promised hope for Black folks and change for everyday people which would be the start of a historic political run. In 1973, Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. was elected the first Black mayor of Atlanta with 60 percent of the vote. At just 35 years old, Jackson unseated incumbent Sam Massell and changed the course of history. Jacksons First Term Successes and Critiques Photo: Diana Walker (Getty Images) Jacksons first term was mostly spent trying to regroup the city following major the racial upheaval of the 50s and 60s. But while he made good on his promise to help Black families in the city, the Morehouse College graduate faced harsh criticism from white Atlantans who said he was going too far, too fast, and being too Black. The Atlanta Child Murders of 1979-1981 Despite the public largely approving of Mayor Jackson, a string of gruesome child murders would forever taint his legacy as many families of the young Black victims said he wasnt doing enough. Additionally, crime in the city was up with a 69 percent increase in homicides between 1978 and 1979, according to the Census Bureaus Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area, and per usual, the mayor was to blame. Jackson Steps Down Photo: Bettmann Archive (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of his second term in 1982, Atlantas first Black mayor decided to change directions and pursue a business venture. And in the meantime, another Black democrat would take the spotlight and win over the peoples hearts. The Rise of Andrew Young Photo: Bettmann Archive (Getty Images) With Jackson out, Andrew Andre Young, a pastor and former leader of the Civil Rights Movement, saw his opportunity to hit the Georgia political scene. In 1972, the Howard University graduate became the first Black American elected in Georgia to Congress since Reconstruction. And his success in Congress prompted then-President Jimmy Carter to appoint him to serve as ambassador to the United Nations in 1977. Coretta Scott King Taps Young for Mayor Photo: WWD (Getty Images) MLKs widow, Coretta Scott King, urged Young to throw his name in the mayor election pool. Young won with 55 percent of the vote in 1981, making him the second Black mayor the city had ever seen. And at the end of his second mayoral term, Mayor Jackson encouraged Young to run for office as his replacement because it was very important that we not go back on the progress that Maynard made, Young told the AJC, and the progress that he made was controversial. Young Building on Jacksons Foundation Photo: Glen Martin (Getty Images) Following in his predecessors footsteps, as mayor, Young set out to help Black families and bring businesses back to Atlanta. During his term, Young used his international connections to bring global business back to his city. Eventually, Young ran for governor and lost. The Comeback of a Lifetime Photo: Bettmann Archive (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We shouldve known Jackson couldnt stay away for too long... In 1990, the citys first Black mayor won back his office just in time to start preparing for the 1996 Olympics coming to Atlanta. Jacksons third term was all about getting the city ready for an expected economic and population boom. One of his greatest achievements was the completion of Freedom Parkway. Bill Campbell AKA the New Kid on the Block Photo: Najlah Feanny (Getty Images) After the reign of Jackson, he endorsed William Bill Campbell for mayor. Marking the third back to back Black mayor of the city, Campbells contributions to the city included rebuilding the public housing system and modernizing the legal, public works, and water departments. Also, violent crime dropped significantly during his time. According to journalist Douglas A. Blackmon, Campbell was a postcivil rights movement black politician who would leverage the economic rebirth of Atlanta, build a bridge to white voters, and become a U.S. senator or a Georgia governor. Corruption Digs Deep Photo: Atlanta Journal Constitution (Getty Images) By the middle of Campbells term, he was facing scrutiny over his handling of Atlantas notorious Freaknik parties and an even bigger scandal which would lead to his indictment. In 2006, the former mayor was convicted of evading taxes between 1997 and 1999. He was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison but was acquitted of corruption charges. Shirley Franklin as the First Black Woman Mayor of Atlanta By 2002, Atlanta was ready to turn another page in the history books. Shirley Franklin was elected with 50 percent of the vote, making her not only the first Black woman to hold the office but the first woman elected in Atlanta history... ever! Going Down as One of the Best Mayors in Atlanta Photo: Scott J. Ferrell (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2005, Time Magazine named Franklin one of the five best big-city American mayors. Later that year in October, she was included in the U.S. News & World Report Best Leaders of 2005" issue. Most notably, the Howard University graduate repaired Atlantas sewage system, and she was reelected in 2005 with a whopping 90 percent vote. I have a theory about legacy, which is, if you have to talk about it, you dont have much of a legacy, she said to the AJC. Starting Over With Kasim Reed Photo: Mike Zarrilli (Getty Images) At the end of Franklins second term, Atlantans wondered who exactly could fill her huge shoes. Kasim Reed stepped up to the plate being Franklins 2001 campaign manager and soon began winning people over. In 2008, the Howard University graduate resigned from the Georgia Senate to run for mayor winning only by a few hundred votes. Bribery, Indictments, and More Corruption in Atlanta Soon after winning reelection in 2013, the city was hit with yet another corruption scandal. This time, Reed was at the center of it all after he fired key personnel. During a news conference, Reed insisted I have never taken a bribe, and he gave reporters access to over 400 boxes worth of documents which were demanded by federal investigators. Reed was never charged, but still the thought of his connection to bribery haunts his legacy. Atlanta Gets a Black Mayor Named Keisha Photo: Rich Graessle (Getty Images) We all know her name: Keisha Lance Bottoms. In 2017, she revived Atlanta politics when she was elected mayor. During the height of President Donald Trumps first term, Bottoms declared Atlanta as a welcoming city for refugees targeted by the president. Our city does not support ICE. We dont have a relationship with the U.S. Marshal[s] Service, she said. We closed our detention center to ICE detainees, and we would not pick up people on an immigration violation. One Term Mayor Catches Hell From All Angles Photo: Chip Somodevilla (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of Mayor Bottoms term was shaded by 2020 BLM protests, a global pandemic, and constant attacks from the president and his supporters. By the end of her term, the FAMU graduate set her eyes on the White House. She took her name out of the reelection cycle and instead drew closer to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Trouble in White House Paradise Photo: Kevin Dietsch (Getty Images) In 2022, Biden appointed Bottoms as the director of the Office of Public Liaison, according to Fox News. And in 2023, she moved to the Presidents Export Council. Just last month, she was fired by President Trump, and now rumors suggest she could come back and run for reelection as mayor or even take on governor. The Underdog and Cop City Photo: Paras Griffin (Getty Images) When Bottoms dropped out of the race, once again, democrats were scrambling to pick a new candidate. They landed on Andre Dickens who won office in 2022. With the city looking to build Cop City, reviews of Dickens are mixed almost three years into his term. Dickens has outwardly supported Cop City, according to GBP, and many Atlantans are unhappy with his stance. Still, this isnt the end for the Georgia State graduate. Unwritten History Photo: SUNNY SUNG (Getty Images) Atlanta continues to be a beacon of Black excellence, innovation and drama. Perfectly fusing the traditions of southern culture with modern society, Atlanta not only is home to the worlds busiest airport but also to some of the worlds greatest political minds. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) To mark the 55th anniversary of the Kent State shootings, the Trumbull County Historical Society hosted a talk on the events on Sunday evening. John Zabrucky and Gerald Casale both attended the university during the shootings and came together at the Medici Museum in Warren to talk about how it shaped their lives and perceptions. Were so honored to have John Zabrucky and Gerald Casale here to talk about their experiences at the Kent State shootings in 1970. Of course, its May 4, so we felt it was appropriate to have it today, said Meghan Reed, executive director of the historical society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two also discussed their decades of friendship. Wilson Corbisello 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. The Trump administrations auto tariffs and policies against EV incentives could threaten a viable blue-collar career path for Gen Z. Experts say decreased demand for cars could put manufacturing jobs on the lineand apprenticeships in the EV industry could be hindered, leaving fewer opportunities for young workers. Young workers are putting away their business casual and suiting up in overallsbut the U.S. plan to strengthen blue collar work may be backfiring. President Donald Trumps 25% tariff on imported cars could actually be sweeping away auto job opportunities for Americans, despite aiming to do the opposite. This is going to lead to the construction of a lot of plants, in this case auto plants, Trump said upon announcing the tariffs in March. Youre going to see numbers like you havent seenin terms of employment. Youre going to have a lot of people making a lot of cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the goal to boost U.S. manufacturing work by alienating trading allies hasnt panned out yet. In reality, most American-made vehicles arent completely manufactured in the U.S.; parts of these carsincluding Ford, Toyota, and Hondaare assembled in Mexico or Canada before being finished in the states. Because of skyrocketing prices from Trumps 25% tariffs, its estimated there will be between 10% and 20% fewer cars produced across North America, according to Cox Automotive. With a decline in demand, less workers would be needed to keep factories running. Additional tariffs will increase costs on American consumers, lower the total number of vehicles sold inside the US and reduce US auto exportsall before any new manufacturing or jobs are created in this country, John Bozzella, CEO of automakers industry trade group Alliance for Automotive Innovation, said in a statement. Trumps 25% tariffs and EV policies slamming the auto industry Its unclear how many auto and manufacturing jobs could be wiped out, but some experts arent optimistic on the outlook in the near-term. One Pennsylvania car manufacturer already announced a 10% layoff of its unionized workers, pointing to tariffs and reduced demand as reasoning. There could be more to come. The automakers are in a serious predicament, Patrick Anderson, president of Michigan think-tank Anderson Economic Group, told CNN. Theyre going to have to make tough decisions about what production to continue, what not to makeWe expect implementation of these tariffs to affect jobs across the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President's Trump's targeting of green vehicle production could throw a wrench into the budding career path for Gen Z. On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order that did away with U.S.s goal to have half of new cars sold in the U.S. be electric-powered by 2030. He also scrapped tax credits for EV vehicles and paused the federal funding of thousands of charging stations. This could lower demand for new EV manufacturing in America by 40% over the next five years, according to an analysis from researchers at Princeton University, putting half of existing EV plants at risk of closure. This choice could jilt hundreds of students in training programs for an EV career pathwith apprenticeships between schools on the chopping block. Companies like Panasonic, for example, have been channeling Kansas City Kansas Community College students through its eight-week course, looking to bring them into the fold at its $4 billion EV battery factory nearby after graduation. Other schools in Illinois, Arizona, North Carolina, and California have similar training-to-workforce EV programs, with Tesla also showing a vested interest in bringing more people into the industry. But with a projected lowering of demand for EV cars, the outlook of the programsand the career prospects of aspiring blue-collar workershangs in the balance of the Trump administrations policies. Gen Zs trade career aspirations Trade work is rising in popularity as Gen Z ditch office life for a shot at stable, six-figure jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Student enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges shot up 16% in 2023the highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse started data collection in 2018. That year there was a 23% uptick in participation in construction trades, and a 7% hike in HVAC and vehicle maintenance repair programs, from 2022. And with 3.8 million manufacturing jobs coming to the U.S. by 2033, Gen Z has a chance to cash in on a growing industry. Apprenticeships and trade programs have been heralded as ways for Gen Z to get steady work without taking on thousands in student debt attending a four-year college. With some U.S. colleges charging as much as $95,000 in tuition, blue-collar work can be a low-cost, time-efficient way to step into the workforce. Especially when many students are wary of spending over $38,000 a year to pursue college degrees. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com President Donald Trump on Tuesday is hosting Canadian Prime Minster Mark Carney at the White House amid a tense trade war between the two neighbors kickstarted by Trump's tariffs. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Republicans are continuing to iron out their "big, beautiful bill" that includes Trump's sweeping legislative agenda. Plus, top Trump officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, are testifying before various committees. Latest Developments May 6, 1:04 PM Tariffs focus of partisan divide at Bessent testimony before House A partisan divide over the Trump administrations tariff policy took center stage when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified before a House subcommittee on Tuesday. Roughly one month after Trumps Liberation Day tariff announcement, several Democratic members warned of potential price hikes and looming uncertainty as the White House seeks deals with dozens of trade partners. I compare them to how monkeys throw dung, Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan said of the tariffs. You never know where theyre going to land. Some Republicans, on the other hand, characterized the tariffs as an effort to counteract a decadeslong loss of manufacturing to China. Republican Rep. Nick LaLota highlighted the nearly $300 billion U.S. trade deficit with China last year. Are tariffs a tool to reduce the trade deficit with China? LaLota asked. Yes, sir, Besssent said. Then, LaLota asked: Are they a tool to protect jobs? 100% Bessent said. May 6, 12:47 PM Carney pushes back against Trump The Canadian prime minister again dismissed Trump's stances on taking over the country and tariffs. "Well, respectfully, the Canadians' view on this is not going to change on the 51st state. Secondly, we are the largest client of the United States in ... the totality of all the goods. So we are the largest client of the United States," he said. PHOTO: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney looks on as he meets with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 6, 2025. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) "We have a tremendous auto sector between the two of us, and the changes we have made have been helpful," Carney added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump however pushed back, but maintained he and Carney were having a "very friendly conversation." PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office at the White House, May 6, 2025 in Washington. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) "We want to make our own cars. We don't really want cars from Canada. And we put tariffs on cars from Canada. And at a certain point, it won't make economic sense for Canada to build those cars," Trump said. May 6, 12:42 PM Carney says USMCA is 'basis for a broader negotiation' Carney talked about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade agreement and its future. "It is a basis for a broader negotiation. Some things about are going to have to change," Carney told Trump. "And part of the way you've conducted these tariffs has taken advantage of existing aspects of USMCA. So it's going to have to change." PHOTO: President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 6, 2025. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) "There's other elements that have come. And that's part of what we're going to discuss," the prime minister added. May 6, 12:51 PM Trump says he has not met with China on tariffs Trump said that he has not spoken with Chinese officials over the tariffs, despite claiming as much in the last few weeks. A reporter asked Trump about the negotiations after Bessent testified that no such talks with China had taken place. PHOTO: President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 6, 2025. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) "They want to negotiate and we want to have a meeting, but we will have a meeting with them at the right time," the president claimed. May 6, 12:24 PM Carney says Canada is 'not for sale.' Trump says 'never say never' Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pointedly told Trump that Canada is not "for sale" amid Trump's repeated suggestions that Canada become part of the United States as the "51st state." "As you know from real estate, there are some places that are not for sale. And Canada is not for sale, it will never be for sale," Carney told Trump. "But the opportunity is in the partnership, and, and what we can build together. And we have done that in the past." Trump was asked if Carney's comments made today's conversation more difficult, to which he said no. "Time will tell. It's only time. But I say never say never," Trump said. "I've had many, many things that were not doable, and they ended up being doable and only doable in a very friendly way." May 6, 12:20 PM Trump claims Houthis have announced end to fighting Trump claimed that he had some good news from Monday night. "The Houthis have announced that they are not or they've been announced to us at least, that they don't want to fight anymore. They just don't want to fight. And, we will honor that. And we will, we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated," Trump claimed. "More importantly, ... we will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore. And that's what the purpose of what we were doing," Trump added. May 6, 12:18 PM Trump teases 'big' announcement to come before his Middle East trip President Trump, in the Oval Office, teased a big announcement to come before he departs for the Middle East next week, possibly as early as Thursday or Friday. Trump will be traveling to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on Monday. "I think before then, we're going to have a very, very big announcement to make, like as big as it gets. And I won't tell you on what, but it's going to and it's very positive," Trump said. May 6, 12:13 PM Trump says he and Carney have 'tough points' to go over As Trump welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office, he congratulated Carney for his recent election win. "I think I was probably the greatest thing to happen to him, but I can't take full credit," Trump joked, adding the U.S. was watching the Canadian election "with interest." Trump said he and Carney had "tough points to go over and that's fine" -- likely referring to trade. He said they will also discuss the Russia-Ukraine war. May 6, 12:04 PM Those without a REAL ID will be able to fly but have longer screenings, Noem testifies Americans who do not have a REAL ID, they will be able to fly after Wednesday's deadline, Noem told the House panel on Tuesday. A 2005 law required states to comply with federal standards for driver's licenses -- and the deadline for implementation has been pushed off by three prior administrations. PHOTO: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem takes her seat to testify before the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing on oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 6, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem said that for those who do have a REAL ID, it will be travel as usual. However, for those who don't, it might mean extra screening time. "If it's not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line [and] have an extra step, but ... will be allowed to fly. We recognize this is a security issue," she testified. "We intend to follow the law so we will make sure that it is as seamless as possible for the travelers need to get to stay on the intended itinerary." Passports will also be recognized and will not require people to be additionally screened, Noem testified. -ABC News' Luke Barr May 6, 11:58 AM Trump and Carney shake hands outside the White House Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived at the White House for high-stakes talks with President Trump on trade. Trump and Carney shook hands before heading inside. Trump did not respond to a shouted question on trade. The two leaders will soon hold a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. Click here to read the rest of the blog. The Trump administration announced Monday it would give migrants a $1,000 payment if they self-deport using a government app. The announcement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called the funds a way to facilitate travel back to their home country that will be paid once their return has been confirmed through the CBP Home app. Its an unusual strategy but one the Trump administration argues could save money, pegging the current cost of arrest, detention and removal of migrants at more than $17,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the U.S. and will allow illegal aliens to avoid being encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the DHS said in a press release. Illegal aliens submitting their intent to voluntarily self-deport in CBP Home will also be deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure, the department added. The apps webpage says the government can assist in booking tickets and/or with obtaining necessary travel documentation and estimates that, once approved, migrants would typically depart the U.S. within three weeks. The CBP Home app is a redesign of the Biden administrations CBP One app, which allowed migrants to make an appointment at a port of entry for those seeking to make an initial claim of asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CBP Home mobile app allows aliens to plan your return, including having an opportunity to depart in a timely manner allowing aliens to wrap up work, school, and personal matters and organize their return in an orderly and lawful way, the site says. It also nods to the climate of anxiety for migrants as President Trump has promised the largest mass deportation operation in history, saying the program offers flexibility, not fear. In the first 100 days of the administration, the Trump team boasted of deporting more than 135,000 people a group that also includes Venezuelan and Salvadoran men sent to a Salvadoran prison with no opportunity to contest claims there were gang members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A member of NOAA monitors one of the Great Lakes buoys off the coast of Ludington. [Courtesy photo/Great Lakes Observing System] This story originally appeared on Ottawa News Network WEST MICHIGAN Proposed federal budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could pull the plug on a vital data network for Lake Michigan, impacting everything from boater safety and fishing forecasts to beach monitoring and drinking water intakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Great Lakes Observing System, which supports the management of over 77 buoys, meteorological towers, and high-frequency radar units specifically on Lake Michigan, faces a potential shutdown of its real-time data collection if proposed cuts of roughly $1.6 billion to NOAA in the fiscal year 2026 Trump Administration budget go through. This network provides continuous, real-time information on critical conditions such as wind speed, air temperature, wave height, water temperature at various depths, and water-quality parameters. This data, freely accessible to the public on GLOS data platform Seagull and other apps, is essential for a wide range of users. If the funding cuts zero out costs, we know a number of buoys wont be going out on the water, said Shelby Brunner, Science and Observations Manager for GLOS. We would have to fundraise and see how to support them. There could be a number of downstream effects that we dont really know. Safety and recreation at risk The real-time data is crucial for recreational boaters and commercial freighters navigating Lake Michigan, helping them make safe and efficient decisions based on up-to-the-minute conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A seemingly small difference between a 1.5-foot wave and a 4-foot wave can be critical for vessel safety. The information also aids the National Weather Service in refining regional forecasts based on actual, localized conditions. It can make a big difference on the safety piece, Brunner said. Being able to deliver that data helps marinas and harbors improve the experience for their guests and safety. The U.S. Coast Guard also utilizes this information in search and rescue operations. Recreational activities like fishing and swimming also heavily rely on GLOS data. Charter fishermen use water temperature profiles to strategically locate fish, while the network monitors for harmful algal blooms and E. coli outbreaks that can close beaches and threaten water supplies. GLOS data supports the water treatment plant in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lake Michigans high recreational use makes this real-time monitoring particularly important. The lake is among the most popular boating destinations in the Great Lakes. A buoy is retrieved out of Lake Michigan near South Green Bay. [Courtesy photo/GLOS] Environmental monitoring in jeopardy The potential loss of GLOS funding would also severely hamper the ability to monitor and respond to environmental emergencies. The total amount of money at risk for GLOS core operations in fiscal year 2025 is $2.3 million, with an additional $3 million for equipment upgrades also being held back. The proposed federal cuts raise serious concerns about the future of this critical data network and its ability to serve the millions who rely on Lake Michigan. High-frequency radars located at the Straits of Mackinac, a vital waterway connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, provide detailed information on water movement. This is critical for tracking the potential spread of oil spills, allowing coastal managers to take timely action to protect beaches and water intakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there is an oil spill, we want to know which way its going and tell coastal managers to close beaches and try to mitigate and contain the oil the best we can, Brunner said. The high-frequency data may not be available or may not have anyone to maintain it. If anything happens, we dont get that chance back. You cant just undo. Impact on research, long-term understanding The GLOS network in Lake Michigan also supports numerous long-term research projects in partnership with academic institutions. Buoys deployed by researchers contribute to understanding the lakes complex ecosystem, including water quality, fish populations, and the impacts of invasive species like zebra mussels, which have dramatically altered the lakes ecology. Continuous monitoring helps track these changes and maintain crucial baseline data. The Ann Arbor-based Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, a key data partner of GLOS, also faces potential disruptions due to the proposed cuts. GLERL conducts extensive research on Lake Michigan and operates research vessels essential for data collection. Loss of funding or a change in GLERLs focus could significantly impact research and monitoring efforts on the lake. Broader regional implications The data collected by GLOS on Lake Michigan is also interconnected with broader monitoring efforts across the Great Lakes region, providing valuable context for understanding nutrient loading and watershed changes that can impact the lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The potential shutdown of the network would not only affect Lake Michigan but could also have ripple effects across the entire Great Lakes ecosystem. If we experience a loss of funding for GLOS, we anticipate decreased certainty of safety and decision-making data for everyone from the hundreds of thousands of tourists to the businesses who live there, to the maritime economy fishing and charter fishermen, Brunner said. The information we provide benefits everyone and has wide-reaching implications around safety, economy and water quality. As the Great Lakes regional association for the Integrated Ocean Observing System, GLOS serves as the central hub for data and information in the region. Although officially recognized, GLOS heavily depends on a wide network of partners including municipalities, universities, research groups, and businesses who manage and deploy their own observing assets, some with GLOSs financial or procurement support. An Arctic "fogbow is seen from the deck of the Coast Guard cutter Healy during the 2016 Hidden Ocean mission to the High Arctic area known as the Chukchi Borderland. The Healy cruise was part of a project carried out over several years to map the extended continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean beyond the nation's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. That extended area includes the Chukchi Borderland. (Photo provided by Caitlin Bailey/Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration) The Trump administration is eying the possibility of oil leasing in Arctic Ocean areas more than 200 miles from shore, an area where U.S. territorial rights are unclear. Information about the Trump administrations plans to add a High Arctic planning area to the federal offshore oil and gas leasing program, announced two weeks ago, was provided Tuesday in a formal solicitation for public comment. The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, a division of the Department of the Interior, said it will accept public comments for 45 days on its proposal to reorganize the federal offshore leasing program, including the addition of the High Arctic area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new area proposed for inclusion in the oil and gas leasing program is part of the ocean territory to which the U.S. government is claiming new rights following a sea-mapping program conducted over several years. The area is part of what is known as the extended continental shelf, which goes beyond exclusive economic zone borders that typically end at 200 nautical miles from shore. The U.S. State Department in December 2023 began the process of claiming over 200,000 square miles of Arctic seafloor in the extended continental shelf. That area is more than twice the size of California. Nations territorial rights in extended continental shelf areas beyond the 200-nautical-mile limits are limited to the seafloor and subsea areas, under international maritime law. They do not include any rights in the waters above, such as fishing rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such territorial claims are normally evaluated for validity by a United Nations organization, the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. While State Department information expresses an intent to submit the U.S. territorial claims to the commission, the commissions website shows no pending U.S. applications. The U.S. has never ratified the treaty under which the commission operates, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. That puts U.S. claims to the Arctic Ocean territory in some doubt; Russia has already objected, arguing that the U.S. is not part of the ocean treaty and therefore not entitled to its benefits. It is difficult to know whether the U.S. government has a right to sell oil leases in the newly claimed High Arctic territory, an Anchorage environmental attorney said. In the international realm, its not always clear all the time, said Teresa Clemmer, litigation director for Trustees for Alaska, an environmental law firm. Revisions to U.S. Outer Continental Shelf planning areas off Alaska are shown in this map from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The proposed High Arctic area is new and based on recent U.S. territorial claims. (Map provided by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) As to why the Department of the Interior would designate an oil and gas leasing area in the High Arctic in murky legal circumstances, Clemmer said, there may be parallels in Russian and Canadian government actions that started exercising regulatory authority in Arctic areas where their territorial rights were not certain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a way of getting a foot in the door and establishing that they have this authority, she said. Neither the Department of the Interior nor the State Department provided additional information to clarify the status of the territorial rights in the High Arctic or plans for oil development there. Oil potential and industry interest also unclear Mark Myers, a geologist and former director of the U.S. Geological Survey, said there is some indication of oil and gas potential in the High Arctic region designated for possible inclusion in the BOEM program. He pointed to the Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal released in 2008 by the USGS. The study used data collected by crews working on two icebreakers, the U.S. Coast Guards Healy and the Canadian Coast Guards Louis S. St-Laurent. But that information, too, is preliminary, Myers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its possible that some of the southern area would have oil and gas potential based on the CARA study, but a more robust, technical evaluation of the area for oil and gas potential would be something that would be important for the federal government to do, said Myers, who also served previously as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and director of the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas. The CARA study also indicated the presence of critical minerals beneath the High Arctic seafloor, but any development of those would be outside of the oil leasing program, Myers said. If BOEM winds up establishing a designated leasing region, it would not guarantee that any lease sales will follow, Myers noted. Its a very, very preliminary step, he said. To Clemmer, the idea of setting up a High Arctic leasing region is consistent with the Trump administrations pro-resource-extraction policies and wanting to open up every possible place to oil and gas development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But offshore exploration there might be unappealing to oil companies for reasons beyond legal uncertainty. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Louis S. St-Laurent makes an approach to the Coast Guard Cutter Healy in the Arctic Ocean Sept. 5, 2009. The two icebreakers were taking part in a multi-year, multi-agency Arctic survey to help define the Arctic continental shelf. (Photo by Petty Officer Patrick Kelley/U.S. Coast Guard) The High Arctic is very remote, harsh and distant from infrastructure support that oil companies might need, Clemmer noted. I dont see how the economics would be panning out for them, she said. Even the Arctic offshore areas that are within the U.S. exclusive economic zone the Chukchi Sea and the Beaufort Sea hold uncertainty for oil companies. Litigation is underway over whether the Trump administration has the authority to reverse Biden administration and Obama administration decisions putting those areas off-limits to new leasing. A previous attempt in the first Trump administration was blocked in 2019 by the federal court in Anchorage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operations in the federal offshore areas in the Arctic have proved to be more expensive and difficult than onshore Arctic operations. The most recent attempt was by Royal Dutch Shell, which abandoned its program in 2015 after spending what it said was over $7 billion but drilling only one well to depth. There has never been any commercial oil production in any federally managed outer continental shelf area off Alaskas coastline except for a small portion of the Hilcorp-operated Northstar field, which lies mostly on state territory in the Beaufort Sea but overlaps a bit into federal territory. Myers said industry interest in returning to federal Arctic offshore areas is yet to be determined. If it exists, it would likely be focused on sites where oil has been discovered but never produced, he said. He cited the Liberty field in the Beaufort Sea, where development has been eyed since the 1990s but where plans by BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. and Hilcorp have stalled. He also listed the Kuvlum and Hammerhead prospects in the Beaufort Sea, which date back to the 1980s. Both are very far from shore, and neither has been deemed commercially viable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the current administration may be favorable on offshore Arctic oil development, that could change in the future, presenting another risk for oil companies considering the idea, Myers said. People are always going to wonder about long-term changes in policy as administrations change, he said. Elsewhere in the Arctic Ocean, the U.S. and Canada have a longstanding dispute over territorial rights in the Beaufort Sea off the Alaska-Yukon border. That has affected some past U.S. oil lease sales in the Beaufort, in 2003, 2005 and 2007, for example. A few tracts in the disputed zone were offered for leasing in those sales. Exploration in that disputed territory has not occurred, and the U.S. and Canada last year started new negotiations over the competing Beaufort Sea territorial claims. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PHNOM PENH, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Before 6 a.m., Chen Ry wakes up and prepares breakfast for himself and his wife. He has to leave home by seven o'clock for work, which involves patrolling the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and helping to manage any incidents that occur along the route. Built and funded by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is Cambodia's first high-speed toll road, connecting the bustling capital of Phnom Penh with Sihanoukville, the largest port in the nation. As one of the first road inspectors on this expressway, Ry shared his excitement about the job. "The road is stunning. I never get tired of driving it," he said. "I hope there will be more roads like this in Cambodia, especially ones that connect to my hometown." Ry comes from Ratanakiri Province in northeastern Cambodia, an area known for its rugged terrain and poor road conditions. He used to earn around 100 U.S. dollars a month washing motorcycles, but since taking the job, his income has gone up considerably. Looking back on his early days as a road inspector, Ry remembers feeling overwhelmed at first. However, with the support of his Chinese mentor, he learned the ins and outs of highway management. "Everything about the expressway was new to me," he said. "I needed to learn more and gain experience to really make the highway feel like 'my own.'" Thanks to the hard work of Ry and his colleagues, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway has been running smoothly and safely for over 900 days, and has served more than 12 million vehicles. It reduces travel time between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville from five hours to under two, bringing convenience to the Cambodian people. Like Ry, numerous Cambodian families have seen their lives improve because of the expressway. Fang Xisheng, general manager of the expressway management company, noted that the construction of the highway has created over 10,000 jobs and brought in more than 200 million dollars in local purchases. During its operation, the expressway has generated over 2,000 job opportunities through direct and indirect employment. Moreover, the company has promoted 21 outstanding local employees to management roles, ensuring the expressway runs smoothly and preparing talent for the future of Cambodia's highway sector. As night falls, Ry wraps up his shift and hands over his duties to the night crew before heading home. His wife, who helps in the kitchen of the company, is already waiting for him to go home together. Ry's home is close to the expressway. He can sometimes hear the sound of traffic. "That sound gives me peace," he said. "Thanks to this expressway, our family's life is on the fast track." The Trump administration has selected a proposed open pit copper-nickel mine in northern Minnesota for a fast-tracked permitting process. On Friday, the Trump administration announced a list of new mining projects that have been identified for an expedited permitting process laid out in March executive order. That list includes the NorthMet mine in Babbitt. In total, 20 projects have been identified for an expedited permitting process. The NorthMet mine is the only project in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a federal permitting dashboard, an updated timeline for the projects permitting process is expected by May 16. The open pit mine was first proposed by PolyMet. Its now owned by NewRange. PolyMet, Facebook Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesotas Iron Range, applauded the move by the Trump administration. NewRanges NorthMet deposit represents a significant opportunity to produce the critical minerals necessary to secure our nations economic and security needs, Stauber said in a statement. "Fortunately, President Trump and his Administration understands the vital importance of this project, as evidenced by this designation. I look forward to seeing NewRange meet and exceed every permitting standard in a timely manner so that they can help make America not just critical mineral independent, but critical mineral dominant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But environmental groups have raised concern over the projects environmental impacts, including possible contamination into wilderness areas. On Facebook, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness reacted to news, claiming the action would undercut clean water protections and push through dangerous mining projects." "Only a few years ago, the EPA stated there was no way the mine could operate without violating the Fond du Lac Bands water quality standards," it said. "Based on public comments and scientific review, the federal government revoked and rescinded the mines Wetland Destruction permit. "Since then, the only thing that has changed is the willingness of the current administration to bend the law and ignore science, and thats exactly what fast tracking this project will involve." WASHINGTON (AP) Harvard University will receive no new federal grants until it meets a series of demands from President Donald Trumps administration, the Education Department announced Monday. The action was laid out in a letter to Harvards president and amounts to a major escalation of Trumps battle with the Ivy League school. The administration previously froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard, and Trump is pushing to strip the school of its tax-exempt status. Harvard has pushed back on the administration's demands, setting up a closely watched clash in Trump's attempt to force change at universities that he says have become hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a press call, an Education Department official said Harvard will receive no new federal grants until it demonstrates responsible management of the university and satisfies federal demands on a range of subjects. The ban applies to federal research grants and not to federal financial aid that helps students cover college tuition and fees. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the decision on a call with reporters. Trump administration enumerates Harvard's failures The official accused Harvard of serious failures." The person said Harvard has allowed antisemitism and racial discrimination to perpetuate, it has abandoned rigorous academic standards, and it has failed to allow a range of views on its campus. To become eligible for new grants, Harvard would need to enter negotiations with the federal government and prove it has satisfied the administrations requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has demanded Harvard make broad government and leadership changes, revise its admissions policy and audit its faculty and student body to ensure the campus is home to many points of view. The demands are part of a pressure campaign targeting several other high-profile universities. The administration has cut off money to colleges including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University, seeking compliance with Trumps agenda. The White House says it's targeting campus antisemitism after pro-Palestinian protests swept U.S. college campuses last year. It's also focused on the participation of transgender athletes in womens sports. And the attacks on Harvard increasingly have called out the university's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, along with questions about freedom of speech and thought by conservatives on campus. In a letter Monday to Harvard's president, Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused the school of enrolling foreign students who showed contempt for the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard University has made a mockery of this countrys higher education system, McMahon wrote. Harvard says government is exerting improper control Harvards president has previously said he will not bend to the governments demands. The university sued last month to halt the government's funding freeze. A Harvard statement Monday reiterated the universitys refusal to acquiesce and said the government was retaliating for Harvard's lawsuit. Today, we received another letter from the administration doubling down on demands that would impose unprecedented and improper control over Harvard University and would have chilling implications for higher education, Harvard said. The university said it will continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a conversation with alumni last week, Harvard President Alan Garber acknowledged there was a kernel of truth to criticism over antisemitism, freedom of speech and wide viewpoints at Harvard. But he said the conflict with the federal government has become a threat to the schools autonomy. We were faced with a recent demand from the federal government that, in the guise of combating antisemitism, raised new issues of control that frankly we did not anticipate, getting to the heart of governance," Garber said. We felt that we had to take a stand. Harvards lawsuit said the funding freeze violated the schools First Amendment rights and the statutory provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. But the stakes go beyond Harvard, Garber said. Let us not mistake the issue that we face right now," he said. "It is an assault on higher education. Harvard's large endowment has limits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration said previously that Harvard would need to meet a series of conditions to keep almost $9 billion in grants and contracts. The school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has an endowment of $53 billion, the largest in the country. Across the university, federal money accounted for 10.5% of revenue in 2023, not counting financial aid such as Pell grants and student loans. Harvard isn't alone in its reliance on federal money. Universities receive about 90% of all federal research spending, taking in $59.6 billion in 2023, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. That accounts for more than half the $109 billion spent on research at universities, with most of the rest coming from college endowments, state and local governments and nonprofits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To make up for the loss in federal funding, McMahon on Monday suggested Harvard rely on its colossal endowment and raise money from wealthy alumni. Harvard generally steers about 5% of its endowment value toward university operations every year, accounting for about a third of its total budget, according to university documents. The university could draw more from its endowment, but colleges generally try to avoid spending more than 5% to protect investment gains. Like other schools, Harvard is limited in how it spends endowment money, much of which comes from donors who specify how they want it to be used. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AP writer Adam Geller contributed reporting from New York. ___ The Associated Press education 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. Harvard University will receive no new federal grants until it meets a series of demands from President Donald Trumps administration, the Education Department announced Monday. The action was laid out in a letter to Harvards president and amounts to a major escalation of Trumps battle with the Ivy League school. The administration previously froze $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard, and Trump is pushing to strip the school of its tax-exempt status. In a press call, an Education Department official said Harvard will receive no new federal grants until it demonstrates responsible management of the university and satisfies federal demands on a range of subjects. It applies to federal research grants and not federal financial aid students receive to help cover tuition and fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard University has made a mockery of this countrys higher education system, the letter read. It has invited foreign students, who engage in violent behavior and show contempt for the United States of America, to its campus. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the decision on a call with reporters. The official accused Harvard of serious failures in four areas: antisemitism, racial discrimination, abandonment of rigor and viewpoint diversity. To become eligible for new grants, Harvard would need to enter negotiations with the federal government and prove it has satisfied the administrations demands. Receiving such taxpayer funds is a privilege, not a right," the letter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a Harvard spokesperson said: Today, we received another letter from the administration doubling down on demands that would impose unprecedented and improper control over Harvard University and would have chilling implications for higher education. Todays letter makes new threats to illegally withhold funding for lifesaving research and innovation in retaliation against Harvard for filing its lawsuit on April 21. Harvard will continue to comply with the law, promote and encourage respect for viewpoint diversity, and combat antisemitism in our community. Harvard will also continue to defend against illegal government overreach aimed at stifling research and innovation that make Americans safer and more secure." Harvards president has previously said he will not bend to governments demands. The university sued to halt its funding freeze last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW WASHINGTON (AP) Pushing forward with its mass deportation agenda, President Donald Trumps administration said Monday that it would pay $1,000 to immigrants who are in the United States illegally and return to their home country voluntarily. The Department of Homeland Security said in a news release that it would also pay for travel assistance and that people who use an app called CBP Home to tell the government they plan to return home will be deprioritized for detention and removal by immigration enforcement. If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest, Secretary Kristi Noem said. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said it had already paid for a plane ticket for one migrant to return home to Honduras from Chicago and said more tickets have been booked for this week and next. Its a major part of Trumps administration Trump made immigration enforcement and the mass deportation of immigrants in the United States illegally a centerpiece of his campaign, and he is following through during the first months of his administration. But it is a costly, resource-intensive endeavor. While the Republican administration is asking Congress for a massive increase in resources for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement department responsible for removing people from the country, its also pushing people in the country illegally to self-deport. It has coupled this self-deportation push with television ads threatening action against people in the U.S. illegally and social media images showing immigration enforcement arrests and migrants being sent to a prison in El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has often portrayed self-deportation as a way for migrants to preserve their ability to return to the U.S. someday. But Aaron Reichlen-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, which advocates for immigrants, said theres a lot for migrants to be cautious about in the latest offer from Homeland Security. He said its often worse for people to leave the country and not fight their case in immigration court, especially if theyre already in removal proceedings. He said if migrants are in removal proceedings and dont show up in court they can automatically get a deportation order and leaving the country usually counts as abandoning many applications for relief including asylum applications. It can be an intricate process And Homeland Security is not indicating that it is closely coordinating with the immigration courts so that there are no repercussions for people in immigration court if they leave, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peoples immigration status is not as simple as this makes it out to be, Reichlen-Melnick said. He questioned where Homeland Security would get the money and the authorization to make the payments and he suggested they are necessary because the administration cant arrest and remove as many people as it has promised so it has to encourage people to do it on their own. Theyre not getting their numbers, he said. As part of its self-deportation effort, the Trump administration has transformed an app that had been used by the Biden administration to allow nearly 1 million migrants to schedule appointments to enter the country into a tool to help migrants return home. Under the Biden administration, it was called CBP One; now its dubbed CBP Home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security said that, so far, thousands of migrants have used the app to self-deport. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A clone of the messaging app Signal, which was being used by since-ousted national security advisor Mike Waltz during a recent cabinet meeting, has been hacked. As 404 Media reports, the hacker easily exploited major security vulnerabilities in the obscure app, obtaining the contents of certain direct messages and groupchats, and demonstrating that archived chat logs aren't end-to-end encrypted. The app in question, which Israeli company TeleMessage sells to the US government to archive messages, was spotted in Reuters photographs of Waltz's smartphone, taken during a cabinet meeting with president Donald Trump last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the photographs, Waltz was using the app to chat with secretary of state Marco Rubio, vice president JD Vance, and director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The latest news highlights enormous gaps in the Trump administration's cybersecurity measures. Experts have warned that sensitive data could quickly land in the wrong hands, making apps like Signal and TeleMessage obvious and apparently easy targets for foreign adversary hacking groups. Waltz was ousted from his national security advisor role on May 1, alongside his deputy Alex Wong. While it's unclear what the exact reasoning was for the demotion, inside sources told The Guardian last week that the president had briefly considered firing Waltz after he accidentally added The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal group chat that contained discussions about war plans in Yemen. Given the latest news, the situation could be even worse than we thought. Not only was Waltz previously using an unmodified version of Signal to discuss highly sensitive information a major deviation from Department of Defense protocol but the Signal knockoff he was spotted using is incredibly vulnerable to hacking as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As 404 reports, the hacker was unable to obtain messages between Waltz and his accomplices. However, they did access to data related to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, the crypto exchange Coinbase, and other financial institutions. The data included names and contacts of government officials, as well as usernames and passwords for the app's backend. "I would say the whole process took about 15-20 minutes," the hacker told the publication. "It wasnt much effort at all." "If I could have found this in less than 30 minutes then anybody else could too," they added. "And who knows how long its been vulnerable?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the White House has maintained that Signal is on the approved list of apps that can be used by government officials. However, deputy press secretary Anna Kelly failed to field NBC News' question about the use of TeleMessage last week. More on Signal gate: The White House Said No Classified Material Was Shared in the Group Chat. Then the Rest of It Leaked The Trump administration intends to cut funding for a specialized line dedicated to LGBTQ+ youths and young adults on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, according to a leaked budget proposal reviewed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. All calls to 988 connect people in need with a crisis counselor, but two high-risk groups, military veterans and LGBTQ+ youths, were identified early as requiring a more culturally sensitive approach. Just as veterans may feel more inclined to open up to someone who has lived through the experiences of war and active duty, LGBTQ+ youths may also express themselves more authentically to someone who understands what it means to be queer. Those calls are staffed by people who understand the issues facing LGBTQ+ youths, such as discrimination and the complexity of family support. They also can connect callers to support and resources tailored to LGBTQ+ people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having a specialized line for LGBTQ+ youths, too, increases the likelihood that a young person will reach out if they're experiencing a crisis, said Mary Kay Battaglia, executive director of NAMI Wisconsin, which stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mary Kay Battaglia, executive director of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, speaks at Wellpoint Care Network on West Capitol Drive in Milwaukee on Monday. "It makes it much more comfortable, knowing you're going to talk to someone that understands the stressors you're going through," Battaglia said. LGBTQ+ youths have far higher rates of mental health concerns LGBTQ+ youths are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, according to the Trevor Project, a national nonprofit focused on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people. Research from the nonprofit estimates that at least one LGBTQ+ youth attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the United States. In step with national trends, Wisconsin's youths continue to struggle with their mental health, but conditions like anxiety, depression and suicidal thought disproportionately impact the state's LGBTQ+ students. The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which surveys high schoolers across Wisconsin, has found lesbian, gay and bisexual youth have the highest rates of mental health concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate survey focused on trans youth in Wisconsin shows that this population has even higher rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thought, despite making up just 4% of the student population. DHS emphasized over email that these elevated mental health conditions do not stem from their sexual orientation or gender expression, but rather, how LGBTQ+ people are treated, whether due to bullying, discrimination and/or societal and family rejection. These mental health concerns have been exacerbated by ramped-up rhetoric on the federal level that denies the existence of transgender and gender nonbinary youths. A 409-page report published May 1 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has gone as far as to dismiss the need entirely for gender-affirming care in young people who experience gender dysphoria. "The LGBTQ community is under more political attack than we've seen in years," U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "That a lifeline for those in crisis would be taken away is outrageous." Sen. Tammy Baldwin speaks during a roundtable discussion about possible cuts to Medicaid at the Washington Park Senior Center on West Vliet Street in Milwaukee on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. The news organization reached out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for comment, but did not hear back. Baldwin vows to fight against the chipping away of 988 Baldwin, a Democrat who was responsible for the creation and congressional enactment of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, has championed additional funding for the three-digit crisis line, which launched in July 2022. Of the more than $400 million allocated nationally for fiscal year 2024, a little more than $33 million went to the LGBTQ+ youth line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elimination of a specialized crisis line for LGBTQ+ youths would further chip away at a program that federal cuts have been slowly eroding. February's cuts, led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, hobbled Veterans Affairs, and included the termination of 15 employees who operate the Veterans Crisis Line, the specialized 988 Suicide and Prevention line dedicated to veterans. After Baldwin became aware of those fired employees, she urged Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to reinstate them. "We do believe the folks who were laid off have been reinstated, but it takes constant vigilance with this administration because they have been running roughshod with their personnel and funding actions," Baldwin said. By the end of February, the Department of Health and Human Services slashed 10% of SAMHSA, which funds the 988 Lifeline. By the end of March, the federal health agency stripped $1 billion from SAMHSA in federal grants allocated to states during the pandemic, and fired another 10,000 employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This slashing away of SAMHSA appears to have served as a prelude to HHS' restructuring plan to roll the mental health agency into a new agency within HHS called Administration for a Healthy America, or AHA. Baldwin has vowed to fight against the elimination of 988's specialty line for LGBTQ+ youths, emphasizing that it is Congress, not HHS, that decides how funding is spent. Similarly, Baldwin said she would take action to preserve SAMHSA, which not only oversees 988 Lifeline but substance abuse and mental health programs across the country. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her X (Twitter) profile at @natalie_eilbert. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump administration wants to cut separate LGBTQ+ line for 988 callers ALCATRAZ ISLAND, California If the national park rangers of Alcatraz are soon replaced by the prison wardens of Californias newest penitentiary, the throngs of tourists marching across the decaying 22-acre fortress Monday morning will serve as a strange dream between two eras of incarceration. Today, children in strollers point with wonder at 9-by-5-foot jail cells. Seagulls and shorebirds lay nested in the colonized rubble of collapsed structures. At the gift shop, visitors purchase Alcatraz guard whistles and tin prisoner cups for $10.95 a pop. Welcome to your national parks, a ranger named Matt Connelly shouted to tourists filing off the ferry from San Francisco on Monday. We hope you have a safe and pleasant trip to Alcatraz Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the hours since President Donald Trump declared his plans to reopen a substantially enlarged Alcatraz to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders, California politicians have nearly universally derided the idea as a distraction, a fantasy, or a farce. State Sen. Scott Wiener called the proposal absurd on its face. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi described the idea as unserious, a sentiment that current San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie echoed at a news conference Monday morning. In an interview, Nancy Tung, chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, said she viewed Trumps plan as asinine. Im kind of at a loss for words on this, Tung said. The way for the country to project strength is not by returning to the past. The days of Alcatraz being a place for incarceration have long since passed. Trumps declaration marked another pivot point in the strange and sordid history of Alcatraz, a large rock about 1.5 miles offshore from San Francisco. Originally a fort, the site was briefly operated as a military prison before opening as a federal penitentiary in 1934. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, the prison built a reputation for ruthless conditions that challenged the sanity of its inmates. Escape was nearly impossible and almost certainly deadly. Punishment was frequent and usually brutal. Then, as Trump hopes it will be again, the island was used to house the country's most violent and reviled prisoners. In 1963, the prison was closed due to high operating costs and better facilities on-shore. Today, the park prioritizes safety, warning visitors of tripping hazards and uneven pavement. Handrails line the sidewalks, leading to informational plaques about the salamanders and deer mice that now live on the island. And like San Franciscos politicians, park visitors too seem to view the idea of a reborn Alcatraz prison as an implausibility. Its a mind game, said one Argentine tourist. Insanity, said a Canadian. (Both declined to share their names.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I say if this is what we need to do, then do it, said Stephanie Bishop, a visitor from Florida. But if we dont, then maybe just leave it alone. The park presents itself as a monument to dark moments in American history. A quote from Nelson Mandela covering one wall reads a nation should be judged not by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. A banner near the entrance reads, if you break the rules, you go to prison. If you break the prison rules, you go to Alcatraz. There are large exhibits on mass incarceration. Visitors can enter a windowless cell and close the door for a brief taste of solitary confinement. But speaking at an unrelated White House event Monday morning, Trump called Alcatraz, the mythical inescapable prison, a symbol of a rougher, tougher America. It is a place, he said, that represents something very strong, very powerful in terms of law and order. It housed the most violent criminals in the world and nobody ever escaped, Trump said to reporters. It is, right now, a museum, believe it or not. During a Sunday evening blitz of social media posts, Donald Trump demanded that one of the most notorious prisons in American history be reopened. Incidentally, the presidents sudden push for the tourist destination of Alcatraz to once again become a maximum-security prison complex came just hours after a South Florida PBS station aired the 1979 classic film Escape from Alcatraz. The president spent the past weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort, which is located in Palm Beach. REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! Trump blared on Truth Social just before 6 p.m. local time on Sunday. For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to local television listings, WLRN 26 Miamis local PBS affiliate broadcasted Escape from Alcatraz on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET. The movie, which stars Clint Eastwood, was re-aired the following morning at 11 a.m. President Donald Trump has repeatedly defended his call for the notorious Alcatraz prison to be reopened after more than 60 years. (AP) The biographical drama recounts the 1962 escape attempt from the island fortress, which is located in San Francisco Bay. While the prison was touted as being escape-proof throughout its infamous history, the film suggests that Frank Morris played by Eastwood and two other fugitives may have been successful in their mission. While it is still a mystery whether the daring escape attempt was successful, Alcatraz closed less than a year later in 1963. One of the main reasons for its closure, as critics pointed out after Trump floated the idea of once again making it a prison, was that it costs roughly three times more to run it as a standard facility. Due to its location on a small island, all supplies including fresh water needed to be brought in by boat. Additionally, experts have noted that it would cost millions of dollars and take years to rebuild the facility and make it a modern, functional prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. Hours before the president demanded that the notorious prison Alcatraz be reopened, a local PBS station aired the critically acclaimed film about the 1962 escape attempt. (AP2007) During an Oval Office press conference Monday, the president was asked why he decided that he needed to resurrect Alcatraz as a prison after it had been shuttered for decades, prompting Trump to deliver a rambling response that included him touting his own cinematic vision. Well, I guess I was supposed to be a moviemaker, Trump who recently announced his intention to implement 100 percent tariffs on foreign films declared, adding: I mean, it represents something very strong, very powerful, in terms of law and order. Our country needs law and order. Alcatraz is, I would say, the ultimate, right? Alcatraz, Sing Sing, and Alcatraz, the movies. But its right now a museum, believe it or not. A lot of people go there. Referencing the flee attempt by Morris, alongside brothers John and Clarence Anglin, the president said that nobody ever escaped but one person almost got there. In the presidents telling, though, they found his clothing rather badly ripped up and full of shark bites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, Trump described Alcatraz as representing something thats both horrible and beautiful and strong and miserable [and] weak. The president has a tendency to react to what he sees on television, most prominently by his virulent cable news viewing habits. A countless number of Truth Social posts and tweets including some he made Sunday have been in direct response to segments he had just seen on Fox News or other networks. It would stand out, of course, if the president had indeed tuned into PBS on Saturday night or Sunday morning, especially considering his recent executive order calling for the government to pull back all funding of public broadcasting. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) President Donald Trump on Sunday said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected his proposal to send U.S. troops to Mexico to help thwart the illegal drug trade because she is fearful of the country's powerful cartels. The comments by Trump came a day after Sheinbaum confirmed that Trump pressed her in a call last month to accept a bigger role for the U.S. military in combating drug cartels in Mexico. Trump said it was true that he proposed sending the troops to Mexico and lashed into Sheinbaum for dismissing the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well she's so afraid of the cartels she cant walk, so you know thats the reason," Trump said in comments to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday. "And I think shes a lovely woman. The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she cant even think straight. The U.S. military presence along the southern border with Mexico has increased steadily in recent months, following Trumps order in January to increase the armys role in stemming the flow of migrants. The U.S. Northern Command has surged troops and equipment to the border, increased manned surveillance flights to monitor fentanyl trafficking along the border and sought expanded authority for U.S. Special Forces to work closely with Mexican forces conducting operations against cartels. But Sheinbaum said that U.S. troops operating inside Mexico was going too far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States military come in and help you. And you know what I said to him? No, President Trump, she said on Saturday. Sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended. She added that she told Trump their two countries can work together, but you in your territory and us in ours. Trump in February designated as foreign terrorist organizations many gangs and cartels smuggling drugs into the U.S. , restricting their movements and lending law enforcement more resources to act against them. But Sheinbaums stance and Trump's response suggest that U.S. pressure for unilateral military intervention could create tension between the two leaders after cooperation on immigration and trade in the early going of Trump's second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the U.S. military is needed to stem the scourge of fentanyl in the United States. They are bad news, Trump said of the cartels. If Mexico wanted help with the cartels we would be honored to go in and do it. I told her that. I would be honored to go in and do it. The cartels are trying to destroy our country. The White House has also linked its efforts to reduce the flow of fentanyl to Trumps tariff plan, saying he wants to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable for stemming the flow of the drug into the U.S. KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's steel industry groups have called on the government to take action to address the country's industry challenges, including overcapacity and rising costs. The Malaysian Iron & Steel Industry Federation (MISIF) and the Malaysia Steel Association (MSA) said in a joint statement on Monday that the industry continues to face challenges that threaten the viability, competitiveness, and sustainability of the steel industry value chain. "With most of the public-listed steel companies in dire straits, to avoid systematic risk to the stock market and banking sector, it is of utmost priority and urgency to resolve the overcapacity issue by providing protection to the Malaysia steel industry," it said. The industry groups have also called for the government to contain electricity tariffs and energy costs, minimize additional regulatory burdens, and enforce domestic procurement preferences. As Malaysia moves toward its decarbonization goals, the statement highlighted that the transition must be underpinned by affordable and stable electricity pricing. MISIF and MSA have also urged the government to defer or reconsider the implementation of mandatory 2 percent Employee Provident Fund contribution for foreign workers and expansion of the sales and service tax, to avoid compounding operational pressures and harming recovery efforts. "The Buy Malaysia First policy must be strictly enforced in all government and government-linked procurement. Prioritizing local steel products will support capacity utilization, stimulate domestic demand, and stabilize the supply chain," said the statement. THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATIONS CRUSADE against woke and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) may have reached an absurd nadir last week with the big oops that followed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths announcement that he had proudly ENDED his departments Women, Peace, and Security program, a woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative loved only by feminists and libs. A comical face-saving scramble ensued because it was revealed almost immediately that WPS was a bipartisan congressional initiative cosponsored in 2017 by then-Senator Marco Rubio and then-House member Kristi Noem (both current cabinet members), signed into law by Donald Trump, and often held up as proof of the first Trump administrations female-friendly bona fides. Hegseths unconvincing attempts to explain that he really just meant to end the Biden administrations woke WPS initiatives (whatever they were) and bring back the good, Trump-approved WPS were roundly mocked. This isnt the first time the Department of Defense under Hegseths leadership had to do an embarrassing walkback on woke. Following Trumps blitz of anti-DEI executive orders upon taking office, videos on pioneering black and female pilots in the U.S. armed forces during World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs), were removed from the Air Force training curriculum. After a flurry of bad publicity, Republicans such as Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) started claiming that the deletions were the result of someone deliberately subverting Hegseths (and Trumps) orders to cause a backlashso-called malicious compliance. Hegseth declared that this will not stand, and the videos were restored. Of course, there wasnt a shred of evidence that they were removed with malicious intent: Its far more likely that the decision was made because no one knew exactly what was forbidden under the anti-DEI edicts. Indeed, Hegseth himself was simultaneously crusading for a maximalist interpretation of DEI: On January 31, just five days after the flap over the videos, he issued instructions that identity months were from now on dead at DoD. His edict banned any use of official resources for celebrations or events related to cultural awareness monthsincluding Black History Month, which was just about to start, Womens History Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and so forth. Service members and DoD employees were allowed to attend such events only in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours. All celebrations of military heroes, Hegseth wrote, had to focus on the character of their service rather than identity, which served to put one group ahead of another and erode camaraderie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths own boss clearly didnt get the memo: The very same day as Hegseths guidance declaring identity months dead, Trump issued a proclamation recognizing Black History Month and urging public officials and others to join in observing it. In March, Trump did the same for Womens History Month; he also appeared at a White House Womens History Month event where he endorsed the creation of a big, beautiful American Womens History Museum on the National Mall. Thats whole a lot of woke DEI.1 These contradictions illustrate Trump worlds blatant hypocrisy about racial and gender diversity, which can be opportunistically weaponized either as a bogeyman or as an asset. During last years campaign, when right-wingers mocked Vice President Kamala Harris as a DEI hire, Trump refused to disavow the sleazy claim. Yet Trump can also hail his aide Susie Wiles as the first-ever female [White House] Chief of Staff in United States history and his Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer as one of the first Latinas and the first Republican woman elected to Congress from the state of Oregon. This apparent hypocrisy also illustrates the rampant confusion over what DEI is. Does it mean requiring college faculty or corporate employees to endorse a particular set of progressive ideas about racism and sexism? Promotions and hiring based primarily on race, gender, and other identities? Or does the label also extend to any focus on the experience of population groups that have their own unique history and that, in many cases, have been denied both equal opportunity and fair recognition for much of this countrys existence? If its the latter, even Trump-era Republicans generally havent expressed a problem with it. But because all these things are lumped together under the same term, public opinion data about DEI are often contradictory or outright useless. Get a stronger handle on whats important in the news cycle without losing your grip on your sanity by signing up to receive our independent political journalism in your inbox. THE ADMINISTRATIONS ANTI-WOKE PUSH takes a jackhammer to these complex issuesand the people conducting it apparently dont learn from experience. Nearly two months after the controversy over the Air Force training videos, the Arlington National Cemetery website, run by the Army, faced a similar embarrassment over the scrubbing of content focusing on black, female, and Hispanic service members and on civil rights-related history. (Some materials vanished completely while others simply stopped being accessible from the main pages.) Once again, the bad press was followed by backpedalingbut this time, only a partial one. The walking tours section of the website has gotten back the tours focusing on black military heroes and African-American history, as well as women in the military. However, those topics have not been restored to the main education page, and the Notable Graves menu is still missing the old sections on African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and womenthough other categories such as foreign nationals, artists, and athletes remain. Whether this is intentional or incompetence, temporary or permanent, remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then theres the purge (apparently ordered personally by Hegseth) of nearly 400 books, judged to be too woke, from the Naval Academys librarynotably including Maya Angelous classic autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Some of the banished books are recent texts associated with critical race theory or identity-focused social justice, such as Robin DiAngelos White Fragility and Ibram X. Kendis How to Be an Anti-Racist. (Surely one can strongly disagree with them and still think that a college library should carry notable books highly relevant to current cultural controversies.) But a lot of other volumes seem to have been proscribed simply because their listed topics include race, racism, or white supremacism. That includes a 2002 volume by political scientist Carol Swain, a prominent black conservative and current Trump supporter, whose titleThe New White Nationalism in Americamust have triggered Hegseths apparatchiks. Meanwhile, the witch-hunt against suspected gender ideology netted not only books on transgender identities but thirty-year-old texts on the psychology of sex and gender, scholarly works on gender roles and sexuality in Victorian or Renaissance literature, and even critiques of feminist views that downplay innate sex differences. But the DoD is not the only offender. A Washington Post investigation last month found that the National Park Service (part of the Department of the Interior) had made drastic changes to its What is the Underground Railroad? webpage. The new version drastically shortened the introduction, removing from it all but one mention of slavery as well as references to self-emancipation and resistance to enslavement; the revised introduction stressed that the network bridged the divides of race and embodied the American ideals of liberty and freedom expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Meanwhile, the large photo of Harriet Tubman was gone from the page, replaced with commemorative stamps that featured Tubman along with four other Underground Railroad activists, two black and two white. The original text, far from being divisive, had noted that people of all races were involved in assisting the fugitives; the new one seemed to suggest that the Underground Railroad was, at its core, a black/white bridge-building initiative. The reports on the changes to the site were, yet again, followed by a restorationand a claim that the alterations did not have approval from the top leadership. Two Park Service employees who spoke to the Post on condition of anonymity shed some light on the process that led to these alterations. Political appointees at Interior instructed senior career officials to flag content that might violate Trumps anti-DEI directives; these instructions were passed on, with only vague guidance, to lower-level stafferswho, fearful for their jobs amid the massive layoffs of federal workers, preferred to err on the side of ditching anything too woke. According to the Post, the scrubbed content on various Park Service sites included mentions of slaveholding by historical figures, a passage about the lack of recognition for black soldiers who fought for American independence, and references to the struggle for freedom and equality in discussions of civil rights history. Share NONE OF THIS BODES WELL for the Trump administrations continuing aggressive campaign to erase wokeness from a wide range of institutions from museums and arts centers to federal workplaces to universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Constructive conversations about DEI can be difficult for many reasonsfrom fuzzy and conflicting definitions of the term to political polarization, from the refusal of some on the left to admit any problems on their side to the bad faith of right-wing culture warriors like Christopher Rufo. Nonetheless, toxic and divisive DEI programs and materials really do exist. A minor but interesting example: The just-released report of Harvards Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias discusses a Pyramid of White Supremacy graphic used in some sections of a required course at the Harvard Graduate School in Education. In principle, this could be a useful way to examine the subtle foundations of overt racism; in practice, such materials tend to become a sweeping indictment of a wide range of ill-defined behaviors and ideas. This version is especially shoddy: the pyramid is filled in with an almost random mix of brainstormed words, all labeled as more or less racist. The bottom level includes Wall Street, neo-liberalism, and Free Tradewhile colorblindness, community policing, and opposition to affirmative action and to anti-Israel boycotts are listed as forms of covert and coded white supremacy. The category of coded white supremacy also includes the Anti-Defamation League and the nonprofit Life After Hate, which helps people disengage from far-right hate groups. The Harvard report rightly describes this image as conceptually incoherent and full of dubious comparisons; it also recounts that the slide was displayed for an extended period with no critical discussion and that one students objections that the image is antisemitic were treated dismissively. Such practices are a cause for concern (though, again, its worth remembering that this is one image used in just four out of twenty-eight classrooms in which this required class was taught, and the instructor had already agreed to stop using it by the time the report came out). These dysfunctional, often abusive forms of progressivism and DEI have also received considerable pushback in recent years. Now, the Trump administrations toxic anti-wokenessand its combination of zealotry, bullying, and bumbling incompetenceis likely not only to harm the institutions it targets but to make it harder to criticize toxic DEI. In the past decade, progressives alienated a lot of moderates with hypersensitive speech policing and self-righteous witch-hunts. Now, the shoe is on the other foot, and the anti-DEI police are the baddiesand defenders of true liberalism and free speech need to focus most of their effort on curbing the empowered authoritarian right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Share this article with a friend or family member or post it to social media: Share 1 Trump being Trump, his remarks included some creepy weirdness about being the fertilization president because of his support for infertility treatments. Then, just a few days later, the team at the CDC that collected and published data from fertility clinicsincluding data relating to success rateswas abruptly axed. By James Oliphant and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed the backlash against an AI-generated image of him as the pope posted by the White House on social media, saying it was a harmless joke, but communications experts said they did not see the funny side. The weekend AI-generated posts of Trump dressed in white papal vestments and another of him wielding one of the red light sabers preferred by villains in the "Star Wars" movies appeared typical of the provocation the president employs to energize supporters and troll critics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has dominated news cycles. In an otherwise relatively quiet weekend, the two images ensured Trump stayed a major topic of conversation on social media and beyond. Throughout his political career, Trump has embraced bold visuals, from posing in a garbage truck to standing outside a church during protests against police brutality. But the experts told Reuters that unlike those rooted in reality, AI images blur fact and fiction in ways that can mislead. I think we are seeing a new phenomenon the merging of social media and AI power, organized for political power and narrative dominance, said John Wihbey, director of the AI-Media Strategies Lab at Northeastern University in Boston. Hes exploiting this uncharted territory, Wihbey said. I suspect politicians around the world will begin to use generative AI and social together in newfound ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told reporters on Monday that the pope image was posted as a joke on his Truth Social account, which was then reposted by the White House across social media. I had nothing to do with it, Trump said. It was just, somebody did it in fun. Its fine. Have to have a little fun dont you? The White House did not respond to questions about who other than Trump posts to his Truth Social account and who created the two memes. For many Catholics in the United States, Italy and elsewhere, the image of Trump dressed as God's representative on Earth was offensive. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi wrote on X: This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic strategist Michael Ceraso viewed the White House's posting of the AI images as a deliberate attempt to generate buzz. "He's the first influencer president," Ceraso said of Trump, urging Democrats not to get caught up in whipped-up controversies. Trump, he said, takes his cues from professional wrestling: You can be the bad guy or the good guy as long as you are getting crowd reaction." Since becoming president, Trump has posted AI-generated images of a beachfront resort in war-ravaged Gaza and of himself as a king and as an Al Capone-type gangster. DANGER AHEAD Jennifer Mercieca, a presidential rhetoric scholar at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, argued Trump was seeking to project images of strength at a time when his presidential approval rating is dropping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's policies are unpopular, and his presidency is unpopular," Mercieca said. Within this context, Trump has created a visual fantasy of himself as a hero, attempting to persuade the nation (and the world) that he is, in fact, a hero. The most recent Reuters/Ipsos polling had Trump's approval rating at 42% with 53% of respondents disapproving of him and showed concerns mounting among Americans over his economic and immigration policies. He peaked at 47% in the first days of his presidency. Northeastern Universitys Wihbey said a greater test of AIs ability to warp political reality will come if Trump attempts to insert himself into more photo-realistic images that suggest historical events and scenes that did not occur. (Reporting by James Oliphant and Steve Holland; Editing by Ross Colvin and Cynthia Osterman) US President Donald Trump plans to work with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to end the war in Ukraine, the US president said on Monday after speaking with the Turkish leader by phone. "I just had a very good and productive telephone conversation" with Erdogan, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform. Trump wrote that the conversation focused on Russia's war against Ukraine and also the situation in Syria and the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended NOW!" Trump also stated that Erdogan had invited him to Turkey, and that Erdogan will be coming to Washington, though the US president did not mention dates. Trump described his relationship with Erdogan during his first term as "excellent." The US president wants to end Russia's war against its neighbour, which has been going on for more than three years. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently pushed for a breakthrough, warning that otherwise Trump would need to decide how much longer the United States would continue its mediating role. NATO member Turkey maintains good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Erdogan has previously described Turkey as the "ideal" location for potential peace negotiations. ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed he had offered to send U.S. troops to Mexico to help Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum combat drug trafficking, an offer Sheinbaum disclosed on Saturday and said she had refused. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from Florida, said he had made the offer because the drug cartels were "horrible people" who had caused thousands of deaths. "If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, I would be honored to go in and do it," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he was disappointed that Sheinbaum had turned down the offer, Trump said, "I think she's a lovely woman. The president of Mexico is a lovely woman, but she is so afraid of the cartels that she can't even think straight." Sheinbaum on Saturday she had rejected Trump's offer because "sovereignty is not for sale." Her comments came in response to questions about a Wall Street Journal report published on May 2 that said Trump was pressuring Mexico to allow deeper U.S. military involvement against drug cartels to combat trafficking across the shared border. Sheinbaum said the two countries could collaborate, but Mexico would "never accept the presence of the United States military in our territory." A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) told Reuters on Saturday that Trump had been clear that Mexico needed to do more to combat gangs and cartels engaged in drug trafficking, and the U.S. stood ready to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said publicly the U.S. would take unilateral military action if Mexico failed to dismantle drug cartels. The two leaders have had several calls in recent months to discuss security issues, trade and immigration. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Jasper Ward; Editing by Kim Coghill and Lincoln Feast.) By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration on Monday pushed forward in defending U.S. rules easing access to the abortion drug mifepristone from a legal challenge that began during Democratic former President Joe Biden's administration. The U.S. Department of Justice in a brief filed in Texas federal court urged a judge to dismiss the lawsuit by three Republican-led states on procedural grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the filing does not discuss the merits of the states' case, it suggests the Trump administration is in no rush to drop the government's defense of mifepristone, used in more than 60% of U.S. abortions. Missouri, Kansas and Idaho claim the U.S. Food and Drug Administration acted improperly when it eased restrictions on mifepristone, including by allowing it to be prescribed by telemedicine and dispensed by mail. The Justice Department and the office of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump said while campaigning last year that he did not plan to ban or restrict access to mifepristone. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Fox News in February that Trump has asked for a study on the safety of abortion pills and has not made a decision on whether to tighten restrictions on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a bid by anti-abortion groups and doctors to restrict access to the drug, finding that they lacked legal standing to challenge the FDA regulations. Those plaintiffs dropped their case after the high court ruling, but U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, allowed the states to intervene and continue to pursue the lawsuit. The U.S. Justice Department moved to dismiss their claims days before Trump took office in January. In Monday's filing, government lawyers repeated their arguments that Texas is not the proper venue for the lawsuit and that the states lack standing to sue because they are not being harmed by the challenged regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Regardless of the merits of the States claims, the States cannot proceed in this Court," they wrote. The three states are challenging FDA actions that loosened restrictions on the drug in 2016 and 2021, including allowing for medication abortions at up to 10 weeks of pregnancy instead of seven, and for mail delivery of the drug without a woman first seeing a clinician in-person. The original plaintiffs initially had sought to reverse FDA approval of mifepristone, but that aspect was rebuffed by a lower court. The Republican-led states have argued they have standing to sue because their Medicaid health insurance programs will likely have to pay to treat patients who have suffered complications from using mifepristone. They have also said they should be allowed to remain in Texas even without the original plaintiffs because it would be inefficient to send the case to another court after nearly more than two years of litigation. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi) Rwandan accommodation paid for by British taxpayers could be used to house migrants deported from the US by Donald Trump. The Rwandan government will discuss housing those removed from America in facilities built by the UK as part of a possible deportation deal, The Telegraph understands. Those are details that will be discussed at an appropriate time, a top Rwandan government official said when asked if the British facilities will be used for the American scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement would mean Rwanda would join the list of third countries where Mr Trumps administration sends deportees, similar to El Salvador. Rwanda has already received some US deportees, including at least one Iraqi national, according to a diplomatic cable unearthed last week. PM scrapped Rwanda plan Sir Keir Starmer scrapped the Tory governments Rwanda deportation plan as soon as he won the election last July, without a single enforced removal having taken place. The money has instead been diverted to fund a new Border Security Command, designed to use counter-terror style powers to smash people-smuggling gangs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has consistently criticised the Rwanda scheme as a waste of 700 million of taxpayers money. Just four migrants were sent to the African state, all voluntarily. The 700 million included 290 million in payments to Rwanda, as well as the costs of chartering flights that never took off, detaining hundreds of people and then releasing them, and paying for more than 1,000 civil servants to work on the scheme. The UK spent at least 318 million to pay for asylum facilities and boost economic development in the country. Hope Hostel was one of the sites in Rwanda where illegal immigrants in the UK would be deported to before the plan was scrapped by Sir Keir Starmer - Anadolu Bedroom accommodation at Hope Hostel in Rwanda which was earmarked for migrants arriving from the UK By cancelling our Rwanda scheme before it started, Sir Keir Starmer has left our borders undefended and with no deterrent, Chris Philp, shadow home secretary, told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2025 he has so far presided over the highest number of illegal migrants crossing the Channel ever. The US has the right idea. We should restart our removals scheme immediately for illegal immigrants. If it turns out the USA is using the hotels we paid for, that will simply underline Starmers stupidity. Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, said: Labours decision to scrap the Rwanda deterrent was scandalous. The Rwanda deal would have stopped the boats, secured our borders, and kept our country safe. Thanks to Labours surrender, the US will now benefit while the British people continue to suffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the number of illegal arrivals into the US plummets, it soars in the UK. President Trump appears to be teaching Keir Starmer what border control looks like. On Sunday, Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwandas foreign affairs minister, said the country was in the early stage of talks with the Trump administration to accept deported migrants. A similar deal has already been struck with El Salvador, which has detained hundreds of migrants in its notorious Terrorism Confinement Centre, or Cecot prison. Speaking on local television, Mr Nduhungirehe said: This aligns with our broader policy of offering second chances to migrants facing challenges in various parts of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar to our previous engagements with the United Kingdom and Libya, Rwanda remains committed to providing humane and dignified solutions. While the talks are at an advanced stage, they are still ongoing, and we will provide updates as developments unfold. Mr Trump struck a deal with El Salvador to detain hundreds of migrants in its notorious Terrorism Confinement Centre It follows comments made by Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, who last month said the White House was actively searching for countries that would take in some of the most despicable human beings. A US state department spokesman said working with foreign governments was vital to deterring illegal and mass migration and securing our borders. US partners and regional leaders are working closely with us to end the crisis of illegal and mass migration, the spokesman added. Germany proposed using Rwanda It is not the first time a government has considered deporting migrants to the nation and housing them in the facilities paid for by Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joachim Stamp, Germanys migration commissioner, proposed using Rwanda as a third party country for migrants amid growing pressure to restrict and deter asylum seekers from entering the EU last year. Under Mr Stamps proposal, the asylum procedures in Rwanda would be conducted under the supervision of the United Nations. Mr Phillip added: The only way to stop illegal migration is to remove illegal immigrants to a third country. Many other jurisdictions including Germany and now the US have realised that. Mr Trump has made immigration enforcement and the mass deportation of immigrants a centrepiece of his campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since he took office in January, there have been 139,000 deportations, while illegal border encounters are down 95 per cent. 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. Donald Trumps administration is in the early stages of diplomatic talks with Rwanda aimed at using the country as an offshore site to house migrants deported from the US, the countrys foreign minister said. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe made the news during an interview on Rwandan state television, and his remarks were first reported by The New York Times. The US over time has used a number of countries, including most recently El Salvador, as stopover locations to house deportees who are later transferred to their home countries or apply for asylum elsewhere. Rwandas acceptance of US deportees would be of note especially given that the UK abandoned plans to do the same after a massive outcry over the humanitarian conditions under which migrants would be housed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Trump could be on the verge of resurrecting that plan as he continues to deal with the logistics of Americas immigration system realities which are causing his administration, so far, to lag behind the deportation targets he vowed to meet on the campaign trail. Current analyses indicate that the administration is set to deport roughly 500,000 people this year, a drop from 2024. The Independent reached out to the State Department for comment on Mr Nduhungirehes remark to Rwandan state TV a spokesperson responded that the agency does not discuss the details of our diplomatic communications with other governments but added that such conversations were vital to deterring illegal and mass migration and securing our borders. U.S. partners and regional leaders are working closely with us to end the crisis of illegal and mass migration, the agency spokesperson said. Donald Trump wants to send some noncitizens to Rwanda and is approaching other countries with similar offers (Getty Images) CBS News separately reported that the Trump administration has approached other foreign governments with similar overtures, including Angola and Equatorial Guinea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order for the United States to deport a noncitizen, the federal government must reach an arrangement of some kind with the government of the citizens home country or another nation willing to provide temporary custody. In most cases, the US has those agreements outstanding in the case of nations with which the US has frostier ties, finalizing the details of deportation flights can take much longer. Some countries refuse to accept deportees altogether. Breaking from previous administrations, the second Trump presidency has leaned on the State Department to streamline those efforts. A report from the Migration Policy Institute in April described the Trump administration as having situated immigration enforcement at the heart of its dealings with Mexico, Canada, and other countries in the Western Hemisphere and beyond, marking a sharp shift in U.S. foreign policy. At the same time, the administration hasnt yet shown the same understanding of the benefits of pursuing those same kinds of relationships domestically. While embracing extremist hardline rhetoric on migration and demonizing both individual migrant cases and their Democratic critics, the White House has spurned any notion of forging alliances with local municipality leaders many of whom are Democrats to actually increase the effectiveness of immigration enforcement. The administration has also dug in its heels over the issue of focusing deportations on those with criminal backgrounds, a key promise Trump made during the election cycle. Rather than address that criticism, White House officials have shifted back and forth between smearing individuals without criminal records as gang members and terrorists, while accusing Democrats of supporting those gangs. A photo provided by the Salvadoran government shows a US deportee being transferred to the CECOT prison facility (Salvadoran Government via Getty) The presidents popularity on the issue of immigration has plummeted since he took office, a devastating development for Republicans given that it was one of two issues, the other being the economy, where he enjoyed a clear advantage over his Democratic critics in terms of voter trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Reuters/Ipsos poll published at the end of April found that nearly two thirds of Americans said uncontrolled migration was an issue of concern for them. Yet the share of respondents who approved of Trumps actions was just 45 percent, lower than the 46 percent opposed to them. The president previously enjoyed a double-digit advantage on this issue in Reuters polling taken over the final two weeks of the election. El Salvadors housing of noncitizens from Venezuela has in particular become an area of controversy for the administration given that in some cases men with no criminal backgrounds have been sent abroad to be housed in the countrys notorious CECOT megaprison, the site of many alleged rights violations. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has also faced blowback for deporting several young children all with U.S. citizenship including one suffering from cancer. (KRON) The San Francisco International Arts Festival is among the organizations affected by the Trump administrations numerous cuts to National Endowment for the Arts grants. The festival was initially awarded $20,000 in federal funding. However, on May 2, the Trump administration simultaneously informed the festival, and hundreds of other organizations, that their funding was terminated. President Trump says he will reopen Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, a federal judge denied a motion to stop the National Endowment for the Arts from barring funds to artists whose projects promote gender ideology. The American Civil Liberties Union sued the NEA on behalf of arts groups, saying that the NEA still has criteria, which refuses funding to projects that appear to promote this concept. KRON4s Lindsey Ford spoke to a participating artist who says they are distraught over the Trump administrations actions. See the full report in the video above. The 2025 San Francisco International Arts Festival began on April 30 and ends on May 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VIENTIANE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Health will work closely with development partners to enhance the country's health system and improve its resilience to the impacts of climate change. The Strengthening Climate Resilience of Laos' Health System project, a five-year initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund, will support the implementation of the country's national climate change and health adaptation plans, Lao News Agency reported on Monday. The project aims to strengthen 100 health facilities and assist 250 communities across 25 districts in seven provinces, including Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Salavan, Khammuan, and Sekong. Key project activities include training health workers to address climate-related health risks, upgrading infrastructure to be climate-resilient, and raising community awareness. The initiative also focuses on expanding early warning systems and improving healthcare access for over 2.3 million people in high-risk rural areas. The increasing threats of climate change in Laos, including rising temperatures, natural disasters, and air pollution, pose serious health risks. It could damage vital health infrastructure and contribute to the spread of diseases such as malaria and diarrhea. President Donald Trump played down the fears of his critics from the potential harms of a recession to worries about rising prices due to his tariffs to the possibility that he would seek a constitutionally forbidden third term in a wide-ranging, exclusive interview with NBC News Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker. With his approval numbers sliding modestly amid a flurry of executive actions, Trump waved away concerns about rising prices on some goods in the wake of his expansive program of tariffs. Asked about small businesses concerned about pain from tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump said many businesses are being helped and that there was no need for the relief some small businesses are seeking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not going to need it. Theyre going to make so much money, he said. The president suggested that Americans ought to be able to make do with fewer common goods, like dolls or pencils. Asked about rising prices on items like tires or strollers, Trump pivoted to gasoline, saying that was thousands of times more important. In the interview, he also: Clarified that he wants to be a two-term president, acknowledging the constraints preventing him from seeking a third term in 2028. Defended the high cost of a big, beautiful military parade in Washington, D.C., to commemorate Flag Day, which also happens to fall on his birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can read a fact-check of Trumps interview here. You can also read the full transcript here. Notable quote I dont know. Im not, Im not a lawyer. I dont know. President Donald Trump Trump, when asked if he has to uphold the Constitution, argued that fulfilling his ambitious campaign promise to rapidly carry out mass deportations may take precedence over giving immigrants the right to due process under the Constitution, as required by courts. Kentucky Derby winner overcame injuries and the odds On a muddy track at Churchill Downs, 9-to-1 outsider Sovereignty won the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, with favorite Journalism ending up in second place. Jockey Junior Alvarado, who takes home $3.1 million in winnings, had already pulled off an upset of his own, bouncing back from a hairline fracture in his shoulder two months ago that left him sidelined for weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: Every day since I got the injury I kept telling God, Please heal me, please heal me. If its meant to be, I know youre going to put me right back in action before the Derby. Alvarado spoke of Sovereigntys loyalty, noting how the horse stuck by him when he couldnt ride. I didnt have any reservations about him, Sovereignty trainer Bill Mott said in reference to the horse. Everything had gone smoothly. Ordinarily to win these kinds of races, you cant have any hiccups in your training schedule or the way the horse is doing. But the derby didnt just bring high-stakes races. It also, of course, brought a host of fabulous outfits and mint juleps galore. The Asian Pope Francis who could be next Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle at a Mass at St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican. Luis Antonio Tagle, a Filipino cardinal known for his emphasis on poor and marginalized people, has emerged as a leading contender as cardinals prepare to meet Wednesday to begin the process of electing Francis replacement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Francis, the Jesuit-educated Tagle, 67, adopted a simple life that has led to comparisons to the late pontiff. If chosen as pope, Tagle could carry with him some lessons from the Philippines. Despite being the biggest Catholic nation in Asia about 80% of Filipinos are Catholic and the third-largest in the world, it is also one of the more LGBTQ-friendly countries in the region. Edwin Valles, former president of Courage Philippines, an LGBTQ organization under the Archdiocese of Manila, says he is certain that Tagle would continue embracing the gay community. But Noel Asiones, an academic researcher from the University of Santo Tomas, a Catholic university in Manila, told NBC News that Tagle lacks the prophetic voice that saw Francis exert moral authority on issues like capitalism or the injustices of war. In case you missed it This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Donald Trump dismissed concerns that an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope was offensive to Catholics and accused the media of drumming up anger. Trump or his team posted the image on his Truth Social account on Friday, where it quickly generated blowback. Italys former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said it was an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown. Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York whom Trump recommended for the papacy last week, and the New York State Catholic Conference also expressed dismay. When asked about negative Catholic reaction over the image at a Monday press conference at the White House, Trump replied: You don't mean the Catholics, you mean the fake news media ... the Catholics loved it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope Francis died on April 21, Easter Monday. His death triggered a nine-day mourning period and soon a papal conclave, which will see the College of Cardinals gather at the Sistine Chapel in Rome to elect a new leader. On Monday, Trump told reporters that he had not seen the image, which the official White House X account reposted, until Sunday night. I have no idea where it came from, he said. Maybe it was AI. But I know nothing about it. I just saw it last evening. Actually my wife thought it was cute. She said, isn't that nice? Trump on Monday also joked that the Papacy likely isnt in his future even though last week he joked he would be his own top choice for the post. Actually I would not be able to be married though, he said. That would be a lot. I'd have to to the best of my knowledge, popes aren't big on getting married, are they? Not that we know of, no. President Donald Trumps ability to accelerate his lagging deportations agenda hinges on congressional Republicans figuring out what theyre going to cut to pay for it. White House border czar Tom Homan has pleaded with GOP lawmakers for more money for months as the White House has struggled to launch the mass deportation campaign the president promised. Top administration officials have been in close touch with the Hill about the figures they need to ramp up removals. Republicans appear ready to give the White House more than officials have asked for. The House and Senate proposals would allow the committees that oversee immigration to spend between $200 billion and $350 billion as Homan has projected the deportation effort would cost $86 billion to execute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans agree with the idea of plowing billions into the presidents No. 1 campaign pledge. But that money is out of reach, as lawmakers struggle to agree on cuts to pay for the huge increase in spending plus the extension of the tax breaks Trump signed into law during his last term. A Department of Homeland Security memo last month warned House and Senate Republicans that failure to pass the legislation would undo all the Trump Administrations Massive Successes. And the presidents budget outline released Friday further underscored where the White House is pressuring lawmakers to land: Trump called for a 65 percent increase in funding for border security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, even as hes seeking major cuts across the federal government. Its No. 1 for those guys what we want is what they want, said House Homeland Security Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.). We all want to get this done were going full speed. The funding would turbocharge ICE with an unprecedented influx of cash, allowing the Trump administration to hire thousands of more agents and expand detention capacity across the country. It would also flow to private contractors as the Trump administration looks to outsource some of the deportation process by helping track down migrants and detaining them in for-profit detention facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps vow to quickly remove millions of undocumented immigrants from the country has faced a number of roadblocks. The administration has run up against a bogged-down immigration court system as well as challenges with detention space and staffing, spreading ICE agents thin as they work to deport 1 million undocumented immigrants this year four times as many as last year. We should understand that until they have that money and can start to spend that money, no one should really think that they can start raising the deportation numbers that much, said Michael Kagan, director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Immigration Clinic. They need that money, and that is the first step for expanding detention space. The House GOP proposal recommends tens of billions of dollars for detention facilities and the hiring and retention of immigration enforcement personnel paving the way for the kind of historic crackdown immigration hardliners have long pushed for. Youre going to be able to build a wall. Youre going to have detention facilities, deportation, all of that stuff, said Michael Hough, director of federal relations at NumbersUSA, a group that works to reduce both legal and illegal immigration. This would be huge, historic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE says it has deported roughly 65,700 immigrants since Trump took office, though the deportation numbers have been questioned by experts. The agency has reported 66,500 arrests since January, claiming that three of four were undocumented immigrants with criminal records. So far this year, the Trump administrations monthly deportation pace has been lower than that of the Biden administration at the same time last year. Thats in part because its easier to deport people arrested at the border than those apprehended inside the country, and the number of people crossing the border has continued to plummet since Trump took office. Theyve had tremendous success in securing the border. We just want to make sure they can continue to do that, said House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). But more money wont resolve all of Trumps challenges and arresting and detaining more people does not automatically result in more removals, said Deborah Fleischaker, former acting chief of staff for ICE during the Biden administration. Home countries of many migrants especially those who committed crimes dont always want to take them back. Thats part of the reason the Trump administration has entered a deal with El Salvador to accept deportees from the U.S. and is now in talks with other countries in addition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also takes time and resources to hire, vet and train more agents, and new detention facilities wont be up and running overnight. The presidents rhetoric has spurred fear across communities, with many immigrants seeking legal aid and going into hiding. Were a long ways away from 100,000 beds and a million removals. A million removals, thats like 30,000 removals a week, said an ICE official, granted anonymity to speak candidly. During the previous three administrations, the removal stats were juiced because of all the people crossing the border. A million removals from the interior requires a million arrests. And now everyone is actively hiding and thwarting us. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has set an ambitious July 4 deadline for the passage of the GOP megabill, which they hope to enact via fast-track budget procedures that will allow them to sidestep a Democratic filibuster. A number of committees are still hammering out their plans, including politically complicated cuts to Medicaid, and the House and Senate will need to reach a consensus on their proposals. The House Judiciary Committee proposed raising revenue via a host of new fees on those who apply through the legal immigration system, including a first-of-its-kind minimum $1,000 fee for asylum seekers and $3,500 fee for sponsors of unaccompanied children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, for their part, have virtually no means to block the bills passage, assuming the GOP can stay aligned. But unlike Trumps first term, during which a border wall funding fight prompted the longest-ever government shutdown, Democrats have so far not focused on the immigration and border provisions in their attacks on the bill. Instead they are spotlighting the potential cuts to government programs. During a committee markup, Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee were largely silent about the tens of billions of dollars the committees bill allocates for the border wall system. President Donald Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz. The notorious former last-resort prison on Alcatraz Island off the coast of San Francisco shuttered in 1963 due to infrastructure issues and high operation costs. The former penitentiary was turned into a museum and opened to the public in 1973. For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering, Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social tonight. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. His announcement to reopen Alcatraz comes on the heels of his clash with courts, including the Supreme Court, as his administration refuses to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was illegally deported from Maryland to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador in March in violation of a protection from removal order barring his deportation to the Central American country. Trump has gone so far as to espouse that he would love to send American criminals to the El Salvador prison along with alleged gang members and immigration detainees. His post tonight went on to chastise the American judicial system for following the principles of due process. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally, he wrote. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA Great Again! Trump told reporters tonight that radicalized judges who are holding firm that deportees be given due process prompted his idea to reopen Alcatraz, which he said, via The Associated Press, is a symbol of law and order. You know, its got quite a history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement to AP that the agency will comply with all Presidential Orders. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine during a phone call on May 5, Trump announced via social media. Turkey has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine, which Trump has promised to end by brokering a peace deal. The leaders' latest conversation was "very good and productive," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders discussed the war in Ukraine, among other topics, and extended invitations to visit each other's respective nations. Trump described his relationship with Erdogan during his first term as "excellent." "In any event, I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, war between Russia and Ukraine ended now!" Trump wrote. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has maintained diplomatic and economic ties with both nations while supporting Ukraine's sovereignty. Leveraging its strategic position and influence in the Black Sea region, Turkey has facilitated negotiations, grain exports, and expressed willingness to participate in ceasefire monitoring. Turkey has also offered to host peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, U.S. representatives met with Russian delegates for talks in Istanbul, though Ukraine was reportedly not on the agenda for those discussions. Trump on May 5 also told reporters that the U.S. was "in a good position" to achieve a peace negotiation and that both Russia and Ukraine were ready to strike a deal. Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposed three-day truce was a sign of Moscow's readiness to move peace negotiations forward. Read also: As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The News The Trump administration plans to slash $555 million in funding for the African Development Banks main development fund as part of sweeping cuts to foreign aid. Under a proposal submitted to the US Congress on Friday, Washington would end all contributions to the African Development Fund for the continents low-income countries next year as the White House said it was not currently aligned to its priorities. The move creates a hole in the AfDBs own plans and will likely force a reset in the way the banks key fund operates. Its current $8.9 billion three-year funding cycle ends this year. Last October, African countries had been pushing for a $25 billion replenishment. Know More A chart showing the pledges of top donors to the African Development fund in the 2023-2025 cycle, and their estimated pledges for the 2026-2028 cycle. The US has backed the African Development Fund since 1976 and is the AfDBs second-largest shareholder. Other leading donors have also been cutting back on their contributions but none of the reductions have been anywhere near as drastic as those put forward by the US. The changes will be a challenge for the incoming AfDB president after leadership elections later this month when current president Akinwumi Adesina steps down at the end of his second term. Yinkas view The Trump 2.0 White House has been nothing if not transparent in foreshadowing its plans to slash away at nearly all forms of foreign aid spending and reshaping (dismantling?) the eight-decade long Bretton Woods world order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But many will still find it jarring to parse through some of the details of those plans as they start to come to fruition. Under the latest budget proposals, the African Development Fund, which backs some of the continents low income and fragile economies, will take a notable hit. The Washington-based US-African Development Fund, which has long been viewed with suspicion by Republicans, is being shuttered; and the $1.6 billion in funding for UN and other peacekeeping missions is deemed wasteful and will be cut as well. However its worth noting the US has said the budget will include $3.2 billion over three years for the World Banks International Development Association, where other donors and institutions should take on more of the burden sharing. Under the circumstances some have considered this something of a win, even though its lower than former US President Joe Bidens previous $4 billion proposal. The Trump White House is also proposing an increase in backing for the US International Development Finance Corporation, which was founded in Trumps first term. It will have a new $3 billion fund. Again, there are few surprises here: These proposals are said to fulfill US President Donald Trumps promise to no longer dole out foreign aid dollars with no return on investment for the American people. The Scene Democratic leaders love talking about the presidents flagging poll numbers. Their own numbers, not so much. When House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries got asked recently to react to a colleague who worried that the party was too focused on El Salvador, he pivoted: Our reaction is that Donald Trump has the lowest public approval rating of any president in modern American history. One day later, after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer boasted that Trump has the lowest 100-day approval rating since they started polling 80 years ago, CNNs Manu Raju turned the question back on him. Schumers own approval rating was 17% in CNNs poll, much lower than Trumps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls come and go, said Schumer. Our party is united. Polls nonetheless put Democrats in a notably weak position for a party aiming to win back Congress next year. In special elections held since Trump took office, Democrats have usually beat expectations, holding their Wisconsin Supreme Court majority and winning a slew of down-ballot races. But the partys image has not recovered from 2024, and its marks in the spring of 2017 were higher than today. Voters dont necessarily trust that Democrats are going to stand up for them, said Ian Smith, the director of polling and analytics at the Democratic firm Navigator Research, and before that a pollster at the Kamala Harris campaign. Even folks that are seeing pain from what Trumps doing see some logic in it. Know More In Navigator Researchs polling this year, favorable views of the Democratic Party started negative and stayed there a 44-51 favorable/unfavorable rating after Trumps first weeks, a 43-53 rating after 100 days. Over the same period, the GOPs favorable/unfavorable rating dipped from 46-50 to 43-54. Voters grew more sour about Trump and Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didnt benefit Democrats at all. In NBC News polling, the party has fared even worse, with a record low 27% approval rating driven by frustration from their own base. This was not the story eight years ago, around the 100-day mark of Trumps first governing trifecta. Quinnipiac Universitys national polling put Democrats 16 points ahead in a House ballot test, benefitting from widespread buyers remorse. By a 49-point margin, voters disapproved of what Republicans were doing in Congress; they disapproved of what Democrats were doing by roughly half that, a 24-point margin. There is no similar polling to calm Democrats in 2025. In a survey shared with House Republicans last week, their campaign chair Richard Hudson, R-N.C., found Trump just barely underwater in competitive seats, and Republicans up by an average of 2 points in the 13 Democratic seats that Trump carried last year. The View From Democrats Their partys persistent unpopularity has been a subject of heated debate between Democrats especially the loss of their usual advantage when voters are asked which party cares more about people like them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a party that has a 27% approval rating, former New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman said last week on the new Zeteo show he hosts with former Missouri Rep. Cori Bush. The party is on life support and it needs new ideas, new voices, new energy to come and save it. Bowman and Bush, who were ousted thanks in part to millions of dollars spent by pro-Israel groups to challenge them in primaries last year, agreed that Democrats would have been stronger had they listened to them. Moderate Democrats, just as confidently, have blamed the left wing for discrediting the entire party with the voters they need to win back. In March, other polling for Navigator Research found a majority of voters in swing seats agreeing that Democrats were more focused on helping other people than people like me, that they were too focused on being politically correct, and that they did not share voters values. Democrats whove been competing in state elections countered that the DC gloom isnt spreading everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen three specials this year where we put up 20-point over-performances, said Iowa state Sen. Zach Wahls, pointing to a significant shift toward the party locally that helped them flip one seat just a week into Trumps term. We are seeing huge energy, whether its door-knocking or recruitment or rallies outside the big cities. That energy is more important, to me, than poll numbers. But that strength has come in lower-turnout elections, without much evidence that voters who abandoned the party have been convinced to come back. According to Smith, Democrats are not benefiting automatically from Trump or GOP problems because 74% of all voters say they wanted major change in the political system, or to change that system entirely. Just 26% said that the system needed minor changes, or none at all. Most people dont just want a system update, said Smith. If you offer them a version 1.2 of America, they wont see a difference in their day to day life. Theyd rather see and feel change. Davids view The easiest answer to the Democrats problem is the one reporters enjoy the least: Its early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most voters rejected Democrats last year, and theyre not looking at politics again until they really have to. But why are Democrats less popular now than they usually are after defeats, and why are Republicans holding onto most of their 2024 support? One reason, suggested by the actual special election results so far, is that some of the anti-Democratic negativity is from people who will vote for the party anyway. NBCs headline-generating poll found that 59% of self-identified Democrats wanted their party to compromise with Trump in 2017. This year, just 32% of Democrats said that. Those Democrats heard their party leaders call Trump a threat to democracy, and they are sticking to their opposition, even when the leaders waver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another reason is a long-term shift against the party thats been visible in voter registration patterns for eight years. At this point in 2017, Democrats still outnumbered registered Republicans in Florida. Republicans now hold a 1.2-million voter advantage. The decline hasnt been quite so Alpine everywhere, but there is grist here for moderate Democrats who say that their party lost voters, perhaps for good, with the leftward shift that started at the end of Barack Obamas presidency and arguably ended during Bidens. And Bidens unpopularity, driven by questions about why he ran again at age 81, is a frequent Democratic distraction. (Tune in to The View this week!) Id propose a third reason why Democrats are lagging right now: Republicans learned from 2017 that they are most vulnerable when they are targeting health care and entitlements for cuts. At this moment, eight years ago, the GOP was slogging through its doomed Obamacare repeal campaign, which would drag on through July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That raised the salience of the Democratic Partys best issue and united it behind one cause. Republicans learned from that and are talking as little as they can in public about cuts to Medicaid and Medicare that might make it into their party-line tax and spending package. Democratic messaging often tries to change the news of the day back to Medicare and Medicaid; Republicans have not given them much of a hook for that, working in committee rooms on targeted health care spending cuts that are wrapped tight in jargon. Would Democrats problems be fixed if the DS conversation turned to this? No, but they have been fighting the which party cares about people like you question on unfamiliar turf tariffs and stock prices, not the cost of medicine. Room for Disagreement Lakshya Jain, a partner at the election firm Split Ticket, said that Democrats are actually situated where most losing parties are, this far from their last defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually, the party out of power has a stink on them for a while, Jain said. First-quarter generic ballot polling virtually always overshoots the eventual margin of the in-party. At this point in 2005, and 2009 and 2013, the party that had lost the presidency was not leading substantially in public polling. Each time, that party went on to win a midterm election landslide the following autumn. Democrats early advantage in 2017 was an aberration, said Jain, because Trump had lost the popular vote and got mired in fights like the unsuccessful effort to repeal Obamacare. This presidency is behaving much more like the other presidencies have, in terms of public opinion. Notable President Donald Trumps second-favorite pick for the papacy has slammed the president for a social media stunt decried by critics as tasteless and deeply offensive to Catholics. Well, you know, it wasnt good, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan told a team of reporters ahead of a Sunday Mass in Rome, where next week he will be participating in the conclave to elect a new Holy Father following Pope Francis death three weeks ago. He then said: brutta figura, an Italian colloquialism that is used when someone embarrasses themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dolan comments added to the discourse around the AI image Trump and White House social media accounts posted late Friday that depicted the president as pope with a large crucifix around his neck. Responding to general questions before Mass at his titular church this morning in Rome, Cardinal Dolan spoke about President Trumps post on social media dressed as a pope. @thegnewsroom pic.twitter.com/sF1zshVTP3 Mary Shovlain (@maryshovlain) May 4, 2025 While Trump has in recent days spoken openly about his support for Dolan potentially assuming the papacy, hes also increasingly joked about having his own papal ambitions. Trump quipped to reporters that he was his own No. 1 choice to succeed Francis. Dolan said he believes the Trump still takes his Christian faith seriously and he hopes Trump didnt have anything to do with the AI-generated image, which has even sparked backlash from pro-MAGA voices. One conservative X account warned, youre going to lose a lot of Catholic support over stunts like this. The New York Cardinal joins other high-ranking U.S. members of the Catholic Church condemning the gagamong them Illinois Bishop Thomas Paprocki, who wrote in a statement on X that this is deeply offensive to Catholics[,] especially during this sacred time that we are still mourning the death of Pope Francis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paprocki added, [Trump] owes an apology. Senior members of the GOP have nevertheless rallied around the president. Vice President JD Vance, himself a practicing Catholic, wrote on X that as a general rule, Im fine with people telling jokes in response to the controversy. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who earlier this week called for cardinals at next weeks enclave to keep an open mind about Trumps non-existent pontifical prospects, also joked on Saturday the image was worth a thousand words and MAGAists should listen out for more updates to come. However, Trump as pope wasnt the only White House AI flub to have caused a stir this week. The Pentagon landed in hot water on X after posting a bonkers picture of Pete Hegseth at the southern border. In the photo, he appears to be fending off a trio of nefarious-looking men holding an ever-so-subtly labelled box of DRUGS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Secretarys pinky finger was also missing from the image, which included an American flag conspicuously short 18 of its 50 stars and one of 13 stripes. The photo fail comes on the heels of intensifying scrutiny over Hegseths fitness for the job amid several Signalgate scandals. Even if you ignore the missing finger, this image makes Hegseth look like hes the bodyguard for Scary Drugs Men, wrote one X commentator about the image. United States President Donald Trump says he has had a very good and productive telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and they have discussed a wide range of topics, including how to end Russias war in Ukraine, Syria and Israels war on Gaza. During the call on Monday, Trump said Erdogan had invited him to visit Turkiye and he had extended an invitation for the Turkish leader to visit Washington, DC. No dates were announced. A readout of the call from the Turkish presidency confirmed Erdogan invited Trump for a visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican president, who described his relationship with Erdogan as excellent during his first tenure at the White House, said the two countries would cooperate on ending the war in Ukraine. I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended NOW! Trump said in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform. NATO member Turkiye has sought to maintain good relations with both of its Black Sea neighbours since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has twice hosted talks aimed at ending the war. Noting that he supports President Trumps approach toward ending wars, President Erdogan expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted to maintain the negotiation process with Iran and stop the war between Russia and Ukraine, Turkiyes Directorate of Communications said in a statement posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erdogan also raised the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, warning that its humanitarian crisis had reached a grave level, the directorate said. The Turkish president also stressed the importance of the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid and the urgent end to this tragic situation. On neighbouring Syria, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiyes commitment to preserving its territorial integrity and restoring lasting stability. He said US efforts to ease sanctions on Syria and its new government would help move that process forward and contribute to regional peace. Regarding bilateral ties, Erdogan said Ankara remained committed to strengthening cooperation with Washington, particularly in the defence sector. Trump is due to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates next week. BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland's top Taiwan affairs official on Monday extended condolences to the family of veteran Taiwan pro-reunification advocate Hsu Li-nung, who passed away Sunday at a hospital in Taipei at the age of 106. Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that Hsu adhered to the one-China principle, pursued national reunification, and resolutely opposed "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. In his message, Song said that Hsu has dedicated himself to promoting cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation and the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, earning the respect of patriotic forces both domestically and internationally, and emphasized that Hsu's tireless efforts and contributions will continue to inspire future generations in their pursuit of realizing the national reunification. Born in April 1919 in Guichi, Anhui Province, Hsu was a graduate of the Huangpu Military Academy, which was born out of the first cooperation between the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communist Party of China and stood as the first academy cultivating military officers for the Chinese revolution. At the age of 18, he joined China's resistance against Japanese aggression following the July 7th Incident in 1937. He relocated to Taiwan in 1949. In the 1990s, Hsu grew increasingly critical of then KMT chairman Lee Teng-hui's pro-independence stance. Disillusioned, he left the KMT and joined the New Party. He later founded several pro-reunification groups, including the New Alliance Association, becoming a widely respected spiritual leader of Taiwan's pro-reunification groups. A staunch proponent of cross-Strait reunification, Hsu led multiple delegations to the mainland. In 2014, he served as head of a major delegation of Taiwan's pro-reunification groups visiting the mainland. President Donald Trump expressed interest in once again extending the deadline to ban TikTok in the U.S. Trump expressed his latest views on TikTok during a sit-down interview Sunday with NBC News Meet the Press with Kristen Welker. Perhaps I shouldnt say this, but I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok, Trump said. During his first term, the president proposed a TikTok ban, but during his re-election campaign last year, he saw the benefits of the social media platform and strongly advocated for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress reasoning for banning TikTok was that it was seen as a national security threat due to its parent company, ByteDance, being controlled by the Chinese government, which has the capability of accessing the personal information of American users. TikTok and ByteDance had sued the U.S. government, challenging the ban or sale, with the case trending all the way to the Supreme Court, where the ban as drafted by the bill was upheld. The app was set to be banned in the U.S. Jan. 19, and it went dark for about 14 hours starting the night of Jan. 18, before coming back online the following day and crediting a promise from then-President-elect Trump. Once he returned to office, Trump issued an executive order extending the ban deadline by 75 days. Negotiations in trying to find a deal, which includes a separation agreement, as well as finding a U.S. suitor, have proven to be difficult, resulting in the president extending the deadline for another 75 days. The second extension is set to expire June 19. President Donald Trump greeted Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American ballerina and esthetician who was held in a Russian prison for over a year, at the White House. Trump met with Karelina, 34, in the Oval Office on Monday, shaking her hand and telling her its an honor. When the 34-year-old responded that it was her honor to meet him, Trump, speaking to the people she had arrived with, said: Now I know why you fought so hard to get her out of there. Karelina was born in Russia and immigrated to the U.S. more than 10 years ago, building a life in Los Angeles as an esthetician at a spa and obtaining citizenship in 2021. But Karelina was arrested in January 2024 while visiting her parents and sister in the southern Russian city of Yekaterinburg. President Donald Trump shakes Ksenia Karelina's hand in the Oval Office (White House) Karelina was accused of treason after she donated $51 from her U.S. bank account to a charity that sends aid to Ukraine on February 24, 2022 the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion into the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias Federal Security Service issued a statement at the time claiming that Karelina had been proactively collecting funds... which were subsequently used to purchase tactical medical items, equipment, means of destruction and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces. Following Karelinas arrest, the charity she donated to released a statement condemning her arrest and calling on the US government to continue to do everything in its power to demand that President Putin release all those unjustly detained by Russia and to hold Russias political and military leadership accountable for their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Ksenia Karelina (center) celebrates after she was returned to the U.S. from Russian prison last month (REUTERS) In August, she was sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony for high treason. Russian authorities claimed she fully admitted her guilt. Karelina was released last month and safely returned to the U.S. The 34-year-old was freed as part of a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, negotiated by the CIA and senior Russian intelligence officials. Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned Karelina before the swap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the United States welcomes the return of American-Russian ballerina Ksenia Karelina who was sentenced by a Russian court to a penal colony for 12 years after authorities discovered she had donated to a Ukrainian charity, Mike Waltz said last month while serving as National Security Adviser. Karelina pictured in a glass cage while attending court last year. She was arrested for donating to a charity that sends aid to Ukraine (Sverdlovsk regional Court press) President Trump and his administration continue to work around the clock to ensure Americans detained abroad are returned home to their families, he added. Her release came after Russian authorities released Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in August during a historic prisoner swap. Theyre out of Russia. Earlier today, they were flown to Turkey, and soon therell be wheels up on their way home to see their families, President Joe Biden said at the time. This is an incredible relief for all the family members gathered here. Its relief to the friends and colleagues all across the country who have been praying for this day for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, around 10 Americans remain in Russian prisons, Reuters reports. Among them is Stephen James Hubbard, a 73-year-old accused of serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. He was sentenced to more than six years in prison after Russian officials claimed he pleaded guilty. The State Department declared Hubbard wrongfully detained, meaning the U.S. can now negotiate for his release. Hes believed to be the only American still in Russian custody with this designation, Reuters reports. Donald Trump and NBC's "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker discuss the economy, immigration and more. Sovereignty and jockey Junior Alvarado overcome the odds to win the Kentucky Derby. Plus, a look at a potential favorite to succeed Pope Francis ahead of the conclave to elect a new Catholic leader. Heres what to know today. Trump defends the economy, says he wont seek a third term in Meet the Press interview In a wide-ranging interview with NBC News Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker, President Donald Trump downplayed fears from his critics about the economy, skirted a question about whether he has to uphold the Constitution when it comes to due process for immigrants and weighed in on whether he would run for a third term as president. The interview at his Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, covered an array of issues he has addressed in his first 100 days in office. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. Trumps approval numbers have slid modestly amid a flurry of executive actions that have tested the constitutional limits of presidential power over the size and scope of the government, the due process rights of noncitizens and the punishment of opponents. Still, Trump waved away concerns about his expansive tariffs program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what Trump had to say about The economy, as he implements tariffs: Look, yeah. Everythings OK. I said, this is a transition period. I think were going to do fantastically. Whether he would uphold the Constitutions Fifth Amendment, which concerns due process: "I dont know. Im not, Im not a lawyer." Trump suggested his wishes to rapidly carry out mass deportations may take precedence over giving immigrants the right to due process. Seeking a third term: "I'll be an eight-year president; I'll be a two-term president. I always thought that was very important." It was his clearest indication yet that he wont try to extend his stay at the White House, but he didnt name a potential successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling out CEOs for business tactics he doesnt agree with, which he did last week to Jeff Bezos when it was reported that Amazon will begin to list tariff charges on certain purchases: "If I think that somebodys doing something thats incorrect, wrong or maybe hurtful to the country, Ill call. Wouldnt you want me to call?" A military parade he wants to host on June 14, which is both Flag Day and his birthday: "Peanuts compared to the value of doing it," Trump said. Defense officials said the estimated cost could be as high as $45 million. Trump also expressed optimism that lawmakers can reach a July 4 deadline to pass a bill to push forward his agenda; said he will not take TikTok away from Americans; and predicted his policies will prove popular enough that Republicans will retain control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm election. Read the full story here. More politics news: Kentucky Derbys winning jockey overcame an injury and the odds Jockey Junior Alvarado celebrates atop of Sovereignty after winning the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3. On a muddy track at Churchill Downs, 9-to-1 outsider Sovereignty won the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, with favorite Journalism ending up in second place. Jockey Junior Alvarado, who took home $3.1 million in winnings, achieved his first career win in horse racings signature event after five previous losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even before Saturday, Alvarado had already pulled off an upset of his own, bouncing back from a hairline fracture in his shoulder two months ago that left him sidelined for weeks. Every day since I got the injury I kept telling God, Please heal me, please heal me, Alvarado said. If its meant to be, I know youre going to put me right back in action before the Derby. His prayers were answered. Sovereignty trainer Bill Mott also assured Alvarado the horse was his to ride once he recovered. The rest was history. Read the full story here. And we cant forget the hats. Take a look at the best Derby Day fashions. Israeli ministers okay plan to capture all of Gaza Israel plans to expand its military offensive in the Gaza Strip and seize the entire Palestinian enclave, an Israeli official with knowledge of the matter told NBC News Monday. The new plan, which was earlier approved unanimously by the countrys security cabinet, foresees a full Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, and making sure humanitarian aid does not fall into Hamas hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel, before the last ceasefire went into effect, had already taken full control of a third of the Palestinian enclave. On Sunday, the Israeli army began calling up tens of thousands of its reserve soldiers to intensify and expand its presence in an attempt to increase the pressure on Hamas to return the remaining hostages held since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack. Read the full story here. Jury selection in Sean Diddy Combs trial Music mogul Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial is set to begin today in New York with jury selection. The trial comes after his arrest in September, when he was indicted by federal prosecutors. He faces five criminal counts, including one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty and vehemently denied wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal case revolves around four alleged victims who are all expected to testify over the course of what is predicted to be a monthslong trial. Heres what else to know about allegations in the case, the judge and more. NBC News will be following the action closely. Sign up to receive a newsletter with exclusive reporting and analysis throughout the trial. Guatemalan mother and days-old baby detained at border A Guatemalan woman who gave birth to an American baby less than a week ago is being held along with her newborn in ICE custody as she faces deportation, U.S. officials said. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said that the woman was apprehended by Customs and Border Patrol agents and hospitalized after she crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally between checkpoints in Arizona while she was eight months pregnant. The spokesperson said she gave birth in a hospital under supervision and was transferred to ICE custody after she was discharged by medical staff. Luis Campos, a lawyer for the woman, told NBC affiliate KVOA of Tucson that his client gave birth last Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campos said he believes the woman will be deported and her child will be removed with her, despite the newborns status as a natural-born U.S. citizen. In recent weeks, three other U.S. citizen children from two families were removed from the country with their mothers under what representatives and critics have characterized as rapid deportation that aims to circumvent their right to due process. Federal border agencies have denied the allegation. Read the full story here. Read All About It Staff Pick: The Asian Francis possibly in contention to be the next pope Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle attends a mass at St Peter's basilica in The Vatican, on April 30. Who will be the next pope? Good question. The bigger question: Which way will the Catholic Churchs pendulum of liberal-versus-conservatism swing? The conclave to elect Pope Francis successor begins Wednesday, and one favorite to be elected is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines. Tagle, 67, has been dubbed the Asian Francis for his emphasis on poor and marginalized people. But what makes his potential selection interesting is his country of origin. Despite being the biggest Catholic nation in Asia and the third-largest in the world, the Philippines is one of the more LGBTQ-friendly countries in the region, opening the possibility of continuing Francis embrace of gay Catholics into the next papacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Tagle also has been dogged by a record of poor administration in his role leading a Vatican organization, making for a big decision for the 100-or-so cardinals this week. Jeremy Mikula, weekend platforms director NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified A portable blender makes whipping up smoothies, protein drinks or the occasional frozen margarita quick and easy. Here are the nine best portable blenders to shop. And if youre looking to spruce up your apartment with rental-friendly upgrades, consider these tricks. Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week. Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Trumps White House has repeatedly shown that its not shy about leaning into internet jokes and memes that stir controversy, even on the administrations official social media accounts. This past weekend was no different. On Sunday, the White House posted to X an AI-generated image of a muscular Trump, flanked by two bald eagles and two U.S. flags, wielding a lightsaber for Star Wars Day, the unofficial celebration of the George Lucas film franchise, which occurs annually on May 4. "Happy May the 4th to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting so hard to bring Sith Lords, Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, & well known MS-13 Gang Members, back into our Galaxy. You're not the Rebellionyou're the Empire," the White House post read. May the 4th be with you. Happy May the 4th to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting so hard to to bring Sith Lords, Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, & well known MS-13 Gang Members, back into our Galaxy. Youre not the Rebellionyoure the Empire. May the 4th be with you. pic.twitter.com/G883DhDRR5 The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 4, 2025 But Star Wars fans were quick to point out that the color of Trumps lightsaber red suggests that he is aligned with the Dark Side. In the films, the villains, including Darth Vader, use red sabers. The heroes, like Luke Skywalker, use blue and green ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Good guys are green and blue, Lucas himself once explained. Bad guys are red. Thats just the way it works." How do you not have one nerd on staff to tell you what color lightsaber is good and what color is bad??? The Sassiest Semite (@LittleMissLizz) May 4, 2025 Trump posts AI image of himself as the pope It was the second time in three days that an AI-generated image of Trump shared by the White House prompted a backlash. On Friday, the official White House account reposted an image that Trump shared on his Truth Social account depicting himself as the pope, the spiritual leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics. Earlier in the week, Trump joked to reporters that he would like to be pope following the death of Pope Francis. Trump, who is not a Catholic, attended Franciss funeral last month. The image drew criticism from some Catholics who continue to mourn Franciss death and from cardinals whove been in Rome ahead of the conclave that will convene to choose his successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President, the New York State Catholic Conference said in a post on X. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us. Not funny, Sir, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David wrote in a since-deleted post on Facebook. I hope he didnt have anything to do with that, said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, when asked by reporters in Rome if he was offended by Trumps pope post. It wasnt good. Vice President JD Vance who was one of the last people to meet with Francis before his death defended Trump when asked by writer Bill Kristol on X whether he was fine with this disrespect and mocking of the holy father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a general rule, Im fine with people telling jokes and not fine with people starting stupid wars that kill thousands of my countrymen, Vance replied. In both cases, the images prompted a flood of mocking memes in response. I asked Grok to make this image more realistic. pic.twitter.com/cditsyl6dY Daniel Batal (@Daniel_Batal) May 4, 2025 Here I fixed it for you! pic.twitter.com/IbykOX2zSG | (@tweet4Anna_NAFO) May 4, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House gets in on 100 men vs. 1 gorilla debate The White Houses X account was also quick to latch onto the recent internet debate over who would win in a hypothetical fight between 100 human men and one gorilla. On Thursday, the White House posted to X a cartoon image touting its deportations. 100 men vs 1 gorilla is still up for debate, the White House wrote. Meanwhile, 142,000+ illegal alien criminals went up against 1 President Trump They all got deported. 100 men vs 1 gorilla is still up for debate. Meanwhile, 142,000+ illegal alien criminals went up against 1 President Trump They all got deported. pic.twitter.com/2LaXNC3IEG The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 1, 2025 Immigration experts, though, have cast doubt on the accuracy of that deportation total. According to the most recent figures posted on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, the total number of removals for 2025 so far is 71,405, roughly half the number projected by the Trump White House. Trump dismisses pope image controversy Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump dismissed the controversy surrounding the pope post, saying it was a "joke." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I had nothing to do with it," he said. "Somebody made up a picture of me dressed like the pope and hey put it out on the internet. That's not me that did it. I have no idea where it came from. Maybe it was AI." Trump was asked whether putting out such jokes could "diminish the substance" of an official White House channel. "Give me a break," the president said. "Someone did it in fun. It was fine. You have to have a little fun, don't you?" The last time tariffs became the issue of the day was a decade ago. My dad was still farming, but getting older. My sister was working with him more, thinking about how to keep our farm going while caring for her growing family. Card games with Grandma were the same as theyd always been, her refusal to let us win offering a lesson in how the world plays for keeps. It was a fitting lesson: global trade disputes were about to prove farms were more vulnerable than ever. If the threat of trade disputes feels familiar, its because were living it again only now the stakes are even higher. And as President Trump weighs tariffs against hundreds of countries, its clearer than ever what we need to do next: negotiate a new era of trade deals that will finally put Americas family farms first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time we faced a moment like this was not long after Trump became the frontrunner of the GOP primary in 2015, promising then as now to stop the world from ripping off America. This moment similar to start of first Trump term for farmers Farms were already headed for trouble. Production of beef, pork, chicken, milk, and row crops of all kinds was rising, but by 2018 demand had levelled off for many products. Fickle markets once again meant lower prices, and hard times for farmers. That spring Trump slapped worldwide tariffs on China and other countries, saying hed force our largest trading partner to its knees. Economists had long acknowledged China was messing with farmers buying up goods to make them captive then dropping sales to depress prices, on top of all kinds of cheating but what to do about it was a matter of debate. Polling at the time showed farmers willing to accept the short-term pain of foreign retaliation, for the long-term gain of better trade deals. But they also faced consequences: the administration ultimately gave out $28 million in aid to farmers affected by falling sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually trade under Presidents Trump and Biden returned to normal other than with China. Improving prices heading into 2020 gave farmers more breathing room, and America forgot what had happened to our farms. But in farm country we didnt forget. My dad and I walked a neighboring farm together as the family working it prepared to sell all they had. I talked with farm families whose kids I went to school with, as they fought to keep from losing everything. We drove through farmland marked by one farm after another disappearing. Today's messy situation draws range of views on best options The situation today is messy, charged with challenge and opportunity for farmers, and youll get a range of views on what to do. After ratcheting up tariffs on countries worldwide, the Trump administration has paused them to give countries a chance to negotiate and says a deal with China is close. The talk of completing trade deals comes as the stock market has swung up and down and farmer support for tariffs has begun to slip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I called my sister, the fourth generation in a long line of independent women forging a path forward for our farm, to see what she thinks. She couldnt have exemplified the issue better. Malia was building a chicken tractor a mobile wagon that will allow us to sell eggs from pasture-raised chickens to local customers in between preparing to plant row crops that are often sold on the world market. Letters: I've seen firsthand how wake-enhanced boating makes small Wisconsin lakes unsafe She thinks we had to draw a hard line on unfair trade, and that were better off if we can be self-sufficient by growing our own food. At the same time, she knows we cant produce everything, and thinks selling excess American goods abroad makes sense. A good trade deal, she said, is one that has a clear benefit for American farmers. And that means there is really only one path: seize the moment to make better deals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are ways to do this. Negotiating with one country at a time on one product at a time, as the Farm Journal Foundation economist Stephanie Mercier has suggested, would allow America to avoid the trade-offs of large deals (new markets in some places, a flood of unwanted imports from others). Targeted trade also increases Americas leverage with each country. And we need to diversify where were trading, so no one country can hold us hostage. The alternatives are unfair trade, or no trade, and neither is an option for the American farmer. If Grandma were here, I think shed say its high time for a re-deal. Brian Reisinger is a writer who grew up on a family farm in Sauk County. He contributes columns and videos for the Ideas Lab at the Journal Sentinel, and is the author of Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Familys Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer. Reisinger works in public affairs consulting for Wisconsin-based Platform Communications. He splits his time between Sacramento, California Americas farm-to-fork capital, near his wifes family and the family farm in Wisconsin. You can find him on X at @BrianJReisinger This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump must negotiate trade deals with clear wins for farmers | Opinion The Trump administration is offering illegal immigrants $1,000 to leave the United States. The Department of Homeland Security will provide financial and travel assistance to people who choose to travel back to their home country voluntarily, Kristi Noem announced on Monday. Any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home app, which encourages people to self-deport, will receive a stipend of $1,000, paid after their return home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest, said Ms Noem, the Homeland Security secretary. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App. This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens, and is a 70 per cent savings for US taxpayers. Kristi Noem says self-deportation is the safest option for law enforcement - Alex Brandon/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Donald Trump has made immigration enforcement and the mass deportation of those in the US illegally a centrepiece of his campaign, but it is a costly affair. Currently, the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal immigrant from the United States stands at $17,121. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the administration is pushing Congress for a massive increase in resources for immigration officials, it is also pushing people in the country illegally to self-deport. Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the US and will allow illegal aliens to avoid being encountered by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the department said. The first use of travel assistance has already proven successful. An illegal alien that the Biden administration allowed into our country recently utilised the program to receive a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras. Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just over 100 days since taking office, Mr Trumps administration has faced a series of legal battles by critics who claim he is overstepping his constitutional bounds on his deportation programme. No case has sparked more attention than that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member deported from the country earlier this year. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador - CASA The US Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Mr Abrego Garcias return after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March. The White House initially has refused, insisting Mr Abrego Garcia is a member of the notorious South American gang, allegations his wife and lawyer have denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, the admiration is also thought to be considering paying baby bonuses to drive up birth rates. Aides are mulling a series of incentives to encourage women to have more children and push conservative family values, according to the New York Times. Proposals include a National Medal of Motherhood to mothers with six or more children, and giving every American mother $5,000 after delivery. Also discussed was funding for programmes to educate women on their menstrual cycles so they can better understand when they are ovulating. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Markus Soeder (1st L), the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz (2nd L), the Social Democratic Party (SPD)'s co-leaders Lars Klingbeil (2nd R) and Saskia Esken attend the signing ceremony of a coalition agreement in Berlin, Germany, May 5, 2025. Leaders of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU and center-left SPD signed a coalition agreement on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) BERLIN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU and center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) signed a coalition agreement on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government. Under the coalition pact finalized in April after weeks of negotiations, the parties pledged to enhance Germany's economic competitiveness, strengthen national defense, and tighten migration policies. The CDU/CSU, unofficially the Union parties or the Union, is a conservative political alliance of two political parties in Germany. The Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, is scheduled to elect Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, as chancellor on Tuesday. Once Merz is elected, his government will take office, ending the current administration led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and SPD's co-leader Lars Klingbeil will take the post of vice chancellor. According to SPD's announcement of key positions in the new cabinet on Monday, Klingbeil will also take the helm of the Finance Ministry. Boris Pistorius will be retaining his post as defense minister. Baerbel Bas, former president of the Bundestag, has been nominated as minister of Labor and Social Affairs. Other nominations include 35-year-old Reem Alabali-Radovan as minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. Speaking at a press conference before the signing, Merz said the coalition aims to advance Germany with reforms and investments. Highlighting the capabilities of the new government, Merz vowed to implement reform from day one, build essential infrastructure, and make a strong contribution to Europe. "I am very confident that starting tomorrow, we will succeed in governing our country with strength, planning, and trust," Merz said. At the press conference, Klingbeil said the new government will start its work swiftly to stimulate growth in Germany and attract future-oriented industries to Germany. During coalition negotiations, the two parties agreed to establish a 500-billion-euro (about 567 billion U.S. dollars) fund dedicated to infrastructure and climate-neutrality investments. Klingbeil pledged to cut bureaucracy and streamline procedures to accelerate the realization of infrastructure projects. Though the new government plans to tighten migration policies, Klingbeil reaffirmed that Germany remains a country of immigration, stressing that the country will manage migration with clear rules. (1 euro = 1.14 U.S. dollar) This photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows the signing ceremony of a coalition agreement in Berlin, Germany. Leaders of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU and center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) signed a coalition agreement on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) The Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Markus Soeder (1st L), the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz (2nd L), the Social Democratic Party (SPD)'s co-leaders Lars Klingbeil (2nd R) and Saskia Esken attend the signing ceremony of a coalition agreement in Berlin, Germany, May 5, 2025. Leaders of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU and center-left SPD signed a coalition agreement on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) The Social Democratic Party (SPD)'s co-leader Lars Klingbeil signs a coalition agreement in Berlin, Germany, May 5, 2025. Leaders of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU and center-left SPD signed a coalition agreement on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz signs a coalition agreement in Berlin, Germany, May 5, 2025. Leaders of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU and center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) signed a coalition agreement on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) This photo taken on May 5, 2025 shows the signing ceremony of a coalition agreement in Berlin, Germany. Leaders of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU and center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) signed a coalition agreement on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu) Donald Trump has ordered notorious maximum security prison Alcatraz be reopened. The president announced on Sunday night that he will direct the US Bureau of Prisons to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt prison on the small island off San Francisco in order to deter vicious criminals. For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than misery and suffering, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent offenders. He added: The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of law, order, and JUSTICE. The US president on board Air Force One on Sunday night as he flew back to Washington - Leah Millis The prison island was known for being a last resort facility which once housed some of Americas most dangerous and escape-prone criminals, including gangsters Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. Owing to crumbling infrastructure and high operating costs, the prison which housed up to 275 inmates at a time closed in 1963 and is currently operated as a tourist site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Located 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, it was known as The Rock and regarded as inescapable thanks to the strong ocean currents and icy Pacific waters that surround it. In the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or did not survive the attempt. Alcatraz Island. The prison was known as The Rock - Jed Jacobsohn Having previously been one of the most heavily-fortified military sites on the West coast, the island was in 1934 transformed into a federal prison designed to deter hardened criminals. Prisoners at the facility had basic rights to food, clothing, shelter and medical care, while all other privileges including visits from family had to be earned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president suggested that the prison could be used to house illegal migrants whom he has been seeking to deport. When we were a more serious nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be, Mr Trump wrote. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our country illegally. The prison is open to tourists - Noah Berger/REUTERS It comes as Mr Trump has faced opposition from judges over his attempts to use the Alien Enemies Act to detain and deport migrants without due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court last month ordered the Trump administration to pause the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a prison in El Salvador a move federal judges have labelled illegal. Plans to open a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold up to 30,000 of what Mr Trump labelled the worst criminal aliens, have also met legal challenges. Meanwhile, a proposal for a sprawling tent city to open at the Fort Bliss military base in Texas has been terminated, according to NBC. Following the Alcatraz announcement, Mr Trump hit out at radicalised judges who want trials for every single person thats in our country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would mean millions of trials, and its just so ridiculous whats happening, he told reporters at the White House on Sunday evening. By the time Alcatraz closed, authorities estimated it would cost between $3 to $5 million to restore and maintain the facility, with the maximum-security prisons walls corroded by sea salt. It was also three times more expensive to operate than any other federal prison because of its island location, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Despite housing relatively few inmates less than one per cent of the overall prison population its isolated location and high-profile personnel gave rise to some notorious attempted breakouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most famous escapes involved Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, John and Clarence, who have never been found after fleeing the prison in 1962. Their breakout, which was dramatised in the 1979 Clint Eastwood film Escape from Alcatraz, involved using spoons and homemade tools to dig through ventilation ducts behind their cells, constructing a makeshift raft out of life vests and stolen raincoats and making dummy heads out of plaster to fool the guards on the night of their escape. This 1962 photo shows inmate John Anglins cell and the dummy head used to disguise the escape The FBI concluded they likely drowned. But as their bodies were never recovered, occasional leads have kept the case open for decades. Responding to Mr Trumps statement, a spokesman for the Bureau of Prisons said that the agency would comply with all presidential orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesman did not immediately answer questions regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agencys role in the future of the former prison given the National Park Services control of the island. The Bureau of Prisons currently has 16 penitentiaries performing the same high-security functions as Alcatraz, including its maximum security facility in Florence, Colorado and the US penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, which is home to the federal death chamber. Nancy Pelosi, the former Democratic House Speaker, whose district includes Alcatraz, criticised the presidents proposal, calling it not a serious one. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than 60 years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The presidents proposal is not a serious one, she wrote on X. 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. Donald Trump said he does not know who created the now-infamous AI image of him as the Pope but insisted that Catholics love it, despite widespread outrage both at home and abroad. The president said that those that were offended by the image couldnt take a joke and that his wife First Lady Melania Trump thought the image was cute. In the image which was shared by the official accounts of both the president and the White House an unsmiling Trump is seated in an ornate chair, dressed in white papal vestments and headdress, with his right forefinger raised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a White House briefing on Monday, the president was challenged over it image by Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich, who claimed some Catholics were not happy about it. Donald Trump appears as a pope in an AI generated image of himself he posted on his Truth Social account. On Monday he insisted that Catholics had loved it (Donald J. Trump/Truth Social) You mean they cant take a joke? he replied. You dont mean the Catholics You mean the fake news. The Catholics loved it. I had nothing to do with it. Somebody made up a picture of me dressed like the pope and they put it out on the internet thats not me that did it. Contrary to his claim, the Catholic Bishops of New York State previously expressed their clear displeasure at the AI image. There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr President, they wrote on X. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even New York cardinal Timothy Dolan, who Trump endorsed as a very good candidate for the next Holy Father, said that the stunt wasnt good. When asked by reporters about his thoughts on the post, Dolan replied that he hoped Trump didnt have anything to do with that. The president said that those that were offended by the image couldnt take a joke and that his wife First Lady Melania Trump thought the image was cute (AP) Back in the White House, Trump insisted that he had not. I have no idea where it came from. Maybe it was AI, he said. But I know nothing about it. I just saw it the last evening. Actually My wife thought it was cute. Ha ha she said, Isnt that nice. I would not be able to be married though to the best of my knowledge popes arent big on getting married are they? Not that we know of no. I think its the fake news media, theyre fakers. When pushed on the fact that the meme had been shared by the official White House account, and whether this diminished the substance of the account, Trump replied Oh give me a break, before moving on. Utilizing the resources of the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, Donald Trump has announced his intention to seek a 100% tariff on all films brought to America from another country. This includes films made by American companies like Netflix overseas in areas with better tax incentives, such as the U.K. and South Africa. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. More from IndieWire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump went on to claim that production moving overseas was part of a concerted effort by foreign countries to undermine American business, calling it a national security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Trump wrote. Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! Hollywood has been on the Presidents hit list from the very start of his second administration. One of his first actions in office was to name Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight as special ambassadors to help fix an ailing Hollywood. Though not much has been heard from Gibson or Stallone on this effort, Voight has been making the rounds with different union reps and studio executives (as per Deadline). Many were hopeful this might lead to a possible federal tax incentive for production throughout the U.S., but as its become Trumps new favorite toy, it seems a tariff is what well get. Its unclear whether this tariff will apply to films alone or also include other media such as television, music videos, or commercials, but if so, it may end up doing more damage than good. The stated goal is to incentivize bringing production back to the States and in particular, Hollywood but this doesnt actually reduce the cost of production in the way federal U.S. Tax incentives would. This just makes production outside the U.S. more expensive. The net result may be that the studios would just reduce production across the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as tax incentives, in October 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom put forth a proposal to increase the states tax program to $750 million, over twice as much as its doling out currently. Others have offered further increases, suggesting no cap be placed on this figure. Voting for this initiative will take place this summer. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Donald Trumps administration is trying to trick immigrants into self-deporting by offering them $1,000but its just another scam. The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday that any undocumented immigrant who uses the CBP Home app to self-deport would receive a stipend of $1,000, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app. DHS attempted to paint self-deportation as a dignified way to avoid being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and claimed that it may help preserve the option for an illegal alien to re-enter the United States legally in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Aaron Reichlin-Melchick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, wasnt the least bit convinced by the governments claim that those who self-deport would ever be welcomed back to the U.S. He wrote in a post on X Monday that the governments offer was an outright LIE that will trap people into WORSE outcomes for them than if they stayed and fought a case in immigration court. Having a deportation order would make it harder to return, and the DHSs offer would sabotage immigration cases, he added. Reichlin-Melchick also wrote that there was reason to doubt that DHS even had the authority to offer financial assistance to immigrants who chose to self-deport. No law directly authorizes DHS to pay plane tickets and offer reimbursements to people leaving the country, he noted. The only legal authority that allowed for the government to deport immigrants desirous of being so removed also included a near-total ban on reentry, Reichlin-Melchick wrote in another post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any alien so removed shall be ineligible to apply for or receive a visa or other documentation for readmission, or to apply for admission to the United States except with the prior approval of the Attorney General, states U.S. Code Title 8 Section 1260. In recent weeks, in an effort to encourage self-deportation, DHS has sent notices telling undocumented immigrants that their parole status has been revokedbut reporters discovered that some of these emails wound up in the inboxes of immigration attorneys, forcing DHS to acknowledge its sloppy mistake. President Trump's budget blueprint calls for $163 billion in spending cuts to non-military programs, including $1.2 billion for national parks, monuments, historic sites, seashores and trails. That's about 25% of the park service's budget of $4.8 billion. The 2026 budget plan also proposes turning some national park sites over to states, removing them from the National Park System. The proposal quickly came under fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the most extreme, unrealistic and destructive National Park Service budget a President has ever proposed in the agencys 109-year history," said Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit advocacy group. What was in Trump's budget plan about national parks? A letter from the president's Office of Management and Budget to the Committee on Appropriations outlined Trump's recommendations on "discretionary funding levels" for fiscal year 2026. "The recommended funding levels result from a rigorous, line-by-line review of FY 2025 spending, which was found to be laden with spending contrary to the needs of ordinary working Americans and tilted toward funding niche non-governmental organizations and institutions of higher education committed to radical gender and climate ideologies antithetical to the American way of life. "We also considered, for each program, whether the governmental service provided could be provided better by State or local governments (if provided at all). Just as the Federal Government has intruded on matters best left to American families, it has intruded on matters best left to the levels of government closest to the people, who understand and respect the needs and desires of their communities far better than the Federal Government ever could." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the case in the proposal when it came to the National Park Service. "The National Park Service responsibilities include a large number of sites that are not National Parks, in the traditionally understood sense, many of which receive small numbers of mostly local visitors, and are better categorized and managed as State-level parks. "The Budget would continue supporting many national treasures, but there is an urgent need to streamline staffing and transfer certain properties to State-level management to ensure the long-term health and sustainmentof the National Park system." The budget plan suggests a cut of $900 million in fiscal year 2026 for park operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More cuts proposed by Trump: National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund: The plan recommended a $158 million cut in the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund, saying, "Many historic preservation projects have matching funds from State, local, and private sources, rendering the Historic Preservation Fund highly duplicative. Further, the projects are often of local, rather than national, significance." National Park Service Construction : "The Biden Administration wasted Federal funding on construction projects at sites that are more appropriately managed at the local level. This reduction (of $73 million) complements the Administrations goals of federalism and transferring smaller, lesser visited parks to State and tribal governments. At the same time, the Budget allows NPS to prioritize larger projects at the Nations crown jewel parks." National Park Service Recreation and Preservation: "Many National Recreation and Preservation grants are already supported by State, local, and private sector efforts, including large amounts of mandatory funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Grants. Further, these projects are not directly tied to maintaining national parks or public lands." The recommended cut was $77 million. Cuts would 'devastate' national parks "Cuts of this magnitude would devastate our national parks, further pushing them into a financial hole," the National Park and Conservation Association posted on its website. "For generations, Americans have believed that some places are so special that they should be protected for all time, and for all to experience. Any effort to hand many of these sites over to the states is a betrayal, and the American people wont stand for it," Pierno said. How many national parks are there in US? According to the National Park Service, there are 433 national park sites in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixty-three of the sites have national park as part of their name. How many national park sites are in Florida? According to the National Park Service, there are 11 national park sites in Florida: See all 11 national park sites in Florida Florida has 'parks' on lists for most- and least-visited Joseph Greene seems to walk on water as he his pulled along by his kite while practicing his kiteboarding skills Wednesday at Gulf Islands National Seashore Park. Aug. 5, 2020. According to Smithsonian Magazine, two Florida parks made the list for the most and least visited in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top 10 most-visited National Park Service sites in 2024 were: Golden Gate National Recreation Area (17,187,508 visits) Blue Ridge Parkway (16,733,639 visits) Great Smoky Mountains National Park (12,191,834 visits) Gateway National Recreation Area (8,929,035 visits) The Lincoln Memorial (8,479,349 visits) Gulf Islands National Seashore (7,801,176 visits) Natchez Trace Parkway (7,364,833 visits) George Washington Memorial Parkway (6,782,717 visits) Lake Mead National Recreation Area (6,412,854 visits) Vietnam Veterans Memorial (5,295,711 visits) The 10 least-visited National Park Service sites in 2024 were: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (11,907 visits) North Cascades National Park (16,485 visits) Kobuk Valley National Park (17,233 visits) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (18,505 visits) National Park of American Samoa (22,567 visits) Isle Royale National Park (28,806 visits) Katmai National Park and Preserve (36,230 visits) Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (81,670 visits) Dry Tortugas National Park (84,873 visits) Great Basin National Park (152,068 visits) National Park sites are more than just parks. See all 20 designations There are 20 different national park types that fall under the protection of the National Park Service. They are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Monuments: 87 National Historical sites: 76 National Historical Parks: 63 National Parks: 63 National Memorials: 31 National Preserves: 19 National Recreation Areas: 18 National battlefields: 11 National Seashores: 10 National Wild and Scenic Rivers and Riverways: 10 Other designations: 10 National Military Parks: 9 National Scenic Trails: 6 National Battlefield Parks: 4 National Parkways: 4 National Rivers: 4 National Lakeshores: 3 National Reserves: 2 National Battlefield Site: 1 International Historic Sites: 1 Contributing: Dinah Volyes Pulver, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Florida Today: National parks US, Florida. Trump plan cuts budget, state transfer President Donald Trump has renewed his threat of using military force to annex Greenland, saying in an NBC News interview he wouldnt rule it out to make the self-governing Danish territory a part of the United States. Its the latest in Trumps many comments about seizing control of the resource-rich island, which he insists the US needs for national security purposes. I dont rule it out, he told NBC News Kristen Welker in an interview that aired on Sunday. I dont say Im going to do it, but I dont rule out anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need Greenland very badly, Trump said. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which well take care of, and well cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security. He added that he doubted it would happen but that the possibility is certainly there. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in buying the island, or the US taking it by force or economic coercion, even as NATO ally Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea. There are a few factors driving that interest; Greenland occupies a unique geopolitical position, sitting between the US and Europe, which could help repel any potential attack from Russia, experts have said. It also lies along a key shipping lane, and is part of the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom gap, a strategic maritime region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But experts also suspect Trump is eyeing other aspects of Greenland such as its trove of natural resources, which may become more accessible as climate change melts the territorys ice. These include oil and gas, and the rare earth metals in high demand for electric cars, wind turbines and military equipment. Since Trump began voicing plans for his presidency in December, his desire to annex Greenland has raised questions about the islands future security as the US, Russia and China vie for influence in the Arctic. But Greenland has pushed back strongly. President Trump says that the United States will get Greenland. Let me be clear: The United States will not get it. We do not belong to anyone else. We decide our own future, the islands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in March after Trump again suggested the use of military force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenlands not the only sovereign territory Trump has his sights on; the president has repeatedly threatened to annex Canada and make it the US 51st state, souring relations between the two longtime allies. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at a news conference about US tariffs in Ottawa on April 3, 2025. - Dave Chan/AFP/Getty Images Last week, Canadas Liberal Party swept to victory in federal elections, with Prime Minister Mark Carney riding on a wave of anti-Trump sentiment and using his victory speech to declare Canada would never yield to the United States. During the NBC interview on Sunday, Trump said it was highly unlikely hed use military force to annex Canada. I dont see it with Canada. I just dont see it, I have to be honest with you, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that hed talked on the phone with Carney after his election win, calling the Canadian leader a very nice man. Trump had congratulated Carney, but they did not discuss the threat of annexation of Canada, he said. Carney is set to visit Trump in Washington on Tuesday. When asked whether the topic would come up during that visit, Trump responded: Ill always talk about that. If Canada was a state, it would be great, Trump added. It would be a cherished state. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump has reiterated his threat of using military force to annex Greenland, despite the semi-autonomous Arctic nation making it abundantly clear that it prefers to remain independent. NBC anchor Kristen Welker revived the subject with the president during his appearance on Sundays Meet the Press and pressed him on whether he was serious about using force to seize the resource-rich island administered by Denmark. I dont rule it out, he answered. I dont say Im going to do it, but I dont rule out anything. Donald Trump sits down for an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. During the interview, he didnt rule out military action in Greenland. (NBC News) We need Greenland very badly, the president said. Greenland is a very small amount of people, which well take care of, and well cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump added the prospect of military action was unlikely but certainly a possibility. The president previously expressed his interest in the United States acquiring the territory during his first term, even posting a photoshopped image on X of a Trump International Hotel towering over Greenlands barren and rocky shores and sparking a diplomatic spat with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen when she dismissed the idea. Since returning to power, Trumps repeated overtures have been emphatically rejected by Greenland, Denmark and NATO, with a visit to the island by Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha in late March that was met with a decidedly chilly reception. A number of scheduled events were canceled and the couple were reduced to having only a brief lunch on an American military base because of an evident lack of local enthusiasm for their trip. Vice President JD Vance visits Greenland and was met with a chilly reception. (AP) President Trump says that the United States will get Greenland. Let me be clear: The United States will not get it. We do not belong to anyone else. We decide our own future, Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welker also asked Trump during their interview about his threats to annex Canada as Americas 51st state, a threat that helped Liberal Party leader Mark Carney win last weeks general election after he vowed to stand up to the man in Washington. The president admitted it was highly unlikely he would use the military against Canada and called Carney a very nice man whom he was looking forward to hosting at the White House on Tuesday. President Trump said during a wide-ranging interview Sunday that he does not know if he has to uphold the Constitution. When asked by Meet the Press host Kristen Welker on NBC, Trump deferred to Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the Supreme Court deportation battle and said I dont know when asked about his need to uphold the Constitution. Here are five takeaways from the interview that aired just after Trumps 100th day back in office: Trump on upholding the US Constitution When Welker asked whether he must uphold the Constitution regarding deportations, the president replied, I dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have to respond by saying, again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me, and they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said, Trump replied. What you said is not what I heard the Supreme Court said. They have a different interpretation. Welker then asked whether Trump agreed with his Secretary of State Marco Rubio over due process. Rubio said last week that of course citizens and noncitizens are entitled to due process. Trump again said he didnt know because he is not a lawyer. Welker pressed Trump, citing the Fifth Amendment, which protects individuals from various forms of government action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump responded, I dont know. It seems it might say that, then said he was elected to get dangerous people out of the country. The presidents remarks were criticized by Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote online that Trump had admitted he was unsure if he needs to uphold the Constitution, calling the remarks as un-American as it gets. The presidents comments come as the administration is locked in a legal battle over the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. from an El Salvador prison, but the White House has yet to move on the issue, arguing the word facilitate left wiggle room. Possibility of running for a third term Welker noted during the interview that the Trump Organization is selling hats with Trump 2028 printed on them. She questioned if the president is seriously considering running for a third term, despite it being prohibited by the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will say this: So many people want me to do it. I have never had requests so strong as that. But its something that, to the best of my knowledge, youre not allowed to do, Trump said. I dont know if thats constitutional that theyre not allowing you to do it or anything else. But there are many people selling the 2028 hat. Trump also said he was looking to have four great years and turn it over to someone, ideally a great Republican. Trump added its too early to say who would become his successor, but said Vice President Vance is doing a fantastic job. He named Vance and Rubio as possible successors, but he didnt yet want to get involved with making a ranked list. Trump takes credit for good economy, blames Biden for bad Welker questioned Trump, who has said the economy is still reeling from former President Bidens term, if he could claim credit for positive reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, I think certain aspects of it are. Costs are. I was able to get down the costs. But even that, it takes a while to get them down, but we got them down good, he said. Trump took credit for the positive parts of the economy and blamed Biden for the lagging parts. His remarks come as voters express increasing concern over the countrys economic outlook amid Trumps tariff implementation. He also acknowledged the stock market has been in flux since his Liberation Day tariff announcement. He took responsibility for everything, but said hes only been back in office a short time and tariffs have just started kicking in. Standing by remark about dolls Trump was asked about a comment he made earlier in the week about his tariff agenda and how children could have fewer toys as trading partners are hit with steep tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 were not talking about something that we have to go out of our way, Trump said, referring to the trade war with China. Welker noted Trumps comment got a lot of attention. She questioned if the president was acknowledging that prices of some goods will go up due to his tariffs. No. I think tariffs are going to be great for us because its going to make us rich, he replied. But you said some dolls are going to cost more, Welker said. Sure, Trump replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welker and Trump began talking over each other, with the host questioning if the president was acknowledging some prices would go up. I dont think that a beautiful baby girl needs thats 11 years old needs to have 30 dolls. I think they can have three dolls or four dolls, because what we were doing with China was just unbelievable, Trump said. We had a trade deficit of hundreds of billions of dollars with China. Welker again questioned Trump on the comment. He said he was saying children dont need to have 30 dolls. Welker asked if Americans could see store shelves go empty due to the tariffs. No. No, Im not saying that, he replied. Im just saying they dont need to have 30 dolls. They can have three. They dont need to have 250 pencils. They can have five. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welker noted some prices for popular items are already going up. Trump disagreed and said the interview was already dishonest. The two argued over Trumps campaign promise to lower prices on Day 1 and the transition period for his economic policies before Welker changed the subject. Trump on potential recession: Anything can happen Welker asked if Trump was worried about a recession as concern grows that the tariff plan will plunge the U.S. into one in the coming months if the president doesnt reverse course or make deals with other countries. Are you worried about a recession? she asked. No, Trump said. OK, Welker replied. No. No, I think were going to have the greatest economic, Trump began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welker interjected to question again, Are you worried it could happen? Do you think it could happen? Anything can happen, Trump replied. But I think were going to have the greatest economy in the history of our country. I think were going to have the greatest economic boom in history. Welker asked the president about concerns stemming from some on Wall Street and if he is comfortable with the country dipping into a recession so he can achieve his long-term goals. Well, you know, you say, Some people on Wall Street say. Well, Ill tell you something else. Some people on Wall Street say that were going to have the greatest economy in history. Why dont you talk about them? Because some people on Wall Street say this is the greatest thing that ever happened, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump argued the U.S. is currently in a transition period and the country will do fantastically. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 4 European Union leaders have repeatedly urged him to call Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming the Kremlin leader has ignored their attempts at communication as the war in Ukraine continues. "Do you know that the European Union leaders have asked me to call Putin so many times? Because he doesnt return their phone call," Trump said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press. Trump's comments come, as his self-imposed 100-day deadline to broker a settlement between Russia and Ukraine came to an end with no result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interview, Trump reiterated his claim that the war would not have occurred if he had remained in office and said he believes a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine is possible. "We think were fairly close," he said. Trump has reportedly grown frustrated with the slow progression of peace negotiations, claiming on April 26 that Putin may be "tapping me along," and that he may not be interested in ending the war. Despite Trumps claim that European leaders have been unable to reach Putin, at least one major call has taken place. Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Putin by phone on Nov. 15, 2024, marking their first conversation in nearly two years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the call on the same day, warning that it could open a "Pandoras box" of further talks with Russia, potentially undermining Kyivs position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other European leaders have even held in-person talks with Russian president. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have both visited Moscow and met with Putin in person. Fico is also expected to attend Russias Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Read also: Fico slams Zelensky amid Moscow Victory Day security concerns Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GENEVA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The United States' tariff policy has created widespread uncertainty and reflects a confrontational approach to global trade, Robert Wiest, president of the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), said in a recent interview with Xinhua. The United States has recognized that it has deindustrialized too much, Wiest said, adding that it is now trying to bring back jobs and industrial capacity by using tariffs, which are "a very crude tool." Wiest, who recently returned from a 10-day business trip to Japan and China, criticized the tone and direction of the U.S. government's trade policy, calling it "definitely not very productive" because, up to now, it has not yet yielded a result. Instead, it has created uncertainty and alienated not only allies but also important trading partners, he said. A recent SCCC newsletter described the ongoing tariff disputes as resembling "a negotiation that started poorly - and continues to unfold poorly." According to Wiest, the United States could have approached the issue collaboratively by engaging allies and partners in constructive dialogue. But instead, it chose to open negotiations in a very aggressive manner. That signals a focus on a win-lose outcome, which is rarely conducive to successful talks, he said. In a notable example, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 31 percent "reciprocal tariff" on imports from Switzerland - significantly higher than the 20 percent imposed on the European Union (EU) - before announcing a 90-day pause shortly thereafter. "Switzerland was caught off guard by the level of tariffs imposed," Wiest said, adding that even more damaging than the tariffs themselves is the uncertainty they create for businesses. Currently, a 10 percent tariff remains in effect. Coupled with the strength of the Swiss franc against the U.S. dollar, the cost pressures are making it more difficult for Swiss companies to compete in the American market, Wiest explained. Exports are a cornerstone of the Swiss economy, accounting for approximately 80 percent of its gross domestic product. Of that, 55 percent is bound for the EU, 15 percent for the United States, and five percent for China. With the U.S. market becoming less stable, Switzerland's bilateral treaties with the EU and its Free Trade Agreement with China are gaining in importance, he noted. "The U.S. accounts for only about 13 percent of global trade," Wiest said. "Yes, it's a major market for Switzerland. But if it were to close off completely, there would be disruption for three or four years. After that, alternative markets could be developed to make up for the loss." On the issue of U.S. tariffs targeting China, Wiest pointed out that China has made significant progress in diversifying its industrial base. In green technology - including solar panels and wind turbines - emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America have become key destinations. As a result, he said the U.S. tariffs on Chinese green tech exports will have limited impact. China is also climbing the value chain beyond low-cost manufacturing, he noted. In the electric vehicle sector, for example, China has established a fully integrated value chain - from battery production to vehicle design, manufacturing, and global sales, Wiest said. He added that China is becoming increasingly attractive to Swiss industries such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, and luxury watchmaking, citing an improving business environment and growing opportunities. The SCCC, he said, will continue to strengthen ties with both the Swiss and Chinese governments to support its members amid ongoing global trade uncertainties. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Monday he had nothing to do with the production of an image that showed him dressed like a pope but said it was done in jest. "I just saw it last evening," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He said his wife, Melania Trump, thought it was cute. Some in the Catholic community have criticized the image. (Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Chris Reese) President Donald Trump on Friday reflected on his phone call earlier in the week with Amazon founder and Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos, telling NBC News Meet the Press in an interview that hed use the same tactic with other CEOs if necessary. The call occurred after Punchbowl News reported that Amazon was going to begin to list tariff charges on certain Amazon purchases in the wake of the Trump administration's decision to impose 145% tariffs on China. "Hes just a very nice guy," Trump said of Bezos in an interview that aired Sunday. "We have a relationship. I asked him about [the tariff charge language Amazon considered including in listings]. He said, 'Well, I dont want to do that,' and he took it off immediately." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Bezos appear to have developed a closer relationship in the last few months than they had during Trumps first administration. In December, Amazon donated $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund, and Bezos attended his swearing-in ceremony. Bezos stepped down as the company's CEO in 2021, but he is still its executive chairman. Indeed, in a statement shortly after the Punchbowl report, an Amazon spokesperson told NBC News, "The team that runs our ultra low cost Amazon Haul store considered the idea of listing import charges on certain products. This was never approved and is not going to happen. Asked whether he would use the same tactic with CEOs of other major retailers, Trump told moderator Kristen Welker: "Sure. Ill always call people if I disagree with them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If I think that somebodys doing something thats incorrect, wrong or maybe hurtful to the country, Ill call," he added. "Wouldnt you want me to call? [Former President Joe] Biden wouldnt call because he didnt know what was happening, but I do." In the interview, Trump defended his decision to impose major tariffs on imports from China, saying the move is supposed to give companies incentives to build factories in the United States to avoid paying tariffs, not simply raise prices on consumers to offset the cost of tariffs. "I dont view it as a tax. I view it as an incentive for people to come into the United States and build plants, factories, offices, a lot of things. I think its an incentive," he told Welker. "What people dont understand is, and this is a lot, the country eats the tariff. The company eats the tariff. And its not passed along at all," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other major online retailers, like Temu, a low-cost retail site based in China, have already begun charging consumers tariff fees, adding a line item on purchases that's listed as import charges. Other popular American retailers, like Beis, Bare Necessities and Fashion Nova, have urged consumers to shop more in the near term, predicting that imposing future tariffs could force them to raise prices. Larger companies, like PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, have issued similar warnings, telling shareholders in recent meetings that they're already seeing the impacts of tariffs on earnings. Trump has acknowledged that tariffs could have an impact on the availability of consumer goods in the near term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether his remark about children having fewer toys during a Cabinet meeting was an acknowledgment that tariffs would cause prices to rise, Trump told Welker: "I dont think that a beautiful baby girl needs thats 11 years old needs to have 30 dolls. I think they can have three dolls or four dolls, because what we were doing with China was just unbelievable." Trump made a similar remark at a Cabinet meeting at the White House, telling members of his administration: "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 he pushed back against the assertion that he was predicting price hikes or supply shortages due to tariffs. "Im just saying they dont need to have 30 dolls. They can have three. They dont need to have 250 pencils. They can have five," he said, adding, "we dont have to waste money on a trade deficit with China for things we dont need, for junk that we dont need." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Donald Trump says tariffs on Chinese imports to the United States will eventually be lowered, after both Beijing and Washington appeared to soften their positions about potential trade talks. At some point, Im going to lower them because otherwise you could never do business with them, he said in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press with Kristen Welker, which taped on Friday. They want to do business very much their economy is collapsing. Weeks of tit-for-tat escalation between the worlds two largest economies have driven US tariffs on Chinese products to a staggering 145% and Chinese levies on American goods to 125%. Over the past two weeks, both sides have appeared to moderate their rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interview, which aired Sunday, Trump acknowledged the toll the tariffs have taken on China, pointing to factory closures and unemployment through the roof, but insisted that he would not make the first move. Youre not dropping the tariffs against China to get them to the negotiating table? Welker asked. Why would I do that? Trump responded. On Friday, a spokesperson for Chinas Commerce Ministry said the country was currently assessing proposals by the US to begin trade talks, but that Trump must cancel his unilateral tariff hikes first. The US tariffs have already started to affect Chinas export-reliant economy. In April, factory activity there showed its steepest contraction in 16 months, while new export orders dipped to their lowest level since 2022, during the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to official data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Trump told reporters on board Air Force One that he has no plans to speak to Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week. But China and our people are talking about different things, he added. Trump said he seeks a fair trade deal with China, while repeating his claim that the country has taken advantage of the US, in terms of trade, for years. In April, factory activity in China showed its steepest contraction in 16 months - Stringer/AFP/Getty Images Besides China, Trump said his administration was meeting with almost every country, and some trade deals could very well be announced this week. Were negotiating with many countries but at the end of this Ill set my own deals because I set the deal, they dont set the deal, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depending on the status of negotiations, he said: At a certain point Ill be just setting a certain tariff number. Saving TikTok During the NBC interview, Trump also said he was willing to extend the deadline for Chinese company ByteDance to sell the US operation of TikTok, a wildly popular short video platform that has amassed 170 million American users. Congress, under then-President Joe Biden, passed a law last year requiring the Beijing-based company to divest TikTok in the US or face a ban over national security concerns. Trump has twice extended the deadline because a deal has yet to materialize, despite repeatedly emphasizing the massive interest that American investors have in the app. Id like to see it done, he said, adding that he had a sweet spot for the platform, as it helped him win over young voters during the 2024 presidential election. TikTok is very interesting, but it will be protected, he added. CNNs Alayna Treene contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump says he has ordered that Alcatraz, the notorious California island prison, be reopened. The federal penitentiary closed in 1963. In a Truth Social post Sunday evening, the president called to REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering, Trump wrote. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our streets, he said, adding that hes directing the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. The president then made his latest attack on judges, some of whom had recently ruled against the Trump administration related to his massive deportation operation. President Donald Trump directed his administration to reopen and rebuild Alcatraz, the former federal prison off the coast of California that closed in 1963 (AFP via Getty Images) We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally, the president said. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who represents San Francisco, quickly rejected Trumps plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one, she wrote on X. Alcatraz mapped: The directive comes after a district judge in Texas ruled that the Trump administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 wartime law, to summarily deport Venezuelan immigrants accused of being gang members is unlawful. The Trump administration has sent planes carrying immigrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador known as CECOT. The president wants to reopen the prison to house Americas most ruthless and violent offenders, he said in a Truth Social post Sunday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The countrys president, Nayib Bukele, told Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month that he plans to expand CECOT, which has been attacked by human rights groups as a tropical gulag rife with abuses. The prison already holds 40,000 prisoners. Trump last month told Bukele that the homegrowns are next, referring to American citizens. You gotta build about five more places Its not big enough. President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on a hard-to-reach California island that has been closed for more than 60 years. In a post on his Truth Social site Sunday evening, Trump wrote that, For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders, he wrote, adding: The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it was known as the The Rock and housed some of the nations most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies, including The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. Still in the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI. Nearly all were caught or didnt survive the attempt. The fate of three particular inmates John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris is of some debate and was dramatized in the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz starring Clinton Eastwood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcatraz Island is now a major tourist site that is operate by the National Parks Service and is a designated National Historic Landmark. The closure of the federal prison in 1963 was attributed to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility, because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that the agency will comply with all Presidential Orders. The spokesperson did not immediately answer questions from The Associated Press regarding the practicality and feasibility of reopening Alcatraz or the agencys role in the future of the former prison given the National Park Services control of the island. The island serves as a veritable time machine to a bygone era of corrections. The Bureau of Prisons currently has 16 penitentiaries performing the same high-security functions as Alcatraz, including its maximum security facility in Florence, Colorado, and the U.S. penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, which is home to the federal death chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order comes as Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador, without due process. Trump has also directed the opening of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labeled the worst criminal aliens. The Bureau of Prisons has faced myriad crises in recent years and has been subjected to increased scrutiny after Jeffrey Epsteins suicide at a federal jail in New York City in 2019. An AP investigation uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. AP reporting has disclosed widespread criminal activity by employees, dozens of escapes, chronic violence, deaths and severe staffing shortages that have hampered responses to emergencies, including assaults and suicides. The APs investigation also exposed rampant sexual abuse at a federal womens prison in Dublin, California. Last year, President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency after AP reporting spotlighted its many flaws. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. would help supply food to people in Gaza while blaming Hamas for the dire humanitarian situation in an enclave that has been devastated by more than 18 months of Israeli bombardments. Trumps statement during a White House news conference came after Israel approved a plan to take more control of aid delivery as part of an effort to isolate Hamas alarming the United Nations. We are going to help the people of Gaza get some food, Trump said. People are starving and we are going to help them get some food. A lot of people are making it very bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president did not address Israels aid plan but blamed conditions in Gaza on Hamas, which launched an attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that set off the war. If you look, Hamas is making it impossible. They are taking everything thats brought in, Trump said. But were going to help the people of Gaza because they are being treated very badly by Hamas. Israel announced in March that it would stop all goods and humanitarian aid from entering Gaza amid failing cease-fire negotiations to end the war. The halt has led to ongoing food and medicine shortages in the territory of 2 million people and sparked widespread concern from humanitarian groups. Israel has argued its aid blockade is lawful and that Gazans have access to necessary supplies. Under the plan, Israel would take control of Gazas food and supplies and replace U.N. non-governmental organization kitchens with hubs run by a U.S. security contractor. Cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March, with Israel saying it will not back down until Hamas releases its remaining hostages. The News US President Donald Trump blasted his Mexican counterpart Claudia Sheinbaum after she rejected his offer to send American troops to fight drug cartels. Sheinbaum said she declined US military involvement because our territory is inviolable, leading Trump to respond that she wavered out of fear of the powerful drug gangs: Shes so afraid of the cartels she cant walk, he said. The public row threatens to derail what had been by Trumps standards a relatively stable relationship, with Sheinbaum winning plaudits for her handling of the US leaders pressure over trade and security. Mexico, Washingtons biggest trading partner, largely evaded Liberation Day tariffs, while the number of migrants crossing the border has plummeted. Donald Trump appears to have taken the advice of his eldest son after announcing the reopening of Americas most famous prison. The president revealed his intentions to rebuild and open Alcatraz just months after Donald Trump Jr. made the suggestion on social media. For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Sunday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be. A view shows the Alcatraz Island at San Francisco Bay in San Francisco, California, U.S., June, 29, 2022. / CARLOS BARRIA / REUTERS The president said he was directing the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to begin work on rebuilding a substantially enlarged facility. Trump Jr. initially made the suggestion on X in January after his father announced he had signed an executive order that would send the worst criminal offenders to Guantanamo Bay. Now this is a great idea. Maybe we should also reopen Alcatraz?!?! Trump Jr., 47, wrote at the time. Now this is a great idea. Maybe we should also reopen Alcatraz?!?! https://t.co/70dUlZVHvA Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 30, 2025 Trump blamed the reopening of Alcatraz on radicalized judges to reporters on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I guess because the judges, so many of these radicalized judges, they want to have trials for every single, think of it, every single person thats in our country, that come in illegally, that would mean millions of trials, Trump said. It was just an idea I had, he added. Its long been a symbol, Alcatraz, of whatever it is, he continued. Its a sad symbol, but its a symbol of law and order. Its got quite a history, frankly. .@POTUS on reopening Alcatraz to house our most ruthless, violent criminals: "It's a symbol of law and order and it's got quite a history, frankly so I think we're going to do that, and we're looking at it right now." pic.twitter.com/YWfvfTDNaa Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 5, 2025 Alcatraz, now a tourist attraction, is most famous for its use as a U.S. penitentiary. Starting in 1934, more than 1500 prisoners were held on this small prison island until its closure in 1963. The site, in San Francisco, was notable for its remote features and its almost impossible ways to escape. It housed well-known criminals of the time including Al Capone and George Machine-Gun Kelly. It closed due to soaring maintenance costs, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which estimated an additional $3-5 million was needed at the time to keep the prison running outside of daily operational costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No longer will we tolerate these Serial Offenders who spread filth, bloodshed, and mayhem on our street, Trump wrote in his Sunday post. That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. Trump flagged that even judges who failed to work with his administration were at risk of incarceration. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally, the president said. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Not all are convinced by Trumps announcement, however. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago, wrote Nancy Pelosi on X. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one. SYDNEY, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A woman has been arrested after police found two children dead inside a home northwest of Sydney. The bodies of the two children, aged 8 and 10, were found on Monday afternoon by police officers responding to reports of a concern for welfare at a home in the small town of Coonabarabran, over 300 km northwest of Sydney in the state of New South Wales (NSW). A 66-year-old woman was also found at the home and was taken into custody. A NSW Police statement said that she was assisting with inquiries. NSW Premier Chris Minns described the incident as a "tragedy" and said that the entire state was sharing in the local community's grief. US President Donald Trump has had a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in which they discussed, among other things, the Russo-Ukrainian war, and has announced reciprocal visits. Source: European Pravda; Trump on Truth Social Details: Trump reported having had a "very good and productive" conversation with Erdogan, noting that they talked about the Russo-Ukrainian war, the situation in Syria and Gaza, and other issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The President invited me to go to Turkiye at a future date and, likewise, he will be coming to Washington, D.C.," Trump stated. The US president added that he had an "excellent relationship" with Erdogan during his previous term and had succeeded in securing the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was detained in Turkiye. Quote from Trump: "In any event, I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous, but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended NOW!" Background: On Tuesday 29 April, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would give up its "mediator role" between Russia and Ukraine if there is no progress towards peace. On 4 May, Trump admitted that a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia may be impossible. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys and convicted seditionist in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol siege, thanked Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago for his pardon and got an I love you guys from the president, according to Tarrio and a New York Times report. The Saturday night encounter came about when a member of Trumps home-base country club invited Tarrio and his mother, Zuny Duarte, to dinner at the Florida resort, The New York Times reported Sunday. The member introduced the two to the president as he walked by in the main room, an unnamed White House official told the newspaper. Duarte said Trump recognized Tarrios name Oh, youre that guy and even knew the names of his co-defendants in the case, the Times wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarrio gave a glowing account of the encounter on X, formerly Twitter, writing: I just had a great conversation with @POTUS. He called me and my Mother over while we were at dinner and said he was sorry for what @JoeBiden did to all J6ers. He knew the hardships me and my family faced for 3 long years. He knew how many times they moved me. And he said he is working on making things right. I thanked him for giving me my life back. He replied withI Love You guys. To the J6ers he wanted me to send yall a message He saidThank you. The White House did not respond to the Times request for comment. In 2023, Tarrio, the former national chair of the Proud Boys, was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy and other crimes related to the Jan. 6 insurrection attempt to overturn the 2020 election results. But Trumps Inauguration Day pardon of nearly all the people charged resulted in his release from a Louisiana prison. Days later, Tarrio said it was investigators of the riot who belonged behind bars. In February, Tarrio was arrested after Capitol police saw him hit a womans cellphone and arm after she put the phone close to his face in a gathering of J6 participants at the Capitol. Enrique Tarrio attends a CPAC conference in February. DOMINIC GWINN via Getty Images Related... Trump said he would impose a 100% tariff on movies made outside the US. He said Hollywood was "dying a very fast death" because productions were shifting out of the country. This comes as the film industry has struggled with fallout from strikes and wildfires. President Donald Trump plans to impose a 100% tariff on movies made outside the US. In a Sunday post on Truth Social, the president said other countries are offering US filmmakers and studios incentives to draw them out of the country. He called this a "national security threat" and proposed his tariffs as a way to stop Hollywood from "dying a very fast death." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands," he wrote in the post. He added, "WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!" The US's commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, reposted Trump's comments on X on Sunday with the caption: "We're on it." Trump did not specify how the tariff would be implemented or when it would go into effect. White House representatives did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's comments come as Hollywood grappled with numerous challenges from strikes to wildfires. According to Film LA data, the number of film productions in Greater Los Angeles in the first quarter of the year dropped 22% compared to last year. The report said the decline was partly due to the devastating wildfires that ravaged LA in January, which affected about 550 unique filming locations in the city. The domestic film industry was also affected by monthslong strikes in 2023, during which writers and actors demanded increases in wages and benefits and protested the use of AI in filmmaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A July report by tracking company ProdPro said the number of productions being shot in the US was down 37% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2022. In October, California's governor, Gavin Newsom, announced a proposal to increase California's Film & Television Tax Credit Program from $330 million to $750 million yearly. This proposal aims to incentivize production houses to keep their work in California instead of moving elsewhere. Besides the movie industry, Trump has imposed a baseline 10% tariff on imports from all countries except China. His tariff rate for China now stands at 145%. Read the original article on Business Insider BALTIMORE Marylands elected Republicans are unified in their support for President Donald Trump after his first 100 days, saying that his policies will benefit the state. I think, generally, weve all been supportive of President Trumps agenda, Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready, a representative of Frederick and Carroll counties, said Friday. President Trump is doing everything he said he would do. But political scientists say that, as Maryland approaches the 2026 midterm election, unified support could begin to splinter as lawmakers distance themselves from Trump to curry favor with voters in deep blue Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland, as we know, is not necessarily the United States. It is a reliably Democratic state, said Todd Eberly, a political science professor at St. Marys College of Maryland. Republicans are vastly outnumbered in the General Assembly, and, as I tell my students, the number one objective of people in office is to get elected and remain in office. Political reality does start to lay in when looking to the next election cycle, he said. Prioritizing America first Because they represent a tiny portion of the legislature, unity among the minority party in Annapolis is key. In Maryland, Democratic voters outnumber Republicans 2 to 1. There are 188 legislators in the Maryland General Assembly. With only 39 Republicans in the House and 13 in the Senate, the GOPs impact in Annapolis is small. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Maryland Democrats in both the General Assembly and congressional delegation lamented actions taken by the president and his administration as he worked toward his 100-day milestone, Republicans celebrated what they described as popular, commonsense policy. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Maryland Freedom Caucus, a faction of seven members of the House of Delegates, applauded the president for the decisive actions he took in his first 100 days in office. His leadership has focused on prioritizing American interests, ensuring long-term economic stability, and safeguarding individual freedoms, the caucus said. These achievements in the first 100 days reflect President Trumps dedication to prioritizing America First. The Maryland Freedom Caucus specifically highlighted Trumps immigration policy, which they said have resulted in the lowest levels of illegal border crossings in our lifetime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a tracker of southwest land border encounters from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were 84,174 interactions between border patrol officers and immigrants from January to March 2025, compared to 555,467 during the same period in 2024 when President Joe Biden was in office. Ready lauded Trumps attempts to eradicate waste, fraud and abuse through the work of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. Nobody in their right mind should argue that the federal government didnt need a scrubbing or a retrenchment, he said. Just like a business, any government entity has to, from time to time, evaluate where we are. Del. Kathy Szeliga, a Baltimore County Republican and Freedom Caucus member, said that the president is championing policies that average Americans support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really have a lot of mainstream ideas, and its the radical liberals in Annapolis that are out of the mainstream, she said. Turn the state around During the 2025 legislative session, the formation of the Maryland Freedom Caucus, a group of seven of the most active members of the legislative GOP, caused a perceived schism among Republicans in the House of Delegates. Some have chalked it up to a difference in strategy the small sect more publicly and aggressively pursues policy than their colleagues. In a mid-March interview, House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, an Allegany County Republican, called the caucus members extremely online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Freedom Caucus has a very active platform on X, which, at times, has caught the attention of Libs of TikTok a popular anti-LGBTQ+ social media account. Though the strategy differs, Buckel said the Republican Party would persist as long as they work toward the same ends and goals which, I think, we are. And they did. This session, Republicans in both chambers stood unified in their fight against proposals for new and increased taxes, immigration and public safety policy, climate-friendly energy legislation and Marylands reliance on the federal government to power its economy. Marylands economy is closely tied to the federal government, largely due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the 260,000 federal workers who reside in the state. It also relies heavily on the federal government for funding, especially for social safety net programming like Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To Ready, the focus of Republicans in the legislature is to make the state less dependent on the federal government, so that the effect isnt felt as harshly when cuts and layoffs happen as they are under Trump. Our focus is really on trying to turn the state around from where we are now, which is a very troubled state economy, and its a state thats too heavily dependent on the federal government, too heavily dependent on government spending, in general, and is losing business, he said. Still, Eberley cautioned that the unity around Trump may dissipate as Republicans start to make their reelection bids and look forward to meaningful ways to impact policy among the Annapolis Democratic supermajority. The Trumpier you are, the less likely you are to have a seat at the table, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Del. Matt Morgan, a St. Marys County Republican and the chair of the Maryland Freedom Caucus, said that politicians who stay true to their policy convictions shouldnt worry. Cowardice is contagious, but so is courage, said Morgan. So, when you get up and speak on issues that impact the people of Maryland, Im telling you theyre going to reward you. --------------- President Donald Trump's surprise announcement over the weekend that he wanted to reopen and expand the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay is drawing new attention to the infamous prison. Alcatraz closed its doors as a federal prison 60 years ago after housing some of America's most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. During its 29-year run as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz earned a reputation for being the final stop for inmates who couldn't be controlled at other facilities, according to the Bureau of Prisons. PHOTO: The federal prison island Alcatraz, known as 'The Rock,' stands in the San Francisco Bay, California, July 21, 1950. (AP) The island's enduring mystique has also attracted Hollywood, most notably for the 1962 film "The Birdman of Alcatraz," starring Burt Lancaster, and the 1996 action thriller "The Rock," starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage. The production team filmed significant portions of "The Rock" on location at the actual prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite its fearsome reputation, Alcatraz was never the prison portrayed in Hollywood films. According to the Bureau of Prisons, the facility maintained a surprisingly small population, averaging between 260 and 275 inmates -- less than 1% of the federal prison population at the time. Some inmates even requested transfers to Alcatraz, attracted by conditions that included single-occupancy cells. PHOTO: One of three cell tiers of individual cells at the main block of the Alcatraz Federal Prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California, March 15, 1956. (AP) What made Alcatraz unique was its strict regimen. Prisoners were granted just four basic rights: food, clothing, shelter and medical care. Everything else, from family visits to library access, had to be earned through good behavior. The system was designed to teach compliance, with inmates typically spending five years on the island before being transferred back to other facilities, according to the BOP. MORE: Trump touts 'very strong' Alcatraz as Bureau of Prisons assessing reopening prison Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison's isolation in San Francisco Bay contributed to its mystique, particularly regarding escape attempts. Over its operational history, 36 men attempted to flee in 14 separate incidents, according to the Bureau of Prisons. While officially no one ever succeeded in escaping, five prisoners remain "missing and presumed drowned" to this day. Contrary to popular belief, the BOP said that man-eating sharks didn't patrol the waters around Alcatraz. The real challenges for would-be escapees were the bay's frigid temperatures (averaging 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit), powerful currents and the 1.25-mile distance to shore. PHOTO: Alcatraz Island is pictured, May 4, 2025, in the San Francisco Bay, Calif. (Noah Berger/AP) According to the National Park Service, Alcatraz Island receives approximately 1.2 million visitors annually as a national park site, offering tours of the former prison and serving as a symbol that prompts visitors to contemplate issues of crime, punishment and justice -- themes that have resurged in the national conversation following Trump's announcement. The island's history extends beyond its prison years. Fortified initially as a military installation in the 1850s, Alcatraz formed part of San Francisco Bay's coastal defense system and housed the West Coast's first operational lighthouse, according to the BOP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala first named the island "Alcatraces" in 1775, according to the BOP, meaning "pelicans" or "strange bird" -- a far cry from the ominous reputation it would later acquire as America's most notorious federal penitentiary. Trump wants to reopen Alcatraz. What to know about the famed prison and escape attempts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would order the government to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz, a former prison on a small island of the same name off the coast of San Francisco that once housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the country, including Al Capone, George Machine Gun Kelly and James Whitey Bulger. The prison, which closed 60 years ago due to its crumbling infrastructure and high maintenance costs, will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE, Trump said in a post on Truth Social Sunday, later telling reporters it was just an idea he had as federal judges pushed to ensure deported migrants had due process. On Monday, the US Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III said his agency will pursue all avenues to implement Trumps plans for reopening Alcatraz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have ordered an immediate assessment to determine our needs and the next steps. USP Alcatraz has a rich history. We look forward to restoring this powerful symbol of law, order, and justice. We will be actively working with our law enforcement and other federal partners to reinstate this very important mission, Marshall said in a statement. The Department of the Interior referred CNN to Trumps statement, saying the department and the National Park Service had nothing to add at this time. Now a major historical landmark and tourist destination, Alcatraz was once one of the most heavily fortified military sites on the West Coast before it transformed into a notorious federal penitentiary in 1934. As a maximum-security prison surrounded by the Pacifics strong, cold currents, Alcatraz had a reputation for being a last resort facility where the most dangerous and most unruly in other prisons were sent. It was virtually impossible to escape, despite numerous storied attempts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what else to know about its colorful history: Maximum-security, minimum-privilege The island of Alcatrazs strategic location at the entrance to San Francisco Bay made it ideal for defense. The US Army built a fort there in the 1850s and equipped it with artillery needed to protect the bay from foreign invasion amid growing US interests in the Pacific. It was also used to protect San Francisco from Confederate raiders during the Civil War. Soon after it evolved into a military prison, which it remained into the 20th century. In 1933 the US military turned Alcatraz over to the Department of Justice, beginning the islands nearly three decades as a federal prison. With its isolated location and barebones amenities, The Rock, as it came to be known, was meant to deliver a message to criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Government had decided to open a maximum-security, minimum-privilege penitentiary to deal with the most incorrigible inmates in Federal prisons, and to show the law-abiding public that the Federal Government was serious about stopping the rampant crime of the 1920s and 1930s, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Prisoners at Alcatraz had four rights: food, clothing, shelter, and medical care all other privileges, including visits from family or access to books, art supplies and music, had to be earned. For all of its infamy, Alcatraz averaged a prison population of about 260 to 275 prisoners at any given time less than 1% of the total federal jail population. Most of the prisons inmates were among those who refused to conform to rules at other federal jails or who were deemed escape risks. A view of Alcatraz island and penitentiary in San Francisco Bay from the 1930s. - AFP/Getty Images The 1962 escape that defined the prisons notoriety Alcatraz saw 14 separate escape attempts involving 36 men over its 29 years as a federal prison. Officially, no one ever succeeded in reaching the mainland alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most successful and elaborate escape attempt came in 1962, when Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin vanished from their cells and were never seen again. The escape was dramatized in the 1979 Clint Eastwood film Escape from Alcatraz. The FBIs investigation of the escape uncovered an ingenious plan devised over several months. Using spoons and homemade tools including a drill made from a vacuum cleaner motor the inmates dug through ventilation ducts behind their cells, which they used to establish a makeshift workshop on top of their cellblock. They created fake heads of themselves from plaster complete with real human hair. The men secretly assembled a makeshift raft and life vests out of more than 50 stolen raincoats, using heat from steam pipes to seal the materials, investigators found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the night of their escape, they used their dummy heads to fool the night guards while they slipped out of their cells. They then crawled through a ventilator shaft on the prisons roof that they had previously cut open and left temporarily secured with a bolt made from soap. A prison guard kneels by a hole in Frank Morris' prison cell through which he, John and Clarence Anglin escaped. Prison officials reported that the hole was dug with broken spoons. - The Denver Post/Getty Images It is believed that the group never made it to land and disappeared into the cold waters of San Francisco Bay. The FBI concluded they likely drowned, but no bodies were ever recovered. Occasional sightings and leads have kept the case open for decades. The Birdman of Alcatraz Among the most well-known prisoners of Alcatraz was Robert Stroud, nicknamed the Birdman of Alcatraz for his later interest in ornithology the study of birds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally imprisoned for manslaughter in 1909, Stroud later killed a prison guard and was sentenced to life in solitary confinement at Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas. While in prison, Stroud began raising canaries and conducted research on birds, later publishing respected books on bird diseases. Though he was allowed to conduct his studies in his cell, prison authorities later found that equipment Stroud had requested for his experiments were used to construct a still for home-brew, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons site. Stroud was then transferred to Alcatraz in 1942 where he was not allowed to keep birds. He left Alcatraz for another facility in 1959 and died four years later. High costs and deteriorating conditions forced the prison to close By the time Alcatraz prison closed, its building walls were corroded from the salty sea air. Authorities estimated it would take roughly $3 million to $5 million to restore and maintain the facility excluding daily operational costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcatraz was nearly three times more expensive to operate than any other Federal prison, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. After it closed, the island sat mostly unused until 1969, when a group of Native American activists occupied it for 19 months in protest, claiming it under the Treaty of Fort Laramie. Today, Alcatraz is operated by the National Park Service as a tourist destination, welcoming approximately 1.2 million visitors a year. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, but such a designation can be considered for withdrawal either at the request of the owner or on the initiative of the Secretary of the Interior, according to the National Park Service. Tourists are seen at Alcatraz Island in August 2023. - Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images There are certain conditions that make a landmark eligible for losing the designation, such as ceasing to meet criteria for designation; the qualities for which it was originally designated have been lost or destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat whose district includes Alcatraz, pushed back on the presidents proposal, calling it not a serious one. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one, the congresswoman wrote Sunday on X. CNNs Samantha Waldenberg contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Trump administration wants states to take over the management of Americas national parks something never before proposed by a U.S. president. In its budget request for the fiscal year 2026, which is also proposing billions in crippling cuts to space, health, education, and other areas, the White House argued that the The National Park Services responsibilities include a large number of sites that are not national parks, in the traditionally understood sense, many of which receive small numbers of mostly local visitors, and are better categorized and managed as state-level parks. The budget would continue supporting many national treasures, but there is an urgent need to streamline staffing and transfer certain properties to state-level management to ensure the long-term health and sustainment of the national park system, the request said, also pointing out that many grants are already supported by state, local, and private efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are more than 430 national parks that span across 85 million acres, including every U.S. state and territory. It is unclear what handing over park sites to states would really look like or which parks are deemed not to be national parks in the traditionally understood sense, but there are hurdles in the way of implementing such changes successfully. The White Houses budget request would transfer a large number of National Park Service sites to state management. But, states are already struggling to fund their parks (Getty Images) For one, some of the countrys most beloved parks span multiple states, which could complicate funding approvals and management. Yellowstone National Park extends into Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited national park in the U.S. is located in North Carolina and Tennessee. Death Valley National Park is in California and Nevada. The NPS is also apolitical, so passing power to state officials could throw a wrench in critical and previously bipartisan work to protect the parks and the ecosystems they support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, theres the question of money. Democratic California is home to nine national parks, the most of any state in the U.S. But, even its state parks took economic hits this year. Republican-led Montana, which has the most state parks, also has the smallest budget, when compared to its peer states in the Northern Rocky Mountains region. Many national parks are within the boundaries of multiple states. Yellowstone National Park is in three (Getty Images) Many states dont have the resources to maintain these parks and the federal government walking away from their responsibility would result in closed parks, safety risks, trails that are not maintained, and far fewer park rangers, Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect Americas National Parks, said in a statement. This will be disastrous for not just visitors and resources, but local economies who depend on park tourism as economic drivers. Notably, the budget proposal also comes amid a push to privatize public lands, and fears about opening national parks and other habitat for the Trumps administrations plans to revive greenhouse gas-producing energy. The Environmental Protection Agency just announced its plans to expand a uranium mine in Wyoming and the Interior Department has taken steps increase hunting access on public lands, to fast-track mining in multiple states, transfer federal lands to the Army, and increase oil and gas reserves in the Gulf of Mexico. New efforts announced by NOAA to mine seabed minerals would violate international law, according to China. The Trump administrations budget calls for a cut of more than $1 billion to the National Park Service. If implemented, it would be the largest cut in the agencys 109-year history (AFP via Getty Images) But, theres even more that the Park Service needs to worry about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administrations plans came alongside a proposal for the largest budget cuts in the National Park Services 109-year-old history, announcing it could slash more than $1 billion. This year has already seen a 6 percent cut. Parks and conservation non-profits say the impact of those cuts would be devastating for national parks, which were already underfunded and short-staffed before the Department of Government Efficiencys efforts to layoff crucial staff members. We do so much work protecting the place, and thats the sort of stuff that is just going to get dropped, Alex Wild, a fired park ranger, told The Independent earlier this year. Some workers have been reinstated follow recent court orders, but employees have since been asked to help determine whether they should be fired, according to SFGate. An American flag is hung upside down below the Upper Yosemite Falls during a protest against federal employee layoffs at Californias Yosemite National Park earlier this year. Conservation group leaders fear more layoffs are coming (AFP via Getty Images) Whatever happens with the states, staff and budget losses are nothing less than an all-out assault on Americas national parks following a record-breaking year for visitorship, according to National Parks Conservation Association CEO Theresa Pierno. With a major workforce reduction looming on the horizon, she predicted that the worst is yet to come. The Park Service is our nations greatest protectors and storytellers. And our more than 430 national parks are our nations greatest legacy. Any effort to hand many of these sites over to the states is a betrayal, and the American people wont stand for it. she said. By Fred Greaves SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to turn Alcatraz back into a federal prison was summarily rejected on Monday by some visitors to the tourist site in San Francisco Bay. Trump revealed a plan over the weekend to rebuild and expand the notorious island prison, a historic landmark known as "The Rock" and operated by the U.S. government's National Park Service. It's "just an idea I've had," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need law and order in this country. So we're going to look at it," he added on Monday. Once nearly impossible to leave, the island can be difficult to get to because of competition for tickets. Alcatraz prison held fewer than 300 inmates at a time before it was closed in 1963 and draws roughly 1.2 million tourists a year. U.S. Bureau of Prisons Director William Marshall said on Monday he would vigorously pursue the president's agenda and was looking at next steps. "It's a waste of money," said visitor Ben Stripe from Santa Ana, California. "After walking around and seeing this place and the condition it's in, it is just way too expensive to refurbish." he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not feasible to have somebody still live here," agreed Cindy Lacomb from Phoenix, Arizona, who imagined replacing all the metal in the cells and rebuilding the crumbling concrete. The sprawling site is in disrepair, with peeling paint and rusting locks and cell bars. Signs reading "Area closed for your safety" block off access to many parts of the grounds. Chemical toilets sit next to permanent restrooms closed off for repair. The former home of Al Capone and other notable inmates was known for tough treatment, including pitch-black isolation cells. It was billed as America's most secure prison given the island location, frigid waters and strong currents. It was closed because of high operating costs. The island also was claimed by Native American activists in 1969, an act of civil disobedience acknowledged by the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Forbes, visiting from Pittsburgh, said it should remain a part of history. "I'm a former prison guard and rehabilitation is real. Punishment is best left in the past," Forbes said. No successful escapes were ever officially recorded from Alcatraz, though five prisoners were listed as "missing and presumed drowned." Today a "Supermax" facility located in Florence, Colorado, about 115 miles (185 km) south of Denver, is nicknamed the "Alcatraz of the Rockies." No one has ever escaped from that 375-inmate facility since it opened in 1994. Congress in fiscal year 2024 cut the Bureau of Prisons infrastructure budget by 38% and prison officials have previously reported a $3 billion maintenance backlog. The Bureau of Prisons last year said it would close aging prisons, as it struggled with funding cuts. (Reporting by Fred Greaves and Peter Henderson in San Francisco and Sarah N. Lynch and Steve Holland in Washington; Editing by Howard Goller) In its heyday, Alcatraz Island housed more than 260 prisoners, with notorious gangsters such as Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly and James "Whitey" Bulger serving time on the rocky outpost. With its closing in 1963 after it fell into disrepair, the federal prison off San Francisco found a new life as a popular tourist destination one that continues to draw more than a million visitors a year as a national historic landmark. That could all change again if President Donald Trump gets his way. Trump wrote Sunday on social media that he is directing the federal Bureau of Prisons, the Justice Department and other agencies to "reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz" to the most "ruthless and violent offenders." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But federal corrections experts and historians caution that while such a project may be especially "symbolic" to Trump, any plan would be incredibly expensive and inefficient, particularly when the federal government's mission is to slash spending and prisons remain strained by staffing shortages. "You'd be going in and basically removing a national landmark just to set up a prison that literally would be for the optics mostly, because it doesn't make the most sense financially to establish something like that there," said Michael Esslinger, who has written five books about Alcatraz's history and estimates he has visited the island at least 500 times. Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay in September. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images file) The National Park Service manages Alcatraz. J. Elizabeth Peace, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of the Interior, said in an email that "the President's statement speaks for itself," and declined to comment further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Alcatraz was closed, it was determined that it would take at least $4 million to renovate it and that the physical isolation of the island was a major reason it cost so much to maintain. For example, fresh water had to be barged to the island every week. In a news release issued in 1962, BOP Director James Bennett said it was not an "economically sound policy" to invest millions of dollars to rehab Alcatraz. Housing an inmate in Alcatraz cost more than three times what it cost in Atlanta, the BOP said. It's unclear how much it would cost to build a new prison on Alcatraz from scratch. The BOP's newly installed director, William Marshall III, said in a statement Monday that he has ordered an assessment on "next steps" for a reopened U.S. penitentiary. "USP Alcatraz has a rich history," Marshall said. "We look forward to restoring this powerful symbol of law, order, and justice. We will be actively working with our law enforcement and other federal partners to reinstate this very important mission." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For comparison, a new federal prison that would hold 1,400 inmates in Letcher County, Kentucky, near the Virginia border, is estimated to cost more than $500 million. Walter Pavlo, president of the consulting firm Prisonology LLC, whose experts include former BOP case managers and wardens, said he could easily see the price of rebuilding a prison on Alcatraz surpassing that of the Kentucky facility. In addition, there are other costs associated with operating a maximum-security facility that requires state-of-the art technology and infrastructure, particularly for a property that has had a long and colorful history of escape attempts. Federal prisons are typically built in isolated and rural communities. Having one in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the most expensive places to live in the country, would require competitive salaries, as well, Pavlo said. He said those corrections officers and staff members would need to be experienced in dealing with dangerous offenders. The BOP currently houses such prisoners at its "Supermax" in Florence, Colorado, south of Colorado Springs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump "wants a showplace for high-profile criminals that people can see," Pavlo said. "And there's no higher-profile place than Alcatraz." Some elected officials in California are downplaying Trump's plan to revert Alcatraz into a working prison. "It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction," Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the former House speaker, whose district includes the island, said on X. "The President's proposal is not a serious one." The idea began taking shape after Trump took office for his second term. His son Donald Trump Jr. posted on X that "maybe we should also reopen Alcatraz?!?!" in response to his father's announcing preparations for a facility at the U.S. military camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to house thousands of migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1981, the Reagan administration also examined Alcatraz as a place to hold detainees fleeing Cuba via the Mariel boatlift, but the idea was rejected because the island did not have the proper resources and, by then, it was a magnet for tourists. Alcatraz's operations began in the mid-19th century, first as a military fort to house prisoners, until the federal government transferred it to the Justice Department. The federal prison opened in 1934. Over the years, Alcatraz nicknamed The Rock was the scene of dramatic escapes and a deadly siege by inmates. Its purpose was "really a way to isolate inmates from the news and from society," Esslinger said. "It was kind of like this iron curtain where no information was going in or out." But Alcatraz was ultimately not worth maintaining. In 1962, ahead of the prison's closing, the BOP determined the salt air was severely corroding the building. Meanwhile, the lack of a sewage system meant wastewater was being dumped directly into the bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island gained national attention again in 1969 when a group of Native American activists occupied it until 1971. David Widner, whose uncles, convicted bank robbers John and Clarence Anglin, escaped from Alcatraz in 1962, said that given the island's lore and public fascination, "it would make sense for it to remain the way it is." "But do I think Trump's capable of turning it around? Sure," Widner said. "With the right kind of money, it could be redone." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The News The hottest ticket in Riyadh next week aside from the royal gala feting US President Donald Trump and Gulf leaders is the Saudi-US Investment Forum. The invitation-only gathering on May 13 will bring together senior officials and executives to discuss the details behind deals valued in the trillions. Saudi Arabia has already pledged to invest $600 billion in the US over the next four years, while the UAE said it will pump in $1.4 trillion over the next decade. Trumps visit is expected to focus on US-bound investment pledges and weapons deals normalization with Israel and other grand security arrangements arent likely. Business leaders will be focusing on deals in sectors including energy, minerals, financial services, artificial intelligence, technology, manufacturing, and health care. Trump will arrive in Riyadh on May 13, attend a summit with Gulf leaders on May 14, then travel to Doha the same day before concluding his trip in Abu Dhabi on May 15, according to Axios. WELLINGTON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The central bank of New Zealand warned on Monday that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector presents both opportunities and risks to financial stability. In its upcoming Financial Stability Report, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) cautions that increasing reliance on AI could amplify vulnerabilities, with risks including system errors, data privacy breaches and market distortions. The growing dependence on a few major third-party AI providers raises concerns about market concentration, increasing the potential impact of cyberattacks, the report said. "There is still considerable uncertainty around how AI will shape the financial system," said Kerry Watt, RBNZ director of Financial Stability Assessment & Strategy. It could strengthen resilience, but it may also introduce new or greater risks, Watt said. The central bank highlights AI's potential to boost productivity, enhance risk assessment, improve modelling accuracy, and strengthen cyber defenses across financial institutions. Regulated entities are expected to manage AI-related risks within existing frameworks, and regulations must evolve to keep pace with technological change, RBNZ said, adding it will continue monitoring AI developments and regulatory responses to ensure the financial system remains robust in the face of innovation. President Donald Trumps Department of Justice sided with the Biden administrations defense of mifepristone on Monday in an ongoing federal lawsuit over the abortion pill. Its an unexpected move for the anti-abortion administration, and experts warned HuffPost that its actually a calculated political move to delay the war on abortion care. The suit, State of Missouri v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is an amended complaint to last years Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, which anti-abortion advocates took all the way to the Supreme Court in their quest to challenge the FDAs mifepristone regulations. State attorneys general in Missouri, Idaho and Kansas essentially revived the suit, despite the Supreme Court rejecting the previous plaintiffs on a lack of legal standing. President Joe Bidens administration continued to defend the FDA beyond last summers oral arguments, filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in January that highlighted several of its fatal flaws. Monday was the deadline for a reply brief in support of the motion from the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Normally, this wouldnt be newsworthy. But because the Trump administration is now in power, and the suit has effectively changed hands, the reply brief gives us insight into how the administration plans to move forward in its ongoing attacks on reproductive health care. Even though the Trump administration is ideologically aligned with the state attorneys general from Missouri, Idaho and Kansas, Trumps brief supports Bidens original motion to dismiss by reinforcing the same technical legal defenses. The Trump administration is facing a litany of other lawsuits from Democratic-led states and likely needs to make the same technical legal arguments Biden did in the mifepristone case in order to stay consistent with the kinds of arguments they need to make in other cases, Julia Kaye, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Unions Reproductive Freedom Project, told HuffPost. The Trump Administration should not get a gold star for continuing to highlight the glaring legal flaws in Missouris case they could not do otherwise with a straight face, Kaye said. (Story continues below.) The Trump administration essentially underlined the flaws that Bidens DOJ pointed out in the original motion to dismiss, including that the states bringing the suit have no legal standing to challenge the FDAs mifepristone regulations. They also argued that the three states have no reason to litigate this case in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By piggybacking onto the original lawsuit, the Republican state attorneys general were able to file their complaint in Judge Matthew Kacsmaryks Texas courtroom. Kacsmaryk, a far-right Trump appointee infamous for his anti-abortion views, is the federal judge who ruled last year that the FDA unlawfully approved mifepristone when it first went to market over two decades ago. There is obviously no reason for Missouri, Iowa and Kansas, to be suing in Texas other than wanting their case decided by the same Trump-appointed judge who already tried to take mifepristone off the market nationwide, Kaye said. Missouri does not get to litigate this case in Texas just because they want to guarantee that it is heard by a judge who opposes abortion. The Trump administration essentially kicked the can down the road in the ongoing war over the abortion pill. The DOJs brief didnt address the merits of the case, it merely agreed that the plaintiffs unprecedented arguments didnt hold standing, Kirsten Moore, director of the Expanding Medication Abortion Access Project, told HuffPost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But his administration and fellow anti-abortion Republicans are still laying the groundwork to restrict the pill whether through misinformation on mifepristones safety record or enacting a federal abortion ban using the Comstock Act. Under the Biden administration, the FDA lifted its in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone, allowing people to access abortion pills through the mail. Telehealth abortion care now accounts for 20% of all abortion care since the Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade. The FDA approved mifepristone in 2000, and the medication has since been used by over 6 million people in the U.S., according to the agency. Major medical groups have repeatedly said mifepristone is safe, pointing to more than 100 studies that have corroborated its safety and effectiveness. Decades of scientific evidence and the nations leading medical authorities agree that mifepristone is safe, effective and essential to reproductive health care, Kaye said. If, moving forward, the Trump administration stops defending the FDAs evidence-based decisions on mifepristone or orders the FDA to reconsider its regulations, that would tank the FDAs credibility and betray President Trumps campaign promise not to further interfere with abortion access. Related... The Scoop The Trump administration is continuing its campaign strategy of trying to focus on new media. In the first 100 days, the administration told Semafor, its White House account on X (the social media platform conveniently owned by President Donald Trumps top special government employee) saw more than 2 billion impressions. Add that data to the 40 affiliate accounts and the number grows to 6 billion impressions. On Facebook, Trumps White House says it had a net gain of 2 million new followers in the first 100 days and reached 86.2 million accounts. Trumps social media team is also focusing on Instagram (804 million views since taking office, they said) and YouTube, where they saw 366,400 new subscribers added and 35 million views added up on White House videos. Trump officials see these platforms now much like they did on the campaign trail: as key to bypassing traditional media and reaching new, oftentimes younger audiences. May 5Tuesday is Election Day, but how big a deal that is depends dramatically on which city or school district you live in. If you live in Kettering, Fairborn, Washington Twp., Springboro or a dozen other communities, you're showing up to check one single box yes or no on whether the state should continue issuing bonds to help pay for local infrastructure projects. But if you live in Dayton or Huber Heights or Troy or Franklin, this is a much more substantial local election. There are key races about city leadership roles in Dayton and Troy, plus city and school taxes in Huber Heights and Franklin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no federal issues or races on the ballot Tuesday, but school and city taxes are all over the ballot. Beavercreek and Oakwood schools want tax money to address school facilities. The Huber Heights and Northmont districts are seeking new tax levies to fund day-to-day school operations. Huber Heights and Franklin both have city tax levies on the ballot to help pay for police and fire response. To see exactly what's on your ballot, visit www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/sample-ballot/. To read more details about the biggest of those issues, visit DaytonDailyNews.com/elections. Voters can confirm their polling locations at VoterLookup.OhioSoS.gov. Polls will open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and stay open until 7:30 p.m. Voters wanting to cast a ballot in person should bring an unexpired photo ID to the polls. The Tulsa skyline is pictured. (Getty Images) Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa is repatriating thousands of Native items, including human remains, back to Oklahoma tribes. This latest deaccession is part of the museums years-long effort to return tribal artifacts under the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act. Named after Muscogee Creek citizen Thomas Gilcrease, the museum houses a comprehensive collection of history from the American West, including items from numerous Indigenous tribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to deaccession records first reported on by News On 6 and notices to the federal registrar , the museum will return almost 100 remains and thousands of artifacts to various tribes in and outside the state. For Oklahoma, 64 ancestors and 1,322 funerary objects will be returned to the Osage Nation, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Eastern Shawnee Tribe, Kaw Nation, Miami Tribe of Indians, Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Quapaw Nation, Peoria Tribe of Indians, Ponca Tribe of Indians, Sac and Fox Nation, Shawnee Tribe and numerous tribes in other parts of the country. The artifacts and remains came from Pike County, Illinois. According to ProPublicas repatriation tracker , since NAGPRAs implementation, the Gilcrease Museum of Tulsa has decreased its human remains collection from 600 to 200. This article was originally published by KOSU. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Mental Health America of Indiana urges readers to "Turn Awareness Into Action" during Mental Health Awareness Month. (Getty Images) Every May, Mental Health America leads the state and nation in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May throughout the United States since 1949. The month is often observed with media, local events, proclamations, and even film screenings. The purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental wellness and mental illness, to reduce the stigma around the disorder. Individuals oftentimes feel alone with their illness when in fact, one in four are at lifetime risk. But we need to do more. This year, we are not just raising awareness we are turning that awareness into action! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The national theme for 2025 is: Turn Awareness Into Action. This is a call to go beyond the conversation and take real steps to improve mental well-being whether that means checking in on a friend, calling your legislator, or reaching out for help yourself. In Indiana, this movement is already underway. Improving Hoosier mental health Just a few years ago, our state ranked 42nd in the nation for mental health care access and outcomes. Mental Health Advocates, stakeholders, and legislators turned awareness into action in 2023 and made mental health a priority via SEA 1. SB 1 was the work product of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission and authored by Senator Mike Crider. Today, thanks to targeted funding and legislative action, Indiana has climbed to 26th in the national ranking for behavioral health. This improvement has not been by chance, but rather the result of the strategic efforts of the Commission and the Indiana General Assembly. Legislators included a $50 million annual investment in behavioral health in HEA 1001-2023 as well as the building of the behavioral health infrastructure of crisis response, treatment access, and community care in SEA 1. While more is still needed, we have begun to take action. One of the most transformative examples is Indianas 988 Crisis & Suicide Lifeline. This program ensures that Hoosiers can speak to trained crisis counselors 24/7 people who live here and understand the unique needs of our state. Mental Health America of Indiana is proud to operate one of these call centers, and weve seen call volume grow by 184% in the last year alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And behind every statistic is a story. One man called our 988 line literally with a gun to his head. Because of the assistance from the trained crisis counselor who answered, he put the gun down and agreed to safety planning. Youve literally saved my life, he said. He was one of many. This is the power of action. Every Hoosier can take action! In May 2025, this Mental Health Month, please take the first step: Check your own mental health by taking a free, anonymous screening at https://mhascreening.org. It is totally anonymous. Start conversations with those around you ask, How are you, really? Join the movement by advocating for continued state support of Indianas mental health system, including funding for 988 and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Wear green in support of Mental Health Month and join us in being Seen in Green this May. Support Mental Health America of Indiana, which provides direct care and statewide advocacy every day. To be part of MHAI, go to: https://www.mhai.net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truth is, every Hoosier has the power to turn awareness into action. Whether its through a phone call, a conversation, or a policy change you can help build a mentally healthier Indiana. Please join us to keep moving Indiana forward. Turn your own awareness into action. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A judge sided with Aidan Kearney, a blogger known as Turtleboy, on Monday and denied an attempt by prosecutors to bring him back to jail. Judge Michael Doolins decision came after a tense hearing last week when prosecutors argued a motion to revoke Kearneys bail in his ongoing witness intimidation case in Norfolk County Superior Court. The words stated by the defendant, a journalist, on his YouTube live video of April 26, 2025, do not mandate revocation of his bail, Doolin wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge wrote that the comments do not violate the courts order to have no contact, direct or indirect, with a witness and that the comments did not constitute a new criminal offense. Kearneys witness intimidation case is related to the ongoing Read murder case, which is at the start of the third week of a retrial. Under the pseudonym Turtleboy, Kearney has written hundreds of articles online in support of Read. He was indicted on 16 counts, including witness intimidation and conspiracy, in December 2023 and spent two months in jail after having his bail revoked shortly after his indictment. Prosecutors say he harassed and threatened witnesses in the Read case. Prosecutors recently attempted to revoke Kearneys bail in response to comments he made about Massachusetts State Police Lt. Brian Tully, the former commander of the state police unit assigned to the Norfolk County district attorneys office. Tully was involved in the Read case investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Special Prosecutor Robert Cosgrove said in court that Kearney continued to defame witnesses in the Read case and that he wished death in the most horrible fashion on Tully. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doolin told Kearney at the hearing that 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 next hearing for Kearneys case is scheduled for June 20. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Iranian justice authorities on Monday reported two arrests following the recent huge explosion in a port complex in southern Iran. Two people were taken into custody in connection with the accident on April 26, said Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei, the chief of the Iranian judiciary, according to the state news agency IRNA. The identity of the suspects and the charges against them initially remained unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compensation had already been paid to many who lost people in the disaster, Mohseni Ejei added. The explosion, which killed at least 70 and injured more than 1,000, occurred in the port of Shahid Rajaee near the coastal metropolis of Bandar Abbas. The force of the detonation and resultant fire also caused considerable damage. According to initial reports, the blast was caused by inadequate safety precautions and not by sabotage, as had been widely speculated. On Monday, another fire was reported in the port's container area. According to Iranian media, it was caused by a reach stacker vehicle used for handling cargo containers. However, fire crews at the scene were able to bring the fire under control. The summer season is nearly upon us, bringing with it carefully-planned family vacations to the farthest corners of the globe. As prospective travelers sit down to come up with their vacation itineraries, however, they might want to factor in the various travel warnings in effect against several international destinations. More recently, the U.S. State Department has issued warnings about visiting both North Korea and Burkina Faso. With this recent announcement, the U.S. now has a total of 21 countries that carry the "Do Not Travel" warning: the highest advisory level used by the State Department. In particular, the U.S. advises against traveling to North Korea owing to "the continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and the threat of wrongful detention." Because the U.S. does not maintain close diplomatic connections with North Korea, the State Department has warned travels that "it cannot provide direct help to U.S. citizens in North Korea in emergencies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, the State Department has warned against visiting Burkina Faso "due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping." The West African nation has experienced a recent spike in terrorist operations, with the State Department stating, "Terrorists may attack anywhere with little or no warning and may utilize various tactics including the use of common, commercially available items or the use of kidnapping for ransom." With both nations obtaining a Level 4 travel warning in the U.S., both North Korea and Burkina Faso have now been characterized as two of the most dangerous places for U.S. citizens to travel to. The U.S. has similar warnings in place against various nations across the globe, including the likes of Yemen, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Haiti, Venezuela, Somalia, Russia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States currently has four levels in its travel advisory, ranging from Level 1 ("Exercise Normal Precautions"), Level 2 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), Level 3 ("Reconsider Travel") and Level 4 ("Do Not Travel"). Greenville voters made their voices heard Saturday selecting new reprentatives for the city council and school board and passing a major health care proposition countywide. In the race for Greenville City Council Place 1, Ramon Rodriguez secured a decisive victory over opponent Richard Hutchins, garnering 225 votes (58.59%) to Hutchins 159 (41.41%). Rodriguez expressed gratitude in a statement to supporters Tuesday night: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citizens of Place 1, thank you so much for your support, Rodriguez said on social media. It doesnt matter who voted for me as I will represent all Place 1 citizens the same and to the absolute best of my ability. We are one city and a growing city, and I couldnt be prouder to be from Greenville. In the contest for Greenville ISD Place 6, Millie Wright Edwards emerged victorious with 120 votes (65.22%) over incumbent Aletha Kruse, who received 64 votes (34.78%). A jubilant Edwards thanked her supporters enthusiastically on social media. Thank you, thank you, thank you, she said. You showed up and showed out. We did that. Thank you for believing in me and showing up at the polls. I look forward to whats to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kruse, who served six years on the board, acknowledged the outcome with grace. Its not 100% yet but I think I can call it. Congratulations to Ms. Millie Edwards, Kruse said. Thank you to all that supported me. Dont be sad I am proud of the things we accomplished in six years. A countywide proposition for the Hunt Memorial Hospital District passed with strong support. The $29.34 million bond measure was approved with 2,208 votes (59.53%) in favor and 1,501 votes (40.47%) against. Hospital officials say the funding will address critical needs at the hospital, including replacing the 17-year-old linear accelerator used in radiation therapy for cancer patients, adding more staffed inpatient beds to meet increasing demand, upgrading and expanding cardiovascular and surgical facilities and improving the hospitals emergency department. All vote totals are considered unofficial until results are canvassed and certified by the respective governmental bodies. ANKARA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have detained 33 people, including 20 public officials, over their alleged ties to the Gulen movement, authorities said Monday. The raids targeted 38 suspects tied to the Gulen movement, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said in a statement, without specifying the time frame of the operations. The Turkish government has blamed the movement for a 2016 coup attempt and has classified it as a terrorist organization since then. The prosecutor's office said that 20 of those detained are active public sector employees and that efforts to locate and arrest five other suspects were ongoing. The suspects allegedly sought to nest in the General Directorate of Security (or Turkish National Police), recruiting and coding police personnel under their internal system while monitoring their loyalty to the group. Two men from Honduras have been charged with illegally re-entering the United States after they previously had been deported, federal prosecutors said Monday. Marvin Wilton Max Ayala and Brayan Josue Matute-Lobo were each charged by indictments with one count of illegal re-entry after removal. Both indictments were filed last month. Max Ayala and Matute-Lobo were both encountered in South Florida in recent months, after having entered the country illegally, without inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration officer, federal prosecutors said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matute-Lobo had previously been deported three times in 2016, while Max Ayala had previously been deported in 2012, 2015, 2020 and 2021, according to the two indictments. The indictments did not provide further details about the allegations. They were held at Federal Detention Center Miami as of Monday. A woman is in a "grave" condition and a man has serious gunshot wounds after a shooting at a Robbinsdale park Sunday evening. Robbinsdale Police Department says multiple 911 callers shooting was reported at Sanborn Park, on the 4200 block of Drew Avenue North, at around 9:20 p.m. Officers arrived to a "very chaotic scene," with police finding a 19-year-old woman had been shot in the head. Lifesaving efforts began, with the woman taken to North Memorial Hospital with "grave injuries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efforts to find other victims were initially unsuccessful, but a man in his 20s arrived at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park shortly after 10 p.m. with gunshot wounds he sustained in Robbinsdale. The man was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center in a serious condition. As of Monday morning no arrests have been made, with Robbinsdale PD spokesman John Elder saying that while there were "were many people present" at the park, "little information was shared with the police." The park was cordoned off by police on Sunday evening. It's not clear whether it has reopened as of Monday morning. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. MADISONVILLE, Ky. (WEHT) People in cities across the U.S. continue to protest the President Donald Trump administration, some saying the president and his cabinet officials like Elon Musk are out of touch with Americans. Two Western Kentucky cities are no exception. Hundreds between Owensboro and Madisonville are grabbing signs and rallying against the state of the federal government under President Trump after cutting government jobs and spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some are claiming President Trump is not hearing the concerns of poor and middle class Americans and believe the country is slipping further away from democracy. Now Elon Musk backs out and says hes going back to Tesla and has no concern as much with DOGE after causing thousands and thousands of people to lose their jobs and everything else and us just never knowing when we can keep our Medicare, Medicaid, says Vickie Madden from London, Kentucky. You just dont understand, Donald. I really see this headed towards autocracy, says Brad Reynolds attending the May Day protest in Owensboro. Hes made it clear thats where its at, and the decimation of the whole United States government. Were the oldest democracy on the planet, and its not going away, says Hopkins County resident Matthew Smith. Not on our watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday marks International Workers Day where Owensboro joins other American cities to push politicians to advocate for families and not the rich. Both in Owensboro and in Madisonville, people here are also standing up for rights for women, transgender people and those with disabilities. Its a cause where some say the reception has been in the demonstrators favor, though some have shown support for the president though the vehicles windows. We get quite a few cheers. We get quite a few honks of people who understand what were trying to do here, raise the message were trying to raise and want to show their solidarity in their own little way, says Tyler Sagardoy from Indivisible Owensboro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People accuse me that Im some kind of predator: that Im som kind of deviant person living some treacherous lifestyle. Thats not true, says Hopkins County resident Michael Smith. I live and love like just you. Just because I am a transgender American does not mean that I am dangerous, that I am inherently violent nor that I am inherently unworthy of the rights that everyone else has. Some organizers say this certainly will not be the last protest against this administration. More from Ben Walls Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Testimony resumed on the seventh day of the Tyre Nichols state criminal trial on May 5. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent updates are at the top of this file. Jury given instructions on the law At 10:40 a.m., Judge James Jones Jr. began giving the jury instructions on the law. In Tennessee, a jury can convict on lesser charges. In this case, if the jury does not believe second-degree murder was proven by the prosecution, they can still convict on facilitation of second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, or facilitation to voluntary manslaughter among a litany of other charges. This, essentially, gives the prosecution a set of fallback charges. Multiple jurors walked into the courtroom with blankets. It was a brisk 62 degrees in the courtroom when the jury entered, a stark difference from the nearly 85 degrees it was on the first two days of trial. Judge James Jones Jr. listens as attorneys argue acquittal motions prior to closing arguments during the seventh day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, May 5, 2025. After explaining the duties of a juror such as not inferring something from objections or from evidence being ruled inadmissible Jones explained what facts the prosecution must prove in order to convict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each juror is holding what appears to be their own copy of jury instructions. They each have a white binder and a highlighter. The instructions themselves must be at least an inch and a half thick. Motions for acquittal denied by judge What could be the final day of trial began a touch late on May 5, with attorneys meeting with Judge James Jones, Jr. in his chambers ahead of the defenses motions for acquittal. All three defense attorneys renewed motions for acquittal. These motions were first filed after the state closed its case, but were brought back after the defense rested its case on May 3. Each argued that the evidence given in the defenses case bolstered and refuted all allegations made by the prosecution. Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman argued that these motions should not be granted since the questions posed by the defense should be answered by the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones agreed with Hagermans argument and said the evidence should be considered by the jury. What happened on the sixth day of the trial? A use-of-force expert from California, who was also called upon to testify during the federal criminal trial, was extensively questioned on May 3. You can find full updates on what happened on day six in this story. What happened on the fifth day of the trial? The fifth day of trial saw testimony from an independent forensic consultant and a use-of-force expert, both of whom also testified during the federal criminal trial. You can find full updates from day five in this story. What happened on the fourth day of the trial? The fourth day of trial started with additional questioning of former Memphis police officer Preston Hemphill, who was fired after Nichols' death but has not been criminally charged, asl well as testimony from an emergency medical technician who treated Nichols at the scene. Former Memphis Police Department officer Demetrius Haley takes the stand to decline to testify on his own behalf during the sixth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar on Saturday, May 3, 2025. You can find all our updates from the fourth day of the trial in this story. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Mark Wojcicki, a former Memphis Police Department officer who worked with former MPD officer and defendant Justin Smith Jr., listens to a question about how he knows Smith Jr. during the sixth day of the trial for the death of Tyre Nichols at 201 Poplar on Saturday, May 3, 2025. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find the full updates from the first day of the trial in this story. What happened to Tyre Nichols? Nichols was pulled over by Memphis police officers in the evening hours of Jan. 7, 2023. The officers pulled him from his car and attempted to arrest him before he was able to escape. Other officers found him and tackled him. While holding his arms, police punched, kicked, pepper-sprayed and hit Nichols with a baton. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in critical condition and died three days later. Each of the officers charged in the case Bean, Haley, Smith, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr. have already either been convicted or pleaded guilty in the federal criminal case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haley was convicted on all counts using excessive force, being deliberately indifferent to Nichols' medical needs, witness tampering and conspiracy to witness tamper. Martin and Mills each pleaded guilty to using excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper ahead of the federal trial. Bean and Smith were convicted of witness tampering, but were acquitted of the other three charges. Sentencing for all five officers has been postponed until after the state criminal trial is completed. Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tyre Nichols trial: Acquittal motions denied, closing arguments begin 4:25 p.m.: Perry, Beans attorney, is finished with his closing arguments. That leaves Haley and Smiths defense to present theirs. The jury was dismissed for the day. We will have live coverage of the remainder of the closing arguments on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. After the closing arguments are complete, the jury will begin deliberations. 3:31 p.m.: The defense is now presenting its closing arguments. Tadarrius Beans attorney, John Keith Perry, was the first to stand in front of the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry explained to the jury that Nichols was fighting with officers and resisting during the altercation. He noted what the use-of-force expert witnesses stated in their testimonies regarding a loose handcuff on Nichols. Tadarrius Beans attorney, John Keith Perry At one point during the altercation, only one of Nichols hands was in a handcuff, while Bean and Smith appeared to hold his arms. Witnesses previously described the handcuff as a dangerous weapon when not attached to both hands. Its impractical and dangerous for Bean to let the suspects hands go. And you heard about the one handcuff on, and you heard the experts in the case. And once again, you should base Beans actions on the training he received, and you saw the evidence regarding the training, said Perry. Perry reminded the jury that all three of the use-of-force witnesses presented by the defense previously stated that Beans actions were reasonable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no direct proof of any kicks coming from Bean whatsoever. The only strikes, if you slow it down and take it out at a quarter speed, you see all strikes are to the forearm after Tyre Nichols has turned over and is reaching up. He pushes the officers off of him while he is on the ground and they are asking for him to get on his stomach so they can put cuffs on him, Perry said. Perry stated that there is no DNA evidence linking back to Bean, and character witnesses had nothing bad to say about him, calling him a good, quiet officer who minded his business and did his work. There was no plan to harm anybody. All of them said the same thing. There was no conspiracy. Like Hey, first guy we get tonight were gonna try to beat the h*** out of him. There was no discussion about Nichols whatsoever, said Perry. He noted that when officers arrived at Nichols house and made contact with his mother, she allegedly initially told police that she did not know Nichols, and when asked if he lived at the home, Perry says she responded no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry described her response as, I dont know him. I dont want his problems here You think about that. Nichols mother, RowVaughn Wells, described the encounter differently in her testimony last week. 1:56 p.m.: The state finished its closing arguments, and the jury was released for lunch. 12:22 p.m.: Prosecuting attorney Melanie Headley is presenting the states final arguments. Headley began her closing arguments by recounting RowVaughn Wells testimony, stating that her son, Tyre Nichols, was excited to eat the sesame chicken she was cooking for dinner. But he did not make it home that night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors then showed a photo of what Nichols looked like before the traffic stop and after a photo Nichols stepfather took of him lying in his hospital bed with a swollen head and face, heavily bruised. State Prosecuting Attorney Melanie Headley Body camera footage of the beating was again played for the jury. He says help me, help me three times. You know what happens right after that third time he says, help me? Lieutenant Haley runs in and kicks him, and Emmitt kicks him again. And those are the last words we hear from Tyre, help me. And who is supposed to help him? Those guys. They got a duty, a duty to help him, and they dont. No one helps him, said Headley while pointing to Bean, Haley, and Smith. Desmond Mills, who took plea deals at both the state and federal levels, testified last week that he used his pepper spray and baton on Nichols because he was angry that he accidentally sprayed himself during the altercation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors noted that each of the use of force expert witnesses who testified in the case agreed that if you are using force out of anger or to punish, it would be categorized as excessive. Prosecutor Headley discussed the duty to prevent and intervene after watching SkyCop footage of the beating. After each one of those punches, what do we have? A duty to prevent. A duty to intervene, she said. Nobody says stop.' Headley again discussed the testimonies from the use of force experts. Two of the three expert witnesses stated that Haleys kicks to Nichols were excessive, while the third, Haleys witness, stated that the kicks were not excessive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The photo Haley took of Nichols leaning against the patrol car after the beating was described by the state as Haleys trophy pic. His attorney said that he was documenting his (Nichols) injuries. For what? For who? The 11 people he sent that picture to? questioned Headley. IDs, credit, and debit cards not belonging to Nichols were found in his car by the TBI, as well as a small amount of illegal mushrooms, days after the beating. So, because of that, he deserved this? Because he had those credit cards? They (the officers) didnt even know. They didnt even know that they were there, said Headley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state closed its final arguments by asking the jury, Are good people capable of doing bad things? Headley noted that it is not up to the jury to decide if the defendants are good or bad people; they must decide if the state proved that the three former officers are guilty of the actions they claim took place on Jan. 7. That night, January 7, 2023, those officers did bad things. And when Tyre cried for help, they didnt do anything. Nobody helped. Nobody prevented it, said Headley. 12:10 p.m.: The judge finished reading jury instructions, and the jury was released for a brief break before closing arguments begin. 10:40 a.m.: The Judge began reading the jury instructions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each defendant Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith is charged with seven counts: Count 1 Second Degree Murder Count 2 Aggravated Assault Act in Concert Count 3 Aggravated Kidnapping Count 4 Aggravated Kidnapping Count 5 Official Misconduct Count 6 Official Misconduct Count 7 Official Oppression The jury can also decide to convict each defendant on a list of lesser charges associated with each count. The severity of the charges is completely dependent on the jury. For example: If the jury chooses not to convict the defendants of Count 1: Second Degree Murder, the jury may instead decide to convict them of a lesser charge of Facilitation of Second Degree Murder, Voluntary Manslaughter, Facilitation of Voluntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault Resulting in Death, Facilitation of Aggravated Assault Resulting in Death, Reskless Homicide, Facilitation of Reckless Homicide, Criminally Negligent Homicide, and Facilitation of Criminally Negligent Homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury is instructed to decide beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants are either guilty or not guilty of each count. 9:53 a.m.: Court began with attorneys discussing what should and should not be included in the jury instructions. They took a brief recess to finish preparing the instructions. *** MEMPHIS, Tenn. Closing statements and jury instructions are expected Monday in the trial of three former Memphis officers accused in Tyre Nichols death. That means we could see a verdict in the very near future in the state criminal trial for these officers. Well livestream the days events above and live blog them here all day. Saturday, the defense wrapped up its case, calling all 17 of its witnesses before resting its case a little before 4. Don Cameron, a police training expert, spent hours on the stand analyzing former officer Demetrius Haleys actions the night of Nichols beating. Cameron said Haleys kick to Nichols body was consistent with training and MPD policy to get Nichols to comply with officers who were trying to get him handcuffed. But prosecutors picked apart his testimony, pointing out what Haley yelled as he got out of his squad car: Beat that man. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Tom Polansek CHICAGO (Reuters) - Tyson Foods has been "proactively reformulating" food products containing petroleum-based synthetic dyes and plans to finish work to eliminate them from its production process by the end of May, CEO Donnie King said on Monday. Most of the meat company's retail-branded products, including Tyson chicken nuggets, do not contain those types of dyes, King said on an earnings call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said last month that the agency plans to remove synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply by revoking authorizations of some and working with the industry to voluntarily remove others. Kennedy said that the efforts to remove additives from food were necessary to address chronic diseases in children and, without evidence, suggested that it would address rising rates of conditions ranging from ADHD to food allergies. No products that Tyson offers in school nutrition programs include petroleum-based synthetic dyes, King said. (Reporting by Tom Polansek; Editing by Mark Porter) (This story has been updated to correct a misspelling.) Stefan Nielsen was serving as a flag bearer on stage at the University of Michigan Rackham Graduate Exercises on May 2 when he had a brief encounter with school President Santa Ono. They'd never met before, but Nielsen said it was a pleasant exchange in the spirit of the day, only to be followed the evening of May 4 by an email from Ono to the campus community, announcing his departure to take the top job at the University of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was kind of shocking," said Nielsen, who earned a master's degree in urban planning last week. "It just seemed like, it was very unexpected." Others on campus May 5 said they were surprised by the timing of the announcement, more so than the content. They noted that Ono's brief tenure, the shortest of any U-M president other than those who held the post on an interim basis, was marked by rough spots from the beginning. Ono arrived in October 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic was winding down. He was there for a strike by the Graduate Employees Organization that turned hostile at points. He was president during the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza. The war prompted widespread protests on campus and a school-led crackdown on some of the demonstrators. More recently, Ono has had to manage a series of new mandates from the Trump administration related to funding, diversity and antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Michigan football to suspend Sherrone Moore for 2 games but not at start of season More: University of Michigan President Santa Ono to leave for University of Florida Nielsen said that as a Jewish student, he has appreciated Ono's efforts to make the campus safer for Jewish students and others. "Obviously ... you know ... his presidency has been a bit controversial at points," Nielsen said. "Especially over the last year and a half. Nonetheless, I mean, it's hard. I don't really know if I can say whether it's good or it's bad, in the sense that we're just in a very tough spot right now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aurora Husic, 21, of Howell, earned her bachelor's degree in industrial engineering last week and plans to move to Washington, D.C., for a job. She noted that Ono was the third president of the school in her four years at Michigan. She began under former President Mark Schlissel, who was fired amid a sex scandal. Former President Mary Sue Coleman took over for him until Ono arrived. "I met him once at like a meet-and-greet when he first started and everyone was super excited," she said. "There was a huge line and we all got selfies with him and he was very personable ... saying hi to everyone, like, making an effort to be with the students." But Husic said that as the controversies on campus raged, that stopped. Ono was rarely seen among students in recent months, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think he was president through a very hard time for universities," she said. "I don't blame a lot on him. I think he was put in a really hard position." Faculty members were less impressed with Ono, said Rebekah Modrak, a professor of art and design, who chaired the Faculty Senate until her term ended May 1. "While I chaired the Faculty Senate last year ... there was much discussion amongst the faculty of a vote of no-confidence in President Ono for failing to provide leadership," Modrak told the Free Press in an email. "In winter semester, as many faculty and universities were working furiously to create coalitions to defend higher education and research funding for lifesaving, culture-changing, and economy-building research, President Ono went AWOL." While the threats from the government are real, Modrak said she spent most of her time as chair of the Faculty Senate defending the school from Ono. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Ono punished student activism and speech, created a "surveillance state" with plainclothes officers trailing and photographing students, and failed to defend academic freedom, among other failures. "President Ono's main investment was in AI, not surprisingly considering that many faculty complained that his 'letters to the campus community' seemed to have been written with the intellectual prowess and human warmth of ChatGPT," she said. The Board of Regents gave Ono higher marks. In October, they extended his contract and increased his pay, despite some members expressing disappointment in his handling of pressure from the Trump administration. An email late on May 4 to the campus community thanked Ono for his "significant achievements," noting, among other things, plans like Vision 2034, Campus Plan 2050 and the Look to Michigan campaign, a $7 billion fundraising effort that has met more than half its goal already. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These successes leave a legacy of which all of us especially President Ono can be proud," the email said. Contact John Wisely: jwisely@freepress.com. On X: @jwisely This story was updated to add a gallery. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: U-M's Santa Ono, leaving for University of Florida, gets mixed marks from students, staff GOMA, Congo (AP) Congo and Rwanda have submitted a draft peace proposal as part of a U.S.-led process that could end fighting in resource-rich eastern Congo, a U.S. official said Monday. U.S. President Donald Trumps senior adviser for Africa and the Middle East, Massad Boulos, said on social media that he welcomed the draft text received from both (Congo) and Rwanda, calling it an important step. Details of the draft were not immediately clear, including whether it offers to ease U.S. access to the regions critical minerals something Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has mentioned in return for U.S. help in calming the hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decades-long conflict in eastern Congo escalated in January, when the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized the strategic city of Goma, followed by the city of Bukavu in February. The fighting has killed some 3,000 people and raised the fears of a wider regional war. Eastern Congo has been in and out of crisis for decades. Dozens of armed groups are vying for territory in the mining region near the border with Rwanda. The conflict has created one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises with more than 7 million people displaced, including 100,000 who fled homes this year. Congo is the worlds largest producer of cobalt, a mineral used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and smartphones. The country also has substantial gold, diamond and copper reserves. Monday's draft peace proposal comes after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month oversaw the signing by Congo and Rwanda of a pledge to work toward a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rwanda's foreign minister, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, told the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency on Monday that he would meet Congo's foreign minister in the third week of May to negotiate a final peace agreement. He said he hoped the presidents of Rwanda and Congo would sign the agreement by mid-June at the White House in the presence of Trump and heads of state from the region. We hope that if all goes well, we are going to have a peace agreement which will allow us to achieve lasting peace in the region, Nduhungirehe said. There was no immediate comment from Congo's authorities. The M23 rebels are supported by about 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, according to U.N. experts, and at times have vowed to march as far as Congos capital, Kinshasa, about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) to the west. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congo and Rwanda hope the involvement of the U.S. and the incentive of major investment if theres enough security for U.S. companies to work safely in eastern Congo will calm the violence that has defied international peacekeeping and negotiation since the mid-1990s. A durable peace ... will open the door for greater U.S. and broader Western investment, which will bring about economic opportunities and prosperity, Rubio said, adding that it would advance President Trumps prosperity agenda for the world. Some analysts have warned that the U.S. could become involved in, or worsen, the militia violence, corruption, exploitation and rights abuses surrounding the mining of eastern Congos riches. Separately on Monday, Rwandan authorities confirmed that discussions were underway with the United States regarding a potential agreement for Rwanda to host deported migrants. An American tourist had to be prized off a metal fence outside the Colosseum in Rome after tripping and being impaled through his lower back. Witnesses reported that the man was unable to free himself and screamed in pain until he passed out. The man may have been attempting to get a better view of the historic landmark, according to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero. Other outlets reported he was trying to take a selfie. The incident comes less than a week after hundreds of thousands of tourists descended on Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, whose death at the age of 88 was announced on Easter Monday (AP) The man has not been named, but he is reportedly a 47-year-old U.S. citizen living in Taiwan. He had been on vacation with family and friends and had only been in Rome for a few days, according to Il Messaggero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement and paramedics were called after the incident and arrived quickly, though it took more than 20 minutes to remove the man who had lost consciousness. After he was removed from the fence, the man was taken to nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, according to Fox News. The wound, which was in the area of his lower back, needed 80 stitches to close, and the man was unable to speak for hours after the incident. The horrifying incident comes less than a week after hundreds of thousands of mourners from across the world gathered in Rome to honor Pope Francis. The pontiff, whose death at the age of 88 was announced on Easter Monday, was laid to rest in Romes Santa Maria Maggiore with more than 250,000 people in attendance. Romes police force Polizia di Stato did not immediately respond to a request for comment May 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Monday announced an incentive for undocumented immigrants to leave the country: a $1,000 stipend. DHS described it as a "historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive both financial and travel assistance to facilitate travel," according to a news release. There are an estimated 11.6 million unregistered migrants in the United States, according to the Center for Migration Studies. In 2020, it dropped to 10.1 million when Trump was in office the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new process also gives them a chance to re-enter the United States legally in the future. Those who want to self-deport must use the Customs and Border Protection Home App then return to their home country. When out of the United States, they will get $1,000, according to a news release. The Trump administration has been using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to remove people from U.S. shores (such as in March when suspected gang members were deported to Tecoluca, El Salvador, above), but courts have said it is unlawful because that act was designed to be used during times of war in day of old. File Photo by Tia Dufour/U.S. Department of Homeland Security "Self-deportation is a dignified way to leave the U.S. and will allow illegal aliens to avoid being encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement," the agency said in a news release. "Even with the cost of the stipend, it is projected that the use of CBP Home will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 percent." The average cost to arrest, detain and remove an unregistered immigrant is $17,121, the agency said. The process can be lengthy, including hearings before immigration judges. White House "border czar" Tom Homan (pictured at the White House earlier this month) said the current administration is "targeting the worst of the worst, which we've been doing since day one, and deporting them from the United States through the various laws on the book." Photo by Francis Chung/UPI On Monday, President Donald Trump told CNN, "We're going to get them a beautiful flight back to where they came from and have a period of time and, if they make it, we're going to work with them so that maybe someday -- with a little work -- they can come back in if they're good people. If they're the kind of people that we want in our country -- industrious people that love our country. And if they're not, they won't." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CBP Home App was known as CBP One during the Biden administration. In March, the app was changed. Travel assistance was "already proven successful," the agency said. One person received a ticket for a flight from Chicago to Honduras. More tickets have been booked for this week and the following week. "If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest," said Secretary Kristi Noem. "DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App ... Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who submit their intent to voluntarily self-deport on the app also will be "deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure." In February, DHS launched a multimillion dollar advertising campaign warning undocumented migrants that they will be deported if they are in the United States. One is directed at migrants in the country and the other targeted at those in a foreign nation thinking of attempting to illegally enter the United States. The Trump administration has been ramping up deportations and cutting the number of people crossing the border, mainly from Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegal border crossings have plunged to the lowest level in decades. In March, there were 7,181 encounters at the border, which is a 95% reduction from 136,473 in the same month a year ago and 97% from 2022 of 211,181. In April, it was roughly 8,400. The Trump administration through the end of March arrested more than 158,000 unregistered immigrants, including more than 600 suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Of the arrests, 75% had convictions or pending charges, DHS said. Border czar Tom Homan said they are "targeting the worst of the worst, which we've been doing since day one, and deporting them from the United States through the various laws on the book." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration also has been using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. But courts have said it is unlawful because it was designed to be used during times of war. Deportations have received renewed focus with this president's administration recently. In "Operation Tidal Wave," 800 undocumented migrants were apprehended over four days in Florida, DHS said last week. Homeland Security on April 29 detailed "100 Days of Making America Safe Again." Trump ended broad humanitarian parole and returned the program to a case-by-case basis. Terminated were programs of those from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also restored the Temporary Protected Status immigration program "to its original status: temporary," the DHS said. Trump has instituted a "gold card" that allows wealthy people who want to obtain a U.S. visa to pay $5 million to get a pathway to citizenship. This would the EB-5 visa program, which offers a route for permanent residency for rich foreign investors. NEW DELHI, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Five members of a family were killed early Monday in a major fire that broke out inside a multi-storey building in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said. The fire broke out in the five-storey residential-cum-commercial building on Sunday night in Chaman Ganj area of Kanpur Nagar district, about 93 km west of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. According to officials, the building also housed shoe manufacturing units on its first and second floors. Police identified the victims as a couple and their three minor daughters. Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit might have caused the fire. "Initial investigations point towards a possible short circuit or faults in the internal wiring, potentially originating from the floors where the shoe factory was operating," Manjay Singh, a senior police official, told media. "The fire triggered blasts in a couple of domestic liquefied petroleum gas cylinders that worsened the situation." Far from America First, U.S. cotton appears to be on a losing streakat least, as far as the countrys foremost trade nemesis is concerned. Writing in a report late last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, or FAS, said that U.S. cotton exports to China plummeted by 73 percent to 151,000 metric tons in the seven months between August 2024 and February 2025, collapsing Americas previous 29.6 percent market share to just 17.1 percent. Once U.S. cottons top buyer, China is now its fourth after Pakistan, Vietnam and Turkey. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While anti-American sentiment amid fraying trade relations is one reason for the dramatic decline, a bigger one, according to the FAS, is the excellent weather that resulted in bumper harvests in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, which contributed 92.3 percent of Chinas cotton this marketing year, a tad higher than the previous 90.9 percent. Despite U.S. restrictions on products of Xinjiang origin through the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, along with mounting global antipathy toward the same because of concerns over a Muslim crackdown, the regions cotton saw a 10.8 percent increase in production and an almost 100 percent trade uptake by the end of March. Xinjiangs higher yields compared to the national average demonstrate the regions advantageous environment, large-scale farming enterprises and high rates of mechanization, the FAS said. China continues to invest in cotton breeding and research and mentioned improving cotton quality as a goal in its 2025 Number One Document. China, if anything, only appears to be doubling down on the province, with production outside Xinjiang expected to fall further due to limited subsidies, lower cotton prices, reduced quality, higher input costs and competition from alternative crops, the FAS wrote. In December, the China Cotton Association raised its estimate for Xinjiangs cotton production to 6.1 million metric tons, reflecting a 10.8 percent year-on-year increase that will account for almost 95 percent of the national output by this time next year. Industry contacts similarly expect ginned cotton volumes in the region to increase from the 6.39 million metric tons yielded this past marketing year, itself an 18.9 percent uptick from the year before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, the Yangtze and Yellow River regions show declines due to limited mechanization, higher labor costs and lack of price support policies, with the National Monitoring System reporting the steepest drop in these regions, the report said. Several industry sources did share that the high concentration of cotton production in Xinjiang poses a challenge for industrial development and that to mitigate the risks, there should be efforts to gradually restore and maintain cotton production in inland areas. However, the latest surveys do not show any sign of the restoration. Theres also the fact that China continues to subsidize the relocation of yarn and textile manufacturers from other regions of the country to Xinjiang. The FAS cited a local news article that said that Xinjiangs spinning capacity reached 29.1 million spindles with 62,400 looms in operation, both of them historic numbers. Spinning capacity is expected to increase further as the Xinjiang government plans to spin 45 to 50 percent of Xinjiang cotton by 2028, with the goal of developing Xinjiang into a global textile hub, the FAS added. Coupled with a recent Xinjiang Cotton Industry Development Leadership Group meeting that emphasized accelerating the construction of the China Cotton and Cotton Yarn Trading Center, developing a Xinjiang Cotton public brand certification system and broadening export markets in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe under the Belt and Road Initiative, Xinjiang will maintain its dominant position in Chinas cotton supply, potentially reducing its need to import during the 2024-2025 marketing year, while developing more export-oriented textile manufacturing to offset challenges in traditional markets like the United States, the FAS said. Another impediment for U.S. cotton is growing competition from Australia and Brazil, which captured a respective 26.1 percent and 45 percent of Chinas market share in the most recent marketing year. Chinese spinners, the FAS said, consider their fibers of comparable (in the case of Australia) or improving (Brazil) quality in key performance indicators such as fiber length, tensile strength per unit linear density and grade level. Their competitive pricing doesnt hurt, either. Brazilian cotton prices were roughly 14 percent lower than U.S. cotton prices during this period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead, the report said, Australia and Brazil are expected to maintain their positions as the Chinese markets primary cotton suppliers for the rest of the 2024-2025 marketing year, especially if it wants to continue to fulfill textile orders from third-country suppliers looking to shun Xinjiang cotton, whether due to UFLPA compliance or otherwise. But also not helping are the Trump administrations trade provocations. The report predicted that Beijings imposition of 140 percent tariffs on U.S. cotton will all but stop further imports from the United States. Statistics from bonded zones at Chinese ports indicate that domestic importers have been actively liquidating U.S. cotton stocks in recent monthsand replacing them with their Brazilian counterpartsto sidestep tariffs. That U.S. tariffs of 145 percent, plus the closure of the so-called de minimis loophole, will also reduce Chinese textile exports of non-Xinjiang textiles and finished apparel to the United States might provide some cold comfort. The hit isnt unsubstantial: In 2024, textile exports to the United States accounted for 10.7 percent of Chinas total textile exports, valued at $14.8 billion, and 22.7 percent of Chinas total apparel exports, or $36.1 billions worth. And while large-scale textile and apparel companies in China have been transferring some production to Southeast Asia, smaller firms with limited resources may struggle to adapt, the FAS said. Without the easing of the trade brinksmanship, however, the already high-stakes battle between U.S. and Xinjiang cotton will only intensify, perhaps even spill into third-country markets as Chinese garment manufacturers shift toward exporting to non-U.S. markets due to the tariff turmoil, said Sheng Lu, professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware. Notably, while the UFLPA has effectively driven most Chinese cotton out of the U.S. market, China has shielded Xinjiang cotton through increased subsidies and recent retaliatory tariffs on U.S. cotton, he said. We can expect heightened competition and growing tensions between U.S. cotton and Xinjiang cotton, along with a more turbulent global cotton market shaped by geopolitics and trade policy. Santa J. Ono, the University of Michigans besieged president of just three years, plans to trade in The Big House in Ann Arbor for The Swamp in Gainesville. Following a long and secretive search, Ono was selected Sunday as the sole finalist to take the helm as president of the University of Florida and end a nearly year-long vacancy, assuming he is approved by university trustees and the state board of governors, as is expected. He would start work at UF later this summer. UF announced Ono its choice to become its 14th president after an extensive and exhaustive process that included reaching out to some 450 potential candidates, said Rahul Patel, the presidential search committee chair. Ultimately the committee narrowed the candidate field to nearly 10 sitting presidents of major research institutions, he said sharply departing from the universitys choice of its last president, former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Onos proven record of academic excellence, innovation and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions made him our unanimous choice, Patel said. We are confident he is the right person to build on UFs strong foundation and help realize our bold vision for the future. Ono is a highly respected immunologist who has served as president at the University of British Columbia and University of Cincinnati. But Ono has something of a contentious track record at Michigan, particularly over the way he handled pro-Palestinian protests after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and Israeli counter-attacks and the way he handled a graduate student strike. The UF job came open when Sasse suddenly stepped down last July after 17 months on the job. Former UF President Kent Fuchs has served as interim president in the meantime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Onos salary has not yet been negotiated, but the search committee has set an upper limit of $3 million a year. Onos decision to leave Ann Arbor comes six months after he renewed his contract with UM through 2032, which included raising his base salary from $975,000 a year to $1.3 million a year. Serving as your president over these past three academic years has been a distinct honor, Ono said on the University of Michigans website. Every day, I have been inspired beyond words by the vibrancy, brilliance, and dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Some observers called the move to Florida a step down. University of Michigan is 21st overall among national universities and 3rd among public universities, according to the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings for 2025. UF is ranked 30th nationally and 7th among public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UF Board of Trustees requires a 21-day cooling off period before it can vote to confirm Onos appointment. From there it goes to the State Board of Governors for final approval. Fuchs called Ono a dream candidate. UF Board Chairman Mori Hosseini, a Daytona Beach developer with deep ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis, said he supports this unanimous recommendation and am confident in Dr. Onos ability to guide UF to even greater success. While UFs top officials praised Onos administrative and academic attributes, others raised concerns about the closed-door nature of the search process. The University of Floridas faculty union was opposed to the presidential search secrecy bill, not least the sole finalist phenomenon, said Meera Sitharam, the faculty unions UF chapter president, referring to the 2022 law that made the names of all candidates and meetings of presidential searches confidential until a list of finalists was announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can a president who accepts secrecy in their own selection stand up for academic freedom in the face of political attacks? Sitharam asked. Will he resist those holding the purse strings and uphold the institutional autonomy that the public of Florida has enshrined in the state constitution? Ono is scheduled to visit UF on Tuesday, to meet faculty, students and administrators and answer their questions. The announcement to hire Ono came days after the Legislature failed to repeal the 2022 law. Supporters of the statute said at the time it would ensure that they got the best possible candidates, while opponents said it merely served to hide the machinations behind political appointments. The law has been blamed for political appointments like Sasse, a former U.S. Senator from Nebraska with minimal experience as president of a small midwestern university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ono has faced his share of challenges and controversies. He was criticized for his handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his stance on student activism, according to several news accounts. His and several university officials had their homes vandalized. At least 12 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested for campus demonstrations. Ono faced protests for appearing to be insensitive to the suffering of Palestinians, and he canceled a student government vote related to the conflict in Gaza. Ono was also called out for speaking at an Anti-Defamation League conference on antisemitism and hate after the ADL was lambasted for defending Elon Musks salute at Trumps inauguration that critics described as Nazi-like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ono also triggered the longest labor union strike in the Universitys history just three weeks into his presidency. Graduate student teachers went on strike over a compensation dispute, which led to protesters being arrested by Ann Arbor police, Ono withholding hundreds of thousands of dollars in pay and ordering administrators to hire other students as strike breakers. His actions prompted an investigation by the Higher Learning Commission into allegations of academic misconduct but it was ultimately dropped. The strike ended after the university administrators agreed to almost all of the students demands. He was pressured by the Trump administration to dismantle UMs progressive DEI, or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, and announced a move to scuttle it two months ago. UF dismantled its DEI program as required by state law. Sasse served from February 2023 to July of 2024, citing his wifes health as a reason for stepping down. The university continues to pay his $1 million salary through 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the schools newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator, cited tensions between Sasse and board chair Hosseini. The Alligator reported massive spending irregularities by Sasse, who steered millions toward his inner circle, including $7.2 million to consultants for strategic planning. The article drew the attention of then-CFO Jimmy Patronis, who ordered an audit of Sasses expenditures that found several instances of unauthorized spending. Sasse also gained national attention for the way he handled pro-Palestinian protests on campus following the Oct. 7 Hamas bombing of Gaza. Campus police arrested nine protesters last April, including six UF students who were banned from campus indefinitely and faced criminal charges. The University of Florida announced Sunday that its Presidential Search Committee has picked its preferred candidate to become the Universitys 14th president. In a unanimous decision, committee members recommended Dr. Santa J. Ono as the sole finalist for the position. Read: University of Florida picks site in LaVilla near Prime Osborn for Jacksonville graduate campus >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout an extensive and thorough process, we sought a leader who could match UFs extraordinary momentum, understand its role as the flagship university of one of the most dynamic states in the country, and inspire our community to reach even greater heights, said Rahul Patel, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. We are confident he is the right person to build on UFs strong foundation and help realize our bold vision for the future. Since the Summer 2024 departure of President Ben Sasse, Interim President Kent Fuchs has led UF. In the announcement Sunday, he described Ono as a dream candidate. Dr. Ono, a researcher recognized for his work on the immune system and eye disease, currently serves as the president of the University of Michigan. He also chairs the schools Health Board, Fulbright Canada, and the University Climate Change Coalition. Before UM, he served as president and vice chancellor at the University of British Columbia. Ono responded to the decision with enthusiasm: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few moments in higher education are as exciting as this one at the University of Florida...No other public university combines UFs momentum, its role as the flagship of one of the nations most important states, the extraordinary support from state leaders, and a shared vision across its entire community. These strengths make UF uniquely positioned not only to lead public higher education, but to stand among the most impactful institutions public or private in the world. I am honored and energized to be considered for this historic opportunity. The recommendation will soon be considered by the University of Florida Board of Trustees, which will be tasked with either confirming or denying the recommendation. Once it selects a president, the decision will need final confirmation from the Florida Board of Governors. UF says Dr. Ono is scheduled to visit its campus in Gainesville on Tuesday, May 6th, for a series of public forums with students, faculty, and school leaders. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said canceling graduation celebrations for minority students was required because complying with the law is the best way to protect our people. Capilouto addressed the canceled celebrations in a video message sent to campus more than a week after the university said it would no longer host events for graduating LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation students. The move came as diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices are being targeted at the state and federal levels. We have made tough decisions decisions that in and of themselves cause concern and in some cases, hurt, Capilouto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canceling celebrations for people on our campus who havent always seen themselves reflected in our broader community is one example. Weve taken that action because we believe thats what is required, and we believe complying with the law is the best way to protect our people and our continued capacity to support them. Earlier this year, the Kentucky legislature passed a law banning all diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices at state colleges and universities. Universities must be in compliance with the law by June 30. Nationally, DEI has also come under scrutiny under the Trump administration. The U.S. Department of Education announced it was investigating more than 50 universities for their use of DEI, including UK. UK later said it had cut ties with the organization believed to have sparked the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video, Capilouto said protecting and supporting students, faculty and staff will always be our first priority. We wont be perfect. We will make mistakes, but we will always, in our hearts and in our actions, resolve to do what we can for you and all those we serve, Capilouto said. After it was announced the UK minority graduations were canceled, students and community members rallied to offer alternate graduations. A senior salute, organized by the historically Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, will take place May 7 at the Lyric Theater. Another celebration, sponsored by local businesses, took place May 2. The UK market is being flooded with convincing knock-offs of popular wines, a leading fraud expert has said. Maureen Downey, known as the Sherlock Holmes of wine, said organised criminals are producing high-end counterfeits of labels such as Yellow Tail, the second-largest brand in UK supermarkets. She said that wine bottles are being replicated to a professional degree never seen before. Yellow Tail, an Australian brand selling Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio, sells 13.5 million cases worldwide each year and is widely available in supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Downey told the Wine Blast podcast: An Asian organised crime gang has partnered with a European organised wine gang to flood the market with counterfeit Yellow Tail. The crime rings are spending half a million dollars to get the same digital printer used by the professional producers. Theyre replicating bottles to an unprecedented level. Average consumer is pretty screwed Ms Downey added: Theyre no longer making old and rare bottles because you need period glass, you have to age the labels and make sure the cork is ok. Now, they just have it all made to the same specs that the producers use. Its a different game. Its much more money. The average consumer is pretty screwed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said it was interesting that the regular Yellow Tail drinker would be able to spot a counterfeit more easily than somebody drinking a rare or vintage wine, because if you drink Coca Cola every day and somebody gives you a Pepsi, youre going to know the difference. Ms Downey also said that it was easier today to replicate wines at scale. Many producers keep their anti-fraud measures so secret that even their distributors did not always know what to look for. In 2021, trading standards began an investigation following reports from supermarket customers in the West Midlands that bottles of Yellow Tail did not taste right. KVK supermarket in Sutton Coldfield had its alcohol licence removed after 41 bottles of Yellow Tail were found to be fake. In 2022, a shopkeeper in Leicestershire was ordered to pay 4,000 after 142 bottles of fake Yellow Tail were found in his shop. Kannan Vigneswaran admitted to buying the wine from a man in an unmarked van offering a deal. Industrial level of production Peter Richards, presenter of Wine Blast, said: Its not just fine and rare wines. You constantly read about producers or merchants being convicted for blending X into Y and calling it Z. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Richards said a source at Yellow Tail had confirmed the scale of the problem, revealing that a criminal gang in Moldova had supposedly produced up to 100,000 cases of counterfeit Yellow Tail. Thats an industrial level. The company have pursued it legally, but dont have much hope of any convictions. Instead, theyre monitoring shipments as closely as they can, he said. 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. MOSCOW (Reuters) -Kyiv forces attacked a power substation in Russia's western Kursk region, the regional governor said on Tuesday, after Russian war bloggers reported a new Ukrainian land-based incursion into the area backed by armoured vehicles and drones. Power was yet to be restored to the town of Rylsk, a town of about 15,000 people about 50 km (30 miles) from the border with Ukraine, after Ukrainian forces struck the substation there late on Monday, damaging two transformers and injuring two teenagers, Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein said. "Dear residents, the enemy, in its agony, is continuing to launch strikes against our territory," Khinshtein said on the Telegram messaging app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities were evacuating residents from areas near the border as Ukrainian drone attacks over the past day became "more frequent", the administration of the Kursk region said on Telegram early on Tuesday. Russian war bloggers reported that Ukrainian forces attacked the Kursk region on Monday, firing missiles, smashing through the border and crossing minefields with special vehicles. "The enemy blew up bridges with rockets at night and launched an attack with armoured groups in the morning," Russian war blogger "RVvoenkor" said on Telegram on Monday. "The mine clearance vehicles began to make passages in the minefields, followed by armoured vehicles with troops. There is a heavy battle going on at the border." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Popular Russian military blog Rybar said on Tuesday that the advance of Ukrainian near the settlement of Tyotkino in Kursk region over the border was unsuccessful. Ukraine made a surprise offensive into Kursk in August 2024, hoping to shift the momentum as Kremlin forces gained the upper hand after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Kyiv also hoped its position in Kursk would draw Russian troops away from other parts of Ukraine and give it a bargaining chip with Moscow. But Russia's top general said last month that Ukrainian troops had been ejected from Kursk, ending the biggest incursion into Russian territory since World War Two, and that Russia was carving out a buffer zone in the Ukrainian region of Sumy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has not acknowledged that its troops were forced out. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Kyiv's forces continue to operate in Kursk and in the adjacent Russian region of Belgorod. The head of Glushkovo district in Kursk near the border with Ukraine, Pavel Zolotaryov, wrote on Telegram that residents of several localities were being evacuated to safer areas. "Over the past 24 hours, there has been an increase in attacks by enemy drones," Zolotaryov wrote. "There have been instances of people being killed or wounded, of houses and sites of civil infrastructure being destroyed." Zolotaryov did not provide evidence or further detail about the casualties. Reuters could not independently verify the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian officials did not comment on any advances on Monday but prosecutors said Russian shelling and guided bomb attacks during the day killed at least three people and injured others in border villages in the Sumy region. On Tuesday, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its daily update only that fighting continued along the Kursk section of the frontline, with Kyiv forces repelling 18 enemy attacks there. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week declared a three-day ceasefire over May 8-10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Zelenskiy said such a measure is pointless and has called instead for an unconditional ceasefire over at least 30 days in line with a U.S. proposal launched in March. (Reporting by Reuters; editing by Guy Faulconbridge, William Maclean, Toby Chopra, Cynthia Osterman and Lincoln Feast.) (Reuters) -Russia's air defence units destroyed four Ukrainian drones flying towards Moscow, the mayor of the Russian capital said early on Monday. According to preliminary reports, there were no injuries or damage from the falling debris, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on the Telegram messaging app. A total of 26 Ukrainian drones targeting Russian territory were destroyed overnight, Russia's defence ministry said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the drones downed on their approach to Moscow, 17 drones were destroyed over the Bryansk region and five over the Kaluga region, the ministry said in a post on the Telegram messaging app. The governors of the Kaluga region which borders the Moscow region to its northeast, and the Bryansk region that borders Ukraine, said on social media that there were no injuries or damage reported. Russia's aviation watchdog, Rosaviatsia, said earlier it had halted flights at Domodedovo Airport, one of the key airports serving Moscow, for about 1.5 hours overnight to ensure air safety. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week declared a three-day ceasefire for May 8-10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies in World War Two, a move appeared aimed at signalling that Russia is still interested in peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Zelenskiy reiterated his calls for a longer halt in the war that began when Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Kim Coghill and Lincoln Feast.) KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's air defence units shot down 42 of 116 drones launched by Russia in an overnight attack that hit the regions of Sumy and Donetsk, the military said on Monday. It said another 21 drones were lost but did not disclose the fate of the remaining 53, noting that Sumy and Donetsk "suffered as a result of the attack". The military said that Russia also attacked Ukraine with two ballistic missiles that were not shot down. Civilian authorities in Ukraine did not immediately comment on the overnight attacks. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) China's financial salvo gains speed to shore up economic growth Xinhua) 09:22, May 05, 2025 People select goods at a Decathlon store on Nanbin Road, Nan'an District, southwest China's Chongqing, April 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Wei) BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- China's stepped-up fiscal policies are emerging as a pillar in its efforts to stabilize the economy, offering much-needed support to sectors under financial strain and helping the world's second-largest economy weather persistent global uncertainty. In 2025, the country pledged to intensify counter-cyclical adjustments, raising the deficit-to-GDP ratio to 4 percent and setting the government deficit at 5.66 trillion yuan (about 786 billion U.S. dollars), both at their highest levels in recent years. While vowing a more proactive fiscal policy, China plans to issue 1.3 trillion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds, up from 1 trillion yuan in 2024, alongside 4.4 trillion yuan in local government special-purpose bonds. Data points to an accelerated roll-out of bond issuance. In the first quarter alone, the total issuance of government treasury bonds surpassed 3.3 trillion yuan, while local government bond issuance exceeded 2.8 trillion yuan, an over 80 percent increase from the same period last year. These funds are swiftly being channeled into efforts to boost consumer demand, accelerate infrastructure investment, and subsidize people in difficulties. Economists said this front-loaded fiscal drive reinforces short-term stability and leaves ample leeway for further issuance of ultra-long treasury bonds and capital support measures for banks later in the year. STIMULATING DOMESTIC DEMAND In Guiyang, capital city of southwest China's Guizhou Province, an electric bicycle shop draws a steady stream of customers. The surge in foot traffic, according to store owner Zhou Houlu, is largely thanks to a government-backed trade-in program that offers subsidies to buyers who hand in their used bikes. "On top of the government subsidies, customers can get discounts depending on the condition of the old bikes," Zhou explained. Since the program's launch, his store's sales have jumped by roughly 15 percent year on year. Across China, tens of millions of consumers are tapping into this multi-billion-dollar trade-in program, as the government places renewed emphasis on consumer spending and domestic demand. To support the program, the government funding for the national consumer goods trade-in program has doubled, from 150 billion yuan in 2024 to 300 billion yuan this year, delivered through ultra-long special treasury bonds. So far, the efforts have been translating into robust domestic demand. As of April 25, more than 120 million consumers had received subsidies under the program, driving sales exceeding 720 billion yuan. Retail sales of consumer goods, a key barometer of economic strength, rose 4.6 percent year on year in January-March, with the figure in March recording the strongest single-month growth since 2024. With 300 billion yuan in ultra-long treasury bonds providing a solid financial backbone, combined with supportive opening-up policies, the 2025 trade-in program is poised to anchor the sustained recovery of China's consumer market, said Peng Yu, chief operating officer at Beijing Zitan Dongjian Data. EXPANDING EFFECTIVE INVESTMENT Ramped-up financial support has also been directed toward local governments, enabling them to advance major infrastructure projects vital for sustaining investment momentum. The construction of a major transport hub in Zhanjiang, a coastal city in south China's Guangdong Province, is progressing at full speed. The project is a key component of the Guangzhou-Zhanjiang High-Speed Railway, which is set to become the province's longest rail line and a key connector within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. "In the first quarter, our project received 1.497 billion yuan in local government special-purpose bonds, which has been instrumental in keeping construction on track," said the project manager. This project exemplifies China's expedited drive to direct local bond financing into effective investment. In the first three months of the year, the country's local governments issued new bonds worth nearly 1.24 trillion yuan, including some 960.3 billion yuan in special-purpose bonds. Aside from more expansionary fiscal spending, local governments have been granted more flexibility in channeling their special-purpose bonds toward project categories, an effort to enhance investment efficiency and regional responsiveness. Results suggest that the policy shift has gained traction. Fixed-asset investment went up 4.2 percent year on year in the first quarter, 1 percentage point higher than the full-year growth rate of 2024. Infrastructure investment jumped 5.8 percent year on year in the January-March period, up 1.4 percentage points from last year. Analysts expect bond issuance to accelerate further in the second quarter, with the scale of new special-purpose bonds likely to expand. Feng Lin, senior analyst at Dongfang Jincheng, said the bond supply may exceed expectations in the second quarter, as the government looks to offset external challenges through fiscal expansion. "The faster pace of issuance enhances counter-cyclical adjustment and creates space for future policy maneuvering," Feng noted. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) HANOI, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The 15th National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam, the country's top legislature, opened its ninth session here on Monday, Vietnam News Agency reported. In his opening remarks, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man said that lawmakers will deliberate on a wide range of critical issues across various sectors, including constitution-building, legislation, supreme oversight, national policy decisions, socio-economic development and the state budget, the report said. He highlighted the historical significance of the session, describing it as an institutional breakthrough as Vietnam moves toward a new era of modernization, digital transformation, environmental sustainability and long-term development, it said. The assembly is also expected to pass resolutions to boost private economic growth and invest in the development of the national railway system, according to the report. The session is scheduled to run through June 30 in two stages. KYIV (Reuters) - A Ukrainian drone attack forced Moscow to close its airports for several hours, Russian officials said on Tuesday, before President Vladimir Putin will host several leaders to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. With Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to arrive in Moscow on Wednesday for a parade on May 9 to mark the anniversary, Russian war bloggers also reported a new Ukrainian armoured ground incursion into the Kursk region. Putin has called for a ceasefire from May 8-10 - a proposal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called pointless, instead pushing for an unconditional ceasefire over at least 30 days in line with a U.S. proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So-called Victory Day is a major holiday in Putin's calendar and the Russian leader has invited the leaders of several nations to try to show he is not isolated over his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. and most European leaders will not be attending. Ukraine's foreign ministry urged countries on Tuesday not to participate in the parade, saying any such participation would go against some countries' declared neutrality in the war. Earlier on Tuesday, Russian officials said air defence units destroyed Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow in a second night attack in a row, prompting the closure of all airports in the capital for several hours. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on social media at least 19 Ukrainian drones were destroyed on their approach to Moscow "from different directions," causing no major destruction or injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's aviation watchdog said flights were halted at all four airports that serve Moscow for several hours overnight to ensure air safety. Airports in a number of regional cities were also closed. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday the drone attack showed Kyiv wanted to continue the war. Zelenskiy has repeatedly said he wants a ceasefire, calling on Kyiv's allies to apply greater pressure on Moscow to put the measure in place. DRONES ATTACK UKRAINE Meanwhile, Kyiv said that Russia attacked Ukraine with 136 drones overnight, of which 54 were shot down and 70 others fell without causing any damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine says its drone attacks are aimed at destroying infrastructure key to Moscow's overall war efforts and are in response to Russia's continued assault on Ukrainian territory, including residential areas and energy infrastructure. In Russia's Kursk region, Kyiv forces attacked a power substation, the regional governor said, after Russian war bloggers reported a new Ukrainian land-based incursion into the area backed by armoured vehicles and drones. "Dear residents, the enemy, in its agony, is continuing to launch strikes against our territory," Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein said on the Telegram messaging app. Ukraine's military reported it had beaten back 18 Russian attacks over the past 24 hours in Russia's Kursk region, an area which Moscow said last month it had retaken. (Reporting by Christian Lowe in Kyiv, Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; writing by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Chris Reese, Stephen Coates, Michael Perry and Sharon Singleton) Key developments on May 5: Ahead of Putin's Victory Day Parade, Ukrainian drones reportedly target Moscow, Russian officials claim Ukraine strikes Russian drone control center in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine's General Staff says Special tribunal against Russian leadership may be launched in 2026, President's Office says Czech Republic ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16, L-39 aircraft, Czech PM says 'We have allies who are helping Ukraine' Kyiv expects 3 million shells, Zelensky says Four drones were intercepted overnight as they approached Moscow just days before Russia's annual Victory Day parade, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on May 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sobyanin said the drones were shot down near the town of Podolsk, south of the capital, and reported no casualties or damage. The strikes, which occurred early May 5, reportedly disrupted operations at Moscow's airports. Videos shared on Russian social media appeared to capture the sound of air defense systems in the area. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed the downing of four drones over the Moscow Oblast. It also reported intercepting 17 drones over Bryansk Oblast and five more over Kaluga Oblast. The Ukrainian government has not commented on the reported attack. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. Read also: Russias highly-militarized Victory Day celebration has nothing to do with WWII Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack comes ahead of Russia's May 9 Victory Day celebrations, which mark the Soviet Union's role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on May 3 that Russia could stage provocations, such as "arsons, explosions, or other actions," around the event and attempt to blame Ukraine. Victory Day, one of Russia's most symbolic holidays, is expected to feature a military parade in Moscow's Red Square. The Kremlin has invited foreign guests to attend, though most have declined. Ukraine, along with most European nations, observes Victory in Europe Day on May 8 and has invited senior EU officials to Kyiv that day in a symbolic counter to Moscow's display. Ukraine strikes Russian drone control center in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine's General Staff says Ukrainian Air Force struck the control center of Russia's drone units near the village of Tetkino in Russia's Kursk Oblast on May 4, Ukraine's General Staff reported on the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crews of unmanned reconnaissance and attack drones were based at this location. As a result of the strike, up to 20 Russian soldiers were killed and their equipment destroyed, according to the statement. The village of Tetkino in Kursk Oblast is less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Before Russia's full-scale invasion, the settlement was home to up to 4,000 people. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted Russian military and industrial facilities in the rear to undermine Moscow's ability to wage its all-out war. In the meantime, Russia continues regularly targeting Ukrainian cities and villages with drones, missiles, glide bombs, and artillery, resulting in heavy civilian casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian air defense shot down 42 of the 116 attack and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Twenty-one decoy drones disappeared from radars without causing damage, according to the statement. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Special tribunal against Russian leadership may be launched in 2026, President's Office says The special tribunal on the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine is expected to start in 2026, Deputy Head of Ukrainian President's Office Iryna Mudra told Ukrinform on May 5. The tribunal, set to operate within the Council of Europe, will focus on Russia's political and military leaders, including President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The special tribunal may start operating as early as next year. This year, we are finalizing the legal framework and forming the special tribunal: recruiting judges and the secretariat, implementing rules, regulations, and procedures," Mudra said. A draft charter for the special tribunal that fully regulates its work has already been created, according to Mudra. "A special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine has been created in basically two years. This is quite fast, given the very complex and sensitive issues on which we had to seek a compromise," she said. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a strong advocate for the tribunal, seeking to hold Putin accountable for launching the full-scale invasion nearly three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian authorities have documented thousands of war crimes by Russian forces, including deliberate attacks on civilians, cultural sites, and medical institutions, as well as cases of torture and forced deportations. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian official overseeing the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. In March 2024, the ICC also issued warrants for two Russian military commanders for strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the winter of 2022-2023. Unlike war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide charges that apply to individuals at all levels of a military conflict the crime of aggression is a charge that can be brought exclusively against the top leadership of an aggressor state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home Czech Republic ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16, L-39 aircraft, Czech PM says The Czech Republic is ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters and L-39 training aircraft in cooperation with its partners from "the coalition of the willing," Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on May 5 during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The day prior, Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in the Czech Republic for an official visit. One of the goals of the Ukrainian president's visit was to discuss further cooperation with Prague on artillery supplies and assistance with the Ukrainian fleet of F-16s. "We are ready to deepen our contribution to the training of the Ukrainian military. We have agreed that together with our partners from the 'coalition of the willing' we will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and L-39s," Fiala said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the press conference, Fiala said that Ukrainian pilots will be trained at bases in the Czech Republic. The Czech prime minister added that Ukrainian pilots are already training on Czech models supplied to Ukraine. He did not specify which aircraft models he was talking about. Earlier, Zelensky said that Ukraine is working with the Czech Republic to launch a Ukrainian-Czech school to train pilots on F-16 fighter jets. "Obviously, as of now, for security reasons, we cannot open such a base in Ukraine, and Russian strikes continue every day. Therefore, we are working with partners so that such schools can open outside of Ukraine, and this will happen," Zelensky said. In 2023, Ukraine and its allies created an aviation coalition to provide Ukraine with F-16 combat aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first batch of F-16s was delivered to Ukraine by the Netherlands, which was announced in October 2024. Denmark sent the second batch of aircraft, which arrived in Ukraine in December 2024. Four countries the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway agreed to provide F-16s to Kyiv. Read also: Can Ukraine sustain its F-16 fleet if Trump halts US aid? 'We have allies who are helping Ukraine' Kyiv expects 3 million shells, Zelensky says Ukraine expects 3 million artillery shells from its allies, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 4. "If Ukraine is strong, the war will end," Zelensky told journalists in Prague alongside Czech President Petr Pavel. Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in the Czech Republic on May 4 for an official visit. A Czech ammunition initiative will deliver up to 1.8 million artillery shells to Ukraine by the end of 2025, Pavel said during the visit. "Russia should know that we are expecting three million artillery shells from our allies. Not only North Korea is capable of helping in the war, we have allies who are helping Ukraine," Zelensky said. Russia has turned to North Korea for support as it wages its war against Ukraine and faces isolation from the West. North Korea has confirmed that it has sent troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast. Zelensky warned Moscow that there are other streams of military aid in addition to the Czech ammunition initiative to help Ukraine fend off Russia's war. The Czech initiative was launched last year to combat Ukrainian shell shortages amid delays in U.S. military aid in early 2024. "Forcing Russia to go for a full, unconditional ceasefire, especially since it was a proposal from the United States and we supported it, is also a priority task," Zelensky said. The Kremlin has shown no 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. Zelensky has repeatedly called for a 30-day ceasefire, saying on April 23, Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire." 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: A minerals deal wont stop Russias war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The 3rd Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released a video showing the Dragon H73 mobile anti-aircraft missile system, which combines Soviet R-73 missiles with American HMMWV vehicles. Source: the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade on Facebook Details: "This mobile fire system, built on the chassis of the first HMMWV, is designed to strike both tactical aircraft and large drones like Orlan or Shahed. We use it all the time, as the system is capable of operating both during the day and at night," said the commander of the Dragon H73 system, who goes by the alias Shaman. Dragon H73. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Screenshot from the video by the 3rd Brigade The Dragon H73 is equipped with a module carrying two Soviet R-73 air-to-air missiles. Soviet R-73s on a MiG-29 fighter jet. These missiles were developed by the Soviet Union in the 1980s for launch from fighter jets, but over the past decades various countries have adapted them for launch from land or sea-based platforms as part of air defence systems. This is not the first time Ukraine has used these missiles in a surface-to-air role. For example, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine integrated R-73s onto Magura V5 uncrewed surface vessels, which were used to shoot down two Russian Mi-8 helicopters in December 2024. Magura V5 uncrewed surface vessel with integrated R-73 missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Also in 2024, the Come Back Alive charity foundation integrated these missiles into the Soviet Osa anti-aircraft missile system, investing UAH 14 million (about US$336,496) into the modernisation. Osa anti-aircraft missile system with integrated R-73 missiles. Photo: Come Back Alive The UK Gravehawk air defence system, developed specifically for Ukraine, also operates using R-73 missiles. Gravehawk anti-aircraft missile system with integrated Soviet R-73 missiles. Screenshot from the video by UK Ministry of Defence The R-73 remains in service in several dozen countries worldwide, making it potentially available on the global market as well as from Ukraines own stockpiles. Even before the full-scale war began, Ukrainian companies had announced their capability to repair and modernise these missiles. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The European Union member states most supportive of Ukraine are not planning to block the start of EU accession negotiations with Moldova separately from Ukraine if Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban continues to veto the process for Kyiv. Source: European Pravda Details: European Pravda reported that despite Kyivs hopes that "friends of Ukraine" in the EU would block the separation of the UkraineMoldova enlargement package, sources in Brussels and various capitals acknowledge that this will not happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the states most sympathetic to Ukraine such as the Baltic countries are ready to support Moldova. "We are in a difficult position. Yes, we support Ukraine in the negotiations and we know that Ukraine would prefer to preserve the current package. But we also support Moldova and are helping them We will not veto the start of negotiations with Moldova," explained an enlargement official from one of the Baltic states, speaking on condition of anonymity. The key reason Moldova will receive the green light to begin negotiations with or without Ukraine is the EUs attempt to support Maia Sandu ahead of Moldovas parliamentary elections on 28 September. The outcome will be decisive for the countrys direction and strategically significant for Ukraine as well. Meanwhile, sources from Ukraine-friendly countries stress that they are preparing to significantly increase pressure on Hungary in an attempt to persuade Orban to lift his veto against Ukraine before the EU summit on 26-27 June. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech Republic will expand training for Ukrainian pilots and maintain a programme to deliver artillery ammunition to Ukraine, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Monday, after hosting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy was in Prague as part of stepped up efforts to rally European partners, while the U.S. administration pushes for a ceasefire in the more than three-year-old war. The Czechs have been strong backers of Kyiv, spearheading a drive to source shells for Ukraine using financing from allies, which delivered around 1.5 million rounds last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiala said on Monday that half a million shells had already been delivered since the start of 2025. Zelenskiy and Czech President Petr Pavel said on Sunday that 1.8 million rounds could come this year. In a news conference with Zelenskiy, Fiala said a well-armed Ukraine was the best security guarantee in Europe. He said the Czech Republic would expand training of Ukrainian pilots, including for F-16 jets, without giving details. While the Czech Republic does not own F-16s, it has supplied helicopter simulators to Ukraine. Zelenskiy supported the efforts for a Ukrainian-Czech F-16 training school. "We are ready to implement this project as soon as possible," he said. Zelenskiy said on Sunday at the start of his Prague visit that a ceasefire with Russia was possible at any moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has called on allies to apply greater pressure on Russia, and has said he and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed that a 30-day ceasefire was the correct first step towards ending the war. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague and Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk, writing by Jason Hovet) Ukraines Air Force struck a command post of Russian UAV units in Kursk Oblast on Sunday, 4 May, killing up to 20 Russian servicemen. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Quote: "On 4 May, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully struck a command post of enemy UAV units near the village of Tyotkino, Kursk Oblast. The crews of unmanned reconnaissance and attack drones were based there. As a result of the strike, up to 20 occupiers were killed and their equipment was destroyed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: No details were given on the type of weapons used in the attack. Background: On 5 May, residents of several Sumy Oblast settlements near the border with Russia Bilopillia and Vorozhba were asked to urgently evacuate. On 26 April, Ukraines General Staff stressed that statements by Russian senior leadership claiming the fighting in Russias Kursk Oblast had ended do not reflect reality. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stated that the Kursk operation, which has lasted for 9 months, has achieved most of its goals, and the buffer zone created by the Armed Forces remained relevant. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine fired drones at Moscow days before Vladimir Putin was set to host world leaders at a Victory Day parade through the capital. Russia was forced to cancel Second World War anniversary events in occupied Crimea because of security concerns. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has said he cannot guarantee the safety of delegates attending the march through Moscow on Friday, which will be attended by Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It came as Ukrainian forces launched a second incursion into the Russian region of Kursk, breaking across the border and destroying bridges. On Monday Kyiv fired dozens of drones at Russia with Moscows mayor reporting four intercepted near the city. The attack temporarily disrupted air travel at Domodedovo airport for about one and a half hours. Putin declared a three-day ceasefire for May 8 to 10, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet and Allied victory, while Mr Zelensky called for a more substantial halt to hostilities. The Ukrainian president called Russias announced ceasefire a theatrical production and instead insisted on a 30-day ceasefire, saying: An unconditional ceasefire is the model proposed by the Americans. We are following it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Victory Day parade is scheduled to begin at 12pm GMT (10am Moscow time) and last for two hours. There is speculation that North Korean troops might take part and questions remain about which world leaders will attend. President Xi Jinping has confirmed he will be in Moscow for talks amid a growing partnership. Uncertainty surrounds Aleksandar Vucic, the Serbian president, who had pledged to attend but suddenly fell ill. Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian leader, is expected to arrive late. Security for Putin during the Victory Day parade has been heightened following remarks by Mr Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias emergency alert system warned of mobile internet restrictions from May 5 to 9 due to the parade preparations and celebrations. On Monday morning, outages were reported across major telecom providers and online services, coinciding with a military aircraft flyover rehearsal in Moscow. Russian jet fighters parade over Moscow - Shutterstock Social media footage from Moscows Red Square on Monday afternoon showed Russian special forces simulating a defence against a drone attack and moving to shield attendees as part of the drill. Russia accused Mr Zelensky of threatening the security of its commemorations. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called this a direct threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Fico, the Slovak prime minister, criticised Mr Zelenskys warning to foreign leaders against attending Russias Victory Day parade, dismissing it as an attempt to intimidate foreign delegations into boycotting the event. Mr Fico said: I reject such threats for security reasons, adding that if Mr Zelensky thinks his words will deter foreign leaders from attending, he is gravely mistaken. Russia has also sealed off Red Square days ahead of May 9, and widespread mobile phone and internet disruptions were reported across Moscow on Monday, attributed to security measures. In the occupied Crimea region, Russia has cancelled its planned Victory Day military parade in Sevastopol, with governor Mikhail Razvozhayev citing safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It follows a Ukrainian sea drone strike that destroyed a Russian Su-30 fighter jet near Novorossiysk on May 2. Credit: Telegram/@DIUkraine The $50 million (37.6 million) aircraft reportedly crashed into the sea, Ukraines military intelligence described it as the first time a sea drone had downed a jet. In London, a small group of Ukrainian soldiers joined British troops in a parade in central London to mark VE Day. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said Ukraines participation symbolised the continued fight for freedom against Russias unprovoked, illegal invasion. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces launched a second major incursion into Russias western Kursk region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks after Russia claimed it had expelled Ukrainian troops from the western region following an initial attack in 2024, pro-Russian channels said Kyivs forces had taken advantage of poor weather to return. Using specialised vehicles to cross minefields, they blew up bridges with rockets overnight before launching an armoured assault in the morning. One Russian war-focused Telegram channel claimed at least 50 Ukrainian soldiers had crossed into the Kursk region, with fighting reported near the villages of Zvannoe and Tetkino. The mine clearance vehicles began to make passages in the minefields, followed by armoured vehicles with troops. There is a heavy battle going on at the border, the channel reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Confirming the attack, Alexander Khinstein, the Kursk governor, reported that Ukrainian attacks had killed three people in the region on Monday. A Ukrainian FPV-drone attacked a Lada Largus car... unfortunately as a result of the hit two women were killed, he said. In a separate incident, he said a 53-year-old man had been killed when an explosive was dropped onto his car. Civilians in border villages on both sides have been regularly killed in drone attacks and artillery exchanges since the war broke out. The governor said last week that 288 civilians had been killed during Ukraines previous incursion into the Kursk region, which began in August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin declared victory in Kursk in April, with the Russian military claiming Ukrainian forces had been completely pushed out after what was described as the largest incursion into Russian territory since the Second World War. The initial cross-border operation, which caught Russian forces by surprise, saw Ukrainian troops capture dozens of villages and hold territory inside Russia for months. Oleksandr Syrsky, the Ukrainian commander in chief, said on Monday that despite Ukraine being pushed back, the Kursk offensive had achieved most of its goals. Thanks to our active operations in Kursk Oblast, we prevented the Russians from launching an offensive campaign in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts. The buffer zone established by Ukraines defence forces in the border areas remains relevant today, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv had been hoping to use its hold on the territory as a bargaining chip in ceasefire talks with Moscow. A Ukrainian military blog also reported Russian forces making territorial gains east of Novodarivka, in Zaporizhzhia. According to the Telegram post, Russian forces carried out 46 assault operations with two infantry companies supported by more than 75 motorcycles. It added that at least 90 Russian forces had been killed and 45 wounded, although the numbers cannot be independently verified. Intensified diplomatic efforts The new border fighting comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to end the war. Donald Trump said on Sunday that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine might be within reach, adding: We think were fairly close and were going to save a lot of people from being killed, going to save a lot of money, too. The US president also claimed European leaders had repeatedly asked him to contact Putin because he doesnt return their phone call. He added: Russia doesnt want the strip that they have now, Russia wants all of Ukraine. And if it werent me, they would keep going. 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. Ukraines High Anti-Corruption Court on May 5 ordered former deputy head of the Presidents Office Andrii Smyrnov into pretrial detention until May 22 as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged large-scale corruption, according to a Suspilne correspondent present in the courtroom. The court granted prosecutors' request in part, setting bail at Hr 18 million (approximately $430,000). Prosecutors had sought to keep Smyrnov in custody with a higher bail amount of over Hr 20 million (approximately $477,000). Smyrnov is under investigation for allegedly legalizing illicit assets and accepting a bribe worth $100,000. Smirnov held the position of president's office deputy head from September 2019 until March 2024, when President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed him without naming a reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His lawyer argued that the prosecution failed to present new evidence or justify the need for detention, calling the request "unsubstantiated." The defense maintains that the case has not progressed in over six months and lacks grounds for such a restrictive measure. Speaking to Suspilne following the ruling, Smyrnov said he would fight the charges and prove his innocence. "I consider this decision unfair," he said, adding: "I will fight and prove that I am right." According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the suspect acquired assets worth more than Hr 17 million ($426,000) between 2020-2022, although he officially reported his salary and savings for the time period as Hr 1.3 million ($32,500). Smyrnov reportedly purchased two luxury cars, two motorcycles, several parking spaces, an apartment in Lviv, and a land plot in Zakarpattia Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to cover up his ownership of the assets, NABU said that he transferred the majority of the property assets to his brother, but secretly retained access. On April 16, Smyrnov was charged with new offenses. Between 2019 and 2021, Smyrnov allegedly laundered nearly Hr 6.5 million ($157,000) by funding the construction of seaside homes in Odesa Oblast registered under another company, according to NABU. After his indictment in May 2024, the properties were re-registered under a trustees name. Investigators say Smyrnov also accepted $100,000 worth of construction services in 2022 in exchange for using his influence to sway a tender decision by Ukraines Antimonopoly Committee. Read also: 8 Ukrainian officials, entrepreneurs charged with embezzling $2.1 million in firewood purchases for Armed Forces Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. AUSTIN (KXAN) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against the Austin Independent School District after his office said it was made aware of a claim that top officials implemented an unwritten policy of developing and teaching curricula in the (district) in violation of state law prohibiting instruction on critical race theory (CRT) and related topics, a court document said. Texas Legislature bans critical race theory from classrooms Critical race theory is a concept that looks at how race relations have shaped the current social, cultural and legal world in the present time. It was banned from being taught in Texas classrooms in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxtons office is accusing AISDs school board of breaking state law, and he wants to depose each trustee as part of the investigation. AISD said it does not comment on pending litigation. Conservative watch dog media group, filming undercover A press release from the AGs office accuses an AISD official of teaching with material from the banned 1619 Project. Additionally, another employee stated that there were ways to get around the states ban on CRT and discussed that the districts board and superintendent are heavily involved in evaluating and setting policy for the district, the release said. According to a court document, Accuracy in Media, a conservative nonprofit media group, filmed an undercover interview in April 2022 with AISDs former Equity Officer, Dr. Stephanie Hawley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas educators worry bill limiting the teaching of historic racism, current events would whitewash history Dr. Hawley explained that the District used Newsela to introduce different viewpoints into the classroom and that progressive teachers use Newsela and other resources to educate Kindergarten through third grade students, a court document said. Dr. Hawley stated that Newsela lets us stay out of trouble with the Legislature because it offers different perspectives. The Attorney Generals office added in its court filing that the instructional tool Newslea is linked to the 1619 Project, which has been banned in Texas. The 1619 Project, an initiative of the New York Times, looks to reframe the countrys history by placing consequences of slavery and the the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative. Newslea, which launched in 2013, said it aims to provide what it calls meaningful classroom learning for all students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court document also cited an undercover interview with with Dr. Adrienne Aldaco on October 1, 2021, with AISDs Customer Care Department. In the interview, Dr. Aldaco discussed the heavy involvement of the Districts Board and Superintendent in evaluating and setting policy for the District. As with Dr. Hawley, Dr. Aldaco insinuated that while the District cant require lessons on Critical Race Theory, the Districts goals of promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion address similar concerns as Critical Race Theory, with ways to get around the states ban, the AGs court document said. Paxton and his team expressed a concern for the two undercover interviews with AISDs team members, are indicative of how the districts culture has been shaped. The AGs office said the interviews support its suspicions. Critical race theory in Higher Education The AGs office has an issue with AISD using resources to find ways around state law, a court document said. However, critical race theory is typically not taught before higher education, according to Eric McDaniel, a University of Texas at Austin professor of the Department of Government said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is taught to third year law students, and it is not something thats taught in K-12, McDaniel said. One of the problems weve had is a lot of people have had a hard time defining what critical race theory is, and they will take something that they believe is undermining these their ideology of how they think America is, and call it critical race theoryWhat the attorney general believes is critical race theory? Im not sure. Hutto ISD responds to undercover video investigation about transgender sports Multiple school districts under investigation amid budget deficits There have been a number of undercover interviews by Accuracy in Media, leading Paxton to investigate other school districts. That includes: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of these districts are dealing with a budget deficit. Accuracy in Media noted, it has more undercover interviews in its pipeline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) On Monday, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association issued a statement, confirming that air traffic controllers who direct Newarks air traffic temporarily lost radar and communications with all aircraft on April 28. For approximately 90 seconds, they were unable to see, hear, or speak with any aircraft. More Local News As a result of the trauma, several air traffic controllers took a leave of absence, further exacerbating a nationwide staffing shortage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newark International Airport has been experiencing delays and cancellations in recent days, due to a combination of FAA staffing shortages and equipment failure. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer said the FAA relies on antiquated technology, including copper wires and floppy disks. One of the things that happened in Newark is that a copper wire burnt, said Schumer. Why are we using copper wire in 2025? Have they heard of fiber? Schumer is now calling for a full federal investigation into the issues at EWR. Ive asked the Office of the Inspector General to thoroughly investigate whats going on in Newark and on the East Coast so these problems dont get worse and spread all across the nation, said Schumer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ground stop issued at Newark Liberty International Airport Travelers at EWR did not feel comfortable flying on Monday. I dont feel safe at all, said Rebecca Dunlap, who is traveling home to Portugal. Im really quite upset and quite distressed, to tell you the truth. I want to go home. Today, were already delayed four hours, said Joshua Carpenter, who was flying from Newark to Indiana. Ive never experienced the delays weve had. PIX11 News reached out to the FAA for comment, but we have not yet heard back. We also reached out to the major airlines to ask if they would waive change fees for customers who no longer feel comfortable flying through Newark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source at Delta Airlines said its delays are minimal. American Airlines did not respond to our request for comment. United announced Monday that flights to and from Newark through May 17th can be changed without penalty to reroute through LGA or Philadelphia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. WELLINGTON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's livestock numbers have dropped significantly over the past decade, while fruit-growing has seen strong growth, according to the statistics department Stats NZ on Monday. New Zealand's national sheep flock stood at 23.6 million as of June 2024, down 21 percent from 2014. Dairy cattle numbers also fell by 13 percent to 5.8 million. Deer herds recorded the steepest decline, dropping 26 percent to 709,000, Stats NZ said. Beef cattle remained stable at 3.7 million, similar to the total 10 years ago, "bucking the trend of falling livestock," said Stats NZ agricultural statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam. The decline in livestock has coincided with a 10 percent reduction in grassland area, now totaling 7.1 million hectares in New Zealand, Islam said. In contrast, horticulture continues to expand, with kiwifruit plantings up by 32 percent over the decade to reach 14,500 hectares, of which gold kiwifruit making up 57 percent, Stats NZ said. China remains the top export market for kiwifruit, taking 27 percent of its export value, it said. Wine grape plantings increased by 11 percent to 37,600 hectares, with Marlborough producing nearly 70 percent of the total, Stats NZ said, adding the United States continues to be the biggest export destination for New Zealand wine. Apple orchards grew 13 percent to 9,500 hectares, with China being the largest export market for New Zealand apples, it said. Overall, New Zealand exported 74.1 billion NZ dollars (44.42 billion U.S. dollars) in goods in the year to March 2025. China was the top destination (25 percent), followed by the U.S. (13 percent) and Australia (12 percent), statistics show. The Trump Administration has aggressively targeted protesters on college campuses across America, particularly Pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Harvard University Professor Maya Jasanoff and Former Harvard University President Larry Summers discuss how they think the university could best handle protests. The University of Florida's Presidential Search Committee announced that Dr. Santa J. Ono, the current president at the University of Michigan, is the sole finalist to become the university's 14th president. Rahul Patel, chair of the search committee and a member of UF's board of trustees, made the announcement in an email to the university community on Sunday, May 4. Throughout an extensive and thorough process, we sought a leader who could match UFs extraordinary momentum, understand its role as the flagship university of one of the most dynamic states in the country, and inspire our community to reach even greater heights," Patel said in the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. Onos proven record of academic excellence, innovation and collaborative leadership at world-class institutions made him our unanimous choice. We are confident he is the right person to build on UFs strong foundation and help realize our bold vision for the future," he added. Santa J. Ono, the current president of the University of Michigan, has been announced as the sole finalist to fill the same position at the University of Florida. According to the release, Ono, who holds a doctorate in experimental medicine from McGill University, has held previous faculty appointments at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Harvard University and University College London. "If I could select a dream candidate for the universitys next president, it would be Santa Ono, said Kent Fuchs, UF's interim president, in the news release. His demonstrated record of success at the best universities, his leadership style, and caring personality have allowed him to work effectively with faculty, students, alumni, staff and other stakeholders everywhere he has been. I am confident that the future of the University will be in the best of hands with Santa Ono as our leader. Ono expected on campus in Gainesville on May 6 According to the release, Ono will be in Gainesville on May 6 to meet with students, faculty and administrators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few moments in higher education are as exciting as this one at the University of Florida, Ono said in the release. No other public university combines UFs momentum, its role as the flagship of one of the nations most important states, the extraordinary support from state leaders, and a shared vision across its entire community. "These strengths make UF uniquely positioned not only to lead public higher education, but to stand among the most impactful institutions public or private in the world. I am honored and energized to be considered for this historic opportunity, he added. If approved by UF's board of trustees, Ono's appointment must then be confirmed by Florida's Board of Governors. UF's Committee on Governance, Government Relations and Internal Affairs at a Feb. 25 meeting unanimously approved a compensation package for UF's next president of up to $3 million. Ono's base salary if hired by UF has not yet been revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Detroit News reported in December 2024 that Ono and the University of Michigan had agreed to an "unprecedented" new contract that would have paid him close to $3 million per year by 2032. The agreement came just two years after Ono began his term as president in October 2022. George Mason University Professor Emeritus of Public Policy James Finkelstein called the contract "unprecedented in public higher education." In a twist, Finkelstein also noted at the time that the only other public university to offer a contract of this magnitude was the University of Florida to Ben Sasse, who Ono will now be tasked with replacing. Sasse announced his stunning resignation in July 2024, just 17 months into the job, after his wife was diagnosed with epilepsy. Fuchs, who served as UF president from 2015 to 2023, was quickly appointed by the board of trustees to serve as interim president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sasse, during his short time at UF, dealt with his share of controversies. The selection of the former Republican U.S. senator for Nebraska received almost immediate backlash from the university community due to his anti-abortion stance and being accused of not supporting the LGBTQ community. People also were upset with how the search for a new president unfolded, with Sasse being named the sole finalist after a months-long presidential search involving over 700 candidates. UF officials claimed no other finalist wanted to come forward unless they were chosen as the sole finalist. In April 2024, Sasse was criticized by some and lauded by others for his handling of pro-Palestinian protests on UF's Plaza of the Americas. While many protests on university campuses across the country had escalated into violence, the protests at UF remained mostly calm. Nine protesters were arrested after a days-long sit-in following what demonstrators called unfair rules and restrictions enacted by the university. Like, Sasse, Ono also has faced backlash over the University of Michigan's handling of pro-Palestinian protesters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Detroit Free Press reported in May 2024 that a tent encampment on the UM campus was removed by authorities after Ono said protesters refused to remove fire hazards. Some of the protesters were arrested for using "physical force to counter" police. In December 2024, a federal lawsuit was filed against UM, its Board of Regents, Ono and others over the university's handling of the protests. It alleges that the school selectively targeted student protesters over their beliefs and took a more hardline approach to disciplining them compared to protesters involved with other causes. This is a developing news story and may be updated. Check back later for more. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: University of Michigan's Santa J. Ono sole finalist for UF president ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WOOD) The University of Michigan president is stepping down to lead another university, he announced in a letter. Santa Ono, who was named University of Michigan president in 2022, wrote that he expects to become the president of the University of Florida later this summer after being selected as the sole finalist. First, he must be approved by the universitys Board of Governors, he noted. This decision was not made lightly, given the deep bond Wendy and I have formed with this extraordinary community, Ono wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called his presidency at the University of Michigan a distinct honor and said he will miss many aspects of the school. The University of Michigan and the State of Michigan have forever captured my heart. It has been a profound privilege to be part of this extraordinary community and this remarkable state, he wrote. Although he did not say who will replace him, Ono said he plans to work with the Chair of the Board of Regents to make sure the transition to a new president goes smoothly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT) The second-longest serving president in University of Montevallo history will be retiring from the position when July ends. John W. Stewart III made the announcement Monday. Stewart was inaugurated as the universitys president October 14, 2010. Cindi and I are incredibly grateful to the UM community for so many wonderful years together, Stewart said in a statement. We appreciate the many meaningful relationships weve enjoyed with our students, faculty, staff and alumni, and we wish the UM family all the best in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 15th president in UM history, Stewart focused on developing new academic programs and improving the universitys financial health. According to the UM, it increased the number of first-year freshman and transfer applications under Stewarts tenure. More students started living on campus as Stewart continued leading the university. He also improved funding for faculty salaries. Stewart began the UM Presidents Outdoor Scholars Program. A bass fishing team in that program has claimed four straight Bass Pro Shops School of the Year titles. The Montevallo MADE program for first-year student populations has garnered a 90% retention rate. Man accused of strangling Alabama pageant queen charged in murder-for-hire plot enters not guilty plea Before arriving in Shelby County, Stewart worked as the vice president for institutional advancement at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Stewart earned his bachelors degree at Wake Forest University, his masters degree from Washington College and his doctor of philosophy in English from the University of Southern Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UM Board of Trustees will handle the search for the universitys 16th president. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. In the northwest of Spain, a surprising animal has protected a village from wildfires. According to Al Jazeera, grazing wild horses are the reason why wildfires have decreased in the village of Barro. Residents in the village have observed the positive impact grazing wild horses has had on the local ecosystem. "There used to be fires every year, but since 2019 when we started coming here, we've had one small fire in the first year and nothing since," Lucia Perez told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The village of Barro is located in Galicia, a region in Spain known for its lush forests. In this area of Spain, the ecosystems are "delicate," according to Al Jazeera, making them even more vulnerable to wildfires. Since the horses clear and eat the undergrowth, they play a key role in fire prevention. By consuming plants prone to burning, such as the yellow flowers of gorse, they help stop wildfires from starting and spreading. Wild horses in Galicia don't just help prevent fires. They also serve the ecosystem in other ways. "[Horse grazing] also helps preserve the heather around peat bogs, which are abundant in sphagnum mosses one of the most effective ecosystems for capturing carbon," Laura Lagos, a researcher at the University of A Coruna, told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wild horses in Galicia are well-adapted to the region's rocky and rough terrain, making them the most effective at minimizing fire risk. In fact, Lagos explained how their mustaches protect their lips, allowing them to consume gorse despite its prickly exterior. Despite the important role wild horses play in Galicia, their presence is decreasing in the area. Al Jazeera noted that during the 1970s, 22,000 wild horses grazed the forests; however, today, only half of the population remains. Rising global temperatures are also threatening the region, as hotter, drier conditions increase wildfire risk. "The growing risks of climate change, habitat loss, and declining herd numbers highlight the urgent need to protect both the horses and the ecosystems they sustain," writes Al Jazeera. 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 International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations highest court, on Monday dismissed a genocide lawsuit filed by the Sudanese government against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The court, in The Hague, said it was not legally competent to rule on the matter. The Sudanese government had accused the UAE of aiding genocide by arming and financially supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebel militia in Darfur, thereby violating the Genocide Convention. Sudan had requested urgent measures from the court against the Gulf nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UAE had firmly rejected the allegations, arguing that the court was not legally competent to issue a ruling on the matter - an argument the top UN court bought, although it expressed its concern about violence in the region. The Emirates argued that while it is a signatory to the Genocide Convention, it had lodged a reservation regarding the jurisdiction of the UN court in cases of conflict. As a result, the court cannot now hear the case. Fears of a new genocide Sudan, with its population of around 50 million, has been embroiled in a civil war for approximately two years. According to aid organizations, the power struggle between government forces and the RSF militia has led to the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Millions of people are fleeing and facing acute hunger. The region of Darfur, bordering Chad, has been particularly affected. Reports from West Darfur describe massacres against the Masalit ethnic group, sexual violence, and other crimes committed by the RSF. There are fears of a renewed genocide, similar to the one that occurred in Darfur 20 years ago. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) The top United Nations court on Monday dismissed a case brought by Sudan accusing the United Arab Emirates of breaching the genocide convention by arming and funding the rebel paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the deadly Sudanese civil war. Judges found that the International Court of Justice lacked the authority to continue the proceedings. While both Sudan and the UAE are signatories to the 1948 genocide convention, the United Arab Emirates has a carveout to the part of the treaty that gives The Hague-based court jurisdiction. The violent conflict has a devastating effect, resulting in untold loss of life and suffering, in particular in West Darfur. The scope of the case before the court is, however, necessarily circumscribed by the basis of jurisdiction invoked in the application," Yuji Iwasawa, the court's president said, reading out the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Sudan and the UAE are signatories to the 1948 genocide convention. The UAE, however, has a caveat to part of the treaty which legal experts said would make it unlikely that the case would proceed. The UAE applauded the decision. The courts finding that it is without jurisdiction affirms that this case should have never been brought forward, Reem Ketait, a senior official at the UAEs Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters after the hearing ended. Around a dozen pro-Sudanese protestors gathered outside the court, shouting as Ketait spoke. In March, Sudan asked the International Court of Justice for several orders, known as provisional measures, including telling the UAE to do all it could to prevent the killings and other crimes targeting the Masalit people. In a hearing last month the UAE argued the court had no jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan descended into a deadly conflict in mid-April 2023 when long-simmering tensions between its military and rival paramilitary forces broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions. Both the Rapid Support Forces and Sudans military have been accused of abuses. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula which is also a U.S. ally, has been repeatedly accused of arming the RSF, something it has strenuously denied despite evidence to the contrary. Ukrainian company Athlon Avia has unveiled a modernised version of its reconnaissance drone, the Furia. A company representative presented the UAV's capabilities during the Defense Tech Era 2025 event. Source: Ukrainian military media outlet Militarnyi Details: The Furia-2 can remain airborne for up to 5 hours. Its current flight range is 70 kilometres, but the company is working to extend it to 100 kilometres. This is an improvement compared to the smaller Furia, which can fly for up to 3 hours with an operational range of up to 50 kilometres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The drone will be equipped with a dual-sensor camera day and night. There will also be an option with a dedicated night camera, which will significantly enhance nighttime operations for soldiers," said a representative from Athlon Avia. The company added that the earlier Furia model will not be discontinued and will remain in service with artillery units. "Moreover, we are currently upgrading the smaller Furia too extending its airtime to 4 hours and improving its video link. As for the larger Furia, we are considering its use in other military branches as well," the company noted. Athlon Avia also stated that the Furia-2 is currently undergoing factory testing. The company plans to begin serial production of the new drone this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have a well-developed manufacturing process, honed through the production of the first aircraft, and we are ready for rapid scaling. We plan to produce at least as many large aircraft as we do the smaller Furia," the company representative said. The company emphasised that many components of the new drone are sourced from Ukrainian manufacturers. "We use Ukrainian modules for electronics and communication and are also considering Ukrainian-made engines. Its clear that we need to gradually move away from foreign components and focus on domestic production," the company representative added. Athlon Avia also presented the ST-35 Silent Thunder strike UAV system and the ST-1200 multirotor drone, both of which are currently under development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the companys website, the Furia UAV has been developed and produced since 2014. Over 100 systems have been manufactured in various modifications since then. Each system includes three unmanned aerial vehicles, three daytime payload modules, and two nighttime payload modules equipped with video cameras. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editors note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers. LEITCHFIELD, Ky. (FOX 56) Kentucky State Police have arrested a Caneyville man in connection with the images of Grayson County women and children that were uploaded to a porn site. Grayson County officials said that theyve been investigating the matter since Sunday afternoon, May 4. Around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, troopers arrested 29-year-old Zackery Robinson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news The pictures reportedly came from social media. According to an arrest warrant, Robinson allegedly uploaded over 18,000 images to the website. A large majority of these posts are of Grayson Countians, court documents note. Among them is Rep. Samara Hevrin. In a Facebook post on Monday, Hevrin said she was deeply disturbed to find out pictures of her had been taken from her social media accounts and uploaded to a porn website without her consent. I can assure you that this person will be held accountable for any laws broken, the sheriffs office said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson allegedly posted under a pseudonym and titled each post with the first name and last initial of the adult victims. He would leave underage victims unnamed but caption photos such as sexy mix, court documents say. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: In response to his alleged posts, investigators report that Robinson would make threats of sexual contact, injury, or death in an attempt to scare the victims for his own sexual gratification. The warrant said that this encouraged other users to do the same. While many of the photos were of clothed women, the horrific comments posted by users of the website are something that will take years for these women to overcome. This behavior is unacceptable, Hevrin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trooper Scotty Sharp announced on Wednesday that 18 additional charges were filed as the investigation continued. According to a new arrest citation, investigators found child sexual abuse material, or computer-generated images, of children under 12 and 16. Its believed Robinson was also distributing these images and videos. He also allegedly tried to delete them before troopers found the pictures and videos. Robinson was booked in the Grayson County Detention Center on 27 counts of stalking, seven counts of promoting a minor under 16 in a sex performance, five counts of distribution of matter portraying a sex performance by a minor under 12, five counts of possessing matter portraying a sex performance by a minor under 12, and tampering with physical evidence charges. Hes booked on a $500,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre a victim or believe you may be, contact the Grayson County Attorneys Office at (270)259-9306. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UTICA, N.Y. (AP) Upstate New York prison guard pleads guilty to manslaughter in an inmate's 2024 beating death. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song (Front) speaks at the photo exhibition "legacy of friendship: 70 years of Nepal-China relations through the lens" in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 5, 2025. The photo exhibition was held in the Nepali capital on Monday to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua) KATHMANDU, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition was held in the Nepali capital on Monday to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations. Dozens of photos featuring key diplomatic moments, visits by high-level leaders and cultural exchanges between the two neighbors were on display to highlight "legacy of friendship: 70 years of Nepal-China relations through the lens." Nepal's former Prime Minister and President of the Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song cut the ribbon for the exhibition organized by the Girija Prasad Koirala Foundation for Democracy, Peace and Development. Standing at the new starting point of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, "China is willing to continue our shared affection across time and space with the Nepalese people and to jointly write a magnificent new chapter of our two countries advancing hand in hand," Chen said at the exhibition. Nepal-China relationship is based on "equality, mutual benefits and peaceful coexistence," Deuba said. "Our friendly neighbor has supported Nepal in infrastructure development, tourism, educational exchanges and environment protection." Nepal's former Prime Minister and President of the Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba speaks at the photo exhibition "legacy of friendship: 70 years of Nepal-China relations through the lens" in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 5, 2025. The photo exhibition was held in the Nepali capital on Monday to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua) UTICA, N.Y. (AP) A corrections officer pleaded guilty to manslaughter Monday in the fatal beating of a handcuffed inmate at an upstate New York prison an attack that was caught on video by guards' body cameras, sparked public outrage and led to charges against more than a dozen people. Christopher Walrath, 36, was one of six guards charged with second-degree murder in the Dec. 9 beating of Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter during a hearing at state court in Utica. The plea deal, which was the first agreed to by one of the six who were charged with murder, calls for Walrath to get a 15-year prison term. He will remain free on bail pending his Aug. 4 sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under questioning from Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, the special prosecutor, Walrath admitted that he and other guards assaulted Brooks. He also acknowledged that he put Brooks in a chokehold, that he struck the inmate's body and groin and that he lied to investigators about what happened. Walrath, who resigned from his guard job, appeared somber with his hands clasped in front of him as he answered questions with either yes or correct. He and his attorney declined to comment while leaving court. Brooks began serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault in 2017 and was transferred to Marcy from a nearby lockup on the night he was beaten to death. Fitzpatrick said Brooks was beaten three times that night, the last of which was the attack caught on bodycam footage. The reality is, he did nothing. It was welcome to Marcy, the prosecutor said of the reason for the beatings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told reporters after the hearing that Walrath left his post to join in the attacks. Sadly, just emblematic of a system and a problem that is persistent at that institution, and perhaps others as well, Fitzpatrick said. He said the plea deal was based on the evidence of Walraths involvement in the beatings and the prosecutor's judgment that the blows Walrath inflicted on Brooks were non-lethal. Fitzpatrick said it was possible the guilty plea would spur other guards to reach agreements, but that his office had not had recent discussions with the other defense attorneys. Brooks' son Robert Brooks Jr., who was at the hearing, said in a statement afterward that the guilty plea was "one important but modest step on the long road to justice for my father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Mr. Walraths life is in the hands of prison officials. This must be a terrifying prospect for him and his family, knowing what staff is capable of, and how little the system values the lives of incarcerated people, the victim's son said. I pray that Mr. Walrath has the opportunity in prison to rehabilitate himself, and come out a better man. In addition to the six guards who were charged with murder, three workers at the prison about 180 miles (290 kilometers) northwest of New York City were charged with manslaughter and another was charged with evidence tampering. Three other prison workers have reached agreements but have yet to enter those pleas, according to prosecutors. In the bodycam videos, officers could be seen beating Brooks, who was on a medical examination table with his hands cuffed behind his back. They struck him in the chest with a shoe, lifted him by his neck and dropped him. Brooks died the next day. All the officers who were charged either resigned or were suspended without pay pending termination proceedings, state officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beating drew widespread condemnation and calls for reforms. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said she was outraged and horrified by the videos, appointed a new superintendent for the prison. She also ordered state officials to initiate proceedings to fire 13 correctional officers and a nurse implicated in the attack. Fitzpatrick also is prosecuting guards in the fatal beating of Messiah Nantwi on March 1 at another Marcy lockup, the Mid-State Correctional Facility. Ten guards were indicted in that case last month, including two who are charged with murder. ____ Associated Press writer Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report. The United States Air Force is pulling old and nonoperational F-16s out of its airplane graveyard commonly referred to as the boneyard to send to Ukraine for spare parts. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed the donated F-16s are coming from the services 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The planes in question will be cannibalized for parts that Ukraine can use to keep their European-donated F-16s flying, but the service stressed the American F-16s have been gutted of key parts and couldnt be used operationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The [Department of the Air Force] has supported the sustainment of European-donated F-16s to Ukraine by providing disused and completely nonoperational F-16s to Ukraine for parts, the spokesperson said. 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. The U.S. State Department in May approved a possible foreign military sale to Ukraine, worth about $310.5 million, to sustain the besieged nations F-16s and train its pilots and maintainers on the aircraft. The sale includes spare parts and various accessories, modifications and upgrades to the jets, ground handling equipment, publications and technical documents, software delivery and support, engineering, technical and logistics support and training for operations, maintenance and sustainment support. The State Department said the exchanges of parts and training support will help the U.S. accomplish its foreign policy goals and national security objectives by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The equipment and training package is aimed at improving Ukraines ability to improve its national defenses by ensuring sure its pilots remain fluent on the aircraft, the department said. The effort is also geared toward making Ukrainian aviators more interoperable with the U.S. through training tailored by the U.S. Air Force. Since the beginning of Russias invasion, Ukraine has urged its Western allies to send it modern, fourth-generation fighters to modernize its air force and improve its ability to defend itself. When the war began in February 2022, Ukraine had at most 69 MiG-29 Fulcrum and Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker jets. But the U.S. was initially hesitant to agree to Ukraines requests. Top defense officials and some lawmakers said it was unclear whether jets such as the F-16 would provide Ukraine enough of an advantage, and the Pentagon instead focused first on providing other assets such as critical munitions. Former President Joe Biden in August 2023 cleared the way for F-16s to go to Ukraine, with the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Belgium either having already donated the jets or pledging to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command, told lawmakers in a hearing last month that F-16s have helped Ukraine shore up its defenses and that more jets are on the way. There are more F-16s prepared to be deployed in [Ukraine], Cavoli told the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 3. There are more pilots in the training pipeline. The planes are active and they fly every day. Theyve defeated a large number of cruise missile threats and theyve delivered an awful lot of offensive attacks as well along Ukraines eastern front. [Source] The Senate confirmed former Georgia Sen. David Perdue as ambassador to China on Tuesday with a 67-29 vote, placing the longtime China critic at the forefront of the U.S. most consequential diplomatic relationship amid a deadlocked tariff war. Confirmation details: Perdues nomination received bipartisan support, with 15 Democrats and one independent joining 51 Republicans in favor of confirmation. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho) called it certainly one of the most important appointments to come before the chamber, describing the role as a challenge that will require a strong leader to execute President Donald Trumps vision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anti-China label: Before entering politics, Perdue, 75, built a career as an international business executive and lived in Hong Kong during this time. Despite this global experience, Perdue has been labeled anti-China, with Beijing-based think tank Grandview Institution describing him as a proponent and practitioner of the China threat theory. In a September 2024 article in the Washington Examiner, he called Xi Jinping a modern-day emperor and accused Beijing of seeking to destroy capitalism and democracy. Trending on NextShark: Virginia school officials respond to middle schoolers bullying of 5-year-old Asian boy During his confirmation hearing in April, Perdue described the U.S. relationship with China as the most consequential diplomatic challenge of the 21st century and advocated for a nuanced, nonpartisan and strategic approach while identifying fentanyl precursor chemicals as among his top priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Bain says K-pop bandmates rallied behind him after he came out to them Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Survey: 40% of Americans say Asian Americans more loyal to other countries than US Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) -A federal appeals court rejected on Monday a request by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to allow it to revoke the temporary legal status of hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans living in the United States. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to put on hold a judge's order halting the Department of Homeland Security's move to cut short a two-year "parole" granted to the migrants under Trump's Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration's action marked an expansion of the Republican president's hardline crackdown on immigration and push to ramp up deportations, including of noncitizens previously granted a legal right to live and work in the United States. The administration argued Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had discretion to categorically end the migrants' status and that the judge's order was forcing the U.S. government to "retain hundreds of thousands of aliens in the country against its will." But a three-judge panel comprised entirely of appointees of Democratic presidents said Noem "has not at this point made a 'strong showing' that her categorical termination of plaintiffs' parole is likely to be sustained on appeal." Karen Tumlin, a lawyer whose immigrant rights group Justice Action Center pursued the case, welcomed the court's decision. She called the administration's actions "reckless and illegal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration could now ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. "The Trump administration is committed to restoring the rule of law to our immigration system," Homeland Security Department spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "No lawsuit, not this one or any other, is going to stop us from doing that." A lawsuit by immigrant rights advocates representing migrants challenged the agency decision to pause various Biden-era programs that have allowed Ukrainian, Afghan, Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan migrants to enter the country. While the case was pending, the Homeland Security Department on March 25 announced in a Federal Register notice that it had decided to terminate the two-year parole granted to about 400,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelan migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, on April 25 halted the agency's action, which she said revoked previously granted parole and work authorizations for migrants on a categorical basis and without a necessary case-by-case review. She said the department's sole basis for declining to allow the migrants' parole status to naturally expire was based on a legal error, as it wrongly concluded doing so would foreclose the department's ability to legally expedite their deportations. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Leslie Adler and Rosalba O'Brien) (NewsNation) The U.S. Army is instituting a pause of helicopter training flights in the vicinity of the Pentagon after two commercial flights Thursday were forced to abort landings at nearby Reagan National Airport after an Army helicopter deviated from its original flight plan. The Armys 12th Aviation Battalion has paused training flights in and around the Pentagon. There are still some helicopters in the area, an Army official tells NewsNation. Film tariff announced, but US movies have a trade surplus Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation of the incident last week is ongoing, the official says. The unit in recent days had begun gradually resuming flights after the January 29 midair collision of a battalion Army Black Hawk on a nighttime training mission with an American Airlines regional jet near the airport killed 67 people. Members of Congress, aviation safety experts and local officials blasted the Army after that incident, calling for an 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 NewsNation. MANILA, Philippines (AP) A World War II-era Philippine navy ship to be used as a target in a combat exercise by American and the Philippine forces accidentally sank Monday hours before the mock assault, prompting the drill to be cancelled, U.S. and Philippine military officials said. The BRP Miguel Malvar, which was decommissioned by the Philippine navy in 2021, took on water while being towed in rough waters facing the disputed South China Sea and sank about 30 nautical miles (55 kilometers) off the western Philippine province of Zambales. Nobody was onboard when the ship listed then sank, the Philippine military said. American and Philippine forces would proceed with other live-fire maneuvers off Zambales on Monday despite the premature sinking of the Malvar. The ship was built as a patrol vessel for the U.S. Navy in the 1940s and was transferred to Vietnams navy before the Philippine military acquired it, Philippine navy Capt. John Percie Alcos said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its an 80-year-old dilapidated ship and it wasnt able to withstand the rough seas, Philippine Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado told The Associated Press. The ship-sinking exercise was planned in an offshore area facing the hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal, which has been closely guarded by the Chinese coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships. The Philippines also claims the fishing atoll, which lies about 220 kilometers (137 miles) west of Zambales. Chinese and the Philippine forces have had increasingly hostile confrontations in the waters and airspace of Scarborough in recent years. The cancelled ship-sinking drill would have been the third to be staged by the treaty allies in recent years. It was supposed to be one of the highlights of largescale annual military exercises by the United States and the Philippines from April 21 to May 9 with about 14,000 U.S. and Filipino forces participants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Called Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, the combat drills have increasingly focused on the defense of Philippine sovereignty in the face of Chinas growing aggression in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety. Mock battle scenes which have been staged so far, including the retaking of an island from hostile forces, have reflected assurances by the Trump administration, including by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, that the U.S. would abide by its treaty commitment to defend the Philippines in case Filipino forces come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea. On Sunday, U.S., Australian and Philippine forces practiced retaking an island from hostile forces in the coastal town of Balabac in western Palawan province, which faces the South China Sea. Japanese forces and British marines joined as observers of the combat exercise, which showcased the growing interoperability and cohesion among partner nations in maintaining regional security, Salgado said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What we have seen since Trump returned to the White House is a remarkable level of continuity in the US-Philippines alliance not only in joint military drills, but also on American statements that the alliance is ironclad, said Derek Grossman, a senior defense analyst at RAND Corporation. The Trump administration is trying to keep the pressure on China through its support to the Philippines," Grossman said, but added that its unclear just how sustainable this commitment will be given that the Trump administration seems less hawkish on China than its predecessors. China has vehemently opposed such exercises involving U.S. forces in or near the South China Sea or Taiwan, the island democracy, which Beijing claims as a province and has threatened to annex by force if necessary. U.S. and Philippine military officials, however, have insisted that the combat exercises were not designed with China in mind but serve as a deterrence to acts of aggression in the region. Senator Elizabeth Warren has issued a stark warning about what she describes as a backdoor effort by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to dismantle Social Security. Learn More: 2 Ways Elon Musks Access to the US Treasury May Impact Social Security Check Out: The New Retirement Problem Boomers Are Facing Trump and Musk are so determined to cut peoples access to Social Security, theyre trying a backdoor way,' Warren said in a recent YouTube video. Theyre making it harder and harder and harder and harder for people to get the Social Security benefits that they earned and that the law says they have a right to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration and President Trump himself have repeatedly declared that Social Security benefits will not be cut. Still, critics like Warren argue that actions taken behind the scenes may tell a different story. Is she right? Heres what Warren claims and how it could potentially impact retirees. What Is Happening to Social Security Under Trump? Since taking office, the Trump administration has called for substantial layoffs of Social Security Administration employees. The SSA then set a staffing target of 50,000 a 7,000 reduction to its workforce. There have also been concerns about the introduction of new identification policies that would require people to go to field offices. The SSA pointed out that accessing your personal my Social Security account online is still encouraged, but individuals unable to use the online portal may need to verify their identity in person at a field office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SSA also announced that it would implement stronger identity verification procedures. While this would prevent some people from identifying themselves over the phone, the SSA stated in a blog post that some people would be exempt from these new rules, such as those applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Read More: If You Rely on Social Security, Make These 4 Money Moves With Trump as President Should People Be Concerned About Social Security? Despite the changes to improve the security and efficiency of the SSA, Warren argued there are still serious issues. Warren cited cases where individuals have been wrongly declared ineligible or even mistakenly listed as deceased, cutting them off from the benefits theyve earned. According to Warren, the firings and added chaos have led to an increase in mistakes and a reduction in available support for correcting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She definitely could be right here. Thats why its going to be increasingly important for recipients to make sure they know what they are legally entitled to and that they seek assistance when needed, Ben Michael, attorney, Michael & Associates. Social Security attorneys may be able to help ensure that people are getting whats legally due to them, regardless of staffing shortages. While Warrens concerns highlight real risks, Social Security isnt being reduced or eliminated. However, changes in how its managed could still have potential consequences for those who rely on it most. Editors note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com. More From GOBankingRates Sources This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: US Senator Warns of Backdoor Way Trump and Musk Could Destroy Social Security Is She Right? By Timothy Gardner and Nichola Groom WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Environmental groups on Monday slammed comments by the head of the U.S.-owned Tennessee Valley Authority suggesting the utility's four coal-fired power plants could continue to operate after a planned shutdown in 2035. TVA's CEO Don Moul said last week that the utility was evaluating executive orders signed by President Donald Trump last month that seek to save coal plants likely to be shut, cut regulations on coal plants, and reduce barriers to coal mining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are re-evaluating the end-of-life study that we did on our coal fleet and we're taking a hard look at our asset strategy with respect to what the regulatory environment is in front of us," Moul said last week after a quarterly financial call. Moul said two of the plants, Shawnee, in Kentucky, and Gallatin in Tennessee, have a "strong potential to continue to operate for the foreseeable future as long as we have the regulatory allowance." He said the two other plants, Kingston and Cumberland, both in Tennessee, are more limited by regulations but there are more decisions to make in the future. The four TVA plants have a capacity of 7,000 megawatts, enough to power more than 4 million homes. In 2021, TVA said it planned to shut the plants by 2035, as they would have reached the end of their life cycle by then. The year 2035 was also the time that then-President Joe Biden wanted the power grid to be decarbonized to fight climate change. Utilities are scrambling to secure power generation as U.S. electricity demand is growing for the first time in decades on growth in data centers for artificial intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott Brooks, a TVA spokesperson, said on Monday that the utility's outlook includes additional power generation needs into 2050. "Were exploring all options to meet those needs." Bonnie Swinford, an organizer at the Sierra Club, said her organization will fight any extension. "These expensive, unreliable coal plants are not serving Tennesseans any more than a screen door on a submarine," Swinford said. "We deserve clean, affordable energy that paves the way for a healthier future for our community." Howard Crystal, the legal director for the energy justice program at the Center for Biological Diversity, said he hoped any extension of the plants would not be a precedent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It sends absolutely the wrong message ... to the world about our nation's commitment to addressing climate change and cleaning up polluting forms of energy." (Reporting by Timothy GardnerEditing by Marguerita Choy) Fabiola Amaya often cant use the bathroom at school. A senior and an aspiring social worker at one of the top colleges in the state, the biggest boundary to Amayas success at the University of Texas isnt the workload it's accessibility. Last year, Amaya sustained two injuries using restrooms that were not wheelchair accessible. Her fall in Benedict Hall was the first time she had fallen out of her chair since beginning its use at age 7, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I went floor by floor to find an accessible restroom, but they were all the same, Amaya said. "We all pay so much to be at this university and put in so much effort to get in. The fact that we came here and cant even use the bathroom is a violation of human rights." Her experience, she found, was not isolated. A student-led survey confirmed her experience: Hundreds of campus bathrooms are not accessible to all. University of Texas student Fabiola Amaya rides in a small elevator in the Texas Union building. Since there isn't room to maneuver her wheelchair, she has to back out of the elevator. What are UT's accessibility needs and efforts? On the Moov, a student advocacy organization for accessibility led by Amaya and fellow UT senior Aria Welch, discovered that the majority of nearly 400 restrooms in 48 UT buildings failed to meet the 2010 structural standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In accordance with federal law, UT is required to adhere to ADA standards, but in buildings that have not been renovated or built before 2012, the university is only required to meet the regulations set in 1991. There are definitely loopholes in the (ADA) law that don't require the immediate address of these issues, Welch said. But of course, that doesn't fix the daily reality of needing to have restrooms. Of 311 multi-stall restrooms that students surveyed in March 2025, 56.8% failed to pass measured standards when not including ADA signage. When accounting for a sign, 68.9% failed. Of 46 single-user restrooms surveyed, 34.8% failed on structural measures. Since 2008, the university has spent $13.2 million to make 63 restrooms more accessible, about 39% of its ADA budget, and is currently renovating other lavatories. On the Moov, a student advocacy group led by Fabiola Amaya, shown here, and fellow UT senior Aria Welch, discovered that the majority of nearly 400 restrooms in 48 UT buildings failed to meet the 2010 structural standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University of Texas is fully compliant with ADA standards as required for newly designed and constructed or altered facilities and is continuously making improvements to accessibility around campus, said a university statement shared by spokesperson Mike Rosen. We are actively listening to our community to better understand where ADA requirements fall short as we recognize they may not meet the needs of everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UT's ADA coordinator and Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation unit also work to remove individual barriers for students on campus such as allowing Amaya to access accessible bathrooms on the top floor of a building that would otherwise be private and a form for students to report accessibility barriers. Beyond restrooms, UT used three robots to gather accessibility data and will launch a map this spring for students to best find an accessible route. The university also has a Disability Cultural Center to support and advocate for students. But the needs on campus are great. According to the most recent ADA evaluation and transition report obtained by the American-Statesman, UT estimates that as of 2020, $95 million is needed to address all accessibility needs. With an annual budget of about $3.5 million, a committee of stakeholders across UT, including students from On the Moov, reviews and prioritizes projects based on the urgency of request, type of request and level of use. Amaya looks at the tight space at an "accessible" restroom stall in the Texas Union. Last year, Amaya sustained two injuries using restrooms that were not wheelchair accessible. But Welch and Amaya say much more support, attention and funding is needed to address students' everyday challenges on the aging campus, as well as more research, like their survey, on what students' daily challenges are on the Forty Acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It shouldnt be our responsibility to do the survey, Amaya said. ADA is the bare minimum of accessibility, and so, ideally, it would go beyond that to truly be an inclusive space for disabled individuals. 'I don't know where else to go' On a muggy Thursday afternoon, Amaya enters the Texas Union, the hub of student life on campus. She cant access one floor commonly used for student offices which is only accessible by stairs, and, for the other floors, the elevator to get to them is so narrow that she can only back her chair out of it. In the bathroom to the right of the Cactus Cafe, the accessible stall is at the end of a narrow, pink-tiled line of stalls. The wall juts out just before it, so there isnt enough room for her to turn her wheelchair into the stall, or even to turn toward the sink to wash her hands. If Amaya has to go to the bathroom in this building, shed go home, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know where else Id go, she said. Fabiola Amaya and her mother, Nora Martinez, head home from the UT campus. "We all pay so much to be at this university and put in so much effort to get in," Amaya says. "The fact that we came here and cant even use the bathroom is a violation of human rights." Restroom inaccessibility has affected her ability to maintain her academics and to access student and university events, she said. Her sense of belonging on campus also suffers. Since her fall, Amaya has actively advocated for bathroom accessibility on campus due to the emotional toll and hazards caused by unequal access, culminating in On the Moov's survey in early March. Aging infrastructure isnt unusual at an institution as old as UT, and it remains a visible issue. When the UT System Board of Regents promoted Jim Davis from his role as chief operations officer to interim president in February, it charged him with approving the operational efficiency of the flagship campus and addressing challenges. In his remarks to the Faculty Senate in March, Davis said 75% of UT buildings are at some level of need" generally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is a major issue this university has to confront, Davis said. On the main campus, UT has more than 240 buildings. The money UT designates to accessibility is 0.08% of the schools $4.4 billion operating budget, which is approved by the UT System regents each year. New renovations and buildings will include ADA compliant restrooms as per the law, but that doesnt address the deferred maintenance of older university buildings. In Amayas experience, she feels as if 4 in 5 restrooms arent accessible to her. Nora Martinez walks along the Drag with daughter Fabiola Amaya. Amaya hopes UT's leadership agrees to meet with her and other students with accessibility challenges to hear their concerns and experiences to best improve the campus. UT spends so much money on other projects, and, with ADA being quite literally a law, its not enough, Amaya said. Not only are we enduring the hardships of an inaccessible campus, but it also feels isolating when the administration doesn't make it a priority. What is needed to fix ADA Issues at UT? Students want all inaccessible restrooms to be addressed without taking money away from other accessibility projects, Welch said, calling for an increase to UT's accessibility budget. On the Moov also wants a culture change in which accessibility is treated with the urgency it deserves, students said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Moovs search identified 323 violations requiring readily achievable barrier removal standards such as accessible door handles, doors swinging outward, grab bars, sinks with suitable clearance and turning room. The organization has shared the preliminary report with UTs ADA coordinator and will also share its granular data in hopes the university can make a plan to quickly address the shortcomings. We are committed to working towards solutions that create an excellent campus experience for all, UTs statement said. Amaya, who will attend graduate school at UT, said she hopes the universitys leadership agrees to meet with her and other students with accessibility challenges to hear their concerns and experiences to best improve the campus. Welch said On the Moov's estimates on accessible restrooms are likely high, as it did not measure for all 2010 standards. She said the organization, which also provides free one-on-one help to students who need it and provides training on disability justice, will continue to research and advocate for an accessible campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems unfair that we have to provide so much justification for why restrooms need to be accessible and to convince the administration that having so many restrooms remain inaccessible is not just, Welch said. And that it is a real violation of students dignity, but that is the reality that we've been working with. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: UT students survey ADA compliance of bathrooms, say more funds needed BEIRUT, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Arab region has made progress in digital government service delivery, according to a report released Monday by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The "2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index" (GEMS 2024) assesses the maturity of e-government services across 17 Arab countries. The annual assessment focuses on three core dimensions: service availability and development, user satisfaction and uptake, and government outreach efforts. The latest findings show that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates lead the region, with maturity scores of 96 percent and 95 percent, respectively, reflecting strong investments and policy commitments to digital transformation. The regional average maturity score rose modestly to 45 percent in 2024, up from 43 percent the previous year. The ESCWA says this reflects gradual improvements in the efficiency and quality of digital services offered by public institutions. However, the report also highlights widening disparities. "While some countries have achieved advanced digital capabilities, others are still in early development stages," said Mohamad Nawar Al-Awa, project leader for the GEMS 2024. ESCWA's report shows strong performance in digital services across the education, labor, utilities, and interior sectors. By contrast, health and tourism services remain underdeveloped in many countries. The study also calls attention to accessibility challenges. While online portals remain the primary means for service access, the report urges governments to expand mobile platforms and improve usability for persons with disabilities. First introduced in 2019, the GEMS Index evaluates 100 essential public services, offering Arab governments a framework to measure and enhance digital service maturity. As Utah's law banning fluoridation in water takes effect, health officials are focused on educating the public and reminding them that fluoride is now readily available at most pharmacies. (Photo by Alex Potemkin/Getty Images) Utah is set to become the first state in the nation to ban fluoride in drinking water, with a new law taking effect later this week, on Wednesday. That day, the fluoride taps will turn off, if they havent already. While Davis and Salt Lake counties, and Brigham City, are the only governments that still add fluoride to drinking water, roughly half of the states population lives there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Gricius, R-Eagle Mountain, HB81 prevents counties and municipalities from adding fluoride to drinking water, while adding it to the list of drugs pharmacists can prescribe. The reasoning, Gricius said, is that the decision should be left to the individual. I would just say it doesnt get more local control than my own body, she said during the legislative session earlier this year. Gricius bill was one of several that aligned with the Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, agenda promoted by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who praised the law earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, for health officials like Stacey Bank, executive medical director for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, the focus is on educating the public and reminding them that fluoride is now readily available at most pharmacies. Im grateful for the opportunity to have this conversation. We havent talked about oral health and fluoride this much in my career as long as I can remember. This is an opportunity to get the message out to the entire state, she said on Friday. I know its not always easy to get into a doctor or dentist, there are barriers there. Going to your local pharmacist, talking to the person behind the counter, is enough to take care of your teeth. There are currently 25 water systems serving about 1.6 million people spread out across Davis and Salt Lake counties, and Brigham City, that add fluoride to the water. Brigham City has been adding fluoride to the water since the 1960s; Davis County started in 1999; and Salt Lake County in 2003. Some treatment plants have already stopped adding fluoride to the water, including a handful in Davis County, and Salt Lake Countys City Creek Water Treatment Plant. A fluoride pump at Salt Lake Citys City Creek Water Treatment Plant, which has since been turned off, is pictured on Friday, May 2, 2025. (Credit: Salt Lake City Public Utilities) If Utahns dont act, expect tooth decay, officials say If I was looking into a crystal ball, were going to see a decline in oral health if our community doesnt take action, and now go to their dentist and talk about whats best for them and receive their supplements. If that happens, I dont think well see much of a change, said Brian Hatch, director of the Davis County Health Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Salt Lake County, where the water has been fluoridated for almost two decades, health officials say theyre losing an effective public health tool. From a public health standpoint, we know that community water fluoridation is the best way to benefit individuals and the overall communitys oral health, added Ron Lund, environmental health director for the Salt Lake County Health Department. Its the most efficient and effective way to do that for people who cannot afford or may not be able to go to routine dental visits. But while health officials say its possible theyll see an uptick in cavities in regions currently fluoridating their water, others see the bill as an opportunity. Most of rural Utah has already stopped adding the mineral to the public water supply. Fluoride is a hot topic now, and with the May 7 deadline approaching, it gives public health experts a chance to educate communities, they say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Its an opportunity for our more rural communities. Other than Brigham City, none of our rural communities have been adding fluoride to the water. So this is bringing more attention to how important fluoride is and giving them access to get it, that they may not have known they needed, said State Dental Director Stacey Swilling. But concern remains. Shifting the responsibility to individuals means Utahns will have to be more proactive about getting fluoride, which could be a burden, especially to low-income families that may already struggle with access to transportation or public health information. Swilling, who used to practice dentistry in another state, said it was clear which patients have access to fluoridated water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anectdoally, where I used to practice, I can tell you I saw a huge difference Theres plenty of research out there that does show the disparities, she said, pointing to studies conducted in Juneau, Alaska, and Calgary, Alberta, where the removal of fluoride from drinking water resulted in a spike in cavities. Most officials agree Utah is headed into uncharted waters. While there are case studies in other cities, counties, states and countries, Utah is the first U.S. state to pass a sweeping ban, while also trying to make fluoride more accessible over the counter. We dont know how this is going to turn out, Bank said. We know about barriers to care, thats our job, to look for and eliminate those. At this point, were trying to educate the public. It is going to take a more proactive effort, and we are going to have to look at those barriers and let this unfold to see how those barriers are affecting people. Fluoride is a mineral that has been shown to strengthen teeth by replacing minerals that are lost from acid breakdown, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since the 1940s, communities around the country have been fluoridating their water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent report from the National Toxicology Program found that high levels of fluoride in drinking water can be associated with a lower I.Q. in children, but according to the report, those levels are twice as high as the current recommended amount of fluoride. The thing we need to know about those studies is that they were done looking at fluoride levels that were far outside what we are recommending for oral health, Bank said. We know what were trying to do today is a safe and effective dose of fluoride. Still, that drop in I.Q. is often cited as a reason to stop adding fluoride to water, part of a nationwide movement against the mineral. Perhaps the most prominent critic of fluoride is Kennedy Jr., who applauded Gricius bill during a stop in Utah in April. It makes no sense to have fluoride in our water. The evidence against fluoride is overwhelming we know that it causes I.Q. loss, Kennedy, a longtime critic of certain public health policies and medical practices, said during his visit Im very, very proud of this state for being the first state to ban (fluoride). I hope many more will come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gricius bill passed mostly along party lines, with a handful of Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. Despite the pushback from dentists and other health professionals, it was signed by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on March 27. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) At its 2025 organizing convention on May 17, Utahs Republican Party delegates are scheduled to consider revoking the party membership of any GOP candidates who gather signatures to get on a Primary election ballot a move that, if passed, could be seen as a violation of state code and usher in grave consequences to their caucus convention system. According to its agenda, the partys some 4,000 delegates are scheduled to vote on whether to approve the following amendment to its Constitution: Any person who seeks public office ballot access as a Republican by any mechanism other than specifically provided within this Constitution shall be deemed to have failed to comply with the Republican Party Constitution, and that persons membership shall immediately be revoked for one year, it reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caucus and convention path is the partys ballot access process. State law, however, dictates that candidates can access the ballot via either the convention path, the signature gathering path, or both. Utah legislature, Governor in talks to amend at least two 2025 vetoes, House Speaker says Utah law further states that the party must permit its members to choose one or both methods. Put another way, a party cannot block a legal path to the ballot. If the amendment is adopted, a punishment of stripping a signature-gathering candidate of party membership could be seen as such. Further, it stands to reason that stripping a signature candidate of their party membership would also block them from running via convention because the party does not allow non-members to participate in their nominating process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether this proposal has a chance of passing. According to GOP bylaws, any delegate can bring forward an amendment with five co-sponsors, making it relatively easy to put anything on an agenda. Utah Legislature decides not to override governors vetoes Party Chair Rob Axson said the convention is the place where delegates come to debate different ideas, especially since the threshold for consideration is incredibly small and any delegate, with a few cosponsors, can put forth proposals, he said. But, the consequences if it passes could be significant. Blocking a path to the ballot could strip the party of whats known as its Qualified Political Party (QPP) status which is a designation under state law that the party has chosen as the means to put their candidates on the ballot. That status requires that they recognize both the signature-gathering and the convention paths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Qualified political party means a registered political party that permits a member of the registered political party to seek the registered political partys nomination for any elective office by the member choosing to seek the nomination by either or both of the following methods: (convention or signature path), state law reads. A registered political party only recognizes the signature path with a direct primary. Salt Lake City library workers officially unionize, move to bargain ahead of ban Axson, who is currently in a fight for party chair with former write-in candidate for Governor, Phil Lyman, said hes trying to build support in his party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe political parties are best when they try to win converts and build support around their principles, said Axson. That is always more impactful to building strength than creating systems to chase away anyone who doesnt completely agree with you on something. But others, like the Executive Director of Count My Vote (CMV), the group behind cementing the signature path to the ballot, see this is an attempt to disqualify signature candidates in the decades-long feud between delegates and more mainstream Republicans over the compromise that ushered in the dual path to the ballot, still known as SB54. The proposed actionwould disqualify signature candidates and exclude Republican voters from the nomination process, said Taylor Morgan, CMV Executive Director. Its a shameful and desperate attempt to prop up the Partys failing caucuses and convention. Morgan also said that his group stands ready to defend the signature path, which he called accountable, competitive, and strongly supported by all voters, especially Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Count My Vote remains committed to our mission and is prepared to take action to ensure that all Utah voters will continue to have a voice in our elections, Morgan said. If the amendment is passed, it might take a lawsuit for the courts to determine whether QPP status is indeed violated. But if it is, the result may be that the party may lose its access to the states primary ballot, meaning they would no longer nominate candidates via the caucus/convention path. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Whenever possible, during the 34 years Steve Allen was in charge of the PTSD clinic at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, aka the VA Hospital, he would walk to and from work. It was a pleasant commute, just less than a mile each way, starting from his front porch in the Yale-Harvard area, cutting through Sunnyside Park, then on to the hospital on 500 South. But he didnt do it for the scenery, to save on gas or get in his steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did it to clear his head. All day, hed listen to veterans tell of combat experiences full of pain and death and cruelty, horrific stories, the kind that tend to get glorified in war movies but that in reality are the stuff of perpetual nightmares. Better than anyone, Allen, who has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, was aware of the danger of not dwelling on the dark sides of life for too long. The walk home was his way to decompress so he could return refreshed the next day and hear some more. Dr. Steve Allen poses with his Zions Bank Lifetime of Service award, left, and "Distinguished Physician of the Year" award from The American Legion, right, at his home in Salt Lake City on Monday, April 21, 2025. Allen won the Distinguished Physician of the Year award for his work with veterans suffering from PTSD and recently retired after 40 years at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Dr. Allen although hed rather you call him Steve retired last year at the age of 70 after a 40-plus-year career, the majority of it spent here in Salt Lake City. In leaving, he boxed up a number of awards hed received through the years, including the Spirit of George E. Wahlen award, the Salt Lake VAs most distinguished honor he was given in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the apex of recognition came just two months ago, when the American Legion, in ceremonies at its annual convention in Washington, D.C., honored Allen as its national Distinguished Physician of the Year. In recognition of your distinguished public service and commitment to the care of Americas veterans, states the plaque he received. Your dedication to caring demonstrates your high degree of professionalism ensuring veterans are treated with respect while receiving exceptional health care. Allen is quick to deflect praise, insisting Im just part of a much larger group that helped build a community to help deal with PTSD here, he says. What he leaves out of that narrative is the fact that he was the first member of that community. Hes the one who got it started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Allen came to the Salt Lake VA in 1990, there was no PTSD clinic. Only seven years before that the now familiar acronym didnt even exist. It wasnt until 1983 that post traumatic stress disorder was formally recognized as a mental health diagnosis. Of course, the effects of PTSD, Allen points out, existed for centuries. It had tons of different names: shell shock, combat fatigue, combat neurosis. In the Civil War it was soldiers heart. But now it finally had a name. And with that, some legitimacy. When Allen joined the staff at the Salt Lake VA, he was asked to organize the hospitals new PTSD clinic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen could write a book, and maybe he will, about all the progress hes seen over the past four decades the advances in treatment, the gradual de-stigmatizing of mental illness, the number of veterans seeking treatment. The best news: the treatments work! With evidence-based treatments, over the course of about 10 to 12 weeks we are able to significantly reduce the symptoms that people have from PTSD, guarantees Allen. What that means is people essentially getting their lives back. That doesnt mean the trauma goes away. You obviously cant undo whats happened to a person, whether its combat trauma, sexual trauma, motor vehicle accidents, he says, but you can effectively address the symptoms theyre having: sleep problems, substance abuse, withdrawing from family, for example. Dr. Steve Allen poses at his home in Salt Lake City on Monday, April 21, 2025. Allen just won the Distinguished Physician of the Year award from The American Legion for his work with veterans suffering from PTSD and recently retired after 40 years at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Getting people to talk is the key. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that keeps PTSD alive is avoidance, he says. What is essential in treating trauma is to face that trauma, to address that trauma. People dont want to talk about the worst experience of their lives, so theyll do anything to avoid that. Its also important that victims of trauma come to their own conclusion they need help. Allen tells the story of a veteran who only enrolled in treatment after his wife threatened divorce if he didnt. He would just sit angrily staring at me in group therapy, remembers Allen. Until something changed in his thinking, then everything changed. Hes gone on to become one of our star peer support veterans whos now helping other veterans get into PTSD treatment. Its just a remarkable change, and his life is immensely better. Allen has the satisfaction of leaving a place much better than when he arrived. From a staff of one in 1990, the VAs PTSD clinic has had as many as 22 clinicians. Budget cuts of late have trimmed that number down to 16 clinicians, but thats still miles ahead of when Steve Allen arrived 35 years ago. No ones done more or cared more for the mental health of our veterans, is how Terry Schow, Utahs noted veterans advocate, sums up Steve Allens service. No one. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) A man killed by a falling tree in Birmingham over the weekend was identified as a utility worker who was performing storm repairs. What did President Donald Trump tell graduates at the University of Alabama? 57-year-old Jeffrey Scott Duffie, of Daviston, was working to repair powerlines following recent severe storms when he was struck by a falling tree. The incident happened on the 1900 block of 21st Avenue South around 10:21 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jefferson County Coroners Office said Duffie was pronounced dead at 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 CBS 42. UPDATE: Kaufman County has issued a $10,000 reward for information leading to McEuens capture, according to Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger. Man arrested for sexual assault of girl in Tyler Planet Fitness parking lot The sheriffs office said they believe Trevor McEuen has left the Van Zandt County area. McEuen had been living with his family in Van Zandt County before he removed his ankle monitor and went on the run. The sheriffs office said they the public should not be in fear of their safety. VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Van Zandt County Sheriffs office is searching for a man who was due in court on Monday for a murder charge in Kaufman County. Mugshot of Trevor McEuen, courtesy of Kaufman County Sheriffs Office According to the Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office, deputies and other local agencies are near U.S. Highway 80 east of Grand Saline searching for Trevor McEuen. Around 5:33 a.m. on Monday, McEuen removed his ankle monitor and left his home hours before he was due in court on a murder charge in Kaufman County, the Kaufman County Sheriffs Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is currently unknown whether McEuen fled on foot or in a vehicle, and there is no description of the clothing he may be wearing, Kaufman County Sheriffs Office said. Authorities also have not confirmed whether he is armed. Officials said that Kaufman County has an active warrant for bail revocation for capital murder. Authorities are asking East Texans if they see anything suspicious in the area to contact 911 and not to attempt to apprehend McEuen. The sheriffs office is working to ensure the safety of all citizens in Van Zandt County, the Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. VANDIVER, Ala. (WIAT) Some homeowners in Vandiver neighborhood have been without water since January. They say their wells were drained by an Alabama power drilling project. A complaint filed in court on Friday says that over a dozen homeowners who live on Lake View Circle are now without running water. They have been provided with temporary tanks that allow them to flush toilets and take showers, but there are concerns about the quality of that water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an environmental disaster, what has happened to us here, said Vandiver resident Tommy Fish. Fish says his well, which is the only source of water he has, has been dry since March. Hes not the only one with that problem. According to this court filing, a total of 14 homeowners have dry wells, which they say is a result of an Alabama power fiber optic drilling project. They hit our water aquifer, our water resource, Fish explained. We are still without water. Alabama Power has been providing the homeowners with tanks. Its not drinking water, but they say theyve been told its safe for bathing and cleaning. Now, impacted homeowners like Marina Wall are questioning the quality of that water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Algae growth has started in these tanks that is feeding into our homes. Its the water we have to bath with and water our plants with. Its really only safe to flush the toilets with at this point. We werent able to cook or drink with it. I have even disconnected the lines from my refrigerator, so I am having to buy bags of ice weekly at this point, said Wall. Wall says she has contacted Alabama Power asking for tests of the water in the tanks. So far, she hasnt gotten a response. We reached out to Alabama Power, who sent us this statement: Alabama Power continues its work in the Vandiver area. Drilling and grouting operations are complete, and an assessment of impacted wells has begun. Alabama Power remains committed to supporting the impacted residents, our customers, and the broader community. We continue to stay in contact with those affected by this work as we seek a long-term solution to the water-supply problems of impacted residents. As a reminder, impacted residents have access to Alabama Power employees if they have questions or concerns. Due to ongoing litigation, we are unable to comment further at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Friday saw students at Jacob Coy Middle School introduced to a number of different jobs. Trusting the flow of life: Centerville teacher to publish childrens book The school held its annual career day, which brought in representatives from various professions, ranging from cargo pilot to chef to mortician. In total, the event had more than 50 people in attendance to speak on these career fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 NEWS Today anchor Lauren Wood was one such speaker, where she spoke to students about working on-air news. 2 NEWS Today anchor Lauren Wood spoke to students at Jacob Coy Middle School during the schools career fair Friday, May 2. School staff say that Career Day provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available to them. Giving them a more realistic experience, but also to see the variety of jobs that are out there, because they obviously know doctors and firefighters, but to see the vast variety that there can be and that some require college, some require trade school, some require just experience, says Cara Worthen, 7th grade English teacher. Nearly 350 7th graders participated in this years career fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Students at Emmanuel College are appalled after learning that an assistant admissions director was fired for allegedly trying to solicit sex from college applicants. It concerns me, definitely, the fact that I go to school here it concerns me, but Im glad that they told us, said Lauren Pridham, a student at Emmanuel College. Jacob Henriques is charged with one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president of Emmanuel College notified students about it this weekend. That he wasnt allowed on campus property or with our programs, he wasnt able to access them anymore, said Pridham. Federal investigators say Henriques had given a college tour to prospective students in April and used their forms to later contact them for commercial sex. In one instance, the FBI says Henriques texted a 17-year-old girl who was planning on attending Emmanuel and offered to pay her $400 for some fun while sending her pornographic material. Police say the victim blocked him on her phone, but he continued to reach out via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emmanuel College released the following statement: Emmanuel College is saddened, angered, and shocked by these serious federal allegations that have been brought against a former employee. They are an affront to our core values, and we stand with any victimized by this incident. Because the safety and well-being of all is our highest priority, and consistent with established policies, we took strong action upon learning of this issue, immediately contacting law enforcement and launching an investigation that led to the prompt termination of the individual. We have cooperated fully with authorities from the moment this matter came to our attention and will continue to do so. I just think its really scary, Im going to be a senior next year, I just feel like at that age youre vulnerable and youre just so excited to go to school, you think anyone reaching out to you, you think like oh theyre paying attention to me, so its very scary, said Kaitlyn Shea, a student at Simmons. Im grateful Emmanuel took action against them; they didnt let it get swept under the rug, said Shea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henriques was slated to be arraigned Monday in federal court in Boston. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW WAGENINGEN, Netherlands (AP) Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk made an impassioned plea for European and transatlantic unity Monday in a speech marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from World War II German occupation. The experience gained 80 years ago tells us that only when (we) stand together can we overcome," Tusk said. He added that "in the face of the threat posed by (President Vladimir) Putins Russia we need to deepen our European and transatlantic life, and we need genuine solidarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tusk spoke at a Dutch Liberation Day ceremony where WWII veterans were given a standing ovation by crowds who lined streets to watch a military parade as modern and wartime aircraft flew overhead. Polish troops were among Allied forces who helped liberate the Netherlands. Festivities in Wageningen centered on a square outside the Hotel de Wereld, where German top brass signed papers on May 5, 1945, that formally ended the brutal five-year occupation as the war drew to a close across Europe. A small group of veterans, their chests decorated with medals and legs covered in blankets, sat on the front row watching the ceremony. More veterans took part in the parade, some saluting, others blowing kisses to the crowds. Some held tulips and other flowers. Germany finally surrendered on May 8, now known as Victory in Europe Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberation Day in the Netherlands is celebrated on May 5, a day after the country observes two minutes of silence to honor its war dead. Like Tusk, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans used the occasion to call for renewed efforts to nurture peace. War and aggression are back in Europe and it is up to us to protect peace, he said. Brekelmans' speech was briefly disturbed by a small group of protesters who shouted Free free Palestine! Police detained five people as Brekelmans continued to address the crowd, some of whom booed at the demonstrators as they were led away. Later Monday, a smoke canister was thrown onto a festival stage in Wageningen where Tusk and his Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof were standing. There no immediate reports of arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and others laid wreaths at the national monument in Amsterdam, and two veterans lit a Liberation Fire in Wageningen hours later. Mervyn Kersh, a 100-year-old veteran from Britain, and Nick Janicki, 101, from Canada, ignited the flame in Wageningen's central May 5 Square. The country's southern regions were freed in 1944 but the populous western towns and cities had to wait months and endure a devastating famine known as the Hunger Winter that killed thousands. Events across Europe marking the end of the 1939-45 war come as the traditional friendly links with the United States, whose forces helped liberate the Netherlands and much of the continent, are fraying. The European Union and the administration of President Donald Trump are now embroiled in a trade war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tusk appealed for unity at a time of global insecurity. Genuine solidarity between people and nations that will prevent the evil from shaping our present and future," he said. "The time of Europes carefree comfort, joyous unconcern is over. Today is the time of European mobilization around our fundamental values and our security. SYDNEY, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Four teenagers have been arrested and charged after a 17-year-old was hospitalized following a violent home invasion in southwest Sydney, Australia early Monday. Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement that emergency services were called to reports of a home invasion in the suburb of St Andrews, 37 km southwest of central Sydney, at about 12:30 a.m. on Monday. Officers attended the scene and arrested four males -- two aged 14, a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old. A second 17-year-old boy, a resident of the home, was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics before being taken to a nearby hospital in a stable condition. News Corp Australia newspapers reported that he sustained facial injuries. Two more teenage occupants of the home were uninjured. NSW Police said that all four males who were arrested at the scene have been charged with one count each of aggravated break and enter and committing a serious indictable offense. All four were denied bail. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) More than 80 Tri-State veterans are back home after being part of the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana. 86 veterans landed in Evansville Saturday night after spending the day in Washington D.C.. The community gathered at the Evansville Regional Airport to give them a welcome home. Some on the Honor Flight served in Korea, Vietnam and even World War II. Watch the video above to learn more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). [Source] Thousands of Vietnamese youths gathered in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. The event featured a vibrant military parade, cultural performances and aerial displays, all amplified through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, drawing young audiences with little direct connection to the war. Shift in rhetoric Officially ending on April 30, 1975, the Vietnam War has historically been portrayed in state-controlled media and educational curricula as a definitive victory over foreign intervention. Symbolized by North Vietnamese tanks breaching Saigons presidential palace gates, this narrative remained largely unchallenged domestically for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, recent government efforts signal an intent toward reconciliation by adjusting language associated with the anniversary. Historically divisive terms like "Liberation Day" have given way to more inclusive language such as "Reunification Day." Analysts suggest Vietnams softened rhetoric aligns with a broader diplomatic strategy, strengthening economic partnerships through inclusive historical discourse. Trending on NextShark: Virginia school officials respond to middle schoolers bullying of 5-year-old Asian boy Change in perspectives Many Gen Z participants of this years celebrations have expressed openness toward the view that North Vietnams victory was justified a perspective contrasting significantly with older generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are grateful for what the veterans did for us, for the country, pulling us out of war," 17-year-old Hoang Ha Linh, who traveled from Hanoi to attend the parade, told AFP. "Even if we hate history lessons at school, we can learn so many things from this event that the teachers have tried again and again to tell us." Trending on NextShark: Bain says K-pop bandmates rallied behind him after he came out to them Le Anh Dung, a 23-year-old graphic designer whose grandfather fought for North Vietnam, reflected on global conflicts, appreciating domestic peace. "I feel so lucky that I dont have to endure the smell of gunpowder or crawl into a bunker once in a while, like previous generations did," he told the Los Angeles Times. Vietnam is Vietnam Among overseas Vietnamese communities such as Little Saigon in Orange County, California, April 30 is still observed as "Black April," a solemn day of mourning. Yet even there, younger Vietnamese Americans are increasingly seeking to understand and reconcile with their complex heritage. Trending on NextShark: Survey: 40% of Americans say Asian Americans more loyal to other countries than US Linda Nguyen, a business leader in Westminster whose parents were refugees, tells the AP, I dont really think about it in a negative light. For my generation, its about honoring what happened, but also celebrating our future and our current successes. The political theme that was once significant to our parents did not carry on to us. To us, Vietnam is Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Vietnamese Gen Zers embrace shifting Vietnam War perspectives Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! [Source] Aaron Spence, superintendent of the Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia, issued a statement on Tuesday condemning a now-viral video showing a middle school student harassing a 5-year-old Asian boy with racial slurs. Catch up: The April 5 incident saw the perpetrator from Eagle Ridge Middle School use ethnic slurs while following the frightened preschooler, who repeatedly pleaded Dont hurt me! as he ran to his homes door. At one point, the younger child is seen covering his face with a blanket while other kids laugh in the background. The victims parents, Ashley Long and Sean Yang, who immigrated from China, previously shared that their son appeared confused by the slurs, having never heard of them before. The video was reportedly shared in a student chat group before another parent discovered it and alerted the family. What school officials are saying: In his open letter Tuesday, Spence stressed that hate speech and racial slurs have no place in our schools or in our community and encouraged families to teach our children to see their classmates and their neighbors not as others, but as fellow human beings deserving of compassion and respect. He also shared steps the school district is taking to address the situation, including offering mental health support to the victim and his family and resources to the school through its Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. The middle schooler, on the other hand, is expected to undergo restorative practices. Trending on NextShark: Bain says K-pop bandmates rallied behind him after he came out to them The incident has been reported to the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office. The Rebel Yellow has reached out to Longs legal team for updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2021 survey by Act To Change, Admerasia and NextShark found that 80% of Asian Americans have experienced bullying, either in-person or online, while only 38% of Asian American youth report bullying to adults, compared to 63% of their non-Asian peers. Resources are available here. This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Trending on NextShark: Survey: 40% of Americans say Asian Americans more loyal to other countries than US Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Vietnamese Gen Zers embrace shifting Vietnam War perspectives Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! (Photo illustration by Andrew Kerley/Capital News Service) By Andrew Kerley/Capital News Service Joe Feagin had to swear an oath he was not a communist to land his first university teaching job in 1966. Feagin, 86, received his bachelors degree in Texas during McCarthyism and the viciously oppressive Jim Crow era. The 60s were turbulent, Feagin said. Vietnam War and Civil Rights protests were frequent. Demographics were shifting as more Latinos and Asians arrived under liberalized immigration laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything was looking up at that point, Feagin said. Jim Crow laws were being crushed, Black folks were finally making it into the mainstream white universities where they had been rare or nonexistent. But Feagin, who spent nearly 60 years in higher education, believes progress is slipping. President Donald Trump is publicly threatening to withhold federal funding for schools over anti-war protests and diversity initiatives that took root decades ago. A less-visible battle is being fought in over half of all states, including Virginia, to remove protections for professors, independent curriculum control and university-shared governance. Educators warn changes are part of a conservative blueprint, and academic freedom is at stake. Conservative leaders say they will foster intellectual diversity, create more career pathways and bolster the marketplace. Faculty control wanes in Virginia, nationwide Faculty have traditionally held power over university curriculums, but that eroded significantly over the years, according to leading Virginia political analyst Bob Holsworth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holsworth, also a former Virginia Commonwealth University professor and board of visitors member, said Gov. Glenn Youngkin is exercising a much heavier hand through his board appointees. Boards create university budgets, hire and fire presidents, appoint faculty and rubber stamp curriculums created by faculty. But, their decisions have become increasingly intrusive and politicized, according to Holsworth. While the deterioration of independent governance and hiring of tenured faculty has been ongoing for decades, it has been exacerbated by recent politics and the rise of Trump. Students and faculty at VCU and George Mason University spent years drafting new learning requirements to teach topics such as systemic racism, gender studies and workplace inequity. Some of the content paralleled the wake from 2020 and its summer of protests against police brutality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new initiatives called racial literacy at VCU and Just Societies at GMU were set to be implemented in 2024. But Youngkins education secretary requested to view the syllabi, and soon after both universities canceled the requirements. Christian Martinez, Youngkins former press secretary, called the course requirements a thinly veiled attempt to incorporate the progressive lefts groupthink on Virginias students. Thats a step beyond what weve ever seen, Holsworth said. Launching the blueprint The blueprint for the board interference was first tested in Florida, according to Amy Reid. She taught at the New College of Florida, one of the Sunshine States few public liberal arts schools, until Gov. Ron DeSantis made moves in 2023 to remove the gender studies program she directed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis appointed six new members to the colleges board of trustees in 2023, the majority of whom lived outside Florida and were conservative activists, according to Reid. DeSantis appointees voted to end the schools Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office, according to Reid. They also removed university officials and faculty who didnt fit their vision of the school, including the president, provost, some LGBTQ+ employees and a Chinese adjunct professor seeking asylum from his home country. Reid now works at PEN America, a free speech organization that pushes back against what it calls educational gag orders. Officials increasingly use indirect tactics to achieve censorial goals, Reid said. Coordinated attacks have shifted from K-12 to higher education in recent years. Spike in bills targeting higher-ed Over 90 bills to reform higher education at public universities, and some private ones, have been introduced across 26 states in the past three years, according to PEN America data. At least 16 have become law as of March 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The highest number of bills were introduced after Trumps reelection. Almost half of the legislation focused on eliminating or preventing DEI initiatives that promoted concepts related to race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin from curriculum to faculty training. But other legislation challenges traditional higher-ed structure by putting university governance, the decision-making power given to student and faculty bodies, on the chopping block. Several bills seek to eliminate or weaken tenure status for faculty, which was created to safeguard academic freedom from politics. Others strip universities of independent accreditation standards, which certify the quality of education at colleges. Some bills break tradition by giving states authority to establish programs and curriculum where American values and ideas, or Western civilization, are predominantly taught. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if legislation fails, governors can censor higher education through their appointed board members, Reid said. Although there is a government push for free speech, students need an education free from their censorship, Reid said. This is precisely why academic freedom, shared governance and institutional autonomy are needed. Project 2025, Heritage Foundation take aim at Virginia Conservative groups such as the Claremont Institute, Manhattan Institute and the Heritage Foundation are coordinating efforts between states, Reid said. Members push initiatives and propose candidates for university boards. The Heritage Foundation created the almost 1,000 page Project 2025 blueprint to reshape the American government. Trump denied his involvement with Project 2025 while campaigning, but immediately began enacting parts of the plan once in office, including efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Heritage Foundations influence has increasingly grown in Virginia. Youngkin, who has deep ties to the foundation, has appointed Project 2025 authors to the boards of visitors at GMU and the University of Virginia. Virginia universities have complied with Trump and Youngkins efforts to cancel racial learning requirements, dissolve DEI programs and instate new campus speech policies that limit protesting. Medical centers at UVA and VCU also stopped providing gender affirming care for people under age 19, per an executive order from Trump. Trump has threatened to cut federal funding for research and student financial aid for schools that do not comply. Virginia ranks 13th in research and development performance, according to the Virginia Mercury. UVA received $549 million in research awards in 2024, according to their report. VCU received $200.1 million, according to spokesman Brian McNeill. Universities are bloated, Heritage Foundation says The Heritage Foundation aims to wind down federal involvement in higher education, which it says has a monopoly on accreditation standards and student loans, according to its policy analyst Madison Marino Doan. The foundation wants more privatization on those fronts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, it believes university administrations are bloated bureaucracies that must be held accountable for increasing tuition and pushing DEI, Marino Doan said. Reform efforts are a result of Americans dissatisfaction with costs and the diminishing value of career paths in the humanities. Institutions have increasingly prioritized what we would say is ideological activism and oftentimes bureaucratic bloat over academic excellence and student outcomes, Marino Doan said. The plan is to remove federal funds and accreditation standards and transfer power to individual states. Those moves would make way for more specific standards per industry, and emphasize alternative postsecondary education options such as trade schools and apprenticeships. I will fire the radical left accreditors that have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist maniacs and lunatics, Trump said while campaigning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump directed the secretary of education to deny accreditation to agencies that use DEI-based standards, in an executive order released April 22. Universities must be accredited by nationally-recognized agencies to be eligible for federal aid. Higher-ed groups warn the accreditation order could give Trump more power and threaten academic freedom, according to the publication Inside Higher Ed. America moving rapidly backwards Feagin, who recently retired from Texas A&M University, believes America has been zigzagging toward progress since the 40s, up until President Barack Obama was elected. Conservative demographics lashed back at Obamas victory by forming populist factions like the Tea Party, utilizing political redistricting and eventually electing Trump. Feagin said that with attacks on higher education and the destruction of federal programs with no apparent purpose, America is back to where it was in the early 60s and moving rapidly backwards. Gutting research is economic suicide in the face of Chinas faster development, Feagin said. Cutting diversity will only make universities unpleasant. Efforts to stop the diversification of America will only be temporary victories. You can slow it down. You can make it miserable, Feagin said. Thats what Trump is doing. Capital News Service is a program of Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Robertson School of Media and Culture. Students in the program provide state government coverage for a variety of media outlets in Virginia. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Tequila is the fastest growing spirits category in the United States, and a truly artisanal agricultural spirit with a unique Mexican terroir and a culture all its own. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States' (DISCUS) 2025 Annual Economic Briefing, sales of the popular agave-based spirit grew by 2 percent from 2023 to 2024, leaving the rest of the bottles in the dust. Yet few of us know how tequila is produced and the rich heritage behind it. Culture and tradition A visit to Jalisco, where tequila is made (and mariachi-style music was born), provides an excellent peek into the centuries of tradition behind the process. Although tequilas official denomination of origin commenced in 1974, its history stretches back for centuries. Jalisco records hundreds of years of production, back to the 16th and 17th centuries, although pulque, the fermented juice of the maguey (agave) plant, was consumed by Aztecs and Nahuas as early as 250 A.D. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Start learning in Guadalajara, the capital of the Western state of Jalisco, with a dip into cantina culture. Tequila is the number one ambassador of Mexico, says Daniela Villasuso of Mijenta Tequila, a popular brand from the highlands of Jalisco. It embodies everything that has to do with how we live. Here, you wont be drinking margaritas. Ease into things with a cantaritoa juicy mix of citrus and tequila, topped with soda and served in a natural clay jar rimmed with chili salt. And of course, says Villasuso, sit next to a Mexican at a bar. Talk to us. We will give you some shots, and it will be done with love. Tequila, made from agave, is the fastest-growing spirits category in the United States. Photograph by Ernst Haas, Hulton Archive/Getty Images Cantaritos are made with citrus and tequila, topped with soda and served in a natural clay jar rimmed with chili salt. Photograph by Simon McGill, Getty Images Agronomy and terroir Soon after exiting the traffic of Guadalajara proper, youll start to see mesmerizing rows of blue agave plants stretching in every direction. Fernando Perez Ontiveros knows the valley, or lowlands, as the birthplace of tequila. A fourth-generation grower and distiller in Amatitan, Jalisco, Perez Ontiveros recently launched a new brand, Laelia Tequila, an artisan tequila brimming with traditional lowland aromas and flavors like cooked agave, sweet potato, minerals, citrus, and lemongrass, with Grupo Solave and Casa Natima Distillery. This distinct profile starts in the agave fields. The minerality of the valley terroir comes not just from the volcanic soil, but also the volcanic water source from their own deep well. We only use agave and water, says Perez Ontiveros, at the end of the day, to make tequila, so they both better be very good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand they're both at risk) Eduardo Perez Ontiveros, brother of Perez Ontiveros, runs the farming side of Grupo Solave, and nurtures the baby plants once weaned. We select the hijuelos, the young shoots, by size from the mother plant, he says, in the spring between the second and third year of the plants life, plant them, then wait six years to have the best quality agaves. These not-so-low lowlands, 3,500 feet above sea level, live at the foot of the dormant Volcan de Tequila. Here in La Valle, the soil contains lots of ash packed with minerals like iodine, calcium, magnesium, and sodium, the warm climate makes the agaves grow and sweeten quicker, and the tequila tends to show earthy peppery notes with a lot of pyrazinethe aroma compound that brings grassy, herbal, green aromasin the glass. Agave is cooked in ovens at low temperatures to best bring out the flavors. Photograph by Mario Martinez, Getty Images Keep driving west towards Tequila, where the highland elevations climb to over 6,000 feet, and the red, iron-rich soil with its higher acidity work with cooler temperatures to stress the agave, slowly creating the sweeter, more tropical, viscous vanilla notes typical of the Los Altos terroir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergio Mendoza, Co-Founder of Don Fulano Tequila, agrees that the most critical element in the terroir and artisanship in traditional tequila productions comes from the soil. As fifth-generation agave farmers, we care for the ground, using regenerative farming practices. Through crop rotation and minimal agrochemical use, we nurture our land and handpick only selected mature agave plants for harvest. Maturity is paramount to quality. Like the folks at Laelia, they grow their own agave, and walk the fields, testing brix (sucrose) level and selecting plant by plant for optimum maturity. The timing for cutting each agave pina directly impacts the end result. Steffin Oghene, a vice president at El Tequileno, a heritage brand from the highlands, explains that if you taste a green banana [versus] a banana with black spots, one is very green and fresh in flavor and lacks complexity. The other is rich, sweet, and has layers of flavor. The banana with black spots represents mature agave. You need mature agave not only for its natural sugar content, but more for the complex flavor profile that it will provide to artisanal tequila. A Jose Cuervo tequila shop in the center of Tequila, Mexico. Photograph by Anne-Emmanuelle Thion, Figarophoto/Redux Ancestral methods The last task in the field is the work of the jimador, who harvests and trims the agaves using the same hand-sharpened tool created for the job three centuries ago, according to the specifications of the maestro, or master distiller. Carlos Huizar, the maestro behind Laelia, says the jimadors job is critical to the flavors and aromas in the final product. In our case, at Laelia, the jima height is the key. We need to remove the most possible green parts of the penca, the agave leaf, in order to get that sweet potato aroma. For that reason, our jima height is smaller than normal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After roasting low and slow for up to 36 hours in brick ovens, Laelias cooked agaves get crushed with two-ton mechanized tahona wheels made from volcanic stone. As the juice comes out, the bagasse" (fibers) get separated by hand. Huizars team leaves some of the bagasse, which contain the native yeasts, in the juice, so that when they transfer the juice to the open-top stainless and wooden tanks, the bubbly natural fermentation process begins without any additional yeast necessary. Next, after about 60 hours, its on to Laelias traditional copper stills for double distillation, then rectification to bring the spirit to the proper proof. Laelia Blanco then rests for at least 14 days in American oak barrels, while Laelia Reposado vacations for four-to-six months in toasty French barrels before bottling. El Gallo Altanero in Guadalajara, Mexico, has been named one of "North America's 50 Best Bars." Photograph by CESAR RODRIGUEZ, The New York Times/Redux Where to try it In Guadalajara: Swing through saloon doors into the tiny 19th-century Cantina La Sin Rival for a rapid immersion into the Tapatio lifestyle. Cantina La Fuente, in the historical center, attracts tourists and locals for an iconic agave-fueled experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Gallo Altanero offers a more modern, cocktail bar cantina style. Stop into this North Americas 50 Best Bars for a sexy, yet down-to-earth drink. Nerd out on a selection of over 400 agave spirits at Axno while you relax on the terrace. Dont miss the sprawling Mercado San Juan de Dios, where local talabarteros (leather artisans) sell traditional belts adorned with agave fiber designs and worn by cowboys. In Tequila: Have a drink at La Capilla, where everyone downs the traditional Batanga cocktail of cola and tequila with a squeeze of lime in a salted glass, stirred with the knife they cut the lime with, just like at home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In El Arenal, on the way to Tequila, visit Tequila Cascahuin for a lowland example of artisanal production techniques like the tahona (wheel grinder) method. In Tequila town, visit Tequila Arette Distillery for an intimate boutique distillery tour. The Tequila Fortaleza tour shows off the ancestral method step by step. Don Fulano offers the viewpoint of a fifth-generation agave farming family, and El Tequileno emphasizes heritage and traditional process. On the way back to Guadalajara, for some pre-Hispanic historical perspective, take a tour of Guachimontones, an extraordinary, grass-covered example of the Teuchitlan circular step pyramids. (An intro to mezcal, the centuries-old Mexican spirit that's having a moment) Lisa Futterman is a Chicago based chef who writes about spirits, travel, dining, and cooking for such publications as Food & Wine, Chicago Tribune, Thrillist, WTTW, MSN, and Eating Well. She is a contributing editor for Alcohol Professor, covering trends in gin, tequila, and ready-to-drink cocktails. Follow her journeys on Instagram @futtypages. Donald Trump made a gigantic miscalculation in cutting federal aid for science, the European Union and France said on Monday. Unveiling 500 million (425 million) of incentives, Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen are attempting to woo researchers to the continent. We call on researchers worldwide to unite and join us ... If you love freedom, come and help us stay free, Mr Macron, the French president, said at Pariss Sorbonne University, alongside Mrs von der Leyen, the European Commission president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrs von der Leyen said that the EU would launch the 500 million incentives package to make the 27-nation bloc a magnet for researchers. Mr Macron pledged 100 million from France, although it was not immediately clear if this came on top of the EU pledge. We have to offer the right incentives, said Mrs von der Leyen. The call for American scientists to move to Europe comes as US research programmes face closure, tens of thousands of federal workers have been fired and foreign students fear possible deportation for their political views. Trumps battle with Harvard The US president has said that higher education has been gripped by what he calls anti-Semitic, anti-American, Marxist and radical Left ideologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, he said that his administration will revoke Harvard Universitys tax-exempt status, a move that Harvard said would be an unlawful misuse of the US tax code. Without mentioning Mr Trump directly, Mrs von der Leyen told the Choose Europe for Science conference that the role of science was being put in question in todays world and condemned such views as a gigantic miscalculation. Mr Macron said: Nobody could have imagined that this great global democracy, whose economic model depends so heavily on free science... was going to commit such an error. We refuse a diktat consisting of any government being able to say you cannot research this or that. In the context of threats against independent research and global apprehension, Mr Macron said: Europe must become a sanctuary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European commissioners, scientists, academics and ministers for research from EU member countries took part in Mondays conference, as did representatives from non-EU members Norway, Britain and Switzerland. The French president has already appealed to foreign notably US researchers to choose France. Last month, he unveiled plans for a funding programme to help universities and other research bodies cover the cost of bringing foreign scientists to the country. However, while EU countries can offer competitive research infrastructure and a high quality of life, research funding and pay both lag far behind US levels. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 40-year-old man was arrested on Monday, May 5, on warrants for sex crimes involving a child, the El Paso County Constables Office for Precinct 3 said in a news release. The Constables Office said Mario Jesus Gomez, 40, was arrested on active personal recognizance bond warrants for several charges. The charges include: two counts of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of indecency with a child contact, and sex abuse of a child, continuous with a victim under 14 years of age. His total bond was set at $125,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gomez was located and taken into custody at the 11700 block of Bell Tower Drive. He was then booked into the El Paso County Jail in Downtown, the Constables Office said. The Constables Office said Gomez was originally arrested last month by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. The Constables Office said you can report wanted subjects who have violated the conditions of their bonds by calling Crime Stoppers of El Paso at (915) 566-TIPS (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 KTSM 9 News. The News The US appeared ready to expand its support for Ukraine amid signs of growing frustration with Moscow in Washington. American officials told The New York Times that a Patriot air-defense system currently in Israel will be refurbished and dispatched to Ukraine, while the White House has prepared options for President Donald Trump to ramp up economic pressure on Russia, Bloomberg reported. Signs of a possible pivot came after Washington agreed a minerals deal with Kyiv that a Reuters columnist noted was heavy on symbolism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the Trump administration has pushed a rapprochement with Moscow since coming into office, the president has voiced anger in recent weeks with his Russian counterpart, with Ukraine arguing the Kremlin is slow-walking US-mediated peace negotiations. CANBERRA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- More Australian sheep producers are turning to genetics to breed flocks that are more resilient, productive, and profitable, particularly in the face of increasing climate challenges, local media reported on Monday. With around 200,000 animals added annually to the Sheep Genetics database, the use of DNA data in breeding is likely to grow, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). In 2016, just 30 percent of producers used genetic data when selecting rams; by 2024, that figure had nearly doubled to 56 percent, the ABC quoted statistics from Meat and Livestock Australia. "It's no longer sheep just running around in the back paddock hoping for the best," South Australian producer Alison Henderson, among those using genetics to breed sheep in the current dry conditions, told the ABC. Facing tough dry conditions, Henderson uses genetic and visual assessments to select sheep with strong breeding values in traits like growth, wool quality, and eating quality, to improve productivity and climate resilience, the news report said. Using complementary mating, she pairs rams and ewes with similar strengths to enhance key traits in the next generation. "It's really exciting to see what the progeny comes out because often you are producing sheep that are excellent across a range of traits," ABC quoted Henderson as saying. Mark Ferguson, neXtgen Agri chief executive, told ABC that modern genetics not only improves productivity but also helps reduce costs by selecting for traits like good fat and muscle, allowing sheep to better maintain weight during droughts and require less supplementary feeding, so as to make them more efficient and resilient. WASHINGTON (AP) A prominent Washington attorney sued the Trump administration Monday over the revocation of his security clearance, calling it an act of improper political retribution that jeopardizes his ability to continue representing clients in sensitive national security cases. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, challenges a March presidential memorandum that singled out attorney Mark Zaid and 14 other individuals who the White House asserted were unsuitable to retain their clearances because it was no longer in the national interest. The list included targets of Trump's fury from both the political and legal spheres, including former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former President Joe Biden and members of his family. The action was part of a much broader retribution campaign that Trump has waged since returning to the White House, including by directing specific Justice Department investigations against perceived adversaries and issuing sweeping executive orders targeting law firms over legal work he does not like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the memo was issued, his lawsuit says, Zaid has been informed by government agencies including the CIA that he can no longer access classified information in ongoing matters in light of Trump's order. The immediate effect is that Zaid cannot continue to work for clients in cases that require his ability to review classified materials, undermining his ability to continue to represent them and zealously advocate on their behalf in the national security arena," according to the lawsuit. By implementing the Memorandum, Defendants have strayed far afield of any deference granted to them by existing case law. Instead, they have launched a bald-faced attack on a sacred constitutional guarantee: the right to petition the court or federal agencies on behalf of clients, the lawsuit states. An attack on this right is especially insidious because it jeopardizes Mr. Zaids ability to pursue and represent the rights of others without fear of retribution. The lawsuit was filed by a team of lawyers including Abbe Lowell, a veteran Washington lawyer who last week announced that he was opening his own legal practice and would represent targets of Trump's retribution. Other clients include James, the New York attorney general, as well as Miles Taylor, who served in Trump's first administration and was later revealed to be the author of an anonymous New York Times op-ed in 2018 that was sharply critical of Trump. Trump last month directed the Justice Department to investigate Taylor's activities. Zaid says in his lawsuit that he has represented clients across the political spectrum over nearly 35 years, including government officials, law enforcement and military officials and whistleblowers. In 2019, he represented an intelligence community whistleblower whose account of a conversation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy helped set the stage for the first of two impeachment cases against Trump in his first term. His significant experience and qualifications make him remarkably valuable as counsel to current and former federal employees who require legal advice. As a lawyer well-versed in suing the United States Government, the lawsuit says, he is no stranger to identifying overreach and exposing the abuse of power. And that is exactly why he is being targeted now. Former Washington Post cartoonist Ann Telnaes who resigned in January over the paper spiking a cartoon that depicted the newspapers owner, Jeff Bezos, and other tech titans bending the knee to Donald Trump won the Pulitzer Prize on Monday. At the time, Telnaes said she had never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now. The Pulitzer board recognized her for her fearlessness, which led to her departure from the newspaper, which has seen a number of staff defections as Bezos has appeared to cater to the Trump administration. In other categories, the Wall Street Journal won for its national reporting on Elon Musk, while the New York Times earned four awards overall, and three went to the New Yorker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times was recognized for explanatory reporting, international reporting, local news (with The Baltimore Banner) and photography. The New Yorker earned its trio for feature reporting, audio reporting and commentary for contributor Mosab Abu Toha for his work on the devastation in Gaza. ProPublica took the prestigious public-service award for its series The Life of the Mother, which the judges described as urgent reporting about pregnant women who died after doctors delayed urgently needed care for fear of violating vague life of the mother exceptions in states with strict abortion laws. In addition to Telnaes, the Post won for its breaking-news coverage of the assassination attempt on Trump in July. Other journalism winners included Mark Warren of Esquire for feature writing, Bloomberg CityLab contributor Alexandra Lange for criticism on architectural design and the Houston Chronicle for editorial writing. Beyond the journalism categories, Percival Everett received a Pulitzer for the novel James, a reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through the eyes of the enslaved Jim. Universal acquired film rights to the book last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Branden Jacobs-Jenkins was honored for the play Purpose, about a prominent Black political family. A full list of winners can be found here. The post Washington Post Cartoonist Who Quit Over Bezos Cartoon Wins Pulitzer Prize appeared first on TheWrap. Editors note: Full video of the incident released by the Greece Police Department can be seen in the video player at the bottom of this page. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Two women were arrested following a road rage incident involving a firearm on Dewey Avenue in Greece. According to Greece Police, officers responded to the area around 6:45 p.m. on May 4 following multiple 911 calls reporting a motor vehicle accident with a physical altercation near Dewey Avenue and Hager Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said a vehicle was backing out of a driveway when it was struck by another vehicle on Dewey Avenue. Individuals from both vehicles confronted one another, leading to a fight in the roadway that lasted several minutes. According to police, 23-year-old Felicia Freece had her two-month-old infant in the vehicle without a child safety seat, and the infant was allegedly passed between individuals during the fight. Police said Alyssa Ho, 22, also retrieved a shotgun from her vehicle that she allegedly pointed at people during the confrontation. Ho also allegedly took an iPhone from a person during the fight. GPD said both Freece and Ho fled the scene but were quickly found by responding officers and arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ho was charged with Robbery (1st), Menacing (2nd), Harassment (2nd), and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (3rd). Freece was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Disorderly Conduct. Police said the infant was unharmed and placed back in the care of the responsible parties. This investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed. Video courtesy of the Greece Police Department: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the state of the global economy on Monday morning during a global conference in California. Bessent is President Trumps point official on the economy and has taken a leading role in updating the nation about the status of negotiations with other countries on new trade deals. Trumps tariff regime has rattled markets. The president initially was set to impose heavy tariffs on nearly every country in the world, but he paused most of his Liberation Day regime to provide time for negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bessent has suggested deals with India and South Korea are close, but there have been few hard details. The Treasury secretary was scheduled to speak at 11 a.m. EDT from the Milken Institutes global conference in Beverly Hills, Calif. Watch the video replay 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 The Hill. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDKY) Video shows a frightening scene on Interstate 65 in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday as emergency crews rescued a semitrailer driver whose cab was dangling over the side of a bridge. According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, the driver lost control before 10 a.m. Sunday and hit the Kennedy Bridges rail, causing the semis cab to hang precariously above the interstate with the driver trapped inside. The highway is elevated 15 to 20 feet above Interstates 64 and 71 in the area, Capt. Donovan Sims said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why did Alcatraz close in the first place? Louisville firefighters caught the rescue on camera. A rescuer harnessed to a rope system was lowered into the cab, and video showed the rescuer and the driver then being lifted from the vehicle to safety. Authorities said the rescue operation took about 30 minutes and no injuries were reported, although the driver was taken to a hospital as a precaution. Yet again, our citys first responders worked together quickly to help save the driver, the Louisville Fire Department wrote. It takes everyone to perform this brave act, from the 911 call center fielding the call for help, to dispatching Louisville Fire, LMPD blocking traffic during the rescue, and EMS transporting the semitruck driver to the hospital. We are one Louisville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rescue comes a little more than a year after another truck driver was rescued from the cab of her truck, which hung over the side of the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge between Louisville, Kentucky, and southern Indiana. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. (Reuters) - Two watchdog agencies have agreed to review efforts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to dismantle the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, according to letters released Monday by a high-ranking Democratic member of Congress. The Government Accountability Office, which is the investigative arm of Congress, and the CFPB's Office of Inspector General, have agreed to review aspects of DOGE's activities at the CFPB, the letters released by Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, said. Waters had called for the probes in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House and CFPB spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CNN reported last month that GAO had agreed to investigate. Federal courts have frozen President Donald Trump's efforts to eliminate the CFPB or shrink the CFPB workforce by 90 percent while an employee union and consumer advocates battle against this in court. Trump and Musk have called for the CFPB's elimination, accusing it of politicized enforcement. The administration has, however, pledged that the agency will continue to exist in some form. Since firing its director in February, the administration has repeatedly attempted mass firings, granted DOGE members access to sensitive consumer and industry data and brought much of the agency's work to a standstill, drawing accusations of conflicts of interest and illegality from Democrats and administration critics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an April 29 letter, the Inspector General's office said it would review CFPB information security matters as other questions raised by Waters were subject to litigation or already under review by GAO. (Reporting by Douglas Gillison; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Just a handful of relatively short miles upriver from New York Citys outer-borough surf breaks, a tiny little sliver of river is the involuntary recipient of about two billion gallons of untreated sewage and polluted storm water per anum. Yes, it should come as no surprise to anyone that when it precipitates on New York City, the Harlem River gets dumped on in every sense of that phrasal verb. And, what with that river being so naturally close to the color of our refuse, who is at all the wiser? Apart from those with an acute sense of smell, probably not many of us, save for when we find out the hard way by entering it and emerging with staph infections, E. coli, and, well, you name it. Still, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has drafted a proposal to update and upgrade water quality ratings throughout the state. A number of bodies of water within New York City are receiving newer, more dignified distinctions, some of whichlike the one suggested for the Harlem Riverdeem that with the exception of wet weather events due to combined sewer (storm runoff and raw sewage), once unfathomably foul waterways are now suitable for recreational fishing and even bathing. The newly introduced measure comes under a sweeping measure to improve water quality in and around New York City and is a celebration of how far our waterways have come, particularly since the Clean Water Act of 1970. But as is often the case in bureaucracies, The devil is in the details, as Dan Shapley, Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy, and Planning at Riverkeeper, a veteran (and storied) nonprofit environmental-watchdog organization founded shortly after the Clean Water Act with the Hudson Rivers interests in mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And unfortunately, Shapley explains, the details here would allow for all of the currently programmed pollution for the Harlem River to continue indefinitely. Further, and where surfing and surf-bathing interests are concerned, he says ...that will set the benchmark for what we will see elsewhere in the city as other waterways come up next for their spotlight. And so that means Coney Island Creek and the East River and Bronx River, several tributaries of Jamaica Bayjust around the corner from our usually small and gutless but nevertheless beloved surf zoneand other places that are likely to have a similar prescription. Riverkeeper is calling on NYC and NYS to take real, lasting action to fix this, the organization wrote in an Instagram post. The Harlem River deserves better. So do the people who live, work, and play along it, it continued. And play we do, even on surfing sticks along beaches here in the Big Apple, however septic and fetid it may be on any given day. Granted, it could stand to get a little less septic and fetid. Downriver in the Rockaways, where it could well be firing during, say, a tropical storm or hurricane, which, yes, is about the only source for summer swell in the Northeast and tends to bring rainlots and lots of it, as a matter of fact. Related: Olympic Surfing Comes to America's Largest Nuclear Waste Dump So how are surfers and surf-bathers to take caution? One could suppose that, like our cousins in Southern California, we might be best behoven by staying out of the water when it rains. But would be no testament to our eastern seaboard grit, would it? Not in the least. The historically epic 2011 Quiksilver Pro New York. Sean Rowland/World Surf League via Getty Images Regardless of new labeling, New Yorks water quality standards are sure to stay the same for the time being, which, with more than 21 billion gallons of raw sewage and polluted runoff flowing annually, cannot and should not stand. Riverkeeper has drafted a letter on behalf of one and all entitled Dont give up on the Harlem River, which you can edit and sign here. After all, todays Harem River, Coney Island Creek, and Jamaica Bay are tomorrow's Rockaway jetties. Related: Coral Reefs Are Bleaching More Than Ever Right Now A virtual hearing will be held on Monday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. (EST), and an in-person hearing will take place on June 18, 2025 2:00 p.m. at the below address: NYS DEC Region 2 Office 8th Floor Conference Room 834 47-40 21st Street Long Island City, NY 11101 More details on the DEC DEC events calendar. Richard Morris, Waukesha County Board Supervisor Waukesha County Board Supervisor Richard Morris is being remembered for his wisdom, caring for the community and being friendly to everyone. Morris, 83, died on April 28, according to the Waukesha County Medical Examiner's Office. He served the Lisbon and Merton communities as District 3 supervisor. County Board Chairman James Heinrich said Morris' death was unexpected and it was an honor to serve with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For more than a decade, Richard Morris served Waukesha County with integrity," Heinrich said in a released statement. "His wisdom, perspective, insight, and devotion to our community will be greatly missed. It has been an honor to serve alongside him, and his sudden loss leaves us all deeply saddened." Morris had been a county supervisor since 2012 and served on the Finance, Land Use and Parks Committee and Environment Committee, according to the Waukesha County website. He spent nearly five decades on the Town of Merton Plan Commission. He previously served as Town of Merton chairman for 14 years and had been a town supervisor. Morris brought good agricultural insight to the board Morris was known for his passion for representing his area and his love of agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He will be missed on the board," Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, saying Morris brought a "good connection on agriculture" to the county board. According to the county website, Morris earned bachelor's and master's degrees in agriculture education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He was a vocational agriculture teacher for eight years before transitioning to a career in dairy and cash crop farming. When he retired from farming, he worked part-time at Proven Power, Inc., a supplier of lawn and agricultural equipment for Waukesha and Oconomowoc. "He grew up a farmer, and I have great respect for him," Waukesha County Board District 1 Supervisor Steve Styza said. Morris was an active volunteer In addition to his county board work, Morris was also an active volunteer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris was an adjunct member of American Legion Post 289, an advocate for sustainable agricultural practices through his involvement with Farmers for Lake Country and also served on the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission, according to the county website. District 2 Supervisor Wayne Euclide, who served on two committees with Morris, said the news took him by surprise. "I just saw him last Tuesday (April 22)," Euclide said. While working with him for only a year, Euclide said Morris was "a great man who really cared about the community." Fellow supervisor says Morris was friendly, knowledgeable and pragmatic If he had to describe Morris in three words, District 21 Supervisor Joel Gaughan, who served with Morris since 2018, said the words would be "friendly, knowledgeable and pragmatic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaughan said Morris was cooperative with his colleagues and everyone liked him. "He was very easy to get along with and very approachable, and that is not always easy in an elected position." More: WCTC offers career-ready technical education without a hefty price tag More: Kohl's fires CEO Ashley Buchanan over improper business deals with romantic partner. What to know about why he was fired, pay package. Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Longtime Waukesha County Board member Richard Morris, 83, remembered This could be a big week at the State House as Gov. Kelly Ayotte may secure support for two of her two priority bills banning cites and towns from adopting sanctuary city policies and expanding access to taxpayer-subsidized, Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs). The sanctuary city ban bill (SB 62) is in the form she wanted, while the EFA expansion (SB 295) outline under discussion would go far beyond what Ayotte had called for in February in presenting her two-year state budget plan. EFA plans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First-term Sen. Victoria Sullivan, R-Manchester, has moved another step closer to getting her EFA proposal that, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, would erase any income eligibility cap on parents who could receive the scholarships to send their child to any private, religious, alternative public or home school program. Sullivans bill limits enrollment in EFAs to 10,000 a year; currently just over 5,000 parents have EFAs that average just over $5,000 apiece. Sullivan's EFA expansion coming close to reality The House of Representatives will vote Thursday on minor changes to the expansion of Education Freedom Accounts that State Sen. Victoria Sullivan, R-Manchester, has championed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Education Funding Committee crafted its own amendment that contains all the principles of Sullivans bill while adding some implementation changes in future years if interest doesnt approach that 10,000 limit. In both versions that number could get bumped up to 12,500. The House had earlier passed its own bill (HB 115) to erase the income cap in 2027 after raising the family income threshold in 2026 from 350% to 400% of the federal poverty level. Ayottes plan is quite different. It would lift all income eligibility, but make future EFAs available only to parents who have their children enrolled in public schools and want to take them out. According to numerous studies, more than three-fourths of EFAs given out to date have gone to families that already had children enrolled in non-public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full House will consider the bills when it meets on Thursday. Budget hearing The Senate Finance Committee will hold its one and only public hearing on the state budget in Representatives Hall Tuesday afternoon. House to vote on firearms education courses in public schools House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee Chairman Terry Roy, R-Deerfield, pictured here during a recent debate, is proposing to require firearms education for all public school students. Then on Friday afternoon it opens its first public discussion about what that spending plan should look like. Senate Democrats have protested the lack of hearings in the evening so working people could attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have sponsored their own They Cut You Out Tour listening sessions recently in Hampton and Laconia. Safety and more On Wednesday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee holds its all-important work session aimed at coming up with the estimates for state tax and fee collections that will provide the basis for spending levels in the Senates budget plan. Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn and his team are lobbying hard for legislation (SB 54) to change state law regarding a motorist accused of driving drunk who refuses to consent to a blood alcohol test. Presently, there is no penalty for declining the test and Quinn said thats why New Hampshire has the highest rate in the country of those who refuse to take it over 70%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His preferred, Senate-passed bill would increase penalties for those who refuse and allow a judge to waive or lower punishment for those who agree to take the test even if they flunk it. House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee Chairman Terry Roy, R-Deerfield, has proposed a sweeping add-on amendment to the bill that would mandate an age appropriate, firearms training course in all public schools. Under the design, by the 2026-27 school year all K-12 students shall get instruction with the focus on those in grades 6-12 to include basic firearm mechanics, safe handling principles, secure storage practices and an overview of state and federal firearms laws. A hearing on Roys amendment is scheduled for Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key House committee votes on Murphy's housing priority bill Sen. Keith Murphy, R-Manchester, has sponsored 10 bills to promote more affordable housing but a House panel passes judgement this week on his favorite, a bill (SB 84) that would set maximum lot sizes in at least half of the available land in cities and towns. Later that day Roys panel is scheduled to make a recommendation on the amendment along with two others Ayotte supports to impose minimum mandatory jail terms for major fentanyl possession with intent to sell (SB 14) and anyone who sells drugs that causes the death of another (SB 15). Some other important bills that political observers will be following include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tenant eviction law (HB 60): A Senate panel takes testimony Tuesday on the House-passed measure that allows landlords to evict anyone after termination of a lease if they cant reach agreement on the new rent and give that party 60 days notice. Starter home limits (SB 84): The House Housing Committee on Tuesday will decide whether to support the ambitious plan of Sen. Keith Murphy, R-Manchester, to permit smaller sized houses. If adopted, 50% of all new lots must be permitted for homes of no more than half an acre in size if the property has town water and sewer and no more than two acres if the parcel has neither. Sherrills Law (SB 273): The House Transportation Committee will consider the Senate-passed bill to require all motorists to give a wide berth to anyone along the highway there due to an emergency. State Police Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill was killed in 2021 while providing assistance to a work crew on I-95 when a tractor-trailer struck and crushed his cruiser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver pleaded guilty to felony negligent homicide and was given a one-year prison term with a longer term suspended for 20 years upon his release. Child sex trafficking (SB 262): This bill would increase the prison term for sex trafficking of a child under the age of 18 from a mandatory seven- to 30-year sentence to one that would be at least 18 years to life in prison. House bills on borrowed time: During its own session Thursday, the Senate will consider killing outright 16 House-passed bills, including one that would erase a buffer zone that critical access hospitals (HB 223) have since competing health care services cant be located within 15 miles of their businesses. Rep. Mark McLean, R-Manchester, authored this bill that attracted strong opposition from the New Hampshire Hospital Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other bills headed for the trash heap in the Senate would double the legal possession limits of marijuana for medically eligible patients (HB 190) and permit adults to possess blackjacks, slung shots and brass knuckles (HB 207). The Senate is looking kindly on another social issue priority of House Republicans, a bill to make it easier for parents to claim a religious exemption to the requirement that their child receive a vaccine (HB 358). The Senate proposes to add a technical amendment at the request of officials with the Department of Health and Human Services. klandrigan@unionleader.com Elon Musk may have his sights set on Mars, but for the time being the billionaire is building an empire closer to home. The Tesla and SpaceX tycoon has been given the green light to set up his own new city in south Texas dubbed Starbase after securing the backing of an overwhelming majority of locals, many of whom he employs. A ballot on Saturday secured 212 votes in favour and just six against. The vote also secured the election of the citys first mayor and two other officials, all of whom are current or former employees of Mr Musks company SpaceX. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tycoon celebrated the result in a post on X that read: Starbase, Texas is now a real city! The billionaire first publicly suggested the idea in 2021. Texass newest city, which covers just 1.5 sq miles, will be formed from a string of neighbourhoods in a remote area currently known as Boca Chica that is home to SpaceXs rocket launch site. Over the last seven years, the billionaire has transformed the sleepy beachfront area into a manufacturing hub dominated by SpaceXs headquarters, where the company builds and launches its Starship rocket on test flights. The rocket is at the heart of Mr Musks ambition to establish a human settlement on Mars. The Tesla bosss influence extends beyond just bringing jobs to the area: already, Boca Chica has several murals depicting the tycoon and his favoured Doge meme, while there is even a huge bronze bust of his head. The 9ft-tall statue bears a plaque reading: ELON AKA Memelord. A giant bust of SpaceX founder Elon Musk near the town of Boca Chica, Texas, which would become Starbase if residents back a proposal to make the area a city - Valerie Gonzalez/AP SpaceX, which is run by Mr Musk, first proposed the idea of turning Boca Chica into a city last December, saying it would help it to reach its goal of making south Texas the gateway to Mars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the vote will not give Mr Musk free reign to adopt any regulations he wants, City officials will be able to do things such as shut down roads during rocket launches and build new housing for SpaceX staff. The company has complained that it has been prevented from building enough housing for the hundreds of workers who want to live near the headquarters. A recent attempt to build more accommodation was rejected by local county officials. In addition to the incorporation, locals elected Bobby Peden, a 36-year-old SpaceX employee who has worked at the company since 2013, as the towns new mayor alongside two city commissioners. Little is known about the towns new leaders, who are all connected to SpaceX and ran unopposed with no campaigning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An X account was created for the new city shortly after the results emerged. In its first post, it said: Becoming a city will help us continue building the best community possible for the men and women building the future of humanitys place in space. Mr Musk is not the only tech billionaire looking to create his own new enclave. Marc Andreessen, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist known for inventing Netscape, and Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, are among the backers of California Forever, a real estate company plotting a new city after buying tens of thousands of acres of land near San Francisco. PayPal tycoon Peter Thiel was one of the first investors in Seasteading, a libertarian project aimed at building floating cities in the middle of the ocean. Crypto entrepreneurs have also tried to create their own utopia in Puerto Rico. Victory for Mr Musks SpaceX was widely expected given that almost all of the 283 eligible voters in the area were employees and their families. A man in Boca Chica, Texas, wearing a T-shirt reading Starbase, the proposed new name for the village - Valerie Gonzalez/AP Despite this, the vote did face protests amid concerns SpaceX would be granted the power to shut down access to the towns public beach whenever it wanted. The bust of Mr Musk was last month defaced by vandals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local Rene Medrano, who grew up going to the Boca Chica beach, told the Texas Tribune: Its just such a disgrace on whats happening out here. Theres a lot of upset community people who are seeing theres a great chance that we may lose this beach. Mr Musk has recently relocated many of his companies and headquarters from California to Texas as he seeks out more favourable regulation in the Republican-run state. He recently bought a $35m (26m) compound in Texas, which is designed to house 11 of his children by different mothers. County officials will canvass the results of the vote within the next fortnight before the official incorporation is declared by a judge. However, Remi Garza, the elections administrator for Cameron County, said: Its officially statistically impossible for the measure to fail. Cameron County is about to have a new city. 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. BAGHDAD, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met visiting Qatari Transport Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani here on Sunday to discuss transportation cooperation. The two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen it, with a focus on enhancing partnership and investment in the transportation, logistics, and port sectors, according to a statement issued by al-Sudani's media office. They discussed advancing the Iraq-proposed Development Road project and exploring opportunities to establish integrated ventures along the route to boost economic growth, said the statement. Iraq proposed the Development Road project in May 2023, aiming to build a south-north rail and road corridor linking its Grand Faw Port in the south up to the country's border with Turkiye to boost economic integration. In April 2024, a quadrilateral memorandum of understanding was signed between Iraq, Turkiye, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to cooperate on the project. The two sides also discussed enhancing cooperation in the management of public transportation, ports, and airports, as well as expanding prospects in the aviation sector to stimulate transport and trade across various levels and domains, it said. The United States has been urging Russia to stop its aggression against Ukraine and agree to a peace deal. Meanwhile, there has been growing conviction within Western government circles that Russian leader Vladimir Putin's regime is unable to end the war without serious political consequences inside the country. Source: German tabloid Bild Details: Bild noted that Russia shows no willingness to compromise despite international pressure. According to Bild, high-ranking Western government circles believe the reason lies in deep internal factors: political, economic and social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "This is because Russia has not yet achieved its military objectives. The defence industry has been inflated with huge investments. Hundreds of thousands of Russians are making good money from the war. All of this makes it very difficult for Putin to find a path to compromise." Details: According to Russian economists, if the sectors dominated by the defence industry are excluded from the analysis, Russia's economy is effectively in a state of recession. A downturn is evident in many industries, such as food production, coal, building materials, metal products and machinery manufacturing. "Production is falling! Only the defence industry is masking the decline," Bild said. According to economist Alexandra Prokopenko from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, who worked at the Central Bank of Russia until 2022, the belief that ending the war would automatically lead to the collapse of the defence industry is exaggerated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts believe that an additional threat to Putin's regime comes from war veterans. Many of them, upon returning from the line of contact, may become a source of social instability, especially in regions with low living standards and limited economic prospects. "Dealing with veterans returning after the end of the war is likely to become a challenge for Putin," said Margaret Klein, an expert on Russia at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "Those who went to the line of contact as volunteers often received payments several times higher than the average salary. This concerns not only increased wages but also one-off recruitment bonuses amounting to over 40,000," Klein noted. According to her, the risk of a wave of violence increases if the Kremlin cannot offer these people an economic future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Klein: "The number of violent crimes has increased since Russia's full-scale invasion. There is a real danger that some of the veterans like those who fought in Afghanistan or Chechnya will become involved in [organised] crime." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) After three years, authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in a cold case homicide from 2022. On May 5, 2022, Pete Ulibarri, 45, was struck by a bullet during a drive-by shooting and later died. According to the West Valley City Police Department, the shooting happened just before midnight in front of a West Valley home in the 3500 block of 6400 West. Witnesses reported that a vehicle drove past the home, made a U-turn, slowed in front of the address, and several shots were fired, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man shot in WVC identified, pronounced dead According to previous reporting, Ulibarri was originally taken to a local hospital in critical condition after the incident. West Valley police said the suspects are believed to be gang-affiliated and were likely targeting someone at the residence. However, Mr. Ulibarri had no gang affiliation and appears to have been an innocent victim in the case, police wrote in a statement on Sunday. Police said that the publics help is needed to solve the case, and said that investigators are actively pursuing all leads in this case. Investigators believe that some people have information about this homicide and would like to encourage them to come forward, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no further information at this time. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. West Virginia has declined to join other states suing the Trump administration to block the cancellation of AmeriCorps programs. (AmeriCorps photo) West Virginia has declined to join states suing the Trump administration to block the cancellation of AmeriCorps programs. Federal officials abruptly slashed $440 million in funds for the long-standing volunteer service program and put most of its administrative members on leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 200 AmeriCorps members have already lost their jobs in West Virginia, and the programs budget reduction will affect the states workforce development, after-school programs, housing construction through Habitat for Humanity and more. About two dozen states, including Kentucky and Pennsylvania, said in a lawsuit filed April 29 that President Donald Trumps cost-cutting efforts through the Department of Government Efficiency illegally gutted AmeriCorps. If the Defendants actions are permitted to stand despite their statutory and constitutional defects, then the gutting of AmeriCorps will inflict immediate and irreparable harms on the Plaintiff States, their residents, and the public at large, reads the lawsuit, which was filed in Maryland federal court. Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Attorney General J.B. McCuskey didnt sign on to the suit. A spokesperson for McCuskeys office didnt return a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Morrisey said on Friday that, The governor believes most matters can be solved through collaboration and communication rather than lawsuits. The governor will continue to fight to protect all West Virginians and will work diligently to help all those impacted. While serving as attorney general, Morrisey took on numerous fights against the Biden administration, including lawsuits fighting air quality rules and the former presidents border policy. The White House has pointed to improper payments and failed audits as justification for the cuts. AmeriCorps has failed eight consecutive audits and is entrusted with over $1 billion in taxpayer dollars every year, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told the Washington Post. AmeriCorps oversees a number of programs that dispatch hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of people to service opportunities around the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an attempt to dismantle the agency, the Trump administration and its DOGE demolition team made abrupt and drastic cuts to staff and volunteers and terminated grants, said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in a statement. We are suing to stop this illegal dismantling of AmeriCorps and preserve the spirit of community service in our state and nation. Last year, the program connected nearly 3,000 AmeriCorps members with project opportunities in West Virginia. The lawsuit listed several cities where Americorps volunteers are currently serving, including Charleston, Fairmont, Weston and Wheeling. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, now a high-ranking member of the Senate, told MetroNews that the news was of great concern to her. Theres no doubt that the core functions that AmeriCorps is performing in a state like ours are pretty critical to fill gaps where we cannot fill them on our own, she said. So, I would say this is new news, and were going to help them work through this. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A British soldier stumbles exhausted across a desolate landscape, his right arm in a sling, his forehead bandaged. In his left hand he carries laurel leaves with the label: victory and peace in Europe. Here you are, he says grimly. Dont lose it again. By drawing this image for the Daily Mirror, the artist Philip Zec proved that a cartoon is worth a thousand words. The British people could enjoy what Churchill called a brief period of rejoicing, but after all their loss and suffering, heaven forbid that a future leader might squander their triumph. Yet here we are, 80 years later, and bandaged Ukrainian soldiers are fighting an invader on the blasted landscapes of Europes biggest country. If Vladimir Putin manages to subjugate their homeland, his all-searching eye will look to every part of Europe for new conquests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On this anniversary of VE Day the catastrophe foreshadowed by Zecs image has really happened in one European state. And Putin may yet inflict it upon others. If the curse spreads to a Nato ally, then Britain too will be at war. Today the precious laurels of peace and victory are in greater danger of being lost again than for generations. How has it come to this? How can we even contemplate a Europe engulfed by war? There is no mystery about the method for avoiding such a calamity. History shows what you must do. When a dictator threatens to invade European countries, believe him. And never ever cut your military strength so far that he thinks he might get away with it. We have peace when our leaders understand these lessons; we risk war when they do not. It is as simple as that. In the years after VE Day, when Stalin imposed Communist regimes on half of Europe and blockaded West Berlin in 1948, the Labour prime minister, Clement Attlee, and his foreign secretary, Ernest Bevin, needed no persuading of the Soviet threat. Nor did President Harry Truman in Washington and his greatest secretary of state, George Marshall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as Attlee and Bevin were creating the NHS and facing huge public pressure for swift demobilisation, they resisted cutting defence below safe levels. Instead they decided to build a British nuclear deterrent. They joined America to break Stalins siege of West Berlin by mounting the biggest humanitarian airlift in history. They oversaw the birth of Nato and a permanent American security guarantee for Europe. As they bound America to the defence of Europe, Attlee and Bevin demonstrated that the burden would be shared. They sent British forces to fight alongside the US in Korea. Six years after VE Day, they were still spending nearly 10 per cent of GDP on defence. These far-sighted leaders, American and British, devised the strategy and built the alliance that would contain Soviet aggression, keep the peace in Europe, and eventually deliver bloodless victory in the Cold War in 1989-91. They lived and breathed the lessons of history. What of their post-Cold War successors? Back in 2007 Putin disclosed his ambitions when he addressed the Munich Security Conference and pledged to overthrow the entire architecture of global security. The following year, 2008, Putin removed any doubt by invading the sovereign European country of Georgia, seizing 20 per cent of its territory in a lightning war. Somewhere high above, the spirits of Attlee and Bevin would have been imploring their successors: take this aggression seriously. A tough response today will spare you infinite bloodshed and misery tomorrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did their successors respond? Gordon Brown and David Miliband did nothing except verbally condemn Putin. The West did not impose a single economic sanction after Russia dismembered Georgia, which remains a divided country today. Incredibly, the only counter-measure was that the EU suspended talks with Russia on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Even that restriction was lifted after a few months. Brown and Miliband betrayed the tradition of Attlee and Bevin. Along with their Western contemporaries, they allowed Putins first act of aggression to succeed, thus paving the way for todays catastrophe in Ukraine. What happened next was equally irresponsible. A Conservative-Lib Dem coalition decided that the Army could do without 40 per cent of its main battle tanks and 35 per cent of its heavy artillery. The defence review of 2010 effectively dismantled the Armys ability to wage high intensity warfare while also decimating the RAF and the Royal Navy. Was this enforced by austerity? Well the same Government found almost 9 billion for the London Olympics, which Putin attended as an honoured guest. In 2013 the Department for International Development (DFID) received the single biggest budget increase in peacetime history 30 per cent allowing Britain to hit the target of spending 0.7 per cent of GDP on international aid. Our leaders made a conscious choice to go all-in for soft power and downgrade the hard variety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How does that decision look now? After we cut the Armed Forces to pay for DFID and the Olympics, Putin launched his first invasion of Ukraine and grabbed Crimea in 2014. Robert Gates, then US defence secretary, foreshadowed Donald Trump by warning in 2011 that European defence cuts were jeopardising Americas commitment to the alliance. Today DFID has disappeared, probably forever, and the last Government eviscerated the aid budget. This Labour government has cut it even further. Meanwhile we are trying to rebuild the Army and reverse the 2010 cuts. We could have given far more weapons to Ukraine after Putins second invasion if our Army had possessed 40 per cent more tanks and 35 per cent more artillery. And it bears repeating: the decision to prioritise soft power and shred the Armed Forces came after Putin had invaded a European country. Primary responsibility must rest with the leaders of the day: David Cameron, Nick Clegg and William Hague. But what about the national security officials of the era? They are paid to remind their masters of the hard truths of history. Unless they warned formally against what was happening, they too should accept a share of the blame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will probably still avoid the desolation of Europe, but it will be a close run thing, closer than it needed to be. Britain will face these dangers weaker than we needed to be. And all because a generation of politicians and officials wilfully lost sight of the lessons of history. Dont lose it again. 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. WESTFIELD Westfield Gas & Electric and its contractors begin to replace 22 miles of aging cast-iron pipe carrying natural gas in Westfield, a $17 million project that is estimated to take the next four years. Its been on our capital plan for a long time, said Greg Freeman, the utilitys operations superintendent. Itll provide safer, more efficient service to our customers. The utility kicked off construction Monday with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Apple Blossom Lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pipes in the neighborhood of Apple Blossom Lane just off College Highway, or U.S. Route 202, date back to the 1960s, Freeman said. Some of the older pipes in the downtown date back to the beginnings of the citys natural gas system and are 100 years old or older. The cast-iron pipes are strong, but brittle, he said. And the constant freeze-thaw of the ground can work loose their joints. The new pipes are made of a modern plastic. And with the federal grant money, the Westfield Gas & Electric can consolidate a decade-long project of replacing them into just four years of work. Work will take place here in this neighborhood along College Highway and also in Colony Circle, Birch Bluffs and then later on the west side of Southampton Road, near Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money for Westfield, part of the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, was first announced by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal back in 2023. Freeman said the Trump administration had the funding on hold, but hes now confident that its grant will still flow. Gas lines and gas-line safety is a bipartisan priority, he said, with more than $1 billion going out nationwide. Joe Mitchell, the utilitys assistant general manager, said there was a brief holdup concerning federal requirements to use American-made materials. The flexible plastic is mostly manufactured overseas. The city sends out monitoring trucks looking for leaks in winter, when the pipes are more likely to rupture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can smell them before you can, he said. And there havent been many. R.H. White is the contractor. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Location: Northeast corner of Third Street and Cheery Lynn Road, just south of the restaurant Ocotillo in Phoenix. (320 E. Cheery Lynn Road) Description: 15 rental townhomes will be built in three 2-story buildings, up to 27 feet high. The units will be 1,385 square feet, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The buildings are expected to have a farmhouse style with midcentury influence and draw on some features from the surrounding buildings. The development is slated to include trees and shade on both Third Street and Cheery Lynn Road as well as in the amenity area, according to the developer's proposal. The ground level will include detached sidewalks on both streets, plus bicycle parking and a bicycle repair station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site plan indicates patio spaces (roughly 230 square feet) will be constructed along Third Street, and vehicle access will be along Cheery Lynn Road. Resident parking will be provided in internal garages, developers told the city. History: Kris Rigsby, owner of Rigsby LLC, requested a rezone of the 1.35-acre site from single-family residential to multi-family residential in February 2024. Phoenix City Council approved it. The Encanto Village Planning Committee, which oversees developments in the area, had recommended a denial. The group voted 7-4 against the proposal, citing concerns over traffic and the fact that it would be rent-occupied, not owner-occupied. When will the work be done? A representative for Paxton Construction did not immediately respond to requests for information from The Arizona Republic. Sources: City of Phoenix building permits, Phoenix City Council meeting agendas, Village Planning Committee meeting minutes. Townhomes are under construction at Third Street and Cheery Lynn Road just south of the restaurant Ocotillo. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Townhomes slated to go in next to Ocotillo restaurant in Phoenix Local residents in South Texas have voted to make Starbase, the headquarters of Elon Musk's SpaceX company, an official Texas city. The area's transition to municipality status was approved in Saturday's election. The vast majority of eligible voters (212 of 218) voted in favor of Starbase's incorporation, according to the unofficial results published by Cameron County. The election also transferred authority from county officials to the city's new mayor, Bobby Peden, and the city council. The majority of the residents who cast their votes are employed by SpaceX. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk took to his social media platform X to celebrate, writing, "Now, it is official!" People are also reading: Elon Musk to take step back from DOGE as Tesla profit sinks 71% Back in December, Kathryn Lueders, the general manager of Starbase, wrote the official request to Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. "To continue growing the workforce necessary to rapidly develop and manufacture Starship, we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community," the petition letter said in part. "That is why we are requesting that Cameron County call an election to enable the incorporation of Starbase as the newest city in the Rio Grande Valley." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX has also requested that federal authorities allow Starbase launches to increase from five a year to 25. Some locals protest incorporation of Starbase Despite the election results, not everyone is happy with Starbase's incorporation. Some residents worry Musk's company will restrict access to Boca Chica State Park and Boca Chica Beach, The Associated Press reports. On Saturday, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network organized another protest against the city's vote. Attendees included Josette Hinojosa, whose young child enjoys playing on the beach as the family's past generations have. The family has already experienced restrictions to beach access. "Some days its closed, and some days you get turned away," Hinojosa told The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Basaldu, a member of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas tribe who was responsible for organizing the protest, explained that his ancestors had also resided in the area for generations. "Its not just important," Basaldu said, "its sacred." Where is Starbase, Texas? SpaceX headquarters, now the official city of Starbase, is located at Texas' southern tip on Boca Chica Beach near Brownsville and the Mexican border. How big is Starbase, Texas? The newly established city of Starbase spans about 1.6 square miles, or 3.9 square kilometers, according to the BBC. How many people live in Starbase, Texas? Starbase is populated by about 260 SpaceX employees and their families, totaling around 500 residents, Bloomberg News reports. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Welcome to Starbase, Texas: Elon Musk's SpaceX HQ now an official city President Trump may have gotten his half-brained idea to reopen and expand the infamous Alcatraz prison from a movie that aired on WLRN this past weekend. REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be, the president wrote on Truth Social Sunday evening. I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders, he continued. We will no longer be held hostage to criminals, thugs, and Judges that are afraid to do their job and allow us to remove criminals, who came into our Country illegally. The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Bluesky user provided some more details on this seemingly random announcement. I may have context for this! Last night WPBT in Palm Beach broadcast the 1979 Clint Eastwood film Escape from Alcatraz, they wrote. Trump was in Palm Beach on the night in question. Trump potentially making major policy decisions based on the last movie he watched is bleak but unsurprising. Alcatraz is a dilapidated full-time museum off the coast of San Francisco that closed in the 1960s because it was too expensive to operate and many of the buildings were falling apart. Getting it back to a full-time jail would be incredibly costly and labor intensive. Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction, California Representative Nancy Pelosi wrote on X. The Presidents proposal is not a serious one. The White House on Monday said no final decisions have been made about tariffs on foreign firms, after President Trump a day prior called for a 100 percent tariff on movies produced in other countries. Although no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made, the Administration is exploring all options to deliver on President Trumps directive to safeguard our countrys national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again, spokesperson Kush Desai told The Hill when asked how a tariff on intellectual property would be implemented. The president later on Monday said that he would be meeting with leaders in the film industry to discuss his idea for tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to meet with the industry, I want to make sure theyre happy with it because were all about jobs, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Its a big industry but its an industry now, its really left, its abandoned the USA. Where it started. And well get it back. He said he is aiming to help the industry with his tariffs and bashed California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) for films being made overseas instead of in Hollywood. Our film industry has been decimated by other countries, taking them out, and also by incompetence, like in Los Angeles the governor is a grossly incompetent man. Hes just allowed it to be taken away from Hollywood, Trump said. On Truth Social on Sunday, he had said theres a concerted effort by other countries to lure filmmakers abroad, which he called a threat to national security, arguing that the movie industry in the U.S. is dying a very fast death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said he would authorize the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin the process to impose a 100 percent tariff immediately, but the move is all but certain to face legal challenges from the industry, including on free speech grounds. Trump has imposed a 145 percent on China and 10 percent tariff on all trading partners while his administration negotiates deals with foreign countries during a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs set to expire in July. The president has threatened industry-specific tariffs on other goods and in the case of imported automobiles and auto parts, he signed an executive order last week to scale back his 25 percent tariffs. His use of tariffs overall has shaken global markets and led to the U.S. experiencing its first quarter of negative economic growth in years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 2:07 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. JERUSALEM, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Monday it had raided and "dismantled" a key Syrian army headquarters located on Mount Hermon in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. In a statement, the military said that over the past week, troops from the infantry 810th Brigade, including paratroopers and the Yahalom special combat engineering unit, raided the compound. According to the military, it was formerly used by the Syrian government as the central headquarters of the unit responsible for the Mount Hermon area. During the raid, the troops located military infrastructure, including bunkers and a large cache of weapons, the military said, noting that "all weapons were either dismantled or confiscated." In early December, in the wake of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government, Israeli forces crossed into the United Nations-monitored buffer zone. Israel later captured the top of Mount Hermon, a Syrian territory, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing that forces would remain there "indefinitely." The move drew international criticism. In its statement on Monday, the military defended the operation, saying it aimed "to remove threats and protect the security of Israeli civilians, and residents of the Golan Heights in particular." The White House seems to be continuing its affinity for artificial intelligence-generated imagery depicting Donald Trump in bizarre and deifying themes, from a falsified photo of him as a would-be pope to now a hunk-ified Sith lord from Star Wars (none of these words are in the Bible). Happy May the 4th to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting so hard to to bring Sith Lords, Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, & well known MS-13 Gang Members, back into our Galaxy. Youre not the Rebellionyoure the Empire. May the 4th be with you, the official account captioned the photo featuring Trump wielding a lightsaber in front of dual eagles and American flags on X. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naturally, the photo generated a flurry of mixed responses, with some commenters pointing to the irony of the usage of a red lightsaber, a weapon in the original Star Wars franchise that signifies a villain is wielding it. Fans of the George Lucas-created universe also noted that he based the fascist and dictatorial Sith Empire on Nazi Germany both its aesthetics and ideology. Others in the comments maintained that the saber was actually orange (wielding color wheels to make their points), and more modern Star Wars entries see the benevolent Jedi using such sabers. Still others pointed to red being a prominent GOP color, while some urged outspoken Trump hater Mark Hamill (the one and only Luke Skywalker) to comment on the matter. Since the image is posted to the official White House social media account, it will likely be archived as an official record of the Trump 2.0 administration, as was done with Joe Bidens platforms. Many online chagrined the embarrassing and cringe online behavior by the professional WH account, exacerbated by widely decried posts that adopted mocking tones regarding the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia and treatment of prisoners at the maximum security prison CECOT in El Salvador. AI usage is a hallmark of the Trump 2.0 era, with the White House previously under fire for its Studio Ghibli-stylized image of an ICE officer detaining an immigrant in tears something many theorized would deeply upset venerated co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, who is firmly anti-AI, having described the technology as grotesque and an insult to life itself. With the proliferation of gen-AI, ethical concerns toward its application have re-entered the spotlight, including issues of water and energy consumption/waste and artist alarm over creative autonomy and exploitation. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. High off the news that Selfridge Air National Guard Base will receive 21 new fighter jets, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told Macomb County's elected officials and community and business leaders that she is committed to working with President Donald Trump's administration "on any priority we can find common ground on." "I'm not going to pretend that that's always going to be possible. I know that's the case. But Michiganders elected both of us twice, just two years apart. And I know from looking at this room that you all expect us to get things done," she told the hundreds who attended the 2025 Governor's Luncheon on May 5 presented by the Macomb County Chamber and Connect Macomb in Shelby Township. Whitmer, a Democrat, told the crowd that even though she "took some heat" for taking a meeting recently with the Republican Trump to discuss the future of Selfridge, she said she was grateful to people in the county mentioning Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, a Republican and former U.S. representative who lent their voices to the effort, adding to the county's legacy of supporting defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitmer was at the Harrison Township base April 29 and greeted Trump, who was celebrating the first 100 days of his second term in the county with a campaign-style rally in Warren. Before heading to the city just north of Detroit, he announced the base would receive 21 F-15EX fighter jets. For nearly a decade, base leaders and officials in both parties at all levels of government have advocated for new fighter jets at the more-than-century-old military airfield to secure the base and its related jobs. County Executive Mark Hackel introduced Whitmer at the chamber event while wearing a red Selfridge jersey. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel announces Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before she gives her annual Macomb County address during a special luncheon hosted by the Macomb County Chamber and Connect Macomb at The Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township on Monday, May 5, 2025. Whitmer said there is "a lot of uncertainty for a lot of different reasons. But for us to be able to say we know what the future of Selfridge is, is a big, BFD." The win protects 30,000 jobs across Michigan; 5,000 military families and hundreds of millions in economics for the state, according to her office. After her speech, Whitmer told reporters that during the Oval Office visit, where she was caught in a photo briefly hiding behind file folders in front of her face: "I needed to be there to make the case for Selfridge. That's why I was there. I was there for people in northern Michigan, who we don't yet have a federal declaration, but I'm continuing to try to get the Trump administration to give us federal dollars for the recovery from the ice storm in northern Michigan." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she can mark Selfridge off her list, but is waiting to hear about the federal dollars, saying "we got an extension, but we've not heard on the substance of a FEMA claim." More: Selfridge to receive 21 new F-15EX fighter jets, Trump announces in Michigan Whitmer said she's got a list of things the state needs from the federal government. She worked hard for Trump's Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, in the last election "and yet, as soon as the election's over, I can't sacrifice the Michigan agenda. I've got a duty to continue to work with whomever is there and I will do that. So, we have the threat of Asian carp in our Great Lakes. We've got emergency funding for northern Michigan that we're trying to get done. There is economic development opportunities for the state (and) federal partnership is absolutely essential. So, there are a lot of things that are on my list and I'm going to continue to try to work on with the Trump administration." Whitmer also told reporters she believes Michigan lawmakers can get the budget and a road funding plan done "posthaste," ideally by the end of June. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer exits the room after giving her annual Macomb County address during a special luncheon hosted by the Macomb County Chamber and Connect Macomb at The Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township on Monday, May 5, 2025. Regarding ongoing road work on Interstate 696, she said: "I know it's a pain right now, but we're repaving it to last for the long run. So, I'm sorry and you're welcome." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a question after her less than 15-minute speech, Whitmer said she recognizes the need for a stronger mass transit system throughout southeast Michigan, in particular, saying: "And that's something Lansing's not going to be the one to tell you what it should look like, you've got to be the ones. But we need to be there to support and that's what my goal is. I hope that by the time I'm done, we have a real great plan for transit in southeast Michigan in particular." In a post-speech scrum with reporters, Whitmer, when asked about efforts to bring back moviemaking incentives to the state, said: "I think the possibility of major cuts from the federal government and Medicaid, the potential of rural hospitals not surviving Medicaid slashing that is going to happen at the federal government, will make it a lot harder to justify any additional spending with the Legislature. I'm just being very pragmatic about that. I'm hopeful that Congress does not slash Medicaid." She said 40% of the state budget "would be devastated." "We can't afford to offset 40% of our budget," she said. "That will mean hospitals will close in Michigan if all of that comes to fruition. There are hospitals that have 70% of their patients are Medicaid. ... They could not survive that. That is a very real possibility." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer celebrates Selfridge, says she'll work with Trump on common ground priorities (NewsNation) President Donald Trump has directed his government to expand and reopen Alcatraz for the housing of Americas most ruthless and violent criminals. The long-defunct prison is essential to Americas history, but the reality of reopening the iconic joint and keeping it running would likely prove difficult and pricey if history is any indication. What is Alcatraz? Alcatraz, derived from the Spanish Alcatraces, is an island located off San Francisco. It was originally used as a citadel in the 1850s, and the governments first prisoners arrived onshore by the end of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1909, the U.S. Army destroyed the citadel, and its military prisoners began construction of a lockup in the fortress footprint, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Department of Justice took control in 1933, and it opened in 1934. Dubbed The Rock, Alcatraz is surrounded by frigid waters and not-so-deadly sharks. It served as the nations highest-security prison until its closure in 1963. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defends Trumps economic rebalancing A prison cell at Alcatraz Island on Aug. 15, 2023 in San Francisco. A prison cell block at Alcatraz Island on Aug.15, 2023 in San Francisco. Gangster Alphonse Al Capone poses for a mugshot on his arrival at Alcatraz on Aug. 22, 1934, in San Francisco. (Photo by Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) One of the cells in Cell Block B in Alcatraz Prison from which three prisoners escaped. An officer shows the inside of a removable section of exit cover. It housed notorious Chicago mob boss Al Capone and Robert Stroud, a convicted murderer who studied birds on the island from behind bars and was known as the Birdman of Alcatraz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, it was the site of many escape attempts 14, to be exact, involving 36 men in total though no one ever successfully made it to shore, per official records. Today, the former prison is a popular museum and tourist destination run by the National Park Service. Why was Alcatraz closed? The decision to close Alcatraz was one of logistics, according to the Bureau of Prisons. It cost the U.S. government roughly $3 to $5 million just to keep the prison open, excluding daily operating costs, making it nearly three times more expensive than other federal prisons. The islands physical location, while perfect for keeping prisoners trapped, required fuel, food and nearly 1 million gallons of fresh water barged in each week, according to the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump calls for 100 percent tariff on foreign films Bearing that bill and shipping over supplies was too heavy a lift for a prison that, at most, held roughly 300 prisoners and whose infrastructure was rapidly declining. Today, the federal prison systems annual budget is about $8.7 billion, and housing costs about $44,000 per prisoner annually. Trump: Reopened Alcatraz would hold dregs of society In a social media post, Trump said he is tapping the Bureau of Prisons and other federal law enforcement agencies to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt version of Alcatraz. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. Thats the way its supposed to be, the post read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says hes willing to extend TikTok ban pause again A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement to the Associated Press that the agency will comply with all Presidential Orders. That official did not immediately answer questions about the practicality and feasibility of reopening The Rock. Currently, Alcatraz remains under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, which has faced massive cuts in payroll and people at Trumps direction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trumps meetings with foreign leaders have rarely unfolded according to script. Just ask Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose recent Oval Office visit spiraled into a televised dressing-down that left diplomats stunned even as his approval ratings at home ticked up. Now, its Canadas turn. On Tuesday, newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney will become the latest leader to step into the high-stakes theater of Trumps White House. But for Canadians, the risks feel uniquely acute: Trump has already floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, suggested its prime minister should be called Governor, and imposed sweeping tariffs that have strained one of the worlds most durable trade relationships. Hes got more to lose than he has to gain, says Robert Bothwell, a University of Toronto professor of Canadian history and international relations, who warned that Carney risks becoming the next foreign leader used as a political prop. The Zelensky precedent is not encouraging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney insists he is going to Washington to get the best deal for Canada and to address what he calls immediate trade pressures. But even before the first handshake, Trump sounded bemused. Im not sure what he wants to see me about, the President told reporters on Monday. I guess he wants to make a deal. Everybody does. The optics alone carry peril for Carney, who won office on a promise to stand up to Trump. His electoral mandate was forged in backlash to the Presidents economic aggression, rhetorical slights, and apparent disregard for Canadian sovereignty. Yet despite the campaign bravado, experts say that if Tuesdays meeting turns into a spectacle, the damage could be lasting. Canadians expect that he will not be subservient, Bothwell says. And if Trump gets out of line in public, then it's Carneys job to shake his head and say, Well, no, I don't agree. The pressure on Carney to avoid a Zelensky-like moment is palpable. The Ukrainian leader, though ultimately bolstered politically at home, walked into a meeting with Trump in late February that many foreign policy analysts described as a trapone that underscored Trumps hunger for dominance in bilateral encounters. But unlike Zelensky, Carney comes to Washington as the leader of a much closer allybut one that Trump has openly toyed with. His offhand comments about annexation and trade punishment have set off alarm bells in Canadian diplomatic circles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm really not trolling, Trump said in an interview with TIME on April 22 when asked about making Canada the 51st state, claiming that the U.S. is losing $200 to $250 billion a year supporting it through military spending and a trade deficit, which fact checkers have been unable to verify. I asked a man who I called Governor Trudeau. I said, Why? Why do you think we're losing so much money supporting you? Do you think that's right? Do you think that's appropriate for another country to make it possible, for a country to sustain and he was unable to give me an answer, but it costs us over $200 billion a year to take care of Canada. Trump added: We dont need their lumber, we dont need their energywe dont need anything from Canada. And I say the only way this thing really works is for Canada to become a state. He has also described the border between the two nations as an artificially drawn line that hinders economic integration and security cooperation. Speaking after his electoral victory, Carney said his country would never yield to the United States: As I have been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country, he said on April 29. But these are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us. That will never ever happen. For Carney, the timing is both fortuitous and fraught. With a strong Liberal minority in Parliament and no looming election, he has some room to take risks, says Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. Before the federal elections, it would have been a bad idea for Prime Minister Carney to visit the White House, as it would have been a risky proposition from an electoral standpoint, Beland says. Now that the Liberals have a strong minority government in terms of seats and that new federal elections are unlikely anytime soon, he can probably afford the risk of meeting with President Trump, even if the latters mercurial style must remain a concern for the Prime Minister and his team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Bothwell said, anybody looking at the Zelensky event should think twice before coming to the Oval Office and letting Trump attack and go after you. Carney, for his part, has shown little appetite for deference. Since taking office, he has declared the end of the era of automatic U.S.-Canada integration and emphasized ties with the U.K. and France instead. Our old relationship, based on steadily increasing integration, is over, he said at a press conference on Friday. Carney added that he primarily planned to use his meeting with Trump to discuss military spending and the 25% tariffs he enacted against Canadian exports, including on vehicles, auto parts, steel and aluminumwhich could threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs and prompted Canada to announce a series of retaliatory 25% tariffs on U.S. imports. It will be a complex negotiation, he said. But even Carneys supporters acknowledge that symbolically asserting sovereignty in front of cameras is not the same as negotiating tariff rollbacks behind closed doorsespecially with Trump already pushing for an early review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, originally scheduled for 2026. That broader renegotiation could turn Tuesdays meeting into a critical moment in the continents economic future. Still, Carney is managing expectations. Do not expect white smoke out of that meeting, he said Friday. But in Trumps White House, the goal may be simplerand harder: not getting humiliated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is unpredictable and he can shift his positions and rhetoric very rapidly, Beland says. He also cares a lot about optics and personal interactions with other world leaders For Prime Minister Carney, the most important thing is to stand his ground and avoid public humiliation. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. The recent ransomware attacks that upended the operations of a whole hospital chain had an inordinate effect on disabled people. adamkaz via Getty Images Cybersecurityisoften framed as a corporate or technical concern but its becoming evident that its a social justice issue too. Queer and trans communities are disproportionately targeted by cyberthreats. The recent ransomware attacks that upended the operations of a whole hospital chain had an inordinate effect on disabled people. And disinformation, artificial intelligence policing, and mass surveillance continue to criminalize Black, brown, LGBTQ+, and disabled communities. Why do cyberattacks disproportionately affect structurally marginalized groups? One reason is that cybersecurity evolved out of military and corporate systems and that legacy still shapes who gets secured and who gets left behind. If you ask cybersecurity students, engineers at cybersecurity companies, what they do, theyd say, Well, my job is to secure devices, platforms, software, says Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to defend civil liberties in the digital world. In other words: Many cybersecurity professionals dont see their job as protecting people theyre protecting data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We secure people with power and money because those are the people who can pay, Galperin says. And so, the response to those without certain types of privilege needing digital protection is the same as it is when they need physical protection: Sorry and good luck. For example, as Galperin explains, the use of stalkerware has been designated a gendered topic that isnt a high priority. One of the biggest problems that I have had doing stalkerware work is that frequently it is framed as a lady issue, she says which translates to: Its diminished and dismissed as trivial. But thats simply not true, she adds. In fact, as of 2020, 1 in 10 Americans had used stalkerware to track a partner or an ex, and cybersecurity industry reports suggest that use of stalkerware increasedby 239% between then and 2023. That means literally millions of people in the U.S. are being surveilled without their knowledge or consent. A violent partner or ex having access to your most private moments is terrifying enough. But stalkerware and other surveillance tech can also be used to criminalize and punish people. In some states where abortion is now illegal, the prosecution i.e., the state is allowed to use information garnered from surveillance software to criminalize people seeking abortion. What we often call tech abuse in intimate relationships isnt just a personal, domestic problem its a microcosm of systemic surveillance. The tools used to control current, former or desired partners are the same ones used by authoritarian governments to track activists, journalists and dissidents. As Galperin puts it: The dynamics of an abusive relationship and the dynamics of an authoritarian state are almost exactly the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Galperin further emphasizes that the violence of surveillance tech and coordinated cyberbullying campaigns is very real. These arent just online fights; they spill out into real-world violence, doxing and policy shifts. Perhaps you recall the bomb threats sent to schools that employed queer teachers by the conservative vigilante group Libs of TikTok or the pornographic deepfakes meant to humiliate Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)? Those examples are terrifying proof that online hate does not stay online. And, as weve seen, digital disinformation campaigns, such as those that spread falsehoods about gender-affirming care, also have the potential to impact both public opinion and public policy. As always, the communities who are most vulnerable digitally are the same ones who are most vulnerable generally. The more precarious your life is, the less room to maneuver that you have, the less of a safety net that you have, the easier it is for a single breach of your personal data or your financial data or your health data to begin a cascade of events that can destabilize your life, Galperin says. Whats worse: When multiple forms of marginalization stack up, the digital threat becomes heavier. Vulnerability exists along multiple axes, and marginalization exists in multiple axes, says Galperin. The further you are from being a cisgender, heterosexual, white guy, the more vulnerable you become. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitals, for example, have some really complicated limits on how up to date they can keep certain devices, Galperin explains. Thats because hospitals have many different kinds of technology that need to be compatible with each other in order to serve patients and not all of them can be updated with the latest cyberprotection software. That complexity makes them particularly vulnerable to attack. But some people and groups are pushing for change. Galperin helped found the Coalition Against Stalkerware, and her work has always centered on protecting people especially those in unsafe homes, relationships or communities. Shes not alone. Organizations such as Access Nows Digital Security Helpline offer 24/7 support to activists and journalists under threat. Equality Labs combats caste-based digital violence, and the Digital Defense Fund equips abortion providers and advocates with tools to stay safe online. These groups, often led by people from the very communities most affected, treat cybersecurity as care work. But the ability to do this work of offering support, sharing resources, or even speaking out about digital harm depends on a relatively fragile legal framework. One of the biggest threats to that framework right now is President Donald Trumps push to gut Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Gutting Section 230 is one of the very few things that is popular in a bipartisan manner in the House right now, Galperin notes, which is terrible because its one of the few things actually keeping the internet together. Section 230 is the law that states that social platforms like Facebook or Reddit arent legally responsible for most of what their users post. This is the fine print that allows online platforms to host content without being sued over every single post. If it gets gutted, only the biggest, wealthiest platforms will be able to survive the legal ramifications, while smaller, community-driven spaces, often safer for marginalized people, would be at risk of disappearing entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to take a deeper look at the forces reshaping the internet, Galperin says, go check out the Take It Down Act and KOSA. Theyre some of the latest attempts to censor the internet in the name of protecting the children. Spoiler alert: They dont actually protect children. Even when everyone wants to do the right thing, structural barriers magnify risk, especially in underfunded systems. Cybersecurity breaches are not always about malice or neglect. Sometimes crucial systems are simply plagued by technological complications, budget issues and bureaucracies. But change is only possible if we start thinking about cybersecurity as the human rights issue that it is. Despite rain, wind, cold and worries about immigration crackdowns, the community of southwest Detroit celebrated Mexican culture with its annual Cinco de Mayo parade. The event kicked off at the intersection of Vernor and Woodmere, as the sounds of Latin music filled the air and Mexican flags breezed across a lineup of cars and trucks at the start of the parade. This year represents a milestone for the Cinco de Mayo Parade, as attendees marked the 60th year of celebrating Mexican heritage, community and resilience in southwest Detroit, and inviting attendees from across the state and beyond. Participants in the 2025 Cinco de Mayo parade ride by trying to avoid the rain Sunday, May 4, 2025 in southwest Detroit. Maybe it was due to the weather or fear from the tense political climate, local officials, business owners and community members noticed that fewer people attended this year's festivities compared to previous years. Though an organizer estimated the parade crowd to be about 8,000, and parade goers showed up, eager to celebrate and pass along the tradition to future generations. A quieter parade Beth Reyes, a 52-year-old southwest Detroit native, noticed a different tone at the parade this year, which she attributes to the Trump administrations policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems more quiet, Reyes said. Its usually more cheerful and Ive been to the parade in the rain before. Native southwest Detroiter Beth Reyes said she came from Warren, where she now lives, to celebrate her Mexican heritage and community during the neighborhood's Cinco de Mayo Parade on Sunday, May 4, 2025. She came to the parade from Warren with her husband because she felt it was more important this year than ever to show up. Many of her older family members uncles, grandparents and others of older generations decided not to attend for the first time ever, she said. Im here to represent and stand here for my people, rain or shine, Reyes said. The Cinco de Mayo Parade honors the 1862 Battle of Puebla, when a Mexican army defeated French forces, and is celebrated more in the U.S. than in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cristian Rubio, the assistant general manager at Armandos, a Mexican restaurant on West Vernor, said as he looked out his window he saw fewer Latinos watching the parade this year. Rubio, a 30-year-old southwest Detroit native, is part of a few Latino social media groups that he said were raising the alarm about the parade as a potential site for immigration raids. People were warning each other about not being around possible raids, Rubio said. More: Amid fears of immigration raids, Detroit's Cinco de Mayo Parade will still go on More: Metro Detroit bars, restaurants celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby Cristian Rubio, assistant manager at Armando's in southwest Detroit Others say the lower turnout was due to the weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar Hernandez, owner of Mexicantown Bakery, did notice smaller crowds at the parade, but said he believes its because of bad weather, not the political climate. As a business owner, he said he supports President Donald Trumps efforts to bring jobs back to America. Hernandez says lower turnout for the parade hasnt noticeably lessened traffic to his bakery. Over at the Patton Park Recreation Center, a Bad Bunny song blasted from speakers at the Cinco de Mayo festival, but not many were around to hear the boastful beat. Alma Cruz, president of the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit, which plans the annual Cinco de Mayo parade and festival, said the Sunday festival usually brings up to 250 people. This year's Sunday festival, however, saw significantly fewer attendees at any given time, she said. Around 3 p.m., there were about 20 people walking around the shops and food trucks. The weather forced some vendors to go home because the strong wind damaged their tents, Cruz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parade, overall, still had a sizable showing given the weather, according to Cruz. She estimates close to 8,000 people still showed up to the event. It was a beautiful representation of who southwest Detroit is, Cruz said. We show up and show out. City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan hands out candy to paradegoers during the Cinco de Mayo parade Sunday, May 4, 2025 outside Clark Park in southwest Detroit. Rosendo Ortehua, a Lincoln Park resident who was working the Galindos Taste of Mexico food truck, saw fewer sales this year during the Sunday festival just 15 by 4:30 p.m. Last year, he made around 300 sales. We brought a lot of food, expecting 300 people, Ortehua said in Spanish. At the festival, Herlanda Orozco, 53, said she knows her community and it wasnt just the weather that kept crowds small. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latinos dont care, Orozco said. If its raining or snowing, they still come. These next four years, theyre gonna be like no. Celebration and rebellion Despite the lower turnout, rain and worries about immigration enforcement, parade goers said the Cinco de Mayo festivities are an important way to celebrate heritage and resilience. Mauricio Hernandez has attended the parade for the last 10 years, ever since he and his family moved from Chicago. He was going to skip this year's because of rumors that federal immigration enforcement officers might attend the event. But he didn't want his son to miss out on the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to bring my child out here," Hernandez, 33, of Detroit said. Hes a 4-year-old. So I really wanted to come out here, have fun, see the parade. Inside Rodriguez Vaquerita, a store on West Vernor selling hand crafted boots, hats and apparel, 30-year-old Noel Morales said he's been watching the parade since he was 4 years old, when he moved from Mexico to southwest Detroit. It's a tradition he wants to pass on to future generations. "The Cinco de Mayo parade here, we use it in Detroit as far as us celebrating our culture, bringing something back to community, and not only that, but showing the new generations a little bit of something about where we come from. Maybe they haven't had an opportunity to go home and visit, so that's what they're seeing here," he said. Jose Hernandez, 72, stood in front of Chilango Bakery, his sisters business, under an awning protecting him from the rain. Jose Hernandez stands outside of Chilangos Bakery on Vernor Highway waiting for the Cinco de Mayo parade procession to pass him by on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Hernandez, whos originally from Mexico, moved to Detroit 12 years ago. Before moving to Lincoln Park, he lived in southwest Detroit but this is only his second time attending the Cinco de Mayo parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He anticipated fewer people would attend because of the intimidation and fear he says the Trump administration has instilled in many community members. Even those that follow the law perfectly, Hernandez said in Spanish. There will be less people who want to expose themselves. Hernandez said he sees the parade as more than a daylong celebration. I see it as a rebellion, he said. To make us feel that here we are, that they need us, that we are not dispensable. A 'double-edged sword' The theme of rebellion was apparent during the event. One car displayed a green poster taped to a side window that read: DERROTAR DONALD TRUMP, which translates to Defeat Donald Trump. It belonged to By Any Means Necessary, or BAMN, which has participated in the parade since 1985. Kate Stenvig, Detroit national coordinator for the organization, said part of the group's mission is to defend immigrant rights and stop the administration's attack on immigrants. A sign reading "Derrotar a Donald Trump," which translates from Spanish to "Defeat Donald Trump," is displayed on the side of a vehicle used by BAMN, a civil and immigration rights organization participating in the 60th annual Cinco De Mayo parade on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Local leaders in Philadelphia and Chicago canceled their parades, citing ongoing immigration crackdowns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Detroit, there was disagreement among community leaders about whether the parade should go on, with some saying the risk of gathering publicly is too great amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. But one organizer said the thought of canceling the parade was never considered. Doing so would be standing down, one supporter said. And canceling would ignore those who want to celebrate Latino heritage, the organizer said. Tonia Patino, a business owner in southwest Detroit and board chair of the Southwest Detroit Business Association, said she was torn on the idea of canceling this years event. Its kind of a double edged sword, just because we want to be sensitive to the undocumented and those who fear ICE deportation, Patino said. But at the same time our businesses in this business corridor have suffered tremendously, just from the lack of patrons being in their stores, in their restaurants. Sales are down. And so events like this draw people outside of the community. Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @NushratR. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit held a 2025 Cinco de Mayo parade as Chicago, Philly canceled Julien Baker has sparked concern after announcing the cancellation of her joint tour with Torres. A brief statement cited recent events and a need to focus on her health, prompting questions from fans and followers. Julien Baker canceled her tour because of her health Julien Baker has canceled the remainder of her Send a Prayer My Way Tour with Torres to prioritize her health. A joint statement posted on May 4, 2025, via both artists Instagram pages stated, Due to recent events, Julien Baker is prioritizing her well-being and taking time to focus on her health. The announcement emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and acknowledged the disappointment it may cause for fans. The canceled tour, which began on April 23, 2025, included summer dates in cities such as New Orleans, Dallas, and Philadelphia. The musicians statement also noted that refunds and ticketing information would be handled by the original point of purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This cancellation follows earlier disruptions. On March 27, Baker and Torres canceled a performance and speaking engagement at Ohio University, citing that one of our key members sustained a concussion and will need to take the next few weeks to recover. They also pulled out of the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, that same month (via USA Today). Baker and Torres released their collaborative country album Send a Prayer My Way on April 18, 2025. In a March interview on The Daily Show, Torres said the album had been in development for five years and started after she texted Baker during the COVID-19 pandemic. Julien was the first person I thought of because shes from Tennessee, Im from Georgia, she said. It just made sense. Baker, 29, first gained recognition with her 2015 debut album Sprained Ankle. She is also part of the Grammy-winning group Boygenius, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. In 2024, Boygenius won three Grammy Awards and later announced a hiatus in February during a secret Los Angeles performance. The post Why Did Julien Baker Cancel Her Tour? Health Update appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. President Donald Trump again said he wouldn't rule out using military force to take over Greenland, though he doubts it would happen. Speaking with Kristen Welker on NBC News' "Meet the Press" in an interview that aired May 4, he said the U.S. needs the country "very badly." "Greenland is a very small amount of people, which well take care of, and well cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security," he said in the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When pressed about sending U.S. troops to claim a sovereign territory, he pushed back, alluding to it only as a possibility. Trump also told Welker he is still interested in making Canada the 51st state, though he said he did not foresee using military force to do so. A very Trump season: Palm Beach grapples with effects of president's trips to Mar-a-Lago Why does Trump want Greenland? "We need that for international security," Trump told Welker. "Do you know, we have Russian boats and we have Chinese boats, gun ships all over the place aircraft carriers, gun ships going up and down the coast of Greenland. We need that to be protected. Internationally we need it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly returned to national security as a reason for wanting Greenland. But USA TODAY reported the island has critical minerals used in industries where China has a near-monopoly power, which is also a key driver in U.S. interest. Greenland has mineral deposits of key minerals including graphite, copper, nickel, zinc, tungsten and lithium, all used for making modern technology. However, Greenland currently does little to no mining. Where is Greenland? Greenland is located in the Arctic region, northeast of Canada. How big is Greenland compared to the US? Greenland is smaller than the U.S., slightly more than three times the size of Texas, according to the CIA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, it is the largest island in the world and about 80% covered in ice. Is Greenland part of NATO? Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark, which is part of NATO. Former U.S. ambassador to Denmark under the Obama administration Rufus Gifford said on MSNBC in January that the entire alliance would be compelled to respond to any military action against Greenland due to Denmark's membership. Contributing: Francesca Chambers, Carlie Procell, Dian Zhang, Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump and Greenland: Why is he interested and is it part of NATO? The Executive Mansion in Richmond's Capitol Square, the official residence of the governor of Virginia. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) I received an email about an event happening on May 17, 2025, at Virginia Commonwealth University, marking the 71st anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, which dismantled segregation in schools nationwide, hosted by the Virginians for Reconciliation Project. What struck me immediately and not in a good way was that the panel consisted entirely of white men. It stopped me cold. Everyone on the email thread I was on was outraged too. A flyer promoting a May 17 panel event commemorating the 71st anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case that struck down segregation in schools. That is, until I realized that the panelists were all former governors of Virginia. And in case you didnt know, Virginia has only ever elected one Black governor, L. Douglas Wilder, in 1989. Every other governor since the 1600s has been a white man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My initial reaction was to criticize the lack of diversity on the panel, which seemed ironic since they were supposed to be discussing one of the most pivotal moments in American history that diversified classrooms in Virginia and beyond. Why not include former Gov. Wilder, now in his 90s? Or the current Black Speaker of the House? Or the Senate Majority Leader, a Black woman? Or the sitting Lt. Governor, a Black Republican woman? The only Black woman involved is the moderator a sitting state delegate from Richmond but shes not on the panel itself. Lets be honest: A panel of all white men cannot reflect the full breadth of Virginias past or its future. But these men did hold the highest office in the commonwealth. They shaped Virginias policies, laws, and institutions, for better or worse. And if we are serious about reconciliation, we must be willing to hear from those who held power, even when that power excluded us. This is not about agreement its about accountability. We cant change the systems we dont understand. These governors can offer insights into what shaped Virginia, where it failed and where we must go. Reconciliation is not passive. It is active, inclusive and uncomfortable. It requires listening even when what we hear doesnt reflect our values or experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are in a moment of necessary tension in Virginia and across America, vacillating between reverence and reckoning, history and hope. This upcoming panel brings together seven former governors from both parties. Yes, they are all white. Yes, they are all men. The concerns raised about the lack of racial and gender diversity they represent are valid. In a nation still reckoning with the legacies of segregation and systemic exclusion, representation is not just symbolic; its substantive. Diversity brings perspective. It brings the lived experience of those long shut out of decision-making rooms. So why bring these seven men together now? Because this is not a celebration of the past its a confrontation with it. Some of these governors resisted change. Some enabled it. All of them governed during periods of transformation or stagnation. If they are honest, their reflections can illuminate the forces that shaped us, and the courage or silence that defined their terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the end of the conversation. Its the beginning. I hope this panel helps Virginians become bridge builders and legacy leaders. Seventy-one years after Brown, we dont need self-congratulation, we need truth-telling. We need space to ask: What did we get wrong? What must we do differently? Who do we still leave behind? In November, Virginia will elect a woman as governor no matter who wins. Thats never happened before. Thats not symbolic. Thats transformational. Thats the arc of history bending, finally, toward equity. The panel is only one piece of a broader program. And to VCUs credit, the commitment to reconciliation is real. But reconciliation must be rooted in honesty. It must reflect the fullness of who we are and who we aspire to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, if I may offer some unsolicited advice to enhance this program: Add current Black leaders to the event. That could include the Black female Lt. Governor, the Black Speaker of the House, or former Black statewide officials. Dont frame their inclusion as an afterthought. Make it clear they are essential to the vision of this event. Emphasize that their leadership represents the future of Virginia. Not just diversity for diversitys sake, but the new center of power, voice, and vision. To honor Brown, we must amplify those carrying the torch forward, not just those who held it in the past. We must widen the circle, deepen the dialogue, and ensure that reconciliation includes truth, representation and responsibility. Reconciliation, after all, is not a moment it is a movement. It calls us to listen across difference, to learn from power and to lift the voices long silenced. We are building a new bridge for Virginia, one strong enough to carry us all. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Good morning! Over the last few months, the president has taken aim at major law firms around the U.S. The president has accused these firms of things like undermining democratic elections, and his EEOC has sent letters spelling out concerns around their DEI practices. Notably, the firms under scrutiny have been at odds with Trump in the past or worked for Democrats. As a result, many firms have agreed to offer free legal services to the president. Nine firms have pledged a total of $940 million in free legal work thus far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But not all the associates at these firms are thrilled with those arrangements. Rachel Cohen, for example, quit Skadden Arps in March after the firm announced it would commit at least $100 million in pro bono legal work for causes the Trump administration supports. I felt the firm was on the wrong side of history, she says. Shes not alone. More than 80 alumni from Skadden sent a letter to the firms executive partner, Jeremy London, calling the firms decision outrageous and self-interested. Some student groups, such as one at Georgetown Law School, are canceling networking events with Skadden over similar concerns. Skadden did not respond to Fortunes requests for comment. Some other law firms targeted by Trump, like Susman Godfrey, are pushing back on the administration. But Cohen tells Fortune shes afraid that not enough are willing to do so, and that the result will be an erosion of the law and the sanctity of the judicial system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like the country is moving towards kangaroo courts, and I'm certainly not going to commit myself to the practice of law as a full-time job until I see how things unfold, she says. Read more about the conflict between Trump and major law firms here. Brit Morse brit.morse@fortune.com This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Afghan children are seen at a refugee camp in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, May 5, 2025. More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) KABUL, May 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. "Among them are women and girls, who face an uncertain future with restrictions on education, jobs and freedom of movement. Any returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified," the UNHCR posted on its X account. Nearly 7 million Afghan refugees, most of whom are undocumented migrants, are currently living abroad, with most living in Iran and Pakistan. The Pakistani government is set to expel 3 million Afghans to their home country in 2025, while Iranian officials have asked undocumented foreign nationals to end their illegal stay and return to their homes. High levels of poverty and unemployment in Afghanistan are driving its citizens to leave the war-ravaged country in search of employment opportunities abroad, particularly in Iran and Pakistan. Returning Afghan refugees are seen at a camp in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, May 5, 2025. More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) An Afghan child is seen at a refugee camp in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, May 5, 2025. More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Returning Afghan refugees are seen at a camp in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, May 5, 2025. More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Afghan children are seen at a refugee camp in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, May 5, 2025. More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Returning Afghan refugees are seen at a camp in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, May 5, 2025. More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) Returning Afghan refugees are seen at a camp in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, May 5, 2025. More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) An Afghan child is seen at a refugee camp in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, May 5, 2025. More than 250,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring Pakistan and Iran in April, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported late Sunday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) It's easy to support endangered species in theory, but doing so in practice may be more difficult. However, they're doing something right in South Africa. According to Mongabay, the status of the wattled crane has been updated from "critically endangered" to "endangered." There are now 250 mature animals, and that population is healthy, stable, and growing. "Today their population has increased to above 250 mature individuals and it is continuing to increase, so it is now listed as Endangered," Christie Craig, a conservation scientist at the International Crane Foundation, told Mongabay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cranes faced a variety of threats, mostly human-made. "The main threat they faced and the cause of their decline in the past is loss and deterioration of wetlands through intensified agriculture, afforestation, dam construction, alien plant infestation and draining," Craig explained. It took several organizations working together to help the wattled crane, per Mongabay. Their efforts included everything from educating people about the cranes and the wetlands to marking power lines so the birds were less likely to fly into them. Seeing animals come back from the brink of extinction is exciting and good for all of us. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, all species are essential to maintain biodiversity. Every species contributes to the overall well-being of the ecosystem it is part of as well as the health of the planet as a whole. And a healthy planet means good access to water, food supply, and more for everyone. Preserving as many species as possible benefits the everyday details of each life on the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to help endangered species, start by working where you are. Learn about endangered species in your area and what is being done to help them. If there's not a way to get involved personally, support the projects financially. Who knows? You might help some species make a comeback like native plants in Hawaii and certain fish in North Carolina did. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The North Kansas City School District held an open house at Winwood Elementary on Sunday so community members could say a final farewell before it closes at the end of the school year. Winnwood Elementary has been open for more than seven decades. Former and current students, staff and community members reminisced and celebrated the schools legacy. Its always bittersweet when we have a school thats been a staple in the community for so long, thats not going to be here, said Winnwood Elementary Principal Aaron Barnett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the new school in Greenway is an unbelievable facility. Many former students and teachers took a final walk through the halls of Winnwood Elementary on Sunday. They flipped through photo albums showcasing the schools seven decades of history and service to the community. Kansas City businesses donate to Graham Hoffman Scholarship Fund It has filled my heart today. Weve had people who were in elementary school here in 1953, the year it opened, and they were able to come. So, people from 1953 to our current families with pre-k, four-year-olds who attend school here at Winnwood. So just hearing their stories and their journey and memories about how the school has changed, Barnett explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a bittersweet moment as the final walkthrough ended, but the farewell to Winnwood marks an exciting new chapter for the North Kansas City School District, as students prepare to transition to a more modern facility in the fall. Its going to provide an unbelievable learning environment for our students. We have outdoor learning spaces. Our library is going to be almost triple the size. This is going to give our students a lot of different types of opportunities for their education, Barnett said. He looks forward to continuing the Winnwood legacy at Greenway Elementary. The underlying thing is just a sense of pride in the community here at Winnwood, and I feel very lucky to be a part of that, Barnett explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We look forward to continuing the Winnwood legacy at Greenway, where we will carry forward the values of community, learning, and growth that have defined Winnwood for generations. Greenway will open this fall, combining students from Winnwood and Lakewood Elementary. Greenway was constructed on the former site of Lakewood. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WRIGHTSTOWN, Wis. (WFRV) Veterans and community members came together Saturday morning to fight hunger, this time, not on the battlefield, but at the donation table. As part of the national VFW Day of Service, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts and Auxiliaries from Wisconsins 8th District launched a district-wide Veterans Against Hunger initiative. The final celebration and food drop-off event was held at Cotter Funeral Home in Wrightstown, marking the end of a multi-week campaign supporting rural food pantries and a local animal rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michelle Leick-Leurquin, VFW Post 2113 surgeon and service officer, said the idea came from a conversation with fellow veteran Randy Hansen. We know that the southern Brown County food pantries dont get a lot of support the bigger area food pantries get, like Green Bay and De Pere, they get the support of Pauls Pantry, she said. We know that they are in need, especially as our area is growing. De Peres Redbird Ribbon Walk unites community for cancer funds Donations were collected at multiple locations, including Community First Credit Union, Dicks Family Foods, and local fire and police departments, which helped organize Fill the Squad Car drives in both De Pere and Wrightstown. Items collected will be distributed to five small food pantries in the area and the newly created Wild and Free Animal Rescue Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leick-Leurquin, a 22-year veteran, said the event gave her a chance to keep serving even after retirement. I still crave the service, she said. The support is huge. It really gives you that warm feeling in your heart knowing that youre able to give back to everybody and continue to serve. Boy Scouts from De Pere Troop 1039 also helped collect and sort food at the final event. I love helping the community, its something Ive always loved doing, said Lucas Beck, an Eagle Scout. For us it gives us service hours but it helps us know that we got to help the community, that we got to impact it just a little bit more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers say they hope the campaign inspires more service-based events in the future, uniting veterans and civilians around a common cause. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. ELM GROVE, Wis. (WFRV) A 25-year-old woman from Wisconsin was arrested after a routine traffic stop revealed five unsecured children in the backseat and marijuana inside the vehicle. The incident happened on May 1 near Bluemound Road and 124th Street in Elm Grove, about 20 minutes west of Milwaukee. Police say the vehicle was pulled over due to a defective headlight and a missing rear license plate, as well as a strong odor of marijuana in the area. Green Bay Metro Fire Department responds to chemical leak at water treatment facility in Allouez, one worker exposed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon approaching the car, officers found five unrestrained children in the backseat and three adult females, including the driver. The smell of marijuana reportedly grew stronger as officers spoke with the driver, who initially gave a false name but was later identified as wDuvall-Wilks. A search of the vehicle revealed a dispensary-style bag containing a green leafy substance, which was later confirmed to be marijuana. Duvall-Wilks admitted to smoking earlier but denied possessing any more marijuana. However, officers found two additional empty dispensary bags. Although she passed field sobriety tests, Duvall-Wilks was arrested for possession of marijuana. After being booked under the false identity she initially provided, fingerprinting confirmed her true identity. Waupun man convicted of reckless homicide in 2023 fentanyl overdose death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say Duvall-Wilks had an active warrant and was already facing several criminal charges in Milwaukee County. She was also in violation of her bond conditions, which prohibited drug possession and committing new crimes. In Waukesha County, Duvall-Wilks now faces the following charges: Possession of THC Up to 6 months in jail, $1,000 fine Resisting or Obstructing an Officer Up to 9 months in jail, $10,000 fine Felony Bail Jumping Up to 6 years in prison, $10,000 fine Misdemeanor Bail Jumping Up to 9 months in jail, $10,000 fine She made her initial court appearance on Friday, where her cash bond was set at $1,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armed suspect dead following officer involved shooting in Wisconsin In a statement, the Elm Grove Police Department said, This case underscores the importance of routine traffic enforcement and how it can uncover ongoing criminal activity. Thank you to our officers for their diligence and commitment to community safety. No further details were released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. In July 1962, 20-year-old Audrey Backeberg went missing from Reedsburg, Wisconsin. The family's babysitter said she and Backeberg hitchhiked to Madison on July 7 before they took a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis, according to her missing person report. The babysitter said she last saw Backeberg walking away from the bus stop, around a corner. Investigators pursued different leads on her whereabouts for years, but the case eventually went cold. That is until Thursday, when the Sauk County Sheriff's Office announced Backeberg had been located "alive and well." Audrey Backeberg. (Wisconsin Department of Justice) Backeberg disappeared of her own volition, with no criminal activity or foul play involved, authorities said. The woman who spent more than 60 years listed as a missing person in Wisconsin is now living in another state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was assigned to a Sauk County detective early this year as part of an ongoing review of all cold case files, Sheriff Chip Meister said in the release. Witnesses were reinterviewed, all evidence was re-evaluated, and new insights were revealed. But the secret to cracking the case was her sister's Ancestry family history profile, Detective Isaac Hanson told WISN-TV of Milwaukee. "That was pretty key in locating death records, census reports, all kinds of data, Hanson told WISN. Ultimately, we came up with an address." Hanson phoned the local sheriff's department and asked someone to stop by at the address he found, WISN reported. Ten minutes later, Backeberg, now in her 80s, gave Hanson a call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An abusive husband may have been a factor in her disappearance, Hanson said, but he promised their conversation would remain private. The sheriff's office also did not disclose what state Backeberg is living in. According to The Chippewa Herald, Backeberg had two children with a former husband, Ronald, who died in 2006. Hanson confirmed to the Herald that Backeberg did remarry and has a new last name that he declined to share. Hanson told the Herald he notified Backeberg's family members, who had mixed emotions but were "elated." She sounded happy, he told WISN. "Confident in her decision. No regrets. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A Wisconsin woman who was missing for over 60 years was discovered to be "alive and well," according to the Sauk County Sheriff's Office. Audrey Backeberg, who was reported missing on July 7, 1962, was found by detectives outside the state of Wisconsin, the Sauk County Sheriff's Office said in a statement shared last week. At the time of her disappearance, Backeberg was residing in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the sheriff's office said. The family's babysitter claimed she and Backeberg -- who was 20 at the time -- hitchhiked to Madison, Wisconsin, and then took a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis. PHOTO: A woman was discovered 'alive and well' after disappearing from her Reedsburg, Wisconsin, home over 60 years ago. (WISN) The babysitter said Backeberg was last seen "walking around the corner away from the bus stop," according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since her disappearance, Backeberg has "never returned home and has not been heard from again," the Wisconsin Department of Justice said in a missing persons poster. MORE: Cold case solved over 50 years after a young mom was killed, her 3-year-old daughter left alive Throughout the years, investigators "pursued numerous leads in an effort to determine Audrey's whereabouts," the sheriff's office said. Despite all efforts, the case "eventually went cold," officials said. But earlier this year, the case was assigned to Sauk County Sheriff's Detective Isaac Hanson, who reevaluated all the case files, evidence and also re-interviewed witnesses. Through Hanson's work, he was able to obtain an address from Backeberg's sister's online ancestry account, he told Milwaukee ABC affiliate WISN. PHOTO: Sauk County Sheriff's Office Detective Isaac Hanson solved the cold case of a Wisconsin woman who had been missing for over 60 years. (WISN) Hanson called officials at the local sheriff's department and asked if they could visit the address, and "10 minutes later, she called me and we talked for 45 minutes," Hanson told WISN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Backeberg is "alive and well" and currently resides outside of the state of Wisconsin, the sheriff's office said. Officials said her disappearance was "by her own choice and not the result of any criminal activity or foul play." MORE: Underwater remains could crack 1983 cold case of missing Chicago-area woman: Police Hanson said Backeberg "had her reasons" for disappearing, but an abusive husband may have played a role in her decision to leave, he told WISN. It is still unclear why Backeberg stayed away for over six decades. "This resolution underscores both the importance of continued work and the dedication of the Sheriff's Office to providing answers to families and the community," officials said. Wisconsin woman found 'alive and well' after being missing for 62 years originally appeared on abcnews.go.com More than 50 residents, advocates and members of the Penobscot Nation gathered in Old Town on May 4, 2025 to protest the expansion of the Juniper Ridge Landfill. (Photo by AnnMarie Hilton/Maine Morning Star) Whenever Ed Spencer sees a forecast for northeasterly wind, he and his wife brace themselves. Often, the winds carry the smell of rotting waste from Juniper Ridge Landfill, which sits less than two miles from their home. The odor is a reminder of the fight Spencer, other environmental advocates, and members of the Penobscot Nation have found themselves in for the past two decades over the landfill that they say is polluting local waterways and causing other harms to environmental and public health without accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why Spencer joined more than 50 others for a rally Sunday afternoon in Old Town to not only voice their concerns about expanding the states largest landfill, but also to ask the lawmakers who represent them in Augusta to back bills that could address the contamination and injustice they feel local communities have endured. Advocates and members of the Penobscot Nation gathered in Old Town to protest Juniper Ridge expansion. (Photo by AnnMarie Hilton/Maine Morning Star) Juniper Ridge, which straddles Old Town and Alton, is owned by the state through the Bureau of General Services, which has an operating contract with NEWSME Landfill Operations, a subsidiary of the waste management company Casella. For Penobscot Nation member Charlene Francis, it was only fitting that the demonstration, which included a traditional water ceremony along the banks of the Penobscot River, took place under relentless rain. Because water is so sacred to the tribe, Francis said Juniper Ridge is a sore spot for her. Locals have argued that there has been insufficient treatment of landfill leachate water that collects chemicals after passing through the waste which runs into the Penobscot River. They are specifically concerned about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS or forever chemicals, which are linked to a number of negative health effects like some cancers, high cholesterol, reproductive and fetal development issues, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Penobscot Nationss reservation at Indian Island, which includes portions of the Penobscot River, is located five miles downstream from the landfill. While Francis said she tries to do her part to address the mounting trash problem by pledging to not buy anything new that isnt a necessity, others are calling on elected officials to do more. Just over half of Maines landfill waste ends up in Juniper Ridge, which is expected to reach capacity in 2028. The state has signaled its support for expanding the facility despite objections from environmental advocates, the local community and the Penobscot Nation. Spencer, who is now part of the grassroots movement Dont Waste ME, which advocates for policies to protect the health of communities at risk of disposal operations, said he was almost forced into the fight against Juniper Ridge when he attended a city council meeting in October 2003. Having lived in the area since 1977, at the time he shared his opposition to opening the landfill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost 20 years later, Spencer said the efforts of his group, the Penobscot Nation and others is reaching a critical mass, in part because of what he sees as progress on the legislative front. Spencer attended a public hearing with the Legislatures Environment and Natural Resources Committee last week about a slate of bills related to the states largest landfill. He also pointed to steps the Government Oversight Committee and the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability have taken to investigate concerns with the landfill. While Spencer and others at the event support some of the proposals on the table this session, including one that would require legislative approval for contracts to operate Juniper Ridge, there is concern about one related proposal that would allow more bulky solid waste to be imported to the states landfills. As Spencer sees it, LD 297 would complicate the definition of what constitutes waste generated in Maine, opening the door for more out-of-state waste that would fill the landfill even faster. Proponents argue this is necessary to bring in more bulky waste to stabilize the sludge that is disposed of at the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternately, hes hoping lawmakers move forward with two proposals from Sen. Mike Tipping (D-Penobscot), whose district covers the area. One bill, LD 1604, seeks to address forever chemicals from landfill leachate entering groundwater and surface waters. A representative from the Department of Environmental Protection said the agency understands peoples desire to address PFAS, but opposed that bill arguing it isnt the best approach. Since the bill would require technically complex and challenging rulemaking, the department said a better alternative would be to wait for the federal Environmental Protection Agency to develop pretreatment guidelines for landfills that discharge leachate. Under Tippings other bill, LD 1349, two-thirds of the Legislature would need to approve future operating contracts or contract renewals for Juniper Ridge, something currently handled by the executive branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, this would be critical to the discussion about expanding and extending the life of the landfill. The environment committee is scheduled to have a work session on the bill Wednesday during which it could vote to recommend the Legislature pass the measure. The Bureau of General Services has not submitted an application to expand the landfill, but Deputy Commissioner Anya Trundy told the Legislature last week that it intends to. Trundy said that building out the landfill to its maximum capacity should allow it to operate until 2040, which would also necessitate extending the contract with Casella so that both line up with the 2040 timeline. Though the Department of Administrative and Financial Services would normally advocate for contracts to go out to bid, Trundy said doing so could sever the indemnification clause in the existing contract. Rather than giving Casella a sweetheart deal, Trundy said continuing the agreement holds them accountable to that clause that would leave them responsible for financial and environmental liability down the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spencer said that argument shows how irresponsible the state was in the first place. He believes involving the Legislature would lead to more responsible decision making in any future contracts for Juniper Ridge. Otherwise, he said, Old Town becomes a sacrifice zone. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE According to recent reports, Texas now boasts 16 top-tier universities, more than any other state. The majority are public institutions, including the University of Texas flagship here in Austin. Our states commitment to state-supported higher education goes all the way back to the Texas Constitution in 1876. Article 7 directs the Legislature to provide for the maintenance, support and direction of a University of the first class to be called The University of Texas. The very first responsibility of this university is the promotion of literature. Senate Bill 37, under consideration in the Texas Legislature, would change our public universities so radically that they would no longer be first-class. A University of Texas student walks down the stairs in front of the UT Tower in 2023. Senate Bill 37 would put certain faculty hiring decisions under the purview of a state governing board of political appointees. Without first-class public universities, Texas cannot be a first-class state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the state Constitution affirms the connection between studying literature and a thriving citizenry, the members of the 89th Legislature apparently feel differently. Under SB 37, hiring for faculty positions in liberal arts, communication, education and social work but no other fields become the responsibility of a state governing board whose members would not necessarily have either disciplinary expertise in the relevant academic subjects or training in college-level teaching and learning. Why does this matter to anyone besides a few professors? To put the question another way, what do we actually do in the liberal arts? Liberal arts does not mean liberal as distinct from conservative. In this context, liberal derives from the Latin word liber, free. Liberal arts are the subjects which befit free people to study, and which enable us to flourish as a free society. The core of the liberal arts is learning to ask good questions and to respond to those questions effectively. Students in liberal arts often explore enduring human issues that can never be resolved once and for all, but that we all wrestle with as members of a pluralistic society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How do I balance my obligations to myself and my family with my responsibilities to larger groups, such as my town, my workplace, and my country? How do I work with people different from me to achieve goals that benefit us all? How do I live my own deeply held values in a way that acknowledges that other people have different values that they believe in equally deeply? None of these questions has one right answer. Yet all of us ask them, often repeatedly, throughout our lives. Students in the liberal arts explore these questions through the subject-area expertise of their professors and by engaging with the variety of perspectives among their fellow students about human experiences that are brought to life in the art and literature of different times and places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such experiences not only characterize a successful college experience, but effective workplaces. Public universities hobbled by SB 37 would not simply violate Article 7 of the Texas Constitution. They would also endanger the Texas economy, to which public universities contribute billions of dollars annually. Knowing how to ask a good question has never been more important than it is now, because of the increasing presence of AI in our lives. The information we get out of AI is only as good as the prompts we give it. Anyone who has used AI knows that it takes time, effort and know-how to create a good question. Fostering transformative learning experiences for the young people of Texas is the most challenging and the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Combining deep subject area expertise with teaching experience in order to grapple with crucial human questions for the benefit of individuals and society is the work of a lifetime. That is what makes a university first-class. Not faculty hired by political appointees, and certainly not SB 37. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deborah Beck is the Christie and Stanley E. Adams, Jr. Centennial Professor in Liberal Arts and professor of classics at the University of Texas. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: State lawmakers want to strangle liberal arts in Texas | Opinion CAIRO, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The current U.S. administration's policies have exacerbated unrest in the Middle East, an Egyptian expert has said. "As an observer of U.S. policy in the region, I have two observations," Ezzat Saad, director of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, told Xinhua in a recent interview. First, he noted, the political rhetoric of the U.S. administration is characterized by a great deal of arrogance, conceit and haughtiness, and it constantly threatens to use force. Second, the U.S. administration in general does not have a clear strategy regarding the Middle East or other issues, he affirmed. Saad pointed out that the Palestinian issue -- a long-standing source of regional tension -- has been particularly mishandled. He noted that U.S. President Donald Trump had said that Gaza could be turned into the Riviera of the Middle East and explicitly declared that the United States intends to seize Gaza. "Naturally, the Arab world and the international community reacted strongly and rejected this approach," Saad said. Saad added that the reality on the ground contradicts such pronouncements, adding that "no neutral observer can claim there has been any progress on any front" during the first 100 days of the current U.S. administration. On the Palestinian issue, Saad said that Israel continues its daily military aggression, while the United States remains determined to sideline multilateral frameworks and strip key United Nations bodies -- such as the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, the UN Human Rights Council and the International Court of Justice -- of their roles. "Trump's irresponsible statements regarding the Gaza file have led to a significant deterioration in this regard and a clear state of instability at the regional level. The United States has become part of the problem, not part of the solution," Saad said. "When examining Israel's position on the ceasefire issue, we find Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that he wants to implement Trump's plan, which proposed displacing the population of Gaza," he stated. He added that the perception of U.S. neutrality, vital for any effective mediation, has been irrevocably undermined. Netanyahu, he noted, declared that the establishment of a Palestinian state is entirely off the table, and, unfortunately, Trump handed him a lifeline by introducing the idea of displacing Palestinians. "The United States has lost all credibility as a party historically viewed as neutral and capable of acting as an honest peace broker," he said. Beyond the Palestinian conflict, Saad also criticized the U.S. administration's handling of the Iranian nuclear issue. He noted that during Trump's first term, the United States withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and adopted a policy of maximum pressure, which "ultimately led to further sanctions on Iran without any justification whatsoever." Saad emphasized a recurring lack of strategic coherence within the U.S. administration, citing internal divisions and an absence of a clear approach to dealing with Iran. He also voiced concern over Washington's reliance on sanctions and threats, asserting that the repeated imposition of sanctions has become a ridiculous policy that has failed to compel Iran to act by U.S. expectations. The consequences of this approach are evident in the region's escalating tensions, Saad said, adding that U.S. policy has worsened the situation in the Middle East due to the administration's failure to pursue de-escalation efforts. Saad also criticized Washington's broader foreign policy stance, noting that the current administration has avoided diplomatic solutions, targeting not only adversaries but also allies with unorthodox positions. He cited Trump's claims about seizing Greenland, the Panama Canal and Canada, emphasizing that such rhetoric reflects a troubling return to colonial-era thinking. LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) An East Tennessee man, Brenton Myers, was seriously injured in a crash last October, resulting in the amputation of both his legs. Now, six months later, he and his wife have reunited with the first responders who helped to save his life that day. October 29th, 2024 was the day that Brenton Myers life changed forever. Like a star up in the sky: Knoxville burger restaurant to close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was just a blessing of God that I survived that, said Myers. On his way to work, Myers collided with a trailer. He was pinned inside his car, and it took first responders more than 90 minutes to free him. After four surgeries and three days in a medically induced coma, Myers woke up grateful to be alive but was faced with the loss of his legs. The surgeons tell me, Yes, you are missing your legs. At that point, it was kind of like everything stopped, explained Myers. With the help of prosthetic legs, Myers is now walking again. The first thing he wanted to do was thank those who saved his life. I got to shake the hand of the men and women that helped me that day. Without them, I wouldnt be here. God had his hands on them and [was] guiding them through whatever needed to be done, said Myers. Those first responders were humbled by Myers perseverance. For me personally, it was humbling to be able to not only take the time to speak with him, but, you know, seeing things that we take for granted in everyday life. This man is walking around, but on two prosthetics. And its just something that everybody takes for granted, said Cody Bengel, a Corporal and PIO with the Loudon County Sheriffs Office. To see how quickly and how hard he had to work just within such a short amount of time to go from being bedridden and broken, to practically independent. Hes about to start getting a modified car so he can get back driving and just get his independence back, added Carissa Johnson a Critical Care Paramedic with Priority Ambulance. Police: Man who tried to rob Greeneville store at large, armed and dangerous Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today Myers is mentoring a young man who lost his left foot, hoping to inspire others just like him. Im here today to tell my story to bring positivity, positivity to other people that are going through the same thing I am. And I want to tell them that there is motivation in life, there is things that you can do, said Myers. Myers shares with 6 News that his wife is his biggest supporter and he now has goals of getting back in his shed and soon returning to hands-on activities that he loves. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. SALLISAW, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA) The man accused of killing three people in Oklahoma attended the first day of a preliminary trial hearing May 5. Stacy Lee Drake appeared in the Sequoyah County Courthouse for a preliminary hearing to determine if a jury trial is necessary. Following a multistate search, Drake was arrested in Morrilton, Arkansas, on June 20, 2024. On May 5, prosecutors first heard testimonies from family members, responding officers and other witnesses related to the murder of Phillip Emerson of El Reno, Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One witness recalls previously meeting Drake, as he regularly attended AA meetings. Drake then went by the alias Chase. The witness said Drake was homeless at the time, and Emerson would allow Drake to shower at his home after the two became friends. TIMELINE: Breaking down Oklahoma double homicide suspects criminal history Shortly before Emerson was found dead, the witness says Drake stopped attending AA meetings. Police discovered Emersons body at his brothers residence, where he was living at the time. The court also heard testimonies from witnesses in the murders of Tara Underwood and Taylor Sharp, who were found dead at LaFerrys Propane in Gans, Oklahoma on June 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Underwoods fiance testified in court that he found her and Sharps bodies inside of LaFerrys Propane. Not guilty pleas entered for Stacy Lee Drake in Sequoyah County double homicide case The court will continue to hear testimonies from witnesses on Tuesday to determine if a jury trial is necessary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) An 18-year-old Youngstown woman is expected to be arraigned later Monday in Mahoning County Area Court on charges she shared a photo of a 17-year-old girl having sex. Read next: 90s WWE wrestler accused of trying to buy child pornography in Tennessee Melanie Neville was booked into the county jail Saturday on a charge of pandering obscenity involving a minor, a second-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said a Fountain Square woman called police on Dec. 4 and said her daughter received a screenshot from Neville showing her daughter having sex with an unknown male, and also a nude photo of the girl. The victim told police Neville sent the photos to three other people, reports said. A warrant was issued April 14 for Nevilles arrest. She was found by Youngstown police Saturday and turned over to township police on the warrant. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO A woman has died after being shot in the head late Sunday afternoon on the citys Near West Side. Chicago police said the shooting happened just before 5:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of South Laflin Street. 19-year-old from Edgewater faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault According to a police, an unknown male suspect approached a female of unknown age, pulled out a gun and fired shots. The victim was shot in the head and taken to Stroger Hospital where she died, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made and area detectives are investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Charges have been filed against a New Jersey driver who hit and killed a woman loading groceries into her car in a store parking lot, authorities said Monday. Englewood resident Andrea Miller, 74, was facing east as she loaded groceries into her car in a parking lot at the Closter Plaza shopping mall at 6:13 p.m. Saturday, Closter Police Capt. Vincent Aiello told the Cresskill-Closter Daily Voice. Just then, 89-year-old Julianna Simor of Allendale, N.J., backed out of a handicapped parking spot outside HomeGoods and kept going, the Daily Voice reported. Traveling south, Simor went backward through the travel lane, jumped a curb and traversed a parking island, then hit Miller, investigators told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seriously injured Miller was rushed to Hackensack Hospital and died on Sunday, Aiello said. Simor was charged on Monday with improper backing, careless driving, reckless driving and unsafe operation as the investigation continues, Aiello told NJ Advance Media. LEBANON, Mo. A woman is in the hospital following a reported incident on Sunday afternoon. Lebanon Police say in a Facebook post, they responded to a call around 12:15 p.m. of a woman sustaining a heavy gunshot wound at the 400 block of North Monroe Street in Lebanon. Christian County man charged for first-degree murder Police say the woman is currently in the hospital and is receiving medical treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also said that they identified Roger Starnes as the suspect of the shooting. Starnes was found dead inside the residence. Lebanon Police say that residents may now return to their homes and the area is now secure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAXLEY, Ga. (WSAV) A woman is facing 16 charges related to a deadly crash on March 31, 2024. Laken Deloach was indicted on April 25, 2025. Her charges include three counts of homicide by vehicle in the first degree, nine counts of serious injury by vehicle, speeding, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and driving under the influence. According to the indictment, this incident caused the death of 25-year-old DeAngelo Adams. Six people were in the car at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adamss mother, Erica Kornegay, shared her reaction to the indictment with WSAV, It was shocking to see that they indicted her on all those charges. Thats one hurdle that we have crossed. But, of course, we got another one to cross. Im trusting and believing in God that we get the justice that we need for my baby. Kornegay said Adams was working in Tennessee and had a bright future ahead of him. She said she will miss his laugh and his smile the most. To know DeAngelo was to love him, she said. He was the life of the party. He lights up the room. Ahmad Clements, Ashton Baxley and Anthony Jackson were also injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clementss legs were rendered useless. Baxleys body was disfigured. Jackson suffered brain injuries that deprived him of the use of his legs, requiring him to relearn to walk. The Appling County Sheriffs Office (ACSO) records stated Deloach was driving recklessly on Ten Mile Road around 1:15 a.m. on March 31, 2024. She was traveling at approximately 95 miles per hour in the posted 55 miles per hour speed zone, according to the indictment. A Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper said the vehicle struck a tree and overturned before coming to a stop in a ditch. Deloachs next day in court is set for June 6, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. A woman who vanished more than six decades ago in Wisconsin has been found and as it turns out, she didnt actually want to be found, authorities say. Audrey Jean Backeberg, 82, went missing on July 7, 1962, from Reedsburg, a small town about 60 miles northwest of Madison, Wisconsin. At the time, she was 20 and another person claimed she and Backeberg hitchhiked to the state capital where they took a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis, Indiana, according to her original missing persons report. Backeberg walked around the corner away from the bus stop, the person told authorities, and hadnt been seen or heard from since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators from the Sauk County Sheriffs Office said they pursued numerous leads trying to find Backeberg for years but despite their efforts, the case went cold. Earlier this year, the sheriffs office put a detective on the case for a fresh set of eyes as part of an ongoing review of cold case files. So paper, by paper, Detective Isaac Hanson took another look at evidence, reinterviewed witnesses and uncovered new insights, the sheriffs office said in a news release. Thanks to an Ancestry.com account that belonged to Backebergs sister, Hanson was able to review death records, census reports and all kinds of data, he told CNN affiliate WISN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the detective found an out-of-state address and asked the local sheriffs office to pay it a visit. They obliged and shortly after the visit, Hanson found himself on the phone with Backeberg for 45 minutes having a conversation he promised to keep private. She had her reasons for leaving, Hanson told WISN. I think she just was removed, and you know, moved on from things and kind of did her own thing and led her life, he added. CNN has reached out to the Sauk County Sheriffs Office for comment. The sheriffs office concluded Backebergs disappearance was her own choice and not the result of any criminal activity or foul play. She sounded happy, confident in her decision, no regrets, Hanson said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CANBERRA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that his government's first priority would be delivering its election promise to cut every Australian's higher education student debt by 20 percent, followed by establishing a federal environmental protection agency and taking action to build more housing. Albanese made the remarks at a press conference at Parliament House after he returned to Canberra following his ruling center-left Labor Party's landslide win in Saturday's general election. He also announced that his first overseas trip in his second term as prime minister would be to Indonesia. Albanese's first bilateral visit as prime minister in 2022 was also to Indonesia, two weeks after that year's election. He said he has also accepted an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the G7 Leaders' Summit in Alberta in June. Albanese said that he has spoken to several world leaders since Saturday's election, including U.S. President Donald Trump earlier on Monday with whom he discussed tariffs. With votes continuing to be counted, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has declared Labor the winner in 85 of the 150 seats that comprise the lower house of the federal parliament and says that Labor candidates are leading the count in another seven seats. A haul of 92 lower house seats for Labor would represent the most won by either major party since the conservative Coalition won 94 seats in 1996 and would mark the third time in Australian history that a party has won more than 90 seats. Labor has also made gains in the 76-seat Senate and is on track to hold at least 27 seats in the upper house, which is traditionally more fragmented than the lower house, up from 24 prior to the election. It means that the Labor government will be able to pass legislation through the upper house with the support of the left-wing Greens -- currently on track to hold 11 Senate seats -- and one independent, and will not need the support of the opposition Coalition. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A farmer in Gratiot County, north of Lansing, found human remains in a cornfield over the weekend, according to a news release from the sheriff. According to the Office of the Sheriff, the farmer called the finding in to authorities shortly before 7:30 Saturday night. The remains were in a field close to Alger Road north of 46 near Alma. The sheriffs office has updated its original statement on the remains to say they are from a woman who was visiting someone at the Alma Hospital on/around February 18th, 2025 and was last seen walking away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators have yet to positively identify the person, but the sheriff says no foul play is suspected at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Two women behind bars in Fulton County Jail sued the state of Georgia on Friday over a recent law that added a cash bail requirement for more crimes, many of them misdemeanors. The lawsuit accuses the state of violating peoples constitutional rights to due process when theyre accused of crimes that require cash bail due to last years Senate Bill 63. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The law, which went into effect in July, requires cash bail for 30 additional crimes, 18 of which are always or often misdemeanors, including failing to appear for a traffic citation if its not their first. Georgia requires cash bail for far more offenses than any other state and has one of the nations highest rates of people in jail or prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia and the Southern Center for Human Rights, which filed the suit on behalf of the two women and a nonprofit group, estimate that tens of thousands of Georgians have and will be subject to the law if a judge doesnt rule it unconstitutional. The law is keeping our jails full, separating people from their jobs, families, and homes, and all but guaranteeing that people leave worse than when they came in, said Lachlan Athanasiou of the Southern Center for Human Rights in a statement. Its difficult to think of a more backwards policy. The lawsuit argues that the law prevents judges from considering whether cash bail is actually needed to ensure that people accused of crimes appear in court or dont pose any public safety risk, which was the original purpose of bail. Republicans who supported the measure have argued that people let out of jail without bail are less likely to show up for court than those who have paid to get out of jail, although national studies contradict that claim. They also said judges could still set low bails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you commit a crime, you have to be accountable for that and show back up to your hearing, said Republican Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch after the lawsuit was filed. TRENDING STORIES: Since the bill was proposed, advocates warned it would hurt low-income and minority groups, who are less likely to have the means to pay cash bail. Those individuals may spend months behind bars awaiting court dates while people charged with the same offense walk free if they can afford to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unwarranted pretrial detention based on a persons inability to pay cash bond is unjust to those presumed innocent, wrongly punishing poverty and harming communities and families, the lawsuit said, adding that it can cause instability in housing, employment and family care. The two women who filed the suit are currently incarcerated inside Georgias Fulton County Jail, which has been the target of a federal probe due to its filthy living quarters and the in-custody death of a man whose body was found covered in insects. Sierrah Coronell was arrested in February on four charges, including drug possession and obstructing a police officer, and cannot afford to pay her $600 cash bond. She missed her daughters 15th birthday and Easter with her five kids. She was their primary caregiver, but now theyre living with their father. Coronell also faces a felony charge of possession of tools for commission of a crime. Diane Holsey worked at Burger King and helped take care of her grandchildren. Since she was arrested in April on two charges, including battery, Holsey has missed out on making money and could lose her job. She cannot afford her $4,000 cash bond or a $400 deposit required by a bondsman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holsey faces a felony charge of abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled or elderly person. Nonprofit Women on the Rise also joined the suit. The organization provides services to women who would otherwise go to jail, but the law keeps many of them detained. The law also limited the number of cash bonds that people or organizations, such as churches or charitable funds, can post to three per year unless they meet the same requirements bail bond companies do. A judge temporarily blocked that part of the law last year after Atlanta-based nonprofit Barred Business Foundation sued, arguing it was unconstitutional. The law, signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, was a reversal on criminal justice reform in Georgia, a priority of his predecessor, Republican Gov. Nathan Deal. Legislation passed almost unanimously in 2018 let judges release most people accused of misdemeanors without bail part of a set of reforms that Deal said would combat unnecessary incarceration, make sure kids grew up with parents in the home and save taxpayer money. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Another erstwhile American ally felt the Trump effect last week in a big way. In an upset similar to Canada's recent election, Australia voted for the incumbent Labor party against the Trump-like right-winger who led the polls in the run-up to Election Day. (In both cases, the conservative candidate even lost his own seat in the parliament.) Germany, too, just a couple of months ago, managed to beat back the far-right AfD party after Elon Musk and JD Vance stuck their noses in the campaign on its behalf. Something is happening among America's allies, and it's a tremendous relief. For some years now, we've seen the MAGA-infused global right gaining a foothold amongst western democracies, largely driven by the same demagogic, nationalist, pseudo-populism that has fueled Donald Trump's dominance on the American right. Some countries like Hungary have served as a sort of experiment for the kind of post-democratic autocracies dreamt of by the modern right wing in which government co-opts, intimidates and de-legitimizes the political opposition to create an authoritarianism that dominates the culture and the politics without a lot of overt violence. But the rise of the far right among the Western allies seems to be stalling out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American right during the Trump years has been dazzled by the possibilities of creating a Christian nationalist/tech-utopia (depending on who you talk to). So they have joined forces to destroy their common enemy: the American constitutional framework, the rule of law and the government safety net, all of which they loosely define as "the left." They managed to win the last presidential election and form a majority in the legislature and are now busily enacting their agenda. It's an ugly, depressing spectacle for all the world to see, but America has no one to blame but itself. However, nobody else in the world signed on for what Donald Trump and his Republican henchmen are up to, and the countries most like us are making that very clear to their leadership. They have to. Whether anyone likes it or not, the U.S. is still the most powerful nation on the planet with massive economic clout, military might and a heavy influence on the global institutions it helped build over the past 80 years. Unfortunately, we have decided to put all that in the hands of an aging, incompetent, narcissistic demagogue, and having inexplicably done it twice, we lost the trust of sane people everywhere. People in other countries have good reason to be hostile to the United States. Our president is a very unbalanced person who is awash in resentment over things that are not true and problems that don't exist. His relationship with the rest of the world is based solely on the idea that everyone is "ripping off" America and taking advantage. He's uneducated about history, so he doesn't realize that it was America that built the system he rails against. We did so to create a stable world order that might prevent another catastrophe like the two horrific wars of the 20th century. That system may be fraying at the edges, and it may be time to create a new system of global security, but what Trump is doing is making everyone unsafe. By threatening to invade sovereign nations, treating foreigners in our country like criminals and seeking to dominate the world economically through his daft tariff scheme, he is making the United States into a pariah nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canadian people were ready to elect a conservative government after 10 years of Liberal Party leadership that had run its course. Incumbents had been thrown out of high office at a record pace ever since the pandemic so it seemed like par for the course. But after Donald Trump took office and decided to treat our closest neighbor, ally and trading partner like an enemy, insisting that the U.S. should annex it and make it into the 51st state, they turned on the Trumpish conservative party and elected the new leader of the Liberals, who promised to resist Trump and his hostile aggression. The Canadian conservatives realized too late that the 2025 Donald Trump model is a dud. It was a very similar story in Australia. They, too, saw what was happening with Trump and decided they wanted someone who would fight Trumpism, not emulate it. Again, the conservatives chose a defective model and the Australian voters made it clear that they didn't want any part of it. Germany voted a little bit earlier and people hadn't yet seen the full effect of Trump and his belligerent attempt to dominate the world economically or his ineptitude in dealing with the Ukraine-Russia war. But they were able to see Trump's animosity toward NATO and they watched as his surrogates JD Vance and Elon Musk each made totally inappropriate forays into the election campaign to endorse the AfD, a far-right neo-fascist party that had been gaining in popularity. The AfD underperformed expectations in the election so the center-right leadership remained in control. Just last week the German Intelligence service designated the party a "far-right extremist organization," which, because of Germany's past experience with the most notorious far-right extremist party in history, carries a heavy legal burden in that country that allows the government to use surveillance powers to keep tabs on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a stunning display of obnoxious presumptuousness, the secretary of state and the vice president of the United States decided they needed to weigh in on that decision: Rubio's post garnered this reply: This is democracy. This decision is the result of a thorough & independent investigation to protect our Constitution & the rule of law. It is independent courts that will have the final say. We have learnt from our history that rightwing extremism needs to be stopped. GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) May 2, 2025 I won't even address the hypocrisy of anyone in the Trump administration lecturing others about democracy and tyranny. My God. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Despite Vance's assertion that the AfD is the most popular party in the country, it's only in one poll that it came in one point on top, and it's important to remember that Germany is a parliamentary system with many parties so it's actually the favorite of only 25% of the population. (Even in the East, only 35% support it.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Germans do not have a problem with what the government did: According to a representative survey conducted by the polling institute INSA for the Bild am Sonntag newspaper this weekend, 61% of Germans agreed with the categorization of the AfD by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) as "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor," with 48% supporting a ban. Thirty-seven percent said they would oppose a ban; 15% said they didn't know. It is horrifying that the Republican establishment is now openly endorsing such a party or weighing in publicly on social media about it at all. Germany is a sovereign country and it has a long and painful history that the American right used to understand but apparently no longer does. The good news is that all around the world, democracies are rejecting Trumpism and vowing to protect their sovereignty. If only America had done the same last November, we'd all be better off. The Orange-Osceola State Attorneys Office is grappling with an $849,000 budget shortfall, and State Attorney Monique Worrell on Monday blamed part of the problem on a misuse of funds by her predecessor. Most of the deficit, Worrell said, comes from the loss of a $500,000 federal grant for victim advocates under the federal Victims of Crimes Act, which had its funding cut by Congress last year. But Worrell also criticized what she called mismanagement by her predecessor Andrew Bain, ranging from hefty exit payouts for top officials to irresponsible financial decisions regarding his own criminal justice initiatives. She said the office will undergo an audit to rectify how it was managed in the past and reveal ways to spend funds more efficiently in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than functioning the way the office has functioned for the last 40 years, what are some efficiencies that we can use? Worrell said. Are there things that we can do better so that we are using every dollar to its best and highest use? Thats what Im after at this point. As the regions top prosecutor, Worrell has in recent weeks trumpeted the need to address her offices funding issues, which she says has led to prosecutors being stretched thin amid rising caseloads. But Mondays press conference was her most detailed description of the deficit she says she inherited following her election victory over Bain, forcing her to go without filling key administrative roles, including a chief of staff and a fulltime public information officer. It is also her clearest rebuke of Bain, who spent 17 months in office after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Worrell in 2023 and appointed him to replace her. The interim administration just compounded that problem and made it worse, Worrell said. But it was it was always a problem and it will continue to be a problem until our circuit is funded at the level that it should be for the number of cases that were processing on an annual basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central to Worrells claims was the nearly $93,000 payout of unused annual leave to outgoing officials ahead of her return. Two of Bains top brass, Chief Assistant State Attorney Ryan Williams and Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Jamie McManus, received a combined amount just over $70,000, according to figures released by Worrells office. Williams and McManus served just 16 months as Bains No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, but 9th circuit policy required them to work two years in the circuit before they qualified for the payout. As for Bains supposed reckless spending, Worrell pointed to a $30,000 debt owed to the University of Central Florida for Bains Turning Pages program, a literacy initiative aimed at youth in the criminal justice system and taught by graduate students. Another $67,000 was said to have been given to The Levitt Group, a consulting firm Worrell said specializes in airport concessions that was paid to offer criminal justice advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Worrell said Bain spent $9,800 on tablet computers from the Figgers Foundation, run by DeSantis donor Freddie Figgers, despite the office staff advising the administration that cheaper tablets of good quality could be purchased on Amazon. Its not clear what the tablets were for. UCF did not respond to a message seeking comment. But Jeremy Levitt, president and CEO for The Levitt Group, called Worrells criticism rubbish, saying airport concessions is but one part of a company that has consulted all over the world. Levitt said he served as Bains senior criminal justice advisor at a heavily discounted rate, consulting on topics like police deescalation training and hate crimes. He said he led a charge for the office to receive a $1 million federal grant to create a hate crimes task force, calling it a damn good return on your money. An assistant for Bain, since picked by DeSantis for a judgeship in Orange County, did not immediately respond to Worrells remarks about his handling of the office. Worrell, however, pledged she is not going to use the resources of this office to investigate my predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This offices primary function isnt investigating crime, its prosecuting it, she said. The State Attorneys Offices finances have been the subject of controversy in recent weeks, centered around a massive backlog of cases with too few prosecutors and support staff to clear them. Floridas attorney general has sent prosecutors to tackle the 13,000-case backlog since the issue was first acknowledged, but Worrell has said thats a temporary fix and implemented a policy limiting the review of so-called non-arrest cases as a way to address it. As of Friday, the additional prosecutors have processed about 100 nonarrest cases since their arrival, though their work has been interrupted by the departure of their supervisor, Statewide Prosecutor Nick Cox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox, who helped forge an assistance pact with Worrell, was recently hired to be chief assistant state attorney in Hillsborough County. For this budget year, theres no getting back on track the damage is already done, Worrell said. What we have done is weve gone to [Justice Administrative Commission] to ask for more authority to spend more money. Thats going to help us get out of this hole, but part of the problem is that we were always underfunded. A woman was charged with DUI over the weekend after state police alleged that she was driving the wrong way on Interstate 91 in Rocky Hill. Troopers received multiple 911 calls on Saturday around 3:23 a.m. reporting a driver in a gray sedan going north in the southbound lanes, according to Connecticut State Police. When troopers responded to the area they found the vehicle, which was now being driven in the correct direction but very slowly between the right lane and the shoulder. State police said they identified the driver as 49-year-old Njinga Ward of Hartford. Ward showed clear signs of impairment, including red glossy eyes, slurred speech and the smell of alcohol coming from her, according to state police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police said Ward agreed to take field sobriety testing, which she allegedly failed. She was taken into custody and charged with reckless driving, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to maintain proper lane on a limited access highway, driving the wrong way on a divided highway, improper entry or exit of a limited access highway, failure to comply with fingerprinting requirements and first-degree reckless endangerment. Ward was later released on a $20,000 bond and was expected to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Monday. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday that she is suing the federal government regarding its withholding of more than $48 million in previously-awarded funding to fight homelessness in the city. Wu, in a statement on Monday, called the federal governments move to withhold the funding unless Boston complies with President Donald Trumps executive orders unlawful. Boston joins seven other jurisdictions in filing the lawsuit in the federal Western District of Washington, including King County, Washington; the city of New York, NY; the city of Columbus, Ohio; the city and county of San Francisco, California and Pierce County and Snohomish County in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Administration is threatening to hold up nearly $48 million for Boston to tackle homelessness unless our City complies with unconstitutional Executive Orders, Wu said. We are joining other cities and counties across the country to protect critical funding to prevent homelessness and house families in need. Boston will not back down on making our city a home for everyone. Bostons lawsuit comes as city officials have been at odds with federal officials over Bostons so-called sanctuary city policies. In March, Border czar Tom Homan said he is fed up with Boston and other Massachusetts communities not complying with federal authorities who are trying to apprehend hard criminals who are in the country illegally. Homan traveled to Boston to oversee a federal law enforcement operation over several days. President Donald Trump and other federal officials have repeatedly reminded recipients of federal funding that they are expected to follow federal law, including on immigration enforcement, or face potential consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 5, Wu was among four Democratic mayors grilled by lawmakers on Capitol Hill regarding so-called sanctuary city policies during a congressional hearing that turned heated at times. To prepare for that Congressional hearing, Wu racked up a six-figure legal bill of up to $650,000 when she hired the services of Cahill Gordon & Reindel, a New York City-based law firm at a rate of $950 an hour, city officials said at the time. At one point during the March 5 hearing, Congressman Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican, asked Wu how much the city spends on services for illegal immigrants. We dont ask about immigration status, Wu replied during the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont ask about how much money the City of Boston has spent on illegal immigration? Are you out of your mind? Do you manage your budget or not, Mayor Wu? Donalds asked. I manage my budget. I have a AAA bond rating, Wu said during the hearing. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu testifies during congressional hearing on March 5, 2025. Wu then said, The City of Boston is sick of having people outside of Boston telling us what to do. In her statement announcing Bostons lawsuit on Monday, Wu said the federal governments actions threaten billions in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Continuum of Care program, the single largest source of federal funding Boston and other cities use to address homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This lawsuit seeks to defend the City from executive overreach and many unlawful and arbitrary conditions being added to the CoC program, Wu said in her statement. The Continuum of Care program supports homeless persons and formerly homeless Boston residents with finding stable housing connected to health care, counseling, and other supportive services, Wu said. The City of Boston works with local nonprofit organizations to help more than 2,000 households experiencing homelessness each year. This includes families, young adults, and veterans, Wu said. "The new requirements from the federal government would force Boston and other cities to make legal promises that conflict with local laws, values, and long-standing efforts to support residents and connect them with stable housing, Wu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These include conditions related to immigration enforcement, health care, DEI, and how cities support transgender and gender-diverse individuals, Wu said in her statement. If Boston agreed to these terms and was later found to be out of compliance based on this federal administrations unfounded and unsupported interpretation of the laws, the City could be forced to pay back all the grant moneyup to three times the original amountleaving thousands of residents without housing support and putting the City in an unnecessary position financially." Each year, the Continuum of Care program funds services in Boston such as permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, rapid re-housing for those exiting homelessness, and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and others in crisis, Wu said. More than 18 nonprofit organizations receive this federal funding annually, including Metro Housing | Boston, Pine Street Inn, HomeStart, and Casa Myrna, city officials said. These groups employ more than 125 people with this support. We cannot allow the federal government to abdicate our collective responsibility to provide housing for our homeless and neediest residents, including veterans and those struggling with mental health issues, Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said in a statement. Boston will continue to fight for critical funding to care for our residents and will protect their basic rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu is seeking reelection as mayor this fall, and she will have to contend with at least one challenger: Josh Kraft, the son of a wealthy family who has worked for decades in the citys community service and philanthropic circles. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Chinese society has an incredibly high capacity for pain, Yasheng Huang of the MIT Sloan School of Management told the Wall Street Journal last month. And because Chinas people can supposedly eat bitterness, the phrase commonly used to describe the countrys capacity to endure hardship, we are told that Chinese leaders have the luxury of looking past temporary adversity to think long term. Yes, both those notions were once true and both are accepted wisdom. But, no, they are no longer correct. In fact, Chinas society today is among the least resilient anywhere. Even before Donald Trump took the oath of office in January, the Chinese people were showing signs of disillusionment, despair, and anger. Now, with their economy probably contracting and their country caught up in a tense trade war, Chinese society is beginning to come under new stress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regime certainly appears to be on edge, looking desperately to the past for ways to keep the population on side. On April 9, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted a Korean War-era video of Mao Zedong. No matter how long this war is going to last, well never yield, Mao said in the clip from 1953. We will fight until we completely triumph. Then on April 28, Beijing Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Partys Beijing Municipal Committee, published an article titled Today, It Is Necessary to Revisit On Protracted War. On Protracted War is a series of lectures Mao delivered in 1938 calling for the unity of the Chinese people in their struggle to defeat the invaders from Imperial Japan. Chinas regime has good reason to be worried about the mood of the Chinese people. The warning signs were plain to see. Due to the extraordinary Covid lockdowns and the subsequent failure of the economy to recover, people began withdrawing from society in large numbers. For many Chinese, it was the first time they had ever experienced a downturn. The last officially recognised recession had occurred in 1976. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lying flat, Buddha whatever, Kong Yijiism, involution China today has so many memes for opting out, wrote the University of Pennsylvanias Victor Mair in his July 2023 Language Log posting titled The Growing Supinity of Chinese Youth. Since then, young Chinese have also been retiring by leaving cities and taking up farming. Pessimism even nihilism accounts for the large number of Chinese people leaving their country for good and for the precipitous drop in birth rates. According to one estimate, Chinas total fertility rate last year was just 1.03, well below the replacement rate of 2.1. In this country, to love your child is to never let him be born in the first place, read a comment posted on a Chinese site in 2023. Young Chinese, who refuse to have children, are calling themselves the last generation. Many argue that the Communist Partys sophisticated social controls can keep the populace in line indefinitely, but the price of severe repression is volatility. The Chinese population, who most of the time have accepted repression, have periodically and unexpectedly exploded. Beginning in October 2022, for instance, large numbers of workers suddenly fled a Chinese manufacturing complex making iPhones in Zhengzhou, in central China. That incident was followed by spontaneous protests across the country. In November, chants of Step down, Xi Jinping were heard on the streets of Shanghai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, the demonstrations died down, but the people of the Peoples Republic have a greater willingness to protest than is sometimes imagined. The Communist Party, as a result, feels insecure. Thats especially true now as Trumps tariffs have hit Chinese workers hard. The US, after counting rerouted goods, takes almost 21 per cent of Chinas exports. Export-oriented factories are reported to be closing and worker protests are said to have become common across the country. The regime fears mass protests because the Chinese people, even in calm times, have a history of acting in concert. Last June, four female college students in Zhengzhou decided to take an overnight 50-km bike ride to Kaifeng for soup dumplings. The craze caught on, and in November tens of thousands were making the overnight treks. Authorities tried to limit the number of riders, and there were even reports that colleges and universities were restricting students from congregating and participating, but to little avail. Meanwhile, Xi Jinpings grip on the Communist Party may be weakening. Xis hatchet man in the military, General He Weidong, has not been seen in public since early March, and may have been sacked. Other indications suggest that Xi is no longer in full control of the military, having lost influence to General Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Partys Central Military Commission and Chinas number one uniformed officer. There are also signs that Xi is facing stiff opposition in the senior civilian ranks of the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas president must be thinking short-term these days. He has effectively junked the rules guiding succession, and by grabbing power from everyone else he has ended up with near-total responsibility for everything. Because he is being blamed for what has been going wrong for the last several years, Xi, as a practical matter, effectively faces an election every day. Chinas Communist elite presides over a decaying regime, Charles Burton of the Sinopsis think tank told me last week. Xi Jinpings imposition of a neo-Stalinist programme of ever-tightening repression and reversion to full-state control of the national economy has led to economic stagnation, social malaise, and greater regime fragility. For Xi Jinping, there is no long term. Gordon G Chang is the author of Plan Red: Chinas Project to Destroy America and The Coming Collapse of China. Follow him on X @GordonGChang 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. In the first 100 days of his second term, U.S. President Donald Trump has shown a willingness to lean on airpower when his administration decides that military force is necessary abroad. So far, the second Trump administration has launched limited airstrikes in Somalia and carried out a weekslong air campaign against the Iranian-aligned Houthis who rule most of Yemen. The president has also threatened direct strikes against Iran itself should talks on a new nuclear deal collapse. This turn to airpower for Trump makes sense to me. Airpower is cheap when compared with ground wars, and it usually comes with fewer casualties for those conducting the strikes. This helps explain why U.S. leaders, including Trump as a self-proclaimed anti-war president, typically find it attractive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if the Trump administration is not careful, it could fall into what military strategists informally call the airpower trap. This happens when the stated objectives of military force are too big for airpower alone to achieve, potentially leading to a face-saving escalation of conflict that could if history is a guide draw in ground forces from the U.S. or their local allies. U.S. presidents such as Lyndon Johnson, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all fell into this trap. In Vietnam, the Balkans and Syria, respectively, all ended up with far bigger wars than they bargained for, with consequences for civilian casualties, international peace and damage to Americas reputation abroad. As an expert on U.S. national security policy and the Middle East region, I believe the Trump administration is in danger of falling into the airpower trap in Yemen and could potentially do the same in Iran should it elect to use direct force against Tehran. Recognizing this military and historical risk, and opting for some kind of off ramp from continued airstrikes, might be the best hope the U.S. government has to avoid a further escalation into full-scale war. The limits of air bombardment Research shows airpower is most effective when its used for limited objectives things like taking out leaders of terrorist groups or degrading rival capabilities or in support of ground operations for more ambitious ends, like bolstering or overturning governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the sophistication of U.S. airpower, a common fallacy among American strategists in particular is to think big strategic gains can be achieved solely by dropping bombs from above. But when airpower alone fails, leaders can feel the pressure to expand the scope of conflict and end up with bigger military commitments than expected. Johnsons initial airpower-only strategy for attempting to stop communism in South Vietnam failed miserably, leading to his decision to commit half a million U.S. troops into war. That expanded conflict presaged years of war, with massive humanitarian and political consequences for people in Southeast Asia and America, as well as lasting reputational damage to the U.S. Yemenis carry the coffins of civilians killed in U.S. airstrikes while participating in their funeral procession on May 1, 2025, in Sanaa, Yemen. Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images Worried about U.S. and NATO credibility, Clinton escalated airstrikes nearly to the point of introducing ground troops for the ambitious end of stopping genocide in the Balkans during the early 1990s. Likewise, Obamas initial airpower-only strategy to degrade and destroy the Islamic State group quickly faltered, leading Obama, under intense pressure at home and abroad, to introduce thousands of ground troops to combat the groups territorial gains across Syria and Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In each case, relying on airpower alone ultimately failed to meet their objectives. The airpower trap in Yemen There are reasons to believe that conditions in Yemen mean that Trump, too, could be falling into a similar trap. Trump has adopted an airpower-only strategy to completely annihilate the Houthis, a powerful rebel movement that all but won the recent Yemeni civil war. The proximate cause of the air campaign, a policy inaugurated by the Biden administration and expanded dramatically by Trump, is to restore the free flow of shipping in the Red Sea that the Houthis have disrupted by force to protest Israels ongoing war in Gaza. The early signs are that this air campaign isnt going well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the U.S. burning through finite munitions supplies at a cost of US$1 billion to bomb at least 800 sites since March 15, the Houthis are undeterred and the volume of Red Sea shipping remains as depressed as ever. Houthi attacks on U.S. ships and Israel continue. A Houthi missile narrowly missed Israels Ben-Gurion airport on May 4. In fact, the direct attacks on the Houthis and the rapidly growing casualty count among Yemeni civilians from the Trump administrations bombing campaign appear to be strengthening the Houthis political position in Yemen. In a particularly shocking case, U.S. bombs reportedly hit an African migrant camp, killing and injuring dozens of people. The humanitarian crisis from the brutal bombing campaign by the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis in the late 2010s had a similar effect. Airpower played a big part then, too. The Saudi coalition, supported by the U.S., engaged in some 25,000 air raids against the Houthis, killing or maiming approximately 19,000 civilians. Yet despite such overwhelming force, the Houthis kept seizing territory and eventually won the civil war, according to experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have been the countrys de facto rulers ever since. Now, Trump is exploring options to further escalate to defeat the Houthis. Reports indicate his administration is considering arming, training and enabling anti-Houthi resistance fighters who are loosely affiliated with Yemens government in exile to launch ground operations. Between diplomacy and quagmire Proxies are a common tool U.S. leaders turn to when caught in the airpower trap. Sometimes those proxies fulfill American policy objectives, such as the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, which helped the U.S. defeat the Islamic state caliphate in 2019. A U.S. Air Force F-5 Skoshi Tiger drops three general purpose bombs on Vietnam on Feb. 28, 1966. Photo by Underwood Archives/Getty Images Often, U.S. proxies fail on both strategic and humanitarian terms, leading to further escalation, strategic quagmires for the U.S., and loss of life and political sovereignty for the people under attack. South Vietnam was an instructive example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riven by corruption, poor governance, weakness and political infighting, the South Vietnamese army and government proved so ineffective at fighting the North Vietnamese that Johnson decided to launch a ground war once U.S. airpower failed. Today, the anti-Houthi resistance in Yemen looks a lot more like the South Vietnamese government than the Kurdish YPG. According to a 2025 report from the Soufan Center, a security think tank, the anti-Houthi forces are poorly trained and considered incapable of pulling off victories over the Houthis without major U.S. support. Meanwhile, the anti-Houthi resistance consists of an estimated 85,000 fighters, compared with some 350,000 for the Houthis. Absent continuing the air war or escalating it into a more all-encompassing conflict, U.S. officials can still pursue diplomacy in order to try to find a political solution to the Yemen conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the Trumps administration public threats, the U.S. is already negotiating with the Houthis main sponsor, Iran. For their part, the Houthis continue to insist that they will stop attacking ships in the Red Sea if the U.S.-backed Israeli war in Gaza halts, something that happened during the recent Gaza ceasefire. The Trump administration might consider seeking alternatives, such as direct or indirect talks, if it wants to avoid getting stuck in a widening conflict in Yemen. History is full of examples of what happens when airpower takes on a logic of its own. 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: Charles Walldorf, Wake Forest University Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Charles Walldorf is a Senior Fellow at the think tank Defense Priorities. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) faced angry attendees at his town hall in the Hudson Valley on Sunday. About 600 constituents bombarded him with questions and jeers while more protested outside, and multiple attendees were asked to leave or forcibly removed from the venue. Lawler, one of many Republicans to be met with hostile town hall crowds as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have dismantled the federal government, represents a swing district that will be contested in 2026. Republican lawmakers across the country have been met with jeers and heckling at public events since Trump took office. In March, party leadership leadership told House representatives to avoid in-person town halls entirely. Just over a month later, a man was tased at a highly contentious town hall hosted by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.). Republicans are under scrutiny as polling has shown that Trump is increasingly unpopular, as are Musks actions as the head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Two recent polls found that Trumps approval rating has plummeted to below 40 percent, and some conservatives are starting to worry about the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendees at the Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School in Somers, New York, asked Lawler about massive cuts to the federal government carried out by Trump and Musk, as well the presidents tariff and immigration policies. Lawler said he planned to meet with DOGE today, to which the audience jeered. Bipartisan sounds nice, but meaningful bipartisanship is in votes taken, not in the fig leaf of co-sponsored bills, Cortlandt Manor resident David Weinberger said at the event. Now is your time to stand up to the authoritarian Trump regime. Bipartisanship is a two-way street, Lawler said. Its not just Republicans acquiescing Democrats. There has to be a give-and-take on these issues. Emily Feiner of Nyack was forcibly removed by New York State Police. Im not leaving, she said. You are taking on an old Jewish woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police officer lifted her out of her seat by her armpits. She held up peace signs as two police officers carried her away. The audience chanted Let her stay! and Shame! Shame! Shame! and stood up and booed as she was removed. The attendee was asked to leave after repeatedly engaging in abusive and combative behavior with staff, and disrupting nearby attendees, Lawler spokesperson Ciro Riccardi told The Hill. She was escorted from the auditorium when she continually refused to comply with New York state troopers. I got called on. I asked a question. The question was: What was his red line? What would it take in terms of unconstitutional actions that the Trump administration was doing for him to finally exercise his oversight role and call for an end? Feiner told Salon. And he didnt answer my question. He talked about appropriations. So I was frustrated, and I did call out, Answer my question, answer my question. And then the next person, he didnt answer their question either. Jennifer Cabrera, chair of the Westchester-Putnam Working Families Party, filmed Feiners removal. She was also asked to leave, according to the Working Families Party. Video shows a second person being carried out as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unsurprisingly, the town hall did not garner constituents support. I have no hopes for this guy, retiree Jeanette Spoor said of Lawler, according to The Associated Press. She had wanted to ask the lawmaker about the future of Social Security and Medicaid but didnt get the chance. About 80 people, led by Rockland County legislator Beth Davidson and Christine Robbins, chair of the Somers Democratic Party, protested outside of the school, holding up signs that read Lawler Lies, Democracy Dies and A Trumpster Fire. Lawler was met with a disruptive crowd of about 700 people in late April in Clarkstown, New York. That time, constituents laughed at him when he said the country is strong and united, and several people were reportedly forced to leave. Lawler has not decided whether he will run again next year. Republican leaders have been trying to persuade him not to run for governor, NBC News reported, because they want him to try to hold on to his swing district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would prefer he not run for governor, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, told NBC News. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is also considering running for governor. As I have said throughout this process, I will make my decision as to whether to run for governor in June, Lawler told NBC News. That decision, which will be based on a number of factors and considerations, will be mine alone to make and will not be impacted by the decisions or desires of any of my colleagues. Trump is well aware that Republicans are having a hard time at town halls because of his policies. He posted on Truth Social that disruptors at these events should be removed. These Great Patriot Politicians should not treat them nicely. Have them immediately ejected from the room They are disruptors and troublemakers, the president wrote. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SOMERS, N.Y. (AP) Voters in U.S. Rep. Mike Lawlers suburban New York swing district heaped criticism on the Republican during a raucous town hall Sunday night, peppering him with questions around President Donald Trumps aggressive agenda before devolving into a chaotic chorus of boos as attendees were removed by law enforcement. The town hall in Somers, a leafy section of Lawlers Hudson Valley district, began to teeter off the rails soon after it began. The first crack emerged when Lawler, in his opening remarks, told the packed prep school auditorium: This is what democracy looks like." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laughter crept through the crowd. A little while later, the congressman's mention of federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. drew loud jeers. So you want, for instance, petroleum-based dyes to continue? Lawler asked in response. Republicans, in some instances, have made themselves scarce in their home districts following President Donald Trumps first few months in office, as party leadership expresses wariness of viral blowback against Republicans in vulnerable seats. Lawler, a moderate who last year won a second term and has openly expressed interest in running for governor, has instead sought to put himself in front of voters, holding a previous town hall late last month and planning more in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Lawlers staff required people to RSVP and set up a series of ground rules, including that attendees live in the district, not record at the event, refrain from shouting or standing, and be respectful of one another, of staff, and of the Congressman, a sign at the door read. At one point, as Lawler was responding to a question about tariffs, law enforcement began to surround a woman in the upper stretch of the auditorium. The crowd chanted let her stay, let her stay" before law enforcement picked her up and carried her out. It was unclear what exactly led to her removal. Shame! Shame! Shame!, the audience yelled. Lawler tried to get back on track: Folks, tariffs are way more complicated than you want to make them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd groaned. Folks, enough!, Lawler said above the din. Soon after, another person was removed. Then another. In the audience, Jeanette Spoor, a 74-year-old retiree, said she wanted to ask Lawler about the future of Social Security and Medicaid but wasn't called on during the nearly two hour event. Youre not helping your constituents if youre making it hard for them to get help, she said in an interview. She added, I have no hopes for this guy." Another attendee, Kristi Thompson, 52, said she was bothered by what she said were Lawler's long-winded answers that didn't address the substance of the crowd's questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claims to be available to constituents but he isn't, she said. The crowd walked out during the final question of the night, which was about protests against Israel. Lawler began to answer, but cut himself off as the room emptied out. I appreciate everybody coming out tonight and taking the time to ask your questions and hear my answers, whether you liked them or not, or agreed with them or not, or whether you really actually wanted to listen to them or not, but I very much appreciate you participating, he said as attendees exited. TEHRAN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Monday rejected accusations by U.S. and Israeli officials of its involvement in attacks on Israel by the Houthis in Yemen. In a statement released early Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry described the repetition of such "baseless" claims as an "affront to the powerful but oppressed" Yemeni nation. The statement highlighted Iran's position on the necessity to respect countries' territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and condemned the U.S. military attacks on Yemen as a "flagrant violation" of the UN Charter and international law. The statement was released after the Houthi group announced a comprehensive air blockade on Israel "in response to its decision to expand its aggression against Gaza." Earlier in the day, the group claimed responsibility for a missile attack that hit a driveway leading to the main terminal of Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main international airport. The Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks on Israel in recent weeks amid renewed U.S. airstrikes on their posts in Yemen. The group has been targeting Israel since November 2023 in what they describe as an act of solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza. NEW YORK The New York Times won four Pulitzer Prizes and the New Yorker three on Monday for journalism in 2024 that touched on topics like the fentanyl crisis, the U.S. military and last summers assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. The Pulitzers prestigious public service medal went to ProPublica for the second straight year. Kavitha Surana, Lizzie Presser, Cassandra Jaramillo and Stacy Kranitz were honored for reporting on pregnant women who died after doctors delayed urgent care in states with strict abortion laws. The Washington Post won for urgent and illuminating breaking news coverage of the Trump assassination attempt. The Pulitzers honored Ann Telnaes, who quit the Post in January after the news outlet refused to run her editorial cartoon lampooning tech chiefs including Post owner Jeff Bezos cozying up to Trump. The Pulitzers praised her fearlessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pulitzers honored the best in journalism from 2024 in 15 categories, along with eight arts categories including books, music and theater. The public service winner receives a gold medal. All other winners receive $15,000. The New York Times showed its breadth with awards honoring reporting from Afghanistan, Sudan, Baltimore and Butler, Pennsylvania. Doug Mills won in breaking news photography for his pictures of the Trump assassination attempt, including one that captured a bullet in the air near the GOP candidate. The Times Azam Ahmed and Christina Goldbaum and contributing writer Matthieu Aikins won an explanatory reporting prize for examining U.S. policy failures in Afghanistan. Declan Walsh and the Times staff won for an investigation into the Sudan conflict. Alissa Zhu, Nick Thieme and Jessica Gallagher won in local reporting, an award shared by the Times and The Baltimore Banner, for reporting on that citys fentanyl crisis and its disproportionate affect on black men. The Banner created a statistical model shared with other newsrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters won for its own investigative series on fentanyl, showing how lax regulation both inside and outside the United States makes the drug inexpensive and widely available. inewsource.org in San Diego was a finalist in the illustrated reporting and commentary category for its stories on fentanyl. The New Yorkers Mosab Abu Toha won for his commentaries on Gaza. The magazine also won for its In the Dark podcast about the killing of Iraqi civilians by the U.S. military and in feature photography for Moises Samans pictures of the Sednaya prison in Syria. The Wall Street Journal won a Pulitzer for its reporting on Elon Musk, including his turn to conservative politics, his use of legal and illegal drugs and his private conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Pulitzer board said. The Journal was also a finalist for its cool-headed reporting on the plight of Evan Gershkovich, who was imprisoned in Russia. The Pulitzers also gave a special citation to the late Chuck Stone for his work covering the civil rights movement. The pioneering journalist was the first Black columnist at the Philadelphia Daily News and founded the National Association of Black Journalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Warren of Esquire won the feature writing prize for his portrait of a Baptist pastor and small-town mayor who died by suicide after his secret online life was exposed by a right-wing news site. Alexandra Lange, a contributing writer for Bloomberg CityLab won an award in criticism for graceful and genre-expanding writing about public spaces for families. The Houston Chronicle's Raj Mankad, Sharon Steinmann, Lisa Falkenberg and Leah Binkovitz won the Pulitzer in editorial writing for its series on dangerous train crossings. In the arts categories, Percival Everetts novel James, his radical re-imagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved title character, won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Purpose, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins drawing-room drama about an accomplished Black family destroying itself from within, won for drama. It also earned six Tony Award nominations last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everetts Pulitzer confirmed the million-selling James as the most celebrated and popular U.S. literary novel of 2024, and accelerated the 68-year-old authors remarkable rise after decades of being little known to the general public. Since 2021, he has won the PEN/Jean Stein Award for Dr. No, was a Pulitzer finalist for Telephone and on the Booker shortlist for The Trees. Before Monday, James already had won the National Book Award, the Kirkus Prize and the Carnegie Medal for fiction. His racial and publishing satire Erasure, released in 2001, was adapted into the Oscar-nominated 2023 film American Fiction. Purpose was praised in its citation as a skillful blend of drama and comedy that probes how different generations define heritage. Jacobs-Jenkins had been twice nominated for a drama Pulitzer, for Everybody in 2018 and Gloria in 2016. He won the Tony Award for best play revival last year for Appropriate, a work centered on a family reunion in Arkansas where everyone has competing motivations and grievances. Also Monday, Pulitzer officials announced that Jason Roberts won the biography award for Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life and Benjamin Nathans To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement had been cited for general nonfiction. Two books were announced as history winners, both of them, like James and Purpose, explorations of race in U.S. history and culture: Edda L. Fields-Blacks Combee: Harriet Tubman, The Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the Civil War and Kathleen DuVals Native Nations: A Millennium in North America. Marie Howes New and Selected Poems won for poetry, and composer-percussionist Susie Ibarras Sky Islands, an eight-piece ensemble inspired by the rainforest habitats of Luzon, Philippines, was awarded the Pulitzer for music. The Pulitzers were announced at a time when the National Endowment for the Arts, which has provided support for thousands of writers and literary organizations, was cutting back funding and pushing staff members to leave. Howe and Everett are both past recipients of NEA creative writing fellowships. More help available when Indigenous people go missing in WA, but challenges persist The video screenshot shows fire and smoke rising from a cement factory after an airstrike in Hodeidah province, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. (Xinhua) SANAA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. The strikes caused significant damage to infrastructure, including a port, airport, and factories, escalating regional tensions a day after the militant group claimed a missile attack near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, which resulted in eight injuries. Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV reported 48 airstrikes targeted the Red Sea province, striking the port city of Hodeidah, its airport, a cement factory, and military sites northeast of the city. Health officials linked to the Houthis said the casualties included workers at the factory and residents in the adjacent Bajil district. Local residents told Xinhua that the strikes severely damaged infrastructure at the port, including cargo-handling facilities, and several private factories were also hit. Plumes of smoke were seen rising over the city, and residents described the attack as paralyzing daily life. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, saying approximately 20 warplanes struck Houthi targets along Yemen's western coast using 50 precision-guided munitions. The targets, the IDF said, included what it called the "infrastructure of the Houthi terror regime." The mission was conducted about 1,700 km from Israel. The Houthi group claimed the attacks on Hodeidah were carried out jointly by the United States and Israel. The IDF statement made no mention of U.S. involvement. The IDF said the strikes were "in response to repeated assaults by the Houthi regime against the State of Israel," referencing recent missile and drone attacks. The strikes on Hodeidah directly impacted the port, which serves as a critical lifeline for goods, medicine, and fuel to millions of people living in Houthi-controlled areas. These attacks threaten to further disrupt the already fragile humanitarian situation in Yemen. Separately, Al-Masirah and local sources reported at least 20 U.S. airstrikes on Monday targeting Houthi-controlled sites in the capital Sanaa, as well as in the northern provinces of Marib and Al-Jawf. There was no immediate comment from U.S. Central Command. The escalation follows a Houthi-claimed missile strike on Sunday near Ben Gurion Airport, outside Tel Aviv. Eight people were wounded, and airport operations were briefly halted. Israeli officials acknowledged that missile defense systems had failed to intercept the projectile despite multiple attempts. The Houthis said the strike was retaliation for Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged a forceful response, including against what he called the group's backers in Iran. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen including Sanaa and Hodeidah, have repeatedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel and Red Sea shipping lanes in recent months. They say the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians and will continue until Israel ends its offensive in Gaza and allows unfettered humanitarian access. The video screenshot shows fire and smoke rising from a cement factory after an airstrike in Hodeidah province, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. (Xinhua) The video screenshot shows fire and smoke rising from a cement factory after an airstrike in Hodeidah province, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. (Xinhua) This photo released on May 5, 2025 shows an Israeli fighter jet taking off at an unidentified location to conduct airstrikes on targets in Yemen. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. The strikes caused significant damage to infrastructure, including a port, airport, and factories, escalating regional tensions a day after the militant group claimed a missile attack near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, which resulted in eight injuries. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua) This photo released on May 5, 2025 shows an Israeli fighter jet flying toward Yemen on an airstrike mission. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. The strikes caused significant damage to infrastructure, including a port, airport, and factories, escalating regional tensions a day after the militant group claimed a missile attack near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, which resulted in eight injuries. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua) The video screenshot shows the fire erupting from a cement factory after Israeli airstrikes in Hodeidah, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. (Houthi media center/Handout via Xinhua) The video screenshot shows firefighters extinguishing the fire from a cement factory after Israeli airstrikes in Hodeidah, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. (Houthi media center/Handout via Xinhua) The video screenshot shows medical workers standing by at a cement factory after Israeli airstrikes in Hodeidah, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. (Houthi media center/Handout via Xinhua) The video screenshot shows fire erupting from a cement factory after Israeli airstrikes in Hodeidah, Yemen, on May 5, 2025. Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group. (Houthi media center/Handout via Xinhua) May 1 is a celebration of the work of 25,000 people who operate Budapest's frontline services, Gergely Karacsony, the mayor of Budapest said. "Budapest would not be the engine of Hungary's economy without them," he added. "They looked after us during the pandemic, welcomed, helped and supported people fleeing from Ukraine, and protected our city during last autumn's floods," he said on social media. This work should not just be celebrated but appreciated, too, he said. The mayor said Budapest had been "bled to the limit" but would "fight for its workers". A deal with unions was reached last December on a wage increase, improved working conditions, free health screening programs, and housing support for those working in Budapest's frontline services, he noted. More could be done were it not for the central government "confiscating" the municipality's tax revenues, he added. As it is, he said, the real value of wages would be preserved both this year and in the following two years. Source: MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. HARARE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A total of 61,139 tourists visited the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, marking an increase compared to the same period last year, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) said Monday. ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said in a statement that the increase was largely attributed to a noticeable rise in international arrivals, which reached 47,633 in 2025, up from 44,110 in 2024 during the same period. In contrast, domestic tourism has experienced a slight decline. "Key source markets driving international interest in Victoria Falls include Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany, largely due to the availability of dedicated tour packages," said Farawo, adding that South Africa continues to be the largest source of visitors, followed closely by Botswana. "Enhanced accessibility through the expansion of Victoria Falls International Airport, along with the introduction of new flight routes, including direct flights from Frankfurt, has further facilitated the growing interest among German tourists," he said. "The implementation of the KAZA UniVisa, which simplifies cross-border travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia, has also played a role in encouraging visitors to explore both sides of the falls, offering a more seamless travel experience for tourists from many countries," Farawo added. Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the world's largest waterfalls, renowned for its rich biodiversity in flora and fauna. On 12 - 13 September. What started as a 'crazy' idea in 2021 - four friends walking non-stop for 24 hours in Amsterdam to raise funds against climate change - has blossomed into a global movement. Now, 24 The Planet is making its mark in cities like Amsterdam, New York, London, Munich, Prague, and for the second time, Budapest. The mission is simple yet impactful: participants walk continuously for 24 hours in a park to raise funds and awareness for the battle against global climate change. All proceeds go to Justdiggit, an NGO dedicated to regreening dry and degraded land in Africa to cool down the planet. This year, the 24 The Planet Walk returns to Budapests Varosliget on September 1213, 2025, from 4 PM to 4 PM. The event is organized by four enthusiastic locals - Thijmen Meijer, Eniko Toth, Eszter Nagy, and Lili Gyor - who are eager to welcome both expats and locals to this unique experience. Participants are encouraged to commit to the full 24 hours (yes, really!), but dont worry- its not a race. In between walks, therell be mini events to keep everyone energized and connected: think shared meals, coffee breaks, quizzes, yoga, mini challenges, a costume party, and more. 24 The Planet is not a race; walkers determine their own pace. Our slowest walker covered 52 KM, while our fastest walker completed 116 KM. The commitment is to walk for 24 hours, with short breaks permitted. Last year, the Budapest team raised almost 8,000, and this year theyre dreaming even bigger. Whether youre new in town or just up for a joyful challenge, this is your chance to walk with purpose - and have a blast doing it. Join the movement now! You can find here the aftermovie of 2024 and feel to contact us at planet24@meijerandco.com. The average price of newly built homes in Budapest has soared over the past year, fuelled by tightening supply and strong demand, real estate brokerage Duna House says in its latest report. Prices in the capital rose unevenly, with the steepest increase, 56%, recorded in the Second District, followed by increases of 51% in the 18th District and 40% in the Seventh. The cheapest newly built homes are found in the 15th and 20th Districts, at an average of Ft 1 million per square metre. At the more expensive end, homes in the Second District now command over Ft 3.4 million per square metre. Premium inner-city areas such as Districts I, V and XII also saw average prices exceed Ft 2 million. For investors, Districts VIII, IX and XIII stand out thanks to stable rental demand and growth potential, according to the report. Duna House forecasts a 3-7% increase in prices during the second half of 2025, particularly in outlying districts and the suburbs. Duna House AGM approves Ft 750mn dividend Shareholders of BSE-listed real estate broker Duna House agreed to pay Ft 750 million in dividends to ordinary shareholders, equating to Ft 21.81 per share, and a further Ft 124 million to holders of employee shares, at Wednesdays annual general meeting. The AGM resolution states that the board is entitled to decide on the payment of dividends in several instalments. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to shift to semi-annual dividend payouts to provide investors with more predictable and regular returns, part of a broader strategy to strengthen long-term confidence and financial planning. The quorum approved the financial reports of the company. Duna House booked Ft 2.9 billion in consolidated income last year and a balance sheet total of Ft 32.5 billion. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here. Global superstar Jennifer Lopez is bringing her highly anticipated summer European tour to Hungary, with a spectacular concert at the MVM Dome in Budapest on July 20th. The world-renowned American singer, actress, and performer will treat fans to her biggest hits, complete with her signature high-energy choreography and trendsetting stage costumes, according to the event's organiser, Green Stage Production. The tour kicks off on July 1st in Antalya, and will include stops in Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, and Armenia. With over 80 million records sold worldwide, Jennifer Lopez remains one of the most influential figures in the global music industry. Her songs have racked up more than 15 billion streams, and she currently has nearly 28 million monthly listeners on Spotify aloneunderscoring her enduring popularity and cultural impact. As a film star, Lopez has also enjoyed major success, with her movies grossing over $3 billion globally. Her recent Netflix releases, Atlas and The Mother, debuted at the top of the streaming charts, as did This Is MeNow: A Love Story. Her performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman received critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, and she is currently working on a new romantic comedy, Office Romance, co-starring Brett Goldstein, the creator and star of Ted Lassos Direct Therapy. Born in 1969 in the Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, Lopez began dancing at a young age. She landed her first small film role at 17 in My Little Girl, launching what would become a groundbreaking career in music, film, and fashion. Tickets: eventim.hu New Delhi: Ratings agency ICRA Limited has downgraded the debt rating of Ola Electric Mobility Limited's automotive unit due to slower-than-expected sales and a challenging road to profitability. The agency lowered the rating of four debt instruments of Ola Electric Technologies Private Limited from 'A' to 'BBB+' and maintained a negative outlook, citing the company's delayed sales growth in electric two-wheelers. ICRA contended that Ola Electric has struggled to ramp up its electric two-wheeler sales, leading to higher cash burn and pushing back the company's path to profitability. As a result, the company may need to raise additional funds in the next 12 to 24 months as its existing cash reserves continue to deplete. In April, Ola Electric's monthly sales hit their lowest level since the company went public in August last year. Sales dropped by 42 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to just 19,709 units. Over the same period, the company's market share also fell sharply by 31 percentage points, down to 21 per cent. This slowdown contrasts with the performance of competitors like Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Co., and Ather Energy, whose electric two-wheeler sales grew by 151 per cent, 152 per cent, and 31 per cent, respectively, in the same time frame. ICRA highlighted the intensifying competition in the electric two-wheeler market. Established players like Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Co. have significantly increased their market share, capturing around 40 per cent of the market, up from just 7 per cent in FY22. This growing competition has put further pressure on Ola Electric's sales. The slower sales and declining market share are expected to impact the company's earnings. ICRA forecasts a loss of Rs 1,900-2,000 crore for Ola Electric in FY25, a larger loss compared to Rs 1,600 crore in FY24. However, the agency believes profitability pressures may ease in FY26 and beyond, with new product launches, such as a third-generation scooter and a new motorcycle, expected to boost revenues. These new products are based on a common platform, which could accelerate growth and profitability. Ola Electric is also expanding its sales network, with the number of sales touchpoints expected to grow to 4,000 by March 2025, up from just 900 in March 2024. The company is also ramping up its service infrastructure to address past service issues, which should help improve customer satisfaction. However, despite these efforts, the company faces significant challenges. Ola Electric has encountered difficulties with its rapid expansion. Many of its stores were operating without proper trade certificates, and customer complaints related to service and product quality are still frequently appearing on social media. Additionally, the company has had to delay the delivery of its Ola Roadster X motorcycle for the second time in two months. Furthermore, the company is facing scrutiny from multiple central ministries and India's market regulator, adding to the pressure. However, ICRA warns that if sales continue to fall short, Ola Electric may be forced to explore further fundraising options, which would introduce funding risks. Nevertheless, the agency believes that the company has sufficient capacity to raise additional funds, if needed. Mumbai: Actors Palak Tiwari and Thakur Anoop Singh, starrer high-octane action thriller Romeo S3, have unveiled its trailer. The trailer, which dropped on Monday, introduces viewers to a tense world set in the criminal underbelly of Goa. Thakur Anoop Singh plays DCP Sangram Singh Shekhawat, a tough and rule-breaking cop determined to bring down a powerful drug cartel. Palak Tiwari stars as an investigative journalist whose search for the truth places her in the middle of the fight. Take a look The film is directed by Guddu Dhanoa and backed by Pen Studios and Wild River Pictures. According to a press release shared by the film's team, Anoop said, "Romeo S3 is a blessing, a film that entertains with impact and heart. I'm thankful to everyone who believed in me and helped shape my journey into the world of cinema as an action hero. Working with Guddu sir on this massy, high-octane action film has been incredible, and I hope the audience feels the energy we've put in. Big thanks to Dr. Jayantilal Gada sir and Pen Studios for trusting me, not just as an actor, but as an action hero." Palak added, "I'm really excited for the trailer to finally be out. Can't wait for everyone to watch it and experience what we've created." Meanwhile, the film is set to hit cinemas on May 16. Mumbai : Bollywood actor Sunny Deol took to social media to give an exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse of the highly anticipated Border 2 set. In a video shared on his Instagram stories, the actor is seen driving through the picturesque hills, heading to work on the sets of the film. The serene yet dramatic landscape set the tone for the action-packed sequel. In the clip, the Gadar actor says he is going for the shooting. Alongside the video, he wrote, Driving to work like As Sunny Deol cruised through the picturesque location, the video not only gave a sneak peek into the filming environment but also set the stage for the action-packed narrative that Border 2 promises to deliver. The visuals perfectly complemented the high-energy vibe of the upcoming sequel. A few days ago, the shoot for" Border 2" came to an unexpected halt due to heavy rainfall. On May 2, the Jaat actor shared a video on his Instagram, revealing that although rain wasn't forecasted, the skies opened up just as they were preparing to shoot. Dressed in his army uniform, he explained that with the downpour showing no signs of stopping, the team had no choice but to wait for the rain to subside before continuing their work. The producers are worried but I told them- don't be worried, I am here till we don't finish the film," said Sunny. In another Instagram post, the "Border 2" team was seen making the most of the rainy breakenjoying pakoras and steaming chai as they waited for filming to continue. The post read, May hay while the sun shines And we have pakoras and chai when it rains. On a related note, Border 2 also stars Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film is being produced by Bhushan Kumar and Nidhi Dutta, with Shiv Chanana and Binoy Gandhi as co-producers. A follow-up to the iconic 1997 war drama Border, this sequel is expected to be inspired by the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The Kargil conflict saw Pakistani soldiers infiltrate the Line of Control (LoC), occupying strategic positions on the Indian side. In response, India launched a large-scale military operation to reclaim the territory. "Border 2" is slated to hit theatres on January 23, 2026. New Delhi: At the recent WAVES Summit, Kareena Kapoor Khan left the audience stunned with an unexpected revelation: legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg once recognized her at a restaurant in Italy. Youre the girl from 3 Idiots, right? he askedleaving her speechless. As surreal as it sounds, Spielberg is not just familiar with 3 Idiotshes a huge fan. The iconic director reportedly watched Rajkumar Hiranis film three times, describing it as emotionally powerful and even considering a global adaptation. In fact, back in a 2013 interview during his visit to Mumbai, Spielberg ranked 3 Idiots among the five films that moved him mostalongside E.T., Saving Private Ryan, Jaws, and The Godfather. A monumental nod not just to Hirani, but to Indian cinema at large. 3 Idiots has long been cherished in India for its heart, humor, and critique of the education system. Now, with Spielbergs admiration, it cements its place as a global cinematic gemone that even Hollywoods greatest cant resist Coffee aficionados seeking the pinnacle of luxury may find themselves drawn to the worlds most expensive coffees, which can command prices up to $10,000 per kilogram. These rare brews are produced through unique processes involving animals, resulting in distinctive flavors and limited availability. Black Ivory Coffee $2,500 per kilogram Produced in Thailand and the Maldives, Black Ivory Coffee is crafted by elephants consuming Thai Arabica coffee cherries. The beans undergo natural fermentation in the elephants' digestive systems, imparting a smooth, chocolatey flavor with hints of red berries. Approximately 35 kilograms of cherries are required to yield just under one kilogram of coffee. With an annual production of only about 225 kilograms, it is among the rarest coffees. The high price reflects the labor-intensive process and the support it provides to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation. Kopi Luwak $100$500 per kilogram Kopi Luwak, also known as civet coffee, involves beans consumed and excreted by the Asian palm civet. The beans are collected from the feces of these animals, cleaned, and processed. The fermentation in the civet's digestive tract imparts unique flavors to the beans. Prices vary widely, with farmed beans costing around $100 per kilogram and wild-collected beans reaching up to $500 per kilogram. However, concerns over animal welfare and authenticity have led to ethical debates and calls for more sustainable practices in production . Elida Geisha Natural Torre $10,013 per kilogram At the 2024 Best of Panama Auction, a lot of Elida Geisha Natural Torre coffee set a new world record by selling for $10,013 per kilogram. This exceptional price reflects the bean's superior quality and the meticulous cultivation and processing methods employed. Panama's focus on quality over quantity in coffee production contributes to the exclusivity and high demand for such premium beans . Misha Coffee $1,500 per kilogram Misha Coffee, produced in the Andean mountains, involves local Coatissmall mammal speciesselecting only the ripest coffee cherries. After consumption, the beans are collected from their droppings, cleaned, and roasted. This process imparts subtle fruity notes to the coffee, creating a unique flavor profile. The involvement of Coatis and the labor-intensive collection process contribute to its high price . Ospina Coffee $1,250 per kilogram Grown in Colombia's Andean mountains, Ospina Coffee cherries benefit from volcanic soil and ample rainfall. Hand-picked at peak ripeness, they undergo a specialized processing method to preserve their inherent qualities. The use of the rare Arabica Typica variety ensures intricate flavors and a velvety body . Finca El Injerto $1,100 per kilogram Grown in Guatemala, Finca El Injerto coffee undergoes a unique washing process to enhance grain quality. This contributes to its rich, full-bodied profile with a creamy texture and sweet, smooth taste. The farm's commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility adds to its appeal . (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) Adani US Bribery Case: The representatives of billionaire Gautam Adani reportedly met with officials from the US President Donald Trumps administration to request the dismissal of criminal charges against Adani in a bribery investigation, according to a Bloomberg News report. The billionaire's aides are arguing that the prosecution goes against the priorities of US President Trump and should be re-evaluated. The talks reportedly began earlier this year and have intensified in recent weeks, with a potential resolution expected within a month if progress continues, as per reports. In November, US authorities charged Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, accusing them of paying bribes to win power supply contracts and misleading American investors during fundraising efforts. The Adani Group has denied the accusations, calling them "baseless" and saying it will take "all possible legal steps" to fight the case. What Is the Bribery Case About? According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and six others paid $265 million in bribes to Indian state officials between 2020 and 2024. These payments were allegedly made to win solar power contracts expected to earn $2 billion in profit over 20 years. Adding further, the US Securities and SEC has accused Gautam Adani and his nephew of paying large sums in bribes to Indian officials and providing false information about their compliance with anti-bribery regulations during a $750 million bond issuance by Adani Green Energy. When approached by Bloomberg, the Adani Group, the US Department of Justice, and the White House chose not to comment on the matter. To recall, Gautam Adani has reportedly hired a team of influential lawyers and lobbyists to represent his interests and engage with government officials in the United States, According to sources, one of these meetings took place in March with prosecutors from the US Attorneys Office in Brooklyn, as well as officials from the Department of Justice. Adani Company's Shares The shares of Adani Groups nine publicly listed Indian companies gained between 1.7 per cent and 10.5 per cent on Monday, outpacing the broader market's 0.6 per cent rise, as per report. The group had previously lost around USD 13 billion in market value across these firms following the indictment. New Delhi: India is making all-out efforts to isolate Pakistan on the international stage, while also working to halt development-related funding and bailout packages from multilateral agencies and nations. Sources told ANI that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa in Milan on Monday to suspend all forms of funding to Pakistan. As of 2024, the ADBs sovereign portfolio in Pakistan consists of 53 loans and 3 grants, totaling USD 9.13 billion. India is also expected to raise concerns with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding Pakistans ongoing bailout package. The IMF board is scheduled to review the arrangement in its meeting on May 9, according to its website. Diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan have sharply deteriorated following the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which killed 26 people and injured several others, mostly tourists. Sources further told ANI that India is seeking to economically weaken Pakistan by cutting off its access to international funds. To this end, India will approach the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to include Pakistan in the grey list. Being placed on the FATF grey list would make it more difficult for Pakistan to attract bailout funds or finance development projects. Separately, during a meeting with Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti on Monday, Finance Minister Sitharaman requested that Italy suspend all forms of financial support to Pakistan. This move is part of Indias broader strategy to impose punitive measures against Islamabad. Reportedly, India is also engaging with other European nations to push for stricter oversight on international funding to Pakistan. Going forward, India is likely to formally approach additional countries to demand a halt to financial support to Pakistan. Meanwhile, credit rating agency Moodys warned in a report on Monday that sustained tensions between India and Pakistan could impair Pakistans access to external financing and put pressure on its foreign exchange reserves. The report noted that Pakistans reserves remain significantly below the level required to meet its external debt obligations over the next few years. Conversely, the same Moodys report painted a positive outlook for India, citing stable macroeconomic conditions supported by strong public investment, resilient private consumption, and continued, though moderating, economic growth. Moodys also cautioned that further escalation in tensions with India could hamper Pakistans economic growth and delay its fiscal consolidation efforts, undermining the countrys progress toward macroeconomic stability. In a strong retaliatory step following the Pahalgam attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also granted full autonomy to the armed forces to determine the nature, timing, and targets of India's response against what it refers to as a terror-harboring nation. Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Mu Hong, also the vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in Libreville, capital of Gabon, May 4, 2025. At the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mu attended Nguema's inauguration ceremony on May 3 in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. On May 4, the Gabonese president met with Mu in Libreville. (Photo by Ibouanga Tchikaya/Xinhua) LIBREVILLE, May 4 (Xinhua) -- China highly values the development of its relations with Gabon and is willing to work together to elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries to new heights, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Mu Hong said here on Sunday. At the invitation of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Mu, who is also the vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended Nguema's inauguration ceremony on Saturday in Libreville, the capital of Gabon. On Sunday, the Gabonese president met with Mu in Libreville. Mu conveyed Xi's warm greetings and best wishes to Nguema, saying that China is willing to work with Gabon to draw strength from their traditional friendship, deepen mutual trust through solidarity and cooperation, and jointly stride ahead through mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Nguema sincerely thanked the Chinese president for sending a special envoy to attend his inauguration and asked Mu to convey his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Xi. Gabon highly values its traditional friendship with China and will continue to firmly uphold the one-China principle, deepen practical cooperation with China in various fields, and promote greater development of bilateral relations, he said. GSEB HSC Result 2025: The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB) has officially declared the HSC (Class 12th) result. All the students who appeared for the Gujarat board class 10th and 12th examination can check their result through the official GSEB website, i.e. gseb.org by entering their roll number, date of birth and other required details. The GSEB SSC examination took place from 27th February, 2025 to 13th March, 2025 and HSC examination was held from 27th February to 17th March, 2025. To pass the GSEB HSC examination, students will have to secure at least 33 per cent of marks in every subject and overall aggregate. The overall pass percentage of GSEB class 12th science stream students is 83.51 per cent this year. GSEB HSC Result 2025: Steps To Check Via WhatsApp Step 1: Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile phone. Step 2: Save this number in your phone- 6357300971. Step 3: Send your seat number to this phone number. Step 4: Your result will appear on your screen in WhatsApp chats. GSEB HSC Result 2025: Steps To Check Via SMS Step 1- Open the SMS application on your mobile phone. Step 2- Type the message in this format: HSC(Space)Your Seat Number.. Step 3- Send this text to the number provided by the board- 56263 Step 4- Your result will appear on your screen in the SMS format. Step 5- Check your scores and download the result. GSEB HSC Result 2025: Steps To Check Via DigiLocker Step 1: Open or download the DigiLocker application on your mobile phone or open the official website- digilocker.gov.in. Step 2: Now register yourself with the help of your Aadhar Card number and other required details. Step 3: Login using your mobile number and the security pin. Step 4: Open the tab of Education Step 5: Select your Gujarat Board and then select your class- HSC Result Marksheet from the menu. Step 6: Your result will appear on the screen. Maharashtra HSC Result 2025: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced the Class 12 or Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) results today, May 5. This year, 91.88% of students have passed the exams. However, the direct result link will be activated at 1 PM. Once available, students can check their results on maharesult.nic.in, hscresult.mahahsscboard.in, hscresult.mkcl.org, and results.digilocker.gov.in. To download the marksheet, students need to enter their roll number and mothers name as mentioned on the admit card. Please note that the online marksheet is provisional. The original marksheets will be distributed by respective schools in the coming days. The MSBSHSE will activate the HSC result link today, May 5, at 1 PM. Maharashtra HSC Result 2025: Steps to check result online here Go to the official result websites hscresult.mkcl.org or mahahsscboard.in. On the homepage, click the link for HSC/Class 12 Result 2025. Enter your roll number and mothers first name as prompted. Your Maharashtra Board 12th Result 2025 will appear on the screen. Download the PDF of your mark sheet. Save a copy for future reference. The HSC marksheet will show subject-wise scores along with the overall performance. This year, the Maharashtra Board held the Class 12 exams from February 11 to March 11, 2025, with over 15 lakh students taking part across the state. Students who do not pass the Maharashtra Class 12 exams in 2025 can take the supplementary exams. The full schedule for these exams will be released after the results are announced. To be eligible for the supplementary exams, students must have failed in no more than two subjects, submit their application before the deadline, and pay the required fee on time. To pass the supplementary exams, students must score at least 33% in each subject and in total. LUCKNOW: The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Monday dismissed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging that Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, holds dual citizenship of India and the United Kingdom. The PIL was filed by BJP worker S Vignesh Shishir from Karnataka, claiming that Rahul Gandhi was a citizen of Britain as well as India, making him ineligible to contest elections under Article 84 (A) of the Constitution. During the hearing, the Lucknow Bench directed the Central Government to submit details of the action taken so far on the case, after which the case was dismissed. Earlier, the Court, in its last hearing, expressed dissatisfaction with the status report by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to directly address whether Gandhi is an Indian citizen. The bench had then granted 10 days for the government to submit a revised report, explicitly answering the question of Gandhi's citizenship status following a petition filed alleging that the Congress MP has dual citizenship. In 2019, the MHA issued a notice to Gandhi regarding his citizenship after receiving a complaint from then Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy. Swamy has alleged that a company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003 and that Gandhi was one of the Directors and secretaries of the company. Subramanian Swamy has also stated that the Congress leader had declared his nationality as British in a UK-based company. "It has been further brought out in the complaint that in the Company's Annual Returns filed on October 10, 2005, and October 31, 2006, your date of birth has been given as June 19, 1970, and that you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above-referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British," the notice read. Amid tensions over the Pahalgam attack, Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch Police and the Army's Romeo Force busted a suspected terror hideout in the Surankot village of Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch in a joint operation on Monday. During the joint operation, security forces recovered five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), multiple radio sets, wires, binoculars, and blankets. Poonch police released photos from the hideout, revealing the recovery of multiple radio sets and five IEDs. Jammu & Kashmir | Hideout busted in Hari Marote village in Surankot sector of Poonch district with recovery of five IEDs, say Poonch Police (Source: Poonch Police) pic.twitter.com/HO36EbKPza ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 This major bust comes just a day after Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, VK Birdi, held a joint security review meeting at PCR Kashmir. Officers from multiple security forces, including the Police, Army, Intelligence Agencies, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), attended the meeting. The officers briefed IGP Kashmir about the overall security scenario, primarily focusing on garnering insights into existing security challenges in the Valley. Earlier today, amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Army responded to unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control (LoC) during the intervening night of May 4 and 5, an official said on Monday. The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. According to officials, the Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately. On the night of May 3 and 4, the Pakistan Army indulged in small arms firing across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor districts in J&K, which was retaliated against effectively by the Indian Army. According to the Army, the troops responded in a calibrated and proportionate manner. This is the eleventh consecutive day of India's effective retaliation since the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing began on the night of April 25-26. On April 30, 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, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and left several others injured. In the wake of growing tensions between India and Pakistan after the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, the Centre has asked several states to hold full-scale civil defence mock drills on Wednesday, May 7. This is the first time since 1971 the year of Indo-Pak war that such nationwide preparedness exercises are being held. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) gave instructions for conducting these drills to increase public readiness in case of a hostile attack. The proposed steps are as follows: Operationalisation of air raid warning sirens Civil defence training for civilians and students Activation of crash blackout drills Pre-mature camouflaging of sensitive infrastructure Rehearsal and updating evacuation plans The action follows day-to-day cross-border ceasefire breaches by Pakistan, now entering the 11th straight night. Ever since the Pahalgam massacre, in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, India has delivered several stern replies both militarily and diplomatically. MHA has asked several states to conduct mock drills for effective civil defence on 7th May. The measures to be taken during the drill include operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens, Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in pic.twitter.com/TDNd4KzPwB ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 In Ferozepur, Punjab, a blackout exercise was held last night, with the lights being turned off in the cantonment region between 9:00 and 9:30 pm. Local officials made sure that security arrangements were made during the time of complete darkness. A letter from the Cantonment Board said that the objective was to "ensure preparedness and effectiveness in implementing blackout procedures during prevailing war threats." PM Modi Holds Key Defence Meetings Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still conducting top-level defence meetings to assess the situation. On Monday, he met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, a day after meeting Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. The Prime Minister has also met with the Army and Navy chiefs in the past few days. PM Modi has pledged "unimaginable punishment" to the people behind the Pahalgam attack, referring to it as the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir after Pulwama in 2019. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added strength to the government's resolve, saying, "What you desire will certainly happen." Unprecedented Diplomatic Moves India has already taken a number of diplomatic steps against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty a step not taken even during the 1965 and 1971 wars or the 1999 Kargil War. Indian officials have also reduced the number of Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi. In response, Pakistan has warned that suspension of water flow would be considered an act of war and threatened that all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement on which the existing Line of Control (LoC) arrangement is based, would be suspended. If Pakistan pulls out of the Simla Agreement, it may destabilize the legal status of the LoC and further exacerbate the existing military tension. Pakistan has also breached the 2003 ceasefire agreement for 11 consecutive nights, discrediting the efforts to de-escalate hostilities. Pahalgam Terror Attack: As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to surge after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in New Delhi. This meeting comes after Prime Minister Modi met Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Sunday at the PM's Lok Kalyan Marg residence in New Delhi. The Pahalgam terror attack claimed the lives of 26 individuals, after which the relations between New Delhi and Islamabad have been strained. PM Modi Holds High-Level Meetings PM Modi has been holding high-level meetings after the Pahalgam terror attack. The Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi had called on him on Saturday. Also Read: IAF Chief Meets PM Amid Heightened Tensions With Pak Earlier, the Prime Minister had chaired a meeting, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, three service chiefs, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. After the attack, the government gave armed forces complete operational freedom to make decisions about India's response. Opposition parties also expressed full support for the government in any action that would be undertaken to identify and punish the perpetrators. Also Read: India Suspends Water Flow To Pak Through Baglihar Dam On Chenab River Earlier on Monday, India suspended the water flow on the Chenab River through the Baglihar Dam. According to reports, New Delhi is also planning to take similar decisions at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River. These measures by the Indian government also came on the backdrop of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. Pahalgam Terror Attack, India-Pakistan Tensions HIGHLIGHTS: The Indian government is holding series of high-profiles meetings amid the rising tensions with Pakistan. rime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Tuesday with NSA Ajit Doval for the second day in a row. On Monday, Doval and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met the Prome Minister in response to the recent Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. This discussion followed closely on the heels of his meeting with Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh the previous day and another with Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, two days earlier. In a sweeping move following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, India has imposed a total ban on all imports and transit of goods from Pakistan, citing national security concerns. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a gazette notification on Saturday, invoking the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the current Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to enforce the prohibition. Armies on the both side of the borders are at high alert and deployment has been increased multifolds. While Pakistan has claimed that India is preparing for an attack, the Narendra Modi government appears to be getting ready for any misadventure by Islamabad. The Union Home Ministry of India has now issued a order asking states to conduct a mock drill for civil defence preparedness. This will enable the civilians to learn ways to protect themseleves in case of any attack. Stay Tuned For Live Updates: In yet another strong step against Pakistan amid Pahalgam tension, India has stanched the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River. Following this step, India is also planning similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River, according to media reports. Several media reports also suggested that these hydroelectric dams Baglihar in Ramban in Jammu and Kishanganga in north Kashmir offer India the ability to regulate the timing of water releases. The latest decision by New Delhi comes days after it decided to suspend the decades-old treaty in the wake of the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. #WATCH | J&K: Latest visuals from Ramban where all gates of Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam on Chenab River are closed. pic.twitter.com/aqyAQOoMCY ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 The Indus Waters Treaty has governed the use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960. The Baglihar Dam has been a longstanding point of contention between the two countries, with Pakistan having sought World Bank arbitration in the past. The Kishanganga Dam has faced legal and diplomatic scrutiny, especially regarding its impact on the Neelum River, a tributary of the Jhelum. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to take revenge on Pakistan to eliminate the perpetrators and backers of terrorism. In light of PM Modis resolve, New Delhi has taken a slew of measures against the neighbouring country, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty signed between both countries in 1960 and halting all sorts of imports. Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata and asked to leave India within a week. Pahalgam Terror Attack: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a counterattack against the Congress party after the grand old party's Ajay Rai sparked controversy with a 'nimbu mirch' jibe related to the Rafale fighter aircraft. During a press conference, BJP spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi said that Congress and INDIA Bloc leaders are targeting the Indian Army as Pakistan violates the ceasefire on the border. "After the Pahalgam attack, there are tensions at the India-Pakistan border. While Pakistan is continuously violating the ceasefire on the border, the Congress and India alliance leaders are making statements targeting the Army," he said. The BJP spokesperson added, "On one side, Congress and INDI leaders say they are with the government, but on the other hand, their leaders give statements which are against the country and demoralise the Armed Forces. It is similar to what Pakistan does but denies their role." #WATCH | On recent statements by Congress leaders, BJP National Spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "After the Pahalgam attack, there are tensions at the India-Pakistan border. While Pakistan is continuously violating the ceasefire on the border, the Congress and India pic.twitter.com/boXgs3VUPO ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025 Rai, on Sunday, took a swipe at the Centre and said that the terrorist activities have increased in India, and the government brought the Rafale fighter jets, but they are in their hangars with "nimbu mirch" hanging on them. Talking to ANI, the Congress Leader said, "Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. This government, which talks big, says that they will crush terrorists - they brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars with nimbu mirch hanging on them. When will they take action against terrorists, those who support them, and their backers?" #WATCH | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai shows a 'toy plane' with Rafale written on it and lemon-chillies hanging in it. Ajay Rai says, "Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the pic.twitter.com/wIwLsa4akD ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025 Speaking about Rais nimbu mirch jibe, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra clarified that the party in the CWC stated that it supports any action that the government will undertake. She said, "Congress party in the CWC gave the statement, and we all stand by that statement, and that is the official statement of the Congress. It clearly says that we support whatever action the government is going to take; in fact, we urge the government to take a very decisive, strong action and to take it fast." Earlier, talking to ANI, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had said, What individual Congress leaders are saying is their view. The Congress party's view is the view in the CWC resolution, the views expressed by the Congress President, and the Lop in the Lok Sabha. There have been security lapses and intelligence failures. However, we need unity, solidarity, a collective will, a collective response, and constant communication between the Govt and the Opposition. We understand the gravity of the situation and we must stand united The gruesome terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people, after which the tensions between India and Pakistan have been escalating. (with ANI inputs) As tensions soar between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on Monday test-fired its second missile in just three days, signaling increased military posturing in the region. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that Pakistan had successfully tested the Fatah surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 km. The test is in line with the current military exercise 'Exercise Indus' and was intended to check the operational readiness, navigation capability, and improved accuracy of the missile. The test is the culmination of Saturday's training firing of Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which can target up to 450 kilometers away. Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of a FATAH Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometers as part of ongoing Ex INDUS. pic.twitter.com/hPf1SCJ3t8 Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications (@demp_moib) May 5, 2025 These incidents follow the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 individualsmajority of them tourists. The attack was attributed to an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which led India to take prompt retaliatory actions. In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, canceled visas granted to Pakistani citizens, and tightened border security. At the same time, Pakistani troops have continued unprovoked ceasefire breaches along the Line of Control (LoC), with exchange of fire being reported for the 11th straight night as of May 45. India has retaliated with strong retaliatory action. India Exhibits Military Readiness India, however, has asserted its military strength. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces "full operational freedom" to act as they deem fit. Last week, the Indian Air Force conducted Exercise Aakraman with frontline fighter aircraft like Rafales, while the Navy showcased combat readiness across strategic seas. On Friday, IAF aircraft carried out a spectacular "land-and-go" mission on a section of the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesha demonstration of India's speed of deployment. As both countries are intensifying military exercises and diplomatic tensions are running high, the situation is precarious with international stakeholders closely watching events in the region. ASWAN, Egypt, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The 9th Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF) reinforced its focus on gender equality and women's empowerment during its latest edition, screening 72 films from around 30 countries alongside panels addressing social challenges faced by women globally, organizers said. Held under the patronage of Egypt's ministries of culture and tourism, the festival, which ran from May 2 to 7, included public discussions on topics such as institutional support for women's rights and the history of Egyptian women in visual arts. It also launched the "Nut Forum for Women's Issues," featuring short films and debates on female genital mutilation, child marriage, and gender-based violence under the initiative "Stars for Change." "The festival uses cinema to amplify women's struggles not just in Egypt but worldwide. The Nut Forum brings specialists and artists together to address real challenges," festival director Hassan Abu Al-Ela told reporters. He highlighted expanded public outreach this year, including screenings and discussions in Aswan's main square and public library, aimed at engaging audiences who rarely visit traditional cinemas. Competitions showcased 10 feature films and 20 shorts from countries, including Nigeria, the UAE, Switzerland, and Argentina, with themes centered on women's social and political realities. Egyptian actress Dalia El Behery, a feature film jury member, praised the lineup's diversity: "The selection is strong and impressively varied, reflecting truly global perspectives." Supported by the National Council for Women, UN Women, and the European Union, the festival emphasized cinema's role as a tool for social advocacy. Organizers said the blend of art and activism drew broader public participation this year, aligning with Egypt's efforts to position itself as a regional hub for cultural diplomacy. Pakistan has resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation once against earlier today. Amidst the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan on the border after the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Army has responded to the unprovoked small arms firing across the Line of Control (LoC) during the intervening night of May 4 and 5, official said on Monday. The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. According to officials, the Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately. Earlier on the night of May 3 and 4, the Pakistan Army indulged in small arms firing across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajauri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor districts in J&K, which was retaliated against effectively by the Indian Army. According to the Indian Army, the troops responded in a calibrated and proportionate manner. This is the eleventh consecutive day of India's effective retaliation since the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing began on the night of April 25-26. On April 30, 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), 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). On Aprli 29, the Director General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan talked over the hotline to discuss the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan, as per defence sources. Sources said India warned Pakistan against the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army along the LoC and the International Border. The Border Security Force (BSF) has arrested a Pakistani national in Punjab's Gurdaspur after he allegedly crossed the border in Gurdaspur, Punjab. According to ANI, a senior BSF officer informed that the troops were patrolling when they detained the Pakistani national for intervening on the night of May 3-4. The Pakistani national was handed over to the Punjab Police for further investigation. Also Read: Pahalgam Attack: Wife Of Deceased Navy Officer, Trolled For...; NCW Says THIS India-Pakistan Border This incident comes two days after, along the India-Pakistan international border, the BSF apprehended a Pakistani Ranger for allegedly trying to enter Indian territory near Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, as per IANS. On April 23, Pakistan Rangers had detained a BSF trooper after he inadvertently crossed the International Border near Punjab's Firozpur. The incident occurred while the BSF trooper was crossing the border to provide security to local farmers working near the fence. Also Read: Putin Condemns Pahalgam Attack In Call With PM Modi Pahalgam Terror Attack Tensions between India and Pakistan have been escalating after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people. After the attack, India announced several measures against Pakistan, including downgrading diplomatic ties with the neighbouring country, suspending the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, and more. New Delhi also announced a series of punitive measures against Islamabad. A ban on the import of goods from Pakistan, suspending the exchange of all categories of inbound mail and parcels from the neighbouring country through air and surface routes, and barring vessels with the Pakistani flag from docking at Indian ports. On Monday, all the gates of Salal Dam on the Chenab River were closed, due to which the water levels significantly dropped in the Reasi district. (with ANI inputs) Pahalgam Terror Attack: Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strongly condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and extended condolences for the loss of 26 lives. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, informed on the social media platform X about the conversation between the two leaders and added that the Russian President emphasised that the perpetrators of the attack and their backers should be brought to justice. "President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice," Jaiswal wrote. PM Modi also invited Putin for the India-Russia Annual Summit to be held in India later this year. "Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM conveyed greetings to President Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him for the Annual Summit to be held in India later in the year," he continued. President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. He emphasised that the Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 5, 2025 Also Read: Defence Briefing: PM Modi, Defence Secretary RK Singh Meet Amid Indo-Pak Tensions Putin To Visit India Russian President Putin also accepted PM Modi's invitation to visit India on Monday. India's Measures After Pahalgam Attack On Monday, amid rising tensions between the two nations, India suspended the water flow through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River. Furthermore, five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two wireless sets were recovered after a terrorist hideout was busted in Jammu and Kashmirs Poonch district, as per reports. After the bloodbath that went down in Pahalgam, New Delhi had earlier announced a series of measures against Islamabad, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." (with agencies' inputs) New Delhi: The Central Government has taken a significant step to boost national highway infrastructure and improve amenities for travellers. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently informed the Rajya Sabha that approval has been granted to develop 501 Wayside Amenities (WSAs) along national highways and expressways, including 56 in Gujarat. This initiative is set to further enhance the highway network across the country and ensure improved facilities for commuters. The minister noted that of the 501 approved WSAs, 94 are currently operational, and the government plans to develop over 700 WSAs by 2028-29. In Gujarat, nine out of the 56 sanctioned WSAs are already functional. Wayside Amenities (WSAs) are infrastructure facilities developed along major highways to offer essential services to travellers. These amenities include parking facilities, a Fuel Station, EV charging stations, quality food and beverage options, clean restrooms, Parking, Dhaba/Restaurant/Eateries, and basic medical assistance. The government plans to set up WSAs at regular intervals of 40 to 60 kilometres along key highways and expressways. Special zones within these facilities will promote small businesses and local artisans, with initiatives like 'Village Haat' to showcase and sell regional products. (With ANI Inputs) New Delhi: Actor Babil Khan has been making headlines after an emotional breakdown video went viral, in which he called Bollywood the "fakest industry." The actor responded to director Sai Rajesh, who criticised his viral video in which labeled people in Bollywood as "rude." In the video, Babil mentioned the names of several actorsprompting online speculation that he was being bullied. However, his team later issued a clarification, stating the video was misinterpreted and that Babil was actually praising those individuals for their support. Despite the clarification, Sai Rajesh criticised Babils team in a now-deleted Instagram Story, writing: To Babil Khan's team: Do you really think were that naive to just walk away silently? What kind of attitude are we being subjected to? It feels like only those whose names were mentioned in his video deserve respectand the rest of us are just fools for standing by him all this while. He continued: ''If youre making them feel valued just because he gave them a shoutout and ignoring the rest of usthen yes, we do deserve an apology for how things have been handled. I genuinely wanted to stand by him even until an hour ago. But if youre taking us for granted, that stops here. These sympathy games wont work on us anymore. A sincere apology is the least you owe us. Say it, and lets move on. Babil Claps Back According to a report by Peeping Moon, Babil was part of the Hindi remake of Sai Rajesh's film Baby. In response, Babil commented on Instagram, expressing deep hurt: You really broke my heart. After everything Ive given to you. @satish_naidu1982 2 years of my life, complete physical atrocity to my body just so I could do justice to this character. I gave him my soul, rejected everything that came in my way for 2 years for 500 days of my life. He went on to make a shocking revelation: Not to mention the pain and suffering I put into my soul lived in filth just to make sure sir @sairajesh is happy with the character. Its okay now. Ill let my work speak. Goodbye. Man, I had bugs in my beard because he needed that in the character. I gave him my laughter while I held back my tears. I slit my wrist for him. Shortly after, both Babil and Sai Rajesh deleted their respective posts and comments. Industry Reacts Actor Harshvardhan Rane known for his role in Sanam Teri Kasam offered advice to Babil via Instagram: Dear Babil Khan, youre blessed with God-level genetics in acting. We need you to carry on the legacy! Please just give your best to the craftand after that, stay away from the events and after-parties to avoid interaction with irritants. He added: I am not from a film family. I have learned that people wont treat you badly if you dont allow them. You need to stand your ground. Also, please stay away from alcohol and any such stuff, because to stand tall you will need strength. Please take care. Babil Khans Team Issues Statement Following the viral breakdown, Babil's team issued a public statement: Like anyone else, Babil is allowed to have difficult daysand this was one of them. We want to reassure all his well-wishers that he is safe and will be feeling better soon. That said, a video of Babil has been widely misinterpreted and taken out of context. In the clip, Babil was sincerely acknowledging a few of his peers whom he believes are making meaningful contributions to the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. New York : Sidharth Malhotra never fails to prove why he's the husband many dream of, as the actor has flown all the way to New York City to be by his pregnant wife Kiara Advani's side as she prepares for her big debut at the 2025 MET Gala. The 'Yodha' actor took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday to share a glimpse of his day in New York. In one picture, the actor shared a view of the NYC skyline while holding a drink. "Gym time #hydrate," he wrote. In another clip, he showed fans how he was spending his leg day at the gym. Take a look: Meanwhile, Kiara, who arrived in NYC on Saturday, shared a picture from her hotel room, where she received a warm welcome. The photo featured a beautifully arranged table with a vase of pink roses, chocolates, and a cake shaped like a tiny mannequin wearing a black gown and pearl set. A booklet titled The MET Gala was also visible, with the famous Met steps on the cover. Last year, Kiara made her debut at Cannes, attending the Red Sea Film Foundation's Women in Cinema Gala Dinner. Now, her Met Gala debut will definitely elevate her global appeal. Previously, actors like Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra have added an Indian touch to the Met Gala with their stunning presence. Meanwhile, Kiara is expecting her first child with actor Sidharth Malhotra. The couple announced their pregnancy in February 2025 with an adorable post featuring tiny white knitted baby socks. The caption read, "The greatest gift of our lives." Since then, they have kept a low profile, making only a few public appearances. Kiara and Sidharth's love story blossomed on the sets of the war drama Shershaah, and in February 2023, they tied the knot in an intimate yet grand ceremony in Rajasthan. New Delhi: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recently notified the income tax return forms ITR-1 and ITR-4 for the financial year 2024-25 and the assessment year 2025-26. The returns for incomes earned during the financial year from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, have to be filed using the new forms. CBDT has announced several changes in the ITR forms this including that in ITR-1 (SAHAJ) and ITR-4. Here are 6 Changes regarding ITR-1 (SAHAJ) that salaried individuals should know. 1. New Tax Regime is Now Default The new regime with lower tax rates but no common deductions like 80C or HRA is now the default. If you want to stick with the old regime (which allows deductions), you must file Form 10-IEA before the due date. Individuals with Business or professional income, once they opt back into the new regime after opting out, they cant switch again to the old regime in future years. However, no such restrictions are there for Salaried persons. 2. Form 10-IEA Now Mandatory for Switching Salaried taxpayers using ITR-1 who do not have income from business or profession can simply tick the Opting out of new regime in the ITR form without the need to file Form 10-IEA Persons with business or professional income filing ITR 4 must submit Form 10-IEA if they wish to pay income tax as per the old tax regime. Missing this step will result in your return being automatically processed under the new tax regime. 3. Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Reporting Allowed in Simple Forms If your LTCG under Section 112A is 1.25 lakh or less, you can now use ITR-1 or ITR-4. This is helpful for small investors, but you need to know basic capital gains rules. 4. Higher Turnover Limit for Small Businesses (ITR-4) If 95% of your receipts are digital, the presumptive income limit under Section 44AD increases from 2 crore to 3 crore. Promotes digital payments but requires proof of digital transactions. 5. More Capital Gain Details Needed New fields like Sale Value, Cost, and LTCG are added for better clarity. Useful for better tracking, but a bit more effort required to fill. 6. Who Can Use ITR-1/4 Remains Same If you are a company director, have ESOPs, or hold foreign assets, you still cannot file ITR-1/4. A 40-year-old woman has claimed that ChatGPT detected her cancer symptoms, which even the doctors were unable to identify at first, and was initially diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis and acid reflux. As per media reports, Lauren Bannon in the United States revealed that in February 2024, she first noticed that she was having difficulty bending her fingers. The doctors diagnosed her with rheumatoid arthritis. Later, she began experiencing excruciating stomach pain and lost 14 pounds in just a month. According to doctors, it was caused by acid reflux. Unconvinced, Bannon turned to ChatGPT for an answer, which suggested that she might have Hashimotos disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Bannon went to her doctor, who said that she could not have the disease as there was no family history of it. However, Bannon insisted on being tested. An ultrasound of Laurens thyroid revealed two cancerous lumps in her neck. According to media reports, Bannon said that she did not have the symptoms of Hashimotos disease. If she had not looked at ChatGPT, she would have just taken the rheumatoid arthritis medications, and the cancer would have spread from her neck to other parts of her body. She added that without ChatGPT, she would have never discovered the disease, and that it saved her life. Similar case- ChatGPT suggests blood cancer in woman In a similar case, a 27-year-old woman in Paris revealed she experienced persistent night sweats and itchy skin in early 2024. Her medical test results showed no warning signs. However, according to ChatGPT, she might have blood cancer. Months later, when she consulted doctors due to increasing fatigue and chest pain, her scans showed a sizable mass on her left lung. It was Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which ChatGPT had pointed out almost a year ago. Gurugram: India Internet Day (iDay), the countrys premier startup event for tech entrepreneurs, hosted by TiE Delhi-NCR at The Leela Ambience, concluded successfully, reinforcing Indias growing stature as a global digital powerhouse. Now in its 14th edition, the event brought together over 1,200 attendees, 60+ investors, 50+ speakers, and 40+ partners, along with key policymakers and industry leaders. This years focus was on collaboration to propel India toward its projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2030. Indias digital economy is growing at twice the pace of overall GDP, and is expected to contribute one-fifth of national GDP by 2029. With internet users projected to surpass 900 million by 2025thanks largely to rural adoptionthe sessions at iDay 2025 explored how this momentum is creating fertile ground for startups, digital platforms, and tech ventures to scale and lead globally. Opening the conversation on Indias evolving policy landscape, Dr. Abhijit Phukon, Economic Adviser, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, said, As innovation evolves rapidly, our regulatory approach must be equally adaptive and forward-thinking. We aim to build a secure yet innovation-friendly digital and financial ecosystem. A balanced regulatory environment builds trust, protects consumers, and supports responsible startup growth. The government remains committed to collaborating with the industry to drive inclusive digital progress. India Internet Day 2025 once again proved to be the crucible where Indias digital future is not just discussedbut actively reimagined, said Upasana Sharma, Executive Director, TiE Delhi-NCR. With 1,200+ attendees, 60+ investors, and over 50 speakers, the event became a hub for transformative ideas across AI, startup scaling, and digital inclusion. As India prepares to lead the global AI revolution, iDay provided a vital platform for technologists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The space tech session by IN-SPACe was especially excitingsignaling Indias leap into frontier technologies. iDay is no longer just a conferenceits a launchpad for our tech-powered future. Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO of One97 and Paytm, joined the keynote session titled Dreaming Big, Building Bold: Indias Road to Tech Superpower. Comparing the 2014 startup funding landscape to crossing flyovers on Delhis Outer Ring Road, Sharma noted: The first flyover you cross is angel funding. But back then, there was barely any Series A fundingonly tourist VCs were around. Today, all the flyovers are in place. Funding is not the challenge anymoreinvestors now value startups built in and for India. On the role of AI, he added, Right now, we see AI as an assistant. But very soon, well be the assistants to AI. Its evolving faster than we can imagine. iDay 2025 also spotlighted Indias innovation potential in AI, fintech, 5G, space tech, digital public infrastructure, smart cities, and regional internet adoption. Entrepreneurs showcased breakthrough startups, and speakers emphasized how tech is transforming industries like healthcare, agriculture, and logistics. Government initiatives such as the Digital India Programme were recognized for supporting this rapid growth. Notable sessions included Col. Sanjeev Yadav, Director at UIDAI, explaining how Aadhaar authentication can power startup innovation, and Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Dhananjay V. Khot, Director of Strategy and Planning at IN-SPACe, sharing insights on Indias ambitions in space tech. Indicorns Take the Spotlight Kunal Bahl, Co-Founder of Titan Capital and Snapdeal, unveiled the Indicorn List 2025 in the session Indicorns: Building Indias Enduring Startup Foundation. He shared: Indias startup engine is thriving. 202 Indicorns with over 1.5 lakh crore in revenue and 7,393 crore in profits prove that building profit-first businesses is not just a dreamits already a reality. With 51 Indicorns, Delhi-NCR is leading the charge. The list, curated by Titan Capital, highlights 202 Indian startups (Indicorns) with annual revenue of over 100 crore. Collectively, they generated 1.51 lakh crore in revenue and employed over 1.46 lakh people. Delhi-NCR led with 51 Indicorns, followed by Bengaluru (42) and Mumbai (35). Ecosystem Leaders And Partners The event featured an impressive speaker lineup, including Akshay Chaturvedi (Founder & CEO, Leverage Edu), Apurva Chamaria (Global Head, VC & Startup Partnerships, Google), Upasana Taku (Co-Founder & CEO, MobiKwik), Shweta Rajpal Kohli (President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum), and Ankur Warikoo (Founder, WebVeda), among others. Through engaging fireside chats, keynotes, and panel discussions, iDay 2025 enabled entrepreneurs to network, learn, and explore collaborations that could shape the next decade of innovation. Havas Media Network India partnered as Silver Sponsor. Mohit Joshi, CEO, noted: Were proud to support iDay2025an event that brings together the brightest minds driving innovation. As champions of meaningful brands, were committed to enabling the journey of entrepreneurial growth. Mumbai : Television actress Sriti Jha opened up about the wrap of her show Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, sharing how difficult it was to say goodbye to a project that had become so dear to her. With deep emotion, she admitted that it "just breaks my heart" to part ways with the show, reflecting on the special bond she formed with her character and the entire team. Lead actors Sriti and Arjit Taneja also took to their social media to share heartfelt messages as Zee TVs popular show reached an incredible milestone of 500+ episodes. Both actors expressed their gratitude and love for the show and for its team. Sharing her thoughts on her journey as Amruta, Sriti Jha shared, Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye has been a journey of 500 episodes filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. I might be able to be mature a bit later and say that it is what it is. Right now, it just breaks my heart to say good bye. Mukta Dhond and her team of writers have etched an exemplary story and many exemplary characters. My favourite thing is that Amruta Bhavani Chitnis continues to use her maiden name even after marriage. Virat Singh Ahuja has emerged as the greenest of flags. Bhavani Chitnis is a businesswoman. Babita Ahuja has found compassion in her heart without having to compromise on being feisty. We have continuously fought against odds. Its a credit to her and the team to have kept their morale high and continue to write and create despite of the odds being against. Immensely grateful for the audience to have supported us. Your love has given us strength always. Thank you to everyone for the love, aapke bina yahaan tak nahi pohoch paate! Reflecting on his experience playing Virat, Arjit Taneja mentioned, I have felt fortunate working on Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye for the past one and a half years and being a part of the Zee Kutumb. Bringing Virat and Amrutas love story to life has been a joy, and Im looking forward to audiences experiencing the shows conclusion on a positive and uplifting note. The show also gave me the opportunity to explore two distinct characters, each with their own emotional arcs and traits, which helped me grow as an actor. As we draw the curtain on this journey, Im incredibly thankful for my co-stars, the entire team behind the scenes, and the amazing experience we've had together. Its been an unforgettable ride, and Im so grateful to have shared it with such a phenomenal cast, crew, and our wonderful fans. Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye also stars Kishori Shahane, Hemangi Kavi, Pratiksha Honmukhe, Pulkit Bangia, and Akanksha Chamola, among others. The show will soon conclude with a heartwarming climax that promises a happy ending for Amruta and Virats romance. The family drama premiered on 27 November 2023 on Zee TV. CAPE TOWN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday reiterated the urgent need to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, and to protect the rights and gains of workers across the country. "At a time when our singular focus is on inclusive economic growth and job creation, we must continue to work together to improve the lives of every South African worker. Let us use the hard-won gains of workers to create new opportunities for all," Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter. Reflecting on the country's history, Ramaphosa noted that under apartheid, black workers were systematically denied their rights and excluded from unionization. While acknowledging the progress made since the introduction of employment equity legislation, he highlighted that much more needs to be done to transform the racial composition of economic ownership, control, and management. "That is why part of our G20 (Group of 20) presidency involves engagements with labor over the consolidation of worker rights. We have held fruitful discussions in this regard with the International Trade Union Confederation and others," he said. The president pledged that South Africa will continue to use its progressive labor laws to correct the imbalances of the past and to ensure that these protections translate into tangible benefits for workers. He also called on businesses to take necessary measures to ensure that their workplaces reflect the spirit of the laws. "Companies should go beyond compliance by actively fostering diversity and inclusion as envisaged in our constitution by addressing historical inequalities and creating opportunities for under-represented groups among their workers, such as women, the youth, and persons with disabilities," Ramaphosa added. Trouble For Asim Munir? In a startling display of public dissent following the tensions between India and Pakistan, a video has emerged from Islamabad showing worshippers refusing to back the Pakistan Army when asked about their stand in the event of a war with India. The incident, led by prominent Deobandi cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz Ghazi, has sparked intense debate about growing civil unrest and disillusionment with the country's military establishment. During a recent sermon, Maulana Abdul Aziz asked the congregation at Islamabads Lal Masjid to raise their hands in support of Pakistan should a war with India erupt. Not a single hand was raised. In a scathing rebuke of Pakistans military and ruling elite, the cleric declared, Pakistan is more oppressive than India. At least India never bombed Lal Masjid or Waziristan. His comments referenced Pakistans own military operationsmost notably the 2007 siege of Lal Masjid and repeated airstrikes in Waziristanas examples of internal repression. He further highlighted the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances, pointing to the cases of Baloch, Pashtun, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, religious clerics, and journalists who have vanished under the current regime. Islamabad, Pakistan Abdul Aziz Ghazi, Imam of famous Lal Masjid, Islambad urges people to not support Pakistan in India-Pakistan war. He further said that we (muslims) are more oppressed in Pakistan than in India. Pakistani forces bomb our own muslims in Pakistan, India pic.twitter.com/sapliwHbwP Source Snipe (@SourceSnipe) May 5, 2025 This sentiment appears to be gaining traction, especially in tribal regions. In a separate incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, another Islamic preacher delivered a fiery sermon condemning the Pakistan Armys historical mistreatment of the Pashtun people. If India attacks Pakistan, the Pashtuns will side with the Indian Army, he said. They have committed so many atrocities against us Pashtun, and you think we will say Zindabad for Pakistan? Never. Islamic Preacher in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan: If India attacks Pakistan, we Pashtun will immediately stand with the Indian Army against Pakistan Army. They have committed so many atrocities against us Pashtun, and you think we will say Zindabad for Pakistan? Never. pic.twitter.com/Vu7hdjtavC Faizan Salafi (@FaizanA49366164) May 5, 2025 These statements, though controversial, reflect a broader undercurrent of civil discontent. Ethnic and political groups, including Baloch and Pashtuns as well as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khans PTI, have increasingly challenged the authority of the Pakistan Army. Many accuse it of decades-long oppression and acting as a proxy for Western geopolitical interests. Pakistan is fearing an attack from the Indian Army in response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 22 in which 26 people were killed. While India has shown proof of Pakistan's hand behind the attack, Islamabad has called for a third-party investigation into them. Indo-Pak Tension: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan continues to remain in a panic mode, fearing an attack from India. While a series of high-profile meetings continue to take place in India, the meetings have also begun in Pakistan. On Sunday night, the Pakistan Armys DG ISPR briefed all major political parties in Pakistan and the meeting lasted for hours, ending around midnight. On the other hand, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a special session of the National Assembly in the wake of the border tensions. Pakistan mission in New York shared that it has requested for a closed door UNSC meet on situation on Kashmir today in New York. This comes days after India slammed Pakistan at the UNSC for raking up baseless claims against Kashmir. DG ISPR Brief Political Parties During a closed-door session held in Islamabad on Sunday, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar briefed political party representatives on matters of national security amid escalating tensions with India. The discussion reportedly centred around the recent Pahalgam terror attack. According to sources, the DG ISPR updated the attendees on the army's state of readiness. President Calls Assembly Session President Asif Ali Zardari has called a National Assembly session scheduled today (Monday) at 5:00 PM in Parliament House to address rising tensions in the region. As per the National Assembly Secretariat, the session has been summoned under Clause 1 of Article 54 of the Constitution, exercising the authority granted to the President. This 16th session of the current National Assembly will focus on the growing strain in Pakistan-India relations and the regional implications following the Pahalgam incident. Pakistan successfully conducted a test of an enhanced version of its nuclear-capable Abdali missile yesterday, extending its range to 450 kilometers. This comes amid the conflict-like situation between the two countries. The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, most brutal since 2000, saw killings of 26 people by terrorists. The India has shown proof of Pakistan's involvement in the attack as one of the terrorist was former Para-commando of Pakistani Army. Indo-Pak Tension: With India stepping up its ante against Pakistan, Islamabad is getting support from Turkey and China. While earlier Turkey's C-130 military transport planes halted in Pakistan, China also sent missiles to the Islamic Republic. Now, Turkey's naval ship TCG BUYUKADA has reached Pakistan. Notably, Pakistan has termed it as a 'Goodwill Visit', hinting that the visit was not planned and came amid tensions with India. Turkey Navy Ship Reaches Pakistan "Turkish Navy Ship TCG BUYUKADA arrived at Khi Port on a goodwill visit. Ship was welcomed by officials of Turkish & Pak Navies. Crew of TCG BUYUKADA will engage in professional interactions with PN personnel. Visit aims to enhance understanding & strengthen coop between 2 navies," said the Pakistani Navy. It further added, "Goodwill visit of TCG BUYUKADA stands as a testament to the ever-strengthening maritime collaboration between Pakistan & Turkiye. It reflects deep-rooted mutual trust & strategic partnership between two brotherly nations, anchored in centuries-old historical & cultural ties." Notably, the Pakistani Navy is a no match for the Indian Navy as India has two aircraft carriers while Pakistan has none. This gives India a massive edge against Pakistan. Iran's Foreign Minister's Visit Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on Monday amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. It is believed that Araghchi may also visit India later this week, though he is expected to return to Tehran first after his Pakistan trip. Following the attack, Iran had initially offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to help de-escalate the situation, but India promptly declined, stating that it was capable of handling the matter on its own. According to Pakistani media reports, Araghchi will be accompanied by a high-level delegation and is expected to hold a key meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. As reported by The Express Tribune, the discussions will focus on bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran, as well as the current regional situation, particularly in the context of the recent India-Pakistan tensions. Indo-Pak Tension Tensions have flared up between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed by Pak-backed terrorists. Since then, both countries have not only downgraded their diplomatic relations but have also halted trade and all communications. KAMPALA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Many people are feared dead after a passenger bus lost control and burst into flames on Monday evening in the central Ugandan district of Buikwe. Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, said in a statement issued here that dozens of people lost their lives after a bus collided with a commercial motorcycle -- commonly known as boda boda -- lost control, and caught fire at Makindu trading center. According to police, the bus was traveling from Kampala, the capital, to the eastern district of Soroti, along the highway linking Kisoga with Nyega, when the fatal accident occurred at around 5 p.m. local time. "It [bus] overturned and caught fire, resulting in the loss of lives," said Kananura. "We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available." He said passengers with multiple injuries have been rushed to Kawolo Hospital, St. Francis Lwanga Hospital in Buikwe District, and other nearby health facilities to receive medical attention. "Police and emergency services are on the scene, working to extinguish the fire and retrieve the bodies of those who perished in the crash," Kananura said. Eyewitnesses posted pictures and videos of the scene, while local media reported that more than 40 people could have been killed after the flames engulfed the bus. The bus was reportedly carrying more than 70 passengers at the time of the accident. Smoke and fire is seen after a drone attack on a fuel depot in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 5, 2025. Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have recently intensified drone attacks on areas controlled by the Sudanese army, a development that military experts regard as a dangerous escalation in their ongoing conflict. (Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum/Handout via Xinhua) KHARTOUM, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have recently intensified drone attacks on areas controlled by the Sudanese army, a development that military experts regard as a dangerous escalation in their ongoing conflict. For the second consecutive day, a swarm of drones, allegedly fired by the RSF, targeted vital facilities in Port Sudan, the capital of the eastern Red Sea State. Since May 2023, the port city has served as the country's interim capital, housing the government and diplomatic missions. "Drones struck the city's fuel depots early in the morning, causing powerful explosions, fires, and thick plumes of smoke," an eyewitness told Xinhua. Videos shared by activists showed civil defense teams attempting to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other depots. No human casualties have been reported so far. When visiting the targeted site, Energy Minister Mohieddin Naeem Mohamed Saeed denounced the strike as "a terrorist act" intended to destroy the largest fuel depots in Red Sea State. The minister called these strikes the latest in a series of systematic attacks by the militia on public services and civilian infrastructure, directly affecting the lives of citizens. The incidents occurred one day after RSF drones targeted a military airbase, a cargo warehouse, and civilian facilities in Port Sudan, marking the first attack on the city since the armed conflict erupted in mid-April 2023. Also on Monday, a military source told Xinhua that the army's air defenses intercepted a swarm of drones targeting Kassala Airport, the capital of Kassala State in eastern Sudan. The city has been subjected to drone attacks for the third consecutive day, according to the source. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that at around 5 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), four drones attempted to strike Kassala Airport but were successfully intercepted by ground defenses, with no losses reported. Governor of Kassala State, Al-Sadiq Mohamed Al-Azraq, told reporters on Monday that "Kassala city is facing growing threats from drones," calling on national leadership to intervene and secure the airport. Meanwhile, local media reported a fresh drone strike on the Merowe Dam in northern Sudan late Sunday, although no official confirmation has been issued. Activists also shared posts and images of drone strikes targeting the headquarters of the army's Fifth Infantry Division in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State. The army has yet to comment on the reports. Since the Sudanese army regained control of most parts of the capital, Khartoum, in March, the RSF has escalated drone strikes on key targets in army-held areas. Military analysts believe the RSF now possesses advanced drones capable of evading ground-based air defenses, warning that the increase in the RSF's firepower and ability to carry out long-range attacks could further prolong and intensify the ongoing armed conflict. The devastating conflict between the army and the RSF has so far claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people both inside and outside the country. Firefighters battle a fire after a drone attack on a fuel depot in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 5, 2025. Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have recently intensified drone attacks on areas controlled by the Sudanese army, a development that military experts regard as a dangerous escalation in their ongoing conflict. (Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum/Handout via Xinhua) Smoke and fire is seen after a drone attack on a fuel depot in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 5, 2025. Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have recently intensified drone attacks on areas controlled by the Sudanese army, a development that military experts regard as a dangerous escalation in their ongoing conflict. (Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum/Handout via Xinhua) Smoke and fire is seen after a drone attack on a fuel depot in Port Sudan, eastern Sudan, on May 5, 2025. Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have recently intensified drone attacks on areas controlled by the Sudanese army, a development that military experts regard as a dangerous escalation in their ongoing conflict. (Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum/Handout via Xinhua) NEW DELHI, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Amid escalating tension, the troops of India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other's positions Monday on the Line of Control (LoC), an Indian army official said. "During the intervening night of May 4 and 5, Pakistan army posts resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in areas opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani and Akhnoor," an Indian army official was quoted in local media. "Indian army responded promptly and proportionately." Monday marked the 11th straight day of ceasefire violations on the volatile LoC, according to the Indian side. Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22. On Monday, New Delhi temporarily cut off the flow of water from Chenab river to Pakistan, Indian media reports said. On the same day, Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of its surface-to-surface FATAH Series missile with a range of 120 km, the military said in a statement. VIENTIANE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Lao officials discussed the operations and future vision of the Lao Bullion Bank, emphasizing its role in enhancing the country's economic stability. The establishment of the bank aims to drive economic growth by serving as a national gold reserve hub, developing a standardized gold industry, and positioning Laos as a regional and international center for gold trade and investment, according to a report from the bank on Monday. During a public awareness meeting held last Friday in Lao capital Vientiane, the bank outlined its vision to position Laos as a regional leader in gold trading and refining within the next five years. The bank also emphasized its commitment to improving market transparency and adopting international best practices in the gold industry. The bank aims to encourage participation from all ethnic groups, promote economic growth through gold trading, and align its activities with the government's strategic vision. It also seeks broader support from the public, business community, and government officials to drive expansion and contribute to addressing the country's economic and financial challenges. The meeting underscored ongoing efforts to foster sustainable economic development by strengthening Laos' gold industry and financial sector. A woman and her dog participate in a fashion show for dogs and cats during Pet Fest 2025 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, May 4, 2025. The event is being held here from May 2 to May 4, featuring various activities including pet lover community sessions and pet product displays. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) A woman takes pictures of sleeping parrots during Pet Fest 2025 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, May 4, 2025. The event is being held here from May 2 to May 4, featuring various activities including pet lover community sessions and pet product displays. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) People feed rabbits during Pet Fest 2025 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, May 4, 2025. The event is being held here from May 2 to May 4, featuring various activities including pet lover community sessions and pet product displays. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) A cat is seen sleeping on a pile of blankets during Pet Fest 2025 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, May 4, 2025. The event is being held here from May 2 to May 4, featuring various activities including pet lover community sessions and pet product displays. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) A woman touches a piglet during Pet Fest 2025 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, May 4, 2025. The event is being held here from May 2 to May 4, featuring various activities including pet lover community sessions and pet product displays. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) Children play with geckos during Pet Fest 2025 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, May 4, 2025. The event is being held here from May 2 to May 4, featuring various activities including pet lover community sessions and pet product displays. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) A woman takes selfies with a baby monkey during Pet Fest 2025 in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, May 4, 2025. The event is being held here from May 2 to May 4, featuring various activities including pet lover community sessions and pet product displays. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) MANILA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The uncertainties facing Asia and the Pacific are also an opportunity to build a more resilient and sustainable future, said Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda at the opening of the ADB's 58th annual meeting of the Board of Governors in Milan, Italy on Monday. "External shocks, debt burdens, and climate change weigh heavily on the people and economies of the region. But we are not starting from zero. Growth remains solid, trade and economic integration are deepening, supply chains are diversifying, and digital connectivity and innovation are accelerating," Kanda said. "Uncertainty is not a reason for retreat," he said, adding, "It is a call to be bolder, to move faster, and to work more closely than ever before." More than 5,000 participants joined the yearly meeting in Milan, which consisted of representatives of governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia. This year's meeting highlights four focus areas central to driving transformational change across Asia and the Pacific. First, to address the vulnerability of the region's food systems, the ADB will scale up financing for food systems transformation to 40 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. Second, the ADB invests in digital technologies to improve access to education, finance, and markets. Third, the ADB is investing in modernizing and connecting energy systems, including readiness to commit up to 10 billion dollars to support work on the ASEAN Power Grid. Fourth, the ADB is deepening investments to build resilience by strengthening infrastructure, restoring and protecting ecosystems, and helping vulnerable communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. The ADB also reaffirmed its commitment to scale up private sector development, aiming to increase private sector financing fourfold to 13 billion dollars annually by 2030. YANGON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized 1.2 million stimulant tablets in Mandalay region, the state-owned daily The Mirror reported on Monday. Acting on a tip-off, a combined team searched a vehicle in Thazi township of Mandalay region on April 29, confiscating the drugs and arresting two suspects, the report said. An investigation led to the arrest of another suspect in Aungban town, Shan state, it said. The seized drugs were being transported from Shan state to Yangon region, it added. The three suspects have been charged under the country's law, and further investigation is underway, the report said. SYDNEY, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A new Australian-developed genetic index is helping dairy farmers breed cattle with greater heat tolerance, as the industry faces the growing challenge of climate-related heat stress in livestock, local media reported on Monday. The Heat Tolerance Australian Breeding Value, developed by Melbourne-based scientist Thuy Nguyen, is a genetic index designed to identify cattle that can better withstand heat stress, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The tool uses a simple DNA sample, such as a tuft of hair, to rate animals on a scale centered at 100, with higher scores indicating greater tolerance to hot conditions, the ABC reported. About 20 percent of his herd now has better genetic resilience to heat, New South Wales dairy farmer Trevor Parrish, who was among the first to adopt the technology, told the ABC. According to Dairy Australia, the national body for the dairy industry, heat stress can reduce milk yields by up to 40 percent as overheated cattle often do not eat enough, or stop eating altogether. "So it's about maintaining the cow's welfare as much as it is maintaining the productivity effects," said Stephanie Bullen, Dairy Australia's lead for national animal health and welfare. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok speaks during the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)'s ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. Speaking at a ceremonial assembly in Budapest, Sulyok said the Academy's mission remains vital in tackling modern challenges. "Solving the problems and uncovering the beauty of the 21st century lies in the hands of our scientists," he said. He also highlighted the symbolic importance of the institution, founded in 1825 through a donation by Count Istvan Szechenyi, and expressed confidence in the future of Hungarian science. MTA President Tamas Freund opened the event with a reflection on the Academy's history. He praised Hungarian researchers, including Nobel laureates, but voiced concern over limited input in education and research reforms. He stressed that science should serve the whole nation. Minister of Culture and Innovation Balazs Hanko supported the call to make science more visible in public life. He noted that 2025 and 2026 have been declared the "Years of Hungarian Science" to promote achievements and inspire public engagement. One of the oldest national academies in Central Europe, the MTA was founded to advance the Hungarian language and scholarship. Anniversary events include public lectures, exhibitions, and conferences with Nobel laureates. Tamas Freund, president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), speaks during the MTA's ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Tamas Freund, president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), speaks during the MTA's ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Balazs Hanko, Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary, speaks during the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)'s ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) The building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) is seen in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) The building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA) is seen in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok speaks during the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)'s ceremonial assembly celebrating its 200th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary on May 5, 2025. Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok marked the 200th anniversary of the MTA on Monday by declaring scientific freedom a "fundamental right" and calling for national unity to support scientific progress. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) BERLIN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU and center-left Social Democratic Party on Monday signed a coalition agreement in Berlin, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government. THE HAGUE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A smoke bomb was set off amid protests on Monday during a May 5 Liberation Day ceremony in Wageningen, the Netherlands, attended by Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and visiting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The incident occurred shortly after Schoof concluded his speech and the ceremonial liberation fire was lit. Video footage shows Tusk being swiftly escorted away from the stage by security personnel. According to Wageningen police, no arrests have been made in connection with the smoke bomb, and the incident is under investigation. Earlier in the day, five protesters were arrested during a speech by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Free Palestine" and some attempted to climb over security barriers. In a separate protest, a group of around 150 people gathered to oppose the presence of Schoof, whom they accused of being partly responsible for "a government that refuses to draw a red line against the violence in Gaza." Wageningen holds historical significance as the site where Nazi German forces in the Netherlands surrendered in 1945, marking the end of World War II in the country. MILAN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan has called for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and rules-based trade. In an interview with Xinhua on Sunday on the sidelines of the 28th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)+3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Milan, the minister also said the ASEAN+3 region has to face and address the impact of the trade war initiated by the United States. "We hope to encourage a return to multilateralism and a rules-based trading system," which are crucial for long-term development. This year's meeting, co-chaired by China and Malaysia, focused on global and regional macroeconomic developments and regional financial cooperation within the ASEAN+3 framework. Participants endorsed updates to the strategic direction for ASEAN+3 financial cooperation and agreed to launch new technical assistance tools addressing medium- to long-term structural challenges. With a population of just under 700 million, ASEAN's gross domestic product reached 3.8 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024, Amir Hamzah said, underscoring that the region vibrancy enables ASEAN to boost intra-Asian trade against external uncertainties. ASEAN, committed to multilateralism and to stimulating domestic demand, is striving to sustain its economic momentum, he said. ASEAN is also expanding its community by engaging more countries, including China, and is working to help rebuild a multilateral trading mechanism that benefits all members, he added. Highlighting China's importance as a market for ASEAN countries, the minister said as China's economy expands and its domestic market develops further, ASEAN looks forward to increasing its exports to China and sharing the prosperity brought about through deeper cross-border cooperation. Malaysia is holding the ASEAN presidency in 2025, with data showing that ASEAN and China have remained each other's largest trading partners for the fifth consecutive year. Planes fly in formation over Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) LONDON, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The flypast followed a military parade of around 1,300 personnel marching from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace, including representatives from NATO and Ukrainian soldiers. The royal family and dignitaries observed the procession in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial. After the procession, King Charles III and Queen Camilla appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children to observe the flypast. The 80th anniversary of VE Day is considered a significant milestone, potentially the last major commemoration attended by living World War II veterans. The events underscored the country's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made during the war and preserving the memories of those who served. Multiple commemorations will continue throughout the week. A military procession is held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) People watch the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Wu Lu) People watch the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Britain's King Charles III (2nd R, front) attends the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) People prepare to leave after watching the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Bagpipers participate in the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Wu Lu) Members of the armed forces for the military procession pass Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, Britain on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Members of the armed forces participate in the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Wu Lu) Planes fly in formation in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (4th L, front) talks with a veteran during the military procession held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Li Ying) A military procession is held in London, Britain, on May 5, 2025. Britain held military processions and a Royal Air Force flypast on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. (Xinhua/Wu Lu) JAKARTA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Business Competition Supervisory Commission considers the United States' criticism of the Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS) and the National Payment Gateway (GPN) to be inconsistent with the principles of fair competition. Deputy Chairman of the organization Aru Armando said on Monday that the U.S. should recognize QRIS and GPN as legitimate mechanisms fostering healthy competition in the payment market. "QRIS and GPN offer people the freedom to choose their preferred payment method based on their needs," Armando explained. He added that these systems particularly benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises by providing greater convenience. The official noted that Indonesia has never restricted the use of Visa or Mastercard. However, he warned that if the U.S. pressures Indonesians to favor these international payment networks, it would violate fair competition principles. The response follows a complaint from the U.S. Trade Representative Office, which alleged that Indonesia's QRIS policy excluded international stakeholders. Meanwhile, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the country remains open to collaboration and ensures equal opportunities for all parties in its payment ecosystem. by Li Xirui NEW YORK, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The streets of New York roared with life. Yellow cabs darted through traffic, their horns blaring as they raced to catch the last green light. Chinese international students like Zhang Zhijian tried to melt into the rhythm of the most diverse city in the United States. As the only Chinese student in a film class at New York University, Zhang struggled to join the discussions. His shyness and language barriers often kept his ideas trapped in his notebook. Studying abroad was an entirely new world for him, filled with anxieties about grammar, accents and whether he could be understood. But one day, he mustered the courage to raise his hand -- a small act of bravery that became a turning point in his journey. "The entire class listened to me. They heard me," Zhang recalled, remembering the patience, respect and kindness he felt from his classmates at that moment. "I don't want to be the silent one. I want to share my thoughts and ideas with my local classmates," he said. "Communication is not only a bridge between people but also between nations. And the building of that bridge starts with us, the students studying abroad." Zhang, who felt heard in a foreign place, wanted to tell the story of being an international student in the city -- along with his "homesick" attachment and the stories of his homeland, China. Zhang's story was one of the first-prize winners in a themed essay contest hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in New York, where over 100 Chinese international students participated, sharing their experiences of living far from home, forging friendships across cultures, and pursuing dreams with classmates who saw the world differently. During a month-long submission period, the Consulate received 122 stories from Chinese students in its consular district, including those from local universities, higher education institutions and international organizations such as the United Nations (UN). At a ceremony honoring the contest awardees on Saturday, Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li said the heartfelt stories reflected the challenges students faced in adapting to a new environment, the resilience they developed and the cross-cultural friendships they forged. He said that studying abroad is not just about academic achievement, but also about personal growth and creating connections in a new world. Hua Yucong, a 28-year-old Ph.D. student at the University of Pennsylvania, shared his experience working at the Penn Museum and telling the story of Chinese history and ceramics. "I believe one of my strengths is my ability to connect with younger audiences," he said. "When I teach middle and high school students about Chinese history, crafts or cultural anecdotes, I often draw comparisons with American examples. Although the analogies may not always be perfect, they help the students better understand Chinese culture." "I brought replica Chinese ceramics from China for the students to touch," he added. "From my own experiences with international friends, I can really feel their curiosity and interest in China," Hua said. Other Chinese international students like Lei Ruolan are interested in global affairs and actively get involved. Lei, 24, recently graduated from University College London, interns at the UN Peacebuilding Commission in the UN headquarters in New York, where she handled refugee documents, listened to their stories and learned a lot. "I talk with people from different countries and cultural backgrounds. I realize my greatest role is to, simply, engage with them," she said. "All relationships start from talking, and if they are interested in me, they will also be interested in my country," she added. Eight-year-old Yao (Lyndon) Hanxing, the youngest storyteller, shared his journey at the UN International School in New York through eight short stories. Inspired by the animated film The Wild Robot, which mirrored his experience of adapting to a new world, he challenged himself to read its sequel, The Wild Robot Escapes. "I looked up words in the dictionary and gave a presentation that everyone liked and applauded," he said. "My English improved a lot." "Studying abroad is a transformative journey for international students, much like the process of breaking through a cocoon to become a butterfly," Yu Yougen, education counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in New York, told Xinhua. "We plan to explore a variety of formats beyond writing to help students with their concern for social development, their reflections on global issues, their personal journeys of growth and their love for their homeland," Yu said. OTTAWA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Canada's Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Monday she would hold a referendum on provincial separation next year if citizens gather the required signatures on a petition, local media reported. Smith, in a livestream address, said she wants a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada but the voices of those unhappy with Confederation are not fringe extremists and must be listened to, according to The Canadian Press. Her speech came a week after Smith's United Conservative government introduced legislation that, if passed, will sharply reduce the bar petitioners need to meet to trigger a provincial referendum. Smith said the federal Liberal policies and laws have not only taken an unfair share of Alberta's wealth but in doing so have also undermined the oil and gas industry that drives its economy, reported The Canadian Press. She will negotiate an end to some of these federal policies while also hosting a series of town halls to hear ideas and grievances from Albertans while some of those ideas may also find their way into referendum questions, said the report. " " Not all of the best dark anime series are horror anime, but there is a lot of overlap. Warm_Tail / Shutterstock Anime isnt all bright eyes and cheerful friendships; some of the most compelling stories dive headfirst into darkness. Whether its dealing with loss, identity or the shadowy corners of the human psyche, dark anime explores themes that are often intense, unsettling and unforgettable. From psychological thrillers, demon anime and horror anime to gritty dark fantasy manga adaptations, these series dont shy away from showing lifes more sinister side. With dark themes galore, there's something here to haunt every kind of anime fan. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has collaborated with Alpheya, a technology platform in wealth management, aimed at enhancing digital wealth management capabilities within the region. This partnership aims to drive innovation in financial services, create high-skilled jobs with a focus on Emiratisation, and enhance the wealth management sector to align with Abu Dhabi's goals of attracting global investors. Alpheya, supported by BNY and Lunate, offers an AI-based wealth management platform that assists banks, asset managers, and investment advisors in providing tailored financial services to high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The company has outlined plans for substantial capital and operational investments over the next three years, which will commence with the establishment of a new office in the Al Ain region. With the backing of ADIOs competitive business support, Alpheya aims to expedite advancements in financial technology. The company intends to register new intellectual property (IP) to facilitate the entry of foreign financial institutions into the Abu Dhabi market. Alpheya CEO Roger Rouhana said: We are committed to redefining how wealth management is delivered in the region, and partnering with ADIO marks a key milestone in that journey. By expanding within Abu Dhabi, we are continuing to set a new standard through a next-generation, AI-powered platform that allows financial institutions to provide personalised, data-driven investment solutions at scale. In addition to its focus on technology and infrastructure, Alpheya is dedicated to developing local talent. Plans include the introduction of an internship programme for Emirati students, financial literacy initiatives for educational institutions, and an international exposure programme for UAE Nationals. ADIO director general Badr Al-Olama said: Abu Dhabi is shaping the future of digital wealth management, creating an environment where innovation thrives, and global financial leaders can scale. Our partnership with Alpheya reinforces our commitment to building a world-class financial ecosystem, one that not only attracts high-impact investments but also empowers local talent and drives advancements in financial technology. In February this year, ADIO partnered with Fosun International to facilitate the expansion of Fosun's subsidiaries into Abu Dhabi and the Middle East. Announced at the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai, the partnership aims to enhance economic ties and solidify Abu Dhabi's status as a global investment hub. ALBIS Leasing has reported consolidated earnings before taxes of 5.8m ($6.5m) for the financial year 2024, a 32% increase from 4.4m in 2023. The company also posted an 18% rise in earnings before taxes under the German Commercial Code (HGB), amounting to 4.6m for 2024, compared to 3.9m in the previous year. ALBIS attributed the earnings growth to strong new business performance, particularly in the high-margin trade/manufacturers segment. Furthermore, the company attributed sustained positive earnings trends, effective cost management, and a stable risk profile in the leasing portfolio to the rise in earnings. Following the positive financial results, the ALBIS management board and supervisory board intend to declare a dividend of 0.09 per share for 2024, up from 0.08 per share in the prior year. The proposed figures will be presented at the annual general meeting on 2 July. Based on the 2024 year-end share price, the figures translate to a dividend yield of 3.3%, the company said. The proposed dividend aligns with the companys long-term goal of maintaining a consistent dividend payout of up to 0.10 per share. ALBIS Leasing CEO Sascha Lerchl said: The strong earnings performance in the 2024 financial year enables us to pay our shareholders an attractive dividend again this year. This will enable them to continue to participate in our business success in the future. The central basis for this will continue to be our strategic focus on the high-margin small-ticket business and associated with this our overall increased level of profitability. Looking ahead, ALBIS anticipates new business volumes similar to the previous year, ranging from 95m to 102.5m for the 2025 fiscal year. The company anticipates consolidated earnings before taxes (IFRS) to remain steady at 4.5m to 5.75m, despite ongoing political and macroeconomic challenges. Lerchl added: Despite the tense economic situation, we expect the risk situation in our portfolio to remain stable in the 2025 fiscal year and that we will once again achieve strong results. Based in Hamburg, ALBIS Leasing has been operating for over 35 years. Independent of banks and manufacturers, it helps small and medium-sized businesses across Germany finance their projects. ALBIS also partners with dealers and manufacturers to provide sales financing. Its 100 employees offer expertise in leasing, hire purchase, and e-commerce solutions for various industries. "ALBIS Leasing posts 32% rise in earnings before taxes in 2024" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:BABA) fintech affiliate Ant Group explored listing its overseas arm, Ant International, on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The Jack Ma-founded fintech giant Ant, which operates Chinas mobile payments app Alipay, discussed the potential listing with regulators. Ant International is registered in Singapore, Reuters reported Monday, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. Also Read: Jack Ma Makes Rare Appearance At Alibaba Fintech Event Stresses On AI Revolution China regulators called off Mas ambitious 2020 initial public offering of Ant Group at the last moment and initiated an antitrust crackdown on domestic giants, including Alibaba. The regulatory action followed Mas speech, which criticized financial regulators for suppressing innovation. The regulatory crackdown prompted Ant to overhaul its business and pay a $1 billion penalty. Ant is now trying to obtain a financial holding company license. Alipay reported 100 million users for its tap-and-pay service, launched on June 7, 2024. Last August, reports indicated Ant Group was in talks to acquire the Chinese online healthcare platform Haodf.com to integrate its technology with Haodf.com, which provides online consultations with doctors. Ant Group also remains invested in its artificial intelligence ambitions. In 2023, it spent $2.9 billion (21.2 billion yuan) on research to advance its goals. Price Action: BABA shares were trading higher by 0.60% at $126.54 premarket at the last check on Monday. Read Next: Photo by Piotr Swat via Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Alibaba's Fintech Arm Ant Group Eyes Hong Kong IPO For Ant International originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. The artificial intelligence boom has been a game-changer, helping many tech stocks, including Palantir Technologies, deliver mouth-watering returns. While the S&P 500's 24% return in 2024 is impressive, it pales compared to the 340% return for Palantir's shares. More amazing, while the S&P 500 has slumped 3% in 2025, Palantir's stock price is up 63% a remarkable accomplishment given this year's tariff-driven volatility. Related: Surprising jobs report resets Fed interest rate cut forecast Palantir's success likely surprised many people, but Wall Street veteran analyst and trader Stephen Guilfoyle wasn't among them. Guilfoyle picked up shares in 2023 when they were about $16, and he's correctly banged the drum on Palantir's potential ever since, including earlier this year, when he set a $122 price target. Palantir reached that target on May 2, prompting Guilfoyle to update his outlook, including a new price target investors should consider given his past success. Alex Karp, chief executive officer of Palantir Technologies, has seen shares soar thanks to booming artificial intelligence demand.Image source: Bloomberg/Getty Images Palantir rides a tsunami of AI activity Guilfoyle bought Palantir stock in 2023 because of its strong, debt-free balance sheet, free cash flow, and likely earnings potential. The outlook for the Peter Thiel-founded company, which CEO Alex Karp runs, has improved even more since then. Related: Iconic fund manager sends shocking 3-word message on stocks After OpenAI's ChatGPT became the fastest app to reach one million users following its launch in December 2022, there has been a flood of interest in developing AI chatbots and agentic AI applications across most industries. Banks are deploying AI programs to hedge risks, evaluate loans, and price products. Drugmakers are considering its use to predict drug targets and clinical trial outcomes. Manufacturers are seeing if it can boost production and quality. AI may also help retailers forecast demand, manage inventories, and curb theft. The U.S. military is even testing AI's use on the battlefield. AI's use cases seem boundless, prompting many companies and governments to leverage Palantir's deep expertise in managing and protecting data to help train and run new AI apps. Palantir (PLTR) started by helping the U.S. government design counterterrorism systems. Its Gotham platform assists governments in those efforts today. The company also sells solutions to manage, interpret, and report data to large companies across enterprise and cloud networks. Its experience managing and securing data has positioned it perfectly to help users design large language models and other AI solutions using its AI platform (AIP). We recently published a list of the 10 Most Undervalued Energy Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) stands against other undervalued energy stocks. As of the close of May 2, 2025, the overall energy sector is undervalued by 13.1%, as compared to the general markets undervaluation of 5.3%. The current downturn in the energy sector is primarily attributed to the current trade war sparked by President Trumps tariffs and its resultant forecasted global economic slowdown. Moreover, global crude oil prices have plunged heavily since last month, with the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude price currently hovering around the $56 mark a level it last hit during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. READ ALSO: Top 15 Energy Companies With the Highest Upside Potential Crude oil took a fresh hit this weekend after OPEC+ stunned the market by announcing a larger-than-expected output increase for June. This follows a similar surge announced for May and signals a sharp reversal from the groups efforts to defend crude prices. It seems like Saudi Arabia has adopted a low-price strategy, aiming to discipline overproducing members like Kazakhstan and Iraq. This could also be a part of Riyadhs efforts to build good relations with Donald Trump, who has recently been calling on the Kingdom to increase production in order to bring prices down. Given the high volatility in the market, it comes as no surprise that short-sellers marginally increased their bets against oil and gas stocks in March, with short interest in the energy sector reaching 2.58% compared to 2.52% in February. That said, while oil may be presenting a bleak outlook, there are other sectors within the energy business that look very promising right now. A significant growth driver for the global energy industry is the ongoing AI boom and its accompanying power-hungry data centers. According to the International Energy Agency, the global electricity demand from data centers is set to more than double by 2030 to around 945 terawatt-hours (TWh), slightly more than the entire electricity consumption of Japan today. The rise of AI is also reshaping US power markets, as according to BNEF, the countrys data center demand is projected to rise from 3.5% of total electricity demand today to 8.6% by 2035. Big Tech seems to have jumped headfirst into the AI boom, with commitments to invest hundreds of billions of dollars to build data centers and ensure their energy supply. In fact, this strategic move has injected new life into sectors such as nuclear, which has regained the spotlight after several tech giants met on the sidelines of the CERAWeek conference in March and signed a pledge to support the goal of at least tripling the worlds nuclear energy capacity by 2050. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) has unveiled plans to launch password-less web banking for its digital platform, ANZ Plus, making it the first bank in Australia to offer this feature. The new service is set to be available in mid-2025, allowing customers to access their accounts without the need for traditional passwords. Instead, users will authenticate their identity through two methods, including a passkey, which may include biometric options such as fingerprints or facial recognition, or by entering their mobile number and approving a login request via the ANZ Plus app. To further enhance security, ANZ Plus incorporates advanced biometric verification during the onboarding process, requiring customers to provide a selfie and an ID document. This process ensures that only the legitimate account holder can access their account and facilitates secure identity verification when resetting access PINs or increasing payment limits. With the introduction of password-less web banking, ANZ aims to mitigate risks associated with data breaches, password leaks, and phishing attacks. ANZ Groups Australia retail executive Maile Carnegie said: The introduction of Password-less Web Banking will revolutionise the way customers access their bank account. Not only will it be easier than ever to log into your account, were helping our customers bank with confidence knowing their accounts are secure. The bank has invested in various security features to combat fraud and scams. Among these is the ANZ CallSafe feature, which enables secure verification during calls to ANZ Plus. Since its introduction in November 2024, CallSafe has facilitated more than 20,000 secure authentications. Additionally, ANZ plans to introduce the Digital Padlock feature in mid-2025, allowing customers to instantly restrict access to their accounts if they suspect fraudulent activity. The bank has also established a dedicated team, ANZ First Responders, to assist customers who may have been targeted by cybercriminals. This team has managed around 140,000 calls in the past year, resolving approximately 93% of inquiries on the first contact. ANZ has developed the Scam Safe suite, which includes various security measures to protect customers from different types of scams. Customers who maintain the default settings of Scam Safe are reported to be 34 times less likely to fall victim to scams. The Crypto Protect feature alone has intercepted around A$5.5m ($3.54m) in fraudulent investment payments since its launch in April 2024. In November 2024, five Australian banks teamed up with BioCatch to launch BioCatch Trust Australia, am inter-bank fraud and scams intelligence-sharing network utilising behaviour and device data. By Mike Scarcella (Reuters) - Apple on Monday lodged an appeal to challenge a U.S. judges ruling that ordered the tech company to immediately open its lucrative App Store to more competition. Apple in a court notice said it will ask the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review the April 30 ruling, which found the company in contempt of an earlier order in a 2020 antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said in her decision that Apple willfully failed to comply with a 2021 injunction designed to allow developers to more easily steer consumers to potentially cheaper non-Apple payment options. Gonzalez Rogers also referred Apple and one of its executives to federal prosecutors for a possible criminal contempt investigation. She refused to put her order on hold, accusing Apple of delaying and purposefully misleading the court. "Apple sought to maintain a revenue stream worth billions in direct defiance of this courts injunction," Gonzalez Rogers said. Apple had denied violating terms of the courts order. Apple and Epic Games did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Apple's appeal notice did include its planned legal arguments. The lawsuit by Epic Games, the maker of online video game Fortnite, aimed to loosen Apple's grip over transactions in applications that use its iOS operating system and how apps are distributed to consumers. Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to end several practices that she said were designed to circumvent her earlier injunction, including a new 27% fee it imposed on app developers when Apple customers complete an app purchase outside the App Store. The judge also barred Apple from using so-called "scare screens" to deter consumers from using third-party payment options. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by Nia Williams and Chizu Nomiyama) By Jonathan Stempel, Niket Nishant and Medha Singh (Reuters) -Warren Buffett will stay on as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway after Vice Chairman Greg Abel takes over as chief executive officer, the conglomerate said on Monday. Berkshire made the announcement two days after the 94-year-old Buffett revealed at the company's annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska that he would step down as CEO, ending six decades at the helm for the legendary investor. Shares of Berkshire closed down about 5%, lowering the company's market value by $59 billion to $1.11 trillion. Though Abel's expected ascension had been known for four years, Buffett's announcement was a surprise. The change overshadowed Berkshire's first-quarter results, where insurance losses tied to wildfires caused operating profit to fall short of analyst forecasts. "Buffett's retirement announcement was a shocker," Morningstar analyst Greggory Warren wrote. Warren Buffett took control of Berkshire, once a floundering textile mill, on May 10, 1965, after a dispute with prior management. He transformed Berkshire into one of the world's largest and most admired companies, with 189 businesses including Geico insurance, the BNSF railroad, Dairy Queen and See's Candies, and a huge stock portfolio including Apple. Berkshire's stock price has reflected Buffett's success, posting annualized returns that nearly doubled the Standard & Poor's 500 index. Berkshire's board of directors approved Abel's promotion, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, at a meeting on Sunday. Abel and most of the board had not known of Buffett's announcement in advance. Buffett said he had given a heads up to his children Howard and Susie, who are directors. It had been unclear before Monday whether Warren Buffett would remain chairman or hand that title to Howard Buffett. "His sticking around provides reassurance to shareholders," said Kyle Sanders, an analyst at Edward Jones & Co. "Abel will be making large and important decisions, but having Warren around is a nice resource and he can serve as a mentor." Staying around means Buffett could play a role if Berkshire made another major acquisition, which has eluded him for nearly a decade. Berkshire ended March with $347.7 billion of cash. "It would give shareholders confidence that yes, we're still Berkshire and we'll still do large deals," Sanders said. "It gives shareholders confidence the company is not going to change even as the leadership does." By Jonathan Stempel OMAHA, Nebraska (Reuters) -Berkshire Hathaway shareholders mourning the departure of legendary investor Warren Buffett anticipate the conglomerate he built over 60 years will retain its long-term focus and culture but worry about the loss of Buffett's vision and star power. Following Buffett's surprise announcement on Saturday that he would step down as chief executive by the end of the year, Berkshire shareholders and fans said the Omaha, Nebraska-based company will remain in good hands once Vice Chairman Greg Abel takes the top job. But they said it remains unclear how the $1.16 trillion conglomerate, which has 189 operating businesses, $264 billion of stocks and $348 billion of cash, will fare after the man so intertwined with it leaves the stage. Buffett made the announcement at the end of the Berkshire annual meeting after hours of taking shareholder questions. He said Berkshires board of directors will meet on Sunday to discuss the transition. "There has been a premium on Berkshire because of Buffett," said Mark Malek, chief investment officer at Siebert.NXT. "Will people look at it in the same way?" Richard Casterline, a computer programmer from Denver, said it was a "bit shocking" to learn of Buffett's departure. "I'm curious to see what the stock price will do on Monday," he said. "I don't think (Abel) elicits the same excitement. It's not any fault of his own, it's just thinking of who could be as legendary as those two are. It's just tough shoes to fill." BUFFETT'S BABY Still, many see Abel as right for the job. "This is Buffett's baby, and he thoughtfully and deliberately planned for an orderly succession that does not disrupt the value of his life's work," said Daniel Hanson, senior portfolio manager at Neuberger Berman. "I have full confidence in Greg's leadership." Richard Lancaster, an accounting consultant from Charlotte, North Carolina, likened the change to Steve Jobs handing Apple's reins to current Chief Executive Tim Cook in 2011. "You have two different personalities, two different approaches," said Lancaster. "Greg has all the qualities Warren likes in a manager: very sharp individual, and well-versed in what's in the business climate today and the changes that will come through disruptive technologies." Under Buffett, Berkshire's annualized shareholder return has roughly doubled that of the Standard & Poor's 500. Buffett's aura was such that when Berkshire disclosed new common stock investments, it routinely sent the stock prices higher even if Buffett himself wasn't doing the investing. Key Points AT&T is gaining postpaid wireless subscribers at an impressive rate. Verizon is struggling to retain its wireless subscribers in this competitive market. Verizon looks cheaper, but it could struggle to keep up with AT&T this year. AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ), two of the largest telecom companies in America, are both often considered stable income stocks. But over the past three years, AT&T's stock rallied nearly 50%, as Verizon's stock declined 5%. After reinvesting their dividends, AT&T delivered a total return of more than 75%, as Verizon generated a total return of just 15%. Let's see why AT&T outperformed Verizon by such a wide margin, and if it's still the more reliable dividend play today. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue The differences between AT&T and Verizon AT&T and Verizon both generate most of their revenue from their wireless businesses. At the end of the first quarter of 2025, AT&T and Verizon served 118 million and 146 million wireless (both postpaid and prepaid) subscribers, respectively. Image source: Getty Images. AT&T grew its wireless postpaid business by 1.7 million subscribers in 2023, 1.7 million subscribers in 2024, and another 324,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2025. AT&T spun off DirecTV, Time Warner, and its smaller media assets over the past few years to focus on expanding its 5G wireless and fiber businesses. That back-to-basics approach sharpened its competitive edge and freed up a lot of cash. Its fiber business also added 1.1 million connections in 2023, another 1 million connections in 2024, and 261,000 connections in the first quarter of 2025. The rapid growth of its 5G and fiber segment offset the softness of its business wireline segment, which is still struggling to stay relevant as more businesses transition from wired network connections toward cloud and wireless services. Verizon's wireless business gained 286,000 postpaid subscribers in 2023 and 731,000 subscribers in 2024 -- but it abruptly lost 289,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2025. Verizon attributed that decline to tough competition and big promotions at AT&T and T-Mobile. The company tried to keep up by slashing its prices and offering more competitive bundles, but it hiked its prices again at the beginning of 2025 to boost its subscriber revenues. That move, along with the recent federal layoffs, exacerbated Verizon's loss of wireless subscribers. Binance has joined forces with the National Agency for Investments of the Kyrgyz Republic through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster the growth of the digital asset sector in the region. The announcement came during the first meeting of the Council for the Development of Digital Assets, attended by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov. The collaboration will introduce Binance Pay in Kyrgyzstan, facilitating crypto-based payment solutions. This move is expected to expand cross-border payment systems across Central Asia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The MoU also focuses on educational initiatives, with Binance Academy assisting the National Agency in crafting educational programmes. These initiatives aim to enhance the digital asset knowledge of government and financial institutions, and enhance the financial literacy of the Kyrgyzstan populace and support domestic Web3 projects. National Agency for Investments head Farhat Iminov stated: "We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with Binance, which marks a pivotal step in advancing the crypto-assets sector in the Kyrgyz Republic. Together, we aim to create a robust framework that supports the development of crypto-assets, enhances financial literacy, and opens new avenues for cross-border payments, ultimately benefiting our citizens and the broader region." Binance Central Asia and Africa CEE regional head Kyrylo Khomiakov said: "This Memorandum of Understanding represents a shared vision for leveraging blockchain technology to create sustainable economic opportunities, improve financial inclusion and advance the freedom of money in Kyrgyzstan. We look forward to working closely with our partners on all levels of the Kyrgyz government to implement innovative solutions and educational initiatives that will empower individuals and institutions alike." Last month, Binance augmented its fiat onramp ecosystem by integrating Apple Pay and Google Pay in partnership with Worldpay. This move allows users to utilise credit or debit cards linked to these digital wallets for cryptocurrency purchases, thereby streamlining Binances fiat-to-crypto transaction process. "Binance to bring crypto payments to Kyrgyz Republic " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. In early January, Alex Markarian returned to his home in the Palisades and was thrilled to see it was still standing. Flames from the devastating 2025 Southern California wildfires had destroyed thousands of structures, including many of the houses directly across the street from Markarians home. Yet while his home was still standing, nearly everything inside had been destroyed. Markarian whos been insured by State Farm for 15 years was expecting his insurer to pay for the damages, but its been several months and he still hasnt received much of the money he was expecting. Making matters worse, Markarian is now concerned about the state of his homeowners insurance policy. Don't miss "I am worried about keeping home insurance after this is all said and done," Markarian shared with CBS News. "Will State Farm, or any insurance company, still insure us and, number two, will I be able to afford that insurance?" The 2025 wildfires, which struck the Los Angeles metropolitan area as well as San Diego County in early January, created more than $250 billion in losses. And with the looming threat of more fires combined with a few other environmental concerns including elevated earthquake risks California property owners could soon face unprecedented challenges in finding affordable insurance coverage. In fact, State Farm is now seeking to substantially raise its rates, while other insurers have already fled the state or scaled back operations. State Farms case for raising premiums State Farm is currently the largest property insurance provider in California, with close to three million active policies that account for 20% of the states homeowners market. In February 2025, the insurer requested approval on a 22% rate hike for homeowners policies in California since then, the firm has lowered its requested increase to 17%. State Farm is also requesting a 38% increase on rental-dwelling policies, which provide landlords with coverage, as well as a 15% increase on renters insurance. Requiring legislative approval in order to raise rates, State Farm is aiming to convince lawmakers that the price hike is necessary after the insurer had already spent $2.75 billion in California wildfire claims, and expects to pay out around $7.6 billion in total. The California Department of Insurance supports State Farm's request, although some consumer watchdogs have expressed concerns. HONG KONG (Reuters) -Ant Group, an affiliate of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group plans to list its overseas arm, Ant International, on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Chinese media reported, citing unnamed sources. Caixin, citing people close to the company, reported that Ant was communicating with regulators about the potential listing. The report did not say whether the discussions were taking place with regulators in China or elsewhere. Ant International is registered in Singapore. Ant was founded by billionaire Jack Ma and is 33% controlled by Alibaba. It operates China's ubiquitous mobile payments app Alipay. Chinese authorities pulled the plug on Ant's $37 billion IPO in Shanghai and Hong Kong in 2020 and cracked down on Ma's business empire soon after his speech in Shanghai in October that year accusing financial watchdogs of stifling innovation. That subsequently led to a forced restructuring of Ant and a nearly $1 billion fine by Chinese regulators. Ant is in the process of securing a financial holding company licence, which, once obtained, could facilitate the revival of its IPO goal. (Writing by Marius Zaharia; Editing by Toby Chopra) CTM CPAs & Business Advisors (CTM), a US-based public accounting, tax and business consulting firm, has expanded its practice through a merger with WithumSmith+Brown (Withum). Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, CTM offers a its clients a comprehensive suite of accounting, tax and consulting services. With the development, its team, including four partners and approximately 50 team members, will join Withum. However, the team will continue to operate from their current location at 1 Overlook Point, Suite 190. CTM's expertise spans across financial statement preparation, tax planning and preparation, business valuations, succession planning, and bill pay solutions, among others. The firm also offers new tax strategies and approaches to aid the clients in achieving their financial objectives. CTM managing partner Steven Edelheit said: We are very eager to become part of the Withum team. Our client promise has always been to build lasting relationships through exceptional client service to help them reach their goals. Joining forces with Withum will offer our valued clients and dedicated staff more opportunities to thrive and achieve success under the Withum brand. The union with CTM is set to expand Withums franchise practice and bolster its industry strengths. The sectors that will benefit from this merger include restaurants, professional services, real estate, construction, manufacturing and distribution, and not-for-profit organisations. Withum managing partner and CEO Pat Walsh said: Uniting our firms grows our portfolio of franchise clients as CTM's team brings additional depth of service and expertise in this area. Their approach to client service, proven by a similar tenure in the profession, blends seamlessly with ours. Together, we share a people-first mentality with a vision of providing best-in-class solutions through a dynamic approach to problem-solving for our clients' growth and success." Headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, Withum was established in 1974. It boasts 26 offices and generates an annual revenue of $578m. The firm offers advisory, tax, and audit services on a local-to-global scale and is an independent member of HLB International, a worldwide network of independent advisory and accounting firms. In November 2024, Withum launched a new AI-focused website, withum.ai, to offer businesses services around AI strategy, implementation, engineering, and AI adoption and governance. "CTM CPAs & Business Advisors merges practice with Withum" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB) will release earnings results for the first quarter, after the closing bell on Monday, May 5. Analysts expect the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based company to report quarterly earnings at 55 cents per share, down from 59 cents per share in the year-ago period. Williams projects to report quarterly revenue at $2.94 billion, compared to $2.77 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro. On April 29, Williams raised its quarterly dividend by 5.3% to 50 cents per share. With the recent buzz around Williams, some investors may be eyeing potential gains from the company's dividends too. As of now, Williams offers an annual dividend yield of 3.33%, which is a quarterly dividend amount of 50 cents per share ($2.00 a year). So, how can investors exploit its dividend yield to pocket a regular $500 monthly? To earn $500 per month or $6,000 annually from dividends alone, you would need an investment of approximately $180,000 or around 3,000 shares. For a more modest $100 per month or $1,200 per year, you would need $36,000 or around 600 shares. To calculate: Divide the desired annual income ($6,000 or $1,200) by the dividend ($2.00 in this case). So, $6,000 / $2.00 = 3,000 ($500 per month), and $1,200 / $2.00 = 600 shares ($100 per month). View more earnings on WMB Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis, as the dividend payment and the stock price both fluctuate over time. How that works: The dividend yield is computed by dividing the annual dividend payment by the stocks current price. For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and is currently priced at $50, the dividend yield would be 4% ($2/$50). However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield drops to 3.33% ($2/$60). Conversely, if the stock price falls to $40, the dividend yield rises to 5% ($2/$40). Similarly, changes in the dividend payment can impact the yield. If a company increases its dividend, the yield will also increase, provided the stock price stays the same. Conversely, if the dividend payment decreases, so will the yield. WMB Price Action: Shares of Williams gained 2% to close at $60.00 on Friday. Read More: Image: Logo courtesy of Williams Companies UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? We recently published a list of the 10 Most Undervalued Energy Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. In this article, we are going to take a look at where EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG) stands against other undervalued energy stocks. As of the close of May 2, 2025, the overall energy sector is undervalued by 13.1%, as compared to the general markets undervaluation of 5.3%. The current downturn in the energy sector is primarily attributed to the current trade war sparked by President Trumps tariffs and its resultant forecasted global economic slowdown. Moreover, global crude oil prices have plunged heavily since last month, with the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude price currently hovering around the $56 mark a level it last hit during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. READ ALSO: Top 15 Energy Companies With the Highest Upside Potential Crude oil took a fresh hit this weekend after OPEC+ stunned the market by announcing a larger-than-expected output increase for June. This follows a similar surge announced for May and signals a sharp reversal from the groups efforts to defend crude prices. It seems like Saudi Arabia has adopted a low-price strategy, aiming to discipline overproducing members like Kazakhstan and Iraq. This could also be a part of Riyadhs efforts to build good relations with Donald Trump, who has recently been calling on the Kingdom to increase production in order to bring prices down. Given the high volatility in the market, it comes as no surprise that short-sellers marginally increased their bets against oil and gas stocks in March, with short interest in the energy sector reaching 2.58% compared to 2.52% in February. That said, while oil may be presenting a bleak outlook, there are other sectors within the energy business that look very promising right now. A significant growth driver for the global energy industry is the ongoing AI boom and its accompanying power-hungry data centers. According to the International Energy Agency, the global electricity demand from data centers is set to more than double by 2030 to around 945 terawatt-hours (TWh), slightly more than the entire electricity consumption of Japan today. The rise of AI is also reshaping US power markets, as according to BNEF, the countrys data center demand is projected to rise from 3.5% of total electricity demand today to 8.6% by 2035. Big Tech seems to have jumped headfirst into the AI boom, with commitments to invest hundreds of billions of dollars to build data centers and ensure their energy supply. In fact, this strategic move has injected new life into sectors such as nuclear, which has regained the spotlight after several tech giants met on the sidelines of the CERAWeek conference in March and signed a pledge to support the goal of at least tripling the worlds nuclear energy capacity by 2050. By Mathieu Rosemain and Gianluca Lo Nostro PARIS (Reuters) - Franco-British satellite operator Eutelsat will replace its CEO with Orange executive Jean-Francois Fallacher, it said on Monday, in a surprise move by a company in the spotlight for its role in European defence communications. Fallacher, currently CEO of Orange France, will take over on June 1, at a time when Eutelsat has said it needs more financing. He will succeed Eva Berneke, who has led the company since 2022. The Frenchman takes over as Europe is looking for home-grown commercial and defence satellite communication options to reduce its reliance on Elon Musk's Starlink. Fallacher, 58, is a telecoms sector veteran, having led Orange's branches in Romania, Poland, Spain and France over the last 15 years. "It is a continuity appointment, not a rupture with the strategy, as the path is clearly traced and the new CEO is committed to build," a Eutelsat spokesperson said. Shares in the company, up 90% this year, rose 8% by 1148 GMT. Only 20.9% of the shares listed in Paris and London are publicly traded, making it prone to sharp price swings. A COSTLY MERGER Berneke led Eutelsat through its merger with Britain's OneWeb in 2023 and a rapid revival of interest in the role of satellite connectivity in Europe. Eutelsat's OneWeb acquisition gave the group control over the only other constellation of low Earth orbit satellites in the world at the time besides Starlink. Suggestions the company could replace Starlink in providing internet access to war-torn Ukraine fuelled the biggest weekly gains ever in Eutelsat stock in early March. Berneke told Reuters last month the company has provided its high-speed satellite internet service to Ukraine for about a year via a German distributor. "Eutelsat is set for a full alignment with a world where Europe is a strong sovereign space player and strongly aligned with the telecom connectivity ecosystem," Berneke wrote in a post on LinkedIn regarding her departure. She added that the company was looking to "adjust our governance and shareholder structure", which had paved the way for the CEO change. She did not give further details. A person familiar with the situation said Eutelsat was facing significant investment demands that would require fresh capital, with a potential share sale a logical avenue. Eutelsat had said its OneWeb tie-up would lift the group's annual sales to $2 billion by 2027, with OneWeb's second generation of LEO satellites expected to be launched by the end of the decade. First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has agreed to acquire CCB Financial Corp, the parent company of Country Club Bank, based in Kansas City, Missouri. The deal will combine two established financial institutions, both of which are privately owned and have a history of family leadership, to enhance financial services in the Midwest region. Country Club Bank, founded in 1953, has expanded from a single commercial bank to a comprehensive financial institution, and employs over 400 people. It currently holds $1.8bn in deposits and $2.2bn in assets, as well as a trust company with $2.8bn in assets under management. The firms services include personal banking, commercial banking, wealth management, trust services, and capital markets. This acquisition awaits regulatory approval that is expected to be granted by the end of 2025. Country Club Bank chairman and CEO Paul Thompson said: Country Club Bank has a deep history of taking care of its clients, and it was paramount that any partner we considered have a similar dedication. Post-merger, FNBO will manage nearly $35bn in assets and have a workforce of approximately 4,800. Furthermore, the 20 branches of Country Club Bank located in Kansas and Missouri will be integrated into FNBOs existing network of 100 branches across several states, including Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Illinois, Texas, and Iowa. FNBO chairman and president Clark Lauritzen said: At FNBO, we know that long-term relationships are the cornerstone of community growth, and we were inspired by Country Club Banks shared commitment to that ideal. This is an exciting opportunity to bring together the best of both FNBO and Country Club Bank, combining our strengths, expertise and commitment to customer service to create a stronger, more innovative financial partner for not only the Kansas City area, but the entire FNBO footprint. "FNBO signs merger agreement with Country Club Bank" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Warren Buffett drew numerous tributes after his surprise announcement Saturday that he plans to step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO by the end of the year. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said he "represents everything that is good about American capitalism." Apple CEO Tim Cook praised Buffett and his successor, Greg Abel. Top CEOs praised Warren Buffett after the legendary investor said Saturday he plans to step down as Berkshire Hathaway chief by the end of the year. Buffett said Berkshire Hathaway Energy CEO Greg Abel should take over as head of the overall conglomerate, stunning shareholders at the annual conference. The "Oracle of Omaha" drew numerous tributes, including one from JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. "Warren Buffett represents everything that is good about American capitalism and America itself investing in the growth of our nation and its businesses with integrity, optimism, and common sense," he said, according to Reuters. "I've learned so much from him to this very day, and I am honored to call him a friend." Apple CEO Tim Cook also reacted to the surprise announcement. Berkshire began buying Apple stock in 2016 and steadily added more shares. While Berkshire sold off more than half of its holdings in Apple stock last year, the iPhone maker remains the single biggest position in its portfolio. Theres never been someone like Warren, and countless people, myself included, have been inspired by his wisdom, Cook posted on X. Its been one of the great privileges of my life to know him. And theres no question that Warren is leaving Berkshire in great hands with Greg. Earlier in the shareholder meeting on Saturday, Buffett heaped praise on Cook, saying he "has made Berkshire a lot more than I made Berkshire," while adding that "nobody but Steve (Jobs) could have created Apple, but nobody but Tim could have developed it like it had." Not only did Buffett surprise shareholders, neither Abel nor most board members knew he would make the announcement. Buffett said only his children who are serving as directors had prior knowledge. It surprised me, but it impresses me, board member Ron Olsen told CNBC. Warren has lived a life full of surprises, very few of his decisions have been anything other than sensational. CFRA analyst Cathy Seifert told the Associated Press that Buffett's decision was probably very tough, but that it's better that he leaves on own his terms. "I think there will be an effort at maintaining a 'business as usual' environment at Berkshire," she added. "That is still to be determined." Greg Abel and his wife, Andrea, at a Berkshire Hathaway event in 2023. - Photo: Kevin Dietsch (Getty Images) Warren Buffett announced on Saturday that he will retire as Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) CEO at the end of 2025. Buffett, 94, will stay on as Berkshires board chair and hand the reins to Greg Abel, a move thats long been expected given that Buffett publicly named Abel as his successor in 2021. Still, the move comes as a jolt, given the Oracle of Omahas legendary run as head of the $1.1 trillion conglomerate. So, who is Greg Abel? For starters, someone with big shoes to fill, as Buffett delivered a 5,500,000% return for investors during his tenure, according to CNN. More specifically, the 62-year old Abel has been vice chairman of Berkshires non-insurance companies since 2018. According to the New York Times, thats a group of nearly 200 businesses that includes utility giant Berkshire Hathaway Energy; retailers and consumer brands, including Fruit of the Loom; restaurant chains like Dairy Queen; the private jet service NetJets; and one of the nations largest railroads, BSNF. During Berkshires shareholders meeting on Saturday, Buffett explained what kind of leader he believes Abel is. You really need someone that behaves well on top and is not playing games for their own benefit, and we get a lot of managers that bend over backward to not do that sort of thing and then we get some that bend forward, Buffett said. Greg does something about it and Ive generally been lax in doing something about it. Abel got his start at Berkshire when the conglomerate bought a majority share of MidAmerican Energy, where Abel was president, in 2000. Since then, hes climbed the ranks, helping lead a series of acquisitions. The companies he oversees reported $5 billion in earnings in the first quarter of 2025, according to CNN. Buffett has been hyping up Abel as his heir apparent for years, telling CNBC in 2023 that Abel does all the work and I take all the bows. He added: Hes a big improvement on me, but dont tell anybody. In recent years, Abel has taken visible roles at Berkshires public events, often sitting onstage to answer questions with Buffett at annual shareholder meetings. An Edmonton, Alberta native who currently lives in Des Moines, Iowa, Abel earned his bachelors degree in accounting from the University of Alberta in 1984. He started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Edmonton before joining CalEnergy in 1992. That firm later acquired MidAmerican Energy, which then was acquired by Berkshire. During the shareholder meeting Saturday, Abel was asked how he would describe his approach to leading Berkshires subsidiaries compared to Buffett. Better, Buffet said before Abel could answer. Abels approach was more diplomatic: More active, but hopefully in a very positive way. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Key Points Vehicle parts will get a 15% tariff offset in the first year, and 10% in the second. Tariffs should impact Ford less than peers as a result of its U.S.-centric production model. Ford is also extending its employee-pricing-for-all discounts, which should boost sales. It's been a tough start to 2025 for most automakers. Much of that tough start, with many automakers trailing the broader market, was due to tariff uncertainty. The Trump administration has made it clear that tariffs are a big agenda, regardless of the potential mayhem they could have caused the automotive industry's globalized and complex supply chain. But thankfully, investors in Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) received good news on the tariff front. Let's dig in. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue What's going on? As it sits currently, the Trump administration has tariffs on imported cars, steel, aluminum, duties on goods imported from China, Canada, and Mexico, and a 10% base tariff on goods imported from nearly every country. That's a huge problem for automakers such as Detroit's Ford and General Motors. Both have extensive supply chains that can't be changed up at the drop of a hat, and often parts will cross borders multiple times before final assembly. The little bit of good news came when the administration announced modifications to the tariffs. Now automakers importing vehicle parts will get a 15% tariff offset in the first year, and a 10% tariff offset in the second year. However, the 25% tariff on imported vehicles remains, and could raise the price of an imported vehicle by roughly $10,000. How much damage? For investors, it's important to be aware of how much these tariffs could cost automakers. "The burden from parts tariffs will likely be de minimis for the first two years," Wolfe Research wrote to investors. According to Wolfe, Ford is expected to be one of the biggest winners due to its U.S.-centric production model, with the estimated future impact from a 25% tariff on imported vehicles to be under $1 billion. That's favorable compared to General Motors and Stellantis tariff costs, which Wolfe estimates could range closer to $2 billion to $5 billion. Already automakers have made adjustments to try to offset tariff costs and uncertainty. One example from General Motors is that the company paused the remainder of its $6 billion share buyback. The automaker noted it would finish the $2 billion accelerated repurchase portion, and then pause the remaining share repurchases. The silver lining was that GM felt confident enough in its financials that it even increased the dividend. Time has run out for some US trade partners looking to make deals ahead of President Trump's July 9 deadline for tariffs to snap back to higher levels. Letters will start going out to countries on Friday to notify them of the tariff rates they will face on exports to the US, Trump told reporters, to go into effect on Aug. 1. The first 10 or 12 letters sent out will be followed by similar batches. By the ninth theyll be fully covered, Trump said in reference to the deadline, per Bloomberg. Theyll range in value from maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20% tariffs. The Trump team has so far been focused on hammering out trade deals, though it has succeeded in nailing only three pacts so far. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said around 100 partners would likely see a minimum "reciprocal" rate of 10% come next week, adding that he expects a "flurry" of deals to materialize before the deadline. Here is where things stand with various partners: China : The US has eased export restrictions on China for chip design software and ethane, a sign that trade tensions are calming between the two countries after they agreed in May to a framework to move toward a larger trade deal. Software firms like Synopsys (SNPS) and Cadence (CDNS) said they will now sell their chip design tools to Chinese customers again. The US also removed limits on ethane exports to China that it had set just weeks ago. Vietnam: Trump on Wednesday said he had reached a trade deal with Vietnam, one that will see the country's imports face a 20% tariff lower than the 46% he had threatened in April. He also said Vietnamese goods would face a higher 40% tariff "on any transshipping" when goods shipped from Vietnam originate from another country, like China. Many US goods will see no duty upon import to Vietnam. Japan: Trump earlier this week said negotiations with Japan had soured, saying he would force Japan to accept higher tariffs of "30%, 35%, or whatever the number is that we determine." Notably, that proposal is higher than the 24% "Liberation Day" level. "Theyre very tough. You have to understand, theyre very spoiled," he said. The new highest-paid CEO in America is Jim Anderson, a low-profile executive of Pennsylvania-based Coherent, which produces equipment for networks and lasers. The bulk of his salary, the only one among 100 highly paid CEOs to reach nine-figures, was made up of more than $100 million in stock awards. In the world of highly paid CEOs, consumer technology companies and heavyweights like Tim Cook or Mark Zuckerberg may come to mind. So far this year, though, the highest paid CEO in the U.S. is the leader of a high-tech business few have likely heard of. Jim Anderson, the head of Saxonburg, Pa.-based company Coherentwhich makes equipment and products for networks and laser systemsis the new highest-paid CEO in the U.S. with a total salary of $101,497,009 for 2024, according to an early study by executive intelligence company Equilar. Although Anderson is entitled to a base salary of $1.06 million, the CEO only joined the company in June 2024, so he received just $81,538 in cash. But that base salary, plus a signing bonus of $500,000, were just a small chunk of Andersons overall compensation, as he was awarded more than $100,000,000 in stock awards, according to Coherents 2024 proxy statement. Of the 100 highest paid CEOs, Anderson was the only one whose compensation exceeded nine figures. The 52-year-old Anderson beat out many other big names, including Brian Niccol of Starbucks, whose $95.8 million compensation fell $5 million short of Andersons. Other well-known CEOs whose compensation was valued lower than Andersons were Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella ($79.1 million), Apple CEO Tim Cook ($74.6 million), and Disney CEO Bob Iger ($40.6 million). Anderson may still be replaced as the highest paid CEO after all proxy statements for 2024 are filed. Equilars study took a look at proxy statements through March 31 for companies with $1 billion or more in revenue, for an early snapshot of executive pay. View this interactive chart on Fortune.com Anderson, who was previously CEO of Lattice Semiconductor, succeeded retired Coherent CEO Chuck Mattera last year. Before Lattice, Anderson served as senior vice president and general manager of the computing and graphics business group at AMD, according to Coherents website. Anderson has an MBA and Masters in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT as well as a Masters in electrical engineering from Purdue University, and a Bachelors in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota. The median CEO compensation in 2024 was $25.6 million, a 9.5% increase from last year, Equilars study found. CEO pay has been on the rise in recent years thanks to big stock payouts, Equilar found. The Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has formalised a partnership with LuLu Retail to incorporate business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce service, LuLuOn, into the UAE federal government's digital procurement framework. The objective is to bolster the effectiveness and clarity of government procurement operations. The partnership provides federal agencies with direct access to LuLu's extensive product offerings via the government's e-procurement system by leveraging a new feature termed 'Punch Out.' Punch Out feature is anticipated to reduce the procurement timeline from as long as 60 days to mere minutes, concurrently advancing cost management and transactional transparency. The tool permits users to peruse, select, and complete purchases from LuLu while remaining within the procurement system, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the workflow. This collaboration is aligned with the ministry's commitment to transform procurement activities digitally and broaden the network of approved suppliers. Under the terms of this agreement, federal entities are also set to gain from specialised institutional pricing on a variety of products offered by LuLu, encompassing food, groceries, and operational necessities, supported by LuLu's robust global sourcing and delivery infrastructure. At present, the federal catalogue boasts more than 120,000 products and services spanning 35 different categories, supplied by upwards of 400 accredited vendors. The ministry is dedicated to enhancing this platform through deliberate partnerships between public and private sectors that contribute value and innovation to governmental procedures. Financial Affairs Minister of State Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini said: This strategic agreement is part of the Ministry of Finances ongoing efforts to develop and enhance the efficiency of the government procurement system, in line with the federal governments vision for more flexible and sustainable business models. Through this partnership, we aim to provide diverse, high-quality options that meet the needs of federal entities while promoting transparency and competitiveness. In February this year, Lulu Retail Group announced plans to extend its reach to the suburban zones of major Emirati cities, establishing new retail locations. "LuLu Retail, UAE government enter deal for exclusive discounts " was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Key Points Nu Holdings secured approval to transition its Mexico operations to a broader range of financial offerings. The company's customer base in Mexico is now around 10 million, nearly double from a year ago. Nu's digital-only banking model has successfully disrupted Brazil's traditional banking system. Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU) investors received exciting news recently when the company secured regulatory approval to transform its Mexico banking operations into a full-service bank. A dominant player in Brazil's banking scene, Nu is now setting its sights on growing its banking footprint in Mexico. The move will allow Nu to offer a wider array of products to its Mexico customers and attract more capital. It also positions Nu to shake up the region's highly concentrated banking sector and make financial services more accessible to citizens everywhere. Here's why Nu investors have reason for optimism. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue Nubank has opened up banking for Brazil Nu Holdings, the parent company of Nubank, has made huge strides in opening up the banking landscape in Brazil. Established in 2013, Nubank has disrupted the traditional banking oligopoly that previously saw five banks control 80% of the country's financial assets. Thanks to regulatory changes in Brazil, Nu introduced a digital-only neobank model that operates without the overhead of brick-and-mortar branches, drastically reducing costs. This capital-light approach enables Nubank to offer a range of customer-friendly products, including free accounts, credit cards with no annual fees, and competitive borrowing rates. The growth in the region has been staggering. Nu has successfully expanded its reach to an impressive 101.8 million customers, or 58% of Brazil's adult population. The company has played a pivotal role in addressing the issue of financial inclusion, reducing the number of unbanked or underbanked Brazilians to just 3%. Recent news will allow Nu to expand its growing presence in Mexico Nubank is strategically expanding its operations across Latin America, with a focus on Mexico and Colombia. In Mexico alone, their customer base has grown to 10 million, nearly double the amount from one year earlier. Image source: Getty Images. Currently, Nu Mexico operates as a Popular Financial Society (SOFIPO), which enables it to offer basic financial services such as deposit accounts, credit cards, and personal loans. However, as a SOFIPO, Nu Mexico faces geographic limitations, reduced deposit insurance, lower deposit limits, and limited investment options, hindering its ability to diversify and expand its offerings. Indian hospitality chain Oyo Hotels has postponed its initial public offering (IPO) for the third time, following opposition from its stakeholder SoftBank Group and amid volatile stock market conditions, as reported by Bloomberg. This marks the company's third attempt at going public since 2021, now potentially looking to debut as early as March with a targeted valuation upwards of $7bn. SoftBank, which holds a significant stake in Oyo that surpasses founder Ritesh Agarwal's more than 30% share, has urged the company to delay the IPO until its earnings improve. The support of the fund is crucial for board approval and to attract investors, as it has been advised not to sell into the IPO. The company is closely monitoring its performance and the broader economic environment to determine the most opportune time for its IPO, according to an Oyo spokesperson. Meanwhile, SoftBank has refrained from commenting on the matter. Agarwal has been keen on a swift IPO to fulfill the terms linked to his restructured $2.2bn loan, which was personally guaranteed by SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son. The loan's first instalment was due in December, but lenders may extend the repayment date if Oyo lists this year. Despite the delay, SoftBank may assist in extending the deadline for Agarwal's loan repayment. The Oyo spokesperson clarified that the founder's financial arrangements are separate from the company and will not influence the IPO schedule. The final decision on the listing will be made by the board, considering the interests of all shareholders. SoftBank's role is complicated due to Son's personal involvement in Agarwal's finances, which enabled the Oyo founder to secure a multi-billion-dollar loan to increase his stake in the company. This loan restructure took place in 2022, with the first payment of $383m still pending. Oyo, which achieved its first annual net profit in the year ended March 2024, is projecting a significant increase in profits to Rs6.2bn ($74m) in the subsequent year. Once one of India's most valuable startups, Oyo's valuation has been impacted by intense competition, although it has returned to profitability. In 2022, the Vision Fund reduced Oyo's valuation on its books to $2.7bn from $3.4bn. In a recent development, Oyo announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated app for its premium and mid-market to premium company-serviced hotels in April 2025. "Oyo Hotels postpones IPO for third time" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Premier Bulk Systems has acquired fellow bulk liquid hauler Longhorn Transportation for an undisclosed sum. The deal gives Ontario, Canada-based Premier Bulk Systems a presence in the Maritime Provinces along Canadas east coast. New Brunswick, Canada-based Longhorn provides bulk liquid truckload services, hauling petroleum products, asphalt and chemicals. The 21-year-old carrier also provides flatbed and dry van TL transportation. The addition of Longhorn into Premiers operating network is highly complementary and leaves us well-positioned for ongoing commercial success and future growth, said Kevin Berry, Premiers founder and president, in a news release. Premiers fleet includes approximately 120 tractors and 250 trailers, specializing in the transportation of chemicals and food-grade products. It also offers equipment maintenance and tank-cleaning services. Premier was acquired by Illinois-based Heniff Transportation Systems in 2021. Heniffs network includes roughly 2,000 tractors operating out of 100 locations. Premiers values, goals and work ethic align perfectly with the Longhorn brand, said Ryan Butland, founder and president of Longhorn. This relationship will continue to advance our team forward while continuing our commitment to safety and service for our valued customers. More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden: The post Premier Bulk Systems acquires Canada east coast operator appeared first on FreightWaves. A group of Republican legislators has supported a proposal to dissolve the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), which supervises audits of firms listed on stock exchanges. The Wall Street Journal reported that the initiative, endorsed by the Trump administration, would place these responsibilities under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a 3022 party-line decision, the House Financial Services Committee approved the measure targeting the PCAOB. The committee also backed legislation to trim funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. These steps contribute to the development of a larger federal budget bill that awaits a vote in the House. Over recent years, changes in White House leadership have led to shifts in PCAOBs management. The board, founded by Congress in response to major corporate frauds in the early 2000s, operates as a nonprofit with ties to the SEC. Opponents of the PCAOB argue it imposes unnecessary costs on companies and replicates functions already carried out by the SEC. On the other hand, many industry professionals caution this could diminish the quality of audit oversight. The PCAOB currently employs nearly 500 individuals who handle inspections and coordinate with over 50 international authorities. Critics warn the SEC would face significant delays in rebuilding this workforce and renegotiating international agreements. The proposed integration would also result in changes to PCAOB salary structures. If enacted, the shift of duties to the SEC would be completed within a year. Board member salaries, which are currently not bound by federal pay limits, would be reduced. The PCAOB is funded through fees collected from public firms and brokerage houses. These fees would be eliminated under the new plan, with the equivalent amount redirected to the US Treasury's general fund. Earlier this week, the PCAOB provided lawmakers with technical input about the proposal in a letter sent to Representative Maxine Waters. She serves as the leading Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. PCAOB chair Erica Williams said: Today, the PCAOBs mission is as important as ever. History tells us that when the economy is tight, the risk of fraud goes up. And the stakes are high. With millions of Americans invested in the stock market, including through 401(k)s and pensions, auditors need to perform their audits with more care than ever. Now is not the time for a major disruption in audit oversight. "Republican lawmakers back plan to dismantle PCAOB" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. By Aditya Kalra and Arpan Chaturvedi NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Samsung has asked an Indian tribunal to quash a $520 million tax demand for allegedly misclassifying imports of networking gear, arguing officials were aware of the practice as India's Reliance imported the same component in a similar manner for years, documents show. Samsung becomes the second major foreign company in recent months to challenge an Indian tax demand. Volkswagen has sued Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in court for a record demand of $1.4 billion for misclassifying its component imports. In the Samsung case, tax authorities in January asked Samsung to pay $520 million for evading the 10-20% tariffs by misclassifying imports of a key mobile tower equipment, which it then sold to billionaire Mukesh Ambani's telecom giant, Reliance Jio, from 2018 to 2021. In its 281-page challenge at the Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal in Mumbai, Samsung criticises Indian authorities for being "fully aware" of the business model as Reliance had a "long-established practice" of importing the same equipment without any tariff payments for three years until 2017. Samsung's India unit says it discovered during an Indian tax investigation that Reliance had been warned about the practice way back in 2017, but Reliance did not inform the South Korean company about it and tax officials never questioned Samsung. "The classification adopted by the appellant (Samsung) was known to the authorities, however the same was never questioned ... Department was fully aware," Samsung says in its April 17 filing, which is not public but was seen by Reuters. "Reliance Jio officials did not inform" Samsung about the tax warning of 2017, it adds. Samsung and India's tax authority did not respond to Reuters queries. Further details of Reliance's 2017 warning from tax authorities are not public and were not disclosed in the Samsung filing. Reliance didn't respond to Reuters queries. Other than $520 million demand Samsung faces, Indian authorities have also imposed an $81 million fine on seven of its employees, taking the total tax demand to $601 million. It's not clear if Samsung employees are separately challenging the fines. The tax demand represents a substantial chunk of last year's net profit of $955 million for Samsung in India, where it is one of the largest players in the consumer electronics and smartphones market. In defending its tariff declarations, Samsung also argues in its filing that the tax authority passed the order in January "in a hurry" and it was not provided "a fair opportunity" to present its case, despite the "huge stakes" involved. The shoe company Skechers is being acquired for more than $9 billion to be taken private by the investment firm by 3G Capital. The deal comes amid growing uncertainty over how U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on foreign goods will affect companies who make their products overseas, particularly in China. Athletic shoe makers have invested heavily in production in Asia. The offer of $63 per share represents a premium of 30% to Skechers 15-day volume-weighted average stock price. The deal was unanimously approved by Skechers' board. Skechers shares jumped nearly 25% Monday, to $61.56. In a press release announcing the deal, the companies did not mention the potential impacts of Trumps tariffs on its business going forward. However, Skechers says that about two-thirds of its revenue comes from sales outside of the U.S. China accounts for 15% of the companys revenue, according to the data firm FactSet. The deal comes at a precarious time with Trumps ongoing, on-again-off-again tariff announcements. Like many other companies increasingly have done since Trumps widespread tariff announcements, Skechers did not issue guidance when it released its first quarter earnings in April. Chief Financial Officer John Vandemore told investors that the current environment is simply too dynamic from which to plan results with a reasonable assurance of success. Executives also said they would be looking to minimize products going to the U.S. from high-cost locations, including the impact of tariffs. The company did not immediately provide a breakdown of foreign production, but many of their shoes come with a Made in China stamp. Trump raised the tariff on Chinese imports to 125% in early April, hours after China boosted the duty on American goods to 84% in an escalating battle that threatens to disrupt trade between the worlds two largest economies. Skechers executives said last month that the company had several levers it could pull to deal with tariffs, including cost sharing with vendors, sourcing optimization, and price adjustments. Were looking at how we optimize the global cost of tariffs in all markets when we look to move production around, Vandemore said last month. Obviously, with an effective tariff rate at about 159%, products from China to the U.S. are prohibitively expensive. Skechers has about 5,300 retail stores worldwide, about 1,800 company-owned. About 97% of the clothes and shoes purchased in the U.S. are imported, predominantly from Asia, according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association. Using factories overseas has kept labor costs down for U.S. companies, but neither they nor their overseas suppliers are likely to absorb price increases due to new tariffs. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino is sounding the alarm on Europes financial system, warning that a wave of bank failures could hit the continent in the near future due to the intersection of risky lending and new cryptocurrency rules. Ardoino, during an interview with the Less Noise More Signal podcast, took aim at the European Unions regulatory framework for stablecoins, which he said pushes companies like Tether to keep the bulk of their reservesup to 60%in uninsured bank deposits. In his scenario, that could mean holding 6 billion euros of a 10 billion euros-pegged stablecoin in small banks with minimal protection. The bank insurance in Europe is only 100,000 euros, he said. If you have 1 billion euros, thats like spitting on a fire. European banks, like every other bank, operate on a fractional reserve, Ardoino added. They can lend out 90% of it to people that want to buy a house, start a business, and all of that. In his hypothetical 6 billion euros scenario, this would mean 5.4 billion euros would be lent out by the bank. He likened the setup to the lead-up to Silicon Valley Bank's collapse in 2023, when a flood of redemptions exposed the mismatch between deposits and actual liquidity. Ardoino warned that European banks operate under similar fractional reserve models that could unravel under pressure. A 20% redemption event, he estimated, could leave banks short billions. "As a stablecoin issuer, you go bankrupt not because of you, but because of the bank. So the bank goes bankrupt and you go bankrupt, and the government would say, Told you so, stablecoins are very dangerous, Ardoino said. Regulations in Europe, he added, are made to try to help banks in the bloc and bring them liquidity, but this created huge systemic risk. The largest banks in Europe, like UBS, would not bank stablecoins, pushing stablecoin issuers to use smaller banks, furthering the risk. The comments come as Tether plans to launch a U.S.-based stablecoin product, and as the stablecoin issuer keeps investing in various projects outside of the ecosystem, having recently raised its stake in Latin American producer Adecoagro. By Liang-sa Loh and Faith Hung TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's president on Monday called for an end to "false" news about talks with the United States on foreign exchange rate policy, after the Taiwan dollar surged against the U.S. dollar on speculation Washington had asked for it to appreciate. The Taiwan dollar on Monday and last Friday appreciated strongly against the greenback on market speculation that the U.S. had asked Taiwan to allow its currency to appreciate as part of the tariff talks, and is at a more than two-year high. After Taiwan's central bank and Office of Trade Negotiations issued denials that tariff talks in Washington last week had involved the topic of foreign exchange, President Lai Ching-te took the unusual step of weighing in with a video message. Taiwan's trade surplus with the United States is because of soaring demand for the tech products the island specialises in, like semiconductors, and Taiwan has never been listed by Washington as a currency manipulator, Lai said. "Precisely because the cause of the Taiwan-U.S. trade deficit has nothing to do with the exchange rate, the exchange rate issue will naturally not be mentioned in negotiations between Taiwan and the United States," he added. "Therefore, I would also like to ask malevolent people to stop deliberately spreading false information," Lai said, without offering any names. Taiwan's economy is doing well and people should have confidence, he added. "I would also like to ask all my good friends to share what I have reported, and to share the correct information with your friends and family." On Saturday, the government said that Taiwan had concluded its first round of "substantive" tariff talks with the United States, describing the atmosphere as frank and cordial. It did not mention exchange rate issues. Speaking to reporters at a hastily arranged news conference earlier on Monday, the exasperated sounding central bank governor Yang Chin-long repeatedly said there had been no exchange rate talks with the United States. "If this had been a topic, we would have attended," Yang said, adding a call for the market to calm down and speculation to end. Taiwan has told the United States it would not manipulate the exchange rate, but the Taiwan dollar has been fluctuating excessively and some people are trying to engage in large-scale speculation, he said. "The abnormal situation of the past two days we hope can end here," Yang added. The central bank has intervened in recent days to maintain market stability, he said. Freight Technologies (FRGT), a $4.8 million market cap logistics tech firm focused on cross-border trade between the U.S. and Mexico, has entered an agreement to buy up to $20 million in the Official Trump Token (TRUMP) to build out its crypto treasury. The company said it secured the funding through a convertible note facility with an institutional investor, with an initial $1 million tranche already committed. The capital will be used solely to acquire TRUMP tokens, making it one of the first publicly listed companies to do so. The decision follows a separate investment in AI-linked FET tokens currently valued at $8 million, which the company says supports AI tools used across its logistics platforms. Buying digital assets for publicly traded companies isn't a new strategy. Michael Saylor championed it with a bitcoin strategy, and others, such as Semler Scientific (SMLR), followed through. Most recently, Cantor (CEP) is making a splash with huge dry powder to do the same. Meanwhile, companies such as Sol Strategies (HODL) and Janover (JNVR) are buying up SOL tokens to give investors exposure to the cryptocurrency. The trend is also picking up in Japan, where hotel firm Metaplanet has recently hit 5,000 BTC on its balance sheet and issued $25 million in bonds to fund additional purchases. Smaller firms, including Value Creation, Remixpoint, NEXON, Anap Holdings, and WEMADE are also accumulating the cryptocurrency. However, Freight's mandate is slightly different: to influence the U.S.-Mexico trade deal amid President Trump's all-out trade war. "We believe that the addition of the Official Trump tokens are an excellent way to diversify our crypto treasury, and also an effective way to advocate for fair, balanced, and free trade between Mexico and the US," Javier Selgas, the company's CEO, said in a press release on April 30. While such a strategy could help a company such as Freight, influencing presidential decisions by buying a memecoin could bring up the question of conflict of interest. Just recently, Trump said he will hold a private dinner with top token holders, drawing outcry from Democratic lawmakers, who cited the presidents involvement with the token as potential grounds for impeachment. On April 25, Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) pointed to the crypto project offering its top holders an invitation to a dinner event with President Trump, calling it a clear case of selling access to the presidency. For Freight, whose stock price plunged nearly 90% in the last 12 months and is heavily tied to cross-border trading, it seems this might be the best way to keep share prices afloat. After rushing to file your taxes before the April 15 deadline, the fantasy of living in a world without the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) might feel especially tempting. Its certainly on the mind of President Donald Trump, who wants to abolish the IRS, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Don't miss Given this administrations history of bold and sometimes outlandish ideas from threaten to use force to invade Greenland to abolishing the Department of Education their stated goal shouldnt be dismissed outright. Heres how Trump and his allies in Congress are already taking steps to dismantle the national tax agency, and what that could mean for your finances. Trumps plan The Trump administration has already taken tangible steps to disrupt the IRS. According to the Associated Press, the agency has seen three leadership changes in a single week and is expected to lose tens of thousands of employees due to layoffs and voluntary retirement offers. Abolishing the IRS entirely, however, poses a major challenge: how would the government fund its operations? Trump and Lutnick have proposed that tariffs, collected through a newly formed External Revenue Agency could replace the IRS. Let all the outsiders pay, Lutnick said on Fox News. But the math doesnt add up. In 2023, the U.S. imported $3.1 trillion worth of goods but collected about $2 trillion in personal and corporate income taxes. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, it is literally impossible for tariffs to fully replace income taxes. Republicans in Congress are proposing an alternative plan: replacing income tax with a national sales tax. Representative Earl "Buddy" Carter introduced the FairTax Act of 2025, which calls for a tax-inclusive rate of 23% beginning in the 2027 tax year. However, the Tax Policy Center estimates that for every dollar spent, this would amount to taxpayers paying about 30 cents in federal sales tax for every dollar spent. Whether these proposals will ever be fully implemented remains unclear. However, with serious discussions underway about tariffs and consumption taxes and with the IRS facing significant internal disruption American consumers should start preparing for the potential fallout. By Tom Polansek and Neil J Kanatt (Reuters) -Tyson Foods reported lower-than-expected quarterly sales and stuck to its annual revenue forecast on Monday amid weaker demand for beef, sending shares down 9% and overshadowing better-than-anticipated profits. U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies hung over the meat company due to concerns that tariff disputes could raise prices for a range of consumer goods and further reduce demand for pricey meat products. Beef prices have already climbed after U.S. ranchers slashed their cattle herds due to a years-long drought that dried up pasture lands used for grazing. "Beef is experiencing the most challenging market conditions we've ever seen," CEO Donnie King told analysts on a call. Tyson warned that tariffs could also trigger some sales disruptions, adding that exports account for less than 10% of its business. But King said the impacts would be temporary as trade flows change, and that the company does not expect global meat consumption to decline. Demand for Tyson's beef declined as average prices spiked 8.2% in the second quarter that ended on March 29. Some shoppers are increasingly opting for less-expensive meats, such as chicken, as consumer sentiment has ebbed. The beef business, Tyson's largest unit, reported an adjusted operating loss of $181 million for the six months that ended in March. The company maintained its outlook for total adjusted operating income of $1.9 billion to $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2025. Some investors had hoped that Tyson would raise it given strong chicken sales, but King said the company feels comfortable with the forecast. "We lost $181 million and then you stack on tariffs and consumer pressure and inflation that we're seeing in the marketplace," he said. Total quarterly net sales of $13.07 billion missed analysts' estimates for $13.14 billion, while earnings of 92 cents per share topped expectations of 82 cents, according to LSEG data. In Tyson's chicken unit, quarterly sales volumes rose 3% as average prices declined 1.1%, lifting income to $312 million from $160 million a year earlier. "You've obviously come through very strongly in the first half of the year, but keeping the guidance the same implies I think a fairly big decline year over year in operating income," Bernstein analyst Alexia Howard said on the call. Legal contingency accruals added pressure on sales, as Tyson said it increased accruals by $250 million for claims its pork business was involved in price fixing. (Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru and Tom Polansek in Chicago; Editing by Pooja Desai, Mark Potter and Mark Porter) UAE-based food packaging company Hotpack has selected the US state of New Jersey for its inaugural manufacturing and distribution hub in North America. This move aims to enhance Hotpack's service delivery to its US customers and demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility within the global packaging market. Last week, the company, along with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a $100m investment to establish the 70,000ft2 facility in Edison. Slated to be operational in June this year, the plant will specialise in producing customised plastic and paper cups, containers, and clamshells, with plans to expand its workforce as operations grow. Hotpack CEO & managing director Abdul Jebbar said: "We are proud to establish a manufacturing presence in New Jersey as this expansion marks a significant milestone for the company. This investment reflects our dedication to better serving our clients in the US market and contributes to the local economy through job creation and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The initial phase of this project is projected to create up to 200 new jobs within five years. Governor Murphy expressed his support for Hotpack's decision while on the New Jersey economic mission to the Gulf Arab States. Hotpacks decision to expand its presence in New Jersey is a powerful endorsement of our states strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure. With this announcement, New Jersey continues to prove itself as a top destination for global companies looking to grow and innovate in the United States, Murphy remarked. Hotpack's expansion into New Jersey aligns with its 2030 Vision to grow globally. The New Jersey expansion is the latest in a series of investments we have made to scale our international footprint. As part of our strategic international expansions, we have made significant investments in different countries, which includes investment in 2022 for a biodegradable packaging facility in Malaysia, expansion of manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia and our dedicated paper products manufacturing facility in India has been fully functional since 2023, further underlining our role in supporting regional and global markets, Abdul Jebbar added. The company has also recently achieved ISO recertification across 20 facilities, validating its quality management systems, environmental practices, and occupational health and safety standards. "UAEs Hotpack expands with $100m plant in New Jersey" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The US Department of the Interior has announced plans to revise the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's 2024 Risk Management and Financial Assurance for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lease and Grant Obligations Rule. The updated rule aims to align with the regulatory framework proposed by the Trump administration in 2020, significantly reducing costs and regulatory burdens for oil and gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico. The revision intends to free up billions of dollars for American producers, enabling them to lease, explore, drill, and produce oil and gas while ensuring that American taxpayers are protected from high-risk decommission liabilities. This move reflects the Department's commitment to bolstering domestic energy production, safeguarding American jobs, and easing regulatory constraints on the oil and gas industry. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said: This revision will enable our nations energy producers to redirect their capital toward future leasing, exploration, and production all while financially protecting the American taxpayer. Cutting red tape will level the playing field and allow American companies to make investments that strengthen domestic energy security and benefit the Gulf of America states and their communities. The previous rule, implemented under the Biden administration, was projected to heighten financial assurance requirements for offshore operators by an additional $6.9bn in bonding, with businesses incurring an extra $665m in premiums annually. This has restricted numerous companies in the Gulf of Mexico from investing in energy development projects. Despite the proposed changes, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will maintain the requirement for all operators on the OCS to provide financial assurance for their decommissioning responsibilities. The Trump administration's stance ensures that the industry, rather than American taxpayers, remains accountable for stewardship as the Administration seeks a more balanced regulatory approach. The Department is expected to finalise the new rule in 2025 and will invite public commentary on the proposal. Additionally, last month, the Department has announced a policy update that could significantly boost offshore oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. This includes revised parameters from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement for Downhole Commingling in the Paleogene (Wilcox) reservoirs, increasing the allowable pressure differential from 200psi to 1,500psi. This decision is in line with President Donald Trump's Executive Order to unleash US energy and has been made following extensive industry consultation. Warren Buffett shook the investment world on Saturday with four words: "The time has arrived." The investing legend and longtime CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B, BRK-A) made official this weekend plans to hand over the CEO role at Berkshire to the company's vice chairman, Greg Abel, at the end of the year. Abel was first identified as Buffett's successor in 2021. At 94, Buffett's pronouncement that he will step back from CEO duties and hand the reins to Abel which the company made official with a unanimous vote on Sunday is less a shock than a matter of necessity. Either Buffett or Father Time was going to make a call soon; Buffett took action first. Preparations for Buffett to leave his post at Berkshire Hathaway, which he's held since 1970, have been under way for years. Abel and Ajit Jain, who runs Berkshire's insurance operations, were named vice chairmen at Berkshire in 2018. And as far back as 2014, Buffett's longtime right-hand man, Charlie Munger, was writing about these two as potential successors for Buffett. "Ajit Jain and Greg Abel are proven performers who would probably be under-described as 'world-class,'" Munger wrote. "'World-leading' would be the description I would choose. In some important ways, each is a better business executive than Buffett." People watch as Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett is seen on a screen speaking at the Berkshire Hathaway Inc annual shareholders' meeting, in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., May 3, 2025. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid REUTERS / Reuters 'Calm and decisive' In his 2014 annual letter, Buffett reflected on the 50-year anniversary of his investment partnership by outlining what would be needed to keep Berkshire going for another 50. "Managing Berkshire is primarily a job of capital allocation, coupled with the selection and retention of outstanding managers to captain our operating subsidiaries," Buffett wrote. "Obviously, the job also requires the replacement of a subsidiarys CEO when that is called for. These duties require Berkshires CEO to be a rational, calm and decisive individual who has a broad understanding of business and good insights into human behavior. Its important as well that he knows his limits." During Saturday's meeting, Buffett repeatedly downplayed this year's volatility in the stock market, noting we've seen far sharper sell-offs both for the overall market and Berkshire stock. The former is down 3% this year; the latter, up 17%. At one point, Buffett said the market action this year "is really nothing." Future Berkshire CEOs will likely deal with worse environments that will test their mettle. Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman Greg Abel checks out the flight simulators offered by one of Berkshires companies, Flight Safety as he toured the exhibit hall Friday, May 3, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. ahead of Saturday's meeting. (AP Photo/Josh Funk, File) ASSOCIATED PRESS 'Character is crucial' Elsewhere in that 2014 letter, Buffett outlined the qualities needed, challenges to be faced, and pitfalls avoided for the next CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Updated: 8:44 p.m. ET Warren Buffett, the long-time CEO of conglomerate giant Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) and (BRK.B) , announced Saturday he will step down probably by the end of the year. Buffett has been one of the most successful investors of all time, famed for evaluating prospects from a value point of view as opposed to chasing hot stocks. Buffett sprung his announcement at the end of Berkshire's annual meeting, held as always in Omaha, Neb., where Berkshire is based. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The 94-year-old Buffett would be succeeded by Greg Abel, who has long been Berkshire's CEO-in-waiting. The exact details of the departure still need some fine tuning. Buffett will outline his plans at Sunday's board meeting in Omaha. Buffett said he hoped the decision will be ratified at its subsequent meeting in two months. A Berkshire veteran Under that scenario, Abel would take over as CEO on Jan. 1, 2026. Since 2008, the Canadian-born Abel, 62, has been CEO of Berkshire-Hathaway Energy, which owns a vast empire of electric utilities across the country. Abel came to Berkshire in 1999 with Berkshire's acquisition of Mid-American Energy. Buffett designated Abel as his successor in 2021. Related: Warren Buffett is entitled to gloat a little As Buffett made his announcement, he said he'd told no one about his decision except his children Howard and Susan. Both are Berkshire Hathaway directors. Howard Buffett may take over as executive chairman. Wants to 'hang around and be useful' Warren Buffett said that, after the transition, he expected "to hang around and be useful." Presumably "being useful" would include being consulted on any big deals that Abel and Berkshire would propose. The announcement stunned the annual meeting with some 19,000 attendees. The audience responded by giving Buffett a long standing ovation. Attendees getting ready for Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholders meeting on Saturday. CEO Warren Buffett announced he expected to step aside at the end of 2025. Bloomberg/Getty Images Defends free trade Early during Berkshire's meeting, Buffett offered a full-throated defense of free trade and against heavy tariffs. "Trade should not be used as a weapon," he told one questioner. "We should be looking to trade with the rest of the world, and we should do what we do best and they should do what they do best. The problem is that too many are using trade as a weapon, he said. "I dont think its a great idea to design a world where a few countries say 'ha-ha-ha, we won' and the rest of the countries are envious, Buffett said, then added, Trade should not be a weapon." Won't sell shares Buffett does not expect to sell any of his Berkshire shares. In a surprise announcement on May 3, Warren Buffett said he will step down at year's end as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, ending a 60-year era where the billionaire investor has become an influential and iconic part of the U.S. economy. Buffett made the announcement at the close of Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Greg Abel, 62, who had been expected to be named CEO when Buffett retired, should take over at the end of the year, Buffett said. "I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive of the company at year end," said Buffett, who is 94. Buffett said Abel and the other members of the Berkshire board other than his children, Susan and Howard hadn't been aware of his plans prior to the announcement and he was "springing" this on them. "I would still hang around and could conceivably be useful in a few cases, but the final word would be what Greg said," said Buffett, who noted he has "zero" intention of selling any of his Berkshire stock. The news was met with a standing ovation by the crowd at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. Berkshire Vice Chairman Greg Abel speaks with shareholders during the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. annual shareholders' meeting, in Omaha, Nebraska, May 2, 2025. Attendees laughed when Buffett said, "Greg doesn't know anything about this that I'm telling you right now." Abel joined Berkshire Hathaway's board in 2018 as vice chairman of non-insurance operations, overseeing many of the conglomerate's more than 90 subsidiaries including the BNSF railroad and all of Berkshire's utilities, retail and manufacturing companies. Buffett said the board of directors would be meeting May 4 and could discuss his recommendation, which could be made official later in the year. Buffett: Helming Berkshire Hathaway 'an extraordinary luxury' Buffett's decision to step down caps a remarkable 60-year run where he transformed Berkshire from a failing textile company into an enormous trillion-dollar conglomerate with businesses across the U.S. economy. "I found myself in this position where I can run the kind of company I want to run and that's an extraordinary luxury," Buffett said. Theres never been someone like Warren, and countless people, myself included, have been inspired by his wisdom. Its been one of the great privileges of my life to know him, said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, in a tribute posted to social media. Cook said Buffett was leaving Berkshire in good hands with Abel. People watch as Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett is seen on a screen speaking at the Berkshire Hathaway Inc annual shareholders' meeting, in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., May 3, 2025. The news came as an apparent shock to shareholders. It surprises me, but it impresses me, said Ron Olson, a Berkshire board director, according to NBC News. CFRA research analyst Cathy Seifert told the Associated Press there could be an effort to keep a business as usual approach at Berkshire. Australian supermarket giant Woolworths Group has disclosed a net sales figure of A$17.31bn ($11.14bn) for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Q3 FY25), marking a 3.2% increase from the A$16.77bn reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Despite weather disruptions, the groups e-commerce sales increased by 15.7% to $2.2bn, driven by on-demand convenience. The group has an array of brands under its umbrella. These include the supermarket chain Woolworths, the department store Big W, liquor retailers BWS and Dan Murphys, as well as supermarket brand Countdown. Sales of the company's Australian Food business reached A$13.05bn, marking a 3.6% rise, driven by 3.4% surge in Woolworths Food Retail and a 15.0% jump in WooliesX operations including e-commerce. Woolworths Food Retail includes Woolworths Supermarkets, Metro, WooliesX B2C eCommerce, Woolworths at Work and MILKRUN. Sales originating from Woolworths Supermarkets for the third quarter climbed by 1.4% to A$10.67bn, or by 2.9% when excluding tobacco products. When factoring in Pick up e-commerce transactions, sales involving customer visits to stores exhibited a 2.6% increase. Despite some service disruptions, total e-commerce sales maintained robust growth at 16.3%, amounting to A$1.82bn. Sales in Metro stores rose by 5.4% to A$418m, largely due to the opening of new stores. WooliesX experienced a notable 15.6% growth in total sales in Q3 FY25, reaching A$2.39bn across all platforms. Specifically, WooliesX eCommerce sales expanded by 16.3%, while revenue from digital & media, rewards & services, and homerun grew by 13.5%. Australian B2B operations recorded total sales of A$1.44bn in Q3 FY25, marking a 6.3% increase year-over-year. The B2B food sector saw a 7.8% rise in sales to A$855m within the quarter. During the quarter ending 6 April 2025, New Zealand Food business reported a total sales increase of 4.8% to A$2.12bn or 4.4% considering Easter-adjusted figures. Franchise and other revenues within this business rose by 4.2%, driven by the addition of five new FreshChoice stores and the rebranding of ten SuperValue stores to FreshChoice over the past year. The segments e-commerce sales soared by 24.3% to A$313m during Q3, with online penetration hitting 14.8%. In contrast, W Living's total sales for Q3 FY25 saw a decrease of 2.7% to A$1.22bn due to Easter timing affecting BIG W sales and divestments including 41 Petstock retail stores and 25 veterinary clinics that were part of the previous year's portfolio. Woolworths Group CEO Amanda Bardwell said: "With only two months until the end of our financial year, we remain focused on the priorities set out in February which include improving our retail fundamentals in value, availability and range, simplifying the way we work and unlocking the full potential of the Group. While the market remains competitive and consumer outlook uncertain, we are making progress in these areas and will provide a more detailed update at our full year results in August. By Kamal Choudhury (Reuters) - Zimmer Biomet Holdings on Monday lowered its 2025 adjusted profit forecast, and said it expects the proposed trade tariffs to weigh on the company's earnings this year. The Warsaw, Indiana-based company's shares fell 10% to $92 in morning trading. Zimmer, which makes devices used in hip and knee procedures, said it sees an impact of $60 million to $80 million on its operating profit, with a majority in the second half of the year. It sees a less than $5 million impact in the second quarter. Investors and analysts are closely monitoring how medical device makers will handle any impact from the tariffs and whether they expect benefits from foreign currency fluctuations. The medical device maker said it is addressing tariff concerns by examining options to mitigate the risks such as potential changes to the countries where it sources or manufactures its products. The company considers China its main tariff risk and is looking to source from "Europe, as opposed to the United States" to reduce the risk, chief financial officer Suketu Upadhyay, said on a post-earnings call. In an escalating trade war, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with a 125% tariff. Zimmer had "put a good bit of inventory into China" before tariffs were enacted, Upadhyay added. Earlier in the day, Zimmer said it expects 2025 adjusted profit per share in the range of $7.90 to $8.10, compared with its prior view of $8.15 to $8.35 per share. Analysts were expecting annual profit of $8.19 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG. Last week, peer Stryker Corp reduced its 2025 profit outlook and said it anticipated a $200 million tariff impact in the year. On an adjusted basis, the company posted first-quarter profit of $1.81 per share, topping estimates of $1.77 per share. (Reporting by Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber) Leading with purpose May 5, 2025 Dear WSU colleagues, students and friends, We know that Washington State University is not like the Ivies, private universities, and the large, legacy institutions on the East Coast. Our history, mission, and the communities we serve define our distinct character and provide accessible touchpoints through our extensions and multiple campuses. We were built not for prestige or exclusivity, but for purpose. Our founding land-grant mission to extend opportunity, to bring discovery and learning to every corner of our state, and to do so with courage, clarity, and a focus on future good remains unchanged. If anything, it is more vital today than ever before. That purpose drives us as we grow enrollment across the WSU system, offering a residential flagship experience in Pullman and flexible education options in Everett, Spokane, TriCities, Vancouver, and through our Global Campus. It shapes how we think about access not just who we admit, but how we support students to thrive. It informs our investments in Native American programs and partnerships, our deep ties to rural Washington, and our commitment to serving first-generation college students, veterans, working adults, and those who have historically been left behind. At WSU, we are unwavering in our commitments: To support, protect, and engage our students not only through world-class instruction, but through handson research opportunities, mentorship, student wellness initiatives, and cocurricular experiences that prepare them to lead in a world of uncertainty and promise. To uphold the principles of academic freedom and free expression, grounded in mutual respect. We believe that rigorous inquiry and open debate are essential to knowledge creation and public trust. Our faculty and students must be able to ask hard questions and listen deeply to varied perspectives in order to meet the complexity of todays challenges. To advance opportunity through education across our entire system. Whether its our health sciences university training pharmacists, nurses, and physicians to serve rural communities, our K12 partnerships through Extension, our Pathways programs that create new entry points into WSU, or our Global Campus serving students around the world, we work to expand educational opportunity as a public trust, not a private commodity. To serve as an engine of innovation and practical research. From advanced energy solutions and sustainable agriculture to improving mental and behavioral health across the Northwest, WSU researchers are tackling problems that matter, with an emphasis on deep community engagement and real-world applications. To lead with integrity honest about the challenges we face, and bold in forging the future our students and state deserve. Whether were navigating complex financial realities or redefining the role of public universities in a polarized time, we do so transparently and with a deep sense of responsibility. This is a time to carry forward both resolve and innovative thinking with a healthy dose of Cougar pride. Washington State University will meet this moment together guided by the values that have defined us for 135 years: teaching, research, service, excellence, community, and the public good. Thank you for the work you do, every day, to bring these commitments to life. Sincerely, Elizabeth R. Cantwell President, WSU system One of Colorado's Supreme Court justices and a member of the Court of Appeals debated on Friday about how far appellate judges should go when deciding cases using reasons that are different from the ones the litigants argued in court. The Colorado Supreme Court announced on Monday it will decide whether a man can be tried a second time for murder after jurors rendered a verdict that made no sense if they had followed their instructions. Nurses those indispensable health care workers in desperately short supply nationwide are streaming into California, a striking contrast to the recent flight of thousands of frustrated residents to other parts of the country. Colorado lawmakers are considering legislation that would charge the state health agency to collect data and information on the health effects of the state's psilocybin program, which is set to launch this summer. Under the bill, the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Regulatory Agencies would be required to collect information and data on the use of psilocybin, including negative health impacts, impacts on health care facilities, law enforcement incidents, and consumer protection claims against facilitators. Data collection efforts would be funded by gifts, grants, and donations from nonprofits and academic institutions, and all data will be stripped of any identifying information for security and privacy purposes. Voters approved Colorado's program in 2022 through a ballot initiative known as Proposition 122, which legalized psilocybin's use in licensed therapeutic settings. The initiative also decriminalized the possession, growing, and selling of psilocybin for individuals 21 and older. Colorado is only the second state, after Oregon, to legalize the use of psilocybin in therapeutic settings. The recreational use of psilocybin remains illegal in Colorado. Research has found that psilocybin can be an effective treatment for a number of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The health agency, along with the regulatory affairs and revenue departments, has spent nearly three years mapping out the framework for the program, releasing a final draft in late 2024. Critics of psilocybin, meanwhile, insist that the substance is linked with suicide and accidental deaths, as well as associated with psychosis. Critics have also been pushing for strict oversight, arguing it is necessary because psychedelics are being promoted and "normalized on social media in the same way that marijuana has been for the past decade." Since the passage of Proposition 122, lawmakers have passed legislation creating a framework for collaboration between CDPHE, DORA, and CDOR and clarifying the authority and responsibilities of each department. The next step is laying the groundwork for data collection, said bill sponsor Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver. "Regardless of how you voted on Prop 122, I think we can all agree that as we roll out something somewhat novel in this state, it's important that we collect health data so that we can evaluate what the impacts are of our natural medicine program," he told the Senate Health and Human Services last month. The measure also requires the state health agency to create a database for the information collected and gives the governor the authority to grant pardons to individuals who have been convicted of possession of psilocybin. According to Ball, it would apply to fewer than 20 people. Featured Local Savings Scott Bookman, the director of public health, readiness, and response at CDPHE, the tasks outlined in the bill align with the department's mission to collect and share public health information. The data will not only be valuable to Colorado citizens, but academic researchers, as well, he said. "It is important to make this information available to the public. Understanding the health effects of natural medicine is crucial because these products are only legal at the state level so there's no federal regulation and limited research to rely on," he added. Natasia Poinsatte of the Healing Advocacy Fund called the bill a "groundbreaking step" toward expanding access to psychedelic therapy for adults with mental health conditions. She said data collection is necessary in order the ensure the program's long-term success and to maintain the best experience for patients. "These insights will help regulators and healing centers improve care, adapt to challenges, and ensure movement towards affordable access," she said. "This kind of outcome tracking is a proven standard in health care and is critical to earning public trust. As other states look to Colorado's leadership, a framework for participation and outcomes will be essential to inform the future of psychedelic policy." The bill passed on a 7-2 vote in committee, with the support of every Democrat plus Republican Sen. Scott Bright of Platteville. Sen. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, took issue with the fact that the data collection would be entirely funded through gifts, grants and donations, potentially by public universities. "It's not okay to get around our budgetary issues by passing the funding off to publicly-funded institutions, whether it is an academic institution or some other organization," she said. "I think that that's a problem." It is sponsored in the House by Rep. Lisa Feret, D- Arvada. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating a possible drowning at a state park over the weekend after finding a body secured to an overturned boat, reports Gazette news partner 9News. Park rangers at Steamboat Lake State Park responded to a call for an overturned watercraft just after 3 p.m. on Saturday, CPW said. According to a news release from the agency, rangers saw a bellyboat a small, inflatable tube often used for fishing turned upside down in the water. There were no signs of anyone nearby, but rangers found a body underwater, secured to the float. Park rangers removed the victim from the water, and they were pronounced dead on the scene. CPW said the person wasnt wearing a life jacket. The Routt County Coroner will release the identity of the victim and the cause of death. Featured Local Savings Witnesses reported the person was fishing near the Rainbow Ridge day-use area on the west side of the park, according to CPW, where steady winds with strong gusts were reported at that time. The incident yesterday is tragic, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the victims family and friends, said David Goff, a park ranger at Steamboat Lake State Park. We continue to urge everyone to pay close attention to weather conditions and to wear a (personal floatation device) while recreating on the water. CPW warns that water activities in the spring and early summer can be dangerous because of frigid water temperatures and rapidly changing weather conditions. Even as the weather warms up, the water stays very cold, CPW said. When someone enters cold water, they can quickly experience cold water shock, losing the ability to swim, and face the risk of hypothermia, CPW said. The agency reminds everyone to wear a personal flotation device while boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and enjoying water recreation in Colorado even when it isnt required. For more on this and other stories, visit our partners at 9News.com. An Elbert County school district confirmed on Friday to a federal judge that it has restored 19 restricted books to library shelves after she found the school board likely violated the First Amendment rights of students and authors by removing the titles for ideological reasons. Earlier this week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit declined to suspend, or stay, a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney. Previously, Sweeney ordered the Elizabeth School District to return the restricted books to libraries, and she set a specific date of April 5. The 10th Circuit put that order temporarily on hold while it took an initial look at the case, before ultimately deciding against intervention. With the April 5 deadline having passed, Sweeney issued a new directive on Thursday: The district must return the books and certify its compliance with her order by noon on Friday. "Defendant Elizabeth School District, through undersigned counsel, certifies that it returned the Removed Books to their respective libraries on or before May 1, 2025, pending a final trial on Plaintiffs request for a permanent injunction or other resolution," the district's lawyers wrote in a filing submitted on Friday morning. The attorneys also indicated one book had been returned to its library before Sweeney's injunction. In December, the parents of two district students, the local NAACP chapter and The Authors Guild representing authors of the removed books sued the district, alleging a violation of the First Amendment and its counterpart provision of the Colorado Constitution. The district made a total of 19 books unavailable in schools, with parents noting their objections to "evil trans ideology" offensive content "for most religious people" and the "depravity of Islam," among other themes. Featured Local Savings The affected titles included "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini and "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, as well as "#Pride: Championing LGBTQ Rights" by Rebecca Felix, "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas and "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. Sweeney, a Joe Biden appointee, decided in March the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claims of a constitutional violation. Writing that the board's actions implicated the plaintiffs' rights, and not the government's own speech, she relied on board members' communications with each other to conclude they had impermissibly removed the books because they disagreed with the viewpoints expressed. "Plaintiffs have shown that the District removed the 19 books based on the authors and books content and viewpoints on issues such as race, sexual orientation, gender identity, LGBTQ content, and to promote the Boards self-proclaimed 'conservative values,'" wrote Sweeney, Colorado's first openly gay federal judge. Although the district argued to the 10th Circuit that Sweeney had inserted herself as the "de-facto library czar," the appeals court did not believe the district was entitled to relief from Sweeney's injunction. The appeal will continue to proceed, although the 10th Circuit permitted Sweeney to move the case forward in her court as it addresses the injunction. The case is Crookshanks et al. v. Elizabeth School District. Since becoming state law, universal preschool has greatly expanded access to early child care in Colorado, with some local school districts leading the charge. A new report released by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) ranked Colorado third in the country for preschool enrollment for the 2023-24 school year, with nearly 70% of all eligible 4-year-olds enrolled in a program and over 52,600 3- and 4-year-olds served. These totals vaulted Colorado from 27th in the nation to third in the NIEERs State of Preschool report with only Washington, D.C., and Vermont having greater percentages of 4-year-olds served. The experiences children have in their first few years of life lay the foundation for their future, said Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) Executive Director Lisa Roy in a press release. Thats why Colorado created the Universal Preschool program so that every child, no matter their background, can have the best possible start. Starting in July 2023, Colorado replaced its former preschool program with the current universal preschool that grants every 4-year-old in the state up to 15 hours of state-funded preschool each week. Applying elements from the previous state preschool program, 4-year-olds living with additional factors like foster care, homelessness, dual language learning or an individualized education plan (IEP) are eligible for 15 more free hours per week. Families can select either licensed community-based, school-based or home-based preschool providers to meet these requirements. The report found that Colorado spent over $301 million in total preschool funding, with an average of $5,722 going toward each child enrolled. The CDECs first annual report on universal preschool reported that this saved participating families an average of $6,100 annually. Colorado is proud to be breaking down barriers to help increase access to early childhood education and save families thousands of dollars per year, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in the release. We look forward to building on the success of free preschool, and helping even more children and families enroll and access the benefits. Local options In El Paso County, the total number of 4-year-olds who received preschool services was 4,896 or 54.2% in 2023-24. In its annual preschool report, Colorado reported 71 school-based, 68 community-based and 36 home-based preschool providers in the county. Of these providers, local school districts like Colorado Springs D-11 have worked to increase access to preschool throughout the county in recent years. The school district has expanded its preschool programming to 31 of its 33 elementary schools. The two elementary schools that dont offer these services, Bristol and Steele, cant because of limited class space. D-11 Superintendent Michael Gaal said the plan is to expand these spaces in the years ahead for preschool classes. This has been a several-year initiative. The year before the state went with the universal pre-k (pre-kindergarten) program, we realized that we werent serving as many members of our community as we could, he said. As of April 30, over 1,000 county children are enrolled in the districts preschools. D-11s Early Childhood Education Director Sarah Carlson said it is the only district in the Pikes Peak region to accept students from neighboring districts, with 63 such students utilizing services this year. D-11s programs provide field trips, weekly parent-child playgroups and foundational academic skills during the school year. The district hopes is to have its preschoolers begin their K-12 education at these same locations. Audubon Elementary School Principal Aaron Ford said having the schools preschool services housed under the same roof has provided students with long-term consistency in their education, behavior and child care, along with a stronger community culture among school families. Featured Local Savings They are going to spend eight years here at this school, he said of his students. Thats the most time theyre going to spend at one place during their entire education. Quality remains lac king Beyond the guaranteed hours and costs covered, Colorados universal preschool doesnt guarantee much else in the way of quality or services, according to the NIEEH report. Colorado met only two of the organizations 10 benchmarks this year. While the state program meets the groups requirements for curriculum support and early learning and development standards, other policies like teacher qualifications, class sizes and continuous improvement systems were not met. Current state standards have maximum class sizes set at 20 for 3-year-olds and 24 for 4-year-olds with staff-to-student ratios set at 1-to-10 and 1-to-12, respectively. Local school districts have previously expressed frustrations with the current state of universal preschool. D-2 was among the school districts to file a lawsuit against the state over its implementation that would ultimately get dismissed. Representatives from D-2, including Superintendent Wendy Birhanzel and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Rachel Laufer, told The Gazette via email that the district has strengthened its existing partnership with Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD) to improve its preschool services since the ruling. They added that, while theyre no longer pursuing legal action, the judges dismissal of their lawsuit ensures that the CDEC now has no accountability for the implementation of universal preschool and that the program continues to have gaps in quality. UPK (universal pre-kindergarten) has given families options to use state funding to pay for lower quality programming provided by less qualified individuals outside of the district, they wrote. The statewide assessment does not account for the quality of individual programs, however. Using the same checklist, Carlson said D-11s program meets nine of the 10 NIEER benchmarks because it decided to limit class sizes to 16 children, set staff-to-child ratios at 1-to-6 and implement other quality standards. The only benchmark she said it didnt meet this year was regarding its requirements for assistant teacher degrees. Colorado requires preschool educators to have an associate degree in early childhood education or a related field, a Child Development Associate credential or a child care professional credential. D-11 preschools require a state teaching license in addition to a license in early childhood special education to serve special needs students at every location. To help potential employees meet these requirements, she added that it is offering different pathways for both incoming teachers and those pursuing teaching with an unrelated four-year degree. Its a hard-to-fill position and it has been for years and years, she said. And so, as weve been trying to expand, there certainly have been challenges around finding enough of the best people in the world, which is who you want in front of your preschoolers. Shortcomings that remain Since universal preschools rollout, families and school districts have faced challenges with the enrollment process. D-2s leadership said many of these same issues remain. Navigating the system is still a major barrier to getting students enrolled and in class on day one, they said. It has taken a ton of effort from CPCD and D-2 to help parents walk through each step of the process for registration, as it is cumbersome and not parent-friendly. D-11 parent Melinda Beames agrees, saying her daughter was denied services after Beames filled out the form a million times during the first year of universal preschool. According to its annual report, CDEC is still developing several policies to be implemented over the coming years. During the current legislative session, a bill was introduced that would have created a state board to manage the department rather than its executive director. Its intent was to improve standards and assist families with enrollment and other needs, but the bill failed to make it out of the Senate. Starting this year, additional free preschool is now offered to children living below the poverty line. Like those with IEPs and ELL learners, these students are eligible to receive 30 total hours per week. Further expanding its own options for early childhood education, D-11 announced in late April it would begin offering full-day preschool and after-school options for 4-year-olds at four of its elementary schools. While the cost for this care is $11 per week, Carlson said scholarships are available to families who qualify based on their income. This comes partly in response to El Paso Countys Department of Human Services freezing its enrollment for the Child Care Assistance Program, but also in better recognizing the needs of families. As millions of immigrants fleeing the economic and political chaos in Venezuela used social media to navigate the journey north, Tren de Aragua (TdA) operatives embedded in their ranks and exploited these same platforms particularly WhatsApp to coordinate extortion, smuggling and violence. Venezuelas economic and political chaos made the rise of an enterprising criminal organization like TdA almost inevitable, according to Ronna Risquez, a Venezuelan journalist whos been investigating the gang. The heads of the Tren de Aragua identified the massive and forced Venezuelan migration as a goldmine of business opportunities, Risquez wrote in her book, El Tren de Aragua: La banda que revoluciono el crimen organizado en America Latina (The Tren de Aragua: The gang that revolutionized organized crime in Latin America). Therefore, they didnt hesitate to follow the footsteps of their compatriots who were fleeing the economic and social crisis that left them unemployed and without food, Risquez wrote. According to U.S. authorities, members of the Venezuelan prison gang hid in plain sight by infiltrating and traveling with Venezuelan immigrants headed north. But the gang didnt remain in the shadows long. Its brutal reputation magnified by reports the gang had taken over apartment complexes in Aurora quickly made TdA a public safety issue and political flashpoint. On the campaign trail, then-President Donald Trump cited the gang as evidence of the unhampered flow of illegal immigration and hammered the Biden administration over stricter border enforcement. Now, 100 days into his second term, Trump has deployed an aggressive crackdown, and made going after TdA a cornerstone of his illegal immigration agenda. Theyre a savage gang, one of the worst in the world and theyre getting bigger all the time because of our stupidity, Trump earlier said. Trump added: We will send elite squads from ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to deport every single gang member. In Colorado, law enforcement sources said some two dozen TdA affiliates have been arrested in the Denver metro area. Devastate TdAs infrastructure According to the Pew Research Center, a group based in Washington D.C., an estimated 11 million immigrants were living in the U.S. without lawful authorization in 2022. That figure had been falling since peaking in 2007 at 12.2 million, but began to climb in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. For decades, illegal immigration has been Americas intractable challenge. Republicans and Democrats have perennially promised to solve the crisis and perennially failed. On a few occasions, Congress came close to passing a comprehensive plan, only to fall short. Those failures have left states and local governments scrambling to confront the crisis. And in the past two years, it finally exploded in metro Denver. Against this backdrop, Trump issued a flurry of executive orders aimed at reshaping U.S. immigration policy within hours of being sworn in. He sought to end birthright citizenship, expedite deportations and rescind long-standing restrictions on where immigration enforcement actions can take place. The courts have handed Trump several setbacks by halting at least temporarily a number of his executive orders. Last month, for example, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan immigrants accused of being gang members under rarely invoked presidential powers. Originally passed in 1798, the Alien Enemies Act gives the president broad wartime authority to detain, relocate or deport non-citizens from countries with which the United States is at war. The act has only been used three times in American history. The federal government held Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II but not under the Alien Enemies Act. In Colorado, law enforcement officials said arrests tied to the Venezuelan gang remain in the low double digits just 10 in Aurora and eight in Denver. The arrest numbers in Aurora have remained essentially unchanged since before Trump assumed office in January. Internal communications from the Aurora Police Department, citing federal intelligence reports from 2023, said the gang had decided to make Denver their headquarters in the U.S. While officials counted few gang arrests, federal authorities announced the apprehension of dozens of immigrants in January and February. Local officials with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency have been tight lipped about how many are gang members, saying only quite a number were suspected to be connected to TdA. And last week in Colorado Springs, federal authorities detained more than 100 people allegedly staying unlawfully in the U.S. during a raid a makeshift nightclub. In a post on X, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the club was frequented by TdA and MS-13 terrorists. She didnt say whether the operation netted any TdA members. Its unclear how many TdA gang members have been arrested across the nation. U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials did not respond to a Denver Gazette email inquiring about the number. A few weeks ago, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against 27 people linked to TdA for racketeering, narcotics, sex trafficking and other offenses. At least one of the defendants, Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, is accused of being involved in an Aurora kidnapping case in June. As alleged, Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence, Bondi said in a statement. Gang members have been linked to a myriad of criminal activities that include human trafficking specifically of immigrant women and girls drug trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering. Bondi added that the indictments and arrests span three states and will devastate TdAs infrastructure as the agency works to dismantle and purge this organization from our country. A good show of force The arrest figures in the Denver-metro area may mask a more complex reality, one in which identifying and apprehending TdA gang members requires time, intelligence and luck. Gang members and real criminals arent the easiest to catch, said John Fabbricatore, a former ICE field office director. The numbers may not indicate much, Fabbricatore said. So far, this fiscal year which ends Sept. 30 the Denver ICE office has removed more than 400 immigrants unlawfully living in the U.S., federal data shows. Roughly half were deported because of a criminal conviction. Those numbers are down significantly from the nearly 1,900 deportations conducted last fiscal year. The Denver ICE office oversees enforcement in both Colorado and Wyoming. Historically, the most common conviction arrests for immigrants involved driving under the influence, drug possession, assault or criminal traffic offenses, according to ICE. Nationally, ICE has deported more than 70,000 immigrants since Oct. 1, the start of this fiscal year. Thats a steep decline from the more than 270,000 deportations carried out in fiscal year 2024 under the Biden administration. Because ICEs public dashboard is updated quarterly, its unclear how many of the current fiscal years deportations occurred after Trump took office. On Trumps 100th day in office, ICE officials said authorities arrested 66,463 illegal aliens and removed 65,682 aliens, including criminals who threaten public safety and national security. Three in four arrests were criminal illegal aliens, putting the worst first. The brave men and women of ICE protect our families, friends and neighbors by removing public safety and national security threats from our communities, ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons said in a statement. Of these, ICE counted 2,288 gang members from TdA, MS-13, 18th Street and others which equates to 3% of all the arrests nationally. I think the numbers theyre putting up so far are a good show of force, Fabbricatore said. ICE does not release state-specific numbers and did not provide, as requested, and releases data by office, an ICE spokesperson said in an email to The Denver Gazette. At the border, the administration said the daily encounters have plummeted 95% since Trump took office, while crossings of Panamas Darien Gap is down 99.99%, which the White House concluded to mean the immigrants are turning back. Additionally, the White House said 5,000 unaccompanied children were reunited with a relative or guardian; some 85 miles of new border wall have been planned or under construction; and customs and Coast Guard officers have seized nearly 232,000 pounds of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. A sanctuary complication For officers trying to locate TdA members, identifying suspects can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Featured Local Savings As federal officials have ramped up arrests, some warned that enforcement strategies may be overly broad. Risquez and others have criticized the use of tattoos or urban streetwear as proxies for gang affiliation, noting that such superficial criteria risks sweeping up non-gang members in the administrations dragnet. Authorities countered that a tattoo, for example, provides a clue and a starting point but never the only factor considered. Tattoos are just one element of a myriad of circumstances law enforcement uses to identify who is in a gang, and what position they are in a gang, and how long and what their actual affiliation is, the New York Times last month quoted Ryan Brackley, an assistant district attorney in the 18th Judicial District, which serves Arapahoe County in Colorado. A tattoo can be very telling. But are we going to base our decisions and law enforcement accusations and associations on a tattoo? Very, very unlikely, he said. Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain has noted on multiple occasions that the lack of diplomatic relations with Venezuela hampers investigations, as U.S. agencies cannot verify criminal records, national IDs or aliases with Venezuelan authorities. And, in jurisdictions with sanctuary policies like many in Colorado coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials can be limited, potentially complicating efforts to track and detain suspected gang members. A sanctuary city generally refers to a jurisdiction that discourages local law enforcement from reporting an individuals immigration status to federal authorities. This tension was on full display during a Congressional hearing in March, when Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was called to testify about the citys response to the influx of immigrants. U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, criticized Johnston over the Denver Sheriffs Department releasing a suspected gang member in February onto the street, rather than into ICE custody, resulting in a chase. You all speak about a broken immigration system, and yet here you guys are aiding and abetting in that entire process, U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, said. Fragmented and decentralized No one knows with certainty how many TdA gang members are in the United States, illustrating the difficulty law enforcement has had in tracking the gangs operations. But last year according to an internal Oct. 5, 2023 Aurora police bulletin the FBI reported roughly 400 TdA members in New York alone. Risquez estimates the gang has about 5,000 members. It is not precisely known when the gang first surfaced, but Risquezs reporting based on interviews with former girlfriends of TdA members, doctors, prisoners, politicians and Latin American law enforcement officials suggested gang members calling themselves Tren de Aragua were extorting immigrants as early as 2014, although some reports put the origin date two years earlier. Through these interviews and conversations with academics familiar with TdA, Risquez has pieced together the gangs complex history across the region. Tren de Aragua started as a gang in the Tocoron Prison in the state of Aragua in north-central Venezuela, along the Caribbean coast. In the years since, the gang has morphed into a transnational criminal organization with tentacles in Denver. Translated as Train of Aragua, the gangs name appears to invoke other Venezuelan megabandas, including Tren del Llano, Tren de Oreinte and Tren del Norte. Commonly used in Latin American criminology and among journalists, megabanda is a Spanish word that refers to a large, structured criminal organization. Once they began branching out of Venezuela, TdA started establishing cells, or franchises, in the countries where Venezuelans had settled as refugees, according to Risquez. But the gang chose to run its operations primarily in border regions precisely where Venezuelans had to pass. In these territories, TdA members began extorting migrants, charging them for safe passage, protection, even the right to continue on their journey north. To better understand how the gang grew powerful enough to control migration routes, it helps to look at where it all began inside Venezuelas prison system. Its important to note that the Venezuelan prison system is fundamentally different from the United States model. Lacking the capacity to govern its prisons, the Venezuelan government ceded authority to gang leaders in exchange for maintaining order. Nowhere was that dynamic more pronounced than at the Tocoron Prison, where inmates lived not under the watchful eyes of guards but rather under their own rule. The prison boasted a nightclub, swimming pool, childrens playground, casino and a kind of banking system. The Tocoron pran slang for gang boss or leader at one time demanded of prisoners the stiffest causa, a quasi-tax paid weekly to access its amenities, which in 2022 was $15 a week. In September 2023, an army of Venezuelan police and military stormed the Tocoron Prison in a power move to take control of TdAs operations. The gangs leadership evaded capture. The hierarchy of the gang is a little bit shaken up and more fragmented and decentralized, said Mike LaSusa, deputy director of content for InSight Crime. Based in Washington, InSight Crime is a think tank and media organization that monitors organized crime in the Americas. It rained money TdAs footprint has tended to follow immigration routes, informal labor markets and areas with weak law enforcement. Aided by the Venezuelan refugee crisis, the gang has expanded into eight other countries, including Brazil, Columbia, Panama and the United States. Roughly 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country under President Nicolas Maduro, who has jailed or banned political leaders and used food distribution as a social control tool. Opponents of Maduros government have been viciously punished. About 500,000 Venezuelan immigrants are estimated to be living in the United States. Over the past two and a half years, Denver has seen more than 40,000 immigrants arrive from South and Central America, particularly Venezuela. Venezuela has suffered the largest economic collapse outside of wartime of any country in the world, said Francisco Rodriguez, a Venezuelan economist and University of Denver professor. The country has lost more than 70% of its gross domestic product, which is the equivalent of three great depressions, Rodriguez said. Venezuelas once booming oil economy once made it the wealthiest country in Latin America and a destination for immigrants drawn to its thriving economy and relative political stability. But the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions, economic mismanagement, and authoritarian consolidation of power under President Hugo Chavez continued and deepened under Maduro hollowed out Venezuelas institutions in the name of redistributing oil wealth. So, when oil prices collapsed, the only thing left to manage the crisis was the same political machinery that had helped create it. It rained money, said William Neuman, former New York Times bureau chief in Caracas and author of Things are never so bad they cant get worse: Inside the Collapse of Venezuela. They spent it, wasted it and stole it. It stopped raining and then people went hungry. The collapse of global oil prices in 2014 sent Venezuela into an economic freefall. And the Trump administrations maximum pressure campaign against Venezuela in the presidents first term worsened the collapse with tightening U.S. sanctions. The sanctions didnt cause the crisis, but they made it worse, Neuman said. At first, Venezuelans immigrated to countries in the region, such as Columbia, Peru, Brazil, Chili and Ecuador. But the global economic contraction following the COVID-19 pandemic meant many Venezuelan immigrants lost their jobs in these countries and sought refuge further north. Another key thing happened that drew Venezuelans to the United States. With Venezuelas economy imploding post-2014, millions fled on foot, as traditional routes by plane or boat became too expensive or restricted. Long considered impassable, the Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama served as a natural barrier to migration. But word of mouth and social media promoted the trek by providing step-by-step instructions, travel tips and paid smugglers for hire. A roadless stretch of jungle, the Darien Gap is one of the most dangerous immigration routes in the world, marked by steep terrain, dense rainforest and criminal groups that prey on travelers. Venezuelans know that if they get into the United States, that its very hard for the U.S. to deport them back to Venezuela, Rodriguez said. Editors Note: This report draws on previous investigations by The Denver Gazette, national media coverage and the work of Venezuelan investigative journalist Ronna Risquez, author of El Tren de Aragua: La banda que revoluciono el crimen organizado en America Latina. Update: The Colorado Springs Police Department announced around 10 p.m. Monday that Vittoria has been located. Colorado Springs police are asking for help in finding missing 14-year-old Vittoria Leanne Nelson, who was last seen in the early morning hours Sunday in the 1000 block of Petra Heights near East Fountain Boulevard and South Academy Boulevard. Police say Vittoria is about 5-foot-5 and 180 to 190 pounds. She has dyed red hair and green eyes with two nose piercings and a cat paw tattoo on her left ankle. If anyone has seen or knows of Vittoria's location, call police at 719-444-7000. At least 20 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza: civil defense Xinhua) 09:51, May 05, 2025 GAZA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 20 Palestinians on Sunday, including women and children, as ground and air operations intensified amid continued shelling and drone attacks on residential areas, according to local authorities. At least 11 people, including seven women and three children, were killed when an airstrike hit a tent sheltering displaced families in Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, Civil Defense Authority spokesperson Mahmoud Basal told Xinhua. Another four people from one family were also killed in the same area earlier in the day. Elsewhere in Khan Younis, a woman was killed and others injured when a house in the Al-Amal neighborhood was hit. Another strike on a tent near Abasan al-Kabira killed a young man and wounded several others, Basal said. In central Gaza, one woman died and several were injured in a strike on the Abu Huwaishel family home in Nuseirat refugee camp. Northern Gaza also came under fire, with one man killed and his wife and others wounded in a drone strike on al-Nakhil Street in Gaza City's al-Tuffah neighborhood. Basal said rescue teams recovered the body of another victim killed in an attack on Ghazi al-Shawa School in Beit Hanoun. Eyewitnesses described ongoing Israeli bombardments targeting residential buildings, with helicopter gunfire reported in both the northern and southern parts of the territory. Artillery fire and airstrikes also hit homes in the Shuja'iyya and al-Tuffah neighborhoods. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its troops continued "operational activity" to dismantle militant infrastructure and eliminate operatives. The Israeli Air Force struck over 100 targets across the Gaza Strip, including tunnels, underground sites, and military structures. Gaza health authorities reported on Sunday that at least 2,436 people have been killed and 6,450 wounded since Israel renewed its offensive on March 18. The overall death toll since the conflict began in October 2023 now stands at 52,535, with more than 118,000 people injured. (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Chesterfield County police touted a series of sting operations last year targeting local massage parlors they believed were connected to a multinational sex trafficking ring. But a review by the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team found the operations in the Virginia county resulted in charges mostly against spa workers the apparent victims of the trafficking and not the rings 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 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, neither involves felony charges. There are an estimated 16,800 illicit massage parlors nationwide, outnumbering McDonalds 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 shutdown. Thats 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. Thats 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 substantial 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 doesnt stop trafficking. Its a lot of times a game of Whac-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 theres always somebody bigger, not just the person running the actual day-to-day business, Lombardo said. Theres 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 7% 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. Lt. Ed Pierpont, 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 dont 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, thats 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 dont want anything on their record to affect them, Dabney said. Theres 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, Pierpont 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 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 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, 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, 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 made because of safety concerns. 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 arriving. 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 trafficking at illicit massage parlors. 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 occurred 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, then-Chesterfield Police Chief Jeffrey Katz 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 business 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, recalled McGowan, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime Chesterfield resident. 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 target 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 said he 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. " " She's seen better days. EbersonImages / Shutterstock Once the crown jewel of American maritime innovation, the SS United States is again making waves but this time, it might be under the sea. This massive historic flagship, long docked in Philadelphias Delaware River, is now at the center of a county-approved plan to transform it into the world's largest artificial reef off Florida's Gulf Coast near Destin-Fort Walton Beach though no federal permits have yet been granted and competing proposals exist. The California Dairy Sustainability Summit in March 2025 brought together more than 475 industry leaders, including dairy farmers and sustainability experts, to discuss the latest advancements in environmental stewardship, dairy nutrition, and innovation. From strategies to reduce emissions and enhance soil health to the evolving role of dairy in a sustainable food system, the event showcased the dairy communitys ongoing commitment to progress, all while advancing a holistic view on sustainability. At Dairy Council of California, we embrace the concept of sustainable nutrition, which was also highlighted at the event through sessions like Mitch Kanters, who presented on dairy proteins role in nourishing a sustainable future. Sustainable nutrition considers the health of both people and the planet, and is all about ensuring wholesome, nutrient-dense foods are accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant, while also preserving environmental resources and supporting local communities. Through this lens, dairy foods fare well because they provide high-quality protein and micronutrients essential to health, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and more. Solutions to improve public health are increasingly prioritizing nutrition security ensuring that people have consistent access to affordable, culturally acceptable, and nutrient-dense foods and beverages from both plant and animal sources that promote health. When coupling efforts aimed at sustainable nutrition and nutrition security, dairy foods become even more compelling because they are affordable, highly accessible, and offer a unique package of nutrients. Dairy Council of California remains focused on its vision of advancing milk and dairy foods contributions to healthy, sustainable eating patterns. To do this, the organization works closely with the dairy community to champion the good work of farmers, processors, and marketers of dairy foods, while intentionally broadening conversations about sustainability to also include nutrition. By doing so, the dairy industry is well-positioned to be part of the solution to create a sustainable food system that supports healthy people, healthy animals, and a healthy planet. Join us in our efforts by visiting DairyCouncilOfCa.org. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2025 May 5, 2025 Lumify Group has been named Cyber Security Training Business of the Year in the 2025 Australian Cyber Awards, highlighting its commitment to boosting the next generation of cyber talent in Australia. Two employees of Lumify Group were also honoured as finalists in the individual categories, with Jeremy Daly recognised in the Cyber Security Rising Star (SME) award, and Louis Cremen recognised in the Cyber Security Champion of the Year (Internal) award. These achievements reflect the companys unmatched training offering and expertise in the local market. In 2024, Lumify Group experienced significant growth in students trained across its cybersecurity portfolio, with clients including Federal Government, State and local Government, Australian Defence Force, the banking and financial sectors, large enterprises, SMEs and individuals. Lumify Group (formerly DDLS Group) offers the largest and most comprehensive range of cybersecurity training solutions in the country, designed for cyber professionals of all levels, from beginners to established professionals and even executives. All cybersecurity courses are delivered via its subsidiary companies Lumify Learn (RTO no. 45994) and Lumify Work (formerly DDLS Training). Lumify Learns offering is more catered towards early-career cybersecurity professionals with courses ranging from Bootcamps aligned to industry certifications to Certificate III and Diplomas, which provide hands-on training and mentoring in a variety of cybersecurity aspects such as ethical hacking and network security. Meanwhile, Lumify Works offering is catered towards established cybersecurity professionals looking to expand on their skillsets, providing official cybersecurity certification training courses from ISC2, ISACA, CompTIA, EC Council, Offsec, PECB, Practical DevSecOps and Certnexus, as well as a wide range of vendor security courses from Microsoft, AWS, Google, CISCO and more. Lumify Work even offers a custom workshop aimed at senior leadership, management and executive-level professionals titled Cyber for Leadership, Executives and Boards. Jon Lang, CEO of Lumify Group, says Whether we are bringing new students into the industry, upskilling businesses to meet their specific needs or assisting the government to strengthen our national security capabilities we are deeply committed to closing the cyber skills gap. Being officially recognised by the Australian Cyber Awards is a strong reflection of this ongoing commitment. Lumify Work Cyber Security Lead, Jeremy Daly, adds For more than three decades, weve upskilled thousands of teams and businesses, partnering with the world's top tech vendors to become Australasia's leaders in ICT training. With our combination of cybersecurity certification training and accredited learning, we're able to deliver on the full spectrum of IT and cybersecurity training from an individuals first entry into the industry through to ongoing skills and development needed for seasoned professionals. Lumify Group prides itself on taking an innovative and flexible approach to learning, offering students a choice between face-to-face instructor-led training at one of its six state-of-the-art training campuses, virtual instructor-led training from anywhere, or 100% self-paced training delivered online. All of Lumify Works cybersecurity training is delivered using a team of highly skilled and certified technical instructors who use their own professional experience to provide highly relevant and up-to-date content, providing an engaging learning experience. Lumify Work also builds custom bespoke training programs for clients with unique needs, offering tailored programs that suit their tech stacks and the roles in their team. Lumify Groups commitment to reducing Australias cyber skills gap doesnt stop there. The company has also built a careers portal called Lumify Edge to support students seeking a career in the Australian cybersecurity sector. The platform pools students, businesses, and recruiters looking for IT talent together, enabling graduates to promote themselves to potential employers and apply for jobs advertised by Lumify Groups industry partners. Furthermore, the company has facilitated a job placement program, which provides graduates of Lumify Learn (RTO) with a job placement money-back guarantee if they do not secure full-time work upon completion of their course. The program ensures a seamless transition from education to employment, placing students with an employer to commence a 12-week IT internship within their field of study and giving them valuable real-world experience. Avalara, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based tax compliance automation for businesses of all sizes, has announced the appointments of Sydney Carey as EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Karyn Smith as EVP, Chief Legal Officer, to support the global demand for Avalara's AI-powered tax compliance software. Both positions will be members of Avalara's executive leadership team and report to the company's president. As Chief Financial Officer, Carey is responsible for leading Avalara's worldwide Finance & Accounting team while modernising finance and accounting processes. Carey brings more than 20 years of experience working at and with fast-growing technology companies, most recently as CFO at Talkdesk. Her prior experience includes serving as CFO at Sumo Logic, where she led the company through its IPO; CFO at Zscaler and MongoDB, among other SaaS companies; and a decade as Corporate Controller and later CFO at TIBCO when it was a public company. Karyn Smith as EVP, Chief Legal Officer at Avalara Smith brings more than 30 years of experience working at and with high-growth companies, both private and publicly traded. She spent more than seven years at Twilio, beginning in 2014 as its first lawyer. At Twilio, Smith led a global team with oversight of legal, government affairs, regulatory compliance, privacy, and ethics as the company grew to US $2.8B in annual revenue in 2021. As Chief Legal Officer, Smith leads Avalara's Legal team, overseeing all legal matters related to Avalara's global operations and strategic business initiatives. "Sydney and Karyn bring deep finance, legal and operational expertise to Avalara that will help us continue to grow profitability while protecting our proprietary offerings," said Ross Tennenbaum, President of Avalara. "Avalara aspires to be part of every transaction in the world, and we look forward to having these two renowned leaders in technology as part of our team." About Avalara Avalara makes tax compliance faster, easier, and more accurate, reliable, and valuable for 41,000+ business and government customers in over 75 countries. Tax compliance automation software solutions from Avalara leverage 1,200+ signed partner integrations across leading ecommerce, ERP, and other billing systems to power tax calculations, document management, tax return filing, and tax content access. Visit avalara.com to improve your compliance journey. (Photo by Tottori Prefecture. Courtesy of Japan Travel.) Venue: Tottori, Japan When: Apr 18th 2025 - Jan 31st 2026 If youre planning a trip to Japan and want a unique mix of pop culture, local charm, and outdoor exploration, Tottori Prefecture has something special in store. This year, the Pokemon GO Sand Tour Route 2025 campaign invites fans and travelers alike to explore Tottoris scenic landscapes while catching Pokemon along the way. Tottori, best known for its vast sand dunes and peaceful countryside, has embraced the Pokemon Sandshrew (known in Japan as Sand) and its Alolan counterpart as official tourism ambassadors. From April 18th, 2025, through January 31st, 2026, travelers can follow newly updated walking routes using the Pokemon GO app, meet Sandshrew in-game, and even enter to win exclusive merchandise. (Photo by Tottori Prefecture. Courtesy of Japan Travel.) Whats New for 2025? Five new routes have been added this year, bringing the total to 15 across eastern, central, and western Tottori. The campaign now includes highlights like the brand-new Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art and breathtaking views of Mt. Daisen from the Flower Corridor. Voice actress Sonoka Tanaka, who stars in the Pokemon web anime Yamikarasu and the Midnight Adventure, has been appointed Fun Ambassador for the campaign. (Photo by Tottori Prefecture. Courtesy of Japan Travel.) How to Join the Fun 1.Download Pokemon GO if you dont already have it. 2.Choose and complete one of the official Tottori routes in the appeach route is designed to showcase local sights and culture. 3.Take a screenshot of your completion badge. 4.Submit your entry on the official website to enter a draw for original merchandise. Campaign Website: https://sand-tottoriroutes.jp/ What Can You Win? Sandshrew Hoodies in various sizes (only 3 winners per size) Alolan Sandshrew Tote Bags (20 winners) Exclusive Sandshrew Boxes (10 winners) (Photo by Tottori Prefecture. Courtesy of Japan Travel.) Route Highlights Whether youre into nature, art, or relaxing hot springs, theres a route for everyone: Eastern Tottori: A scenic path around Lake Koyama, and a walk through Iwai Onsen, steeped in myth and tradition. Central Tottori: Explore modern creativity on the Museum of Art Route. Western Tottori: Enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Daisen from the Flower Corridor. Each route offers a chance to see the quieter, more authentic side of Japan, where you can slow down and enjoy both nature and nostalgia. From the moment Cheryl Wichman met her adopted twin sons at Zion Lutheran Church in Omaha when they were 6 months old, it was clear she would do anything for the boys. She watched them carefully as the pair grew up, tending to each of their individual needs. The boys, Josh and Nathan, were born premature by 14 weeks and were both diagnosed with autism and visual impairments. Because of this, Wichman was determined to provide her sons with the education they needed, no matter what it took. So, Josh and Nathan attended a preschool in Omaha nearly 30 minutes away from the Wichmans' house because that was the only school with a teacher who worked with students with visual impairments at the time. Then, when Omaha Public Schools changed the school site where students who are blind attend to another elementary school, the twins split up. Josh, who has stage five retinopathy of prematurity and is blind, attended a school with resources available to offer him more support, while Nathan, who can see by using really thick glasses, continued his schooling elsewhere. I got them where they needed to be to get the best education they could, Wichman said. And when Josh suddenly began plateauing academically while Nathan continued to excel, Wichman did what it took to ensure he received the individualized support he needed to succeed. So, the family packed up their belongings and moved from Omaha to Nebraska City the home of the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired. We knew in our heart that we felt like the School for the Blind was the right spot for Josh, she said. I knew it was the right place. And that instinct wasnt wrong. There, Josh didnt just get back on track, he thrived, Wichman said. Over the past 15 decades, countless students just like Josh have called the school in Nebraska City known for its high-quality staff, array of services and specialized care home. Now, the center is celebrating 150 years of serving Nebraska students statewide. Things have certainly changed A century and a half ago, the dorms, classrooms and offices now gracing the campus grounds were still just an idea. Back then, three students with visual impairments gathered in a rental house down the street from the current location where they learned how to use resources, like braille, for those who are blind or visually impaired. In the past 150 years, the Nebraska Center for the Education for Students who are Blind and Visually Impaired has grown, expanded and adapted with the times. The center was first founded in 1875 by Samuel Bacon, who crossed the Missouri River from Iowa to convince the Nebraska Legislature to create a school for the blind. With senators' approval, Bacon, who was blind himself, opened the school using much of his own money and served as the first principal, establishing what is believed to be the first school for the blind west of the Missouri River. Around a year later, the school retired its temporary location when a three-story, 49-by-65-foot building was completed. Since then, the center has not only built new facilities but changed names several times, going from the Institute for the Blind to the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped in the 1960s before landing on its current name in 1999. Things have certainly changed since then, for obvious reasons, and things will certainly change in the future, said Superintendent Tanya Armstrong. Since its humble beginnings, the center has continuously expanded the services it offers to students not only on school grounds but across Nebraska. The center currently serves 16 students from kindergarten age to 21, seven of whom stay on campus overnight throughout the week. On campus, students are taught about braille, specialized technologies and life skills alongside their core classes. In addition to providing students with opportunities in its Nebraska City facilities, the center also offers outreach services to students with visual impairments across the state. The center has a variety of teachers of students with visual impairments who travel to school districts across Nebraska, including assistive technology specialists, orientation and mobility specialists, program coordinators and school psychologists. Armstrong said Nebraska has an annual average of 750 students who are blind or visually impaired. That's another huge part of what we do, Armstrong said. Even if they're in the furthest quarter of Nebraska, they can still get outreach ... and they can get support. For Lynn Wurtele, who has worked at the center for 44 years, the school has become like a home for her, she said. As an administrative assistant, she has watched dozens of students grow up from the time they were in kindergarten to when they left the center at 21 years old. They become your family, she said. Truly life changing Cheryl Wichman's gut feeling was practically instantaneous. As she toured the center and met the staff, she felt an immediate connection. It was like something had suddenly clicked, a missing puzzle piece had been found. I could take a breath for the first time, she said. Josh Wichman started attending school at the center in the seventh grade and his progress was just as immediate as his mother's instinct. Across the various forms of therapy offered occupational, physical, speech and sensory every service he could ever need was more easily accessible than it had ever been. Every staff member had the knowledge and training to help him through any challenge. At the center, he became a happier student who loved going to school. He learned how to use technology and how to acclimate to new situations and be independent. Everybody there has the knowledge they need to move your child forward, Cheryl Wichman said. Cheryl Wichman said theyve always tried to push Josh Wichman, now 24, out of his comfort zone throughout his childhood. Often, he would get irritable. Lean into your strengths, she would tell him. Don't worry about what you can't do. You can try to work on skills, but lean into your strengths. At the center, thats exactly what he did. He started as a student who commuted to school each day and slowly transitioned to living in his own apartment on campus by the time he graduated at 21. Now, he lives in an independent living facility in Iowa, working multiple jobs and continuing to thrive on his own none of which Cheryl Wichman feels would have been possible without the center. I don't know how we could have done it without them. It was just a powerful partnership that we could just work together and get this kiddo past all these obstacles so he could just be himself, she said. And Codey Janssens son, who is legally blind, has had a similar experience during his six years at the center so far. Like the Wichmans, Janssen moved her family to the area to allow her son, Brooks OGrady, easy access to the center without having to stay overnight, landing in Syracuse. OGrady, now 18 years old, also has spastic cerebral palsy and epilepsy, causing him to have a variety of individualized needs. When Janssen first visited the center, the vast knowledge of the staff was impressive. She didnt have to explain his every need or train them on how to properly care for him during the day they already knew everything. It was just comforting to send him somewhere each day where we knew that he was safe, supported and he was just seen for who he was, she said. It was just a massive weight off our shoulders. As parents, we could just breathe a little bit knowing that hes exactly where he needed to be, where he's supposed to be. Before transferring OGrady to the center, Janssen felt as if she carried the immense weight of every detail of his care and education. It felt as if she was constantly advocating for his needs and still worrying if she was doing enough. But here, I don't feel like I'm alone anymore, she said. I feel like at (this school), they get it, they understand it. They're equipped, they're compassionate and they're just consistent. It just makes my heart feel whole that I know that he's getting everything. Now, just hearing the word school or bus makes OGrady, who will likely continue to attend the center until he ages out, excited. Since enrolling at the center, Janssen said she has seen his smile that lights up a room more often and watched as he developed patience and overcame challenges. It's been just truly life changing for him and for us, she said. As his mom, it is overwhelming with just pure joy. To know that he is safe and loved and cared for and that he is learning, it just overwhelms my heart with joy. Over the past 150 years, the impact of the center has been so wide ranging, it's difficult to calculate. But that impact can be seen in past and present students like O'Grady and Josh Wichman. "It's incredible," Janssen said. "The fact that the school has been changing lives for 150 years, I would say that makes us feel pretty honored to be a part of that history." Now, Armstrong hopes to continue the center's impact into the next 150 years. The legacy created at the center wouldn't have been possible without the help of the staff and their expertise, the students who work hard to succeed, the families who support staff and the local community members who uplift the center every day, Armstrong said. I think all of those things combined have made the program what it is for the last 150 years and I think it's those things that will continue to move us forward in the next 150, she said. MOUNT PLEASANT Kaeden Saunders was in sixth grade when a family friend graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. That put the idea in his head of attending a military academy, and Saunders decided near the start of high school to actively pursue that goal. Saunders, a Case High School senior, was recently accepted to the Air Force Academy and will attend college at the military school in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Saunders has always challenged himself to see what he can achieve. He wants to not just be content with what I have but make it into something more, push myself harder to do better, Saunders said. Saunders has been involved in numerous activities in high school, including wrestling, band and recently earning his private pilot license. He is also in the Civilian Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. That entails training with peers, aerospace education and learning about emergency operations like search and rescue, among other activities. As a Civilian Air Patrol cadet lieutenant colonel, Saunders enjoys being in a leadership position and has learned how to reach people from different backgrounds with various motivations. According to Samantha Koch, Case physics teacher, Saunders also often helps classmates with homework and test preparation. He is always very kind and considerate with the other students, not only giving them the answers but making sure to explain it to them in different ways until they understand, Koch wrote in a letter of recommendation. This work ethic has allowed Kaeden to excel in all of his classes and maintain an excellent grade point average. Saunders compares more than favorably with other students his age and amongst other science students I have taught. I recommend him in my strongest terms. In addition to the Air Force Academy, Saunders applied to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy, among other colleges. Air Force was his first choice because he wants to be an Air Force pilot. Once his post-undergraduate service time ends, Saunders might remain in the Air Force or join the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve while working a different job, perhaps as a commercial pilot or starting his own airline or jet business. Saunders earned a private pilot license a few months ago after about a year of work. To receive his license, Saunders had to pass a flying test and knowledge exam. Saunders narrowly failed on his first attempt to earn the license because he needed to improve his steep turns and emergency descending procedures. He took that into account and passed a few weeks later on his second attempt, which was a sigh of relief, Saunders said. Saunders finds it rewarding to see the results of his efforts, whether it be earning a pilot license, leading Civilian Air Patrol peers or wrestling. I put in this much work, and I didnt get the result, because I didnt put in enough, Saunders said. You do it again and you put in a lot more work and you see yourself improving, and then you put a bunch of work in and you see yourself improve, and your mental acuity starts going up and your instincts start kicking in. Clare Huck, Case math teacher, wrote in a letter of recommendation that Saunders is a dedicated, motivated, responsible and selfless person who serves as a model student in class and in the school by seeking out opportunities to better his education and help those around him. I have always been impressed with how he represents himself and the maturity, leadership and discipline he shows through his interactions with others, Huck wrote. He demonstrates excellent quality of character and shows integrity in everything he does. In college, Saunders plans to study math and physics and pursue a minor in Spanish. Koch wrote that Saunders is well-rounded, driven and a positive student who loves learning. Saunders shows up for class ready to learn every day, participating in discussion and asking good questions that benefit the whole class, Koch wrote. Kaeden sets high goals for himself and works hard to achieve them. Im confident after having Kaeden in class that he will achieve great things in the future. Saunders said his work ethic likely stems from his mother telling him to go the extra mile, whatever it is. Saunders sometimes tells himself that risks are opportunities to improve, so he sets lofty goals. Its better to fail aiming high than to succeed aiming low, Saunders said. You can learn from your mistakes. That ambition has served him well so far, but Saunders knows it might be a challenge in college because he will not have time for all the activities he wants to do. After having the idea several years ago, he looks forward to being part of a driven group of people at the Air Force Academy. Saunders is excited about enhancing those leadership capabilities to be able to better serve my country and better serve whatever team Im going to be a part of, regardless of whether thats in the Air Force or business or in something else, he said. Six photos of Teens in Trades event at Case HS Cole and Rocco Rocco Fiorita, right, and Cole Masilian were two of the hundreds of students at Teens in Trades on Friday at Case High School. Callis, Thompson Student Kyliegh Callis, left, talks with Demeterius Thompson, United Association Plumbers Local 75 union member, during Teens in Trades Day at Guzman, Fiore Madilyne Guzman, left, and Olivia Fiore try an activity Friday during a Teens in Trades Day event aimed at showcasing potential careers. Ortiz, Fick Ryan Ortiz, right, talks with Nick Fick, Racine membership development coordinator at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 430 Matteo, Demeterius Matteo Molini, left, talks with Demeterius Thompson, United Association Plumbers Local 75 union member, during a teens in trades day event F Teens in Trades Hundreds of students and dozens of employers attended Case High School's Teens in Trades Day on Friday. Teens in Trades When the CEO of United Health Care was assassinated in broad daylight on the streets of New York City, the media lit up. News outlets scrambled for interviews. Security protocols were analyzed. His death was treated with the gravity such a high-profile loss warrants. But I wonder: Where is that outrage when physicians die? Every year in America, doctors are killed not by administrative burnout, malpractice lawsuits, or government prosecutions, but by acts of violence, often from the very patients they are committed to helping. These deaths happen quietly. No presidential statement. No primetime headlines. No national mourning. Just another white coat, bloodied and buried, while the rest of us are told to move on and keep serving. This silence is not just disheartening its dangerous. Consider Dr. Wayne Fenton, a towering figure in schizophrenia research and a leader at the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Fenton was killed in 2006 during a weekend appointment with a new patient. The young man, later diagnosed with psychosis, beat him to death inside his own office. This was not in a war zone. This was suburban Bethesda, Maryland. At NIMH. Inside the temple of American psychiatric innovation. Fentons loss was a seismic blow to psychiatry, but outside the academic world, it barely registered. His murder received only passing attention in the mainstream press. For those of us who walk the tightrope of psychiatric practice, it was a grim reminder: Even the best among us are not safe. Then came July 2023. At UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, a man walked into the ICU, weapon drawn, intending to kill. Police responded swiftly, and thankfully no lives were lost that day. But the fact that such an attempt even occurred in a space meant for healing reflects how perilously thin the line between care and chaos has become. This is not just about psychiatry. Consider Dr. Benjamin Mauck, a Tennessee hand specialist, shot and killed in July 2023 by a patient inside a medical center in Collierville. A month earlier, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Preston J. Phillips, an orthopedic surgeon, was murdered by a disgruntled patient who blamed him for post-operative pain. The gunman also killed three others before taking his own life. Both Drs. Mauck and Phillips had devoted their careers to healing. Their clinics were spaces of trust, not combat zones. Yet, in both cases, that trust was betrayed in the most brutal way imaginable. The American Medical Association has sounded the alarm. Between 2011 and 2018, violent attacks against health care workers surged by 67 percent. Physicians are now five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other sectors. Yet these assaults remain grossly underreported partly due to stigma, partly due to futility. We are taught to absorb pain, not speak it. But silence has not served us well. In fact, its killing us. As chilling as these stories are, there are also physicians who have resisted who, in moments of unspeakable terror, fought back. One such story comes from my home state of Pennsylvania. In July 2014, a patient named Richard Plotts walked into the psychiatric clinic at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital just outside Philadelphia. Agitated and angry, he pulled a gun and fatally shot his case worker execution-style. His next target was his psychiatrist, Dr. Lee Silverman. But Dr. Silverman was not unarmed. In an unprecedented twist, Silverman who had a concealed carry permit pulled out his .32 caliber handgun and fired back, hitting Plotts multiple times and stopping what could have been a massacre. Investigators later found 39 additional bullets on Plotts. The implication was chilling: Had Silverman not defended himself, many more could have died. Some in our profession recoiled at the idea of a physician carrying a firearm. I understand the discomfort. But ask yourself: What would you have done? Would you rather write prescriptions or eulogies? This case, like others, exposes the raw vulnerability of doctors in modern America. We walk into exam rooms blind to whats waiting on the other side of the door. Our oaths ask us to first, do no harm but what recourse do we have when harm comes for us? Global studies suggest that violence against physicians is endemic, with prevalence rates as high as 90 percent in some specialties. Emergency departments and psychiatric units are especially high-risk. But the truth is, no specialty is immune. From obstetrics to orthopedics, from family practice to surgery, the white coat is no longer a shield. ADVERTISEMENT The psychological toll is immense. We experience fear in our own offices. We check exits before sitting down with new patients. We lose sleep. We burn out. Some of us leave medicine. Some even take their own lives. So what can be done? First, lets name the problem. This is not part of the job. Violence against physicians is a national crisis. It should be tracked, investigated, and prosecuted with the same urgency as school shootings or airline threats. Second, hospitals and clinics must invest in real security not just cameras and policies, but trained personnel, panic buttons, secure entrances, and de-escalation training. The same energy we devote to cybersecurity must be extended to physical safety. Third, we need legislative reform. Just as assaulting a flight attendant is a federal offense, so too should be violence against a physician in the workplace. The AMA has called for stronger laws. Now we need Congress to act. Fourth, we must give doctors a voice. Reporting systems must be anonymous, accessible, and taken seriously. The culture of silence must end. Lastly, we need to reframe the narrative. Physicians are not just providers. We are humans. Fathers. Mothers. Sons. Daughters. And like anyone else, we deserve to go to work without fear that we may not return home. As a psychiatrist, I sit daily with people navigating despair, delusions, trauma, and rage. I do not believe that violence is inevitable. But I do believe we have ignored its warning signs for far too long. Every physician who has died at the hands of violence deserves more than a passing mention in a hospital memo. They deserve remembrance. They deserve justice. They deserve for their deaths to mean something to awaken a profession that can no longer afford to look away. We cannot bring back Dr. Fenton, or Dr. Mauck, or Dr. Phillips. But we can fight to ensure the next doctor doesnt have to die in silence. We are healers, not heroes. But if no one will protect us we must, at the very least, protect each other. Muhamad Aly Rifai is a nationally recognized psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist based in the Greater Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. He is the founder, CEO, and chief medical officer of Blue Mountain Psychiatry, a leading multidisciplinary practice known for innovative approaches to mental health, addiction treatment, and integrated care. Dr. Rifai currently holds the prestigious Lehigh Valley Endowed Chair of Addiction Medicine, reflecting his leadership in advancing evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders. Board-certified in psychiatry, internal medicine, addiction medicine, and consultation-liaison (psychosomatic) psychiatry, Dr. Rifai is a fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP), the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA), and the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (FACLP). He is also a former president of the Lehigh Valley Psychiatric Society, where he championed access to community-based psychiatric care and physician advocacy. A thought leader in telepsychiatry, ketamine treatment, and the intersection of medicine and mental health, Dr. Rifai frequently writes and speaks on physician justice, federal health care policy, and the ethical use of digital psychiatry. You can learn more about Dr. Rifai through his Wikipedia page, connect with him on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or subscribe to his YouTube channel. His podcast, The Virtual Psychiatrist, offers deeper insights into topics at the intersection of mental health and medicine. Explore all of Dr. Rifais platforms and resources via his Linktree. The call came from a driving school in a Waco, Texas, strip mall. Employees had noticed a steady stream of men entering and leaving a nearby Asian massage parlor. Something didnt feel right. Employees at the driving school suspected human trafficking. Waco city police had dismissed their concerns, so they turned to the county sheriff instead. When Detective Joseph Scaramucci, of the McLennan County Sheriffs Office, first received the complaint, he wasnt sure how to respond. But that call would set in motion the gathering of evidence of just how violent life in an illicit massage parlor can be. Scaramucci became one of the few outsiders to get a detailed look at daily life inside these establishments. He would also use an approach that experts now consider a model for tackling the exploitation of immigrant women trapped in the human trafficking trade. The issue is pervasive. Across the country, Asian massage parlors masquerade as legitimate businesses while illegally offering sexual services to male clients. To some, it may seem like a victimless crime. But the women inside these parlors are often among societys most vulnerable isolated by language barriers, burdened by crushing debts, and left with few options for survival. The driving school had tried to shut down the parlor by taking down license plate numbers, using its unique access to look up the owners and sending letters to their homes, letting them know that they may be supporting human traffickers. When that didnt work, they turned to the police. Scaramucci said no one in his office knew what to do at first. Police eventually decided to put the massage parlor under surveillance. We were stopping cars, talking to the guys. Really, nobody would tell us anything, Scaramucci said. I think we had one guy that was like, Yeah, I got a hand job in there. Surveillance alone wasnt going to work. It seemed the only option to get the needed evidence was to go undercover. Scaramucci himself went into the business and asked for a $60 massage. He was using his cell phone as a hidden wire, with other detectives in unmarked vehicles listening from the parking lot. He said the woman offered a happy ending, but he declined, which seemed to puzzle her. Happy endings cost another $40 in tips. Armed with evidence, detectives obtained a court order to review the businesss utility bills. They discovered who the owner of Le Barre Massage was and that he had a second business, Asian Coast Massage, within a mile. Detectives went undercover there, too, in early 2016. A key decision was not to arrest the women being trafficked, Scaramucci said. Our only kind of sustaining rule was that the women didnt go to jail for prostitution, he said. Those mug shots would likely be broadcast to family back home on the Chinese app WeChat, shaming the women and making their cooperation all the more unlikely. Whats more, the owners can easily find replacements. You could arrest them every day, a different one every day, and its never going to stop the business, Scaramucci said. So why are we doing that? And theres no answer for it." So Scaramucci instead arrested the owner, whose name was on the utility bills. The owner, Jacob Yang, later pleaded guilty to promoting prostitution and was sentenced to 100 days in jail and 10 years' probation. Scaramucci went from not knowing much about illicit massage parlors to looking at sites online and realizing there were many of them. Nationwide, there are an estimated 16,800 of them, according to The Network, a nonprofit that focuses on the issue. Scaramucci took the list off one site called Backpage and started going down it to do time-consuming undercover operations, one after another. What Scaramucci would soon discover would cement his resolve that these women are victims, not criminals. He did another undercover operation at two more massage parlors. When he arrived at the business with a search warrant, Scaramucci remained at the center of the property while his partners searched. One soon came back with an alarm clock that seemed suspicious. He said, Hey, man, I think this is a camera. And I said, What the (expletive) would make you think that's a camera. And he goes, There's an SD card in the back. Scaramucci took it back to the station and put it in a computer. The alarm clock was a hidden camera that the owner had set up to monitor the women. The card contained video files. There was another one at the other location. The cameras had captured 90 days of activity within the massage parlors. Soon, Scaramucci would become one of the few outsiders who witnessed what happened in these businesses, scenes that he said turned his stomach. "What was very, very shocking to me was actually the amount of forcible rape that occurred, where men were chasing the women around the room, flipping them over the beds, pinning them down and actually forcibly raping them, Scaramucci said. That was a huge shock to me. I did not expect to see that." Scaramucci recalls watching at least five rapes. And that was in 90 days with two parlors that only employed about five women. One video clip in particular remains seared into Scaramuccis memory. An obese man on a bed kept grabbing the massage therapist and pulling her to him. The whole time he was smirking and smiling. And you could tell by the way they were moving, she was trying to pull away and push back. He was manhandling her, Scaramucci recalls. The sheriffs office was able to identify three of the men suspected of rape. But Scaramucci says the prosecutor couldnt file charges because the women couldnt testify against the men. They had left long ago. Scaramucci said more than 400 customers were on the tapes. All but a couple of them are on the video engaging in sex. One of the men worked in the sheriffs office. That deputy was fired. Scaramucci also witnessed the daily lives of these women. They never left, he said. They slept on the beds that all this was going on. You would see them doing these things all day long. Then, pull out a blanket, lay it down, pull out another blanket, get underneath that one on the same bed, scroll their phone, and then go to sleep. Wake up, rinse, wash, repeat. There was never any time out. You've got no life." Most of the women turned over all the fees and half their tips to the owners, Scaramucci said. He remembers one owner charging $300 for rent and $100 for groceries, leaving these women with little cash. Prosecutors filed charges against the female owner of those two massage parlors. Scaramucci says human trafficking is very difficult to charge because you have to have a victim testify that the owners coerced them. And the women in these illicit parlors are afraid to do that, he said. When it comes to human trafficking cases, there just aren't any involving massage parlors, maybe a few, but I'm not able to find them, said Scaramucci. So, the prosecutor instead would charge the owners with the promotion of prostitution, which was a felony. In 2019, state lawmakers increased the possible sentence to five to 99 years as a way to combat human trafficking. So it's smarter for me to just take the aggravated promotion of prostitution charge, which didnt require the womens cooperation, Scaramucci said. Many women working in these massage parlors came from Flushing, New York, or Los Angeles, hubs for Chinese immigrants, he said. Upon arrival, many sex trafficking victims are in debt and cannot speak English fluently. So, they are funneled into a network of massage parlors. Its a form of organized crime, Scaramucci says, and so the sheriffs office started to treat the cases as organized crime investigations. Prosecutors would ultimately file charges for racketeering and money laundering, complex charges that require expertise from law enforcement. Scaramucci estimates he worked on 10 investigations starting in 2016. But hes done far more investigations of human trafficking. On LinkedIn, he says those investigations resulted in arrests of more than 680 sex buyers and 163 people for human trafficking and related offenses. This involved 285 sex trafficking victims. CARACAS A man detained during protests following Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros controversial re-election last year has died in state custody, an opposition leader and an NGO said. Lindomar Amaro, 27, was arrested for inciting hatred, harassment, and possession of a weapon of war, according to a military report, and was being held in Tocoron prison, a maximum-security facility located in Venezuelas northern Aragua state. - Advertisement - The Venezuela-based Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners said Sunday that Amaro died in Tocoron prison on May 3. The reported cause was hanging inside his cell, the NGO wrote on the social media platform X, noting that Amaro had previously attempted to kill himself. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who claimed the oppositions victory in the July 2024 presidential elections in which Maduro was re-elected, accused the president of responsibility for Amaros death. This is one of the most horrendous crimes this regime has committed. Let no one doubt it: this death has ONE person responsible: Maduro, Machado said on her X account. Maduros proclamation last year for a third consecutive term sparked protests in which 28 people were killed and some 2,400 detained. More than 2,000 have been released. However, activists say that the arrests of opponents have not ceased. At least a dozen political prisoners have died in Venezuelan state custody since 2014, according to human rights activists. The Committee to Free Political Prisoners said on Sunday that, with Amaros death, at least six detainees have died between 2024 and 2025, confirming a policy of neglect and impunity within the prison system. Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go on Monday announced very productive discussions between the Philippine delegation and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Go, who recently returned from Washington D.C., said the Philippine teamwhich included Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdezbrought up concerns raised by local export stakeholders during their meeting with American trade officials. The discussions were extremely well-received, Go said during a Palace press briefing, adding that they focused heavily on the semiconductor and electronics industries, which are the Philippines top exports to the United States. - Advertisement - Other sectors discussed included coconut, garments, furniture, food processing, and automotive parts. Although Go cited confidentiality agreements that limited the release of specific outcomes, he said technical working groups from both sides, led on the Philippine side by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty, will now handle the detailed follow-through of the initial talks. Go also confirmed the go-ahead of the Luzon Economic Corridor, a flagship infrastructure initiative linking Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas through a rail project. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has approved a $3.8 million grant to support the projects development. You know this Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas rail will be very important to industry and trade because this will link the most important ports in our countrythe Subic Port, the Manila Port and the Batangas Port, which together comprise over 80 percent of all volume of port traffic in our country, he said. Thats why the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas rail is extremely important to our development, Go added. The announcement comes amid a broader context of shifting U.S. foreign assistance under the current administration of President Donald Trump. Despite aid cuts to some countries, Go said the Philippines economic corridor project remains supported. Asked whether the recent talks could lead to a free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S., Go said it is too early to say, noting that both sides must first work on a framework during a 90-day moratorium period for discussions. There is a date towards which both sides will work to come up with a framework, he added. However, Go declined to give details about a possible reduction in the 17% tariff on Philippine goods, reiterating that the negotiation process must be allowed to run its course. He also acknowledged that other countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam have yet to finalize any agreements following similar meetings with USTR, underscoring the complexity and length of trade negotiations. Coordination with ASEAN on trade talks with the U.S. is ongoing, though Go clarified there is no consolidated negotiation at the moment. In a rare show of unity, a coalition of Libyan political parties has delivered a resolute rebuke to the United States over reported plans by the Trump Administration to deport migrants with criminal records to Libya. In a strongly worded statement released this week-end, the parties described the proposal as an unacceptable intrusion and a blatant violation of Libyas sovereignty, urging Libyan authorities to take a definitive stand against what they called an ill-conceived external imposition on an already fragile State. The parties rejected the characterization of Libya as a safe third country, calling the label both disingenuous and dangerous, particularly in light of continued U.S. travel advisories that cite Libya as a high-risk destination. They decried the notion that the war-torn nation should serve as a geopolitical landfill for the unresolved crises of foreign powers. Libya is not a receptacle for discarded responsibilities nor an experimental terrain for foreign agendas, the statement asserted, warning that any such policy risks exacerbating domestic tensions and further destabilizing a country still emerging from years of conflict. Highlighting the absence of a unified national government, the parties emphasized that no authority can legitimately negotiate agreements with far-reaching implications for Libyas demographic and security landscape. They urged all national bodiesparliamentary and executive aliketo issue a firm, public rejection of the deportation plan. Silence, they warned, would be tantamount to complicity. The parties also called upon the UN Security Councils permanent members to prioritize Libyas stability and sovereignty, rather than allowing the nation to become a testing ground for policies that offend both international law and human dignity. Kenyas President William Ruto was struck by a shoe hurled from a crowd during a speech in Kehancha, a town in the opposition-leaning county of Migori, as he commenced a development tour of the Western region on Sunday, May 4. In a brief video clip circulating on social media, the footwear is seen making contact with the presidents left arm mid-address before his security detail swiftly intervened. Although no formal statement had been issued by State House at the time of publication, the footage has already ignited public debate over growing political tensions in the country. The incident, while seemingly isolated, underscores the palpable discontent that continues to trail the Ruto administration. Since assuming office in September 2022, President Ruto has faced mounting public pressure over escalating taxes and a rising cost of living, issues that have been especially sensitive in areas perceived to be opposition strongholds. Migori County, historically aligned with Raila OdingaRutos chief political rival turned cooperative partnerremains a symbol of the friction between the government and sections of the citizenry sceptical of its economic policies. Despite the disruption, President Ruto pressed on with his three-day itinerary in the region, framing his visit as a commitment to inclusive development across Kenyas political divide. However, Sundays dramatic episode is likely to reignite national discourse on the countrys fragile political detente and the deep-seated grievances among segments of the population. As the administration attempts to consolidate its legacy, the shoe-throwing incident stands as a vivid metaphor for the hurdles yet to be overcome in bridging Kenyas political and socio-economic divides. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have, for the first time, extended their military campaign to Port Sudanthe eastern stronghold of Sudans military-led governmentby launching a drone attack, on May 4, that struck the Osman Digna Air Base and nearby civilian structures. Though no casualties were reported, the symbolic impact is profound: this Red Sea city, once considered a bastion of relative calm amidst a nation in ruin, has now joined the list of conflict zones in Sudans spiralling civil war. The army condemned the attack as a reckless escalation, describing the drones as suicidal in nature. The assault underscores a new phase in the two-year-long conflict, which has fractured the nation into rival fiefdoms controlled by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhans Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti. Port Sudan had effectively become the seat of government after Khartoum fell early in the war, hosting UN agencies and serving as a refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians. That presumed immunity has now been shattered, as video footage circulating online shows towering black smoke and halted air traffic, with the airport closed and flights suspended. What began as a power struggle over the transition to civilian rule has devolved into a cataclysm of unprecedented scale. With over 150,000 lives lost and millions teetering on the brink of famine, Sudans third civil war is proving to be its most ruinous. Efforts to unify the RSF under the national military structure failed ahead of the war, triggering full-scale hostilities between former allies turned foes. Despite recent SAF gains, including retaking the presidential palace in Khartoum, analysts caution that no decisive victory looms. Instead, Sudan remains locked in a cycle of destruction, its institutions fractured, its people besieged, and its path to peace increasingly obscured by smoke and ruin. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Young people with a diagnosable mental health condition report differences in their experiences of social media compared to those without a condition, including greater dissatisfaction with online friend counts and more time spent on social media sites. This is according to a new study led by the University of Cambridge, which suggests that adolescents with "internalizing" conditions such as anxiety and depression report feeling particularly affected by social media. Young people with these conditions are more likely to report comparing themselves to others on social media, feeling a lack of self-control over time spent on the platforms, as well as changes in mood due to the likes and comments received. Researchers found that adolescents with any mental health condition report spending more time on social media than those without a mental health condition, amounting to an average of roughly 50 minutes extra on a typical day. The study, led by Cambridge's Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (MRC CBU), analyzed data from a survey of 3,340 adolescents in the UK aged between 11 and 19 years old, conducted by NHS Digital in 2017. It is one of the first studies on social media use among adolescents to utilize multi-informant clinical assessments of mental health. These were produced by professional clinical raters interviewing young people, along with their parents and teachers in some cases. "The link between social media use and youth mental health is hotly debated, but hardly any studies look at young people already struggling with clinical-level mental health symptoms," said Luisa Fassi, a researcher at Cambridge's MRC CBU and lead author of the study, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. "Our study doesn't establish a causal link, but it does show that young people with mental health conditions use social media differently than young people without a condition. "This could be because mental health conditions shape the way adolescents interact with online platforms, or perhaps social media use contributes to their symptoms. At this stage, we can't say which comes firstonly that these differences exist," Fassi said. The researchers developed high benchmarks for the study based on existing research into sleep, physical activity and mental health. Only findings with comparable levels of association to how sleep and exercise differ between people with and without mental health conditions were deemed significant. While mental health was measured with clinical-level assessments, social media use came from questionnaires completed by study participants, who were not asked about specific platforms. As well as time spent on social media, all mental health conditions were linked to greater dissatisfaction with the number of online friends. "Friendships are crucial during adolescence as they shape identity development," said Fassi. "Social media platforms assign a concrete number to friendships, making social comparisons more conspicuous. For young people struggling with mental health conditions, this may increase existing feelings of rejection or inadequacy." Researchers looked at differences in social media use between young people with internalizing conditions, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, and externalizing conditions, such as ADHD or conduct disorders. The majority of differences in social media use were reported by young people with internalizing conditions. For example, "social comparison"comparing themselves to others onlinewas twice as high in adolescents with internalizing conditions (48%, around one in two) than for those without a mental health condition (24%, around one in four). Adolescents with internalizing conditions were also more likely to report mood changes in response to social media feedback (28%, around 1 in 4) compared to those without a mental health condition (13%, around 1 in 8). They also reported lower levels of self-control over time spent on social media and a reduced willingness to be honest about their emotional state when online. "Some of the differences in how young people with anxiety and depression use social media reflect what we already know about their offline experiences. Social comparison is a well-documented part of everyday life for these young people, and our study shows that this pattern extends to their online world as well," Fassi said. By contrast, other than time spent on social media, researchers found few differences between young people with externalizing conditions and those without a condition. "Our findings provide important insights for clinical practice, and could help to inform future guidelines for early intervention," said Cambridge's Dr. Amy Orben, senior author of the study. "However, this study has only scratched the surface of the complex interplay between social media use and mental health. The fact that this is one of the first large-scale and high-quality studies of its kind shows the lack of systemic investment in this space." Fassi added, "So many factors can be behind why someone develops a mental health condition, and it's very hard to get at whether social media use is one of them." "A huge question like this needs lots of research that combines experimental designs with objective social media data on what young people are actually seeing and doing online." "We need to understand how different types of social media content and activities affect young people with a range of mental health conditions, such as those living with eating disorders, ADHD, or depression. Without including these understudied groups, we risk missing the full picture." More information: Luisa Fassi, Social media use in adolescents with and without mental health conditions, Nature Human Behaviour (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02134-4. www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02134-4 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Anal cancer has been steadily increasing in the United States, with the biggest jumps among older women, especially white and Hispanic womena shift that challenges assumptions about high-risk groups and who should be screened, according to a study to be presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2025. "Rates of anal cancer are rising fastest among white and Hispanic women over 65groups not traditionally considered high risk," said lead author Ashley Robinson, MD, a second-year internal medicine resident at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. "While the exact reasons behind this trend remain unclear, most older women were beyond the recommended age for human papillomavirus vaccination when it first became widely available." Human papillomavirus, known as HPV, causes 90% of anal cancers. Researchers analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, known as SEER, from 2017 to 2021. They found anal cancer increased by 2.9% for women and 1.6% for men. Anal cancers increased fastest among white women over 65, who saw a 4.3% increase during the five-year study period, reaching 11.4 cases per 100,000 in 2021. If the trend continues, the incidence of anal cancer in women over age 65 would double in less than 17 years. Hispanic women over age 65 had the second-highest rate of anal cancer, with 7.5 cases per 100,000 people in 2021 and a slower annual increase of 1.7%. "It's crucial that we promote HPV vaccination as a key tool for preventing anal cancer, while also keeping health care providers informed as screening guidelines evolve," Dr. Robinson said. "These findings highlight specific patient groups who may benefit from targeted screening for anal HPV and anal cancer." Still considered rare, anal cancer makes up approximately 1% of all gastrointestinal cancers, with more than 90% of cases linked to chronic HPV infection. While screening for anal HPV, dysplasia and cancer is recommended for high-risk groupsidentified as individuals with HIV, bone marrow transplant recipients and other immunocompromised populationsolder women addressed in this study are not included. More information: Abstract 76: "Analysis of temporal trends in anal cancer incidence by sex, age, and ethnicity" Provided by Digestive Disease Week 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: Colorized transmission electron micrograph of Avian influenza A H5N1 viruses. Credit: Public Domain While the risk of contracting and dying from the H5N1 avian flu remains low for humans, researchers continue to hunt for vaccines and treatments in case the virus mutates to spread more easily between animals and humansor among humans themselves. A team that includes researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the National Institutes of Health Vaccine Research Center say they have found that an antibody therapy lessened the severity and prevented death in monkeys that contacted the bird flu. The journal Science published the team's findings, which explore the preventive effects of administering a neutralizing antibody before infection to minimize severe disease caused by H5N1 avian flu. Douglas Reed, associate professor of immunology at Pitt's School of Medicine and a faculty member of its Center for Vaccine Research, said this type of therapy differs from a traditional vaccine but the basic principle of using antibody therapy to prevent and treat disease has been around for more than 100 years. "Vaccines help the body make its own antibodies. In contrast, inoculation with a broadly neutralizing antibody offers more direct protection by binding to and neutralizing H5N1 virus particles," said Mr. Reed, who is the study's co-corresponding author. The NIH's National Cancer Institute describes a neutralizing antibody as one that "binds to a virus and interferes with its ability to infect a cell." In the study, monkeys were inoculated with a neutralizing antibody called MEDI8852, which was developed by biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, before being infected with bird flu three days later. "We chose this specific antibody because it targets a part of the influenza virus called the stalk region of the hemagglutinin protein, which stays the same across different flu strains. Focusing on this stable part of the virus makes it harder for the virus to mutate and avoid the antibody," Mr. Reed said. Stalk-targeting antibodies, like the one used in the study, have been found to protect against a wider variety of flu viruses than those that target less conserved parts, Mr. Reed explained. "That said, antibody inoculation is not intended to protect against an infection, but can make the disease symptoms less severe and protect against death." Whether the virus will mutate beyond animal to human transmission is difficult to know, and experts continue to warn that a mutation like that could lead to a pandemic on the scale of COVID-19or larger. "H5N1 is showing all signs that it could be as severe if not more severe than [COVID-19] when it entered the population. It's hard to predict. We already know that hundreds have died [from avian flu infection] over the past 20 years," Andrew Pekosz told the Post-Gazette in January. He is professor and vice chair of the molecular microbiology and immunology department at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. "There is a big potential for this virus to cause a lot of suffering in the human population should it acquire the ability to transmit from person to person," he said. For the monkeys in the study, "the antibody protected against disease and death," Mr. Reed said, though researchers "did see disease breakthrough at lower doses." That information was used to establish a "threshold protection." Researchers also noted that the protective serum levels "remained stable for eight to 12 weeks, which suggests to us that this prophylactic treatment could be useful for protecting first responders during the early stages of a H5N1 outbreak," he said. More studies are needed to be able to use the treatment in humans, he said, but "this antibody has already been in clinical trials for seasonal influenza and was shown to be safe." Because the neutralizing antibody "targets a region that is relatively conserved in all influenza viruses, it could provide universal protection against different types of influenza, including seasonal flu, but more testing is still needed. We see this immunization approach as one of many in the arsenal of infection prevention tools for controlling infection outbreaks." Since 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed one U.S. death and 70 human infections from the bird flu; since January 2022, also per the CDC, nearly 170 million wild and domestic birds have been affected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza. The sick birds have been reported in all U.S. states. As of Friday, more than 1,000 cattle herds across 17 states had been infected with H5N1 since March 2024, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. No infections have been reported in Pennsylvania. More information: Masaru Kanekiyo et al, Pre-exposure antibody prophylaxis protects macaques from severe influenza, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.ado6481 Journal information: Science 2025 PG Publishing Co. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: George Pak from Pexels The origin of the statement: "When one person joins the military, the whole family serves" is unknown, but it captures the reality that military families confront in 2025. One member's service shapes the lives of the entire family. Here's a look at the numbers: More than 2 million Americans serve in the U.S. military. About 1.3 million are on active duty, nearly half of them are married, and just over one-third have children. Many of the rest are otherwise partnered, or they live with extended family members. These military families encounter unique psychological stressors. Frequent relocations disrupt a spouse's job, a child's schooling, and family routines. Deployments and the constant threat of war may strain relationships. For dual-military couples, these pressures are compounded. For them, prolonged separation and increased childcare needs are even more common. We are a clinical psychologist and a clinical trauma epidemiologist. Both of us are at the University of Colorado Center for COMBAT Research, where one of our core missions is to improve the psychological health of these families through education, innovation and high-impact research. When a military parent is deployed, some kids react with irritability and aggression. Depression, alcohol and suicidal thoughts Most military families demonstrate remarkable resilience and lead happy, healthy, and productive lives. For so many of them, being part of a military family and serving their country is a source of great pride and honor. But numerous studies show that military children are also more likely to face a range of psychological issues than their nonmilitary peers. They experience more depression and drink more alcohol; they are more likely to attempt suicide; and when a military parent is wounded, they are more likely to express suicidal thoughts. What's more, from 2011 to 2022, the suicide death rate for children and spouses in military families slightly increased. Military families can take a simple step to stop at least some of these tragediesby securely storing personally owned firearms, particularly when a child is in the home. This is recommended by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as firearm trade associations and firearm businesses. Word seems to be getting out: Research shows military-connected youth with mental health challenges are less likely than peers to carry guns. For many military families, financial stress is a top concern. Overcoming barriers All this is happening at a time of unprecedented challenges for military families. The U.S. military is enhancing warfighter readiness; increased training requirements may take service members away from home for weeks to months at a time, adding to family stress. What's more, future military conflicts will likely mean longer deployments. One barrier to getting psychological help is the stigma surrounding mental health. The military promotes a culture of self-reliance and resiliency under pressureand for good reasons. But for many military families, seeking help is seen as a sign of weakness. Admitting to having struggles is often perceived as vulnerability, and some military members think asking for help may harm their career. Some of these ethos appear to extend to family members as well. The Defense Department, along with several nonprofits, has made significant efforts not only to decrease stigma, but also increase services that foster psychological health. Research shows existing programs do help. This includes free services from Military OneSource, Military and Family Life Counseling, Families OverComing Under Stress and 4-H Military Partnership. But despite what appears to be an abundance of these programs, many military members and their families are still unaware they exist or have difficulty accessing them. Children from military families are more likely than peers to serve in the military. That means protecting their psychological well-being at an early age may ultimately translate to a stronger military in the next generation. Expanding youth- and family-focused programs is an investment, not only in these families, but in the future of the nation. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The new radar sensor logs the activity of patients heartbeat and respiration and transfers the data to the monitoring devices. Credit: Fraunhofer IZM Many rural regions are already facing a shortage of medical care, which is particularly acute when it comes to high-quality diagnostics. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM plan to use radar technology to help with this issue. Working in collaboration with partners, they are developing a mobile low-power radar sensor system for non-contact patient monitoring. The physicians receive details of the patient's vital signs, such as heart and respiratory rate, without the patient having to wear a sensor on their body. In a traditional ECG, the pulse is measured using electrodes attached to the patient's body and connected to the monitor with cables. But for some patient groups, such as those with severe burns or wounds, certain skin allergies, contagious diseases such as COVID-19 or certain mental disorders or conditions, it can be difficult to attach electrodes and cables to the body and use a traditional ECG to measure their vital signs. In the future, this kind of examination could be performed with no contact using a high-frequency radar sensor system. This non-invasive measurement technology allows health care professionals to monitor a patient's vital signs continuously and without contact from a distance and take action quickly in the event of any abnormality or discrepancy. This new method for measuring vital signs makes nursing staff's work easier. The patients benefit from increased comfort, as there is no need to attach electrodes and cables to the body, nor do they have to wear any additional electronic devices. Researchers at Fraunhofer IZM in Cottbus and Berlin are developing the innovative high-frequency radar sensor system in close collaboration with researchers at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut fur Hochstfrequenztechnik (FBH), the Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics (IHP) and Thiem-Research GmbH. The project partners aim to address challenges in health care, especially in rural regions, with their novel contactless examination method. A high-frequency radar sensor system can replace the traditional ECG in selected applications in the future. Credit: Fraunhofer IZM Vital signs measured through a mattress The new radar sensor can measure vital signs such as a patient's heart and respiratory rate through clothing, blankets and even through a mattress and transmit the information to monitoring devices. "The radar sensor system uses the radar chips and antennas to generate electromagnetic waves that are reflected by the body. "The reflected waves are modulated by the rhythmic motion of the chest wall due to respiratory and heart activity. This can be measured and analyzed using the radar sensor system to extract the vital signs," says Prof. Ivan Ndip, head of the RF & Smart Sensor Systems department at Fraunhofer IZM. Based on this, medical aspects of the patient's respiratory and cardiovascular systems, such as stress factors or certain cardiac arrhythmias, can be identified. Thus, many diseases and conditions associated with anomalies of these systems can be detected at an earlier stage. Once installed, the medical radar can detect the smallest movements on the surface of the body, caused by the patient's breathing and heartbeat. There are many prospective applications of the medical radar sensor system, ranging from the monitoring of infants, burn victims and people with sleep disorders, to patients in nursing homes, and even drivers and passengers in vehicles, especially children. In order to carry out clinical trials, the radar sensor system was integrated into a plastic case and installed under a hospital bed. During the development of the radar sensor system, Fraunhofer IZM researchers took into consideration the effects of the plastic case and the real-world environment where the system will be used, so as to prevent any malfunction during operation. In particular, the impact of the plastic case and the hospital bed on the antenna performance were thoroughly investigated during the design phase. By adapting the design of the high-frequency front-end board and the antennas, the range of the radar sensor system can be extended, so that it can be flexibly positioned in the room in future, and can also be attached to walls and ceilings. "The goal is to enable measurements at a greater distance from the patient and simultaneous monitoring of multiple patients in the future," says Uwe Maa, a colleague in Ndip's team. Program interface displaying vital sign measurement. Credit: Fraunhofer IZM Systematic development and optimization of the antennas and radar front-end board enable reliable functionality of medical radar sensor system Reliable contactless measurement of vital signs using radar is a big challenge, especially since the signal reflected by micro-movements of the chest wall is very weak. Furthermore, signals reflected from people or objects in the patient's vicinity, system noise and movements of other parts of the patient's body also make it challenging to reliably measure vital signs. Overcoming this challenge requires innovative hardware design solutions that ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), along with powerful signal processing algorithms. The researchers at Fraunhofer IZM developed and optimized the 61 GHz radar antennas and radar front-end board for integration of radar chips, antennas and other system components to ensure a high SNR. Furthermore, the effects of manufacturing tolerances on system performance were systematically considered and analyzed during the development of the antennas and front-end board to ensure reliable and robust functionality of the medical radar sensor system. A special antenna design allows the experts to focus the electromagnetic waves on a specific narrow strip along the patient's chest. The prototype of the medical radar system has been used in clinical tests by Thiem-Research GmbH (TRS), a subsidiary of the Medical University of Lusatia (Medizinische Hochschule Lausitz)Carl Thiem in Cottbus, since September 2023. During this clinical investigation, the project partners tested how reliably the system measures vital signs and how the measurements correlate with the reference ECG. "Initial measurements of test subjects lying in a supine, side or prone position went successfully," Ndip says. In the second phase of the BMBF project, the experts succeeded in extending the design to a multi-channel medical radar sensor system that has the potential to measure vital signs of multiple individuals simultaneously, all without contact. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The distribution of antibiotic resistance according to age groups. Credit: BMC Infectious Diseases (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12879-025-10842-5 A growing resistance to antibiotics is complicating the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Malawi, with new research revealing that nearly half of women presenting with symptoms at a major referral hospital had infections resistant to multiple drugs. The study, conducted by researchers at Mzuzu University and published in BMC Infectious Diseases, found a UTI prevalence of 48.5% among women assessed at Malawi's Zomba Central Hospital. "The data signal a public health concern that extends beyond expected physiological susceptibility in pregnancy," said Pizga Kumwenda, the study's lead investigator and a senior lecturer in microbiology and immunology at Mzuzu University. "It points toward broader social, behavioral, or systemic issues such as poor hygiene, limited access to health care, or the overuse of antibiotics without proper diagnostic testing." The figure, Kumwenda says, is far higher than the global and regional average of 14%30% typically reported among pregnant women. UTIs are among the most common infections in women globally, with an estimated 150 million cases occurring each year. But in Malawi and other Sub-Saharan African countries, treatment is becoming increasingly difficult due to widespread antimicrobial resistance. According to the study, first-line antibiotics such as ampicillin and ceftriaxone showed alarming resistance rates87% and 77% respectively. Particularly concerning was the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains such as Serratia marcescens, which exhibited complete resistance to several antibiotics and showed only moderate susceptibility to last-resort drugs like meropenem and amikacin. "It showed 100% resistance to several antibiotics," said Kumwenda. "Even drugs considered as a last-resort, such as meropenem and amikacin, showed only moderate effectiveness, which is a warning signal for future therapeutic difficulties," he said. Serious threat Kumwenda says these findings reveal a serious threat to treatment outcomes, especially if even reserve antibiotics are becoming ineffective. The retrospective study reviewed 340 patient records, focusing on women aged 1545, who accounted for over half of the UTI cases. The high burden in this reproductive-age group, coupled with elevated resistance rates, calls for more targeted diagnostic and treatment guidelines, the researchers say. "We need to rethink how we manage UTIs in this demographic," Kumwenda added. "This includes incorporating hygiene and sexual health education, reviewing contraceptive use, and strengthening screening during antenatal and reproductive health visits." Malawi is already grappling with a broader AMR crisis. The Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Program estimates that 27.3 deaths per 100,000 people in the region are attributable to antibiotic resistance. National data suggest up to 15,700 deaths in Malawi have been linked to drug-resistant infections. The country has initiated surveillance efforts in human and animal health laboratories, but experts say more is needed. Victor Mithi, president of the Society of Medical Doctors in Malawi, said self-prescription is a key driver of resistance in the country. "Most patients in Malawi can just walk into a pharmacy and buy antibiotics without a prescription," Mithi told SciDev.Net. "As such, they are more likely to under-medicate themselves, resulting in the development of an increasing antimicrobial resistance burden." He warned that untreated or poorly managed UTIs can escalate into life-threatening complications such as sepsis, particularly in young women. To address this, Mithi says, there must be enforcement of prescription-only antibiotic sales. "At the policy level, I think we need to strengthen the enforcement of people having a prescription before they go to any kind of pharmacy and procure prescriptive drugs," he says. A related study, published last year in BMC Infectious Diseases, also flagged the overuse of 'watch' antibiotics and a high rate of multi-drug resistant infections in northern Malawi. Kumwenda and his team recommend the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in health facilities. "Health authorities should enforce strict prescription guidelines, promote culture and sensitivity testing before antibiotic initiation and prohibit over-the-counter sales of antibiotics without prescription," he said. More information: Pizga Kumwenda et al, Characterization of urinary tract infections among females at a tertiary hospital in Malawi: a retrospective study, BMC Infectious Diseases (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12879-025-10842-5 Journal information: BMC Infectious Diseases Provided by SciDev.Net 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: Study design. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-92310-3 Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the IDF Medical Corps have discovered a promising new therapeutic approach to treating hemorrhagic shock, a life-threatening condition caused by severe blood loss that remains the leading cause of preventable death in trauma cases globally. The study, led by Dr. Ariel Furer and Dr. Maya Simchoni, from the Institute for Research in Military Medicine, a joint project between Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical Corps, demonstrates that activating Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKC-) significantly improves early survival rates and physiological stability following severe hemorrhage. The work is published in the journal Scientific Reports. In a carefully controlled experiment using a porcine model, researchers induced hemorrhagic shock by withdrawing 35% of the animals' total blood volume. Animals treated with a PKC- activator peptide just five minutes after the onset of bleeding showed dramatically improved survival73% of treated subjects survived compared to only 25% of those left untreated. Additionally, treated animals maintained significantly better cardiovascular stability, including blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output, all critical indicators of effective response during severe trauma. Moreover, detailed analysis of mitochondrial activity revealed enhanced function within the heart tissues of animals receiving the PKC- activator. As mitochondria are vital cellular energy producers, these findings suggest that activating PKC- helps maintain organ energy levels under stress, potentially protecting tissues against further damage associated with severe blood loss. The implications of this study are far-reaching. Current therapeutic strategies for severe hemorrhagic shock often involve fluid resuscitation, which can unintentionally exacerbate tissue damage by triggering ischemic-reperfusion injury. This new approachadministering a PKC- activator peptidehas the potential to significantly minimize these detrimental effects, thereby improving survival chances and reducing complications associated with severe trauma. Dr. Ariel Furer commented on the broader implications: "Massive hemorrhage remains one of the most critical challenges faced in emergency medicine, particularly in battlefield and civilian trauma scenarios. Our findings suggest that activating PKC- can be a highly effective therapeutic approach, potentially transforming trauma care by providing frontline medical responders with a powerful tool to improve patient outcomes." This study marks a critical step forward in trauma medicine. However, Dr. Furer notes that further clinical research is necessary before this treatment can be widely adopted in clinical settings. "Our findings open new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies that can be administered by first responders in emergency settings, potentially saving countless lives worldwide," concludes Dr. Furer. "Future clinical trials will be essential to validate these promising results and to move towards practical implementation." More information: Maya Simchoni et al, Protein kinase C epsilon activation improves early survival in an acute porcine model of controlled hemorrhage, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-92310-3 Journal information: Scientific Reports This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Hospital-onset antimicrobial-resistant infections increased across U.S. hospitals during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published online April 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Christina Yek, M.D., Ph.D., from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues examined the incidence of antimicrobial-resistant infections in U.S. hospitals during and beyond the pandemic in a retrospective cohort study conducted in 243 U.S. hospitals. The researchers found that antimicrobial-resistant infections increased from 182 to 193 per 10,000 hospitalizations during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (6.5% increase). There was a 31.5% increase in hospital-onset antimicrobial-resistant infections, from 28.9 to 38.0 per 10,000 hospitalizations. Illness severity (intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, COVID-19 diagnosis), comorbidities (Elixhauser Comorbidity Index), and prior exposure to antibiotics were factors associated with hospital-onset antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but no association was seen for hospital factors. As the pandemic waned, the prevalence of AMR returned to prepandemic levels (182 per 10,000 hospitalizations); however, hospital-onset AMR remained above baseline (32.3 per 10,000 hospitalizations). "Antibiotic exposure in the preceding three months had incremental and sizable population-level impact on AMR increases, reinforcing the scope of this modifiable factor in potentially mitigating the ongoing crisis," the authors write. More information: Christina Yek et al, Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Resistant Infection Burden in U.S. Hospitals, Annals of Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-03078 Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Metastatic tumor cells traveling in the bloodstream as clusters, shown here as a pair of cells, large clusters of tens of cells and massive clusters with well over one hundred cells. Credit: David Juncker A McGill University-led research collaboration has achieved a breakthrough in understanding how cancer spreads. A clinical study of ovarian and colorectal cancer patients found cancer cells move in the bloodstream in clusters more commonly than was previously thought. The discovery could help doctors more quickly identify which cancer patients are at high risk of having their cancer spread to other organs, knowledge that could guide treatment decisions. The findings also potentially open new avenues for treatment. The study, published in Communications Medicine, was conducted with researchers and clinicians Anne-Marie Mes-Masson and Dr. Diane Provencher at the Centre hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal, Dr. Peter Metrakos at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and Luke McCaffrey at the McGill-affiliated Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute. Cancer is responsible for about 1 in 4 deaths in Canada. In most cases, it is not the original tumor that proves fatal, but the cancer spreading to other organs, a process called metastasis. This occurs when circulating tumor cells (CTCs) break away from tumors, enter the bloodstream, and seed new tumors elsewhere in the body. On rare occasions, CTCs break away as a group of cells sticking to one another and forming a cluster. "Our findings suggest these clusters may play an underappreciated role in metastasis. While clusters were recently found to be more effective at forming new tumors, they remained undetectable in most patients, and hence their contribution to disease dissemination was not considered," said senior author David Juncker, Professor and Chair of McGill's Department of Biomedical Engineering. GF for CTC enrichment. Credit: Communications Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00702-9 Microfiltration method The researchers made their discovery using a new microfiltration method they developed to capture cancer-cell clusters traveling through the bloodstream. "We hypothesized that existing filtration methods might be breaking up the clusters during sample processing. So, we developed a gentler method to isolate these clusters from the blood without breaking them apart. Using this, we found many more CTC clusters than previously reported," said Juncker. The technology relies on an ultra-thin microfilter membraneabout one-fifth the thickness of a human hairwith tiny pores that trap cancer cells and cancer cell clusters while letting smaller blood cells pass through. New treatment possibilities The next phase of research will apply the new method as a diagnostic tool for detecting CTCs in colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver, one of the most difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. CTC clusters could help stratify patients into low- and high-risk groups and help adjust the therapy accordingly. The researchers' discovery could also open new avenues for treatment monitoring by tracking CTC clusters, and for developing new treatment strategies. Mes-Masson added, "If clusters are key drivers of cancer spread, then breaking them up could help stop metastasis." More information: Anne Meunier et al, Gravity-based microfiltration reveals unexpected prevalence of circulating tumor cell clusters in ovarian and colorectal cancer, Communications Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00702-9 Journal information: Communications Medicine This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In its first 100 days, the Trump administration has terminated more than US$2 billion in federal grants, according to a public-source database compiled by the scientific community, and it is proposing additional cuts that would reduce the $47 billion budget of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, also known as the NIH, by nearly half. The effects of these cuts are being felt at top-tier public research institutions such as the University of Michigan. In fiscal year 2024, of the $2 billion in total research expenditures at the university, $1.2 billion came in through federal research grants, with $762 million from NIH alone. Brady West is a research professor at the University of Michigan who has been writing federal grant proposals for more than two decades. The Conversation U.S. spoke with him about what these cuts could mean for the university and scientific research in the U.S. going forward. This article is adapted from an interview Brady gave for the May 1 episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast. The University of Michigan's research arm includes 'soft money' institutes. What does that mean? A soft money institute is one where the salaries are entirely funded by the research grants and contracts that they're able to obtain. This is the case for most of the research arm of the University of Michigan, which includes the Institute for Social Research where I work. The university sets the salary amounts for these positions, and the people filling them whether faculty, staff or graduate students have to raise the money to fund their salary. Teaching faculty, on the other hand, usually are paid from general university funds, which might come in from sources such as tuition, rather than grant funding. What is involved in applying for a grant from a federal institution like NIH? In my experience, it's an extremely competitive and stressful process. On average, I would estimate that it takes about a year to craft a research proposal from scratch. Applicants do background research, look at all the relevant work that has already been done in the field, summarize the articles that they've written, and sometimes do initial preliminary studies. They have to sell their research as connected to past work but still innovative, something that will move the science forward. Meanwhile, they're working with a team of research administrators, whose jobs at the university are funded by soft money, on things like creating a budget and determining what sort of supplies, equipment and additional personnel will be required for the research project. These administrators also help the applicant format and submit the proposal. How does NIH determine what proposals receive funding? Every proposal submitted to NIH gets reviewed by a panel of experts in that particular field, so your peers are the ones reviewing your proposal and deciding whether it should be considered for funding. Each panel is tasked with reviewing and scoring multiple proposals. About half of the proposals receive scores that do not warrant additional discussion for funding. The rest are scrutinized line by line. Those with the best scores, based on their merits as well as agency budgets and priorities, are ultimately awarded grants. All applicants are sent the reviewers' comments, and those not receiving funding may revise their proposal and resubmit. In my experience, few applications get funded the first time they are submitted, and most go through at least one round of revisions. I've found it generally takes about two years from the time you start writing a proposal to the time that you get funded. When did you learn that NIH and other federal grants were being rescinded at the University of Michigan? The first notice I received was in mid-February of 2025. I was wrapping up a federally funded study where we were looking at different ways of measuring sexual identity in surveys. That study was funded by a $160,000 grant from NIH. I received a notice from administrators for the National Center for Health Statisticspart of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionthat maintains the data I was working with. The email said my work was being reviewed for compliance with the president's executive orders and would be paused. I was lucky, because that particular grant was set to end at the end of February, so the project was nearly finished, and the paper was already written. And then over the following weeks, it was like a waterfall. I started hearing from colleagues who were working on grants related to climate change, vaccination, vaccine hesitancy, sexual identity, gender identity, DEIall of the work related to that, I just heard story after story of these grants being ended on the spot. What does this mean for the researchers who lost their funding? What will they do now? These terminations put jobs at risknot only the research faculty, but also the teams who were working on these projects and the administrators who helped format and submit the grants. One of my Ph.D. students received an email from NIH that simply said his grant has been terminated. So his source of support as a graduate student at the University of Michigan was gone in an instant. The University of Michigan has developed a new research funding program where you can apply for support if you've had your grant terminated, and your local department can help share the costs. My student is waiting to hear if he will receive some of that funding. This is a welcome development, but only a short-term solution to this problem. So right now, everybody's pivoting. Your first thought is, how can I write a proposal that's not going to have certain keywords in it? And that's just not a good way to do science. The University of Michigan is committed to doing the best possible science, but it's going to require some adaptation in terms of how to think about the proposal process. And, honestly, for the immediate future, part of being a scientist in the U.S. is getting a firm understanding of what the current administration wants to fund. Are you or your colleagues considering leaving the university? That's the million-dollar question. Do you decide to pack up your family and move to a different country? Do you shift to private industry? Do you wait it out for the next administration and hope that things swing back in a direction that's going to support the kind of work that you're doing? Those are the kinds of career decisions that people have to think about. Is the U.S. going to lose a lot of top-tier faculty at top-tier universities like the University of Michigan because of what's going on? That's a significant concern. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Inhibition of the deubiquitinase USP30 promotes mitophagy and thus mitochondrial renewal in dopaminergic nerve cells and could therefore form the basis for an innovative therapy for Parkinson's disease. Credit: MPI of Molecular Physiology How well our brain functions depends heavily on the performance of our nerve cells. That is why they are regularly checked for their proper functiondefective cell components are marked, disposed of and recycled. This includes the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. Impaired quality control of mitochondria plays a central role in Parkinson's disease. The research group led by Malte Gersch at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology in Dortmund (MPI) has now been able to elucidate the mode of action of a promising inhibitor of the Parkinson's-associated mitochondrial protein USP30 by designing chimeric proteins. These findings, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, form an important basis for the development of innovative therapeutics against Parkinson's and other diseases. "Involuntary tremulous movements, combined with reduced muscle strength"this is how the British physician James Parkinson first described the condition known as "shaking palsy." Parkinson's disease, named after him, is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. To date, there is no causal treatment for Parkinson's syndromeonly symptoms can be treated. The disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain stem and an associated deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Currently, there is great hope for the development of novel drugs that could regenerate defective nerve cells and thus counteract the loss of nerve cells in Parkinson's disease. Faulty quality control of mitochondria The exact cause of nerve cell death remains unclear. However, there are indications that defects in their mitochondria could be responsible. Nerve cells in particular are highly dependent on these organelles, as they require high amounts of energy. In healthy cells, the mitochondria are subject to constant quality control. If they fail, they are marked with the protein ubiquitin for cellular degradation by mitophagy. However, it has recently been shown that faulty marking of damaged mitochondria prevents their degradation. This is caused by certain key enzymes of mitophagy, which are pathologically altered in the hereditary form of Parkinson's disease. Protein engineering reveals the mechanism of action An important enzyme in mitophagy is the deubiquitinase (DUB) USP30. It removes ubiquitin marks from defective mitochondria that are destined for degradation. An inhibitor of this enzyme, which could promote mitophagy and thus improve nerve function, is currently being investigated in clinical trials: It is considered a promising candidate drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and chronic kidney disease. However, how inhibitors actually work on USP30 was not yet known on the molecular level. "One problem with the human protein USP30 is that it is difficult to 'photograph'its molecular structure is difficult to elucidate. But if you want to see how the inhibitor binds to the protein, you can use X-rays to produce a so-called 'diffraction pattern' of the two partners in a crystal. "However, because USP30 is very flexibleyou could say it wriggles around in front of the camerait is difficult to crystallize, and its highly mobile structure thereby does not allow for a sharp image," explains Gersch, research group leader at the MPI. Using innovative protein engineering, Gersch and his team have now been able to obtain a detailed picture of how an inhibitor binds to USP30 and specifically switches off its activity. To do this, Nafizul Kazi, Ph.D. student in the research group and first author of the study, created a chimeric protein hybrid similar to the legendary Minotaur: He incorporated related elements from other human deubiquitinase proteins into USP30, thus producing a "photogenic" USP30 variant. The diffraction images obtained show that the inhibitor interacts with USP30 in two ways: it binds to a previously unknown region that only opens up through the interaction of the inhibitor with the protein, and at the same time to a hotspot that is also accessible to other inhibitors. Innovative active substances against neurodegenerative diseases "Elucidating the mechanism of action of this potential Parkinson's drug will not only help to further develop it, but also lay the foundation for designing new drug molecules against USP30," says Gersch. Mitophagy and enzymes from the DUB family also play an important role in other diseases and are associated with a weakened immune system and tumor growth. "Our new strategy of chimeric proteins could be a real game changer for the development of new inhibitors against DUBs. "It will enable us to decipher the structure of other disease-relevant DUB proteins in context with molecules, opening up the possibility of developing new specific binding inhibitors for a wide range of diseases," says Gersch. More information: Nafizul Haque Kazi et al, Chimeric deubiquitinase engineering reveals structural basis for specific inhibition of the mitophagy regulator USP30, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41594-025-01534-4 Journal information: Nature Structural & Molecular Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Physically punishing children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has exclusively negative outcomesincluding poor health, lower academic performance, and impaired social-emotional developmentyielding similar results to studies in wealthier nations, finds an analysis published in Nature Human Behaviour. In 2006, the United Nations Secretary General called for a ban on corporal punishmentacts of physical force to inflict pain that includes smacking, shaking, and spankingfor children. To date, 65 countries worldwide have instituted full or partial bans of the practice. Most of the bans were established in high-income countries (having a gross national income of at least $14,000 per capita) bolstered by the UN's call, and research finding detrimental outcomes in wealthier nations. "Some scholars have suggested that physical punishment might have different effects in countries where it is more prevalent or socially normative, a perspective known as the cultural normativeness hypothesis," says lead author Jorge Cuartas, assistant professor of applied psychology at the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. "However, the lack of data from low- and middle-income countries has made it challenging to fully understand the balance between universal and context-specific harms of physical punishment during childhood." The researchers analyzed 195 studies related to corporal punishment published between 2002 and 2024. The studies covered 92 LMICs and 19 outcomes related to parent-child relationships, mental and physical health, violent behavior, attitudes toward violence, substance use, cognitive function, social-emotional skills, sleep, motor skills, and likelihood of being a child laborer. They found physical punishment was significantly associated with negative consequences in 16 of the 19 outcomes: worse parent-child relationships, being a victim of violence, perpetrating violence (including intimate partner violence in adulthood), approving violence, physical health problems, mental health problems, substance use, poor academic outcomes, impaired language skills, impaired executive function, impaired social-emotional skills, overall behavioral problems, internalizing behavior problems (e.g., depression and withdrawal), externalizing behaviors (e.g., aggression and destruction), impaired early child development, and quality of sleep. They found no impact on cognitive skills, motor skills, and child labor. Notably, the study found no positive outcomes associated with corporal punishment. "The consistency and strength of these findings suggest that physical punishment is universally harmful to children and adolescents. Moving forward, more research is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing physical punishment on a global scale and ensuring that children are protected from all forms of violence to support their healthy development," says Cuartas. More information: Jorge Cuartas et al, Physical punishment and lifelong outcomes in low and middleincome countries: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis, Nature Human Behaviour (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02164-y Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour 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: Artist's illustration shows how surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical Center were able to remove a large spinal tumor that had invaded the patient's cervical spine and was pressing on her spinal cord. They gained access through the patient's eye socket, which the lead neurosurgeon calls "the third nostril." Credit: Tina Wang/University of Maryland Department of Neurosurgery In a first-of-its-kind surgery, a team led by a University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) neurosurgeon has successfully removed a rare cancerous tumor wrapped around the spine and spinal cord of a 19-year-old womanthrough her eye socket (orbit). Although surgeons use a "transorbital" approach to access tumors in the brain and sinuses, this is the first time it has ever been used to remove a spinal tumor. In this case, the young woman had a slow-growing developmental bone tumor called a chordoma in her spine. Only about 300 chordomas are diagnosed in the United States every year. "The tumor was wrapped around the patient's spine and spinal cord and had invaded the vertebrae in her neck, just below the base of the skull," said Mohamed A.M. Labib, MD, CM, a UMMC neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). "By going through the bottom of the eye socket, we were able to remove a tumor that otherwise would have been very difficult and very risky to address." Dr. Labib said that trying to reach the tumor from the back could have risked damaging the spinal cord. "We also avoided disturbing or damaging key structures such as the eustachian tube, major blood vessels such as the jugular vein and internal carotid artery, and nerves that control swallowing and speech," he said. He added, "We created a huge surgical corridor that enabled us to get in front of the spinal cord. It was a straight shot." The patient, who has no evidence of cancer, required multiple surgeries and received extraordinarily complex care from a multidisciplinary team of physicians that included neurosurgeons, skull base and facial plastic surgeons and radiation oncologists. In addition to the spinal tumor, she also had a very large chordoma that was wrapped around her brain stem, a critical structure which controls many vital functions. In two separate procedures, UMMC surgeons removed part of the tumor by opening her skull in a traditional craniotomy and then took out the rest by accessing the area through her nose. Both the transorbital and endonasal procedures involved the use of an endoscope, a thin, lighted tube with a camera at the end. "Utilizing open and endoscopic surgical techniques that respect the anatomical boundaries that we faceand devising innovative ways to reduce morbidityis really central to Dr. Labib's 360-degree approach to treating these types of tumors," said Andrea M. Hebert, MD, MPH, a head and neck surgeon and an Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UMSOM who performed the endonasal procedure and took part in the transorbital surgery. "These tumors are definitely life-threatening when they grow to the point where they cause significant brain stem compression, so surgery is the best way to try to save a patient's life," Dr. Hebert said. "Many of these tumors recur, and that's why we favor a multidisciplinary approach to treatment." The third nostril Dr. Labib developed the novel surgical plan to remove the spinal tumor after exploring the transorbital approach in the Department of Neurosurgery's Skull Base 360 Laboratory using cadavers. He called the eye socket, "the third nostril," in preliminary research looking at new ways to access hard-to-reach skull base tumors published in the Journal of Neurosurgery in October 2023. In addition to the three surgeries last spring, the patient, Karla Flores, now 20, of Rosedale, MD, was treated with proton radiation therapy to destroy any lingering cancer cells. A neurosurgeon also fused the C1 and C2 vertebrae in her neck to stabilize the spine. "Karla is doing very well. I am happy that through a very coordinated multidisciplinary team effort she had such a successful outcome," Dr. Labib said, noting that she has some lingering issues with moving her left eye as the result of nerve damage from the tumor abutting the brain stem. Flores recalled that she started experiencing double vision when she was 18 and tried unsuccessfully for months to learn the cause. "For a while, I didn't know what was happening to my health. It felt like no one understood or even believed that there was a physical reason for my symptoms. Then I saw my ophthalmologist who gave me hope because she believed that something was wrong and referred me to Dr. Labib," Flores said. "I was so relieved when I met Dr. Labib and the team at the University of Maryland Medical Center. They listened and took me seriously. Learning about the spinal and brain tumors was terrifying, but I am so grateful that the doctors were able to remove them. I'm slowly recovering and with any problem I have, they help me," Flores continued. Illustration of Patient's Two Chordomas. Credit: University of Maryland School of Medicine Believing in myself "I keep reminding myself to take one day at a time and know that each step is an accomplishment. I'm also glad I stood my ground and kept looking for help until I found it. Things could have gone horribly wrong if I didn't believe in myself," Flores said. She plans to go to school to become a manicurist. In other transorbital procedures, surgeons have made incisions next to or above the eye. In this case, Dr. Labib worked with a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Kalpesh T. Vakharia, MD, who carefully cut through the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane protecting the eye, inside the lower eyelid without disturbing the eye. That process also involved making an incision inside the patient's mouth. Dr. Vakharia removed the bottom of the eye socket, and a portion of the cheek bone, to carve out a large enough pathway for surgeons to thread surgical tools into the sinus to reach the cervical spine. "We wanted to develop a surgical plan where there would be no external scars and it would be impossible to tell that the patient even had surgery," said Dr. Vakharia, Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Director of the Facial Nerve Center at UMMC and an Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UMSOM. Working in tandem with Dr. Hebert, Dr. Labib was able to drill through bone in the vertebrae to access the tumor and painstakingly dissect it, using a variety of surgical instruments. After the tumor was removed, Dr. Vakharia rebuilt the bottom of the eye socket using a titanium plate and rebuilt the cheek with bone from the patient's hip. He said of the experience, "It was amazing to have had the opportunity to be part of surgery that had never been done before." For UMMC President and CEO Bert W. O'Malley, MD, surgical innovation is a fundamental tenet of academic medicine and a core driver of the medical center's culture. Dr. O'Malley is an internationally renowned head and neck cancer surgeon and pioneer of transoral robotic surgery (TORS). "We are fortunate at UMMC to have a remarkable team of highly skilled surgeon-scientists committed to challenging themselves and inspiring those around them to see each unique case as an opportunity to advance the field," Dr. O'Malley said. "The complexity of this extremely rare and difficult-to-reach tumor required multidisciplinary perspective, careful planning and precision. The team could have chosen a more standard invasive route, but they charted a novel approach because they wanted the best possible outcome for this young woman, preserving her quality of life. As a surgeon whose career has been shaped by this mindset, I couldn't be more proud of what this team has accomplished." UMMC is the academic flagship hospital of the University of Maryland Medical System, which has 11 hospitals and more than 150 other care locations throughout Maryland. Medical experts don't know what causes chordomas, but they arise from remnants of the notochord, which in the precursor of the spine during fetal development. Dr. Labib said it was very rare that Karla had two separate chordomas that were not connected. A multidisciplinary team Dr. Labib noted that it took a team of physicians from various specialties working together to provide Flores with comprehensive care. "Nobody can do this alone," he said. He also cited the importance of being able to practice these types of complex surgeries on cadavers "many, many times" before performing them on patients. "The fact that people are willing to donate their bodies to science enabled us to do this and saved the life of this young woman," he said. Timothy J. Chryssikos, MD, Ph.D., a neurosurgeon at UMMC who specializes in spine surgery and an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at UMSOM, performed the spinal fusion surgery. Mark V. Mishra, MD, a radiation oncologist at the Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center at UMMC and the Maryland Proton Treatment Center who specializes in treating tumors of the central nervous system, oversaw Flores' proton therapy. He is also Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology and a Professor of Radiation Oncology at UMSOM. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The FDA has rehired at least some workers tasked with releasing public records generated by the agency's regulatory activities, two employees said. The recall reverses firings carried out roughly a month ago by the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the agency. Workers who process records about medical device and tobacco regulations under the Freedom of Information Act received notices from an FDA official on May 1 that they were no longer being fired as part of the department's mass layoffs, according to the employees and documents reviewed by KFF Health News, which agreed not to name the workers because they are not authorized to speak to the press and fear retaliation. The workers were told to return to their jobs immediately. As part of its plans to shrink HHS by 20,000 people, officials announced in late March that 10,000 employees would be laid off across the department, which includes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the FDA. More than one-third of the layoffs, 3,500, affected FDA staffers. Those firings gutted the FOIA divisions across HHS. The layoffs decimated the workforce that processes FOIA requests across FDA centers overseeing vaccines, drugs, tobacco, medical devices, and food, said current and former employees. Operations to release public records requests largely ground to a halt, according to half a dozen current or former employees. Employees said FOIA workers were fired despite being involved in furnishing government records under court-ordered deadlines in response to litigation. A notice from FDA to an affected FOIA staffer said the HHS' "Reduction in Force" was being rescinded but did not provide a rationale for reinstatement, according to a copy viewed by KFF Health News. However, the worker said an FDA official had told them their job was "mission critical." Two current or former employees noted that the FDA missed several court-ordered deadlines to produce documents in April. Other FOIA workers were told they were being reinstated, two employees said. HHS officials didn't respond to a request for comment. FOIA is a transparency law that guarantees public access to the inner workings of federal agencies by requiring officials to release government documents. The 1966 law is a crucial tool for law firms, advocates, businesses, journalists, and the public. It has been used to hold officials accountable and uncover harm, corruption, and political meddling in policymaking. At HHS, FOIA requests are used to obtain a litany of records, including detailed CDC information about large outbreaks of food and waterborne illnesses, and reports generated by FDA inspections of facilities that make food, drugs, medical devices, and dental products. The decision to bring back at least some FOIA staff occurred after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said officials were "restoring all the FOIA offices." Earlier this year, HHS also laid off the entire CDC office handling that agency's FOIA requests and significantly cut FOIA staff at the NIH. "We're going to make it much easier for people to get the information. We're going to try to post as much as we can," he said on April 22. The HHS decision to decimate FOIA staff spurred at least one lawsuit and pushback from Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., who sent a letter to CDC on April 24 about the firings. CDC FOIA staff had not been reinstated as of Friday morning, one employee said. In a May 1 court filing as part of a lawsuit challenging those firings, Edward Martin, interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said the CDC and HHS "have not abandoned any of its obligations under FOIA and instead is undergoing a re-structure pursuant to a valid Executive Order." Martin said that "streamlining inefficient operations will benefit the public by enhancing transparency and accountability to the taxpayer." The filing was submitted as part of a lawsuit brought in April by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a legal advocacy group. During fiscal year 2024October 2023 through September 2024the FDA provided at least some records in response to more than 12,000 requests, according to HHS' annual FOIA report. There were exceptions to the mass layoffs of FOIA employees, however. The cuts at FDA spared at least some workers furnishing records in response to court orders in FOIA lawsuits involving the agency's vaccines division, which includes litigation brought by an ally of Kennedy's who represents anti-vaccine interests, according to four current or former agency employees. Lawyer Aaron Siri filed the FOIA lawsuits, on behalf of the nonprofit Public Health and Medical Professionals for Transparency, in 2021 and 2022 against the FDA to obtain records related to Pfizer's and Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines. Siri was Kennedy's lawyer during his 2024 presidential campaign and has represented prominent anti-vaccine activists in numerous lawsuits. The FDA faces a June 30 court-ordered deadline to finish releasing documents in those cases. 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research took place in Seattle from April 30May 3, 2025. The field's premiere scientific conference was scheduled to be held in the Emerald City five years ago, until COVID-19 dashed those plans. This time, U.S. autism researchers face a very different kind of crisis: massive cuts to federal funding, Cabinet members making false statements about the complex neurological condition they study, and a series of confusing and potentially worrisome policy announcements about autism research. In April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services disclosed that it's planning a $50-million "comprehensive research effort aimed at understanding the causes of [autism spectrum disorder] and improving treatments," a department spokesperson said. The effort was spurred by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s stated goal of determining the cause of autism, a neurological and developmental condition whose symptoms cluster around challenges with communication, social interaction and sensory processing. At his first news conference last month, Kennedy made a number of scientifically inaccurate statements about autism: that it is preventable (there is no evidence that it is); that studying its genetic underpinnings is a "dead end" (genes play a significant role); that children with autism "will never hold a job" (autism presents in myriad different ways and many autistic people work) and, perhaps most significantly, that "we know it's an environmental exposure" (this is, to put it mildly, far from an established fact.) An HHS spokesperson said that the agency was developing "a secure data repository" of "large-scale, de-identified data to better understand the causes of conditions like autism and chronic diseases," similar to the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. This was a clarification of National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's statement during an April 21 meeting with NIH advisers that the study would draw in part from personal health information gathered across a variety of sources, including insurance claims, pharmacy chain medication records and fitness tracker data, a plan widely reported as an "autism registry." HHS has otherwise offered minimal detail on the research effort, which Kennedy initially said would return results as early as September. (Bhattacharya has since pushed back on that timeline, saying that grants would only start to go out to participating researchers by the end of summer.) A half-dozen senior scientists interviewed for this article said that neither they nor anyone they knew of had been consulted. "I'm someone who knows a lot of people in this field," said Helen Tager-Flusberg, professor emerita at Boston University and director of its Center for Autism Research Excellence, and "not a single person I know has been approached." Tager-Flusberg is a member of HHS' Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, which advises the agency and Congress on autism research. Since Donald Trump took office in January, she said, the committee has not received any communications from HHS, and has not been informed or consulted about the latest research initiative. "With one hand, [Kennedy's] offering $50 million in new research, and with the other hand, they have already removed a significantly large number of grants that are already carrying out cutting-edge research on autism," she said. "NIH has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into [studying] the causes of autism over the last three decades, and so it's disturbing to hear that it's all being dismissed." The U.S. government is by far the nation's biggest investor in autism research. In 2019 and 2020, the most recent period for which data are available, federal grants totaling $350 million supported 82.5% of U.S. autism research, with the remainder coming from private sources. "Federal funding is the engine by which research runs, and it is certainly the engine by which autism research has made the incredible advances that it has over the last 25 years," said Matthew Lerner, an associate professor at Drexel University's AJ Drexel Autism Institute and a board member of the International Society for Autism Research. Several researchers also said that they found Kennedy's insistence that autism stems from exposure to an undetermined environmental source perplexing. The role of environmental factors in autism is already a major focus area for government-funded research, they said, albeit in a more nuanced way. When scientists speak of "environmental exposures," they are referring to any nongenetic influence before or after birth. These can range from prenatal stress hormones to neighborhood pollutants to the school a child attends. "Any scientist will tell you that this is such a complex thing that you can't just be looking at one [cause], that you have to be thinking about the role of environment, the role of genetics, how they interact, and how that changes over the lifespan," said Alycia Halladay, chief science officer of the nonprofit Autism Science Foundation. "We do know that there are a lot of environmental exposures that have not been studied. We can't say it is an environmental toxin." Dr. Shafali Jeste was more blunt. "This is what we dedicate our lives to," the Los Angeles pediatric neurologist said. "If we knew there could be one environmental cause, wouldn't we all be out there hunting for it, and maybe having already found it, given that we've been doing research for 20 years?" The cuts and chaos of the second Trump administration are already having an effect on the research community. Several people interviewed for this article asked not to be quoted by name for fear of retaliation, or specified that they could only speak on behalf of themselves and not their employer, at the institution's request. In late April, Tager-Flusberg founded the Coalition of Autism Scientists, a group of senior researchers united around the shared goals of pushing back on disinformation and advocating for evidence-based research approaches. More than 200 fellow scientists signed up immediately, she said. But when younger researchers have asked to join, she has discouraged them from doing so. Speaking out could cost them their jobs. "I don't really have anything to lose," she said. But "the last thing I would want is to put anyone's career in jeopardy." 2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Enhanced glucose uptake in glial cells might help fight AD. In Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases, excess activation of glial cells causes neuroinflammation and damage to neurons. The study found that increasing glucose uptake in glial cells suppresses the inflammatory response and alleviates neuronal cell death. Credit: Tokyo Metropolitan University Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that impaired glucose metabolism in glial cells, a type of cell in our nervous system, plays a key role in the degeneration caused by Alzheimer's disease. Using fruit fly retinas, they showed that promoting glucose metabolism in glial cells with tau protein build-up, like in Alzheimer's patients, helps relieve inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration. Their findings, appearing in Disease Models & Mechanisms, present an exciting new therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative conditions. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the world's leading cause of dementia among older people and continues to have a devastating impact on people's quality of life. Scientists are working against the clock to unravel the vast network of mechanisms by which AD affects our nervous system. We know, for example, that AD is characterized by a build-up of tau protein inside cells, but the ways in which this leads to neurodegeneration are not yet fully understood. A team led by Professor Kanae Ando of Tokyo Metropolitan University have turned their attention to how tau protein build-up affects glial cells, non-neuronal cells in our central nervous system that help support, feed, and protect neurons. Importantly, the ways in which glial cells work have a lot to do with what happens in AD patients. For example, glial cells are known to clear away abnormal build-up of protein, accompanied by an inflammatory response; neuroinflammation is a core pathology of AD. They play an important role in helping neurons stay fueled by metabolizing glucose; a drastic drop in brain glucose metabolism is another feature of AD patients. However, the relationship between changes to glial cell glucose metabolism and tau protein build-up was not known. Using Drosophila fruit flies as a model, the team showed that flies modified to have a tau-protein build-up in the retina showed neurodegeneration, swelling in nearby regions, and the formation of abnormal inclusions. They were able to show that the latter of these was caused by glial cells being abnormally active. To explore how this related to its glucose metabolism, they were able to use genetic modification techniques to express more of a glucose transporting protein (GLUT) in glial cells. Amazingly, this led to suppression of neurodegeneration and less inflammation, even though it did not lead to changes to tau protein build-up. This shows that tau-protein build-up causes glial cells to suffer from a significant drop in glucose metabolism. The team propose that glial glucose metabolism might be a new target for novel therapies for neurodegenerative conditions. Diseases like Parkinson's, for example, are also characterized by neuroinflammation. Any advances which might cure, prevent, or even slow down the onset of any of these conditions promise to have a game-changing impact on human society. More information: Mikiko Oka et al, Glucose uptake in pigment glia suppresses Tau-induced inflammation and photoreceptor degeneration, Disease Models & Mechanisms (2025). DOI: 10.1242/dmm.052057 Journal information: Disease Models & Mechanisms This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are everywherefrom plastics to cosmeticssilently affecting our reproductive health. Researchers are shedding light on the risks and developing better tests to protect future generations. Professor Majorie van Duursen, a Dutch environmental health expert and toxicologist, has her sights set on improving women's health. Her principal target? Substances known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found everywhere around us, from the air we breathe and the clothes we wear to the products we put on our skin. Van Duursen, head of the Environmental Health and Toxicology section at the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment in the Netherlands, is part of a growing chorus of European scientists who believe we must take a closer look at EDCs and their impact on our health. "We need a deeper understanding of how exactly these chemicals harm the female reproductive system and better tests so that these chemicals can be identified before they find their way into the products we use," said Van Duursen, who specializes in endocrine toxicology. Evaluating the risk EDCs can be found virtually everywhere: in household fragrances, cleaning products, plastic food containers and packaging (bisphenol A), cosmetics (parabens), shampoos and plastic wraps (phthalates). They are also present in non-stick cookware, some pesticides, and in electronics, furniture and textiles. A large group of scientists scrutinizing EDCs are collaborating in an international partnership called EURION. It brings together eight separate research initiatives, all addressing the hidden dangers of these chemicals. The aim is to improve understanding of the risks posed by these extremely prevalent chemicals and develop new testing methods to reveal their presence and evaluate their safety. One arm of EURION was a five-year research initiative called FREIA, which explored the specific risks that EDCs pose to women's health. Although the exact mechanisms by which EDCs harm health are not yet fully understood, they have been linked to serious health issues such as reproductive disorders, developmental problems and certain cancers. Focus on female health and fertility The risks are particularly high for women who wish to have children, warned van Duursen, who coordinated the FREIA initiative. The research team brought together leading experts from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and the US. A major focus of their work was to explore the ways EDCs affect female reproductive health at different stages of life. "We've known for some time that the effect of exposure is different in female fetuses, adolescents and adult women, but we had little idea about what was happening in the ovaries at these different points," said van Duursen. The researchers have now developed human tissue models representing the entire life cyclefrom fetal ovarian and adrenal tissues to mature ovarian folliclesto identify biomarkers for EDC exposure. By studying ovarian tissue in the lab, the researchers have made significant findings. For instance, they found that puberty starts earlier in ovaries exposed to EDCs. Also, ovaries exposed to EDC have fewer germ cells, which divide and create eggs and thus play a direct role in reproduction. The researchers also found that in-vitro fertilization is less successful in women when more EDCs have been identified in the follicular fluid surrounding the eggs. "All this means that, in theory, exposure to these chemicals, even in early development, can lead to fewer eggs and then maybe early menopause and fertility issues," said van Duursen. Although the FREIA research initiative ended in 2024, the work of the team continues. The next big step for them will be to study egg function in adult women. Chemical exposure People can be exposed to EDCs through the food they eat, especially when heated in plastic packaging material, the products they put on their skin, and toxins released into the air by chemically treated furniture and textiles. Some of these chemicals interfere with the body's hormonal system by mimicking hormones like estrogen and binding to hormone receptors, effectively blocking our natural hormones from functioning correctly. "The effects on reproductive health, particularly in women, can be very complex and last a lifetimeeven after prenatal exposure," said Alexandra Scranton, director of science and research at the advocacy group Women's Voices for the Earth. The group's goal is to eliminate toxic chemicals that harm women's health and communities. Scranton stressed that women are not necessarily more at risk of the damaging effects of EDCs than men, but can be disproportionately impacted by these chemicals as a result of occupational gender biases. "Working in a hair salon or as a cleaneroften 'invisible' occupations that are largely femaleyou are in constant contact with cleaning products, shampoos, hair colors, relaxers, straighteners, styling products, all of which may contain EDCs," she said. For Scranton, there is a need to recognize that any use of EDCs is problematic, and she welcomes initiatives like FREIA that focus specifically on women's health. Although EDCs are covered by REACH, a comprehensive EU regulation that aims to protect humans and the environment from the effects of chemicals, the EU has recognized the importance of regulating these chemicals more tightly. Research that improves the ability to identify and test for EDCs can only help in this respect. To date, the eight projects in the EURION cluster have compiled a list of 100 test methods to improve the identification of EDCs. A number of these tests are now undergoing validation by independent labs. In time, it is expected that some will help to further restrict the use of EDCs. Information is power Thankfully, though, there are steps people can already take to protect themselves, and the FREIA research team is keen to help consumers avoid EDCs wherever possible. With this in mind, they published recommendations to help keep contact with these dangerous chemicals to a minimum. These include simple tips such as washing new clothes before wearing them, not heating food in the microwave in plastic containers, and vacuuming one's home regularly to remove EDC-laced dust. "Women deserve to understand the reality they live in, and we have a responsibility to inform them," said van Duursen. "We are surrounded by chemicals, but some that are potentially harmful can be avoided fairly easily and inexpensively." This article was originally published in Horizon the EU Research and Innovation Magazine. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain For decades, Californians, and by extension, Americans, have lived alongside unhealthy flame-retardant chemicals embedded in their furniture, thanks to a few lines in a 1970s state law. David Volz, University of California, Riverside professor of environmental toxicology, has long studied how those chemicals escape into indoor air and settle in household dust. In the journal Environmental Science and Technology, Volz details the history of flame retardants in our upholstered furniture and argues that lawmakers should close a regulatory gap allowing their use before it's too late. In this Q&A, he explains why it's important that they do so. Why are flame-retardant chemicals a concern? They don't stay put. These are additive chemicals, not bonded to the materials. Over time, they migrate into the air, settle into dust, and get inhaled or ingested. Some of the compounds used in the pastlike penta-BDEsare highly persistent. They're linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption. Even though we phased out that class of chemicals, we replaced them with organophosphate-based flame retardants, which can also be toxic. It's the same story, just a different chemical family. Do the newer flame retardants pose the same level of risk? They're generally less persistent, which is good, but they're still harmful. They still migrate into the environment, and we still detect them in indoor spaceshomes, workplaces, cars. They're just less bad. But "less bad" doesn't mean safe. And none of them have shown clear benefits in terms of fire safety. So the chemicals don't actually work? Not the way people assume. A Consumer Product Safety Commission study from about 15 years ago found that chemically treated furniture didn't reduce fire spread compared to untreated pieces. What does work is a physical barriera layer of material between the foam and the fabric. That stops smoldering ignition, which is how most residential fires start. If you have a barrier, adding a chemical does little. What prompted you to write a policy proposal? During my sabbatical last year, I started digging into the origins of California's flammability rule. I found that in 1972, two new lawmakers introduced a 141-word amendment to the Business and Professions Code that required furniture sold in California to meet a flammability standard. That short bill led to decades of chemical exposure. Manufacturers added flame retardants to comply with California, then sold the same products across the country. The entire U.S. got exposed, and we're still dealing with the consequences. Has California tried to fix the issue since then? There's been some meaningful progress. In 2013, we updated the flammability standardknown as TB117to focus on smoldering sources, like a lit cigarette. That change allowed manufacturers to use barriers instead of chemicals. Then in 2018, the state passed a bill that capped the concentration of flame retardants in furniture and mattresses to 1,000 parts per million, effective in 2020. But even that level is still high. And there's one big gap left. What's the remaining loophole? In 2023, California passed a law banning fiberglass fire barriers, which had been used as a chemical-free alternative. That ban takes effect in 2027. Without another policy change, manufacturers could legally pivot back to flame-retardant chemicals to meet the flammability standard. That's what I'm trying to prevent. What's your proposed solution? Amend the legislation to prohibit flame retardant chemicals at any concentration in upholstered furniture. That would close the loophole and push manufacturers toward safer fire barrier alternativesmany of which already exist. There are fiberglass-free options used in mattresses today, made from materials like aramid or silica-infused rayon. Why haven't those been adopted more widely in furniture? There are likely cost and design considerations, especially for furniture manufacturers. But the technology is there. The switch is feasible. What's missing is regulatory pressure to make it happen. What happens if no one acts before 2027? We could see a resurgence of flame-retardant chemical use in furniture, undoing more than 15 years of progress. That means more chemicals indoorsin our homes, offices, cars, and schools. California drives the national standard, so the impact would ripple across the U.S. It's a missed opportunity to reduce exposure for millions of people. Why do you think this hasn't gotten more attention? Because it's buried in the fine print of furniture regulations. But it affects everyone. Upholstered furniture makes up a huge share of the indoor environment. If we close this loophole, we'll likely see indoor concentrations of these chemicals drop dramatically, not just in California, but nationwide. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain A study led by Virginia Commonwealth University and Rutgers University has revealed new insights into how romantic partners can influence a person's genetic predisposition to unhealthy alcohol use. The research team specifically found that the substance use habits, personality traits and mental health status of long-term partners can enhance or diminish the impact of a person's genetic risk for binge drinking. The findings could help reshape strategies for couples therapy and couple-based alcohol interventions. "This research sheds new light on the complicated and unforeseen ways that spouses and long-term partners can shape our health and well-being," said Mallory Stephenson, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics within the VCU School of Medicine. Stephenson co-led the research with Jessica E. Salvatore, Ph.D., previously of VCU and now an associate professor of psychiatry at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The findings were published in Clinical Psychological Science. A person's genes account for approximately 50% of their risk for alcohol use disorder and other forms of risky drinking, but the influence of these genetic factors can change depending on a person's environment. "For example, if a person has a high genetic risk for alcohol use disorder and experiences a traumatic event, such as the death of a close relative or exposure to a natural disaster, their biology could play more of a role in whether or not they develop an alcohol problem in response to that stressor," Stephenson said. "However, if that person isn't experiencing anything stressful in their life, their genetic risk may not have as much influence on their drinking behavior." Previous VCU-led research revealed that people with a genetic predisposition to risky alcohol behavior are less likely to drink frequently, become intoxicated often or suffer from alcohol dependence symptoms if they are in a romantic relationship. In this new study, the researchers sought to better understand whether any particular characteristics exhibited by a romantic partner can impact a person's genetic risk for drinking. To answer this question, Stephenson and her colleagues examined anonymized data from FinnTwin16, a longitudinal study of twins identified from Finland's Central Population Registry. They specifically looked at Finnish twins in their 30s who were in long-term relationships and had a history of alcohol use. The researchers analyzed survey responses from 1,620 twins and their romantic partners, including responses on their drinking and smoking habits, personality characteristics and mental health status. "Twin studies are a really useful tool to disentangle the genetic and environmental influences on our lives," Stephenson said. "By studying fraternal twins, which share 50% their genetic makeup, and identical twins, which share 100% of their genetic makeup, we can gain insights into how genetic and environmental factors interact with each other and play a role in developing certain behaviors." One of the researchers' findings was consistent with previous studies: that a person in early midlife was more likely to consume alcohol and engage in binge drinking if their romantic partner also frequently drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes. (When specifically looking at identical twin pairs, the researchers found that romantic partners had a greater influence on the drinking behavior of male twins compared with female twins.) But through statistical modeling, the researchers also found evidence of more interplay. They saw that that genetic risk for binge drinking had a greater effect in people whose romantic partners smoked cigarettes more frequently, were less conscientious, were more extroverted or reported higher neuroticism or psychological distress. On the other hand, the heritability of binge drinking had less of an effect on people whose partners reported more frequent alcohol use, a finding that was surprising to the research team. "We didn't expect to see this result; however, we think this could mean that the drinking behavior of romantic partners could have a larger effect on a person's environmental influences rather than their genetic influences," Stephenson said. "You can think of these environmental and genetic influences like a pie chart. If the impact of one of these factors makes up a smaller piece of the pie, then the impact of another factor makes up a larger piece." The research underscores the important but complex ways in which romantic partners affect a person's health. From a clinical perspective, the researchers say these findings could inform strategies for couples therapy and couple-based alcohol interventions, which are typically designed to focus on relationship dynamics rather than personal characteristics. "Even if you have a good relationship with your partner, this research shows that their substance use, personality traits and mental health can still have an impact on you," Stephenson said. The researchers say more work is needed to better understand the various ways romantic partners influence drinking outcomes. They are currently looking into how relationship characteristics and the role of parenthood may come together to shape a person's drinking habits. More information: Mallory Stephenson et al, Associations of Romantic Partners' Characteristics With Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking: Examining Evidence for GeneEnvironment Interaction, Clinical Psychological Science (2025). DOI: 10.1177/21677026251332931 Journal information: Clinical Psychological Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The Trump administration quietly restored federal family planning money to Tennessee and Oklahoma, despite court rulings that the states weren't entitled to funds because they refused to provide women with information about terminating pregnancies or abortion referrals on request. The decision by the Department of Health and Human Services to restore millions of dollars for the two states came as it simultaneously withheld nearly $66 million from clinics in the Title X program elsewhere. Title X, for more than 50 years, has provided sexual and reproductive health services especially to low-income, hard-to-reach people, including minors. The Biden administration in 2023 cut off funding to Tennessee and Oklahoma, saying they violated federal rules by not offering counseling to patients about abortion. The states sued federal health officials. And courts ruled against the states. On March 31, HHS restored $3.1 million in family planning funds for the Tennessee Department of Health and nearly $2 million for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, according to court filings. In the notices, HHS said family planning funds were sent to the two states "pursuant to a settlement agreement with the recipient." Yet "there has been no agreement with Tennessee to settle this litigation," Department of Justice lawyers wrote in an April 23 court filing. Zach West, an official with the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, separately wrote on April 17 that the state's grant notice "wrongly indicated that a settlement agreement had been reached. No agreement has yet been entertained or discussed in any substantial manner in this case." "To our knowledge no settlement has been reached between the State of Oklahoma and HHS in the pending litigation," Erica Rankin-Riley, public information officer for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said in an email in response to questions. She said the state's Title X clinics are not providing referrals for abortion or counseling pregnant women about terminating pregnancies. "We are appreciative of all that has been involved in restoring Oklahoma's long-standing and successful Title X grant," Rankin-Riley said, "and look forward to continuing these important services throughout the state as we have done for over 50 years." Spokespeople for HHS and the Tennessee Department of Health did not respond to requests for comment. Title X was established to reduce unintended pregnancies and provide related preventive health care. As of 2023, more than 3,800 clinics across the country used federal grants to supply free or low-cost contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections, screening for breast and cervical cancer, and pregnancy-related counseling. Nationwide, more than four in five people who use Title X's services are women, according to HHS. Federal law prohibits clinics from using Title X money to pay for abortions. However, HHS regulations issued in 2021 say participating clinics must offer pregnant women information about prenatal care and delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination. That includes counseling patients about abortion and providing abortion referrals on request. HHS under President Donald Trump has not yet revised the Biden-era regulations, which means participating clinics are still required to provide abortion counseling and abortion referrals for pregnant women who request them. After the Supreme Court's June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which ended the constitutional right to an abortion, Tennessee and Oklahoma enacted strict abortion bans with few exceptions. The states told their Title X clinics they could discuss or make referrals only for services that were legal in their states, effectively cutting off any talk about abortion. "Continued funding is not in the best interest of the government," two HHS officials wrote to Tennessee officials on March 20, 2023. Tennessee and Oklahoma subsequently sued in federal court. A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled against Tennessee, while Oklahoma asked the Supreme Court to review the case after that state lost in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. State officials suggested even they weren't sure why they got some of their funding back before the lawsuits were resolved. "If Oklahoma's award is not being restored pursuant to a settlement agreement, then what is the reason for the partial restoration, and is it permanent?" West wrote. "Tennessee has not yet ascertained the formal position of HHS with respect to whether HHS intends to fully restore Tennessee's Title X funding," Whitney Hermandorfer of the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General wrote in an April 7 letter. A report from HHS' Office of Population Affairs said 60% of roughly 2.8 million patients who received Title X services in 2023 had family incomes at or below the poverty line. Twenty-seven percent were uninsured, more than three times the national uninsured rate. In fiscal 2024, the federal government awarded Title X grants to nearly 90 entities, a mix of state and local governments and private organizations. Those grantees distribute funds to public or private clinics. The decision to restore some of Tennessee and Oklahoma's funding diverges sharply from the approach HHS under Trump has taken with other Title X participants. On March 31, HHS withheld family planning funds from 16 entities, including nine Planned Parenthood affiliates. At least seven statesCalifornia, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, and Utahnow do not have any Title X-funded family planning services, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court by the ACLU and the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, which lobbies for Title X clinics. Overall, 865 family planning clinics are unable to provide services to roughly 842,000 people, the lawsuit states. "We know what happens when health care providers cannot use Title X funding: People across the country suffer, cancers go undetected, access to birth control is severely reduced, and the nation's STI crisis worsens," Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, said in a statement. 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Rattus norvegicus population assignment. Credit: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012966 Urban rats spread a deadly bacteria as they migrate within cities that can be the source of a potentially life-threatening disease in humans, according to a six-year study by Tufts University researchers and their collaborators that also discovered a novel technique for testing rat kidneys. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a type of bacteria often found in rats. It's spread through their urine into soil, water, or elsewhere in the environment, where it becomes a source of infection and contamination for humans, dogs, and other species. While it's prevalent worldwide, it's more common in tropical regions, though a changing climate means it could become more common in colder regions as they warm. In Boston, leptospirosis persists in local rat populations, and different strains of the bacteria move around the city as groups of rats migrate, according to a new study by Marieke Rosenbaum, M.P.H., D.V.M., assistant professor in the Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, along with co-authors at Northern Arizona University (NAU), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, their genetic analysis of a 2018 human leptospirosis case in Boston strongly suggests a link to rats as the source. The paper, published recently in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, is the latest work conducted by Rosenbaum and collaborators as part of the Boston Urban Rat Study, a research group investigating whether rats in Boston carry pathogens that pose a risk to public health. For this study, she joined forces with the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department and other groups throughout the city to track rats from 2016 to 2022 and test rats for leptospirosis. She and the researchers then employed advanced molecular techniques to figure out exactly what type of leptospirosis was present. The researchers analyzed DNA from 328 rat kidney samples collected from 17 sites in Boston, and 59 rats representing 12 of 17 sites were positive for Leptospira bacteria. "The primary way to get a full genomic sequence of a virus or bacteria is to culture it, which was a challenge in this case because Leptospira is considered a fastidious organism," says Rosenbaum. "It has specific requirements for temperature, pH, and nutrients. But our USDA collaborators cultured the bacteria from not only fresh but also frozen rodent kidneys, which has never been reported in the literature before, to get isolates." From there, the Northern Arizona University collaborators at the Pathogen & Microbiome Institute (PMI) used targeted DNA capture and amplification to pick out and enhance leptospirosis DNA in the samples, which resulted in a lot of fine-scale genomic information about the isolates. "The new genetic and tools that we developed and used in this study are real game changers for leptospirosis research, as we can now use the power of the whole genome to look for relatedness among samples, something that just wasn't possible before," said Dave Wagner, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences and executive director of the PMI at NAU. "Because we were able to do the culturing and the sequencing, we were able to look more closely at how the different strains of leptospirosis are related, which helps us understand how the bacteria are getting transmitted between rats and rat populations in the city," Rosenbaum says. The researchers hope their findings will help guide rat control and human leptospirosis mitigation efforts in urban settings. On human cases For this paper, Rosenbaum and the other authors examined one human case of leptospirosis in collaboration with the CDC, which had an isolate obtained from a patient in a Boston hospital that was reported to the federal level. Researchers at Northern Arizona University used molecular tools to get a genomic sequence, which they found to be nearly identical to a sequence obtained in three different rats spanning multiple years from the same location in Boston. "It's very strong evidence that the source of that human case was a rat," says Rosenbaum. Rats are the most well-established source of leptospirosis infection in humans. But not all cases get diagnosed or reported. Some people may get infected, not develop any symptoms, and never know they were infected. Others might develop a mild fever or other nonspecific symptoms before their immune system clears the infection. However, a small percentage of people will go on to develop a more serious case of the disease, which can affect different organs and, ultimately, cause multi-organ failure and death. "Human exposure to rats is not very common. But certain populations might be at higher risk, like unhoused people or people who engage in outdoor injection drug use, which are situations that lead to more direct contact with rats," says Rosenbaum. There are challenges to collecting data on leptospirosis cases, as well. Few clinicians would think to test a patient for leptospirosis without some knowledge that the person may have been exposed to it. And even if they do test for it, sometimes positive results are not reported to state or national systems that compile such data. In addition, leptospirosis is responsive to antibiotics, so if a physician prescribes antibiotics for a patient to treat a suspected infection, then the bacteria may not get picked up by a test anyway, Rosenbaum explains. On rat migration "Rats have a high degree of genetic structure, which means there are distinct rat populations throughout the city that are highly related to each other," says Rosenbaum. "It doesn't look like they're intermingling with other populations a lot, and that's contributing to a stable population over time, but when they do disperse, they can take leptospirosis with them. "The actual genetic sequence of leptospirosis is also stable within a population of rats over time. Rats in Boston Common have a strain of leptospirosis that they maintain over years in that location, and it's different from the strain we saw in another area that also was persisting over time." They found that a rat in Boston would have to travel over 600 meters, or just over one-third of a mile, to encounter another genetic population of rats. They also found evidence that large, multi-lane roads disrupted all connectivity between populations of rats on either side of the road, and that rats used greenways and biological corridors for travel and intermingling. Construction is another well-known disruptor of rat burrows that forces rats to look for other places to persist, which can increase the spread of the bacteria. When it comes to pest control, Rosenbaum says an important next step is to better understand how pest management interventions impact rat migrations and their population structure, as well as how they impact humans and the environment. "Extermination is not realistic," she says, "but I think better understanding of how the different pest control interventions are impacting rat migrations and transmission of pathogens among the rat population would be really helpful." More information: Nathan E. Stone et al, Host population dynamics influence Leptospira spp. transmission patterns among Rattus norvegicus in Boston, Massachusetts, US, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012966 Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Chances are youre just a short distance from a massage parlor where migrant women eat, sleep and toil as victims of sex trafficking. And chances are your state and local authorities are doing little to protect these women. 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 Nationwide, illicit massage parlors outnumber McDonald's restaurants. There are more than 16,800 in all, according to The Network, a nonprofit and leading authority on human trafficking. Whether you're in a city, whether you're in the suburbs, or whether you're in a rural area, the prevalence of these storefronts is incredible. No matter where you are, no matter what state you're in, there are illicit massage businesses, said Chris Muller-Tabanera from The Network. Men seeking cheap sex can find these illegal businesses with ease, a Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team investigation shows. Overseas websites beyond the reach of law enforcement brazenly advertise these parlors, providing a map with directions. One site allows men to search based on the type of sex they want and even the shape of a womans curves. The women working at these parlors are often middle-aged migrants from China or South Korea who speak little English, according to Polaris, an anti-trafficking group that published a detailed report on illicit massage parlors in 2018. Financially desperate, they perform acts they once couldnt have imagined. They experience coercion and emotional trauma, said YunXi Wang, who worked in illicit parlors for years. Even worse, many of these women, including Wang, endure sexual violence. In one survey of workers in illicit massage parlors, 40 percent of women interviewed said customers had sexually assaulted them. We should shut this business down because it does not create any benefit for society. It only helps the owners to boost their income while leaving harm in its wake, Wang told a Lee Enterprises investigative reporter through a translator. Although these illegal parlors operate in plain sight, a first-of-its-kind investigation by the Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team found that most states are failing to protect these vulnerable women. Few law enforcement agencies punish the owners of these illegal businesses, let alone go after the organized crime networks supporting them. All but four states have massage licensing boards whose duties include disciplining anyone violating standards, including taking action against those engaging in sex with customers, the Lee investigation found. However, most boards are passive, investigating only when someone submits a formal complaint. Even when they investigate, few states go after business owners. State laws usually dont give licensing boards that option. Lack of accountability Lee Enterprises evaluated the work of these licensing boards by obtaining copies of as many disciplinary records nationwide as possible since 2019. Four states Kansas, Minnesota, Vermont and Wyoming don't have boards, and others dont release records or make obtaining them nearly impossible. Even so, our analysis found that most boards mete out few punishments. Of the 32 states Lee analyzed, most take few actions against massage therapists for any reason. The median number of actions since 2019 was only 47. That means half the states had less than 10 disciplinary actions a year while the other half had 10 or more. Virginia had 224 disciplinary actions, or about 41 a year. Yet, among those states, there are an estimated 6,500 illegal massage parlors. Only five states took action against businesses. Four of those Massachusetts, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina are among the most aggressive states in policing the industry. Another source corroborates the failure of most states to protect these women: the National Practitioner Data Bank. Its a tool Congress created to prevent healthcare workers, including massage therapists, from surreptitiously moving to another state to escape sanctions from alleged violations. Since 2019, state boards have reported only 871 disciplinary actions against massage therapists for sexual misconduct, an average of 145 actions a year for the entire nation. Our review of individual actions found that most were against men. Moreover, just seven states, led by Florida, made up 70 percent of those reports. Fourteen states reported less than one disciplinary action per year, and 11 others reported no actions at all. These boards can and should play a critical role in trying to stop sex trafficking, said Rochelle Keyhan, a former Philadelphia prosecutor who now trains government officials and law enforcement how to deal effectively with illicit massage parlors. Civil remedies, she said, can be even better than prosecutions but usually require states or local jurisdictions to beef up their laws. One reason for civil remedies is that law enforcement agencies fail to prosecute most human trafficking offenses successfully or at all. FBI data from local police departments show that only seven percent of human trafficking offenses led to arrests from 2021 to 2023, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Thats 1,344 arrests for 19,225 reported offenses. So few of these arrests involve sex trafficking at massage parlors that the FBI doesnt even track crimes committed at those locations. The FBI lumps crimes at massage parlors into the categories other and unknown. Conditioning and Coercion Chinese migrants account for most of the women at illicit spas. Koreans follow them; a few come from Thailand or Vietnam, according to Polaris. These women seek a better life in the United States, often trying to escape troubles at home, explains Keyhan, who, with the help of translators, has interviewed 1,100 women who worked at illicit massage parlors. Some have debts to pay off or are fleeing domestic abuse. They may have ailing family in the United States. Brokers will sell them visas or airline tickets, costing tens of thousands of dollars and saddling the women with crushing debt, Keyhan said. They often arrive at destination hubs: San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Flushing, New York, where local Chinese newspapers, bulletin boards or websites are full of job ads for massage parlors. The women are typically between 35 and 55 and have limited education. Keyhan says the ads are misleading, promising high pay with no mention of sex work. For example, a victim might be told that she can earn $7,000 a month at a massage business in Ohio, and that the owner will arrange her transportation and living arrangements, Keyhan said. This is, in many ways, ideal for someone looking for economic opportunity in a foreign country. The victims might not realize that accepting this job can lead to finding themselves in an unfamiliar city, with no way to return home. That puts them under the control of a network of massage parlor owners. They are often entirely dependent, sleeping overnight on the massage beds where they handle customers and eating in a back room, Keyhan said. Owners frequently move them from one parlor to another. They survive on $50 to $100 tips, but the owner often takes a cut of those too. One academic survey of 116 of these women in Los Angeles and New York reported that 83 percent said they were not coerced to work in illicit massage parlors. Only 17 percent said they were forced to do sex work against their will. John Chin of Hunter College and Lois Takahashi of the University of Southern California, the academics who conducted the research, said illicit massage parlors can offer women better wages than other jobs. And they seemed to have the freedom to leave or to go to other massage parlors. Yet, some of the women said they didnt realize they would be asked to engage in sex. They might start by trying to do only regular massages but realize the pay is paltry. One woman they interviewed said, "In the beginning, I guessed I was just going to provide regular massage services. However, I realized I was getting very little money for just providing regular massage services. I got a $10 tip at most for each client. The owner told me if I wanted to get more tips, I should provide hand jobs for the clients. I was in need of money. I wanted to pay back to the snakehead [smuggler] as soon as possible. So I started to provide a hand job to the clients after working in the parlor for two months." The researchers acknowledged that these women were vulnerable, given their debts and their limited options. Certainly, there's exploitation, said Chin. I think maybe within our study of 116, maybe one had said she actually enjoys her work, and she would like to keep doing it. Most people in law enforcement and advocacy roles dont accept the notion that these women are not coerced. Doug Gilmer, who used to investigate illicit massage parlors for the federal Homeland Security Investigations, said just because these women tell interviewers that they werent coerced does not convince him that they arent acting against their will. I would say 80% to 90% of the women that we would encounter would tell us they were not coerced. But we also knew from those that did disclose and those who have left the industry they were so conditioned or brainwashed, Gilmer said. A lot of their responses were identical. They're pretty much a script. If law enforcement comes in here, this is what to say and this is what not to say. What these women arent speaking to are the pressures they face to do the work, including the fear of being arrested and deported. Beisi Huang, at Restore NYC, has spoken to many of these women after they were arrested for prostitution and sent to her nonprofit agency for help. She learned that many women saw no choice but to work in a massage parlor. Women naturally feel very self-blaming and feel guilty about itbut that really is not their fault, she said. They avoid thinking too deeply about it as a coping mechanism. I can boldly say about over 90%, maybe 95% of women who I have spoken to, came to me, told me that they have never done massage before, and they would not even think about doing massage before. It really is a choiceless choice. Whos really watching? Illicit massage parlors rarely get much notice in the news. That changed momentarily when New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft faced charges in 2019 for paying for sex at Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida. Video cameras detectives hid in the ceiling captured his two visits, according to police. That investigation took four painstaking months of stakeouts and surveillance, evidence of how labor-intensive these investigations can be. However, a judge ultimately threw out the footage because police had failed to protect the privacy of innocent female customers. Ultimately, prosecutors dismissed charges against everyone in the investigation. A recent call to the massage parlor confirmed its still open for business. One of the lessons from the Kraft episode is that illicit massage parlors are not difficult to find, but they can be challenging to prosecute. Kraft allegedly received a tip from a wealthy friend about the massage parlor he visited, a news report said. However, many questionable websites advertise massage parlors that offer happy endings. Customer reviews provide explicit details. These establishments commonly operate in strip malls or other low-rent business districts. Prices are cheap. Hours are late. Law enforcement officers offer telltale red flags for wary customers. Windows may be papered over, and entry often requires a buzzer. The doorway might feel tight and unwelcoming, with curtains shrouding the massage rooms in secrecy. One expert says in smaller towns, these spas sometimes deny entry to women altogether. A Lee reporter visited a parlor in Chesterfield, Virginia, that police had raided. Inside, dim lights cast shadows over the outdated furniture, frozen in time, while the heavy scent of oil lingered in the air. However, not all illicit massage parlors are that obvious from appearances. Wang said she worked in some Asian massage parlors that attempted to be legitimate. Still, some men patronizing the business would demand sex. Even in legitimate massage parlors, once a woman enters the field, ill-intentioned male customers often lead her from the legitimate massage business into the illegal one. It might start with physical touch, like touching her legs, and could eventually escalate to happy endings or sexual services, Wang said. Without strong self-awareness, a woman can easily accept this type of work without realizing whether it is the life she truly wants. Up Next: As vulnerable immigrant women face assault, rape and other horrors, is anyone intervening? The Calcutta High Court recently struck down a West Bengal law allowing electricity companies to penalise consumers for using more power than the permitted limit (Metsil Exports Private Limited and Another v West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission and Others). Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya said that Regulation 4.4 of the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions of Tariff) Regulations, 2011 is arbitrary, against principles of natural justice and in violation of the Constitution of India. The Court noted that under the said provision, the licensee can, without attributing any reason whatsoever and without giving a reasonable notice, determine its own tariff by charging double the amount of electricity charges by reason of its own erroneous imposition of drawal limits. Regulation 4.4, by its very fabric, is implicitly abusive of the Constitutional principle of equality and non-discrimination by the very arbitrariness involved therein, since there is nothing in the provision to prevent the licensee [electricity distributing companies] from imposing such drawal limits whimsically and at the drop of a hat, even without any justification or reason whatsoever, in the absence of any guideline or framework for working the same, the Court said. Regulation 4.4 says that if in a 15-minute time block, a consumer draws power more than the restricted limit set by the electricity company, then they will pay double the normal rate for the extra amount used. The Bench rejected the argument of the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC) that the regulation is designed to protect the power grid from stress and destabilisation. Justice Bhattacharya noted that the provision does not outright prohibit excess drawal at all but merely imposes a financial deterrent, which is left to the whims of the licensee. Hence, in a given case, a consumer is entitled to overdraw electricity to an infinite extent, thereby jeopardizing the power grid or bringing it down altogether, but be purged of such guilt by merely paying additional charges. In the process, if the grid stability is affected and even if the entire grid supply collapses, affecting the entire range of consumers being supplied through it, there is nothing in Regulation 4.4 to prevent the consumer from doing so. Pertinently, the Court said that its ruling will operate prospectively and shall not affect any bills which may have been raised for any billing period before the passing of the order. The High Court passed the judgement on May 2 after a company named Metsil Exports Private Limited challenged the regulation and the levy imposed by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for overdrawal of electricity above the restricted drawal limit fixed by the DVC for a particular period. The DVC is a licensee of the WBERC and provides electricity in parts of West Bengal and Jharkhand. It was argued that under the guise of Regulation 4.4, the licensee has been conferred with unfettered and uncanalised discretion to impose restricted drawal limits at its whims. Metsil said that no guidelines for the exercise of such discretion has been provided in the regulations. After considering the case, the High Court struck down the law but said the WBERC may frame appropriate, fresh regulations for curbing excess drawals, which might jeopardise the grid stability. However, it enumerated certain conditions which must be followed. This includes the mandate that at each instance of restriction of drawal, the licensee must give at least 24-hour notice to the consumer. "The tariff to be imposed has to be governed by specific guidelines proportionate to the damage, if any, caused to the grid, based on scientific principles, which may also be assessed subsequently before imposition of such excess penalty. While so assessing, the concerned consumer must be given a right of hearing by the licensee, the Court added. It further said that WBERC might contemplate the formation of a separate body of experts for grid management or formulate regulations, including a cut-off limit, beyond which no consumer will be allowed to draw electricity. However, it will be the incumbent duty of the licensee, at any given point of time during subsistence of a contract, to supply the contracted demand to the consumer, if necessary, by procuring electricity from other sources within the grid. The licensee, before entering into any power supply agreement, shall assess the grid parameters and capacity for the purpose of fixing contracted demand with consumers, the Bench said. Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has alleged Pranav Adani, director of several Adani group companies and the nephew of the billionaire founder, Gautam Adani, shared price -sensitive information and breached regulations aimed at preventing insider trading, says a report from Reuters Pranav Adani was sent a notice by the SEBI last year, which alleged he shared information about Adani Green Energy Ltd's 2021 acquisition of SoftBank-backed SB Energy Holdings with his brother-in-law before the deal was announced, the report says, quoting a source and from a related document. Responding to Reuters over email, Pranav Adani says he was seeking to settle the charges "to put an end to the matter, without admission or denial of the allegations" and that "he has not violated any securities law." According to the report, Pranav Adani communicated unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) pertaining to the SB Energy acquisition to his brother-in-law Kunal Shah and violated norms related to insider trading rules in 2021. The SEBI document, which showed call records and trading patterns reviewed in the investigation reveals that Kunal Shah and Nrupal Shah, his brother, then traded in shares of Adani Green and made 'ill-gotten gains' of Rs9mn (million), Reuters says. The Shah brothers told the agency that the trades were not executed with the 'knowledge of any unpublished price sensitive information nor with any mala fide intent'. Adani Greens acquisition of SB Energy in May 2021 at an enterprise value of US$3.5bn (billion) is the largest acquisition in the renewable energy sector in India so far. In November last year, ratings agencies Fitch Ratings and Moody's downgraded ratings or changed outlook for Adani group companies, citing governance risk stemming from bribery and other charges facing the group promoter and senior employees. In that month, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has summoned Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani, alleging their involvement in a US$265mn bribery scheme. The case accuses the Adani executives of using bribes to secure contracts for the 'manufacturing-linked projects,' pivotal to their renewable energy ventures, while misleading investors during a 2021 bond offering. Moody's says these rating actions follow the indictment of Adani Green's chairman, Gautam Adani, and several senior management team members by the US attorney's office in a criminal case and the filing of charges by the SEC in a civil case. The charges and allegations include bribery of Indian government officials, securities and wire fraud, conspiracy to violate the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and obstruct justice, false statements made in AGEL's annual reports, and false statements made to the US government in relation to its investigation into the group. "Although the allegations and the charges made by the US attorney's office and SEC pertain to AGEL's chairman and senior management team members, we believe they could have a broader credit impact on all rated Adani group issuers, given Gautam Adani's prominent role as chairman of each of the rated entities or their parent companies as well as the controlling shareholder," the rating agency says. The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by a woman claiming to be the descendant of last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and seeking possession of Red Fort by virtue of her lineage (Sultana Begum Vs. Union Of India And Anr.). A Bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar said the plea filed by Sultana Begum was completely misconceived. "Why only Red fort? Why not Fatehpur Sikri? Why leave them also. Writ is completely misconceived. Dismissed," the Court ordered. The counsel for the petitioner said that the Delhi High Court had dismissed the plea on ground of delay and not on merits, and asked the top court to grant the same concession. "Please dismiss on delay only," he said. However, the Court rejected the request and proceeded to dismiss the matter on merits. "No, dismissed," the Court ordered. Earlier, a High Court Bench of Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela had dismissed the plea in December 2024 after noting that it was barred by limitation as there was a delay of two and a half years in filing the plea after it was dismissed by a single-judge of the High Court. With regard to the application seeking condonation of delay, the High Court had noted that the appeal was filed after a delay of over 900 days since the single-judge order was passed. Begum first moved the High Court in 2021 claiming that she was the widow of the great-grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar II. It was argued that her family had been deprived of their property by the British East India Company following the first war of Independence in 1857, after which Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled from the country and possession of the Red Fort was taken away from the Mughals. The same is now under the illegal occupation of Government of India, it was argued. Hence, she sought possession as well as compensation from Government of India for its alleged illegal occupation of the property. A single-judge dismissed the plea in December 2021 saying that the cause of action arose more than 164 years ago. Even if the petitioners case were to be accepted that late Bahadur Shah Zafar II was illegally deprived of his property by the East India Company, as to how the writ petition would be maintainable after such an inordinate delay of over 164 years when it is an admitted position that the petitioners predecessors were always aware of this position, the single-judge noted. Begum then filed an appeal before the Division Bench of the High Court which came to be dismissed in December 2024 on the ground of delay. This led to the present appeal before the apex court. The federal government canceled a $20 million grant for Butte-Silver Bow to build a community recreation and wellness center, only hours after county officials were given the OK to start drawing and spending the money. J.P. Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bows chief executive, said Monday the Environmental Protection Agency sent a cancellation notice late Friday afternoon. The decision is part of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiencys spending cuts nationwide under the Trump administration, he said. County officials knew the funding was in jeopardy, but Gallagher had previously expressed optimism it would still come through and the center would be built near the Civic Center in the next three years. The crazy part about the termination was we were just given authorization to start drawing down funds from the grant Friday morning, Gallagher told The Montana Standard early Monday. He said Butte-Silver Bow is considering a legal challenge to the decision, saying the county had signed a contract for the grant. He noted that numerous lawsuits have been filed across the country in response to DOGE cuts. Its a kick in the stomach for sure, he said. He elaborated on his frustration later Monday, saying the EPAs decision was a devastating setback for Butte and the future of the Butte-Silver Bow Community Hub. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation announced in March that it was giving a $15 million grant to support construction of the so-called Butte CommUNITY Hub in Butte. That and the potential for another $2.5 million in foundation money is still on the table in case the federal grant is reinstated, Gallagher said. But it was matching money to supplement the project and provide more programs at the center, he said, not to fund it outright. County and EPA Region 8 officials announced in January that the facility would receive a $20 million grant from the agencys Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program. As planned, the center would serve a host of functions, ranging from providing recreation and wellness programming and facilities to a shelter during times when wildfire smoke diminishes air quality and threatens health. The cancellation notice came late Friday afternoon in an email letter from Sarah Hulstein, an EPA award official. This EPA Assistance Agreement is terminated effective immediately on the grounds that the remaining portion of the Federal award will not accomplish the EPA funding priorities for achieving program goals, she said in the letter. The priorities include ensuring that the Agencys grants do not conflict with the Agencys policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence in performing our statutory functions, the letter said. In addition to complying with the law, it is vital that the Agency assess whether all grant payments are free from fraud, abuse, waste, and duplication, as well as to assess whether current grants are in the best interests of the United States, it said. The letter said Butte-Silver Bow had 30 days to appeal the decision to the EPA. Gallagher suggested an appeal might come in the form of a lawsuit. This project was designed to provide safe shelter, create opportunities, and strengthen our economy, he said in a statement Monday afternoon. Thanks to the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, we formed a public-private partnership, securing $15 million with an additional $2.5 million in matching funds. Losing federal support now threatens a carefully planned, deeply backed vision, he said. We will continue fighting to ensure Butte receives the investment it rightfully deserves." President Donald Trump created DOGE through an executive order on the day he was inaugurated on Jan. 20, saying it was needed to combat massive waste and fraud in government spending amid a $36 trillion national debt. Trump put billionaire Elon Musk in charge of the effort and the agency said last week it had cut at least $160 billion so far. The cuts have sparked protests across the country and an anti-Trump rally in Butte last week drew an estimated 200 people, but the agency says it has no intentions of slowing down. Gallagher said county staff had spent a "ton of time" on the wellness center project, including applying for the grant, and the center would have benefited "everyone from toddlers to seniors." Gallagher knew for weeks in late 2024 the grant was a possibility and on Jan. 10, at a ceremonial announcement at the Civic Center, he and federal officials declared it a done deal. In February, even as DOGE cuts and other Trump administration actions gained steam, Gallagher was hopeful the grant wouldnt be affected. The funding has been appropriated by Congress, and while there were concerns about the potential for the award to be retracted, it appears that this is unlikely, Gallagher said then. He said Monday that everything was a go as of Friday morning, when he received an email from an EPA grants office in North Carolina saying the county could start drawing the money in seven to 10 business days. Gallagher said Butte-based Water and Environmental Technologies had been chosen to oversee the construction project and a contract for the work was to go before commissioners in a week. That all changed late Friday afternoon when he received the cancellation notice, he said. He said the event on Jan. 10 was more than announcing a grant, it was announcing a legal contract. That made Friday's cancellation even more frustrating, he said. We believe we have really good legal standing to challenge the decision, he said. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris won Butte-Silver Bow County by 7 percentage points in the November election, 51% to 44%, and she won Anaconda-Deer Lodge County by a single point, 49% to 48%. She also won Gallatin, Glacier and Missoula counties. But Trump won all of Montanas 51 other counties, won the state by 20 percentage points and won the presidency with 312 electoral college votes. Harris got 226. Farouk Kibet, President William Rutos henchman, launched a direct attack on former President Uhuru Kenyatta for his continued involvement in the nations political affairs. He accused Uhuru of stirring unrest among the youth and interfering with the governance of the country. Speaking in West Pokot on Saturday, May 3, 2025, Farouk Kibet voiced his concerns over the former presidents recent comments, which he believes encourage lawlessness and political instability. Kibet suggested that Uhuru should step back and allow President Ruto to govern as he was allowed to during his 10 years in office. Kibet argued that while many may have disagreed with Uhurus leadership, it was essential for the former president to show respect for Kenyas democratic process and the current administration. We are asking the retired president to respect Kenyans. You cant be a retired head of state and then incite the public. He should allow the current president to govern. He was president for ten years; we were not happy with his regime, but we put up with it and allowed him to work. Every morning, he wakes up to incite; he doesnt want peace for this country. We tell him he will be defeated, Kibet stated. Uhuru Kenyattas recent remarks urging the youth to rise up against bad governance have sparked unease within the ruling government, with some supporters of Ruto regime interpreting his words as inflammatory. The former president has called on young people to challenge those in power and demand accountability, a message that some see as a direct challenge to the government. Uhuru Kenyatta Urges Youth to Challenge Power Structures Uhuru Kenyatta doubled down on his calls for youth activism, suggesting that the government becomes uneasy whenever young people voice their concerns. Speaking at the wedding reception of James Kimoi, the son of KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, on Friday, May 2, 2025, the former president humorously acknowledged that despite holding strong political views, he had chosen to keep a lower profile. These days, I dont have much to say. Nobody wants to listen to a politician who, every time he opens his mouth, seems to get himself in trouble with the powers that be, so Id rather keep my mouth shut, Uhuru shared. While acknowledging that his political instincts still run deep, Uhuru explained that he had decided to step away from active political engagement. You know, I tell people that I had a biological father who was a politician who put political genes in my system, and they are still there, but now they are lying low, he remarked. He also shared a personal reflection about his late political mentor, President Daniel Moi, who, he said, had taught him invaluable lessons about leadership. Uhuru emphasized that Moi was never intimidated by young people who challenged his administration, in contrast to todays leadership, which, according to him, seems to panic when confronted by youth. But I also had a political father (Moi), and you know he wasnt scared of young people like some people around here today. When young people talk, they panic, Uhuru pointed out. In his message to the youth, Uhuru encouraged them to stand firm and not be intimidated by the current power structures. He reminded them that they hold the key to shaping Kenyas future and that they should not be afraid to rise up and make their voices heard. You guys are the future, dont be cowed, start now. Who knows what God has in store for you? We are there to support you, he declared. Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has hit back at Governor James Orengo for questioning the broad-based government formation, challenging him to leave the ODM party if he disagrees with its direction. Oburu made it clear that the decision to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza administration was a collective resolution made by the party, not a personal choice. When my governor stands up and says he is annoyed, I dont know with whom, and claims he just wants to speak the truth, I ask myself: what truth? Oburu questioned. The senator vigorously defended the 10-point agreement between ODM and Kenya Kwanza, emphasizing that it was the result of extensive internal consultations within the party. Oburu insisted that no member should openly criticize a position that the party had agreed upon through consensus. Those who think this broad-based government is wrong are vomiting on us from within. Why dont they step outside and vomit there? Oburu remarked. Oburu made the comments during an interdenominational church service in Suna East, Migori County, where President William Ruto was also in attendance as part of his three-day development tour of the region. Oburu Defends ODM-Kenya Kwanza Deal The senator explained that the purpose of the agreement was to secure a fair share of government resources and opportunities for both ODM and the region. He stressed that they were elected to fight for the rights of the people, which they were doing through this partnership. Addressing Governor Orengo directly, Oburu argued that a governors role is to serve the people, not engage in political battles. He emphasized that leaders should focus on practical issues like roads, healthcare, and electricity, rather than creating unnecessary political unrest. A governor is not mandated to fight for the people but to serve them. He is given resources to deliver services. This is the time to serve, not to fight for rights. What rights other than what they eat? he asked. Which rights do you want us to take to the streets to fight for, other than roads, hospitals, electricity, or water? If you want to fight, there is plenty of space elsewhere. The Public Service Commission (PSC) could soon report indirectly to President William Ruto if two proposed Bills, now before the National Assembly, are passed into law. These Bills, the National Government Coordination Bill, 2023, and the Public Service Human Resource Management Bill, 2024, could shift control of civil service recruitment and management to the executive branch, consolidating power at State House. At the heart of the new proposals is a significant expansion of the authority of the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei. If approved, these Bills would grant him sweeping control over hiring and human resource management across the public sector. This authority would extend beyond the traditional ministries, covering a wide range of government sectors, including teachers, county employees, parliamentary staff, judicial personnel, and workers in State corporations. A key provision in the Public Service Human Resource Management Bill details the proposed changes. The Bill states: The Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with the Public Service Commission, the County Public Service Boards, and the County Assembly Service Boards, shall develop regulations for the transfer of public service employees between the two levels of government and among county governments to promote efficiency, productivity, and cohesion. If enacted, these Bills would give the President indirect but broad control over civil servants and public service infrastructure across all 290 constituencies. The changes would affect independent institutions like the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, which have traditionally operated without direct executive oversight. National Government Coordination Bill The National Government Coordination Bill, which has been quietly amended since it was initially introduced as the National Police Service (Amendment) Bill, has now expanded to encompass much more than policing. Critics argue the Bill creates new national government structures that could run parallel to and potentially undermine county governments. The Bill has stirred concerns that the Presidents role in managing the state will be redefined, tightening executive control over civil servants, governors, and independent bodies. Currently, Chapter 13 of Kenyas Constitution protects the independence of the PSC. The PSC, established under Article 233(1), is tasked with overseeing the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of public servants free from political interference. This independence is vital to ensuring fairness and impartiality in public service. However, the proposed Bills would change this structure. Under the new law, while the President would still appoint the Head of Public Service based on the PSCs recommendation, the position would remain subject to the Presidents discretion. The Bill stipulates: The Head of the Public Service shall perform such other functions as may be assigned by the President, reinforcing the potential for executive influence over the role. Another contentious element of the Bills is the proposal to formalize the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions, which courts had previously ruled unconstitutional. Additionally, the Bills include a provision that would allow the national government to bypass Parliament and county governors in service delivery. The draft reads: Where a county government has not decentralized its units the national government may establish its own service delivery coordination units. This provision has raised concerns that it could erode the autonomy of county governments, granting the national government more control over local services and infrastructure. Siaya Governor James Orengo has vowed to continue speaking out against bad governance, declaring that no amount of intimidation will silence his voice. Speaking during the launch of health infrastructure projects at Bar Ndege and Urenga health centres in Ugenya Constituency, Orengo reaffirmed his commitment to calling out undemocratic practices. He urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable, especially those who try to undermine key democratic institutions. We must have leadership that believes in the rule of law, constitutionality and the truth, said Orengo. I cannot let Kenyans or my country down by not speaking the truth. The governor warned against idolizing leaders, calling on citizens to reject any attempts to turn public servants into untouchable figures. He also took issue with what he described as worsening indiscipline among those in authority, blaming it for election interference. Orengo said electoral manipulation has repeatedly robbed popular candidates of victory, weakening public trust in the system. While acknowledging the strength of Kenyas current constitution, he dismissed calls for amendments, saying the real issue lies in enforcement. We do not have to change the constitution again to ensure fairness. We only need to stop electoral fraud, he added. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has slammed the oppositions newly formed alliance, saying it lacks a solid agenda for Kenyans. While addressing an interdenominational church service in Migori Countyan event President William Ruto also attendedJunet questioned the coalitions credibility, saying its leaders have yet to clearly state what they plan to deliver to the people. He also took aim at the alliances popular slogan, Ruto Must Go, arguing that the phrase has become repetitive and ineffective over the years. That slogan doesnt need an official launch, Junet said. You can just shout it into a microphone in Nairobi. We have heard it for years. They said, Moi Must Go, when I was in primary school. We said Uhuru Must Go until he completed his term. Shifting focus to national unity, Junet reiterated ODMs support for a broad-based coalition committed to bringing Kenyans together and ensuring fair development across all regions. We signed 10 agreements to bring Kenyans together, and we will stick by them, he affirmed. Junet further declared his firm support for President Ruto, distancing himself from internal critics within the ODM party. I want to remind some ODM leaders who sometimes go overboard that there is no place for insulting the government or the president. Thats their own memorandum of understanding, he said. He closed by calling for unity and mutual respect in Kenyas multiparty democracy, urging leaders to stay focused and patriotic. We know where we stand and where we are going. Lets stay united as a country. Kenya is a multiparty democracy, and every party has its strongholds. Families of young Kenyans killed during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests have launched a national petition demanding justice, accountability, and state compensation. The petition calls for the prosecution of police officers involved in the fatal shootings, financial support for bereaved families, and urgent government action. On Sunday, the families gathered at Ukumbi Mdogo, Kenya National Theatre, to share their heartbreak and press for accountability. Leading the initiative is Gillian Munyaoknown to many as Mama Rexthe mother of 19-year-old Rex Masai, who was fatally shot on Moi Avenue during the protests. Munyao is at the forefront of the campaign, which has already collected more than 1,000 verified signatures. In an emotional address, she recalled the devastating moment she learned of her sons death. You left me with no last words, only a call that led me to your lifeless body, she said. I know you spoke to God in those final moments, after the policeman shot you and stood there, watching as you bled out. The petition accuses security forces of using excessive force to suppress peaceful demonstrationsand of covering up the violence. Our children were exercising their constitutional right to protest and deliver petitions to public officers over poor governance. They were murdered in cold blood. Many were shot in the back as they ran. Some were shot in the headproof that police aimed to kill, not arrest, the document states. It also highlights a disturbing pattern of alleged state brutality, including abductions, torture, and forced disappearances. Extrajudicial killings didnt end with the protests. Others have since been abducted and tortured. Some were found alive but permanently injured. Many bodies surfaced in dams, dumpsites, and morgues. Some victims remain missing after being forcibly disappeared by state agents, the petition reads. The families are urging President William Ruto and Parliament to take immediate action. They demand the arrest and prosecution of all police officers and commanders responsible for the killings. They also want compensation for families who lost loved ones, suffered injuries, or whose property was destroyed. Additionally, the petition calls for the prosecution of individuals who incited violence or funded the destruction of public property. It also seeks justice against criminal groups that infiltrated the largely peaceful protests. The families are further pushing for a public inquiry to help the nation heal and want psychosocial support made available through the universal healthcare programme to assist those traumatized by the violence. The petition will be formally presented to the Office of the President and the National Assembly on June 25, 2025exactly one year after the deadly police crackdown that shook Nairobis city centre and Parliament precincts. SIU Simmons Law School commencement ceremony is May 9 by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. John Simmons, an Alton attorney, SIU Board of Trustees member and donor, will deliver the keynote address during commencement ceremonies for Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School on Friday, May 9. The ceremony at 1 p.m. in Shryock Auditorium will honor 71 graduates in the Class of 2025. There is no ticketing for guests, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane will confer degrees, with J. Phil Gilbert, U.S. senior district judge and SIU Board of Trustees chair, also in attendance. I had the privilege of watching the Class of 2025 grow from nervous first-year students into confident, compassionate advocates for justice, said Angela Upchurch, law school acting dean. What stands out to me most about this class is their heart their commitment to fairness, their support for each other and their passion for their communities, spanning from Lagos, Nigeria, to Honolulu, Hawaii, and Benton, Illinois, to Jackson, Missouri. They have built support networks for each other, even joining together for a Thanksgiving feast at the law school every year. Everyone at Simmons Law School shares pride in this class and what they have accomplished. We cant wait to see what they will accomplish in the legal profession! The Class of 2025 selected Amber M. Alexander, a graduate of Marion High School who spent eight years working in child services, including as a caseworker in Colorado and later as a high-risk investigator in Seattle to be the class speaker. A 2014 graduate in psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago, Alexanders experiences with child services fueled her desire to pursue a legal career and become a stronger advocate for children and families in crisis. The honors law student has as worked as a teaching assistant, research assistant, Taylor Mattis Fellow, president of Parents Attending Law School (PALS), a registered student organization, and managing editor of the SIU Law Journal. Alexander also balanced the demands of her studies while also growing her family, welcoming a son and daughter while in law school. Peter Alexander, a professor of law and former law school dean who is retiring after a total of 13 years at SIU, will be the faculty speaker. Alexander served as dean from 2003 to 2009 and a professor of law from 2009 to 2012. He returned to SIU as a visiting professor in 2021 before becoming a professor in 2023. The ceremony marks the 49th anniversary of the law schools first graduating class of 1976, three years after the law school was founded. Simmons to deliver keynote address In 2024, John and Jayne Simmons donated $10 million to provide more access, services and educational opportunities to law school students. The gift is the largest SIU Carbondale has ever received. John Simmons, a native and resident of Alton, founded Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nations largest plaintiffs law firms, in 1999. The firm, which has long been involved with the law school in providing internships and employing its graduates, has dedicated the past 25 years to representing workers and families impacted by mesothelioma, a fatal and preventable asbestos-related cancer. The firm has expanded to new practice areas and now employs more than 250 people, including more than 80 attorneys, in offices across the country. Simmons and the firm made a joint $10.2 million donation to build the Simmons Cancer Institute at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. A graduate of SIU Edwardsville, Simmons earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University and previously served in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer. He has served two stints on the SIU Board of Trustees, beginning in 2004 for more than nine years before being reappointed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2019. Interview: German official opposes tariffs, calls for stronger economic ties with China Xinhua) 09:52, May 05, 2025 BERLIN, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Escalating trade tensions and punitive tariffs imposed by the United States could harm the global economy and pose serious risks to Germany's manufacturing sector, Hubert Aiwanger, deputy minister president of the German state of Bavaria, warned in a recent interview. Speaking during a visit to Chinese electric vehicle maker NIO's battery swap station in Zusmarshausen, near Munich, Aiwanger stressed the importance of a rules-based international trade system and expressed strong support for continued economic cooperation with China. From Bavaria's perspective, he said, punitive tariffs - whether imposed by the European Union (EU) on China or by the United States on China or the EU - are self-defeating. "Trade barriers only lead to retaliation and economic harm," he noted. "What our businesses and citizens need is open, fair, and stable international cooperation." His comments come amid rising concern in Germany over the Trump administration's plans to introduce sweeping new tariffs, which will deal a blow to global automakers like BMW, headquartered in Bavaria, that depend heavily on global supply chains and international production networks. Germany's export-driven manufacturers, many of which source components from one country, assemble in another, and sell to a third, are particularly exposed to rising trade barriers. Tariffs imposed at multiple stages, from imports of Chinese goods to exports to the United States, create a hostile environment for globally integrated companies. Aiwanger urged major economies to resolve trade disputes through dialogue and cooperation. "The best path forward is to work toward a global market with minimal tariffs and fair competition rules," he said. Against this backdrop, Aiwanger welcomed the growing presence of Chinese companies in Europe, citing NIO's expansion as an example of mutually beneficial cooperation. The automaker recently opened its 60th battery swap station in Europe. "We welcome innovative Chinese companies like NIO investing and operating in Bavaria," he said, adding that such partnerships support Bavaria's efforts to transition toward electric mobility and green energy. He emphasized that the battery-swap model could alleviate concerns among German consumers about EV range and charging convenience. Economic ties between Bavaria and China remain robust. As one of Germany's most industrialized states and home to Siemens, Allianz, and Audi, Bavaria hosts about 500 Chinese companies. Bilateral trade volume nearly doubled in a decade -- from 27 billion euros (30.51 billion U.S. dollars) in 2013 to 53 billion euros in 2023, according to statistics from the Bavarian government. Regarding the annual dialogue sessions held by the Bavarian government with Chinese firms operating locally, Aiwanger said, "We value their input. They are highly motivated, eager to learn, and focused on results. These conversations help us improve administrative services and streamline approval processes." In October 2024, Aiwanger led a four-day delegation to China, where he met with business leaders and officials to discuss topics such as autonomous driving and sustainable transportation. Recalling that visit, he said he was particularly impressed by the speed and efficiency with which Chinese companies develop and scale new products and infrastructure. "German companies that cooperate with Chinese suppliers value this agility." Looking ahead, Aiwanger emphasized the potential for further collaboration with China in artificial intelligence and green industrial transformation. "AI is a key topic in nearly every international exchange, and China is making rapid advances," he said, expressing confidence in the mutual benefits brought by joint research and innovation. "Chinese firms are well-positioned to expand globally," he said. "As long as they bring high-quality products, they are welcome in Bavaria. Our economic ties should transcend geopolitics and focus on mutual benefit." (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) India is making all-out efforts to isolate Pakistan at the international stage, besides ensuring drying of development-related funding and bailout packages by multilateral agencies and nations. Sources told ANI that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda in the Italian city of Milan on Monday to suspend all kind of funds to Pakistan. As of 2024, the Asian Development Bank's sovereign portfolio in Pakistan comprises 53 loans and 3 grants totalling USD 9.13 billion. India is also reportedly expected to raise concerns at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about Pakistan's bailout package. The IMF board is scheduled to review the arrangement in its meeting on May 9, its website showed. India has sharply downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, leading to the death of 26 individual and several other injured, mostly tourists. Sources also told ANI that in another effort to economically deprive and weaken Pakistan from sources of funding, India will approach global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog FATF (Financial Action Task Force) to include Pakistan in the grey list. Adding Pakistan to the FATF grey list would make them difficult to attract bailout funding and for their developmental projects. Separately, at a meeting with Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti on Monday India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has demanded that the Italian government should cut all kind of financing to Pakistan, as New Delhi continues to extend its punitive moves against Islamabad. Reportedly, India is also working with European nations to ensure stricter oversight of international funding to Pakistan. Going ahead, India will most likely reach out to other nations, formally demanding cutting of financing to Pakistan. On Monday, Moody's in a report cautioned that a persistent increase in tensions between India and Pakistan is expected to impair Pakistan's access to external financing and pressure its foreign-exchange reserves. Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves remain well below what is required to meet its external debt payment needs for the next few years, the global rating agency noted in the report. In the same report, Moody's has painted a positive picture for India. The report said in India, the macroeconomic conditions are stable, bolstered by moderating but still high levels of growth and strong public investment and healthy private consumption. Sustained escalation in tensions with India would likely weigh on Pakistan's growth and hamper the government's ongoing fiscal consolidation, setting back Pakistan's progress in achieving macroeconomic stability, Moody's added. Post the Pahalgam terror attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given full autonomy to the Indian armed forces to decide the nature, timing, and targets of India's response against the terror harbouring nation. (ANI) Actor Ajaz Khan has found himself at the center of a growing controversy surrounding the Ullu app's latest show, 'House Arrest,' which he hosts. The Amboli Police in Mumbai have issued summons to Khan and the owner of the Ullu app after the platform was accused of streaming obscene content. Earlier, the Mumbai Police had registered an FIR following a complaint filed by a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) worker. The police have already recorded the statement of the app's manager. Khan and the app's owner have now been directed to appear before the investigating officer to provide their statements. The show sparked controversy after a purported video clip from the show went viral on social media, sparking public outrage. Since then, the show which began streaming on April 11, 2025, has faced heavy criticism from political and social groups, with many calling the show vulgar and demanding government action. House Arrest, hosted by Ajaz Khan, began streaming on the Ullu app on April 11, 2025, and is described as an uncensored version of popular captive reality shows like Bigg Boss and Lock Upp. The series features 12 contestants--nine women and three men--confined in a luxury villa and asked to perform a series of tasks. Maharashtra State Women's Commission president Rupali Chakankar said that many women have complained about the vulgar questions being asked from the contestants in the show. She stated that a letter asking them to take action has been written to the Maharashtra DGP, and a case has also been registered in the matter. "We have received many complaints about this show stating that the contestants in the show are asked vulgar questions and also asked to do similar actions. We have written to the DGP office to take action. A case has been registered in this matter", she told ANI. Meanwhile, Ajaz Khan was booked by the Charkop Police in Mumbai after a woman filed a complaint accusing him of rape.According to the woman, Khan sexually assaulted her after promising marriage and a role in his web show. As per the complaint, Ajaz invited the woman to host his show House Arrest, which streams on the Ullu app. During the shoot, Khan proposed to her and later promised to marry her after converting to her religion. The complaint also alleges that the actor invited her to his home, where he sexually assaulted her.Police have registered the case under sections 64, 64(2)(M), 69, and 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Last month, the Supreme Court had issued notice to the Centre, OTT, and social media platforms on a PIL seeking directions to take appropriate steps to prohibit the streaming of obscene content. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih observed that the plea raised an issue of "important concern" and sought a response from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Alt Balaji, Ullu, ALTT, X (formerly Twitter), Meta Inc, Google, Mubi, Apple, and others on the PIL seeking regulation of obscene content on OTT platforms and social media. (ANI) During Ryan and Blake Lively's ongoing 'It Ends With Us' legal battle with Justin Baldoni, fans noticed last week that Taylor Swift's boyfriend, Travis, no longer follows Ryan Reynolds on Instagram, according to E! News. In December 2024, Lively sued Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. She also accused him of hiring a PR firm to engage in an online smear campaign against her to keep her quiet. Baldoni denies the allegations and has responded with a 400M USD countersuit, accusing Lively of defamation. A trial date has been scheduled for March 2026. Ryan, who continues to follow Travis on Instagram, avoided questions on the matter during a recent engagement with fans at Green Day's Hollywood Walk of Fame event, as per the outlet. In a video, Ryan is seen signing his fans' autographs, ignoring a photographer who repeatedly asks, "What happened with Travis Kelce?" Ryan only breaks his silence once during the conversation, picking up a marker and asking, "Who's pen is this?" Ryan's reaction comes amid continued rumours about whether there is any bitterness between Taylor, Blake, and Ryan. Multiple outlets reported last month that she could be subpoenaed in the latter actors' legal battle, as per the outlet. However, when rumours of a feud between Taylor and Blake first began to circulate in January, a source confirmed at the time that they are simply "not true," according to E! News. (ANI) Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has weighed in on US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 100 per cent tariff on all films produced outside the United States, calling it a "knee-jerk reaction" by the US government, as this imposition includes many things that are not in the "interests" of America and its filmmakers. While speaking with ANI, Vikram Bhatt said that American films whose story demands foreign location shooting tend to be impacted more by the introduction of the film tariffs by the US government. "Those American films with a foreign shooting, whose subject is World War I, I don't know what will happen to them because this is a general diktat. The demand of the story is that you are making a film of Antarctica. So, how will you make that in the US? So, I think these problems are more for them," said Vikram Bhatt. As for Indian films, the filmmaker believes that tariff imposition will have a low impact on Hindi cinema because most Indian movies don't tend to be released in the US market. "Where our (Indian films) question is, anyway, very few films go to America and the UK. Similarly, the overseas market is not for medium to low budget films. And after doing this, I feel that only very big films will be able to go there. Because anyway, the price of the exhibition is very high there. I mean, the price of the theatre is high, the price of the ticket is high. The audience is not coming anyway. And if you double the price of the ticket, or double the tax, then I don't think other films will be able to sustain there," said Vikram Bhatt. The filmmaker also shared his bewilderment about the possible impact of the movie tariffs imposed by the US government on Indian films. "I don't understand how this applies to us. Because we don't shoot in America anyway. So, what is the point of tariffing our films? If we shoot there, then you will show this. But we are Indians, we make Indian films. Why will we shoot there? So, I feel that this is a knee-jerk reaction. And there will be a little discussion on this, there will be a little thought. And after that, I feel that their State Department will make a proper kind of documentation. After that, we will see how much it affects us. I mean, there are a lot of things in this that are not in America's interest," said Vikram Bhatt. He continued, "But the story is of Bombay, so how can I shoot in Los Angeles? So, there is no clarity in all these things yet. Correct. It will come in the coming days, then we will understand it better." US President Donald Trump has announced that he has directed the Department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative to immediately start the process of imposing a 100 per cent tariff on all movies coming into the US that are produced in other nations. He said that the movie industry in the US is "dying" a very fast death and added that other nations were offering incentives to draw the American filmmakers and studios away from the US and termed it a "national threat." (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit Murshidabad on Monday. West Bengal Agriculture Minister Shobandeb Chatterjee said the Chief Minister was unable to go to the place because of the unrest. Speaking to the reporters, Chatterjee said, "Our leader, Mamata Banerjee, has been saying this since day one that it has been very difficult for leaders to go to that area. Let the police do their job...There is peace there now, let them live in peace...What needs to be done is being done...she is going to tell everyone how they can live together." Earlier in April, Murishdabad witnessed massive violence on April 11, during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protest had turned violent and resulted in two deaths, several injuries and property damage. Thousands of people had fled their homes in search of safety. Earlier on April 26, BJP MP Tarun Chugh had accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of giving "shelter to rioters" following the violence in Murshidabad, and claimed that the silence proved complicity. "The West Bengal government's silence on the premeditated and planned attack on Hindus in Murshidabad is proof that Mamata Banerjee's government has given shelter to the rioters," Chugh told ANI. Stepping up his attack on the West Bengal Chief Minister, Chugh said that Bengal has been "ruined and disgraced" under Banerjee's leadership due to "atrocities on Hindus.""Mamata Banerjee has ruined and disgraced Bengal with her atrocities and misrule... This (Murshidabad violence) is a blot on humanity. Her politics of appeasement have given a free hand to criminals in the state," he added. Chugh's comments come after the National Commission for Women expressed deep concern over the recent "communal violence" in Murshidabad and Malda districts, where women and girls were "subjected to unspeakable acts of sexual violence, physical assault, and rape threats." (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday hit out at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and questioned the latter of whether he had toured Pakistan or not. Speaking to mediapersons, Sarma said that Gaurav Gogoi is not "God" and action can also be taken against him. "If we can arrest 40 persons who talked in support of Pakistan, then we can take action against Gaurav Gogoi for his Pakistan visit. Gaurav Gogoi is not God. Gaurav Gogoi should have answered whether he had visited Pakistan or not. Whether he changed his children's citizenship by consulting with his children or made the decision himself. Why did his wife travel to Pakistan 19 times? If he doesn't give the answer, then Himanta Biswa Sarma knows very well how to get the answer," Chief minister said. "Gaurav Gogoi is not God for me. He is a criminal. In my view, going to Pakistan is a crime. There are no Kaziranga, Manas, or Orang (national parks) in Pakistan. Whose house in Pakistan did he go to? He will have to inform us. How do you find out the answer? The Assam government, Assam SIT, and Himanta Biswa Sarma know it well," he added. On Saturday, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for focusing on personal attacks instead of addressing the pressing issues of children in the state, including rising school dropout rates, child labour, and worsening government education standards. Speaking to the media, Gogoi responded to recent remarks made by the Chief Minister, who had controversially stated he would resign if Gogoi could prove that his child holds Indian citizenship. Dismissing the statement as a political diversion, Gogoi focused on what he termed the real crisis affecting Assam's future, its children. "The Chief Minister is concerned with my children. That is his choice, his prerogative. I am concerned with the welfare of the children of Assam. Today, dropout rates are increasing. Children are being sold into slavery. The condition of government schools is deteriorating every day. Children are so impoverished that they are being forced into labour. I take responsibility for addressing these issues as a member of the Congress party," Gogoi said. Chief Minister Sarma also said that his government is probing Gogoi's alleged visit to Pakistan. Speaking to mediapersons, Chief Minister Sarma said, "I have evidence that Gaurav Gogoi's son and daughter are not Indian citizens. We are examining what he did there (Pakistan) for 15 days. There is no tourism place in Pakistan; it is only a terrorist adda. It is 100 per cent confirmed that he went there, but what did he do there in 15 days? Robert Vadra and Gaurav Gogoi are more concerned about Pakistan than India." Earlier this week, Chief Minister Sarma inquired whether Gogoi's wife receives a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while working in India, and sought details about the citizenship status of Gogoi's wife and two children. "Questions for the Hon'ble Member of Parliament from the Congress Party: 1. Did you visit Pakistan for a continuous period of 15 days? If so, could you kindly clarify the purpose of your visit? 2. Does your wife indeed receive a salary from a Pakistan-based NGO while residing and working in India? If so, may we ask why a Pakistan-based organisation is paying a salary for activities conducted in India? 3. What is the citizenship status of your wife and your two children? Are they Indian citizens, or do they hold citizenship of another country? Many more questions will follow," he posted on X. (ANI) SDRF is carrying out rescue operations at the spot of the incident. "Five people of a family had been trapped inside the building," said Kanpur Mayor Pramila Pandey, further stating that efforts were being carried out to douse the fire. Fire department officials said that dousing operations are underway, and the cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. Further details awaited. (ANI) Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai on Sunday visited the houses of the deceased in the Shirgaon Jatra stampde. He visited and met the family of the deceased Sagar Nandadurgi at Mathwada, Pilgaon, Bicholim who lost his life in the tragic stampede at the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, as per a release from the Goa Government. The Governor termed the stampede an unprecedented tragedy in the state's history, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed deep shock over the incident and conveyed their condolences to the victims. "This is the first time such a stampede has happened in Goa. Six people lost their lives and 80 people were injured. PM Modi and all others are shocked," said the Governor while speaking to the media after visiting injured victims at the hospital. He added, "We conveyed the condolences of the Prime Minister and the President to them. The state government is taking all necessary steps on medical and financial matters." Governor Pillai confirmed that four of those injured are in serious condition and assured that proper care is being provided. "Today I visited the hospital and met the doctors. The state government has already announced compensation, Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each of the injured," he said. The stampede occurred during the annual Shirgaon Jatra festival on Saturday. The Governor also and met the family of the deceased Shri. Surya Nayekar at Podocem, Sattari, met the family of the deceased Yeshwant Kerkar, Master Aditya Kauthankar and Tanuja Kauthankar at Thivim, Sagar Nandadurgi at Mathwada, Pilgaon and Pratibha Kalangutkar at Mangado, Corlim. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited Shirgao after a stampede occurred during the Lairai Devi jatra, resulting in six deaths and over several injuries. The stampede incident took place on Saturday at around 4-5 AM. Goa Chief Minister directed the state administration to conduct an inquiry into the incident. Sawant said that this is the first such incident in Goa, and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called to enquire about the situation. Speaking to ANI, Pramod Sawant said, "The unfortunate stampede incident took place today at around 4-5 AM. This is the first time a stampede incident has taken place in Goa. I have reached the spot right now. I met the injured at different hospitals. Six people died in the incident. I have asked the State administration to conduct an inquiry into the incident... PM Modi called me and enquired about the incident." President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the tragic incident of the stampede in Shirgao, Goa, which claimed six lives. The State Government on May 3 has directed all Government supported festive programmes and public celebrations scheduled over the next three days be cancelled or postponed, in view of the tragic stampede incident. (ANI) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Sudhakar Singh said that the meeting of the INDIA bloc focused on fostering communication and cooperation among the Mahagathbandhan workers. Sudhakar Singh reaffirmed RJD chief Tejashwi Yadav's leadership in Bihar and said that the INDIA bloc is intensifying grassroots coordination through a series of planned events, starting with a key meeting held in Patna. Speaking to ANI, RJD MP Sudhakar Singh said, "The subject of today's meeting was to establish a dialogue by coordination among all the workers of Mahagathbandhan. As today's program was held in Patna, similarly, more programs will be organised at the booth and panchayat levels." He spoke about the leadership within the Bihar unit and said, "Since the 2015 elections, our leader has been Tejashwi Yadav. There is no confusion in that." The INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, is looking to consolidate its support base in Bihar ahead of the upcoming electoral battles. The Mahagathbandhan grand alliance of opposition parties, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the election strategy for the upcoming Bihar elections. Alliance leaders highlighted how, despite holding two other meetings before, there has not been good coordination in the alliance at the district level. Congress MLA Madan Mohan Jha told ANI that the alliance has held two meetings before, but there is "no coordination" among the parties at the district or block level, and a detailed discussion is needed to fix the problem. "We have had two main meetings, but there's been no coordination among the 6 parties at the district or block level. A detailed discussion is needed on how we will work together at the grassroots level," the Congress MLA told ANI in Patna. Earlier, Vikassheel Insaan Party Chief Mukesh Sahani also highlighted that currently "corruption is being practiced at every level" of the Bihar government, as the state is being run by bureaucrats and not Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "Our agenda is clear - to make the government of the Grand Alliance. The present government is being run by bureaucrats, not under the leadership of Nitish Kumar... Corruption is being practiced at every level," the VIP chief told reporters ahead of the meeting. Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year. (ANI) Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over a resurfaced video where a Sikh youth in the US is seen questioning the Congress over its association with leaders accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "A video of Rahul Gandhi, which was suppressed, is surfacing now. In this video, a Sikh youth is seen asking him why people like Kamalnath and Jagdish Tytler, who were involved in the Sikh massacre in 1984, are still in the Congress," said Sirsa. "I felt sad and regretful on seeing that Rahul Gandhi is still sitting in the same arrogance and hateful thinking," he continued. "I am sad that whatever the Congress did in 1980, even today that person is not ready to apologize for it." Sirsa said questions about Congress' continued association with these leaders are now being raised globally. "I want to tell him today that now even Sikhs in America are asking you when you will expel Kamalnath and Jagdish Tytler from your party. You are giving them protection, so it is clear how much hatred you had for us in your heart." He said, "Hatred will remain for us in Congress and the Gandhi family. This is what your video makes clear." BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya shared a clip from the purported video of Gandhi's recent visit to the US. "You haven't reconciled with the Sikhs," a young man tells Rahul Gandhi to his face, reminding him of the unfounded fear-mongering he engaged in during his last visit to the US. It is quite unprecedented that Rahul Gandhi is now being ridiculed not just in India, but around the world," Malviya posted on X. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh took a potshot at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi for referring to Lord Ram and other deities as "mythological". "Lord Ram is not a myth, but the country's soul. Every being has Ram. If you wear the spectacles of Italy, how would you find Lord Ram?" Chugh told ANI. Citing renowned poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's famous couplet, Chugh accused Rahul Gandhi of "insulting" Lord Ram and the Sanatan Dharma. Labelling the Congress as "Ram Virodhi", he criticised the opposition party for boycotting the consecration of Ram temple and denying the deity's existence earlier. "Jab nash manuj par chhata hai, pahle vivek mar jata hai. Congress leader 'Mandbuddhi' Rahul Gandhi has always insulted Lord Ram, Indian culture, and Sanatan. This is the same Congress which boycotted the consecration of Ram temple. In 2007, they submitted an affidavit that Lord Ram didn't exist. This is the 'Ram Virodhi' ideology of Congress," he said. Speaking on the ban on all imports from Pakistan, Chugh said, "We welcome the ban on all types of imports from Pakistan, which is a diplomatic attack by PM Modi's government. Those who spread terrorism will not find a place in India's market. This decision is not only commercial but also diplomatic...India not only responds but also takes action... This is a welcome step. Congress governments adopted a soft approach towards Pakistan for decades...But this is PM Modi's government, there will be neither trade nor dealings with those who support terrorism." (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nishikant Dubey on Modnay criticised Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai's "big talk and no action" charge against the Central government following the Pahalgam terror attack. Dubey alleged that Rai is trying to "break the morale of the India army" just to protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a jibe towards the Congress, Dubey called Rai as the "UP President of the pro-Pakistan Congress Party." "Look at Ajay Rai, UP President of pro-Pakistan Congress Party, who is making headlines in Pakistani newspapers and channels, and understand the conspiracy of Congress Party to break the morale of the army in protest against Modi," read the post by Dubey on X. https://x.com/nishikant_dubey/status/1919198517161029990 Dubey's comments are in reply to Rai criticising the central government on May 4 for not doing enough to punish the terrorists of Pahalgam attack, alleging that while Rafale fighter jets have been purchased, but they are lying in hangars with "nimbu mirchi" (lemon and chillies) hanging on them, saying that they are not being used at all. Dubey had posted a picture of Rai holding a toy plane with 'Rafale' written on it, and lemon and chillies were hanging from it. The UP Congress president had said earlier, "Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack... But, this government, which talks a lot, says that they will crush terrorists - they brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars having chilly and lemon hanging in them. When will they take action against terrorists, those who support them, and their backers?" Rai's comments have been met with severe backlash from the BJP, with multiple leaders condemning the remarks and accusing him of supporting Pakistan. BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that as soon as Pakistani propaganda is banned in India, the Congress party will officially spread propaganda of the Pakistani Terror Deep State. Bhandari had said, "The Congress party has become an official spokesperson of the Pakistani Terror Deep State. We can see a pattern that whenever Rahul Gandhi steps forward, he gives full support to PM Narendra Modi's Government, that they take action against Pakistani Terror Deep State, and in less than 24 hours some or other Congress leader comes and speaks in support of Pakistan." (ANI) Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) Pune arrested a wanted Naxal operative identified as Prashant Jalindar Kamble alias Laptop absconding since 2011. The court has remanded him till May 13. The arrest was made on May 3. Pune ATS said, "Pune Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) on May 3 arrested a wanted Naxal operative identified as Prashant Jalindar Kamble alias Laptop (44). He was absconding since 2011. He was handed over to ATS Thane Unit. On May 4, Thane ATS produced him in Mumbai Sessions Court and the court remanded him till May 13. Further investigation is being conducted by Thane ATS Unit." In a press note ATS Pune said that in the case of ATS Thane, UNIT CR NO 19/2011 under sections of IPC 387, 419,465,467,468, 120(B) along with sections 10, 13, 17, 18, 18(A), 18(B), 20, 21, 38, 39, 40(2) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 as amended in 2008, the accused Prashant Jalindar Kamble alias Laptop age 44 yrs, Add- Tadiwla road, Pune (Currently residing at Khopoli) was absconding since the crime occured in 2011. He was declared absconding by the Hon. Court, and a non-bailable warrant and proclamation were issued against him. The said accused was apprehended by the Anti-Terrorism Squad, Pune Unit, on May 03, 2025 and after verification he has been arrested and handed over to ATS Thane Unit. On Sunday ACP Thane ATS produced him before Hon''ble Session Court, Mumbai. Hon''ble Court remanded him till May 13. A high-value target in the field of urban naxalism, Kamble is known for being a hard-core follower of Naxalism ideology. Further investigation is being carried out by Thane ATS unit. Earlier, Ammar Yashar, a former operative of the Indian Mujahideen (IM), was apprehended by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) during the investigation into the Jharkhand module of Hizb ut-Tahrir on May 2, said officials. (ANI) BJP leader RP Singh on Monday slammed Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) over a resurfaced video where a Sikh youth in the US is seen questioning the Congress over its association with leaders accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He said that Rahul Gandhi goes outside the country and spreads enmity in society. RP Singh stated that last time, Gandhi went out, he pointed out a Sikh youth and said that he is treated as a second-class citizen. RP Singh further said that he would file a case against Rahul Gandhi if he made such a statement in India. "Rahul Gandhi goes outside and spreads enmity in society. The last time he went out, he pointed at a Sikh youth and said that he is treated as a second-class citizens. But it is nothing like that. Rahul Gandhi, if you have guts, make that statement in India - I will file a case against you", he said. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya shared a clip from the purported video of Gandhi''s recent visit to the US. "You haven''t reconciled with the Sikhs," a young man tells Rahul Gandhi to his face, reminding him of the unfounded fear-mongering he engaged in during his last visit to the US. It is quite unprecedented that Rahul Gandhi is now being ridiculed not just in India, but around the world," Malviya posted on X. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Tarun Chugh took a potshot at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi for referring to Lord Ram and other deities as "mythological". "Lord Ram is not a myth, but the country''s soul. Every being has Ram. If you wear the spectacles of Italy, how would you find Lord Ram?" Chugh told ANI. Citing renowned poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar''s famous couplet, Chugh accused Rahul Gandhi of "insulting" Lord Ram and the Sanatan Dharma. Labelling the Congress as "Ram Virodhi", he criticised the opposition party for boycotting the consecration of Ram temple and denying the deity''s existence earlier. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting over the implementation of three new criminal laws, in Delhi, at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the national capital on Monday. Among those in attendance were Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora. The three laws are: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. These laws were conceptualised with the vision of the Prime Minister to replace colonial-era laws that persisted post-independence and to reform the judicial system by shifting the focus from punishment to justice. The theme of the program is "Secure Society, Developed India- From Punishment to Justice". Earlier on May 4, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the MedLEaPR (Medico-Legal Examination and Postmortem Reporting) at the Secretariat on Sunday and said that it is a transformative step in improving the efficiency and credibility of India's criminal justice process. Speaking at an official briefing, Gupta said the initiative was launched in response to the three new criminal laws enacted by the Central Government to overhaul and modernise the justice system. "Three new criminal laws came into being through the Central Government. To improve the entire justice system, MedLEaPR has been introduced...There used to be a delay in our justice system, loopholes were left in it, and there used to be doubts regarding discrepancies and problems. Through MedLEaPR, we will be able to curb all of that, bringing in improved efficiency, and there will be better coordination," said Rekha Gupta. The system, which integrates digital tools for medico-legal testing and postmortem documentation, aims to eliminate manual errors, streamline reporting, and ensure greater transparency. These laws were conceptualised with the vision of the Prime Minister to replace the colonial-era laws that persisted post-independence and to reform the judicial system by shifting focus from punishment to justice. The theme of this programme is "Secure Society, Developed India- From Punishment to Justice." (ANI) The Supreme Court on Monday scheduled the hearing of petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, for May 15 before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India-designate BR Gavai. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna is set to retire on May 13, and Justice Gavai will take oath of the CJI office on May 14. CJI Khanna said even for passing interim order, it requires lengthy hearing as it posted the matter before a bench headed by Justice Gavai. "I do not want to reserve any judgment or interim order at this stage. This matter will have to be heard on a reasonably early date, and this will not be before me. If you all agree, we will post it before a bench of Justice Gavai," said CJI Khanna. At the outset, the bench headed by CJI said that it has gone into the counter affidavit filed by the Centre and rejoinder affidavits of petitioners filed in the case, and certain points were raised with regard to registration of Waqf properties. The bench also comprising Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan posted the matter for hearing on May 15. A batch of petitions challenging the Act was filed before the apex court, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights. President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses. The Centre had earlier assured the Supreme Court that key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards and provisions on de-notifying Waqf properties, will not be given effect to for some time. The Solicitor General of India also gave an assurance that no appointments will be made to the Waqf Council or Waqf boards. The central government on Friday filed its preliminary affidavit in the Supreme Court while seeking dismissal of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, as it saidthe law was not violative of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The Centre in its affidavit had said the amendments are only for the regulation of the secular aspect regarding the management of the properties and hence, there was no violation of the religious freedoms guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The Central government had urged the court not to stay any provisions of the Act said that it is a settled position in law that constitutional courts would not stay a statutory provision, either directly or indirectly, and will decide the matter finally. It had been said that taking away the statutory protection to a Waqf-by-user does not deprive any member of the Muslim community from creating a Waqf. (ANI) After the Supreme Court scheduled the hearing of petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, for May 15, Congress MP Tariq Anwar called it a "good decision." Speaking to ANI, Anwar said, "This is a good decision, we welcome it." The Congress MP further said that they hope that the Constitution will be safeguarded as the matter has been referred to the next Chief Justice BR Gavai. "He spoke of morality. If all judges take such steps, I think this will make people trust the judiciary even more...We still hope that Constitution will be safeguarded and he has referred it to the court of (next CJI) Gavai. His bench will examine everything and take note of the petition," he said. Earlier today, the Supreme Court scheduled the hearing of petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, for May 15 before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India-designate BR Gavai. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna is set to retire on May 13, and Justice Gavai will take oath of the CJI office on May 14. CJI Khanna said even for passing interim order, it requires lengthy hearing as it posted the matter before a bench headed by Justice Gavai. "I do not want to reserve any judgment or interim order at this stage. This matter will have to be heard on a reasonably early date, and this will not be before me. If you all agree, we will post it before a bench of Justice Gavai," said CJI Khanna. At the outset, the bench headed by CJI said that it has gone into the counter affidavit filed by the Centre and rejoinder affidavits of petitioners filed in the case, and certain points were raised with regard to registration of Waqf properties. The bench also comprising Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan posted the matter for hearing on May 15. A batch of petitions challenging the Act was filed before the apex court, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights. President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses. The Centre had earlier assured the Supreme Court that key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards and provisions on de-notifying Waqf properties, will not be given effect to for some time. The Solicitor General of India also gave an assurance that no appointments will be made to the Waqf Council or Waqf boards. (ANI) The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved several important decisions during its meeting on Monday, including key infrastructure projects, a shift in the state's wildlife management, and new rules for court case filings. The Industry Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Harshvardhan Chauhan, briefed the media after the cabinet meeting and stated that the Congress Government remains united under CM Sukhu and would complete its full term till 2027. "All is well in the government. Minor differences of opinion are natural, but all ministers and MLAs stand like a rock with the Chief Minister," he said. The cabinet approved the allocation of land for the expansion of AIIMS Bilaspur, a key health infrastructure project. It also rolled back its previous decision to upgrade the Sunni to a municipal council. The cabinet meeting will resume tomorrow for further discussions. The State Cabinet in its meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu decided to convert part-time class-IV workers as daily wagers working in various departments who have completed seven years of continuous service as on 31st March, 2025, said officials. According to release issued, it was also decided to shift the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department from Shimla to the CPD KFW Project Office building in Dharamshala, Kangra district and the office of the CPD KFW Project will be relocated to the vacated premises of the Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Dharamshala. The Cabinet approved the shifting of the District Jail from Mandi to the newly constructed building at Nerchowk. The existing District Jail premises in Mandi will be converted into an Open Jail for women inmates. To ensure its smooth functioning, the Cabinet approved to creation and fill-up requisite posts across various categories. It okayed the Himachal Pradesh Online Filing and Processing of Court Cases Rules, 2025 under the Revenue Department. These rules will allow Revenue Courts to receive and process applications, appeals, revisions, reviews and other petitions online. Additionally, the Cabinet authorised the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog to determine the examination fees for recruitment tests conducted by the Aayog. It further decided to prepare development plans for the Chintpurni Special Area in Una district, Sarahan Special Area in Shimla district and Bhota Planning Area in Hamirpur district, aiming to regulate the unplanned growth of rural settlements and unchecked commercial development along the National Highway. The Cabinet approved new guidelines related to the requisition of vacancies, the selection process and the issuance of appointment offers across various government departments, where the stage of requisition is over. It was also decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub Committee to look into these aspects for future appointments. It also sanctioned the allotment of 350 new stage carriage routes across the state, as well as new extra routes based on local demand, for the operation of 18-seater tempo travellers by private operators, to enhance public transport services and improve connectivity. The Cabinet approved the filling of 81 posts of Medical Officers, including 68 posts of Casualty Medical Officers and 13 posts in various other categories. This decision aims to strengthen emergency services, trauma centres, casualty units, blood banks and tertiary cancer care facilities in government medical colleges and institutions. It also sanctioned the recruitment of 18 FACT and FACT Plus qualified professionals in the Department of Forensic Services to enhance forensic capabilities. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the filling of 11 posts of Subject Matter Specialists in various Krishi Vigyan Kendras to support agricultural extension services. The Cabinet approved the construction of a commercial complex comprising two high-rise buildings of 14 and 17 storeys at Mohal Chotta Shimla, Dehat Shimla. The project aims to address the city's growing administrative and commercial needs by offering world-class infrastructure with modern amenities, ample parking, and an efficient design layout. It designated the Jal Shakti Vibhag as the service provider on behalf of Panchayats for the execution and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes under the 15th Finance Commission. The Cabinet approved the transfer of 21-09 bighas of land at Mauja Changar Palasiyan in favour of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for the expansion of AIIMS Bilaspur under Phase-II and Phase-III, free of cost. It also sanctioned the transfer of 52-17-00 bighas of land at Revenue Estate Sarol in Chamba district to the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, for the functioning of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. It approved the withdrawal of the earlier notification regarding the upgradation of Nagar Panchayat Sunni to a Municipal Council in Shimla district. (ANI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused Haryana of mismanaging its water allocation from the Bhakra Dam, amidst the ongoing water-sharing dispute between the two states. Mann, in a statement, said, "As per the data, they (Haryana) used up their share by 31st March. Still, we are providing them with drinking water. They will receive water on the night of 20th May. For 15 days, they will have to suffer the consequences of their mistake. We had written six letters to them. There used to be a meeting every month, and we used to write to them every month that their water share would finish this time...Still, they paid no heed...Punjab repealed the Dam Safety Act." Criticising the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Mann added, "BBMB's conduct is dictatorial, this has been strongly opposed...It has been pointed out that BBMB has become a 'white elephant', Punjab bears the expenses, but Punjab is bypassed, and decisions are passed. They call meetings at 3-4 hours' notice. But Emergency Meetings also require a week's notice...They don't even give 6-7 hours. So, BBMB should be reconstituted..." Earlier in the day, Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday moved a resolution in the Punjab Legislative Assembly during a special session, vehemently opposing the Bhakra Beas Management Board's (BBMB) decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. Declaring that "not a single drop of extra water" will be spared, Goyal accused the BBMB of acting as a "puppet of the BJP" and conspiring to undermine Punjab's water rights through illegal and unconstitutional means. Goyal outlined key points in the resolution, asserting that Punjab had provided 4,000 cusecs of water to Haryana on humanitarian grounds but would not release any additional water from its share. He labelled the BBMB's late-night meeting on April 30 as "illegal" and a deliberate attempt to divert Punjab's rightful water to Haryana. "The 1981 water-sharing treaty is outdated due to reduced water availability. A new treaty is needed," Goyal stated. The minister further criticised the Dam Safety Act, 2021, claiming it endangers state rights by centralising control over Punjab's rivers. "The Central government wants direct control. This occupation of Punjab's rivers will not be tolerated," he said, alleging a "conspiracy" involving the BJP, Haryana, and BBMB to "snatch Punjab's rights." Goyal noted that Haryana had already consumed its allocated water share by March 31, terming its demand for 8,500 cusecs a "robbery of Punjab's land". (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday emphasised that the efforts of the government should become visible in the coming six months in terms of governance, delivery of public services and overall improvement in functioning of the government across Jammu and Kashmir, according to an official press release. He stressed that governance must not remain confined to the Civil Secretariat or government offices alone. The Chief Minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, marking the formal resumption of official work by Ministers and Administrative Secretaries in Srinagar. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for start of development activities, implementation of budget announcements and efficient governance amid current challenges. "After six months, we are back at the Srinagar Civil Secretariat office. The environment in which we were hoping the offices would open, expecting normal business, did not happen. It has been seen that if the situation remains conducive and peaceful, it improves the functioning of the government," CM said. "We need now to focus on things that are under our control and work to ease the difficulties faced by common people," the Chief Minister said in his opening address. He directed officers to ensure that their efforts during this working season go beyond administrative offices. "We do not have to restrict our work to the Civil Secretariat, as was the case during the budget session. Now is a good opportunity to see the implementation of projects on the ground," he stated. He called upon all departments to concentrate on delivery and accountability. "Let's focus on the deliverables. So that six months from now, when we have to move to Jammu, we can actually sit down with a list of all the positive developments and changes that, in spite of the circumstances, we were able to make here," the Chief Minister observed. Referring to the budget passed in the Legislative Assembly this year in March, CM Omar Abdullah said that while opinions may differ, the government's obligation lies in its execution. "But now it is our duty, that the budget that the assembly passed, the budget that this government brought to the assembly and got it approved, we will implement the budget decisions and review meetings shall be held with concerned departments and agencies," he remarked. CM Abdullah underscored the importance of utilising the budgetary allocations and implementing the District Capex plan on the ground. "Because this is the works season, he said, noting the brief window available for developmental works, particularly in the winter zone. The Chief Minister informed that a detailed review would be held with the Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and departments. "Where there would be obstacles, we will take the necessary decisions to remove those hurdles," he said, urging development departments -- including Power, R&B, PHE, Health, and Social Welfare -- to accelerate their pace of work. Touching on the broader national support for J-K's development, CM Abdullah shared details of his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the highest level in the government of India wants to see that in no way should the Pahalgam attack derail the process of governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir. "That is our responsibility, which we will have to take care of," he stated. Acknowledging the adverse impact of recent events on the tourism sector, the Chief Minister called for a collective effort to ensure a smooth Amarnath Yatra without any inconvenience to the pilgrims. He emphasised that the civil administration has its own responsibilities, which we will have to fulfil at any cost. On the much-anticipated Rail-to-Kashmir project, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the inauguration, originally scheduled for April 19 but postponed due to inclement weather, would happen soon. "The sooner we inaugurate the bridge and the train, the sooner the rumours will end and the rail will benefit us," he said. Reaffirming his commitment to governance, he said, "What we manage to control are the areas of governance that are directly our responsibility. And therein lies the role of all of us sitting in this room... The people have put us here to work together to deliver on their expectations." He concluded with a call for unity and purpose, "I am here only because I want to deliver something for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That is my only aim, that is the aim of my colleagues. And I'm sure in that, your aim is the same as well." Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma attended the meeting. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to HCM Dheeraj Gupta, all administrative secretaries, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir and other senior officers attended the meeting. Earlier, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo welcomed the Chief Minister and members of the Council of Ministers at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar and said that all arrangements are in place for the smooth functioning of offices at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. (ANI) Supreme Court judge, Justice Surya Kant and Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), conducted a review meeting with the Chief Justices of High Courts across the country and the Chairpersons of the State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and High Court Legal Services Committees (HCLSCs). A special campaign was launched by SCLSC in jails of India in association with all the SLSAs and prison authorities on January 10, 2025. 4216 prison inmates were identified who were eligible for legal aid from SCLSC. On April 1, 2025, Justice Kant, conducted a virtual meeting with all the High Courts across India and impressed upon them to reach out to those identified prison inmates and send their paper books and other required documents if they are willing to avail legal aid. Pursuant to the monitoring by Chairman SCLSC, more than 3900 prison inmates wished for availing legal aid from SCLSC. In the virtual meeting held today with all the Chief Justices of the High Courts, Justice Kant informed them that more than 800 paper books have been received and legal aid has been given in about 300 cases. Justice Kant requested the SLSAs across the country for immediately sending the paper books and documents required in all other cases. "The campaign, aimed at facilitating access to legal remedies before the Supreme Court for eligible inmates, has gained significant momentum. As of now, over 834 matters have been received by the SCLSC with panel advocates already appointed in cases where complete documentation is available," a statement issued by the Supreme Court stated. During the meeting, Justice Kant issued key directives to accelerate the campaign. HCLSCs have been instructed to expedite the transmission of pending paper books, exclusively through Special Messengers, including on weekends and holidays, and to ensure the prompt rectification of any deficiencies in the files. To streamline coordination, each HCLSC has been directed to designate a nodal officer in every district. These officers will serve as direct points of contact with the SCLSC to address file defects, seek clarifications, and facilitate timely communication. Additionally, HCLSCs were urged to actively counsel inmates who had initially declined legal aid, underscoring the quality and competence of representation provided through the SCLSC. "This one-of-a-kind initiative, led under the stewardship of Justice Kant, underscores the judiciary's unwavering commitment to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for those behind bars," the statement added. (ANI) The Commission has observed that the incident raised serious issues of violation of the human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana and the Director General of Police, Telangana, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the injured persons. Reportedly, the company has been manufacturing explosives for both commercial and leading organisations, including DRDO. Earlier on April 29, the explosion caused the complete collapse of the mixing unit structure of the plant. According to the Sub-Inspector of Motakondur police station, "A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion." The deceased were identified as Sandeep, Naresh, and Devi Charan, all residents of Motakondur village, according to the police. The families of the deceased staged a protest outside the company, demanding justice and compensation for the victims. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday visited the Pantha Chowk transit camp in Srinagar to review the ongoing arrangements for the pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025. Taking to the social media platform, Jammu and Kashmir LG wrote, "Reviewed the progress of construction work for Office and Yatri Niwas of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, earlier today." The Amarnath Yatra is all set to commence on July 3 this year, simultaneously from both routes--the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district. The Yatra will culminate on August 9 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Specifying the rules and regulations for the yatra, Anil Sharma, Circle Head, PNB Circle Jammu said that no pregnant women, people below 13 years and above 70 years would be allowed for the yatra, even if they had a medical certificate. "Those below 13 years and above 70 years of age will not be permitted for this Yatra by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, even if they have a compulsory medical certificate. Pregnant women will not be permitted either, even if they produce a compulsory medical certificate," Sharma added. Dates for the yatra were announced by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on March 5 during the 48th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan. Considering the likely increased inflow of pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025, the meeting discussed measures for enhancing lodgement capacity at centres in Jammu, Srinagar, and other locations, operationalising Yatri facilitation centres for e-KYC, issuing RFID cards, and on-spot registration of pilgrims at a number of locations, including Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations. Reviewing the progress achieved on various ongoing works undertaken by the line departments, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to ensure adequate arrangements and requisite amenities at various locations en route to the Yatra. (ANI) The plea, filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari, specifically flagged the issue of the safety of tourists from terrorist attacks in such areas. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, however, took a dim view of the plea and termed it as a litigation filed for seeking publicity. The bench, however, fell short of imposing costs on Tiwari after having warned him about the same. "Mr. Tiwari, last time also we advised you (not to file such PILs seeking publicity). You don't understand the sensitivity. Who is motivating you to file this kind of PILs. You don't understand any sensibilities, you don't realise your responsibility...I think you are inviting some orders (from us) with exemplary costs. You want to be the type of persons who files such types of PILs." The Court dismissed the plea after Tiwari sought permission to withdraw it. The plea had been filed in the light of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed and several were injured. The plea stated that there is a lack of safety programmes and guidelines/awareness for tourists and for other people with regard to "how to protect themselves from such attacks, how to get immediate help and how to hide when attacked." (ANI) "The system is an advanced underwater naval mine developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories - High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh," a release from the Ministry of Defence read. MIGM is designed to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Visakhapatnam and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad are the production partners for the system. "Complimenting DRDO, Indian Navy and the Industry, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the system will further enhance undersea warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy," the release read. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat said, with this validation trial, the system is now ready for induction into the Indian Navy. On May 03, DRDO successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of stratospheric airship platform from the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh. "Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, the airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 km," as per an official release. Data from onboard sensors was received and would be utilised for development of high-quality fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship flights. "Envelop pressure control and emergency deflation systems were deployed in flight for their performance evaluation. The trial team recovered the system for further investigation. The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes," the release read.. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful maiden flight-trial of the system. He stated that this system will uniquely enhance India's earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities. (ANI) Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has instructed party leaders to visit and support farmers who suffered heavy losses due to unseasonal rains and strong winds across Andhra Pradesh. Reddy emphasized that the party must stand by farmers during these difficult times and put pressure on the government to provide immediate relief. Speaking over the phone with regional coordinators and key leaders of the party, YS Jagan expressed deep concern over the damage caused to both paddy and horticultural crops, a party release said. He alleged that despite advance weather warnings, authorities failed to move harvested paddy from fields and procurement centers to safer locations, resulting in major crop loss. He accused the government machinery of "inaction and negligence". YSRCP leader alleged that farmers who had already suffered during the Kharif season due to lack of minimum support prices are now facing even more hardship in the current Rabi season. He said that in many areas including the Godavari districts, paddy procurement was "poorly handled, leading to additional distress for farmers--now worsened by the sudden rains". He directed YSRCP leaders to tour affected villages, extend moral support to the farmers, and gather details of the damage. He also urged them to build pressure on the state government to provide compensation and take immediate steps to help the farming community recover. Earlier on May 1, reiterating allegations against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan Mohan Reddy accused him of attempting to seize control of civic bodies where the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) lacks numbers. He alleged that "rampant corruption, nepotism, and atrocities have become the order of the day" under the current regime. Addressing local body and party representatives from Kakinada, Chittoor, Prakasam, and Satyasai districts, Jagan alleged that Naidu has shown a "template" of usurping power, even without having the required numbers from his own Kuppam constituency, "through coercion, inducement, and threats". "But days will change. In Jagan 2.0, things will be different. I salute all those who stood by value-based politics and did not yield to the enticements of TDP," the YSCRP leader alleged. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Virbhadra Singh on Monday criticised BJP MP Anurag Thakur after he questioned Himachal Pradesh government "inaction" against Pakistani citizens, saying that he should not give such statements which could further create chaos in the region. Speaking with ANI, Pratibha Virbhadra Singh said, "There are a lot of issues, Anurag Thakur should take a stand on the issues like taking action against those terrorists. A lot of questions are being raised on Pakistan...He should not give such statements, which could further create chaos in the region." She emphasised that tourism is an important aspect of Himachal Pradesh and can "scare" the tourist. "Himachal Pradesh is very important from a tourism point of view. Now, the tourists are afraid of visiting J&K, so they might visit Himachal for their vacation. Giving such statements can scare them of Himachal Pradesh too. We don't want anyone to spread any confusion," she said. Anurag Thakur targeted the Congress party and the Himachal Pradesh government over what he termed inaction against Pakistani citizens residing in India, both legally and illegally. Thakur alleged that non-BJP ruled states have taken negligible action to deport such individuals and urged the Himachal Pradesh government to act swiftly, citing a memorandum submitted earlier in the day. Speaking to reporters, Thakur said, "Action is being taken to send back Pakistani citizens living in India legally and illegally, but in non-BJP ruled states, this action has been negligible... In Himachal Pradesh too, no such action is being taken. What is the compulsion that Congress has to speak the language of Pakistan?" "Do they (Congress) see any compulsion in taking action?... Why are Congress and some other opposition parties speaking the language of Pakistan?... The question arises whether the Congress party stands with India today?," he added. "This is my request to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and the entire government. In the memorandum we have given today, it has been clearly stated that legal and illegal Pakistani citizens should be sent out of Himachal Pradesh and out of the soil of India," Thakur asserted. Apart from this, BJP also held protests at 17 locations across 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh, accusing the ruling Congress government inaction Pakistani nationals. Pakistani citizens, except long-term visas and diplomatic and official visas, with immediate effect from April 27. This came in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 individuals at the popular tourist destination in Baisaran meadow. (ANI) Navi Mumbai Police have deported three Pakistani nationals after the Indian governemnt revoked all visas issued to them, except long term visas following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, police said on Monday. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai, Rashmi Nandedkar, all three of the Pakistani nationals were Hindus and came to India on temprorary visas. The police have identified about 228 Pakistani nationals in Navi Mumbai with Most of them are living in India on long term visas. On Friday, the Supreme Court directed the government authorities to verify the citizenship documents of a Srinagar-based family of six, who are allegedly being detained for their deportation to Pakistan. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh however, ordered the government authorities to not take any coercive action against the family, until an appropriate decision is taken by the authorities, in this regard. The bench also granted liberty to the petitioner's family to approach the High Court of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, in case they are dissatisfied with the government's decision over the validity of their citizenship. The Court also clarified that its decision is based on the peculiar facts of this particular case and thus it shall not be treated as a precedent to be followed in other similar cases, after the Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Centre, requested for the same. The government's decision to deport Pakistanis had come after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, (J-K) where 26 tourists were killed. As many as 786 Pakistan nationals have left India through the Attari-Wagah border point till April 30, 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. (ANI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said that the state government is in a proactive mode. The pension of people eligible for various social security pension schemes is processed automatically and people do not have to run around offices like before. The Chief Minister was addressing the 'Financial Assistance Distribution Ceremony' organized for the beneficiaries of various public welfare schemes today at the Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh. Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana was also present on the occasion. On this occasion, the Chief Minister transferred the first pension of 24,695 new beneficiaries of various social security pension schemes directly to their bank accounts with a single click. A total amount of Rs 7.48 crore was sent to all these beneficiaries. The Chief Minister congratulated all the new beneficiaries. Notably, under various social security pension schemes run by the Haryana Government, financial assistance/allowance is provided regularly to the eligible beneficiaries. On the instructions of the Chief Minister, the State Government had invited applications for pension from eligible persons under various social security pension schemes. In the month of April 2025, a total pension amount of Rs 7.48 crore has been sent to the accounts of 24,695 new beneficiaries approved under these schemes by the Chief Minister today. Now, the total number of beneficiaries under these pension schemes in the state has increased to 35,16,814 and a pension amount of Rs 1060.16 crore will be given per month. According to a release, the Chief Minister said under various social security pension schemes, the number of eligible people has increased by a total of 17407 among the beneficiaries of old age allowance. Apart from these, there has been an increase of 1,673 beneficiaries in widow pension, 864 in handicapped pension, 1700 in the number of beneficiaries of financial assistance given to destitute children, 2062 in the beneficiaries given to widowers and unmarried persons, 530 in Ladli social security allowance, 106 in the number of disabled children not going to school, 351 in the financial assistance given to third and fourth stage cancer patients, one in transgender allowance and one in the number of beneficiaries of financial assistance given to persons suffering from rare diseases. Deputy Commissioners from various districts of the state were also connected to this function through video conferencing. (ANI) This will result in longer flight times on some routes to Asia. This comes amid India-Pakistan tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed, including a Nepali citizen, mostly tourists. "We regret any inconvenience caused by the resulting delays. We kindly ask all passengers to check their flight status in the app or on the website before departure," the statement added. Earlier, India closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan and those operated by Pakistani airlines, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) 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). (ANI) In the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has expressed serious concern over the role of certain social media platforms and influencers allegedly acting against national interests. As per an official memorandum issued by the Standing Committee on Information Technology Branch, "Post terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, 2025 some social media influencers and social media platforms in the country seem to be working against the interest of the country which is likely to incite violence." The committee has requested Ministry of Electronics and IT and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to provide the contemplated action taken to ban such platforms under IT Act 2000 and 'Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 by May 8. "The Ministry of Electronics and IT and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are requested to provide the contemplated action taken to ban such platforms under IT Act 2000 and 'Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The desired information may be furnished to this Committee by 8 May, 2025, positively," the memorandum stated. The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, most of them tourists. The government has given the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. The government has also 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. The government convened an all-party meeting after the terror attack, and Opposition parties have expressed their full support for any action taken by the government against the perpetrators of the heinous attack. In the briefing to the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting held a day after the terror attack, 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 also imposed an immediate ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, regardless of their import status, effectively halting bilateral trade flows, according to a notification by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday said that the state government will issue an order soon to declare May 5 every year as Traders Day. "In our Dravidian Model government, which willingly fulfils not only small demands but also big demands for the business community, I made announcements at the Business Demand Declaration Conference appreciating the interests of the business community. Very soon, a Government order will be released declaring May 5 as Traders Day. This has been a long-pending demand," CM Stalin said in Chengalpattu. The DMK President participated in the 'Vanigar Korikkai Conference' (Merchants Demands Conference) at Chengalpattu District. Earlier on May 4, CM emphasised the importance of state rights and constitutional democracy while addressing the grand felicitation event titled "A Great Tribute to the Champion of State Autonomy". The event, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, was organised by universities, the Consortium of Self-Financing Engineering Colleges, the Consortium of Private Arts Colleges, and representatives from government and aided colleges. Thanking the organisers and participating academicians, CM Stalin called students "the leaders of tomorrow" and urged them to reflect on the democratic implications of a Governor blocking legislation passed by an elected government. Terming the Governor's role as a "rubber-stamp post", Stalin questioned the logic behind Governors having powers such as appointing Vice-Chancellors while state governments handle infrastructure, salaries, and facilities for educational institutions. The Chief Minister remarked that he had personally attended an event at Raj Bhavan and had cordial discussions with the Governor, emphasising that political differences should not overshadow personal civility. However, he warned that his government would continue to oppose any constitutional overreach, regardless of who holds the post of Governor. Stalin also highlighted Tamil Nadu's achievements in higher education, pointing out that the state boasts one-fifth of India's top 100 colleges and leads in Ph.D. scholar numbers. With a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 47 per cent, far above the national average of 28.4 per cent, he said the Supreme Court's verdict provides a solid foundation for even greater progress. He concluded by reaffirming his government's commitment to youth development under the Dravidian Model and noted the formation of a high-level committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to further strengthen state autonomy. "This report will be a model not just for Tamil Nadu but for the entire nation," Stalin said. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, on Monday said the Congress government remains united under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and will complete its full term. "All is well in the government. Minor differences of opinion are natural, but all ministers and MLAs stand like a rock with the Chief Minister," Chauhan said while answering questions asked on the social media posts by some leaders in the state. Chauhan briefed the media after the meeting of state cabinet. The cabinet approved the allocation of land for the expansion of AIIMS Bilaspur, a key health infrastructure project. It also rolled back its previous decision to upgrade Sunni to a municipal council. The cabinet meeting will resume tomorrow for further discussions. The cabinet decided to convert part-time Class IV workers as daily wagers, working in various departments, who have completed seven years of continuous service as of March 31, 2025. The meeting, which was held on Monday, decided to shift the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department from Shimla to the CPD KFW Project Office building in Dharamshala, Kangra district and the office of the CPD KFW Project will be relocated to the vacated premises of the Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Dharamshala. The Cabinet approved the shifting of the district Jail from Mandi to the newly constructed building at Nerchowk. The existing District Jail premises in Mandi will be converted into an Open Jail for women inmates. To ensure its smooth functioning, the Cabinet gave approval to create and fill up requisite posts across various categories. It okayed the Himachal Pradesh Online Filing and Processing of Court Cases Rules, 2025, under the Revenue Department. These rules will allow Revenue Courts to receive and process applications, appeals, revisions, reviews and other petitions online. Additionally, the Cabinet authorized the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog to determine the examination fees for recruitment tests conducted by the Aayog. It further decided to prepare development plans for the Shri Chintpurni Special Area in Una district, Sarahan Special Area in Shimla district and Bhota Planning Area in Hamirpur district, aiming to regulate unplanned growth of rural settlements and unchecked commercial development along the National Highway. The Cabinet approved new guidelines related to the requisition of vacancies, the selection process and the issuance of appointment offers across various government departments, where the stage of requisition is over. It was also decided to constitute a Cabinet Sub Committee to look into these aspects for future appointments. It also sanctioned the allotment of 350 new stage carriage routes across the state as well as new extra routes based on local demand for the operation of 18-seater tempo travellers by private operators to enhance public transport services and improve connectivity. The Cabinet approved the filling of 81 posts of Medical Officers, including 68 posts of Casualty Medical Officers and 13 posts in various other categories. This decision aims to strengthen emergency services, trauma centres, casualty units, blood banks and tertiary cancer care facilities in government medical colleges and institutions. It also sanctioned the recruitment of 18 FACT and FACT Plus qualified professionals in the Department of Forensic Services to enhance forensic capabilities. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the filling of 11 posts of Subject Matter Specialists in various Krishi Vigyan Kendras to support agricultural extension services. The Cabinet approved the construction of a commercial complex comprising two high-rise buildings of 14 and 17 storeys at Mohal Chotta Shimla, Dehat Shimla. The project aims to address the city's growing administrative and commercial needs by offering world-class infrastructure with modern amenities, ample parking and an efficient design layout. It designated the Jal Shakti Vibhag as the service provider on behalf of Panchayats for the execution and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes under the 15th Finance Commission. The Cabinet approved the transfer of 21-09 bighas of land at Mauja Changar Palasiyan in favour of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for the expansion of AIIMS Bilaspur under Phase-II and Phase-III, free of cost. It also sanctioned the transfer of 52-17-00 bighas of land at Revenue Estate Sarol in Chamba district to the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, for the functioning of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya. It approved the withdrawal of the earlier notification regarding the upgradation of Nagar Panchayat Sunni to a Municipal Council in Shimla district. (ANI) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday attended the Sanatan Sanskriti Jagran Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital and appreciated Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj's social work. In a resounding call for a national cultural awakening, the Sanatan Sanskriti Jagran Mahotsav concluded on Sunday evening at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, with thousands gathering to reaffirm their commitment to India's spiritual heritage. It was organised by the Vishwa Jagriti Mission under the leadership of Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj. The event signalled a renewed national push for the revival of Sanatan Sanskriti--India's timeless civilizational ethos. In his remarks, Rajnath Singh said, "I congratulate respected Sudhanshu ji maharaj on his birth anniversary. I appreciate his social work from the bottom of my heart. Our sages have always shown the right path. Today they are striving to revive the sanatan dharma." The Mahotsav witnessed an unprecedented confluence of political leaders, spiritual icons, and cultural figures. Among the distinguished attendees were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Yogrishi Swami Ramdev, Patanjali's Balkrishna, and acclaimed actress Kangana Ranaut. Their participation underscored the growing recognition of India's spiritual and cultural identity as a cohesive national force. Delivering the keynote address, Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj declared, "Sanatan Sanskriti is the soul of Bharat. It is our responsibility to protect it, practice it, and pass it on not as tradition, but as the foundation for a conscious and empowered nation." Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that there is a lot of work to do in Delhi. "I would gift Delhi a clean Yamuna and homes for cows. I will clean the air of Delhi, but seers must clear the moral pollution," Delhi CM said. Meanwhile, Yogrishi Swami Ramdev, said that time has come to revive the gurukuls that were desimated by Macualay education system. "We have to protect our Sanskriti, it is not enough to just say slogans about sanatan but have to work to strengthen it," Ramdev said. The evening's highlight was the official launch of the Gurukul Sanskriti Jagran Abhiyan, a flagship initiative of the Mission. It envisions the establishment of 10 Gurukuls and 108 Bal Sanskar Kendras across the country, designed to nurture a new generation rooted in Indian knowledge systems, moral values, and spiritual awareness. The Mahotsav drew massive public participation, including educators, saints, youth leaders, and citizens from across India. The event reflects the broader vision of Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj and Dr. Archika Didi, Vice Chairperson of the Mission, to reintegrate Sanatan principles into both public life and institutional frameworks. Dr Archika Didi, a key architect of the Mission's national youth and education programs, continues to lead its expansive cultural outreach. With its message resonating far beyond the venue, the Sanatan Sanskriti Jagran Mahotsav marked a significant milestone in India's ongoing cultural resurgence, rekindling the spirit of Bharatiyata at the heart of national consciousness. (ANI) AAP leader Ankush Narang, who is Leader of Opposition in the MCD House, has demanded the immediate withdrawal of user charges saying that MCD had no justification for the move. "When garbage isn't even being collected from every home, how can the MCD justify burdening people with additional charges?" he asked, slamming the civic body for forcing residents to hire private staff for basic sanitation. In a letter to MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar on Monday, he also flagged the severe public inconvenience caused by overflowing dumping points and demanded their closure and beautification. "For the past several days, representatives from various RWAs in Delhi have been meeting me and demanding that the user charges levied by the MCD along with house tax be withdrawn. Acting on the RWAs' demand, I have written a letter to MCD Commissioner Ashwani Kumar in my capacity as Leader of Opposition. Through the letter, I have informed him that representatives from RWAs and market associations have been approaching me, and all of them want the user charges imposed by MCD to be rolled back," Narang said. He said there are concessionaires in all 12 zones of Delhi, but these concessionaires do not go door-to-door collecting waste from every household. Every household has hired private staff for garbage collection. "These concessionaires have no coordination with the homeowners. Until the MCD is capable of collecting garbage from every household and commercial establishment, user charges should not be imposed," he said. "There are dumping points in various parts of Delhi, and these dumping spots are filled with garbage that often spills onto the roads. Due to this, residents face difficulties while passing through those areas. People living nearby also suffer, and the environment becomes heavily polluted, making life unbearable for the locals. We have also demanded that the commissioner shut down all these dumping sites. Even at the FCTS (Fixed Compactor Transfer Stations) that have been built, garbage is scattered all around, degrading the environment," Narang added. The AAP leader said that until the MCD becomes capable of collecting waste from every household and all dumping sites are closed, beautified, and repurposed for other activities, user charges must not be imposed. "The Aam Aadmi Party strongly demands that the MCD Commissioner issue immediate directions to withdraw user charges." (ANI) In the quiet tribal hamlet of Kamalachhera in Dhalai district's Ambassa sub-division, an extraordinary story of grit and perseverance has emerged--one that has touched hearts across India. Romeo Hrangkhawl, a student of Kamalachara High School and a Child with Special Needs (CWSN), has successfully cleared the Secondary (Matric) Examination conducted by the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE), and has become a national symbol of courage, determination, and inclusive education. Born with 80 per cent locomotor disability into a financially challenged family, Romeo faces physical limitations that severely restrict his mobility. His father, Hariram Hrangkhawl, an auto-rickshaw driver, recalls the incredible hardships Romeo endures daily. "He can't straighten his neck or hands. He often stumbles while walking and needs to wear a helmet just to reach school safely. Yet, he never misses a class and holds the highest attendance in school," said the father, speaking to ANI. Despite such adversity, Romeo, aided by a government escort allowance and unwavering parental and institutional support, has not just survived but thrived. From writing and drawing with his toes in Class 3 to passing his board exams, Romeo's journey is one of relentless spirit and resilience. Bishnu Datta, School Inspector of Ambassa, who has closely followed Romeo's progress over the years, shared, "There's a photograph in my office showing Romeo drawing with his toes in Class 3. That image inspired me to ensure he got all the help he needed. His father has been his strongest pillar--despite poverty, he stood by Romeo every step of the way." Recognising Romeo's perseverance, the education department recently invited him to the local office, gifting him a new school bag and uniform and encouraging him to continue his academic journey. "Go ahead, Romeo Hrangkhawl--you are the source of our inspiration," said the School Inspector. Romeo's story is also a testament to the successful implementation of the Right to Education Act and the New Education Policy in remote regions like Tripura. "Every child deserves equal access to education," the inspector emphasized. "It is our duty to ensure children like Romeo are not only included but also empowered." Romeo, who has difficulty speaking, expressed his dreams in a brief but emotional statement to ANI. "I have passed my secondary examination. When I grow up, I want to become a teacher," he said. His mother, Namika Hrangkhawl, expressed heartfelt gratitude to teachers, officials, and even the Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, whose personal congratulatory message and social media post brought further attention to Romeo's remarkable achievement. "There are many children like Romeo with great potential," she said, urging the government to support all CWSN students in a similar manner. In a show of solidarity and recognition, Dr. Saha extended his congratulations to Romeo and thanked his teachers and parents for nurturing such potential in adversity. "Romeo's achievement is a beacon of hope for all differently-abled students across India," the Chief Minister noted. Romeo's teacher, Pratap Paul, emphasising on the collective responsibility of schools, said "We gave Romeo special attention and extra classes--not out of pity, but because he deserved every opportunity to excel." As this young boy from a forgotten village in Tripura looks forward to a future in teaching, his story continues to resonate as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when society believes in every child, regardless of their physical limitations. Romeo Hrangkhawl's journey is more than just a personal triumph--it is a call to action to support, empower, and celebrate every differently-abled student across India. (ANI) Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has arrived in Milan, Italy, to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), scheduled from May 4 to 7. Sitharaman is leading the Indian delegation comprising officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. https://x.com/FinMinIndia/status/1919132190920815024 "Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman is received by Ambassador Vani Rao and Consul General Lavanya Kumar after her arrival at the Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy. The Union Finance Minister will participate in the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in Milan," the Ministry of Finance posted on X. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman is leading he Indian delegation of officials from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB), scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy, from May 4 to 7, 2025. The meetings will be attended by official delegations of the Board of Governors of ADB, official delegations of ADB members and international financial institutions. The Union Finance Minister will participate in the Annual Meeting's focal events like the Governors' Business Session, Governor's Plenary Session and as a panelist in the ADB Governors' Seminar on "Cross-Border Collaboration for Future Resilience." On the sidelines of the ADB's 58th Annual Meeting, Sitharaman will also hold bilateral meetings with Finance Ministers of Italy, Japan, and Bhutan, in addition to meetings with the President of ADB, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Finance ministry said in a release. The Union Finance Minister will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Milan, besides meeting global think-tanks, business leaders and CEOs, and participating in a Plenary Session of the NEXT Milan Forum at the Bocconi University on "Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience." The visit includes official ADB engagements, bilateral discussions, interactions with stakeholders, and participation in global policy dialogues. (ANI) US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo has voiced alarm over the pace and scope of China's evolving military exercises, calling them a major concern in terms of regional stability and US strategic readiness, the Taipei Times cited a media report. "The rates of change on the depth and breadth of their exercises is the one non-linear effect that I've seen in the last year that wakes me up at night or keeps me up at night," Paparo was quoted as saying during the Sedona Forum at the McCain Institute in Arizona, Taipei Times cited a report published in the UK English daily. Paparo also warned of the rapid speed at which China is expanding its military strength. Although the US would still win in a potential conflict over Taiwan today, he said that margin is narrowing swiftly due to China's aggressive production of submarines and warships. He noted that while the US retains "key advantages over China in undersea capabilities, as well as superior capabilities in space and weapons that counter space assets," China is increasing its weapons systems output - especially naval forces - at a pace that the US is struggling to match. Regarding China's intentions toward Taiwan, Paparo said deterrence depends on a combination of factors, including the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) readiness, China's perceptions of Taiwan's defensive preparedness, and whether Beijing believes foreign allies would assist Taiwan. The remarks come amid growing regional anxiety over Chinese military manoeuvres near Taiwan, as reported Taipei Times. Meanwhile, US Army Pacific Commanding General Ronald Clark said the current situation would have seemed unlikely just five years ago. "I would not have thought that China today would hold rehearsals of a blockade of Taiwan, but now it is commonplace," Taipei Times cited Clark's quotes in another interview with a US English daily. He added that "China's aggressive behaviour has made the environment more dangerous" than it was during his previous posting in the Indo-Pacific region three years ago. Since 2022, the PLA has conducted drills simulating the encirclement and isolation of Taiwan, exercises which Clark said offer valuable insights into potential strategies for a blockade or invasion, Taipei Times reported. To counter these threats, the US is developing Multi-Domain Task Forces and deploying systems like the Typhon missile. "If it gives them [Beijing] pause ... let them have it," Clark said. (ANI) Sharjah [UAE], May 5 (ANI/WAM): Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and member of the World Trade Centres Association (WTCA)'s Conferences and Exhibitions Advisory Council, affirmed Expo Sharjah's commitment to strengthening ties with various world trade centres. He stressed that strategic collaboration is key to reinforcing Sharjah's position as a global destination for exhibitions and conferences, noting that experience-sharing drives service quality and the adoption of globally recognised sustainable practices in the exhibition industry. These remarks were made during a meeting held at Expo Centre Sharjah between Saif Mohammed Al Midfa and Omar Ayyash, President and CEO of World Trade Centre (WTC) Kentucky and Member of WTCA North America Regional Advisory Council. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strategic partnership to support the growth and development of the exhibitions sector and empower it to play a vital role in promoting global trade. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa noted that Expo Centre Sharjah holds deep expertise in organizing and managing international exhibitions and major events. He stated that the Centre remains focused on advancing its leadership, further developing its teams' capabilities in international trade, and reinforcing its connections with exhibition platforms in key markets like the United States, within the World Trade Centres Association network. Al Midfa added that the collaboration with WTC Kentucky provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise in event management best practices, promote global trade, and enhance the exhibition sector's role in attracting investments and boosting business tourism. For his part, Omar Ayyash expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful meeting, pointing out the vast potential for collaboration between WTC Kentucky and Expo Centre Sharjah. He praised Expo Sharjah's successes and achievements, which have positioned the Centre as a benchmark in the management of major exhibitions and international events. "This success fosters cooperation and joint efforts to provide an exceptional platform for Kentucky-based companies to access markets in the Middle East and the UAE, which serve as a strategic gateway to the region's markets," Ayyash added. During the meeting, both sides discussed current global trends in trade and exhibition industries, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for companies in the evolving business landscape. They also discussed the role of World Trade Centres in empowering businesses by facilitating trade and investment opportunities, supporting participation in exhibitions hosted by both parties, and advancing companies in areas like technology and artificial intelligence. The two sides agreed to maintain ongoing communication and establish collaborative initiatives that benefit the business communities in both Sharjah and Kentucky. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of WTCA network as an effective platform for international trade and knowledge exchange, in support of shared economic interests. (ANI/WAM) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). During the meeting, Netanyahu recalled his conversation with PM Modi over the IMEC. "One of the ideas that we talked about is IMEC, which is a very revolutionary and transformative development that we want to bring into place. I discussed it with Mr. Modi, Narendra Modi of India, just a few days ago. We want to have a common discussion with him," Israeli Prime Minister posted on X. https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1919103796313047532 Netanyahu emphasised the deep ties between Israel and Cyprus, highlighting cooperation across political, diplomatic, economic, and security fields. "We have a long friendship, not only personal but also between Cyprus and Israel. We are going to discuss our cooperation in many fields, many fields: political, diplomatic, economic, security," he said. Noting that the region is undergoing major change, the Israeli Prime Minister said, "Our region is in a great transformation. I think our actions in the war have changed much of the map of the Middle East but we are still being challenged by radical forces, aggressive forces from many directions." Calling Israel and Cyprus "two democracies in the Eastern Mediterranean," Netanyahu stressed shared values and interests, adding: "We want to secure obviously our future in the best way that preserves prosperity, increases prosperity and security for our people." He further announced a desire to resume the Israel-Cyprus-Greece trilateral summit: "We also want to have a trilateral meeting in Israel between Israel, Cyprus and Greece. We've done that over the years. We want to renew it as soon as possible and that is one of the things we'll do." (ANI) US President Donald Trump has announced that he has directed the department of Commerce and the US Trade Representative to immediately start the process of imposing a 100 percent tariff on all movies coming into the US that areproduced in other nations. He said that the movie industry in the US is "dying" a veryfast death and added that other nations were offering incentives todraw the American filmmakers and studios away from the US and termed it a "national threat." In a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trumpstated, "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw ourfilmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, andmany other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is aconcerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN." Trump''s decision comes amid the ongoing tariff war between the USand China . On April 10, China announced that it has decided to "moderately reduce" the release of Hollywood films in the Chinese market. China''s National Film Administration directly connected its decision to tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese products. In a statement, China''s National Film Administration said,"The wrong move by the US government to abuse tariffs onChina will inevitably further reduce the domestic audience''s favourability towards American films," Al Jazeera reported. It stated, "We will follow market rules, respect the audience''s choice, and moderately reduce the number of American films imported." Notably, China accepts 10 films a year from Hollywood,and the Chinese market was once considered a key source of revenuefor the American film industry. Reacting to China''s decision, Trump had said that he wasuntroubled by China''s National Film Administration''sdecision to target the film industry, Al Jazeera reported. In response toa question, Trump had said, "I think I''ve heard of worse things." (ANI) US President Donald Trump has renewed his threat of using military force to annex Greenland, where in his remarks delivered to an NBC News interview on Sunday, Trump said that he wouldn't rule it out to make the self-governing Danish territory a part of the United States, CNN reported. According to CNN, this comes in line with the various comments the US President has made in recent times regarding seizing control of the resource-rich island, which he insists the US needs for national security purposes. While speaking to NBC News' Kristen Welker in an interview that aired on Sunday, Trump said, "I don't rule it out," "I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything." CNN reported that Trump said, "We need Greenland very badly," As per CNN, he added, "Greenland is a very small amount of people, which we'll take care of, and we'll cherish them, and all of that. But we need that for international security." According to CNN, he added that he doubted it would happen - but that the possibility is "certainly" there. Notably, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in buying the island, or the US taking it by force or economic coercion, even as NATO ally Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea. Describing the strategic importance of Greenland, CNN noted that there are a few factors driving that interest. These are-- Greenland occupies a unique geopolitical position, sitting between the US and Europe, which could help repel any potential attack from Russia, experts have said. It also lies along a key shipping lane, and is part of the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom gap, a strategic maritime region. However, according to CNN, experts also suspect Trump is eyeing other aspects of Greenland such as its trove of natural resources, which may become more accessible as climate change melts the territory's ice. These include oil and gas, and the rare earth metals in high demand for electric cars, wind turbines and military equipment. Despite Trump's plans, Greenland has pushed back strongly. "President Trump says that the United States 'will get Greenland.' Let me be clear: The United States will not get it. We do not belong to anyone else. We decide our own future," the island's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in March after Trump again suggested the use of military force. According to CNN, Greenland's not the only sovereign territory Trump has his sights on; the president has repeatedly threatened to annex Canada and make it the US' "51st state," souring relations between the two longtime allies. Last week, Canada's Liberal Party swept to victory in federal elections, with Prime Minister Mark Carney riding on a wave of anti-Trump sentiment and using his victory speech to declare Canada would "never" yield to the United States. Citing the NBC interview, CNN reported that Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he'd use military force to annex Canada. "I don't see it with Canada. I just don't see it, I have to be honest with you," he said. (ANI) Nepal's lower house of Parliament on Monday has asked the country's Government to advance high-level diplomatic dialogue with India to probe the death of a Nepalese student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha. A day ago, the National Assembly, Nepal's Upper House of Parliament had passed a similar directive for the government. Speaker of the lower House of Representatives or the Pratinidhi Sabha, Devraj Ghimire, on Monday issued a ruling to the government to advance high-level diplomatic dialogue with India. "The serious attention of the House has been drawn to the issue raised by the honourable members at an urgent time regarding the death of Prisa Sah, a Nepali student studying at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India. The incident of mysterious deaths one after another of students who had gone abroad to study with dreams of a bright future is also a serious issue related to the sensitivity and responsibility of the nation. I direct the government to take deep interest in this incident and to initiate diplomatic dialogue at the highest level with the Indian government to find out the truth and provide necessary legal assistance to the family," Ghimre said. The first-year BTech, Computer Science student who was said to be planning to return back home for vacation in mid of this month, was found dead inside her hostel room on May 1. This is the second incident of the death of a Nepali female student at the same university reported within a span of three months. Earlier this year, a Nepali student from the same university was found dead in the hostel on February 16, triggering protests from Nepali students. 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. "Before it was the death of Prakriti Lamsal. Before we recover from the pain of losing her another female Nepali student's untimely death has left us deranged. Female student enrolled in B. Tech First year at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India, Prisa Sah had to give up her life. My tribute to her and condolences to the family. She held telephonic conversation with her father at around 3 PM the same day but she took her life in the evening. An estimated 1200 Nepali students are enrolled in that varsity, these kinds of incidents are just coincidence or there is some other reason behind? I would demand for serious investigation onto the topics," Devendra Paudel, also the former Education Minister said. Amresh Kumar Singh, an independent lawmaker in Nepali parliament also demanded action by the Nepal's Government and Foreign Ministry over the issue. "This incident is not a coincidence. About three months back, another female student from Butwal- Prakriti Lamsal also had similar incident. Our government at that time showed readiness but now it has remained silent now just because the student is from Madhesh. I want to ask the Government and Foreign Ministry.. do they have a duty to safeguard and raise concern for its citizens abroad? Be it any place across the globe, I demand a judicial investigation into the case. Why do our Cheli-Beti always face ordeals in the same university and eventually end their lives?" Singh said. Following the death of a Nepali female student at Odisha's Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 2 had expressed its deepest condolences and stated that the Odisha government has extended support for the family, and a thorough investigation is being conducted by the state police. The MEA in a statement said, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of a Nepali student of KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time." "Ministry of External Affairs has been in constant touch with the Odisha State Government since we became aware of the tragic incident. The State Government of Odisha has extended full support to the family of the deceased, and a thorough enquiry is currently being conducted by the Odisha Police," it said. The MEA further said that the safety, security and well-being of all international students is a priority for the Indian government. "Government of India takes the safety, security and well-being of all international students very seriously. We remain in close contact with the Nepali authorities, the Odisha State Government as well as KIIT management to ensure real-time communication and coordination in this matter," the statement read. (ANI) Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev on Monday mphasizes that India is a "grown nation" that seeks equal partnerships with Europe, rather than being lectured to. He stresses that if Europe expects India's support in its problems, it must also support India in its fight against terrorism. Speaking to ANI, Sachdev emphasized the need for Europe to take a strong stance against Pakistan, particularly after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. "If you want India's support in your problems, you also have to support us in our problems. I clearly say tit for tat...Europe absolutely needs partners, and we need partners, but Europe should get over this colonial mindset of preaching and considering only their self-interest and not considering the self-interest and the pain of India." Sachdev suggested that countries should boycott Pakistan until it takes concrete actions against terrorism. Pointing to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Sachdev added that countries should take a strong stance against Pakistan, saying, "all friends should just boycott Pakistan." "We suffer the pain of terrorism. How much and how strongly are they standing with us? Are they all boycotting Pakistan? Because now what the world should be doing, our friends should just boycott Pakistan," he added. Sachdev advocates for a mutually respectful partnership between India and Europe, where both parties support each other's interests. Sachdev said that Europe needs to move beyond its colonial mindset of "preaching", considering only its "self-interest," adding that he affirmed India is a "grown nation", now and the days are gone when the West could lecture us. Sachdev said, "We need partners, not preachers, and we also need Europe to understand that it cannot be that the problems of Europe are the problems of the whole world," he said. "When we look at the world, we look for partners, we don't look for the preachers, particularly preachers who don't practise at home, but they preach abroad...we will have to see if we have to develop a partnership; there has to be some understanding, sensitivity, mutuality of interest, and a realisation of how the world works," he said. Sachdev noted that India is no longer a nation that can be lectured to by the West. Instead, India seeks partners who understand its interests and concerns, particularly on issues like terrorism. He cited External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's statement that the problems of Europe cannot be the problems of the whole world. "India is now a grown nation. Gone are the days when the West, especially, could lecture us and tell us which path to take and make and put pressure on us. Now, what we need, the India of today, we need partners, not preachers, and we also need Europe to understand, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, that it cannot be that the problems of Europe are the problems of the whole world. But our problems are only our problems, right?" he added. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that while the United States has become more self-sufficient, Europe is facing pressure to adapt to a changing, multipolar world.The Union Minister further said that India wants partnerships, and not preachers, especially those who don't follow their own advice. He pointed out that parts of Europe are still struggling to adjust to today's changing global realities and must seriously reflect if they want meaningful cooperation with India. Speaking at the Arctic Circle India Forum 2025, Jaishankar said, "We have now reached a size and a stage where almost anything consequential that happens in any corner of the world matters to us. The United States is much more self-sufficient today than it has been in a long time. Europe is today under pressure to change. The realities of multipolarity are dawning on it. I think it has still not adjusted and absorbed it fully. The US has dramatically changed positions. The Chinese are doing what they were doing. We are going to see an arena of contestation, which is not going to be easy to recall. We are looking at a much more contested world, much sharper competition." The External Affairs Minister said, "When we look at the world, we look for partners, we don't look for preachers. Particularly, preachers who don't practice at home what they preach abroad. Some of Europe is still struggling with that problem. Europe has entered a certain zone of reality check. Whether they are able to step up or not is something we will have to see. If we have to develop a partnership, there has to be some understanding, sensitivity, mutuality of interest and a realisation of how the world works." Notably, India has downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, leading to the death of 26 individuals and several other injuries, mostly tourists. The steps include suspending the Indus Water Treaty signed between both countries in 1960. Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata and asked to leave India within a week. The government has affirmed its resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. It has been said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment. (ANI) India sending Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to Vietnam "is a special gesture" by the government and lakhs of devotees have paid their respects and highlights the deep spiritual link between the two countries, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said. The Union Minister also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made efforts to bring all the Buddhist countries closer to India. "This particular journey of taking the relics of Lord Buddha to Vietnam is a special gesture by the Government of India because it is the first official delegation with the relics of Lord Buddha... So it is not only the entire Buddhist community but also the Vietnamese government that is expressing deep gratitude to the Government of India for this gesture," Rijiju told ANI. "I want to acknowledge Prime Minister Modi's effort to bring all the Buddhist countries closer to India, sharing the same Buddhist heritage and spreading the message of Lord Buddha, which is peace and compassion," he added. Rijiju, who is also Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said the arrival of relics is a huge message from India and has generated "tremendous spiritual faith". Referring to the large number of people paying their respects to the Holy Relics, he said the "symbol of Buddhism, which has emanated from the sacred land of India has spread throughout the globe". Rijiju also said that "message of Government of India is always peace". Answering a query, Rijiju said that Vietnam authorities have shown great interest, and they also have great faith in India's ability, especially in modern technology. "I am pretty confident that our Indian business leadership will also take advantage of the situation...All important people who can invest in India are invited," he said. Answering another query, Rijiju said he met some of the officials as well as the senior ruling party members in Vietnam. "They have shown great interest in Indian technology, especially AI or Information Technology, and filmmaking...a similar project has started...the pharmaceutical sector also has enormous potential. So I think the limit is sky high. We can make massive progress in all sectors," he said. Rijiju said Vietnam is a vibrant nation with a fast-growing economy and India is also a vast market, which the entire global community has admitted is a bright spot. "Vietnam and India have had a great relationship strategically, economically, culturally, and politically. Prime Minister Modi and the leadership in Vietnam have on many occasions decided to bring our relationship to a strategic level in different fields. I'm happy that from strategic to commerce and to cultural to people-to-people contact, Vietnam and India are coming much closer, and our trade is also increasing leaps and bounds, and I see a huge potential for the future," he said. Holy Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam morning by a special Indian aircraft on May 2. Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, revered monks and senior officials from India accompanied the Holy Relics. The Holy Relics arrived in the context of the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak celebrations being hosted by Vietnam from May 6 to 8. The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha have travelled from the Sacred site of Sarnath, the venue of the first sermon by Lord Buddha. The Relics have been provided through the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum of the Government of India with the support of the International Buddha Confederation. The Holy Relics hold special significance for the Buddhist Community around the world. The Sacred Relics, including a portion of the skull bone of Lord Buddha (Shakyamuni), were excavated in 1898 by British archaeologist William Claxton Peppe in Kapilavastu, near the India-Nepal border. These relics are enshrined in a gold-plated stupa crafted by Thai artisans in 1997, featuring 109 grams of gold at its pinnacle--a testimony of the global reverence of Lord Buddha. (ANI) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju held a detailed discussion on several topics with Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Commitee, Nguyen Van Nen on Monday, including the exposition of Lord Buddha relics brought from India. In the meeting which lasted for almost half-an-hour, both the leaders discussed over various issues as well as on the exposition of Lord Buddha relics brought in Vietnam from India. They also discussed the bilateral relationship between India and Vietnam. Rijiju and Nguyen Van Nen discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, building on their shared historical and cultural ties. Notably, both the leaders expressed respect towards ties between the two countries. The exposition of Lord Buddha relics in Vietnam is a significant cultural and spiritual milestone, reflecting the shared spiritual values that unite both nations. Union Minister Rijiju offered wishes on Vietnam's 50th National Reunification Day commemoration, and United Nations Vesak Day 2025 celebrations. Earlier, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Samten Hills Dalat, a place renowned for its spiritual significance and breathtaking beauty. He explored the site's notable features, including the World's Largest Prayer Wheel, and expressed his feelings of humility and connection to the spiritual site. https://x.com/KirenRijiju/status/1918980993278447776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1918980993278447776%7Ctwgr%5Eb0406ca5732d1882a2236a68499b4eddc63dc16a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aninews.in%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fasia%2Funion-minister-kiren-rijiju-visits-samten-hills-dalat-in-vietnam20250505031850 Sharing images from his visit on the social media platform X, Rijiju wrote, "Happy to visit Samten Hills Dalat in Vietnam. It has the World's Largest Prayer Wheel Drigung Kagyu Rinchen Khorchen Khorwe Go Gek. Humbled to be part of a bond that transcends time, geography & language." In a significant cultural and spiritual milestone, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Ho Chi Minh City today aboard a special aircraft from India, marking the beginning of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Vietnam from May 6-8, 2025. The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, was joined by monks and senior officials in accompanying the Sacred Relics from Sarnath, India. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, reflecting the profound and shared spiritual values that unite both nations. The Holy Relics are being exhibited with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. They will be displayed to the public in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before continuing to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21, 2025, the Ministry of Culture said. The Sacred Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2 to May 21, 2025, as part of the Vesak Day commemorations, strengthening people-to-people connections and honouring Lord Buddha's message of peace, compassion, and harmony. (ANI) India on Monday expressed strong concerns to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi over a parade held in Toronto, where imagery and language deemed unacceptable and threatening were used against Indian leadership and citizens residing in Canada. An anti-Hindu parade in Canada's Malton Gurdwara, Toronto, on Sunday, featured "unacceptable imagery and threatening language" against Indian leadership and citizens. "We have conveyed our concerns in the strongest terms to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi regarding the parade held in Toronto, where unacceptable imagery and threatening language were used against our leadership, and Indian citizens residing in Canada," the sources said. Further, the sources stated that India "once again" calls on the Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements and emphasised the need for protection and safety of its citizens residing in Canada. "We once again call on the Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements who spread hatred and advocate extremism and a separatist agenda," as per the sources. Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman shared a video of an anti-Hindu parade in Canada's Malton Gurdwara, Toronto, on Sunday (local time) and asked whether Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney will be different from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in dealing with Khalistanis. In a post shared on X, Bordman stated, "The Jihadis rampaging through our streets have done significant damage to the social fabric, running around threatening any Jews they can find. But the Khalistanis are giving them a good run for their money on most hateful foreign funded menace to society. Will Mark Carney's Canada be any different from Justin Trudeau's?" He made the statement in response to a post shared by a user named Shawn Binda on the social media platform X. In the post, Binda mentioned that Khalistani group at Malton Gurdwara demanded deportation of 800,000 Hindus to India and termed it a "blatant anti-Hindu hatred from a Khalistani terrorist group." "K-Gang at Malton Gurdwara (Toronto) shamelessly demands 800,000 Hindus--whose vibrant communities span Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, South Africa, Netherlands, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Kenya, and beyond--be deported to "Hindustan." This isn't a protest against India's government; it's blatant anti-Hindu hatred from a Khalistani terrorist group, notorious for Canada's deadliest attack, yet arrogantly claiming the right to stay. #KhalistaniTerrorism," Binda posted on X. The anti-Hindu parade in Toronto comes just days after Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and the governing Liberal Party secured victory in national elections. (ANI) Amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for "maximum restraint," saying that a "military solution is no solution." Extending UN's complete support to promotes de-escalation diplomacy and renewed commitment to peace, Antonio Guterres advised the both nation to avoid military confrontation "that could easily spin out of control." Condemning the attack Guterres expressed grief over the relation between both counties reaching to a "boiling" point. "Tension between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years. It pains me to see the relation reaching a boiling point. I understand the raw feeling following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. I once again strongly condemn the attack and extends my condolences to the families of the victim. Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice," Guetters said. "It is also essential at this critical hour to avoid military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. It is time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake, a military solution is no solution. United Nations stand ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation diplomacy and renewed commitment to peace," he added. UN Secretary General pitch for peace comes following stern measure taken by India against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in which 26 people were killed. The Indian government has said that perpetrators of the terror attack will face severe punishment.. Indian government has given the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack. The government has also 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. Meanwhile, opposition parties have expressed their full support for any action taken by the government against the perpetrators of the henious attack. (ANI) External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on Monday met with Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Fukushiro Nukaga and thanked him for expressing solidarity and support following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Jaishankar further appreciated his leadership in developing the "natural relationship" between India and Japan. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1919357624367108290 In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Delighted to meet Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga of the House of Representatives of Japan today in Delhi, along with his Parliamentary colleagues and business delegation. Thank him for the expression of solidarity and support on the Pahalgam terrorist attack." "Agreed to develop the agenda of increasing talent exchanges, enhancing business linkages and building technology partnerships," he added. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1919365130971734077 Jaishankar also met with Latvia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Baiba Braze and discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages. "A good conversation with FM @Braze_Baiba of Latvia this evening. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages. Also spoke about global issues and our bilateral cooperation," Jaishankar wrote on X. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday welcomed and received Fukushiro and his delegation at the Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility at Jagiroad and spent some time with them, as per the Assam CMO statement. It may be noted that the Japanese delegation, led by its Speaker, on the second day of its three-day visit to Assam, on Sunday, visited the under-construction site of Tata's Semiconductor Assembly and Test Plant at Jagiroad and toured the facility to gain a first-hand look at the plant's progress. Receiving the delegation, Chief Minister Sarma said that the Japanese Speaker's visit to the Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility, along with his high-powered delegation, is a significant and positive development from the perspective of attracting Japanese investments to Assam. According to the Assam Chief Minister's office, Sarma also said that Japan has lifted all restrictions on tourists visiting Assam and is already supporting Assam in all key sectors, namely health and infrastructure. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], May 5 (ANI/TPS): Speaking at a conference on Israeli security and the Druze in Akko on Monday, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, spiritual leader of Israel's Druze community, called on the international community to protect Syrian minorities from radical Islamists. "After October 7 and after what Hezbollah did, Israel cannot allow extremist terror groups to be on its northern border," Tarif said. Tarif urged the international community to help Syria move beyond its political deadlock and establish a democratic government inclusive of its diverse ethnic groups, which he said could eventually lead to peace with Israel. He highlighted the plight of the Druze in Syria, noting that "a thousand foreign ISIS fighters" openly reject the Druze as part of Syria. Tarif stressed that while Israeli Druze do not seek to interfere in Syria's politics, they are committed to defending Druze communities. He lamented that international aid for the Druze has yet to materialize. Separately, Tarif emphasized that "above all," the immediate priorities must be the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza and an end to the war. Sectarian violence in the Damascus area has continued between Islamic gunmen linked to the regime of President Ahmed al-Sharaa and local Druze. Forty-two Druze are said to have been killed in more than a week of clashes. Israel launched warning strikes on Wednesday and Friday including near the compound of the Turkish-backed al-Sharaa. Israel's Druze community of 152,000 has been calling on the government to take stronger measures to protect their co-religionists in southern Syria. Around 40,000 Druze live in the southern Syrian provinces of Quneitra, Da'ara and Sweida under Israeli protection. Netanyahu has called for the demilitarization of southern Syria. The Druze trace their ancestry back to the Biblical figure Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. In Israel, the Druze serve in senior positions in public and military life, and the bond between Jewish and Druze soldiers is referred to as the "covenant of blood." The Druze speak Arabic but are not Muslim. The Druze living in the Galilee and Mount Carmel areas sided with the Jews in 1948 during Israel's War of Independence, opted to be part of Israeli society and established themselves in all areas of public life. When Israel captured the Golan Heights during the Six-Day War of 1967, the Golan Druze refused Israeli offers of citizenship, believing Syria would recapture the plateau. But attitudes have changed since the Syrian Civil War broke out in 2011. (ANI/TPS) Tel Aviv [Israel], May 5 (ANI/TPS): Israeli security personnel arrested a Palestinian weapons trafficker in the area Shechem (Nablus), the Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday. During Sunday's arrest, soldiers seized hundreds of weapons and tactical equipment the suspect had offered for sale, including electric stun guns, airsoft guns, knives, pepper spray cannisters and more. (ANI/TPS) India's Ambassador to Vietnam, Sandeep Arya, emphasises the strong bond between India and Vietnam through Buddhism, highlighting Buddhist connections between the two countries represent a "very strong" element of the partnership. Speaking to ANI on Monday, the Indian envoy noted that India is seen as the land of Buddha, where his teachings and lifestyle have become part of Vietnam's belief system and spirituality. "Buddhist connections between India and Vietnam represent a very strong element of the partnership and the close friendship between the two countries. In Vietnam, it is generally believed that Buddhist monks arrived in Vietnam about 1800 years ago," he said. The envoy also said there are many stories around the monks' first visit. "I think India is seen as the land of Buddha, a place from where the messages of Buddha and the teachings, lifestyle and everything else have become part of the belief system and spirituality in Vietnam," the envoy stated. Arya believes this "deep linkage and historical connections" will strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Vietnam in the coming years. "So I think taking that deep linkage and historical connections relating to Buddhism between the two, the way India is seen as the land of Buddha by the people of Vietnam, and I think they will strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries in the coming years," he said. Notably, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from India, marking the start of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations from May 6-8. The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, was joined by monks and senior officials in accompanying the Sacred Relics from Sarnath, India. The Holy Relics are being exhibited with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. They will be displayed to the public in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before continuing to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21, 2025, the Ministry of Culture said. The Sacred Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2 to May 21, as part of the Vesak Day commemorations, strengthening people-to-people connections and honouring Lord Buddha's message of peace, compassion, and harmony. (ANI) "The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is aware of media reports claiming that issues related to Pakistan were discussed during the bilateral meeting between ADB President Masato Kanda and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the sidelines of the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy," said the multilateral development bank as per an official release. Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday met ADB President Masato Kanda and Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti on Monday and talked about the initiatives India is taking to foster economic growth. Finance Ministry officials also said that there was no discussion on issues related to Pakistan with ADB President and the Italian Finance Minister. In her meeting with Masato Kanda during the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in Milan, Sitharaman reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy ecosystem through bold initiatives. Tensions have risen between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The government has said that perpetrators will face severe punishment. FM Sitharaman is in Milan to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy, from May 4 to 7, 2025. (ANI) A new kind of thrift store has popped up at 829 Main St. in downtown Lynchburg and its not a typical secondhand shop. The Scrappy Elephant, a creative reuse center, is a new eco-friendly hub focused on keeping art supplies out of the landfill and putting them back into the hands of teachers, artists, children and crafters at low cost. I was an art teacher, and when I had my daughter, I just kind of freaked out about climate change, owner and founder Sarah Sweet said. I thought, Ive got to find something that marries art with environmental impact. Thats when I discovered the concept of creative reuse in Nashville and it changed everything. Creative reuse, Sweet said, is like a thrift store, but specifically for arts and crafts supplies. Instead of clothing and furniture, the Scrappy Elephant offers everything from yarn, fabric and paint to needlepoint kits, sewing machines and even vintage postcards. Most of it is donated by the community and inventory changes weekly based on those donations. Our goal is keeping art materials out of the landfill and getting them back to the community for as low cost as possible, Sweet said. Because art-making is good for you, it lowers stress and anxiety. I just want more people making art because its really, really good. The Scrappy Elephant started in Palmyra before relocating to Charlottesville, where it now operates as a thriving brick-and-mortar location with classrooms, rentable studio space, birthday parties and an ever-evolving inventory of reused art materials. But Lynchburg has been on Sweets radar for some time. Marie, who works for us now, used to drive from Lynchburg to shop at our store, Sweet said. When we looked at our website analytics, Lynchburg was actually our third most-visited city. That really told us theres interest here. The Lynchburg pop-up officially opened in April and is expected to remain through the end of September at the former Bowen Jewelry Company location. Sweet and her team furnished the space in just three days with help from places such as Charlottesvilles UVA Reuse Store and local thrift shops. We just wanted to see if people in Lynchburg liked the idea before we go all in, Sweet said. And so far, the response has been great. Customers at the pop-up can shop using a simple bag system and choose from four bag sizes to fill with any materials they need. Sweet said this model helps reduce cost and waste while offering flexibility. Need just a yard of fabric or a handful of beads? No problem. Were not going to make you buy a whole skein of yarn if you only need a bit, she said. Its really about taking what you need and making it accessible to everyone. The pop-up also includes a mini studio space, which visitors can rent by the hour. The goal is to create an unstructured space for people of all ages to make, explore and play. We dont do guided crafts, Sweet said. We just set out the supplies and let people create whatever they want. Kids love it. Within 20 minutes theyre like, Look at this amazing thing I made! The store offers a nonprofit rewards program, where customers earn buttons worth 50 cents with each purchase or studio visit. The buttons are then donated to local nonprofits, who return them at the end of each month to shop for supplies. Weve already partnered with The Arc of Central Virginia, Amazement Square and Vector Space, Sweet said. Sweet and her team including right-hand woman Ellen Kanzinger, who completed the Launch LYH business accelerator run by Downtown Lynchburg Association, are hoping to move to a more permanent space later this year. Their ideal location is a portion of the former Vector Space building on 5th Street. That space would give us room to expand, offer classes and build something sustainable, Sweet said. The timing works out perfectly, we can stay in this pop-up through September and hopefully transition into the new space right after. Looking ahead, Sweet hopes to bring Scrappy Elephants full programming to Lynchburg, including art classes for all ages, a rotating artist consignment program called the Artful Elephant and more opportunities for community involvement. Were stretched so thin these days, she said. Even 15 minutes of coloring can lower your stress levels. Art is a way to take care of yourself and when you give what you make to others, youre spreading joy and kindness too. And kindness is at the heart of the Scrappy Elephant along with creativity and sustainability, its three core values. I lived in Ghana and saw elephants in the wild and I just fell in love, Sweet said. Theyre matriarchal, they care for their community and theyre full of love and strength. Thats what we want to be, a place that spreads love, kindness and community through art. BEIJING, May 06 (News On Japan) - China has pushed back against Japan's protest over a recent incursion by a Chinese helicopter into Japanese airspace near the Senkaku Islands, claiming instead that it was a Japanese civilian aircraft that violated Chinese airspace. The incident occurred on May 3rd, when a helicopter launched from a China Coast Guard vessel flew into Japanese territorial airspace in the vicinity of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. In response, the Japanese government lodged a formal protest with Beijing. However, on May 4th, Liu Jinsong, director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs at China's Foreign Ministry, summoned Deputy Chief of Mission Yokochi at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing to assert that "a Japanese civilian aircraft entered Chinese airspace." China issued a formal complaint in return. According to the Japanese Embassy, Yokochi firmly rejected the claim and reiterated Japan's protest over the Chinese helicopter's violation, urging strong measures to prevent any recurrence. The China Coast Guard had also announced on May 3rd that a Japanese civilian plane had first violated Chinese airspace, prompting them to respond with a helicopter dispatch to drive it away. Source: FNN As EB-5 Winds Down, Amicus International Offers Secure, Legal Second Citizenship Alternatives for Privacy-Conscious Global Citizens WASHINGTON, D.C. Former President Donald Trump has unveiled a new immigration proposal allowing wealthy foreigners to buy their way into the United States for a price tag of $5 million. Under what he calls a Gold Visa initiative, applicants would receive immediate U.S. residency and a strong path to citizenship, bypassing traditional wait times and eligibility hurdles that affect most immigrants. While Trump described the plan as revolutionary, it closely mirrors the now-controversial citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs in Europe and the Caribbean, many of which are currently under legal and ethical scrutiny. Even more notably, this announcement arrives as the United States phases out its existing EB-5 visa program. This long-standing investment-based residency program has been a cornerstone of U.S. immigration for over three decades. This is a clear pivot from structured immigration policy to commodified citizenship, said a senior immigration policy analyst in Washington. It might seem innovative, but in reality, its a high-risk, high-price shortcut that raises questions about fairness, national security, and corruption exposure. What Is the EB-5 Visa Program And Why Is It Ending? Established by Congress in 1990, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created to attract foreign investment and stimulate job creation in the United States. Foreigners who invested $1 million (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) into a U.S.-based enterprise that created at least 10 full-time jobs were eligible for a green card. Key Benefits of EB-5: Direct pathway to permanent residency Eligibility for citizenship within five years Inclusion of spouse and dependent children Lower investment thresholds for rural or high-unemployment areas However, critics of EB-5 have long flagged the programs vulnerability to fraud, abuse, and misuse by foreign nationals seeking to evade criminal investigations or financial oversight in their home countries. Several high-profile scandals, including fraudulent regional center investments and forged job creation numbers, prompted Congress to reexamine the programs effectiveness. While some elements of EB-5 remain in limited use, the broader policy is now being replaced or overshadowed by proposals like Trumps $5 million Gold Visa. How Trumps Gold Visa Compares to EB-5 Feature EB-5 Visa Program Proposed Gold Visa Investment Amount $800,000$1 million $5 million Job Creation Required? Yes (10 U.S. jobs) No stated requirement Timeline to Citizenship 5 years Strong path unspecified Vetting Requirements Extensive (USCIS-reviewed) Unclear or minimal Transparency Governed by U.S. immigration law Executive proposal, no Congressional oversight yet The absence of job creation or regional development criteria under the proposed Gold Visa significantly reduces its benefit to the U.S. economy, raising concerns that the initiative is designed more to attract capital than contribute to growth or national interest. We are essentially putting a price on citizenship with no expectation of benefit in return, a former USCIS officer commented. Thats not immigration reform; thats immigration for sale. The Global Risk of Citizenship-for-Sale Models Countries such as Malta, Cyprus, and Saint Kitts & Nevis have operated similar high-dollar immigration programs for years. However, many of these programs have attracted criminal actors, tax evaders, and fugitives looking to escape extradition or financial sanctions. Case Study: Cyprus Passport Scandal In 2020, undercover investigations revealed that Cypriot officials were helping individuals with criminal records obtain EU citizenship through investment programs. This led to the eventual cancellation of Cypruss passport scheme after intense public backlash and European Union intervention. The lesson here is clear: when citizenship is sold without rigorous vetting, it becomes a shield for crime, said a European anti-corruption investigator. Amicus International Offers Legal, Transparent, and Ethical Alternatives Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in legal identity solutions and second citizenship programs, strongly opposes citizenship-for-sale initiatives that compromise public trust and national security. Instead, Amicus offers fully legal, transparent, and compliance-focused pathways to second citizenship and global mobility. Amicus Services Include: Second Citizenship by Legal Means : Through ancestry, long-term residency, or investment programs backed by vetted government partnerships. Name Change and Identity Management : For high-risk individuals such as whistleblowers, journalists, or political dissidents seeking safety. Residency Planning : Tailored legal residencies in safe jurisdictions with strong human rights and privacy protections. Digital and Financial Privacy Consulting : Secure structuring for clients requiring anonymity within legal frameworks. Our goal is not to sell passports, a company spokesperson said. Our mission is to help individuals legally restructure their identities, protect their families, and regain personal freedom without compromising global ethics or legal compliance. Case Study: Legal Relocation for an Anti-Corruption Journalist In 2023, Amicus assisted a Southeast Asian investigative journalist whose work had exposed government-level corruption. After receiving threats, the journalist was granted legal residency in a Caribbean jurisdiction through a government program with stringent vetting. The individual now lives safely abroad, continuing to write under legal protection and with a lawfully established new identity. Case Study: Financial Executive Pursuing Asset Security A Latin American financial executive facing extortion threats sought Amicus help in relocating his family. Rather than opting for a high-risk passport program, the client was guided through a legitimate residency process in the EU, where he met all legal thresholds, passed financial audits, and was granted long-term residency without risk to either jurisdiction. Why Amicus Solutions Are Different Unlike Trumps Gold Visa idea or discredited global CBI schemes, Amicus operates under a strict due diligence protocol: Clients are screened against INTERPOL , OFAC , FATF , and sanctions databases All identity solutions comply with OECD tax transparency rules Government relationships are built on legal treaties and anti-money laundering frameworks Amicus does not work with individuals engaged in criminal activity or under current prosecution This clear ethical boundary sets Amicus apart from CBI facilitators who accept cash in exchange for questionable documentation. What This Means for Global Mobility and Security Though still in the conceptual stage, Trumps proposal marks a potential turning point in U.S. immigration that could encourage other countries to monetize citizenship without regard for the consequences. If implemented without safeguards, the $5 million visa plan could: Undermine the integrity of U.S. immigration policy Open doors for criminal actors to enter the U.S. Create a two-tiered system favouring wealth over merit or humanitarian need In contrast, Amicus Internationals approach promotes lawful, ethical migration options that enhance global mobility while respecting national laws and security priorities. Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@amicusint.ca Website: www.amicusint.ca Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter/X Facebook Instagram GENEVA, SWITZERLAND In a groundbreaking new expose, ZardozList.com, the Geneva-based PR and digital influence firm, unveils how the manipulative propaganda playbook of Paul Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Germanys notorious Minister of Propaganda, continues to shape the modern online landscape through social media algorithms, viral disinformation, and digital tribalism. Titled Paul Joseph Goebbels: The Dark Architect of Propaganda and His Influence on Modern Online Manipulation, the release compares Goebbels strategies with the ethical persuasion methods proposed by Edward Bernaysunveiling how todays digital influencers, political campaigns, and bot networks unknowingly echo tactics from the darkest corners of history. From Nazi Germany to Algorithmic Propaganda Paul Joseph Goebbels (18971945) oversaw one of the most infamous propaganda machines in history. Inspired by the psychological theories of Freud and the persuasion techniques of Bernays, Goebbels weaponized emotion, myth-making, and repetition to engineer mass obedience. If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. Paul Joseph Goebbels ZardozLists report warns that this chilling principle is now being accelerated by AI, personalized micro-targeting, and social media outrage algorithms. Key Goebbels Tactics Reincarnated in Todays Online World The Big Lie Technique Goebbels believed colossal lies, repeated often and never retracted, were more likely to be accepted. Modern Parallels: Conspiracy theories like Pizzagate, COVID-19 denialism, and widespread election fraud narratives gain traction through viral repetition across multiple platformsoften bolstered by AI bots and content farms. Emotional Over Logic Goebbels understood the visceral power of fear, anger, and pride to bypass rational debate. Modern Parallels: Social platforms boost high-emotion content. Outrage videos, doomscroll headlines, and identity-driven hashtags (#MAGA, #Resist) dominate feeds, not facts. Bernays Connection: People are not interested in logic, but in the dramatization of facts. Edward Bernays, Crystallizing Public Opinion (1923) Simplification and Slogans Nazi ideology was reduced to rallying cries like Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Fuhrer. Modern Parallels: Todays ideological battles are waged through emotionally loaded slogans like #DefundThePolice or #BuildTheWall, which leaves no room for nuance. Scapegoating and Us vs. Them Narratives Goebbels used enemy creation to unite the public around a shared fear. Modern Parallels: Digital propaganda often depicts political opponents not as wrongbut evil. Memes and viral videos caricature entire groups, promoting tribal identity and moral superiority. Media Theatre and Event Engineering Goebbels orchestrated massive rallies and cinematic spectacles to stoke emotional fervor. Modern Parallels: Modern campaigns choreograph viral protests, influencer collaborations, and livestreamed events designed for algorithmic lift and media coverage. Supercharged by Technology: The Tools Goebbels Never Had Goebbels operated through film, radio, and tightly controlled newspapers. Todays digital propagandists command a more terrifying arsenal: AI-generated content farms spinning thousands of blog posts and memes daily Social media algorithms that boost sensationalism and suppress nuance Bot armies simulating consensus across multiple platforms Deepfakes capable of producing entirely fabricated videos that defy visual verification Had Goebbels access to TikTok, AI tools, or personalized ad tech, says ZardozList strategist Dominique Renaud, his control over public perception could have been nearly absolute. When Bernays Meets Goebbels: The Ethics Divide Both Goebbels and Bernays recognized the power of media and psychology to shape mass behaviorbut for vastly different ends. Bernays , the father of public relations, promoted ethical persuasion in democratic societies. Goebbels used similar tools to foster fascism, racism, and genocide. Technology doesnt care who uses it, says Elodie Caron, ZardozLists Director of Digital Ethics. The same strategy that sells a product can also sell a war. ZardozList highlights the tension between persuasion and manipulation, calling for a global dialogue around digital ethics, media literacy, and content transparency. ZardozLists Call to Action: Defend Democracy Against Digital Propaganda In the reports conclusion, ZardozList issues a powerful warning: Goebbels playbook is alivenot through Nazis, but through unknowing mimics, political operatives, and algorithmic systems designed to exploit emotion for profit or power. To resist modern propaganda, ZardozList recommends: Media Literacy Education : Empower citizens to decode emotional triggers and algorithmic manipulation. Critical Thinking Over Virality : Reward discernment, not outrage. Transparency in Influencer Marketing : Require clear disclosure of paid opinions and political sponsorship. Algorithmic Accountability : Push for platform reforms that reduce toxic amplification of extremism. About ZardozList ZardozList.com is a Geneva-based digital PR and influence strategy firm specializing in crisis communications, digital reputation management, and social engineering campaigns. Through media audits, influencer research, and algorithmic sentiment tracking, ZardozList helps brands and institutions navigate the increasingly blurred line between persuasion and propaganda. Contact Information ZARDOZ LIST Email: info@zardozlist.com Website: www.ZardozList.com Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter/X Instagram Facebook 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 A delegation of 35 Moroccan business leaders visited Cairo this weekend to attend the Morocco-Egypt business forum meant to explore new trade opportunities and strengthen commercial ties, according to the Moroccan Confederation of Exporters (ASMEX). The three-day mission (May 3-5) aims to promote Made in Morocco products in the Egyptian market. This mission is the result of long-term strategic work carried out by ASMEX with determination and vision, said a confederation spokesperson. The visit follows April meetings with Egyptian officials, including a visit by Egypts ambassador to ASMEX headquarters and a successful Egypt Country Zoom event that educated participants about market opportunities. The trade mission builds on recent diplomatic momentum between the two North African nations and follows the visit Egypts Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan Al-Khatib, paid to Morocco in February this year. During this visit, it was agreed to establish a direct communication channel to identify and address any obstacles hindering trade between the two countries, to intensify efforts to increase Moroccan exports to Egypt, especially in the automotive sector, and to set up a fast-track system in Egypt, designed to streamline access for Moroccan exports. Both sides also agreed to activate the Business Council to boost bilateral trade relations and to prepare for the convening of the Joint Commercial Committee. ASMEX emphasized that successful economic missions require careful preparation, representative participation (exclusively exporters in this case), and clear objectives. The organization continues to position itself as a leader in Moroccos economic diplomacy while supporting the countrys export sector. The delegations visit represents a strategic effort to increase trade between the two major North African economies, potentially opening new markets for Moroccan companies while strengthening regional economic integration. A devastating aerial assault on Old Fangak in South Sudans Jonglei state has left at least seven civilians dead and twenty more injured, as humanitarian agencies raise alarms over the reawakening of full-scale civil conflict. The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported that a helicopter gunship attacked the only hospital in Fangak County, obliterating its pharmacy and critical supplies, followed by a drone strike that hit a bustling market. With over 110,000 residents reliant on this facility, the attack is being condemned as a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law. While the South Sudanese government has yet to issue a formal response, MSFs spokesperson Mamman Mustapha stated that local witnesses identified the aircraft as belonging to government forces. The hospital, clearly marked and its coordinates shared with all parties in the conflict, should have been spared under the conventions of war. The timing of the bombinghours after the army vowed retaliation for recent river barge hijackings allegedly by a militia linked to Vice-President Riek Macharhas further fuelled suspicions of state involvement. Tensions between President Salva Kiir and his erstwhile deputy Machar have surged in recent weeks, drawing grim parallels to the civil war that erupted in 2013, just two years after South Sudans independence. Despite the 2018 peace accord that birthed a unity government, key promises remain unfulfilledelections have stalled, militias persist, and the formation of a unified national army is far from realised. With political rivalries increasingly splintering along ethnic lines, and the recent resurgence of the White Army militia clashing with state forces, the spectre of renewed civil war looms ominously over the worlds youngest nation. Spains Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares welcomed on Monday the excellent momentum witnessed in relations between Spain and Morocco. Speaking before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Spanish Congress of Deputies, the head of Spanish diplomacy expressed his gratitude to Morocco for its support during last weeks power blackout in Spain, a support that helped facilitate a quick restoration of electricity to parts of the Iberian country. Albares also highlighted the significant progress achieved in Morocco-Spain relations during the new phase initiated following the letter sent by President of the Spanish Government Pedro Sanchez to King Mohammed VI, in which he reiterated that the autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara is the most serious, credible, and realistic basis for reaching a settlement to this regional conflict. He further praised the historic record of 23 billion in trade between the two countries, boosted by the roadmap agreed upon on April 7, 2022. Morocco and Mauritania have voiced their shared resolve to upgrade their cooperation in matters of advanced regionalization and decentralization and to establish effective partnerships between the two countries local authorities. This came during a meeting held in Rabat on Monday between Moroccan Minister of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, and Mauritanian Minister in charge of Decentralization and Local Development, Yacoub Ould Salem Fall, who is visiting Morocco this May 4-8. The meeting falls within the framework of the fraternal and fruitful cooperation relations between Morocco and Mauritania, which aim to strengthen the foundations of South-South cooperation and to promote solidarity and joint action in the face of current development challenges, says the Ministry of the Interior in a press release. The two parties held extended discussions, which provided an opportunity to present Moroccos experience in advanced regionalization and decentralization and to exchange views on ways to broaden and develop cooperation prospects between the two countries in this vital area. The two officials emphasized the importance of enhancing decentralized cooperation as a key lever to promote territorial governance and spatial development. They expressed a shared commitment to establishing effective partnerships between Moroccan and Mauritanian local authorities, through the exchange of experiences and best practices in areas such as solid waste management, local services, urban development, territorial planning, and digital transformation. In this regard, the two parties reviewed the Moroccan-Mauritanian decentralized cooperation, which has made tangible progress in recent years thanks to a series of projects jointly undertaken by the local authorities of both countries, thereby paving the way for new mechanisms to elevate this cooperation to a model strategic partnership. This visit reflects the positive momentum of Moroccan-Mauritanian relations, as well as the shared desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in territorial governance, in the spirit of fraternity and complementarity that unites the two brotherly nations, the press release said. Egypt has decided to skip the military exercise which the Algerian regime is planning to organize May 21 to 27 on its territory due to the participation of the Algeria-backed Polisario militias in the drills, according to press reports. Cairos refusal to participate in the military maneuvers dealt a hard blow to the Algerian junta scheme which aims at getting legitimacy for their sponsored terrorist organization that is hoping to escape accountability amid growing international calls urging the Trump Administration to label the Polisario militias a terrorist organization as the Iranian proxies, Hamas, Houthis and Hezbollah. Placed under the banner of the North African Regional Capability (NARC), a regional military alliance gathering Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, the exercise was supposed to strengthen security coordination against common challenges. Blinded by its hatred for Morocco, the Algerian authorities exploited this regional body to serve its own strategic goals and invited the Polisario separatists to this military exercise in a bid to get Cairo embroiled in a diplomatic crisis with Rabat. However, the Algerian manipulator regime has failed to deceive Egypt which has distanced itself from Algiers destabilizing plots sowing divisions among Arab ranks and exacerbating regional tension by supporting separatism and terrorism. With its dirty tactics and manipulations, the Algerian regime continues to lose credibility on the regional and international scene, steering the country to a cliff-edge amid deepening political, economic and social crises. The Algerian rulers have already strained relations with all their neighbors as well as with Washington, Paris, Madrid and several other international partners, making many experts very anxious wondering how long the Algerian junta will hold. In a display of continental solidarity, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Comorian counterpart, President Azali Assoumani, convened a meeting in Cairo on Sunday, May 4, to underscore the urgency of a harmonized African voice amid escalating regional challenges. Against a backdrop of persistent instability in Gaza, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, the two leaders called for renewed coordination among African Union (AU) members, advocating collective responses to issues of peace, security, and economic vulnerability. The dialogue placed strong emphasis on safeguarding Red Sea maritime corridors and reinvigorating continental mechanisms like the Community of SahelSaharan States (CEN-SAD) in counterterrorism efforts. Beyond the realm of security, the summit echoed Africas developmental imperatives, from climate resilience and poverty alleviation to debt relief and infrastructure financing. President El-Sisi highlighted Egypts readiness to act as both partner and peer to the Comoros and fellow African states, offering technical cooperation and institutional know-how. The Emerging Comoros Plan (ECP) was cited as a focal point for Egypts developmental outreach, with Cairo pledging expertise in health, education, energy, and fisheriessectors that remain vital for the archipelago nations socio-economic trajectory. Economic ties between the two countries have also matured steadily, with bilateral trade experiencing double-digit annual growth over the past five years. This upward trajectory is expected to accelerate following the signing of a series of strategic agreements and memoranda of understanding. Both leaders affirmed that their shared membership in regional blocs such as COMESA provides a gateway to deeper integration, mutual prosperity, and enhanced influence on global platforms. At a time when Africas fate hinges on unity and agency, the Cairo summit sends a clear message: cooperation is no longer an ideal, but a necessity. In a move steeped in symbolism and constitutional adherence, Gabons transitional Prime Minister, Raymond Ndong Sima, formally submitted his resignation on Sunday, May 4, marking the end of his stewardship during the nations political recalibration. This follows the official swearing-in of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, ushering in a new administration under a revised constitutional framework endorsed by popular referendum in November 2024. While procedural in essence, Ndong Simas departure signals more than a changing of the guardit underscores the fragile but deliberate march toward restored civilian rule in a country still navigating the aftershocks of its recent political upheaval. The presidency, in a tone of reverence, acknowledged his tenure as one marked by duty and resolve, describing him as a man of experience who was pivotal to the success of the transitional phase. His loyalty and commitment were highlighted as foundational to the states reorientation during a period of uncertainty. As Gabon enters a new political era, the resignation sets a precedent for institutional respect and the upholding of legal normsa significant gesture in a region where such formalities are often sidelined. The smooth handover could serve as a litmus test for the sustainability of democratic governance in post-crisis contexts. All eyes now turn to President Oligui Nguema as he prepares to appoint a new cabinet and define his leadership beyond the legacy of transition. Construction Safety Week 2025 Rallies Industry Around Shared Responsibility and Safer Jobsites Leaders are driving safer jobsites through teamwork, planning, and daily engagement. As Construction Safety Week 2025 approaches, industry leaders are equipping companies nationwide with an array of planning resources to promote jobsite safety and foster a culture of collaboration. Scheduled for May 59, this year's theme, "All in Together," underscores the collective responsibility in ensuring workplace safety.Construction Safety Week+4Construction Safety Week+4Construction Safety Week+4 The official Construction Safety Week website offers a suite of downloadable materials designed to assist companies in organizing effective safety events. These resources include a Planning Playbook, daily safety topics, toolbox talks, and best practice guides, all aimed at facilitating meaningful safety discussions and activities on jobsites. Construction Safety Week Each day of Safety Week focuses on a specific theme:Construction Safety Week+1Construction Safety Week+1 Monday, May 5 : Plan with Precision Emphasizing the importance of thorough planning to identify potential hazards early. : Plan with Precision Emphasizing the importance of thorough planning to identify potential hazards early. Tuesday, May 6 : Identifying High Energy Hazards Focusing on recognizing and mitigating high-risk energy sources on the jobsite.Construction Safety Week+1Construction Safety Week+1 : Identifying High Energy Hazards Focusing on recognizing and mitigating high-risk energy sources on the jobsite.Construction Safety Week+1Construction Safety Week+1 Wednesday, May 7 : Own Your Part Encouraging individual accountability in maintaining safety standards. : Own Your Part Encouraging individual accountability in maintaining safety standards. Thursday, May 8 : Engage & Empower Team Members Highlighting the role of team engagement in fostering a proactive safety culture. : Engage & Empower Team Members Highlighting the role of team engagement in fostering a proactive safety culture. Friday, May 9: Commit to Excellence Reinforcing the commitment to continuous improvement in safety practices. In addition to these daily themes, the website provides branded materials such as jobsite banners, email signatures, and social media templates to help companies promote their Safety Week initiatives. Construction Safety Week Companies are encouraged to participate in the National Safety Stand-Down on May 7, a collaborative effort with OSHA to raise awareness about fall hazards in construction. Participants can download a Certificate of Participation to acknowledge their involvement. Construction Safety Week+1Construction Safety Week+1 By leveraging these resources, construction firms can effectively plan and execute Safety Week activities that comply with industry standards and cultivate a shared commitment to safety among all team members. For more information and to access the planning resources, visit Construction Safety Week Resources. Employers Urged to Strengthen Safety Training for Teen and Young Workers Washington is urging employers to provide clear training and protections to safeguard teen and young workers from preventable job hazards. Teen and young workers remain a vulnerable population in the workforce, often facing serious safety risks due to limited experience and a lack of job-specific training. State officials are urging employers to strengthen their training programs and review legal requirements to better protect younger workers, especially as the summer job season approaches. In Washington, the minimum legal age to work is 14, with some exceptions for agricultural labor. Youth as young as 12 may hand-harvest berries, bulbs, cucumbers, and spinach during weeks when school is not in session. However, employers must comply with both state and federal child labor laws when hiring anyone under 18. Teen workers often have unique learning needs and limited exposure to workplace hazards, said a representative from Washingtons Department of Labor & Industries. Employers need to provide targeted training and clearly define prohibited duties to reduce injury risks. Workers under 18 are prohibited from performing certain hazardous tasks, and employers are required to understand and communicate those restrictions. For older youth between the ages of 18 and 25, who are no longer covered by prohibited duty rules, the risks remain high. These workers still require job-specific training, hazard awareness education, and access to proper personal protective equipment (PPE), as mandated by workplace safety laws. To support safe employment practices, the state offers a variety of resources for employers, supervisors, and teen workers. These include safety policy guidelines, training materials, and campaign tools under Washingtons Teen Worker Safety Campaign. For more information, including requirements, training resources, and age-specific employment rules, visit: Teen and Young Worker Safety WA L&I Oil markets took another hit this weekend as OPEC+ threw another curveball. In a virtual meeting Saturday, the groups top producersSaudi Arabia and Russiaannounced a 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) output hike for June, nearly triple what had originally been planned. The move follows a similar surge for May and signals a stark strategic pivot from defending prices to flooding the market. At first glance, this looks like a crackdown on quota violators. Kazakhstan and Iraq have repeatedly overproduced despite OPEC+ curbs. Kazakhstan alone overshot its March quota by a staggering 422,000 bpd, hitting a record 2.12 million bpd. With enforcement efforts having failed, Saudi Arabia seems to be letting prices do the disciplining. But analysts like Bloombergs Javier Blas argue this is about more than punishing cheaters. It may reflect a deeper shift in Riyadhs approach to oil markets. Rather than resist falling prices, the Saudis appear to be steering into them. For Saudi Arabia, a kingdom that needs oil above $90 to balance its budget, the move looks boldeven reckless. But Riyadh may be betting that short-term pain yields long-term gain. Lower prices could reclaim lost market share and put pressure on high-cost producers like U.S. shale. It may also be a pre-emptive strike ahead of any Trump-led lifting of sanctions on Iran or Venezuela, both of which would bring more oil into an already oversupplied market. Meanwhile, oil bulls are throwing in the towel. Standard Chartered slashed its 2025 Brent forecast by $16 to $61/bbl, citing tariff escalations and the OPEC+ pivot. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan have likewise downgraded price and growth expectations, warning of elevated recession risk. Saudi Arabia isnt just reacting. Its adaptingtrading short-term revenue for strategic positioning. This is not a war cry. Its a recalibration. And it could change the market for years to come. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Previously, we reported that commodity analysts at Standard Chartered were bullish on oil prices in the current year, thanks to strong oil fundamentals, including declining U.S. supply growth and OPEC+ supply discipline. StanChart reported that non-OPEC+ supply growth fell sharply from 2.46 mb/d in 2023 to 0.79 mb/d in 2024, in large part due to a reduction in U.S. total liquids growth, which fell from 1.605 mb/d in 2023 to 734 kb/d in 2024. StanChart predicted this trend will continue over the next two years, with U.S. liquids growth clocking in at just 367 kb/d in 2025 and 151 kb/d in 2026. In contrast, a December survey by Haynes Boone LLC revealed that Wall Street is largely bearish, predicting that oil prices will fall below $60 a barrel by the middle of U.S. President Donald Trumps term. Well, it appears that the bears can now take their victory lap, with even perma-bulls like StanChart throwing in the towel. StanChart has conceded theres little hope for oil bulls, and has cut its 2025 forecast by $16 per barrel (bbl) to $61/bbl and its 2026 forecast by $7/bbl to USD 78/bbl. StanChart contends that the Trump administration will have a hard time convincing the markets that its tariff-based policies are not recessionary, with gloom already spreading in the markets after Washington released a worrying economic report on Wednesday. The U.S. economy shrank -0.3% in the first quarter, marking the first contraction in three years as companies went on a buying spree of foreign goods before Trumps 90-day pause on final tariffs comes to an end. Thankfully, financial markets avoided going into a meltdown after that report, with the U.S. labor markets remaining relatively healthy. The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, slightly lower than 185,000 added in March, with the unemployment rate remaining unchanged at 4.2%. StanChart is also pessimistic about the prospects of some OPEC+ members meeting their output commitments. To wit, the commodity analysts have noted that Kazakhstan has so far been unable to deliver any compensation as earlier agreed. Kazakhstans crude output has lately surged, hitting a record high of 2.12 million b/d in February, good for a large 13% increase from January volumes and well above the countrys OPEC+ quota of 1.468 million bpd. Saudi Arabia is mad at quota violators such as Kazakhstan and Iraq for repeatedly exceeding their set targets, and is ready to open the taps. Whereas the current Brent price is more than $30/bbl below the $96.20/bbl that Saudi Arabia requires to balance its books, OPECs largest producer has ample alternative funding options it can rely on to weather low oil prices, including issuing sovereign debt or tapping foreign exchange reserves. Related: Imperial Oil Q1 Earnings Rise on Higher Refining Margins The experts have also pointed out that Saudi Arabia can take advantage of the low tariff rates on GCC nations by the Trump administration by becoming a regional manufacturing powerhouse. Trump slapped all six GCC nations with 10% tariffs. "As tariffs rise in certain countries, we are likely to see a growing shift of business to the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council], whether through nearshoring or friendshoring," Adel Hamaizia, a Gulf expert at the Harvard Belfer Center Middle East Initiative, told Middle East Eye. Saudi Arabia should be sending their trade representatives to the Trump administration right now, asking, What was China providing you. Tell us what it is and we will make it in Saudi Arabia and provide a great trade deal', Ellen Wald, founder of the energy consulting firm, Transversal Consulting, told MEE. Manufacturing is a big part of MBS Vision 2030. Unlike Europe, Saudi Arabia has ready access to lots of cheap energy, minimal regulations and plenty of open spaces. Further, Saudi Arabia has laid out plans to accelerate its $2.5 trillion mining programs in a bid to diversify its economy and lower its reliance on oil. Mining will play a key role in Riyadhs strategy to reduce oil dependency, with Saudi Arabia looking to exploit its significant reserves of copper, bauxite, phosphate and gold. Last year, the countrys mining minister, Bandar Al-Khorayef, announced that the Kingdoms reserve potential had grown to $2.5 trillion, a big 90% jump from the $1.3 trillion forecasted eight years ago. Saudi Arabia has a goal for the mining sector to contribute $75 billion to the countrys economy by 2035, up rom $17 billion currently. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Prompted by the war in Ukraine and increasingly fraught trade relations with the United States, the European Union is on the hunt for natural resources. That search is increasingly focused on Central Asia, as the recent European Union-Central Asia summit in Samarkand showed. The summit, at which the EU announced nearly 12 billion euros in investments in Central Asia, opened a new chapter in the relationship between the two regions, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. But now that the summits heady rhetoric has faded, experts say the EUs road to Central Asian resources is long and winding. Were not talking short-term here for sure, Aruzhan Meirkhanova, a senior researcher at the Center for Regional Analysis at NazarbayevUniversity in Astana, told Eurasianet in an interview. Natural gas needed by European economies may never flow in serious volumes westward out of Central Asia on routes bypassing Russia, some observers believe. The primary obstacles are geography and infrastructure. The cheapest and fastest way to move goods from Central Asia to Europe remains the Northern Corridor, though Russia, which Europe wants to avoid. The recent drone attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortiums network highlighted European worries. Meanwhile, the southern route passes through sanctioned and underdeveloped Iran. That is why European hopes are pinned to the much-vaunted Middle Corridor across the Caspian Sea, South Caucasus and Black Sea to Europe. That route is the focus of European investments, with 3 billion euros of the 12 billion announced in Samarkand earmarked for infrastructure development. That is on top of the 10 billion euros pledged to the Middle Corridor last year that von der Leyen told the summit will reduce transit times in half to 15 days. Despite the hype, the corridor still needs massive investments in road and railway networks and port capacity expansion, especially at Aktau on Kazakhstans Caspian coast. They finally put numbers on the table, Aliya Tskhay, a Scotland-based expert on Central Asian energy, told Eurasianet in an interview about the EU summit. In that respect, it is quite a positive. But the 12-billion-euro commitment spread across five countries and several initiatives that is really, really underwhelming. It is not really enough, Tskhay said, pointing to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Developments 2024 estimate that Middle Corridor infrastructure alone needs 18.5 billion euros in upgrades. In an analysis that focused on the regions potential to supply the United States, Atlantic Council experts were even more skeptical of whether Central Asia is worth the investment. In the short and medium term, low export capacity, high transit costs, geopolitical volatility, and a high-risk investment environment significantly reduce the regions commercial viability, they wrote. Slim Chances for Natural Gas Natural gas imports from Russia to the EU have fallen by two-thirds since the Russia tanks rolled across Ukraines borders in 2022, hiking prices and slowing economies across the continent, according to Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank. That sent Europe searching for new supplies from Algeria to Azerbaijan. Hopes that Turkmenistan, with the worlds 5th largest proven reserves, can help fill the gap were boosted by a swap deal launched in March of this year to eventually send up to 2 billion cubic meters of gas a year to Turkey. Hungary also inked a framework for gas supply with Turkmenistan in 2023. But swap deals are inherently unwieldy because they require delicate cooperation from the participating countries and are limited by gas reserves of each country in the chain of swaps, Tskhay said. It is unclear how much gas Turkmenistan has available due to its major and long-standing commitments to China, which are governed by contracts that are not public, Tskhay added. And, even if all 2 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas in the Turkish swap deal ends up in Europe, which has not yet been seriously discussed, that represents about 2 percent of the supply Europe lost from Russia. What could really start Turkmen gas flowing to Europe is construction of the Trans-Caspian Pipeline along the Middle Corridor, which has been discussed since the 1990s. But the prospects for that project are vanishingly small, Tskhay said. A 2018 convention on legal status of the Caspian Sea gave each of the littoral states effective veto power over major projects in the sea. Would Russia sign off on a pipeline that would compete with its gas supplies to Europe? The more or less obvious answer is a no, Tskhay said. Getting Oil Around Russia Holds Promise The prospects for oil supply from Central Asia, principally Kazakhstan, are much better. The country currently supplies 13 percent of Europes oil, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the summit. About 80 percent of that supply passes through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium via Russia to the Black Sea. But Europe wants more of it flowing through the Middle Corridor. Tokayev referenced those efforts in his remarks to the summit, underlining that Kazakhstan is developing alternative routes to transport raw materials to Europe. Though the current flow of oil to Europe through the Middle Corridor by tanker across the Caspian is a drop in the ocean, the tiny, tiny steps of progress show the route has considerable potential in the coming years, Tskhay said. A Long Game for Critical Minerals EU attention at the Samarkand summit was fixed mainly on critical minerals, a key to the continents clean energy transition. Central Asias wealth of critical minerals and rare earths has sparked great-power competition over access, with China, which has been investing in Central Asian mining operations for years, leading the pack. Kazakhstan has major reserves of lithium, copper, lead and rare earths like neodymium, cerium and lanthanum. Uzbekistan has announced a $2.6 billion drive to develop its critical minerals sector and Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have also been promoting recent discoveries. European leaders made clear in Samarkand that they want to make a major play, pledging $2.5 billion toward the sectors development, and tried to distinguish themselves from their rivals, with von der Leyen promising Europe would help develop local processing capacity. That should be music to Central Asian ears, Meirkhanova said. Very few people, I think, want the situation to repeat like oil, she said. In the sense that [critical minerals] will bring a lot of investment with no development. Aside from Kazakhstans Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant, most processing currently takes place in China and Russia, according to the Atlantic Council. In addition to processing, many of Central Asias rare earth deposits must be surveyed. The discovery of potentially massive rare earth mineral deposits near the city of Karaganda in central Kazakhstan that the government publicized in the days leading up to EU summit underscores this point. The chief engineer at a firm that conducted the geological surveys of the area called the eye-popping estimates of 20 million tons of minerals, which would give Kazakhstan the third largest reserves in the world if confirmed, very approximate in an interview with RFE/RL. Exploration of the potential deposits will take about six years or more, the engineer told RFE/RL. Though the EU pledges are not enough to complete the infrastructure work to bring minerals to Europe, the blocs focus should be on first steps, like helping Central Asian countries create legal frameworks to extract the minerals, reducing paperwork at borders and funding some of the geological exploration, Mierkhanova said. The EU commitments are more than enough to do that, she said. Once the EU creates a conducive environment, Mierkhanova said, private investments will come, and you will not even need the EU money. That seems to be Europes intent. At the summit, von der Leyen announced a European forum for private investors will take place in Uzbekistan in June. Tskhay estimates it may take 20 years of investment for Central Asia to become a significant mineral supplier to Europe, but the engagement now is necessary for the bloc to get its foot in the door for opportunities many years down the road. What Europe needs to solidify is that access and kind of commitment that some of those materials will come from Central Asia, she said. And that, I think, realistically will happen. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The multi-layered strategic importance of Syria to Russia was underlined in 2011 when President Vladimir Putin ordered his military to intervene to counter the popular uprising that threatened to depose then-President Bashar al-Assad at that time. A sustained and dramatic escalation of its armed forces there, working closely with Iraqs key local sponsor Iran, ensured that Russia continued to benefit from the strategic advantages Syria offered it until the U.S.- and U.K.-backed overthrow of al-Assad in December 2024 by rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). As was evidenced by the visit to Damascus of Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov on 28 January the first high-level international visitor after the coup Russia has been wasting no time in trying to reassert its authority in its key Mediterranean stronghold, both directly and indirectly through its Middle Eastern allies. Indeed, the very recent visit to Damascus of an Iraqi delegation led by the head of its National Intelligence Service, Hamid Al-Shatri, is part of this ongoing push by Moscow. Related: StanChart Cuts 2025 Oil Price Forecast By $16/bbl Amid Trumps Tariffs Syrias importance to Russia is based on three key factors, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. First, it is the largest country on the western side of the Shia Crescent of Power that Russia had been developing for years as a counterpoint to the U.S.s own sphere of influence, centred then on Sunni-Islamic Saudi Arabia (for hydrocarbons supplies) and Israel (for military and intelligence assets). Second, it offers a long Mediterranean coastline from which Russia could send oil and gas products or anything else from itself or from its allies (notably Iran) for export either into major oil and gas hubs of Turkey, Greece and Italy in Europe, or into north, west and east Africa. And third, it is a vital military and intelligence hub for the Kremlin, with one major naval base (Tartus and Russias only Mediterranean port), one major air force base (Khmeimim) and one major listening station (just outside Latakia). A happy adjunct to these crucial strategic advantages for the Kremlin was that there was every prospect that the mission in Syria could ultimately become self-financing by dint of the countrys sizeable oil and gas supplies. At the time civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, the country had been producing around 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from proved reserves of 2.5 billion barrels. Before recovery began to drop off due to a lack of enhanced oil recovery techniques being employed at the major fields mostly located in the east near the border with Iraq or in the centre of the country, east of the city of Homs it had been producing nearly 600,000 bpd. Its gas sector was at least as vibrant as its oil one, and less of that was damaged in the first few years of the conflict. With proven reserves of 8.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas, the full year 2010 the last under normal operating conditions saw Syria produce just over 316 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of dry natural gas. Russia signed several key deals with Syria from 2011 to become instrumental in developing these hydrocarbon assets. Along with Iran, Iraq is also a key member of the Shia Crescent of Power that has been assiduously cultivated by Russia and China to disseminate their political, economic and military influence as widely across the Middle East as possible. As also detailed in my latest book Iraq has two positive elements going for it that Russias strongest ally in the Middle East Iran does not have, but which Moscow and Beijing require for their long-term plans in the region. The first is that Iraq, up until very recently,y was not sanctioned at all by the U.S. whereas Iran was. As an adjunct to this, oil originating from the reservoirs Iran shares with Iraq is impossible to distinguish from each other. This has allowed Iran to continue to export oil since widespread sanctions came into effect following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Russia and Iran share multiple connections in the oil and gas sectors in terms of current and planned projects, not least of which are their shared participation in the huge Caspian oil and gas fields and the ongoing oil-for-goods swap programme. In essence, Russia-Iran-Iraq can be regarded as an unbroken transport route for whatever any constituent member of the triumvirate wants to move, and this is precisely what is being worked on in the new Russia-Iran energy corridor plans, fully analysed by OilPrice.com. The second positive element in this context for Russia and China that feeds into the first is the criticality of Syria to the extension of this corridor all the way to the Mediterranean frontier of southern Europe. Plans for this Land Bridge stretching from Iran to this frontier have been in place since the 1979 Revolution and, with Russias participation in them, would enable Tehran and Moscow to exponentially increase weapons delivery into southern Lebanon and the Golan Heights area of Syria to be used in attacks on Israel. The core aim of this policy is to provoke a broader conflict in the Middle East that would draw in the U.S. and its allies into an unwinnable war of the sort seen recently in Iraq and Afghanistan, and which the Israel-Hamas War was always intended to be. Additional support for these plans along much of the Land Bridge route is set to come from plans agreed between Iraq and China to construct the US$17 billion Strategic Development Road that will create its own transport corridor from Basra to southern Turkey (close to the Syrian border), and link in with Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Against this backdrop, it is unsurprising to find that Iraq foresees no problem in raising the necessary funding for the reviving of the Iraq-Syria oil pipeline, which in effect becomes the Russia-Iran-Iraq-Syria pipeline, a senior source from the European Unions security complex exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. There is a lot of Russian backing for the idea, and China is supportive as well, he said last week. The original pipeline, dating back to the 1950s, that once transported Iraqi oil to Syria and then into Europe stretched for 850 kilometres linking the Kirkuk region with Syrias port of Banias. It was closed in 2003 after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, but an agreement was made in 2010 to build two new pipelines that covered the same route one each for lighter and heavier crude oil. This approach [by Russia, and China] to the Syria situation looks indicative to us of the way in which they will try to reassert their influence in those areas in which the U.S. has in turn recently pushed back against their growing influence, he said. [U.S. President, Donald] Trump showed early on that although he may be willing to deal with Russia and China, he will do so from a position of strength, which is why he pushed for the removal of al-Assad, he added. It was designed to show Putin and Xi [Jinping, President of China] that the U.S. reach under Trump can be extended anywhere in the world and remove anyone it wants from power, no matter how entrenched they may appear, he underlined. But it seems Russias and Chinas strategy for dealing with this is to wait for the dust to settle and then try to rebuild their influence on the ground systematically over time, and indirectly through allies such as Iraq, he highlighted. The idea seems to be centred on the knowledge that they can afford to play the long game whereas Trumps time as U.S. president is limited, he concluded. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com US President Donald Trump says the goal of the negotiations with Iran is to ensure the total dismantlement of Tehrans nuclear program, but would consider allowing Iran to maintain a civilian nuclear energy program. In an interview with NBC on May 4, Trump said tearing down Irans nuclear program would be all Id accept. The comment marks the first time Trump has explicitly said what he wants to do with Irans nuclear program, which Tehran maintains is peaceful. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested last week that Washington would be open to letting Iran operate a peaceful civil nuclear program, saying theres a way to do it. And that is you build the reactors and you import enriched uranium to fuel those reactors. Thats how dozens of countries around the world do it, he told Fox News on May 1. Trump appeared to echo Rubios remarks, telling NBC that he would be open to hearing it. Civilian energy, its called. But you know, civilian energy often leads to military wars. And we dont want to have them have a nuclear weapon. Its a very simple deal, he added. Trump said a civilian nuclear program would be used to generate electricity, but given Iran is an energy-rich country, it would not really need it. My inclination is to say, What do you need that for? You have a lot of oil, he said. Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, said Trump's comments had made it clear that the administration was not looking for a revamped version of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. "This interview calls that fantasy into question," he wrote on X. Meanwhile, others insist that Trump's call for tearing down Iran's nuclear program, while at the time being open to allowing Iran to operate a civil nuclear energy program suggested that he was still undecided. "Maybe one could argue that Trump's team still does not exactly know what it wants from Iran, but he himself desires a deal different from the JCPOA," wrote Iran-based foreign policy analyst Rahman Qahremanpour, referring to the 2015 nuclear deal. Trump says he wants "total dismantlement." He then says "the only thing they can't have is a nuclear weapon." Then he says he'd be open to Iran having a civilian nuclear program. Imo, this doesn't really settle the issue. pic.twitter.com/mlanT9I6El Gregory Brew (@gbrew24) May 4, 2025 Iran has rejected calls to dismantle its nuclear program and give up its ability to enrich uranium. Responding to Trumps comment, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman on May 5 said Iran has a right to peaceful nuclear energy and dismissed Trumps oil remark. Irans peaceful nuclear program goes back to the 1970s, when Iran had more fossil fuel and less consumption, Esmail Baqaei said during a weekly press conference. Therefore, some fallacious comments about Iran having access to expansive fossil fuel reserves and not needing nuclear energy have no basis in science or reality. Iran and the United States have held three rounds of nuclear discussions since last month. Mediated by Oman, a fourth round was slated for May 2 in Rome but was postponed due to what Muscat called logistical reasons. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com U.S. crude oil supply will rise more slowly than expected for the rest of 2025 and in 2026 and peak as early as this year, as WTI benchmark prices below $60 per barrel are testing the breakeven point of shale production, energy flows intelligence firm Kpler said on Monday. Oil prices have slipped by more than 15% since the beginning of April as the market fears recessions from the U.S. tariffs and oversupply from the aggressive production hikes from OPEC+. Prices dipped early on Monday after the OPEC+ group decided on Saturday to raise collective output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd), nearly triple the volume originally scheduled. The U.S. benchmark, WTI Crude, was trading at about $57 per barrela price point that is below the breakeven levels for many shale wells, especially those outside the prime acreage and hottest spots in the Permian. With the low oil prices, Kpler has now cut its U.S. crude supply forecast by 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 170,000 bpd for the rest of 2025 and into 2026, as weaker prices threaten to slow shale production. With WTI, the main US benchmark crude, now near breakeven levels for new wells, producers are likely to cut back drilling, said the analysts at Kpler. U.S. shale producers are the most reactive to oil price changes and they are typically quick to follow the price trends. Lower margins are prompting caution among the American oil industry, Kpler noted. The latest OPEC+ move to fight for market share and discipline U.S. shale is putting pressure on U.S. crude output, said Kpler, which now expects Americas crude production to peak in 2025 and gradually decline after that. Despite steady near-term activity, growth is slowing in the U.S. shale patch, and U.S. crude output is set to peak this year, Kpler noted. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The European Union has a non-binding goal to phase out imports of Russian natural gas by 2027, but its unlikely to resort to a ban to achieve that indicative target. The EU is set to unveil on Tuesday a roadmap for phasing out Russian gasa pledge the bloc made in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, Russian gas still accounts for more than 15% of the EUs gas deliveries, including by pipeline and via LNG imports. Russian pipeline gas supply via Ukraine stopped on January 1, 2025, after Ukraine refused to negotiate an extension to the transit deal. However, some European countries, including Hungary, continue to receive Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline via the Balkans. Hungary is also opposing any new energy sanctions against Russia, especially in gas supply, which suggests that an EU ban or embargo on Russian gas imports necessitating a unanimous approval by all 27 EU member states is unlikely to fly. EU Energy Commissioner, Dan Jrgensen, will present a roadmap this week with concrete measures to phase out all imports of Russian fossil fuels, so that we will no longer rely on a hostile power for our energy supply, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the end of April. The EU has reduced the share of Russian gas imports, from 45% of all gas imports before 2022, down to 18% now, von der Leyen noted. However, the EU has boosted imports of Russian LNG in recent months. Last month, reports emerged that the EU is looking for legal ways to tear long-term natural gas supply contracts with Russias Gazprom without having to pay sizable penalties. The leading option is declaring a force majeure, the Financial Times reported in mid-April, citing officials from the European Commission. Yet, lawyers told Reuters this week that the force majeure is unlikely to work, considering the three years that have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Guyanas government should consider hedging its oil production against the falling oil prices as its booming oil revenues are set to decline with the slump in oil prices, former Guyanese Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, told Stabroek News in an interview published on Monday. Oil prices have slumped since early April as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on the rest of the world and slapped triple-digit tariffs on China, while OPEC+ is accelerating its production increase by triple volumes in each of May and June compared to earlier guidance. Amid falling oil prices, the biggest oil-producing nations, which now include Guyana with more than 650,000 bpd output from Exxon-led offshore projects, are facing declining budget revenues from oil. In Guyana, oil production and exports, which began in 2019, have led to a booming economy, which has been showing double-digit growth in GDP over the past few years. However, the government now needs to be more prepared to weather periods of lower oil prices, according to the former finance minister Jordan. The more FPSOs [Floating Production and Storage and Offloading vessels] ExxonMobil brings on, it is with these additional costs, Jordan told Stabroek News. And if you are now extracting more and more oil and at a less and less price, it will take longer to pay back Exxons [operational] costs, Jordan said. And in that, our dream of getting a better profit share will be like what Bob Marley said, a fleeting illusion. Guyana already produces more than 660,000 bpd of crude from the Exxon-operated Stabroek block. Production capacity in Guyana is expected to surpass 1.7 million barrels per day, with gross production growing to 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030, Exxon says. Guyana is now the third-largest per-capita oil producer in the world, according to the U.S. supermajor. Surging oil production and exports helped Guyanas economy grow by 43.6% last year, marking the fifth straight year of double-digit GDP growth, which began just as Guyana became an oil producer. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Lundin Mining Corp. has declared the Filo del Sol copper discovery one of the largest in recent history, containing an estimated 13 million tons of the basic metal that is crucial for the energy transition. The company operates the Filo del Sol and another copper project, Josemaria, both of which are located between Argentina and Chile, in a joint venture with mining heavyweight BHP. BHP bought Filo Corp. last year for a price of $3 billion, together with Lundin. According to Lundin, Filo del Sol has been one of the most significant greenfield discoveries in the last 30 years and an amazing journey for all those that have been involved. The company added that the deposit also contains some 32 million ounces of gold and 659 million ounces of silver. The resource estimate has highlighted the potential for one of the highest grade undeveloped open-pit copper projects in the world, and one of the largest gold and silver resources globally, Lundin Minings chief executive, Jack Lundin, said. According to data from MinEx Consulting and BHP, cited by Visual Capitalist, Filo del Sol is among the largest copper discoveries since 1900. Such discoveries have become rarer in recent decades, with companies preferring to invest in the expansion of existing operations rather than greenfield projects. Global copper demand is seen rising by an impressive 66% between 2020 and 2040, driven by the energy transition to electricity, according to calculations by the International Monetary Fund. These see demand rising from 25.9 million tons in 2023 to 39.1 million tons in 2040. Goldman Sachs has called copper the new oil because of its fundamental importance for industries such as wind and solar power generation, and especially electric vehicles. Yet miners have shown considerable reluctance in boosting their investments in additional copper production due to a perception of general uncertainty about the progress of the energy transition, despite the utter dedication of many governments to it, mainly in Europe. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Last month, Saudi Arabia and India agreed to boost energy cooperation, including by potential Saudi investment in two refineries in the worlds third-largest crude oil importer. However, initial talks have already hit a snag as the worlds top crude exporter, Saudi Arabia, is at odds with India over the pricing and volumes of crude it will supply for the refineries, sources with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg on Monday. At the end of April, Saudi Arabia and India agreed to enhance cooperation in the energy sector, including in crude oil and petroleum products supply and the construction of two refineries. A High-Level Task Force also agreed to collaborate on establishing two refineries, according to a joint statement. State-owned Indian refiners plan to build several new crude processing plants to meet soaring fuel and petrochemicals demand. Saudi Arabia, for its part, looks to lock in future term sales for its crude in the top Asian markets, which are set to continue driving global demand growth in the coming years. India has even surpassed China as the single biggest driver of demand growth. But the Saudi foray into Indias refining sector has stalled before it began. Thats because the Saudis and India are a world apart in their initial negotiating positions. Saudi Arabia wants to supply half of the necessary crude for the two future refineries, and do so at its official selling price (OSP), the anonymous sources told Bloomberg. India, for its part, is always on the lookout for the cheapest possible supply and is careful not to put all its eggs in one basket of crude suppliers. So India insists, per Bloombergs sources, to have about 20% of crude supply from Saudi Arabia for the new refining ventures, and to receive said supply at discounts to the OSPs that Saudis set each month against the Oman/Dubai benchmark. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Saudi Arabia has raised the price of its flagship crude grade loading for Asia in June, just as the Saudi-led OPEC+ group decided to continue easing the production cuts by adding a larger-than-expected volume to the market next month. In a sign that the worlds top crude oil exporter expects solid demand in Asia next month, the Kingdom lifted the price of the Arab Light crude grade for June by $0.20 per barrel over May prices to a premium of $1.40 a barrel over the Oman/Dubai average, the benchmark off which Middle Eastern producers price their crude loading for Asia. During the weekend, the OPEC+ group led by Saudi Arabia and agreed to raise collective output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd), nearly triple the volume originally scheduled. The move follows a similar surge announced for May and signals a sharp reversal from OPEC+ efforts to defend oil prices. The OPEC+ producers that are cutting output cited once again current healthy oil market fundamentals as the basis for their decision to continue boosting production by larger volumes per month than previously expected. These eight OPEC+ producers Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman will be taking production decisions month by month, with the next meeting planned for June 1 to agree on production levels for July. Saudi Arabia typically announces around the fifth of each month its crude pricing for the following month and doesnt comment on price changes. It also sets the tone for the pricing to Asia of the other major oil producers in the Middle East. Last month, the Saudis slashed their crude prices for May for Asia just ahead of the 410,000-bpd increase planned for May. Now the worlds biggest crude exporter has slightly raised its official selling price (OSP) for Asia for June for Arab Light. Part of the decision may be due to rising profits for refining Middle Eastern crude, which the Saudis track for gauging demand and market conditions, according to Bloomberg. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Warren Buffett is retiring by the end of the year as CEO at the Berkshire Hathaway empire he has built and is recommending the board replace him with Greg Abel, an energy executive and dealmaker. At the very end of the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting, Buffett, 94, said he would ask the conglomerates board to vote Abel, 62, as the chief executive to replace the Oracle of Omaha by the end of 2025. Buffetts withdrawal from the $1.2-trillion Berkshire Hathaway he founded and managed with late business partner Charlie Munger, is not a surpriseit has been expected for some time. Nor is it surprising that Abel, who joined Berkshire in 2000 when Buffett bought MidAmerican Energy, is being promoted. Abel has long been seen as the crown prince to take over the reins of Buffetts crown achievement. Buffett said he would still hang around to help, but Abel would have the final say about deployment of capital and company operations. Abel, a Canadian executive, is currently Berkshire Hathaways vice chairman of non-insurance operations and was confirmed as a successor of Warren Buffett in 2021, after the late Charlie Munger let it slip during the annual shareholder meeting that year. Abel is also chair of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. The incoming CEO of the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate will have to decide what to do with around a $350 billion cash pile for investments, according to Bloomberg, after Buffett has sat out most of the market routs in recent years. Berkshire Hathaway, however, has amassed more than 28% in Occidental Petroleum over the past few years. Buffetts firm is the single largest shareholder of the U.S. oil producer, while Oxy represents Berkshire Hathaways sixth-biggest equity investment. The top holdings of Berkshire Hathaway also include Apple Inc., American Express, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, and Bank of America, as well as dozens of other banking, insurance, energy, railroad, and consumer goods stocks. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China's Yunnan health products promotion conference held in New York Xinhua) 10:10, May 05, 2025 NEW YORK, May 4 (Xinhua) -- A promotion conference on China's Yunnan health products gathered more than 50 local pharmaceutical leaders, health industry entrepreneurs, wellness product developers and medical professors in Flushing, New York, on Saturday. Co-hosted by the General Association of Dian Entrepreneurs and the Yunnan Pharmaceutical Circulation Industry Association, the conference featured top-selling Yunnan health products in the U.S. market. Located in southwestern China, Yunnan Province is widely recognized as a major hub for authentic medicinal herb production. Due to its unique climate, diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, the province is home to most traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and supports the country's herbal medicine industry. Ruan Hongxian, president of the General Association of Dian Entrepreneurs, expressed his hope that more high-quality Chinese medicinal materials and health products would enter the U.S. market, while more American nutritional and wellness products would also be sold in China. He cited the YXT Healthy Living Experience Center, a traditional Chinese medicine healthcare showroom in Manhattan, which features a wide range of health products from across China, with a special focus on those originating from Yunnan, as an example, saying that it has been offering New Yorkers an immersive introduction to traditional Chinese wellness practices. Michael Wong, vice President of A&Z Pharmaceutical Inc., who has over 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, said at the event: "We should bring the finest, highest-quality ingredients from China to the world. That means connecting premium raw materials from regions like Yunnan and many others with global markets." (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation, In a report from Koin 6, President Trump has issued new executive orders that will affect Portland and all cities and states with sanctuary laws that defy U.S. federal immigration law. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the President has instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to compile a list of all sanctuary cities. Cities that violate federal immigration laws risk losing federal funding. Again, if youre defying federal law, you are threatening your own federal spending by doing that. Portland Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney described the White Houses actions as a bullying tactic aimed at enforcing federal law, while advocating for police to concentrate on state and local law. This move poses a significant threat to Portland, especially as the city faces a budget crisis that has prompted the local government to scramble for a solution. The conflict with the federal government may further exacerbate the crisis. Mayor Keith Willson also expressed opposition to the Trump administration, affirming that Portland would remain committed to its sanctuary city policy. He stated, The city of Portland fully complies with all applicable federal and state laws and will not obstruct lawful federal enforcement operations. Importantly, our police officers will not be used as agents of ICE. We will continue to uphold the values of inclusion and justice that define our community, and we will firmly oppose any unlawful efforts to deny access to essential services or funding. The executive order, Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens, directs the Attorney General and the Department of Homeland Security to create a list of sanctuary jurisdictions within 30 days. All identified jurisdictions will receive notification of their defiance of federal law, and actions will be taken to terminate or suspend federal funding, grants, and contracts for those areas. In addition to losing federal support, the order states that the government will pursue all necessary legal remedies and enforcement measures to compel compliance with U.S. laws. The order also aims to prevent illegal aliens from receiving federal benefits, implement a verification system, and put an end to illegal immigrants receiving preferential treatment over American citizens. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com In a report from Koin 8, Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announced their intention to encourage more housing development by implementing a moratorium on System Development Charges (SDCs) for three years, to create 5,000 housing units. SDCs are fees imposed on developers for their impact on city services, community resources, and traffic. Three years is just enough for Governor Kotek to get by at her re-election next year, and then let everything go back to housing-hell. Oregon is among the most expensive places to buy a home because the liberal lobby has used System Development Charges to push for unneccessary environmental and labor requirements. SDCc have also been boosted as a way to fund government through the back door. This is why some are saying the SDC pause will be a big financial hit to the City budget. Was this helpful? Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Portland-area Congresswoman Maxine Dexter was among five Members of Congress who took a 3,700 mile flight to El Salvador to check on the status of a non-citizen who illegally entered America, has been identified by two different judges as a gang member of the international MS-13 gang, has twice been cited by his wife for domestic violence and has been found to have suspected ties to human traffickers. Now we learn that the members of Congress stayed at a 5-star hotel while in El Salvador. The very month that Oregon Congresswoman Maxine Dexter flew to El Salvador was the same month it was headlined that both her Counties, Multnomah and Washington, have announced cuts to their law enforcement budgets. It was also announced at the same time that the Portland DEA held a press conference alerting the public that international gangs from Central America are using children as fentanyl drug dealers. Due process is important but start with Oregon children being victimized and with our police budget being cut before prioritizing a non-citizen gang member from the other coast of America. Due process for crime-victim Laken Riley is important but Congresswoman Maxien Dexter voted against the Laken Riley Act. There are no team of lawyers or handful of Congress members traveling asking if Oregon crime victims lost due process needs help. The media has ignored crime victims and over-saturated gang members. Help us spread the word on Congresswoman Maxine Dexters neglect of our crime victims here in Oregon. If you appreciate this graphic we produce then support our efforts: Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). 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: First page of the colophon. Credit: 2025 Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana in Dzierzbicka and Elagina 2025 A recent study by researchers Dr. Dorota Dzierzbicka and Dr. Daria Elagina re-examined and translated a rare first-hand account of a 16th-century Ethiopian monk visiting old Dongola, Sudan. The work is published in the journal Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa. The colophon was first transcribed and translated into Latin in the 1930s after being housed in the Vatican Library for centuries. However, it did not come to the public's attention until the 1990s when Ceccarelli-Morolli brought it to the attention of scholars of Nubian studies, showing that Dongola had already become a Muslim-dominated community by the 16th century. The true extent of the information the colophon contained, however, was far greater, but it was not realized until recently. This was likely due to the difficulty in accessing and understanding the document, explained Dr. Dzierzbicka and Dr. Elagina. "It is no surprise that the colophon's significance for economic and social history has largely gone unnoticed until now. The 1930s edition and Latin translation of the colophon were difficult to access, and the commentary was very limited. "What is more, since the text is in Ethiopic, it was easily overlooked by researchers in Nubian studies, who typically work with sources in Greek, Coptic, Old Nubian, and Arabic. "On the other hand, the setting it describes is very far from Ethiopia, placing it outside the scope of interest of Ethiopian studies. Such a peculiar source requires an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort to fully appreciate its value." The text follows a series of religious hymns (malk') to Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary written by the 16th century Ethiopian monk Takla 'Alfa during his stay in Dongola. In it, Takla 'Alfa provides important context to recent archaeological excavations undertaken by the ERC StG project "UMMA." "UMMA, which means 'community' in Arabic, is an acronym for 'Urban Metamorphosis of the community of a Medieval African capital city.' The project ... was conducted in Dongola in 20182024 by a team from the Polish Center of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, headed by Artur Obuski. Among its main objectives was to investigate the social and religious changes in Dongola following the decline of the Christian kingdom of Makuria..." "The domestic assemblages are indicative of a rather egalitarian society, an exception being one very large building, the so-called House of the Mekk, or king, which was clearly inhabited by members of the elite. Objects found within included silk, musket balls, coins, and other items of prestige. Importantly, among the finds from the UMMA project excavations are letters, documents, and amulets written in Arabic. "The fact that many of these texts came from the House of the Mekk links them to the elites, and one of them was even authored by a king of Dongola named Qashqash or Qushqush. The presence of Arabic writing, as well as the virtual disappearance of pigs from the archaeological record, are important indications of the transition to Islam," Dr. Dzierzbicka and Dr. Elagina elaborated. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Particularly significant is Takla 'Alfa's mention of "gelaba" merchants in Dongola. This reference represents the earliest known use of this term in sources concerning Sudan, pushing back the documented presence of this merchant class by over a century. According to Dr. Dzierzbicka and Dr. Elagina, gelaba "is a loanword from Arabic, which stands for long-distance traders, and it is in fact the earliest known mention of this term in our sources concerning Sudan. In later centuries, gelaba were very often mentioned as operators of caravans on a network of routes connecting the regions of modern-day Egypt, Sudan, and Chad. Their mention in this text shows that they were already a significant social group in the late 16th century, and that the routes traveled in the 17th and 18th centuries were already in operation." Not only does this reveal a significantly earlier emergence of this merchant class than previously believed, but it also provides context for when Dongola became a significant trade hub. This, in turn, provides insights into some of the imported goods found during archaeological excavations, as explained by Dr. Dzierzbicka and Dr. Elagina, "The archaeological finds show a steady trickle of imported goods into the city, mainly from or through Egypt, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries. "Takla 'Alfa's mention of gelaba and the obvious activity on the long-distance route he wanted to follow from Ethiopia, through Dongola, to Egypt and onward to Jerusalem, gives context to the non-local objects found during excavations. Importantly, the colophon shows that this traffic of commodities was already flourishing in the 16th century, for which our evidence is scarcer." Furthermore, according to Takla 'Alfa's account, all inhabitants of Dongola were already Islamized by 1596, much earlier than previously assumed from other scholarly sources. Takla 'Alfa's account provides a rare glimpse into 16th-century Dongola and complements recent archaeological excavations. It provides a first-hand account detailing how Dongola was already fully Muslim by the early 16th century, as well as a thriving entrepot. More information: Dorota Dzierzbicka et al, "I resided in Dongola, amongst the Nubians and Muslims, on my own." The sixteenth-century account of Ethiopian monk Takla 'Alfa in context, Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa (2025). DOI: 10.1080/0067270X.2025.2477380 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The site of Chavin de Huantar in modern-day Peru hosts several monumental buildings overseeing a large plaza, located at an elevation of 10,000 ft. Credit: Daniel Contreras Two thousand years before the Inca empire dominated the Andes, a lesser-known society known as the Chavin Phenomenon shared common art, architecture, and materials throughout modern-day Peru. Through agricultural innovations, craft production, and trade, Chavin shaped a growing social order and laid the foundations for a hierarchical society among the high peaks. But one of their most powerful tools wasn't farming. It was access to altered states of consciousness. That's according to a new study that uncovered the earliest-known direct evidence of the use of psychoactive plants in the Peruvian Andes. A team of archaeologists from the University of Florida, Stanford University and South American institutions discovered ancient snuff tubes carved from hollow bones at the heart of monumental stone structures at Chavin de Huantar, a prehistoric ceremonial site in the mountains of Peru. Their study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. By conducting chemical and microscopic analyses of the snuff tubes, the researchers revealed traces of nicotine from wild relatives of tobacco and vilca bean residue, a hallucinogen related to DMT. The leaders, it seems, wielded these substances not just for personal visions but to reinforce their authority. Unlike communal hallucinogenic use common in other ancient cultures, Chavin's rituals were exclusive. Archaeologists discovered the snuff tubes in private chambers within massive stone structures that held only a handful of participants at a time, creating an air of mystique and control. Snuff tubes carved from hollow bones and used to inhale tobacco and hallucinogenic vilca. Credit: Daniel Contreras "Taking psychoactives was not just about seeing visions. It was part of a tightly controlled ritual, likely reserved for a select few, reinforcing the social hierarchy," said Daniel Contreras, Ph.D., an anthropological archaeologist at UF and co-author of the new study that revealed these rituals at Chavin. These experiences were likely profound, even terrifying. To those who inhaled, the supernatural might have felt like a force beyond comprehension. And that was precisely the point. By controlling access to these altered states, Chavin's rulers established a potent ideology and convinced their people that their leadership was intertwined with mystical power and part of the natural order. "The supernatural world isn't necessarily friendly, but it's powerful," Contreras said. "These rituals, often enhanced by psychoactives, were compelling, transformative experiences that reinforced belief systems and social structures." A rendering of the chamber, or gallery, where the snuff tubes were discovered. This private chamber had restricted access, suggesting that the use of psychedelics was a special ritual reserved for the elite. Credit: Daniel Contreras Contreras has spent nearly thirty years studying the site as part of a team led by John Rick, Ph.D, professor emeritus at Stanford University. The team argue that these ceremonies were pivotal in shaping early class structures. Unlike forced labor societies, Chavin's builders likely believed in the grandeur of the monuments they were constructing, persuaded by these immersive rituals. Those rituals extended beyond the use of psychedelics. Archaeologists have also uncovered trumpets made from conch shells and chambers seemingly designed to enhance the awe-inducing musical performances. "One of the ways that inequality was justified or naturalized was through ideologythrough the creation of impressive ceremonial experiences that made people believe this whole project was a good idea," Contreras said. The site of Chavin de Huantar in modern-day Peru hosts several monumental buildings overseeing a large plaza, located at an elevation of 10,000 ft. Credit: Daniel Contreras A rendering of the Chavin de Huantar in modern-day Peru at its height. The site hosts several monumental buildings overseeing a large plaza, located at an elevation of 10,000 ft. Credit: Daniel Contreras The findings help solve a century-old mystery about this site, located at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Since its first excavation over a hundred years ago, Chavin has been seen as related to both earlier, more egalitarian societies and the mountain-spanning empires ruled by powerful elites that came later. Controlled access to mystical experiences helps explain this major social transition, a finding only made possible by decades of intense excavations and advanced analytical methods. "It's exciting that ongoing excavations can be combined with cutting-edge archaeological science techniques to get us closer to understanding what it was like to live at this site," Contreras said. 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 close-up of a "smiling" Yangtze finless porpoise at the Baiji Dolphinarium of the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Credit: Wang Chaoqun Endemic to China's Yangtze River, the Yangtze finless porpoise is known for its intelligence and charismatic appearance; it looks like it has a perpetual smile on its face. To track how this critically endangered porpoise's habitat range has changed over time, a team of biodiversity and conservation experts compiled 724 ancient Chinese poems referencing the porpoise from historic collections across China. Published in Current Biology, their results show that the porpoise's range has decreased by at least 65% over the past 1,400 years, with the majority of this decline occurring in the past century. "We're connecting 2,000 years of Chinese culture with biodiversity," says author Zhigang Mei of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who grew up alongside the Yangtze River revering the porpoises; elders in his community taught that they were like spirits, predicting the weather and the fish levels, and that hurting them was bad luck. "Our work fills the gap between the super long-term information we get from fossils and DNA and the recent population surveys. It really shows how powerful it can be to combine art and biodiversity conservation." The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, stretching 6,300 km from the Tanggula Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau until it spills out into the East China Sea near Shanghai. Historically, peopleincluding many prolific poets such as Qianlong, the emperor of the Qing dynastyrelied on the river and its tributaries to travel around the region. Along the way, many caught glimpses of the Yangtze finless porpoise, which is the world's only known freshwater porpoise and used to inhabit most of the river. "Compared to fish, Yangtze finless porpoises are pretty big, and they're active on the surface of the water, especially before thunderstorms when they're really chasing after fish and jumping around," says Mei. "This amazing sight was hard for poets to ignore." A photo of a Yangtze finless porpoise hunting in Poyang Lake. Credit: Yu Huigong Indeed, as the team systematically collected, filtered, and collated their way through preserved poems dating back to the year 618, the researchers found hundreds of references to the porpoises. Mei says that the fact that a freshwater mammal like the Yangtze finless porpoise appears so often in these poems reflects the deep connection between people and nature in Ancient China. "One of the biggest challenges in this research was just the sheer number of Chinese poems out there, and the fact that every poet had such a different style," says Mei. "We had to figure out how accurate the poets were being. Some might have been really focused on realism, describing what they saw as objectively as possible. Others might have been more imaginative, exaggerating the size or behavior of things they saw. So, once we found these poems, we had to research each poet's life and writing style to make sure the information we were getting was reliable." By contextualizing the porpoise references within the rest of the poem and alongside historical records of the poet's life events, the researchers were able to pinpoint the chronological time and geographic location of the sightings. They found that the Qing Dynasty (16361912 CE) had over half of the total porpoise poetry with 477 poems mentioning the Yangtze finless porpoise, followed by the Ming Dynasty (13681644 CE) with 177 poems, the Yuan Dynasty (12711368 CE) with 27, the Song Dynasty with 38, and the Tang Dynasty (618907 CE) with just five poems. Next, the researchers used the information gathered from the poems to reconstruct the porpoise's distribution over time. They found that the sharpest habitat-range decrease occurred over the past centurybetween the Qing dynasty and modern times. They also observed that the porpoise's range throughout the main part of the river has decreased by 33% since the Tang Dynasty, while its range among the tributaries and lakes that the Yangtze feeds into has decreased by 91%. A Ming Dynasty woodblock-printed illustration from "Sancai Tuhui" (in English, Compendium of the Three Powers), compiled by Wang Qi (15731620), which is a 49-volume book of poems on birds and animals. This poem meticulously documents the Yangtze finless porpoise through morphological details, surfacing postures, and maternal care behaviors. Credit: "Sancai Tuhui," compiled by Wang Qi (15731620) The finding that the Yangtze finless porpoise's range has declined so sharply over the past century aligns with previous research, which showed that their dwindling population can be largely attributed to human alterations to the Yangtze Riverespecially through hydraulic engineering projects. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The porpoises likely disappeared from the Yangtze's lakes and tributaries as a direct result of dam constructions in the 1950s that blocked off movement to and from the river's mainstem. Two other species endemic to the Yangtzethe baiji dolphin and the Chinese paddlefishhave gone functionally extinct over the past few decades, likely due to the same habitat changes. "Protecting nature isn't just the responsibility of modern science; it's also deeply connected to our culture and history," says Mei. "Art, like poetry, can really spark an emotional connection, making people realize the harmony and respect we should have between people and nature." Going forward, the authors plan to dig back into the poems they've collected to see what they can learn about what the river looked like in the past, how big the groups of porpoises used to be, and how they might have behaved before their numbers dwindled. They hope that their work can eventually help the remaining Yangtze finless porpoise population recover and potentially inspire more scientists to gain ecological insights from poetryas well as from other historical art forms such as novels and paintings. "This work made me rethink the scientific value of historical literature and showed us the power of thinking across disciplines," says Mei. "Chinese poetry, this ancient art form, can be a serious scientific tool. Using the past to understand the present, 'decoding' the stories behind the art: it's not just research, it's like having a conversation with the poets of the past." More information: Range contraction of freshwater megafauna was inferred from ancient poems, Current Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.02.052 Journal information: Current Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The rare and endangered saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) has not been seen in the wild since 2013. Credit: Toon Fey/WWF Is it extinct, or does it still roam somewhere deep in the misty highland forests of Vietnam and Laos? It has been nicknamed the Asian unicorn due to its almost mythical rarity, and it is the most recently discovered large land mammal, becoming known to science as late as 1992. Even then, it was already endangered. Today, even the most optimistic estimates say fewer than 100 saola individuals (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) remain, but it could also be extinct by now. The last confirmed sighting in the wild was in 2013. Researchers have been searching for it ever since, but so far without success. The task is made even more difficult by the fact that the saola lives only in the remote, rugged forests of the Annamite Mountains in Vietnam and Laos. "Right now, the existence of live saolas can neither be proven nor disproven. The last evidence we have was from 2013, when one was captured on a camera trap. But given the remoteness of its habitat, it is extremely difficult to say for sure whether there are still a few out there. There are some signs and indications that still give us hope," says Nguyen Quoc Dung from the Forest Inventory and Planning Institute in Vietnam. He is one of the authors of a new international study, in which researchers from Denmark, Vietnam and many other countries have mapped the saola's genome for the first time ever. Up until now, almost no genetic data on the saola have been generated. The study is published in the journal Cell. By analyzing fragments from saola remains collected from hunters' households, the researchers generated complete genomes for 26 saolas. This has provided brand new insights into the history of the enigmatic bovineand its future prospects. How it might survive "We were quite surprised to find that the saola is split into two populations with considerable genetic differences. The split happened between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago. That was completely unknown before, and there was also no way we could have known without genetic data. It is an important result because it affects how the genetic variation in the species is distributed," says lead author Genis Garcia Erill, a former Ph.D. student at the Department of Biology. The genetic analyses also show that both populations have been in decline since the last ice age. According to the researchers' estimates, the total saola population never exceeded 5,000 individuals in the last 10,000 years. And this long-term decline means that both populations began losing genetic diversity. But crucially, they did not lose the same genetic diversity. "This means that the genetic variation lost in each population complements the other. So, if you mix them, they could compensate for what the other is missing," says Garcia Erill. And that could potentially be the solution to saving the saola from extinction. The researchers have calculated the probability of the species surviving under various conservation scenarios. Their models show that the best survival chances occur if the two populations are mixed in a captive breeding program. "If we can bring together at least a dozen saolasideally a mix from both populationsto form the foundation of a future population, our models show the species would have a decent chance of long-term survival. But it hinges on actually locating some individuals and starting a breeding program. That has worked before when species were on the brink of extinction," says Rasmus Heller, senior author of the study and Associate Professor from the Department of Biology at UCPH. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. But does it even still exist? Finding 12 saolas, however, is no simple task. But the new research might help solve that problem. The genetic mapping opens up new possibilities for using various technologies to locate the last remaining saolas. "Many researchers have unsuccessfully tried to find traces of saola through methods like environmental DNA in water and even in leeches, the blood suckers inhabiting the same habitat. These techniques all rely on detecting tiny DNA fragments, and now that we know the complete saola genome, we have a much larger toolkit for detecting those fragments," says Minh Duc Le, co-author on the study from Vietnam National University. But even if it turns out the saola is extinct, the new research findings might still be useful: "Our results could in theory be used if we were ever to succeed in bringing the saola back through genetic de-extinction technologies, which are a hot topic right now. In that case, our new insights into saola genetic variation could make a huge difference in creating a viable population," says Heller. Still, he has his doubts about the chances of finding a living saola. "Scientists have been searching for saolas since the 1990s, and it's only gotten harder since then, because there were more of them back then. I'm not overly optimistic, I have to admitbut I really hope the saola is still out there," Heller concludes. About the saola: The saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) was discovered by science in 1992, making it the most recently discovered large mammal. The second-most recent was the kouprey, discovered in 1937. Danish and Vietnamese biologists have been working together on studying the secretive saola right from the very beginningstarting with the scientific description of the saola in the early 1990s. According to the IUCN, fewer than 100 individuals likely remain, making the saola one of the most endangered mammals in the world. The saola is evolutionarily uniqueit sits on a 1215 million-year-old branch of the tree of life and is the only surviving descendant on that branch. More information: Genis Garcia-Erill et al, Genomes of critically endangered saola are shaped by population structure and purging, Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.03.040 Journal information: Cell This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Clouds form upon existing particles in the atmosphere and extreme weather events like flooding and snowstorms are related to the production of large amounts of ice in clouds. Biological particles like pollen, bacteria, spores and plant matter floating in the air are particularly good at promoting ice formation in clouds, and EPFL climate scientists show that these particles' concentrations evolve as temperatures rise and fall. The results are published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Sciences. "Biological particles are very effective at forming ice in clouds, and the formation of ice is responsible for most of the precipitation the planet receives worldwide, because ice falls very quickly from the sky. Intense ice formation is also associated with extreme weather," explains Thanos (Athanasios) Nenes of EPFL's Laboratory of atmospheric processes and their impacts, who led the study together with postdoctoral researcher Kunfeng Gao. "Given our findings, weather and climate models absolutely need to take biological particles into account, especially since biological particles are expected to be present in larger amounts in the atmosphere as the climate warms up." Indeed, current meteorological and climate models do not consider the effects of biological particles nor their cyclical nature, which means that they are potentially missing important modulators of clouds and drivers of precipitation in the current and future climate forecasts. Mount Helmos, a case study for alpine regions The study takes into account air samples and their biological content collected at Mount Helmos, an alpine area located in Greece. The mountain reaches an altitude of 2,350 m, has frequent cloud cover throughout the year, and is influenced by biological emissions from the alpine forest below. As temperatures rise throughout the day, pollen, bacteria, fungal spores and plant matter are released from the alpine forest, culminating at midday when the sun is at its highest and reaching lows during the night. "We find that the number of particles that can nucleate ice coincides with the number of biological particle counts and they both show strongly correlated diurnal periodicity, and the increased biological particles may contribute to cloud formation that can make them precipitate," concludes Gao. Nenes, who participated at the IPCC scoping meeting in Malaysia to help define the chapters and shape the contents of the 7th IPCC Assessment Report, says, "the result comes with perfect timing." As scientific coordinator of the large European project CleanCloud, Nenes is currently leading a second campaign at Mount Helmos, called CHOPIN, which benefits from even more instrumentation to help identify the types of biological particles present in the atmosphere that induce cloud droplets and ice formation. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. A full suite of cloud radars, aerosol lidars, UAVs, tethered balloons and direct sampling of air (with and without clouds) is used to characterizewith unprecedented detailhow each biological particle contributes to cloud formation, and which ones are the most effective at doing so, in order to improve weather and climate predictions. Nenes adds, "The data collected will not only be used for process understanding and model improvement, but also to improve or develop new algorithms used by satellites and ground-based remote sensing to study aerosols and clouds. "We and the CleanCloud consortium as a whole will be working with the European Space Agency and our sister consortia CERTAINTY and AIRSENSE to help make the best use of the recently launched EarthCare satellite with the ultimate goal of understanding the role of aerosols on clouds and precipitation in a post-fossil world." More information: Kunfeng Gao et al, On the drivers of ice nucleating particle diurnal variability in Eastern Mediterranean clouds, npj Climate and Atmospheric Science (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41612-024-00817-9 Journal information: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Hopefully Cape seals pay attention to the news. If they do, this is their warning: The great white sharks are coming. The latest sign that the apex predators will soon arrive is on a popular shark tracker, which shows a 9.5-foot subadult male white shark near Martha's Vineyard and Rhode Island. The 450-plus-pound shark named "Danny"tagged this winter off the Florida and Georgia coast by OCEARCHhas recently traveled more than 400 miles from the warm waters off North Carolina to the much cooler coastal waters off New England. "It's normal for white sharks to begin their northern migration in late spring but Danny appears to be getting a head start," said John Tyminski, OCEARCH data scientist. "Typically, white sharks migrate between mid-May and late June from their overwintering grounds off the southeastern U.S. to summer feeding areas off Cape Cod or Atlantic Canada regions with thriving seal populations, a favorite food source of these apex predators," the researcher added. When Danny was off North Carolina, the water temperature was about 70 degrees. Now that Danny is off New England, the shark is in water temps of about 48 degrees. Along the Cape, May is when white shark activity starts to pick up, said shark researcher John Chisholm, who expects that some white sharks are already here. Chisholm was this week trying to confirm a report of a seal with a white shark bite. "We'll start to get steady reports of seals with shark bites, dolphins with bites," he said. "It's not always directly a shark sighting, but there's enough evidence that it's a white shark." If you see a white shark, Chisholm urges people to report the sighting to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy's Sharktivity app. Danny was tagged off the coast near the Florida/Georgia line in January. The shark is outfitted with both a SPOT and PSAT tag, enabling researchers to track his movements and collect real-time data for about five years. "Danny's journey is particularly special as he's named after one of OCEARCH's biggest fans and supporters," the OCEARCH website reads. "His story continues the legacy of global community collaboration in ocean conservation. By tracking Danny, we're not only unlocking new insights into the life history of white sharks but also connecting to the people like Danny who help make this research possible. "We'll continue to follow his travels and look forward to uncovering more about his role in the ecosystem as well as his migration patterns," the site states. "Through ongoing efforts like these, we aim to deepen our understanding of sharks and continue our work toward protecting these incredible creatures." 2025 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A baby manatee swimming beside its mother comes to the surface to breathe, at Manatee Lagoon, in Riviera Beach, Fla., Jan. 10, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File Three Democratic U.S. senators are asking the Trump administration to explain how it analyzed a proposed rule to eliminate habitat protections for endangered and threatened species and whether industry had a hand in drafting it. Senators Adam Schiff, Sheldon Whitehouse and Cory Booker sent a letter Monday to the departments of Interior and Commerce that also asks how the administration plans to protect species if the rule is changed. At issue is a long-standing definition of "harm" in the Endangered Species Act, which has included altering or destroying the places those species livethe No. 1 cause of extinction. Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service proposed a rule that says habitat modification shouldn't be considered harm because it isn't the same as intentionally targeting a species, called "take." Environmentalists argue that the definition of "take" has always included actions that harm species, and the definition of "harm" has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Under the new interpretation, industry, developers and others could simply say they didn't intend to harm an endangered species, environmentalists say, which could lead to the extinction of critically endangered species like the Florida panther and spotted owl. A humpback whale feeds on a school of fish Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Channel Islands Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag A pair of bald eagles call out while resting on a tree next to Union Bay, Jan. 16, 2024, in Seattle. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File The proposal could threaten progress made to save species that once were endangered, including bald eagles, gray wolves, Florida manatees and humpback whales, they said. The senators said it "represents an end run around the Endangered Species Act." "It is widely understood that a species cannot live without a safe place to call home," the letter reads. They also asked the administration to explain how it could enforce the act at all amid efforts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to fire federal staff and cut agencies' funding. The proposal is in the middle of a 30-day public comment period. Environmentalists have vowed to challenge it in court if it's adopted. The departments of Commerce and Interior did not immediately respond to emails sent Monday seeking comment. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: "The inside of the structure that causes the coloration contains a substance that is highly reactive and may act as a feeding repellent to algae-eating fish. Such a repellent is more effective when combined with a warning color such as the blue hue at the algae's growth tips," says Kobe University phycologist Kawai Hiroshi. Credit: H. Kawai and T. Motomura, European Journal of Phycology 2025 (DOI 10.1080/09670262.2025.2483980) Some red algae exhibit structural color that gives their growth tips a blue hue and the rest of their bodies, including their fruiting structures, a white hue. Moreover, since the color-producing structures are located together with anti-herbivory chemicals, the Kobe University discovery is the first to suggest that red algae use colors for inter-species communication. Red algae are red due to the pigments they use to collect light. Kobe University phycologist Kawai Hiroshi says, "Being a diver, I have long been aware that some red algae have a much whiter appearance than their usual red when observed in water. Also, in a recent diving survey, I noticed that the tips of young shoots in one of the species seemed to have a blueish hue. These observations made me curious, and I wanted to clarify the mechanism of these colors." Kawai describes the difficulties he faced while trying to investigate this phenomenon, "These species grow deep underwater below the tidal zone, which requires scuba diving for their observation and collection. In addition, many deep-water species are very fragile, and it is difficult to conduct detailed observations and experiments in the laboratory while they are still alive. Also, it requires special techniques to enable looking at the detailed structures with an electron microscope." However, building on their previous experiences with similar studies in brown algae, the Kobe University researchers managed to retrieve enough samples. Kawai Hiroshi and his team publish their findings that a certain kind of cells of the red algae Asparagopsis taxiformis, called the "gland cells," contain bodies of tightly packed microspheres of a light-reflecting material. Credit: H. Kawai and T. Motomura, European Journal of Phycology 2025 (DOI 10.1080/09670262.2025.2483980) Kawai Hiroshi explains, "Where these structures are white, around where the organism's fruiting structures are located, they may act as a camouflage of their original red color against grazers using sight to find their food." Credit: H. Kawai and T. Motomura, European Journal of Phycology 2025 (DOI 10.1080/09670262.2025.2483980) (CC BY) A structural color is produced not a result of a pigment but by the interaction of light with a physical structure. In the growth tips of the red alga Asparagopsis taxiformis, these microspheres are all of the same size, which allows light of a single, blue color to be reflected. As the gland cells mature, the microspheres stop being uniform size, which causes light of all colors to be reflected and results in a whitish hue. Credit: H. Kawai and T. Motomura, European Journal of Phycology 2025 (DOI 10.1080/09670262.2025.2483980) (CC BY) In the European Journal of Phycology, the team published its findings. They discovered that a certain kind of cells of the red algae, called the "gland cells," contain bodies of tightly packed microspheres of a light-reflecting material. In the growth tips of the red alga Asparagopsis taxiformis, these microspheres are all of the same size, which allows light of a single, blue color to be reflected. As the gland cells mature, the microspheres lose their uniform size, which causes light of all colors to be reflected, resulting in a whitish hue. "The structural color of red and brown algae living in shallow water has been explained to protect the photosynthetic pigments or to optimize photosynthesis. However, little is known about the structural color seen in deep water species," explains Kawai. What functions these colors serve may be related to where they are produced. Kawai says, "The inside of the structure that causes the coloration contains a substance that is highly reactive and may act as a feeding repellent to algae-eating fish. "Such a repellent is more effective when combined with a warning color such as the blue hue at the algae's growth tips. And where these structures are white, around where the organism's fruiting structures are located, they may act as a camouflage of their original red color against grazers using sight to find their food." The vast majority of algae-grazing fish occur in tropical waters, because of the higher temperatures needed to digest the food. This, together with the higher visibility there, may explain why structural coloration in red algae in deep water is more common to these regions. But this also has an implication for global warming. Kawai explains, "As warm-water fish migrate further north, they might pose a significant threat to the algae there that are not protected by such coloration." This research was conducted in collaboration with a researcher from Hokkaido University. More information: Structural colour in Asparagopsis taxiformis (Bonnemaisoniales, Rhodophyta) and its possible role in communicative functions, European Journal of Phycology (2025). DOI: 10.1080/09670262.2025.2483980 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In a sector as complex and capital-intensive as oil and gas, the decision-making process surrounding supplier selection is pivotal to operational success and long-term competitiveness. Research from Oman's oil and gas sector published in the International Journal of Services and Operations Management highlights the need for more structured, data-driven approaches to supplier evaluation. This research explores the application of advanced decision-making techniques to improve transparency, reduce risk, and enhance operational efficiency within the industry. At the core of this research is the application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. MCDM methods are analytical tools that can be used to evaluate options based on different, often conflicting, criteria. MCDM is particularly important in this industry where decision-makers must balance factors such as cost, safety, regulatory compliance, past performance, and environmental impact. Conventional supplier-selection methods often rely too heavily on subjective judgment, which can lead to the wrong decisions being made. The findings suggest that these methods can create a nuanced framework for supplier selection. In the case study, the approach shows itself to be invaluable in cases where specific contract requirements demand a more tailored, context-sensitive evaluation of suppliers. The researchers suggest that supplier selection should no longer be driven by price alone. The volatile nature of the oil and gas industry, shaped, as ever, by geopolitical tensions, fluctuating markets, and evolving environmental regulations, requires a broader focus. Supplier experience, commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards, and the ability to manage operational risks have become more important than initial pricing, particularly in contracts that involve sensitive operations. The research shows that an MCDM-based framework might be beneficial not only to individual companies, but also to national regulatory bodies and tendering authorities. By embedding these methods into procurement practices, the industry could achieve greater operational resilience, better align with sustainability objectives, and strengthen its contribution to the economy. More information: Mehdi Abdollahi Kamran et al, Supplier selection in oil and gas industry, International Journal of Services and Operations Management (2025). DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2025.145843. www.inderscience.com/info/inar cle.php?artid=145843 Provided by Inderscience 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: Photographs of Tacola kamitanii sp. nov., holotype, SOU-001. A, ventral side, SOU-001-A; B, dorsal side, SOU-001-B. Credit: Paleontological Research (2025). DOI: 10.2517/prpsj.240023 For decades, an "extremely rare" fossil sat unidentified in Japan's Museum of Unique Insect Fossils. Discovered in 1988 in Hyogo Prefecture, the imprint of a large butterfly wing and body is now confirmed to belong to an extinct species that's new to science, according to a May 2 study published in the journal Paleontological Research. Tacola kamitanii, named for fossil finder Kiyoshi Kamitani, is unique for its "remarkably large" wingspan, estimated to be nearly 3.5 inches, according to the study. This is the first butterfly fossil from the Early Pleistocene epoch, researchers said, meaning Tacola kamitanii likely lived between 2.6 million and 1.8 million years ago. It is the youngest, or most recent, example of an extinct butterfly, researchers said. The extinct species was a member of the Limenitidini subfamily of butterflies. Living examples from this subfamily include viceroys and admirals. This is the first named fossil from the Limenitidini subfamily, researchers said. "Butterfly fossils are extremely rare," researchers said in the study. "Butterfly bodies and wings are fragile and buoyant, making them less likely to be preserved as fossils than other insect groups." Reconstruction of Tacola kamitanii sp. nov. and comparison with extant species. A, habitus of Neptis alwina (Nagano Pref., Koumi machi, Japan. VII. 1992). Credit: Paleontological Research (2025). DOI: 10.2517/prpsj.240023 The fossil is considered to be from a female butterfly based on its large body size and "very thick" abdomen, according to the study. Tacola kamitanii may have lived in warm to mild zones as the Japanese islands shifted from a warm to a cold climate a global temperatures shifted from the Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene, researchers said. Researchers said the discovery of the fossil in Japan extends the distribution of the Tacola group of butterflies and "suggests that during the Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene" the genus was widely distributed in Southeast Asia and East Asia." The fossil was discovered in the town of Shin'onsen in northeastern Hyogo Prefecture, according to the study. Shin'onsen is about a 115-mile drive northeast from Osaka. The research team included Hiroaki Aiba, Yui Takahashi and Kotaro Saito. More information: Hiroaki Aiba et al, New species of fossil butterfly (Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae) from the Upper Pliocene to Lower Pleistocene Teragi Group, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, Paleontological Research (2025). DOI: 10.2517/prpsj.240023 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: Eoplatypleura messelensis gen. et sp. nov., holotype, SF-Mel1515. (a) Photographic overview. (b) Overlay drawing overview. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94099-7 For the first time, a fossilized true cicada has been described from the Messel Pit deposits. Eoplatypleura messelensis is one of the oldest known representatives of the modern-day true cicadas in Eurasia, and it is the earliest record of the subfamily Cicadinae worldwide. The discovery from the UNESCO World Heritage Site near Darmstadt expands our understanding of the fauna of that time, closes an important gap in the fossil record, and provides new insights into the development and expansion of this insect group in Europe during the Cenozoic. The new discovery is published in the journal Scientific Reports. With a body length of around 26.5 millimeters and a wingspan of 68.2 millimeters, the adult female cicada from the 47-million-year-old oil shale of the Messel Pit has been almost completely preserved. "The family of true cicadas (Cicadidae) is one of the most species-rich insect groups today. Nevertheless, there are only very few fossil finds compared to the large number of modern species," explains Dr. Sonja Wedmann from the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt. "Within this family, the Platypleurini group is particularly strikingit has a wide distribution and contains many different species with special characteristics. For the first time, we have now described a fossil from this group of cicadas." The newly described cicada species Eoplatypleura messelensis is notable not only for its size but also for its expansive and strikingly patterned wings. "These patterns are similar to those of modern cicada species of the Platypleurini group, which live in woods and scrubland. Given the subtropical vegetation in the Messel area around 47 million years ago, the coloration could have fulfilled a similar ecological functionfor example as camouflage," says first author Dr. Hui Jiang. The paleontologist conducted the study during her research stay at the Senckenberg Research Station "Messel Pit." The new Messel fossil is characterized by a compact head with inconspicuous compound eyes and broad forewings with a noticeably curved leading edge. "Although the fossil is a female, its classification suggests that males of this group were capable of producing loud mating calls," adds Jiang. To date, at least 44 fossil finds of cicadas have been documented from the Cenozoic era, the period beginning around 66 million years ago. "The cicada we have described as a new genus and species is one of the oldest known representatives of today's true cicadas in Eurasia and represents the earliest record of the subfamily Cicadinae worldwide. It is also the first described buzzing cicada from the Messel Pit," adds Senckenberg excavation supervisor Wedmann. Reconstruction of Eoplatypleura messelensis gen. et sp. nov. from the Eocene Messel Pit, by Dinghua Yang. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94099-7 According to the study, the discovery not only expands our knowledge of the fauna of the Messel Pit but also closes an important gap in the history of cicadas in the Eocene. In the future, Eoplatypleura messelensis could serve as an important chronological reference for genetic studies on the evolutionary history of these animals and provide new insights into the origin and spread of the Platypleurini. Wedmann summarizes, "Every new fossil find from the Messel Pit UNESCO World Heritage Site is of great scientific importance. Insects account for a large part of biodiversity. Their fossil record helps us to better understand the development of complex ecosystems and ecological interactions. "Fossils such as our true cicada offer fascinating insights into life around 47 million years ago and provide valuable information on the origins of today's insect diversity." More information: Jiang, H. et al. Sounds from the Eocene: the first singing cicada from the Messel Pit, Germany. Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94099-7 www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-94099-7. Journal information: Scientific Reports This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A family of mountain gorillas resting together, in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Resting in physical contact is an indicator of close social relationships and tolerance in gorillas. Credit: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Friendship comes with complex pros and conspossibly explaining why some individuals are less sociable, according to a new study of gorillas. The paper, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is titled "Group traits moderate the relationship between individual social traits and fitness in gorillas." Scientists examined over 20 years of data on 164 wild mountain gorillas, to see how their social lives affected their health. Costs and benefits changed depending on the size of gorilla groups, and differed for males and females. For example, friendly females in small groups didn't get ill very often but had fewer offspringwhile those in large groups got ill more but had higher birth rates. Meanwhile, males with strong social bonds tended to get ill morebut were less likely to be injured in fights. The studyby the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the universities of Exeter and Zurichmay help to explain why such a wide range of traits have evolved in social animals, including humans. "Having a lot of strong social relationships is often really goodbut sometimes it isn't," said Dr. Robin Morrison, lead author on the paper and Senior Researcher at the University of Zurich. "For example, our study found that strong and stable social bonds are generally linked to less illness in female gorillasbut more illness in males. "We can't be certain why this happens, but it appears it's not a simple matter of social contact leading to more disease risk. "It's possible that males expend more energy by having close social ties, as they have to defend females and offspring, and the stress of this may reduce their immune function." Three generations of mountain gorillas sitting together. Gutangara holding her infant daughter, next to her adult daughter Shishikara and grandson Kira. Credit: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The study focused on the strength of each gorilla's key social bonds, and its integration into the groupalong with wider context such as group size, stability and conflict with other groups. The findings highlight the forces that affect the evolution of social behavior. "With these forces pushing in different directions, the 'optimal' social type will depend on an individual's sex, age, offspring and wider social group," said Dr. Sam Ellis, from the University of Exeter. "In humans and other social mammals, the social environment is one of the strongest predictors of health and lifespan. "But our study shows this isn't a straightforward case of more and stronger social ties always being better. In some situations, social traits that we've previously thought of as maladaptive can have important benefits." The study is based on long-term observations of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, which usually live in groups of about 12 with a single dominant male. "This paper highlights the incredible value of long-term studies to furthering our understanding of the evolution of sociality and how the benefits or costs of sociality can vary considerably across different environments," said Dr. Tara Stoinski, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and one of the study co-authors. Two subadult female mountain gorillas play together in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Credit: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Case studies: The varied social lives of mountain gorillas Gutangaraan adult femalelives in one of the largest gorilla groups. She has good relationships with many gorillas but spends most of her time with her offspringsome that are still young and others that are already adults. She is the most successful gorilla mother the researchers have seen, with eight surviving offspring. Maggie was the highest-ranking female gorilla in the Bwenge group. She was one of the most frequently aggressive group members but was also quick to provide friendly support such as grooming. Maggie often led group interactions and acted as a protector, a role usually taken by males. When the dominant male died unexpectedly, Maggie took charge, guiding the group until they merged with a neighboring group. But Maggie struggled to fit into this new group and eventually chose to leave. She traveled alone for a month until she crossed into the Congo, where her trail was lost. Titusa "silverback" adult male mountain gorillahad a difficult childhood. He lost his father and many other group members to poachers, and his mother died when he was only four. He became the dominant male of his group at the early age of 15. Titus had an unusual leadership style, being exceptionally gentle and calm. His closest relationships were with the females in his group, who often stayed in physical contact with him, something rarely observed to this extent in other groups. His gentle nature made him very attractive to females and contributed to his 20-year tenure as dominant male until his death in 2009. Cantsbee, also a silverback, led his group for 22 yearsthe longest dominance tenure ever recordedand fathered at least 28 offspring. He was known for his authoritative but peaceful nature, rarely initiating or entering fights, but was quick to protect others and resolve conflicts in the group. He had a particularly close relationship with his son Gicurasi, whose mother left when he was young, and who eventually took over leadership of the group in Cantsbee's final years. When Cantsbee later became ill, he chose to leave the group, spending his final months alone, except for one brief visit to the group shortly before his death. 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: Australian swamp harrier. Credit: Mike Lee, Flinders University/SA Museum Owls, well adapted to hearing the exact location of prey, have something in common with an unrelated group of raptorsharriers. A new study led by Canadian and Australian researchers has found that harriers across the world are able to keep a much better ear out for their next meal than previously thought. The international team of University of Lethbridge and Flinders University researchers made the discovery when they found unexpected owl-like traits in the ear and brain of several harrier species, such as the Australian spotted harrier. The new article published in the Journal of Anatomy features the work of the Iwaniuk Lab at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta and Associate Professor Vera Weisbecker's "Bones and Diversity Lab" at Flinders University in South Australia. University of Lethbridge Ph.D. student Sara Citron, who led the study, says owls have fine-tuned hearing abilities, allowing some of their species to locate prey in complete darkness. "Until recently, it was assumed that all their hearing adaptations were unique to owls. However, our study shows that harriers have independently evolved several key adaptations for finding prey by sound," she says. The research team focused on harriersa group of hawks found in North America, Australia, NZ, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asiabecause they show some unusual, owl-like hunting behaviors. Senior author and Ph.D. supervisor Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk, Associate Professor at the Canadian Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, says, "Hawks tend to hunt primarily by sight. But unlike other hawks, harriers fly low over tall grass with their beak pointed to the ground. "During this so-called 'quartering flight,' they are not only looking for prey, they are also listening for it," he says. Co-author Aubrey Keirnan, a Ph.D. student at Flinders University who is also co-supervised by Dr. Iwaniuk and Associate Professor Weisbecker, says that simply by looking at the harrier, you can see similarities with owls. "The Australian Spotted Harrier is a great example," she says. "When you look at this species' face, you can see a distinctive disk-shaped face, which may improve their prey localization just like owls." The discovery matches older behavioral studies showing that harriers can locate sounds with similar accuracy to owls, but how they do this has been a mystery. Using specimens from wildlife rehabilitators and museums in Australia and Canada, the team examined the anatomy of the skull and brain of harriers and other closely related hawk species such as the wedge-tailed eagle. They found that, like owls, harriers have enlarged ear openings and two expanded brain regions that are essential for calculating where a sound is coming from. "These auditory nuclei are found in the brainstem and compare the time at which sounds arrive at the left or right ear," says co-author Associate Professor in evolutionary biology Vera Weisbecker, from Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering. "If a sound arrives at both ears at the same time, then the sound is coming from directly in front of an animal. If there is a delay, this indicates that the prey is more to the left or right," she says. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "By having these two brain regions expanded, harriers can make such computations more accurately than other hawks, allowing them to locate where a potential rat, mouse or other prey is hiding in the grass." "Harriers have therefore evolved an auditory system similar to owls, enabling them to target sounds as accurately as owls in a remarkable example of convergent evolution of both brain and behavior in animals separated by over 60 million years," adds first author Citron. The team is careful to point out that the auditory system of many owls is far more sophisticated than that of harriers. This explains the ability of some owl species, such as the barn owl, to hunt in complete darkness, whereas hawks only hunt during the day. "There are several other features that help owls with their keen hearing, which we did not find in harriers. For example, some owl species have asymmetric ears that allow them to locate sound with greater acuity, and these owls also have several other enlarged brain regions that were not enlarged in harriers," says Citron. The team hopes their study results will encourage further research on bird anatomy to find out how a species perceives its surroundings. "Anatomical studies like ours are a window into how a bird perceives the world around it, which can be extremely useful for bird conservation," adds Dr. Iwaniuk. "For example, harriers' reliance on sound for prey location means that they are likely more sensitive to traffic and industrial noise. This could be contributing to the large decreases in Northern Harrier populations we have seen in Canada." More information: Sara Citron et al, The evolution of an "owllike" auditory system in harriers: Anatomical evidence, Journal of Anatomy (2025). DOI: 10.1111/joa.14264 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The team's experimental setup: Atoms are cooled and slowed inside a vacuum chamber, until they can be trapped in a lattice inside a cavity (black triangular cavity spacer in the bottom half of the vacuum chamber.) Fluorescence of the atoms can be seen on top in blue from hot atoms interacting with the Zeeman slower laser, and in a thin strip in the lower half from atoms trapped inside the cavity. Credit: JKT/ZN Laser-cooled atomic gases, gases of atoms chilled to temperatures around absolute zero using laser technologies, have proved to be versatile physical platforms to study and control quantum phenomena. When these atomic gases interact with light inside an optical cavity (i.e., a structure designed to trap and enhance light), they can give rise to effects that can be leveraged to realize quantum sensing or simulate complex quantum systems. Using atomic gases loaded in optical cavities, physicists have observed various intriguing effects, including self-organization phase transitions, characterized by the spontaneous arrangement of the gas atoms into ordered patterns, lasing and the preservation of quantum coherence. Generally, however, these effects are only observed for short times, as new atoms need to be reloaded in the cavity for them to be produced again. Researchers at JILA, a joint research institute of the University of Colorado-Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, recently demonstrated continuous lasing that lasted hours using laser-cooled strontium-88 (88Sr) atoms loaded into a ring (i.e., circular) optical cavity. Their paper, published in Nature Physics, could open new possibilities for the development of ultra-quiet lasers, as well as quantum computers and sensing technologies. "The original goal of our experiment is to build a continuous superradiant laser, a tool that would allow us to make high precision frequency measurements at short timescales," Dr. Vera M. Schafer, first author of the paper, told Phys.org. "This could help us to explore different regimes to search for dark matter and other new physics." The long-term objective of researchers Schafer, Niu, Thompson and their colleagues is to realize exceedingly advanced and ultranarrow frequency linewidth lasers, which could be used to search for dark matter or to develop sophisticated devices, such as atomic clocks. While working towards this goal, however, they uncovered a curious and unexpected effect, which reflects the fact that nature can spontaneously organize itself when energy is pumped into a system. "We saw laser light coming out of our system when we were just trying to load a very cold gas of atoms between the highly reflective mirrors that form our laser cavity," explained Prof. James K. Thompson. "To be clear, our laser cavity is like a bell but for light instead of sound. It likes to ring at a specific frequency. "The atoms were making this 'bell' ring and give off light. When we investigated where this light was coming from, we found lots of strange behaviors, chief among them that changing the resonance frequency of the bell barely changed the frequency of the light it was emitting." After their unexpected observations, the researchers set out to better understand the underlying physics. This could, in turn, inform the future development of atomic clocks and gravitational wave detectors. "To understand this, I have to tell you a story about atomic clocks and gravitational wave detectors," said Thompson. "It turns out that both atomic clock and gravitational wave detectors rely on building types of optical cavities with very, very, very (did I say very enough?) stable frequencies. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "Yet when one builds these objects, one notices that it looks like these 'bells' are wiggling and jiggling around in frequency. Why? Because they are made of real atoms at finite temperatures that undergo the equivalent of random jiggling around called Brownian motion." To circumvent this limitation of both atomic clocks and gravitational wave detectors, Thompson and his lab at JILA are trying to build a superradiant laser. The frequency of this laser should not depend on the frequency of the optical cavity but, instead, on a very narrow frequency atomic transition in the atom strontium. The team's experimental setup: Atoms are cooled and slowed inside a vacuum chamber, until they can be trapped in a lattice inside a cavity (black triangular cavity spacer in the bottom half of the vacuum chamber.) Fluorescence of the atoms can be seen on top in blue from hot atoms interacting with the Zeeman slower laser, and in a thin strip in the lower half from atoms trapped inside the cavity. Credit: JKT/ZN "To build this, we must continuously apply other normal lasers that cool the strontium atoms down to 10 millionths of a degree above absolute zero," said Thompson. Senior PhD student Zhijing Niu added, "We have figured out how to laser cool and load our atoms continuously rather than staggered in time like almost all other experiments in our field do (i.e., cool and load some atoms, briefly do some science, throw them away, repeat.)." Before they even got to leverage the very narrow atomic transition during their experiments, the researchers observed that laser light was coming out of the optical cavity and found that it persisted for hours. This fascinating observation was the key inspiration behind their recent work, as they were keen to understand its underlying reasons. "This was quite a special experiment because normally you try to achieve a specific goal and solve problems along the way," said Schafer. "We saw something completely unexpected and initially had no idea what caused it. So, we excluded different possibilities step by step until we finally started to understand what was going on and found out that without us even trying, this lasing mechanism stabilizes the effective frequency of our cavity." Ultimately, the researchers realized that the lasing they observed resulted from the absorption of a photon and a subsequent stimulated emission, producing a different momentum state. In other words, they found that 88Sr atoms caught a photon, causing it to recoil and then throw a photon into the cavity, producing the continuous lasing they observed. "This appears to be the gain mechanism provided by nature when we put energy into the system via our laser-cooling beams," said Niu. "However, this gain mechanism also causes atom-heating, which then causes a funny feedback loop that keeps the effective optical cavity frequency to a fixed value, even when we tried our darndest to change it, " added Thompson. The recent study carried out by this research group offers new insight into light-matter interactions, which could inform the future development of superradiant lasers. Notably, much of the physics they observed only occurs in continuous, as opposed to cyclic experiments. "The most interesting lasing regime only appears when starting in a noisier state and then slowly changing the cavity parameters to a less stable regime that is only upheld by the continuous lasing," explained Schafer. "So, building a continuously operating cold atom experiment allowed us to see some new effects." Inspired by recent work in the field, including this recent study, many researchers interested in atomic and laser physics are now shifting their focus from cyclical to continuous experiments. The resulting continuous operation platforms could pave the way for the introduction of new highly performing technologies, including quantum computing systems and ultranarrow linewidth lasers. "In the future, we plan to really use the narrow linewidth transition in strontium to build incredibly single-color lasers to explore the world," added Thompson. "Along the way, we are already seeing lots of interesting things like protecting quantum sensors called matter waves and optical clocks against noise using collective effects or using these same systems to simulate BCS superconductors. We are definitely going to keep very busy!" More information: Vera M. Schafer et al, Continuous recoil-driven lasing and cavity frequency pinning with laser-cooled atoms, Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02854-4. Journal information: Nature Physics 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Nicolas Lesueur from Pexels For years, the Endangered Species Act has been interpreted in a way that preserves the environments where endangered and threatened plants and animals live. A proposed regulatory change by the Trump administration would limit the act's protection to prohibit killing, harming or injuring individual animals and not the habitats on which they rely, some experts say. The pending change in the definition of "harm" to make it illegal to "take" a member of a protected species by methods such as trapping or killing concerns scientists who fear a loss of habitat could lead to population collapse. "It will cripple the Endangered Species Act," says Dan Distel, research professor at Northeastern University's Marine Science Center. "The act very plainly states the intention of Congress is to preserve the species, not individuals of the species," he says, with conservation being an important part of the process. "If you take away the habitat that is the means by which the species survives, you have destroyed the species," Distel says. When it comes to critically endangered species like the right whale, it's possible the change would maintain protections such as limits on ship speed to avoid collisions that could maim or kill individual whales, says Katie Lotterhos, an associate professor at the Marine Science Center. "I don't see how this reinterpretation would change that, because those regulations are related to direct injury to the animals," says Lotterhos, whose lab studies the genetic diversity of oysters and seagrass. But some scientists are concerned the change could make it easier to develop areas such as those located near salt marshes where endangered species live. "I think this change in the interpretation of the law will make the Endangered Species Act more ambiguous and more challenging to implement," Lotterhos says. "For example, the current interpretation of harm would include things like impairing behavioral patterns," she says. "That includes breeding, feeding and sheltering. That's not ambiguous." "The proposed change is ambiguous because it's focused on direct contact causing injury to an animal, and ignores indirect harm that would be caused by habitat loss," Lotterhos says. Take the saltmarsh sparrow, which is on the Massachusetts state endangered list, says Matthew Costa, a postdoctoral researcher at the Marine Science Center. The sparrow lives in salt marshes like the one Costa studies to understand how nutrient runoff from human activities affect the capacity of the marsh to grow and replenish itself. "There are many valuable species that depend on the success of the salt marsh," Costa says. "It's an example of us recognizing that the habitat needs to be protected." It's not just endangered and threatened species that need habitat protection, says Distel, who helped found Northeastern's Ocean Genome Legacy Center to preserve DNA from creatures as large as whales to as small as bacteria. Many marine animals are valuable to people as sources of food and medicine, he says. "There's something very valuable in just about anything you look at in the ocean, if you look hard enough." Not to mention, Distel says, "every other breath you take is oxygen produced by marine microorganisms." "The world is highly interconnected," he says. "Protecting species and their habitats 'can improve the human condition.'" This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Keurbos susanae, a marine fossil from South Africa. Credit: Sarah Gabbott A fossilized creature found in a South African roadside quarry 25 years ago finally has an official name. The small, segmented, crustacean-like creature, dated to 444 million years ago, can now be introduced as Keurbos susanae. It belongs to the arthropod group of animals, which accounts for about 84% of all known species that exist today, including insects, spiders and crabs. Paleontologist Sarah Gabbott explains what's so unusual about her discovery, which she named as part of the process of describing it scientifically. What can you tell us about this creature and the environment it lived in? The fossil is about 50 cm long and has 46 almost identical segments. Projecting from each is a delicate, gill-like structure. It would probably have looked a bit like a horseshoe crab and the gills would have been for absorbing oxygen from the water it lived in. Its insides are exquisitely well-preserved, which is very unusual for fossilsnormally only the hard, more decay-resistant external features would be preserved. You can see bundles of muscle fibers that would have powered the limbs, tendons and an internal scaffold structure that gave the animal rigidity. We think it would have spent most of its life living onor more likely just abovethe seafloor, probably walking and swimming in an undulatory (waving) motion. It lived in the immediate aftermath of the end Ordovician extinction event more than 440 million years ago, caused by glaciations (the spread of icy conditions) across vast swaths of the planet. This extinction wiped out about 85% of Earth's species. The marine basin that Keurbos susanae inhabited was probably very cold and at times covered with sea ice. It was a relatively hostile environment in other ways too. Our analyses of the chemistry of the shalesthe sediments on the sea bed where this animal and others lived, now turned to rockshows that they were deposited under anoxic conditions (that is, there was no oxygen circulating freely in the water). And at times, free hydrogen sulfide occurred in the sediment porewaters (the water in tiny spaces between grains of sediment) and even above the seafloor. Not much could live in these conditions and this was critical to this fossil's amazing preservation. It meant the carcass was not scavenged by other animals after it died. Also, chemistry was important in the process whereby the soft tissues, which should usually rot away rapidly, became mineralized quickly after death. This turned the animal's anatomy to mineral, which survived for hundreds of millions of years until it was discovered. It is preserved "inside out." Keurbos susanae is a new genus and species which we are still trying to place among other early arthropods. The fact that its insides are better preserved than its outside makes it difficult to compare with other fossils that are preserved the "other way round." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. How did you find the fossil and what else has been found in that area? The site is in the Cedarberg mountains, north of Cape Town. To collect fossils in this area, you need a permit granted by the Council for Geoscience. Fossil-bearing rocks are protected by law because of their heritage and scientific value. Fossil hunting in these rocks takes a lot of hard work and patience, splitting open the shales with a hammer and chisel. These shale rocks are what's left of layers of silt that were once on the sea floor. The fossils here are super-rare: You can dig and split shale for days and not find a single fossil. But we know there are some in there because of discoveries made previously. I found two specimens. The first one is complete, but the second one only has the middle part of the body preserved. In the same rocks we have found some of the earliest vertebrate fossils with mineralized teeth, called conodonts. They were eel-shaped and predatory. Also eurypterids (sea scorpions), arthropods with powerful swimming appendages, which would have cruised through the frigid waters. There are also orthoconesa type of chambered cephalopodlike the mollusk fossils called ammonites, which have been found in large numbers, but with a straight shell instead of coiled. Why has it taken 25 years to describe Keurbos susanae scientifically? Two reasons really. First, because of the nature of preservation, where all the insides are perfectly preserved but the outside (the carapace or body covering) is absent, it is just difficult to interpret and compare to other fossils. And secondly, because the specimen's head and legs are missing and these are key characteristics that paleontologists would use to help them to understand the evolutionary relationships of such fossils. If more specimens were to be found, with their heads and legs, we could be more certain about where this fossil fitted in the scheme of life. But the site where I found it has been covered in a lot of rock from quarrying activity. So we decided to describe what we had in the meantime, and not wait for more examples. The fossil's name, Keurbos susanae, refers to the place where I found it and to my mother, Sue, who encouraged me to follow a career that made me happy, whatever that might be. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay from Pexels For the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, NASA officially has its hands on a spacecraft expected to fly humans to the moon. Lockheed Martin, prime contractor for the Orion space capsule, transferred possession of the Artemis II spacecraft Thursday to the agency's Exploration Ground Systems team base at Kennedy Space Center. Artemis II is slated to launch from KSC no later than April 2026, taking NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission around the moonbut not to the lunar surface. That launch date is one that's been repeatedly delayed after completion of the uncrewed Artemis I mission in late 2022. "We want to achieve a pace of one flight a year. We're not there yet," said Lockheed Martin's Kirk Shireman, head of its Orion program. "We all know that the faster you fly, the faster you produce vehicles, the cheaper they are, the less cost there is to that and the more you keep the interest of the public." Artemis II will be the third flight to space for Orion, which was originally part of the Constellation program started under President George W. Bush. It survived that program's demise and was incorporated into what became Artemis, designed to be launched atop the massive Space Launch System rocket for deep-space missions. Orion performed a short test trip to space in 2014 before flying on the Artemis I mission in 2022 that orbited the moon without crew. That flight brought Orion back to Earth at nearly 24,500 mph, enduring temperatures of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Unexpected damage found on the heat shield's protective coating prompted an investigation that forced NASA to punt Artemis II further into the decade from its original timelines. As recently as late 2020, under President Trump's first administration, NASA was still holding to the lofty, although ultimately unrealistic, goal of flying Artemis I in 2021, Artemis II in 2023 and Artemis IIIwhich aimed to return humans to the lunar surface in 2024. Artemis I ended up flying one year later than planned. Damage to the mobile launcher from the 8.8 million pounds of thrust created by the SLS rocket in addition to Orion heat shield issues were prime factors in Artemis II slipping first into 2024, then 2025 and now not until early 2026. NASA had asked all of its partners in the Artemis program to see if they can exceed deadlines and get to flight as early as February while keeping Artemis III on NASA's calendar for summer 2027. Artemis III is reliant on SpaceX to develop a working version of its Starship rocket to act as the human landing system. "We are working to even accelerate our work production for flights for Artemis 3, 4, 5 and beyond. NASA has been working with us and encouraging us to continue doing that," Shireman said. "The direction we've been getting from NASA is, "Hey, we've got to meet our dates, and it would be awesome if you could exceed, if you could do better than those dates," and that's the way we've been working." He said a new issue that popped up late last year regarding Orion's batteries had teams projecting a final delivery at the end of May. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "I think we're extremely proud to have been not only able to hold, but accelerate that date," he said, noting Lockheed gained back nearly a month. "That's pretty phenomenal in a complicated spacecraft." Orion will eventually be stacked atop the SLS rocket in the Vehicle Assembly Building, after which the completed rocket and spacecraft atop the mobile launcher could roll to Launch Pad 39-B before the end of the year for testing, where NASA intends to keep it until launch. Shireman said he thinks NASA is happy with Lockheed's performance. "It wasn't like everything was smooth sailing," he said, saying many issues were found and solved before they became a schedule threat. "People have really been working hard and are probably more than a little fatigued. So they're going to take a breather here for 24, maybe 48 hours, and then we're going to hit it again for Artemis III." Shireman said Lockheed has not had any signal from NASA to pull back from long-term plans with Artemis even though the future of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft could shift under new direction during the second Trump administration. The delays to Artemis, along with ballooning costs, has critics including billionaire Jared Isaacman, who was nominated to become the next NASA administrator and is awaiting a confirmation vote in the Senate. Isaacman has told senators he's on board with the plan through at least Artemis III, especially as the U.S. tries to compete with Chinese plans to land on the moon. But after achieving the lunar landing, the nation should look at commercial alternatives such as SpaceX's Starship or Blue Origin's New Glenn for achieving its lunar goals. Shireman continued to stump for the current plan to fly Orion atop SLS in the short term even though plans could change. "You could launch an Orion on a New Glenn and you could create an architecture," he said. "But when you add new elements that don't exist and you haven't started working on them, that's where the time comes in. "So that's why I believe, firmly believe, the quickest way to the moonto put American boots back on the moonis with SLS and Orion on Artemis III." But he pitched the spacecraft to remain part of whatever the future of deep-space exploration becomes. "Ultimately, we could pivot to something different," Shireman said. "We want to be part of putting Americans back on the moon and a sustainable lunar program. And if the administration wants to modify the architecture, we'll be happy to work with them." 2025 Orlando Sentinel. 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: The warming stripes of observed changes in global mean surface temperature from 18502024 using the HadCRUT5 dataset (Morice et al. 2021) using a 19612010 baseline for the transition between blues and reds (top), and a more traditional representation of the same data showing the observed change relative to pre-industrial (18501900) levels and the associated uncertainties (bottom). Credit: Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (2025). DOI: 10.1175/BAMS-D-24-0212.1 A new study involving the University of Liverpool reveals striking temperature shifts across both the oceans and the atmosphere, using an extended version of the now-iconic climate stripes visualization. Published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, the research demonstrates consistent warming patterns in the upper oceans and lower atmosphere (troposphere), with the warmest years recorded in the past decade. The visualization uses a blue-to-red striped patternknown as the Climate Stripesto communicate the progression of global warming over time. Professor Ric Williams, from the University of Liverpool's Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, contributed to the ocean component of the study. He collaborated with Professor Ed Hawkins, climate scientist at the University of Reading and creator of the Climate Stripes, to investigate whether the warming trend observed in surface air temperatures extends into the ocean. Working alongside Dr. Vassil Roussenov, also from the University of Liverpool and Dr. Doug Smith at the UK Met Office, the team exploited global reconstructions of ocean temperatures used for decadal forecasts. Drawing on data from the Argo float program and UK Met Office analyses, the researchers evaluated temperature changes in the upper 1,500 meters of the ocean. Their findings revealed warming trends throughout the ocean interior that closely mirror those observed in the atmosphere. Professor Ric Williams said, "These new warming stripes reveal how deeply climate signals are embedded throughout both the lower atmosphere and the upper ocean. While year-to-year variations exist, the decade-by-decade warming trend is unmistakable." The study also introduces "warning stripes"projections of possible future temperatures based on various greenhouse gas emission scenarios. These projections starkly illustrate that without substantial emissions reductions, today's warmest years may be considered relatively cool in the future. Professor Ric Williams added, "The only way to halt this trajectory is by cutting carbon emissions." Professor Ed Hawkins, lead author of the study, commented, "Warming is evident throughout our entire climate system, from ocean depths to the atmosphere above. These new stripes help peopleregardless of their scientific backgroundvisually grasp the scale and consistency of global warming. The message is clear: we are at a pivotal moment that demands urgent action." More information: Ed Hawkins et al, Warming Stripes spark climate conversations: from the ocean to the stratosphere, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (2025). DOI: 10.1175/BAMS-D-24-0212.1 Journal information: Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in 2020, policing has been at the center of the cultural and political conversation in the U.S. Since then, the explicit ways policing impacts communities of color have increasingly come under the microscope, from police brutality to discrimination in traffic stops. However, new research argues that in order to address the root issues in the criminal legal system, we need to redefine the very idea of policing and its purpose. Korey Tillman, an assistant professor of criminology, criminal justice and Africana studies at Northeastern University, explains the mundane ways that Black people specifically are policed are just as important as the headline-catching incidents. These everyday occurrences all come back to what he calls punitive inertia, a concept inspired both by his interviews with Black Americans and the world of physics. "Inertia is a resistance to a change of motion, so I use that as a play on words to talk about how Black folks who are forced to move by some sort of policing also resist that policing and what we witness when that moment happens," Tillman says. Through interviews with Black people across the country, Tillman found that motion, or lack of motion, was central to how policing intersected with their lives. The stories Tillman heard were consistent: people being stopped, detained or told to move somewhere else. What they revealed was how policing impacted Black people's movement throughout the world and, as a result, how they related to other people and the U.S. as a whole, Tillman says. More importantly, the data he collected through these interviews showed the many ways that Black people in the U.S. are policed on a daily basis. Pushing for a new definition of policing, one that goes beyond the criminal legal system to include every person who, as Tillman says, "works for the state," is integral to understanding these daily moments of policing. He points to the model of civil police established in London in 1829 to explain why it's necessary to expand the lens around policing. "We get to a place where policing in its inception has never been just about enforcing the law, but it's about maintaining this boundary between us and them," Tillman explains. "I'm arguing that policing does the work law enforcement and other[s] do the work to say who is human and who is not and maintain that boundary, and [it] has done so for eons, especially during the Middle Passage when the category of human gets shaped by Blackness." "The mundane forms of policing take shape in our everyday lives that we often overlook because we just think about and focus on law enforcement and policing in those ways," Tillman adds. What does this kind of mundane policing look like? It could be a "random" stop from a TSA agent, a campus security officer asking to see a Black student's ID at the library or a young man getting shot for ringing the doorbell at the wrong house, Tillman says. In every case, Black motion is being controlled. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. In an interview with Tillman, a man who grew up going to school in North Carolina described what happened when he threw a paper ball in his fifth-grade class. "The teacher put him in the back of the classroom in a desk that had a huge cardboard box surrounding the desk," Tillman says. "He was literally enclosed and placed into a box. She would shake the box and the desk to make sure that he was still working." It's not a traffic stop or detention in prison, the moments most people would consider examples of policing, but Tillman says it was still a "stop" that impacted this young man's view of who he was and where he was welcome. "What it does to folks is that it has folks internalize what the dominant group wants them to internalize: That they're not human and they don't belong in this space," Tillman says. "There's really no place that you can go as a Black person and not face either policing or the threat of policing and having your body altered in its special trajectory." Addressing seismic societal issues is going to require an interdisciplinary approach to policing that goes beyond just criminology, Tillman says. More broadly, and more challenging politically, it might also require a radical reimagining of what police, prisons and other parts of the criminal legal system look like to reinject them with a humane approach that doesn't damage people and their communities, he adds. "It's not about hate but how do we move forward in a different way, because [policing in this way] is a relatively recent invention," Tillman says. "It's only a couple hundred years old, and we see that it's not working. So, how do we look back and see what we did right and what we did wrong and then move forward in ways that hold everyone's humanity together?" More information: Korey Tillman, Punitive Inertia: Anti-Blackness and the Policing of Motion, Social Problems (2025). DOI: 10.1093/socpro/spaf007 This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Bennett True, expertly handling a snouted cobra, gives a demonstration to a school group visiting the Hoedspruit Reptile Center While highly venomous, the snouted cobra is not aggressive if handled properly; only if disturbed or frightened, will it raises the front-third of its body, extend its hood, and hiss. Credit: Bennett True Bennett True set a goal last summer that others might find unthinkable: to give a live demonstration with highly venomous snakes for a local South African audience. He was spending close to six weeks learning about, and working closely with, tropical venomous snakes as a Laidlaw Scholar at the Hoedspruit Reptile Center in Limpopo, South Africa. For True, who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, being able to confidently handle these snakes brought home, in a personal way, the key mission of the center: that snakes, typically seen as threats and often killed outright, are misunderstood. "By safely handling these snakes, we can show snakes not as aggressive, but as calm animals," he said. While it's wise to "maintain your distance if you encounter one, they are aggressive only when they feel threatened. If you understand and respect them, they'll respect you." True, who graduates this month with a degree in biochemistry, considers that accomplishment a highlight of his work with the center, where he deepened his connection to addressing a global health problem. More than 137,000 people die each year due to snake bites, and about three times as many have limbs amputated or experience other permanent disabilities due to bites, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Tufts Now spoke with True about his efforts to help people more safely coexist with snakes. How did your interest in snake bites develop? The summer after my freshman year, I took part in Tufts in Talloires, where one of my classes was The Emerging Global Health Crisis [taught by Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering David Gute, who holds joint appointments at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy]. One field trip was to nearby Geneva, where we heard from representatives from the World Health Organization. The head of zoonotic diseases made a strong impression, describing a snakebite antivenom crisis. [There is a global shortage of antivenom, a treatment for certain venomous bites and stings, and many snake antivenoms are very expensive.] When we had a class assignment to do a project on a neglected tropical diseasemeaning it is underfunded, understudied, and mostly impacts countries in tropical regions where medical resources are very limitedI chose the snake bite issue. I absolutely loved this project. It was interdisciplinary and multi-dimensional. It involved how antivenoms are created, how wildlife is managed, how humans fear snakes, how they're not valued as part of a healthy ecosystem. When I got back to Tufts, I learned about the Laidlaw Scholar program and saw an exciting opportunity to keep learning about these wonderful creatures who merit greater appreciation. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. For the Laidlaw program, your first summer involved research on campus and your second summer a volunteer experience in an international setting of your choice. How did you connect your work in biochemistry with snake conservation? A central theme of Laidlaw is ethical leadership. Funding supports research, both in the lab and in the field, that focuses on training to be a good leader, to do things ethically and with consideration for others who've been overlooked. While my projects were completely separate, they were both aimed at benefiting people across the world. In the Kritzer Lab, that meant improving the treatment of cancer. In South Africa, it was about preventing deaths from snake bite through education and traininga nice complement to the research project I had done the year before. How did your comfort level change with regard to handling snakes? It was daunting the first time I handled a venomous snake. But what helped me get over my fear was learning about the animals themselves; if I could respect their needs, I felt more confident they wouldn't hurt me. By the end of the six weeks, I knew my skill level. I felt comfortable handling many snakes at the center, and I knew what training I still needed if I wanted to handle others. That contact must have been stressful at first It is, but you do what is needed and step up! I also assisted veterinarians who come there to learn more about snake care and rehabilitation. In one case, we had a black mamba that was diagnosed with parasites and that had to be dewormed. The technique is to place the snake inside a big plastic tube and then insert a feeding tube down their throat very carefully to give them the medicine. I wasn't forcing their mouth open specifically, but I did hold their mouth open for the medicine. I never thought I'd be doing that! The center is also an important liaison for the community through services like snake capture courses that teach safety techniques and snake callouts. Both support the rescue and conservation of snakes. For callouts, if people see a reptile or a snake it might be a boomslang, snouted cobra, vine snakes, or a puff adderin their area or in their house, staff will come out and remove them for free. I removed snakes a couple of times, boomslangs, snouted cobras, vine snakes, and puff adders. I was able to do that safely by using a grab stick, which the snake can wrap around. We then put it in a bucket filled with newspapers so it can burrow down. They are more afraid of humans than we are of them. Do you hope to continue to work on solutions to venomous snake bites? I would love to apply everything I've learned to developing safer and more affordable antivenoms. I'll need more education and experience on the lab side, but, overall this experience has primed me for a clear career path: with a Ph.D. in biochemistry (or a similar field), I could research better ways to create safer, more effective, and cheaper antivenoms. I would love to bring that contribution to the world. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Locations and select hydrological characteristics of 42 headwater catchments sampled for this study. Catchments were distributed across five major drainage basins of the Intermountain West (a). Tritium-derived water ages for winter baseflow (b) and spring snowmelt (c) were older in high-permeability sedimentary catchments than in low-permeability hard rock/ shale catchments. Mean annual runoff efficiency (d) and calculated catchment water storage (e). Red and blue points correspond with high- and low-permeability catchment, respectively. Credit: University of Utah. Growing communities and extensive agriculture throughout the Western United States rely on meltwater that spills out of snow-capped mountains every spring. The models for predicting the amount of this streamflow available each year have long assumed that a small fraction of snowmelt each year enters shallow soil, with the remainder rapidly exiting in rivers and creeks. New research from University of Utah hydrologists, however, suggests that streamflow generation is much more complicated. Most spring runoff heading to reservoirs is actually several years old, indicating that most mountain snowfall has a years-long invisible journey as groundwater before it leaves the mountains. The findings also indicate there is an order of magnitude more water stored underground than most Western water managers account for, said research leader Paul Brooks, a professor of geology and geophysics. "On average, it takes over five years for a snowflake that falls in the mountains to exit as streamflow," Brooks said. "Most of our models, whether for predicting streamflow or predicting how much water trees will have in dry years, are based on the idea that there's very little water stored in the mountains. Now we know that that's not the case. Most of the water goes into the ground and it sits there for somewhere between three and 15 years before it's either used by plants or it goes into the streams." The team collected runoff samples at 42 sites and used tritium isotope analysis to determine the age of the water; that is how much time has elapsed since it fell from the sky as snow. Published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, the findings were co-authored by U geology professors Sara Warix and Kip Solomon in collaboration with research scientists around the West. Determining the age of mountain streamflow is a prerequisite for predicting how mountain hydrology will respond to changes in climate and land use, the researchers said. "We know if our streams are being supported by water that's 5 to 15 years old, there's got to be a lag between input storage and response. And so, even though our models have been good in the past, good enough to make decisions about water use, the inputs to our systems are changing. There's going to be changes throughout the subsurface that are reflected in streams," Warix said. "If we want to make good decisions moving forward, we need to incorporate that groundwater storage component because past mechanisms, past processes, are not going to be the same in 20 or 50 years." Brooks conducted the sampling in 2022 while on sabbatical, visiting 42 sites twice, once in the midwinter to capture the stream's "base flow" that was presumably fed entirely by groundwater and again during the spring runoff. "The sampling sites are locations where there was a fair amount of existing research, a geographical distribution from the front range of Colorado to the eastern slopes of the Sierra," Brooks said. The sites were in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, California and New Mexico, representing five major river basins. The state of Utah's tracking is particularly robust, providing continuous streamflow data dating back 120 years. It's an unparalleled dataset that has enabled hydrologists to document historic cycles in climate and streamflow that would otherwise have been missed, Brooks said. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. According to Solomon, the vast majority of Earth's fresh, usable water is underground, but just how much there is remains a puzzle. Dating water offers clues, and to determine the age of water, Solomon turns to tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with a half-life of 12.3 years. Tritium is produced naturally in the upper atmosphere, is a byproduct of nuclear reactors, and was once produced during weapons testing during the Cold War. By determining how many atoms of tritium are in a water sample relative to other hydrogen atoms, scientists can calculate when water fell from the sky as precipitationbut only as far back as a century. The average age of the runoff sampled in the study varies among the catchment basins depending on their geology. The more porous the ground, the older its water is, since the subsurface can hold a lot more water. By contrast, glaciated canyons with low permeability and shallow bedrock, such as Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon, provide far less subsurface storage and younger waters, according to the study. For decades, federal and state water managers have relied on a network of snowpack monitoring sites to provide data to guide forecasts of water availability for the upcoming year. It's now clear that such snowpack data doesn't provide a complete picture, according to the researchers. "For much of the West, especially the Interior West where this study is based, our models have been losing skill," Brooks said. The growing disconnect between snowfall, snowpack volumes and streamflow is driven by variability in these large, previously unquantified subsurface water stores. As a case in point, Brooks highlighted the 2022 water year, which saw snowpacks in many Western states that were near or just below average. Yet that year experienced record low groundwater storage, resulting in much below average spring streamflow. 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: Past and future spatio-temporal change in the potential hibernation area of the common noctule. Credit: Ecology Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1111/ele.70119 The ambient temperature has a profound impact on the physiology and behavior of most species. In regions where individuals rely on low temperatures to hibernate effectively, global warming is likely to significantly affect their survival. A team of scientists has studied how ambient temperatures shape the energy expenditure of common noctule bats and built a model to predict at which latitudes they could survive hibernation. This model also predicts how the hibernation areas of these bats could change over time. It accurately tracks the northward range shift of this species over the past 50 years and shows a further northeast expansion of up to 14% of its current range by 2100driven by shorter and warmer winters in Europe. The study was carried out at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) by a team of scientists from the Departments of Evolutionary Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics. First author Dr. Kseniia Kravchenko is now a postdoc at the University of Luxembourg and senior author Dr. Shannon Currie is now a lecturer at the University of Melbourne. The paper is published in the journal Ecology Letters. Energy expenditure is closely linked to ambient temperature. When conditions become unfavorable, many mammals, such as bats, hibernate to save energy. "Hibernators tend to be overlooked in biophysical models because they switch between two physiological states during hibernation, making modeling more difficult," explains Dr. Currie. "So, it's still unclear how climate change will impact these species." To investigate how this essential life-history trait affects their survival in warmer winters, Dr. Kravchenko and her colleagues conducted two experiments. "We assessed how much time common noctules, which are bats weighing around 30 grams, spent in torporthe physiological state animals enter during hibernationat different ambient temperatures. To detect torpor, we measured the skin temperature because individuals lower their body temperature to save energy," Kravchenko explains. In a second experiment, the scientists measured CO 2 production as a proxy of the bats' energy expenditure under different ambient temperatures. Model accurately reproduces historical shift of hibernation areas The results were combined with daily temperature forecasts produced by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, under different climate change scenarios. This way, the scientists could calculate the energy budget required to survive winter for more than 12,000 locations spread throughout the whole of Europe. They compared energy budgets using historical data (19012019) as well as under future projections (20192100) of four different scenarios of climate change. "Our computations for current temperature data produced a hibernation area which closely matches the actual wintering distribution. This was reassuring given that the model turned to be accurate based on ambient temperature and physiological parameters only. "We were also happy because, after all the experimental work and the programming efforts we put in, it showed that our approach actually worked," says Dr. Alexandre Courtiol, scientist and modeling expert at the Leibniz-IZW. "Further computations showed that the hibernation area shifted towards the northeast of Europe between 1901 and 2018, thereby expanding by 6.3% in its original size." Hibernation areas are expected to shift and expand further north and eastward Feeding the model with different projections of future climate scenarios reveals that both the southern and the northern limits of the potential hibernation area shift further northwardsthe southern limit even more so than the northern limit. Since 1901, the suitable wintering grounds have already moved about 260 kilometers northward. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "The current spread towards the northeast is predicted to continue by about 80 kilometers averaged across models, increasing the potential hibernation area by 5.8 to 14.2% between 2019 and 2099, depending on the climate change scenario," the authors conclude. Under the most severe climate change scenariowhere emissions are expected to increase, winter temperatures to rise by 2.35C and average hibernation seasons to shorten by 41 daysthis northward shift is predicted to extend to about 730 km, yielding a predicted total northward shift of about 990 km over two centuries. Common noctules are capable of range shifts of several hundred kilometers in only a few decades, as previous studies by Kravchenko and colleagues have shown, so it is possible that, as temperatures keep rising, this species will keep tracking changes in the potential hibernation area by continuously expanding its hibernation range toward the northeast of Europe. Yet this could lead to challenges when other requirements for hibernationsuch as appropriate hibernation sites and food availability before the start of the winterare not available in the new areas where temperature becomes suitable. The scientific team found that the hibernation niche of the common noctule bat is adequately explained and accurately approximated by only two straightforward statistics: mean daily ambient temperature during the hibernation season and duration of the hibernation season. "This means we could potentially map the hibernation niche of other species using the same metrics. Yet we still need to closely investigate and monitor the effects of climate change on wildlife physiology without forgetting that the environment is more than just ambient temperature," Prof Dr. Christian Voigt, head of the Leibniz-IZW Department of Evolutionary Ecology, sums up. This ecophysiology research is crucial to tailoring conservation interventions and wildlife protection measures in times of environmental change. More information: Kseniia Kravchenko et al, Shorter and Warmer Winters Expand the Hibernation Area of Bats in Europe, Ecology Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1111/ele.70119 Journal information: Ecology Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain One by one, the four California sea lions slid out of their crates and into the ocean. As the SeaWorld San Diego rescue boat bobbed nearby, one of the pinnipeds dove deep and then popped his head out of the water, his mouth full of what may have been a squid. SeaWorld's rescue curator Jeni Smith smiled. "We had a pep talk," she said, "and I said, "Don't eat those toxic fish, OK? Get the good fish.'" Wednesday's return to the wild by the four sea lions marked a small victory in the battle against a toxic algae bloom that has sickened and killed hundreds of animals from San Luis Obispo to San Diego in recent months. Three of the four released sea lions had been treated for suspected domoic acid poisoning, including one seen having seizures, a trademark symptom of the neurotoxin. Up and down the coast, sea birds, sea lions, dolphins and even whales have fallen victim to the bloom starting in late February. One recent Sunday, 16 dead dolphins were collected from San Diego-area beaches. There were so many bodies that marine biologists ran out of refrigerator space at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Fisheries Science Center and turned to SeaWorld, which stored eight of them. Necropsies were done on the animals to try to determine what killed them, with samples sent to a Seattle lab to be analyzed. Officials reported last month that out of 14 dolphins tested at that point, 11 showed high levels of domoic acid. "It is kind of the first time I've seen in San Diego County where there are just bodies of animals everywhere," Smith recalled in an interview last week. "We were driving to rescue a California sea lion in Carlsbad, and we passed by a pelican that had already passed We are getting calls often, and we are trying to take note of where the deceased animals are and passing that info along to Southwest Fisheries. But there are just so many." This is the fourth year in a row there's been significant blooming of Pseudo-nitzschia off the coast of California. It creates domoic acid, a neurotoxin that accumulates in small fish, like sardines and anchovies, which are then eaten by marine mammals and birds. Some sea lions suffering from high levels of domoic acid have acted aggressively towards swimmers and surfers near them in the water. The neurotoxin causes brain and heart damage. Tests confirmed high levels of the toxin in a humpback whale that stranded in Huntington Beach in January and in a minke whale that died in Long Beach Harbor in April. Although rescuers continue to scramble to help ailing animals, there are signs the crisis may be easing. This week, scientists reported seeing a substantial decline in the algae at some monitoring spots along the coast, an indication the bloom might be dissipating. SeaWorld officials said Tuesday was the first day since the outbreak began that its rescue team went a whole day without getting a call about an animal with suspected domoic acid poisoning. NOAA officials say reports of freshly dead dolphins have also slowed. SeaWorld rescuers were back at it Wednesday, though, responding to two animals having seizures. "I don't think we are completely done with this, but hopefully we are at a spot where we can catch our breath," Smith said. The marine park has treated more than 62 sea lions, releasing 16 after they recovered. As of Thursday, it had treated 59 birds, releasing 11. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. While exact counts lag a bit, officials believe nearly 700 sea lions and more than 200 dolphins have stranded since the bloom began. While some pinnipeds have been successfully treated and released, domoic acid poisoning is almost always fatal for dolphins. "So far this is the largest and most intense algal bloom since I've been here," said Justin Viezbicke, the California stranding network coordinator, who has worked for NOAA for around 12 years. "All of our facilities are really full, and the staff and the volunteers have been going for months now." While SeaWorld responds to sick or injured animals and rescues those that have a chance of recovering, NOAA Southwest Fisheries investigates dead stranded marine mammals. SeaWorld has a 40-member rescue team, including full- and part-time employees and a "bullpen" of 22 former staffers called in when needed. The marine park is trying to hire more rescue staff. Scientists who study oceans say that Pseudo-nitzschia isn't the only harmful algae that's flourishing. Two others are blooming, including Alexandrium, which creates saxitoxin and causes paralytic shellfish poisoning that can be harmful to marine mammals and humans, and Akashiwo sanguinea, which can cause hypothermia in sea birds. In April, state health officials began to warn the public not to consume sport-harvested bivalve shellfish in San Diego County after PSP toxins and domoic acid were detected in mussels. (An annual statewide quarantine on mussels went into effect May 1.) The advisory also covers sport-harvested clams, scallops and oysters in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The advisories do not apply to commercially sold shellfish because that market is subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins, state officials say. Paralytic shellfish poisoning affects the nervous system and can lead to a loss of balance, slurred speech and difficulty in swallowing. Severe poisonings can cause paralysis and death from asphyxiation. Clarissa Anderson, a biological oceanographer and harmful algal bloom expert at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, said some animals are testing positive for domoic acid and for PSP, which have some overlapping symptoms. She said there's no way to know how many animals have acute saxitoxin poisoning because those stricken may become paralyzed and drown before making it to shore. Anderson said recent algae blooms were fueled by La Nina weather patterns that brought colder, nutrient-rich waters to the surface. A "ribbon" of cold water formed in December and was still in place in April, extending about 30 miles off the shoreline. "This is the longest cold stretch that we've had in that swath of the ocean since 2010 and 2011, which was another major La Nina," Anderson said. For algal blooms to end, there needs to be some kind of disruption that will "turn off the runaway train," she said, and allow other organisms to thrive. "You need some kind of a change in the systemwhether that's nutrients, temperature or light, or a combination of the threeto kind of kick out the winners right now and get some others that are less harmful as the winners," she said. 2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. 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: UAHs Dr. John Christy reviews climate model data with Dr. Roy W. Spencer. Credit: Liz Junod A new research study from The University of Alabama in Huntsville addresses the question of how much urban areas have warmed from the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The findings are published in the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology. UAH Earth System Science Center Research Scientist Dr. Roy Spencer and UAH Earth System Science Center Director and Alabama State Climatologist Dr. John R. Christy have spent several years developing a novel method that quantifies, for the first time, average UHI warming effects related to population density. Their study is titled "Urban Heat Island Effects in U.S. Summer Surface Temperature Data, 18952023." The study was co-authored by UAH researcher Danny Braswell. Spencer and Christy's method uses millions of thermometer observations to quantify the well-known tendency for urban areas to be warmer than rural areas. By relating differences in temperature to differences in population density in six classes of population density and in 22 different historical periods between 1880 and 2020, the researchers were able to quantify the average rate of warming as a function of population density. "While the statistical signal of urban warming was rather weak due to noise in the data from other non-urbanization effects on weather, it was very consistent, showing up in all six classes of population density across all 22 historical periods," Spencer says. "One of the interesting results was that the most rapid warming occurs for population growth at the lowest population densities," Spencer notes. "Then, in heavily urbanized areas, the warming reaches a peak, with little additional warming as the population increases." The issue is important because the estimation of the rate of warming in the U.S. due to climate change can be influenced by non-climate processes, such as the Urban Heat Island effect, which would exist even without global warming. For the period 1895 to 2023, it was found that 8% of the rural warming trend was due to the urbanization effect, increasing to about 65% of the observed warming trend for suburban and urban locations. The thermometer data used was the "raw" data archived by NOAA before any adjustments were made to the data. Official temperature trends the public sees in news reports are based upon adjusted ("homogenized") data that use comparisons between neighboring stations' temperature trends to find break points in individual stations' records, and adjust the measurements based upon a kind of "voting" procedure. Spencer and Christyalong with a number of other researchersbelieve this has not sufficiently removed UHI effects from the data. But it remains to be seen what impact their results will have on the debate over just how much warming has been observed in the U.S. over the last century, and whether current official warming trends have been significantly contaminated by urbanization effects. More information: Roy W. Spencer et al, Urban Heat Island Effects in U.S. Summer Surface Temperature Data, 18952023, Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology (2025). DOI: 10.1175/JAMC-D-23-0199.1 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Growing up 30 minutes from the ocean meant the beach wasn't just a vacation destinationit was a part of my daily life. My Florida upbringing sparked a deep fascination with the sea and a lasting drive to do what I could to protect it. Although some ocean phenomena remain mysterious, one truth is unmistakably clear: overfishing is taking a visible and devastating toll on this vital ecosystem. About 90% of marine fisheries are either fully exploited or overfished, and pollutants drive biodiversity loss in our ocean as well as riverways and coastal zones. A 2018 study found that more than 55% of the ocean surface is covered by commercial fishingmore than four times the area covered by agriculture. This is not just a problem for the ocean, it's a problem for the people who depend on it. Currently, the livelihoods of around 3 billion people worldwide depend on the ocean. That numberwhich is inclusive of people whose main source of protein is seafood and those whose jobs are directly or indirectly linked to the oceanis only going to keep rising. The human population reached 8 billion in November 2022 and is expected to reach almost 10 billion by 2050. Consumption of aquatic foods (farmed and wild) is rising twice as fast as the global population. We can reduce the burden of overfishing on our oceans to some extent through careful management of fisheries. However, improving management inherently requires setting limits on wild-caught fish productionhow much can be caught, when and where, and what methods may be used. Even the best-managed fishery will have an upper limit on how much fish it can produce per year. While reducing overfishing through better management is a critical endeavor to reduce strain on our ocean, there is also another solution that doesn't get as much attention: alternative proteins. Plant-based and cultivated fish hold enormous potential for feeding a growing population the fish they love while easing pressure on the conventional fishing industry and, in turn, reducing harm to our oceans. The climate benefits of alternative seafood Conventional seafood production is caught in a precarious cycle: it's both contributing to climate change and increasingly threatened by it. Warming waters, ocean acidification, and changing ecosystems are already reducing the productivity of fisheries and aquacultureand one study found that over 90% of seafood production is vulnerable to climate change. This is not a distant threat, but an urgent, near-term challenge. By the end of this decaderecognized as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Developmentglobal seafood production is expected to grow by 14%. But neither wild-capture fishing nor fish farming can expand at this pace without putting additional strain on ocean and freshwater ecosystems, compounding the pressures already facing a finite planet in a rapidly changing climate. Rising ocean temperatures are already shifting the distribution of fish populations, with many species moving toward the poles and tropical waters becoming increasingly depleted. Some tropical regions are predicted to see declines of up to 40% in potential seafood catch by 2050. Climate change is also making seafood more dangerous to eatfor example, rates of Vibrio, a rare but often deadly bacterial infection, are rising globally. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. While the research landscape for assessing the emission-related impacts of both conventional and alternative seafood is still in its infancy (a ripe area of research for the scientific and policy communities), early studies suggest that diversifying our seafood supply with plant-based and cultivated optionsespecially when they are produced with renewable energycould be a transformative strategy for developing a resilient, climate-smart seafood supply chain and blue economy. One clear reason is that alternative seafood production avoids two major emissions sources in the conventional seafood supply chain: the use of fuel-intensive fishing vessels and the production and transport of aquafeed for aquaculture. Our Building climate policy momentum for alternative seafood whitepaper offers further insights: Plant-based seafood and cultivated seafood produced with renewable energy are predicted to have lower emissions footprints than most farmed and wild-capture seafood. Plant-based alternatives have a GHG footprint one-third less than conventionally farmed fish and three-quarters less than farmed crustaceans. Renewable energy is critical to realizing the climate benefits of cultivated meat and seafood. Life-cycle assessments project that emissions from cultivated meat produced with renewable energy will be in the lower range of aquaculture emissions and less than the emissions of most wild-capture. Further, cultivated seafood is expected to require even less energy than cultivated red meat and poultry, in large part because seafood can be cultivated at lower temperatures than terrestrial meats. The biodiversity benefits of alternative seafood Ocean and coastal environments provide essential ecosystem services that life depends onfrom the oxygen we breathe, to the food we eat, to the water we drink. But these ecosystems are under increasing pressure. A 2019 report from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services found that humans have significantly altered two-thirds of the oceanup from 40% in 2008. Biodiversity loss in marine environments is being driven by habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution, with additional stress from climate change and ocean acidification accelerating the damage. This loss can trigger cascading consequences, including food scarcity, economic instability, and increased risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Aquaculturenow responsible for half of the global seafood supplyis not without harm. When poorly managed, it can damage sensitive habitats such as coastal wetlands, introduce pollutants like excess feed and antibiotics, spread disease, and displace native species. These pressures, if left unchecked, erode the ocean's productivity, resilience, and the diversity of life it supports. Just as a diverse and sustainable food system is critical for biodiversity, biodiversity is foundational to a productive and resilient food system. Research shows that protecting and restoring biodiversity will require a major transformation of the global food system to reduce waste and increase sustainability and efficiency. While some fisheries and aquaculture operations have improved sustainability through stronger governance and innovation, these efforts haven't kept pace with the growing pressure on marine ecosystems. Diversifying our seafood supply with alternative proteins will be essential to reduce biodiversity loss and build long-term resilience. As highlighted in our New Blue Foods for Biodiversity whitepaper, alternative seafood presents a strategic opportunity to diversify our food supply in ways that protect biodiversity and reduce pressure on marine ecosystems. Key advantages of alternative seafood include: Protection and recovery of marine species: Shifting demand to alternatives can help reduce overfishing and bycatch, allowing wild stocks to recover. Reduced habitat loss and pollution: Alternative proteins require less land and eliminate ocean floor disruption, helping preserve fragile marine and coastal habitats. Lower antibiotic use: Unlike many aquaculture systems, alternative proteins sharply reduce or eliminate the need for antibiotics, helping maintain microbial diversity and slow the spread of resistant pathogens. A case study: Tuna Tuna is fish with wide-ranging culinary applications. In some ways, this pantry staple is suffering from its own market success. Canned tuna is the second most popular seafood product in the U.S., exceeded only by shrimp. Americans eat about one billion pounds of canned and pouched tuna a year. Globally, more than seven million metric tons of tuna and tuna-like species are harvested yearly to meet demand. These migratory tuna species account for 20% of the value of all marine capture fisheries and over 8% of all globally traded seafood. That level of demand has put significant pressure on tuna populations and other marine creatures. In 2011, the International Union for Conservation of Nature labeled seven out of 61 known tuna species as threatened, facing a serious risk of extinction. Tuna fishing also contributes to the bycatch of vulnerable species that travel in the same waters, including sharks, turtles, and seabirds. Today, a number of alternative protein products designed to replicate tuna already existand that number will only grow with further research, investment, and innovation. In 2025 alone, the field has seen several milestones: Aqua Cultured Foods, a Chicago-based startup, secured $5.5 million in seed funding to scale their fungi-based seafood alternatives. Utilizing a proprietary mycoprotein fermentation process, the company produces whole-muscle cuts of seafood such as scallops, tuna, and shrimp, offering a sustainable and allergen-free option compared to traditional seafood. The investment will support production expansion at their new facility and facilitate product launches in select restaurants this year. The Canadian government invested $5 million in Konscious Foods, a Richmond, BC-based company specializing in plant-based sushi and seafood alternatives. This funding, provided through PacifiCan's Business Scale-up and Productivity program, will enable the company to expand production, increase exports, and create over 40 new jobs in British Columbia. Konscious Foods produces plant-based tuna avocado rolls and a variety of other frozen sushi meals made with Canadian-grown ingredients such as quinoa, tomatoes, and carrots. They are working on developing new seafood alternatives like plant-based smoked salmon, crab cakes, and shrimp. BettaF!sh, a Berlin-based startup specializing in plant-based seafood, achieved a significant milestone through their partnership with BILLA AG, Austria's leading supermarket chain. Together, they've launched the co-branded TU-NAH Sandwich, now available across BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores in Austria. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, aiming to redefine the plant-based seafood category and expand its reach across Europe. Diversifying our tacklebox A recent New York Times article on the hidden costs of our seafood system closed with a poignant suggestion: "if nothing truly good from the sea is on offer, it might be better to cook something else for dinner." As alternative seafood continues to advancedelivering products that meet consumer expectations around taste and texture that "something else" can come without compromise. Scaling plant-based and cultivated seafood can help meet growing global demand while dramatically reducing the climate and biodiversity impacts of seafood production. These alternatives offer a path to ease pressure on aquatic ecosystems, rebuild overfished stocks, and cut down on bycatch and discards. Building a better food system will require a diversity of solutions. Just as the conservation community must pursue every viable path to protect ocean health, the alternative protein industry must advance multiple technology platforms to produce seafood without the animal. Alternative seafood is the future of sustainable seafood. To scale this industry, we need bold innovators and committed championsacross climate, biodiversity, public health, and food securitywho are ready to make it a global priority. An ocean of opportunity awaits. Provided by The Good Food Institute 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 transmission spectrum captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope reveals the presence of water (H 2 O) and the possible presence of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and carbon monoxide (CO), but no signs of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) or methane (CH 4 ), in the atmosphere of the hot sub-Neptune exoplanet TOI-421 b. The observations support the hypothesis that planets this hot (TOI-421 b is about 1,340F) have clear atmospheres that are not obscured by clouds and haze. Credit: Illustration by NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI) Though they don't orbit around our sun, sub-Neptunes are the most common type of exoplanet, or planet outside our solar system, that have been observed in our galaxy. These small, gassy planets are shrouded in mysteryand often, a lot of haze. Now, by observing exoplanet TOI-421 b, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is helping scientists understand sub-Neptunes in a way that was not possible prior to the telescope's launch. "I had been waiting my entire career for Webb so that we could meaningfully characterize the atmospheres of these smaller planets," said principal investigator Eliza Kempton of the University of Maryland, College Park. "By studying their atmospheres, we're getting a better understanding of how sub-Neptunes formed and evolved, and part of that is understanding why they don't exist in our solar system." The findings are published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Small, cool, shrouded in haze The existence of sub-Neptunes was unexpected before they were discovered by NASA's retired Kepler space telescope in the last decade. Now, astronomers are trying to understand where these planets came from and why they are so common. Before Webb, scientists had very little information on them. While sub-Neptunes are a few times larger than Earth, they are still much smaller than gas-giant planets and typically cooler than hot Jupiters, making them much more challenging to observe than their gas-giant counterparts. A key finding prior to Webb was that most sub-Neptune atmospheres had flat or featureless transmission spectra. This means that when scientists observed the spectrum of the planet as it passed in front of its host star, instead of seeing spectral featuresthe chemical fingerprints that would reveal the composition of the atmospherethey saw only a flat-line spectrum. Astronomers concluded from all of those flat-line spectra that at least certain sub-Neptunes were probably very highly obscured by either clouds or hazes. A different kind of sub-Neptune? "Why did we observe this planet, TOI-421 b? It's because we thought that maybe it wouldn't have hazes," said Kempton. "And the reason is that there were some previous data that implied that maybe planets over a certain temperature range were less enshrouded by haze or clouds than others." That temperature threshold is about 1,070 degrees Fahrenheit. Below that, scientists hypothesized that a complex set of photochemical reactions would occur between sunlight and methane gas, and that would trigger the haze. But hotter planets shouldn't have methane and therefore perhaps shouldn't have haze. The temperature of TOI-421 b is about 1,340 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the presumed threshold. Without haze or clouds, researchers expected to see a clear atmosphereand they did! This artist's concept shows what the hot sub-Neptune exoplanet TOI-421 b could look like. TOI-421 b orbits a sun-like star roughly 244 light-years from Earth in the constellation Lepus (the Hare). The planet is in between Earth and Neptune in terms of size, mass, and density, and its star is slightly smaller and cooler than the sun. However, because the planet orbits extremely close to the star (just 0.056 astronomical units, or 5.6% of the distance between Earth and the sun), it is very hot. Spectroscopic observations of TOI-421 b captured by NIRISS (Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph) and NIRSpec (Near Infrared Spectrograph) on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope show strong evidence for water (H 2 O) and the possible presence of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the planet's hydrogen-rich atmosphere. Unlike cooler sub-Neptunes, TOI-421 b appears to have a clear atmosphere that is not shrouded in clouds and haze. This artist's concept is based on spectroscopic data gathered by Webb, as well as previous observations from other telescopes on the ground and in space. Webb has not captured any images of the planet. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Dani Player (STScI) A surprising finding "We saw spectral features that we attribute to various gases, and that allowed us to determine the composition of the atmosphere," said the University of Maryland's Brian Davenport, a third-year Ph.D. student who conducted the primary data analysis. "Whereas with many of the other sub-Neptunes that had been previously observed, we know their atmospheres are made of something, but they're being blocked by haze." The team found water vapor in the planet's atmosphere, as well as tentative signatures of carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. Then there are molecules they didn't detect, such as methane and carbon dioxide. From the data, they can also infer that a large amount of hydrogen is in TOI-421 b's atmosphere. The lightweight hydrogen atmosphere was the big surprise to the researchers. "We had recently wrapped our mind around the idea that those first few sub-Neptunes observed by Webb had heavy-molecule atmospheres, so that had become our expectation, and then we found the opposite," said Kempton. This suggests TOI-421 b may have formed and evolved differently from the cooler sub-Neptunes observed previously. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Is TOI-421 b unique? The hydrogen-dominated atmosphere is also interesting because it mimics the composition of TOI-421 b's host star. "If you just took the same gas that made the host star, plopped it on top of a planet's atmosphere, and put it at the much cooler temperature of this planet, you would get the same combination of gases. That process is more in line with the giant planets in our solar system, and it is different from other sub-Neptunes that have been observed with Webb so far," said Kempton. Aside from being hotter than other sub-Neptunes previously observed with Webb, TOI-421 b orbits a sun-like star. Most of the other sub-Neptunes that have been observed so far orbit smaller, cooler stars called red dwarfs. Is TOI-421b emblematic of hot sub-Neptunes orbiting sun-like stars, or is it just that exoplanets are very diverse? To find out, the researchers would like to observe more hot sub-Neptunes to determine if this is a unique case or a broader trend. They hope to gain insights into the formation and evolution of these common exoplanets. "We've unlocked a new way to look at these sub-Neptunes," said Davenport. "These high-temperature planets are amenable to characterization. So by looking at sub-Neptunes of this temperature, we're perhaps more likely to accelerate our ability to learn about these planets." More information: Brian Davenport et al, TOI-421 b: A Hot Sub-Neptune with a Haze-free, Low Mean Molecular Weight Atmosphere, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2025). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/adcd76 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters TRENTON Coming soon to a neighborhood near you: a small nuclear power plant? And maybe coming sooner than that: switching your home or office to electric heating, cooling and cooking instead of natural gas? Those are just two of a slew of changes to New Jerseys energy market that lawmakers are considering, and that were advanced by the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities committee Monday. They come as soaring energy prices are about to kick in across the state, with increases averaging 20% set to begin shortly before the June primary elections. Energy has become a major election issue in the governors race this year, as well as for control of the state Assembly. Republicans see a winning issue in the electric price hikes, blaming the administration of Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy for pursuing offshore wind for years instead of additional natural gas and nuclear power, among other forms. One bill that was approved by the committee and sent to the full Assembly for consideration would require the state Board of Public Utilities to study the feasibility of approving and deploying small modular nuclear reactors throughout the state to complement the large-scale, costly nuclear power plants currently operating in Salem County. It also would require the state to come up with a pilot plan to locate and deploy the small reactors. The committee removed a provision that would have appropriated $5 million to pay for the study. Fearful over price hikes, NJ lawmakers are telling utility regulators how to do their jobs With soaring electric prices becoming a major political issue in New Jersey, a widening group of state lawmakers from both parties is telling utility regulators how to do their jobs. Assemblyman Christian Barranco, R-Sussex, called the nuclear reactor bill brilliant, adding it is exactly what we need. Ever since the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant in Lacey Township closed in 2018, some have been calling for an expansion of nuclear power to replace the 636 megawatts of power the plant used to provide to the grid. The committee also moved forward with a plan to direct the BPU to create a program to switch buildings in New Jersey from natural gas to electric heating and cooling, including the use of electric heat pumps. But the bill does not specify whether the program would be mandatory or voluntary, and Republicans immediately claimed it would either require conversions right away or lead to a mandate in the near future. State officials have described the building plans as voluntary; Murphy once promised were not coming for anybodys stove. Doug OMalley of the Environment New Jersey group and David Amanfu of the Natural Resources Defense Council praised the plan, saying it could lead to cost savings for people who switch heating equipment. But Republicans and business groups said the proposal will actually lead to higher power bills by driving up demand for electricity without adding more supply to the market. Eric DeGesero, director of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, said the bill is not about decarbonizing buildings. This bill is a wolf in sheeps clothing, he said. This bill says electric-only. He said the cost of converting to heat pumps can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Sam Kaplan, a government affairs official with South Jersey Industries, which owns utilities including South Jersey Gas, said the bill would defeat its own purpose by increasing greenhouse gas emissions by requiring more electricity to be generated to power newly converted buildings. He said it would lead to higher costs for consumers. This bill is exactly what got us to this energy crisis in the first place, said Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, R-Ocean. He said that instead of investing in new natural gas projects, New Jersey spent billions of dollars on wind turbines that were never going to get built. Kanitra thanked his Democratic colleagues for giving my caucus a huge gift in the election. The state Board of Public Utilities has emerged as a target of Republican attacks as they try to paint it as an ideological arm of Murphys administration. Republican lawmakers lambasted the board at Mondays hearing, calling it incompetent and clueless as to how to lower customers power bills. The agency has declined to comment on the bill package. Soaring energy costs are a political hot potato in New Jersey; GOP sees a winning issue in them The weather is already getting hot, and New Jersey Democratic lawmakers are sweating over the political impact of big spikes in electric bills that are due to kick in soon. Assemblyman Avi Schnall, D-Ocean, said the bills are needed to make sure New Jerseys utility regulators are using every tool at their disposal to keep energy costs down. Utility bills are about to skyrocket, he said. We have to look at all the options available to us. Eight of nine bills considered by the committee Monday were aimed at the BPU, requiring it to either do or not do certain things. Republicans have their own long list of bills aimed at the BPU, none of which was debated Monday. Democrats and Murphys administration blame PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, for mishandling its most recent auction of power generation prices that yielded wildly inflated rates. Murphy has asked federal authorities to investigate whether the auction was manipulated to benefit power producers. PJM denies any wrongdoing. There was no fooling Mark and Ellen Willman on their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday. They knew something was up. Their daughter, Lisa Dickens of Blue Grass, and their sons, Matt of Bettendorf and Scott of California, hatched a plan to throw their parents a 50th wedding anniversary at the spot where they thought their dad had proposed to their mom in 1974. That spot, it was thought, was on a wall that stands behind what is now known as Dairy Freez at 3950 Rockingham Road. In the 1970s it was the Tasty Freeze. Behind the business and up the hill is the Fairmount Cemetery. Matt Willman's daughter, Kylee, who goes to Pleasant Valley, helped to try to set up her grandparents who were supposed to arrive at the Dairy Freez at about 6:20 p.m., allegedly for a photo she needed of them for the school paper. Instead, likely on purpose, they showed up at 5:30 p.m. as the decorating was happening. So, Mark and Ellen hopped back in their SUV smiling, knowing something was afoot and drove up to the cemetery's mausoleum where they could look down on the Dairy Freez. "We just sat there and watched everybody," Mark Willman said with a chuckle. It was in front of the mausoleum where Mark actually had proposed to Ellen. But that structure had nothing to do with it either, Mark said. "You can look out over the city from here," he said pointing out over the landscape. "It just happens to be where I asked her to marry me." It was thought that the Tasty Freeze had something to do with it all, too. But Mark said, no, that didn't happen, either. "You don't tell your children everything," Mark said, again chuckling. The Willmans were overjoyed with the effort their children put into it, inviting about 45 family friends to the event. Since it's also Dickens' birthday, they were somewhat expecting a birthday party. Mark owned and operated a contracting company for years. He now works for Blaze Restoration. He's one of the men that come in after a fire and secure a building so the curious can't get in and get hurt. Ellen said she is in her dream job as a teacher at Quad City Montessori School. "I have 21 3- to 6-year-old children." Ellen graduated from Bettendorf High School, while Mark graduated from Davenport West High School. "We met at a party in the summer of our sophomore year, and we've been together ever since," Ellen said. Scott Willman said the planning for the party came about fast. "Like less than a week. Last minute tickets don't come cheap, and we were just here with the family two weeks ago for a wedding." Scott, who lives outside of Los Angeles, donned a paper hat as though he was working for the Dairy Freez and taking orders for burgers and fries. "I wasn't expected to come back so therefore it's really going to be a surprise, especially that close they wouldn't expect us to come back this soon." He had flown in Friday night for the event. He put on his hat and acted as a server at the Dairy Freez, but his parents quickly saw him and went inside to share hugs. Dickens said she contacted the owners of the Dairy Freez, Shonnie and Jeff Holmes, and asked if they could have the party there. "I told them the place was closed but to go ahead," Shonnie Holmes said. "But my husband and I are such romantics, and we thought, 'Oh, we've got to fix hamburgers and fries." Shonnie said all the family was thinking was to have cake and ice cream. "Why should we stop there," she said. "We'll just open up the place and make it a party." Shonnie was disappointed she didn't have time to get a band there. Nonetheless, the Willmans' children knew what to play. Just about every song out of the speakers was from the 1970s. So, Jeff Holmes cooked burgers and fries. Everyone had ice cream for dessert. "I'm not one that likes a surprise party, ever," Mark Willman said. "I kind of blew this one anyway." Smiling, he added, "I keep my eye on them. We were going for an anniversary party anyway." Dementia affects more than 6 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent it, two VCU students are implementing new techniques to better the odds for local seniors. Our whole mantra is that your brain is a muscle, and just like your biceps or triceps, its important to exercise to keep them healthy, said Reena Sethi, co-founder of the VCU chapter of Brain Exercise Initiative. VCU BEI is run by students as a 501c(3) nonprofit, consisting of a team of volunteers that visit local assisted-living facilities and provide residents with exercises like trivia questions, simple math problems and even art projects. The group pulls inspiration for these exercises from the international Brain Exercise Initiative group and its research. Their mission combat cognitive decline. Help more seniors remember and thrive Just over a year ago, Sethi and her best friend, Ihita Bolisetty, initiated the VCU chapter of BEI. Sethi and Bolisetty are both of Indian heritage, and both say that their cultural experience has always prioritized respect for their elders. Growing up you live in a bubble thinking that everyones grandparents are having the same amount of interaction, support and effort, Sethi said. Then you get that pop into the real world, and you see that thats just not the case. For Sethi, her connection to BEI is personal. She was raised with her grandparents in her home, and she lived with her grandfather when he was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. His diagnosis was pretty world-turning, Sethi said. One of the sharpest people in my life was declining before my eyes. To engage with her grandfather, her family would play games like Scrabble, sudoku and carrom, which is an Indian board game. Sethi says she sees the same methods of engagement through her work with VCU BEI. Its healing beyond clinical intervention; its a meaningful everyday practice that brings families together and helps preserve memories, Sethi said. Without a support system in place, the duo says battling dementia-related diseases becomes even more difficult. Bolisetty emphasizes that their vision for BEI is to bring that support to more seniors through engaging and compassionate care. Its one of the more underserved and neglected populations, especially the ones already living in nursing homes and at end-of-life care, Bolisetty said. Theres not as many resources put towards them, and we wanted to help. Compassion, connection and cognitive correction Sethi and Bolisetty, who are both 21-year-old juniors at VCU, say the group has grown from just the two of them to almost 200 volunteers. With busy student schedules, many members of VCU BEI are unable to volunteer in-person at an assisted living facility. Bolisetty calls VCU BEI a comprehensive club, with opportunities for any student interest; this includes research, public relations, art, caretaking and leadership. In-person volunteers visit Ginter Hall South in Chesterfield County five days a week. Volunteers bring memory packets with them that contain several worksheets. The packets have a trivia question page, a page with simple math problems and more. Recently, VCU BEI has also begun weekly art education each Friday. Residents sit with students to paint their favorite memories, or a seasonal picture like snowflakes at Christmastime. Bolisetty emphasizes that just like everything else BEI does, this art is more than just fun; its research backed. VCU BEI has a 10-person research team that is split into two groups. One group collects data sets from the in-person volunteers for an International Review Board proposal. The other group also uses this data for literature review. For many residents, their first conversation is with you when you come in Sethi says that most of the time, the cognitive packets take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. For the rest of their time at the assisted living facility, volunteers will just sit and talk with residents. Were exchanging stories, hearing about their grandchildren, their travels, their late husbands and their conspiracy theories, Sethi said. Over and over, VCU BEI volunteers are told that the time they spend with residents is the best part of their day. They explicitly say these things to us, and it means so much to me; especially because this is a patient population that often struggles to voice their thoughts, Bolisetty said. It may just be 15 minutes, a 5-page packet or a blank canvas, but Sethi says it helps residents open up. They have stories and they want to share them, and these activities make it easier for them to do so. I dont think that what were doing is monumental, but thats not the goal of BEI, Sethi said. If we can bring them one conversation or one thing that makes them laugh, thats enough for me to go back in again next week. Dementia doesnt discriminate To recruit for the club, Sethi and Bolisetty visit lectures and classes at VCU to pitch to other students. The pair says that they begin by asking people to raise their hands if theyve ever been personally affected by dementia. Our vision is pretty simple, but its proven to be powerful, Bolisetty said. They say that each time, at least a third of the classroom will raise their hand. Its devastating, but thats the truth of the situation. It can touch your grandparents, your neighbors or your own parents, Bolisetty said. The group currently works with Ginter Hall South and is furthering a partnership with Hermitage Richmond. Linda Bishop is the executive director for Ginter Hall South. She led the initial conversations with Sethi and Bolisetty and was eager to welcome them into the facility. Theyve really enlightened them, I mean they come out and learn a lot. They bring them to life, they give them pride, Bishop said. Bishop also says that her residents look forward to the volunteers coming by, and they will ask what time they can expect them to arrive. I think they like that one-on-one experience talking with them and opening up with them, because they get lonely sometimes, Bishop said. They really enjoy their company. College has sped by, we want to make an impact Sethi is studying biology and economics and Bolisetty is studying biology and psychology. Both students are part of the guaranteed medical school program at VCU, and they will be attending after they graduate. The pair have been best friends for three years, meeting early on in their freshman year. Bolisetty called Sethi one of the most outgoing people shes ever met. Sethi says Bolisetty is one of the easiest people to be around. Were both very motivated people, and we fill in each others gaps. If one of us is having a rough week it is so nice to have a partner that can take things on slightly more, Sethi said. One day well be holding scalpels in the O.R. room, Sethi said. But until then, if this is the way I can go about healing someone then Im going to take that path. Playa del Carmen bus takes big hit slamming into rear of industrial dump truck Playa del Carmen, Q.R. Playa del Carmen Transit were at the scene of a two vehicle crunch Sunday near Villas del Sol. Police were called after a company bus slammed into the rear end of an industrial dump truck. The front end of the bus was severely damaged from the backend hit against the truck. Passing motorists called in the accident to 9-1-1 who sent police and paramedics. Emergency services arrived at the site on Constituyentes Avenue where the two large vehicles were stopped. Preliminary information details that the driver of the dump truck was joining mainstream traffic along Constituyentes Avenue after leaving a construction site and ran a stop sign. The sudden appearance of the industrial unit caused the driver of the bus to slam into the rear of the truck. The driver of the bus had just dropped off the last of his passengers and was heading back to his base when the accident happened. Police were on scene sorting out the early afternoon mishap. There were no injuries reported. The driver of the dump truck was arrested from the scene. Police arrest main suspect in weekend shooting death of woman Othon P. Blanco, Q.R. Police have made an arrest in the weekend murder of a Calderitas woman. The woman was found shot to death Saturday night. Police and paramedics arrived in response to 8:30 p.m. reports of gunfire shot from a pickup. Emergency personnel found the woman laying face down off the side of a road. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police began an investigation with her husband as the main suspect. Neighbors who witnessed the shooting told police that an armed men got out of a vehicle and shot the woman in the back several times. The shooting happened at the intersection of Jalisco and Tizimin Streets. After the attack, the shooter fled in a pickup truck toward the community of Luis Echeverria. On Sunday, local authorities announced an arrest in the womans murder. Police say they have Luis N in custody, the alleged shooter. Following an operation carried out by members of the Quintana Roo Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC), we report the arrest of Luis N, the alleged attacker of a woman who sadly lost her life in Calderitas, Othon P. Blanco municipality. The report was received around 8:32 p.m. when the 911 emergency number was alerted about a woman injured by a firearm at the intersection of Jalisco and Tizimin streets. Immediately, security forces deployed a search and response operation in the surrounding area which led to the location of the alleged attacker. The man will be handed over to the State Attorney Generals Office (FGE) where the relevant investigations will be conducted, the SSC reported. Reward offered for location of former Cancun officer tied to Tulum criminal cell Riviera Maya, Q.R. Local authorities are offering a 500,000 peso reward for information leading to the whereabouts of a wanted man. The State Attorney General (FGE) is offering the reward for the capture of Roberto Perez Lopez. Roberto Perez Lopez is a former Cancun Municipal Police officer and was also an agent with the FGEs Investigative Police force. He is reported to have also served as a bodyguard for former Governor Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez. He is wanted by state authorities for alleged ties to a criminal cell in Tulum. According to available information, Roberto Perez Lopez retired from the police force at the end of the previous administration. From there, he is alleged to have joined the ranks of organized crime, taking charge of a criminal group in Tulum. The State Attorney Generals Office has announced a reward of 500,000 pesos for information leading to his capture. The Quintana Roo Attorney Generals Office is offering a reward of 500,000 pesos to anyone who provides reliable information leading to the arrest of the person identified as Roberto Perez Lopez. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please call 998 221 7474, they said in a statement. SSC arrests American in Playa del Carmen for drug trafficking Playa del Carmen, Q.R. An American man was arrested over the weekend in central Playa del Carmen for drug trafficking. On Monday, police said 47 year old Marvin N from Michigan was jailed after being found with marijuana and cocaine. His arrest by the SSC (Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana) happened in an area of the city center after police saw him carrying drugs in his clothing. According to the SSC (Secretary of Citizen Security), police found a total of 29 packages of narcotics during a search. Marvin N is currently facing charges of drug trafficking. The Playa del Carmen Citizen Security Secretariat arrested one person for alleged drug crimes involving a total of 29 packages of possible narcotics in the Centro neighborhood, the SSC reported Monday. During a surveillance patrol, Municipal Police observed an individual carrying various packages that appeared to be narcotics in his clothing. After identifying himself, they conducted an inspection and seized 11 packages of green marijuana-like material and 18 packages of white powder resembling cocaine. Marvin N, 47, originally from Michigan, was arrested and handed over to the Special Prosecutors Office for Drug Trafficking Crimes for the corresponding legal proceedings. Suspect charged in murder of Cancun man found stuffed in suitcase Cancun, Q.R. A suspect has been charged for the April 5 murder of a Cancun man who was found stuffed in black bags. Preliminary information indicates that the accused, identified as Victor Manuel N, along with three alleged accomplices, went to the victims home on April 5. According to authorities, Victor Manuel N and his three alleged accomplices are accused of killing the man who they later wrapped in black plastic bags and put in a suitcase. The incident happened in a private home in SM 70 of Cancun. Following the relevant investigations, it was established that the attackers used a shopping cart to take the victim out of the home during which Victor Manuel N helped transport him to 18th Street in Supermanzana 66 where hours later, authorities discovered the victims body inside a suitcase. Authorities say that during their investigation, members of the Investigative Police searched a home in Supermanzana 70 where they found evidence that could belong to the victim. Following the hearing, the Cancun judge determined that the defendant would remain in pretrial detention for two years or the duration of the trial. We will never accept the presence of U.S. military on Mexican soil: Sheinbaum declines Trumps proposal Mexico City, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum says she declined the proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to allow American military to fight in Mexico. We will never accept the presence of the United States military on our territory, President Sheinbaum said Saturday. No President Trump. Territory is inviolable, sovereignty is inviolable, sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is cherished and defended, she said in response to Trumps proposal during a phone conversation Friday. Sheinbaum said she has rejected the proposal made by her U.S. counterpart regarding the U.S. military entering Mexico to assist in the fight against drug trafficking. Sheinbaum says Mexican territory is inviolable and sovereignty is not for sale. On the contrary, it is cherished and defended. Yesterday, a United States newspaper, the Wall Street Journal, reported that President Trump, in one of his calls, told me that it was important for the United States Army to enter Mexico to help us in the fight against drug trafficking. I want to say its true that in some of the calls but not in the way he mentioned it he said, How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the United States Army enter to help you. And do you know what I told him? No, President Trump. The territory is inviolable, sovereignty is inviolable, sovereignty is not for sale. Sovereignty is loved and defended. Theres no need. We can collaborate, we can work together but you on your territory, we on ours. We can share information but we will never accept the presence of the United States military on our territory, she reiterated. Sheinbaum said that the Mexican government collaborates and coordinates with the U.S. administration, but each country takes appropriate action within its own territory on issues of interest to both countries. Collaboration, yes, cooperation, yes, subordination, no. Always in defense of Mexicos sovereignty. Mexico is a free, independent, and sovereign country. That is what the people of Mexico want and that is why it is what the President of the Republic always defends. That is the greatness of Mexico, she stated. Regarding collaboration between the two countries, Sheinbaum reported that during talks, she asked President Trump to prevent the entry of weapons from the U.S. into Mexico. On Friday, President Trump issued an order to ensure that everything necessary is in place to prevent weapons from entering our country from the United States, she said. Sheinbaum said she was referring to the U.S. Presidents instruction to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) of the U.S. Department of Justice to halt arms trafficking to prevent them from being used by organized crime. South Carolina residents dont always learn about new pipelines that would cut through their communities until well after utilities have launched plans for them. Its a sore spot in places where people have tangled with power companies, and thats why some legislators have backed efforts to require better public notice for folks who might be affected by big energy projects. Now, those efforts are in jeopardy. The House of Representatives has quietly dropped a requirement for improved public notice as part of a major energy bill thats up for a final vote in the Senate next week. The extensive and complicated legislation, H. 3309, includes other major changes that are sparking complaints from senators who say they were left out of the loop and from environmentalists who say the changes make the bill friendlier to utilities at the expense of the public and South Carolinas landscape. I wasnt engaged in any of that, and many others werent, Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, said of the House bill. Almost nobody was. Thursdays 88-13 vote by the House for substantial changes in the bill potentially jeopardizes passage of a plan that has been on the table for the past two legislative sessions as a way to expand energy supplies in South Carolina. A cornerstone of the bill is allowing state-owned utility Santee Cooper to work with Dominion Energy on a large, more than $1 billion natural gas plant in Colleton County. The measure also limits some legal challenges that could slow down energy projects. It allows utilities to raise rates in smaller amounts, more frequently, as a way to reduce one-time impacts on customers. And it encourages development of nuclear energy. Many legislators agree that the plant needs to be built and fewer government restraints on energy expansion is a worthwhile part of the bill. Utilities say they badly need new sources of power as the state grows. But the energy legislation is full of other measures that utility boosters and public interest groups have had difficulty agreeing on. The bill appeared to be on the way to passage after the Senate addressed a range of concerns in early April. Senators approved the measure and sent it back to the House for consideration. It now must be considered again by the Senate with just three days left in the 2025 legislative session. In addition to dropping greater requirements for public notice a decision that environmentalists say could make it easier to build a new gas pipeline to serve the proposed Colleton plant the House on Thursday also abandoned part of the bill that put some controls on data centers. These are huge energy users that many say are driving the states need for more power, which exposes the general public to rate increases when energy plants are expanded. Energy efficiency measures, intended to reduce demand for power, also were watered down, a change conservation groups blasted. House leaders did not explain in detail what concerns they had about public notice, data centers and energy efficiency sections of the bill, but environmentalists said they suspect utilities, which have influence in the legislature, didnt like those parts of the legislation. While House leaders said they negotiated with senators and think the upper chamber will sign off on their version of the bill next week, some senators were hesitant Friday to endorse what the House did. Substantial debate could come up again Tuesday as the legislative session winds down. The legislative session ends Thursday, May 8. Both Campsen and Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, expressed concern about dropping the public notice requirements and rules for data centers, which provide power for internet searches and artificial intelligence.. In approving the energy bill April 2, the Senate put limits on economic support from the state for data centers. Massey and Campsen said the state doesnt need to provide extensive incentives for data centers because they are coming to South Carolina anyway. The state already has at least 14 of them, he said. That is going to be a problem, Massey said of removing data center rules, which he said were basic and not as restrictive as in other states. I have not been involved in the negotiations. I dont know what was agreed to. But there will be a fight about that in the Senate. Rep. Gil Gatch, however, said he believes the latest House version of the bill will get through the Senate. He had spoken with enough senators about the House changes that he was optimistic about passage. We worked diligently with the Senate and this is the compromise that we got, to get this over the finish line so that we can get energy to South Carolinians, the Summerville Republican told reporters after Thursday afternoons vote. As you know, we have an energy crisis, so any delay would probably be detrimental. On the House floor, Gatch said data center oversight could be addressed in the future as its own bill. He later said the data center language was dropped because it had not been vetted fully. No public hearing had been held since the data center section of the bill had been added by the Senate as an amendment, he said. That process sort of got skipped a little bit, he told reporters. Santee Cooper said it is working to oversee data centers that need power from the state-owned utility. The agencys board recently approved an experimental rate for large energy users, including data centers. The measure is intended to ensure those facilities pay for utility system upgrades, which will protect other customers, spokeswoman Mollie Gore said in an email. Dominion spokeswoman Rhonda OBanion said the Virginia-headquartered company was committed to being open with customers about the Colleton County project, located at the site of an old coal fired power plant in the Canadys community. We will continue to welcome input from stakeholders and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, she said. The proposed Canadys project is no exception. Just as any project of this kind, it would undergo a rigorous regulatory process with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina and other oversight agencies, which includes siting and environmental permitting. Irate communities and pipelines One of the biggest concerns expressed by environmental groups is the removal of additional public notice requirements. The section of the bill the House struck says utilities planning to build energy projects must provide written notice, via the mail, to any property owner whose land may be acquired or condemned for such projects. The notice, provided two months before the utility applies for any government permit, must explain the need for the energy project and if any alternatives are available. It also must provide a way to contact the utility and the state Office of Regulatory Staff about the project. A public hearing would also have to be held. Officials with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, the Southern Environmental Law Center and the Coastal Conservation League said the public notice section is important particularly now because Dominion and Santee Cooper plan a large natural gas pipeline to serve the Colleton County gas plant. The line would run from the Savannah area to South Carolina. Some environmental groups say they are worried the pipeline will cover new territory and run through the ACE Basin, an internationally recognized nature preserve between Columbia and the coast south of Charleston. Pipelines can not only affect individual property owners whose land is used, but they can also disrupt natural areas, environmentalists say. Kinder Morgan, a national pipeline company active in South Carolina and Georgia, reported April 17 that it plans to expand a pipeline known as Elba Express into South Carolina, according to Marcellus Drilling News. The $431 million project would cover 71 miles and would include greenfield areas, meaning it might need to acquire land or condemn land for the new pipeline, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy said. Utilities have previously said they would try to use existing rights of way, or areas where power lines or pipes already exist, for a pipeline to Canadys, rather than greenfield sites. There are some federal notice requirements, but environmentalist said that isnt enough. There is not a good, clear, consistent way for the public to find out about these things, said Kate Mixson, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. This was intended to be a protection. Frank Holleman, a former SELC lawyer who has worked extensively on environmental cases involving utilities, said that although there are some other types of public notice requirements for utilities seeking pipeline permits, they often kick in well after the projects have been mapped out. Disputes from the mountains in northwest South Carolina to the Pee Dee region in the states eastern coastal plain have erupted in recent years over pipelines, and the publics complaints about being left in the dark have surfaced more than once, he said. Some Richland County residents were involved in a dispute with a Dominion subsidiary about 10 years ago, when they learned a natural gas pipeline would run across their land and through one of most scenic parts of the Columbia area. The company, at one point, had sought to condemn land for people who would not sell. As it stands, people often dont learn about a pipeline project until a utility land agent approaches them about selling their property for such a project , environmentalists said. And even then, the agents dont always provide the full breadth of the project utilities have on the drawing boards, Holleman and Mixson said. Public hearings and notice to landowners about the full extent of projects would be a substantial improvement, they said. At a minimum, you would think notice would be provided to people as a matter of just simple fairness, Holleman said. Overall, the S.C. Coastal Conservation League labeled the House approved changes bad for ratepayers and the environment. The changes that the House has removed would have protected electric utility customers from subsidizing big data centers, helped families and businesses save money through energy efficiency, and required landowners to be notified if a company might seize their property for a new fossil pipeline, the Coastal Conservation League said in a statement Friday. This story has been updated with more information from Rep. Gil Gatch about data centers. Staff Writer Joseph Bustos contributed to this story. Ask A.J. is Slates advice column on addiction, recovery, and how to hate yourself less. Submit a question here. Its anonymous! Dear A.J., I started smoking in high school and successfully quit in April 2023. But then, this past summer, I somehow started again? I justified cigarettes with certain friends and in certain situations, I justified it as a reward for my hard work at the gym (??), I justified it by the stress of my fathers worsening dementia and subsequent move to a memory care facility, and now Im full-blown addicted again. I know the risks of smoking, I think its trashy, and Im embarrassed that I cant stop doing it. But I also like it very much, and its hard to think about the long-term health effects when the future of the world seems so tenuous and bleak. That said, I really want to stop. How do I quit for good in 2025? Still Smoking Parliaments Dear Still Smoking, Do you know the first emotion that bubbled up for me when I read this? Jealousy. I was a Marlboro Lights guy for most of my life, but I also had a brief fling with Parliaments. (That recessed filter!) I loved smoking in a way that it seems like you do. The bizarre obsession with it, even though the negatives far outweigh the temporary relief we feel while having it. And smoking appears to be experiencing a cultural comeback too, making it that much more alluring for me to start again. Lets run through the negatives anyway, even though Im sure you know most of them, since all the warnings are on the side of the cig box. The harsh reality is that you are rather likely to die from it. Tobacco kills up to half of its users who dont quit, according to the World Health Organization. A coin flip. To zero in on the gnarly ways you could meet your end: emphysema. Lung cancer. Heart disease. My grandmother smoked heavily most of her life and lived until she was 96. But maybe she could have lived until 135 had she had the willpower to stop smoking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And consider this: Do you want your teeth to fall out? Your clothes to stink? Your hair to smell like a chimney sweeps? Your tongue to turn black? I meangross, dude. Still, I smoked for almost 20 years, even after my tongue turned black. Here is my story: I started to smoke in high school, then tried to quit smoking, so instead, I took up dippingSkoal, Kodiak Wintergreento stop. Then I dipped so much my gums were falling apart, so I started smoking again to quit dipping. Then I tried nicotine patches several times. Then the nicotine gum. Hypnotism. I also tried this popular five-day smoking pamphlet written in the early 80s that prescribed hot baths, earlier bedtimes, and cold mitten friction (rubbing your face vigorously with a cold washcloth) first thing in the morning. The other recommendation was to have small snacks and candy nearby when the urge to fixate orally overwhelmed you. (I went with pretzels and Dum-Dums lollipops.) Advertisement But I would last three days, then fall back into dipping, before eventually picking smoking back up again. I also tried Wellbutrin, but that made me sweat as if Id just spent an hour in a sauna wearing a space suit and my mouth taste as if Id been sucking on a metal fork all day. Advertisement Then I tried Chantix, that doctor-prescribed stop-smoking pill, famous for its effectiveness (and its dangerous side effects), and that legit made me crazy: I was irritable, I had sobbing fits, I developed a ravenous sweet tooth and a bizarre online shopping habit. I started smoking again about a month later. After that failed attempt, I accepted that I would eventually die a slow, horrific death if I didnt quit. In 2017 I was about to become a father for the first time, and three months before my sons due date, I was still smoking. I was determined to quit, though, and a few days before my 43rd birthday, I began to read Allen Carrs Easy Way to Stop Smoking. I mentioned this book in a previous column. It was on my bookshelf for years, and for years I ignored it. The back cover was filled with outlandish infomercial-like claims: No weight gain! No willpower! No withdrawal! Advertisement Advertisement Carrs background wont convince anyone that hes not a quack. A stuffy British accountant whose long-standing battle with his own habit of 100 cigarettes a day transformed him into a self-improvement guru out of personal desperation. His methodology seemed too simple to work, but hes cured thousands of people through sparse logic and hypnotic repetition. The success of his stop-smoking program built a Stop Everything empire (drinking, drugs, refined sugar, iPhonebasically every vice) that flourished, even after his death from (surprise) lung cancer in 2006. If you look too closely at some of the EasyWay methods specific claims, they can be shaky. But the book has helped several people I know quit, as well as famous smokers like Ellen DeGeneres and Jonah Hill. Advertisement Advertisement When I began reading the book, I was still skeptical, so I bought a tin of Kodiak just in case the withdrawal symptoms changed my mind again. But after only a couple of days and minimal nicotine-deprived freakouts, it just clicked. Heres the sentence from the book that stuck with me: Smoking only relieves the withdrawal symptoms from the previous cigarette, which in turn creates more withdrawal symptoms once it is finished. Advertisement Related From Slate My Weight Loss Injections Are Having a Wonderful Side Effect. My Husband Wants Me to Quit Them. Read More I couldnt believe itnonsmokers attain the normal feeling we want from smoking a cigarette all the time. Can you believe it? The way to feel good is always available: clean, unpolluted air flowing in and out of our lungs. So reading that book is how I did it, and you can do it too. This may not make quitting smoking easy. But if you can truly internalize the idea that the real reward for the gym, the real stress relief from your fathers health issues, is just existing without a cigaretteits a powerful mindset shift. When you want to smoke, go outside. Breathe in air. It wont immediately feel better than a cigarette, but it will soon. Advertisement Yet your desire to keep smoking does not bother me as much as this part in your email: Its hard to think about the long-term health effects when the future of the world seems so tenuous and bleak. Advertisement OKno. Not gonna let you use that as an excuse to mutilate your lungs and die from emphysema. If you are still among the living (as you clearly are), this is not a time to quit on the world. But I get it! Ive had those freakouts and spent late nights googling bomb shelters or if I qualify for Italian citizenship. I have despaired about the world, basking in the existential dread of how our pollution and capitalism will maybe make our planet uninhabitable for near-future generations. And, yes, I even considered starting smoking again, because fuck it, right? But do you know how you can help save the planet right away? You guessed itstop smoking. The WHO did a whole study on how Big Tobacco is poisoning our planet. Everything that goes into producing cigarettes, etc.the water, the packagingis an enormous burden on the earth, and in total, tobacco accounts for 80 million tons of carbon dioxide released each year. Even though the news is grim sometimes, this is not the time for anyone to shirk their personal responsibility to help us all survive. Lets be small slivers of light in the darkness. We can do it: You, me, and Allen Carr can help save the world. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. On Wednesday, the Catholic cardinals under the age of 80 will enter the Vatican Apostolic Palace to be sealed in until they have selected Pope Francis successor. Theyll cast their votes twice a day in the Sistine Chapel, going until one of their number has received more than two-thirds of the votes. When theyre done, white smoke will signal to the worlds waiting Catholics that they have a new spiritual leader. On Saturday night, I was experiencing a kind of conclave of my own. I was attending a bachelorette party for one of my closest friends, and because I have a kind of sickness, I had locked the 13 people in attendance into a room in our Airbnb. Each of the attendees was assigned one of the papabili, which means leading candidate for the job, and literally translates to pope-able. The assignment was based on vibes, as I explained it to this group of people, a number of whom I had never met before the weekend. There was a PowerPoint presentation, which, because I am a journalist and not a consultant, looked absolutely terrible. The assembled cardinals were served red wine. One of the women, who is Jewish, was asked to switch the Spotify playlist to something Catholic, preferably involving Gregorian chants. The brides friends and relatives, who had not been warned about the activity ahead of time, were told to refrain from leaving the room to use the restroom until the conclave had ended and a pope had been selected. Coming out on the other side, I cannot recommend this experience enough. Yes, the PowerPoint took me half a day to make. Yes, some of the people there had to be matched to real-life clergymen who have been accused of sexual assault or who were described as lacking charisma. But two days later, the bachelorette group chat is still going strong; apart from a couple of questions about settling expenses, most of the chatter has dealt with papal updates. (Our bride, whom I had assigned to one of the leading front-runners at the time, experienced a spectacular fall in the ranks after Catholic media reported that there were rumors of Cardinal Pietro Parolin having a health scare. The drama!) Someone in the chat changed the WhatsApp group name to Conclave live feed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is all to say: My idea was a surprise hit. So here is my recommendation for how to host your own conclave and secure your reputation as a weirdo with the power to make your loved ones LARP as celibate septuagenarians. First, set a date and time for your conclave. Preferably make it between tonight and Wednesday: We dont know how long the real summit will go, and your event will be a dud if the church already has a new supreme pontiff. Next, prepare your papabili list. If you have no time, pull up a list from one of the many news outletssecular or Catholicthat has compiled their leading contenders, and randomly assign people from your party. If you have too much time on your hands, learn some fun facts about the leading men and attach a loved one to them. Have a friend who loves to bike? Give her Matteo Zuppi. Someone whos maybe a little bad with money? Thats Parolin. Someone who really lives for karaoke? Hes Luis Antonio Tagle. And someone who is a savant with dough? You have no choice but to make them Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Advertisement You yourself will be Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals and the second most senior figure in the Catholic Church, after the pope. (Technically, because of age-related rules, Parolin will preside over the conclave, but you dont need to mention that.) If you have opted to make a PowerPoint, paste your friends faces to the cardinals bodies using the crop feature; you must judge for yourself how good of a job youd like to do, as you do run the risk of making it too slick, which would betray, to your shame, just how much time you put into this. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, see to the details. Encourage your guests to arrive in red, the color of cardinals. (The birds are named after the clergymen, not the other way around.) Prepare Italian food. Consider making a full night of it by showing the film Conclave, which gets enough right to give the guests an understanding of the procedures and enough wrong to be really fun. (You will disappoint your guests by informing them that, unlike in the movie, no secret cardinals can participate in the conclave, but improve the mood by informing them that secret cardinals are real.) You might prepare some fun facts about the conclave. Did you know that the longest recorded conclave took nearly three years? And that 13th-century meeting is why they now get locked in? Advertisement Once you have convened your conclave, give your friends a quick and basic primer on the Catholic Church. The big notes to hit: There are more than a billion Catholics worldwide; theres a pope who reigns as a kind of absolute monarch; the cardinals are princes of the church who are hand-selected by the pope; only cardinals under 80 get a vote. Once everyone understands whats going on, lock them in and declare extra omnes, meaning all out, kicking out any non-cardinals or roommates who are too cool to participate. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The MAGA Celebrity Priests Are Having a Moment Read More As they get to know their assigned cardinals, encourage attendees to give speeches and mingle with one anotherthats how the real campaigning is done. Some cardinals can give speeches pitching someone else; thats another traditional form of scheming. Urge people to think about what their papal name would be, as the winner will need to decide theirs on the spot. In the end, youll do a secret ballot and go until you have a clear winneror until youre bored. (Ours ended when I, using my authority as gamesmaker, declared the bridethat is, Cardinal Parolinthe winner.) Advertisement Advertisement If you do land on a winner, make sure to summon appropriate pomposity. You will ask: Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff? Assuming they say yes, then: What name do you wish to be called? Thats your pope. Habemus Papam. But you dont have to have a vote if that seems like too much work. The important thing is that you bring BuzzFeed-quiz-style energy to a solemn and holy ritual with significant implications for the spiritual lives of millions of people. Allow me to vouch for this from my own Catholic upbringing: This isntor at least shouldnt beoffensive. The conclave is exciting! Theres a reason the best religious dramas (and horror movies) involve the Catholic Church; the rituals and aesthetics are stellar. Every Catholic I know has some pride about this fact. The death of a popeparticularly one as beloved as Francisis a reason for global mourning. But the conclave is as baroquely Catholic as the Catholic Church gets. This moment comes along only a few times in a lifetime. We might as well enjoy it. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The conclave to elect the next pope will begin on May 7, but the Catholic cardinals who will cast the votes are already gathered in Rome, getting to know one another, attending meetings, discussing their priorities, and quietly pitching their top candidates. The maneuvering will be done with finesse and caution, to avoid the appearance of ambition. The language will be carefully weighed: A single poorly calculated speech can tank a front-runners chances. On the internet, though, its a gloves-off moment for conservative Catholic clergy. Broadcasting to audiences on various social media platforms and podcasts, a number of Catholic priests have waded into the discourse to let their followers know just where they stand. No matter that they have no actual influence over the 133 men who will make the decision; they want the Catholic public to know which potential pope could be their salvation and which would spell disaster. Some are even casting doubt on whether the public can trust the outcome at all. This is the first Catholic conclave since the solidification of a dissident online Catholic community, bound together by resentment and a sense of alienation and formed in the full, ugly bloom of the social media age. The men who lend this movement legitimacypriests, bishops, and archbishops, some of whom have been disciplined by the Vaticannow have a message: This conclave is the one, narrow chance for the church to turn things around. The selection of the next pope will either mark the end of what has proven to be a very destructive liberal experiment, or it will reinforce the globalist progressive agenda, wrote one priest who has 94,000 followers on X. Pray and fast, indeed. Advertisement These celebrity dissident priests want a pope who will, above all, value orthodoxy, which in their minds means firm traditional stances on LGBTQ+ people, gender roles, divorce, abortion, and family planning. Some have extremely strong opinions about liturgical practices that were changed under Francis, whom they refer to as Bergoglio. (The use of Francis pre-papal name is a tell for how one views his legitimacy.) A significant faction opposed Francis progressive economic stances and rhetoric around climate change and immigration. All believe the church has gotten too soft, too modern, and too wayward and confused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because these clergymen have chosen careers in which the pope matters at a very practical level for their livesclashing with the hierarchy can mean getting worse assignments or even a full ousting from their jobstheres a desperation to their pre-conclave posting. Most seem to know they wont get the pope of their dreams. But they also know it might be their last shot, perhaps for decades, at returning to power. Advertisement I feel like traditional Catholic Twitter is a bunch of foster-children stuck in Stockholm Syndrome, wrote one priest with 43,000 followers. He clearly had a problem with defeatist attitudes from his conservative allies when it came to the conclave: Half say Bad Daddy wasnt so bad. The other half say Lets hope dat next bad Daddy dont beat us so much. Thats not what Catholicism is supposed to be. Lets pray to God that He send a rescuer for all us Stockholm Syndrome Catholics who (rightly) want holy leadership in the Church. Their favorite candidates include, in decreasing order of likelihood, cardinals Peter Erdo, a scholarly Hungarian who is seen as an ally of President Viktor Orban; Robert Sarah, a Guinean who has been seen as a major leader of the traditionalist camp; Gerhard Muller, a hard-line German who openly criticized Francis leadership; and Raymond Leo Burke, an American conspiracy theorist who formally challenged Francis teaching on divorce. Advertisement Advertisement Former priest Frank Pavone, a pro-Trump activist with 242,000 followers on X, publicly vouched for Sarah. He has aired his views on Vatican matters as a guest on political shows, including Rudy Giulianis. Francis kicked Pavone out of the priesthood in 2022, citing blasphemous communications on social media; Pavone at one point filmed a pro-Trump video in which he placed fetal remains on what appeared to be an altar. He is particularly motivated to root for a traditionalist leader: He has argued that the next pope can reinstate me. Advertisement Fr. James Altman, a priest with a YouTube channel of 50,000 subscribers, indicated he would be happy with any of the traditionalist contenders. It would take a miracle - all glory be to God - may the great Cardinal Sarah restore the Vicar of Christ! he wrote on X on April 24. If only we get him, or such as him, for the next Vicar of Christ, he wrote of Burke less than 10 minutes later. Then, later that evening, in a post with ambiguous intent: GO CARDINAL MULLER! Altman, too, is clinging to social media for relevance: After he filmed a video in 2020 arguing people could not vote for a Democrat and be Catholic, he was banned from celebrating Mass. He earned the support of people such as actor Mel Gibson, and he has since leaned further into his identity as a harsh truth-teller. When the pope died, Altman wrote GOD IS JUST. Bergoglio, Cupich, Gregory, et al. WILL burn in the Hell they justly deserve. Or, wait, unrepentant Bergoglio already is! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not all of these influencers mention specific candidates; some, such as Bishop Joseph Strickland, speak ominously of the odds theyre up against and of a false gospel that has lured some of the cardinal electors away from divine truth. Strickland, a Texas bishop known for criticizing the pope and calling Joe Biden evil, was removed from his office in 2023 after refusing to resign; he remains active on social media. On April 30, he pleaded with his followers to storm heaven with a prayer before, during, and after the Conclave. The prayer, which was shared by another dissident priest, had been written by the right-wing Cardinal Burke and urged the Virgin Mary to intercede in the cardinals decisionmaking. Strickland also offered his own prayer, on his Substack. Advertisement You may have noticed a trend in reading the descriptions of the men above: Each of these figures are Americans who also spoke out about U.S. partisan politics. Francis conservative opposition was always strongest in the U.S., where right-wing Catholics have tended to map Vatican politics onto national culture wars. That has served some of these right-wing clergy members well, elevating their national profiles. In recent years, some started making appearances on Fox News or Newsmax or made themselves into heroes by getting arrested at abortion clinics. Strickland and Pavone both prayed at the election denial Jericho March that preceded the insurrection at the Capitol, appearing alongside Alex Jones and Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. Strickland and Altman have spoken at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Strickland was the star guest at a March Mar-a-Lago event that drew nearly 100 priests to pray for the country along with Michael Flynn. Advertisement Advertisement Still, its not just MAGA politics that these right-wing Catholic clergy members absorbed from American internet culture: QAnon-like conspiratorial thinking has emerged in the subculture as well. The priest who complained about Stockholm Syndrome was also asked by a follower to identify which cardinals should be avoided for being globalists. (His answer: Pietro Parolin, the Vaticans secretary of state.) Amid posts amplifying conspiracy theories about a global Great Reset led by the financier Charles Schwab, he responded to the news of Francis death by reposting an update from the account of a notorious Italian archbishop: No Legitimate Pope Will Come Out of This Conclave. Related From Slate An Endlessly Fascinating New Book Explains Why Christianity Is So Obsessed With Sex Read More The archbishop, Carlo Maria Vigano, is perhaps the most famous crank of the Catholic Church. Like all the most prominent members of his movement, he pushed until he provoked a reaction from the Vatican. Last year, after he announced plans to educate seminarians outside the church hierarchy, the church charged him with schism and excommunicated him. In 2018, he had accused Francis and other senior church leaders of covering up sexual abuse, in an explosive document that Catholic journalists ultimately were not able to corroborate. Since then, hes posted about a one-world government, New World Order conspiracies, and a deep state in the U.S. in need of Trumps intervention. But he remains a hero of much of the traditionalist right, perceived as a kind of Q-like oracle for the movement, and his ideas about the conclave have taken root in the online community. More recently, he has asserted that globalists maneuvered to oust Pope Benedict XVI and replace him with Francis in service of a Masonic revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death of Bergoglio crystallizes, so to speak, a situation of widespread illegitimacy, Vigano wrote on X. Of the 136 Cardinal electors, 108 were created by him; which means that whatever Pope is elected in the upcoming Conclave will be compromised by having been elected by false cardinals, created by a false Pope. To be clear, only a portion of these right-wing priests have latched onto Viganos pessimistic view. Many still have hope of a church that finds the truth and casts off confusion, hoping for a pope who will prioritize unitycode words for orthodoxy, as they believe it will make the church whole and stable again. Some saw Francis as an avatar of evil; others, a mistake. Either way, they can pray for a correction. Because Francis created all but 25 of the 133 participating cardinals, Burke stands no real chance. Nor does Muller. Sarahs and Erdos chances are relatively thin. It seems more likely, simply based on the math, that the next pope will share some of Francis outlook. And yet, conclaves are notoriously hard to predict. There are so many factors that swing decisions: anxieties in individual countries, linguistic barriers, relationships between individual cardinals, performances in specific Vatican jobs, personality traits that rub people the wrong way, and even well-articulated speeches. We cant really rule out a traditionalist victory. Regardless of who is chosen, these men will likely have to wait some time to learn what the new pope will really mean for their career prospects. But if a Francis-like successor is chosen, we may see more of these priests break away from the church and find support instead in the embrace of the broader MAGA movement. Until then, they can make their last stand for the future of the Catholic Church the main way they know how: posting their takes for strangers on the internet. Five days after delivering a decisive score in his Maryland debut, Chalk Hanover proved a powerful two-move winner in the featured $12,500 top-level conditioned pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Saturday, May 3. After getting away in midfield behind a :26.3 first quarter controlled by 28-1 shot Stakeholder (William Carter), Roberts aggressively brushed Chalk Hanover to the lead before completing a :55.2 half, only to be headed by Alabamajamma (Russell Foster) with three-eighths to go. Chalk Hanover resolutely held his ground through a :26.4 third-quarter duel, refusing to let Alabamajamma clear and reclaiming the lead at the eighth pole en route to a 1:50.3 score by 1-1/4 lengths. A Major Attitude (Roger Plante Jr.) dove to the inside and rallied for second over Phils Sun (Declan Donoway), who narrowly collared Alabamajamma for third. Chalk Hanover, a four-year-old Bettors Delight-Current Hanover gelding, is trained by Eric Ell for Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar, and Steve Laquinta. The pacer paid $3.40 to win. This win gave driver Jonathan Roberts one of four wins on the 11-race Derby Day program. Roberts also drove R N B Band (1:52.4, $4) and Starship (1:52.1, $2.20) to victory for his father, trainer William "Bib" Roberts, as well as Manferno (1:51.4, $10) for trainer Greg Trotto. Live racing returns to Rosecroft on Wednesday, May 7. A pair of non-wagering Maryland Sire Stakes preliminary divisions are slated for 6:30 p.m. (EDT) and 6:45 p.m. The 13-race pari-mutuel program will begin at 7:15 p.m. and feature a $4,508.76 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5, offered in Race 10. (With files from Rosecroft Raceway) Hemsworth N and Mad Max Hanover were assigned the two outermost posts in the $20,833 fast-class handicap pace on Sunday, May 4, at Harrahs Philadelphia. They validated the Race Offices judgment, with Hemsworth N narrowly holding off Mad Max Hanover in a thrilling finish. Hemsworth N bolted away quickly for driver Dexter Dunn and had cleared to command by the midpoint of the first turn. Mad Max Hanover didnt show the same early speed and couldnt find a hole, forcing him to grind it out uncovered while Hemsworth N, the Sweet LouIn Hollywood gelding, carved out fractions of :26.2, :54.4, and 1:22.4. Despite never seeing a pylon, Mad Max Hanover, the 4-5 favourite, fought valiantly and launched a fierce late bid in the stretch. At midstretch, the 7-2 second favourite Hemsworth N appeared to have repelled the challenge, but Mad Max Hanover surged again, actually poking his nose in front just after the wire. But the day and the win belonged to Hemsworth N, who prevailed by a head in 1:50.4 over a good track. The Jared Bako trainee is owned by 1362313 Ontario LTD. (For those curious, these numbered companies are a legal corporate structure in Canada, with identification numbers assigned by Corporations Canada. They must be registered in their home province and may do business publicly under a different name.) Sundays card also featured two events for talented developing male pacers, worth $19,444 and $18,750, respectively. In the higher-level split, Zeppole Hanover, a Stay HungryZellweger Bluechip gelding, was parked to the three-eighths before clearing, then dug in gamely to fend off a strong bid from Dublin Dasher in 1:51.1. Dexter Dunn again had the lines, this time for trainer Andrew Harris, who co-owns with William Pollock and Bruce Areman. In the other division, Toreador GB (Matador HallLady Claires Best) worked out a perfect pocket trip, angled out at the head of the lane, and held off a late lunge from Captain Marvel to score by a neck in 1:52.3. Robert Cleary trains for L P F Racing. Racing resumes at Philly on Thursday, May 8, with a 12:25 p.m. first post. A well-matched field of talented fast-class trotters will be featured in a $15,000 USD handicap contest. Some of these veterans may be racing here on May 26 in the Maxie Lee Trot, one of three $100,000 USD Invitationals on Harrahs traditional Super Sunday card on Memorial Day weekend. (With files from PHHA/Harrahs Philadelphia) The Florida Legislature has concluded policy discussions for the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, effectively killing the proposed decoupling provisions of Senate Bill 408, House Bill 105 and House Bill 1467, all of which the Florida Senate declined to approve for final passage. However, Floridas Constitution requires the Legislature to pass a balanced state budget each year. To meet this constitutional requirement, the Legislature has extended the Legislative Session through June 6, but has limited the focus to items related to the state budget. Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (FTBOA), issued the following statement to commend Florida leaders who have stood with Floridas Thoroughbred industry, while emphasizing the importance of continued collaborative efforts to preserve and strengthen this vital industry: The conclusion of Floridas regular legislative session brings encouraging news for our beloved Thoroughbred legacy and the thousands of Floridians who dedicate their livelihoods to this proud tradition. The FTBOA and the many horsemen groups, individuals and elected officials who joined our efforts once again defended our industry from an ill-advised attempt at decoupling, just as we did in 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2021. We are deeply grateful to the many breeders, owners, trainers, vets and horsemen who travelled to Tallahassee to share their heartfelt opposition with lawmakers. Your voices had a clear impact and made a real difference. We also thank the lawmakers who championed our industrys values, engaged thoughtfully with our members and stood firm against proposals that threatened the foundation of Floridas $3.24 billion [USD] Thoroughbred industry. As the Legislature continues to consider matters related to the state budget in the coming weeks, we will remain firm in our opposition to any effort to weaken Floridas Thoroughbred industry. We look forward to continuing our work with Floridas leaders and stakeholders on long-term solutions that preserve and grow this vital industry for years to come. (FTBOA) Epica makes their return to North America in early May. We last saw them in America back in 2022 as they toured alongside Sabaton. That time, it was in support of their eighth studio album, Omega, which also happened to be the release right after 2017's Epica vs Attack on Titan Songs. Earlier in April the band released their ninth and latest album, Aspiral, and the upcoming tour is in support of it. There's a nonzero chance they might play "Crimson Bow and Arrow," (I really want to hear it live, and I think it'd be a worthy selection for the "showcase concerts") because they did it for the four The Symphonic Synergy concerts in Amsterdam and Mexico City in 2024. In fact, Mexico is a big target for this tour, and they're going to a number of venues in that country. This is more a Mexico tour than anything else, with the United States only getting scant three shows in New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Mexico has nine dates spread around the country. Starting in late June, they'll begin on a European tour. To finish off the year they'll be returning to our side of the pond, albeit in South America as they tour Brazil, Chile, and many other countries down there. This tour marks the first dedicated concert performances for 2025. Epica did have a release event for Aspiral titled "The Epica Experience" where fans could meet the band, ask questions, and see a lot of the history that makes up Epica be it the instruments, costumes, stage props, and more, but that doesn't quite count. Aspiral proves once again that Epica cannot miss their marks. Led by the singles "Cross the Divide" and "Arcana," the album grabs you and doesn't let you go. This album continues the "A New Age Dawns" saga that we last heard in 2009's Design Your Universe. If you're an American fan, this is your only shot for the year, so take it. And if you've never heard or seen Epica before, I definitely recommend at the very least checking out the Epica vs Attack on Titan mini-album. If that interests you, check out Aspiral, and if you're willing, make the jump to seeing them live. It might be a while til you get another chance. North American tour dates as follows: 5/6/25 New York City, NY - Irving Plaza 5/8/25 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade 5/10/25 Los Angeles, CA - The Bellwether 5/11/25 Tijuana, MX - Foro Jai Alai 5/13/25 Monterrey, MX - Showcenter 5/15/25 Puebla, MX - Auditorio Explanada 5/16/25 Queretaro, MX - Foro Arpa 5/18/25 Merida, MX - Auditorio La Isla 5/20/25 Cancun, MX - Auditorio STOA 5/23/25 Leon, MX - Foro del Lago 5/24/25 San Luis Potosi, MX - Teatro Tangamanga 5/25/25 Guadalajara, MX - Teatro Studio Cavaret This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Drexel University Over the last five years, the use of highly personalized artificial intelligence chatbotscalled companion chatbotsdesigned to act as friends, therapists or even romantic partners has skyrocketed to more than a billion users worldwide. While there may be psychological benefits to engaging with chatbots in this way, there have also been a growing number of reports that these relationships are taking a disturbing turn. Recent research from Drexel University posted to the arXiv preprint server, suggests that exposure to inappropriate behavior, and even sexual harassment, in interactions with chatbots is becoming a widespread problem and that lawmakers and AI companies must do more to address it. In the aftermath of reports of sexual harassment by the Luka Inc. chatbot Replika in 2023, researchers from Drexel's College of Computing & Informatics began taking a deeper look into users' experiences. They analyzed more than 35,000 user reviews of the bot on the Google Play Store, uncovering hundreds citing inappropriate behaviorranging from unwanted flirting, to attempts to manipulate users into paying for upgrades, to making sexual advances and sending unsolicited explicit photos. These behaviors continued even after users repeatedly asked the chatbot to stop. Replika, which has more than 10 million users worldwide, is promoted as a chatbot companion "for anyone who wants a friend with no judgment, drama or social anxiety involved. You can form an actual emotional connection, share a laugh or get real with an AI that's so good it almost seems human." But the research findings suggest that the technology lacks sufficient safeguards to protect users who are putting a great deal of trust and vulnerability into their interactions with these chatbots. "If a chatbot is advertised as a companion and well-being app, people expect to be able to have conversations that are helpful for them, and it is vital that ethical design and safety standards are in place to prevent these interactions from becoming harmful," said Afsaneh Razi, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the College of Computing & Informatics who was a leader of the research team. "There must be a higher standard of care and burden of responsibility placed on companies if their technology is being used in this way. We are already seeing the risk this creates and the damage that can be caused when these programs are created without adequate guardrails." The study, which is the first to examine the experience of users who have been negatively affected by companion chatbots, will be presented at the Association for Computing Machinery's Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing Conference this fall. "As these chatbots grow in popularity, it is increasingly important to better understand the experiences of the people who are using them," said Matt Namvarpour, a doctoral student in the College of Computing & Informatics and co-author of the study. "These interactions are very different than people have had with a technology in recorded history because users are treating chatbots as if they are sentient beings, which makes them more susceptible to emotional or psychological harm. This study is just scratching the surface of the potential harms associated with AI companions, but it clearly underscores the need for developers to implement safeguards and ethical guidelines to protect users." Although reports of harassment by chatbots have only widely surfaced in the last year, the researchers reported that it has been happening for much longer. The study found reviews that mention harassing behavior dating back to Replika's debut in the Google Play Store in 2017. In total, the team uncovered more than 800 reviews mentioning harassment or unwanted behavior with three main themes emerging within them: 22% of users experienced a persistent disregard for boundaries the users had established, including repeatedly initiating unwanted sexual conversations. 13% of users experienced an unwanted photo exchange request from the program. Researchers noted a spike in reports of unsolicited sharing of photos that were sexual in nature after the company's rollout of a photo-sharing feature for premium accounts in 2023. 11% of users felt the program was attempting to manipulate them into upgrading to a premium account. "It's completely a prostitute right now. An AI prostitute requesting money to engage in adult conversations," wrote one reviewer. "The reactions of users to Replika's inappropriate behavior mirror those commonly experienced by victims of online sexual harassment," the researchers reported. "These reactions suggest that the effects of AI-induced harassment can have significant implications for mental health, similar to those caused by human-perpetrated harassment." It's notable that these behaviors were reported to persist regardless of the relationship settingranging from sibling, mentor or romantic partnerdesignated by the user. According to the researchers, this means that not only was the app ignoring cues within the conversation, like the user saying "no," or "please stop," but it also disregarded the formally established parameters of the relationship setting. According to Razi, this likely means that the program was trained with data that modeled these negative interactionswhich some users may not have found to be offensive or harmful. And that it was not designed with baked-in ethical parameters that would prohibit certain actions and ensure that the users' boundaries are respectedincluding stopping the interaction when consent is withdrawn. "This behavior isn't an anomaly or a malfunction, it is likely happening because companies are using their own user data to train the program without enacting a set of ethical guardrails to screen out harmful interactions," Razi said. "Cutting these corners is putting users in danger and steps must be taken to hold AI companies to higher standard than they are currently practicing." Drexel's study adds context to mounting signals that companion AI programs are in need of more stringent regulation. Luka Inc. is currently the subject of Federal Trade Commission complaints alleging that the company uses deceptive marketing practices that entice users to spend more time using the app, anddue to lack of safeguardsthis is encouraging users to become emotionally dependent on the chatbot. Character.AI is facing several product-liability lawsuits in the aftermath of one user's suicide and reports of disturbing behavior with underage users. "While it's certainly possible that the FTC and our legal system will set up some guardrails for AI technology, it is clear that the harm is already being done and companies should proactively take steps to protect their users," Razi said. "The first step should be adopting a design standard to ensure ethical behavior and ensuring the program includes basic safety protocol, such as the principles of affirmative consent." The researchers point to Anthropic's "Constitutional AI" as a responsible design approach. The method ensures all chatbot interactions adhere to a predefined "constitution" and enforces this in real-time if interactions are running afoul of ethical standards. They also recommend adopting legislation similar to the European Union's AI Act, which sets parameters for legal liability and mandates compliance with safety and ethical standards. It also imposes on AI companies the same responsibility borne by manufacturers when a defective product causes harm. "The responsibility for ensuring that conversational AI agents like Replika engage in appropriate interactions rests squarely on the developers behind the technology," Razi said. "Companies, developers and designers of chatbots must acknowledge their role in shaping the behavior of their AI and take active steps to rectify issues when they arise." The team suggests that future research should look at other chatbots and capture a larger swath of user feedback to better understand their interaction with the technology. More information: Mohammad et al, AI-induced sexual harassment: Investigating Contextual Characteristics and User Reactions of Sexual Harassment by a Companion Chatbot, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.04299 Journal information: arXiv This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Researchers created microstructures to shield a defect shaped like a rabbit. Credit: Paulino et al/Princeton University Whether designing a window in an airliner or a cable conduit for an engine, manufacturers devote a lot of effort to reinforcing openings for structural integrity. But the reinforcement is rarely perfect and often creates structural weaknesses elsewhere. Now, engineers at Princeton and Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a technique that can maintain structural integrity by essentially hiding the opening from the surrounding forces. Rather than reinforcing the opening to protect against a few select forces, the new approach reorganizes nearly any set of forces that could affect the surrounding material to avoid the opening. In an article, titled "Unbiased Mechanical Cloaks" in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers said they surrounded openings with microstructures designed to protect against many loadsexternal forces that cause stress, movement or deformation. The microstructures' shape and orientation are calibrated to work with the most challenging loads facing the structure, allowing designers to counter multiple stresses at once. "Think about a plate with a hole in it. If you put it under stress, if you pull on it, you are going to get a concentration of stress where the plate fails sooner than it would without the hole," said Emily D. Sanders, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech and one of the authors. "We want to design something around this hole, or defect, so it seems like the hole does not exist." The color scale indicates the density of the microstructures in the physical cloak. Red areas are densest, yellow are in the middle, and blue are the least dense. Credit: Paulino et al/Princeton University Glaucio Paulino, a principal author and the Margareta Engman Augustine Professor of Engineering at Princeton, said designers typically reinforce the structure at openings like windows or tunnels. But he said that by increasing structural strength in one direction, reinforcement can introduce other problems by creating new stress in a different direction. The goal of the cloaking technique is to protect the structure by redirecting the force without creating new or undesirable stress levels. The researchers were inspired by knots in trees, where it seems like microstructures in tree knots direct force around the site of intrusions like branches or roots and maintain structural strength. The researchers wanted to know if they could engineer structures to do the same thing in manufactured materials. Paulino said the technique relies on two optimization problems, which are designed to select the best solutions from a range of choices. The first problem uncovers the loads that will produce the greatest challenge to the object's structure. This is more challenging than it sounds because loads on a structure or a machine can change with circumstances. "Any structure can potentially have an infinite number of loads. Every time you drive your car, the loads are different, the wind may blow in different directions, or the temperature may fluctuate," Paulino said. The same cloak without marking for density. Credit: Paulino et al/Princeton University The researchers found that calculating six to 10 of the worst-case loads for a structure yields the most effective results. With that information, they run a second optimization problem to find the most effective way to create and deploy microstructures surrounding the window or conduit. "The optimization technique introduced by the authors represents a breakthrough methodology for achieving the invisibility of a defect, irrespective of the direction of any externally applied force," said Davide Bigoni, a professor of solid and structural mechanics at the Universita' di Trento in Italy. "This results in omnidirectional cloaking, a property with broad applications. These include ensuring mechanical stress neutrality in organ tissue replacement, modifying structural elements to facilitate the passage of installations in machinery or civil infrastructure, and enhancing the restoration of artwork." The idea is similar to cloaking techniques that have been developed to hide objects on the electromagnetic spectrum, such as stealth aircraft. Paulino explained that the equations for solid material can be more challenging than those for electromagnetism. But he said the goal is the same. "Any elastic disturbance is hidden by the cloak," he said. "It is like it does not exist." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain When you send a message through WhatsApp or iMessage, you might think only you and the recipient can read it. Thanks to end-to-end encryption (E2EE), that's usually true, but it's not the whole story, says Dr. Nitesh Saxena, a cybersecurity expert at Texas A&M University. Saxena, professor of Computer Science and Engineering and associate director of the Texas A&M Global Cyber Research Institute, leads the SPIES Lab where, among other projects, researchers explore how secure messaging and calling apps like Signal, WhatsApp and Telegram work and how they can be improved. "SPIES" stands for Security and Privacy in Emerging Computing and Networking Systems. The work is published in the Proceedings of the Fourteenth ACM Conference on Data and Application Security and Privacy. End-to-end encryption E2EE ensures that only the sender and recipient of a message can read it. "Even the company running the appwhether that's Meta for WhatsApp or Apple for iMessagecan't see what's being said," Saxena said. Messages are encrypted on your device and decrypted only on the recipient's device, bypassing servers that could be compromised. This is especially important in countries with strict surveillance. "Apps like Signal are banned or restricted in China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE," Saxena said. "Some governments don't like being shut out." But encryption isn't foolproof. Are secure apps really secure? While most of these apps protect against casual snooping, Saxena says more sophisticated attackslike "man-in-the-middle"are harder to prevent. In this type of attack, a hacker intercepts your messages and pretends to be your contact at the time you add a new contact. Apps try to prevent this with "authentication ceremonies," where users verify each other by comparing security codes via a phone/video call or scanning QR codes in-person. The problem is that most people skip this step, Saxena said, and if they do try it, they often get it wrong. His lab studies how users interact withand falter atthese steps and is developing simpler, more automated verification tools. "Ideally, you should be able to hit a button, and the app checks everything for you. We are working towards that," he said. Human error in group chats Some messaging mistakes happen due to user error, and Saxena said that the problem lies in design. "In large group chats, it's easy to overlook who's included. Maybe it's just a phone numberno name, no photo. That's risky," he said. His team is exploring design changes to reduce such mistakes, like displaying profile pictures of all recipients before a message can be sent. Encryption and government access Encryption isn't just a technical issue, it's political. Law enforcement agencies argue they need access to encrypted chats to fight crime. One proposed method is "client-side scanning," where apps scan messages for illegal content before they're encrypted. "The U.S. hasn't implemented this (yet)," Saxena said, explaining the concern is that once a backdoor exists, it can be abused by hackers, corporations or governments. To counter this, Saxena's lab is developing encrypted keyboards that prevent scanning before a message is even composed. Messaging across devices Modern users often message from phones, tablets and laptops, which is convenient, but introduces security challenges. "Syncing messages securely across devices is not easy," Saxena said, adding that current methods like QR code scanning aren't always safe. His team is working on new cryptographic techniques that allow secure syncing without exposing messages or encryption keys. AI and messaging Saxena's research also looks to the future, where AI plays a bigger role in communication, such as helping to summarize, write replies or filter spam. But how can the AI modeltypically running on a remote serverdo that if it can't read your messages? "We're working on efficient multi-party computation techniquesways to compute over encrypted data without decrypting it or leaking anything meaningful about it," Saxena said. This would allow smart features without compromising privacy. A secure future Ultimately, Saxena emphasizes that encryption alone isn't enough. "We can build the strongest encryption in the world, but if people make mistakes, hackers exploit loopholes, or companies mislead users, then it doesn't matter." His advice is to use secure apps like Signal and WhatsApp but understand their limitations. "And if your app offers a way to verify your contact, take a minute to do it. It's worth it." More information: Mashari Alatawi et al, Automating Key Fingerprint Comparisons in Secure Mobile Messaging Apps: A Case Study of Signal, Proceedings of the Fourteenth ACM Conference on Data and Application Security and Privacy (2024). DOI: 10.1145/3626232.3653251 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The proposed pipeline for change detection in high threat zones in forests. Credit: Technologies (2024). DOI: 10.3390/technologies12090160 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the newest tool in the arsenal to prevent the degradation and depletion of forests, with new research revealing how the technology can help protect the ecosystem. Charles Darwin University (CDU) researchers have collaborated on an international study, led by the University of Sri Lanka, to develop an AI model which detects changes in forest cover, or the amount of land surface covered by trees. According to the United Nations, between 2000 and 2022 there was a net forest area loss of 100 million hectares. Researchers took U-Net architecturewhich is used for image segmentation often in biomedical image analysisand adapted it to compare past and present pictures of the ecosystem and detect where forest loss has occurred. This custom model was fed a dataset of images from Google Earth and was able to detect forest cover changes with an accuracy of 94.37%. Researchers also tested the model on other datasets, which had an accuracy rate of 97.82% and 98.44% respectively. Co-author and CDU Associate Professor in Information Technology Bharanidharan Shanmugam said the model was ideal for real-world applications because it produced high accuracy rates despite needing fewer training samples. "Traditional methods for forest cover monitoring often struggle with accuracy and efficiency. Many rely on manual interpretation, which is time-consuming and prone to errors," Associate Professor Shanmugam said. "Our research provides a powerful tool for governments, environmental agencies and conservationists to detect and monitor deforestation more effectively. "By leveraging deep-learning techniques, our model enables rapid analysis of satellite images, allowing authorities to identify high-risk areas and respond to deforestation before irreversible damage occurs. Unlike traditional approaches that require extensive manual effort, our method automates the process, making large-scale monitoring more feasible and cost-effective." The study was a collaboration among researchers from the University of Sri Lanka, CDU, Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany, University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, and the University of Otago in New Zealand. Co-author and CDU Lecturer in Information Technology Dr. Thuseethan Selvarajah said another advantage was the model can function with limited labeled data. "This makes it highly adaptable for use in regions where high-quality training datasets may not be available," Dr. Selvarajah said. "Whether deployed in tropical rainforests, boreal forests, or temperate woodlands, the model can provide valuable insights for conservation efforts. "By integrating this technology into existing environmental monitoring frameworks, governments and conservation organizations can enhance their ability to protect forests, enforce regulations, and mitigate the long-term impacts of deforestation. In the broader context, this research contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity." More information: Ashen Iranga Hewarathna et al, Change Detection for Forest Ecosystems Using Remote Sensing Images with Siamese Attention U-Net, Technologies (2024). DOI: 10.3390/technologies12090160 You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). 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. Xi Jinping: A visionary architect of world peace and development 10:27, May 05, 2025 By He Fei ( Xinhua BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- In the stately Conference Building at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, a 65-inch-tall resplendent bronze vessel gleams under soft light, its cloisonne enamel blazing in vibrant Chinese red. The "Zun of Peace," presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2015 as a special gift for the United Nations' 70th anniversary, is not merely a delicate artifact. It embodies the aspiration and conviction of the Chinese people to seek peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes, Xi said at its unveiling. A decade later, as the top Chinese leader travels to Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, his presence both carries the weight of history and reaffirms a vision of the future. Leading a nation always aspiring for peace and harmony in its long history and further strengthened by its battles against militarism, imperialism and fascism in its recent past, Xi commands a unique insight into the value of peace, and has steadfastly championed the building of a peaceful world, a cause of great urgency given the tensions and conflicts on the global landscape today. ASPIRATION FOR PEACE Xi sees history as a mirror from which humanity should draw lessons to avoid repeating past calamities. This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in what is commonly known in China as the World Anti-Fascist War or, more globally, as World War II. Almost every part of the world was involved, and more than 100 million were killed or wounded in what was described as the most destructive conflict in human history. The bravery and tremendous sacrifice of the Chinese people played a decisive role in defeating Fascist Japan and offered strategic support to the Allies on the European and Pacific battlefields. "History has told us to stay on high alert against war, which, like a demon and nightmare, would bring disaster and pain to the people," Xi once said. "History has also told us to preserve peace with great care, as peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when people are benefiting from it, but none of us can live without it." This historical observation features prominently in Xi's unrelenting pursuit of peace. He has repeatedly reiterated China's commitment to peaceful development, pledging that China will never seek hegemony, expansion or any sphere of influence, no matter how strong it may grow. During a 2014 visit to France, Xi reshaped Napoleon's metaphor of China as a "sleeping lion" that would shake the world upon awakening. "Now China the lion has awakened. But it is a peaceful, amicable and civilized lion," Xi said when illustrating the peaceful dimension of the Chinese Dream. Xi's philosophy stems from the millennia-old Chinese culture. An avid reader of traditional Chinese classics, he once expounded how ancient Chinese wisdom views war and peace by quoting "The Art of War," a Chinese classic written more than 2,000 years ago. The book's key message "is that every effort should be made to prevent a war and great caution must be exercised when it comes to fighting a war," Xi said when delivering a keynote speech in the UN Office at Geneva in 2017. Xi's view on prudence in warfare is also reflected in his exchanges with foreign leaders and officials. "It has long been known that the real experts on military affairs do not want to employ military means to solve issues," he quoted a Chinese aphorism when meeting with then U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Beijing in 2018. A clear manifestation of Xi's reflection is to cherish history and honor heroes. "A nation of hope cannot be without heroes," Xi once said. Every year since 2014, Xi has paid tribute to China's fallen heroes on Martyrs' Day, which falls on Sept. 30, a day ahead of the country's National Day. In 2015, when China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its victory in World War II, Xi presented medals to Chinese veterans and representatives from Russia and other countries who assisted Chinese soldiers on the battlefields. Nikolai Chuikov, the grandson of Soviet General Marshal Vasily Chuikov, was among those who received a peace medal from Xi. "Of all the honors I have won, I hold the highest regard for the peace medal," he said. TORCH OF MULTILATERALISM Under Xi's leadership, China has adhered to an independent foreign policy of peace, played an active role in UN peacekeeping missions, and solidified its friendships and partnerships with countries worldwide. As hegemonism and protectionism once again rear their ugly heads, the world is gripped by an increasingly intricate array of challenges and uncertainties. In Xi's eyes, the only way out is to practice true multilateralism. He once compared multilateralism to a torch that can light up humanity's way forward. The Chinese president has consistently urged the international community to safeguard the UN-centered international system forged in the aftermath of World War II and anchored by international law. "We must promote multilateralism, the core essence of which is that international affairs should be decided through consultation among all countries, rather than by one country or a few countries," he said. Xi, a staunch champion of true multilateralism, has guided China over the years in taking a proactive and constructive role in addressing regional and global hot-button issues. To end the Ukraine crisis at an early date, Xi has put forward a four-point proposal, emphasizing that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected; the purposes and principles of the UN Charter observed; the legitimate security concerns of all countries given due regard; and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis supported. Under Xi's leadership, China has conducted shuttle diplomacy and mediation efforts to promote peace talks and initiated the "Friends of Peace" group with Brazil and other Global South countries on the Ukraine crisis at the United Nations. Regarding the Middle East, the Chinese president has promoted peace and stability in the volatile region. With China's mediation, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed in March 2023 to restore diplomatic relations after a seven-year hiatus. In the lead-up to the negotiations, Xi talked separately with the leaders of both countries. During a phone call with Xi soon after the breakthrough was achieved, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud applauded China's increasingly important and constructive role in regional and international affairs. In face of the gathering gloom of conflict on the horizon, Xi has championed a transformative approach to collective security. In May 2014, he articulated a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security for Asia. Eight years later, he presented the Global Security Initiative to the world. "We, as humanity, are living in an indivisible security community," he said, advocating dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win outcomes over zero-sum approaches. "GOLDEN KEY" OF DEVELOPMENT Lasting world peace remains one of humanity's greatest aspirations. For Xi, peace and development are inseparable. He once observed that the tree of peace does not grow on barren land, and the fruit of development is not produced amid flames of war. In view of the interlocked relations, Xi insists that the "golden key" to a secure and stable future is to advance sustainable development. Since assuming China's presidency, Xi has positioned development as a pillar of his vision of building a better future for humankind. The initiatives he has proposed in this regard, notably the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, serve as bridges to foster common development through broader collaboration. China has provided development aid to over 160 countries, and Belt and Road cooperation has involved more than 150 countries. Under the Global Development Initiative, China has mobilized nearly 20 billion U.S. dollars of development funds and launched more than 1,100 projects, fueling growth and modernization drives in many countries, particularly developing ones. "China is sharing its development experience with other countries through its development initiatives, which have helped to promote common development," said Straton Habyarimana, a Rwandan economic analyst. "Since these initiatives are people-centered, they address key challenges such as food insecurity and poverty" and have helped ease tensions among countries, he added. UPDATE OF WORLD ORDER Nestled by the Huangpu River in Shanghai, the New Development Bank was founded by five BRICS countries in 2014 to provide financing support for member countries to bolster transport infrastructure, clean energy and digital infrastructure. When Xi visited the bank a few days ago, he saw more than a mere financial institution. He described it as a "pioneering initiative for the unity and self-improvement of the Global South," underscoring an enduring commitment to building a more just and equitable international order. BRICS countries stand at the forefront of the Global South. Xi has personally pushed for the BRICS' historic expansion in 2023 to create stronger unity among the Global South. The expansion, he said, would further strengthen the forces for world peace and development. Developing countries remain underrepresented in the global governance system, which the West has long dominated. China maintains that only when the rise of emerging markets and developing countries is reflected in the global governance system will global development be more balanced and global peace more firmly based. During the 2022 Group of 20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, Xi vocally supported the African Union in joining the leading multilateral mechanism, making China the earliest and most vocal champion for amplifying Africa's voice in global governance. In recent years, Xi has proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative as key global public goods to create a more just and equitable global governance system. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who received the "Zun of Peace" from the Chinese president on behalf of the United Nations 10 years ago, said China's initiatives to promote global peace and development are inseparable from Xi's foresight. "China is playing an increasingly important role on the world stage, and Xi has demonstrated proactive and crucial leadership," Ban said. "He always believes that China can only do well when the world is doing well, and when China does well, the world will get even better." In Xi's own words, "every increase of China's strength is an increase of the prospects of world peace." (Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Hongyu) Last Tuesday, Gwynne Dyer headlined his Express column Stupid old men. You could substitute all sorts of adjectives before the words, old men, to describe the characteristics of the cohort that has had the most influence on the world we inhabit. Greedy, self-righteous, racist, arrogant, selfish, a multitude of negative words readily suit the clique. At first, angrily thinking about the subject of todays column, I was focusing on Caribbean men in leadership positions who have been sleazy lechers, foisting themselves on hapless females and males with impunity. Did you know? If you are age 70 or older and have savings in an IRA, you may be able to give directly from your IRA and save even more on your federal and Arizona taxes. If your custodian sends a payment directly from your IRA to the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund, you may be able to deduct it as a Qualifying Charitable Distribution on your tax return even if you claim the standard deduction. Consult your tax adviser for more information about how this applies to you. Mikala Jansen, CPA, and Sportsmens Fund officer A 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed Saturday morning in a crash on Tucson's east side, police said. About 11 a.m., Brock Christopher Jackson was riding west on East Broadway near South Prudence Road when he collided with a GMC Terrain making a left into a business parking lot, Tucson police said in a news release. The driver of the SUV, an unidentified 42-year-old woman, was not injured. A passenger was taken to the hospital as a precaution, the release said. Jackson, who was wearing a helmet and had the proper motorcycle endorsement, was speeding at the time of the crash, the release said. Failure to yield while turning lest also was a factor in the wreck, the release said. Heat to return Tucsonans will enjoy a cooler-than-normal start to the week, but it'll get a lot warmer here beginning Thursday, the forecast shows. Tucson was expecting the high temperature Monday to stay in the low to mid 70s. But the high here will climb to nearly 100 degrees by Friday, the National Weather Service in Tucson says in its forecast for the week. The forecast calls for high temperatures of 74 degrees Tuesday, 83 degrees Wednesday, 92 degrees Thursday and 99 degrees Friday. It could be 100 degrees in Tucson by Saturday. Go to weather.gov/tucson for more details. Whenever he got to missing his family across the Atlantic, it helped Dennis Harrison to think about how he was going to pay Hitler back. He would take three bombs, he decided, and write the names of his mother, father and sister on each one respectively. Then hed load them on a plane and personally drop them on the German leader. That way, he told his new Tulsa friends, if one doesnt get him, the other will. But the 19-year-old novice aviator from England never got a chance to put the plan into action. One of 50 British Royal Air Force cadets sent over in 1941 to train in northeastern Oklahoma, Harrison died in a training crash three weeks after arriving in the U.S. He is buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa. As a goodwill gesture in conjunction with the 80th anniversary Thursday of the Allied victory in Europe volunteers from Tulsa and around the country are hoping to ensure that Harrison and all other young Britons who died in the U.S. during the war are honored for their sacrifices. The volunteers from the Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and flying historic military aircraft recently joined for a project to visit all 431 graves of British service members who died in the U.S., either from accidents or illness, during World War II. As part of the initiative, called Bringing the Boys Back Home, the gravestones were cleaned, and rubbings were made of their inscriptions. The rubbings now will be flown across the Atlantic on one of the CAFs vintage WWII transport aircrafts and presented to British authorities and surviving families. Bob Prater of Sapulpa, with the help of about eight volunteers, led the effort in Oklahoma, where 23 of the graves are located. The state was home to two British pilot training sites, in Miami and Ponca City, out of seven nationwide. Prater, leader of the CAFs Tulsa-area chapter, said hes always been a big RAF fan and appreciates the history and close relationship between the two nations. This all came together in a very short time, he said of the project, which was announced in February. The whole thought in the CAF was: This is our way of taking their names back and saying, These guys were learning; they were training; they were learning to go participate in the war. They just didnt make it. And so we want to make sure that theyre remembered like everybody else. Its also a chance, he added, to raise awareness about a part of history thats not well-known: that British troops trained in the U.S. during WWII. Far from falling bombs, the U.S. offered a safer place to train for all of Britains military branches. Inevitably, though, accidents and other misfortunes happened. The graves of those who died are spread out across 71 cemeteries in 28 states. The families still care Before the No. 3 British Flying Training School, a branch of Tulsas Spartan School of Aeronautics, opened in Miami in October 1941, the first group of 50 cadets trained in Tulsa. LAC Ronald Dennis Harrison, part of that group, was the first cadet to die in the state and the only one buried in Tulsa. Following his death July 11, 1941, in a crash near Collinsville, the Tulsa Tribune paid tribute to him in a story. A resident of Sunderland in England, Harrison had been pursuing a legal career before walking away to join the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. While he missed his family, he was enjoying getting to know Oklahoma, the size of both its hospitality and its watermelons (much bigger than the English variety) having so far impressed him. The tragic loss of their young guest touched the hearts of Tulsa residents. They helped give him a rousing send-off, while reaching out to console his family overseas. His parents and other survivors remained grateful to the community ever afterward. After Harrison, 22 other cadets would die in the state during the war, 15 in Miami and seven in Ponca City. CAF volunteer Mark Prater grew up in Miami and learned a few years ago about the British flight school. More than 2,000 British cadets trained at Miami between 1941 and 1945. Of those who died there and are buried in Miamis Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, the youngest was just 17. The community holds an annual remembrance ceremony for the young flyers. The families still care, Mark Prater said. They come back, and they visit the graves. Theyve never forgotten them. They love those boys. Randy Gradwohl, a CAF volunteer from Broken Arrow, said the recent project was a fantastic opportunity. First thing I thought when I heard about (the project) was: I know how well our boys overseas were treated, Gradwohl said. If I can honor their boys over here in this way, I want to do it. The gravestone rubbings were catalogued and photographed at the CAFs Aviation Education Center in Dallas. Two sets of the rubbings are being delivered to England, where they will be given to the families and the government, the latter of which most likely are destined for the Imperial War Museum. The effort is part of a larger CAF European tour to recognize the 80th anniversary of V-E Day. Along with Britain, the organizations vintage Douglas R4D-6S transport plane will also visit France and the Netherlands. Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer 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 OKLAHOMA CITY Financial turmoil at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has triggered rising anxiety among lawmakers working to hammer out a new state budget for the coming fiscal year. The Legislature is constitutionally obligated to finalize a new state spending plan before the conclusion of each annual legislative session. The current session is scheduled to end May 31. The new fiscal year will begin on July 1. Last year, budget negotiations involving the House, Senate and Governors Office were fraught by disagreements over whether the state could afford a proposed cut to the tax on personal income. Lawmakers likely will struggle over that same proposal again this year, but troubles at the Mental Health Department have presented more immediate concerns. Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert both expressed rising frustration last week over the inability of Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen and others at the department to figure out their own finances. Gov. Kevin Stitt announced plans on Friday to bring in expert help to try to get to the bottom of the problems. In February, Friesen reported a potential budget shortfall in the range of $63 million, but that figure has shifted significantly over time, and uncertainty over the bottom line has resulted in trepidation over the potential for cuts in services and layoffs by contracted providers of mental health services, including in Tulsa. Despite numerous inquiries and formal hearings that have played out publicly at the Capitol, budget makers still dont have confidence in the current state of the Mental Health Department budget as presented or in the agencys projections of needs headed into fiscal year 2026. Were just not getting the answers. Its kind of like (they are) throwing their hands up and saying, We dont know. Paxton said. Time is of the essence. We are working on the budget. We have rounded the final turn. Were trying to get some things landed, and thats a big (question) out there. He said the Mental Health Department, which is still working on a budget projection after making at least a dozen revisions, could need $30 million to $100 million more to make ends meet in fiscal year 2026. We dont know. Id like to try to hide the fact that Im frustrated, but Im frustrated, Paxton said. Friesen and others had suggested that a supplemental appropriation of $6.2 million would get the department through the remainder of fiscal year 2025, but on Friday that figure was boosted to $23 million. Hilbert said just finding the off ramp for the current fiscal year has been difficult. He said he has not been satisfied that Mental Health Department leaders clearly understand what money they have to tap to narrow the budget gap or even if they have the authority to use certain funds. He added that some funds that have been identified would not be available to help offset any new budget demands headed into fiscal year 2026. Hilbert said lawmakers have only two to three weeks left to finalize the new fiscal year budget. The department still hasnt told us what their ask is, and here we are on May 1. So if I sound like Im frustrated, its because I am, he said. The next meeting of the House Select Committee to Review Mental Health Finances is scheduled for Monday morning. Asked whether Stitt should take more control if Friesen or other top administrators at the Mental Health Department continue to struggle to provide the Legislature with answers, Hilbert said the governor appointed Friesen to run the agency. So I think its up to the commissioner to handle this. Certainly, its on the governors radar, he said. I think there has been a lot of blame cast on previous (administrators), but, look, (Friesen) was there last year for the budget for FY 25 as well as for the budget thats being requested for FY 26, and so thats why were talking to the commissioner about this. She was the commissioner this time last year. Shes the commissioner this time this year, so shes the one were talking to to get some answers. Stitt announced plans late Friday to bring in a nationally respected, independent financial expert to take temporary control of the departments finances, assess the financial shortfall and produce an accurate and credible supplemental budget request for the Legislature. He also directed Oklahoma Healthcare Authority Chief Executive Officer Ellen Buettner to work with Mental Health Department officials on a top-to-bottom review of all Medicaid and federally funded functions within the agency. This effort will evaluate whether these responsibilities should be administered by a different agency or in a different manner to ensure greater accountability and efficiency, he said in a release. Stitt also reiterated plans to name an attorney with experience in complex investigations to conduct an independent review of the department. He did not mention any specific role for Friesen. The troubling issues that have continued to emerge at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are the result of years of mismanagement these challenges did not arise overnight. When I appointed Commissioner Allie Friesen, I specifically charged her with shining a light on the agency, rooting out longstanding problems, and building a more accountable and transparent department, Stitt said. What we are seeing now is the necessary, if painful, result of that mission being carried out with integrity and urgency. US President Donald Trump has announced a shocking 100% Tariff on any and all movies produced in foreign lands. Trump has deemed foreign productions a national security threat to the American movie industry, adding that they not only draw filmmakers out to other markets but also bring messaging and propaganda into the United States. The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death, Trump wrote. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN! This comes despite Variety noting domestic revenues are up 15.8% so far on 2024. There is no specificity on Television in his statement, but it is likely to encompass all screen exports to the USA. to be determined. Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner said, At this stage, it is unclear what this announcement means in practice or how it will be applied and implemented. There are many unknowns for our industry, but until we know more, theres no doubt it will send shockwaves worldwide. For the Australian industry, it reinforces the need for the Government to focus immediately and swiftly on building a resilient local industry that can withstand global shocks like this. As we get set for our annual Screen Forever conference, set to start tomorrow, were certain todays announcement will be the catalyst for many, many conversations between local and international industry executives and screen professionals. SPA will continue to monitor developments and await the Executive Order, which should provide further information on this, said Deaner. Screen Producers Australia, which is lobbying for the overdue local quotas on streaming, will conduct a session at Screen Forever on Screen Wars: Trump vs Global Trade moderated by Virginia Trioli. Voting in the Classic 100: Piano is now open ahead of ABCs radio and television showcase. Music lovers are invited to nominate their favourite pieces for the classical music event, as this years countdown celebrates the Piano. Australias 100 favourite piano pieces can be heard from 10am AEST on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June on ABC Classic and the ABC listen app. The Classic 100 in Concert hosted by Dr Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez, will thenpremiere Saturday, 21 June at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. Led by Melbourne Symphony Orchestras Principal Conductor in Residence and Creative Director Benjamin Northey, the Classic 100 in Concert will bring some of the most beloved piano classics to life, performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Acclaimed pianist and host of ABCs The Piano, Andrea Lam, will join a lineup of guests to be announced once the votes are counted. Cast your votes via the ABC Classic 100 website before 1pm AEST on Monday, 2 June. HA NOI Viet Nams stock market is forecast to move within a narrow range of 1,2201,250 points in May 2025, as investors adopt a cautious stance, waiting for clearer developments in ongoing trade negotiations between Viet Nam and the US and the US and China. While the launch of the new KRX trading system on May 5 is expected to bolster sentiment in the short term, analysts stress that macro-economic factors, particularly US tariff policies, will be the main drivers of market direction in the coming month. According to experts at SaigonHanoi Securities (SHS), the mild recovery seen in late April suggests supply pressure is easing. However, the VN-Index remains in a consolidation phase, heavily influenced by investor sentiment. The long-standing adage 'sell in May and go away' could also dampen market liquidity at the beginning of the month. Given ongoing uncertainties surrounding global trade tensions, investors are advised to maintain balanced portfolios and prioritise stocks with strong fundamentals and limited exposure to external trade risks. Echoing this view, Nguyen Viet uc, head of Digital Business at VPBank Securities Joint Stock Company (VPBankS), noted that while the KRX system is expected to enhance market infrastructure and pave the way for new products such as T+0 trading, intraday transactions, short selling and options contracts, its immediate impact on the VN-Index may be limited. He added that the systems long-term benefits lie in helping Viet Nam advance towards an emerging market status, but any boost to investor sentiment would take time to materialise. In the near term, positive signals from trade talks may enable the index to break above 1,250 points; if not, a correction towards the 1,200-point support level remains plausible. On a more positive note, first-quarter earnings results are providing a much-needed support base for the market. According to Construction Securities Incorporation (CSI), over 600 listed firms, accounting for around 41 per cent of total market capitalisation, have released their financial statements, with after-tax profits rising by 17.2 per cent year-on-year. The banking sector posted a 16.1 per cent increase in net profits, while non-financial sectors grew 23.5 per cent. The brokerage sector saw a modest 2 per cent decline. Meanwhile, capital inflows are showing signs of recovery. Following a sharp sell-off in early April due to concerns over US retaliatory tariffs, the market has seen several rebound sessions. Despite the VN-Index ending April with a total loss of over 80 points (equivalent to 6.2 per cent), market liquidity is gradually improving and foreign net selling has eased. Data from several securities firms point to positive prospects in sectors such as securities, banking, infrastructure construction, real estate and logistics, industries that stand to benefit from public investment packages and infrastructure reform. Both Agriseco and VinaCapital have recommended closely monitoring these sectors as the market positions itself for the next growth cycle. VinaCapital has also highlighted the potential of government-led administrative reforms, efforts to improve the investment climate, and the growing prominence of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), which is being strongly promoted by the Vietnamese Government. In this context, companies with solid fundamentals, stable operations, and strong access to domestic capital are expected to attract investor attention. May will be a critical month for the VN-Index as the market navigates a lull in market-moving news. Optimism around first-quarter earnings is currently counterbalanced by concerns over global trade tensions. With the index projected to fluctuate between 1,2201,250 points, analysts suggest that a significant breakout will require stronger catalysts. Until clearer signals emerge, investors are advised to maintain a balanced portfolio and remain patient with a medium- to long-term investment strategy. VNS HA NOI Rental housing market in Ha Noi has experienced a notable upward trend, driven by increasing demand and the rising prices of apartments. According to batdongsan.com.vn, rental prices for fully furnished two-bedroom apartments in the first quarter of 2025 rose by VN1million per month against at the end of 2024 to VN8.5-10 million in HH Linh am apartment areas, Hoang Mai District, and VN9-9.5 million in inh Cong apartment buildings. Kim Van - Kim Lu apartments also saw an increase, fetching VN8.59 million per month for an unit having two bedrooms and two bathrooms, compared to VN8 million last year. In the citys central Ba inh District, apartments at Discovery Central have edged up to VN18-19 million per month for furnished two-bedroom units against the previous rental price of VN17.5-18 million. One-bedroom units in the area also saw modest increases, with some now renting for VN15-15.5 million per month. The trend continued at Vinhomes Metropolis on Lieu Giai Street and the Matrix One project in Nam Tu Liem District, where rental prices have risen by approximately VN1 million since late 2024. According to Pham Thi Mien, deputy director of the Vietnam Real Estate Research Institute, rising rental demand and continuously increasing apartment prices are the primary drivers behind this trend. Landlords are compelled to raise rental rates to ensure cash flow and investment returns. Other cost pressures - such as rising construction materials, maintenance fees, and management charges - are also contributing to higher rents, particularly in high-end complexes with full amenities. Besides that, the evolving lifestyle preferences of young professionals are also shaping the rental housing market. Many prioritise flexibility and mobility, opting to rent rather than buy, according to Mien. "Currently, in the rental housing market, aside from apartments purchased for investment, there is also a significant number of individual houses being rented out for residential purposes," said o Thi Thu Hang, senior director of advisory and research at Savills Ha Noi. "Rental houses are evolving to compete with rental apartments. Homeowners or investors who lease properties and sublet them, are offering the market a variety of small, well-equipped apartments with smart layouts and affordable prices." These units often feature minimal furniture, with a strong focus on cleanliness and a modern, civilised living environment, appealing especially to workers and students. Many of these residential areas also include stylishly designed cafes and convenient retail stores. This added convenience allows rental houses to compete strongly with apartments, which typically offer two- to three-bedroom units at significantly higher prices," Hang said. However, Mien said rising rental costs are increasingly burdensome for low- and middle-income tenants, particularly young workers. Rent now consumes 3550 per cent of their income, making it difficult for them to save or maintain a stable lifestyle in major cities. Many are being forced to compromise - moving further away from city centres or settling for lower-quality accommodations. To address this, the Vietnam Real Estate Brokers Association has urged the Government to promote the development of affordable housing through initiatives such as tax incentives, low-interest loans, and reduced land costs. They also advocate for the creation of a long-term rental housing fund to support civil servants, workers, and young professionals. Meanwhile, "the expansion and development of industrial parks in Ha Noi, coupled with strong FDI inflows, are driving significant demand for serviced apartments, said Mathew Powell, director of Savills Ha Noi. Ha Noi attracted $2.2 billion in FDI from 293 newly registered projects in 2024, a 30 per cent increase year-on-year, placing it fifth nationwide. Demand for serviced apartments is being driven primarily by foreign professionals, engineers, and technicians working in the citys 10 operational industrial parks. With nine of these parks at full capacity, the market is expected to expand further. In the first quarter of 2025, total stock in Ha Noi reached 6,246 units across 64 projects, remaining stable quarter on quarter and increasing by 3 per year on year. Occupancy improved by 2 percentage points quarter on quarter and 4 percentage points year on year to 84 per cent, with Grade A and B apartments having higher occupancy quarter on quarter, while Grade C declined 2 percentage points. Average rentals rose by 1 per cent quarter on quarter and 2 per cent year on year, with rents in Grade C being the only segment to decrease. Looking ahead, 17 new projects are set to introduce 4,077 units, with 2,889 scheduled for completion in 2025. The Tay Ho View Complex will lead with the largest Grade A supply. The majority (83 per cent) of future inventory will be located in secondary areas, with the rest in the western region. Branded operators will dominate this segment, accounting for 87 per cent of upcoming supply. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is setting its sights on strengthening shipbuilding by maximising the use of existing infrastructure and capitalising on its strategic geographical location, according to a new development plan. The initiative is part of a broader project aimed at enhancing the capacity of domestic shipbuilding enterprises through 2030, with a long-term vision extending to 2050. The proposal has been submitted to the Prime Minister for approval, baodautu.vn reported. The project builds upon prior planning efforts and is consistent with the policy on restructuring the Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC). It also aligns with strategies for sustainable marine economic development through 2045 and industrial development through 2035, the online newspaper cited Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang as saying. A key highlight of the plan is its detailed and phased targets for the shipbuilding industry over the next five to 10 years. By 2030, the SBIC restructuring project is expected to be largely completed, with formerly affiliated enterprises stabilising operations, rebuilding their brands and improving profitability and management capacity. It also recommends allocating funding and implementing supportive mechanisms to enable defence industrial enterprises to participate in auctions or directly receive key SBIC shipyards located in areas critical to national defence and security, such as Cam Ranh, Ha Long and Song Hong. An SBIC representative emphasised the importance of drawing up a suitable support policy for domestic enterprises to receive and inherit facilities, assets and human resources from SBIC after bankruptcy. That would certainly make the most of existing resources, limit the waste of assets, and at the same time maintain the important technical infrastructure foundation for the shipbuilding industry to grow stronger in the next five to 10 years, the representative said. Clear targets for development As per the project, Viet Nam's shipbuiding industry aims to capture 0.8 per cent to 0.9 per cent of global output by 2030, focusing on general cargo ships of up to 70,000 tonnes, container ships, LPG carriers and other service vessels. Domestically, the industry is tasked with meeting the need to renew and expand the national fleet. On the export front, the goal is to produce one million tonnes of vessels for international markets, about 30 per cent of total new output. Looking further ahead, the project aims to increase the localisation rate of shipbuilding products to 30-40 per cent by 2040, including 10 per cent in materials and equipment, boosting Viet Nams share of global shipbuilding output to 1 per cent. By 2050, the localisation rate is projected to surpass 50 per cent, with 20 per cent in materials and equipment, and the industry is targeting to account for 2 per cent of global shipbuilding output. As global and domestic demand for new vessels steadily increases, experts say Viet Nams shipbuilding industry is well-positioned for significant growth. Currently ranked seventh in the world, Viet Nam holds a 0.61 per cent share of the global shipbuilding market, surpassing established shipbuilders like Finland, which held 0.36 per cent. With an annual domestic shipbuilding capacity of around 3.5 million tonnes, the country has both the industrial base and strategic geographic advantages to expand its presence on the international stage. Industry snapshot: opportunities and challenges Viet Nam currently has 88 shipbuilding enterprises and 411 inland waterway vessel production facilities. About 120 of these specialise in building and repairing vessels over 1,000 tonnes. The countrys total capacity for new cargo ship construction is approximately 3.5 million tonnes per year, including vessels over 5,000 DWT. Beyond commercial ships, Viet Nam also produces tugboats, patrol boats, rescue ships, high-speed aluminum-hull vessels, and service ships for both domestic and export markets. With a current global market share of 0.61 per cent, Viet Nam ranks seventh in the world in shipbuilding. However, challenges remain. The industry is under pressure to adapt to green energy transitions and carbon reduction mandates, insiders said. Many shipyards lack the infrastructure and capital to produce environmentally friendly vessels, and there is a notable absence of tax incentives or financial support policies to facilitate this transformation. They added that much of the shipbuilding sector has developed through basic assembly and processing, which limits its ability to create high-value products. Many shipyards operate with outdated infrastructure and technology, undermining their international competitiveness. A lack of investment in technological upgrades and ship design capabilities has hindered the development of prototype vessels tailored to market demands. These constraints pose a major obstacle to Viet Nam's ambitions to move up the value chain and capture a larger share of the global shipbuilding market. According to Hoang Long, head of the Viet Nam Maritime Corporation's Transport Department, the shipbuilding industry is recognised as a priority sector for investment, with various tax and land-use incentives already outlined in national regulations. Looking ahead, he emphasised the need to revisit and refine existing policies to better align with broader economic development strategies and maritime growth objectives. VNS HA NOI Many banks consider seeking foreign strategic partners as one of their top priorities. At the annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM) season this year, both the boards of directors and shareholders of many banks have shown a special interest in finding foreign strategic partners. At the VIB's AGM, after the strategic shareholder Australias CBA withdrawing capital from VIB after 15 years, VIB Chairman ang Khac Vy said the VIB Board of Directors is in discussions to find one or several suitable partners. Meanwhile, informing shareholders, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SHB o Quang Hien said they have worked with a number of foreign strategic partners. Finding a strategic partner must take into account the interests of the bank and shareholders, Hien notes. Le Thu Thuy, vice chairwoman of SeABank's Board of Directors, said currently, SeABank is also in the process of researching potential foreign shareholders, such as shareholders from Japan. The bank has decided not to pay dividends in 2025 to focus on development in the coming years. All remaining undistributed profits after setting aside funds will be used to strengthen financial capacity and supplement business capital. At Vietcombank's AGM, the board of directors presented shareholders with a plan to offer 543.1 million individual shares, equivalent to 6.5 per cent of the bank's charter capital, to a maximum of 55 investors, including strategic investors and professional securities investors. According to Le Anh Tuan, investment director of Dragon Capital Fund Management Company, the foreign ownership cap regulation of 30 per cent remains the biggest barrier for foreign investors to participate in Vietnamese banks as not all banks still have full foreign room. Ivan Tan of S&P Global Ratings also believes that the 30 per cent cap on foreign ownership of Vietnamese banks is holding back investments. However, there are still many supporting factors to welcome the next wave of foreign strategic investors. The Vietnamese banking sector remains attractive to international investors, especially given the country's strong economic growth in recent years and bright prospects in the future. Viet Nam has been attracting foreign investment flows into the technology and manufacturing sectors, especially as the global supply chain is readjusted. S&P Global Ratings forecasts that by 2025, Viet Nam will continue to be one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. This growth is likely to be fueled by credit from the banking sector, thereby attracting foreign investors to access this source of capital by becoming strategic shareholders in Vietnamese banks. In addition, according to Decree 69/2025/N-CP on foreign investors' share purchasing in Vietnamese credit institutions issued last month, Viet Nam will lift its 30 per cent cap on foreign ownership in the banking sector to 49 per cent for some domestic banks from 19 May this year. Accordingly, MBBank, HDBank and VPBank will have their foreign room to increase to 49 per cent after receiving the mandatory transfer of struggling banks as part of the Governments restructuring of the country's finance industry. BIZHUB/VNS PARIS A wide range of environmentally friendly and handcrafted products from Viet Nam are being showcased at the 2025 Paris International Fair, drawing attention from French visitors and international guests alike. This year, the Vietnamese pavilion brings together nearly 40 businesses from across the country, offering a vibrant display of traditional and contemporary products. Alongside familiar items such as handicrafts, traditional garments, dried fruits tea and tropical produce, this edition marks the debut of uniquely crafted and eco-friendly goods bearing the "Made in Viet Nam" label. Eco-friendly handicrafts are introduced for the first time, including loofah-fibre towels, recycled denim bags and animal figurines made from wood and bamboo scraps, displayed alongside traditional items in the Asia Hall. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Vietnamese pavilion on May 3, Vietnamese Ambassador to France inh Toan Thang commended the strong participation of Vietnamese enterprises, which present the rich diversity of Vietnamese culture to the French public. He highlighted the thriving bilateral relationship between Viet Nam and France, recalling the October 2024 visit to France by Party General Secretary and then State President To Lam. The deepening cooperation across various sectors, as seen in Viet Nams presence at the fair, has substantially contributed to the relationship between the two countries, he said. Steven Abajoli, director of the fair organiser, expressed admiration for the opening performances, which featured qilin and dragon dances, a traditional ao dai (long dress) fashion show, and folk music performed by the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France. He said Viet Nam has long been a key part of the Paris Fair, offering visitors a taste of its culture, he said, adding that the pavilions annual opening has become a major highlight. Deputy Director of the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France Tang Thanh Son said the Vietnamese pavilion also aims to promote tourism through travel materials and brochures. The Paris International Fair 2025, themed World in Paris, runs from April 30 to May 11 at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre. With over 1,250 exhibitors from 40 countries and territories, it is Frances largest trade and cultural event, boasting more than 120 years of history and hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. VNS HA NOI No additional supply of gold bars has been added to the market since early 2025, while the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) is drafting a decree to revise Decree 24/2012/N-CP on gold trading management, aiming to strengthen oversight and improve policy effectiveness amid rising market volatility. This update was part of a recent report the central bank submitted to the National Assembly. Global gold prices continue to set new records, while domestic prices soar well above international rates. The SBV warned that limited supply has allowed some businesses and individuals to exploit market fluctuations for speculation and price manipulation. SBV said that in 2024, it implemented synchronised measures to strengthen management of the gold market and address the significant gap between domestic and international gold bar prices. The SBV released gold bars into the market through auctions and direct sales, which helped significantly narrow the price gap between domestic and global gold prices. By the end of 2024, the disparity had been brought under control and maintained within a reasonable range, falling from a peak of around 25 per cent to around VN3-5 million (US$115.50-192.50) per tael, roughly 5-7 per cent. However, in the early months of 2025, global gold prices continued to break previous records. The spot gold price in the US rose to US$3,241 per ounce in the previous session, reaching US$3,264.2 per ounce in the Asian session this morning. When converted into Vietnamese ong (including taxes and fees), global gold stands at around VN104.16 million per tael. In comparison, domestic gold is currently VN15.6 million per tael more expensive. According to the SBV, this price disparity stems from expectations that global gold prices will continue to rise, amid concerns that the USs tariff policies may affect the global economy. The unpredictable direction of US Federal Reserve monetary policy, ongoing geopolitical tensions and potential commodity price shocks are also driving increased gold demand. Despite the sharp rise in domestic gold prices, the SBV said that these fluctuations have not yet affected the implementation of monetary policy and macroeconomic stability. It will continue to closely monitor domestic and international gold market developments, coordinate with relevant agencies to strengthen management and take appropriate actions within its authority to stabilise the gold market. The SBV also called for coordinated efforts from ministries, agencies and local authorities, following the Governments and Prime Ministers directives, to sustainably stabilise the gold market. The SBV will step up communication and work closely with ministries and agencies to enhance oversight of gold trading activities and promptly inform the public of its market management strategies. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam spent US$1.8 billion to import nearly 17.3 million tonnes of coal in the first three months of this year, most of which were used for thermal power generation, according to statistics from the General Department of Customs. The import volume increased by 16.7 per cent over the same period last year while the value dropped by 7.7 per cent due to lower coal import prices, which averaged $105.18 per tonne, down more than 20 per cent from a year earlier. The figures showed that Viet Nam continues to have high demand for coal, as thermal power still accounts for a large portion in the national energy system, although the country is taking bold steps to accelerate clean energy. Indonesia is the largest coal exporter to Viet Nam, accounting for more than 40 per cent of the total import volumes in the first quarter, with the average price of $82.9 per tonne, much lower than Australia and Russia. Viet Nam imported 5.36 million tonnes from Australia at the average price of $129.32 per tonne, making Australia the second largest coal supplier to Viet Nam. Russia came third with 1.44 million tonnes at the average price of $142.27 per tonne. With lower prices, importing coal from Indonesia became a prioritised choice of domestic plants. Viet Nam enjoys zero tariff on coal import from Indonesia with Certificate of Origin (C/O) Form D as both countries are members of ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). Viet Nam plans to produce about 37 million tonnes of 'clean' coal this year, while domestic demand is estimated at 50 million tonnes. Under the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), coal remains the important source of energy by 2030 and even to 2045 in some scenarios. In February, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision No 266/Q-TTg on plan to implement the Global Coal-to-Clean Energy Transition Statement, considering decommissioning around 540 MW of aging coal-fired capacity at Pha Lai and Ninh Binh if efficiency and emission reduction targets cannot be met. Statistics of the Vietnam Electricity showed that thermal electricity accounted for nearly 50 per cent of the total electricity output in 2020-24 period. The total electricity output reached 72.2 billion kWh in the first quarter of this year, in which coal-fired power accounted for 56.5 per cent, hydropower 19.1 per cent and renewable energy 16 per cent. A report by Statistical Review of World Energy in 2022 showed that Viet Nam is among the top three countries in ASEAN with the highest exploitable coal reserves (3.36 billion tonnes), alongside Indonesia (34.87 billion tonnes) and Thailand (1.06 billion tonnes). Viet Nam imported a total of 63.82 million tonnes of coal in 2024, worth $7.63 billion. VNS HA NOI The announcement of tariffs by the US has caused a renewed contraction in the Vietnamese manufacturing sector in April, according to S&P Global. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped back below the 50.0 no-change mark, after signalling growth for the first time in four months this past March. Viet Nams manufacturing PMI posted 45.6, a significant decrease of 4.9 points from the 50.5 figure in March. Business conditions are the worst they have been since May 2023. New orders in the manufacturing sector dropped sharply in April, reversing Marchs growth. The rate of decline was the fastest and most severe in nearly two years. Surveyed businesses reported that the fall in new orders reflected the impact of US tariffs and ongoing volatility in global market conditions. Tariffs and the drop in new orders led to a renewed decline in output after the brief increase in March. The fall was significant, marking the sharpest drop since January 2023. Manufacturers also expressed concern about the continued impact of tariffs on production in the months ahead. Business confidence dropped sharply to the lowest point since August 2021. Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence Andrew Harker said that the imposition of tariffs by the US knocked the Vietnamese manufacturing sector into a contraction in April, with firms seeing marked reductions in new orders, exports and production. What's more, the potential for further disruption to the sector as a result of additional tariffs meant that business confidence slumped and was one of the lowest on record, he added. Backlogs of work fell sharply amid the decrease in new orders, with the rate of depletion broadly in line with that seen in the previous month. Lower workloads led manufacturers to scale back employment for the seventh month in a row. Firms have also reduced their purchasing activity sharply in response to the reduction in new orders and declining output requirements. Input buying was down for the second consecutive month, marking the largest drop since May 2023. Stocks of purchases were also down, marking their largest decrease since last September. A lack of demand meant that firms continued to lower their selling prices, while input costs rose only slightly. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI VPBank has announced the successful execution of a landmark international syndicated loan transaction with an initial value of US$1 billion. Depending on the banks future funding requirements, an upsize option will be available. A syndicate of prestigious global financial institutions, including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Standard Chartered Bank, MUFG, ANZ, Cathay United Bank, Commerzbank AG, CTBC Bank, Mashreq Bank, and State Bank of India, arranged, underwrote, book-run and co-financed the facility. This transaction represents the largest syndicated loan ever raised by a Vietnamese bank and also marks the largest foreign loan to date dedicated to advancing sustainable finance in Viet Nam. The successful completion of this financing transaction underscores VPBanks continued progress in expanding access to international capital to fund sustainable development goals. It further strengthens the banks strategic collaboration with SMBC, its strategic investor, as both parties work together to shape new standards for sustainable finance in Viet Nam. This deal is the latest in a series of successful sustainable financing initiatives led by VPBank in recent years, setting a new benchmark in terms of scale, strategic impact, and global reach. Since 2020, the total volume of VPBanks sustainable capital mobilisation has reached approximately $2.8 billion, which has been effectively deployed to support the growth of women-led businesses, green projects, and other socially responsible initiatives. A representative from VPBank said: This landmark transaction is a source of great pride for VPBank, as it not only sets a record in terms of value but also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to accompanying Vietnamese enterprises and the broader economy on the path toward sustainable development. The strong participation of leading global financial institutions is a clear reflection of their growing confidence in VPBanks financial strength, long-term vision, and brand credibility on the international stage. The successful syndication follows a series of high-level investor roadshows organised by VPBank in the first quarter of 2025, held in key global financial centres such as Singapore, Taiwan (China), and notably Dubai - the Middle Easts premier financial hub. These efforts were designed to attract the attention of institutional investors to Viet Nams sustainable finance agenda. The event facilitated direct engagement with investors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - a regional intergovernmental alliance comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - all of which possess substantial financial resources and are actively expanding their investments in green and sustainable finance models. This $1 billion syndicated loan is not only a significant financial milestone but also a powerful reaffirmation of VPBanks long-standing commitment to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) vision: Prosperity through Sustainability. With participation from the worlds most reputable banks and heightened interest from both traditional and emerging markets, including the Middle East, VPBank is well-positioned to leverage this momentum to further expand its global capital-raising capabilities, optimise its capital structure, and enhance financial support for businesses engaged in sustainable development. VNS HA NOI The Politburo has issued guidance on the development of the private economy, outlining strategic directions, specific goals and breakthrough solutions needed to maximise, and protect, the role of the private sector. According to Resolution No 68-NQ/TW, issued on Sunday (May 4), the private sector is considered as the most important driving force behind the national economy, so there is an urgent need for comprehensive reform to improve the institutional and policy framework that governs private enterprises. This includes enhancing protections for ownership rights, property rights and the freedom to conduct business, while ensuring fair competition and the enforceability of contracts. The resolution calls to foster a more favourable environment for private sector in approaching to critical resources such as land, capital and a skilled workforce. In addition, it promotes innovation and the adoption of science, technology and digital solutions, as well as a shift toward sustainable and green business practices. It is necessary to create stronger links between private enterprises, State-owned companies and foreign-invested firms. The development of large and medium-sized private enterprises capable of competing on a regional and global scale is encouraged. At the same time, there is a strong focus on providing effective support for small and micro-enterprises, as well as household businesses. Resolution 68 also highlights the importance of nurturing a culture of business ethics, social responsibility, and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate more actively in national governance. According to this resolution, in the past 40 years of economic renovation, Viet Nams private economy hasmade remarkable progress, in both scale and quality. At present, the sector comprises approximately 940,000 enterprises and over five million business households. These entities collectively contribute around 50 per cent of the country's GDP, more than 30 per cent of total State budget revenues and provide employment for roughly 82 per cent of the workforce. Private businesses have become crucial drivers of job creation, innovation, productivity gains and national competitiveness. Many have grown significantly, established strong domestic brands, and expanded into regional and international markets. However, the sector still faces significant challenges. Most private enterprises remain small or medium-sized, with limited financial and managerial capabilities. Technological adoption, innovation, and productivity levels remain low, and many businesses lack strategic vision and integration with state or foreign-invested enterprises. These limitations are attributed to several factors, such as outdated perceptions of the private sectors role in the economy, bureaucratic and legal barriers and an underdeveloped infrastructure. Additionally, access to capital, land, technology, and high-quality talent remains constrained and existing preferential policies are often difficult to access or ineffective. Resolution 68 is expected to solve those challenges during developing the private sector and promote its role in the domestic economic development. Under this resolution, by 2030, the private sector will be the leading engine of economic growth. It sets ambitious targets to have two million private enterprises in operation and at least 20 large private firms that integrate into global value chains. This sector would have annual private sector growth of 10-12 per cent, surpassing the national average and a contribution of 55-58 per cent to GDP and 35-40 per cent to the State budget. Viet Nam's technological and innovation capacity ranks among the top three in ASEAN and top five in Asia. Looking ahead to 2045, the vision is for Viet Nams private economy to be robust, dynamic and globally competitive. The goals are to have at least three million enterprises contributing over 60 per cent to national GDP, with a strong presence in global production and supply chains. VNS OTTAWA A delegation from Dalhousie University led by Professor Binod Sundararajan had a meeting with the Vietnam Trade Office in Canada to help students who represent start-up businesses in Nova Scotia, Canada's East Coast, to learn about trade opportunities in Viet Nam. The event, jointly held by Export Development Canada (EDC), Dalhousie University and the Viet Nam Trade Office in Canada, was among activities to realise Canadas determination in diversifying markets and supplies. Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Canada Tran Thu Quynh said that 14 business representatives who are students of Dalhousie University have come to the Trade Office, asking for support in connecting. Those are not only young businesses in the field of regular exports but also exports of services, especially technology services. Both Viet Nam and Canada have demand and great potential for cooperation in these areas, Quynh said. At the event, the students were informed about how to take advantage of the free trade agreements that Viet Nam and Canada have signed to optimise supply chains, production and export channels. In addition, they also heard about Viet Nams potential as an Asian logistics hub. Professor Binod Sundararajan emphasised that the main reason for the delegation to choose Viet Nam is that the country is one of the fastest growing markets in Southeast Asia. Viet Nam has a high level of readiness for international import and export, which is one of the most important factors for any emerging market. In addition, Viet Nam is also an open market for business, so it can create many prospects for success for enterprises. Meanwhile, Katie Haigh, who is in charge of international programmes at Dalhousie University, said that because the two countries are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), this is an opportunity for Canada to start looking for partners outside the US. The Vietnamese market has a growing population and a constantly expanding middle class, all of which are very suitable for Canadian products. As the students are planning to visit Viet Nam, representing three large Canadian companies - Tangier Lobster, Victoria Fisheries and SimplyCast they and the startup Celebrate Your Curves will seek to connect with partners in Viet Nam through introductions from EDC which is Canadas export credit agency, offering trade finance, export credit insurance, bonding services, and foreign market expertise. Dalhousie University and EDC have implemented cooperation programmes for years in a number of emerging markets such as Brazil, India, China, Chile, Peru and Argentina. With EDCs recent opening of an office in Viet Nam, the programme is gradually reaching out to Southeast Asian countries and clearly demonstrates the interest of the Canadian intellectual community and businesses in strengthening cooperation in education and business in particular as well as trade and investment in general with Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI The 9th session of the 15th National Assembly (NA) officially opened at the NA building in Ha Noi on Monday morning. The opening is broadcast live on channels VTV1 of the Vietnam Television and VOV1 of Radio the Voice of Viet Nam. Before the opening ceremony, leaders of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front, and NA deputies paid a floral tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. The 9th session is being held in two stages, with the first from May 5 - 29 and the second from June 11 - 30. It holds particular importance as it is aimed at promptly institutionalising the policies and conclusions of the Party Central Committee and its Politburo and Secretariat, especially those recently adopted at the 11th plenum of the Party Central Committee. Notably, focus will be placed on the amendment and supplement of the Constitution and relevant laws to facilitate the streamlining of the organisational apparatus, the restructuring of administrative units, and the organisation of two-level local administration. It will also seek to thoroughly remove institutional barriers and obstacles, thereby creating a clear legal framework and solid foundation for development, addressing bottlenecks, mobilising resources, and promoting decentralisation and delegation of authority in association with streamlining the apparatus and generating new development space for localities across the country. This time, the legislature is expected to consider and decide on 54 contents on constitutional and legislative work, including three resolutions on constitutional work and 51 laws and resolutions on legislative work; 14 groups of issues on socio-economic, state budget and supervision affairs and other important matters. In addition, eight groups of contents will be sent to lawmakers for study, as a basis for exercising the right to supervise and consider the contents according to regulations. VNA/VNS MOSCOW As many as 500 Vietnamese expatriates recently gathered in Moscow to welcome their homelands military delegation preparing for the Victory Day parade marking Russias 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War triumph. They flocked to Kitai Gorod where parade participants were assembling before entering the Red Square. Many shopkeepers closed early, while many three-generation families came to greet the soldiers. Lieu from Thai Binh Province said even though she has not lived in Viet Nam for 30 years, she always turns her heart to Viet Nam, stating no matter what passport the overseas Vietnamese carry, Viet Nam remains their true homeland. The sentiment was visible throughout the Russian small street, bursting with Vietnamese red flags in shirts, banners, and in peoples hands. Among the crowd stood Pham Van Muoi, a Vietnamese war veteran who brought his family to welcome the soldiers. Having followed their training through Vietnamese media, he understood the challenges they faced in Moscows unpredictable weather conditions during their brief two-week training. Beyond weather variations, they have to adapt to the Red Square's brick pavement, which is uneven and considerably harder than their usual training grounds. However, their determination, mettle, and discipline the strength of the Vietnamese military- were promoted by the expats well wishes, hastily delivered traditional chocolates, and lingering waves of farewell. The Vietnamese song "Nhu co Bac Ho trong ngay vui ai thang (As if Uncle Ho were here on the great victory day) have been harmonised with Russias Katyusha as Russia approaches its Victory Day commemoration on May 9. VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong on Monday presided over an official welcome ceremony for Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, who is paying a state visit to Viet Nam from May 4 6. At the welcome ceremony, the two leaders listened to the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Viet Nam, and inspected the guard of honour of the Viet Nam Peoples Army. They then introduced members of their respective high-level delegations. Following the ceremony, the two Presidents led their delegations to hold bilateral talks, reviewing the progress of bilateral cooperation in recent years and discussing directions for future collaboration. The two leaders are also scheduled to witness the signing of cooperation agreements and hold a joint press briefing. At the invitation of President Cuong, the Sri Lankan leader arrived in Ha Noi to begin his first visit to Viet Nam since taking office in November last year. As part of the trip, he will attend the celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak. The visit is expected to enhance political trust and further promote practical and effective cooperation across various sectors between the two countries. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1970, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have maintained strong and dynamic relations. Sri Lanka has consistently expressed warm sentiments toward Vietnam and regards the country as a model of economic growth and international integration. High-level exchanges, meanwhile, have long played a pivotal role in enhancing the bilateral ties. Sri Lanka has formally recognised Viet Nams full market economy status, with annual two-way trade reaching approximately US$200 million, primarily Vietnamese exports. Both sides aim to elevate bilateral trade to $1 billion in the coming years. As Viet Nam and Sri Lanka are celebrating 55 years of diplomatic relations, both nations are poised to further deepen the ties, leveraging mutual trust and shared development goals. President Dissanayakas visit underscores Sri Lankas strong commitment to its traditional friendship with Viet Nam and reflects the shared resolve to expand collaboration across traditional areas, while opening new avenues in digital transformation, digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence, and connectivity. VNS HA NOI National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted agenda of the 15th NAs ninth session that opened in Ha Noi on Monday morning. In his speech, the top legislator said laws and resolutions passed during the 15th NAs ninth extraordinary session are effectively serving the streamlining of the state apparatus toward a leaner, more efficient political system while unlocking new space for socio-economic development. He commended the strong political will and coordinated efforts of central and local agencies, Party units, the NA, the Government, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, the Supreme Peoples Court, the Supreme Peoples Procuracy, ministries, and agencies, noting their early successes in adopting these reforms. Based on consensus reached during the preparatory session earlier in the morning, the legislature is scheduled to work over 37 days across two phases, marking the most extensive workload in the NA history. Lawmakers will deliberate and decide on a wide array of vital issues across constitutional affairs, lawmaking, supreme oversight, and other issues of national significance. A key focus will be the adoption of a resolution to amend the 2013 Constitution, a polically and legally significant task to institutionalise the Partys directives for streamlining the state apparatus to be more effective, efficient, and responsive to the peoples needs. To guide this process, the NA will establish a Drafting Committee on Constitutional Amendments, adopting a reformed methodology and transparent consultation process. Extensive public input will shape the revised text, with the final draft set for approval by June 30 and the amended Constitution effective from July 1. The sessions legislative workload includes 54 draft laws and resolutions, with 34 laws and 14 resolutions slated for passage and six additional drafts under review. These cover state organisational reform, national defence-security, judicial reform, fiscal and budgetary management, education-training, sci-tech, innovation and digital transformation. The NA will review key government reports, including the 2023 state budget settlement, an updated 2024 socio-economic and budget assessment, and early 2025 performance data. Adjustments to the 2025 state budget will prioritise allocating at least 3 per cent to sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation, targeting an 8 per cent economic growth rate in 2025 and double-digit growth in subsequent years. Lawmakers will address major institutional reforms, including a resolution to merge provincial-level administrative units, the establishment of the National Election Council, a decision to shorten the 20212026 term of the NA and local Peoples Councils, and the setting of the election date for the 16th NA and Peoples Councils for the 202631 term. The NA Standing Committee will also pass resolutions on commune-level administrative reorganisation and other pressing issues. On the oversight front, the legislature will examine reports from the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, public feedback and petitions, as well as the NA Standing Committees report on the Governments response to voter concerns raised in the previous session. A 1.5-day Q&A session will focus on public welfare and state governance issues. The legislature will also evaluate the 2025 supervision programme and adopt a resolution outlining the 2026 supervision agenda. Describing the ninth session as a historic turning point, Man stressed its role in ushering Vietnam into a new era of modernisation, digitalisation, and sustainable and green development. He urged deputies to maintain high levels of focus, uphold integrity and innovation, engage in discussions, make wise decisions, and work closely with agencies and units to realise the Politburos Resolution No. 66 on overhauling the legislative process to meet the demands of national development in the new era. VNA/VNS HA NOI General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam left Ha Noi on Monday noon for state visits to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, an official visit to Russia where he will attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Great Patriotic War, and then a state visit to Belarus. The visits from May 5 to 12 are made at the invitation of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, and President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko. The delegation includes Politburo members: Secretary of the Party Central Committees Secretariat and Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Internal Affairs Phan inh Trac, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theory Council Nguyen Xuan Thang, Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang, and Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang. The visits serve as additional important steps to implement the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, and proactive, active, comprehensive, and efficient integration into the world, identified at the 13th National Party Congress. The tour of Russia and the other three countries, which used to be part of the Soviet Union, especially the Central Asian and Caucasus countries, and have supported Viet Nam in the past struggles for national safeguarding in the past and the cause of national construction and defence at present, presents an occasion to affirm Viet Nam's sincere and loyal sentiments, as well as its desire to promote long-term, effective, substantive, and mutually beneficial cooperation with the four countries. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam will hold its first round of negotiations with the United States on bilateral trade on May 7, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced Monday at the 9th session of the 15th-tenure National Assembly. In the report on the socio-economic situation in the early months of 2025, PM Chinh noted that since the beginning of the year, the global situation had witnessed highly complex and unpredictable developments. In particular, the United States unexpected announcement of broad-based, high reciprocal tariffs had adversely affected global economic growth, severely threatened supply chains, and disrupted the flow of international trade and investment. Traditional and non-traditional security challenges had also grown increasingly acute and difficult to manage. On April 2, the US officially announced a blanket 10 per cent tariff policy on all countries and set very high reciprocal tariffs (Viet Nam was subjected to a 46 per cent reciprocal tariff). One week later, the US announced a 90-day suspension of its reciprocal tariff plan, with the exception of China. In this context, according to the Government leader, Viet Nam has responded calmly and proactively, implementing timely and flexible measures that had yielded some initial positive results. Viet Nam is among six countries the United Kingdom, India, South Korea, Japan, Viet Nam, and Indonesia that the US has given higher priority in negotiations, according to the Vietnamese leader. PM Chinh emphasised that the Government had been closely directing the negotiating team and relevant ministries and agencies to monitor developments, swiftly finalise proposals, and prepare for negotiations with the US in the spirit of harmonised interests, shared risks. As the first leader to have called US President Donald Trump right after the reciprocal tariffs were announced, General Secretary To Lam has said Viet Nam is ready to cut all tariffs against US imports into Viet Nam to zero, while urging the US side to do the same for Vietnamese goods into the US. VNS HA NOI The National Assembly spent the majority of the discussions on Monday on the amendment and supplementation of certain articles of the 2013 Constitution, and on the establishment of a Committee to draft these amendments. This was the focus topic of the 37-day 9th session of the 15th-tenure parliament meeting that opened on Monday in Ha Noi. NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man during a group discussions stated that the proposed constitutional amendments had been carefully deliberated by the Politburo and the Party Central Committee on multiple occasions. He underscored that this was a matter of great importance and must be approached with caution, objectivity, democratic spirit, scientific reasoning, and effectiveness. Specifically, the amendments would focus on 8 out of 120 articles, grouped into two main areas: provisions concerning the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and socio-political organisations, and provisions in Chapter IX of the 2013 Constitution relating to the two-tier local government model. The proposed amendments are intended solely to support the continued implementation of the organisational streamlining revolution according to the spirit of Resolution No.18 of the Party Central Committee with regards to the continued reform and streamlining of the organisational structure of the political system, without extending into unrelated areas. Chairman Man stated that the NA will work to adopt a resolution on the amendments before June 30 this year, so that the resolution can start to enter effect starting July. This means that the government structure will be streamlined into two levels: provincial and communal. District-level administrations will be abolished across the country, and their functions and duties will be transferred to the commune-level in part, and to the provincial-level in part. Starting from May 6, the NA will spend one month gathering public feedback on the constitutional amendments. Regarding provincial-level mergers, it is expected that after the Government submits its proposal to the National Assembly, the matter will be debated in Parliament. If approved, the number of provinces and centrally-run cities will be reduced by nearly half, down from 63 to 34. The Politburo has also provided guidance on transitional provisions, allowing about a month and a half to ensure seamless, uninterrupted local government operations. The transition will follow a roadmap for the reorganisation and merger of provincial and communal-level administrative units, with no intermediate district level. Given that the scope of the proposed constitutional amendments is limitedexpected to affect only about 8 of the 120 articles of the 2013 Constitutionit has been proposed that the amendments be made through a Resolution of the National Assembly, Man noted. Lawmakers agreed on the necessity of the constitutional amendments, emphasising the need to institutionalise the Partys guidelines on continuing to reform and streamline the political systems organisational structure, making it leaner, stronger, more effective and efficient. The amendments will provide constitutional grounds for the restructuring of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, socio-political organisations, and mass associations assigned tasks by the Party and the State, and for refining the two-tier local government model to bring it closer to the people and better serve them. Deputy Sung A Lenh (representing the northern province of Lao Cai) stressed that amending and supplementing several articles of the 2013 Constitution demonstrates the NAs proactive stance in response to major changes in the state apparatus and increasing demands for institutional reform. He also strongly supported the approach of issuing a NA Resolution to amend the Constitution. This approach aligns with international legal practices, is flexible, and ensures procedural rigour while avoiding disruption to the full text of the Constitution, given the relatively narrow scope of the amendments. Regarding the establishment of the Drafting Committee, Deputy Lenh proposed assigning a lead body responsible for compiling, receiving, and explaining public, sectoral, and governmental feedback, as this stage is decisive in ensuring the quality and consensus of the amendments. He also called for regular reporting on progress, enabling the NA to closely monitor the drafting process. The Constitution is the fundamental law, the legal cornerstone. Any amendments must be considered with the utmost care and prudence, while also ensuring they are timely so as not to miss the momentum of institutional reform. Speaking during the group discussions, General Secretary To Lam emphasised that this session of the NA involves numerous critical agenda items, among which the proposed amendments to the Constitution must strictly follow legal processes and procedures, and be subject to broad-based public consultation. The General Secretary acknowledged that the responsible agencies had made very thorough preparations. Party leader To Lam remarked that Viet Nam is simultaneously undertaking a great many tasksparticularly streamlining and restructuring the state apparatuswhile still ensuring the smooth continuation of routine functions and sustaining socio-economic growth. He noted that the Government had recently convened a meeting to review the countrys performance in the first four months of 2025, which showed encouraging indicators: revenue collection and the growth of production and business sectors were relatively strong amid many challenges. He went on to affirm that socio-economic development remains a paramount task. For the country to progress, it must prioritise this objective in order to generate resources for investment and developmentalongside advancements in culture, education, and healthcare, the top Vietnamese leader told the deputies. The Party chief also underscored the need to continually improve the lives of the people. As the country develops, its citizens must directly benefit from the fruits of that progress, which would lay a strong foundation for the next stage of national development. VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong on Monday held talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka after hosting an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Ha Noi. President Dissanayaka is paying a state visit to Viet Nam and is here to attend the United Nations Day of Vesak from May 4-6. In an atmosphere of openness, sincerity, trust and mutual understanding, President Cuong warmly welcomed President Dissanayaka, assessing the visit as having important significance and taking place on the occasion of the two countries celebrating 55 years of diplomatic relations. He thanked President Dissanayaka for accepting the invitation and in delivering the opening speech at the United Nations Day of Vesak in Viet Nam, as well as sending a congratulatory letter to Vietnamese leaders on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of National Reunification. The Vietnamese President congratulated Sri Lanka on its important socio-economic achievements since the new President and Government began to lead the country, especially the recovery from the crisis, maintaining positive economic growth and improving the national credit rating, expressing his confidence that Sri Lanka will successfully achieve development goals in the future. President Cuong thanked Sri Lanka for supporting Viet Nam in the past struggle for national independence and for cooperating closely with the nation in the current process of national construction. Expressing his joy at visiting Viet Nam, the first Southeast Asian country he has visited since taking office, President Dissanayaka expressed his admiration for Viet Nam's impressive development after 50 years of liberating the South and reunifying the country. Viet Nam has risen to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with GDP ranking 32nd in the world, playing an important role and position in the region and the world, he said. The President said that the leaders and people of Sri Lanka always reserve warm sentiments for Viet Nam and late President Ho Chi Minh and admire the country's indomitable fighting spirit during the wars, as well as in building the Fatherland, and wish to learn from the Vietnamese development experience. The two sides agreed that high political trust, warm friendship, sincere support between the two countries and the sharing of common visions and viewpoints are the foundation for developing the bilateral relations to new heights. In that spirit, the two sides agreed to continuously consolidate the traditional friendship and mutual understanding, promote more frequent high-level visits and enhance cooperation between the two ruling parties, exchanges between people's organisations and friendship associations of the two countries. They agreed to improve the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms, especially the Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation to review and propose specific cooperation measures, amend, supplement and promote the signing of cooperation agreements in accordance with the new situation and study the possibility of upgrading relations when conditions are sufficient and agreed by both sides. They agreed to promote more substantive collaboration in the fields of defence, security, and justice and encourage increased exchanges and interactions, expanded training and capacity building cooperation, and coordination in combating transnational crime and cybercrime, and law enforcement, while considering the signing of defence, security and justice cooperation agreements. Emphasising the significant potential for bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation, both sides stressed the need for breakthrough measures to effectively tap this potential. They agreed to promote the signing of economic, trade, and investment cooperation agreements, facilitate market access for each countrys competitive goods, diversify supply chains, and strive to achieve a two-way trade target of US$1 billion and further increase two-way investment. They also agreed to further expand ties in key areas such as agriculture, food security, science and technology, education, culture, religion, healthcare, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, enhance experience sharing in sea-based economy development, maritime transport and connectivity and encourage airlines of both countries to consider opening direct flights. The Sri Lankan President affirmed that he will create favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest in strategic sectors with high demand in his country, including infrastructure, telecommunications, education, healthcare, hi-tech agriculture, farm processing, food, retail, logistics and tourism. He also committed to continuing support for the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, including Vietnamese monks and nuns studying Buddhist teachings. Amid complex global and regional developments, the two leaders emphasised their commitments to maintaining close coordination and mutual support at international and regional organisations, particularly the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, South-South cooperation and on issues of shared interest. They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation, highlighting the need to respect and adhere to international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). President Cuong welcomed Sri Lankas efforts to strengthen ties and foster more substantive cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). President Dissanayaka invited his Vietnamese counterpart to visit Sri Lanka in the future, an invitation happily accepted by State President Luong Cuong. Following the talks, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of five cooperation agreements in the fields of diplomacy, trade, customs, agriculture and machinery manufacturing. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is a country with a strong maritime connection, which is reflected not only in its geography, but also in its long-standing engagement with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Those were the remarks by Judge Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), at the regional workshop 'The Role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in the Settlement of Disputes Relating to the Law of the Sea' in Ha Noi on Monday. He said Viet Nam was an active participant in the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea and signed the Convention on the day it opened for signature. The country ratified the Convention in 1994, followed by the 2006 ratification of the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the Convention. In 2018, it ratified the Fish Stocks Agreement and, more recently, was again among the first to sign the Agreement under the Convention on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. The Judge underlined ITLOS, an independent judicial body tasked with adjudicating disputes related to the interpretation and application of the convention, and any matters referred to it under other agreements that confer jurisdiction. "Since its establishment, the Tribunal has earned the confidence of States Parties and demonstrated its effectiveness as a forum for dispute resolution", Tomas Heidar said. "To date, its docket includes 30 contentious cases, covering a wide array of issues under the law of the sea, including disputes involving states from this region." The Tribunal is composed of 21 judges from a wide range of geographical regions, with strong representation from developing countries. This equitable distribution is enshrined in its statute, which requires balanced representation among the UNs designated regional groups, including the Asia-Pacific group. Viet Nam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Vu, stressed the significance of the workshop, taking place in a year marking the 50th anniversary of National Reunification and the 80th anniversary of Viet Nams independence. "While cooperation and peace remain the mainstream of international relations, disputes persist. And a host of traditional and non-traditional security challenges have also emerged," said Vu. Against this backdrop, he cited UNCLOS as a 'constitution for the ocean' governing all activities at sea, which play a strong role in maintaining peace, stability and the rule of law. He underlined Viet Nam's commitment to UNCLOS, stressing that the country has actively participated in the international forum, aligned its laws with UNCLOS and recently nominated Associate Professor Lan Anh as a candidate for trust at ITLOS. "For Viet Nam, the work of UNCLOS and ITLOS is not an abstract matter. It is central to our vision for the future. As a coastal state, we see the sea as a source of prosperity and a maritime space that demands careful stewardship," Vu said. "Our vision has been made clear: to become a strong, prosperous and sea-based economy by 2030, and to turn all maritime space into a domain of peace, stability and common prosperity. And we know that this goal cannot be achieved without international cooperation and without compliance with international laws, particularly UNCLOS." This workshop is part of a series of regional events designed to enhance understanding of the dispute settlement mechanisms established under UNCLOS. It also offers a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insight into the Tribunal's vital role in resolving disputes related to the interpretation and application of the Convention. It took place on May 5 and 6, and included three main sessions focusing on ITLOSs jurisdiction, urgent proceedings and maritime delimitation. It concluded with a roundtable dialogue between participants to share experiences and provide feedback. Judge Heidar told Viet Nam News and Law that the recent advisory opinion on climate change is a major development in international law. This is the first time that the obligations of States Parties under UNCLOS with respect to anthropogenic GHG emissions, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change has been dealt with. "That opinion has strengthened the legal framework in combating climate change with respect to its effect on the ocean that are manifold. It is a very positive opinion and has been well-received by states," he said. VNS A NANG Republic of Korea's naval ship, the Kang Gam Chan, with 296 crew members, began a three-day visit to the central city of a Nang as part of its drive to boost friendship, cooperation and exchanges within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and the RoK. The destroyer, led by Colonel Kwon Yong Gu, met the Vietnamese Navy of Zone 3, as well as its crew touring the city's destinations and carrying out some joint exercises. Vice Chairman of a Nang Peoples Committee Ho Ky Minh highly appreciated the friendly visit by the Korean ship, stressing that the nation is one of the most important partners in terms of investment, trade and tourism for a Nang. Minh said Korean investors poured US$382 million into 285 projects in the city, making it in the top five FDIs in a Nang, while 1.68 million Korean tourists visited the city last year. a Nang, in co-operation with Consulate General of Korea, will host the fourth annual Viet Nam-Korean Cultural Festival this August, he added. Korean Colonel Kwon Yong Gu said he was so impressed with the development of a Nang City over the past years. He also expressed his thanks to the warm welcome by the citys relevant agencies in making the Korean navy ships visit successful. In 2017, the ship also visited the city. A series of cultural activities and exchange programmes have been organised between Korean partners and a Nang City in recent years. Changwon City presented 11,000 Korean language teaching books to the citys library and foreign language university. a Nang Citys fishery association and Jeju fishery trade co-operative inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on fishing development. Hai Chau District of a Nang promoted ties with Uiwang City, Gyeonggi, by signing an MoU on cooperation and friendship two years ago. Six universities from Korea also signed agreements with a Nangs ong A University, while five cities Changwon, Daegu, Hwaseong, Seoul and Jeju officially signed friendship ties with a Nang. VNS PHNOM PENH Participation in Viet Nams grand parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification as representatives of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) was a great honour and source of pride for the Cambodian soldiers and their superiors. Gen. Sao Sokha, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the RCAF and Commander of the Gendarmerie, made the remarks in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency's correspondents in Phnom Penh on the unit's mission at the parade, which he held that carried great significance in external relations. The grand parade, held in HCM City on April 30, featured for the first time the joint presence of military contingents from China, Laos, and Cambodia, alongside around 13,000 Vietnamese civilians, officials, and service members. The Cambodian delegation comprised 119 personnel from the Gendarmerie Command, representing the RCAF in army uniform. Although the unit had fewer than ten days to prepare after receiving orders, the general said both he and his personnel felt honoured by the trust placed in them. He emphasised the historic significance of the mission, sharing his pride in being selected to lead the unit and thanking all stakeholders, including the Vietnamese public and media, for their warm support. Gen. Sao Sokha said that from the moment they arrived in Viet Nam, he and his troops were warmly received. He was constantly updated on the visits and encouragement offered by local authorities, armed forces, civic groups, and people of all ages, he noted. He expressed confidence that the young Cambodian soldiers, all under 25, have returned home as messengers of friendship, sharing their experiences and impressions of Viet Nams hospitality, development, and the enduring ties between the two nations. The Cambodian official highlighted the pride of marching alongside forces from Viet Nam, Laos, and China, marking the first time a Vietnamese-hosted parade featured foreign troops a meaningful gesture in todays global challenges. He stressed that the event went beyond a national celebration as it carried diplomatic significance and delivered a powerful message to the world about the role of the Viet Nam Peoples Army and the nations stature on the global stage. His reflections found strong resonance among the Cambodian public, media, and online platforms. Among the supporters was Khieu Kola, senior editor at CNC TV under Royal Group and an adviser to the President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists. Invited by Viet Nams Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Embassy in Phnom Penh, Khieu Kola was the only Cambodian journalist to attend the event in HCM City. Upon returning, he hosted a special broadcast on May 2 entitled "the world press week in the context of Viet Nams April 30 historical truth". In his 16-minute commentary, the veteran journalist described vivid scenes from the celebration, where millions gathered along Le Duan Boulevard and major thoroughfares. He was especially impressed by the scale of the parade and the participation of the Cambodian, Lao, and Chinese military forces. He expressed pride in covering the event alongside over 100 international journalists from 40 countries, including many who had witnessed Viet Nams historic event firsthand 50 years ago. Khieu Kola also highlighted the presence of Cambodian Peoples Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen among the international dignitaries, and the symbolic significance of the Cambodian troops marching in Viet Nams grand military display. VNS HA NOI State President Luong Cuong hosted a state banquet in Ha Noi on Monday evening in honour of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, who is paying a state visit to Viet Nam. Welcoming the Sri Lankan President and his delegation, President Cuong highly valued the warm sentiments and unique cultural heritage brought from the pearl of the Indian Ocean. He highlighted the significance of the visit, which coincides with the 55th anniversary of bilateral relations and signals a new chapter of cooperation between the two nations. The Vietnamese State leader underlined that despite geographical distance, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share long-standing cultural and religious bonds. President Ho Chi Minh, the revered leader of Viet Nam, visited Sri Lanka three times, and his statue now stands in Colombo. The late leader's Nhat ky trong tu (Prison Diary) poem collection was also translated into Sinhala by Sri Lankas Minister of Indigenous Medicine, noted President Cuong. He underscored the robust development of Viet NamSri Lanka relations over the past five and a half decades. He pointed to growing political trust, vibrant cultural and religious ties, and positive trends in economic, trade, tourism and investment cooperation, which hold vast untapped potential for both business communities. He stressed that the two countries share similar geopolitical and economic positions, as well as visions and interests. On a foundation of strong bonds and trust, and the fruitful outcomes of this visit, he expressed confidence that both sides will deepen their partnership, delivering practical benefits for their people and contributing to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. For his part, President Dissanayaka extended his sincere thanks to President Cuong, the Vietnamese Government and people for the warm welcome extended to him and his entourage. He noted that bilateral relations have been nurtured over generations of leaders, grounded in mutual trust, respect, shared values, cultural heritage, and understanding. He emphasised that the two nations are united not only by political goodwill but also by spiritual and cultural ties, enriched by the shared values of Buddhism. President Dissanayaka recalled Viet Nams heroic struggle for independence and reunification under the visionary leadership of President Ho Chi Minh, which remains deeply etched in the memory of the Sri Lankan people and continues to inspire future generations worldwide. He said that his Government, elected with strong support from all sectors of Sri Lankan society, is pursuing comprehensive reforms in economic, social, and political spheres. In this context, international friendships and partnerships are more vital than ever, he underlined. The Sri Lankan leader expressed his belief that discussions with Vietnamese leaders during this visit will lead to expanded cooperation - from stronger connectivity to increased trade, together exploring new areas of partnership - helping to reinforce bilateral ties in the years ahead. Praising Viet Nams dynamic growth and its emergence as a major regional manufacturing hub, President Dissanayaka said Viet Nam's remarkable progress serves as an inspiration for developing countries. He expressed his belief that the steadfast friendship and enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam will pave the way for a brighter future for both nations. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have issued a Joint Statement on the state visit to Viet Nam by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka on May 4-6. The following is the full text of the Joint Statement. JOINT STATEMENT Between THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF Viet Nam AND THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA On the State Visit of H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam 4th - 6th May, 2025 1. At the invitation of His Excellency Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka paid a State Visit to Viet Nam from 4th - 6th May 2025. The visit takes place on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Viet Nam - Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (1970 - 2025). 2. During the visit, President Anura Kumara Disanayaka was accorded a ceremonial welcome. President Disanayaka held bilateral meetings with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man. President Dissanayake also paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and laid a wreath at the Monument to War Heroes and Martyrs, as a gesture symbolizing the close bonds of friendship that have been built and nurtured by generations of leaders, grounded in mutual trust, respect, shared values, cultural traditions, and a profound understanding between the two nations. 3. Honouring a joint invitation extended by the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha and the Government of Viet Nam President Anura Kumara Disanayaka attended the UN Day of Vesak celebrations on 6 May 2025 held in HCM City as Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address, reaffirming longstanding Buddhist ties between the two countries. 4. The Viet Namese Leaders and President Disanayaka had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They noted with satisfaction the development of the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries spanning 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations on the 21st of July 1970, underpinned by high level of political trust, close people-to-people linkages and warm sentiments between the two peoples. They affirmed the warm friendship and valuable support which both nations had accorded to each other in the course of National Development had laid a firm foundation for further strengthening and deepening of relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka in the coming years. 5. President Disanayaka congratulated Viet Nam on its significant achievements and remarkable progress in social and economic development. He also lauded the success of Vietnamese leadership in transforming the country into one of the fastest growing economies and a thriving manufacturing hub in the East Asia - Pacific region. The Vietnamese Leaders congratulated President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and the National Peoples Power (NPP) on the victory at the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka and efforts to bring about economic stability and development in the country; convinced that Sri Lanka could play a vital role as an economic hub in the Indian Ocean region, given its strategic geographical location. 6. The two sides Leaders discussed and agreed on key directions to uplift bilateral relations to the next level. It was agreed to continue to promote closer political relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, including increasing high-level visits and contacts, exchange of delegations at various levels as well as promoting people-to-people contacts. 7. They emphasised the need for effective implementation of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms. In this context, the early convening of the 5th round of bilateral political consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the 3rd Meeting of the Sub Committee on Trade and the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka were identified as priorities for implementation in 2025. 8. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the areas of national defence and security. In this regard, the two sides agreed to review and renew the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, increase the exchange of Defence delegations, promote cooperation in Defence studies through the exchange of delegations between the National Defence Academy of Viet Nam and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University of Sri Lanka. The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in education and training, intelligence sharing and exchange of delegations as well as exchange experience in UN Peacekeeping operations. The importance of enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crimes inter alia terrorism, illegal immigration and cybercrimes was also underscored by the two sides. The two sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the area of defence industry in order to enhance the capacity building of both countries. With regard to security sector cooperation, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka agreed to strengthen ties between the two Ministries of Public Security of the two countries. 9. Both sides agreed that there remains great potentials in trade and investment between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. In the context of the rapidly evolving global economic environment, they agreed to promote stronger cooperation, including the reviewing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka to facilitate bilateral trade and investment. 10. Both sides agreed to take pragmatic steps to increase bilateral trade such as trade facilitation, information exchange, promote business-to-business links through trade missions, as well as business matching, exhibitions, seminars, aimed at bringing the trade turnover to US$1 billion in the near future. The two sides agreed to collaborate, identify and pursue mutually beneficial trade leveraging on each others strengths. 11. The leaders agreed to boost stronger investment flows between the two countries. The Viet Namese side appreciated the investments from Sri Lanka in 33 projects with a total registered capital of more than $43 million as of March 31st, 2025. 12. President Disanayaka commended the steady and impressive progress of Viet Nams economic development and expressed Sri Lankas interest in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from Viet Nam particularly in the agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, electronic and automobile components, real estate, hospitality, pharmaceutical, hospitals, tele-communication, logistics, infrastructure and industrial infrastructure sectors. 13. The Leaders concurred on the importance of increasing air connectivity between the two countries based on the Air Services Agreement that was already in existence. They agreed that air connectivity will be a strong incentive to ensure rapid growth in tourism between the two countries. In this regard, both sides agreed to encourage both countries Airlines to soon commence direct flights. The two sides also discussed the possibility of facilitating measures to boost tourism, business and people-to-people connectivity and to promote ease of travel between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. 14. Both sides acknowledged the significant potential for co-operation in the agriculture sector. Given the remarkable strides made by Viet Nam in advancing its agriculture sector particularly in the areas of automation, mechanisation and scientific research, and in the area of post-harvest processing, President Disanayaka requested for sharing of expertise and exchanges to support the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to encourage agriculture modernisation in the country. 15. Both sides agreed that the ongoing collaboration between the Viet Nam Institute of Agricultural Engineering & Post-Harvest Technology (VIAEP), the National Institute of Post-Harvest Management (NIPHM), and the Farm Mechanisation Research Centre (FMRC) of Sri Lanka, alongside the Viet Nam Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka, would further strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector, fostering mutual growth and facilitating valuable knowledge exchange, and agreed to fully implement the Agriculture Work Plan for the period 2024-2026. Both sides agreed to arrange and facilitate short-term study visits for the professionals in the Agriculture sector. 16. President Disanayaka expressed Sri Lankas willingness to assist Viet Nam in the fields of archaeology and the preservation of cultural artifacts. With a rich heritage spanning over two millennia and extensive experience in conserving ancient sites and relics, Sri Lanka stands ready to share its expertise and best practices in support of Viet Nams efforts to protect and celebrate its cultural heritage. The Vietnamese side welcomed this offer with appreciation. 17. The Leaders emphasised the cultural and historical bonds between the two countries. They welcomed the joint endeavor of both sides in the project of constructing the outer wall surrounding the sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree gifted by Sri Lanka in 2023 at Bai inh spiritual complex, which is the combination of authentic Sri Lankan architectural carvings and a uniquely Vietnamese-designed fence, standing as a testament to the strong cultural and spiritual collaboration between the two countries. 18. Both sides expressed their satisfaction at the renewal of the Education Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in 1999, and encouraged both sides related agencies to sign a work plan for education cooperation based on the renewed Agreement. The two leaders also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions in both countries and expressed a mutual interest in facilitating student exchanges across a range of academic disciplines. 19. President Disanayaka highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for students, particularly through increased scholarships in the fields of science, technology, and agriculture. In response, the Vietnamese side expressed interest in receiving more scholarships in the area of Buddhist studies. 20. Both sides recognised their respective strengths in Artificial Intelligence (AI), e-commerce, and digital transformation, and shared commitment to harnessing emerging technologies for sustainable development, improved public service delivery, and innovation-led economic growth. They agreed to enhance cooperation through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer. 21. The Leaders expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation and support extended at regional and multilateral fora by the two countries and agreed to further deepen cooperation and coordination on issues of vital interest to the Global South. 22. The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of collective action as articulated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emphasising the urgent need for accessible climate financing, particularly for developing nations that remain disproportionately vulnerable due to limited adaptive capacity. They underscored that concerted international efforts, including innovative financing mechanisms and the fulfillment of commitments by developed countries, are essential to effectively mitigate global warming and address sea level rise. 23. Sri Lanka welcomes Viet Nam in hosting the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against cybercrime in Ha Noi in 2025. 24. Sri Lanka and Viet Nam reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and underscored the significance of respect and adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for maintaining a stable and peaceful international maritime order. 25. President Anura Kumara Disanayaka informed that advancing cooperation with Southeast Asia and ASEAN is a principal tenet of Sri Lankas foreign policy under his administration. Viet Nam welcomed the policy stance and underlined the need for close coordination and cooperation. In this regard, both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the active role played by Viet Nam and Sri Lanka within the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as Co-Chairs of the Inter-Sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief for the period of 2023 - 2026. The Viet Nam side also took note of Sri Lankas interest in becoming an ASEAN Sectorial Dialogue Partner. 26. The Leaders agreed that the MoUs/Agreements signed during the visit have laid the foundation for stronger collaboration between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka in areas of significant mutual interest and would pave the way to further elevate the multifaceted bilateral partnership. 27. The Leaders expressed satisfaction with the fruitful discussions held in the spirit of mutual understanding, which contributed to further enhancing the excellent relationship between the two countries, enabling it to reach new heights. 28. President Anura Kumara Disanayaka expressed his gratitude to the State, the Government and people of Viet Nam for the warm reception and hospitality accorded during the State Visit to Viet Nam and extended invitations to General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. The invitations were accepted with appreciation. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting in Ha Noi on Monday with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, who pays a state visit to Viet Nam and attends the UN Day of Vesak 2025 Celebrations in the country. PM Chinh praised President Dissanayaka's choice of Viet Nam as his third overseas destination and his first in Southeast Asia after taking office. The PM said the visit underscored Sri Lankas high regard for its relations with Viet Nam and held special significance as the two countries marked 55 years of diplomatic ties. He highlighted the strong bonds between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, rooted in shared Buddhist values and aspirations for peace, independence, freedom, and happiness. He recalled that President Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nams beloved leader, had visited Sri Lanka three times - first in 1911 during his search for national salvation, and again in 1928 and 1946 - laying a vital foundation for the friendship between the two nations. President Dissanayaka congratulated the Vietnamese people on the historic victory of April 30, 1975. He voiced admiration for the nations unyielding spirit in its struggle for independence and in its current path of development. He reaffirmed that Sri Lanka regards Viet Nam as a source of inspiration and encouragement in its own quest for progress and recovery. He also recognised Viet Nam as a successful model of economic development, now among the worlds fastest-growing economies and a hub for innovation, manufacturing, and foreign investment. The Sri Lankan President expressed interest in learning from Viet Nams experience. PM Chinh shared Viet Nams major strategic orientations and development experience, focusing on reforming its growth model, streamlining state apparatus, advancing science and technology, and building an independent and self-reliant economy. President Dissanayaka highly valued these insights and expressed a desire for continued knowledge exchanges between the two sides. Both leaders agreed that based on their warm friendship and high political trust, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka should deepen cooperation across all sectors and work towards elevating their relations when conditions are favourable and mutual consensus is achieved. They also agreed to increase high-level visits and meetings, and make full use of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the Joint Committee and its Trade Subcommittee. They pledged to review and promote the signing of key agreements and explore new, diverse forms of collaboration suited to each countrys needs and capacities. Emphasising the need to bolster economic, trade, and investment ties, both leaders said efforts should be made to connect the two economies and promote trade and investment activities in various formats, striving to raise two-way trade to US$1 billion. They also discussed the possibility of negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement and an investment protection and promotion deal. President Dissanayaka expressed support for Vietnamese firms exporting products aligned with Sri Lankas demands and offered favourable conditions for Vietnamese investment in key projects. The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in digital transformation, green transition, high-tech agriculture, and science and technology, particularly emerging technologies. They acknowledged their shared perspectives on regional and global issues and agreed that amid increasing global uncertainties, the two nations should strengthen mutual support and act as reliable partners in regional and international forums. On this occasion, PM Chinh extended his regards to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and expressed his hope to welcome her to Viet Nam in the near future. VNS ASTANA General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and his spouse, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, landed at Astana International Airport on Monday afternoon (local time), starting a three-day state visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. President Tokayev was present at the airport to welcome the Vietnamese leader and delegation. Accompanying the President were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, and a number senior officials of Kazakhstan. Kazakh boys and girls in traditional attire presented flowers to the Viet Namese leader and his spouse. President Tokayev then invited his guests to walk on the red carpet flanked by two lines of honour guards standing at attention. This marks the first state visit by a key Vietnamese leader to Kazakhstan in 13 years and the first ever by a CPV General Secretary. The visit demonstrates Viet Nams consistent policy and strong commitment to enhancing friendship and comprehensive cooperation with traditional partners in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Eastern Europe, including Kazakhstan. Viet Nam and Kazakhstan established diplomatic ties on June 29, 1992. Since then, their traditional friendship has steadily strengthened. Bilateral trade has been growing though the volume remains modest. In 2024, two-way trade reached US$800 million, up 99 per cent from 2023. In the first quarter of 2025, the figure hit $146.3 million, an increase of 18.4 per cent year on year. VNS HCM CITY The UN Day of Vesak Celebrations 2025 in Viet Nam will further strengthen solidarity and offer meaningful contributions to global peace and development, according to Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, the Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS). Receiving heads of international Buddhist delegations attending Vesak 2025 on Monday, Quang expressed confidence that with over 500 speeches and presentations, the event will represent a significant contribution of Buddhism to human knowledge. It will further strengthen solidarity and make important contributions to the world. Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, President of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV), emphasised that the 2025 theme, Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development, reflects the shared vision of the UN and Viet Nam, including the VBS, in upholding inclusivity and the principle of leaving no one behind. He highly praised Viet Nams preparations and expressed confidence in the success of Vesak 2025, hoping to continue deepening cooperation with Vietnamese Buddhism. Following the reception, Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang and the international Buddhist delegates paid their respects to the sacred relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang ucs heart, which was formally enshrined at Viet Nam Quoc Tu (Viet Nam National Pagoda) earlier the same day. This year marks the 20th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations, with Viet Nam having hosted the event four times. A highlight of the 2025 event is the ceremonial enshrinement of the historical Buddhas relics, brought from India, symbolising Buddhist harmony and its peaceful message. VNS BINH PHUOC Fifty years after liberation, Bu ang District in the southern province of Binh Phuoc has emerged as a peaceful and green locality, with improved infrastructure, a growing economy, and better living conditions for its people. Once a fierce battlefield, Bu ang has transformed into a land of lush forests and growing prosperity, with roads, electricity, schools, and healthcare in every village. Life keeps improving. During the resistance war against US imperialism, Bu ang was a key battleground. Despite intense attacks, local people and soldiers stood firm, building revolutionary bases in enemy territory such as Nua Lon in ak Nhau Commune and Cong San Hamlet in Nghia Trung Commune. After the 1973 Paris Peace Agreement, with conditions favouring the southern revolution, the Politburo approved the uong 14 Phuoc Long campaign. Under the campaign, revolutionary forces took full control of uc Phong, the districts administrative centre, and completely liberated Bu ang on December 14, 1974. Vu Luong, secretary of the Bu ang District Party Committee, said the district holds strategic, economic and defence importance, with National Highway 14 running through it, linking the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) region to the southeast region. Bu ang was a key revolutionary base in Phuoc Long Province (now Binh Phuoc) during the resistance war and hosted the first battle of the uong 14 Phuoc Long campaign. The campaign significantly contributed to the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising, which led to the liberation of the South and reunification of the country. For their outstanding contributions during the resistance war, Bu ang and five of its communes ong Nai, Bom Bo, Thong Nhat, Nghia Trung and ak Nhau have been awarded the prestigious title Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces. Significant growth After liberation, Bu ang was merged into Phuoc Long District in November 1976. However, due to its large area, poor infrastructure and growing population, it faced many difficulties. It was re-established on July 4, 1988. Nguyen Van Luu, deputy chairman of the Bu ang District Peoples Committee, said the district used to have a high poverty rate and weak socio-economic infrastructure. After 50 years of development, the economy has grown steadily, living standards have significantly improved, and the poverty rate has dropped to 0.31 per cent now, he said. The district now has 16 communes and a town, with a population of around 150,000. Infrastructure has improved, with all inter-hamlet and inter-commune roads paved. About 99 per cent of households are connected to the national grid, and 99.85 per cent have access to clean water. Cultural facilities have also been upgraded from the district to grassroots levels. Agriculture makes up 40 per cent of the districts economy, followed by trade and services at 34 per cent, and industry at 26 per cent. The districts per capita income reached VN77 million (US$3,000) last year. The districts achievements are the result of the combined efforts of the Party, government, people, and businesses, particularly the unity, resilience, and determination of its ethnic communities. The district has 31 ethnic groups living together in harmony, making up about 40 per cent of its population. ieu Mon, an ethnic resident of Bom Bo Village in Bom Bo Commune, said: "Today, locals have stable housing and farmland, and all school-aged children attend school. Life has become more stable." For its achievements over the past 50 years, the district was awarded the Second-class Labour Order at its 50th liberation anniversary celebration. The district will continue prioritising agriculture by creating large-scale farming zones, promoting clean and high-tech practices, and developing value chains for its products, according to its Peoples Committee. It plans to develop agro-forestry processing industries alongside raw material zones and meet new-style rural development criteria, especially in ethnic minority areas, while promoting sustainable poverty reduction. The district seeks to harness its potential, effectively mobilise resources, and pursue reforms to drive socio-economic growth. It continues to preserve and promote ethnic cultural heritage by restoring traditional festivals like the Bom Bo Village drum festival and other unique celebrations. It is also developing tourism at historical and natural sites such as the ung, Voi, and Pan Toong waterfalls, the Bu Lach Grassland, and Bom Bo Village. With its low-lying plateau terrain, scenic mountains and forests, the district holds great potential for further tourism development. The district will take bold, practical steps suited to its resources and conditions, following the motto: Dare to think, dare to do, dare to take responsibility, dare to speak, dare to innovate, and dare to face challenges, Luu said. VNS HA NOI The European Commission (EC) has delayed its fifth inspection of Viet Nam's efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing to the end of 2025, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE). The ministry received the notification from the ECs Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG-MARE) in early May, which requested Viet Nam to submit a progress report on implementing the ECs recommended improvements before September 15. The commission will dispatch an inspection team to the country in late 2025 if the report demonstrates sufficient advancements. The EC has conducted four inspections in Viet Nam but has maintained the "yellow card" warning on its seafood since 2017. The prolonged removal of the card not only impacts Vietnamese seafood exports to the European markets but also damages the reputation of the products in the global marketplace. Earlier, the MAE proposed that the Prime Minister issue an action plan to address the European Commission (EC)'s yellow card warning and prepare for the fifth EC inspection. The ministry outlined necessary outcomes to swiftly address challenges in clamping down IUU fishing practices. It particularly focused on resolving all EC concerns before September 15, the deadline for submitting a progress report to the commission, as well as ensuring thorough preparations for the fifth inspection so as to secure the removal of the yellow card warning. Key areas requiring immediate attention include fleet management, fishing vessel activity monitoring, seafood traceability, and law enforcement with violation penalties. These responsibilities span various ministries including the ministries of Public Security, National Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Construction, and Finance, as well as the Peoples Committees and Peoples Councils of coastal localities. Fleet management includes completing vessel identification registration through the national population database (VNeID) and synchronising the information with the national fisheries database (VNFishbase) and vessel monitoring system (VMS). All registered fishing vessels must display proper identification numbers and markings. Vessels that fail to meet operational requirements will be cataloged and assigned designated anchoring locations. Local authorities must monitor the vessels to prevent unauthorised operations. Regarding vessel activity monitoring, authorities should upgrade existing fishing ports to meet regulatory standards and implement electronic departure and arrival verification systems. Meanwhile, the VMS must operate around the clock, with service providers ensuring proper installation, maintenance and replacement of substandard equipment. For seafood traceability, all fishing vessels 15 metres or longer must log departures and arrivals through the electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability system (eCDT) at fishing ports and use the electronic fishing logbooks in accordance with the ministrys guidelines. With imported seafood products, competent authorities will carry out the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) and conduct inspections of container imports. Meanwhile, strict punishments have been meted out to violations related to illegal fishing in foreign waters and vessels losing VMS connection for more than six hours. VNS HA NOI Several medical workers at Nam inh General Hospital have been suspended from work following reports that they refused to admit a four-year-old child in an emergency due to unpaid hospital fees. According to the provincial Department of Health, the hospital has accepted responsibility for the error in its emergency care response involving the young child. The boy was taken to the hospital by local residents at around 4pm on May 3 after reportedly being run over by a homemade three-wheeled vehicle. One of the individuals who took the child to the hospital claimed that doctors delayed emergency treatment because he was unable to pay the full amount required. In a video circulated on social media, the boy, pale and unresponsive, is seen being carried by a young man to the entrance of the emergency room. I ran a red light to get the child here, but I only had VN500,000 (about US$19). The doctors said they wouldnt treat him without full payment, the man said, adding that the child was left without care for about 10 minutes after arrival. At around 5pm the same day, the child's parents arrived. The emergency medical team informed them of the child's condition, and the family agreed with the hospital's proposed plan to transfer the patient to the National Children's Hospital in Ha Noi. In response to the incident, Nam inh General Hospital has begun a review of its patient admission and emergency procedures. The hospital has also pledged to strengthen staff professionalism and communication, with any violations subject to strict disciplinary measures. On Monday morning, Minister of Health ao Hong Lan visited the National Childrens Hospital to offer support and deliver gifts to the family. During her visit to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, the minister personally checked on the childs condition and offered words of sympathy and encouragement to the family. She praised the medical team for their coordinated efforts in providing care and instructed the hospital to continue mobilising all available resources and equipment to ensure the best possible treatment for the child. "There have been regulations in the law and many directives and instructions from the Ministry of Health up to now: Emergency and treatment for patients is always the top priority, no matter what the circumstances," Lan said. VNS JAKARTA The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) strengthened bilateral economic cooperation with the US Chamber of Commerce with a recently-inked memorandum of understanding. This agreement, valid for two years, was signed at a significant time following the publication of the USs National Trade Estimate Report 2025. It is a concrete step by Indonesia to reduce trade barriers, especially non-tariff barriers and to open up opportunities for joint economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region. Kadin Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie described this agreement as a positive step and a breath of fresh air for Indonesia's business sector and workforce. He noted that the cooperation will expand opportunities for labour-intensive industries that absorb millions of workers. Indonesia is an exporter of several products, namely footwear, rubber, electronics, and garments. Currently, these three industries absorb around 2.1 million workers, he stated. Bakrie highlighted opportunities to promote two-way trade as Indonesia could import US soybeans for tempeh, cotton for the garment industry, dairy products, and wheat. Meanwhile, Senior Vice President and Head of International at the US Chamber of Commerce, John Murphy, emphasised the importance of closer collaboration to enhance the economic potential of relations between the two countries. He also stated that the US Chamber values its longstanding relationship with Kadin and considers the Indonesian market a high priority. However, Murphy observed that economic relations between the two countries had yet to be optimal. Since 2002, the US has invested over US$6 billion to support Indonesia's economic growth. The bilateral relationship was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023. VNA/VNS What is your opinion on the dual-location model for Vietnams international financial centre (IFC) plans? Richard D. McClellan, founder and principal of RMAC Advisory, Source tapchitaichinh.vn Vietnams decision to develop a single IFC with complementary hubs in Ho Chi Minh City and the central city of Danang is both pragmatic and visionary. Rather than competing, the two cities can offer distinct strengths that, when strategically aligned, create a unified yet diversified value proposition for global investors and financial firms. Ho Chi Minh City should be positioned as the core commercial and capital markets hub. It already houses the headquarters of major banks, insurance companies, and stock exchanges, and has an established business ecosystem, including legal, accounting, and consulting services. This makes it the natural choice for hosting functions such as investment banking, asset management, fintech innovation, and corporate treasury centres. Danang, by contrast, can offer a more specialised focus. It could be positioned as a green finance, digital finance, or offshore services centre, catering to sustainability-focused investors, digital nomads, or global shared service operations. Danangs growing tech and education ecosystem, along with its quality of life and regional connectivity, makes it attractive for talent and innovation. To ensure seamless integration, it will be essential to build a clear governance structure that ties both hubs into one strategic and operational framework. This might include a unified IFC Authority, consistent regulatory policies, shared branding, and digital systems that allow firms to operate across both cities without friction. Connectivity, both digital and physical, will also be key: fast infrastructure, smart permitting, and harmonised licensing and dispute resolution mechanisms will ensure the two hubs reinforce rather than dilute the national IFC brand. Should Vietnams IFC adopt a common law-based framework? A modern, investor-friendly legal framework is the foundation of any successful IFC. While adopting full common law may not be feasible across Vietnams broader legal system, establishing such a framework within the IFCs jurisdiction, especially for commercial contracts, dispute resolution, and financial services, would dramatically improve competitiveness. Global investors value predictability, transparency, and enforceability in financial transactions. IFCs like those found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have succeeded by creating carve-out legal zones based on English common law, even while operating in civil law countries. Vietnam can learn from these models by building a hybrid approach that protects investor rights, enables international arbitration, and minimises bureaucratic ambiguity. Digital infrastructure is another critical pillar. A next-generation IFC must be built digital-first, with streamlined e-verification, cloud-based licensing, real-time regulatory reporting, and secure data governance. Financial access, including seamless cross-border capital flows, open banking, and inclusive retail investor participation, is essential for a vibrant financial ecosystem. Finally, human capital cannot be overlooked. Vietnam has a young and well-educated population, but specialised talent in areas like financial engineering, regulatory compliance, international arbitration, and environmental, social, and governance finance will need to be cultivated. Strategic partnerships with global institutions, targeted educational reforms, and talent visa schemes will be necessary to bridge this gap. During the establishment of an IFC, what do you consider to be the most significant risks that Vietnam must manage? The most significant risk is trying to do too much, too fast, without establishing the fundamentals. IFCs are not built overnight they require a phased, realistic approach grounded in institutional credibility and market confidence. Regulatory inconsistency or political uncertainty can severely undermine investor trust. Vietnam must ensure that the legal and regulatory reforms underpinning the IFC are insulated from political cycles and bureaucratic fragmentation. A lack of coordination between central and local authorities, or between different ministries, could also slow implementation and send mixed signals to the market. Another risk is announcing an IFC before the necessary systems are in place. IFCs do not succeed because they are declared, they succeed because investors choose them. Vietnam must avoid creating a symbolic centre without delivering real value and functionality. There is also the risk of financial imbalances or reputational concerns if regulatory standards are too lax. Vietnam must strike a careful balance between being open and being rigorous, particularly in areas like tax transparency and data security. The IFC must project trustworthiness, not loophole-seeking. What recommendations would you offer to Vietnams policymakers to ensure the long-term success and global competitiveness of the countrys financial centre? The first aspect is to be clear on the objective: Vietnams IFC should not aim to copy Hong Kong or Singapore overnight. Instead, it should focus on complexifying the financial ecosystem, broadening access to capital, deepening local markets, and attracting regional financial flows. If this IFC can help mobilise long-term financing for Vietnams development goals, green energy, digital transformation, infrastructure, then it will have fulfilled its highest purpose. Second is focus on governance and institutional credibility. A well-resourced, autonomous IFC Authority, empowered to coordinate stakeholders, licence entities, and manage international engagement, will be crucial. So too will be international partnerships, including with financial centres like Dubai, Singapore, and London, as well as development institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. The third factor is to build in phases. Start with whats achievable: regulatory reforms to enable foreign financial institutions, pilots in green bonds or digital assets, sandbox mechanisms for fintech, and legal enhancements around dispute resolution. Prove that Vietnam can deliver excellence in these areas, then scale. Finally, the narrative must be invested in. Vietnam is increasingly seen as a trusted, dynamic, and stable economic partner in a complex world. The IFC should reflect and amplify that brand: a centre not just of finance, but of resilience, innovation, and long-term value creation. Golden opportunity for Vietnam to build International Financial Centre A stable macroeconomy and an increasingly improving investment environment have given Vietnam a golden opportunity to position itself in the global financial centre chain, according to experts at a conference held on March 28 in Ho Chi Minh City. Dzung Tran, FPT Software Europe CEO, FPT Corporation (left) and David Lamm, CEO, David Lamm Consulting The move demonstrates FPTs commitment to deepening its presence across Germany and Europe, while enhancing its capabilities in delivering digital solutions and services for energy and utilities companies, one of the key growth drivers that contributes nearly half of FPTs total revenue from the region. David Lamm Consulting, with a broad spectrum of digital competencies including UI/UX design, system integration, full-stack development, SAP, and Salesforce integration will supplement the newly established Utilities Solution Practice unit under FPTs subsidiary in Europe. This dedicated unit will provide tailored solutions to energy and utilities companies across the continent. FPT will also carry on with David Lamm Consultings existing projects, ensuring continuity and high quality for their clients, thanks to FPTs delivery capabilities enabled by its extensive global network. "With this valuable addition, FPT will further strengthen our position as a strategic partner for energy and utilities companies across Europe and beyond. Our combined domain expertise, proven track record, and highly skilled talent pool across 30 countries will enable us to accelerate innovation and deliver sustainable, future-ready solutions for complex challenges faced by global businesses," said Nguyen Khai Hoan, FPT Software senior executive vice president and CFO cum COO, FPT Corporation. The acquisition builds on the partnership established between the two companies last October, which aimed to co-develop innovative solutions for energy production, distribution, and sustainable development. With over 16 years of operations in Europe, FPT has established a strong local presence in nine countries and proven to be a trusted digital transformation partner to companies across several industries, including energy and utilities, automotive, healthcare, banking and finance, and more. Its clientele includes more than 150 leading European enterprises, such as E.ON, Schaeffler, Viessmann, Covestro, Volvo, and Siemens. Since 2014, FPT has pursued mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to strengthen capabilities, expand its customer base, and accelerate its global presence. FPTs acquisition of RWE IT Slovakia in 2014 marked the first overseas M&A by a Vietnamese IT firm. Other significant milestones include acquiring a majority stake in Intellinet in 2018, strategic investment in LTS Inc. in 2022, as well as strategic investment in Landing AI and acquisitions of Intertecs IT services division, Cardinal Peak, and AOSIS in 2023, and most recently, its acquisition of Japanese IT services company Next Advanced Communications (NAC) last year. FPT and GE HealthCare expand strategic partnership FPT and GE HealthCare announced a strategic cooperation agreement on April 2, expanding their commercial alliance to advance product strategy and development and establish an FPT Competency Centre in Vietnam. Sumitomo Corporation and SBI Holdings acquire stakes in FPT's AI Japan facility Sumitomo Corporation and SBI Holdings will each invest 20 per cent in FPT Smart Cloud Japan, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation. Behind this development is a quiet yet pivotal force: the policy credit system, acting as an extended arm of the Party, the state, and local authorities, playing a crucial role in boosting economic growth, jobs, incomes, and poverty reduction, all while improving the quality of life for the citys residents. From modest beginnings with an initial capital of just VND152 billion ($6.1 million), as of the end of March this year, the total amount of policy credit capital managed by the Ho Chi Minh City branch of Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) has surpassed $536 million, an 88-fold increase. Capital from the citys local budget accounts for just over 65 per cent of the total, reflecting the strong commitment of the municipal Party Committee and authorities to social policy credit. Since launching the Hunger Eradication and Poverty Reduction Programme in 1992, currently known as the Sustainable Poverty Reduction Programme, Ho Chi Minh City is now in the seventh phase of the initiative, lasting from 2021-2025, with the poverty line adjusted 11 times to better reflect economic realities. VBSPs preferential credit schemes, funded by both central and local government sources, have been tailored to actual grassroots needs. These loans have become a tangible and impactful part of daily life, recognised by local authorities and welcomed by the public-especially low-income households and other vulnerable groups- as a symbol of trust in the Party and state. Social policy loans have reached all residential groups and neighbourhoods across the city. These funds have supported the poor and policy beneficiaries in diversifying their livelihoods, restructuring agricultural activities, and creating jobs. As a result, many impoverished households have improved their standards of living and gained the confidence to assert their place in society. A case in point is the family of Pham Thi Thanh Tuyen, a resident of Tam Phu ward, in Thu Duc city of Ho Chi Minh City. Once struggling to make ends meet, Tuyen received a $4,000 loan from VBSP and invested in a shoelace weaving machinery line and raw materials. Her small workshop quickly gained market traction and became the family's primary source of income, enabling her to better care for her loved ones. Similarly, the family of Vu Thi Nam of Thoi An ward, District 12, used long-term preferential credit to expand her small business. With the additional funding, her household and others in the area have been able to scale up production, improve product quality, generate employment, and even hire additional local workers. These personal success stories highlight the transformative power of policy credit and underscore the VBSPs essential role in the citys sustainable development. Over the past 20 years, the bank has disbursed more than $860 million in loans to over one million disadvantaged households and policy beneficiaries, helping Ho Chi Minh City effectively eliminate poverty according to national standards. The banks diverse credit programmes support a wide range of vulnerable populations, such as students from low-income families, households affected by the citys urban embellishment projects to renovate or build new houses, and many others facing socioeconomic challenges. Beyond socioeconomic impacts, these credit schemes also form the financial foundation for implementing environmental protection initiatives and other key development projects across the city. According to reports, over 205,000 clients in Ho Chi Minh City are receiving support through VBSP, with total outstanding loans approximating $490 million. Of these, loans aimed at generating livelihoods and employment account for $429 million, equal to 88 per cent of the total portfolio, demonstrating a concrete proof of VBSPs indispensable role in the city's development trajectory. Building on these achievements, VBSPs Ho Chi Minh City branch continues to write new chapters in the citys development journey. With dedication and full energy, its staff are helping ensure that every city citizen has the opportunity to shape their own future. These all efforts contribute to building an inclusive and sustainable economy where no one is left behind. Ho Chi Minh City takes a green path Ho Chi Minh City is choosing green growth as its future development strategy, seeking funding for almost 30 priority projects to help achieve economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. VinFast announced on May 2 that the agreement, with the state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) and PT Bank Maybank Indonesia Tbk (Maybank), will provide critical long-term funding to support VinFast's global expansion strategy and expand its production capabilities. The company noted that this underscores its strong reputation and growth potential to major partners in Indonesia. Under the terms of the agreement, BNI will be the lead arranger of the financing and will handle the underwriting for the syndicated loan of $110 million. The loan is intended to finance the construction of PT VinFast Automobile Indonesia's electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant. Of the total syndicated loan facility of $110 million, BNI will finance $90 million, with the remainder to be provided by Maybank. Moreover, the parties will proceed with an additional $80 million extension facility. VinFast and BNI executed an MoU in March for collaborative investment, development, and provision of financial solutions to bolster VinFast's green ecosystem in Indonesia. This initiative aims to facilitate a seamless green transition for Indonesian consumers, enabling easier adoption of EVs. Agung Prabowo, director of wholesale and international banking of BNI said, "This financing highlights BNI's commitment to Indonesia's green transition. We have faith in VinFast's vision and their dedication to innovation, as well the significant potential of the EV industry. The role of financial institutions in channelling investment capital towards this sector will be a crucial in driving Indonesia's progress towards achieving a green and sustainable economy." Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, "We are honoured to receive the support of Indonesia's leading financial institutions, BNI and Maybank. We firmly believe this will be a vital catalyst for VinFast's expansion in Indonesia, where our manufacturing facility will deliver smart, eco-friendly mobility solutions, while creating jobs and supporting the growth of Indonesias EV industry." In July last year, VinFast broke ground on its EV assembly plant in Subang with operations planned to commence in the second half of this year. This strategically positioned facility is projected to become a pivotal manufacturing hub for VinFast's EVs, serving both Indonesian and export markets, while simultaneously bolstering the local automotive industry's supply chain. VinFast Partners with Bengkel BOS to Grow Service Network in Indonesia VinFast has announced a new partnership with PT Penta Artha Impressi (Bengkel BOS), an Indonesian service provider, aimed at improving customer service and maximizing benefits for those transitioning to electric vehicles. The facility, announced on May 5, was arranged, underwritten, and co-financed by a syndicate of global financial institutions, including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Standard Chartered Bank, MUFG, ANZ, Cathay United Bank, Commerzbank AG, CTBC Bank, Mashreq Bank, and State Bank of India. This transaction represents the largest syndicated loan ever raised by a Vietnamese bank, and also marks the largest foreign loan to date dedicated to advancing sustainable finance in Vietnam. The successful completion of this financing transaction demonstrates VPBanks expanding access to international capital to fund sustainable development goals. It also strengthens the banks strategic collaboration with SMBC, its strategic investor, as both parties work together to shape new standards for sustainable finance in Vietnam. This deal is the latest in a series of successful sustainable financing initiatives led by VPBank in recent years, setting a new benchmark in terms of scale, strategic impact, and global reach. Since 2020, the total volume of VPBanks sustainable capital mobilisation has reached approximately $2.8 billion, which has been deployed to support the growth of women-led businesses, green projects, and other socially responsible initiatives. "This landmark transaction is a source of great pride for VPBank, as it not only sets a record in terms of value but also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to Vietnamese firms and the broader economy. The participation of leading global financial institutions is a clear reflection of their growing confidence in VPBanks financial strength, long-term vision, and credibility on the international stage," said a representative from VPBank. The successful syndication follows a series of high-level investor roadshows organised by VPBank in the first quarter of 2025, held in key global financial centres such as Singapore, Taiwan, and notably Dubai the Middle Easts premier financial hub. These efforts were designed to attract the attention of institutional investors to Vietnams sustainable finance agenda. The event facilitated direct engagement with investors from the Gulf Cooperation Council a regional intergovernmental alliance comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all of which possess substantial financial resources and are actively expanding their investments in green and sustainable finance models. With participation from some of the worlds most reputable banks and heightened interest from both traditional and emerging markets including the Middle East VPBank is well-positioned to leverage this momentum to further expand its global capital-raising capabilities, optimise its capital structure, and enhance financial support for businesses engaged in sustainable development. VPBank and JBIC sign $150-million credit line to finance green projects VPBank and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) signed a general agreement for a credit line totalling $150 million on October 9. VPBank takes ownership of GPBank The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) announced the transfer of the stated-owned Global Petro Sole Member Limited Commercial Bank (GPBank) to the Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank) on January 17. An alleged whistleblower who says she was fired from a nursing home after being instructed to keep your mouth shut about a residents death is suing her former employer. Tylene Schultz is suing the Fonda Specialty Care nursing home, its parent company, Care Initiatives, and licensed practical nurse Becky Manning in Pocahontas County District Court. In her lawsuit, Schultz claims that in the summer of 2022, she was hired at Fonda Specialty Care by its then-administrator, Jennifer Blair, to work in the home as a certified nursing assistant. On Feb. 18, 2023, the home allegedly scheduled a temp-agency nurse, Manning, to work the overnight shift due to a shortage of staff nurses. During the shift, a resident with a tracheostomy passed away about 2:25 a.m., the lawsuit claims. State records indicate the resident who died was 87-year-old Marvin Pete Jacobs, who had undergone a tracheostomy and needed regular suctioning of his airway. The lawsuit claims Jacobs died because throughout the shift, Manning refused to numerous requests to suction Jacobs airway. Despite multiple requests by Schultz to suction the resident over 10 times, from 6 p.m. on Feb.18, 2023, to 2:25 a.m., Feb.19, 2023 Manning would not suction the resident, nor did she attempt to use the suction machine, the lawsuit claims. Schultz alleges she tried to call supervisory level staff who worked for the home, but none of the individuals answered the calls. She also alleges she asked that someone call 911, but Manning told her no physician was available at that hour to provide an order for a hospital evaluation. Agonizing death alleged In her lawsuit, Schultz alleges she and another CNA remained with Jacobs as he pointed to his neck, coughed, gagged, struggled to breathe, and turned colors from the lack of oxygen, until he finally passed away. From Schultzs direct observation of the resident, his death was agonizing and painful. Schultz alleges she and a fellow CNA were so traumatized by the death they had to excuse themselves from the facility and were standing outside the building in an emotionally hysterical state. The other CNA was physically ill, to the point of vomiting, when an ambulance crew arrived to confirm Jacobs death. According to the lawsuit, after Schultz left the home at the end of her shift, she received multiple text messages from Blair that said, Keep your mouth shut and keep your opinions to yourself, along with instructions that she should not communicate with Jacobs family. Later that day, Schultz was summoned to a meeting with Blair at Fonda Specialty Care. During the meeting, the lawsuit claims, Blair who allegedly was aware Schultz planned to call state regulators and report her concerns with Jacobs care informed Schultz she was being fired due to resident complaints. The lawsuit claims Blair also stated that Schultz had violated patient privacy provisions of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act by calling a co-worker at home and asking for their assistance with Jacobs situation. Schultz alleges she reported her concerns with Mannings actions and inactions to both the Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsmans Office and the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing. DIAL subsequently cited Fonda Specialty Care for failing to ensure that a resident who needs respiratory care, including tracheostomy care and tracheal suctioning, is provided such care, and fined the home $10,000. The penalty was then reduced 35%, to $6,500, due to the lack of an appeal in the case. Manning was criminally charged with felony wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility and later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor wanton neglect. Last year, Manning entered into an agreement with the Iowa Board of Nursing in which she agreed to indefinitely suspend her practice of nursing. In her lawsuit, Schultz alleges she was fired for making a complaint to the ombudsman and the Iowa Department of Inspection of Appeals due to the suspected abuse and/or neglect of the resident and not based on any resident complaints. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for wrongful termination. Care Initiatives has denied any wrongdoing and alleges that Schultzs dismissal was based on legitimate, non-discriminatory, and non-retaliatory business reasons. Inspectors report Some of the allegations in the lawsuit parallel the findings of state inspectors whose public reports describe the events leading up to Jacobs death. According to the inspectors, an aide reported that Jacobs was sitting in his recliner when another worker noticed he appeared to be in trouble and instructed her to get a nurse right away. Jacobs was pointing at his neck, gasping for air, and mouthing that he could not breathe, the aide told inspectors. The aide said she left the room to get the nurse and was absent for a few minutes. The worker who remained in the room later told inspectors Jacobs grew really pale and was gasping, so she, too, left the room and approached a nurse and said, Would you please suction him? He needs to be suctioned. When the nurse entered the room, Jacobs was pale, but soon turned purple and then blue, the aide later reported. The nurse took his vital signs and told the aide Jacobs was having a heart attack. The aide explained to the nurse that Jacobs had been signaling he couldnt breathe, at which point the nurse said, Just a minute, and left the room. The suctioning machine used to clear Jacobs airway sat idle on a nearby dresser, inspectors reported. The nurse, later identified as Manning, told inspectors the staff wanted me to suction him (and) I told the staff no. I was told that I would not have to do anything with the tracheostomy. Manning allegedly told inspectors she first left the room to get supplies so she could check Jacobs blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels and that when she returned, he was clammy and had an irregular pulse. I told the staff that I needed to go back to the nurses station and find out if the resident was a full code or DNR, Manning reportedly told inspectors, referring to do-not-resuscitate orders that some residents have in place. The inspectors allege Manning told them while she was checking on DNR order, one of the aides approached her and said she was needed right away in Jacobs room. I went back into his room and he had no blood pressure, no pulse, and no respirations. I pronounced him deceased, she allegedly told inspectors. She reportedly acknowledged her fellow workers had each told her Jacobs needed his airway suctioned and that he had been pointing to his neck and mouthing that he couldnt breathe. According to the inspectors, Manning said that despite her colleagues comments, it never occurred to her to suction Jacobs airway. Arbitration agreement Jacobs death is the focus of a separate lawsuit filed by his family against Fonda Specialty Care, Care Initiatives, Manning and the nursing homes then-assistant director of nursing, Amanda Meyer. According to the familys lawsuit, when Manning arrived for work at the home on the afternoon of Feb. 18, 2023, she became aware Jacobs had a tracheostomy that would require suctioning at some point during the night and allegedly told Meyer and others she was unwilling or incapable of performing the work. Meyer allegedly told Manning to watch a video and figure it out and left the facility for the day, the lawsuit claims. After the death, the familys lawsuit claims, Manning falsely informed Jacobs son, Scott, that his father went quickly and peacefully. Scott Jacobs only learned of what actually transpired after being contacted by an Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit alleges that after speaking to the reporter, Scott Jacobs called Jennifer Blair of Care Initiatives to confront her about the (states) investigation and true facts of Pete Jacobs death. According to the lawsuit, Blair admitted to withholding information from the family and not informing them of the states investigation and its findings. Technically, the familys lawsuit remains active, but all activity in the case has been stayed due to a judges finding that when Marvin Jacobs was admitted to the home, his son reviewed for 34 seconds an agreement that requires disputes over resident care to be settled through arbitration rather than the courts and then signed the document. The admittedly brief time he spent going over and eventually signing the arbitration agreement does not affect its validity or enforceability, District Court Judge Michael D. Huppert ruled. Last week, the Iowa Supreme Court declined to review Hupperts ruling. New radioactive imaging centre planned for Ysbyty Glan Clwyd This article is old - Published: Monday, May 5th, 2025 Ysbyty Glan Clwyd could soon have a new radioactive imaging centre to treat cancer patients across North Wales. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has applied to Denbighshire County Councils planning department, seeking permission for a Nuclear Medicine Facility at the hospital on Rhuddlan Road, Bodelwyddan. If granted permission, the facility will be built on land at the site currently used as a service yard and for storage. The new facility would be an extension to the existing hospital with landscaping and external works to provide additional car parking, creating 18 fulltime jobs. In a planning statement, the health board commented: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Boards radiology service currently provides nuclear medicine services across the acute hospital sites, with three permanent Gamma camera rooms and a mobile PET-CT located at Wrexham Maelor hospital three days per week. It is a specialised form of imaging involving the administration of small amounts of intravenously injected radioactive pharmaceuticals or radionuclides. The majority of the patients referred for imaging are cancer patients who will also be attending the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. The health board have identified a series of issues with this service configuration which make it unsustainable in both the short and long term. This project provides an opportunity to improve the quality of the service and to ensure its resilience, consolidating services in a single centre of excellence for Nuclear Medicine at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Neighbours have been consulted, and the plans will likely be debated at a future Denbighshire planning committee meeting at the councils Ruthin County Hall HQ. By Richard Evans Local Democracy Reporter Ministers botched 50m life sciences fund achieved all its goals, committee told This article is old - Published: Monday, May 5th, 2025 A failed experiment of investing public money in risky biotech-style businesses cost Welsh taxpayers at least 28m but achieved all of its original objectives, a committee heard. Giles Thorley, who heads the Development Bank of Wales, largely blamed external factors for the poor performance of the now-closed Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund. And the chief executive told the Senedds public accounts committee the venture could be repeated in future provided the lessons are learned. His report detailed how the Welsh Government-owned development bank lost 28.2m investing into very high risk, unprofitable life sciences businesses. According to the paper published this week, the fund, which was managed by Arix Bioscience plc, paid 7.7m in fees or 15% of the initial 50m invested. Overly concentrated Mr Thorley revealed the fund contract set no limits on the fees charged by the manager. He claimed the fund, which ran for the decade to 2023, met all of its initial four aims: to increase access to finance, attract businesses, grow the sector and boost research. The fund also had an ambition to raise another 50m, bringing the total to 100m, but Arix invested 5m in 2016 with only 21.8m returned to the public purse to date. Managers ordinarily limit the investment into any one business to 10% but 40% of the fund was invested in only two businesses: Rutherford Health and ReNeuron. Each received 10m from the fund and both later went under, returning nothing and raising concerns that the portfolio was overly concentrated in a handful of businesses. Mr Thorley wrote: Normally the maximum investment from a fund into a single business is limited to 10%. This mitigates the impact to the fund should some of the investments fail. High-profile collapse The fund held investments in only nine companies, with three exceeding 10% each and totalling nearly 60% of all investments held. By comparison, International Biotechnology Trust a listed life sciences fund holds dozens of investments to reduce risk, with none making up more than 5% according to its accounts. That fund has returned roughly 60% to investors over the past decade compared with a -56% return for taxpayers from the Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund (WLSIF). Mr Thorley said the failed investment strategy assumed the further 50m would be raised, which resulted in less diversification, increased risk and limited follow-on funding. He also pointed to the pandemic, a big factor in Rutherfoods failure, and the high-profile collapse of the Woodford Equity Income Fund a co-investor in some WLSIF businesses. Disappointing Mr Thorley said disappointing clinical trial results were the main factor for businesses like ReNeuron, which relaunched as a private company in March after a year in administration. He said: The nine investee businesses represented a broad portfolio, from lower risk established businesses with revenue streams to very high risk (potentially very high return) pre-revenue businesses where future returns were wholly dependent on successful trials. To that extent, the portfolio was considered balanced. Mr Thorley pointed to Simbec-Orion, the funds only success story, which provided a 19.7m (2.24x) return on an 8.75m investment. He wrote: The fund did achieve all four of its objectives and it may have taken just one more portfolio company to succeed for the fund to have returned the full investment or profit. For that reason, provided all the lessons learnt from this fund are considered, the final lesson learnt is not to write off any future considerations for using a specialist fund manager with a dedicated fund as part of a wider approach to supporting growth in a business sector. Failed experiment But Senedd members seemed less keen as they briefly discussed the paper on May 11. Arix Bioscience blamed a two-year Wales Audit Office review of the fund as a major reason the extra 50m could not be raised. Adrian Crompton, the auditor general for Wales who sits on the public accounts committee, said: At a high level, the lessons learned report indicates that, the assessment is that all of the objectives of the fund were met and you, Im sure, will have some observations on that. Describing the fund as a failure, Plaid Cymrus Adam Price said: I would suggest on the basis of this that we shouldnt replicate this experiment. Its fine to experiment but if an experiment fails and you say oh well, its OK for us to try again, I think there are some more basic questions. The public accounts committee, chaired by the Conservatives Mark Isherwood, decided to discuss the matter in more detail behind closed doors, excluding the public and press. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Plans to transform former village school into new community facility This article is old - Published: Monday, May 5th, 2025 A former village school could soon be transformed into a new facility for the whole community to enjoy. An application has been submitted to Wrexham Council proposing the change of use of Ysgol Pontfadog, which closed in 2019 due to low pupil numbers. In March 2023, four local residents purchased the school at auction and retained its use as a community building. A 25-year lease was signed by a local community interest company to repurpose the historic school for community use and save it from demolition. Now, following a consultation with the local community, plans have been put forward proposing the revitalisation of the former school. This includes the creation of a new cafe in the western classroom, which would house seven internal tables and four external ones. It is estimated that the space could facilitate 45 covers. As part of the plans, the lobby area would be used to promote tourism and provide information for visitors, while the existing school office would be transformed into a flexible business space. The applicants, The Pontfadog Forest School and Community Hub, say that this space could be used for confidential meetings, short-term rentals, public health drop-in surgeries, or as hot-desking space. A section of the former school will be used for activity and leisure purposes, including exercise classes and parties. The redevelopment of the building will also see part of the site used for Forest School activities and a Holiday Club. It has been proposed that all changes will be housed within the existing buildings, with no plans at present for new development on the site. Externally, several new EV chargers will be installed in the existing car park. The applicants state: The new uses aim to bring financial sustainability to support the management and maintenance of the existing buildings and land. Should the scheme be approved, the site will employ new staff to manage the facilities, estimated at the current time to be in the order of 4fe. The facilities will enhance the tourism offer in the Ceiriog and thus enhance secondary economic spend in this area of Wrexham. The proposed uses will not detract from existing businesses and community facilities in the area. We believe they will complement the existing offer in the Ceiriog Valley and give the community a new space for small local events and activities combined with a cafe, forest school, business space and tourism hub. The site will be a new Forest School and Holiday Club in the Ceiriog Valley. In late 2021, Wrexham Council set itself the challenge to become the capital of play. This was part of Wrexhams bid to be named the UKs City of Culture 2025. The proposals within this change of use align nicely with the Wrexham Tourism strategy of Capital of Play for 2025. The new use will give new life to an old building. The uses identified have been carefully selected, the community consultation has identified the need, and our proposals seek to meet the identified demand. The change of use will provide an economic boost to the area during refurbishment, and its operation as an economically viable hub. The applicants add: The community of Pontfadog has been at the centre of developing the proposed change of use and the former County Primary School. The scheme has been through a wide consultation and community engagement process. A wide range of advice has been obtained and it is considered an appropriate scheme has been brought forward. A change of use is sought for the site, moving from a single site wide D1 use to a multi use site comprising primarily continued D1, but with the addition of A3 and B1 with a smaller ancillary level of D2 and A1. Material planning issues have been identified and key issues identified as heritage, flooding, amenity, need and economy, biodiversity and parking. It is considered that all national and local policy requirements are met, and a change of use can move forward. The application will be considered for approval at a later date. Special events planned across Wrexham for VE Day 80th anniversary This article is old - Published: Monday, May 5th, 2025 A series of special and commemorative events will take place across Wrexham this week to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Victory in Europe (VE) Day, on 8 May, commemorates the Allied forces acceptance of Nazi Germanys unconditional surrender in 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. This year, the UK celebrates the 80th anniversary with a series of nationwide events from 5 to 8 May 2025. Locally, on May 8 at 12:30pm, a special service which is open to the public will take place place at St Giles Parish Church. At 1.15pm, the RWF Volunteer Corps of Drums will lead the parade from St. Giles Parish Church over to the cenotaph on Bodhyfryd. At this parade, onlookers will be able to see the Standards of the military associations in Wrexham. VE Day events across Wrexham Cefn Mawr Cefn Community Council will be holding an event at the George Edwards Hall on May 8, which will include 50-60 residents enjoying afternoon tea, choirs from Ysgol Cefn Mawr and Ysgol Acrefair. Cefn Mawr Museum are attending with lots of memorabilia from that era. We will also be flying a VE Day flag at our cenotaph. Overton May 8 at 11am there will be a wreath laying and tribute at the Overton War Memorial, this will be followed by a short service in St. Marys Church, Overton led by Father Jeremy Dussek. May 9 at 7.30pm there will be a Big Band Concert in St. Marys Church featuring music from the 1940s onwards, by the Wrexham Big Band. Tickets are available at 10 each from The Corner Shop Overton. Isycoed They will be marking VE Day 80 at the Village Hall. All residents are invited for refreshments served from the Village Hall with fish and chip suppers available. The Beacon will be lit in the evening on land next to the Village Hall and Church Bells rung to celebrate. Local school children will be taking part as well in singing I vow to thee my country. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), in collaboration with the City of Reno, will kick off a significant construction project on May 5 to replace the aging Arlington Avenue Bridges over the Truckee River at Wingfield Park. Built nearly 100 years ago, the current structures will be rebuilt into safer, more modern bridges that maintain the aesthetic character of Downtown Reno, according to the RTC. "We are going to be shutting down the bridge access and Wingfield Park access and that's to replace, basically, what are structurally deficient bridges," said Josh MacEachern, Public Information Officer, RTC. "They are about 94 to 98 years old and it's time for us to make them new." The project is scheduled for completion in summer 2026. Starting May 5, Arlington Avenue will be closed between West 1st Street and Island Avenue. Northbound traffic will be rerouted to the Virginia Street bridge, while southbound cars and pedestrians will need to use the Sierra Street bridge. From May 511, the intersection at West 1st Street and Arlington Avenue will be fully closed. Beginning May 12, West 1st Street will reopen for westbound traffic only, between West Street and Stevenson Street. Wingfield Park will remain closed throughout the duration of the project, and river recreation detours will be in place. The bridge replacement includes major safety upgrades for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and transit users, alongside improved roadways and utilities. The RTC says the new bridges will also incorporate aesthetic improvements inspired by community feedback. "The community was actually able to provide input on the style of the new bridges during the initial stages," MacEachern said. "So, this project is very much representative of the community's wants and needs." The north bridge will feature one support pier to enhance river flow, while the south bridge will have a pier-free, clear-span design. Additionally, 32 trees and nearly 300 new plants will be added to the area, although around 15 trees will need to be removed during construction. The community-selected Art Deco design will showcase decorative metal railings, custom lighting, and signature architectural pylons. This project will impact some big events. The Bass Camp Festival this summer will be canceled, and the Reno River Festival will be moved to Idlewild Park. "Yeah, the events that have had to be moved, we've known for a long time, they've known for a long time," MacEachern said. "So, we were able to work with them and come up with a good solution and we're excited to basically replace those bridges and have everyone back to where they're used to being very quickly." Renderings of the project are available on the projects website. Residents are encouraged to stay updated and contact the project team with any questions via the project website. 10:07 P.M. UPDATE: The community came together to celebrate the life of Jesus "Chuy" Gutierrez on Monday. One family member told us they weren't expecting so many people to come out to remember the owner of Mari Chuy's Restaurant in Midtown, but they were grateful for the support. "So far I've seen so many people that I've never even met in my life talking so many stories about my dad, things that I don't think he'd ever mentioned to me unless I brought it up to him and it's just, it's so heartwarming to hear everyone talk about my dad in such beautiful lighting," said Chuy's daughter Keila Gutierrez Trujillo. Chuy was born in Mexico and raised in northern Nevada. He was 57 years old. --- ORIGINAL ARTICLE: A public celebration of life will be held on Monday for Jesus Chuy Gutierrez who owned Mari Chuys Mexican restaurant in Midtown Reno. Family and friends are inviting the community to celebrate Gutierrez's life at the Silver Legacy Hotel Casino, in the Silver Baron A&B room from 2-5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to share their favorite memories and photographs, which will be featured during the event to honor Gutierrez. Memories and photos can be submitted ahead of the event. MARCH 18, 2025: Mari Chuy's restaurant in Midtown is mourning the death of its owner, Jesus "Chuy" Gutierrez. On Facebook, the restaurant posted: Pull Quote "It is with deep sadness that we share with our beloved community the passing of Jesus Chuy Gutierrez. A devoted family man and friend to all, his unwavering commitment to uplifting others and strengthening our community will leave a lasting impact on all who had the honor of knowing him. Chuy will be remembered for always being willing to lend a helping hand, offer guidance, or share a warm smile and a glass of tequila. Details regarding memorial services will be shared soon. We ask for prayers and kindly ask for privacy for our family to mourn as we get through this difficult time." - Mari Chuy's The restaurant says Gutierrez was born in Michoacan, Mexico and grew up in Northern Nevada, later marrying his wife Maria, 'Mari' of Mari Chuys. The couple opened their first restaurant, Fresh Mex in 2001, later renaming it Mari Chuys Mexican Kitchen and moving to Midtown Reno in 2011. They opened a second location in Victorian Square in Sparks and a third location inside The Village at Rancharrah. The Knight Monsters were unable to continue their postseason winning streak, dropping game one 5-3 against the Kansas City Mavericks. Sloan Stanick, Simon Pinard, and Jett Jones all scored power play goals, but it wasnt enough against a ferocious KC offense. The opening frame went without a goal but showcased each sides offensive prowess. Kansas City outshot Tahoe 23-12 with stellar netminding by Jesper Vikman and Jack LaFontaine on both ends of the ice, and both teams carded multiple high-danger scoring chances. Despite being outplayed and outshot in the first, the Knight Monsters broke the ice on the power play with Stanick netting his first professional playoff goal. The middle frame was all Tahoe as they outshot Kansas City 13-6, however the scoring action was yet to come. After both teams got a feel for each other and got familiar with their playstyles, the horn was sounded a total of seven times in the third period. Tahoe scored two more power play goals, with Simon Pinard and Jett Jones finding the back of the net. Pinard now has a five-game point streak this postseason totaling seven points in that span. It wasnt enough though, as Kansas City scored all five of their goals in the final frame, giving themselves a two-goal lead to end game one of the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. It was the most shots allowed by an opposing team for Tahoe as Kansas City fired 48 on goal and consistently dominated the offensive zone. Despite the four goals let in, Vikman still put up an astounding .915% save percentage after saving 43 shots. The Knight Monsters will look to get their first win of the series tomorrow at the Cable Dahmer Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Tahoe Knight Monsters contributed to this report. Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen has announced the introduction of a new bill called the Equality Act, to ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans. According to the senator's release, the act would change existing landmark federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding and more. The act also aims to add protections against sex discrimination in specific sections of anti-discrimination laws where they had no been included before. No one should ever be discriminated against for who they are or who they love. Its heartbreaking that, after years of progress, extreme Republicans are attacking and discriminating against the LGBTQ+ community and attempting to roll back the clock," said Senator Rosen. For more information about the new act, you can visit Senator Jacky Rosen's website. North Beach is home to the first espresso coffee house on the West Coast and one of the first artisanal coffee roasters on the continent. Its safe to say that coffee and cafe culture in this historic neighborhood just hits differentlyand its not because of the caffeine. What I love about North Beach, like coffee itself, is that its the great uniter," says Aidan Compton, owner of Comptons Coffee House. Every culture has their own form of coffee, and you see these cafes here with people sitting outside and inside, just connecting. This slice of the city is accustomed to tourists passing through on a quest for Italian food, beatnik lore, and gold rush history, but it's also a regular haunt for locals, both those living in the neighborhood and across town. Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe (Courtesy of @mariosbohemian) It is a unique collision point in the city where there is great admiration for great food and culture, says Walter A. Haas, co-owner of Graffeo Coffee Roasting Company, from which the smell of roasting beans often permeates the neighborhood. While Graffeo isnt a cafe itself, it's the institution behind many great cups served across the cityand one of North Americas oldest artisan coffee roasters. A visit to Graffeo will result in two guarantees, according to Haas: a little bit of their story and the ability to make a better cup of coffee once you get home. But in North Beach, whats even stronger than the brew are the beings behind the beans. Weve created a community by genuinely caring about people and listening to them, giving them a cheerful comment along with their order, says Cafe Francisco owner, Ziad Abudiab. I feel that this place is an anchor for them. At Hole in the Wall Coffee (HITW), where the honor system is alive and well, just "introducing neighbors to neighbors is one of the coolest things [we do]," says founder Nick Floulis. Those in search of true cafe culture will find exactly what they're looking for in North Beach: there is a place here for everyone, no matter how you take your coffee. The morning ritual at Cafe Francisco (Courtesy of @cafe_francisco) Cafe Francisco For 31 years, Cafe Francisco has been a cornerside hub for community, culture, and quality food and coffee. Its the type of place where locals become friends and tourists feel like locals seated outdoors or in the cozy, wood-laden space beneath a rotating local art gallery. Come for a coffee, but stay for the conversationand maybe a frittata or Mediterranean plate with fresh hummus. //2161 Powell St (San Francisco), cafe-francisco.wa-cafe.com Caffe Greco Caffe Greco is the place for a late-night jolt and a bustling international vibe. Open until 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends, here you might forget youre not actually in Italy, thanks to a sleek, sophisticated interior and spacious parklet. Greco's award-winning homemade tiramisu, cannoli, and gelato only add to its charm. The cafe is also prime for people watching and is the total vibe when it comes to gathering and catching up with friends. || 423 Columbus Ave (San Francisco), caffegreco.com Caffe Trieste Credited as the first espresso coffee house on the West Coast, Caffe Trieste embodies the artistic spirit of North Beachs past and present. Open since 1956, stepping inside feels like stepping back into the days of bohemians and beatniks. Its perfect for people-watching, soaking up North Beach nostalgia or, if youre lucky, catching some live music. || 601 Vallejo St (San Francisco), caffetrieste.com Hole in the Wall (HITW) serves up coffee and conversation. (Courtesy @hitwcoffee) Hole in the Wall (HITW) Blink and you might miss HITWand that would be a shame. For the last 12 years, Hole in the Wall has connected the community over coffee and coconuts (yes, really). This casual, quirky spot carved out of seemingly nowhere is unlike any other in the neighborhood, with coffee roasts named after hair colors and enough charm to fuel the whole city. || 524 Union St (San Francisco), hole-in-the-wall-coffee.wa-cafe.com Caffe Capriccio You cant miss Caffe Capriccio's bright red awning. Friendly service, a quaint and cozy environment, indoor and outdoor seating, sneaky-good sandwiches, and cannoli make this quiet cafe a favorite. || 2200 Mason St (San Francisco), capricciocaffe.com Beacon Coffee and Pantry Fairly new by North Beach standards, Beacon is a cozy specialty coffee shop with a lovely aesthetic that also serves a killer avocado toast with a view. || 805 Columbus Ave (San Francisco), beacon-sf.com Graffeo Coffee Roasting Co. opened in 1935. (Courtesy of @cafeinacao) Graffeo Coffee Roasting Company Graffeo has been a vital part of North Beachs coffee culture since 1935. Open their beautiful heavy doors and step inside to meet masters of their craftand to bring home a true cup of North Beach coffee. || 735 Columbus Ave (San Francisco), graffeo.com 901 Columbus Cafe This casual cafe and coffee house is a scenic spot for a cup with Lombard Street looming pretty and proud around the corner. Dont sleep on the zebra mocha. || 901 Columbus Ave (San Francisco), 901columbuscafe.com Marios Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe Not a cigar in sight at Mario's (at least, not since 1992) and there's more food than coffee, but this corner cafe on Columbus street is full of Italian charm and an excellent eggplant parmesan. Family-owned and operated since 1971, its the perfect place to experience authentic North Beach.|| 566 Columbus Ave (San Francisco), mariosbohemian.com Cavalli Cafe has roots in the 1880s. (Courtesy of @415urbanadventures) Cavalli Cafe This cafe began in the 1880s as A. Cavalli Co., a bookstore and Italian print shop. It found its current form in the early 2000s, when it first began encouraging customers to take the cannoli. Seating is available upstairs and downstairs, and its open until 11 p.m. || 1441 Stockton St (San Francisco), yelp.com Cafe Angolo Cafe Angolo is a classy corner cafe thats lovely inside and out, with a small menu of savory and sweet items. Like a Cuban-style espresso? This place is for you.|| 501 Columbus Ave (San Francisco), yelp.com Comptons Coffee House The newest pour in the neighborhood, Comptons is a calm and sleek spot specializing in third-wave coffee, standout customer service, and baked goods. Their veggie scone is not to be missed. Its the perfect place to post up, plug in, and get some work doneor to simply sit and connect with a friend. || 543 Columbus Ave (San Francisco), comptonscoffeehouse.com As AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus said, Old age is not a defeat, but a victory; not a punishment, but a privilege. Or, as Hollywood sage Mae West put it, You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. The movies have always been obsessed with youth and beauty. But as we get older, we realize its the faces with lines that reveal real character on the big screen. Which is why were taking this opportunity to celebrate a group of actors who delivered some of their finest on-screen work after they received their AARP cards in the mail. We selected stars at the peak of their power in movies that launched them to the A-list in their 50s (Colin Firths The Kings Speech, Fernanda Torres Im Still Here), late-career triumphs (Katharine Hepburns Long Days Journey Into Night, Richard Burtons 1984), superb comeback vehicles (Eddie Murphys Dolemite Is My Name), undersung masterpieces (Al Pacinos Donnie Brasco, Cate Blanchetts Tar, Viola Davis The Woman King), hits that redefined a star in midlife (Liam Neesons Taken, Denzel Washingtons The Equalizer, Pamela Andersons The Last Showgirl), films that took an actor to a new level of mastery (Jamie Lee Curtis 2018 Halloween, Meryl Streeps comedy The Devil Wears Prada), movies that say something about aging (Tom Cruises Top Gun: Maverick, Bruce Willis Live Free or Die Hard). Below, we present 25 great performances from stars in their 50s. Members only 1. Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Moviegoers first fell in love with Tom Cruise when he danced around in his tighty-whities at 21 in Risky Business, but it was Top Gun (1986) that made him a bona fide A-lister at 23. At 59, he returned to flight school for this rousing look at how the cocky young flyboy grew into an older, wiser man who still carried a few regrets. For a big-budget sequel that couldve just been an easy cash grab, Cruise brings one of his most iconic characters full circle, schooling the younguns and serving up the action goods, but this time with a surprising poignancy. Where to watch Jamie Lee Curtis was 59 when she returned to the Halloween franchise in 2018. AARP (Ryan Green/Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection) 2. Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween (2018) Like Cruise, Jamie Lee Curtis was 59 when she returned to the franchise that made her a Tinseltown star. Granted, this wasnt her first rematch against masked maniac Michael Myers, but its arguably her most emotionally resonant turn as Halloween survivor Laurie Strode. Curtis shows audiences the scars that come from spending the majority of your life looking over your shoulder in fear and how that which doesnt kill us only makes us stronger in the end. Where to watch 3. Colin Firth in The Kings Speech (2010) Colin Firth had just celebrated his 50th birthday when The Kings Speech premiered, delivering his bravura performance as Britains stammering King George VI, who needs to overcome his speech impairment in order to inspire the nation that needs his leadership. Not only would The Kings Speech win best picture at the Oscars, it would also earn Firth a well-deserved best actor statuette thanks to the vulnerability he shows us beneath the royals stiff-upper-lip facade. Where to watch 4. Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give (2003) At 57, Diane Keaton showed audiences that getting older isnt a romantic death sentence, it can actually be an aphrodisiac. In this very funny rom-com, Jack Nicholson (then 66) plays a womanizer who serially dates age-inappropriate women. Keaton plays the mother of one of them, but shes full of such confidence, smarts and yes, sexiness, that his head gets turned. Still, this is Keatons show, and she gives a comic performance thats a master class for actors of any age. Where to watch At 51, Daniel Craig starred in Knives Out, an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery full of delirious twists.. Liam Eisenberg (Vera Anderson/WireImage/Getty Images) 5. Daniel Craig in Knives Out (2019) Daniel Craig became an instant household name when he took the 007 baton from Pierce Brosnan, 71. But the actor launched a more interesting chapter of his career when, at 51, he top-lined this deliriously twisty, Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery. As the Southern-fried dandy sleuth Benoit Blanc, Craig looks like hes having a blast not chasing supervillains around the globe for MI6. With Knives Out, he not only proved that there was life after Bond but that he also had some surprises up his custom-tailored sleeve. Where to watch 6. Richard Burton in 1984' (1984) In addition to playing the role of Mr. Elizabeth Taylor (twice!), Richard Burton was one of the finest stage actors of his hell-raising generation. As for his movies, well, the majority of them failed to live up to his talent. But in this big-screen adaptation of George Orwells dystopian novel, the 58-year-old Welsh actor mustered one final powerhouse performance (the movie was released two months after his death) as OBrien, a charismatic authoritarian whos as cold as dry ice. Where to watch 59-year old Jack Nicholson played an acerbic novelist in As Good As It Gets the peak of his frisky, Cheshire cat late period. AARP (Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection) 7. Jack Nicholson in As Good as It Gets (1997) Jack Nicholson was 59 when he filmed this still-terrific rom-com about a prickly, bigoted novelist with OCD who finally manages to open up and reveal his soft, chewy center thanks to the kindness (and patience!) of a struggling single mom/waitress played by Helen Hunt (now 61, then 34). This is Nicholson at the peak of his frisky, Cheshire cat late period. His turn is gruff and sarcastic, and also contains multitudes. As Good as It Gets would rightly earn the screen legend his third acting Oscar. Where to watch 8. Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Meryl Streep can deliver Oscar-caliber performances in her sleep. But for some reason, its her dramatic roles that get all the accolades. In this fashion-world satire, the 56-year-old Streep shows what a great comedian she can be when given the chance. As Miranda Priestly, the imperious editor of Runway magazine (not-so-loosely based on Vogues Anna Wintour, 75), Streep is perfection playing the well-dressed Queen of Mean who sends her young assistants scurrying for cover the moment they hear the clickety-clack of her heels stepping out of the elevator. Where to watch Metallurgical Innovation and Risk Mitigation Update Tiros Titanium and Rare Earths Project Metallurgical Innovation and Risk Mitigation Update - Tiros Toronto, May 5, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. ( ASX:RAU ) ( CVE:RSM ) ( 8TX:FRA ) ( RSGOF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to provide an update on its metallurgical processing strategy at the globally significant Tiros Titanium and Rare Earths Project ("Tiros Project" or "Tiros" or "Project") in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Key Highlights o Metallurgical technology identified as a risk management and revenue enhancing process; o Next stage of metallurgical optimization set to be completed by end of second quarter 2025; o New process reinforces Resouro as a leader in sustainable and responsible mining and.. o An expert panel of independent and highly qualified metallurgists to oversee test work. Building on successful proof-of-concept results, the Company has commenced the next stage of metallurgical optimization, targeting maximized product recovery, near-elimination of tailings, and unprecedented risk mitigation. Resouro's application of Fusion Sulphuric Acid Leach ("FSAL") technology, developed by YM Servicos under the Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") previously announced (refer ASX - April 28, 2025/TSXV - April 27, 2025), positions the Tiros Project at the forefront of sustainable mining innovation, offering potentially significant operational, economic, environmental and associated advantages. The FSAL process involves: - Applying controlled heat to the mineralized feed to enhance its physical and mineralogical properties; - Comminution to an effective grind size for acid digestion; - Filtering and removing silica; - pH adjustments to precipitate products of titanium, iron and alumina; and - Rare earth precipitation from the Rare Earths Oxide ("REO") pregnant acid solution. The next stage of follow up tests, supervised by YM Servicos, will commence on 5th May 2025 in collaboration with: - REFRALAB for heat treatment and comminution https://www.refralab.com.br/ - CIT Senai for acid treatment and precipitation. https://www.fiemg.com.br/cit/ - SGS laboratories for assay, https://www.sgs.com/en-br/service-groups/laboratoryservices The budget for the first batch of tests, expected to be completed by the end of June 2025, is US$70,000. Resouro will have absolute exclusivity and perpetuity to the technology for the entire Capacete Geological Formation, which hosts the mineralisation of the Tiros Project. Resouro's Executive Chairman, Chris Eager said: "The advancement of the Tiros Project's metallurgical program represents a major valueenhancing step for Resouro and its shareholders. By adopting a sustainable and highly efficient processing solution, we are positioning the Company to deliver superior returns through higher product recoveries, reduced capital intensity, and lower environmental risk. This innovation not only has the potential to strengthen the economic fundamentals of the Tiros Project but also differentiates Resouro as a forward-thinking company aligned with global sustainability expectations. We are committed to building long-term shareholder value by developing world-class assets through innovation, responsibility, and strategic discipline." Resouro's Chief Executive Officer, Alistair Stephens, said: "The technical results we are seeing from the Fusion Sulphuric Acid Leach process are exceptionally encouraging. This innovative approach maximises recoveries of titanium, iron, alumina, and rare earths while addressing one of the most critical challenges in mining today - the management of mineral processing waste. The FSAL process significantly enhances the metallurgical performance of the Tiros mineralisation, upgrades titanium to a higher-value product, and has the potential to eliminate conventional tailings generation. This development underscores Resouro's technical leadership and our commitment to advancing the Tiros Project with efficiency, integrity, and environmental stewardship." Risk Mitigation and Revenue Enhancement The FSAL process (Figure 1) has been identified as a risk mitigation and potential revenue enhancing process for multiple reasons: 1. The process converts over 90% of the mass in feed (minerals of titanium, iron, silica and alumina) into saleable products and displaces, by heat treatment, volatile materials; 2. The process converts anatase (technically 100% TiO2) into rutile (technically 100% TiO2) at the pre-heat temperature, resulting in a conventional approach to titanium processing and recovery; 3. Sulphuric acid digest is a common process for recovering titanium and rare earths; 4. The process advances heat treatment to convert weathered materials (iron and alumina type minerals) into recoverable and saleable products; and 5. Most importantly, the process has been identified as a major sustainable process with significant risk reduction by the potential elimination of tailings from mineral processing. Based on the preliminary cost assessment, the Company estimates that the preheat treatment represents a potential cost and capital neutral or beneficial position for the following reasons: 1. The beneficiation process, whether by gravity or flotation, requires substantial volumes of water, producing tailings that can exceed the feed volume by orders of magnitude especially in clay-rich material. Without effective water recovery systems (clay is a significant water absorbing compound), managing these tailings become a major challenge. Dewatering clay-based tailings is capital-intensive, operationally costly, and likely to surpass mining costs; and 2. The elimination of tailings shifts capital and operating costs to the front-end of the process and may be cost-neutral overall. The economic driver of this process lies in the high-grade mineralization zone of the Tiros resource which contains grades of 24% titanium dioxide and 9,100ppm total rare earth oxide. Both compounds are amenable to sulphuric acid digestion recovery(refer ASX - April 9, 2025/TSXV - April 8, 2025). When weighted against risks, the process offers significant benefits, including the elimination of tailings generation, thereby removing the environmental and community risk of a tailings dam. The Company acknowledges that the Mariana tailings dam failure in Minas Gerais, Brazil, represents one of the most catastrophic breakdowns of corporate responsibility and technical due diligence in history. The disaster devastated communities, caused irreparable environmental damage, and resulted in an estimated US$50 billion in compensation claims. The FSAL process is a risk mitigation strategy. Resouro is committed to safe and responsible practices, taking a novel approach to mineralization treatment that positions it as a leader in sustainable mining, setting a new benchmark for responsible mining. The Company's innovative approach has already received strong support in early discussions with the Minas Gerais Government agencies, particularly regarding the elimination of tailings facilities - a critical issue in the region's mining sector. Global Significance of the Tiros Mineral Resource The Tiros Project hosts one of the largest known titanium and Rare Earth Element ("REE") resources globally, positioning it as a strategically significant supply source in two critical and rapidly evolving markets. Titanium - Tiros contains vast quantities of titanium-rich mineralisation, primarily in the anatase form, which can be upgraded to rutile by heat treatment - a premium feedstock for titanium dioxide pigment and titanium metal. - With rising global demand for titanium in aerospace, defence, low-carbon technologies, and advanced manufacturing, Tiros offers a long-life, low-impurity alternative to declining global ilmenite and rutile reserves. - The potential for high-purity, chloride-grade titanium feedstock differentiates Tiros in a market increasingly driven by sustainability and supply-chain diversification. Rare Earth Elements - Tiros' REE content is analogous to some of the most sought-after deposits globally with significantly low sovereign risk. - The rare earth suite includes critical magnet metals Neodymium (Nd), Praseodymium (Pr), Dysprosium (Dy), and Terbium (Tb), essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence systems. - As global supply chains shift away from Chinese dominance, Tiros stands out as a scalable, jurisdictionally secure, and environmentally progressive alternative. The TiO2 and REE resource at the Tiros Project represents a globally strategic asset, aligning with key industrial, geopolitical, and environmental drivers. It offers secure, sustainable access to minerals essential for the clean energy transition and future-facing technologies. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Resouro appointed Sete Solucoes e Tecnologia Ambiental ("Sete") last year to undertake Environmental Studies for Tiros. Sete is a highly regarded Brazilian Environmental Consultant, headquartered in Belo Horizonte with offices throughout Brazil. Sete are progressing with the Environmental Impact Assessment for permitting of a Demonstration Treatment Plant. Metallurgical Supervisory Team Under the terms of the MOU, Ysao Munemassa will supervise the test work program. Resouro has also engaged a high-quality supervisory team of metallurgical experts to review and document the FSAL process and offer independent and impartial advice on the process. The resumes of the independent team are as follows. Ysao Munemassa: University of Sao Paulo, Geology, 1966 Ysao Munemassa is a distinguished Brazilian geologist with nearly six decades of experience in mineral exploration and project development. A graduate of the University of Sao Paulo (1966), he has held senior roles at leading global mining companies including Union Carbide, Vale, BP Minerals (as Vice President of Exploration in Brazil), CESBRA, Newmont Corporation, and Teck Resources Limited. Throughout his career, Mr. Munemassa has been instrumental in the discovery of major mineral deposits across Brazil, including an iron deposit in Carajas, chromite in Amapa, the Cabacal gold deposit in Mato Grosso, and copper-gold IOCG mineralization at Salobo. His contributions extend across multiple commodities including gold, nickel, phosphate, scheelite, and potash. In addition to his corporate roles, Mr. Munemassa has led several entrepreneurial mining ventures, operating gold mines in Goias, Bahia, and Amapa. As a researcher, he has developed innovative metallurgical processes for the extraction of potassium, magnesium, silica, titanium, and rare earth elements. Mr. Munemassa brings a unique combination of technical expertise, field experience, and innovation to resource development in Brazil. J.R. Goode : P.Eng. (ON and NL), 1963, FCIMM, FAusIMM John graduated from the Royal School of Mines as a metallurgist in 1963. After two years with Falconbridge and two years at RTZ's Avonmouth operation, he transferred to Rio Algom in Elliot Lake, Ontario, where he was involved in process development in the yttrium-thorium and uranium plants. In 1973, he transferred to RTZ's Ore Sorters Ltd. In 1976, John joined Kilborn Engineering and was VP of Mining and Metallurgy when he left in 1994. While there, he completed numerous gold, uranium, and rare earth projects, including the design and commissioning of a new yttrium plant in Elliot Lake and an evaluation of rare earth operations in China that resulted in AMR (now Neo Performance Materials) acquiring interests in two separation plants. John joined Barrick Gold in 1994 and spent four years managing China operations. Upon returning to Canada, he established a consultancy undertaking numerous projects, including many rare earths projects in ore processing and separation plant design. John has presented about 80 papers, many concerning rare earths. He is a co-organizer of CIM conferences and was an expert to ISO/TC 298 rare earth, which sets international standards for the industry. Steve Williams B App Sc, MBA - Executive Chairman, Blue Coast Research (BCR) Steve has worked in the mining industry, in Australia, Canada and South America for more than four decades working in metallurgical operations in Australia, Canada, Philippines, Dominican Republic and Mongolia. Steve Williams founded metallurgical services for Lakefield Research in Chile and worked there from 1994 - 2001. At SGS Lakefield Research, Steve acquired 30 years of experience in metallurgical project management and business development, before becoming Managing Director for SGS Canada in 2008. He is the author of many acclaimed papers in geometallurgy, and he became a CIM Distinguished Lecturer in 2004, followed by a CIM Fellow, for his notable work in geometallurgy. Steve joined Blue Coast Research in 2019 and has worked on many geometallurgy based projects for BCR. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/AMV593GI About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (ASX:RAU) (CVE:RSM) (OTCMKTS:RSGOF) (FRA:8TX) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the rare earth elements and titanium Tiros Project and the Novo Mundo and Santa Angela gold projects. The Tiros Project, located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an exploration project focused on rare earth elements and titanium covering an area of approximately 450 km2. The Tiros Project comprises 17 exploration permits, and one exploration permit application held by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary; and 6 exploration permits and one exploration permit application that have been validly assigned to the Company's Brazilian subsidiary and are awaiting ANM approval. The Company holds, via its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, a 90% interest in the Tiros Project and the remaining 10% interest in the Tiros Project is held by RBM Consultoria Mineral Eireli (RBM), an unrelated third-party vendor. The Novo Mundo Project is located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province close to the northern border of the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Within the licensed area is the small town of Novo Mundo, which is 30km west from the larger town of Guaranta do Norte. It comprises three exploration permits. The Company also has another interest in an exploration permit, being the Santa Angela Project, which is not considered material to the Company's operations. Interests in the Novo Mundo Project and Santa Angela Project are held via the Company's wholly owned subsidiary. Related Companies Luxury Bus Overturns in Raigad: One Dead, 26 Injured, Driver Flees After Crash 2 A 30-year-old man lost his life and 26 others were injured when a private luxury bus overturned on a slope at Karnala in Maharashtras Raigad district, police reported on Monday. The incident occurred while the bus was en route from Mumbai to the Konkan region, carrying 49 passengers onboard. According to officials, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. The deceased has been identified as Amol Talwadekar, a resident of Rajapur. Of the 49 passengers, 26 sustained various injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. In a shocking turn, the bus driver fled the scene immediately after the accident but was later detained by the Raigad police. Authorities are investigating whether negligence or overspeeding played a role in the tragic crash. The plant's closure is scheduled for July. (Getty Images) Getty Images A plastics manufacturer says it is closing its facility near Auburn. Berry Global now called Amcor, after a recent merger is laying off 112 employees, according to a recent notice filed with the state. The Indiana-based company is closing its facility in Lanett on July 1, a spokesperson said in an email to AL.com. Production will be integrated into existing facilities, the spokesperson said. We are grateful for our Lanett employees service and dedication and will assist them in exploring other opportunities within our organization and the Lanett community. The company said it announced the closure on April 29. The next day, Amcor, a German health care packaging company, completed its $8.4 billion merger with Berry Global. An Amcor spokesperson blamed the closure on changing market conditions. The company has more than 240 facilities around the world, including one other Alabama manufacturing facility, in Montgomery. Federal law requires large employers to file a public WARN notice with the state in advance of mass layoffs or plant closures. Those WARN notices are published by the Alabama Department of Commerce. The expected job cuts bring Alabamas tally of employees impacted by mass layoffs and closures in 2025 to more than 2,500 already surpassing the count for last year. In the last few months, Grede LLC announced plans to shut down operations at its Alabama manufacturing plant after 50 years, laying off 220 employees. Steel producer Nucor Buildings Group closed its plant in Eufaula, laying off 79 workers and sending the production to Texas. And AlaTrade Foods reportedly laid off 165 workers at its poultry processing plant in Phenix City. Alabama icon Fannie Flaggs retirement hasnt worked out so far. Whenever the 80-year-old author and comedian tries to step away from her writing career, fans clamor for another book. And Flagg has obliged them. The Birmingham-born author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe will release a collection of short stories called Something to Look Forward To on Aug. 19, 2025. Fannie wrote this book because her fans kept writing to her, inquiring about when she was going to publish again, according to a press release from publisher Penguin Random House. I wanted to write a book to make people feel good, Flagg said. A book about ordinary people and how they live their lives. In January, country music legend Reba McEntire announced that she will produce and star in a movie based on Flaggs bestselling 2013 book, The All-Girls Filling Stations Last Reunion. Read about it here. Flaggs upcoming book is a collection of interconnected short stories about how people across America cope with our ever-changing world, written with Fannies signature warmth, humor, and wit, the press release said. Alabama-born Fannie Flagg will release a new book in August. The collection of short stories plublished by Penguin Random House is called "Something to Look Forward To." Penguin Random House See the pricing and publication information here. Pre-orders are not currently available. The press release includes a review from comedian Carol Burnett, who said shes fan of Flaggs writing. Its a wonderful read . . . funny, sad, surprising, and intriguing. Fannies characters jump off the page and into your heart, Burnett said. She continues to delight and amaze. On May 7, Krispy Kreme will give all guests one free Original Glazed doughnut all day in shop or via drive-thru at participating shops (Courtesy, Krispy Kreme) Krispy Kreme If youre headed out on May 7 to get a REAL ID (or, a STAR ID in Alabama), you can get a Krispy Kreme doughnut as a stress reliever. The coffee and doughnut chain is offering patrons a free doughnut on May 7, the deadline to get a REAL ID, or state-issued drivers license and identification card that meets the security requirements established by the 2005 REAL ID Act. The DMV can be stressful enough in normal times, but we know May 7 is going to be next level stress for many Americans trying to get their REAL ID, said Dave Skena, Chief Growth Officer of Krispy Kreme, in a press release. So, were going to keep this simple. Come by on May 7 and have a free Original Glazed doughnut on us, no REAL ID or any ID required. In Alabama, residents can apply for STAR IDs at ALEA Driver License examining offices. More info on STAR ID can be found here. A father and son are charged in the fatal shooting of a 36-year-old man in Montgomery in Sundays predawn hours. Curtis London Sr., 37, and Curtis London Jr., 19, are charged with capital murder in the slaying of Jamahl Jackson. Montgomery police and fire medics were dispatched at 4 a.m. to a report of a person shot on Highland Avenue at Hall Street, said Sgt. Tina McGriff. They arrived to find Jackson dead on the scene. Details surrounding the homicide have not been released. Father and son were booked into the Montgomery County Detention Center between 4 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. They both remain held without bond. A motive has not been disclosed but jail records say the charge is capital murder because the deadly shots were fired from a vehicle. The accident happened shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025, on 21st Avenue South, also known as Diaper Row in the Redmont Park neighborhood. (Contributed) A contract worker for Alabama Power has been identified as the man killed when he was hit by a falling tree in Birmingham over the weekend. The Jefferson County Coroners Office on Monday identified the victim as Jeffrey Scott Duffie. He was 57 and lived in Daviston in Tallapoosa County. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said Duffie worked for Utility Line Construction Services. The company had contracted with Alabama Power to perform power line repairs from the strong storms that happened Friday night and into Saturday. One man was killed an another injured by falling tree limbs on Birmingham's 21st Avenue South, also known as Diaper Row. (Carol Robinson) The accident happened shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday on 21st Avenue South, also known as Diaper Row in the Redmont Park neighborhood. Police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service arrived to find two victims injured, one of them trapped by the downed tree or tree limbs. Duffie was pronounced dead on the scene at 10:36 a.m. A second victim was taken to the hospital with undisclosed injuries. Rod Sisco, host of the afternoon drive radio show on 105.1 WQSB in Albertville, died unexpectedly on Thursday, the station recently announced. He was 54 years old. Rods radio journey began in high school on weekends at our sister station, Power 107.5 FM (WAVU), and continued with WQSB, where his voice became a familiar comfort to thousands of listeners, reads a post on the stations Facebook page. It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Afternoon Drive DJ, Rod Sisco. Rods radio journey... Posted by WQSB on Thursday, May 1, 2025 Rod spent his entire career with Sand Mountain Broadcasting, becoming not just a colleague, but a cherished friend and member of our family. On Friday, WQSB dedicated the entire morning show to Siscos life and work with featured segments from colleagues, friends, and family. Please keep Rods family, friends, and our team in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, the station posted. Rest easy, Rod your voice will forever echo in our hearts." Sisco was laid to rest on Sunday at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in the Sims community, according to a report from Quad Cities Daily. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Rods memory, the report says. Cash donations can be made at WQSB Radio station. FILE - Women dance during a re-enactment of The Battle of Puebla as part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Penon de los Banos neighborhood of Mexico City, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File) AP Today May 5 is Cinco de Mayo. In the U.S., the day has become a time to enjoy Mexican food and perhaps a margarita or two. Officially, it commemorates the day in 1862 when the Mexican army, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, conquered the French forces of Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla. Seen as a symbol of the countrys spirit and perseverance, the victory provided a significant morale boost to the Mexican people. Cinco de Mayo -Mexican War of Independence is not Mexican Independence Day, a totally separate holiday that is celebrated on Sept. 16, and marks the start of the war of Mexican independence from Spain. In the U.S., the celebration includes tons of deals at restaurants. Here are some of the best weve found: Chilis is offering its Tequila Trifecta Margarita for $5. Buy an entree item on Chipotle.com or the app and use code CINCO25 to get free chips and queso. The chain is also launching a game on Roblox. Starting at 5 p.m. CT on May 5, you can win a free burrito by playing Ingredient Quest in the Burrito Builder experience. You can play at www.roblox.com/chipotle. Get a frozen or on-the-rock margarita lime, strawberry, swirl or dot only for $6 or a Grande House Margarita for $9 and keep the special giveaway cup. You can add a $1 floater (an extra pour of tequila, Cointreau or Grand Marnier) for $1. You can also get $5 Chips N Dips all day long. Get a free side of queso with an entree purchase on May 5. Get a Cinco Rita for $5 at Red Lobster. Get a frozen or on the rocks House Margarita for $7.99. Get a free Nacho Bell Grande with an order of $20 or more on DoorDash, Grubhub or Uber Eats. Brady Smith, 23, was seriously injured when a tree fell on a crew of linemen repairing power lines on Birmingham's Diaper Row. (Contributed) Brady Smith and his wife, Grace, were looking forward to a photo session on Sunday to announce their pregnancy. Instead, the family gathered at UAB Hospital where 23-year-old Smith is in serious condition. A large tree uprooted and toppled while he and other contract linemen were doing power repairs on Saturday following overnight storms in Birmingham. Smith is expected to survive but suffered a broken spine and multiple other bones. Hes so young, said his cousin, Mary Campbell. He had his whole life ahead of him and this is just a really tragic accident. A GoFundMe has been started to help with what is expected to be a long road to recovery. The couple, high school sweethearts who married in October, just found out last week that they are expecting a baby. One man was killed an another injured by falling tree limbs on Birmingham's 21st Avenue South, also known as Diaper Row. (Carol Robinson) Smith and his fellow crew members from Utility Line Construction Services were called out Saturday morning after storms blew through the area Friday night and into Saturday morning. The company contracts with Alabama Power. They were working on 21st Avenue South, also known as Diaper Row in the Redmont Park neighborhood. The crew was trimming limbs when a tree uprooted and fell, knocking Smith into a ditch that had filled with water from the heavy rains. Co-workers quickly removed Smith from the water so he wouldnt drown. The tree hit 57-year-old Jeffrey Scott Duffie. Duffie, who lived in the Daviston community in Tallapoosa County, was trapped and eventually pronounced dead on the scene at 10:36 a.m. Campbell said it was a freak accident. Smith immediately underwent an eight-hour surgery at UAB Hospital. He has been awake and hes very much aware of what happened, Campbell said. He knew his co-worker had died. He remembers everything. Cognitively, hes fine, she said. There are just a lot of unknowns. Once Smith is stable enough to be discharged, he will continue his recovery journey at Spain Rehabilitation Center. Friends and family started the fundraising campaign to help the young couple with daily needs as well as future expenses. Grace has been by his side every step of the way, and both of them will be out of work for the foreseeable future, according to the GoFundMe. As you can imagine, the emotional and financial toll of this sudden accident is overwhelming. Donations to the GoFundMe can be made here. People across the U.S. are being targeted by scams involving misleading or fraudulent offers for medical insurance plans that promise reduced rates but dont deliver any coverage. Getty Images The average American family spends more than 10% of their household income on health insurance. Its understandable, then, that people are eager for ways to lower those costs. But dont be too quick to jump on an offer for discounted medical insurance - its likely a scam that could cost you money. According to a new warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, people across the U.S. are being targeted by scams involving misleading or fraudulent offers for medical insurance plans that promise reduced rates but dont deliver any coverage. The scams, the FBI warned, are costing Americans millions of dollars each year. How the scam works Most of the scams begin with unsolicited contact via calls, texts or emails from an unknown business offering special deals or discounted medical insurance. Targeting people looking for more affordable coverage options, scammers use the name of legitimate insurance providers, pressure to sign up immediately and promises of limited special rates or free services to get someone to sign up for the plan. Once someone signs up, the company either disappears or fails to provide actual insurance coverage when needed. Its happening across U.S. Examples cited by the FBI show how the scam can vary: Washington state issued a cease-and-desist order against a discount medical insurance company after more than 100 complaints about fraudulent practices. According to the FBI, the company misrepresented its plan coverage options and customers were left to pay out of pocket for procedures. Customers who tried to cancel found it almost impossible to receive a refund. In Pennsylvania, one couple was pressured to sign up with what they thought was a national provider. After a trip to the emergency room, they learned they had no coverage and were responsible for all their medical bills. In another Pennsylvania case, an individual was promised cheaper coverage and a refund on their existing plan. Instead, the individual never received their promised refund and the new company provided no information. A Texas customer responded to an advertisement offering aid for gasoline and groceries to senior citizens. He was told he had to sign up for a specific dental plan to obtain aid. The aid never arrived after he signed up and he ended up having to cancel his credit card to get the charges to stop. How to protect yourself, from the FBI Social Security Administration employees in Alabama have been impacted by the Trump administration's cuts to federal workers. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File) AP More than 100 days into President Donald Trumps second term, theres no official count of how many of Alabamas federal workers have been fired. The Trump administrations so-called Department of Government Efficiency hasnt published specific numbers, and neither have other federal government agencies. A spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Workforce said they couldnt provide the numbers. And neither could the labor union that supports federal workers in Alabama. Local Presidents have tried FOIA request and talking to Labor Relations officers with the agencies, said Jonathan Mungo, a legislative and political organizer for the American Federation of Government Employees. It seems to be a concerted effort [to] hide actual numbers. From 2019-2023 Alabama was home to 94,000 federal workers on average, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The federal Office of Personnel Management, which doesnt count contractors or intelligence workers, tallied 41,000 federal workers in Alabama as of September 2024. Trump returned to office in January, vowing to slash the federal workforce. Since then, the Trump administration has fired at least 58,000 federal workers nationwide, with more than 76,000 taking buyouts, the New York Times reported. The buyouts were supported by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and 21 other states. And more firing waves are expected to come in the weeks ahead. [Cant see the map? Click here.] U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, a Democrat who represents Birmingham and parts of west Alabama, has slammed the firing of Social Security office workers in Alabama, calling it a reckless power trip by Elon Musk, the head of DOGE. Some of the layoffs are still in flux, after judges issued court orders requiring certain affected agencies to hire back thousands of probationary workers and place some of them on administrative leave. Across the country, its still unclear exactly how many agencies have been impacted by the cuts, and in which locations those cuts took place. Most of the federal workforce is located outside Washington, D.C., the Washington Post reported. Alabamas federal workers are scattered around the state, reaching far beyond the concentrated clusters at sites like Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal. Among them are the people who answer phones at the Social Security Administration and rural field office workers for the Department of Agriculture. Others are based at the Anniston Army Depot and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said Tatishka Thomas, a national vice president for the government workers labor union. They are parents, taxpayers, homeowners, consumers of goods and services, and they will not be able to stimulate the local economy, Thomas said in a statement. This will set off a domino effect that will affect millions of Alabama residents. Firing federal employees will have long-term effects for the state of Alabama, she said. You cant fire the employees at the Birmingham SSA call center and expect senior citizens to go online and solve their problems. You cant abolish the Department of Education (which provides over $1.35 billion to Alabama) and expect teachers to keep their jobs, Thomas told AL.com in an emailed statement. You cant eliminate several CDC divisions, such as those responsible for STD prevention, sexual violence prevention, and youth drug prevention, where 70 to 80 percent of funding goes to state and county health departments, and then claim that this will improve the health of Americans. The federal government the countrys largest employer counted roughly 3 million workers nationwide, including employees of the U.S. Postal Service, as of November 2024. At the start of Trumps second term, his administration started offering buyouts to thousands of workers who were recently hired, as well as some long-time employees. Federal workers have recounted mental health distress, financial strain and unemployment benefits limbo after losing their jobs. An Alabama woman who worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Anniston said she now spends her days donating plasma and looking for substitute teaching jobs to make money after being fired by DOGE. My office has received reports that more than 100 of my constituents who work at the Social Security Administration in Birmingham have been unjustly terminated. Elon Musk's reckless power trip is directly threatening the livelihoods of my constituents. This madness must stop! Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) February 25, 2025 U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, a Republican who represents Huntsville and other parts of north Alabama, has spoken optimistically about the cuts. He said Huntsvilles defense industry and diverse economy can help offset the loss in federal jobs. The big thing were trying to do is reduce the national debt, Strong said in February. I still believe Space Command is coming to our area. And then you hear talk about Iron Dome. That right there is Alabama. These jobs, while we may lose a couple, we will gain many of them in the end. In Alabama, the Army employs the most federal civilian workers, making up 42% of Alabamas federal workforce, according to the Office of Personnel Management. That data doesnt count contractors, intelligence workers, military personnel or postal workers. [Cant see the table? Click here.] Behind the Army is the Department of Veterans Affairs, with nearly 8,200 employees, and the Department of Defense, with nearly 4,400 employees in Alabama. Other top federal employers include the Social Security Administration, with 2,500 employees, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), with more than 2,300 employees in Alabama, per that data.